A letter written out of the country to a person of quality in the…A letter written out of the countrey to a person of quality in the…

For my own part I must profess not to have the least doubt concerning the thing it self which we and our Ministers do, and practice, it is only our common great concern, to be very careful with what temper of Spirit, and with what design we do it. It should to the uttermost be endeavoured to be done with all meekness and humility, with all possible reverence to Authority, abhorrence of the least real contempt, and unfeigned regret there should be any appearance of it, though never so unavoidable; With a design only to glorify God, and promote the common salvation; Not to make or serve a party, or advance any other interest than that of mere substantial Christianity and Godliness. Let us covet this temper of mind, and where we see persons of real worth, and of a true latitude and largeness of Spirit, ⟨p. 40⟩commensurate to the Christian interest, that fall in with the public constitution▪ value and love them nothing the less, than if their judgments about these lesser things were never so exactly squared with our own, and so much more, by how much they may excel us in far greater and more valuable things. And if it be our lot to suffer under the notion of evil doers for doing what we take to be our duty, let it be according to the Doctors wholesome Counsel with an unrepining patience, and with much thankfulness both to God and our Rulers that we have enjoyed so much tranquillity; and with that cheerfulness that becomes those that expect a blessed eternity; and to be translated ere long into a pure and peaceful region, where we are to serve God, in society even with many of them who have been offended with us, without scruple or trouble to ourselves or them. If with such dispositions and aims we persist in our course, while our case is attended with such circumstances as now it is; I have no fear, I sincerely profess to you, of our acceptance with God, and, sooner or later, with all good men.

For my own part I must profess not to have the least doubt concerning the thing it self which we and our Ministers do, and practice, it is only our common great concern, to be very careful with what temper of Spirit, and with what design we do it. It should to the uttermost be endeavoured to be done with all meekness and humility, with all possible reverence to Authority, abhorrence of the least real contempt, and unfeigned regret there should be any appearance of it, though never so unavoidable; With a design only to glorifie God, and promote the common salvation; Not to make or serve a party, or advance any other interest than that of meer substantial Christianity and Godliness. Let us covet this temper of mind, and where we see persons of real worth, and of a true latitude and largeness of Spirit,