The PREFACE. ix 



Many of the Rcmana exhibited in this work, Vere never be- 

 fore defcribed; fome of them of filver, fculptures, and in re- 

 lief. Not a few afford excellent precepts to prefent and fu- 

 ture times. They bring before us, as in perfpe&ive, Roman 

 wifdom, Roman piety, Reman loyalty, Roman gratitude, Ro- 

 man generofity and hofpitality, Roman courage and magnani- 

 mity, as well under the prefTures, as under the exaltations 

 of life. 



:>ljiwl>riuolod' 



The Saxonica and Monaftlca are as curious and inftrudlive as 

 the Romana. Thofe ages, enlightened by the bright fun-fhine of 

 Chriftianity, and for the reception pf which the Roman man- 

 ners and politure prepared the way, afford examples of an il- 

 luftrious piety and a heavenly temper, fuch as ought to excite 

 our reverence and veneration ; the amiable graces of humility, 

 meeknefs, brotherly kindnefs, felf-refignation, and an indiffe- 

 rence to the pleafures, the gaieties, the honours of life, appear 

 often to a degree that is aftonifliing, only to be copied by 

 thofe god-like fouls who afpire after a happy immortality. 



'; - .-JLJ.I > slkiiJrjr.M 5<!l ..70* ^ ft - 



I have fpoken of the Religious houfes with the greateft im- 

 partiality and fairnefs ; defcribed their foundations, their pa- 

 trons, and their chief revenues, fo far as they could be known ; 

 given an account of their feveral prelates, and other learned 

 perfons that adorned them. 



'..u ^ JirA.M^ c? &&. f : - 8 r ^VD .<&(& .. 



VOL. I. a Bifhop 



