PRAEFATIO.

Many are deprived of this benefit; indeed, most are scattered aimlessly through the wilderness, to whom nothing remains but groans and sorrows. But those to whom it has been granted by Divine favor to enjoy a gathering in which they may pray to the Lord and be taught by His word, they are bound to use such a support, unless they wish to deliberately extinguish the light offered to them. For the Lord has not without cause provided that His children should progress daily in the course of their salvation through holy precepts, and in turn stir one another up. Since, therefore, it is not within our power to overturn the public state, nor to cleanse the temples which teem with defilements, nor to overturn or abolish the idolatry which holds authority,