ou; that is how
God acts towards men, even when they mock at him. Try to imitate the
Father in heaven in all things. What good ye do, do it for the sake of
God, not for the sake of men. Therefore the second commandment is as
important as the first. Love God more than everything, and your
neighbour as yourself. But you shall not boast of your good works.
When you give alms, do it secretly, and speak not of it, so that the
left hand knows not what the right hand doeth. If you do not give up
the goods of this world, you will not attain to the Kingdom of Heaven.
If you fast, do not wear a sad face. Be cheerful; what matters it that
others should know that you fast? If you do not keep the Sabbath holy,
you cannot see the Father. But when you pray, do it secretly in your
chamber; you are nearest your Father in heaven in quiet humility. Use
not many words in your praying as idolaters do. Not he who constantly
praises the Lord finds Him, but he who does His will. Lift up your
heart in trust, and submit to the will of Him who is in heaven. Honour
His name, seek His kingdom. Ask pardon for your own fault, and be
careful to pardon him who offends against you. Ask that you may
receive what you require for your needs each day, so that you may find
strength against temptation, and freedom from impatience and evil
desire. If you pray thus, your prayer will be heard; for he who asks
in the right way shall receive, and for him who continually knocks
shall the gate be opened. Is there a father among you who would give
his child a stone when he asks for bread? And if a poor man grants his
child's request, how much more the mighty, good Father in heaven. But
be not too anxious for your daily needs: such anxiety spoils pure
pleasure. If you heap up material goods, then death comes. Gather not
the treasures which pass away; gather spiritual treasures to your inner
profit, treasures which your Heavenly Father stores up into life
eternal. Such a store will benefit the souls of those who come after
you. Man is so fashioned that his heart always inclines to his
possessions; if his possessions are with God, then will his heart be
with God. He who is for the body cannot be for the soul, because he
cannot serve two masters. Earn for the day what ye need for the day,
but take no care for the morrow. Be not anxious about what you shall
eat to-morrow, about how you shall be clothed in the years to come.
Trust in Him who feeds