To the Reader
but a sanctified heart is absolutely necessary. "Covet earnestly the best gifts, and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way," 1 Cor. 12:31. For gifts, let them increase; but grace, let it outshine them all. Let these words of the great apostle take deep root in your hearts, 1 Cor. 9:27. "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when
I have preached unto others, I myself should be a cast-a-way." For what will it profit, to be learned and damned? It is one thing to be learned in the truths of Christ, another to be taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus.
Continually bear in mind this serious warning of our learned countryman Reynolds†, 'Let us not think much of ourselves, though God should have adorned us with the finest gifts of nature, with a lively genius, with an elegant diction, much reading, long experience of things, skill in the arts, languages and sciences, solidity of judgment, quickness of understanding, almost like that of angels, unless at the same time he add to all, the gift of his Spirit to help us to know and delight in the heavenly mystery. For though by the exercise of those shining accomplishments, we may procure to ourselves the favour and esteem of men, though from thence great advantage may redound to the learned world, and to the church of Christ, yet do they not all tend to obtain for us either the favour of God, or the reward of heavenly happiness.' May God give you ministerial and sanctifying gifts, that you may approve yourselves to be defenders of Christ and his religion, and firm opposers of his enemies.
But it is time to close this unpolished and homely letter, which, however, I hope you will favourably accept as a testimony of that respect due to you from Your fellow-servant in the gospel of Christ,
JOHN FLAVEL.
TO THE READER
THE worthy author of the discourse emitted herewith, is one whose praise in the gospel is throughout all the churches. His other books have made his name precious and famous in both Englands. Nor can my testimony add any thing to one every way greater than myself.
Nevertheless, a singular providence having cast my lot to be at present in this great city; I could not withstand the importunity of them who desired a few Prefatory lines to manifest the respect I owe to this renowned and learned man.
It was a wise reproof which a grave divine administered to a young preacher, who entertained his auditory with an elaborate discourse: after he had commended his parts and pains, there was (said he) one thing wanting in the sermon; I could not perceive that the Spirit of God was in it. And though morality is good, and necessary to be taught and practised, yet it is much to be lamented, that many preachers in these days have hardly any other discourses in their pulpit than what we find in Seneca,
Epictetus, Plutarch, or some such heathen moralist. Christ, the Holy Spirit, and (in a word) the gospel is not in their sermons. But blessed be
God, that there are some (and great is their company in this land of light) who preach the truth as it is in Jesus: and he who has taken the book out of the right hand of him that sits on the throne, and is worthy to open the seals thereof, has been pleased in wonderful ways to set open, and keep open a door of liberty to the gospel, that they, unto whom he has given a heart to preach Christ, may do it. This is the Lord's doing; this is a Spirit of life from God. When Cyrus proclaimed liberty for the free exercise of religion, the Lord's servants, who for some years had lain dead, were brought out of their graves, Ezek. 37:12, 13.
This treatise is a word in season: God has made the author to be a wise master-builder in his house, and according to the wisdom given him of God, he has enlarged on a gospel subject very proper to be insisted on at such a day as this. I am informed by unquestionable hands, that there was a remarkable pouring out of the Spirit when these sermons were viva voce delivered, a great number of souls having been brought home to Christ thereby. The Lord grant that the second preaching of them to far greater multitudes by this way of the press, may, by the same Spirit, be made abundantly successful for the conversion and salvation of God's
elect. The fruit brought forth by the holy apostles in respect of the writings of some (as well as the doctrine preached by all) of them, does still remain. The fruitful labours of this faithful servant of Christ will promote the glory of God, and the good of souls, when he himself shall cease from his labours, and his works shall follow him. Let the Lord's people be thankful to him for that he has sent such a labourer into the harvest, and pray that he may be continued long therein, and that many such (for there are but few such) may be raised up, and be made eminently successful in their holy endeavours, to the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ, and of God; and let him reign in this land for ever and ever, which is the heart's desire and prayer of one who is
Less than the least of all saints, London, 1689.
INCREASE MATHER.