My youthful brother, oft I long To write to you in prose or song; With no pretence to judgment strong, But warm affection— May truest friendship rivet long Our close connection!

With deference, what I impart Receive with humble grateful heart, Nor proudly from my counsel start, I only lend it— A friend ne’er aims a poisoned dart—  He wounds, to mend it.

A graduate you’ve just been made, And lately passed the Mitred Head; I trust, by the Blest Spirit, led, And Shepherd’s care: And not a wolf, in sheepskin clad, As numbers are.

The greatest office you sustain For love of souls, and not of gain: Through your neglect should one be slain, The Scriptures say, Your careless hands his blood will stain, On the Last Day.

But if pure truths, like virgin snows, You loud proclaim, to friends and foes, p. 237Consoling these, deterring those—  To heaven you’ll fly; Though stubborn sinners still oppose, And graceless die. {237a}

p. 237

Divide the word of truth aright, Show Jesus in a saving light, Proclaim to all they’re dead outright Till Grace restore them: {237b} The great Redeemer, full in sight,  Keep still before them.

Dare not, like some, to mince the matter— Nor dazzling tropes and figures scatter, Nor coarsely speak nor basely flatter, Nor grovelling go: But let plain truths, as Life’s pure water, Pellucid flow.

The sinner level with the dead, The Lamb exalt, the Church’s Head, His holiness, adoring spread, With godly zeal: Enforce, though sinless, how He bled For sinners’ weal.

Pourtray how God in thunder spoke His fiery Law, whilst curling smoke, In terror fierce, from Sinai broke, Midst raging flame! Then Jesu’s milder blood invoke, And preach His name.

p. 238Remember still to fear the Lord, To live, as well as preach, His word, And wield the Gospel’s two-edged sword, Though dangers lower— Example only can afford To precept power.

p. 238

And dress nor slovenly nor gay, Nor sternly act; nor trifling play; Still keep the golden middle way Whate’er betide you; And ne’er through giddy pleasures stray, Though fools deride you.

As wily serpent ever prove, Yet harmless as the turtle-dove, Still winning souls by guileful love  

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