-sis or proposition of Dr. Sibrandus, on the subject of the seventh chapter of Romans. This was to be publicly discussed on the 17th of July. When Episcopius left Leyden for the university of Franeker, he was particularly solicited by Arminius not to engage in any of the college disputations. This counsel was given to him by his meek master, that he might avoid the very appearance of adopting any measures that would tend to produce excitement, and give offence by the introduction of the sentiments he had espoused. When he first entered the city he had fully made up his mind to abide by these suggestions of Arminius. But several events transpired which induced him to think it right to alter his purpose. Among others which contributed to this was the circumstance of his hearing that a report was spread in Holland by certain bigoted persons, that measures of a penal kind were about to be adopted against him by the university, though for what cause it was not stated. He therefore felt himself the more inclined to take part in the anticipated discussion, for the purpose of quashing this rumour. He was farther prompted to this by the frequent and earnest entreaties of many of the students, and especially those of the one who was appointed to defend it under the superintendence of Sibrandus. Thus circumstanced, he turned his attention to the subject, and went somewhat prepared to offer his remarks upon it, if he judged at the time it would be proper for him so to do.

The thesis being read, one of the students rose, made a few brief objections, and then sat down. A lengthened and profound silence followed. All eyes were now turned toward Episcopius; but he kept his seat, and showed no disposition to rise. After some time this pause was interrupted by a single voice, crying, "Episcopius!" This was followed by several others, till at length, from all sides, he was called upon to take part in the debate. He rose, but it was for the purpose of begging to be excused, -apologizing, at the same time, for refusing to attend to the call of the assembly,—and then resumed his seat. His excuses and entreaties to be allowed to be silent were not regarded; and being thus urged, he proceeded to comply with the wishes of the auditory. In doing this he pointed out what he considered to be the defective

parts of the thesis. His remarks, the delivery of which occupied some length of time, were as much distinguished by the acuteness and energy of thought they displayed as the interesting manner in which they were stated; while the varied and powerful arguments with which he attacked Dr. Sibrandus won for him in the university the esteem of many, and the reputation of a man of extraordinary acquirements and powers of mind. Even Sibrandus himself subsequently declared to some of his friends, "that he had disputed with a young Leydener who might indeed be justly designated an Arminian, inasmuch as he was fully persuaded that Arminius himself could not more accurately or more forcibly have presented his arguments and proofs than he had done."

Throughout the whole of this disputation, Sibrandus behaved toward him in the most polite and friendly manner, and publicly praised him, as much for the matter and solidity of his arguments, as for the correct and orderly manner in which they had been arranged and presented. He afterward repeatedly and earnestly entreated him to visit him for the purpose of friendly intercourse; and expressed his anxious solicitude to be more intimately acquainted with him, adding, also, that he felt much obliged by the part he had taken in the debate, and that it would afford him great pleasure if his pupils and auditors were frequently thus engaged and interested. But while Sibrandus declared his high estimate of the talents, and capabilities of Episcopius as a disputant, the opinion was not reciprocated on the part of the latter. This will appear from an extract of a letter written to Arminius about this time in which he gives a particular and interesting account of this disputation; intimating, also, that as an antagonist, Sibrandus was not to be dreaded; and expressly states, "that he found him altogether unlike Gomarus, who, by various manœuvres and subtle distinctions, constantly endeavoured to evade the force of an argument, whereas Sibrandus on the contrary stood before an opponent with a species of stupid simplicity which exposed him to every dart that was aimed at him."*

* In this letter, which will be found in the Epistolæ Ecclesi. asticæ et Theologice, p. 228, he states that the line of argument he took, in maintaining the sentiments he advanced, was founded

In consequence of the part Episcopius had taken in this debate, the attention of the students and members of the university was directed toward him. Many of the former waited upon him, for the purpose of testifying their respect and esteem for a young man who had exhibited such vigour of mind and extent of learning. Others came and requested to be instructed by him, at his own convenience, on various points of theology. He, however, modestly but firmly refused to comply with their solici tations. While the students were thus complimenting, and entreating him to take part in the future discussions of the college, the Professor Antonides, who is named at page 21, apprehensive of the probable results of his so doing, sent his compliments to him, by the beadle of the college, four days after he had debated with Sibrandus, stating that he wished to have an interview with him. On the part of this gentleman, the professed object of this meeting was that of congratulating Episcopius on his arrival at Franeker; the real one, that of endeavouring to persuade him not to take part in the public discussions of the university. When Episcopius came into his presence he received him very courteously; informing him, that by letters from various quarters he had been made acquainted with his name, and his intention of visiting the university. Through the same means, he said he had also been informed of his having fully received the sentiments of Arminius, and expressed a wish to be favoured by him with a brief sketch of the doctrines taught by that professor. But when Episcopius evinced his readiness to comply with his request, and proposed that they should have another interview for that purpose, he waived the subject, as not being the main object he had in view, and then proceeded to express his wish, that he would avoid the adoption of any measures that might tend to produce excitement, either among the students, or senior members of the university.

As the usual period was approaching for the celebration of the Lord's Supper, Episcopius presented the testimo

on the two following positions:-1st. Hic agere apostolum in persona hominis irregeniti; non tamen intellige, qualiter irregenitum describunt.-2d. De fundamento sententiæ eorum qui contra sentiunt, constitutione nimirum hominis irregeniti.

nials he had received from the consistory of Leyden, by the hand of Adrian Borrius, to the minister Rudolphus Artopeus. This clergyman received him with marked tokens of approbation; and he was accordingly admitted as a member of the Church of Franeker, and received the sacrament with the other communicants.

His studies were now interrupted,, in consequence of his receiving information of the alarming illness of his beloved master Arminius. On the receipt of the letter, which at once brought him this painful intelligence and summoned him to Holland, he immediately left Franeker for Leyden, apprehending from the tenor of its contents that he was about to pay a last visit, which was really the case, to his esteemed friend and amiable teacher. The disease of this gentleman, says Limborch, was undoubtedly occasioned by the multiplicity of his engagements; but it was greatly aggravated by the various attacks, to which he was exposed from all quarters, of violent and bigoted persons; but especially by the malevolent treatment he met with from some divines of the city of Amsterdam.*

* How true this is his own complaints will show. When writ ing to his friend, Dr. Sebastian Egbert, one of the principal magis trates of Amsterdam, he says, in relation to this subject, "I have to grapple with the worst of all the furies, the first-born vice of the devil, from which he also derives his title: [DIABOLUS, the accuser of the brethren!] I have resolved to subdue it by patience. God grant that I may be sustained by the strength of his Spirit, and thus enabled to obtain a conquest! There is nothing according to their own confession, which certain zealots leave unattempted here and elsewhere, both in our native country and abroad, in Germany and France, that they may cast me down from my seat, [professor's chair,] and may silence me who am an obscure individual. But their strenuous endeavours have hitherto been in vain: and the result has not been felicitous to themselves; because by their ca lumnies they ennoble one whose chief desire it was to remain in a state of privacy, and who could not possibly have obtained celebrity for himself by his personal qualities! The main origin of this evil is in your city, where such circumstances are confidently related about me as durst not even be whispered by any man in this city, where I am daily teaching in public and private, if that individual entertained a fear that his whispers would afterward be disclosed to me. The conduct of men toward me, especially among your citizens, is of such a nature as to make them think that they may invent falsehoods, detractions, and slanders against me, and all the while be committing no offence. A heretic let me be [accounted;] yet I am a man, whom God has formed after his own image, and for whom Christ has shed his blood. Let my enemies

Shortly after Episcopius had arrived at Leyden, the disease of his master assumed alarming features; and as there was reason to suppose it would speedily terminate fatally, he was constant in his attendance upon him, sitting by his bedside day and night. Although Arminius was subject to severe pain, which prevented him taking much sleep, he was nevertheless favoured with perfect vigour and tranquillity of mind. Episcopius had, therefore, frequent conversations with him, on subjects which might be supposed to lie nearest the heart of this holy and devoted man, that is, on the person of Jesus Christ, the merit of his death, and the power of his resurrection. Favoured with the enjoyment of religious peace himself, he evinced great anxiety for its existence in the Church. Hence he was continually repeating, with the emphasis of solemn prayer, that passage in the writings of St. Paul : Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

The friends of Arminius intimating that his disease might be of long continuance, Episcopius took his leave of him, and returned to Franeker, about the beginning of October. In this, however, they were mistaken, as it was not long before he received the melancholy intelligence of his death. This event took place on the nineteenth of the same month, when this holy man and distinguished minister was removed from earth, to enjoy the happiness of heaven. His closing hours were marked with holy peace and devout resignation, arising from a full assurance of his interest in the promises and mercy of God, through the merits of Jesus Christ, his Divine Redeemer. Such was the end of a man, whom bigotry and envy had long

be silent, and cease from their clamorous harangues before the peo ple in public, and from their secret whispers and private slanders, and the matter is instantly adjusted. I am acquainted with two remedies against calumny, and I employ both of them--INNOCENCE and PATIENCE! May the Lord be pleased to bestow the latter upon me, since he has hitherto granted me the enjoyment of the former." Nichols.