The Godly man's legacy to the saints upon earth exhibited in the life of that great and able divine, and painful labourer in the word, Mr. Stephen Marshal ... : written by way of a letter to a friend.

THE Stationer TO THE READER.

AT the close of this Letter (which you are here presented with) the Author has gi∣ven a fair account of his Design in wri∣ting these Memorials, viz. in Charity to undeceive such well-meaning Persons as are still unhappily mis-led in the same way, and miserably gull'd and abused by the usual Artifice and Cunning of those grave Sinners, who will needs call themselves the Saints, the People of God, the Secret Ones, and take a Pride in many such fine Names, which in the Eyes of discerning men, look not much unlike curious Ornaments throw'n over a foul and loath∣some Carcase. But I have a farther thought in being assistant to this Publication, and that is, to

gratifie the Leaders themselves; who (Good men) not content with the Kings Gracious Pardon, are now become so very bold, as not only to give some Commendations of what has been the Cause and Ground of all our late Distractions; but stifly to contend for it, and vigorously to endeavour the acting over the same Tragedy, and raising the same Devil again by the same Noise and Out∣cryes, which they were taught to make use of in the memorable Year of 41.

Amongst other Methods, the memory of those pretious Persons (as they love to call 'em) who were the grand Ring-Leaders in the late Rebel∣lion, is recommended and endear'd to the People; and what can be less intended hereby, than that the People should by this way be brought to enter∣tain a good Opinion of their Practices, and be in a readiness to be stirr'd up, whenever a fit and convenient Opportunity shall present it self unto them.

Thus we have seen the Lives of several of these Seducers creep out of the Press, and every day ex∣pect to see more. When therefore it shall please them (by publishing his Life) to Canonize Mr. Mar∣shall, they are gratifi'd by being here furnisht with Materials towards that Great Work. And it were easie, and I shall be ready to do the like

kindness for those which shall be writ here∣after, and for the new Editions of such as are abroad already.

As to this, I shall assure thee, Reader, that (whilest the aim of those Designers is to allure thee with a Godly Varnish, into a false Opinion of the Persons and Practises of such men) this Relation has no other end, but to keep thee from being cheated and befool'd amongst the Com∣mon Herd of Mankind.

If now what is here sent abroad be either ill taken, or interpreted worse, it is not to be lookt upon as a fault in the Author, but im∣puted rather to the distemper of such, who are unwilling to be severely and sincerely dealt with∣all, tho' it be in order to their Cure. He has not here us'd any Arguments to dissuade such Guides as now-a-dayes profer themselves almost in every Barn or Market-place; partly because 'tis forreign to his purpose, and partly because he is sufficiently assured, that if Matters of Fact be weak and unable, Arguments (tho' never so good) will be of little force to prevail with them. For such is the resolv'd obstinacy of the ordi∣nary sort of People, that the cleerest Argument shall not convince, but rather confirm them in

their beloved Fooleries. And this is one of their greatest unhappinesses, that they take pleasure in being abus'd; for if any one be so friendly, as to deal freely and plainly with them, and venture to give them good and sound Advice, they presently kick and fling, thinking themselves injur'd by what is given out of pure love and kinduess.

Farewell.