Often had we the burden of the word
of the Lord to our neighbours, relations, and acquaintance; and sometimes
strangers also. We were in travail likewise for one another's
preservation; not seeking, but shunning, occasions of any coldness or
misunderstanding; treating one another as those that believed and felt
God present; which kept our conversation innocent, serious, and weighty;
guarding ourselves against the cares and friendships of the world. We
held the truth in the Spirit of it, and not in our own spirits, or after
our own wills and affections.
We were bowed and brought into subjection, insomuch that it was visible
to them that knew us. We did not think ourselves at our own disposal, to
go where we list, or say or do what we list, or when we list. Our
liberty stood in the liberty of the Spirit of truth; and no pleasure, no
profit, no fear, no favour, could draw us from this retired, strict, and
watchful frame. We were so far from seeking occasions of company, that
we avoided them what we could; pursuing our own business with moderation,
instead of meddling with other people's unnecessarily.
Our words were few and savoury, our looks composed and weighty, and our
whole deportment very observable.
Pages:
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92