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Acts xxviii. 12.

And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

Having compassed Cape Pessaro, defended by a strong fortress not long since erected, we rowed close under the cliff called Muro del Porco, (in that those black rocks do resemble the snouts of swine) where store of Tunny is taken; a fish that is bred (as hath been said before) in the lake of Meotis, but groweth unto his greatness in the ocean, when about the midst of May they return again into these seas. Still winding with the shore, we entered at length the haven of Syracuse, and together with the sun, made an end of that day's journey. Syracuse in times past contained four conjoining cities, environed with a wall of two and twenty miles in circuit; Ortygia, Neapolis, Acradina, and Tyche; besides a strong fort called Hexaple, high mounted, and overlooking the whole. Seated it is on a rocky point of land, which divides the two havens. Ortygia stands at the uttermost extent, an island joined by a bridge to the rest. The buildings of the city are ancient, the inhabitants grave, and their women all hid under long black stoles, not unlike the Maltese. The winter is here most temperate, no day so tempestuous, as affordeth not some sunshine; but again, they are afflicted with the insalubrious heat of the summer. Yet in the hottest season cool springs gush out

of the rock (not to speak again of Arethusa) both within the walls of the city and without, and that so near unto the sea, that the salt doth mingle with the fresh upon every motion. Notwithstanding there is a long ancient aqueduct, which conveyeth waters from the nearer mountains (yet reaching short of the city) wherewith the city is principally furnished. The two havens that wash the south and north sides of the city, (which by the inclining of the two opposite promontories toward Ortygia, are defended from all weathers,) do resemble in form the figure of 8. The greatest lies towards the south, the most goodly and most famous that ever nature or art had a hand in, into which the little and gentle Anapis doth discharge itself; joining not far above with the fountain Cyane, whose conjunction hath given invention to their celebrated loves and nuptials. -Ibid.

Acts xxviii. 13. And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli.

Entering the straights between Sicilia and Calabria, we turned on the left hand into the haven of Messina. Almost right against Messina stands Rhegium in Italy: a garrison town, retaining his ancient name, which signifieth broken, in memory of the division, as was supposed, of this island from the continent,

ECCLESIASTICAL LIFE.

The Life and Death of the Reverend, learned and pious Dr. Jackson, Dean of Peterborough, and President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. Written by a late Fellow of the same College.

BEING earnestly desired by an intimate and powerful friend, to deliver some character of that reverend and learned Dr. Jackson, (late President of our College)

I might very well excuse myself, from my unworthiness to undertake so weighty a task. I must seriously confess, it was not so much the importunity of that friend, which prevailed with me, as the merit of the man which extorted it, and made me resolve rather to run any hazard of my own reputation, than not to pay the honours due to his memory. The respect and interest which he gained in the hearts of all men that he conversed with, (and most

from them that knew him best) was too great to be buried in his grave, or to be extinct with his person *. A good name is compared to a rich and pleasant odour, which not only affects the sense, whilst he that wears it is in presence, but fills the house, and makes you inquire, who had been there, although the party be gone out of the room. For his birth, he was descended from a very worthy family in the bishopric of Durham. His life seemed to be consecrated to virtue and the liberal arts, from his very childhood: he had a natural propensity to learning, from which no other recreation or employment could divert him. He was first designed (by his parents) to be a merchant in Newcastle, where many of his near friends and alliance lived in great wealth and prosperity; but neither could that temptation lay hold upon him.

Therefore (at the instance of a noble, lord) he was sent to the University of Oxford, for which highly esteemed favour he returns his solemn thanks, in the very first words and entrance of this book. He was first planted in Queen's College, under the care and tuition of the profound Dr. Crakanthorp, and from thence removed to Corpus Christi College; where although he had no notice of the vacancy of the place, till the day before the election, yet he answered with so much readiness and applause, that he gained the admiration, as well as the suffrages of the electors, and was chosen with full consent, although they had received letters of favour from great men for another scholar. A sure and honourable argument of the incorruptedness of that place, when the peremptory mandamus of the pious founder, Nec prece, nec pretio, (presented with the merits of a young man and a stranger) shall prevail more than all other solicitations and partialities whatsoever. This relation hath been often assured unto me from one of the electors (yet living) Mr. John Hore,

* And now, having this opinion rooted in my heart, I hope the reader will approve, at least pardon, if I pronounce this author, The divine, of his rank and age and if in token of my private thankfulness, for good received from him, I breathe out,

first towards Heaven, Benedic Anima mea Domino, &c. (Psalm 103.) and then towards men ou earth, tokens of good will, qui te genuere beati,

Et mater Felix et fortunata profecto Siqua tibi soror est, et quæ dedit ubera Nutrix.

Barnabas Oley's Preface.

of West Hendred, a man of reverend years and goodness. There was now a welcome necessity laid upon him, to preserve the high opinion which was conceived of him, which he did in a studious and exemplary life, not subject to the usual intemperances of that age. Certainly the devil could not find him idle, nor at leisure to have the suggestions of vice whispered into his ear. And although many in their youthfol times have their deviations and exhorbitancies, which afterwards proved reformed and excellent men; yet it pleased God to keep him in a constant path of virtue and piety.

He had not been long admitted into this place, but that he was made more precious, and better estimated by all that knew him, by the very danger that they were in, suddenly to have parted with him: for walking out with others of the younger company to wash himself, he was in imminent peril of being drowned. The depth closed him round about, the weeds were wrapt about his head. He went down to the bottom of the mountains, the earth with her bars was about him for ever, yet God brought his soul from corruption, Jonah ii. 5, 6. that (like Moses from the flags) for the future good of the Church and government of the College where he lived, there might be preserved the meekest man alive, or (like Jonas) there might be a pro. phet revived (as afterwards he proved) to forewarn the people of ensuing destruction, if peradventure they might repent, and God might revoke the judgments pronounced against them, and spare this great and sinful nation. It was a long and almost incredible space of time wherein be lay under water, and before a boat could be procured, which was sent for, rather to take out his body (before it floated) for a decent funeral, than out of hopes of recovery of life. The boatman discerning where he was by the bubbling of the water, (the last signs of a man expiring) thrust down his hook at that very moment, which by happy providence (at the first essay) lighted under his arm, and brought him up into the boat. All the parts of his body were swollen to a vast proportion, and although by holding his head downward they appeared, therefore they brought him to let forth much water, yet no hopes of life the land, and lapped him up in the gowns of his fellow-students, the best shroud that love or necessity could provide. some warmth and former means renewed, they perceived that life was yet within him, conveyed him to the College, and commended him to the skill of Dr. Channel, an eminent physician of the same house,

After

where with much care, time and difficulty, he recovered to the equal joy and wonder of the whole society. All men concluded him to be reserved for high and admirable purposes. His grateful acknowledgments towards the fisherman and his servants that took him up, knew no limits, being a constant revenue to them whilst he lived. For his thankfulness to Almighty God no heart could conceive, nor tongue express it but his own, often commemorating the miracle of divine mercy in his deliverance, and resolving hereafter not to live to himself,

but to God that raiseth the dead. Neither did he serve God with that which cost him nothing; I must rank his abundant charity, and riches of his liberality amongst the virtues of his first years, as if he would strive with his friends, patron and benefactors, Utrum illi largiendo, an ipse dispergendo vincerit. Whether they should be more bountiful in giving, or he in dispersing or that he was resolved to pay the ransom of his life into God's exche quer, which is the bodies of the poor. His heart was so free and enlarged in this kind, that very often his alms-deed made him more rich that received it, than it left him that gave it. His progress in the study of Divinity was something early, because (as he well considered) the journey that he intended was very far, yet not without large and good provisions for the way. No man made better use of human knowledge, in subservience to the eternal truths of God, produced more testimonies of heathens to convert themselves, and make them submit the rich presents of their wise men, to the cradle and cross of Christ. He was furnished with all the learned languages, arts and sciences, as the previous dispositions, or beautiful gate which led him into the temple; but especially metaphysics, as the next in attendance, and most necessary handmaid to divinity, which was the mistress where all his thoughts were fixed, being wholly taken up with the love and admiration of Jesus Christ, and him crucified *. The

It will be consequent to what was last said, and seasonable here to tell the reader, that he will find in this author an eminent excellency in that part of divinity which I make bold to call Christology, in displaying the great mystery of godliness, God the Son of God manifested in human flesh. And this he never thinks well done, till he have laid the type or shadow of the Old Testament upon the substance in the New; until he have laid the prophecy (as Elisha laid his body upon

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reading to younger scholars, and some employments imposed by the founder, were rather recreations and assistances, than diversions from that intended work. The offices which he undertook out of duty, not desire, were never the most profitable,

the dead child) face to face, and eyes to eyes, upon the holy child Jesus. And his powerful dexterity in this kind hath purchased him so high an esteem amongst the learned (though much dissenting from him in opinion) that in their works they have quoted him, and commended him as an author.

"This gives me the cue to turn my speech towards my Reverend Brethren of the Church of England. I speak this only to the younger Clergy, (it would be presumption to think upon the elder in this period) and I speak it with all imaginable respect and tenderness. Those that have compass ion on the multitude, that teach the people knowledge, and for their edification do seek out acceptable words in writings, upright and true, that mean to tread the good old way for better instructing the poor of the flock, may find in this author's works, matter proper for christenings, dominical and festival in the year: but communions, funerals, fasts; for every abundance of matter for those days on which our Church commemorates the great benefits received by the incarnation, birth, death, resurrection, and ascension

of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"As for expounding the doctrinal, and opening the more difficult places of Holy Scripture, this author seems to have a rare felicity therein, above the professed commentators or expositors, whether Protespretends but to take one verse as the tants or Papists. And often, when he centre of his discourse, he illuminates the reader in a great circumference of the context. I shall say more, (he that will try, I hope, shall find my words true) he that will carefully peruse this good author's works, shall thereby have a goodly prospect of the Old and New Testaments opened unto him; shall mightily improve in the understanding of the Holy Bible. And, putting a case, that besides the Holy Bible and Fathers, I should be confined to the use of one author, (whom I would choose) and no more, I should make choice of this author's works. And I am further persuaded, that were his works translated into Latin; the Christian world (of what division soever, that keeps the foundation) would confess itself confirmed by him, and a debtor to him."-Ibid.

but the more ingenuous; not such as might fill his purse, but increase his knowledge.

It was no small accession of respect unto him, or rather a consequent of the good repute which he had already gained, that those two noble hostages, Mr. Edward and Mr. Richard Spencers, sons to the Right Honourable Robert Lord Spencer, Baron of Wormleighton, were commended to his charge, whom he restored fully instructed with all good literature, the glory of learned and religious nobility, and the very ornaments of the country where they lived; for which faithful discharge of his great trust, he and his memory were ever in singular veneration with that whole family, and their alliances. His discourse was very facetious (without offence) when time, and place, and equality of persons permitted it. He was a man (upon occasions offered) of universal conversation. When he was chosen into office, the Governor of the College was wont to give this testimony of him. That he was a man most sincere in elections, and that in a dubious victory of younger wits, it was the safest experiment for an happy choice, to follow the omen of his judgment. He read a lecture of divinity in the College every Sunday morning, another day of the week at Pembroke College, then newly erected, by the instance of the Master and Fellows there. He was chosen Vice-President for many years together, who by his place was to moderate the disputations in divinity. In all these he demeaned himself with great depth of learning, far from that knowledge which puffethup, but accompanied with all gentleness, courtesy, humility and moderation. From the College, he was preferred to a living in the bishopric of Durham, in their donation, and from thence, with consent from the same College obtained, where no request could be denied him, removed to the Vicarage of Newcastle, a very populous town, furnished with multitudes of men, and no small variety of opinions. It was a difficult task, and only worthy of so pions an undertaker, so to become all things to all men, that by all means he might gain some. This was the place where he was first appointed by his friends to be a merchant; but he chose rather to be a factor for heaven. One precious soul refined, polished, and fitted for his Master's use, presented by him, was of more value to him, than all other purchases whatsoever. He adorned the doctrine of the Gospel which he preached and professed with a suitable life and conversation: manifesting the signs of a true Apostle. In all things shewing himself a pattern of good works,

in doctrine incorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that they which were of the contrary part might be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of him. Titus ii. 7, 8.

I lately received letters from a gentleman, who lived there at the same time with him, who gave this testimony of him, He was a man very studious, humble, courteous, and charitable. At Newcastle, when he went out, what money he had, he usually gave to the poor, who at length flocked so unto him, that his servant took care that he had not too much in his pocket. At a certain time, Dr. Henderson, the town's physician, his neighbour and intimate acquaintance, (having made a purchase) sitting sad by him, and fetching a sigh, he demanded what was the reason? He said that he had a payment to make and wanted money: Dr. Jackson bade him be of good cheer, for he would furnish him, and calling for his servant, told him the physicfan's need, and asked what money he had. The man stepping back silent, the Doctor bid him speak, at length the man said, forty shillings; he bade him fetch it, for Mr. Henderson should have it all; at which Mr. Henderson turned his sadness into laughter. Dr. Jackson demanded his reason: he said, that he had need of four hundred pounds, or five hundred pounds. Dr. Jackson answered, that he thought forty shillings was a great sum, and that he should have it, and more also if he had it. Thus in a place of busy trade and commerce, his mind was intent upon better things, willing to spend and to be spent for them, not seeking theirs, but them.

After some years of his continuance in this town, he was invited back again to the University by the death of the President of the same College, being chosen in his absence, at so great a distance, so unexpectedly without any suit or petition upon his part, that he knew nothing of the vacancy of the place, but by the same letters that informed him that it was conferred upon himself. A preferment of so good account, that it hath been much desired, and eagerly sought after by many eminent men, but never before went so far to be accepted of. Upon his return to Oxford, and admission to his government, they found no alteration by his long absence, and more converse with the world, but that he appeared yet more humble in his elder times; and this not out of coldness and remission of spirit, but from a prudent choice and experience of a better way: not without the great example of Paul the Aged, who when he had authority

to command that which is convenient, (yet for love's sake) chose rather to beseech. He ruled in a most obliging manner, the fellows, scholars, servants, tenants, Nemo ab eo tristis discessit, no man departed from him with a sad heart, excepting in this particular, that by some misdemeanor, or willing error, they had created trouble, or given any offence unto him. He used the' friends as well as the memory of his predecessors fairly. He was Prosidens pacificus, a lover and maker of peace. He silenced and composed all differences, displeasures and animosities by a prudent impartiality, and the example of his own sweet disposition. All men taking notice that nothing was more hateful unto him than hatred itself, nothing more offensive to his body and mind, it was a shame and cruelty (as well as presumption) to afflict his peaceable spirit. It is a new and peculiar art of discipline, but successfully practised by him, that those under his authority were kept within bounds and order, not so much out of fear of the penalty, as out of love to the governor. He took notice of that which was good in the worst men, and made that an occasion to commend them for the good's sake; and living himself tanquam nemini ignoscerit ; as if he were so severe, that he could forgive no man, yet he reserved large pardons for the imperfections of others.

His na

tore was wholly composed of the properties of charity itself. Charity suffereth long, and is kind, &c. Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. I can truly avouch this testimony concerning him, that living in the same College with him, more than twenty years (partly when he was Fellow, and partly when he returned President), I never heard (to iny best remembrance) one word of anger, or dislike against him. I have often resembled him in my thoughts (with favour of that honourahle person be it spoken) to him (whose name sounds very near him) who being placed in the upper part of the world, carried on his dignity with that justice, modesty, integrity, fidelity, and other gracious plausibilities, that in a place of trust, he contented those whom he could not satisfy, and in a place of envy procured the love of them who emulated his greatness, and by his example shewed the pre-eminence and security of true Christian wisdom, before all the slights of human policy, that in a busy time no man was found to accuse him; so this good man (in that inferior orb 'which God had placed him) demeaned himself with that Christian innocency, candour, wisdom and modesty, that malice itself was

more wary than to cast any aspersions upon him. I shall willingly associate him to those other worthies his predecessors in the same College (all living at the same time); to the invaluable Bishop Jewel, Theologorum quas orbis Christianus per aliquot annorum centenarios produxit maximo, as grave Bishop Goodwin hath described him, the greatest Divine that for some former centuries of years the Christian world hath produced. To the famous Mr. Hooker, 'who for his solid writings was surnamed, the Judicious, and entitled by the same, Thelogorum Oxonium. The Oxford of Divines, as one calls Athens, the Greece of Greece itself. To the learned Dr. Reinolds, who managed the govern ment of the same College, with the like care, honour and integrity, although not with the same austerities.

He willingly admitted, and was much delighted in the acquaintance and familiarity of hopeful young Divines, not despising their youth, but accounting them as sous and brethren, encouraging and advising them what books to read, and with what holy preparations, lending them such books as they had need of, and hoping withal, that (considering the brevity of his own life) some of them might live to finish that work upon the Creed, which he had happily begun unto them. This was one of the special advices and directions which he commended to young men hear the dictates of your own conscience: Quod dubitas ne feceris, making this the comment upon that of Syracides, in all thy matters trust, or believe thine own soul, and bear it not down by impetuous and contradictious lusts, &c. He was as diffusive of his knowledge, counsel, and advice, as of any other his works of mercy *.

"If I mistake not, I shall in some acceptable measure at once perform (at least resemble) all the forementioned offices, when I have in short told the Christian, more signally the learned, or reader willing to learn, thus much: that, what acquired skill I have in theology, what understanding I have got in Holy Scripture, (under God) I owe it in a manner all to this author. Hic vir, hic est. This is the man whom I acknowledge to have been my master, and mystagogus in divinis. From him I learned how to use my small stock of human learning in the pursuit of divine. By him was my soul convinced of the truth of the Scriptures, and stored with arguments to persuade others, that at least it was worth their labour to try, whether faithful practice of Scripture rules would not produce a willing sub

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