In this figure¹ Jesus had taught that those who devote themselves entirely to heavenly teaching are engaged in a great undertaking, for no one can handle this teaching sincerely unless he shakes himself free of all the lusts and cares of this world. Now it remained for him also to prescribe the method of praying. For prayer is as it were the purest sacrifice of gospel religion; Jesus often withdrew for prayer and accustomed his disciples to do the same. And prayer is that secret meeting place where the human mind, having shaken off all haunting anxieties about earthly things...