Of this, my Lord, the _Royal-Exchange_ hath long since rung; and if the same part hath been acted abroad,¹ how many families must have been ruined there, and how many more may be yet ruined, in order to fill up the present _English_ chasm; and consequently, what loads of guilt must needs lie at the door of somebody? Surely, the LORD of all Lords, whose eyes are like a flame of fire, and who requires truth in the inward parts, will one day or other visit for these things, by bringing to light the hidden things of darkness, and thereby making manifest the counsels of the heart.
¹ It appears too plain from Mr. _Rimius_ that this hath been the case. And no wonder, since he quotes this assertion of the Count’s from his own writings, “The œconomists of the society may say to a young rich man, either give us all thou hast, or get thee gone.”
I need not inform your Lordship, that _Babels_ are generally suffered to be built pretty high, before GOD comes down to confound the language of the builders. If knaves are employed (as commonly they are) GOD’s honour is concerned to discover them. And if any of his own children are undesignedly drawn in, (which is frequently the case) he, who hath promised not to suffer them to be tempted above what they are able to bear, will in mercy, some way or other, rebuke the tempter, and make a way for them to escape. It is true, this, in public concerns, may sometimes expose them to a little worldly contempt, and for a while they may seemingly be crushed under the rubbish of the fallen fabric, but even this shall work together for their good; and happy will it be for them, if after all, they at length learn this important lesson, “That it is dangerous, upon any pretence whatsoever, to go from the written word, or give up their consciences to the guidance of any man, or body of men under heaven.” This, your Lordship well knows, is what weak and unstable souls are too apt to do; and artful and designing men, who are fond of power, especially if naturally they are of an ambitious turn of mind, easily catch at the pleasing bait. But honesty, my Lord, will be found to be the best policy after all; and therefore, GOD forbid that any who call themselves the followers of the Lamb, should glory in any thing save the cross of CHRIST.
At present, I shall add no more, but earnestly say _amen_, to that part of the brethren’s litany, however exceptionable in other respects, “From untimely projects, and from unhappily becoming great, keep us our good LORD and GOD!” And I as heartily pray, that the glorious JESUS may prosper all that is right, and give grace to correct and amend all that is wrong, among all his people of all denominations. I subscribe myself, my Lord,
Your Lordship’s most obedient humble servant,