The seventh EPISTLE to Cousin F. R. being then under some Exercises of Mind

In Love pure Sympathy, endeared Friend, I know that secret Trials will attend, And raise some Conflicts in thy tender Breast, Such as by Pen cannot be well express'd: But all Things shall, as left upon Record, Convene for Good to them that fear the Lord. Some latent Cause, from carnal Eye conceal'd, May bring a Satisfaction when reveal'd By that refulgent Light, whose sacred Ray Leads on the Meek in Zion's pleasant Way; Whose Paths are Peace to them that persevere To follow Jesus with an holy Fear; Jesus, the spotless Lamb, whose Pow'r surrounds His Babes, when Tribulation most abounds: Lean on his Bosom, for his Love extends Abundantly unto his Bosom-Friends: Who, tho' he in true Wisdom please to prove Our Faithfulness, our Fervency of Love, As he sees good: Yet there is never just Cause or Occasion of the least Distrust Of Loyalty in him; who, when as we Were Strangers in a State of Enmity, Nay, in a poor defil'd, polluted State, Objects more likely for Disgust and Hate, Did cast an Eye of Pity and of Love On us, who had no Comeliness to move The least Affection, till his gracious Hand Had washed, swadled, had anointed, and Adorned with his Robe of Righteousness, And put upon us his own Comliness: And, by his sacred Covenant, engage Our Hearts unto him in our tender Age: This, this is Love indeed; O let it never Be quenched in our Hearts, but live for ever: This, this is Love worthy to be admir'd! Ah, this is he alone to be desir'd. Therefore contend not in the carnal Will, Tread Self-hood under Foot, watch and be still; For all Additionals shall added be, By him who knows what's best for thee and me: In Resignation let us wait to know His Will fulfill'd, and living Praises flow Unto his holy ever-blessed Name, Who only's worthy in our Hearts to reign For evermore, eternally. Amen.