To the Churches of the Roman communion we can say that ours is reformed: to the Reformed Churches we can say that ours is orderly and decent; for, we were freed from the impositions and lasting errors of a tyranical spirit, and yet from the extravagancies of a popular spirit too. Our Reformation was done without tumult, and yet we saw it necessary to reform; we were zealous to cast away the old errors, but our zeal was balanced with consideration and the results of authority: not like women or children when they are affrighted with fire in their clothes: we shook off the coul indeed, but not our garments, lest we should have exposed our Churches to that nakedness which the excellent men of our Sister Churches complained to be among themselves. BISHOP TAYLOR. ADVERTISEMENT. THE Life of HOOKER, written by Isaac Walton, was first published, separately, in the year 1665 (which is the date in the title page,) or rather at the latter end of the year 1664. It is here printed, as are the Lives of Donne, Wotton, and Herbert, from the fourth edition of the year 1675. Dr. Zouch informs us that he has thought it expedient to deviate from the edition of 1675 in the Life of Mr. Hooker, by adopting that which was last revised by Walton, and is prefixed to Hooker's Works printed at London in 1723, and at Oxford in 1793, yet without admitting those passages which Mr. Strype has introduced into the text." It is to be regretted that in this deviation so much deference was paid to Mr. Strype's example. For the copy which he prefixed to Hooker's Works in 1723, was no other than the first edition of 1665, or rather perhaps, that which was prefixed to Hooker's Works in 1666, and wanted therefore, the corrections and improvements which were introduced by the Author in his subsequent revisions. In the present edition, the additions introduced by Mr. Strype are retained. They tend considerably to illustrate Hooker's opinions respecting some important points. of doctrine; and to exhibit in its true colours the character of that saint-like man. I To the Right Honourable and Reverend Father in God, GEORGE, Lord Bishop of Winchester, and Prelate of the Most Noble Order of the Garter. MY LORD, DID, some years past, present you with a plain relation of the life of Mr. RICHARD HOOKER, that humble man, to whose memory princes and the most learned of this nation have paid a reverence at the mention of his name.And, now, with Mr. Hooker's I present you also the Life of that pattern of primitive piety, Mr. GEORGE HERBERT; and with his, the Life of Dr. DONNE, and your friend Sir HENRY WOTTON, all reprinted.-The two first were written under your roof; for which reason, if they were worth it, you might justly challenge a dedication and indeed, so you might of Dr. Donne's, and Sir Henry Wotton's: because, if I had been fit for this undertaking, it would not have been by acquired learning or study; but by the advantage of forty years friendship, and thereby with hearing and discoursing with your Lordship, that hath enabled me to make the relation of these lives passable (if they prove so) in an eloquent and captious age. And indeed, my Lord, though these relations be well-meant sacrifices to the memory of these worthy men; yet, I have so little confidence in my performance, that I beg pardon for superscribing your name to them; and desire all that know your |