The Christian's Daily Walk
by Henry Scudder
Mr. Richard Baxter's Recommendation
Reader, I take it for some dishonour
of our age, that such a book as this should need any man's recommendation,
to procure its entertainment, having been so long known and so greatly approved
by the most judicious and religious ministers and people, as it hath been;
even to be to practical Christians, to one instead of many, for the ordering
of their daily course of life, and securing their salvation and well-grounded
peace. And thought I know that there are some few words, especially about
perseverance, of which all good Christians are not fully of one mind, (and
I never undertake to justify every word, in my own books, or any others,
while we confess that we are not absolutely infallible;) yet I must say,
(without disparagement to any man's labours,) that I remember not any book
which is written to be the daily companion of Christians, to guide them in
the practice of holy life, which I prefer before this: I am sure, none of
my own. For so sound is the doctrine of this book, and so prudent and spiritual,
apt and savoury the directions, and all so fully suited to our ordinary cases
and conditions, that I heartily wish no family might be without it; and many
volumes (good and useful) are not in religious people's hands, which I had
rather were all unknown than this. And I think it of more service to the
souls of men, to call men to the notice and use of such a treasure, and to
bring such old and excellent writings out of oblivion and the dust, that
to encourage very many who overvalue their own, and to promote the multiplication
of things common and undigested, to the burying of more excellent treatises
in the heap.
Reader, if thou wilt make this book (after the sacred Scripture) thy daily counsellor, and monitor and comforter, I am assured that experience of thy own great advantage, and increase of wisdom, holiness, and peace, will commend it to thee more effectually that my words can do.
Read, love, and practise that which is here taught thee, and doubt not of thy everlasting happiness.
Reader, if thou wilt make this book (after the sacred Scripture) thy daily counsellor, and monitor and comforter, I am assured that experience of thy own great advantage, and increase of wisdom, holiness, and peace, will commend it to thee more effectually that my words can do.
Read, love, and practise that which is here taught thee, and doubt not of thy everlasting happiness.
Richard Baxter
January 16th, 1673-74