And thus, gentle Reader, that I may not extend this discourse beyond the period of his life, who was the subject thereof, I withdraw my pen from paper, intreating either thy friendly acceptance of this my labour, or thy farther pains in writing and publishing some more complete and learned observations of thine own, touching this renowned Archbishop's actions and fame, which could not, without great shame unto myself and others his followers, be buried in darkness with his body.

DOCTOR JOHN DONNE.

Dd 2

Here much I ruminate, as much I may,

With other views of men and manners now
Than once, and others of a life to come.

COWPER,

INTRODUCTION.

IF that great master of language and art, Sir Henry Wotton, the late provost of Eaton College, had lived to see the publication of these sermons, he had presented the world with the author's life exactly written. And it was pity he did not; for it was a work worthy his undertaking, and he fit to undertake it; betwixt whom, and the author, there was so mutual a knowledge, and such a friendship contracted in their youth, as nothing but death could force a separation. And, though their bodies were divided, their affections were not: for, that learned Knight's love followed his friend's fame beyond death and the forgetful grave; which he testified by intreating me, whom he acquainted with his design, to inquire of some particulars that concerned it, not doubting but my knowledge of the author, and love to his memory, might make my diligence useful. I did most gladly undertake the employment, and continued it with great content till I had made my collection ready to be augmented and completed by his matchless pen: but then, death prevented his intentions.

When I heard that sad news, and heard also that these sermons were to be printed, and want the author's life, which I thought to be very remarkable: indignation or grief (indeed I know not which) transported me so far, that I reviewed my forsaken collections,