An EPISTLE to M. J

Beloved Friend, thy Welfare every Day, And Preservation in Truth's holy Way, Is heartily desir'd; and that in Fear, And holy Dread, thy Soul may persevere, To travel Zion's Path in Purity, Learning to dwell in true Humility. Ah, let us both, in Lowliness of Mind, Bow to the Pow'r, by which the Heart's inclin'd, With true Sincerity, to stand and wait, In Silence of all Flesh, at Wisdom's Gate; Until the heavenly Lawgiver appear, And in the Heart reveals his Counsel near; Who teacheth Meekness; never to repay Railing for Railing; both in Love to pray For those that do despitefully accuse us, And with Revilings frequently abuse us. When spotless Innocency was by Men Accus'd, and Truth condemn'd; O did he then, By verbal Arguments with them, assay To justify his upright Cause, or say The least reviling Word? Nay, surely Nay. How then dare any, whom his boundless Love Hath once engag'd, if he be pleas'd to prove Their Faith by Trials, as in secret say, We'll follow him in a more easy Way? Can we, without the Cross, expect the Crown Of everlasting Glory and Renown? Nay verily, except the cross do kill The Self-hood, and subdue the carnal Will, How can we hope eternally to reign With him, who by his Suff'rings overcame? 'Tis not Restraint from gross Iniquity, But Self-denial, inward Purity, And Holiness made perfect in his Fear, That finds Acceptance, when he doth appear, To judge the Secrets of all Hearts, and bring Into the Presence of the highest King. Then 'tis the Pure in Heart shall see the Lord, And sing eternal Praise with one Accord; Because they know that holy Name, whereby They were redeem'd from all Iniquity; The Righteous enter everlasting Joy.