Such general prefaces have almost entirely disappeared from modern wills, but they were formerly a notable feature. It might be imagined that some justification was needed if a man intended to make his will. They are often beautiful, and sometimes quaint. Their primitive form is simple. Henry Birchmore, who died in 1683, makes his will “considering the frailty of this transitory life that there is nothing more certain than that we must die and nothing more uncertain than the time and hour when.” John Hall in 1739 begins thus: “I John Hall, now mariner belonging to his Majesty’s ship _Princess Amelia_ riding at Portsmouth, Captain John Hemington commander, and not knowing how it may please God to deal with me on the seas or land, but considering the uncertainty of this present transitory life, do make and declare these presents to contain my last will and testament in manner and form following; that is to say, first and principally I commend my soul unto the hands of Almighty God hoping to be saved through the merit death passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ my only Saviour, and my body to the earth or sea as it shall please God.” And Margaret Greenaway (March 19, 1630) gives as her justification “being weak in body, but in perfect mind and memory, laud and praise be to Almighty God, and knowing for certain that I must die in a time uncertain and unknown, and that the commandment of the Lord unto the king of Judæa was to put his house in order is a mandate to me and to all people in general: therefore for avoiding and prevention of all strife and dissension that may hereafter in any wise arise for touching or concerning anything that is now mine I think it my duty while I do enjoy the faculties of my soul to dispose of those things that the Lord and giver of all things hath been pleased to lend unto me.”