§. 3 It is far from my thoughts and hopes, that I should be able to contribute much unto the composing of these Differences and Controversies, as agitated amongst men of all sorts. The known pertinacy of inveterate Opinions, the many prejudices that the minds of most in this matter are already possessed withal, and the particular Engagements, that not a few are under, to defend the Pretensions and Persuasions which they have published and contended for; will not allow any great Expectation of a change in the minds of many, from what I have to offer. Besides, there are almost innumerable eristical Discourses on this subject, in the hands of many, to whom perhaps the Report of our Endeavours will not arrive. But yet, these and the like considerations, of the Darkness, Prejudices and Interests of many, ought not to discourage any man from the discharge of that Duty which he owes to the Truths of God; nor cause him to cry with the Sluggard, There is a Lyon in the Streets, I shall be slain in the Way. Should they do so, no Truth should ever more be taught, or contended for: for the Declaration of them all, is attended with the same Difficulties, and liable to the same kind of Opposition. Wherefore an Enquiry into this matter, being unavoidably cast upon me, from the Work wherein I am engaged, in the Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, I could not on any such accounts wave the ⟨p. 6⟩pursuit of it. For this Discourse, though upon the Desires of many, now published by it self, is but a Part of our remaining Exercitations on that Epistle. Nor am I without all hopes, but that what shall be declared and proved on this subject, may be blessed to an Usefulness unto them, who would willingly learn, or be established in the Truth. An Attempt also will be made herein, for the conviction of others, who have been seduced into Paths, inconsistent with the Communion of Saints, the Peace of the Churches of Christ, or Opinions hurtful to the Practice of Godliness; and left unto the Blessing of him, who when he hath supplied seed to the Sower, doth himself also give the increase.
§. 3 It is far from my thoughts and hopes, that I should be able to contribute much unto the composing of these Differences and Controversies, as agitated amongst men of all sorts. The known pertinacy of inveterate Opinions, the many prejudices that the minds of most in this matter are already possessed withal, and the particular Engagements, that not a few are under, to defend the Pretensions and Perswasions which they have published and contended for; will not allow any great Expectation of a change in the minds of many, from what I have to offer. Besides, there are almost innumerable eristical Discourses on this subject, in the hands of many, to whom perhaps the Report of our Endeavours will not arrive. But yet, these and the like considerations, of the Darkness, Prejudices and Interests of many, ought not to discourage any man from the discharge of that Duty which he owes to the Truths of God; nor cause him to cry with the Sluggard, There is a Lyon in the Streets, I shall be slain in the Way. Should they do so, no Truth should ever more be taught, or contended for: for the Declaration of them all, is attended with the same Difficulties, and lyable to the same kind of Opposition. Wherefore an Enquiry into this matter, being unavoidably cast upon me, from the Work wherein I am engaged, in the Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews, I could not on any such accounts wave the ⟨p. 6⟩pursuit of it. For this Discourse, though upon the Desires of many, now published by it self, is but a Part of our remaining Exercitations on that Epistle. Nor am I without all hopes, but that what shall be declared and proved on this subject, may be blessed to an Usefulness unto them, who would willingly learn, or be established in the Truth. An Attempt also will be made herein, for the conviction of others, who have been seduced into Paths, inconsistent with the Communion of Saints, the Peace of the Churches of Christ, or Opinions hurtful to the Practice of Godliness; and left unto the Blessing of him, who when he hath supplyed seed to the Sower, doth himself also give the encrease.
