A20540:4
Three godly and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Master John DodThree godlie and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Maister Iohn Dod
Three godly and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Master John Dod: the last by Master Robert Cleaver. Whereunto are annexed, five propositions, or points of doctrine, comprehended in three other sermons, by the same authorThree godlie and fruitful sermons; the two first preached by Maister Iohn Dod: the last by Maister Robert Cleauer. Whereunto are annexed, fiue propositions, or points of doctrine, comprehended in three other sermons, by the same author
London: printed by N. Okes and F. Kingston for William Welby, 1610
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 RIGHT WORSHIPFUL Master Erasmus Dryden Esquire, grace, and peace be multiplied.
TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFVLL MAIster Erasmus Dryden Esquier, grace, and peace be multiplied.
SIR, it is a point well known unto your Worship, that in duties of absolute necessity we must regard what God doth command and enjoin, not what men do approve and like of: and that we must still offer up our service in obedience to the Almighty, whatsoever men do think or speak of us. As for this work of publishing the labours of such faithful and painful Ministers, as desire rather to spend their time in preaching, than in writing, I take it not to be a duty of that kind: ⟨image 3⟩but of an inferior nature; wherein the acceptance or disallowance of those that are godly wise, should have a great stroke, either for encouragement to proceed in it, or for discouragement to desist from it Herein having made some trial, I have (through Gods blessing) found success beyond my expectation: which as it ministereth unto me matter of much rejoicing, in regard there are many thousands in Israel, who desire and embrace the sincere and plain doctrine of the Gospel; so doth it set an edge on my desires to take up some vacant hours in this employment: being right glad, if by any means I may be an helper to the truth, and an instrument of refreshing hunger-bitten souls, by conveying unto them some baskets full of such fragments, as may be communicated without any detriment or disadvantage to my self, or to any else. These Sermons I have made bold to recommend unto your favourable acceptance and patronage, not only in regard of the interest which you have in them, and that encouragement which I have often received from your ⟨image 3⟩Worship in businesses of this nature; but also because I persuade my self that your very countenancing of them, will add, though not unto their goodness, yet unto their good esteem, among many that are religiously affected.