He read the Lord's Prayer, then gave his conception of the spiritual meaning.
"All-pervading Father-Mother Spirit, which art in all harmony, revered and holy is Thy name. Thy peace and love and righteousness is conceived and realized amid earthly environments as it is in the highest state of harmony.
"Give to us each day the hidden manna, the living word that sustains us, and give us the truth for error as we in our divine likeness to Thee, give truth for error to those who err against us.
"Leave or let us not in temptation, but preserve us from all thoughts that would dishonor Thee, for Thine is the kingdom and power and glory forever."
"That is wonderful. Oh, how beautiful it all is," exclaimed Kate with much feeling.
"Isn't it?" added Grace, "and quite in accord with the passage quoted by Mrs. Hayden,'what things soever ye desire, that—'"
"Same principle, recognizing the omnipresence of all things good, and acknowledging the gift as already given," interrupted Mr. Hayden, shutting his book and rising to put it away.
"How would you construe the passage where it says, 'with prayer and supplication let your requests be made known to God?'" asked Kate.
"Oh, but you have not quoted it all: 'With prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known,'" replied Mr. Hayden, smiling. "It means, continue to ask, and expect to receive and give thanks, not only by word, but by proper use of what you already have. 'If ye continue in my word,' was the condition, so it must be that we continue to ask and give thanks, even if our petition is not visibly answered at once."
Mr. Hayden had some advantage in his study over the girls, for these things had been more or less considered by himself and Mrs. Hayden ever since her recovery, and it was no wonder he could explain so readily.