ne any longer knows this testament, to say nothing of their
preaching it, although this is their highest and only duty and
obligation. How heavily must they give account for so many souls
who must perish because of this lack in preaching.

[Sidenote: Prayer]

IV. We should pray, not as the custom is, counting many pages or
beads, but fixing our mind upon some pressing need, desire it
with all earnestness, and exercise faith and confidence toward
God in the matter, in such wise that we do not doubt that we
shall be heard. So St Bernard[27] instructs his brethren and
says: "Dear brethren, you shall by no means despise your prayer,
as if it were in vain, for I tell you of a truth that, before you
have uttered the words, the prayer is already recorded in heaven;
and you shall confidently expect from God one of two things:
either that your prayer will be granted, or that, if it will not
be granted, the granting of it would not be good for you."

Prayer is, therefore, a special exercise of faith, and faith
makes the prayer so acceptable that either it will surely be
granted, or something better than we ask will be given in its
stead. So also says St. James: "Let him who asketh of God not
waver in faith; for if he wavers, let not that man think that he
shall receive any thing of the Lord." [Jas. 1:6 f.] This is a
clear statement, which says directly: he who does not trust,
receives nothing, neither that which he asks, nor anything
better.

And to call forth such faith, Christ Himself has said, Mark xi:
"Therefore I say unto you. What things soever ye desire, when ye
pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall surely have
them." [Mark 11:24] And Luke xi: "Ask, and it shall be given you;
seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you;
for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth;
and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what father is
there of you, who, if his son shall ask bread, will he give him a
stone? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? or if he
ask an egg, will he give him a scorpion? But if you know how to
give good gifts to your children, and you yourselves are not
naturally good, how much more shall your Father which is in
heaven give a good spirit to all them that ask Him!" [Luke 11:9
ff.]

[Sidenote: Mistaken Prayer]

V. Who is so hard and stone-like, that such mighty words ought
not to move him to pray with all confidence joyfully and gladly?
Bu