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LETTER XII. [For daily Self-Examination.]
To the most Beloved People, the Flock of Christ in Taunton, Salvation.
Most dear Brethren:
I Would my time were as long as my heart, that I might open my self to you; but I was not without some dis∣content diverted, when I was setting my self to have Writ∣ten at large to you. Now I am pinched, however I could not leave my dear charge altogether unvisited, but must needs salute you in a few Lines. Brethren, how stands it with you? doth the main work go on? do your souls pro∣sper? This is my care, beware that you Flag not, that you faint not now in the evil day. I understand that your dan∣gers grow upon you, may your Faith and courage and reso∣lution grow accordingly, and much more abundantly to over∣top them. Some of your enemies I hear are in great hopes to satisfie their Lusts upon you: well, be not discouraged my dear Brethren, but bless the Lord who of his abundant Mercy, hat so remarkably preserved you so long beyond all expectation. Let it not be a strange thing to you, if the Lord do now call you to some difficulty: forsake not the Assembling of your selves together, as the manner of some is. I plainly see the Coal of Religion will soon go out, unless it have some better helps to cherish it, then a Carnal Ministrie, and lifeless Administration. Dear Brethren, now is the time for you that fear the Lord, to speak often one to another: manage your duties with what prudence you can, but away with that Carnal prudence, that will decline duty to avoid danger. Is the Communion of Saints worth the venturing for? Shut not up your doors against Godly Meet∣ings.