The Printer to the Reader
The Printer to the Reader
Courteous Reader, forasmuch as devout Christians, when they have found comfort in the labors of any learned man, it causeth in them a further desire, not only to review what they have read, but also to have a longing, as it were, after their further pains, upon any other subject. I doubt not, but am verily persuaded, that this Exposition of that Prayer, which our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus taught his disciples; penned by one that hath so well deserved of the Church of God; by publishing so many good and profitable Treatises, shall find some place among thy heavenly meditations, although it be not as I think so perfect, as the Author intended it if he had not been prevented by death. For what wilt thou do, either for all the benefits that thou hast received, or for those things that are required for thy use, or to prevent any dangers, that may be feared? I say, what wilt thou do, if thou wilt not imitate the holy Prophet, and call upon the name of the Lord? and how canst thou better call upon it, then as the Lord hath appointed? and what profit shalt thou have by calling upon him after that manner, except thou knowest the meaning of the spirit, in those words which thou pourest out before him? Wherefore seeing (as an ancient Father saith) when thou prayest for thyself, necessity enforceth thee; and Charity bindeth thee to pray for others : and seeing the holy one of God hath given thee in charge, after this manner, pray ye; this servant of God shall so instruct thee, that according to the practice of the holy Apostle, thou shalt pray with the spirit, and with understanding also, and this one thing is necessary: For all the commandments of the Lord, are so full of counsel, that every word hath his weight, yea every syllable contains a secret, so that we may all say with the Eunuch, How can I understand, except some man should guide me ? And albeit I am persuaded that thou art full of goodness, filled with knowledge, able also to admonish others (Acts 8): yet thou mayest be content with skillful Apollos, so eloquent in speech, mighty in the scriptures, and fervent in spirit (Acts 18) to have the way of God expounded unto thee by another man more perfectly. And this is that which I offer to thy Christian devotion. Use it then as becometh thee, with holiness. Peruse it often. I hope I am truly informed of the Author, I am but the Minister to publish it for thy good. Give thanks to GOD, that hath brought it to light. And the GOD of all power, when thou prayest, grant thee thy heart’s desire, and fulfill all thy mind. Amen.