Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1860-11-09
THE POwER OF PRAYER.

the rowing influences OF the holy spirit,
and sinners were led to tremble in view of
sin, and fee to Christ as their only refuge
During the progress of this work, three
young men, residents in the place, noted for
their carelessness and indiffere nee to sacred
things, met and resolved to do all in their
power to oppose it. Though they had been
taught from childhood TO fear God, yet their
hearts we're hard, and they had learned to
triAe with the things that belonged to their
peace.
On certain evening during this interest
ing season, the children of God had assem-
bled at private house for prayer. While
thus engaged in intercediDg with God for
the enlargement of his kingdom and the
more special manifestations ofhis grace, the
three young men also met, and took their
stand in front of the house whore We must
believe the prayer of faith was ascending
"lke sweet incense before the mercy-seat."
There they made a mock of the people of
God and rdiculed the religion of jesus
They pursued this course until near the
time as they supposed for the meeting to
close, when they agreed to pass the night
together, that they might be strengthened
for further opposition; and accordingly re-
paired to the home of one of them, and
shortly retired to the same room for the
night. They were soon on their pillows,
but not to rest. Very few words were spo-
ken, each supposing his companions were
asleep.
About midnight one of them arose in ST.
Ience, dressed, and commenced walking the
room. Conscience was aroused, his sins
rose like mountains to his view, and he
could not close his eyes in sleep on account
Of his guilt and sin. One of his compan-
ions soon said, "a, why are. you up"
"Oh, J." said he, 81 have not been
asleep tonight; l have been thinking of
what we have been doing, aud 1 cannot
sleep" "Neither have slept" replied J
-;"1 have been so distressed at the
thought of our great wickedness, l can get
no rest. 1 must get up also" By this
time the third, who had also been awake all
night thus far, and the subject of like con-
victions of conscience, was up and dressed,
and ready to join them. There, in the still
ness of night they all were, walking the
room, smarting under the writings of a
consciousness of guilt almost insupportable
They said one to another, ave are mis-.
cradle young men-dreadful sinners in the
sight of God-what shall we do? We have
mocked the people of God while engaged
in prayer, and ridiculed the religion of Jesus
and here it is now midnight, and what if
we should die before mornings Oh, what
if our souls should be lost! What shall We
doW
After some consultation, they decided
with much fear and trembling to go to the
house of Mr. N-the pastor, and call hin
up and tell him Of their great wickedness
aud entreat him to pray for them. They
accordingly set out for the pastors bouse
but as they approached, to their wonder
and astonshment, one of the frcnt rooms
was lighted. Their rap at the door was
answered by tho pastor, to whom they
made known their errand, telling him Of
the course they had pursued the evening
previous, and asking his prayers in their be
half. With deep emotion he told then
that what they had been doing was wei
known to him and to all who had attended
the meeting tho evening before; and more
over, that the same meeting had adjourned
to his house, and at that moment were en-
gagged in prayer, and had agreed to spenC
the whole night in prayer especially 70
them. This had the effect greatly to deep
en- their sense of their sin and guilt; ant
as they were introduced into the room were
prayer was ascending for them, the mos
solemn impressions were produced upon thei
minds. 1t seemed that the disciples of tn
Lord Jesus prayed as few ever pray. Ne'
fervor and stronger faith seemed to be Civ
en-, and the result was the hopeful convers
ion of the three young men, and their de
cision to be henceforth the servants of Goo
The sequel in their life proves the work t.
have been thorough in their case. The
all consecrated themselves to the gospe
ministry, and their labors have been owneo
and blessed of God, many having bee
through their instrumentality brought int
the kingdom of Christ. They still labc
and pray, each in his appointed place, an
will, We doubt not, al last be found to hav
''turned many to righteousness"
Wonderful exhibition of the deep sinfu
ness of the natural heart; the eAectual stri
ings of the Holy Spirit; the hopefulne
and promise of the immediate and decisiN
use of means for the salvation of souls; tf
remarkable answer to prayer; the trump
of the grace Of God!
"Before they call, will answer; ar
while they are yet speaking, l will hear
-American Messenger.