fined in the county gaol at Bedford for holding conventicles: here he spent his time in preaching, writing books, and tagging laces for his support. After his enlargement, he travelled into many parts of the kingdom, "to visit and confirm the brethren." These visitations procured him the nick-name of Bishop Bunyan. When he arrived at the sixtieth year of his age, which was the period of his life, he had written books equal to the number of his years: but as many of these are on similar subjects, they are very much alike. His masterpiece is his "Pilgrim's Progress," one of the most popular, and, I may add, one of the most ingenious books in the English language. The works of Bunyan, which had been long printed on tobacco-paper, by Nicholas Boddington and others, were, in 1736 and 1737, reprinted in two decent volumes folio. They are now come forth in a fairer edition than ever, with the recommendation of Mr. George Whitfield. Bunyan's "Pulpit Bible" was purchased at a sale, in 1814, by Mr. Whitbread for twenty guineas. See the next reign.

* The “ Relation of his Imprisonment," &c. written by himself, was first published in 1765, 12mo.

We are told that the library of this copious author, during his confinement, which was upwards of twelve years, consisted only of the Bible and the Book of Martyrs. See the "Life of Bunyan," at the end of his "Heavenly Footman," p. 128.

+ Bunyan, who has been mentioned among the least and lowest of our writers, and even ridiculed as a driveller by those who had never read him, deserves a much higher rank than is commonly imagined. His "Pilgrim's Progress" gives us a clear and distinct idea of Calvinistical divinity. The allegory is admirably carried on, and the characters justly drawn, and uniformly supported.§ The author's original and poetic genius shines through the coarseness and vulgarity of his language, and intimates, that if he had been a master of numbers, he might have composed a poem worthy of Spenser himself. As this opinion may be deemed paradoxical, I shall venture to name two persons of eminence of the same sentiments; one, the late Mr. Merrick, of Reading;|| the other, Dr. Roberts, now fellow of Eton College.

We have perhaps as many lay-preachers in the kingdom at present, as there were during the usurpation of Cromwell. I could name one, incomparably more illiterate than Bunyan, who was actually obliged to leave his native place for sheep-stealing; but has since climbed over the fence into the sheep-fold, and is now the leader of a numerous flock. Some look upon this man as a thief and a robber in every sense of the words; but others consider him only in his regenerate state, and revere him as a saint.

§ This observation is not to be extended to the Second Part.

Mr. Merrick has been heard to say, in conversation, that his invention was like that of Homer.

1642.

CLASS V.

COMMONERS IN GREAT EMPLOYMENTS.

EDVARDUS NICOLAS, &c. Lely p. Vertue sc. large h. sh.

SIR EDWARD NICHOLAS, Secretary of state, &c. from an original painting; in Lord Clarendon's "History."

SIR EDWARD NICHOLAS; in Simon's "Medals," p. 29.*

SIR EDWARD NICHOLAS, Secretary of state to King Charles I. & II. Lely pinx. J. Scott fecit. 4to. In Evelyn's "Memoirs."

Sir Edward Nicholas, a man of an unblemished character, and highly esteemed for his virtues by all that knew him, was many Promoted years principal secretary of state and privy-counsellor to Charles I. and II. Though he was, from long experience and uncommon industry, well qualified for the secretary's office, yet this old and faithful servant was dismissed from his employment by the intrigues of Mrs. Palmer, the royal mistress, and received in lieu of it 20,000l. granted him by the king. He was succeeded by Sir Henry Bennet, who was afterward created earl of Arlington. This was a step towards the disgrace of the Lord-chancellor Clarendon, as the old secretary was his principal friend, and the new one his inveterate enemy. Sir Edward Nicholas was father to Sir John Nicholas, knight of the Bath, and grandfather to Edward Nicholas, esq. who, in the reign of Anne, was member of parliament for Shaftesbury, in Dorsetshire. His letters from the Hague

His effigies, modelled in wax, by AB. SIMON, are well preserved; in the possession of Charles Compton, esq. a relation of the family. Vide Simon's " Medals.” + He resigned the seals in 1663.

The advowsons of the churches of Shaftesbury were the property of this family (which is now extinct) ever since the latter end of the reign of Charles II. See

Pub April 301794 by W. Richardson Castle S Leicester Square.

to the Marquis of Ormond, at Caen, are in Carte's Collection of Letters, from 1641 to 1660. Ob. 1 Sept. 1669, Et. 77. He lies buried at West Horsley, in Surrey. See the Interregnum.

SIR WILLIAM MORICE, secretary of state, &c. Houbraken sc. 1747. In the collection of Sir William Morice, bart. Illust. Head.

SIR WILLIAM MORICE, knight. W. Richardson exc.

May 26,

1660,

Sir William Morice, who was allied to General Monck, was, for Promoted his own merit, and that of his illustrious kinsman, preferred to the office of secretary of state. He was a man of learning and good abilities, but was not completely qualified for his great employment, as he knew but little of foreign languages, and less of foreign affairs. It is currently reported, that the general told the, king, "that his cousin Morice was well qualified for the secretary's office, as he understood the French, and could write shorthand." This was very probably a calumny, as it is inconsistent with his good sense. It is certain that the secretary spoke Latin fluently, that he understood Greek, and that he acquitted himself during the seven years that he continued in his office* without reproach. He was succeeded by Sir John Trevor. Ob. 12 Dec. 1676. He was author of a book entitled, "The Common Right to the Lord's Supper asserted," which was first printed in quarto, 1651, and again in folio, 1660. One singularity is recorded of him, “That he would never suffer any man to say grace in his own house besides himself; there, he said, he was both priest and king."

LEOLINUS JENKINS, eq. aur. LL. D. &c.
H. Tuer p. Neomagi, 1679.
G. Vander Gucht sc.
1723; h.sh.

LEOLINUS JENKINS, eq: aur.

h. sh. mezz.

H. Quiter p. et exc.

more in "Notitia Parliamentaria," by Browne Willis, esq. where there is a curious account of this ancient borough. The author has taken uncommon pains in his history of the towns in Dorsetshire, as he was born in that district.

* He resigned at Michaelmas, 1668.