labouring to be acquainted, in truth and reality, with the
gospel of Jesus Christ, that having the mysterious truths thereof
imprinted on their souls, and their hearts cast into its mould, they may
be preserved from the hurt of this deadly poison; for this, with a
constant dependence upon, and use-making of Christ in all his offices,
will prove the best preservative against this infection.

The persuasion whereof did induce me to publish the following heads of
some sermons, after they have been translated into Dutch, and published
here: Knowing that they might be of no less use to the people of God in
Britain and Ireland. I know not a more effectual mean to unstable souls
from siding with and embracing every new notion; and from being carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lye in wait to deceive; than to put them upon
the real exercise of gospel godliness, and to the daily practice of the
main and fundamental gospel work, of living by faith in Jesus Christ,
and of growing up into him, in all things, who is the head, from whom
the whole body fitly joined together and compacted, by that which every
joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of
every part, maketh increase of the body, unto the edifying of itself in
love. Such, I am sure, as have thus learned the truth, as it is in
Jesus, and are practising the same accordingly, will have an antidote
within them against the strongest poison of these seducers, and a real
answer to, and confutation of, all their subtile sophisms. The soul
exercising itself into gospel godliness, will find work enough to take
it wholly up; and find such a solid ground to stand upon; and see such a
satisfying fulness, answering all its necessities and wants, and such a
sure heart-quieting ground of peace, hope, and consolation in Jesus
Christ, as that it will have no leisure, and small temptation to listen
to seducing perverters, and no inclination to seek after empty cisterns.

I know much may be desiderated in this following treatise, and many may
have exceptions not without ground against it. Some may think it
arrogancy, and too great confidence in me, to attempt the handling of
such a mysterious and necessary part of Christian practice, wherein few,
(if any, so far as I know,) have gone before, in direct handling of this
matter, at least in this method and order, I mean that part which is
about sanctifica