Crown, but he was called to State-imployment, and it was not long before he was made Chancellour of the Exchequer.
It is observed, that the Exchequer never fareth ill, but under a good Prince; such who 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of Conscience will not oppress their people, whilst Tyrants pass not for what they 〈◊〉〈◊〉 out of their Subjects.
Indeed Queen Elizabeth was very carefull not to have her Coffer swell'd with the Consvmption of her Kingdom, and had Consciencious Officers under Her, amongst whom Sir 〈◊〉〈◊〉 was a principall.
This Knight sensible of Gods blessing on his Estate and knowing that, Omne Bene∣ficium requirit Officium, cast about to make his return to God. He began with his Be∣•…•… to Christs▪ Colledge in Cambridge, only to put his hand into practise, then his bounty embraced the generous resolution (which the painfull piety of St. Paul 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to himself, viz.) not to build on another mans foundation, but on his own 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a new Colledge in Cambridge by the name of Emanuel.
A right Godly Gentleman he was, though some of his baek friends suggested to the Queen, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was a better 〈◊〉〈◊〉 then Subject, and that he was over-popular in Parliaments, insomuch, that his life did set Sub nubeculd under a Cloud of the Royal displeasure. Yet was not the Cloud so great, but that the beams of his Innocence, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 those of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ had easily dispelled it, had he survived longer, as appeared by the great grief the Queen professed for the loss of so grave a Councel∣our, who leaving 〈◊〉〈◊〉-Sons and three▪ Daughters; dyed Anno Dom. 1589.
〈◊〉〈◊〉 PETRE, Daughter to Sir William Petre Secretary of State, and Sister to Iohn Lord Petre was certainly born in this County, but uncertain whether at 〈◊〉〈◊〉, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or Engerstone, three fair houses in Essex of that wealthy family. Thus variety of habitations 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the nativities of great persons doubtfull, whilest we are led with more assurance to the cradles of meaner people.
She was marryed to Nicholas Wadham of Merrifield in 〈◊〉〈◊〉-shire Esq. We read of Ahab▪ that he sold himself to work wiekedness, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up: but this worthy man gave himself over to all actions of bounty and charity, whom, his Wife answering her name (A gift of God indeed) encouraged therein. He founded, she finished, both 〈◊〉〈◊〉 endowed Wadham Colledge in Oxford, by whose joynt bounty it is become as rich as most, more uniform than any Colledge in England.
THOMAS EDEN D.L. was born in the South-part of Sudberry within this County, where his Name and Family are continued in a Worshipfull degree in Ballington Hall. He was bred Fellow and then Master of Trinity Hall in Cambridge, a singular good Advocate, Chancellour of Ely, Commissary of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Westminster, Professor of Law in Gresham∣Colledge, &c.
But leaving his ability in his own Profession to be praised by others, his Charity here comes under our Cognizance, who bestowed one thousand pounds on Trinity Hall, therewith purchasing Lands to maintain Wax Candles in the Chappel, an Annual Com∣memoration with a Latin Speech, and other excellent Benefactions. He dyed Anno •…•…∣moni 164. leaving a considerable Estate, and making Mr. Iames Bunce Alderman of London his Executor (though an utter stranger unto him) on this occasion. The Al∣derman repaired to him for his Advice on a Will wherein he was Executor, desiring from him the true meaning of a Clause therein: the Doctor returned that the Passage in Question was equally capable of two several senses; but tell me (said Mr. 〈◊〉〈◊〉) what do you believe in your Conscience was the very mind of the Testator, being my Resolu∣tion to perform it what ever it cost me. A Speech which stayed with the Doctor after the Speaker thereof was departed, making such impression in his spirit; that hence he concluded the Alderman a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Person, and deputed him the Executor to his own Will. I am informed that since the Doctors death, a Match hath been made between their nearest Relations.