how many holdfasts she threateneth us and you. So did the Egyptians, who in the midst of their banquetings, and in the full of their greatest cheer, caused the Anatomy of a Dead Man to be brought before them, as a memorandum and warning to their guests. I am now, by means of the mercy of God, in such a taking. that without regret or grieving at any worldly matter, I am prepared to dislodge, whensoever he shall please to call me. I am every where free: My farewell is soon taken of all my friends, except of myself. No man did ever prepare himself to quit the world more simply and fully, or more generally lay aside all thoughts of it, than I am fully assured I shall do. All the glory I pretend in my life, is, that I have lived Quietly: Quietly, not according to Metrodorus, Arcesilaus, or Aristippus; but according to Myself. Since philosophy could never find any way for tranquillity, that might be generally good;" "Let every man in his own particular seek for it."

Let us not propose so fleeting and so wavering an end unto ourselves, as the World's Glory: Let us constantly follow reason: And let the Vulgar Approbation follow us that way, if it please. I care not so much what I am with others, as I respect what I am IN MYSELF I will be rich in myself, and not by borrowing. Strangers see but external appearances and events: Every man can set a good face upon the matter, when within he is full of care, grief and infirmities: They see not my heart, when they look upon my outward countenance. We are nought but ceremony; Ceremony doth transport us, and we leave the Substance of things: we hold fast by the boughs, and leave the trunk or body, the Substance of things, behind us."

Sect. 8. CARDINAL WOLSEY, the most absolute and wealthy minister of state this kingdom ever had, that in his time seemed to govern Europe as well as England, when come to the period of his life, left the world with this close reflection upon himself; "Had I been as diligent to serve my God, as I was to please my king, he would not have left me now in my grey hairs." A dis

mal reflection for all worldly-minded men; but those more especially who have the power and means of doing more good than ordinary in the world, and do it not; which seems to have been the case and reflection of this great man.

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Sect. 9. Sir PHILIP SIDNEY, a subject indeed of England, but, they say, chosen king of Poland; whom queen Elizabeth called HER PHILIP; the prince of Orange, HIS MASTER; whose friendship the lord Brooks was so proud of, that he would have it part of his epitaph, "Here lies Sir Philip Sidney's friend:" Whose death was lamented in verse by the then kings of France and Scotland, and the two universities of England, repented so much at his death of that witty vanity of his life, his Arcadia, that to prevent the unlawful kindling of heats in others, he would have committed it to the flames himself; and left this farewell amongst his friends," Love my memory; cherish my friends; their faith to me may assure you that they are honest: But above all, govern your will and affections by the Will and Word of your Creator. In me behold the end of this World, and all its Vanities." And indeed he was not much out in saying so, since in him was to be seen the end of all natural parts, acquired learning, and civil accomplishments. His farewell seems spoken without terror, with a clear sense, and an equal judgment.

Sect. 10. Secretary WALSINGHAM, an extraordinary man in queen Elizabeth's time, towards the conclusion of his days, in a letter to his fellow-secretary, Burleigh, then lord treasurer of England, writes thus: "We have lived enough to our Country, our Fortunes, our Sovereign: It is high time we begin to live to Ourselves, and to our God. Which giving occasion for some court-droll to visit, and try to divert him; "Ah! (saith he) while we laugh, all things are serious round about us; God is serious, when he preserveth us; and hath patience towards us; Christ is serious, when he

dieth for us; the Holy Ghost is serious, when he striveth with us; the whole creation is serious, in serving God and us; they are serious in hell and in heaven: And shall a man that hath one foot in his grave, Jest and Laugh?" O that our statesmen would weigh the conviction, advice, and conclusion of this great man; and the greatest man, perhaps, that has borne that character in our nation. For true it is, that none can be serious too soon, because none can be good too soon. Away then with all foolish talking and jesting, and let people mind more profitable things!

Sect. 11. JOHN MASON, knight, who had been privycounsellor to four princes, and spent much time in the preferments and pleasure of the world, retired with these pathetical and regretful sayings: "After so many years experience, SERIOUSNESS is the greatest Wisdom; TEMPERANCE the best Physic; a GOOD CONSCIENCE is the best Estate. And were I to live again, I would change the court for a cloister, my privy-counsellor's bustles for an hermit's retirement, and the whole life I lived in the palace, for one hour's enjoyment of God in the chapel. All things else forsake me, besides my God, my Duty, and my Prayers."

Sect. 12. Sir WALTER RALEIGH is an eminent instance, being as extraordinary a man as our nation hath produced: In his person, well descended; of health, strength, and a masculine beauty: In understanding, quick; in judgment, sound; learned and wise, valiant and skilful An Historian, a Philosopher, a General, a Statesman. After a long life, full of experience, he drops these excellent sayings a little before his death, to his son, to his wife, and to the world, viz. "Exceed not in the humour of Rags and Bravery; for these will soon wear out of fashion: And no man is esteemed for Gay Garments, but by Fools and Women. On the other side, seek not Riches basely, nor attain them by evil means: Destroy no man for his Wealth, nor take any thing from the Poor; for the cry thereof will pierce

the heavens: And it is most detestable before God, and most dishonourable before worthy men, to wrest any thing from the needy and labouring soul: God will never prosper thee, if thou offendest therein; but use thy poor neighbours and tenants well." [A most worthy saying! But he adds] "Have compassion on the Poor and Afflicted, and God will bless thee for it: Make not the hungry soul sorrowful; for if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be heard of him that made him. Now, for the world (dear child) I know it too well, to persuade thee to dive into the practices of it: Rather stand upon thy own guard against all those that tempt thee to it, or may practise upon thee; whether in thy Conscience, thy Reputation, or thy Estate: Resolve, that no man is Wise or Safe, but he that is Honest. Serve God; let him be the author of all thy actions: Commend all thy endeavours to him, that must either wither or prosper them; Please him with prayer; lest if he frown, he confound all thy fortune, and labour, like the drops of rain upon the sandy ground. Let my experienced advice, and fatherly instruction, sink deep into thy heart: So God direct thee in all thy ways, and fill thy heart with his grace."

Sir WALTER RALEIGH'S Letter to his WIFE, after his condemnation.

YOU shall receive, my dear wife, my last words, in these my last lines. My Love I send to you, "That you may keep when I am dead; and my Counsel that you may remember it when I am no more. I would not, with my will, present you Sorrows, dear Bess; let them go to the grave with me, and be buried in the dust: and seeing that it is not the will of God that I shall see you any more, bear my destruction patiently; and with an heart like yourself. First, I send you all the thanks which my heart can conceive, or my words express, for

your many travails and cares for me, which though they have not taken effect, as you wished, yet my debt to you is not the less; but pay it I never shall in this world. Secondly, I beseech you for the love you bear me living, that you do not hide yourself many days; but by your travails seek to help my miserable fortunes, and the right of your poor child; your mourning cannot avail me, who am but dust. Thirdly, you shall understand, that my lands were conveyed, (bona fide) to my child; the writings were drawn at Midsummer was a twelvemonth, as divers can witness; and I trust my blood will quench their malice, who desired my slaughter, that they will not seek to kill you and yours with extreme poverty. To what friend to direct you I know not; for all mine have left me in the true time of trial. Most sorry am I that being surprised by death, I can leave you no better estate; God hath prevented all my determinations, that great God which worketh all in all. If you can live free from want, care for no more; for the rest is but a vanity. Love God, and begin betimes; in him shall you find true, everlasting and endless comfort: When you have travelled, and wearied yourself with all sorts of worldly cogitations, you shall sit down by sorrow in the end. Teach your son also to Serve and Fear God, whilst he is young, that the fear of God, may grow up in him; then will God be an Husband to you, and a Father to him; an Husband and a Father, that can never be taken from you. Dear wife, I beseech you, for my soul's sake, Pay all Poor Men. When I am dead, no doubt but you will be much sought unto; for the world thinks I was very rich; have a care of the fair pretences of men; for no greater misery can befal you in this life, than to become a prey unto the world, and after to be despised. As for me, I am no more yours, nor you mine: Death has cut us asunder; and God hath divided me from the world, and you from me. Remember your poor child, for his father's sake, who loved you in his happiest estate. I sued for my life, but (God knows) it was for you and yours that I desired it: For know it, my dear wife, your child is the child of a True