The Two Steps of a Non-Conformist, Postscript
An Addition from the Author.
UPon the mention of this Book I have theſe few words to ſubjoyn concerning the ſame: If I can judg any thing in Divinity, there is hardly any matter of more near importance to the moſt of ſerious Chriſtians than this one thing, to wit, to be ſolidly informed what to do, or how to live, and ſupport the Soul under the caſe when it hath examined itſelf, and is in conflict and doubt whether it be in a ſtate of Gods favour, which is all one as whether it be ſincere or not. They that are light Chriſtians, do often talk of their aſſurance, when the more weighty Chriſtians are ready to droop and hang the head, as the ears of Corn do that are fulleſt.
In the laſt Section of the evening Office of that Private Pſalter, there is a Determination de induſtria of this caſe, according as I was able to admit Inſtruction with Devotion into my Deſign. I am ſenſible of the ſmallneſs of my Talent, and the greatneſs of the Concern, and that whatſoever is peculiar, is in danger to be defective, who muſt confeſs my genius hath led me to the ſeeking a middle reſolution in this great Practical caſe, in regard to Life and Comfort, as it hath uſually done in the matter of polemical Opinions. And for the ſake of this caſe more eſpecially was that Book printed.
If any worthy Perſon therefore of the Conforming Miniſtry, who hath a Pen accompliſhed with the ſtile of the Times (whoſe fluency, or command of words may make the task eaſy to him, which would be burdenſome to me) will take the ſenſe only, or matter of that laſt Section, I mean the full and whole ſenſe of it, though nothing elſe purely but what is there hinted, and enlarge it into a Treatiſe of a convenient dimenſion, as he ſhall pitch upon a ſubject to exerciſe his parts, which I think like to be profitable to moſt Chriſtians, eſpecially to ſuch as are of a tender Spirit, and ſolicitous about their Spiritual eſtate, ſo if he will bring it to the Bookſeller, above intimated, to put it into the Preſs, he will not be ungrateful to him, I ſuppoſe, for his Copy.
John Humfrey.
End of the text · John Humfrey, The Two Steps of a Non-Conformist (1684)