We never need despair of an honest heart, but there is little hope for those who only come spasmodically face to face with their wickedness, and then seek to hide it.

Their prayers are indexes which do not correspond with their character.

They hold secret fellowship with sin; and such externals are spoken of by Jesus as "like unto whited sepulchres...

full of all uncleanness." If a man, though apparently fervent and prayerful, is impure, and therefore insincere, what must be the comment upon him?
If he had reached the loftiness of his prayer, there would be no occasion for such comment.

If we feel the aspiration, humility, gratitude, and love which our words express--this God accepts; and it is wise not to try to deceive ourselves or others, for "there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed." Professions and audible prayers are like charity in one respect--they "cover a multitude of sins." Praying for humility, with whatever fervency of expression, does not always mean a desire for it.