To the Reader
Sermon XIII - Keep to the Institution of the Sacrament Sermon XIV - Sanctifying the Name of God in Prayer
To the Reader OUR purpose in this Preface is not to speak either of the eminent worth of the author, whose memory is blessed in the hearts of all the godly in this Nation, or of this piece itself here published, but only to assure you that it is his. And although it does not rise to that exactness and perfection that might have been in them had he published them himself, yet with that different allowance which is to be given, notes taken from his mouth in ordinary and frequent preaching, we doubt not that in their use and benefit they may be as profitable to the Saints as other of his writings, being as full of weighty and Divine materials, having also the impression of the Spirit and language of this holy man (one of the greatest Preachers of this age) stamped all along upon them.
We (to whom this our brother was most dear and precious) being entrusted with the publishing of his Sermons, have thought good first to usher abroad these few, which if they receive that welcome they deserve, many other excellent pieces of his may soon after have encouragement to appear in public view. The points treated of in these are of great concernment, and therefore we conceive the Author thought, in handling of them, he had room enough for the discussing many of the controversies of the times, yet he purposely waved it, and bent himself to the single delivery of that which tended most to edification, and best suited with such a popular auditory as that was to whom he spoke. The Lord of heaven bless them to your