The Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Divided into three parts, dialogue wiseThe Christian disputations, by Master Peter Viret. Deuided into three partes, dialogue wise

But to keep the mean, that is to know how to speak effectually and with a good grace, so for to recreate that there be nothing spoken foolishly, at all adventures, or uncomely, which is no common virtue. I do speak this by reason of these present Dialogues, out of which a man may so gather good instruction, and yet notwithstanding he shall have occasion to laugh. For the matter of it self is very pleasant: And is set out with such grace, that it cannot be but that a man shall take great pleasure in the reading thereof. Our brother and companion in the work of the Lord Jesus, Peter Viret, who is the Author, hath by nature the virtue which I said to be requisite in that man which will meddle himself therein. It is virtue true that as in all other works he giveth himself, unto a better study and of greater weight: So in these Dialogues his principal intent is not to delight the ears. And in very deed, that should be but a small labour, and a pain evil be stowed of a man of such wit and knowledge. Furthermore, besides the gifts that he hath of God, he is called unto a more higher calling. But forasmuch as the matter that he hath taken in hand to entreat off, showeth that he teacheth by order of pastime and merry jests, he pretendeth notwithstanding the right doctrine, as the true mark to shoot at, mingling with the same, some merry conceits ⟨image 4⟩as a companion therewith all. Yea in such sort that this book is a sufficient witness, that be hath a singular dexterity to do it, yea even as much as he will himself: that is to say, as much as is needful or convenient. I do know that it is a dangerous thing and that no man ought at the first sight to allow a book.

But to keepe the meane, that is to know how to speak effectually and with a good grace, so for to recreate that there be nothing spoken foolishly, at all aduentures, or vncomely, which is no common vertue. I doe speake this by reason of these present Dialogues, out of which a man may so gather good instruction, and yet notwithstanding he shall haue occasion to laugh. For the matter of it selfe is very pleasant: And is set out with such grace, that it cannot be but that a man shall take greate pleasure in the reading thereoff. Our brother and companion in the worke of the Lord Iesus, Peter Viret, who is the Author, hath by nature the vertue which I saide to be requisite in that man which will medle himselfe therein. It is vertue true that as in all other workes he giueth himselfe, vnto a better studie and of greater waight: So in these Dialogues his principall intent is not to delight the eares. And in verie deede, that shoulde be but a small labour, and a paine euill be stowed of a man of such witte and knowledge. Furthermore, besides the giftes that he hath of God, he is called vnto a more higher calling. But forasmuch as the matter that he hath taken in hand to entreate off, sheweth that he teacheth by order of pastime and merrie iestes, he pretendeth notwithstanding the right doctrine, as the true marke to shoote at, mingling with the same, some merrie conceites