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

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


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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.


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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.


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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,