that “zeal, not according to knowledge,” occasions a reaction unfavorable to spiritual growth, sober resolve, and the wholesome perception of God's requirements.
Personal sense, not Soul, produces these emotions. If spiritual sense guided men at all such times, there would grow out of those ecstatic moments a higher experience and better life, with more self-abnegation and purity. A self-satisfied ventilation of fervent sentiments never makes a Christian. Verbal prayer embraces too much error to greatly forward this work. God is not influenced by man. The “divine ear” is not a personal sense, but the all-bearing and all-knowing Mind, to whom each want of man is known, and by whom it will be supplied.
What we desire and ask for, it is not always best for us to receive. In this case Infinite Understanding will not grant the request. In order to pray aright, “enter into the closet and shut the door.” Close the lips, silence the material senses. In the quiet sanctuary of earnest longings and demands, deny and denounce sin. Resolve to take up the cross, and go forth with honest hearts, to work, watch, and pray for Wisdom, Truth, and Love. This prayer will be answered, inasmuch as we shall put our desires into practice. The Master's injunction is that we pray in secret, and let our lives attest the sincerity of our petitions.
Are we really grateful for the good already received? Then we shall avail ourselves of the blessings we have, and thus be fitted to receive more. This expresses more gratitude than speech. By thanking God with the lips, “while the heart is far from Him” who is Divine Truth and Love, we cannot conceal the ingratitude of barren lives; for God knoweth all things.
