■Iff I— N v'^i i, 3^ - PRACTICAL COMMENTARY UPON THE Christ <&$i$tu of &fc Hettr* i YJ.SS PRACTICAL COMMENTARY UPON THE dPirst 98, Dr. Doddridge, who was employed by Mr. Wilson, of Edinbuftjhj to revise the i dition justly pronounces it bo It M the most faulty pieo of u printing he ever remembered to haw Been in any %i language; commas, colons, and periods being placed " together almost promiscuously, without regard to their u proper signification.91 The Doctor apologizes for thfl iK cessary freedoms which he found himself una* voidably led to take with both t h>t practical divinity. The Publishers confident)] offia the present edition of the Works, as not only the moat correct in point oi typography, hut a- being the most faithful to tbe genuine Benseofthe Author, and as conveying theonly adequate representation of his Btyle. They trust that it will at once gratify the admirers, and be die means of ex; lending the number of the readers of the Archbishop^ invaluable writings. Some alteration- have been made in the arrange.: of the volumes, the whole of tbe six, which I - ( pleta Works originally formed, being now, with tbe ex. oeptioo of the originab of the Latin works, comj in four. Hie first two, which arc Bold separate, ait oupied with the Commentary on V< ter, ami i Expository Writings edited by Dr. Doddridge, I'lmIi-i with a Fragment on the Eighth Psalm, first published in Dr. Jerment's edition <>t the Works. Tbe third vo lume comprises the Lectures on St Matthew, and the Sermon-; and the fourth includes the Theological I lures and tb Mi ■<■. Hani CONTENTS OF THE FIRST VOLUME. Advertisement. Life of Archbishop Leighton, by Rev, Dr. Jerment. Preface by the Rev. Dr. Doddridge. Ditto by the Rev. H. Foster. A Practical Commentary on the First Epistle General of Peter. PAGE Chap. 1 1 II ■ 171 III. (to Verse 9.) 388 DR. DODDRIDGE'S PREFACE*. WHEN Mr. Wilson undertook to publish several pieces of Archbishop Leighton, from the manuscripts in which they had so long lain concealed, having heard of the high esteem I have long professed for the writings of that ex- cellent person, he entreated me that I would revise them, and if I approve the publication, would introduce them into the world by a re- commendatory preface. The last of these re- quests I absolutely refused, knowing how very unworthy I am to pretend, by my suffrage, to add any thing to the reputation and acceptance of what came from the pen of so eminently great and good a man : and the more I know of him, and of myself, the more deeply sensible I must be of this. But with the former request I cheer- fully complied, though my various and impor- tant business would have furnished a very plau- sible excuse for declining it. I apprehended that these pieces were not very large, and I knew that, like all the other remains of our * Drawn up, for the Edition of Archbishop Leighton's Expository Works, in two volumes, octavo, published by David Wilson, Edinburgh, 1748. VOL. I. b i pb Li \( l ro incomparable Author, thej were do! desig for the press ; bo thai it was probable they were written in a very bastj manner, consider- ing how will he knew the value of time, and how entirely be was superiorto popular applause in all bis compositions for the pulpit, as most of these were. The numberless i rrors which I had observed in the first edition of all his English works, by which the sense of many ; Sages is absolutely destroyed, and that of scores and hundreds \ ery much obscured, made me the more ready to attempt the pajing tins little tri- bute of respect to his memory* which no words or actions can ftilly express ; and 1 was morally Certain, tnat whatever came from such a pen, would be so entertaining and improving, thai I could not tail of being immediately and abun- dantly rewarded h>r w hatever pains it might cost me to prepare it tor the Public. When these manuscripts came to mv hands, T found new reasons to he ^ ; 1 1 i ^ t ; i • 1 1 with the task 1 had Undertaken, which indeed was wel- come to me in proportion to the degree in which I perceived it mUSt I'*1 laborious. The papers which were sent me, were copies of others, winch I suppose were transcribed from short* band notes, which some skilful writer had hap- pily taken from the Archbishop's mouth. They were beyond comparison more inaccurate than those <>l his printed WOrks, which are most re- mark, ibly sn, and yet thej contained SUCfa in- imitable traces of sweel natural i loquencet, and bf genuine and lively piety, as speak the author far more certainly, than the most exact re-em- DH. DODDRIDGE S EDITION. XI blance of what was known to be his hand writ- ing could possibly have done. Besides a large collection of letters, of which I shall afterwards speak, the papers consisted of his meditations and expositions on Psalm xxxix., on part of Rom. xii., and the whole sixth of Isaiah. On this last sublime and instructive portion of scripture, there were three distinct expositions, delivered, as I suppose, at differ- ent places ; the latter being, so far as I could judge, supplemental to the former, yet so that additions were made to almost every verse, and sometimes the same things which had been said before, expressed in a different manner. I judged it consistent with the strictest fidelity owing to the works of so illustrious a person, (which absolutely forbad my adding or dimi- nishing any thing,) to divide them, and incorpo- rate them into one whole ; which could not pos- sibly be done, without transcribing the pieces, omitting those passages in the former, that were afterwards more copiously or more cor- rectly expressed in the latter, and inserting here and there a line or two, by way of con- nexion, to prevent those disagreeable chasms which would otherwise have defaced much of its beauty. For the rest, the reader may assure himself, that if (which I cannot doubt) these papers came genuine into my hand, they are now entirely so, in every sentence, and in every clause ; for in those very few places where the sense was to me absolutely unintelligible, and the construction incurably ungrammatical, I chose rather to drop such imperfect fragments, than by uncertain additions of my own, to run b2 . Ill PREFACE TO the n^k of imputing to the good Archbisl what I was not sure he ei er h rote. 1 [ad tl ments contained hints of any thin ioua in criticism, history, ot i kind, I would have published them apart, at the caul of these volumes; but as they \ vrrv few, and like the rest of his writings, en- tirely of a devotional and practical natun thought it would have been a formality nearly bordering upon impertinence, to have collec and inserted them in such a manner. The Ethico-critical meditations on the iv., \\\ii., and c\w. Psalm$i abound w ith 00 many charm- ing sentiments and expressions, that I could not but desire the English reader should share in part of the pleasure they had given me. I have therefore taken care they should be faith- fully translated, and have reviewed the ven with as much accuracy as my other ( ments would allow. It is indeed impossible to transfuse the inimitable elcLar.ee and strength of the Original into any translation ; hut he who is incapable ol the pleasure of using that, will, I hope, be glad to enjoy the benefit of such eminentlj pi< as reflections, though under the disadvantage of a dress much less beautiful and ornamental. When this pari of the design was execut I wa nsibly, by an ambiguity of expn ssion in the proposals printed at Edinburgh, led into another labour, much greater than I at first imagined it would have proved, I mean th.it ol correcting the quarto edition of the incompa- rable commentary upon the first epistle of /< A r, which I may venture to pronounce the most dr. doddridge's edition. xiii faulty piece of printing I ever remember to have seen in any language. At first, I intended only to have noted those gross mistakes which quite pervert that any person of common pene- tration must see to have been the original sense, and yet are taken no notice of in the erroneous table of errata. But afterwards considering what an embarrassment it is to common readers, to see commas, colons, and periods, placed al- most in a promiscuous disorder, without any regard to their proper signification, which is the case here, at least in every ten lines, I deter- mined to go over the whole, pen in hand, and correct every page as I would have done a proof from the press. While I was thus employed, I observed that the confusion which many have complained of in the Archbishop's method, and which I myself really thought matter of some just com- plaint too, was frequently the consequence of omitting the numeral marks, which should de- note the subordination of heads, and this where some of them are inserted, as if on purpose to increase the perplexity. And it also very fre- quently results from the neglect of giving a proper view at first of the method proposed, and which was worst of all, in not a few places, from placing the number of the head, instead of the head itself. This perhaps was done with design in the first copy, to save the trou- ble of writing it over again ; but it is extremely inconvenient to the reader, as it most natu- rally leads him to mistake the first sentence of the enlargement, for the head it is intended to illustrate. xi i II. 1. 1 a i. i a This i8a remark which it applicable to many of our Author's sermons ; and 1 wish it had been more constantly attended to in that valuable edition of them published by Mr. \\ ilsoo at Edinburgh two years ago. in comparison of which, nevertheless, it is certain that neither of the former are to be named. I thought it no unwarrantable liberty al all, but a high point o\ justice, to supply with my pen what is so evidently deficient, and 1 hope 1 shall not be condemned for venturing, as 1 was expressly desired to do, here and there to exchange a Scots word or phrase for an English one, cer- tainly of the same signification, and mora oerally understood. 1 thought that to have distinguished all these corrections by different characters, crotchets or inverted commas, would have injured the beauty of the impres- sions, and might have looked like a little affec- tation of making a vain parade of what 1 have done. If any are curious enough to desire ex- actly to know it, they may gel -urea- informa- tion, by comparing tins edition n ith the former, by w Inch they may judge of the little, but, as 1 thought, verv necessary freedoms taken with the manuscript pie. Vml it* an\ [>erceii e, as 1 suppose most observant readers that make the comparison, will, that tin • ( onunentarv upon Peter, now reads in a much rounder, dearer and pleasanter manner than it before did ; they will only reflect how much a multitude of little igencies and errors, each of them seeming :n itself minutel) and inconsiderably small, may affect the In aul \ , character, and use Of ;i work in w hu h thev are found dr. doddridge's edition. xv On the whole, the preparing these volumes for the press, hath generally taken up a little of my time in the intervals of other business, daily for several months ; but I am far from repenting the labour I have bestowed upon it. The delight and edification which I have found in the writings of this wonderful man, for such I must deliberately call him, would have been a full equivalent for my pains, separate from all prospect of that effect which they might have upon others. For truly I know not that I have ever spent a quarter of an hour in reviewing any of them, but even amidst that interruption which a critical examination of the copy would naturally gi ve, I have felt some impressions which I could wish always to retain. I can hardly forbear saying, as a considerable philosopher and eminent divine, with whom I have the ho- nour of an intimate correspondence and friend- ship, said to me in a letter long ago*, and when my acquaintance with our Author's works was but beginning, " There is a spirit in Archbishop " Leighton I never met with in atiy human " writings, nor can I read many lines in them " without being moved/' Indeed it would be difficult for me to say where, but in the sacred oracles, I have ever found such heart-affecting lessons of simplicity and humility, candour and benevolence, ex- alted piety, without the least tincture of enthu- siasm, and an entire mortification to every earthly interest, without any mixture of sple- netic resentment. Nor can I ever sufficiently admire that artless manner in which he lays * April 10. 1740. The Reverend Dr. Henry Miles, F.R.S, \ \ I PREFACE open, ;tv it were, bis whole breast to the reader, and shews, without Beeming to be at all con- scious of it himself, all the various graces that can adom ;ind ennoble the Christian, running like bo manv veins <>t* precious ore in the rich mine where they grew. And hence, it' J mb- take not. 1^ that wonderful energy of bis dis- courses, obvious as thev seem, unadorned as thev really arc. which 1 have observed to he owned by persons of eminent piety in the most different ranks, and amidst all the variety of education and capacity that can he imagined. As every eve is struck by consummate beauty, though in the plainest dress, and the: sight of such an object impresses much more than any laboured description of complexion, features, or air, or any harangue on the nicest rules of pro- portion which could come into consideration; so, iii the works of this greai adept in true Chrti- tianity, we do not so much hear of goodness, as set it m its most genuine traces ; Bee him a liv- ing image of his Divine Master, for such indeed Ins writings shew, J had almost said, demon- strate him to have been, by such internal cha- racters as surely a bad man could not counterfeit, and no good man can s() much as suspect \\ here the ma tier is bo n markably excellent, a wise and pious reader a ill not be over solicit- ous about the style; yet I think he will find it in these compositions, for above any reasonable Contempt or censure. When I consider what the prevailing taste was a centnn ;i^o in this respect, I have often wondered at the many tine beauties of expression that occur in tins, pieces, and the general freedom from ti<<-.> talsc BR. DODDRIDGE S EDITION. XVII and fanciful ornaments, if they are to be called ornaments, which occur in contemporary au- thors. On the whole, the style wonderfully suits the sentiments ; and however destitute of the flights of oratory, has such a dignity and force mingled with that simplicity, which is to be sure its chief characteristic; so that on the whole, it has often reminded me of that soft and sweet eloquence of Ulysses, which Homer* describes as falling like flakes of snow; and if I might be allowed to pursue the similitude, I could add, like that, it penetrates deep into the mind too, and tends to enrich and fructify it. It is chiefly the practical preacher that shines in these lectures, yet it seems to me, that the judicious expositor will also appear, and appear most to the most competent judges. There is a sort of criticism on the sacred writings, which none but an eminently good man can attain ; and if I am at all capable of judging concerning it, it remarkably reigns here. We find indeed little of that laborious sifting of words and syl- lables, in which some have worn out so much time and pains, if not to no purpose at all, (for I will not assert that,) at least to purposes very low and inconsiderable, when compared with those which our Author pursues and attains. The reader will, I think, find great light poured on many very difficult passages, especially in the First Epistle of Peter, in a very masterly manner, and often by a few weighty words. But these hints are generally very short ; for the good Au- thor appears to have lopped off every thing as Kai into, )n> be ;it all con- scious of it himself, nil the various graces that can adorn and ennoble the Christian, running like so nian\ wins of precious "re m the rich mine where they grew. And hence, if 1 mis- take not, i^ that wonderful energy of his dis- courses, obvious as they Beem, unadorned as thev really are, which I have observed to be owned by persons of eminent piety in the i different ranks, and amidst all the variety of education and capacity that can be imagined. As every eye is struck In consummate beauty, though in the plainest dress, ami the sight of such an object impresses much more than any laboured description of complexion, features, or ail-, or any harangue on the nicest rules of ] portion which could come into consideration; so, in the works of this gn at odtpt m true Chri$- tiamty, we do not so much hear of goodness, as see it in its most genuine trace- : Bee \\^\\\ a liv- ing image of his Divine Master, for such indeed jus writings shew, J had almost Baid, demon- strate him to have been, by Buch internal cha- racters as surely a bad man could not counterfeit, and no good man can BO much as suspect Where the matter is bo remarkably excellent, a wise and pioUS reader w ill not be over BOlicit- ous about the style; yet I thmk he wiH find it in these compositions! far above any reasonable contempt or censure. When I consider what the prevailing taste was a ccntun asjo in this respect, I have often wondered at the many true beauties of expression thai occur in these pieces, and the general Ireedom from thn*£ fklsC BR. DODDRIDGE S EDITION. XVII and fanciful ornaments, if they are to be called ornaments, which occur in contemporary au- thors. On the whole, the style wonderfully suits the sentiments ; and however destitute of the flights of oratory, has such a dignity and force mingled with that simplicity, which is to be sure its chief characteristic; so that on the whole, it has often reminded me of that soft and sweet eloquence of Ulysses, which Homer* describes as falling like flakes of snow; and if I might be allowed to pursue the similitude, I could add, like that, it penetrates deep into the mind too, and tends to enrich and fructify it. It is chiefly the practical preacher that shines in these lectures, yet it seems to me, that the judicious expositor will also appear, and appear most to the most competent judges. There is a sort of criticism on the sacred writings, which none but an eminently good man can attain ; and if I am at all capable of judging concerning it, it remarkably reigns here. We find indeed little of that laborious sifting of words and syl- lables, in which some have worn out so much time and pains, if not to no purpose at all, (for I will not assert that,) at least to purposes very low and inconsiderable, when compared with those which our Author pursues and attains. The reader will, I think, find great light poured on many very difficult passages, especially in the First Epistle of Peter, in a very masterly manner, and often by a few weighty words. But these hints are generally very short ; for the good Au- thor appears to have lopped off every thing as II. iii. i;. 222. Will PREFACE TO superfluous, which did not immediately tend to make his readers better, or rather to have had a heart so entirety possessed with this desire, that Dothiog else ever offered itself to his view* Whatever of an ornamental kind is to be found in these practical parts of the work, which certainty constitute more than sis seventl the whole, appears to have been quite nnla- boured and unsought ; but it conduces much to our entertainment, and I hope in itsconsequence to our improvement, that the Author had natu- rally a very tine imagination ; the consequence of which IS, that his works abound with a charming variety of beautiful figures, springing up most naturally from his subjects, and so adding some graces of novelty, to thoughts in themselves most obvious and common. On the whole, 1 eannot but hope that God will be pleased to bless the publication of these piece-, m these circumstances, A3 an OCCaStOO of reviving a sense of religion, and promoting the interest of true Christianity. Jt has ap- peared to me a memorable event, that when the extreme modesty of Archbishop LeightOn had been inexorable to all the entreaties ol ins nianv friends, to print somethingduringhislife,so many of his precious remains should with such solicitude be gleaned up after death, and some of them more than threescore yean alter it; and that they should be lead with siieh high es- teem and delight, as n is plain many of them have been, b\ poi sous of (lie most ditleient de- nominations throughout Gtoeal Britain, [am \er\ sensible of it as an honour done to me in the course of Divine Providence, that the task DR. DODDRIDGE S EDITION. XIX I have here executed, should so very unexpect- edly be devolved upon me. I have no pro- perty at all in the work, nor the least secular interest in its success : what I have done was en- tirely the result of love to the iluthor's memory, and concern for the public good : but I shall be gloriously rewarded, if the labour I have be- stowed upon it, be the occasion of promoting those great ends which animated the discourses and actions of the holy man, who has now dwelt so long among the blessed inhabitants of that world after which he so ardently aspired, while yet amongst mortals. And let me be permitted to add, that I have some secret hope this publication, in these circumstances, may, among other good effects, promote that spirit of Catholicism, for which our Author was so re- markable, and extend it among various deno- minations of Christians, in the northern and southern parts of our island. If the sincerest language or actions can express the disposition of the heart, it will here be apparent, that a di- versity of judgement, with regard to Episcopacy, and several forms both of discipline and wor- ship connected with it, have produced in my mind no alienation, no indifference towards Archbishop Leighton, nor prevented my delight- ing in his works, and profiting by them. In this respect I trust my brethren in Scotland will, for their own sake, and that of religion in ge- neral, shew the like candour. On the other side, as I have observed with great pleasure and thankfulness how much many of the established clergy in this part of Britain are advancing in moderation towards their dissenting brethren* \ s PREFACE TO 1 am fully assured ihey will do! tike these ei crllcni pieces the worse^ for having pas through my hand. It is truly my grief, that anv thing should divide me from the fullest com- munion with those to whom 1 am united in bonds of as tender affection as 1 bear to any of my fellow-Christians. And it is my daily prayer, thai God will by Ins gentle, but poi l ul influence on our minds, mutually disp us more and more for Buch a further union, as may most effectually consolidate the Protestant cause, establish the throne of our gracious s vereign, remove the scandals our divisions have occasioned, and strengthen our hands in those efforts by which we are attempting, and might then, 1 hope, more successfully attempt, the ser- vice of our common Christianity. In the mean time, I desire most sincerely to Mess God for anv advances that are made towards it : and I cannot forbear to illustrate and confirm my thoughts <»n this head, by inserting the elegant Words of a most worthy member of the Church of England, well known in the learned world, as I have lately had the honour of receiving them from his own pen. I conceal his name, ami therefore hope it is no violation of the laws of friendship, to insert at large a passage from a familiar letter, which, it' it warms m\ reader's breast as it did nunc, will he not only an enter- tainment, but a blessing to many, and winch is as suitable a conclusion of this preface, as if it bad been written in that \ lew . " | ;nn glad,'1 says he, M that Christianity begins to he bo well wk understood and taught bj so manj men ol u part- and learning in all -« ct i, th< fi uit DR. DODDRIDGE S EDITION. XXT " which appear in a candour and charity un- " known to all ages of the Church, except the " primitive, I had almost said, the apostolic " age. Does not this give, you a prospect, " though perhaps still very distant, of the com- " pletion of the famous prophecy that speaks " of the lion and the lamb lying down together in " the kingdom of the Messiah ? Lions there " have been hitherto in all churches, but too 4i many fierce, greedy, and blood-thirsty lions, " though often disguised like lambs, and some " lambs there have been, simple enough to think " it expedient for the flock, to assume the habit " and terror of lions : but I hope they now be- " gin to undeceive themselves, and to consider '* Christianity as intending to bring back the " world to that state of innocence which it en- " joyed before the fall, when in one and the " same paradise, to use the words of Milton, Frisking play'd All beasts of th' earth, since wild, and of all chase, In wood or wilderness, forest or den. Sporting the lion ramp'd, and in his paw Dandled the kid. " To attain this happy state," continues this amiable writer, " all Christians should unite " their endeavours, and instead of looking out " for and insisting upon points of difference and " distinction, seek for those only in which they " do or may agree. They may at least sow the u seeds of peace and unity, though they should " not live to reap the fruits of it in this world. " Blessed are the peace-makers, says the Prince of " peace,/or they shall be called the children of God. \ \ I l PREFACE TO DR. D0DDRID4 I I ED. H An appellation infinitely more honourable u than that of pastor, bishop, archbishop, pa- ki triarcb, cardinal, or pope, attended p ith ■ re- M compense infinitely surpassing the richest r«- M venues of the highest ecclesiastical dignity/1 I join my hearty wishes and prayers with those of my much esteemed friend, that we may all more and more deserve this character, and at- tain tins its reward. P. DODDR] DO! . \"rthi]>(t>ii, April |6, 1746. PREFACE TO The London Edition of 1777. READER, I only beg leave to introduce to you Arch- bishop Leighton. If you be already ac- quainted with him, I need not say any more. You are pleased ; and I withdraw, that you may immediately enjoy his edifying discourse. But, if you and he have hitherto been stran- gers, I am sorry for it ; because it has been your loss. Having been acquainted with him some years, I recommend him as one of the most pleasing, edifying, and savoury companions with whom you can form an intimacy. I have some- times had occasion to break off the connexions I have formed for myself; and to lament those that I have formed for others. This has made me somewhat cautious in these matters. But it has not been thus in respect to this worthy prelate ; who now makes a new appearance up- on the public stage. He improves by acquaint- ance, and (which is not often the case) makes himself dearer by familiarity. / know none like him. And I am persuaded, Christian Reader, that you and I shall reflect upon the opportu- \ \ I I PRBFACJ I 0 i 09 ilk fi EDIT1 nity of making Lei qui , with pleat and thai you will not grudge 'lit- small put. th;tt you part h ill), for a treasure so >le. As to bis i tt( rnal garb, and the mannt r in which it is pul on, ! bope j ou w ill allow I it is the best in which he 1 made Ins ap- pearance. Tins is indeed trivial when com- pared with internal worth ; but it sometimes gives a person courage to speak irith b bet- ter grace, and makes him heard with greater attention. I beg pardon for taking this liberty with a character so venerable and exalted, as thai of Archbishop Leigiiton is unii ersally alio- I to be. He highly deserved to be introduced by some person of eminence; yea, by the late Rev. James Hervey himself.— -He has indeed exalted him already in the following words. tliee. 1 lis preparation tor the pulpit was very e\aet. lie diligently Visited the poor, the Mek, and the afflicted) of bis flock \ and promoted personal, domestic, social^ and public religion, to the ut- most <>t his power, by precept, by example, and by many prayers* Tins faithful ministx ARCHBISHOP L1MGIITON. Vll Christ lived in a plain and retired manner : he had an utter aversion to mixed company, and was extremely cautious in the choice of his friends. He was never happier than when engaged in the duties of his office, or in his closet, storing his capacious mind with sacred knowledge, communing with his own heart, and praying to his God. Leighton's mind was not fitted for bustle and strife. Partly from timidity and modesty, partly from perhaps an excessive inclination for peace, he seldom attended meetings of the Presbytery, or of ministers and elders from neighbouring congregations. He was, how- ever, occasionally present. It was then cus- tomary for the Presbytery to inquire of the several brethren, twice a year, " Whether they preached to the times V Leighton, once, upon being thus interrogated, acknowledged his omission, and apologized for it, saying, " If all the brethren have preached to the ti??ics, may not one poor brother be suifered to preach on eternity V If the brethren, however, went to one extreme in dwelling too much on public topics, Leighton perhaps verged towards the other, in scarcely touching them. But those times rendered it difficult, and almost impracti- cable, to observe the due medium. ' They were vni LIFE OF critical and perilous in an eminent degree. A brief sketch of the state of parties at that time, is necessary to point out the difficulties which our Author had to encounter, and ta explain, In some degree, the circumstances which led to his change of religious connexion. After the gradual abolition of Popery in Scotland, and the introduction of Presbytery. chiefly through means of the intrepid reformer, John Knox, in the year 1561, when the model of that reformed church was 6rsl settled, - ral attempts had been made to revive Popery, and when these failed, to introduce Bpiscopacy there, obnoxious as it was to the people of that country, and especially in that age. During the reigns of the unhappy Mary, ami her t llenii- nate son, James the First, of England, the strug- gle between the opposite parties was constantly kept up, and carried on with, various BUCC though, upon the whole, the Protectants and Presbyterians preserved the ascendency in re- spect of numbers and character, if not always in point of authority and influence. The pe- dantic and unstable James, who, in the begin- ning of his reijrn, had bv solemn oath esta- blished Presbytery in Scotland, afterwards endeavoured to establish Episcopacy in the same kingdom. At one tune, he apparently al- ARCHBISHOP Li:iGHTOX. IX tered his design, and again professed a singular regard for the Presbyterian establishment ; but, having ascended the throne of Britain, he was so unmindful of his sacred engagements, and so ungrateful to those who were the instruments of preserving his infant-life, and of securing for him the Scottish crown, that he not only established Episcopacy, but sanctioned a cruel persecution, in that part of his dominions, against those who adhered to the Presbyterian form of Church government. His son, Charles the First, equally zealous for prelacy, under the influence of worthless ministers, and a Popish queen, endeavoured to perfect the absurd scheme which his father had formed, but had not been able to accom- plish, of effectually establishing Episcopacy among the Scots, contrary to the sentiments of the greater part of the nation, and to the acts of their free ecclesiastical assemblies. By his own authority, he imposed on that people the English Liturgy ; an imposition which they almost universally resisted. The General Assembly met soon after at Glasgow, in the year 1638, and formally abolished Episcopacy ; and their sentence was approved and confirmed by Parliament. The ill-advised monarch at- tempted to enforce his favourite scheme by the \ J.I M 01 power of the sword, and levied ao army to erush what was termed the rebellion ; in tact, to support a lawless prerogative, Twice, from motives of policy, lie consented to a peace. thinking to engage the Scot- to assist him against the English Parliament ami army. Alter several battles with the Parliamentary forces, Charles went over to the Scots army at Newark; who, while they treated him with be- coming respect, put a guard upon him, ami, in reality, made him a prisoner. At length, they delivered him up to the Commissioners of the Parliament, who conducted him to llolm- by-hoiise, where he was closely confined. Du- ring the coniinement of the King, the Duk Hamilton, by his interest and intrigues, pre- vailed upon the Convention of Bstates to raise an army, of which he was appointed General, in order to rescue Charles from his captivity. Tin Engogi ///< /if. a- it was called, had a specious appearance, and deceived many, who sympa- thized with the captive monarch, and were a\ers( from carrying matters to the las! trenuty ; and the rather, as they saw the lifting predominance of a republican and levelling spirit. At this critical and alarming juncture, Leigh- top, disgusted with animosity, unable, perhaps, ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XI to ascertain the point where resistance to the authority of a prince becomes lawful and ne- cessary, and probably dreading the downfal of monarchy, declared for the Engagement. This was the first step towards leaving his old con- nexions ; and there were several circumstances wThich seem, in a particular manner, to have biassed his mind. Those of his parishioners who desired the King's liberty, and took an ac- tive part for procuring it, were in general men of bad morals. Their minister reproved them publickly for their wickedness, and thus incur- red their displeasure and resentment. His sim- ple declaration for the Engagement offended the rest ; so that he was placed between two fires. Some of the more moderate and respectable of the Episcopal party commenced a flattering correspondence with him, and endeavoured to drawT him to their side. His own brother, Sir Elisha Leighton, a man of great parts and vivacity, as well as of considerable address, laboured to prejudice his mind against the Presbyterians. It is not improbable that some of them envied his singular talents, and that others charged him with the want or weakness of public spirit. In short, judging his useful- ness to be at an end, he was induced to resign his charge; and seems to have intended to \)i LIFE Of retire from public life. Indeed, he iras of the most recluse habits; and of a turn somewhat ascetic, without being morose. Though our Author did not then fully join the opposite party, and never approved of anv i A their violent measures, he was supposed, with good reason, to have changed In- connexions. The Presbyterians denounced him as an apos- tate, and the Episcopalians welcomed him as a convert. Impartiality obliges us to say. that lie ought to have stated publickly and plainly, which he never did, the grounds of his separa- tion ; hut the change itself is the less matter of surprise, as he s(Vins not to have been in his first connexion thoroughly a Presbyterian, nor in his second entirely an Episcopalian. He was. therefore, disliked by the violent of both parties. Yet, he was held in such general estimation, and acted with so much prudence, that he did not sutler any open molestation on account of his Dew opinions. Motives of am- bition, or of COVetOUSneSB, cannot he justly imputed to him in making the change ; because Episcopacy was the profession of the minority, and extremely unpopular. Admitting thai the change, especially in some of its circum- stances, was improper, it was almost the4 only blemish in a lone and useful life ; and no one AllGIlBISIIOP LEIGIITOK. Xlll could find fault either with his doctrine, or with his habitual temper and practice. Our Author's design of total seclusion from active and public service, was prevented by the general opinion still entertained of his integrity, learning, and piety. The office of Principal in the University of Edinburgh becoming vacant soon after Leighton's resignation of his charge, the Magistrates and Town-Council of that city, who had the gift of presentation, unanimously chose him to fill the chair, pressing upon him the acceptance of it by the powerful motive, that he would serve the church signally, without taking any part in public measures. The office was not then, as it is now, a situation of dignity and emolument, rather than of responsibility and labour. The Principal delivered Lectures, especially to the Students of Theology ; and occasionally supplied the place of Divine- Professor. The lectures were usually given in the Latin tongue, which was cultivated in that age with extraordinary diligence and success. Dr. Leighton addressed himself to the duties of his new office with zeal and ability. His Theological Lectures a^re known to the learned world, and have been translated into English. For pure Latin, sublime thought, and warm diction, th^y have never been surpassed, and \i\ ].i i I 01 seldom equalled. Many who irerenol students, crowded to hear them ; they were delivi with a modest dignity, and ■ peculiar swa i, which charmed all Ins auditors. In thk office Dr. Leightoo remained tea years, the ornament and delight of the University, and a blessing to her Btudious vonth. After the death of Charles, Dr. Leighton, during the vacation, which lasted about rii months in the year, sometimes came to London. But his calm, humble mind, was greatly hurt by the turbulent and ostentatious spirit ot" not a few of the Republicans, many of whom, though really pious, were chargeable with great extravagance of expression. Mneh nnine godliness was at that time, dotfbtleSS, of- ten blended with no small decree of enthusiasm. o Polities and a party-spirit ran high ; and the effervescence of the public mind had not wt subsided. The Independents had sel np a form of church^government, diametrically op- posite to that which the Doetor had now em- braced, as well as extremely different from that in which he had been educated, and which he firsl professed, The character of Cromwell himself, Ins deep dissimulation in making re- ligion subservient to Ins political and selfish ends, must have impressed Leighton's mind ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON". XV very unfavourably. The Scots, too, who had always protested against the execution of the King, and approved of a limited monarchy, having proclaimed Charles the Second to be their lawful sovereign, determined to support him by force of arms. Many of them con- sidered Cromwell as combining the odious characters of usurper, tyrant, and hypocrite. It is no wonder, then, that the Doctor returned from London with sentiments of disgust, and revolting at the idea of Independency, ap- proached nearer, as Presbyterians think, to the opposite extreme. Dr. Leighton made several excursions to Flanders, partly for his health, which was al- ways delicate, but chiefly to observe on the spot the different orders and the manners of the Romish clergy. Finding some Jansenists there, who were men both of knowledge and piety, and as to the great doctrinal points of Scripture, sound in the faith, he formed an in- timacy with them, and on his return from his first visit to that country, commenced a cor- respondence with them by letter. He had long carried on an epistolary correspondence with some of his relations at Bouay, who were in Popish orders. These things excited a sus- picion of his leaning towards Popery ; a sus- w i l I I l 0 i picioD which often attached in thai age to ti who favoured Episcopacy. Bui nothi .. , appears from the whole tenor of his works, and the genera] course <>i bis life, was more abhorrent to his soul. One of his contem- poraries, and an intimate companion, I>i>hoj> Burnet, expressly affirms, that our Author fre- quently spoke against the Popish system with a keenness foreign to the natural placidity and moderation of Ijis temper; and that be w;^ m the habit of applying to it the strong characters given in holv writ, of the wisdom from beneath, as " earthly, sensual, devilish/' Christianity taught him, and Divine Grace disposed him, to love relation-, whatever their religious prin- ciples were, and to e-teem wise and godly in- dividuaU of the Romish Church, while he cor- dially protested against their profession. After the Restoration, Charles thi Second, who had sworn to maintain the Presbyterian form of Church Government in Scotland, and even in Bngland, soon manifested, that pro- mises and oaths were no obstacle in the wav ot ;in\ favourite scheme tor stretching '|ls au- thority in the State and in the Church. \ pa* pist in principle, a profligate in practice! he professed Brst t<. he a Presbyterian, and then to bean episcopalian; while the establishment ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XV11 of Popery, so congenial to arbitrary power, was the ultimate object of his wishes and designs. He now threw off the mask, and discovered an inflexible purpose to establish Episcopacy in Scotland, where it was particu- larly odious, and had never flourished, although planted with violence and blood. The Privy Council there were asked for their advice on the subject ; but the majority of the members were either so shamefully ignorant of the views and tempers of the people, or so willing to flatter the King, that they gave it as their opi- nion, that the design would be generally ac- ceptable, or meet with little resistance. The attempt, however, was generally disapproved, and violently opposed. But the King, misled and obstinate, determined to carry his point ; and he involved that kingdom in the horrors of popular tumult, general disaffection, and civil war. Dr. Leighton, whose views of Episcopacy it- self were extremely moderate, and who had no idea that the establishment of it in Scotland would produce such fatal effects, went to Bath for his health. He courted no preferment, and seems to have indulged no wish for any dignity in the church. Being invited to London, or going thither to visit his brother and friends b w in i.i i I or tin1 acceptance of a see in Scotland was ui upon him both by the Court ami Ins own coa- iH'MiMh, 1 [is character lor learning, piety, mo- deration, and candour, it was Lhought, would greatly promote the nen scheme. Jt is pro- bable, likewise, thai the hope of accommodating differences between the opposite parties, <>r\ at least, of softening their mutual animosity, in- duced the Doctor to he overcome by repeated solicitations. One circumstance, scarcely no- ticed by his biographers, appears to have had no small weight in determining bis mmd. 1 1 is brother. Sir Klisha, who \\;h a courtier, and ambitions of preferment, gained Ins confidence bv strong professions of piety, expecting to dbligC the King bv procuring the Doctor's ;ir- qtiiesceace, and to rise at Court through Ins advancement. Dr. Leighta&'s gUlltlfiSS heart and recluse habits fitted linn to be the dupe of designing men. Serena! things, however* shew that he did not enter Cordially into the plan, and wai even parti v averse to it. He chose the most obscure and least lucrative see, the diocc-c of Dun- blane ; disapproved of the feasting at the time ,,f consecration, and testified plainly against it ; objected t<> the title ^\ Lord ; refused to acconv- panv the other figOtS Ihshops m then pompons ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XIX entry into Edinburgh, hastening privately to Dunblane ; he did not accept of the invitation to Parliament, almost the only time he took his seat there, being for the purpose of urging lenity towards the Presbyterians ; he detested all violent measures ; he persecuted no man, up- braided no man, held little correspondence with his brethren, and incurred their deep re- sentment by his reserve and strictness. In the end, he acknowledged that Providence frowned both on the scheme and the instruments, and confined himself to his Diocese. It was in April, 1662, that Bishop Leighton entered the seat of his diocese, and there he laboured most assiduously. He preached every Lord's day, consoled the sick and afflicted, in- structed the ignorant, and gave liberally to the poor. When any of the churches were vacant, he frequently supplied them himself; and he visited all of them once a year. The majority of his clergy were both illiterate and careless ; but his timidity, and the hope of their amend- ment by his own instruction and example, pre- vented him from deposing them ; a sentence which he would have found it difficult to ex- ecute, against the influence of their friends, and the temper of the other bishops. His deep concern that they might be wise and good, is b 2 XX LIFE 0] evident froqn various charges which be them, particularly lioin the first, deliw September 1662* which hfes been published, and breathes a spirit of piety and peace. Among other excellent directions in thai Charge, the Bishop urges the necessity of personal holiness and of peaceable tempers. He said, - that it was to be remembered both by them and him- self, to how eminent degrees of purity bf b< and life, their holy balling doth engdge tla in ; to how great fcoutempl of this present world, and inflamed affections toward heaven, spri ittg from deep persuasion within them of those things they preach to others, and from the daily meditation on them, ami fervent prayer: and that we consider how ill it becomes us to be touch in the trivial conversation oftheworld ; but, when our duty or necessity leads us into eom- pan\, that our speech and deportment be e\em- plarilv holy ; and that we be meek ami gentle, endeavouring rather to quench than to increase the useless debates and eontentions that abound in the world : and that we be alua\s more s|U. dioufe oi" pacific than ot' polemic divinity : that befog, eertainU , mueh iii\nu r than this, for the student- ot' it an1 called th< | ' f This address, KJhotlgh <_uven with tin vst sinccritys hai the cur of a severe satirt on the ARCHBISHOP LEICHTON. XXI measures of the government and the behaviour of the clergy. Persecution raged in the south- ern and western parts of Scotland ; but not one individual within the diocese of Dunblane, during Leighton's occupation of that see, was violently molested for his religious principles ; an exception which" must be ascribed, in a great degree, to the mild temper and active influence of the Bishop. To the Presbyterian ministers, particularly in his own diocese, he was always lenient : he held several conferences with them for the purpose of accommodation, and occasionally heard them preach ; an in- stance of liberality which, even in our days of boasted candour, never occurs. Every other part of Scotland where Episcopacy was esta- blished, exhibited scenes from which the eye turns with grief and horror. The cruelties and murders committed in many parts of Scotland, under colour of law and the mask of zeal, sat heavy on Leighton's mind : he wept in secret for the state of the church and the calamities of his country, nor, in the hours of solitude and reflection, could he entirely free himself from blame. His con- science, well informed and tender, srnote him for drawing with such men, and for seeming to participate in such measures. The fact is, XX11 LI I I 01 thai unaware^ be was carried into a vortex, where he endured the collision of conflicting waters, and from which he perpetually en- deavoured to make his escape. His honest, unsuspecting mind perceived not his error till jt was too late. Scarcely three months elapsed from the time of his becoming a Bishop, when two thousand of the most learned, the wisest, and holiest ministers which England ever saw, were violently east out of their churches, for non-conformity. The sentence of ejection, known by the name of the Bartholomew-act, was passed in August, L60S: and before the end of the same year, tour hundred ministers Were silenced m Scotland for the same eaii-e. Fines, imprisonment, exile, and death, were the means employed by the1 end and ecclesiastical rulers of that day to promote uniformity iu religious profession and worship. A minute account of the Bufferings of the conscientious, especially of faithful ministers, in South Bri- tain, and in the North, would till manv \ ol nines. How were their places, particularly m Sect- land, supplied? Bishop Burnet, who may be supposed to have drawn the character of the new incumbents in true colours, describes them as the WOIBl preachers //< e\er heard. M Thev were," he affirms, ki ignorant to a re- ARCHBISHOP IEIGHTOX. XX111 f proach, and many of them openly vicious ; " they were a disgrace to the sacred function, " and were indeed the refuse of the northern " parts. Those of them who rose above con- " tempt or scandal, were men of such violent " tempers, that they were as much hated as M the others were despised." Leigh ton openly and loudly remonstrated against this miserable state of thing's : his righteous and merciful soul was vexed from day to day, when he saw church-men and soldiers, headed by Sharp and Lauderdale, over-running the country like locusts. In the month of October, 1665, only three years and a half after his settlement at Dunblane, the Bishop publicly intimated to his clergy his design of retiring from office, assigning as a reason, that he was weary of contentions ; and he closed his address with these words : " Fi- * nally, brethren, farewell; be perfect, be of " good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace ; " and the God of love and peace shall be with " you." He was induced, however, to retain his office a little longer, in the hope that a proper representation of the state of matters to the King, which Leighton, notwithstanding his natural diffidence, undertook to make per- sonally, would relieve his oppressed country. Wiv LIFE Ol .\rconlm<_:lv lie eamr to London, and being introduced to the Kijig, was received with great condescension; for Charles, thou; i the most abandoned morals, had the p lish a gentleman, and, when conversing with the clergy, could at times assume a gw e and im* posing aspect Leighton detailed to the King the violent and cruel proceedings in Scotland, protested against any concurrence in such measures, declared that, being a Bishop, he was in some degree accessary to the rigorous deeds of others in supporting Episcopacy, and re- quested permission to resign his bishoprick, The Kim- beard bim with attention and with apparent sorrow for the state of Scotland, and B£SUred him that lenient measures should he adopted, hut pQsitively relumed to accept bis resignation. The Court were convinced that J,ei-I ton was almost the onl\ S( - bishl p who possessed cither the requisite talent Of good temper, and they felt the oecessity of mtrins his continuance in office* His own 9 9 brother, too, still cajoled him to retain the * pp mising i<> use his influence for putting a itop to the grievous severities. The King, in- deed, before Leighjton lefl London, professed to bave senl orders <>i thai kind, and to bavt even annulled the ecclesiastical commission ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XXV But this proved to be merely a pretext to please Leighton for the time, and to deceive him as to the real intentions of the Court. The good Bishop, who had expressly declared to Charles that he would not plant Christianity itself by violence, and far less a particular mode of go- vernment and worship, left London full of hopes that the King and his ministers had been convinced of their error, and were determined to correct it. These hopes, however, were speedily blasted. Oppression became every day more grievous. Civil war was excited, and those who were the best friends to the constitution and their country, were treated as enemies and rebels, Leighton now gave him- self wholly to the duties of his office, without intermeddling at all in the deeds of the violent and bloody men, and seldom stirred beyond the limits of his diocese. He gave himself to reading, meditation, and prayer, and lived in the plainest and most sequestered style. In the year 1667, Leighton was again forced from his beloved retirement, to plead the cause of an oppressed and injured people. He went to London a second time, and remonstrated ear- nestly with the King against the oppressive mea- sures still pursued. He had two audiences of Charles, in which he represented in strong but re- xwi i.i i r. of spectful language, the injustice ami crudtj with which affairs were administered in Scot- land. Jt was then that the good Bishop took the liberty of proposing to the King, and even urging, that the Presbyterians should be treated with moderation and lenity. Charles, as usual, gave him lair speeches and promises ; but nothing effectual was done. Leighton returned with a heavy heart ; but be continued to labour in word and doctrine, preaching and catechiz- ing throughout his diocese. He remained at Dunblane tor almost eight 3 ears, a burning and a shining light, in the midst of discord and con- tention, violence and war all around. Mean- while, his pacific endeavours to soften the opposite parties, were unremitting, but without sneeess. In the year 1670, our Author, without bis so- licitation, and against his will, was appointed to the archbishoprick of Glasgow. He did not however take possession of that see for twelve months after the appointment . Though Strongly urged by the ruling men to accept of that pro- motion, he hesitated long. They knew that he was the only man qualified to allay the dis- oontents which prevailed in the West of s< <»t- Umd, and tin1 King ordered him up to court, for the purpose of overcoming hi^ scruples. ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XXV11 Knowing that Leighton had formed a scheme of accommodation between the Episcopalians and the Presbyterians, which was for years the object of his desires and the subject of his study, Charles exathined it, expressed his approbation, and promised assistance in carrying it into ef- fect, This was the motive which induced our Author at length to accept of the archbishop- rick. The scheme itself was marked with mo- deration. Leighton wished each of the parties, for the sake of peace, to abate somewhat of their opinions respectively, as to the mode of government and worship. He conceived that truth wrould not at all suffer by their union, but rather that the great ends of Christianity would be promoted. Being the reverse of a high Churchman on the one hand, and of a bigotted Presbyterian on the other, his plan was, to re- duce the power of the Bishops considerably, and to retain very few of the Episcopalian ceremonies. He proposed, that the Bishop should be only perpetual moderator, and have no negative vote, and that every question should be determined by the majority of Presbyters. But various circumstances conspired to render the scheme abortive. Both parties were too much exasperated, and too jealous of each other, to yield a single point. The other Bi- \\\ ill LIFE OF shops refused toco-operate with Leigbton ii this labouroflove; they disapproved oftbe plan, and hated him lor proposing it. The Presby- terians saw the essence, or at hast the germ <>t Episcopacy, in the official superiority of one minister, and neither perfect parity of mem- bers, nor a regular subordination of courts. There is sufficient ground, likewise, to think that the King BCOl secret instructions to coun- teract the whole of Leiejiton's plan . In short. though the Scheme did much honour to his liberal and pacific heart, it came to nothing. Our Author, while lie was Archbishop of GJasgOW, did all in his power to reform the clergy, to correct wickedness and promote pietj among the people, to suppress violence, and to SOOthe the minds of the IVeslntei ians. At Glasgow, Paisley, and Edinburgh, he even held conferences with them on their principles, and on his scheme of accommodation, but withonl effect. The parties could not he brought to mutual indulgence, and tar le^s to religious concord. Bishop Inunet very severely and un- justly blames the Presbj teriaos for rejecting the concessions offered. They supposed the New Testament Scriptures to sanction and require a perfect equality in official power, among the ministers of Christ The experience the^ had had ARCHBISHOP LE1GHTON. XXIX of Episcopacy during the two preceding reigns, was calculated to create disgust and aversion. It had been introduced, and was still conti- nued, by military force ; and was made sub- servient to the purposes of despotic princes. History does not furnish instances of severer acts of cruelty under any Protestant govern- ment, than were committed by the family of Stuart in Scotland to establish Prelacy. Be- sides, the Scots Reformers knew that Leighton was the only Bishop, and almost the only man either in the Church or in the State, who was cor- dial and zealous in making the proposal . Had they acceded,andhadthe plan been even legally sanc- tioned, the King was empowered by the act of supremacy, which put the whole legislative au- thority into his hands, to thwart and destroy the scheme. Under such circumstances, it is not to be wondered at that the Presbyterians should stand aloof, and indulge reasonable suspicions. Whatever praise was due to Leighton, greater praise is due to them for integrity and firmness, in a cause which they believed to be the cause of God and truth. Undermined and opposed by his own party for his blameless life and lenient principles and temper, suspected by some of the opposite party through his very gentleness, Leighton felt K X X I 1 l l n i his situation to be irksome and intolerable, and looked back to Dunblane with fond regret* He did nol cease affectionately and solemnly to admonish the Clergy of that Diocese, aaap* pears from the following letter to the Synod of Dunblane. " ( iUfgOM , Aj-iil 6, 107 I. 44 Rev brand Brethren, 44 The superadded burden thai 1 have here Utfl so heavy upon nu\ that 1 cannot escape from under it, to be with you at this time, but my heart and desires Bhall be with viL fof b blessing from above upon your meeting, 1 have nothing to recommend to \ pu, but (if \ ou please) to take a review of things formerly agreed Upon ; and such as you judge DlO&t useful, to re- new the appointment of putting them Ln pracr ticc; and to add whatsoever further shall occur to your thoughts, that may promote the bappy discharge (,i your ministry, and the gppd <>i" vour people's souls. I know I need not remind von, for I am confident you doily think of it, that the great principle of fidelity and diligence, and good success m that great work, is lo\e ; and the great spring of loye to souls, is love to Him that bought them. lie knew it well him- self; and gave us to know it* when he said) s - mofi| Invest thou me ? Feed my &hccp% feed my ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XXXI lambs. Deep impression of his blessed name upon our hearts, will not fail to produce lively expression of it, not only in our words and dis- courses, in private and public, but will make the whole track of our lives to be a true copy and transcript of his holy life. And, if there be within us any sparks of that divine love, you know, the best way, not only to preserve them, but to excite them, and blow them up into a flame, is by the breath of prayer. Oh prayer ! the converse of the soul with God, the breath of God in man returning to its original, frequent, and fervent prayer, the better half of our whole work, and that which makes the other half lively and effectual ; as that holy company tell us, when, appointing deacons to serve the ta- bles, they add, But we will give ourselves continu- ally to prayer, and the ministry of the word. And is it not, brethren, our unspeakable advantage, beyond all the gainful and honourable employ- ments of the world, that the whole work of our particular calling is a kind of living in heaven, and besides its tendency to the saving of the souls of others, is all along so proper and adapted to the purifying and saving of our own? But you will possibly say, What does he himself that speaks these things unto us? Alas! I am ashamed to tell you. All I dare say is \.\\ii LIFE 01 this, I Hunk I Bee the beauty of holiness, and am enamoured with it, though I attain it not j and h<>\\ Little soever I attain, would rather live and die in the pursuit of it, than in the pursuit. yea, or in the possession and enjoyment, though unpursued, of all the advantages that this world affords. And I trust, dear Brethren, you an the same opinion, and have the same desire and design, and follow it both more diligently, and with better success. But I will stop here, lest 1 should forget myself, and possibly ran n till I have wearied you, if I have not done that already ; and yet if it be so, I \\ ill hope for easy pardon at your bands, as of a fault I have not been accustomed to heretofore, nor am likely hereafter often to commit To the all-powerful grace of our great Lord and Master,] recom- mend you, and your flocks, and your whole work amongst them ; and do earnestly entreat your prayers for Your unworthiest, but most afiectiona! Brother and Sen ant, K. LEIGHTON. Though some of the Clergj in the diocese of Dunblane, were bad men, the majority of them uric superior both in knowledge and inoraU lo theclerg} in the West of Scotland, All the at- ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XXX111 tempts of Leighton, to reform them were inef- fectual. As the troubles of the country in- creased, his anxieties and sorrows increased in the same proportion. Finding his new situa- tion more and more disagreeable, and seeing no hope of uniting the different parties, he again determined to resign his dignity, and went to London for that purpose,in the summer of 1673. The King, however, still refused to accept his resignation ; but gave a written engagement to allow him to retire, after the trial of another year. The following is a Copy of the King's eno;ao;ement. " Charles R. " It is our will and pleasure, that the present Archbishop of Glasgow do continue in that station for one whole year; and we shall allow liberty to him to retire, from thence, at the end of that time. " Given at our Court, at Whitehall, the Ninth day of August, 1673 ; and of our Reign, the Twenty-fifth Year. By his Majesty's com- mand." On this assurance, Archishop Leighton re- turned to Glasgow, to fulfil the period of the en- gagement, and a long year it was to him. He often said, that there was now only one painful stage between him and rest. His determination to Vol. i. c xxxiv LIFE Ol resign was now firmly fixed, and a^ soon m tin* period had elapsed, he vent to London, and resigned bis charge. The resignation was, ac- cording to the royal promise, accepted, to the relief and joy of his heart We have already mentioned, that Bishop Leigh ton had one sister. She was married to a gentleman of fortune and character, Edward Lightmaker, Esq. of Broadhurst, in Sussex. Mrs. Lightmaker was now a widow, and lived with her son, in the family mansion. Thither LeightOU was invited to retire, and spend the remainder of his days. IIi^ sister's spirit was congenial to his own; and young Lightmaker was a most dutiful son, and respectful nephew. On the retreat from care and trouble which Divine Providence had here provided tor him, he entered with a grateful and disblllthened soul. I [ere he lived in great privacy, dividing his tune between study, devotion, and benevolence. In the parish ot' Broadhurst, and in the neighbour- ing parishes, he preached frequently ; and his labours were eminently blessed. lie received no company, excepting two or three select friends ; and scarcely ewer visited any but the poor and the sick. He inquired little after public a Hairs, and seemed to be almost entirclv dead to the world. Kpistolarv correspondence ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XXXV with a few friends, chiefly on the subject of experimental and practical religion, was one of his principal delights. After spending five years in this manner, without any remarkable interruption of his solitude, his fears were much alarmed by an unexpected and private letter from the King's own hand. It was written as follows : " My Lord, Windsor, July 16, 1679- " I am resolved to try what clemency can prevail upon such in Scotland, as will not con- form to the government of the church there ; for effecting of which design, I desire that you may go down to Scotland with your first con- veniency; and take all possible pains for per- suading all you can of both opinions to as much mutual correspondence and concord as can be: and send me from time to time characters both of men and things. In order to this design, I shall send a precept for two hundred pounds sterling upon my Exchequer, till you resolve how to serve me in a stated employment. Your loving Friend, Charles R." Addressed thus, " For the Bishop of Dunblane.' c2 \ XW'l I II). <)| ft would appear from this address, that Leigh ton, after resigning the dignity of \rchhi- shop of Glasgow, resumed thai of Bishop of Dunblane. Or perhaps be simply retained the title, without the office. As the matter referred to in the above letter, \wh managed dv between the King and Leighton, we know i how he got himself excused from complying with the royal order; hut it is certain that he never again visited Scotland, nor intermeddled with ecclesiastical affairs. He continued in his beloved retirement about ten years edifying all around hi m, occasional lv by his ad \ ice. and con- stantly bv his example, and waiting tor the time of Ins departure. Knowing that it could not be distant, he settled his worldly affairs, and made his will, which was written with Ins own hand, and discovers his characteristic piety, charity, and modesty. The following Copy mav be gratifying to the reader. \t Broadhunt, /<'. 1;. H BeitlgaJ present i thanks be tod ml) in m\ BO- customed health of body, and soundness of mjnd and memory, 1 do write this with my own hand, to signifj , that when the day I so much wished and longed lor is come, that shall let me free of this prison of clay wherein I am lodged, ARCHBISHOP LEIGIITON. XXXV11 what I leave behind me of money, goods, or chattels, or whatsoever of any kind was called mine, I do devote to charitable uses ; partly such as I have recommended particularly to my sister Mrs. Sapphira Lightmaker and her son Master Edward Lightmaker of Broadhurst? and the remainder to such other charities as their own discretion shall think fittest. Only I desire each of them to accept of a small token of a little grateful acknowledgment of their great kindness, and the trouble they have had with me for some years that I was their guest, the proportion whereof (to remove their scruple of taking it) I did expressly name to themselves while I was with them before the writing here- of, and likewise after I have wrote it. But they need not give any account of it to any other, the whole being left to their disposal. Neither I hope will any other friends or rela- tions of mine take it unkind that I bequeath no legacy to any of them, designing, as is said, so entirely to charity the whole remains. Only my books I leave and bequeath to the Cathe- dral of Dunblane in Scotland, to remain there for the use of the clergy of that Diocese. I think I need no more, but that I appoint my said sister, Mrs. Sapphira Lightmaker, of .Broad- hurst, and her son Mr. Edward Lightmaker, of Broadhurst, joint executors of this my will, — \\\\ in i.i i i. oi if they be both living at inv decea-e. u I hope they shall, or if that one of them shall be sur- viving, that one is to ho sole executor of it I hope none will raise any question Of doilbl about this upon any omission or informality of expression in it, being for prevention thereof, as plainly expressed as it could be conceived by me. And this I declare to be the last will and testament of, ROBERT LEIGHTON/1 11 Signed, sealed, and published, in presence of John Pelting, and George Warner." Having thus sethis house in order, a duty which even some wise and good men are apt to neg- lect, the Bishop longed and prepared for an- other world. Though his constitution was ne- ver vigorous, he seems to bare enjoyed a green old age. About the beginning of the year 1684, Bishop Burnet informed Leighton thai some of his Scots friends had arrived in London, and had expressed a strong desire to see him, after the absence of so many years, and that they even proposed to visit Imn in his n tirement ; adding, that they \Mshed for his advice and BS- listanco in a matter highly important. The good Bishop, nvIios,' he;nt was t\cr alive to the feel- tngn of friendship, rejoiced at the news; but could not think of putting bii friends l<> the m- ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. XXXIX convenience of going to Broadhurst on his ac- count. He therefore came to London, and had several pleasant interviews with them. While he was in town, proposals wrere made to him, particularly by his friends from Scotland, who were persons of rank and influence, that he should return to that country, and again fill a public station in the Church. ButLeighton re- solutely declined the proposal, telling them, that his work and his journey were now almost finished. Whether he had any presentiment of his ap- proaching change, does not appear; but in the course of a few days he was seized with a pleu- risy. He was confined to his room about a week, and to his bed only three days. Bishop Burnet and some other friends, attended him constantly during his last illness, and had the consolation to witness the tranquillity of his mind, and the triumph of his faith. He spoke of death not with composure only, but with joy and rapture. His end, like his temper, was peaceful : without violent pain, or convulsive struggle, he breathed his last, on the first day of February, 1684, in the 71st year of his age. Unhappily, none of his particular sayings on his death-bed are preserved. But he died daily, and daily spake as a dying man. xl III! Bj In- express desire, the earthly remains of this saint were conveyed to Broadhurst, to the ■ burial-place of Ins brother-in-law, Mr, Light- maker. The funeral was attended by sorrows lul friends, and avast crowd of mourning spec- tators. The body was deposited in the church of Broadhurst ; and a monument of plain mar- ble, inscribed with his name, office, and was circled at the expense of his Bister. Several remarkable circumstances accompa- nied the death of this great and good man. Though the Bishop had courted retirement all his life long, and had enjoyed it almost without interruption at Broadhurst for ten years, he was unexpectedly brought to London to see esteem- ed friends once more, and to edify them by the closing Bcene. He had, a short time before his death, received what ho himself viewed as a strong hint in the courise of Providence that ho most Boon depart, As be never pressed the payment of his revenue, considerable arrears were owing to him in Scotland. These were lefl in trust with a friend, who made small and slow remittances; and the vcrj last remittance which could be expected, was sent a tow weeks I | ,■ ire the Bishop's ilcc Bm the most re- markable circumstance was, the accomplish- ment of a singular wish which Leigbton had of- ARCHBISHOP LEICIITON. xli ten expressed respecting the manner of his death. He was in the habit of expressing a de- sire, with submission to the will of Heaven, that he might die from home, and at an inn. He considered such a place as suitable to the cha- racter of the Christian pilgrim, to whom the world is an inn, a place of accommodation by the way, not his home. He thought, also, that the care and concern of friends were apt to en- tangle and discompose the dying saint, and that the unfeeling attendance of strangers, wearied the heart from the world, and smoothed the passage to heaven. The good Bishop obtained his wish ; for he died at the Bell-inn, in War- wick-Lane, and none of his near relations were present during his last illness. If he had not the consolation to see his nearest relative, a be- loved sister, the feelings of both were spared the agony of a final adieu. Leighton was about the middle stature, well- proportioned, and of a fair complexion. There was an admirable mixture of gravity and sweet- ness in his countenance : his eyes beamed in- telligence, sensibility, and benignity. At the sight of the portrait prefixed to this edition of his Works, one can scarcely help exclaiming, "•Quantae pietatis imago!" "Of how much piety an image !" He had a quickness in his xlii 11 yi: 01 motions, even in old age, which indicated the activity and energy of his mind. Contrary to the fashion of the times, he wore his own hair, which was black, and in advanced life retained the original eolour. Though be took little ex- ercise, was a close student, extremely abste- mious, and sometimes ailing, on the whole he enjoyed good health ; and, at the advanced pe- riod of threescore years and ten, looked well. Leighton was never married. It was Ins con- stant aim to subdue even innocent passions, and to obtain the entire mastery over them. He seems, partly upon principles *() have pre- ferred a single life, and to have excessively ad- mired monastic and recluse habits. The ideas of disentanglement from the (-ares of the world, of quietness, and of devotion, which were asso- ciated in his good mind with privacy, had to him the most attractive charms. The uncom- mon troubles of the times, too, might strengthen his determination of living single. Even in the vigour o! life, and when Idling the highest sta- tion in the Church, he was tired of the world, and dead to its pleasures. His dress, his food, his furniture, were of the plainest kind ; and his lite has been called quaintly, yet expressively, a perpetual fast Leighton observed the strictest economy, not ARCHBISHOP LEIGHTON. xliii from the love of hoarding, but for the most ge- nerous and noble purposes. He inherited some property from his father, and having no family, and living with great frugality, he was enabled both to give and to bequeath much for chari- table uses. His salary at Dunblane, though the deanery of the Chapel Royal was annexed to that see, did not exceed £200 per annum. His revenue from Glasgow amounted to about ,£400. But, confining himself to the simple necessaries of life, with few of its comforts, and none of its luxuries, he acted as a good stew- ard, and was ready to distribute. He was at once a friend to the poor, and a patron of learning ; as his donations and legacies prove. Every period of his life was marked with sub- stantial, prudent, unostentatious charity. Leigh- ton was not one of those who defer giving, till they can retain no longer. At Newbottle, he allotted every sixpence, beyond what was barely necessary for himself, to pious and benevolent uses. When he was appointed Principal of the University of Edinburgh, the love of money did not, as is too often the case, increase with his income. He gave, and gave liberally, as God prospered him. Our Author founded in that University a bursary of philosophy, for which purpose he gave jPl50 sterling to the City of \Iiv Jiri 01 Edinburgh. After bis promotion to the archi- episcopal see of Glasgow, Leighton sunk for the poor of Dunblane, a considerable mn of money, due to him from a gentleman in that place; which was paid, and appropriated ac- cordingly, lie sunk £300 sterling for found- ing three bursaries of philosophy in the Uni- versity of Glasgow ; and £300 more for main- taining lour old men in St. Nicholas's hospital in that city. In his hist frill, above inserted, the whole of his remaining property was be- queathed to charitable purposes, — partly spe- cified by himself to Mrs. Lightmaker ami her sou, and partly left to their discretion. Mis large and w ell-chosru library and valuable ma- nuscripts, he left to the see of Dunblane, to- gether with a sum of money towards erecting a house for the books, increasing their number, and | > ; i \ i i i ll 8 librarian. It should be mention. ed t0 the honour of his executor-, that thev very com alerably, and without solicitation, add- ed much to that mud. Thus, iu almost every place where OUf Author had held a public of- fice, he opened a permanent source oi benefi- cence. He was, indeed, a father to the poor, and relieved them on manj occasions, without their discovering their benefactor. During his retirement at Droadhurst, lie employed confi- ARCHBISHOP LEIGIITON. xlv dential friends to distribute his bounty ; and sent money even to London for that purpose. In short, of Leighton it may be said with truth, and eminently, that he considered the case of the poor, and drew out his soul to the hungry. Perhaps no man ever tasted, with keener relish, the luxury of doing good to the children of want and woe. Not a few, we hope, of those who were relieved by his bounty, and enlight- ened by his instruction, hailed his arrival in the abodes of bliss. His was a most extensive charity, including brotherly kindness in every direction. His pious, generous, sympathizing heart was poured out in his letters, some of which have been pub- lished, and afford a pleasing specimen of his manner and spirit. As, next to conversation with particular friends, effusions of this nature unfold the mind and heart, we shall insert a few extracts from some of Leighton's letters, which breathe an elevated spirit of devotion. The following was written to a friend, when our Author was Principal of the University of Edinburgh, and shews what kind of reading was most agreeable to this man of extensive literature. " Meanwhile I think I have at a venture given up with the contemptible desires and designs of Xl\l MM 01 tins present world, and must have either some- thing beyond them all, or nothing at all ; and though this foyftyifi QUfc this base clod of earth I carrji still depresses me, I am glad that even because it does so, I loathe and despise it ; and would say, Major sum tt