but few particulars. It is clear, however, that he was an assiduous student, and that his inclination led him to investigate antiquarian subjects. He seldom or never appeared at the bar; "but sometimes gave chamber counsel, and was good at conveyancing," thus securing the means and the leisure for the prosecution of his learned pursuits. Having made the acquaintance of Camden, Spelman, and Cotton, to whose painstaking labours the English antiquary is so greatly indebted, he joined them in their researches into the national antiquities; and the first fruits of his industry were garnered up in his "Analecton Anglo-Britannicon Libri Duo," a volume of collections relative to early English history, which he compiled before he was twenty-three years old (1607). It was not published, however, until 1615. Meanwhile, he applied himself to the general study of jurisprudence, and this with such success that, "in a few years," says Anthony à Wood, "his name was wonderfully advanced, not only at home, but in foreign countries, and he was usually styled the great dictator of learning of the English nation."

In 1610, appeared his "England's Epinomis," and "Jani Anglorum Facies Altera," both of them bearing upon points of early English history. In the same year he published his erudite essay on "The Duello, or Single Combat," a minute investigation into the Norman custom of "judicial combat," which is still an authority on the subject. His circle of friends now included Ben Jonson, and Browne, the poet of "Britannia's Pastorals," and Michael Drayton, to the first eighteen songs of whose "Poly-Olbion" he furnished historical and topographical

notes.

So far, however, he had not done justice to his capacity

or his learning; but when, in 1614, he gave to the world his elaborate treatise upon "Titles of Honour," the full measure of his erudition was at once perceived. It contains an extraordinary amount of curious information respecting the degrees of nobility and gentry in England, and similar distinctions in other countries, all carefully systematised, and illustrated with judicious comments. Archbishop Usher thought it "Selden's best book;" it is, I think, always excepting the “Table-Talk,” his most readable.

With indefatigable industry and keen intellectual acumen Selden went on his laborious way, groping in the dusty by-paths of history and law; and collecting facts, precedents, and evidences of usage, with all the zeal of a constitutional reformer, who found in the Past his landmarks for the guidance of the Present. He looked on, by no means unconcerned, though not directly involved, at the great struggle which had already begun between authority and right, between the prerogatives of the crown and the privileges of the people, and patiently elucidated the principles upon which, as he conceived, it might justly and pacifically be settled. Meanwhile, quietly waiting the further development of a contention which was to expand far beyond any limits at that time conceived of by the boldest, he continued his antiquarian labours, and constantly gained in reputation and influence. We find him, in 1616, editing Sir John Fortescue's famous treatise, "De laudibus Legum Angliæ " (written between 1461 and 1470), and Hengham's "Summæ," with elaborate annotations; and addressing to Sir Francis Bacon, on whom the great seal had just been conferred, a "Brief Discourse upon the office of Lord Chancellor of England.

We cannot but be struck with the amazing energy and application of the man, who, still plying his learned and judicious pen, found time in 1617 to furnish Purchas (he was then publishing his "Pilgrimes") with a short account" of the Jews sometimes living in England." For in this same year he gave to the world his celebrated work, "De Diis Syriis," a Latin treatise on Syrian idolatry in general, and the heathen deities mentioned in the Old Testament in particular. It made him known to the scholars of the Continent, where, in 1627, it was reprinted by the Elzevirs, under the superintendence of De Dieu, one of the professors in the Walloon College at Leyden, and of Daniel Heinsius, to whom Selden dedicated the edition. The high estimation in which it was held, is proved by the fact that it was reprinted in 1662, and again in 1680.

In the following year appeared his "History of Tithes, from the publication of which may be dated his career as a constitutional reformer. In its learned and ingenious pages he set forth the rise and progress of that onerous ecclesiastical tax, and while admitting its legality, overthrowing the claim for its Divine origin maintained by the Church. As such a claim would not now-a-days be put forward, a refutation of it would not excite any angry feelings; but in 1618 it gave huge offence both to the clergy and the Court. It was a blow at the very foundation on which the advocates of the absolute power of the Crown and the Church rested their pretensions; and both Crown and Church prepared to chastise the audacious offender. In December he was summoned to appear before James I. at his palace of Theobalds. He was introduced into the royal presence by his friends. Ben Jonson and Edward Hayward, and subjected to a

lecture by the royal theologian, who indicated the objectionable passages, and required him to re-write them or explain them away. Selden was forced to assent; but his submission did not save him from further humiliation. The Court of High Commission pounced upon him, and though they did not extort from him a retractation, they compelled him to sign an ignominious declaration :

"My good lords, I must humbly acknowledge the error I have committed in publishing the "History of Tithes ;" and especially in that I have at all, by showing any interpretation of Holy Scriptures, by meddling with councils, fathers, or canons, or by what else soever occurs in it, afford any occasion of argument against any right of maintenance, jure divino, of the ministers of the Gospel; beseeching your lordships to receive this ingenuous and humble acknowledgment, together with the unfeigned protestation of my grief, for that through it I have so incurred both his Majesty's and your lordships' displeasure, conceived against me on behalf of the Church of England. "JOHN SELDEN."

One cannot but regret that Selden subscribed this shameful submission, but he was not of the stuff of which martyrs are made. A sensitive and studious scholar, he lacked the nerve and the moral courage to hold his ground steadfastly when authority threatened him with pains and penalties, unless he was sustained by the example and encouragement of others. On this

occasion he stood alone. We shall see that he could be braver and more consistent when sustained and inspired by the companionship of bolder spirits.

To his " History of Tithes" numerous answers appeared, written by the zealous champions of the Church with more enthusiasm and learning, and more invective

than argument. Selden was not allowed to make any rejoinder. The king trembled at the extent to which a controversy on Divine right might be pushed, and sending for the scholar, forbade him to make any reply to a refutation from the pen of Montagu, one of his chaplains. "If you or any of your friends," said James, 'shall write against this confutation, I will throw you into prison!" In such circumstances, Montagu necessarily had it all his own way. One's reasoning can hardly fail to be cogent and conclusive when one's adversary is deprived of the right of reply!

His attack on clerical pretentions had so greatly provoked the royal wrath, that our timid scholar thought it advisable to recant certain opinions on subjects of no great moment, which differed from those of His Majesty. To propitiate him, therefore, Selden published three tracts: "Of the Number 666 in the Revelation," "Of Calvin's Judgment on the Book of Revelation," and "Of the Birthday of our Saviour," in which his later judgments happily conformed with those of the royal theologian. In the mystic number he found new and more recondite meanings; in the judgment of Calvin he failed to discover the good sense and moderation which had formerly characterised it; and in Christmas Day he acknowledged the natural return of the anniversary, which, formerly, he had rashly held as dubious.

But a weak man, when the weakness is rather constitutional than moral, will often show an unexpected strength at a great opportunity; and Selden gradually hardened, as it were, under the influence of events. His nature was elevated and inspired by the struggle between the Commons and the Crown, which every year assumed larger proportions and greater intensity.

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