Page:The pastor in his closet.djvu/42

 the grace of humility; humble me so much the more. With all my heart, with great fervour, even with passionateness of spirit, I do beseech Thee to keep me humble in the day of success. Let me not say, “My persuasion or my pastoral activity hath done this.” Grant that I may give Thee all the glory, heartily, with a sincere mind. Grant that I may take nothing to myself of all the good done, but thank Thee with humble joy for having used such an one as myself to promote Thy glory. Grant that my rejoicing may be in Thee; so, in profiting others, shall mine own soul be profited.

I know, blessed Lord, that my frail heart will then incline me to speak proud things, and to say to myself, “Lo! thus and thus hast thou done, and thus and thus was it before thy time.” Satan also will seek to whisper vain thoughts into mine ear. Save me, holy Jesus, from mine own pride of heart and from Satan’s wiles. Teach me to dread praise as a serpent, self-praise and the praise of others, lest I become a self-worshipper.

Or if, Lord Jesus, I should seem to labour in vain, let not my heart fail; move me by Thy Spirit to persevere. It may be that Thou hereby desirest to keep me humble, and to make me feel mine own insufficiency, and to trust more entirely