OF ORIGINAL PAPERS OF STATE, RECORDS, AND LETTERS.

BY JOHN STRYPE, M. A.

A NEW EDITION.

VOL. III. PART I.

OXFORD,

AT THE CLARENDON PRESS.

MDCCCXXIV.

THE

PREFACE.

Good Reader,

I HAVE little to say by way of preface, upon

the appearance of this third volume of the Annals, but only that I have herein continued them for several years further, moved by the same good end and purpose I wrote the former; namely, (for the service of the present generation, as well as for posterity,) to communicate some more light to the last wonderful age, when queen Elizabeth ruled these kingdoms, and to the settlement and continuance of our excellent reformed religion, and the amazing concurrence of God's blessing therewith, in spite of all worldly opposition, however formidable and malicious; and also to let the world know, that I have digested and compiled this volume carefully (as I have done the former) out of my large store of collections made from authentic original papers, and that, I protest, with the same diligence, fidelity, and

exactness.

And here, on this account, I think myself bound, and do take this occasion, to vindicate my credit and reputation, in respect of my truth, faithfulness, and ability in what I have formerly writ and published; having been not long ago very rudely dealt with by one Daniel Williams, presbyter of the church of England, in his English translation of a French book, entitled, A defence of the validity of the English ordination: writ in French by father Francis Courayer, canon regular and librarian of St. Genevieve at Paris. Which translated book was printed at Paris anno 1725. When (page 50) I am thus by the translator accused and exposed: