ERRORS IN PRAYER. 339 cordially entertained, will too frequently break in when you desire to be alone. The Scriptures are explicit on this sub- ject. It is not merely the committing actual sin that, ruins the comfort growing out of prayer ; the divine prohibition runs higher ; its interdiction is more intimately interior ; it extends to the thoughts and intents of the heart. The door of heaven is shut against prayer under such circumstances. " If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." A cherished corruption in the mind is the more likely to interpose between God and the soul, because it does not assume the shape and bulk of crime. A practical offence, the effect of sudden temptation, is more likely to be followed by keen repentance, deep self- abasement, and _fervent application for pardon ; whereas to the close bosom-sin, knowing that no human charge can be brought against it, the soul secretly returns with a fondness facilitated by long indulgence, and only whetted by Q
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