IT is but a very little Time that I have now to be in the World: on which account I have the greater reason to make what ha•t I can, to finish the work appointed for me on the Earth; & to Labour (by the help of Christ) to bring forth that Fruit which shall remain after I am gone. I have ⟨p. 4⟩considered that Discourses on Doctrinal Subjects, may be of Use (if the Lord see meet to give his Blessing to attend them) for the Edification of believers. Nor have I been altogether negligent in Endeavours (according to the measure of Grace received) to serve the Generation whereof I am, in that way; having therefore Published my Meditations respecting the future Conversion of the Jewish-Nation. The Subject of Baptism: The Order of the Gospel Professed and Practised in these Churches: The Ministry of Holy Angels; And concerning the Person, Office, and Glory of Christ. I have also prepared for the Press several Discourses concerning the New-Jerusalem State of the Church; and concerning the First Resurrection, which I shall leave with those that shall survive me, to dispose of as they shall see cause. But I have observed, That Plain, Practical-Sermons, the design whereof is to ⟨p. 5⟩promote Conversion and Holiness, do the greatest Good. Therefore have I several times Dedicated Books of that nature (and for the same reason I Bequeath what is emitted herewith) to You who are My Flock, & •early Beloved. Two and Forty Years are this Summer expiring, since I began my Ministry in Boston. I thank the Lord, (and I bless You) for the great Love which You and Your Fathers have manifested to me and mine. I have often been tempted to remove from you by more solicitations than one or two. And if I had done so, perhaps I might have advantaged my self in Outward respects: But when I have considered Your singular Affection towards me, I could not find in my Heart to do it. May I be instrumental of Good to Your and to Your Children's Souls, not only whilst I am Living, but after I am Dead, & meet many of You […] the right hand ⟨p. 6⟩of Christ, when He shall appear in His Glory, how great will our Rejoicing be in that Day. I am wasting continually with decays of Age: And wonder that I have held out so long, considering my sedentary Life, and fifty Years constant hard Studyings, Watchings, Cares, Labours. But it is a comfort that I have well nigh finished my Course.
IT is but a very little Time that I have now to be in the World: on which account I have the greater reason to make what ha•t I can, to finish the work appointed for me on the Earth; & to Labour (by the help of Christ) to bring forth that Fruit which shall remain after I am gone. I have ⟨p. 4⟩considered that Discourses on Doctrinal Subjects, may be of Use (if the Lord see meet to give his Blessing to attend them) for the Edification of believers. Nor have I been altogether negligent in Endeavours (according to the measure of Grace received) to serve the Generation whereof I am, in that way; having therefore Published my Meditations respecting the future Conversion of the Jewish-Nation. The Subject of Bap••sm: The Order of the Gospel Professed and Practised in these Churches: The Ministry of Holy Angels; And concerning the Person, Office, and Glory of Christ. I have also prepared for the Press several Discourses concerning the New-Jerusalem State of the Church; and concerning the First Resurrection, which I shall leave with those that shall survive me, to dispose of as they shall see cause. But I have observed, That Plain, Practical-Sermons, the design whereof is to ⟨p. 5⟩promote Conversion and Holiness, do the greatest Good. Therefore have I several times Dedicated Books of that nature (and for the same reason I Bequeath what is emitted herewith) to You who are My Flock, & •early Beloved. Two and Forty Years are this Summer expiring, since I began my Ministry in Boston. I thank the Lord, (and I bless You) for the great Love which You and Your Fathers have manifested to me and mine. I have often been tempted to remove from you by more sollicitations than one or two. And if I had done so, perhaps I might have advantaged my self in Outward respects: But when I have considered Your singular Affection towards me, I could not find in my Heart to do it. May I be instrumental of Good to Your and to Your Childrens Souls, not only while•t I am Living, but after I am Dead, & meet many of You 〈…〉 the right hand ⟨p. 6⟩of Christ, when He shall appear in His Glory, how great will our Rejoycing be in that Day. I am wasting continually with decays of Age: And wonder that I have held out so long, considering my sedentary Life, and fifty Years constant hard Studyings, Watchings, Cares, Labours. But it is a comfort that I have well nigh finished my Course.
