442 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. This divine was thoroughly learned in the controversies of the day, particularly those ofBellarmine, the Arminians, and conformity. He read and studied much upon these points; and it is almost incredible, says Mr. Clark, how he could speak on these topics, and lay open the weakness and fallacy of those arguments by which they were defended, even so as to avoid giving offence. He possessed an ad- mirable talent for explaining difficult texts of scripture, comforting afflicted consciences, and for every duty of the ministerial office. Hegreatly excelled in prayer, adminis tering the sacraments, and in conducting the exercises of family religion. He possessed an admirable command of his temper, and lived uncommonly abstemious. Though his income did not exceed twenty pounds a year, he was content in his situation, and remarkably liberal to the poor. He used to say, " I have enough, enough, enough." But he was richly ornamented with true christian humility. This was the richest jewel in his crown of moral excel lencies. He invariably preferred others above himself, and would never speak reproachfully of anyperson. Mr. Ball was uncommonly facetious in conversation. When the nonconformists were in danger of being driven out of the country, he used to say to his brethren, " If we be necessitated to leave our country, you shall preach and I will teach school." To a friend, who was tired of teach- ing school, and wished to enter into the ministry, he said, " You will find it far more difficult to teach men than boys." When told that he was in great danger of being silenced by the bishop, he said, " If he should deal thus with me, I would pull off my hat and thank him." A friend relating his, great danger by a fall from his horse, sayingbe never experienced's° great a deliverance before, " Yes," replied Mr. Ball, " a hundred times, even as often as you have ridden and not fallen." He zealously opposed all vanity and frowardness, and possessed an extraordinary talent in calming boisterous passions. To persons under the influence of unruly tempers, he used to say, "Put judgment into office. The affections are bad guides, but good followers. Look well to your hearts. Passion is the effect of pride. You ride an unruly horse, and therefore you stand in need of a strong bit, and bridle." When the persecution of the nonconformists was the hottest, to a brother minister he said, " Though all the present race of nonconformists were dead and gone,. be assured God would raise others out of our ashes, to protest against episcopacy
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