A brief exposition of the first and second epistles of Paul to the Thessalonians by the reverend and learned Mr. James Fergusson ...

To the Reader.

Christian Reader,

VVHen the design of giving the Sense and Use of the Scrip∣tures so briefly as might be, was set on foot by some who looked upon it as very useful for the present and succeeding Generations, the Reverend Author of this piece was prevailed with to take a share in that undertaking; from whom much service of that kind (considering his abi∣lities and indefatigableness in his studies) might have been expected, if (as himself elsewhere intimateth) his papers upon some Books of Scripture had not been destroyed by a sad accident, in the times of our calamity and trouble. Notwithstanding which discourage∣ment, he fell to work again, and did go through the Epistles to the Galatians, Ephesians, Phi∣lippians, and Colossians, his Expositions up∣on which were published in his own life-time;

and left this Exposition upon both the Epistles to the Thessalonians ready to be transcribed for the Press, some time before his Death.

I shall not here insist to give any full cha∣racter of this Reverend person, who having served his own Generation by the Will of God, is now fallen asleep and doth rest from his la∣bours, and who being dead, yet speaketh, by the savory effects of his Faith, Love, and Pa∣tience, expressed in his personal walk and Mi∣nisterial administrations, besides what his publick writings do declare concerning him. His Piety, Learning, Prudence and moderati∣on (and that in very contentious and distract∣ing times) were not only well known and much esteemed an the Congregation where he served, and the Province wherein he lived, but did render him very famous throughout this national Church. Such as conversed with him in ordinary, and were acquainted with his studies, did discern more of his spirit and abi∣lities than himself was willing to make shew of; and were convinced that (beside his abi∣lities for explicating and applying of the Scriptures in this more plain and compendious way, and for enlarging and pressing of Scrip∣ture truths, with solidity and seriousness in his ordinary Preaching) he was a man of a deep reach, and well fitted for giving of ad∣vice

in perplexed and intricate cases, whereof not a few did occur in his time; and (with∣all) well furnished for discussing of Contro∣versies, and stopping of the mouths of gain∣sayers; whereof he gave an ample proof, when in publick Preaching, he did solidly and perspicuously examine and refute those errors which of late did infest this Church and Island. But (forbearing to write Elogies of him whose true worth did set him far above the commendation of such a one as I am) all that I need to say at this time, is, That as (I doubt not) thy acquaintance with what of his is already published, will sufficiently com∣mend unto thee what further of that kind hath flowed from his Pen; So I dare assure thee; upon unquestionable evidence, that this piece is genuine, and the work of Mr. Fergusson: The Copy made use of at the Press being tran∣scribed from the Original written with his own hand, and revised by two of his Brethren in these parts; from one of whom I received it, that I might also read it over before it went to the Press. And though I be otherwise crouded with abundance of work in my present service; yet I have taken some time to peruse it, to my own very great sa∣tisfaction.

It remains therefore (Christian Reader) that

thou study how to improve this advantage which (among others) is, by the good provi∣dence of God, put into thy hand; lest in a time wherein many means of knowledge do abound, the increase of ignorance, Atheism, and Popery prove a sad plague and snare, and the abuse of Light provoke God to send dark∣ness wherein no man can walk. From which that thou may be delivered, is the Prayer of,

Thy Servant in the Work of the Gospel, George Hutcheson.