TO THE CHRISTIAN READER.

HEN 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

9.22

2 Kings iii. the wider. Meditations are like the minstrel

the prophet called for, to pacify his mind dis

x.

composed 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 wonder that this treatise comes paany tronless 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,

ter.

or 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,* in the proper no-* Sequestion 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.

PERSONAL MEDITATIONS.

I. CURIOSITY CURBED.

FTEN have I thought with myself, what disease I would be best contented to die of. None please me.

The stone, the colic, terrible as expected, intolerable when felt. The palsy is death before death. The consumption a flattering disease, cozening men into hope of long life at the last gasp. Some sicknesses besot, others enrage men, some are too swift, and others too slow.

If I could as easily decline diseases as I could dislike them, I should be immortal. But away with these thoughts. The mark must not choose what arrow shall be shot What God sends I must receive.

against it. May I not