TWISSE. 13 time of his departure. Upon his arrival in his native country, he took his final leave of the court, and devoted himself to those profound studies by which he published to the world those learned works which will be the admiration of learned and pious men to the latest posterity. Dr. Twisse, about the same time, became curate of Newbury, near the place of his birth ; where, by his ex- emplary life and useful preaching, he gained a most dis- tinguished reputation. In this retired situation, which was exactly suited to his wishes, he lived in great peace and comfort; and being secluded from the world, his time was wholly devoted to his studies and the spiritual advantage of his flock. He never sought after worldly riches, or aspired after ecclesiastical preferment, but modestly refused them when they were offered. He, indeed, often congratulated him- self that he was in so low a condition, and so little exposed to the alluring temptations. He often professed how greatly be was indebted to divine goodness, for having placed him in so mean and obscure a place, where he was preserved from aspiring after worldly preferment. No man ever sought more industriously to obtain ecclesiastical promotion than he sought to avoid it. Hence, when he was offered the provostship of Winchester college, and warmly entreated to ,.accept it, he as warmly contended against it, though it was a post of considerable pecuniary interest. He preferred his studies, and the ministry of the word, to any idle or honour- able post; and worldly interest had but little influence on his mind. Also, when the Bishop of Winchester laid a prebend at his feet, he politely thanked his lordship, but modestly declined accepting it. The Earl of Warwick promised to confer upon him a more valuable living than that of Newbury, Which at first he agreed to accept,. pro- vided the people of his charge could be furnished with a suitable pastor. He accordingly waited upon the Arch- bishop of Canterbury, requesting his favourable approbation, and was kindly received. His lordship granted all that he requested, and observed, that he would make mention of him to the king as a pious and learned divine, and nopuritan. Dr. Twisse was, however, sagacious enough to see the snares that were laid for him ; and therefore, w;ithout making any further application, he returned to Newbury, resolving not to exchange his curacy for any other situation.. Also the states of Friesland invited him to the professor's chair in the university of Franeker ; and he was pressed to accept a pro- fessor's place at Oxford ; but he refused them both. He
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