LETTER TO THE SAME - Robert Murray Mcchene

Holiness and success.

DUNDEE, October 2, 1840.

MY DEAR FRIEND, —I trust you will have a pleasant and profitable time in Germany. I know you will apply hard to German; but do not forget the culture of the inner man, —I mean of 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 chosen vessel unto Him to bear his name. In great measure, according to the purity and perfections of the instrument, will be the success. It is not great talents God blesses so much as great likeness to Jesus. A holy minister is an awful weapon in the hand of God. I am now almost well but have not yet got my full strength. We had a sweet night last night, though there was no external movement. Some waited after; one from St Andrews, awakened deeply, she knows not how. God is still working here, and I look for far greater things. I am very anxious to know how I could do better to many people and to the whole world; and not to know only, but to do it. It is our truest happiness to live entirely for the glory of Christ, —to separate between “I” and “the glory of Christ.” We are always saying, what have I done? —was it my preaching—my sermon—my influence? whereas we should be asking, what hath God wrought? Strange mixed beings we are! How sweet it will be to drop our old man and be pure as Christ is pure! I hope you will come and see us again before your departure for your mission station. The Lord directs all your steps, comfort your heart, and stablish you in every good word and work to do his will. —Yours, etc.