The Authors Epistle to the Reader
Table of Contents The Authors Epistle to the Reader The Worldling's Portion The Saints Inheritance.
The Righteous Man's Refuge
The Authors Epistle to the Reader It hath been the way of God in speaking to men, and drawing their hearts to him, to apply himself to them, in those things they have skill of and are acquainted with. When Christ was revealed to the Wise men that came from the East, it was by a Star: they were
Astronomers, and conversed much in the contemplation of the Stars, and God speaks to them accordingly: When our Savior called
Fishermen to follow him, he tells them. He will make them Fishers of men; he expresseth himself unto them in their own way.
And it may be the suitableness of these subjects may invite some to read this treatise, especially it being the desires of many that heard the same, and found some work of God upon their hearts by them, to have it by them; at first I was unwilling to let such sudden things appear so public, but after considering, that some way it may be useful, and a little good is worth much of my time and labor, who
knows what a truth, what a hint fitted to the apprehensions of people in their own way may do, therefore here you have it, and the Lord prosper it to you.
Yours in Christ,
JER. BURROUGHS.
To the Reader.
Know Christian Reader, that Part of this Work was perfected by the Author in his life time. But it pleased God to take him away before the rest was finished, whereby the Copy was for a time mislayed, and with some difficulty at length procured, which is now published for thy good. Bless God for preserving such a Jewel; and see thy soul be enriched by it. Let it not be said, there was a Prize put into thy hand, but thou hadst not a heart to make use of it. Remember thou hast an immortal soul, and art capable of living in immortal glory, therefore be not put off with the things of this life. Let not that satisfy thy soul, which may stand with the eternal hatred of the great God, least while others partake of an Inheritance above, thou have a Portion with reprobates below. Thou mightest have been past reading or hearing of these things, and have found by sad experience, what it is to be excluded the Saints felicities. Embrace the Opportunity and pass by the escapes of Printing.
So Farewell.