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THE

CHRISTIAN OBSERVER.

No. 31.

JULY, 1804.

[No. 7. VOL. III.

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Religious Communications.

something answerable to his going up upon the other way of ascending thi ther, which is the best, by an high transcendent conversation in this world, whereby he made a chariot of his virtues that he might ascend up unto God."

To the Editor of the Christian Observer. Lady FORMER communication of Carbery, having been well received by your readers, I am emboldened to transmit to you the enclosed account of the Life and Death of Mr. JOHN SMITH, late fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge, who died August the 7th, 1652, and lies interred in the chapel of that college. It is contained in a sermon preached at his funeral, by the pious and learned BISHOP PA

TRICK.

The first part of the sermon consists of an elucidation of the character of Elijah, and of the regard in which he was held by others, and particularly by Elisha. In these respects Dr. Patrick thinks that his deceased friend may be fitly compared with the ascended prophet. To such as might object to this comparison as too bold, he replies in the words of Gregory Nyssen, that though not in his miraculous powers, yet in "other things we will be bold to compare him with that great man:-in his zeal ous faith, in his cordial love to God, in his earnest desire and thirst (as he speaks) after that which truly is, in an exact and exquisite life, in a conversation so studied that it was in all things consonant with itself, in most nnaffected gravity, wonderful simplicity, and a countenance proportionable to the vigour and strength of his soul; or, in his own words, he had a look that was not one key below his intent, and eager, and sprightly mind. If you look upon his care of those things that were hoped for and neglect of these things that are seen, on his equal love to poor and rich; in these and such like things he imitated the wonders of Elijah. But if any man will needs urge us to strain a little higher, and compare some-, thing in him to his fasting forty days; then what say you to an every day's temperance? And if there must be CHRIST. OBSERV. No. 31.

Dr. Patrick then proceeds as follows to exhibit the particulars of this eminent saint's character.

"1. Let us first look upon him in his eminency, dignity, and worth. A very glorious star he was, and shone brighter in our eyes than any that he ever looked upon when he took his view of the heavenly bodies: and now he shines as the brightness of the firmament, and as the stars for ever and ever, being wise and having turned many (I believe) unto righte

ousness.

"I shall speak nothing of his earthparentage save only this, that herein he was like to John the Baptist, the last Elias, in that he was born after his parents had been long childless and were grown aged."—

"But let us look only at his heavenly descent, and see how he was allied to God himself. I may say of him as Nazianzen says of his sister, His country was heaven, his town or city was the Jerusalem which is above, his fellow-citizens were the saints, his nobility was the retaining of the Divine impressions and stamps upon his soul, and being like to God the archetype and first pattern of all goodness. And indeed the preserving of the heavenly symbols that are in our souls, and especially the purging and scouring of them from the corruption of nature, he often spake of, and his endeavour was that the Divine image might be fairly reflected in him, and that it might shine brightly in the face of others.

"If I should speak much of the vastness of his learning (a thing not to 3 E

be passed by,) it would seem to say that I knew all he was; which I am not so arrogant as to assume unto my self: this I will say, that he could do what he would. He had such a huge, wide capacity of soul, such a sharp and piercing understanding, such a deep reaching mind, that he set himself about nothing but he soon grasped it and made himself a full possessor of it. And if we consider his great industry and indefatigable pains, his Herculean labours day and night from his first coming to the university till the time of his long sickness, joined with his large parts, and his frequent meditation, and contemplation, and abstraction of his mind from sensible things; it must needs be concluded that he was a comprehensor of more than I can say or think of; and if I could, it would be too tedious to give you an account of all.

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In a word, he was, as Eunapius speaks of Longinus, a living library, better than that which he hath given to our college, and a walking study, that carried his learning about with him. I never got so much good among all my books by a whole day's plodding in a study, as by an hour's discourse I have got with him. For he was not a library locked up, nor a book clasped, but stood open for any to converse withal that had a mind to learn. Yea he was a fountain running over, labouring to do good to those who perhaps had no mind to receive it. None more free and communicative than he was to such as desired to discourse with him; nor would he grudge to be taken off from his studies upon such an occasion. It may be truly said of him, that a man might always come better from him; and his mouth could drop sentences as easily as an ordinary man could speak sense. And he was no less happy in expressing his mind, than in conceiving; wherein he seems to have excelled the famous philosopher Ploti nus, of whom Porphyry tells us, that he was something careless of his words, but was wholly taken up into his mind. He of whom we now speak had such a copia verborum, a plenty of words, and those so full, pregnant and significant, joined with such an active imagination, as is very rarely to be found in the company of such a deep understanding and judgment as dwelt in him.

"I have done with his learning,

when I have told you, that as he looked upon honours, riches, and the eagerly-pursued things of this world, as vanities; so did he look upon this also as a piece, though a more excellent piece, of vanity (as he was wont to phrase it) if compared with the higher and inore divine accomplishments of the soul. For he did not care to value himself by any of those things which were of a perishing nature, which should fail, and cease, and vanish away; but only by those things which were more solid and substantial, of a divine and immortal nature, which he might carry out of the world with him.

"He was of very singular wisdom and great prudence, of admirable skill and readiness in the management of affairs, which I make an account is an imitation of that providence of God that governs the world. Flis learning was so concocted, that it lay not as an idle notion in his head, but made him fit for any employment. He was very full and clear in all his resolutions at any debates, a most wise counsellor in any difficulties and streights, dextrous in untying any knot, of great judgment in satisfying any scruple or doubt even in matters of religion. He was one that soon saw into the depth of any business that was before him, and looked it quite through; that would presently turn it over and over in his mind and see it on all sides; and he understood things so well at the first sight, that he did not often need any second thoughts, but usually stood to the present resolution and determination of his mind.

He

"And add to this his known integrity, uprightness, and faithfulness; his strong and lively, his waking and truly tender conscience, which joined with the former things I spoke of made him more than a man. was an exemplar of true christian philosophy and virtue, and as it were the spiritual rule, line, and square thereof: of so poised and even a life, that by his wisdom and conscience (were it not that every man should know for himself) one might live al most at a venture, walking blindfold through the world and not miscarry.

"He had incorporated, shall I say,

or insouled all principles of justice and righteousness, and made them one with himself. So that I may say of him in Antoninus his phrase, he was

dipped into justice as it were over head and ears; he had not a slight superficial tincture, but was dyed and coloured quite through with it; so that wheresoever he had a soul, there was justice and righteousness. They who knew him, very well know the fruth of all this. And I am persuaded he did as heartily and cordially, as eagerly and earnestly do what appeared to be just and right, without any self-respect or particular reflections, as any man living.

"Methinks I see how earnest he would be in a good matter which appeared to be reasonable and just, as though justice herself had been in him, looking out at his eyes, and speaking at his mouth. It was a virtue indeed that he had a great affection unto, and which he was very zealous to maintain; in whose quarrel he was in danger to be angry, and sometimes to break forth into a short passion.

"But he was always very urgent upon us that by the grace of God and the help of the mighty spirit of Jesus Christ working in us, we would endeavour to purge out the corruption of our natures, and to crucify the flesh with all the affections and lusts thereof: yea to subdue as much as it is possible even those first motions that are without our consent, and to Jabour after purity of heart, that so we might see God. For his endeayour was not only to be out of the pollutions of the world through lust, but, in the apostle's language, to be partaker of the Divine nature. And here now what words shall I use?

"What shall I say of his love? None that knew him well, but might see in him love bubbling and springing up in his soul, and flowing out to all; and that love unfeigned, without guile, hypocrisy, or dissimulation. I cannot tell you how his soul was universalized, how tenderly he embraced all God's creatures in his arms, more especially men, and principally those in whom he beheld the image of his heavenly father.

"His patience was no less admirable than his love, under a lingering and tedious disease, wherein he never murmured nor complained, but rested quietly satisfied in the infinite unbounded goodness and tenderness of his father, and the commiserations of Jesus Christ our merciful high priest who can be touched with a feeling of

our infirmities. He still resolved with Job, though he kill me, yet will I trust in him. Nazianzen in an epistle to Philagrius saith, O bravely done most noble soul, who canst play the philosopher, the christian, in thy sickness and sufferings; who canst not only talk but do, not only do but suffer! And he told me in his sickness that he hoped he had learned that for which God sent it, and that he thought God kept him so long in such a case, under such burdens and pressures, that patience might have its perfect work in him. His sickness undoubtedly was (as Nazianzen speaks) a learned disease and full of true philosophy, which taught him more of real christianity, and made his soul of a more strong, able, athletic habit and temper. For, as St. James saith, if patience have its perfect work, then is a soul perfect and entire, wanting nothing. And really in his sickness he shewed what christianity and true religion is able to do; what might, power, and virtue there is in it to bear up a soul under the greatest loads; and that he could through Christ strengthening him do all that which he so admirably discoursed of in his life.

"But for his humility, it was that which was most apparent and conspicuous. You might have beheld in him (as the same Father speaks) true humility in a most eminent degree, and the more eminent, considering how much there was within him which would have swelled and puffed up another. But from his first admission into the university (as I am informed by those that knew him) he sought not great things for himself, but was contented in the condition wherein he was. He made not haste to rise and climb, as youths are apt to do (which we in these late times too much experience, wherein youths scarce fledged have soared to the highest preferments) but proceeded leisurely by orderly steps not to what he could get, but to what he was fit to undertake. He staid God's time of advancement, with all industry and pains following his studies; as if he rather desired to deserve honour, than to be honoured. He shook off all idieness and sloth, the bane of youth, and so had the blessing of God upon his endeavours, who gave him great encouragement from divers persons of worth, and at last brought him unto

this place. And I challenge any one that is impartial to say, if since he came hither, they ever beheld in him any pride, vain-glory, boasting, selfconceit, desire of honour and being famous in the world. No, there is not the man living that had the eyes ever to discern any thing of this swoln nature: but on the contrary it was easy to take notice of most profound humility and lowliness of mind, which made him a true disciple of Jesus Christ, who took upon him the form of a servant, and made himself of no reputation. And I dare say our dear friend was as true, as humble a servant (without any compliment) to the good of mankind, as any person that this day lives. This was his design in his studies, and if it had pleased the Lord of life to have prolonged his days, it would have been more of his work: for he was resolved (as he once told me) very much to lay aside other studies, and to labour in the salvation of men's souls, after whose good he most ardently thirsted.

was in great eminency) to be a physician, lawyer, general linguist; which names and many more his general skill deserved: but he would have answered, as he doth there, my art is to be good; to be a true divine is my care and business, or, in the christian phrase, to be holy as God is holy, to be perfect as my heavenly father is perfect. All that remember the serious behaviour and weighty expressions he used in his prayers, cannot but call to mind how much his heart was set upon the attainment of this true goodness.

"Shall I add above, or unto all these, his faith; I say, his true, lively, and working faith, his simple, plain-hearted, naked faith in Christ? It is likely that it did not busy itself about many fine notions, subtleties, and curiosities, or believing whole volumes; but be sure it was that which was firmly set and fixed in the mercy and goodness of God through Christ; that also which brought down Christ into his soul; which drawed down heaven into his heart; which sucked in life and strength continually from our Saviour; which made him hearty, serious, and constant in all those forenamed christian virtues. His faith was not without a soul; but what Isidore saith of faith and works, held true of him. His faith was animated, quickened, and actuated by these. It made him God-like, and he lived by faith in the Son of God: by it he came to be truly partaker of the righteousness of Christ, and had it wrought and formed in his very soul. For this indeed was the end of his life, the main design which he carried on, that he might become like to God. So that if one should have asked him that question in Antoninus, what is thy art and profession, thy business and employment? He would not have answered, to be a great philosopher, mathematician, historian, or hebrecian, (all which he

"I have trespassed perhaps too much upon your patience: yet I hope I should not weary you, if I should discourse upon his ingenuousness, his courtesy, his gentleness and sweetness, with many other things of the like nature. And let me say thus much, that he was far from that spirit of devouring zeal that now too much rages. He would rather have been consumed in the service of men, than have called for fire down from heaven, as Elijah did to consume them. And therefore though Elijah excelled him in this, that he ascended up to heaven in a fiery chariot; yet herein I may say he was above the spirit of Elijah, that he called for no fire to descend from heaven upon men, but the fire of divine love that might burn up all their hatreds, roughness, and cruelty to each other. But as for benignity of mind and christian kindness, every body that knew him will remember that he ever had their names in his mouth, and I assure them they were no less in his heart and life; as knowing that without these truth itself is in a faction, and Christ is drawn into a party. And this graciousness of spirit was the more remarkable in him, because he was a temper naturally hot and choleric, as the greatest minds most commonly are. He was wiser than to let any anger rest in his bosom; much less did he suffer it to burn and boil till it was turned into gall and bitterness; and least of all would he endure that any passion should lodge in him, till it was become a cankered malice and black hatred, which men in these days can scarce hide, but let it appear in their countenance and in their carriage to wards others.

"If he was at any time moved unto anger, it was but a sudden flushing in his face, and it did as soon vanish

as arise; and it used to arise upon no such occasions as I now speak of. No, whensoever he looked upon the fierce and consuming fires that were in men's souls, it made him sud, not angry; and it was his constant endeavour to inspire men's souls with more benign and kindly heats, that they might warm but not scorch their brethren.

"And from this spirit, together with the rest of christian graces that were in him, there did result a great serenity, quiet, and tranquillity in his soul, which dwelt so much above, that it was not shaken with any of those tempests and storms which use to unsettle more low and abject minds. He lived in a continued sweet enjoy ment of God, and so was not disquieted with scruples or doubts of his salvation. There was always discernible in him a cheerful sense of God's goodness, which ceased not in the time of sickness. But we most longed for to see the motions of his soul, when he drew near to the centre of his rest. He that had such a constant feeling of God within him, we might conclude would have the most strong and powerful sense when he came nearer to a close conjunction with him. But God was pleased to deny this to us, and by a lethargic distemper which seized on his spirits, he passed the six last days of his life (if I may call it a life) in a kind of sleep, and without taking much notice of any thing he slept in the Lord.

"And now have I not described a person of worth and eminency? Have we not reason to be sad, as you see our faces tell you that we are? But alas! half of that is not told you which your eyes might have seen, had you been acquainted with him.

"All his pupils began to know in his sickness what it was to have and to want a loving father, a faithful tutor; and now they will know it more fully. He was one that did so constantly mind their good, that instilled such excellent pious notions into their minds, and gave such light in every thing a man could desire to know; that I could have been content, though in this gown, to have been his pupil. His life taught them continual lessons of justice, temperance, prudence, fortitude, and masculine virtue; and above all he taught them true dependance upon God, and reference of themselves and all their studies unto

him; with true faith in, and imitation
of, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ:
for which end he often expounded to
them out of the holy scriptures. And
for human learning, the many good
scholars that came from under his
hand do witness how dextrous he was
at the training up of youth in all good
literature. They could not be com→
mitted to a more loving tutor, a more
holy and faithful guardian, that would
bring them up in all true learning and
piety. He both looked and spake
like a man that had drunk into his
soul such solid, high, and generous
principles, as few men are acquaint-
ed with, which made him very zeal-
ous not only for righteousness, inte-
grity, and holiness, but for a decorum
in all things. He had a great regard
for all those things which are men-
tioned by the apostle, Philip. iv. 8.
for whatsoever things were true, honest,
(or rather, comely and grave, seemly
and venerable, as Ceva doth signity)
for all that was just, pure, lovely, of
good fame and report; if there was
any praise, or any virtue, he was most
earnest and forward in its behalf.

"And now what his usefulness was, and the benefit we received by him, all that bare any share in the government of this society will be made to know by the want of him. That must not be resolved by me, nor by any one single person of us, but we must lay our heads together to tell our loss. To which of us was he not dear? who is there that was not engaged to him?" "There is none that knew his worth, but honour his very dust."

"But let me tell you in conclusion of all, that herein would be shown our greatest love and affection which we bare to him; this would be the greatest honour of him, if we would but express his life in ours, that others might say when they behold us, there walks at least a shadow of Mr. Smith. And O that I might beg with Elisha a double portion among those that I desire should share in the gifts and graces of this Elijah: this is the highest of my ambition, that many might but possess the riches that lodged in this one. They disgrace their master who have not skill in that which they say he professed; but they who tread in his steps and excel in his art, shine back again upon him from whom first they received their light. Let me seriously therefore exhort every one of us to imitate this master in Israel; imitate

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