A26687:19
Christian letters full of spiritual instructions tending to the promoting of the power of…
Christian letters full of spiritual instructions tending to the promoting of the power of godliness, both in person and families.
London : Printed for and sold by Nevil Simmons and Dorman Newman, 1673
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Most dear Christians,
MY extreme straights of time will now force me to bind my long loves in a few short lines; yet I could not tell how to leave you unsaluted, nor choose but write to you in a few words, that you should not be dismayed neither at our present sufferings, or at the evil tidings that by this time I doubt not are come unto you. Now, Brethren, is the time when the Lord is like to put you upon the trial; now is the hour of temptation come. Oh! be faithful to Christ to the death, and he shall give you a Crown of life. Faithful is he that hath called you, and he will not suffer you upon his faithfulness to be tempted above what you are able. Give up your selves and your All to the Lord, with resolution to follow him fully, and two things be sure of, and lay up as sure grounds of everlasting consolation.
MY extream straights of time will now force me to bind my long loves in a few short lines; yet I could not tell how to leave you unsaluted, nor chuse but write to you in a few words, that you should not be dismayed neither at our present sufferings, or at the evil tidings that by this time I doubt not are come unto you. Now, Brethren, is the time when the Lord is like to put you upon the trial; now is the hour of temptation come. Oh! be faithful to Christ to the death, and he shall give you a Crown of life. Faithful is he that hath called you, and he will not suffer you upon his faith•ulness to be tempted above what you are able. Give up your selves and your All to the Lord, with resolution to follow him fully, and two things be sure of, and lay up as sure grounds of everlasting consolation.
1. If you seek by prayer and study to know the mind of God, and do resolve to follow it in uprightness, you shall not fail either of direction or pardon; either God will show you what his pleasure is, or will certainly forgive you if you miss your way. Brethren, fix upon your souls the deep and lively affecting apprehensions of the most gracious, loving, merciful,