tion. Others may be displeased with the mean and low
style; with my multiplying particulars, which might have been better and
more handsomely couched under fewer heads, and with my unnecessary
contracting of the whole into such a narrow bound, and other things of
that kind; for which, and many other failings of the like nature and
import, which may without any diligent search, be found in it, even by
ordinary and unprejudiced readers; I shall not industriously labour to
apologize, knowing that my very apology in this case, will need an
apology; only I shall say this, that considering how the snare, which
the vigilant and active enemy of our salvation, the devil, was laying by
an unholy morality, did nearly concern all, and especially the meanest
(for parts and experience) and less fixed Christians, I thought a
discourse on such a subject as I judged most necessary at all times, and
especially in such a day of hazard, should be framed to the capacity of
one as well as another; the most understanding can receive benefit, by
that which is calculated to the capacity of children, when these can
reap little edification by what is suited to the palate of those; and
the less experienced, or such as are of lower understanding, will be
less able to draw a general to a particular; or to improve and so fully
to comprehend one particular touched, as to be able thereby to
understand and take in a like particular not mentioned; than such as
have their senses more exercised, and are thereby in case to make a
better improvement of what is but compendiously declared, when those
must have the bread broken to their hand, or they shall receive but
small edification thereby; and yet, I suppose, the judicious will
observe some variety, smaller or greater, even where particulars seem to
be, at the first view, most unnecessarily multiplied. I know, and
willingly grant, (for it is obvious enough) that a discourse of this
subject and matter, might have required a far larger volume; but then
how should such have profited thereby, whom poverty might possibly have
scared from buying; or the necessary affairs of their ordinary callings
would have keeped from a diligent perusal of it? And I thought that
neither of these should have been overlooked in this special or general
design which I had before my eyes.

One thing, as my answer to all, I shall but add; if hereby others whom
the Lord hath more enabled with all necessaries for such a work, shall
be