John Frost

John Frost, B. D.—This pious minister was son of Mr. John Frost, the ancient and pious minister of Fakenham in Suffolk. During his childhood and youth, he discovered a sweet and amiable disposition, and was ever harmless and affectionate in his behaviour. He received his school learning first at Thetford, then at Bury St. Edmund's, where he made uncommon proficiency, especially in Greek and Latin. But that which added the greatest lustre to his character was his early piety, and a zealous attachment to the word of God. £ven in the days of his youth he diligently searched the scriptures, constantly attended upon the word preached, and spent much time in the duty of private prayer. He was desirous, from a child, to be employed in the work of me ministry; therefore, he earnestly and constantly prayed that God would fit him for that important work.

At the age of sixteen he entered St. John's college, Cambridge, where he continued thirteen years, and was chosen

* Wood'i Athrns O.ion. vol. ii. p. 135.

fellow of the house. During this period, he made amazing' progress in all kinds of useful learning; but, having the christian ministry constantly in view, he directed his studies chiefly to those branches of literature which were likely to be most serviceable in that holy office. At the university, on account of the acuteness of his mind, the mildness of his behaviour, his intense application to study, and his great proficiency in useful knowledge, he was greatly beloved by men of learning and piety. He entered upon his ministerial work during his abode at Cambridge; and afterwards became pastor at St. Olave's, Hart-street, London; where he remained to the day of his death.

In this situation he continued many years, and gained a distinguished reputation. As he lived highly respected, so he died greatly lamented. And having lived a most pious life, he died a most peaceable and happy death. During his last sickness, he discovered a becommg submission to the will of God, being willing to die, if his heavenly Father had so determined; or willing to live, if most for the glory of God and the advantage of his church. When he was asked how he did, he replied, " Full of peace and sweet submission to God my Saviour, and in dependence upon him." The pangs of death evidently approaching, he called his family together and engaged in prayer, for the last time, with much liveliness and affection. And having received something to drink, his affectionate wife reclining upon his bosom, he exclaimed, "We have overcome, we have overcome!" and spoke no more, but resigned his pious soul to God, and immediately entered upon the joy of his Lord, November 2, 1657.

Mr. Crofton, who preached and published Mr. Frost's funeral sermon, gives the following account of his excellent qualifications:—" He was sound in the faith, well studied in polemical divinity, and able to defend the truth, holding fast the doctrines of the gospel, and establishing the minds of his people in the faith, especially against the fancies of arminianism and popery. He was singularly excellent in practical divinity, pressing the observance of duties, rebuking sin with wisdom and affection, and prudently directing persons into all necessary christian conversation, as becometh the profession of the gospel. He was a thorough puritan in principle and practice, but highly esteemed the unity and peace of the church. He studiously laboured to promote concord among the episcopal and presbyterian divines. He was ever solicitous to perform all the duties of his office, by preaching, administermg the sacraments, catechizing the youth, and visiting the sick. He was zealous and fervent, circumspect and wise, and always deeply affected with the worth of souls.

"His excellent ministerial endowments were manifest to all. What he delivered to the people was first deeply imprinted on his memory by an easy method, and deeply engraven on his own heart by serious meditation. He expressed himself with great power and plainness, and enforced the great truths of the gospel with strong arguments and pathetical affections. In his daily conversation he was courteous and affable to all men, whether his superiors, inferiors, or equals. He was meek and grave, holy and exemplary, as was obvious to all who knew him."» He was the author of "Select Sermons," 1657.