A17648:6
A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated…
A commentary of M. John Calvin, upon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated into English by R.V.A commentarie of M. Iohn Caluine, vpon the Epistle to the Colossians. And translated into English by R.V.
London: printed by Thomas Purfoote, 1581
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
TO THE WORSHIPFUL and reverend fathers master Noel, Dean of Paul's, M. Mullins Archdeacon of London, master D. Walker, Archdeacon of Essex, & master Towers professor of divinity, his singular good friends and Patrons, R. V. wisheth all health.
TO THE VVORSHIPFVL and reuerende fathers maister Noel, Deane of Poules, M. Mullins Archdeacon of London, maister D. Walker, Archdeacon of Essex, & maister Towers professor of diuinity, his singuler good friendes and Patrons, R. V. wisheth all health.
Many in the dedications of their travails are accustomed to set forth the praises of such parsons as they do dedicate the same unto. And surely J think it not amiss if flattery be absent. For who is ignorant that virtus laudata crescit, praise virtue, and it shall increase. I speak not this right worshipful and reverend fathers, to the end that J mean to do the like to you, although no man that knoweth you but he will say you worthily deserve the same: for if J should either praise your learning or diligence in your vocation ⟨image 3⟩which every where is known, or your, godly conversation which unto your nighest friends is well tried, or your liberality which all those that have need, but specially the Godly poor have found and daily do find, who might justly reprehend me: but letting pass these things to the consideration of upright judges, I purpose to show and that very briefly what hath moved me to dedicate this present book unto your worships. you know that I received at your hands (that worthy man master D. Watts being then alive, whom with reverence I remember) that living which J have: and although you sell not your benefices (as many in these days do) yet reason would that J should not remain unthankful for the same, though it were a great deal less then it is. And whereas want of ability ⟨image 3⟩would not suffer me to recompense otherwise your good will, yet rather then still I should continue unthankful, I chose this little commentary of that worthy father M. Calvin to supply that which else might be left undone: wherein J wish that my hart lay open to be viewed: then would you not more regard the thing it self, which no doubt is worthy the accepting, than the good vvil of him that presenteth the same unto you. Fare you well. At high Easter the first of November.