or, the Love of Jesus," &c. was first published in 1675.* Its Author was the Rev. Luke Boileau,+ (or Beaulieu,) D.D., of Christ Church, Oxford; Prebendary of St. Paul's; Prebendary of Gloucester; and one of the Chaplains of Dr. John Fell, Bishop of Oxford.§ The Roman Catholics who-through Court influence under Charles II.-became well acquainted with the working of the Church of England about this period, spoke highly of the personal character of Dr. Boileau, and admitted the originality and Catholic tone of his book. The late Dr. Oliver, of Exeter, possessed some curious correspondence of Boileau with a certain * Other Editions appeared in 1677, 1678, 1679, and 1681. + "Lucas Boileau, S. T. B. admiss. ad Preb. de Twyford, in Eccl. Pauli 17 Jan. 1686 per. promot. Thom. Cartwright ad Ep. Cestr."-Kennett. The Prebendary of Twyford hath the eleventh Stall on the right side of the Choir. Vide also "Catalogue of Oxford Graduates," in loco, and Le Neve's Fasti. Newcourt's History of the Diocese of London, Vol I, London 1708. "Luke Beaulieu, S. T. P., was installed Prebendary of Gloucester (first Stall) Aug. 21, 1687, void by the death of Thomas Washbourne, S. T. P."-Le Neve's Fasti, p. 105. The book is dedicated to this distinguished Prelate, who was elected Jan. 8, 1675, and died in 1686. Franciscan Monk, in reference to devotional manuals and books of meditation, which indicated the yet abiding influence of the Laudian Revival up to that period. In the reprint which is here given, the Editor has followed the edition of 1675, carefully comparing it, however, with those of 1677 and 1678. Only a very few alterations have been made, and an allusion here and there to the controversies of the day, which would appear at the present time out of place and unintelligible, has been omitted. He commends the work to the blessing of ALMIGHTY GOD. F. G. L. TO THE Right Reverend Father in GOD JOHN, * Lord Bishop of Oxford. My LORD, IS not in regard to my obligations to you, Th : though I own them with grateful acknowledgments; 'tis not in regard of your late most deserved advancement, though I heartily rejoice at it 'tis in regard of your intrinsic goodness that this Dedication begs your acceptance, and humbly offers itself to you. Before Lordship and Paternity were added to your Honourable Titles you were entitled to this book; your dignities being dignified by you. I considered not their eminency, but the eminency of your Virtue and Piety. I know, my Lord, that you aim at a better reward than this world can *Bishop Fell, Author of the Life of Dr. Hammond, and Annotations on S. Paul's Epistle. give; but that a great light set on a high place cannot be hid from the eyes of men, angels alone should rejoice in the brightness of yours: you shun praise as much as you deserve it: you neither desire nor want anything of fame. But, my Lord, I wanted a living example of a sincere and devout lover of JESUS to exemplify my Discourse: and though (GOD be praised!) many more might be found in this Church, yet you are one of the fairest and most attractive: insomuch that though it be easier to write than to do well, yet a better pattern of a religious life might be drawn from your actions than from my directions. My Lord, I have just cause to fear that I have indulged my genius too far, and perhaps some will think that I would have godliness to be shorn, and devotion a recluse from the world, which is far from my thoughts or desires: though I must confess that at first I intended a much different and less defective Treatise on this so good a subject had not other necessary helps as well as abilities been wanting. However at the best I could have added nothing to such persons as your Lordship. The holy Your flames of Divine love that burn in your heart have too much light and fervency to have received any increase from me: and therefore I have not aimed at anything higher than only to assist the weak and fix the inconsiderate. But, my Lord, though I cannot in the least profit you by this my poor labour, yet its being own'd by you may be very advantageous to me. Reverend and much-honoured name will not only credit and recommend my Book, but also promote its design of winning affectionate servants and lovers to JESUS. This I know will rejoice to do: wherefore in presenting my Book to your Lordship, I humbly beg your blessing on it and its Author, who is with due respect and affection, Your Lordship's most dutiful you and most humble Servant, L. B. |