what is necessary for him, and cheerfully enjoy what he innocently can; but at the same time he knows it is but an inn, and he will be but little concerned with what he meets with there, because he takes it not for his home. The mind of a Christian should be always composed, temperate, free from all extremes of mirth or sadness, and always disposed to hear the still small voice of God's Holy Spirit, which will direct him what and how to act in all the occurrences of life, if in all his ways he acknowledge Him, and depend on His assistance. I cannot now stay to speak of your particular duties; I hope I shall in a short time send you what I designed.
"In the meantime, I beg of you, as one that has the greatest concern imaginable for your soul: I exhort you, as I am your faithful friend: and I command you, as I am your parent to use your utmost diligence to make your calling and election sure, to be faithful to your God; and after I have said that, I need not bid you be industrious in your calling.
"Sammy, think of what I say, and the blessed God make you truly sensible of your duty to Him, and also to me. Renew your broken vows; if you have wasted or misemployed your time, take more care of what remains. If in anything you want counsel or advice, speak freely to me, and I will gladly assist you. I commit you to God's blessed protection.
While the mother was writing to her absent boy, and keeping school with her other children, her husband was in his study writing rhyme as fast as it would flow from brain and pen. The Duke of Marlborough
