The life of Dr. Sanderson, late Bishop of Lincoln written by Izaak Walton ; to which is added, some short tracts or cases of conscience written by the said Bishop.

THE LIFE OF Dr. Robert Sanderson, LATE Lord Bishop of Lincoln.

DOctor Robert Sanderson, the late learned Bishop of Lincoln, whose Life I intend to write with all truth

and equal plainness, was born the nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Redemption 1587. The place of his birth was Rotheram in the County of York; a Town of good note, and the more for that Thomas Rotheram, sometime Archbishop of that Sea was born in it; a man, whose great wisdom, and boun∣ty, and sanctity of life, have made it the more memorable; as in∣deed it ought also to be, for be∣ing the birth place of our Ro∣bert Sanderson. And the Read∣er will be of my belief, if this humble Relation of his Life can hold any proportion with his great Piety, his useful Learning,

and his many other extraordina∣ry endowments.

He was the second and young∣est Son of Robert Sanderson of Gilthwait-hall in the said Parish and County, Esq by Elizabeth one of the Daughters of Richard Carr of Buterthwate-hall, in the Parish of Ecclesfield in the said County of York, Gentleman.

This Robert Sanderson the Fa∣ther, was descended from a nu∣merous, ancient, and honoura∣ble Family of his own Name: for the search of which truth, I refer my Reader, that inclines to it, to Dr. Thoriton's History of the Antiquities of Nottinghamshire, and other Records; not think∣ing

it necessary here to ingage him into a search for bare Titles, which are noted to have in them nothing of reality: For Titles not acquir'd, but deriv'd only, do but shew us who of our An∣cestors have, and how they have atchiev'd that honour which their Descendants claim, and may not be worthy to enjoy. For if those Titles descend to persons that degenerate into Vice, and break off the conti∣nued line of Learning, or Va∣lour, or that Vertue that ac∣quir'd them, they destroy the very foundation upon which that Honour was built; and all the Rubbish of their Vices ought

to fall heavy on such dishonou∣rable Heads; ought to fall so heavy, as to degrade them of their Titles, and blast their Me∣mories with reproach and shame.

But our Robert Sanderson li∣ved worthy of his Name and Fa∣mily: Of which one testimony may be, That Gilbert, call'd the Great Earl of Shrewsbury, thought him not unworthy to be joyn'd with him as a God-father to Gilbert Sheldon, the late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury; to whose Merits and Memory Po∣sterity (the Clergy especially) ought to pay a Reverence.

But I return to my intended Relation of Robert the Son, who began in his Youth to make the Laws of God, and Obedience to his Parents, the rules of his life; seeming even then to dedicate himself, and all his Studies, to Piety and Vertue.

And, as he was inclin'd to this by that native goodness, with which the wise Disposer of all hearts had endow'd his: So this calm, this quiet and happy temper of mind (his being mild, and averse to oppositions) made the whole course of his life easie and grateful both to himself and others: And this blessed temper, was maintain'd

and improv'd by his prudent Fathers good Example, and by frequent conversing with him; and scattering short Apothegms and little pleasant Stories, and making useful applications of them, his Son was in his In∣fancy taught to abhor Vanity and Vice as Monsters, and to discern the loveliness of Wis∣dom and Vertue; and by these means, and God's concurring Grace, his knowledge was so augmented, and his native good∣ness so confirm'd, that all be∣came so habitual, as 'twas not easie to determine whether Na∣ture or Education were his Teachers.

And here let me tell the Rea∣der, That these early beginnings of Vertue were by God's assisting grace blest with what St. Paul seem'd to beg for his Philippians, namely, That he that had begun a good work in them, would finish it. And Almighty God did: For his whole life was so regular and innocent, that he might have said at his death (and with truth and comfort) what the same St. Paul said after to the same Philippians, when he advis'd them to walk as they had him for an Example.

And this goodness, of which I have spoken, seem'd to increase as his years did; and with his

goodness his learning, the foun∣dation of which was laid in the Grammer School of Rotheram (that being one of those three that were founded and liberally endow'd by the said great and good Bishop of that Name.) And in this time of his being a Scholar there, he was observ'd to use an unwearied diligence to attain learning, and to have a seriousness beyond his age, and with it a more than common modesty; and to be of so calm and obliging a behaviour, that the Master and whole number of Scholars lov'd him, as one man.

And in this love and amity he continued at that School till about the thirteenth year of his age; at which time his Father design'd to improve his Gram∣mer learning, by removing him from Rotheram to one of the more noted Schools of Eaton or Westminster: and after a years stay there, then to remove him thence to Oxford. But, as he went with him, he call'd on an old Friend, a Minister of noted learning, and told him his in∣tentions; and he, after many questions with his Son, receiv'd such Answers from him, that he assur'd his Father, his Son was so perfect a Grammarian, that

he had laid a good foundation to build any, or all the Arts up∣on; and therefore advis'd him to shorten his journey, and leave him at Oxford. And his Father did so.

His father left him there to the sole care and manage of Dr. Kilbie, who was then Rector of Lincoln Colledge: And he, after some time and trial of his man∣ners and learning, thought fit to enter him of that Colledge, and after to matriculate him in the University, which he did the first of Iuly 1603. but he was not chosen Fellow till the third of May 1606. at which time he had taken his Degree of Batche∣lor

of Arts; at the taking of which Degree, his Tutor told the Rector, That his Pupil Sander∣son had a metaphysical brain, and a matchless memory: and that he thought he had improv'd, or made the last so by an Art of his own in∣vention. And all the future im∣ployments of his life prov'd that his Tutor was not mistaken. I must here stop my Reader, and tell him, that this Dr. Kilbie was a man of so great learning and wisdom, and so excellent a Critick in the Hebrew Tongue, that he was made Professor of it in this University; and was also so perfect a Grecian, that he was by King Iames appointed to be

one of the Translators of the Bible: And that this Doctor and Mr. Sanderson had frequent Discourses, and lov'd as Father and Son. The Doctor was to ride a Journey into Darbyshire, and took Mr. Sanderson to bear him company: and they going together on a Sunday with the Doctor's Friend to that Parish Church where they then were, found the young Preacher to have no more discretion, than to waste a great part of the hour allotted for his Sermon in ex∣ceptions against the late Trans∣lation of several words (not ex∣pecting such a hearer as Dr. Kil∣bie) and shew'd three Reasons

why a particular word should have been otherwise translated. When Evening Prayer was end∣ed, the Preacher was invited to the Doctor's Friends house; where, after some other Confe∣rence, the Doctor told him, He might have preach'd more useful Doctrine, and not fill'd his Audi∣tors ears with needless Exceptions against the late Translation; and for that word, for which he offered to that poor Congregation three Rea∣sons, why it ought to have been translated, as he said; he and o∣thers had considered all them, and found thirteen more considerable Reasons, why it was translated as now printed: and told him, If his

Friend, then attending him, should prove guilty of such indiscre∣tion, he should forfeit his favour. To which Mr. Sanderson said, He hop'd he should not. And the Preacher was so ingenious as to say, He would not justifie himself. And so I return to Oxford. In the year 1608. (Iuly the 11th.) Mr. Sanderson was compleated Master of Arts. I am not ig∣norant, that for the attaining these Dignities, the time was shorter than was then, or is now required; but either his birth, or the well performance of some extraordinary exercise, or some other merit, made him so: and the Reader is requested to be∣lieve

that 'twas the last; and re∣quested to believe also, that, if I be mistaken in the time, the Col∣ledge Records have mis-inform∣ed me: But I hope they have not.

In that year of 1608. he was (November the 7th.) by his Col∣ledge chosen Reader of Logick in the House, which he perform∣ed so well, that he was chosen a∣gain the sixth of November, 1609. In the year 1613. he was chosen Sub-rector of the Colledge, and the like for the year 1614. and chose again to the same Dignity and Trust for the year 1616.

In all which time and im∣ployments, his abilities and be∣haviour

were such, as procur'd him both love and reverence from the whole Society; there being no exception against him for any faults, but a sorrow for the infirmities of his being too timorous and bashful; both which were, God knows, so connatural, as they never left him. And I know not whether his lovers ought to wish they had; for they prov'd so like the Radical moisture in man's body, that they preserv'd the life of Vertue in his Soul, which by God's assisting grace never left him, till this life put on immor∣tality. Of which happy infir∣mities (if they may be so

call'd) more hereafter.

In the year 1614. he stood to be elected one of the Proctors for the University. And 'twas not to satisfie any ambition of his own, but to comply with the desire of the Rector and whole Society, of which he was a Mem∣ber; who had not had a Pro∣ctor chosen out of their Colledge for the space of sixty years (namely, not from the year 1554. unto his standing;) and they perswaded him, that if he would but stand for Proctor, his merits were so generally known, and he so well beloved, that 'twas but appearing, and he would infallibly carry it against any

Opposers; and told him, That he would by that means recover a right or reputation that was seem∣ingly dead to his Colledge. By these and other like perswasions he yielded up his own reason to theirs, and appear'd to stand for Proctor. But that Election was carried on by so sudden and se∣cret, and by so powerful a Fa∣ction, that he mist it. Which when he understood, he profest seriously to his Friends, That if he were troubled at the disappoint∣ment, 'twas for theirs, and not for his own sake: For he was far from any desire of such an Imployment, as must be managed with charge and trouble, and was too usually re∣warded

with hard censures, or ha∣tred, or both.

In the year following he was earnestly perswaded by Dr. Kil∣bie and others, to renew the Lo∣gick Lectures which he had read some years past in his Colledge: and that done, to methodize and print them, for the ease and pub∣lick good of Posterity. But though he had an aversness to appear publickly in print; yet after many serious solicitations, and some second thoughts of his own, he laid aside his modesty, and promised he would; and he did so in that year of 1615. And the Book prov'd, as his Friends seem'd to prophecy,

that is, of great and general use, whether we respect the Art or the Author. For Logick may be said to be an Art of right rea∣soning: an Art that undeceives men who take falshood for truth; enables men to pass a true Judg∣ment, and detect those fallacies which in some mens Understand∣ings usurp the place of right reason. And how great a Master our Author was in this Art, will quickly appear from that clear∣ness of method, argument, and demonstration, which is so con∣spicuous in all his other Wri∣tings. He who had attained to so great a dexterity in the use of reason himself, was best quali∣fied

to prescribe rules and di∣rections for the instruction of o∣thers. And I am the more sa∣tisfied of the excellency and use∣fulness of this his first publick Undertaking, by hearing that most Tutors in both Universi∣ties teach Dr. Sanderson's Lo∣gick to their Pupils, as a Foun∣dation upon which they are to build their future Studies in Philosophy. And for a further confirmation of my belief, the Reader may note, That since his Book of Logick was first print∣ed, there has not been less than ten thousand sold: And that 'tis like to continue both to dis∣cover truth, and to clear and

confirm the reason of the unborn World.

It will easily be believed that his former standing for a Pro∣ctors place, and being disap∣pointed, must prove much dis∣pleasing to a man of his great wisdom and modesty, and create in him an aversness to run a se∣cond hazard of his credit and content; and yet he was assured by Dr. Kilbie, and the Fellows of his own Colledge, and most of those that had oppos'd him in the former Election, that his Book of Logick had purchas'd for him such a belief of his Learning and Prudence, and his behavi∣our at the former Election had

got for him so great and so ge∣neral a love, that all his former Opposers repented what they had done; and therefore per∣swaded him to venture to stand a second time. And upon these and other like incouragements, he did again, but not without an inward unwillingness, yield up his own reason to theirs, and promis'd to stand. And he did so; and was the tenth of April, 1616. chosen Senior Proctor for the year following, Mr. Charles Crooke of Christ-Church being then chosen the Junior.

In this year of his being Pro∣ctor there happened many me∣morable accidents; namely, Dr.

Robert Abbot, Master of Balial Colledge, and Regius Professor of Divinity (who being elected or consecrated Bishop of Sarum some months before) was so∣lemnly conducted out of Oxford towards his Diocese, by the Heads of all Houses, and the chief of all the University. And Dr. Pridiaux succeeded him in the Professorship, in which he con∣tinued till the year 1642. (being then elected Bishop of Worcester) and then our now Proctor Mr. Sanderson succeeded him in the Regius Professorship.

And in this year Dr. Arthur Lake (then Warden of New Colledge) was advanced to the

Bishoprick of Bath and Wells: A man of whom I take my self bound in Justice to say, That he made the great trust committed to him, the chief care and whole business of his life. And one testimony of this truth may be, That he sate usually with his Chancellor in his Consistory, and at least advis'd, if not assist∣ed in most sentences for the pu∣nishing of such Offenders as de∣served Church Censures. And it may be noted, That after a Sentence for Penance was pro∣nounced, he did very warily or never allow of any Commutation for the Offence, but did usually see the Sentence for Penance

executed; and then as usually preach'd a Sermon of Mortifica∣tion and Repentance, and so apply them to the Offenders, that then stood before him, as begot in them then a devout con∣trition, and at least resolutions to amend their lives; and ha∣ving done that, he would take them (though never so poor) to dinner with him, and use them friendly, and dismiss them with his blessing, and perswasions to a vertuous life, and beg them to believe him: And his Humility, and Charity, and other Christi∣an Excellencies were all like this. Of all which the Reader may inform himself in his Life, truly

writ and printed before his Ser∣mons.

And in this year also, the very prudent and very wise Lord Elsmere, who was so very long Lord Chancellor of England, and then of Oxford, resigning up the last, the right Honoura∣ble, and as magnificent, William Herbert Earl of Pembroke, was chose to succeed him.

And in this year our late King Charles the First (then Prince of Wales) came honourably at∣tended to Oxford; and having deliberately visited the Univer∣sity, the Schools, Colledges, and Libraries, He and his At∣tendants were entertained with

Ceremonies and Feasting sutable to their Dignity and Merirs.

And this year King Iames sent Letters to the University for the regulating their Studies; espe∣cially of the young Divines: Advising they should not rely on modern Sums and Systemes, but study the Fathers and Coun∣cils, and the more Primitive Learning. And this advice was occasioned by the indiscreet in∣ferences made by very many Preachers out of Mr. Calvin's Doctrine concerning Predestina∣tion, Vniversal Redemption, the Irresistibility of God's Grace, and of some other knotty Points depending upon these; Points

which many think were not, but by Interpreters forc'd to be Mr. Calvin's meaning; of the truth or falshood of which, I pretend not to have an ability to judge; my meaning in this Relation be∣ing only to acquaint the Reader with the occasion of the King's Letter.

It may be observed, that the various accidents of this year did afford our Proctor large and laudable matter to relate and discourse upon: And, that though his Office seem'd, accord∣ing to Statute and Custome, to require him to do so at his lea∣ving it; yet he chose rather to pass them over with some very

short Observations, and present the Governours, and his other Hearers, with rules to keep up Discipline and Order in the U∣niversity; which at that time was either by defective Statutes, or want of the due execution of those that were good, grown to be extreamly irregular. And in this year also, the Magisterial part of the Proctor requir'd more diligence, and was more difficult to be managed than formerly, by reason of a multi∣plicity of new Statutes, which begot much confusion; some of which Statutes were then, and others suddenly after, put into a useful execution. And though

these Statutes were not then made so perfectly useful, as they were design'd, till Archbishop Laud's time (who assisted in the forming and promoting them;) yet our present Proctor made them as effectual as discretion and diligence could do: Of which one Example may seem worthy the noting; namely, That if in his Night-walk he met with irregular Scholars absent from their Colledges at Univer∣sity hours, or disordered by drink, or in scandalous compa∣ny, he did not use his power of punishing to an extremity; but did usually take their names, and a promise to appear before

him unsent for next morning: And when they did, convinced them with such obligingness, and reason added to it, that they part∣ed from him with such resolutions as the man after God's own heart was possess'd with, when he said, There is mercy with thee, and there∣fore thou shalt be feared. And by this, and a like behaviour to all men, he was so happy as to lay down this dangerous imploy∣ment, as but very few, if any have done, even without an Ene∣my.

After his Speech was ended, and he retir'd with a Friend into a convenient privacy; he look'd upon his Friend with a more

than common chearfulness, and spake to him to this purpose. I look back upon my late imployment with some content to my self, and a great thankfulness to Almighty God, that he hath made me of a temper not apt to provoke the mean∣est of mankind, but rather to pass by infirmities, if noted; and in this Imployment I have had (God knows) many occasions to do both. And when I consider how many of a contrary temper, are by sudden and small occasions transported and hur∣ried by Anger to commit such Errors, as they in that passion could not foresee, and will in their more calm and deliberate thoughts upbraid, and require repentance: And Consider,

that though Repentance secures us from the punishment of any sin, yet how much more comfortable it is to be innocent, than need pardon: And consider, that Errors against men, though pardon'd both by God and them, do yet leave such anxious and upbraiding impressions in the memory, as abates of the Offender's content: When I consider all this, and that God hath of his goodness given me a temper that hath pre∣vented me from running into such enormities, I remember my temper with joy and thankfulness. And though I cannot say with David (I wish I could) that therefore his praise shall always be in my mouth; yet I hope, that by his

grace, and that grace seconded by my endeavours, it shall never be blotted out of my memory; and I now beseech Almighty God that it ne∣ver may.

And here I must look back, and mention one passage more in his Proctorship, which is; That Gilbert Sheldon, the late Lord Archbishop of Canterbury, was this year sent to Trinity Colledge in that University; and not long after his entrance there, a Letter was sent after him from his God∣father (the Father of our Proctor) to let his Son know it, and com∣mend his God-son to his ac∣quaintance, and to more than a common care of his behaviour;

which prov'd a pleasing injun∣ction to our Proctor, who was so gladly obedient to his Fathers desire, that he some few days after sent his Servitor to intreat Mr. Sheldon to his Chamber next morning. But it seems Mr. Sheldon having (like a young man as he was) run into some such irregularity as made him cautious he had transgress'd his Statutes, did therefore appre∣hend the Proctor's invitation as an introduction to punishment; the fear of which made his Bed restless that night; but at their meeting the next morning, that fear vanished immediately by the Proctor's chearful countenance,

and the freedom of their dis∣course of Friends. And let me tell my Reader, that this first meeting prov'd the beginning of as spirituala friendship as human nature is capable of; of a friend∣ship free from all self ends: and it continued to be so, till death forc'd a separation of it on earth; but 'tis now reunited in hea∣ven.

And now, having given this account of his behaviour, and the considerable accidents in his Proctorship, I proceed to tell my Reader, that this busie im∣ployment being ended, he preach'd his Sermon for his de∣gree of Batchelor in Divinity, in

as eligant Latin, and as remark∣able for the matter, as hath been preach'd in that University since that day. And having well perform'd his other Exercises for that degree, he took it the nine and twentieth of May following, having been ordain'd Deacon and Priest in the year 1611. by Iohn King, then Bishop of Lon∣don, who had not long before been Dean of Christ-Church, and then knew him so well, that he became his most affectionate Friend. And in this year, be∣ing then about the 29th. of his Age, he took from the Universi∣ty a Licence to preach.

In the year 1618. he was by Sir Nicholas Sanderson, Lord Viscount Castleton, presented to the Rectory of Wibberton, not far from Boston, in the County of Lincoln, a Living of very good value; but it lay in so low and wet a part of that Countrey, as was inconsistent with his health. And health being (next to a good Conscience) the greatest of God's blessings in this life, and requiring therefore of every man a care and diligence to preserve it, he, apprehending a danger of losing it if he continued at Wib∣berton a second Winter, did there∣fore resign it back into the hands of his worthy Kinsman and Pa∣tron,

about one year after his donation of it to him.

And about this time of his resignation he was presented to the Rectory of Boothby Pannel in the same County of Lincoln; a Town which has been made fa∣mous, and must continue to be famous, because Dr. Sanderson, the humble and learned Dr. San∣derson, was more than 40 years Parson of Boothby Pannel, and from thence dated all, or most of his matchless Writings.

To this Living (which was of less value, but a purer Air than Wibberton) he was presented by Thomas Harrington of the same County and Parish, Esq who

was a Gentleman of a very an∣cient Family, and of great use and esteem in his Countrey du∣ring his whole life. And in this Boothby Pannel the meek and cha∣ritable Dr. Sanderson and his Pa∣tron liv'd with an endearing, mutual, and comfortable friend∣ship, till the death of the last put a period to it.

About the time that he was made Parson of Boothby Pannel, he resign'd his Fellowship of Lincoln Colledge unto the then Rector and Fellows: And his resignation is recorded in these words:

Ego Robertus Sanderson per, &c.

I Robert Sanderson, Fellow of the Colledge of St. Maries and All-Saints, commonly call'd Lin∣coln Colledge, in the University of Oxford, do freely and willingly resign into the hands of the Rector and fellows, all the Right and Ti∣tle that I have in the said Colledge, wishing to them and their Succes∣sors, all peace, and piety, and happiness, in the Name of the Fa∣ther, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

May 6. 1619

Robert Sanderson.

And not long after this re∣signation, he was by the then Bishop of York, or the King, Sede vacante, made Prebend of the Collegiate Church of South∣well in that Diocese; and short∣ly after of Lincoln by the Bishop of that See.

And being now resolv'd to set down his rest in a quiet privacy at Boothby Pannel, and looking back with some sadness upon his removal from his general Ac∣quaintance left in Oxford, and the peculiar pleasures of a Univer∣sity life; he could not but think the want of Society would ren∣der this of a Countrey Parson the more uncomfortable, by rea∣son

of that want of conversation; and therefore he did put on some saint purposes to marry. For he had considered, that though marriage be cumbred with more worldly care than a single life; yet a complying and prudent Wife changes those very cares into so mutual a content, as makes them become like the Suf∣ferings of St. Paul, which he would not have wanted, because they occasioned his rejoycing in them. And he having well considered this, and observ'd the secret un∣utterable joys that Children be∣get in Parents, and the mutual pleasures and contented trouble of their daily care and constant

endeavours to bring up those little Images of themselves so, as to make them as happy as all those cares and endeavours can make them: He having consi∣dered all this, the hopes of such happiness turn'd his faint pur∣pose into a positive resolution to marry. And he was so happy as to obtain Anne, the daughter of Henry Nelson Batchelor in Di∣vinity, then Rector of Haugham in the County of Lincoln (a man of noted worth and learning.) And the Giver of all good things was so good to him, as to give him such a Wife as was sutable to his own desires; a Wife, that made his life happy by being al∣ways

content when he was chear∣ful; that divided her joys with him, and abated of his sorrow, by bearing a part of that bur∣then; a Wife, that demonstrated her affection by a chearful obe∣dience to all his desires, during the whole course of his life; and at his death too, for she out∣liv'd him.

And in this Boothby Pannel he either found or made his Pa∣rishioners peaceable, and com∣plying with him in the decent and regular service of God. And thus his Parish, his Patron, and he liv'd together in a religious love, and a contented quietness. He not troubling their thoughts

by preaching high and useless notions, but such plain truths as were necessary to be known, believed, and practised, in or∣der to their salvation. And their assent to what he taught was testified by such a confor∣mity to his Doctrine, as decla∣red they believ'd and lov'd him. For he would often say, That without the last, the most evident truths (heard as from an enemy, or an evil liver) either are not, or are at least the less effectual; and do usually rather harden, than con∣vince the hearer.

And this excellent man did not think his duty discharged by only reading the Church

Prayers, Catechizing, Preach∣ing, and administring the Sacra∣ments seasonably; but thought (if the Law or the Canons may seem to injoyn no more, yet) that God would require more than the defective Laws of man's making, can or does injoyn; the performance of that inward Law, which Almighty God hath im∣printed in the Conscience of all good Christians, and inclines those whom he loves to perform. He considering this, did therefore become a law to himself, practi∣cing what his Conscience told him was his duty, in reconciling differences, and preventing Law∣suits, both in his Parish and in

the Neighbourhood. To which may be added his often visiting sick and disconsolate Families, perswading them to patience, and raising them from dejection and his advice and chearful dis∣course, and by adding his own Alms, if there were any so poor as to need it; considering how acceptable it is to Almighty God, when we do as we are advis'd by St. Paul, help to bear one anothers burthen, either of sorrow or want: and what a comfort it will be, when the Searcher of all hearts shall call us to a strict account for that evil we have done, and the good we have omitted, to re∣member we have comforted and

been helpful to a dejected or di∣stressed Family.

And that his practice was to do good, one Example may be, That he met with a poor dejected Neighbour that complain'd he had taken a Meadow, the Rent of which was 9 l. a year; and when the Hay was made ready to be carried into his Barn, several days constant rain had so raised the water, that a sudden Flood carried all away, and his rich Landlord would bate him no rent; and that unless he had half abated, he and seven children were utterly undone. It may be noted, That in this Age there are a sort of people so unlike the God

of mercy, so void of the bowels of pity, that they love only them∣selves and children; love them so, as not to be concern'd, whether the rest of mankind waste their days in sorrow or shame; Peo∣ple that are curst with riches, and a mistake that nothing but riches can make them and theirs hap∣py. But 'twas not so with Dr. Sanderson; for he was concern'd, and spoke comfortably to the poor dejected man; bade him go home and pray, and not load himself with sorrow, for he would go to his Landlord next morn∣ing, and if his Landlord would not abate what he desired, he and a Friend would pay it for him.

To the Landlord he went the next day; and in a conference, the Doctor presented to him the sad condition of his poor deject∣ed Tenant; telling him how much God is pleas'd when men com∣passionate the poor: and told him, That though God loves Sa∣crifice, yet he loves Mercy so much better, that he is pleas'd when call'd the God of mercy. And told him, the riches he was possest of were given him by that God of mercy, who would not be pleas'd, if he that had so much given, yea, and forgiven him too, should prove like the rich Steward in the Gospel, that took his fellow servant by the throat to make him pay the

utmost farthing. This he told him. And told him, That the Law of this Nation (by which Law he claims his Rent) does not undertake to make men honest or merciful; but does what it can to restrain men from being dishonest or unmer∣ciful, and yet was defective in both: and that taking a∣ny Rent from his poor Te∣nant, for what God suffered him not to enjoy, though the Law allowed him to do so, yet if he did so, he was too like that rich Steward which he had mentioned to him; and told him that riches so gotten, and added to his great

Estate, would, as Iob says, prove like gravel in his teeth, would in time so corrode his Conscience, or become so nauseous when he lay upon his Death-bed, that he would then labour to vomit it up, and not be able: and there∣fore advis'd him, being very rich, to make Friends of his unrighteous Mammon, before that evil day come upon him: But however, neither for his own sake, nor for God's sake, to take any Rent of his poor dejected sad Tenant, for that were to gain a temporal, and lose his eternal happiness. These and other such reasons, were urg'd with so grave and so com∣passionate an earnestness, that the

Landlord forgave his Tenant the whole Rent.

The Reader will easily believe that Dr. Sanderson, who was him∣self so meek & merciful, did sud∣denly and gladly carry this com∣fortable news to the dejected Te∣nant; and will believe, that at the telling of it there was a mu∣tual rejoycing. 'Twas one of Iob's boasts, That he had seen none perish for want of clothing: and that he had often made the heart of the widow to rejoyce. And doubtless Dr. Sanderson might have made the same religious boast of this, and very many like occasions. But since he did not, I rejoyce that I have this just occasion to

do it for him; and that I can tell the Reader, I might tire my self and him in telling how like the whole course of Dr. Sander∣son's life was to this which I have now related.

Thus he went on in an ob∣scure and quiet privacy, doing good daily both by word and by deed, as often as any occasion offer'd it self; yet not so obscure∣ly, but that his very great learn∣ing, prudence, and piety were much noted and valued by the Bishop of his Diocese, and by most of the Nobility and Gen∣trey of that Country. By the first of which he was often summon'd to preach many Visitation Ser∣mons,

and by the latter at many Assizes. Which Sermons, though they were much esteemed by them that procur'd and were fit to judge them; yet they were the less valued, because he read them, which he was forc'd to do; for though he had an extraordi∣nary memory (even the Art of it) yet he had such an inmate, in∣vincible fear and bashfulness, that his memory was wholly use∣less, as to the repetition of his Sermons as he had writ them, which gave occasion to say, when they were first printed and ex∣pos'd to censure (which was in the year 1632) That the best Ser∣mons that were ever read, were never preach'd.

In this contented obscurity he continued, till the learned and good Archbishop Laud, who knew him well in Oxford (for he was his contemporary there told the King ('twas the knowing and conscientious King Charles the I.) that there was one Mr. Sanderson, an obscure Countrey Minister, that was of such sincerity, and so excellent in all Casuistical learn∣ing, that he desir'd his Majesty would make him his Chaplain. The King granted it most wil∣lingly, & gave the Bishop charge to hasten it, for he long'd, to dis∣course with a man that had dedi∣cated his Studies to that useful part of learning. The Bishop for∣got

not the King's desire, and Mr. Sanderson was made his Chaplain in Ordinary in November follow∣ing, 1631. And when they became known to each other, the King did put many Cases of Consci∣ence to him, and receiv'd from him such deliberate, safe, and clear solutions, as gave him great content in conversing with him: so that at the end of his months attendance, the King told him, He should long for the next Novem∣ber; for he resolv'd to have a more inward acquaintance with him, when that month and he return'd. And when the month and he did re∣turn, the good King was never absent from his Sermons, and

would usually say, I carry my ears to hear other Preachers, but I carry my conscience to hear Mr. San∣derson, and to act accordingly. And this ought not to be con∣ceal'd from Posterity, That the King thought what he spake: For he took him to be his Advi∣ser in that quiet part of his life, and he prov'd to be his Comfor∣ter in those days of his affliction, when he apprehended himself to be in danger of Death or Depo∣sing. Of which more hereafter.

In the first Parliament of this good King (which was 1625.) he was chosen to be a Clerk of the Convocation for the Diocese of Lincoln, which I here mention,

because about that time did a∣rise many disputes about Prede∣stination, and the many Critical Points that depend upon, or are interwoven in it; occasioned, as was said, by a disquisition of new Principles of Mr. Calvin's (though others say they were before his time.) But of these Dr. Sanderson then drew up for his own satis∣faction such a Scheme (he call'd it Pax Ecclesia) as then gave him∣self, and hath since given others such satisfaction, that it still re∣mains to be of great estimation among the most learned. He was also chosen Clerk of all the Con∣vocations during that good Kings reign. Which I here tell my

Reader, because I shall hereafter have occasion to mention that Convocation in 1640. the unhap∣py long Parliament, and some de∣bates of the Predestination Points, as they have been since charitably handled betwixt him, the learned Dr. Hammond, and Dr. Pierce, the now reverend Dean of Salisbury.

In the year 1636. his Majesty then in his Progress took a fair occasion to visit Oxford, and to take an entertainment for two days for himself and honourable Attendants, which the Reader ought to believe was sutable to their dignities: But this is men∣tioned, because at the King's

coming thither Dr. Sanderson did attend him, and was then (the 31 of August) created Doctor of Divinity; which honour had an addition to it, by having many of the Nobility of this Nation then made Doctors and Masters of Art with him: Some of whose names shall be recorded and live with his (and none shall out-live it.) First Dr. Curle and Dr. Wren, who were then Bishops of Winton and of Norwich (and had formerly taken their degrees in Cambridge) were with him created Doctors of Divinity in his University. So was Merick the Son of the learn∣ed Izaak Causabon; and Prince Rupert (who still lives) the then

Duke of Lenox, Earl of Hereford, Earl of Essex, of Barkshire, and very many others of noble birth (too many to be named) were then created Masters of Arts.

Some years before the unhap∣py long Parliament, this Nation being then happy and in peace (though inwardly sick of being well) namely in the year 1639. a discontented party of the Scots Church were zealously restless for another Reformation of their Kirk Government; and to that end created a new Covenant, for the general taking of which they pretended to petition the King for his assent, and that he would injoyn the taking of it by all of

that Nation: but this Petition was not to be presenred to him by a Committee of eight or ten men of their Fraternity, but by so many thousands, and they so arm'd, as seem'd to force an assent to what they seem'd to request; so that though forbidden by the King, yet they entred England, and in their heat of Zeal took and plunder'd New-Castle, where the King was forc'd to meet them with an Army; but upon a Trea∣ty and some concessions, he sent them back (though not so rich as they intended, yet) for that time without blood-shed: But oh, this Peace and this Cove∣nant were but the forerunners of

War and the many miseries that followed: For in the year fol∣lowing there were so many cho∣sen into the long Parliament, that were of a conjunct Council with these very zealous, and as facti∣ous Reformes, as begot such a confusion by the several desires and designs in many of the Mem∣bers of that Parliament, and at last in the very common people of this Nation, that they were so lost by contrary designs, fears and confusions, as to believe the Scots and their Covenant would restore them to their former tran∣quillity. And to that end the Presbyterian party of this Nati∣on did again, in the year 1643.

invite the Scotch Covenanters back into England: and hither they came marching with it glo∣riously upon their Pikes, and in their Hats, with this Motto, For the Crown and Covenant of both Kingdoms. This I saw, and suffer'd by it. But when I look back upon the ruine of Families, the bloodshed, the decay of common honesty, and how the former piety and plain dealing of this now sinful Nation is turned into cruelty and cunning, I praise God that he prevented me from being of that party which help'd to bring in this Covenant, and those sad Confusions that have follow'd it, And I have been the

bolder to say this of my self, be∣cause in a sad discourse with Dr. Sanderson I heard him make the like grateful acknowledgement.

This digression is intended for the better information of the Reader in what will follow con∣cerning Dr. Sanderson. And first, That the Covenanters of this Na∣tion, and their party in Parlia∣ment, made many Exceptions a∣gainst the Common Prayer and Ceremonies of the Church, and seem'd restless for a Reformati∣on: And though their desires seem'd not reasonable to the King and the learned Dr. Laud, then Archbishop of Canterbury; yet to quiet their Consciences, and pre∣vent

future confusion, they did in the year 1641. desire Dr. Sanderson to call two more of the Convocation to advise with him, and that he would then draw up some such safe alterations as he thought fit in the Service Book, and abate some of the Ceremo∣nies that were least material, for satisfying their consciences; and to this end they did meet toge∣ther privately twice a week at the Dean of Westminster's House (for the space of 3 months or more.) But not long after that time, when Dr. Sanderson had made the Reformation ready for a view, the Church and State were both fall'n into such a confusion, that

Dr. Sanderson's Model for Refor∣mation became then useless. Ne∣vertheless, his Reputation was such, that he was in the year 1642. propos'd by both Houses of Parliament to the King then in Oxford, to be one of their Tru∣stees for the settling of Church affairs, and was allowed of by the King to be so; but that Treaty came to nothing.

In the year 1643. the 2 Hou∣ses of Parliament took upon them to make an Ordinance, and call an Assembly of Divines, to de∣bate and settle some Church con∣troversies (of which many were very unfit to judges:) in which Dr. Sanderson was also named;

but did not appear, I suppose for the same reason that many other worthy and learned men did forbear, the Summons wanting the King's Authority. And here I must look back and tell the Rea∣der, that in the year 1642. he was (Iuly 21.) named by a more un∣doubted Authority to a more no∣ble imployment, which was to be Professor Regius of Divinity in Ox∣ford; but though knowledge be said to puff up, yet his modesty and too mean an opinion of his great Abilities, and some other real or pretended reasons (exprest in his Speech, when he first appear∣ed in the Chair, and since print∣ed) kept him from entring into it till Octobor 1646.

He did for about a years time continue to read his matchless Lectures, which were first de Iu∣ramento, a Point very difficult, and at that time very dangerous to be handled as it ought to be. But this learned man, as he was eminently furnished with Abili∣ties to satisfie the consciences of men upon that important Sub∣ject; so he wanted not courage to assert the true obligation of Oaths in a degenerate Age, when men had made perjury a main part of their Religion. How much the learned world stands obliged to him for these and his following Lectures de Conscientia, I shall not attempt to declare, as being very

sensible, that the best Pens must needs fall short in the commen∣dation of them : So that I shall only add, That they continue to this day, and will do for ever, as a compleat standard for the re∣solution of the most material doubts in Casuistical Divinity. And therefore I proceed to tell the Reader, That about the time of his reading those Lectures (the King being then Prisoner in the Isle of Wight) the Parliament had sent the Covenant, the Nega∣tive Oath, and I know not what more, to be taken by the Doctor of the Chair, and all Heads of Houses: and all other inferiour Scholars of what degree soever,

were all to take these Oaths by a six∣ed day, and those that did not, to abandon their Colledge and the University too, within 24 hours after the beating of a Drum; for if they remain'd longer, they were to be proceeded against as Spies.

Dr. Laud then Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of Strafford, and many others, had been for∣merly murthered by this wicked Parliament, but the King yet was not; and the University had yet some faint hopes that in a Trea∣ty then in being, or pretended to be suddenly, there might be such an Agreement made between King and Parliament, that the dissenters in the University might

both preserve their Consciences and Subsistance which they then enjoyed by their Colledges.

And being possess'd of this mi∣staken hope, That the Parliament were not yet grown so merciless as not to allow manifest reason for their not submitting to the enjoyn'd Oaths, the University appointed twenty Delegates to meet, consider, and draw up a Manifesto to the Parliament, why they could not take those Oaths but by violation of their Con∣sciences: And of these Delegates Dr. Sheldon (late Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Hammond, Dr. Sanderson, Dr. Morley (now Bi∣shop of Winchester) and that most

honest, and as judicious Civil Lawyer, Dr. Zouch, were a part, the rest I cannot now name; but the whole number of the Dele∣gates requested Dr. Zouch to draw up the Law part, and give it to Dr. Sanderson, and he was requested to methodize and add what referr'd to reason and con∣science, and put it into form: He yielded to their desires, and did so. And then after they had been read in a full Convocation, and allow'd of, they were print∣ed in Latin, that the Parliaments proceedings and the Universities sufferings might he manifested to all Nations; and the Imposers of these Oaths might repent, or

answer them: But they were past the first; and for the latter, I might swear they neither can, nor ever will. And these rea∣sons were also suddenly turn'd into English by Dr. Sanderson, that those of these three Kingdoms might the better judge of the Loyal Parties sufferings.

About this time the Indepen∣dants (who were then grown to be the most powerful part of the Army) had taken the King from a close to a more large im∣prisonment, and by their own pretences to liberty of Conscience, were obliged to allow somewhat of that to the King, who had in the year 1646. sent for Dr. San∣derson

Dr. Hammond, Dr. Sheldon (the late Archbishop of Canter∣bury) and Dr. Morley (the now Bishop of Winchester) to attend him, in order to advise with them, how far he might with a good Conscience comply with the Pro∣posals of the Parliament for a Peace in Church and State; but these having been then denied him by the Presbyterian Parlia∣ment, were now allow'd him by those in present power. And as those other Divines, so Dr. San∣derson gave his attendance on his Majesty also in the Isle of Wight, preach'd there before him, and had in that attendance many, both publick and private Confe∣rences

with him, to his Majesties great satisfaction. At which time he desir'd Dr. Sanderson, that be∣ing the Parliament had propos'd to him the abolishing of Episco∣pal Government in the Church, as inconsistent with Monarchy, that he would consider of it, and declare his judgment: He under∣took to do so, and did it; but it might not be printed till our King's happy Restoration, and then it was. And at Dr. Sander∣son's taking his leave of his Ma∣jesty in this last attendance on him, the King requested him to betake himself to the writing Cases of Conscience for the good of Poste∣rity. To which his answer was,

That he was now grown old, and un∣fit to write Cases of Conscience. But the King was so bold with him, as to say, It was the simplest an∣swer be ever heard from Dr. San∣derson; for no young man was fit to be a Judge, or write Cases of Conscience. And let me here take occasion to tell the Reader this truth, not commonly known, that in one of these Conferences this conscientious King told Dr. Sanderson, or one of them that then waited with him, That the remembrance of two Erro•••• did much afflict him, which were, his assent to the Earl of Strafford's death, and the abolishing Episcopacy in Scotland; and that if God ever

restored him to be in a peaceable possession of his Crown, he would de∣monstrate his Repentance by a pub∣lick Confession and a voluntary Pe∣nance (I think barefoot) from the Tower of London, or Whitehall, to St. Paul's Church, and desire the people to intercede with God for his pardon. I am sure one of them told it me, lives still, and will witness it. And it ought to be observ'd, that Dr. Sanderson's Le∣ctures de Juramento were so ap∣prov'd and valu'd by the King, that in this time of his imprison∣ment and solitude, he translated them into exact English, desiring Dr. Iuxson (then Bishop of Lon∣don) Dr. Hammond, and Sir Tho∣mas

Herbert (who then attended him) to compare them with the Original. The last still lives, and has declared it, with some other of that King's excellencies, in a Letter under his own hand, which was lately shew'd me by Sir Wil∣liam Dugdale, King at Arms. The Book was design'd to be put into the King's Library at St Iames's, but I doubt not now to be found there. I thought the honour of the Author and the Translator to be both so much concern'd in this Relation, that it ought not to be conceal'd from the Reader, and 'tis therefore here inserted.

I now return to Dr. Sanderson in the Chair in Oxford, where they

that comply'd not in taking the Covenant, Negative Oath, and Par∣liament Ordinance for Church Dis∣cipline and Worship, were under a sad and daily apprehension of Expulsion; for the Visiters were daily expected, and both City and University full of Souldiers, and a party of Presbyterian Divines, that were as greedy and ready to possess, as the ignorant and ill∣natur'd Visiters were to eject the dissenters out of their Colledges and Livelyhoods: But notwith∣standing Dr. Sanderson did still continue to read his Lecture, and did to the very faces of those Presbyterian Divines and Soul∣diers, read with so much reason,

and with a calm fortitude make such applications, as if they were not, they ought to have been a∣sham'd, and beg'd pardon of God and him, and forborn to do what follow'd. But these thriving sinners were hardned; and as the Visiters expel'd the Orthodox, they, without scruple or shame, possest themselves of their Col∣ledges; so that with the rest, Dr. Sanderson was (in Iune 1648.) forc'd to pack up and be gone, and thank God he was not im∣prison'd, as Dr. Sheldon, Dr. Ham∣mond, and others then were.

I must now again look back to Oxford, and tell my Reader, that the year before this expulsion,

when the University had deny'd this Subscription, & apprehend∣ed the danger of that Visitation which followed, they sent Dr. Morley, then Canon of Christ-Church (now Lord Bishop of Winchester) and others, to petition the Parliament for recalling the Injunction, or a mitigation of it, or accept of their Reasons why they could not take the Oaths injoyn'd them; and the Petition was by Parliament referr'd to a Committee to hear and report the Reasons to the House, and a day set for hearing them. This done, Dr. Morley and the rest went to inform and fee Counsel, to plead their Cause on the day

appointed: but there had been so many committed for pleading, that none durst undertake it; for at this time the Priviledges of that Parliament were become a Noli me tangere, as sacred and useful to them, as Traditions e∣ver were, or are now to the Church of Rome, their number must never be known, and there∣fore not without danger to be meddled with. For which Rea∣son Dr. Morley was forc'd, for want of Counsel, to plead the U∣niversities Reasons for not com∣plyance with the Parliaments in∣junctions; and though this was done with great reason, and a boldness equal to the Justice of

his Cause; yet the effect of it was, but that he and the rest appear∣ing with him were so fortu∣nate, as to return to Oxford with∣out commitment. This was some few days before the Visiters and more Soldiers were sent down to drive the Dissenters out of the U∣niversity. And one that was at this time of Dr. Morley's pleading a powerful man in the Parlia∣ment, and of that Committee, ob∣serving Dr. Morley's behaviour and reason, and inquiring of him, and hearing a good report of his Morals, was therefore willing to afford him a peculiar favour; and that he might express it, sent for me that relate this Story, and

knew Dr. Morley well, and told me, He had such a love for Dr. Mor∣ley, that knowing he would not take the Oaths, and must therefore be e∣jected his Colledge, and leave Ox∣ford, he desired I would therefore write to him to ride out of Oxford when the Visiters came into it, and not return till they left it, and he should be sure then to return in safety; and that he should without taking any Oath or other molestation, enjoy his Canons place in his Colledge. I did receive this intended kindness with a sudden gladness, because I was sure the party had a power, and as sure he meant to perform it, and did therefore write the Doctor word; and his Answer

was, That I must not fail to return my Friend (who still lives) his humble and undissembled thanks, though he could not accept of his intended kindness; for when the Dean, Dr. Gardner, Dr. Paine, Dr. Hammond, Dr. Sanderson, and all the rest of the Colledge, were turn'd out, except Dr. Wall, he should take it to be, if not a sin, yet a shame to be left behind with him only. Dr. Wall I knew, and will speak no∣thing of him, for he is dead.

It may be easily imagined, with what a joyful willingness these self-loving Reformers took pos∣session of all vacant preferments, and with what reluctance others parted with their beloved Col∣ledges

and Subsistance: but their Consciences were dearer than their Subsistance, and out they went; the Reformers possessing them without shame or scruple, where I will leave these Scruple∣mongers, and make an account of the then present affairs of London, to be the next imployment of my Readers patience.

And in London all the Bi∣shops Houses were turn'd to be Prisons, and they fill'd with Di∣vines, that would not take the Covenant, or forbear reading Common Prayer, or that were accus'd for some faults like these. For it may be noted, That about this time the Parliament set out

a Proclamation to incourage all Lay-men that had occasion to complain of their Ministers for being troublesome or scandalous, or that conformed not to Or∣ders of Parliament, to make their complaint to a Committee for that purpose; and the Minister, though 100 miles from London, should appear there and give sa∣tisfaction, or be sequestred; (and you may be sure no Pa∣rish could want a covetous, or malicious, or cross-grain'd com∣plainant:) by which means all Prisons in London, and in some other places, became the sad habitations of Conforming Di∣vines.

And about this time the Bi∣shop of Canterbury having been by an unknown Law condemned to die, and the execution suspend∣ed for some days, many of the malicious Citizens fearing his pardon, shut up their Shops, pro∣fessing not to open them till Ju∣stice was executed. This malice and madness is scarce credible, but I saw it.

The Bishops had been voted out of the House of Parliament, & some upon that occasion sent to the Tower, which made many Co∣venanters rejoyce, and believe Mr. Brightman (who probably was a a good and well meaning man) to be inspir'd in this Comment on

the Apocalyps, an Abridgment of which was now printed, and cal'd Mr. Brightman's Revelation of the Revelation. And though he was grosly mistaken in other things, yet; because he had made the Churches of Geneva and Scotland, which had no Bishops, to be Phi∣ladelphia in the Apocalyps, the An∣gel that God loved; and the pow∣er of Prelacy to be Antichrist, the evil Angel, which the House of Commons had now so spued up, as never to recover their dignity: Therefore did those Co∣venanters approve and applaud Mr. Brightman for discovering and foretelling the Bishops downfall; so that they both rail'd

at them, and rejoyc'd to buy good pennyworths of their Land, which their Friends of the House of Commons, did afford them as a reward of their diligent assi∣stance to pull them down.

And the Bishops power be∣ing now vacated, the common people were made so happy, as every Parish might choose their own Minister, and tell him when he did, and when he did not preach true Doctrine: and by this and like means several Churches had several Teachers, that pray'd and preach'd for and against one another; and in∣gag'd their hearers to contend furiously for truths which they

understood not; some of which I shall mention in the discourse that follows.

I have heard of two men that in their discourse undertook to give a character of a third per∣son; and one concluded he was a very honest man, for he was be∣holding to him; and the other that he was not, for he was not behold∣en to him. And something like this was in the designs both of the Covenanters and Indepen∣dants (the last of which were now grown both as numerous and as powerful as the former:) for though they differed much in many Principles, and preach'd against each other, one making it

a sign of being in the state of grace, if we were but zealous for the Covenant: and the other, that we ought to buy and sell by a Measure, and to allow the same liberty of Conscience to others, which we by Scripture claim to our selves; and therefore not to force any to swear the Cove∣nant contrary to their Conscien∣ces, and loose both their Livings and Liberties too. Though these differed thus in their conclusi∣ons, yet they both agreed in their practice to preach down Common Prayer, and get into the best se∣questred Livings; and whatever became of the true Owners, their Wives and Children, yet to con∣tinue

in them without the least scruple of Conscience.

They also made other strange Observations of Election, Reproba∣tion, and Free-will, and the other Points dependent upon these; such as the wisest of the common people were not fit to judge of: I am sure I am not; though I must mention some of them hi∣storically in a more proper place, when I have brought my Reader with me to Dr. Sander∣son at Boothby Pannel.

And in the way thither I must tell him, That a very Covenanter and a Scot too, that came into England with this unhappy Co∣venant, was got into a good se∣questred

Living by the help of a Presbyterian Parish, which had got the true Owner out. And this Scotch Presbyterian being well settled in this good Living, began to reform the Church-yard, by cutting down a large Ewe Tree, and some other Trees that were an ornament to the place, and ve∣ry often a shelter to the Parishi∣oners; who excepting against him for so doing, were answered, That the Trees were his, and 'twas lawful for every man to use his own as he, and not as they thought fit. I have hear'd (but do not affirm it) That no Action lies against him that is so wicked as to steal the winding sheet of a dead bo∣dy

after 'tis buried; and have heard the reason to be, because none were supposed to be so void of humanity, and that such a Law would vilifie that Nation that would but suppose so vile a man to be born in it: nor would one suppose any man to do what this Covenanter did. And whe∣ther there were any Law against, him I know not; but pity the Parish the less for turning out their legal Minister.

We have now overtaken Dr. Sanderson at Boothby Parish, where he hop'd to have enjoy'd himself, though in a poor, yet in a quiet and desir'd privacy; but it prov'd otherwise: For all cor∣ners

of the Nation were fill'd with Covenanters, Confusion, Comittee-men and Soldiers, ser∣ving each other to their several ends, of revenge, or power, or profit; and these Committee∣men and Soldiers were most of them so possest with this Cove∣nant, that they became like those that were infected with that dreadful Plague of Athens; the Plague of which Plague was, that they by it became maliciously restless to get into company, and to joy (so the Historian saith) when they had infected others, even those of their most beloved or nearest Friends or Relations; and though there might be some

of these Covenanters that were beguil'd, and meant well; yet such were the generality of them, and temper of the times, that you may be sure Dr. Sanderson, who though quiet and harmless, yet an eminent dissenter from them, could not live peaceably; nor did he: For the Soldiers would ap∣pear, and visibly disturb him in the Church when he read Pray∣ers, pretending to advise him how God was to be serv'd most acceptably: which he not ap∣proving, but continuing to ob∣serve order and decent behaviour in reading the Church Service, they forc'd his Book from him, and tore it, expecting extempo∣rary Prayers.

At this time he was advis'd by a Parliament man of power and note, that lov'd and valued him much, not to be strict in reading all the Common Prayer, but make some little variation, especially if the Soldiers came to watch him; for then it might not be in the power of him and his o∣ther Friends to secure him from taking the Covenant, or Seque∣stration: for which Reasons he did vary somewhat from the strict Rules of the Rubrick. I will set down the very words of Confession which he us'd, as I have it under his own hand; and tell the Reader that all his other variations were as little, & much like to this.

His Confession.

O Almighty God and merciful Father, we thy unworthy Ser∣vants do with shame and sorrow confess, that we have all our life long gone astray out of thy ways like lost sheep; and that by following too much the vain devices and desires of our own hearts, we have grievously offended against thy holy Laws both in thought, word and deed; we have many times left undone those good du∣ties, which we might and ought to have done; and we have many times done those evils, when we might have avoided them, which we ought not to have done. We confess, O Lord, that there is no health at all, nor help in any Creature to relieve us; but all

our hope is in thy mercy, whose ju∣stice we have by our sins so far pro∣voked: Have mercy therefore upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us miserable offenders: spare us good God, who confess our faults, that we perish not; but according to thy gra∣cious promises declared unto man∣kind in Christ Iesus our Lord, re∣store us upon our true Repentance in∣to thy grace and favour. And grant, O most merciful Father, for his sake, that we henceforth study to serve and please thee by leading a godly, righ∣teous, and a sober life, to the glory of thy holy Name, and the eternal comfort of our own souls, through Iesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In these disturbances of tear∣ing his Service Book, a Neigh∣bour came on a Sunday, after the Evening Service was ended, to visit and condole with him for the affront offered by the Soldi∣ers. To whom he spake with a composed patience, and said; God hath restored me to my desir'd privacy, with my wife and children, where I hop'd to have met with quietness, and it proves not so; but I will labour to be pleas'd, because God, on whom I depend, sees 'tis not fit for me to be quiet. I praise him, that he hath by his grace prevented me from making shipwrack of a good Conscience to maintain me in a place of great reputation and profit: and

though my condition be such, that I need the last; yet I submit, for God did not send me into this world to do my own, but suffer his will, and I will obey it. Thus by a sublime depending on his wise, and pow∣erful, and pitiful Creator, he did chearfully submit to what God had appointed, justifying the truth of that Doctrine which he had preach'd.

About this time that excellent Book of the King's Meditations in his Solitude was printed, and made publick: and Dr. Sanderson was such a lover of the Author, and so desirous that the whole world should see the character of him in that Book, and something of

the cause for which they suffer'd, that he design'd to turn it into Latin: but when he had done half of it most excellently, his Friend Dr. Earle prevented him, by appearing to have done the whole very well before him.

About this time his dear and most intimate Friend, the learn∣ed Dr. Hammond, came to enjoy a conversation and rest with him for some days, and did so. And having formerly perswaded him to trust his excellent memory, and not read, but try to speak a Sermon as he had writ it. Dr. Sanderson became so complyant as to promise he would. And to that end they two went early the

Sunday following to a Neighbour Minister, and requested to ex∣change a Sermon; and they did so. And at Dr. Sanderson's go∣ing into the Pulpit, he gave his Sermon (which was a very short one) into the hand of Dr. Ham∣mond, intending to preach it as 'twas writ; but before he had preach'd a third part, Dr. Ham∣mond (looking on his Sermon as written) observed him to be out, and so lost as to the matter, that he also became afraid for him; for 'twas discernable to many of the plain Auditory: But when he had ended this short Sermon, as they two walk'd homeward, Dr. Sanderson said with much

earnestness, Good Doctor give me my Sermon, and know, that neither you, nor any man living shall ever perswade me to preach again without my Books. To which the reply was, Good Doctor be not angry; for if I ever perswade you to preach again without Book, I will give you leave to burn all those that I am Master of.

Part of the occasion of Dr. Hammond's visit was at this time, to discourse Dr. Sanderson about some Opinions, in which, if they did not then, they had doubtless differed formerly; 'twas about those knotty Points, which are by the Learned call'd the Quinquar∣ticular Controversie; of which I

shall proceed, not to give any Judgment (I pretend not to that) but some short Historical account which shall follow.

There had been, since the un∣happy Covenant was brought, and so generally taken in Eng∣land, a liberty given or taken by many Preachers (those of London especially) to preach and be too positive in the Points of Vniver∣sal Redemption, Predestination, and those other depending upon these. Some of which preach'd, That all men were, before they came into this world, so predestinated to salvation or damnation, that 'twas not in their power to sin so, as to lose the first, nor by their most diligent

endeavour to avoid the latter. O∣thers, That 'twas not so; because then God could not be said to grieve for the death of a sinner, when he himself had made him so by an ine∣vitable decree, before he had so much as a being in this world; affirm∣ing therefore, that man had some power left him to do the will of God, because he was advised to work out his salvation with fear and trem∣bling; maintaining, that 'tis most certain, every man can do what he can to be saved; and that he that does what he can to be saved, shall never be damned: And yet many that affirmed this, would confess, That that grace, which is but a per∣swasive offer, and left to us to receive

or refuse, is not that grace which shall bring men to heaven. Which truths, or untruths, or both, be they which they will, did upon these or the like occasions come to be searched into, and charita∣bly debated betwixt Dr. Sander∣son, Dr. Hammond, and Dr. Pierce (the now Reverend Dean of Sa∣lisbury) of which I shall proceed to give some account, but briefly.

In the year 1648. the 52 Lon∣don Ministers (then a Fraternity of Ston Colledge in that City) had in a printed Declaration aspers'd Dr. Hammond most heinously, for that he had in his Practical Cate∣chism affirm'd, That our Saviour died for the sins of all mankind. To

jnstifie which truth, he presently makes a charitable Reply (as 'tis now printed in his Works.) After which there were many Letters past betwixt the said Dr. Hammond, Dr. Sanderson, and Dr. Pierce, concerning God's grace and decrees. Dr. Sanderson was with much unwillingness drawn into this Debate; for he declared it would prove uneasie to him, who in his judgment of God's decrees differ'd with Dr. Ham∣mond (whom he reverenced and loved dearly) and would not therefore ingage him into a Con∣troversie, of which he could ne∣ver hope to see an end: but they did all enter into a charitable dis∣quisition

of these said Points in several Letters, to the full satis∣faction of the Learned; those betwixt Dr. Sanderson and Dr. Hammond being printed in his Works; and for what past be∣twixt him and the Learned Dr. Pierce, I refer my Reader to a Letter annext to the end of this Relation.

I think the Judgment of Dr. Sanderson was by these Debates altered from what it was at his entrance into them; for in the year 1632. when his excellent Sermons were first printed in 4^o. the Reader may on the Margent find some accusation of Arminius for false Doctrine; and find, that

upon a review and reprinting those Sermons in folio in the year 1657. that accusation of Armini∣us is omitted. And the change of his judgment seems more fully to appear in his said Letter to Dr. Pierce. And let me now tell the Reader, which may seem to be perplex'd with these several affir∣mations of God's decrees before mentioned, that Dr. Hammond, in a Postscript to the last Letter of Dr. Sanderson's, says, God can reconcile his own contradictions, and therefore advises all men, as the A∣postle does, to study mortification, and be wise to sobriety. And let me add further, that if these 52 Ministers of Sion Colledge were the occasion

of the Debates in these Letters; they have, I think, been the oc∣casion of giving an end to the Quinquarticular Controversie, for none have since undertaken to say more; but seem to be so wise, as to be content to be ignorant of the rest, till they come to that place, where the secrets of all hearts shall be laid open. And let me here tell the Reader also, that if the rest of mankind would, as Dr. Sanderson, not conceal their alteration of Judgment, but con∣fess it to the honour of God and themselves, then our Nation would become freer from perti∣nacious Disputes, and fuller of Recantations.

I cannot lead my Reader to Dr. Hammond and Dr. Sanderson where we left them at Boothby Pannel, till I have look'd back to the long Parliament, the Society of Covenanters in Sion Colledge, and those others scattered up and down in London, and given some account of their proceedings and usage of the late learned Dr. Laud, then Archbishop of Canterbury. And though I will forbear to mention the injustice of his death, and the barbarous usage of him, both then and before it; yet my desire is, that what fol∣lows may be noted, because it does now, or may hereafter con∣cern us, namely, That in his last

sad Sermon on the Scaffold at his death, he having freely pardon∣ed all his Enemies, and humbly begg'd of God to Pardon them, and besought those present to pardon and pray for him; yet he seem'd to accuse the Magi∣strates of the City, for suffering a sort of wretched people, that could not known why he was con∣demned, to go visibly up and down to gather hands to a Peti∣tion, That the Parliament would hasten his Execution. And having declar'd how unjustly he thought himself to be condemned, and accus'd for endeavouring to bring in Popery (for that was one of the Accusations for which he

died) he declar'd with sadness, That the several Sects and Divisions then in England (which he had laboured to prevent) were like to bring the Pope a far greater harvest, than he could ever have expected without them. And said, these Sects and Divisions introduce prophane∣ness under the cloak of an imagina∣ry Religion; and that we have lost the substance of Religion by changing it into Opinion; and that by these means this Church, which all the Iesuits machinations could not ru∣ine, was fall'n into apparent danger by those which were his Accusers. To this purpose he spoke at his death: for this, & more of which, the Reader may view his last sad

Sermon on the Scaffold. And 'tis here mentioned, because his dear Friend Dr. Sanderson seems to demonstrate the same in his two large and remarkable Pre∣faces before his two Volumes of Sermons; and seems also with much sorrow to say the same a∣gain in his last Will, made when he apprehended himself to be very near his death. And these Covenanters ought to take notice of it, and to remember, that by the late wicked War began by them, Dr. Sanderson was ejected out of the Professors Chair in Ox∣ford; and that if he had conti∣nued in it (for he lived 14 years after) both the Learned of this

and other Nations, had been made happy by many remarka∣ble Cases of Conscience, so ration∣ally stated, and so briefly, so clearly, and so convincingly de∣termin'd, that Posterity might have joyed and boasted, that Dr. Sanderson was born in this Nati∣on, for the ease and benefit of all the Learned that shall be born after him: But this benefit is so like time past, that they are both irrecoverably lost.

I should now return to Booth∣by Pannel where we left Dr. Ham∣mond and Dr. Sanderson together, but neither can be found there. For the first was in his Journey to London, and the second seiz'd

upon the day after his Friends departure, and carried Prisoner to Lincoln, then a Garison of the Parliaments. For the pretended reason of which Commitment, I shall give this following ac∣count.

There was one Mr. Clarke, the Minister of Alington, a Town not many miles from Boothby Pannel, who was an active man for the Parliament and Covenant; one that, when Belvoire Castle (then a Garison for the Parliament) was taken by a party of the King's Soldiers, was taken in it, & made a Prisoner of War in Newark, then a Garison of the Kings; a man so active and useful for his

party, that they became so much concern'd for his inlargement, that the Committee of Lincoln sent a Troop of Horse to seize and bring Dr. Sanderson a Prisoner to that Garison; and they did so. And there he had the happiness to meet with many, that knew him so well as to treat him kind∣ly; but told him, He must conti∣nue their Prisoner, till he should pur∣chase his own inlargement by procu∣ring an Exchange for Mr. Clarke then Prisoner in the King's Garison of Newark. There were many Reasons given by the Doctor of the Injustice of his Imprison∣ment, and the Inequality of the Exchange, but all were unef∣fectual:

For done it must be, or he continue a Prisoner. And in time done it was upon the following Conditions.

First, that Dr. Sanderson and Mr. Clarke being Exchanged, should live undisturb'd at their own Parishes; and of either were injur'd by the Soldiers of the contrary party, the other having notice of it, should procure him a Redress, by having satisfaction made for his loss, or for any o∣ther injury; or if not, he to be us'd in the same kind by the o∣ther party. Nevertheless, Dr. Sanderson could neither live safe, nor quietly, being several times plundered, and once wounded in

three places; but he, apprehend∣ing the remedy might turn to a more intolerable burthen by im∣patience or complying, forbore both; and possess'd his Soul in a contented quietness, without the least repining. But though he could not enjoy the safety he expected by this Exchange, yet by his Providence that can bring good out of evil, it turn'd so much to his advantage, that whereas his Living had been sequestred from the year 1644. and continued to be so till this time of his Imprisonment, he, by the Articles of War in this Exchange for Mr. Clarke, pro∣cur'd his Sequestration to be re∣call'd,

and by that means injoy'd a poor but contented subsistence for himself, wife, and children, till the happy Restoration of our King and Church.

In this time of his poor, but contented privacy of life, his Ca∣suistical learning, peaceful mo∣deration and sincerity, became so remarkable, that there were many that apply'd themselves to him for Resolution in Cases of Conscience; some known to him, many not; some requiring satis∣faction by Conference, others by Letters; so many, that his life became almost as restless as their minds; yet he denied no man: And if it be a truth which holy

Mr. Herbert says, That all world∣ly joys seem less, when compared with shewing mercy or doing kindnesses; then doubtless Dr. Sanderson might have boasted for relieving so ma∣ny restless and wounded Con∣sciences; which, as Solomon says, are a burthen that none can bear, though their fortitude may su∣stain their other Infirmities: and if words cannot express the joy of a Conscience relieved from such restless Agonies; then Dr. Sander∣son might rejoyce, that so many were by him so clearly and con∣scientiously satisfied; for he de∣nied none, and would often praise God for that ability, and as of∣ten for the occasion, and that

God had inclin'd his heart to do it, to the meanest of any of those poor, but precious Souls, for which his Saviour vouchsafed to be crucified.

Some of those very many Ca∣ses that were resolved by Letters, have been preserv'd and printed for the benefit of Posterity; as namely,

• 1. Of the Sabbath.
• 2. Marrying with a Recusant.
• 3. Of unlawful Love.
• 4. Of a Military life.
• 5. Of Scandal.
• 6. Of a Bond taken in the King's Name.
• 7. Of the Ingagement.
• 8. Of a rash Vow.

But many more remain in pri∣vate hands, of which one is of Symony; and I wish the World might see it, that it might unde∣ceive some Patrons, who think they have discharg'd that great and dangerous trust, both to God and man, if they take no money for a Living, though it may be parted with for other ends less justifiable.

And in this time of his retire∣ment, when the common people were amaz'd & grown giddy by the many falshoods and misap∣plications of Truths frequently vented in Sermons; when they wrested the Scripture by chal∣lenging God to be of their par∣ty,

and call'd upon him in their prayers to patronize their Sacri∣ledge & zealous Frenzies, in this time he did so compassionate the generality of this misled Nation, that though the times threatned danger, yet he then hazarded his safety by writing the large and bold Preface now extant before his last 20 Sermons (first printed in the year 1655.) In which there was such strength of reason, with so powerful and clear convincing applications made to the Non-conformists, as being read by one of those dissenting Brethren, who was possess'd with such a spirit of contradiction, as being neither able to defend his error, nor yield

to truth manifest (his Conscience having slept long and quietly in a good sequestred Living) was yet at the reading of it so awa∣kened, that after a conflict with the reason he had met, and the dammage he was to sustain if he consented to it (and being still unwilling to be so convinced, as to lose by being over-reason'd) he went in haste to the Bookseller of whom 'twas bought, threatned him, and told him in anger, he had sold a Book in which there was false Divinity; and that the Preface had upbraided the Parliament, and many godly Ministers of that party for un∣just dealing. To which his Reply was ('twas Tim. Garthwaite) That

'twas not his Trade to judge of true or false Divinity, but to print and sell Books; and yet if he, or any friend of his would write an Answer to it, and own it by setting his Name to it, he would print the Answer, and promote the selling of it.

About the time of his printing this excellent Preface, I met him accidentally in London in sad-co∣loured clothes, and God knows, far from being costly: the place of our meeting was near to little Britain, where he had been to buy a Book, which he then had in his hand; we had no inclination to part presently; and therefore turn'd to stand in a corner under a Penthouse (for it began to rain)

and immediately the wind rose, and the rain increased so much, that both became so inconveni∣ent, as to force us into a cleanly house, where we had Bread, Cheese, Ale, & a Fire for our money. This rain and wind were so obliging to me, as to force our stay there for at least an hour, to my great con∣tent and advantage; for in that time he made to me many useful observations with much clear∣ness and conscientious freedom. I shall relate a part of them, in hope they may also turn to the advantage of my Reader. He seem'd to lament, that the Parlia∣ment had taken upon them to a∣bolish our Liturgy, to the scan∣dal

of so many devout and learn∣ed men, and the disgrace of those many Martyrs, who had seal'd the truth and use of it with their blood: and that no Minister was now thought godly that did not decry it; and, at least, pretend to make better Prayers ex tempore: and that they, and only they that could do so, prayed by the Spi∣rit, and were godly; though in their Sermons they disputed, and evidently contradicted each o∣ther in their Prayers. And as he did dislike this, so he did most highly commend the Common Prayer of the Church, saying, The Collects were the most passionate, pro∣per, and most elegant expressions

that any language ever afforded; and that there was in them such pie∣ty, and that so interwoven with in∣structions, that they taught us to know the power, the wisdom, the ma∣jesty, and mercy of God, and much of our duty both to him and our Neigh∣bour; and that a Congregation beha∣ving hemselves reverently, & putting up to God these joynt and known de∣sires for pardon of sins, and praises for mercies receiv'd, could not but be more pleasing to God, than those raw unpre∣meditated expressions, to which many of the hearers could not say Amen.

And he then commended to me the frequent use of the Psalter or Psalms of David; speaking to this purpose, That they were the

Treasury of Christian Comfort, fitted for all persons and all necessities; able to raise the soul from dejection by the frequent mention of God's mercies to repentant sinners; to stir up holy de∣sires; to increase joy; to moderate sorrow; to nourish hope, and teach us patience, by waiting God's leasure; to beget a trust in the mercy, power, & providence of our Creator; & to cause a resignation of our selves to his will; & then (and not till then) to believe our selves happy. This he said the Liturgy and Psalms taught us; and that by the frequent use of the last they would not only prove to be our souls comfort, but would be∣come so habitual, as to transform them into the image of his soul

that composed them. After this manner he express'd himself con∣cerning the Liturgy & Psalms; & seem'd to lament that this, which was the Devotion of the more Primitive times, should in com∣mon Pulpits be turn'd into need∣less debates about Free-will, Ele∣ction, and Reprobation, of which, and many like Questions, we may be safely ignorant, because Al∣mighty God intends not to lead us to Heaven by hard Questions, but by meekness and charity, and a frequent practice of Devotion.

And he seem'd to lament very much, that by the means of ir∣regular and indiscreet preach∣ing, the generality of the Nation

were possess'd with such danger∣ous mistakes, as to think, They might be religious first, and then just and merciful; that they might sell their Consciences, and yet have some∣thing left that was worth keeping; that they might be sure they were e∣lected, though their lives were visi∣bly scandalous; that to be cunning was to be wise; that to be rich was to be happy, though their wealth was got without justice or mercy; that to be busie in things they understood not, was no sin. These, and the like mistakes he lamented much, and besought God to remove them, and restore us to that humility, sincerity, and singleheartedness, with which this Nation was blest,

before the unhappy Covenant was brought into the Nation, and every man preach'd and pray'd what seem'd best in his own eyes. And he then said to me, That the way to restore this Nation to a more meek and Christian temper, was to have the Body of Divinity (or so much of it as was needful to be known) to be put into 52 Homilies or Ser∣mons, of such a length as not to ex∣ceed a third or fourth part of an hours reading; and these needful Points to be made so clear and plain, that those of a mean capacity might know what was necessary to be believed, and what God requires to be done; and then some applications of trial and conviction: and these to be read

every Sunday of the year, as infalli∣bly as the blood circulates the body; and then as certainly begun again, and continued the year following: and that this being done, it might pro∣bably abate the inordinate desire of knowing what we need not, and pra∣ctising what we know, and ought to do. This was the earnest desire of this prudent man. And, O that Dr. Sanderson had underta∣ken it! for then in all probabi∣lity it would have prov'd effe∣ctual.

At this happy time of in∣joying his company and this dis∣course, he express'd a sorrow by saying to me, O that I had gone Chaplain to that excellently accom∣plish'd

Gentleman, your Friend, Sir Henry Wootton! which was once intended, when he first went Ambas∣sador to the State of Venice: for by that imployment I had been forc'd into a necessity of conversing, not with him only, but with several men of several Nations; and might thereby have kept my self from my unmanly bashfulness, which has prov'd very troublesome, and not less inconveni∣ent to me; and which I now fear is become so habitual as never to leave me: and by that means I might also have known, or at least have had the satisfaction of seeing one of the late miracles of general learning, pru∣dence, and modesty, Sir Henry Woottons dear Friend, Padre

Paulo, who, the Author of his life says, was born with a bashfulness as invincible, as I have found my own to be: A man whose fame must never die, till vertue and learning shall become so useless as not to be regarded.

This was a part of the benefit I then had by that hours conver∣sation: and I gladly remember and mention it, as an Argument of my happiness, and his great humility and condescention. I had also a like advantage by ano∣ther happy conference with him, which I am desirous to impart in this place to the Reader. He la∣mented much, that in many Pa∣rishes, where the maintenance was

not great, there was no Minister to officiate; and that many of the best sequestred Livings were possess'd with such rigid Cove∣nanters as denied the Sacrament to their Parishioners, unless upon such conditions, and in such a manner as they could not take it. This he mentioned with much sorrow, saying, The blessed Sacra∣ment did, by way of preparation for it, give occasion to all conscientious Receivers to examine the perform∣ance of their Vows, since they received their last seal for the pardon of their sins past; and to examine and re∣search their hearts, and make peni∣tent reflexions on their failings; and that done, to bewail them, and then

make new vows or resolutions to obey all God's Commands, and beg his grace to perform them. And this done,the Sacrament repairs the de∣cays of grace, helps us to conquer in∣firmities, gives us grace to beg God's grace, and then gives us what we beg; makes us still hunger and thirst after his righteousness, which we then receive, and being assisted with our endeavours, will still so dwell in us, as to become our satisfaction in this life, and our comfort on our last Sick-beds. The want of this blessed benefit he lamented much, and pitied their condition that desi∣red, but could not obtain it.

I hope I shall not disoblige my Reader, if I here inlarge into

a further Character of his person and temper. As first, That he was moderately tall; his behaviour had in it much of a plain com∣liness, and very little (yet e∣nough) of ceremony or court∣ship; his looks and motion ma∣nifested affability and mildness, and yet he had with these a calm, but so matchless a fortitude, as secur'd him from complying with any of those many Parlia∣ment injunctions, that interfer'd with a doubtful conscience. His Learning was methodical and exact; his wisdome useful; his integrity visible; and his whole life so unspotted, that all ought to be preserved as Copies for Po∣sterity

to write after; the Cler∣gy especially, who with impure hands ought not to offer Sacri∣fice to that God, whose pure eyes abhorr iniquity.

There was in his Sermons no improper Rhetorick, nor such perplex'd divisions, as may be said to be like too much light, that so dazles the eyes that the sight becomes less perfect: But there was therein no want of use∣ful matter, nor waste of words; and yet such clear distinctions as dispel'd all confus'd Notions, and made his hearers depart both wiser, and more confirm'd in vertuous resolutions.

His memory was so matchless

and firm, as 'twas only overcome by his bashfulness; for he alone, or to a friend, could repeat all the Odes of Horace, all Tully's Offi∣ces, and much of Iuvenal and Persius without Book; and would say, The repetition of one of the Odes of Horace to himself was to him such musick, as a Lesson on the Viol was to others, when they play'd it to themselves or friends. And though he was blest with a clear∣er Judgment than other men; yet he was so distrustful of it, that he did over-consider of conse∣quences, and would so delay and reconsider what to determine, that though none ever determin'd better, yet, when the Bell toll'd

for him to appear and read his Divinity Lectures in Oxford, and all the Scholars attended to hear him, he had not then, or not till then, resolv'd and writ what he meant to determine; so that that appear'd to be a truth, which his old dear Friend Dr. Sheldon would often say, namely, That his judg∣ment was so much superiour to his phancy, that whatsoever this suggest∣ed, that dislik'd and controul'd; still considering and reconsidering, till his time was so wasted, that he was forc'd to write, not (probably) what was best, but what he thought last. And yet what he did then read, ap∣pear'd to all hearers to be so useful, clear, and satisfactory, as

none ever determin'd with great∣er applause. These tiring and perplexing thoughts begot in him an aversness to enter into the toyl of considering and deter∣mining all Casuistical Points; be∣cause during that time, they nei∣ther gave rest to his body or mind. But though he would not be always loden with these knot∣ty Points and Distinctions; yet the study of old Records, Genealo∣gies, and Heraldry, were a recrea∣tion, and so pleasing, that he would say they gave rest to his mind. Of the last of which I have seen two remarkable Vo∣lumes; and the Reader needs neither to doubt their truth or exactness.

And this humble man had so conquer'd all repining and am∣bitious thoughts, and with them all other unruly passions, that, if the accidents of the day prov'd to his danger or dammage, yet he both began and ended it with an even and undisturbed quietness: always praising God that he had not withdrawn food and raiment from him and his poor Family; nor suffered him to violate his Conscience for his safety, or to support himself or them in a more splendid or plentiful con∣dition; and that he therefore re∣solv'd with David, That his praise should be always in his mouth.

I have taken a content in gi∣ving

my Reader this Character of his person, his temper, and some of the accidents of his life past; and more might be added of all: But I will with sorrow look forward to the sad days, in which so many good men suffer∣ed, about the year 1658. at which time Dr. Sanderson was in a very low condition as to his Estate: And in that time Mr. Robert Boyle (a Gentleman of a very Noble Birth, and more eminent for his Liberality, Learning, and Ver∣tue, and of whom I would say much more, but that he still lives) having casually met with, and read his Lectures de Iuramento, to his great satisfaction, and being

informed of Dr. Sanderson's great innocence and sincerity, and that he and his Family were brought into a low condition by his not complying with the Par∣liaments injunctions, sent him by his dear Friend Dr. Barlow (the now learned Bishop of Lincoln) 50 l. and with it a request and promise: The request was, That he would review the Lectures de Conscientia, which he had read when he was Doctor of the Chair in Oxford, and print them for the good of Posterity; (and this Dr. Sanderson did in the year 1659.) And the Promise was, That he would pay him that, or a greater sum if desir'd, during his Life, to

inable him to pay an Amanuensis, to ease him from the trouble of writing what he should conceive or dictate. For the more parti∣cular account of which, I refer my Reader to a Letter writ by the said Dr. Barlow, which I have annexed to the end of this Relati∣on.

Towards the end of this year 1659. when the many mixt Sects, and their Creators and merciless Protectors, had led or driven each other into a Whirl-pool of Confusion: when amazement and fear had seiz'd them, and their accusing Consciences gave them an inward and fearful in∣telligence, that the God which

they had long serv'd, was now ready to pay them such wages as he does always reward Witches with for their obeying him: When these wretches were come to fore∣see an end of their cruel reign, by our King's return; and such Sufferers as Dr. Sanderson (and with him many of the oppressed Clergy and others) could fore∣see the cloud of their afflictions would be dispers'd by it: Then, in the beginning of the year fol∣lowing, the King was by God re∣stored to us, and we to our known Laws and Liberties; and a general joy and peace seem'd to breath through the 3 Nations. Then were the suffering Clergy

freed from their Sequestration, restor'd to their Revenues, and to a liberty to adore, praise, and pray to God in such order as their Consciences and Oaths had formerly obliged them. And the Reader will easily believe that Dr. Sanderson and his dejected Fa∣mily rejoyc'd to see this day, and be of this number.

It ought to be considered (which I have often heard or read) that in the Primitive times men of learning and vertue were usually sought for, and sollicited to accept of Episcopal Government, and often refus'd it. For they conscientiously considered, that the Office of a Bishop was made

up of labour and care: that they were trusted to be God's Almon∣ers of the Churches Revenue, and double their care for the poor: to live strictly themselves, and use all diligence to see that their Familie, Officers, and Cler∣gy did so: and that the account of that Stewardship must at the last dreadful day be made to the Searcher of all hearts: and that in the primitive times they were therefore timorous to undertake it. It may not be said that Dr. Sanderson was accomplish'd with these, and all the other requisites requir'd in a Bishop, so as to be able to answer them exactly; but it may be affirm'd, as a good pre∣paration,

that he had at the Age of 73 years (for he was so old at the King's return) fewer faults to be pardon'd by God or man, than are apparent in others in these days, in which (God knows) we fall so short of that visible sanctity and zeal to God's glory, which was apparent in the days of primitive Christianity. This is mentioned by way of prepara∣tion to what I shall say more of Dr. Sanderson; and namely, That at the King's return Dr. Sheldon, the late prudent Bishop of Can∣terbury (than whom none knew, valued, or lov'd Dr. Sanderson more or better) was by his Ma∣jesty made a chief Trustee to

commend to him fit men to sup∣ply the then vacant Bishopricks. And Dr. Sheldon knew none fitter than Dr. Sanderson, and therefore humbly desired the King that he would nominate him: and that done, he did as humbly desire Dr. Sanderson that he would for Gods and the Churches sake, take that charge and care upon him. Dr. Sanderson had, if not an unwillingness, certainly no forwardness to undertake it, and would often say, He had not led himself, but his Friend would now lead him into a temptation, which he had daily pray'd against; and be∣sought God, if he did undertake it, so to assist him with his grace, that

the example of his life, his cares and endeavours, might promote his glory, and help forward the salvation of o∣thers.

This I have mentioned as a happy preparation to his Bishop∣rick, and am next to tell that he was consecrated Bishop of Lin∣coln at Westminster the 28th of O∣ctober, 1660.

There was about this time a Christian care taken, that those whose Consciences were (as they said) tender, and could not com∣ply with the Service and Cere∣monies of the Church, might have satisfaction given by a friendly debate betwixt a select number of them, and some like

number of those that had been Sufferers for the Church Service and Ceremonies, and now restor'd to liberty; of which last some were then preferr'd to power and dignity in the Church. And of these Bishop Sanderson was one, and then chose to be a Modera∣tor in that debate: and he per∣form'd his trust with much mild∣ness, patience, and reason, but all prov'd uneffectual: For there be some propositions like jealousies, which (though causless, yet) can∣not be remov'd by reasons as apparent as demonstration can make any truth. The place ap∣pointed for this debate was the Savoy in the Strand: and the

Points debated were, I think, ma∣ny; some affirmed to be truth and reason, some denied to be either; and these debates being then in words, proved to be so loose and perplex'd, as satisfied neither party. For sometime that which had been affirmed was immediately forgot or de∣ny'd, and so no satisfaction gi∣ven to either party. But that the debate might become more use∣ful, it was therefore resolv'd that the day following the desires and reasons of the Non-conformists should be given in writing, and they in writing receive Answers from the conforming party. And though I neither now can, nor

need to mention all the Points debated, nor the names of the dissenting Brethren: yet I am sure Mr. Baxter was one, and am sure what shall now follow, was one of the Points debated.

Concerning a Command of lawful Superiours, what was suf∣ficient to its being a lawful Com∣mand; this Proposition was brought by the confirming Par∣ty.

That Command which commands an act in it self lawful, and no other act or circumstance unlawful, is not sinful.

Mr. Baxter denied it for two Reasons, which he gave in with his own hand in writing thus:

One was, Because that may be a sin per accidens, which is not so in it self, and may be unlawfully com∣manded, though that accident be not in the command. Another was, That it may be commanded under an un∣just penalty.

Again, this Proposition being brought by the Conformists, That Command which commandeth an act in it self lawful, and no other act whereby any unjust penalty is injoyn∣ed, nor any circumstance whence per accidens any sin is consequent which the Commander ought to provide a∣gainst, is not sinful.

Mr. Baxter denied it for this reason then given in with his own hand in writing, thus: Be∣cause

the first act commanded may be per accidens unlawful, and be com∣manded by an unjust penalty, though no other act or circumstance com∣manded be such.

Again, this Proposition being brought by the Conformists, That Command which commandeth an act in it self lawful, and no other Act whereby any unjust penalty is injoyn∣ed, nor any circumtance whence di∣rectly or per accidens any sin is consequent, which the Commander ought to provide against, hath in it all things requisite to the lawfulness of a Command, and particularly can∣not be guilty of commanding an act per accidens unlawful, nor of com∣manding an act under an unjust pe∣nalty.

Mr. Baxter denied it upon the same Reasons.

Peter Gunning.

Iohn Pearson.

These were then two of the Disputants, still live, and will attest this; one being now Lord Bishop of Ely, and the other of Chester. And the last of them told me very lately, that one of the Dissenters (which I could, but forbear to name) appear'd to Dr. Sanderson to be so bold, so trou∣blesome, and so illogical in the dispute, as forc'd patient Dr. San∣derson (who was then Bishop of Lincoln, and a Moderator with other Bishops) to say with an unusual earnestness, That he had

never met with a man of more perti∣nacious confidence, and less abilities in all his conversation.

But though this debate at the Savoy was ended without any great satisfaction to either party, yet both parties knew the desires, and understood the abilities of the other much better than be∣fore it: and the late distressed Clergy, that were now restor'd to their former rights and power, did at their next meeting in Con∣vocation contrive to give the dissenting party satisfaction by alteration, explanation, and addi∣tion to some part both of the Rubrick and Common Prayer, as al∣so by adding some new necessary

Collects, and a particular Col∣lect of Thanksgiving. How many of those new Collects were word∣ed by Dr. Sanderson, I cannot say; but am sure the whole Convoca∣tion valued him so much, that he never undertook to speak to any Point in question, but he was heard with great willingness and attention; and when any Point in question was determin'd, the Convocation did usually desire him to word their intentions, and as usually approve & thank him.

At this Convocation the Com∣mon Prayer was made more com∣pleat, by adding 3 new necessary Offices; which were, A form of Humiliation for the murther of King

Charles the Martyr; a Thanksgi∣ving for the Restoration of his Son our King; and for the baptizing of persons of riper age. I cannot say Dr. Sanderson did form or word them all, but doubtless more than any single man of the Convoca∣tion; and he did also, by desire of the Convocation, alter & add to the forms of Prayers to be u∣sed at Sea (now taken into the Service Book) And it may be no∣ted, That William, the now right Reverend Bishop of Canterbury, was in these imployments dili∣gently useful, especially in help∣ing to rectifie the Kalendar and Rubrick. And lastly it may be no∣ted, That for the satisfying all the

dissenting Brethren and others, the Convocations Reasons for the alterations and additions to the Liturgy, were by them desir'd to be drawn up by Dr. Sanderson; which being done by him, and approv'd by them, was appoint∣ed to be printed before the Li∣turgy, and may be known by this Title, —The Preface: and begins thus— It hath been the wisdom of the Church —.

I shall now follow him to his Bishoprick, and declare a part of his behaviour in that busie and weighty imployment. And first, That it was with such conde∣scention and obligingness to the meanest of his Clergy, as to know

and be known to them. And in∣deed he practis'd the like to all men of what degree soever, espe∣cially to his old Neighbours or Parishioners of Boothby Pannel; for there was all joy at his Table when they came to visit him: then they pray'd for him, and he for them with an unfeigned affection.

I think it will not be deny'd but that the care and toyl requi∣red of a Bishop, may justly chal∣lenge the riches & revenue with which their Predecessors had law∣fully endow'd them; and yet he sought not that so much, as doing good both to the present Age and Posterity; and he made this appear by what follows.

The Bishops chief House at Buckden, in the County of Hun∣tington, the usual Residence of his Predecessors (for it stands about the midst of his Diocese) having been at his Consecration a great part of it demolish'd, and what was left standing under a visible decay, was by him undertaken to be erected and repair'd; and it was perform'd with great speed, care, and charge. And to this may be added, That the King having by an Injunction commended to the care of the Bishops, Deans, and Prebends of all Cathedral Churches, the repair of them, their Houses, and augmentation of small Vicarages; He, when he was repair∣ing

Bugden, did also augment the last, as fast as Fines were paid for renewing Leases: so fast, that a Friend taking notice of his bounty, was so bold as to ad∣vise him to remember, he was un∣der his first fruits, and that he was old, and had a wife and children yet but meanly provided for, especi∣ally if his dignity were considered. To whom he made a mild and thankful answer, saying, It would not become a Christian Bishop to suf∣fer those houses built by his Predeces∣sors, to be ruin'd for want of repair; and less justifiable to suffer any of those that were call'd to so high a calling as to sacrifice at God's Altar, to eat the bread of sorrow con∣stantly,

when he had a power by a small augmentation to turn it into the bread of chearfulness: and wish' d, that as this was, so it were also in his power to make all mankind happy, for he desired nothing more. And for his wife and children, he hop'd to leave them a competence; and in the hands of a God, that would pro∣vide for all that kept innocence, and trusted his providence and protection, which he had always found enough to make and keep him happy.

There was in his Diocese a Mi∣nister of almost his Age, that had been of Lincoln Colledge when he left it, who visited him often, and always welcome, because he was a man of innocence and open-heartedness:

This Minister ask∣ed the Bishop what Books he stu∣died most, when he laid the foun∣dation of his great and clear Learning? To which his An∣swer was, That he declin'd read∣ing many; but what he did read, were well chosen, and read so of∣ten, that he became very familiar with them; and said they were chiefly three, Aristotle's Rhetorick, Aquinas's Secunda Secundae, and Tully, but chiefly his Offices, which he had not read over less than 20 times, and could at this Age say without Book. And told him also, the learned Civilian Doctor Zouch (who died lately) had writ Elementa jurisprudentiae, which

was a Book that he could also say without Book; and that no wise man could read it too often, or love, or commend too much; and told him these had been his toyl: But for himself, he always had a natural love to Genealogies and Heraldry; and that when his thoughts were harassed with any perplext Studies, he left off, and turned to them as a recreation; and that his very recreation had made him so perfect in them, that he could in a very short time give an account of the De∣scent, Arms, & Antiquity of any Family of the Nobility or Gen∣try of this Nation.

Before I give an account of

Dr. Sanderson's last sickness, I de∣sire to tell the Reader that he was of a healthful constitution, chearful and mild, of an even temper, very moderate in his di∣et, and had had little sickness, till some few years before his death; but was then every Winter pu∣nish'd with a Diarrhea, which left him not till warm weather re∣turn'd and remov'd it: And this distemper did, as he grew elder, seize him oftner, and continue longer with him. But though it weakned him, yet it made him rather indispos'd than sick, and did no way disable him from studying (indeed too much.) In this decay of his strength, but

not of his memory or reason (for this distemper works not upon the understanding) he made his last Will, of which I shall give some account for confirmation of what hath been said, and what I think convenient to be known, before I declare his death and burial.

He did in his last Will give an account of his Faith and Perswa∣sion in point of Religion and Church Government, in these very words:

I Robert Sanderson Dr. of Di∣vinity, an unworthy Minister of Iesus Christ, and by the providence of God Bishop of Lincoln, being by

the long continuance of an habitual distemper brought to a great bodily weakness and faintness of spirits, but (by the great mercy of God) without any bodily pain otherwise, or decay of understanding, do make this my Will and Testament (written all with my own hand) revoking all former Wills by me heretofore made, if any such shall be found. First, I com∣mend my Soul into the hands of Al∣mighty God, as of a faithful Crea∣tor, which I humbly beseech him mer∣cifully to accept, looking upon it, not as it is in it self (infinitely polluted with sin) but as it is redeemed and purged with the precious blood of his only beloved Son, and my most sweet Saviour Iesus Christ, in confidence of

whose merits and mediation alone it is, that I cast my self upon the mercy of God for the pardon of my sins, and the hopes of eternal life. And here I do profess, that as I have lived, so I desire, and (by the grace of God) resolve to dye in the Communion of the Catholick Church of Christ, and a true Son of the Church of Eng∣land; which, as it stands by Law established, to be both in Doctrine and Worship agreeable to the Word of God, and in the most, and most ma∣terial Points of both, conformable to the faith and practice of the godly Churches of Christ in the primitive and purer times, I do firmly believe: led so to do, not so much from the force of custom and education (to

which the greatest part of mankind owe their particular different perswa∣sions in point of Religion) as upon the clear evidence of truth and reason, after a serious and unpartial exami∣nation of the grounds, as well of Po∣pery as Puritanism, according to that measure of understanding, and those opportunities which God hath afford∣ed me: and herein I am abundant∣ly satisfied, that the Schism which the Papists on the one hand, and the Superstition which the Puritan on the other hand, lay to our charge, are very justly chargeable upon them∣selves respectively. Wherefore I hum∣bly beseech Almighty God, the Father of Mercies, to preserve the Church by his power and providence, in peace,

truth, and godliness, evermore to the worlds end: which doubtless he will do, if the wickedness and security of a sinful people (and particularly those sins that are so rise, and seem daily to increase among us, of Unthank∣fulness, Riot, and Sacriledge) do not tempt his patience to the con∣trary. And I also farther humbly beseech him, that it would please him to give unto our gracious Sovereign, the Reverend Bishops, and the Par∣liament, timely to consider the great danger that visibly threatens this Church in point of Religion by the late great increase of Popery, and in point of Revenue by sacrilegious en∣closures; and to provide such whole∣some and effectual remedies as may

prevent the same before it be too late.

And for a further manifesta∣tion of his humble thoughts and desires, they may appear to the Reader, by another part of his Will which follows.

As for my corruptible Body, I be∣queath it to the Earth whence it was taken, to be decently buried in the Parish Church of Bugden, towards the upper end of the Chancel, upon the second, or (at the farthest) the third day after my decease; and that with as little noise, pomp, and charge as may be, without the invitation of any person how near soever related unto me, other than the Inhabitants of Bugden; without the unnecessary expence of Escocheons, Gloves, Ribons,

&c. and without any Blacks to be hung any where in or about the House or Church, other than a Pulpit Cloth, a Hearse Cloth, and a Mourning Gown for the Preacher; whereof the former (after my Body shall be in∣terred) to be given to the Preacher of the Funeral Sermon, and the lat∣ter to the Curat of the Parish for the time being. And my will further is, That the Funeral Sermon be preach∣ed by my own Houshold Chaplain, containing some wholesome discourse concerning Mortality, the Resurrecti∣on of the Dead, and the last Iudg∣ment; and that he shall have for his pains 5 l. upon condition, that he speak nothing at all concerning my person, either good or ill, other than I

my self shall direct; only signifying to the Auditory that it was my ex∣press will to have it so. And it is my will, that no costly Monument be e∣rected for my memory, but only a fair flot Marble stone to be laid over me, with this Inscription in legible Ro∣man Characters, Depositum Ro∣berti Sanderson nuper Lin••••l∣niencis Episcopi, qui obiit Anno Domini MDCLXII. & aetatis suae septuagesimo sexto, Hic requiescit in spe beatae resurrectionis. This manner of burial, although I cannot but foresee it will prove unsatisfacto∣ry to sundry my nearest Friends and Relations, and be apt to be censured by others, as an evidence of my too much parsimony and narrowness of

mind, as being altogether unusual, and not according to the mode of these times; yet it is agreeable to the sense of my heart, and I do very much de∣sire my Will may be carefully obser∣ved herein, hoping it may become ex∣emplary to some or other: at least howsoever testifying at my death (what I have so often and earnestly professed in my life time) my utter dislike of the flatteries commonly used in Funeral Sermons, and of the vast Expences otherwise laid out in Fu∣neral Solemnities and Entertain∣ments, with very little benefit to any, which (if bestowed in pious and cha∣ritable works) might redound to the publick or private benefit of many persons.

I am next to tell, that he died the 29th of Ianuary, 1662. and that his Body was buried in Bug∣den the third day after his death; and for the manner, that 'twas as far from ostentation as he desir'd it; and all the rest of his Will was as punctually performed. And when I have (to his just praise) told this truth, That he di∣ed far from being rich, I shall re∣turn back to visit, and give a fur∣ther account of him on his last Sick-bed.

His last Will (of which I have mentioned a part) was made a∣bout three weeks before his death, about which time finding his strength to decay by reason of

his constant infirmity, and a con∣sumptive cough added to it, he retir'd to his Chamber, expres∣sing a desire to enjoy his last thoughts to himself in private, without disturbance or care, e∣specially of what might concern this world. And that none of his Clergy (which are more nu∣merous than any other Bishops) might suffer by his retirement, he did by Commission impower his Chaplain, Mr. Pullin, with E∣piscopal Power to give Instituti∣ons to all Livings or Church Pre∣ferments, during this his disabi∣lity to do it himself. In this time of his retirement he long'd for his Dissolution; and when some that

lov'd him pray'd for his recove∣ry, if he at any time found any amendment, he seem'd to be dis∣pleas'd, by saying, His Friends said their Prayers backward for him: and that 'twas not his desire to live a useless life, and by filling up a place keep another out of it, that might do God and his Church service. He would often with much joy and thankfulness mention, That du∣ring his being a House-keeper (which was more than 40 years) there had not been one buried out of his Fami∣ly, and that he was now like to be the first. He would also often mention with thankfulness, That till he was threescore years of Age, he had never spent 5s. in Law, nor

(upon himself) so much in Wine: and rejoyc'd much that he had so liv'd, as never to cause an hours sorrow to his good Father; and hop'd he should die without an Enemy.

He in this retirement had the Church Prayers read in his Chamber twice every day; and at nine at night some Pray∣ers read to him and a part of his Family out of the Whole Duty of Man. As he was remarkably punctual and regular in all his studies and actions; so he us'd himself to be for his Meals. And his dinner being appointed to be constantly ready at the end∣ing of Prayers, and he expect∣cting and calling for it, was an∣swered,

It would be ready in a quarter of an hour. To which his reply was, A quarter of an hour? Is a quarter of an hour nothing to a man that probably has not many hours to live. And though he did live many hours after this, yet he liv'd not many days; for the day after (which was three days before his death) he was become so weak and weary of either motion or sitting, that he was content, or forc'd to keep his bed. In which I desire he may rest, till I have given some account of his be∣haviour there, and immediately before it.

The day before he took his bed (which was three days be∣fore

his death) he, that he might receive a new assurance for the pardon of his sins past, and be strengthned in his way to the new Ierusalem, took the blessed Sacrament of the Body and Blood of his, and our blessed Iesus, from the hands of his Chaplain Mr. Pullin, accompanied with his Wife, Children, and a Friend, in as awful, humble, and ardent a manner, as outward reverence could express. After the praise and thanksgiving for it was end∣ed, he spake to this purpose; Thou, O God, took'st me out of my mothers womb, and hast been the powerful Protector of me to this pre∣sent moment of my life; thou hast

neither forsaken me now I am be∣come grey-headed, nor suffered me to forsake thee in the late days of temptation, and sacrifice my Con∣science for the preservation of my liberty or estate. 'Twas by grace that I have stood, when others have fallen under my trials: and these mercies I now remember with joy and thankfulness; and my hope and de∣sire is, that I may die praising thee.

The frequent repetition of the Psalms of David hath been noted to be a great part of the Devoti∣on of the Primitive Christians: The Psalms having in them not only Prayers and holy Instructi∣ons, but such Commemorations of God's Mercies, as may pre∣serve

comfort, and confirm our dependance on the power, and providence, and mercy of our Creator. And this is mention'd in order to telling, that as the holy Psalmist said, that his eyes should prevent both the dawning of the day and the night watches, by meditating on God's word: so 'twas Dr. Sanderson's constant practice every morning to entertain his first waking thoughts with a re∣petition of those very Psalms, that the Church hath appointed to be constantly read in the dai∣ly Morning Service; and having at night laid him in his bed, he as constantly clos'd his eyes with a repetition of those appointed

for the Service of the Evening, remembring & repeating the ve∣ry Psalms appointed for every day; and as the month had for∣merly ended and began again, so did this Exercise of his Devoti∣on. And if his first waking thoughts were of the World, or what concern'd it, he would ar∣raign and condemn himself for it. Thus he began that work on earth, which is now his imploy∣ment in heaven.

After his taking his Bed, and about a day before his death, he desir'd his Chaplain, Mr. Pullin, to give him Absolution: And at his performing that Office, he pull'd off his Cap, that Mr. Pullin

might lay his hand upon his bare head. After this desire of his was satisfied, his Body seem'd to be at more ease, and his mind more chearful; and he said, Lord, for∣sake me not now my strength faileth me, but continue thy mercy, and let my mouth be filled with thy praise. He continued the remaining night and day very patient, and thankful for any of the little Of∣fices that were perform'd for his ease and refreshment; and during that time, did often say the 103 Psalm to himself, and very often these words, My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed where true joy is to be found. His thought sseem'd now to be wholly of death,

for which he was so prepar'd, that that King of Terrors could not sur∣prise him as a thief in the night; for he had often said, he was pre∣par'd, and long'd for it. And as this desire seem'd to come from Hea∣ven; so it left him not, till his Soul ascended to that Region of bles∣sed Spirits, whose Imployments are to joyn in consort with him, and sing praise and glory to that God, who hath brought them to that place, into which sin and sorrow cannot enter.

Thus this pattern of meekness and primitive innocence chang'd this for a better life. 'Tis now too late to wish that my life may be like his; for I am in the eighty

fifth year of my Age; but I hum∣bly beseech Almighty God, that my death may; and do as earnest∣ly beg of every Reader to say A∣men.

Blessed is the man in whose Spirit there is no guile.

Postscript.

IF I had had time to have re∣view'd this Relation, as I in∣tended, before it went to the Press, I could have contracted some, and altered other parts of it; but 'twas hastned from me, and now too late for this impression. If there be a second (which the Printer hopes for) I shall both do that, and upon in∣formation, mend any mistake, or supply what may seem wanting.

I. W.

Notes

• Phil. 1.6.
• Chap. 3.17.
• Psal. 34.11
• Psal. 1 30.
• Colos. 1.24.
• Ga. 6.2.
• Iob 31.
• Theucidi∣des.
• Psal. 119. 147.
• Psal. 32.2.