Chapter I - Prayer
7:1
The only civil sentence which he had for error was,
The only civil sentence which he had for error was,
"Get thee behind me, Satan." Still stronger evidence
that Jesus' reproof was pointed and pungent is found
in his own words, – showing the necessity for such
forcible utterance, when he cast out devils and healed
the sick and sinning. The relinquishment of error de-
prives material sense of its false claims.
Audible praying
7:8
Audible prayer is impressive; it gives momentary
Audible prayer is impressive; it gives momentary
solemnity and elevation to thought. But does it pro-
duce any lasting benefit? Looking deeply
into these things, we find that "a zeal . . .
not according to knowledge" gives occasion for reac-
tion unfavorable to spiritual growth, sober resolve, and
wholesome perception of God's requirements. The mo-
tives for verbal prayer may embrace too much love of
applause to induce or encourage Christian sentiment.
Emotional utterances
7:17
Physical sensation, not Soul, produces material ec-
Physical sensation, not Soul, produces material ec-
stasy and emotion. If spiritual sense always guided
men, there would grow out of ecstatic mo-
ments a higher experience and a better life
with more devout self-abnegation and purity. A self‑
satisfied ventilation of fervent sentiments never makes
a Christian. God is not influenced by man. The "di-
vine ear" is not an auditory nerve. It is the all-hearing
and all-knowing Mind, to whom each need of man is
always known and by whom it will be supplied.
Danger from audible prayer
7:27
The danger from prayer is that it may lead us into temp-
The danger from prayer is that it may lead us into temp-
tation. By it we may become involuntary hypocrites, ut-
tering desires which are not real and consoling
ourselves in the midst of sin with the recollection
that we have prayed over it or mean to ask for-
giveness at some later day. Hypocrisy is fatal to religion.