Harley - DA396 .H2 A2 1854

EXTRACTS FROM saints, and then our infirmities as well as sorrows shall be done away ; as all tears shall be wiped from our eyes, so all stains shall be washed from our natures. My language is not a match for his excellent vertues. His spirituali lineaments and beauties are above my pencill. I want art to draw his pic- ture. And though little grace seems much (nay, more than it is,) in a great person, yet I think I may safely say that his gracious greatnesse did transcend his outward greatnesse. If other saints are candles, he was a torch. If others are starres, he was a starre of greater magnitude. He made his outward greatnesse but a servant to the exercise of his graces. He was a copy for all great men to transcribe in all descending ages. He was a man of desires : a saint in great letters : famous (I think) throughout the land, one where or other, for his graces. To my knowledge eminent minis- ters did most eminently prize him. Sir Robert Harley was a sweet name upon their lips. When they spake of him, they would speak with honour and delight in him. (I). I have heard himself say, that God (in His great mercy) had kept him unstained from grosse sins: a great priviledge and favour of Heaven 1 More than many a worthy saint can say, that his life (like a fair sheet of paper) should be preserved pure andwhite from foul blots, and then written upon with golden 'letters of grace. I must tell you, this is a lovely manuscript. (2). He was the first that brought the Gospell into these parts. This country lay under a vaile of darknesse till he began to shine. He set his first choyce upon that transcendent holy man, Mr. Peacock, in Oxford, but God took him to Heaven, which prevented his coming to Brampton. Then Providence led him to the knowledge of that now blessed servant of God, Mr. Peirson, whose exemplary graces and ministery shed a rich influence abroad the country. And as God removed godly ministers by death, he continued still a suc- cession of them to you. Not onely Brampton Brian, but ye also of Wig- more, and ye of Leyntwardine, owe your very souls to Sir Robert Harley, who maintained your ministers upon his own cost, that they might feed you with the Gospell of Jesus Christ. (3). He was the pillar of religion among us. How would he counten-

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