A Victorian’s Religious Beliefs
Transcribed from the writings of George Burgess (1829-1905)
PRAYER THAT CANNOT PREVAIL
Unreasonable Prayers never Prevail.
Prayer - that asks for things unnecessary, and impossible, and that has no special blessing to strive for, is unreasonable, and cannot prevail.
Prayer – for the health of the Body, without living according to the Rules of health, is unreasonable, and it never prevails.
Prayer – for an improved character, and disposition, without living a good life, and without exercising uniform courtesy, is unreasonable, and cannot prevail.
Prayer – to grow in Godliness, by all persons carrying on any business that degrades individuals, and society, is unreasonable, and has never prevailed.
Prayer – to have sins forgiven, only for the purpose of escaping Sins due punishment, is unreasonable, and will never prevail.
The Prayer – of frightened, life-long evil men and women, when Death has got a fast hold of them, is unreasonable, and cannot prevail.
George Burgess, August 1899