Woe unto him through whom offences come. What woe then must befall such immoral teachers, as give offence to youth? Take heed to yourselves. Luke 17:1-3. Abstain from all appearance of evil, that ye may be blameless and harmless the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation among whom you shine as lights in the world. Philippians 2:15.
Lord! I desire also to shine in good works and fruits of faith, but thou art more desirous to give, than I am to receive it; for it tends to thy own glory. Thou lovest the growing of my graces more than I. Therefore I will give myself up to thee, for to purge, cleanse, and make me fruitful,
O Lord my stubborn will subdue,
Create my ruined frame anew;
Dispel my darkness by thy light:
Into all truth my spirit guide,
But from mine eye for ever hide
All things displeasing in thy sight.
Be heaven now my soul’s abode,
Hid be my life with Christ in God,
My spirit, Lord, be one with thine;
Let all my works in thee be wrought,
And filled with thee be all my thought
Till in me thy full likeness shine.