feeling the approach of the agony, he closely embraced the crucifix and uttered these words, " In "In manus tuas Domine," (Into thy hands, O Lord.) Unable to finish the sentence, he, in a few moments, expired *.

RICHARD HOOKER.

Died November, 1600, aged about 47.

Concerning death, to them that are God's dear children, what other thing is it, than the dispatcher of all displeasure, the door of desires, the gate of gladness, the port of Paradise, the heaven of heavens, the rail of rest and quietness, the entrance to felicity, the end of all travail, and the beginning of all bliss ?

BRADFORD, THE MARTYR.

AN English divine, eminent for humility, piety, and learning, the celebrated author of "Ecclesiastical Polity." About the year 1600, and of his age 46, he fell into a long and sharp sickness, occasioned by a cold taken in his passage by water betwixt London and Gravesend; from the malignity of which he was never recovered; for after that time till his death he was never free from thoughtful days and restless nights; but a submission to His will that makes the sick man's bed easy by giving rest to his soul, made his very languishment comfortable; and yet all this time he was solicitous in his study, and said often to Dr. Saravia (who saw him daily, and was

* Black's Life of Tasso.

"that he did not beg

the chief comfort of his life) a long life of God for any other reason but to live to finish his three remaining books of Ecclesiastical Polity; and then, Lord, let thy servant depart in peace," which was his usual expression. And God heard his prayers, though he denied the Church the benefit of them, as completed by himself; and it is thought that he hastened his own death, by hastening to give life to his own books; but this is certain, that the nearer he was to his death, the more he grew in humility, in holy thoughts and resolutions. About a month before his death, this good man, that never knew, or at least never considered the pleasures of the palate, began first to lose his appetite, and then to have an averseness to all food; insomuch, that he seemed to live some intermitted weeks by the smell of meat only, and yet still studied and writ. And now his guardian Angel seemed to foretel him, that the day of his dissolution drew near; for which his vigorous soul appeared to thirst. In this time of his sickness, and not many days before his death, his house was robbed; of which he having notice, his question was, " Are my books and written papers safe?" and being answered, "That they were," his reply was, "then it matters not; for no other loss can trouble me." About one day before his death, Dr. Saravia, who knew the very secrets of his soul, came to him, and after a conference of the benefit, the necessity, and safety of the Church's absolution, it was resolved that the Dr. should give him

both that and the sacrament the following day. To which end, the Doctor came, and after a short retirement and privacy, they two returned to the company, and then the Dr. gave him, and some of those friends which were with him, the blessed Sacrament of the body and blood of Jesus. Which being performed, the Dr. thought he saw a reverend gaiety and joy in his face; but it lasted not long: for, his bodily infirmities did return suddenly, and became more visible, insomuch that the Dr. apprehended death ready to seize him; yet after some amendment, left him at night, with a promise to return early the day following; which he did, and then found him better in appearance, deep in contemplation, and not inclinable to discourse; which gave the Dr. occasion to require his present thoughts; to which he replied, that he was meditating the number and nature of Angels, and their blessed obedience and order, without which, peace could not be in heaven; and oh that it might be so on earth! after which words he said, "I have lived to see this world is made up of perturbations, and I have long been preparing to leave it, and gathering comfort for the dreadful hour of making my account with God, which I now apprehend to be near; and, though I have by his grace loved him in my youth, and feared him in my age, and laboured to have a conscience void of offence to him and to all men; yet if thou, O Lord, be extreme to mark what I have done amiss, who can abide it? and therefore,

where I have failed, Lord show mercy unto me, for I plead not my righteousness, but the forgiveness of my unrighteousness, for his merits who died to purchase pardon for penitent sinners and since I owe thee a death, Lord let it not be terrible, and then take thine own time, I submit to it; let not mine, O Lord, but let thy will be done;" with which expression he fell into a dangerous slumber; dangerous, as to his recovery; yet recover he did; but it was to speak only these few words, "Good Doctor, God hath heard my daily petitions, for I am at peace with all men, and He is at peace with me; and from that blessed assurance I feel that inward joy, which this world can neither give nor take from me my conscience beareth me this witness, and this witness makes the thoughts of death joyful. I could wish to live to do the Church more service, but cannot hope it, for my days are past as a shadow that returns not." More he would have spoken, but his spirits failed him; and, after a short conflict betwixt nature and death, a quiet sigh put a period to his last breath, and so he fell asleep. And now he seems to rest like Lazarus in Abraham's bosom : let me here draw his curtain, till with the most glorious company of the Patriarchs and Apostles, and the most noble army of Martyrs and Confessors, this most learned, most humble, holy man, shall also awake to receive an eternal tranquillity; and with it, a greater degree of glory than common Christians shall be made partakers of. In the mean time, bless

M

O Lord! Lord bless his brethren the clergy of this nation, with effectual endeavours to attain, if not to his great learning, yet to his remarkable meekness, his godly simplicity, and his Christian moderation; for, these will bring peace at the last and Lord! let his most excellent writings be blest with what he designed, when he undertook them: which was, glory to thee O God on high, peace in thy Church, and good-will to mankind. Amen. Amen. Richard Hooker died anno 1600, in the 47th year of his age*.

SEVENTEENTH CENTURY.

TYCHO BRAHE.

Died 1601, aged 54-55.

It is true religion only that teaches and enables men to die to this world, and to all earthly things, and to rise above that vaporous sphere which darkens the mind and hinders it from soaring upwards to enjoy the brightness of heavenly light. T. SMITH. THE celebrated astronomer. He had a very good state of health till the year previous to his death, when his constitution was somewhat weakened by the intenseness of his application. At that period he began to experience symptoms of complaints which announced his approaching dissolution, but which he concealed as much as possible from his friends. He was reduced however to a very low

* Izaac Walton.