The valley of vision, or A clear sight of sundry sacred truths.: Delivered in twenty-one sermons; by that learned and reverend divine, Richard Holsvvorth, Dr. in Divinity, sometimes Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge, Master of Emanuel Colledge, and late preacher at Peters Poore in London. The particular titles and texts are set downe in the next leafe.

TO THE READER.

HOw eminent an instrument the Author of this Treatise was, of Gods glory, and the Churches good, is unknown to none, who in the least de∣gree were acquainted with his person, and pro∣fitable paines. They knew him to be composed of a learned Head, a gracious heart, a bountifull hand, and (what must not be omitted) a patient back, comfortably, and cheerfully to endure such heavy afflictions as were laid upon him.

The more pitty therefore it was that so worthy a man should dye issulesse, without leaving any Books behind him, for the benefit of Learning and Religion. Considering what might be the cause thereof, it cannot be imputed to a∣ny envy in him as grudging us the profit of his paines (one so open handed of his Almes, could not be close fisted of his labours, for a generall good) Rather it proceeded, partly from his modesty, having the highest parts in himselfe, and the lowest opinion of himself; Partly from his judicious obser∣vation, that the world now a dayes surfets with Printed Ser∣mons,

which like Silver in the reigne of Solomon, are not respected by some they are so plentifull, whilst they are abused by others, who lazily imp their wings with other ••ens plum•• wherewith they soar high in common esteeme; yet have not the ingenuity with that son of the Prophet to confesse; Alasse! it was borrowed.

As for the private notes which he left behind him, as Ari∣stotle told Alexander of his physicks, that he had writ∣ten them as if he had not written them; meaning that the language was so darke and obscure, that few could under∣stand it: so, his hand was onely legible to himselfe, and al∣most uselesse for a•• her.

Yet that the world might not totally be deprived of his worthy endeavours, I trust, his pains will meet with com∣mendations in most, with just censure in none, who being ex∣quisite in the Art of Short-Writing (the onely way to re∣tre••ve winged words, and fix them to stay amongst us) hath with all possible accuratenesse first taken, and now set them forth (by the permission (as I am credibly informed) of the Authors best friends) to publike view. I say possible accu∣ratenesse, seeing a candid Reader knowes how to make his charitable allowances, in things of this nature.

It is said of Demosthenes, that the best part of his O∣rations were wanting when they were read; because the Orator when uttering them, enlivened each sentence, word, and syllable with a true tone, and proper accent in his pronunciation. Two best parts then may be said to be wanting in Dr. Holsworths Sermons. One, because read, and not spoken by him; the other, because not transcribed from his owne copy, but taken from his mouth when he preached them, as well as Art and industry can performe.

Indeed, when the Mother looked upon the Babe which was laid by her, Behold it was not the Son which she did

beare. But should this glorious Saint take a review of these Sermons as now set forth; as he would probably won∣der at the alteration of the clothes, and dressing thereof not so fine and fashionable: yea, perchance m••••••t wonder at the complexion, and colour thereof, not so lively, sprightfull and vigorous as he left it: yet notwithstanding he would ac∣knowledge an identity of feature and favour, and his natu∣rall sympathy would challenge a true relation in the same, and owne it for a true off-spring of his owne, a weake child, but no changling.

How ever, it is a happinesse, when s••rviving Authors, see their owne workes set forth to their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 contentment. Various were the proceedings in Divine providence to two honorable Families, the one in Ireland, the other in Wales, The Family of St. Laurence of Hoath by Dublin, hath for some hundreds of yeares been observed, never to have an Or∣phan, or Minor, the Son alwayes being of full age before the Fathers death; Whereas amongst the ancient Earles of Pembrook for five descents together, the Son never saw the Father. The felicity of the former, is applyable to those who behold their owne Books perfected, and finished in their life times: Whilst I read the sad successe of the latter, in such whose posthume bookes appeare in this world after their Authors are gone into a better. To such books that want Fa∣thers, I wish good guardians, as I hope this hath not light on the worst of them.

What remaines, but that we wish the Reader all profit by the ensuing Treatise of so worthy an Author, equalled by few, exceeded by none in our age. It is sadly recorded of Paul and Barnabas, the contention was so sharpe betwixt them, that they departed one from another. Whose difference is thus moralized by some, who observed Saint Paul a great Doctor, a Controversall divine, Saint Bar∣nabas,

a good man, and comfortable Preacher (therefore called the Son of consolation) that skill in Schoole-Di∣vinity, and practicall profitable preaching, seldome agree in the same person. But if ever they were reconciled to the height in any of our Nation, it was in the worthy Author of these workes; by which that thou mayest reap benefit is the hearty desire and prayer of

Thy servant in Christ Jesus, THO. FULLER.

Notes

• 1 Kin. 10.21.
• 2 Kin. 6.5.
• 1 Kin. 3.21.
• Camdens Brit. in the County of Dublin.
• Idem in Pembrook-Shire.