S0 LIVES OF THE PURITANS: truth, exposed him to all those oppressions and cruelties with which he was exercised. It will appear from the following narrative, that he was frequently silenced from his ministry, and treated in many other respects with the utmost barbarity ; notwithstanding which he usually at- tended upon the prayers, sermons, and sacraments, at the established church. All his excellent endowments were insufficient to screen him from the tyrannical proceedings ofthe ruling ecclesiastics. In the year 1590 this excellent divine entered upon the conjugal state, and married the daughter of Mr. Barfoot of Lamborn-hall in Essex. She was his constant companion in all his tribulations, and an excellent comforter under his numerous and painful sufferings. During the first year of his marriage, his faith and patience were put to the trial. He was convened before the high commission, suspended from his ministry, and obliged to enter into bonds, prohibit- ing him from attending upon the duties of his ministry in any part of England. The year following hewas partially restored, but still forbidden to preach at any place south of the river Trent.. This prohibition utterly excluded him from labouring among his beloved people at Ashby. But this restraint was afterwards taken away, when he returned to his stated ministerial charge at that place. In the month ofJuly, 1593, the worthy Earl ofHuntingdon presentedhim to the benefice of Ashby ; and he obtained his induction to the living.+ Mr. Hildersham was well known at court, and his name was often honourably mentioned in the pre- sence of Queen Elizabeth. On these occasions she used to .. MS. Chronology, vol. iii. A. D. 1631. p. 8. + The following is a copy of the earl's letter to Mr. Hildersham, sent with his presentation t -" Since it hath pleased the Lord to call Tho. Wyddowes to his mereye, who was, in opinion, both careful, faithful, " and diligent in his function, according to his talent ; I wish, with all my "heart, the supply of that place to besuch, as that the good which father " Gilbie and he, by thegood providence of God, have planted inand about 4. Ashby, may be continued and increased: Therefore I chose to present you to that pastoral charge at Ashby ; which I trust, by that time I have finished my long intended purpose, shall be a sufficient place for any " learned preacher. And with this letter I send you my presentation to " the vicarage, with a letter to the Bishop of Lincoln, who I hope will easily accept of you, with all honour. Yet let this beyour care, to ad- .' vance the glory of God, by exercise of your ministry, which youshall do " best when you are in your pastoral charge. I am forced to end. God " ever direct and ever assist you with all necessary graces. " To the comfort of the poor widow I will take some care. At York. " hastily, this 5 July, 1593. " DmN. HUNTINGDON." Nichels's 11101. of Leicestershire, vol. p. 626.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=