A Holy Minister

Robert Murray McCheyne wrote the following to a friend in the ministry:

"I know you will apply hard to German, but do not forget the culture of the inner man -- I mean the heart. How diligently the cavalry officer keeps his sabre clean and sharp; every stain he rubs off with the greatest care. Remember you are God's sword, his instrument -- I trust, a chose vessel unto him to bear his name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfection of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God."

Hypocrisy

John Murray in his commentary on the Book of Romans states the following:

"No vice is more reprehensible than hypocrisy. No vice is more destructive of integrity because it is the contradiction of truth." (Romans, vol. 2, p. 128)

Newton to Cowper

"Pray for me that my heart may be looking to Jesus for peace, wisdom, and strength. Without him all is waste and desert. And every thought in which He has not a place or rule is treason. I trust, yea, I know He will be with you. He will cover your head in the day of battle, and give you many a song of triumph before the great day of decision, when all enemies shall be finally bruised under your feet."
John Newton to William Cowper

"My most dear and intimate friend, William Cowper, has obtained a release from all his distresses. I preached a funeral sermon for him on the 11th inst. from Eccles. ii.2,3. Why was he, who both by talents and disposition seemed qualified, if it were possible, to reform the age in which he lived, harassed by distresses and despair, so that the bush which Moses saw all in flames was a fit emblem of his case?" Newton to Mrs. Hannah More on the death of Cowper

Toplady

If Thou art my shield and sun,
The night is no darkness to me;
And, fast as my moments roll on,
They bring me but nearer to Thee."

Augustus Toplady
"Inspirer and Hearer of Prayer"