AN

Introduction and Apology

To the Following

DISCOURSE:

My friends, you who dwell in the universal love of the God of love: I do not doubt that the matter of this discourse original: "discourse"; here meaning a formal discussion or treatise will find acceptance with you. It is a message from above, bringing good and glad tidings to the whole creation, from the beginning of time to its final end and extension; for God's bounteous grace will reach that far.

But this love expresses itself not only by saving and delivering us from endless punishment (which is the just merit original: "merit"; in this context, the deserved consequence or "earning" of an action of transgression and disobedience), as is proclaimed to the whole fallen race of Adam original: "Adamical fallen Race"; referring to all of humanity, considered as descendants of Adam after the Fall in the Garden of Eden by him who was made an offering for sin. But be it known that God's love is not so clearly seen or illustrated if—oh, if—it should stop here at this visible way of redemption through Christ. Instead, it must go much deeper, bringing forth a newly created God-like likeness original: "Similitude" in the soul. In this way, what was diminished and lost may be repaired by the birth of the Holy Spirit original: "Holy Ghost", conceived and springing up internally original: "Intrinsical" for a thorough renovation in every part of the soul.

This you will find to be the whole scope and direction of what is written here. Because God has taught me by his Spirit about this great mystery of inward redemption, I found myself impelled and under a constraint to make it public before my decease original: "Disease"; a 17th-century variant spelling or usage for "decease" or "departure," though it could also refer to an illness. Given her age, she likely means her passing. (being 70 years old), so that this treasure might not die with me. Not knowing but that it may be my last farewell to this world, I have therefore hastened to do my Lord and Master’s work while the dawn from on high original: "Day spring from on high"; a biblical reference (Luke 1:78) to the coming of Christ or divine light shines upon me. If the day of my outward life is lengthened, it shall be my most delightful employment—improving every moment of it—since I have been called to it from on high.

Now to come to the matter at hand: regarding the title which this subject bears, it is not just an outward, flashy sound. Rather, this work comes from a most essential and experimental original: "Experimental"; in the 17th century, this meant "experiential" or based on firsthand personal experience rather than just theory. ground. If it were otherwise, considering my circumstances, I would not have made myself public. For every wo-