The Christians great interest

While the generality of Men, especially in these days, by their eager pursuit after low and base interests, have proclaimed as upon the house tops, how much they have forgotten to make choice of that better part, which (if chosen) should never be taken from them; I have made an Essay, such as it is, in the following Treatise, to take thee off from this unprofitable, though painful pursuit, by proposing the chiefest of interests, even the Christians Great Interest, to be seriously pondered, and constantly pursued by thee: Thou mayest think it strange, to see any in Print from my Pen; (as indeed it is a surprise to my self) But necessity hath made me for this once to offer so much violence to my own inclination, in regard that some, without my knowledge, have lately published some imperfect Notes of a few of my Sermons, most confusedly together, prefixing withal this vain Title (as displeasing to my self, as the publishing of the thing) A Clear Attractive Warming-Beam, &c. ⟨image 5⟩Upon this occasion I was prevailed with to publish this late Piece, wherein I have purposely used a most homely and plain stile, lest other ways, (though when I have stretched my self to the utmost I am below the Judicious and more Understanding) I should be above the reach of the Rude and Ignorant, whose advantage I have mainly, if not only consulted: I have likewise studied brevity in every thing, so far as I conceived it to be consistent with plainness and perspicuity; knowing that the persons to whom I address my self herein, have neither much money to spend upon Books, nor much time to spare upon Reading. If thou be a Rigid Critic, I know thou mayest meet with several things to carp at, yet assure thy self, that I had no design to offend thee, neither will thy simple approbation satisfy me; It's thy edification I intend, together with the incitement of some others, more expert, and experienced in this Excellent Subject, to handle the same at greater length, which I have more briefly hinted at, who am,