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perverting the right ways of God, Acts xiii. 10, (that is, speaking evil of what is good) that they will justify God in condemning themselves, and subscribe to the righteousness of his word, praying that their ways might be directed to keep his statutes, Psa. cxix. 5.

To conclude, laying aside all cavils, beg of God a teachable disposition, and make the best profit of the labours of this faithful servant of Jesus Christ. For the matter of this book, use it as thy daily counsellor; learn to write by this copy. I mean, stir up the gifts of God that are in thee, to become more profitable to others, both in presence, by discourse, and in absence, by writing.

The Christian and intelligent reader shall find in this, some things new, other things expressed in a new manner, all digested in such a method, with such brevity and perspicuity, as was necessary to make the book a vade mecum, or pocket companion, especially profitable to the poor and illiterate.

I will here stop, wishing thee (candid and serious reader) to consider that an account must be given of what thou readest, as well as of what thou hearest, and therefore, to join prayer with thy reading, that spiritual wisdom and strength may be increased in thee, for the practice of what thou learnest. So I commend the book to thy reading; and thee, and it to God's blessing.

Thine in the Lord Jesus,

JOHN DAVENPORT.