Moses to the tabernacle to ask counsel of the Lord. It is in vain for you to rise before the dawn, O sons of men! Never, till the Sun of Justice, invoked in prayer, has shone upon you, will you rise in good time to labour.
Man. Oh, that thou wouldst impress effectually on my heart, O Lord, the wholesome words which thou soundest so patiently in my ears! I understand thy advice and thy commands, teach me also to do thy will, that nothing may hinder me from praying always; so will I bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall be always in my mouth. Oh, that my will were in thy law, that it might be my delight to meditate in it day and night. There is not a moment but we enjoy thy benefits, it is, therefore, but just, that not a moment should escape thy praise. Accordingly, thy Apostle counsels us to pray without ceasing, and thou thyself, the eternal truth, hast said, that we ought always to pray , and not to faint .
§ 6. Confidence and resignation in prayer .
Christ. Thou knowest these things, my son, happy art thou if thou do them. Be not like a servant who knows his Lord’s will, but does it not. Call to mind all the motives and incitements, the admonitions, the examples, and parables I have set forth, in order to persuade you to constancy, frequency, confidence, and perseverance in prayer. Surely he must be very ready to give who urges thee so much to ask. Think of the woman of Canaan, who prayed with such constancy, and who was at length heard after many repulses. Think too of him who knocked at his friend’s door by night, and did not leave off till he had obtained what he wanted. Think too of the judge who feared neither God nor man, and who, nevertheless, undertook the cause of the widow who entreated him with so much importunity.
But if my gifts and benefits are now but seldom bestowed upon you, lay it to your own door. The hand of the Lord is not shortened to exercise his mercy towards you, but it is you who render yourselves unworthy and incapable of receiving it, while you ask in a way so unbecoming. For though you do sometimes approach me, still this is done faintly, as though you did not care to receive, neither do you pray with becoming faith; and if I do not instantly grant what you seek, you cast away all courage, you forsake prayer, you speak ill of me, and even suspect me. And then perverse thoughts of my goodness rise up into your hearts, as though I moved above the poles of heaven, and would not consider your
