So I will come to you when I have gone through Macedonia,
for I am going through Macedonia,
but perhaps I will stay with you
or spend the winter,
so that you might send me off (with help),
to wherever place I might go.
For I do not want
to see you now
in passing;
for I hope to remain for some time
with you
if the Lord allows.
But I will remain in Ephesus
until Pentecost.
For a door stands open to me –
great and effective
– yet opposed by many.
Keep us, O Lord, while we tarry on this earth,
in a serious seeking after thee,
and in an affectionate walking with thee,
every day of our lives;
that when thou comest,
we may be found not hiding our talent,
nor yet asleep with our lamp unfurnished,
but waiting and longing for our Lord,
our glorious King, for ever and ever.
Richard Baxter (1615-1691)