10 Benefits of Godly Conference

In his Lives of eminent men the ejected minister Samuel Clarke (1599-1683) says of the godly conference arising from the ejection

1. First, Hereby knowledge was wonderfully increased so that I was ncver acquainted with more understanding Christians in all my Life though the best of them went but in Russet Coats and followed Husbandry
2. Secondly, Holy affections by this mutual whetting of them each in other were excecdingly kindled and kept alive in thcm.
3. Thirdly, Lovc by frequent Society was nourislied and increased so that all the Professors though living ten or twelve miles asunder were as intimate and familiar as if they had been all of one household.
4. Fourth is Thc necessities of the poorer sort being made known there was plentiful provision made for them.
5. Fifthly, Thc wcak were strengthened
6. the mourning comforted
7. the erring reclaimed
8. the dejected raised us
9. and all of them mutually edified in thcir most holy Faith
10. Sixthly, Under the pretence of thesc Meetings we enjoyed the opportunities as occasion was offered of private Fasts and days of Thanksgiving which otherwise quickly have been taken notice of and suppressed.