The Tenth Letter of Matthias Servaes

Grace and peace be multiplied to you and all believers, from God the Father, through Jesus Christ; with the power of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

O my well beloved sister in the Lord, M. W., out of the great love which we have felt for each other through the knowledge of God, since we have known each other, I cannot keep from telling you that

I often think of you, and likewise of all the pious; for they lie on my heart day and night. I have been told that you think of me with much sorrow, and that you wished, if it could be, that the Lord had ordered it otherwise. I do not pray for that, nor can I wish it, since I do not know how He could have ordered it better for me; for great sorrow was resting upon me, as you also well know, and the good God has thus delivered and relieved me from this load: and not only this, but I am also free from all anxiety. Not that I am weary of laboring; Oh, no, for if I could have been profitable to the Lord, how gladly I would have served Him, and would still gladly serve Him; but I consider it better this way, for we must depart at some time. And I trust that the Lord will fill my place with faithful servants who may be more fully endowed by Him than I am. For the Lord knows with what anxiety, fear and concern I have served you, and esteemed myself little and unworthy before you and God, indeed so much so that I hardly dared lift up my eyes in meeting. But by the grace of God I have been what I have been; and His grace, which was bestowed on me, was not wholly in vain among you. First Corinthians 15, verse 10. I also took up my ministry with many tears, as you know; but now, thanks to the Lord, it is all joy; indeed I cannot express all the joy.

O my dear sister, how sweet is the yoke of the Lord, how light is His burden on my neck! By His help I will hold still to my God, may it cost what it will. But I desire that you and all believers plead with the Lord for us, which we also trust to do for you. I sincerely pray that His will be done. O my dear sister, walk steadfastly and quietly in piety, that you may be able to stand. Grace be with you all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Ephesians 6, verse 24.

By me, MATTHIAS SERVAES,

Your brother in the Lord.