Livro: "A Ministerial Address"

Brethren, when I look back and consider how little I have done for you, as your minister, I find abundant reason to be humbled and ashamed. But one thing I can say, in spite of all shortcomings, and that with confidence—your souls are exceedingly dear to my heart. If I know anything of my-self, it is my chief desire and prayer to God for you all, that you may be saved in the day of Christ: I should rejoice to see every man, woman, and child, amongst you, born again, washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God; I have no greater happi-ness than to find any member of my congregation walking in the truth.
But I do trust you will always find me a truth-speaking and a faithful friend. I am sure it would be no mark of affection to keep back my opinion about your spiritual state. It is no sign of love to cry peace when there is no peace, or, like a lying physician, to hold out hopes of life to souls ready to die. Bear with me, therefore, while I speak openly and unreservedly about your present condition in God’s sight. I would fain say something that may apply to every class of character among you. Believe me, if I use great plainness of speech, I do it be¬cause I love you, and not because I like to give you pain. Knowing the terrors of the Lord I would persuade you to your profit, and I earnestly pray that God may apply my words to all your consciences with power.