˟

A short method of prayer, and Spiritual torrents, tr. by A.W. Marston

61

 
Image of page 0080

A SHORT METHOD OF PRAYER. 6 1

teacher, so deeply taught in the inner life ! teach us why. " It is," he adds, " because He that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints accord-ing to the will of God;" that is to say, this Spurit only asks that which it is God's will to give. It is God's will that we should be saved and that we should be perfect. He asks, then, for all that is neces-sary to our perfection. Why, after this, should we be burdened with superfluous cares, and be wearied in the greatness of our way, without ever saying. There is no hope in ourselves, and therefore resting in God ? God Himself invites us to cast all our care upon Him, and He complains, in inconceivable good-ness, that we employ our strength, our riches, and our treasure, in countless exterior things, although there is so little joy to be found in them all. " Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which satisfieth not ? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness " (Isa. Iv. 2). Oh, if it were known what happiness there is in thus hearkening unto God, and how the soul is