XXx1v EXTRACTS FROM (13). The soule of his religion was sincerity ; he knew no end but to serve God and to be saved. I shall, in this place, bring in a notable speech of his about a year and a halfe since: when a most eminent minister of the land came to visit him, and ask't him what comfortable evidences he had of his salvation ? he answered, "he had nothing to rely upon but Jesus Christ, and he knew no religion but sincerity." (14). He was a great honourer of Godly ministers;. he carried them in his bosome ; of all men in the world they sat next his heart, he did hug them in his dearest embraces ; I must tell you he was their sanctuary in evill times. How oft hath he interposed between them and dangers ! when sinfull greatnesse did frown upon them, this great man would show himselfe upon the stage for them. When Mr. Pierson was questioned before the Bishop, Sir Robert Harley was not afraid to appear constantly in his defence ; I. could tell you that he felt the frowns and displeasures of a near relation rather than he would desert that servant of Jesus Christ. When Dr. Stoughton and Mr. Workman were in trouble, Sir Robert Harley accompanied them to the High Commission, which made the Archbishop dart frowns upon him. (15). He was also a magistrate ; and herein (I must tell you) he was animated with a most nimble soul of zeal against sin. He was full of spirits against all dishonours done to God ; he was a terrour to evill works ; he knew no respect of persons in a businesse, wherein God was wronged. Among other things, how would he vindicate the Sabbath from contempt ! Prophannesse durst not appear upon the face of it. By this means the con- gregations were frequented on the Lords dayes, and many thousand soules, prevented from their sinfull sports, sate under the droppings of the word. (16). He paid a dear devotion of love to the Lords day (that pearle of the week). When the licentious sinfulnesse of times cryed it down, how often have I heard him plead it up ! with excellency of arguments ! and in his own practice he rose alwayes earlier upon the Lords day (and dayes of humiliation), even to the times of his extreme weaknesse. He rejoyced still when the Sabbath came, and was usually more chearfull that day than others, even in his sicknesse. He wept much when his servants suffered him to sleep on the Lords day later than he used, although he had not rested all that night.
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