It is, however, impossible to close the volume at this point. The forty-one years of ministry at Tunbridge Wells were the most fruitful and important of his life, yet their events are barely noticed in the last pages that he dictated. We must therefore devote some space to the work and character of Edward Hoare in that sphere where he became best known, in which he bore the greatest trials of life, and whence from pulpit and press that teaching flowed forth by which the Holy Spirit blessed thousands of anxious souls.
Extract from the Journal, May 1858.
Thoughts about Personal Holiness.—Nearness to Christ. Likeness to Christ. Singleheartedness to Christ.
The Whole Work of the Holy Spirit.—In Christ. With Christ. For Christ.
Peculiar Importance to Ministers.—Because we are acting under a strong religious stimulus which may be mistaken for true holiness.
Must not expect to draw souls nearer to God than we are ourselves. “Be ye followers of me.”
Because by-ends mar and impede God’s blessing. “My glory will I not give to another.” “Ye ask and ye receive not,” etc. God has too much regard for the minister to trust him with success.
By-ends strike at the root of faith. “How can ye believe?” etc.
Nearness to God carries a man humbly through success, and peacefully through discouragement.
If we live in Christ we shall be carried through the dying hour.