TO THE READER.
pp. i–ii10 passages
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
TO THE READER.
IT was with no small Difficulty that the Author's Youth and Modesty were prevailed on to let him appear a Preacher in our public Lecture, and afterwards to give us a Copy of his Discourse, at the Desire of divers, Ministers and Others, who heard it. But as we quickly found him a Workman that needs not to be ashamed before his Brethren; our Satisfaction was the greater to see him pitching upon so noble a Subject, and treating it with so much strength and clearness as the judicious Reader will perceive in the following Composure.
IT was with no small Difficulty that the Author's Youth and Modesty were prevail'd on to let him appear a Preacher in our public Lecture, and afterwards to give us a Copy of his Discourse, at the Desire of divers, Ministers and Others, who heard it. But as we quickly found him a Workman that needs not to be ashamed before his Brethren; our Satisfaction was the greater to see him pitching upon so noble a Subject, and treating it with so much strength and clearness as the judicious Reader will perceive in the following Composure.
A Subject which secures to God his great Design in the Work of fallen Man's Redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ, which is evidently so laid out as that the Glory of the whole should return to Him the blessed Ordainer, Purchaser and Applier. A Subject which enters deep into practical Religion; without the Belief of which, that must soon die in the hearts and lives of Men.
For in proportion to the sense we have of our Dependence on the Sovereign GOD, for all the good we want, will be our Value for Him, our Application to Him, our Trust in Him, our Fear to offend Him, and our Care to please Him; as likewise our Gratitude & Love, our Delight and Praise, upon our sensible Experience of his free Benefits.