Page:A methode or comfortable beginning for all vnlearned (1570).djvu/8

Rh forme them from their natures and offices. Wherefore (though nowe in the latter dayes, being better late then neuer) here followeth a certain rule with demonstrations, o as the firt breath or ound, or both togither, of the name of the thing figured vnder eche letter, is the breath or ounde, or both togither of the letter aboue it, with examples therafter in diuers wordes. Which euery one that is able to read, may at firt ight vndertande, and o be able to teach it to others. The cae wherof is uch, that o oone as one is able to name the .xxv. letters perfitly and readily, wheroeuer they preent themelues to his eye, o oone hall he be able to reade. Which may be in o hort a time, or horter, than he hall be able to learne to know, xxv. diuers men, women, and children (though he neuer aw them before) and to name them readily and perfitly whereoever he might meete them. And this haue I trauayled for the behoofe of the multitude, whereby they may the better with bookes (which are dumbe maters) which often preuaile more than the liuely voyce, comfort themelues, meditate and record prayers méete for Christians, and learned the better to obay their Princes and Magitrates, which I present vnto my Countrie as a good beginning, firt to learne to reade before they houlde learned to write, for that it is farre more readier and eaie. And as I maye ee this profite, I hall hereafter by Gods grace, frame a little intruction to teche the deirous the bet order and reaon. I can deuie, for their furtheraunce to learne to write, wherein beides the deligence of the wit and reaon, which erueth for reading, there is further necearie the ve and exercie of the hande. Nothing doubting, but uch as may profite thereby, will hartily thank God for it, and remember me in their good prayers, as I hall doe them in mine, that after our trauaile pat in this earthly vale, we may togither enioy the heauenly blisse. So be it.