Imprimatur,  
Joh. Garthwait, Reverendissimo in Christo Patri, ac Dom. Dom. Richardo Archiepis. Eboracensi, à Sacris Domèsticis.  
Datum Episcopo. Thorpae, Sept. 11. 1668.   

 
Reverendus in Christo Pater, ac Dom. Dom. Thomas Dunelmensis Episcopus.  

Obiit Anno  Aetatis 
95.  Episcopatus 
44.  Salutis 
1659.    

THE LIFE OF Dr. THOMAS MORTON, Late Bishop of DURESME.  
Begun by R. B. Secretary to his Lordship. AND Finished by J. N. D. D. his Lordship's Chaplain.  
YORK, Printed by Stephen Bulkley, and are to be sold by Francis Mawbarne, 1669.   

To the Christian Reader.  
I Am not altogether ignorant that the Life of this Reverend, truely-religious, and learned Prelate (my dear Master Doctor Thomas Morton, late Bishop of Duresme, hath been Written by a Reverend Divine Dr. John Barwick (by the most gracious favour of King Charles our present Sovereign) promoted first to the Deanary of Durham; and after of Saint Paul's London, lately defunct (having been his Lordship's Chaplain) together with a pious Sermon thereunto annexed, which he Preached at the Funerals of the said Bishop: And I much rejoiced that he had taken the pains to Publish it in Print. But here I must make bold to manifest, That albeit he had been his Lordships, Chaplain; yet was it in his devex old Age, when he had been reduced to a Private Life, being cast out of that plentiful Estate of the Bishopric of Duresme, to which he had been advanced by that glorious Martyr King Charles the First.  
Whereupon I, who had been his Servant and Secretary for the space of 50. years (& quod excurrit) being quite outed of such Offices and employment, as I had under his Lordship, by these late woeful and destructive Times; did think with myself, that I could not better bestow some part of my still-decaying old Age, then in recollecting and laying together some such memorable particulars, as I had observed (of his Life) during my attendance on his Lordship; which thing I then undertook, and having finished it, after my rude Style; I sent it up to his Lordship, (then, though unwillingly, sojourning in Hartfordshire) for that I would attempt nothing in that kind, without his liking and approbation. And to his Lordship it was committed, and with him left; but by him the less minded, for that his thoughts were upwards, and Heavenly fixed. And here (as it seemeth) Dr. Barwick, who then and there attended on his Lordship, as Chaplain, did furnish himself with such passages, as (after) he had use of in the Writing of his Life, whereof he could not be better Informed.  
And because my Narration extended not further then till (about) the late unhappy and miserable breach between our late most gracious and Sacred Sovereign, and that most wretched, (so called) Parliament, (which fell out to His Majesty's eternal Honour, and their perpetual shame:) I therefore consulted with a Learned and Reverend Doctor 
a Doctor Joseph Naylor, Prebendary of Durham, and Rector of Sedgfield very lately deceased. , who then gave attendance on his Lordship (lodging in Durham-House in the Strand London) being one of his Lordship's Chaplains, and requested him to set Pen to Paper, and to Write what he had further Observed (upon thi● Subject) in those most difficult and funebrious times▪ Unto which Motion, h● most willingly condescended, (such was the Lov● and Honour which he bor● to his late Master an● liberal Patron) as wi● plainly appear by hi● Narrative hereunto, i● the end adjoined. And herewith I thought good to acquaint thee, Christian Reader: And so Farewell.  
R. B.   

Errata.  
PAge 24. l. 12. for Dialact, r. Dialect. p. 28 l. 6. for grada, r. gra●u. p. 31. l. 17. for Marshes, r. Marches. p. 68 l 5. for ●usa●, r. ausus. p. 80. l. 13. for flesh, r. flesh. p. 92. l. 12. for absteniousness, r. abstemiousness.   

The Life of THOMAS MORTON late Bishop of DURESME.  
IF the natalicious and Birth-places of most Noble and Victorious Princes, or the Cities where they put off their Princely Ornaments, submitting their Mortal Bodies to the Earth, their common Mother, may be accounted an Honour to such Places; Then may this Observation justly add some reputation unto him, whose Life (in part) I undertake to Publish: For he was Borne in 
a Where Septinius Severus expired his last, and the place of his Sepulture is known, at this day, by the Name of Severhill, near York: And long after him, that virtuous Prince Constantius, surnamed Chlorus, (both of them Roman Emperors) likewise died: And where also Constantine the Great, his Son, was borne; and after his Father's death had the Purple Robe cast upon him, and Proclaimed Emperor. And here Bellena, the Heathen Goddess of War had a Temple: Where also Probus Papinia●us, that famous Oracle of the Law. Prefissed, etc. as learned Authors, both Ancient and Modern, do consent.  YORK, that ancient City, on Tuesday the seventeenth day of March, in the year of our Lord 1564. and was the sixth Child of nineteen, borne of one Wife unto Mr. Richard Morton, a Religious, Wise, and well-governed Gentleman (Mercer, and Alderman of that City) in the most happy and prosperous Reign of Queen ELIZABETH of famous, and never dying memory.  
He was put to School to Learn the English Elements, in the same City, (so soon as his tender age permitted) where, as I have heard him say, were his Schoolfellows Mr. Thomas Cheek (after Knighted by King JAMES) Grandchild to that famous Scholar 
b Who was Schoolmaster unto that Religious Prince King Edward VI This Sir John Cheek was the honour of St. John's College in Cambridge, (as was his great Grandchild Mr. Henry Molle, Fellow of King's College, lately deceased) both of them in their times, Public Orators in that University. And this Mr. Henry Molle was Son unto Mr. John Molle, who died Prisoner in the Inquisition at Rome, after two and thirty years' durance, for the Testimony of the true Protestant Religion. Quos honoris causâ memoro.  Sir John Cheek) and Guy Faux, who afterwards proved that famous and fatal incendiary in that never to be forgotten GUN- POWDER- TREASON, which God Almighty, through King JAMES His singular and Divine Wisdom, most happily prevented and subverted.  
After a small time, he was sent to the Free School of Hallifax, in that County, under one Mr. Maud, than Schoolmaster there: And after a competent time, he was found fit for the University; and was accordingly placed a Student in St. John's College in Cambridge, whereof (then) was Master that incomparably learned Doctor William Whittakers, (whom but to Name is enough) unto whom, in a short time, he became known, and by him was encouraged in his Studies. He had two learned Tutors, successively, Mr. Anthony higgon's, (long after Deane of the Collegiate Church of Rippon in Yorkshire:) And Mr. Henry Nelson, afterwards Rector of Hougham, an un wearied Preacher of God's Word there, where he lived to see this his Pupil to be Bishop of Duresine.  
Now, after he had suffiently performed such Acts and Exercises, as by the Statutes of the House were required; he orderly took the degrees, first of Bachelor, next of Master of Arts in the University, and was after that Elected Fellow of the College, (Doctor Whittakers being his worthy Fautor, and Promotor) and not long after he became Logic Lecturer of the University, which Office he discharged to his exceeding commendation.  
Being now of mature years (his own inclination being promoved by the holy Spirit of God) he was admitted unto the Scared Order of Deacon, and the next year of Priest, by the right Reverend Father Richard Bishop of Peterborow, in the year of our Lord, 1592. and 1593. And having continued in the University about five years longer, he was (by God's Allseeing Providence) called into his native Country, for his provident Father had (at that time) sought out and procured a good Parsonage for him, called Long Marston, where he spent his time (as a good Pastor) in the diligent Preaching of God's Word, unto his Parishioners there, and sometimes in other neighbouring places, especially where they most stood in need of Spiritual comfort and instruction.  
In which Place, whiles he was Incumbent, he brought thither two learned, and hopeful Seholers▪ Mr. John Price; and after him, Mr. Matthew Levet, sometimes his Pupils in St. John's: the later afterwards, Prebendary and sub-Deane of the Collegiate Church of Rippon, a most painful and learned Preacher, and a careful Overseer of that Church and Flock committed to his Charge and Government, upo● whom afterwards, he collated a good Prebend in th● Church of Durham, whe● afterwards Bishop there.  
At this time, viz. 1598. Mr. Morton was called upo● to take the Degree o● Bachelor in Divinity i● St. John's College in Cambridge, when both by Preaching and Disputing in the Schools (pro gradu) he performed his task s● Learnedly (to his grea● commendation) that h● was not only held worthy of that Degree, but of an higher, which in due time followed.  
In the year 1602. he 
1602.  was made choice of by the right Honourable Ralph Lord Ewer, (who by Queen Elizabeth was selected Lord Ambassador to the Emperor, and King of Denmark) to attend on him for one of his Chaplains, Mr. Richard Crakanthorp, that exquisite Divine, was the other, (who long afterwards proceeded Professor of Divinity in Oxon, and among other learned Books which he Published, the last was, his Verè Cygnaea Cantio, that laborious and elaborate Answer to the Archbishop of Spalleto (than a renegado in Religion) his Consilium Reditus, which he indigitated Defensio Ecclesiae Anglican●. In this travail, Master Morton having leave to pass further into high Germany, there he saw and saluted some of the Jesuits Colleges, and amongst sundry others, that at Mentz, where one Mulhusinius, a learned Jesuit, and he, fell into acquaintance, and had conference together in certain Points of Religion: Which Jesuit then gave him a little Printed Tract, with an Inscription under his own Hand, To Mr. Morton, which I have seen: And at Colen he also was known to, and conferred with another learned Jesuit, called Nicolaus Serarius, who afterwards 
c Though he did it obliquely, because he had misnamed Baronius the Cardinal a Jesuit, as though that were a disparagement unto him; albeit, Tolet and Bellarmine, (both of them Jesuits) were dispensed with by the Pope's pleniporencie, to be translated into Cardinals, how strict soever the Rules of their Society were against it.  made mention of Mr. Morton in a book whic● he writ and Published, calling it Minerval, against that miracle of Learning Josephus Scaliger.  
In this Voyage, an● chief at Frankford upo● the Moene, he furnishe● himself with such variety of learned books (whereo● many were Pontifican Writers) as upon his return home became very useful to him for his Study, an● in the exaration of suc● Learned Works, (in Controversies agitated betwixt us, and the Papists) whic● in succeeding time, he Writ and Published, even almost during Life.  
Being returned into England, he became Chaplain to the right Honourable and noble Lord Roger Earl of Rutland, on whom he sometimes attended at Belvoir Castle, where (upon occasion) he Writ a Paper of Verses, which (as I remember) concluded thus:  

Bella, precor, (belvoir) nomen quià  
Bella-videri▪ Bella nisi fausto cum omin● ne videas.  
Quem Le● terruerit (quid eni●● nisi vota?) precamur,  
Hunc beet (o Belvoir) qua Rosa nostra domum.   
In the year 1603. fell 
1603.  that great and funebrious sickness of the Plague at York, whereof some thousands died; but the poorer sort of the Infected, wer● turned out of the City, an● had Booths Erected fo● them on Hobmoor●, near unto the City: For whos● comfort and relief, in tha● fatal extremity, Mr. Morton often repaired unt● them from Marston to preac● unto them the Word o● God, and to Minister consolation to their languishing souls; having witha● provisions of meat carrie● with him in Sacks, to relieve the poorest sort withal. But, as often as he went thither, he suffered not any servant to attend him, but himself saddled and unsaddled his Horse, and had a private door-stead made through the wall of his study (being the utmost part of the house) for prevention, lest he might bring the contagion with him, and endanger his whole Family. This was one of the works of mercy and charity.  
About this time he was made choice of by the right Honourable the Lord Sheffield, than Lord Precedent of York, to confe●● and dispute, in points of Religion, with one Mr. Young a Popish Priest (than Prisoner in York Castle,) and one Mr. Stillington a Gentleman of that persuasion; which Conference was held before his Honour, and the Learned Counsel, in the Manor house of York, where were also present many of the Knights and Gentry in the County. The main Point which was controverted, and disputed of, was, The Pope's infallibility of judging: In the handling whereof, his Adversaries were so gravelled and confounded, that Mr. Morton won the reputation of an able Divine, and acute Disputant. This Disputation was never hitherto Published, but is in their hands who may let it see the light now (especially) that both parties are defunct.  
In the year 1604. he 
1604.  he look his Journey to London, where, by the encouragement of the right Reverend and vigilant Bishop▪ of London, Dr. 〈◊〉 (who about this time w●● translated thence to t●● Archbishopric of Cante●bury, he Published his fi● labour, entitled, Apology Catholicae, Pars I. and De●●cated it to the said Arc● Bishop his noble Patro●● And about this time, t●● most Reverend Father God 
d Whom Campian the Je●uite thus mentioneth, Qui nu●c dominatur in concionibus, 〈◊〉. 5.  Toby Matthew Lo● Archbishop of York, th● famous Preacher, confe●●● on him a good Prebend that Metropolitical Chur●● for his greater advancement and furtherance in Divi●● Studies.  
And now intending to go forward with the second Part of his Apologiae, he was for a time constrained to supersede; for in the nick of this time, fell out that most horrible and execrable GUN-POWDER-TREASON, which yet (by the mercy of Almighty God) was even miraculously quashed, and overthrown. Whereupon Mr. Morton Published a little Tract, which he instiled, Dangerous Positions and Practices for Rebellion; proving, (out of the Jesuits, and other Pontifician Authors, that they forged and maintained those Positions of th● now Church of Rome, whic● were the grand work o● Treason and Rebellion against all Princes of Sovereign Powers, who had renounced and shaken off the Romish yoke.  
This being past, he Published 
1606  the second Part o● his Apologiae Catholicae, 
e A●●his tim●●e lo●ged ●● th● h●u●e of his honoured Kinsman S●r ●homas Vavisor Knight-marshal of ●is Ma●esti●s most honourable household.  Anno 1606. dedicating the same to King James of ever happy memory, a Prince o● incomparable knowledge in all kind of good Learning But having now raised a nest of pernicious hornets about his ears, by the Publishing of this Tractate (who manifested their pernicious malice and gall against our Church, by those virulent and stingy Pamphlets which they thrust out and dispersed:) This caused Mr. Morton, not long after, to write and Publish, His Full satisfaction concerning a double Romish iniquity, viz. Heinous Rebellion, and more than Heathenish Aequivocation: which Book was written in Answer to their Moderate Answer, (as they called it) whereof Mr. Robert Parsons the Jesuit was the supposed Author. And this Book likewise, Mr. Morton dedicated unto King James, at which time, His Majesty was pleased to let him know, how that his adversary Mr. Parsons, was dead, and gain to the Devil, as then was his Scottish Dialect.  
In the year 1606. he took the Degree of Dr▪ in Divinity in Cambridge, where then disputed against him in the Schools, that learned, mellifluous, and dexterous Disputant Dr. Thomas playfere, the Lady Margaret's Professor in that famous University, where Dr. Morton so learnedly and worthily carried, and demeaned himself, in that Disputation, That the Professor perorated in his just praise, these words, Laudent te Libri in portis, etc. In this Commencement, Doctor Morton Preached in St. Maries (pro gradu) upon that place of holy Scripture, Gen. 4. 16. Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, etc. At the same time, Dr. John Overall, the Reverend Dean of St. Paul's London, the King's Professor of Divinity adorned him with the Scarlet Habit and Ring, which are used on those solemnities for completing the degree of Dr. in Divinity.  
Not long after, the Deanary of Gloucester fell void by death, which (upon Archbishop Bancrosts commendation to the King) was conferred upon Doctor Morton. About which season, travelling toward Gloucester by Oxon (the Act there being then kept) he was welcomed, and highly esteemed by that thrice learned and famous Doctor John Raynolds, Precedent of Corpus Christi College, and with much Academical Honour, incorporated Doctor in that famous University; where he was likewise much honoured by many other Learned Doctors there, as, Dr. John King Deane of Christ Church, that most powerful Preacher, (his ancient friend) afterwards the most worthy Bishop of London; Dr. Ayrey, the Learned Provost of Queen's College; Dr. Aiglionbee, head of Heart's hall, & with many other Learned and Religious Doctors.  
At which time there disputed (pro gradu Magistri) that hopeful Scholar Mr. Daniel Featley Fellow of Corpus Christi College, who carried himself so quickly, and learnedly in his disputing, that he was very much admired and applauded (among others) by Dr. Morton, for his singular ability in the performance of that exercise, as he most justly deserved. And indeed (afterwards) he became a most able Divine, and singular disputant, as was well known to many that were able to judge; yea, and Dr. Smith (who by the Pope's negative bounty, was after made the titular Bishop of Chalcedon) felt the weight of his arm, and of those great abilities wherewith God had enabled him, when as Dr. Featley (being Chaplain to Sir Th●mas edmond's Knight, His Majesty's Ambassador Legier to Henry IV▪ the French King) he disputed in Paris (before a select Company of English, and divers others) with the said Dr. Smith in sundry Points of Religion, to the overthrow, and confusion of his Adversary. This Dr. Featley was ever after in high favour and esteem with Dr. Morton, who was his great Benefactor. But since, alas! is dead that learned Divine; but when, and where, posterity may with just grief 
f For notwithstanding bis true and known worth, he was exuted (in those late destructive times) of his Ecclesiastical preform nis, and amongst many others, imprisoned in the Lord Peter's House in Aldersgate London, where falling very sick; at last, he had leave to take fresh Air in the Country, where after a short time. be expired.  record. Yet in testimony of his singular love, and the Reverend Affection which he bore to Dr. Morton, he wrote and Published (among many other elaborate Pieces) a learned book, which he dedicated to Dr. Morton, then Bishop of Durham.  
Whilst Dr. Morton was Deane of Gloucester, it pleased the Right Honourable the Lord Eure, Lord Precedent of Wales, to nominate and assume him to be one of his Majesty's Council for the Mar●hes of Wales; which dignity he enjoyed, whilst Deane there; in which Deanary succeeded him, that most Learned Divine and Writer Dr. Richard Field.  
Now within three years, viz. 1609. was vacant the Deanary of Winton, by the preferment of Dr. George Abbot from that Deanary, to the Bishopric of Coventry and Leichfeild. To the which Deanary he was designed by the Kings most gracious favour, with the congratulation and furtherance of his best friends in Court, especially of that incomparably Learned Prelate Dr. Lancelot Andrew's, than Bishop of Elie, His Majesty's great Almoner. And about this very season Dr. Sibrandus Lubbertus, Professor of Divinity at Franckar in West Friesland, writ a learned Tractate in Latin against the Arminian Faction, then much prevailing in the Netherlands; which Book he inscribed to Dr. Morton Deane of Winton: for which honour, the Deane returned him many thanks in a Latin Epistle, wherein he refuted those heterodox Opinions, which we●● then on foot.  
About this time, he wri● that elaborate and learned work, which he entitled The Appeal; And almost at the same time, was vented by Mr. Brierley Priest his Book called, The Protessants Apology; but know● it was, that he had plowe● with Deane Morton's Heifer (or Book) then in the Press at London: yet was he as quickly answered by the Dean, (at the same time) so much as especially concerned the doctrinal Part thereof.  
This task, of Writing this last Book, was imposed on him by that vigilant Prelate Arch Bishop Bancroft; and the examination of the testimonies of the Authors quoted in his Appeal, was committed unto Mr. Thomas James, (that indesa●igable and laborious Keeper of the public and famous Library in Oxon) and to sundry other Learned Divines of that University: but was afterwards finished in his private Library in the Deanary house of St. Paul's London, where he then re●ided, Dr. Overall his reverend friend being Deane there. At which time, he was sought out and acquainted with that truly noble and bountiful Knight Sir George Morton of Dorcetshire, (his faithful friend and Cousin) descended of the most venerable Family of Arch Bishop Morton, who was in his time famous for the happy uniting of the two Royal Houses of York and Lancaster.  
Near unto this year 
1609.  1609. Dr. Sntcliffe the Dean of Exeter begun the founding of a College near Chelsey in Middlesex, which was to consist of a certain number of Fellows to be employed (chief for the answering of such Books as the Popish Priests should disperse, for the impugning of the Orthodox, and true Religion established in the Church of England.) Of which Fellows, the first named were, Dr. John Overall Dean of St. Paul's London, Dr. Thomas Morton Dean of Winton, Dr. Richard Field Dean of Gloucester, etc. with other learned and religious Divines Which College was to be endowed by his Majesty with good Lands in Chelsey (then in reversion) after a few years; and with four● Farms in Devon, which Dr. Sutcliffe gave, to the value of 300 li. per Annum besides other endowments conferred thereupon by the said Dean Sutcliffe, for that Religious use. Yet for the advancement of that pious work, it was further held necessary, to obtain His Majesty's gracious favour for the deriving and conducting of a Stream of Water forth of the River of Lee, unto the Eastern Parts of the City of London, for the behoof of the Inhabitants there dwelling, and for the benefit and furtherance of that pious work. Whereupon those Fellows agreed on Dr. Morton, to make a Latin Oration to His Majesty, 
* Wherein (among other things, as I remember) he alluded unto that ●lace▪ Gen. 1. Quando Deus sundavit terram super aquas.  which he performed at Theobalds' in the Privy Chamber there. Which Speech being ended, to Hi● Majesties great content; he was graciously pleased to grant their most humble request; & rising up from his Chair, he openly declared, That that College should go● forwards, etc. such than was the Judgement and resolution of that pious and judicious King.  
Near unto this season, 
1610▪  Anno 1610. was held the Convocation at St. Paul's London of the chief Divines in the Province of Canterbury, when, and where, Deane Morton was chosen to Preach the Concio ad Clerum in St. Paul's Church, whose Text was, Mat. 15. 13. Vos estis salterrae: by the Preaching whereof, he obtained such favour and estimation, that the Proloeutors' place in the ensuing Synod, was by common suffrage cast upon him. But he modestly declined it (on purpose) that a reverend friend of his might be adorned with that dignity.  
And about the same time, there was a great fear fell upon the Inhabitants dwelling under the South side of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul● London, which was to be repaired à fundamentis; and that therefore (upon King James his command) all their houses were to be pulled down from the East unto the West end of the said Church; which motion did so amaze and terrify the Trunk makers, & other Tradesmen, whose mee● livelihood consisted in their Trades and Houses that (in that woeful case) they repaired unto Dea● Morton, than lodging in the Deanary of St. Paul's, and earnestly besought him to take their lamentable condition into his Christian thoughts, and to be a means unto His Majesty to revers that woeful doom. Whereupon the Dean took the boldness on him to address a Letter to His sacred Majesty, wherein he most humbly beseeched Him to take their miserable estates into His Majesty's most pious and Princely consideration, who were the living Temples of the holy Ghost. What effect that Letter took, I know not; this I am assured of, that those Houses stood unmoved; yet the repairs of that Cathedral advanced; until the late irreparable fire Anno Dom. 1665. which destroyed, and consumed that ancient City of Londdon, together with that venerable Pile, the Cathedral Church there.  
A little before this time came out of France that lamp of learning, both divine and humane, Monsieur Isaac Causabon, who at his first arrival was lodged in the Deanary of St. Paul, (where Dean Morton then sojourned) with whom was contracted that firm friendship, and community of Studies betwixt him and Dean Morton, which (during life) was never interrupted. This Phoenix of learning, being after deceased; his true friend Dr. Morton (being then Bishop of Duresme) did at his own charge, (in memory of one so dear, learned, and loving a friend) erect that Marble Monument over his place of Sepulture in the South Isle of St. Peter's Church in Westminster, with Verses thereon affixed on the Tomb, which were composed by Dr. Thomas Goad, that most learned and famous Divine.  
And here I must make mention of Dr. Abrahamus Scultetus, who (Anno Dom. 1612.) came in to England, Chaplain to the most Illustrious Prince and Palsgrave Frederick Elector; and also Monsieur Deodati, the learned Professor of Divinity at Genevah, and Mousieur Peter du Mouline, that famous Preacher and Writer (whom His Majesty made Canon of Canterbury) with sundry others, who much rejoiced in Dean● Morton's acquaintance, betwixt whom was maintained a friendly correspondence (during life) respectively.  
About this time, by King James his appointment, Dr. Morton answered a book which was Written by Cardinal Bellarmine, dedicated to the Prince of Poland, and Entitled, De Officio Principis Christiani: which Answer Dean Morton dedicated to our most noble Prince Charles, Entitled, Causa Regia; and (for the Prince's use) it was consigned into the hands of Mr. Murray his Highness' Tutor, who promised it should be the Prince's Task, to read over in then ensuing progress.  
During the time of his continuance in this Deanary of Winton, he was (amongst many others) most intimate with, and beloved of Dr. Arthur Lake, Master of St. Cross near Winchester, a reverend and religious Divine, (afterwards Bishop of Bath and Wells,) Dr. John Harmar the learned Warden of Winchester College, Dr. Nicholas Love, than Schoolmaster, after Warden there; and other worthy Divines.  
At his coming from Winton, he Preached a Sermon in the Preached a Sermon in the Cathedral Church there (when he took his leave of that Learned and Pious Assembly) upon those words of Samuel, (1 S●. 12. 3.) Whose Ox have I taken? or whose Ass have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or o●● whose hand have I taken any bribe to blind mine eyes therewith?  
And having now continued about nine year● Dean of Winton, it pleased His sacred Majesty, to make choice of him to Governs the See and Bishopric o● Chester, (Anno Dom. 1610.) being at that time much infested by perverse Nonconformists Ministers. Bu● this designation and nomination of him came by a● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, (as he called i●) in a Letter which he wri● to one he then favoured, in these very words; I see it hath pleased God by his providence, not to suffer m● to remain in the Dale, wherein I could willingly have spent my days (had there not been an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in it,) and to set me upon an Hill, (I pray God) as a true light for the good of souls, etc. For as in his former dignities, he was most free from ambitious prowling and seeking; so was he as innocent from the touch of expecting, or so much as desiring those preferments which after followed, and were most freely conferred on him by those two most gracious Princes, King James, and King Charles hi● Son.  
But when he stood designed Bp. of Chester, agreat O●● (who shall here be nameless) cast an undeserved ● spersion upon Dean Mori● unto the King, viz. Th●● he was not fit to be a Bishop for that he had spoilt one ●● the best Deaneries in England, etc. Which false calumny, was cast as a block in the way of his advancement to a Bishopric: wherewith being made acquainted, he was of necessity to clear himself of so foul, and undeserved an aspersion; which he did, by communicating the same unto his Brethren of the Chapter of Winton; who unanimously testified under their Hands and Seals, That Doctor Morton had been the best Dean that ever had been in their times: And some of them were very old men, and had long enjoyed their Dignities in that Cathedral Church; as Mr. Browne, Mr. Barlow, Mr. Harward, etc.  
So then this black cloud of Obloquy being dispelled, he was Consecrated Bishop of Chester at Lambeth in the Province o● Canterbury, by delegation from the Archbishop of York, in whose Province Chester is; where were present many Noble Men, and Gentlemen of the Court but chief, a Noble Ma● of Poland, who had the education of Prince Rodzivils' Son (thither invited) who very much admired the solemnity of the Ordination of the Bishops in England, and the receiving of the blessed Sacrament, (whereof they then were partakers) as it was Administered according to the Form of the Church of England.  
And not long after, being recovered of a violent Fever, which took him at Clayhall in Essex, the House of that Honourable Knight Sir Christopher Hatton (his most loving and dear friend) he prepared for his Journey into Cheshire, and advanced with his own retinue towards that Country, but was encountered and met on the way to the City of Chester, by so grand a number of the best Knights and Gentlemen of that County Palatine, with their attendants, and that multitude of plebeians, thronging and rejoicing at the receipt of their new Bishop, that the like hath scarce been seen there, and perhaps in few places else where.  
After a small time of his settlement there, like a true Bishop, (and one mindful of what he was sent for) he convented the Nonconformist Ministers, and called on them to show the Reasons of their dissenting from the Orders and Discipline of the Church; and told them, That his purpose was, to confer with them publicly, to reduce them to conformity with the Church of England. At which time those Ministers insisted on those three Points: First, Cross 
h Or rather after Baptism, as indeed it is.  in Baptism. Secondly, Kneeling at the receiving of the Lords Supper. Thirdly, Th● Surplice, etc. In which conference he argued with them very zealously, and endeavoured by many Arguments to reduce the● to conformity with the Church of England; but i● the end, fell short of hi● pious expectation. Yet no prevailing with those refractory Ministers; not withstanding, he wrought great work, by God's mo●● gracious hand and assistance, (yea, near the ve●● same time) by reclaiming and reducing many of t●● Lancashire Recusants, and in bringing them home to the true Church, through his industrious vigilance.  
And not long after, he Writ and Published a Relation of that Conference, which was inscribed, The three innocent Ceremonies; which Book long after (he being Bishop of Coventry and Leichfeild) was impugned by one Mr. Ames, (as was conceived) but most learnedly answered and defended by Dr. John Burges Parson of Sutton Cobfeild in War▪. after that Doctor Morton had been many years' Bishop of Coventry and Leichfeild.  
About this time (viz. Anno 1617.) the King's Majesty returned out of his Progress from Scotland, and passed through Lancashire, where he was Petitioned by the plebeians of that County, for Recreation to be allowed on the Lord's day; which was accordingly graciously granted by His Majesty. Whereupon, they growing insolent, and being encouraged and heartened by some Gentlemen who were Popish Recusants, they made ill use of the King's gracious clemency; and thereupon Bishop Morton made his humble address unto His Majesty, and acquainted him with sundry particulars of their abuse of His well-meant gracious favour: Whereupon it pleased His Majesty, to command the Bishop, to add what cautions and restrictions he thought fit to be inserted into His Majesty's Declaration for that purpose, which was accordingly done, viz. That they should have no liberty for recreation till after Evening Prayer: That they should have no Bearbaiting nor any such unlawful sports: And that no Recusant, who came not to Morning and Evening Prayers, should be capable of such His Royal indulgence at all, etc.  
Having now resided towards three years in that Bishopric, it pleased the Royal Majesty of King James, to cause him to be translated to the See of Coventry and Leichfeild, where he succeeded that profound Doctor John Overall, who was newly removed thence to the Bishopric of Norwich, in the year of our Lord 1618.  
And in the Bishopric of Chester succeeded him, Dr. John Bridgeman, one of the famous Preachers of his time; the more to be honoured, because it pleased God to bless him with a Son, Sir Orlando Bridgeman Knight, now Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England; which High Place may he long enjoy for the good of this Kingdom, and honour of the Married Clergy.  
In the time of his Incumbence in the Bishopric of Coventry and Leichfeild, he was acquinted with that grave and learned Scholar Marcus Antonius de Dominis, late Archbishop of Spalleto in Dalmatia, Saint Hierome's Countryman, (as he often used to call himself) who had renounced Popery, and passed over into England, to draw the fresh and pure Air of Christ's true Religion: which yet some few years after, 
i The most infamous Eccbolius of our times; whose Corpse were afterwards burned at Rome for a Relapse.  he most wretchedly deserted in hope of higher preferment at Rome, upon the assurance which he built of his Quondam Schoolfellows Election to the Papacy, by the name of Gregory the fifteenth. But this Pope was quickly rid out of the way, and another Pharaoh succeeded, who knew not this Joseph. But his change of Religion was the more to be wondered at, for that by His Majesty's gracious bounty he had been 
k These, though competent Preferments, could not allay, or quench his sacred thirst: for I have seen the Copy of a Letter, (which was showed unto me by D●. Bal●anquall, his successor in the Savoy,) in which it appeared, That he became a Suit●r unto King. James for the Archbishopric of York, then rumoured to be void, by the death of Doctor Toby Matthew the Archbishop there; though be happily outlived tha● 〈◊〉.  preferred to the Deanary of Windsor, and the Mastership of the Savoy, with the Rectory of Ilsworth, and was yearly presented by many of the Nobility, and Bishops of this Kingdom, with sundry rich gifts in Plate, and other costly accoutrements. All which not withstanding, in the end he deserted the Church of England: Yet upon a specious pretence, forsooth, (as he gave it out) of Reconciling the Church of England, with the Church of Rome.  
Whereupon, about the same time, and on this very occasion, fell out the following passage betwixt him, and Bishop Morton: For being asked by the said Bishop thus: Domine, quid tibi in animo est, convertere Papam? Etiam, Conclave Papale? Spal. Quidni, an existimas eos esse Diabolos, ut non possint converti? Episc. Coven. Minime Domine, ne● puto Dominum Spalatensem esse De●m, qui hoc prestare possit. Nostine Domine, Canon's istos Conc'. Tridentini● Spalat. Imò novi, & ausby sum tibi dicere, Millies mille esse in Italia, qui fidem nullam huic Concilio adhibent. This passage is worth the translating: The Bishop of Leichfeild asked him, What my Lord, is it your purpose to convert the Pope? Yea, and the Papal Conclave to, Spal. And why not? do you think them to be Devils, that they cannot be converted? Bishop Leichfeild, No, my Lord, nor do I think my Lord of Spalleto to be a God, who is abl● to perform so much. Do you know, my Lord, those Canons in the Council of Trent? Spal. Yea, I know them well, and I dare boldly say, that there be many thousands of Italy who give no Faith to this Council, etc. However this passed, away he went, and since gone, he would be gone: he was formerly banished, and commanded away out of England by the King's strict command. But being arrived at Rome, the case was altered, the foreigner Pope, his friend, being dead; and because he did not, or rather, could not answer the Books, or rather the authorities therein, quoted out of the ancient Fathers, which he had Published and Printed at London, De Repub. Christiana, and others, he found the just guerdon of his revolt: for it was adjudged in the Holy Office, (as they call the Inquisition) that his Corpse, being first strangled in the Castle of St. Ang●●●▪ should be burned in Campo Flori: yet had he been fairly premonished and minded hereof by our Bishop, who writ a large and learned Epistle 
l Now ready for the Pross▪ after long and gr●at desiring thereof▪  unto him in Latin a little before his departure, which was consigned into his hands by the Writer hereof; wherein, as a true Prophet, he warned him of that which came after to pass, viz. His Treatment at Rome: Yet notwithstanding, upon the receipt of that Letter, the Archbishop testified his friendly respects unto our Bishop at the farewell of the bearer, in these very words, Salutes millies mille di● as Domino t●o nomine meo. 
m It was often in h●● mouth, Ego▪ moriar Archiepiscopus Spala●ens●s▪   
During the time of his Government of this large Diocese of Coventry and Leiehfeild, there happened a Boy of the Village of Bilson near Wolverhampton in the County of Stafford, called George Purie, who was seduced by the Popish Priests to become a Demoniac (which thing he did, as they tutored him) whom after a small season, they a God's name must dispossess. But yet all their working, and fine devises, were to very small, or no purpose; for the Devil had so wrought with the 
n The Devil had steeled his heart. I● was ●i● own wor● and expression in his Confession after▪ wards.  Boy, that he accused a Woman, and she a Papist, for bewitching him: whereupon, she was committed to the County Goal at Stafford, and this Boy was brought to the Assizes to confront her: where, before the Judges of Assize, this Boy, albeit hoodwinked, would seem to know of the woman Prisoner her coming to the Bar, which he did, as afterwards he confessed, by the jingling of her Chains, and divers strange pranks he there played, in the face of the country as a Demoniac, or person possessed, so that at the last, he was committed, and recommended by the learned Judges of Assize unto Dr. Morton, Bishop of the Diocese, (being then one of His Majesty's Justices of the Peace) who brought him unto Eccleshal Castle, where he then resided; and after a competent time, found him to be a cunning Imposter. Which things, and many more, were laid open to Public view, in a Book Entitled, The Boy of Bilson. But afterwards, he much detested, and loathed the former cozening cheats, and was bound Apprentice in Bristol.  
How this Bishop spent his time in that Bishopric of Coventry and Leichfeild, his continual Labours testify, viz. chief in Preaching the Word of God; partly in Writing Books profitable to the Church of God; partly in Conference with Recusants, and Catechising of his own Family weekly, etc. But for his free Hospitality, both at Eccleshall and Leichfeild, and his continual relieving of the poor; let them testify who were eye-witnesses, of which many are fallen asleep, and perhaps, some remain to this day.  
Whiles he was Bishop here, he had sundry learned men for his Chaplains, especially that Reverend and Pious man of God Doctor Ralph Brownrigg, on whom he collated the Arch-deaconry of Coventry (when Bishop of Leichfeild) and afterwards a good Prebend in the Cathedral Church of Durham; which dignities His Royal Majesty King Charles did Crown with the Bishopric of Exeter, Mr. Stephen Haxbie, and Mr. George Gippes, both fellows of St. John's in Cambridge, and Mr. Isaac Basire, with some others, on whom he freely bestowed such spiritual preferments as fallen in his Patronage.  
Here I must not forget that blessed Saint of God, Mr. George Canner, a blind young man (for blind he came into the world) borne in the County of Lancaster, whom (with his Uncle, who had the tuition of him) this Bishop maintained both at the Grammar School in Chester, when Bishop there, and after in the University, till he became Bachelor of Arts in the University of Cambridge, where he proved an excellent proficient: And after Orders taken, he placed him Curate at Clifton Canvile in Stafford-shire, (when he was Bishop of Leichfeild) where he discharged that sacred Function, by his diligent Preaching, even unto admiration; for the book of Common Prayer (as the Church of England requireth and enjoineth) he could repeat by heart, and understand the Rubric sufficiently. As for the Chapters in the Old and New Testament, (which were to be Read to the Congregation) he had them perfectly by heart, by his Uncles twice Reading them over unto him: For the Administration of the blessed Sacrament of Baptism, and the Lords Supper, he meddled not therewith, but had them discharged by another neighbouring Minister. As for his Diet, it was course, small, and not costly, for he never exceeded bread, butter, and cheese; no kind of flesh meat would go down with him, nor could he indeed, digest it. His conversation was innocent, modest, chaste, and spotless, whom Almighty God translated hence (being but young in years, about 26.) unto his heavenly Kingdom of glory. His dying words were these, Lord take from me these rags of mortality, and clothe me with thy robes of immortality.  
From this Bishopric of Coventry and Leichfeild (Anno 1633.) it pleased the Royal Majesty of King Charles the first, to prefer him to the dignity of the Episcopal See of Duresme, to which Bishopric (before the Conquest) was united the Prerogative of a County Palatine. And here with what Integrity, Justice, Temperance, and other Christian virtues, (especially his liberal and free composition with his Tenants, whereof many instances might be given, if need were) I had rather the late memory of him should speak, who is yet living in a private and contented estate (after the Apostles diet, Having mea● and drink, etc.) and after his late injurious ejection out of that plentiful Bishopric in a very old age, 
o 〈◊〉 s● he was then aged: but he dy●d, Anno 1659. Aetatis 95.  which is 93. in this present year of our Lord, 1657. and was never Married, but hath led a single, and painful life.  
He hath had, being Bishop of Duresme, sundry eminent Scholars for his domestic Chaplains, as Dr. Joseph Nayler (whom God hath newly translated) on whom he collated the rich Rectory of Sedgefeild, and a Prebend in the Cathedral Church of Duresme: Mr. John Johnson, a Londoner borne, a godly, learned, and faithful Preacher of the Word of God (with whom he lives in eternal blessedness) whom he constituted to the Rectory of Bishop Weremouth; and also Mr. William Flathers, long since departed; Dr. Ferne, 
p Lately Master of T●ini●y College in Cambridge: Deane of Ely; and ●●●●ly, Bishop of C●ester, by King Charles ●1. his 〈◊〉. Since 〈◊〉 to God.  a reverend and learned Divine, as his excellent Treatises Writ and Published in these late sad times do sufficiently speak him; Mr. Evers Gower, since departed, on whom he collated the Rectory of Stanhopp, and Archdeaconry of Northumberland; as also, the afore-named Dr. Isaac Basier, whom he Ordained Deacon, and after that Priest, when Bishop of Leichfeild; and being translated to Duresme, he collated on him the forenamed Rectory of Stanhopp, with a good Prebend in the Cathedral Church of Duresme, and the Archdeaconry of Northumberland. Of this learned Gentleman much might be said, who is living still, though far remote, for in these late heavy and dolorous times, he was forced to sit down, yet with honour, (after more than his Vlissian Travels in three parts of the known world) Professor of Divinity at Alba Julia in Transilvania 
q But now, after 16. years' peregrination, he is returned home, in the halcyon days of King Charles II. his auspicious and happy reign, enjoying his former preferments.  As also Mr. Richard Wrench Bachelor in Divinity, sometimes Fellow of St. John's in Cambridge: And lastly, Dr. John Barwick, first Dean of Durham, after that, of St. Paul's London, lately deceased.  
This Bishop was such an indefatigable Student, and such a constant Heluo librorum, that whether he passed by Water, or rid on Horseback (as he used in his private estate) or travelling in his Coach, (after that he had obtained greater preferments) he had always some choice and useful book, which he either read himself, or else caused a Chaplain, or his Amanuensis to read unto him, who attended on him Journeying. And very seldom, or never, did he go to his bed, but his devotions ended in public with his Family, and afterwards more privately by himself; his bedchamber servants, who had been usually University Scholars, continued their tasks in reading some other pious books, or some Church History unto him, till such time as acceptable sleep stole upon him, and so relieved and discharged them of that duty. And when he did sleep, it was very moderate, or rather small, for (as I have said) he either continued reading himself, or others reading unto him, till late at night, and after some few hours repose, he was always ready to fall on his Study afresh with early Aurora.  
For an example of his Piety, and general care which he took in his Diocese, for the fuller instructing of Children in the Grounds of Religion, he caused many thousands of Catechisms (according to that form which is prescribed in the Book of Common Prayer) to be Printed at his own charge, and to be dispersed in the several Deaneries and Archdeaconries of the Dioceses where he had been Bishop, which he commanded his (respective) Chancellors, Registers, and other Ecclesiastical Officers, in their places, to distribute in every Parish; and like wise admonished the several Ministers, to be diligent and careful in the due Catechising of their youth, according to that Form.  
For his manner of Lodging, Diet, and Study-garments, they might have been (if you will) of another Anthony, for the never could endure a soft, much less a down bed, but either a Matress, or a single Quilt, which was his usual lodging. His Study▪ gown was sometimes of a course black hairy rug: and his constant Diet (when not visited by strangers) was one meal a day through almost the whole course of his life; which in his middle age, and before he was Bishop, was usually a Supper; in his declining age, and after he was Bishop, usually a Dinner, and that but a bare and slender one to himself, though bountiful, and plentiful to all others his Commensals. He very seldom, or never drunk strong drink; and wine most rarely, and that in a very small quantity, as perhaps might warm his mouth, but scarcely his stomach, for his health being constantly good, and his bodily 
r Sa●● that ●h●n ●e was Bishop of Chester ●e was ●i●c●ed with the ●●i● of th● Stone, v●yding one, and but 〈◊〉▪ ●●● at that time his sister Mistress Joan Rose prepa●●● him a distilled drink▪ which gave him present ease, 〈◊〉 (by ●ods blessing) did remedy that Ma●a●y, so the ●ster, ●e was scarce ever troubled therewith.  infirmities few or little, (indeed his abstemiousness was very great) and (I believe) this later was a great preserver of the former.  
I might further tell you, That he never Purchased one foot of Land (what 〈◊〉 he sold) nor other temporal Possession in all his long life, notwithstanding his plentiful incomes; but as his Revenues increased, so were they expended (as I have formerly noted) in Hospitable, charitable, and other Christian uses; which thing may partly appear by his being so bare, and unprovided at the beginning of the late turbulent and traitorous times; so that when he was committed under the black Rodd (for protesting against those uncivil tumults then on foot) he had scarcely wherewith to defrey the Fees and Charges of his Confinement, which is the less to be wondered at, that he was not so plentiful in his Purse, and the rather, considering the great and extraordinary charges which he was put to, by the frequent entertainment of Scottish Lords, and others who Posted too and fro, especially about the time of the Scottish Insurrection, Durham being in their Northern Road, Ah! nimium vicina Scotis Dunelmia.  
He never Ordained any for Priests and Deacons, (which he commonly did at the four Ordinations) but such as were Graduates in the University (or otherwise well qualified in good Learning:) And for a trial of their Parts, he always appointed a set time to examine them in University Learning; but chief in Points of Divinity; and in this he was very exact, by making them answer Syllogistically, according to their abilities. And he trusted not his own Chaplains in this sacred business, though otherwise, very able and learned Divines.  
He never conferred any Benefice, or Spiritual Preferment, chief whiles he was Bishop of Duresme, (being a most free and bountiful Patron) but on his own learned Chaplains, except three only, which were commended unto him by King Charles I. his sacred Majesty, viz. Mr. John Weemes, that learned Writer in Moral Divinity, Mr. Anthony Maxton, both which were made Prebendaries of the Cathedral Church of Duresme, and Mr. Clappurton, being three Scotch men, and able Scholars.  
For his Judgement of the due deserts of Learning, take one instance; when he was Deane of Gloucester, and Mr. John Donne had cast himself into a Sea of misery, by the marriage of the Daughter of Sir George Moor Knight, whereby he was exuted of his Secretary's place under the Lord Chancellor Egerton, and had spent most of his own means in the pursuit of his said marriage, whereby he was brought to a low ebb and debility in his Estate; and knowing no ways, or means whereby he could subsist, Children especially increasing yearly; then did Deane Morton earnestly and seriously move him to take the holy Ministry on him, whereby the better to support and maintain that Charge; and for his better encouragement, he willingly and freely offered to resign unto him the Rectory of Long Marston in Yorkshire, being of the yearly value (plus minus) of two hundred pounds per Annum; yet to this friendly motion he would not (then) give his assent, but put it by, in hope (as it should seem) of some other preferment, for which he thought himself more fit.  
And long after, the said Mr. Donne, having grappled with many extremities at home, he passed over into France, where he gave himself to the Study of the Laws: And from Amiens, (as I remember) he writ a Letter to his always true friend Deane Morton, wherein he requested his advice, Whether taking the Degree of a Doctor in that Profession of the Laws, it might not be conducible and advantageous unto him to Practise at home in the Arches London. Unto whom the Dean then returned him answer, That in his Judgement, he thought the Ministry in the Church of God would be safer, and fit for him: Whereupon he desisted from further prosecution of those Studies.  
For doubtless the holy Spirit had the greatest stroke and power to incline, and draw him to that sacred Profession: For myself have long since seen his Picture in a dear friends Chamber of his in Lincoln's Inn, all enveloped with a darkish shadow, his face & feature hardly discernible, with this ejaculation and wish written thereon; Domine illumina tenebras meas: which long after was really accomplished, when (by King James his weighty and powerful persuasions) he took holy Orders at the hands of the right Reverend Father John Lord Bishop of London, and so became a learned and assiduous Preacher. Whereupon His gracious Majesty King James bestowed the Deanary of St. Paul's London upon him: where what profitable pains he took, and else where, the large Book of his Sermons, and other Learned Labours, (which are Published, both before, and after he had been Dean) do most sufficiently attest and demonstrate.  
For a Close, concerning this Learned Gentleman, I will add one instance of his ripe and sudden wit, For at one time when Bishop Morton gave him a good quantity of Gold (than a useful token) saying, Here Mr. Donne, take this, Gold is restorative: He presently answered, Sir, I doubt I shall never restore it back again: and I am assured that he never did.  
This Bishop Morton was a great benefactor to Saint John's College in Cambridge, (where sometimes he had been Fellow) and bestowed many hundreds of pounds in Books for the adorning and augmenting of that their fair Library, which Dr. William's Bishop of Lincoln, and Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England, sometimes Fellow there, had Founded. He built also out of an old decayed Chapel at Bishop Auckland, a fair Grammar School, and endowed the Master thereof with 24. pounds per Annum for ever: Other things he purposed to have done, as the enlarging of the old Market Place; and the erecting a new Market Cross in the Pavement at York, (near to which he was born,) but was prevented by the late woeful and destructive times: but God would accept of his small offerings, as he did the poor Widows Mite.  
He converted sundry Persons (in his time) from the Popish Religion, and by God's grace, brought them to the true Church of England; amongst which was the Lady Cholmeley, Wife to Sir Henry Cholmeley Knight 
s When he was Bishop of Chester, he ●●r●ed ●er. : So Mr. Redmaine a Popish Priest, afterwards Vicar and Preacher at Congleton in Cheshire: So Mr. Theophilus higgon's, who after was a learned Preacher, and Rector of Hunton in Kent. Mr. Toby Swinburn●, then lately returned from the English College at Rome, afterwards created Doctor of the Laws at Oxon, and in these late unhappy times, deprived of his life, whose death was chief effected by their cruel imprisonment of him, after that he had received many deep, and desperate wounds in the battle at Newberry for the affection and loyalty which he did bear to His late Majesty Charles I. Also a Reverend Bishop now living, (but here shall be nameless:) Also Mr. Thomas Hulse Gentleman: Mr. Matthew, and sundry others.  
He was always very beneficial and bountiful to the poor, wheresoever he lived or came; so that as it pleased God to divest him of those ample means, which sometimes he had to dispose of, and to do good on all occasions; so took he timely order (during almost his whole life) to erogate and bestow the mean● which God lent him, to the best ends, which was, for the maintenance of the poor of all sorts, viz, 〈◊〉 the place where he resided, or by the way where 〈◊〉 traveled, or poor Scholars in the University, to many of whom he gave yearly Stipends; poor strangers and Travellers, to whom his Purse was always open. And in the Bishopric of Duresme, he gave, (besides his daily Alms to the poor at the Castle-gate) so many Gowns of blue Cloth to certain poor men, as he had been Bishop of Durham, with their diet in the Hall four days in the week.  
For example of his liberal mind, and the contempt of worldly wealth (besides that single instance above rehearsed; when he was leaving the Deanary of Winton) he forgave unto one Mis. Place of Hurworth near the River of Teise (whose husband unhappily made a way himself (as they spoke) his whole Estate (being forfeited to the Bishop as Count Palatine) which was valued at 2000li. and took only of her for a● acknowledgement of the right of the County Palatin● (that which he bestowed among his domestical Servants) the sum of 50li. Likewise in his first Visitation of the Bishopric, being at Barwick upon Tweed, he forgave unto one Mr. Edward Moor of Tweedmouth near Barwick, 300li. in which sum he was fi●ed (for a Ryott at the Assizes before, at Durham) which the Bishop was the rather moved to do upon his humble supplication then made. More examples of his bounty and beneficencies might be produced, which I forbear to recite, intending only a brief recital of some such special things as fallen under my knowledge and observation, whereof now an end.  
But now shall begin a piece Limned by a curious Pencil.  
R. B.  ●a●ca quae ●d rem pertine●t memo●●vi, ●●li●●●●j●● f●●●●arrabit, fine ●●b●o m●●or● were. Ruffin. de St. Athanasio.  

A further Narrative of such things as befell the said Bishop before, and towards his Death, in these late woeful and Traitorous Combustions, in Church, and Commonweal.  
IF for no other cause, or reason at all, yet that Posterity may not altogether be ignorant what kind of Superintendents of chief choice, and Coöperators our Lord Jesus had in his English Vineyard, even then, when His Divine Majesty was pleased (for the stupendious ingratitude of a non-proficient, and besorted people) to permit the Wild bore out of the Forest to root it up, and the wild beasts of the field to desolate, devour, and lay it waste; when the same God was pleased, in his just, though secret judgement, 
Isa. 34. 11.  To stretch out the line of confusion, and the stones of emptiness, (as the holy Prophet phraseth it) even for this very cause (if for no other) the life of this eminently gifted, this Orthodox, learned, and exemplary-lived and laborious Prelate Dr. Thomas Morton shall appear unto the world in this plain and naked Narrative following: Of the which I may plainly aver, what holy Nazianzen did in his Funeral Oration for his Sister Gorgonia, viz. 
a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ etc. Adeò nihil ●ereo●, ●è ultrà veritst ●●●e●●● transillam, sed illud contrà ●è inf●à veritatem subsi●●am; ac ●roud à rei dignita●e remotus laudatione ●eâ ●●oriam ipsius diminuam.  I am so far from fearing to hyperbolise, or transgress th● bounds of modesty, (the common fault of Funeral Orations) that I am sure I 〈◊〉 fall much short in many particulars of the line of verity▪ For in drawing the Pictur● of this most excellent Prelate, by so rude a Pencil, know and acknowledge that there will be indeed so much of the shadow, a● will darken and obscure that native beauty and heavenly ornaments, which all they that knew him throughly and fully, can not but attest was lodged his Person.  
Here therefore shall be●●n a more particular and 〈◊〉 Narration of both ●e Personal and Episco●ll qualities of this Reve●nd Prelate, (especially of 〈◊〉 holy and heavenly de●●rtment in these woeful ●nd destructive times.) And ●●st, in the Acquisition of 〈◊〉 preferments, his mode●●y was no whit less than ●is deserts; from all tinware of prowling ambition, ●walking exactly in the ●●eps of that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Theolog●●,) Gregory Nazianzen▪ whose record of himself, as to that particular, you may please to take in his own words, 
b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ etc. Visit quà●●e●è quam●●e jus●è inter ●●r●mque ●imorem nego●ium transigam, ut nec mi●imè ob●a●am praefecturam appetam, nec ob●a●am ●●pudiem: 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etc.  Consider how rightly and evenly I carried myself between those two Rocks equally to be feared; neither ambitiously to progg and seek for Church Dignities, not free proffered; nor when freely proffered, suddenly and Cynically to refuse and contemn them. For as he further saith, Illud est hominum temerariorum, hoc in obedientium, utrumque imperitorum. 1. The one argue● a bold Man: The other, a Disobedient, both indiscreet. And therefore betwixt these two extremes, did this holy Father Bishop Morton walk according to the forenamed Pattern of Gregory Nazianzen, in a middle way betwixt the too bold, and too timorous. 
c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 etc. His, 〈◊〉 ad omnes ●●aef●ct●●● pro●●●un●▪ 〈◊〉, & iis ●ur●us, qui omnes fugiunt▪ judaizer.  Neither (as he saith) so impotently ambitious, as to be in at all preferments; nor so weakly Cynical as to decline those which were fairly and freely conferred on him, and wherein he conceived he might do God and his Church good service: Which how our Bishop hath performed, as (I hope) his works of Piety, Charity, and Erudition, which he shall leave behind him, and take with him, (for the works of the righteous 
Apoe. 14. 13.  follow them into Heaven) will quit me of the labour of particular enumeration, at least for the present.  
And as his Modesty was singular, in not courting or reaching at those preferments which Divine Providence cast upon him; so was his Piety and Humility no less, in not only not doting upon, but (indeed) scarcely owning of that outward splendour, and those rich accoutrements, which were the Appendices of those great Places: Not Antisthenes, nor Crates, nor Diogenes himself: nay, (what should I say) nor their holy St. Francis, (as they depaint him) was a greater undervaluer, and contemner of the world, and worldly riches than was this good Bishop; yea, and without their vanity or ostentation. Resembling in that likewise (as in many other Episcopal qualities) the forenamed famous Bishop Nazianzen, who being advanced to a great and rich Bishopric (as that likewise of Durham hath been, and is accounted) he scarcely enriched himself with pence or pounds, when he might easily have hoarded up hundreds and thousands, had he been so minded. Yea, and what I find further recorded of that gracious Bishop Nazianzen, I am sure is most true in this heavenly Bishop of Durham: 
d Qui amplissimae Ecclesiae praeful institutus, nè ●nic● quidem drachm● facultates suas auxit, cùm tamen maximam talentorum copiam, si ità voluntas ejus ●ulisset, colligere potuisser.  He was so abstracted from the world, and so wholly wedded to his book, LUt aegre reddituum & Administrationis rationem ab Oeconomis repetivit:] that he would scarcely allow himself so much time (from his affairs Ecclesiastical) as to take an account of his affairs Economical. How it fared with Bishop Nazianzen, in that particular, I find it not recorded; but this I know, Bishop Morton's good hap was to have an an able and faithful Steward, for the managing and husbanding of his temporal Estate. And had this our egregiously (〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉) Lord and Money- scorning Prelate been himself as sparing a Promus, as his Steward was a careful Condus, he might have reserved a sufficient portion, wherewith to have lived plentifully (yea even in these dog-days for Orthodox Churchmen) though not in that bountiful and hospitable way, in which he formerly lived, (especially when Bishop of Durham) yet in a more free and plentiful way, then that wherewithal (during the time of his sequestration) he was both cheerfully and thankfully contented.  
But our heavenly-minded Prelate (whom I cannot remember without veneration) choose rather to embrace that blessed counsel of his great Lord and Master Christ Jesus, and stored up those riches, which his Steward gathered for him, in such treasures, as he knew full well would be above the reach of Plunderers, or Sequestrators, viz. the backs and bellies of the poor, those heavenly repositories, where neither the rust of this Iron age could possibly corrupt them, nor the Moths and Caterpillars of this peeled Commonwealth, devour and destroy them.  
Of which his bounty and liberality, the Inhabitants of those Bishoprics wherein he lived, and especially the poor, on whom he did fow those seeds of eleemosyness (whereof he shall scape the happy harvest) they may be the fittest and most proper Trumpeters. shall only add this Elogi●m (as to this point of his commendations) which I and reported of that memorable Bishop of Orleans, Gabriel Albaspineus, (and I ●m sure may be as truly verified of, and ascribed to ●his our Bishop of Durham) That he only Stewarded that great and rich Bishopric for ●he good of others. For that which a Jesuit sometimes ●aid of the great Cardinal Richelieu, (I am sure adulatoriously, and I think also falsely, for he left his Nephew one of the greatest Dukes and Peers of France) Quoth in tantis fortunae copiis nihil duxit suum, nisi quod dederit; may, I am sure, be applied without flattery or falsity to this our good Bishop, who never esteemed any thing properly his own, but what he either gave in private to poor indigent persons, or else in Public to pious Uses.  
Such likewise was his Gandor and ingenuity, that he never willingly injuried any man, but benefitted many undeservedly; yea, some (I may say) almost against their wills; many (I may say) besides their deserts. For indeed, he was a man much what of that holy and heavenly temper, as was that quondam renowned Atlas of our English Church Arch Bishop Whitgift, (the want of whose prudence, patience, and moderation, these ruthful times do too sadly ●e●●●he) of whom it is writ by Sir George Paul (in his life) that the way to obtain from him some special courtesy, was first to do him some special injury 
e For, this Arch Bishops Mo●to was, Vincit qui patitu●: ●●e. H● who suffers, over comes. . And even so it was with this good Bishop; it being the glory of these great Lights, these leading Saints, to take out the hardest Lessons of Christianity, thereby to imitate their Lord and Master, Who sendeth Raine, and makes his Sun to shine both upon the just and unjust.  
Once, I am well assured, the very contrary may be affirmed of this good Bishop what is said by some (perhaps too Satirically) of our Countryman 〈◊〉, than Professor at 〈◊〉; Quoth in tàm longa 〈◊〉, nec vera scribere, nec ben● 〈◊〉, nec castè sentire de aliis 〈◊〉: That during his long 〈◊〉, he neither learned to write 〈◊〉, or speak honestly, or to ●hink sincerely of any others: ●leaning (I suppose) of protestants of our Religion. ●ut this pious and candid prelate (of whom we now ●reak) was not a greater ●●ver and defender of the ●●ith, than an hater of such as used to speak, or think evil of any; yea, though their very enemies. Neither did he want any of Cato's gravity, which yet he so tempered with Caesar's affability, as thereby he preserved both his Person and Place (as Nazianzen reports that glorious Martyr St. Cyprian to have done) free from two extremes, Pride and Contempt, so as neither was he envied by the Great ones, nor undervalved by the Vulgar.  
But amongst all his Episcopal qualities (of which more hereafter) I for my own part admired none more than his admirable Constancy, his undistracted and undisturbed spirit, even in these days of destruction and perturbation: He mourned, indeed, much both in private and public, for the hideous and high crying sins of the Nation (not exempting himself, such was his humility, no not from the number of the chiefest sinners,) but he much, I say, bewailed the bold Crimson sins, which forced God's patience, and hailed such heavy and unheard of Judgements upon both Church and State. For as Erasmus said of Luther, Deus dedit postremae huic aetati, propter morborum magnitudinem, tàm acrent medicum: i. e. God gave such a tart and smart Physician, as was suitable to the many and desperate diseases of that evil and last age. And as Charles the fifth, upon the very same occasion, used to say of the Monks and Friars: Si frugi fuissent, prout decuit, Sacrificuli, nullo indig●●ssent Luthero: i. e. If the Monks and Friars had been such as they ought to have been, they had needed no reforming Martin Luther. And so may we surely say, as this undejected (because heaven-supported Prelate) always said, and thought; had the practice of thousands and ten thousands among us, both Clergy and Laity, been in any measure answerable unto the professions of the truly (so called) Protestant Religion; we had needed neither Presbyterian, nor Independent Reformation. But as our (now) transcendently 
C. R.  glorious King Divinely observed, in that his Seraphical Piece (which is both the shame and glory of our Nation) Our sins being ripe (
f Magis siccae ad ignem, quàm albae ad messin.  nay rotten upon the ground) unto the Harvest, there was no preventing of either the Fire or Sickle of God's Justice, from reaping that glory in our Calamities, which we rob him of in our prosperity.  
Nevertheless, our holy Prelare, adoring and approving the unsearchable ways and judgements of God, stood fast and unmovable, when the foundations were moved, yea and removed, In pavidum ferière Ipsum ruinae. And for the better undergoing and overpassing of these many and great destructive alterations, which happened in these times, he made that most excellent and incomparable Bishop Saint Augustine his pattern and exemplar, who in his book (that full Learned book) De Civitate Dei, thus writeth of himself; in the depopulation of the African Churches and Cities, by the Goths and Vandels, he much more bewailed their Spiritual sufferings, than their Temporal. Indeed, the razing of their Cities, the ruining of their Temples, the ravishing of their Wives, the defiling of their Virgins, the Plundering of their houses of whatsoever was either for profit or pleasure, These he confessed were great Temptations; neither did he know how to rest his perplexed soul, but only by admiring, adoring, and approving Gods Righteous Judgements, condoling and condemning their own wickedness; Sed supra haec omnia malè eum habuit, etc. Above and beyond all these, was the sad reflection and cutting consideration, that after he had, by Forty years continual Preaching and Writing, happily quashed and sopited so many blasphemous and damnable Heresies, as had long infested and infected God's Church: He feared a resurrection of them all again, and that a Sluice and inlett would be opened for their reentry and toleration: In that regard, he desired much rather to be dissolved, then to live and to behold the extermination of God's true Religion, and the introduction of a great many false ones.  
And this (even this in these unhappy times) was the case and condition of this our learned, laborious, and Orthodox Prelate, who of all those Iliads of evils, and mountains of miseries, which have fallen upon these fate-blasted and starstricken Kingdoms, esteemed none equal, nor any whit comparable to their spiritual infatuation, their being [〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉] stricken by God with a vertibility and vertigo in Religion, none of all God's Judgements, not Sword, not Plague, not Famine, (no nor all put together) being of equal consideration, with the extirpation or suppression of the true Religion, together with an indulgence and toleration of false, where every man is left, (like another Micah) and may 
Judge● 17. 5.  without impunity make unto himself both Gods and Priests, nay Religions and Worships, as many, or as mean, or cheap as himself pleaseth.  
We know that an Englishman, in former times, was wont to be drawn beyond Seas (by way of a jeer) to show his inconstancy and sickleness in his apparel, with a bundle of Cloth upon the one Shoulder, and a pair of Tailor's Shears hanging on the other, to cut out a new fashion for himself every month, or week, as his fancy should lead him, for the clothing and appareling of his body. But now alas! he may be Pictured more scornfully, and yet (God knows) more properly and truly, in respect to his Religion, (which is, or aught to be, the apparel of the soul) with a sheet of blank Paper in the one hand, and a Pen full of Ink in the other, to Write every day what Religion he most fantieth, Papist or Protestant, Presbyterian or Independent, Quaker or Dipper, Arrian or atheist, Anabaptist or Adamite, or what is most in fashion, or sway with the times. These wretched times having dealt with that quondam darling of Heaven (the truly so called Protestant Religion) as many hot-spuris and importunate Suitors dealt 
Plutarch.  with a fair, but unfortunate Lady (because she was so fair;) for because no one of them could engross or enjoy her wholly to himself, they most barbarously resolved to cut her in pieces, and to enjoy her piece meal, amongst them. And thus, even thus have the Schismatics and Sectaries of these broken times, handled the Orthodox Protestant Religion, and her chiefest nourcing Mother the Church of England (not long since, the glory, or envy, now the scorn of all her neighbour Sisters) they having sliced and slit her into so many Sects, Heresies, and Schisms, as there are Points in the Compass, or Moons in the Year, that so they may have (as Saint Hilary said the Arians had) their Menstruam fidem, their Monthly Religion; and (in conclusion) none at all. For, as among the Heathens, the plurality of Deities, and making of many Gods did mar the true one; so among Christians, the multiplication of many Religions will be found, in the end, the ready way to destroy all Religion; and e●e men are well ware, to usher in Atheism and pro●anation.  
And this was indeed that great and chief sit-fast that did pierce and perplex our Orthodox Prelates righteous soul, to see the regularly (yea, and why not completely reform) English Church, whose Doctrine and Discipline he had vindicated and defended, both by Preaching, Conference, and Writing, against the Papist and Pu●itan, and other Sectaries, by the space of sixty & odd years together; to see her expire, and breath out her last, and that not without as much infamy and disgrace, as some of her unnatural brats could possibly lay upon her: And for a close of all her miseries, to behold her dead Corpse tantum-non buried, as Jehoakin's was, with the burial of an Ass; Sepulturd insepulta (as Tully terms it;) this, this was in truth the very Cordolium which did sting him to the quick: For as the external and adventitious accruments wherewith some former pious Princes have nobly and royally endowed and enriched the Church; others less pious, or rather impious, had ignobly despoiled her of their Predecessors bounty: And others again most pious and provident, endeavoured the securing of what was left, with the hazard of no less than their own ruin: (All which are demonstrations, that the Church's Temporalties are no less than anathemas, things highly prized with all good men) yet, these compared with her Spiritualties, that is, the purity of Religion and Orthodox worship, (for the loss of the one is in no wise comparable to the loss of the other) the dilacerations and distractions of the Church by Heresies and Schisms in her spirituals; much more discomposed and divided the meek spirit of this holy man, than did the devastation of all his own temporals (though they not mean ones) by Plunder and Sequestration. And of the truth of this, I can give a signal testification upon my own knowledge.  
For when he was advertized (at Durham house in the Strand, London) by a Member of Parliament, old Sir H. V that the sail of Bishop's Lands, as well as Deans and Chapters, was that day resolved and concluded by both Houses; and was therefore advised by that Gent'. to Petition in due time for his livelihood to be granted unto him some other way then by that 800. per Annum formerly Voted unto him, (which yet all he never enjoyed) how did he behave himself upon this no welcome information? did he be wray any discomposure, or passionate perturbation? did he, like good old Eli, upon the sudden news of the Arks Captivity, and the sudden departure of the Glory from Israel? did he sink or fall down, and suffer a total deliquium of Spirit? No, I myself can witness, he did not; but like that invincible man of Us, (who had not his parallel on the face of the earth) like that hëroick and heavenly Soul, he gathered up his spirit (in despite of that cutting and afflictive message) and with heart, and hand, and eyes lift up to Heaven, he three times repeated that Seraphical ejaculation of holy Job; The Lord hath given, and the hath taken away; The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away, The Lord hath given, and the Lord hath taken away: Blessed, Blessed, Blessed, be the Name of the Lord; and so returned again in quiet (from whence he came) to his Study and Devotions. This was then observed, and can be witnessed by a Person of credit 
Dr. J. N.  late living, who did at that present providentially attend on him.  
He lived a chaste and unblemished life, in a Caelibate and single condition; and albeit that Coelibatus and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 (simply considered) is only to be reckoned inter 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or things indifferent; ●et 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, or the gift of Continence, is to be esteemed as a special Privilige, and favour extraordinary, indulged by God to some choice and especial favourites, especially where it is improved (as it was in this Prelate) to the highest pitch of elevation; for he was not only free (all his life long, and long life) from any open crime, but even from the least secret malicious suspicion▪ And indeed (excepting only those Primi motus, as I think the School calls them) from the which no flesh living, or that ever did live (save that only ONE) was totally exempted (and therefore only HE) but for any carnal knowledge of that Female Sex, or act of uncleaness with any woman living, or dead, I dare and must be, thus far his Compurgator, that he went as pure a Virgin to the womb of the Earth, as erst he came from the womb of his Mother. I could wish that all the votaries of the Romish Church, or at least some of them, who do so proudly and presumptuously (to say no worse) condemn and decry that state in Clergymen, which yet the great Apostle judged Honourable 
He●. 1●. ●▪  amongst all men; I wish, I say, a many of them would say as much, and withal as truly for the honour of their Church before men, and for their own justification.  
This Bishop was, for his own person, in many particulars, very much resembling that second honour of Genevah Monsieur Theodore Beza, whom I have read thus Characterised and Described; Stature corporis quadratâ, vultu decoro, valetudine firmâ (adeǒ ut quid esset capite dolere, se propemodum nescire saepe dixit) vivido ingento, judicio acuto, memorià felici, study indefesso, comitate & affabilitate nemini secundus. And such was this Preiate, (whom we are now deciphering) of Stature little and clean, and strong body, an exquisite constitution, comely countenance, constant and seldom interrupted health, quick wit, and solid Judgement, happy memory and indefatigably studious, and in courtesy and condescension second unto none. Adeò ut (as was further said of Beza) propter has suas utriusque varias dotes, adjuncts utique tant● longevitate, etc. So as for their both various and great endowments, accompanied with such health and length of days (for Mr. Beza, as I Read, lived eighty six years, and 
g Then living when t●● was wr●●.  Bishop Morton, yet living, hath already attained to such a vast extension of days) as (if I be not mistaken) not any of the Ancient Greek or Latin Fathers, nor Controversall Modern Writers, either Protestant or Papist, no nor any of the blessed Apostles themselves (St. John only excepted, and of his Age Historians much differ) not any one of these did attain unto in their Generations: and considering all this longevity and furlongs of time laboriously laid out for the glory of God, and good of his Church (I hope) that I may style him, in this consideration (without injury or offence of any person living or dead) as I find Beza styled upon the self s●me score, Aetatis su● Phoenix: The Phoenix of the Age in which be lived.  
And here I shall beg leave, by way of Parenthesis, not a little to wonder, how those Romish railers, and Remish Balatrones can expedite themselves (I mean) by objecting against 
h Calvin died in the ●4. yea●e of his ●●●; D●. Whitakers in the 47. Mr. Perkins 44.  Calvin, Whittaker, Perkins, and some other Protestant Writers, their contracted Lives, and immature Deaths, as tokens of God's anger and displeasure against the Protestant Religion; notwithstanding (if need were) we are able to produce many other Protestant Writers, of this very last Age, and all Englishmen, who have equalled, or outstripped, both for quantity of days, and qualities of Learning, the most (if not all) their coëtaneous Pontificians. In such a Catalogue, I must begin with that great and quick Wit, the last Archbishop of Canterbury, and the late famous Bishop of Winchester Doctor Andrews, continue it with the mention of rhat incomparable second Juell, and Dr. Davenant Bishops of Sarum, the great Learned Dr. White, Bishop of Elie, Dr. Montague Bishop of Norwich; Dr. Prideaux the Learned Bishop of Wigorn; and to these, add the two famous Professors of the University of Cambridge, Doctor Ward, and Doctor Collins, (and many more, which for brevity's sake I forbear to Name) none of all which, but attained at least their Climacterical, and some of them exceeded (their seventy) the date of man's Life allotted by the Psalmist King David, Psal. 90. 10.  
And for the close of this Catalogue, I may fairly add the two great lights, lately translated from their ●ading and extinguished Mitres here on Earth, unto their abiding and ever flourishing Crowns in Heaven, the famous Primate of Ireland Dr Usher, late Arch Bishop of Armah, Aged seventy and six; and that pious and fluent English Bernard Doctor Hall Bishop of Norwich, Aged eighty two: And for a Coronis unto them all (in this fair Catalogue of English Writers) I must not sure forget him, whom I have in present task, the eldest, and first begotten Brother of them all, the most Learned and Religious Doctor Morton Bishop of Durham, still sojourning and sweeting in the Church Militant, drawing to his ninety fourth year at the Writing hereof.  
Therefore how the forenamed Objectors of the Romish Church can expedite themselves from this vain expostulation of some eminent Protestant Writers [not dimidiating their lives] I, for my part, cannot imagine, unless they will do (as their manner is) to play fast and lose for their own advantage, and make the self same thing a mark of God's love and favour, in one case; and in another, a syptome of his anger and indignation; whereas wise men know, that the favour and disfavour of Almighty God, is not to be measured by any externals whatsoever.  
Now as (never too often quoted) Gregory Nazianzen saith, in his Oration of that renowned Athanasius, the invincible Archbishop of Alexandria; so may I, and must I say, of this worthy Prelate (never enough admired and reverenced of me) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, &c) Quid vobis praescribere attinet, quem Paulus antè veteres depinxit, partim cum Pontificem il 'em mox depraedicat, qui coelos penetravit (huc enim usque progredi non dubitabit oratio, cum Scriptura eos, qui 
Heb. ●.  secundum Christum pro Christo agnoseat) partim cum Timotheo leges imponit, 1 Tim. 3. 12. 13. eum, qui Ecclesiae futurus est Antistes, sermone fingens at que informans, etc. Why should I either trouble you, or myself, to superrogate unto you the dilineation or description of a man, whom Saint Paul hath beforehand so completely deciphered, partly in the person of that great High Priest, who is entered into the highest of Heavens, Heb. 4. (for thus the Scriptures will warrant my presumption, saith the holy Father) to entitle them to Christ, who lived and died unto Christ: And partly in his first Epistle unto Timothy Chap. 3. where he doth most exactly and completely describe and  a Bishop, or man of God, with all his properties and qualifications.  
And now, if we shall compare these Episcopal Characters, set down by the Apostles, with our present instance, I trow we shall find little variation, or none at all; but in each particular such a plenary correspondence and conspiration; A Bishop (saith that blessed Apostle) who surely knew perfectly what belonged to a Bishop, if ever any; and had himself the most right to that proud usurped Title, of Ecumenical Bishop, for he had daily care of all the Churches, 2 Cor. 11. 8. A Bishop (saith he) must be blameless, the Husband of one Wife, (if any at all) vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach. Not given to Wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre, but patiented, not a brawler, not covetous. One that ruleth his own house well, having Children (that is, if he have any, otherwise his servants) in subjection with gravity. Not a novice, least being lifted up by pride, he fall into the condemnation of the Devil. Moreover, he must have a good report of them that are without, 1 Tim. 3. 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.  
Lo! here the Effiges or Picture of a Bishop, drawn by an Apelles that could not err: And lo! here a Transcript, or Copy of that Picture in the Person of this Prelate, so lively resembling and representing the Original, that I dare boldly challenge the most envenomed and foul-mouthed Adversary that ever Writ against him, (even Parsons himself, were he now in vivis) to instance in all the aforenamed Episcopal qualifications, positive or privative, wherein this Reverend Prelate Bishop Morton (humane frailties excepted) was justly culpable or defective, so laudably and approvedly did he run his race; so happily and so blessedly finish his course, [Et in vild multa nec minùs bonâ senectute cursum consummans,] Closing his Pilgrimage in a very great, and no less good old age: like another Isaac, He gave up the Ghost being old and full of days, and was gathered to his Fathers, Gen. 35. 29. That is, (as Nazianzen saith of Athanasins) Patriarchis, Prophetis, Apostolis, Martyribus, & Confessoribus feliciter adjungitur, qui pro veritate tàm patiendo, quàm faciendo fortitèr dimicavit: That is, He is associated and enrolled with those glorious Saints the Patriarches, Prophets, Apostles, Martyrs, Confessors, &c who have done and suffered so much for God's truth. [Quin porrò Angelorum consortio fruitur in Coelis, quorum vitam diù vixt in terris;] as Baronius his expression is of Saint Ambrose; yea, and moreover, He enjoys the blessed society of the Angels in Heaven, whose imitator and companion be was whiles he lived on Earth, having only changed (by this his translation, for Death I will not call it) his place, not his 
Dr. Priideaux late Bishop of Wigor●▪  company, (as a late Divine of this Kingdom is recorded to have said upon his death bed,) Et ut semel dicam, beatus quod scripserit legenda, & scribenda secerit; leatior quod ad veram pietatem, & regnum caelorum multos erudierit; beatissimus quod in Domino mortuns à laboribus requiescit, & aeter●ùm cum Christo & gloriosè vivit. Happy in Writing things worthy to be Read, and likewise acting things worthy to be Written; happier in Teaching and Instructing many, both by Books and Sermons in the right way to Heaven; and most happy in Living and Dying in the Lord, and now resting from his Labours, and enjoying the Lord Jesus in everlasting glory.  
What Monument his Friends will be able to erect to his Memory, I cannot say; but for his own Coffers, I fear they are too much a Kin unto Arch- Bishop Warham's, wherein was found only twenty Marks, when he lay upon his death bed, (as 
k Eras. praef. ante opera Hierom.  Erasmus witnesseth) which yet the good old man piously said, Was (satis viatici) enough to bring him to his journey's end; and for more he took not late care: with which profession, this our Religious Prelate may bid his friends and the world Adien; for he died much what as poor as Saint Augustine, who (as Possidius reporteth) left only his Library, and divers imperfect Copies of his intended works, which his death prevented the Publishing of. And for his Chaplains and Allies, which were neither few, nor meanly provided; yet all of them lying under the same burden of the Times which pressed their Lord & Master, (not one of them all proving a Vertumnus, or Ecebolian ) it may well be feared, they will be as unable as himself to perpetuate his memory by any earthly Monument, as he hath done to that Mirror of Learning 
l In Westminster Abbey Church.  Mr. Isaac Casaubon; but however it less matters for those earthly circumstantials, because I well know they were much both Praeter and Infrà, besides and below his heavenly speculations. And withal considering that what Gregory Nyssene reports of his Sister Macrina, may be truly affirmed of this pious Prelate, viz. Purè & integrè vivendo paravit sibi Monumentum quod & vitans ipsius decoraret & sepulturam 
m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . i e. That by a pure and holy life she had prepared for herself a lasting Ornament, and a living Monument after Death. And that is a good Name 
n For Bp. Morton his Ditto always was. Mors vitam aufert & affert. , which is a better preservative of the just man's memory, than all the Pyramids and Polinctures of Egypt, or the stateliest Mausoleums of Asia. So as none of his Friends, or nearest Alliances shall need to bewail the want of Children, or his not-superviving in his not-superviving in his Posterity: For to any such Objection, he may justly reply, as did that Theban Hercules Epaminondas, (to some that lamented his Orbity) he told them, That he had left two Daughters, His Victories at Leuctra, and Mantinaea, which should eternize his Name to all Posterity. So much more am I assured this our Christian Hercules, may say, That he hath left twelve Daughters, (yea, more than twelve Daughters the Laborious Issues of his Brain, which will continue his Name and Memory, till they and the world take end together.  
And now to draw to an end of this unpolished Peice, which in that regard may seem to some too tedious and prolix: perhaps to others too short and scant, (as I confess it is, for such an excellent Subject,) howsoever I shall close it, as that afore mentioned Gregory Nazianzon doth his Anniversary Oration for that famous Archbishop and Martyr St. Cyprian; Haec sunt quae dicenda habuimus, at que haud scio an plura dicere necesse, neque enim si Orationem in longum produxerimus, quicquam tamen afferre queamus, quod illius virtutibus & existimationi, quam de eo unusquisque concepit, ulla ex parte respondeat. This is part of that I had to say, neither do I know whether it will be needful or expedient to say more, for though I should extend (this Tractate) to the utmost, (and weary perhaps both the Reader and myself) yet should I not be able to produce any thing answerable to the worth of this Prelate, and of those many excellent merits which all good men knew, and willingly acknowledge (to end as I began) were lodged in his Person.  
If I shall live to hear of his transmigration from this life to a better, (which indeed I am loath to style a Death, because I know, whensoever that day and hour shall come) he may comfortably say unto his Friends, as Miconius writ to Luther, Decumbere se quidem; sed vitaliter, non laetaliter aegrotare: That sick he was indeed; but it was a vital, not a mortal sickness; (or) a sickness unto Life, rather than unto Death. I say, whensoever I shall hear of that his 
o This blessed man died at Es●on-Manduit, the house of that honourable Baronnet Sir Henry Yelver●on, on St. Michael's day, 1659. and of his age, 95. and of his consecration 54. so near he lived to the happy return of his sacred Majesty Charles the Second into England.  Translation from Earth to Heaven, though I shall not perhaps use those words of the Prophet Elisha, which Melancthon did use, when News was first brought him of Luther's Death, Occidit currus, & auriga Israel: The Chariot and Chariettier of Israel are fallen: Yet reflecting on him, and those Religious Prelates 
p J. U. Archbishop of Armagh; and J. H. Bishop of Norwich , the Primate of Ireland, and the Bernard of England lately deceased, (and not to mention divers others Translated likewise from these calamitous and troublesome times.) I shall make bold to use the words of another Prophet, even the Prophet Isaiah, Justus perit, & nemo requirit, etc. The Righteous perish, and no man layeth it to heart: and merciful men are taken away, few (I doubt) considering that the Righteous are taken away from the evil to come: Isay 57 1. That is, from the evil of God's eminent Judgements; which if they should be meeted to these sinful Nations, by the hand of Divine Justice, in a commensuration unto our sins, what can we expect but a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, a second desolation and destruction of our Jerusalem. Which God of his infinite mercy avert, if it may stand with his holy counsels; and either translate these Judgements from us, us from them; and enable all those Persons, upon whom they shall fall, with unshaken Faith, and invinciple patience to endure and overcome them: Ever● more Praying, Praising, an● confessing, with good N●hemiah, unto Almighty God; Thou, O Lord, ar● just in all that is brought upon us, for thou hast don● right, but we have do●● wickedly, Nehem. 9 33.  
Unto that merciful and glorious God, Trini●● in Unity, and Unity i● Trinity, be ascribed of all Creatures both in Heaven ●nd Earth, All Honour, Glory, Might, Majesty, and Dominion for Evermore.  
Amen. Amen.  
J. N. D. D.  
FINIS.