[BF] MS. Aubr. 6, fol. 48 is two leaves, pp. 49-52, sign. I, of a printed book, a miscellany of Greek and Latin verses. The first piece on p. [49] is six Greek lines 'Epitaphium D. Henrici Briggi ob mathesin et pietatem famigerati, denati 1631. Januar. ult.' The second piece is 32 Latin verses 'in bibliothecam Oxoniensem tertio amplificatam MDCXXXVI.'
Thomas Brightman (1562-1607).
<A Letter from Edward Gibson about Thomas Brightman[BG].>
[486]Hawnes, Dec. 21, <16>81.
Sir,
Since you have desired and have been put into an expectation of receiving some information concerning Mr. Brightman, tho I have litle or nothing to serve you and your freind with, I send this to let you know that I find nothing of his arms; that upon the stone is engraven
'Here lyeth the body of Thomas Brightman, deceased, minister of this parish, who dyed Aug. 24, 1607.'
Over his head are these sad rimes (I hope they are Oxford, tho not much for the honour of it).—
Christ cals his churches candlestiks of old,
Altho the candlesticks but the candles hold.
The lights on them hee calleth angels pure,
Not barely candles, for those must endure.
Candles when burn't out are soon forgott,
But ministers, as angels, must not rot.
Sith God doth ministers so eternize,
Let not us mortals give them lower prize.
And specially to Brightman's recommendacion
And bee entomed a light to th' revelation
Wee must, wee ought, to make such saints last
In whom wee know the times to come and past.
I am, Sir, Yours to serve you,
Edw. Gibson.