Sacred and Truly Christian Philosophy, or Cosmic Meteorology

A decorative headpiece features intricate floral patterns and cherub motifs, common in early 17th-century book design to signal a prestigious opening.

original: "à Sanctioribus Consiliis." The Privy Council was the monarch's inner circle of advisors.

An ornamental initial 'N' depicts a figure, perhaps a scholar or a magistrate, seated at a desk or lectern, emphasizing the themes of study and governance. Neither the dignity of your eminent honor, nor the brilliance of your high place or office—which are but momentary and depend upon the pleasure of the Prince—nor your piety and humanity toward the poor who plead for justice; nor that unexpected duty in public administration original: "politiae munus." John Williams was unique in his time for holding both high church office and the highest legal office in the land. (so fitting for a man of this rank, as the surest pillar and support of the realm); nor, finally, that divine virtue of Justice, which is held in perfect balance by you, and is generously dispensed with just scales to each according to their right (injury having been banished into exile) and distributed with a straight measure—none, I say, of these gifts granted to you by God (Most Reverend Father, a President most experienced in the loftiest affairs) is the reason for this dedication of mine.

Indeed, these qualities ought to be present in any excellent Chancellor, Keeper of the Great Seal, and protector of the state by virtue of their office—though this does not always happen. Rather, two virtues especially closer to your heart and nature urge me, and persuade me to insist on dedicating these works and my most cherished nighttime labors The term "lucubrationes" refers to scholarly works produced by the light of a lamp late at night.—born of much toil—to your lordship and dignity before all others, and to bestow them most willingly.

The first of these in order is your soul-nourishing charity in the advancement and exaltation of the sciences, and your voluntary, unforced love toward scholars. This love we can never sufficiently describe or explain, even with the sharpest wit of a pen resting on the wings of truth, while storing your happy deeds and actions in the memory of eternal posterity. This zeal of yours toward all learned men has already produced two children The "two children" or "offspring" likely refers to the libraries or collegiate foundations Williams famously supported at St. John's College, Cambridge, and Westminster....
):( 3 long ago