BISHOP AYLMER. 173 



concluded, we see that St. Paul thrusting that sex from the C H A P. 

 greater function and office, did not also disable it to execute 



the other. 



And as the Bishop was thus learned in the sacred Scrip- Conversant 

 tures, both in the knowledge of the original tongues, and ^Uiurch&quot; 

 the sound sense and interpretation ; so he had read the writers. 

 writings of the Fathers, and the history of the ancient 

 Church of Christ: whereby he came the better to know and 

 defend the pure and primitive doctrine in those times 

 wherein he lived, when the corruptions of Popery had so 

 overspread the earth. 



This learning in sacred things qualified him excellently An excellent 

 for the discharge of the ministerial function, and the teach 

 ing others the true Christian doctrine. And he frequently 

 and successfully preached it, both in Leicestershire, where 

 in King Edward s days he was the only preacher, and in 

 Lincolnshire, where he was Archdeacon ; and afterward at 

 London, and at the Court ; where he preached often ; and 

 especially when invasions were feared, and rumours of wars 

 were much spread and talked of: for he had a way of 

 preaching that would encourage and inspire with spirit and 

 life those that heard him. And sometime when fears were 

 put into people\s heads from the conjunction or opposition 

 of the planets, and from figure-casting, he had these words 

 in a sermon at Court, &quot; As long as Virgo [meaning the 

 &quot; Queen] is in the ascendent, we need fear nothing. Deus 

 &quot; nobiscum, quis contra nos ?&quot; And the Queen for this used 

 much to commend him. 



As he could also by his preaching raise fearful minds, A preacher, 

 and inspire them with courage in a good cause ; so in ap- q U fo d f n 

 plying himself to sinners 1 consciences, he would use all free- his judg- 

 dom and boldness, let the quality of his auditors be what it m 

 would. He could not endure temporising and flattery in a 

 preacher ; and reckoned other great abilities, as of learning, 

 integrity, zeal, and wisdom, to be necessary to such an one. 

 He said, &quot; that those that were preachers must be no milk- 

 &quot; sops, no white-livered gentlemen, [according to his fami- 

 &quot; liar way of expression,] that for the frowning and cloudy 



