The works of the reverend and faithful servant of Jesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…The workes of the reuerend and faithfull seruant af Iesus Christ M. Richard Greenham,…

Now that godly man who hath the sale of his works, was very desirous that there might be an Exposition upon every verse, and to that purpose hath employed me. And I finding the four first verses expounded by a worthy Elisha, upon whom the spirit of this Elijah doth rest, was bold to set¹ down the same as I found it: the rest I have finished according to the grace given unto me, and thus offer them to the Church of God.

Now that godly man who hath the sale of his workes, was very desirous that there might bee an Exposition vpon euery verse, and to that purpose hath employed mee. And I finding the foure first verses expounded by a worthie Elisha, vpon whom the spirite of this Eliah doth rest, was bolde to set¹ downe the same as I found it: the rest I haue finished according to the grace giuen vnto mee, and thus offer them to the Church of God.

1. 1M. Dod of Hanwell.

I remember that an ancient Father saith, Judicem aditurus▪ patr•num quaere, Must you appear¹ before the Judge, seek a Patron. I am now to appear before as many Judges as Readers, I desire a Patron: and I find none fitter then your Honour, who having for many years post been a bountiful Patron to my labours in the Church, will (I doubt not) vouchsafe to become a Patron of these labours for the Church. If ever we must look for a blessing from Counsellors, it is then when they consult with the Lord, and are not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. Among many such Honourable Senators in our Kingdom, we have good cause to number your Honour. What Sabbath is there, which you pass over without the morning and evening sacrifice? what Minister is there who preacheth before you, whom you send away without a blessing? what month is there, in which you once are not a Communicant at the Eucharist? what day is there, that passeth over your head, in which you use not both prayer and meditation? You were once gracious in the eyes of that Queen, then whom the Church never had a more nursing mother: you are now gracious in the eyes of that King, then whom the Church will never have a more nursing Father: & in this honourable Parish wherein you live, what good you do by your own example, in frequenting Gods house, your liberality & bounty in maintaining Gods Saints, & your care, that your family may be the Church of God, I had rather be silent, then say little. Your old age is a crown of glory, being thus found in the generation of the righteous. The consideration of your honourable respect to piety and godliness, hath made me a long time to honour you in mine heart, and the consideration of your favour to me a poor preacher, emboldeneth me to publish these my labours under your Honourable name. If it please you to allow that your name, which I am persuaded is written in the book of life, may remain in this living and worthy book, I have that which I desire by this Dedication.