Behold wisdom, resolution, nature, and grace! How strong in argument, wise in counsel, firm, affectionate, and devout! O that your heroes and politicians would make him their example in his death, as well as magnify the great actions of his life. I doubt not, had he been to live over his days again, with his experience, he had made less noise, and yet done more good to the world and himself. It is a sad thing to consider, that, men hardly come to know themselves or the world, till they are ready to leave it.
XII. Henry Wotton, knight, thought it the greatest happiness in this life, "to be at leisure to be and to do good;" as in his latter end he was wont to say, when he reflected on past times, though a man esteemed sober and learned, "How much time have I to repent of, and how little to do it in!"
XIII. Sir Christopher Hatton, a little before his death, advised his relations to be serious in the search after "the will of God in the holy word:" "for," said he, "it is deservedly accounted a piece of excellent knowledge, to understand the law of the land, and the customs of a man's country; how much more to know the statutes of heaven, and the laws of eternity; those immutable and eternal laws of justice and righteousness; to know the will and pleasure of the great Monarch, and universal King of the world: I have seen an end of all perfection, but thy commandments, O God, are exceeding broad."
Whatever other knowledge a man may be endued withal, could he by a vast and imperious mind, and a heart as large as the sand upon the sea-shore, command all the knowledge of art and nature, of words and things; could he attain a mystery in all languages, and sound the depth of all arts and sciences; could he discourse of the interests of all states, the intrigues of all courts, the reason of all civil laws and constitutions, and give an account of all histories; and yet not know the Author of his being, and the Preserver of his life, his Sovereign, and his Judge; his surest refuge in trouble: his best Friend; the support of his life, and the hope of his death; his future happiness, and his portion for ever; he doth but _sapienter descendere in infernum_, with a great deal of wisdom go down to Hell.
