To the Christian Reader

This holy Letter of that ready Scribe of Christ's Kingdom, is so full of Grace and Truth that it needs no other Epistle commendatory than itself.

Yet seeing the Lot is unexpectedly fallen upon my pen, to give it a Superscription that it may pass current from hand to hand; I do heartily in the first place, dedicate it to you, you bleeding, troubled-spirit, as a choice cordial friend, an Interpreter, one of a thousand, that does not only speak your heart, but by the Comforter (whom Christ has promised to send) to your heart.

It may be this paper present is sent on Embassie from Heaven, on purpose, to set your house in order, to untie your bosom knots, to bind the strong man, and cast him out of your doors, that your heart may be once again set at liberty, to serve the Lord your God in your general and particular Calling, whose service is your freedom. What is here sent by this Ambassador of Christ, (who is now the voice of one crying in the wilderness) to a weary and heavy laden soul in this Island, I had rather it should appear to your judgment in the serious reading, and to your conscience in the [reconstructed: home] application thereof, than from my opinion of it: Therefore I shall only add (as the Contents of this letter) certain select Cases, proposed and resolved in the several paragraphs thereof, as they lie in order in the pages following, namely,

Trouble of mind in civil affairs by the secret injection of religious thoughts.

From what Spirit, such suggestions do arise.

How to entertain them when they crowd in.

Concerning the not being humbled for sinful distractions that hinder and interrupt the spiritual performance of holy duties.

How a Christian may be said to be under the Covenant of works.

How to conceive aright of that Mystery of Mysteries, the blessed Persons in the Trinity.

The soul's aptness to go to God immediately in holy duties, without taking Christ Jesus by the hand.

How to apply absolute promises to yourself, though they are made indefinitely without condition.

A notable discovery of a secret unwillingness in the soul, to seek God in the strictest solemn services, before it enters into them: Weariness of them, while they last; and a gladness, when they are ended.

A sound confutation of that Heretical Arminian Tenet, namely, That the strength of Grace is to be got rather by Argumentation, than inward Communication and influence, arising from union with Christ.

The experiences of this tried servant of Christ, (who is the Pen-man hereof) how he was cured of Atheistical thoughts: whether they did wear out, or whether by the dint of Arguments they were rationally overthrown.

Lastly, whether those changes, which a child of God has sometimes, and those movings of the spirit are caused by a natural temper, or God's Spirit.

All which select Cases (and many more, that collaterally issue from their sides) are judiciously resolved with much perspicuity and [reconstructed: brevity] in these few sheets, by the only judge of all [reconstructed: Controversies], the two edged sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

Thus humbly beseeching you, to read over this Epistle of Christ to you, with the same Spirit of love, and of a sound mind, which indited every line in it.

I do desire to leave you at the Throne of Grace, in the arms of Christ, with the Father of all [reconstructed: Comfort]; that you may receive the Peace of God which passes all understanding; and be crowned with joy unspeakable, and full of Glory.

I subscribe myself Friend, Yours in any Spiritual furtherance of your Faith, William Adderley. Dated from Charterhouse in London, February 1, 1647.