State-worthies, or, The states-men and favourites of England since the reformation their prudence and policies, successes and miscarriages, advancements and falls, during the reigns of King Henry VIII, King Edward VI, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, King James, King Charles I.

Observations on the Life of Sir Au∣gustine Nicols.

SIr August. Nicols, son to Tho. Nicols, Sergeant at Law, was born at Ecton in Northampton-shire. Now though according to the rigour of our Fundamental Premises, he be not within our cog∣nisance under this Ti••le, yet his merit will justifie us in presenting his Character. He was bred in the study of the Common Law, wherein he attained to such knowledge, that Qu. Eliz. made him, and K. Iames continued him his own Serjeant, whence he was freely preferred one of the Judges of the Common-Pleas. I say freely, King Iames com∣monly calling him the Judge that would give no money. Not to speak of his moral qualifications; and subordinate abilities; he was renowned for his special judiciary Endowments; of very calm affe∣ctions

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and moderate passions; of a grave and affa∣ble deportment; of a great patience to hear both Parties all they could say; a happy memory; a singular sag••city to search into the material circum∣stances; Exemplary integrity, even to the rejecti∣on of Gratuities after Judgement given, and a charge to his Followers, that they came to their Places clear-handed, and that they should not meddle with any Motions to him, that he might be secured from all appearance of corruption. His forbearing to travel on the Lords day, wrought a Reformation on some of his own Order. Very pi∣tiful and tender he was in case of life, yet very ex∣act in case of blood.

He loved plain and profitable Preaching, being wont to say, I know not what you call Preaching, but I like them that come neerest to my Conscience. The speech of Caesar is commonly known; Oportet Im∣peratorem stantem mori; which Bishop Iewel altered and applyed to himself, Decet Episcopum concionan∣t••m mori: of this man it may be said, Iudex mor∣tuus est jura dans; dying in his Calling, as he went the Northern Circuit, and hath a fair Monument in Kendal-Church in Westmerland. This I observe of this good man; that he was so good a man, that in the ruffling times he could be but a bad Magi∣strate, Cum vel ••xeunda ••it natura, vel minuenda dignitas: when he must either go out of his easie ••ature, or forego his just authority.