An Ordinary Lecture, Title page – Preface to the reader

An Ordinary Lecture · Title page – Preface to the reader

AN ORDINARY LECTVRE.

Preached at the Blacke-Friers, by M. Egerton.

And taken as it was vttered by Characterie.

MACTE: OFFICIVM, OFFICII, Fructus.

AT LONDON ¶ Printed by Iohn Windet for Iohn Dalderne, and are to be ſold in Canon lane at the ſigne of the white horſe. 1589.

The Preface.

IT hath bin (chriſtian Reader) till of late, much wiſhed, that there were an ordinarie way of ſwift writing, whereby, Sermons and Lectures of godly Preachers might bee preſerued for the vſe of the abſent and poſteritie hereafter. That whereas no more remaineth after the hower paſſed, then ſo much as the frailtie of memorie carieth away. By the benefit of ſpeedie writing the whole bodie of the Lecture and Sermon might be regeſtred. This deſire of manie, hath lately bene ſatisfied, by an Art called Characterie, which I hauing learned, hauehave put in practiſe, in writing ſermons therby to preſerue (as it were) the life of much memorable doctrine, that would otherwiſe bee buried in forgetfulnes: whereof I here giuegive thee a fruit, (chriſtian reader) in publiſhing this godly ſermō ſo takē. I hauehave not miſſed one word; wherby, either the truth of doctrine might be peruerted, or the meaning of the Preacher altered. Such is the vſe of the art, which I hauehave learned. And as at this day God is plentifull in varietie of gifts, ſo if ſome occaſion had not hindred, I would hauehave made thee partaker, (and may hereafter) of other godly mens labours in this kind, that, although one cannot heare al: yet by Charactery and my indeuour, the diuers giftes of God may by this meanes bee communicated to many. Farewell in the Lord.

Thy well willer A. S.