The crovvne of righteousnes: or, The glorious reward of fidelity in the discharge of our duty.: As it was laid forth in a sermon, preached in S. Botolphs Aldersgate, London, Sept. 25. 1653. At the solemn funerall of Mr. Abrah: Wheelock, B. D. the first publick professor, and reader of Arabick, and of the Saxon, in the University of Cambridge. Whereunto is added, an encomium of him. / By William Sclater Doctor in Divinity, now preacher of the Word of God in Broad-street, Lond.

An ENCOMIUM of M. Abraham Wheelock, B.D.

Late Prosessor of Arabick and Saxon in Cambridge.

AS concerning our reverend, and learned Brother deceased. Mr. Abraham Wheelock, Batchelar in Divinity, many yeares fellow of Clare Hall in Cambridge; I could seriously have wished that some silver Trampet of that University (to which he was an ornament, within his station) had sounded out his Encomium upon this occasion: He was there best knowne, where Learning, of all sorts, is now in the Zenith, and the exquisite perfection in the Tongues (much advanced by his skill) in the very Tropick of Cancer.

But, sith it is now fallen to my lot, I may more truly say of him, thana Paterculus did of AE milius Paulus, Vir in tantum laudandus fuit, in quantum Virtus ipsa intelligi potest, He was a man to be praised, so farre as vertue it selfe can be understood, he therein, indeed, being as the Moon at theb full.

For his Theologicall part, a Divine ofc Orthodex judge∣ment, of ad godly, ane exmeplary, and of af winning con∣versation,g abhorring covetousnesse, who did both 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and also 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, rightlyh divide that word of truth after which he walked withi strait steps to his feet: wee might have read in his pale countenance the expresse Characters of his unwearied industry, and studies; cujus vultum nec fuscavit maeror, nec levigavit risus, as s.k Ber∣nard wrote of his friend Malachy; be carried mortificati

on in his very looks; continuing, without interruption, a constant andl peacefull son of the Church of England: herein exercising Himselfe to have alwayes a † Conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men: Those 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, mentioned by the learned Apostle,m diversi∣ties, or kinds of Tongues, he was in much variety, from Heaven superlatively endowed with, by the gift of Gods spirit: He being so eminent a Linguist, he might have said (without envy, or disparagement to any be it spoken) I thank my God I speak withn Tongues more than most of them all; the intricacies whereof he had a faculty, and with∣all a facility hoth to finde out, and to make pervious, eluci∣dating what was obscure, enucleating what hard, that as the Jewish Rabbins, so oft as they met with Texts, which were as S. Peter saith, of some things in S. Paul's Epi∣stles, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,o hard to be understood, out of which they could not extricate themselves, were went to shut up all their discourse with this, Elias cum venerit, solver dubia, Elias shall anser this doubt, when he comes; in like sort was he as another Elias to the doubts and difficulties of ma∣ny, who (beingp accurate in the Rabbinicall Learning were very well able to judge: gave him this testimony a good while since in print, that scarcely anything, that way, pro∣ved too hard for him, for his condation or decisian.

Yet one thing I cannot but observe to you of him whom I so well, and so long knew) and it is this, That whereas his experience found that sentence of Thucydides a most au∣thentick verity, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the lesse the Art, usually the more the vaunting, but the more Ratiocination, the slower the Determination; suitably to that of the great Dactor of the Gentiles, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, un∣ball anced know ledge, like a bladder blowne up with wind,q puffeth and swelleth with ostentation; waking many (out

of en overweening upon their superficiall excellencies) as Antipheron Orietes (in Aristotle) to imagine, that every where they see their own shapes and pictures going before them; yet, that I say, which I observed remarkable, and wer∣thy of universall imitation in him, was, under his many and exceeding abilities, his humble and exeeding modestie; so that others took more notice of him, than he did of him∣selfe; much like to the Violet, a flower of a sweet and deli∣cous scent, yet groweth lowest in the Garden, covering it selfe often with its owne leaves: Howbeit, as the odorife rous fragrancy thereof cannot but be discovered; so he, to∣gether with his accomplishments, could not be concealed; yea, asr Syracides said of Simon the Son of Onias, he was as the morning Star in the midst of a Clound. His sufficien∣cies, and, withall, his integrity having made him thus known; to his custody, and ever sight were committed the rich Treasives of Learning, laid up in the choice Library of the University of Cambridge: And about two and twenty yeares past, beyend his owne expectation, though not beyend his merit, he was chosen the first publique professor, and reader of Arabick there; A Lecture first founded at the sote and proper charges of an eminent and truly religious Gentleman of this Citie of London (to which having, like him selfe, bornall the principall offices therein, he hath long been an honour) Mr. Alderm. Thomas Adams, who ever since continned is by his bounty to him, of full 40 l. per annum, constantly paid; for which munificent Act he de∣serves of all Schollars (whom co nomine, he affectionately regardeth) an honour able mention, and of all learned po∣sterity ands everlasting memoriall. Et memorem famam qui bene gessit, habet. Ovid. To this worthy Citizen, of so high at reputation; must be added the example of a noble Knight, to whom, and to whose Heires (inheriting his lear∣ning

andu vertues, as well as his lands) the Common wealth of Literature rests deeply engaged, by name Sir Henry Spelman (of pious memory) who, with great expence of time and treasure, restored many precious monuments of antiquity (very usefull to Gods Church and very tart war∣nings to pitchy Sacriledge) from dust and obscurity, to beau∣ty and light: who, at his owne cost, first erected, about ten yeares past, a Saxon Lecture in the same University, esta∣blishing it by an Annuall Pension of 20 l. which was secon∣ded by his learned† Son; and since, continued by his Grand∣child (a Gentleman of gallant ingenuity) so that what the Poet said of the golden branch holds true in that Progeny,

w Uno avulso non deficit alter Aureus, & simili frondescit virga metallo.

when one failes, another of the same metall buddeth forth, and flourisheth: And this Lecture also was first publickly read by this same Professor: Both which he discharged with so compleat abilities, as found acceptation of all, ad∣miration in many, hopes of imitation but in a few. yet this was not all, but as when the clowds are full, they drop down, the eares shed, and the fountaines flow out; even so his goodnesse became still diffusive, and was very communica∣tive to others, even to the most distant and remote Nations; for which purpose he spent himselfe, as a candle in the soc∣ket, to the very last blaze, whilst he was here publishing the foure Gospels of our Saviour, with acute and solid Annoti∣tions, in the Persian Tongue; in the progresse of which work, it pleased God to call himx home to his happinesse with himself in Heaven: but as S.y Ambrose writes of the desire, and vowed resolution of Baptisme in Valentinian, that being disappointed, by providence, of the Act thereof, in respect of the outward signe, yet God giving him the grace of that Sacrament, he was accepted as a Christian;

and as S. James speaking of Abraham's attempt in offe∣ring his onely Son, upon a Divine command, styleth it anz actuall offering of him, for that in the serious prepara∣tion of his minde, he really, and fiduciarily intended it, though the story acquaints us, that the thing it selfe wasa prevented by an heavenly Angel: so the indefatigable endeavours of this pious undertaker are interpreted, as a full dispatch of that work, by his gracious God,

And that which yet farther adds a lustre to his praises, is, the ample Testimony given of him both Living, and Dy∣ing, by that oracle of all imaginable learning that full ma∣gazine of all sanctified Devotion, the glory of the Church of England, the wonder of Christendome, and the triumgh of the holy Angels, who guard and protect him for good. Dr. Usner, the L. Primate of Armagh: as likewise by that famous Antiquary, and living library, Mr. Selden, of whose transcendencies in the Orientall Tongues, and pro∣fundities, besides his Classicall Preheminence in all manner of History, and skill in the Lawes, &c. I might write even a voluminous Encomiastick, but that (through a secret con∣sciousnesse of my own tenuity) I feare, that I should but dar∣ken so shining a Topaze by my rude polishing: Certes, its a verity, what from that Patriark of Philosophers (as that incomparable Writer of the Ecclesiasticall policy, Mr. Hoo ker, stylesb Aristotle) is received, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 honour reflects with beams of brightnesse, and splendor upon the persons honouring is mord conspicuous; such as of these now mentioned is, who, in their severall excel∣lencies, have lighted up Tapers to the Christian world, for its illumination.

Such was the esteem of our Brother, whom, sith the world was notc worthy of him, we finde as another Enochd wal∣king

with God, to be translated to his blisse; Heaven having gained a Saint triumphant, whilst we, for the present, misse him in the Church militant.

Misse him did I say? Yea, at this instant season, his losse is most considerable, there being so much need of his shoulder under that Herculean labour, and burthen, that now lyeth upon many worthy renowned Doctors, and eximious Divines, of this our Church of England, who are now about ☞ to publish the Holy Bible in a greater variety of Tongues, and Translations, than ever have been, hitherto, seen ex∣tant [together;] their Lamps, I trust, shall never want oyl, till that maugre the impostures of undermining Jesuitisme, of phrentick Anabaptisme, or of Atheisticall Barbarisme) both the Light, and the Heat of thee Sun of Righteousnesse Christ Jesus, hath enlightned the eyes, and warmed the breasts of such as belong to Gods election, even unto thef ends of the earth.

I have onely thus much to adde farther, which also accu∣mulates his commendations, that it may be well said of him, what is recorded of righteous Abel, Being dead, yet spea∣keth,〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or, is yet spoken ofg Nor can his memo∣ry die, whilst so many hopefull plants of his setting, spring up after him, and daily grow famous in Cambridge: And which I much rejoyce that I have occasion to mention, (my selfe having beene sometimes a Member of that Society) the Palme for skill in the Orientall Languages may well be given to Kings Colledge; unto some present Fellowes whereof (having atteined a large measure of perfection that way) the inspection and correction of the presse, to perfect the printing of the Persian Gospells, was wished, and much intrusted, by the deceased Professor.

And what shall Ih more say? The time would faile me to mention the Catalogue of persons ofi Note, who as the

Philippians did Epaphroditus, honoured him living; and since his decease have testified their regards by becoming Benefactors to those of his nearest relations, as the learned Mr. Joh. Sadler, Master of Mag: Coll: in Cambridge, M. Cassels, and divers others of esteem among Schollars. But, quorsum haec? to what purpose is all this profuse Panegy. rick? may somel Gallio say, one, I mean, who careth for none of those things; sith without humane Tongues, Arts, or Sciences, yea, without Schools, or Academyes, men may be all taught of God, and Heaven it self undoubtedly obtained? To such Julians, who would tumble down all Schooles of Learning, lest their Enthusiasticall irrationalities might be (as Nazianzen gives the reason of that Apostate) pierced thorow by sharp arrowsm feathered from thence; to such I say, I would have the sin laid to their Hearts, though my charity prompts me to pray, as S. Stephen, that it mayn not be laid to their charge.

We find mention made of theo place of the ancient Pro∣phets, and of their Sons, and Children educated (no doubt) [under] them, and instructed in their way: we read even of our Saviour himself (in his youth) that he delighted to sit in thep midst of the D^rs. both hearing them, & asking them questions; though in him wereq hid all the treasures of wis∣dome and knowledge: And S. Paul was frequent in School-disputations, Act. 19.9. And whereas some have said, that many great Philosophers have bin very unsound in belief; It may be possible, when that skil is unsanctifyed; but otherwise, (without all controversie) many very sound in the Christian belief, have bin also great Philosophers: Moses wasr learned in all the wisdome of Egypt;s Daniel, of Chaldee; Job not unexpert int Astronomy;u Jer. in the common Laws of his time, David in w Musique,x Paul in the Tongues, iny Poe∣try, and in all the knowledge both of Jewes and Gentiles;

and the Historyes of the Church acquaint us of Cyprian, Optatus, Lactantius, S. Chrysost. (a Father mightily ta∣ken with Aristophanes and Lucian's Dialogues) and many others laden out of Egypt with the treasures, and spoiles of that Learning, being better instructed for Gods service by those helps; as the Temple it selfe of God was forwarded in the structure and state thereof by the timber of Cedar and Firre thatz Hiram (though an exotick Sidonian Prince) brought into that very building.

And, indeed, I am clearely of opinion, that the reason, why so few Jews are converted, is the too remiss regard of their Tongue, and Rabbinicall traditions, out of which (as Ter∣tullian, Arnobius, Lactantius, and others, did in their dea∣ling heretofore with Ethnicks) till the vanity of their owne grounds be declared, and convinced, there is not so apparent hopes to win them over to become Christian: and it may be by a good providence (even for their seasonable coalition into the same sheepfold, under one and the samea Shepheard, Christ Jesus) that their language and antiquityes are now so much studyed in our Universities, as scarcely, with more criticall accuratness, in any age.

It's true indeed, we shall be all taught of God, but it is me∣diately, and by the ordinary means; In vaine shall there be an attempt to instill principles of Christianity into either Jewes, or other Pagan Infidels, till the Speech, or Lan∣guage of both be understood, which without learning in the Tongues, cannot feasibly be atchieved: Herein our Brother (whose Obsequies we now solemnize) did excell, and so both doe, and will others also, who had the happinesse of his Manuduction.

FINIS.

Notes

• a

  Paterc. l. 1.
• b

  Eccles. 50.6.
• c

  Tit. 1.9.
• d

  Tim. 2.2.
• e

  1 Tim. 4.12.
• f

  Prov. 11.30. Dan. 12.3. 1 Pec. 3.1.
• g

  1 Tim 3.3. Heb. 13.5.
• h

  2 Tim. 2.15.
• i

  Heb. 12.••3.
• Noclur∣ni juvat [impallc∣sare] char∣is.
• k

  S Bern. de Mac.
• l

  1 Tim. 3.3. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Rom. 12.15. Ps. 1226. H.b. 12.14.
• m

  1 Cor. 12.28.
• n

  1 Cor. 14.18.
• o

  2 Pet. 3.16.
• p

  D. Light∣fot Mr. of Katharine Hall in Camridge in his Harmory.
• q

  1 Cor. 8.1.
• r

  Eccles. 50.6.
• s

  ps. 112.6.
• t

  Gal. 2.2.
• u

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. isocrat. Vid 1 Reg. 5.7.
• Monu∣mentum quasi moni∣mentum.
• †

  Sr. John Spelman.
• M. Roger Spelman.
• w

  Virgil. An.
• x

  Eccles. 12.5.
• y

  S Ambr. De obitu Vaientin. Imper. S. Aug. de Bapt l 4. c. 22.
• z

  Jam 2.21.
• a

  Gen. 22. 11, 12.
• b

  Aristot. in Ethic.
• Non potest benus uon esse, qui be∣nis placet. S. Bern, ep. 248.
• c

  Heb. 11. 38.
• d

  Gen 5.24.
• e

  Mal. 4.2.
• f

  Psal. 19.4, 5, 6.
• g

  Heb 11.4.
• M. Rich. Hunt. Mr. H: Austin, &c.
• h

  Heb. 11.32.
• i

  Rom. 16.7.
• k Phil. 2.29.1.
• l

  Act. 18.17.
• m

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Nazian.
• n

  Act. 7 60.
• o

  2 Kings 6.1.
• 2 Kings 9.1.
• See 1 Cor 14.32.
• p

  Luk. 2.46.
• q

  Col. 2.3.
• r

  Acts 8.22.
• s

  Dan 4.
• t

  Job 38.31, 32.
• u

  Jer. 32.44. Am. 6.5. 2 Sam. 23.1.
• x

  1 Cor. 14.18.
• y

  Act. 17.28. Tit. 1.12.
• z

  1 Kings 5.10.
• a

  Joh. 10.16.