Christian letters full of spiritual instructions tending to the promoting of the power of…

LETTER. XXXVI. [Godly Counsels.]

Dear Cousin,

THE welcome tidings of your safe arrival at Barbados, is come to my ears; as also the News of your escape from a perilous sickness, for which I bless the Lord, and desire to be thankful with you: for I am not without a care for your well being, but do look upon my self as really concerned in you. I have considered, that God hath be•est you of a careful Father, and that your Mother takes but little care for you; so that you have none nearer than my self to watch for your Soul, and to charge and admonish you in the Lord, and to take care of you. But yet, Dear Cousin, be not discouraged by these things, but look to Heaven, fly unto Jesus, put away every known sin, set upon the conscientious performance of every known duty; make Christ your choice, embrace him upon his own terms; deliver up your self, body and soul to him; see that you have no reserves nor limitations in your choice of him; give him your very heart; cast away your worldly hopes and expectations, make Religion your very business. O Cousin, these things do, and you shall be sure of a friend in Heaven to take the care of you; and, if I may be any comfort to you, you shall not fail, while I live, to have one friend on earth to take care for you. You are gone far from me, even to the uttermost parts of the Earth; but I have sent these Letters to call even thither after you; yea, not only to call, but to cry-in your Ears, O what is like to become of your Soul! Where is that immortal Soul of yours like to be lodged for ever? Amongst Devils, or Angels? Upon a Bed of Flames, or in the joys of Paradise? Dear Cousin, go aside by your self in secret, retire from the noise of the World, and say to your self, Oh my Soul! whither art thou going? do not I know in my very heart that I must be converted or condemned? That I must be Sanctified, or I can never be Saved? Oh my Soul! what seekest thou! what designs do