University of Virginia Library



TO THE READER THE BOOK SPEAKETH.

Though I be small in quantity,
Yet despise me not, good reader;
For perchance thou shalt find in me
That wanteth in many greater.
Though I be without eloquence,
Rude and barbarous to behold,
Yet much true divine sapience
Have I forth brought, and here enroll'd.
No subtile logic, nor sophistry,
Shalt thou in me find and perceive;
But Christ and his doctrine plainly,
Which can no man living deceive.
To teach thee Christ is mine intent,
And all that to him do belong,
That thou mayest keep his commandment,
And in the christian faith be strong.
Approach, therefore, O gentle reader,
Pray to God for understanding;
So shalt thou in all things prosper,
And enjoy life everlasting.

Mark X.

Suffer the children to come unto me: forbid them not. For unto such doth the kingdom of God appertain.