Know, Christian Reader, that this remainder of Doctor Preston's works was never (heretofore) extant, being the last of his that are likely to see the light (taken by the same pen that his other works were and no way inferior to those already published). Doctor Sibbs of eminent memory (contemporary with Doctor Preston, and one of those to whom he committed the publishing of what should be thought fit for public view) did in his lifetime own these Treatises by affixing his approbation to them. And the attestation of such reverend authority forbids any doubt concerning the author, or worth of the work, though this Treatise may inherit orphan's usage, being not so exactly polished, as it would have been, had the author lived.
But the filings of gold, and the dust of diamonds must not be made waste of: such advantages have accrued to the souls of men by his other labors, that we could not think it any less than a wrong to the Church of Christ to conceal anything that might make for its spiritual benefit.
Perhaps you will ask why this Piece was so long suppressed? To which I answer; the age has doted so much about new lights, that we perceived old truths to be neglected and laid aside; but after men had filled themselves with their own devices, and found their souls thriven no more than if they had fed upon ashes, the vicious humor came to be abated, and their appetite was reduced to a better state, by the great Physician, who testified his dearest respect to men's souls, by the price he paid for restoring of them.
The intent of these Sermons is to promote the work of grace in the heart and life of a true Believer. Not only to enlarge the knowing faculty, but chiefly to improve the practical part, and distribute godliness through the whole man. The rickets are not so epidemic in the bodies of children, as in the souls of men and women whose heads are swollen with notions, while their feet are feeble in heavenly motion. The benefit of this work will better appear by your serious perusal thereof, from which I shall no longer detain you.
Farewell.
