Memorials of worthy persons two decads / by Cl. Barksdale.

Mr. JOSEPH MEDE

1. HIs parents were of ho∣nest rank, and though not by eminency of Condi∣••ion, yet truly ennobled by hav∣••ng such a Son: of whom also Essex (near Bishops Stratford) may justly glory as the place of his Nativity.

2. His friends, encouraged by their conceived hopes of him in his blossome, plac'd him in the University of Cambridge, devoting him to learning in the service of Christ, in that Coll. that bears his name. And what pains himself took for his own improvement, may easily be imagined; and that to the rich vein of his pregnant wit, an as∣siduous

industry was not want∣ing. The fruits whereof, soon appeared with that lustre, that drew upon him the eyes not onely of those in his own Col∣ledge, but of the whole Uni∣versity: who lookt upon him, as one eminent in all kind of learning requisite for his stand∣ing.

3. He wanted that felicity of utterance, which uses to set off a sleight knowledge, having so great an hesitation in his speech, as made his expressions painful to himself, and nothing pleasing to others. wherein yet, he in time became a rare ex∣ample, how much a discreet observation of such an imper∣fection can work toward the cure of i••. For by a heedfull

inspection into the nature of his defect, what words he most stuck at, either single, or in Conjuncture, and at what times he was more or lesse freo; he attained so great a mastery over that infirmity, that he was able to deliver a whole Sermon without any considerable he∣sitation.

4. By that time he had ta∣ken the degree of a Master in Arts, he had made so happy a progresse through all kind of Academical studies, as that Ti∣tle was not (as with many it is) any false inscription. His name was up, and he lookt on as one extraordinary seen in all those Arts and Languages that ac∣complish a Divine: an acute Logician, a profound Philoso∣pher,

a skilful Mathematician, and one not slightly versed in History and Chronology. In all which, but especially in these last studies, he after became so great a Prosicient, that for his singular knowledge and dex∣trous application of Prophesie•• to their punctual times, he was worthily admir'd by those tha•• knew him.

5. His first shewing himsel•• abroad was by an addresse to that great pattern and Patron o•• learning, Andrews (after Bi∣shop of Winchester) in a large discourse in Latine de Sanctuat•• relativa. Which gained the approbation of so exact a judge∣ment (as was his to whom i•• was presented) in so high a•• measure, that the Bishop stood

his firm friend in a businesse at Court about his fellowship, and after that desired him for his houshold Chaplain: which place, notwithstanding he re∣fused, as valuing the freedome of his studies above any hopes of preferment. And this free∣dome which he enjoyed in his Cell (as he used chearfully to term it) gave him a happy advantage of encreasing his knowledge in all kinds.

6. His constant reading the Greek Lecture in the Colledge (which he obtained soon after his being chosen Fellow, and held all his life) made that tongue familiar to him: and his daily private readings to his pu∣pils (to whom he was an able guide in all kind of Philosophi∣cal

and Mathematical studies) preserved these parts of Acade∣mical learning. Nor were his hours of recreation (which was very seldome in bodily exerci∣ses) this way unprofitable to himself and others, being for the most part spent in learned discourses with his friends; and for divers years together most∣what with his worthy friend Mr. William Chappell, Hebrew Lecturer, in the same Col∣ledge, keeping that language in continual exercise; and with∣all, by many happy excursions into the neighbouring Lan∣guages, gained no small trea∣sure of knowledge in the Chal∣dee, Syriac, and Arabic.

7. The time he had for re∣tirement to his private studies,

he spent principally in a curi∣ous enquiring into the more abstruse parts of learning, and such as were remote from the vulgar track. As in the exact calculation of time for clear∣ing the historical part of Scri∣pture: to which he joyned the laborious search of Antiquities relating to Religion, Ethnick, Jewish and Christian. The fruits of which study appear vi∣sible in his works.

8. Among other studies he spent no small pains in sound∣ing the depths of Astrology: and was wont in familiar dis∣course to determine, that (to use his own apposite and fit words) the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 coeli does be∣get in man 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 temperamen∣••••; and this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 temperamen∣ti

does beget 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ing••nii, in the way of direct and natural subordination: but, that here the chain is broken off, because 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ingen••i does beget or pro∣duce 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 actionis in man only contingently, and with∣out any necessity. And thus è contra, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 coel: does beget 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 temperamenti, and the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 temperamenti, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ingen••••; this naturally, as before: But, that this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 inge∣n••i should beget 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 actio∣nis, this is from no necessity; because it is in mans power and liberty, who is naturally ill∣disposed, through the improve∣ments of art, and especially by the grace of God, to become good or better, as the divine goodnesse shall minister oppor∣tunity.

Which is as much as can be said in so few words, and might determine the question to all judicious and knowing men, concerning the power of the starrs and those celestial in∣fluences.

9. From these he proceeded unto those mysterious Scien∣ces, which made the ancient Chaldeans and Egyptians so fa∣mous, tracing them, as far as he could have any light to guide him, in their Prophetick Schemes, Hieroglyphicks, and Oneiromancy, or interpreta∣tion of dreams, for the affinity which he conceived they might have with the language of the Prophets: to the under∣standing of which he shewed a most indefatigable desire: as

witness especially those labours of his which are published up∣on Daniel and the Revelation.

10. He ever seemed most delighted with those studies, where he might strain the ••i∣news of his brain: and there∣fore used to set upon those dif∣ficult places of Scripture, where he found errour had insconced it self with obscurity, antiquity or multitude of mistakes. By this means he became furnish∣ed with variety of discourse, of things no lesse delightfull and profitable, then out of the vul∣gar rode of studies. Which made his company much de∣sired and frequented by Scho∣lars, both of the same Colledge and from abroad. To these ••e seemed to impart himself

with that willingnesse, that it seemed questionable, whether had the greater desire, they to hear, or he to communicate his studies to them. Which made a familiar friend of his once mer∣tily to say to some, that, having been partakers of his discourses, gave him thanks: That they might spare their thanks; for that they were not so much beholding to him for delivering himself to them, as he was to them for hear∣ing him.

11. By this means he so fix∣ed his notions in his memory, that he made them ever his own, and himself able at any time readily to deliver them in a compleat and well formed discourse. Such are those ex∣cellent Diatribae now publish∣ed,

wherein he hath discover∣ed more rarities and pieces of profound and unvulgar learn∣ing, then are to be found in some vast volumes of many much admired Authours. These were Academical exer∣cises calculated for the meridi∣an of an University, and not fit∣ted for the vulgar.

12. In popular Discourses or Sermons, he disliked the un∣necessary quotation of Au∣thours and the use of forreign languages and terms of Art (too much practised even among men, otherwise learned and re∣ligious) as savouring of as much inconsideration, as for shoo▪ makers (it was his comparison) to bring shoos to be drawn on with their lasts in them: And would

say, that Arts and Languages, though they were necessary and excellent helps for the framing of any d••scourse, & to enable men to instruct others, yet were they to be laid by in discourses to the unlearned.

13. He was so far from the vanity of ostentation, that it is heard to say, whether he was more eminent for his rare knowledge, or for his singular modesty in valuing his own a∣bilities: in so much as he could, not without trouble, hear of that opinion, which some (de∣servedly enough) had conceiv∣ed of his great learning; own∣ing onely some diligence, free∣dome from prejudice and stu∣dium partium as his best abili∣ties. To this, as a near alliance

of modesty may be added his a∣versnesse from all ambitious thoughts, & affectation of great and publick places, to the pu••∣suance of which many have been spurred by the consci∣ence of lesser abilities. It was indeed his highest ambition to be in tranquillitatc & s••c••ssu.

14. His great knowledge did not (as it doth with many) make him apt either to con∣tend with any, or for difference in opinion to break the bond of amity: but was ever most ten∣derly studious of the peace of the Church. To whose cen∣sure he ever submitted his pri∣vate judgement, being willing either to reform or silence any opinion, which should be found repugnant to truth, or

inconsistent to peace. He lo∣ved not to entertain discourse with them, that were impetu∣ous and passionate in their opi∣nions, who were resolved however to have the last word, being more addicted to that un∣ingenious humour (as he was wont to call it) of Disputacity, then a sober and moderate dis∣quisition after truth. And in that unhappy difference about Predestination and its Appen∣dants, he would often say, that he wondred that men should, with so great animosity, con∣tend about those high and ob∣scure speculations, and with so severe a confidence condemn each other.

15. His Humility and Cha∣rity (rare virtues in this age!)

appeared particularly in these three instances. 1. That he was never forward (in what company soever) to catch at hints of discourse, or to declare his opinion in a way of singu∣larity: and yet he was the most communicative man in the world. 2. That he would fair∣ly propound, dextrously illu∣strate, and ingenuously leave every man to judge for himself, being not ambitious at all to gain Proselytes, nor magisterial∣ly imposing his notions upon other men, but contented eve∣ry one should think or speak as himself best liked. 3. That he would speak ill of no man; but dissemble the failings & errours of his very enemies: neither would he willingly accompa∣ny

them, who in the pregnan∣cy or pruriency of wit would adventure to criticize upon o∣thers, to the disparagement of their parts or performances.

16. That the fear of God had a great impression upon his soul, he manifested, not onely by a religious and innocent Conversation, but in all his dis∣courses: in which, he ever shewed himself tender of the honour of God, and that he could not brook the least adul∣teration of his worship, nor the violation of any thing upon which his awfull name was stamped. Hence was that se∣verity which he used against the Roman Church in their Saint and Image-worship. Hence likewise was his so great detestation of Sacriledge, and

so zealous asserting the honour of Gods house, and whatsoever else is dedicated to his worship, exacting a reverence from Christians in the use of them in relation to God, to whom by a peculiar propriety they belong. This latter procured him the suspicion of Superstition with such as shew their zeal against idolatry by committing or at least by approving of Sacri∣ledge, and banish all distinction between things sacred and pro∣phane, and measure the truth of every point of religion by its distance from Rome. But his reputation not standing or falling arbitrio popularis aurae, it would but wrong him, to go about to vindicate him from such mens censure. Neither

need I cleare him from the guilt of Time-serving in what he hath written for Reverence in Gods house, having declared it to be his opinion many years before the times relisht it.

17. His soul, while it con∣versed in these regions of mor∣tality, was invested in a come∣ly and healthfull body, some∣what beyond a just temper in∣clined to melancholy; yet so, as that melancholy seemed ra∣ther to poyse, and make it ser∣viceable to his studious minde, then to distemper it with those infirmities which commonly attend the predominancy of that humour. His feeding, for the most part, was rather to suffice nature, then satisfie his appetite. No man more con∣stant

to his Colledge-Com∣mons, with the smaller sort of beer, seldome and very little wine. Which made him of∣ten merrily to tell them which observed the thriving of his bo∣dy, that They might see what Colledg-Commons could do. And as his body with small Com∣mons, so his purse, with a small Intrado, received a considera∣ble improvement.

18. He was taken away with a short (for it ended the fourth day) and not very pain∣full sicknesse, his understand∣ing, judgement and memory continuing in vigour to his last gasp. He bequeathed towards the new building, the increase of the Library, the adorning of the Chappel: a large Legacy

out of a Scholars purse, of 300. l. in way of a grateful return for those mercies he had so long enjoyed in that Colledge, whereof he was a member.

19. He composed his soul (which he then was onely to attend) for its addresse into the divine presence with most de∣vout thoughts and humble prayers, and strengthned it with the commemoration of his death, by whom he hoped to obtain a more blessed life, in the participation of the sacred Eucharist. And having thus taken and tasted the cup of sal∣vation, within a few hours he departed hence, to the more full fruition of those heavenly delicates, among those blessed ones that are called to the Sup∣per

of the Lamb, upon the se∣cond of Octob. 1638. When he had lived 53 years, and spent a∣bove two thirds of that time in that Colledge, to which living he was so great an ornament and dead, his worthy name shall be a lasting monument.

20. He had this happinesse in his death, that he was taken away from the evils that were then ready to come, and be∣fore Truth and Peace had be∣gun to suffer in this unhappy Island. And indeed he would often, in the presage of his di∣vining spirit, speak of this, a year or two before he dyed, as an observation upon that in the 3. of Iudges 30. The land

had rest four score years:

which now (would he say) that from the begining of blessed Queen Elizabeth's reign, we of En∣gland have enjoyed: who knowes whether our period may not be near at hand? And whether it be so, or not, whosoever shall live but a year or two may know it of a cer∣tain.

Out of the View of his Life annexed to his Works.

Notes

• A compleat Edition of all Mr. Mede's Works in Fol. is promised by R. R.