The Theological Works of Isaac Barrow

I did at first mention the uniformity and constant tenor of his life, and proceeding on have noted several particulars of very different nature. I therefore explain myself thus; that he was always one by his exact conformity to the rule in a virtuous and prudent conversation; he steered by the same compass to the same port, when the storms forced him to shift his sails. His fortune did in some occasions partake of the unsettledness of the times wherein he lived; and to fit himself for the several works he was to do, he entered upon studies of several kinds, whereby he could not totally devote himself to one; which would have been more for the public benefit, according to his own opinion, which was, that general scholars did more please themselves, but they who prosecuted particular subjects did more service to others.

Being thus engaged with variety of men and studies, his mind became stored with a wonderful plenty of words wherewith to express himself; and it happened that sometime he let slip a word not commonly used, which upon reflection he would doubtless have altered, for it was not out of affectation.

But his life were a subject requiring other kind of discourses; and as he that acts another man, doth also act himself; so he that would give an account of the excellent qualities in Dr. Barrow, would have a fair field wherein to display his own. Another Camerarius or Gassendus would make another Life of Melancthon, or Piereskius. What I am doing will not prevent them; I shall be well satisfied with my unskilfulness, if I provoke them to take the argument into better hands.

All I have said, or can say, is far short of the idea which Dr. Barrow's friends have formed of him, and that cha

66 months, and some part of the rest, "he rose always before it was light, "being never without a tinder-box "and other proper utensils for that

66 purpose. I have frequently known "him, after his first sleep, rise, light, "and after burning out his candle, ⚫ return to bed before day."

racter under which he ought to appear to them who knew him not. Beside all the defects on my part, he had in himself this disadvantage of wanting foils to augment his lustre, and low places to give eminence to his heights; such virtues as his, contentment in all conditions, candour in doubtful cases, moderation among differing parties, knowledge without ostentation, are subjects fitter for praise than narrative.

If I could hear of an accusation, that I might vindicate our friend's fame, it would take off from the flatness of my expression; or a well-managed faction, under the name of zeal, for or against the church, would shew well in story; but I have no shadows to set off my piece. I have laid together a few sticks for the funeral-fire, dry bones which can make but a skeleton, till some other hand lay on the flesh and sinews, and cause them to live and move. You will encourage others by pardoning me, which I promise myself from that goodness wherewith Dr. Barrow and you have used to accept the small service with the great devo

tion of,

Sir,

Your obedient

And humble servant,

London, April 10, 1683.

A[BRAHAM] H[ILL].

ISAACUS BARROW,

S. T. P. REGI CAROLO II. A SACRIS.

Vir prope divinus, et vere magnus, si quid magni habent Pietas, probitas, fides, summa eruditio, par modestia, Mores sanctissimi undequaque, et suavissimi.

Geometriæ Professor Londini Greshamensis,

Græcæ Linguæ, et Matheseos apud Cantabrigienses suos. Cathedras omnes, ecclesiam, gentem ornavit. Collegium S. S. Trinitatis Præses illustravit,

Jactis bibliothecæ vere regiæ fundamentis auxit.

Opes, honores, et universum vitæ ambitum,

Ad majora natus, non contempsit, sed reliquit seculo.
Deum, quem a teneris coluit, cum primis imitatus est,

Paucissimis egendo, benefaciendo quam plurimis,

Etiam posteris, quibus vel mortuus concionari non desinit. Cætera, et pene majora ex scriptis peti possunt.