A collection of certain learned discourses, written by that famous man of memory Zechariah…A collection of certaine learned discourses, written by that famous man of memory Zachary…

First then I give you to understand, that this our dear Ursine was a man absolutely furnished with many and those exceeding great and singular gifts of wit and understanding. Also this I say, that with these most singular, exquisite, and incredible gifts of wit was joined a most strict course of life, respecting the public good of the Church. Lastly, I tell you, that his godly death is unto us a most sure argument both of his elegancy of wit and strictness of life. Within these bounds I do of purpose empale my self, that so you remembering this may the more easily recall to memory all the rest, and with authority call me homewards, if I offer to wander beyond these lists.

First thē I giue you to vnderstand, that this our deare Vrsine was a man absolutely furnished with manie and those exceeding greate and singular giftes of wit and vnderstanding. Also this I saie, that with these most singular, exquisite, and incredible giftes of witte vvas ioyned a most stricte course of life, respecting the publique good of the Church. Lastly, I tell you, that his godly death is vnto vs a most sure argument both of his eleganeie of vvitte and strictnesse of life. VVithin these boundes I doe of purpose empale my selfe, that so you remembring this may the more easily recall to memory all the rest, and with authoritie call me homewardes, if I offer to wander beyond these listes.

Concerning that wit whereof we spake, I am verily persuaded that this worthy man was most abundantly stored with many and those very heavenly gifts thereof: which I desire may be spoken without offence, and taken without envy of any man. For weighing with my self that strength of wit which is natural, I see not what was wanting in him that might be found in any man: but when I think of those virtues whereby our wits & minds are adorned and strengthened to the studies of humanity and religion, then me think I remember how by the finger of God almost all were heaped upon this one man. And that this which I speak is true, all men can witness who but once conversing with him have had experience of his singular virtues, witness his ⟨p. 313⟩familiar acquaintance, witness his friends, witness innumerable multitudes of those which have used his advise, witness many great and principal men, which have preferred him before all men to be the oracle of their counsels, & th censurer of their writings: witness innumerable peoples, nations, churches, and lastly books of his, by whose variety of learning CHRISTS people hath already a long time been fed and recreated, albeit they like modest children, obeying the modest will of their natural Father, dissemble and conceal his name. Which being so, what need I any farther blazon the worth of so incomparable a wit? For if I consider with my self his natural wisdom joined unto this wit, behold immediately there are presented to my view whole troops of conferences, Letters, Lectures, Sermons, writings, books, being as it were whole shops and store-houses of his wisdom. If at any time I bethink my self of his invention, what could a man conceive of sharper edge? (as the Poet said) more forward and swift? more diligent & industrious, then was that force, wherewith it pleased almighty GOD to endue this vessel of holiness? If I respect that magnanimity and quickness of conceit whereby all human things he conceived & scorned, what man on the earth did more easily, & in the twinkling of an eye, (as we use to say) overpass all those things, which to those celestial spirits