G. PHILIPS. 493 GEORGE PHILIPS.-This excellent person was 'born at Roudham in Norfolk, and educated at one of our univer- sities. He was descended from wealthy and honourable parents, was richly furnished with learning, piety, and other endowments, and admirably qualified for the minis- terial function. After he had finished his studies at college, he entered upon his public ministerial work at Boxford in Essex, wherehis labours were particularly acceptable and useful. Hewas induced afterwards toexamine the controversy relative to church discipline and the ceremonies, when, after mature deliberation, he imbibed the sentiments of the non- conformists ; and, not being ashamed of his principles, but looking upon it as a duty to make thempublicly known, he occasionally noticed them in the exercises of the pulpit. This led some of his hearers of rigid episcopal sentiments to bring complaints against him to the celebrated Mr. John Rogers of Dedham. But Mr. Rogers had so high an opinion of our divine, that though he had not himself then particu- larly examined the controversy, he said, " I believe Mr. Philips will preach nothing without some good evidence for it from the word of God. You should, therefore, regard -whatever he makes evident from that sacred word." The more Mr. Philips studied the subject, the more he became dissatisfied with the ecclesiastical establishment, and con- firmed in his nonconformity.. Subscription to the Book of Common Prayer and the ecclesiastical ceremonies was now enforced with the utmost rigour, as a necessary qualification to every minister of Christ, which made strange havock among the churches, and persecution raged with extreme, violence. All ministers, however great their talents, however excellent their piety, or however tender their consciences, were prohibited from preaching the gospel, unless they would bow to the tradi- tions of men. All conscientious dissenters were obliged to lay down their ministry, suffer themselves to be cast into prison, or leave their native country. Some took one course, and some another; but Mr. Philips embraced the last. He resolved to remove to a place where he could enjoy liberty to preach without human impositions and cruel persecution. Therefore, in'tbe year 1630, lie em- barked for New England, in company with the excellent Mr. Winthrop, and many other worthy christian friends. Soon after their arrival, Mr. Philips experienced a painful Matber's Kist. of New Eng, b. iii. p. 82. 11.1.1.111111111111111.1111111111*-Unt.-±r NeeMplIV-
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