W. FENNER. 451 Here lies the body of JOHN Rum), the faithful pastor of this church forty-five years, who died a bachelor in 1640, aged 72. In his last Will and testament he bequeathed f800 for the purchase of lands, the profits of which were to be annually distributed among the poor of Durham ; also 200 for two scholarships in Christ's college, Cambridge, one for the north and the other for the south. His own kindred in the south, if any, were first to be chosen ; next the vicar's son of Sheephall, if capable ; next, such scho- lars as were educated at Stevenage school ; if none there, then at St. Alban's or Hertford school. He also gave .R200 for the purchase of lands, the profits of which were to be annually devoted to other charitable purposes.. WILLIAM FENNER, B. D.-This excellent puritan was born in the year 1600, and educated in Pembroke-hall, Cambridge; but took his degree in divinity at Oxford. He entered upon his stated ministerial exercise at Sedgley its Staffordshire, where the Lord greatly blessed his labours. The parish is very large and populous ; and, previous to his settlement, was a very heathenish place; but by his holy life and faithful preaching, during the period of four years, many persons were turned to righteousness. Being at length forced away, most probably on account of his nonconformity ; and being succeeded by a weak vicar, ignorance and profaneness again returned.+ Mr. Fenn r naturally cared for souls ; therefore besides paying the necessary attention to the people of his own particular charge, he took much delight in preaching the gospel from place to place. He was much resorted to as a casuist,t and highly esteemed and admired by some of the nobility, particularly the Earl of Warwick, who became his great friend and patron. In the year 1629, he pre- sented him to the rectory of Rochford in Essex.t In this situation he continued the rest of his days, and his lifeand labours reflected much honour on the grace of God. He Baker's MS. Collec. vol. xvii. p. 106. Calamy's Conon. vol. ii. p. 777. t Granger's Biog. Mist. vol. ii. p. 182. S Newcourt's Repert. Reel. vol. ii. p.497. 11111=11111111Mimmmeanwom 1114w-n--0
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