A collection of the works of that holy man and profound divine, Thomas Iackson ... containing his comments upon the Apostles Creed, &c. : with the life of the author and an index annexed.

THE LIFE and DEATH of the Venerable, Dr. JACKSON, Dean of PETERBROUGH, and President of Corpus-Christi Colledge in OXFORD.

Written by a late Fellow of the same Colledge.

BEing earnestly desired by an intimate and Power∣ful Friend, to deliver some Character of that Reverend and Learned Doctor Jackson, (late President of our Colledge) I might very well excuse my self from my unworthiness to under∣take so weighty a Task. I must seriously confess, it was not so much the Importunity of that Friend, which prevail∣ed with me, as the Merit of the man which Extracted it, and made me resolve rather to run any hazard of my own Reputation, then not to pay the Honours due to his Memory. The Respect and

Interest which he gained in the hearts of all men that he conversed with, (and most from them that knew him best) was too great to be buried in this Grave, or to be extinct with his Person. A good Name is compared to a rich and pleasant Odour, which not only affects the Sense, whilest he that wears it, is in presence, but fils the the house, and makes you enquire, who had been there, although the Party be gone out of the Room. For his Birth, He was de∣scended from a very worthy Family in the Bishoprick of Durham, His Life seemed to be Consecrated to Vertue, and the Liberal Arts, from his very child-hood: He had a natural Propensity to Learn∣ing from which no other Recreation or Employment could divert him. He was first designed (by his Parents) to be a Merchant in Newcastle, where many of his near Friends and Alliance lived in great Wealth and Prosperity; but neither could that Tempta∣tion lay hold upon him.

Therefore (at the instance of a Noble Lord) he was sent to the University of Oxford, for which highly esteemed Favour he returns his solemn thanks, in the very First Words, and Entrance of this Book. He was first Planted in Queens Colledge, under the Care and Tuition of the Profound D. Crakanthorp, and from thence removed to Corpus Christi Colledge, who although he had no notice of the vacancy of the Place, till the day before the Electi∣on, yet he Answered with so much readiness and applause, that he gained the admiration, as well as the Suffrages of the Electors, and was chosen with full Consent, although they had received Letters of Favour from Great Men for another Scholer. A sure and Honourable Argument of the incorruptedness of that Place, when the peremptory Mandamus of the Pious Founder, Nec pre∣ce, nec pretio, (presented with the Merits of a young man and a Stranger, shall prevail more then all other Sollicitations, and Par∣tialities whatsoever. This Resolution hath been often assured un∣to me from one of the Electors (yet living) M. John Hore of West Hendred, a man of Reverend years and Goodness. There

was now a welcome necessity layd upon him, to preserve the High O∣pinion which was conceived of him, which he did in a Studious and Exemplary Life, not subject to the usual intemperances of that Age. Certainly the Divel could not find him idle, nor at leisure to have the Suggestions of Vice whispered into his ear. And although many in their youthful times have their Deviations, and Exorbitancies, which afterwards prove Reformed and Excellent men. Yet it pleased God to keep him in a constant Path of Vertue and Piety.

He had not been long admitted into this place, but that he was made more Precious, and better Estimated by all that knew him, by the very danger that they were in suddenly to have parted with him: For walking out with others of the Younger company to wash him∣self, He was in imminent peril of being Drowned. The Depth closed him round about, the Weeds were wrapt about his head. He went down to the bottom of the Mountains, the Earth with her bars was about him for ever, yet God brought his soul from Corruption, Jonah 2. 5, 6. that (like Moses from the flags) for the future Good of the Church, and Government of the Colledge where he lived, there might be preserved the meekest man alive, or (like Jonas) there might be a Prophet revived (as af∣terwards he proved) to forwarn the people of ensuing destru∣ction, if peradventure they might Repent, and God might revoke the Judgements pronounced against them, and spare this great and sinful Nation. It was a long (and almost incredible) space of time wherein he lay under water, and before a Boat could be procu∣red, which was sent for, rather to take out his Body (before it floa∣ted) for a decent Funeral, then out of hopes of recovery of Life. The Boatman discerning where he was by the bubling of the water, (the last signs of a man Expiring) thrust down his hook at that very moment, which by happy Providence (at the first Essay) light∣ed under his arm, and brought him up into the Boat. All the parts of his Body were swollen to a Vast proportion, and although by

holding his head downward they let forth much water, yet no hopes of Life appeared, therefore they brought him to the Land, and lapped him up in the Gowns of his Fellow-Students, the best shrowd that Love or Necessity could provide. After some warmth and former means renewed, they perceived that Life was yet within him, conveyed him to the Colledge, and commended him to the skil of Doctor Channel, an Eminent Physitian of the same House, where with much Care, Time, and Difficulty, he recovered to the equal joy and wonder of the whole Society. All men concluded him to be reserved for High and Admirable Purposes. His grate∣ful Acknowledgements towards the Fisherman and his Servants that took him up, knew no limits, being a constant Revenue to them whil'st he lived. For his thankfulness to Almighty God no heart could conceive, nor Tongue express it but his own, often commu∣nicating the Miracle of Divine mercy in his deliverance, and resolving hereafter not to live to himself, but to God that rais∣eth the dead. Neither did he serve God with that which cost him nothing; I must ranck his abundant CHarity, and Riches of his Liberality amongst the Virtues of his first years, as if he would strive with his Friends, Patron, and Benefactors, Utrum illi largiendo, an ipse dispergendo vinceret, Whether they should be more bountiful in giving, or he in dispersing: Or that he was resolved to pay the Ransome of his life into Gods Ex∣chequer, which is the Bodies of the Poor. His heart was so free & enlarged in this kind, that very often his Alms-deed made him more Rich that received it, then it left him that gave it. His pro∣gress in the study of Divinity was something early, because (as he well considered) the journey that he intended was very far, yet not with∣out large and good Provisions for the way. No man made better use of Humane knowledge, in subservience to the Eternal Truths of God, produced more Testimonies of Heathens to convert themselves, and make them submit the Rich Presents of their Wise-Men, to the Cradle and Cross of Christ. He was furnished with all the

Learned Languages, Arts, and Sciences, as the praevious disposi∣tions, or Beautifull Gate which led him to the Temple; but espe∣cially Metaphysicks, as the next in attendance, and most necessary Hand-maid to Divinity, which was the Mistress where all his thoughts were fixed, being wholly taken up with the Love and ad∣miration of Jesus Christ, and him Crucified. The Reading to younger Scholers, and some Employments imposed by the Founder, were rather Recreations and Assistances, then divertisements from that intended Work. The Offices which he undertook (out of Du∣ty, not Desire) were never the most profitable, but the more ingenuous; not such as might fill his Purse, but encrease his knowledge. It was no small accession of Respect unto him, (or rather a consequent of the good Repute which he had already gain∣ed) that those two Noble Hostages, (M. Edward, and M. Richard Spencers, Sons to the Right Honourable Robert, Lord Spencer, Baron of Wormleighton) were commended to his charge, whom he restored fully instructed with all good Literature, the glory of Learned and Religious Nobility, and the very Orna∣ments of the Countrey where they lived; for which faithful dis∣charge of his great Trust, he (and his Memory) were ever in singular Veneration with that whole Family, and their Alliances. His Discourse was very Facetious (without offence) when Time, and Place, and Equality of Persons permitted it. He was Entre∣gens, (as our Neighbours speak it) a man (upon occasions offered) of Universal Conversation. When he was chosen into Office, the Governour of the Colledge was wont to give this Testimony of him, That he was a man most sincere in Elections, and that in a Du∣bious victory of younger wits, it was the safest experiment for an happy choise, to follow the Omen of his Judgement. He read a Lecture of Divinity in the Colledge every Sunday morning, and an∣other day of the week at Pembroke Colledge (then newly erect∣ed) by the instance of the Master, and Fellows there. He was cho∣sen Vice-President for many years together, who by his place was to

moderate the Disputations in Divinity. In all these He demea∣ned himself with great depth of Learning, far from that Know∣ledge which pusseth up, but accompanied with all gentlenesse, courtesie, humility, and moderation. From the Colledge, he was preferred to a Living in the Bishoprick of Durham (in their Do∣nation) and from thence (with consent from the same Colledge obtained, where no request could be denied him) removed to the Vicaridge of New-Castle, a very populous Town, furnished with multitudes of men, and no small variety of Opinions. It was a difficult task, (and onely worthy of so pious an Undertaker) so to become All Things to All men, that by all means he might gain some. This was the place where he was first appointed by his friends to be a Merchant; but he chose rather to be a Factor for Hea∣ven. One precious soul refined, polished, and fitted for his Ma∣sters use, presented by him, was of more value to him, then all other Purchases whatsoever. He adorned the doctrine of the Gospel (which he preached and professed) with a sutable life and con∣versation: Manifesting the signes of a true Apostle. In all things shewing himself a Pattern of good-works; In doctrine incorrupt∣nesse, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that they which were of the contrary part might be ashamed, ha∣ving no evil thing to say of him, Titus 2. 7, 8.

I lately received letters from a Gentleman, who lived there at the same time with him, who gave this Testimony of him. He was a man very studious, humble, courteous, and charitable. At New-Castle (when he went out) what money he had, he usually gave to the poor, who at length flocked so unto him, that his servant took care that he had not too much in his pocket. At a certaine time Doctor Henderson, the Towns Physitian, his neighbour and inti∣mate acquaintance, (having made a Purchase) sitting sad by him, and fetching a sigh, he demanded what was the reason? He said, that he had a payment to make and wanted money: Doctor Jack∣son bad him be of good chear, for he would furnish him; and cal∣ling

for his servant, told him the Physitians need, and asked what money he had. The man stepping back silent, the Doctor bids him speak, at length the man said, Fourty shillings; he bad him fetch it, for Master Henderson should have it all: at which Master Henderson turned his sadnesse into laughter Doctor Jackson de∣manded his reason. He said, that he had need of 400. pound, or 500. pound. Doctor Jackson answered, that he thought fourtie shillings was a great summe, and that he should have it, and more also if he had had it. Thus in a place of busie Trade and Com∣merce, his minde was intent upon better things, willing to spend and to be spent for Them, not seeking Theirs but Them. Af∣ter some years of his continuance in this Town, he was invited back again to the University by the death of the President of the same Colledge, being chosen in his absence, at so great a distance, so unexpectedly without any suit or petition upon his part, that he knew nothing of the vacancie of the Place, but by the same Let∣ters that enformed him that it was conferred upon himself. A pre∣ferment of so good account, that it hath been much desired, and eagerly sought after by many eminent men, but never before, went so far to be accepted of. Upon his return to Oxford, and admissi∣on to his Government, They found no alteration by his long absence, and more converse with the world, but that he appeared yet more humble in his elder times; and this not out of coldnesse and remis∣sion of spirit, but from a prudent choice and experience of a better way: not without a great Example of Paul the Aged, who when he had Authority to command that which is convenient, (yet for loves sake) chose rather to beseech, Epistle to Philemon. He ru∣led in a most obliging manner, the Fellows, Schollers, Servants, Te∣nants, Nemo ab eo tristis discessit, no man departed from him with a sad heart, excepting in this particular, that by some misde∣meanour, or willing errour, they had created Trouble, or given any offence unto him. He used the Friends as well as the Memorie of his Predecessors fairly. He was Presidens pacificus, a lover

and maker of Peace. He silenced and composed all differences, dis∣pleasures, and animosities by a prudent Impartiality, and the ex∣ample of his own sweet disposition. All men taking notice that no∣thing was more hatefull unto him then Hatred it self, nothing more offensive to his body, and mind, it was a shame and cruelty (as well as presumption) to afflict his peaceable spirit. It is a new and pe∣culiar Art of Discipline, but successefully practised by him, that those under his Authority were kept within Bounds and Order, not so much out of fear of the Penalty, as out of love to the Governour. He took notice of that which was good in the worst men, and made that an occasion to commend them for the goods sake; and living himself, tanquam nemini ignosceret, as if he were so severe, that he could forgive no man, yet he reserved large Pardons for the imperfections of others. His nature was wholly composed of the properties of Charity it self. Charity suffereth long, and is kind, &c. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endu∣reth all things. I can truely avouch this testimony concerning him, that living in the same Colledge with him, more then twenty years, (partly when he was Fellow, and partly when he returned Presi∣dent) I never heard (to my best remembrance) one word of Anger, or dislike against him. I have often resembled him in my thoughts (with favour of that honourable Person, be it spoken) to him (whose name sounds very near him) who being pla∣ced * 1.1 in the upper part of the World, carried on his Dignity with that Justice, Modesty, Integrity, Fidelity, and other gracious plau∣sibilities, that in a place of Trust, he contented those whom he could not satisfie, and in a place of Envie procured the Love of them who amulated his greatnesse, and by his Example shewed the preheminence and security of true Christian Wisdom, before all the sleights of humane Policie, that in a busie time no man was found to accuse him; So this good Man (in that inferiour Orb which God had placed him) demeaned himself with that Christian Inno∣cencie, Candor, Wisdom, and Modesty, that malice it self was more

wary then to cast any aspersions upon him. I shall willingly associ∣ate Him to those other Worthies his Predecessors in the same Col∣ledge (all living at the same time) To the invaluable Bishop Jewel, Theologorum quas Orbis Christianus per aliquot an∣norum centenarios produxit maximo, as grave Bishop Good∣win hath described him, the greatest Divine that for some former Centuries of years the Christian World hath produced. To the famous Mr. Hooker, who for his solid Writings was sirnamed, The Judicious, and entitled by the same, Theologorum Oxonium. The Oxford of Divines, as One calls Athens, The Greece of Greece it self. To the learned Dr. Reinolds, who managed the Government of the same Colledge, with the like care, honour, and integrity, although not with the same austerities.

He willingly admitted (and was much delighted in) the ac∣quaintance and familiarity of hopeful young Divines, not despi∣sing their youth, but accounting them as sonnes and Brethren, en∣couraging and advising them what Books to read, and with what holy preparations, lending them such Books as they had need of, and hoping withall that (considering the brevity of his own life) some of them might live to finish that work upon the Creed, which he had happily begun unto them. This was one of the special advi∣ses and directions which he commended to young men. Hear the Dictates of your own Conscience: Quod dubitas ne feceris, making this the Comment upon that of Syracides, In all thy mat∣ters trust (or beleeve) thine own soul, and bear it not down by impetuous and contradictious lusts, &c. He was as diffusive of his knowledge, counsel, and advice, as of any other his works of Mercie.

In all the Histories of learned, pious, and devout men, you shall scarcely meet with one that disdained the World more generously: not out of ignorance of it, as one brought up in Cells and darknesse, for he was known and endeared to men of the most resplendent For∣tunes; nor out of melancholy disposition, for he was chearfull and

content in all estates, but out of a due and deliberate scorne, knowing the true value, that is, the vanitie of it. As perferments were heaped upon him without his suit, or knowledge, so there was no∣thing in his power to give, which he was not ready and willing to part withall, to the deserving or indigent man. His Vicarage of St. Nicholas Church in New-Castle, he gave to Mr. Alvye of Trinity Colledge, upon no other relation, but out of the good opi∣nion which he conceived of his merits. The Vicarage of Witny neer Oxford, after he had been at much pains, travail, and expence to clear the Title of the Rectory to all succeeding Ministers, when he had made it a Portion sitting either to give, or keep, he freely bestowed it upon the worthy Mr. Thomas White, then Proctor of the University, late Chaplain to the Colledge, and now Incumbent upon the Rectory. A Colledge Lease, of a place called Lye in Gloucestershire presented to him as a gratuity by the Fellows, he made over to a Third, (late Fellow there) meerly up∣on a plea of Poverty. And whereas they that first offered it unto him were unwilling that he should relinquish it, and held out for a long time in a dutifull opposition, He used all his power, friend∣ship, and importunity with them, till at length he prevailed to sur∣render it. Many of his necessary friends, and attendance have professed that they made severall journeys, and employed all pow∣erfull mediation with the Bishop, that he might not be suffered to resigne his Prebendship of Winchester to a Fourth; and upon knowledge that by their contrivance, he was disappointed of his reso∣lution herein, he was much offended that the Manus mortua, or Law of Mortmain should be imposed upon him, whereby in for∣mer dayes they restrained the liberality of devout men toward the Colledges, and the Clergie. But this was interpreted as a discur∣tesie and dis-service unto him, who knew that it was a more Bles∣sed thing to give then to receive. But that which remained unto him, was dispersed unto the Poor, to whom he was a faithfull dispenser in all places of his abode, distributing unto them with a

free heart, a bountifull hand, a comfortable speech, and a cheerfull eye. How disrespectfull was he of Mammon, the God of this world, the golden Image which Kings and Potentates have set up? before whom the Trumpets play for Warre and slaughter, and Nations and Languages fall down and worship, besides all other kinde of Musick for jollity and delight, to drown (if it were possible) the noise of Bloud, which is most audible, and cries lowdest in the ears of the Almighty. How easily could he cast that away, for which others throw away their lives and salvation, running headlong into the place of eternall skreekings, weeping, and gnash∣ing of teeth. If it were not for this spirit of Covetousnesse, all the World would be at quiet. Certainly (although the nature of man be an apt soil for sin to flourish in, yet) if the Love of money be the root of all evil, it could not grow up in him, because it had no Root: and if it be so hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God, and the narrow gate which leads unto Life, then he that stooped so low by humblenesse of minde, and emptied himself so neerly by mercifulnesse unto the Poor, must needs finde an easier passage: Doubtlesse, they that say and do these Things, shew plainly that they seek another Countrey, that is, an heavenly, for if they had been mindfull of This, they might have taken op∣portunity to have used it more advantageously.

His Devotions towards God were assiduous and exemplarie, both in publick and private. He was a diligent frequenter of the publick Service in the Chappel, very early in the Morning, and at Evening, except some urgent occasions of Infirmity did excuse him. His private Conferences with God by Prayer and Meditation were never omitted, upon any occasion whatsoever. When he went the yearly progresse to view the Colledge Lands, and came into the Tenants House, it was his constant custome (before any other busi∣nesse, discourse, or care of Himself, were he never so wet or weary) to call for a retiring room to pour out his soul unto God, who led him safely in his journey. And this he did not out of any specious

pretence of Holiness, to devour a Widows House with more faci∣lity, Rack their Rents, or Enhance their Fines, for excepting the constant Revenue to the Founder (to whom he was a strict ac∣countant) no man ever did more for them, or less for himself. For thirty years together he used this following Anthem, and Col∣lect (commanded by the Pious Founder) in Honour and Con∣fession of the Holy and Undivided Trinity. Salva nos, Libera nos, Vivifica nos, O Beata Trinitas, &c.

Save us, Deliver us, Quicken us, O Blessed Trinity. Let us praise God the Fa∣ther, and the Son, with the Holy Spirit, let us praise and Su∣per-exalt his Name for ever.

Almighty and everlasting God, which hast given unto us, thy servants, Grace by the Confes∣sion of a true Faith, to acknowledge the Glory of the Eternal Trinity, and in the Power of the Divine Majesty to Worship the Unity: We beseech thee that through the stedfastness of this Faith, we may evermore be defended from all Adversitie, which livest and raignest, &c.

This he did perform, not onely as a Sacred Injunction of the Founder (upon him and all the Society) but he received a great Delight in the performance of it. No man ever wrote more highly of the Attributes of God then he, and yet he professes that he alwaies took more comfort in admiring, then in disputing, and in praying to, and acknowledgeing the Majesty and Glory of the Blessed Trinite, then by too curiously prying into the Mysterie. He Composed a Book of Private Devotions, which some judi∣cious men (having perused the same) much Extolled and Ad∣mired, as being replenished with Holy Raptures, and Divine Meditations, which (if it be not already annexed to this Book) I hope the Reader will shortly enjoy in a Portable Volume by it self.

Thus have many other Famous Scholars and Polemical men (in their Elder times) betaken themselves to Catechizing, and De∣votion, as Pareus, Bishop Andrews, Bishop Usher, and Bel∣larmin

himself seems to prefer his Book De Ascensione Mentis ad Deum, Of the Ascension of the Soul to God, before any other part of his Works. Books (saies he) are not to be estimated, Ex multitudine foliorum, sed ex fructibus, By the multitude of the Leaves, but the Fruit. My other Books I read onely up∣on necessity, but this I have willingly read over three or four times, and resolve to read it more often; whether it be (saies he) that the Love towards it be greater then the Merit, because (like an∣other Benjamin) it was the Son of mine old age.

He seemed to be very Prophetical of the Ensuing times of trou∣ble, as may evidently appear by his Sermons before the King, and Appendix about the signs of the Times, or Divine Fore-warnings therewith Printed some years before, touching the Great Tempest of Wind which fell out upon the Eve of the Fifth of November, 1636. He was much astonished at it; and what apprehension he had of it appears by his words.—This mighty Wind was more then a Sign of the Time, the very Time it self was a Sign, and portends thus much, That though we of this King∣dom were in firm League with all Nations, yet it is still in Gods Power, we may fear in his Purpose to plague this King∣dom by this or like tempests more grievously then he hath done at any time by Famin, Sword, or Pestilence, to bury many living souls, as well of Superiour, as of Inferiour Rank, in the Ruin of their stately Houses, or meaner Cottages, &c. Which was observed by many, but signally by the Prefacer to M. Her∣berts Remains, I shall not prevent the Reader, or detain him so long from the Original of that Book as to repeat the Elogies which are there conferred upon Him; I cannot forbear one passage in that Preface wherein he makes this profession. I speak it in the pre∣sence of God, I have not read so hearty, vigorous a Champion against Rome (amongst our writers of his rank) so convincing and demonstrative as D. Jackson is. I bless God for the confir∣mation which he hath given me in the Christian Religion a∣gainst

the Athean, Jew, and Socinian, and in the Protestant a∣gainst Rome.

As he was alwaies a Reconciler of differences in his Private Go∣vernment, so he seriously lamented the Publick Breaches of the Kingdom. For the Divisions of Reuben he had great Thoughts of Heart. At the first Entrance of the Scots into England, he had much compassion for his Countrymen, although that were but the beginning of their Sorrows. He well knew that War was com∣monly attended with Ruin and Calamity, especially to Church and Church-men; and therefore that Prayer was necessary and becom∣ing of them, Da pacem Domine in diebus nostris, &c. Give peace in our time, O Lord, because there is no other that fighteth for us but onely thou, O God, One drop of Chri∣stian blood (though never so cheaply spilt by others like water upon the ground) was a deep Corrosive to his tender heart. Like Rachel weeping for her children, he could not be comforted. His body grew weak, the chearful hue of his countenance was impaled and discoloured, and he walked like a dying Mourner in the streets. But God took him from the evil to come; It was a sufficient De∣gree of punishment for him to foresee it; it had been more then a thousand Deaths unto him to have beheld it with his Eyes. When his Death was now approaching, being in the chamber with many o∣thers, I overheard him with a soft voice repeating to himself these and the like Ejaculations. I wait for the Lord, my Soul doth wait, and in his Word do I hope; my Soul waiteth for the Lord more then they that watch for the morning. As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness, I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness. And he ended with this Cygnean Cantion, Psal. 116. 5. Gracious is the Lord and righteous, yea our God is merciful. The Lord preserveth the simple, I was brought low and he helped me. Return unto thy Rest, O my Soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. And ha∣ving thus spoken, soon after he surrendered up his Spirit to Him that gave it.

If you shall curiously enquire what this Charitable man left in Legacie at his death, I must needs answer, that giving all in his Life time, as he owed nothing but Love, so he left nothing when he Dyed. The Poor was his Heir, and he was the Administrator of his own Goods; or (to use his own Expression in one of his last Dedications) he had little else to leave his Executors, but his Papers onely, which the Bishop of Armagh (being at his Fune∣rals) much desired might be carefully preserved. This was that which he left to Posterity in pios usus, for the furtherance of Piety and Godliness, in perpetuam Eleemosynam, for a perpetual deed of Charity, which I hope the Reader will advance to the utmost im∣provement. He that reads this will find his Learning Christening him The Divine, and his Life witnessing him a man of God, a Preacher of Righteousness, and I might add, a Prophet of things to come. They that read those Qualifications which he in his Se∣cond and Third Book requires in them which hope to understand the Scriptures aright, and see how great an insight he had into them, and how many hid Mysteries he hath unfolded to this Age, will say his Life was good, Superlatively good. The Reader may easily perceive that he had no design in his opinions; no hopes but that blessed One proposed in the beginning, that no preferment nor desire of Wealth, nor affectation of Popularity, should ever draw him from writing upon this Subject; for which no man so fit as he, because (to use his own Divine and high Apothegme) No man could properly write of Justifying Faith, but he that was e∣qually affected to Death and Honour.

Thus have I presented you with a Memorial of that Excellent Man, but with infinite disadvantage from the unskilfulness of the Relator, and some likewise from the very disposition of the Party himself. The humble man conceals his perfections with as much pains, as the proud covers his defects, and avoids observati∣on as industriously, as the Ambitious provoke it. He that would draw a face to the Life, commands the Party to sit down in the

Chair in a constant and unremoved Posture, and a Countenance composed, that he may have the full view of every line, colour, and dimension; whereas he that will not yield to these Ceremonies, must be surprized at unawares, by Artificial stealth, and unsuspected glances, like the Divine who was drawn at distance from the Pul∣pit, or an ancient man in our daies, whose Statue being to be erect∣ed, the Artificer that carved it, was enforced to take him sleeping. That which I have here designed (next to the Glory of God, which is to be praised in all his Saints) is the benefit of the Christian Rea∣der, that he may learn by his Example, as well as by his writings, by his Life as well as by his Works, which is the earnest desire of him who unfaignedly wishes the health and Salvation of your Souls.

E. V.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Dr. Juxon.