difficulties, to escape self-denial, to delay doing things which are disagreeable. This again is like a continual frost. checking the growth of Christian virtues. Continual energy is what we require. To some people it has been given as part of their natural disposition, and they will have to account for the use made of it. If, therefore, you are energetic by nature, consider whether you have made as great efforts after goodness as you have for the attainment of any earthly knowledge or advantage. If your powers have been expended upon worldly objects, they will only render the accusation against you so much the more fearful. PRAYER. Almighty God, Pitiful and Gracious, &c. O Blessed and Eternal God, the Father of Mercy and Holiness, enlighten my understanding that I may see the wondrous things of Thy Law, and kindle in me a desire to obey them, which no difficulty or contradiction, no temptation within or persecution without, may ever extinguish. Give me a mighty grace, that I may seek to ple se Thee with my best and all my services, to follow the best examples, to do the noblest charities, to pursue all perfection, ever pre-sing forward to the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus. Let me rather choose to die than to sin against my conscience. Let me also watch, that I may omit nothing of my duty, nor pass by any opportunity by which Thou canst be glorified or any Christian instructed, comforted, or assisted, so that not resting in the stinted measures of command, but striving after works of fervent love, and things by which Thou mayest be greatly pleased, Thou mayest delight to pardon, to sanctify, and to preserve Thy servant for ever, through Thy Mercies in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen. Our Father, &c. THE END. |