eur common Christianity before the world, might have been avoided or healed? Cartwright is said to have expressed himself to this effect upon his death-bed; and, doubtless, Whitgift thinks so now.

Mr Cartwright was sent to from many eminent divines beyond sea, wherein they craved his advice for the direction of young men in the method of their studies, and in behalf of the churches in general, for his counsel in regulating their proceedings in the weightiest affairs.

It was the earl of Leicester who preferred him to bet master of the hospital at Warwick, which place was worth to him about one hundred pounds per annum: His employment was, to pray with the poor men twice a-day, to catechise twice a week, and to preach once on the Lord's day at the parish church.

His carriage and deportment was such, that there was not a nobleman or gentleman of quality in all the country that looked heaven-ward, or was of any account for religion and learning, but sought to enjoy his company, and found much pleasure and content therein; for his conversation was such, that scarce a word came from his mouth that was not of some good use and concernment. He was of a very laborious and indefatigable spirit; it was his meat and drink to be doing the will of his heavenly Father; so that besides all his pains in writing, and in the hospital, he preached every sabbath-day in the morning about seven o'clock in the lower parish of Warwick, and, when he could be suffered, in the upper parish in the afternoon; besides which, he preached a lecture on Saturdays in the afternoon in the upper church, in which he went over a great part of the Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, with great judgment and profit; and this he did of his own free will, without demanding or receiving one penny for his pains.

Presently after his coming to Warwick, the English seminary at Rheims published their version of the New Testament, and annotations upon it in English; which coming over into England, it was looked upon by all as a book of dangerous concernment, and therefore fit to be answered by the ablest pen that could be found; hereupon (as it is said) Q. Elizabeth sent to Beza to request him to undertake the answer; but he modestly excused it, and returned answer, that she had one in her own kingdom, far abler than himself to undertake such a task, and upon further enquiry declared, that it was Mr Thomas Cartwright. Then Sir Francis Walsingham, a man of eminent

place

place and power, who in this, as in other affairs, was accounted the mouth and hand of the queen and state, wrote to Mr Cartwright, earnestly requesting him to undertake the work, assuring him also of such aid as should further him in the finishing of it; for which end he sent him one hundred pounds towards the charges of buying books, and procuring writers which were to be employed by him in the work; this was in the year 1583.

The same year also he was earnestly solicited by some learned men of the university of Cambridge, to undertake the Answer, in which, amongst other passages, they have these expressions: With you we are earnest, most reverend Cartwright, that you would set yourself against the unhallowed endeavours of these mischievous men, either by refuting the whole book, or at least some part thereof. It is not for every man workmanlike to frame 'God's tabernacle, but for Bazaleel and Aholiab; neither is every one rashly to be thrust forth into the Lord's battles; but such captains are to be chosen from amongst David's worthies; of which as we acknowledge you to be, by the former battles undergone for the walls of our city the church, we doubt not, if you will enter this · war, which truly you ought according to the zeal and piety you bear to your country and religion, but that you fighting for conscience and country (yea even for the very inmost holy place of the temple) will be able to tread under foot the forces of the Jebusites, which set themselves to assault the tower of David. Moreover (which may, marvellously sharpen the edge of your courage) you are not now to fight with a brother or fellow of the same religion (which maketh the conflict more faint) but with the most inveterate enemies of Jesus Christ, &c.' Then they thus conclude: You see to what an honourable fight we invite you. Christ's business shall be undertaken against satan's champions. We stir you up to fight the battles of the Lord; where the victory is certain, which the triumph and applause of the angels will ensue. Our prayers shall never be wanting unto you. Christ, without doubt, whose cause is defended, will be present with you. The Lord Jesus • much increase your courage and strength, and keep you very long in safety for his church's good! Farewell.' This was subscribed by Roger Goad, William Whitaker, Thomas Crook, John Ireton, William Fulke, John Field, Nicholas Crane, Giles Seintler, Richard Gardener, William Charke, &c.

But

But besides these, the ministers of London and Suffolk did by their several letters earnestly exhort him to this work. Mr Cartwright was at last by these importunities drawn to undertake it; and neither diligence nor constancy was wanting in him to have carried it on to perfection; but he met with such great discouragements and hinderances from potent adversaries, that he was forced often to lay his pen aside.

Whilst he was at Warwick, he was requested by the Lord Zouch, governor of Guernsey, to go with him into that island, with whom he continued some time; and in his absence substituted one Mr Lord, a godly minister then living at Woolstone, in his room at the hospital at Warwick, allowing him the greatest part of the proofs of the place during his abode there; and the rest he caused to be distributed amongst the poor.

He was far from seeking after great places or great things in the world; and for riches, he sought them not; yea he rejected many opportunities whereby he might have enriched himself. His usual manner was, when he had good sums of gold sent him, to take only one piece, lest he should seem to slight his friends kindness, and to send back the rest with a thankful acknowledgment of their love, and his acceptance of it, professing that for that condition wherein GOD had set him, he was as well furnished as they for their high and great places.

His manner was, not to keep any more money in his purse but what might serve for charitable uses. He was very bountiful to poor scholars. He distributed money every Sabbath-day amongst the poor of the town of Warwick, besides what he gave to the prisoners, and upon other occasions both at home and abroad.

For his household affairs, he never troubled himself with them, but wholly left them to be ordered and managed by the prudence of his wife.

He was very careful to regulate and order the business of the hospital for the best advantage of the poor brethren. He continued his diligence and assiduity in his studies even in his old age; and his manner was to rise at two, three, and four o'clock at the latest, both summer and winter, notwithstanding his bodily infirmities were such, that he was forced to study continually kneeling upon his knees.

He could not endure, so much as in private, to hear his adversaries reproached; and if any in his presence used disgraceful speeches of them, he would sharply reprove them for it, saying, " that it is a Christian's duty to pray for,

"and

" and not to reproach his adversaries ;" and when Martin Mar-Prelate's book came forth, he shewed much dislike of the satyrical and tart language used in it. He was also very humble, not enduring to hear any thing spoken in his own commendation, or any titles given him, which in the least measure savoured of ambition. He affected not popularity, but avoided it as much as possibly he could. Indeed, all his ambition was, to advance the knowledge and cause of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to promote GOD's glory. It was the great joy and rejoicing of his heart to hear of the welfare and prosperity of the churches at home and abroad; for this he earnestly and daily prayed: And when he heard any ill tidings, with Nehemiah he sat down and mourned, and fasted, and prayed before the GOD of heaven; so that all that conversed with him might easily discern that nothing did affect him in any degree, like the good or ill tidings of the church's state.

He was frequent in prayer every day; and in his younger years rose many times in the night for that purpose. And as his labours were very great in the work of the ministry, so it pleased the Lord to make them very successful for the conversion and confirmation of many, and for terror and restraint unto others. There was one Mr Chaplin, a woollen-draper in Warwick, who made a profession of religion, but many times broke out into scandalous practices; Mr Cartwright on a time walking with him in his garden, dealt plainly and faithfully with him, rebuking him for his miscarriages, and shewing him the dishonour that he brought to GOD and the gospel thereby. This so wrought upon Chaplin, that he presently sunk down, and being carried home, died within a few hours after.

In his old age he was much troubled with the stone and gout, which much impaired his strength, yet would he not intermit his labours, but continued preaching when many times he could scarce creep up into the pulpit. The Sabbath before his death, which was the last sermon that he made, December the 25th, he preached upon Eccles. xii. 7. Then shall the dust return to the earth, and the spirit shall return to God who gave it. The morning before his death, which was the Tuesday following, he was two hours on his knees in private prayer; in which, as he told his wife, he found wonderful and unutterable joy and comfort, GOD giving him a glimpse of heaven before he came to it; and within a few hours after he quietly resigned up