Christian Reader,
What is here emitted in the subsequent pages was never preached to be printed, but only to be succeeded with prayers for an impression upon the hearts of the hearers; and published to gratify such pious well-affected persons who, having received some fruit and benefit thereby themselves, were willing to be at expenses in publishing what is here presented, with a single aim at the profit of their neighbors — and that the seed sown might yet produce more fruit, to the glory of God.
The author would have been very well satisfied and contented if the ensuing sheets had been lodged in silence with the rest of his useless manuscripts, as being sensible that what is exposed to public view (though the best ends be aimed at) is exposed to the cavils and censures of such who read only to pass their verdict upon the worth or weakness of the author, rather than for any edification or profit.
But since (through grace) the seed has fallen upon some good ground and prospered, as it does abundantly compensate the barrenness of the other sorts of soil, so it does arm against the reflections of those who are wont to ridicule the foolishness of preaching — remembering also the obligations I lie under to a kind people, whom I have served in the Gospel of Christ upwards of thirty years, and who may justly challenge any of my poor labors for their rewards.
Upon these grounds, what has been publicly delivered could not reasonably be denied a further publication. Especially the subject insisted on (though weakly managed by the author), yet it is of the greatest importance in these latter, declining, apostatizing days, wherein (as our Savior has foretold, Luke 18:8) that faith shall scarce be found on earth. And wherein most are so besotted to the earth that they are miserably bewildered in their way to heaven: Ignorance, Atheism, Error, and Epicurism besot the world. Millions are born into the world they know not why, nor for what end; they live in the world they care not how, nor after what manner; and they go out of the world they know not whether, or to what place. Millions of miserable souls live as if they had no SOULS; they have somewhat (it may be) for this life, but what have they to build on, for ETERNITY? Souls they have, that must live forever, but no preparation for life and happiness forever. All have souls to save, but few have salvation for them; an eternity to pass through, but nothing to bear their charges in that endless duration and ages without end.
If any among these dark mountains here below should chance to stumble upon the Jailer's question and cry out, What shall we do to be saved? Why, what is here offered may contribute something, which (with God's blessing) may prove an answer in due season by directing to a saving and effectual faith in Christ, the only condition of salvation; and detecting a false counterfeit faith, whereby multitudes of professors run themselves upon the rocks, making shipwreck of faith and a good conscience, and so miscarry in point of salvation — that believe but never are saved, and miss of heaven in the height of their hopes.
Now that those that have published, heard, or may count it worth their leisure to peruse what is here emitted; and that the seed of faith may take rooting in them all; that they all may be begotten to a lively hope, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead; and that such may have a standing in grace, and be built up in their most holy faith, and not fall away from their steadfastness, like the stony ground, in the hour of temptation; and the Good Lord grant to us all at last an inheritance among them that are sanctified by faith in Christ — this is the ardent prayer and request of the most unworthy servant of Christ, in the fellowship of the Gospel.
Lynn, April third, 1711. J. SHEPARD.
