CHAPTER XIV.

PRAYER.

"Therefore they sacrifice unto their net, and burn incense unto their drag; because by them their portion is fat, and their meat plenteous."-Hab. 1:16.

Successful men too often rely upon the means by which they obtained success. Many lose sight of God, and attribute their achievements to their own skill and courage and prudence. Some ridicule the idea of an overruling Providence, and rely implicitly upon their own good fortune. "They sacrifice unto their net "-worship the means by which they gained their end. Then God steps in, defeats their well-laid plans and keeps alive the remembrance of Himself upon the earth.

"The King spake, and said, Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honor of my majesty ?"-Dan. 4:30. The same hour the judgments of God fell upon him, and he went out a raving maniac, from men to dwell among beasts, from a palace to the wilderness.

When Napoleon was about to invade Russia, a friend endeavored to dissuade him from the undertaking. His argument failing, he quoted the

proverb, "Man proposes, but God disposes." To this Bonaparte indignantly replied, I propose as well as dispose." This was the turning point in his career. He fell as rapidly as he had risen.

Churches rely upon an educated ministry; and so they build theological seminaries to supply them with ministers, instead of praying "the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.—Matt. 9:38. Ministers, succeeding in the use of particular sermons, in holding protracted meetings, and in the employment of special measures, come to depend upon these for success. By degrees the church becomes a worldly organization, governed by the maxims of worldly prudence; and the religion which it promotes, a mixture of worldly sagacity and pride, and a mere nominal acknowledgement of the authority of God. His law is, by common consent, set aside, when it comes in conflict with the clamors of selfishness, or the imperious demands of fashion.

The religion which gives victory in life, triumph in death and a home in Heaven, is the work of God in the heart of man. Whatever other means are employed to bring about the result, it is, in each individual case, effected in answer to prayer. Saul of Tarsus was miraculously convinced that Jesus was the Messiah; but before he was converted, it was said of him, "Behold he prayeth."-Acts 9:11. Means in

themselves are not effectual. "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts."-Zech. 4:6. But the Spirit is poured out in answer to prayer. When we find anything promised in the word of God, we are not to neglect to seek it, because it is promised; but we are to pray for it on that very account. "Thus saith the Lord God; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock."-Ezek. 36:37. The promise is absolute; but the time of its fulfillment depends upon the prayers of His people. So Christ promised His disciples the gift of power. Therefore they prayed for it until the answer came.

He who would prevail with men, must first prevail with God. Jacob, after wrestling all night in prayer, had a most friendly meeting with his more powerful brother, whom he had grievously wronged, and whom he therefore justly feared. If we would do effective work for Christ we must be able to pray in the Spirit, until Divine grace melts obdurate hearts. Before Nehemiah undertook to rebuild the broken down walls of Jerusalem, he says, "I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven."-Neh. 1:4. He confessed his sins, the sins of his people, sought help of the Lord, and as God opened the way, went about the work to which he was called.

When Daniel would understand the mysteries of the kingdom of God, he says, "I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes: and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession."-Daniel 9: 3, 4.

The Bible abounds in illustrations of the fact that God answers prayer in behalf of others. It therefore requires it. "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men. I Timothy 2:1.

Many, who profess to be working for Christ, have not learned to pray. They have a vague and incorrect idea as to what prayer is. While in form addressing the throne of grace, in reality they are addressing the people. They pray to be heard of men. Said one of the daily papers of a prayer offered at the dedication of some public works: "It was the most eloquent prayer that was ever made to the citizens of Boston." If you wish to tell the people about the perfections of the Almighty—and at the best our knowledge of the Infinite One must be exceedingly limited -do not take occasion to do it under the form of prayer. When we are starving for bread, do not attempt to satisfy us with knowledge. In public prayer, be the mouth-piece to God for the needy and burdened. Try to take the people with you to the Mercy Seat, and intercede in

their behalf until the blessing of God comes down upon every waiting soul. If you would bring the people to God, you must first bring God to the people. If you fail here, you fail utterly of doing any great, permanent good. The potter, in making a vessel of clay, wets it thoroughly, and every now and then dips his fashioning hand in water. You can break dry clay, but you cannot mold it. You must pray for rain until the clouds appear, and the shower falls. But do not, under pretence of praying, deliver sermons or exhortations to the people— much less, do not make any unkind allusions tending to bring any one into reproach. When you pray, never, retaliate upon any one, or seek to punish him, but "Forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Mark 11:25.

Of all the exercises of religion, prayer should be the most fervent. Whatever the occasion may be, cold and formal prayers are utterly without excuse. They come from the head of one whose heart at best, is lukewarm. Elegant expressions should not be studied; no attempt at eloquence should be made, but in simplicity and earnestness the soul's desires should be poured into the ears of an answering God. He can pray in earnest, who prays aright. "Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know