VAIN EXCUSES. 409 it is more important to solicit direction in the difficulties which the day may produce ; none on whom it is more .in- cumbent to .solicit support against the temptations which may be about to assail him 5 none to whom the petition for an enlightened conscience, anupright inten- tion, a' sound probity, and an undevi- ating sincerity, is of more importance. What is so likely as prayer to enable him to stand prepared to meet the acci- dental fluctuations in his affairs, to re- ceive without inebriation a sudden flow of prosperous fortune, or to sustain any adverse circumstance with resignation.? Even persons in more retired situa- tions, even those who have made consi- derable advances in religion, cannot but acknowledge how much the ordinary and necessary cares of daily life, espe- cially, how much any unexpected acces- sion to them, are likely to cause absence and distraction in their devotions : - bowmuch then ought they, whose whole life is business, to be on their guard
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