conformitie to the Rites of the Church and zeal to advance the Cause of God wherein his Travels abroad were not obscure in the time of the excommunication of the Venetians 7. Then he certifies the King This is the Man whom Padre Paulo took I may say into his very soul with whom he did communicate the inwardest thoughts of his heart from whom he professed to have received more knowledge in all Divinitie both Scholastical and Positive than from any that he had ever practised in his daies Of which all the passages were well known to the King your Father of most blessed Memory 8. And so he concludes in these words With your Majesties good favour I end this needlesse office for the general fame of his learning his life and Christian temper and those religious labours which himself hath Dedicated to your Majestie do better describe him then I am able 9. Mr Bedel was to the great joy of Sir Henrie Wotton made Governor of the said Colledg and after a fair discharge of his duty and trust there he was thence removed to be Bishop of Kilmore In both which places his life was so holy as seemed to equal the primitive Christians for as they so he kept all the Ember-weeks observed besides his private devotions the Canonical hours of prayer very strictly and so he did all the Feasts and Fast-daies of his Mother the Church of England his patience and charitie were both such as shewed his affections were set upon things above 10 Indeed his whole life brought forth the fruits of the Spirit there being in him such a remarkablenesse that he had a good report of those that were without Those that in point of Religion were of the Roman perswasion of which there were many in his Diocese did yet ever look upon him with respect and reverence and testified it by a concealing and safe ptotecting him in the late horrid Rebellion in Ireland when the furie of the wild Irish knew no distinction of persons yet there and then was he protected and cherished by those of a contrarie perswasion and there and then he dyed though not by violence 11. With him were lost many of his learned Writings which were worthy of preservation and among the rest was lost the Bible which by many years labour and conference and study he had translated into the Irish Tongue with an intent to have printed it for publick use IX M. ANT. de DOMINIS Dean of Windsor Out of Dr Barwick D. Roberto Glyn Rect. de Risington p. ABout the year 1618. there came over into England that very learned though unfortunate man Marcus Antonius de Dominis Arch-bishop of Spalato Primate of Dalmatia c. Which as he was wont to glory was St Hieroms Native Country as well as his 2. This great Scholar after he had so profoundly asserted the truth of Christian Religion as it is professed and practised in the Church of England in so many particulars against the errors and Corruptions of the See of Rome in his Learned and laborious books De Republica Ecclesiastica and had also from the Kings bounty received so great incouragements for his honorable supports as the Deanry of Windsour and Mastership of the Savoy besides many rich and yearly presents not only from the Bishops and Clergy but also from the Nobilitie and Gentrie Was so far wrought upon by that Polititian Count Gondamar the Spanish Embassador then in England and other instruments of the See of Rome that sought his ruin under some specious pretences as to take up a resolution of returning to Rome and could not be disswaded from it by his true friends that really endeavoured his security Among whom Bishop Morton was neither the least nor last who very earnestly advised him both by word and writing noâ— to venture himself upon such a hopelesse and hâ—ssardous journy 3. The Arch-bishops pretence was very plausible and commendable and how real he was in it must be left to God namely to negotiate an unitie in Religion between the Church of Rome and the Church of England upon those moderate grounds which he had laid down and so well defended in his learned and laborious Works printed here at London He applauded himself in the excellency of the work in removing the Schism and of the honour in becoming a Repairer of the breach and of the reward which is promised to the peace makers And he thought himself the more likely to go through with his work by reason of the seasonable opportunitie he had at that time when Gregorie the fifteenth was newly chosen Pope who had been of his old and intimate acquaintance brought up in the same School and College with him And however he was resolved to make an attempt because if he failed in it he hoped he should lose nothing but his labour for as for his Indemnitie Count Gondamar had promised him the securitie of the King of Spain his Master But how well that promise was perform'd will appear by the Sequel 4. While he was swelled up full with this promise and these hopes Dr Morton the Bishop of Lichfield and Coventrie coming to visit him had this ensuing discourse with him among many others which I have often heard him repeat with pleasure and shall therefore insert it and the rather because it shews us of how little authority the Council of Trent would be if it were not for the terrour of the inquisition Leichf Domine quid tibi in animo est Anne convertere Papam Atque etiam conclave papale Spal Quid ni domine Anne existimas eos diaboloâ— esse ut non possint converti Leichf Minime Domine nec puto dominum Spalatensum deum esse ut hoc possit praestare Nostin enim concilium Tridientinum Spal Novi domine ausus sum tibi dicere Millies Mille sunt etiam in Italia qui huic concilio fidem nullam adhibeant 5. This discourse and many other having passed between them they parted friendly And not long after did this Bishop reinforce his arguments with an addition of mâ—ny more in a long and learned Epistle to him Wherein among other Motives to dissâ—ade him from his journy he used one wherein he shewed himself a true Prophet concerning the entertainment he was like to have at Rome Which proved to be that before he gâ—t to Rome Pope Gregorie the fifteenth his old friend was dead and a successor chosen in his plâ—ce by whom this Arch-bishop was impriloned in Castro St Angelo Where he died not without strong suspition of murder or poyson And his body was afterward burnt as of an Heretick in Campo Flâ—ri 6. I could here start a problematical question concerning this learned Arch bishop Whether or no did he ever retract his works which he pulished in print If he did why did they at Rome buâ—n his body for Heresie If not then they abused him in his life time as well as after his death in the manifesto which they put forth
in his name which was so learnedly answered by Dr Crakanthrop There is but one way of avoiding this Dilemma and that will bring them into a greater strait than either of the other namely That they burnt him after his death for what he retracted in his life time and if they own this they must withal proclaim their unjustice â—nd cruelty to the world Let them take it in which sense they will his reasons and arguments laid down and urged in his learned works will more condemn their cause than the altering of his opinion supposing but not granting that he ever altered it can tend to their advantage â—is many clear and convincing Authorities from the holy Scriptures Councels argumentative to any indifferent person that is not â—ilfully prepossest then his own dubious perhaps imposed authoâ—ity can countervail 7. His Manifesto if it was his consisteth only in affirming or denying in bare words in his Works whatsoever is affirmed or denyed is backt with such convincing and irrefragable arguments as no man hath taken the boldnesse in above fortie years since they were written to undertake the answering of them X. Mr ABRAHAM WHEELOCK D. Tho Hyde Biblioth B. suum reddo 1. THe excellent Mr Wheelock was descended of honest plain Parents in the Country by whose pious care he was bred up at School till he was sufficiently furnished with good learning and ripe years to salute the Universitie At which time he was sent to Kings College in Cambridge where he was so sedulous and studious especially in the Orâ—ental Languages Hebrew Arabick Persian c. that he oâ—d not sooner obtain Degrâ—es thâ—n Fame both in the University and abroad 2 After he had some years enjoyed the Degree of Master of Arts in the â—â—niversity Sir Henrie Spelman that rare Antiquary and lover of his Country did allow to him an Annual stipend of thirtie pounds to explain the Saxon Tongue publickly in the Schools and the Noble Sir Thomas Adams Alderman of London did as long as Mâ— Wheelock lived constantly confeâ— upon him fortie pounds per annum for the maintenance of an Arabick Lecture which Mâ— Wheelock likewise read publickly And this they did not only out of thâ—t respect which they owed to the Vniversitie but out of the great esteem they had of Mr Wheelock's woâ—th and merits for being assured of his great Abilities they thought it not meet that so clear a lâ—ght should be hid but shine forth for the common benefit 3. After this in the year 1644 he set forth Venerable Bede's Historie in Saxon and Latin with the addition of his own learned Notes 4. The neâ—t thing he attempted was to translâ—te the Persian Evangelists into Latin which he performed and began to print some few chapters in Persian and Latin at London whither he was called to be an helper in that great woâ—k of the Biblia Polyglotta set out by that famous Pillar of learning and religion Dr Brian Walton lâ—te L. Bishop of Chester But Mr Wheelock lived only so long as to see a Specimen of the noâ—mentioned Biblia and not any entire part of it published 5. Here I must not omit that notwithstanding the eminencie of his learning and the great esteem he had among persons of excellent worth he was of such an humble deportment even to the meanest of those that addressed themselves unto him that I think without prejudice to any other in this particular he was the Phaenix of his age 6. He dyed at London being about 60 years of age and lyeth buried in St Botolphs Church near Aldersgate 7. I only adde the grateful Testimonie of learned Wase in the Preface to his exact Dictionary Clariss Dominus Wheelocus Vir mihi totique Juventuti Cantabrigiensi cum honore memorandus ut communis Doctor ac Pater linguae â—ax idem ac Orientalium imprimis vero Arabicae professor publicus FINIS
School had had before great experience And so much were they pleased to honour the judgment and integrity of this worthy man that presently after his death they pitched upon an excellent learned man whom he had so providently commended to them 11. This worthy friend of mine the Friday and Saturday before his own Fit was pleased to visit me lying at that time under a sore Fit of the Stone It pleased the Lord the Monday following to bring a Fit upon him and sending to enquire of his condition he sent me word hov it was with him and that he looked on this Fit as a Messenger of death from God unto him And though in obedience to Gods appointment he made use of means yet he still insisted upon it that his time of dissolution was now come and accordingly with great composednesse and resolvednesse of spirit waited for death as a man doth for a loving friend whom he is willing to embrace Ob. Septemb. 1657. III. Dr THOMAS MORTON Bishop of Duresme Out of his Life Written by Dr Barwick now Dean of S. Pauls D. Thomae Vyner Rect. de Staunton HIs Coat-armour and pedigree shew him to be of the same Original and Stock with that eminent Prelate and wise States-man John Morton Lord Chanc of England and Arch-bishop of Cant by whose contrivance and management the two Houses of York and Lancaster were united But in his great modesty and humility he would not revive nor so much as look upon a very fair and large descent of his Pedigree when it was presented to him though he liberally rewarded the person that presented it 2. The place of his birth was the antient and famous City of York his Parents were of good note Mr Richard Morton Mercer and Mrs Eliz Leedale by whom the Valvasours and Langdales acknowledge themselves to be of his kindred by whose care he was brought up in pietie and learning firâ—â— at York and afterward at Hallifax under Mr Maud of whom he alwaies spake with great reverence as a grave man and a good Shoolmaster He took root in the Nursery of Hallifax till the eighteenth year of his age before he was trans-planted into the Garden of the Vniversity 3. An. 1582. he was sent to Cambridge and there admitted into S. John's Coll. wherein were so many eminent Scholars at that time as he was wont to say It seemed to be a whole University of it self The Master of the Colledge was Dr Whitaker his first Tutor was Mr Anthony Higgon who left him to the care of Mr Hen Nelson who lived to see his Pupil passe through all the other Dignities he had in the Church till he came to be Bishop of Duresm and a good many years after 4. An. 1590 he took his Degree of Master of Arts having performed all his Exercises with great approbation and applause Afterward for above two years he continued his studies in the Colledge at his Fathers charge And then Marâ— 17. 1592. he was admitted Fellow meerly for his worth against eight Competitors for the place Which he was wont to recount with greater contentment to himself than his advancement to any Dignity he ever enjoyed in the Church About the same time he was chosen Logic Lecturer for the University which place he discharged with as much Art and Diligence as may appear by his Lectures fairly written which I find among his papers 5. In the same year he was admitted to the sacred Order of Deacon and the next after of Priesthood Having received his Commission from God and his Church he was very ready to assist others in the way of charity but not too forward to take upon him a particular care of Souls And accordingly we find him for about five years after this continuing in the Colledge prosecuting his own private Study and reading to such yong Scholars as were committed to his care and Tuition 6. An. 1598. he took his Degree of Bachelor in Divinitie And about the same year being presented instituted and inducted to the Rectory of Long Marston four miles distant from his native City of York he beâ—ook himself wholly to the Cure of Souls there committed to him which he discharged with great care and diligence And yet he did not intermit his higher studies for the general good of the Church while he attended it To that end he had alwaies some Person to be his Assistant whom he knew to be pious and learned 7 And this assistance was the more necessary because his great parts and worth would not suffer him to enjoy his privacy in a country-cure For first he was made choice of by the Earl of Huntington then Lord President of the North to be his Chaplain for his dexterity and acutenesse in disputing with the Romish Recusants for it was Queen Elizabeth's expresse command to him to convince them by Arguments rather than suppresse them by force and this she expressed as his Lordshop was wont to say in the words of the Prophet Nolo mortem peccatoris 8. But the Earl dying presently after he returned again to his privacy at Marston where he continued not long before the Lord Sheffield who succeeded as Lord President commanded him to hold a publick Conference before his Lordship and the Council at the Mannor house in York with two Romish Recusants then prisoners in the Castle which he performed with great satisfaction to the Auditory among whom were many of the chief Gentry and Clergy of Yorkshire 9 An. 1602 began the great plague at York at which time he carried himself with much Heroical Charitie For the poorer sort being remov'd to the Pesâ—house he made it his frequent exercise to visit them with food both for their bodies and souls His chief errand was to instruct and comfort them to pray for them and with them and to make his coming the more acceptable he carried usually a sack of provision with him for those that wanted it And because he would have no man run any hazard thereby but himself he seldom suffered any of his servants to come near him but sadled and unsadled his own horse and had a private door made on purpose into his house and chamber 10. An. 1603. he attended the Queens Embassador into Germany being desirous to improve himself by seeing forein Kingdoms Churches and Universities His stay in those parts was the shorter because the Embassadors Commission determined at the death of the Queen But however he improved his time so well partly in furnishing his own Librarie with books at Frankfurt and elsewhere but chiefly in his conversation with learned men and in his forein Observations that he alwaies very highly valued that opportunity 11. At his return he was sollicited by Roger Earl of Rutland to be his domestical Chaplain Which proffer he was the more willing to accept for the privacy he hoped to enjoy in a place where he was not know for making use of that Treasure of Books he had got in his travels And the
by the Translation of his old friend Bishop Overal to Norwich And here his trouble was not so great as at Chester though his Diocess was longer because the common sort of people for the most part were better principled by the care and vigilance of his Predecessor But yet he abated nothing of his former pains and industry both in Writing Preaching and conferring with those that were not wilfully obstinate besides his ordinary Visiting his Diocess and Confirming such children as could give an Account of their Faith 19. Among the works of Charitie performed by this Bishop while he was of that See memorable is the Education he bestowed upon one George Canner who like another Didymus of Alexandria or Fisher of Wewminster was born blind This youth he brought up first at School and afterwards sent him to Cambrigde where he maintained him and his Unkle to look to him in S. John's Coll. After he had taken the Degree of Bachelor of Arts he sent for him into his own Family and there instructed him in the whole Body of Divinitie then admitted him into sacred Orders placed him in a Cure in Staffordshire Which Cure the blind man discharged diligently and laudably being a very good preacher and able also to perform the whole Office of the Church as it is prescribed in the Book of Common prayer only by the strength of his admirable Memory 20. Memorable also is that passage of the Boy of Bilson near Woolverhampton who being wrought upon by some Bomish Priests counterfeited himself to be possessed with a Divel But the Divel having steeled his heart as his own phrase was after his confession he continued Demoniac longer than was intended and accused a neighboring woman of the Romish Communion for bewitching him so cunningly prosecuting the charge as the woman hardly escaped The Bishop suspecting the Boy did but counterfeit got leave of the Judges to have the Boy home with him where by his wisdom and great pains he discovered the imposture and afterwards upon the Boyes Confession and Repentance bound him out an Apprentice to a Shomaker in Bristol 21. An. 1632. He was translated to the See of Duresm void by the death of Bishop Howson a place of greater trust and honour as well as of greater emolument For besides the Spiritual and Ecclesiastical Affairs as before he had now the care and management of all the tnmporal Affairs within the County Palatine of Duresm by virtue of the Palatinate which for many hundreds of years hath been annexed to the Episcopal See in so much as it passed for a Maxim there Quic quid potest Rex extra Episcopatum potest Episcopus intra And yet in the same he carried himself with so much justice and equity for ten years together before these late Troubles put a disturbance in the exercise of his Government that no complaint was ever made against him to the Parliament except only the case of Mr Smart which yet had no relation to the County Palatine neither could the charge be made good against him 22. Some Rules which he set unto his Government were these First for his Fines at the renewing of Leases he never intermeddled in setting them himself but referred the businesse to four Gentlemen of the neighbourhood to make a moderate composition between him and his Tenants 2. In wreks he took such a small sum of the persons that had suffered them as was not worthy the name of a Composition and that only to preserve the right of his place 3. In Deodans where any man had made himself away though by law the whoâ—e estate was confiscated in detestationem criminis yet exceeded he not a fourth part of the estate after the most moderate Valuation And lastly for Wardships he used that tenderness as never any of the Gentry had wrong in their Minority 23. How much greater his Fatherly care was for the Spiritual affairs of the Bishoprick will appear by his pious indeavours in setling competent Augmentations upon the smaller Benefices He had given a good example long before whiles he was Bishop of Lichfield in abating a good part of his Fine to increase the portion of the Vicar of Pichley in Northamptonshire And now in a work of so much importance he applied himself for Counsel to three of the most learned in the Laws Lo. Keeper Coventry Mr Noy Sr Henry Martin who all concurred That the Bishops Authoritie over Churches appropriate was neither taken away nor any way infringed but that he may now appoint a competent Augmentation c. See the Author 24. Having thus fully informed himself of his just parts in a matter of so high Concernment for the advancement of Christian Religion and the good of Souls he resolved to put it in practice as far as God should enable him and trust God with the event He began at home with the Parish of Bishop-Aukland Here he augmented the stipend of the Mother-Church from sixteen pounds per an to fourscore and the Chapels belonging to it from about six pounds per an to thirty intending to extend the like Episcopal care in some proportion over all the rest of his Diocess But so pious heroical a work became abortive by the Scotch Invasion c. 25. We are come now to the precipice of this Reverend Bishop's outward splendor though neither his Glory nor Happinesse incurred the least diminution by his future suffrings For he was never more happy in his own thoughts nor more glorious in the eyes of all good men then in being exercised in those troubles whereof the continual series of publick affairs afforded him a perpetual oportunity from this time till his death 26. In one of the tumults after the beginning of the long Parliament this Reverend Bishop was in extreme hazard of his life by the multitude that were beckned thither by the contrivers of our late miseries whereof some cryed Pull him out of his Coach Others Nay he is a good man Others But for all that he is a Bishop And he hath often said He believed he should not have escaped alive if a leading man among that rabble had not cryed out Let him go and hang himself Upon this and the like violations of the liberty and freedom essential to all the Members of Parliament when the Twelve Bishops whereof this was one remonstrated the just fears they were in and Protested their dissent from all Laws which should be enacted till they might attend service of the House with freedom and saftey They were all charged with high Treason by the House of Commons and committed to Prison c. 27. Our Bishop being after four months discharged from this his first imprisonment returned to his lodgings in Duresm House and there attended his devotions and study till such time as his Adversaries thought fit to give him another occasion to exercise his patience under a second Captivity upon occasion of baptising a Child of the Earl of Rutland's according to the Order of the
speech transferred it in a figure as if he was alwaies learning from another mans mouth or pen and not racking any And whereas we all of us deserved the sharpnesse of reproof he saith He does this and He does that whereas poor men we did no such thing This dart of his thus dipped pierces the Soul 8. His Art of Divine Poetry and other polite learning so commenâ—ed him to Persons most eminent in their time that Dr Donne inscribed to him a paper of Latin Verses in pring and the Lord Bacon having transhred some Psalms into English Meeter sent them with a Dedication prefixed To his very good Friend Mr George Herbert thinking he had kept a true decorum in chusing one so fit for the Argument in respect of Divinity and Poetry the one as the matter the other as the stile that a better choice he could not make 9. I shall omit several excellencies of this Person His conscientious expence of Time which he ever measured by the Pulse that native watch God has set in every of us his eminent Temperance and Frugality the two best Purveyors for his Liberalitie and Beneficence his private fastings his mortification of the body his extemporary Exercises thereof at the sight or visit of a Charnel-house where every bone before the day rises up in judgment against fleshly lust and pride at the stroke of a passing-bell when antient Charity used said he to run to Church and assist the dying Christian with prayers and tears for sure that was the ground of that custome and at all occasions he could lay hold of possibly which he sought with the diligence that others shun and shift them besides his carefull not scrupulous Observation of appointed Fasts Lents and Embers The neglect and defect of this last he said had such influx on the Children which the Fathers of the Church did beget at such time as malignant stars are said to have over natural productions 10. With Fasting he impt his prayers both private and publick His private must be left to God who saw them in secret his publick were the morning and evening Sacrifice of the Church Liturgie Which he used with conscientious Devotion not of Custom but serious judgment knowing 1. That the Sophism used to make people hate them was a solid reason to make men of understanding love them namely Because taken out of the Masse-book taken out but as gold from drosse the precious from the vile The wise Reformers knew Rome would cry Schism Schism and therefore they kept all they could lawfully keep being loth to give offence as our blessed Saviour being loth to offend the Jews at the great Reformation kept divers old Elements and made them new Sicrament and Services as their frequent Washings he turned into one baptism some service of the Passover into the Lord's Supper 2. That the homelinesse and ccursenesse which also was objected was a a great commendation The poor Lambs of the flock are forty for one grounded Christian proportionable must be the care of the Church to provide milk i. e. plain and easie nourishment for them and so had our Church done hoping that stronger Christians as they abounded in gifts so they had such a store of the grace of charity as for their weak Brethrens sakes to be content therewith 11. He thought also that a set Liturgie was of great use in respect of those without whether erring Christians or unbelieving men that when we had used our best Arguments against their errors or unbelief we might shew them a Form wherein we did and desired they would serve Almighty God with us that we might be able to say This is our Church Here would we land you Thus we belive See the Creed Thus we pray baptize Catechise Celebrate the Eucharist Marry Bury Intreat the Sick c. These beside Unitie and other accessary benefits he thought ground sufficient to bear him out in his practice wherein he ended his life calling for the Church-prayers a while before his death saying None to them None to them at once both commending them and his Soul to God in them immediately before his dissolution as some Martyrs did Mr Hulliar by name Vicar of Babram burnt to death in Cambridge Who having the Common-prayer book in his hand instead of a Censer and using the prayers as Incense offerd up himself as a whole burnt Sacrifice to God With whom the very Book it self suffered Martyrdome when fallen out of his consumed hands it was by the Executioners thrown into the fire and burnt as an heretical book 12. He was moreover so great a lover of Church-Musick that he usually called it Heaven upon earth and attended it a few daies before his death But above all his chief delight was in the Holy Scripture One leaf whereof he professed he would not part with though he might have the whole world in exchange This high esteem of the Word of Life as it wrought in himself a wondrous expression of high Reverence when ever he either read it himself or heard others read it so it made him equally wonder that those who pretended such extraordinary love to Christ Jesus as many did could possibly give such leave and liberty to themselves as to hear that Word that shall judge us at the last day without any the least expression of that holy fear and trembling which they ought to charge upon their Souls in private and in publick to imprint upon others 13. I have not so much as with one dash of a pencil offered to describe that person of his which afforded so unusual a Contesseration of Elegancies and Set of rarities to the beholder nor said I any thing of his personal Relation as a Husband to a loving and virtuous Lady as a Kinsman Master c. Yet will I not silence his spiritual love and care of Servants teaching Masters this duty To allow their servants dayly time wherein to pray privately and to enjoyn them to do it holding this for true generally That publick prayer alone to such persons is no prayer at all 14. I have given thee only these lineaments of his mind and thou mayest fully serve thy self of his book The Country-Parson in what vertue of his thy soul longeth after His practice it was and his Character it is His as Author and his as Object Yet lo the Humilitie of this gracious man He had small esteem of this book and but very little of his Poems Though God had magnifyed him with extraordinary Gifts yet said he God hath broken into my study and taken off my Chariot wheels I have nothing worthy of God And even this lowlinesse in his own eyes doth more advance their worth and his Virtues Here my Reader give me leave to propose to thy view some lines of that excellent Figure The Country Parson written by the Author 1632. printed 1652. which book I read with joy that we have any such and with grief that we have no more 1. The Country
whom I had after the usual form recommended to them That they had a right to free voices in that choice I deny not only I had reason to take it unkindly that they would work underhand without me and against me It came to the poll those of my nomination carried it the Parliament begun after some hard tugging there returning home upon a recesse I was met by the way and chearfully welcomed by some hundreds 19. In no worse terms I left that my once dear Diocese when returning to Westminster I was soon called by his Majestie who was then in the North to a remove to Norwich But how I took the Tower in my way and how I have been dealt with since my repair hither I could be lavish in the sad report ever desiring my good God to enlarge my heart in thankfulnesse to him for the sensible experience I have had of his Fatherly Hand over me in the deepest of all my Afflctions and to strengthen me for whatsoever other tryals he shall be pleased to call me unto That being found faithful unto the death I may obtain that Crown of life which he hath ordained for all those that overcome See Bishop Hall's Hard Measure VI. Sr THOMAS MORE Out of his Life Written by J. H. D. Timotheo Norwood ex Int. Temp. SIR Thomas More was the only Son of Sr John More one of the Justices of the Kings Bench a man singular for his many rare perfections He was born at London in Milk-street where his Father for the most part dwelt An. 1480. shortly after his Nurse riding with him over a water and being in danger threw the Infant over a hedge into the field adjoyning The Nurse escaped and found her child safe and smiling upon her His Father pleased with the omen for his better education placed him first in S. Anthonies School and after he had gooten the Latin tongue in the family of Arch-bishop Morton where he shewed such wit and towardlynesse that the Arch-bishop used to say to the Nobles at dinner with him This child here waiting at the Table whosoever shall live to see it will prove a marvellous man 2. The Arch-bishop for his advance in learning sent him to Cant Coll. now Christ-Church in Oxford Thence he removed to New Inn an Inne of Chancery to study the Law then to Lincolns Inn where he was made Barrister And then he for some time read upon S. Austins de Civ Dei in S. Laurence Church where his Lectures were frequented by Grocin and other learned men then for three years was he â—eader in Furnivals Inn after which for about four years he gave himself to study and devotion in the Charter-house 3. He was first maried to Mr Coles daughter of New-hâ—ll in Essex and lived with her in Bucklers-burie in London where he had by her one Son and three Daughters whom he brought up in virtue and learning ofter exhorting them to take that for their meat and play but for their sauce 4. In the later end of K. Henry 7. he fell into the Kings displeasure for opposing the imposition proposed in Parliament toward the matching of the Lady Margaret into Scotland Which he argued against strongly that one of the Privy Chamber told the King A beardlesse Boy had frustrated all his expectations To avoid danger he determined to have gone over Sea but the Kings death happening soon after acquitted him of his fear 4. Noâ— is he made under-Sheriff of London by which office and his learning together he gained as himself said without grudge of conscience 400l per an for he was of Counsel in most causes choosing ever the justest side and for the most partvictorious Twice was he employed abroad by the Kings consent in some great Causes of the Merchants Being called by Cardinal Woolsie to the Kings service he excused himself at first but at last his fame and merit encreasing the King would take no denial Thus is he made Master of the requests within a month Knighted and one of the Privy Council continuing in his Majesties favour and trusty service twenty years and above In good part of which time the King was so pleased with his converse and taken with the variety of his learned and pleasant discourse that Sr Thomas scarce obtained time till he abated of his former mirth once in a month to go home to his wife and children The King upon the death of Weston without asking freely advanced him to be Treasurer of the Exchequer and in the 14 year of his Majesties raign was he chosen Speaker of the House of Commons 5. At this Parliament he crossed the Cardinal and incurred his displeasure so that in revenge he counselled the King to send Sr Thomas Embassadour into Spain commending his wisdom learning and fitnesse for that employment But Sr Thomas having declared to his Majestie how unfit a journy it was for him to undertake the nature of the Country and his complexion so disagreeing that if he were sent thither he should be sent to his grave neverthelesse being ready with the peril of his life to fulfil his Majesties pleasure the King graciously said It is not our meaning Mr More to do you hurt but to do you good we would be glad we therefore will think of some other and employ your service otherwise And such entire favour did the King bear him that upon the death of Wingfield he preferred him to be Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster 6. K. Henrie took so great pleasure in Sr Thomas's company that he would suddenly come to his house at Chelsey to be merry with him and once after dinner walking in the Garden about an hour embraced his neck After when his son Roper rejoiced at it I have no cause to be proud of it quoth Sr Thomas for if my head would win him a Castle in France it would not fail to go off 7. Sr Thomas More though in great honour and favour with his Prince was not therefore puft up with pride disdain or arrogancy but was of such a mild behaviour and excellent temper that his Son in Law witnesseth For sixteen years time and more that he dwelt in his house and was conversant with him he could never perceive him so much as onoe in a passion If he chid any for a fault it was with exceeding love and compassion if he fortuned to argue with any learned man as he was visited by many when he perceived his adversarie to be in a streit he would by some witty invention break off and fall into some other matter 8. When Sr Thomas was employed by the King in Flanders an arrogant fellow had set up a Thesis that he would answer any question could be propounded to him in what Art soever Sr Thomas made this question to be put up for him to answer An Averia capta in Withernamia sint irreplegebilia adding that there was one of the English â—mbassadors retinue that would dispute with him thereof
in Sir Harrie such a propensity and connaturalnesse to the Italian language and those studies whereof Gentilis was a great Master that this friendship between them did dayly increase and proved dayly advantageous to Sir Henrie for the improvement of him in several Sciences Among his other friends in Oxford I must not omit the mention of a love there begun between him and Dr Donne whom he of this nation who pretends to learning or ingenuity and is ignorant of deseâ—ves not to knoâ— This friendship was generously elemented and as it was begun in their Youth in the â—niversity and there maintained by correspondent inclination and studies so it lasted till Age and Death forced a separation 8. The year after Sir Henrie proceeded Master of Arts his Father whom he did never mention without this or some like reverential expression That good man my Father changed this for a better life leaving to Sr Henry as to his other younger sons a rent charge of an hundred Marks a year to be paid for ever out of one of his Mâ—nnors of a much greater value About two years after being about tâ—o and twenty and having to his great Wit added the ballast of Learning he laid aside his Books and betook himself to travel and a more general conversation with Mankind imploying the remaining part of his youth to purchase the rich treasure of forein knowledg Of which both for the secrets of nature the dispositions of many Nations their several Laws and Languages he became the possessor in a very large meâ—sure 9. In his Travels which was almost nine years befoâ—e his return into England he stayed but one year in France and most of that in Geneva where he became acquainted with Theodore Beza then very aged and with Isaac Casaubon that most learned man Three of the remaining eight years were spent in Germanie the other five in Italy the stage on which God appointed he should act a great part of his life where both in Rome Venice and Florence he became acquainted with the most eminent men for learning and all manner of Arts as Picture Sculpture Chymistrie Architecture and divers other manual Arts even Arts of inferiour nature of all which he was a most dear lover and a most excellent Judge 12. He returned out of Italy into England â—bout the 30 â—h year of his Age being then noted by many both for his person and comportment For indeed he was of a choice shape tall of stature and of a most pleasant behaviour which was so mixed with sweet discourse and civilities as gained him much love from all persons with whom he entred into an acquaintance And whereas he was noted in his youth to have a sharp wit and apt to jest That by time travel and conversation was so polished and made useful that his companie seemed to be one of the delights of mankind In so much as Robert Earl of Essex then one of the darlings of fortune invited him first into a friendship and after a knowledge of his great Abilities to be one of his Secretaries After the Earls Apprehension he passed into France and thence into Italy After some stay in France where he met with his old friend Vietta then Secretary to the great Duke he went the fourth time to visit Rome and injoyed the company of his friends notwithstanding his Religion in the English Colledge and satisfied himself concerning some curiosities 11. After his return to Florence the Duke having intercepted certain Letters that discovered a design to take away the life of the then King of Scots sent Sir Henrie to impart it to the King under the name of Octovio Baldi an Italian Having deliverd his Letters and Message and privately told the King that he was indeed an English-man he abode there three months with much pleasure to his Majestie and so returned to Florence with a fair account of his imployment Queen Elizabeth some few months after departed and King James was proclaimed When he was come into England he commanded the Lord Wotton to send for his Brother Henrie Being brought to the King he took him in his arms and bade him welcome by the name of Octovio Baldi saying He was the most honest and therefore the best dissembler that ever he met with adding Since I know you neither want learning travel nor experience and that I have had so real a testimonie of your faithfulness and abilities to manage an Embassage I shall make use of you in that kind hereafter And indeed the King did so moâ—â— of those 22 years of his raign but before he dismist Octavio Baldi from his present attendance upon him he restoâ—ed him to his old name of Henrie Wotton by which he then Knighted him 12. Not long after this the King having resolved according to his Motto Beati pacifici to have a friendship with his neighbour Kingdoms of France and Spain and also for divers weighty reasons to enter into an alliance with the State of Venâ—ce and to that end to send Ambassadors to these several places did propose the choice of these employments to Sir Henrie Wotton Who considering the smalnesse of his own estate which he never took care to augment and knowing the Courts of great Princes to be sumptuous and necessarily expensive inclined most to that of Venice as being a place of moâ—e retirement and best suiting with his Genius who did ever love to joyn with businesse studâ—e and a trayal of natural experience for which fruitfâ—l Italy that darling of nature and cherisher of all arts is so justly famed in all parts of the Christian World Having therefoâ—e resolved upon Venice and a large allowance being appointed by the King for his voyage thither and a settled mâ—intenance during his stay there he left England nobly accompained through France to Venice by Gentlemen of the best Families anâ— Breeding that this Nation afforded Sir Albertus Morton his Nepheâ— went his Secretarie and William Bedel a man of choice learning and sâ—nctified wisdom his Chaplain 13. An. 1605. Sir Henrie Wotton was received by the State of Venice with much honour and gladnesse both for that he deliverd his Embassage most elegantly in the Italian Language and came also in such a juncture of time as his Masters friendship seemed useful for that Republick In the contention with the Pope which lasted several years the Venetians still acquainted K. James with their proceedings by the help of Sir Henrie Wotton Mr Bedel and Padre Paulo whom the Venetians did then call to be one of their Consultors of State and with his pen to defend their cause Which was by him so performed that the Pope saw plainly he had weakned his power by exceeding it and offered the Venetians Absolution upon very easie terms which the Venetians still slighting did at last obtain by that which was scarce so much as a shew of acknowledging it These ontests were the occasion of Padre Paulo his knowledge and interest with K. James for