MY attention was first drawn to Harpsfield's narrative of the Divorce by my friend the Rev. Joseph Stevenson, who mentioned to me some years ago the manuscript copy of it in the Grenville Library in the British Museum. Some time afterwards I made a few extracts from it, thinking it worth while to make known by publication the important parts of it which bear upon the history of the period, but I had no idea of publishing the whole document, and indeed had thought little more about the matter till Mr. Stevenson informed me of another copy of the work in the possession of Charles Eyston, Esq. of East Hendred House, Berkshire, of which he at once pronounced that it was superior to that in the Grenville Library.

As nature has given you a right to the inheritance of my estate, a competency sufficient to support the quality of a gentleman, so I design, as a mark of true paternal affection, to add to it my small collection of books; that, by adorning your mind with useful study, you may deserve that character more from yourself than ancestors. Amongst the rest I leave you this Manuscript. A particular good fortune threw it into my hands, which, had it nothing but the subject to recommend it, would be no inconsiderable value to a Catholic, because it lets him see 'twas Interest and not Religion began the schism, and that 'tis truly Conscience and not Obstinacy makes him, by still adhering to the ancient Church, stand obnoxious to so many laws. But, that your esteem may equal its value, I have thought proper to acquaint you first what I have found concerning the Author, next what reason there is to believe this Copy authentick, and lastly to whose kindness I am obliged for it, and upon what conditions I had leave to transcribe it.