Christian Reader,

MAny have written to the edifying of the
godly, of this excellent Subject: Its not
much I can doe in this, but have added
some thoughts to what is said, intending a
more Practicall way of the last Point in another
Treatise, to wit, of the application
of Covenant-Promises, and of the influences
of the Spirit under the Covenant of
Grace, of which, especially of the latter of these two, few have
Practically written: And it is of much concernment, to make out
the Vnion of our Duty, and the breathings of the Lord, and what
can be done under deadnesse, to either fetch the wind, or to be put
in a spirituall condition, that the soul may lye fair for the receiving
of the influences of God. I desire in this to speak for Truth, not either
for or against persons of whom I am silent, concealing the
names of any Contradicent, judging Truth so much the more desirable,
when it may possibly be had with Peace, and as little blowing
or stirring of the fire of contradiction as can be. What is here
said in a way of Disputing, the Moderate Reader, who is not taken
with that way, may passe by and read what is practicall. The
Author hath been (lest Truth should suffer by him) a little

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darkned, as report bears, with the name, I know not what, of a Protester,
as one who hath deserted the Government and Discipline
of the Church of God in Scotland; But my humble thoughts are
the same they were before, though I can add nothing to the Truth.
I look on these men the world so names Protesters, Schismaticks,
Separatists, as sinfull men, who stand in need of a Saviour, and
as such as desire to fear God and love His Name, and would gladly
have our practice, and walk come a little more near to the Rule of
the Gospell, and that our Land might mourn for all the abominations
committed therein, which I desire to bee spoken without any
reflection upon any of the godly in the Land, who in that point, are
of another Iudgement. It is my desire to the Lord, that he would
let us hear experiencedly the reality of that: Thus saith the
Lord, As the new wine is found in a clustre, and one saith,
Destroy it not, for a blessing is in it: so will I doe for my servants
sake, that I may not destroy them all. The Lord Jesus
be with your Spirit.

Yours in the Lord Jesus,
S. R.
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