See, my most beloved, this is the better part and reward of all those who fear the Lord, walk in his ways and keep his commandments. These are they to whom the Lord says: Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye few men of Israel: I will not leave you orphans; but I will be your God, and ye shall be my people; and I will keep you as the apple of mine eye; yea, if ye keep my commandments, though ye were cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather you from thence, and will bring you unto the place that I have chosen. Is. 41:14; 51:7; Zech. 2:8; Deut. 30:4; Neh. 1:9.
O who would not love such a Lord and Father, who has chosen us, as he chose Israel, and has given us his commandments and laws, namely, his Gospel, which teaches us to do his will, and his pleasure; and such he has made heirs of all the riches of heaven. Is. 49:7.
O my dear children, I have written this in tears, admonishing you out of love, praying for you with a fervent heart, that, if possible, you might be of this number. For when your father was taken from me, I did not spare myself day or night to bring you up, and my prayer and solicitude were constantly for your salvation, and even while in bonds my greatest care has always been that my prudence did not enable me to make better provision for you. For when it was told me, that you had been taken to Oudenarde, and thence to Bruges, it was a hard blow for me, so that I never had a greater sorrow. But when I thought that my coming or providing could not help the matter, and that for Christ’s sake we must separate from all that we love in this world I committed all to the will of the Lord, and I still hope and pray constantly, that he in his mercy will preserve you, as he preserved Joseph, Moses and Daniel in the midst of wicked men. And he will do this, if you give diligence to follow the truth; then the angel of the Lord will be with you, even as he was with Tobias, guiding him until he brought him to his father’s house, where he rejoiced with his father and his friends, thanking God for his great goodness. Tobit 7:11.
Thus also, if you will follow good instruction, it will guide you safely through every danger, and bring you to your Father’s house, where there is such joy prepared, that ear has not heard, nor eye seen, nor has it entered into the heart of man, what joy is prepared for the elect; but to the elect God has revealed it by his Holy Spirit. Is. 64:4; 1 Corinthians 2:9,10.
May the word of the Father bring you to this, through the mercy of the Son, and may the wisdom of the Holy Ghost strengthen you, that you may apprehend it. Amen.
David, my dear child, I herewith commend you to the Lord. You are the oldest, learn wisdom, that you may set your sisters a good example; and beware of bad company, and of playing in the street with bad boys: but diligently learn to read and write, so that you may get understanding. Love one another, without contention or quarreling; but be kind to each other. Let the one that is wise bear with him who is simple, and admonish him with kindness. Let the strong bear with the feeble, and help him all he can, out of love. Let the rich assist the poor, out of brotherly love. Let the younger obey the older in that which is good. Admonish one another to be industrious, so that people may love you. Exhort one another to good works, to modesty, honorableness and quietness. Always care for one another; for the time has come, that love shall wax cold; yea, if it were possible, the very elect would be deceived. Matt. 24:12,24. Hence, take heed and learn diligently to search the Scriptures, so that you may not be deceived; but always hold to the first and second commandment, which will teach you aright. Do not easily believe it, when evil is told you of another, but examine the matter; and make no commotion when you are slandered, but bear it for Christ’s sake.