Page:The astral world, higher occult powers; (IA astralworldhighe00tiff).pdf/96

 come into us and develop within us the true affection; but the high spirit can not do it. Hence it is that there is a gradation between the highest and lowest—that

"Angels form a chain which in God's burning throne begins, And winds down to the lowest plane of earthly things."

I may possibly receive a communication from a higher plane by abstracting myself from the lusts and evils of the world, by sending forth my highest, and holiest, and purest aspirations after all that is pure and good—for a moment elevating my condition to a higher plane. That is the condition of true prayer. While in that condition a Spirit of that higher plane may, by influx, raise me up and hold me in that condition. That is, the true effect of the condition known as prayer, is to separate you from the lusts and passions of the world—every thing which is tending to degrade you. Then by fixing your mind on your highest perception, and that which is pure, and true, and holy, you elevate yourself above the plane on which you naturally move—bring yourself where a higher angel can reach down and raise you up. Therefore, though prayer does not change the state of the soul, yet it is one of the conditions by which we climb to the higher spheres. You know the direction in regard to prayer was, "when you pray do not go into the public places and talk a great deal, thinking God is going to hear you for your much speaking."

The object of prayer is not to inform God—to change his mind—therefore when you pray, retire from the world and all outward influences, and if necessary go