The Doctrine of the Saints' Perseverance

The dedication of Books, to the names of men worthy, and of esteem in their generation, takes sanctuary in so Catholic and Ancient prescription, that to use any defensative about my walking in the same path, cannot but forfeit the loss of somewhat more, then the pains that would be spent therein. Now although in addresses of this kind, men usually prevail themselves of the occasion, to deliver their thoughts as to particulars, in great variety according as their concernments may be; yet the Reasons which are generally pleaded as directions for the choice of them, to whom with their labours, and writings they so address themselves, are for the most part uniform; and in their various course, transgress not the Rules of certain heads, from whence they flow. To express a gratitude for respects and favours received, by returning things in their kind eternal, for those which are but temporal: to obtain Countenance and Approbation unto their endeavours in their breaking forth into the world, from names of more esteem, or at least more known, then their own: to advance in repute by a Correspondency in Judgment, with men of such esteem, intimated thereby; are the more ingenuous aims of men in the dedications of their writings. Though these, and sundry other pretences of the same kind, might justly be drawn into my plea, for this address unto you; yet your peculiar designation and Appointment, through the good hand of the providence of God, to the defence of the Gospel; and your eminent Furnishment with Abilities from the same hand, for the performance of that glorious duty, is that alone, upon the account whereof I have satisfied my self, and hope that I may not dissatisfy others, as to this present Application. What there is of my own peculiar concernment, wherein I am like to obtain a more favourable Condescension in Judgment, as to my present undertaking from you, then from other men, will in the close of my address, crave leave to have mention made thereof. Brethren! the outward obligations that are upon you from the God of truth, with the Advantages which he hath entrusted you withal, for the defence of his Truth, above the most of men in the world, are evident, even to them that walk by the way, and turn little aside to the consideration of things of this nature, importance, and Condition.