Owing, dear brethren, to the sudden and suc- cessive calamitous events which have happened to ourselves, we feel that we have been somewhat tardy in turning our attention to the points re- specting which you consulted us ; ^ and especially to that shameful and detestable sedition, utterly abhorrent to the elect of God, which a few rash and self-confident persons have kindled to such a pitch of frenzy, that your venerable and illus- trious name, worthy to be universally loved, has suffered grievous injury.^ For who ever dwelt even for a short time among you, and did not find your faith to be as fruitful of virtue as it was firmly established ? '^ Who did not admire the sobriety and moderation of your godliness in Christ ? Who did not proclaim the magnificence of your habitual hospitality ? And who did not rejoice over your perfect and well-grounded knowledge? For ye did all things without re- spect of persons, and walked in the command- ments of God, being obedient to those who had the rule over you, and giving all fitting honour to the presbyters among you. Ye enjoined young men to be of a sober and serious mind ; ye instructed your wives to do all things with a blameless, becoming, and pure conscience, loving their husbands as in duty bound ; and ye taught them that, living in the rule of obedience, they should manage their household affairs becomingly, and be in every respect marked by discretion.