Hence Paul calls love the bond of perfectness.[347] Herewith I will bid my dear and in God beloved mother, a Christian farewell and final adieu. Adieu my chosen, beloved mother and sister in the Lord, and be of good cheer in the Lord and grieve not too much on my account, for parting must come once; but we expect, in the hope of faith, a heavenly meeting, where parting shall be no more; there I hope to wait for you under the altar of Christ. I pray you always to have good intercourse with my dear wife after my departure; for I shall leave an afflicted widow. Hence do the best as long as you are together; for, as far as I understand, it may take an end with us this or the following week. The Lord grant me strength in my last extremity. Adieu, my dear mother; with an inward kiss of love and peace. Greet in my name my dear and in God beloved wife, with the kiss of love and peace; and also J. F. E. and V. T. with their company, and Stoffel and Margriete S., when it is convenient. Farewell and a final adieu to all that fear God. I would like to have it remain secret, that we write letters from here, for they have troubled and vexed us on account of it. May the Lord open the eyes of all our enemies, that they may see whom they pierce and distress.
[347] The original has it, Hence Paul calls the bond of love a perfectness.--TR.
By me, your beloved son, in all subjection, according to my weak ability.