THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES THE T.n?RARY DWrVBRSITY OF CALIPOBNU LOS ANGELES THE CORRESPONDENCE OF ISAAC BASIRE, D.D. ARCHDEACON OF NORTHUMBERLAND AND PKEBENDARY OF DURHAM, IN THE REIGNS OF CHARLES I. AND CHARLES IL WITH A MEMOIR OF HIS L I F E. BY W. N. DARNELL, B.D. RECTOR OF STANHOPE. LONDON: JOHN MURRAY, ALBEMARLE STREET. MDCCCXXXI. LONDON: C. HOWunill AND SONS, ELl.l. VAlil), TEMri.IC r.AH. 3X PREFACE. This Memoir (if indeed it merit that ap- pellation) aims at nothing more than to connect, by a slight narrative, a selection from a series of letters deposited in the Library of the Dean and Chapter of Dur- ham, and now made public with the per- mission of that body. The letters relate chiefly to occurrences in the life of a man whose name is now scarcely known to the world, but who deserved well of the times in which he lived, was a true son of the Church of England, and a distinguished sufferer in her cause during the usurpa- tion. He is a good specimen of the class of men which that Church was enabled to produce, after she had escaped from the corruptions of Popery, and before her spirit was broken by the encroachments of Sectarianism. Pious, learned, active, iv IMM'.I.VfK. and ludicious, lie lost no opportunities of turning his talent to account, llesigned to all the dispensations of Providence, his misfortunes never seem to have depressed (he energies of his mind, but he was, as one of his friends said of him, " — adversis rerum immersabilis undis." In the quaint language of Walker, in his book on the Sutterings of the Clergy, he was " sequestered, pursevanted, plun- dered, and forced to %; having been thrice shut up in the sieges of Carlisle and Oxford, and in a confinement in Stock- ton Castle." The circumstances here al- luded to, might be expected to form the materials of an interesting memoir ; but I lament to say, that many details are lost which would gladly have been recorded : and the reader must have the goodness to collect the story of such particulars as have been preserved from the correspondence nuNv submitted to him, without much as- sistance from the editor. Still, the letters cannot fail to give a lively picture of the manners and feelings of the times in which PREFACE. V they were written ; and I think the reader will not regret that an attempt has been made to rescue from oblivion the charac- ter of one of his countrymen, his adopted countryman at least, who, by his virtues and his talents, commanded respect where- ever his good or evil fortune placed him. It is a striking feature in his life, that in the most remote parts of Europe, whither he had retired as an exile and a fugitive, his friendship was sought, and his advice followed, by learned and good men ; and, in some instances, by persons of the most exalted rank. The Life of Dr. Basire may be divided into three portions : the first, from his birth to his expatriation, upon the sur- render of the City of Oxford to the Par- liament ; the second, includes fifteen years of exile ; the remaining part con- sists of about the same period of time, from the Restoration, and his own return to England, to his decease. CONTENTS. DATE. PAGE. 1634 Rev. S. Birkbeck to Mr. Basire 6 1634 Gerard Vossius to ditto 9 1635 Mr. Basire to Mistress Frances Corbett ... 14 1635 Ditto to ditto 16 1635 Ditto to ditto 19 1636 Ditto to ditto 20 1636 Rev. James Leek to Mr. Basire 23 1637 Rev. Nathaniel Ward to ditto 25 163S Ditto to ditto 27 1639 Ditto to ditto 30 1641 Ditto to ditto 32 163S Mr. Henry Blaxton to ditto So 1640 Dr. Busby to Dr. Basire 37 1640 Ditto to Mrs. Basire • . . 41 1642 Mr. Hylton, of Hyltou, toDr. Basire .... 40 1642 Dr. Busby to ditto 42 1642 Bishop Morton to ditto 43 1647 Mr. Thomas Hooke to ditto 51 1647 Mr. Ashburnham to ditto 52 1647 Mr. P. Andrews to ditto 55 1647 Dr. Basire to Mrs. Basire 57 1647 Ditto to ditto 59 1647 Dr. Busby to Dr. Basire 60 1647 Sir Edward Nicholas to ditto 6S 1647 Ditto to ditto ib. 1647 Sir George Radclitfe to ditto Go Viii CONTENTS. PAGE. DATE. lGt8 Sir George RadclifFe to Dr. Basire 67 1(U7 Dr. Basire to Mrs. Basire 7'^ IGliS Ditto to ditto ^* 16i8 Lady Lambton to ditto ^^ 1019 Mr. Thomas Hook to Mr. Johnson .... 94 1G19 Dr. Basire to Mrs. Basire 97 ]6-t9 Ditto to ditto ^^1 1650 Ditto to ditto ^^^ 1651 Mrs. Basire to Mons. de Preaumont (Basire) . 107 1653 Ditto to ditto . , HI 1653 Dr. Basire to Mrs. Basire 113 1653 Ditto to Sir Richard Browne : 115 Ditto to the Rev. Ant. Leger 121 Prince Racoczi to Dr. Basire 127 1655 Charles II. to Prince Racoczi 129 1654 Mrs. Basire to Dr. Basire 132 1654 Ditto to ditto 136 1655 Ditto to ditto 138 1655 V. Russel to Mrs. Basire 142 1656 Mrs. Basire to Dr. Basire 145 1655 Peter Basire to Mrs. Basire 148 Dr. Basire to Sir Edward Hyde 159 1658 Ditto to the Rev. Andrew Oltard 163 1658 Ditto to Prince Racoczi 166 1658 Ditto to ditto 169 1658 Ditto to ditto 174 1658 Ditto to ditto 175 1659 George Hutter to Martin Herbert 185 1659 Dr. Basire to Prince Racoczi 186 1660 Ditto to Mrs. Basire 190 1661 Mr. Thomas Lambton to Dr. Basire .... 193 Nicolaus de Bethlen to ditto 199 Dr. Basire to Charles H. (Petition) .... 201 1661 Mrs. Basire to Dr. Basire 203 CONTENTS. IX DATE. PAGE. Dr. Durell to Dr. Basire 211 1662 R. W. to ditto 213 1662 Bishop Lucy to ditto 217 1662 Peter Basire to ditto 219 166 J Dr. Basire to Bishop Cosin 222 1663 Dean Sudbury to Dr. Basire 224 1664 Ditto to ditto 225 Ditto to ditto 228 1664 Thomas Wood to Dr. Basire 230 166| Dr. Basire to 231 1665 Ditto to 233 1665 Ditto to Isaac Basire 236 1665 Isaac Basire to Dr. Basire 237 1665 Peter Basire to Dr. Basire 239 1663 Rev. Peter Moll to Dr. Basire 241 1665 Dr. Basire to the Rev, Peter Moll 245 1665 Ditto to Dr. Srnallwood 247 1666 Isaac Basire jun. to Dr. Basire ...... 249 1666 Bishop of Carlisle to Dr. Basire 252 1666 Peter Basire to Dr. Basire 254 1666 Charles Basire to Dr. Basire 257 1666 Dr. Basire to Isaac Basire 259 166-1 Dean Sudbury to Dr. Basire 260 1667 Bishop Gunning to Dr. Basire 262 166| Dr. Cruso to Dr. Basire 264 1668 Dr. Basire to Mr. H. Wharton 268 1668 Bishop Cosin to Dr. Basire 271 1669 Dr. Durell to ditto 274 1669 Dr. Basire to Mr. H. Dough tie 277 1669 The Vicar of Newcastle to Dr. Basire .... 279 1669 Dr. Basire to Bishop Cosin 281 167^ R. Wittie to Dr. Basire 283 1670 Dr. Basire to Dr. Turner, Master of St. John's . 285 1670 Ditto to his son (Isaac) ■. . 287 b X CONTENTS. UAT£. 1670 Dr. Basiie to Dr. Barlow .... 1670 Ditto to Dr. Castell 1670 Sir George Fletcher to Dr. Basire . 1670 Dr. Basire to Sir George Fletcher . 1671 Dr. Carleton to Dr. Basire . . . 1672 Dr. Basire to the Bishop of Carlisle 1673 The Vicar of Newcastle to Dr. Basire 1673 Dr. Barlow to Dr. Basire .... 1673 Dr. Basire to the Provost of Queen's 1674 Dr. Turner to Dr. Basire .... 167 1 Bishop Gunning to Dr. Basire 1675 Mr. Widdrington to Dr. Basire . 288 290 292 293 295 296 297 301 302 305 308 309 The Appendix contains the Latin originals of many of the Letters before given, and also the following additional Letters. 1666 Isaacus Basirius ad Regem Carolum Secundum Epistola exhortatoria 335 1657 Georgius Hutterus Isaaco Basirio 342 1658 Isaacus Basirius Lucse Hermanno Episcopo , . 344 1661 Andreas Hervat Isaaco Basirio 369 1661 Stephanus Dalmady Isaaco Basirio 372 1661 Steph. P. Thotfalusi Isaaco Basirio 373 1661 Thomas Apacay Isaaco Basirio 375 Steph. P. Thotfalusi Isaaco Basirio .... 379 Steph. H, Gelei I. Basirio 380 1661 Joannes Zagoni Isaaco Basirio {[,. Dr. Wilson (E. W.) to Dr. Basire 392 MEMOIR CORRESPONDENCE DR. BA8IRE Isaac Basire de Preaumont was born at Rouen, in Normandy, in the year of our Lord 1607. His father was a Protestant of the lowest order of French noblesse. Nothing is known of his early youth ; but it appears from a note-book, kept in the French language by his father, that in the year 1623 he was sent, enpefision, to the University or College of Rot- terdam. There he was supplied, from time to time, with money by his parent, as the same journal informs us. The last bill of exchange transmitted to him was in September, 1625; and in the margin of the journal the following note appears in the hand-writing of the subject of the present memoir: — " CXXVIII. livres, (£6. sterling,) la derniere somme receue de mon chere p^re: ann" set. mese 17". Depuis, lou6 soit Dieu, j'ay subsist^ 46 ans, 1671, sans mon p^re." B 2 MFE AXn ( ORRESPONDENCE OF That Basire, the father, was a man of liberal education may be conjectured both from a note in the same journal, in which the nature of his wife's last illness is veiled in the Latin tongue, and also, from this circumstance, that his son forwarded to him from Leyden, to which Uni- versity he had removed in November, 1625, two treatises, apparently the first fruits of his studies, on learned subjects— 1. De Evangelio. 2. De Incarnatione Filii Dei, et Hypostatica Unione. In August, 1626, the elder Basire acquaints the student with the death of his mother, " et avec quelle Constance et sainte resolution elle a rendu son ame a Dieu son Cr^ateur." " Deo gratias !" says the pious son, in another mar- ginal note. The last memorandum in the father's note- book states, that in May, 1629, Isaac was ad- mitted into holy orders by " Mr. Morton, bishop of Coventry and Lichfield." How he subsisted at College, and afterwards in England, without pecuniary supplies from France, are points upon which we have no information. This only is known, that he soon took root and flourished in his newly-adopted country. — Ubi amici, ibi patria. It is also uncertain in what year his father died. The following lines, in his own hand- DR. BASIRE. writing on a loose paper, without date, seem to be the proemium to the King of France's Let- ter of succession to his paternal property : — " Lettres Royaulx de pleniere Rehabilitation ou Relevement pour noble homme Isaac Ba- sire, natif de Rouen, a fin qu'il puisse succeder retroactivement a feu Jean Basire escuyer, Sieur de Preaumont son pere, et h defuncte Judith le Macherier sa mere, et a quiconque sey en France a qui il a droit naturel de suc- ceder, &c." Two years before the ordination of Isaac Basire, he published at Leyden a theological disputation, which he had holden there, de Purgatorio et Indulgentiis. The title states it to be " Disputationum Theologicarum repeti- tarum trigesima nona;" and it would appear from a copy of verses subjoined to it, that this disputation had been something more than an academical form, and that the Respondent had maintained his ground with greater pertinacity and spirit than was usual on such occasions. The lines alluded to are these : — Ad PrcEstaniissimum D. Respondent em. Non tibi, par veterum menti, sententia fixa est: Ignavi nioris non lubet esse reum. Pulchra, satis fuerat, vicibus tentiisse duabus : Maximus, hunc numerum qui superaret, erat. B 2 4 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF Altius adsurgis; magna cum laude, Basiri, Tu tritam toties isque redisque viam. Scilicet ingenium, quod coelo semina ducit, Transgreditur metam qu£e male posta fuit. H. B. A. It does not appear how soon after his ordi- nation Basire was appointed chaplain to Bi- shop Morton;* but it is certain that in 1631 he filled that office. Some letters still remain, bearing the date of that year, and addressed to him as Bishop's chaplain, at Eccleshal Castle. His Letters of Naturalization are dated the following year, namely, the eighth year of Charles I. In 1632, Morton was translated to the See of Durham, and it may be presumed that his chaplain accompanied him to his new diocese. The year following, Charles I. visited Durham on his way into Scotland, and was sumptuously * " His (Bishop Cosin) immediate predecessor was that great Imninary of our Church, blessed Thomas Morton, famous for liis holy life, solid learning, and bountiful acts of charity and hospitality ; and for his manifold learned works against the adversaries of the Church of England, on the right hand and on the left. To whose memory I should be unthankful, if I should not acknowledge (for which I do still bless God's Providence) that I had for above an apprenticeship the happi- ness to be brought up as Domestic Chaplain at the feet of such an eminent Gamaliel." — Dead Man's Speech, 2d part, p. 49. DR. BASIRE. O entertained by the Bishop at Auckland and Durham. It is probable then that Basire first found himself in the presence of his sovereign upon this occasion ; and the circumstance of his having been placed at this early period of life within the sphere of royalty, may have contributed to fix in his mind those principles of attachment to the crown, which at no great distance of time were destined to undergo a severe trial. The few letters addressed to Basire during this period, which have been preserved, evince the high estimation in which he was already held by his friends. They are, generally speaking, in Latin. In one from Archdeacon Baddeley, Basire is addressed as a person " qui tot, si non legionibus, at Unguis imperitat." In another, signed Ludovicus Molinaeus,* is the following high elogium. — " Tuas laudes ac- cipio pro cohortationibus, quae cert^ a te pro- fectse, acribus stimulis me fodiunt, et cupidi- tatem injiciunt efficiendi ut huic tuo judicio respondeam. Par pari non referam ; notius enim est apud omnes theologos, jurisconsultos, medicos, inter quos Basirii nomen innotescit, quam sis disertus in disserendo, doctus in en- * Lewis Molyn was a pliysician at York, a member of the University of Cambridge, with a Leyden degree. 6 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF narrando, siibtilis in disputando ; cui contigit ingenium quod niliil ad vulgus, naturali quadam facilitate ad qusevis studia non edoctum sed natum, et quod multa in fronte, pliira in re- cessu, promittit. Quapropter est quod omnes boni gaudeant, ego imprimis, quod ex voto tibi contigerit fortuna, quam, qusecunque fuerit, sestimabo ego semper tuis meritis inferiorera ; quod non dico ut quidquam detraham de li- beralitate et favore preverendissimi prsesulis quo te prosequitur, sed ut tibi incrementum dignitatis indies ominer." The next letter is from Simon Birkbeck, Vicar of Gilling, in Yorkshire, author of a book valued b}^ Selden and other learned men, en- titled,* " The Protestant Evidence, shewing that for 1500 years after Christ, divers guides of God's Church have in sundry points of re- ligion taught as the Church of England now doth." Sir, I thank you heartily for your kind entertainment, and your communicating unto me your labours, books, and letters from those learned men : Oh, that I were acquainted with ■••' London, IG34-35, fjuarto. Ditto, 1(557, Iblio, with many additions. A. Wood. DR. BASIRE. 7 that learned Vossius, he might haply Centu- riarum quarundam mearum obscuritates illiis- trare Vossiana face, et lacunas adimplere h fronte suo. I desire yon lend me yonr Daylee touching ye fathers. I hope by y^ means of a neighbour gentleman, who understands some French, to aim at his meaning, it shall be faith- fully & carefully return'd with thanks, that or any other short treatise you send me, Mr. Laton shall undertake and be my pledge. I have Philip Cominees in French, which you shall have if you like it. Good Sir, accept of this small token, minutam sed (apud nos) melioris notse monetam, this half crown in King Edward's coine, accept it as benevo- lentiee tesseram. Good S^ in steed of Nestorian put Macedonian, pag. 197, in my lord's coppie, your own, and Mr. Steward's. Thus comit- ting you to God's gracious protection, I rest. Your truly aifectionate Friend, Simon Birkbeck. To ye worpll- liis much respected friend Mr. Forest, this Besaire, Chaplyn to the 20tk of November, Ld. Bp. of Durham, at 1634, Auckland, give these. Birkbeck in all probability was aware that Gerard Vossius took a warm interest in Basire's welfare, and encouraged him to proceed in the 8 LIFE AXD CORRESPOXDEXCE OF line of study which he had successfully com- menced. In the collection of Vossius's Epistles, there is one from Vossius to Basire, and two from Basire to him. The first letter from Basire is dated October 18th, 1630, and he states in the postscript that it was written from the Bishop's palace, in Durham, late at night, and in haste. It is more adulatory than modern manners, or the present relative situations of learned men, would admit of. The following are some of the concluding paragraphs. *' My situation here is both honourable and pleasant to me ; for I live under the eye of an illustrious prelate, whose chaplain I am ; a man not less renowned for sanctity of life than for his rare erudition. Thrown day by day into the society of divines, and almost entirely taken up with my sacred duties, I am com- pelled to desert, if not to abjure, the fair field of literature with all its delights. I need not say how much I have already forgotten. It would be superfluous to enlarge upon that point to you, who will perceive how flat and spiritless my periods are, from want of practice in writing Latin, and the constant use of a foreign tongue. But I am so well acquainted with your kindness that I am sure you will make every allowance for me." DR. BASlllE, 9 [" Vossii Epist. pars i. .'.'.'M.] " To Isaac Basire. " My accomplished friend, " If you imagine that my long delay in writing is to be attributed to forgetfulness of you, you do injustice to the constancy of my friend- ship ; if you think that it arises from negli- gence, you are little aware of my numerous avocations. I really cannot describe to you how much my time is occupied. I am often at a loss which way to turn myself. From morning till night I suifer interruptions, some- times from friends, sometimes from strangers. I am so overwhelmed with correspondence, that I scarcely know whom to answer, and whom to put oif. And thus, not only days, but weeks, and even whole months, pass away, without my being able, however much I may desire it, to accomplish the objects I have in view. As I am not apt to form attachments ex- cepting to those whom I highly esteem; so, when they are once formed, my regard is far from being of a transitory nature. Of that character, is my regard for you, founded no less upon your talents than your learning, from the union of which I have been in the habit of expecting no common results. You have moreover shown yourself highly worthy of my good opinion in your public disputations, and other aca- 10 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF demical exercises ; and as I well know that men of genius are not always careful to con- fine themselves to the pursuit of virtuous ob- jects, so I have always put the highest value on you, because I feel convinced of the purity of your moral sentiments. If you adhere to this line of conduct, you will both recommend yourself to the most distinguished characters, and will also find my affection for you grow stronger and stronger. Nor can I doubt that you will continue to be such as I have formerly known you to have been : for I can scarcely persuade myself that he who made such laud- able exertions in youth, should degenerate, now that his judgment is matured by age. If therefore I augur rightly, I have reason to congratulate both you and myself, — you, that you are making a good use of your natural endowments, myself, that I have not formed a rash judgment of your worth. Go on then, and spare no pains. So will you at length be- come one of the luminaries of the present age. Without labour it is scarcely possible to reach such a station; and when you have attained it, success so obtained is glorious. Hear what the great Demosthenes says: KxXov f/,h kx) ^hx rxj'xriv iv To7g a-TTOv^cnoTOiroig ^'OiV[j:.(x,C,£(rd'a,i, ttoKv J'e xocXXiov Six TYiV t7riy.iXenx.v mv ocvtou y^ri^svog tcov IvSo^uv oluoipov ysvta-^oii. You have the power if you have the DR. BASIRE. 1 1 will ; and that you possess both the power and the will, you have already sufficiently shown. I shall therefore cease from exhorting you, that I maj^ not seem to doubt of your inclinations to do what is right. Though indeed, it is im- possible that I should entertain such a doubt, when I recollect the energy with which I have seen you press forward in the pursuit of every thing that is praiseworthy and honourable. I find also from many who speak of your cha- racter in the highest terms of praise, that I have not formed any vain expectations con- cerning you. " You will have heard from other quarters that I now live at Amsterdam. In fact, the leading men of this city have induced me to settle here, by the offer of a handsome stipend attached to the Professorship of History in their celebrated College. It will be a credit to me to lay its foundation ; and not less so to my colleagues, some of whom are already appointed, and others selected for their respective duties. I hope also that I shall have more leisure here to complete certain literary projects, through the means of which I hope to be useful both to my contemporaries and to those who come after me. Nor shall I in the mean time forget the many advantages which this city presents for attending to the interests of my friends. If, 12 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF my dear Basire, I can in any way be useful to you, only signify your wishes to me, I shall spare no exertion to gratify them. Nay, if you have no such commissions for me, do not fail to continue to write to me, and be assured that your letters will always give me the greatest pleasure. " Your very sincere friend, " G.J. Vossius. " Amsterdam, Feb. 26, 1632." The next letter from Basire to Vossius was written in August, 1634, from Auckland Castle, where he was still ci sacris with Bishop Morton. This letter is of the same character with the former, scarcely less complimentary. In the course of it, he informs Vossius that he at times turns to the Greek Fathers, whose writings he holds as only inferior in authority to the Holy Scriptures, and implores him to give him some advice respecting the profitable perusal of those authors. He will be content, he says, even with the slightest hint, for he is sure that by the aid of the author of the Pelagian History, &c. he shall penetrate at once into the re- cesses of sacred antiquity. " I now come to a very nice passage of this gentleman's life, I mean the matrimonial state; and begin with some of the many usually pre- DR. BASIRE. 13 vious steps before marriage. This is a time of life subject to interruptions, by disappointments in one of the parties, falsehood, cruelty in pa- rents, &c.; but as these worthy lovers first con- tracted their acquaintance and love when both lay under such unpromising circumstances, namely, the Bishop's chaplain, endowed with neither visible estate nor preferment in the Church, and the young lady under the awe of her parents— their pure love deserves to be set out in the most lively colours, those too the best, under their own hands. I shall therefore make choice of a few as a specimen whereby the whole may well be judged, and those rather written after the lover was removed to so great a distance as must needs make absence more regretted by both." These are the words in which Dr. Hunter, a physician and painful antiquary of Durham, prefaces the subjoined letters. Most of the documents relative to Dr. Basire were col- lected by this gentleman, evidently with a view of writing his life ; but almost the only scrap of narrative I have met with is the foregoing quaint introduction. His biographical powers seem to have been exhausted by the effort. Miss Corbett, to whom Basire was united this year (1635) in marriage, was of a good family in Shropshire ; and it seems that the parties were 14 LIFE AND COR HES PON HENCE OF engaged, conditionally at least, before this cor- respondence began. But the letters will tell their own story. " To my Deare Friend, Misse Frances Corhctt, at Eggemont. I. H. S. " Deare Fanny, &c. &c. &c. " I HOPE the last letters I sent by London to you and your loving sisters, about sixe weeks agoe, have had better lucke then those I sent by Halifax, of which I can heare no newes ; albeit I have written to Mr. Rams- den about it. I am afraid they came not safe to his hands. You may see how covetous I am off any opportunity to send unto you, only to let you know still how my heart is towards you, how I daily offer up your name unto God in my prayers: I heartily desire you not to slacke or be behind hand with mee in that sacred duty, for God knows the hearts. That faith and Christian submission to God's good Providence, which you professed in your last, cheared mee up wonderfully. Goe on, sweet soule, and depend still upon God ; and he shall sooner or later promote thee, if not by mee, (for alasse, what am I that I should promise DR. BASIKF. 15 ought? my breath is in my nostrills,) yet by some other meanes. It may be so much the better, the greater, as more unexpected. I charge you still to abound in the acts of devo- tion and true repentance ; to cleave to your God by freequency in prayer, reading. Sec. and a diligent and conscionable use off all God's sacred ordinances, for by these God conveyes into the soule his grace, his Spirit, his Divine life : ah ! what is the whole world's weight to one graine off grace at the houre of death? On Wednesday last I preached the funerall off ano- ther of my Lord's sisters, a most godly gentle- woman. Just as I was commending her soule unto God, she expired most sweetly. Lord, prepare us foj that great passage ! " Since my returne from you, there is no- thing fallen — I praise God, I am very well content, iff you be so too : God's hand is not shortened. " I beseech God to cause bis face to shine upon thee, to sanctify us one for another, to prosper our intentions, to pardon us all the vanitys incident about it, to give us grace to goe on in his most holy feare, that if it be his holy will and for his glory, it may, in his good time, succeed, to our mutuall comfort, and the edification of both our familyes, meane while to indue us both with much patience and tiue 16 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF mortification. But, if it be not his will, to worcke our hearts to an humble submission, and perfect resignation of us to himselfe. Joyne with mee in this prayer, and rest assured that I am " Your most faithfull frend, -J. B. "A. C, March 11, 1635. " My hearty respects to your noble sisters." " Tu the Nohk Mistresse Frances Corhett. "I. H. S. " Dear Love, Sec. &c. &c. " This last Saturday when I came home I met with your last loving- letter, the which, I have praised God that he hath vouchsafed mee the opportunity to answer in person. I have since, in cold blood, observed and admired a singular Providence of God, in bringing about my last journey to you ward by such faire and plausible meanes, better a great deale then iff I had come on purpose. I have likewise, in both our names, resigned wholly the whole successe of our mutuall intentions to God's blessed will: let that be done, whatsoever be- comes of us. I strictly keepe the covenant I DR. BASIRE. 17 have made with you, daily to present your name to my Lord and Master, Christ Jesus, and that so much the more, as it is for his sake, you say, you love his servaunt: doe so still, for iff your affection be thus syncerely tem- pered, and mixed, nay perfumed, and refined, iff I may so say, with such religious respects, and spirituall considerations; no doubt but sooner or later, one way or other, God will reward it, with a comfortable successe. " At my arrivall, my Lord, in jest, bad mee welcome out of France; I perceived by his often asking againe and againe how your father did, he hath an inckling of my errand into your parts: I like it never the worse, for iff ever I have occasion to acquaint him with it in earnest, it will then be no such news unto him. He loves and respects Sir Andrew of your name so extraordinarily, (he did expect him here this summer,) that, I hope, he will like it the better. " I should be glad to heare by you, both the name, the particular place of abode, and the condition of that party who is a sutor to your sister Mary. " Cause your letters to be superscribed by our common frend; not so much for conceal- ment as for safety; least the sight of a woman's hand should tempt some curious knave to de- floure them ere they come to my hands. c 18 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF " Let your love be pure without passion, for this will weare away with age and time; when, love, true, cordiall, and Christian love, will out last, will out live, even death it selfe. Remem- ber your tye, for so I do mine: no creature can undoe it, iff you can obtaine his consent in whose power you are. Touching competency of fortune, the lesse our expectation is, the greater our joy will be iff it succeed. I will be carefull to serve God, and to use the meanes that may worcke my preferment : to conclude, love, thou art sure of an honest, a faithfull, and a well meaning man ; who desires neither thee nor any thing in the world, but for the glory of his Maker. Farewell \ — be devout, and rest as- sured, that I am now more then ever " Thy faithfull frend " and loving Servaunt, " J. B. " From A. Castle, this 5th of August, 1635, in most extreame haste." " My deare brother and worthy frend, Mr. Johnson, (who as soone as he heard of my re- turne, is come over to see mee, and is now at this very time with mee,) he, I say, my dearest frend, desires to be commended to you; and though unknowne, wishes your hopes all sue- DR. BASniE. 19 cesse, a heape of joys for your love to mee, &c. &c. I would you did but know the man. " Love, write unto mee plainly of all occur- rences touching the hope of your father's incli- nation or so: expect the like plainenesse from mee. " And now I hope in God, your minde may be at rest better then before." *' To the Noble M. F. C. '' I. H. S. *' Deare Love, ^c. &c. " SooNE after my returne, 1 sent a packett to Mr. Ramsden of Halifax, to be con- veyed to you, wherein I gave you a large ac- count of my welcome home ; I hope you have received it long since. For the present I praise God my soule prospers, I overflow with con- tent, I feele no lacke but of an opportunity to approve my syncere intentions to you-ward, yet farre be it from mee or you to limitt God and tye him to a time: rather strive in your prayers with mee for an holy submission to his gracious Providence, about the manner, meanes, time, place, in a word, all the circumstances of our preferment. He is a very good God, and c 2 20 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF knows what is best for all his children; only, be sure you be one of them, by constant and patient obedience, and marke the ende of it at last. Reade but David's 37th Psalme, and you cannot, (iff you throw your selfe into his loving armes,) but lye quietly in his lap. Faile not, I pray you, to write to mee when you can : God be gracious unto you, and leade you by the hand through all the passages of your life, so prays " Your assured frend and J. B. " loving well-wisher. " From A. Castle, this 25th September, 1635." " I pray remember my service to your two worthy sisters, whom I wrote unto at my last returne. I remember my promise to my sister Mary, and have sent about it a month agoe. " I would I durst present my humble service to your noble father." " To the vertuous Gentlewoman, my very louing Frend, Mistresse Francis Corbet, ^c. "I. H. S. " Love, &c. &c. " This faire opportunity off Mr. Weltes off Newport allures mee to write againe, and DU. BASIllE. 21 write this to second a former letter which I sent this last weeke : see how I delight to talke with you. Your books I have packed up, iff this bearer will be troubled with them. These two I send you myselfe are, 1. An Introduc- tion to a Devout Life, etc. 2. The marrow off the Oracles off God: two books which next to God's owne, my soule hath beene much taken with. The first was made by a French bishop, yet is the booke free from Popery, (for I have read it aforehand for your soule's saecke) : only where you see a crosse at the margent, there it may be mistaken by some; else, all is safe. The third little booke called an Abridgement, etc. is Mr. Johnson's gift, which he would have sent better bound, but that here at Duresme in this time off sicknes, the book-binder had no gold, etc. He commends his hearty love unto you. They are choice books, all three; and so they light on devout hands they are full off good inspiration. I have prayed God to sanc- tify the use off them to your soule: you must not for fashion saecke but read them with a full purpose off" heart to frame your life by their godly directions : and therefore you must not deeme it enough to reade them once over only, but once or twice over yeerely, till you have turned them into your ordinary practise. Such precious books, iff you throw them by. 22 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF may rise up in judgment against you. The first off them (and so were those off your sis- ters) were bound by those devout virgins I once told you off: who knows but the prayers they might bestow at the binding, may doe you good at the reading off them. Yet the insides are the thing I sent them to you for, more then the outsides. God (according to their severall titles) make your life devout, fill your soule full off the marrow off his graces: and ever- more direct you in the constant practice off Christianity: so prays from the bottome off his soule " Your ever louing frend, "J. B. " From D. C. this 10th ofFAug. 1636." " I woonder still at your sisters, especially your sister Mary (such is her good nature) that they have quite forgotten mee." On the first of July in this year, the degree of Bachelor in Divinity was conferred upon Mr. Basire by the University of Cambridge, in compliance with the King's mandate; and on the July following he was appointed, by the DU. BASIRE. 23 same University, to be one of their twelve preachers throughout England and Ireland. In this appointment he is styled, " Dilectus alumnus noster Isaacus Basire, S.T. B. in Uni- versitate Cantabrigiee sacris ordinibus initi- atus." It also speaks of his " frequens predi- catio, jam multis annorum spatiis nobis cognita, grata, et approbata." In the course of the same year also, 1C36, he was presented by the Bishop of Durham to the living of Egglescliff in that county; with re- ference to which promotion the following con- gratulatory letter is preserved from James Lecke, a member of Peterhouse. The original, being in Latin, is in the Appendix, No. I. — " Health and prosperity from James Leek to his very dear and excellent brother, Mr. Isaac Basire. " A report, my dearest brother, pecu- liarly gratifying to me has just reached my ears — namely, that you have been appointed to a capital living, worth £240 per annum. You have not communicated this good news to me by letter, but I sincerely hope it is true. Bro- ther, I congratulate you from my heart on hav- ing received this reward of your labours. You will not now regret the long servitude you have undergone. It will ever be my prayer 24 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF that Almighty God will favour your advance- ment in his Church, and that he w^ill permit you to rise to dignities proportioned to your progress in sound learning, and to those gifts of his grace, w^hich are so vv^ell calculated to promote and maintain, by word and by deed, the good cause of religion. " It would be superfluous to say a word to you upon the subject of the sickness which has broken out in Caius College. A messenger of ill news always flies, and no doubt you have heard frightful stories from those who have taken alarm and deserted Cambridge. As yet, thank God, we are safe at Peterhouse, and so are all the other colleges, excepting Caius. Even the citizens have hitherto escaped the in- fection ; though numbers are every day hurry- ing off", notwithstanding the stormy appearance of the weather. Wiser men than they have not exhibited so much fear of an impending danger on former occasions. God preserve both you and all of us. Pray for us. Farewell, my dear friend. " Cambridge, Nov. 7th, 1636. " To the worshipful, his ever honoured friend, Mr. Isaac Basire, chaplain to the R. Father in God the Lord Bisho}) of Durham," DIl. BASIRE. 25 The letters, translations of which are now submitted to the reader,* are from Nathaniel Ward, vicar of Staindrop. There are some little notices in them which serve to keep to- gether the thread of Basire's history, and they are, besides, strongly characteristic of the writer. Ward was a pious and active minister, jealous of innovation in the Church, and not to be shaken in his allegiance to his sovereign. Scholar as he was, he does not seem to have considered him- self thrown away upon a petty vicarage, nor to have coveted a higher station. He was upon an outpost, and he did his duty there, as feel- ing that he belonged to the main body. I have omitted one letter, containing a long disserta- tion on a conjectural reading in Isaiah, and another on a change in the Liturgy, from which he presaged some evil to the Establishment. " Nathaniel Ward to Ins very learned friend, Isaac Basiix. " S. V. B. E. E. Q. V.t This old mode of heading a letter sometimes stirs up the decaying embers of friendship, and comforts the distracted mind. But not a single word, * Appendix, No. II. '\ Si valetis, bene est, ego quidem valeo. 26 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF my learned friend, do you write to me. There is a profound and ill-omened silence betwixt us. I had not the good fortune to meet with you when I called at your lodgings, and I have not had leisure to repeat my visit. I therefore take my pen in hand with some degree of irri- tation; not so much on account of your dis- tressing taciturnity, as on account of my re- markable ill-luck in never being able to acquire any friends, however much I may be disposed to cultivate their friendship, but such as are under the influence of Harpocrates, Angerona, the founder of the school of silence, Pythagoras, or some other tongue-tied votary of that sect. Pray make up this loss to me. Your eloquence would excite me to attempt a style less careless and unpretending than I now employ; your prayers and exhortations might revive my piety, alas ! I must say, my languid piety. " If you happen to have a treatise lately published by Mede, of Cambridge, De Altari- bus, be so good as to lend it to me to read. I shall either return it to you very soon by a messenger, or deliver it into your own hands next week myself. Farewell. Remember a poor sinner. " I hear you are going to leave the Bishop, and take up your quarters at your own house. Do let me know something of your proceed- DR. BASIRE. 27 ings. It will give you very little trouble, and me much pleasure. I beg you will present my respects to your learned colleague. Again farewell, my dearest friend. " Staindrop, Sept. 7th, 1637." " I received letters yesterday from my friend Blechynden, and from other Kentish corre- spondents, stating that our friend Meyrick Casaubon is now living, or lodging, at Lam- beth. A good many of the inhabitants of Sand- wich have been carried off by the plague. At Canterbury they are seized with alarm, and are dispersing. The public school is shut up. "To the worshipful his most worthy friend, Mr. I. Basire, Auckland Castle, or in his absence to Mr. Flathers, Archdeacon of Northum- berland." " Nathaniel Ward salutes his very worthy friend, Mr. Isaac Basire. " You will receive, my dear friend, the cata- logue of my books, which I have just made. I have not yet been able to call to mind the names of the authors you require, but, by and bye, when they occur, I will let you know them. " A report has probably reached you of the fire, which broke out in my parish last Friday, 28 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF about three o'clock in the morning, and in a verv short space of time completely destroyed the cottages of three families, and reduced to ashes fourteen large stacks of corn. Two of the persons who have suffered this heavy loss are Papists, plunged in the deepest mire of superstition, whom I have often tried in vain to recal to more just views of religion: but enough remains for them to live comfortably. The third, who is much poorer than the others, is an honest pious man, who about eight weeks since deserted the camp of the Papists, and took refuge in our Catholic Church. He has two infant sons, and an excellent wife, who, when a servant, could never be induced to swerve from the true faith by the threats of her masters, and since she was married has in like manner resisted the attempts of her hus- band to convert her. She expects her confine- ment soon after Christmas; but her clothes, beds, and bedding, all her furniture, and every thing she had prepared for her lying-in, have been consumed by the tire; so that I have been obliged to take the man and his family into my own house, till God above shall look down in mercy, and raise up friends to relieve him in his extreme want and misery. The mans name is Francis Laifield. I begged a little charity for him yesterday; and yet, though DH. BASIRE. 29 my flock have given proof of the most benevo- lent feelings, I could not collect enough to pro- cure necessaries for this poor fellow and his pregnant wife. If therefore you have no ob- jection, I wish you would lay their wants next Sunday before your congregation, and extort alms from them in the name of Christ. For the man is now deserted by the Papists, because he has come back to us — otherwise, they give out that they would have made up his losses with interest. I hope, nay I almost feel, that God will graciously give this man such favour in the eyes of other people, that he will not stand in need of assistance from the Papists, nor ever have reason to regret that he has bid adieu to Egypt, and sheltered himself in our holy land. If you collect any thing for him, you may send it by the steward, or by your servant, to An- thony Miller; and I shall employ some faithful messenger to demand your benevolence of him, at the first opportunity which offers. I shall feel extremely obliged to you if you will com- ply with my request, and be assured that I shall endeavour, as far as is in my power, to return your kindness. Farewell, and pray for me. Be so good as to write, and let me know whether your wife has yet been confined. God preserve her from all danger under the shadow of his wings. 30 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF '* Written in great haste, on the 10th Dec. 1638." * * *• * *' In Ch. III. V. 19, Philipp. is the following phrase: "Whose God is their belly." Is this taken from the Phormio of Terence, Act II. So. 1, fin., where Geta, the parasite, says, " Ea," (those things namely which relate to the belly) " qui praebet, non tu hunc habeas plane prae- sentem Deum ?" Perhaps both derived it from Menander, from whom Pat. Victor, 1. 5, Vat. c. 20, quotes, " to ytx,^ Tps(poov [AS, tout' lyu xoivoo Q(ov.^' " NathaiVael Ward salutes his much honoured I. Basire. " Alas ! alas ! how unlucky it is that some business or misfortune always prevents our meetings. I had scarcely draw^n on my boots, and prepared myself for expedition, when my maid servant came to tell me that my horse (out of condition and quite unfit for a long journey) had been stolen by some ill-dis- posed neighbour, and carried off towards Lon- don. You will say that all these matters are arranged by Providence. A pious sentiment; but I maintain, that if God prevented our first meeting, Satan himself must have thrown an DR. BASIRE. 31 impediment in the way of this. For why shoukl I not use the language of the Apostle, 1 Thess. ii. 18? " I never find myself in your company with- out enjoying the highest gratification, nor do I ever leave it without improvement: so excel- lent is your advice, so much does your example fortify me. At home, I am engaged in a con- stant struggle against my corrupt nature ; abroad, I have to contend with impiety and barbarism. * * * * " When we next meet, I hope to be in a better state of mind than I have hitherto been. But how short are my lucid intervals, and how soon clouded over. In truth my piety is cold as winter: my nights are disturbed and shadowy, longer by far than days cheered by fine weather, and the light of the sun. Do not fail to aid me with your prayers, that I may enjoy a summer followed by no wintry storms, a serene autumn to gather in the eternal har- vest of God's free grace and bounty. In the mean time, farewell ! Present my respects to the worthy Dr. Duncan, and to your friend Johnson, when you next see them. How un- fortunate I am, to be torn away from your learned and pious society! But what place 32 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF could such a novice as I am hold in your trium- virate ? Again farewell ! " Written in haste at Staindrop, Jan. 1639. " To the worshipful his much endeared friend, Mr. Isaac Basire, be these dehvered at the Bishop's Castle, in Duresme.' " NatluDiael Ward to his honoured friend, I. Basire. * * * "I w^rite this just as I am mount- ing my horse to go to Newcastle, intending to return, please God, before next Sunday. God willing I shall communicate to you the reason for this journey in person before Easter. I had intended to go there before, if my health had allowed me, and indeed it was of consequence to me that I should go. But, somehow or other, this delay has not happened inopportunely, for 1 heard only yesterday that all the clergy of the Darlington district had been summoned by the magistrates to confirm by an oath that P. P. P. P. of the mob. Now this expedition of mine will give me an excuse for being igno- rant of this circumstance for the present. Un- questionably, if I might interpret that sacred form of words in my own way, I could take the oath, and call God to witness in the cause. DR. BASF RE. 33 But pray tell me in your next, whether it is allowable to take an oath in a sense different from that in which it is imposed. If it be not allowable, I would far rather submit to torture than be bound with that terrible chain. They even say that the clergy, churchwardens, and overseers, are compelled, when they have taken the oath, to administer it to the rest of the parishioners. Which when the mule breeds I will do. For no law or statute either requires us to take the oath itself, or to perform such an unreasonable act. You see what a w^olf I have got by the ears ! For heaven's sake, and by the sacred bonds of friendship, I implore you to state your opinion to me distinctly upon this point, as soon as possible. Tell me, more- over, what you intend to do in the matter. I cannot help quoting the exclamation of Poly- carp, which you used to be afraid to commit to paper — " Deus bone, in qua? nos reservasti temporal" " Remember me, in the most friendly way, to your Priscilla and my Phoebe. Farewell ! Keep me always in your mind. I dare to pro- mise you confidently, that by the effective aid of your prayers I shall, by degrees, emerge from my spiritual darkness. Go on then with them. In haste. " Sept. 1641." D 34 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF The vicar of Staindrop remained on his living till 1644. He then entered into King Charles's army, and was slain at Milium Castle, in Cum- berland.* One might be tempted to think, from the many complimentary letters preserved by Mr. Basire, that he was by no means indifferent to flattery. In addition to the testimonies of esteem already witnessed, one of his corres- pondents styles him " Mortalium colendissi- mus." Another declares him to be " tam ver^ doctus et pius, ut nunquam ad te ivi quin magis doctus et pius abivi." He proceeds fur- ther to commend the pure Latin style he had acquired, " cui fama ob Romanum idioma non tantum bona, sed magna." Upon considering, however, that letters in the same high strain of panegyric were addressed to him at all periods of his life, and also that it is no easy matter for a person to obtain such testimonies of his worth as seem to have flowed in upon him ; the more probable conclusion is, that these praises were extorted from his friends by the intrinsic excel- lence of his character, and that he did not set * His nuncupative will, made as it should seem, after he had received his mortal wound, is in the Registrar's Office at Durham. It consists of a very few lines, and is attested by five cavaliers, Robert Grey, John Huddleston, John Tempest, Thomas Hulton, Jo. Heath. DU. BASIRE. 35 a higher value on their opinion than any well- judging man may be justified in doing. The following letter is from Mr. Henry Blax- ton, (Blakiston) a brother of Sir William Blax- ton, and is a fine specimen of warm neighbourly feeling. " To my worthy Friend Mr. Isack Besir att his house att Egsclife, give this. ** My much estemed friend, " I THAXK you for all your fauors and well wishes as to my Daughter, I am sory that 1 myst your good company, and my brothers ; butt glad thatt it was your good hap to be theer to bear him company in my absence. If I had any certanty of his coming, I would haue steyed my journey a week longer butt the vn- certanty of his coming, and the hope of fair weather made hir desirous to be att home; and her husband being nott with her, made me more willing to accompany her home. And wheras you say if you wear sure when to find me att home you would come on, I knowe no occation to draw mee from home, and I loue no winter jorneys withoutt good occacion call me ; so you may find me att home when your loue will joyne with your leasure to vesitt us, wher I shalbe very gfad to se you. I thank you for your token, and wheras you say yours D 2 36 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF are butt shadows in respectt of substances, lett me tell you thatt shadows in the heatt of the day may be as comfortable and week sub- stances wilbe in the cooll of the evening. Butt make of your fauors and courtesies whatt you please, I doe axceptt off them as kind fauors and testimonys of your trew loue unto me and myne, and shalbe as ready to requitt them as I am ready to reseiue them. It is nott my custom to use complements to my kind freinds, amongst which I do rank you the for froantt, and shall eid be ready to shew my estemation of you in any thing wherein I may reely exprese my affection unto you, and more to your good wife, to whom I pray you remember my trew and kind respects vnto. God send her a happy tyme, to God's glory, and both your comforts ; and so I end, and conteneu your trewly affect- ted freind " Hen : Blaxton. " November the 2nd, 1638." Mr. Basire was now quietly settled at his Rectory of Egglescliffe ; his family was in- creasing, and his eldest boy, Isaac, at a very early age was committed to the care of Dr. Busby, master of Westminster school. Eng- land can scarcely be said to have produced a man more celebrated in his profession than Busby was ; though he has been represented DU. liASlKK. 37 as a severe schoolmaster, and unsparing of the rod. The qualities of his heart may not be equally notorious with his skill as a teacher, but they will receive some illustration from a few of the letters in this collection. A sincere friendship had been formed between Basire and him. They had much religious communion together, and Busby avows himself to be under great obligations to his friend for his spiritual counsel. There was something eminently social, as well as practical, in the religion of this period ; or, at least, in the religion of the men with whom this Memoir will make us acquainted. Friends strengthened each other in spirit, and drew their own union closer by urging their mutual wants to the throne of grace. It had not yet become a matter of form only for Christians to request each others prayers — the intermediate step towards that oblivion of the duty of intercession, which seems to prevail so generally. " To the Right Worshipfiill mij very worthy friend Dr. Basire, at Eaglescliffe in the Bishoprick of Durham these. " Dear Friend, " I REJOICE with you at your safe ar- rival. Since your departure I have taken your 38 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF counsel as to the country air, and find the bles- sing of it. And that you may know me to be uery regardful of your direction, I make haste againe to obey the advice of your letters, and write now this my answer booted. The friendly esteem which you are pleased to haue of me, (truly uery unworthy of your consideration, especially of your loue,) obligeth me to make my acknowledgments of it before God, and to beseech him that he would repay you with his all-sufficient plenitude, for that portion which you vouchsafe me of your much beloued self. Sir, you haue made an indelible impression of your merit in me, which I shall preserve with the same fidelity I do your goods ; and I heartily intreat you to retain me, a most empty name, meritissimam sarcinam, in your memory and devotion. I remember your expression of Jacob's staff" in your parting note ; and I assure you that I esteem your fervent and assiduous prayers to be both a Jacob's staff" and ladder to support and elevate a feeble and sinful soul — sic enim Jacobus, " the prayers of the faith- ful avail much." I would heartily wish that you were sensible of that sweetness, that reli- giosissimum mel, which I find in my heart, a tui nominis recordatione favos luxuriosissim^ degustans; then you would believe these words faint symbols, not faind globes, of a heart devotedly yours. DR. BASIRE. 39 " No news but what you may read or spell out of the orders enclosed — only this — the Bishop of Lincoln rides his Visitation, and begins in October : and for security he hath an order from the Lords at his own motion. The bishop hath not yet left us at Westminster ; remaining still alone of all the bishops ; a stout defendant of his order and discipline ; not with- out the envy, hatred, and broad censures of the people. Pray for the church as it con- cerns us all ; and pray for me. " Yours, animiter " Richard Busby. " My service to your virtuous bedfellow, child is very well." In 1640, Mr. Basire took his degree of Doc- tor in Divinity, and in December 1641, he was sworn chaplain extraordinary to King Charles L He was thus led into an occasional attendance at the court of Whitehall at a time when the monarch stood much in need of faithful subjects; for the period of the great rebellion was now fast approaching ; the Presbyterian leaven was rapidly spreading through England, and the London petition had been presented, calling for a total change in church government, and signed by 16,000 names. In the year 1642, a letter from W. W. de- 40 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF clares, " All the comfort and contentation I have in these tumultuous and disjointed times, I have solely contracted from your loving let- ters, the true image of yourself." A letter from Mr. Hylton of Hylton Castle, shows in a few words the state of the southern part of the county of Durham at this time. " For his much respected Fre'md Dr. Bazeer, att his house at Edgclyffe def this. "Sir, " I AM by reason of certaine especiall affaires to retreat with my Regiment for a season to Hartinpoole — Therefore I desire you wilbe pleased to take the paines as to see the bridge drawne euery night on Edgeclyffe syde ; which will conduce very much to the countreys and your safety. And there shall scouts waite continually neere you, to certifie me of all proceedings, and I shall take it from you as a courtesie ever to oblige " Your freind and servant, " John Hylton. " Stockton, 14th of Feb. 1642." nn. liAsiuE. 41 " To my ivorthili/ esteemed ami muek hom)urcd friend Airs. Basire. " Most virtuous and truly beloved in Christ Jesu, " Your friendly acceptance of my respects to your husband, self, or child, doth oblige me faithfully to perform them. And I could wish that my fortunes were so ample as your merits, that I might not be defective in my expressions, no more than in my desires, of entertaining yours and my dearly beloved. For which my hearty and affectionate regard I am abundantly repaid in the holy and learned conversation of him : and it is in your power to make me eternally obliged to your family if you shall be pleased to trouble your memory with my unworthy self, and to recommend so heinous an offender to the tender mercies of Christ Jesus by your daily and frequent prayers. Thus shall I make a happy change ; and for my poor* corporal refreshments of your husband, I shall receive back your un- valuable spiritual comforts : for so in some regard I shall esteem them yours, knowing that the prayers of the faithful avail much. I should solicitously desire this favour from you, * When Basire went to London, he always, tliroiighout his life, resided with his friend Dr. Busby, at his house in West- minster. 42 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF but that I believe your Christian gentleness without any importunity will out of pity do this pious courtesy: and for it you will have some return of your charity into your own bosom from God, and the assured obligation of a poor sinner, " Your unworthy friend, " R. Busby. " Dec. 16, 1641." " Most deare and Reverend Friende, " I haue not receiud any answer to the 2 letters which I haue sent afore these, of one particular I desired especially your speedy advice, whereof I beseech you certify race, what and howe I may present my re- spects to your Friends of Huntingdonshire. I have much offended you I feare, because of your long forbearance of Letters, but I entreat you to punish mee any otherwise than with that losse ; good Sir, helpe mee to present my humble thanks to your religious family, for all your goodness towards mee, specially Sursum : and I heartily request you and yours not to cease, through my ingratitude or unworthiness, soe still to oblige " Your most ob. serut., R. B. " 'hXilQELav Xiyw, (" R. BuSBY.) Sept. 20, 1642." Dll. BASIKK, 43 *' To the Right Worshipful his ioving Friend Dr. Basij^e, Chaplain to his Majesty, and Hector of EgglescUffe in the Bishoprick of Durham. *' Salutem in Christo Jesu. " Doctor B. " I had answered your first letters, if I had thought it needful, for I held it sufficient that by them you refreshed my old decaying memory; and yet I remember that of Plautus, *' memorem immemorem facit, qui monet quod memor meminerit," and therefore I, knowing, besides my word unto you, the subsigning of my hand unto an advowchon for you, did think you might have confided so far as to know I would to my possibility stood unto myself, yea unto yourself I have said, and desiring to be remembered unto your worthy consort, com- mending you both to the protection of the Almighty, and to the glory of his saving grace in Christ Jesus, I rest your loving friend, " Tho. Duresme. " Durham House, 26th July, 1G42." On the 12th of December, 1643, Dr. Basire was collated to the 7th stall in Durham, by his patron Bishop Morton, and in the August following he was appointed Archdeacon of Northumberland. These appointments, how- ever complimentary to Basire, were merely 44 LIFE AND CORRESPONDLNCE OF nominal, the progress of the civil war having placed the duties and the emoluments of such offices alike in abeyance. Two years after, he is understood to have been besieged eleven months in Carlisle. Hutchinson states that the city underwent a close blockade on this occasion, and that the inhabitants suffered much for want of food. Horses, dogs, and rats, were eaten ; and hempseed substituted for bread as long as the siege lasted. In 1645 the living of Stanhope became vacant, and Bishop Morton " oppressed and overawed by the terrors of the prevailing rebels, durst not dispose of it to any one ; whereby, it lapsing to the crown, his sacred Majesty was graciously pleased to give it to Dr. Basire, his chaplain, then in attendance upon him at Oxford." The Bishop's last letter to his fa- voured chaplain concluded with these words : " I have obeyed that royal command, and have made choice of his Majesties presentation, wishing you with all my heart a prosperous success therein, so far, that in teaching, you may save yourself and them that hear you : the Lord bless you. " Your loving friend, " T. D. " In June, 1646, Basire received a notice from the Earl of Dorset to be in waiting on the DR. BASIRE. 45 King in the month of August, and to repair to his Majesty's court, wheresoever it should be. If any one despaired of the royal cause, that man was not the Lord Chamberlain. The let- ter bears date the 23rd of June, and on the next day, Oxford, where the last parliament of the three Estates was held, surrendered to Fairfax. It must therefore have been written during the negotiations for the surrender; and it will be remembered that this event took place two months after the King had rashly thrown him- self upon the generosity of the Scots. 1647, In the January of this year the Scots completed their bargain with the Parliament for the sale of their monarch, (400,000/.,) and his person was in consequence given into the hands of his English subjects. His first re- moval was to his own house at Holmeby near Nottingham, and there the arrangement at- tempted to be made by Lord Dorset would have been of no avail, for the King's chaplains were denied him. * He was, however, treated with more respect after he had been conveyed by Cornet Joyce to the army at Newmarket ; and at Hatfield, Dr. Crofts, formerly clerk of the closet. Dr. Sheldon, and Dr. Hammond, were permitted to officiate before him, using the liturgy of the church. " The commanders would partake of none of all this, but went to * Clarendon, vol. ii. 197. 46 LIFE AND COHRESPONDENCE OF the church in the town, where they staid not neither, for, instead of the directory, they found an officer in his buff coat and swoard preaching against the Presbyterian government as Anti- Christian."* Before this time, however, Dr. Basire, after having been seized upon at his living of Eggles- cliffe, and conveyed to Stockton Castle, had escaped from the troubles and distractions of this revolutionized country, and taken refuge in France — if indeed he can be said to have obtained a refuge, where he says that he " suffers almost as much persecution from his own and by his own, as he might have done in England." In the previous year, as Anthony Wood informs us, " Isaac Basire and several others who had fled to Oxon. as an asylum, and there had several times preached before his Majesty and the Members of Parliament, had each a licence given them under the public seal of the University to preach the word of God throughout England." But it was too late to recall the people to the throne and the altar by the services of a corps of King's chap- lains circulating through the country. Their occupation was gone. They, and the whole body to which they belonged, became now the objects of a bitter persecution, to which rapine * Letter 43. Cod. 7. DR. BASIRE. 47 as well as theological hatred supplied a con- straining motive. A total want of the means of subsistence for himself and his family seems to have driven him abroad. Mrs. Basire was left at Eggles- cliffe with four children, and pregnant with another, to struggle, as well as she could, for the allowance promised by the Parliament to the wives and families of delinquent clergy- men. This pittance went by the name of Fifths, and was supposed to be the fifth part of their estates and goods seized upon by Par- liament ; and by the help of the " Committee of Sequestration," and the " Committee of plundered Ministers," appropriated to this pur- pose. We learn, however, from contemporary writers that this was quite an imaginary appor- tionment, " so that as one truly and sadly said the Fifths were even paid at sixes and sevens," — " which, however, is true only in the pro- verbial, and not in the literal sense, (as bad as that would have been) for I shall by and by shew, that in those few instances that I find them paid, it was for the most part after the rate of tens and twelves." * " And truly," says another writer, " their ordinance for the fifth part, doth generally prove a mere mockery to the wives and children of the clergy in the * Fuller and Walker, part 1, 102. 48 LIFE AND COHRKSPONDENCE OF midst of their heavy persecution, and a snare • to draw them into expense of their last groat, in hopes to get their so fairly promised morsel; which, as I have known very few obtain it ef- fectually, so have many of them after some years of chargeable and vexatious attendance been wearied out, buying at too dear a rate their repentance of believing or hoping any justice or mercy from the Puritan faction." Anthony Wood* expressly tells us that "no Presbyterian or Independent was ever known to allow any Loyalist, whose places they had occupied for several years, the least farthing; but rather rejected and avoided them, vilified, scorned, and exposed them to the plebeians, as empty, formal, and starched nothings." The subterfuges employed by the Commissioners to evade the payment of the Fifths committed to their charge, are detailed at length by Fuller f in his Ecclesiastical History. It was from EgglesclifFe alone that Mrs. Basire had any chance of obtaining a main- tenance. The College of Durham had ceased to exist, and an intruder had established him- self at Stanhope. Her destitute state, and the frequent inability of her husband to afford her relief, will appear from letters that passed between them during the greatest part of their * Vol. ii. p. 578. t !-• If), cent. 17, p. 230. DR. BASIUK. 40 separation ; nor can we in reading them admire too much the firmness, humility, and devotion, of this well-matched pair under long and severe privations. The first point which Basire reached upon the continent was Rouen, where he possessed a small patrimony, amounting to about eight pounds sterling per annum. Here he was joined by three pupils committed by their rela- tions to his care, namely : Andrews, Thomas Lambton, and William Ashburnham. Thomas Lambton was of the ancient and loyal family of Lambton of Lambton, near Chester- le-Street ; the second son of Sir William Lambton, Knight, who commanded a troop of horse, and a regiment of foot for the king, and fell gloriously in the battle of Marston Moor. William, the eldest son, lost his life also in the king's service, at Wakefield. David Lloyd speaks of " those two northern men that swal- lowed up the war in earnest. Sir Thomas Metham, and Sir William Lambton." William Ashburnham w as the son of John Ashburnham, Esq., gentleman of the bed- chamber to Charles L ; whose name is coupled with that of his sovereign in many transactions of this unfortunate reign. It was in company with this gentleman, and Hudson, his plain- speaking chaplain, (as the king called iiim,) E 50 LIFE AND CORIIESPOXDENCE OF that Charles I. left Oxford clandestinely, and delivered himself up to the Scotch army at Newark. It was under his conduct also, and that of Sir John Berkeley, that he effected his escape from Hampton Court ; and though this expedition, ending with the unaccountable measure of surrendering the Royal Person to Colonel Hammond, Governor of Carisbrook Castle, was open to much animadversion, yet it does not appear that Ashburnham's fidelity to his master was ever successfully impeached. " Oh, Jack, thou hast undone me ! ' those thrilling words uttered upon this occasion to Ashburnham by the King, words which have made many a loyal heart sink in reading them, seem rather to have proceeded from a sudden misgiving of the wisdom of his own policy in this surrender, than to have been an accusation of treachery against his servant for the part he took in forwarding it. The subjoined letter, relative to the young Ashburnham, signed * Tho. Hook, seems to have been written rather by a friend than a preceptor : certainly, however^ by one who had superintended his education, was acquainted with his disposition, and in all probability had * There was an Archdeacon of Lewis and Prebendary of Chichester, of the name of Thomas Hooke. — Walker s Suf- ferings of the C/ergi/. DR. BASIUE. 51 acted as a parent to him during the time that his father was in attendance upon the king. M. W. AsHB. Character, " To his very worthy friend Dr. Easier he these presented, " I am not a litle satisfyed, that this gentleman is falne into your hands, of whose care and kindness I am so confident, I haue nourct him hitherto as my childe, and his welbeinge hath been of more concernment to me than mine owne. I haue now quitt him — his person, not my cares; for his education euen from his cradle (were ther no other obli- gations) hath made him deare in my afi'ections, and therefore I shall be as solicitous of his welfare now as ever. He doth promise faire, but is more in apearance then in deed. You will finde him a trewant in his booke. Much hinderances he hath had, and much time he hath lost. What hath been bestowed on busi- ness, I will not say hath been ill spent, but might have been spent better. Some smat- terings he hath in Latine, and had as much (I thinke) 2 yeares since as now ; he hath trans- lated Molineus' Logick out of French into Latine, though I thinke to litle purpose; for you will finde him the hardest to remember, and the easiest to forgett, as you haue mett E 2 52 LIFE AND COURESPOXDENCE OF with any. Yet I hope he will make a very rationall man, and therefore, (if possible,) make him a logician, it will much improve his reason. In a word, what he hath, or shall acquire, (your owne experience will informe you,) hath, and must be gotten, more by his tutor's dilligence then his owne. " Nimium indulget Genio." Sir, I wish you in him all the hapiness your owne heart can wish ; and my prayers shall not be wantinge for him, that God will so bless your endeavours that you may retourn him compleatly accomplished, with all the virtuous qualities, to the joy of his parents and the comfort of his friends, in which number I shall reckon, " Sir, " Your humble servant, " Thos. Hooke. " My service to Mr. Lampton and Mr. An- drews. " Hastings, Jan. 1(3 17." The next letter is from Mr. Ashburnham himself, and that which succeeds it from Mr. Andrews. " Srd February, 1647." " Sir, " Yours of the 22 of Jan. (your stile) is now come. It seemes it heith beene long- DH. BASIRE. 53 vppon the way, and iioe marvell, for my con- dition necessitates me for the present to suffer very few, or none, to know where T am. Ther- fore I hope you will not take it amiss that my returne comes noe sooner to you. Amongst those few comforts which are now left me, next the quietness I finde in my owne brest, (maugre the malitious censures of unworthy persons) for haueing discharged the vtmost of my duty to our unhappy master, I assure you I number your acceptance of my sonn into your care and government, as the greatest. You will hardly beleeue how much I am satisfyed with your obseruation of the danger of his nature. Indeed you haue therby saued me much labour to informe you, and your selfe more troble to haue read and disgested the meanes which were necessary to preuent the mischeife, which might happen on that hand. For since you soe well vnderstand him, I shall forbeare saying any thing of my apprehentions of that misfortune ; but leaue the cure wholly to you, who haue discouered the disease, and apply my selfe to my prayers for a good success vppon your endeavours. I shall give him such commands and instructions as you prescribe, and when he shall faile to obey them, or any you shall impose vppon him, (to which he shall knowe he is to give the same equallity of re- 54 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF uerence) lett me but haue the least word from you, and I shall doe my part. I doe uery well approue of the method you haue taken by way of preparatiue to your arriuall in Italy ; but should I differ with you at any time, I shall not dispute my opinion with you, for I doe resigne him absolutly to your disposing, and resolue to submitt cheerfully to what you shall iudge necessary for him ; soe freely doe I giue him vpp to you, and soe well am I satisfyed with my selfe, that I haue donn soe. The best care is taken for letters of recommendations both to persons and places, which my friends, from whom I was to receaue that curtoysye, could doe, and soe much for my sonns particular. As to the generall affaires here, (a short state whereof I know will not be vnwelcome to you) the prospect of that part of them which con- cernes his majestic seemes black and desperatt to all those who take things vppon trust, and will examine things noe farther then what will be tomorrow. But who will sadly consider the ticklish bottom this arbitrary government is settled vppon ; the powerfull ennimyes they who exercise it haue in this kingdom, with the generall malice contracted against them ; the impossibility of reconciling the Scotts nation to them ; the invincible necessityes which will ineuitably fall suddenly vppon them, that God DR. IIASIUE. 55 will not thus forsake his annoynted, his church, and all men, who, by the rules he hath giuen vs, cann only be called honest, or pretend to be saued ; will not be dejected, or without hope that a recouery will yet ere long- happen. And truly I am one of those, who expect it with as great assurance, as I know I now live. I pray address your letters to Mr. Andrewes by the name of Mr. Samuell Rolles, and they will come safely to me whilst I am in England. When I goe beyond seas, you shall know my place of abode. With my very kinde respects to you, I rest, " Sir, " Your very faithfull freind and seruant, " Samuell Rolles." " To the Reverend Doctor Isaac Basire, these DD ill Roueti. " Sir, " Yours of the 27 present I haue re- ceiued, by which I take notice of your ffayre regards to mee and my sonn ; and doe hartilye thank you for the hopes you giue mee of him, I praye God hee maye pfect them, and the only waye to itt is, the true and hartye seruice of 56 LIFE AND CORRESPOXDENCE OF God, which I pceiue by his letter you haiie sett him in a course to doe. 1 praye God blesse him in itt, and prosper your indeuors : and I shall nott be wantinge to giue any asistanc that I cann. If I cann here of another pupil], I shall pmote what lyes in my power for your further aduanc. I haue giuen order for a bill for you, which if itt comes, shalbe inclosed in this. I am this night goeinge to Hampton Court to weiyt on Mr. Ashbournh' there, and therefore cannott see the uttmost of this daye, butt leave itt to my man to seale and send awaye this letter. I shall desire herafter that you will apoynt mee what place I shall remitt you money ; and to whome payable ; or to whom I shall direct my letters, if you shoulde be absent. I have nott els att pr.esant butt that I am, '' Sir, " Your most humble servant " P. Andrews." " 26 August, 1647." A series of letters will explain the situation in which Dr. Basire now found himself. DR. BASIUE. 57 ''To mil very loving f rend J/s«f. Frances Basire. " Leave this with Eleazer Pots, next to the Rose Taverne, upon the Kays side in Newcastle. — To he sent to Blaxton. " Jesu ! " Mr DEAR YOKEFELLOW, " Your paire of letters of the 8 of March, I did receive the fifth of April. I am weary of writing so oft to Mr. Davison, from whom for all my letters, I have not received one line of answer, and so send him word. If the lady send her son, she may be assured of my special care in his education. Schollers here I have none at all, nor am likely, the English are so low brought for meanes. May God heare your wish, and in his good time re- store us each to other ! Iff not, God prepare and strengthen us to suffer still even unto death, rather then forsweare and betray the truth, and then live still miserable and in- famous too, I have not yet received one farthing out of my estate; so that all I can do for you at present is heartily to pray for your good speed both about yi" fifth, and about* fenkels, and about every thing you take in hand, es- pecially about yJ" safe delivery, which by mee and others hath beene recommended to God in extraordinary above these three weekes ; and shall be so till you blesse mee with the joyfull * Probably some arrear from his corps land at Finchale. 58 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF news of it. Thankes to Msse. Garnet for the continuance of her care. In my last letter to you of the eleventh of March, I did enclose foure, to my Lady Blaxton, to Msse. Garnet, to her brother, and to Mr. Davison againe. Make y^ letters as thin as you can for cost of carriage to my friends, and superscribe them only to my very loving friend, Dr. Basire, sending them to Mr. Cole or Sir Peter Richaut. The Lord judge betwixt you and Bushell, for I know no other way. God continue his blessings of health to you, my children, and my frends. Mr. Anderson, honest man, remembers you with care for you. Till I heare from you, I will write to you every weeke once, only to please you. When ever your time of travell be, I shall be sure sometime that day to be with you in the spirit, tho' absent in body. I will write to my brother Wats, as I have already done to my deare frend Busby, from whom I did receive lately a most kind letter. When you send to him, thanke him for it. Finally, my dearest, pray for God's grace and blessing upon mee, and, in all y^ straits, looke up to God's provi- dence and promise, six times reiterated in the Bible, that he will never faile you nor forsake you ; the daily prayer of " Your very louing husband, " Roiien, April 8,-47." « J. B." DR. BASIUE. 59 " To my very loving friend, M''«- Frances Basire. Send this to Mr. Davison of Bla.vton in the county of Duresme, " Jesii ! " Ah my dearest ! " What a crosse is this to mee, that in five weekes space I cannot obtaine one line from you ? what, are you now become a worse wife, then once you were a louing- mistrisse ? Know you not that, under God, your life, and health is my only comfort? By Sir Nicholas Cole at London, I could easily heare from you once a fortennight at least. I pray, as you loved mee once, blesse mee speedily with the longed for good newes of your owne safe delivery, and of my good ladyBlaxton's welfare, and of all our good frends : as for mee, my landlord going to live with his son in Holland, I have been faine to remove my quarters. Here I am, (not in Roiien but as neere it, as Yarum is to Little Eaglescliffe) : my chamber lyes me in 7 or 8 shillings a moneth : yea I have a whole little summer-house to myselfe alone : only once or twice a day a little boy waits on mee for neces- sarys : my little house is within a garden, the most pleasant place that ever I lived in, if I had but your owne sweet selfe in it with mee. I make shift to live, God be thanked, as yet I told you how, by the unexpected reliefe sent mee from London by a good frend of your's GO LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF and mine, that must be nameless. I continue still constant my old way, for which constancy I suffer almost as much persecution here amongst mine owne, and by mine owne, as I might have suffered in England. But our good God strengthens mee and comforts mee, and doe you so too by your good letters, and de- vout prayers for " Yours, more than ever, " Rouen, this 4th of June, 1647. " B. J. '* Ah, how sad was I, when I heard that Capt. Garnet had compounded now at last, notwith- standing his good resolutions at first to the contrary !" Dr. Bushy to Dr. Basire. " Reverend and dear sir, " My omission of L'rs, soe much due, may iustly deserue your complaint : which that I may expiate, I desire your friendly mult. There may appear in mee defect of words, but not of will or deede, for your seruice : and it is your favour to require and accept my rudenes of speech soe as to signify the want. But whoe could be silent to such a frende ! whose comerce is soe pretious. It is sufficient losse to mee that I have retarded your hand, which otherwise would have bin more frequent in writinge. Let not this bee my punishment, to DR. BASIRE. Gl suffer your silence for mine. Rather rebuke mee as you have done by your L'rs sweetely, and helpe mee to procure pardon by your prayers, as you doe dayly. Ah, Friend ! Neuer more neede of wrestlings with God, and woe is mee, that I acknowledge it rather then practice it. A deade numnes hath these many yeares falFn vpon my spirits, as upon the nation : joine with mee in the versicle, Ps. 13, ' O Lord my God, lighten mine eyes that I sleepe not in death.' All things at this time are in soe dubious a calme, that the feare is greatest when the danger is lesse visible. Oh, that after this fluctuation of things, any hope of settlement were, that we might comfort our souls in the issue, if bad with patience, if good with joy. But a wiser pilot then I cannot foresee any certainty of the euent : and a tedious expectacon weary's the minds of all them, whoe are not strong in the Lord. And it would bee a great solace to mee, if in this blind condition of things I might but enioy the sight of you, for whose exile I have reason to mourne. I pray. Sir, assist my ardent desires of lessning your captivity, by shewing mee the meanes whereby I am able. Discouer unto me, what I may doe, more, then desire to doe, for you. Money ! what I can, I would send ; and of this my will, my deede may bee the true G'2 LIFE AND CORRESPOXDKXCE OF interpreter ; but your modesty permitts me not to inlarge my selfe. Tis true, I abound not ; but I beseech you, let mee not suffer you to want in necessaries. At my request Sir Wm. Godolphin undertooke to make the place of your abode comfortable to you by his friends there with you ; and for this office and benefit I have engagde my selfe by way of comutacon in his son, a pledge with mee. What hath bin done, more then the returne of that my token (whereof you acknowledgate the receipt long since) I knowe not, but desire to learne from you by your next. Traveilours into your parts there are yet none, whom I would pre- sent to your acquaintance. Mr. Thurscrosse is againe settled in Yorkshire : Mr. Ferrar with his family at Gidden, long since Mr. Mapletiffe hath a good living. All remember you the Joseph in affliction. 1 intend to passe the moneth August in Progresse for the recovering of my health and strength, if it soe please God, for I am wearied and wasted with physicke, your prayers haue (I belieue) much contributed to my preseruacon in my great infirmities and perills. For which I beseech you still oblige, " Your most affectionate, " R. B." "July 27, 1647." DK. B A SIRE. 63 Sir Edward Nicholas to Dr. Basire. " fj July, 1647. *' Reverend Sir, " I THANK you for your favour of the ^3_ present, and conceave you shall doe very well to forbeare att present to divulge any thing conserning Dr. Desdale's Gr'd till his Ma'tie be further consulted. I am much obliged to you for the coppy of the Oraison you have sent me, which is pious and very proper to be used by all his Ma'ts honnest servants in these parts. " I hope it will not now be long before we heare that peace in England is in soe good for- wardness, as that honnest men may return with comfort to their homes: Dr. Hamond pr'ched Sunday was sennight att Hatfield, before the King, where service was said accord- ing to the English Lithurgy ; God will, I trust, finish the good worke which he hath soe won- derfully begun for the peace and good of Eng- land : and soe I kisse your hand and rest, " Sir, " Your most humble servant, " Edw. Nicholas." Sir Edward Nicholas to Dr. Basire. " gjR " 3" Octoi^s- 1647. " I HAVE receaved your favour of the 25th of the last month, and cannot but singu- 64 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF larly well approve of your pious inten'con in the worke you have designed to make your winter's labour, and I shall in due tyme ac- quaint his Ma'tie with it, and desire you alsoe from tyme to tyme to communicate the same, and your proceedings therein, with Dr. Stewart: I doe not despaire but before the spring the King- may yet be resetled in his throane, and when that shal be, without question you may have in England better helps, and moor security to p'fect that good worke. Wee now expect to heare whether his Ma'ts pious overture for a personall treaty for an accomodacon wil be yeelded unto, and then what wil be the yssue of that treaty, which I trust wil be a happy peace. In the mean tyme the Presbiterian faccon as well on this side, as in Scotland and England are very industrious to hinder any good agreement betweene his Ma'tie and the army and present houses; but my trust is that the God of peace will beyond their .... restore our Church and kingdom to a blessed peace, which is the dearest prayer of, " Sir, " Your most affectionate friend " and humble servant, " Edw. Nicholas." I)l{. 15 A SI UK. (),"> Sir Geo. RadcUffc to Dr. Basirc* " Sir, " Your letter has satisfyed my long- inge to understand where your lodginge is, and of your safe cominge thither. 1 was a little in doubt whether you were in health or no, be- cause I heard not from you. I ghessed onely, your goeinge to St. Germaine's and preparinge * Sir George RadclifFe was born in Yorkshire, in the year 1587. Seven of his relations lost their lives in the war of the Rebellion. He went to Ireland with the Earl of Strafford, upon his appointment to the Lord-Lieutenancy, and was in- volved in all his troubles. He is said to have been a man of extraordinary sagacity, and knowledge of business, and so good an orator that his longest speeches were accounted his best. When Sir Thomas Chaloner had discovered the ex- istence of alum near Gainsborough, it was through Radcliffe's contrivance that foreign workmen were brought over from Rochelle in hogsheads, to excavate the ground, and prepare the mineral. This alum mine was a source of considerable revenue to the Crown. Hampden considered Sir George as " one of the most dangerous men that adhered to the King." He was impeached by the parliament, and condemned un- heard. It was probably at this time that he retired into France. He died in 165 — ^"leaving," says David Lloyd, "these remarques behind him" — that, " with Tamerlane, he never bestowed a place upon a man that w as over ambitious of it; that he feared more the committing than the discover- ing of an irregularity ; that he gave away to charitable uses a tenth of what he got; and that he loved a grave better than a gaudy religion.' 1'" 66 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF to preach there, might be the cause. I had the pills before you went from hence: Mr. Cluterbooke had written for them to Mr. Crowder, and I know not by what conveyance they were brought to me. The apothecary was not paid, and therefore I sent the mony by you. T desired you to buy us 3 bookes of Gassendi, one for my Lo. of Strafford, one for the Deane of Rochester, and one for me : and wee would gladly have them by the next, and the price; that I may send the mony laid out for them. I wish all prosperity to your chappell at Sir R. Browne's hous: (to whom I beseech you present my humble and affec- tionate service.) I hope you will let the Rom. Catholiqes see that the Church of England de- sires to serve God decently. " Your leter toake me takinge exceptions to Hu. Cressye's booke, in that part wherein he chargeth our Church with schisme, but I was onely in the beginninge of it. I have not studyed the point to my owne full satisfaction : nor know I whom to read about it: I meane of our owne writers: for the Canonists (Roman) I have read in part. These points I thinke are considerable. 1. Wherein the unity of the Church consists: (I meane unity of ecclesias- ticall polity and government; for that onely, or chiefely, concernes schisme.) 2. What part tem- DR. BASIUE. ()7 porall regall authority hath in Church govern- ment: which I concived is much to be illus- trated, by the examples of Moses, David, Solomon, Jehosaphat, &c. Constantine, Theo- dosius, Justinian, &c. besides such texts of Scripture as are usally cited for that purpose. Of these two heads I have some broken imper- fect cohceipts, embryo's, which if I had but once formed into any shape, I shal be glad to submitt to your censure, ffor I desire both to be instructed by your knowledge, and assisted by your charity in your prayers, neither of which you will deny unto " Your very affectionate friend, " to serve you. Geo. Radcltffe. " Rue de Fardeau, 27 Nob'is- 1 647." " Sir, " Your later leter retrived the former with the Gassendi's, which I heard not of be- fore, though they had been hear a good while. Mr. Bush has order from Mr. Nicholas here to repay you that which you laid out for them. I have sent away your letter to my Lord Primate; it wilbe with him on Munday next. Why should you not goe by the name of Mons. De 1.- 2 68 LIFE AND CORR^:SPO\DE^XE OF Preamont? This is no changinge, and yet ob- scure you to those that have heard onely Basire. " My description of schisme I take from a very great authority: the 6 or 8 canon (for theire are severall divisions of them) of the great Councell of Constantinople. ' Hereticos autem dicimus — et eos qui se sanam quidem fidem confiteri per se ferunt, avulsi autem et abscissi («7roo-;)^i(r*vTi?; et adversus nostros cano- nicos episcopos congregationem faciunt (as/n- (Tuva.'yovTKi). " Inconformity in ceremony and liturgie doth commonly attende this rebellion; for in- deed it can heardly be well without it. Yet this inconformity, if the ecclesiasticall authority be acknowledged, will not make schisme dis- obedience, (though it be, and punishable,) and rebellion to ecclesiasticall authority, (with rais- inge new congregations cathedra contra ca- thedram,) is schisme, though there be never so great conformity in liturgie or ceremony. " In my pore devotions I use St. Basil's prayer, which you writ out for me: I pray you, when you say it, remember me. " I wish that I were as able to give you di- rections, as you are to doe service to the Church, and King of England. It were great presumption in me to undertake it. The King's honour you may safely vindicate; but of the Church I thinke little is to be said in Italic. I DK. iJASlHF., ()9 am of those that earnestly wish, and would en- deavour to my power, the peace of the Catholic Church. 1. To see how nere wee can agree in belief. 2. Where agreement in opinions and tenets cannot yet be had, yet neverthelesse there might be externall peace, and agreement in affections: and some remission on both sides of the rigourousurginge of those thinges which, beinge of ecclesiasticall constitution, made a great discussion between the parties; I am much against punishinge peacible and vertuous men, onely for this opinion or belief. The great wall of seperation, I take to be the in- fallibility of the Church, (the proper subject whereof I could never yet learne from them) : this, Hugh Cressy and some of the Sorbon do now seeme to deny, and to substitute authority for infallibility: if they could make their opi- nions good, and drav/ the rest of their com- munion to the same minds, I could freely par- don H. Cressy all his other faults. In Italic, you will finde the authority of councells dei- fied, and made as infallible as the Apostles. It were good to observe, if there be not some free spirits (especially at Venice) who wil be con- tent to examine the subject and foundation of their infallibility. If it should please God to re- cover and restore the Kinge and peace of Eng- land, I assure myself we shall not need to 70 LIFE AND COKKESPOXDENCE Ol incite one another (you or you me) to mutuall as- sistance in the behalf of ourselves or those wee shall leave behinde us. Wee know what it is to suffer; and our sufferings in the same cause, especially in this cause, wilbe motive stronge and effectuale to doe what wee can one for ano- ther. I shal be like to have most need of helpe from you and other good friends. For my frequent indisposition by reason of myne old infirmity growinge upon me, is a reall remem- brance of my mortality. Every day this weeke have I beene taken with it, which has hindered me yet from speakinge with Monsieur Jacob Roussell. But I will find him out, and doe your commandes. " I thinke it is superfluous for me to advise you to consider if it be not requisite in respecte of a clause of arrest here, for you to gett a li- cense to travel in Italic and forrein parts, from the King of Fraunce — abundans cautela non nocet. " Barnes his booke I exceedingly desire: the tast you have sent me of it, whets myne appe- tite. You shall doe me an extraordinary favour in givinge me the meanes to take a copy of it. " I can send your letters to Yorke easily; can you direct me to any body in Yorke that will convey them to your wife. If you know DR. BASIllK, 71 none, I will informe myselfe how to doe it, and shall readily serve you herein, as befits " Your affectionate friend and " servant, " Geo. Radclifi-'e. " Feb. 11., l(J-I8.' On the 27th of August, Dr. Basire began his tour, accompanied by his pupils ; one of whom kept a journal of their proceedings which is now before me. From Rouen they went to Paris, and had the honour of kissing the hands of the queen and prince at St. Ger- mains. The apartments reserved for the royal exiles seem to have been shewn to them ; and it is noticed that " on the prince's bed-head were laid, by his own order, the bible, and my Lord Hatton's psalter." On Christmas-day, they went to Sir Richard Browne's, the king's agent, " where the doctor was pleased to give us a sermon." The chapel at Sir R. BD':)wne's was now the visible Church of England, esta- blished in the heart of a Catholic country. There is a volume of MS. sermons in the library of the Cathedral of Durham, in the hand-writing of Bishop Cosin, many of which were delivered in this place. 72 LIFE AXD COKRESrOXDEXCE OF In the spring of the year 1648, they pursued their journey southward, taking with them a recommendation from Henrietta Maria to Sir Kenehn Digby, the English legate at Rome. There is also preserved a letter of introduction to Mr. Pendric, at Rome, signed John Wintour. This John Wintour is probably the same gentleman, whom, along with some others, the commons moved the king to dismiss from about his own person, and the queen's, and from both their courts. The last-mentioned letter states, " Mr. de Preaumont, (Basire,) Mr. Ashburn- ham's governor, to be a person, who, though a Frenchman born, hath exceedingly endeared himself to the whole body of the English clergy, by the recommendation of his learning and excellent parts, and his choice of suffering with them in their common affliction." The following letters were written by him to Mrs. Basire, before they set off from Paris for their Italian tour. " To my very good frcnd Alistresse Frances Basire, at Eaglescliffe, neere Varum. Leave this at Bla.rto?2. " Jesu ! " My Deare Heart, '' The further wee remove into France the seldomer you are like to heare from mee : DH. HAS IKK. 73 and therefore be not troubled, but rather j)ray and hope the better. Direct your letters here- after thus, A Monsieiu^ Basirc par faddressc dc Monsieur JSIei), a Roilhi. I live now at Paris this winter, and then in the spring better goe towards Italy, then towards Newgate. 1 have more then once appointed you to receive ten pounds from my Lady Lambton,* Mdiich I have laid out of my purse for her son, who hath written to her about it. My Lady Ratcliffe joyed mee by telling mee, you looked very well on it. Doe so still, till I see it my selfe. The affaires of England are still too much troubled for mee or honest men to fish in it and catch. I shall shortly thanke the brethren Davisons and the two Ladys at Hutton-panell in your behalfe : recommend mee to Sir William Blax- ton and his lady, and to Mistresse Garnet, God blesse my children, and all my frends. Would to God 1 were neere you to make good my vow at our mariage, to cherish you in sicknes as in health. But it must be when it pleases God. Meanewhile wee must cheerefully live and dye asunder, if God so ordaine it, rather then the leastways murmure. But I hope wee shall * Latly Katlierinc Lambton, widow of the gallant Sir Wil- liam Lambton, and mother of Basire's pupil. 74 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF meet not to part more till death ; which God prepare us all for, so prays " Your faithful husband "J. B. •' From Paris, Novemb;: 20-10, 1647." " Mr. Lambton thankes you for the care you have of him. I am sure I have layd out above tweaty pounds to furnish him with clothes and other necessarys. Honest Mr. Anderson who is now here with us commends him kindly to you: and I to Nan and John Glover." " To mi) very loving friend, Airs. Frances Basire, at EaglcscUffe, neere Yarum. Leave this with Mr. Ingmelthorp at Darlington, in the county of Duresme. "Paris, March 5, 1648. Thursday at midnight, " My Dearest, " My last letter unto you was so ample, as if you have received it, it would save mee the labour of repetition, topfull of busines as I am, nov/ upon the poinct of my voyage into Italy, which wee begin upon Fryday next, God willing. Pray to God for my good speed, and for the welfare of my yong gentlemen. Wee DR. BASIRE. 75 have jointly sent you some tokens from Paris which will come by Ribston way, either by my cosin Swinburne, or some other way ; but Mr. Anderson is to keepe them tilV he get a safe hand. The two dresses'* for the head to'goe bare, you may divide betwixt my yong cosin, Mary Blaxton, and our little * Mael. The black gloves are for your owne sweet hands, whom I kindly kisse. The blew heart is for Mael ; besides, (if you please) the silver hooke and claspe is for Peter's hat. The foure rings of gold are for you, and my other 3 sons. I would have sent my good Lady Blaxton some token, but these are too poore to present her with : I shall deliver unto Mr. Anderson the three peeces of gold (of 206". a peece) which my Lady Sauile sent mee. I have desired my Lady Lambton to pay you at one or two pay- ments yeerely 20/., which I shall lay out here for her son, whilest he is abroad with mee. Also I have desired my schoolefellow, one Mons. Jacob Roussel, (who dwels en la Rue des Bonnetiers, vis a vis de I'Archeveche a Roiien,) whom I leave as my attorney to cleare my little inheritance from all demands of portions or the like ; that either in the fall of the yeere he will receive my son Peter, if he comes, or * His daiijilitcr Mary. 76 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCK OF else, assoone as I am out of sute at law, that he will convey unto you the rent, (some eight pounds a yeere in present,) by the hands of Sir George Ratcliffe, (who dwels now en la Rue du Fardeau, at Roiien,) who will send to you by my cosin Swinburne, or somebody else at Yorke. You shall doe well by two words of a letter to desire my cosin Swinburne, if he receive any thing for you, to convey it to you, and repay him the post. This is all I can doe for you at present, save that I have mooved divers frends in your behalfe, to assist you in case of the King's recovery ; and chiefly this last weeke, when I tooke my leave of the prince after sermon, he was pleased graciously to promise mee that he will doe what he can for you and yours. God reward him for it. I send you herewith a list of such frends as you may addresse your selfe unto, if need be. I have lately written two treatises, the one in Latine, the other in French, in the behalfe of the King and Church of England. And now, deare heart, labour bye faith and patience to resigne me cheerefully unto God, who is every where alike neere unto them that feare him. The Queene hath given mee a letter of re- commendation unto a Cardinal at Rome for safety from the Inquisition, and wee have a great many more letters of favour : when you 1)U. BASIRK. 77 write to me direct your letters thus : A JMoiis. Mous. de Preaumont, for that is the name of my gentry, which I am counselled to go under, rather than the name of Johnson. You must subscribe your name thus, your loving frend Franhe, or F. And send all your letters to Mr. Andrews, in Cruched Fryars, in London, according to my former direction. Except my Lady Lambton doe with all speed cause her son's allowance of an 100/. to be payd at London as wee have written to her, she will much dis- appoint us all ; and but for my special, respect to her, and to my Lord Widdrington, I had never ventured to take him along with mee so slenderly provided, such long and costly voy- ages as I am like to goe. But truly his good carriage incourages mee to take him along to perfect his education. Behold here yong Mr. Ashburnham's letter to you, of his owne com- posing at but 14 yeeres age, God blesse his good parts. God knows I have my head full of care, hauing five persons left wholly to my prouiding for all things — enough, if I had nothing else to doe : besides I myselfe teach them their Italian tongue, and some sciences. Yet God inables mee with health and content better then ever. Praise God for mee, and pray, pray that I may be truely and constantly thankfuU in heart, tongue, and life. Amen. 78 LIFE A\D CORRESrONDENCE OF ** The last letter I received from you was dated the 12th of January. Commend mee to both Mr. Davison's : I w^rit lately to Mr. Thomas. If his son come, and you hear nothing from mee to the contrary, send Peter over with him according to my former direc- tion, to Mons. Roussel, but send him, if you can, competently furnished with clothes and linning. I hope you beare all your crosses christianly, contentedly; for wee have but a little time to stay here in this world. When death comes our crosses are at an end in a moment, and * without ende. If you heare not from mee feare the worst, and beare all a God's . . whatever you do about horse or m ... or any thing, I do once for all promise approve of it all : your discretion .... send mee word whether my Lady Lambton . your 20/. readily : I am sure she would . knew all. " God blesse all my little ones. Nan and all, and you above all, whom I love constantly in the Lord, as becomes, " My dearest, " Your faithful frend, " De Preaumont. ** Mr. Lambton presents his service to you." * Torn off in the original. DR. BASlKi:. 7li The line the travellers took was Lyons, Avignon, Toulon, Nice, Genoa, Pisa, Florence, Naples. In the month of November they were in Sicily, and reached Rome by way of Malta, on the 26th of February, 1G49. The various objects which attracted their attention are re- corded in the hand-writing of more than one of the party, but no personal events of any im- portance. Their English recollections do not seem to have deserted them. In describing the ceremonies on St. John's day at Florence, the writer observes, " After that, passed some pageants, after the manner of those of the Lord Major of London, but nothing so stately." Again, being nearly lost in a storm off the coast of Sicily, he remarks : " It was on the same day and hour, on which our once gracious, now glorious, Charles the First was martyred." A portion of this journal is signed S. P. D., and a more particular account of the latter part of the tour is given in a MS. in Dr. Basire's hand-writing, which I print entire. " For Mrs. Basire, at EglescUfte. " Mrs. Basire, " I RECEIVED thes inclosd from Mr. Andrews, but having none from your hushband 80 LIFE AND COllRl'SPONDKNCE OF made me feare the worst, and sent it to a friend of mine to interpritte, and I perceive it is busines of concernment about your estate and sending your son over, with speed. I receivd a letter from my Tom from Turinne, dated the 28th of October, and he desires you should know that the Doctor is well recovered, but hath sick of a feaver, and my Tom soe des- peratly ill that the phisitian gave him for death, but let us both praies God for their re- coverie, for they intended for Rome the last of October, and soe on for Naples and Sicilie. God send them health, and vs joy in seing them again, to chear our hearts in our deep af- flictions. God grant us patience, soe with my love I rest " Your loving ffriend, " Katherixe Lambton. " Biddick, 5th November." " A brief e relation of a Voyage from Rome, thro the Kingdomes of Naples and Sicily, to the Isle of Malta. " On the 10 of October last wee set forward by land from Rome to Naples, which having thorowly viewed with all the principall places for antiquity or rarity in that kingdome ; on DR. BASIRE. 81 the 1 of November, wee imbarqued for Messina, in our passage whereunto wee found the poet no lyar in his description of the dangerous contraste betwixt * Scylla and Charybdis, such was our very harsh welcome into it, with a redoubled storme to boote, at our very entrance into the Phare, (the first of the three promon- torys of Sicily.) Messina, surnamed Urbs No- bilis, is so indeed, principally for the naturall port, safe, capacious, profound, so as the big- gest vessell may unlade upon the very kay, and yet the may in summer afford a pleasant dining-roome in the very midst of the sea: the artificiall theater of gallant, uniforme buildings all along the kay (the noble worke of Prince Philibert) much improves the na- turall beauty of the port. At Messina wee viewed in a glaunce the Court of Don John of Austria, the King of Spaine's naturall son, (not then but now) the Viceroy of Sicily, a very beautiful prince. From Messina wee went to Regium (in Calabria), famous for S. Paul's f mention of it in his travels : there wee were most courteously lodged by a Calabrese Baron. Returned to Messina (after a fourten-nights kind detention there by one Mr. John Hill an English merchant), wee hired a feluca a purpose * Implacata Charybdis. Virgil, t Acts, xxviii. 82 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF to go terra-terra (as the safest way) to famous Syracusa : in our passage thither we did view the ancient Town of Taormina, called TJrbs Notabilis, there wee got the first taste of sugar in the very cane, which our selves pluckt from the ground, as it grew : the next day wee reached to Catania (the University of Sicily), from whence wee had a strong temptation to have ventured up to Mount Etna (as wee had done to Mount Vesuvius neere Naples); but the chiefe gentry, who did us much honour, as- sured us that the way thither was, not only by this time, blockt up with snow, but which was worse, beset also with whole troopes of ban- dito'es retired thither since the late revolution of Naples : this warning made us desist from the adventure, and content ourselves with the safe, and yet at distance the plaine sight of the fire, flamme, and smoake of that stupen- dious burning mountain. From Catania wee came to Augusta (honoured with the title of Urbs Veneranda.) 'Twas the ancient Megara, from whence we saw the Mountain Hybla, famous for the excellent honey, whereof our taste confirmed the report. As in all Si- cily, so there especially, the wines are rather over generous. Arrived at Syracusa (Urbs Fidelis) wee found cause to admire the good- liest Haven that ever yet wee saw (out of DU. BASIRE. 83 England) except Thou Ion in France : wee viewed there the severall antiquitys not more famous than brave, both for art and nature. After 3 days stay there wee did hire another feluca a purpose to carry us to Capo Passaro (the second promontory of Sicily), where wee found some, and amongst the rest, a Knight of Malta, who had stayed there above 3 weekes for winde and weather, both which God blessed us with that very night wee arrived, and so in a frigot wee did crosse the gulfe, and passed from Europe over into Africa, and the 3d day wee arrived very safe to the Isle of Malta, where the grand-master, an ecclesiasticall prince, (whom we went to salute,) received us most courteously, and made us an ample offer of his favours; so that wee w^ere never in more danger of a religious knighthood, but for some very good reasons, best known to ourselves, wee modestly waved all. The grand-master gave strict order to his officers to shew us all his fortresses, armuries, magazins, &c. That being a forme of commonwealth different from all others in Christendome, was well worth our insight. Wee stayd in the island till wee had scene one of the strongest places in the world, both by nature and by art, and indeed, the very bulwarke of Christendome that way. We did visit the very place where holy writ G 2 84 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF acquaints us, that St. Paul did suffer ship- wrack : we went thither by sea, that wee might the better, and yet safely enough, approach the very rock against which the apostle's ship split it selfe ; and comparing the text with our view, wee found it punctually answerable to St. Luke's* so particular description : and having observed the people of the island familiarly to handle scorpions and serpents without any harme, wee tried, (and that not over rashly neither,) for wee found the like serpentine in- nocency by our own experience. During our stay, wee were divers times regaled with some of the choice dainties of the island, which yet is far more strong than fertile. There being no vessell at all ready, or likely for our returne; wee, to lose no time, did hire a brigantine a purpose, which, with the helpe of some bor- rowed armes, we did man competently : wee bound it to carry us terra-terra to Palermo (once past the Golfe :) and so after about a monthes stay in Malta, (partly for want of winde, weather and vessell,) wee did on the 14 of December imbarque for Sicily : in all our voyage till our return hither, we felt no winter at all, the season of our abode in Malta, during November and part of December, was * Acts, xxvii. xxviii. DR. BASIRE. 85 SO like our moneth of May in England, both for the forwardnes of flowres and fruites : Malta layes in the 34 degree (some 17 degrees nearer then London,) but much hotter then any its parallell : it was strange to us to see men swimme at that time of the yeere. On De- cember 17 passing by some other islandes ad- ioining, wee did arrive into Sicily, and by reason of the tempest, were forced to take up at a simple tower upon the sea shore, called Mazarelli, the governor whereof a Sicilian Baron, meeting us there casually, most courte- ously did welcome us, allowed us two cham- bers in his tower, during a weeke of most con- trary weather, and did regale us with divers presents, very welcome in that desert place. With the very first winde, wee sailed away from thence to Terra-Nova, the ancient Heraclea, and from thence to Leocata (called Urbs De- lecta), anciently Gela : there our pilote having, by intreaty, obtained more then t' one half of his hire, forsooke our patron and tooke sanctuary ; but by vertue of our pact made in Malta, which wee, providently, did carry along with us, signed by the hand of the publique notary, wee repaired to the judge, by whose authority, wee did force the patron to hire us instantly another pilote, by whose conduct wee came to Agrigentum (worthily styled Urbs 86 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF Magnifica), one of the most famous townes (once) in Sicily, as well for gallantry of action betwixt the Romans and the Cartha- ginians, as for whole heapes of magnificent antiquitys : all which with the guard of our owne muskettiers, wee went to view to our amazement and plaine conviction that none but Giants' hands could erect such temples, castles, buildings, kc. whose karkeises wee viewed with admiration, and no small morti- fication to see such once goodly marveiles turned now into ruinous heapes. From Agri- gentum we sailed to Xacca (called Urbs Digna), anciently a Roman Colony called Thermae, fa- mous for the Sudatorys, and, as yet frequented, hot bathes, which wee went to view, scituated on the top of a very high mountain, at least 3 miles perpendicular (a faire prospect into Africa itselfe in clear weather) : and here it was, that we were most curiously entertained by some of the prime schollars with a dinner, whose neatness and choiceness both for the variety and delicacy of meates and drinkes, and for the handsomenes and exactnes of order and attendance wee cannot forget, because wee never saw the like any where before nor since ; without hyperbole the bread might vey it with the snow. The magistrate told us, that not a moneth before, the Turke, frequent in those DR. BASIRE. 87 seas (but more in summer), had from the very haven carried away a tartane : but this danger was, thro' God's blessing', happily eschewed all along the voyage, by the resolute care of one in our company who would not suifer the pa- tron to sayle in the night, nor to forsake the land further then he was forced to it : our constancy in the first of these, made us take up at a little tower in the way betwixt Xacca Marsara (called Urbs Inclyta), which towne the next morning we took in our way to Marsala (worthily styled Urbs Antiqua), the third Cape of Sicily, where one may set one foot in Europe, and the other in Africa : this towne was famous for the habi- tation there of the Sibylla Cumana (whose chamber wee saw) : the then goodlines of the port made this towne the great apple of strife in the Carthaginian wars. From thence, next day, we sayled and rowed toTrapani (accounted Urbs Inexpugnabilis), an Island before Charles the 5th, to prevent the losse of it by land-com- motions, did by the mediation of a castle marry it to the land ; it is thought otherwise invincible : there are the famous fishinofs for Corall and Tunny : and here it was that, at the governour's request, and offer of the use of his great horses, Mr. W. A. did shew he had not for all his backing of the asses in Malta, for- gotten the art of the great horse in Paris : the 88 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF governour's commendation of his good carriage was afterwards sent us in a letter to Palermo : whither (after 3 days stay in Trapani, where, among others, a Dr. of Law, did strive to super- oblige us,) wee did arrive safely. Palermo (styled Urbs Felix) was till of late the royall city, and the fairest and pleasantest in all Sicily, exceeding fruitfuU in all the plaines round about with vines, sugar canes, almonds, chestnuts, oranges, &c. all fruit bearing or flourishing, when wee were there in January: but noe place in Sicily more fertile in gallant wits and courteous nobility, the primest where- of, of the most ancient and honourable descent, (as the Prince of St. Marke, the Marques of Ventimiglia, the Earle of Bastille, Don Simone Rhao, but especially the gallant Cavalier Don Bartolomeo Varisano,) did contend who should do us most honour in conducting us with their coaches to the principall antiquitys and raritys about the towne ; yea out of the towne did a whole little court of them carry us to the archiepiscopall see neere it, Monte Reale by name, (and by title, Urbs Fructuosa,) to shew us there an ancient curious temple all of Mosaique worke built by the Normans. This towne makes up the fourtenth towne wee saw in Sicily: whilest wee were stayed at Palermo, some of the gallantest nobility of that kingdome did DR. BASIRE. 89 expresse an extraordinary desire to know the state of the Church and kingdome of England, as well before as since the rebellion, as also to learne the heads, designes, and practices of the chiefe factions, all which being by one of our company delivered unto them by way of con- ference according to the truth, they would never rest till they had obtained the whole re- lation of it in writing : after which they did professe to have received so much satisfaction in the king's behalfe, as inclined them all to magnify the king's constancy and admirable patience, and increased their astonishment at the cold indifferency of other Christian Mo- narches in their not afFoording an oppressed prince, their confederate, their effectuall suc- cour, in a cause represented to them so im- portant to the interest of all monarques what- soever. These partys were of the chiefe of the Sicilian Court, some whereof were then shortly to travell towards the Court of Spaine. " Having stayd (or to say better, having, for the wants aforesaid, beene stayd) at Palermo, some three weeks, and indeed the beauty of the citty deserved no lesse; on the last of January we did imbarque for Naples in an armed frigot, in which, altho thro sundry stormes and some chases which the Corsarys, Turks, or French, gave us by the way, yet by 90 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF God's gracious protection, wee arrived very safe at the Isle of Ischia; and then by feluca to Naples on the fourth of February : here wee made as little stay as our refreshment would permit : and therefore on the sixth day wee hired a feluca a purpose to carry us to Rome, (having, besides other inconveniencys, formerly found much danger of the bandito'es by land.) On the seventh, on our passage, wee landed to see Gaeta, a pleasant, strong, and very ancient citty. In it wee saw some wonders, especially the thorow rupture of a rocky mountain by an earthquake, which tradition sayes, and Car- dinall Baronius publishes, to have happened at our Saviour's passion ; a stupendious sight it is however, and well worth our digression. In the castle, wherein we saw the corpse of the Duke of Bourbon, (that about an hundred yeeres agoe was killed at the sacking of Rome) : wee were shewne the lodgings of the Duke of Guise, now a prisoner there, after whom state-discretion forbad us to enquire any further. That night we came to Terracina, (the ancient Anxur,) the Pope's last towne towards Naples. On the 8th of February wee made some use of a forced stay (that one day of tempestuous rainy ill weather) : by going to view the antiquitys of that place. But to season the extraordinary prosperity of such a DR. BASIUE. 91 long, and such a various voyage with some eminent hazard, on the 9th of February, 1G49, stylo novo, (which was January the 30th, 1G48, our style,) a day never to be forgotten by us for the marvailes of our deliverance, on that day we did imbarque for Rome in very faire weather, and with a most favourable winde ; but being once past the promontory of Monte- Circello, our patron was suddenly forced to launch out with our feluca above twenty miles into the maine sea, contrary to our express pact with him, and to his promise, namely, to goe terra-terra, which the terrible grosnes of the sea happening then in that golfe, and the fiercenes of the increasing winde would not permit him, by reason (as he then told us) of the shallows frequent on that shore, that had presently indangered the wrack of our boate, yea of our lives : that day it was, that, if ever, wee saw the workes of the Lord, and his wonders in the deepe ; windes on a sudden growne so vehement, as able to blow us away almost an hundred miles in eight houres space ; seas as high as mountaines, or house tops above a shallow peece of wood, so weather beaten, that the poore saylour, benummed at length with the continuall beating of the waves against him into the boate, for so many houres space, did once let slipp the sayle, and with it the 92 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF boate ; that one slip had no doubt buried us all quick in a most terrible grave of waters, such was then the sudden overturne of our boate, had not even then God's especiall hand of ex- traordinary power presently interposed betwixt us and the raging waves, which wee saw, and did observe, in a manner, visibly bridled, till the pilote had quite counter-steered it; God, meanwhile, restraining us every one from the least commotion, and blessing us all the while with such a presence of spirit, cheerfull mag- nanimity, and resolution to resigne our lives into his divine hands, that, as the remembrance of it is now to us all a singular comfort, so our hearty wish is only for the like measure of Christian courage, when, in earnest, death itselfe, (whose rough, and naturally unwelcome shape wee then saw face to face,) shall come againe indeed. " But wee were drawne all along by a golden chaine of mercys, as it were so many divine linkes, that both windes and seas, and their so constant, yea precipitate violence also, wrought all the while for us in the end, for else had the winde beene slacker, or the sea lesse, the day had certainly failed us, and the black night had renewed, yea redoubled our dangers at our passage from the sea into the mouth of the muddy and turmoiling river of Tyber : till UR. BASIRE. 93 our absolute arrivall whereunto, God did not suffer the least contrary blast or extraordinary Burasca to divert, or interrupt our straight course, to the no small admiration of the be- holders that stood on the lands, securely be- holding our danger afar off: and to the so cleare conviction of our Neapolitan patron and pilote, that he voluntarily acknow^ledged to us, 'tvs^as God himselfe had sailed, and steered all along w^ith us : ('twas he indeed, for wee did call upon no other name, nor rely upon any else :) and even therefore, wee would be the more devoutly passionate to expresse our thankes to God in this gratefull commemora- tion of such an eminent deliverance, thereby to provoke our good frends to concurr in duty with us, with whom that day is marked in our kalendar, to be, God willing, unto us a private anniversary holy day of joyful devotion whilest wee live, to corroborate our faith in God's power, and protection over us for the future. " Arrived that we were at Porto Augusto, after one night's rest, wee having 18 miles further to go for Rome, made use of both sailes and oares, even against the strong streame of Tyber, and that, with all manner of safety, the winde favouring us, altho contrary to the ob- servation, upon trust, which we found in all 94 LIFE AND CORRESPONUENCE OF our bookes, bettered now by experience a surer mistrisse. And thus after eighteen hun- dred miles so various, but yet still prosperous voyage by land and by water, during the space of just foure moneths, to a day, from the 10th of October that wee left Rome, to the tenth of February ; that very day wee came up the Tyber safe to the very gates of Rome, where now, to take a little breath, wee are well settled for a while, God be thanked. Amen." The ensuing letter from Thomas Hook, no- tices the return of one of Dr. Basire's pupils from Italy. The two letters which come next in order are interesting from their piety and simplicity. " For^ his worthy frelnde Mr. Johnson he these. "London, May the 7th, 1649. " Sir, " I heartyly congratulate your safe retourne from so dangerous a joyrny, and wish both windes and seas more fauourable for the future, not only to quitt you of the danger but the feare. I am much rejoyced to heare of the good improuement of that gentleman under your charge, and hope that my admonitions to him (of which I haue not been sparinge) haue not been unseruiceable to you, when they haue DR. BASIRE. 95 tended to his aduantage. Sir, I humbly thanke you for your great care ouer him, and if I shall begg the continuance of it towards him, make no other construction of it, but an argument of my love and care of him, whom I haue nurced up in my bosome from his cradle ; and ther- fore though ther be many neerer to him in re- lation, yet ther are none, to whom he is dearer in affection then to my selfe. It seemes his trauells haue not only improued his intel- lectuals, but his stature also, which is so much shott up beyond the credditt of his yeares, that he wants testimoniall letters to assertaine them, and therfore, desyres a certificat of his age out of the church booke. This may be so, and I am glad to heare it, but I am assured, his letters speake him so much more man then his yeares doe make him, that ther be many here that question them to be his owne ; and ther- fore we want as well testimonialls here for the one, as you these for the other. Uppon my credditt he is but 15 yeares old on May day last, and is now entred on his sixteenth yeare. Mr. Ashburnham hath been long in writinge to you, and it will come at last; but his many troubles plead much in his excuse, yet he hath promised me to sett a day apart purposely for your dispatch; but with all telleth me, that that can not yet be, vntill a greater calmc 96 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF and quietness of thoughts possess him then at present he injoyeth. Indeed the whole stocke of his patience is excersized in the encounter of these sad times : his afflictions beinge mul- tiplyed aboue the measure of other men's, by how much his affections were aboue other men's to the prosperity of that Kinge and Church ; which now (by the loss of the great patron of her priests and patrimony) is ruined, levelled to the ground. " Non habet vnde cadet" — her priests and patrimony both beinge now made a prey to the vnsatiable malice of her enemyes. I will trouble you no more, only pray, that you may haue a safe retourne, though it can not be with out sorrow, to see so flourishinge and beautifull a church desolated, so rich and plentifull a country impouerished, so free and happy a people enslaued by an arbitrary tyrany. Yet you may perhapps out Hue these miseryes, and, when God hath suffi- ciently chastned vs, see the rodds of his wrath cast into the fyre. Such are the hopes and prayers of, " Sir, *' Your humble seruant, " T. H." DR. BASIRE. 97 " For^ my dearest. " Jesu ! " Rome, March 14, 1G49. " My Dearest, " Since my first arrivall hither, I have received two from you ; the first bearing date the 8 of October, and the 2d dated December the 14. You do not mention mine sent you from hence, in Septemb. I hope you have not done amisse in sending over our son Peter; tho I could have wished you had rather ad- dressed him to my frend Busby for the charges, and to Mr. Andrews only for the care of con- veying of him over : for, Mr. Andrews son being (as I wrote to you) gone from mee in August last, I am loath to trouble him with a new skore, now all our accounts were cleare. But what is done cannot be holpen, I shall write to him my readines to repay him, and make good your promise, God willing. As yet I heare no news of Peter's safe arrivall into France. The rebellion there may hinder the free passage of our letters. Touching the state of affaires in England, whatever the event prove, from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot, pray we still against all murmuring and impatiency (for God's ways are not as our ways) and labour wee for a full resignation of our selves, and all ours to him : endeavouring a H 98 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF sincere reformation of our hearts and lives, for God is very angry against the whole nation, and 1 do feare a decree. However, let us pre- pare to meet our God, and never trust in the arme of flesh, for all men are Scots, and losses cannot but make mee sad ; and the more, be- cause at this distance it cannot be in my power or providence to helpe you much at present, or to recover new schollars, Mr. Andrews being gone. As for Mr. Lambton, I never had yet a farthing's stipend from him, and betwixt you and mee, a bill of 50/. which should have come in August last, is yet uncome ; so that ever since October last I have supplied him with all necessarys, so far am I from being a gainer by him, (but keepe this to your selfe.) However I write now to my lady to pay you ten pounds more (towards the bearing of your charges for Peter), and I shall not faile to make it good to her son. If you be forced to borrow of some good body somewhat above it, I shall doe my endeavour to discharge it, assoone as I heare from you. Commend mee to Mr. Homes, and tell him, it may yet please God, I may be thankfull to him. (Tell the same to honest Richard Raper, and to all who have obliged us ;) but have a speciall care to catechise my children your selfe after the good old way ; that they be not poysoned with rebellious, or Dll. RASIRE. 99 schismaticall principles, Mr. Ashburnham's heavy afflictions about the King's persecution may, I feare, have obstructed his good inten- tions towards you. Mr. William Ashburnham and Mr. Lambton present their service to you, and I to Mr. Garnet (whom God blesse for his gallant constancy.) Present the inclosed let- ters with my service to my good Lady Blaxton, Mistresse Man, and the Davisons, and forgett not Mistresse Fenwick. After perusall of the inclosed relation* of our voyage, you may im- part it to them ; keeping still the originall to stir you up to thankfulnesse ; especially upon the ;30th of January : in the relation when you read that one did thus or thus, that is to be understood of one of your best frends ; and by Mr. W. A. is ment my principall charge, Mr. William, &c. God blesse all my children, and honest Anne, and John Glover, and all the rest of our good neighbours. You may assure my Lady Lambton that her son shall want nothing, for I am constant in my friendship, (you know it by your owne experience) ; who knows but God may raise such frends to my children as I am to others. After so long a voyage, yet I thanke God, I am in as good health as ever. I have thanked my Lady Lambton for her kind- * This journal is not in existence. H 2 100 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF nes to Peter, and likewise Mr. Ralph Davison for you. You doe discreetly to keepe a faire correspondency with Mr. Bushell, and you shall doe christianly, if you pray for him, as I doe. 'Tis but our duty, and God lookes for it. By Mr. Simson's meanes (to whom next to Mr. - Sayre, commend mee kindly,) have a speciall care to convey the inclosed safe ; and, if they will send an answer, to convey it to mee. Send mee word whether you did deliver it. Touch- ing our travells, they are yet (as I wrot to you before) determined for 3 yeeres longer : whereof one here, and two in Spaine, if it please God, whom you are rather bound to thanke daily for my safety, and subsistence abroad, then if you had mee a prisoner, or worse at home. After Easter wee begin our travells thro those princi- palitys of Italy, which wee have not yet scene ; and so hauing stayd sometime at Venice, wee intend to keepe our summer at the University of Padua; where assoone as wee are settled, you shall, God willing, heare from mee, who long for you as much as possibly you can desire. " Yours till death, " B. J. " I pray set some time apart to give God solemne thankes for our extraordinary deliver- ances, by land and by water ; and to offer up DR. BASIRE. 101 for US the 7 psalmes of thankgiving, which I did once send you. I need not bid you con- tinue your prayers for our good speed in all our travels. Teach our children to do the same, and God may heare them. " About a moneth hence, God willing, wee remove to Venice ; and if you do not heare from mee so oft as you wish, and I shall endeavour, impute it not to my neglect, but to the sad dis- asters in England, and to the civill wars in France, which hinders the free passage of our letters. " To confirme your faith, increase your hu- mility, inlarge your repentance, and to move you to compassion towards your desolate church, and bleeding countrey, you shall doe well to reade over with devotion the booke of the La- mentations." " To my very loving frencl Mistresse Francis Basire at Eaglesdiffe neere Varum, present these. " From Padua, June xix, 1649. " My Dearest, " If you have received the letter which I wrote to you from Rome, the 1 4th of March last, you will see reason enough why I 102 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF could not write to you so oft as I wished it. Mr. Andrews assures mee of his receipt of that packet of letters wherein yours was inclosed, so that I will repeate nothing of it, only in answer unto your last to mee of March the 4. First, since God hath beene pleased to make my travels the only honest meanes of my pre- sent subsistence, I pray submit your will to his ; only pray for his grace to us both, and for my safety till my returne, and our comfortable meeting, if God so please. About a moneth aooe I had a letter from Mr. Andrews assuring mee that Peter was safely arrived in France, with a nephew of his, whom he desired Mr. Russell to bring up with our son ; yet since October last I have heard nothing from Mr. Russell himselfe, tho I writ to him at large from Rome, I suppose the wars in France have beene the hinddrance. Betwixt you and mee, my Lady Lambton is very slow in her supplys to her son, for whom I have laid out of bor- rowed money, and a little of mine owne above 50/. unrepayd. If she would have him home, she should send a sufficient bill both to cleare him, and to beare the charges of his returne ; I have some moneths agoe ordered her to repay you ten pounds of what I have laid out for her son; I bad him write to the same purpose. As for hopes of peace, I am verily persuaded I)H. B AS IKE. 103 no king, no peace, and no bishop, no king. I shall in my next letter to Mr. Ashburnham, give him a touch underhand about you, to whom I marvel 1 that he hath not yet sent according to my direction, and his promise ; these sad times may have distracted him. As yet I heare no- thing of calling back his son. Tho the king be dead, (whose sad news had almost spoyled my life) yet his bloud lives, and cryes loud, I feare. When you write to my Lady Blaxton, or to Mistresse Man, present my service, and to gal- lant Sir William Blaxton. I wrot to them all from Rome as likewise to Mr. Garnet, and to both the Davisons my many thankes. I can do no more at present, our expences in such long and strange voyages by sea and by land have beene so great : but I shall doe my endeavour still to spare for you what I can honestly, and with the credit of those that imploy mee. I wish to God you could make some frends to get some allowance out of my prebend. I heare Mr. Edward Gray of Howick is, God be thanked, turned Protestant, you may remember when I was last at Newcastle, what I writ to him, and now I heare there is a Scottish man in my cure at Howick. It may be the same whom I gave commission to supply the place. If so, you may perhaps, by Mr. Gray's meanes, procure some part in allowance out of it. I 104 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF purpose to moove him about it this next weeke, and to send my letter, as I now do this, to an old frend of mine J/r. William Luck, a Gold- smith in Newcastle, (whose son is here at this time, a student in this university,) you may by the same hand write your selfe two lines to Mr. Gray. I pray God relieve you some way or other, for, as things now stand, my returne to you would, with the losse of liberty, if not of life, would rather ruine then relieve you, for I am every way the selfe same man I was both for church and king : and I hope to persever such unto my lives end. Whatever become of mee, I hope and pray for you and yours, that all the blessings of the 37. psalme (which I pray you learne by heart) may light on you, not doubting but that God is able .... and wil- ling too, to feede you in the time of dearth. I thanke you much for the continuance of your good prayers for mee, God pardon our sins, and increase our faith : to strengthen which and humble us all, I do advise all my frends, inte- ressed in the English desolation, to reade the booke of the Lamentations. Both Mr. Wm. Ashburnham and Mr. Lamb ton salute you. They are both in good health. When you write I should be glad to heare how that does which you know I love best (next to God, and you, and my. children,) as also what is become of all DR. BASIRE. 105 my brethren, and of all our good neighbours. Commend mee to them all, (especially to Tho- mas Burd, to hearty Blades, to Nan, John Glover, and the rest) whom together with you, and my children, and all our frends in Shrop- shire, I beseech God to blesse temporally, and eternally. Farewell my dearest, and secure yourselfe of the constant love and care of " Yours in the L. and in the flesh, " J. P." Dr. Basire's pupils appear to have left him one by one. Their education was completed, or their parents were anxious to recall them to their homes. He was therefore at liberty to pursue his travels into distant regions, and the bent of his genius led him to traverse countries where he could note the progress of Christi- anity from the earliest ages. We trace him in the course of the next three or four years, at Messina, Zant, Smyrna, Aleppo, Antioch, and Jerusalem. It is understood that he passed into Mesopotamia,* but of this we have no de- tails ; and it is certain that he meditated a voyage, or a pilgrimage, to Egypt. The prin- cipal object of his travels, namely, the dissemi- * Diarbekr proper. 106 LIFE AND COllRESPONDENCK OF nation of the Protestant, or rather the Catho- lico-Anglican faith, is developed in his letter from Pera, near Constantinople, and will be found amongst those which are given below. During this period he occasionally received letters from Mrs. Basire, who continued to live at Egglescliffe in seclusion and poverty. These are very characteristic epistles, marvellous in their orthography, but delightful as living proofs of a well-regulated mind, and truly Christian spirit. They had, no doubt been treasured up by the dear object to whom they were addressed, and were brought back to Eng- land by him after all his journeyings. " To my vtrif worthy frcnd, Mistresse Frances Basire, at Eagkscliffe, in the county of Duresme. Deliver this to the hands of Mr. Christojiher Raine, postmaster of Darlington. " My Dearest, " To be very short, a new consul, sent by the Parliament to Aleppo, brought his chaplaine with him, and so I stayed here be- hind Mr. Ashburnham, who went away above a moneth agoe. I am afraid Mr. Killegrey, our King's resident here, will be by utter ne- cessity, driven from hence, and so I, being DR. BASIRE. 107 wholly left here to beare mine owne charge, must then bee hastening from hence to Paris, whither (by Mr. Andrews still) you may direct yours for mee to the good hands of Sir Richard Browne, our King's resident at Paris. My cares are great, but God is alsufficient. One comfort is, I shall be much neerer to you, as soone as I am safe arrived (for which I pray intreate the Lord) I shall certify you. Meane- while assure your selfe of the constant love of " My dearest, " Your loyall husband, " J. B. "Venice, June 17, 1650. '* I pray send Mr. Lambton word of my inten- tions from time to time. I wrote to him lately. '* My humble service to my good Lady Blax- ton. God blesse you, and all my children. My heart akes to thinke how you, and your little ones make shift all this while ; but cannot helpe it, pardon mee, whil . . ." " A Monsr. Monsr. de Preaumont. " From Eglesclif, February 19, 1651. *' My Dearest, " I HAUE receiued yours from Mis- sina, dated the last of Nouember, which is all 108 LIFE AND C(HiRr-:SPOXDtXCE OF I haue receiued sens S. Morkes day. 1 haue and shal praise God for his gracious providenc over you, in deliveing you from the Pope and fryars enuie. I pray God to prosper you stil in the good successe of your ministery, and to continnue your prudence and care of your self. I ham sory for your deare frend deth. Thoue you are not plesed to nam him, yet I thinke I know him — 8er John Gudrike brother. He tould me his brother was dide of a pleuresy as he was in his voyage for Englon. He axed me for you, and desired me to remember him to you. I sow him as I was retorning from bringing my Lady Blaxton in hear going to see 8er Willam her husband, wich is a presnor at Morctoke easel neare Coventry. My lady now is at Londan, waiting if she can get him relest, and for the present is put of with good words. Our dotter Mary is at hom with me, she is (I praise God) a relegos child, and servesaable to me. Mr. Hums hath tout her to rit. My lady had a gret love and care of her. I found her all her close and paid Mr. Broune for teching her on the verginalls. I shall have a care of all the rest as much as in me lais. I ret to my frend Busby acording to your desire about Isacke, but neuer had ansar from him. I very much desire if it pies God to settel you at Rome, that he may com to you. I do thinke DH. BASIRE. 100 he will be a gret comfort to you, and loves rising earlly to go to coul. When I tel him I haiie had a letter from you, he axes if you haue send for him. Thy are all very well, praised be God, and present thire duty to you, and John is lerning fast to red a chapte in the bibel agens Easter, that he may haue breches, and then he would faine see his father, as I shoidd be if it pies God to send vs a good op- pertunity. I shall rit to Monsieur Roussell, I have not hard of Peter a long time. I haue send you a bill of all the monny I haue reseue from you this five yeers and almost a half, to a farthing, and I haue set doune what I haue paid out and laid out, in my hous and on my self and oure chedren. I haue found my vnkle very faithfull and carefull, my fifths is alowed me still in Mr. Busill's hand, and wall peaid but much of it gos in seses. I most kindly thanke you for your deare, louing, and con- stand care of me, and 1 do ernestlye desire to aproue my self what you thinke me in your cherrittabl good thots of me. All your delit, is wall heare, and 1 shall pray and long to heare of your prospring in your besnes and good settelment agine ; my vnkle ret to me that the marchands had agroecd to kon every one so much for you to agment your stipend. 1 shall just now rit to my Lady Blaxton, and let her 110 LIFE AND CORRESPOXDENCE OF know you are wall. Mrs. Man and Mrs. Garnet, the Dauensons and Dr. Clarke are wall. My Lady Gercon I thinke is ded, for when I saw her, theare was no hops of lif. My Lady Huten was wall, and remembers her to you. Oure good frend Mrs, Hiington and her husband are both ded, and Mr. John Kilinggoul. All the res of our neighbours and frends are as yet wall. My deare respetes and seruis to your good frend Mr. Tindal. " Yours as much as euer in the Lord, " No, more thene euer, "F. B. " I praise God for all your contentednes to bare your crosses, for that is the way to make them eassie and lite to you, to consedeer from hom thy com, and how gustly wee deserue them, and how nesserary they are for vs, and how they cannot be auouded in this lif. " My dearest, I shall not faille to looke thos plases in the criptur, and pray for you as be cometh your obedent wife and serunt in the Lord, - F. B." nu. liAsiuK. I 1 1 " A Monsieur, Mojusietir dc Preaumont. " Jesu ! " Eaglescliffe, 8tli February, 1653. " My Dearest, *' I PRAis God for your wellfare, but I found it somthing heuie for me to beare your being so far from me, and being a hole year but tow dais afore I hard from you, wich is your letter 22 of July I haue, and your in May to me and your frends, with your tokens, are mescaried as all mine to you are. Now I rit to you tow for won, and send them acording to your tow dyrexons. I sent you a not of the barell of oyle, and of all the parshalls of coreans you sent me from Zant : but the oyle and the last corans ware not of the best, wich made them thy gaue not so much as you thought. I haue all my unkel's letters to show what thy all cam to, and haue them all rit doune, and all the monnis I haue had from you, and the twenty pounds you sent me twelue moneths agoe, when you went for Gerusilem. All your freanes heare ware ex- ceding glad theare from you, the Dauesens, and Doctore Clarke, Mrs. Garnet, Mrs. Man, and harty Blad, and our ould seruan, An Robes- son, and all the rest. I haue not hard from our sonn Pette this tow years. I hau rit to Monsor Rusel very oft, but can not heare from 112 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF him. Present my seruise and deare lone to Doctor Duncom, and giue him thankes for his cordyouall leter to me. I desire much to fowllow his direxcion. I shall not faill to pray for your nobel frend Mr. Daniel Penington, but yet enuie him that he should enjoy that hap- pines I want. But so that you are wall and content I hall holy submet to God, tel he see it for me to injoy what I want. I thanke you very kindly for all your gret and constan loue to me, thoue so far of and so long as all mos seuen years. I do ashoure you mine is the sam to you. For Isaac, I haue ret to my frend Busbe, but haue had no anser. I heaue let him know by Mr. Carter that you haue ret to him but hit mis caried, and I ret to her to send me his ansar, and I shall let you know, and the tim I haue them all with me, I shall, God willing, bring them vp as well as I can. Our doter Mary is very seruesabel to me when I ham not wall. I haue ben very sore trobeled with the stone in the kidney, and a weknes in the bake. For the ston I have got som *qewre, but for my bake I thinke it will be hard to get it qewored. I prais God I ham very wall, and I cro fat. Your delite heare is very wall. Cure 4 cheldren heare present thire * Qewre, cure. DK. BASIRK. I 13 dutty to you. John very much clesirs to see his father, for he sais he is gon so far as lie thinke he knas not the way bak, or els he wants a hors. I pray God send vs all a happy meting. " I ham your faithful in the Lord, '' F. B." " Jesu ! " My Dearest, " If I were assured that your selfe are in as good health, and as well provided for, you and our little ones, as I my selfe (thro God's good providence) am in this place, it would make mee digest so much the more easily our so long forced absence; but not having received any letter from you this twelve- moneth, tho' I have written unto you not a few ; that, chiefly, inclines me to returne into Chris- tendome, that if I cannot be with you (as is my heart's wish) yet I may be neerer you ; and it were but to expresse my respect towards you and mine, of whom, as I am never unmindfuU in my prayers, so, to my power, neither have I beene slack in my cares for you. About this time twelve-moneth I did order twenty pounds to be payd by Mr. William Williams, at I 114 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF London, to your unkle Pigot for your use. Since I sent you sundry tokens by the ship Mary Rose, by the which I also did send as much white silke as would make up some sixe or seven pounds ; which I enordered a friend to sell,. and to send the money to our good frend Monsieur Roussel, for the use of our son Peter; for whom I had sent some six pounds before, but I heare that that ship is as yet detained in the ports of Italy, because of the Hollanders' fleet. God send her safe out with good speed: more I have not beene able to doe, partly because of my late voyage to Jerusalem, from whence, tho not without some cost, I am safely returned, God be praised. Thither I went as to view the whole land of Canaan, the better to understand the Scriptures ; so, without su- perstition, to worship my Saviour in the very places where he did live and dye for us miser- able sinners ; and I pray God that I may retaine those impressions of devotion occa- sioned by the sight of those places, wherein, you may be sure, that as well jT^our selfe, as yours, together with our chiefe frends, were fervently remembred ; to-morrow, God willing, I am going to Antioch (two dayes journey from hence) where the disciples were first called Christians, as you may reade, Acts, xi. 26. And about a moneth hence I do purpose to DK. BASIKF,. 1 1.0 leave this place, and to travell towards C\)n- stantinople, some five hundred miles, by land ; for thither I am invited, and there I may better expect a good opportunity to passe thro Ger- many, and so approach neere unto you ; these journeys by land are as toylesome as expen- sive ; but as contrary fleetes are now abroad, 'tis far more dangerous by sea : as for my good successe, remember who brought mee hither safe, and still trust in him for as safe a returne, no w^ay dismayed tho you heare not from mce. " From Alepo, 20th Feb. ](>.).'}." " For the Honourahk Sir Richard Broicii, resi- dent at Paris for his Majesty of Great Britai^i. " Sir, " I have according to my duty ac- quainted you, from time to time, with the several passages of my now seven years voyage. In my last from Aleppo (as yet unanswered) I gave you an account of my stay in Zantes, and of my success there, in spreading amongst the Greeks the Catholic doctrine of our church, the sum whereof I imparted to sundry of them in a vulgar Greek translation of our Church i2 116 LIFE AND COURESPONDENCE: OF Catechism, the product whereof was so notable that it drew envy, and consequently persecu- tion upon mee from the Latins. This occa- sioned my voluntary recess into the Morea, where the Metropolitan of Achaia prevailed with mee to preach twice in Greek at a meet- ing of some of his bishops and clergy, and it was well taken. At parting 1 left with him the like copy " ut supra." From thence, after I had passed thorow Apulia, Naples, and Sicilie again (in which last at Messina in Dr. Duncom's absence I did for some weeks officiate aboard a ship) I imbarked for Syria, where, after some moneths stay in Aleppo, where I had frequent conversation with the Patriarch of Antioch, then resident there, I left a copy of our Cate- chism translated into Arabick, the native lan- guage there. From Aleppo, I went this last year to Jerusalem, and so travelled over all Palestina. At Jerusalem 1 received much honor, both from the Greeks and Latins. The Greek patriarch (the better to express his desire of communion with our old Church of England by mee declared unto him) gave mee his bull or patriarchal seal in a blanke (which is their way of credence) besides many other respects. As for the Latins, they received mee most courteously into their own convent, though I did openly profess myself a priest of the Church of Eng- DH. 15ASIUE. 1 17 land. After some velitations about the validity of our ordination, they procured mee entrance into the Temple of the Sepulchre, at the rate of a priest, that is half in half less than the lay-men's rate ; and at my departure from Je- rusalem the pope's own vicar (called Commis- sarius Apostolicus Generalis) gave me his di- ploma in parchment under his own hand and ] publick seal, in it stiling mee Sacerdotem Ecclesiae Anglicanae and S. S. Theologize Doc- 1. torem ; at which title many marvelled, especi- | ally the French Ambassador here. Returning to Aleppo, I passed over Euphrates and went into Mesopotamia, (Abraham's country) whither I am now intending to send our catechism in Turkish to some of their Bishops, Armenians , most of them. This Turkish translation is ' procured by the good care of Sir Thomas Bendyshe, ambassadour here. After my return from Mesopotamia, I wintered at Aleppo, where I may not passe under silence sundry courte- sies I have received from the Civil Consul, Mr. Henry Riley. This last spring I departed from Aleppo, and came hither by land (six hundred miles) all alone, I mean without either servant, or Christian, or any man with me that could so much as speak the Frank language. Yet by the help of some Arabike I had pickt up at Aleppo, I did perform this journey in the 118 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF company of twenty Turks, who used me cour- teously, the rather because I was their physi- cian, and of their friends by the way (a study whereunto the iniquity of the times, and the opportunity of Padua, did drive me) so by the good hand of God upon mee I arrived safe hither, where I wish the temper of our age would permit mee to expresse my welcome many ways, into the house of the Lord Ambas- sador, Sir Thomas Bendyshe. Since my arrivall hither, the French Protestants here have taken hold of me ; and after I had declared unto them my resolution to officiate according to our liturgy, (the translation whereof, for want of a printed copy, cost me no little labour,) they have as yet hitherto orderly submitted to it, and promised to settle me, in three salvable men's hands, a competent stipend : and all this, as they tell me, with the expresse consent of the French Ambassador, but still under the roof and protection (eatenus) of the English Ambassador. How long this liberty may last I know not, because they are all of them bred after the Geneva discipline, and consequently not like to persevere, or to be suffered to go on in our way ; out of which, God willing, I am resolved not to depart, though for it I lose this, as I have lost all. Meanwhile, as I have not been unmindful of our Church, with the true UK. BASlllE. 1 19 patriarch here, whose usurper now for a while doth interpose, so will I not be wanting- to embrace all opportunities of propagating the doctrine and repute thereof, stylo veteri ; espe- cially if I should about it receive any com- mands or instructions from the King, (whom God save) only in ordine ad Ecclesiastica do I^ speak this ; as for instance, proposall of com- munion with the Greek Church (salva consci- entia et honore) a church very considerable in all those parts. And to such a communion, together with a convenient reformation of some grosser errours, it hath been my constant design to dispose and incline them. Haply, ^^ some months hence, before I leave these parts, I shall passe into Egypt, that I may take a survey of the churches of the Cophtics, and conferre with the patriarch of Alexandria, as I have done already with the other three patriarchs, partly to acquire the knowledge of those churches, and partly to publish ours " quantum fert status." All along as I have gone, I have collated the severall confessions of faith of the several sorts of Christians, Greeks, Armenians, Jacobites, Maronites, &c., which confessions I have with me in their own lan- guages. I should now long for a comfortable postliminium to my family, but yet I am re- solved rather intermori in these toylesome 120 LU-L y\ND COKKESPONDENCE OE ecclesiastical peregrinations, than to decline the least on either hand from my religion or allegiance. And oh ! that it were with our Church as whilhome when God Almighty did shine upon our wayes, and uphold both the staves thereof, " beauty and bands ;" but pati- ence, " hoc erat in votis ; " and to recover both shall be the prayer and endeavour of " Sir, " Your &c." " Pera, near C*)tistantinoj)le, 20 Julii IGa.'J." In the course of Dr. Basire's residence at Constantinople, he received an address from the inhabitants of Balata who professed the reformed religion, intimating their wish that he would preach to them on Sundays in the French language, at the chapel of the English Ambassador's hotel, and undertake such other duties as might be expected from a minister. The names of two persons only are appended to the document which appears in this collec- tion. They probably spoke the sentiments of the body to which they belonged ; and there can be no doubt that their call was attended to. The next letter is addressed to Ant. Leger, a Protestant Minister at Geneva, in reply to DK. 13AS1RE. 121 two letters which he had written to Dr. Basire requesting some intelligence respecting the state of the Reformed Church in the Levant, and encouraging him to proceed in his Chris- tian labours. It will be seen how little he re- quired such a stimulus. " MoXSlEUR ET TRES HOXORE FRERE, " Je vous aye une obligation parti- culiere pour celle dont il vous a pleu m'honorer et consoler tout ensemble. Je vous remercie tres aflfectionement pour la faueur de vos bonnes prieres : la continuation des quelles aiigmen- tera mon esperance d'obtenir le saint courage et la perseverance a laquelle il vous a pleu m'exhorter si fraternellement. Plaise h Dieu qu'en tous mes desseins je ne mesle rien du mien, et que je n'aye autre but que sa gloire et I'edification des ames. Mais pour vous con- fesser franchement la verity, Je sais bien que mes pauvres efforts gisent par trop au dessous du bruit et de la bonne opinion. Quant au ser- vice spirituel des Francois, qui font profession de nostre religion, je me suis volontairement abstenu d'engagement en particulier, pour ne surcharger aucuns d'eux, et partant tout ce que j'en aye fait a est6 gratuit. Cette liberte m'a donn^ I'opportunite de vacquer quelques fois ail service de Messieurs Anglois (etant \ogh 122 LIFE AXIJ COKKKSPONDENCfc: OF en la maison de Monseigneur FAmbassadeur D'Angleterre,) et quelques fois aa service des Grecs qui m'en ont requis par lettres sous leur propre seing. Ce n'obstant, Je n'aye pas jus- qiies ici manqii6 de faire devers les Messieurs Francois toutes les offices du S. Ministere, selon I'occasion; et je serai prest k les con- tinuer pendent mon sejour ici, d'autant plus pour I'amour de vous qui m'avez recommand^ le demurant de vostre petit troupeau. " Quant aux preches, Je les fais tantost en Fran(fois, tantost en Italien, pour y comprendre en une mesme assembl^^e avec les Francois, et les Anglois qui I'entendent, et plusieurs autres, tant Grecs qu'Italiens (mesme de ceux de I'Eglise Romaine) qui se truvent : Toute la recompense que J'en recherche est, pour par ce moyen pouvoir retenir (pour le moins les nostres) du libertinage, et en la Croyance, et qui seroit le plus scandaleux, en la conver- sation, en un pays si dangereux pour I'un et pour I'autre. J'ay bien preveu et la division de quelques uns au dedans, et tousjours I'oposition de ceux de dehors : mais m'asseurant que mon petit labeur ' ne sera point du tout vain au Seigneur,' J'ay de la prist courage d'estendre mon niveau jusques aux Grecs. Et quoique leur ignorance et superstition deplorable, jointe a un orgeuil originel de la pluspast, me pou- Dli. BASIKE. 123 voit descourager, neansmoins par la clef de la Predication, et les Eglises et les oreilles m'ont est6 ouvertes, (Je remets au boii Dieu son oevre propre de leur ouvrir les coeurs). Or pour fondement de mon entree parmi eux J ay pos6 la traduction en Grec vulgaire du Catechisme public de I'eglise d'Angleterre (selon laquelle il y a plus de vingt cinq ans que J 'aye I'hon- neur d'avoir exerce mon ministere) et celui, tant pour la brievet^ sucinte, que pour la comprehension des points fondamentals, tant en la croyance qu'en la morale ; comme aussy pource qu'il est positif sans y mesler contro- verse, il a gaigne I'approbation de quasi toutes les sortes de Chretiens. Trois des quatre Pa- triarches aux quels je lay communique I'ont grandement loue : de peu sen falut qu'il ne feust imprime a Venize mesmes, mais I'inquisi- teur s'achoppa au nombre des deux Sacrements: I'ambassadeur de Transylvanie en emporta d'icy il y a quelque temps une copie qu'il me promit faire imprimer en son Pays ; autrement, Je vous en eusse prie. II y a quelques jours, qu'en plaine Eglise Je la presentay au Patri- arche de Jerusalem, en presence de tons les pretres et du peuple du lieu, luy disant, que c etoist le sommaire de la doctrine laquelle j'avoy souventes fois prech^s au peuple Grec en la ditte Eglize et autres lieux, laquelle 124 LIFE AND COUliESPONDEXCi: OF doctrine tant s'enfaiit que J'eusse a honte, que Je protestoye estre prest de la scelir de mon sang propre : Le patriarch (qui m'avoit au- paravant cogneu a Jerusalem) le print fort agr6 ; et cet acte (par la benediction de Dieu) ne ma point encores nuit envers le Puple. J 'en ay fait autant au Patriarche d'Antioche lorsque ie fus en Alep en Syrie, ou j'en ay laisse une copie en langue Arabique : a present ie le fais traduire en Turquesque, pour Tenvoyer aux Crethiens de Mesopotamie, auquels ie I'ay promis quand ie I'ay visits il y a quelque temps. Tout cecy est fort peu de chose k I'exterieur, ^^, mais outre la demonstration de la puissance Divine a releuer de moyens si foibles et sy ; chetifs, principalement parmi un peuplecomme nceluy, ' qui chemine encores en tenebres, et habite en un pays d'ombre de mort :' nostre Martyrologe Angiois m'en fait esperer quelque chose, car il note qu'en Angleterre la Reforma- tion commen^a par un simple Catechisme. Ces petits devoirs ont neanmoins excite centre moi une grandissime envie et malice de la part \ des Latins (qui se vantent tant de leur mis- * sions) qui me font menacer tantost du Turc, tantost de I'interdit du Patriarche (qui jusques a present, m'aime, m'^coute, et me fait bonne accueil) tantost ils pensent m'intimider par menace d'assassinat a mon retour de DR. I'.ASlllF,. \'2~) quelq'une des Eglises Grecques : Je me tiens sur mes gardes, poursuivant toujours mon train, mais toutes mes confiances sont en celuy ' qui a nombr^ un chacun de nos chevaux,' et por- tant aura soing' de la teste sur laquelle ils croissent tous : sinon, sa sainte volonte soit faite, mais je suis par trop indigne d'une fin si glorieuse : quoy quil en adviene, Jen laisse le succez a Dieu, aux pieds duquel je jette tous mes labeurs : ce me servit trop d'honneur d'en veoir quelques grapillages, ou, comme en parle le prophete, quelque petite production en quelques branches forcett^es. Les Grecs ne me font pas oublier Messieurs les Francois, auquels J'ay nagueres mis en main deux petits ouvrages ; Fun pour fermer la bouche a quel- ques impudens du parti Romain qui ont ici fait nouvelle du vieil libelle du Jeuite Lessius, ou il rema le venit qui Bolsec a vomy contre ce grand personage Monsieur Calvin. L'apo- logie que j'en ay dress^e en Francois n'est quasy autre chose q'une simple traduction du Latin de Monsieur Rinet : L'autre qui sont les XV. defaults de la messe (qui nest aussi q'une traduction) les a neanmoins piqu6s, par- ceque il fait apparoitre, par leur propres prin- cipes le danger et Tidolatrie de la Messe. Je I'ay fait pour rapeller un des nostres qu'ils tachoient de destraquer : on m'a nagueres mis 126 LIFE AND COUllF.SPOXDENCK OF en mains iin oros volume Maniiscrit Grec com- pos^ par un certain Iwo-ri^ Movd^og o Bpjfi/no? qui vescut du temps de Tempereur Manuel Palseo- logus. II contient plusieurs Sermons, et quelques disputes contre la primaute du Pape Rom " Maintenant, voyez comme, pour satisfaire a vostre desir de scavoir quelques particularit6s Ecclesiastiques du Levant je vous ay attedi^ en contrepassant les bords d'une premiere let- tres, laquelle je conclus en disant seulement pour response a vostre offre, que si pour le bien public vous trouvez apropos de me faire tenir quelques exemplaires du Nouveau Testament en Grec vulgaire, ou du Catechisme de I'Archi- mandrite de Cefalonie, ou bien de la Confess. de Cyrille, avec les passages de I'escriture sainte a la marge, Je tacheray les debiter au-plus grand avantage spirituel, et j'en espere pour advance, quelque edification : Comme aussi j'embrasseray volontiers la continuation de vostre bon avis, et celluy de Messieurs vos Col- legues au Ministere (lesquels Je prends la har- diesse de saluer tres affectueusement) pour le bon succes desquels, a I'edification de vostre Eglise, Je joindray mes tres humbles prieres au Grand Pasteur de toutes les brebis, auquel Je les recomande tous d'aussy bon coeur et affection comme je suis." [No signature, the letter being a rough copy.] UR. I'.ASIRK. 127 We see how this good man employed his time at the head quarters of Mahometanism. While he was engaged in the manner which the preceding letter has described, he received an invitation from George Racoczi, Vaivode of Transylvania, to repair thither, and take the chair of Theology in the University of Alba Julia (Weissembourg). The invitation was ac- cepted, and a new and extraordinary scene opened in Basire's life. The following is * the prince's letter, accompanied by a grant of an annual salary of 1800 Hungarian florins, and a place of residence. " George Racoczi, by the grace of God Prince of Transylvania, Lord of the parts of the kingdom of Hungary, Count of the Siculi,t to the Reverend and Renowned Isaac Basire, native of Rouen, Presbyter of the Church of England, Doctor in Divinity, at present living in the city of Constantinople, greeting. "Whereas we have been satisfied, both from the testimony of many persons worthy of credit, and also in particular from the more ample statement of our faithful Coun- sellor Reatius Baresai, our ambassador to the * App. No. III. t A Latinization of the aboriginal name. 128 LIFK AND CORHtSPONDKXCE OF Ottoman Porte, &c. &c. &c., that you are a person highly distinguished for morals and learning ; and that public report has not over- rated your character. We therefore, moved by the desire of promoting the cause of orthodox religion, have called upon you, and by these our princely letters do hereby call upon you, to undertake and exercise the duties of public professor in our university of Weis- semborg, and appoint you by these presents to , be our ordinary professor of Divinity in the said university. Moreover, out of our libe- rality, and to support the dignity of the station, we assign you an annual salary, together with a good and convenient mansion, and we also confer upon you all and singular the immu- nities and privileges annexed to your professor- ship. Furthermore, we allow you free per- mission either to return to his Most Serene Majesty the King of Great Britain, or to re- main with us in the execution of your aca- demical duties. In confirmation whereof, we have ordered our secretary to indite this letter, and to have it sealed with the seal of our prin- cipality. " Given in our city of Alba Julia on the 27th day of August, A. D. 1654. " George Racoczi." DR. 15 AS I HI'. 129 It is evident that the fame of Basire's learn- ing and religious zeal had now begun to spread far and wide. We cannot otherwise under- stand how a semi-barbarous prince should call him from Asia to take, without any probation of his merits, a leading station in the university of his metropolis. The favour of his own exiled monarch was not witheld from him upon this occasion, and before the end of the year, Prince Ragoczi re- ceived the following epistle from Charles II. ** Charles by the grace of God of Great Britain, France, and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, &c. to the most gracious High Prince, George Ragocy, Prince of Transylvania, Lord of the parts of the Kingdom of Hungary, and Count of the Siculi, our most deare friend and cousin sendeth greeting. " Most Gracious and High Prince, and most DEARE Friend and Cousin, " Whereas our trusty and wellbeloved Isaac Basire, Doctor in Divinity, by his most acceptable course of services, performed, as well to the Soveraigne Lord the King our Father of blessed memory, (to whom he was chaplaine) as alsoe to ourselfe, and likewise for his universall knowledge, excellent learning, K 130 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF sincere preaching of God's word, for his inde- fatigable travells, to propagate the Christian Faith, and through his unblameable integrity of conversation, hath exceedingly well de- served from the Church of England, and from us ; it was most welcome newes to us, which we lately received, that after noe small losse of his goods in England, and the great troubles which he hath suffered for his constant loyalty to us, he hath beene so graciously entertained by your highness that he hath found Vvdtli you a singular comfort in the midst of his afflictions, in that your highness is not only pleased to make use of his service, but also to promote his studies by a liberall provision ; for this favour we returne unto your highness our hearty thankes, and will be ready with noe less affec- tion, when occasion shall offer to make retri- bution ; meane while wee doe earnestly intreat your highness, that what grace you have already freely of your owne accord afforded him, you would be pleased to confirme unto him for our sakes, and, by a further demonstration of youre benevolence towards him, so ingage him, that he may be sensible our recommendation of him to your highness hath beene of great weight to his advantage : we are confident, that, being- obliged to your highness for such favours, and soe freed from other cares, he will devote him- i)n. BAsiut. i;31 selfe wholly to your service, and soe will therein studiously imploy all his care, duty, and dili- gence, in promoting God's glory within your highness's dominions ; untill God, out of his compassion to our bitter afflictions, shall restore us to our kingdomes, when we shall recall him to his former functions, that we may reward him with a compensation, proportionable to his merits : meanwhile it remaines only, that we doe heartily recommend your highness to God's perpetual protection. " Dated from Collen, the 26th Nov, Anno Domini 1655, and of our raigne the 7th yeare. Of your Highness, The good cousin, Charles Rex." In the mean time Mrs. Basire must have suffered much from the want of intelligence from her beloved husband. In one of her letters she complains that a whole year had elapsed without her ever having heard from him : and this too was at a time when she might have expected more regular accounts of him, and some pecuniary assistance also. She was afflicted with a painful malady, which ended only with her life ; yet so rigid were her notions of duty, that she professes her readi- ness to leave her country and her children, and K 2 132 LIFE AND CORltESPONDENCE OF join him in Transylvania whenever he shall require it. " To my good f rend Dr. Isaac Basire, this present. Jesu ! 30th May, 1654. " My Dearest, " Yours of the 27th of February, 1654, I receiued May 22, and that hath bin all I haue receiued from you sens February 20, 1653, your being so far from me, and the times so very bad, I could not heare from you, which mad my enimy to threten me to stay my feft part tel I pruved you were liueing : and ould Tomas Red began a shut a genst me for the det you ode him, but I being aduised by my frends to anser the shut, he was glad to let it fall. I prais God wich hath in abeled me to go throne many trobels with thankfullnes and conteent. I ded oft thinke of your direxcion, and i an oure children meet so much oftner at the throne of grace for you, wich I find now by my one experans the shoureest refuge. The deuill and the flesh I know hath and will be besey, but throu God gras in me I haue and shall ouercom them. My Lady Blaxton is very wall I hop, for a fortnet sens I had a letter from her. She was then at Lonan, but DR. BASIRE. 133 I looke for her shortly at her one hous. I pray you pray for her, as she hath constantly dun for you, besids her husbant, wich is at liberty with her, and is free. Her dotter, the tim my lady was at Lonan, maried James* Sir Wil man, and her father hering of it sent for her, and she confesed to him she was maried to him, but the man had rauesed her agenst her will, and so forsed her to marie with him agenst her will. Her father beliueing her, caried her vp to Lonant to her mothe to Hue with her priuetly from him. She hath maried another wors then the ferst. " My Lady would often tell me of a saying of yours, oure cros may be changed, but not re- moved. So Lord grant what heuer he pies to send us for a cros wee may vnder go it with christan pasons. Monser Russel ret to me in Genuary, Pette was wall and at scoul. He is very wary of your shut. You must lose what thy owe with pasans, for the one brother has sould all. Hee is woreth nothing and is miser- able, and the other, to awoyd paying, hath diuorced him selfe from his wife. I haue ret doun Mr. Jonathan Dawes nam, and I and oure lettel ones will pray for him. I do assure you I do as much as in me lais to bring vp our children in the feare and knowledge of God, * James, Sir W. Blaxton's man-servant. 134 LIF£ AND CORRESPONDENCE OF and to keepe them from idlenes, and I prais God I haue comford of them for ther lerning ad piety. My frand Busby ret to me if I could precure a plas for Isaax in Wasmenster neare the coule wheare he mit be tabeled, hee would giue him his bookes and lerning, and what plas fel, with in the skole or with out, he would do his best for him. But I was not abel to pay for his diet, and to find him cose in that plas, I receiuing nothing from ^ou this tow years and all most a half, but the twenty pounds you sent me from Missina, wich you mean of at the be- gining of your trauels. I have not yet rescued the twelue pouds and the ten pounds, but I hop I shall. Dr. Duncom did rit to his brothr very ernestly about it, but his brother could not do it. Dr. Duncom ret to his brothe he intends for Englant. Your debt is safe, but I ham com from Mr. Garnet hous, it being like to fool on oure heds, I have taken one of Mr. Lee hear in Eaglisclif, and have taken it for 21 yers. I ham seteled heare with content. Mr. Garnet in all my trubels stands my good frend. I haue had my feft part granted as yet ; but, with much grif and trobel, but no sertenty of the contenuens of it. Dr. Clark is wil, and the noble Dauisons, Mrs. Man, and her and good Mr. Panninan, thy all in queare very much of you, and will regions * in your will * Rejoice. DK. BASIRK. \',l') being. Mr. Tematie Thriscros ret to me froiii Lonan a very comfortable lette, and sent me 5 ponds. " The paine of my back and the stone do very much in crec, and yet I kip fat. I want whit wain to take my pouthers in, heare is non to be got tht is god. I do hartily prais God for your prospring in your caiding, * and thy that torn many to ritousnes thy shall shine as stars. Wee do extremly want you and your brethern here, for there are very many that is fain from the faith. Things are very bad for the presan, but it is thot by all wais men thy will be beter, and then I hop you will in joy your one with the comford of a good concans, and if you pies to let me stay heare for a tim tel I see the euent of things, then as soune as you send I shall with God's assistans abay you, thoue the sea be neuer so terabel to me. Thoue, Lord, vs direct, but in no case send for me sotenly, for I trust God in his prouidens and marci will send you to me, wich is my soul's thersting desir, and in truth your being so far from me hath ben som sorow to me when I could not here from you : but I and oure cheldren do dayly pray for your prospring in your colling. To God glory, the comford and reliue of vs all. * Calling. 136 LIFE AND COKRESPONDENCE OF The cheldren, not knowing any thing, ax me when you will com horn, and when thy mos go to see you. " I haue reseuied the tokens you sent me formerly, with the 9 pare of Gerusalem garters. I shall deliuer them according to thir name. *' Dear Husband, " I haue considered of what you ret to me, and intend faithfully to abay you as my menester and husband, when you send for me. All our cheldren are will, and in tret your blesing. My vnkle Pigott hath reseuied your tow pels of 22 ponds and as soune as he re- seuied the monny he retorns all very saue. Harty Blad is will, and hould An, and long to see you. " 1 ham yours in the Lord " F. B." " For my good frend T)r. Isaac Basire, this present. " My Dearest, Jesu ! " I HAVE received your tow letters, the one bering dat the 27 of February and the other dated April 21, and tow bills of exchange, the one for twelue pouds and the othe bill for ten pounds more. I haue receiued the 22 DR. BASIRE. 137 pounds from my vnkle Pigott, but had you not send a new bill I should haue had but ten pounds. I thanke God for your good health, and Gods speciall prouidence in sending you fauor from a Protestant prince, wich makes me think of that plas that sais, see est thou a man dillygent in his colling, he shall stand be fore princes. I and your children do pray to God that Allmity God may direct you best for his oner an glory, and the comfort and relife of vs and oure children. A certen being with the prince and his honourable maintenance is the beast for oure present condeson, and dos not hinder vs of oure one heare when it falls. Ther is hopes wee may injoy oure one agine heare, when God is plesed to say a men to it. All your frends heare very much regis in your well fare, the Dauesens, Dr. Clarke, Mrs. Gernet, Ser John Gudrike, my cosen Swnborn wich cam to see me. My Lady Blaxton is will, but at Lonan still. Mrs. Man is very wall, and was heare to see mee, and I gave her your token, and she dos very much joy in your wall fare, and hath scene your debt that it is wall : and if you should send for me and oure chel- dren, she will com to see me set forart, and to helpe what she can. Harty Blade longs to see you. For our 4 children with me, I do kipe them to skoule, and do bring them vp as wall 138 LIFE AND CORUESPON'DENCE OF as posible j can out of that mens i haue had, the twentiy pounds you sent me from Missina, and this tow bels of 22 ponds, wich is all I haue had from you this thre yeares. Dr. Dun- com ret to his brother to lend me som, but he was not a bel to do it. I most kindly thanke you for all your louing care of me and our cheldren, and j pray to God that he will giue mee that wisdom that he requirs from me as I am a wife and a mother, and then I hop i shall settisfie your expextacion in both, wich is the desire of my hart to you and them, I shall couer my letters and rit acording to direxcion. For all I mad my condison with you to haue two let- ters for my one, yet I neuer receued any from you but I anseared them all. Our children present ther duty to you, and are all wall, and long to see you. " Farewall my dearest, " I ham yours faithful for euer " F. B. " Egls., this 18 of July, 1654." " JESU ! " 14 of September, 1655. " My Dearest, " This mounth of September is a houle yeere sens I haue receued any letter from DR. BASIRE. 139 you, your prince sending an agent to my Lord Protetter heare, and I not heareing from you by him, mad me feare you ware not with the prince. I did wich most harttily you had ben the agent your self for by that menes I mit a com to a seean you. I haue prased God for your saue being with the prens, and for all his gracsos favoers he hath ben plesed to be stow on you. I and oure cheldren and my good Lady Blaxton, wich now is at Hiitten with Ser Willam and remember them to you. Wee do constantly pray for Prence Gearge and for his Princesse Sofia and young prince Frencis. I ham very sad that your burthen is so gret as to put you past your rest, and to feare your helth. For God sake and mine and your cheldren vndertake no more then you are wall a bel to go throue. I should prais oure gracious God that may fatch you ouer to me with liberty of consans, and menes to line on. I hop your gra- cious prence will not let the burthen ly to lieuie on you, if you let him know it. Ser I most kindly thanke you for your discret lone to me in not commanding rasly and sudenly out of England. My determinate will is to be obedi- ent to you, and to kep me constant to my serios resolucion wich I thot I had satisfed you in my tow former leters. Thes are the chif things I ame at in my stay from you ; the hopes of God 140 LIKE AXD COKRESPONDEXCE OF provedens in geuing you your one, the plasing of som of our sons at Wasmester, and setteling the feft part of them and the payment of dets, the trayal of the contry how it may a gree with my weake and sikly body, the vncertainty of the countre by reason of wars, the remotenes and far destance, the language vnknowne to me. My earnest desire is that I may haue one of oure with my frend Busby, wich I could not haue all this tim for want of a carten a lowans from you, being all most 4 years and receuing but 22 pounds from you, it hath gon very hard with me, I haueing the feft part of nothing but the pacheng of Eglescif, and paying all ses and belet out of it. I could not spare twelue pouns a veere out of it, and durst not venter to send him vpon vnsertintis, lest he should be dis plesed as Monsieur Roussall. His letter and poure Peter's I haue sent you. I wich Peter or Isaac ware with you, won to haue in Frans, and one to haue with you, and one with my frend Busbe, and two with my self. If God send me the 50 pounds sauef you haue sent me, I shall not feale at spring of the yeare to bring or send one of my sonns to my frend Busbe. You haue not named ho you haue sent this 50 pounds, by that my vnkle Pigott mit know how to looke for it. I ham glad you will thanke my vncle Pigott for his care, and 1 pray Dli. P.ASIKK. 141 you present him with soni token to ableiage him, and to show oure thankfull nes. I haiie your delight safe with me, and now my greatist want j haue in my hous is you for a guest, wich God in his due tim to send me. Oure son John axed me the reson why his father know how to send a letter, and can not com him self. I ham in the sam mind you are, that if it pies God we met we shall Hue more comfortably then euer. Mr. Thrrosse has your papers and will keep them tel he giue them into my one hand. If you pies to haue Fetter with you then could I bring vp Isaac for to send to freans, and chorls* for my frend busby, and then see to get my fift part mad shour to my cheldren, and rescue your papers, and looke to the tronke you haue with Mr. Busby. Haue not giue in any anser to Monser Rosel or my sone. If this burthen be not to heuie on you you haue a greater blesing than any of your brethern, for Dr. Clark and Dr. Nealer Hue of some temherall\ mens thy haue, but do not prech. Mr. Thres- cros has prech and praid acording to youre chorch, and his name is geuen in and thre core : more that folowed his way. My .... in Shropshire, my brothe Crene, and sest and J brother Bamfeld, are all wall, but haue all * Chorls, Charles, f Temporal. + Brother and sister. 142 LIFE AND coil KES PON DENCt: OF wasted and ion throu thyr astats, My brothe Renolt Corbett leues the best. My neiiie Andriie Corbett is marryed and leues very wall, and ret to me if i woull com to him I should be as walcom as his one wif. My cosin Ramsden is ded, and has left his wif and ten children more in det than all he had was worth. My hunkel a lous them som thing ot of the perc?/ec/i* to leue on. Mr. Garnet, Dr. Clake, the nobel Dauisons, Mr. Man, Mr. Pennynton, thy are all very wall, and much goyfull to heare of you : my deare husbeand I pray to God to send you wisdom and abelitis health of body, long life to dischard your couling to the oner and glory of God, the releuef of me and your cheldren : so prays constantly your faithfull wife " F. B. " All oure cheldren are wall, and present there dutty to you, and desirs your blesing. Mai is very sersabel to me. She is now gon to see my Lady Blaxton." " A Alademoiselle Mademoiselle Basire, a Egles- cl'iff nere Yarom A Eglescliff'. " Roan, the 10th of March, 1655.^ " Goon MisTRis Basire, " I RECEIVED about six moneths agone some letters from Mr. Basire dated of * Paraonase. DR. BASIRE. 143 the 2d of March 1654, from Constantinople, wherein amongst other things he gave me notice that he was vpon the point of going into Tran- silvania to be a professor of divinity there. To which letter of his I was about to make an answer, but desiring to let him know the suc- cesse of a businesse which was readie to be tried bettween him and one of his brothers in law, I thought it fit to deferre it till that businesse were ended. But as his said brother in law is a litigious fellow, who hath caused the tryall of it to be put off from time to time, in such sorte as it is remayned in the same estate as it was at first ; I have thought good to write you this letter to entreat you to let me know where youre husband is now, and how I might addresse him a letter safely, because I am verie wearie of having the charge of his affaires, and of his sonne and yours, whose boord and entertainement goes farre beyond his revenue. And though I have received the two summes of money he sent me, yet he will proove by much indetted unto me, and cannot reckon Mnth him being so farre remote as he is. For though 1 should send him an account, of which, perhaps, I should not have answer of a twelve moneth, or it may be none at all ; it would fall out in the meane time I should disburse a great deale of money for him. Wherefore I do finde it 144 LIFF, AM) COKKKSl'OXnKXC'I'. OK more fitting to reckon or account with you, whom he should have given charge vnto for the same. You will be pleased therefore to write to me whether you would have me to send you the said account, and take resolution of dis- charging me within six moneths both of youre Sonne and of Mr. Basire's affaires. For though he be my intimate friend, yet had I knowne his purpose had beene to remayne seven yeares away out of this country, I should had beene loath to have undertooke such a charge and trouble. I wish I had given thirtie pound to the poore rather than to have vndergone all these paines. When you send back for youre sonne to have him into England againe for to learne his owne language, wich he hath wholly for- gotten, you may send one of your youngest children to Calais to learne the French tongue, and for to preserve that small estate Mr. Basire hath here, and to give charge to another than my selfe, to receive his revenue, and to pursue his affaires, and suites in law : for I am wearie of it. Everie time Mr. Basire hath written vnto me, he made me expect he was readie to come back, and yet hath not done it. Here is a letter of youre Sonne's to you, wherein you may see how I took him back from the place where he was, and put him at the Colledge of Quevilly, one league off, where the Protestant's DH. BASIRK. 14-3 church is, but as it costs more than where he was before, I withdrew him from that crucll maister for feare he should despaire, or runne away and take a debosht course. Pray make him answer both to his and to mine. In the meane I rest " Youre loving friend " H. RUSSEL." " I forgat to tell you that your sonne is wittie, learnes well, and judgement being a little come into him, is become as good as he was bad the 2 first yeares after his arriuall here. For then he would learne nothing and was a verie truand. His quartan ague hindered him from his studies, together an ill maister that made him loose his time a whole yeare, "Direct your letters thus, " A Monsieur, Monsieur Roussel, " Rue Sainct Godard, " devant le logis de Monsieur le Noble conseiller, '' A Rouen." " For Dr. Basire, at his house. Alba Julia, in Transifluauia. " Jesue ! " Eglesclift, 24th of January, I^iiO. " My Dearest, " I haue receued your three letters sens your safe arriuall to the prince of Transslu- 146 LIFE A.VD COIIUKSPOXDENCE OF ania is court, and the fiue and fifty pounds sterling. I and our children do dayly pray for your prince and his princess Sophia, and the young prince Francis. I will, throne God helpe, as soune as you sent to my unkle Pigot the hundred pounds, and that I can order my afars heare to make my self and oure thre children redy, wich I in tend to take with me. Mary most be one that I most bring with me ; she is so seruisable to mee, that I can .... in no cas, want her ; and I not knowing of any maid or companan, or man, as yet fet to com with me, Peter and Charls, I in tend, God wiling, to bring with me, and John to leue at Eglsclif with oure frends, and Isaac with Mr. Busby. I know I shall haue all thos olid detters about me when thy know I ham to go, but I most, with the best aduis and wisdom I can, get to quiet them, and to peart with som at, to them that stands in the most ned. I shall haue . . . care with the aduis of my best frends abut your delit to bring saf with me, and shuch of my best housold stof as is fet. About June or July I shall, God willing, obbay you and your prince's desirse, in leueing my one natif contry, kindred, and frends, in coming to you. You most neds thinke it will be som grif to me at the present, but I trust in God and you wich will be abel to soplay the want of all. Ser i)u. r.AsiuK. 147 Willam Blaxton, his good lady, and Mr. Gcrnct, the Dauessons are all wall, and very glad to heare of your wallfare, but sead to peart with us from hens. I shal not forget the sednes of my Lady Blaxton contennens wdien I tould her you had sent for me. God Allmitty reward heare and Ser "Willam for all thyr love to vs. Mary is now with her. I shal beg consil of God, and take ad vis of my best frends con- serning all my afears heare. Tow of oure sons most be left heare in Ingland, or thy can haue no feft part. Mounsir Rousill hath ret to me agin, and I haue ret, I haue sent his letters to you, and haue not yet had your anser; but I haue ret to hem to intret his care of Peter, and that I intend at spring when I com to Lonan to send for him and to let him know what con- deson you are in, and that it is yure desire to haue him com with me ; and thoue for the present you ware not abel to settifis his bels be cos of oure present expenes, yet as sown as we can we would with all thankefullnes. 1 haue ret to Pette. And now, my dearest, I ntret your prayers for me and oure lettel ones. I intent, God willing, to be const in my resso- lucion to com to you, w-ithout I shall haue just occasons to see you heare, or som gret danger in my peseg as I know not of. Our cheldreii L 2 148 LIFE AND CORRESPOVDEN'tE OF and frends are all wall, and desire yor hle>,ing. I shall euer rernine '' Yours faithfull in the Lord, '•' F. B." Trnv-ilnfcd (yui of Frenrh. " Rouen, tho .;'>.!. Ifrbruary, 165.^, }-'rf-/V;lj -.tilf-. " Ml Vii'lS^E, .MV DEARE MO'JUJ-.It, " WirhJn a njoneth it vvilbesix yeares since I arri\'ed irj this oittv, v/liioh time is quick]'. '-' _:j '_' ^jca'.vav: for bein:/ arrived here '//ith Mr. i-!.oi/--e]l v/here f liad 'A\ liberty, V, ith a cornparjion, the nephev/ of Mr. .\ndrevves of Londoij : v,}jere I }ja\e bine tv/o yeare-, and ha'v'e learned but tljc Frenclj tonifue, and a little to ■/..,'• ''-:/' \''M'\<:, waitin:^ still for the returne of hj'/ latijer; alter v/hich the sajd Mr. Jiou'-'-ell put rnee oijt to board v,ith a preacher, fifteen irj-.le- from hence for to learn Lattin, v,}jc/e I ha'-e bine a certajfje time-, that f have altijcfether lo-t, becau-e that the -aid niinister made noe account to teacli w^f-j-, arj-/ thinge, by re/ the protection of the Emperor; and with his assistance, and that of the Hungarians who flocked in numbers to his standard, he de- feated the Pacha of Buda in a great battle at A tad. Elevated with this advantage, and advancing rashly, he was surprised by the Turks under the Grand Vizier, who cut his army to pieces, and captured his baggage and several cannon. In consequence of this defeat the Turks made themselves masters of almost all Transylvania, and bestow ed the government of it upon Jacob Botskai. But Racoczi being still in possession of some strong places, in the beginning of 1661, made an incursion into the territory of Giulu, and finding there a considerable body of Infidels, attacked and routed them. As soon as the season would permit, he marched with his little army against the Turks; and judging that there was no resource for him but in a des- perate attempt, he resolved either to conquer or die. He found them encamped between Clargembourgh and Weissembourgh ; fell upon them sword in hand, threw their battalions into disorder, and was upon the point of gaining the victory, when his helmet falling ofl", he re- ceived so severe a blow on his head, that he dropped, in an almost lifeless state, from his horse to the ground. His army, dismayed w ith 158 LIFK AX J) COHIIFSPOXDEXCE OF this incident, made no more resistance, but retired with their wounded general, who died soon after at Waradin. Francis Ragotski, the son of this hero, and the pupil of Basire, ceded to the Turks the two frontier provinces of Zathmar and Zam- bolick. His mother, whom the reader has seen mentioned under the name of the Princess Sophia, afterwards married the celebrated Count Tekeli, and became, w^ith her son, a convert to the Church of Rome. " To the highly distinguished Isaac Basire, Pro- fessor of Theology in the Universiti) of Alba Julia* " Respected Sir, " We have received two or three let- ters from your Excellency. Pressing business of various kinds has prevented our answering them. D. Vellinus cannot take a better or a shorter road than through Transylvania. As to the departure of your Excellency, let him not think it too much trouble to w^ait the result of the diet. In a short time we shall know what is then resolved upon. We shall not fail to take proper measures to secure your state and dignity. Let not your Excellency doubt * Appendix, No. V. DU. BAsiur,. 159 of my favor towards you. If an opportunity should offer for you to join us, you may open your mind freely. We inclose these to you, and heartily wish your Excellency every hap- piness. " G. Racoczi. " Alonost, 20 Dec. 16.57. " The Transylvanians have obtained posses- sion of Liatz. The Grand Vizier has failed in his enterprize, and retreated with great loss. The report is untrue which states the King* of Hungary's army to consist of so many thou- sands. ** Knowing your Excellency to be fond of antiquity, I have sent you a few old coins, which have somehow or other come into my hands. Do not, however, measure my esteem for you by the value of this trifling present." " To the Honourable my very Noble Friend, Sir Edivard Hyde, Chancellor to the King of England, at the Court of his said ]\Iajesty at Bruges. " Sir, " One sharp point in the cross by me, above two prentisliips of years, evil enough, yet cheerfully born for the Church and King of 1(50 LIFF. AND CORUESPOXDF.XCE OF England, is my so remote, so long absence and distance from those for whom I suffer; and this silence must needs also sharpen that edge. About four years ago I wrote to the King, to yourself, and to Dr. Earles: I should have been very much revived with the sight of a line from the court. That I may sometimes enjoy that blessing hereafter (which may be by the way of Vienna, where the Prince of Transylvania hath an agent usually, and now by reason of troubles from the apprehension of the Turks and Tartars, thither he hath more frequent re- course,) I put you again to the affliction of this letter; may it return me the welcome mention of the King's welfare (in this other- wise sad estate), of your prosperity, and of that knott of precious friends, Sir George Ratcliffe, Sir Edward Walker, Dr. Earles, Dr. Creighton, &c., whose happy meeting, next to my own dear wife and five children, unseen above eleven years, (and sad divorce, God knows, and I feel it,) 'tis one of my choicest vows here on earth : true, through God's gracious providence over me, most unworthy, yet, as I hope, in reward of my untainted, and now hereditary, loyalty to his sacred Majesty's most righteous cause, (which may God, in mercy, vindicate at last,) I do here enjoy, God knows how long, a con- dition not contemptible, I being such a stranger. DR. HASlltF.. 1(11 not only for the honour of the place I do sus- tain, but also for the special favour of the prince whom I serve, and for the love of my colleagues : And as for health, all this while so constant, notwithstanding the variety, that I say not contrariety, of so many climates, hot and cold, throughout these several regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa, which before, for so many years' pilgrimage, I have inhabited : For, at this age, past fifty, yet for labour and vigour I do find myself as strong as at 25, God's holy name be praised, not knowing so much yet, as what means a headache, Sec. As for mainten- ance here, 'tis competent. But my especial loadstone hath been, the opportunity in the chair to propagate the right Christian religion, as well for discipline as doctrine. Albeit the huge, and that also uncouth, distance from the loyal party, and that (once exemplary) church that hath my heart, and the many, and these also now hazardous obstacles in the way of con- veying my yearly influence from hence to my so long distressed family, supported all this while with my fragments from abroad : also my too too tedious, and now odious viduity, with the fore- sight of, probably, huge revolutions now hover- ing over the Christian world ; all these summed up, make me to pant every day more and more after a so long wished-for honest postliminium 162 LIFE AXD CORRESPONDENCE OF at last ; the which, if thro' God's good hand upon me, by his Majestie's gracious favour, and my noble friends' concurrence with you, I might once obtain, I would, whilst I live, ho- nour and serve God's instruments for it. But, however the issue prove, and wherever I live or dye, I shall ever persevere, God willing, a true son to the old Church of England, a loyal wit- ness to his Majestie's most just cause, and to you, noble Sir, '' A most faithfull and most " humble servant, " Isaac Basire. " Alba Julia, in Transylvania, 28 May, 1658." *' P. S. I pray. Sir, do me the favour, to pre- sent my most humble, and constant, loyal duty to the King, whom God exalt ; my service to the faithfull worthy ones with you: and further, to bless with safe conveyance, the inclosed into England, that my poor wife, of whom I have not heard a great while, may be refreshed with the knowledge of my life and health hitherto." mi. uAsiijp;. 103 " To tJie ve?y Reverend cnul distinguished pers(»i- age, Aiidreiv Oltard, Isaac Basire sends greet- ing* " Harassed day and night with my publick duties, I can scarcely find a leisure moment to take advantage of this unexpected messenger, George Kiia, a noble Greek, whose son, a young student, I must, in the first place, beg to recommend to the care and superinten- dence of the very eminent the president. Next, I have to reply, as briefly as may be, to the two letters I have received from your excel- lency. For the kind remittances of money you have twice sent, in order to enable me to make my retreat in good time from this dangerous station, I return you unbounded thanks. See- ing, however, that my presence here is not only likely to produce a good effect in the way of example, but is also useful to the government, not to say in some cases necessary, I hold it my duty to commit myself to the special provi- dence of God, relying upon that divine as- surance. Psalm 91, V. xi., " He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." If I lose my liberty in following this line of conduct, I am ready to suffer. Thy will be done ! In the mean time, I am only the * Appendix, No. VI. M 2 1G4 LIFE AND COIIIIESPONDENCE OF more anxious to have the support of your ap- probation. I have received the book of the Revelations safe. The twenty-six florins, and ninety oboli in addition, sent to the excellent Seleius from the reverend brethren, I have de- livered under seal to the Lord Bishop of these parts, on the account, and according* to the order, of the absentee, vv^ho is at present in Hungary. I am surprised that his letters have not reached you, though I should have been more surprised if he had not written any at all. I am happy to think that my small mat- ters have found their way into such trustworthy hands. I regret extremely that you are again suffer- ing from illness, and sincerely wish that I could suggest a remedy. I should advise the use of diuretics, such as '' sal prunellee," &c., and the more frequent and daily bathing of your feet in warm wine, &c., for the purpose of effecting a change in the humow^s of your system — yet never without the sanction of your medical at- tendant. May God give efficacy to the means used, and health to the invalid ! With respect to the first point of the trilemma,* (it is always the best way in argument to face the main difficulty) I maintain that a subject cannot, * Trilemma, an argument of three horns, as a dilemma has two. DR. BASIRE. J 05 unless he has permission, leave the service of a legitimate prince, (though his conduct be tyrannical) without incurring the guilt of per- jury, and consequently of treason. I found my opinion upon the close and inseparable union that subsists between the divine and regal au- thorities, which you may see clearly made out in the 24th ch. of Proverbs, verse 21, and the 8th ch. of Ecclesiastes, verse 2. I should like to fly to you if it were only to explain myself on this most important point, — but it is impos- sible. In the mean time, their lordships will obtain from my messenger every information that I could give them, on the state of publick affairs. " Farewell, Reverend and respected Sir. " May every happiness attend you. " In great haste. August 5tl], 1658." The following bold letter* to Prince Ra- goczy, urging him either to exert himself to save his country, or otherwise to abdicate his throne, was written immediately before the Turkish invasion, and probably had no small influence on that prince's determinations. The next in succession is of nearly the same character; * Appendix, No. VII. A. &c. 166 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF though the author affects to hold himself aloof from politics. The third is also an admonitory epistle; but that which succeeds it, contains the arguments which in all probability induced Ragoczy to resign his dominions. " Most illustrious Prince and GRACIOUS Lord. " I am induced to believe by letters which I have received from the Porte, dated July 11th, that the only object of the Grand Vizier in remaining at Alba Grseca, (now called Belgrade) is to stir up the partizans of the Porte who encircle us, to invade this king- dom. I am also informed that the Venetians have gained so bloody a naval victory over the Turks, that (to use the words of my correspon- dent) the inhabitants of Constantinople are absolutely struck dumb with astonishment. What if the Lord of Hosts should send a second victory ? — for excepting through the means of a diversion, I see no hopes for this tottering state. I am in the habit of attempting to fix un- stable minds with the following argument. * In this doubtful and dangerous position of af- fairs, we must either betray our country, yield it up to our enemies, or defend it. — Betray our * Tiilenimati. DR. BASIRE. IG7 country we must not, lor that would be a criminal act, and also without an object. — To yield it up, would be both disgraceful and ruinous to us. — To defend it, would be honour- able, glorious, nay, it is our bounden duty by the law of nature and of nations — by every law. But what means of resistance have you ? say they. I reply, first, they are to be found in God, and in a cause the most just. 2dly, in the twofold union between the members of the state and its head, and of the members with each other : so that the chief care of the head be the conservation of the whole body, because " salus populi suprema lex." Besides, nothing can be more certain than that invasion will follow discordance of opinion, a sentiment which I publickly proclaimed in the assembly of Szamosviva. 3dly, In the emancipation of every tenth slave, (vulgo jobagimum). The better sort of them should be selected, the most steady, not the poorest, heads of families, men of good character. It is better to give liberty to others, in itself a godlike work, than through diabolical envy or spite to suffer both ourselves and others to be enslaved. This emancipation, moreover, should be conditional, as was that of the freed men among the Romans. Alas ! while the generality are con- sulting together in alarm, and coming to no 1G8 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF conclusion, the danger of delay is evident: the enemy's force will accumulate, and come upon us unawares. Sometimes also, to stimu- late them, I apply to the present state of af- fairs the Hungarian proverb, Meg holt Huni- jadi Irnos et Kolt or eroseg. In the meantime your highness should make it a matter of con- science either to save or to dissolve this govern- ment, which God has committed to you only for a time, in order to prevent its total over- throw ; and to blot out from the minds of your subjects the ill-omened opinion they have con- ceived, that your highness is the cause of these evils, — an imputation, which may God remove from the head of your highness in the day of judgment ! This, most illustrious prince and gracious master, is the fervent prayer of your highness's faithful and devoted servant " Isaac Basire. " From your Metropolis, Aug. 8th, 1658. " My Italian correspondent requests me to offer his most humble respects to your high- ness. " The Ambassador of the King of France to the Porte suffers much from his long deten- tion there with his only son." DR. JiASJiU:. I(i9 " Most Serene Prince and Gracious Lord, " Three days ago I paid my profound respects to your highness in a long letter. Your absence, apparently against your will, from this kingdom, now deprived of your paternal protection, and forthwith, if God does not pre- vent it, about to be exposed as a prey to bar- barians, unless it be soon relieved by some human interposition ; the absence, I say, of the prince, is aggravated by the distance to which he is removed from us. Both which circum- stances not only produce great inconvenience, but also increase the danger of all your faithful adherents who remain here. This appears manifest from letters which I have received this very morning. My correspondents ask me with earnestness, what aid, or what conso- lation they may hope for from your highness, on whom, saving their trust in God, all their hopes are reposed ? It is believed, that if that part of your army which is most to be con- fided in, were speedily to return hither, that it would both strike terror into the enemy, and be a check upon the machinations of traitors and rebels, if there be such characters amongst us ; while it vv^ould, at the same time, restore confidence to your friends. We may be as- sured too, that God, who is over all, will favor 170 LIFE AND COllRESPONDENCE OF the well-disposed. All such persons rely im- plicitly on your paternal care for them, on the secret resources of your policy, and the public proofs which you have given of your fortitude. Whilst I make these suggestions to you with all due deference, from a wish to preserve both the state and the prince from ruin, (for my prince, what I have so often said, I say again, and will always say, Saliis popidi suprema lex €sto,) I am so far from wishing to assume, much less to usurp the privilege of giving you advice, that I feel much more inclined, for rea- sons to be explained in person to your high- ness, to intreat you to lay your commands upon me not to meddle at all with politicks, how- ever I may be instigated thereto by any of your counsellors. Such matters being without the sphere of my scholastic duties, I am altogether averse to engage in them. To such an injunc- tion I shall pay the most devoted obedience ; for may God preserve me from the fate of the renowned chronologist Funecius,* which I once * John Funecius, a minister in Prussia, being convicted of having given Albert, Duke of Prussia, to whom he was chap- lain, advice disadvantageous to Pohmd, was condemned as a disturber of the pubhc peace, and beheaded at Koningsberg, Oct. 28, 1566. He is said to have composed the following distich a little before his execution. *' Disce, meo exemplo, mandato munere fungi Et fuge, sen pestem, rtjv itoXvir pay jxuavvriv." DR. BASlllE. 171 detailed, with this very object in view, at your highness's table. The nobles, clergy, and sii- perintendants of education, being now occu- pied in providing for the safety of tlieir de- pendants, and no one left in the city, not evefi the most Reverend Lord Bishop, I re- main here for awhile in anxious expectation of your highness's orders. I have also a further object, that namely, of disposing to the best of my power, in some place of greater security, the remainder of the students. They are about fifty in number, and are now sufficiently well armed, with the exception of fifteen. I make a point of not urging their flight from hence to their distant homes, in small parties, and ill- provided, at the same time, with means of de- fence. Yet I have admonished them all, (think- ing it my duty to give them my advice and assistance now as heretofore) not to build too much upon my obstinacy in remaining at my post, but to take seasonable measures for their personal safety. I have delivered the press to the Lord Pi-e- fect, who has undertaken the transportation of it. Your highness's types, and the muni- ments of the college, I have deposited in the Chapter House, and walled them up. To-day, God willing, I will look to the library. When all this is done, unless your highness. 172 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF whose commands I shall obey in the face of death itself, should otherwise ordain, I propose to retire to Hermanstadt. It was the asylum of my predecessors of pious memory in the trou- blesome times of Bethlem Gabor. Perhaps my delay may lead to my capture by the enemy. God prepare me for that event if it should hap- pen ; his will be done ! But I trust in him for a more favourable issue. Your highness will re- collect that I asked your permission to leave this place, yet less with a view to personal safety than to freedom of will under the change of circumstances which I apprehended. In the mean time, the panick terror which has spread through this country is almost in- credible. The inhabitants have even deserted their towns. God in heaven pity the myriads of poor souls who, devoid of aid or counsel, cannot discern their right hand from their left. I most earnestly adjure your highness, by your common Creator, not to let the sufferings of your subjects pass from your memory, but to make it a point of conscience to pay all due consideration to their welfare. Who knows, my prince, but that this awful crisis, this hour of puerperal danger, is intended by the Al- mighty as preparative to a result which shall contribute to his glory, and your highness's honor. Go on then with God for your guide. DH. BASIRE. 173 The equity and wisdom of Ptolemy Lagus, King of Egypt, obtained for him the surname of Soter, or Saviour. Would that your high- ness were at this day the saviour of this af- flicted people ! Amen. With respect to assistance from the Palatine, your highness has had such experience of it, that I do not doubt the passage in Plautus (Captiv. Act 2. Seen. 2. vers. 5, G,) must have occurred to you : — " Qui cavet ne decipiatur, vix cavet, cum etiam cavet, Etiam cum cavisse ratus est, ssepe is cautor captus est." That this may not happen, I conclude as usual with a threefold wish, that the Lord of Hosts will direct your highness with his Spirit, aid him with his might, and crown his plans with success. Such is the fervent prayer, most illustrious prince and gracious master, of your highness's ever faithful servant " Isaac Basire. " From your city of Alba Julia, Aug. 12th, 1658. " P. S. Your courier is gone without taking this letter, therefore do not let your highness blame me, but him. I had requested him to convey the letter." 174 life axd coiirespoxdfaxe of " Most Serene Prince and Gracious Lord, " Since I received your letter last week, containing abundant proofs of your forti- tude and princely wisdom, I have addressed two letters to your highness ; the first written on the 8th, the second on the 12th of this month. I now seize an opportunity which offers of transmitting a third letter, by the hands of a noble personage, George Kerczege, who is on the eve of his departure from hence, to your highness, and at the same time, beg leave to make the following observations. It is believed by those of your subjects who are most attached to you, that if even a small part of your army, provided it were to be re- lied on, and were also well paid, and full of zeal for the cause, were sent forthwith to this quarter, under orders to commit no violence in this territory, that its sudden appearance would, by the blessing of God, coupled with its own well-directed efforts, produce a triple benefit to this disturbed state. First, it would strike terror into the enemy, who, as yet, I hear, hesitates, through fear, to invade the kingdom ; secondly, it would anticipate and restrain the evil machinations of traitors and rebels, if such are to be found ; and thirdly, it would give confidence and support to your friends who are DR. BASIUE. 175 here unprotected. If no orders to this effect have been yet given, they should be issued vv^ithout delay. I say this, however, with all due deference, and with full regard to that great and fundamental maxim in politics which I have so often pressed upon your highness's attention. " Salus populi suprema lex esto." Saving also a proper respect to any treaty for peace, founded on the law of nations, with our foe, though, indeed, he be no better than a bar- barian. The only exception would seem to be, a conviction that his offers of peace were in- sidious, and not to be depended upon. I have no other motive in making these suggestions than an ardent wish to contribute to the safety of the prince and the state, and to preserve their happy union with each other undisturbed,. " 10 o'clock at night, Aug. 16th, 1658." " Hosanna ! that is, save us, I beseech thee. " To the most high and illustrious Prince, George Racoczi. " My Most Gracious Lord, " Late yesterday evening I received by express your highness's commands, which I shall attend to without delay. Yet, to speak 176 LIFE AND COIUIESPONDENCK OF ' the truth, my health is affected by the nume- rous inconveniences with which I am compelled to struggle in this place. For example, the house I inhabit is altogether unfit for a person of my age in the winter season, and also for the dispatch of your business ; my diet is pre- carious in your absence, and I am distressed for want of money, due and promised to me, but unpaid. If I had attained the indispen- sable aid of a secretary, which your highness promised but never granted to me, I should long ago have performed the task which you have imposed solely upon me — no light task in reality, nor easily to be described. Posterity will judge, yet I exert all my powers and in- dustry to accomplish it. All these things I make the best of, but I suffer torment night and day, from beholding your empire falling to pieces on all sides, while you seem to me not to perceive the danger, or if you do perceive it, not to have taken ade- quate means to avert the ruin. Far be it from me to discourage my prince ; on the contrary, I have hitherto already endeavoured to inspire him with confidence, and will continue to do so, not in the world but in the Lord, by fervent prayers to God, and by faithful and unceasing devotion. But, my most gracious master, it is notorious to the world that the Turk trifles DR. BASIIIE. 177 with you, may he not, in the end, sport witli your life ! The tyrant of Transylvania is making- advances day by day ; he is even said to be close at hand. Your secret plans for the safety of the people and the conservation of the laws I cannot fathom, nor do I wish to do so. How- ever, in the interim, this Christian people, ground down, as it were, for a length of time between two mill-stones, is perishing. A strict account, and without respect of persons, must be rendered at the last day for their final destruction, if that event should happen. " Most gracious master, I am a divine, to the best of my poor talents, would that I were worthy of the name ! And in that character, guided by the Holy Scriptures, and pursuing the path of right reason, I now boldly, and on paper, repeat that proposition which I have frequently urged in conversation to your high- ness, namely, that as your highness expects and requires faithful obedience from your subjects even in these times of general dismay ; so are you bound, both by divine law, and also by your oath, to exert yourself to direct them, and to protect them, not only from danger, but from the just apprehension of it. Without such guardianship it is impossible for men to live regular lives, and to serve God with a quiet mind, which ought to be the aim of every good X 178 LIFE AKD CORRESPONDENCE OF prince and government. I beseech you to scan thoroughly, and fairly to weigh the oracles of God in the balance of your conscience, par- ticularly the three following passages, Psalm 72, verses G, 7, Isaiah, chap. 32, verse 2, St. Paul's Ep. to Timothy I. chap. 2, v. 2, and may God apply them to your heart ! " Most illustrious prince, you wrote to me from Thusnad, on the 13th of August; you also commanded me to publish to the world, that, like the good shepherd, you were ready to give your life for your sheep. I praised the senti- ment, and obeyed your injunction. In the meantime, God grant that, through rashness or despair, standing as it were upon a precipice, you may not give your sheep for your life — a point to which your faithful subjects, the victims of their loyalty to you, feel that they are tending. " Far from the chief shepherd be this baleful thought, " If I perish, let my subjects perish with me:" a shocking sentiment, fitter for a Pagan Nero, than for a Christian prince. Most gracious master, I am neither a flatterer nor an idolater of princes, but I am a most faithful monitor, confining myself to, my own narrow sphere. Did I not long ago foretell the general desertion which has now taken place ? How many have found their way back again into DU. BASIKF.. 179 Transylvania! " at vestigia nulla retrorsum." The court, the army, the civil })ower, is day by day melting aw^ay like wax. I pity the innocent. It should be a point of conscience with you to save the relics of this Christian empire, humanly speaking, just about to perish, if it be in your power ; which God grant it may ; or otherwise to dissolve the elements of which it is com- posed, that it be not utterly destroyed through your fault. " The holy Daniel, speaking in the mystery of the Spirit, compares, in his 4th chapter, a king to a lofty tree, under whose shade the sheep repose — not irrational but rational creatures, in whose branches the birds make their nests : but when the tree is cut down the sheep are crushed by its fall, and the birds with their nests are dashed to the earth. The tree is the sacred symbol of a good king, whose root is piety, whose trunk is prudence, whose branches are power, whose fruits are justice and cle- mency, as your own learned countryman has well observed. Behold, illustrious prince, on you " Regni Domus inclinata recumbit : Who will support the falling dome ? The Aus- trian is not at liberty to do it ; the Swede is engaged in other projects ; the wretched Hun- garian, now more than ever divided, disheart- ened, and exhausted, is not competent to the N 2 180 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF enterprize. We may form conjectures respect- ing the future from the past ; nay, it is our duty so to do. We must adore the hidden will of pro- vidence ; to search it out is beyond our power : but, agreeably to the revealed will of God, we may walk wisely under all circumstances. " Contra quis ferat arma Deos ? Is it not, therefore, better to kiss the hand that punishes, than by obstinate resistance to in- flame the wrath of God into fury? Is it not more glorious to cease your exertions, than to fail in your object, to be obliged to descend, to fall, from your station ? Will it not be more honourable to you to be recorded in the annals of history as having voluntarily abdicated, than to be expelled against your will, and unless there is some divine interposition in your favor, to be utterly annihilated, to become the moral of a tale ? Does not the prudent merchant, when in danger of shipwreck, throw his goods overboard, to save his own person ? There is no want of precedents. Did not the Emperor, Charles V., in a former age, partly for the pur- pose of saving the empire from an overwhelm- ing invasion of the Turks, resign his throne of his own accord ? Did not Christina the queen of Sweden, (I wish that she had at the same time preserved her religious faith,) did not she, but lately, lay down her crown with her own DH. liASlKl:. 181 hands ? But why should 1 quote forci<^n ex- amples, when they may be found at home, and even in your own family ? Your highness's ancestor, Sigismund, and Stephen Bethlem, of glorious memory, did they not both resign ? Nay, to take a higher flight, did not the King of Kings, Jesus Christ himself,* "make him- self of no reputation, and take upon himself the form of a servant," for the salvation of the people ? — an example to kings so far as it may be imitated. This is a " hard saying," you will think, but harder will it be in the day of judg- ment to repel the charge of having suffered a Christian kingdom to be desolated, and perhaps ruined, if indeed there be a fair probability of saving it from total destruction by the noble effort of abdicating, perhaps only for a time, the supreme power. Two things I say Avith confidence ; one, that as the orthodox faith of Hungary has been grafted as it were upon the stem of the illustrious family of Racoczi, f * Phil. ii. 7, 8. ■f Nothing reflects more honour upon the family of Racoczi than this, that your illustrious grandfather, Sigismund, of glorious memory, with a few other pious Hungarian chiefs, printed at their own expense, at Vitol, in the year 1590, the first edition of the Bible entire, in the Hungarian lanfjuawe. Will your highness pardon me if I express my sorrow that your highness, who might have profited by the example of your grandfather, and of other benefactors to your country, 182 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OV which after God has become the pillar of the faith (a holy privilege more valuable than an earthly crown) I should lament to see the one undermined, lest the other be subverted — wherefore " Durate et rebus vosmet servate secundis. " Another thing I fear, may my fears be vain ! lest every Christian prince, being by the just judgment of God, shortly rooted out of Tran- sylvania, on account of our national and indi- vidual sins ; a purple-robed descendant of 0th- man be planted in their room : and then what will become of religion and of liberty ? May God preserve your highness from the imputa- tion of contributing to such a result, or even from the slightest participation in it ! " But to bring my observations to a close. — Besides the actual worship of images forbidden in the 2d commandment, there are two sins which the Holy Spirit brands with the title of Idolatry ; the first is avarice, expressly so called in Ephes. ch. v. verse 5 ; nay, the love of money is, in the judgment of the same apostle, the root has not yet answered a word to my last humble representa- tion, in which without any mention of my own wants, I urged your highness to hasten the corrected second edition of the Bible which has been so long suspended. What inferences do people draw from this ? They say, in spite of my wish to apologize for it, that your highness is fonder of money than of the sacred writings — which God forbid ! DR. BASIUE. 183 of all evil, Ep. 1. Tim. cli. vi. verse 10. The other, though by implication only, is confidence in our own resources, whereas it often happens that a jealous God infatuates us, and will not suffer our projects to succeed, because this species of idolatry is of a less prominent nature, and the more to be guarded against on account of its latency, as we say in the schools. (Take the advice of a king, the wisest of all mere mortal men, Prov. ch. iii. v. 5. " Trust in the Lord with all thy heart, and lean not to thine own understanding.") From both of these crimes, nay from all and singular the vices and errors that can in any way be committed, may the Almighty and most gracious God preserve your sacred soul, directing you by his counsel, protecting you with his power, and prospering the works of your hands ! " With the expression of this earnest wish, I conclude my prayers and monitions. They are offered with humility and sincerity. " Farewell ! most illustrious prince, and most indulgent master. Write less, pray to God more, and despise not the counsel of your faithful subjects. Go on in the way that a good prince ought to go, and save this kingdom if it be yet possible." " From the Fortress of Varadin, Decemb. 29th, 1658." 184 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF " P. S. For the sake both of your highness and of the kingdom, I pray, as I have always done, for a favourable season. From the bottom of my heart I wish that the next may be more auspicious than the last fatal year. May God grant my wish, to whom I resign you !" I received a gracious answer on the 3d of January. At length, on the 1st of April, came the Act of Cession. Dilemma. The Act of Cession was either necessary or not, according to circumstances. If not neces- sary, why did he abdicate ? If necessary, why did he not abdicate sooner? Why should the advice given be blamed ? The two next letters are of the year 1659. The year 1660 closed the heroic struggle made by this Christian prince, and left the infidels triumphant. A few more letters written about this period, will assist in conveying some idea of the nature of this catastrophe and its conse- quences. No. X A, and No. X B of the ap- pendix, are epitaphs on the deceased prince, written by the ex-professor. The latter, it ap- pears, was engraved on a marble monument erected at Patakin. DR. RASIRE. 185 " To the best of friends, J\Ir. Martin Herbert the very able and meritorious superiutcudaut of the National School, G. H. ivishes health in this world, and happiness in the next. " My dear Martin, " Havixg reached Tragopolis in safety after my separation from you, by God's special providence I here met with our most worthy preceptor, Mr. Isaac Basire, a man who always held deserving persons in high estima- tion, and who has shewn particular affection both to you and myself. With his usual warmth of heart he has here absolutely oppressed me with kindnesses, which I can never repay. This most excellent man has unfortunately been deprived of some of his writings in the late troublesome times, and requests me to give him copies of such of them as I formerly committed to writing at his dictation. It would be unpardonable to refuse a favour of this sort to such a man ; and in looking about for the means of obtaining my object conveniently, I have fixed upon you, the most faithful of my friends, and the most likely to understand what I want, who, I am sure, will be ready to confer a favour upon me, and our ancient tutor. Let me, therefore, request you to transcribe his Treatises on Metaphysicks, on Perfection and 18G LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF Imperfection, on the Beautiful, and that upon the husband's right to punish his wife; all which you will find in my hand-writing, and will be delivered to you by my dear parents. When they are transcribed, be so good as to take the first opportunity of sending them to Eperia to the head clergyman of this place. Master Abraham Eckhard. In paying atten- tion to this request of mine, you will both gratify an amiable man, and do much to cherish and increase the affection I have always borna to you. " Farewell ! Pray for me without ceasing. Yours till life and time shall be no more. " George Hotter. " Eperia, June 9tb, 1659." " Most Illustrious Prince and Gracious Master, " May the Lord of Hosts bless your arms, which are taken up in his name and for his glory, so that they may bring consolation to your friends, and confusion upon your enemies, whether open or concealed. Enemies of the latter description are by far the most dangerous, and therefore they should be the most narrowly watched. DK. n.ASIRK. 1H7 ** 1 am so deeply impressed with the idea of your highness's probity, that I can not help thinking you have not lost all regard for me, though (owing to the numerous and important engagements which daily engross your atten- tion,) your highness has not, as far as I know, written a single line to me, since I was recalled to this court. My gracious mistress (your high- ness's illustrious consort) provides abundantly for my maintenance here ; and I shall never cease to acknowledge her kindness and conde- scension to me, wherever it may be my fate to go. I was extremely desirous to have accom- panied the distinguished divine, Varalli, and to have had the honour, after so long an interval, of paying my personal homage to your high- ness, but my gracious mistress dissuaded me from this project at the time of his departure. I trust, however, under these circumstances of time and place, that your highness will not re- fuse to communicate to me mutually any w' ishes or intentions that you may have towards me ; for I am bound to consider the welfare of my family (a beloved wife and five dear children) now almost destitute, in consequence of the non-payment of the salary due to me. Not that I have any fear of an ultimate loss at the conclusion of the struggle, which, if my 188 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF prayers are heard, will be happy and glorious to your highness. " In the meantime, I am not idle in my present situation, but busily employ myself in attend- ing to your negotiations in Italy and Germany. The proofs of this will be found in the nume- rous dispatches I have sent to your highness, since I came to reside here ; in relation to which I have received no instructions whatever from your highness. This very day, I have written long letters to Venice and Vienna, the object of which was to exhibit the bright side of your hig-hness's affairs, and to withdraw the dark side from observation. Ah ! my gracious master, you have the most just of all causes, may God grant that the injustice of the nation, and the iniquity of individuals, may not weigh down the right ! When I am inclined to melancholy forebodings on the state of public affairs, I receive great comfort and support from that re- markable passage in the Book of Deuteronomy, c. xxxii. vv. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 : " I said I would scatter them into corners, I would make the re- membrance of them to cease from among men, were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should behave themselves strangely, and lest they should say. Our hand is high, and the Lord hath not done DR. BASIRE. 189 all this. For they are a nation void of counsel, neither is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end ! How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up." O my prince, apply this passage faith- fully, and repent in the name of God ; then I shall have no fears for your success. As pro- fessor of Theology, I address these observa- tions to a Christian prince ; and with more than usual prolixity, because 1 fear that the pressure of public business, with which I am surprised that you are not overwhelmed, may prevent your daily reading of the Holy Scriptures (the food of the soul, far the better part of man) or at least may prevent your paying such attention to them as you otherwise would do. Your illustrious father of glorious memory, never omitted the study of these writings, though he was deeply engaged in wars, as I believe I have very many times heard from your own mouth. This I mention to his eternal honour, which that your highness may in like manner attain, both in this world and the next, is the ardent prayer of the faithful, constant, and sincere servant, (as far as conscience may permit) of your 190 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF highness and of the whole house of Ra- coczy. ** Isaac Basire, D.D. " In haste from Szekelyhid, Dec. 13th, 1659." Dr. Basire s letter from Transijlvania to his wife. " 1660. " My Dearest, " My heart shrunk with heaps, of greif for the spoil of this Christian land ; the desola- tion of the schools, the danger of the church, the death of the prince, my late gracious master; my losses, though great, being not worthy to be reckoned amongst these. My heart, I say, thus soaked in a sea of sorrows, was, by God's gracious providence, still counter- ballancing me, not a little inlarged with the so long prayed for good news of the king's re- establishment, and that, which as I wrote lately to his majesty, the very crown of his crown, with his perseverance in the true reli- gion ; wherein, may God fix him, and the whole kingdom. This mercy was enhaunced by the King's gracious letter to the Prince of Transylvania a little before his death, whereby his Majesty was pleased to recall mee : the DR. BASIRE. 191 prince, loath to let me go, concealed it for a while from me : the princess widdow, as un- willing to dismiss me, sent to me last week her earnest desire of my longer stay to in- form her only son the young prince ; her Chan- cellor, Treasurer, and Lord Chamberlaine, were the persons who delivered her message to me. But my heart is so fixed next to God, upon the old Church of England, the lawfull King, and you, my dearest, together with our beloved pledges, that nothing, but God's own glory, which I am bound every where to ad- vance, what I may, or God's providence other- wise disposing of me, who am his clay, shall hinder me from flying over to England, assoon as I have done the last honours to my late dear master, and seen him in his grave. If God bridle the Turks who are round about us, and permitt that last office, my purpose is, God guiding me, if I cannot this next fall, at the farthest the spring following, to begin my journey through Germany to Hambrough, and there to embark for England. I shall pray and hope that the same God who hath accom- panied me with his blessing in so many other journeys, shall protect me in this my last voyage. I shall choose rather to loss all my goods, as yet detained by the usurper Reatius Baresaius, to the value of fifteen hundred 192 LIFE AND COKRESPONDEXCE OF crowns and above: as also 150 crowns which the Lord Bishop writ to me he hath kept safe for me, but the Turks are betwixt him and me ; likewise 1400 crowns which the dead prince owed me, and happily the princess would pay me if I would stay. But all these are dust in the ballance of my constant love to you and my children, for God's blessing upon whom I daily pray." The succeeding letters bring us down to May, 1661, at which time Basire had not yet left Transylvania. One of these letters * is urgent upon the young prince for the payment of the arrears of his pension, which, however, it does not appear that the professor ever received. This was unfortunate, for he only remained in that desolated country to pay a debt of grati- tude. Hear his own words : " The care of my late gracious master's solemn obsequies was committed to my charge by his relict Princess Sophia ; whereby I was kept a year longer out of England, my most desired haven, the other being but my bay pro tempore. That function I did perform (at least in part) to discharge my duty of gratitude towards the dead, for the benefits received from him when living ; whose memory shall ever live precious in my breast." * Appendix, No. XI. DU. BASIKK. 193 j\Jr. Lamhton to Dr. Bdsirc. '* Sir, " It does nott a little joy mee. (haveing* beene to waite of your good lady) to heare of your safety and good health, but allsoe of your full purpose and intentions to returne for Eng- land speedily, of whose happy arrivall none shall be more rejoyced with then my selfe. Now Sir, as to your owne concernments (if I may without offence) I shall with all submis- sion tender my opinion what I conceive will be requisite for you to consider of. It has pleased God (after these bloody persecutions) to restore his Majesty and our Church, of whose happinesse you and yours may jnstly chalange as deepe a share as any I know, yett the matter is soe, that your wife and children (by some of your brothers the doctors, who you will find more politians, I feare, then good christians) are denyed of that devident which in right belonges to you, notwithstanding his Ma- jesty's gracious letter to them in your behalfe, besides the vsurpers of your liveings cannott (as yett) be ejected, soe as upon the whole, your condition is more deplorable then others. Therefore your reall freinds here aduises you rather to steere your course to thes parts, then London, in regard you may fully informe your selfe of all matters relateing to yours, whereby 194 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF you may the better lay open your cause to his Majesty. Sir, pardon my presumption in this, hopeing you will construe itt as from your freind who shall ever wish you as himselfe, de- siring- the Almighty to blesse you in all your undertakeings, especially in granting you a safe returne, for which you shall ever have the prayers of " Your most faithfull " Freind and servant, " Tho. Lambton. ' " Durham, Aug. 15th, (Gl). " My wife, though unknowne to you, with others your freinds, present their affections to you." "■ My deares, I have got Mestre Lamton to rit this, wich will be redy to searve in any thinge. Your frends are all wall, and cheldren, and long much to see you. " I am your faithful wife, " F. B. " These to his most honoured friend Dr. Basire, at Mr. Liebert Wolters house, in Hamhrough.''' DM. liASniE. 195 Schedule of goods left by Isaac Basire, D.D., in Transylvania. * 1. A painted chest full of cloathing. 2. A lesser painted chest, containing four silver cups parcel-gilt, together with six silver spoons. 3. One other chest of wood, full of manu- scripts, and mathematical instruments. 4. A large leathern Turkish basket, (com- monly called a sapet) full of books. 5. A vessel containing furniture belonging to the bed. The bed is of down, and of a large size. The pillow long, and also of down. Curtains and tester of green silk. A silk counterpane. An embroidered counterpane stuffed with cotton. The value of the bed alone 150 crowns or imperials. A few pairs of sheets. 6. New towels, napkins, &c. 7. A rich Turkish carpet, quite new. 8. A green, and a parti-coloured carpet. 9. Six embroidered bands. 10. Several boxes of Orichalch. 11. Black silk stockings. 12. A red night-cap. 13. A small medicine chest of wood, con- taining drugs. * App. No. XI r. o 2 19G LIFE AND COUUESPOVDENCE OF 14. Manuscripts ; the chief are as follows : — Theological Lectures on Wollebius. Hebrew Lectures on Psalm 34, and Pro- verbs 1. All the lectures on Metaphysics read by me at Alba Julia. Two separate Treatises on the Beautiful, and on Order. Problem. — Whether a Husband may beat his Wife. — Ncgatur. Several Academical Orations. Funeral Orations to the pious memory of the celebrated M. Keresturi, court- preacher, and of M. Professor Bister- feld, my predecessor. Various Itineraries, particularly one re- lating to the East, in different languages, bound in green. An Arabick MS. bound in quarto. A Disputation in MS. held in the Uni- versity of Alba, between Dr. Isaac Basire, and N. Krsykowsky, a Polish Doctor and Jesuit, Anno 1656. A MS. vol. in 8vo. containing a collec- tion of various Hungarian Synods. A new doctor's silk gown, a TAng-laise, with rich silk trimming; which gown, with the cassock and apron, cost me 1 20 imperials, or crowns. DR. BASIUK. 197 And many other such like things, which in my confusion do not occur to me. Other articles which I cannot immediately recollect, may easily be known cither by the form of the garment, by the marking, or by some other indication. A CAUTION. I earnestly request that any books found in my library, Sec, known from the writing in them, or from any other indications, not to be- long to me, may be restored to their respective owners; particularly, that a MS. volume in folio, containing several letters in the hand- writing of Calvin, and of others of the first re- formers, may be delivered to the learned John Molnar. Many of the before-mentioned articles are said to have been in the possession of two learned men, M. Stephen Tzenger and M. Francis Taratzkox. Upon the death of the latter, his papers were examined by the noble Lord Nicolas de Bethlen, formerly my very learned and distinguished pupil in Transylvania, who informed me by a letter, written soon after, that most of the articles in question remained in his own honourable hands. Having had proofs of his generosity on former occasions, I indulge a hope that his sense of justice will induce him 198 LIFE AND COHUEM'ONDLNCE OF to exert his authority for their restoration to me. The Reverend George Flutter, Minister of Hermanstadt, my learned, industrious, and faithful private pupil, also offered his services to me for the same purpose. That these effects may be sought after, and restored to me, for the honor and credit of Transylvania, is the humble petition of Isaac Basire, D. D., Chap- lain to his Brittannick Majesty, the faithful and attached servant in Christ of the reformed churches of Transylvania and Hungary. I the underwritten, entreat the noble Lords Wolfgang, Bethlen, Ladislaus Lubimieci, Sa- muel Granaki, the very reverend and learned M. John Dodai, Minister of Holknar, and the noble Lord John Skikszai, prefect of the same place, to deign, jointly and severally, to em- ploy proper means to procure the complete restoration of such of my effects as may be found amongst the goods of M. Achatius Ba- reszai, or any where else. Of these, I submit, as far as my memory will assist me, a faithful list, and promise to ratify whatsoever the afore- said noble personages, to whom full powers are hereby given, shall do and perform in this matter, according to their judgment of what is DR. BASIRE. 199 light. In attestation whereof, I subscribe my name, and affix my seal to these presents. " Isaac Basire. " Hulst, June 1th, 1661." " E.vtract of a letter from Paul Joss. Bere/izi. " 1663. " The death of the late prince's chan- cellor is much lamented by the widow Ragoczi, who, together with her son, glories not a little in her apostacy, and in the religion of Anti- Christ. They consider themselves as already certain of salvation, &c." " To his very learned and distinguished friend, formerly his honoured tutor, Isaac Basire, D. D. '* Respected Sir, " If my journey into Italy had not prevented my writing, you would have had ac- curate intelligence from me before now. In a word then, your various manuscripts are in the hands of your acquaintance, Francis Taratz- kozi, to whom you must write. In the mean- time I shall ask him, indeed I have already 200 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF asked him, to allow Mr. G. Hutter, the second master of the school at Hermanstadt, where M. Taratzkozi resides, to furnish us with a ca- talogue at least of your manuscripts, in order that it may be forwarded to you. He, however, aping Diogenes, as it should seem, rudely re- fused to comply with my request. If he does not attend to a second hint from me, I shall take care that he be brought to reason by a mandate from the prince. In the mean time, you will write both to him and me. Your let- ters may be safely entrusted to merchants, and sent either to Hamburgh with this address, " A Monsieur, Monsieur Stanislaus de Lubin- gicz, a Hamburg," or perhaps better to Vi- enna, with the following address, " Al Molto Magnifico Signor Giovanni Giacomo Knopff, a Vienna." I have no more to say, my respected friend, than that you are commended to the Divine protection by your quondam pupil " NiCOLAUS DE BeTHLEN." " To Dr. J. B. at Durham, in England.'" DR. BASIHE. 201 In the mean time Basire had transmitted the Petition which follows to Charles 11., who was now restored to the throne of his ancestors. " To the King's most txcdknt JSlajesty. *' Most dhead Sovereign, " May it plaise your royal highness for the first fruites of your free grace towards me, now theese fourteene yeares an exile for your royall father of glorious memory, and for your Majestys own just cause, out of your royall bounty, graciously promised unto mee at Paris, in the yeare 1647, to reserve for me some eminent station in church or steate , and to vouchsafe for me competent provision for my wife and five children, till, God blessing me, I returne unto them as soone as I have discharged my last offices to the late Prince of Transylvania, George Ragotzi, my dear master of glorious memory: meanwhile that God, by whome Kings reigne, may allways guard your sacred person, establis your Majestys deliveres and continu your royall race till the second coming of Chr. himself the king of kings, shall be the hearty prayer of " Your Majesty's most humble, most loyall, and now old, yea hereditary servant Isaack Basire." 202 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF In this instance, however, Charles Stuart did not forget an old friend of his royal house ; for in course of time Basire was restored to all his preferments. He was re-appointed to his stall at Durham, his rectory at EgglesclifF and the archdeaconry of Northumberland; and Cosins, then become Bishop of Durham, pre- vailed upon the intruder at Stanhope, " Andrew Lamant, a Scottish man," to resign the rectory, and to take Longnewton in exchange. Still we cannot suppose that he fell immediately into the enjoyment of an ample income. Some years must necessarily have elapsed before he could have derived an adequate pecuniary re- turn from this accumulation of preferment. The following letter from Mrs. Basire seems to have been written to him after he had re- turned from abroad, and possibly before he had visited the North of England. His return took place between the months of May* and November, 1661. * " 10 July, 1C61. In the afternoone preach'd at the Abbey Dr. Basire, tliat great traveller, or rather French I apostle, who had been planting the Church of England in ■: divers parts of the Levant and Asia. He shewed that the I Church of England was for purity of doctrine, substance, decency and beauty, the most perfect under heaven ; that England was the very land of Goshen." — Evelyn s Diary. " Oct. 20, 1662. I went to court this evening, and had much discourse with Dr. Basiers, one of his Majesty's chap- Du. EAsiiu:. 203 " Jesu ! ♦' My Dearest, '' I prays God for your haltli and save coming to your gornys end. I like your ressolusion of takeing concill of God and your good frends, wich of thes nomber I pray you make Ser Pilip Worwicke one of the chif. I pray you presend my best serves to him, and thanke him for me. I have sent you his love- ing letter, and I ded open it to see what it did consern. I am very glad Mr. Busbe is liveing, and I hope at the spring of the yeare you will have your cheldren to lern with him. I am very sorry my Cosin Pigot cannot col to mind your booke. I gave it to him by your order with my one hand, and I ded see him le it in his lettel closet wich was in his parler at Lon- don, and prid him to have a gret care of it, and then he caried me to a hie loueft, and shoud me a gret box or chest of bookes of yours, that he had reseved of Mr. Andreus. I wish you may rit to Dr. Hud about your trunke you left with him, for it never cam to Mester Busbey. If you may have your choys, next to the glory of God, chus that wich my bring you the most lains, who shewed me the syngvaphs and original subscriptions of divers Eastern Patriarchs and Asian Cliurches to our con- fession." — Ibid. 204 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF present profet, and do your frends the most oood. Remember Dr. Smolwod, and this bearer, Mr. Ouelefer, hath ben very redy to serve your Cure, and if you can do him any sevel kinnes in his besnes, I pray youe do it for him. Deke Carter is coming to his mother agin ; I wish you would axe her what is oing to her, and pay her it. My Cosen Sknner and Pegort will stay. John Howly and Mrs. Carter and my good Cosen Skener will help you to by what you of nesesity must have for housold stof, and send it done in Wiginers ship. All your frands heare are wall. I pray you remem- ber me to my Deare Brother Thriscos, and all the rest of my frands. So with my dayly prayers to God for you, I desire to remene your faithfuU loveing and obedent wif " F. B. " 10 November, 1661." We now behold the subject of our memoir restored to his native country, and to the grade in society, which he held before his exile. He was again happy in the bosom of his family, and sat down contented under the government of a king, to whose fortunes he had attached himself, and who had been a fellow- sufferer with many of his subjects. Basire had never lost sight of his home, nor of his duty to his DFi. BASIIIE. 205 sovereign : he had not forgotten his God, and God had not forgotten him. It would not be an accurate description of his mind to assert that his spirit never sank under his misfortunes, but it would be correct and just to say that " his faith failed not:" for in truth he drew all his support from above. We do not see him fret- ful and repining in his correspondence, nor yet ostentatiously engaged in rallying his natural energies ; but we find that he commits every thing to Providence, that he prays constantly for patience and resignation, and obtains by this means the very temperament of mind which is most useful to him. Few people seem to have turned the know- ledge they have acquired to better account than he did. It did not merely ensure his mainte- nance wherever he went, but it also ensured him consideration and respect. If he had re- mained at home, he could scarcely have been a more useful member of the church to which he belonged. If he had remained at home, and fortune had never frowned upon him — his pupils, those whom he took abroad with him, and those who were attracted to him during his residence in Transylvania, would have lost the benefit of his instruction. There was still reserved for him a tranquil portion of existence, as nearly as may be com- 206 LIFE AND COHUESPONDEXCE OF luensurate to that which he had spent in ba- nishment. His Hfe was now only varied by the discharge of his ecclesiastical duties, or the training: of his children in the path in which he wished them to go. In the latter he w^as not always successful, and he endured a severe mortification in the apostacy of his son Peter to the Church of Rome. He appears to have set himself to the performance of his various functions with a firm resolution to do his best, and he continued his exertions to a late period of life with unimpaired energy. The services of such a man must have been extremely va- luable at a time when every department of the church was in confusion ; and, in that depart- ment which fell under his immediate care, much seems to have been effected. It may appear surprising that a person-of Dr. Basire's high character, so well known to the reigning monarch, and so justly appreciated by him, should not have been raised to the Epis- copal Bench. There is a letter in this collec- tion which proves that his friends looked for- ward to such an elevation for him, and one, also, from himself to his son, strongly disclaim- ing any such desire on his part ; but it does not appear that a bishoprick was ever offered to him, much less that he at any time used in- terest to obtain that distinction. Dll. BASIUE. 207 His first view of the duties connected with his situation of Archdeacon of Northumberland is somewhat appalling, for I find this note in one of his memorandum-books. " The Arch- deaconry of Northumberland will take up a whole man : 1st, to reform the persons; 2d, to repair the churches." Nor did he spare him- self in order to accomplish these purposes. He made two visitations of that county every year, in spring and autumn, on horseback, as long as his health and strength lasted. In the year 1670, he was relieved of a small portion of that labour by the appointment of his son, Isaac, as his official, of whose services, however, he only seems to have availed himself when his own journeys were prevented by the inclemency of the weather. To the office of Archdeacon, the secular duties of justice of the peace were soon after added. One may also conjecture from his regular attendance at Ordinations, that he acted in the capacity of chaplain to Bishop Cosins. The distribution of his time will be best understood from a paper which I subjoin, indorsed " Labores concatenate" 208 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF Kalendarium sivc Orbis Ojficiormn. January. 13. Sessions. Residence for Hospitality at Duresme. February. Residence at Eaglescliffe. Residence at Duresme. Sermon at ye Cathedrall. March. Ordination. April. Synod.' Sessions. May. Visitation in Northumberland. Sermon at ye Cathedrall. June. The King, Ordination. July. 20. Sessions after Trans, S. Thom. M. Chapter Generall. * Visitation ad Comperta, Northumberland. August. Assizes. Sermon at ye Cathedrall. Septemb. 24, Ordination. October. Synod. And then Concio ad Clerum, as Archdeacon of Northumberland. Sessions. Visitation in Northumberland. November. Sermon at ye Cathedrall. 20. Chapter-Generall. December. Ordination, * Visitation ad Comperta, Northumberland The Convocation (sometimes). Kat Trpoc TttVTa rig Ikuvoq ; 2 Corinth, ii. 16. * If these Visitations were personal, the Archdeacon made four circuits in Northumberland every year. DR. BASIRE. 209 Out of the premised Kalendar must he taken — 1. For attendance on the King, going, coming, and staying 2 moneths 60 Eays. 2. For the Convocation at Yorke .... 14 3. At 2 Synods S 4. At 4 Ordinations IG 5. For 4 Visitations in Northumberland, 1 moneth 30 6. At 2 Grand Chapters 15 7. For 4 moneths' residence at Duresme, by the statutes ; 3 moneths to attend tlie Church, and 1 moneth to keepe Hospitality 120 8. Residence at Stanhope, above 3 moneths . 100 9. Residence at Eaglescliffe, 3 moneths . . 90 Dayly publick Prayers, and constant Ser- mons in both, every Sunday and Holy Day. 10. At the Assizes 6 11. At 4 Quarter Sessions 16 In all 475 More than the yeere affords by 110 Besides emergent (and yet unavoydable) Occurrences of — 1. Church Offices, as Treasurer one yeere; Sub-Deane another. 2. Sett Conferences with Hereticks, and Schis- maticks ; Receiver. 3. Publick Comissions and References. 4. Interruptions by Warrants, Examinations, &c. 5. Entercourse of Letters, Forraigne and Fa- miliar, concerning matters sp'call, eccli'call, civil, scholasticall, &c. P 210 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF [" This ingenuous account may serve for a full answer to the multiplied sollicitations to the presse, from publick and pri- vate p'sons, as well without as within the kingdom."] Several circumstances occurred after Dr. Basire's re-establishment in the diocese of Durham, which called for the exercise of his peculiar talents for business, and of that just discrimination which enabled him to take a leading part whenever he was called upon to act. Among these was the demand upon the chapter for the payment of a subsidy to the crown — a claim which required to be closely examined before it could be conceded. There was also a misunderstanding between the dean and chapter and their tenants, which was not settled without a suit in equity. Letters upon both these subjects will be found in the series which I am now about to present to the reader. I have, however, omitted far the greatest part of a long correspondence on those matters be- tween Sudbury, then Dean of Durham, and Dr. Basire, and also a narrative, in live sheets, of searches and inquiries made by Dr. Basire and his son, concerning subsidies charged upon the dean and chapter of Durham. DR. BASIUF.. 21 I Dr. Dure//- to Dr. Basirc. " For the Reverend Dr. Basire, Westminster. ** Reverend Sir, " I KNEW but yesterday very lale of your being in town; and I am taking coach lor to goe to Windsor, (where I am to preach, God willing, on Trinity Sunday,) though it be hardly four of the clock in the morning. I have don what I could to find out your eldest son, according to the directions I had, of his brothers first, and then of a gentleman that * J. Durell was a native of Jersey, and became a member of Merton College in 1640. He took refuge in France in the Rebellion ; returned, but was not long after " expulsed." He was ordained at Paris in Sir Rich. Browne's chapel. In 1G61 he was a preacher at the French church in Westminster. In 1668 he was appointed to a stall at Durham, and in 1677 ad- vanced to the deanery of Windsor. No divine of that age was more loyal to the king, nor better versed in religious con- troversy than Dean Durell. He was the author of some Sermons, but his chief work was entitled " A View of the Government and Publick Worship of God in the Reformed Churches beyond the Seas ; wherein is showed their Conformity and Agreement with the Church of England, 1662." He also wrote " Sanctae Ecclcsiae Anglicanae adversus iniquas ct invere- cundas Schismaticorum criminationes Vindiciae. London. 1669." Mrs. Durell translated the whole Duty of Man into French. i> 2 212 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF uses to bring me letters from you, but I could never find him. The last time I was at the sign of the Bridle, neer Lincoln s Line Fields, the maid seing our long coats, for Mr. Hierom was with me, she spoake at first as if she had not been known in the house, and at last, she told us he lived ivitJi a lord, or some other great person (whose chaplain he was) over against Durham Yard. I am very sorry I have not been able to find him out, no more than Mr. Hierom, whom I had acquainted with my de- sign, knowing his discretion and good affec- tion he beareth to you. Though 1 am much in hast I must tell you that your Transylvanian disciple hath confest to me of his own accord, all what you writ to me of the behaviour of his house and family as to Prince Ragotski, and of ijour exemplary loxjully to his Highness, and likew^ise of the ill-behaviour of the schismaticks in those parts, whom he doth condemne, being- very right as can be for church government, against those men, qui vouloyent, said he, trop corriger le " I am. Reverend Sir, " your most humble and " most obedient Servant, " DURELL. " Dll. IJASIUE. 213 " To the Reverend and ever Honoured Doc tour Basi?x\ Prebendary of the Cathedral Church in .Durham. To be recommended to the Postmader " of Darneton. ** Siu, " 1 1-' I were to be accountable for no other then my owne concernment, you should finde me more punctuall and speedy in re- turnes; but a triple obligation requires allow- ance of longer time, and yet in the end may fall short of the full discharge you expect, which I pray impute not to me, who have endeavoured carefully your satisfaction, and lost two posts in attendance on it, beside the hazard of this third, which I despaired of till just now the inclosed unexpectedly came to hand, for men are very busie here in the be- halfe of publike or private interest, allthough they advance litle in either for ought I per- ceive. The reverend bishop, hath a great kind- nesse for you, and would not dispense with him- selfe, though I observed he had some difficulty to gaine leisure for present correspondence. Heates and contests have been very high in the parliament, and men interested are to pre- pare for what they must speake, or may lieare, before they enter there. The Act of Unifor- 214 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF mity, which you enquire after, hath occasioned most of the dispute, some such zealous patriots there are, for such as scarcely deserve the name of Christians, much lesse a continued qualification to officiate as priests, especially under the indulgence of a proviso, to forbeare if they will, the use of the surplice, crosse, and ring. I am told the act is so passed in the Lords' House yesterday; yet with such cir- cumstances as will make their non-conformity very troublesome and chargeable unto them- selves, if their parishioners scruple at the omissions in baptisme and matrimony, they being then obliged to finde one that shall act according to the leter of the rubrike and canon ; which, and more, I presume, you certified by my Lord of St. David's. " Dr. Cruso is at length returned, and hath had the view of your queries with your severall jTri^wfT^a cast in to them, but could not recover time enough from his urgent occasions to send you his resolves by this post, which he pro- miseth by the next, till when he craves your pardon and acceptance of his due respects. " As touching your evocation, wherein you thinke I formerly flattered myselfe too much, I confesse I am allmost astouislwd, that I heare nothing of it upon this double promotion, but on the contrary that Dr. Hall and Dr. Ward, DR. BASIKL. 215 both Calvinists, are elected to fill the vacant sees, and Dr. Yong, a most inveterate one to take the deane's stall, Exeter, upon the ad- vancement of the later. I wish you all courage and constancy necessary in these prceteritions, and since I see how perversely all things goe, will undertake no more for yours in the higher sphere then I will promise myselfe for the fu- ture in the lower. I hop'd the three great words I have a long time had, would now have been made good in some little measure ; but I am told, in much kindnesse, that the preferments voyd are too remote, and that care shall be had for mee : (but God knowes when,) to be pro- vided nearer hand. Sir, in earnest, I am too much dallied with, and if your reverend selfe, with many others whose worth I honour, be not over indulgent to me, too much neglected. Yet a remnant I have of patience, if I might but have what is requisite to a necessary subsist- ence, which is not a whit regarded in my bc- halfe, though now in plaine tearmes I aske it of them. I can not forbeare long to contrive otherwise for myselfe, if so as will not be well approvd of, let them answer for it that force mc to it. Sir, if your interest can prevaile in any part for any little donative or sinecure, I shall take it for a great obligation. A cure at such a distance I must not undertake, if residence be 216 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF required. I pray furnish me with your direc- tions what course else I may fairly take. ** It is sayd the Queen imbarkes- at Lisbon to-morrow. The Duke of Ormond and many others goe hence on Monday, to make prepa- ration for her reception at Portsmouth. Upon to-morrow sevennight the three judging trait- ors brought from Holland are to be caried to the King's Bench barre, there asked whether they will owne their names, which they cannot but doe, and then without farther triall shall have sentence for execution. This is all the newes within my reach. I pray excuse the hast and abruptnesse, accepting all due rever- ence tendered by, " Sir, " Your faithfull and unfeigned " humble Servant, " R. W.* "London, April 10, 1662. *' Sir, I know of no remove hence upon the rising of the Parliament, however it may hap- pen, I pray continue your addresse as formerly to Drs. Com'ons." * Richard Wrench, prebendary of Durham, and rector of Bolden — a Cliester man — was ejected by the Earl of Man- chester in 1644^. Finding, at the Restoration, " a good wor- thy man in his fellowship, he would not give him any disturb- ance." DR. BASIRE. 217 From the Bishop of St. Davids* ** To myverie icorthij friend, Dr. Basire, these at Duresme. " Sir, " I WAS in hope that the iinhappines of the churche had principalie fallen to my share, but reading youre last letter I finde that I have fellowe mourners for the same sad callamitis. Papists haue taken a greate aduantage upon these sad destructive times which were of late brought into the churche by the propagators of the Gospell, as they were called, a sort of people, fower or five, who rod up and downe preaching, and all the parsonages sequestred, I haue been informed that sixteene churches together haue had noe diuine dutie officiated in them for twelue yeares together. Upon the suppression of religion, they have taken heart, and men who could find noe other, but would be of some, get to them, but these doe yet * William Lucy, son of Sir Thomas Lucy, of Husborne in Hampshire ; entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, an. KilO ; Rector of Burgh-cleere and High-cleere, in Hants ; seques- tered in the Rebellion. In 1660, nominated by Charles H. to the bishopric of St. David's. Died in 1677. " He was a person of signal candour and virtues requisite in a churchman, which, in the worst of times gained him great esteem from the very enemies of his order and function." — J. Wood. 218 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF keepe themselues secret, although I haue some intelligence of theyre meetings. The other, which are most visible, are these Fanaticks, a people who feare as litle oure excommunication as the Papists, and indeed I finde noe sect muche dreading it; but allthough I doubt euerie diocese (I am too sure mine) hath all sects in Amsterdam, and more by the Papists, yet I feare a secret atheism more then all them, for I hope in time by degrees they wille weare awaie with the reuiuing of ecclesiastic discipline, but atheism will not be ouercome but by apostolicall men. Noe man p'fesseth it with his tongue, but the viniuersallitie with theyre Hues ; men in generalle which haue put of the morallitie which is the foundation and supposed* in religion, which ads to it theolo- gicalle pTections ; yet, I think this hathe had its growthe out of that dissolute condition which religion was in with us: made com- plaints wille doe noe good, wee must act what wee can with counselle, with menace, with deedes. I am uerie glad to heare my lord of Duresme is soe actiue as you describe him. I neuer feared it, but when youe se him com- mend my humble seruice to him, and telle him that I haue wrot him two Itrs. which I haue enquired after, and my sent mee * Quaere. DK. BASIRK. 2 19 word that he deliuered them to the post, but I neiier receiued a word from him, who am, " Sir, *' yoiire uerie sincere friend and seruant, " WiL. St. David's. " Brecon, Jan. 2, — G2." " Rouen, this 12th of 10"'', 1662. " Reverend Sir, and most loving Father, " Tins reiteracon, since your last to me (by Esq^ Bahnley's favour,) being my 3d, I might a little wonder, but reflecting upon Ti- bullo's saying, " Pluribus intentus minor est ad singula sensus." I desist : your faithfuU friend, Mr. R. (who, since his arrivall, told me he had writt to you from Orleans,") did weekes agoe expect a line from you ; he, uncertain to write, presents his services to you ; wee have not as yett (by reason of his urgent affaires) dispatched with your adverse party, but as soone as wee shall have put a period to part of his obstinate and allmost implacable litigacons, I shall, (God willing) give you an ample account. It would not prove amisse, if (without an inconveniency) which I fear you cannot, vous pouvies pre- 220 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF parer le Racquittes de cette Rente (Sixiesme) que Tocque a acquis au nom de sa Femme. Do". Brevint did honour me with a Lre. from Paris about 3 weekes agoe, in answer to which I thanked him for the favour he did proffer me, as yet unnecessary; the Messrs. de Langle, Jeansse, and Le Moyne, tender their humble service to you. If you would honour the last with a line, he would take it for a great favour, you being a person after whose intelligence and conference he dayly aspires. His repute is not ordinary, but beares the characther of a profound student. I find, and that by expe- rience, that liberty of conscience is a more pre- cious pearle than those which jewellers ad- venture, by sea, land, and fyre, to attaine; wee have here on the one side Babylon, which under the pretexte of religion and visor of piety runs into a labyrinth of superstition, yet filling the aire with boasting of their workes, when most men know, and you of all other, that her wayes are but like the tyger's skin, as if the Thisle could bragge of her Figgs, or the Thorne vaunt itself against the Vyne of Ca- naan, saying her berries are better grapes than hers. On the other side, we have the Pres- byterian Protestants, who to avoid Charybdis (Superstition, nay innocent ceremonies unfittly termed Charybdis) run headlong upon Scylla, DR. BA.SIUE. 221 (Irreverency, most sinfull and undecent); be- twixt both, it is very difficult to practice (I meane to Faex Populi,") what learned Mercer judiciously observes, that the same w^ords in Hebrew, which signifyes an eare, in the duall signifyes a pair of balances, h et vS?, ut os cibum, sic mens verba, saith Chrysostome. The one speaking in an unknowai tongue, the other with such rethoricall flowrishes, that, po- tius sua munera, quam audientium Vulnera demonstrat. I find your words most true, no church like England. The late stormes have proved the losse of many French, both vessels and men; because only upon her coasts. It is generally reported here, that the King of France prepares an irreconcileable warre with his lord the Pope. I wish it may throw his triple crowaie to the grounde. I intreate you to desire Mr. Actham by your next to send me your Lres. directly to Mr. R. by the post, and not by Mr. Cognard's correspondent, because I p'ceive a pjudice upon me. Humbly beseech- ing God to direct, further, and perfect all your affaires, both eccli'cal and temporall of the next succeeding yeare, as also devoutly craving the continuance of your prayers and blessing, I re- mains " Reverend Sir, " and most loving Father, " Your very obedient Son, "P. B. 222 1.1 FE AND fORHESPONDENCE OF " I humbly intrcatc you to p'sent my duty to my Mother, desireing her blessing, likewise my love to my Brothers and Sister. P'don, I be- seach you, my presumption." " Right Rev. Father ix God, and my VERY GOOD Lord. " I WAS so far from being ambitious to try a Qn^iofj^u^ioc in Northumberland (not speaking generally of all), that had not your L'' it selfe told mee that the coercive power was now restored, and had not I been invited to it, againe and againe by that litle remnant of the loyall canonicall party in that jurisdiction, I had not troubled your L^ with that motion, tlio' ex officio : nor with the sight of those articles, which I sent up meerly out of observ- ance ; but I shall very gladly submitt to the Synodicall Forme, when once perfected. (Nam hoc erat in votis.) However, Liberavi Animam, since being but Oculus Episcopi, as I could doe no lesse, so I can doe no more : for I forsee no great use of any other Prae textual 1 Visita- tion. Touching your L"" exception at a pas- sage in my Residence, it mindes mee of the Rule of Candour, sett downe by Epictetus, to wit, Uxv TT^xyi/.x ho s^ii AaSdif, cS:c'. Therefore, DR. P.ASIRE. 223 I wish you had heard, not the informer alone, whoever he was, before your censure, and then I hope itt will not seeme a breeche of canoni- call obedience, much lesse an offence to the church, to returne common civilities (frequent- ly imparted by them to my wife and family in my absence), betweene party's of different religions, especially so neare allyed in Ijlood, as that lady and my wife, (the inviter,) cousin- gcrmans, as well as countrywomen. But, con- cerning my faithfulness to the religion of the Church of England, my constant service these full xxxiii yeeres approves that sufficiently; and hoping that your L^ will be pleased to re- member the Apostle's Canon — Ad vers us Pres- byterum, time and occasion may prove how much, in omnibus Licitis et Honestis, I am still, " (My L",) " Your L"^^- faithfuU Servant, " Isaac Basire. " P. S. The Lady's Blaxton and Mallory, now for some days, my wive's very welcome guests here, desire to have their service ])resented to your I/- " Duresme, Feb. i, KUii. " To v-- L. Bp " 224 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF '< j^QY^ jfiij Reverend and worthy friend Dr. Basire, one of the Prebendaries of the Church of Dur- ham, at Durham. " Sir, " Since my last of April 2d, I have not received any from you, which I mention not to accuse you of any slownes in returnes, but that you may excuse me, in that mine came not soe fast from Durham to you when you were in London. It may be you have not re- ceived it, which is noe great loss, for there was but little in it that I remember, besides the men- tion of my remouing- from that lodging which you tooke for me, to one Mr. Condlie's house, in Hamden Court in King Street, in Westminster. I haue little else to write now, for I suppose you haue heard of my Lords of Canterbury and London being sworn privy councillors, which is the best newes that I could tell you. This day I saw the King's proclamation for the departure of all priests and Jesuits before the 14th of May, except those of the Queen's and Queen mother's retinue. Things goe uery well on in the Houses of Parliament. I believe you will shortly heare of a repeal of all acts made in the Long- Parliament; and then the Starre Chamber, and High Commission will returne of course. DU. BASIUE. 225 I pray let mc heare, by your next, where I shall find Mr. Gold, our solicitor, and the rest whom you have enterteined in our busines, that I may know where to speak with them, if there be occasion, and commend my service to our bre- theren and friends at Durham. " Your very faithful! " friend and seruant, " J. SUDBURV.* " Westminster, April 11, — C3." *' For the Rev. Dr. Basire, Subckcui of the Church of Durhcnii, at his house in Durham. " Sir, " I HAUE received two of yours, and in the former a note of the charges for pette ca- nons houses, which in your letter I perceive the D. of Carlile is against. I wish he could find a cheaper way of prouiding for them ; but if the Chapter be not of his mind, you may proceed if you please. I shall haue occasion for the mo- ney before the bill of exchange come, if it be not hastned. This day I intended to goe to our counsel with the depositions and brevates, but * There is a full-length portrait of Dean Siulhury in the Library of the Dean and Chapter of Durham. Q 226 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF Mr. Churchhill being in the city, I must de- ferre it untill Miinday morning. I have been with my Lord Ashly about our subsidies, whoe seemes offended that they are not payd ; but when I had told him the state of oure cause, he told me it was reason that I spoke ; but if the act be in the same words that former acts for subsidies haue been, and yet they have been payd, we must pay them. To which I replied, if they have been constantly payd, we shall not deny to doe as our predecessors haue done ; but we could not tell what to pay till we saw some precedent, and that we had searchd all places where they were most like to be, but can find none : upon which he gave order to a seruant of his to make search, and desired me to come to him again some time the next week and I should know more, which I shall doe and give you notice of it by the first opportunity. My Lord of York is of opinion that there are precedents, and saith that many churches of the new foundation have payd, and my Lord Ashly told me that all the B'ps are against us in this controaersy. But Sir Hugh Cartwright is confident that we are not to pay, and hath dis- puted the matter with Sir Charles Harbord, the King's Surveyor and Chairman of the Comittee. In fine, if we have formerly payd, we must doe soe now; if not, it may be we shall be exempted. DR. 13AS1RF.. 227 I pray send me by the next a note of the King's rents, and look into the receiuer's bookes how they haue been formerly payd. And soe like- wise for the pension of my Lord Elgan for the Rectory of Allerton. I desird Dr. Dalton to giue me a note of these things before I came from Durham, which he promisd, but forgot. I am glad you have taken care for the keeping of our courts, and for the moderating of ex- penses. I pray desire Mr. Steward to take care that the tenants at Sheeles send the Dean salt for his house, according to the ancient cus- tome. And if they goe to Muggleswick, which is very expedient, to set things in order there, desire him to enquire about those that make a practice of plowing up our com'ons without leaue, and abuse our wood there, and desert our mill, which is a wrong to our tenant. My Lord Chancellor and our friends at Westmin- ster and Spring Garden enquird of your health. If my letters come still to Durham, Col. Tem- pest will not deny you a sight of them ; and for other intelligence, you haue it in the bookes more fully related then you can expect from " Your friend and seruant, " J. Sudbury. '« Westminster, April 23, 1664. " My seruice to all our brethren." q2 228 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF ** For the Reiiereiicl Dr. Basire, Subdean of the Church of Durham, at his house in Durham. " Sir, " This morning our cause in the Chan- cery being set downe in the paper for the third cause, Mr. Atturny and Solicitor being engagd in a great cause in the King's Bench, could not attend it, unlesse it came on very early. Whereupon I desired my Lord Chan- cellor that it might be heard the first cause, whoe uery readily granted my request, and calld for it soe soone as he came upon the bench. The counsell on both sides being ready, Seriant Glyn and Fountain moued with all their strenth for the tenants, and had a uery faire hearing, and as many of the depositions read in fauour of them as they desird ; but at leneth Seriant Glyn moued that the tenants should accept of what we had offerd them, to giue us four yeares value at a reasonable rate for a lease. Mr. Atturny sent to me to know whe- ther I would accept that offer: wherupon I went to him and told him some reasons why I could not, it being a bussines in which the Chapter was concerned as well as I, and some reasons why I would not, and desird him to speak ac- cording to the instructions which I had giuen him the night before, which he did very well. DR. BASIUK. 229 and Mr. Sollicitor seconded him. Mr. Weston, and Mr. Chiirclihill, and Seriant Hoskins having formerly opend the siim'e of our answer to the bill, when my Lord Chancellour had heard all with great patience, he dismissed the bill, saying he saw nothing in equity for the plaintiffs, but gaue us noe costs, because the men were poore, as he conceiud; but wishd Mr. Fountain to aduise his clients to learn better manners then to contend with their landlords, who for ought had appeared to him, had used them uery well. The cause lasted soe long, that his Lordship had noe time to hear any other this morning, but went immediately to the Parliament House. Now for your busines of the tax, I can not giue you any good satisfaction from the lawyers with whom I have spoken ; and I hear the lieu- tenants, who rule much in these things, are not uery fauourable to the clergy in their jealousey of privilege. I haue therfore desird my Lord our Lieutenant to write to his deputy Lieute- nants not to doe any thing herein without him, who promisd me he would doe soe. Since my last to you, being with his Lo', he told me my Lord Ashly had found a way to charge us to- ward the subsidy, which other churches of the new foundation haue payd without any dispute. Wherupon I went yesterday to my Lord Ashly, who told me that Sir Edm. Sawyer, the Kings 230 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF Auditor, had told him, that though we could not be chargd for our dignities, we might be chargd for our lands ; but desired me to come to him again on Weddensday morning, and he would tell me more. Toemorrow morning I intend to wait upon his Lo'p, and, for ought I can understand yet, I shall be able to maintain our priuiledge, of which you shall hear more in my next. I haue not yet receiued the account of the payment of the King's pensions, and my Lord Elgans, out of our latest 7^eceiuers bookes, before the late troubles. If you could hasten them to me, I would doe the best I can to re- cover the rights of our church. I shall trouble you with noe more but my seruice to our bre- thern and friends, and remain " Your affectionate friend " and seruant, " J. Sudbury. " May 3rd, —64." " Ffor my verie Reuerend and much honoed friend Dr. Isaac Bezier, Vice Deane of Durham, theese prese7it. " Ap'il 16, —64. " Reverend Sir, " You heare Dr. Sterne is Arch-B'pp of Yorke, and Dr. Rainebow the D. of Peter- borough, B'pp of Carlisle. It is worth above DR. BASIRE. 231 £1000. per an., and if you had beenc hecre, I am confident it might easily haue beene yours ; but I durst not presume with out any instruc- tion fro' your selfe ; besides you might have held your P. and something else in com'enda'; but this to your selfe, and with out com'ission. Your sonnes are both well and in good health, and I doubt not but will make excellent scho- lars in dew time, for they are verie industrious and make good use of theire time. I am much bound to you for all your fauours, and hope with in 10 dayes to make a personall acknow- ledgment of all those ciuilities you have beene pleased to confer vppon him who, in his true love and respects vnto Mrs. Bezier, your selfe, and all yours, shall assuredly remayne. Sir, " Your most affectionate Bro', " and fr'nd to serve you, '' Thos. Wood."* " Sir, " Your's of the 24 instant I received; and, but for discharging my duty to God and the king, yesterday, in this Cathedrall, I had answered it by the last post. I thanke you for your care, but under favour, as for your imp't- * Possibly T.Wood, Dean of Litchfield, and l)isIiop of that see in 1()71. 232 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF ing it to your p'ty in your letter, experience makes me feare it will signify little. As for concealing my name, I take it kindly at your hand, but he can not but know it, the debate was so publick. Neither do I much care; I have beene young and now am old, and you p'tly know, I was never afraid to do my duty with due circumstances ; and I am very ready rather voluntarily to lay downe my commission than forsweare my selfe by a willfull neglect. I confesse 'tis an affliction to a publick spiritt to observe in this (mixt) nation such a scanda- lous distrust in God and the King, and such a carnell trust in the God of this world and his proxies, seditious schismaticks ; whether for feare or hope of a turne, I know not, but too many there are, that for all God's warnings, will rather court than convert that generation of vipers, that being thus fostered, may in time, except God p'vent it, rend again the bowells both of Church and Com'onwealth. The pre- sent gripings seeme to prognosticate no lesse. " The next day after my motion, the free prisoner was recalled to the Gaole, whither fond people (haply false also) repaire to him freely, under pretence of physicall or astrologicall advice. I am still where I was, with submis- sion to superiours. Exemplary remoovall, or transportac'on of so notorious a seducer, might DR. BASIRE. 233 prove eftectuall to rcstraine some, and wanie others. But, I feare, I presume too much upon your more serious publick imploymts w'ch that God may direct and prosper, shall be the prayer of, " Sir, " Your Auncient and very " humble servant, ' I. B." " Duresme, Janu. ^1 — M." " HoxQURED Sir, " You have so highly obliged mee by your late great and learned pains about the propounded cases, that the delay of this duty of thankfulness for it hath as much afflicted mee as your singular favour did affect mee. The re- tardation p'ceeded from a necessary journey into Northumberld to setle the cures of those sea- chaplains, w'ch out of that jurisdiction I had p'- vided for his Mamies service ; besides, a trouble- some accident of a horse fall, w'ch did so bruise my breast, that but for present blood-letting might have ended my breath. But God be thanked, I am now recovered, and beg of you to accept of this first fruits of my pen, w'ch I wish, as yours, overflowing divite venii. When I first read your judicious and copious tract, I was 234 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF moved with a mixt passion of grief, for being the occasion of so much trouble to you at that time, especially of your middle state, and of joy and thanks to God for your initial recovery, and my so great gaine thereby. In dealing with full men (such as I have alwaies found you) I find that true w'ch Horace observed in himselfe : — " ' Amphora coepit Institui, currente Rotd, cur Urceus exit V *' Touching the caution you give mee, you may be secure of my silence, albeit the consultrix, a noble and pious lady, would fain have had it under the counsellor's hand. Touching your desire of my additions, since, as wee say in the schools, "■ perfectum est cui nihil addi potest," it were hard for mee to doe it after you. Only in obedience to your command, I presume to sub- scribe this note unto your learned Annotation of the " Doctores legentes." When I was Pro- fessor of Divinity in the University of Alba Julia in Transylvania, all the Doctors under the Bishop gave mee place ; and the prince himselfe, both by tongue and pen, was pleased to honour me with the title of " Excellentissi- mus" and " Clarissimus." And in the Greek Church, as in Zante and elsewhere, I have observed that the protopapas or chiefe priests DR. 15ASIRE. 235 (equivellcnt to our doctors here) took place of the nobles there, and their wives accordingly, so as that seemes to be, I might inlarge with sundry observations of the places and honours of the clergy in Mount Libanus and Syrie, where I have spent some years. But this and many other much desired designes, like abor- tive embryoes, must die with mee, whose life is spent in a circular itinerarent drudgery from place to place, to which I am doomed in my old age, to supply personally the severall functions of my scattered preferments. The relation of your owne case, and the cross issue thereof, would trouble mee more than (I think) your selfe, did not I comfort myselfe (and so may you) with that Oracle of Solomon, Eccles. 9, v. 1 1 , wherewith closing, I subscribe my selfe, " Sir, " Your much oblidged friend, " fellow sufferer, and " faithfull servant." " Durham, April 2 2d, 1665." " P.S. I pray pr'sent my duty in your next to my Revid. \A- Bp- of St. Davids, and my service to Dr. Watson with my excuse for my not writ- ing at this time, you now know the why not." 236 LIFE AND COllUESPONDENCE OF - I. H. S. " J. B. filio J. B. pater, " S. D. " Prenso hanc scribendi ansam ex Smitho nostro Cantabrigiam ituriente. Imminet ope- rosa residentia unde sum cohibilis. Cave ne te traiisversum abripiat studiorum varietas : ut ut delectat, unitas prodest : Memor prisci illius oraculi quod divinus senex Hippocr. edidit, ars loiiga, vita hrev'is. Jubeo te frugi, utque tecum habites, & noris quam " sit tibi curta supellex," et temporis et ingenii quod humilitate juxtim atque sedulitate pensandum. "■ Admodum Rev. D'num Prsefectum Collegii vestratis necnon studiorum tuorum antistitem meis verbis utcunque plurimum salvere peropto. " Mater revaluit, Deo gratias, ut ut valetudi- naria pro more, (quippe quotidie morimur, quo- tidie aliqua pars vitae delabitur.) Ipsa te sua benedictione, Germanus adfectu impertit. Vale & macte Regin^ pietate, absque qua homo brutum. " Raptiss. IV. Id. Janu. " A. U. T. be. cb. Ixv. " Quid mathematici Cantab rigienses de Co- meta T " Isaac, my blessing to you, follow " your good father's advise."* * In Mrs. B.'s hamlvvritinff. UR. BASIRE. 237 " I. H. S. " Isaac Basire to Dr. Basire. " Reverend Sir, " At Cambridge I was on the 4th of this instant, when I received both your's dated^ the last week : within two houres of the receipt I set forward for London : I have left the chief of my business at Cambridge undone, as my own exeat, my Bro. Ch. settlement, and a chamber for him, my Br. P. admission, Sec, all w'ch will cost mee a journy back for 2 or 3 daies. '* Yours to Dr. Busby, then very busy, I de- livered in my riding habit, that to Mr. Sayer (who entertaines mee with a great deall of civility and thankfulness) on the 6th of May; to my Ld. of Winchester and Mr. Eyles, I p'esented theirs the same day ; my Lo. Grace of Canterbury was then in the room : as soon as my Ld. had read your letter, his Lp. told mee he would not write then, (I heard they were going to sit in councill, and the French Ambassador had publick audience that day) but appointed mee to come and receive the answer to-morrow morning, betwixt 7 and 8. " Mr. Durell is at Windsor, and will not be in town till next week. Mr. Sayer can p'cure 238 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF mee a bill of exchange payable in France, so that I shall need but as many livres as I shall need in France till my bill be paid. " Yesterday I was with Dr. Busby ; in these words he gives my brothers a character, they are industrious and good children, that my Br. Ch. tias learning, and is much improved since his coming up, and that very many not so good scholars as he are gone from his school to the university. The Dr. will not p'mise that he is so exquisite and every way qualified as you desire. His advice is, (you know very ivell his way and humour,) that you should call him down to you to try yourself and to give him your in- structions (w'ch may be done, as to mee it was, by letter) for his behaviour and studys in the University. The Dr. gave mee his benediction when I took my leave, and desired mee to sup with him and our D. of Durham this night, (whom I have waited on yesterday morning). If Dr. Busby say no more concerning my Bro. I will follow your former instructions and take him to Cambridge and admit him ; from thence if you please (which I hope you need not) you may send for him to you. " By the next you will receive my Lo. Bp.'s answer and an account of what I could not dis- patch by this, I humbly beg your good prayers 1)1?. BASIRE. 230 for prosperity in all our undertakings and for a blessing upon, " Sir, " Your dutifull son, " Isaac Basire." " Westminster, May 7, 16G5." " P.S. You may please to direct your's at my brother's lodgings here." - I. H. S. " Very Rev. Sir and loving Father, " The newes of your arrivall (I hope safe, I am sure prayed for,) I receive with joy and thankefulness, seeing I am deprived of, (upon what account truly I know not, however submitting to my mother's com'and) wayting upon you in p'son. This proxy, 1. tenders my H. duty to you ; 2. craves your blessing, and, 3. gives you the inclosed account of my time, spent according to your charge. I do not alledge those deductions directly to apolo- gize for my idlenes, but that you may see the naked truth and sincere account; and if you shall judge that I have not well spent my time, I humbly begge pardon, and promise endeavour of amendment ; but if otherwise, then it will 240 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF prove matter of encouragement and comfort to have answered your expectation. Thomas White is to give you an account of other con- cerns. I am here ready, 1. to obey your com- mands; 2. to endeavour to become service- able (to my power) unto you ; 3. to approve myselfe (factis et verbis) every day more and more. " Very Reverend Sir and loving Father, " your sincerely obedient son, " and humble servant, " Peter Basire. " July 13, 1665, Stanhop." " An Account of my Time. Dales. From May the 19di (the day of your departure) to July the loth (the day of your arrivall), are 55 dales 55 Out of which are deducted, 1. Sundaies 9 2. Holy Dales 3 On which dales I read nothing but (salvo tuo con- silio) practlcall divinity. 3. Spent (as being co'manded) In riding up and downe about yours and my mother's occa- sions, the p'tlculars whereof I could give you at large, 10 Remalne for my studies out of ..... . 55 The just number of 33 DR. BASIIIE. 241 Wherein I learned and writ out, 1. In Logick, chap 13 2. In Divinity, pages S6 3. Out of Terentius, many phra. . . . 000 4. Out of the Travells, pages . . . .100 (Finis coronat Opus.) " I hope my mother will give you an account of my deportment in your absence." " Peter Moll, " To the vei^y Reverend and most e.vcellent Isaac Basire, the incomparable Professor of Divinity, the most worthy Chaplain of his sacred Ma- jesty, the most sincere of friends. ** Now at length I may be said vivere et valere, since I find from your delightful letters, dated 3 Ides of Oct. and received 17 Calends of Novemb. that you, my other self, are in health and prosperity. May God continue this happy state to you, for your piety deserves such a reward, * Necnon incoctum generoso pectus honestc' I can scarcely help making my own, mutatis mutandis, the words of Jacob, Gen. xlv. v. 27, 28. Certainly if fate had not been opposed to 242 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF my wishes, and if my religious engagements had not impeded my departure, I should have put wings upon my heels, and oustripped the wind in flying to embrace you in England. * O quam te memorem spoliis Orientis onustum !' " I allude to spoils worthy of your holy curio- sity, such as Palestine, Syria, Chaldeea, Meso- potamia offer to those who traverse these regions after your example. " How I wish that I had had the opportunity of admiring on the spot and in company with you such remains as exist of Jerusalem, Da- mascus, Babylon, Nineveh, Caramit, Mosul, Merdin, Orphe, Aleppo, nay even of Paradise. But away with vain wishes. Let me beg of you to throw a light upon sacred and profane geography, by giving the world a true picture of the lives, I should rather say of the suffer- ings, of Christians living under the Turkish dominion ; and pray do it in Latin, that I and others who are ignorant of the English lan- guage may have an opportunity of examining your work. " I admit that the learned D. Hottinger has to a certain degree performed this task by follow- ing in the track of respectable authorities ; but you who are ocvroTJTTvig, what will not you per- form ? I implore you by all the sacred rites of DR. BASIUK. 243 friendship to attend to my request; and, as you well know, that talents, which are the gift of God, are not to be buried in the earth, I feel assured that you will not deprive the Chris- tian commonwealth of the valuable fruits of your travels on holy ground. " I have received your little English book in the same kind spirit with which you sent it to me. I wish I could understand it without an interpreter. Nay, I wish I could produce something worthy of being presented to you ; you would not then find my good will relax towards you, nor that I confined myself to pro- fessions only. I rejoice to hear that Great Britain and Ireland are restored in peace and quietness to uniformity of public worship. Would that your most serene and powerful and august monarch were able to root out or to banish " ad Garamantas et Indos" the remains of the Cromwellian system. Anabaptists, En thusiasts, Quakers, Independents, Fanaticks, " fatalia Regibus monstra." For till this wen be cut out, till this sink be drained, your religion, your King, and your kingly dignity will never be secure. " I hear that you have passed through Crosna in the Marquisate of Brandenburgh ; but whe- ther you went straight to Frankfort on the Oder, Berlin, and Hamburgh, or turned to the right R 2 244 LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF to Stetin, or to the left to Wittenburgh, I am ignorant, and should like to be informed. " How I should delight in receiving you as a guest, for I have to ask — * Multa super Priamo, necnon super Hectore multa.' Alas ! then, our dear Ashburnham* is no more : — w^orthy of a better fate ! but w^hen did he lose his life, w^here, what was the cause, and who struck the blow ? Baron Keuenhuller still lives in Stiria, and enjoys his patrimony. It is sufficient for his support, but whether it be worth keeping, is not for me to say. For my part, I think nothing worthy of high commenda- tion but perseverance in the religion of the Gospel. " I have received honours and rewards in Austria from my most serene and gracious master, far beyond my expectations or deserts. For these I am in some measure indebted to the recommendation of the most excellent and il- lustrious Baron de Schmerin, the ornament of the court and the age. Thus, after a rough voyage. Fortune has at length cast a favourable glance upon me — Fortune, who * Post varios casus, post tot discrimina rerum,' has restored you to your native country, and * Dr. Basire's pupil. See next letter. DR. BASIRE. 245 the worship of your fathers ; for you tell me that you have recovered possession of all the offices and benefices which you lost in the time of the English Sylla. May the prosperity, which has been so long your due, increase ! God grant that I may soon see you a Bishop or an Archbishop, or in due course of time a saint ! I conclude with the expression of this wish. Farewell ! prince of theologians and friends, " Your most devoted, " P. Moll. *' Petershagen, 7th Ides of Apr. 1663." In the reply to this letter, which will be found in the Appendix (No. XII. A.) Basire excuses himself from publishing his travels on account of his numerous engagements ; and declares, that without exaggeration it would require sixteen months in the year to enable him to fulfil all his duties as he ought. Still, if he should ever have a breathing time, he hopes ]V£ij. Si penes te Medi Cantabrigiensis Libellus de Altaribus noviter excusus, mutuo quaeso des ut perlegam : ego brevi, aut per Mercurium aliquem reddam, aut tibi proxima hebdo- mad^ ipse tradam. Vale, et memento peccatoris. Audio te discessurum ab episcopo, atque ad lares pro- * Si valeas, bene est, ego qiiidcni valoi). Y 2 324 APPENDIX. prios migraturum ; fac me quantumvis de rebus tuis certiorem, hoc minimam tibi, opinor, molestiam pariet, mihi certe summam voluptatem comparabit. Saluta quaeso doctissimum coUegam tuum. Iterum vale, vir suavissime. Datum Steindropiae hoc 7° Id. Septemb. 1637. Hesterno die ab amicissimo Blechyndeno, aliisque Can- tuariensibus Hteras accepi, quae narrant Casaubonum nostrum, Mericum scil. jam in aedibus Lambethanis degere, aut diversari : plurimos Sandovicenses peste abreptos fore : Cantuarienses ejusdem metu perculsos vari^ distrahi : scholam publicam Cantuariae intermitti : febrimque violentam fere ubique eo loci per agros grassari. Denique quod nos pungit plurimum, Equitem KnatchbuUum jam diu fuisse : nam circa Festum Nati- vitatis ad plures abijt. Deus misereatur nostri. Vale et me ama. To the worshipftill his most worthy friend Mr. Isaac Basire at Aiik- land Castle. Or in his absence to Mr. Flathers, Archdeacon of Northumberland, (B.) Dignissimo Viro D. Isaaco Basirio N. Vu. S. P. D. LiBRORUM meorum catalogum, vir amicissime, quum proxime scripsero accipies. Auctorum nomina quae pridem efflagitasti, nondum potui ad memoriam revocare : posthac, ubi occurrerint, te faciam certiorem. Percrebuit forsan apud vos rumor de incendio in mea APPENDIX. 325 parochiit quod die Veneris superiori, horam circiter tertiam matutinam erupit, atque brevissimo tempore universa trium familiarum tuguria absumpsit, et qua- tuordecim frumenti acervos ingentes in cineres redegit. Duo ex his qui grave hoc damnum subiere, Pontificij sunt, et in altissimo superstitionis coeno inimersi, quos saep^ tentavi frustra ad sanam revocare mentem : sed satis adhuc ilUs superest unde laut^ vivant. Tertius rehquis longe pauperior fuit, vir probe moratus et pius, qui ante hebdomadas circiter octo Pontificiorum castra deseruerat, et in asylum cathoUcae nostras Ecclesiae se reciperat. Hie duos fiUos infantes habet, et uxorem optimam, quae nulUs ancilla Heroum suorum minis, nidlis uxor mariti sui conatibus potuit unquam a recto fidei nostrae tramite diverti: quae etiam brevi post Christi nataUtia puerperium expectat. Sed vestimenta, lectos, lectisternia, totum supellectilem, universum de- nique puerperij apparatum, flammae violentia devoravit : at coactus jam fuerim hominem cum familia sua in asdes meas recipere, donee ei Deus ex alto prospiciat, et amicos suscitet ad sublevandam extremam hominis mi- serrimi inopiam. Nomen viri Franciscus Laifield, in cujus gratiam pecunias aliquas heri corrogabam, atque etsi miram gregis mei benevolentiam expertus sim, tamen baud tantas opes comparare potui, quantis ad necessaria homini pauperrimo et uxori decubiturae ac- quirenda opus est. Si tibi ergo aequum videatur, uti- nam populo tuo, Dominica proxima, horum conjugum inopiam exponeres, et eleemosynas suas Christi nomine extorqueres. Nam vir iste a Papistis jam prorsus de- seritur, quia ad nos dudum redijt; alias, ita obtendunt, damna haec faenerato resarsissent. Spero, (im6 jam 326 APPENDIX. sentio ex parte,) quod tantam Deus gratiam in aliorum conspectu huic homini indulgebit, ut neque Pontifi- ciorum subsidio opus siet, neque unquam poenituerit ipsum quod iEgypto valedicens, ad terram banc sanc- tam se conferebat. Si quid comparaveris, per Q^cono- mum aut servum tuum poteris illud Antonio tuo Mil- lero tradere, atque ego per fidum aliquem internuncium munificentiam vestram ab eodem proxima feri^ prima reposcam. Habebis certe me plurimum tibi hoc no- mine devinctum, et pro re nata redhostimenti reum. Vale et pro me ora. Scribe quaeso an uxor tua sit adhuc puerpera : sospitet earn Deus, et sub benignis- simis su£e gratiae alis perpetuo protegat. Datum raptissime 4 Idib. Decembr. A. D. CI3I3CXXXVIII. Quod de Excommunicatis ad sacras Conciones ad- missis percontatus es, tu innuere videris quid Trspt ocKpoaasaic dicturus eram, Atque utinam mos ille diu nimis antiquatus tandem refloresceret. Ad Philip. 0. 19. Quorum venter Deus est.] An a Terentio hoc desumtum apud queni in Phorm. Act 2. Sc. 1. fin. Geta Parasitus ita loquitur ea (quae scilicet ad ventrem spectant,) qui praebet, non tu hunc habeas plane praesentem Deum ? Potiiis uterque hoc mutuo accepervmt a Menandro, cujus hie versus citatur a Petr. Victor. L. 5. Var. c. 20. To yap rpsfMV (xe, tout APPENDIX. :]'27 (C.) CI. I. B. N. W. S. D. Hui, hui ! Quid illud est mali quod quoties conventuri nos sumus, semper fer^ aut ncgotium ali- quod intervenit, aut infortunium improvist!* disjungit? Profectc!) tantum non ocreatus fui, atque ad hoc iter accinctus, quum famula mihi narret equum meum maci- lentum et cuivis itineri longiori imparem cnro xctKoyBtrovog Tivog abductum esse, atque Londinum versus profectum. Tu Deum dices ha^c omnia regere atque disponerc. Satis hoc pie. Ego audacter jurarem Deum quidem priorem, sed ipsum Diabolum (quidni enim cum Apos- tolo 1 Thess. 2. 18. loqui hceat?) hunc alterum nostrum conventum impedijsse. Prius namque (sicuti Iv t«7j rfji ^soyoviag koproiig scripsi :) detinebat me proprium offi- cium, jam verc!) vicini maleficium retardat. Adjiciam, quod (etsi pessimorum ministerijs Deus pro infinitii sua sapientia quam optime utatur, tamen) idcirco Daemon potius quam Deus hos exoptatos nostfos congressus in- hibet, quia nunquam te convenio sine summa mei ipsius vokiptate atque utiUtate, nee discedo a te unquam nisi melior : ade6 consiho instruis semper atque exemplo corroboras memet, qui domi cum anim^ peccatrice quo- tidie confligo, forisque cum ipsa impietate atque bar- barie (quod pku-ibus ego jam in meis ad Swinburnum nostrum questus sum :) indies bella gero. Garriat in- eptulus noster Diotrephes, hujus miUtiag adhuc rudis quicquid in imberbem suam buccam venerit, ego sane pacem cum grege meo non possum alia lege stabilire^ 328 APPENDIX. nisi missam prius fecero conscientiae pacem, Deique pacem ri^'v tov ttocvtu vouv (jTrEps^ovcrav amisi, aXAa aAjj TouTcuv ev TU3 TTctpovTi. QuuiTi proxim^ conveiiiemus, me- liorem, uti spero, me sistam, quam antehac. Sed lucida haec mea intervalla quam subit6 obnubilantur ? Revera hyemalis est mea pietas ; sentio enim quotidie noctes meas turbidas atque tenebricosas, diebus se- renis rutilisque multiim longiores. Tu precibus ad- juva me, quo aestate fruar tali quam by ems nulla sequa- tur, quam solus messem mercedis gratuitae asternam pro- ferens excipiat autumnus. Tvi interea vale. Obse- quium quaeso meo nomine exbibeas dignissimo D. D. Duncono, atque Johnsono tuo quum conveneritis proxi- mo. Ah ! quam inique a vestro doctissimo et pientis- simo consortio divellor ? Sed quid ageret novitius inter tales triumviros? Iterum vale. Datum currenti calamo, Steindropise, Eidib. Jan. Cl3l;3CXXXIX. To the worshipftill his much endeared friend Mr. Isaac Basire be these dd. at the Bishop's Castle in Du- resme. (D.) Clarissimo amico D. I. B. N. V. S. D. TuA hebdomadae superioris ^Enigmata recepi, vir charissime, x«» « \x.\v o-JvoiSa jcaAa. otjw-«j Is x a [x,T^ (Tvvoi^oc. Maxime verb aqua mihi haerebat, liaeretque etiamnum in conjectando sonticam illam causam quod nihil de hodiernis lumoribus scriptitasti : et quos intel- APPENDIX. 329 ligis SufFenos hariolari nequeo. Nam CatuUianum Suf- fenum te in animo habuisse, aegre mihi persuadeo. Sed nuUo modo licet adhuc o-TOju-a Trpoj o-To/Aa de hisce reli- quisque quse commemoras, tecum agere. Hsec scribo equum conscensurus Novocastrum versus : ante domi- nicam insequentem, Deo dante, reversurus. Itineris causam ante Pascha ]v istam P. P. P. P. die Jovis in- stante Sacramento suo confirmandam : Cujus facti, sal- tem tum temporis, per banc profectionem, non ero con- scius. Ego certe, modo liceat meo sensu formulam istam verborum sacerrimam explicare, ausim sancte jurare, Deumque in causa ilia testem adhibere. Sed utinam in proximis tuis scriberes, an liceat alio quam dantis, sive imponentis sensu jusjurandum praestare. Quod si non liceat, mille lubentius subirem cruciatus, quam teterrimo isto vinculo constringi. Quinim6 dicunt vulgo, Clerum, iEdituos, atque villarum praepositos, postquam jurati fuerint, obligates fore hoc juramentum reliquis parochis exhibere. Quod ego quidem prae- stabo cum mula pepererit. Nam lex nulla, nullum statutum totius regni nostri, aut jusjurandum ipsum aut tale intempestivum officium a nobis exigit. Viden' qualem ego lupum teneo jam auribus? Per Deum immortalem, per sacra nostras amicitise faedera obtestor te, ut animi sententiam clare mihi explices quampri- mum. Et quid tu ipsus facturus es hac in causa re- 330 APPENDIX. scribas. Dictum Polycarpi, quod tu verebaris scribere, non possum ego non usurpare, Deus bone, in quae nos reservasti tempora ? Saluta humanissime meo nomine Priscillam tuam, nos- tramque Phoeben. Vale, meique memor sis indies. Serii^ ausim spondere me tuis maxima precibus fretum e luto pristino sensim emergere. Macte ergo. Datum laptim post Eid. Septembr. CI3I3CXLI. APPEN-DIX. 33 Fr. Marianns a Maleo Orel. Minor. Regul. Obs. Prov. Mediol. Led. et Prcedic. G'nUs in Partib' Orietis Coinmiss. Ajwsfcus, totius Terrce Sanctce Custos, ac Sacri Montis Sion Guardian et Servus. Universis, et Singulis prassentes nostras inspectuiis, lec- turis pariter et audituris salut'; NoTUM Facimus et Attestamur Dominu' D. Isaacuni Basirium Rothomagensem Galium, Sacerdoteni Ecclesiaj Anglicanae, SS. Theol. Doctorem, ad banc Sanctam Jerosolymor' Urbem pervenisse, necnon Terrae Sancta* loca, nempe gloriosissimu' Resurrect"'" D'ui N'ri Iesu Chhisti Sepulchru' : Sacratissimos Montes, Calvariae scil. ubi Salvator N'r propria niorte nos in Cruce re- demit ; Oliveti, ubi in Coelu' mirabiliter conscendit ad Patrem ; Sion augustissimi Eucharistiae Sacram*' insti- tut"% Spiritus Sancti missione, compluriu'que nostrae salutis mysterior' celebratione insignem ; Thabor natura, et gloriosa transfiguratione Patrum testimouio venusta- tuni ; et Beatitudinum admirabili earu'dem Domini ser- mone decoratum : Praeterea Sanctissimu' Nativitatis D'ni N'ri Iesu Christi Pra?sepe in Bethleem ludae Civi- tate David : Sacra' item Nazareth Domum Angelica amiuntiatione Deiparae, atque j^terni Incarnat*" celeber- rimam : Vallemque losaphat pluribus Dominica^ Pas- sionis mysteriis, ac venerabili Assumptionis Dei Ge- nitricis MarijE Monumento exornatam : Bethaniani quoque hospitio D'ni, et Lazari suscitatione honestatam : Sed et Montana Iuda2ai SSma' Dei Genitricis visita- tione, et Pra^cursoris nativitatc, ejusquc Dcserto nobili- 332 APPENDIX. tata : Tiberiadis mare quoru'dam Apostolor' vocatione, Petrique in Ecclesias caput electione clar'. Ac dem^ni caetera o'ia Sancta, piaque loca quae tarn in ludasa, quam in Galilaea, et Samaria a fratrib' fidelibusque Peregrinis visitari solent, humiliter et devote visitasse. In quor' fidem p'ntes nostras manCi propria subscriptas atque majori nostri officii sigillo munitas expediri mandavimus. Datu' Jerosolymis in Con'" n'ro Sti. Salv"^ Die 23 Men- sis Septembris, Anno D'ni, l652. (^''^^tiX^U^^Vl/ D. IsAAcus Basiuius, Theologus S. APPENDIX. 333 No. III. Georgius Racoczi Dei gratia Princeps Transylvania^, Partium Regni Hungariae Dominus, et Siculorum Comes, &;c. Viro Reverendo Clarissimoque D. Isaco Basirio Rothomagensi Gallo, Ecclesiae Anglicanae Presbytero, et S. S. Theologiae Doctori, impra^sen- tiarum in Urbe Constantinopolitana commoranti, salutem. Cum nos ex plurimorum aliorum testimonio fide digno, praecipue autem ex ampliore fidelis nostri Consiliarii generosi Reatij Baresai (Comitatus Hunya- diensis Comitis Supremi, et districtuum Karan-Sebe- siensis et Lugasiensis Bani itidem Supremi, atque alias ad Portam Ottomanicam legati Nostri) relatft simus persuasi de famae tuae integritate, atque etiam tarn mo- rum, qudm doctrinae respectu, claritate : Nos ideo, pro nostro ad promovendam juxta atque amplificandam Re- ligionem Christianam Orthodoxam, studio, vocavimus, et per literas hasce nostras Principales vocamus te ad publicum in Alma Nostra Academia Albae Juliae Pro- fessoris munus capessendum atque exercendum : teque nostrum in eadem Academia S. S. Theologiae Profes- sorem ordinarium constituimus per praesentes. Sala- rium insuper annuum ex nostra liberalitate, proque muneris dignitate (una cum domicilio stabili atque commodo) tibi assignamus : immunitates quoque uni- 334 APPENDIX. versas et singiilas tuo Professoris niuneri annexas, lar- gimur. Item honestani, quam rogasti, libertatem per- mittimus tibi, vel ad Serenissimum Magnae Brittanniae Regem revertendi quandocunque, vel apud Nos in mu- nere Professoris perseverandi. In quorum fidem, prajsentes literas chirographo nostro firmavimus, atque etiam sigillo Nostro Princi- pal! muniri mandavimus. Datum in Civitate nostra Alba Julia die 27° Mensis Augusti, A. D. 1654. Geokgius Racoczi. APPENDIX. 335 No. IV. Epistola Exhortatoria ad Perseverantiani in vera Reli- gioner Scripta ad Serenissimum Magnanimumque Principem Carolum II: Dei gratia Regnorum Anglise, Scotia;, et Hibernia; Regem Ha;reditariuni, Fidei Defensorem, &c. Sacra Regia Majestas, Tametsi ipsum gratitudinis debitum videri pos- set dictasse novissimam meam ad Majestatem \'estram epistolam, pro clementissimis Vestris, in mei gratiam, datis literis ad Serenissimum, Celsissimumque Tran- sylvaniae, &c. Principem, impraesentiarum Dominiun meum clementissimum, quern etiam ad magnificentiam usque experior erga me eo clementiorem, qu6d a Ves- tr^ S. Majestate singulariter fuerim commendatus Suae Celsitudini, cui proinde sum jure meritoque addictissi- mus. Tamen nihil nisi merum officium potuit jam suggerere hasce meas, quas, qua par est perpetu5 ob- servantid humillima sacris manibus V. M. supplex ofFero. Congeniculans etiam afFectu, veniam a Regia dementia deprecor in antecessum, si, prae argumenti subsequentis granditate, copiosior ultra epistolae ripam exundaret ©ratio. Haec enim una epistola debet esse genuinus atque fidelis interpres votorum, quae effundo jugiter pro justissima vestra restitutione in integrum, quando nimi- rum Divinae Majestati visum fuerit maxime opportu- 33G APPENDIX. num reddere Vobis avitam, per annos ferme trecentos in august^ Stuartorum prosapiii, eandemque si bene commemini, admirabili linea regum, numero supra cen- tum et novem a primo stipite regio continuatam coro- nam haereditariam : Cujus, cum regnis vestris reliquis recuperationem, vovent boni omnes, cum potissimum in finem ut tarn justitia quam potestate vestra suprema utraque praevalescens, non tarn vi quam virtute, ad con- summandam in regnis vestris universis instaurationem religionis illius, " quae (dicente rege jam gloriosissirao) quemadmodum omnium proxime accedit ad Dei ipsius verbum quoad doctrinam, ita etiam ad exemplum ver^ primitivum, quoad disciplinam: Cujus religionis opti- mam professionem ego semper existimavi obtinere in Ecclesia Anglicana:" Agnoscit proculdubio V. M. cujus sint haec verba, nempe Regium Oraculum ipsum a pa- rente vestro domino meo gloriosae memoriae editum in sue illo veluti testamento, quod nomini vestro dedicavit ipsus. Unde conscientia vestra integerrima semetipsam intus consolari potest, decumanos inter fluctus tot tantarumque tribulationum, simul ac tentationum tarn ad dextram quam ad sinistram : Quamdiu scilicet vobis triumphare datur (secundum Deum) in Regio gloriosi Martyris testimonio, quod nimirum jam tam erat animus Vester adeo probe fundatus, atque constabilitus in religione Vestra, quanto magis postquam jam judicio vestro (sanctificato) ac proprio ratiocinio vestrum veluti sigillum apposuistis sacro huic chirographo, quod antea optima praescripse- rat educatio. Quam gloriosum istud esse debet privi- legium Vestrum, prae caeteris, quod (uti pergit loqui Parens Augustus) " In religione Vestra constantiam neutiquam fers acceptam, vel aliorum exemplo sequaci, APrEXDfx. 337 plerique vel \n\rce puta' traditioni niiilto minus rationi status (uti loqui amant) (juocl qucmadmoduni solct esse quorundum Atheo-Politicorum Idolum vulgare, ita per- saepe extitit ofFendiculuin fatale eorum (vel ideo) infor- tunatorum principuni (][Uorum impatiens probationis Divinge animus, ne dicam, labasccns pusillanimitas, passa est seduci sese, ad turpem mutationem veraa religionis (thesauri tametsi revera imniutabilis, atque etiam in coelis perennaturi) pro caduco, eodemque mo- mentaneo hie in terris regno per fas nefas arripiendo. Tahum inauspicatorum Vertumnorum, sive principum, sive consiUariorum exitus confatales extant passim in chronicis, ceu tot funesta monumenta (utinam etiam et documenta !) universis istis pseudo-pohticis, quos adeo corrupts rationis fascinium eluceseat, ut satius ducant confidere in brachii humani, quantumvis fragiUs, auxihjs vitrijs, imc> in daemonis ipsius ope semper fallaci, saepe exitiaH,quam recta confugiendo ad Regem Regum ipsum inniti fidenter manui nunquam abbreviatae Numi- nis Omnipotentis. Adeo reges in ipsos imperium est (non Jovis, ut ille, sed) Jehovae ipsius, juxta Divinum illud edictum, honorantes me honorabo: me autem contemnentes fient contemptibiles (1 Sam. ii. 30. teste rege Salomone ipso. 1 Reg. xi. 14 et 23.); religiosa igitur constantia vestra, Domine, tot jam etiam varijs modis pertentata, successum vobis disparissimum augu- ratur in Domino: Quamdiu possides (immobihs) inex- pugnabile illud propugnaculum fundatum in V. 7mo Psalmi vestri (Psalmum regis proprium loquor XXI.) " Quoniam Rex sperat in Domino, in pietate Altissimi neutiquam nutabit." Dignetur V. M. fidem adhibere verum asseveranti: Tametsi subjectio debetur legitimo z 338 APPENDIX. principi qualicunque propter Divinam Ordinationem ipsain: Quandoquidem juxta veram theologian! domi- nium non fundatur in gratia: Tamen haec ipsa animi vestri firmitudo, plusquam regia, quia Christiana, (in ordine nimirum ad Deum ipsum) longe efficacius im- perat nostrum, et cordatiorum omnium subditorum vestrorum, amorem vestri, atque eestimium, cultum etiam atque obsequium erga regem tametsi exulantem, sed constantem, quam, absque hoc verae religionis dia- demate principali, omnes tituU vestri, etiam cum actuali trium regnorum vestrorum possessione simul juncti, erga regem triumphantem, sed lapsum vel nutantem. Ista nimirum majestatis vestrse vera fixatio, Domine, (uti iterum atque iterum V. M. alloquor verbis ipsis velut inspiratis divini parentis) Fixatio, inquam, ista in vera rehgione haud erit magis necessaria ad animse vestrse (pacem internam) quam ad regnorum vestrorum pacem (externam etiam) firmandam, ubi Deus ad ilia personam vestram evexerit: Prout rex, tametsi mor- tuus, loquitur tamen etiamnum vobis : Atque hoc ipso quoque argumento (ceu divino quodam instinctu, juxta ac paterno consilio) rex demonstrat seipsum non minus verum politicum, quam eximium Christianum. Siqui- dem invicta vestra haec perseverantia (secundum Deum) est ipsa anchora spei omnium vestrorum vere fidelium subditorum, quorum scilicet spiritus (pars hominis potior) non sunt subjecti heterogeneo ulli principi: Qui vel ideo confidunt etiamnum, quod tandem aliquando invita ipsa (eheu ! nimis quam diuturna) rebellione, in- vito etiam ipso perduellium omnium capite Tartareo, daemonum principe. Macte modo heroica patientia, domine, et ecce adhuc potens est Deus, uti in casu APPEXDIX. 339 rebelHj proprio Rex alter optimus argumentatur (2 Sam. 15.25), Potens est Deiis excrcituum adhuc adminiculari, atque ubi inveneris gratiam in oculis ipsius, utique re- ducere postliminio unctum suuni, imo efficere uti revisas iterum, turn arcam ipsam, turn liabitaculum ejus: Sacra vestra solemnia loquor, visibilia ilia monumenta gra- tiosEe presentiae divinoD veluti reducis, imo residentiae divinae turn deinceps eo magis perennis futuree et vobis- cum, et cum populo vestro. Haec est summa votorum Domine, quae ceu juge sa- crificium spirituale pro V. M. pro vestris populis, pro- que maxim^ Ecclesia Vestra, Supremo Numini ofFert quotidi^ super altari cordis honesti, votarius vester, qui reapse (Deus testis est) adoptivus vester factus, vivit Ecclesiae vestrse consecraneus, vel ideo praecipu^ propter religionem vestram orthodoxam, cujus aestima- tionem conservat animo, cujus contesserationem foret etiam afFectu. Siquidem dum meam erga Glorioss. Parentem vestrum, Vestramque Majestatem conjunc- tlm studeo servare perseveranter fidelitatem intemera- tam, ego animos^ (tametsi aegre) reliqui pridem familiam meam, elieu, charissimam, omniaque alia utut splendida ea, ex Regia Parentis Vestri Domini mei gloriosissimaa memoriae magnificentia, atque ex singulari Ecclesiae vestrae munificentia in me immeritum, alienigenam etiam, supra sortem cumulata beneficia, quae palam, et ubicunque locorum ad gentis vestrae decus immor- tale, recolui, recolo, recolamque dum vivo, gratabun- dus Deo, vobisque corde, ore, calamo : Jamque per spatium integri decennij (Deo semper duce) attent^ peragravi plerasque orbis terrarum tam in Oriente, quam in Occidente provincias, eatenus maxime uti va- z 2 340 APPENDIX. riarum Ecclesiarum, ac regionum formas notitia pro- pria perlustrarem cominus, simulque easdem inter se compararem invicem : Protestor (itaque absque ullo prorsus pai'tium studio) quod Ecclesiastica expei'ientia, ut ita dicam, convictus confirmatusque comperi profes- sionem Ecelesiae vestrae Anglicana? prse caeteris pie- risque possidere essentiales characteres verse religionis Domini N. J. C. utpote quae, 1°. Pro regula fidei suae nuUam aliam agnoscit normam, praeter Verbum Divi- num ipsum, quia id unice infallibile. 2°. Quia pro suo capite, sive in coelo, sive in terra, tarn respeetu summi imperij, quam respeetu influxes niystici nullum aliud veneratur caput pra?ter Jesum Christvuii ipsum Ec- elesiae utriusque tam militantis, quam triumphantis uni- cum immediatum et caput et sponsum. 3°. Quia pro sua basi, seu immobili fundamento spei salvificas, in novissimOj proque plenaria justificatione hominis pecca- toris, in magno illo decretorio die generalis apparitionis coram Deo justissimo illo simul ac tremendo judice omnium, nuUam aliam profitetur satisfactionem, praeter perfectam justitiam Dei in Christo (uti loquitur Apos- tolus, 2 Cor. 5. 21.) Propter banc, super omnia vere antiquam, catholicam, et apostolicam religionem : In qua quidem religione, quoad doctrinam, mihi, Deo gra- tias, hac in parte beato, sub florentissimo Galliarum regno nasci contigit. Ita propter etiam complexim egregivun illud antiquum, atque etiam (quoad substan- tiam) pure primitivum ipsa proinde canicie venerabile regimen episcopale, optimum illud, judice catbolica antiquitate, aeque ac ipsa rei veritate agri divini velut sepimentum, sub quo tam diu floruerat atque etiam. APPENDIX. 341 Deo benedicente, fructificaverat Ecclcsia Vestra An- glicana, aliarum quoque ccclesiarum rcformataruni, tametsi extranearum earum, tametsi quoque quoad dis- ciplinam diversiformium ex superabundantiu charitatis Christiana? blanda fotrix : In quii Ecclesia Anglicana lionori duco quod niilii licuit educari: Cujus etiam jam per spatium annorum plusquam XXVI. extiti ego in- dignus, presbyter, atque etiam ut copia mea fuit, Ec- clesia? Vestrae insei'vivi fideliter atque jugiter dum ipsa perstitit : nimirum non propter emolumenta externa comparative levidensia, ista duntaxat accessoria, quibus, per Dei gratiam et principis mei liberalitatem, non adeo indigeo, sed propter principale ipsum argumentum internum loquor, sacro-sanctas religionis vestra? pondus, propter hoc ipsum, Domine, ego, ubicunque terrarum, in titulo hoc illustri serio triumphavi, in quo etiamnum esse persevero. Serenissime Rex, Sacrae Tlegia? Majestatis Vestrae HumiUimus FideHssimus, ac (tametsi multis modis jamdudum Cribratus, tamen) Priscae Fidel adamante firmiter colHgatus Subditus, IsAACus Basirius, S. S. Th. Dr. Ex Alba Julia in Transylvania, ipsis Eidb. Quinct. Anno U. T. CIoIoCLVI. •342 APPENDIX. Salutem externam, internam, et Eeternam, charissimo suo 'EurpygTj;, viro excellentissimo Domino Isaaco Basirio, Patri in Christo dilecto animitus esse. Ut lit, vir excellentissime, preceptor peramate, nocticulos tuos labores, quibus mirabili dexteritate et constantia invigilas, norim, non verecundor tamen sanctissima tuae Excellentiae studia unica intercalare pausa, quod non sim ignarus tuae in ignoscendo facili- tatis. Promiseram aliquam pridem me vestras Excel- lentiae rescripturum eo de negotio, quod me inter et vestram Excellentiam agebatur, scribendi intercapedi- nem eatenus producere coactus fui, ob varia pellacis spei deliramenta et effascinationes acquirendae alicubi conditionis, quag mihi hic passim objici videbatur, ad- liuc num tamen vana me procrastinatione lactat : EfFer- bui saopius animo, meque meimet piguit, qui tantum mihi a vestra Excellentia oblatum commodum, invitus licet negligerem: Primum induxi, nolentibus volentibus meis necessariis, me accingere itineri Albam versus, ut desideratissim^ vestrae Excellentiae familiaritate et plus quam paterno in me amore, nee non melleo illo exquisitissimae eruditionis nectare perfrui possem, a qu^ mearum voluptatum summa divelli merit6 mihi nihil tristius, acerbius, atque molestius accidere posse puto. Istud meum propositum et fortunae monstri pel- lacissimi mole, cui semper ludus fui identidem usque dum corruit, et bonorum amicorum (qui sibi vitam acerbam putent, ni me ex his temporum difflcultatibus in tuto coUocatum sciant) consentientibus consiliis et APPENDIX. 343 voluntatibus dilatum fiiit, quibus non parere religioni fere contrarium habeo. Dabis itaque veniam, vir ex- cellentissime, parentum, fratrum atque amicoruni meo- rum, ut ut iniquiori et importuniori de me soUicitiulini neque me, vel petulantiae vel supintB oscitantiaB argues, qui promovendis meis fortunis ad te descendere ingra- tiis supersedeam. Quantum tua3 Excellentia? debeam grata mente semper seque ac lubens agnosco, equidem certe, quod propria me fateri cogit conscientia, tui ani- mi benignitate memetipsum, quem jam pridem ob per- petuam infelicitatem et neglectum ingenii cultum oblitus fiiissem, incepi, Deo gratias, in te uno recognoscere, quod religiosae libei'alitatis factum, ut Deus tuas Excel- lentiae remetiatur omnigena bonorum remuneratione divinge clementiae supplicare nunquam intermittam ; et quamvis mihi non tam adsit facultas, quam prompta tuae Excellentiae gratificandi voluntas, nunquam tamen ad- mittam, quoad labilis meee vitae protrahetur conditio, quin promptissimis quibusvis animi officiis aliisque gratae mentis obsequiis contendam, ne tuam Excellen- tiam unquam hoc mecum fecisse poeniteat. Honestum vitas meae cum vestra Excellentia exactae testimonium supplex peto, eo ut me tu digneris peramanter oro. Nudius quartus juvenem quendam, sat ut videbatur eruditum et moratum, natione Batavum, nomine Gotto- fredum-Kedok, qui se cum tua Excellentia aliquamdiu commoratum asserebat, in maternis sedibus hospitio ex- cepi, eumque pro virili liberaliter tractatum sequent! post die Coronam commeantem, aliquousque comitatus fui : Hie se in laudes vestrae excellentiag toto ubique conamine idque merito, effudit, dignus certe tanto hos- pite liospes. 344 APPENDIX. His vestram Excellentiam ad sera tempora bene va- lere cordicitus exoptat Vestrae ExcellentiEe indefessus cultor, eidemque deditissimus cliens Georgius Hutterus, Cibinius. Dat. Cibinio, 12 Dec. 1657. Viro excellentis genii et ingenii Domino Isaaco Basirio, Patri suo, carissimo Prfficeptori inter omnes lectissimo, Me- csenati munificentissimo, patescant. Hosanna ! Reverendissimo in Christo Patri ac Domino, Lucas Hermanno Episcopo dignissimo, Isaacus Basirius, S. D. In spem erectus meliorem, quae nos etiamnum fugiuntj fugientque donee nosmet ipsi meliores, (quod et Is faxit, qui solus bonus est per essentiam,) tametsi nieum ad novissimas vestras responsum, debitum dis- tidisse videar. Neutiquam tamen veluti ex oblivione omisi de statu publico, candide vestram Reverendissi- mam Dignitatem facere certiorem, quantum quidem visum est fore vobis scitu conducibile : Misi enim ea lege, nudiustertius, meas ad Reverendum, Clariss. Dominum Cibiniensem, virum optimum. De exertu immo exun- dante vestra in Clariss. Dominum Selycium, liberalitate ecclesiastica, quanquam nullus dubito quin suis ipse vos Eucbaristicis prosecutus sit, nibilominus ego ut- pote gravaminum multiplicatorum vestrorum abunde APPENDIX. 345 conscius, adjungo insupcr vota niea uti Deus, in uni- verses ditissimus, in sinum id vestrum vefundat cum foenore. Mea autem in gentem vestratem, propter Ec- clesiam preecipue, lubenti animo impensa officia quod spectat, n£e baud etiam in posterum pigrescam pro re natu operam meam, vobis accommodare, quamdiu causae vestrag justitia, ut ita dicam, intra sphaeram aclivitatis meae id ipsum postulare videbitur. Istud testetur vel haec mea impresentiarum de absentibus Agasonibus vestrissupplendiscura intensa: eoque mage quod nomi- ne vestrae Reverendae Dignitatis uterque vere Reveren- dus acClariss. Dominus tam Cibiniensis quam Mediensis pastor, ea de re me sollicitarunt : Unde ante noven- dium, ex professo, de iisdem interpellavi honorandum Dominum Colonellum Gaudii, a quo cum nihildum re- sponsi acceperim ; Atque ex generoso Domino Mich Teleki, hue a principe misso hodie sciscitans, ego intel- lexerim praedictos Agasones ibidem esse, ad Dominum Colonellum scripsi denu5, uti Agasones vestros sub- levet ipse adusque summam florenorum viginti ad quam etiam summam memet ipsum constitui debendi reum ; plus autera, hac in parte, baud quivi prasstare, eventum porro, ubi mihi compertum, impertiar sedulus, operae autem impensae redhostimentum nullum aliud expeto, praeter pia sufFragia vestra pro peccatore indignissimo ad communem Dominum effusa. Interea, macte vir Reverendissime, Clarissime, Dignissime Domine Epis- cope; macte, inquam, indesinentibus intercessionibus pro Mystico Lilio inter spinas, Ecclesiam Christi loquor, tot inter sectas, eheu ! hie loci maxima, interjectam, tantum non sufFocatam : Etenim, ut dicam cum regio vate, Psalm LX. vers 2, Deus commovit terram banc. 346 APPENDIX. ne dicam clifFregit : Ah Domine Deus, cura fragmenta ejus si quidem vacillat ! Datum ex Alba Julia raptim, ab homine alias qua publicis, quii privatis negotiis multimodis occupatis- simo, ac proinde persona magis excusabili 24 Julii anno utinam ne climacterico regni Transylvaniae, 1658. APPENDIX. 347 No. V. Clariss. Domino Isaaco Basirio, Professori Albensis Collegii nostri. Clar. Domine, Literas accepimus binas vel ternas vestrae Claritatis : impedivere responsum varia nostra negotia. D. Vellinus securiorem viam non potest habere quam per Transylvaniam et compendiosiorem. Discessum quod attinet vestrae Claritatis, ne ducat molestum ex- pectare exitum comitiorum, quid ibi concludetur docebit breve tempus. Nos de statu et conditione vestrae Cla- ritatis prospecturi sumus : non dubitet de meo favore in vestram Claritatem. Si vacaret, et posset ad nos venire, aperiat suam mentem : Has inclusas mittimus. Claritatem vestram feliciter valere ex animo optamus. Alonostaini, 29 Dec. 1657. G. Racoczy. Limnus possidetur Dacitis ; re infecta summo suo damno Vesirius recessit. Exercitus Regis Hungarise rumore, non realitate, constat tot millibus. 348 APPENDIX. No. VI. Admodum Reverendo Clarissimoque Viro Domino Andreae Oltardo, Isaacus Basirius, S. D. NocTES, diesque angariato mihi (publicorum officiorum causa) vix datur respirare, uti per hunc (etiamnum prgecipitem) Nuntium D. Georgium Kira Nobilem Grajcum; cujus filium pragstantissimi domini Rectoris curae scholasticae commendo primum : Vestrae Reverendas Claritatis detur brevibus respondere binis vestris. Desalubri monetaingeminatautimeam personam tempestive subducam periculo, effusas refundo gratias, sed quia cerno praesentiam meam hie loci non tantum esse exemplarem, verum etiam publico regni ministerio uti- lem, ne dicam etiam in quibusdam casibus necessariam, memet ideo Divinae Providentiae, pene immediatae, com- mittere necesse liabebo, fretus vadimonio Divino Psal. xci. 11. Custodient te in vijs tuis: Quod si in hoc agendo, concludar, paratus sum pati, fiat voluntas : In- terea sufFragijs vestris sufflaminari tant6 impensius fla- gito : Librum Revelationum, accepi intemeratum. 26 Flor. et 90. Ob. Cl°. D. Seleio a Fratribus venerandis supererogatos tradidi obsignates Reverendissimo Do- mino Episcopo nostrati, in rationem absentis, atque idipsum etiam ordinantis, jam in Hungariam profecti. Literas autem ipsius vestras efFugisse manus miror, plus mirabundus, si miserit nuUas. Reculas meas in tam APPENDIX. 349 fidarii manum tuto pervenisse gratabundus gratulor. Morbum vero vestrum recruduisse condoleo ex animo, utinam et commederi valerem ; suaderem autem usiim Diureticorum, veluti salis prunellae, &.c. frequentiorem, et quotidianam pedum in vino calido, &c. ablutionem ad humoris Metastasin, (salvo semper Medici judicio,) Deus medicamentis impertiatur virtutem, a^gro autem valetudinem confirmatam. De trilemmatis 1"'° puncto (utilius ore tenus, uti prudenter advertit, discutiendo) persto non posse subditum vi principe (tituli Icgitimi) etiamsi respectu exercitij tyranno, invito desciscere, absque perjurij, et consequenter proditionis reatCi. Ratio fundatur in immeatione, ut ita dicam, Dei et Principis, qua? extat Eccles. 8. 1. vel ad hujusce thematis gravissimi elucidationem solam : Animus esset ad vos evolare, si relaxari possem Interea refero ori tabellarij hujusce Amplissimi, D.D. meo nomine communicandum. Vale V. R. CI. et macte omnifaria prosperitate. Raptiss, A, J, S'' Aug. R. U. T. 1G58. 350 APPENDIX. No. VII. (A.) lUustrissime Princeps ac Domine Clementissime. Ex literis ad me datis ex Porta die 8 Julij hodie acceptis, intelligo Vizirium supi'emum moram tracturum Albae Grascae, Belgrade nunc denoniinataj, non alium in finem, quam ut ministros Portae circumvi- cinos huic regno instiget ad invasionem. Scribitur etiam, Venetos navali praelio victores, tantam Turcis intulisse cladem, uti, (sunt verba ipsa autoris mei soliti,) revera Constantinopolitani timore consternati quasi ob- stupuerint. Quid si Deus exercituum ingeminaret vic- toriam ? Etenim praeter diversionem, vix ullum aliud regno huic caduco suppetere videtur remedium. Soleo ego divisos regnicolarum animos constringere hocce trilemmate. In hoc rerum statu adeo ancipiti simul ac praecipiti, oportet aut prodere aut dedere, aut defen- dere. Prodere non Ucet, quia crimen, atque etiam sine successu. Dedere non decet, quia probrum, simul ac supplicium. Defendere autem decus, imm^ debitum officium jure naturae, gentium, omni jure. At ubi vires inquiunt ? Respondeo 1°. In Deo et causa jus- tissima. 2°. In unanimitate duplici, membi'orum cum capite, et inter se : Ita ut capiti sit potissima cura totius conservandi, quippe salus populi. Siquidem (uti palam proclamavi in comitiis Szamosirvariensibus (certo cer- APPENDIX. 351 tius divisionem scquetur invasio. 3. In mancipiorum (vulgo jobagionum) selectorum (qui sint viri gvaviores, noil inopes, patresfamilias, fama2 integrae, satius aliis dare libertatem, (opus Divinium) quam prae diabolica invidia, vel nialitia perdere libertatem et aliorum, et etiam suam) decimatione simul ac einancipatione, con- ditionatd tamen (qualis erat libertorum apud Roma- nos). At dum pleriq. trepidantes consultant, et nihil concludunt, periculum evidens est in mora, ne hostis jam multiplicans invadat inopinantes. Soleo iterum ad stimulum, invertere proverbium Hungaricum, meg holt Hunijadi Janos et rolt or erosseg. Interim interest conscientiae Celsitudinis vestrae regnum a Deo sibi, ad tempus tantum commissum, aut salvare aut solvere, ne dissolvatur, funditus ; ut etiam, deleatur ex animo regni- colarum infixa ilia sententia inauspicata, quod Celsitudo vestra est causa horum malorum ; quam imputationem avertat Deus a capite Celsitudinis vestras in die judicii extremi. Ita orat ardenter, illustrissime Princeps ac Domine clementissime. Celsitudinis Vestrae, Servus fidelis, idemque constans, IsAACUS BaSIRIUS. Ex Vestra Metropoli, 8 Aug. 1G58. P. S. Author meus Italus profunde veneratur vestram Celsitudinem. Legatus Regis Galliarum apud Portam cum suo unigenito adhuc detentus plurimum patitur. 352 APPENDIX. (B.) Serenissime Princeps ac Domine clementissime. NuDius TERTius per literas celsitudineni vestram prolixe sum veneratus : Absentia vestra, quasi invita, ex regno hoc, jam suo patre patriae orbato, ac proinde etiam, ni Deus prohibeat jamjam praedae Barbaricae, ni humanitus mature succuratur exponendo : Aggravata etiam est absentia Principalis locorum distantia, quaj utraque non solum mihi, sed et omnibus residuis hie vestris vere fidelibus, non tantum molestiam ingenerat verum etiam periculum adauget: Id ipsum ex quorun- dam literis hac ipsa Aurora acceptis intellexi : Petunt autem a me enixe, quid auxilii, quidve solatii sperare queant a vestrii Celsitudine in quam post Deum ipsum proni recumbunt. Creditur quod saltem pars exercitus vestri fidelior, adventu suo in regnum subitaneo, et ter- rorem hosti incuteret, et proditores, I'ebellesve, si qui forent, veluti freno injecto, compesceret ; vestros autem fiducia animaret, et Deus super omnia, ad erit bonis: Tales enim boni scilicet, ut ita dicam, fide implicita, confident in paternam vestram providentiam, in ves- tram providentiam occultam, simul et fortitudinem ves- tram manifestam. Dum haec cum debita submissione propono, ex studio conservationis conjunctas regni simul ac Principis (quippe, Princeps, quod tam saepe dixi, dico iterum, dicam semper, salus populi suprema lex esto) tantum abest, uti ego consilii dandi officium affec- tem, multo minus usurpem, quin potius, certis de causis, ore tenus revelandis, supplex oro Celsitudinem vestram uti verbo mihi mandet, ne consiliariorum, quocunque me APPENDIX. 353 advocante, ullo modo tenear me immiscere rebus vestvis Politicis, quaruni, utpote extra sphacram meam sclio- lasticam positarum, tractationem aversor. Tali nian- dato vovebo obedientiam ex animo. Avertat enim a capite meo Deus Funecii Nobilissimi alias Chronologi fatum funestum, quod ego vel ideo, consultt> retuli ad mensam Celsitudinis vestrae. Quum jam Dominorum vel Pastorum vel Rectorum, utpote familiolis suis in tuto collocandis occupatorum, nemo adsit hie in urbe, absente etiam reverendissimo ac clarissimo Domino Episcopo, ego cum generoso Do- mino Praefecto, sustineo moram hie trahere tantispex', partim in expectatione mandatorum Celsitudinis vestrae, partini donee studiosorum (circiter quinquaginta) reli- quias quindecim exceptis, sat bene armatas, in loco ali- quo tutiori disposuero pro virili. Etenim religio mihi est paucos praecipue inermes a patria procul dissitos cogere ad fugam invitos. Monui tamen universos, ne animati mea, hie loci perseverante presentia (ut ipsis, quod et feci, adsimconsilio et auxilio) negligant interea consulere saluti suae tempestive. Apothecam commendavi Domino praefecto, qui as- portandae ejusdem curam, suscepit. Typos Celsitudi- nis vestrae, ut et Exemplaria Collegii reposui in domo vestra capitula jam obmurata : Collegii bibliothecam curabo hodie, Deo dante. Hisce peractis, ni aliter jubeat vestra Celsitudo, cui ego morem geram, usque ad mortem, si opus fuerit Cibinium recedere stat senten- tia (fuit id ipsum Asylum meorum predecessorum pia3 memoriae in casu Bethleniano) nisi forte tardescens intercipiar, quod si contingat Deus me preparet, et fiat voluntas. Sed Deus meliora ! Expetiverim, quidem, ad A A 354 APPENDIX. ' Celsitudinem vestram hinc advolare, non tamen tarn ad securitatem meee personae, quam ex praevisione quadam ad libertatem conscientiae. Interea incredibile dictu quam hie passim omnia sint Punico terrore completa, unde etiam oppida desolata. Deus ex alto misereatur tot myriadum animularum, quae consilii juxta ac auxilii inopes necdum sciunt discer- nere dextvam inter et sinistram, quarum uti cura, simul ac saius, quantum fieri potest, ne excidat ex memoria, immo conscientia Celsitudinis vestrae vehementissime eandem adjuro per Deum ipsum, earundem vestrumque communem Creatorem. Quis scit, Princeps, an Deus sapientissimus hanc angustia? matronalis horam praepa- raverit ex destinato ad gloriam suam et decus vestrum in cardine, ergo macte Deo Auspice. Ptolemaei Lagidae Regis y^gypti aequitas et sapien- tia efFecit uti Soteris (id est Servatoris) cognomen indi- pisceretur: utinam talem Sotera, salvatorem, populi hujusce afflictissimi hodie Deus statuat celsitudinem vestram ! Amen. De Palatini auxilio nullus dubito quin Celsitudini vestrae, utpote abunde experts, occurrat illud Plauti- num Captiv. Act. 2, Seen. 2. vers. 5, 6, " Qui cavet ne decipiatur, vix cavet, cum etiam cavet ; etiam cum ca-. visse ratus est, SEepe is cautor captus est." Quod ut ne fiat, finio, uti soleo, voto tergemino, uti Deus exerci- tuum Celsitudinem dirigat vestram consilio, protegat auxilio, prosperet successu : Ita vovet ardens Illiistrissime Princeps ac Domine clementissime, Celsitudinis vestrae, Servus fidelis idemque constans, ISAACUS BaSIRIUS. Ex vestra Alba Julia, 12 Aus. 1658. APPENDIX. 355 P. S. Tabellarius vester elapsus neglexit banc epis- tolam : Ergo non me sed ilium culpet Celsitudo vestra : appvecatus enim fueram ipsius gratiam ad lianc defe- rendam. (C.) Serenissime Princeps ac Domine clementissime. Ex quo superiore hebdomada novissimae vestrae literiE, fortitudinis simul ac prudentias Principales testes locupletes, mihi sunt redditae, ego binas scvipsiad Celsi- tudinem vestram, prima 8" Aug. altera 12" exarata. Jam vero occasione generosi Domini Georgii Kerczegi ad Celsitudinem vestram abiturientis scribo tertic>, idemque suggero. — Nempe inter fideles vestros credi- tur quod si exercitus vestri saltern pars aliqua strenua, experta, eademque fidelis in praecipuis, atque etiam juste stipendiata, absque ullii in regnum violentia, tem- pestive hue amandaretur, quorsum opus est; eadem militia vestra adventu suo in regnum subitaneo, Deo benedicente, ipsisque bene se gerentibus, tria magna regno liuic frebrieitanti prjEstare possent remcdia salu- taria : Siquidem et bosti extra regnum adbuc, ut audio trepidanti, terror incuteretur: et intra regnum proditores rebellesve si qui tales forent, praeverteret, ac yeluti fraeno injecto, compesceret ; fideles autem ves- tros, hie non protectos, fiducia coanimaret. Si id con- silium nondum executioni mandatum sit, mature facto opus esset, cum debita tamen semper submissione dic- tum sit, salva semper ea, quam toties inculcavi Celsitu- dini vestrop, fundamentali ilia regnorum omnium maxima, A A 2 356 APPENDIX. " salus populi siiprema lex esto ;" salvo etiam tractatus pacis cum hoste, tametsi barbaro, ineundi jure gentium, ni luce palam appareat fucatus tantum sive insidiosus. Dum heec propono ex zelo meo semper conjuncto pro regni simul ac Principis indivuls^ incolumitate tantum. Aug. IG, 1658. Hora decima nocturna. (D.) Hosanna i. e. salva nos quffiso. Illustrissimo celsissimoque Principi ac Domino, Do- mino Georgio Racoczi, Domino nostro clementissimo, &c. Isaacus Basirius, S.D. Heri vesperi, sero tandem, accepi expetita celsitudinis vestras mandata, quae exequar alacer. Ta- metsi, uti verum fatear liic ego loci, ad invalitudinem usque cum plui'imis conflictor incommoditatibus, veluti domicilii astati meae, hybernae tempestati et negotio vestro peragendo, prorsus incongrui: diaetae (in absen- tia vestra praecipue) fortuitae ; defectus pecuniarum debitarum, simul ac promissarum de jure, minime vero persolutarum de facto, quamvis exhaurior ; destitutionis scribee, instrument! necessarii, quem Celsitudo vestra promiserat, necdum tamen praestitit mihi, dudum alias absoluturo opus, quod solis meis humeris imposuisti, baud leve istud, neque factu perinde, neque dictu fa- cile : Judicabit posteritas ; perficio tamen sedulus pro virili. Haec quidem facilius devoro, verum interea, noctes diesque vehementer angor animi, dum cerno un- APPENDIX. 357 diquaque statum vestrum labascentem, nee tamen sen- tire vel si sentis, satis prjEcavere videris. Absit ut ego unqiiam aninuini detraham meo principi, quin potius et addidi et addam, non in raundo sed in Domino, qua precibiis ardentibus, qua obsequiis nieis fidelibus con- stantibus : Verum enimvert>, Domine clemcntissinie, palam est quod Turca teeum ludit, utinam ne etiam tan- dem vitae vestrae illudat : Tyrannus Transylvanise prodit magis magisque immo fertur jam in procinctu. Arcana autem vestra pro salute populi, suprema lege, rimari non capio nedum cupio ; attamen interea populus Cbris- tianus perit, veluti molas inter duas, dudum contritus totus, de cujus finali exitio, in casu, ad diem judicii, severa ratio reddenda sine respectu personarum — nempe, clementissime Domine, sum theologus, pro ta- lento, utinam etiam pro raerito atque ut theologus, quod ego aliquando celsitudinem vestram ore tonus idipsum jam repeto calamo atque Scriptura Sacra duce, recta ratione comite, assero intrepidus, quod quam certo Celsitudo vestra expectat, atque etiamnura exigit a po- pulo suo, jam attonito, fidelem subjectionem ; tam certo Celsitudo vestra jure divino, atque etiam vinculo jura- menti sui debet, quantum in se, populo suo prasstare eminentem directionem, simul ac protectionem non tan- tum a periculo, veriim etiam a metu justo, utpote impe- dimento bene vivendi, et Deo serviendi animo quieto, sive tranquillo : Qui revera esse debet finis proposi- tus omni bono Principi, simul ac Regimini. Quaeso pervideat, ac probe ponderet conscientia vestra hacc Dei oracula, praecipue tria Psalm. 72, vers. 6, 7, Esai. cap. 32, v. 2, St. Pauli Epist. I. ad Timoth. cap. 2. vers. 2, et Deus applicet ad cor vestrum. 358 APPENDIX. Scripsisti ad me, celsissime Princeps, Thasnadino, 13 August! ; Mandasti etiam mihi, uti idem orbi publica- rem, quod sicuti pastor bonus debet, paratus fuisti ani- mam tuam ponere pro ovibus tuis : Laudavi et feci. Interim avertat Deus ne contra, prae temeritate vel desperatione in hoc praecipitio quasi positus, oves tuas ponas pro anima tua ; quorsum jam fere casum publicum devenisse, etiam fideles, sed eo ipso miseri ingemis- cunt. Absit autem a principali pastore cogitatio atra, " si peream, pereant et alii :" Vox infanda ethiiico aliquo Nerone quam Principe Christiano dignior. , Clementis- sime domine, nee adulator sum, nee adorator principum ; fidelissimus tamen admonitor in mea tantCim sphaerii. Nonne dudum prsedixi desertionem universalem ? Jam res ipsa loquitur. Quot in Transylvaniam remearunt ? At " vestigia nulla retrorsum." Aula, exercitus, comita- tus, evidenter, cerse instar, colliquescens indies diffluit. Miseresco innocentum. Interest conscientias vestrae regni Christiani reliquias, humanitus loquendo jamjam perituras, vel salvare, si revera potes, quod faxit Deus ; vel solvere, si non potes salvare, ne culpa vestra, dissol- vatur funditus. Non sine mysterio Spiritus Sanctus Danielis, cap. iv. principem comparat magnae arbori sub cujus umbra oves, non brutae istae, sed rationales, in cujus ramis aves nidificant At arbore succisa et cadente oves obruuntur, aves quoque cum nidis suis decutiuntur. Sacrum boni principis Hieroglypliicon est arbor ista : cujus radix est Pietas, truncus Prudentia, rami Poten- tia, fructus Justitia, Clementia, ut rectissime observavit clarissimus Alstedius vester. Ecce, celsissime domine, in te regni domus inclinata recumbit: Quis sustentabit.^ Austriaco non licet; Sueco non jam vacat: Misero APPENDIX. 359 Hiingaro nunc ehcu ! plus satis diviso, dejccto ctiam- num atque detrito, non suppetit. Dc futuvo ex pr;vtc- rito rationari possunuis, imnio debemus : OccuUani Dei voluntatem riinari nefos, adorare necessc : Sed se- cundum voluntateui Dei revelatam ex eventu sapicntcr ambulanduui. " Contra quis ferat arnia Deos ?" Noune igitur satius osculari manum Dei pro tempore, adver- sam quam obstinatius contra nitendo eandem fortassis aggravare ab ira ad furorem ? Nonne gloriosius desi- nere quam deficere, descendere quam cadere ? Nonne in annalibus apud posteros, celebrius cadere sponte, salvo hseredis jure, quam invitum expelli, et ni Deus interponat, exscindi, et historia fieri ? Nonne pendens mercator in naufragii periculo projicit suas merces ut salvet seipsum ? Numquid desunt exempla : Nonne Carolus V. Imperator superiori seculo partim ad diver- tendum ab imperio torrentem Turcarum imperio cessit ultro ? Nonne Regina Sueciae Christina, utinam id etiam salva religione, nuper coronam manu propria de- posuit ? Sed quid exotica memoro, si suppetunt domes- tica, immo avita? Nonne Celsitudinis vestrae Avus Si- gisnmndus, nonne StephanusBethlen gloriosae memoriae ambo cesserunt? Immo verc\ ut altius supervolemus, nonne rex regum ipsus Jesus Christus propter salutem populi, adeoque legibus etiam, ad exemplum, in casu, seipsum exinanivit, forma servi accepta, &c. S. Pauli Epist. ad Philip. Cap. 2, vers. 7, 8. Durus sermo, in- quies. At durior in die judicii, imputatio regni Chris- tian! desolati, forsan deleti, siquidem propriae abnega- tionis fortassis temporariae tantum, medio generoso regnum a totali excidio, adhuc probabiliter potest redi- mi? Duo dicam fidens : Unum quod cum Rakocziana familia illustrissima extitcrit, jam velut ex traduce reli- 360 APPENDIX. gionis orthodoxre in regno Hungariae, post Deum co- lumna ipsa (quag prerogativa sacra, prae coronii quavis terrena debet esse gloria vestra) nollem banc subrui, ne ista etiam succumbat : Igitur " durate et vosmet rebus servate secundis." Celebenimum Rakocianae familiae decus quod nimi- rum, Illustrissimus Sigismundus Rakoci Avus vester gloriosae memoriae, propriis sumptibus prima omnium Biblia Hungarica integra, ipse cum aliis piis proceribus Hungaricis, curavit imprimi Vitolini anno 1 590; Ignos- cat Celsitudo vestra, si contristoi*, quia Celsitudo vestra exemplo Avi et aliorum benefactorum instiganda, nec- dum unum verbum respondit ultimo supplici libello a me, neglecto meipso, pro maturanda dudum suspensa, Bibliorum Hungaricorum editione accuratiore, porrecto. Quid inde? Dicunt (excusare velim) quod Celsitudo vestra magis amat, atque etiam curat aurum atque ar- gentum suum, quam Sacra Biblia ; quod absit. Alterum timeo, utinam vanus timor, ne supplantato, brevi, ex regno Transylvanise omni prorsus principe Christiano (propter peccata nationalia et personalia) justo Dei judicio, plantetur tandem ibidem unus purpuratus Otto- manicus ; et tunc ubi religio, ubi libertas ? Hujus com- missi imputationem vel participationem minimam abar- ceat Deus a capite Celsitudinis vestrae. Concludo,praeter literalem imaginum cultum secundo Decalogi praecepto prohibitum, duo sunt praecipue pec- cata, quag Spiritus Sanctus criminatur idolatriae crimine: Primum expresse est avaritio idolatria dicta Ephes. Cap. 5, vers. 5. Immo judice eodem Apostolo, radix omnium malorum est amor pecuniae. Epist. 1. ad Timotli. Cap. 6, vers. 10. Alterum implicite est fidu- APPENDIX. 3GI cia in propria intelligentia, cum saepissime Deus Zclo- typus infatuare solet destituens successu, quia idolatriir genus est quoddam subtilius, (monitore principe, om- nium mere mortalium sapientissimo Salomone Pro- verb. Cap. 3, vers. 5, fiduciam habeto in Domino pro- priae autem intelligentia}, nota ben^, ne innititor) ac proinde maxime praecavendum vitium idque propter sui latentiam, ut loquimur in scholis. Ab utroque ho- rum, immo a vitiis et erroribus universis et singulis, Deus ter optimus maximus liberet sacram animam vestram, suo dirigendo consilio, protegendo auxilio, prosperando successu. In quo voto ardenti desino sincerus orator, humilis deprecator. Vale illustrissime Princeps ac Domine clementissime, atque minus scribens, plus Deum orans, ac fideles ves- tros consulens, macte ut bonum Principem decet, salute publica regni totius, adhuc si pote. Ex Arce Varadm, 29 Decemb. 1658. P. S. Pro sereno in gratiam Celsitudinis vestrae rcgni- que conjunctim, uti semper feci, supplico, suspirans annum insequentem, superiori fatali, auspicatiorem, si voluerit Deus, cui vos resigno. Respondetur gratiose 3°. Januar. tandem 1°. Aprilis Cessionis Actus. [Basiriana manu et charactere insequitur Dilemma.] Actus iste aut fuit, pro rerum statu neccssarius, aut non : si non, cur cessit ? Si fuit, cur non cessit tcmpes- tive, cur culpatur consilium ? 362 APPENDIX. No. VIII. Amicoium suorum, Amicissimo Domino Martino Her- berto Crucensi, Patrias Scholae Moderatori soleitis- simo, meritissimo, Salutem utriusque Vitae uberrimam. Feliciter confecto itinere Tragopolim usque post meum a te discessum Martine mellitissime, sin- gulari quadam Dei providentia hie loci incidi in Pre- ceptorem nostrum mevitissimum D. Isaacum Basivium, lit omnium proborum, ita tui et mei non minus aman- tissimum, hie antiquum obtinens, me plurimis humani- tatis mactavit officiis, nunquam satis a me pensandis. Quia vero vir excellentissimus quaedam suorum opus- culorum, quibus ob temporis iniquitatem orbatus est, ipse ex meis MS. quondam ad calamum nobis dictatis, a me expetiit, horum viro excellentissimo copiam dene- gare piaculum fore duxi; dispiciens vero de commodii ilia nanciscendi occasione, te mihi delegi, utpote cui amicorum fido omnium maxime, quique ilia quae volo, intelligis optime, ut turn excellentissimo Domino Prae- ceptori nostro, tum mihi gratificeris tantum, et tracta- tum ipsius metaphysicum de perfeeto et imperfect© itemque de pulchro, tum etiam Antigynaco Mastygen, e meis Scriptis, (quorum tibi copiam facient mei dilec- tissimi parentes) transcribas, et transcriptos prima cum occasione Epperiessinum, ad primarium hujus loci Pas- torem D. Magistrum Abr. Eckhardum transmittas, quo APPENDIX. 3G3 tibi bonum virum demerebcris mir^, simul et mcuni, cjuo te semper prosequor amorem, si videro mca quidquam apud te valuissc petitio, tanto accendes et instigabis impensius. Vale, meque per tuas preces Domino commenda iii- defessus. Tuus ad animoe dispendium temporiscjue. Georgius Huttervs. Eppcrissimo, 9 Junii 1G59. 5G4 APPENDIX. No. IX. Illustrissime Princeps, ac Domine Clem. Deus Exercituum armis vestris in suo nomine, ad sui gloriam susceptis, benedicat propitius, in conso- lationem fidelium vestrorum, et confusionem hostium, sive apertorum sive occultorum (quod inimicorum genus opertum longe periculosius, ergo cavendum ab iis maxi- me.) Vivo persuasus adeo de bona conscientia Celsi- tudinis Vestrae, uti in animum inducam Celsitudinem Vestram curam mei nequaquam abjecisse, tametsi, (proptei* gravissima sua negotia concatenata) ne ver- bum quidem, quod sciam, scripsit ad me, aut de me, ex quo revocatus versor in hac Aula : in qua quidem, Domina nostra clementissima (conthoralis Celsitudinis Vestrae illustrissima) abunde mihi prospicit quoad prae- sentaneam sustentationem, cujus gratiosissimam benevo- lentiam praedicabo ubicunque gentium. Reverendo ac Clarissimo Domino Varallyaio adjungere me comitem percupiebam, uti coram venerarer vultum Celsitudinis Vestrae, mihi diu non visum, verum clementissima Do- mina dissuasit ad tempus. Ne gravetur interea loci atque temporis C. V. suum erga me animum, aut de me pro- positum significare verbo, uti queam prospicere familiae meae (conjugi scil. et liberis quinque carissimis) nimium destitutae, ex defectu stipendii mihi debiti, sed adhuc insoluti, quo de nuUus dubito, in fine, quem negotiis APPENDIX. 3G5 vestris semper augustum, semper ficlicem voveo. Interim, in hiic statione minime otior, prosequens sedulo ncgo- tiationes vestras, partim Italicam, partim Germanicam. Testes sunto tot expeditiones a me ad C. V. missae (ex quo hie loci dego) ad quas nihil instructionum accepi a C. V. Hac ipsa die Viennam et Venetias scripsi fus^, partem faciei rerum vestrarum serenam iis obvertens, nubilam ab iis abscondens, pro more fidelitatis meae. Ah, mi Domine clementissime, causam justissimam habes, utinam ne injustitia gentis, et personarum nos- trarum eidem praeponderet ! Modo ne praesumamus. Circa statum vestrum valde me solatur et sustentat locus insignis Deuteronom. 32, v. 26, 21, 28, 29, 30.* " Dix- issem angulatim profligem eos : faciam ut cesset e mor- talibus memoria eorum : Nisi indignationem ab inimico metuissem, ne ignorent hostes illorum : ne dicant, ex- celsa manus nostra fuit, nee Jehova operatus est omnia haec. Nam gens perdita consiliis sunt, et nulla est in eis intelligentia. Utinam saperent, intelligerent ista : animum adverterent ad finem suum. Quomodo prose- queretur unus mille, et duo fugarent myriadem." Loca haec fide applica, Princeps, et age poenitentiam in Dei nomine ; et tunc de successu vestro vivo securus. Heec scribo Christianus Professor ad Christianum Principem, ad quem eo fui fusior, quia metus ne negotiorum undae (quibus non obrui miror) non sinant emergere ad de- bitam Sacrorum BibHorum (quod est pabulum anima>, partis longeexcellentioris) lectionem quotidianam, saltem toties quoties. Eadem Biblia Integra pervolvit illustrissi- * Parallela loca extant Ezech. cap. 20, v. 9. 14. 44. Item, cap. 3G, V. 21, 22. 36G APPENDIX. mus parens mem. glor. (etiamsi bellis suis graviter oc- cupatus,) ni fallor ex ore vestro vicies et septies, ad immortalem nominis sui gloriam; quam uti C. V. asse- quatur in utroque orbe, tarn terrestri, quam coelesti, vovet ardens : Domine clementissime Celsitudinis Ves- trae et familia? totius Illustrissimac Rakoczianae, Servus fidelis, constans, veridicus, usque ad Aras, Js. Basirius, S. S. Th. Dr. Raptini ex Szekelyliid die 13 Decembr. CIqIqCLIX. APPENDIX. 3G7 No. X. (A.) JEHOV.E VEXILLO NOSTRO D. T. O. M. ET MEMORl^ jETERN^E SACRUM. FORTES CREANTUR FORTIBUS. Celsissimus Georgius Rakoczy II. Transylvaniae Princeps, partium Regni Hungaria? Dominus et Sicu- lorum Comes, &c. Principum Nepos, Filius, Pater : Veras Religionis Cultor constantissimus, Confessionis Avitae Columna, etiam spe Regni tentata, immota tamen : Libertatis Christiano-Hungaricae Assertor ardentissi- mus : Suorum Populorum, tametsi parte, eheu ! invito- rum, ingratorum, ad ultimuni Potentiae Defensor stre- nuus, Regum Socius firmissimus, Sociorum Principum Oppressorum non semel, nee id sue sine damno, fidus in Thronum Restitutor. Qui Regiam Conjugem Cel- sissimam Sophiam Bathori Illustrissimum Gnatum uni- cum Franciscum, Sanguinem, denique proprium Chris- tian© Nomini posthabuit, Heros magnanimus tantum non ad Excessum : Quem Orbis timor, Turca, semper timuit, nunquam terruit, nedum domuit ; Etsi semel superavit, permittente Fato Genti infenso: quamdiu vivus (Hei superstitibus ! jam enim mortuum brevi non lugebunt, sed plangent, serio, tametsi sero, poster! ma- joribus saniores, si veri Hungari) vita ipsa quam vel unico terras Gentilitiae pede cedere malens inter medios Barbarorum Regni Christiani invasorum (proh homi- num fidem ! a suis contra se irritatorum introvocatorum) gladio suo fatali acervatim mactatorum cumulos, pri- 368 APPENDIX. miim lethaliter sauciatus, demum die sexto Junii, Anno 1660, iEtatis 39, mens. 4. in Arce Varadino, Clavi Hungaiiae a se sanctissime conservata, pro Patria oc- cubuit gloriosus, postmodo resurrecturus gloriosior, regnaturus gloriosissimus. (B.) Epitaphium Monumento Marmoreo incisum PataMni -'• in Hungaria. SISTE MORTALIS, ET STUPE, NAM HIC JACET MAGNUM MAGNI CREATORIS MAGISTERIUM PILA FORTUNii:, GENTI DECUS, SED ET GENTIS DEDECUS : OB VIRTUTEM INCOMPARIBILEM, SED INVISAM. HIC EST CELSISSIMUS GeORGIUS RaKOCZI II. PRINCEPS Transylvania, principum serie splendidissimus ; QUI DUM ANTICHRISTUM ORIENTALEM AB OVILI ChRISTI PROPULSAT SOLUS, EHEU, SOLUS PATITUR ChRISTI MARTYR. NOVISSIMUM SPIRITUM BELLO FORTITER EFFUDIT : VITAM TEMPORIBUS BREVEM, LABORIBUS GRAVEM, CORONANS MORTE GLORIOSA ORBIS MONARCHIS INVIDENDA DIE & JUNII, A. U. T. 1660, ATATIS 39, MENS. 4, CEU SOL TANTISPER OCCUBUIT QUIA BREVI REFULSURUS STERNUM. APPENDIX. 3G9 George Ragotzki was of a tall and well-proportioned stature, black hair, and a frizled beard : his eyes quick and lively, of an active body and healthy constitution : his spirit was high and great, which betrayed him to extravagancies : his comportment was generous and courteous towards all, which rendered him exceeding beloved and esteemed by his nobility. He was free in his speech and eloquent in his expressions, prudent in his counsels and enterprizes — had not the quickness and vivacity of his soul made him something rash and violent in his attempts : he was of the Protestant reli- gion, leaving behind him a widow and a son of hopeful and happy endowments. — Knolliss History of the Turks, 1661. Excellentissimo, Clarissimo, Nobilissimoque Viro Do- mino Isaaco Basirio S. S. Theologiae Doctori celeber- rimo Andreas Hervat Rector, Ep. S. P. D. Studium ad niei amantissimos scribendi vel rescribendi in me hactenus non defuit. Simul ac in notitiam Excellentiae tuae deveni eam sanctissime colere studui, amicitiamque semel initam, si Tabellarius, tem- pusque exararjdi non defuit, crebra scriptione refricavi. A Festo Laurenti quod compellandi officium intermise- rim, causa in numerato est, nimirum quod neque ego neque tui Epereschini studiosissimi locum in quo ex- cellentissimo vir, vel viveres vel num viveres, ut ut scire ex animo avebamus scire potuimus : tantum ergo abest, ut ego literas novissime ad me ab amico Basirio datas acceperim. Quocirca nolim amorem vel necessitudi- R IJ 370 APPENDIX. nem nostram scriptione nietiri, praesertim eum cujus creberrima mentio ad mensam primarii nostri pastoris, vel alibi apud alios etiam fit. Num honestissime de te sentiam, vel officia ainicitige de me amicus mens pol- liceri debeat, indicio esse possunt literae Domini Doc- toris Altanii, qtias inclusas Excellentiae tuae mitto. In nostro horizonte res nostrse nondum extra periculum videntur esse. Expectatur indies de novo. Quinde- cim millium numerus fertur ; hunc alius subsequetur, iterumque alius : Cui bono ambigitur ; varii varia con- jectantur. Deus et dies nobis certiora adferent, forsan primo vere. Trepidatum est hactenus ad singulos ru- rnusculos. Utinam a trepidationibus signorum mili- tarium liberi in timore Domini salutem operari valea- mus. Sed meliori et certiori passu ad vestram horizon- tern avisa veniunt. Totius Europae geterna pax decan- tabatur, si quid tamen aeternam in sublunaribus. Nos maximopere formidine implent Turcae ; metuendum enim ne illi fortuna inebriati secunda, limites quos pri- mum bello suo posuerant, transgi'ediantur. Vale, vir excellentissime, in Domino Jesu cum illus- trissima Aula Redaiana Deo dicatii. Pridie Cal. Februar. Anno 1661. P. S. Scribenda fuissent plurima ; sed chartae ea committere piaculum hac temporis periodo est. Ite- rum atque iterum vale, Excellentissime, clarissimo, nobilissi- moque viro D. Isaaco Basirio, S. S. Theologise Doctori celebemmo, fautori et amico in Christo vene- ranclo. Idem qui supra manu suapJe. APPEXDIX. 371 No. XI. Illustrissime Celsissimeque Princeps, ac Domine, Do- mine Clementissime. Docui olim Celsitudinem vestram (uti caetera fidelissime) quod, justitia firmatur solium principum. Proverb, xvi. vers. 12. Oraculum hoc divinum est, ergo minime contemnendum ; namque reges in ipsos imperium est Jovis. Summam injuriam ego patior, quod cum janidudum abire deberem, vocatus ei rege, negatur mihi stipendium meum promissum a celsissimo principe vestro parente memoriae gloriosa^, pro quo tam vivo, quam mortuo, quanta fccerini et quanta passus sim, abunde notam omnibus, prascipue celsissimo Fran- cisco, cui confido. Istius autem stipendii quod sit mihi debitor princeps luce meridiana clarius est : quia autem Deojuvante principem Franciscum logicum feci. Ergo ratio prima ; quia princeps me ex collegio vocavit ad se, et quia vocanti parui, collegium negavit solutionem. Ratio secunda, quia propter illam meam fidelitatem et obedientiam erga principem bona mea omnia perdidi in Transylvania. Ratio tertia, quia princeps ipse pro- misit, mihi solvere debitum istud collegii, promissum autem facit debitum : Nam aliquoties ostendi vestrae Celsitudini promissum principis parentis propria manu firmatum. Ratio quarta, quia debitum mihi istud col- legii stipendium non solvit mihi princeps de suo, sed de collegii ipsius pecuniis quas accepit Princeps Dobrecini BB 2 372 APPENDIX. ad summam sex mille florenoriim, in confesso contra tot tamque claras rationes ne patiatur Celsitudo vestra ullum adulatorem iterum imponere celsissimae Dominae matri quod mihi solutum sit, quum reverA non sit solu- tum : Tales enim quaerunt magis, in suum emolumen- tum favorem vestrum, quam honorem. Quern honoreni ego semper duxi praeferendum isti, quia sum fidelis principi cuicunque servio : quod igitur, Deum testor, quotidie oro, uti tempore suo Celsitudinis vestrae solium exaltet. Ipsemet istud faxis exorem, perseverando in vera religione (quod mihi aliisque persuadere studeo) atquejus suum cuique tribuendo; ac proinde mihi ut- pote, Celsitudinis Vestrae Servo hsereditario, fideli, Veridico, constanti IsAACO Basirio. Raptissimfe ex Husst, 27 Maii, 1661. P. S. Per Deum immortalem obseero Celsitudinem Vestram ne tertius hie nuntius mens, sumptibus meis iterum conductus revertatur vacuus ; celebrabo Celsi- tudinis Vestrae gratiam. Clarissime ac Doctissime Vir, Domine Observandissime. Per Reverendum D. Selyei nullateniis vacabat nuperrim^ vestrae reverendae et clarissimae Dominationi ad honorificas literas mihi scriptas respondere ; multo minus negotium apud celsissimum principem promovere APPENDIX. 373 at tunc abitum versus Munleats parantcm, ubi jam suam Celsitudinem agitantem vestiix? Claritati datur occasio satis idonea, super suo debito obtinendo, requirendi. Me quod attinct paratus semper sum vestrsu Claritati quaevis gratificandi studia pro posse meo pra^starc ubi- cunque locorum opera indigeant mea : raaneo Clarissime Domine Tibi addictissimus Stepiianus Dalmady. Patakini, 15 Maii, 1661. Clarissimo ac doctissimo viro D. Isaaco Basirio S. Sanctas Thcologia; Profcs- sori Domino mihi obsevvandissimo. Invitatio ad officium Pra?sidis in Synodo Partial!, Viskini in Com. Maramoros Hungarici llegni, 19 Mai. 1661. Salutaria omnia et secunda ! Excellentissime ac clarissime Domine. Maximo nobis et honori et emolumento cadere arbitramur, si vestrae Excellentiae copiam nanciscamur in hac nostra necessitate singulari. Itaque secundum nuperam factam de instituenda nostra Synodo partial! institutionem, nomine SanctaB Fraternitatis nostras Ex- cellentem Paternitatem Vestram oratam imm6 exora- tam, esse velim, ne itineris tanta molestia territa, sub- trahat suum debitum, et Ecclesioe Dei sanctissime dica- 374 APPENDIX. turn officium et subsidiuin, Deo primum, post et nobis rem gratissimani pra;stitura. V^aleat prosperriin^ vestra Paternitas. Vestrae ExcellentiaB addictissimusj Stepii. p. Tiiotfalusi. D. O. M.* Hie Resurrectionem expectat Generosus Stephanus de Szentamas, Celsissimorum Georgii Racoczi Senioris, postea etiam Junioris, Regni Transylvaniae Princi- pum, Conciliarius, et in Judiciis Pia^sidens, ac ad Portam Ottomanicam Legatus. Obiit Die Jan A. D. IG47. SisTE gradum, jacet hie (hospes) Szalaneides lieros, Patricii Stephanus sanguinis, atque loci. Iluic patrii tutela foci, sacrumque penatum, Imprimis aix sohcitudo fuit. Terrificos timuit quos Dacia saep^ tumores Eoi domuit, sustinuitque soli. /E\o (ac principibus) pacis fecialis amatac Jura suo retulit, destituitque acies. Heu, columen patriae, Dacius pugnator in aimis, Tullius in rostris, religionis honos, Sedulus exerces dum publica mvmia vitac Byzanti tellus te invidiosa rapit ! * This Epitaph is in Dr. Basiie's handwriting, with corrections, and is evidently an original rough cojiy- APPENDIX. 375 Ad patrios remearc focos, ac visere lares Sors vetat, exteiiiii contumularis humo. Molliter ossa cubent, donee rediviva resuvgant, Clangat et angclicus clarior orbe sonus. Gabriel Szalanei filius parcntans moestus posuit die . . . Mens . . . A. D. 1654. Viro, omnium Scientiarum genere Doctissimo, Reve- rend© Domino Isaaco Basirio S. S. Theologian Doc- tori, Patris vice honorando, Thom. Apacay, S. D. Reverende Domine, LiTERAS tuas Novembri mense scriptas, cum reditu meo ex Tarcal, ab asdibus Soceri, longo sane intervallo, post a solemni Servatoris nostri natali, hu- manitatis, eruditionis, officiique omnis plenissimas, ac- cepi ; quibus quoniam me immerentem invisere non de- dignatur, non possum tantam modestiam atque huma- nitatem quin exosculer cum admiratione, eo magis quia mei tanto tempovis spatio et locorum intercapedine non sit oblitus. Rogo tamen, ne meae desidiae aut negli- gentige, sed absentiae imputet dilationem responsi ; certo sciatque nuUas alias praeter has quibus respondeo, me vidisse, non enim sum is, qui tanti viri erga me conatum et affectum fastu aut negligentia repellerem aliquo : nunc autem quum adsim, provocet ad sibi serviendum, quod pro officio libentcr agnosco, et spondeo me non defuturum. 'Ex tyj^ Trepav v\r,g non strepit apud nos rumor; spero, sed quis sit exitus nostrarum ignore 37G APPENDIX. reruni. Nihil memorabilis habeo, quum nunc recens aclvolavim, quod transcribendo dignum censevem ; sed me his tibi, vir ampHssime, doctissime, teque conser- vandum ad meliora, divinofavori animitus recommendo. Vale itaque, et a men conjuge salutem impertiente, bona verba accipe, quae de vobis semper bene meretur. Vestrae Reverentiae totus quantus est addictissimus, Servitor paratissimus Thomas Tsen. Apacay. Dabantur Coerro-Patakini, 28 Febr. 1661. Antiquo generis splendore, pietate, eru- ditione, viro clarissimo Domino Isaaco Basirio, S. Sanctse Theologiae Doctori, et nunc pro Christiana rcligione exu- lanti, forti ct animoso Christi servo et Domino Patris vice honoi-ando. Reverende Domine Vice-Patris honorande. Bin AS vestrae Reverentige literas, unas jam ante, alteras verc> non pridem accepi ; utrisque inclusas, excellentissimo Domino legato suae majestatis fideli- ter praesentavi : sed quia ad priores responsorias, sua Excellentia alterius fidei transmittendas commiserat, usque dum fato in illas incidi ; cunctatae sunt in cancel- laria, apud Dominum Balthasarem scribam suae Celsi- tudinis. At nunc cum officii, turn beneficii accepti haud immemor, sponte se, occasione, cum discessu hinc Munkacsinum, generosi Domini Nicolai Boer, ofFerente, utrasque meis inclusas transmisi, sperans certo illas ac- APPENDIX. 377 cepturam vestram Excellentiam, cui prospera (pucque voveo covdicitus. Pro novis mecum coniniunicatis gra- tiam habeo, hinc alia sed tristia, per Dominum Nico- launi Boer, scribentem, de aulas hujus statu, habebit, cui illud unice commisi. Unam mecum salutem vestrae reverendge conjunx mea apprecatur, et, ut brevi facie vestrae Reverentiae utar opto, Deoque ardentissim^ com- mendo, ipsi vero me recommendo. V^estrae Reverentiaj ex morte renatus filius, et servitor paratiss. Thomas Apacay. Datum ex Patak. 8 Octobr. IGGO. P. S. Celsissimae principis defunctae corpus huma- bitur, ipsique parentabitur 17 praesentis. Sed de filio ejus defuncto sepeliendo, et jam in alienum locum forti^ transportando, mult6 secius, quam cum hie erat delibe- ratum est. Reverendo, ac clarissimo vivo, Domino Isaaco Basirio de Preaumoiit, S. Saacte Theologian Doctori, et Pro- fessori Meritissimo et Domino, Vice- Patris honorando. Viro plurimum Reverendo, Amplissimo, et Excellen- tissimo Domino Isaco Basirio S. S. Theol. D. Ccle- berrimo, Amico, Fratris ad modum charissimo M. Abraham Eccardus, Ecclesiae Eperiensis Pastor, S. D. Cum triste nuncium acciperem de exilio pi. R. Vest. Excell. vehementer perturbatus et conster- 378 APPENDIX. natus existimavi, satins et tutiiis fore, si propter militum rapacium excursiones, responsum ad vestras Patakinas, ne in manus Aquilinas incideret, suspenderem, ec> magis, quod non constiterit hactenus, quorsum devenisset pi. R. Vest. Excell. Deus Opt. Max. qui Excellentiam Vest, mirifice contra h ostium insidias pariter et insultus tutatus est, porro earn salvam et incolumem conservet, et ab onini malo clementer custodiat ! Nunc moram litterarum deberem prolixitate compensare : veriim adeo raultis districtus et distractus sum occupationibus laboribusque ecclesiasticis, ut vix paucis lineis vestra; possim satisfacere expectation! . Hei'i optimum ac in- tegerrimum virum Dominum Andream Peltjerum, ami- cum nostrum, utrinque fidelissimum, habitii a me con- cione funebri, sepulturse tradidimus. Gravibus et pe- riculosis morbis multi apud nos corripiuntur, et timen- dum est, ne ista semina in contagium abeant. Mea domus, qua? humillimam pi. R. Vest. Excell. salutem rescribit, adhuc, per Dei gratiam, rectissime valet. Ex Anglia, hoc habenius, de quibusdam regicidis sump- tum esse supplicium, inter quos classem ducunt Gene- ralis Major Harrison, Fleetwood, Colonellus alius, qui innocentissimo juxta et patientissimo Regi Carolo I. fumum ex tobaco in faciem venerandam exspuerat, Co- lonellus Hacker, et quidam Magister Hugo Petrus, qui in militia Cornettum, deinde sacerdotem Puritanum, et tandem carnificem egit, caputque regium a cervicibus amputavit. Carolo II. omnia ex voto et sententia fluunt, habetque successus maxime secundos, cujus augustis- simae coronationi dies vi. Febr. destinatus est. De bello Turcis inferendo multa sparguntur, sed si consilia ista penitus introspiciamus, omnia in perniciem Evan- APPENDIX. 370 gelicoi'um directa sunt. Dcus finorcm hunc furialem reprimat ! Ducatus illos, a Spillcnbergero magna dif- ficultate extortos, Domino M. Zabelero, secundum vcs- tram dispositionem, transmisi : pra^tcr duos florenos nullum recepi obolum ; eos ipsos igitur Domino Ilettei, si ad me redierit, tradam. Lectulus, quem indigitat Vest. pi. R. Excell. ad me missus non est; nee cum Domino Glosio, propter temporis augustiam, jam da- tur loquendi occasio. Alias et capulum et vexillum gloriosissimi principis, miro artificio et Corintheo opere factum vidi, nee quidquam, quoad inscriptiones, varia- tum, vel immutatum est. Mercatores ex Silesia refe- runt, itinera Wratislaviam versus non satis tuta esse a militibus, qui interdum in agros se elfundunt, pradandi causa quemadmodum et nost. Dominus M. Matthias Zimmerman, qui die 9 Oct. superioris anni, cum tota sua familia, Colditzium in Misniam, ad munus ecclesias- ticum ibidem capessendum, ^ nobis discessit, in prae- dones istos incidit, et bonam auri et argenti summam amisit. Plura non possum ob indigitatas occupationes. Vale, vir excellentissime, et me tui amantissimum reda- mare perge. Dab. Eperies, pridie Calendar. Febr. Anno 1661. Gratiam Dei Patris in Christo Vir admodum excellen- tissime, SuMMOPERE mihi perplacet brevis hie et ner- vosus orthodoxae fidei conceptus fundamentalis ; modt^ danda est opera ut in Polonicum Idioma conversus, 380 APPENDIX. baptizandi memoria per frequens exercitiuni, sub id tempus imprimatur. Valeat vivatque diu in bonum ecclesiae Dei afflictissimas atque laudem divinae gratiae. Ita vovet ex animo Steph. p. Tiiotfalusi, Ecclesiastes Hastiensis indignus. Excellentissime Domine Professor. Ignoscas quod interpellem, cogor tamen, angina jam me angit et cruciat, tonsillae ita (ab inflammatione crediderim) sunt tumefactae, ut vix possim quicquam deglutire, et id quidem non parvo cum dolore. Itaque rogo Vest. Excell. suo consilio me juvare et morbo meo mederi ne alienum .... S. Exc. nominis observantiss. cultor Stephan. H. Gelei. Excellentissime Domine, mihi colendissime. FiLiOLUM meum recens natum sacro baptismati initiari volens, eras, Deo volente, matutinam publicisque precibus in templo statam horam, esse decrevi. Cui quidem Sacramento, ut vestra quoque Excellentia in- teresse dignetur, seque compatrem infantulo devoveat, obnixe rogo. Factura erit in eo Deo gratum, Christi- anitati vero opus consonum, et nimis laudabile, perpe- tuisque servitiis meis recompensabile. Id quod predi- APPENDIX. 381 caturus ero apud maximi momenti quosUbet, ac omnino laetior evaclam, us us tanti summi theologi, ct magnam orbis partem peragrantis, sacra operii, cui me servum polliceor cum divinii benedictione. Joannes Zagoni. In Huzt, 22 Apr. 1661. Excellentissimo \nro Domino Isaaco Basirio, S. S. Theologiae Doctori, Domino mihi colendissimo. 382 APPENDIX. No. XII. Registrum paiticulaie Bonoruni a Isaaco Basirio S. Theol. D. in Transylvania derelictorum. 1 . Una cista picta rei vestiaria^ plena. 2. Una cista minor picta continens pocula argentea quatuor partim inaurata: cum cochlearibus ar- genteis numero sex. 3. Una altera cista lignea plena manuscriptis et in- strumentis scholasticis. 4. Corbis inagnus Turcicus coriaceus, vulgo sapet, refertus libris. 5. Vas unum continens supellectilem ad lectum per- linentem. Lectus fuit plumeus ampins. Cer- vical plumeum longum. Siparia circumcirca lectum ex serico viridi tectum, item lecti et stra- gula perinde sericea. Stragnla acupicta suf- fulta gossipio, Lecti valor plus 150 coronato- rum sive imperialium. Linteorum lecti aliquot paria, 6. Mappae novEe, mantilia, &.c. 7. Tapetum Turcicum pretiosum plane novum. 8. Tapetum viride et alterum variegati coloris. 9. Strophiola pretiosa acupicta sex. 10. Variffi pixides ex Orichalco. 1 1. Tibialia sericea nigra. 12. Capitium nocturnum rubrum. APPENDIX. 383 13. Apotheca lignea parva medicamentis instructa. 14. Manuscripta piiBcipua sunt — Praelectiones Thcologicse in VVoUebium. HebraiciB in Psalm. 34, et Proverb. I. Tota Metaphysica a me A\hse Julia; prailecta. Tractatus singulares Metaphysici duo de Pulchro et Ordiiie. Problema utrum liceat Marito verbcrarc Uxoreni ? Negatur. Orationes Academicae variee. Fuuebres in piam memoriam virorum clarissimo- rum D. Keresturi concionatorem principis et D. Bisterfeldium Professorem, decessorem me- um. Itineraria MSS. varia : Imprimis unum Orientale, variis Unguis codice viridi tectum. Manuscrip- tus codex Arabicus in quarto. Disputatio manuscripta in Universitate Albensi in Isaacum Basirium D. et N. Krsykowsky Polo- num Doctorem et Jesuitam, Anno 1650. Codex MS. in octavo continens coUectionem va- riarum Synodorum Hungaricarum. 15. Vestis nova ecclesiastica doctoralis, more Angli- cano, cum pretioso ornatu holoserico ; qua? vestis sive toga, cum tunica et femoralibus stetit mihi centum et viginti imperialibus sive coro- natis. Et multa alia talia, quae jam in rutuba mihi non succur- runt. Caetera quae memoriae praesentanae non observan- tur, facile dignosci possunt, vel ex forma vestitus, vcl ex inscriptione, vel ex aliis signis. 384 APPENDIX. CAUTIO. Libri alieui nieis commixti ex insci iptionibus comperti, uti reddantur suis possessoribus obnixe peto. Imprimis clarissimo Domino Johanni Molnaro codex unus in folio, continens varias epistolas propria manu Calvini et aliorum proto-reformatorum exaratas. Pleraque haec praemissa dicuntur fuisse in manibus virorum clarissimorum D. Stephani Tzengeri et D. Fran- cisci Taratzkoxi postea defuncti ex cujus MS. vir mag- nificus Dominiis Nicolaus de Bethlen, mens in Transyl- vania quondam discipulus nobilissinius, doctissimus, nionuit me per literas insequentes pleraque praemissa extare jam in manu sua fidissima. Cujus ego magnifi- centiam expertus in spem sum erectus eadem sua autho- ritate atque justitia evadere posse recuperabilia. Ob- tulit etiam suam operam mihi per literas Reverendus Dominus Georgius Hutterus, verbi Divini minister Cibi- niensis mens quoque discipulus domesticus, doctus, dili- gens atque fidelis. Ad gloriam nobiliss. gentis Transyl- vaniae bonorum istorum conquisitionem et restitutionem humiliter supplicat Isaacus Basirius S. Theologian Doctor et Sanctiss. Regis Majestatis Britannicae Sacellanus atque Ecclesiarum Reformatarum Transylvano-Hungati- corum servus in Christo fidelis et constans. Ego infra scriptas obnixe rogo magnificos Dominos Wolfgangum Bethlen, Ladislaum Lubinieci, Samuelem Granaki, plurimum Reverendum ac Clarissimum Domi- num Johanneni Dodai Pastorem Kokclvaricnsem, et ibi- APPENDIX. 385 clem piovisorem nobileni Dominuiii Johanncm Szikszai ne graventur conjuuctim et divisim, mediis legitimis, pro- curare justani recuperatioiiem bonoruin nieorum inter bona D. Achatii Bareszai, vel alibi repertorum : Quorum repertorium, saltem generale, exhibeo bona fule spon- dens me riUum liabiturum, quicquid pranlicti domini in hocce negotio meo, secundum bonam conscicntiam gcs- serint a me per presentes ad id plena potentia instructi. In quorum fidem chirographum meum et sigillum meum presentibus apposui. ISAACUS BaSUIIUS. Hulstini, 4 Jiinii, IGGl. (A.) Plurimum Reverendo et Excellentissimo Viro D. Isaac Basirio, SS. Theologiae Doctori incomparabili, et S. R. M. Capellano dignissimo, Amicorum integer- rimo, P. Moll, S. D. At, at, nunc demum me vivere et valere intel- ligo, postquam te, me alterum, vivere, valere, florere, ex tuis mellitissimis Uteris J II. Eid. Octobr. exaratis, et XVII. Calend. Febr. ad me perlatis, intelligo. Deus hoc tibi proprium esse velit ! Ita tua meretur pietas, nee non " incoctum generoso pectus honesto." Parum abest, quin Jacobi verba (Genes. 45, v. 27, 28) mutatis mutandis mea faciam. Certe nisi fata meis obstarcnt votis, reli- gioque officii me abiturientem non sufflaminarct, statim talariis indutis, ocior Euro, in Angliam provolarem, in tuum iturus amplexum, eoque me satiaturus. c c 386 APPENDIX. " O quam te memorem spoliis Orientis onustutn!" Spo- lia loquor tua sancta curiositate digna, qualia Palzestina, Syria, Chalda^a, Mesopotamia, tuo exemplo peregri- nantibus objiciunt. Utinam, Hierosolymam, Damascuin, Babylonem, Niniven, Caramit, Mosal, Merdin, Orpha, Aleppo, imo Paradisi rudera, ibidem locorum adhuc residua tecum admirari liciiisset ! Sed cessent vota nihil profutura. Tu, quteso, iie graveris Christianorum sub Turca viventium, dicam an gementium, statum Europae accurate repraesentando, geographiae sacrae et profanae lucem faenerare, et quidem stylo Latino, ut me et alios An- glicae linguae ignaros, tibi debendi reos constituas. Fateor equidem clariss. D. Hottingerum, fidem variorum auctorum sequendo nonconteninendumhacin re specimen dedisse, at tu auTOTTTYig, quid non praestabis ? Id quod te per omnia sacra amicitiae nostras rogo, certus, te quarum, talenta divinities concessa, non esse defodienda, praeclaros sanctje tuae peregrinationis fructus reipub. Christiauee non esse invisurum. Opusculum tuum Anglico idiomate conscriptum eo excepi animo quo a te niissum. Utinam sine interprete intelligerem ! imo utinam domi mese aliquid tua lectione dignum nasceretur ! Non sentires meam in te claudi be- nignitatera, nee intra sola verba voluntas mea staret. Publica cultus divini uniformitate Magnam Britan- niam, Hiberniamque colligatas et pacatas esse, laetissimus audio : Utinam Crom\vellian« perduellionis reliquas quis- quilias, sc. Anabaptistas, Enthusiastas, Quakeros, Inde- pendentes, Fanaticos, fatalia Regibus monstra, Serenissi- muset Potentissimus Magnae BritanniaeMonarcha, semper Augustus, funditus exstirparet, vel " ad Garamantes et Indos" relegaret! Nam liaec struma nisi exsecta, haec sen- APPENDIX. 387 tina nisi exhausta fuerit, nunquam religionis. Regis, rcgiii Majestas in tiito erit, Crosnam Marchiae Brandenbuigicas te transiisse audio, sed mini recta Fiankofurtum ad Oderani, Bcroliniini, Hamburgum; vel inde detiectendo ad dextrani,Stetinuin ; vel ad sinistram,VVitebergam petieris, scire aveo. Utinani te hospiteni hospes accipere licuisset ! Nam *' multa super Priamo, nee non super Hectore multa" rogitasscni. Eheu ! et periit delicium nostrum Ashburnham. Dig- nus meliori fato ! Sed quando, ubi, a quo, et qua de causa? Dominus Baro Kevenhullerus vivit adhuc in Stiria, fruiturque patrimonio sat tanto, sed an tanti, judicent alii, ego praeter constantiam in religione Evangelica nihil magnopere laudandum video. Praemia et ornamenta in Austria nequicquam spe- randa, serenissimus mens Dominus (suffragante excellen- tissimo et illustrissimo domino Barone de Scliwerin, aulse imo saeculi nostri ornamento) clementissime mihi contulit, et quidam voto meritoque majora. Et sic me variis jactatum fatis tandem respexit sera fortuna, quae et te, " per varios casus, per tot discrimina rerum" redonatum diis patriis, Britannoque coelo jam respexit, nam omnia munia et beneficia, tempore Syllaturientis Cromwelli amissa, postliminio te recepisse nuncias. Macte isthac felicitate virtuti tuaj jamdudum debita. Faxit Deus ut te c'lib episcopum vel archiepiscopum, sed serc^ divum videam. In quo voto tinio. Vale et salve, Deus theologorum et amicorum Tibi dcvotissimus, P. Moil. PetrihagSB, 7 Eid. Apr. Anno 16G3. CO 2 388 APPENDIX. Viro Nobilissimo, Consultissimo, Eruditissimo, Domino Petro Molleu, amico singulaii, Isaacus Basirius, S.D, QuAM ego venabar duduni ansam oppoitunam venerandi te per literas, (O utinam, semel adhuc crTOjxa ■sT^os (TTOixul) commodum sese obtulit fortuitus, sed et idem generosus adolescens Brandenburgicus D. David Adams, fortunatus notitia amplissimi noblissimique Do- mini, de Brandt, J. C. E. exlegati : Rapio extemplt^ calamum, expiaturus delictum silentii,haud equidem aft'ec- tati, absit, sed partim coacti, partim, certi ad vos com- meatus inopia, suspensi. De venia tua si, uti ego te, ita me nosti, nullus desperem. Candorem tuum erga me hand vulgarem, ad meam usque erubescentiam, totiens expertus. Te enim, mi Mol, gero in oculis, atque etiam in sinu, cultor virtutum tuarum sincerus juxtim ac sta- bilis, perinde ac in ipso amicitiai nostras S.S. primum initae calore prisco ; ita me amet amor. Auxit eimdem litera- rum tuarum dulcissimarum (qua veluti sesamo et papa- vere perspersae totoe, tuum erga me adfectum hand desul- torium effuse notant) munus geminatum ; Xeuio insuper literario clarissimi Hottingeri coronatum : Quod utrum- que ceu Castor et Pollux serenitatis versiis me tua? fir- mant preesagium. De hisce universis benefactis tuis, gratias, quas possum maximas, liabeo animo, ago verbis, referam factis, pro re nata. Opusculum de prisca eccle- siae Britannicaj libertate, quod tibi Anglicum obtuleram, me inscio Brugis impressum Latine cujus tamen compos egomet fieri nequeo, alias transmissurus, siquidem tanti : Namque redhostimentum liocce tuis comparatum, instar Diomedis et Glauci, &c. APPENDIX. 389 Gravissimum aiitem, quod pro tianquillandis M. liiitan- niae Regnis suggeris, prudcns consilium de cxtirpandis Schismaticis, Fanaticis, &c. utinam tempus anceps, atque status loci politicus fene possit, id ipsuni ctiamnuin alexipharniacum vere geneiosutn : Quando autciu quibit, QsMv sv vs'vacTj xsTtj. Nosti sagax istud Rouiani historici oraculum, sc. prudentis est rectoiis aliquando remittere clavum, ob ingenteni fluctiis vim. Quod de peregrinationibus meis philosophico-cccle- siasticis evulgandis, amice, aurem vellis, istud magnum pondus addit multiplicatis celeusmatibus qua milii undc- quaque oggerunt identidem Gallia nostra, Germania vestra, Anglia pifficipue, quinetiam Scotia, &c. Veriim enim veix> muniis sum, Domine, multimodis : Hei mihi homini publicis, qu^ secularibus, qua prttprimis, sacris negotiis adeo distento, adeo dense obruto, uti citra hj- perbolen loquor, temporis mei kalendarium nuper con- cinnaturus, in amicorum sollicitantium gratiam, cerno meipsum muniis obstrictum anniversariis, ad mensium sedecim s-Kiy^sTqcv quod geminatis laboribus, implere cogor : Unde anhelus tantuni non ago animam senescens : Ubi igitur otium ad prelum ? Tu me tuis proinde piis suffragiis labantem sufflaminare dignare. Quod si un- quam respirare dabitur, faxo ego,(ruv flsw ne voti tui reus arguar. Meuni \eih Germanicum iter ipsus divinasti, nimirum Vratislavio Francofurtum ad Oderam, Berolinum inde : deflectens tamen, Dresda, Lipsiam, inde Witebergam, Academiarum et Aulae gratia, ubique non tantum ab Ini- manissimis, doctissimisque dominis professoribus excep- tus sum honorifice, verum etiam a Serenissinio Principe Saxouiae audientia Principali dignatus, quod et ornamen- 390 APPENDIX. turn apud potentisslmum Regem, dominum mcuni cle- mentissimum memoravi redux : neque porr5, si Deus dederit, tantoriim nominum futiirus immemor. Digressus sum in aulam Brandenburgicam, sereuissimani suam Cel- situdinem dominum vestrum venerandi studio, spe mea frustratus, ob principis absentiam retuli tanien inde officia nuncupata a pientissima heroina, Regis Bohemiae Frede- rici Palatini rou ttuvv, sorore grandseva, ad serenissimam viduam Reginam, tunc in Anglia superstitem, quae grate animo eadem excepit. Witeberga itinere aquatico de- vectus sum Hamburgam inde hiic transfretans (post sede- cim annorum spontaneum exilium, ob meam duntaxat erga religionem, et Regem fidelitatem) salvus et incolu- mis appuli ad portum Anglicum Borealem (Hull dic- tum) secundissimo cursu, Deo gratias. Repperi conju- gem, quinque liberis stipatam, in statu integro. Quod saepiiis, te conscio, ominabar (pugnaci-nimis Ashburnliam nostro), eheu, monomachia terminavit vi- tam! Quos autem mihi benevolus auguraris honores (utpote immeritos) partim evasi, serus in Britanniam advena, paitim etiam postea sum deprecatus. Neque tamen ego laborum concatenatorum levamen desperem, emeritus tandem aliquando, regia fretus dementia : Vivo quippe sub Rege magno, eodemque Principe cordatissimo, quem non latet vis apophthegniatis illius Italici, verti, politici, nempe, Assai dimanda, cui ben serve, e taccia. Tibi vero, vir amplissime, gratulor ex animo, serenis- simi principis tui auram secundam, digno ministro con- dignam, Aveo tamen explicatius agnoscere quibusqui- bus etiamnum gaudeas honoris titulis uti, qua par est observantia, ego tibi inscribam. APPENDIX. 391 De Barone tuo KevenhuUero, nostro quondam coin- peregrino nobili (si desint exteia) hand leve apud ine pondus obtinet, generosii in leligione constantiii, queni Deus veritatis constabiliat ! Beasti me notitia oblata amplissimi, nobilissimique Do- mini de Brandt, quem ego saltern per has literas colo eminiis, quuni id cominus cupientissimo mihi non fuerit datum. Quod leliquum est, siquidem epistolare hocce com- mercium mutuum perennare juvat, snggere, amabo, mer- catorem aliquem, seu Germanum seu Aliegenam, apud vos, cui res sit cum Anglia, quique suum (uti vocitant) respondentem fixum Londini indigitet, cui meas ad te consignem constans : Item quorsum easdem ad te diri- gam certo ; siquidem, subinde Petri-haga, alias Minda tuas ad me dedisti, unde, quando ego tov8' aTrofjtsj/Sojaevo; media agina foror, anceps, utrum liae ipsa3, optatas tuas manus attingant, vel effugiant infortunatae. Vale, vir ttoXXcuv avra'^joj aKKcuv, et me virtutum tuarum admiratorem observantissimum perseverare, persuasis- simus vive, et vige. Dunelmi, in Boreali Angliae Tractu, ijjsis Eid. Septembris, st. v. A. U, T. CIoIqCLXV. Tuae, quandocunque allubescet, dirigi poterunt Londi- num, cum hac epigraphs Anglica, To Maister Daniel Skinner, Merch'tin Crowched Friers London : For the Rev'd Dr. Basire, Prebendary of Durhan). 392 APPENDIX. For the Honoured Docter Basire, This — Honoured Sir, Two things I haue more to request in order to your health : Jjirsty that you eate much and oftne of the best rusins oth sun : the second, that you drink euery niglit at hedtyme, immediately after your conserue, a small draught of the best Canary stoved as formerly with rosemary, nutmeg, and sugar ; 3dly, Omit not ex- ercise especially, in the freshest oyer: 4, and exhaust not your spirits by immoderate study: 5, neither let any worldly affair disturb the quiet tranquility and repose of mynde. Yours in all sincerity, E. W. The following Petition from the Members of one of the Inns of Court has one hundred signatures, but there is no date attached to it. To the Right VVorshipfull the Benchers of this Ho- nourable Society. The humble Remonstrance of us whose Names are here subscribed, Shewing, That wee, well assured of the orthodox doc- trine, great industry, and exemplary life of Docter Bashier, and of his eminent and transcendent abilityes in the ministry, which have been soe abundantly declared by his late and frequent preaching here, and considering APPENDIX. .39.3 of what great and generall concernment it is to liave such ii pastor, doe, with all submission, represent unto your worships, that we doe most earnestly desire you would bee pleased to admitt him into your gracious considera- tions. Ralph Darn all, &c. The inscription on the Seal of the Greek Patriarch, referred to in one of Dr. Basire's letters, and engraved on the title page, is as follows. nAIIIOI : EAEH© nATPIAPXHI : THI : AFIAI : nOAEJlS: lEPOrSAAHM: KAI : DAIHS : HAAEII- TINH2 : EN : ETEI : AXME [1615]. The twelve compartments into which the seal is divided contain the principal events of our Saviour's life. The circle in the centre i-epresents the Last Judgment. DD m w 5 « I I CO u a ~ ci — M "5 2 0) qj O O ^ O K p; ;j t3 ^ *f-^ tJD H CS J= >>-« I-* T3 rU hJ II c- ■4 H « 0) "S ^ M s (B CJ p ■| s C. Rowortb and Sons, Bell Yard, Temple Bar. AA 000 979 530 3