many passages thereof, not found in our printed histories. Also, in the relation (contained in this book) of the state of the reformed religion in this kingdom, are shewn many singular matters of note, and the wonderful success it had, notwithstanding the great opposition it met with from popish powers abroad, as well as zealots and the new reformers at home.
To conclude. As in my Ecclesiastical Memorials many ample accounts were given of the affairs and events of this church, and the state of religion under three princes, king Henry, king Edward, and queen Mary, successively, digested in three volumes; so I have endeavoured to continue them in three other volumes under Annals, commencing at the reign of the next succeeding princess, the glorious queen Elizabeth. And for some commendation of the usefulness of those Memorials and these Annals, I cannot but repeat what the late most reverend and pious Dr. Tenison, archbishop of Canterbury, said, when I presented my first volume of Annals to him; viz. "That Josephus "Scaliger, that great scholar, told some of his learned "friends, that he liked Baronius better than Bellarmine; “quoniam historia est: whereby matters of religion might "better be judged of than by controversial writings, as those "of Bellarmine were."
I must call this volume my last, (though indeed it reach not by divers years to the end of that queen's reign,) because it is the last conclusion of my labour therein; my great age and frequent infirmities disabling me from going further in this work. And I thank God, that hath lengthened out my life and strength beyond what I could have expected, to have gone so far as I have done; and that, I hope, not without some profit and use for promoting true religion, grounded upon the gospel, accompanied with unity, peace, and concord: which God grant.