and acted with the same spirit; and joined with the most violent in prosecuting the Earl of Strafford, and Archbishop Laud. In 1642 the King took. the Great Seal from the Lord Keeper Littleton, intending it for Mr. Selden;, but he declined the first overture that he received of that intention. 1 In 1647 he published Fleta seu Com-mentarius Juris Anglicani sic nuncupatus; he was much displeased with the violent measures pursued against the King; and when the Einwu Baotikn came out, Cromwell could not by any means prevail on him to draw his pen against it. He now. declined public affairs, and spent his time altogether in his study, where he was sure to gratify his own humour. He after this published several works. In the year 1654, being near seventy years old he began to decline, and in some months grew apprehensive of his approaching dissolution. He discoursed with Dr. Usher and Dr. Gerard Langbaine, on the vanity of learning; and declared that all his hopes of salvation was upon the promises in scripture. Soon Soon after he wrote a letter to Bulstrode Whitelocke, Esq. his friend, in these words: "My Lord, "I am a most humble suitor to your "Lordship, that you would be pleased "that I might have your presence for << a little time to morrow or next day. "Thus much wearies the most weak "hand and body of your Lordship's "most humble servant, Nov. 10, 1654. From White Friars. "J. SELDEN.” He had resided some years with Elizabeth, Countess Dowager of Kent, at the Friary house. Mr. Whitelocke came according to his request, but found him so weak that he was not able to perform his intention, which was some alteration in his will. died on the last day of November, and was buried, according to his own request, in the Temple church, Archbishop Usher preaching his funeral sermon. His works have been collected and He published published by Dr. David Wilkins, in three volumes, folio, Mr. Whitlocke says his mind was as great as his learning and Dr. Wilkins observes that he was charitable especially to scholars. His character is eloquantly touched by himself in the choice of his motto: Περὶ παντὸς την ελευθερίαν, |