A Fathers Testament, Title page – Dedication
A FATHERS TESTAMENT. Written long since for the benefit of the particular Relations of the Authour, Phin. Fletcher; Sometime Minister of the Gospel at Hillgay in Norfolk. And now made Publick at the desire of Friends.
Prov. 4. 1, 2. Hear ye Children the Instruction of a Father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good Doctrine, &c.
Prov. 13.1. A wise Son heareth his Fathers Instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.
LONDON. Printed by R. White, for Henry Mortlock, and are to be sold at his Shop, at the Sign of the White Hart in Westminster-Hall, 1670.
THE PUBLISHER TO THE READER.
THe Designe of the Authour, in this little Book, was at first the private Use only and Benefit of his own Children and Relations. Growing towards Old-age, and consequently sensible that shortly he must leave them in this Wilderness State, wherein they would meet with more than one Ignis-Fatuus to mislead them out of the right way to bliss (it being natural to all the Children of men to go astray after, and take up their Rest in, present enjoyments, and the things of sense:) he was willing (therefore) to point, as with his finger, at those Rocks, and dangerous Praec…s… they might meet with here: And to chaulk …t that narrow way that leadeth to the true, future, and eternal Happiness. So that having recourse to this small Clue, which is spun out of, and grounded upon the Word of truth, it might be, through the good hand of God, a Direction in their Passage: being mindful therein of the duty of a Parent, and knowing the dying words of a Freind, specially of a Father, hath many times a deep Impression. That he hath concluded each Chapter with some Poetick Lines, I hope, will be no offence to any Ingenuous Reader, nor reputed a blemish to the gravity of the Profession of the Authour. It may testifie thus much, That he was a Lover of the Muses: To which none that knew him but will readily assent. The Original came to my hands not long after his decease, which was several years since: And having lately been importuned by Freinds, that have perused it, to publish it, at first found some Reluctancy; But if that which was intended for Private, may be any way serviceable to the Publick, it will be sufficient satisfaction to me, and, I am confident, no way displeasing to any of his Relations: And the rather, in that it may be Instrumental to preserve the Memory of the Pious Authour.
GO little Book, and to the World present
Out of Gods two one Father's Testament
Shew it a Fletcher, with his quiver full
Of Davids arrowes, labouring to beget
Each child again; the Muses in Chris… Schoo…
Plainness and pains in one, witt and grac… met…
Go, challenge that which is deserv'd by few…
A Poets laurel, with a Preachers due.
Ioh. Arrowsmith. D. D.