To the Reader.

WHo is not sensible with sorrow of the distractions
of this age? To write books therefore
may seem unseasonable, especially in a
time wherein the Presse, like an unruly
horse, hath cast off his bridle of being Licensed,
and some serious books, which dare flie abroad, are
hooted at by a flock of Pamphlets.
But be pleased to know that when I left my home, it
was fair weather, and my journey was half past, before I
discovered the tempest, and had gone so farre in this
Work, that I could neither go backward with credit, nor
forward with comfort.
As for the matter of this Book, therein I am resident on
my Profession; Holinesse in the latitude thereof falling
under the cognizance of a Divine. For curious method,
expect none, Essays for the most part not being placed as
at a Feast,but placing themselves as at an Ordinary.
The characters I have conformed to the then standing
Laws of the Realm, a twelvemoneth ago were they sent
to the Presse since which time the wisdome of the King
and State hath thought fitting to alter many things, and I
expect the discretion of the Reader should make his alterations
accordingly. And I conjure thee by all Christian

A 3

ingenuity, that if lightning here on some passages, rather
harsh-sounding then ill-intended, to construe the same by
the generall drift and main scope which is aimed at.
Nor let it render the modestie of this Book suspected,
because it presumes to appear in company unmann'd by
any Patron: If right, it will defend it self; if wrong, none
can defend it: Truth needs not, Falsehood deserves not a
Supporter. And indeed the matter of this Work is too
high for a subjects, the workmanship thereof too low for a
Princes patranage.
And now I will turn my pen into prayer, That God
would be pleased to discloud these gloomy dayes with the
beams of his mercy: which if I may be so happy as to see,
it will then encourage me to count it freedome to serve
two apprentiships God spinning out the thick thred of
my life so long in writing the Ecclesiasticall History
from Christs time to our dayes, if I shall from remoter
parts be so planted, as to enjoy the benefit of walking, and
standing Libraries, without which advantages the best
vigilancie doth but vainly dream to undertake such a task.
Mean time I will stop the leakage of my soul, and what
heretofore hath run out in writing, shall hereafter God
willing be improved in constant preaching, in what
place soever Gods providence, and friends good will shall
fix
Thine in all Christian offices.
Thomas Fuller