His affection for his Mother College was ardent and generous, and showed itself in the pious donations which he either made himself or obtained from others in its behalf.
During his Episcopacy he introduced into his household as much as circumstances would permit, the regularity and pious exercises followed at the College, and "by knowing," say the Annals, "how to rule his own house, proved himself qualified to take care of the Church of God." He died in 1693.
To return to the History of the College.
It was in the year 1661, that Dr. Godden, as already stated, was appointed Chaplain and Preceptor to the Infanta, and this necessitated his resignation of the office of President. He was succeeded by the Rev. John Barnesley, alias Parott, a native of Worcestershire, and a convert from Protestantism, who thus became the ninth President. He went to the College in 1647, and distinguished himself by his abilities in the Philosophical and Theological Schools. After completing his studies, he successively filled the offices of Master of Humanities, Procurator, Professor of Philosophy and Professor of Theology. In 1659 he was appointed Vice-President, and in 1662 received from the Chapter his nomination to the Presidency. Some time after he was honoured with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Some of the questions on which he stood Thesis on occasion of his receiving his degree, give evident proof of his intellectual power, and the boldness with which he entered into the contest.
The following are examples, from which it may be gathered how severe was the ordeal which those had to face who stood public Thesis, at which the religious and secular clergy of the city were invited to enter the lists as opponents, and they give an idea of the subjects upon which the intellectual acumen of theological students was, in those days, concentrated.
- Utrum res omnes sint physice et realiter præsentes Deo ab æterno, in æternitate in quâcumque differentia temporis existentes?
