PREFACE


1. For many years I have had a desire of setting down and laying
together, what has occurred to my mind, either in reading, thinking, or
conversation, which might assist serious persons, who have not the
advantage of learning, in understanding the New Testament. But I have
been continually deterred from attempting any thing of this kind, by a
deep sense of my own inability: of my want, not only of learning for
such a work, but much more, of experience and wisdom. This has often
occasioned my laying aside the thought. And when, by much importunity,
I have been prevailed upon to resume it, still I determined to delay it
as long as possible, that (if it should please God) I might finish my
work and my life together.

2. But having lately had a loud call from God to arise and go hence, I
am convinced that if I attempt any thing of this kind at all, I must
not delay any longer. My day is far spent, and (even in a natural way)
the shadows of the evening come on apace. And I am the rather induced
to do what little I can in this way, because I can do nothing else:
being prevented, by my present weakness, from either travelling or
preaching. But, blessed be God, I can still read, and write, and think.
O that it may be to his glory!

3. It will be easily discerned, even from what I have said already, and
much more from the notes themselves, that they were not principally
designed for men of learning; who are provided with many other helps:
and much less for men of long and deep experience in the ways and word
of God. I desire to sit at their feet, and to learn of them. But I
write chiefly for plain unlettered men, who understand only their
mother tongue, and yet reverence and love the word of God, and have a
desire to save their souls.