Page:The pastor in his closet.djvu/21

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GENERAL DEVOTION.
7

Thy people’s sake, Thine that I may be servant of all, and by all means save some. Having put my hand to the plough, may I never look back!

But as Thou hast called me. Lord Jesus, so help me according to my need. Without Thee I can do nothing; with Thee I can do all things; without Thee I am nothing, with Thee I am strong, and endued with much strength. If Thou guidest me, I can guide others; if Thou teachest me, I can teach; if Thou art my Shepherd, I can watch the sheep of Thy pasture. From Thee must I learn to know all my wants, and to obtain the supply of the wants known. Send to me the Holy Ghost the Comforter, to strengthen me with all gifts of grace necessary for my work, that I may have zeal with prudence, fervour with patience, love with boldness, earnestness with humility, aptness to teach, meekness in teaching, contempt of the world, and obedience to the law of the Cross. I look up to Thee for all things; I cast myself upon Thee; I cry aloud for help; “Help me, and that right early;” help me that I may be “an able minister of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit.”

That I may truly serve Thee with a tender conscience, teach me, Christ, to set before my soul what Thou requirest at my hands, to approve