May the Lord here, while he uses human instrumentality, yet let you all see that “it is not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit saith the Lord.” This has indeed been my mission, to shew the power of God in human weakness. I do acknowledge and confess what is so continually said of me. “The man is not educated.” Granted. “His periods are unpolished.” Granted. “His manner is rough.” “Be it so, if you will. “Himself a fool.” Ay, amen, and what else you choose. Gather together all the epithets in the catalogue of abuse — come, heap them here. But who hath done this, who hath saved souls, and called the people to this footstool? Why, if the instrument be mean the more glory be to him that used it, and if the man be nothing, “I glory in infirmity, that the power of God may rest upon me.” Make me less and less; I pray you do it; let it be so; but still, O God, use thou this poor ox-goad, make it still mighty to the slaying of Philistines, and make thy Word still a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Let the Lord fill the house, and the man will be forgotten.

From the sermon “Temple Glories” (1861).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for using us earthen vessels for your glory. In Christ’s name. Amen!