Epistle Dedicatory to Lord Lindsay
TO THE RIGHT Honorable, noble, and potent Lorde, IAMES, Lord LINDSAY of the Byres: Grace and Peace in Christ Iesus.
It were to be wished (Right Honourable) that as sin multiplies itself, so the knowledge and true fear of God, should every way be increased among men. For, thereby it would come to pass, by the blessing of God, that fewer should tread the path of destruction, than (alas) do now. And although it lies not in man, to stop the course, and to dam up the streams of iniquity (for this must be performed by the Lord's own arm, or else all men's endeavors are but vain) yet is it the part of all those that fear God, to do what they may, for the effecting of this work. Wherein, albeit the attempts of the men of God, have not always the effects which they desired, yet their labors, both in preaching and writing, have not been destitute of their fruit, in measure, greater or smaller, as the Lord thought it meet.
The Lord in this latter age, has raised up diverse, and excellent men for this purpose, and he has greatly magnified his mercies towards us in this Island: and us, in the enjoying of his goodness, if we can make a right use thereof. But because we were not worthy of them, therefore he has many times, in the midst of their years, yes, and some in the very spring and beginning of their strength, to warn us, what he is likely to do with the rest, if we be not more thankful. Among the number of those, whom in the Lord's great mercies we enjoyed, and lost for our unthankfulness, M. DUDLEY FENNER was one, whom the Church of God in this age could have hardliest spared: he ended his testimony in this life, being under thirty years of age: but yet of that growth in the knowledge of God, that few (if ever any of his years) have left behind them the like monuments of great knowledge and learning, in the true and sound fear of God, as he has done. His works both in Latin and English do bear witness hereof. And it is not meet that I should enter into any further commendations of him: although, both in regard of the outward favor of God towards him, as being born an heir of great possessions, and especially, in consideration of his spiritual understanding in the ways of the Lord, his great learning, his conflicts with the adversaries of God, his constancy, and patient suffering for the truth: there are many things that make his name blessed among the Saints.
Some treatises of his, being printed at sundry times, and now rare to be gotten, I have gathered together, and presumed to dedicate to your Lordship: not doubting, but in regard, both of the author, (who being a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, I know you will esteem, though unknown to you) and especially, in respect of the notable handling of the truth, which they contain, you will accept them, as being not unbeseeming your Lordship, that they were published under your name. And if I should say, both in regard of the work itself, and also the author, that it were no small honor to a Christian nobleman, that they come forth under his patronage, I think I should not speak amiss.
That one treatise of household government, does so commend the whole work to a Christian master of a family, as whoever does well read and consider it, must needs think, whatever has proceeded out of the same furnace, does deserve to be highly accounted of. And happy were it for all families, that they were governed according to the prescription, set down in this treatise. Your Lordship, I trust, will make that profit hereof, among the rest hereunto adjoined: namely, that it will be a confirmation to you, in that, wherein your family is already reformed, and a direction for that perfecting of the government thereof, wholly according to the word. And to this purpose it is, that I have dedicated this and the rest to your Honor. Touching myself, I will say no more, but as I desire to show myself profitable in my vocation, to the whole Church of God in general; so I would willingly gratify your Honor in particular. And so accept this, as a testimony of my good will towards your Lordship, whom I understand (and know in some measure) to bear no small affection and good will to the truth, and all those that profess the same. Thus I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, that is able to build you up further, and give you an inheritance among them which are sanctified. Edinburgh the 24. of December. 1591.
Your H. to command in the Lord, R. W.