Especially the suspicion that you have contention in your own family. Preserve the position in which you can instruct, reprove, rebuke all parties. Don't commit yourself, and pretend to instruct, when you are not well informed. Be known as a thorough reformer, so that you can guide and control reforms. Never fear to be faithful.
Fear is a snare.
Never let anyone think you fear to do your duty to all classes. Don't try to please everyone, this will shake confidence and bring you into bondage. Aim to please God in all things. This is true prudence. This will in the end secure confidence.