when the Dean boasted of their care in preserving the Colledgevestments and Treasure the Arch-Deacon of Oxford answered Ye have done so indeed but ye have wilfully lost one Ornament and great Treasure far more precious then any of these alluding to the saying of Cornelia Mother of the Gracchi Hâ—â— sunt ornamenta mea shewing her Sons to another Lady that shewed her pearles and costly attire 12. At this time the University chose him for their Oraratour in whose name he curiously penned a gratulatory Letter to Queen MARY consisting of exclamations of grief for the Funeralls of King EDWARD and acclamations of joy for her happy Coronation By which Letter it seemeth Mr. Iewell others conceived good hope that Queen MARY would not altogether change Religion Which hope stayed him so long in Oxford till the Inquisition caught him and urged subscription under pain of prescription and torture 13. Here Iâ—well brought into a strait having no other Counsellours but horrour without and frailty within saying to them Do you desire to see my hand and will you try how well I can write took the Pen and hastily writ his name whereby he seemed to approve some Articles of Popery But this subscribing procured not his safety for he had been taken again had he not by Gods providence gone a wrong way to London and so escaped their hands that waited for him in the usual way as St. Austin by the errour of his guide escaped the Donatists 14. Pope Marcellinus washed out his stian of Idolatry with tears of repentance and blood of Martyrdome Cranmer purged the polluted hand that had subscribed with fire before he was made an Holocaust Origen and Iewell repealed their publick subscription by publick confession and contrition After he came to Frankford he made an excellent Sermon and confessed his fall and was received there and embraced as amost dear Brother nay as an Angel of God 15. From Frankford he was invited by the kind Letters of Peter Martyr to Argentine where he conversed with Grindal Sandys Cheek and other English Exiles for Religion and assisted Martyr in the Edition of his Commentary upon Iudges In whose house he spent the greatest part of his time as a Companion of his studies endeavouring also sometimes to coÌ„pose the contentions among his Brethren somtimes to comfort them in their afflictions repeating usually these words Haec non dur abunt aetatem 16. After his return he was sent for to a Disputation at Westminster The Theses were 1. That it is repugnant to the Word of God and custome of the Primitive Church that Church-service and Liturgy should be performed in an unknown Tongue 2. That every Church hath power to alter Rites and Ceremonies for her better edification 3. That the propitiatory sacrifice of the Masse for quick and dead hath no warrant in the Word of God But the Disputation was broke off Religion settled by the Parliament 17. Iewell was appointed for the Visitation of the Western Churches and so it fell out very fitly that he presented his first labours in the Ministry after his return in Devonshire and parts adjacent there first breaking the bread of life where first he received the breath of life After which Visitation he was consecrated Bishop of Sarisbury with much reluctancy often repeating the Apostle's words Qui desiderat Episcopatum desiderat opus 18. And surely if ever to any then unto him was his Bishoprick a continual work such was his care that his Church should sustain no losse such his pains in Governing and in Preadhing that abuses might not grow by the negligence or corruption of Officials He sate often himself with his Chancellour and was president in his Consistory where though he were a strict executor of Ecclesiastical Lawes yet no doubt he temper'd severity with that lenity which he exhorted B. Parkhurst to in a certain Letter Let your Chancellour saith he be harder but you easier let him wound but do you heal let him lance doe you plaister Wiseclemency will doe more good then rigid severity One man may move more with an Engine then six with the force of their hands 19. When his friends admonished him to lighten his over-heavy burden of ruling instructing every particular Church in his Diocese by Substitutes and Coadjutors he replyed Vnlearned men can doe me no good and to the Learned I can doe no good I have no Benefices in my gift to maintain them Capon my predecessour hath devoured all This Capon unhappily understanding that of St. Paul as one is said to have read it Qui desider at Episcopatum bonum opes desider at made havock of all the good Livings in his Diocese enriching himself leaving the Bishoprick poor 20. In all the time of his Bishoprick scarce any year passed which was not made noble and illustrious by some work of his The year 1560. began with his noble challenge at Paul's Crossâ— and ended with his confutation of Dr. Cole His Apology begun in the year 61 and perâ—ected 62 was made so much of by all Protestants that it was translated almost into all Tongues The years 64 and 65 were renowned for his and Mr. Harding's contentions about the forenamed challenge In which time also he was solemnly created Doctor and bare the part of a Moderatour in those famous Acts concluded with a divine speech of Queen ELIZABETH His Defense fell in the years 66 and 67. After which time divers Learned Books were dedicated to him by Martyr Bullinger and others and himself intended divers other excellent Works but death prevented the birth of them 20. He recreated himself at his meals a Chapter being first read with School-disputes of young Boyes whom he maintained at his Table After dinner his doors and eares were open to all suits and causes After businesses dispatcht he retired to his study About nine he called all his Servants to account how they had spent the day and after prayers admonished them accordingly Then to his study again oft-times till midnight and so to Bed wherein after some part of an Authour read unto him by the Gentleman of his Bed chamber commending himself to the protection of his Saviour he took his rest 21. His memory was admirable raised by Art to the highest pitch For he could repeat faithfully any thing he had penned as he had penned it after once reading and therefore usually at the ringing of the Bell began to commit his Sermons to heart Many barbarous hard names and strange words after once or twice reading and short meditating he could repeat backward and forward This Art of Memory he taught his old Tutor Mr. Parkhurst beyond the Sea so that in a short time spending but one hour in a day at it he learned all the Gospel backward and forward by this artificial Memory 22. His continual labours brought his body so low that as he rode abroad to preach a Gentleman advised him to return home for his health sake saying it was
better the people should want one Sermon then be deprived of such a Preacher but he replyed It becomes a Bishop to dye in the Pulpit To one weeping at his bed side he used the words of Ambrose I have not so lived that I am ashamed to live longer neither doe I fear to die because we have a mercifull Lord. 23. In his Will he considered his Brother and friends with some kind remembrances but bestowed the rest most liberally upon his servants schollars and the poor of Sarum 24. Before his death he called his houshold about him and after an exposition of the Lord's Prayer among others used these words It was my Prayer alwayes to almightie God since I had any understanding that I might honour his Name with the sacrifice of my flesh and confirm his Truth with the oblation of this my body unto death in the defense thereof which seeing he hath not granted me in this yet I some what rejoice and solace my self that it is worn away and exhausted in the labours of â—y holy Calling Mr. Râ—dley the Steward of his House shut his eyes in the year of our Lord 1571. Sept. 22. about three of the clock in the afternoon Anno aetat 50. Out of his Life prefixed to his-Works VI. Mr. GEORGE HERBERT 1. BEing nobly born and aâ—eminently endued with gifts of the mind and having by industry and happy education perfected them to a great excellency whereof his Fellowship in Trinity Colledge in Cambridge his Oratourship in the University together with that knowledge the Kings Court had taken of him are evidences quitting all opportunities that he had for worldly preferment he betook himself to the Sanctuary choosing rather to serve at God's Altar then to seek the honour of State-employments 2. To testifie his independency upon all others and to quicken his diligence in the Ministry he used in his ordinary speech when he made mention of the blessed name of Iesus Christ to adde My Master 3. Next God he loved that which God himself hath magnified above all things i. e. his Word so as he hath been heard to make solemn Protestation That he would not part with one leaf thereof for the whole World if it were offered him in exchange 4. His obedience and conformity to the Church and the discipline thereof was singularly remarkable Though he abounded in private devotions yet went he every morning and evening with his Family to the Church and by his example exhortations and encouragements drew the greater part of his Parishioners to accompany him dayly in the publick celebration of Divine service 5. As for worldly matters his love and esteem to them was so little as no man can more ambitiously seek then he did earnestly endeavour the resignation of an Ecclesiasticall dignity which he was possessor of But God permitted not the accomplishment of his desire having ordained him his Instrument for râ—edifying the Church belonging thereunto 6. With the remembrance whereof as of an especial good work when a friend went about to comfort him on his death bed he made answer It is a good work if it be sprinkled with the blood of Christ 7. We conclude with his Motto with which he used to conclude all things that might seem to tend any way to his own honour Lesse then the least of Gods mercies Out of the Preface to his Sacred Poems VII Dr. JAMES USSHER Arch-Bishop of Armagh 1. HE had constantly prayers in his Family four times a day At six in the morning and eight at night they were such wherein the gifts of those who were his Chaplains were exercised but before dinner supper in the Chappell the Liturgy was constantly observed which he had in estimation to his last 2. A form of Prayer not onely by way of direction but punctually composed he ever â—udged to conduce to the pubâ—ik benefit especially in the Administration of Baptism and the Communion as well for the shnning and preventing the disorder and scandalous conâ—usion found in some mens performance of them as the testiâ—ying of an unity and unanimiâ—y among us which St. Paul â—refers as the more excellent way before the vanity of all spirituall gifts whatsoever Concerning which he wished the â—udgement of Calvin in his Letter to the Protectour were more known then it is in regard of his esteem with such as have opposed it 3. For Ordination or an ordained Ministry such was his judgement of the necessity of it that he took it to be a Fundmental and one of those priâ—ciples of Christian Doctriâ—â— Heb. 6. 2. called laying on 〈◊〉 hands The great neglect 〈◊〉 which he much lamented 〈◊〉 fearing it would prove to bâ— the undermining the foundaâ—â—on of our Church which 〈◊〉 Cartwright in his Commentâ—ry upon the place confirms tâ— the full and in a higher expreâ—sion as if it were the overthroâ— of Christianity 4. What his judgement was 〈◊〉 the use of the Lords Prayer hâ—â— practise shewed it in the coâ—stant concluding of his Pray before Sermon with it And hâ— approbation of that gesture 〈◊〉 kneeling at the Communioâ— as often apparent before maâ—â— witnesses 5. For Confirmation of chilâ—â—en which Calvin Beza and oâ—â—ers much commend wish it â—ere restored he was not wantâ—ng in observation of it as an anâ—â—ent laudable custome And â—s Benediction was seconded â—â—ith good and spirituall instruâ—â—ion that stuck to the children â—hen they came to further years 6. The Church Catechism â—espised by some for its plainess â—e thought therefore to be the â—ore profitable to the vulgar â—nd gave order it should every â—ords day in the afternoon be â—xplained 7. He was indeed as Erasâ—â—us saith of St. Austin Viviâ—â—um quoddaÌ„ exemplar Episcopi omnibus virtutuÌ„ numeris absolutum And I wish all that have 〈◊〉 reverent opinion of him would show it in taking his spirit oâ— Moderation for their Copy Out of Dr. Bernard VIII Mr. JOHN HALES 1. MR Iohn Hales sometime Fellow of Mertoâ— Colledge Greek Professouâ— of the University of Oxford long Fellow of Eton Colledge and at last also Prebendary of Windsore was a man I think of as great a sharpnesse quicknesse and subtilty of Wit as ever this or perhaps any Nation bred 2. His industry did strive if 〈◊〉 were possible to equall the â—argeness of his capacity whereâ—y he became as great a Master 〈◊〉 polite various and universal â—earning as ever yet converst with Books 3. Proportionate to his Readâ—ng was his Meditation which â—urnished him with a judgement â—eyond the vulgar reach of â—an built upon unordinary Notions raised out of strange â—bservations and comprehenâ—ive thoughts within himself So that he really was a most proâ—igious example of an acute â—iercing Wit of a vast and illiâ—mited knowledge of a severe â—nd profound judgement 4. Yet had he never underâ—tood a Letter he had other Ornaments sufficient to endear him For he was of a nature as we ordinarily speak so kind so sweet so courting all mankind of an
as a near alliance of modesty may be added his aversnesse from all ambitious thoughts affectation of great and publick places to the puâ—suance of which many have been spurred by the conscience of lesser abilities It was indeed his highest ambition to be in tranquillitatc sâ—câ—ssu 14. His great knowledge did not as it doth with many make him apt either to contend with any or for difference in opinion to break the bond of amity but was ever most tenderly studious of the peace of the Church To whose censure he ever submitted his private judgement being willing either to reform or silence any opinion which should be found repugnant to truth or inconsistent to peace He loved not to entertain discourse with them that were impetuous and passionate in their opinions who were resolved however to have the last word being more addicted to that uningenious humour as he was wont to call it of Disputacity then a sober and moderate disquisition after truth And in that unhappy difference about Predestination and its Appendants he would often say that he wondred that men should with so great animosity contend about those high and obscure speculations and with so severe a confidence condemn each other 15. His Humility and Charity rare virtues in this age appeared particularly in these three instances 1. That he was never forward in what company soever to catch at hints of discourse or to declare his opinion in a way of singularity and yet he was the most communicative man in the world 2. That he would fairly propound dextrously illustrate and ingenuously leave every man to judge for himself being not ambitious at all to gain Proselytes nor magisterially imposing his notions upon other men but contented every one should think or speak as himself best liked 3. That he would speak ill of no man but dissemble the failings errours of his very enemies neither would he willingly accompany them who in the pregnancy or pruriency of wit would adventure to criticize upon others to the disparagement of their parts or performances 16. That the fear of God had a great impression upon his soul he manifested not onely by a religious and innocent Conversation but in all his discourses in which he ever shewed himself tender of the honour of God and that he could not brook the least adulteration of his worship nor the violation of any thing upon which his awfull name was stamped Hence was that severity which he used against the Roman Church in their Saint and Image-worship Hence likewise was his so great detestation of Sacriledge and so zealous asserting the honour of Gods house and whatsoever else is dedicated to his worship exacting a reverence from Christians in the use of them in relation to God to whom by a peculiar propriety they belong This latter procured him the suspicion of Superstition with such as shew their zeal against idolatry by committing or at least by approving of Sacriledge and banish all distinction between things sacred and prophane and measure the truth of every point of religion by its distance from Rome But his reputation not standing or falling arbitrio popularis aurae it would but wrong him to go about to vindicate him from such mens censure Neither need I cleare him from the guilt of Time-serving in what he hath written for Reverence in Gods house having declared it to be his opinion many years before the times relisht it 17. His soul while it conversed in these regions of mortality was invested in a comely and healthfull body somewhat beyond a just temper inclined to melancholy yet so as that melancholy seemed rather to poyse and make it serviceable to his studious minde then to distemper it with those infirmities which commonly attend the predominancy of that humour His feeding for the most part was rather to suffice nature then satisfie his appetite No man more constant to his Colledge-Commons with the smaller sort of beer seldome and very little wine Which made him often merrily to tell them which observed the thriving of his body that They might see what Colledg-Commons could do And as his body with small Commons so his purse with a small Intrado received a considerable improvement 18. He was taken away with a short for it ended the fourth day and not very painfull sicknesse his understanding judgement and memory continuing in vigour to his last gasp He bequeathed towards the new building the increase of the Library the adorning of the Chappel a large Legacy out of a Scholars purse of 300. l. in way of a grateful return for those mercies he had so long enjoyed in that Colledge whereof he was a member 19. He composed his soul which he then was onely to attend for its addresse into the divine presence with most devout thoughts and humble prayers and strengthned it with the commemoration of his death by whom he hoped to obtain a more blessed life in the participation of the sacred Eucharist And having thus taken and tasted the cup of salvation within a few hours he departed hence to the more full fruition of those heavenly delicates among those blessed ones that are called to the Supper of the Lamb upon the second of Octob. 1638. When he had lived 53 years and spent above two thirds of that time in that Colledge to which living he was so great an ornament and dead his worthy name shall be a lasting monument * A compleat Edition of all Mr. Mede's Works in Fol. is promised by R. R. 20. He had this happinesse in his death that he was taken away from the evils that were then ready to come and before Truth and Peace had begun to suffer in this unhappy Island And indeed he would often in the presage of his divining spirit speak of this a year or two before he dyed as an observation upon that in the 3. of Iudges 30. The land had rest four score years which now would he say that from the begining of blessed Queen Elizabeth's reign we of England have enjoyed who knowes whether our period may not be near at hand And whether it be so or not whosoever shall live but a year or two may know it of a certain Out of the View of his Life annexed to his Works VII Mr. JOSIAS SHUTE HIs very name is as a silver Trumpet to his reâ—utation sounding out a Quicâ—uid doctiorum est assurgite huic tam colendo nomini with whom 't was as with Iob appearing ch 29. The young men hid themselves and the aged arose and stood up when the ear heard him then it blessed him and when the eye saw him it gave witnesse to him His name I say is an Aromatick oyntment diffusing a more rich perfume then the choicest of our broken boxes 2. He was descended of a Learned Race the son of an eminent Divine in Yorkshire and one of â—ive famous brotherpreachers A man of that latitude of learning that length of apprehension that depth of