A Saint Indeed

2. That may be your condition shortly, which is not your condition for present: say not thy Mountain stands strong, thou shalt never be moved: there are changes in the right hand of the most High, and then those truths which are little more esteemed than Hedge—fruits, will be as Apples of Gold in Pictures of Silver: In Jer. 10. 11. The Prophet there teaches the Jews (who then dwelt in their own Houses) how to defend their Religion in Babylon, and what they should say to the Chaldeans there, and therefore that verse is written in Chaldee: So much for the reasons of its Publication: Next for ⟨image 6⟩the Dedication of it to you, I was induced thereto by the Consideration. (1.) Of the relation I have to you above all the people in the world: I look upon my gifts as yours; my time as yours, and all the Talents I am entrusted with as yours: It is not with you as with a woman whose Husband is dead, and so is freed from the Law of her Husband, the relation still continues, and so do all the mutual duties of it. (2.) By the consideration of my necessitated absence from you, I would not that personal absence should by insensible degrees, untwist (as usually it doth) the cord of friendship, and therefore have endeavoured (as absent friends use to do) to preserve and strengthen it by this small remembrance. It was Vespasian's answer to Apollonius when be desired access for two Philosophers: My Doors (said Vespasian) are always open to Philosophers, but my very Breast is open to thee. I cannot say with him, my Doors are open for the free access of friends, being by a sad Providence shut against my self; But this I can say, my very breast is still open to you; you are as dear to me as ever. (3.) Another inducement (and indeed the main) was the perpetual usefulness and necessity of these truths for you, which you will have continual need of: and I know few of you have such happy memories to retain, and I cannot be always ⟨image 7⟩with you to inculcate these things, but litera scripta manet; I was willing to leave this with you as a Legacy, as a testimony of sincere love for, and care over you: This may counsel and direct you when I cannot: I may be rendered useless to you by a civil or natural Death; but this will out—live me, and Oh that it may serve your souls when I am silent in the Dust!