To the Right Worshipful Master Edward Grimeston, Richard Argentine Wisheth Peace and Health in Jesus Christ

For as much as Jesus Christ unto whom the children were offered, Matthew 19, to the intent he should lay his hands upon them and pray, with a favourable countenance receiving the same, declared that he came to be a savior also of such, because the very infants (as well as others of greater age) through the sin of Adam, had need of the grace of God, and the same being received of Christ, are made the citizens of the kingdom of heaven. These of just cause are most worthy praise, that show the very near and next way, how such may be trained unto Christ, that as yet have not the perfect use of reason, whereby faith may the more surely be grafted in them, without the which it is impossible to please God. For like as the shipman that appoints his journey into foreign countries, though his ship be never so well tackled, or never so good of sail, being without his compass, whereby (in tempestuous and dark storms, and in the long and obscure nights, he may know upon what coast to decline) thinks himself naked, even so the young and tender age, albeit it be never so well natured and endued with godly graces, yet of itself it is but naked, being without a guide declaring the right way, and of nature more prone to vice than to virtue. Where therefore God hath given unto you a child of great towardness, furnished also with the gifts of nature as much as may be. Unto whom (for your sake) I am bound to owe my service in all that I am able to do. I have translated this little book, amongst others for the same most necessary. That by him, the rest of the youth that customarily is very grossly brought up, may the better be brought to the knowledge of God, and his holy word, and be trained in virtue, to the comfort of their parents, and to their own great commodity. Fare you well. From Ipswich this 28 of January, Anno 1548.