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LETTER VII. [First, Christian Marks: 2. Duties.]
To the Beloved, my most endearing, and endeared Friends, the Flock of Christ in Taunton, Sal∣vation.
Most dearly Beloved and longed for, my Joy and Crown:
I Must say of you as David did of Jonathan, Very plea∣sant have you been unto me, and your love to me is won∣derful. And as I have formerly taken great content in that my Lot was cast among you, so through grace I rejoyce in my present Lot, that I am called to approve my love to you by suffering for you; for you, I say: for you know that I have not sought yours but you; and that for doing my duty to your souls, I am here in these Bonds, which I do cheer∣fully accept through the grace of God that strengtheneth me. Oh! That your Souls might be quickened and enlarged by these my Bonds! that your hands might be strengthen∣ed, and your hearts encouraged in the Lord your God by our sufferings! See to it, my dearly Beloved, that you stand fast in the power of the Holy Doctrine which we have Preached from the Pulpit; preached at the Bar; preached from the Prison to you: It is a Gospel worth the suffering for: see that you follow after Holiness, without which no man shall see God: Oh! the madness of the blind World, that they should put from them the only Plank upon which they can scape to Heaven. Surely the Enimies of Holiness are their own Enemies. Alas for them! they know not what they do. What would not these foolish Virgins do at last, when it is too late for a little of the Oyl of the Wise; Oh, for