To be near unto God - pagina 297

and that therefore we have to serve God as much in the midst of the world, and in the enjoyment of his blessings in our families and surroundings, as in our practice of "fasting and prayer." For it can not be denied, that it is helpful and beneficial, purposely, from time to time, to break away from the overwhelming dominion of the body and the world, and thereby make ourselves more susceptible to the influences from above. To this end one will be more impressed with the need of fasting and retirement at set times. Another will only come to it in moments of anxiety and deepening seriousness. be sure in his

this

Let every one with respect to

own

conscience.

It

may depend

on temperament and circumstances.

Let no one judge his brother. But the practice itself has a right of being introduced into the habits of life. Our first interest is eternal life. This can only be tasted in an ever deeper knowledge of God. This in turn is fed by secret prayer. And secret prayer has need, that in the face of the offensive dominion of the body and the environments, the dominion of the soul be strengthened by fasting rightly understood. That sobriety in food and drink is an aid in this direction, appears from the difficulty to pray, which you find upon your return from a banquethall. But this is merely the beginning of real fasting. It is not only abundance of food and drink, but extravagance as well in ornaments and clothes, in diversions and satisfactions of the senses, and in financial cares, voluntary or involuntary, that harmfully affect your approach to

God.

Fasting, therefore, as an aid to sanctify make it more fervent, is by no

prayer and to

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