May the Lord stir up the gift that is in his people and ministers, that they may have compassion on their fellow-sinners,--that they may never think it too late, but remember that while there is life there is hope!" Once more I pray, sir, pardon and excuse all my errors in judgment, and the ignorance that this is penned in; and may God bless you in all things, and particularly your friendship to me and my parents.

What a comfort is family religion! I do not doubt but this is your desire, as it is mine, to say,-- 'I and my house will serve the Lord, But first obedient to his word I must myself appear; By actions, words, and tempers show That I my heavenly Master know, And serve with heart sincere.
I must the fair example set; From those that on my pleasure wait The stumbling-block remove; Their duty by my life explain, And still in all my works maintain The dignity of love.
Easy to be entreated, mild, Quickly appeased and reconciled, A follower of my God: A saint indeed I long to be, And lead my faithful family In the celestial road.
Lord, if thou dost the wish infuse, A vessel fitted for thy use Into thy hands receive: Work in me both to will and do, And show them how believers true And real Christians live.
With all sufficient grace supply, And then I'll come to testify The wonders of thy name, Which saves from sin, the world, and hell: Its power may every sinner feel, And every tongue proclaim! Cleansed by the blood of Christ from sin, I seek my relatives to win, And preach their sins forgiven; Children, and wife, and servants seize, And through the paths of pleasantness Conduct them all to heaven.' "Living so much in a solitary way, books are my companions; and poetry which speaks of the love of God and the mercies of Christ is very sweet to my mind.

This must be my excuse for troubling you to read verses which others have written.

I have intended, if my declining state of health permit, to go to -- - for a few days.

I say this lest you should call in expectation of seeing me during any part of next week.