Christian Reader,
Many have written, to the edifying of the godly, of this excellent subject: it's not much I can do in this, but have added some thoughts to what is said, intending a more practical way of the last points in another treatise, to wit, of the application of Covenant-Promises, and of the influences of the Spirit under the Covenant of Grace — of which, especially of the latter of these two, few have practically written: and it is of much concernment, to make out the union of our duty and the breathings of the LORD, and what can be done under deadness, to either fetch the wind, or to be put in a spiritual condition, that the soul may lie fair for the receiving of the influences of God. I desire in this to speak for truth, not either for or against persons of whom I am silent, concealing the names of any contradictor, judging truth so much the more desirable, when it may possibly be had with peace, and as little blowing or stirring of the fire of contradiction as can be. What is here said in a way of disputing, the moderate reader, who is not taken with that way, may pass by and read what is practical. The author has been (lest truth should suffer by him) a little darkened, as report bears, with the name, I know not what, of a Protester, as one who has deserted the government and discipline of the Church of God in Scotland; but my humble thoughts are the same they were before: though I can add nothing to the truth. I look on these men the world so names Protesters, Schismatics, Separatists, as sinful men who stand in need of a Saviour, and as such as desire to fear God and love his name, and would gladly have our practice and walk come a little more near to the rule of the Gospel, and that our land might mourn for all the abominations committed therein, which I desire to be spoken without any reflection upon any of the godly in the land, who, in that point, are of another judgment. It is my desire to the LORD, that he would let us hear experienced by the reality of that: thus says the LORD, "As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sake, that I may not destroy them all" (Isaiah 65:8). The LORD Jesus be with your Spirit.
Yours in the Lord Jesus S. R.
