To the Christian Reader
But as gold, besides its own internal worth, receives an authentic impression from the Image and Superscription of the Prince: And as in honouring the Lord with the best part of our substance, An humble acknowledgment of his Interest both in the whole and ourselves (not any Addition to his fullness) is intended: So is this
Treasury presented to the touch and test of your Judgment, First as the Standard of approving things that are excellent. And then as an humble testimony how much he owes himself to you who presents it.
That the Lord would make you long an Ornament and defense to his Saints, and prosper his own pleasure in your hands, is the prayer of,
Honoured Sir, The most humble, and most obliged of your Servants, J. W.
To the Christian Reader.
The Author of these ensuing Sermons has so abundantly proved himself to the Church of God through his previous labours, both in preaching and writing, that it would be rather a disservice to him to offer anything by way of commendation. His name is still like precious ointment, and may it remain so as long as the Sun and Moon endure. These Sermons will reveal themselves to be his authentic work; the various characteristics and qualities of his style
(though styles differ as much as faces) are discernible here. Those who had the privilege of being in his company and hearing him can attest, "Sic oculos, sic ill manus, sic ora ferebat" - thus he explained
his Text, thus he handled his Doctrine, thus he delivered his Application. It is true, these remnants of his are under the prejudice of being posthumous works; yet we may say of them as Paul said concerning himself, "We suppose they are not inferior to the rest of his Works, though they are born out of due time," and though they are fragments, they are still to be esteemed as "Ramenta auri sunt pretiosa." These Sermons are valuable in their own right and intrinsic excellence, regardless of the author. And this Author is to be honoured for his true worth, whatever else he may have authored.
We shall also add this for your encouragement: these Sermons have been faithfully transcribed by the hand of a skilled writer, Mr.
Farthing, who is now a Teacher of Shorthand, and who has demonstrated his exceptional skill and dexterity in shorthand writing. We believe we can confidently say that there are very few words spoken by the Author that have been omitted. Moreover, we are confident that nothing of significance from his preaching has been omitted; it has all been faithfully presented to you through the diligence of the Scribe.
The publishers' desire is that the name of this worthy man of God may be held in honour, that you may apply these teachings to your own life, and that what was spoken to some may become common to all; what was accepted by those who heard it may be received and improved upon by those who read it. This is all we have to convey to you; it would be unjust to detain you any longer from the esteemed
Author. We only commend you to the grace of God, which is capable of enabling you to excel in every good work, and bid you Farewell.
Ja. Nalton. Will. Cooper. Tho. Jacomb. Matthew Poole. Allen Geare.
Ralph Venning: September. 29. 1653.
Imprimatur,