Obserua perfectum .

Irenaeus saith , that hee is perfect which was not made : Perfectus infectus . and that is only true of God , who is that g g Exod. 3.14 . I am that sent Moyses to Pharo , who is that h h Gen. 17.1 . all-sufficient that spake vnto Abraham , that i i Reu. 1.18 . Alpha and Omega , as S. Iohn calleth him . For as Iustin Martyr saith , the perfection of God is to bee of himselfe and of no other , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . and whatsoeuer tendeth to perfection is from him , as the Author and k k Iames 1.17 . giuer of it . Which being true , what then should our Prophet meane to call any man perfect , of whose weakenesse and wants , besides the report that the sacred word doth make , which is both fidei & morum norma , our daily experience doth let vs see , what lamentable defects are in all the seede of Adam . To soile this doubt , I answere , that there is a perfection in euery Christian , which is that excellent forme , by which hee differeth from all the sonnes of darkenesse , and out of which issueth streames of a vertuous conuersation . But this perfection is not in an absolute freedome from sinne , but in our vnion with Christ , in l l Coloss. 2.9 . whom doth dwell all the fullnesse of the God-head bodily , and through whom all beleeuers are made partakers of the godly Nature , as Saint m m Pet. 2.1.4 . Peter speaketh , and out of whom they receiue grace for grace , as saith n n Iohn 1.16 . S. Iohn . The greatest perfection that man can attaine vnto , is , suae imperfection is cognitio , the knowledge of his wants : and therefore almightie God out of his infinite loue appointed a high Priest , euen Iesus Christ , the Mediator of the new couenant , to make that perfect which by none other could be done . And therefore Epiphanius saith , that the perfection of a faithfull man is in cognitione Christi , whom truly to know is o o Iohn 17.3 . eternall life , as our blessed Sauiour witnesseth . But to come to the point . The two first are attained in this life . The last is partly attained in this life , and more fully in the world to come .

The perfection of a good man is either quoad 1. partes , 2. veritatem , or 3. mensuram .

For the first ; those that are regenerate of water and the holy Ghost , as the Euangelist speaketh , are by the Apostle called new borne Babes . Now as euery child so soone as he is borne is a perfect man , because hee hath all the parts and lineaments of a man , howbeit he cannot shew any perfect action of a man : euen so those that haue receiued the immortall seed of Gods truth , & p p Pet. 1.2.1 . hunger after the sincere milke of Gods word , that they may grow thereby , are perfect in him who is the q q Col. 2.10 . head of principalities and powers ; perfect ( I say ) in respect of all the parts of sanctitie and true holinesse , though they want such excellent vse thereof , as those haue which are of riper yeares . And therefore the r r Gal. 6. Apostle calleth all beleeuers new creatures , both because they are the workmanship of God , and secondly , because they haue the stampe of perfection vpon them , as the creatures which God did make , of which it is said , he saw that they were good .

And hence appeareth the loue of God toward the weake ones in faith , that they are by him respected and accompted of as perfect in their weakest infancie : much like a louing father , who though his child can performe no dutie of a man , yet doth he prouide meat to nourish him , clothes wherwith to couer him , means to preserue and keepe him , yea a portion and an inheritance for him .

Secondly , as Gods tender loue appeareth hereby : so is mans happinesse seene herein . Who though he be feeble and weake , to any thing that is good , either for the helping of himselfe or others : yet is he cared for and esteemed of , as though he were perfect in the performance of all duties of a sonne-like obedience , and lacked nothing . For which cause you shall finde it often in the Scriptures , that when a good man considereth of his owne estate , he wanteth neither matter to complaine of , nor time of repentance . Yet when God looketh vpon s s Ioh. 1.47 . Nathaniel vnder the Figge-tree , vpon t t Iob. 1.1 . Iob in the East countrey , vpon u u Luke 1.6 . Zacharie and Elizabeth : he speaketh of them as though they were void of all defects and wants : for so cleere is the crystall glasse of his loue , through which he beholdeth his owne image in man , that howbeit S. Paule crieth out against his owne x x Rom. 7.24 . wretchednesse , yet God assureth him , he being in Christ , that nothing can y y Rom. 8.1 . condemne him , nor separate him from eternall happinesse . And thus much for perfection Quoad partes .

The second is perfection Quoad veritatem . Whilest man doth dwell in the house of clay , he hath faith , but with some doubting ; hope , but with distrust ; loue , but with dislike . Yet because his faith is true faith , God accounteth of him as compleat : for when the new man of righteousnesse , and z z Ephes. 4.22 . holinesse of truth , is put on , as S. Paule speaketh , there is the perfect obiect of Gods loue . And hence is that of S. Bern. Veritas liberat , saluat , lauat , It freeth a man from the intanglements of sinne , it saueth him from running with hypocrites into the pollutions of vniust and dissembling behauiours , yea it will wash him from the swinish fashion of those who hold the veritie of God in vnrighteousnesse . The Scribes and Pharisees made a glorious shew of vertue : but because it wanted truth , therefore all their pompe came to the ground , and they had their a a Matth. 6.2 . reward . For their actions wanting the aduerbe , were to them like the Apples of Sodome , nothing but dust and corruption .

That word which Vatablus translateth in my Text perfectum , others haue conuerted veritatem , and some simplicitatem , and others integrum , and all to teach vs , that simplicitie and truth , in the profession of holinesse , giueth a man the name of perfection in Gods account . For he onely is a b b Homo quadratus . tetragoule and a foure-squared Christian indeede , who doth toto pectore Deum colere , endeauor to honour and serue God with a sound heart voide of hypocrisie : I know the best child of God findeth in himselfe the law in g g Rom. 7.23 . his members , fighting against the law of his minde : is he therfore destitute of the truth of Gods grace ? not so . Is wine no wine , because there be many Lees in the same ? Is water no water , because it is cumbred & troubled with mud ? it were an vnreasonable speech to say so . And it is no lesse disagreeing from the truth , to thinke and say , that a man is no child of God , because hee is troubled with the incombrances of sinne . For the Lord beholding in whom there is true faith , hope , and brotherly charitie , which is vinculum perfectionis , as h h Col. 3. S. Paul speaketh , esteemeth them for perfect , who are simply plaine and plainely simple without hypocrisie .

The third perfection which I named to you in the beginning , is perfection quoad mensuram : what ? to a measure without defect or want , that is impossible to bee attained in this world . The perfection then which we must looke for in the third place is , to i i Phil. 3.13 . striue forwards to that which is set before , and not to be wearie of well doing , till we come to a full measure of sanctitie void of sinne , which only is attained in the world to come . The Apostle saith , Quotquot perfecti sumus ita sentiamus . S. Augustine vpon those wordes thus speaketh , Quotquot perfectè currimus , hoc sapimus quod nondum perfecti sumus , & illic perficiemur quò perfectè currimus . So many as runne perfectly vnderstand thus much , that as yet they haue not attained perfection , but shall be made compleat there whereto they manfully run . Be you k k Math. 5.48 . perfect , like as your heauenly father is perfect , saith Christ , that is , saith Augustine , ad perfectionem contendite , aime at perfection as the marke , whereupon you set your eies in all your Christian attempts . For as the heauens and the earth are said to be perfect , because they moue and abide to that end whereunto God did appoint them , as Moyses speaketh : so hee that is borne not of the l l Iohn 1.13 . will of the flesh , but of the will of God , is said to be perfect , because hee imploieth the parts of his bodie , and the powers of his soule , as m m Rom. 6. weapons of righteousnesse , till they come to the n n Psal. 16. fulnesse of ioy ; and neither standeth still , nor turneth backe , but goeth on vntill he haue finished his course , and haue the end of his faith , which is the o o Pet. 1.1 . saluation of his soule . In this world we see in part , wee know in part ; and the greatest measure to bee attained in comparison of that which by hope is expected , is but like a drop of water to the Ocean , or a sand by the sea-shore to a mightie mountaine . But there will be a time when wee shall come vnto a perfect man , Ephes. 4.13 . and vnto a measure of the fulnesse of the age of Christ Iesus : and when that that is perfect is come , 1. Cor. 13.10 . then that which is imperfect shall be abolished . The conclusion then of this point is this , that howbeit absolute perfection is only in the author of all things , yet the true members of Christ haue receiued the first fruits of perfection , and are said to bee perfect both in regard of their integrall parts of sanctitie , and in respect of the truth of holinesse , and lastly for that they enioy a measure of perfection in the kingdome of grace , which shall be made compleat and absolute wanting nothing in the kingdome of glory . For then our knowledge which was mixed with ignorance , shall be so excellent , that wee shall know as wee are knowne : then we shall see him , not in a glasse , but cleerely and without all defect : then our faith shall be turned into fruition , hope into hauing , loue shall abide without dissimulation , and in a word wee shall be like him saith p p Iohn 1.3.3 . S. Iohn , and see him as he is . Now as this excellent knowledge is afforded vnto vs out of these wordes : so the Pelagians haue gathered deadly poyson from the same , to wit , That man may come to such a height of perfection , as to bee deuoid of all sinne in this world . Against whom S. Hierome writeth . The Valentinians , as Irene reporteth , haue taught the like , and that they haue seede of election in them : The Manichees thought that renati , such as were regenerated , came to that perfection in this life , that they could not sinne any more , si maxime velint , howbeit they did much desire it . Against all these doe but apply the distinction of perfection before handled , and set downe , and wee shall see how vaine and idle , yea how blasphemous these opinions are . But to leaue this to the wise discretion of the hearers , let vs see what may be said against them .

First , the Scripture telleth vs , that we are all the seede of vncleanenesse : Iob. 15.15 . and in reason no cleane thing can come from that which is polluted . Againe , the holiest men that haue liued did complaine of their wants , and haue beene subiect to * * Rom. 6.21 . death , which is the wage of sinne , as S. Paul speaketh . And hath not our Sauiour taught all his Church continually to pray , forgiue vs our debts ? 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . which petition were needlesse in case we had alreadie attained perfection .

Adde to this , that perfection consisteth in a certaine excesse , from which the best is so farre in this life , that as S. Bern. saith , Nemo perfectus est qui perfectior esse non appetit . And if he hunger and thirst after righteousnesse , it is manifest he hath no superfluitie , either to lay by , or to afford others . Now if it be obiected that our Sauiour saith , whosoeuer drinketh of the water that he shall giue them , shall neuer be more a q q Which words are vnderstood of the estate of a true beleeuer in this world . thirst ; the answere is readie , that thirst is not opposed to further desire of the encrease of grace , and of the blessed Image of God , which is not fully restored till we possesse heauen , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . but to a totall and finall falling from grace , which the childe of God shall bee free from , howbeit he finde many wants in himselfe , and feele many oppositions against him whilest hee is clothed with the house of clay . Not to proceed further in this point , the saying of S. Augustine is good : Si qua fidelium hic esse potest perfectio , in eo consistit , vt se imperfectos esse agnoscant : If there be any perfection in this life , it is to know our wants , and to desire a supply out of the rich treasure of Gods goodnesse . And where this is truly in any man , it will be seene by the practise of righteousnesse , which is the second propertie of a good man .

Behold the iust .

Where integritie and soundnesse of faith is in the heart , it is like fire , which yeeldeth either heat , or flame , or both . Let Dauids heart be hot within him , words of grace will issue from him . For as the spirit of man is not idle , so the spirit of grace in man is euer working the thing that is holy , either by suppressing euill , or acting good : wherein is the life of true iustice and righteousnesse . But to come more neerely to the point . This iust man which Dauid would haue vs to behold , must be considered in his foure dimensions . The first whereof is his altitude , and that is in his abilitie to know the rule of righteousnesse , and to take the true height thereof . For what likelihood is there for a man to doe iustice , and to be ignorant of the boundaries that hee must vse in the practise thereof ? Whence is that saying of S. Ambrose ; Male se rectum putat , qui regulam summae rectitudinis ignorat : He that vnderstandeth not the rule of equitie , is very like to bee defectiue in all duties of righteousnesse . I grant that an ignorant man may doe right to another : but it is as the blinde man hitteth the marke , or at the least as he who saw men walking like trees : and I am sure the former may as well misse as hit ; so the latter doth notoriously mistake the matter .

The second dimension is his latitude , which extendeth to the profiting of others as well as himselfe . Of this our Prophet speaketh in this Psalme , when hee saith , that a good man is mercifull and lendeth : which act of charitie is for the good of borrowers more then of the lender , who oftentimes loseth both his goods and the loue of his borrowing friend . Iustus magis alijs quàm sibi prodest , saith S. Ambrose : A iust man is more helpfull and gainfull to others then himselfe : and heerein hee resembleth the eie in the body , which seeth all but it selfe ; and the Lion-like Sunne in the firmament , which sendeth out beames of glorious light to all but it selfe .

The third point in the iust man is his longitude : and that is , to bee contented onely with that is a mans owne , and to stretch out the length of his desire and endeuour to nothing that belongeth to another man , no not so much as in a wish . For as an ancient Father saith , Iustus nil alienum vendicat , sed cuilibet dat quod suum est : The iust man claimeth nothing but that is proper to himselfe , and giueth to euery man that belongeth vnto him : to God his due , to Caesar his owne , and that with a willing and a ready minde . And saluation is then come to Zaccheus house , Luke 19.8 . when he carrieth this minde .

The fourth thing to bee considered in this iust man , is his profunditie in the practise of righteousnesse , which will not suffer him to damnifie his neighbour , nor to vse any nimble shifts , whereby to increase his estate ; but to build all his fortunes ( as men vsually speake ) vpon honest and plaine dealing . And hence is that saying , A good and iust man wil neither damno afficere quenquam , nec aliquid dolo annectere rei suae , tricks and shifts are odious to a righteous man , yea though he might gaine Kingdoms therby . Such a one was iust Iob , whose greatnesse was a veile to protect the poore , and no priuiledge to set him on worke to prey vpon the distressed and needy , as in our dayes it is ( too common ) wherein , alasse , many make themselues great by vsing trickes and shifts : and some vse their greatnesse amongst their poore neighbours , as a meanes to maintaine their owne prodigall and sinfull courses , or to make rich their lewd posteritie , who spend all amongst harlots and varlets , which themselues haue wretchedly gotten by keeping backe the labourers wages , skinning of the poore , and grinding the face of the needie ; a sinne that in these daies and in this countrey crieth for vengeance . But I speake of a iust man , who is farre from this behauiour ; and the liuely representation whereof we may see in these particulars : that he vnderstandeth the wayes of equitie , that he liueth not as borne to himselfe , but for the good of others , that he is content with that he hath , and lastly , that neither with Absolons lying flatterie , nor with Gehesies couetous briberie , nor with Achitophels subtile policie , nor with the Lyon-like might and power he will adde one cubite vnto his stature ; but still keeping an vpright heart inward , and holding himselfe within the confines of righteousnes outwardly , he passeth on in this world vntil he come to the appointed period of his life ; and marke him then , for finis illius pax , his end is peace .

His end is Peace .

Dauid doth not say his life is in peace , but his end ; for , for the most part the best men beare the heauiest crosses , and are troubled with most oppositions , beeing in this world like a Lilley amongst the Thornes , and haue their dwelling where Satans thrones are set vp : and this is their portion , which notwithstanding they patiently vndergoe that they may finish their course with ioy .

The Hebrews vnderstand by this word Peace , al happinesse ; the Grecians a setled quietnesse of the soule , in which , as in a sure harbour , it resteth in much ioy and true content : agreeing to which is that of S. Augustine , Pax est serenitas mentis , tranquillitas animi , and this peace is either with God , whom we neuer saw , and yet loue him and beleeue in him ; or peace of conscience ; or peace with men : the first is from the assurance of our a a Rom. 5.1 . iustification by Christ Iesus : the second is grounded vpon the former ; for from the knowledge that Dauid is at one with God , is Dauids b b Psal. 4. in pace accubabo pariter & dormiam , I will lie downe in peace and rest , because thou Lord art my safe-guard : the last is from both the former ; for who so is at one with God and himselfe , will seeke peace and ensue it , as x x Gen. 14. Abraham did with Lot . The first , which is peace with God , giueth a man boldnesse to come to the Throne of grace , with an assured y y Heb. 4.16 . confidence to find fauour in the needfull time of trouble . The second is the brasen wall of mans defence , within which there is a z z Pro. 15.8 . continuall feast and domesticall ioy . The third is so good a blessing , that , as Cass . speakes , it is imago angelicae conuersationis , the liuely image of the Angelicall behauior . But me thinks I heare some man saying vnto me , That it 's impossible a good man should bee at peace with the vngodly ; for what peace , so long as the witchcrafts and whoredome of Iesabell remaine in great abundance ?

I answer ; Pax est concordiam habere cum moribus probis , litigare cum vitijs , true peace is to be at one with mens good behauiour ; but alwayes to stand out at the swords point against all sinfull and wicked attempts : and therfore when we see the iust and vpright to be at odds with the workers of iniquitie , it is not in any dislike of their persons , but of their conditions . And out of all this appeareth a great difference betwixt the sonnes of God , and the children of Belial ; for to the former there is a true quietnes of mind , but to the latter no a a Esa. 57.21 . peace . For either they vnderstand not their owne miserie , and so seeke not for Gods mercie , the feeling whereof bringeth true peace ; or else they see their faults so fearefull that they flie in despaire from the presence of God ( as Caine and Iudas did ) and so haue nothing but vnspeakeable disquietnesse and horrors in their soules . And lastly for peace with men : they thinke all men hate them , Timuerunt ibi vbi non timor . when , God knoweth , they are hunted and pursued by their owne hearts , which will not let them be at quietnesse with others , because they are at continuall iarring with themselues ; and therefore euen vpon suspicion ( they know not of what ) they grow false and treacherous to all ●hey deale withall .

The conclusion then is , That true peace , eyther with men , or with our selues , and with God , is not in nor with wicked men ; and on the contrary side , Marke the iust , and consider the vpright man , for his end is peace . Thus much shall be sufficient for the meaning of the wordes of my Text. Now giue me leaue in a few words to point at such instructions as naturally arise out of them .

The first proposition is , That the wayes of a Christian are obvious to the view of men , and his actions are such as may be scanned and marked , and are not confined within the cloysters of obscuritie ; but like a light set vpon a Candlestick that shineth to all that are in the house : and therfore we are bidden to marke both the perfection and the righteousnesse of a good man . I know one point of Christianity is contemplation ; but that wanteth life when practise doth not follow : and therfore it 's no ill conceit of him that called a holy man Mary Martha . For as S. Gregorie speaketh of Loue , that the touch-stone thereof is in the works of charitie : so b b Iam. 2. may I say with S. Iames of true faith in whomsoeuer it is , that it ought to be shewed , and is demonstrated by the fruits thereof . Shall I say that a Minister is a good Pastor , which nothing resembleth his Master the great Bishop and sheepheard of our soules , in feeding and helping the distressed ? And can we think a Magistrate to be a good Ruler , when in the execution of his office no man can see , obserua & vide , either for punishing of sinne , or aduancing of vertue ? but rather behold and see how he boulstereth vp , or slily passeth ouer all impious and Idolatrous profanenesse . And doe you hold them a good people , which make no conscience to shew the vertues of Christ whom they professe ? No , no. By their fruits you shall know them , is an Euangelicall rule . And marke and behold ; for where vertue is , it may be felt , heard , and vnderstood .

The second proposition which generally ariseth from these words , is , That we may not giue doome of any till his actions be duly considered : for they are Herralds , to proclaime who , and what he is . A good man is not to be condemned , because a crue of sinfull wretches that looke through the mirrour of their mis-informed mindes , crie out crucifige : neither is any ill man good , because the multitude of sinfull drunken wretches prefer him before Christ : then obserua & vide , will bee a good ground whereon to build our determinations , and then shall we iudge righteous iudgement , and neyther suffer our selues to bee beguiled with supercillious lookes , nor condemne the iust whose end is peace .

The last point I entreat you obserue in the obseruation of my Text , is , That a good life is graced and blessed with a happy death . August . de doctrina christiana , non male moritur qui bene vixerit & vix bene moritur qui male . We haue only one example of a man that liued ill and died well , and yet his repentance is set down with the fruits thereof ( as short time as he had ) : but wee haue no example of any man that liued well , and died ill ; which Balaam did vnderstand , when hee wished to die the death of the righteous . Of these Baalamites there be no few , who dedicate their liues to vanity , and yet forsooth ( if wishing would preuaile ) they would haue heauen for their inheritance . But bee not deceiued , my brethren , for since they sow in the flesh they shall therof reape corruption ; and who so soweth in the spirit , shall of the spirit reape life euerlasting . Labour therefore my brethren , to spend the short time of your life which remaineth , in the truth of holinesse , without hypocrisie ; in righteousnesse without sinfull vncleanenesse : so shall your end be peace in your selues , peace with men , and peace with God , which passeth all vnderstanding . And thus you see the whole of a Christian man , both in the premisses and conclusion ; the premisses two , perfection and iustice : the conclusion well suting both Maior & Minor , finis illius pax .

A Demonstration of which truth , giue me leaue to set before you in the life and death of that honorable Knight and Baronet : for the solemnizing of whose direfull obsequies , we are at this time met together ; of whose life and death if I should say nothing , I might iustly bee accused of vnthankfulnesse to God for passing by such excellent vertues , as I know the Diuine Maiestie had bewtified him withall . And if I shall say much , I feare the ordinary aspersion of flattery , which blacke-mouthed enuie spitteth out to disgrace vertue withall , may perhaps be cast vpon mee : and therefore to auoide Silla on the one hand , and Caribdis on the other , I will speake nothing but that I dare auouch for truth before the Angels in heauen , and which many in this place can witnesse of their owne knowledge , before men vpon earth . My regard of this honourable Knight while he liued was not mercinarie , and my report of him at this time is not in hope of reward : and therefore without any further Preface , thus much in the Front of my speech I may say , That he was a Gentleman of as ancient and honourable continuance as any in this Kingdome , and therfore not to be blamed that he was desirous ( being resolued that in law and conscience it was equall ( as himselfe confessed he was ) to vphold the honour of his house in his name , which for nine descents hath continued at this his house at Snarford .

This truely-honoured Knight and Baronet , if you please , may be remembred in the gifts of nature , of art , of grace , or in the practise of them all . In the first , he was for person and naturall endowments very complete ; and by the second the former were so well disposed , that in his behauiour , Adamant-like he drew the hearts of many people to affect : and to speake plainly , the eyes of the inhabitants in this Countrey was set vpon him , as vpon a worthy obiect in his place and calling . In the gifts of grace , this may I report ; that he knew the truth : We were euer graced by him , and in whose company hee tooke great content . so doe many wicked men . He loued the truth , and the instruments that published the same : so doe none but the good . He was couragious for the truth : and so are none but Gods secret ones ; and from his knowledge the ground of his faith , and from his loue the fruit of his beleefe , and from his courage the pledge of his sanctitie ; he had the ground of S. Pauls reioicing , which is a good conscience .

For the practise of all these graces , let mee intreat you consider him as a husband to a wife , a Master of a family , a friend to his acquaintance , a Magistrate in his country , and a Christian in all .

For the first : hee dwelled with his wife as a man of knowledge , free from inhumane austeritie on the one side , and voyde of fond and idle complementing indulgence on the other ; which wise and Christian behauiour , was answered by his vertuous Ladie .

For the second , as he was a Master of a Family : whilest he was a father ( though God knoweth ) that was but for a short time ; he vsed that blessing as though hee had not possessed it . And as he was a Master ouer seruants , this was his care ; that all vnder his charge were bountifully rewarded for their seruice , and wanted no means ( though to his great charge ) to know God . Such as were vertuous wanted no encouragement : such as were lesse tractable to goodnesse , in the spirit of mildensse he vsed all good means to reclaime them . In briefe , he was to his seruants a fatherly Master , in authoritie , in care , in counsell , in countenance , in loue , and in bountie ; I say in bounty to them whilst he liued , and in his large portions he hath cut out of his estate for them after his death : so that if any that followed him be irregular like Gehesie , annointing his fingers with bribes , or ryoting with the euill seruant in the Gospel ; I say no more but this , They haue not so learned Christ , neither by precept , nor by their Masters practise .

For the third point , as he was a friend : let enquirie be made when euer he failed any that had occasion to vse his helpe ; and for true affection , hee was , as often he said of a friend ( alter idem ) or as Salomon speaketh , one that loueth at all times : rather with Mordach enquiring how his friends did , and in what case they stood , then staying till hee was sought vnto for his helpe ; and more reioycing to do good to those he loued , in case they wanted his help , then fawning vpon such as were happed with the thicke clay of worldly prosperitie . He was a right and true-hearted Ionathan , and such a friend may I say he was , as I feare I shall neuer finde till my soule rest with his .

For the fourth point , which concerneth him as he was a Magistrate : If Iethro were liuing hee would haue called for him , as one fit to assist Moses . Hee wanted no courage for a good cause , and to out-face and resist the wicked attempts and practises of vniust and vnlawfull disorders : his feare of God and soundnesse in Religion , was neuer questionable : his vpright dealing voyde of partialitie or personall respect , may be witnessed in that generall lamentation taken vp for him by the people in this Country : and for his hating of couetousnesse , and especially in the executing of his office , his name shall not die whilest any that knew him is left aliue . Who euer knew that he made vse of the countries mony , or was vnwilling to come to any account for collected money , committed to his charge for the countries behoofe ? hee was a man very much employed with the right honourable the Lord Willoughbie , as Deputie Lieutenant vnder that most worthy Lord Threasorer , and most wise Counseller , the Lord Burley . And when in the dayes of our late renowned and neuer to be forgotten Queene Elizabeth ( the mirrour of Christendome ) there was great employment for men and money , to keepe vnder the superstitious and rebellious Irish , besides the extraordinary paines he tooke , and the great cost he was at to further that seruice ; he disbursed payments out of his owne purse for the country , till Sessments could be conueniently made , and the money collected . And this can all you his fellow-labourers witnesse , that neither feare nor fauor , affinity nor consanguinity , did euer hinder him from going on in an vpright course to doe seruice to God , and our gracious King . Neyther was he voyde of compassion in the execution of Iustice : No , no , when hee dealt with Papists , or had to punish hard-hearted Atheists ( which some refused to meddle withall ) this was his rule , that he would Lapidare peccatum , but saluare hominem : yea such was his compassion , that I know som Recusants that could not be perswaded by arguments ( for vsually reason cannot preuaile with them ) were moued and won to come to the Church by his milde , mercifull , and louing perswasion that he vsed vnto them ; and such as he could not reclaim , he did greatly bemone and pitty . In the case of Meum and Tuum , this was his rule ; qui iudicat parte inaudita altera , aequum licet statuerit , haud aequus iudex . In briefe , thus did hee spend thirtie yeares of that his life , which was in the whole but one and fiftie ; neuer refusing any paines or endeauours , though to the spending of his estate , the weakening ( yea , as many here know , and especially my selfe ) to the wearying of his body and the empayring of his health . And let mee not forget , that the last iourney that he tooke was for the seruice of God , the safetie and peace of the King and Countrey ; wherein his behauior was so commendable , and his speeches so good , as were it not that these my lines would swell vnto too great a quantity , I would set them down as his Swan-like song within few dayes before his death . But to leaue these things , the last consideration is of his Christian behauior , which was eyther more publike ; and herein obserue his humilitie , his charitable mercifulnesse : or more priuate , as his vnseene deuotion and charitie . For the first , I may truely say of him , That hee made himselfe equall to those of low degree , euer abhorring himselfe with Iob ( in the seruice of God ) in the ashes of true humilitie ; an argument of a sanctified heart , and of a mind fit to receiue further grace from God .

For his mercifulnes , enquire after that amongst his Tenants : and if they speake truely , they will confesse that they haue beene vsed so , as few of their neighbours were dealt withall . Who euer knew him take the forfeiture of any Lease , or when fines and rents were vnpaide at times agreed vpon , to vse any extremitie to get the same ? Nay , what Tenant euer desired forbearance for a time , eyther of Rent or Fine , that had to his demaund a deniall ? The desolate Widdowes and Fatherlesse-Orphanes , that liued vnder him , were both regarded and prouided for by him . Secondly , inquire of his hospitality , not only to the better sort of people , but especially to the poore ; and you shall heare that their soules did blesse him whilest he liued , and are now sorrowfull for his death . Indeed this I confesse , that in his hospitalitie he iudged drinking-banquets fitter for profane Baltasar with his companions , then to be vsed in Christian meetings . Thirdly , if you list to heare more of his mercifulnes , I doubt not but many haue tasted of it , in his daily lending of money without pawnes or pledges , or euer taking interest , or forfeiture of bond ( the crying sinnes of this age . ) If any vnknowne to him haue made vse of this his mercifulnesse , like brodging Brokers , I say to such a one as Peter said to Simon Magus ; for sure I am that hee was free in lending to all sorts of people , both in this Countrey and some other parts within this Kingdome , Carendo potius quam fruendo : His vertue in this kinde both to Clergie and Laitie will appeare after his death . But I am yet in the Suburbes of his mercifull dealing . Now let meenter within the walls therof ; and the first thing that presents it selfe vnto my view is his liberality to poore Schollers & places of learning : and herein I might name vnto you sixe learned and profitable Preachers , which were brought vp in the Vniuersities at his cost and charges . Some now at this time in those places taste of his bountie , and many both in Church and Common-wealth , towards their education haue receiued exhibition from him till they were fitter for better fortunes . But to leaue persons , and to come to places : Magdalen Colledge in Cambridge , the famous Library in Oxford , and Corpus Christi Colledge in the same Vniuersity , where hee was seasoned with the grounds of learning by the now reuerend President of that house , Doct. Spencer . whom he deerly loued ; can tell you that hee was a good benefactor to those places in his life time : and I must tell you that he hath giuen a large quantity of inheritance by yeare for euer vnto Corpus Christi Colledge in Oxford . I need not relate vnto you how he hath endowed the free-Schoole in Market Raison , with an yearely pension to maintaine a Schoole-master : and that hee hath giuen an yearly maintenance for the planting of a Preacher at Welton one of his neighbour Townes , where I heare by the Parishioners there was neuer setled Preacher in the memorie of any man , nor scarce twenty Sermons this twentie yeares , except by his meanes ; and yet the Parish is great , and the law of our Church , thankes be to God , hath commanded otherwise . Neither may I let passe , since I am naming these things , what great care he had to further Religion , how free hee was in bestowing those spirituall preferments that were in his gift , looking at nothing but how to prouide for the good of Gods people ; farre differing from the practise of many Patrons , that let nothing passe without What wilt thou giue me ? But he was so free from this sinne , that I haue heard him often earnestly wishing , that a lawe might bee made by which the Patron should be sworne of his free gift , as well as the presented of his free entrance , without any contract eyther directly or indirectly . Shall I goe on to tell you of other deeds of mercie ? how for these thirtie yeares hee gaue tenne olde and poore men gownes and money euery yeare , and of late added twentie more to the number : how Market Raison had foure pounds yearely towards the releefe of their poore , besides a hundreth and sixtie pound that was giuen to helpe the poorer and yonger sort of tradsemen by good summes , to passe from one to another as there was need ; and now by his Will hath giuen a great summe of money to build an Hospitall , and a large yearly pension for euer to relieue such as shall be placed in it : besides the relieuing of tenne poore men with a certaine pension , and gownes for euer , that shall be chosen out of the Townes neere adioyning to his house at Snarford . In briefe , of late he hath beene at extraordinary charge to build , finish , and furnish a house fitting his place and calling : and I haue obserued that since the laying of the first stone of that house , which is seuen yeares past , his charity hath encreased in his large summes he gaue to the poore in this Countrey , as though hee meant to make sure the foundation of his house with the workes of charitie , or hasted to prouide a Mansion for his soule in heauen , before his earthly house was finished . Now for his priuate bountie to poore Schollers and others , of which he now findeth the comfort ; as it was knowne to none better then my selfe . Onely this I wil say according to Salomons direction , He cast his bread vpon the waters ; and as our Sauiour saith , his right knew not what his left hand did : for many a poore Scholler that neuer saw his face , hath tasted of his loue ; whose prayers to God for him , though vnknowne , like harbingers haue entred into heauen , to take vp roome for his comfort in the sauing grace of God . Now for his priuat deuotion , besides his daily reading in the booke of God , and his paines hee tooke in other bookes , especially in the writings of Bishop Iewel , which hee greatly esteemed , hauing found singular good out of them , as vpon the day of his death he did acknowledge : This one thing I cannot omit , that euery Munday in the morning he did in his priuate studie recall to mind what he had learned vpon the Sabbath day , and what vse he was to make to himself of the same . And then his manner was to pray , That all the weeke and the whole time of his life after hee might shew the fruit of that his learning , and so he addressed himselfe to the works of his calling : a custom worth imitation by all you Gentlemen , and all other Christians that meane to attaine the happinesse he now enioyeth . If any shall aske me , how I knew these things : I answer , not by the sounding of a Trumpet , or the ringing of a Bell , when he went about these priuate duties of pietie ; but by a priuat conference I had with him of late : in which , as he asked counsell touching som needfull questions that concerned his comfort , so he did open himselfe in this matter to me , not with a desire it should be knowne , but in humility to be further directed , as in other points which I will not name , so in this one , Whether it were lawfull in his priuate prayers , wherein he was to disclose and confesse the secrets of his hart to the Almighty , to kneele vpon a Cushion ? by which question in what a base account of himselfe he appeared before God , it is manifest to all that shall well consider thereof . And withall it doeth much condemne the proud behauiour of many , which in publique and priuate praiers dispose themselues as though they did contest with God , and stood not sighing and crying for mercie and pardon for their treacherous rebellions against the Almightie ; but with the proud Pharisee , were bragging of their deeds . And thus he spent his life ; in which he was an instrument of much good , a faithfull friend to the well-disposed , a mercifull Iudge of offenders , and a worthy example of vertue where euer hee came . Now for the time of his sickenesse and death .

His sickenesse was seuen dayes : in all which time , howbeit his pains were often extreame , yet neuer was he heard to vtter any impatient speech . Little or nothing did hee sleepe eyther day or night : and yet this was Gods mercie to him , that hee neuer vttered any offensiue word , that might argue eyther leuitie or impietie . For the most part of fiue dayes and nights I was with him , Whose calling was much honored by him in all his procedinges , and to the meanest of whome he was a worthie Patron aganst all oppositions and so were many of his good friends , & diuers reuerend Ministers , in whose godly speeches , and deuout prayers , and good companie he much reioyced , and did acknowledge Gods goodnesse , that those he loued in his life , should be with him at his death . I confesse he was diuers times and wayes assaulted by the Tempter , who vsually came and iniected temptations into him when he should haue taken his naturall rest : against all which hee made resistance by the Word of truth . And acquainting me with the particulars that were laid to his charge , when I shewed him what spirituall armor he might vse to quench those fierie darts , hee would pause for a time , as meditating of what I had said ; in the end hee did still breake out into these wordes : Lord Iesu strengthen my faith , and Lord I beleeue , helpe my vnbeleefe . He was much in meditation , often in priuat mentall prayer , and often he did tell me , that thinking of death he did find no feare of it , as formerly in his flesh he had done . Vpon Wednesday in the morning I perceiuing his strength to decay , and his paines to encrease , entreated him that he would set his house in order , and determine of his worldly affaires ; and he looking cheerefully vpon me , thus spake : Now I know you loue mee , as I am sure you haue done long , in that you wish I might die in peace , which ( said he ) I assure my selfe I shall doe : and for my worldly estate , I haue made my Will , I haue disposed of my land , though not as you haue often wished , yet so as I hope it shal stand , and I will impart the same vnto my brother Wray , which shortly after he did . All that day he was in great paines , often desiring me to pray for him , and sometimes greeuing that his bodily paines would not giue him leaue to make a vocall prayer ; yet once vpon a sudden with lifted-vp eyes and handes , hee powered out his heart in such a heauenly manner as might assure the hearers that Gods spirit spake in him . Vpon Wednesday in the night about ten of the clocke he fell into a slumber , in which he continued but a while , and , as he said when he awaked , all my bodily pains are gone away , but my mind is much troubled with cumbersome thoughts ; against which he made resistance by priuat prayer , and by conference with one of his seruants that attended him . About two of the clocke in the morning I came to him , and he told me what combats he had with his enemie : and I giuing him such counsell against the same as God gaue me wisdom to do ; he receiued it so hungerly as I was much comforted with it . Presently he desired we might pray together , that , said he , I may haue a feeling comfort of that you haue spoken ; which we did , and at the end of praier hee concluded with repeating this word thrice , Amen . Immediatly after he made an excellent confession of his faith , and of the hope that was in him touching his saluation ; concluding that his confession with a praier , that God would strengthen him in that faith vnto the end and in his end . After the end of which prayer he lifted vp his eyes and hands to heauen , and vttered these words : Now is my comforter come , and hell gates shall not preuaile against mee , and by the power and comfort of thy spirit I know I shall finish my course with ioy , and after receiue the crowne of life : from the end of which prayer and confession hee was neuer troubled with any temptation . Then he being quiet for some halfe houre , I asked him , whether hee could call to mind that euer hee dealt hardly with any man , and if he had so done to make restitution ? he smilingly answered , I thanke God I neuer tooke nor got any goods vnlawfully , or vncharitably , and I thanke you for putting me in mind of this point . Once more he made a confession of his faith , vttered his dislike of Popery , professing that he had often studied to see if he could find any comfort out of the Popish doctrine ; and confessed he could not see any thing in the Popish Religion but ambition , humane policie , and Heathenish superstition . He often made his prayers to God by himselfe and with others : he gaue most heauenly counsaile to his friends , and to his seruants ; and where he thought the loue of the world had taken too deepe hold in any , he disswaded from the same : verifying that truth , That he that is conuerted himselfe will strengthen others . The speeches that he vttered that day were many , and most comfortable : amongst which I noted these which follow . O my soule trust still in God , for he is thy rocke and defence ; I find it is good to hold me fast by my God . O Lord I haue none in heauen nor earth besides thee , and therefore onely into thy hands I commend my soule , for thou art my God and my redeemer . O God thou hast kept mee from the wombe vntill now , forsake me not , but let my soule , my tongue , and all that is within me praise thy holy name . As the Hart breatheth after the water brookes , so my soule thirsteth after thee , O Lord , in this barren and drie land ( and clapping his hands vpon his heart , he spake further ) here where no water of comfort is , but that thou hast powred into it onely through thy sonne Christ ; and therefore to thee be honour & praise for euermore . Thus he continued and spent his time , to the great comfort of al beholders , vntill his senses externall decayed ; which hee perceiued so sensibly , that he did tell when the parts of his body did die , as , when his legge , his right eye , his right hand , and other parts were dead : hee would say , now is such a part dead . The vse of his tongue God gaue him till within half an houre before his last breath , with which he vttered many holy speeches , wherof these were the last : Forsake me not , O Lord , Be not thou farre from me , O my God , Hast thee to help me , O my Lord my saluation ; And now Lord what wait I for ? My hope is onely in thee , and into thy hands I commend my spirit ; Lord Iesus receiue my soule : and alwayes hee concluded his prayers which himselfe vttered , or which were made by others , with these words , To whom be praise and glorie for euermore . Yea , when his speech failed wee might perceiue him to pray , though he could not vtter perfect words , and so to continue , concluding his prayer with the same thankesgiuing , till hee pronounced this word Amen in this sort ; A me me en , as though his soule , before it went out of his bodie , had beene keeping a part in that heauenly Anthem with the foure and twentie Elders , which sing to him that sitteth vpon the Throne , and liueth for euermore . And thus hee continued , till with much comfort and peace his life ended , and his soule entred into the Kingdome of glorie ( which now I assure my selfe he doth enioy , and wherto the God of heauen bring all his Saints in his appointed time ) which was about foure of the clocke in the afternoone , vpon the eight and twentieth of October , when he had liued one and fiftie yeares , seuen daies , and some odde houres : too short a time , if it had pleased God otherwise . What can the remouing of him out of the house of clay prophesie , but that God threatneth some punishment vpon vs the suruiuors , when so worthy , so wise , so vertuous , so religious , and noble a Gentleman in the strength of his manhood is taken away ? of whose life and death I haue spoken the more largely , first , to let the Papists see that we preach not , nor our good hearers practise not fleshly libertie , as they falsly accuse vs : secondly , to let you Gentlemen and Iustices know what an example of vertue and vprightnesse you haue lost . For though I doubt not but there be many good ones left yet , I am sure you will all confesse he was the Bell-Wether in the flocke : thirdly , I would haue him whom this worthy Knight hath appointed and adopted to succeede in his house , and the greatest part of his estate , to imitate him in the course of his life , to whome hee is so much beholding for the loue of his name , which hath caused him to cast such extraordinarie fortunes vpon him , lest perhappes it be said , O domus antiqua quam dispari iam dominaris domino , or lest he heare Non domus Domino , sed Dominus domo : Fourthly , let it not be wondred that seruants which haue lost so worthy a Master ; and Countrey which hast lost so good a Gouernour ; doe take vp a great lamentation . And for his worthy Ladie , who Rachel-like will not be comforted ; doe not condemne her : for the consideration of the comfort shee is depriued of , amongst the wise that did know her happinesse in the enioying of such a husband , will in some sort make her excuse , and worke pittie and compassion for her sorrow . Howbeit withall I must confesse , I know none that hath more cause of comfort , in respect of that assurance she may haue of a husbands happinesse then shee . Lastly , for my selfe ; if mournfull teares , or astonishing thoughts could recall him back againe from the graue , I would thinke my selfe bound , for the losse of so worthy a friend , to wish that my head were a fountain of teares , to lament day and night for the fall of so good a man in Israel . But I haue not so learned Christ ; and therfore thus much onely will I say : Remember his life as an example worth imitation ; Remember his death : by the sight whereof I do confesse I was better instructed how to die then by all the precepts that euer I read of that argument . And so marke his life , for it was good and holy ; and his end , for it was peace . And so in peace , I leaue him enioying an eternall surpassing weight of glory ; assuring my selfe withall , that vpon earth semper honos , nomenque suum , laudesque , manebunt .

FINIS .