sk anything he will do it," take it for granted he is soon
going to receive it, and when it fails to appear is disappointed and
discouraged. By close examination it will be found that there was not a
humble resignation of all things into the hands of God. The prayer was
tinctured with selfish desire and more presuming than heart-felt faith.
For a perfect operation of faith that will draw blessings and life and
power from God to the soul there must be a humble yielding, a perfect
surrender of all to the Father's loving control. When all is resigned, and
we sit in holy submission at his feet, faith will spring up, and if it is
for some temporal blessing we are asking, God will answer to the soul and
we will know and feel within us that we have the object desired. Though we
have it not as yet in our possession it will never fail to appear at God's
own appointed time, which is never too late. We believe that many presume
that they are sanctified, but afterwards discover that they have not a
perfect and pure heart. In all probability there was a lack in the
consecration, which hindered a perfect operation of faith, and presumption
was mistaken for belief. Such has doubtless been the result also in
seeking justification. Positive faith affects God on his throne and brings
a clear understanding consciousness to the soul.

Some one may wonder in what way the prayer of faith offered when we are
sick, or prayers for temporal needs can advantage us in the development of
spiritual life. God has so arranged that the prayer of faith that brings
healing virtue to the afflicted body also brings a blessing and an
increase to the soul. Prayer that reaches God in a time of temporal need
not only moves him to grant the petition, but also adds new strength and
energy to the inner being. Thus God may permit us to be afflicted or to be
in great need of food or raiment to awaken our souls to earnest imploring
prayer for our spiritual advantage. When all is dark before and behind us,
when storm-clouds hang heavy over us and temptations grow manifold, we are
made keenly conscious that our whole and only dependence is upon God. Then
on wings of faith the trembling soul comes into God's majestic presence to
implore his aid, his help, in time of need. In his fatherly care he
extends his hand and lifts us above the storm-clouds of affliction and
temptation into beautiful light. It will be found that our soul is
wonderfully increased in God. Thus praye