Sermon 29 April 1688, Title page – To the reader
A SERMON Directing What we are to do, AFTER Strict Enquiry whether or no we truly Love GOD. Preached April 29. 1688.
The Second Edition.
LONDON, Printed for Tho. Parkhurst, at the Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside, near Mercers-Chapel. 1696.
The Epistle.
YOV may remember what a Solemn Awe was upon our Congregation lately at the Preaching of this ensuing Sermon, and that not a few tears drop'd at the hearing of it. This engaged some of us to entreat our Reverend Pastor, to give way, that by this Publication, it might be accommodated to your review. We know it is no more than one single Thred, that belongs to many other Discourses upon the same Subject, which have preceded, and to others, which we hope, will follow; but such as by your Notes and Memories may easily be wrought into the whole Piece: It is but a Thred, yet a golden one, and may contribute to the service of the Tabernacle, as in Exod. 25. We know it is a great condescension in him to suffer such an imperfect Piece to come abroad; but when the Reverend Dean of C. and other learned Persons of the Church of England, have denyed themselves, by suffering such small Prints for the general good, we are persuaded, though he gave not a positive Judgment for it, he will not dislike that which is for your Service, and is intended to go no farther. Receive it therefore, read it over and over, and allot some times for the putting in practice the grand Examination urged upon us, and do your utmost to persuade all under your Roofs and Commands to do the like, that that which was Preached with so much holy Fervor and Affection, may beget in us and ours a bright flame of Divine Love to our good LORD, to whom we commend you, and are
Your Affectionate Brethren and Servants, &c.