Memoires of the lives, actions, sufferings & deaths of those noble, reverend and excellent personages that suffered by death, sequestration, decimation, or otherwise, for the Protestant religion and the great principle thereof, allegiance to their soveraigne, in our late intestine wars, from the year 1637 to the year 1660, and from thence continued to 1666 with the life and martyrdom of King Charles I / by Da. Lloyd ...

THE Life and Death OF Dr THOMAS IACKSON, President of Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford.

IT is true, this Excellent Person died just when the Re∣bellion began to offer violence to others, yet dying then, he could not escape from the violence of it him∣self. Peter Martyrs wife, P. Fagius, and Martin Bu••••rs are reckoned a sort of Queen Maries Martyrs (though they dyed before) because their bodies were then digged from their Graves, and buried in a Dunghill. And this great man claimes justly a place in the Catalogue of Loyal Martyrs, because though dying Anno 1640. yet was afterwards fetched out of the Bed of Honour, in which the Church had laid him, and his Grave made among Hereticks and Pestilent Fellows.

It was one Branch of Arch-bishop Laud's Charge, that he pre∣ferred this Professed Arminian to be President of a Colledge in the University,* 1.1 Dean of a Cathedral in the Church. And he could not have escaped that accepted these preferments. He was reckoned a good man of old, that new hated. And you shall see from a sober person, to whom we owe this relation, what a good man this is whom the Conspiracy reviled. Reviled indeed, but basely, for when the Arch-bishop answered, That he thought Doctor Jackson Learned, Honest and Orthodox: It was replyed, That though Learned and Honest, he was an Arminian. Bonus vir, Cajus sejus in hoc tan∣tum malus quod Christianus. A man you will see, of whom that Age was not worthy.

He was descended from a very worthy Family, in the Bishoprick of Durham, his life seemed to be Consecrated to Vertue and Libe∣ral Arts, from his very Child-hood: He had a natural propensity ••o Learning, from which no other recreation or imployment could

divert him, he was first designed (by his Parents) to be a Mer∣chant in New-castle, where many of his near Friends and Aliance, lived in great wealth and prosperity; but neither could that tem∣ptation lay hold upon him.

Therefore (at the instance of a Noble Lord, the Load Eure) he was sent to the Vniversity of Oxford, for which highly esteemed fa¦vours he returns his solemn thanks in the very first words, and en¦trance of one of his books: He was first planted in Queens Colledge, under the Care and Tuition of the propound Doctor Grakanthorn•• and from thence removed to Corpus Christi Colledge, who al∣though he had no notice of the Vacancy of the Place, till the day before the Election, 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 to another Scholar. A sure and honourable argument of the incorruptedness of that place, when the peremptory Mandamus of the pious Founder, nec prece, nec pretio, presented with the merits of a young man and stranger, shall prevail more then all other solicitations and partialities whatsoever: This resolution hath been often assured unto me from one of the Electors (yet living) Master Iohn Hore of West-hendred, a man of reverend years and goodness. There was now a welcome necessity laid upon him, to preserve the high opi∣nion which was conceived of him, which he did in a studious and exemplary life, not subject to the usual intemperance of that age. Certainly the Devil 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 exorbitan¦ces, 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 part with him; For walking out with others of the younger company to wash himself, he was in eminent 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, ••. 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 Ionas) There might be a Prophet revived (as afterwards he proved) to forewarn the people of ensuing destruction, if peradventure they might repent, and God might revoke the judgments 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 procured, which was sent for, rather to take out his Body (be∣fore it floated) for a decent Funeral, then out of hopes of recove∣ry of Life. The Boat-man discerning where he was by the Bub∣ling 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) lighted under his arm, and brought him up into the Boat. All the parts of his body were swollen to a vast propor∣tion; and though 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 perceiv'd that life was yet within him, conveyed him to the Colledge, and commended him to the skill of Doctor Channel, an eminent Phy∣sician of the same House, where, with much care, time, and diffi∣culty, he recovered, to the equal joy and wonder of the whole Society. All men concluded him to be reserved for high and ad∣mirable purposes. His grateful Acknowledgments towards the Fisher-man and his Servants that took him up, knew no limits, be∣ing a constant Revenue to them while he lived. For his thankful∣ness to Almighty God, no heart could conceive, nor tongue ex∣press it but his own, often commemorating the miracle of Divine Mercy in his deliverances, and resolving hereafter not to live to himself, but to God that raiseth the dead. Neither did he serve God with that which cost him nothing; I must rank his abundant Chari∣ty, and riches of his Liberalities amongst the Vertues of his first years, as if he would strive with his Friends, Patron, and Benefa∣ctors, Vtruum illi largiendo, an ipse dispergendo vinceret, whether they shall be more bountiful in giving, or he in dispersing; or, that he was resolved to pay the ransome of his life into God's Ex∣checquer, which is the bodies of the poor. His heart was so free and enlarged in this kind, that very often his Alms-deed made him more rich that received, than it left him that gave it. His progress in the study of Divinity was something early, because (as he well considered) the journey that he intended was very far, yet not without large and good provisions for the way. No man made bet∣ter use of Humane Knowledge, in subserviency to the Eternal Truths of God, produced more testimonies of Heathens to con∣vert 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 praevi∣ous dispositions, or beautiful Gate which led him to the Temple; but especially Metaphysicks, as the next in attendance, and most ne∣cessary handmaid 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 youn∣ger Scholars, and some Employments imposed by the Founder, were rather recreations and assistances, than divertisements from that intended work. The Offices which (out of duty, not desire) were never the most profitable, but the most ingenuous, not such as might fill his purse, but increase his knowledge. It was no small accession of respect unto him (or rather a consequent of the good repute which he had already gained) that those two Noble Hosta∣ges

(Mr. Edward, and Mr. Richard Spencers, Sons to the Right Honou∣rable Robert, Lord Spencer, Baron of Wormleighton) were commend∣ed to his charge, whom he restored fully instructed with all good Literature, the glory of learned and religious Nobility, and the very Ornaments of the Countrey where they lived; for which faithful discharge of his great trust, he (and his Memory) were ever in singular veneration with that whole Family, and their Alli∣ances. His Discourse was very facetious (without offence) when time and place, and equality of persons permitted it. He was en∣tregent (as our neighbours speak it) a man (upon occasions of∣fered) of Vniversal 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 choice, to follow the Omen of his Iudgment. He read a Le∣cture of Divinity in the Colledge every Sunday morning, and ano∣ther day of the week at Pembroke Colledge (then newly erected) by the instance of the Master, and Fellows there. He was chosen Vice-President for many years together, who by his place was to moderate the Disputations in Divinity. In all these he demeaned himself with great depth of Learning, far from that knowledge which puffeth up, but accompanied with all gentleness, courtesie, humility, and moderation. From the Colledge, he was preferred to a Living in the Bishoprick of Durham (in their Donation) and from thence (with consent from the same Colledge obtained, where no request could be denied him) removed to the Vicarage of Newcastle, 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 appointed by his Friends to be a Merchant, but he chose rather to be a Factor for Heaven. One precious soul refi¦ned, pollished, and fitted for his Masters use, presented by him, was of more value to him, than all other purchases whatsoever. He adorned the Doctrine of the Gospel (which he preached and professed) with a sutable Life and Conversation, manifesting the signes of a true Apostle; in all things shewing himself a pattern of good works; in Doctrine, incorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that they which were of the

contrary part might be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of him, Titus 2. 7, 8.

I lately received Letters (saith the worthy Compiler of his Life) from a Gentleman, who lived there at the same time with him, who gave this Testimony of him, He was a man very stu∣dious, humble, courteous, and charitable. At Newcastle (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 certain time Doctor Hen∣derson, the Town's Physician, his neighbour and intimate acquain∣tance (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 Iackson bade him be of a good chear, for he would furnish him; and calling for his Servant, told him the Physician's need, and asked what money he had. The man stepping back silent, the Doctor bid's him speak; at length the man said, fourty shillings; he bade him fetch it, for Master Henderson should have it all: at which Master Henderson turned his sadness into laughter. Doctor Iackson demanded his reason; he said he had need of 400 or 500 pound. Doctor Iackson answered, that he thought fourty shillings to be a great sum, and that he should have it, and more also if he had had it. Thus in a place of busie Trade and Commerce, his mind was intent upon better things, willing to spend and to be spent for them, not seek∣ing theirs, but them. After 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 petiti∣on upon his part, for he knew nothing of the vacancy of the Place, but by the same Letters that informed him that it was conferred upon himself: A preferment 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 admission 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 coldness and admission of spirit, but from a prudent choice and experience of a better way: not without a great ex∣ample of Paul the aged, who when he had Authority to command that which is convenient (yet for love's sake) chose rather to be∣seech, Epistle to Philemon. He ruled in a most obliging manner, the Fellows, Scholars, Servants, Tenants, Nemo ab eo tristis discessit, no man departed from him with a sad heart, excepting in this parti∣cular, that by some misdemeanour, or willing errour, they had created trouble, or given any offence unto him. He used the Friends, as well as the Memory of his Predecessors fairly. He was Presidents pacificus, a lover and maker of peace. He silenced and composed all differences, displeasures, and animosities, by a pru∣dent impartiality, and the example of his own sweet disposition. All men taking notice that nothing was more hateful than 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 peculiar Art of Discipline, but successfully 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 good sake; and living himself, tanquam nemini ignosceret, as if he were so severe, that he could forgive no man, yet he re∣served large pardons for the imperfections of others. His nature was wholly composed of the properties of Charity it self. Charity

suffereth long, and is kinde, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. I can truely avouch this Testimony concerning him, That living in the same Colledge with him more than twenty years (partly when he was Fellow, and partly when he returned President) I never heard (to my best re∣membrance) one word of anger, or dislike against him. I have of∣ten resembled him in my thoughts (with favour of that Honou∣rable Person) to him (whose name sounds very near him) who being placed in the upper part of the World, carried on his Dig¦nity with that justice, modesty, integrity, fidelity, and other gra∣cious plausibilities, 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 emulated his Greatness, and by his example, shewed the preheminence and security of true Christian Wisdom, before all sleights of humane policy, 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 Christi∣an clemency, candor, wisdome, and modesty, that malice it self was more wary than to cast any aspersions upon him. I shall wil∣lingly associate him to those other Worthies his Predecessors in the same Colledge (all living at the same time) to the invaluable Bi∣shop Iewel, Theologorum quas Orbis Christianus per aliquot annorum Centenario produxit maximo, as grave Bishop Goodwin hath descri∣bed him, The greatest Divine that for some former Centuries of years the Christian World hath produced. To the famous Master Hooker, who for his solid Writings was surnamed The Iudicious, and entituled by the same, Theologorum Oxonium, the Oxford of Divines, as one calls Athens, The Greece of Greece it self. To the learned Dr. Reynolds, 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) acquaintance and familiarity of hopeful young Divines, not despising their Youth, but accounting them as Sons and Brethren, encouraging and advising them what Books to read, and with what holy preparations, lending them such Books as they have need of, and hoping withal, 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 Ad∣vices and Directions which he commanded to young men, Hear the dictates of your own Conscience; Quod dubitas ne feceris, ma∣king this the Comment upon that of Syracides, In all thy matters trust (or believe) thine own soul, and bear it not down by impe∣tuous and contradictuous lusts, &c. He was as diffusive of his know∣ledge, counsel, and advice, as of any other his works of mercy.

In all the Histories of Learned, Pious and Devout Men, you shall scarcely meet with one that disdained the world more gene∣rously; not out of ignorance of it, as one brought up in cells and darkness, for he was known and endeared to men of the most re∣splendent fortunes, nor out of melancholy disposition; for he was chearful and content in all estates, but out of a due and de∣liberate

scorn, knowing the true value, that is, the vanity of it. As preferments were heaped upon him without his suit or know∣ledge, so there was nothing in his power to give, which he was not ready and willing to part withal, to the deserving and indi∣gent man. His Vicarage of Saint Nicholas Church in New-Castle, he gave to Master Alveye of Trinity Colledge, upon no other relation, but out of the good opinion which he conceived of his merits. The Vicarage of Wetney near 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 a portion fitting either to give or keep, he freely bestowed it upon the worthy Master Thomas White, then Proctor of the University, late Chaplain to the Colledge, and now incumbent upon the Rectory. A Colledge Lea••••, 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 upon 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 dutiful opposition, he used all his power, friendship and importunity with them, till at length he prevailed to surrender it.

Many of his necessary friends and attendants have professed, that they have made several journeys, and employed all powerful mediation with the Bishop, that he might not be suffered to re∣sign his Prebendship of Winchester to a fourth; and upon acknow∣ledge (that by their continuance 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 former days they restrained the liberality of devout men towards the Col∣ledges, and the Clergy. But this was interpreted as a discourtesie and dis-service unto him, who knew it was a more blessed thing to give than to receive. But that which remained unto him, was dis∣persed unto the poor, to whom he was faithful dispenser•• in all places of his abode, distributing unto them with a Free Heart, a Bountiful Hand, a Comfortable Speech, and a Cheerful Eye.

How dis-respectful was he of Mammon, the God of this World, the Golden Image which Kings and Potentates have set up? be∣fore whom the Trumpets play for War and Slaughter, and Nati∣ons and Languages fall down and worship, besides all other kind of Musick for jollity and delight, to drown (if it were possible) the noise of bloud, which is most audiable, and cries loudest in the ears of the Almighty. How easily could he cast that away, for which others throw away their lives and salvation, running head-long into the place of eternal skreekings, weeping and gnashing of teeth. If it were not for this spirit of covetousness, 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 to 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 humbleness of mind, and emptied himself so

nearly by mercifulness unto the poor, must needs find an easier passage; doubtless, they that say and do these things, shew plain∣ly that they seek another Country, that is, an Heavenly; for if they had been mindful of this, they might have taken opportunity to have used it more advantageously.

His devotions towards God were assiduous and exemplary, both in publick and private. He was a diligent frequenter of the pub¦lick service in the Chappel, very early in the morning and at even∣ing, except some urgent occasions of infirmity did excuse him. His private conferences with God by prayer and meditations, were never omitted upon any occasion whatsoever.

When he went the yearly Progress to view the Colledge Lands, and came into the Tenants houses, it was his constant custome (be∣fore any other business, discourse, or care of himself, were he ne∣ver so wet or weary) to call for a retire 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 facility, Rack their Rents, or Change their Fines; for excepting the constant Revenue to the Founder (to whom he was a strict accountant) no man ever did more for them, or less for himself. For thirty years together he used this following Anthem, and Confession of the holy and undivided Trinity. Salva nos, libera nos, vivifica nos, Obeat a Trinit as: Save us, deliver us, quicken us, Obles∣sed Trinity. Let us praise God the Father, and the Son, with the Ho∣ly Spirit; let us praise and super-exalt his name for ever. Al∣mighty and everlasting God, which hast given us, thy Servants, grace by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the Holy Tri∣nity, and in the power of the Divine Majesty to worship the Vnity: We beseech thee, that through the stedfastness of this faith, we may ever∣more be defended from all adversity, which livest and raignest, &c.

This he did perform, not only 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 high∣ly of the Attributes of God than he, and yet he professes that he always took more comfort in admiring, than in disputing, and in praying to, and acknowledging the Majesty and Glory of the bles∣sed ••rinity, than by too curiously prying into the Mystery. He composed a book of Private Devotions, which some judicious men (having perused the same) much extolled and admired, as being replenished with holy truths and divine meditations, which (if it be not already annexed to this book) I hope the Reader will shortly enjoy in a portable Volumn by it self.

Thus have many Scholars and Polemical men (in their elder times) betaken themselves to Catechizing and Devotion, as Pareus, Bishop Andrews, Bishop Vsher; and Bellarmin himself seems to prefer this Book, De ascensione mentis ad Deum, Of the ascension of the soul to God, before any other parts of his works. Books (saith he) are not to be estimated, Ex multitudine folliorum, sed ex fructi∣bus, By the multitudes of the leaves, but the fruit. My other books I read only upon necessity, but this I have willingly read

over three or four times, and resolve to read it more often; whe∣ther it be (saith he) that the love towards it be greater than the merit, because (like another 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 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 kingdom were in firm league with all Nations, yet it is still in God's power, we may fear, in his purpose to plague this kingdom, by this or like tempests, more grievcously then he hath done at any time by Famine, Sword or Pestilence, to bury many living souls, as well of su∣periour as inferior rank, in the ruine of their stately Houses or meaner Cottages, &c.

Which was observed by many, but signally by the Preface to Master Herberts Remains; I shall not prevent the Reader, or detain him so long from the original of that book, as to repeat Elogies, which are there conferred upon him. I cannot forbear one passage in that Preface, wherein he made this profession; I speak it in the presence of God, I have not read so hearty, vigorous a Champion against Rome (amongst our Writers in this rank) so convincing and demonstra∣tive as Dr. Jackson is. I bless God for the confirmation he hath given me in the Christian religion against the Atheist, Iew and Socinian, and in the Protestant, against Rome.

As he was always a reconciler of differences in the 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 Country-men, although that were but the be∣ginning of their sorrows. He well knew that war was commonly attended with ruin and calamity, especially to Church and Churches, and therefore that prayer was necessary and becoming of them, Da pacem Domine in diebus nostris, &c, Give peace in our time, O Lord, because there is none other that fighteth for us, but only thou, O God. One drop of Christian 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 chil∣dren, he could not be comforted: his body grew weak, the chear∣ful hue of his countenance was empaled 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 degree of punishment to him to see it; it had been more than a thousand deaths unto him to have beheld it with his eyes.

When his death was now approaching, being in the Chamber with many others, I over-heard 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 wai••eth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning. As for me, I will behold thy face in right cousness, I shall be satisfied when I awake with thy likeness. And he ended with this Cygnean caution, Psal. 116. 5, 6, 7. Cracious 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 having thus spoken, soon after he surrendred up his spirit to him that gave it.

If you shall enquire what this charitable man left in Legacy 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 Pape•• only, which the Bishop of Armagh (being at his Funeral) 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 perpe∣tuam Eleemosynam, for a perpetual deed of Charity, which I hope the Reader will advance to the utmost improvement.

He that reads this, will find his learning Christeni•••• him The Divine, and his life witnessing him a man of God, a ••••••••••••er of righteousness, and I might add, a Prophet of things to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they that read those qualifications which he in his second 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••rd book requires, in them which hope to understand the Scri•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 right, and see how great an insight he had into them, and now many hid mysteries he lately unfolded to this age, will say his life was good, Superlatively good. The Reader may easily perceive, that he had no designs in his opinions, no hopes but that of wealth, nor affection of popularity, should ever draw him from writing this subject, for which no man so fit as he, because (to use his own di∣vine and high Apothegm) no man could write of justifying faith, but he that was equally affected to death and honour.

Notes

• * 1.1

  C. C. Oxon. Peterburgh.