HABITUAL PRAYER. .359 that prevent that peace which is promised to the victory, I had almost said to the omnipotence, ofprayer. For it is not so much the nicely mea- sured quantity, as the nature of sin which constitutes its malignity, and ob- structs the benefit of prayer. The infe- rior degree which is cherished, will, without earnest supplication to God, be ready to become the excess which is deprecated, whenever the appropriate temptation shall present itself. For, however our compassionate Father may pardon the unpremeditated fault, yet how can we expect Him to forgive any degree of sin that is allowed, that is even, in a certain measure, intended to be committed ? Diminution, however, is a favourable step, if, by perseverance in prayer, it lead gradually to extirpation. Habitual prayer may prove a most effectual check to any doubtful or wrong action, to which circumstances may in- vite us during the day on which we are entering - the very petition to our Hea-
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