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

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, ſo as the firſt breath or ſound, or both togither, of the name of the thing figured vnder eche letter, is the breath or ſounde, or both togither of the letter aboue it, with examples therafter in diuers wordes. Which euery one that is able to read, may at firſt ſight vnderſtande, and ſo be able to teach it to others. The caſe wherof is ſuch, that ſo ſoone as one is able to name the .xxv. letters perfitly and readily, wherſoeuer they preſent themſelues to his eye, ſo ſoone ſhall he be able to reade. Which may be in ſo ſhort a time, or ſhorter, than he ſhall be able to learne to know, xxv. diuers men, women, and children (though he neuer ſaw them before) and to name them readily and perfitly whereſoever 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 maſſters) which often preuaile more than the liuely voyce, comfort themſelues, meditate and record prayers méete for Christians, and learned the better to obay their Princes and Magiſtrates, which I present vnto my Countrie as a good beginning, firſt to learne to reade before they ſhoulde learned to write, for that it is farre more readier and eaſie. And as I maye ſee this profite, I ſhall hereafter by Gods grace, frame a little inſtruction to teche the deſirous the beſt order and reaſon. I can deuiſe, for their furtheraunce to learne to write, wherein beſides the deligence of the wit and reaſon, which ſerueth for reading, there is further neceſſarie the vſe and exerciſe of the hande. Nothing doubting, but ſuch as may profite thereby, will hartily thank God for it, and remember me in their good prayers, as I ſhall doe them in mine, that after our trauaile paſt in this earthly vale, we may togither enioy the heauenly blisse. So be it.