52 
MEMOIR OP 
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 great 
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 be 
secure of him, and confident of his help and 
assistance, whatever distress or calamity might 
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 
