of
what the Lord did for our forefathers in former times, or else in a
great measure destitute of the like gracious influences of the Holy
Spirit, by which they were actuated and animated. For,

(1.) These worthies did and suffered much for Christ and his cause, in
their day and generation, and therefore in a peculiar and singular
manner were honoured and beloved of him; and although there are some
things here narrated, of a pretty extraordinary nature, yet as they
imply nothing contrary to reason, they do not forfeit a title to any
man's belief, since they are otherwise well attested, nay obviously
referred to a cause, whose ways and thoughts surmount the ways and
thoughts of men, as far as the heavens are above our heads.--The sacred
history affords us store of instances and examples of a more
transcendent nature than any thing here related; the truth of which we
are at as little liberty to question, as the divinity of the book in
which they are related.

(2.) As to the soul-exercise and pious devotion of these men herein
related, they are so far supported by the authority of scripture, that
there is mentioned by them (as a ground of their hope) some text or
passage thereof, carried in upon their minds, suited and adapted to
their cases and circumstances; by which faith they were enabled to lay
claim to some particular promise, _as a lamp unto their feet_, _a light
unto their path_, and this neither hypocrite nor enthusiast can do: _For
other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus
Christ_, 1 Cor. iii. 11.

But then, it may be alleged by those who have a high esteem for this
subject, That nothing is here given as a commendation suitable or
adequate to the merit of these Worthies, considering their zeal,
diligence and activity in the discharge of their duty, in that office or
station which they filled. This indeed comes nearest the truth; for it
is very common for biographers to pass eulogiums of a very high strain
in praise of those whom they affect. But in these panegyrical orations,
they oftimes rather exceed than excel.--It was an ancient (but true)
saying of the Jews, "That great men (and we may say good men) commonly
find stones for their own monuments;" and laudable actions always
support themselves: And a thing (as an author[23] observes on the like
subject) "if right, it will defend itself; if wrong, none can defend it:
Truth needs not, falsehood deserves not a supporter."

Indeed it