A Learned Discourse of Justification, Works, and How the Foundation of Faith is Overthrowne

A LEARNED DISCOVERSE OF IVSTIFICATION, WORKES, and how the foundation of faith is over throwne.

By RICHARD HOOKER, sometimes Fellow of Corpus Christi College in Oxford.

AT OXFORD, Printed by Joseph Barnes, and are to be sold by John Barnes, dwelling neere Holborne Conduit. 1612.

Whereas many, desirous of resolution in some points handled in this learned discourse, were earnest to have it copied out: to ease so many labours, it has been thought most worthy and very necessary to be printed, that not only they might be satisfied, but the whole Church also hereby edified. The rather because it will free the author from the suspicion of some errors, which he has been thought to have favoured. Who might well have answered with Cremutius in Tacitus, Verba mea arguuntur, adeò factorum innocens sum. Certainly, the event of that time, wherein he lived, showed that to be true, which the same author spoke of a worse, Cui deerat inimicus, per amicos oppressus; and that there is not minus periculum ex magna fama, quàm ex mala. But he has so quit himself, that all may see, how, as it was said of Agricola, Simul suis virtutibus, simul vitijs aliorum in ipsam gloriam praeceps agebatur. Touching whom I will say no more, but that which my author said of the same man, Integritatem, &c. in tanto viro referre, iniuria virtutum fuerit. But as of all other his writings, so of this I will add that, which Velleius spoke in commendation of Piso, Nemo fuit, qui magis, que agenda erant, curaret, sine vlla ostentatione agendi. So not doubting, Good Christian Reader, of your assent herein, but wishing your favourable acceptance of this work, (which will be an inducement to set forth others of his learned labours) I take my leave; from Corpus Christi College in Oxford.

Your in Christ Jesus HENRY JACKSON.