430 CONSOLATIONS OF PRAYER. may lead its possessor to look into him- self, to compare what he feels with what he reads, and by discovering the discre- pancy between his life and his prayers, may open his eyes on his own danger, till, by the grace of God, the holy vehicle of his hypocrisy may be made that of his conversion. Perhaps you are a doubting, weak, and trembling penitent ; not indeed doubting of the mercies of God, but of your own interest in them. This feeling may arise from a deep and humbling sense of your own sins and infirmities, rather than from any criminal unbelief. Here comes in to your relief a whole host of gracious pro- mises, peculiarly adapted to your case. The tender images of " the smoking flax," and " the bruised reed," the pro- mised acceptance of f the contrite spirit, and the broken heart." But beyond all praise is the consoling assurance of our great High Priest, that " he is touched with the feeling of our infirmities." Touched with them, not only when he 4
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