en of the word
of the Lord to our neighbours, relations, and acquaintance; and sometimes
strangers also. We were in travail likewise for one another's
preservation; not seeking, but shunning, occasions of any coldness or
misunderstanding; treating one another as those that believed and felt
God present; which kept our conversation innocent, serious, and weighty;
guarding ourselves against the cares and friendships of the world. We
held the truth in the Spirit of it, and not in our own spirits, or after
our own wills and affections.

We were bowed and brought into subjection, insomuch that it was visible
to them that knew us. We did not think ourselves at our own disposal, to
go where we list, or say or do what we list, or when we list. Our
liberty stood in the liberty of the Spirit of truth; and no pleasure, no
profit, no fear, no favour, could draw us from this retired, strict, and
watchful frame. We were so far from seeking occasions of company, that
we avoided them what we could; pursuing our own business with moderation,
instead of meddling with other people's unnecessarily.

Our words were few and savoury, our looks composed and weighty, and our
whole deportment very observable. True it is, that this retired and
strict sort of life, from the liberty of the conversation of the world,
exposed us to the censures of many, as humourists, conceited and
self-righteous persons, &c.; but it was our preservation from many
snares, to which others were continually exposed, by the prevalency of
the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, that
wanted no occasions or temptations to excite them abroad in the converse
of the world.

I cannot forget the humility and chaste zeal of that day. O! how
constant at meetings, how retired in them; how firm to truth's life, as
well as truth's principles; and how entire and united in our communion,
as, indeed, became those that profess one head, even Christ Jesus the
Lord.

This being the testimony and example the man of God before mentioned was
sent to declare and leave amongst us, and we having embraced the same, as
the merciful visitation of God to us, the word of exhortation, at this
time, is that we continue to be found in the way of this testimony, with
all zeal and integrity, and so much the more, by how much the day draweth
near. And first, as to you my beloved and much honoured brethren in
Christ, that are in the exercise of the ministry: O! feel li