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 duct, and prompt us to the commission of evil deeds; Thus they harass and corrode our minds, preying upon the very vitals of the soul, and destroying that blessedness and tranquillity of state that should reign within. All secret faults are like so many vipers dwelling in secret in our bosoms, defiling all our motives and purposes, filling us with spiritual uncleanness, and preparing us for the dark world of sorrow and shame.

If, then, we are desirous that the prayer of the Psalmist should be accomplished in us—"Cleanse thou me from secret faults," we must draw nigh unto the Father of our being in sincerity; we must open our hearts humbly but freely before him, in the uprightness of an honest desire, willing to know all our frailties and our defilements.

It is an awful reflection that whilst a nest of vipers is brooding in our bosoms, we are frequently unconcerned and totally indifferent about the venomous reptiles which are ready to prey upon our vitals! But it is a reflection, if possible more awful still, that when the eternal light of the Word of God would discover to us these deadly inmates, and lead us thus to escape their poison, we either altogether reject the wisdom which would save us, or we deal with it so unfaithfully, that its salutary purposes are rendered of none effect. May we be found sincere before God, and apply in sincerity the grace which would make known and slay the serpent in us! Looking to the Lord for help, may we constantly engage in self-examination, using the prayer, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults."