"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 without means, yet his usual way is by means; and I trust you are a chosen vessel unto Him, to prove his name and declare his truth to all men. "Visiting the sick is a strict command, and a duty for every Christian. None can tell what good may be done. I wish it was never neglected, as it too often is. Many think that, if they attend the Church--the minister to preach and the people to hear--their duty is done. But more is required than this. 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 temper 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 appeas'd 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!