True it is, that this retired and
strict sort of life, from the liberty of the conversation of the world,
exposed us to the censures of many, as humourists, conceited and
self-righteous persons, &c.; but it was our preservation from many
snares, to which others were continually exposed, by the prevalency of
the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, that
wanted no occasions or temptations to excite them abroad in the converse
of the world.
I cannot forget the humility and chaste zeal of that day. O! how
constant at meetings, how retired in them; how firm to truth's life, as
well as truth's principles; and how entire and united in our communion,
as, indeed, became those that profess one head, even Christ Jesus the
Lord.
This being the testimony and example the man of God before mentioned was
sent to declare and leave amongst us, and we having embraced the same, as
the merciful visitation of God to us, the word of exhortation, at this
time, is that we continue to be found in the way of this testimony, with
all zeal and integrity, and so much the more, by how much the day draweth
near. And first, as to you my beloved and much honoured brethren in
Christ, that are in the exercise of the ministry: O! feel life in your
ministry.
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