places, far above all principalities, and powers, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come; and hath put all things under his feet, and given him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.’  Filled with all the fulness of God; ‘the fulness of him who filleth all in all!’ O what things are these.  My soul stretches to comprehend; but, weak and feeble, cannot climb those glorious heights, nor dig into these, to me, unsearchable depths.  I can only spell after the language of the Holy Ghost, lisp out his own words.  I dare not trust my powers of comprehension to vary even the mode of expression.

“Well, it may be best for me; the valley of humility may be safest for me.  ‘Father, glorify thy name.’  Thou hast quickened me; I am not what I was.  Thou hast wrought in me a measure of faith and love; thou hast sealed me with the Holy Spirit of promise; thou hast given me the earnest of my inheritance; the full possession shall come in thy appointed time.  Wherefore I will sing unto Him that is able, and will do exceeding abundantly above all I can ask, think, or comprehend, according to that same mighty power that worketh in us.  Unto him be glory in the church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end.  Amen.

“My covenant God, and the God of my house.  Thy Spirit saith, ’If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God.’  Thou knowest the difficulty and danger of the present case.  We are ignorant of hidden motions and principles, of Satan’s suggestions, of corresponding or discordant circumstances, of future providences and events.  Lord, give counsel.

“If information and advice be duty on the part of thy servant, determine on the side of duty, be the danger what it may; and Oh, search, try, and deliver from every selfish or hidden impure motive.  Give prudence in the choice of words, in the time and manner as well as purity in the matter.  Save from injuring any of the individuals concerned.  And Oh, prepare the heart of thy other servant to receive this office of friendship with a proper degree of confidence.  Save from unjust suspicions, that it may be taken as meant in love, in Christian love and friendship.

“O thou who knowest all hearts, all motives, all circumstances past, present, and future, overrule for the manifestation of truth, for the safety and good of thy servant, and for the closer union of all concerned in the bands of Christian love, confidence, and affection; and as our covenant God, in whom we trust for guidance in every path of duty, glorify thy name.

“I record this prayer in faith, and wait an answer of peace from thy inward teaching and manifestation in the course of thy providence.  Amen.”

“1800.

“’His name shall endure for ever:  his name shall be continued as long as the sun:  and men shall be blessed in him; all nations shall call him blessed.  Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who alone doeth wondrous things.  And blessed be his glorious name for ever:  and let the whole earth be filled with his glory.  Amen, and Amen.’  Psalm 72:17.