Page:The house of Cecil.djvu/245

 THE FIRST EARL OF SALISBURY 211

was buried in Hatfield Church " without any great pomp, by his special appointment." According to his own directions the mourners were to be confined to his own servants and intimate friends, since he desired "to go without noise and vanity out of this vale of misery as a man that hath long been satiated with terrestrial glory, and now contemplates only heavenly joy." These words are taken from his will, which was made only two months before his death. In this document he makes a remarkable confession of faith. 2

" Because I would be glad to leave behind me some such testimony of my particular opinion in point of faith and doctrine, as might confute all those who, judging others by themselves, are apt to censure all men to be of little or no religion, which by their calling are employed in matters of State and government, under great kings and princes, as if there was no Christian policy free from irreligion or impiety, I have resolved to express myself and my opinion in manner following. First, concerning the infinite and ineffable Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity, and the mystery of reconciliation in Christ Jesus, as it concerns the Church, the saints, their sins, their souls and bodies, and lastly, their retribution in heaven ; in all these points, and every of them, I do assuredly believe in my heart, as I have always made profession with my mouth, whatever is contained in the Apostles' Creed."

After touching on the Sacraments, he continues :

" Therefore I do here in the sight of God make profession of that faith in which I have always lived, and hope to die

1 Chamberlain to Carleton, May 2yth, 1612 (Court and Times of James I., I. 169). See also Winwood, III. 367, 368. a Brewer, p. 154.

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