52Q AN EPÌSTLE TO THE not know the way of ease and honour, wealth and pleasure, as well as others ? And have we not flesh as well as others ? Could we net be content that the cup of reproach, scorn, slander, poverty, and la- bours, might pass from us, if it were not for the will of God and your salvation? Why should we love to be the lowest, and trodden down by malignant pride; and counted as the filth of the world, and the, offscouring of all things; and ,represented to rulers, ('whom we honour, as schismatics, disobedient, tur- bulent, and unruly, by every church usurper, whom we refuse to make a god of? Why give we not over this preaching of the gospel at the will of Satan, who is for the everlasting suffering of your souls, un- der pretence of its making us suffer? Is not all this, that you may be converted and saved? If we be herein beside ourselves, it is for you : could the words of the ignorant or -proud have persuaded us that either your wants or dangers are so inconsiderable (or your other supplies and helps sufficient) that our labours had been unnecessary to you ; God knoweth we should have readily obeyed the silencing sorts of pas- tors; and have betaken us to some other land, where our service had been more necessary. Let shame be the hypocrite's reward, who takes not the saving of souls and pleasing of God for sufficient reward, without ecclesiastical dignities, preferments; or world- ly wealth. I have told yoìr our motives, I have told you our business, and the terms of our undertaking. It is God and you sinners:that must next tell us what our enter- tainment and success shall be. Shall it still be neglect and unthankful contempt, and turningaway your ears and hearts, and saying, We have something else to mind? Will v ou still be cheated by this deceitful world, and spend all your days in pampering your guts, and providing for the flesh that must be rotting shortly in a grave? Was you made for no better use than this ? May we not bring you to some sober thoughts of your condition ? Not one hour seriously to think whither you áre, going ? What ! not one awakening
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