To the Reader

Christian Reader,

Here is presented to your view, the last Sermon of Mister Thomas Watson that he preached to his loving and beloved people of Stephens Walbrook: The Reverend Author having no knowledge of its publication, I hope will be sufficient apology for the disparity that is in it from his other Works, it being not published by the same pen, nor adorned with marginal quotations suitable to his other Sermons. You cannot but know there is great difference between preparing Sermons for the Pulpit, and for the Press. The wisest Master Builder sees it sometime expedient to beat often upon one and the same truth, that they may nail them not only to the ears, but the hearts of their Auditors. And therefore wonder not if you meet with anything that may look like a tautology, since I would rather be guilty of that than to take my own judgment for leaving out anything delivered. I should be sorry, if the publication of this Sermon, which was intended for the satisfaction of all, should prove to the dissatisfaction of any. However I hope you will be so candid to lay any fault in printing or the like at the publisher's door, not at the Preacher's. I have but one request more, and that is, that the Reader would propound as honest ends to himself, in reading it, as I did in transcribing of it. In so doing I shall be satisfied, and he will be edified.

Your Friend and Servant. R. M.