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

Many in the dedications of their travails are accustomed to set forth the praises of such persons as they do dedicate the same unto. And surely I 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 I mean to do the like to you, although no man that knoweth you but he will say you worthily deserve the same: for if I should either praise your learning or diligence in your vocation which everywhere is known, or your godly conversation which unto your nearest friends is well tried, or your liberality which all those that have need, but especially 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 Doctor Watts being then alive, whom with reverence I remember) that living which I have: and although you sell not your benefices (as many in these days do) yet reason would that I should not remain unthankful for the same, though it were a great deal less than it is. And whereas want of ability would not suffer me to recompense otherwise your good will, yet rather than still I should continue unthankful, I chose this little commentary of that worthy father Master Calvin to supply that which else might be left undone: wherein I wish that my heart lay open to be viewed: then would you not more regard the thing itself, which no doubt is worthy the accepting, than the good will of him that presenteth the same unto you. Fare you well. At High Easter the first of November.

Yours to command R. V.

Many authors, when dedicating their work, customarily praise the people to whom they dedicate it. I think this is not wrong, as long as flattery is absent. For who does not know that praised virtue grows stronger? I say this not, right worshipful and reverend fathers, because I intend to do the same to you — though anyone who knows you would say you fully deserve such praise. If I were to praise your learning and diligence in your calling, which is widely known, or your godly conduct, which your closest friends have seen proven, or your generosity, which all who are in need — and especially the godly poor — have found and continue to find daily, who could rightly fault me? But setting those things aside for upright judges to consider, I intend to explain briefly what has moved me to dedicate this present book to you. You know that I received from your hands — that worthy man Master Doctor Watts being then alive, whom I remember with reverence — the living I now have. Although you do not sell your benefices as many do today, reason demands that I should not remain ungrateful, even if the benefit were far less than it is. Since my lack of means prevented me from repaying your goodwill in any other way, I chose this little commentary by that worthy father Master Calvin rather than continue without showing my gratitude. I wish my heart lay open for you to see — then you would regard not the work itself, though it is certainly worthy of acceptance, as much as the goodwill of the one who presents it. Farewell. At High Easter, the first of November.

Yours to command, R. V.