As I was, so am I still; only that I stand better with our Lord God and with his dear Son Jesus Christ.

It follows that I am a somewhat wiser man; and have learned by experience the meaning of the saying, 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.' To be sure, we first sing Hosanna to him who cometh yonder; well and good! even that is joy and happiness; the King must first enter before he ascends his throne." A week later he writes again to the same correspondent in a similar strain[65]: "I am a different man, very different: for that I thank my Saviour; and I am thankful also that I am not what I pass for."[66] [Footnote 65: _Werke, Briefe_, Band i.

232.] [Footnote 66: _Ib._ p.

234.] Two months later (July 28th) he appears to be in the same pious frame of mind.

"I still live somewhat at random," he writes to another correspondent, "and I thank God for it; and often, when I dare, I thank His Son also that I am in circumstances which seem to enjoin this random mode of life....