My dear husband in the Lord, whom I married before God and his church, and with whom they say I have lived in adultery, because I was not married in Baal; but the Lord says: Rejoice, when all men shall speak evil of you, for my name’s sake: rejoice, and be exceeding glad; for great is your reward in heaven. Matt. 5:11,12.
Know, that I have wept much, because you were grieved on my account, having heard that I said that I had often spoken to you about moving away from Assuerus, and that you did not do it; be content concerning this, my most beloved in the Lord; if it had not so been the will of the Lord, it would not have happened; the Lord’s will must be done, for the salvation of both our souls, for he will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able. Be of good cheer therefore, my most beloved in the Lord, and rejoice in him as before, praising and thanking him for having chosen us to be imprisoned so long for his name, having been found worthy thereto; he knows for what end he has ordered it so. Though the children of Israel were a long time in the wilderness, yet, had they been obedient to the voice of the Lord, they would have entered the promised land with Joshua and Caleb. Thus also we are here in the wilderness, among these ravening beasts, which daily spread out their nets, to catch us (Ps. 35:8); but the Lord, who is so strong, does not forsake his own, who trust in him; he preserves them from all evil, yea, as the apple of his eye; hence let us be content in him, joyfully and patiently take up our cross, and wait with a firm confidence for the promises which he has given us, not doubting them, for he is faithful that promised; that we may be crowned on mount Sion, and adorned with palms, and may follow the Lamb. I pray you, my beloved in the Lord, be of good cheer in him, together with all dear friends, and pray to the Lord in my behalf. Amen.