Of the ' occurrences ' that might ' fall out ' to hinder Sibbes from coming, the primate had been informed in our next letter : — Mr R. Sibbs to the Archhishop of Aiinar/h.*
Right Rev. and iry very good Lord, — I answered your letters presently upon the receipt of them, but out of a mind diversely affected as divers things presented themselves to me ; it much moved me when I perceived your great care of the place, the cost, the trouble, the more than ordinary inclination towards me, far beyond any deserts of mine. Yet as I signi- fied to your grace, when I consider God's pro\adence in raising me so little before, to another place, and that compatible with my present employment here in London, it moveth me to think it were rash to adventure upon another place. And I have entered into a course of procuring some good to the college, which is like to be frustrate, if I now leave them, and they exposed to some who intend to serve their own tm-n of them. The scandal whereof would lie upon me. The judgment of my friends here is for my stay, considering I am fixed already, and there must be a call for a place ; as to a place, they allege the good which may be done, and doubtfulness of good succession here ; and that it were better that some other man had that place that were not so fixed here. These and such like considerations move them to think, that when your lordship shall know how it is with me at this time, that you will think of some other successor. Nothing of a great time so much troubled me. I humbly desire you, my lord, to take in good part this my not accepting, considering now there be other difficulties than were when you were in England with us. It is not yet openly known that I refuse it, that so you may have time of pitching upon another, I write now this second time, fearing lest my former letter might miscany. I could set the comfort by jou against many objections, were not that late chief in Cambridge. I count it one part of my happiness in especial man- ner, that ever I knew your lordship ; the remembrance of you will be fresh in my heart whilst I live, which will move me to desire the multiplying of all happiness upon you and yours.
I have not delivered the letter to my lord of Canterbuiy, because it hath reference to the business as it concemeth me. The Lord continue to honour you in his service for the good of many, and to keep you in these dangerous times. — Your Grace's to command in the Lord,
R. Sibbs.
Gray's Inn, Feb. 7. A.D. 1626.
I humbly desire you to remember my service and respects to Mrs Ussher. * Ussher, letter ccclxxxvi., x a i. J40-1.
MEMOIR OF RICHAED SIBBES, D.D. xlvU
Upon receipt of this the primate wrote :* — ' But now very lately, even by the last packet, I have received a letter from Mr Sibbs, signifying his doubtfulness of accepting the place of provost here (he having beine at the same time chosen head of another college in Cambridge), which hath much altered our intentions.' A few days later, Ussher was informed more definitely by Dr Samuel Ward of Sibbes's election to the Mastership of ' Catherine Hall.' I give an extract, with context, as it introduces to us an eminent ornament of Sibbes's circle : —
Dr Samuel Ward to Ussher — London, ' Feb. 13. 162G.'f
The 25th of January deceased your good friend and mine, Mr Heiuy Alvey, at Cambridge. I was with him twice when he was sick : the first time I found him sick, but very patient and comfortable. He earnestly prayed that God would give him patience and perseverance. The later time I came he was in a skimber, and did speak nothing : I prayed for him, and then departed. Shortly after he departed this life. He desired to be buried privately, and in the churchyard, and in a sheet only, without a coffiu, for so, said he, was om* Saviour. But it was thought fitting he should be put in a coifin, and so he was : I was at his interring the next day at night. Thus God is daily coUecting his saints to himself. The Lord prepare us all for the dies ascensionis, as St Cyprian st}leth it. Since the death of Dr Walsall, Dr GosHn, our vice-chancellor, and Dr HiU, master of St Katherine Hall, are both dead. In their places succeed, in Bennet College, Dr Butts ; in Caius College, Mr Bachcroft, one of the fel- lows ; in Katherine Hall, Mr Sibbes of Grays Inn.
Notwithstanding Sibbes's intimation, that he had not delivered the primate's letter to Abbot, he must have subsequently changed his mind, and done so. To Ussher's recommendation, Archbishop Abbot lent a cordially willing ear. This appears by his letter in reply, which woidd also seem to indicate that Sibbes had been persuaded to go over to Ireland, probably to consult personally with his friend : —
The most Reverend George Abbot, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Archbishop of Armacjh.X
My very good Lord, — I send unto you Mr Sibbes, who can best report what I have said unto him. I hope that college shall in him have a veiy good master, which hitherto it hath not had. You shall make my excuse to the feUows that I write not unto them. You shall do well to pray to God that he wiU bless his church ; but be not too solicitous in that matter, which will faU of itself, God Almighty being able and ready to support his own cause. But of aU things take heed that you project no new ways ; for if they faU you shah bear a grievous burden ; if they prosper, there shall be no thanks to you. Be patient, and tarry the Lord's leism'e. And so com- mending me unto you, and to the rest of yqui' brethren, I leave you to the Almighty, and remain,