TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.

WHEN I read the description of the tumult in Ephesus, Acts xix. 32, (wherein they would have their Diana to be jure divino, that it fell down from Jupiter,) it appears to me the too methodical character of our present confusions. Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused, and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. O the distractions of our age! And how many thousands know as little why the sword was drawn, as when it will be sheathed. Indeed (thanks be to God!) we have no more house-burnings, but many heart-burnings; and though outward bleeding be stanched, it is to be feared that the broken vein bleeds inwards, which is more dangerous.

This being our sad condition, I perceive controversial writings (sounding somewhat of drums and trumpets) do but make the wound 82the wider. Meditations are like the minstrel the prophet called for, [2 Kings iii. 15.] to pacify his mind discomposed with passion, which moved me to adventure on this treatise as the most innocent and inoffensive manner of writing.

I confess, a volume of another subject, and larger size, is expected from me. But in London I have learnt the difference betwixt downright breaking, and craving time of their creditors. Many sufficient merchants, though not solvable for the present, make use of the latter, whose example I follow. And though I cannot pay the principal, yet I desire such small treatises may be accepted from me, as interest, or consideration money, until I shall, God willing, be enabled to discharge the whole debt.

If any wonder that this treatise comes patronless into the world, let such know that dedications begin now-a-days to grow out of fashion. His policy was commended by many, (and proved profitable unto himself,) who, instead of select godfathers, made all the congregation witnesses to his child, as I invite the world to this my book, requesting each one would patronize therein such parts and passages thereof as please them, so hoping that by several persons the whole will be protected.

I have, Christian reader (so far I dare go, not inquiring into thy surname, of thy side, 83or sect), nothing more to burden thy patience with. Only I will add, that I find our Saviour in Tertullian, and ancient Latin Fathers, constantly styled a sequestrator,¹⁶¹⁶Sequester. in the proper notion of the word. For God and man being at odds, the difference was sequestered or referred into Christ’s hand to end and umpire it. How it fareth with thy estate on earth I know not; but I earnestly desire, that in heaven both thou and I may ever^ be under sequestration in that Mediator for God’s glory and our good, to whose protection thou art committed by

Thy brother in all

Christian offices,

THOMAS FULLER.

GOOD THOUGHTS IN WORSE TIMES.