Engraved by J Fittler ARA after a Drawing by W Skelton taken from an Original picture in the Possession of Mrs Richards JOHN Bishop of Bern about 1521. AYLMER, Sondon. Died June 31594. OF THE LIFE AND ACTS OF THE RIGHT REVEREND FATHER IN GOD, JOHN AYLMER, LORD BP. OF LONDON IN THE REIGN OF QUEEN ELIZABETH. WHEREIN ARE EXPLAINED MANY TRANSACTIONS OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND; THE PAPIST AND PURITAN. TO THE HONOURABLE ADMIRAL AYLMER. SIR, ACCEPT the Dedication of this Life of Bishop Aylmer. For to what other name may it more justly belong than yours? Not only in that you both are sprung from the same ancient family, but by reason of your high and deserved advancements: he, by his Prince placed in one of the chiefest trusts in the Church; you, by yours in as great and honourable a charge in the Navy. In which you have not only been successful, by bringing home in safety the Turkey fleet in the midst of war, and a sea full of enemies laying wait for you, but since by cutting [or agreeing] for the redemption of his Majesty's subjects, lying for many years in a most miserable slavery under the Emperor of Morocco; and have gained other advantages, both for the honour and trade of England; as may be seen in the Articles confirmed by you with the governments of Tunis and Tripoli. But you, Sir, had rather do great services, than hear of them, and receive the praises due for them. And therefore I stop my pen from proceeding any farther in this argument. Sir, that you may still live, and be the instrument a of of much more good to the King and kingdom, may I presume to be your monitor? Remember from whose hands all your successes and honours flow; acknowledge Him, and let Him have the glory. The crest and motto belonging to the other branch your family may be your remembrancer: which is, three flourishing slips of the plant allelujah, (as herbalists call the trifolium acetosum,) and a scroll compassing the same, with the word Allelujah, which signifies, Praise the Lord: let that, Sir, (which is their motto,) be your practice. To conclude, if you shall please at your leisure minutes to read over these Historical Collections concerning this Prelate your namesake, (as history is the mistress and instructor of life,) whatsoever you find praiseworthy in him, follow. Follow whatsoever you observe in him springing from the noble principles of religion, conscience, and true magnanimity, and let them ever live and flourish in the house of the Aylmers: with which wish and prayer I end this address, being, Sir, Your most humble Servant, JOHN STRYPE. |