A glimpse of Sions glory, or, The churches beautie specified published for the good and benefit of all those whose hearts are raised up in the expectation of the glorious liberties of the saints.

THE EPISTLE TO THE READER.

CHristian Reader, thou hast here presen∣ted to thy view a small Tract: the matter whereof is weighty, and of concernment to all that are the pro∣fessed Subjects of Iesus Christ. It is a thing of sad consequence to consider how we have beene kept under blindnesse and darknesse, although not to∣tally, yet in a great measure, in regard of such truths as doe immediately strike at Antichrist and his false power. As namely this great Truth, CHRIST the King of his Church; and that Christ hath given this Power to his Church, not to a Hierarchy, nei∣ther to a Nationall Presbytery, but to a company of Saints in a Congregationall way. Now these truths

strike directly at Antichrist, and therefore kept and quell'd downe as errours. And so by reason of this obscurity (we being halfe blind) such bright truths seeme strange to us, and goe under many aspersions and calumnies, as carnall, erroneous, absurd, and the like. And truely we have beene so accustomed to the yoke, that we seeme to beat down freedome, with casting up a thousand surmises, dreaming of strange Consequents. Nay, there is a generation of of Men in these times (some or most of them see∣ming to plead for Christ) are as inveterate against the one true Way of Jesus Christ, as if it would be the bondage of Rehoboam, succeeding the light op∣pression of Solomon: whereas it will prove to bee a Haven to our tedious stormes, and a period to ma∣ny distractions.

READER, give over thy wonted censuring of mens Labours; and learne to be more wise; lay a∣side all prejudiciall thoughts concerning this Tract, and weigh it in the Ballance of the Sanctuary, com∣paring it with the Word; if it will hold out there; then embrace it, and make use of it for thy comfort. Indeed it may be beneficiall to thee divers wayes.

First, by this thou mayst learne to prize Jesus Christ more; what was that among other things that made Christ so beloved and excellent in the

eyes of his Spouse? His head was of Gold. Now what is this Head of Gold, but that excellent Go∣vernment, that is upon his shoulder?

Secondly, it will administer comfort to thee, in regard of the former yokes, of which there are hopes, they will bee broken off, at least in the ac∣complishing of these Truths; Nay the day is now dawning, wherein Sions Peace and Comforts shall bee fulfilled, Iesus Christ set up, the sole and great King of his Church.

Thirdly, it will teach you to make that use of it that the Apostle Peter doth of the like Truths: What manner of Persons ought we to be? The use of it is divers, beyond my reach or weake Iudgement to prescribe; and indeed my commendation of it doth but darken it, I being so far below the matter and the Author. But thy experience may make up that of which I fall short. So commending Thee (both in the use of this, and any thing else that beares the stamp and Image of truth upon it) to the teaching of that Spirit, that is the Author of all Truth in the hearts of Beleevers, to be taught by it; I leave thee in the perusing of this small Treatise; hoping thou wilt reape some good by it. Farewell.

Thine in the Lord Jesus. to command. W. K.