A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines, Biography 8

A Collection of the Lives of Ten Eminent Divines · Biography 8

p. 188The Life and Death of James Vsher, Dr. of Divinity, Arch-Bishop of Armagh, Primate, and Metropolitan of all Ireland, who dyed Anno Christi 1655.

ALexander the Great commanded that no man should draw his Picture but Apelles, the most exquisite Painter in the world; and that his Statue should not be made in brass by any one but Lysippus, the most excellent Work-man in that kinde: So truly, the Life and Death of this great and good man is fit to be written only by the ablest Pen that can be found.

Reverend, and Learned Dr. Bernard, who was of my ancient acquaintance above forty years ago in Emanuel College in Cambridge hath written his Life and Death excellent well. Yet as there can never too much be spoken, or written of him, whom all the Christian world did admire for his Religion and Learning, so give me leave out of him, with some other helps to set him forth, though not to the life in his native colours as he deserveth, yet according to my ability, that his Name may be enrolled amongst those many other Worthies, both antient and Modern, men famous in their Generations, burning and shining

D^r. JAMES USHER.

p. 189Lights in the Church, and very instrumental to Gods glory, which I have formerly, and now also collected and published.

James Usher was born in Dublin, His Birth and Parentage.the Metropolis of Ireland, in the Parish of St. Nicholas, January the 4, Anno Christi 1580. His Father, Mr. Arnald Usher, was a student in the Law, one of the Clerks of the Chanchery in that Nation, and a person of excellent parts and endowments. His Mother was Mrs. Margaret Stainhurst, who in her later time was seduced by some of the Popish Priests to the Roman Religion, they taking their opportunity, whilst this her Son was upon some occasion in England; and they, by their subtilty, had engaged her in such vows, that when her Son came back he could not possibly reclaim her, which they have often boasted of in Print; yet her Sons hope was, at least upon her Death bed, to have prevailed for the reducing of her to the Truth: But it pleased God, that she dyed suddenly at Drogheda, when he was absent at Dublin, whereby, to his no small grief those his hopes were frustrated and disappointed.

His Grandfather by his Mothers side was James Stainhurst (whose Christian name he bore) who was chosen three times Speaker of the House of Commons in the Irish Parliaments, in the last whereof he made the first motion for the founding and erecting of a College, and University in the City of Dublin. He was also Recorder of that City, one of the Masters of the Chancery, and a man of great wisdome, and integrity.

His Uncle was Richard Stainhurst, a man famous in France, and other Nations for his great learning, p. 190which he manifested in several Books published by him, one of them, when he was eighteen years old, between whom, and this Reverend person there passed many learned Letters.

His Uncle by his Fathers side was Henry Usher, who was trained up at Cambridge, and proved a prudent and learned man: He was afterwards Arch-Deacon of Dublin, at which time he was first sent over into England to Queen Elizabeth, and the Council, with a Petition for preserving the Cathedral of St. Patricks Dublin from being dissolved, wherein he prevailed, the fruits whereof this his Nephew reaped afterwards, being made Chancellor of it, and receiving his subsistence from it for many years. The second time he was sent over by the Council of Ireland to Queen Elizabeth to procure her Patent for the founding of a College,The College at Dublin founded. and University in Dublin, wherein he prevailed also: So that the College (of which this worthy person was the first fruits) had its being from his Grandfathers motion, and his Uncles industry.

He had a brother named Ambrose Usher, who, though he dyed young, yet was a man of excellent parts, very skilful in the Oriental Languages, who had translated the Old Testament from the beginning, to the Book of Job, out of the Hebrew into English, which is still preserved under his own hand; but upon the coming forth of the New Translation in King James his time, he desisted from making any further progress therein.

Our James was taught first to read by two of his Aunts,His Education who were blinde from their Cradles, and so p. 191never saw letters, yet were they admirably versed in the sacred Scriptures, being able suddenly to have given a good account of any part of the Bible. At eight years old he was sent to the Grammar School, where he had the happiness to meet with two excellent Schoolmasters,A special Providence. Sir James Fullerton, afterwards Leger Ambassador in France, and Sir James Hamilton (afterwards Lord Viscount Clandeboise) who was Usher of the School. These two learned men were sent over by King James out of Scotland upon an other design, though they were disguised in this imployment: And indeed they came very opportunely by the good hand of Gods Providence, for this youths founding in learning, at such a time when there was a great defect of learned Schoolmasters, which he often acknowledged as a special mercy of God to him therein.

At ten years old was the first time that he could remember to have found in himself any evidences of his saving conversion unto God,His timely Conversion. which was instrumentally wrought by a Sermon which he heard preached upon Rom. 12. 1. I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God, &c. About the same time also meeting with some notes taken from famous Mr. Perkins his Works being not then printed) concerning the sanctification of the Lords day, proved, through Gods blessing, so effectual with him, that ever after he was the more strict in the observing of it. About the same time also he read over St. Augustines Meditations, which so affected him, that he wept often in the reading of them.

This young,Satans malice. yet hopeful plant, thus inuring, and accustoming himself to secret duties in his tender p. 192years, the Devil, that grand enemy of our salvation, thinking to nip him in the bud, assaulted him with divers terrours and affrightments, both sleeping and waking,Prayer powerfull. hoping thereby to discourage, and take him off from the same: But he (with St. Paul) betook himself to prayer with earnestness to be delivered from these Satanical delusions, and assaults, and at last was heard in that which he feared, by being freed from them, and strengthened against them with more than ordinary courage, and comfort; which made such an impression in him, as that he could not forget it to his old age.

The Devil now finding that he could not be affrighted out of his course of godliness,Satans subtilty made use of another engine, which was to allure him with the bait of pleasure, some of his friends teaching him to play at Cards, wherewith he was so much delighted, that it began to prevail over his love to his book; yea it came in competition with his love to God, and care to serve him;Gods mercy. which being seasonably by Gods Spirit discovered to him, he presently gave it over, and never played afterwards.

At twelve years old he was so affected with the study of Chronology and Antiquity, that, reading over Sleidans Book of the four Empires, and some other Authors, he drew forth an exact Series of the times wherein each eminent person lived; and during the time of his abode at School, which was five years, he was throughly instructed in Grammar, Rhetorick, and Poetry, wherein he so excelled, and with which he was so delighted, that he was fain to take himself off, lest it should have hindred him from more serious studies.

p. 193At thirteen years of age he was admitted into the College of Dublin, His admission into the College.being the first Student that was initiated into it; and as it seems, it was so ordered upon design by the Governours thereof, upon their observation of his pregnancy, and rare parts, that it might be a future honour to the College to have his name recorded in the Frontispiece of their Admission Book, and so accordingly he was the first Graduate, the first Fellow, the first Proctor, &c.

At the same time Sir James Hamilton, His great proficiency.hitherto Usher of the School, was chosen Fellow of the College, and thereby became his Tutor, who oft-times admired his accuteness and proficiency, whereby in a short time he equalized his Instructers. Here he first began to study the Greek and Hebrew Languages, in both which he afterwards excelled, and made himself in a little time Master of the Arts, most of which he modelled in a method of his own, especially that of Musick.

At this time the education, and helps which that College afforded were very eminent: For though at first there were but four Fellows, yet the Tongues and Arts were very exactly taught to all the Students who were divided into several Classes. Each Tutor read Aristotles Text in Greek to his Pupils; yea each Fellow read three Lectures a day, at each of which there was a Disputation maintained either upon the present, or the precedent Lecture, and sometimes they were ordered to dispute More Socratico.

On Saturdayes in the afternoon each Tutor read a Divinity Lecture in Latine to his Pupils, dictating it (as they did all other their Lectures) so deliberately, p. 194that they might easily write after them, to their great benefit and advantage.

At fourteen years old he was judged fit,His admission to the Sacrament. and admitted to the Sacrament of the Lords Supper; and his usual custome was, the afternoon before, to retire himself in private, and to spend it in a strict self-examination, and deep humiliation for all his sins; wherein he had such enlargements of heart, that a stream of tears flowed from his eyes,His preparation thereto. which afterwards he oft recalled to minde, both as a provocation, and censure of himself: When he was of elder years, there was a certain pl…ce by a water side whither he oft resorted, sorrowfully to survey his sins, and with floods of tears to confess, and bewail them; wherein he found so much sweetness and communion with God, that he thirsted for such comfortable opportunities, and it was his usual custome to spend Saturdayes in the afternoon in these duties. Amongst other sins he much bewayled his too much love to humane learning, which made him as glad when Munday came that he might renue his studies, as he was when Sabbath day came, wherein he was to apply himself to the service of God; and it cost him many tears that he could not be more heavenly-minded at that age.

At fiftten years old he had made such a progress in the study of Chronology, His skill in Chronology.that he drew up in Latine an exact Chronicle of the Bible as far as to the Books of the Kings, which did not much differ from that of his late Annals, excepting his enlargements by some exquisite observations, and the Syncronismes of Heathen story. About this time also he was much afflicted with a strong temptation, which moved him to question Gods, p. 195love to him, because he was so free from afflictions, which was occasioned by some inconsiderate passages which he met with in some Authors, and long was he under some trouble before he could get rid of it.

Before he was Bachelor of Arts he read Stapletons Fortress of the Faith, and therein finding how confidently he asserted Antiquity for the Popish Tenets, withall, branding our Church and Religion with novelty in what we dissented from them, he was much troubled at it, not knowing but that his quotations might be right; and he was convinced that the Ancientest must needs be best, as the nearer the Fountain the sweeter, and clearer are the streams; yet withall, he suspected that Stapleton might mis-report the Fathers, or wrest them to his own sense; and therefore he took up a setled resolution, that in due time, if God prolonged his life and health, he would trust onelyonly his own eyes by reading over all the Fathers for his satisfaction herein;His study of the Fathers. which work he afterward began at Twenty years old, and finished that vast labour at Thirty eight, strictly tying himself to a certain portion every day what occasions soever intervened.

Whilst he was Batchelor of Arts, he read divers of the Works of the Fathers, and most Authors which had written the Body of Divinity both Positively and Polemically in consuting the Popish errors, and had read many of their Authors also, by which means he was so well acquainted with the state of those controversies, that he was able to dispute with any of the Popish Priests, as he often did with the principal of them.

p. 196Anno Christi 1598, The Earle of Essex newly coming over Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, and being chosen Chancellor of the University of Dublin, there was a solemn Act appointed for his entertainment, and Mr. Usher being then Batchelor of Arts, answered the Philosophy Act with great applause and approbation.

About this time his Fathers intention was to send him over into England to the Innes of Court,He is designed to the study of the Law. for the study of the Common Law, which was a great trouble to him, yet in obedience to his Fathers will he assented, and resolved upon it; but it pleased God that his Father shortly after dyed, viz. August the 12. Anno Christi 1698, so that then he being at liberty to make choice of his studies, devoted, and applied himself wholly to Divinity,His study of Divinity. and thereupon was chosen Fellow of the College, being before uncapable of taking the Oath which was required of all Fellows at their Admission, viz. that the present intent of their studies should be for the Profession of Divinity, unless God should afterwards otherwise dispose their mindes.

And here again was an other occasion of disturbance to his mind ministred to him.His contempt of the world. For his Father left him a good estate in land; but finding that he must have involved himself in many Suits of Law before he could attain to the quiet enjoyment of it, to the interrupting of his other studies, he gave up the benefit of it to his brothers and sisters, suffering his Uncle to take Letters of Administration for that end, resolving to cast himself upon the good Providence of God, to whose service in the work of the Ministry p. 197he had wholly devoted himself, not doubting but he would provide for him; yet that he might not be judged weak or inconsiderate in that Act, he drew up a note under his hand of the state of all things that concerned it, and directions what to doe about it.

When he was nineteen years old he disputed with Henry Fitz-Simonds, His Disput… with a Jesusa Jesuit, in the Castle of Dublin, as himself acknowledgeth in his Preface to his Book called Britanno-mochia Ministrorum; the occasion of which Dispute was this, The Jesuit by way of challenge, as it was interpreted, gave forth these words, That he being a Prisoner was like a Bear tyed to a stake, but wanted some to bait him: Whereupon this eminent man (for so he was though very young) was thought fit, and able to encounter him, though at their first meeting he despised his youth, as Goliah did David. Mr. Usher proffered to dispute with him about all Bellarmines Controversies, for which a meeting was appointed once every week, and it fell out that the first subject proposed was De Antichristo, about which they had two or three solemne Disputations, and Mr. Usher was ready to have proceeded further; but the Jesuit was weary of it, yet gives him a tolerable commendation, and much admired his abillities in such young years: concerning which he saith, There came once to me a youth of about eighteen years of age, one of a too soon ripe wit, scarce you would thank that he could have gone through his course of Philosophy, or that he was got out of his childe-hood, yet was he ready to dispute upon the most abstruce points of Divinity. And afterwards the same Jesuit living to understand more of him, p. 198saith, that he was A catholicorum doctissimus, the most learned of such as were not Catholicks; being (as it seems) unwilling, or ashamed to call him Heretick.

Anno Christi 1600,He is Master of Arts, and Catechist. when he was about twenty years old he commenced Master of Arts, and answered the Philosophy Act, and was chosen Catechist of the College, in which office he went through a great part of the Body of Divinity in the Chappel by way of Common place; and Ministers being scarce at that time, there were three young men of the College chosen out, and appointed to preach in Christ Church before the State: One was Mr. Richardson, afterwards Bishop of Ardah, who was appointed to preach an Expository Lecture upon the Prophesie of Isaiah every Friday. Another was Mr. Welch, afterwards Dr. of Divinity, who was designed to handle the Body of Divinity on Sabbaths in the forenoon; the third was our learned Usher, who was to handle the controversies for the satisfaction of the Papists on the Lords dayes in the afternoons, which he did fully and cleerly, alwayes concluding with some emphatical Exhortation, that it tended much to the edification and confirmation of the Protestants in their Principles, as many of them in their elder yeares have acknowledged.

Having thus preached for a while as a Probationer, he refused to continue it any longer, having not as yet received Ordination: He also scrupled to be as yet Ordained by reason of his defect of years, the Canons requiring twenty four, and he being yet but twenty one: But by some grave and learned men he was told, that the Lord had need of his labours; and so upon p. 199their perswasions and importunity, his age being dispensed with according to some former presidents, he was ordained at the usual time, the Sabbath before Christmas day,His O…dination. Anno 1601, by his Uncle Henry Usher, Archbishop of Armagh, with the assistance of some other Ministers.

The first Text that he preached publickly upon before the State,His first Sermon after it. after his Ordination, was Rev. 3. 1. Thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead, which fell out to be the same day upon which was fought the Battel of Kinsale, which being a day specially set apart, by prayer to seek unto God for his blessing and assistance in that engagement, and being his first fruits after his entrance into the Office of the Ministry, God might in a more than ordinary manner make his labours efficatious and prevailing; the rest of that Epistle to the Church of Sardis he finished afterwards.

It was well known that if the Spaniards had gotten the better that day, the Irish Papists had designed to murther the English Protestants both in Dublin and other places, Tentation resisted,but especially the Ministers. Hence (said he) arose a tentation in me to have deferred my Ordination till the event of the Battel had been known, that so I might the better have escaped their fury; but I repelled that suggestion, and resolved the rather upon it, that dying a Minister, and in that quarrel, I might at least be the next door to a Martyr.

The Spaniards being (as was said before) overthrown at Kinsale, and the hopes of the Irish, as to that design, being frustrated, they began generally to subject themselves to the Statute, which was now p. 200put in execution, in their coming to Church; and that it might tend the more to their profit, the Lord Lieutenant, and his Council, desired the Ministers at Dublin, so to divide themselves, that (in imitation of what he had already begun at Christ Church) there might be a Sermon on the Lords dayes in the afternoon at every Church upon those Controversies. St. Katherines (a convenient Church) was assigned for Mr. Usher, who removed accordingly, and duely observed it; and his custome was, that what he had delivered in one Sermon, he drew it up into Questions and Answers, and the next Lords day, several persons of note voluntary offered themselves to repeat those Answers before the whole Congregation, which made them more clear and perspicuous to the Popish party.

It pleased God by his, and the labours of others of his Brethren in the Ministry,A great Reformation. not only in Dublin, but in other parts of the Kingdome, that the Papists came so diligently to Church, that if they had any occasion to absent themselves, they used to send in their excuses to the Church-wardens, and there were great hopes in a short time to have reduced the whole Nation to Protestanisme: But on a sudden, the execution of the Statute was suspended, and the power of the High Commission Court (then erected, and used onelyonly against the Papists) was taken away; whereupon the Papists presently withdrew themselves from the publick Assembles,Popery encreaseth. the Ministry was discouraged, all good mens hearts were grieved, and Popery from that time forward encreased, till like a great Deluge, it had overflowed the whole Nation.

p. 201Upon this,His Zeal. the spirit of this holy man (like Pauls at Athens) was exceedingly stirred in him, insomuch as preaching before the State at Christ Church upon a special solemnity, he did with as much prudence, courage, and boldness as became his young years, give them his opinion of that abominable Toleration of Idolatry; making a full and clear application of that passage in Ezekiels Vision, Chap. 4. 6. where the Prophet, by lying on his side, was to bear the iniquity of Judah for forty dayes.A Prediction. I have appointed thee (saith the Lord) each day for a year. This (said he) by the consent of Interpreters, signifies the time of forty years to the destruction of Jerusalem, and of that Nation for their Idolatry; and so (said he) will I reckon from this year the sin of Ireland, and at the end of the time those whom you now imbrace shal be your ruine, and you shall bear this iniquity, wherein he proved a Prophet: For this was delivered by him, Anno Christi 1601, and Anno 1641, was the Irish Rebellion, and Massacre; and what a continued expectation he had of a great judgement upon that his Native Country, I, saith Dr. Bernard, can witness from the year 1624, at which time I had the happiness first to be known to him; and the nearer the time approached, the more confident he was of the event, though as yet nothing that tended towards it was visible to other men.

The Body of Divinity which is printed in his name is highly commended by Mr. Downam, His Body of Divinity.who set it forth, and so it is by a stranger, Ludovicus Crocius, who much desired that some English man would turn it into Latine for the benefit of forreign Churches, but p. 202it was not intended by him for the Press. It was begun by him in publick, but finished some years after in private in his Family, constantly instructing them twice a week, unto which persons of quality and learning resorted, and divers of them took Notes, whereby several Copies were dispersed abroad, some imperfect and mistaken, and many passages are in it which were not his, neither is the whole so polished as his other Pieces which were published by himself; and indeed he was displeased that it came forth without his knowledge, yet understanding how much good it had done, he connived at it.

Shortly after the aforementioned defeat given to the Spaniards at Kinsale, Souldiers favourers of Learning.the Officers of our English Army gave 1800 pounds to buy Books for the College Library at Dublin (then Souldiers were advancers of Learning) the ordering of which was committed to Dr. Challoner, and this Lord Primate, who made a journey into England on purpose to buy Books with it. He then met with Sir Thomas Bodly, who was buying Books for his Library at Oxford, and they were very helpful each to other in procuring the rarest Pieces. In his journey he visited Mr. Christopher Goodman, who had been Professor of Divinity in Oxford in King Edward the sixths dayes, then lying on his death-bed at Chester, and he would often repeat some grave and wise speeches that he heard from him.

After this he constantly came over into England once in three years,His great diligence. spending one monethmonth at Oxford, another at Cambridge, in searching the Books, especially the Manuscripts, in each University (amongst which, those of Corpus Christi College in Cambridge, p. 203he most esteemed) the third monethmonth he spent at London, intending chiefly Sir Robert Cottons Library, and conversing with learned men, amongst whom, even in those his younger years he was in great esteem. In his after-years he was acquainted with the rarities in other Nations: There was scarce a choice Book in any eminent persons Library in France, Italy, Germany, or Rome it self, but he had his way to procure it, or what he desired, transcribed out of it, so that he was better acquainted with the Popes Vatican than some that daily visited it.His Correspondents. The Puteani fratres, two learned men in Paris holp him much with many Transcripts out of Thuanus, and others, between whom and him, many Letters passed. Now, though the reading of the Fathers all over was a vast work, yet the pains he took out of the common road of learning in searching of Records, and all the Manuscripts he could get throughout Christendome, together with the knotty study of Chronology and Antiquity, was equal with, if it did not exceed the other. Many Volumes he also read onelyonly to attain to the knowledge of the use of words in several ages, as Galen, Hipocrates, &c. and most of the Records in the Tower of London: Besides there was scarce the meanest book in his own Library, but he remembred it, even to admiration, and had in his head readily whatsoever he had read.

The first Church-preferment which he had,His first preferment. was given him by Archbishop Loftus a little before his death, which was the Chancellorship of St. Patricks Dublin, unto which he took no other Benefice. In that place Mr. Camden found him when he was writing his Britannia, Anno Christi 1607, and in his observations p. 204concerning Dublin, saith of him, Most of these I acknowledge to owe to the diligence, and labours of James Usher, Chancellor of the Church of St. Patricks, who in various learning, and judgement far exceeds his years. In this preferment, though the Law required not his preaching,His constant preaching. but onelyonly in his course before the State, yet would he not omit it in the place from whence he received his profits, and though he endowed it with a Vicaridge, yet went he thither in person, viz. to Finglas a mile from Dublin, and preached there every Lords day, unless he were detained upon some extraordinary occasions; and the remembrance that he had been a constant Preacher, was a greater comfort to him in his old age, than all his other labours and writings.

His experiments in Prayer were many,His prevalency in prayer. and very observable, God ofen answering his desires in kinde, and that immediately, when he was in some distresses; and Gods Providence in taking care, and providing for him in his younger years, as he often spake of it, so it wrought in him a firm resolution to depend upon God in his latter dayes, what ever extremity he might be brought into.

Anno Christi 1607,He is Bachelor in Divinity, and Professor. when he was twenty seven years old he commenced batchelor of Divinity, and immediately after be was chosen Professor of Divinity in the University of Dublin: At first he read twice a week, and afterwards once a week without intermission throughout the year, going through a great part of Bellarmines Controversies. In this employment he continued thirteen or fourteen years, and was a great ornament to his place. Three Volumes of those his p. 205Lectures written with his own hand he hath left behinde him, and it would be a great honour to that University where they were read, and benefit to many others if they were published.

When he performed his Acts for his degree,His strong memory. Latine Sermon, Lectures, Position, and answered the Divinity Act, he wrote nothing but only the heads of the several Subjects, putting all upon the strength of his memory, and present expressions, as also he did his English Sermons. His readiness in the Latine Tongue was inferiour to none in these latter times, which (after seventeen years disuse, from the time that he left his Professors place) appeared when he moderated the Divinity Act, and created Doctors to all mens admiration.

The Provostship of the College of Dublin falling void,His Self-denial he was unanimously elected thereto by all the Fellows, he being then about thirty years of age, but foreseeing that upon the settlement of Lands belonging to it, and the establishing of other matters, he should be much impeded and distracted in his studies, he refused it, and so another was sent out of England to fill it. The revenues of it were very considerable, whereby we may see how mean and little the things of the world seemed in his eyes even in those his younger years.

About this time the Irish Prelates, especially Dr. Hampton, Episcopal subtilty.his predecessor in the Sea of Armagh, had obtained King James his grant for reducing Ireland to the same Ecclesiastical Government of the Church of England; the principal occasion whereof was this, The English Prelates a little before had used a p. 206great deal of severity against the Non-conformists, their High Commission, and other Courts, and Canons, had driven many worthy and learned men into other Countries, and some of them went into Ireland; the Irish Bishops being weary of this resort, are desirous to advance their power to the same height with the English Hierarchy, combined together, and obtained King James his Commission to Sir Arthur Chichester, Earle of Belfast, a famous Souldier and prudent Governour, who was at this time Lord Deputy, and bore the Sword▪ there eleven years together with very much honour, and esteem in that Nation. For the effecting of this, a great Assembly of the whole Nation was convened. In the Commission the King required them to consult with Mr. Usher, whose learning, judgement, and esteem would much conduce to the promoting of that work: But if he approved it not, the King required that they should proceed no further, for that he would not be the author of any Innovation amongst them.

This reserve troubled the Prelates exceedingly, and therefore they resolved to carry it closely; the Kings Letters to them, they transmitted from one to another, but acquainted not Mr. Usher with them, intending to surprize him when the Assembly was met; they should come prepared and fortified, he would be taken on the sudden. Howbeit God that intended him for so great a good at that time in crossing their design, that many faithful labourers in his Vineyard might not by this their power be displaced, by a special Providence gave him some light (though but very little) into the matter; and the manner was thus,

p. 207Mr. Usher going to visit one of them,A special Providence. found him perusing the Kings Letter; but upon his coming, he laid it down in his window, closed at both ends, onelyonly there was an open place in the middle, and as they were discoursing together, Mr. Usher glancing his eye upon it, espied his own name, and some other vvords about himself, of which he could not pick out the meaning; but yet he judged them to be of importance, as Discipline, Ireland, England, &c. Mr. Usher thought it not prudence for him to take notice of those hints, neither could he handsomely fish out the business from the Bishop,A holy practice. wherefore he went another way to work; and indeed the surest way, by seeking counsel from God, communicating the matter to Dean Hill a very godly man, whom he requested, that with some others, they would seek unto God for his assistance, for he believed that something was in brewing that he might not know of. Herein imitating the practise of wise Daniel, Chap. 2. 17, 18.

This done he studied the Rights of the Irish Church, some fruits whereof we have in that Learned Piece of his called, The Religion professed by the ancient Irish and Britains. Yet he heard nothing till the Assembly was summoned, and himself the next day was to be present at it; then went he to the Lord Deputy to know the occasion of their meeting. The Lord Deputy would not believe at first that he could be a stranger to it; but afterwards, when Mr. Usher had assured him that he had no information from the Bishops about it, he was much displeased, and told him that without him all the the rest were but Cyphers, for that the King had referred the whole business to his judgement, whether p. 208the power of the Hierarchy should be established there as it was in England.

The next day the Kings Commission and Letters were read in the Assembly, and Speeches were made concerning the excellency of the Kings intention to reduce that Kingdome to one uniformity with England in Ecclesiastical Government; they also told him what honour the King had put upon him, whose esteem, learning and judgement the King so much depended upon for the promoting so great and good a work. Mr. Usher replied, that he believed that in a business of so great concernment wherein he was so far interested, the Kings intentions were that he should have convenient time to consider of it before he delivered his opinion, which he also humbly desired.

The Bishops answered, that his judgement was sufficiently known by his practise, and that they expected no more from him but his consent, and concurrence with them. He replied, that the matter concerned more than himself, For (said he) if I had all mens consciences in my keeping, I could in these disputable cases give Laws unto them, as well as unto my self; but its one thing what I can do, and another thing what all other men must do.

Then they asked of him if he had any thing to say why they should not satisfie the Kings desire?His Speech in the Assembly. He, after a short pause, wherein he lifted up his heart unto God for direction, told them that if they would grant him no longer time, he would as well as he was able give them his judgement, if that Honourable Assembly would grant him three Requests, 1. A free hearing without interruption. 2. Liberty for him to answer p. 209any man that should be unsatisfied. 3. That there might be a final determination of the business at that meeting. These being all granted, Mr. Usher undertook to prove, that such a Jurisdiction could not be introduced into that Kingdome, neither by the Laws of God, nor by the Civil, or Ecclesiastical Constitutions of that Kingdome, nor yet without the violation of the Kings Prerogative in that Nation: All which he performed to admiration. But before he descended to particulars, he shewed the difference between Conformity as it was set up in England, and as it would be, if it were set up in Ireland.

The Kings (saith he) and Queen of England imposed those Ceremonies, that thereby they might decline the charge of Schismaticks, wherewith the Church of Rome laboured to brand them, seeing it did appear hereby that they left them only in such Doctrinal points, wherein they left the truth. Again, hereby they would testifie how far they would willingly stoop to win and gain them, by yeelding to meet them as far as they might in their own way: But (saith he) the experience of many years hath shewed, that this condescention hath rather hardened them in their errours, than brought them to a liking of our Religion: This being their usual saying, If our Flesh be not good, why doe you drinke of our Broth?

As for Ireland, wherein the English Canons were never yet received, and the generality of the Inabitans were Popish Recusants, and even in Popish Kings times, there was no receptions of the Popes Ecclesiastical Constitutions, because he encroached upon their temporals, if such Laws now should be set up under so Religious a Protestant p. 210King, this would be to set the Pope on Horse-back, amongst them, which needed not.

The Lord Deputy, The success of his Speech.when he had finished his Speech, and answered what was objected against it, told him that he was much affected with every part of his learned speech, but that he was more especially concerned in that which touched upon the Kings Prerogative part; wherein he had discovered such hidden flowers of the Crown, as he thought the King himself knew not; and therefore (he said) as he would endeavour to preserve his Majesties right therein, whilst he was his Deputy, so he would present them to the King, and take care, that it should be very hard for any that came after him to rob him of them.

By this we may easily see, that he was then so far from a Prelatical spirit, that on the contrary he was an Advocate for, and Patione of godly and conscientious Non-Conformists.

Anno Christi 1612, he proceeded Dr. of Divinity being created by Archbishop Hampton, He is Dr. of Divinity.his Predecessor; one of his Lectures for his Degree was upon the seventy weeks to the slaying of the Messias, mentioned Dan. 9. 24. the other out of Rev. 20. 4. concerning the meaning of the Prophesie, that the Saints should reign with Crist a thousand years, which in these times would be very seasonable; but its lost.

Dr. Hoyle (who died Professor of Divinity in Oxford, after he had many years been the like in Dublin) said, that when he went out Dr. of Divinity, he thought Tully himself could not have excelled him in Eloquence (had he been alive) not only in his composed speeches, but in those which occasionally fell from him upon the by.

p. 211Anno Christi 1613, He published his Book, De Ecclesiaram Christianarum successione, & statu, magnified so much by Causabon and Scultetus, in their Greek, and Latine verses before it. It was solemnly presented by Archbishop Abbot to King James, as the eminent first fruits of that College at Dublin. Indeed its imperfect, for about three hundred years from Gregory the 11, to Leo the 10, viz. from the year 1371, to 1513, and from thence to this last Century, which he intended (after the finishing of a Book, which he was now about) to have compleated: But the Lord prevented him.

Anno Christi 1615,The Articles. of Ireland. there was a Parliament in Dublin, and consequently a Convocation of the Clergy, at which time those learned Articles of Ireland were composed and published, and Dr. Usher being a member of that Synod, was appointed to draw them up; they were highly approved of the m…st Orthod…x Divines. They determine according to St. Austin against the Doctrine of the Pelagians: Prove the Man of sin, spoken of 1 Thess. 2. to be the Bishop of Rome; and for the Morality of the Sabbath; of both which this most learned Doctor was very confident, and oft wished that some of our learned men of late had spared their pains when they went about to prove the contrary. In defence of the last of these, he wrote a most excellent and learned Letter to Dr. Twiss, who had desired his judgement about it.

He wanted not enemies who sought to scandalize him to King James under the Title of a Puritan, His enemies.which was very odious to him in those dayes, seeking hereby to prevent his further promotion; but God so ordered p. 212it, that it proved an occasion of his advancement; for King James being jealous of him upon that score, by reason of the eminency of his learning, fell into serious discourse with him, and therein received such abundance of satisfaction, both of the soundness of his judgement and piety, that notwithstanding the opposition made by some great ones,He is made Bishop by the King. without his seeking, he made him Bishop of Meath in Ireland, which just then fell void whilst he was in England, and the King often boasted that he was a Bishop of his own making.

Whilst he was thus Bishop Elect,He preaches to the Parliament. he was chosen to preach before the House of Commons, Feb. 18. 1620, in Margarets Westminster: The Sermon by order of the House was printed, and it is a most learned one.

Upon his return into Ireland, he was consecrated Bishop of Meath at Droheda by Archbishop Hampton, with the assistance of two Suffragan Bishops, according to the custome; at which time there was given him an Anagram of his Name, as he was then to write himself, which was this, James Meath, I am the same; and he made it good ever afterwards. His preferment did not cause him to grow slack in his constancy of preaching, as it did too many, who having caught the Fish, laid aside the Net: But, as Possidonius saith of St. Austin, His constant preaching.he was still the same; which he bound himself the rather unto by the Motto of his Episcopal Seal, Ve mihi si non Evangelizavero, Woe is me if I preach not the Gospel, which he continued in the Seal of his Primacy also.

He had many Papists in his Diocess,His success in his Ministry. whom he endeavoured p. 213to reclaim by private conferences, and at length they were willing to hear him preach, so it were not in a Church, which he condescended to, and preached in the Sessions-house, and his Sermon wrought so much upon some of them, that their Priests forbad them hearing him in any place ever after.

Anno 1622, there were some Papists censured in the Star-chamber for refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy, at which time he was called thither to inform them of it before the sentence passed, which occasioned that learned, Speech of his upon that subject, since printed with his English works.

While he was Bishop of Meath, His answer a Jesuit.he answered a challenge sent him by the Jesuite Malone; and his going over into England to Print it, occasioned another learned Tractate of the Universality of the Church of Christ, and the Unity of the Catholick Faith, in a Sermon preached before King James on Eph. 4. 13. Till we all come in the unity of the Faith, &c. And Gods providence so ordered it,He is made Primate of Ireland. that whilst he was thus busied in England, Archbishop Hampton dying, he was made his successour, Primate of Ireland, Anno Christi 1624, and he was the hundreth Bishop of that See.

Being thus promoted to the highest preferment his Profession was capable of in his native Country, he was so far from being puffed up with Pride, that he was more humble, and frequent in preaching, and it so fell out, that for some weeks together overtoyling himself in the work of the Ministry to the overwasting of his spirits, whic he did at the request of some Essex p. 214Ministers, who importuned him to preach on the week dayes, because they could not come to hear him on the Sabbaths, he fell into a Quartane Ague, which held him three quarters of a year.

After his recovery,His disputation with a Jesuit. the Lord Mordant (afterwards Earle of Peterborough) being a Papist, and desirous to draw his Lady to the same Religion, he was willing that there should be a meeting of two eminent persons of each party to dispute what might be in controversie between them. The Lady made choice of our Lord Primate, and prevailed with him, though newly recovered from the aforesaid long sickness, and scarce able to take such a journey. The Jesuite chosen by the Earle went under the name of Beaumond, but his true name was Rookwood (brother to Ambrose Rookwood, one of the Gunpowder Traitors.) The place of meeting was at Drayton in Northamptonshire, where there was a great Library, so that no Books of the ancient Fathers were wanting upon occasion for their view. The points to be disputed on, were concerning Transubstantiation, Invocation of Saints, worshipping of Images, and the visibility of the Church. Three dayes they were in this Disputation, three hours in the forenoon, and two hours in the afternoon each day; and the conclusion was this, After the third day of meeting, the Lord Primate having been hitherto opponent, now the Tables were to be turned, and the Jesuit according to his desire, was to oppose, and the Lord Primate to answer: But when the time came, and the Jesuit was expected, instead of coming, he sent his excuse to the Lord Mordant, which was, that all the Arguments which he had framed in his head, p. 215and premeditated, so that he thought he had them as perfect as his Pater Noster, were now slipt from him, and he could not possibly recover them again; and that he believed it was a just judgement of God upon him, for undertaking of himself to dispute with a man of that eminency and learning without a licence from his Superiour. The Lord Mordant converted.The Lord Mordant seeing his tergiversation, upon some further discourse with the Lord Primate, was converted, and became a Protestant, and so continued to his death. One Challoner, a Secular Priest, afterwards writing a book against this Beaumond by way of scorn, bids him beware of coming any more to Drayton, lest he meet with another Usher, to foil him again, to the dishonour of his profession, and himself.

The Lord having made his labours so succesful, the Countess of Peterborough had him alwayes in great respect, and upon his losses in Ireland, and other distresses here, she took him home to her owne house, with whom be lived about nine or ten years, and then died there.

Anno Christi 16…6, in August, he went back into Ireland, where he was entertained with all the expressions of love and joy that could be.

The discourses which daily fell from him at his Table in clearing difficulties in the Scripture,His fruitfull conference. and other subjects (especially when learned men came to visit him) tended exceedingly to the edification of the hearers, so that it might well be said of him, as the Queen of Sheba said to Solomon, Happy are these thy servants that stand continually about thee, and hear thy wisdome. And such was his humility withall, as that he p. 216would, in practical subjects, apply himself to the capacity of the poorest, and weakest Christian that came to him for information, and satisfaction of their doubts.His Humility. Nay some times, he was more propense to communicate himself to such, than to others that were more learned; which strangers have wondred at, as the Disciples marvelled at our Saviours talking with the poor woman of Samaria, Joh. 4. 27. and answering her questions, rather than taking notice of them. Indeed he was a Mirror of Humility: For though he was higher than any other from the shoulders upward, yet might many of his inferiours learn humility of him, as may appear in these few amongst many other examples.

1 In his publick preaching, no man more denied himself to preach Christ, Examples of it▪insomuch as some that affected that frothy way of preaching by strong lines (as they call them) were much ashamed after they had heard him preach in Oxford, wherein he reproved, and decried the Corinthian vanity in this kinde. Also in one passage of his at the Court before the King, he taught the Bishops, and Doctors that then heard him, thus; Great Sch…llars (said he) possibly may think that it stands not with their credit, and reputation to stoop so low, &c. But let the learnedest of us all try it when we will, and we shall finde, that to lay this ground work right, that is, to apply our selves to the capacities of a common Auditory, and to make an ignorant man to understand these Mysteries in some good measure, will put us to the trial of our skill, and will trouble us a great deal mor…, than if we were to discuss a Controversie, or handle a subtle point of learning in the Schools. He was indeed another Paul, p. 217who determined to know nothing but Christ, and him crucified. Neither was his speech or preaching with the enticing words of mans wisdome, but in the demonstration of the Spirit, and of power, 1 Cor. 2. 2, 4.

2. In his private conversation he framed himself to the capacity of the meanest that conversed with him. He had an excellent gift of expressing himself both in Latine and English, and as he could sore with the Eagle in Polemick discourses when he met with Giants, so he would stoop to the lowest Pigmies in practical subjects, and would apply himself to the poorest and weakest Christians. He was no Dictator, nor would impose upon other mens judgements or consciences, but was as ready to receive from others, as to impart to them, and would much incline to vulgar Christians, rather than unto others that were more learned.

3. In his demeanour and behaviour he had high thoughts of others, and as low of himself, and that in every condition of his life, both in prosperity and adversity. Godly persons of what rank soever, had great power with him, he would put them in his bosome, visit th…m in their sickness, supply their wants, beg their prayers, and countenance their cause and persons. In his passage for Ireland, he sometimes lay at N…sson for wind, where sundry times he preached to a plain Country Auditory: And whereas there were in that part of the Country (where I lived about five years when I first began my Ministry) divers plain Christians, which were never called but by their Christian names; yet indeed were such as had not a bare form, but the life and power of godliness in p. 218them, so that I was never acquainted with more knowing Christians for men and women of their rank; these he grew into familiar acquaintance with, would entertain them in his chamber, discourse with them, answer their questions, and satisfie their doubts: And when he was made Archbishop, some of them told him, that now they must know their distance, and durst not be so familiar with him as formerly: To whom he answered, that he was the same man still, and they should be as welcome to him as formerly, and accordingly used the same familiarity with them as he had wont to do: And when he lay at Chester, he would as soon preach at the request of Mr. Ashbrook, and Mrs. Kirkman (a godly woman of the meaner rank, whom I well knew) as at the intreaties of the Mayor and Aldermen of that City, whereby he demonstrated,Psal. 16. 3. & 119. 63.Ps 16:3Ps 119:63 that his delight was in the Saints, and that he was a companion of all them that feared God; and this indeed was one reason that he rose so high; he honoured God, and therefore God honoured him, 1 Sam. 2. 30.

Whilst I lived in Warwickshire, not much before the long Parliament begun, my self with two other neighbour Ministers made a journey to Oxford (where he then was) on purpose to desire his judgement in some cases wherein we could not so well satisfie our selves; we found him at his lodgings in Christ Church, where, before he would admit any speech with us, he caused us to put on our hats, to sit down by him, and then to speak our mindes; when I told him that we were come to request his judgement in some difficulties, he presently stopped me, saying, Mr. Clarke, I p. 219shall freely tell you my judgement in any thing but about the Et caetera Oath, concerning which I did speak occasionally, declaring my minde about it, and I have newly received a Letter from two Doctors (whose names I forbear to insert out of respect to them) who take me up as if I was a School-boy, (and withall he pulled the Letter out of his pocket) adding, that in that regard he would say no more about that matter, &c. I replied, that we were sufficiently satisfied about that Oath, but the Questions we had to propound were of another nature, wherein he gave us very full and clear satisfaction.

His custome was to pray four times a day,His frequen… Prayers. in, and with his Family; in the morning at six a clock, in the evening at eight, and before dinner and supper in his Chappel, at each of which he was alwayes present. On Friday in the afternoons there was constantly an hour spent in his Chappel in Catechizing upon the Principles of Religion for the instructing of his Family; and on Sabbaths in the evening, the Sermon which he had preached in the forenoon was repeated in his Chappel by one of his Chaplains.

In the Winter evenings his constant manner was to spend two hours in comparing of old Manuscripts of the Bible,His Indust… in Greek and Latine, in which work, five or six assisted him, and the variae lectiones of each were taken by himself with his own hand.

Anno Christi 1626,A Tolerati… of Popery d… sired. in Michaelmas Terme there were some Proposals made, and offered to be assented to by the Irish Papists, upon condition of a more full Tolleration of their Religion, for the raising and maintaining of five hundred Horse, and five thousand p. 220Foot; wherein the Protestants also must have born some share: To consider hereof, a great Assembly of Papists and Protestants of the whole Nation was appointed in the Lord Deputy Faulklands time. The place of their meeting was in the Hall of the Castle in Dublin. At which time the Bishops, by our Lord Primates invitation, met at his house, where he, and they drew up, and unanimously subscribed a Protestation against the Toleration of Popery; A Copy whereof, because it deserves perpetual remembrance, is here inserted.

The Judgement of the Archbishops, and Bishops of Ireland, concerning the Toleration of Popery, which is applicable also against the Toleration of other Heresies.

The Religion of the Papists is Superstitious and Idolatrous,The Bishops judgements against it. their Faith and Doctrine erroneous, and Heretical, their Church in respect of both Apostatical. To give them therefore a Toleration, or to consent that they may freely exercise their Religion, and profess their Faith and Doctrine is a grievous sin, and that in two respects; For,

1. It is to make our selves accessary, not onelyonly to their Superstitions, Idolatries, Heresies; and in a word, to all the abominations of Popery, but also (which is a consequent of the former) to the perdition of the seduced people, which perish in the Deluge of the Catholick Apostacy.

2. To grant them a Toleration, in respect of any money to be given, or contribution to be made by p. 221them, is to set Religion to sale▪ and with it, the souls of the People, whom Christ our Saviour hath redeemed with his most precious blood. And as it is a great sin, so also a matter of most dangerous consequence, the consideration whereof we commend to the Wise and Juditious; Beseeching the Zealous God of Truth, to make them who are in Authority, zealous or Gods glory, and of the advancement of true Religion; zealous, resolute, and couragious against all Popery, Superstition, and Idolatry, Amen.

Ja. Armachanus,

Mal. Cashlen,

Anth. Medensis,

Tho. Hernes & Laghlin,

Ro. Dunensis, &c.

Georg. Derens.

Rich. Cork, Cloyne, Rosses,

Andr. Alachadens.

Tho. Kilmore, & Ardagh,

Theo. Dromore,

Mic. Waterford & Lysm.

Fran. Lymerick.

This Judgement of the Bishops, Dr. George Downham, Bishop of Derry, at the next meeting of the Assembly, which was April the 23, 1627, published at Christ Church before the Lord Deputy and Council in the middest of his Sermon, with this preamble, viz.

Are not many amongst us for gain, and outward respects, willing, and ready to consent to a Toleration of false Religions, thereby making themselves guilty of a great offence, in putting to sale not onelyonly their own souls, but also the souls of others: But what is to be thought of Toleration of Religion, I will not deliver my own private opinion, but the judgement of the Archbishops, and Bishops of this Kingdome, which I think good to publish unto you, p. 222that whasoever shall happen, the world may know that we were far from consenting to those favours which the Papists expect.

After he had published it, the people gave their votes with a generall acclamation, crying, Amen. The judgements of the Bishops prevailed so much with the Protestants, that now the Proposals drove on very heavily; and after much debate of things, the L. Deputy finding the discontents of both parties encreasing, desired our Lord Primate, as the fittest person, both in regard of his esteem in the Assembly, and being a member of the Council, and therefore concerned in promoting of the Kings business, to sum up the state of things, and to move them to an absolute grant of some competency that might comply with the Kings necessities, without any such conditions, with which upon their answer, he would cease moving any further; which (upon very little warning) he did with much prudence, according to his double capacity of a Privy Counsellour, and a Bishop: A copy of which Speech desired of him by the Lord Deputy, was immediately transmitted into England: But it not being prevalent with the Assembly, to induce them to supply the Kings wants, it was dissolved.

Not long after the Lord Deputy Falkland being called back into England, Lord Falklands esteem of him.when he was to take Boat at the water side, he reserved our Lord Primate as the last person to take his leave of, and fell upon his knees on the sands, and begged his blessing, which reverend respect shewed to him, gained a greater reputation to himself, both in Ireland and England; and indeed from his younger years, the several Lord Deputies had alwayes a great esteem of him.

p. 223It was no small labour to him to answer those many Letters which came to him from forreign parts,His incessant pains. and our own Nations upon several occasions; some for resolution of difficulties in Divinity, others about Cases of Conscience, and practical subjects. Twelve of the most eminent Divines in London (who at his being here, were wont to apply themselves to him as to a Father, as Dr. Sibbs, Dr. Preston, &c. between whom, and him there were most entire affections) wrote to him for his directions about a Body of practical Divinity, which he returned them accordingly.

He much endeavoured the augmentation of the maintenance of the Ministery in Ireland, His care of … Ministry.and for that end he had obtained a Patent for Impropriations to be passed in his name for their use as they should fall, but it was too much neglected by themselves, whereby his desires were frustrated.

He preached every Lords day in the forenoon,His constan… preaching at catechizing. never failing unless he was disabled by sickness, in which he spent himself very much: In the afternoons his directions to Dr. Bernard, his assistant, were, that before publick Prayers he should Catechize the youth, and that after the first, and second Lesson, he should spend half an hour in a brief and plain opening the Principles of Religion in the publick Catichisme; and therein he directed him to go, first through the Creed at once, giving but the sum of each Article, the next time to go through it at thrice, and afterwards to take each time one Article, as they might be more able to bear it; and to observe the like proportionably in the Ten Commandements, the Lords Prayer, and the Doctrine of the Sacraments: The good fruit of which was p. 224apparent in the common people upon their coming to the Communion, at which time, by orde…, the receivers were to send in their names, and some account was constantly taken of their fitness for it. His order throughout his Diocess to the Ministers, was, that they should go through the Body of Divinity once a year, which he had accordingly drawn out into fifty heads. When any publick Fast was enjoyned he kept it very strictly, preaching alwayes first himself, and therein continuing at least two hours, in a more than ordinary manner enlarging himself in prayer; the like was done by those that assisted him in the duty.

His expences for Books was very great,His expences in Books and Manuscripts. especially whilst he enjoyed the revenues of his Archbishoprick, a certain part whereof he laid aside yearly for that end, but especially for the purchasing of Manuscripts and other Rarities, as well from remote parts of the world, as near at hand. He was the first that procured the Samaritan Bible (which is onelyonly the Pentateuch) to the view of these Western parts of the world. It was sent him from Syria by the way of A…eppo, Anno Christi 1625. He had four of them sent him by a F…ctor whom he imployed to search for things of that nature; and these were thought to be all that could there be had. One of these he gave to the Library of Oxford: A second to Leyden (for which Ludevicus de Dieu returns him publick thanks in a Book that he dedicated to him:) A third he gave to Sir Robert Cottons Library: And the fourth, after he had compared it with the other, he kept himself. The Old Testament in Syriack, an other Rarity also, was sent him from those parts not long after.

p. 225It might happily seem incredible unto some, to relate how many years agone,A Predi… he confidently foretold the changes which since are come to pass both in Ireland and England, both in Church and State, and of the poverty which himself should fall into, which he oft spake of in his greatest plenty. Some took much notice of that Text which he preached of in St. Maries in Cambridge, Anno Christi 1625, upon the late Kings Coronation day, and the first annual solemnity of it, out of 1 Sam. 12. 25. If you still do wickedly, you shall be consumed, both you, and your King. Others of the last Text that he preached on at the Court immediately before his return into Ireland, 1 Cor. 14. 33. God is not the Author of confusion, but of peace, as in all the Churches of the Saints: In his application, he spake of the confusions, and divisions which he was confident were then at the doors.

In his Book called Ecclesiarum Britannicarum Antiquitates, p. 556, …he hath this remarkable passage, after he had largely related the manner of the utter destruction of the British Church and State by the Saxons about the year 550, as he found it in Gildas, he gives two reasons why he was so prolixe in setting it down, 1. That the Divine Justice might the rather from thence appear to us, the sins of persons of all sorts and degrees being then come to the heigth, which occasioned, not onelyonly shaking of the foundations of the British Church and State; but the very destruction, and almost utterly overturning of them. 2. That even we now might be in the greater fear that our turn also is coming, and may be minded of that of the Apostle, Rom. 11. 22. Behold the goodness p. 226and severity of God: On them which fell, severity, but towards thee goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: Otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

He often acknowledged that sometimes in his Sermons he hath resolved to forbear speaking of some things, but it proved like Jeremiahs fire shut up in his bones, Jer. 2…. 9.Jer 2:9that when he came to it, he could not forbear unless he would have stood mute, and proceeded no further. He was very bold and free in the exercise of his Ministry, sparing sin in none, yea even before Kings he was not ashamed to do it. He often (to his utmost) stood in the gap to oppose Errours and false Doctrines; he withstood to the face any Toleration of Popery and Superstition,His zeal against Popery. by whomsoever attempted: He was so fervent in his preaching, that that of the Psalmist might be applied to him, The zeal of thy house hath eaten me up.

Anno Christi 1624,Predictions. he spake before many witnesses, and often repeated it afterwards, that he was perswaded that the greatest stroak to the Reformed Churches was yet to come; and that the time of the utter ruine of the Roman Antichrist should be when he thought himself most secure, according to that Text, Revel. 18. 7. When she shall say, I sit as a Queen, and shall see no sorrow, &c. His farewell Sermon, in, or very near the place where he had lived in England, was then much observed upon Jam. 1. 25. Sin when it is finished brings forth death; wherein he spake of the fulnes of the sins of this Nation, which certainly would bring great destruction: Adding, that the Harvest of the earth was ripe, and the Angel was putting in his sickle, Rev. 14. 18. applying also that of the Epha in the Vision, Zach. 5. when it was filled with wickedness; and that of the Amorites, who when their iniquities were come to the full, were destroyed. He often also hinted the same in his private discourses, and many that heard them, laid these his sayings up in their hearts, and by what hath already fallen out, do measure their expectations for the future.

At the last time of his being in London, He lame our Divi…he much lamented, with great thoughts of heart, the wofull dis-unions, and the deadly hatred which he saw kindled in the hearts of Christians one against another, by reason of their several opinions in matters of Religion; and observing how some opposed the Ministry, both to Office and maintenance: Others contemned the Sacraments: Others raised, and spread abroad Damnable Dectrines, Heresies, and Blasphemies: Upon which considerations he was confident, that the enemies which had sown these up and down the Nation, were Priests, Friers, and Jesuits, and such like Popish Agents, sent out of their Seminaries from beyond the Seas in sundry disguises, who increasing in number here in London, and elsewhere, do expect a great harvest of their labours; and he was perswaded, that if they were not timely prevented by a severe suppressing of them, the issue would be either an inundation of Popery, or a Massacre, or both; adding withall, how willing he was, if the Lord so pleased, to be taken away from that evil to come, which he confidently expected, unless there were some speedy Reformation of these things.

An. Christi 1634, A little before the Parliament began p. 228in Ireland, His Humility.there was a Letter sent over from the late King to the Lord Deputy, and Council, for determining the question of the precedency between the Primate and Archbishop of Dublin; the question was nothing as to their persons, but in relation to their Sees. This good man out of his great-humility, was hardly drawn to speak to that Argument; but being commanded, he shewed in it a great deal of learning, and rare observations in matters of Antiquity, so that the business was de…ermined on his side, who afterwards by another Letter (procured without his seeking) had the precedency given him of the Lord Chancellor. These things took little with him, but were rather burdens to him who was not in the least elated, or puffed up thereby. 'At that Parliament, he preached the first day of it before the Lord Deputy, and the Lords and Commons, in St. Patricks Dublin. His Text was, Gen. 49. 10. The Scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a Law-giver from between his feet till Shiloh come, and to him shall the gathering of the people be.

At the beginning also of the Parliament Anno Christi 1639, he preached before the same Auditory on Deut. 33. 4, 5. And Moses commanded us a Law, even the Inheritance of the Congregation of Jacob, and he was a King in Jesurun, when the heads of the people, and the Tribes of Israel were gathered together. Both which Texts as they were pertiment, so were they handled with rare Judgement and eminent Learning.

The Lord was pleased to make his Labours very successfull,His Labours successful. some few instances whereof, I shall here set down; some of which I had from my Reverend Friend Mr. Stanly Gower, the last from my own knowledge.

A Lords eldest son, who from his cradle had been trained up in Popery, but was of excellent parts, and learning was at last prevailed with by his Father to sojourn for a while with this learned Prelate in Drogheda; The prudent Prelate studied nothing more than how he might take him by craft (as the Apostle did the Corinthians, His Pru…2 Cor. 12. 16.) and therefore did not presently fall into discourse with him about his Religion, but recreated himself for a time in discoursing with him about some Philosophical questions, and Schol-points, in which studies he perceived the Gentleman was well versed, and took much delight in them: This he continued till at last he gained so far upon his affections, that of his own accord he moved some discourse about matters of Religion; and then finding him studious, he did not presently go about to instruct him in the Truth, but sought to puzzle him with doubts about his own Religion: By this means the Gentlemans conscience began to be awakened; nor were his scruples removed, though he had recourse to a Monastery hard by where they were debated; so that at last he came with tears to the Learned Primate for satisfaction, and he promised to deal faithfully with him; but (saith he) those whom you trust do not so, for they will not suffer you to see with your own eyes, nor to understand the Scripture but according to their Churches Commentaries. Then did he advise him to go amongst them, and to ask them, whether he that understood the Originals might examine their Interpretations, and to p. 230bring him word what they said. Accordingly he did so, and brought him word, that they were divided in their judgements.

Then did the learned Prelate wish him no longer to trust to their implicit Faith, and he would demonstrate to him how much they perverted the sense of the Scriptures, and abused the writings of the Antient Fathers, whilst they sought to make the world believe that the Fathers and Councils were wholly for them, and against us: And if (saith he) you distrust your own lear…ing and reading, and will make choice of anyother, who you think can say more, I will make this good which I have said before the best of them all.

This was an introduction to much confidence which the Gentleman had in him;Prayer powerful. and it pleased God after much temptation which he had to the contrary (as he confessed) to direct him to betake himself to prayer; after which time, he acknowledged that he understood more of the way of truth, both when he conferred with the Primate, and when he meditated apart, than ever he could attain to before; and the issue was, that he came into the Church unlooked for of the Primate, and after Sermon, made a confession of his Faith, offering to seal the truth of it (if they pleased to admit him) by receiving the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, which was then to be administred.

The Papists, especially the Priests were so enraged hereat, for losing such an one of whom they conceived so great hopes, that they made much disturbance, insomuch as the Gentleman, for safety, was sent over into England to Oxford, that he might decline their fury; and the forces of the City were raised to prevent the present danger: and the Lord Deputy hearing of it, sent a Troop of Horse, and (as it was said) thereupon dissolved one of their Monasteries. Another was this,

The Lady Falkland, about the time of the late Queens coming out of France to be married to King Charles, turned Recusant, and on a time was gotten into the company of Father Fisher, Father Sweet, and Father Swetnam in Drury Lane, and by some means or other, Dr. Featly, and Mr. Gataker were procured to meet them there; the Lord Savil, brother to this Lady, as he also was going that way, accidentally met with Dr. Usher, and intreated him to go along with him to this meeting; the Bishop consented, and by the way requested the Lord Savil at their first entrance privately to give notice to his Sister, the Lady Falkland, that she should take no notice of him, and saith he, I will do the like to the Ministers, and as for the Jesuits I beleeve, they know me not at all.

At their first entrance,His Disp… tions wit… …hree Jesu… they found them engaged about Image-worship; the Jesuits denied that they gave them Divine worship; the Ministers were proving that they were no fit mediums to worship God by. After they had tugged at it, and were wearied, and ready to give over that Question, Bishop Usher said, But Gentlemen, pray you tell me, do not you give them Divine worship? they answered no: How then (said he) will you be tryed? they answered, By the Council of Trent. Indeed (said the Bishop) that Council doth require the giving of worship to them, but who shall expound what that honour, and worship is, and assure us that it is not Divine? Will you be determined p. 232by Thomas Aquinas? they said, Yes. Then was the Book sent for, and he turned presently to that place where he concludes, that the same reverence is to be given to the Image of Christ, as to Christ himself, and by consequence, seeing Christ is adored with the worship of Latria, his Image also is to be adored with the same worship. Now (said the Bishop) have you any higher worship than the Latria that you give to God? Upon this one of the Jesuits whispered to the Lady Falkland to know his name that thus disputed? she answered, that he was a Country Minister. No (quoth the Jesuit) there is more in him than in both the other. Try him (said she) further.

That Question being laid aside, that of Free-will was taken up; the Bishop sate silent as before whilst the state of the Question was canvassed between the Ministers and Jesuits, and much ado there was about it, so that they had like to have broken off, without coming to any issue; the Bishop seeing that, said; Gentlemen, if you will give me leave I will bring you to the point in difference presently by this similitude. If you make Free-will to be the Horse, I will make Grace to be his Rider. Now true it is, my Horse can go of himself, but he knows not whither I intend to go: Besides he is dull, and tyred, and I spur him on; my spur doth not properly go, but it makes my Horse to go. You may easily apply it: They are foyled.But the Jesuits had enough, and listed not to encounter him any farther, pretending a necessity to be gone, and so left the place; So mightily it pleased God by him to convince them.

Another was this: Another Disputation.A Protestant Knight in Ireland, had prevailed so far with his Lady, who was then a p. 233Papist, as to admit of a Parley about their Religion, and she made choice of one for her, that was called amongst them, the Rock of Learning. The Knight made choice of this our Primate to encounter him, and upon the day appointed many persons of note were there assembled; the learned, and prudent Primate before the Disputation began, spake thus to the Lady, Madam (said he) let us know the end of our meeting. Is it that this Gentleman, and I should try our strength before you? If so, then it is like that we can speak Languages, and quote Authors which you do not understand, how then will you know who gets the better? Therefore this is not our end: If this Gentleman desires to shew his learning and reading that way, if he please to come to the College of Dublin, where there are men that will understand us both, and can judge between us, I shall willingly deal with him at those weapons: but now our business is something else: It is supposed that we two, whom your Husband and you have chosen, can speak more for the defence of our Religion than you that chose us, and your desire is to know, by hearing our discourse in your own Language, how to rectifie your judgements. Now therefore I will give you a rule, which if you please to remember, you shall be able to discern which of us two have the truth on our side, and it is this:

The Points we will discourse of shall be such, without some knowledge whereof no man may in an ordinary way attain to the end of his Faith, the salvation of his soul. In these you may easily lose your selves, not onelyonly by Heresie, which is a flat denying of them, but by Ignorance also, by a bare not know of them. The word of truth contained in the Scriptures, is the p. 234rule both of Faith and Life, common to small and great, concerning these things: Now whilst we keep to the true sense of the Scriptures in these points, you may understand us both; but when we shall fly to subtle distinctions to evade plain Texts, or flye from the Scriptures to take sanctuary in Authors which you know not, assure your selves that we are at a loss, and seek victory rather than truth. Keep this Rule, Madam, in you minde, for this Gentleman dares not deny it to be a true one, and then you will be the better for our meeting. And now Sir (said he to the Jesuit, her Champion) I am ready to engage with you in any such points.

The Dispute was begun, and after a short encounter, the Jesuit was driven to those shifts; whereupon the Primate said, Madam, do you understand my Argument that I propounded to this Gentleman? She answered, Yes, and do you (said he) understand this Gentlemans answer? She answered, No indeed, It is too high for me: But (said the Primate) I do, and can answer him in his own way, but then you would not understand me neither: Therefore Sir (said he to the Jesuit) I pray you help the Lady to understand your answer as she doth my Argument, then I will further reply. But it pleased God within a while, so to disable the Jesuit from proceeding, that he left the place with shame;A special Providence. and the Lady by this, and some further endeavours, became not only a good Protestant, but a very gracious woman.

The last instance I shall give of the successfulness of his labors,The success of his Ministry. is this, About twelve or thirteen years ago we had an Ordination of Ministers in our seventh Classis; p. 235at which time (according to our custome) we called in the young men that were to be Ordained one after an other, and examining of them about the work of Gods Grace in their hearts, three of them acknowledged that they were converted by Gods blessing upon the labours of this our Lord Primate, whilst he preached at Oxford, where they then were Students about the beginning of the long Parliament.

Anno Christi 1640,A special… …vidence. He came out of Ireland into England, being invited thereto by some eminent persons, wherein the special providence of God did manifest it self for his preservation, it being the year before the Rebellion brake out in Ireland; as if (according to the Angels speech to Lot) nothing could be done there till he was come hither, and escaped to this his Zoar.

His Library (which was very great) in the first year of the Rebellion, viz. 1641, was in Drogheda, which place was besieged four moneths by the Irish Rebels, and they made no question of taking it, and some of their Priests and Friers talked much what a prize they should gain by that Library; but the barbarous multitude spake of burning it: But it pleased God to hear the Fastings, and Prayers of his people within, and in a wonderful manner to deliver them, and so all his Books and Manuscripts were sent him that Summer to Chester, and from thence were brought safe to London.

The sufferings he now lay under were many and great.His Suff… All his personal estate was lost, and that which belonged to his Primacy in Ireland was destroyed, only for the present he was preacher in Covent Garden.

p. 236Anno Christi 1641, The great business of the Earle of Strafford came in agitation, upon which a scandal was raised of him, by a rash, if not a malicious Pen in his Vocal Forrest, A scandal clea…ed.as if he had made use of a pretended distinction of a personal and Political conscience to satisfie the late King that he might consent to the beheading of the said Earle, telling him, that though the first resisted, yet he might do it by the second; but to clear him of this, a person of quality affirmed under his hand, that some years agone a rumour being spread of the death of this Reverend Prelate (whose loss was much lamented at Oxford) when this concerning the Earle was then by one objected against him, the late King answered that person in very great passion, and with an oath Protested his innocency therein. Besides, he left under his owne hand a relation of that whole business, a true Copy whereof followeth.

That Sunday morning wherein the King consulted with the four Bishops, viz. of London, Durham, Lincoln, and Carlisle) the Archbishop of Armagh was not present, being then preaching, as he then accustomed to do, every Sabbath in the Church of Covent Garden, where a message coming to him from his Majesty, he descended from the Pulpit, and told the Messenger, that he was then, as he saw, imployed in Gods business, which as soon as he had done, he would attend upon the King to understand his pleasure: But the King spending the whole afternoon in the serious debate of the Lord Straffords Case with the Lords of his Council, and the Judges of the Land, he could not before evening be admitted to the Kings presence.

p. 237There the Question was again agitatated, Whether the King in justice might pass the Bill of Attainder against the Earle of Strafford. For, that he might shew mercy to him was no Question at all, no man doubting, but that the King without any scruple of conscience might have granted him a pardon, if other reasons of State (in which the Bishops were made neither Judges nor Advisers) did not hinder him. The whole result therefore of the Bishops determination, was to this effect; That herein, the matter of Fact, and the matter of Law were to be distinguished; that of the matter of Fact, he himself might make a Judgement, having been present at all the proceedings against the said Lord; where, if upon hearing all the allegations, on either side, he did not conceive him guilty of the Crimes wherewith he was charged, he could not in justice condemn him. But for the matter in Law, what was Treason, and what was not, he was to rest in the opinion of the Judges, whose office it was to declare the Law, and who were sworn, therein to carry themselves indifferently betwixt him and his subjects, &c.

Upon his losses in Ireland, Offers … to him … abroad▪and the straits he was brought into here, two Offers were made unto him from Forreign Nations; the one from Cardinal Ri…hlieu, onelyonly in relation to his eminent learning, with a promise of large maintenance, and liberty to live where he pleased in France amongst the Protestants. The other from the States of Holland, who proffered him the place of being Honorarius Professor at Leiden, which had an ample stipend belonging to it; but he refused both.

p. 238And now by reason of the disturbance of the times he was perpetually removing, having with St. Paul, no certain dwelling place, and some of those evidences mentioned by that great Doctor of the Gentiles to prove himself to be the Minister of Christ, were applicable to him, 2 Cor. 6. 3, &c. In much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, in tumults, or tossings to and fro; in labours, in watchings, and fastings. By honour and dishonour: by evil report, and good report: as deceivers, and yet true: as unknown, and yet well known: as dying, and behold we live: as chastened and not killed: as sorrowful, and yet alwayes rejoycing: as poor, yet making many rich: as having nothing, and yet possessing all things, &c.

Anno Christi 1642,He goes to Oxford. He obtained leave of both Houses of Parliament to go to Oxford for his study in that Library. Anno Christi 1644, the late King coming thither, he preached before him on the fifth of November. His Text was Nehem. 4. 11. And our Adversaries said, they shall not know, neither see, till we come in the middest amongst them, and stay them, and cause their work to cease. In his Sermon he advised his hearers to put no repose in the Papists, who (saith he) upon the first opportunity will serve us here, as they have done the poor Protestants in Ireland, which much offended some that were there present.

In March following he went from thence into Wales to Cardiff in Glamorganshire, And into Wales.where for a time, he abode with his Daughter: But Septem. 16. Anno Christi 1645, he removed from thence to St. Donnets (the Lady Stradlings) and by the way meeting with some Souldiers,He is abused by Souldiers. they used him barbarously, plucked p. 239him off his horse, and brake open two of his Trunks full of Books, taking them all away: amongst these he lost two Manuscripts of the History of the Waldenses, most of his Books he recovered again; but these Manuscripts, though the meanliest clad, he could never hear of, which gave suspicion that some Priest or Jesuit had lighted upon them. The loss of them grieved him much, they being of use to him for the finishing of that Book, De Ecclesiarum Christianarum successione, & statu.

Not long after he fell into a painful sickness,His Sickn… wherein he bled four dayes together, so that he swoonded, and all hope of life was past, and a rumour was spread abroad that he was dead, which occasioned grief to many; and it was so far believed at Court, that a Letter came over for a successor in his Primacy in Ireland: But it pleased God that he recovered, and June 11, Anno Christi 1646, he came to London, where the Countess of Peterborough gladly received him.

After a while he was chosen to be preacher to the Honourable Society of Lincolns Inne, He is chos… Lincolns …where he continued divers years with great honour, and respect from them, till at the last, losing his sight, so that he could not read his Text, and his strength decaying, he was advised by his friends to forbear, and to reserve himself, and the remainder of his strength for the writing of Books, which were yet expected from him. No spectacles could help his sight, onelyonly when the Sun shone he could see at a window, which he hourly followed from room to room in the house of his abode: In Winter the casement was often set open for him to write at. This Summer he conceived would be the p. 240last, wherein he should make use of his eyes; the Winter following he intended to have an Amanuensis to write for him, and a competent salary was intended for him whom he should choose to that work: But the Lord was pleased to prevent it by taking him to the sight of himself.

After he had left Lincolns Inne, His last Sermon.he was prevailed with to preach in several places, as in Graies Inne, Nov. 5. Anno 1654, which he then thought might have been his last Sermon, and it was taken as an honour by that Honourable Society, whereof he had been admitted a member at a Reading above thirty years before: He preached also at the Temple at Mr. Seldens Funeral, and at two other places in the City, both which the Lord was pleased to make very effectual in the conversion of divers that were his hearers: And indeed seldome did the Sword drawn by him return empty. The last Sermon which he preached was about Michelmas, Anno 1655, at Hammersmith.

He complained that he was much troubled, finding himself unable to continue his Ministry; his thoughts were on it in the day, and his dreams in the night, and though he had been a preacher about fifty and five years, and so, like the Levites might well be excused from this service of the Sanctuary, and have imployed himself (as his manner was) in directing of others, yet he resolved, if God continued his life the Summer following, to return to it again in some small Church or Chappel.

He sought not great things for himself: In the time of his distress by reason of his losses in Ireland, the Parliament for some years was bountiful to him; but the two last years of their sitting, it fell out to be suspended. But after they were dissolved, the care of him was renewed by the Lord Protector, by whose Order a constant competent allowance was given him, which was continued till his death, besides very considerable summes extraordinary.

All that knew him,His Cha… found him very communicative, not onelyonly of his studies for the advantage of their mindes, but of part of his stipend, for the relief of their bodies; and indeed in works of charity he more needed a bridle, than a spur.

He was not so severe in his judgement about Episcopacy,He owns …ther Refo… Churches▪ as to disown other Reformed Churches, but declared that he loved and honoured them, as true members of the Church universal, and was ready for the Ministers of Holland, France, &…. to testifie his Communion with them.

He was a man of a most exemplary moderation, meekness,A Peace …ker. humility, and ingenuity. Anno 1641, he drew up an Expedient to accommodate some of our differences in Ecclesiastical Affairs, which some moderate men of both parties were ready to subscribe. But in matters of Doctrine for the substantials, it was often his charge, that Ministers should not preach any thing, as to please men, but God, who hath put them in trust, 1 Thess. 2. 4. For such as seek to please men, His Zeal.are not the servants of Christ, Gal. 1. 10. And in defence of those truths, no man was more resolute and constant than he, not giving place by way of subjection, no not for an hour, Gal. 2. 5. but in circumstantials, he thought it to be our duty with St. Paul, to please all men, and not our p. 240in all such things, 1 Cor. 10. 31. to edification and concord. He was in these things alwayes the same, holding fast the form of sound words in Doctrine and practice to the last.

The night before he left London, His Humility.Oh! the humble expressions he used of his own unworthiness, demeaning himself as if he had been the least of Saints, which he uttered with many tears: He wished those about him to prepare for afflictions and trials, which he was perswaded, were not far from them. Having abode at London one and fifty dayes, for so it was punctually noted by himself in a Book, it being his custome, with David so to number his dayes, both for the place where, and the manner how he spent them, he returned to Rygate, Feb. 13. 1655, to the Countess of Peterboroughs.

March the 20 following,His last Sickness. was the first day of his sickness, upon which day (as every day) he had been well busied. Most part of it, as long as he had light, he had spent at his study, proceeding in his Chronologia sacra, clearing all the doubts in his Annals of the Bible, in which he had gone as far as to the Book of Judges, where the last words he wrote were these, Hic praeterea notandum, but returned not to make any further progress. From his study he went to visit a sick Gentlewoman in that Family, and prescribed to her most excellent preparatives for death, with other most holy advice in practical matters, in which he spent three quarters of an hour, but in such an heavenly manner, as if, like Moses upon Mount Nebo, his eyes had been strengthened to take a prospect of the heavenly Canaan.

That night about eight a clock, he first complained of his hip, judging it to be a spice of the Sciatica, which he had been troubled with about five and thirty years before, contracted by sitting up late in the College Library at Dublin; but by the application of an ointment, he was presently eased of that pain, so that he took some rest that night. In the morning he complained of a great pain in his side, whereupon a Physitian was sent for, who used such means as he judged fit for him; but the pain continuing, and his spirits decaying, he wholly addicted himself to prayer, only upon the abating of the torment, he advised those about him, in health to prepare for sickness, and death, that then they might have nothing else to do but to dye; and after a short settlement of the things of this world, he took great content in his approaching death.

A Minister there present assisted him with his prayers,His Dea… but afterwards he desired to be left to his own private. The last words he was heard to utter which was about one a clock in the afternoon, and a little before his death) were these; praying for the forgiveness of his sins, he added, But Lord in special forgive my sins of Omission: Herein he had his wish, which he often used, that he might dye as holy Mr. Perkins did, which expired with crying for mercy and forgiveness.

But did he pray for pardon of his sins of Omission? and yet he was a person that was never known to omit an hour, but was alwayes imployed in his Masters business, either in preaching, reading, writing, or hearing others (as of late) to read to him; either resolving doubts, or exhorting, instructing, and counselling such as came to visit him; yet did he dye with p. 242this humble expression, Lord forgive my sins of Omission. A speech that may give us all matter of solemn meditation, and imitation.

March the 21. Anno Christi 1655, this glorious Sun set, and from earth was translated to Heaven, having been Primate of Ireland just one and thirty years, and a Preacher five and fifty years, and having lived about seventy five years. What he had to leave was only his Library, and divers imperfect Copies of his intended Works, which death prevented his finishing of.

The Lord Protector (as he was then called) gave him an honourable burial at the publick charge,His Funeral. in the Chappel of Henry the seventh at Westminster, and extended to his, what was before intended for himself in the grant of some of the Lands belonging to the Primacy of Armagh for the terme of one and twenty years.

He was highly admired,His learning admired. and much honoured by all the famous Lights of his time through the Christian world. Spanhemius Divinity-Professor at Geneva, Anno Christi 1639, in his Epistle Dedicatory to him, before his third Part Dubiorum Evangelicorum, spends above two leaves in extolling him: Some of his expressions are; Your very great parts, Most excellent Usher, are known, not onelyonly within your own Country, but in ours, and wheresoever else there is honour given to Piety, or price set upon learning, &c. He speaks much of his Charity to strangers, his Humility, Piety, Works, his Library, of which he made such use for the publick good, that it was not so much his own as the Library of all learned men: In a word (saith he) the name of Usher with us is a name of Piety and Vertue, it is of great Renowne at our Geneva, &c.

Gerard Vossius frequently admires him as a man of vast learning, worthy of an everlasting Monument. The high merits (saith he) of this most excellent, and throughout most learned man, both of the Church, and of the whole Commonwealth of Learning, deserve an everlasting grateful memory: A man so excelling in the knowledge both of Humane and Divine things, that I cannot speak any thing so high of him, but his worth doth surpass it.

Bochartus and Simplicius, call him frequently, Magnum Usherium, Usher the Great.

Morus in his Oration at Geneva dedicated to him, stiles him, The most Excellent servant of God, The most Reverend man of God; the Athanasius of our Age. Thy breast (saith he) is a breathing Library: Thou art to Britain as Austin was to Hippo: Farewel Britains great Honour.

Ludovicus de Dieu in his Animadversions on the Acts, dedicated to him, entitles him, To the Excellent Prelate, worthy of an Eternal memory, &c.

Paulus Testardus Blesensis stiles him, Seculi, & Ec…clesiae decus eximium, the greatest honour of the Church and Age.

Arnoldus Bootius, saith of him, That he did excel with a most singular Judgement in the Oriental Languages, and in all other abstruse, and deep learning: Venerable to all Europe, whose Authority prevails much with all men, &c.

Mr. Selden saith of him, The most Reverend Prelate James Usher, a man of great Piety, singular Judgement, p. 244learned to a Miracle, and born to promote the more severe studies, &c.

Dr. Prideaux calls him, The most rich Magazine of solid Learning, and of all Antiquity.

Dr. Davenant speaks thus of him, A man of singular Piety, abounding with all manner of Learning.

Sir Roger Twisden acknowledging the assistance he had from him in his History, saith thus, This we owe to the most worthy Archbishop of Armagh, in whom, with incredible learning, and rare knowledge of Antiquity, his most courteous conversation, and wonderful sweetness, in instructing the unskilful, mixed with a certain serious Episcopal gravity, were seen to strive one with the other, &c.

There was an eminent Character given of him by a the whole University of Oxford in the year 1644,His Character by solemn Order in the Convocation, which was given in charge to sixteen eminent persons, of whom seven were Doctors chosen with the Vice-Chancellor & Proctors, to see his Effigies cut, and an Elogium worthy of him, to be prefixed to his Annotations on Ignatius his Epistles (there then in the Press) and at the charges of the University, and in the publick name of it. Indeed it was omitted to that book, but was aftewards affixed to his Book De Symbolis; the Elogium is this, James Usher Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of all Ireland, the most skilful of Primitive Antiquity, the unanswerable Defender of the Orthodox Religion, the Maul of Errours, in preaching frequent, eloquent, very powerful, a rare example of an unblameable life.

Yea for his learning,His learning …cknowledged …y Papists. his very Adversaries being Judges, those of the Church of Rome have acknowledged. p. 245A certain Jesuit in a Book called Hyberniae Vindiciae, writing against Dempster, a Scotchman, who had undervalued the Irish for learning, after he had reckoned up many Learned men of his own, and other Orders of that Nation, at length he addes this of our Primate, And if I should put in men of a different Religion, I might truly say, Scotland never saw another Usher, whose sublime wit, and most curteous behaviour, I wish that unlucky education amongst Sectaries had not been his stepmother. Divers others of his Popish Adversaries might be mentioned, but I forbear, and shall adde onelyonly the Testimony of Dr. William Chappel, sometime Fellow of Christs College in Cambridge, and afterwards Provost of Trinity College, Dublin, who was very judicious, and a great learned man: He gave three reasons why he thought our Primate to be the greatest Schollar in the Christian world.

1. Because of his rare natural parts, having a quick invention, a prompt wit, a strong memory, a clear understanding, a piercing judgement, and a ready utterance. Seldome (said he) do all these meet in an eminent degree in the same person; but in him they so concurred, that it is hard to say in which of them he most excelled.

2. Because few men had made so rich an improvement of these parts; nor indeed had such means, by reason of the choice Libraries which he had the use of, viz. his own, Dr. Challoners, the University Library at Dublin, which he had frequent access unto, besides the University Libraries, and Sir Robert Cottons in England He had also taken indefatigable pains in studying, and that for many years p. 246together, which few other mens bodies and brains could bear.

3. Because in these, and in the Universities beyond the Seas, he was so esteemed; and whosoever conversed with him, found him a skilful Linguist, a subtile Disputant, a fluent Orator, a profound Divine, a great Antiquary, an exact Chronologer; and in brief, a living, and walking Library: Insomuch that the greatest Professors admired the concatenation of so much learning in one person.

A Catalogue of the Books published by him.

De Ecclesiarum Christianarum successione & statu, in 4^o.

Epistolarum Hybernicarum Syloge, in 4^o.

Historia Goteschalci, in 4^o.

De Primordiis Ecclesiarum Britanicarum, in 4^o.

Ignatii Epistolae cum annotationibus, in 4^o.

De Anno Solari, Macedonum, in 8^o.

Annales Veteris Testamenti in Fol.

Annales Novi Testamenti, &c. in Fol.

Epistola ad Cappellum de variantibus textus Hebraici lectionibus, in 4^o.

De Graeca Septuaginta Interpretum versione Syntagma, in 4^o.

A Sermon before the House of Commons, Feb. 18. 1618.

A Declaration of the Visibility of the Church, in a Sermon before King James, June 20. 1624.

A Speech in the Castle in Dublin the 22 of Nov. 1622.

An Answer to Malon the Jesuit, in 4^o. 1631.

The Religion professed by the antient Irish and British, in 4^o. 1631.

p. 247Immannel, or The Incarnation of the Son of God, in 4^o. 1639.

A Geographical Description of the lesser Asia, in 4^o. 1644.

Confessions and Proofs of Dr. Reynolds, and other Protestant Divines about Episcopacy, in 4^o. 1644.

A Discourse of the Original of Bishops, and Archbishops, in 4^o. 1644.

His small Catechisme reviewed, in 12^o. 1654.

His Body of Divinity, in part his, but published without his consent, in Fol.

A Method for Meditation, or a Direction for hearing the Word.

Annals of the Old and New Testament, with the Synchronismes of Heathen Story to the destruction of Jerusalem, in Fol.