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Christian Reader,
The good entertainment which this Treatise of The Whole Armor of God has found among God's people emboldens me again to publish the same. The same it is for substance which you had before: for I find no just cause to alter any part of the substance thereof. Only here and there something has been added, to make such points as seemed too concise and obscure, more perspicuous.
Some there were, that finding the head of Fasting in the Table, looked for a distinct and larger discourse of that point, which when they found not (for I did but briefly by the way touch it, as a help to Prayer) they entreated me to take a little more pains thereabout. To their good motion I have yielded, and according to my poor ability, and little leisure, I have more copiously handled that very-needful, but too-much-neglected duty of Fasting.
I was further informed that the point of not praying for them that sin against the Holy Ghost, would much trouble the consciences of some, if they were not informed in the nature of that sin; and thereupon I have been moved to annex a Treatise concerning that sin: in handling of which, lest Satan should take advantage upon weak consciences, from the fearful issue thereof, to exclude themselves or others (who have not fallen into that sin) from all hope of pardon. I have (treading in the steps, and following the path wherein Jesus Christ has gone before me) with the severity of God's justice in affording no pardon to that sin, mixed the riches of his mercy, in offering pardon to all other sins: so as this Treatise affords more matter of hope and comfort, than of fear and despair.
In this Edition there are for your help more distinctions of several points than were before. For that which before was set forth as one Treatise, is now divided into three several Treatises, and the Treatise of the Sin against the Holy Ghost, added to it, makes a fourth.
These several Treatises are also divided into their distinct Parts: and again subdivided into sundry Sections: over every one of which the sum and head of the matter therein handled, is set. Thus both great light is given for better understanding, and also a ready way is made for finding out the several points contained in this book.
A Table of all these Divisions, and of the distinct heads of every one of them is set before the book, that if it please you, you may at once take a brief view of all.
That which I especially have aimed at for you, is your spiritual edification. That which I earnestly desire of you, is the help of your faithful prayers. Pray for me.
The servant of Christ, and of his Church, W. G.
