The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1840-09-08
Moral nm ii Rel aOUs
For the CaiedOnian g.,
p L 4 Y T. L

What il prnyer9 1t ia not n simple desire, but
n,hs Offering of our do fires to God" Those only,
who have felt its sweet influence upon their souls
can paint its beauties nor can they do it perfectly
Shall man rrpect to do what angels have failed to
do The design Of prayer Is undoubtedly good,
as its author is Jehovah. That person whose de-
sres ascend to Heaven for daily protection, is in
suitable condition TO examine his own heart and
ascertain the relations he susains to God. This is
the design of pra, err Its effect upon the heart is
of a heavenly nature. 1t dispois the clouds of sor-
row which so often make morlals unhappy. 1t
cheers the gloomy mind-consoes the mourner-
changes adversely 70 prosperity -reanlmntes the
doad--fecds the hungry-bestows upon the poor
unading richcs--gives pain pleasnre-a fresh
bloom to the conntenance Joy to the soul, and
clothes the poor with garland Of immortality
Prayer prepares the iaboring man to work in peace,
for when his soul can
Basli in virtue beams,
Nothing hangs tedious.
His glorious efforts, winged with heavenly hope,
Each rising morning, sees still higher rise,
While natures circle like chariot wheel
Rolling beneath his elevated aims
Makes his fair prospects, fairer every hour
Eternity alone can unfold the effects produced
by finIy prayer. That circle Of children that
have been called around the family altar, morning
and evening, since their days of infancy, will have
imbbed such spirit Of dev oon neuer be
ehaccd. Sooner mny the remembrance of a kind
father or dear mother be exnnguished. How
many a dying daughter have been heard TO
oxcaim, chow thankful am Cor praying parents"
.Nothtrs what Il motive TO action 4! Fathers l.!
how grea, the responsibility resting upon you
With PRAYING people no murmurng is heard re-
apec,ing Gods dealings with them. ''Ile knows
best" is tho language of snch heat. When
howl and thunders roll around their hut, all
is peace within. IF their harvest is shortened,
focks die friends forsake, sickness prevails; if
while sail g 'o'er the bounding pillows" Of time
they exposed to danger and death, they hear
'pcace, be still" They behold Jesus at the helm,
md bending the knee, they breathe forth Il
prayer, responding call is we'll"
Prayer is not only bere6cia! but very delightful
How pleasing the hour Of family devotion. How
sweet TO listen to the heavenly tones that flow from
The lips OF the "IIeralLs of the Cross" Nothing
exceed tho pleasure Of secret prayer. What
rich moment is tina, when can kneel with our
friends TO implore Divine assistance. Who, that
has experienced such season, has not felt tho
sweet influence of prayer.
Many, in all ages have proved its efficacy. The
The prophets prayer caused tho rain TO cease. go
Lord my God - cried Elijah, 'let this chiIds soul
Into him again" II came The petitions OF
Moses were heard. Peter leaving the prison
might shout for joy, and say, "The shield Of the
Lord is around me- When Stephen was stoned
to death by his cnc,ses, he cried ont with the
coun,enance of an angel, GOOD is my shield" The
Prince ofpeace prayed with his expiring breath
How ought christians 10 love tho hour of devotion
Prayer fits man live, and prepares him for the
tomb.
"Sweet peace, and heavenly hope, and humble JOY
DivineIy Bonn on his exalted soul,
while his angelic countenance, radiant with smiles
divine is raised to heaven IN humble prayer.
PUBES.