248] A TOPOGRAPHICAL 



studies, with the aid of the numerous books in the Hebrew lan- 

 guage in Sion College. He now settled at Hornsey, in the vici- 

 nity of Islington, and in 1729 published his first work, entitled 

 " Erabhim; or Miscellanies, Christian and JudaicaJ." As a proof 

 of his gratitude to his patron and friend Sir Rowland Cotton, he 

 dedicated his work to him. This compliment was not misapplied; 

 for in 1631, Sir Rowland presented him to the rectory of Ashley, 

 in Staffordshire. 



In this comfortable situation, and blessed with competency, he 

 now considered himself settled for life ; and built a study in his gar- 

 den, at a convenient distance from his mansion. In this happy 

 seclusion he continued for twelve years to increase his biblical 

 knowledge, and apply himself to the study of the Holy Scriptures. 

 Thus employed the time passed agreeably away, but his studious 

 serenity was interrupted by the political change which took place 

 in 1642, and he was nominated a Member of the Assembly of Di- 

 vines appointed to settle a new form of ecclesiastical government. 

 He accepted this honourable trust from the most patriotic motives, 

 and although he contended on some points with many of the most 

 able innovators in the assembly, he had a favourable opinion of the 

 Presbyterian form of church government, 



In consequence of his nomination, he was obliged to reside in 

 London, and resigned his rectory, but obtained the presentation 

 for his brother Josiah. Soon after his arrival in London he was 

 chosen minister of St. Bartholomew's, near the Royal Exchange. 



The Assembly of Divines met in 1643, and our author made a 

 distinguished figure in the debates, and gave many proofs of his 

 learning and intrepidity in his opposition to many tenets which 

 some of the divines endeavoured to establish. His abilities re- 

 commended him to the notice of the Parliament; and when Dr. 

 William Spurstow was ejected from the mastership of Catherine 

 Hall, in Cambridge, Lightfoot was appointed in his place, and pre-r 

 sented to the living of Much Munden, in Hertfordshire. His resi- 

 dence at this time was at the upper end of Moor-lane. As he had, 

 like other favourite ministers, preached before the Parliament, most 

 of his sermons were printed, and in those eloquent pieces we see him 

 warmly pressing the speedy settlement of the Church in the Pres- 

 byterian form, which he cordially believed to be superior to any 

 other. When not engaged in his public duties, he employed his time 

 in preparing and publishing the several branches of his "Harmony." 

 In 1652 he took the degree of Doctor in Divinity, and in 1655 



