The Kings Majesties Attorney of His Court of
    Wards and Liveries; and to the Right Worshipful,
    and my very good Uncle, Thomas Spencer,
    Esq; and to the residue of my Masters of Lincolns-Inn.

    IT may peradventure seem strange, that after so many learned
Writers in this kind, I (a man od so weak parts) should
presume to offer to the View of the World a Work of this Nature:
Yet my Reasons being considered with indifferent favour,
I hope to be excused not only with you, but with all others that
be lovers of their Country, and seek the Peace thereof.  I confess
my self a long, yet an unprofitable Member of your Honourable
Society; but seeing that my Calling is to a Country life, and considering
that he which is of the meanest condition, and that hath
the smallest Talent, may not (without just Reprehension) retire
himself to his private Pleasure or Profit, as that he should neglect
to shew some fruit and token of his love to his Country, (lest
therein the Heathen Philosopher might justly condemn him, who
said, Non solum nobis nati sumus, sed partim Patriæ, &c.)
I have been the holder, according to my Place, small power and
capacity, to offer this my small Mite into the Treasury of my
Country, this Work (whatsoever it be) being written first as
private Notes for my particular help in this business, wherewith
my self and many others are daily imployed and set on work, without
yielding any Pleasure or Profit at all to us, otherwise than for
the publick good.
    The sweet labours you, my great Masters, (which I do
most gladly behold) do from time to time reap more fully, rising
daily to great Honour and Wealth, through your Wisdoms, Deserts,
and great pains.  That which remaineth to us Country Justices
(for the most part) is the wearying of our selves, the spending of
our Time, Writs and Estates, ut alii inde pave fruantur, being
required many times not only which much evil will from or by the
means of such as we have in Justice to deal withal, but oftentimes
also rather disgraced than countenanced or encouraged by some in
higher place.