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rather give thanks that we are "not as other men"?
During many years the author has been most grateful
for merited rebuke. The wrong lies in unmerited censure, - in
the falsehood which does no one any good.
(Summit of aspiration)
The test of all prayer lies in the answer to these
questions: Do we love our neighbor better because of
this asking? Do we pursue the old selfishness,
satisfied with having prayed for something
better, though we give no evidence of the sincerity
of our requests by living consistently with our
prayer? If selfishness has given place to kindness,
we shall regard our neighbor unselfishly, and bless
them that curse us; but we shall never meet this great
duty simply by asking that it may be done. There is
a cross to be taken up before we can enjoy the fruition
of our hope and faith.
(Practical religion)
Dost thou "love the Lord thy God with all thy
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind"?
This command includes much, even the surrender
of all merely material sensation, affection,
and worship. This is the El Dorado of Christianity.
It involves the Science of Life, and recognizes only the
divine control of Spirit, in which Soul is our master,
and material sense and human will have no place.
(The chalice sacrificial)
Are you willing to leave all for Christ, for Truth, and
so be counted among sinners? No! Do you really desire
to attain this point? No! Then why make long
prayers about it and ask to be Christians,
since you do not care to tread in the footsteps of our
dear Master? If unwilling to follow his example, why
pray with the lips that you may be partakers of his
nature? Consistent prayer is the desire to do right.
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