In this time of his sickness and not many days before his death, his house was robbed; of which he having notice, his question was, “Are my books and written papers safe?” And being answered that they were; his reply was, “Then it matters not; for no other loss can trouble me.”

[Sidenote:  Closing hours]

[Sidenote:  Last words]

About one day before his death, Dr. Saravia, who knew the very secrets of his soul,—­for they were supposed to be confessors to each other,—­came to him, and, after a conference of the benefit, the necessity, and safety of the Church’s absolution, it was resolved the Doctor should give him both that and the Sacrament the following day.  To which end the Doctor came, and, after a short retirement and privacy, they two returned to the company; and then the Doctor gave him and some of those friends which were with him, the blessed Sacrament of the body and blood of our Jesus.  Which being performed, the Doctor thought he saw a reverend gaiety and joy in his face; but it lasted not long; for his bodily infirmities did return suddenly, and became more visible, insomuch that the Doctor apprehended death ready to seize him; yet, after some amendment, left him at night, with a promise to return early the day following; which he did, and then found him better in appearance, deep in contemplation, and not inclinable to discourse; which gave the Doctor occasion to require his present thoughts.  To which he replied, “That he was meditating the number and nature of Angels, and their blessed obedience and order, without which, peace could not be in Heaven:  and Oh! that it might be so on Earth!” After which words, he said, “I have lived to see this world is made up of perturbations; and I have been long preparing to leave it, and gathering comfort for the dreadful hour of making my account with God, which I now apprehend to be near:  and though I have by his grace loved him in my youth, and feared him in mine age, and laboured to have a conscience void of offence to him, and to all men; yet if thou, O Lord! be extreme to mark what I have done amiss, who can abide it?  And therefore, where I have failed, Lord, shew mercy to me; for I plead not my righteousness, but the forgiveness of my unrighteousness, for His merits, who died to purchase pardon for penitent sinners.  And since I owe thee a death, Lord, let it not be terrible, and then take thine own time:  I submit to it:  let not mine, O Lord! but let thy will be done.”  With which expression he fell into a dangerous slumber; dangerous as to his recovery, yet recover he did, but it was to speak only these few words:  “Good Doctor, God hath heard my daily petitions, for I am at peace with all men, and he is at peace with me; and from that blessed assurance I feel that inward joy, which this world can neither give nor take from me:  my conscience beareth me this witness, and this witness makes the thoughts of death joyful.  I could wish to live to do the Church more service;