CHAPTER III. Sir Philip Siduey-Sir Christopher Hatton-Lord Sir Henry Wotton- -Peter Du Moulin Bacon Philip III., King of Spain-Catharine Bretterg- -Oxenstiern, Chancellor of SwedenHugo Grotius John Selden-Cardinal Richelieu -Lord Harrington-Salmasius. SECTION I. SIR PHILIP SIDNEY. SIR PHILIP SIDNEY was born in Kent, in the year 1554. He possessed shining talents; was well educated; and at the early age of twenty one, was sent by Queen Elizabeth, as her ambassador to the emperor of Germany. He is described by the writers of that age, as the finest model of an accomplished gentleman that could be formed, even in imagination. An amiable disposition, elegant erudition, and polite conversation, rendered him the ornament and delight of the English court. Lord Brooke so highly valued his friendship, that he directed to be inserted as part of his epitaph, "Here lies Sir Philip Sidney's friend." His fame was so widely spread, that if he had chosen it, he might have obtained the crown of Poland. But the glory of this Marcellus of the English nation, was of short duration. He was wounded at the battle of Zutphen, and carried to Arnheim, where, after languishing about three weeks, he died, in the 32d year of his age. This accomplished person, at the solemn period of approaching death, when a just estimate of things is formed, and when the mind looks round for support and consolation, perceived that the greatest worldly honours are only splendid vanities, and have but a momentary duration. At this period, he was so dissatisfied with his "Arcadia," a romantic work, ill agreeing with his present serious views of things, that it is said, he desired it might never be published. After he had received the fatal wound, and was brought into a tent, he piously raised his eyes towards heaven, and acknowledged the hand of God in this event. He confessed himself to be a sinner, and returned thanks to God, that "he had not struck him with death at once; but gave him space to seek repentance and reconciliation." Compared with his present views of religion, his former virtues seemed to be nothing. When it was observed to him, that good men, in the time of great affliction, found comfort and sup port, in the recollection of those parts of their lives, in which they had glorified God; he humbly replied: "It is not so with me. I have no comfort that way. All things in my former life have been vain." On being asked, whether he did not desire life, merely to have it in his power to glorify God, he answered: "I have vowed my life unto God; and if he cut me off, and suffer me to live no longer, I shall glorify him, and give up myself to his service." The nearer death approached, the more his consolation and hopes increased. A short time before his dissolution, he lifted up his eyes and hands, and uttered these words; "I would not change my joy for the empire of the world." His advice and observations, on taking the last leave of his deeply afflicted brother, are worthy of remembrance. They appear to have been expressed with great seriousness and composure. "Love my memory; cherish my friends. Their fidelity to me may assure you that they are honest. But, above all, govern your wills and affections, by the will and word of your Creator In me, behold the end of the world, and all its vanities." SECTION II. SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON. SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON possessed great abilities, highly cultivated by study and business. He was remarkable for his eloquence and powers of persuasion. Queen Elizabeth, by whom he was greatly esteemed and favoured, made him lord high chancellor of England. And it was remarkable, that though he had never followed the profession of the law, his knowledge of it was so profound, that none of his decisions, as chancellor, were ever found deficient either in equity or judgment. This learned man had a high veneration for the Holy Scriptures; and, a short time before his death, particularly recommended to his relations, to search them seriously and diligently, in order to discover the will of God. "It is," said he, "justly accounted a piece of excellent knowledge, to understand the law of the land, and the customs of our country; but how much more excellent is it, to know the statutes of heaven, and the laws of eternity, the immutable and perpetual laws of justice and righteousness! to know the will and pleasure of the great Monarch and universal King of the world! I have seen an end of all perfection; but thy commandments, O God' are exceedingly broad.'' The knowledge of the Divine will, is, indeed, the most important of all knowledge. Were we possessed of the most comprehensive understand ing, the finest imagination, and the most capacious memory; were we able to penetrate into all the secrets of nature, and sound the depths of every art and science; and yet remain ignorant of, or disregard, Him who is the Author of our being and the Preserver of our lives, our Sovereign and our Judge; we should, with a great deal of knowledge, mistake our highest interests, and be miser able for ever. |