52 MEMOIR OF 



studies, and other employments, without any 

 intermission or diversion, that most of his inti- 

 mate friends were of opinion that he did much 

 weaken his body and impair his health by his inces- 

 sant labours and perpetual intention of his mind 

 upon business. He was eminent for virtue and 

 goodness ; and wherewithal so truly humble, that I 

 have never known any man of the meanest for- 

 tune or birth exceed him in that virtue. .He des- 

 pised no man for his poverty or mean parentage ; 

 honouring all men affable to the meanest, not 

 preferring himself before others, but condescend- 

 ing to men of low degree. He was so resolutely 

 sober and temperate, that neither the importunity 

 of company or pleasure of sense could ever tempt 

 him to excess. Of that exemplary chastity and 

 purity which not only condemned the dissolute- 

 ness of the age, but demonstrated the possibility 

 of restraining and regulating those motions and 

 desires which, of all others, are wont to be thought 

 most violent and inordinate. So scrupulously 

 just and righteous, that he had rather a greaf 

 deal suffer wrong than do any. So true to his 

 word and promise, that a man might safely ven- 

 ture his estate, and life too, upon it. So faithful 

 and constant to his friend in all conditions, as 

 well adverse as prosperous, that one might br 

 secure of him, and confident of his help an< 

 assistance, whatever distress or calamity migh- 

 befal one ; he never deserting any man, only 

 because fortune frowned on him, as the common 

 sort of friends are wont to do. Of so diffuse and 



