A MODEL For the maintaining of Students Of choice Abilities at the UNIVERSITY, and Principally in order to the MINISTRY. WITH EPISTLES & Recommendations, and an Account of the Settlement and practice of it in the UNIVERSITIES from the DOCTORS there.  
As also with Answers to such Objections as are most Plausible, which may be made against it.  
And with the Names of the trusties.  PROV. 3. 9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the first-fruits of thine increase. 
LONDON, Printed by I. H. for I. Rothwell at the Fountain in Goldsmiths Row in Cheapside. 1648.   

more conducing than another to the attainment of that great end, that way is most eligible, by wise and pious Christians; And although it is a laudable and necessary work to exercise Charity towards the bodies of distressed persons, yet those must needs be the most noble acts of Charity which concern the souls of men, seeing both the object of them is more excellent, and the effects more durable. And as the means instituted by Christ for the good of souls, is the erection and maintenance of his Church, and the supplying of it with an able and pious Ministry: So it hath been in all ages the care of those whose hearts have been touched with a sense of God's honour, and a fervent desire of the church's enlargement, to afford such liberal supplies and encouragements as might both prepare men for, and support them in the work of the Ministry. And these are the ends which have been principally aimed at by all, but all have not used the same means to those ends, nor are all means equally effectual: It is therefore our desire in this Model to make choice of such ways as to us seem most useful for the forementioned purposes: And because the foundation of the Work lies in the excellency of the natural parts of such as are designed that way (a few such being more worth than a far greater proportion of other men) it is therefore of great use, and we shall endeavour that it may be our great care, to single out such persons to whom God hath given the most high and promising abilities: Who, if they be placed under the most learned and godly Tutors we can find, and obliged as far as possibly we can, to a diligent and eminent improvement in knowledge of all sorts and solid piety, we conceive it will be no arrogance humbly to expect a more than ordinary advantage to the poor Church, which now, if ever, calls for Teachers of exquisite abilities; And because there are some Church-works of great concernment, which cannot be conveniently managed by such as are overwhelmed with preaching work (such as the resolution of weighty doubts and cases of conscience, the stopping of the mouths of gainsayers, and the like) it must needs be judged of great advantage to have some particular persons exquisitely fit for such works, both in regard of natural and acquired endowments, who should be set apart for them, and attend upon them without distraction. The rather, because there are divers men, peradventure not eminent for preaching gifts, who being wisely improved, may be very serviceable to other of the Churches necessities: And these are the chief intendments of the following Model: Yet, for as much as there may be divers towardly youths, of competent parts (though short of the eminency that some others attain to) and mean condition, who may be of good use in the Ministerial work, and seeing the ordinary necessities of the Church are not to be neglected, especially the condition of Ireland and Wales, and some dark parts of England, being so doleful and dismal, we hope it will be an acceptable work to lay in provision in this Model, whereby fit persons may be sent into those places, which by reason of their d●stance, many cannot, and others do not go into: We confess, as we shall not be wanting in our prayers and endeavours, as far as God shall enable us sincerely and impartially to look to these ends and ways propounded; so we cannot but hope in God that the bowels of many precious souls will be refreshed by these means. And we are confident whoever shall engage their hearts in this free-will-offering to God, will have no cause to repent of it, nor shall it be a grief of heart to any at the last day (when the rust of other men's silver shall rise up against them to their everlasting confusion) to have been the happy instruments of enlarging the Church, and propagating the Gospel, and saving of souls; and in this life also the generations to come shall call them blessed.  
Read and Approved, and appointed to be Printed by the trusties. Mat. Poole.   

To the Rich that love Christ, the Church, the Gospel, and themselves.  
Gentlemen,  
I Have here a happy opportunity to offer you an excellent benefit, by inviting you to an excellent duty. If receiving be unpleasant to you, how came you to be rich? If you like it, come while the Market lasts. Come before Thieves, or Fire, or soldiers have seized upon your perishing wealth, come before death hath taken you from all. You see here that Christ is contented to be your debtor, at the usury of a hundred for one, in this world, and in the world to come, eternal life. Mat. 19 29. If you are covetous, take this bargain, for all the world cannot help you to the like for your Commodity: If you are not covetous, you will not be tenacious of your money: The offer is so fair, and so unmatchable, that I know not what can keep you from accepting it, unless it be that you dare not trust the word, the Promise, the Covenant of Christ. And whom then will you trust? who shall keep your wealth? will you? But who shall keep you then? will you undertake to keep yourselves? Alas, how long? Is God to be trusted with the sustentation of the whole Creation, and the government of all the world, and with the lives of you and all the living, and with the prospering of your labours, and your daily preservation and provision? and yet is he not to be trusted with your money? you'll say you trust God? let us see now that you do not play the Hypocrites? If you are friends to Christ, you may see in the work here offered to you, your Master's name, and interest, and honour: It's certainly his voice that calls you to this adventure, and therefore never make question of your call. If you are friends to your country, now let it be seen: If you live an hundred years, perhaps you will never have a better opportunity to show it. If you are Protestants and love the Gospel, show it by helping to plant and water the Seminaries of the Lord. Perhaps you cannot dispute for the Truth, or preach for it yourselves: But you can contribute for the maintenance of some to do it: This then is your work, know it and perform it. You may have a prophet's reward, without being yourselves Prophets. Matthew 10. 41. At least therefore, show that you love yourselves, and that you love your money better than to lose it, by casting it away upon the flesh, and leaving it in the world behind you. If you can stay here always with it, then keep it: I speak to none but those that must die, and methinks such should be glad to learn the art of sending their wealth to meet them in another world. If you understand not that giving is receiving, and that the giver is more beholden, than the beggar, and that it is for yourselves that God commandeth you to give, and that the more you thus lose, the more you save and gain, you are then unacquainted with the reasons of Christianity, and the life of faith. I hope you are sensible of England's privileges, above the dark Mahometans or Indians, in the freedom of Ordinances, and plenty of receiving opportunities. And know you not that an opportunity of giving may be as great a mercy to you, as of hearing or praying, and should be as forwardly and thankfully accepted. He was never acquainted with the Christian life of doing good, that finds it not the most sweet and pleasant life. Though we must snatch no unsound consolation from our works, but detest the thoughts of making God beholden to us; yet we must walk in them as his way, Ephes. 2. 10. in which we are likeliest to meet him: he is likest to God, that doth most good, and that would do most. This is such an improvement of time and stock, that you may omit a Prayer, a Sermon, or a Sacrament for it, rather than omit it: you may violate the rest of a Sabbath to show mercy, Mat. 12. 4, 5. Your Lord and Master with a special remark hath set you all this lesson for to study. Mat. 9 13. But go ye and learn, what that meaneth, I will have mercy and not sacrifice And yet such is here the happy combination, that it is mercy and sacrifice, because it is mercy for sacrifice, that you are called to. And doubt not but with such sacrifice God is well pleased, Heb. 13. 16. Forget not therefore to communicate and do good. It is more blessed to give, than to receive, Acts 20. 35. For the nature of the work before you, consider, First, Is it not pity that so good a breed of wits as England is renowned for, should be starved for want of culture and encouragement? Secondly, Is it not pity that so many thousands of souls should starve in ignorance, or be poisoned by seducements, for want of cost to procure a remedy? And what abundance that may be saved by the Ministry of such as you maintain, may bless God for you as the helpers of their salvation. Thirdly, The necessities of the Church have of late called Students so young into the Ministry, that eminent Proficients in Languages, Sciences, Antiquities, &c. grow thin, and are in danger of being worn out, if there be not some extraordinary helps for chosenwits addicted to these studies. And what a dishonour, what a loss that would be to us, the Papists would quickly understand. Fourthly, The barbarous face of the Greek and other Eastern Churches tells us, what need there is of Learned Instruments, for the maintenance and propagation of the Truth. Fifthly, what abundance of colleges and Monasteries can the Romanists maintain, to fill the World with Missionaries of all sorts, which is the very strength of their kingdom. And is it not pity that a better work should be starved through our want of pious charity? and that Papists should dare us, and we be unfurnished with Champions to resist them, when we are furnished with so much evidence of truth, which yet may easily be lost by ill managing! Sixthly, If you are the servants of Christ, above all, you must now look about you for his Church and Ministry. For the Devil hath given you so strong an alarm, that he that now sits still, and runs not to his arms, to help the Church, is a traitor, and no true soldier of Christ. Papists are up, and Atheists and Infidels and Jews are up, and abundance of secret Apostates are up openly reproaching the Ministry, that privately deride Christ and the Scripture, and the life to come, (I know what I say to be too true) Quakers are up, and all the profane as far as they dare: And shall not we be up to further that Gospel and Ministry and Church of Christ, which so many bands of the Prince of darkness, are armed to assault. Let us discourage the Devil; by making an advantage of his assaults. Let him see that we never do so much for Christ and the Church, as when he assaulteth them with the fiercest or cunningest malignity. He that hath not so public a spirit, as to value the welfare of the Church, and the souls of men, before the fullness of his own estate, may go away sorrowful from Christ (as Luke 8. 23, 24.) but a true Disciple he cannot be. It would make a man's heart ache to think of the dark state of the world, for want of Preachers. Were it but the state of Ireland and Wales, it should move us to compassion. And now I offer it to your sober thoughts, as to men that are going to be accountable for their Talents, whether you have a better way to dispose of your money, and a way that will be more comfortable to you at death and judgement. I would not have you unmerciful to your children: but if you think you may not lawfully alienate any of your Estates from them, you are far from the mind of the primitive Christians, that sold all and laid it at the Apostles feet. If you ask, why we leave you not to yourselves to be charitable where you see cause; I answer, First, there is so much difficulty in every good work, even in giving so as to make the best of it, that you should be thankful to those that will help to facilitate it. Secondly, Great works must have many hands. Thirdly, Conjunction engageth and encourageth, and draws on those in the company, that else would lag behind. What need we else associate for our Ministerial works of Instruction, Discipline, &c. and leave not every Minister to himself: In company we go more cheerfully, easily, regularly and prevalently. And should you not associate also in your duties?  
Well Gentlemen, seeing it is undoubted that the work before you is of great importance to the honour of Christ, to the welfare of the Church, to the Protestant Religion, to the souls of thousands, and to your own everlasting benefit, take heed how you refuse to do your best, lest God distrain on you before you are aware, and then hold it or your souls if you can. And say not but you were warned by a friend that would have had you have saved your money and your souls, by making the best of your Master's stock. And if what I have said do not persuade you, I entreat you to read a Preface to a Book that I have written to this purpose, called, The Crucifying of the World, &c. Read Gal. 6. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. Accept this invitation to so good a Work, from  
A servant of Christ for his Church, Richard Baxter. February 26. 1658.   

A Model for the Education of Students of choice abilities at the University, and principally in order to the Ministry. April 1. 1658.  

CHAP. I.  
Of the Contribution and contributors.  
§. 1. THat they, who through their affection to God's glory and the Churches good, in the advancement of Learning and Piety, shall be willing to contribute to this work, be intreited to signify their desires by way of subscription, that so it may be more certain in itself, and more visible and exemplary to others.  
§ 2. And because subscriptions of this nature, though happily begun, have heretofore failed, lest it should happen so in this case (whereby the whole design would be frustrated, and Youth● of excellent parts, hopefully planted at the University, forced to remove▪ besides many other inconveniencies) we do earnestly desire that God would stir up the hearts of those, whose: Estates will bear it, to subscribe for eight years or for more, or for ever, which we shall look on as a noble and eminent act of charity, and which present and future ages may have cause to bless God for, and as the most proper and only certain course to promote the intended design, and to prevent the forementioned mischiefs: Yet if any shall contribute any thing upon other terms, we judge it a very acceptable service, and we hope it will occasion thanksgiving to God on their behalf.  
§. 3. That the Name of every Contributer be fairly written in a Book of Velume appointed for the purpose, together with the sum which it shall please him to contribute to his Work.   

CHAP. II.  
Of the trusties.  
§. 1. THat the money collected be disposed of, and the election of scholars made by sixty trusties, whereof 36 to be Gentlemen or Citizens of eminency, and 24 to be Ministers in or within five miles of the City of London, of which number any seven shall make a Quorum, in ordinary cases, whereof three to be Ministers.  
§. 2. And because it is of great importance to the good of the work, that there be a special inspection into it upon the place, it is thought fit that there be seven trusties chosen for each University, who shall be entreated to take notice of the proficiency and deportment of the exhibitioners in the University.  
§. 3. That the trusties proceed in all things without partiality, as they shall judge best for the public good, and suffer not themselves to be biased from it by any favours or recommendations whatsoever: And particularly that in the election of scholars, or trusties, when there are any vacancies, the trusties declare themselves, that they will according to their Trust proceed therein with all fidelity and integrity: And that the Clerk put the Chairman in mind of it.  
§. 4. That when any one of the trusties dies, or refuseth to act further in the business, or removeth ten miles from London, or by the rest of the trusties is judged to deserve dismission from his Trust, the rest of the trusties, or any 7 of them, whereof 3 shall be Ministers (notice being given to the trusties of the meeting, and of the end of it) being met together, proceed to choose another: And that no Trustee be completely chosen at one meeting, but that he be nominated one meeting, and (if they see fit) chosen the next meeting: And that they choose one whom for wisdom, candour, activity, public-spiritedness, integrity, affection to Religion and Learning, and other necessary qualifications, they judge fit for the work: And that they choose a Minister in the room of a Minister; and upon the vacancy of one who is no Minister, that they choose one who is no Minister.   

CHAP. III.  
Of the Officers and expenses.  
§. 1. THat in the month of March yearly the trusties choose one of themselves being a Minister, who shall be desired from time to time for the year ensuing, to appoint meetings of the trusties; and to be present at all meetings and transactions, and to take special care to promote the work, and to keep correspondency with others in relation thereunto.  
§. 2. That the trusties in the month of March also choose a Treasurer (being a person of unquestionable fidelity) from year to year: And that the Treasurers or Collectors discharge shall be sufficient to any that shall pay the money: And that the Treasurer be accountable once a quarter to the trusties, or any seven of them (a meeting being called) whereof three to be Ministers: And that the Treasurer shall not dispose of any of the moneys, but according to the direction of the trusties or any seven of them (three being Ministers) at a general meeting assembled.  
§. 3. That a Clerk be chosen to be present at all meetings, to draw and enter all Orders made by the trusties, and keep the Books, and write such things as are necessary, as also a Collector to gather in the moneys, and to call meetings and do other necessary works, and that they have such salaries as the trusties shall think fit.  
§. 4. That all the charges incidental to the work, which the trusties shall judge expedient, shall be allowed out of the Stock.   

CHAP. IV.  
Of the quality of the scholars to be chosen.  
§. 1. THat the scholars to whom the exhibitions shall be granted, be chosen out of the University, or out of Schools, as the trusties from time to time shall judge most fit, and that strict enquiry and diligent examination be made, and all possible care used that fit persons be chosen, and that the Election be made by seven of the trusties at the least, whereof three to be Ministers, notice being given to the trusties of the meeting, and of the end of it. And that no scholars hereafter shall be chosen, but such as have been personally and diligently examined by three at least, being either of the trusties in London (who are scholars) or of the University trusties, or of such as shall be chosen and desired by the trusties to examine Candidates, &c. and attested by their hands. And that no Certificate be owned from the Universities, but such as comes from known persons, or from such persons as some of the University trusties shall attest to.  
§. 2. That the scholars to be chosen, be of Godly life, or at the least, hopeful for godliness, of eminent parts, of an ingenuous disposition, and such as are poor, or have not a sufficient maintenance any other way: That not only the pregnancy, but the solidity of their parts be observed. And that a special regard be had to godliness.  
§. 3. And, although our great aim in this work be, the bringing up of scholars of eminent parts and learning, and the supplying of the Church with choice Ministers, and such, as through God's blessing may be pillars of the Church; yet because the ordinary necessities of the Church also are to be provided for, and the sad condition of dark corners, both in Ireland and Wales, and several parts of England cries loud for out assistance; the trusties therefore may (after provision made for the forementioned ends, as far as they shall think fit) choose some scholars of Godly life, and good parts (though it may be their parts rise not to that eminency which some others attain to) in order to the supply of such desolate and necessitous places and Congregations.  
§. 4. That the exhibitions be generally given to such as intend the Ministry, and direct their studies that way; yet so, as that the trusties may upon weighty reasons and sparingly dispose of some of them, to such, as, though not intending the Ministry, may be other ways eminently serviceable to the Church or commonwealth.  
§. 5. And whereas divers scholars after four years' continuance in the university, being raised to an higher degree, which they cannot support, are forced to remove and betake themselves to Schools or to enter into the Ministry, through necessity, raw and unfurnished, to their own perpetual discouragement, and to the great mischief of the Church; that a special regard be had to such of them as during their continuance, have given the best proof of their parts, learning and godliness, and they be enabled to continue four years after their degree of bachelor, whereby they may be solemnly prepared and well fitted for that weighty work.   

CHAP. V.  
Of the education of the scholars.  
§. 1. THat the exhibitioners shall be obliged to study to be eminent in the Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and other Oriental Languages, and in the several Arts and Sciences, so far forth as their genius' will permit.  
§. 2. That over and besides their ordinary University exercises, they be tied to special exercises in those things as shall be thought fit by the trusties, and others whom they shall advise with. And that when the trusties shall think fit, two or three be picked out of the Students to come up to London (their charges being born) to do some learned exercises in the City, that so the contributors may see some fruit of their cost, and others may be excited and encouraged.  
§. 3. That their three last years be principally employed in the study of Divinity, and the praeparation of themselves for the work of the Ministry, such only excepted, as are mentioned, ch. 4. §. 4.  
§. 4. That such scholars as are taken from Schools, be sent to the University, and there placed under such Tutors as the trusties shall choose, who shall be, as near as may be, eminent for godliness and Learning and care of their pupils; who shall be entreated to have a special eye upon them, as to their godliness, and to press them to a diligent attendance upon all means public and private conducing thereunto.  
§. 5. That none of the exhibitioners be absent from their colleges above six weeks in a year, unless special leave be obtained from some of the trusties of that University.   

CHAP. VI.  
Of inspection over the Exhibitioners.  
§. 1. THat once in a year the trusties or any three of them (Whereof two shall be Ministers) go to the University, and there with the help of the University trusties, find out their profiting, and diligently inquire into their abilities and conversations, and encourage them accordingly.  
§. 2. That those Doctors of the University, &c. who are trusties, be desired (so far as they can) to take special notice of the Exhibitioners, and to inquire into their proficiency in their studies, and the godliness of their conversations, and admonish or advise them, as they see cause, and give notice to the trusties at London, when occasion shall require: Also that they be entreated to direct them in the course of their studies, and resolve them in difficulties, as need requires.   

CHAP. VII.  
Of encouragements to be given or denied to the Exhibitioners according to their Merit.  
§. 1. THat the Exhibitioners shall have such allowances as shall be judged expedient, according to their deserts, poverty, and standing in the University; and that such of them as most need and most excel in abilities and piety, shall besides their yearly allowance, have some consideration for their degree, when, and so far as the trusties shall conceive meet.  
§. 2. That after eight years standing in the University, the trusties and contributors do by themselves and friends endeavour to promote them to a place answerable to their merit.  
§. 3. That such of the Exhibitioners as shall at any solemn Examination, be found eminently to excel the rest, shall have such special encouragements as the trusties shall judge fit.  
§. 4. That when there shall be satisfying evidence of the idleness or dissoluteness or any depravedness of any of them, the trusties may, after admonition and trial, for so long time as they shall think fit, withdraw the Exhibition from them, and choose others in their places.   

CHAP. VIII.  
Of the model.  
§. 1. THat the alteration or addition of circumstances be left to the wisdom of the trusties, or any seven or more of them (whereof three to be Ministers) provided that notice be given to the trusties generally, of the meeting, and of the end of it, and provided always that the Substantials remain untouched, to wit, the bringing up of eminent scholars at the University, in order to the Ministry, and the selection of scholars for special uses, mentioned in the Ninth Chapter.   

CHAP. ix..  
Of the selection of some scholars for special uses.  
§. 1. THat provision being made for the maintenance of scholars in order to the Ministry, so far forth as the trusties shall judge necessary and sufficient, there be besides some fit persons selected and chosen by the trusties in the University, of sufficient standing and convenient leisure, and employed in that way wherein they are most eminent, one to be the Linguist, and principally for Greek, and for Jewish, and rabbinical learning; another the Historian, and Antiquary, especially for Ecclesiastical antiquity; another the Philosopher and Mathematician, another the Civilian, another the Polemical Divine (one or more if need be) another the practical and casuistical Divine, another well versed in all parts of Learning: And that each of these employ themselves (when occasion shall require, and the trusties, reasonably desire) in such works as shall be useful and necessary: And that they have such allowances as the trusties shall judge fit, and as the excellency of their parts and the nature of their work shall require. Or, if it be not thought expedient to maintain persons constantly for each of these, that any person or persons, be employed in any work which shall appear to be of great concernment and usefulness to the public good, and for which he or they are eminently fit, who shall have such encouragement as the trusties shall judge convenient. And to the end abuses may be prevented, it is resolved, that no money be disposed of by the trusties to any work, but such as eight of the trusties at least (being all scholars) and two at least of the trusties in each University, shall under their hands: declare that they judge to be such a work. And also that it be approved at a meeting of the trusties in London.   

CHAP. X.  
Of the encouragement of foreigners, & promotion of the Gospel abroad.  
§. 1. AND because there is a great desire in many foreign persons to learn the English Tongue, that so they may understand our English Divines, and be the more able to preach practically and powerfully to their people, which may much further the work of conversion and edification in foreign places; if it shall please any to contribute any sum or sums to this end, and with this desire; it shall be faithfully employed to that purpose, viz. To the maintenance of such foreigners, as being poor, are and shall appear to be most eminent for parts and learning and piety, who shall be maintained in London or one of the Universities, as shall be judged most expedient, for so long time as shall suffice for the forementioned ends.   
FINIS.   

The Names of the trusties.  

Christoph. Lord Pack  
Robert L. Tichburne  
Sir Thomas Andrews  
Sir Thomas Foot  
Sir Thomas Viner  
Maj. Gen. Brown  
Alderman Frederick  
Alderman Allen  
Alderman Tompson  
Alderman Milner  
Alderman Laurence  
Alderman Higginson  
Alderman Warner  
Alderman Love  
Andrew Ricard Esq  
Colonel Gower  
Tho. Bromfield Esq  
Tho. Arnold Esq  
Theo. Biddulph Esq  
Walter Boothby Esq  
Will. Pennoyer Esq  
Walter Bigg Esq  
Martin Noel Esq  
Maurice Tomson Esq  
Dr. Thomas Cox  
Deputy Johnson  
Mr. John Jurian  
Mr. Henry Spurstow  
Mr. Maskal  
Mr. Keate.  
Mr. Nath. Barnardiston  
Mr. Valent. Wanley  
Captain Story  
Mr. Brinley  
Mr. Crumlum  
Mr. Bathurst.   

Ministers.  
Doctor Reinolds  
Doctor Spurstow  
Mr. Ash  
Mr. caryl  
Mr. Calamy  
Mr. Jackson sen.  
Mr. Case  
Mr. Slater  
Mr. Clarke  
Mr. Cooper  
Mr. Arthur  
Mr. Tailor  
Mr. Manton  
Mr. jenkin's  
Mr. Griffith  
Mr. Watson  
Mr. Lye  
Mr. Jacomb sen.  
Mr. Jacomb jun.  
Mr. Bates  
Mr. Poole  
Mr. Whitaker  
Mr. Woodcock  
Mr. Vinck.    

A word to the Rich, that desire to give up their Account with comfort.  
SUffer I beseech you one word of exhortation, and with attention read a few lines which may be of everlasting concernment to you. I will suppose I speak not to Atheists, but to such as are possessed with a belief of an eternal estate of infinite happiness or misery: not to fools, but to wise men who would not wilfully neglect any thing, which is necessary to secure them from the wrath to come. It is also notoriously known, that the wilful continuance in the neglect of any one evident duty; or the commission of any manifest sin is sufficient to entitle a man to damnation, notwithstanding any professions of Religion or practices whatsoever: You cannot but know that many perish eternally, not for any gross wickedness visible to the world, but for sly and secret and unobserved omission sins, and that these are the only sins which our Saviour forms a process against in that famous representation of the last judgement, Mat. 25. And amongst those duties which men are most prone to neglect, are those which are difficult and costly and troublesome, which made Christ pronounce it so hard for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of heaven: And therefore you that are rich had need double your diligence to make your calling and election sure. And truly it is an unspeakable happiness (if the Lord give you hearts to consider it) that your riches wisely managed, may afford you a special and eminent evidence and assurance of God's love, and your own future happiness; forasmuch as if you freely lay out those riches that God hath graciously given you, for his glory, and the Churches good, it may be a notable and sound discovery of a lively faith, (which can part with present comforts in hopes of those future and unseen consolations) a fervent love to God and the brethren, a resolution to part with all for Christ, and a serious and true desire of salvation: As on the other side, it is a token of perdition, when a man's heart is glued to his riches, and the present evil world, when a man is so destitute of charity, that rather than part with his riches, he will suffer, bodies and souls to perish, and the glory of God to be turned into shame; I beseech you therefore by the bowels of God have compassion upon your immortal souls, make you friends of the Mammon of unrighteousness, throw not yourselves overboard to preserve your riches, from which you can expect no other requital, but this, that the rust of them shall rise up in judgement against you at the last day: and this duty I may the more boldly exhort you to, because, if you make use of your reason, you will find the performance of it is no way disadvantageous to you: for, as you will gain this excellent advantage, besides eternal salvation, that, that portion of your estates which you lay out for God, will be a means to sweeten, and secure all the rest to you and your posterity, so, by the doing of it you will lose nothing of substance, seeing that is most true and evident by daily experience which our Saviour saith; That the comfort of a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of what he possesseth. For what are riches, but for use, without which a man's chest hath as much good by his riches as he; and how can a man use them, but for his pleasure or credit, or posterity, or the like? and who knows not that many discreet men of competent estates between want and affluence enjoy more real pleasure in their estates, than they that have ten times a larger portion? and if a man look to his credit, let any impartial man judge, whether it more advanceth a man's reputation, sordidly to hoard up his riches to the dishonour of Religion, his own shame and contempt (whereby he live; lamented, and dies desired) or generously to lay them out in such ways as not only procure him favour with God, but respect from men here, and at last a Crown of glory that fades not away? and if a man aims at posterity, methinks this City hath afforded sufficient experiments to convince any ingenuous man, that the leaving of vast estates to children, doth commonly betray them not only to the greatest wickednesses, but also to manifold miseries, which they that carry their sails lower, and whose estates are nearer the golden Mediocrity are preserved from: I may added to all this that divers of you in this City may say with Jacob, with may staff I came over Jordan, and now God hath made me two bands. That God that hath brought down others, hath exalted you, that God that hath impoverished others, hath enriched you, and therefore, if others owe their thousands to God, surely you owe your ten thousands. Remember I beseech you, that hand that gave you your estates, can recall them when he pleaseth, and if you deny him the interest, he can revoke the principal. Remember you will not always have such opportunities: Ere long you and the poorest wretch must be upon the same terms, now you have an advantage over them, and a means to do God more special service: I shall trouble you no further, but only this, lay out your estates, but do it freely, not grudgingly, do it liberally, not sparingly: I shall not here determine that Question, whether God expects a tenth part of your estates to be employed in his service, and for public good. But thus much I may safely say, that where God sows liberally, he expects to reap liberally. And as God's Ministration to us under the Gospel doth exceed the legal Ministration, so I know no reason why our Ministration to God from our superfluities should not exceed theirs under the Law: And however men can easily deceive themselves here in things which concern their profit, yet I doubt not when men shall at last come to make a review of all their actions, their consciences will justly condemn them, not only for the total neglect of such duties, but also for the not doing of them in a fit and full proportion: For this particular occasion, I shall say nothing more than what is said in the Preface, and in these other annexed Papers: Consider what hath been said, and remember it comes from one whose design is not his own profit, (nor to lay a yoke upon you which he will not take upon his own shoulders) but merely that God may be glorified, and that, at that last day, fruit may abound to your account.  
Matthew Poole.   

An Answer to some Objections which may be raised against this Work.  
OBject. 1. This design is needless: Universities are for this purpose, What is all that means given there for, but to fit men for the Ministry?  
Answ. 1. So great is the scarcity of able and godly Ministers in the Nation, comparatively to the many places which are destitute of such (as all judicious persons observe) that it is a vain thing to expect a supply of the Churches necessities in an ordinary way: We see by experience, that although of late years the Universities have sent forth divers very hopeful persons into the Ministry, and although besides the ordinary allowances for Students there, divers exhibitions have been allowed by wellwillers to Religion and Learning, yet, all this not withstanding, there is still a great famine of the Word in divers places; especially in Ireland, Wales, &c. which are not so likely to be supplied, and which are here in a special manner provided for.  
Answ. 2. The main design of this Model is not barely to send forth Ministers, but to endeavour to send forth eminent Ministers; and whereas Universities are and must needs be (nor doth it in the least reflect disparagement upon them) like Lotteries, whither Students of all sorts come, some of good parts, and some of mean parts, and from whence (through the negligence of Students, and their forwardness in entering into the Ministry) divers come into the Ministry much unfurnished, to the grief and scandal of their University-Governours; here is a more certain course, care being taken, 1. To select choice wits. 2. To oblige them to a sufficient continuance, as also to extraordinary diligence.  
Object. 2. Good designs are generally perverted and abused to other ends than they were intended, and so will this in all probability degenerate into a business of faction and partiality, and favour and friendship.  
Answ. 1. We can neither foresee nor prevent all possible abuses, and much less all jealous surmises; but thus much is plain, that we are to do our duty, and to refer events to God's Providence, and however men's benevolences may be abused hereafter, contrary to their desires and intentions, yet God will accept of their sincere ends, and no less reward them than if they hid been never so religiously used.  
2. Here is abundant care taken to prevent partiality: The execution of it is committed to divers persons of different persuasions, of known integrity, wisdom and godliness; and care is also taken that when any die, there be a substitution of such other men in their places, and the trusties are engaged, not only by their promise, but by their judgements and interect to choose such men as themselves.  
3. The Feoffees, as they now are, so they will for ever be obliged to manage this business with all impartiality for the encouragement of lads of all parties (provided they be true to the interests of Learning and real piety) not only because they are conscientiously engaged to it, but also, because their interest and the advancement of the work will constantly oblige them to it▪ seeing if once partiality be observed in it, it will not only reflect upon the trusties, but also bring the whole business into disrepute.  
4. This objection strikes at all lasting good works, for how can a man settle any thing for any good work, but it may be abused; so that the effect of this objection should be not to prevent the doing of good works, but to make men cautelous how to do them in as safe a way as may be.  
Object. 3. It is better for a man to see with his own eyes, and to do with his own hands.  
Answ. 1. But then there is one doubt whether he can get any to put in good security that he shall enjoy his eyes and hands for ever, or else (if he be able and willing to settle something for ever) it must come into other men's hands, and therefore it is better to commit it to other men's hands while he lives, and may observe how they use it, than to commit it to them after his decease, of whom he had not experience in that kind.  
2. For the generality of contributors to such works it may be said without arrogancy, it is likely to be far better managed by a conjunction of heads and hands of wise, and honest, and learned men for the glory of God, and the good of the Church, than can be expected from one man.  
Plus vident oculi quam oculus, and as those small sprinklings of water which signify little when they are asunder, being united together into one River are very considerable and effectual to divers excellent uses▪ so those Contributions which being managed singly and dividedly are not so eminently useful, when they are united together, prove of great influence for a general good: and moreover, he that contributes in such a common way as this, doth not only an excellent piece of service himself, but also draws others along with him.  
FOr those Gentlemen or others in the country who shall be pleased to contribute, although we shall wholly leave them to themselves to give what they please, and in what way they please, and shall thankfully accept any thing given upon any terms, nor do we desire this business should be burdensome to any, yet we humbly offer to their consideration, that it will be a most excellent service, and most rarely useful for any (who can do it) to settle what they give, for ever, though it be in a less proportion, both because it is in itself likely to bring forth more fruit, and because it will be a good encouragement to others to contribute when they see a solid foundation laid which is likely to continue: And we hope they will not think it a wrong to their children to alienate some small proportion from them to the more immediate service of God, but rather a special means to procure a blessing from God upon the rest of their estates both to them and to their posterity.  
If it shall please God to put it into the mind of any to contribute, if they signify their desires to any of the trusties, especially to any of the Ministers, they may receive further information and direction as to any of the particulars.   

A TESTIMONIAL from some Oxford DOCTORS.  
THE great usefulness of human Learning and University education for the Ministers of the Gospel hath been abundantly evidenced, both from the powerful and happy influence of Ministers so qualified, in the Reformation of Religion, from the bondage and darkness of Popery, and also from the miserable consequence of the want and neglect thereof in persons undertaking the work of the Ministry: Besides those more noble infusions of Grace, there are two things of great necessity for the profitable discharge of the Ministerial work; to wit, a sufficiency of natural endowments, and acquired abilities. And it is the conjunction of these which throughly furnish the man of God unto every good work. We cannot therefore, but exceedingly approve of, and heartily bless God for that late design undertaken, and so considerably carried on through God's blessing by divers persons, for the encouragement of poor Scholars of greatest abilities and piety in the Universities: The rather, because we have frequently, with sad hearts, observed the miscarriage of persons of great hopes and eminent parts, through want of those means and helps which are necessary: And we heartily recommend it unto all the lovers of Learning and Universities, as that which (by God's blessing) is likely to prove of singular use, for the quickening of diligence, and provoking of emulation, and the growth of knowledge and piety: Nor do we know, how any, whom God hath enriched with talents for such a service, can lay them out to better advantage, than in such a way as this: And for the better encouragement of those whose hearts God shall incline to this pious work, we, whose names are here under-written, having knowledge of divers of the trusties, and having had experience of the management thereof, hold ourselves bound in Justice to give this testimony, unto those Gentlemen, to whose trust it is committed; that to the best of our observation, it hath been faithfully discharged according to the real worth of persons, without respect to parties: And it is sufficiently known, that there are divers Students already chosen by them in the Universities, who are persons of singular abilities, and of pious inclinations, whose poverty had exposed them to many inconveniences, and deprived the Church of that great benefit (which we comfortably hope for from them) if they had not been relieved by such seasonable succours. And we are further confidently persuaded, that as it hath been for the time past, so it will be for the future, the care of the trusties, to discharge that trust reposed in them, with all fidelity and conformably to their proposals and Declarations.  


Edmond Staunton, D.D.  
John Wallis, D.D.  
Dan. Greenwood, D.D.  
Hen. Langley, D.D.  
Seth Ward, S.S.T.D.  
Joshua cross, L.L.D.  
Thomas Barlow, C.R.P.  
Hen. Hickman.     

A TESTIMONIAL from some Cambridge DOCTORS and others.  
AS we cannot but sadly resent and lay to heart the many and great mischiefs, which have befallen the Church of God, through the miscarriage of such as being crude and unfurnished for so weighty an undertaking, have engaged themselves in the work of the Ministry: So we cannot but impute them in a great measure to the want of means for subsistence at the Universities; whereby such persons have been untimely taken from those breasts and fountains, whence by a continued use of the helps there afforded, they might have been stored with sound and well-digested knowledge, and thereby have not only prevented those difficulties and temptations, which their own ungroundedness doth often expose them to, but also become eminently serviceable in the Church of Christ, The consideration whereof affords us abundant occasion of blessing and praising God, for his goodness to his Church, as in continuing these schools of Learning, heretofore founded and established, so also in these late supplies by men of public Spirits conferred in way of exhibition, for the further encouragement and support of hopeful Students in the Universities. Which good and pious design, we do with thankfulness rejoice to see so far already put in execution, as that divers hopeful plants are thereby refreshed and made to flourish in these fruitful Nurseries, who else for want of so seasonable a supply, might soon have been withered and parched up, or constrained to an unseasonable remove, to their own and the Churches exceeding prejudice and disadvantage.  
But although there be a considerable number already chosen, and made participants of this beneficence, yet are there also many others still among us, truly deserving and really needing the like encouragement; which we doubt not but many will be the more ready and willing to promote, when they shall together with us, observe these hopeful beginnings, which promise (through the blessing of God upon them) a plentiful harvest to be reaped in due season. For we can truly testify that (according to the best of our observation) this matter hath been hither to managed, & the election of Scholars made according to their parts, piety and poverty, with much faithfulness and impartiality; as we hope also it will be carried on for the time to come.  


Anthony Tuckney.  
Tho. Horton.  
Benj. Whitchcot.  
Lazarus Seaman.  
Ralph Cudworth.  
William Dillingham.  
Thomas Woodcock.  
Joseph Hill.  
John Stillingfleet.     

IF it shall please any to settle something for ever they may conveniently do it in this way which hath been propounded to, and approved by skilful Lawyers. They may single out three or four of the trusties whom they can most confide in, and make them special trusties, and when any one of them dies, appoint the other three to choose another in his place, and may make all the rest of the trusties overseers, and in case those four trusties fail, that then it shall fall to all the rest of the trusties, and in case they fail, than it shall fall to any college or Company (whom the donor shall please to nominate) to be disposed of, according to the model: And in case it be perverted or alienated to any other use, than it revert to his heirs, &c.   

An Advertisement.  
Whereas it hath been suggested by divers & was supposed by some of the trusties, that the present settlement of this trust was not Legal (not being by way of Corporation) nor perpetual, it was agreed by the trusties that some very able Lawyers should be advised with; which accordingly was done, and the result of their discourse was this: That there were two ways for the selting of such a trust, frequently practised among us, and both unquestionably Legal; the one by way of Corporation, the other by way of feoffment, in which latter way we are for the present settled, and in which way some Hospitals, etc, are settled. This being an undoubted Principle in Law and Reason, that it is lawful for any man to give what he will, to whom he will, for what uses he will, unless it be to an use prohibited by Law, such as this is confessed not to be.   

An Account of the Scholars already Chosen.  
IN order to the practice of the things proposed in the model, three of the trusties, to wit, Mr. Manton; Mr. Thomas Jacomb, and Mr. Poole were by the rest of the trusties sent to the two Universities, to advise with the Doctors the trusties there, and to settle the business, which was done, and divers persons of known ability and fidelity were desired, and did willingly consent to take upon them the business of examination of all such poor Scholar as did propose themselves to trial: Upon which, divers persons of great hopes, were then and have been since examined: And out of them, such as gave the best satisfaction for Parts and Learning, and had the best report for Piety, were selected: And two and twenty are already chosen in each University; It being resolved to carry an equal respect to both Universities: Of whom some were through necessity already gone from the University, and now to their great comfort, and (we hope) the Churches great good, are settled again: Others were about to leave it, others forced much to discontinue, and all much discouraged and prejudiced by those pressing wants and difficulties they were overwhelmed with.  
FINIS.