The Preface

I am sensible that my consenting that the following Discourse be published, needs Excuse; but yet I think it worth the while for me, to excuse my self, by declaring how backward I was to it, and how much I was urged, and that I was moved to do it, more to gratify others and at promoting the Interest of Religion and the Good of Souls, than by any thought I had of any Honour that I should get by it: for such things, ordinarily make less Impression upon the readers, to alter their thought of the Author, and his work, than the Authors generally think for. They at whose desire, and upon whose Account chiefly, this Sermon is printed, are already acquainted with the Circumstances of the Matter; and if any others should happen to see it, and should think it worth their while to read it, I shall only desire of them, that they would put as favourable a Construction upon my herein appearing in Print, as they can; and that they would read the following Discourse with Candor, and without Prejudice against it, either from an Idea of the Author's Forwardness and Ostentation, or the Unfashionableness of the Subject. As to you, that are the People of the Flock, of which CHRIST hath called me to the Oversight, I have no Reason to be jealous that you will have any Prejudice against this Discourse, upon either of these mention'd Accounts, to stand in the way of your duly weighing, and considering, and suitably entertaining the things treated of in it. I have Reason to bless GOD, that there is a more happy Union between us, than that you should be prejudiced against any thing of mine, because 'tis mine; And however the subject is out of Mode in the World, 'tis doubtless your peculiar Happiness, that you have been so thoroughly instructed in such like Doctrines, even from your Beginning: and I rejoice in it, that Providence, in this Day of Corruption and Confusion, has cast my Lot where such Doctrines, that I look upon so much the Life and Glory of the Gospel, are not only own'd, but where there are so many, in whom the Truth of them is so apparently manifest, in their Experience, that any one who has had the Opportunity of Acquaintance with them in such matters, that I have had, must be very unreasonable to doubt of it. It is pleasant to me to read discourses on such Subjects, and to see such Doctrines well treated of in Books, but much more pleasant, to see them clearly exemplified. If what is here offered to you shall be a means further to establish you in such Truths, and to make those among you, that yet remain in spiritual Darkness and Blindness, sensible of their Misery, and stir them up earnestly to seek after this spiritual and divine Illumination; and shall be for the Comfort and Edification of those that have Experienced it, I shall have great Reason to rejoice, and be thankful: and I desire your earnest and continual Prayers for me, that I may be the Instrument of much such Good to you, and Glory to GOD therein.