Page:The Praises of Amida, 1907.djvu/115

. The only thing that was really important for him was that he should do what he ought to do. And this, his duty, he resolved to attempt, at all hazards and at any cost. Ah! there was much of pleasure in the world which he was about to renounce! But he knew that there was something higher than the world. He sometimes wondered whether he would ever, of himself, have the strength to carry out his resolution, and reflection assured him that he would not. He had not the strength, he knew; but yet he would attempt his duty. Then he bethought himself of the Father of Mercies, and straightway the Father of Mercies thought of him. No sooner had he turned his thoughts in this direction than the thing that he asked for was immediately given him. 8. Ah! the strength with which we ask is the same strength with which we receive. To have the strength to turn in prayer is the same thing as having the grace descend upon us. The very moment that Nehrodoff turned with