A Catholicon, To the reader
CERTAINE ADuertisments to the Reader.
FIrst, in the vnfolding and expounding this Epistle, I hauehave throughout obserued this course. 1. To note the doctrine. 2. Then followeth the probation by testimonie of Scripture. 3. Then the demonstration by example. 4. After that, the illustration or exornation by some similitude or comparison, likewise out of the Scripture. 5. Next the Aitiologia or confirmation by declaring the cause or reason. 6. Lastly, is adioyned the application.
Secondly, where the Apostle sheweth a double vse of the Scripture, to improoue error of doctrine, and to correct corruption of life, 2. Tim. 3. 16. I hauehave throughout so applied eueryevery doctrine, both to refute some error of poperie, and to reprooue some faults of manners.
Thirdly, the latter part I hauehave enlarged more then the former, not then purposing at the beginning, to make these priuate exercises common. But since, seeing the restlesse attempts, and subtill practises of the aduersaries, that cease not to disperse the paultrie pā phlets, and lying libels: I thought good speedily to addresse somewhat against sturbridge, by way of opposition, as other of our learned brethren hauehave done: that as I hauehave trauailed formerly in setting downe the controuersies of religion, so I would assay to profit the Church in this kinde. Wherein, if my trauaile be accepted, I may be encouraged to proceede. So I commend you to the grace of God, who both giuegive vsus wisdome to discerne the truth, and strongly with constancie to hold the same to the ende.
Amen.