The second EPISTLE to Cousin F. R

Shall I, endeared Friend, expect in vain Thy Promise answer'd, and not yet obtain The Joy of better Fruits of vacant Hours, Which we are not assur'd long to be ours? Alas, the Time will come when some will say, O that I had as yet another Day! What, to add Sin to Sin, and to retire, If once wash'd clean, to wallow in the Mire! No, no; but diligently to improve Their Time, that they might treasure up above, In Heaven's Exchequer, that which will endure; Gold tried in the Fire, refin'd and pure, With Garments of Salvation, which will bring Into Acceptance with the eternal King. These are the Robes of Righteousness, that can Procure the Favour of both God and Man.

O come! Consider, let all Vanity Stoop to Concerns of such Importancy: And let none say, I hope 'tis well with me, Because I yet no Condemnation see, Nor feel I Judgment: If such yet retain A fond Delight in transitory, vain, And fading Toys, their Treasure lies below, Which soon corrupts; such reap, ev'n as they sow, Sad Disappointments. Zion's Converts must Redemption know, by Judgments true and just. Alas, the Hope of Hypocrites shall fail! In Times of Trial, what shall it avail? But those that singly leave all Things below, Shall in themselves the Hope of Glory know; A living Hope, a Hope that will endure: This purifies the Heart, as he is pure, That raiseth up the same in Men, that they May be encouraged in the good Way, That leads to Life, to everlasting Peace, In Joys eternal, which shall never cease. Ponder these Things, my Friend, thou hast indeed Engag'd thyself, although thou yet proceed But slowly to perform, with Diligence, To render humble due Obedience To what's made known, by him that from above Draws tenderly, by his long-suff'ring Love: O let it not so soon forgotten be! Which, as desir'd, will more increase in thee Its sweet'ning Virtue, its enliv'ning Power; That unto thee will more and more discover Iniquity, and for the same reprove Thy Soul in secret; but will gently move And lead thee, by his Strength-renewing Hand, Whith Chearfulness to answer his Command, And fully recompence thee: O be wise Learn thou to fear, but do not now despise The Day of small Things; ah, believe that she, That faithful in a little is, shall be Made Ruler over much: Commit thine All To him, that doth in Love so often call, Come unto me! And know, if thou abide Faithful in fervent Zeal, when thou art try'd, Thoul't in thy Bosom find a sweet Increase Of an admired overflowing Peace, Which, rightly known, will more esteemed be, Than all those Objects carnal Eyes can see. But know, that mighty Works were never done Amongst them that would not believe the Son, The Lamb of God; such from a near Relief, Excluded were, because of Unbelief: Yet unto one, not conscious of that Guilt, Be it unto thee even as thou wilt, Was graciously proclaim'd; whereby she found Her meek Petition fairly heard, and crown'd With a desired Grant; altho' to try Her Faith, at first the Answer did imply Rather Repulse than Favour when 'twas said, It is not fit to take the Children's Bread, And give to Dogs: She answered, Truth: Yet Lord, These lick the Crumbs that fall beside their Beard. Here's wrestling Faith indeed, which as express'd In fervent Meekness, from a panting Breast, Admiredly prevail'd with him; whose Name, Whose matchless Love and Goodness is the same For ever. Faint not, but go supplicate For Grace, to him that's easy to intreat By all that, in true Lowliness of Mind, Make their Addresses: Seek and ye shall find, Is the authentick Warrant to begin To seek the glorious Pearl that's lost within. Look not abroad, but light thy Candle there; Seek thou at home, and thou shalt find it near: Therefore redeem thy Time, and meditate How best thy Promise thou may'st yet compleat. Verily, what thou say'st, cannot avail To justify, if thy Performance fail; Nor is there Strength in Self: Therefore endeavour To know that Hand, which helps to persevere Unto the End; and if thou faithful be, A Crown of Life shall be bestow'd on thee.