THE exceeding riches of the grace of God our Saviour, and the effectual working of his mighty power, have in all ages shone most conspicuously in the holy lives and exemplary conversation of his eminent servants, _the excellent of the earth_, with whom are his peculiar delights.
And although, strictly speaking, He only is _wise_ and _good_, nevertheless, there is a sense in which goodness is with propriety ascribed both to angels and to men. This consists in their resemblance of him who is the source and model of all goodness, holiness, and perfection; as proceeding from his fulness, whence life and blessedness flow to every creature, whether in heaven or in earth.
Of this kind the scriptures furnish us with several examples, _Abraham_, _Enoch_, _Noah_, _Daniel_ and _Job_, (beside many others) are described in the Old Testament, as men walking before God, and perfect in their generation. And the eleventh chapter to the _Hebrews_ contains little else than an account of ancient worthies, eminently remarkable for their faith, sufferings, patience, and glorious end; who considering themselves as strangers and pilgrims in this world, sought _a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is_ God. And God, saith the apostle, _hath provided some better things for us, that they without us should not be made perfect_.
The time would fail to mention particularly the names of all the eminently faithful, who have lived and adorned their profession, since life and immortality have been brought to light by the gospel. They are an innumerable company. It is enough for us to know, that if _any one loveth_ God, _the same is known of him_. Their _names are written in the Lamb’s book of life_, and shall at last be numbered amongst his jewels.
When names, and sects, and parties fall, And thou, O Christ, art all in all!
Among the number of persons eminent for their usefulness and personal holiness, which the present generation has produced, he, a part of whose life is here related, may justly be considered as one; and his example is one, which in some respects may be said to have its peculiar excellencies.
A circumstantial detail of such things as often find a place in this kind of writings, namely, family, childhood, education, stature, complexion, and a variety of common occurrences, is judged, as well tedious as foreign to the design of the work, which is to represent, principally what passed between God and his soul in the progress of his conversation and daily walking with God.
And yet neither is intelligence of this sort wholly omitted; he has left a few particulars relative thereto, which will enable the reader to form some idea, as well of the former as latter part of his pilgrimage.
His prayer was, ‘That this little book (meaning what is here called the _first part_, great part of which he wrote himself) may be made a blessing to all who shall read it; that the Lord Jesus may make it a means of kindling holy desire in their souls, and of stirring them up to the fear and love of God.’