For this, as I
said before, the disciples waited before they went forth; and in this our
elder brethren and messengers of God in our day, waited, visited, and
reached to us; and having begun in the Spirit, let none ever hope or seek
to be made perfect in the flesh: for what is the flesh to the Spirit, or
the chaff to the wheat? And if we keep in the Spirit, we shall keep in
the unity of it, which is the ground of true fellowship. For by drinking
into that one Spirit, we are made one people to God, and by it we are
continued in the unity of the faith, and the bond of peace. No envying,
no bitterness, no strife, can have place with us. We shall watch always
for good, and not for evil, one over another; and rejoice exceedingly,
and not begrudge at one another's increase in the riches of the grace
with which God replenisheth his faithful servants.
And Brethren, as to you is committed the dispensation of the oracles of
God, which give you frequent opportunities, and great place with the
people among whom you travel, I beseech you, that you would not think it
sufficient to declare the word of life in their assemblies, however
edifying and comfortable such opportunities may be to you and them: but,
as was the practice of the man of God before mentioned, in great measure,
when among us, inquire the state of the several churches you visit; who
among them are afflicted or sick, who are tempted, and if any are
unfaithful or obstinate; and endeavour to issue those things in the
wisdom and power of God, which will be a glorious crown upon your
ministry.
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