02. EPISTLE TO THE READER.

EPISTLE TO THE READER. This Treatise as it is now published, was so left by the worthy Author when he went to his rest. The excellency and usefulness of it will evidence itself best in the perusal thereof. It hath this preeminence beyond many of the practical Discourses that have of late passed the Press; that its design is singular and not managed (at least to such an enlargement) by any before it. The several Degrees and Estates of Christians, through which they pass up to the measure and stature of the fullness of Christ, are here insisted on, and with great experience, according to the rule of Faith explicated with perspicuity. The greatest part of the Discourse is spent upon those that make up the greatest part of true Christians, viz. the weak ones or Babes, wherein will be found things of a comfortable concernment, and conducing very much to the establishing of them; and promoting their advance to a greater degree of grace till they come to the assurance of the Love of God by the witness of the Spirit, which the Children enjoy. What is laid down in reference to the witness of the Spirit, though some may differ in their conceptions from it, yet such is the boundary and cautions here annexed to this particular by the Author against delusions, that no person will have a reasonable ground to make any exceptions.

What is performed in the handling of the temptations which attend the Young-men, such as have attained to a strength of grace (whereby they are made conformable to Christ, who was in all things tempted as we are, yet without sin) will be of great encouragement to many in their present warfare. As to the last Estate of Christians, viz. of Fathers, the Author hath discoursed very little, who though those that were acquainted with him, might judge him to have attained to that degree of Christianity, which lies in the highest experience of the mysteries of the Gospel yet he through modesty leaves that for others to supply and make up. And so you have the first remains of that good man, who was serviceable to Christ in his Generation. The spiritual advantage of Christians is all that is aimed at in the publication thereof, and accordingly is recommended to them by the Authors very good friends,

James Barron.

John Collins.

CHRIST’S SCHOOL CONSISTING OF BABES, CHILDREN, YOUNG-MEN AND FATHERS.