Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1838-11-07
Brevtty I'm Social and Public ReIiesous
Exercises.

Brevity I'm Social and Public Religious
Exercises.
1t was Mr.. Whitfield. we believe. who
said OF one Of his brethren who was pro.
Tx In the conference-room, that he prayed
him into a good frame, and then praved
him out of it. The feelings the celebrated
Methodist experienced were probably not
peculiar 10 himself in their character-
Thousands of Christians at the presen,
day can undoubtedly attest to similar
ones.
Now, conference and prayer-meetings,
as well as our more public meetings,
should evidently be conducted In the man.
ner best calculated to diffuse the BENIGN
spirit ofreligion through the community.
10 this end we consider it important that
the addresses and prayers should be short
People may reason as long as they choose
In favor OF capricious extension, TO be
regulated only by the feeling of the indi-
vidual performing the exercise. But so
long as human nature is constituted as IL
is at present, it will be wearied BY being
confined to listen TO the discourse Of those
who hold out no hope of speedily making
a period to their work.
The Savior, on the memorable night Of
his betrayal, graciously excused the drow-
siness of his disciples, who were worn
down with fatigue and watching, by saw.
ing that the spirit was willing, thou h the
flesh was weak; by which We would in
innate thattheir regard for him would have
banished sleep at so eventful an hour, had
not wearied nature imperiously demanded
-epose. 1t would be we'll for those who
are ready to cast censure on any who
evince fatigue in religious services, how
ever protracted, to consider the example of
our Lord, and to remember that no mira.
cles will be wrought to suspend the ten
denotes of nature.
Brevity. In these exercises, is also CAL
cu!ated to produce al agreeable variety,
by giving greater opportunity for diff
ferent individuals to speak. II is usually
the sign of good spirit present al a meet
ing. We have lately observed this trait
in revivals Deep-toned devotional feel.
ing is not full of words; but rather con-
else, if not abrupt And we believe re-
currence to this observation will satisfy
the Christian reader that the flame of pie
ty has been oftener kindled in his breast
by the remarks or prayers Of those who
endeavor to comprehend much in few
words, and to make prompt conclusion.
than by the efforts of those who are noted
for prolixity
The authority of scripture example in
so directly in favor of brevity, that it would
be needless to multiply instances. 1t has
been said that the longest prayer in the
Bible-that of Solomon at the dedication
of the temple-may be easily pronounced
in ten minutes. without haste. And let il
be remembered that this was an occasion
of the most sublime importance; atime.
when, if ever, a long prayer would have
been suitable. To repeat the Lords pray.
er deliberately does not require more than
two minutes; and many of the prayers in
scripture would not occupy minute each.
!. We would by no means assume that these
instances are to be absolute rules to Chris.
tians at the present day; but we think they
show in favor of the general practice Of
, making religious exercises short. We
are persuaded that a judicious attention 10
| this subject might add greatly to the en-
: Ijoyment of Christian intercourse, and tend
: to promote the interests of the Zion OF
: God.-Christian Watchman.