Lancelot Andrewes

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PREFACE THE name of bishop Andrewes is so reverently cherished by English Churchmen, that many will probably feel a sense of disappointment in reading the story of his career. The fact is, that he owes his great reputation more to his gift of preaching and to the depth and beauty of his devotional life, than to the part he played in the history of the Church or in public affairs. The sphere in which he moved was but little suited to his temperament, . His great literary capacity was spent in controversial encounters which were scarcely worthy of his genius. Indeed, the published work of Andrewes, like other products of English theology is occasional in character, and the controversy with Bellarmine and Du Perron is important chiefly as throwing light on the bishops conception of the office and mission of the English Church. It may be said that his life has an enduring interest, as showing the course followed, and the aims pursued, by a loyal son of the Church in a perplexed and troubled age. The controversial works of Andrewes display to us a Inan of high intellectual gifts, profound learning, lively humour, and broad sympathies. But the Sermom and Devotions reveal a higher order of qualities, -a pure and tender heart, a deep spiritual insight, and an austere sanctity, which is concealed for the most part under a veil of masculine rescyve. Such a character will repay study at a time when very different ideaIs are popular. In regard to one subject particularly, the controversy with Iiome, there is much to be learned from the breadth of view, the true sense of moral proportion, which distinguishes bishop Andremes treatment, The memoir by Isaacson, and other notices that bear upon the bishops life, havc been carefully collected by Dr. Bliss in the concluding volume of Andrewest works . He survived by rather more than a year the accession of Charles I., but his career may be said, roughly speaking, to cover the critical period that intervenes between the opening of Elizabeths reign and the death of James I. It is difficult to describe concisely any epoch of history which marks a transition from era to era, nor need the task be attempted here...