Babylons downfall a sermon lately preached at Westminster before sundry of the honourable House…

Good Reader,

Thou hast (I doubt not) heard with what difficulty and pains this small work is brought forth, and delivered into the world; let the difficulty of Printing quicken thine affection in reading. As the fall of Babylon is much expected, so the rising of the Churches is much desired. Thy prayers, and our pains, may help forward both. Wherefore that I might not be wanting to this great service, I am willing that these notes should walk abroad, which I thought should never see more light than what crept in at my study windows. This Sermon may prove all the Legacy which your dying friend shall be able to bequeath unto you; For I am now returning to that Church and people of God, which Jesus Christ hath committed to me, and others. And if in this voyage the Lord shall put the winds, and seas in Commission for my death, my desire is,

THou hast (I doubt not) heard with what difficulty and pains this small work is brought forth, and delivered into the world; let the difficulty of Printing quicken thine affection in reading. As the fall of Babylon is much expected, so the rising of the Churches is much desired. Thy prayers, and our paines, may help forward both. Wherefore that I might not be wanting to this great service, I am willing that these notes should walk abroad, which I thought should never see more light than what crept in at my studie windowes. This Sermon may prove all the Legacie which your dying friend shall be able to bequeath unto you; For I am now returning to that Church and people of God, which Jesus Christ hath committed to me, and others. And if in this voyage the Lord shall put the windes, and seas in Commission for my death, my desire is,

First, That God would forgive our adversaries (if it be his will) that have put us to these extremities.