To the Christian Reader

TO The Christian Reader.

The justification of a sinner before God, as it is the fruit of the riches of his grace (Ephesians 1:7), so it is the root of our peace with God (Romans 5:1), which passes understanding (Philippians 4:7), and of our joy in the Holy Ghost, which is unspeakable and glorious (1 Peter 1:8). This is that gift of his grace which fills our hearts with admiration, to wonder at the abundant rich mercy of the Lord in pardoning our many and mighty sins (Micah 7:18), to wonder also at the deep demerit of our sins which could not be expiated but by the precious blood, yes, and soul-sufferings of the great God our Savior, and to wonder likewise at our baseness, and filthiness, and folly, that could live so long in so dangerous and desperate a course, provoking the most High to so great anger, and ourselves to the confusion of our own faces and souls.

Hence it is that every godly treatise tending to the discovery of this grace is wont deeply to affect the hearts of such, as (through grace) have part in this common salvation. Among others of this kind (Good Reader) you shall find this little treatise, to be like Mary's box of spikenard, which washing the paths of Christ towards us (as that did his feet) will be fit to perfume not only the whole house of God, with the odour of the ointment of his grace, but also your soul with the oil of gladness, above what creature-comforts can afford. The manner of handling, you shall find to be solid, and judicious, succinct and pithy, fit (by the blessing of Christ) to make wise to salvation. The presence and blessing of Christ go with it, to refresh your soul with the savour of his ointments.

In whom we rest, studious of your edification in his grace, and peace. J. Cotton. J. Wilson. Boston 24. 5. 1652.