The volume contains manuscripts of theological works by Richard Lanceter, who is described (folio 29) as M.A.: sometimes of Cajus Colledge in Cambridge and Ministr : of Moulton in Norfolk.
(i) folios 1-28v, Galli Cantus, in three parts:
- (a) folios 1-6, Galli Cantus seu Præcursor Gallicinii Primus. Containing two Addresses, The one to the King, the other to the Parliament. Together with a Postscript about the affaires of Religion of most high Concernment. By R. Lanceter, Author of Gallicinium now in ye Presse;
- (b) folios 7-18v, Galli Cantus seu Præcursor Gallicinii Secundus, Conteining The making good of those four dreadfull Proposals laid down in Galli Cantu primo;
- (c) folios 19-28v, Galli Cantus seu Præcursor Gallicinii Tertius, Tending to the better awakening of secure, dead Sleepers, and also to the fuller satisfaction of ye awakened, about some things objected against, in Galli Cantu Primo et Secundo. And further shewing that the true way of Salvation, consists wholly and alone, in what are therein pointed unto: and in the rejecting of them and abiding still in the present estate, is absolutely the state of Wrath and Damnation. By the Author of ye former, R.L.
- Part I (folios 29-55) comprises a Preface (The Shepheard to the Reader, folios 30-30v), at the end of which is the note Here next followes, to be inserted, ye printed part, presumably ye printed part consisted of Sections I and II, for immediately following (folios 31-55) is Section III, named Scotoesus;
- Part II (folios 57-199) has the title-page Gallicinium the second Part, Phosphorus, and is likewise divided into three Sections, namely: The first Section, Introductive and Philosophicall, contained in Six Positions (folios 57-80v); The Second Section, Discussive Theoligicall [sic] in ten Chapters (folios 81-181v); and The Third Section, Conclusive Theosophicall, Containinge six Conclusions drawne from and grounded uppon ye former Præmises contained in the sections Præcedent (folios 182-198), ending Finis Phosphori Jun: 8th, 1660, and followed (folios 198-99) by verses beginning: Thus far ye work now done dare challenge Hell.
Galli Cantus... primus and Galli Cantus...secundus were printed in London in 1660, the latter with the incorrect reading primus on the title-page; another copy of the latter, also showing this incorrect reading, is recorded in the Bodleian Catalogue as having been published in 1659. No record of a printed copy of Galli Cantus... tertius or, in spite of our copyist's remarks, Gallicinium, has so far been traced.