Vol. 2

CHAPTER XIV. 225If we must watch and pray,to prevent and withstandtemptation, let us not be surprised that somany enter into it and fall thereby : it is for no otherreason, but because there are very few who watch andpray inthat manner, and with that constancy, whichthey ought. Prayer is necessary in order to watch,and watchfulness in order to pray ;and both the oneand the other are so, to secure us from temptation.Peter was deficient in vigilance, because he was so inprayer; and through the neglect of both, he fell,being overcome by the fear of death, and the love oflife." 39, And again he went away, and prayed, andspake the same words."The simplicity and plainness of Christ in hisprayers is an important lesson, and of great use andadvantage. A Christian who prays to God, is notan orator, who would persuade by his eloquence, buta beggar, who would move to compassion by his povertyand humility.These speak plainly and withoutornament : and Jesus speaks thus to God, becausehe has clothed himself with our humility and poverty." 40. And when he returned, he found themasleep again; (for their eyes were heavy;) neitherwist they what to answer him."The good Shepherd cannot forget his sheep,knowing their weakness. He ceases not to watchover them and forthem, though they cannot watchone hour with him. There was nothing for thesedisciples to answer, but there was enough for theirspiritual improvement, and particularly for that ofPeter, who ought to have profited by this second admonition,in acknowledging his own weakness, ink3