Ralph Robinson

Ralph Robinson.—This holy minister was born at Heswall in Cheshire, in the month of June, Hi 14, and educated in Katherine-hall, Cambridge. Here, for several years, he made good use of his time and academical advantages, and came forth well qualified for the ministry. Upon the commencement of the national confusions, in 1642, he left the university and went to London, where he gained considerable reputation. Being richly furnished with gifts and graces, he was gready beloved by the London ministers, and his preaching rendered him exceedingly popular. He accepted an invitation to the pastoral charge at St. Mary's, Woolnoth, and was ordained presbyter, by fasting and prayer and the imposition of hands. In the year 1647 he _;was chosen one of the scribes to the first provincial assembly in London. In 1648 he united with the London ministers in declaring against the king's death.* And in 1651 he wag concerned in Love's plot; but, upon his petitioning for pardon, and promising submission to the existing government m future, he was released.+

• Athene Oxon. vol. li. p. 118.

t Palmer's Xoiicod. Mem. vol. ii. p. 417.

Mr. Robinson died in the meridian of life. When he was seized with his last sickness, having no great degree of pain, he was unapprehensive of his approaching change. When he was requested to make his will, he said, " 1 will do it with all readiness, though I perceive not myself in any clanger of death:" adding, " I pray you flatter me not. If my physician apprehend danger, let me know it; for, I bless God, the thoughts of death are not dreadful to me." To an intimate friend he said, " I bless God, I have loved fasting and prayer with all my heart." And being asked what was the present state of his mind, he replied, " Though I have not ravishing joys, I enjoy uninterrupted and satisfying peace; not in the least questioning my everlasting happiness, through the grace of God in Christ Jesus." Being reminded of the rest to be found in the bosom of Christ, he said, " Oh! true rest can be found no where else;" with which words he breathed his last, June 15, 1655, aged forty-one years. He was a person of exemplary piety; and, in his judgment and

Eractice, a thorough presbyterian, and ever true and steady to is principles. He was an indefatigable, orthodox, and useful preacher; a loving husband, a tender father, a vigilant pastor, a cheerful companion, and a faithful friend.* Many poems and elegies were published on his death. He was author of the following works: "Self Conduct; or, the Saint's Guidance to Glory, opened in a Sermon at the Funeral of the virtuous and religious Gentlewoman, Mrs. Thomasin Barnardiston," 1654.—" The Christian completely Armed," 1656.—" Christ All and in All," 1656.