HOOKER, RICHARD, author of the books of Ecclesiastical Polity, and one of the most illustrious of English theologians, was born in the city of Exeter, or its neigh borhood, about the year 1554. He was early distinguished for his "quick apprehension of many perplext parts of learning," and attracted the notice of Jewell, bishop of Salis bury, through whose influence he was sent to Oxford about his 13th year. Ile was placed at Corpus Christi college. He was advanced first to the dignity of scholar, and then of fellow of his college. After about three years' residence in his college as fel low, he entered into sacred orders, and ere long was appointed to preach at St. Paul's Cross. Hither all the power and eloquence of the church found their way in the 16th century. To Hooker, however, the trial of such a public appearance was evidently considerable, according to Walton's account; and the more as the weather proved very unfavorable for his journey; "but a warm bed and rest, and drink proper for a cold, given him by Mrs. Churchman, and her diligent attendance added unto it, enabled him to perform the office of the day, which was on or about the year 1381." Mrs. Church man's kindness proved too munch for the simple-minded theologian. He was led, evi dently without due consideration, into a marriage with her daughter. This marriage of Hooker, as is known to all, was far from proving a source of happiness—a result that could scarcely have been expected from its commencement. Walton's description of the visit of his two old pupils, Edwin Sandys and George Cramer, and " Richard called to rock the cradle" froth their company, is among the most characteristic sketches of this fine old writer. The visit was made to Drayton-Beauchamp, in Buckingham shire, where Hooker had settled in 1584, as a country priest, after his marriage. He was transferred ere long to the mastership of the Temple, by the patronage of archbishop Whitgift.; and here he was plunged into the controversy with Puritanism, out of which his great work arose. Travers, one of the most zealous of the Elizabethan Puritans,
was his colleague in the Temple. Travers was the more attractive and popular orator, if the less profound thinker. The union was not a happy one. The congregation "ebbed in the forenoon," Fuller tells us, "and flowed in the afternoon." "Pure Can terbury" was in the ascendant in the morning, " Geneva" in the afternoon. Hooker soon tired of the contention in the congregation, and the indifference of the majority to his ministry. He accordingly applied to the archbishop, who presented him, in the year 1391, to of accordingly in the diocese of Salisbury, and 6 in. from that city. Here he remained for four years, busily employed with his great work, which his experience in the Temple probably prompted. The first four books of the Ecclesi astical Polity appeared iu 1594. In the same year he was transferred to the living of Bishopshorne, near Canterbury, where he spent the few remaining years of his life, and gave to the world the fifth book of the Polity. The remaining three books were post humous. About the year 1600, in the 46th year of his age, he caught cold in his pas. sage from London to Gravesend, and gradually sunk under the weakness which followed.
Hooker will always be esteemed one of the most illustrious thinkers and writers, not only in English theology, but in English literature. He is alike comprehensive and profound, tranquil and eloquent. Ile is speculative without mysticism. and earnest without declamation. lie searches all the depths and rises to all the heights of his subject, without ever forgetting the simplicity of the Christian or breaking time charm of catholic association that hinds all its parts together. More than anything, he is wise and jUdi, (*Rus in the highest- sense of that word; and it is the light of lofty and calm wisdom, shining through his pages, that continues to make them a delightful and excellent study, when most of the contemporary theological works are forgotten.