THIS edition of Strype's Life of Sir John Cheke, as well as that lately published of Sir Thomas Smith, is printed verbatim from a copy corrected by the Author, which is the property of Mr. Watson Taylor, and with the use of which he was pleased to oblige the Delegates of the Clarendon Press. Feb. 1821. ΤΟ THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL EDWARD CHEEK OF PYRGO, ESQ. SIR, BE pleased to accept this book of the Life of the right worthy and ever memorable Sir John Cheke, your great great grandfather, who derives an honour upon you that are sprung in a direct line from him. To you therefore it most properly belongs. And further, it may be of this use to you, that by reading and knowing his extraordinary accomplishments, they may be your continual mementos, not to degenerate from, but to imitate, as much as may be, such a forefather. The cause that moved me to write this Life, was the notable figure Cheke made in this island in his time; having been a rare instrument of doing good to his country, (the effects whereof remain to this day,) not only in the wise and happy modelling of an excellent Prince to govern the State, but also in furthering most successfully solid and useful learning in the University, and the pure religion of the Gospel in Court and kingdom: though it raised him up implacable enemies of the Popish faction, brought him into extreme troubles, and shortened his life. And therefore it is highly becoming, nay, may say, a public debt, to preserve his name and I memory. It is true, Sir, I do not pretend to be either the first or only writer of his Life. For Gerard Langbain, D. D. in the time of the civil wars, and David Lloyd since, and Holland before them both, have done something that way. But their writings are so slight, superficial, and deficient, and so full of errors and impositions upon the reader's credulity, that something more full and correct was necessary, to give a better representation of this gentleman to the world: which I have endeavoured to do; and perhaps I have had greater advantages than others to do it. My inclinations (I know not how) have carried me now for many years to search more curiously into the affairs of that age. And in my pursuits I have conversed with many records, manuscripts, original letters, as well as other old thrown-by printed books, and some of them rare ones too. And from the multifarious collections and transcripts taken thence, I have been furnished with materials for the composing this tract. Which (whatever it be) I have done with all care, faithfulness, and integrity. For as I love not to be imposed upon myself, so neither to impose upon others. The opportunities I have had (I will not say, the pains I have taken) in making myself acquainted with Cheke's life and actions, may appear by that catalogue of books and papers set down afterwards, which I have made use of. There was, Sir, another reason excited me to this undertaking. It was not long ago I printed the Life of Sir Thomas Smith, his dear friend and contemporary in the same University; both joint |