ust 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 in 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 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