material sense of things, gives hungerings and thirstings after righteousness, because it reveals the perfect Principle on which Life and immortality are won. A wordy prayer may afford a sense of quiet and self-justification, but this makes the sinner a hypocrite. We never despair of an honest heart, but those spasmodically face to face with their wickedness, and always seeking to hide it, are the indexes that correspond not with contents, the counterfeits of true manhood, that hold secret fellowship with their own sins. Such are spoken of in the scripture as whited sepulchres full of uncleanness, “making long prayers,” etc.
If the author of much apparent fervor and many prayers is sensual and insincere, what is the mental comment of those understanding the science of being? That if he had reached the standpoint of his prayer, this would not be the case. If our silent thoughts support the conclusion that we feel all the aspiration, humility, gratitude and love they pour forth, this is enough to know of our Christian estate, and it is greatly wise not to deceive ourselves or others; nothing is hidden that shall not be revealed. Professions and prayers, we regret to say, cover a multitude of sins. Christians rejoice that the secret beauty and bounty of their being, though hidden from the world, is known to God; self-abnegation, purity and Love, are a constant prayer. It is the practice and understanding of our God-being. that gains the ear and right hand of Omnipotence, and calls down blessings infinite. Trustworthiness is the only foundation of faith; without a fitness for holiness we shall not receive it, nor yield faithful adherence to it.
“God is Love;” more than this we cannot ask; higher
