e unwelcome without them. Secondly, it seasonably and
profitably divided conversation; for this making their society uneasy to
their relations and acquaintance, it gave them the opportunity of more
retirement and solitude; wherein they met with better company, even the
Lord God their Redeemer; and grew strong in his love, power, and wisdom;
and were thereby better qualified for his service. And the success
abundantly showed it, blessed be the name of the Lord.

And though they were not great and learned in the esteem of this world,
(for then they had not wanted followers upon their own credit and
authority,) yet they were generally of the most sober of the several
persuasions they were in, and of the most repute for religion; and many
of them of good capacity, substance, and account among men.

And also some among them wanted not for parts, learning, or estate;
though then as of old, not many wise, or noble, &c, were called; or, at
least, received the heavenly call, because of the cross that attended the
profession of it in sincerity. But neither do parts or learning make men
the better Christians, though the better orators and disputants; and it
is the ignorance of people about the divine gift, that causes that vulgar
and mischievous mistake. Theory and practice, speculation and enjoyment,
words and life, are two things. O! it is the penitent, the reformed, the
lowly, the watchful, the self-denying, and holy soul, that is the
Christian! And that frame is the fruit and work of the Spirit, which is
the life of Jesus; whose life, though hid in the fulness of it in God the
Father, is shed abroad in the hearts of them that truly believe,
according to their capacity. O that people did but know this to cleanse
them, to circumcise them, to quicken them, and to make them new creatures
indeed! recreated, or regenerated, after Christ Jesus unto good works;
that they might live to God, and not to themselves; and offer up living
prayers and living praises to the living God, through his own living
Spirit, in which he is only to be worshipped in this gospel day.

O that they that read me could but feel me! for my heart is affected with
this merciful visitation of the Father of lights and spirits to this poor
nation, and the whole world through the same testimony. Why should the
inhabitants thereof reject it? Why should they lose the blessed benefit
of it? Why should they not turn to the Lord with all their hearts, and
say