Several works of Mr. Iohn Murcot, that eminent and godly preacher of the Word, lately of a Church of Christ at Dublin in Ireland. Containing, I. Circumspect walking, on Eph. 5.15,16. II. The parable of the ten virgins, on Mat. 25. from ver. 1. to ver. 14. III. The sun of righteousness hath healing in his wings for sinners, on Mal. 4.2. IV. Christs willingness to receive humble sinners, on John 6.37. Together with his life and death. Published by Mr. Winter, Mr. Chambers, Mr. Eaton, Mr. Carryl, and Mr. Manton. With alphabetical tables, and a table of the Scriptures explained throughout the whole.

Good Reader,

IT is often seen that good men die soonest, our tran∣slation to heaven is delayed only till our fitness to enjoy heaven, assoon as we are * 1.1 meet for that blessed inheritance, we are gathered in † 1.2 like a shock of Corn in its season: some ripen for heaven apace, and are taken out of the world sooner then others, now it is pitty that all their fruit should die with them; Christ saith to his Apostles; ‖ 1.3 I have ordained you to bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should re∣main: Intending (I suppose) not only their reward in heaven, and the continuance of Believers, begotten by them to God, who in a very commodious sense are the surviving fruit of their labours, but also their Doctrine consigned to the use of future ages by writ∣ing: The writings of the Apostles (I confess) are more neces∣sary then those of private men, as making up the Canon and rule of Faith, but yet the explications of ordinary Pastors and Teachers have their use and benefit, and it is a commendable dili∣gence in them that gather up the fragments of good men, that no∣thing be lost.

It pleased God to call up this worthy servant of Jesus Christ to heaven betimes, it were pitty that the Sermons coming from such a warm and affectionate spirit, should die away with the breath in which they were uttered; as his fruit remaineth (I hope) in the

hearts of many that heard him, so is it wrapt up in these papers by the diligence of his surviving friends, to preserve it from perishing and forgetfulness.

Its an happiness, though not to be hoped for, yet to be wished for, that none would write in this publick way, but very holy, or very learned men, who either from their profounder knowledge of the mysteries of godliness, or inward acquaintance with the work∣ings of the Spirit, are most likely to improve or keep alive the Do∣ctrine of God in the Christian world; this worthy instrument thou wilt find to be a man by no means of dispicable abilities, but chiefly excelling in a gracious heart, and much inward experience in the things of God; and though deep speculations, and luscious language is not here to be expected, yet many wholsom and heart∣warming truths, delivered in a grave and unaffected stile, which (if my hopes deceive me not) will be of great use to quicken this dull and carnal age to a greater study and vigour of holiness; and there∣fore (being desired) I could not but recommend these Sermons, to thy best acceptance; I am.

Covent-Garden, this 19. of Jan. 1656.

Thine in the Lords work, Tho. Manton.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Col. 1. 12.
• † 1.2

  Iob 5. 26.
• ‖ 1.3

  Iohn 15. 16.