V.

1. Although this edition of the "Christian Pattern" be the same, as to the main of the translation, with that printed at London in the year 1677; yet it differs from it in the following particulars: —

2. First: In being divided, like the Latin, into distinct sentences. It is enough barely to mention this to the serious reader: His experience will speak the rest.

3. Secondly: In being closer to the original. Even the edition above-mentioned is, in many places, rather a paraphrase than a translation; by which means, not only much of the beauty, but of the strength and spirit, of the original is lost. Those paraphrastical expressions, so highly injurious to the nervous brevity of the author, are here removed; and the words rendered in as literal a manner as the nature of our tongue will bear.

4. Thirdly: In being plainer. When two equally literal phrases occurred, the more simple has always been chosen. Of all paraphrases, none is more destructive of the sense, none more contrary to the spirit, of this author; than that which attempts to polish his style, and refine his simplicity into eloquence. This has been attempted in our own tongue, but has not been universally approved; and therefore it has been judged proper to revise this literal translation, and make it as perfect as we could, by purging it from such phrases as by length of time were grown antiquated.

5. Lastly: In being clearer. As the most plain, so the fullest and strongest, terms are here preferred before those that are less so. If anything can injure our author more than making him speak finely, it is the making him speak ambiguously. But neither the original, nor (it is hoped) this translation, is guilty of this fault. Expect no softening here; no mincing or palliating of evangelical truths. There is no countenance cruelly given to half Christians; no false hopes to those of a double heart, to the trimmers between God and the world, who love to term religion the main end of their lives, who say they do make it their chief business, and are willing to allow God the larger part of their affections. Nay, but He hath told thee, O man, as by his Son, so by this his faithful follower, that it will nothing avail thee to be almost, unless thou goest on to be altogether, a Christian; that He abhorreth faint hearts and feeble minds, and the sinner that goeth two ways; that thou must serve Him, if at all, with all thy strength; that this is the whole of man! that thou hast one, only one, end to regard on earth; that thou hast one, only one, business to pursue; that, since but one thing is needful, on that alone thou art to fix thy single eye; namely, to "love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength." The good God be merciful unto me and thee, and give us so to run, that we may obtain the prize of our high calling!