The weekly Lancaster gazette. (Lancaster, Ohio) 1852-1855, 1854-06-15
[For the Gazcttc.1

TIE DUTY OF PRAYER.-Prayer is one
of those natural duties of intelligent crea-
lures, which are laid uponyds by the very
constitution of our being. We are finite,
dependent, and necessitous. Hence we
should, with all propriety, acknowledge
our dependence upon that Great and glori-
Gus One, who alone in his own Universe,
is Infinite, Independent, and self-suficient.
The spirit of prayer is a spirit eminently
becoming us; for there is truth in u
humblest expression, and justice in our
warmest acknowledgements. God is above
us; he is the Author ofall u blessings; he
alone can succor us in time of need, and
the explicit or practical denial of these
things, as contained in the life of every
prayerless man, is ashameful disregard of
important truths, which yet remain true af-
ter they are denied. Prayerfulness is the
acknowledgment of simple truths. The
more correctly a man understands and feels
his Just relations to God, the more truly
and constantly will he be of a prayerful
spirit. And there are often seasons, when
the most careless are led to acknowledge
their need Of Divine assistance. But that
which careless men acknowledge only in
times of trouble, is just as true of them and
of every men, in times Of plenty and case.
1t is not only in times Of felt danger that
God is our Protector. In seasons of quiet
enjoyment, he is no less u Guard; and il
is owing to His guardianship that we have
such peace. Every man then ought to be
~prayerful. The best regulated mind is one
impressed with the truth concerning God
and his Providence. If the very hairs o
our head are all numbered, if God watches
constantly over our path, if He is in oul
meanest and Il highest blessings, in oul
lighter and our heavier affection, we should
ever feel and ever take pleasure to &C
knowledge these important facts. Gu
language Of devotion should be "ever,
good gift and every perfect gift is from a
boye." The claims of both justice ant
truth require that every man should b
prayerful.
The obvious and natural obligation O
prayer is recognized not only by the Ian
guage, but also by the silence of the Bible
For it has been remarked as a peculiar fac
and the teachings of the sacred writers, ths
they do not so much require and commau
men to pray; as that they ttkei it for grant
ed that men ought to pray; and scripture
precepts are given to regulate the duty
rather than to require it. We have the
many old Testament examples of praye
for instance, Abraham praying for Ishma'
aud interceding for the cities of the plair
Jacob wrestling with the angel of God; an
Moses, sustained by Aaron and Hur, plead
ing Tor Israel while they fought with AmG
lex. But amidst all these facts to sho,
that Gods people have ever prayed, it
worthy OF notice that the first positive ir
junction to pray is found in the l22 Psalm
David is the first inspired writer who pos
lively urges, "Pray for tho peace of Jerust
lem" Not a command can be found
the writings of the previous prophet
Moses, Joshua or Samuel. Even this con
mand Of David, like all others upon Il
subject, rather regulates tho duty than Sc
it forth as a mere duty. And why is thi
Because the duty itself is natural to t
pious soul. Yuo might as we'll urge a Ii
ing man to breathe as urge a pious man
pray
"Pnyeri Is the Christians native breath
The Christians vital air.
II is so natural a duty that we need no
press command. And according 10 Il
view, our Lord Jesus Christ rather rec
lates than commands it. He docs not
join upon his disciples go and pray;
after this manner therefore pray ye. Tn,
when thou prayest enter into thy closet
LoSovELLow PoErRY.-An inquiry
for some time been carried on as to
English geneolOgy fProf. Longfellow.
American poet. In its course, the follc
ing lines have been produced by some k
investigator in Wales. certainly not v
flattering to their subject. They are c
led from a window shutter Of an I'M
Breeon, called the Golden Lion, kept
n Thomas Longfellow, about half a G
fury ago:
Tom LQngfellow's namo Is mostjuStiy his due:
Long his neck, long Is his bill, which IL very long
Long the time ere your horse 10 the stable Is led
Long eetcre hes rubbed down and much longeI
kongindeed may you Sit In q comfortIess room,
M from Kitchen, long dirty, your dinner shall q
long the onen told tale that your host will relate,
tonsh ME htee while complaining how long people
Long may lougfcll0H long eFoho zoe me again-
Lsne tWiH % ere tlopS f6r Tom LonefStlsv,I IN