The First Letter, Which Matthias Servaes Wrote From Prison To H. K., His Brother In The Lord, And Also To His Other Fellow Members.

Remember it, I say, my dear brethren, and let it be a warning to you, even as Solomon says that the field of the slothful, and the vineyard of the man void of understanding were a warning to him, when he says: “I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it and received instruction.” Prov. 24:30–32. Thus also you, my dear brethren, be careful, and diligently dig through the vineyard of the Lord, with the plow or the hoe which breaks in pieces the hard stones, which is the word of God (Jer. 23:29); so that the nettles and thorns may not oppress, destroy or choke the good seed that has been sown. Take also the sharp, two-edged sword (Eph. 6:17), and cut off clean the unfruitful, evil and dry branches, that the others may be more healthy and vigorous to bring forth fruit. Inspect also carefully the wall of the vineyard; if it begins to give way anywhere, prop up that part; if there are any openings in it, go to work and close them; and if it has fallen down in any place, build it up again speedily, that the little foxes may not run into the Lord’s vineyard, and dig up and spoil it. Cant. 2:15. And what more shall I say? Faithfully feed the flock of Christ, and watch with all carefulness over the souls of men. 1 Pet. 5:2. Take heed also, that you administer needed reproof, and act and judge without respect of persons, and remember that judgment is God’s, and not yours. Deut. 1:17. Weigh, therefore, every matter in the balance of the divine word, so that when you reprove, judge, or forgive anything, it may be truly reproved, judged or forgiven also before the judgment of God, and thus your reproof agree with God’s reproof, your judgment with God’s judgment, and your forgiveness with God’s forgiveness. Take heed also, that you do not carry avoidance too far, lest it prove a stumbling-block to you. For avoidance is good indeed if it is not abused; however its purpose is solely to avoid offenses (to which end it is instituted); hence we must take heed that we do not, while seeking to avoid little offenses by it, cause greater ones. Matt. 18:15–17; 1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thess. 3:14. Bestow great attention upon the first commandment with promise, 663 namely: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord.” Eph. 6:1. This is an express word; hence be careful herein. Show a friendly face to all apostates, and admonish them with all kindness to that which they have surrendered and forsaken, and from which they have fallen; I mean such as receive admonition; for blasphemers and mockers are to be left alone. 2 Thess. 3:15; Tit. 3:10.

Dear brethren, I do not write you this as something new, but to remind you of the old; for I should like to see carefulness exercised, and that one Scripture should not be observed so strictly and rigidly as thereby to violate another. For sometimes some resort to avoidance all on a sudden, without the least discretion, and pity for the fallen. Hence I advise carefulness. For if we are to have the mind of our Lord Jesus; yea, are to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect, then let us from the heart consider his longsuffering, and how he has borne with us, and let us also show ourselves thus toward our fellow-servant, that we may give offense to no one, neither to the world, nor to the church of God. Philip. 2:3,5; Matt. 5:48; Col. 3:12; Matt. 18:29; 1 Cor. 10:32. And be also not slothful in seeking men’s souls; wherever you have some hope, there go. Say not: “It will be labor lost.” Put your hand to the plow first, in the fear of the Lord, and ask him to give the blessing; but you do the planting and watering. Pray the Lord to give the increase. And if then your endeavors are unsuccessful, you are free. For I have often felt accused, that we have not much more sought men’s souls, to the praise of the Lord.