And truly, I must say, that though God had visibly clothed him with a
divine preference and authority, yet he never abused it; but held his
place in the church of God with great meekness, and a most engaging
humility and moderation. For upon all occasions, like his blessed
Master, he was a servant to all; holding and exercising his eldership in
the invisible power that had gathered them, with reverence to the Head,
and care over the body: and was received, only in that Spirit and power
of Christ, as the first and chief elder in this age: who, as he was
therefore worthy of double honour, so for the same reason it was given by
the faithful of this day; because his authority was inward and not
outward, and that he got it and kept it by the love of God, and power of
an endless life. I write my knowledge, and not report; and my witness is
true; having been with him for weeks and months together on divers
occasions, and those of the nearest, and most exercising nature; and that
by night and by day, by sea and by land; in this and in foreign
countries; and I can say, I never saw him out of his place, or not a
match for every service or occasion. For in all things he acquitted
himself like a man, yea, a strong man, a new and heavenly-minded man, a
divine and a naturalist, and all of God Almighty's making.
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