full and running over; Christians and sinners get their full measurement, but not here; a follower of Christ, for centuries to come, must drink his cup; ingratitude and persecution will fill it to the brim, but God pours the riches of joy into the understanding, and gives us strength as our day. Sinners flourish as the green bay tree, but looking farther, David saw their end.
Prayer cannot change the science of being, for goodness alone reaches the demonstration of Truth. A petition for another to work for us, never does the work required of us. To address Deity as a person, perpetrates the belief of God in man, which impedes spiritual progress and hides Truth. We reach the science of Christianity only through demonstration, but here, our good will be evil spoken of, and falsehood will war against advancing Truth. Principle should govern man; person can pardon but not reform the sinner. God is not a separate Wisdom from the Wisdom we possess, and the talent He hath given to be used we must improve; therefore, to call on God to do our work for us, is vainly supposing we have little to do but to ask for pardon and re-commit the offence. If prayer cherishes the belief sin is forgiven, and man better because he prays, it is asking amiss; for he is worse if the punishment sin incurs is kept back, or he thinks himself forgiven when he is not. Prayer is impressive; it gives momentary solemnity and elevation to thought, but does a state of ecstacy produce lasting benefit? Looking deeply, and metaphysically into these things, we find a reaction takes place, unfavorable to understanding and sober resolve, and the wholesome perception of God's requirements; also that personal
