372 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. conformist, but agood man, whom they accepted. Indeed, several rich livings were offered him ; but, as his noncon- formity was growing upon him, he modestly refused them all. He could never sacrifice truth and a good conscience to obtain any worldly emolument whatever. Mr. Higginson was very useful in the education of young men, many of whom afterwards became famous in theil. day. Among these were Dr. seaman, Dr. Brian, and the excellent Mr. John Howe, all noted for their learning, moderation, and nonconformity. At length, however, when Laud was translated to London, complaints wereexhibited against him in the high commission court, and he was in continual expectation of being dragged away by pursuivants, when perpetual imprisonment was the least he expected. A number of respectable and wealthy merchants, having obtained a charter of King CharlesI., and being incorporated by the name of the governor and company of Massachu- setts' Bay, in New England, determined, in the year 1699, to send over some ships to begin the plantation. They,, having heard of Mr. Higginson's situation, sent two messengers to invite him to join their company, engaging to support him on the passage. These messengers, understanding that Mr. Higginson was in daily expecta- tion of officers to carry him to London, determined to have a little sport. Accordingly, they went boldly to his door, and with loud knocks, cried, " Where is Mr. Higginson ? We must speak with Mr. Higginson." His affrighted wife ran to his chamber, entreatinghim to conceal himself. " No," said he, " I will go down and speak to them, and the will of the Lord be done." As they entered his hall with an assumed boldness, and roughness of address, they presented him with some papers, saying, 46 Sir, we come from London : our business is to carry you up to London, as you may see by these papers."-" I thought so," ex- claimed Mrs. Higginson, and immediately began to weep. Upon a slight examination of the papers, Mr. Higginson found himself invited to Massachusetts by the governor and company of the intended colony ; he welcomed his guests, had free conversation with them, and after taking proper time to ascertain the path of duty, resolved to cross the Atlantic. His farewell sermon was preached from Luke. xxi. 90, 21. " When ye see Jerusalem encompassed with armies, &c. then flee to the mountains." Before a vast assembly he declared his persuasion, that England would be chastised by war, and that Leicester would have more
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