RECEIVING WITHOUT ASKING.
By E. G. B.
In a late Spiritualist paper, in “an invocation to the Infinite Spirit,” we read the following: “We know thou wilt tenderly care for the thoughts of all thy children, and every aspiration shall be registered by the recording angel, and all answered in due time. Therefore, we crave no blessing. We pray for no favors, for thy lovingness bestoweth all, and thy wisdom knoweth when and where to bestow.”
We copy this to show the wide contrast between the teaching of this gigantic system of infidelity and that of Holy Writ, which plainly directs us to ask, that we may receive, thus implying, that if we do not ask we shall not receive. It seems that even our Lord himself felt called upon to ask for assistance from the Father, whenever he desired it. Matt. xxvi, 14: “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” And again, when the Master was betrayed, and the multitude came upon him with swords and staves, and one of his disciples drew his sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high-priest, he was thus reproved by the Master: “Put up thy sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?” This same Jesus has commanded us to watch and pray*. Let none be misled by this latter-day deception, a deception which would take even the very elect, were it possible; and let none think that they can live without either prayer or watchfulness. Those only who ask, need expect to receive.
E. G. B.