This paper gives but little idea of the eminent value of the archbishop's patronage of literature, and none of his own personal labours as an author. These are points to which there are frequent allusions in the volume now published; and it was our intention to enter freely upon both of them in the present Introduction; but the Correspondence has extended to a length very far beyond what was anticipated, and has thus deprived us of the opportunity of doing so. The former point is one which would especially repay inquiry, and it is also one as to which there can fortunately be no difference of opinion. The archbishop's labours as the first publisher of the materials for English History, acquired for him the respect even of the historian Gibbon.