The theological treatise Ecclesiastical Polity was written by

The correct option is Richard Hooker.

Detailed Explanation:
Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Polity (commonly referred to as Ecclesiastical Polity) is a monumental theological treatise written by the English theologian Richard Hooker (1554–1600). Published in several volumes starting in 1593, this work is considered one of the foundational texts of Anglican theology and English prose.

Here is a breakdown of the context and significance of the work:
1. Defense of the Church of England: Hooker wrote the treatise as a defense of the Elizabethan Religious Settlement and the organizational structure of the Church of England against criticisms from the Puritans, who advocated for a strict Calvinist/Presbyterian model of church governance.
2. Reason and Natural Law: Rather than relying solely on scripture for defining church hierarchy and ceremonies, Hooker argued that God is revealed through scripture, tradition, and human reason. This concept of the "three-legged stool" (Scripture, Reason, and Tradition) remains a cornerstone of Anglican identity.
3. Political Influence: Hooker's ideas about the social contract, consent of the governed, and natural law significantly influenced subsequent political philosophers, most notably John Locke.

Why the other options are incorrect:
- Richard Hakluyt: He was an English writer and geographer best known for promoting the colonization of North America through his compilations of maritime accounts, such as The Principal Navigations.
- Francis Bacon: He was a philosopher, statesman, and pioneer of the scientific method, famous for works like Novum Organum and The Advancement of Learning.
- Raphael Holinshed: He was an English chronicler whose collaborative work, Holinshed's Chronicles, served as a primary source for many of William Shakespeare's historical plays.