nowned Archbishop Whitgift, of whose incomparable worth, with the character of the times, you have given us a more short and significant account than I have received from any other pen. You have done much for the learned Sir Henry Savile, his contemporary and familiar friend; amongst the surviving monuments of whose learning (give me leave to tell you so) two are omitted; his edition of Euclid, but especially his translation of "King James's Apology for the Oath of Allegiance," into elegant Latin; which, flying in that dress as far as Rome, was by the Pope and Conclave sent to Salamanca unto Franciscus Suarez (then residing there as president of that college) with a command to answer it. And it is worth noting, that when he had perfected the work which he calls "Defensio Fidei Catholicæ," it was transmitted to Rome for a view of the inquisitors, who, according to their custom, blotted out what they pleased, and (as Mr. Hooker hath been used since his death) added whatsoever might advance the Pope's supremacy, or carry on their own interest; commonly coupling together "deponere et occidere," the deposing and then killing of princes: which cruel and unchristian language, Mr. John Saltkel, the amanuensis to Saurez, when he wrote that answer (but since a convert, and living long in my father's house), often professed the good old man (whose piety and charity Mr. Saltkel magnified much) not only disavowed, but detested. Not to trouble you further; your reader (if according to your desire my approbation of your work carries any weight) will here find many just reasons to thank you for it; and possibly for this circumstance here mentioned (not known to many), may happily apprehend one to thank him, who heartily wishes your happiness, and is unfeignedly, Sir, your ever faithful and affectionate old friend, HENRY CHICHESTER. CHICHESTER, Nov. 17, 1664. THE 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 entreating me, whom he acquainted with his design, to inquire of some particulars that concerned it, not doubting but * This Life was originally prefixed to the first collection of Dr. Donne's Sermons, printed in 1640. |