Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness

Indeed, there is one thing, that I have often urged upon you, but could not obtain your consent, and concurrence with me. I have often times desired you to look after some settled and constant help for me, in the work of the Ministry, and have proposed several to you for that end; but you did not see cause to comply with my Motion therein: but instead of that, you have set your eyes and hearts upon one, whom I, tis true, (only from relative considerations) was very backward to consent unto his improvement, in the same Congregation with my self: Yet have I no reason to find fault with you in this matter; but rather to thank you for your love, ⟨image ?⟩since the person whom you have urgently, and unanimously desired is my Son, who hath laboured in the work of the Gospel among you these two years. I would pray you not to take it ill, that I have been so slow in concurring with your desires respecting such an one, considering that my averseness (which many of you seemed to be troubled at) proceeded not from want of love to your selves, who have so many waves obliged me, that I cannot think my Son, or any thing that is mine, too good or too dear for you; and therefore upon the continued unanimity of your call, I have been passive therein. And I am really sensible of your affection manifested towards my self in the great love, and respect you have showed to one so (no man in this world more) nearly related to me.

Indeed, there is one thing, that I have often urged upon you, but could not obtain your consent, and concurrence with me. I have often times desired you to look after some settled and constant help for me, in the work of the Ministry, and have proposed several to you for that end; but you did not see cause to comply with my Motion therein: but instead of that, you have set your eyes and hearts upon one, whom I, tis true, (only from relative considerations) was very backward to consent unto his improvement, in the same Congregation with my self: Yet have I no reason to find fault with you in this matter; but rather to thank you for your love, ⟨image ?⟩since the person whom you have urgently, and unanimously desired is my Son, who hath laboured in the work of the Gospel among you these two years. I would pray you not to take it ill, that I have been so slow in concurring with your desires respecting such an one, considering that my averseness (which many of you seemed to be troubled at) proceeded not from want of love to your selves, who have so many waves obliged me, that I cannot think my Son, or any thing that is mine, too good or too dear for you; and therefore upon the continued unanimity of your call, I have been passive therein. And I am really sensible of your affection manifested towards my self in the great love, and respect you have shewed to one so (no man in this world more) nearly related to me.