Finch, Henry

In Latin: Henry Finch, MA, Dean of this church, died 8 September 1728, aged 64. A man of true nobility, ennobled by his birth and the high rank of his ancestors; but far more ennobled by that assemblage of immortal virtues with which he was adorned. Majesty and grace and alacrity, the signs of a sound mind, shone forth in his face. In speech he was easy yet not indecorous, and severe with sweetness. Most benign to all, especially to the faithful; steadfast in justice, neither sordid hope nor servile fear could ever turn him from the straight path or honest counsels. With a piety innocent of pretence, abhorring all deceit (for he held a firm faith in the mysteries of the Christian religion), he rendered to God the honours that were due, whatever things were pure, honourable, lovely, and of good report. (To sum up everything,) he himself cultivated these things, and insofar as lay in him, took care that others might cultivate them too.  He was an ornament and honour to the English church; the support and the delight of the church in York, in which he presided: his equal she will not easily obtain, his superior she cannot hope for. Ripe for the happiness of the heavenly life, and too good for this underserving world, God called him out of it.