Isaiah 16:12

He shall come to his sanctuary to pray

Fruitless supplications

This line in this dark picture reminds us of two fasts in the life of the men of our own time, who see clearly the folly of idolatry.

I. IN TIMES OF SORROW THEY ARE OFTEN SEEN IN THE SANCTUARY.

II. MANY OF THE SUPPLICATIONS THAT ARE OFFERED IN THE SANCTUARY ARE OFFERED IN VAIN. How is this to be explained? In such ways as these--

1. Many of the suppliants have little or no faith, and faith is the essential condition of blessing.

2. Many of the suppliants are not really in earnest, and lukewarmness is an offence to the Divine Being.

3. Many of the suppliants are not really penitent. (W. Manning.)

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