SIBBS. 419 His last will and testament, now before me, breathes the spirit of true piety andgenerosity. He first committed his soul into the hands of his gracious Saviour, who redeemed it with his precious blood, and appeared in heaven to receive it to himself. He then gave him humble and hearty thanks that he had vouchsafed him to live in the best times of the gospel, to enjoy an interest in the comforts of it, and to honour him by calling him to publish it with some degree of faithfulness. He ordered his body to be buried according to the pleasure of his executors ; and he be- queathed his real and personal estates to his only brother and other near relations, with numerous legacies to his friends and connexions.. This reverend divine was eminently distinguished for a meek and quiet spirit, being always unwilling to offend those in power. This trait in his character will appear from the following anecdote :-A fellowship being vacant in Magdalen college, for which Archbishop Laud recom- mended his bell-ringer at Lambeth, with an evident design ofquarrelling with them if they refused, or ofpatting a spy upon them if they accepted, Dr. Sibbs, who was ever unwilling to provoke his superiors, told the fellows, that Lambeth-house would be obeyed ; and that the person was young, and might in time prove hopeful. The fellows, therefore, consented, and the man was admitted.+ Dr. Sibbs has rendered himself famous by his numerous and excellent publications. His works, which breathe the warmest strains of evangelical piety, will transmit his fame to the latest posterity. The venerable Mr. John. Dod, having perused his " Sermons of Canticles, chap. v.," in manuscript, thus observes : a I judge it altogether unmeet that such precious matter should be concealed from public use. I judge these sermons to be a very profitable and excellent help, both to the understanding of that dark and most divine scripture, and to kindle in the heart all heavenly affections towards Jesus Christ: The whole is composed with so much 'wisdom, piety, judgment, and experience, that it commends itself to all who are wise for their souls. And I doubt not that they will find their understandings enlightened, theirtemptationsanswered, their fainting spirits revived, and their graces confirmed ; and will have cause Baker's MS. Collee. vol. axxviii. p. 444-446. t Calamy's Account, vol. ii. p. 605, 606. 1101,11.T7i,
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