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OR how can we think that the Lord would have it retained even for an
instant, since He does not permit us to offer the spiritual sacrifices of
our prayers, if we are aware that another has any bitterness against us:
saying, "If then thou bringest thy gift to the altar and there rememberest
that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift at the altar
and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer
thy gift." How then may we retain displeasure against our brother, I
will not say for several days, but even till the going down of the sun, if
we are not allowed to offer our prayers to God while he has anything
against us? And yet we are commanded by the Apostle: "Pray without
ceasing;" and "in every place lifting up holy hands without wrath and
disputing." It remains then either that we never pray at all, retaining
this poison m our hearts, and become guilty in regard of this apostolic or
evangelic charge, in which we are bidden to pray everywhere and without
ceasing; or else if, deceiving ourselves, we venture to pour forth our
prayers, contrary to His command, we must know that we are offering to God
no prayer, but an obstinate temper with a rebellious spirit.
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