Gabriel Powel

Gabriel Powel, B. D.—This learned person was the son of Dr. David Powel, the famous antiquary; born at Ruabon, in Denbighshire, in the year 1575, and educated in Jesus college, Oxford. Having finished his studies at the university, he became master ot the free-school at Ruthen, in his native county. During his abode in the country, he

• Wood's Athens Oxon. vol. i. p. 802.

t Sir Robert was knight of the ihire for the county of Hereford, and muster of the Mint, to which office was annexed a salary of foor thousand pounds a year. In 1641 he received a commission from the house of comrauns, to demolish all images, crucifixes, and other obnoxious relics of popery; and his commission was punctually executed. He had considerable influence in the house; and, like others of his illustrious family, was a great friend and patron of learning. He died November 6, 1656.— fVhitlockc's Mm. p. 47. Edit. 1732.—Grmngcr't Biog. Hist. vol. ii. p. 969.

t Bolton's Last Visitation, Conflicts, and Death of Mr. Peacock. Edit. 1660.

paid a close application to the writings of the fathers, and to the study of philosophy, and laid a foundation for several works which he intended to publish. Bui this not being a suitable situation for the accomplishment of his wishes, he again returned to Oxford, entered St. Mary's-hall, and wrote and published several learned books. He was one of those learned divines who wrote against Bishop Bilson, concerning Christ's descent into helf. On account of the admirable productions of his pen, he obtained great fame, especially among the puritans. His high reputation having spread through the country, Dr. Vaughan, the pious and learned Bishop of London, who was a decided friend to the puritans, invited him to London, made him his domestic chaplain, and, had he lived much longer, would have done great things for him. A minister of the same name, and most probably the same person, was made prebendary of Portpool, in the year 1609; but resigned it by death previous to December 31,1611.* Wood says he was esteemed a prodigy of learning, though he died when a little more than thirty years old ; and had he lived to a greater maturity of years, it is thought he would have exceeded the famous Dr. John Rainolds, or any of the learned heroes of the age: but he adds, " that he was a zealot, and a stiff puritan,"+

His Works.—1. The Resolved Christinn, 1602.—2. Prodromus: or • Logical Resolution of the first Chapter of (he Epistle lo the Romans, 1C.12.—3. Theological nnd Scholastics! Positions concerning Usury, 1602.—4. The Catholicks' Supplication to the King for Toleration of Catholic Religion, with Notes and Observations in the Margin, 1003.—5. A Supplication parallel-wise, or Counterpoise of the Protestants to the said King, 1603.—6. A Consideration of Papists Reasons of State and Religions, for a Toleration of Popery in England, intimated in their Supplication to the King's Majesty, and the State of the present Parliament, 1004.—7. The Unlawfulness and Danger of Toleration of divers Religions, and Connivanco to contrary Worship In one Monarchy or Kingdom, 1005.—8. A Refutation of an Epistle Apologetical, written by a Puritan-papist to pcrsuado the Permission of the promiscuous use and profession of all sorts of Heresies, 1605.—9. A Consideration of the Deprived and Silenced Ministers' Arguments for their Restitution to the use and liberty of their Ministry, exhibited in their late Supplication to this present Parliament, 1606.—10. Disputationes Theologies: de Antichristo, 1606.—11. De Adiaphoris theses Theological ct Scholastics;, 1006.— 12. Rejoinder unto the Mild Defence, Justifying the Consideration of the Silcneed Ministers' Supplication to the Parliament.—13. A Comment on the Decalogue.—Most of the above articles passed through several editions.

• Newcourt's Repert. Eccl. vol. i. p. 801.
t Wood's Athena Ozon. vol. t. p. 294, 394.