It is not doubtful, (as it is a common method in this world,) that my life, and all what is contained therein, will be contradicted and criticised; but as it hath pleased GOD to reveal unto me the mystery of the way of the truth, (of which I hope I am not ignorant;) therefore I expect persecutions, contradictions, and criticism to take place; knowing, that whosoever will live according to the Gospel of CHRIST, must while in this vale of tears go through much sufferings and pains: for thus is the road that leads to everlasting happiness. Therefore let every true born soul know, that as our SAVIOUR suffered for us: so must we in return for the blessing of Redemption, suffer for his sake, for unto us it is given, in the behalf of CHRIST, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake. phi. chap. 1. ver. 29. I therefore leave to the public to say what they please of this book; but the GOD in whom I have trusted shall be the judge of it.
Finally, the decisive day of our LORD, will put a determination to all our works, whether they be acceptable, or not.
TO THE READER.
In reading this little work, (not only to read but to meditate,) you will see the great disappointments that there is in those things, [the riches of this world.] which men put their trust. Oh! reader, art thou of that unhappy number? if thou art, delay no longer, but go to JESUS CHRIST, who is the fountain of durable riches, and take with thee the words of the Poët? "whom have I in heaven but thee that can thy creature bless? what were all the Earth to me, if a stranger to thy peace? all is vanity but CHRIST, pain and darkness, and dispair, rankling in a sinner's breast, till thou art present there." Art thou in prosperity, be Joyful, and. praise thy GOD; art thou in adversity, consider: for GOD hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. Be not as those, which through weakness of faith, dare not trust their GOD, whensoever in poverty or distress; for I never knew of any that trusted in GOD, and were yet confounded; He surely will supply the wants of all those who being sensible of their sins, groan after him: and lo, (says CHRIST) I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.
Read, and read again this book, that thou mightest know, that wheresoever GOD hath a child, there will his eyes be, and that to protect him; though he may run to a certain degree of sins and wickedness, but at last He will snatch him as a bran from the eternal burning, and let him know, that it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of his good pleasure to shew mercy. "Oh! had not GOD shown his mercy to me, where should I have been? in the broad road that leads to everlasting misery, yea in the dark and dolesome dungeon of dispair, without a glimmering ray of hope; everlastingly bewailing my miserable destiny." See how the words of the holy prophet prove true to my case; "I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not."
Oh! if ever I am so happy as to reach within a blessed view of the happy possession of saints, what a debtor shall I be to mercy and free grace alone; to save such an ungovernable and unwilling creature as I: "Oh! my soul it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks[1]! thou, who hast so long despised, rejected, and set at nought the commandments of GOD, art now through thy SAVIOUR'S obedience and blood brought to know the way of Salvation."
Dear reader, art thou a blasphemer, or a despiser of the words of GOD? if thou art, I will advise thee to take a warning in reading my case, and to consider about it, for fear thou shouldest be plunged for ever into eternal misery. Delay no longer to open thy case before the merciful GOD, though it should be ever so desperate; for He is all-sufficient, yea all-powerful, to plead the cause of thine immortal soul, and to bring to pass whatsoever thou shalt commit into his hands, for He ever liveth to make intercession for sensible[2] sinners, and to brighten their evidences for the approaching of a future and everlasting Glory.
Didst thou ever read, or hear mentioned, of the compassionate invitation of our blessed SAVIOUR when He lived on Earth; where He saith, "him that cometh to me (believing) I will in no wise cast out, but I will raise him up at the last day." Perhaps thou say'st in thine own heart, CHRIST is no more upon the Earth that I might go to him. Knowest thou not faithless man or woman, that though CHRIST is no more upon the Earth, that He is the same yesterday, to day, and for ever; and hath the same power to save and to bring to heaven whom He will: and now that He is in his holy mansion, is He not still the same? yea, He is still entreating his Father on our behalf, and his bowels are always melting in mercy towards us his rebellious Children; and his most precious arms and pierced hands, which we ourselves have crucified, are always extended to receive prodigals and backsliders home: for I am (says CHRIST) the friend of sinners, I eateth and drinketh with them; therefore let him that is athirst come, and take of the water of life freely.
Oh! reader, whoever thou art, I pray GOD through Grace, that thou and I, might be of that happy and highly favoured number, that shall sing above with the innumerable legions of blessed Angels, the chorus of the victory of a wounded and suffering SAVIOUR. AMEN. H. L. L.