The Epistle to the Reader

In this tract is showed the many snares and temptations that attend both riches and poverty, youth and old age; together with the chief reason why most men of all ranks and qualities are such great strangers to True Godliness. The legalist and formal hypocrite may also here see the danger they are in. Moreover True Godliness is opened in his own primitive internal and external beauty and glory; being vindicated from all those foul calumnies and reproaches cast upon him in this and former ages: with his sad lamentation, in respect of the prevailing power of vice and ungodliness, and that great danger he seems now to be in by papistry and other enemies. Also the usefulness and necessity of consideration; and the creature's utmost care and diligence in order to their conversion, is clearly evinced; with the chief means, nature and excellency thereof. Together with the cause and dismal consequences of apostasy, etc.

If you are a saint, read with delight; but if you are an enemy to True Godliness, read and tremble: for the happy estate of the one, and the miserable condition of the other, is here set out before your eyes. In this treatise, you may see the little cause the one has to mourn in the worst of times, and the other to rejoice whatever times they live in. I hope none will be offended, because True Godliness is here presented in an allegory, since the Holy Scriptures abound with them, and so fully justify our practice herein: however, 'tis now exposed to public view, and since it has its birth in such a juncture as this, I expect it will meet with different entertainment; but whatever censures it passes under, yet if but one soul reaps real benefit by it, it will requite me for my pains. I can say it has been sweet to me in writing, God grant it may prove so to you in reading, and I shall say no more, but shall leave it to the blessing of Jehovah, in whom I still remain through infinite grace.

Your soul's friend and servant, B. Keach.