To the READER.
Such is the fullness of sufficiency in Christ, that no words can enough express it: for which reason the Holy Scriptures set him forth under the shadow of many metaphors, which require a spiritual improvement; all of which put together make up but a dark & deficient description of him: and yet every one of them commends him to us as an object worthy of our love & trust, inasmuch as they represent him one every way furnished to answer all our wants, which can no where else be supplied; and, but for whom we must needs have perished in them. The following sermons set him forth as a fountain, and such an one as is opened to miserable men, together with those virtues which do more eminently flow from him as such, for the abundant supply of all those that partake in him: and withal it gives us the comfortable notice of a more peculiar & glorious revelation and application of it, to be made in these last days. If you have known, what it is to be in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is, this will be good news to you. If you hunger and thirst after righteousness, this will give you direction. If you have ever tasted that he is gracious, you will here find refreshment. If you are at a loss about the dark providences which are upon the Christian world, you will here find matter of encouragement, in prospect of the better times wherein this fountain will be wonderfully exhibited.
Touching the sermon that is subjoined to this short treatise, I need not to apologize for the seasonableness of publishing it, to such as understand the genius of the age we live in. If any thing in these papers may serve to win souls to Christ, and confirm his redeemed in their love of him, and promote evangelical holiness, I have my desire. To his blessing then I commend them and you, who am
Your servant for Christ's sake, Samuel Willard.
