This study was originally undertaken for a master's thesis at the University of Maryland. Without the critical assistance and advice I have received from my adviser, J. S. Cockburn, and from D. E. C. Yale, the editor of this series, and from J. H. Baker, the appraisal of Sheppard's contributions to legal literature would have been sorely inadequate. All have generously offered many helpful suggestions and it is a pleasure to express my thanks to each of them. Professor Cockburn has been unfailingly supportive, from the first seminar paper to the final reading of this manuscript. I would also like to express my appreciation to G. E. Aylmer for the helpful information he provided on details of the political and administrative history of the interregnum, and for the guidance given by Laurence E. Miller, Jr, on the intricacies of Calvinist theology. Throughout this project I have benefited immeasurably from many discussions with Charles M. Cook on the difficult problems connected with law reform. All of the individuals mentioned above provided substantial help by commenting on early drafts, saving me from misleading statements and outright mistakes. Any remaining errors in fact or judgment are, naturally, my own.

Most of the initial research was done at The Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, D.C., where I received invaluable assistance from the members of the capable staff and from other readers at that congenial institution.