Consciousness of my
own corruptions keeps me often low; yet faith and desire will easily
mount on high, beseeching God that He would, according to the
apostle's prayer, fill me with all his communicable fulness, in the
gifts and graces of his Spirit; that I may walk well-pleasing before
Him, in all holy conversation, perfecting holiness in his fear.

"If I err in boldness, sir, pray pardon me; and in your next letter
confirm my hope, that you will be my counsellor and guide.

"I can only recompense your kindness to me by my prayers, that your
own intercourse with God may be abundantly blessed to you and yours. I
consider the Saviour saying to you, as He did to Peter, 'Lovest them
me?' And may your heartfelt experience be compelled to reply, 'Thou
knowest all things, and thou knowest that I love thee supremely.' May
He have evident marks of it in all your outward actions of love and
humanity, in feeding his flock, and in the inward fervour and
affection of all your consecrated powers; that you may be zealously
engaged in pulling down the strongholds of sin and Satan, and building
up his Church, sowing the seeds of righteousness, and praying God to
give the increase; that you may not labour for Him in vain, but may
see the trees bud and blossom, and bring forth fruit abundantly, to
the praise and glory of your heavenly Master. In order to give you
encouragement, He says, 'Whosoever converteth a sinner from the error
of his way, shall save a soul from death;' and that will increase the
brightness of your crown in glory. This hath Christ merited for his
faithful ministers.

"I hope, sir, you will receive grace to be sincere in reproving sin,
wherever you see it. You will find Divine assistance, and all fear
and shame will be taken from you. Great peace will be given to you,
and wisdom, strength, and courage, according to your work. You will
be as Paul: having much learning, you can speak to men in all stations
of life, by God's assistance. The fear of offending them will never
prevent you, when you consider the glory of God; and man's immortal
soul is of more value than his present favour and esteem. In
particular, you are in an office wherein you can visit _all_ the sick.
Man's extremity is often God's opportunity. In this way you may prove
an instrument in his hand to do his work. Although He _can_ work