470 PREFACE. ever enjoy it in its heavenly dignity and glory. ffseasonable illu- mination and conversion confutenot thedeceits and slanders which pride and ignorance have entertained, the. too late confutation of them by death and their following experience, will make .them wish that they had been wise at cheaper rates, when it will be in vain to cry, "Giveus of your oil, for our lamps are out;" Matt. xxv. 8. But while I offer your name to the malicious world, as an in- stance of the temper which I here describe, I intend it not as a singular though' an eminent instance ; for, through the great mercy of God, there are thousands of examples of confirmed Christians among us in this land, even before those eyes that will not see them. But it is not catalogues, but single namggs, which writers have used in this way. And why may I not ta& the advantage of custom, to leave to the world the testimony of my estimation and great respects to so deserving a person of the primitive Chris- tian, catholic temper, and.to let themknowwhat sort ofmen were my most dear and faithful friends? And also thus to express my love by telling you closely what ypu must be, as well as by . telling the world, for their example, what youare? Upon these accounts, without your knowledge or consent, I presume thus to prefix your name to this treatise, written long ago, but now publishedby Your faithful Friend, RICHARD BAXTER. From myLodging in New Prison, June 14, 1669.
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