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I Have read that a Statute was made to retrench the num∣ber of great mens keeping their Reteiners, in the Reign of King Hen. 7th; and that politickly done in those nu∣tinous times, to prevent Commotions, lest some popular person should raise a little Army, under the covert of his great Attendance.
A Law improved to Rigor, though certainly (as all other penal Statutes intended but to terrour) insomuch that the Earl of Oxford (more meriting of King Hen. 7th then any other subject) was even* 1.3 delivered to the Kings Attur∣ney, and (as report saith) Fined fifteen thousand Marks for exceeding the proportion legally allowed.
I confess we live in as dangerous dayes, and affording as great jealousies as those: But I have cause to be right glad (as deeply concerned therein) that though a Statute hath for∣bidden many to depend on one, none hath prohibited one to depend on many Patrons: But any Author of a Book may multiply them Sance-number, as driving on no hurtful design, but onely the protection of his own endeavours.
On this account I tender these my Labours unto you, know∣ing the very Name of NAPIER acceptable to all Scholars, ever since the Learned Laird of Marchistowne (no stranger to your bloud, as I am informed) by his Log-arithmes, con∣tracted the pains (and so by consequence prolonged the time and life) of all imployed in Numeration.
1. KIng Henry being conscious that he had got and did keep the Crown by a bad Title,* 1.4 counted it his wisest way,* 1.5 to comply with the Clergie,* 1.6 whose present power was not onely useful, but needful for him. To gain their favour, he lately enacted bloudy Laws, for the extirpation of poor Christians, under the false notion of Hereticks,a 1.7 condemning them to be burnt. A torment unheard of in such cases till that time: and yet it appeareth, that the Pope, in this Age, was not possest of so full power in England (whatsoever the Ca∣tholicks pretend;) but that this politick Prince kept the reins, though loose, in his own hand. For in thisb 1.8 time it was resolved, that the Popes Collector, though he had the Popes Bull for that purpose, had no jurisdiction within this Realm;