Don't be troubled by comparing yourself with other clergymen. I think you are like me--not ecclesiastically minded. I don't have the sort of feelings which a large number of persons have about their work and their preaching. I can't put the difference into words, yet I feel it. But I must serve God in my own way, and I am sure that He will use me to do the work for which I am best fitted. And the {161} same is true of you. Try to refer all your actions to His standard; and test your work in His presence; and don't ask what So-and-so thinks of it. I very much wish you had some gentlemen to associate with besides parsons. You must keep up as much as possible with your college friends; and use every opportunity which reasonably presents itself of seeing some 'society.' God knows what is best for you at present. God nothing does or suffers to be done But thou wouldest do thyself, couldest thou but see The end of all events as well as He. I am sure that He will not forget you. He knows what is best for your development. It may be that He takes you away from friends that you may learn to pray for them more and to see Him more clearly. I think you will influence many men whom a more ordinary parson would not touch. . . . I am quite certain that if you have infinite hope--hope against hope--you will be a tremendous power in the place where God has put you. Get as much exercise as you can, and always get a clear day off in the week, and don't give up any of your old interests. Don't always read 'religious' literature. . . . When the long day is done and we stand before the judgment seat, I believe that many will rise up and call you blessed. Only pray for individuals--for a long time together. To influence, you must love; to love, you must pray. {162} _To one about to be ordained._ Eastbourne: September 1901. I shall indeed remember you on Sunday next. The words of the lesson come home to me to-day--_kai eireken moi Arkei soi he chariu mou; he gar dunamis en astheneia teleitai_. We are poor creatures, but there is Grace--and we can come into contact with it--and that is all we need. We may have failed in the past, but Christ offers a new childlike life and endless hope. I am glad to think that you will be returning to your difficult post at Cambridge. I am sure that you will return to it with fresh humility and courage--_en pleromati eulogias Christou_.