One, by way of banter, said to me, "I will treat you with a play if you will go with me to-night." I thanked him, and told him I would accompany him if I could be sure that it would bring more of the love of Christ into my heart: this, this is worth living for, using any means to promote, and going any where to procure. But, here is a weapon which defends us against all temptations to go to those places, or do those things which are contrary to the peace of our souls and damp the love of Christ in our hearts. That soul who lives in sweet fellowship with God at the throne of grace, is dead to sensual gratifications; the more prayer, the more spiritual life from Christ; the more spiritual life, the more prayer to Christ; the more we enjoy Christ, the less we desire from the world.
Praying: this is the last weapon of our warfare; it will be used by soldiers to the last moment of life. "God be merciful to me a sinner;" "Jesus, save, or I perish," are suitable petitions for a dying soldier of Christ: such prayer of faith we are sure God will answer.
Praying always: we are prone to think that we are not always in fit frame to pray. Who but Christ can put our souls in a better? Therefore, pray him to do it. "I am oppressed," said Hezekiah. What then? Did he cease to pray? No: "O Lord, undertake for me." Isa. 38:14. The help of Jesus we want always; therefore should pray for it always.
With all prayer: every kind of prayer: though armed with the whole armor of God, yet we gain no victory without the power of God. The most secret sigh of the soul is heard by God, as well as the loudest cry of the tongue. If your lot is cast into the worst of company, there your heart may pray; God can hear; you then ought to pray that God may keep you. Are you dejected and uncomfortable in your soul? Why is this? That you should call upon the Lord. Do you fear your enemies will prevail? Improve fears into prayers; call on the Saviour; the more prayer, the more victory: the more victory, the more love. Love is heaven below: thus we go on "conquering and to conquer." "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death:" praying souls may joyfully shout victory over death: in all things "more than conquerors, through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37. Is this the state, this the faith of praying christians? Who brought them into this happy state, this joyful faith? The question excites gratitude, and calls forth praise to Jesus, "the author and finisher of our faith." Heb. 12:2.