That which is presented here to your view, was prepared for, and spoken in another place. The Author had not the least thought of publishing it. Multiplyed desires, and somewhat of a peculiar assistance in one part of it, have prevailed for its appearance in public. If the Lord be pleased to make it useful to you in his way, the end of its publication is attained. That you may know what to expect in it, take a brief account. There is a discourse concerning our Communion with Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the severall grounds of it, and the ways of its improvement. There being in it, a digression from what is principally intended, it is mentioned with all distinctness, that those who have nothing to doe with the Controversie there handled, may over-look it. To an experienced Christian, who knows what it is to have the light of God's countenance, to hold God as his portion, to live in the sensible embracings of the Son of God; who knows the joy unspeakable, and full of glory, that is in believing; the consolations, the visitings of God; the incomes and breathings of the holy Spirit; to such a one, there needs little to recommend a discourse of this nature. To others, it will seem empty and unsatisfying. Let them know that the things of God are spiritually discerned, 1 Corinthians 2:14. Reader, there is indeed nothing in the world worth the while, but Jesus Christ. Whatever you do, see that he be yours. Let him be your life, your righteousness, your portion.
John Owen, Christ Church College, Oxford, July 10, 1657.
