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Sermones preached by Iohn Donne
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Genre
Religious Biography
Date
1640
Full Title
LXXX sermons preached by that learned and reverend divine, Iohn Donne, Dr in divinity, Late Deane of the Cathedrall Church of S. Pauls London.
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STC 7038
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Sample 1
The original format is sexto.
The original contains new paragraphas are introduced by indentation,first paragraphas are introduced by decorated initial,contains elements such as italics,contains comments and references,
THE LIFE AND DEATH OF Dr DONNE, LATE DEANE OF St PAULS LONDON.
IF that great Master of Language and Art, Sir Henry Wootton,Provost of Eaton Colledge, lately deceased had lived to
see the publication of these Sermons, he had presented the
world with the Authors life exactly written. It was a Work
worthy his undertaking, and he fit to undertake it; betwixt
whom and our Author, there was such a friendship contracted
in their youths, that nothing but death could force the separation.
And though their bodies were divided, that learned Knights love followed
his friends fame beyond the forgetfull grave, which he testified by intreating
me whom he acquainted with his designe to inquire of certaine particulars
that concerned it: Not doubting but my knowledge of the Author, and love
to his memory, would make my diligence usefull. I did prepare them in a
readiness to be augmented, and rectified by his powerfull pen; but then death
prevented his intentions.
When I heard that sad newes, and likewise that these Sermons were to be
publisht without the Authors life, which I thought was rare indignation
or griefe I know not whether transported me so far, that I re-viewed my forsaken
Collections, and resolved the world should see the best picture of the
Author that my artlesse Pensil guided by the hand of Truth could present
to it.
If I be demanded, as once Pompeys poore Bondman was, whilest he was
alone on the Sea shore gathering the pieces of an old Boat to burne the body
of his dead Master. What art thou that preparest the funeralls of Pompey the
great? Who I am that so officiously set the Authors memorie on fire? I hope
the question hath in it more of wonder than disdaine.
Wonder indeed the Reader may, that I who professe my selfe artlesse
should presume with my faint light to shew forth his life, whose very name
makes it illustrious; but be this to the disadvantage of the person represented,
certaine I am, it is much to the advantage of the beholder; who shall see the
Authors picture in a naturall dresse, which ought to beget faith in what is
spoken, for he that wants skill to deceive, may safely be trusted.
And though it may be my fortune to fall under some censures for this undertaking,
yet I am pleased in a beliefe I have, that if the Authors glorious
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spirit which is now in heaven can have the leasure to look downe, and seehis meanest friend in the midst of his officious duty, he will not disdaine my
well meaning sacrifice to his memory. For whilst his conversation made me
and many others happy below, I know his humility and gentleness was
eminent: And I have heard Divines say, those vertues that are but sparks on
earth, become great and glorious flames in heaven.
He was borne in LONDON, of good and vertuous Parents; And though
his own learning and other multiplied merits, may justly seeme sufficient to
dignifie both himselfe and posteritie; yet Reader be pleased to know, that his
Father was masculinely and lineally descended from a very ancient Family
in Wales, where many of his name now live, that have and deserve great reputation
in that Countrey.
By his Mother he was descended from the Family of the famous Sir Thomas
More, sometimes Lord Chancellor of England; and also from that worthy
and laborious Judge Rastall, who left behind him the vast Statutes of the
Lawes of this Kingdome, most exactly abridged.
He had his first breeding in his Fathers house, where a private Tutor had
the care of him, till he was nine yeares of age; he was then sent to the Universitie
of Oxford, having at that time a command of the French and Latine
Tongues, when others can scarce speak their owne.
There he remained in Hart Hall, having for the advancement of his studies,
Tutors in severall Sciences to instruct him till time made him capable,
and his learning exprest in many publique Exercises, declared him fit to receive
his first Degree in the Schooles, which he forbore by advise from his
friends, who being of the Romish perswasion, were conscionably averse to
some parts of the Oath, alwayes tendred and taken at those times.
About the fourteenth yeare of his age, he was transplanted from Oxford
to Cambridge, where that he might receive nourishment from both soiles
he staid till his seventeenth yeare. All which time he was a most laborious
Student, often changing his studies, but endeavouring to take no Degree for
the reasons formerly mentioned.
About his seventeenth yeare he was removed to London, and entred into
Lincolnes Inne, with an intent to study the Law, where he gave great testimonies
of wit, learning, and improvement in that profession, which never
served him for any use, but onely for ornament.
His Father died before his admission into that Society, and being a Merchant
left him his Portion in money which was 3000.li. His Mother, and
those to whose care he was committed, were watchful to improve his knowledge,
and to that end appointed him there also Tutors in severall Sciences,
as the Mathematicks and others, to attend and instruct him. But with these
Arts they were advised to instill certaine particular principles of the Romish
Church, of which those Tutors though secretly profest themselves to be
members.
They had almost obliged him to their faith, having for their advantage,
besides their opportunity, the example of his most deare and pious Parents,
which was a powerfull perswasion, and did work upon him, as he professeth
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in his PREFACE to his Pseudo Martyr.He was now entred into the nineteenth yeare of his age, and being unresolved
in his Religion, though his youth and strength promised him a long
life yet he thought it necessary to rectifie all scruples which concerned that:
And therefore waving the Law, and betrothing himselfe to no art or profession,
that might justly denominate him, he began to survey the body of Divinity,
controverted between the Reformed and Roman Church. And as Gods
blessed Spirit did then awaken him to the search; and in that industry did never forsake
him, they be his owne words So he calls the same Spirit to witness to his Protestation,
that in that search and disquisition he proceeded with humility and diffidence in himselfe,
by the safest way of frequent Prayers, and indifferent affection to both parties. And
indeed, Truth had too much light about her, to be hid from so sharp an Inquirer;
and he had too much ingenuity, not to acknowledge he had seen her.
Being to undertake this search, he beleeved the learned Cardinal Bellarinine
to be the best defender of the Roman cause: and therefore undertook the examination
of his reasons. The cause was waighty, and wilfull delaies had been
inexcusable towards God and his own conscience; he therfore proceeded with
all moderate haste; And before he entred into the twentieth yeare of his age,
did shew the Deane of Gloucester all the Cardinalls Works marked with
many waighty Observations under his own hand, which Works were bequeathed
by him at his death as a Legacy to a most deare friend.
About the twentieth yeare of his age, he resolved to travell; And the Earle
of Essex going to Cales, and after the Iland voyages, he took the advantage of
those opportunities, waited upon his Lordship, and saw the expeditions of
those happy and unhappy imployments.
But he returned not into England, till he had staid a convenient time, first
in Italy, and then in Spaine, where he made many usefull Observations of
those Countries, their Lawes, and Government, and returned into England
perfect in their Languages.
Not long after his returne, that exemplary pattern of gravity and wisdome,
the Lord Elsmore, Lord Keeper of the great Seale, and after Chancellor of England,
taking notice of his Learning, Languages, and other abilities, and much
affecting both his person and condition, received him to be his chiefe Secretarie,
supposing it might be an Introduction to some more waighty imployment
in the State, for which his Lordship often protested he thought him
very fit.
Nor did his Lordship account him so much to be his servant, as to forget
hee had beene his friend; and to testifie it, hee used him alwayes with much
curtesie, appointing him a place at his owne Table, unto which he esteemed
his company and discourse a great ornament.
He continued that employment with much love and approbation, being
daily usefull and not mercenary to his friends, for the space of five yeares:
In which time, he I dare not say unfortunately fell into such a liking, as
with her approbation increased into a love with a young Gentlewoman,
who lived in that Family, Neece to the Lady Elsmore, Daughter to Sir George
More, Chancellor of the Garter, and Lieutenant of the Tower.
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Sir George had some intimation of their increasing love; and the better toprevent it; did remove his Daughter to his owne house; but too late; by reason
of some faithfull promises interchangeably past, and inviolably to be
kept between them.
Their love a passion, which of all other Mankind is least able to command,
and wherein most errors are committed was in them so powerfull,
that they resolved, and did marry without the approbation of those friends
that might justly claime an interest in the advising and disposing of them.
Being married, the newes was in favour to M. Donne, and with his allowance
by the Right Honourable Henry then Earle of Northumberland, secretly
and certainly intimated to Sir George More, to whom it was so immeasurably
unwelcome, that as though his passion of anger and inconsideration should
exceed theirs of love and error he ingaged his sister the Lady Elsmore to joyn
with him to procure her Lord to discharge M. Donne the place he held under
his Lordship. And although Sir George were remembred that Errors might
be over-punisht, and therefore was desired to forbeare, till second considerations
had cleered some scruples, yet he was restlesse untill his suit was granted;
and the punishment executed; The Lord Chancellor then at M. Donnes
dismission protesting, he thought him a Secretary fitter for a King then a
Subject.
But this physick of M. Donnes dismission was not strong enough to purge
out all Sir George his choler, who was not satisfied, till M. Donne, and his Compupill
in Cambridge that married him, M. Samuel Brooke, who was after D.
in D. and Master of Trinity Colledge in that University and his brother M.
Christopher Brook of Lincolns Inne, who gave M. Donne his Wife, and witnessed
the Mariage were all committed to severall Prisons.
M. Donne was first inlarged, who neither gave rest to his body; his braine,
nor any friend, in whom he might hope to have any interest, untill he had
procured the inlargement of his two imprisoned friends.
He was now at liberty, but his dayes were still cloudie, and being past this
trouble, others did still multiply, for his Wife to her extreame sorrow was
detained from him. And though with Iacob, he endured not a hard service for
her, yet he lost a good one, and was forced to get possession of her by a long
suit in Law, which proved very chargeable, and more troublesome.
It was not long, but that Time and M. Donnes behaviour which when it
would intice, had a strange kind of irresistible art had so dispassioned his
Father in Law, That as the world had approved his Daughters choice, so he
also could not choose but see a more then ordinary merit in his new Sonne,
which melted him into so much remorse, that he secretly laboured his sons
restauration into his place, using his owne, and his sisters power, but with no
successe; The Lord Chancellor replying, That although he was unfainedly
sorry for what he had done, yet it stood not with his credit to discharge and
re-admit servants, at the request of passionate Petitioners.
Within a short time, Sir George appeared to be so far reconciled, as to wish
their happinesse; or say so And being asked for his paternal blessing, did not
deny it; but refused to contribute any meanes that might conduce to their
livelyhood.
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M. Donnes Portion was the greatest part spent in many and chargeabletravels, the rest disburst in some few Books, and deare bought experience;
he out of all imployment, that might yeeld a support for himselfe and Wife,
who had been curiously and plentifully educated; his nature generous, and
her accustomed to confer, not to receive curtesies. These and other considerations,
but chiefly that his deare Wife was to bear a part in his sufferings,
surrounded him with many and sad thoughts, and some apparent apprehensions
of want.
But his sorrow was lessened, and his wants prevented by the seasonable
curtesies of their noble Kinsman Sir Francis Wally of Pixford, who intreated
them to a co-habitation with him; where they remained with very much
freedome to themselves, and equall content to him for many yeares. And as
their charge increased, she had yearly a child so did his love and bounty.
With him they continued till his death: a little before which time Sir Francis
was so happy as to make a perfect reconciliation betwixt that good man
Sir George More and his forsaken sonne and daughter, Sir George then giving
Bond to pay M. Donne 800. l. at a certain day as a Portion with his wife, and
to pay him for their maintenance 20. l. quarterly, as the Interest of it untill
the said Portion were paid.
Most of those yeares that he lived with Sir Francis, he studied the Civil and
Canon Lawes: In which he acquired such a perfection as was judged to
hold some proportion with many, who had made that study the imployment
of their whole life.
Sir Francis being dead, and that happy family dissolved; M. Donne tooke a
house at Micham neere unto Croydon in Surrey where his wife and family
remained constantly: and for himselfe having occasions to be often in
London he tooke lodgings neere unto White-hall, where he was frequently
visited by men of greatest learning and judgement in this Kingdome; his
company being loved, and much desired by many of the Nobility of this
Nation, who used him in their counsels of greatest considerations.
Nor did our owne Nobility onely favour him, but his acquaintance and
friendship was usually sought for by most Ambassadors of forraigne Nations,
and by many other strangers, whose learning or employment occasioned
their stay in this Kingdome.
He was much importuned by friends to make his residence in London,
which he could not doe, having setled his dear wife and children at Micham,
whither he often retired himselfe, and then studied incessantly some Points of
Controversie. But at last the perswasion of friends was so powerfull, as to
cause the removall of himselfe and family to London; where that honourable
Gentleman Sir Robert Drury assigned him a very convenient house rentfree,
next his own in Drury-lane, and was also a daily cherisher of his studies,
and such a friend as sympathiz'd sympathized with him and his; in their joy and sorrow.
Divers of the Nobility were watchfull and solicitous to the King for some
preferment for him. His Majesty had formerly both knowne, and much valued
him, and had given him some hopes of a State employment, being much
pleased that M. Donne attended him, especially at his meales, where there was
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usually many deep discourses of Learning, and often friendly disputes of Religionbetwixt the King and those Divines whose places required their attendance
on his Majestie: Particularly, the Right Reverend Bishop Montague,
then Deane of the Chappel, who was the publisher of the eloquent and
learned Works of his Majestie and the most learned Doctor Andrewes, then
his Majesties Almoner, and at his death Bishop of Winchester.
About this time grew many disputes in England, that concerned the
Oath of Supremacy and Allegeance, in which the King had appeared and
ingaged himselfe by his publique writings now extant. And his Majestie
occasionally talking with M. Donne concerning many of those Arguments
urged by the Romanists, apprehended such a validity and cleerenesse in his
answers, that he commanded him to state the Points, and bring his Reasons
to him in writing; to which he presently applyed himselfe, and within sixe
weeks brought them to his Majestie fairely written under his owne hand, as
they be now printed in his Pseudo-Martyr.
When the King had read and considered that Book, he perswaded M.
Donne to enter into the Ministery, to which he appeared and was un-inclinable,
apprehending it such was his mistaking modesty too weighty for his
abilities. But from that time, though many friends mediated with his Majestie
to prefer him to some civil employment, to which his education had
apted him yet the King denied their requests, and having a discerning spirit
replyed, I know M. Donne is a learned man, an excellent Divine, and will prove a
powerfull Preacher. After that, as he professeth, the King descended almost to
a solicitation of him to enter into sacred Orders, which though he denied
not, he deferred for the space of three yeares: All which time he applyed himselfe
to an incessant study of Textuall Divinity, and attained a greater perfection
in the learned Languages, Greek and Hebrew.
Forwardnesse and inconsideration could not in him as in many others
argue an insufficiencie; for he considered long, and had many strifes within
himselfe concerning the strictnesse of life, and competencie of learning required
in such as enter into sacred Orders: And doubtlesse considering his
owne demerits did with meek Moses humbly aske God, Who am I? And if
he had consulted with flesh and bloud, he had not put his hand to that holy
plough: But God who is able to prevaile, wrastled with him, as the Angel
did with Iacob, and marked him for his owne, marked him with a blessing,
a blessing of obedience to the motions of his blessed Spirit; And then as he
had formerly asked God humbly with Moses, Who am I? So now being inspired
with the apprehension of Gods mercies he did ask King Davids thankfull
question, Lord who am I that thou art so mindfull of me? So mindfull of me as
to lead me for more then forty years through a wildernesse of the many temptations
and various turnings of a dangerous life? So mindfull as to move the
learnedst of Kings to descend to move me to serve at thine Altar? So merciful
to me as to move my heart to embrace this holy motion? Thy motions I will
embrace, take the cup of salvation, call upon thy Name, and preach thy Gospell.
Such strifes as these S. Augustine had when S. Ambrose indeavoured his conversion
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to Christianity, with which he confesseth he acquainted his dearefriend Alippius. Our learned Author a man fit to write after no meane Copy
did the like; and declaring his intentions to his deare friend D. King the then
worthy Bishop of London, who was Chaplaine to the Lord Chancellor in
the time of his being his Lordships Secretary That Reverend Bishop most
gladly received the newes, and with all convenient speed ordained him Deacon
and Priest.
Now the English Church had gained a second S. Augustine, for I think none
was so like him before his conversion, none so like S. Ambrose after it. And if
his youth had the infirmities of the one Father, his age had the excellencies of
the other, the learning and holinesse of both.
Now all his studies which were occasionally diffused were concentred in
Divinity; Now he had a new calling, new thoughts, new imployment for
his wit and eloquence. Now all his earthly affections were changed into divine
love, and all the faculties of his soule were ingaged in the conversion of
others; in preaching glad tidings, remission to repenting sinners, and peace to
each troubled soule: To this he applyed himselfe with all care and diligence;
and such a change was wrought in him, that he was gladder to be a doore-keeper
in the house of God, then to enjoy any temporall employment.
Presently after he entred into his holy Profession, the King made him his
Chaplaine in Ordinary, and gave him other incouragements, promising to
take a particular care of him.
And though his long familiarity with persons of greatest quality was such
as might have given some men boldnesse enough to have preached to any
eminent Auditory; yet his modesty was such, that he could not be perswaded
to it, but went usually to preach in some private Churches, in Villages neere
London, till his Majestie appointed him a day to preach to him. And though
his Majestie and others expected much from him, yet he was so happy which
few are as to satisfie and exceed their expectations: preaching the Word so,
as shewed he was possest with those joyes that he laboured to distill into
others: A Preacher in earnest, weeping sometimes for his Auditory, sometimes
with them, alwayes preaching to himselfe, like an Angel from a cloud,
though in none: carrying some as S. Paul was to heaven, in holy raptures;
enticing others, by a sacred art and courtship, to amend their lives; and all this
with a most particular grace, and un-imitable fashion of speaking.
That Summer, the same month in which he was ordained Priest, and
made the Kings Chaplaine his Majestie going his Progresse was intreated
to receive an entertainment in the University of Cambridge, and M. Donne
attending his Majestie there, his Majestie was pleased to recommend him to
be made Doctor in Divinity, Doctor Harsnet after Archbishop of York
being then their Vice-Chancellour, who knowing him to be the Author of
the Pseudo-Martyr, did propose it to the University, and they presently granted
it, expressing a gladnesse they had an occasion to entitle and write him
Theirs.
His abilities and industry in his profession were so eminent, and he so much
loved by many persons of quality, that within one yeare after his entrance
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into Sacred Orders, he had fourteen Advowsons of severall Benefices sentunto him; but they being in the Countrey could not draw him from his
long loved friends and London, to which he had a naturall inclination, having
received his birth and breeding in it: desiring rather some preferment
that might fixe him to an employment in that place.
Immediately after his returne from Cambridge, his wife died, leaving him
a man of an unsetled estate: And having buried five the carefull father of
seven children then living, to whom he made a voluntary promise being
then but forty two years of age never to bring them under the subjection of
a Step-mother: which promise he most faithfully kept, burying with his
teares all his sublunary joyes in his most deare and deserving Wives grave, living
a most retired and solitary life.
In this retirednesse, he was importuned by the grave Benchers of Lincolns
Inne, once the friends of his youth to accept of their Lecture, which by
reason of M. Gatakers removall was then void; of which he accepted, being
glad to renew his intermitted friendship with them, whom he so much loved,
and where he had been a Saul, not so far as to persecute Christianity, yet
in his irregular youth to neglect the practise of it to become a Paul, and
preach salvation to his brethren.
Nor did he preach onely, but as S. Paul advised his Corinthians to be followers
of him as he was of Christ; so he also was an ocular direction to them by
a holy and harmlesse conversation.
Their love to him was exprest many wayes; for besides the faire lodgings
that were provided and furnisht for him other curtesies were daily accumulated,
so many, and so freely, as though they meant their gratitude if possible
should exceed, or at least equall his merit. In this love-strife of desert and liberality,
they continued for the space of three yeares; he constantly and faithfully
preaching, they liberally requiting him. About which time the Emperour
of Germany died, and the Palsgrave was elected and crowned King of
Bohemia, the unhappy beginning of much trouble in those Kingdomes.
King Iames, whose Motto, Beati Pacifici, did truly characterize his disposition,
endeavoured to compose the differences of that discomposed State, and
to that end sent the Earle of Carlile, then Vicount Doncaster his Ambassadour
to those unsetled Princes, and by a speciall command from his Majestie
D. Donne was appointed to attend the Embassage of the said Earle to
the Prince of the Union: For which the Earle that had long knowne and
loved him was most glad: So were many of the Doctors friends, who feared
his studies, and sadnesse for his wives death, would as Iacob sayes, make his
dayes few, and respecting his bodily health evill too.
At his going, he left his friends of Lincolnes Inne, and they him with many
reluctations; For though he could not say, as S. Paul to his Ephesians,
Behold, you to whom I have preacht the kingdome of God, shall henceforth see my face no
more; yet he being in a Consumption questioned it, and they feared it, considering
his troubled minde, which, with the helpe of his un-intermitted studies,
hastned the decayes of his weake body; But God turned it to the best,
for this imployment did not onely divert him from those serious studies and
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sad thoughts, but gave him a new and true occasion of joy, to be an eye-witnesseof the health of his honoured Mistris, the Queene of Bohemia, in a forraigne
Land, who having formerly knowne him a Courtier was most glad
to see him in a Canonicall habit, and more glad to be an eare-witnesse of his
most excellent and powerfull preaching.
Within fourteen moneths he returned to his friends of Lincolnes Inne,
with his sorrowes much moderated, and his health improved.
About a yeare after his returne from Germany, Dr. Cary was made Bishop
of Exeter, and by his removall; the Deanry of S. Pauls being vacant, the King
appointed Doctor Donne to waite on him at dinner the next day; And his
Majesty being set downe before he eat any meat, said after his pleasant
manner Doctor Donne, I have invited you to dinner. And though you sit not downe with
me, yet I will carye to you of a dish that I know you love; you love London well, I doe therefore
make you Deane of Pauls; take your meate home to your study, say grace, and much
good may it doe you.
Immediately after he came to his Deanry, he imployed workmen to repaire
the Chappel belonging to his house; Suffering as holy David once vowed
his eyes and temples to take no rest, untill he had first beautified the house of God.
The next quarter following, when his Father in Law Sir George More, who
now admired and dearly loved him, came to pay him the conditioned sum
of twenty pound, he denied to receive it. And said to his Father, as good Iacob
said when he heard Ioseph his sonne lived. It is enough, you have been kinde
to me, and carefull of mine, I am, I thanke my God, provided for, and will
receive this money no longer; And not long after freely gave up his bond of
eight hundred pound.
Presently after he was setled in his Deanry, the Vicarage of S. Dunstans in
London fell to him by the death of Doctor White, The advowson being formerly
given to him by the right Honorable Richard Earle of Dorset a little before
his death, And confirmed to him by his Brother the right Honorable
Edward Earle of Dorset that now lives.
By these and another Ecclesiasticall Endowment which fell to him about
the same time he was inabled to be charitable to the poore, and to make such
provision for his Children; that at his death they were not left scandalous to
his profession and quality.
The next Parliament following he was chosen Prolocutor to the Convocation,
and about that time, by the appointment of his Majesty, his gracious
Master did preach many occasional Sermons: All which he performed not
onely with the approbation, but to the admiration of the representative body
of the Clergy of this Kingdome.
He was once and but once clouded with the Kings displeasure; It was
about this time, occasioned by some malicious whisperer, which assured the
King Doctor Donne had preacht a Sermon that implied a dislike of his government,
particularly of his late Directions that the Evening Lectures on
Sundaies, should be turned into Catechizing, expounding the Commandements,
Beliefe, and Lords Prayer. His Majesty was the more inclinable to beleeve
this, for that about the same time a person of the Nobility of great note
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in the Kingdome, and favour with the King whom his Majesty knew DoctorDonne loved very much was discarded the Court, and presently after
committed to prison, which begot many rumors in the multitude.
The King suffered not the Sunne to set, till he had searcht out the truth of
this report, but sent presently for Doctor Donne, and required his answer to
the accusation: which was so satisfactory, That the King said he was glad he
rested not under that suspition. Doctor Donne protested his answer was faithfull
and free from all Collusion. And therefore begged of his Majesty, that
he might not rise being then kneeling before he had as in like cases he alwayes
had from God some assurance that he stood cleere and faire in his Majesties
opinion. The King with his own hand, did, or offered to raise him
from his knees, and protested he was truly satisfied, that he was an honest
man, and loved him. Presently his Majesty called some Lords of his Councell
into his Chamber, and said with much earnestnesse, My Doctor is an honest
man; And my Lords, I was never more joyed in any thing that I have done,
then in making him a Divine.
He was made Deane in the fiftieth yeare of his age; And in the fifty fourth
yeare, a dangerous sicknesse seised him, which turned to a spotted Feaver, and
ended in a Cough, that inclined him to a Consumption. But God as Iob
thankfully acknowledgeth preserved his spirit, keeping his intellectualls as
cleere and perfect, as when that sicknesse first seised his body. And as his
health increased, so did his thankfulnesse, testified in his booke of Devotions,
A book that may not unfitly be called, A composition of holy Extasies, occasioned,
and appliable to the Emergencies of that sicknesse, which booke being Meditations
in his sicknesse he writ on his sicke bed; herein imitating the holy
Patriarchs, who were wont in that place to build their Altars where they had
received their blessing.
This sicknesse brought him to the gates of death, and he saw the grave so
ready to devoure him, that he calls his recovery supernaturall. But God restored
his health, and continued it untill the fifty-ninth yeare of his life. And
then in August 1630. being with his daughter Mistris Harvy at Abrey-Hatch
in Essex, he fell into a Feaver, which with the helpe of his constant infirmity,
vapours from the spleene, hastened him into so visible a Consumption, that his
beholders might say as S. Paul of himselfe he dyes daily, And he might say
with Iob, My welfare passeth away as a cloud; The dayes of affliction have taken hold
of me. And weary nights are appointed for me.
This sicknesse continued long, not onely weakning, but wearing him
so much, that my desire is, he may now take some rest: And that thou
judge it no impertinent digression before I speake of his death to looke
backe with me upon some observations of his life, which while a gentle
slumber seises him may I hope fitly exercise thy Consideration.
His marriage was the remarkable error of his life, which though he had
a wit apt enough, and very able to maintaine paradoxes; And though his
wives competent yeares, and other reasons might be justly urged to moderate
a severe censure; yet he never seemed to justifie, and doubtlesse had repented
it, if God had not blest them with a mutuall, and so cordiall an affection,
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as in the midst of their sufferings made their bread of sorrow taste more pleasantlythen the banquet of fooles.
The recreations of his youth were Poetry, in which he was so happy, as if
nature with all her varieties had been made to exercise his great wit, and high
fancy. And in those pieces which were carelesly scattered in his younger daies
most of them being written before the twentieth yeare of his age it may appeare
by his choice Metaphors, that all the Arts joyned to assist him with their
utmost skill.
It is a truth, that in his penitentiall yeares, viewing some of those pieces
loosely scattered in his youth, he wisht they had been abortive, or so shortliv'd
that he had witnessed their funeralls: But though he was no friend to
them, he was not so falne out with heavenly Poetry, as to forsake it, no not
in his declining age, witnessed then by many divine Sonnets, and other high,
holy, and harmonious composures; yea even on his former sick bed, he
wrote this heavenly Hymne, expressing the great joy he then had in the assurance
of Gods mercy to him.