Monongalia mirror. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1855, 1852-05-13
lleliqious & N1oroL,
From n. Ntr YORK RstJr,ier.
The Female Prayer Meeting,
DY MRS. ]. II. HANAroRD.

which Christians are privileged 10 en-
Joy, there are none superior, or more
beneficial, than that OF prayer. Prayer
has been aptly called the "ChriSsian's
vital brea!h;" for no Christian was ever
yet truly "alive unto God" without
lsuch earnest, frrvent, vocal, and spirit
ual prayer. Next 10 secret prayer, the
holy seasons Of private communion
wilh',he Father Of our spirits, mcthinks,
should be valued the social prayer-mre-
ting. "Then they thai feared the Lord
spake often one 10 anothor," we read,
sand the Lord hcarkened and heard 1t;
and book ot remembrance was writ
ten before him for them that feared the
Lord, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the Lord
ol hosts, in that day when I make up
my Jewels" Now, with such q pre-
cious text tor our encouragement, why
are We not more frequent and regular
in our attendance upon the religious
conferences in most of our towns and
villages, where Christian sisters may
assemble, and, freed from the restraint
of conventional usage, or natural diff
drnce, may speak Of the eternal. inter
es!s Or their undying spirits? Sisters in
the Church Of Christ, l appeal 10
you! In view Of eternity, that long,
long circle Of future existence, which
is so colored by the hues Of mortal life;
in view Of the great day, "ln the which
God will judge the world" when hu-
man destiny is for ever decided; would
urge you to fidelity in every duty, but
especially to "iorsake no, thrassembling
Of yourselves together" in the capacity
Of praycr-meeting expressly for fe-
males.
Il has bocn my privilege to unite
,withsisters of many churches in differ
ent parts Of our land, as they bowed in
prayer in their accustomed "female
prayer meetings." and my soul has been
ever strengthened by such communion,
and SO strengthened that would gladly
invite those who would go on their way
rrjoicing," 10 the beloved praying Cir
Gle.
A smother in Israel" once remarked
to inc, that every revival in certain
church, since she had been a member,
had commenced among the females.
The Holy Spirit first influenced spirits
ia the maternal praying circle, or in
the female prayer-meeting, and 10! the
mighty power offemale influence, with
the aid Of Omnipotence, stirred the 9TH
er members Of the church 10 duty and
to labor, until the Overwhelming circles
embraced more than one immortal spirit
newly consecrated to God.
"How sweet 10 my mind arise The
recolleclions Of past female meetings,
wherein | was willing worshipper!
The sweet melody of our evening hymn
seems even now falling upon my car.
The earnest pleading tones ofmany a
loved sister are well remembered, and
the many cheering words there spoken
by Christian females, still assist to cheer
me III the Christian pathway. The
hours spent by me in these female pray
er-lneetings are among the few seasons
which | need not wish TO live over o.
gain in order 10 improve them.
Let us not, my sisters, Iursake the f.
male praypr-meeting. l! we have been
negligent, let us return and "rrnrw the
frs, works." Let us not allow small
slight obstacles 10 impede our progress,
aud prevent our attrndace on SO great
means OF grace. If no such meeting
is established in the church Of which
you are members, would il not be well
to commence such meeting, and let
pipty and intelligence, religion and hn-
man learning, combine 10 render them
interesting and uselul7 Mothers, SIS
tprs, wives, daughters, who are mem
brrs Of the Church of Christ on earth,
We stand not alone. Our influence is
mighty, and others than ourselves may
rise or fall, as We are strengthened or
d, c.ae in holiness. Let us for their
dear sal;es seek divine energy, and IL
the female prayer-mreting is one chan
mel through which grace may flow to
,ps, oh! I,i us not iorsake it, when able
eNa,trnd, until the day arrive in which
W nay joylully exchange the prayer