I Being lately cast among you by the providence of God; and being refreshed by seeing, and beholding your Order, Unity, Love, and holy Zeal for God and Religion, together with that kind Reception you gave me, have, as a token of my Respects, Dedicated these ensuing Sermons to you; some of you also giving Encouragement for the Publication of them. That which I desire of you (which also I have hinted in Letters to you, since I returned to London) is that you would labour to strengthen one another's hands, not only by your mutual Prayers, and by assisting one another, but also that you, by your respective Messengers do meet together one or twice in the ••ar, to know each other's Estate, and wherein you may be further Serviceable one to another; which may prove many ways to your Advantage: 'Tis matter of great joy, to see how you are united in one Spirit, both in matters of Faith, and Practice, tho' Satan hath endeavoured to disturb the peace of some of you; but may be God suffered it, That such that are approved might be made manifest. The Lord increase your numbers, and cause you to flourish like the Palm-trees. Now, that which remains for you (the Churches of Jesus Christ) is, that you show your Love, and holy zeal for the Support of your painful and faithful Pastors, and encouragement of such Gifts that you may have amongst you, by helping them to what Learning they may be able to attain unto, for their better Accomplishment for the Minister•; and by removing one gran• ⟨image 3⟩Discouragement, by a faithful endeavour to support your presen• Ministry by a comfortable Gospel-maintenance, as God hath ordained, to the uttermost of your Ability; by which means a• so, you will acquit your selves of that common charge cast upon the Baptised Churches, viz. They starve their Ministers▪ How should they Provide Bread for your Souls should they be le•• to the Cares and Incumbrances of this Life, in providing Brea• for their own Families; but since you have received it as your undoubted Duty, to discharge them from all worldly Business according to your Abilities, I need say no more to this.
I Being lately cast among you by the providence of God; and being refreshed by seeing, and beholding your Order, Ʋnity, Love, and holy Zeal for God and Religion, together with that kind Reception you gave me, have, as a token of my Respects, Dedicated these insuing Sermons to you; some of you also giving Incouragement for the Publication of them. That which I desire of you (which also I have hinted in Letters to you, since I returned to London) is that you would labour to strengthen one another's hands, not only by your mutual Prayers, and by assisting one another, but also that you, by your respective Messengers do meet together one or twice in the ••ar, to know each other's Estate, and wherein you may be further Serviceable one to another; which may prove many ways to your Advantage: 'Tis matter of great joy, to see how you are united in one Spirit, both in matters of Faith, and Practice, tho' Satan hath indeavoured to disturb the peace of some of you; but may be God suffered it, That such that are approved might be made manifest. The Lord increase your numbers, and cause you to flourish like the Palm-trees. Now, that which remains for you (the Churches of Jesus Christ) is, that you shew your Love, and holy zeal for the Support of your painful and faithful Pastors, and incouragement of such Gifts that you may have amongst you, by helping them to what Learning they may be able to attain unto, for their better Accomplishment for the Minister•; and by removing one gran• ⟨image 3⟩Discouragement, by a faithful indeavour to support your presen• Ministery by a comfortable Gospel-maintenance, as God hath ordained, to the uttermost of your Ability; by which means a• so, you will acquit your selves of that common charge cast upon the Baptised Churches, viz. They starve their Ministers▪ How should they Provide Bread for your Souls should they be le•• to the Cares and Incumbrances of this Life, in providing Brea• for their own Families; but since you have received it as your undoubted Duty, to discharge them from all worldly Business according to your Abilities, I need say no more to this.
