Paralysi correptus
Flebilis omnibus
Ob: Ætat: An. LXVIII.
Œr: MDCCLXXX. VI. 1d. Feb.
R. I. P.
Socii mœr. pos:
The preceding account clearly indicates the leading features of Preston's character. He was one of the few who, with eminent talents, have been found to unite the most profound humility. Courted by the learned and respected by the great, he seemed to possess no ambition but to hold the subordinate station of Professor in the College to whose welfare he dedicated his talents and labours. His temper was mild, and his conduct regulated with such uniform moderation, good sense and benevolence, that not a single word of anger or impatience was ever known to have fallen from his lips. His piety was great, yet without ostentation, and it seemed his only wish to pass through life, unknown and unregarded by men. He was remarkable for a strong memory, a clear understanding and a sound judgment. Hence the extensive knowledge which he possessed was always at his command, and so methodically was it arranged, that he declared, that were he immured without access to a single book, he could put down on every subject which he had studied, a regularly digested system.
After all perhaps the best encomium which could be passed on him is that with which the Annals of the College conclude the account of his labours. "Vir summæ doctrinæ, fama commendabilis, simplex et rectus ac timens Deum."
Father Jerome Allen, the contemporary and life-long friend of Dr. Preston, was born in London, in the year 1730. His father was a Portuguese named Antony Gomez who, at the time of the birth of his son, was attached to the Portuguese Embassy in Condon. His mother, Mary Allen, was born in London and, as Father
