Either the Gods have power to assist us, or they have not. If they have not, what does praying to them signifie? If they have, why don't you rather pray that they would Discharge your Desires, than Satisfie them ; and rather set you above the Passion of Fear, than keep away the Thing you are afraid of ? For if the Gods can help us, no doubt they can help us to be Wiser. But it may be you'l say. They have furnish'd me sufficiently for these Matters. Why then don't you make use of your Talent, and act like a Man of Spirit, and not run Cringing, and Creeping, after that which is out of your reach ? But then who told you that the God's don't assist us in Things which we might possibly compass by our selves ? Let me prescribe the Matter of your Devotions. For Instance : This Man prays that he may Gain such a Woman, it may be to Debauch Her, but do you rather pray that you may have no such Inclination. Another invokes the Gods to set him Free from troublesome Superiour ; but let it be your Petition, that your Mind may never put you upon such a Wish. A Third is mighty devout to prevent the loss of his Son ? But I would have you pray rather against the Fear of Losing him. Let this be the Rule for your Devotions, and see if the Event does not Answer.