It is, however, impossible to close the volume at this point. The forty-one years of ministry at Tunbridge Wells were the most fruitful and important of his life, yet their events are barely noticed in the last pages that he dictated. We must therefore devote some space to the work and character of Edward Hoare in that sphere where he became best known, in which he bore the greatest trials of life, and whence from pulpit and press that teaching flowed forth by which the Holy Spirit blessed thousands of anxious souls. Extract from the Journal, May 1858. _Thoughts about Personal Holiness_.—Nearness to Christ. Likeness to Christ. Singleheartedness to Christ. _The Whole Work of the Holy Spirit_.—In Christ. With Christ. For Christ. _Peculiar Importance to Ministers_.—Because we are acting under a strong religious stimulus which may be mistaken for true holiness. Must not expect to draw souls nearer to God than we are ourselves. “Be ye followers of me.” Because by-ends mar and impede God’s blessing. “My glory will I not give to another.” “Ye ask and ye receive not,” etc. God has too much regard for the minister to trust him with success. By-ends strike at the root of faith. “How can ye believe?” etc. Nearness to God carries a man humbly through success, and peacefully through discouragement. If we live in Christ we shall be carried through the dying hour. _The Visible and Invisible Life_.—Men see Christ’s Gospel in us. We are the visible representatives of an Invisible Presence. Thousands read us who never read their Bibles. _Questions_. Is there the same desire for salvation of souls when others preach? Is there never pleasure in finding others less than ourselves? Is there real gratification in the progress and success of others? * * * * * “Search me, O Lord” (Psalm cxxxix.). “Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts.” Lev. xxii. 2: “Profane not,” etc. “Pardon iniquity of our holy things.” “Be ye clean, ye that bear the vessels of the Lord.” Pardoned sinners the only witnesses to converting grace. CHAPTER IX _WORK IN VARIOUS PLACES_