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To the Parishioners of Stanton-Lacy.
Dear Friends, and late good Neighbours,
I Am now in view of Death, and have my Grave in pro∣spect, I cannot therefore (charitably) be suspected, in the few following and my last directions, to be acted by any other motive but my Charity, or to aim at any other end but your Good; I have been of late amongst you the occasion of some Contention, I hope to obtain my pardon of God, and I believe you will not deny me yours, as I do freely and heartily grant you mine. I beseech you contribute vigorously to the sudden ending of that, and all other differences, and close with the first offer of your Minister in that happy and most ne∣cessary Work. 'Tis high time to lay aside Wrath, and Clamour, and Anger and evil speaking, with all Malice, and to be kindly Affectioned one to another, tender Hearted, Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ his sake hath also Forgiven you. My time grows shorter and shorter, else I could easi∣ly enlarge, and great need there is of some strong perswasi∣on to this Duty, Read and Meditate 1 Cor. 13. all over. I will insert only one qualification, you will find it Rom. 12. 9. Dear Friends, there is abundance of that love that is from the Teeth outwards, I pray let yours be Cordial and Hearty. I must be abrupt and take my leave in two words.
1. My Prayer for you is the conclusion of Moses his Bles∣sing to the Twelve Tribes, Deut. 33. 27. Let the Eternal God be your Refuge, and underneath you be his everlasting Arms.
2. My advice to you I borrow of St.Paul, 2 Cor. 13. 11. Finally, my Brethren, farewel; be perfect, be of good Comfort, be of one Mind, live in Peace, and the God of Love and Peace shall be with you.