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libraries are the wardrobes of literature; whence men properly informed might bring forth something for ornament, much for curiosity, and more for use; not merely as those, who string together without meaning, end, or taste, fragments

"Of polish'd and piebald languages."

HUDIBRAS.

but as those, who know the value of ancient MSS. and books for the purposes of general literature, or some of the nicer inquiries of criticism, to settle controversies, and to silence cavils. Here even the writer of a catalogue only might render immense service to the investigator of antiquities, to students whether classical or metaphysical, political or theological. A learned reader may, indeed, easily look for more information than can bẹ crowded into a work, aspiring at general utility, though he might feel gratified to find, that what afforded him amusement, could administer, at the same time, to his favourite studies.

But some readers, (and, I believe, most thinking readers) will raise their expectations highest towards biography: I think most justly; and to that point a writer should push his most serious attention and principal care. For what is a state? Not brick and stone, and mortar; not triumphal arches, nor mausoleums that would cheat the grave; not written constitutions, ancient privileges, nor rights upon charters; but "men, highminded men." And wha. are Universities? not senatehouses, libraries, and schools; not gardens and groves; museums and chapels; nor yet monastic dreams, clerical

a Sir William Jones.

împostures, temporary disputes, and antiquated statutes; but students, scholars, social and rational beings. Universities should be xoivov waνrwy waideurngior, as Diodorus calls Athens; the common house of instruction in all things; and more, it should be the house of instruction for all men. It was on this ground that Lysias lays his claim for the paramount excellence of the Athenian state. Universities relate to men more than things; and if they comport with the dignity of the name, they should relate rather to men as connected in civil society, than as broken into sects, and parties, by disputatious polemics. Readers of their history have a right to expect the most liberal principles in those who write them; and such writers as are unbiassed by party feelings, will best meet the views and wishes of, at least, humane and enlightened minds.

Biography is the light of history, and should be the very soul of an University History. A biographical sketch of the founders of colleges, some account of persons distinguished either by original genius, patient research, or happy discoveries, and known in the world by their literary works, will necessarily be considered as the conspicuous luminaries: but sometimes, perhaps, writers less known, or who have not as yet been noticed in a history of this kind, may hold out a pure light; and zealots who are accustomed to respect only their own party, may overlook many justly entitled to some notice, undervalue many worthy of public esteem, and frequently speak only to slander and misrepresent. And, what shall I say? As ages are past and gone, and we have but fragments of their ruins, so ages of men are still passing away, and what occurred too late for one historian to record, falls to his province who succeeds.

Finally, academical habits and degrees, local customs, privileges, and benefices, may seem to claim their appropriate chapters, in an University history: but things of this kind being accurately unfolded in their proper places, in numerous publications, and being so minute, and in detail so various, may not suit every plan of history. Those who merely visit an University, are apt to be pleased with forms and habits, ceremonies and titles; they are novel, some rather splendid, and all characteristic of the place. A description of University privileges, and College benefices too, might gratify the curiosity of some, and serve the interest of others; but might encroach, beyond their due portion, on views of general utility. Judicious readers will form their expectations on such subjects from the nature of a work: a minuteness on all subjects is not suited to every publication, nor is it reasonable to expect it; and where matters of mere form, and local peculiarities, have been minutely detailed, and repeatedly narrated, actum agere may be dispensed with. Cambridge Guides and University Calendars are always at hand; and it may be no less prudent than convenient, to make a general reference to what has been written before, than to detail all the particularities over again.

Having thus considered what different sort of readers may expect in a work like the present, I proceed to shew what has been done by others, and what is attempted in the following history.

The first and most authentic documents, then, respecting Cambridge, lie in the archives of their respective Colleges, and consist of charters of foundation, licences of mortmain, and bulls of Popes; of papers relating to livings, estates, and benefactors; to the customs and jurisdiction of the University, and fragments of College

History. Many papers relating to different Colleges are in the libraries so rich in MSS. Archbishop Parker's in Bene't's College, and Gonville's and Caius's. In the University there are but two or three, with the exception of Mr. Baker's.

The Bodleian Library at Oxford contains MSS. which relate to Cambridge: but the Harleian, Cottonian, and Sloanian Libraries, in the British Museum, are very abundant. I am, indeed, disposed to believe, that those three libraries possess more concerning Cambridge than all the Cambridge MSS. in the public and private libraries put together; and of the principal of these MSS. whether in the libraries at Cambridge, or in the Museum, it may not be improper to say a few words.

The principal of those that relate to the University at large are preserved in the public chest, and by the ViceChancellor and Registrar; and of these the best known is the famous Liber Niger, or Black Book, of which more in its due place. At present I shall only say, that, before Mr. Hare made his Collection, this book was considered of great use, though some part was never considered as of any authority.

In the year 1587, Robert Hare, Esq. formerly of Caius College, completed his famous Register of all the Charters, Liberties, and Privileges of the University and Town, of which the original is in the public chest. The Vice-Chancellor and Registrar too has each a copy, made by Hare himself in 1589".

a In Caius's library there is, among the MS. collections, another MS. written by Mr. Hare.

b It will be seen by the following inscription, that Hare was a catho

However little consequence some of the originals possess, yet as a transcript, Hare's Collections are allowed by all to be faithful, correct, and of the highest authority; and Hare received the public thanks of the University for his most assiduous performance.

There are four large volumes of this collection, of which three relate to the University, and one to the Town. An index to these volumes was written by Dr. Parris, of Sidney College, in 1735, and afterwards passed through the hands of Dr. Ashton, Master of Jesus College. Both were Vice-Chancellors in their turn, and by right of office possessed Hare's Register; and few men were ever better acquainted with the affairs of the University: but of this more hereafter.

There are not above three or four manuscripts in the public library of the University, except Thomas Baker's, which relate immediately to that body. Baker's are numerous, and as conspicuous for worth as number, though most are copies, and almost all copied by himself.

Baker left behind him forty-two volumes in all; of

lic; it is from the Registrar's copy-" Ad honorem et gloriam omnipotentis domini nostri Jesu Christi, Salvatoris Mundi, ejusdemq: gloriosissimæ et beatissima genetricis Mariæ Virginis, sanctorumq: omnium cœlestium. Ego, Robertus Hare, armiger, hoc opus privilegiorum, libertatum, aliorumq: rescriptorum negotia, almæ & immaculatæ Universitatis Cantabrigiæ concernentium, ex archivis regiis, variisq: regis. tris antiquis, & monumentis fide dignis, magno labore et sumptu in hunc ordinem per regum seriem collegi, & in tria volumina redegi in favorem & commodum tam modernorum, quam futurorum, venerabilium, cancellarii, magistrorum et scholarium ejusdem celebratissimæ Universitatis. Si quid eis cedat in commodum, sit honor & laus Deo, & mihi peccatori in salutem animæ.—Amen.”

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