Item genre: Preface

Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F29
Sarah Cowper's Diary, Volume 1 (1700-1702)
(Author, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 4 (Preface), p.[i]

Prefatory remark

Books generally begin with a preface which draws in the reader to go on.

...

But upon review of my manuscripts I think the beginning will forbid any further reading

[This is the entire entry.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F29
Sarah Cowper's Diary, Volume 1 (1700-1702)
(Author, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 6 (Apology, Preface), p.[iv]

Second prefatory remark

I will not say but there may be some things here that upon strict enquiry will perhaps appear not to be well founded, but this I will affirm that I have invented and added nothing myself.

[This is the entire entry.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F31
Diary, Volume 3 (1705-1706)
(Author, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 2 (Preface, Quotation), p.[ii]


Anon. (Author)

Prefatory remarks about spiritual diaries

If private persons did record the signal favours which they receive from the hand of God no question but the frequent reviews of such a memorial would furnish them with abundance of pleasure, as well as administer support under new and unexpected troubles.

...

Where there is a just reflection on the worth of our mercies, it will effectually engage our hearts in the work of praise.


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F32
Diary, Volume 4 (1706-1709)
(Author, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 4 (Preface, Quotation), p.[ii]


Anon. (Author)

Prefatory remarks about diaries

It is advisable that thou keep a book in which may be registered for thy own private use, whatever is worthy to be remarked concerning thine outward and inward life.

...

It is the part of a wise man to set his life in order, and to prefix a due end to all his acts of every kind, in the immediate concerns of ordinary conversation and diligently to inquire after the convenient method and means by which he may arrive at his principal intent.


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F33
Diary, Volume 5 (1709-1711)
(Author, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 70 (Preface), pp.77-78[rev]


Anon. (Author)

Preamble to the patent creating Earl of Oxford, writ in Latin. Englished thus ---

Whatever favour may be merited from a just prince, by a man born of an illustrious and very ancient family;

...

that he who is himself learned, and a patron of learning, should happily take his title from the city where letters do so gloriously flourish ---

[The following has been added vertically in the margin: "In earnest, I do protest. All this I took for Grub: street jest. | Till I was told in sober sadness; 'twas the true prologue of |what rhymes to, that-----"]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F39
Commentary on the Bible (1680-1685)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 4.1 (Preface), fols [7r-8r]

April the first 1685

I began to collect some interpretations of difficult places in the scripture with expositions and annotations upon the same.

...

There is no assault of the adversary so violent, that is no temptation so strong, which an affectionate study of the Holy Scriptures cannot easily repel; no adversity so sad which it cannot render easily to be borne.


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F39
Commentary on the Bible (1680-1685)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 4.25 (Preface), fols [175r-176v]

August 17th 1685. The Prophets.

God hath caused the prophecies to be written more for his own glory than our sakes.

...

would not that at all times the prophecies should be understood; lest the knowledge and understanding of them, should prejudice their accomplishment; lest men should oppose it, and stand upon their guard in that respect.

1713. This puts me in mind of Dr Lloyd Bishop of Worcester who predicts wonderful things shortly to come to pass.

[

The final rubric appears to be a note added later by Cowper.

Preceded by blank fols [170v-174v].

Followed by blank fol.[176r-v].

]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F39
Commentary on the Bible (1680-1685)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 4.43 (Meditation, Preface), fol.[291r]

Preliminary meditation on the Gospels

There is no doctrines of men but what are vitiated with some blackness of error; but the doctrine of Christ alone is white like snow, and altogether pure.

...

which the philosophers also promised to the followers of their opinions; but Christ alone can give that which the world cannot give.

[Preceded by blank fols [289v-290v].]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F39
Commentary on the Bible (1680-1685)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 4.45 (Preface), fol.[291v]

Expositions on The New Testament with Annotations by the learned Dr Hammond

The scriptures were written for all, for that which they teach is the duty of all, that which they promise is the portion of all.

...

but also from those who were eye witnesses, and instruments employed by Christ in the particulars of the story, and therefore is as credible a witness, as their authority from whom he had his instructions can render him


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F39
Commentary on the Bible (1680-1685)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 4.72 (Argument, Preface), fol.[480r]

Of the Revelation

Bishop Patrick It may be objected, that this Book of Visions was doubted of among some of the Ancient Christians.

...

Justin Martyr had that opinion of it, and so had Irenaeus, and Theophilus Antiochenus, and Origen , especially St Cyprian, who produces testimonies out of no book of the New Testament so oft as this.

[This is written in a slightly smaller hand than the surrounding text, and may have been added later.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 3.1 (Preface, Quotation), p.[iii]

Prefatory quotation

If you gather all the good out of the books of heathens; and, like the bee; flying over all the gardens of the ancients pass by the poison and only suck the wholesome and excellent juice you will render your mind not a little armed for a common; or as 'tis called a moral good life.

[This is the entire entry.]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F40A
Miscellany (Started in 1683)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 3.2 (Preface, Quotation), p.[iii]

Prefatory quotation

The tribute we owe to God who demands a tenth of our substance and a seventh of our time

[This is the entire entry ]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F41
History of the World (1686)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 3 (Preface), p.[iii]

Preface concerning the genre of history

The books which are written, do in their kinds, represent the faculties of the mind of man; poetry, his imaginations; philosophy, his reason; and history, his memory;

...

But this is true, that in no sort of writings there is a greater distance between the good and the bad, no not between the most excellent poet, and the vainest rhymer; nor between the deepest philosopher and the most frivolous schoolmen; than there is between good histories, and those that unworthily bear that title.

[Preceded by blank p.[ii].]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F43
Miscellany (1690, 1698 and later)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 5 (Preface), fol.1[r]

Preface

In the year 1690 I began to make these collections being then in affliction and under great disturbance of mind as the apparent negligence and other things to be observed will plainly shew.

...

It is recorded by Suetonius of Caesar Augustus. that in his reading all sort of authors, he chiefly observed and transcribed such wholesome precepts, or examples, as might serve him either for public or private use which upon occasion he produced for instruction or admonition as he thought himself or any other had need.

[Preceded by blank fol.[vi[v]].]


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F44
Miscellany (Started in 1700)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 5.1 (Preface), p.87


Sarah Cowper (Author)

Preface

In the month of May 1700, I began to read two chapters a day in the Holy Bible, one out of the Old, and one out of the New Testament, taking notes and observations entirely from my own memory and meditation, without looking into the interpretation of others, or any commentator whatsoever.

...

As the flat and low conception, with the unskilful style might abundantly testify, even without this confession

Sa: Cooper


Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies: D/EP F44
Miscellany (Started in 1700)
(Compiler, Scribe) Sarah Cowper

Item 5.8 (Preface), p.149


Sarah Cowper (Author)

Preface

About the year 1685. I took some notes, out of the exposition on the New Testament by the learned Dr. Hammond, which may be seen in another manuscript.

...

Beseeching Almighty God that I may embrace the truth in the love of it.

[The other manuscript is D/EP F39.]


Folger Library: MS V.a.511
Instructions for my children, or any other Christian, 1606 (1606-c.1750 )
Elizabeth Richardson ( Author, main scribe)

Item 3 (Preface), fol. 2r

Of the intent and effect of this book.

A book of precepts, instructions, and prayers, which I have written, and for the most part collected, out of the holy scriptures, for the direction of my children

...

I shall esteem their profit and benefit, a great happiness to my self, especially if thereby the true worship and service of God, may be any way furthered.

written at Ashburnham in Sussex anno domini 1606

per. Elizabeth Ashburnham


Folger Library: MS V.a.511
Instructions for my children, or any other Christian, 1606 (1606-c.1750 )
Elizabeth Richardson ( Author, main scribe)

Item 5 (Preface), fol. 3r

Of the intent, and effect of this book.

[ The page is otherwise blank.]


East Sussex Record Office: ASH 3501
Religious meditations and prayers, 1625, for the author's daughters (1626-1635)
Elizabeth Richardson ( author, scribe)

Item 4 (Meditation, Preface), fols 4v-6v

1. A preface or inducement to prayer./

The great God, and Lord of heaven, and earth, whose we are, and who we only ought to serve

...

and cease not, to call often, as David 7 times a day upon the holy name of the Lord, by whom we shall be saved.

[In this meditation, unlike the prayers, there are a number of marginal biblical references. Beside the first lines is written Acts 17.24.27 and beside the final lines is written Psalm 119.104 and Romans 10.13. The meditations and prayers of msItems 4-15 are written by Hand C and edited by Hand A, Elizabeth Richardson.]


(scribe)Hand C
(scribe)Hand A
Bodleian Library: MS Cherry 36
Prose translation of Marguerite de Navarre's Le Miroir de l'me pcheresse into English (31 December 1544)
(Translator, scribe and binder) Elizabeth I

Item 3 (Preface), fols. 5r-6r

To the reader

If thou dost read this whole work

...

in your heart he will plant the lively faith.


British Library: Add. MS 78441
Spiritual meditations (Written between 31 August 1683 and 14 March 1685)
(Author, Scribe)Mary Evelyn

Item 1 (Preface), fol. 1r

Explanation of the purpose of the book

I began this book in London in the winter

...

Indeed I do not think it nor shall they

Friday 31 August 1683


National Library of Scotland: MS 6495
Meditations (10 February 1679 - 5 November 1681)
(Author, Scribe) Anne, Lady Halkett

Item 3 (Meditation, Preface), pp.iii-iv

Statement of intent for the volume

Should any know what I have writ, or what I now design to insert in this book; undoubtedly, severe would be their censure

...

So shall thine own works praise thee when thou vouchest to let transgressors teach thy ways that sinners may be converted unto thee

[

There are marginal biblical references beside the final lines to Psalm 119:18 and Psalm 51:13.

On this prefatory leaf Halkett writes that if anyone knew what she was about to write in this book they would think her vain or impertinent for adding to what many have written already. But she does not intend these morning meditations to be seen by anyone while she is alive; if after her death they fall into someone's hands she hopes God will influence them as he influenced her. She has not meditated as frequently as usual but she is resolved to start again, making Joseph's trials and triumphs the subject after her usual devotion is done.

]


National Library of Scotland: MS 6496
Meditations (2 January 1683 - 27 June 1685)
(Author, Scribe) Anne, Lady Halkett

Item 3 (Meditation, Preface), p.ii

Justification for meditating on the prophecy of Jonah

Monday 21 of January 1683/4

Having ten days since ended what had employed my morning thoughts for some time, after prayer and reading. And finding it very useful both for present and future consolation to meditate upon that blessed word which is able to make me wise unto salvation

...

But let thy power work in me above all that I am able to ask or think to whom be glory world without end

Amen

[Halkett writes that having considered the example of Jesus's humility already (presumably in a now lost volume), she will now make the long suffering of God her next meditation, the best evidence of which is in the Book of Jonah. She asks to be strengthened by God.]


National Library of Scotland: MS 6497
Meditations (24 January 1686/7 - 18 May 1688)
(Author, Scribe) Anne, Lady Halkett

Item 2 (Meditation, Preface), pp.i-ii

Introduction to her meditations, which she intends to be on St Peter

Monday January 24 1686/7

Meditation is the life of action. And no act can be well performed that is not duly considered, and the advantage or prejudice represented, which may be the result of their performance

...

direct these following meditations (which I intend to place on what is recorded of thy servant St Peter) that every step of thy grace to him may raise me nearer to thy self that sower and reaper may rejoice together


National Library of Scotland: MS 6498
Meditations (21 May 1688 - 17 March 1690)
(Author, Scribe) Anne, Lady Halkett

Item 2 (Meditation, Preface), pp.i-iv

Meditation on the significance of 21 May 1649 and why she has chosen to meditate on Moses and Samuel

Monday 21 of May 1688

Having so often mentioned the advantage I have found by fixing my morning thoughts upon some pious meditation: I need not insist further upon that. Only reflect upon the reason I had to make this day the date for beginning this book

...

I beg assistance to perform what may bring glory to thee and endless consolation to my own soul whose desire above all things is to be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord my strength and my redeemer

[

There is a marginal biblical reference beside the final lines to Psalm 19:14.

Halkett remembers 21 May 1649 as the day she was under the greatest trial she ever experienced. She writes, ""The particulars and the person that occasioned it I desire ever to conceal"", but this must refer to Colonel Joseph Bampfield, the man who tried to trick her into marriage (see her autobiography, ed. Loftis for more details). Halkett intends to continue to thank God every Monday for her deliverance, which she remembers as if it were yesterday. Since she has found personal examples in scripture useful to meditate upon she will make Moses and Samuel the subject of this treatise.

]


British Library: Add. MS 4378
The mother's legacy to her unborn child (1622-1624)
Elizabeth Jocelin ( author)

Item 2 (Preface), fols 1r-5r


Thomas Goad (Author)

The approbation

Preface to Jocelin's legacy by Thomas Goad

Our laws disable those that are under covertbaron from disposing by will and testament any temporal estate but no law prohibiteth any possessor of moral and spiritual riches to impart them unto others

...

which composure because it cometh forth imperfect from the pen doth the more expect to be supplied and made up by practise and executing Sis approbanit To Goad

[In the explicit, the word "practise" had originally been "prayer", but the last three letters were stricken out and replaced]

[Goad's signature is followed by two horizontal lines to fill the remainder of the page. The letters "TO" are between the two lines.]

[Three unfoliated blank leaves follow "The Approbation" .]


British Library: Add. MS 4378
The mother's legacy to her unborn child (1622-1624)
Elizabeth Jocelin ( author)

Item 4.1 (Preface), fols 11r-14v

The Mother's Legacy to her unborn Child

Preface to The Mother's Legacy

Having long often and earnestly desired of God that I might be a mother to one of His children and the time now drawing on which I hope he hath appointed

...

I beseech him that they may be profitable to thee

[The ink near the top of fol.14r is even more faint than the already-pale ink prevalent throughout the MS.]


British Library: Sloane MS 3945, fols. 78-113
Biography of Christopher Love (after 1660)
Mary Love (Author)

Item 1 (Letter, Preface), fol. 78r


Mary Love (Author)

Author's prefatory letter to the reader

Christian Reader

Grudge not now to view this unexpected Birth from a Woman

...

Thou then enjoyest what is sincerely aimed at by

Thy friend in the best of friendships

M:L.

[Preceded by three stubs in the manuscript]


British Library: Sloane MS 3945, fols. 78-113
Biography of Christopher Love (after 1660)
Mary Love (Author)

Item 2 (Letter, Preface), fols. 78v-79v

Prefatory letter to the reader

To The Reader.


T.H. (Author)

If it be true that the Pen at the first lisps as well as the Tongue

...

In which change he desires to be found, and to find thee blessed who subscribed himself

Thine in the best soul service

T:H:

[The page has been trimmed, so the bottom half of the initials are lost.]

[Followed by one blank leaf, unfoliated.]


Dr. Williams's Library: MS 28.58
Biography of Christopher Love (after 1660)
Mary Love (Author)

Item 3 (Letter, Preface), fol. [iii]


Mary Love (Author)

Author's prefatory letter to the reader

Christian Reader, Grudge not now to receive this unexpected Birth from a Woman

...

Thou then enjoyest what is sincerely aimed at by Thy Friend in the best of Friendships

M:L:

[On the top centre of fol.3r , "21" is written in black ink, indicating that the "Life" is the twenty-first item in the collection. On the top, right corner, written in pencil is the modern notation, "MSS Mod. 8o 58".]


Dr. Williams's Library: MS 28.58
Biography of Christopher Love (after 1660)
Mary Love (Author)

Item 4 (Letter, Preface), [fols. ivr-vir]

Prefatory letter to the reader


T.H. (Author)

If it be true that the Pen at first lisps as well as the Tongue

...

In which change he Desires to be found, and to find thee blessed who subscribed himself

Thine in the best soul services

T:H:

[Trimming of the leaves has removed most of what may have been a title or an initial address to the reader on the top centre of fol.4r.]

[Followed by a blank page, fol. [6v].]


Cambridge University Library: MS Dd.1.18
Partial translation of Zonaras's Epitome historion (Epitome of History) (This presentation copy of part of Wenman's translation must have been made after 1628)
(Translator) Agnes Wenman
(Author) Zonoras

Item 2.2 (Preface), fols. 1v-2r

An Advertisement

The large volume of Zonaras, is divided,

...

that carries, of itself, obedience, and absolute performance.