TO THE COURTEOUS READER.

I JUSTLY presume thee too much Christian and gentleman to trample on him who prostrates himself. I confess myself subject to just censure, that I have not severally sorted these contemplations, setting such which are, 1. Of Scripture; 2. Historical; 3. Occasional; 4. Personal; distinctly by themselves, which now are confusedly heaped, or rather huddled, together.

This I confess was caused by my haste, the press hourly craving, with the daughter of the horseleech, Give, give.

However, such a confused medley may pass for the lively emblem of these times, the subject of this our book. And when these times shall be reduced into better order, my book, at the next impression, may be digested into better method. Meantime I remain

Thy Servant in Christ Jesus,

THOMAS FULLER