Saturday, February 10, 2007

A Puritan ancestor?

So far I have not established a genealogical link but I am sure we are related spiritually

WEEKS, JOHN. Vicar of Buckland Newton, Dorset. 1662. Adm. 2 Oct. 1657: presented by Crown 25 July 1660. Successor inst. 8 Oct. 1662; (L. 998. 108: 46 R. 120: B.C. Bristol: Cal. 262, 415.)Nephew of S. Hardy (q.v.). At Shaftesbury in Feb. 1656-7, when surety for a composition of firstfruits. After ejection pastor of a congregation at Bristol. Discharged at Bristol Sessions after 6 months' imprisonment under Five Mile Act 22 Feb. 1668-9 (D.W.L. Turner MS. 13). 1669, preaching in 4 Wiltshire and 3 Somerset parishes. Licensed (P.), as of St. James Back, Bristol, 19 April 1672. Imprisoned by mayor of Bristol 15 Feb. 1674-5. Took out a writ of habeas corpus, 15 May 1675, that his case might be tried in London, but by the mayor's influence he was remanded back to Bristol, with an order that the sheriff should provide a better prison: released 2 Aug. 1675 (Broadmead Records, 222 ff.). His name occurs as presented 16 times in the bishop's court 1677-8 (Turner MS. 13). Sent to prison for 6 months, 31 May 1682, for preaching and refusing the Oxford Oath (ib.). The meeting-house removed from St. James Back to Tucker Street 1686: another meeting-house built in Lewin's Mead 1694 (ib.). 'Minister of a Congregation of fifteen hundred People, all of his own gathering.' Buried at St. Philip and St. Jacob 24 Nov. 1698, age 65. Funeral sermon by Joseph Kentish. Joseph Standen, who married his daughter, published a poem on his death (Bristol 1699: D.W.L.). Calamy went to Bristol, 1692, with possibility of becoming his assistant. 'I found Mr. Weeks a very frank, sincere, plain-hearted man, and as popular a preacher as most in England. He had an unwieldy body, broken with infirmities; but a mighty voice and a great spirit. He had a most affecting way of pleading for God with sinners, and of setting forth the odiousness of sin to make it detected. He had a wonderful interest in the affections of his people, to whom God had made him exceeding useful' Calamy Revised by AG Matthews page 517:(Life, i. 314).

Buckland Newton: Mr. John Weeks. He was afterwards for many Years, Minister of a flourishing Congregation in the City of Bristol. One of great Prudence; and as popular Preacher as most in England. He met with Hardships on the account of his Nonconformity, but pass'd through them with great Patience and Meekness. His Spirits were elevated by the Zeal of his Enemies. The Thoughts of his Persecutors would revive him, if he was dejected and dispirited before. As he was preaching in Froom-Woodlands, some informers came, who had vow'd to Pistol him: And he directed his Discourse to them with that Majesty and Boldness, that they rode away, without giving him any Disturbance. He was very submissive to the divine Will in sore Pains, And when reduc'd to great Straits. He never complain of GOD, but was abundant in blessing and admiring him: And would rejoyce that he could find his Heart inclin'd to love GOD, even when under manifold Afflictions at once. He was charitable beyond his Ability. He was a most fervent Expostulator with Sinners. With what Life and Warmth, would he utter those Words, I beseech you by the Bowels of JESUS CHRIST, hear a poor dying Worm, upon the Account of your inmorst Souls! He was a Minister in the Pulpit and out of it. A most affectionate sympathising Friend: and one that became all things to all Men. He discover'd a most divine Temper in his Sickness; and was most serene and satisfy'd, content and joyful in the approach of Death. He exchang'd this for a better Life, November 23. 1698, Aged 65. His Funeral Sermon was preach'd by Mr. Joseph Kentish (who assisted, and afterwards succeeded him) from 2 Kings 2. 12. And Mr. Joseph Standen (who marry'd his Daughter) publish'd a Funeral Poem, which gave his Character.- Calamy on the Great Ejection,1713 volume II, pages 262

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