which some ancient philosophers described as the mark to be aimed at, though without any hope of attainment, is, in all its valuable features, actually realized in the true Christian.

"What but Christianity could have given to Judge Hale that uniform ascendancy over every thing selfish and secular, by means of which he so undeviatingly kept the path of pure heroic virtue, as to be alike looked up to and revered by parties and interests the most opposite to each other? Is there in human history any fact more extraordinary, than that the Advocate of Strafford and Laud, and of King Charles, (had leave been given for pleading) should be raised to the Bench by Cromwell; and again, that a Judge of Cromwell's, should be not only reinstated by Charles II. but compelled by him, against his own will, to accept of the very highest judicial trust? Such is the triumph of genuine Christianity !—a triumph which is in some degree rewarded, whenever the name of Hale is even professionally repeated; since the appeal is evidently made not more to the authority of the Judge, than to the integrity of the man. If Burnet had never written

written more than the life of Sir Matthew Hale, this alone would have entitled him to the gratitude of the Christian world; there being no work of the kind better worth the study, whether of the professional or private man-of all who would truly learn how to live, or how to die."

Though Burnet has furnished a large proportion of useful information and agreeable entertainment, he has not exhausted his subject, but left unnoticed many important events and curious incidents which diversify the life of this extraor dinary man. The Additional Notes of Richard Baxter,' whom he honoured with his intimate friendship and affectionate regard, will still heighten those sentiments which the pages of Burnet are calculated to exeite, The Judge will there be contemplated in the interesting scene of literary ease and unrestrained friendship; and a near and intimate view will be dis`covered of his natural disposition, and the peculiar bent of his mind, adapted to exalt our opinion of his learning, his abilities, his industry, and his piety.

Short notices of some distinguished characters, incidentally mentioned by Burnet

and

and Baxter, are subjoined, for amusement, or illustration of the subject.

In undertaking a work of this impor tance, it might be expected of me to look round and inquire for such further materials as could be found, to convey a still clearer and more distinct representation of the life and character of Hale. I have endeavoured to answer this natural expectation, nor have my researches been unsuccessful. The materials which I have been able to collect, I have digested and arranged under the title of "an Appendix to his Life and Death, by Burnet." It will appear that the diligent inquiries of Burnet were not rewarded with a full discovery of the channels of information. I have taken up the links which he dropped, and connected the chain of the narrative; or, if I might bor¬ row an allusion of the illustrious Judge, have added "certain lines and strokes" which are intended at least to give a greater finish to the picture. This part of the work, for the execution of which I am responsible, whatever may be its imperfections, is submitted to the candor and indulgence of the reader. Permit me to assure him, my exertions have not been spared to

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communicate both pleasure and instruc tion, whilst I have religiously kept in view a regard to historical truth. How large a portion of time and pains the collection of these comparatively few materials has cost me, it is useless to detail. If I may have the good fortune to merit his approbation, I shall consider myself to have received an ample recompense.

The distinct and independent subjects upon which the treatises of the first volume are written, rendered it a point of less solicitude in what precise order they should be arranged. That which I deemed the most important is allowed its claim to precedence.

The Contents will be found to exhibit a pleasing and interesting specimen of the versatility of talents, the activity of mind, and the warmth of devotion, which so eminently characterized our author. Whatever fell within the sphere of a Christian, he caught with ardour, and explored with perseverance. With a simplicity of style, a perspicuity of ideas, and a luminous arrangement of the subject, peculiar to himself, Hale evolves' its difficulties, enlightens the understanding, and improves the heart,

His firm conviction of the truth of religion, and his inextinguishable zeal for its interests, formed the active principle of his life. It was this master-spring which guided his pen and animated every sentence. Hence will be found that evangelical seriousness which breathes through every page; hence the immediate consecration of his subjects to the advancement of his Redeemer's Kingdom, and the immortal happiness of man. Under all the variety and discrimination of characters, in which he recommends himself to our notice, whether as the subtle dialectician; the enlightened philosopher; the affectionate parent; the blessed peace-maker; the prudent citizen; or the ardent philanthropist; he still maintains the pre-eminence of the Christian, and sheds over each the warmth and effulgence of evangelical piety.

Most of his writings, of a religious kind, were not originally intended for publication. His primary motive for committing his thoughts to paper, was the promotion of his own spiritual advantage. He possessed the rare and happy talent of performing

1 For some of the following circumstances, I am indebted to the original Prefaces.

much