Prayer and the Bible (1920)
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Prayer And The Bible
By MORTON EDGAR LANTERN SLIDES OF THE GREAT PYRAMID
There is no better way of testifying to the Lord's Plan of Salvation than by drawing attention to the teaching of His "Witness" in Egypt, the Great Pyramid (Isaiah 19:19,20). He caused this building to be erected that it might serve as a "Sign" and a "Witness" to the truth of His Holy Word, the Bible.
The Lantern Slides are made from the original negatives of our photographs taken at the Pyramid during our numerous visits of investigation, from 1909 to 1938, and also from our diagrams drawn true to scale from our personal measurements of the building.
The lull coloured set is recommended as they look beautiful on the screen—they are well worth the extra cost. The Slides have each a descriptive title, and are numbered to accompany the lecture entitled: "The Pyramid Portrayal of Creation," noted below. But, of course, they can be re-arranged to suit other lectures.
(1)Set of 103 Slides,2 Coloured and 101 Plain - £7 10 0,or $39.00
(2)" " 77 " 26 "
£12 10 0,or$ 53.00
(3)" " 95 " 8 "
£13 10 0,or $68.00
These prices are for the English size of slide, 3J-in.by 3|-in.
Photographic dealers (such as the Kodak Company) can supply a Slide-Carrier for American lanterns that is adaptable to take the small 31 in. by 3J-in. slide.
THE PYRAMID PORTRAYAL OF CREATION
Price: per copy, 1/6, or 35 cents.
This Lecture is printed in clear type, with a space between the paragraphs and it can be easily read in the darkened Lecture Hall under even the dim light of the Lecturer's table-lantern. The paragraphs are numbered and titled to correspond with the Lantern Slides.
The numerous photographs and diagrams, of which there are over three dozen, illustrate the text of the lecture, so that, while primarily arranged to accompany the Lantern Slides noticed above, the general reader will find the perusal of its pages both interesting and instructive. The subject-matter is continuous from start to finish, and gives a connected description of the monument and its wonderful symbolism. Write for a sample copy at 1/6 (35 cents).
Address orders to: MORTON EDGAR, 27 Aytoun Road, Glasgow, S.I, Scotland.
Great Pyramid Chart
This chart is drawn true to scale from actual measurements taken in the Pyramid by Dr John Edgar and Morton Edgar. It is the only diagram of this monument which has the accurate length of the Descending Passage, and the correct dimensions of the building generally. It can be procured in three sizes, but the 4 _{1/2} feet by 3 feet size, which is coloured, and contains small inset diagrams giving minute dimensions of every part of the Pyramid, as well as the figures of the chief time-measurements, is specially recommended.
The price of the 41/2 feet by 3 feet size;
New edition, lithographed in five colours on cloth, 4/-, or $1.00.
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Plain Chart, size 3 feet by 2 feet:
On Cloth, at 1/6, or 35 cents.
On Paper, at 6d, or 12 cents.
Special large size, suitable for lecturing from in large hall, 101 / 2 feet by 7 feet, hand painted on cloth, coloured, 45/-, or $12.00.
Chronological Chart
This chart of the chronology and time-features of the Bible is that which is made use of in the Berean reference Bible, it is clearly printed, and proves most helpful to an understanding of the "times and seasons." It is fully explained in Vol. II of our work entitled Great Pyramid Passages" for which we originally designed it.
4 1/2 feet by 3 feet, printed on cloth, 3/- , or 75 cents.
18-in. by 12-in., on art paper, bound with metal top and bottom for hanging on wall, 3d., or 6 cents.
7-in by 4 1⁄2 -in., stiff art card, twelve copies 6d., or 12 cents.
Post-card size, for correspondence, fifty copies 1/6, or 35 cents.
Address orders to:
MORTON EDGAR, 27 Aytoun Road, Glasgow, S.I, Scotland (iv) Prayer And The Bible
THE HOLY WAR IN THE HEAVENS
An Address delivered in many of the towns of Great Britain and Ireland
By MORTON EDGAR
Author of "Mythology and the Bible," "The Great Pyramid and the Bible," "1914 A.D. and the Great Pyramid," "Faith's Foundations," and Joint-Author of "Great Pyramid Passages."
All rights reserved
Further copies of this brochure can be procured by applying to Morton Edgar, 224 West Regent Street, Glasgow Scotland.
NOTICE
Previous Price Lists Cancelled.
Present Price May 1920."
The Booklets noticed below are good value. They have been, and still are much used in the spread of the knowledge of the Truth,the subject matter of each being in perfect harmony with "Studies in the Scriptures."
Many write expressing their thankful appreciation.
Where are the Dead?
Socialism and the Bible.
Mythology and the Bible.
These The Great Pyramid and the Bible.
12 1914 A.D., and the Great Pyramid.
Booklets Memoirs of Doctor John Edgar. Booklets
all uniform Memoirs of Aunt Sarah.
in size A Tree Planted by the Rivers of Water.
and The Preservation of Identity In the Resurrection.
price. Abraham's Life-History an Allegory.
Faith's Foundations, also Waiting on God.
Prayer and the Bible.
TWO STYLES OF BINDING
These handy and useful little books are neatly bound in distinctive colours, either in paper covers or in stiff boards covered with good cloth.
The cloth-hound brochures, which are printed on a high-class paper,and have the title blocked in gold on the cover, form a neat little library a truly valuable little collection, containing a mine of information in a very small space.
Paper-bound: Per copy, 3d., or 6 cents.-
One dozen copies, 2/3, or 55 cents.
50 copies, 8/-, or $2.00.
100 copies, I4/-, or $3.50.
500 copies at the rate of 13/-,or $ 3,25 per 100.
1000 copies at the rate of 12/-, or $3.00 per 100,
Note.—Orders for quantities may be assorted.
Cloth-bound: Per copy, 9d., or 18 cents.
One dozen copies, 8d., or 16 cents per copy.
Two dozen copies, 7 1⁄2 d., or 15 cents per copy.
Four dozen copies, 7d., or 14 cents per copy.
Eight dozen copies, 61/2 d., or 13 cents per copy.
Note.—Orders for quantities may be assorted.
Address orders to:
MORTON EDGAR. 224 West Regent Street, Glasgow, Scotland.
Prayer and the Bible.
ALL CHRISTIANS believe in prayer. But belief in prayer is not confined to Christians; the heathen believe in prayer. In times of dire distress even ungodly sceptics will fall on their knees and pray fervently. Like the Samaritans of old, however, the heathen worship they know not what (John 4:22), while the sceptic, moved by fear, yielding to the natural human instinct, appeals to a higher power for help (Isa. 26:16). The Christian on the contrary knows whom he worships, and understands that he prays to God in the name of Christ. Yet how many can satisfactorily explain the philosophy of prayer? Nothing should deter us from an investigation into this important feature of the Bible, as even a little knowledge of the underlying reason governing the necessity of prayer opens up its possibilities. Such knowledge is useful to the man of God; it enables him to more intelligently co-operate with the Lord in the outworking of the Plan of Salvation, For we must clearly recognise that when the Apostle says that consecrated believers are "labourers together with God," he is giving expression to a significant truth ( I Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1).
What is Effective Prayer?
Effective prayer is that which invokes God's aid in bringing into effect the many details of his glorious Plan of Salvation; because this is the work in which Jehovah is engaged since the fall of Adam, and in which we are privileged to be co-labourers with him.* No other work is of importance.
If the world did not get life, of what avail would their works be? (John 10:10).
As we know that God will not incline his ear to any except they pray according to his will, we therefore conclude that every prayer, to be effective, must be offered with His glorious Plan of Salvation in view, the details of which are contained in the Bible. This is the reason why we speak of these two connectedly: "Prayer and the Bible." Thus the prayers of the heathen, long and often repeated, cannot be in line with God's will, as they have nothing in common with the Bible, The prayers throughout Christendom, while offered in Christ's name, are often contrary to the mind of Jehovah through ignorance of the Bible's teachings, and are therefore not heeded by God. We may venture further and say that some prayers of God's consecrated children are ineffective, because not offered in strict accordance with the Father's will. James indicates this when he declares: "Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask amiss."
The reason why Prayer is Necessary.
When Adam was created he was perfect mentally, morally, and physically. He had perfect communion with his Maker whom he loved naturally, as the Divine law, the sum of which is love for God and neighbour, was written in his heart. There was no need for the great Jehovah to say to Adam: "My Son, give me thine heart," for He had already all the love and devotion of Adam's heart.
The work to which Jesus referred was the work of love and mercy, healing the sick and forgiving the sins of the repentant (Luke 5:18-25). The Scriptures show that the Almighty's Day of Rest, like each of the preceding six days of creation, is a period of seven thousand years, beginning from the fall of Adam into sin and death, and terminating at the close of the reign of Christ, when the Father will again resume control of the earthly Kingdom (1 Cor. 15 :23-26). Nevertheless, though resting from works of creation Jehovah has been working more mightily since the fall, in lifting up mankind from the miry pit of sin and death; for the labour dictated by LOVE is not of the same order as that forbidden to be done on the Sabbath-days according to the law of Moses (Luke 13:11-17).
But when the tempter succeeded in his endeavour to deceive Eve, and through this means caused Adam to wilfully take away his heart's loyalty to his heavenly Creator, everything was changed. The sweet communion was broken. By disobeying the Lord and obeying Satan in eating the forbidden fruit, Adam wilfully cast the loving God out of his rightful place, and allowed the usurping prince of this world to step in. From that time onward the whole world has lain in the wicked one.
The Almighty never changes. He is the Unchangeable One. Though Adam had withdrawn from God he was still loved; but his sin of disobedience had raised a barrier; and it is written that the Lord shall be no means clear the guilty. Nevertheless, God's perfect love triumphed. His mercy endureth forever. He had already formulated a plan by which he would re-establish communion with the alienated earth-by means of another man on whose heart-loyalty he could depend.
After a lapse of over four thousand years during which it was demonstrated that there was none righteous, no, not one, for "all came short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:10), the Man Christ Jesus was sent into the world to plead on behalf of the fallen race. During that long dark period Jehovah dealt with specially chosen men to whom he intimated that a Saviour would one day come and reclaim mankind. Those who exercised faith in this promise pleased God, and were accounted righteous (Rom.4:3). These favoured few were not actually free from sin; therefore none could pay to God a "ransom for his brother" and so lay the foundation for lasting heart-union between God and men. Not one of them had the unblemished law of love written in his heart, and thus the Almighty was unable to transmit through them that power which alone can save the world from sin and death. It was necessary that the one who would have the honour of establishing this great work should be lovable, holy, in every respect; and such was Jesus.
We read that Jesus was "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Heb. 7:26). He was able to accomplish for the fallen world what the world could not do for itself.
We notice how the Scriptures distinguish between Jesus and other men. Our Lord said that of all born of women none had been greater than John the Baptist; and he also speaks of John as a "burning and shining light" (Matt, 11:11; John 5:35). It is apparent, from these declarations of Jesus that none of the holy prophets excelled John the Baptist. And yet John himself acknowledged that he was not able to abolish sin and reunite the hearts of men with God. He constantly directed attention to Jesus as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The Apostle tell us that the Baptist, great though he was, was not that light. As a forerunner he was sent to bear witness and testify that Jesus was the true light which will yet lighten every man that comes into the world (John 1:6-9). It is quite evident from the Scriptures that vital communion between God and the earth, broken by Adam, was reestablished by Jesus Christ. Prayers offered previous to Christ's advent accomplished a preparatory work only.
Jesus Christ the "Light" of the World.
But perfect relations between the Creator and his earthly domain was not reestablished without a challenge. Satan, the "prince of this world," chief among the "rulers of darkness," tried his utmost to sever the connection again (Luke 4:1- 13), The Adversary, however, could not succeed this time, for with the aid of the mighty power of God Jesus was more than a match for him. The Scriptures are clear that Jesus could do nothing of himself (John 5:19; 8:28). Therefore he was in constant communion with his Father by prayer. He prayed to Jehovah for strength to resist Satan. He asked for wisdom to direct the affairs of his ministry among men that the message of the coining Kingdom might find root in the hearts of some, and extend through them to all on earth, Jesus prayed for power to work miracles, so to manifest the authority conferred on him and foreshow the great power of his future Kingdom.
He also prayed for discernment to understand the deep things of his Father's Word, that he might work in harmony therewith and fulfill the heavenly will.
Jesus passed on the light to his disciples, and God found response in them also (John 15:16; 17:18). These were sent forth Into the world among whom they shone as lights, in order that they might enlighten us who believe in the Saviour through their word (John 12:35, 36; Matt. 5:14, 16; Acts26:18; Eph.5:8; Phil. 2:15), As soon as we, like all who had the "hearing ear" during the Gospel Age, believed in the life-giving words, God's will then began to be done in us; and letting our light shine we are empowered to enkindle still others (John 17:20; 2 Cor. 4:6). Thus that single Light which God sent into the world over eighteen centuries ago has caused many lights to shine throughout all these years (Luke 2:27-32; Acts 13:44-48). And just as the darkness did not comprehend the first great light, neither has it understood the succeeding lights (John 3:19-21; 15:18-20; 17:13, 14; 1 John 3:1). But when God mergies all these "lights" into the one great Sun of Righteousness in the Age of Restitution spoken of by the prophets, when the human race will return from its captivity in death (Matt. 13:43; Mal. 4:2; Acts 3:19-24), every man that has come into the world from the beginning will be lightened up, and every trace of darkness will be chased away (Eph. 5:14) This earth will then become a dazzling planet, the will of the Lord being done on it once more as in heaven; and God, who dwells in light, and in whom is no darkness at all, will tabernacle with men (1 Tim. 6:l6; Rev.21:3).
There will be perfect communion between the Creator and all his human creatures; Satan, the prince darkness, will be destroyed (Eph. 6:12; John 12:31).
Salvation is Impossible without Prayer.
The Scriptures clearly teach that God requires prayer, and that through prayer his plan for the salvation of the world is to be realised. (We state the matter plainly that the philosophy of prayer may appear more evident.) It is true that with God all things are possible. But God has made some things impossible. When Jesus prayed: "Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me"; but a little later: "O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me except I drink it, thy will be done"; he understood that it was not possible. To redeem man from death Jesus must drink the cup of suffering and die the just for the unjust (Mark 14:36; Matt.26:42). God had made it impossible for the world to be saved out of death by another method.
Had it been possible for the world to be saved from death without prayer, Jesus would not then have required to pray. Neither would he have impressed upon his disciples the necessity of prayer; nor would the Apostles have been so insistent in their exhortations to all believers in Christ to pray constantly.
For to state the philosophy of prayer simply—if men desire to gain the glorious liberty of the children of God, they must overcome the forces of evil. But none have the strength within themselves to fight evil. God alone can supply this power; and he is willing to give it in the way appointed. He cannot send down his saving power to earth until he has there a kindred heart in communication with himself, through whom he can operate. God works by love and persuasion; not by fear and force. His plan is to win men from under the banner of Satan, the usurping prince, and convert them into willing worshippers. He does not want men to be slaves.
At present they are slaves to sin, and slaves to Satan; but God desires their liberation and willing allegiance; and he has provided a way by which all may come to him for the necessary power to fight for their freedom. Prayer is the line of communication between the fighter and the base of power. The struggling earth cries to God for help, because it finds no help in itself to overcome the powers of evil; and God requires this heartfelt prayer, for it is a spirit force against which spiritual forces of evil cannot stand (Eph. 6:12-18).
In the meantime only the few can direct the power of prayer aright; and while misunderstood and even hated by the world, these are really fighting the battle on behalf of the world (I John 3:1; John 15:18, 19; I7:14). They understand the dire distress of humanity because of the sin and fall of Adam in the beginning, and fervently pray for the liberation of themselves and all mankind, not so much from individual present ills, as from the great general condemnation to death, and the cruel dominion of Satan. These Scripturallyenlightened few know the true need of the human race, and, like their Lord and Master Jesus Christ, they long for its everlasting salvation (John 10:10), These prayers, like the prayers of Jesus, are meritorious, because carefully thought out in line with Jehovah's Plan of Salvation as revealed in the Living Word.
We must recognise that the act of praying is not in itself necessarily meritorious, for it is after all a natural tendency. Ultimately, when the knowledge of the Lord covers the earth as the waters cover the sea (Isa. 11:9; Zeph. 3:9), the inherent praying-faculty will be cultivated and developed and properly directed, so that all men may then pray acceptably (Isa. 58:9; Psa. 65:2; Job. 33:22-26). But it is an enviable favour to know how to pray acceptably in the present dark night of sin and death. It is given to very few to have this special knowledge (Isa.
53:11; Hos. 4:6; Rom. 10:2; Mark 4:11, 12). Yet the privilege is not withheld from any who earnestly desire to use it (Matt. 5:6).
Prayer is a Necessary Office.
The most wonderful kingdom the world shall ever know is to be established as the result of prayer. When Jesus taught his disciples to pray to the Father for the Kingdom to come, and for His will to be done on earth as in heaven, he was committing to them a necessary office (John 15:16). We must not suppose that the Kingdom would have come in any case, whether prayed for or not. We do well to grasp the proper thought, as it makes much difference in our attitude toward prayer. Prayer is in itself one of the factors in Jehovah's fore-ordained Plan of Salvation. Tennyson expressed a great truth when he sang:
"More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of."
The Kingdom and all matters pertaining to it must be prayed for; and if men did not pray angels would. We read that angels desired to look into these things; but God has not committed the future Kingdom into the hands of the angelic hosts, but to specially chosen men, the Son of Man himself being chief. The prophets of old foretold of the sufferings of this chosen class, and of the glory of the Kingdom to follow (I Pet. 10:12; Heb. 2:5).
Jesus, addressing his disciples, said: " Unto you it is given to know the mystery [secret] of the Kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: that seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand" (Mark 4:11, 12). It is not every one who can be the disciple of Jesus; only those who deny themselves and take up their cross daily, and follow him into his sacrificial death, can claim discipleship (Luke 9:23; 14:27; Rom. 6:3-5; Psa. 50:5).
Effective prayer implies sacrifice, and consequent suffering. Here is a great secret underlying power-producing prayer; and we would that we could make it clear—the Kingdom cannot come unless it is prayed for, and those only who know God's will concerning the Kingdom can pray acceptably. It is not every one who repeats: "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as in heaven," who is praying acceptably, for few indeed know what God's will is, and what kind of Kingdom is to come. According to the plain declaration of the Scriptures (I John 5:14, 15), only such as know God's will can be heard by him, and receive an answer. Therefore, the Kingdom shall come, and God's will shall be done on earth, not because millions in Christendom have for centuries prayed for it, but on account of the few who have known the secrets of the Kingdom, and have been heard and answered. Just why it is that the prayers of the specially instructed few can accomplish the great work of establishing the Kingdom of God, will, we believe, become clear as we proceed.
What Prayer is.
There are a number of senses in which the word prayer is used, as: petition, intercession, entreaty, supplication, confession, invocation, blessing, praise, thanksgiving, adoration, devotion. These all imply communion with God as the centre of power, and the giver of every perfect gift. The fundamental thought is that of a petitioner pleading with a contrite heart for favours for himself, or on behalf of others. As befitting the hallowed majesty of the great Being with whom he communes, the petitioner approaches in a reverential attitude of heart, in a thankful mood because of favours already enjoyed, and in loving adoration and praise at the realisation of the wonderful perfection of God's character as demonstrated in his gracious and bountiful provision in reserve for the children of men.
In no sense, therefore, is praying to be thought of as commanding; although the attitude of a commander may often be necessary for the Lord's co-labourer, in order to bring into effect that for which he has previously prayed. In other words, after having prayed to God according to his will, we are sometimes invested with authority to command the performance of God's will. Our meaning will appear clearer by a contemplation of Mark 11:13, 14, 20-24.
While the subject of prayer is wide, and its phases many and impossible to comprehend in a sentence, one thing is specially prominent, namely, that the only prayers that are heard and answered by Jehovah are those uttered according to his will (1 John 5:14, l5; Psa.34:15; 66:18-20; John 9:3l), And if God's will is reflected in acceptable prayer, then prayer can be said to be the expression of God's will. It is this definition of prayer we desire particularly to consider. Whatever other definitions can be profitably brought forward and studied, this one, that prayer is the expression of God's will, is thoroughly Scriptural; and to understand it is most helpful to the child of God.
None can know God's will and pray in accordance therewith, unless they have given themselves in sacrifice to him in the way he has appointed. This is the teaching of Rom. 12:1, 2, where we read: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."
Complete knowledge of God's perfect will cannot be acquired without careful Christian study and experience; yet from the very first the spirit-begotten son of the heavenly Father can pray acceptably. The Father of Spirits has so ordered it that we who obey the call to be sacrificing-disciples of Christ shall be heard by him, though not at all times able to frame our petitions in suitable words nor even fully realise what are our proper desires as New Creatures in Jesus Christ.
In this connection we specially notice the Apostle's words in Rom. 8:26, 27, Diaglott rendering: "The spirit assists our weakness; for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought; but the spirit itself intercedes with unspoken groans. And he who searches the hearts, knows what is the mind of the spirit, because according to God it intercedes on behalf of saints." This vague pleading of the child to the Father will continue with us in measure to the end of our Christian course; for the spirit-begotten sons of God cannot be satisfied until they awake in the spirit-realm in the likeness of Christ (I John 3:2), As the Apostle says: even we ourselves, which have the firstfruits of the spirit, "groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body" (Rom. 8:23).
But while our inarticulate yearnings in the spirit are acknowledged and answered by Him who reads and understands the heart, it is still possible, and necessary, that we should study the Holy Scriptures to show ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not be ashamed (2 Tim. 2:15). Otherwise, if we did not study to rightly divide the Word of Truth, how could we know God's perfect will and pray in accordance therewith? Prayer is a necessary office, to which those who shows themselves approved spiritual-workers are appointed (John 15:15, 16). And as the will of our heavenly Father is made manifest to us through our study of his Word, it is our glad privilege to pray according to the things thus revealed and so obtain the blessings promised. This, however, requires a close adherence to our covenant of sacrifice. Our own will must go as God's will is done, until at the end of our course the will of our Father is supreme, and our own will is entirely laid aside.
It was so with Jesus to the end (Mark 14:35, 36), and it must be so with all who desire to be where he is (I Cor. 14:15).
The Exclusiveness of Prayer in the Gospel Age.
One truth which stands clearly revealed is, that during this Gospel Age any prayer to be effective, that will do definite lasting work, must ascend to God in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Other prayer God does not hear (John5:23; 14:6), for ignoring the world's Saviour they cannot, in the very nature of things, be in line and harmony with the great Plan of Salvation (Acts 4:12).
The Scriptural teaching that in the Gospel Age vital, co-operative, prayer is the exclusive privilege of the sacrificing followers of Christ, is illustrated in the beautiful, orderly-arranged, services of the Levitical priesthood in the tabernacle of Moses. We note three general conditions of men in the world today: (I) the comparatively few who have covenanted with God to lay down their lives with Christ in his sacrificial death, (2) those who have belief in the Son of God but do not sacrifice with him, (3) the unheeding Gentile-unbeliever. The first class are represented by the sacrificing priests in the "Holy" apartment in the tabernacle, where they enjoy the light of the golden candlestick, eat the shewbread, and offer incense on the golden altar, which things are typical of spiritual blessings and privileges. The second class are pictured by the Levites, who are not sacrificing priests, in the "Court" outside the tabernacle. These Levites were not permitted to enter or look into the " Holy," thus prefiguring the inability of the non-sacrificing believers in Christ, who are therefore not spirit-begotten sons of God, to perceive the deep spiritual things of God (I Cor. 2:9-16). The unbelieving world in general is represented by the "Camp" outside the Court.
"The golden altar in the ' Holy ' would seem to represent the ' little flock,' the consecrated Church in the present sacrificing condition. From this altar ascends the sweet incense, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ—the willing services of the priests; their praises, their willing obedience all things whatsoever they do to the glory of God. Those who thus offer incense acceptable to God (I Pet. 2 : 5) come very close to their Father, close up to the vail which separates from the 'Most Holy'; and if they have requests to make they may be presented with the incense —'much incense with the prayers of saints' (Rev. 8:3). The prayers of such priests of God are effectual. Our Lord Jesus kept the incense continually burning, and could say: 'I know that thou hearest me always' (John 11:42). So the under-priests,' members of his body,' will be heard always if they continually offer the incense of faith, love and obedience to God. None should expect to have requests recognised who do not thus keep their covenant. 'If ye abide in me, and my words [teachings! abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you' (John 15:7). The necessity of a clear apprehension of Christ's teachings as a guide to our requests and expectations, that we may not ask amiss and out of harmony with God's Plan, is clearly shown by this Scripture, but seldom noticed."—Charles T. Russell.
The Prayers of a Gentile.
There is Scriptural record of one apparent exception to the rule governing effective prayer during the Gospel Age, where the prayers of the Gentile Cornelius, as we read in Acts 10, had ascended to God as a memorial, and ultimately received the Divine recognition. This proves that the great Jehovah in not unmindful of those whose hearts are in the right, receptive, attitude. We are told that Cornelius was a devout, God-fearing man, and that he "prayed to God alway." Before God sent the Apostle Peter to tell him " what he ought to do," the heart-felt prayers of Cornelius could not accomplish any part in the prearranged work of salvation, for he did not then know of "The Way, the Truth, and the Life," the Lord Jesus Christ, apart from whom we can do nothing (John 14:6).
Nevertheless his prayers were sincere and uttered in all good faith, and they and his good deeds ascended as a "memorial" before God, and were had in "remembrance" when, in the due time, the offer of joint-heirship with Christ was extended to the Gentiles (Acts 10:4,31).
After his conversion and illumination by the Holy Spirit, the words of Cornelius could then minister grace and life to his hearers, the necessary power being granted by God through the medium of his prayers in Christ's name (Acts 10:44-47; Eph. 4:29; I Tim. 4:16; I Thess. 1:5). It is probable that the earnest, though not yet properly instructed, prayers of many kind-hearted men and women, devout in their daily lives as was Cornelius, will similarly serve as memorials, and bring them in remembrance before the Everlasting Father in the Age of Restitution immediately in the future. It is probable that there is an important place for such to fill when the scope of Salvation is widened toward all on earth, even as the centurion Cornelius had the honour of holding first place among Gentile believers when the grace of God was due to he extended beyond the nation of Israel. For this reason we would not think to deter any from praying to the Lord of heaven and earth (Acts 17:22-31), but while commending would seek to make manifest Christ as "the way, the truth, and the life," as Peter was instructed to do for Cornelius, and leave the issue with the heavenly Father who knows the end from the beginning (Acts 10:28, 34, 35; Isa. 46:9, 10).
God regards the Children of Believers.
We also note the statement of the Apostle in I Cor. 7:14— "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the [believing] wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the [believing] husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy."
Many of the Lord's people who were born in this cleansed or justified, "holy," condition can, on reviewing their early life, perceive that the Lord had kindly regard for them, shaping many of the affairs of their life to their ultimate spiritual advantage. Trials and difficulties were tempered that they might not destroy, but discipline. In these days, also, they realised that many of their prayers to God, uttered in simple faith though not with much knowledge, were heard and honoured. We see now that this Divine supervision in our infancy was directly owing to our parentage. One or both of our parents were spirit-begotten new creatures in Christ Jesus; otherwise we had been "unclean" like the children of unbelievers. Such providential covering continues until the years of discretion are attained; and this period varies with the individual. A few seem to have discerning minds at an early age; others develop slowly and reach personal accountability later in life; while some, by no means small in number, are so devoid of judgment that they never attain to responsibility.
It is obvious that should any die while in the "minority" state of mind, they are not of that class who are "dead in Christ." For the irresponsible are incapable of taking the intelligent step of full consecration to God, without which none can receive the Holy Spirit of begettal, and so become members in particular in the body of Christ. Nevertheless the child of the believer has much advantage over the child of the unbeliever; for the prayers of his parents, and the character training and heavenly knowledge he acquires, enables him to choose the right way when sanctification in the service of the Lord is made clear to him; whereas the child of the unbeliever has much of error in doctrinal teaching and practice to unlearn. Thus it is manifest
P & B _{2} that, during the time until their discretionary powers are sufficiently developed the prayers of the children of the consecrated are honoured by God,these prayers cannot have the vital force of such as are uttered by the mature Christian who has made a covenant with God by sacrifice.
Idea. Expression. Realisation.
The necessary part fulfilled by prayer in the outworking of God's glorious Plan of Salvation, is apparent when we consider the three successive stages which must be essential parts of every completed work. To illustrate:
A man conceives an idea to build a house. At first no one is aware of this, and hence his plans are secret. In his thoughts only has his idea taken formation.
Then, having detailed all the features of the house in his mind, he voices this idea that his workers may know of it.
And having heard their employer, these co-labourers build the house and materialise the idea. The idea was conceived, expressed, and realised.
So with God's creation of earth. In his thoughts he pictured what form the earth should have, and all the details connected with it (Isa. 40:13,14).
Then God gave expression to his idea. As the Scriptures declare; "He spake." Or as it is written in Genesis: "God said—."
With the result that "it was so." "He spake, and it was done" (Psa. 33:9). God's idea was realised. All his mighty power was at the disposal of those agents which put into effect his idea as soon as it was expressed.
Here, then, we have what is really the bases of prayer. It may at first appear strange, but it is true. For what is prayer but the expression of God's will? And if our prayers express the will of God, we know that God's will must be done. But if any pray contrary to the Divine arrangement he is voicing his own or some other's will; and thoughts not sanctioned by God cannot be realised as the Scriptures declare: "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it" (Psa.
127:1). For there is but one grand scheme which can achieve the promised blessing to all nations, the one which had its conception in the mind of the great Jehovah (Isa. 14:24; 55:6-11). It is contained in his Word, but is secret. It is revealed to those only who make a covenant with Him by sacrifice (Psa. 50:5; 35:14; Prov. 3:32). Authority to give plain utterance to the secret thoughts of God was first invested in Jesus Christ, and by him extended to the members of his Body; and therefore every detail of the loving heavenly Father's gracious and beautiful Plan shall be realised. For the assurance we have of the truth of this we thank and praise Him (Matt. 13:34.35; John 7:16, 17; Rom. 16:25, 26).
The Will of God.
God warned Adam that if he ate of the forbidden fruit he would die. Adam disobeyed, the sentence was pronounced, and Adam died (Gen. 2:17; 3:17-19; 5:5). Was this contained in the Creator's original idea? Yes; otherwise he could not have devised his wonderful plan of salvation beforehand if he had not foreknown that man would require to be saved. The Almighty was not taken by surprise, for he knew that Satan would succeed in causing the entrance of sin. He had left Adam freedom of will to chose either obedience with life, or disobedience with death; and as Adam was created perfect mentally, morally and physically, he had ability to obey—he was not deceived into disobedience like Eve (1 Tim. 2:14). God therefore did not foreordain the sin of our first parents; but He foreknew of it.
The Scriptures show that God had prearranged to so overrule the foreknown degradation of mankind, that it became an essential part of his Plan for the exaltation of his Son Jesus Christ (Phil. 2:7-11; Heb. 2:9.10; 5:7-10; 1 Pet. l: 18-20).
It was the heavenly Father's foreordained intention to select the "Bride" for his Son from the fallen human race; and in so doing he has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence (I Pet. 1:2; Eph. 1:4-12).
And. additionally, his original idea provided that the "children" of Christ and his Bride were to be & regenerated human family—a family which had been condemned to death, and which would therefore require to be purchased from the grave and owe its restored life to its great Redeemer, its "Everlasting Father."
Christ with his glorified Church, spoken of in the Scriptures as "the Spirit and the Bride," will be the life-giver who will bestow everlasting life to men in the regeneration, or times of restitution (Psa. 45:16; Isa. 9:6; Matt. 19:28; John 6:40, 48-51; 10:10; 11:25, 26; Acts 3:19-21). The making of the "new heavens and the new earth" is a work of salvation from first to last, and is to be completed within Jehovah's "Rest Day" of seven thousand years (John 4: 42; I Tim. 4:10; Heb. 2:10; 5:7-9). "Known unto God are all his works; from the beginning of the world" (Acts l5:l8; Heb. 3:11; 4:1-3).
How God Communicated His Will.
During the course of the centuries God declared the numerous details of his purpose or idea; for we read that "Holy men of old spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit"; and "God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (2 Pet. 1:2I; Acts 3:21). Not only did he express himself by human mouthpieces under inspiration, but also by means of types and shadows; or, as the Scriptures put it: "God, who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in times past" (Heb. 1:1).
How God's Will is Realised.
But most of these expressions were sealed (I Pet.1:10-12; Matt. 13:16, 17; Dan. 12:9). Nearly all were dark sayings and parables and therefore unintelligible, and by men much misunderstood and misapplied. None but the "wise" or spiritually-minded can understand the "deep things" of God, and then only when these are due to be revealed (Dan. 12:10; Acts 1:7,8;1 Cor. 2:9- 16). But as soon as the sealed communications of God are comprehended, they are re-expressed plainly, and at once the requisite power is granted to carry them into effect. Jesus was the first to have this honour (Col. 1:17-18). When he was baptised with the Holy spirit at Jordan the "heavens were opened unto him," and he then gained an understanding of many of the dark sayings of the past (Matt. 3:16). The types became clear to him through his spirit of discernment; for the Holy Spirit has an enlightening action on the mind. Christ was thus enabled to re-express the previously sealed declarations of God, that the will of God might be accomplished or realised (Heb. 1:1, 2; 2:3,4).
The unfolding of the Old Testament Scriptures revealed to Jesus what was the will of the heavenly Father regarding the part he had himself to perform in the great work of salvation; and thus knowing the perfect Divine will he prayed for its fulfilment. As the result of his prayers our Lord was able to address his followers with life-giving words, and carry on his miracles and works of healing. We read in Mark 1:35-39 that Jesus, rising up a great while before day, "departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." Immediately after this he is reported as preaching the Gospel and healing the sick. Also in Luke 5:16, after mentioning that the fame of Christ had gone abroad so that great multitudes came together to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities, the narrative relates that "He withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed."
It then declares that the "power of the Lord was present to heal them." These and other examples demonstrate the intimate connection between the prayers of Jesus to his heavenly Father, and the manifestations of power by which he was able to preach with effect, and perform miraculous healings. They are consistent with his own confession, which he constantly impressed upon his disciples, that; "I can of mine own self do nothing... because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" (John 5:30). Because he delighted to do the will of the Father his prayers were always honoured, as he himself intimated: "The Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him" (Psa. 40:8; John 8:28, 29). And not only in the matter of preaching and healing did he require to pray, but for wisdom also that he might correctly interpret the will of God in other features of the Divine Plan.
Just as Jesus Christ received the spirit of discernment to enable him to comprehend and give intelligible expression to the dark sayings of the ancient prophets, so his followers have been granted a like power. As Jesus said: "Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the Kingdom of God" (Mark 4:11); but to the world in general these things are still sealed. Jesus even thanked the Father that the Plan of Salvation was hidden from the wise and prudent of the earth, and was revealed only to those who like children had a humble and teachable disposition [Matt. 11:25,26; 18:1-4].
In furtherance of Jehovah's wise arrangement to conduct the operation of the Plan in secret, and thus make accurate knowledge of it the exclusive privilege of his covenanted, spirit-begotten people, Jesus himself never addressed the multitudes except in parables (Matt. 13:10-13, 34, 35). His answers to the direct questionings of the sceptical, fault-finding rulers were evasive, for he did not intend they should understand.
Even the explanations of his parables granted to his enquiring and truth-hungry disciples are not comprehended by any who are not faithful children of God (Mark 4:33, 34; Luke 10:22-24). The hard heart of unbelief is impervious to the simple message God's love (Prov. 28:14; Mark 8:14-21). The world therefore are altogether unable to give expression to the will of God, for they do not know it. And as they cannot give expression, God's will or idea concerning the Kingdom is not realised through their agency. No, it is the Church of the Living God who understand his will and are honoured, as was Jesus, to give voice to his purposes and thus call into operation all the resources of Jehovah's mighty power to accomplish his work (1 Cor, 2:14-16). This is the teaching of Ephesians 3:9-12—See Diaglott rendering.
The World's Greatest Battle.
The earthly life of Jesus furnishes us with many illustrations of how the power of God is exercised when his will is expressed in prayer. The greatest conflict ever waged was during these forty days that Jesus spent in the wilderness after being anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power. Satan, the powerful adversary of God, there tried his utmost to entice away Jesus' heart-loyalty to his heavenly Father. "Fall down and worship me," he said, "and 1 will give you all the kingdoms of the world," But Jesus expressed Jehovah's will by replying: "Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve " (Matt. 4:8- 11). The utterances of God's spirit-begotten children, when expressed harmoniously with the Divine will and in implicit faith, is of the nature of prayer.
Jesus could not be induced, even under the trying conditions of hunger and thirst, to forsake his God and give his heart to another. He would not allow his sweet communion with his heavenly Father in heaven to be severed.
Satan, by his deceptive lie, had succeeded in the garden of Eden in enticing away the heart of man to himself; and because communication with God was broken he had retained his power over the world. But the Man Christ Jesus resisted him, and through the wonderful power of his Father's words defeated the enemy of God and man forever! Jehovah had re-established everlasting communication with the hitherto alienated earth through the heart of another, loyal, man (Matt. 3:17; 12:17, 18); and he there began to reclaim His earthly Kingdom, because His perfect will was now done on earth once more. All previous communicative work was tentative, and based upon the foreknown work of Christ (John 8:56; 1 Pet. 1:10-12).
From this time onward Jesus called into requisition the power of the Lord of heaven and earth by means of prayer. Through his loyal heart God could operate and finish his great work, his seventh-day-rest work, of reclaiming the fallen world to himself. The Church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, are the first to escape the condemnation; for the power of God exerted through his loyal Son accomplishes a sanctifying work in those who heed the message (John 17:15-20; Rom. 1:16). These hear the word of reconciliation, and in response to the invitation: "My son, give me thine heart," they take away their (unwitting) allegiance to the god of this world, Satan, and give their heart-loyalty to the heavenly Father (Prov. 23:26; Col. 1:8-13). God is then able to use them to accomplish further features of his purposes, and to send his operative power through the medium of their prayers (Col.4:3; l Thess.3:10; 1Pet.3:12; Phil. 1:19).
Although Satan is vanquished he is allowed his freedom temporarily in order that the power of God may be manifested in winning over a few here and there by the message of love. Such as respond to this message are said to be delivered from the power of darkness, and are translated into the Kingdom of God's dear Son (Col. 1:13).
And after a sufficient number have joined forces with the Conqueror, giving their heart's loyalty to him and agreeing to do his will, the devil will be bound for a thousand years (Rev.20:1,2), during which all the remainder of his deluded subjects will be won over under more favourable conditions, and will learn to love their new Ruler with all their heart (Isa.25:8,9). And when the evil one is let loose at the end of the thousand years, and tries again to entice men to give their services to him, he will not succeed (Rev.20:7,8). The love of their victorious King will be so much appreciated that they will then be immovably loyal to him (Rev.21:4,5).The incorrigible who lack love will be destroyed with the devil (Matt.25:41-46; Rev.21:6-8). God's will shall then be done on earth (in all men's hearts) as it is now done in heaven.
God's Power Works Through Prayer.
By the expenditure of vast wealth in the terrible world-war millions of men lost life; but not all the treasure of all the ages can purchase back life to a single dead soldier. The worship of the Golden Calf destroys life; it cannot invoke power to restore it. Where there is life there is hope; but when life is gone hope is lost, for man cannot revive the dead.
And yet the raising of the dead seemed an easy matter with Jesus. He commanded: "Lazarus, come forth"; and he that was dead came forth! (John 11:43, 44). Lazarus had died four days previously and was decomposing; but when Jesus spake he was restored to life immediately. The power of our Lord's words was mightier than death! The source of this might is revealed in the simple thanks which Jesus offered before calling forth the dead— "Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me." From the time he received news about Lazarus, Jesus had been supplicating for that power which could return his friend to life.
He had no doubt that his request would be granted; for he knew he correctly interpreted the Father's will in thus proving his right to the title: "The Resurrection and the Life." (John 11:4, 15, 25). Had our Lord not rendered thanks audibly we might have mistakenly supposed that the marvellous resurrection forces originated with him instead of with his Father, Thus Jesus explained himself: "Because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me " (John 11:42).
Lazarus was not raised to everlasting life. He and certain others were restored to their former activities, as practical demonstrations of that power by which Christ will be able to call forth from the sleep of death all of earth's millions, and start them on the upward way to perfect and lasting life (Isa. 35:10). "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth" (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15). Careful, reverential, thinkers will not receive with incredulity this information. A miracle is not wrought by the violation of any law, but by the counteracting influence of another law. The disobedience of Adam brought into operation the "law of sin and death"; and scientific investigation has failed to discover a natural force strong enough to reverse it. But prayerful investigation of the Written Word of Jehovah, which is the greatest science, has been rewarded by the revelment of a law which is vastly more powerful than the law of sin and death. It is called the "law of the spirit of life," and was brought into force by the obedience of Christ Jesus (Rom. 5:19; 8:2). This new law has the power to free us from the law of sin and death in the present Age if we have faith; for it is written: "sin shall not have dominion over you" (Rom. 6:14). Ultimately all the human race, both those who have died in the past, and those still going into death, will experience the benefit of the "law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus."
In the coming Age of universal blessing man will pray, and restoration of life will come.
We note another example of the granting of power through prayer. It is essential that the rulers of any country should be chosen with wisdom, for on them the welfare of the nation depends. But in spite of the many safeguards dictated by the experience of generations, mistakes are made and hence no government is fully satisfying. If through wire-pulling and graft the elected governing body is corrupt, the country suffers. Surely he would be endowed with wisdom indeed, who could devise a method by which the electors would know for a certainty who were the very best candidates possible to vote into office.
But Jesus seemed to have no difficulty in selecting the men who were destined to be the chiefs in the mightiest Kingdom. We read: "He called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles" (Luke 6:13-16). This momentous selection is related so simply, that it appears as if our Lord put forth little effort. But it was not easy to elect the twelve foundations of the Church, the rulers who were to sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel in the regeneration (Matt. 19:28; Eph. 2:20; Rev. 21:I4). Jesus was unerring in his judgment. Of those whom he chose from among his numerous disciples only one was lost. Here is the explanation: "And it came to pass in those days, that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God." And when it was day he called his disciples and separated the twelve without faltering.
Jesus knew it was God's will that he should have twelve special representatives who would constitute the twelve foundations of Spiritual Israel, just as Jacob's twelve sons were the founders of fleshly Israel, and he therefore prayed Jehovah to grant the insight and wisdom necessary to enable him to make the correct appointments.
For it was not his own wishes; but the choice of his Father that he desired to be guided by (Matt. 20:20-23). This is shown by our Lord's reference to these twelve in John 17:6 as previously belonging to the Father. And even the inclusion of Judas, the son of perdition, was not an error, for it was God's will that a betrayer should be numbered with the twelve; and he had foretold of this in the Scriptures, and the Scriptures must be fulfilled (John 6:64, 65; 13:11; 17:12) It made the trial of Jesus the more searching, and proved his loyalty to his covenant of sacrifice.
The heavenly wisdom was given to Jesus in response to earnest prayer; and it is accorded to his followers also if they ask for it with unwavering faith (Jas. 1:5-8; 3:13-17). For the wisdom which is from above is the right application of the knowledge granted by the great Jehovah, who is the fountain of knowledge,
The Foundation of the Prayers of Jesus.
Jesus emphasised upon his hearers that he was sent into the world to establish among men the words, work, and will, of his Father. He repeatedly declared that he did not speak his own words, nor do his own work, nor impose his own will. To realised this profound truth is to increase our comprehension of what constitutes effective prayer.
Notice these statements of our Lord: "I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak" (John 12:49). "The works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me" (John 5:36). "If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not" (John 10:37).
"My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me" (John 7:36). "I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me" (John 6:38;.
We are impressed with the fact that, while in the days of his flesh, Jesus Christ by implicit obedience in all things enabled God to have his perfect and holy will done on earth, even though it had now become the very strong hold of Satan because of universal sin and darkness. Adam rejected God's will, and by his disobedience allowed the will of Satan to gain control; but the Man Christ Jesus rejected Satan's will, and by his obedience opened the way for God's will to be re-established in the world. Satan's will brought death. God's will brought life (John 8:44; 6:40; 10:10; Rom. 5:19).
When Jesus had finished the work his Father had given him to do (John 17:4); when he had spoken all the words he was commanded to speak (John 117:8; 15:15); and when he had accomplished all the revealed will of God (Heb. 10:5-9; Psa.10:6-8), he departed out of the world and ascended to the heavenly Father (John 16:28).
Part of the purpose of God was that Jesus should inform specially selected men of his Father's great Plan, that they also might know of the various orderly steps toward the salvation of mankind. For they were to continue the work of their Leader, that God's will might extend through them and finally be done in the hearts of all men. This important mission Jesus committed to his followers before he departed out of the world: " Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained [appointed] you... that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you" (John 15:15, 16)-Just as Jesus required to ask of the Father in prayer for the things necessary to re-establish His perfect will on earth, so the members of the Church, the body of Christ, must also pray that God's holy will may continue to be accomplished.
It is a necessary office, fulfilled by the very elect. Thus our Lord declared: "If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you," "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you" (John 15:7; 16:23, 24).
As the Lord Jesus did not act in his own name but in the name of his Father, so neither do we who follow act in our own name,but in the name of Jesus Christ the Victor. This truth is set forth by our Lord himself in these words: "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit: so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me,so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments,ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments,and abide in his love." "Without me ye can do nothing" (John 15:8-10,5).
If the words of Jesus are to abide in us, we must understand the Scriptures which declare them. We must also have faith in the power of God that the words spoken shall be effective. Our Lord had no doubt on this point, for he exclaimed: "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matt.24:35). His words were not his own, but the Father's; and he knew that the most High had declared: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isa. 55:11). God has the power to carry into effect every detail of his mighty Plan of Salvation. He speaks, and it is done. He is the great Commander. All forces in heaven and earth, visible and invisible, are subject to Him. Therefore his every thought is realised. The Sadducees doubted the resurrection of the dead. Jesus rebuked them and said: "Ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures [the expression of God's will], nor the power of God" to bring his will into realisation (Matt. 22:29).
God's Will may be known.
We cannot suppose that God who seeks for such as will worship him in spirit and in truth (John 4:23, 24), would withhold from us the knowledge of his will; for this would make it impossible for us to pray according to his will. Jehovah does not give his favours with the right hand, and take them away with the left. If we are without definite knowledge of God's will, the fault is not with Him but with ourselves. For Jesus distinctly declared that if any man would do the Father's will, he, would know of the doctrine or teaching (John 7:16, 17). He also said: " Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled" (Matt. 5:6). Obedience is the condition to be observe if we would be filled with the spirit of the Lord, and gain his guidance and counsel in our endeavour to ascertain and do his holy will. The first step of obedience is to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is but our reasonable service (Rom. 12:1, 2;
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