270' LIVES OF TEE PURITANS. and that learning being directed to proper objects, he was enabled to do more work in the vineyard of Christ than many of his brethren. He did not overlook the younger part of his flock. Being well persuaded of the importance of early religious instruction, he discovered great diligence in catechizing the youth of his congregation. He possessed a peculiar tenderness of spirit, which fitted him in a more eminent degree for this part of his work. As a true shepherd over the flock of Christ, he sought not theirs, but them : not any worldly advantage, but the salvation of their soul,. He was a wise and prudent counsellor.. Persons under trouble of soul sought his advice, and he gave it with great ability and readiness. But, while he administered consolation to others, God sometimes left him to walk its spiritual darkness; yet, at lengthy he dispelled those gloomy fears, and caused him to rejoice in his salvation. Upon Isis death-bed he found the comfort of the doctrine he had preached. He had not the least doubt of the truth of it; and he left the world in full assurance of eternal life.* Mr. Samuel Shaw, afterwards silenced at the restorationot, who delivered Mr. Blake's funeral oration, addressed the people as follows :-"While he lived, it was as impoSsible for him not to love you, as it is for you to make him an adequate return of love : and his care was answerable to Isis love. His writings were not read without satisfaction ; and Isis sermons were never heard without approbation, and seldom without following advantage. His awful gravity and commanding presence could not be considered without reverence, nor his conversation without imitation. To see him live was a provocation to holy life: to see him die might have made us weary of life. When God restrained him from this place, he made his chamber his church, and his bed his pulpit; in which I heard him offer up many - prayers to God for you. His death made himmindful of you, who have been too unmindful of his life. I did not see that any thing madehim so backward to resign up his soul to God as his unparalleled care fer you. His death seemed little to him in comparison of your happiness. I sat by him, and I only, when, with a flood of tears, he prayed : Lord, charge not me with the ignorance of this Funeral Sermon for Mr. Blake. i Palmer's Noncon. Mem. vol. ii. p. 401.
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