Seven treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holy Scriptures, leading…Seuen treatises containing such direction as is gathered out of the Holie Scriptures, leading…

For my part, I do thee to understand,¹ that it was the most principal regard I had in setting out this book, to help and direct the weak Christian throughout from his first entrance into the knowledge of Christ Jesus, that he understanding and believing, what a rich portion God hath bestowed upon him, he may make such account of it, as it deserveth, that is, esteem it §Bfar better then all that he hath; and then enjoy the fruits of it in an holy life after, as God hath taught him. Who so travaileth faithfully in purchasing these things (and yet the purchase is easy and cheap enough,² even without money) shall go forward readily, and with ease, and make no toil of godliness but pleasure: neither have his teeth watering after the greatest mens dainties, but they after his. He shall not be at the point of them, whom I described a little before by their speech in the way of objection, who sometimes are driven to doubt of their calling, but be able to guide himself, how to rise when he is fallen, and to return when he is stepped out of the way:³ and to walk in most sweet safety under Gods protection all the day long,⁴ as §Cshall be seen afterward.

For my part, I doe thee to vnderstand,¹ that it was the most principall regard I had in setting out this booke, to helpe and direct the weake Christian thoroughout from his first entrance into the knowledge of Christ Iesus, that he vnderstanding and beleeuing, what a rich portion God hath bestowed vpon him, he may make such account of it, as it deserueth, that is, esteeme it §Bfarre better then all that he hath; and then inioy the fruites of it in an holy life after, as God hath taught him. Who so trauaileth faithfullie in purchasing these things (and yet the purchase is easie and cheape enough,