Page:Moral Pieces in Prose and Verse.pdf/177

 strengthen our weakness, and to sanctify afflictions, if we will only ask him in faith, nothing doubting?

Those who know nothing of the duty of prayer, except its formal performance, would he astonished to learn what strength it imparts for the difficulties, trials, and perplexities of life.

Can a mind wholly absorbed in the things of the world have a sincere desire, and ardent hope of Heaven? Can a heart that longs supremely for the grandeur and false splendour of life be right in the sight of God? Can a spirit that looks disdainfully upon merit unarrayed have a right estimation of man? Surely no. But take heed, thou that inscribest these sentences, lest thine heart harbour anger, acrimony, or revenge, lest in judging another, thou condemnest also thyself.

Let us desire a disposition to return good for evil; and to walk stedfastly in the path which our duty points out, not abashed, discouraged,