To the Faithful Ministers of the Gospel

That common place of divinity, which concerns the framing of sermons, is both weighty and difficult, if there be any other throughout all that sacred science. For the matter, which it is to explicate and treat on, is prophecy; an excellent gift indeed, whether we consider it in respect of dignity, or of use. The dignity thereof appears, in that like a lady it is highly mounted and carried aloft in a chariot: whereas all other gifts, both of tongues and arts, attend on this like handmaids afar off. Answerable to this dignity there is also a twofold use: one, in that it serves to collect the church, and to accomplish the number of the elect: the other, for that it drives away the wolves from the folds of the Lord. For this is indeed that Flexanima, that allurer of the soul, whereby men's froward minds are mitigated and moved from an ungodly and barbarous life unto Christian faith and repentance. This also is that engine, which as it has shaken (the foundation of) ancient heresies, so it has in these few by-past years, cut asunder the sinews of that great Antichrist. Wherefore if it be demanded which is the most excellent gift of all, doubtless the praise must be given to prophesying. Now by how much the more excellent every thing is, by so much the more diligently it ought to be adorned with variety and plenty of precepts. Therefore, when I saw this common place so handled by many, as that it would remain naked and poor, if all other arts should call for those things, which are their own: I perused the writings of divines, and having gathered some rules out of them, I have couched them in that method, which I have deemed most commodious: that they might be better for use, and fitter for the memory. I do also publish them, that they might be approved, if they bring with them that which is good: if any evil, that they may receive their deserved punishment. And whosoever you are that pleases to read them, where you are persuaded of this order of preaching, which here I handle, walk on with me: where you stand at a stay, inquire with me: where you perceive your own errors, return to me: where you see mine, call me back to you. For that, which now pleases me, shall displease me, if it please not godly and moderate minded men. But if any man shall carp at this my travail, though very small, let him know, that my only meaning is to benefit the church of God: and that the conscience of my fact is a sufficient [reconstructed: monument] against all calumnies. I do now betake you to God, and this (tractate of the) art of prophesying, both to you and to God. Anno 1592, December 12.

WILLIAM PERKINS.