strength of the selfishness of the human heart, and the consequent
dangers of acquisition, I will daily pray and strive for disinterested
benevolence as the greatest good; also for direction as to the amount of
sacrifices I ought to make; and then agreeably to my prayers, act
according to the dictates of conscience uttered in the presence of God.

14. I will frequently and at stated periods solemnly renew these or
similar resolutions.

Now, if you refuse to make these solemn resolutions your own, can you
assign any reason for such refusal, which you will be willing to utter
in self-justification when facing your Final Judge?

Whatever theories we may adopt concerning volition, or the governing
determinations of the mind, all will agree in the fact, that the
energies of the human soul, when aroused, may be strung like fibres of
steel, giving and adamantine firmness and indomitable force to the will.
We have seen this exemplified in the fortitude with which one sometimes
endures surgical operation; in the heated courage of the soldier,
rushing with the loud huzza into the very face of the engulphing
battery; in the cool, calculating resolution which carries the
unflinching column with steady tread into the very centre of bristling
squares. All this is but the strength of will when the energies of the
soul are stirred. Now one's resolution may and should become thus
iron-like in the war with his own covetousness. He should determine in
the strength of grace to break it down, however much it may cost. God
has given us this power of will, and to him we are responsible for its
proper exercise; ever remembering that it is strengthened by cultivation
of reiterated effort. The raw recruit cannot be trusted at the post of
danger like the veteran, who has repeatedly nerved up his spirit,