WARHAM-RILDERSHAM. 377 Poole, cousin german to King Henry VII. Margaret, countess of Salisbury, the wife of Sir Richard Poole, and grandmother to Mr. Hildersham, was the daughter of George duke of Clarence (second brother to King Edward I V.) and Isabella, elder daughter and co-heir of Richard earl of Warwick and Salisbury. Our divine being thus honourably descended, was born at Stechworth in Cann- bridgeshire,October 6,1563, and educated in Christ's college, Cambridge. His parents were zealous papists ; and he was brought up in all the errors and superstitions ofpopery, and taught to repeat his prayers in Latin. During his abode at the university, he embraced the protestant religion, and was highly esteemed on account of his learning, piety, affa- bility, and inoffensive and witty conversation. His father no sooner knew of the change in his religious sentiments, than he took him from the university, and resolved to send him to Rome, with a view to have him reclaimed, and obtain ecclesiasticalpreferment. Young Hildersham, how.. ever, was fixed in his protestant principles, and refused to go ; for which his father cast him off and disinherited him. Thus, he whomGod had appointed to be a great sufferer in his cause, began to bear the yoke in his youth ; by forsak- ing parents, friends, and all earthly comforts, and the certain prospect of worldly advancement, for the sake ofChrist and the testimony of agood conscience. In this forlorn situation, God, who comforteth his people in all their tribulations, comforted Mr. Hildersham, through the kind assistance of Mr. John Ireton, then of Cambridge, but afterwards rector of Kegworth in Leicestershire. This gentleman providentially meeting him in London, said to him, " Arthur, why art thou so long from thy books, losing so much time ?" " Alas, sir," said he, "I shall go no snore to Cambridge;" and then gave him a particular ac- count of his unhappy condition. "Well," said Mr. Ireton, " be not discouraged. Thou hast a noble kinsman, whom I will acquaint with thy case ; and I doubt not that he will provide for thee." He accordingly laid his distressed situ- ation before Henry earl of Huntingdon, lord president of the north, whose mother and Mr. Hildersham's mother were brother's children. The noble earl gladly embraced this opportunity of shewing his kindness and generosity. He warmly espoused his cause, sent him againto the university, and afforded him his liberal support. Mr. Hildersham was afterwards chosen fellow of Christ's college by a majority of
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