It is true we may use words either with or without a form, and our hearts not be in the work; but shall any one presume to say that "it is an affront to the majesty of Heaven, to pray by a form of words," when he who said, They that orship God must worship him in spirit and in truth, gave a form of prayer to his disciples; teaching them, if not in what words, at least in what manner they should pray. It is indeed an affront to God, to set up our wisdom, which is very foolishness, in opposition to his wisdom.
| "After this manner,—pray ye, Our Father which art in heaven; hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us | our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Matt. vi. 9-13 |
EXTRACT V.
On the name of Jesus. True ministers preach the Gospel.
"The name of Jesus is nothing but the power of God, and the wisdom of God. And that it is so, we find from abundance of testimonies in the Inspired Writings: but the translators were not inspired men, for they declared against inspiration. Here then, as we have been told, we must come to a revelation in our hearts, to assure us what is right or wrong;[1] and the Scriptures in their fullest extent, can go no farther than to
- ↑ "Come to a revelation in our own hearts."—See under Ser. II. Ex. 3; Ser. IV. Ex. 1, 4.
