Do not deceive yourself, and suppose that you can receive this pre- cious gift, by merely asking for it, when you are not willing to obey the ordinances which God has ordained through which you are to receive this blessing. Do not flatter your- self that God will hear your prayers when you ask for His Spirit, if you do not obey. Your prayers will be a mockery. unless you are willing to obey whatever is required, how- ever simple the ordinances may be.