To the Reader
second petition of the Lord's Prayer; but lived not to propose them in the public congregation. God then translated him into his kingdom of glory above, while he was so industriously endeavouring to promote the kingdom of grace below.
The other five remaining questions and answers (to complete the work) were done by a ruder hand; as may be easily discerned by any observant reader, who will find himself transferred from a plain, clear, and delightful stile, method, and manner, into more rough, disorderly, and unpleasant ones; for, who indeed could equal this divine labourer? Not the completer; who would account himself to have made very great attainments in divinity and usefulness, if he were left but a few furlongs behind him.
Let the reader use and peruse this piece, and he wall see cause to bless God for the author.
VALE.
TO THE READER
THE Divine Providence having unexpectedly cast my lot, for a few days, in Dartmouth, where that blessed man of God, Mr. John Flavel, did for many years honour Christ, and was honoured by him; I have been favoured with a sight of that most judicious explication of the Assembly's Catechism, which is emitted herewith.
Being desired to testify my respect to the worthy author, by prefacing this excellent labour of his with a few lines; I can truly say, (as sometimes Beza of Calvin,) Now Mr. Favel is dead, life will be less sweet, and death less bitter to me.
My heart bleeds to look on this desolate place, and not to see him, that, whilst living, was the glory of it.
But neither the author, nor his writings, stand in need of the commendation of others, much less of mine.
His works, already published, have made his name precious in both Englands; and it will be so, as long as the earth shall endure.
There are some considerations which may cause the reader to expect (and he will not find himself disappointed therein) that which is extraordinary in this little manuel; for the author's heart was very much engaged in doing this service for Christ, in thus feeding his lambs. And he did himself design the publication of what is here committed to the press; and was very desirous (with an holy submission to the will of God) to have perfected this work before his decease; but had strange intimations that he should finish his course before that could be done.
When he did, viva voce, deliver his meditations, there were many enlargements, and lively passages, which are not here inserted; nevertheless, here is as much as he thought needful for public view, not being willing that his book should be voluminous.
In his last catechetical exercise, concerning Hallowing the name of God, he was exceedingly enlarged; but he must himself go into the kingdom of glory, when he intended to have discoursed on that petition, Thy kingdom come.
He also began some meditations on the joys of heaven; but before he had an opportunity to express what had been in his heart, the Lord
Jesus said unto him, "Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." And thus doth it happen many times to the eminent and holy servants of God.
Another consideration, recommending what comes herewith, is, that it was amongst Mr. Flavel's last works. The (εξοδια ρηματα) last sayings of wise and great men have been esteemed oraculous; and the Scripture puts an emphasis on the last words of David, the sweet singer of Israel, 2 Sam. 23:1. Not that those were the last words that