A QUAINT OLD PRAYER.
"Oh, that mine eyes might closed be
To what concerns me not to see;
That deafness might possess mine ear
To what concerns me not to hear;
That love my tongue might always tie
From ever speaking foolishly!
But what are wishes! Lord, mine eye
On Thee is fixed. To Thee I cry.
Wash, Lord, and purify my heart
And make it clean in every part;
And when 'tis clean, Lord, keep it, too,
For that is more than I can do."
—Unknown.
1568
Rev. Thomas Guthrie:—"As an ambassador for Christ, I regard a preacher of the Gospel as filling the most responsible office any mortal can occupy. His pulpit is, in my eyes, loftier than a throne; and of all professions, learned or unlearned, his, though usually in point of wealth the poorest, I esteem the most honorable. That office is one angels themselves might covet."
—From Memoir of Dr. Guthrie.
1569
When the preacher seeks fame he is sure to find folly.