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

LETTER. V. [Trust God, and be sincere.] To my most endeared Friends, the Servants of Christ in Taunton, Grace and Peace.

MY hearts desire and prayer to God for you is, that yo• may be saved. I know that you are the But of mens ⟨p. 20⟩rage and malice: but you may satisfy your selves as David in his patient sustaining of Shimei's fury and curses: It may be the Lord will look upon our affection, and require good for their cursing this day. But however it be for that, be sure to hold on your way: your name indeed is cast forth as evil, and you are hated of all men for Christs-sake, for your profession of his Gospel, and cleaving to his ways and servants: but let not this discourage you, for you are now more than ever blessed: only hold fast, that no man take your Crown. Let not any that have begun in the Spirit, end in the flesh. Do not forsake God, till he forsake you; he that endureth to the end shall be saved: The Promise is to him that overcometh; therefore think not of looking back: Now you have set your hands to Christ's Power, though you labour hard, and suffer long, the Crop will pay for all: now the Lord is trying what credit he hath in the World, and who they be that will trust him. The unbelieving World are all for present pay; they must have ready money, something in hand, and will not follow the Lord when there is like to be any great hazard and hardship in his service. But now is the time for you, my Beloved, to prove your selves Believers, when there is nothing visible but present hazard and expense, and difficulty in your Makers service. Now it will be seen who can trust the Lord, and who trusts him not: Now, my Brethren, bear you up, stand fast in the Faith, quit you like men, be strong: now give glory to God by believing. If you can trust in his Promises for your reward now, when nothing appears but the displeasure of Rulers, and Bonds, and losses, and tribulation on every side, this will be somewhat like Believers. Brethren, I beseech you to reckon upon no other but crosses here. Let none of you dream of an Earthly Paradise, or flatter your selves with dreams of sleeping in your ease, and temporal Prosperity, and carrying Heaven too. Think not to keep your Estates, and liberties and consciences too: Count not upon rest till you come to the Land of Promise. Not that I would have any of you to run upon hazards uncalled: No, we shall meet them soon enough in the way of our duty, without we will balk it, and shamefully turn aside: