Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1840-10-02
"THY WILL BE DONE"

This was part of the prayer which our Lord
taught his disciples. It is beautiful, not only
for its simplicity but for its conciscncss and CON-
prehcnsivencss of meaning. 1t contains tho'ts
enough, if expanded, to fill volumes. We shall
content ourselves with considering briefly what
is the temper of mind which this prayer presup-
poses, and the proprety of its use.
Like many other passages Of the New Tesla
ment, it seems to express in few words, all
that is necessary to constitute the sincere devo-
ted Christian. The spirit which prompts it, is
spirit oftrue piety. 1t is the natural sentiment
Of heart regcnerated by divine grace, and will
ling to trust its all in the hands Of God. 1t ex.
presses a feeling of confidence in the goodness
of God and in his perfect justice. 1t is an ex-
preston of self-consecraton, humble obedience,
and meek submission to his will in all things.
1t exhibits willingness to be what he would
have us be, and to suffer patiently what he, in
his righteous providence, may appoint. 1t is
virtually saying that our time, our talents, our
property, and all that we have are at his disposal,
to he used as he shall direct. In times of pros
perity, it is not difficult to offer this prayer.
When every thing around us wears the smile Of
joy, and seems to be conducive to our happiness,
we feel as if it was his will to make us happy
and we rejoice but when adversely comes, and
sorrow and disappointment roll in upon the soul
| like the waves of the troubled sea, then is the
time to act the christian. Then can the true
disciple of Christ alone utter this prayer from the
heart. He alone at such time can wipe away
the falling tear, and exclaim with smile" My
Father ordered all. Thy will, o God, be done
The propriety of using this prayer will be
evident, when we consider, LIST, The character
of the being to whom it is addressed, and I'd,
The character of the suppliant.
| 1t is addressed to no other than God himself
1t is offered to Him who seeth the future as the
past-whose eye scanneth eternity at glance,
and who orders all the events of all times with
the strictest justice. 1t is addressed to Him
who
| "Iaid Eternity's foundation stone and saw
| Life and existence out of Three begin
| Who guides the circuit of the endless years.
| And sits on high, and makes Creations top
His footstool and bchois below him all
| All nOught all less than nough and vanity
Such is the character of Him to whom this
prayer is addressed. And by whom is it offered
1t is offered by short-sghted dependent NOR.
tal-by an ephemeral insect, who struts bre
hour of existence here; and then disappears
Yesterday, and he was not. To-day he exists
end Tomorrow is forgotten. . He opens his eyes
upon the objects around him, and discovers evi.
dent indications of being superior to himself
Revelation casts ray of light into his gloomy
bewildered soul, and shows him that there is a
God, an eternity. heaven and hell and il
teaches him the way to secure the one and
avoid the other. Beyond this all is dark
shrouded in uncertainty. How natural it is 70,
such an ono to desire some support on which he
may lean with confidence and trust! How nat.
ural that in viewing his own weakness, he
should want some friend to be his guide and
counsellor! God is such friend. lie invite,
him to come and cast his all upon Him, and t.
say, "Thy will be DONE" He requires a vile
worm of the dust to acknowledge the RICH. oil
Infinite wisdom to rule. Is any thing more
reasonable Should we not rejoice that the
government of the universe is placed in sucl
hands Shall not the Judge of all the ca. =,
right And who are we that We should presume
to dictate laws to the Almighty Alas Prout
man. 1t is only through the forbearance of Coo
that you are not in a condition thousand time.
worse than you now are. Cease to m,lrmu
then, and learn to adore the goodness of Hin
from whom you have received every thing thai
you have, and to whom you are indebted for ever,
thing that you are. DO we feel the hand o
affection pressing heavily upon us We have
the promise that our light affections shall worl
out for us far more exceeding and cterna
weight OF glory. Are near and dear friends re-
moved from lis by TIE hand OF death! 1t may
be for our good, that we may feel our dependence
on God, and show us the vanity of all earthly
things in affording us present happiness. Are
we deprived OF the society of those we love
There is consolation in the thought that the
hand of the Lord is in it, and that lie who sectl
the end from the beginning will order all things
we'll. Gods ways may be mysterious to us, ye
they are wise they may be beyond our feeble
comprehension, yet they are just and good. Lei
us then rejoice that God is our Father and oul
best friend, and tina, he who careth for the spar
row, and "tempereth the wind to the slorr
lamb" careth also for us. And whatever may
be the lot or station which he shall appoint fo
us let us ever evince the Christian spirit O
reconciliation, and say, Thy miH be done.
THE BIBLE.
| J,, Al 4