Litchfield enquirer., 1842-06-23
fBY REQUEsT1
From the NesD York Observer.

THE PASTORS PRAYER BOOK.
The story is told of "a pastor who was COM
planned of by his people. that his ministra-
tons had become Improbable, and the pro-
posal to dismiss him was beginning to be
seriously entertained. AS q preliminary
step to his removal, two gentlemen of the con-
gregation were deputed to wait upon him,
and kindly intimate the feelings of the
people; suggesting that the dissatisfaction
with his preaching had become so general
that they were fearful his usefulness was at
an end.
The good pastor received the call and tho
complaint with great kindness, freely admit.
ted that his preaching had lost its power. and
expressed his fears that his people were
mournfully correct in supposing his useful
ness was at an end. He added further that
the cause Of this sad declension on his part
had given him great distress.
His visitors begged to know the cause. and
he replied. ~ hare lost my prayer book"
"Your prayer book" they exclaimed J" if
that is all, the deficiency may be easily sup
Piled"
so it may" said the pastor, IF you are
willing to bring it back"
Struck with still further surprise, they ask
ed an explanation, and he proceeded very
mildly but firmly to remark: "The prayers
of my people aoere my prayer book, and
have been panied to perceive that those pray
ers do not enjoy as once did. do not
therefore preach as we'll, and my people do
not hear as well. 1t is not to be wondered
that you should find fault, and if the cause
were remedied, the complaint would soon
cease"
The gentlemen saw and felt the force of
this explanation. and returning to the con-
gregation, reported the result of their inter-
view. Its truth was apparent TO all hearts
and the people were led to renewed end more
fervent prayer for the Holy Spirit to accom-
pany the labors of their faithful pastor. AS
natural consequence, they enjoyed his
preaching more he did preach better they
protited more the church was built up in
numbers and grace, and no more committees
were sent TO find fault with The minister.
Perhaps have not recorded the acords OF
this conversation correctly, but the spirit OF
it is here and the application of it may be
easily made by the reader.
Apraying people will have good preach.
ing.
| Their minister may not be a man of unu.
sual endowments, and his ordinary pulpit
exercises may not be great sermons. Blu
there is something more 10 be desired iT
| preaching than greatness. 1t is an Unctior
| from the Holy Que. 1t is to be obtained by
PRAYER. II is the fruit of close communion
with Christ. The pastor who is borne con
tinuaIIy to the throne of grace on the faith o
his people, will enjoy double portion of thu
Spirits influence. and the people will shar
richly in his enjoyment. They will receiv
his minstrations with a higher zest, and b
the better prepared to profit by what the.
hear. IRENEUs.
A REPLY TO CHALLANGE.-T The follow
ing is the reply Of Col. Gardiner, BIRTHS
} officer of distinction and tried valor, to
challange sent him By young adventuFer
II fear not your sword. but the anger
? cause, but cannot hazard nv soul in a ba
: one. / will charge up to the cannons mou!
Z for the good Of my country. but want cou
l age to storm the citadel Of Satan"