4 LIVES OF THE ITRITAI\IS. can do nothing except God give you leave." When they broke open his chests and cupboards, and carried away what they pleased, his only complaint was, The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. When they came a second time, he was confined to his bed by sickness ; but though they cut away the curtains from his bed, and took the pillow-cases from under his head,he uttered not a murmuring word.. Coming a third time, and having taken most of the linen and household stuff, and brought them into the room in which the good old man sat warming himself by the fire ; he, during their absence to search for more, took a pair of sheets, and put them under the cushion on which he sat, greatly pleasing himself, after they were. gone, that he had plundered the plunderers, and, by a lawful robbery, saved so much of his own property.t Mr. Dod was exceedingly beloved, though not without his enemies. These,. _ out of malice, stigmatized him Faith and Repentance; because he was constantly recommending these two things. He was a person of great moderation ; and when he was questioned about subscription and the cere- monies, he was always equally ready to give his opinion, and cautious in giving his advice. He urged all who desired his opinion upon these points, totake heed against being influenced by the example or arguments of others, but to look to God and his holy word for direction. He used to ask them _ whether they could suffer in that cause alone, if all others were dead. Though he was a strict nonconformist, and bore his sham of sufferings, in the cause, he was of a most liberal spirit, and loved all who loved Christ. As old age and afflictions came upon him, he usually compared himself to Sampson when his hair was cut; saying, " I rise in the morning as Sampson did, and think I will go forth as at other times ; but, alas ! I soon find an alteration I must stoop to old age, which hath clipt my hair, and taken away my strength. But I am not afraid to look death in the face. I can say, death, where is thy sting? Death cannot hurt me. To a wicked man death is unwelcome; but to a child of God, who bath laboured and suffered much, death is welcome, that he may rest from his labours." During his last sickness he was exercised with most grievous pains, but was eminently supported and comforted in the exercise of faith and patience. He wrestled hard with Satan, and at last overcame. He longed to be with Christ, andhis desire was Clark's Lives, p. 174, 175. 1- B'ullet's Church Hid. b. xi. p. 220.
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