hout delay.

Further still Jesus encouraged prayer by again reminding his hearers that
they were praying to a Father. Human parents reply to the requests of
their children, not by mocking them or with injurious gifts, not by giving
a stone when bread is asked, or a serpent for a fish, or a scorpion
instead of an egg. If then, with all our imperfections and limitations, we
know how to give good gifts to our children, much more can we expect our
heavenly Father to give his Holy Spirit, and so all other good if lesser
gifts, to them that ask him. Thus again we see that the blessed name of
"Father" is the key to the lesson. If we approach him as children it will
be with confidence, but also with submission, as we know that, whether he
gives or withholds, his reply will be an expression of infinite mercy and
of fatherly love.

7. Jesus Rebuking Blasphemy and Unbelief. Ch. 11:14-36

14 And he was casting out a demon _that was_ dumb. And it came to
pass, when the demon was gone out, the dumb man spake; and the
multitudes marvelled. 15 But some of them said, By Beelzebub the
prince of the demons casteth he out demons. 16 And others, trying
_him_, sought of him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their
thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is
brought to desolation; and a house _divided_ against a house
falleth. 18 And if Satan also is divided against himself, how
shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out demons by
Beelzebub. 19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out demons, by whom do
your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges. 20
But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then is the kingdom
of God come upon you. 21 When the strong _man_ fully armed
guardeth his own court, his goods are in peace: 22 but when a
stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh
from him his whole armor wherein he trusted, and divideth his
spoils. 23 He that is not with me is against me; and he that
gathereth not with me scattereth. 24 The unclean spirit when he is
gone out of the man, passeth through waterless places, seeking
rest; and finding none, he saith, I will turn back unto my house
whence I came out. 25 And when he is come, he findeth it swept and
garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh _to him_ seven other
spirits more evil than himself; and they enter in and dwell the