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READER,
TO satisfie the importunity of some Friends, rather then out of any presumption that my Testimony can prove any credit to this excellent piece, I have ventured to give thee my poor judgment conscerning it. Ʋpon peru∣sall I observed in the whole such a blessed marriage be∣tween Piety and Art, such a sweet condescension to the meanest capacities, such a spirituall handling of spirituall truths, such clear discoveries of the state of Nature, and the state of grace; as I could not but conclude, the Author (though the work had not born the name of Cotton) was a workman that need not be ashamed. Withall let me tell thee by experience, such a blessed Gale of the Spirit of grace (who assisted the Author in inditing) doth accom∣pany the religious perusal thereof, that I am very confident, if there be the least sparke of grace in thy heart, it will make thy smoaking flax breake forth into an heavenly flame of Light and Love. While I perused it to correct the many and manifold errours of the former Impression, the heavenly matter therein contained, both poynted at, and I hope corrected more and greater errours in my heart. If thou be bad* 1.1 it may make thee good, but if thou be good, I am sure it will make thee better, which is the hearty prayer of him who is,
Feb. 26. 1657.
Thy soules Friend, and the Servant of thy Faith, Roger Drake.
Place this before the Title,