Thursday, May 28, 2009

To Temper our Longings with Perfect Submission

It is necessary that we have a spiritual assistance...that we may be directed how, and in what manner to pray, for it is not always consistent that we should have what we most desire as creatures, but that which is most profitable for us as Christians, believers, and followers of Christ.

We therefore have great need to distinguish aright, that in all things we may be preserved: by watching in stillness, to be renewed in strength; by virtue of the holy anointing to know what to ask, and temper our longings by a perfect submission; sometimes to ask no more than to be endued with patience and strength to bear the present affliction, that it may terminate to our advantage, and acceptance with Almighty God.

Letters of John Woolman, c. 1765