To the READER.
THose few spare houres which I could either borrow or steale from the many imployments of my busie Diocese, I have gladly bestowed upon these, not more recreative then usefull, Contemplations, for which I [ C] have been (some years) a debter to the Church of God: now, in a care to satisfie the desires of many and my owne pre-ingagement, I send them forth into the light. My Reader shall finde the discourse in all these passa∣ges more large, and in the latter (as the occasion gives) more fervent. And if he shall misse some remarkable stories, let him be pleased to know, that I have purposely omitted those pieces which consist rather of speech then of act, and those that are in respect of the matter coincident to these I have selected. I have so done my task, as fearing, not affecting length; and as carefull to avoid the cloying of my Reader with other mens thoughts. Such as they are, I wish them, as I hope they shall be, be∣neficiall to God's Church; and in them intend to set up my rest: beseeching my [ D] Reader that he will mutually exchange his prayers for and with me, who am the un∣worthiest of the Servants of Christ,
J. E.