_To the Reader._

My desire is to inform and assure you, that shall become my Reader, that
in that part of this following discourse, which is onely narration, I
either speak my own knowledge, or from the testimony of such as dare do
any thing, rather than speak an untruth. And for that part of it which is
my own observation or opinion, if I had a power I would not use it to
force any mans assent, but leave him a liberty to disbelieve what his own
reason inclines him to.

Next, I am to inform you, that whereas Dr. Donne's life was formerly
printed with his Sermons, and then had the same Preface or Introduction
to it; I have not omitted it now, because I have no such confidence in
what I have done, as to appear without an apology for my undertaking it.

I have said all when I have wished happinesse to my Reader.
I.W.


FOOTNOTES

[1] _Sic_: probably a misprint for "_be_ found?"--ED.

[2] _John King, B. of Lond._

[3] _Hen. King, now B.C._