A Christian epistle to Friends in general of weighty concern, for their present and future peace and safety from the soul's adversary's subtill devices and snares of death. To be carefully communicated to the children of light, and professors thereof every where. Being faithfully given forth, and recommended from the spirit of Christ; by his servant George Whitehead.
         Whitehead, George, 1636?-1723.
      
       
         
           1689
        
      
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         99832348
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             A Christian epistle to Friends in general of weighty concern, for their present and future peace and safety from the soul's adversary's subtill devices and snares of death. To be carefully communicated to the children of light, and professors thereof every where. Being faithfully given forth, and recommended from the spirit of Christ; by his servant George Whitehead.
             Whitehead, George, 1636?-1723.
          
           15, [1]p.
           
             Printed by Andrew Sowle: and sold at the Three-Keys in Nags-Head-Court in Grace-Church-Street,
             [London] :
             1689.
          
           
             Signed on p. 15: G. Whitehead.
             Reproduction of the original in the British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
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           A
           
             Christian
             Epistle
          
           TO
           FRIENDS
           .
        
         
           In
           General
           ,
           Of
           weighty
           Concern
           ,
           for
           their
           present
           and
           future
           Peace
           and
           Safety
           from
           the
           Soul's
           Adversary's
           subtil
           Devices
           and
           Snares
           of
           Death
           .
           To
           be
           carefully
           Communicated
           to
           the
           Children
           of
           Light
           ,
           and
           Professors
           thereof
           every
           where
           .
           Being
           Faithfully
           given
           forth
           ,
           and
           Recommended
           from
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Christ
           ;
           By
           his
           Servant
        
         
           George
           Whitehead
           .
        
         
           Matth.
           26.
           41.
           
        
         
           Watch
           and
           Pray
           —
           Praying
           always
           —
        
         
           Ephes.
           6.
           18.
           
        
         
           With
           all
           Prayer
           and
           Supplication
           in
           the
           Spirit
           —
           And
           watching
           thereunto
           with
           all
           Perseve●ance
           .
        
         
           Printed
           by
           
             Andrew
             Sowle
          
           :
           And
           sold
           at
           the
           Three-Keys
           in
           Nags-Head-Court
           in
           Grace-Church-Street
           ,
           1689.
           
        
      
    
     
       
         
         
         
           A
           Christian
           EPISTLE
           to
           Friends
           in
           General
           ,
           &c.
           
        
         
           
             Dear
             and
             Tenderly
             Beloved
             Friends
             ,
             and
             Called
             of
             God
             every
             where
             ;
          
        
         
           IN
           a
           real
           and
           deep
           sence
           of
           my
           Heavenly
           Fathers
           Love
           and
           tender
           Mercy
           revealed
           through
           his
           most
           dear
           Son
           ,
           our
           ever
           blessed
           Lord
           and
           Saviour
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           which
           I
           am
           (
           with
           many
           more
           )
           livingly
           made
           a
           partaker
           of
           ,
           doth
           my
           Life
           and
           Spirit
           very
           dearly
           and
           tenderly
           salute
           you
           ,
           as
           truly
           and
           most
           heartily
           wishing
           and
           praying
           ,
           that
           divine
           Grace
           ,
           Mercy
           and
           Peace
           ,
           with
           all
           Spiritual
           Blessings
           and
           Divine
           Favours
           in
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           may
           be
           encreased
           and
           multiplyed
           among
           you
           ,
           and
           unto
           you
           ,
           to
           your
           great
           Consolation
           ,
           Peace
           and
           Prosperity
           in
           the
           Love
           of
           God.
           
        
         
           
             Dear
             Friends
          
           ,
           I
           finding
           for
           some
           time
           of
           late
           a
           living
           and
           holy
           constraint
           and
           pressure
           of
           Spirit
           to
           communicate
           some
           things
           of
           weight
           and
           concern
           unto
           you
           ,
           respecting
           your
           Safety
           ,
           Peace
           and
           Prosperity
           in
           the
           blessed
           unchangeable
           Truth
           ,
           am
           opened
           and
           encouraged
           by
           the
           precious
           Life
           and
           Spirit
           of
           our
           God
           ,
           to
           be
           clear
           and
           free
           therein
           towards
           you
           all
           ,
           and
           that
           in
           discharge
           of
           my
           tender
           Conscience
           in
           the
           sight
           and
           presence
           of
           the
           God
           of
           my
           Life
           ,
           whom
           I
           serve
           with
           my
           Spirit
           in
           the
           Gospel
           of
           his
           dear
           Son
           ,
           as
           I
           have
           sincerely
           done
           from
           my
           Youth
           upward
           ,
           blessed
           be
           his
           pure
           Name
           forever
           .
           And
           having
           had
           these
           many
           Years
           experience
           in
           the
           weighty
           Service
           of
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           through
           manifold
           ▪
           Exercises
           ,
           Burthens
           ,
           Spiritual
           Travels
           and
           Oppositions
           ,
           I
           may
           not
           hide
           my
           Talent
           ,
           nor
           conceal
           those
           things
           my
           Lord
           and
           Master
           requires
           me
           to
           divulge
           for
           the
           Safety
           and
           Good
           of
           his
           People
           in
           their
           several
           Conditions
           ,
           States
           and
           Attainments
           ,
           as
           having
           long
           and
           truly
           seen
           the
           goodness
           of
           the
           Lord
           in
           the
           Land
           of
           the
           Living
           ,
           and
           the
           good
           and
           blessed
           Estate
           of
           his
           chosen
           and
           faithful
           Ones
           ;
           for
           which
           I
           praise
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           
           Lord
           my
           Redeemer
           ,
           in
           whom
           I
           have
           believed
           through
           his
           divine
           Goodness
           ,
           never
           to
           be
           forgotten
           by
           any
           of
           us
           ;
           as
           also
           being
           not
           ignorant
           of
           ,
           or
           unaquainted
           with
           the
           many
           Wiles
           ,
           various
           Workings
           and
           Depths
           of
           Satan
           ,
           the
           great
           Adversary
           of
           mans
           Felicity
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Peace
           of
           God's
           People
           ,
           who
           worketh
           upon
           the
           divers
           Inclinations
           ,
           mutable
           Affections
           ,
           Wills
           ,
           Weaknesses
           and
           Infirmities
           of
           the
           Sons
           of
           Men
           ,
           to
           deceive
           ,
           pervert
           ,
           deprave
           and
           corrupt
           them
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           the
           more
           easily
           be
           led
           captive
           by
           him
           at
           his
           Will
           ,
           in
           their
           following
           their
           own
           unsubjected
           Wills
           and
           Spirits
           .
           You
           therefore
           (
           my
           
             dear
             Friends
          
           )
           who
           have
           livingly
           felt
           ,
           and
           tasted
           of
           the
           Lord's
           Power
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           known
           his
           Work
           in
           your
           Hearts
           ,
           in
           order
           to
           your
           Deliverance
           and
           Redemption
           out
           of
           the
           Evil
           World
           ,
           and
           the
           Corruptions
           thereof
           ,
           prize
           his
           tender
           Mercies
           and
           Goodness
           ,
           and
           forget
           them
           not
           :
           Let
           the
           holy
           fear
           of
           the
           Lord
           God
           be
           your
           Treasure
           and
           true
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           Understanding
           ,
           the
           Stability
           of
           your
           times
           in
           Righteousness
           :
           Let
           your
           sincere
           Love
           to
           the
           pure
           Name
           and
           Truth
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           one
           unto
           another
           be
           continued
           in
           that
           unchangeable
           Truth
           and
           Power
           of
           an
           Endless
           Life
           ,
           whereunto
           the
           Lord
           hath
           called
           us
           ;
           and
           I
           pray
           God
           increase
           your
           Love
           and
           Zeal
           for
           his
           Glorious
           Name
           and
           Christian
           Tenderness
           ,
           and
           Brotherly
           Affection
           one
           towards
           another
           ,
           that
           Life
           for
           evermore
           may
           be
           your
           Blessing
           and
           Portion
           ,
           as
           it
           will
           be
           to
           all
           them
           who
           dwell
           in
           Amity
           ,
           true
           Love
           ,
           and
           Unity
           of
           Spirit
           in
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           ,
           which
           is
           a
           most
           joyful
           ,
           comfortable
           and
           blessed
           state
           ,
           which
           too
           many
           Professors
           of
           Truth
           are
           short
           of
           ,
           for
           want
           of
           keeping
           near
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           in
           his
           holy
           fear
           &
           Love
           of
           his
           blessed
           Name
           and
           Truth
           ,
           whose
           negligence
           and
           unfaithfulness
           to
           Truth
           in
           themselves
           hath
           caused
           a
           decay
           of
           Love
           ,
           &
           want
           of
           Charity
           towards
           others
           ;
           and
           then
           instead
           of
           humbly
           waiting
           and
           depending
           upon
           the
           Lord
           ,
           some
           have
           exalted
           themselves
           in
           a
           Self-will
           ,
           Self-conceit
           ,
           &
           Affection
           to
           preheminence
           in
           judgment
           over
           others
           ,
           until
           thereby
           Divisions
           and
           Self-separations
           have
           been
           caused
           and
           stirred
           up
           by
           them
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           grief
           of
           the
           Spirits
           of
           the
           upright
           ,
           who
           have
           kept
           their
           Integrity
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           his
           Truth
           and
           People
           .
           And
           this
           Self-Exaltation
           ,
           slighting
           and
           contemning
           others
           ,
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           are
           the
           great
           Evils
           ,
           Snares
           and
           Engines
           wherewith
           the
           Adversary
           catches
           them
           that
           never
           were
           
           throughly
           subjected
           into
           true
           Humility
           ,
           Mortification
           ,
           true
           Self-denial
           ,
           or
           dying
           with
           Christ
           ;
           such
           ,
           though
           under
           Profession
           of
           Truth
           ,
           may
           make
           a
           great
           shew
           and
           flourish
           for
           a
           time
           in
           outward
           appearance
           ,
           Leaves
           and
           Blossoms
           ,
           yet
           they
           bring
           not
           forth
           Fruit
           ▪
           unto
           perfection
           ,
           or
           ripeness
           in
           Christ.
           Therefore
           beware
           of
           Self-exaltation
           ,
           beware
           of
           an
           Earthly
           Spirit
           entring
           ,
           beware
           of
           Covetousness
           ▪
           which
           is
           Idolatry
           :
           Let
           not
           the
           Earth
           interpose
           betwixt
           any
           of
           your
           Souls
           ,
           and
           the
           brightness
           of
           that
           divine
           Glory
           which
           has
           appeared
           even
           in
           our
           Day
           and
           Times
           .
        
         
           
             Spiritual
             Gifts
          
           may
           be
           lost
           ,
           or
           fallen
           short
           of
           ,
           if
           the
           Fountain
           of
           them
           ,
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           of
           Life
           it self
           ,
           be
           not
           diligently
           minded
           &
           followed
           ;
           and
           where
           Love
           towards
           God
           and
           his
           Truth
           decays
           in
           any
           ,
           their
           love
           towards
           his
           Servants
           and
           People
           grows
           cold
           ,
           and
           then
           their
           Gifts
           decrease
           and
           dye
           ,
           as
           the
           Life
           of
           them
           is
           withdrawn
           or
           departed
           from
           ,
           or
           that
           Love
           lost
           which
           is
           the
           more
           excellent
           way
           ;
           for
           
             If
             I
             want
             Charity
          
           (
           or
           Love
           )
           
             I
             am
             nothing
          
           .
           What
           Gifts
           ,
           Openings
           ,
           Discoveries
           ,
           Visions
           ,
           Revelations
           ,
           Wisdom
           ,
           Knowledge
           or
           Understanding
           soever
           any
           have
           ,
           yet
           still
           't
           is
           the
           heavenly
           Root
           must
           bear
           them
           ,
           they
           must
           keep
           low
           their
           Minds
           and
           Spirits
           to
           that
           from
           whence
           Life
           and
           Love
           springs
           ,
           or
           else
           they
           fall
           ,
           wither
           ,
           dye
           and
           become
           empty
           ,
           uncharitable
           and
           hard-hearted
           ;
           and
           there
           the
           Enemy
           has
           his
           Evil
           Ends
           upon
           them
           ,
           in
           betraying
           them
           ,
           and
           corrupting
           their
           minds
           from
           the
           Truth
           ,
           from
           Life
           ,
           from
           Love
           ,
           from
           the
           Innocency
           and
           Simplicity
           which
           is
           in
           Christ
           ,
           the
           Way
           ,
           the
           Truth
           and
           the
           Life
           ;
           and
           there
           's
           a
           danger
           in
           being
           too
           early
           and
           forward
           to
           censure
           and
           judge
           others
           ,
           and
           in
           judging
           ,
           censuring
           and
           undervaluing
           others
           Gifts
           ,
           Ministry
           and
           Labour●
           whom
           God
           hath
           called
           into
           his
           Work
           and
           Service
           ;
           for
           some
           whereby
           may
           either
           lose
           their
           own
           Gifts
           ,
           Life
           and
           Strength
           ,
           or
           fall
           short
           of
           those
           heavenly
           Gifts
           ,
           which
           otherwise
           they
           might
           attain
           to
           ,
           if
           they
           kept
           low
           and
           tender
           in
           Humility
           ,
           Love
           &
           Society
           with
           their
           Brethren
           ,
           whereby
           they
           might
           also
           be
           serviceable
           with
           them
           :
           For
           I
           have
           seen
           in
           my
           time
           some
           who
           never
           passed
           through
           Judgment
           in
           themselves
           ,
           yet
           very
           censorious
           ,
           judging
           ,
           detracting
           and
           whispering
           against
           their
           Brethren
           ,
           slighting
           them
           ,
           their
           Ministry
           and
           Labours
           ,
           who
           themselves
           have
           greatly
           lost
           by
           it
           ;
           and
           God
           in
           displeasure
           hath
           suffered
           them
           to
           discover
           their
           own
           weakness
           
           and
           nakedness
           ,
           for
           their
           own
           abasement
           under
           the
           righteous
           Judgment
           of
           Truth
           .
           And
           't
           is
           evident
           from
           this
           kind
           of
           exalted
           censorious
           ,
           whispering
           and
           envious
           Spirit
           (
           which
           worketh
           not
           for
           Love
           and
           Union
           )
           have
           proceeded
           the
           several
           
             Divisions
             ,
             Schisms
          
           and
           Separations
           which
           have
           happened
           ,
           to
           the
           great
           trouble
           of
           the
           Church
           of
           Christ
           in
           our
           days
           ,
           as
           in
           the
           
             Primitive
             Christians
          
           days
           .
           And
           the
           several
           sorts
           of
           Apostates
           &
           Backsliders
           from
           Truth
           shew
           what
           ,
           and
           what
           kind
           and
           manner
           of
           Spirit
           they
           went
           and
           go
           out
           in
           by
           their
           Works
           and
           Fruits
           ,
           whether
           in
           a
           Spirit
           of
           Pride
           and
           Ambition
           ,
           in
           a
           Spirit
           of
           Envy
           and
           Hypocrisie
           ,
           in
           a
           
             scornful
             contemning
          
           Spirit
           ,
           in
           a
           
             covetous
             earthly
          
           Spirit
           ,
           in
           a
           
             loose
             prophane
          
           Spirit
           ,
           or
           in
           a
           
             drunken
             debauched
          
           Spirit
           of
           Ranterism
           and
           
             fleshly
             Liberty
          
           ,
           which
           come
           all
           from
           one
           evil
           Root
           and
           Seed
           ,
           according
           to
           the
           various
           corrupt
           Inclinations
           and
           Wills
           of
           Men
           ,
           upon
           which
           the
           Enemy
           works
           and
           appears
           with
           Baits
           and
           Temptations
           suitable
           thereunto
           ,
           that
           he
           may
           prevail
           the
           more
           .
           And
           't
           is
           certain
           ,
           that
           the
           envious
           Apostates
           ,
           and
           wilful
           Adversaries
           were
           the
           most
           troublesome
           to
           the
           Primitive
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           and
           his
           holy
           Apostles
           in
           their
           day
           ,
           and
           so
           in
           ours
           .
           Therefore
           blessed
           and
           truly
           happy
           are
           they
           that
           keep
           their
           Habitations
           in
           the
           Truth
           and
           love
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           live
           in
           
             Christian
             Love
          
           and
           Charity
           one
           towards
           another
           ;
           for
           such
           walk
           in
           the
           Light
           ,
           where
           there
           's
           no
           occasion
           of
           stumbling
           ,
           or
           scandal
           .
           And
           as
           't
           was
           Evidence
           unto
           the
           
             Primitive
             Christians
          
           ,
           that
           they
           were
           passed
           from
           Death
           to
           Life
           ,
           because
           they
           loved
           the
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           that
           they
           had
           purified
           their
           Souls
           through
           their
           Obedience
           of
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           unto
           unfeigned
           Love
           of
           the
           Brethren
           .
           Even
           so
           now
           the
           same
           Evidence
           &
           Testimony
           remains
           and
           lives
           in
           and
           for
           all
           them
           that
           dwell
           in
           the
           Love
           of
           God
           one
           towards
           another
           :
           For
           all
           
             Envy
             ,
             Prejudice
             ,
             Back-bitings
             ,
             Whisperings
             ,
             Tale-carrying
             ,
             Lying
             ,
             Heats
             ,
             Passions
             ,
             Provocations
             ,
             Reviling
             ,
             Railing
             ,
             Clamours
             ,
             Scorn
             ,
             Contempt
             ,
             ill
             Language
             ,
             Flattery
          
           and
           Hypocrisie
           ,
           are
           to
           be
           utterly
           put
           away
           ,
           avoided
           ,
           judged
           ,
           condemned
           ,
           and
           forever
           excluded
           the
           Camp
           of
           God
           ,
           for
           they
           proceed
           from
           the
           false
           and
           degenerate
           Birth
           ,
           evil
           Seed
           and
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           not
           from
           the
           true
           Seed
           or
           Birth
           which
           is
           Innocent
           ,
           and
           hurts
           no
           body
           by
           Word
           or
           Action
           ,
           in
           Person
           ,
           Name
           ,
           Reputation
           or
           Property
           ,
           for
           that
           's
           tender
           in
           all
           these
           things
           :
           For
           
             false
             Reports
             ,
             Whisperings
             ,
             Back-bitings
          
           and
           
             Tale
             carrying
          
           cause
           Strife
           
           and
           Division
           ,
           and
           are
           condemned
           by
           the
           Law
           of
           God
           and
           Light
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           expresly
           forbidden
           by
           God
           himself
           ,
           
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             be
             as
             one
             that
             carries
             Tales
             up
             and
             down
             among
             my
             People
             :
             Thou
             shalt
             not
             receive
             a
             false
             Tale
             ,
             nor
             raise
             a
             false
             Report
             against
             the
             Lord's
             People
             ,
             nor
             do
             his
             Prophets
             or
             Servants
             any
             harm
             .
          
           And
           all
           who
           profess
           the
           Truth
           ,
           or
           make
           mention
           of
           the
           Name
           of
           the
           Lord
           among
           us
           ,
           ought
           to
           watch
           over
           their
           own
           Spirits
           ,
           Wills
           and
           Passions
           ,
           and
           have
           a
           care
           of
           hurting
           one
           another
           ,
           or
           crushing
           any
           tender
           Spirit
           or
           Plant
           ,
           or
           stopping
           or
           quenching
           any
           Spiritual
           Gift
           or
           Testimony
           God
           has
           given
           ,
           how
           little
           or
           low
           soever
           it
           may
           be
           ,
           or
           seem
           ;
           for
           some
           of
           a
           tender
           Spirit
           are
           sooner
           hurt
           and
           wounded
           ,
           than
           healed
           .
           All
           keep
           in
           Christian
           Humility
           ,
           Meekness
           ,
           Patience
           ,
           Gentleness
           ,
           and
           Tender
           heartedness
           one
           towards
           another
           .
           And
           Elders
           and
           Overseers
           in
           the
           Churches
           of
           Christ
           must
           be
           Examples
           of
           Believers
           ,
           both
           in
           Humllity
           ,
           Meekness
           ,
           Patience
           and
           Condescention
           ,
           as
           Christian
           Patterns
           ;
           and
           not
           self-willed
           ,
           nor
           soon
           angry
           ,
           nor
           given
           to
           Passion
           ,
           Striving
           ,
           Heats
           or
           Contention
           :
           Such
           Christian
           Examples
           and
           Behaviour
           in
           the
           House
           and
           Church
           of
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           tends
           greatly
           to
           keep
           out
           and
           prevent
           Contentions
           ,
           and
           contentious
           Spirits
           ▪
           and
           to
           the
           comfort
           and
           encouragement
           of
           the
           upright-hearted
           ,
           who
           are
           willing
           to
           serve
           the
           Lord
           ,
           his
           Truth
           and
           people
           .
        
         
           My
           
             dear
             Friends
          
           ,
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           has
           been
           good
           to
           us
           ,
           a
           tender
           Father
           through
           all
           our
           Tryals
           ,
           Sufferings
           and
           Exercises
           ,
           in
           upholding
           us
           by
           his
           free
           Spirit
           ,
           accompanying
           us
           with
           his
           presence
           ,
           comforting
           us
           in
           our
           Afflictions
           ,
           with
           his
           renewed
           Mercies
           and
           multiplied
           Favours
           ,
           in
           preserving
           us
           a
           living
           people
           to
           his
           praise
           until
           this
           day
           ,
           and
           affording
           us
           this
           present
           Liberty
           we
           have
           of
           late
           enjoyed
           ,
           and
           do
           pertake
           of
           the
           benefit
           and
           advantage
           thereof
           ▪
           in
           our
           publick
           ,
           peaceable
           and
           Religious
           Assemblies
           ,
           for
           the
           Exaltation
           of
           the
           glorious
           Name
           ,
           holy
           Truth
           ,
           and
           divine
           Power
           of
           the
           Lord
           our
           God.
           Wherefore
           we
           have
           great
           cause
           to
           prize
           his
           tender
           Mercies
           and
           Goodness
           to
           us
           ,
           and
           walk
           humbly
           under
           the
           sence
           thereof
           ,
           that
           a
           right
           use
           and
           improvement
           may
           be
           made
           of
           all
           the
           Mercies
           and
           Priviledges
           we
           do
           enjoy
           ,
           and
           such
           a
           good
           use
           of
           the
           present
           Liberty
           ,
           as
           that
           none
           grow
           careless
           or
           negligent
           ,
           indifferent
           or
           luke-warm
           
           because
           thereof
           ,
           nor
           any
           to
           sit
           ●own
           at
           ease
           in
           the
           Flesh
           ,
           or
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           and
           therein
           promise
           themselves
           security
           from
           further
           Sufferings
           or
           Tryals
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           late
           present
           enjoyment
           of
           liberty
           and
           ease
           from
           Persecution
           :
           This
           is
           no
           good
           use
           of
           the
           present
           Mercy
           ,
           nor
           safe
           Conclusion
           ,
           for
           God
           has
           many
           ways
           to
           try
           his
           people
           ,
           and
           National
           Calamities
           and
           Distresses
           (
           whereof
           his
           own
           people
           sometimes
           partake
           )
           are
           not
           at
           an
           end
           ,
           nor
           the
           Judgments
           (
           incurred
           by
           Iniquity
           )
           turned
           away
           ,
           because
           of
           the
           continued
           Provocations
           ,
           Wickedness
           ,
           Rebellions
           against
           God
           ,
           their
           Abominations
           ,
           Pride
           ,
           Hypocrisies
           ,
           Deceits
           ,
           Falshood
           and
           Presumption
           abounding
           in
           this
           and
           other
           professing
           Nations
           against
           the
           great
           and
           righteous
           God
           ,
           the
           Judge
           of
           all
           ,
           who
           is
           so
           long
           sparing
           and
           for
           bearing
           ,
           as
           he
           is
           to
           this
           Nation
           ,
           meerly
           for
           his
           small
           Remnant
           and
           Seed's
           sake
           ,
           which
           is
           already
           gathered
           ,
           and
           to
           be
           gathered
           .
        
         
           Yet
           the
           great
           God
           will
           
             distress
             Nations
          
           ,
           and
           cause
           the
           Earth
           to
           tremble
           before
           him
           ,
           and
           Overturnings
           and
           Desolations
           in
           the
           Earth
           before
           Calamities
           are
           ended
           ,
           or
           Christ's
           peaceable
           Kingdom
           be
           set
           up
           more
           generally
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           or
           where
           as
           yet
           it
           is
           opposed
           and
           resisted
           :
           For
           the
           cause
           why
           
             Wars
             ,
             Desolations
          
           ,
           and
           the
           
             devouring
             Sword
          
           are
           already
           in
           
             great
             Judgment
          
           entred
           so
           many
           Nations
           and
           Countries
           ,
           is
           because
           of
           the
           Crying
           Sins
           ,
           Great
           Provocations
           ,
           Persecutions
           and
           Cruelties
           in
           the
           dark
           Places
           of
           the
           Earth
           .
        
         
           And
           
             dear
             Friends
             ,
             Brethren
          
           and
           Sisters
           ,
           whom
           I
           truly
           love
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           who
           retain
           your
           Integrity
           and
           Love
           in
           the
           blessed
           unchangable
           Truth
           ,
           you
           cannot
           be
           unsensible
           how
           that
           the
           Lord's
           Harvest
           is
           great
           ,
           and
           what
           need
           of
           faithful
           Labourers
           there
           now
           is
           ,
           an
           effectual
           Door
           being
           open
           in
           this
           time
           of
           Liberty
           ,
           the
           Lord
           in
           Mercy
           has
           granted
           for
           the
           good
           of
           many
           poor
           Souls
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           come
           and
           receive
           the
           Truth
           in
           the
           love
           of
           it
           ;
           and
           that
           they
           who
           have
           been
           ,
           or
           are
           of
           a
           fearful
           Heart
           ,
           may
           receive
           strength
           ,
           and
           know
           the
           Lord
           to
           be
           their
           Saviour
           and
           Redeemer
           ,
           in
           this
           his
           Evangelical
           Day
           ,
           and
           free
           and
           blessed
           opportunity
           he
           has
           afforded
           .
           And
           yet
           though
           this
           Harvest
           be
           great
           ,
           the
           diligent
           and
           faithful
           Labourers
           are
           but
           few
           now
           raised
           up
           ,
           in
           Comparison
           of
           the
           greatness
           of
           the
           Harvest
           ,
           and
           necessity
           of
           the
           Work
           ,
           many
           of
           our
           antient
           Brethren
           ,
           and
           faithful
           
           fellow-Labourers
           and
           Helpers
           in
           Christ
           ,
           being
           taken
           away
           ,
           and
           gone
           to
           their
           Everlasting
           Rest
           ,
           having
           faithfully
           served
           out
           their
           Day
           and
           Generation
           ,
           fulfilled
           and
           finish'd
           their
           Testimony
           with
           Joy
           and
           Peace
           ,
           and
           obtain'd
           a
           Crown
           of
           Glory
           that
           shall
           never
           fade
           away
           .
        
         
           And
           this
           very
           matter
           has
           been
           often
           seriously
           upon
           my
           Thoughts
           ,
           and
           weighty
           Considerations
           ,
           What
           should
           be
           the
           Cause
           or
           Reason
           why
           so
           few
           faithful
           Labourers
           ,
           and
           clear
           Gospel
           Ministers
           have
           been
           of
           late
           raised
           up
           ,
           or
           now
           brought
           forth
           ?
           (
           though
           some
           be
           in
           a
           good
           lively
           Testimony
           ,
           blessed
           be
           the
           Lord
           )
           and
           it
           clearly
           appears
           to
           me
           ;
           First
           ,
           That
           few
           are
           given
           up
           in
           their
           Spirits
           for
           this
           weighty
           Service
           ,
           (
           as
           we
           were
           in
           the
           beginning
           )
           who
           are
           in
           some
           measure
           gifted
           and
           qualified
           .
        
         
           Secondly
           ,
           Few
           sincerely
           seek
           the
           Lord
           ,
           or
           have
           waited
           upon
           him
           with
           fervent
           Desires
           ,
           Prayer
           and
           Supplication
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           be
           gifted
           ,
           indued
           and
           qualified
           with
           
             Power
             ,
             Wisdom
             ,
             Faith
             ,
             Patience
             ,
          
           &c.
           for
           the
           Work
           of
           the
           Ministry
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           ;
           whereas
           if
           any
           man
           want
           Wisdom
           ,
           he
           should
           ask
           it
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           he
           shall
           not
           miss
           of
           a
           gracious
           answer
           to
           the
           desire
           of
           his
           Soul
           ,
           who
           sincerely
           asks
           ,
           seeks
           and
           knocks
           at
           Wisdom's
           Gate
           .
           
             Whatsoever
             ye
             ask
             in
             my
             Name
          
           (
           saith
           Christ
           )
           
             believe
             that
             ye
             shall
             receive
             it
             ,
             and
             it
             shall
             be
             given
             you
             .
          
           You
           know
           Soloman's
           Request
           to
           the
           Lord
           ,
           for
           an
           understanding
           Heart
           ,
           to
           discern
           Judgment
           ,
           his
           choice
           of
           Wisdom
           rather
           than
           Riches
           ,
           or
           long
           Life
           ,
           how
           it
           pleased
           God
           ,
           1
           King.
           3.
           10.
           
        
         
           Thirdly
           ,
           Very
           few
           have
           their
           Minds
           and
           Spirits
           really
           and
           inwardly
           exercised
           in
           frequent
           Prayer
           ,
           and
           daily
           Supplication
           to
           God
           ,
           or
           in
           heavenly
           Meditation
           ,
           or
           spiritual
           Contemplation
           in
           Gods
           pure
           and
           spiritual
           Laws
           ,
           Ways
           ,
           Judgments
           and
           Works
           ,
           or
           in
           holy
           Scriptures
           ,
           by
           the
           holy
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           opens
           them
           ,
           but
           too
           many
           have
           their
           Minds
           ,
           Hearts
           and
           Affections
           taken
           up
           with
           these
           fading
           Objects
           and
           Things
           below
           ,
           minding
           earthly
           things
           ,
           or
           overcharged
           with
           the
           love
           of
           Riches
           ,
           Cares
           and
           Cumbers
           of
           this
           Life
           to
           compass
           the
           Earth
           ,
           wherein
           many
           a
           good
           Tallent
           has
           been
           hid
           ,
           and
           poor
           Soul
           buried
           in
           Captivity
           :
           Whereas
           it
           requires
           an
           inward
           and
           serious
           Exercise
           of
           Spirit
           toward
           God
           ,
           frequent
           and
           servent
           Prayer
           and
           Supplication
           unto
           him
           ,
           an
           inward
           
           and
           diligent
           attention
           upon
           him
           ,
           who
           is
           the
           giver
           of
           every
           good
           and
           perfect
           Gift
           ,
           to
           obtain
           both
           divine
           Wisdom
           ,
           and
           a
           weighty
           living
           clear
           Evangelical
           Ministry
           .
           For
           't
           is
           the
           sanctified
           Hearts
           and
           Souls
           who
           truly
           fear
           God
           ,
           into
           whom
           only
           Wisdom
           entreth
           ,
           and
           maketh
           them
           Friends
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           Prophets
           .
           The
           Lord
           will
           have
           an
           inward
           spiritual
           ,
           sincere
           &
           zealous
           People
           .
           Oh!
           Inward
           watchfulness
           ,
           Prayer
           and
           Supplication
           to
           Almighty
           God
           have
           been
           ,
           and
           are
           too
           much
           neglected
           by
           many
           ;
           I
           pray
           God
           they
           may
           seriously
           examine
           ,
           and
           find
           out
           the
           causes
           in
           themselves
           with
           the
           Light
           of
           Christ
           Jesus
           ,
           and
           bring
           all
           to
           the
           righteous
           judgment
           thereof
           .
        
         
           Fourthly
           ,
           If
           any
           of
           the
           younger
           sort
           ,
           who
           are
           in
           some
           measure
           indued
           with
           spiritual
           Gifts
           and
           Knowledge
           ,
           do
           let
           up
           a
           slight
           and
           dis-esteem
           in
           their
           Minds
           of
           their
           elder
           Brethren
           ,
           who
           are
           experienced
           in
           the
           Work
           and
           Service
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           keep
           not
           in
           Society
           or
           Union
           with
           them
           in
           the
           Spirit
           of
           Love
           ,
           and
           of
           a
           sound
           Mind
           ,
           but
           give
           way
           unto
           a
           singularity
           ,
           abounding
           in
           their
           own
           sence
           ,
           not
           keeping
           low
           and
           humble
           before
           the
           Lord
           ,
           nor
           little
           in
           their
           own
           Eyes
           ;
           such
           neither
           grow
           in
           Life
           ,
           nor
           in
           divine
           Openings
           ,
           nor
           increase
           in
           their
           Gifts
           ,
           nor
           come
           to
           attain
           to
           a
           weighty
           clear
           Evangelical
           Ministry
           and
           Service
           ,
           but
           rather
           loose
           ,
           dye
           and
           wither
           ,
           unless
           they
           come
           into
           true
           Humility
           ,
           Self-denyal
           ,
           Reconciliation
           ,
           Love
           and
           Union
           with
           their
           elder
           faithful
           Brethren
           ,
           who
           in
           the
           love
           of
           God
           would
           tenderly
           help
           them
           ,
           and
           not
           hinder
           them
           in
           the
           Work
           and
           Service
           of
           the
           Lord
           our
           God.
           
        
         
           It
           is
           both
           a
           great
           Grief
           and
           Scandal
           also
           to
           see
           many
           of
           the
           younger
           sort
           ,
           who
           frequent
           our
           Meetings
           ,
           and
           even
           of
           Friends
           Children
           also
           ,
           degenerating
           into
           Pride
           ,
           and
           
             height
             of
             Spirit
          
           ,
           and
           Apparel
           ,
           so
           nearly
           to
           immitate
           and
           border
           upon
           the
           World
           ,
           as
           too
           to
           many
           do
           ,
           contrary
           to
           the
           
             Gravity
             ,
             Modesty
             ,
             Sobriety
             ,
             Plainness
             ,
             Simplicity
             ,
             Innocency
          
           and
           Humility
           ,
           which
           Truth
           requires
           in
           Example
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           in
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           which
           Truth
           at
           first
           led
           many
           into
           ,
           and
           as
           still
           it
           doth
           lead
           and
           order
           them
           that
           truly
           love
           and
           obey
           it
           :
           In
           which
           I
           pray
           God
           to
           settle
           and
           order
           his
           People
           ,
           and
           that
           no
           plea
           nor
           excuse
           may
           be
           made
           to
           maintain
           Pride
           ,
           Vanity
           or
           Immodesty
           in
           Apparel
           ,
           which
           only
           gratifies
           vain
           airy
           Minds
           and
           Spirits
           ,
           and
           the
           Lust
           of
           the
           carnal
           
           Eye
           ,
           and
           grieves
           the
           tender
           ,
           and
           gives
           occasion
           of
           Reproach
           and
           Stumbling
           to
           them
           that
           are
           without
           ,
           and
           to
           such
           as
           are
           soberly
           &
           Religiously
           inclined
           .
           Oh!
           't
           is
           precious
           to
           keep
           low
           and
           humble
           before
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           to
           walk
           as
           living
           Examples
           of
           Christian
           Humility
           ;
           
             a
             lowly
             Mind
             is
             content
             with
             low
             things
             ,
             and
             loves
             plainness
             .
          
           And
           this
           is
           observable
           ,
           that
           if
           never
           so
           much
           be
           truly
           and
           sincerely
           preached
           in
           publick
           against
           Pride
           and
           Vanity
           in
           Apparel
           ,
           &c.
           if
           it
           be
           indulged
           or
           conived
           at
           at
           home
           in
           Children
           or
           young
           Persons
           ,
           by
           
             Parents
             ,
             Guardians
          
           ,
           or
           Overseers
           ,
           all
           Preaching
           ,
           Instruction
           and
           Warning
           proves
           to
           them
           but
           as
           Water
           spilt
           upon
           the
           Ground
           ,
           and
           takes
           no
           Impression
           ,
           whilst
           through
           such
           Encouragement
           &
           Indulgence
           at
           home
           ,
           they
           imbrace
           a
           Spirit
           of
           
             Pride
             &
             Irreverence
          
           towards
           God
           ,
           &
           disregard
           to
           his
           Truth
           and
           People
           ;
           and
           though
           some
           Formality
           ;
           and
           something
           of
           the
           form
           of
           Truth
           they
           may
           have
           by
           outward
           Education
           ,
           't
           is
           not
           by
           the
           Work
           of
           Regeneration
           ,
           for
           't
           is
           but
           few
           in
           comparison
           that
           really
           come
           in
           at
           That
           Door
           ;
           and
           therefore
           I
           have
           had
           often
           a
           Godly
           Fear
           upon
           me
           of
           the
           springing
           up
           of
           degenerate
           Plants
           amongst
           us
           ,
           and
           a
           degenerate
           Generation
           to
           the
           dishonour
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           our
           holy
           Profession
           after
           our
           days
           .
           And
           it
           's
           they
           who
           are
           inclining
           and
           getting
           into
           the
           Spirit
           of
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           Liberty
           out
           of
           the
           Truth
           ,
           who
           live
           not
           in
           Humility
           ,
           nor
           in
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           that
           give
           secret
           strength
           to
           an
           apostate
           turbulent
           Spirit
           ,
           which
           has
           been
           the
           Churches
           Exercise
           of
           late
           Years
           ,
           and
           that
           are
           most
           easily
           catched
           with
           that
           Apostate
           Spirit
           ,
           and
           feigned
           Words
           of
           the
           Instruments
           thereof
           ,
           whose
           Work
           is
           to
           sow
           Discord
           ,
           and
           make
           Divisions
           ,
           Schisms
           and
           Separations
           (
           which
           are
           Fruits
           of
           the
           Flesh
           )
           for
           if
           all
           had
           been
           faithful
           to
           the
           Light
           ,
           and
           kept
           in
           Humility
           and
           Love
           of
           Truth
           ,
           and
           one
           another
           ,
           there
           had
           been
           no
           Enmity
           one
           towards
           another
           ,
           nor
           smiteing
           of
           fellow-Servants
           ,
           but
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           would
           have
           preserved
           them
           out
           of
           those
           Snares
           of
           Death
           ,
           which
           that
           Spirit
           of
           Discord
           leads
           into
           .
           Howbeit
           ,
           I
           am
           well
           satisfied
           in
           the
           Lord
           ,
           that
           he
           will
           never
           suffer
           a
           general
           or
           final
           Apostacy
           or
           Degeneration
           ;
           the
           Brightness
           of
           our
           Day
           ,
           and
           Glory
           of
           our
           Sun
           of
           Righteousness
           shall
           never
           be
           extinguished
           :
           Although
           too
           many
           through
           the
           Adversary's
           Subtilty
           and
           Temptations
           ,
           together
           with
           their
           
           own
           carnal
           and
           corrupt
           Inclinations
           ,
           are
           apt
           to
           degenerate
           ,
           and
           their
           Minds
           to
           be
           exalted
           and
           alienated
           from
           the
           Fear
           of
           God
           ,
           from
           the
           Cross
           of
           Christ
           ,
           from
           Humility
           and
           Lowliness
           of
           Mind
           ,
           from
           true
           and
           Conscientious
           Tenderness
           ,
           from
           love
           to
           the
           Brethren
           ,
           from
           Innocency
           ,
           Plainness
           and
           Simplicity
           that
           's
           in
           Christ
           ,
           both
           in
           their
           Spirits
           ,
           Language
           and
           Habits
           ,
           who
           therefore
           ought
           to
           be
           faithfully
           admonished
           ,
           and
           tenderly
           instructed
           ,
           by
           which
           means
           (
           together
           with
           a
           meek
           and
           gentle
           Behaviour
           ▪
           )
           many
           have
           been
           gained
           ,
           and
           many
           may
           yet
           be
           recovered
           out
           of
           the
           Snares
           of
           Satan
           ,
           who
           have
           been
           taken
           Captive
           at
           unawares
           ;
           
             Having
             Compassion
             of
             some
             ,
             making
             a
             Difference
             ,
          
           has
           often
           reached
           the
           tender
           part
           in
           them
           ;
           and
           in
           relation
           to
           others
           more
           deeply
           prejudiced
           .
           I
           remember
           a
           cautious
           saying
           of
           an
           antient
           and
           faithful
           Brother
           deceased
           ,
           viz.
           
             Where
             we
             cannot
             make
             them
             better
             ,
             we
             must
             take
             heed
             we
             do
             not
             make
             them
             worse
             .
          
           The
           Lord
           keep
           his
           People
           in
           his
           holy
           Fear
           ,
           watchful
           and
           humble
           before
           him
           ▪
           in
           true
           Love
           and
           tender
           Heartedness
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           receive
           Wisdom
           from
           him
           to
           behave
           ▪
           themselves
           ,
           and
           to
           minister
           suitably
           to
           all
           conditions
           .
        
         
           And
           all
           dear
           and
           tenderly
           beloved
           Friends
           ,
           with
           all
           who
           are
           effectually
           convinced
           of
           God's
           holy
           Truth
           and
           Name
           ,
           and
           do
           profess
           the
           same
           :
           In
           the
           holy
           fear
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           his
           Light
           Watch
           and
           Pray
           constantly
           (
           without
           fainting
           )
           against
           your
           Souls
           subtil
           Adversary
           in
           all
           his
           Attempts
           to
           beget
           into
           Self-exaltation
           and
           Prejudice
           to
           smite
           fellow-Servants
           ,
           and
           cause
           Divisions
           or
           Offences
           ;
           for
           that
           's
           the
           Enemy's
           Work.
           
        
         
           And
           Friends
           ,
           have
           not
           the
           Faith
           of
           our
           Lord
           Jesus
           Christ
           with
           respect
           of
           Persons
           :
           This
           was
           antient
           ,
           and
           Christian
           Counsel
           .
           So
           let
           not
           the
           Rich
           and
           High
           contemn
           the
           Low
           and
           Mean
           ;
           let
           not
           uncertain
           Riches
           puff
           any
           up
           ,
           or
           exalt
           them
           above
           their
           Brethren
           :
           Nor
           any
           Brother
           of
           High
           degree
           (
           in
           earthly
           Enjoyments
           )
           slight
           or
           contemn
           their
           Brethren
           of
           low
           degree
           ,
           some
           sincere-hearted
           and
           serviceable
           Friends
           and
           Brethren
           have
           enjoyed
           plenty
           of
           the
           World's
           Goods
           ,
           and
           yet
           through
           Losses
           ,
           Sufferings
           ,
           Disappointments
           ,
           or
           other's
           unjust
           Dealings
           by
           them
           ,
           are
           brought
           low
           in
           the
           World
           ,
           and
           they
           were
           esteemed
           when
           in
           Prosperity
           .
           It
           would
           be
           very
           Unchristian
           
           and
           Sinful
           ,
           to
           slight
           or
           dis-esteem
           them
           in
           their
           Adversity
           ,
           which
           is
           their
           Tryal
           :
           The
           Poor
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           who
           are
           rich
           in
           Faith
           ,
           whom
           God
           hath
           chosen
           ,
           are
           near
           unto
           him
           ,
           their
           Faith
           is
           the
           more
           tryed
           by
           their
           Poverty
           and
           lowness
           ;
           and
           how
           soon
           That
           may
           be
           the
           tryal
           of
           many
           that
           are
           Rich
           they
           know
           not
           ;
           therefore
           't
           is
           very
           unsafe
           for
           any
           to
           trust
           in
           
             uncertain
             Riches
          
           ,
           or
           to
           be
           exalted
           or
           lifted
           up
           because
           of
           them
           ,
           but
           rather
           humbly
           to
           depend
           upon
           the
           living
           God
           ,
           and
           trust
           in
           him
           ,
           and
           love
           &
           esteem
           their
           Brethren
           in
           Truth
           ,
           how
           mean
           and
           low
           soever
           in
           this
           World
           ,
           knowing
           that
           with
           God
           there
           's
           no
           respect
           of
           Persons
           ,
           not
           with
           them
           who
           truly
           bear
           his
           Image
           .
        
         
           And
           pray
           Friends
           ,
           keep
           out
           all
           Disputes
           and
           Controversies
           which
           some
           busie
           Spirits
           in
           the
           World
           are
           incident
           unto
           ,
           as
           about
           outward
           
             Revolutions
             ,
             Governments
             ,
             State-Affairs
          
           ,
           and
           Kingdoms
           of
           this
           World
           :
           Let
           not
           their
           Divisions
           divide
           you
           ,
           nor
           their
           Strife
           and
           Contentions
           about
           the
           outward
           Court
           and
           forms
           Religion
           ,
           earthly
           Kingdoms
           and
           Crowns
           (
           that
           will
           fade
           )
           influence
           any
           among
           you
           ,
           to
           contend
           ,
           or
           become
           parties
           about
           them
           ,
           but
           quietly
           serve
           and
           wait
           upon
           God
           in
           your
           Places
           and
           Stations
           ,
           where
           he
           hath
           set
           you
           ,
           and
           submissively
           leave
           all
           to
           his
           over-ruling
           Power
           ,
           Wisdom
           and
           Providence
           ,
           to
           do
           or
           suffer
           things
           to
           come
           to
           pass
           ,
           as
           he
           pleaseth
           ;
           for
           none
           may
           say
           to
           him
           ,
           
             What
             dost
             thou
          
           ?
           (
           Though
           Men
           men
           may
           be
           warned
           as
           God
           shall
           require
           )
           and
           he
           knows
           what
           's
           best
           for
           his
           People
           ,
           and
           will
           cause
           all
           things
           to
           work
           together
           for
           good
           to
           them
           that
           love
           him
           ;
           his
           Kingdom
           come
           more
           and
           more
           ,
           his
           blessed
           Will
           be
           done
           in
           Heaven
           and
           Earth
           ,
           who
           is
           Judge
           of
           all
           ,
           and
           sees
           all
           Hearts
           ,
           Intents
           and
           Designs
           of
           men
           throughout
           the
           whole
           World.
           And
           you
           know
           that
           as
           we
           cannot
           make
           Flesh
           our
           Arm
           ,
           nor
           therewith
           sight
           for
           one
           ,
           or
           another
           ;
           Stillness
           and
           Quietness
           ,
           Innocency
           and
           Good-will
           towards
           all
           men
           according
           to
           ▪
           our
           Christian
           Principle
           ,
           is
           therefore
           the
           best
           and
           savest
           state
           and
           condition
           ,
           wherein
           we
           all
           may
           approve
           our selves
           as
           the
           Lord
           's
           
             hidden
             Ones
          
           ,
           and
           of
           them
           that
           are
           
             quiet
             in
             the
             Land.
          
           Be
           still
           ,
           and
           know
           that
           the
           Lord
           is
           God
           ,
           and
           that
           he
           will
           be
           exalted
           in
           his
           everlasting
           Kingdom
           and
           Dominion
           over
           all
           the
           Kingdoms
           of
           men
           :
           Neither
           let
           the
           World's
           Confusions
           
           confound
           you
           ,
           nor
           the
           World's
           Distractions
           distract
           you
           ,
           or
           any
           of
           you
           ,
           nor
           the
           removing
           of
           Mountains
           in
           the
           Earth
           ,
           remove
           you
           from
           the
           Lord's
           Mountain
           ,
           nor
           the
           unstable
           Waters
           or
           tossing
           Waves
           toss
           ,
           you
           ,
           or
           influence
           any
           of
           you
           ,
           to
           discompose
           or
           hurry
           you
           from
           your
           peaceable
           Habitations
           ,
           but
           keep
           in
           your
           strong-Hold
           ,
           your
           Rock
           and
           Foundation
           ,
           
             Christ
             Jesus
          
           ,
           nor
           let
           any
           thing
           divert
           you
           from
           minding
           his
           Kingdom
           of
           Peace
           above
           all
           ,
           which
           is
           not
           of
           this
           World
           ,
           out
           of
           which
           mens
           Lusts
           ,
           and
           the
           ground
           and
           occasion
           of
           Wars
           and
           Fighting
           are
           excluded
           :
           
             For
             in
          
           Salem
           
             is
             his
             Tabernacle
          
           .
        
         
           Oh!
           let
           all
           quietly
           wait
           upon
           the
           All-seeing
           ,
           Righteous
           Holy
           God
           ,
           to
           see
           his
           good
           End
           through
           all
           ,
           and
           his
           righteous
           Determination
           and
           Decision
           of
           the
           Controversies
           amongst
           men
           :
           And
           keep
           in
           Innocency
           and
           peaceable
           Conversation
           towards
           all
           ,
           and
           Innoffensively
           under
           ,
           and
           towards
           the
           Civil
           Government
           ,
           giving
           no
           real
           occasion
           of
           Offence
           ,
           but
           as
           becomes
           true
           Christians
           walk
           in
           Love
           and
           Good-Will
           towards
           all
           ,
           both
           high
           and
           low
           ;
           for
           herein
           hath
           been
           ,
           and
           will
           be
           our
           Safety
           and
           Confidence
           through
           all
           our
           Tryals
           ,
           being
           preserved
           by
           the
           Power
           and
           Goodness
           of
           the
           Lord
           our
           God
           ,
           as
           his
           peculiar
           People
           ,
           who
           is
           our
           Stay
           ,
           our
           Rock
           and
           Refuge
           ,
           blessed
           be
           his
           Name
           forever
           .
           O!
           forget
           not
           to
           praise
           the
           Lord
           for
           all
           his
           tender
           Mercies
           and
           peculiar
           Favours
           and
           Goodness
           in
           our
           preservation
           until
           this
           day
           ;
           knowing
           also
           ,
           that
           they
           who
           sincerely
           and
           stedfastly
           trust
           in
           his
           Name
           and
           Power
           ,
           shall
           be
           as
           Mount
           Sion
           ,
           that
           shall
           never
           be
           removed
           ,
           and
           that
           as
           his
           Servant
           David
           declared
           ,
           
             It
             is
             better
             to
             trust
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             then
             to
             put
             Confidence
             in
             man
             :
             It
             is
             better
             to
             trust
             in
             the
             Lord
             than
             to
             put
             Confidence
             in
             Princes
             ,
          
           Psal.
           118.
           8
           ,
           9.
           
           I
           pray
           God
           keep
           all
           his
           People
           in
           a
           steddy
           Dependance
           upon
           him
           ,
           and
           Confidence
           in
           him
           to
           the
           end
           .
        
         
           Finally
           ,
           my
           tenderly
           beloved
           Friends
           and
           Brethren
           ,
           having
           thus
           far
           cleared
           my
           Conscience
           in
           the
           sight
           of
           God
           ,
           in
           the
           living
           sence
           of
           his
           Presence
           and
           Counsel
           in
           these
           matters
           ,
           as
           relating
           to
           several
           States
           and
           Dangers
           ,
           I
           recommend
           all
           to
           the
           Faithful
           and
           true
           Witness
           in
           themselves
           ,
           to
           make
           the
           particular
           and
           just
           Application
           ,
           and
           to
           make
           every
           one
           sensible
           of
           the
           weight
           and
           
           lively
           Impressions
           of
           these
           and
           all
           other
           Christian
           Cautions
           and
           Warnings
           ,
           proceeding
           from
           thence
           through
           any
           of
           the
           Servants
           of
           Christ
           ,
           for
           the
           Safety
           and
           Peace
           of
           all
           the
           Lord's
           people
           among
           us
           ,
           even
           to
           the
           least
           and
           lowest
           of
           his
           Flock
           ,
           and
           those
           Convinced
           among
           us
           ,
           who
           are
           called
           by
           his
           Grace
           to
           the
           Confession
           of
           his
           holy
           Name
           and
           Truth
           .
        
         
           The
           God
           of
           Peace
           be
           with
           you
           all
           ,
           and
           bless
           you
           ,
           and
           encrease
           Righteousness
           ,
           Peace
           ,
           Love
           and
           Union
           among
           his
           People
           every
           where
           ,
           that
           all
           may
           be
           stedfast
           in
           the
           Truth
           ,
           true
           and
           faithful
           in
           their
           Day
           and
           Time
           ,
           to
           the
           end
           of
           their
           Days
           ;
           
             Amen
             ,
             Amen
          
           .
        
         
           
             London
             ,
             
               the
               28th
               of
               the
               7th
               Month
               ,
               1689.
               
            
          
           
             Your
             faithful
             Friend
             and
             Brother
             in
             Christ
             ,
             George
             Whitehead
             .
          
        
         
           THE
           END
           .