(_GLOOMY TIMES--MEANS OF PROMOTING GODLINESS._)
DEAR BROTHER,--Faint not; but be strong in the Lord, and in the power
of His might. I look on it as a rich mercy that the Lord is with you,
strengthening you to quicken fainters, to warm and warn any that are
cold or dead, or who deaden others. Believe that it will be your peace
in the end. The times are sad; yet I persuade myself that the vision
will not tarry, but will speak. The Lord will loose our captive bonds.
Oh, blessed he, though alone, who is found fast and constant for the
desirable interest of Christ.
My humble advice would be, that you see to the placing[506] of the
deacon and the ruling elder, or to anything that may weaken the
Discipline. Our Second Book of Discipline should be heeded: Sessions
purged. Oh! catechising and personal visiting, and speaking to them
_sigillatim_ (one by one) concerning their interest in Christ and a
state of conversion, is little in practice. The practice of family
fasts is scarce known to be an ordinance of God. It were good that ye
should confer with godly brethren in private, concerning the promoting
of godliness, concerning Christian conference, and praying together,
worshipping of God in families, and solitary fasts.
[506] This seems to mean, the place assigned to the respective offices
of elder and deacon.
To His grace who can direct, quicken, and strengthen you, I commend
you, and am your loving brother,