Common Mercies by Hannah Moore That sun which shines unremittingly every day is a stupendous exertion of God's power, an astonishing exhibition of His omnipotence. In adoring the providence of God, we are apt to be struck with what is new and out of the usual course, while we often overlook long, habitual, and uninterrupted mercies. But common mercies, if less striking, are more valuable, because we always have them. The ordinary blessings of life are overlooked for the very reason for which they ought to be most prized, because they are divinely bestowed every moment. Common mercies are most essential to our being, and when once they are withdrawn, we then find that they are also most essential to our comfort. Nothing raises the price of a blessing like its removal, whereas it was its continuance which should have taught us its value. Novelties usually awaken our gratitude not considering that it is the duration of the common mercies which enhances their value. We desire fresh excitements. We take for granted common mercies as things to which we have a sort of presumptive claim, as if God had no right to withdraw what He has once bestowed, as if He were obliged to continue what He has once been pleased to confer, Praise the Lord, O my soul, with all that is within me, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul. May I never forget the good things He does for me. Psalm 103, verses 1 and 2.