The Good Fight of Faith, Title page – Dedication
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THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH. BEING The Subſtance of a Sermon Preached to the Congregation aſſembled at the interring of the body of Maſter William Hill lately one of the Magiſtrates of Guildford in Surrey.
By his Sonne in law Francis Peck, Maſter of Arts, ſometimes Preacher there, and now Miniſter of God's Word in Hereford.
London, Printed for Samuel Enderby, and are to be ſold at his Shop at the Starre in Popeſ-head Alley, 1645.
To the vertuous Widow, and hopefull Off-ſpring of that eminent Servant of Jeſus Chriſt, Mr. William Hill, one of the Magiſtrates of the ancient Burrough of Guildſord in Surrey.
Precious and Beloved:
THere be but two irreſistable arguments … any ingenuous nature to reſigne ones ſelfe to the deſire of another, viz. That of duty, and that of affection; both which (you know) hath ſtrongly engaged me both to preach and print this Sermon, upon this ſad and ſodaine occaſion; the former task required by the deceaſed himſelfe, whoſe very relation (being a Father ſo full of care and affection to us all) heares the nature of an injunction, not to be diſobeyed: the latter importuned by the concurrent requeſt of you all ſurviving ſo neerly related; that except I could put off duty and humanity at once, without all dispute, you muſt be alſo gratified: which undertaken, I preſume to make mine earneſt requeſt to you all in ſome few particulars; which I hope the Lord Jeſus will both move and enable you readily to condeſcend to me in, viz.
1. That ſo precious a patterne and preſident of vertue and piety be really imitated of you all.
2. That you be practicall, and turne the words you deſired of me, into the works which God requireth of you.
3. That by the ſavory Ʋnction of brotherly concord amongſt our ſelves, you will endeavour with me to be ſo conſolatory to our deare ſurviving Parent, that albeit we cannot ſupply her invaluable loſſe, yet we may argue our gratefull acknowledgment of her right commendable behaviour to, and paines with him who is now with the Lord.
4. Laſtly, that you will excuſe me, and make mine apology for ſpeaking ſo little in the prayſe of him that deſerved ſo much; mine affection and experience indeed inſtigates: but counſell to one ſo aproximate muſt be obſerved, viz. Let another praiſe thee and not thine owne Prov. 27. 2.mouth; a ſtranger, and not thine own lips. So I commend you to the provident care of him who is faithfull, and bath promiſed ſo much to the widow and fatherleſſe; and in him, according to my ſeverall relations, to each of you, reſt,
Yours, F. P.