To the Reader

Reader,

So soon as your eye views the title of this treatise, do not slightly cast the treatise itself away, but spend some time in the serious perusal of it. If any value is to be put on my poor judgment; I do assure you I esteem it a choice treasure. In it, you will find a most useful subject treated on, namely, the furnishing the heart with a spiritual treasure, an argument necessary for these times, wherein we cannot insure outward treasures. The pious learned author in handling this subject, has approved himself a most experienced Christian, and a workman who needs not be ashamed.

Among the variety of good books, which through divine indulgence are yet to be bought; it will be your wisdom to buy those that are of general use, and such is this book, I commend to you; buy it, read it often, meditate on it seriously, and lift up your heart to God for his blessing, and you will find much cause to admire his good providence in handing this book to you, and will be incited to do that work, many professors are too remiss in, namely, the getting a heart treasure, which will greatly support you under present and future trial.

In the appendix you will meet with excellent helps for the discharge of the necessary and much neglected duty of meditation, whereby you may get much treasure for holy thoughts, and so prevent that, which is the burden of many gracious souls, namely, vain thoughts, and be fitted for duty, and enjoy much of heaven on earth.

The good Lord bless these papers, and the labors of all his faithful ambassadors to the good of his church, so prays,

July the 12th, 1667. The meanest of Christ's servants, and your soul friend; John Chester.