To the Reader

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.

What you are about to read was originally prepared and delivered in another setting. The author had no intention of publishing it. Repeated requests, along with a sense of particular blessing on one portion of it, persuaded him to make it public. If the Lord is pleased to make it useful to you in His way, the purpose of its publication is fulfilled. To help you know what to expect, here is a brief overview. This work contains a discussion of our communion with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — the grounds of that communion and the ways to deepen it. There is a section that digresses from the main subject, and it is clearly marked so that readers who have no interest in that particular controversy may skip over it. For an experienced Christian — someone who knows what it means to have the light of God's face shining on them, to hold God as their portion, to live in the felt embrace of the Son of God, who knows the joy unspeakable and full of glory that comes through faith, the consolations and visits of God, the inward breathings of the Holy Spirit — such a reader needs little encouragement to read a work like this. 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 truly nothing in this world worth your time and heart except Jesus Christ. Whatever you do, make sure He is yours. Let Him be your life, your righteousness, your portion.

John Owen, Christ Church College, Oxford, July 10, 1657.