Page:Strange and wonderful predictions of Mr. Christopher Love (1).pdf/7

Rh A Letter from to his Wife, in Answer to two Letters he had received from her.

My most gracious beloved,

m now going from a prison to a palace, I have finished my work, I’m now going to receive my wages, I’m going to heaven, where are two of my children, and leaving you on earth, where there are three of my babes: These two above need not my care, but the three below need yours; it comforts me to think, two of my children are in the bosom of Abraham, and three of them will be in the arms and care of such a tender and godly mother. I know you are a woman of a sorrowful spirit, yet be comforted, though your sorrows be great for your husband going out of the world, yet your pains shall be the less in bringing your child into the world, you shall be a joyful mother, though you be a sad widow; God hath many mercies in store for you; the prayer of a dying husband for you will not be lost: To my shame I speak it. I never prayed for you at liberty, as I have done in prison. I cannot write much, but I have a few practical counsels to leave with you, viz.

1st, Keep under a found, orthodox, soul-searching ministry. Oh! there are many deceivers gone out into the world, but Christ’s sheep know his voice, and a stranger they will not follow. Attend any minister that teacheth the way of God in truth, and follow Solomon’s advice, Prov xix. 27.

2dly, Bring up your children in the knowledge and admonition of the Lord. The mother ought to be a teacher in the father’s absence, Prov. xxxi. 1. ‘The words that ‘ his mother taught him.’ And Timothy was instructed by his grandmother, 1 Tim. i. 5.

3dly, Pray in your family daily, that yours may be in the number of the families who call upon God.

4thly, Labour for a meek and quiet spirit, which, in the fight of God, is of great price, 1 Pet iii 4.

5thly, Pore not on the comforts you want, but upon the mercies you have, look rather at God’s end in afflicting, than to the measure and degree of your affliction.

6thly, Labour to clear up your evidence for heaven, when God takes from you the comforts of earth, so that as your sufferings do abound, your consolation in Christ may abound much more, 2 Cor. i. 5.

Though it be good to maintain a holy jealousy of the deceitfulness of the heart, yet it is ill for you to cherish fears and