collections, and resolved the world should see the best plain picture of the author's life that my artless pencil, guided by the hand of truth, could present to it. And, if I shall now be demanded as once Pompey's poor bondman was *, (the grateful wretch had been left alone on the Sea-shore, with the forsaken dead body of his once glorious lord and master; and was then gathering the scattered pieces of an old broken boat to make a funeral pile to burn it, which was the custom of the Romans,) "Who art thou that alone hast the honour to bury the body of Pompey the great?" so, who am I that do thus officiously set the author's memory on fire? I hope the question will prove to have in it, more of wonder than disdain: but wonder indeed the reader may, that I who profess myself artless should presume with my faint light to shew forth his life whose very name makes it illustrious! but, be this to the disadvantage of the person represented: certain I am, it is to the advantage of the beholder, who shall here see the author's picture in a natural dress, which ought to beget faith in what is spoken: for, he that wants skill to deceive, may safely be trusted. And if the author's glorious spirit, which now is in heaven, can have the leisure to look down and see me, the poorest, the meanest of all his friends, in the midst of this officious duty, confident I am, that he will not disdain this well-ineant sacrifice to his memory: for, whilst his conversation made me and many others happy below, I know his humility and gentleness was then eminent; and, I have heard divines say, those virtues that were but sparks upon earth, become great and glorious flames in heaven. * Plutarch. Before Before I proceed further, I am to intreat the reader to take notice, that when Doctor Donne's Sermons were first printed, this was then my excuse for daring to write his life; and, I dare not now appear without it. DOCTOR DOCTOR JOHN DONNE MASTER John Donne was born in London, in the year 1573, of good and virtuous parents: and, though his own learning and other multiplied merits may justly appear sufficient to dignify both himself and his posterity; yet, the reader may be pleased to know, that his father was masculinely and lineally descended from a very ancient family in Wales, where many of his name now live, that deserve and have great reputation in that country. By his mother he was descended of the family of the famous and learned sir Thomas More, sometime lord chancellor of England; as also, froin that worthy and laborious judge Rastall, who left posterity the vast statutes of the law of this nation most exactly abridged. He had his first breeding in his father's house, where a private tutor had the care of him, until the tenth year of his age; and, in his eleventh year, was sent to the university of Oxford; having at that time a good command both of the French and La tin tongue. This and some other of his remarkable abilities, made one then give this censure of him; That this age had brought forth another Picus Mirandula; of whom story says, That he was rather born, than made wise by study. There he remained for some years in Hart Hall, having for the advancement of his studies tutors of several sciences to attend and instruct him, till time made him capable, and his learning expressed in public exercises declared him worthy to receive his first degree in the schools; which he forbore by advice from his friends, who being for their religion of the Romish persuasion, were conscionably averse to some parts of the oath that is always tendered at those times, and, not to be refused by those that expect the titulary honour of their studies. About the fourteenth year of his age, he was transplanted from Oxford to Cambridge; where, that he might receive nourishment from both soils, he staid till his seventeenth year; all which time he was a most laborious student, often changing his studies, but endeavouring to take no degree, for the reasons fermerly mentioned. About the seventeenth year of his age, he was removed to London, and then admitted into Lincoln's Inn, with an intent to study the law; where he gave great testimonies of his wit, his learning, and of his improvement in that profession; which never served him for other use than an ornament and self-satisfaction. His father died before his admission into this society; and being a merchant, left him his portion in money (it was 30001.). His mother and those to whose care he was committed, were watchful to improve his knowledge, and to that end appointed him tutors both in the mathematicks, and in all the other liberal sciences, to attend him. But with these arts they were advised to instil into him particular principles of the Romish church; of which those tutors profest (though secretly) themselves to be members. They had almost obliged him to their faith; having for their advantage, besides many opportunities, the example of his dear and pious parents, which was a most powerful pesuasion, and did |