418 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. afterwards convened before the high commission as a noto- rious delinquent, only for generously promoting a private contribution for the relief of the poor afflicted ministers of the Palatinate ; but what further processwas entered against him, or whether he suffered any ecclesiastical censure, we have not been able to learn. Dr. Sibbs was remarkable for humility, always under- valuing his own performances. This he did, thoughothers judged them to breathe the very spirit and life of God, to savour much of the upper world, and to come withauthority and power to men's consciences. His great care, through the whole of his ministry, was to lay a good foundation in the heads and hearts of his hearers. As a wise master- builder, and among people the most eminent for learning and piety, he mostly preached on the fundamental truths of the gospel, particularly the incarnation of the Son of God. Indeed, he is said to have preached so often on this Pubject, that there is scarcely one benefit flowing from it, or one holy disposition it ought to excite, which lie did not sweetly unfold and apply. His thoughts and his preaching being so much directed to the humiliation of Christ, seemed to beget in himself a deep humility before God and men. He was particularly conversant with the holy scriptures, and a man of God, thoroughly furnished unto every good work. He was a zealous and faithful steward of the mani- fold grace of God, and one of the most celebrated preachers of his time. He enjoyed much sweet communion with God ; was of a mild, quiet, and peaceable spirit; and always unwilling to provoke his superiors. He was a burning and shining light, spendinghimself for the profit of others. On all occasions he was very charitable to the poor a Christ's flock ; and not onlywas his purse open to supply their temporal wants, but his very soul commiserated their spiritual necessities. During the summer season, he fre- quently visited persons of wealth, on which occasions he was always projecting schemes of public usefulness. By men of real worth he was universally beloved, and was particularly intimate with persons of distinguishedeminence, especially the celebrated Archbishop Usher, whom he often visited in London. Dr. Sibbs died July 5, 1635, aged fifty-seven years.t " He was a grave and solid divine, and famous for piety, learning, devotion, and politeness."t Huntley's Prelates' Usurpations, p. 164. 1 Clark's Lives, p. 144, 145.-Baker's MS. Collet. vol. x xviii, p.444. t Leigh on Religion and Learning, p. 324.
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