THE LIFE OF The most Learned and Reverend, Dr. PETER HEYLYN.

TO Write the Lives of worthy Personages was ever ac∣counted a most laudable custom amongst the Hea∣thens: For to perpetuate the memory of the Dead, who were eminent in Vertue, did manifestly con∣duce to the publique benefit of the Living; much more the Ancient Christians in their time, both so∣lemnly retained this practice, and adjudged it an act of Piety and Justice to the Deceased. If they were Men of Fame for Learning, or other Virtues, to Celebrate their praises to Posterity, and by this means stir up Emulation in others, to follow so noble precedents before them. For which cause S. Jerom writ his Catalogus illustrium Vi∣rorum; before whom also Eusebius, with others, in short recorded to future Ages, the holy Lives of those Primitive Fathers, who were sig∣nally active or passive for the Christian Faith.* Suum cuique decus poste∣ritas rependit, saith the Historian: Posterity doth render to every man the Commendation he deserves.

Therefore for the Reverend Authors sake, and in due Veneration of his Name, which I doubt not is honoured by all true Sons of the Church of England, both for his Learned Writings and constant Sufferings in de∣fence of her Doctrine and Discipline established by Law, here is faithfully presented to them a true and compleat Narrative of his Life, before his Elaborate Works Reprinted; to answer the common expectation of men in this case, who would read his Person (together with the ordi∣nary and extraordinary occurrences of Providence that befel him) as well as his Books that were long before published to the World. To give satisfaction in the former, here is nothing inserted but the Relations of truth, which hath been often heard from his own mouth spoken to his dearest Friends, or written by his Pen in some loose fragments of Paper that were found left in his Study after his death; upon which, as on a sure foundation, the whole Series and Structure of the following Discourse is laid together, but would have been more happily done, if he had left larger Memoirs for it. Nothing was more usual in ancient times, than for good men, saith Tacitus, to describe their own Lives. Suam Page  iiipsi vitam narrare,* fiduciam potius morum, quam arrogantiam arbitrati sunt. Upon a confidence of their right behaviour, rather than to be supposed any arrogancy or presumption in them.

First of all I shall begin with his Birth. In that Country above all other, enobled with the famous seat of the Muses, to which he was a constant Votary;* by Cambden, Oxford is called the Sun, Eye and Soul of Great Britain; by Matthew Paris, the second School of the Church; the present Author saith, co-eval to Paris, if not before it, the glory of this Island, and of the Western parts; near which place, or noble Athens, Peter Heylyn was Born at Burford, an ancient Town, of good Note in the County of Oxford, upon the 29th. day of Novemb. An. Dom. 1600. in the same year with the Celebrated Historian,* Jacobus Aug. Thuanus, on both whom the Stars poured forth the like benign influences; But the former, viz. Peter Heylyn had not only the faculty of an Historian, but the gift of a general Scholar in other Learning, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as will appear to any one that reads his labo∣rious Writings.

He was second Son of Henry Heylyn Gentleman, Descended from the Ancient Family of the Heylyns, of Pentre-Heylyn in Moungomery-Shire, then part of Powis-Land, from the Princes whereof they were derived, and unto whom they were Hereditary Cup-Bearers; for so the word Heylyn doth signifie in the Welsh or Brittish Language: An Honourable Office in most Nations, which we find in Divine as well as Profane History, Neh. 1.11. Magni honoris erat Pincernae munus apud Persás, saith Alex. ab. Alex. And if Cambden Clarencieux be of good Authority, the Reverend Doctor deriveth his Pedegree from Greno ap Heylyn, who de∣scended from Brockwell Skythrac, one of the Princes of Powis-Land, a man of so great Authority with the Princes of North-Wales, that Llewellyn the last Prince of that Country made choice of the said Grono-ap-Heylyn to treat with the Commissioners of Edward I. King of England, for the concluding a final Peace between them; which afterwards being broken by L'lewellyn, in him ended all the Princes of North-Wales, after they had Reigned for the space of 405. years; a goodly time, that scarcely the greatest Monarchies in the World have withstood their fatal period and dissolution. Yet the Family of Pentre Heylyn, from whom the said Grono-ap-Heylyn descended in a direct Line, continued their Seat, until the year Anno Dom, 1637. at which time Rowland Heylyn, Alderman and Sheriff of London, and Cousin-german to Dr. Heylyn's Father, dying without Issue-Male, the Seat was transferred into another Family, into which the Heiresses Married; but if the Doctor had lived a little longer, he intended to have repurchased that Seat, and bring it back again into the Name and Family. His Cousin Mr. Rowland Heylyn, before his death, caused the Welch and Brittish Bible to be Printed at his own Charges, in a portable Volume, for the benefit of his Country-men, which was be∣fore in a large Church Folio; also the Practice of Piety in Welch, a Book, though common, not to be despised; besides, a Welch Dictionary for the better understanding of that Language. One thing of chief remark is, a Tradition among the Heylyns, deriving their Pedigree from Brockwell Skythrac, in whose Family was ever observed that one of them had a gag Tooth, and the same a notable Omen of good Fortune, which mark of the Tooth is still continued in the Doctors Family. These and such like signatures of more wonderful form, are indeed very rare, yet not without example: So Seleucus, and his Children after him, were Born Page  iiiwith the figure of an Anchor upon their Thigh, as an infallible mark of their true Geniture, saith Justin. Origenis hujus argumentum etiam po∣steris mansit. Si quidem filii, nepotes{que} ejus anchoram in semore veluti notam generis naturalem habuere.*

The Mother of Dr. Heylyn was Eliz. Clampard, Daughter of Francis Clampard, of Wrotham in Kent, Gent. and of Mary Dodge, his Wife, de∣scended in a direct Line from Peter Dodge, of Stopworth in Cheshire, unto whom King Edw. I. gave the Seigniory or Lordship of Padenhugh, in the Barony of Coldingham, in the Realm of Scotland, as well for his special Services that he did in the Sieges of Barwick and Dunbar, as for his Va∣lour shewed in divers Battels, encontre son grand Enemy & Rebelle le Baillol Roy d'Escose & Vasial d'Angleterre; as the words are in the ori∣ginal Charter of Arms, given to the said Peter Dodge by Guyen King of Arms, at the Kings command, dated April the 8th. in the 34th. year of the said K. Edw. I. one of the Descendants from the said Peter Dodge, was Uncle to Dr. Heylyns Mother, and gave the Mannor of Lechlade in Glo∣cestershire, worth 1400 l. per annum, to Robert Bathurst Esq Uncle to the Doctor, and Grand-father to that honest and loyal Gentleman, Sir Edw. Bathurst now living.

In the sixth year of his Age, he was committed to the Tuition of Mr. North, School-master of Burford; under whose instructions he pro∣fited so well, that in a short time he could make true Latin, and arrived to an ability of making Verses; to which excellency, together with History, his genius was so naturally addicted, that at the Age of ten years he framed a story in Verse and Prose, which he composed in imitati∣on of the destruction of Troy with some other Books of Chivalry, upon which he was then very studious and intent. I presume to mention it as an argument of the prodigious pregnancy of those endowments which God had bestowed on him; for he may be truly accounted one of the praecoces fructus, the forward fruits of his Age, that was soon ripe and contrary to the Proverb, was of lasting duration. It may be affirmed of him as it was of Lipsius, Ingenium habuit docile & omnium capax: memoria non sine praeceptorum miraculo, etiam in puero quae in senectute non defecit.

His old Master North dying, he was committed to another, who suc∣ceeded in the same School, viz. Mr. Davis, a right Reverend and good man, by whom he was sent to Oxford, in the beginning of Decemb. 1613. at the 14th. year of his Age, and placed under the Tuition of Mr. Joseph Hill, an ancient Batchelor in Divinity, once one of the Fellows of Corpus Christi Coll. but then a Commoner of Hart-Hall; Mr. Walter Newbery, (afterward a Zealous Puritan) was made choice of to instruct him in Logick, and other Academical Studies, wherein he made such good progress, that upon the 22 of July, 1614. he stood to be Demy of Mag∣dalen College, which he missed of at the first Election; but in the year after succeeded, having endeared himself to the President Dr. Langton, and Fellows of the same Colledge, by the pleasantness of a Latin Poem upon a Journey that he made with his two Tutors unto Woodstock. After his admission into that noble Foundation, within the space of a twelve month, he was made Impositor of the Hall; in which Office he acquitted himself so excellently, that the Dean of the College continued him lon∣ger in it, than any ever before; for which reason, he was called by those Scholars of his own standing, Perpetual Dictator. He then composed an English Tragedy, celled Spurius, which was so well approved by some Learned Persons in the College, that the President caused it to be pri∣vately Acted in his own Lodgings.

In July 1617. he obtained his grace for the Degree of Batchelor of Arts, according to the College Statutes, which requiring some exercise to be performed by a Batchelor of Arts in the long Vacation, he began his Cosmographical Lectures, and finished them in the end of the next Au∣gust. His performance of this exercise drew that whole Society into a profound admiration of his great Learning and Abilities; insomuch, that before he had done reading those Lectures, he was admitted Fellow upon probation, in the place of Mr. Love. And that he might give a testimony of his grateful mind to them, he writ a Latin Comedy, which he called Theomachia, which he finished and transcribed in a fortnight space, on July the 19th. 1619. He was admitted in verum & perpetuum socium, and not long before was made Moderator of the Senior Form, which he retained above two years; and within that compass of time, he began to write his Geography, accordingly as he design'd when he read his Cosmography Lectures; which Book he finished in little more than two months, beginning at Feb. 22. and compleating it on the 29th. of April following. At the next Act, which was Anno Dom. 1620. he was admitted Master of Arts, the honour of which degree was more re∣markable, because that very year, the Earl of Pembroke, Chancellor of the University, signified his pleasure by special Letters, That from that time forward the Masters of Arts, who before sate bare, should wear their Caps in all Congregations and Convocations.

He committed his Geography to the perusal of some Learned Friends, which being by them well approved, he obtained his Fathers consent for the Printing of it, which was done accordingly, Novemb. 7. 1621. The first Copy of it was by him presented to King Charles the First, then Prince of Wales, unto whom he Dedicated it, and by whom, together with its Author, it was very graciously received, being introduced into the Princes presence by Sir Robert Carre, since Earl of Ancram, one of the Gentlemen of his Highnesses Bed-Chamber. In some months after his Father died at Oxon, with an Ulcer in his Bladder, occasioned by the Stone, with which he had been many years grievously afflicted. He was conveyed to Lechlade in Glocestershire, where he was buried near his Wife, who departed this life six years before him, and was solemnly bu∣ried in the Chancel of that Parish Church.

Septemb. the 15th. 1622. he received Confirmation from the hands of Bishop Lake, in the Parish Church of Wells, and in a short time after exhibited a Certificate to Dr. Langton, concerning his Age; by which means he obtained a Dispensation, notwithstanding any local Statutes to the contrary, that he should not be compell'd to enter into holy Orders till he was 24 years of Age, according to the time appointed, both by the Canons of the Church, and the Statutes of the Realm. His fear was then very great, to enter upon the study of Divinity, as well as under∣take the profession of it; but afterward persuaded thereto by a Right Reverend and Learned Person, Mr. Buckner, he seriously applied himself to this Study, and holy Profession, receiving the Orders of Deacon and Priest, (but at distinct times) in S. Aldates Church in Oxon, from the Right Reverend Bishop Howson. And when he was Ordained Priest, he Preach'd the Ordination Sermon upon these words of our Blessed Saviour to S. Peter, Luk. 22.32. And when thou art Converted, strengthen thy Bre∣thren: What course and method he observed in his Theological Studies, he informs us with his own Pen,* When I began my Studies in Divinity, I thought no course so proper and expedient for me, as the way commended by Page  vKing James, which was, that young Students in Divinity should be excited to study such Books as were most agreeable in Doctrine and Discipline to the Church of England, and to bestow their time in the Fathers and Coun∣cils, School-men, Histories, and Controversie, and not to insist too long upon Compendiums and Abbreviators.

His Geography was in less than three years Reprinted: And in this se∣cond Edition was enlarged, and again presented by him to the Prince of Wales, and by him graciously received, with most affectionate commen∣dations of the Author. But it met with another kind of entertainment from King James; for the Book being put into the hands of that Learned Monarch, by Dr. Young, then Dean of Winton, (who design'd nothing but the highest kindness to Mr. Heylyn thereby) the King at first ex∣prest his great value he had for the Author; but unfortunatly falling on a passage, wherein Mr. Heylyn gave Precedency to the French King, and called France the more famous Kingdom; King James became very much offended, and ordered the Lord Keeper to call the Book in. The Dean gave notice to Mr. Heylyn of his Majesties displeasure, and advised him to repair to Court, and make use of the Princes Patronage, as the best lenitive to prevent the rankling of this wound. But he rather chose to abide in Oxford; and acquainting the Lord Danvers with the business, afterward sent an Apology and Explanation of his meaning: That the burden under which he suffered, was rather a mistake than a crime, and that mistake not his own, but the Printers, which was after corrected and amended.

In the year 1625. he took a Journey with Mr. Levet of Lincolns-Inn, into France, where he visited more Cities, and made more observations in five weeks time, for he stayed no longer, than many others have done in so many years. The particulars of this Journey he reduced into writing, and some years after gratifi'd his Countrey with the publication of it, together with some other excellent remarks made by him, when he went in attendance upon the Earl of Danby to the Isle of Gernsey and Jersey, Anno Dom. 1628. Had King James lived to have perused that Book, Mr. Heylyn had needed no other Advocate to have restored him to his Princely favour and protection: For never was the vanity and levity of the Monsieurs, and deformity and sluttishness of their Madams more ingeniously exposed both in Verse and Prose, than in the account that he gives of his Voyage into France.

On April the 18th. 1627. he opposed in the Divinity-School; and on Tuesday the 24th. following, he answered pro formâ upon these two Questions, viz.

Both which he determined in the Negative. Upon occasional discourse with him, he was pleased once to shew me his Supposition, which I read over in his House at Lacies-Court in Abingdon; but I had not then either the leisure or good luck to transcribe a Copy of it, which would have been worth my pains, and more worthy of the Press, to the great satis∣faction of others: For my part, I can truly say, that I never read any thing with more delight, for good Latin, Reason, and History, which that Exercise was full of; but since, both it and many other choice Pa∣pers in his Study, through the carelesness of those, to whose custody Page  vithey are committed, I suppose are utterly lost and gone, ad blattarum & tinearum Epulas. In stating of the first Question, that caused the heats of that day, he fell upon a quite different way from that of Dr. Pri∣deaux, the Professor, in his Lecture De Visibilitate Ecclesiae, and con∣trary to the common opinion of other Divines, who generally prove the visibility of the Protestant Church from the poor persecuted Christians, dispersed in several places, as the Berengarians in Italy, the Waldenses in France, the Wicklifists in England, and the Hussiets in Bohemia; which manner of proceeding being disliked by Mr. Heylyn, as that which utterly discontinued the Succession of the Hierarchy, which the Church of Eng∣land claims from the very Apostles and their immediate Successors: He rather chose to find out a continual visible Church in Asia, Ethiopia, Greece, Italy, yea and Rome it self; as also in all the Western Provinces then subject to the power of the Roman Bishop, when he was the chief Patriarch, which Mr. Heylyn from his great knowledge, and more than ordinary abilities in History, strenuously asserted and proved, to which the Professor could make but weak replies, (as I have heard from know∣ing persons, who were present at that Disputation) because he was drawn out of his ordinany byass from Scholastical Disputation to forein Histo∣ries, in which encounter Mr. Heylyn was the invincible Ajax—Nec quisquam Ajacem superare possit nisi Ajax. But chiefly the quarrel did arise for two words in Mr. Heylyns Hypothesis, after he had proved the Church of England received no Succession of Doctrine or Government from the Berengarians, Wicklifists, &c. who held many Heterodoxies in Religion, as different from the established Doctrine of our Church, as any point which was maintained at that time in the Church of Rome; that the Writers of that Church, Bellarmin himself hath stood up, as cordially in maintenance of some fundamental points of the Christian Faith against Anti-Trinita∣rians, Anabaptists, and other Heretiques of these last Ages, as any our Divines, and other Learned men of the Protestant Churches, which point Mr. Heylyn closed up with these words, Ʋtinam quod ipse de Calvino sic semper errasset nobilissimus Cardinalis; at which words the Reverend Doctor was so impatient in his Chair, that he fell upon the Respondent in most vile terms, calling him Papicola, Bellarminianus, Pontificius, &c. to draw the hatred of the University upon him, according to the saying, Fortiter calumniare & aliquid adhaerebit, grievously complaining to the younger sort of his Auditors, unto whom he made his chiefest addresses, of the unprofitable pains he took among them, if Bellarmin, whom he had la∣boured to confute for so many years, should be honoured with the Title of Nobilissimus. Notwithstanding the Respondent acquitted himself bravely before the Company, ascribing no more honour to Bellarmin than for his deserts in Learning, and Integrity in that particular point before spoken of, which any generous man would give to his Learned Antagonist. For many Lutherans and Calvinists I may say (pace tanti viri) so angry at a word, have not grudged, much less judged it any crime to praise the Cardinals Learning. Doctrinam & nos in ipso commen∣damus, saith a rigid Lutheran. Joh. Andr. Quenstedt. in his Dial. de pal. illust. Vir. S. Paul would not stick to call him who was an inveterate Ene∣my of the Christians, Most Noble Festus. And though Cardinals we know were originally but Parish-Priests, by Pride and Usurpation have made themselves Compeers to Kings; that which is unjustly once obtained, by time groweth common and familiar, that none will refuse to give such their ordinary Titles of honour, although they come by indirect means, Page  viiand not by merit to them. Bellarmin also was of no poor and base ex∣traction, but better than his fellows; for which reason he was created Cardinal by Clement the VIII. Hunc eligimus (saith he) quia est nepos optimi & sanctissimi pontificis,* because he was the Nephew of Marcellus the II. who said, That he could not see how any one can be saved who sate in the Pontifical Chair:* Non video quomodo qui locum hunc altissimum tenent salvari possunt.

After these heats of Disputation were over, Mr. Heylyn took a Jour∣ney to London, where he waited on Archbishop Laud, then Bishop of Bath and Wells, who had heard of all the passages that had happened at Oxford, of which Mr. Heylyn gave a more perfect account to his Lord∣ship, who was pleased to read over the Supposition, at which Dr. Prideaux was so highly offended; but the good Bishop of the other side commend∣ed it, and encouraged Mr. Heylyn in his Studies; saying, That he himself had in his younger days maintained the same Positions in a Disputation, in S. Johns Colledge, that Mr. Heylyns Hypothesis could not be overthrown in a fair way, exhorting him to continue in that moderate course: and that as God had given him more than ordinary gifts, so he would pray to God that he and others might employ them in such a way and manner, as might make up the breaches in the Walls of Christendom. He being now admitted Chaplain to his Majesty, the good Bishop instructed him with Counsel and wise cautions, how to behave himself in all circum∣stances suitably to the calling and dignity of his place; telling him amongst other things, That the King did not love Silk nor Sattin Chaplains, which Mr. Heylyn ever observed both young and old, never ru•fling in Silks, like some of his Brotherhood, but went alway in a plain, grave, and decent habit. In November next following, he Preached in his course before the King, on those words, Joh. 4. v. 20. Our Fathers Worshipped on this Mountain, &c. In which Sermon he declared himself with such smart zeal, and with as quick judgment against several errors and corruptions in the Church of Rome, that his Sermon was better resented by the King than his Supposition by the Kings Professor in Oxon; who though a Right Learned man for his place, yet so dogmatical in his own points, that he would not abide to be touch'd, much less contradicted by Mr. Heylyn— Non aliam ob causam, nisi quod Virtus in utro{que} summa fuit — Hor. More especially being a great man, at that time very popular in the University, profoundly admired by the Junior Masters, and some of the Seniors in∣clined to Puritanism, his own College then observed to be the Nurse of West-Countrey-men in Puritan principles, Mr. Heylyn could expect no favour, nor fair dealing in the way of Disputation, when it ran contrary to the Professors humour.

After these Academical contests, growing weary of Obs and Sols in Scholastical Disputations, which was ever opposite to his genius, and for this purpose unwilling to be always Cloystred up within the Walls of his College, where he must be tied to such Exercises; besides a man of an airy and active spirit, though studious and contemplative, would not per∣petually be devoted to a melancholy recluse life. Therefore he resolved to Marry, and try his fortune in the World, Neque aliud probis quam ex matrimonio solatium esse, saith the good Author,* Marriage is the only com∣fort of minds honestly given; accordingly a fair Fortune was offered to him, viz. A Wife with a thousand pounds Portion, a Gentlewoman of a very Ancient Family, and of as excellent Education, Mrs. Leticia High-gate, third Daughter of Thomas High-gate of Heyes, Esq one of his Ma∣jesties Page  viiiJustices of Peace for the County of Middlesex (who in his younger days, whilst his Elder Brother was alive, had been Provost-Marshal-General of the Army, under the Earl of Essex, at the action of Cales) and of Margery Skipwith his Wife, one of the Daughters of that Ancient Family of the Skipwiths, in the County of Leicester; which said Thomas Heygate the Father, was second Son of that Thomas Heygate, who was Field-Marshal-General of the English Forces, before S. Quintins, under the command of the Earl of Pembroke, Anno Dom. 1557. and of Eliz. Stoner his Wife, a Daughter of the Ancient Families of the Stoners in Oxfordshire. To this Marriage Mr. Heylyn was induced, because he could not make better choice for the excellency of her Person, Wit, and Friends, besides a considerable Portion, all concentring together for his more happy contentment; and because Mr. Edward Heylyn, his Elder Brother, had before Married a Sister of this Lady, another of the Daugh∣ters of the said Thomas Heygate: His Seat was at Minster Lovel, in the County of Oxford, where his Son (to whom Dr. Heylyn was Uncle) now liveth, viz. Hen. Heylyn Esq one of his Majesties Justices of the Peace for that County, an ancient Colonel and excellent Commander in the Army of King Charles the First, and a most accomplisht Gentleman in all respects, to the honour of his Family.

Near which place of Minster, he had the Advouson of Bradwell, a very good Living in Glocestershire, together with a Rent-charge of Inheritance, paid him out of the Mannor of Lechlad: He parted with his Title to Bradwell, resolving to lay the foundation of his following Fortune by his own Industry, and not to bury himself in the unimprovable way of a rural life, He found out an honest Art, by which he might recommend him∣self to the Patronage of some noble mind, and that was to assert the History of St. George, Patron of the most Noble Order of the Garter; a business as he tells the King in his Epistle Dedicatory, of so intricate and involv'd a nature, that he had no guide to follow, nor any path to tread, but what he made unto himself. And it had never come to perfection, had not so able an hand as Mr. Heylyn's undertaken it, whose accomplish∣ments and industry were superior to every thing but themselves. Against this History Dr. Hackwel appeared in Print; of which the King hearing, sent for Mr. Heylyn, commanding him to consider the Arguments of his Antagonist, and withal sent him to Windsor to search the Records of the Order. This occasioned a second Edition of the History, wherein were answered all Dr. Hackwels Arguments and Allegations, to which there was never made a reply; but on the contrary, in his Book about the supposed Decay of Nature, a Retractation of the passages relating to S. George.

About this time he had a presentation given him by one Mr. Bridges to the Parsonage of Meysie-Hampton, in the Diocess of Glocester, unto the Bishop whereof he made his Application, but found him already pre∣ingaged to further the pretended Title of Corpus Christi Coll. in Oxon. However his Lordship promised not to give Institution to any person till the title was cleared, and therefore advised Mr. Heylyn to leave his pre∣sentation with him, and to enter a Caveat in his Court. But he who was false to God, and his Mother-church, could never be faithful to the en∣gagements which he made to Man: The one he deserted by turning Pa∣pist, being the only Bishop of the English Hierarchy, that renounced a persecuted Church to embrace the Idolatries and Errors of the Roman Com∣munion. And the other he violated by giving one Mr. Jackson (who Page  ixcame from C.C.C.) Institution so soon as ever he requested it, which oc∣casioned a tedious suit at Law after.

Neither was this the only disappointment he met with in the way of his Preferment. For not long after, Preaching at Court in his second Attendance, his Majesty express'd a very high opinion of him to many noble Lords about him, and in a few months after gave him a Presenta∣tion to the Rectory of Hemingford, in the County of Huntingdon. But this also missed of the desired effect, which his Majesties bounty designed, and Mr. Heylyns necessity after a long suit of Law for the other Living, required. For the Bishop of Lincoln, unto whom he made Application with his Presentation, would not allow the King to have any title to the Living, so he was constrained to return back to London, re infecta. The Bishop was much offended that a young Divine should have so great knowledge in Law, (which was the beginning of all the following Diffe∣rences between them) for Mr. Heylyn made good the Kings Right upon the passages of the conveyances of the other party. His Majesty pre∣sently understood the entertainment he met with at Bugden, and sent him this gracious Message, That he was sorry he had put him to so much charge and trouble, but it should not be long before he would be out of his debt. And he soon performed his Royal promise, for within a week after, he bestowed upon him a Prebendship of Westminster, void by the death of Mr. Danel, to the extream vexation of his Lordship, who was then Dean of the same Church. And that which added to the honour of this preferment, was not only his being initiated the very same day into the acquaintance and friendship with the Attorney-General, Mr. Noye; but the gracious Message that came along with the Royal gift, viz. That he bestowed that Prebendship on him, to bear the charges of his last Jour∣ney, but still he was in debt for the Living.

Being possessed of this Preferment, the first honourable Visit that he received in his new Habitation, was from the Learned Lord Falkland, who brought along with him one Capt. Nelson, that pretended to find out a way for the discovery of the Longitude of the Sea; the Captain had imparted his design to many learned Mathematicians, who by no means could approve of or subscribe to his demonstrations. But the King refer'd him to Mr. Heylyn, who told that noble Lord, That his Ma∣jesty was mistaken in him, his skill and knowledge lying more in the Historical than the Philosophical part of Geography; yet notwithstand∣ing he gave a full account thereof in writing, according to the best of his judgment, which is too long to set down here.

His mind being intent rather upon useful than notional Learning, there∣fore about this time he began with great diligence to read over the Sta∣tute Laws of the Nation, and to compare them with the time and cir∣cumstances that occurr'd in story, which he carefully perused, the bet∣ter to inable himself for his Majesties Service, who then had the Small-pox appearing on him, but he soon recovered from that distemper: Mr. Heylyn to testifie his joy, turn'd Poet, making a Copy of English Verses, which one of his Friends presented to the King; and they were so well lik'd, that both their Majesties gave him the honour of their thanks.

But his Majesty found employment rather for the judgment, than fancy of the Chaplain; and therefore upon Jan. 27. 1632. sent for him to the Council Table, where he received his Royal commands to read over that Book of Mr. Pryns, called Histriomastix, and to collect thence all such Page  xpassages as were scandalous or dangerous to the King or State, and to reduce them into method. The Book was delivered to him, and a fortnights time assigned him to perform that Task imposed. But he had learned from the wisest of men, that diligence in business, and a quick dispatch of it, would qualifie him for the service of Kings, and not mean Persons. And therefore he finished what was expected from him, and carried it to the Secretary of State in less than four days; for which he had his Majesties thanks, as also new commands to revise his Papers, and to write down such Logical Inferences as might naturally arise from the premises of Mr. Pryn: About this time, and upon this occasion he wrote a small Tract touching the punishments due by Law, and in point of practice, unto such offenders as Mr. Pryn. And this was observable in the tryal of that Person, that nothing was urged by the Council to aggravate his faults, than what was contained in Mr. Heylyns Collections.

For the reward of which, and other good services, that with won∣derful prudence, as well as diligence, he faithfully performed; His Ma∣jesty was graciously pleased to requite him, by bestowing on him the Parsonage of Houghton, in the Bishoprick of Durham, worth near 400 l. per annum, which afterward he exchanged with Dr. Marshal, for the Par∣sonage of Alresford in Hampshire, that was about the same value; to which exchange he was commanded by his Majesty, that he might live nearer the Court, for readiness to do his Majesties Service. Neither was he envied for this, or his other Preferments, because every one knew his merits, the only cause of his promotion. Into this Living he was no sooner Instituted and Inducted, but he took care for the Service of God to be constantly performed by reading the Common Prayers in his Church every Morning, that gave great satisfaction to the Parish, being a populous Market Town; and for the Communion Table, where the blessed Sacrament is Consecrated, he ordered that it should be placed ac∣cording to ancient custom, at the East end of the Chancel, and railed about decently, to prevent base and profane usages; and where the Chancel wanted any thing of repairs, or the Church it self, both to be amended.

Having thus shewed his care first for the House of God, to set it in good order, the next work followed, was to make his own dwelling House a fit and convenient Habitation; that to the old Building he added a new one, which was far more graceful, and made thereto a Chappel next to the Dining-room, that was beautified and adorned with silk Hangings about the Altar; in which Chappel, himself or his Curate read Morning and Evening Prayer to the Family, calling in his Labourers and Workfolks, for he was seldom without them while he liv'd, saying, that he loved the noise of a Work-mans hammer: for he thought it a deed of Charity, as well as to please his own fancy, by often building & repairing, to set poor People a work, and encourage painful Artificers and Trades∣men in their honest Callings. Yet after his death, his Eldest Son was sued for Dilapidations in the Court of Arches, by Dr. Beamont, his Fathers Successor; but the ingenious Gentleman pleaded his cause so notably, before Sir Giles Swet, then Judge of the Court, that he was discharged; there being no reason or justice he should be troubled for Dilapidations, occasioned by the long War, when his Father was unjustly turn'd out of his House and Living.

In July 1630. he took his Degree of Batchelor in Divinity. His Latin Sermon was upon these words, Mal. 4.19. Facim vos fieri piscatores Page  xihominum. Upon the Sunday following, being the time of the Act, he Preach'd in the Afternoon on Matth. 13.25.

In Feb. 13. A. D. 1633. He took his Degree of Dr. in Divinity, an honour not usually in those days conferr'd upon men of such green years, but our young Doctor verified those excellent words of the Son of Syrach, That honourable Age is not that which standeth in length of time, nor that is measured by number of years, but Wisdom is the grey unto men, and an unspotted life is an old Age, Wisd. 4.8, 9. He entertain'd some hopes that Dr. Prideaux his animosities in so long a Tract of time, as from 1627. to 1633. might have cooled. In his first Disputation he had insisted on the Churches Visibility, and now he resolved to assert and establish its Autho∣rity, and to that purpose made choice to answer for his Degree upon these three questions, viz.

• An Ecclesia habeat Authoritatem In determinandis fidei controversus.
• An Ecclesia habeat Authoritatem Interpretandi S. scripturas.
• An Ecclesia habeat Authoritatem Decernendi Ritus & Caeremonias.

All which he held in the Affirmative, according to the Doctrine of the Church of England, in the 20th. Article. But Dr. Prideaux was as little pleased with these questions, and the Respondents stating of them as he was with the former. And therefore to create unto the Respondent a greater odium, he openly declared that the Respondent had falsified the publick Doctrine of the Church, and changed the Article with that sen∣tence, viz. Habet Ecclesia ritus sive caeremonias, &c. which was not to be found in the whole body of it; and for the proof thereof, he read the Article out of a Book which lay before him, beginning thus, Non licet Ecclesiae quicquam instituere quod verbo Dei scripto adversetur, &c. To which the Respondent readily answered, That he perceived by the big∣ness of the Book, which lay on the Doctors Cushion, that he had read that Article out of the harmony of Confessions, published at Geneva, A. D. 1612. which therein followed the Edition of the Articles in the time of King Edward VI. A.D. 1552. in which that sentence was not found, but that it was otherwise in the Articles agreed on in the Convocation, A. D. 1562. The Respondent caused the Book of Articles to be sent for out of the Book-sellers shop, which being observed by the Doctor, he declared himself very willing to decline any further prosecution of that particular. But Dr. Heylyn was resolved to proceed on no further, Ʋsquedum libera∣verit animam suam ab ista calumnia, as his own words were. At the coming in of the Book, the Respondent read the Article in the English Tongue, viz. The Church hath power to decree Rites and Ceremonies, and Authority in Controversies of Faith, &c. Which done, he delivered the Book to one of the Standers by, who desired it of him, the Book passing from one hand to another, till all men were satisfied. The Regius Pro∣fessor had no other subterfuge but this, He went to prove that not the Convocation, but the High Court of Parliament had power of ordering matters in the Church, in making Canons, ordaining Ceremonies, and de∣termining Controversies in Religion. And he could find no other medium to make it good, but the Authority of Sir Edward Coke, in one of the Books of his Reports. An Argument that Dr. Heylyn gratified with no better answer than, Non Credendum est cuique extra suam artem. For these things, and the Professors ill words in the former Disputation, Dr. Heylyn caused him to be brought before the Council Table at Page  xiiWoodstock, where he was publickly reprehended. And upon the coming out of the Kings Declaration concerning lawful sports, Dr. Heylyn translated the Regius Professors Lecture upon the Sabbath into English; and putting a Preface before it, caused it to be Printed; a performance which did not only justifie his Majesties proceedings, but took off much of that opinion, which Dr. Prideaux had amongst the Puritanical Faction in those days.

A. D. 1634. The grievances which the Collegiate Church of Westmin∣ster suffered under the Government of John Lord Bishop of Lincoln, then Commendatory Dean thereof, became so intolerable, that Dr. Heylyn, with Dr. Tho. Wilson, Dr. Gabriel Moor, and Dr. Lud. Wemys, with other of the Prebends, drew up a Charge of no less than 36 Articles against the Bishop, and by way of complaint humbly Petitioned his Majesty for re∣dress of these grievances. Whereupon a Commission was issued out to the Arch-Bishops of Canterbury and York, the Earl of Manchester, Earl of Portland, the Lord Bishop of London, and the two Secretaries of State; Authorizing them to hold a Visitation of the Church of Westminster to examine the particular Charges made against John Lord Bishop of Lincoln, who afterwards calling the Prebends to meet him in the Jerusalem-Chamber, desired to know of them what these things were, that were amiss, that so he might presently redress them. But to that Dr. Heylyn replied, that seeing they had put the business into his Majesties hands, it would but ill become them, to take the matters out of his into their own. Amongst other grievances, the Bishop had most disgracefully turned out the Prebends of the great Seat or Pew under the Pulpit. Dr. Heylyn being chosen Advocate for his Brothren, did prove before the Lord Com∣missioners the Right of Sitting there. 1. The Prebends Original Right. 2. Their Derivative Right; and lastly, their Possessory Right. Upon hearing the proofs on both sides, it was ordered by general consent of the Lord Commissioners. That the Prebends should be restored to their old Seat, and that none should sit there with them but Lords of the Parliament, and Earls eldest Sons, according to the ancient custom. After this, there was no Bishop of Lincoln to be seen at any Morning-Prayer, and seldom at Evening.

At this time came out the Doctor's History of the Sabbath, the Argu∣mentative or Scholastick part of which subject was referred to White Bishop of Eli, the Historical part to the Doctor. And no sooner had the Doctor perfected his Book of the Sabbath, but the Dean of Peterborough engages him to answer the Bishop of Lincoln's Letter to the Vicar of Grantham. He received it upon good Friday; and by the Thursday fol∣lowing discovered the sophistry, mistakes, and falshoods of it. It was ap∣proved by the King, and by him given to the Bishop of London to be Licens'd and Publish'd under the title of a Coal from the Altar. In less than a twelve-month the Bishop of Lincoln writ an Answer to it, En∣tituled The Holy Table, Name, and Thing; but pretended that it was writ long ago by a Minister in Lincolnshire, against Dr. Cole, a Divine in the days of Queen Mary. Dr. Heylyn receiv'd a Message from the King to return a reply to it, and not in the least to spare him. And he did it in the space of seven weeks, presenting it ready Printed to his Majesty, and called it Antidotum Lincolniense. But before this, he answered Mr. Burtons Seditious Sermon, being thereunto also appointed by the King.

In July 1637. the Bishop of Lincoln was censured in the Star-Chamber, for tampering with Witnesses in the Kings Cause; suspended à Beneficio & Page  xiiiofficio, and sent to the Tower, where he continued three years, and did not in all that space of time hear either Sermon or publick Prayers.

The College of Westminster, about this time, presented the Doctor to the Parsonage of Islip, now void by the death of Dr. King. By reason of its great distance from Alresford, the Doctor exchanged it for South∣warnborough, that was more near and convenient. At which time, re∣covering from an ill fit of Sickness, he studiously set on writing the History of the Church of England since the Reformation; in order to which he obtained the freedom of Sir Robert Cottons Library, and by Arch-bishop Laud's commendation, had liberty granted him to carry home some of the Books, leaving 200 l. as a Pawn behind him. The Commotions in Scotland now began, and the Arch Bishop of Canterbury intending to set out an Apology for vindicating the Liturgy which he had commended to that Kirk, desired the Doctor to translate the Scottish Liturgy into Latin, that being Published with the Apology, all the World might be satisfied in his Majesties piety, as well as the Arch-Bishops care; as also that the perverse and rebellious temper of the Scots might be ap∣parent to all, who would raise such troubles upon the Recommendation of a book that was so Venerable and Orthodox. Dr. Heylyn undertook and went through with it, but the distemper and trouble of those times put a period to the undertaking, and the Book went no farther than the hands of that Learned Martyr.

In Feb. 1639. the Doctor was put into Commission of Peace for the County of Hampshire, residing then upon this Living; into which place he was no sooner admitted, but he occasioned the discovery of a horrid Murther that had been committed many years before in that Countrey. In the April following he was chosen Clerk of the Convocation for the College of Westminster, at which time the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury sending a Canon to them for suppressing the farther growth of Popery, and reducing Papists to the Church, our Doctor moved his Grace that the Canon might be enlarged for the Peoples farther satisfaction, as well as the Churches benefit; what was done therein, and many other notable things by that Convocation, may be seen at large in the History of the Arch-Bishops Life. Friday being May the 29th. the Canons were for∣mally subscribed unto by the Bishops and Clergy, no one dissenting ex∣cept the Bishop of Glocester, who afterward turn'd Papist and died in the Communion of the Romish Church, and was all that time of his Life, in which he revolted from the Church of England, a very great Servant of Oliver Cromwel, unto whom he dedicated some of his Books. But for his Contumacy in refusing to subscribe the Articles, he was voted worthy of Suspension in the Convocation, and was actually Suspended by the Arch-Bishop of Canterbury; which being done the Convocation was ended.

In Novemb. 3. A.D. 1640. began the Session of the long Parlia∣ment, At the opening of which, a general Rumor was spread abroad that Dr. Heylyn was run away for fear of an approaching storm that was like to fall upon his head, as well as on his Grace the Arch-Bishop of Cauterbury; but he who was ever of an undaunted spirit would not pusillanimously desert the Cause of the King and Church then in question, but speedily hastned up to London from Alresford, to confute the common calumny and false report raised on him by the Puritan faction, that he appeared the next day in his Gown and Tippet at Westminster-Hall, and in the Church with the accustomed formalities of his Cap, Hood and Page  xivSurplice, employed then his Pen boldly in defence of the Bishops Rights, when the Lords began to shake the Hierarchy, in passing a Vote, That no Bishop should be of the Committe for Examination of the Earl of Strafford, being Causa sanguinis; upon which the Doctor drew up a brief and excellent Discourse, entituled De jure paritatis Episcopum, wherein he asserted all the Bishops Rights of Peerage, and principally of this as well as the rest, That they ought to sit in that Committee, with other Priviledges and Rights maintained by him, which either by Law or ancient custom did belong unto them. A rare Commendation at this juncture of time, for which the Doctor is to be admired, that he could command his Parts and Pen of a sudden, to write on this subject, or any other, if there was need, that did conduce to the publick good, and above all, make a quick dispatch in accomplishing what he had once under∣taken and begun.

But for those quick dispatches the Doctor afterward endured many tedious waitings at the backs of Committe-men in that Parliament, espe∣cially in the business of Mr. Pryn, about his Histriomastix, for which he was kept four days under examination, because he had furnished the Lords of the Privy Council with matters out of that Book, which Mr. Pryn alledged was the cause of all his sufferings. Great hopes had the Committee by his often dancing attendance after them, to sift the Doctor if they could gather any thing by his speeches, whether the Arch-Bishop had moved him to draw up those exceptions against Pryns Book, which he denied, or at least was not bound to confess; that as he was faithful to his Sovereign, so he would never prove himself unfaithful to his chief Minister both in Church and State.

But now John Lord Bishop of Lincoln, at this Session of Parliament, returned from the Tower to the Church (after so long a time of his Suspen∣sion and Indevotion) to say his Prayers, and hear his Brother Peter Heylyn Preach in his course at the Abby in Westminster, where notwith∣standing the Holiness of that place, (to which his Lordship had no re∣gard or reverence, but only to the Name and Thing of it) he was re∣solved publickly to revenge himself for old-done deeds that ought to have been forgotten, by disturbing the Doctor in his Sermon, before all the Congregation, contrary to the Laws of this Realm, and with Reve∣rence to his Lordship, against all good manners, and the common rules of civility.

Strange! That a Bishop could not rule his passions for one hour, when no provocation was given by the Doctor, whose Sermon from the begin∣ning to the end of it, throughout the whole discourse was pacificatory, ex∣horting Christians to Moderation, Love, and Charity among themselves, for the preservation of the publique peace, although they differed in some opinions. For satisfaction of the Reader, I will set down the Doctors own words, viz. Is it not that we are so affected with our own Opinions, that we condemn whosoever shall opine the contrary; and so far wedded to our own wills, that when we have espoused a quarrel, neither the Love of God, not the God of Love shall divorce us from it: Instead of hearkning to the voice of the Church, every man hearkens to himself, and cares not if the whole miscarry, so that himself may bravely carry out his own devices. Ʋpon which stubborn height of Pride, what quarrels have been rais'd, what Schisms in every Page  xvcorner of this our Church (to enquire no further) some rather putting all into open tumult, than that they would conform to a Lawful Government, de∣rived from Christ and his Apostles to these very Times. At the speaking of which words, the Bishop of Lincoln sitting in the great Pew (which was before the Seat of Contention) knocked aloud with his Staff upon the Pulpit, saying, No more of that point, No more of that point, Peter: To whom the Doctor readily answered, without haesitation, or the least sign of being dashed out of countenance, I have a little more to say, my Lord, and then I have done, which was as followeth, viz. Others com∣bining into close and dangerous Factions, because some points of speculative Divinity, are otherwise maintained by some than they would have them. Also regardless of the common peace, that rather than be quiet, we will quarrel with our blessed Peace-maker for seeking to compose the differences, though to the prejudice of neither party. Thus do we foolishly divide our Saviour, and rent his Sacred Body on the least occasion, vainly conceiving that a difference in point of Judgment, must needs draw after it a dis-joyning of the affections also, and that conclude at last in an open Schism. Whereas diversity of opinions, if wisely managed, would rather tend to the discovery of the Truth, than the disturbance of the Church, and rather whet-our Industry than excite our passions. It was St. Cyprians resolution, Neminem, licet aliter senserit, à Commu∣nione amovere, not to suspend any man from the Communion of the Church, although the matter then debated, was (as I take it) of more weight than any of the points now controverted; which moderation, if the present Age had at∣tained unto, we had not then so often torn the Church in pieces, nor by our frequent broils offered that injury and inhumanity to our Saviours Body, which which was not offered to his Garments. At this, and all the other part of his Sermon, the Auditory was highly pleased, but the Bishop in so great wrath, that his voice, and the noise of his Pastoral Staff (if I may so call it) had like to have frighted the whole Flock or Congregation out of the Fold. Considering the ill posture of affairs in which the Nation then stood, overflowing with Seditions and Schisms, I think a more seasonable Sermon could not have been Preached than to move men of different per∣suasions unto Peace and Unity one with another, which is a most Christian Doctrine. After the Sermon was ended, he took Sir Robert Filmore his Learned Friend, with some Gentlemen of Quality that were his Auditors, out of the Church along with him to his House, where he immediately Sealed up the Book that contained this Sermon, and other Notes, to which they also set their Seals, that so there might not be the least altera∣tion made in the Sermon, nor any ground to suspect it, which was pre∣sently after sent to the Bishop, who kept it in his hands for some days; in which time his passions allayed, being more calm at home than in Church, he sent the Book untouched back again to Dr. Heylyn, in whose Study it had lain dormant for the space of fifteen years, (when the danger of an old Sermon, of being called in question, must needs be over) by my persuasion, and his consent, he was pleased to give me leave to open that Apocalyptical Book, that I might read and see the mystery that lay hid under the Seals for so many years, which indeed proved only a pious and practical Sermon for Edification, to moderate the heats of those fiery spirits that were like to make a Combustion in the whole Kingdom. The Bishop deserved a sharper rebuke for his own Sermon, which about that time he Preached before the King, when he made a strange Apostrophe from his Text to the Sabbath, falling down upon his knees in the Pulpit at the middle of his Sermon, beseeching his Majesty in most humble manner, Page  xvithat greater care might be taken for the better observation of the Sabbath day, which was looked upon by many as a piece of most grand Hypocrisie, who knew his opinion well by his practice; for he did ordinarily play at Bowls on Sundays, after Evening Service, shoot with Bow and Arrows, and used other exercises and recreations according to his Lordships plea∣sure. The Bishop restored to his Dignities by means of that unhappy Par∣hament, with whom he was in high favour, expected that the Doctor should have submitted himself to his Lordship, and particularly acknow∣ledge his error in putting out the Antidotum Lincolniense, which he com∣manded him to call in; to which Dr. Heylyn replied, that he received his Majesties Royal Command for the Writing and Printing of that Book, in which he had asserted nothing but what he was still ready to justifie and defend against the opposers of it.

No sooner was the Doctor out of the Pulpit, but he must come again before the Chair of the old Committee, to Answer unto new Articles that Mr. Pryn had drawn up against him; more especially for a Sermon that he had Preached many years ago, which Mr. Pryn (who had then Ears) heard himself, and brought along with him some other Auditors, who were a company of Butchers, to give Evidence against the Doctor, sup∣posing he would come bloodily off; but contrary to their expectation, he got the victory of the day, and was dismissed with a Quietus est from that Committee. And glad was he so to be delivered out of the Lyons mouth, telling his Friends that he would now go to Alresford, with a pur∣pose never more to come back to Westminster, whilst these two good Friends of his abode in it, viz. The House of Common, and the Lord of Lincoln. Accordingly he hastned down to his Family and Parishioners, to solace his soul with peace, after his so long patience under Westminster troubles.

Welcome was he to his Parishioners, who always loved him in the time of his Prosperity and Adversity, because of his affable and courteous be∣haviour, his Hospitality among them, and Relief to their Poor; his readi∣ness to do his Neighbours any kindness by Counsel or other assistance; his constant Preaching, during all time of his abode; and in his absence, when he was called to Court, supplied them with an able Curate; he was re∣solved now to spend his days among them, and his Parishioners at South-Warnborough, from whom he had the same respect and love. But the unhappy Wars now following, that put all things into disorder and con∣fusion, dispersed Families, parted nearest Relations, forced People from their Houses, and Ministers out of their Churches, necessitated him to flie for his own Preservation, as Elijah Persecuted by Ahab, being sent for by a party of Horse, under the command of Sir William Waller, to bring him Prisoner to Portsmouth, he fairly escaped their hands, but continually disturb'd with new Alarms of Drums and Trum∣pets sounding about him, and every where else, that he could find no other way of safety like going to Oxford, there to take Sanctuary with his Brethren (the persecuted Clergy.) But the news of his being in Oxford, took wings to the old Committee, who forthwith Voted him a Delin∣quent, and sent down an Order for Sequestration of all his Goods and Chattels: And first they fetcht away his Library (for they thought he was too great a Scholar) the plunder of which he took deeply to heart, and over accounted it the greatest of his losses. The Books were carried to Portsmouth, where they were appraised at a thousand pound, and put into a publick Library, from whence they could never be redeemed. After Page  xviithe loss of them, those Sabeans drove away his Goods and Chattels, seized upon his Corn and Hay, and in Carts and Waggons carried away his Houshold goods, that they left him naked as Job; for immediately by order of the Committe, the Tiths of both his Livings were Sequestred, and the profits of his Prebendary in Westminster, and what temporal Estate he had within their reach, taken from him; that being asked by one of his acquaintance, how he lived? he answered him readily, By Horse∣flesh and old Leather; which seeming a Riddle, he explained afterward his meaning, That he saved only his Coach and Horses which brought him to Oxford, which he was forc'd to sell, and live upon the money. But that be∣ing done, he must think of some other way, first to live upon Credit, which seldom holdeth long, without an Estate to support it; and after∣ward upon the Charity of Friends, which is shorter liv'd, for the heat of that love soon groweth cold.

So that being no longer able to maintain himself and Family in Oxford, he sent his Wife to London, to get what money she could amongst her Rela∣tions: himself went out of Oxford A. D. 1645. walking as a poor Tra∣veller through the Countrey, and disguis'd both in his Name and Habit; he somtimes went under the name of Barker, at other times took the name of Harding, by which he was well known among his Friends, and not dis∣covered by his Enemies; his Habit changed from a Priest to a Lay-man, and in the likeness usually of an honest Country-man, or else of a poor de∣cayed Gentleman, as indeed he was. The peril of the times made him such a Proteus in his Garb, because the Parliament was resolved, if they could take him, that he should follow his good Lord of Canterbury to ano∣ther World, than that described in his Cosmography; but he happily outlived most of them, and died in honour, which they did not. He wandred like a Jew, with a Groat in his purse, and somtimes without it, till he got to some good Friends House. At his first setting out, he was betrayed by a zealous She-Puritan, one Mrs. Munday, at her House in Oxfordshire; her Husband was a true-hearted Cavalier, unto whose pro∣tection he committed himself: He being one day gone from home, she Saint-like, unfaithful to her Husband and his Friend, sent Intelligence to some Parliament Soldiers, that there was a Cavalier-Doctor in her House; of which he had notice given him by two of her Husbands Sisters, who hated her pure qualities; that as soon as the Family was all in Bed, he went out at a back door, down a pair of Garden-stairs, from whence he took his march all that Night, and by the help of God Almighty, he got safely to another Friends House by Morning. Ever after, the Doctor ob∣served it for a rule, never to come within the doors of a Holy Sister, whose House may be compared to that which Solomon describeth, Is the way to Hell, going down to the Chambers of death; that had not Divine Providence protected him from the treachery of that Woman, he had fallen into the hands of those Nimrods that hunted after his Life. From place to place he shifted like the old Travels of the Patriarchs; and in pity to his necessity, found a hearty entertainment amongst his Friends of the Royal party, at whose Tables he was fed, for he had none of his own: His Children disposed of into several Friends hands, his Wife among her Relations, himself depending upon the Courtesie, both of Friends and Strangers, till he grew weary and tired out with this kind of life, for Vilis amicorum annona est, it pleased God to send him afterward some supplies of moneys, that he setled himself, Wife and eldest Daughter at Winchester, in the House of a right honest man, one Mr. Lizard, with whom they Page  xviiiTabled a good while, where he had a comfortable time of breathing and rest after his former troubles, and to his hearts delight the sweet enjoy∣ment and conversation of Loyal persons; for Winchester was then a strong Garrison for the King, and being near Alresford, he would go somtimes in disguise to visit his old Neighbors, who he knew were true and faithful to him. But those Halcion days quickly vanished, as seldom Prosperity con∣tinues so long a time as Adversity; for that Town and Castle especially, which was thought strong enough to resist a greater Force than came against it, were both treacherously delivered up to the hands of their Enemies in three days time; and now every House full of Soldiers quar∣tered amongst them, poor Dr. Heylyn was in more danger than ever, had not Mr. Lizard taken care of him as his dearest Guest, and hid him in a private Room, as Providence ordained, to save his life; which Room for∣merly was supposed to be made for the hiding of Seminary Priests and Jesuits, because the House heretofore belonged to a Papist Family; and in∣deed it was so cunningly contrived, that there was no door to be seen, nor entring into it, but behind an old Beds head; and if the Bed had not been there, the door was so neatly made like the other Wainscot of the Chamber, that it was impossible for a Stranger to find it out: in which Room, instead of a Papist, a right Protestant Doctor, who was a professed Enemy both to Popery and Puritanism, was now secured from the rage and violence of the Soldiers, who sought after him with no less eagerness, than if he had been a Heretick, followed by the Spanish Inquisition, when he good man was in the very next Room to them, adjoyning to the Dining-chamber, where he could hear all their raillery and mirth, their gaming at Cards and Dice; for those idle Lurdanes spent their time only in riot and pleasure at home, and when they went abroad, they would tread the Maze near the Town. He took his opportunity on the Market-day to put on his travelling robes, with a long Staff in his hand, and so walked out of the Town confidently, with the Country croud, bidding adieu to the little Room that he left for the next distressed Gentleman; in the mean while his Wife and Daughter he entrusted to Mr. Lizard's care, his faithful Friend. And now he must again travel to seek his Fortune, which proved more kind to him, than she did before; yet he met with a hard Adventure not many miles from Winchester, where some stragling Soldiers lighting on him, and catching hold of his hand, felt a Ring un∣der his Glove, which through hast of his escape, he forgot to pull off; which no sooner discover'd, but they roughly swore he was some Run∣away Cavalier: the Ring being hard to get off, the poor Doctor willingly helped them; in which time came galloping by some of the Parliaments, Scouts, who said to their Fellow-soldiers, Look to your selves, the Cavaliers are coming; at which words being affrighted, they took that little money that was in his Pocket, and so rid away without further search, and he good man jog'd on to the next Friends House, with some pieces of Gold that he had hid in his high Shooes, which if the Rogues had not been so hastily frighted away, would have been undoubtedly found, and might have cost him his life by further suspicions of him. At what Friends House he was now secured from danger, though I have heard him named, indeed I have forgot, but from thence he travelled to Dr. Kingsmill, a Loyal person of great worth, an ancient Family, where he continued, and sent for his Wife and Daughter from Winchester to him; and from thence removed to Minster Lovel (in Oxfordshire) the pleasant Seat of his Elder Brother, in the year 1648. which he Farmed of his Nephew Colonel Page  xixHeylyn, for six years: Being deprived of his Ecclesiastical preferments, he must think of some honest way for a Livelihood.

Yet not withstanding he followed his Studies, in which was his chief delight; for though the Usurp'd Powers had silenced his Tongue from Preaching, they could not with-hold his Pen from Writing, and that in an acute and as sharp a style as formerly. At the same time he enlarged his Book of Geography into a large Folio, which was before but a little Quarto, and entituled it with the name of Cosmography; of which it may be truly said, it does contain a World of Learning in it, as well as the Descrip∣tion of the World; and particularly sheweth the Authors most excellent abilities, not only in History and smoothness of its style, that maketh the whole Book delightful to the Reader; but in Chronology, Genealogy, and Heraldry, in which last any one may see that he could blazon the Arms, and describe the descent and pedigree of the greatest Families in Europe. In which pleasing study while he spent his time, his good Wife, a discreet and active Lady, looked both after her Housewifery within doors, and the Husbandry without; thereby freeing him from that care and trouble, which otherwise would have hindred his laborious Pen from going through so great a work in that short time. And yet he had several divertisements by company, which continually resorted to his House; for having (God be thanked) his temporal Estate cleared from Sequestration, by his Composition with the Commissioners at Goldsmiths-Hall, and this Estate which he Farmed besides, he was able to keep a good House, and relieve his poor Brethren, as himself had found relief from others Charity, that his House was the Sanctuary of Sequestred men, turn'd out of their Livings, and of several Ejected Fellows out of Oxford; more particularly of some worthy Persons which I can name, as Dr. Allibone, Mr. Levite, Mr. Thornton, Mr. Ashwell, who would stay for two or three months at his House; or any other Acquaintance that were suffering men, he chearfully receiv'd them, and with a hearty Welcome might tarry as long as they pleased. A vertue highly to be prais'd, and most worthy of Commenda∣tion in it self. Mr. Marchamont Needham, then a zealous Loyalist, and scourge to the Rump Parliament, being violently pursued by them, was sheltered in the Doctors House while the storm was over: the good Doctor now as his Tutelary Angel, preserved him in a high Room, where he con∣tinued writing his Weekly Pragmaticus; yet he afterward like Balaam the Son of Beor, hired with the Wages of Unrighteousness, corrupted with mercenary gifts and bribes, became the only Apostate of the Na∣tion, and writ for the pretended Common-wealth, or rather I may say, for a base Democracy; for which the Doctor could never after endure the mention of his name, who had so disobliged his Countrey, and the Royal Party, by his shameful Tergiversation.

The good Doctors Charity also did not only extend it self to ancient Friends and Acquaintance, but to mere Strangers, by whom he had like to run himself into a praemunire; for word being carried to him in his Study, there was a Gentleman at the door, who said he was a Comman∣der in the Kings Army, and earnestly desired some relief and harbour for that Night, and his Son with him; the Doctor presently went to him, and finding by his discourse, and other circumstances, what he said was true, received him into his House, and made him very Welcome: The Gentleman was a Scotch Captain, who having a Scotch Diurnal in his Pocket, they read it, fearing no harm thereby, but it proved otherwise; for one of the Doctors Servants listning at the door, went streight-way to Page  xxOxford, and informed the Governor, Colonel Kelsey, that his Master had received Letters from the King, whereupon the Governour sent a party of Horse to fetch him away. Strange news it was, knowing his own in∣nocence, to hear that Soldiers had beset his House so early in the Morning, before he was out of bed: But go he must to appear before the Gover∣nour; and when he came, that treacherous Rogue his Man did confidently affirm that he heard the Letters read, and was sure he could remember the very words, if his Master would produce the Letters: upon which the Doctor relates the whole story to the Governour, and withal shews the Diurnal, which the Governor read to the Fellow; often asking him, is this right, is this the same you heard? to whom he answered, yes Sir, yes that is the very thing, and those words I remember: upon which the Go∣vernor caused him to be soundly whipt, instead of giving him a reward for Intelligence, and dismiss'd the Doctor, with some Complements, ordering the same party of Horse that fetcht him, to wait upon him home.

Being thus delivered from the Treachery of this Servant, his great care was to provide one more faithful; which the good Lady Wainman, his Neighbour, hearing of, commended to him one of her own Servants, whom Sir Francis her Husband had bred up from a Child, whose fidelity he need not fear in the worst of times, when a mans Enemies may be of his own Houshold, as Q. Vibius Serenus was betrayed by his own Son, Reus pater, accusator filius,* idem index & testis, saith the Historian, The Son was both Accuser and Witness against the Father.

In the year 1653. he removed to Lacies-Court in Abingdon, which Seat he bought for the pleasantness of its Situation, standing next the Fields, and not distant above five miles from Oxford, where he might be fur∣nished with Books at his pleasure, either from the Book-sellers Shops, or the Bodleian-Library: for such a fresh appetite to Study and Writing he still retained in his old Age, that he would give his mind no time of va∣cancy and intermission for those labours in which he was continually exer∣cised. When Monarchy and Episcopacy was trodden under foot, then did he stand up a Champion in defence of both, and feared not to Pub∣lish The Stumbling block of Disobedience, and his Certamen Epistolare; in which Mr. Baxter fled the Field, because there was impar congressus be∣twixt him, and as I may say an old Soldier of the Kings, who had been used to fiercer Combats with more famous Goliahs. Also Mr. Thomas Fuller was sufficiently chastized for his Church History, as he deserved a most sharp correction, because he had been a Son of the Church of England, in the time of her prosperity, and now deserted her in her adverse fortune, and took to the Adversaries side: And it was then my hap, having some business with Mr. Taylor, Fellow of Lincoln College in Oxon, and then Chaplain to the Lord Keeper, Mr. Nathaniel Fiennes, to see Mr. Fuller make a fawning address to my Lord, with his great Book of Church History hugged under his arm, which he presented to the Keeper after an uncouth rustical manner,* as Horace describeth,—Sub ala fasciculum portas Li∣brorum ut rusticus agnum. The many falsities, defects, and mistakes of that Book the Doctor discovered and refuted; of which Mr. Fuller after∣ward being ingeniously ashamed, came to the Doctors House in Abingdon, where he made his peace; both became very good Friends, and betwixt them for the future was kept an inviolable bond of Friendship.

In the year 1656. he Printed some Observations upon the History of the Reign of King Charles, by H. L. Esq with whom he dealt very can∣didly, and modestly corrected some of his mistakes in most mild and Page  xxiamicable terms, telling him, viz. Between us both the History will be made more perfect, and consequently the Reader will be better satisfied,* which makes me somewhat confident that these few Notes will be so far from making your History less vendible than it was before, that they will very much advan∣tage and promote the sale: And if I can do good to all, without wrong to any, I hope no man can be offended with my pains and industry. In answer to which, Mr. Hammond L'Estrange led by his passion, and not by reason, fell upon the Doctor in such uncivil words, unbecoming a Gentleman, that as the Doctor saith, he never was accustomed to such Billinsgate language. There was indeed a time (saith he) when my name was almost in every Libel,* which exercised the patience of the State for seven years together; and yet I dare confidently say, that all of them together did not vomit so much filth upon me, as hath proceeded from the mouth of the Pamphleter, whom I have in hand. Therefore the Doctor returned a quick and sharp reply in his Book, En∣tituled Extraneus Vapulans, wherein with admired wit and eloquence, he gave Mr. L'Estrange a most severe, yet civil correction. In the year 1657. he put out in Print, Ecclesia Vindicata, or the Church of England justified, which he dedicated (as a grateful testimony of his mind) to his Master then living, Mr. Edward Davis, formerly School-master of Burford, and now Vicar of Shelton, in the County of Berks, to whom he ever shewed a Love and Reverence: and had the Doctors power been answerable to his will and intention, he had design'd more considerable Preferments for him; but the sudden and unexpected alteration in his own affairs preven∣ted, (so soon almost as himself was preferred) that he could shew no other specimen of his gratitude. What saith the Heathen? Diis parentibus & praeceptoribus non redditur aequivalens, An amends can never be made to God, our Parents and Tutors; and certainly he hath but little of a Chri∣stian in him, that can forget this lesson; yet some are so unnatural, as the Child that loveth not his Nurse.

About the same time he was harassed before Olivers Major General, for the decimation of his Estate, he thinking there had been an end of those troubles, by compounding for his Estate in Goldsmiths-Hall, he argued his Case notably with them, but all in vain, for Arguments, though never so acutely handled, are obtuse weapons against the edge of the sword. One Captain Allen formerly a Tinker, and his Wife a poor Tripe-wife, took upon him to reprove the Doctor for maintaining his Wife so highly, like a Lady; to whom the Doctor roundly replied, That he had Married a Gentlewoman, and did maintain her according to her quality, and so might he his Tripe-wife: adding withal, that this rule he always observed, For his Wife to go above his Estate, his Children according to his Estate, and himself below his Estate, so that at the years end he could make all even. Soon after these things came out the Order for Decimation against him. Notwithstanding which, the Doctor, like the Palm-Tree, Crescit sub pondere virtus, the more he was press'd with those heavy loads, did flourish and grow up in his Estate, that through the blessing of God, being neither the subject of any mans envy, nor the object of their pitty, he lived in good Credit, and kept a noble House; for I my self, being often there, can say I have seldom seen him sit down at his Table without Company; for being nigh the University, some out of a desire to be acquainted with him, and others to visit their old Friend, whom they knew rarely could be seen but at Meals, made choice of that time to converse with him: And likewise his good Neighbours at Abingdon, whom he always made welcome, and was ready to assist them in their Parish-business, or upon any other occasion, particularly in up∣holding Page  xxiiupholding the Church of S. Nicholas, which otherwise would have been pulled down on pretence of uniting it to S. Ellens, but in truth to disable the sober Party of the Town, who were Loyal People, from enjoying their wonted Service and Worship of God in their own Parish Church, of which they had a Reverend and Orthodox Man, one Mr. Huish, their Minister; and in his absence, the Doctor took care to get them supplied with able men from Oxford. Great endeavors were on both sides, the one Party to preserve the Church, and the other to pull it down, because it was thronged with Malignants, who seduced others from their godly way, as Religion always hath been the pretence of factious minds, to draw on others to their Party,* as one saith well. Sua quisque arma sancta praedicat, suam causam religiosam, Deus, pietas, cultus divinus praetexuntur: Every one proclaimeth their own quarrels to be be a Holy War; the Cause Religion, God, Godliness, and Divine worship must be pretended.

Several Journeys the Doctor took to London, sparing neither his pains nor purse in so pious a Cause; for the managing of which, he employed di∣vers Solicitors, somtimes before Committees, at other times before Olivers Council, where it was carried dubiously, and rather inclining to the other side; at which the Presbyterian-Party made the Bells to be rung, and Bon∣fires in the Town to express their joy, triumphing in the ruin of a poor Church; but the day was not so clearly their own, as they imagined, for the Church yet stood against all its Enemies, God protecting his own House, and his Servants that were zealous for it, in a time when they could look for little favor from the Powers that then ruled, who had not so much respect for Gods House, as the Heathens had for their Idol Temples, and for those that Vindicated them,* as Justin saith on this occasion, Diis proxi∣mus habetur per quem deorum majestas vindicata sit; for which he praiseth Philip of Macedon, calling him Vindicem Sacrilegii, ultorem religionum, &c. During those troubles, Mr. Huish, Minister of the Church, durst not go on in his Ministerial duties, which the Doctor no sooner heard of, but to ani∣mate and encourage him, he writ a pious Letter; a Copy of which I then transcribed, which is as followeth, and worth the inserting here.

After this good Letter Mr. Huish went on in his prayers, as former∣ly, and this little Church withstood all the batteries and fierce assaults of its Enemies, who were never able to demolish it, or unite it to Saint Ellens. So well had the Doctor managed the business for the publick good and benefit of the Parish: for as to his own particular, he might have spared that pains and charge, having in his house an Oratory or little Chappel, which he built after his coming thither, where he had constant Prayers and Sacraments for his own Family, and some particular Neighbors who had a desire to hear the Service and receive the Sacra∣ment according to the Church of England. He was a strict keeper of Lent, save only Sundays, and an exact observer of the Holy-days. And as he was a strict observer of all the Rites and Orders of our Church, so he was a perfect abhorrer of Popery and Romish superstitions, in so much that he would not hold a correspondency with a Papist, or with one so re∣puted, as I can instance an example, of one Mr. Hood, whose Family and the Doctors were very kind, when he lived at Minster, being near Neigh∣bors, the Gentleman afterward turning Papist, and coming to Abingdon to give him a Visit, the Doctor sent his man Mr. Gervis to him, to bid him be gone, and shut the doors against him, saying that he heard he was turn'd Papist, for which he hated the sight of him, and so my Gentleman went away, never daring to give him another Visit.

In the Year 1658. he put forth Respondet Petrus or his Answer to Dr. Bernards Book entituled, The Judgment of the late Primate of Ireland, &c. at the same time Dr. Bernard who was before an Irish Dean, but was now Chaplain to Oliver, one of his Almoners, and Preacher in Grayes Inn, would have procured an Order from Olivers Privy Council not only for suppressing, but the burning of that Book, which caused a common report, that Dr. Heylyns Book was publickly burnt; but it was a mistake, for the Book never saw either the Fire, or any Answer. At the same time the Doctor printed an Appendix to Respondet Petrus, in answer to certain passages in Mr. Sandersons History of the Life and Reign of King Charles, in which he layeth a scandal upon the Doctor that he was an Agent for the See of Rome. The Doctor indeed in all his Writings, did ever assert the Kings Preroga∣tive, and the Churches Rights, for which he incurr'd the Odium of the opposire Party, with whom 'tis ordinary to brand such persons with the ignominious name of Papists, or being Popishly affected, as abhor the other extreme of Puritanism, in which kind of Calumnies the Doctor hath sufficiently had his share, though no man hath written more sharp∣ly against the Church of Rome, as appears from most of his Books, and particularly in his Theologia Veterum, and his Sermons upon the Tares: but though these have not been able to secure him from the malicious Tongues and Pens of ill men, yet his innocence hath found very worthy Advocates. Among whom I thank particularly the Reverend and Learn∣ed Dr. Stillingfleet in his Answer to T.G. who would have made use of the Puritans accusation for the Papists purpose, but the worthy Doctor quickly refuted him out of the fourth Sermon of Doctor Heylyn upon the Tares, where he lays at the door of the Papists the most gross Idola∣try, greater than which was never known among the Gentiles.

But against these things 'tis commonly said, and as commonly be∣lieved; that some persons, and those of most illustrious quality, have been perverted from the Protestant Faith to Popery, by reading some of the Doctors Books, and particularly that which he writ about the Hi∣story of the Reformation, called Ecclesia Restaurata. And Mr. Burnet in Page  xxvhis late History upon the same subject, has done all he can to confirm the world in that belief. For after a short commendation of Dr. Heylyns style and method (it being usual with some men slightly to praise those at first, whom they design to sting and lash afterward) he presumes to tell his Reader, that either the Doctor was ill inform'd, or very much led by his passions, and he being wrought on by most violent prejudices against some that were concerned in that time, delivers many things in such a man∣ner, and so strangely, that one would think that he had been secretly set on to it, by those of the Church of Rome, though I donbt not but he was a sincere Protestant, but violently carried away by some particular conceits. In one thing he is not to be excused, that he never vouched any Authority for what he writ; which is not to be forgiven any who write of Transactions beyond their own time, and deliver us things not known before.

This Objection having many particular Charges contained in it, will require as many distinct Answers, which I shall give in short. And first, if it be true that any have embraced the Roman Faith, by means of that Book, he may enclude them to be very incompetent Judges in the matters of Religion, that will be prevailed upon to change it upon the perusal of one single History; and especially in the Controversies between us and the Papists, which do not depend upon matter of fact, or an Historical Narration of what Occurrences happened in this Kingdom, but upon doctrine of Faith, what we are to believe and disbelieve, in order to our serving God in this life, and being Eternally blessed with him in the next. Secondly, As for his vouching no Authority for what he writ, which is not to be forgiven him, I hope the Doctor has met with a more merciful Judge in another World, than Mr. Burnet is in this. If he had been a Factor for Papists, Mr. Burnet should have presented one particular instance, which he cannot do. As we have said before in his Life, he communicated that design of his History of Reformation to Arch-Bishop Laud, from whom he received all imaginable encouragement, by ancient Records that he perused. And what benefit could any Reader receive, to have quoted to him the pages of Manuscripts, Acts of Parlia∣ment, Records of old Charters, Registers of Convocation, Orders of the Council-Table, or any of those out of the Cottonian Library, which the Doctor made use of. The Lord Bacon writ of Transactions beyond his own time, living as far distant from the Reign of K. Hen. VII. as Dr. Heylyn did from K. Hen. VIII. who laid the first foundation of the Reformation, yet I cannot find there more quotations of Authors than in Dr. Heylyns History; yet I suppose Mr. Burnet will look upon the Lord Bacons History as compleat. And if all this were made out, 'tis no more than what may be laid at the door of the Author, who lately writ the History of Duke Hamilton,* where are reported the most abominable Scandals that were broach'd by the malicious Covenanters against the Scottish Hierarchy, and they are permitted without the least contra∣diction or confutation to pass as infallible Truths, that so Posterity, as well as the present prejudiced Age might be levened with an implacable enmity and hatred against the whole Order of Episcopacy. Although the Hamiltons were the old inveterate Enemies of the Stuarts; and the Duke of whom the History is compiled, was an Enemy as treacherous to K. Charles I. as any that ever appeared against him in open Arms. He was the cause of the first Tumult raised in Edenburgh: He Authorised the Covenant with some few alterations in it, and generally imposed it on that Kingdom. He was the chief Person that prevailed with the King Page  xxvito continue the Parliament during the pleasure of the two Houses, and boasted how he had got a perpetual Parliament for the English, and would do the like for the Scots. He aimed at nothing less than the Crown of Scotland, and had so courted the common Soldiers, that David Ramsey openly began a health to K. James VII. yet all these things, with many others are either quite smothered, or so painted over by Mr. Burnet, that the Volume he has writ may be called an Apology or a Panegyrick, rather than a History. Of all these matters the Doctor hath acquainted the world before in the Life of Archbishop Laud, and the Observations that he wrote upon Mr. L'Estrange's History of King Charles I. I will be bold to aver, if the Doctor had employed his great Learning and Abilities to have written but one half of those things against the King and Church of England, which he wrote for them, he would have been accounted by very many persons (I will not say by Mr. Burnet) the truest Protestant, the most faithful Historian, the greatest Scholar, and in their own phrase the most pretious man, that ever yet breathed in the Nation. But he had the good luck to be a Scholar, and better luck to employ his Learning like an honest man and a good Christian, in the defence of a righteous and pious King, of an Apostolical and true Church, of a venerable and learned Clergy, and that drew upon him all the odium and malice, that two opposite Parties, Papist and Sectary, could heap upon him.

After the happy Restauration of the King, it was high time for the good Doctor to rest a while from his Labours, and bless himself with joy for the coming in of his Sovereign: for now the Sun shone more glori∣ously in our Hemisphere than ever, the Tyrannical powers being dissol∣ved, the King brought home to his people, the Kingdom setled in peace, the Church restored to its rights, and the true Religion established, every man returned to his own vine with joy, who had been a good Subject and a sufferer, and the Doctor came to his old habitation in Westminster, of which and of his other Preferments he had been dispossest for the space of seventeen years, and he no sooner got thither, but according to his wonted custom, he sets upon building, and erected a new Room in his Prebends house to entertain his Friends in. And seldom was he without Visitors, especially the Clergy of the Convocation, who constantly came to him for his Advice and Direction in matters relating to the Church, because he had been himself an ancient Clerk in the old Convocations. Many Persons of Quality, besides the Clergy, for the Reverence they had to his Learning, and the delight they took in his company, payed him several visits, which he never repayed, being still so devoted to his Studies, that except going to Church, it was a rare thing to find him from home. I happen'd to be there, when the good Bishop of Durham, Dr. Cousins, came to see him; who after a great deal of familiar discourse between them; said, I wonder Brother Heylyn thou art not a Bishop, but we all know thou hast deserved it. To which he answered, Much good may it do the new Bishops, I do not envy them, but wish they may do more than I have done. Now what that great Man did so readily acknow∣ledge to be the Doctors due, was no more than what his true worth might justly challenge from all that were Friends to Learning and Virtue. For his knowledge was extensive as the Earth, and in his little world, the great one was so fully comprehended, that not an Island or Province, nay scarce a Rock or Shelf could escape his strict survey and exact descrip∣tion. Nor was he content with that degree of knowledge which did far exceed what any other durst hope, or even wish for, viz. A perfect fami∣liarity Page  xxviiwith the present State of all the Countreys in the World, but he was resolved to understand as well what they had always been, as what they then were; to be as throughly acquainted with their History, as he was with their Situation, and to leave nothing worth the knowing, undiscovered. So that what he has done in that kind, looks liker the product of the most Learned and Antient Inhabitans of their respective Countreys, than the issue of the industry of a Single Person. Yet for all this, his head was not so filled with the contemplations of this World, as to leave no room for the great concerns of the other. But on the contrary, the main of his Study was Divinity, the rest were but by the by, and subservient to that. For he having strictly viewed and examined all the various Religions and Governments upon Earth, and coming to compare them with those under which himself lived, did find the advan∣tage both in respect of this life and another to lie so much on the side of these, as made him a most resolute Champion for them, and was the reason that he was often heated with great Indignation against those that were so blind or obstinate, to endeavour the interruption of such transcendent blessings: And though some have thought his zeal too ardent, yet they might consider, that it was his fortune to live in such times as made the highest expressions of it not only just but necessary: Of which he was so sensible, that forgetting all his other diverting Studies, he wholly set himself to endea∣vour the defence and support of a tottering Church and Grown, which he laboured to that degree, that his body (though naturally a very strong one) not being able to keep pace with his mind, was often hurried into violent Fevers. And at last his eyes (of themselves brisk and sparkling) through continual watchings and intensness, lost their function, and refused any longer to assist his Studies. Yet could not all this abate the vigour of his mind, which as tho it had lost no outward assistance, or that it stood in need of none, still continued its action, and produced several excellent Books after their Author was neither capable of writing nor reading them. Nor was any thing but death able so much as to slacken his industry: for besides the discouragements I have named, he had all those which an Usurped Authority, (under which he was forced to live, and against which he could not forbear both to speak and write) could threaten him with; for he was thereby not only deprived of his Preferments, but often put in hazard of his life: But that merciful God, who never faileth those that trust in him, did preserve him, that he might enjoy the fruits of his pains and prayers in the Restau∣ration of that Religion and Government which he so truly loved, and had so earnestly endeavoured; in the publick enjoyment of which he lived three years. And then having compleated the utmost of his wishes in the world, God was pleased to call him to the eternal Reward of another; and in so favourable a way as he might well look upon as a remarkable instance of the divine Goodness towards him. For as we read in the Scriptures that God did frequently warn his Servants of their approaching deaths, so he dealt with this good man. For on the Saturday night before he fell sick, he dreamed, That he was in an extraordinary pleasant and delightful place, where stand∣ing and admiring the Beauty and Glory of it, he saw the late King his Master, who said to him, Peter, I will have you buried under your Seat at Church, for you are rarely seen but there, or at your Study. This Dream he related to his Wife next morning, told her it was a significant one, and charged her to let him be buried according to it. On the Monday he bought an House in the Almonry, Sealed the Writings and paid the Mo∣ney the same day; and at night told his Wife, he had bought her an House to live in near the Abby, that she might serve God in that Church as he had done: And then re∣newing his Charge of burying him according to his dream, went to bed very well, but after his first sleep, was taken with a violent Fever, which deprived him of his under∣standing, till a few hours before his death; when seeing one of the Vergers of the Church in his Chamber, he called him, and said, I know it is Church time with you, and this is Ascension day, I am ascending to the Church triumphant, I go to my God and Saviour, into joys Celestial, and to Hallelujahs eternal. After which and other like expressions he died the same day, Anno Dom. 1663. in the 63 year of his Age. He had eleven Children, four of which are still living. He was buried under the Sub-Dean's Seat, according to his dream and desire, over against which, on the North-side of the Abby, stands his Mo∣nument with this Inscription, composed by Dr. Earl, then Dean of that Church.

• Depositum Mortale Petri Heylyn. S. Th. P.
• Hujus Ecclesiae Prebendarii & Subdecani,
• Viri planè memorabilis,
• Egregiis dotibus instructissimi,
• Ingenio acri & foecundo,
• Judicio subacto,
• Memoria ad prodigium tenaci;
• Cui adjunxit incredibilem in studiis patien∣tiam
• Quae, cessantibus oculis non cessarunt.
• Scripsit varia & plurima,
Page  xxviii
• Que jam manibas hominum teruntur;
• Et argumentis non vulgaribus
• Stylo non vulgari suffecit.
• Constans ubiq. Ecelesiae
• Et majestatis Regie assertor,
• Nec florentis magis utriusque
• Quant afflictae:
• Idem{que} perduellium, & Schismaticae Factionis
• Impugnator acerrimus.
• Contemptor invidiae.
• Et animo infracto.
• Plura ejusmodi meditanti
• Mors indixit Silentium:
• Ʋt sileatur, Efficere non potest.
• Obiit Anno Aetat. 63.
• Posuit hoc illi Moestissima Conjux.