Chap. Xi.—When Praying The Father, You Are Not T…
CHAP. XI.—WHEN PRAYING THE FATHER, YOU ARE NOT TO BE ANGRY WITH A BROTHER.
That we may not be as far from the ears of God as we are from His
precepts,[1] the memory of His precepts paves for our prayers a way
unto heaven; of which precepts the chief is, that we go not up unto
God's altar[2] before we compose whatever of discord or offence we have
contracted with our brethren.[3] For what sort of deed is it to
approach the peace of God[4] without peace? the remission of debts s
while you retain them? How will he appease his Father who is angry with
his brother, when from the beginning "all anger" is forbidden us?[6]
For even Joseph, when dismissing his brethren for the purpose of
fetching their father, said, "And be not angry in the way."[7] He
warned us, to be sure, at that time (for elsewhere our Discipline is
called "the Way"[8]), that when, set in "the way" of prayer, we go not
unto "the Father" with anger. After that, the Lord, "amplifying the
Law,"[9] openly adds the prohibition of anger against a brother to that
of murder.[10] Not even by an evil word does He permit it to be
vented.[11] Ever if we must be angry, our anger must not be maintained
beyond sunset, as the apostle admonishes.[12] But how rash is it either
to pass a day without prayer, while you refuse to make satisfaction to
your brother; or else, by perseverance in anger, to lose your prayer?