When I seriously consider how much Atheism, and impiety abounds; and see how sensual delights are pursued, and Religion in its power is rejected, as a dull sad and unpleasant thing; when I see zeal decried as unnecessary, and few acting in the things of God, as if they were indeed matters of the highest consequence, reality and substance, the greatest profit, and sweetest pleasure: I could not but do what in me lies to rectify these dismal mistakes, and justify wisdom ⟨image 14⟩from the imputation of folly: and demonstrate even to sense the transcendent excellency and reality of Invisibles. The prosecution of which design I could not more effectually manage, than by the presenting this ensuing narrative to the world. As for the truth of it, if the solemn testimony of several Ministers (which were eye and ear witnesses of the most substantial things here presented) may be credited; here thou hast three of them. As for my self I think I had as great an advantage to acquaint my self with the secret practices of this precious Saint, as any one could well have; besides my dearest intimacy, and special observation and perusal of his papers, I had a long account from his own mouth upon his deathbed of his secret and constant practice and his experiences. And let me tell ⟨image 14⟩you, the half is not told you. For the treachery of my memory hath not a little injured thee and him. Had this work been done exactly, I am persuaded it might have been so singular use to the world. In some places I could not justly word it in his phrase; but I assure thee thou hast the matter and substance. The weakness of the Relator is no small disadvantage to the subject; but I might a little excuse this, by telling thee that I think that none living had the same opportunity in all things to do this work as I had. I might also tell you that some Reverend, Learned and Holy men, whose authority and request I could not deny, put me upon it. And I was not altogether without some hopes of drawing some, to the love and liking of Religion, that had not only been strangers to the life and ⟨image 15⟩power of it, but it may be had entertained deep prejudices against it. And of quickening of others that had lost their former vigour; and encouraging some that were too ready to go on heavily and disponding.
WHen I seriously consider how much Atheism, and impiety abounds; and see how sensual delights are pursued, and Religion in its power is rejected, as a dull sad aud unpleasant thing; when I see zeal decried as unnecessary, and few acting in the things of God, as if they were indeed matters of the highest consequence, reality and substance, the greatest profit, and sweetest pleasure: I could not but do what in me lies to rectifie these dismal mistakes, and justifie wisdom ⟨image 14⟩from the imputation of folly: and demonstrate even to sense the transcendent excellency and reality of Invisibles. The prosecution of which design I could not more effectnally manage, than by the presenting this insuing narrative to the world. As for the truth of it, if the solemn testimony of several Ministers (which were eye and ear witnesses of the most substantial things here presented) may be credited; here thou hast three of them. As for my self I think I had as great an advantage to acquaint my self with the secret practices of this pretious Saint, as any one could well have; besides my dearest intimacy, and special observation and perusal of his papers, I had a long account from his own mouth upon his deathbed of his secret and constant practice and his experiences. And let me tell ⟨image 14⟩you, the half is not told you. For the treachery of my memory hath not a little injured thee and him. Had this work been done exactly, I am perswaded it might have been so singular use to the world. In some places I could not justly word it in his phrase; but I assure thee thou hast the matter and substance. The weakness of the Relator is no small disadvantage to the subject; but I might a little excuse this, by telling thee that I think that none living had the same opportunity in all things to do this work as I had. I might also tell you that some Reverend, Learned and Holy men, whose authority and request I could not deny, put me upon it. And I was not altogether without some hopes of drawing some, to the love and liking of Religion, that had not only been strangers to the life and ⟨image 15⟩power of it, but it may be had entertained deep prejudices against it. And of quickning of others that had lost their former vigour; and encouraging some that were too ready to go on heavily and disponding.
