A practical commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and uses upon the first…A practicall commentary, or an exposition with observations, reasons, and vses upon the first…

TO satisfy the importunity of some Friends, rather then out of any presumption that my Testimony can prove any credit to this excellent piece, I have ventured to give thee my poor judgment concerning it. Upon perusal I observed in the whole such a blessed marriage between Piety and Art, such a sweet condescension to the meanest capacities, such a spiritual handling of spiritual truths, such clear discoveries of the state of Nature, and the state of grace; as I could not but conclude, the Author (though the work had not born the name of Cotton) was a workman that need not be ashamed. Withal let me tell thee by experience, such a blessed Gale of the Spirit of grace (who assisted the Author in inditing) doth accompany the religious perusal thereof, that I am very confident, if there be the least spark of grace in thy heart, it will make thy smoking flax break forth into an heavenly flame of Light and Love. While I perused it to correct the many and manifold errors of the former Impression, the heavenly matter therein contained, both pointed at, and I hope corrected more and greater errors in my heart. If thou be bad^* it may make thee good, but if thou be good, I am sure it will make thee better, which is the hearty prayer of him who is,

TO satisfie the importunity of some Friends, rather then out of any presumption that my Testimony can prove any credit to this excellent piece, I have ventured to give thee my poor judgment conscerning it. Ʋpon perusall I observed in the whole such a blessed marriage between Piety and Art, such a sweet condescension to the meanest capacities, such a spirituall handling of spirituall truths, such clear discoveries of the state of Nature, and the state of grace; as I could not but conclude, the Author (though the work had not born the name of Cotton) was a workman that need not be ashamed. Withall let me tell thee by experience, such a blessed Gale of the Spirit of grace (who assisted the Author in inditing) doth accompany the religious perusal thereof, that I am very confident, if there be the least sparke of grace in thy heart, it will make thy smoaking flax breake forth into an heavenly flame of Light and Love. While I perused it to correct the many and manifold errours of the former Impression, the heavenly matter therein contained, both poynted at, and I hope corrected more and greater errours in my heart. If thou be bad