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REverend and most worthy Doctor Featley, I know well you wil wonder at the sight of my letters; and indeed it had stood better with my meanenesse & modesty to have spared them rather, then by interrupting the sacred imployments of so great a man▪ to
offend against the publike good: but such is the authority of that noble Knight, Sir Oliver Flemming, his excellent Majesties Ambas∣sador Lieger with us Helvetians, that, I had rather hazard my reputati∣on, then incur the danger of disobedience. At his command and in∣treaty I have taken the boldnesse not only to renew our acquain∣tance in these my letters▪ but to translate your Hand-maid to De∣votion into the Dutch language: if I may understand that you take no offence at it, I shall think my self very happy: our countreymen very much wonder at the sparkles of devotion, which your prayers doe first kindle in the hearts of the faithfull; and then leave the flame behind them: let no man believe me if ever I read any thing like them: go on most worthy Sir, to make this age happy with such kind of writing; this is the high way to Heaven: besides what your abilities are in controversies, the Grand Sacriledge of the Romish Church▪ and your disputations with the Papists do sufficient∣ly demonstrate; if out of your courtesie I may embrace other fruits of your learning and judgement, I shall acknowlege it as a speciall favour: our countreymen beyond the seas confesse they are much indebted to me for translating the works of Perkins, Willet, Downham, Squire, and other english writers, but far more for the translation of your Devotions. I am now imployed in expounding the Apocalyps: but before I doe expose my labours to be examined here of the learned, I mean to communicate them to one or other of the English, who last crost the seas: worthy Sir, you shall doe me a great benefit, if you shall make me partaker of them; I pro∣mise no other thanks then▪ what can proceed from my slender abili∣lities, and the love of the English nation. Farewell most excellent Sir,
From him who hath his eyes ever upon you, Wolfgangus Meyer, S. Th. Doct. and Prea∣cher at the Cathedrall Church which is in Basile.