The works of the Reverend and learned John Lightfoot D. D., late Master of Katherine Hall in Cambridge such as were, and such as never before were printed : in two volumes : with the authors life and large and useful tables to each volume : also three maps : one of the temple drawn by the author himself, the others of Jervsalem and the Holy Land drawn according to the author's chorography, with a description collected out of his writings.

XI. His kindness and affection to Katharine Hall.

AS he truly loved Learning, so he had an intire favour to the Universities, where it was fostered and promoted. This appeared in that publick and open joy and Tri∣umph that he expressed in his Oration, when Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge, which was Anno 1655. at the opening of the Commencement. For when in those unjust and Vio∣lent times wherein so much malice was exercised against Religion, no wonder its hand∣maid Learning was designed for ruine: nothing then was talked of so much, and so much intended, and almost come to a final resolution, as the seizing the possessions and revenues of the University, and turning out the Scholars to shift for themselves. But by Gods gracious overruling Providence this feral design took not place. Upon which our Vice-Chancellor made a long Harangue, expressive of wonderful joy and thankfulness. Non fingere nobis id{que} moestis animis tremulis{que} non potuimus, qualis futura Anglia erutis ocu∣lis, &c. We could not but imagine, and that with sad and trembling hearts, what England would have been, her Eyes, viz. The Universities, and Clergy, being put out: what Cam∣bridge would have been without Cambridge: what a spectre of a dead University, what a Sce∣leton of empty Colleges, what a funeral of the Muses, and a carkas of deceased Literature, &c. and after breaks forth into thanks to Almighty God for their happy deliverance. And then taketh occasion hence to expatiate Learnedly in his Rabbinical way of the Anti∣tiquity, use and necessity of Universities. Academias primum fundavit ipse Deus, &c. God was the first Founder of Universities, of equal age with his Law and visible Church, and not to dye but with them, &c. as he Elegantly and Learnedly goes on.

Thus his good will spred it self over the whole Universities, but it was more pe∣culiar to two Colleges in that of Cambridge, unto which he was particularly related, viz. Christs College, where he had first been bred, and Katharine Hall, over which for many years he presided. And this kindness he shewed by dedicating a Book to each. That to Katharine Hall is before the first Horae Hebraicae he published. Where∣in by giving them account of his first falling upon Jewish Studies, and the excellent method he used in perusing the Rabbins, he, like a careful Master, directs their Studies; and in the close he professeth his Dedication proceeded from that real respect and endearment he had to them, and that he designed his Book as an eternal memorial of it. What else sounded those kind words which he used in his Letters to forainers concerning his College, styling the Students thereof, Catharinenses mei? And Doctor Castel, who knew as much of his mind as any, there being a great friendship between them, speaking to him concerning the College, calls it, Your delighted in Katharine Hall. Tis true he was at first put in Master there by the Powers that then were; but upon the happy settlement of these Kingdoms upon their old and true foundation of Monarchy, and the restitution of the King, our Doctor knowing the right of that place belonged to another, namely to Dr. Spurstow, voluntary and freely went and resigned it up to him: but upon his refusal to return back again, and take that charge, he applied to the King, who graciously bestowed his Letters upon him to confirm and settle him in that Master∣ship. And upon his coming down with those Letters, the Fellows of the College rode

out some miles to meet him, and to receive him with that ceremony, as if he had been a New Master of Katharine Hall.

A small College indeed it was, and illy built, but yet was so blessed by God, that it could boast of many famous and excellent Divines and Prelates of the Church of Eng∣land, and other very worthy Men, formerly members of it; and was usually stored with such numbers of Students, that they could hardly be contained within the Walls of the College. For the honour therefore of it, as well as its necessary enlargement, this our Master and the Fellows resolved to pull down at least some part of it, and to build it with more decency, capacity and advantage. Towards which as every Fellow presently laid down twenty pounds, so our Doctor gave a very liberal and generous contribution; and moreover was instrumental by his interest with his Friends to procure good benefacti∣ons for the same use from others. But he died soon after the Work was begun. So that the good Progress that is since made in that chargable Work is owing in the first place to the indefatigable pains of the Reverend and very Worthy John Eachard D. D. present Master, and those very many generous persons in London, and elsewhere, whose love of Learning, and favour to him, have excited them freely to contribute thereunto. But to return to Dr. Lightfoot. Who besides the former contribution, had before been a Benefactor to his College by redeeming a piece of Land to it. And therefore is always mentioned at the Commemoration of the Benefactors.

It was not his want of affection to his College, that made him reside not much there, but partly because he thought himself most bound to be chiefly among his Flock, of whose Souls he had the care: and partly because in the Country was most retirement, a thing that for the sake of his Studies he greatly affected to the last. Which were not in∣grateful to his old Age, but rather an ease and a pleasure to it. Studendo solor senectutem, was a saying of his to a Learned Man.