Ten Sermons, Dedication 2
To the Right VVorshipfull my much honoured Patron, Sir NICHOLAS SAVNDERSON of Filingham, Linc. Knight and Baronet.
SIR,
HAuing first, vponupon slow deliberation, resolued to publish these three Sermons: my next resolution came on more readily, to present them to you. For which there was no need I should deliberate long: the consideration both of the Author and Argument prompting mee thereunto. For my selfe first; As you hauehave abundantly witnessed vntounto the world your good affection to mee, both by sundry other courtesies, and especially in being the chiefest meanes, (vnderunder the good Prouidence of God) by your free collation of a Benefice vponupon me, of drawing me from the Vniuersitie into these parts, where I am now settled: so I hauehave beene euer couetous of some faire opportunity, to witnesse vntounto the world my thankfull acknowledgement of your kinde fauours; whereof▪ for want of better meanes I desire this Dedication maybe some expression. And then for the Argument; I knew none more fit to Patronage a Theame of Iustice, than your selfe: whom God hath endowed with strong abilities▪ many wayes, of Vnderstanding, Affections, Courage, Elocution, Indu…trie together with outward Meanes and Power, in a gracious measure, and aboue many of your fellowes in the same office; to doe Him, and his Annointed, and their People, good seruice, in aduancing the course of publike Iustice, in the Countrie where you liue. In both which regards, as I presume these my meditations concerning Iustice will not come altogether vnwelcome: so I am confident, that the manner of handling vsed therein, in taxing the Abuses with such Freedome, as (it may be) some will not rellish, will yet be by so much more acceptable to you, by how much more freely your owne heart, when you reade of them, shall witnesse your owne freedome from them. In which confidence, with all due respect. I commend these Sermons into your hands; and with my faithfullest deuotions, your selfe, and your Religious Lady, and whole family into the hands of God: who alone is able hath to continue and multiply his blessings vponupon you in the meane time, and in the end to crowne his owne graces in you with glory.
Yours in the Lord, ROB. SAVNDERSON. Booth by Paynell Line, 1. Mar. 1626.