X121 LIVES OF THE PURITANS. HENRY GELLIBRAND, A. M.-This learned person was born in the parish of St. Botolph, Aldersgate, London, November 17, 1597, and educated in Trinity college, Oxford.' Having finished the requisite studies at the university, he was for some time curate at Chiddingston in Kent. Afterwards, by attendingSir Henry Savile's lectures on the mathematics,* h i e became so .much n love with that science, that though he had the most flattering prospect of prefermen: in the church, he resolved to forego every thing for a close application to this branch of learning. He there- fore contented himself with his own private patrimony, which about this time, upon the death of his father, cause into his hands. At the same time he entered himself a student at Oxford, and made the study of the mathematics his principal employment. During the period of his close application, he prosecuted his studies with so much ardour and success, and so greatly excelled in that science, that in two or three years he was admitted to a familiarity with the most distinguished masters. Among other celebrated scholars, Mr. Henry Briggs, the Savilian professor 'of geometry at Oxford, shewed him particular countenance and favour. This, in a few years, was improved to so great a degree of intimacy and friendship, that the profes- sor communicated to him all his notions and discoveries. Upon the death of the ingenious Mr. Edmund Gunter, he became a candidate for his professorship in Gresham college. On this occasion he procured a certificate from the rector of the parish in whichhe had officiated as curate, and from others ofthe clergy in Kent, giving a high charac- ter of his learning and piety ; and another from the presi dent, vice-president, and fellows of Trinity college, Oxford, which is conceived in very strong terms, and acknowledges not only his assiduity in his studies, but his great frankness in the communication of knowledge, and his disinterested- Sir Henry Savile, whose name is often mentioned, was a person of great celebrity in his day. He was wonderfully skilled in the Greek language and the mathematics, in the latter of which he voluntarily read publiclectures in the university. Heafterwards wentabroad; and by improv- ing himself in every branch of useful literature, he became a most accom- plished gentleman. Ile was warden of Merton college, Oxford, thirty-siz years, which he governed with great diligence and integrity, making it his chief care, night and day, to improve it in riches and all kinds of good literature. By his munificence the university was greatly enriched by legacies of money, printed books, and rare manuscripts. He is styled, " That magazine of learning, whose memory shall be honourable amongst the learned and the righteous for ever."-Biog. Britan. vol. v. p. 3698- 3600. Edit. 1747.
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