9 
His last sermon was preached on the 16th October, from 
Rom. viii. 16, and his last ministerial duty was the baptizing two 
children privately, he being too unwell to get to the church. On 
his illness becoming known there was regret everywhere, and at 
his death “great lamentation and mourning.” His funeral on 
the 3rd January, 1650, was an extraordinary one. A crowd of 
gentlemen and ministers stood about his hearse in tears, all 
striving to outmourn each other, and who should honour him 
most by bearing his body to the “bed of rest.” The church was 
crammed with the greatest number ever got into it, and many 
hundreds remained outside unable to gain admission. The usual 
exhortation was delivered by his friend and neighbour, Mr. 
William Thomas, pastor at Ubley. 
So passed away “this singular servant of God,” not, however, 
to be at once forgotten, for on the 12th August, 1652, Mr. John 
Chetwinde, pastor at Wells, preached a Commemorative Sermon, 
entitled the Dead Speaking, &c., from Zech. i 56. This was 
dedicated to the Worshipful John Hipsley, of Emborough, and 
John Buckland, of West Harptree, Esquires, and their “ vertuous 
comforts.” 
During his forty-seven years’ labour, he preached 7,000 sermons, 
and his style became the model for, and was imitated by other 
‘ministers. Instead of giving much learning and a “ weak” 
‘sermon, he preached plainly and profitably, avoiding new and 
affected words or uncouth far-fetched notions.* He always 
brought new matter into the pulpit, not like many “ setting on 
-always the same dishes with a little new garnish, even to nause- 
ousness.” His expressions were described as “ choice, solid, 
savoury and seasonable,” his applications “ home and pertinent,” 
his eloquence and elocution “ sweet and moving.”t Such an 
“ opening and warming” of his hearers’ hearts before the sermon, 
ease te eh, 
~ * An Exhortation, &c. 
+ Antho. 
