eternity can unfold itself in perfection. There we holy, as God himself is holy! O Lord, thou giver of all life, fill me with thy that I may serve thee better, and love thee more. ever I turn my eyes I behold thee, and my soul with adoration! And I cheerfully acknowledge th art the kingdom, the power, and the glory for ever a here we must be with thy spirit, e more. Where y soul is filled wledge that thou or ever and ever. THE POWER OF PRAYER. In ancient times there was a peculiar class of men distinguished by their learning and wisdom, who received universal respect and homage. Their advice, which seldom deceived--their predictions, which were often fulfilledtheir abstinence, when they could enjoy every luxury-their courage, when every one was in despair--their contempt of those things which were the delight of others; every thing, in short, seemed to proclaim them as a superior race of beings. It was believed by many that they had direct intercourse with God; that to them the Deity made known all that was to befal the human race. When Moses went up to the mountain top to speak with the infinite Jehovah, the people regarded him with awe and reverence. When the children of Israel fought against superior numbers of their enemy, and their leader offered up his prayers to the prince of battles, they were certain of proving victorious. The belief among the Jews and Heathens, that their wise men held communion with God, had an influence upon all their undertakings, and on that account, they were considered as persons of a more exalted and sacred character. These things are laughed at by some in the present day, as pious superstitions. But truth remains forever the same. It cannot be overturned by derision. It vail, notwithstanding all the efforts to suppress know there are many persons who consider pray cessary; and do not like to engage in it, lest the be looked upon as bigots. It is probable, indeed, t are liberal enough to admit that it is very well people of ordinary understanding--and as such, be likely to receive any harm-or as a sort of business for the clerical profession. They say regulation of divine wisdom cannot be changed, th their prayers will avail them nothing. All that is sary for their wants they think to receive without as and as God is acquainted with their necessities, will certainly require no entreaties in order to a tion of his blessings. Such may be the expression sentiments, although their conscience frequently u them. But there are those who think differently-w persuaded of the efficacy of prayer, and that it will the most happy results. If such a conviction does upon some sure foundation, why was it so s recommended by Christ? Although he tells us th Father knoweth what things we have need of bef ask him, yet, says he: " Ask, and it shall be given seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opene you: For every one that asketh, receiveth: and h seeketh, findeth: and to him that knocketh, it sh opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if h ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask ision. It will pre- sider prayer unne All that is neces- I be given you: th, it shall be hom if his son The ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?" We are not to believe, on that account, that our prayers will effect miracles. Much, indeed, may be accomplished of an extraordinary character, yet it will be perfectly consonant with the nature of belief. Our prayers may not always be immediately answered; but if we trust confidently in God, he will not fail, sooner or later, to attend to our requests. Let us make known to him our secret wishes-our inmost desires. And this is a spiritual intercourse with the Father, whereby we increase in strength, and improve in wisdom. But if our wants are not always realized, we should feel not the less thankful, because experience may afterwards teach us that every thing has been ordered for the best. I have an assurance that my prayers have a salutary and holy influence upon my character and destiny. When I approach the throne of the Almighty with my supplications, I feel more sensibly the magnitude of his power, and of my sole dependance upon him for protection and support. My confidence, in his goodness and mercy, increases. I know that he will give me strength and power for every good action. Then, nothing will be impossible. A serene conscience in the presence of God, will arm me with the strength of a giant-and I am thereby rendered invincible to sin and temptation. When God y Can we not r It is almost incredible what a man may accomp unwavering faith, and a consciousness of his pur nocence. Wealth, artifice, and superiority of effect much, but that energy and resolution of so ing out of a love of virtue and magnanmity, will strip them all. Who, that is acquainted with th of the past, cannot recount the numberless men ed from their obscurity, and were enabled by thei to triumph over their enemies, and sometimes to a nation or prostrate a throne! them, who could be against them! here and there a comparatively insignificant man wealth, or rank, or family influence, who, by his indefatigable zeal, in despite of every obstacle, fi complished some humane and charitable undertaki hold the remnant of an army-spiritless and brok who are flying before their pursurers! Escape sible. Now their enemies are upon them, who, a greatly their superiors in strength and discipline tremble for their country, and see the inevitable r awaits them! In this dread and solemn moment the to the all seeing God in the presence of their adve They pour out their souls in prayer! Their devotio not be disturbed, even by the thunder of the ener tillery! They spring to their feet, and the clangor arms is heard preparing for the combat! Now t other men! Courage is depicted in every count Without fear or trembling they advance! God |