ON PRAYER

I cannot contentedly frame a prayer for myself in particular, without a

catalogue for my friends; nor request a happiness wherein my sociable

disposition doth not desire the fellowship of my neighbour. I never

heard the toll of a passing-bell, though in my mirth, without my prayers

and best wishes for the departing spirit. I cannot go to cure the body

of my patient, but I forget my profession, and call unto God for his

soul. I cannot see one say his prayers, but instead of imitating him, I

fall into a supplication for him, who, perhaps, is no more to me than a

common nature; and if God hath vouchsafed an ear to my supplications,

there are surely many happy that never saw me, and enjoy the blessing of

my unknown devotions. To pray for enemies, that is, for their salvation,

is no harsh precept, but the practice of our daily and ordinary

devotions.

Sir Thomas Browne and his 'Religio Medici': An Appreciation · 第 18 / 24 题