PREFACE. TO my brethren and companions in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, who suffer for the word of God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ; grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied. Beloved, You have here the fruit of the exercises and labours of many years; there are few things new to you, because you have not only heard them from the pulpit at different times, but you have also passed through the greater part of them. We have been brought together into deep waters, and the only difference between us in them has been this, that I have been obliged to go first, and as I found the passage dangerous or safe, I gave the word of encouragement, exhortation, or warning; none of which, through the mercy of God, have been in vain. Some, it is true, upon whom there has been no constraint put of God, just as they were stepping in, have |