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the system of genuine gospel truth. So great was his popularity at the time of his being silenced, that no less than 47 conforming ministers of the neighbourhood, who might have been expected to be in opposition to him, petitioned the bishop of London in his behalf. They say, that "they esteem and know the said Mr. Thomas Hooker to be for doctrine, orthodox; for life and conversation, honest; for disposition, peaceable, and in no wise turbulent or factious." These powerful mediators could not prevail.

About the year 1630, he was bound over in a bond of £50 to appear before the high commission court, which bond he thought proper to forfeit by the advice of friends, a number of whom raised the money in his behalf. He then fled to Holland; on the passage the vessel in the night struck on a shoal of sand. Mr. Hooker, with remarkable confidence, assured them that they should all be preserved, and they were soon remarkably delivered. In Holland he preached two years at Delft. He was then called to Rotterdam, where he was employed with the celebrated Dr. Ames, between whom there was a mutual esteem and affection. Dr. Ames declared, that thou,' he had been acquainted with many scholars of dif ferent nations, yet he had never met with Mr. Hooker's equal, either for preaching or disputation.

But not finding the satisfaction, which he wish

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ed among the Dutch, and a number of his friends in England, at this time, inviting him to accompany them to the wilderness of America, he returned to his native country to prepare for his voyage across the atlantic. Soon was the news of his arrival spread, and the officers of the bishop were in pursuit of him. At one time they knocked at the door of the chamber where he and Mr. Stone were in conversation. Mr. Stone went to the door. The officer demanded whether Mr. Hooker was not there. "What Hooker?" replied Stone, "Do you mean Hocker who once lived at Chelmsford ?" The officer answered,

Yes, he." "If it be he you look for," said Stone, "I saw him about an hour ago at such an house in the town; you had best hasten there af ter him." The officer took this evasion for a sufficient account, went his way, while Mr. Hooker concealed himself more securely till he went on board at the Downs; this was in 1633. Mr. Stone and Mr. Cotton were on board the same ship. None but Mr. Stone were known to be preachers till they had "got far into the main

ocean."

Mr. Hooker arriving at Cambridge, was receiv ed with open arms by those of his friends, who had come over the year before, when he uttered these words, "Now I live, if ye stand fast in the Lord." But multitudes following them, New. wwn became too narrow for them; accordingly,

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in 1636, they removed to the fertile spot on the delightful banks of Connecticut river, which they called HARTFORD. There he was deservedly considered as the father and oracle of the colony. As a preacher he was remarkably animated and impressive; not only his voice, but his eyes, his hands, his every feature, spoke the holy ardour of his soul. All was life and reality in his descriptions. It was not that theatric flourish, which is exhibited by men panting for admiration, but that zeal, which is kindled by a coal from God's altar. His moving addresses flowed from his own exquisite relish of divine things; and an impassioned desire of promoting them in the hearts of others. His success, like his services, was eminent. A single instance or two may be mentioned. A profane man once, for his diversion, said to his companions," Come, let us go and hear what bawling Hooker will say to us." For their sport they all went to Chelmsford lecture. Soon conviction seized the mind of the man. The word of God quick and powerful," and he retired with an awakened and distressed conscience, and by the subsequent instructions of Mr. Hooker, he became a hopeful disciple of Jesus Christ; and afterward followed him a thousand leagues, that he might enjoy his preaching as long as he lived.

was

At another time one of his opposers hired a person to play on a fiddle in the porch or church yard; but Mr. Hooker's vivacity and zeal were

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not in the least abated; when the man went up to the door to hear what he said; his attention was caught; conviction followed: he directly made his confession to Mr. Hooker, and ever after lived a devout life. He had a surprising talent of reaching the consciences of his hearers in the application of his discourses.

When at the land's end, he took his last view of England, saying "Farewell, England, I expect now no more to see that religious zeal, and power of godliness, which I have seen among professors in that land." He said, that adversity had slain its thousands, but prosperity its ten thousands. He feared that those, who had been zealous christians, in the fire of persecution, would be cold in the lap of peace. So exact were his observations of Providence, so attentive was he to the signs of the times, so confident of the answer of prayer, that "the secret of the Lord was with him ;" and the people in some instances viewed him as a prophet. As a man of prayer, he was distinguished. He would say, that " prayer was the principal part of a minister's work, by this he was to carry on the rest." Accordingly, he devoted one day in every month to private prayer and fasting, besides many such days, which he kept publicly with his people. It was his opinion, that if professors neglect these duties, iniquities will abound, and the love of many wax cold. His prayers in public were more fervent, than lengthy

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and adapted to the occasion; as he proceeded his ardour increased; and, as the last step of Jacob's ladder was nearest heaven, the close of his prayer was often a rapture of devotion. His people were often surprised with the remarkable answers to his prayers.

Though irascible in his natural make, he acquired a remarkable command of his temper. He was ready at all times to sacrifice his own apprehensions to the better reasons of others. The meanest of his brethren and children were treated by him with endearing condescension. An example occurs. Mr. Hooker, immediately after a neighbour of his had sustained some damage, met a boy notorious for such mischief, and began to accuse and chide him. The boy denied the charge. Mr. Hooker continued his angry lecture, "Sir," said the boy, "I see you are in a passion, I'll say no more to you," and ran off. Upon inquiry, Mr. Hooker found the boy could not be proved guilty; he, therefore, sent for the boy and humbly made his confession, which with the good counsel he gave him, made a lasting impression on the mind of the lad. Yet, when he was in the pulpit, he appeared with such astonishing majesty and independence, it was pleasantly said of him, He would put a king in his pocket. Judges, and princes, and peasants equally shared in his solemn reproofs.