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O render this edition of Dr. Donne's Devotions more acceptable to the public the following pieces have been added. I. Walton's Life of the Author, with its original Dedication to Sir Robert Holt of Aston; this dedication first appeared in the second edition, but has been omitted in every subsequent one. II. A letter from Dr. Donne to the Duke of Buckingham. III. A letter to Sir Robert Carr, afterwards Earl of Ancram. Both letters relate to the Book of Devotions. IV. A Sermon by Dr. Donne on the death of Lady Danvers, the mother of his friend George Herbert, of which Walton has recorded that he was himself a hearer. V. Death's Duel, called by King James the Doctor's own funeral sermon.

The Book of Devotions was first printed in 1624, and passed through at least five editions; the fifth appeared in 1638, and from that time to the present it is believed that no edition has been published. In the edition of 1638 was added a frontispiece engraved by Marshall, representing Dr. Donne in his winding sheet,