Burn up all my levity, lukewarmness, and folly!
(The following in an excerpt from the diary of James Smith)
February, 1853. Though this week I have been the subject of deep searchings of heart. I have felt deeply that I do not realize . . .
the value of the soul,
the danger of the sinner,
the glories of Heaven, or
the horrors of Hell,
— as I ought. Surely I need more compassion, and more earnestness in my ministry — then I may hope to be more useful.
O that my heart glowed with love to souls! I want it to be like a consuming fire within me — to burn up all my levity, lukewarmness, and folly!