To the Reader.

ALthough I was
moste vnwillyng
yt this poore Talent
and trauaile
of myne should euer
haue bin broched
abroade, and come to light:
bothe because it maie seeme as a
Candle lighted at noone daie: as
also because many other mennes
doynges might more worthely a
greate deale haue been published,
and committed vnto letters: Yet
because diuerse whiche heard it
preached with a liuely voice, wer
verie instant, yea, and more then
importunate with me to haue it
published, vsyng suche reasons
as I could not well gainsaie, I
did at the laste yeelde to their request,
and so this vntimely fruite
is come abroad, to be sold in open
markettes. Let no man be offended

A.ii.

that I haue not strained myself
to flie an high pitche, to fome
out the frothe of mannes Wisedome,
and to make a great shewe
of learning, by blowing the bladder
of vanitie, till it burste with
swelling. For that is not my vse.
I seeke especially the saluation
of the simple, and ignoraunt, and
therefore stoupe doune to their
reache, and capacitie. Therefore
I beseche thee gentle Reader, accepte
my good meanyng: Reade
this without preiudice, like it as
thou profitest, so shalt thou
haue praise of GOD,
and comfort in thy
conscience.
A.D.