scudderpage010

found of singular use unto all such as in sincerity desire a compliance with his design; namely, such a walking with God here, that he may come to the enjoyment of him hereafter. I know, that in the days wherein we live, there are other notions esteemed higher or more raised, and those otherwise expressed with more elegancy of words, and pressed with more appearing strenuous ratiocinations than those contained in this book, wherewith the generality of professors seem to be more taken and satisfied. But for my part, I must say, that I do find in this, and some other practical discourses of the worthy ministers of the age past, that authority and powerful evidence of truth, arising from a plain transferring of the sacred sense of the Scripture in words and expressions suited to the experience of gracious, honest, and humble souls, that the most accurate and adorned discourses of this age do not attain or rise up unto. Such, I say, is this discourse; the wisdom and ability of whose author discover themselves from first to last, not in expressing his mind "with enticing words of man's wisdom," but in evident deduction of all his useful directions from express testimonies of Scripture, in such a way as to give light unto them, without intercepting the influence of their authority on the minds and consciences of the readers. I shall therefore say no more, but that if those into whose hands this book shall come, be not either openly or secretly enemies unto the whole design of it, as being "alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them," or be not possessed with prejudices against the simplicity of the gospel, and that strictness of obedience it requireth; they will find that guidance, direction, and spiritual advantage, as having their faith, love, and obedience, increased and improved thereby; which will issue in the praise of God's grace, that ought to be the end of all our writing and reading in this world.

JOHN OWEN.

Feb. 24, 1673-4.