single mind, and may be blest unto myself and unto those to whom I minister.
Outward reverence at all times, Lord, is easy; but inward reverence, inward attentiveness and solemnity of spirit it is hard always to keep. I may not wound my flock by outward carelessness, indifference, haste, negligence, or any other visible fault; but how much may I lose them, if I do not inwardly worship Thee and heartily pray for them, if my spirit is backward and remiss, or hurrying to many unprofitable thoughts, or thinking of the opinions of men!
It is right that I should outwardly honour Thee, for there cannot be inward worship beneath outward irreverence; but what are things outward if I lack devotion within! No man knoweth from outward appearance how much my thoughts wander in my prayers, but Thou knowest mine infirmities; “my faults are not hid from Thee,” and “my secret sins are in the light of Thy countenance.” I fear being formal in my worship; I am often formal; I want perseverance in prayer, collectedness, abstraction, true fervent elevation of soul. As the shepherd I ought to go before the sheep and lead them unto Thee, but I doubt not many of the sheep do outrun me in fervent praying and in the heartiness of their praise.
