Brief Exposition of 1 and 2 Thessalonians, Title page – To the reader
A BRIEF EXPOSITION OF THE FIRST and SECOND EPISTLES OF PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS.
By the Reverend and Learned Mr. James Fergusson, Late Minister of the Gospel at Kilwinning.
Joh. 5. 33.
Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have Eternal Life, and they are they which testifie of me.
London, Printed by R. W. for Ralph Smith, at the Sign of the Bible in the Piazza of the Royal Exchange in Cornhil. 1674.
To the Reader.
Christian Reader,
VVHen the design of giving the Sense and Use of the Scriptures 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 abilities 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 discouragement, he fell to work again, and did go through the Epistles to the Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, his Expositions upon 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 character of this Reverend person, who having served his own Generation by the Will of God, is now fallen asleep and doth rest from his labours, and who being dead, yet speaketh, by the savory effects of his Faith, Love, and Patience, expressed in his personal walk and Ministerial administrations, besides what his publick writings do declare concerning him. His Piety, Learning, Prudence and moderation (and that in very contentious and distracting 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 abilities than himself was willing to make shew of; and were convinced that (beside his abilities for explicating and applying of the Scriptures in this more plain and compendious way, and for enlarging and pressing of Scripture truths, with solidity and seriousness in his ordinary Preaching) he was a man of a deep reach, and well fitted for giving of advice in perplexed and intricate cases, whereof not a few did occur in his time; and (withall) well furnished for discussing of Controversies, and stopping of the mouths of gainsayers; 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 commend 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 transcribed 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 satisfaction.
It remains therefore (Christian Reader) that thou study how to improve this advantage which (among others) is, by the good providence 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 darkness 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.