John Randall

, sometimes a frequent and painful preacher in the City of London, was born at Missenden in Bucks sent by his relations to S. Maries hall, in 1581. being then very young, where spending some time in Trivial learning, was afterwards translated to Trinity coll. and, as a member thereof, took the degree of Bach. of Arts, which he compleated by determination. In 1587. July 6. he was elected Fellow of Lincoln coll. and two years after proceeded in his faculty. About that time entring into the sacred function, he became one of the most noted preachers in the University. In 1598, he was admitted Bach. of Divinity, and the year after resigning his fellowship, was made about that time Rector of the Church of S. Andrews Hubart in Little Eastcheap in London; where, after some time, he became so great a labourer in Gods vineyard by his frequent and constant work in the ministry, as well in resolving of doubts and cases of conscience as in preaching and lecturing, that he went beyond his brethren in that City to the wonder of all. But greater was the wonder, especially to those of his parish and neighbourhood, that this poor man, who was for the most part strangely afflicted with sickness, should undergo his duty so strictly, and preach so many Sermons as he did for comfort and support in troubles. This indeed did sound highly to his merit, and plainly shewed that his great learning and parts could not be subdued with the pitiful afflictions here below. He was accounted a judicious, orthodox, and holy man, and by some a zealous and innocent puritan, of a harmless life and conversation, and one that was solely fram’d to do good acts. His works are these.

Several Sermons as (1) The necessity of righteousness, on Mat. 5. 20. Lond. 1622. and 1640. qu. (2) Description of fleshly lusts, on 1 Pet. 2. 11, 12. Lond. 1622. and 40. qu. (3) S. Pauls triumph, &c. eleven Sermons on Rom. 8. 38. 39. Lond. 1633. &c. qu. published by Will. Holbrook preacher.

The great mystery of godliness: or, a treatise opening unto us what God is and Christ is. Lond. 1624. qu. there again 1640. third edit.

Treatise concerning the Sacraments. Lond. 1630. qu. &c.

Catechistical Lectures (in number 23.) upon the Sacrament of the Lords Supper. Lond. 1630. qu. &c.

Nine and twenty lectures of the Church, for support of the same in these times, &c. Ibid. 1631. &c. qu. besides other things fit for the press, as one, shewing what a true visible Church is, and another what Predestination is. He concluded his last day in the beginning of June in sixteen hundred twenty and two, being then about 54. years of age, 1612 and was buried in the Church of S. Andrew before mentioned. By his last will and testament, he bequeathed a tenement to Linc. coll. called Ship hall, situated on the west side of that Street, antiently called Schediardstreet, now commonly called S. Mary hall lane, in Oxon. The picture of this Mr. Randall drawn to the life when he was fellow of Linc. coll. is, or at least was lately, hanging in the Common room of that house.