IP 180 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. incessant in catechizing. He did, the Lord's work faithfully, and found his reward in the labour. Some, indeed, thought he laboured too much, and that he ought to have spared him- Self ; but he was of a contrary opinion, being persuaded that God makes no difference betwixt an idle and an evil servant. Hence, when his friendS attempted to dissuade him from so intense an application, he was ever deaf to their counsel, Saying, " WoUld you have my Lord, when he cometh, to find me idle ?" He was alWays exact in setting a good example before his children and servantS, knowing them to be much influenced by the -deportment of superiors. 'What he preached to them on the sabbath, lie practised before them all the -week ; and " in all things he skewed himself a pattern of good works." He was a strict obServer of the sabbath, and eminently suc- cessful in promoting the same among his people. This was the happy fruit of his labours at Maidstone, as well as at other places. One of the judges taking notice of this at the assize, publicly declared, that, in all his circuit, there was no town where the Lord's day was so strictly observed. Mr. Wilson was of a courageous spirit, and fearedno obstacles in the path of duty. He feared God, and hone else. He knew God would take care of his own cause, -whatever sufferings his servants might endure ;' therefore, when trials came upon him, he said, with Luther, " I had rather fall with Christ than reign with Cwsar." lie sheaved his courage in reprov- ing sin. If men were bold in sinning, he was bold in reprov- ing them, even without respect of persons. His sincerity, humility, and great piety, were manifest to all. The excellent Mr. William 1 airier, after being in his' company, said, " I am ashamed of myself;to see how Mr. Wilson gallops towards heaven, and I do but creep at a snail's pace.". Indeed, his treasure was in heaven, and his heart was theie also. This excellent trait in his character will appear from the following anecdote :-During the insurrection in 1648, the soldiers took from him a legacy of'a hundred pounds left to his daughter, though it was afterwards restored. But when the moneywas gone, being asked whether he was not much trouble& he replied, 'f No; I was no More troubled when I heard the money wascarried oft; than when it was brought to my house."+ Mr. Wilson's great piety was most manifestin his affliction and death. When 'the bridegroom came, he had his lamp trimmed, oil in his vessel, andhis light burning. He endured ii Life of Mr. Wilson, p. 22-49. -1 Ibid. p. 51.
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