Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

have something to dispense to those who are in want." And will not God
hear such prayers? Yea, and answer them too, for he does not willingly
afflict the children of men. And we may rest assured that there is more
affliction and poverty in the world than either the justice or providence
of God requires. There are, however, many who owe their poverty to their
want of diligence and economy; they sink down into indolence, and forget
that word," Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might;" nor
do they consider that "by idleness a man is clothed in rags." Be diligent
in business, and fervent in spirit, and God will withhold from thee no
manner of thing that is good.
We must ask only what is necessary for our support; God having
promised neither luxuries nor superfluities. Daily support for our bodies,
and daily support for our souls, is all that we need; and this we should
pray for; and this we have reason to expect from a bountiful and merciful
God; and then leave it to him to care for that body and that soul as he
pleases. We are his servants: he calls us to labour; and no man will expect
his servants to fulfil their task, if they have nothing to eat. God, our
heavenly Master, will give us bread for both worlds.
He who prays for "riches," prays for snares, vanity, and vexation of
spirit. He who prays for "poverty," prays for what few can bear: and
should his prayer be heard, and he become poor, he will most probably
steal, and take the name of the Lord in vain.
God's way is ever best. We know not what we ask, nor what we ought
to ask, and therefore often ask amiss when we petition for such secular
things as belong to the dispensations of God's providence. For things of
this kind we have no revealed directory; and when we ask for them, it
should be with the deepest submission to the divine will, as God alone
knows what is best for us. With respect to the soul, every thing is clearly
revealed, so that we may ask and receive, and have a fulness of joy; but
as to our bodies, there is much reason to fear that the answer of our
petitions would be, in numerous cases, our inevitable destruction. How
many prayers does God in mercy shut out!