The Good Old Way, To the reader 2
To the Reader.
Chriſtian Reader,
THe hand of Providence doth here tender unto thee a plain piece of good old Divinity: The groundwork of the Book, is the foundation of Chriſtian Religion, gathered into ſix Principles (by that famous and worthy Miniſter of Chriſt, in the Univerſity of Camb. Maſter Will. Perkins) which for above 50 years, have been much approved, and improved in the Church of England and elſwhere, for the inſtruction of many thouſands in matters neceſſary to ſalvation. Theſe needful Principles are here familiarly, and faithfully, both confirmed and applyed, for thy ſpiritual advantage: and doubtleſs, there is more then ordinary need of ſuch helps, in theſe Apoſtatizing, erroneous times; wherein the chief Articles of faith, are either impudently queſtioned, or irreligiouſly ſlighted. There is no means more promiſing to reclaim wanderers, and to eſtabliſh waverers in the truth, then by recalling them unto the ſerious conſideration of the firſt grounds of Religion: for by this means, people would find ſure footing for their faith, and alſo grow able to defend fundamentals againſt gain-ſayers, when others are like Veſſels without Ballaſt, which float hither and thither, according to the different motion of every wind and wave, which doth aſſault them. Many godly perſons, who reaped ſoul-fruit from this ſeed when firſt ſown, by theſe Sermons when firſt preached, bave importuned the Printing of them (according to the Authors own intention) for their own further benefit, and for the edification of many others. The Sermons do breath the holineſs and plainneſs of the Preachers ſpirit, who was very laborious and proſperous in the work of his Miniſtry. And although they be not ſo Notional and Rhetorical, as many may deſire; yet they are ſubſtantially profitable, and fitted to the capacity of ſuch, who moſt need them. The Candle yeeldeth not the more light, becauſe it is painted, neither doth the Sword any better ſervice, becauſe gilded, or put into a velvet Scabbard. As curious ſights do not fill empty bellies, ſo neither doth gawdy language feed hungry ſouls. Reverend Maſter Greenham was bold, to call the Miniſtry Glaſſy, Bright, and Brittle; (foreſeeing that vanity growing up in the Church in his dayes) wherein ingenuity and affectation of words, was preferred before ſolidity of ſavory matter. Although it is by all men acknowledged, that apt and pregnant expreſſsions have their profit, and that the eloquence of Apollo's, is not to be diſregarded: yet Phraſes are onelyonly the husks and ſhels, but Truths are the Kernels, wherein the ſoul findeth ſweetneſs and ſtrength. Not the fair leaves, but the fruits upon Trees, are the food: and the Prophet Jeremiah telleth us, that Paſtors according to Gods heart, ſhall feed with knowledge and underſtanding, Jer. 3.15. And becauſe the Lord hath in his Family (the Church) both babes and well grown Children; therefore in great wiſdom, he is pleaſed to provide both milk and ſtronger meats; Heb. 5.12, 13, 14. Some means of ſpiritual nouriſhment (wholeſomly, though not curiouſly cooked) God hath here vouchſafed unto them, whoſe hearts are diſpoſed to be exerciſed in the Principles of the Doctrine of Chriſt. Good Reader, In the conſciencious uſe hereof, I heartily commend thee to the guidance and bleſsing of the Almighty, that thou mayeſt be better rooted, and further edified in the truths of the holy Scriptures, through Jeſus Chriſt; in whom I am
Aug. 29th 1653. Thy Friend and Servant,SIMEON ASH….