The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1874-04-04

storm of falling stones; and more peril
nent still, the prayers of those women at
the river side, near Phillipp, and in which
Paul joined. although it was out of doors
and not strictly closet exercise. All de-
ponds on manner and not on the place at
all. 1t may be the deck of 4 sinking ship,
where those brave women lifted up their
hearts and voices in prayer, and those
passengers, men included, were strength
ened for the fatal event.
The testimony as general that the pray
ing assembly in the case of these saloons is
always orderly. I had the pleasure of at
tending such meeting last evening, and
can witness that, if in Williamsport that
is a specimen, the rule holds good. The
gathering is seemly and devout in appear
ance; the voice of the petitioner is not
loud, or declamatory, or denunciatory; the
tones are not those of passion, impatienre
or remonstrance, as if they were addressed
to men-as the editor of Tie Churchman
is afraid they will be-but the simple,
earnest, heartfelt utterances of soul up
lifted to God; and one proof Of its devo-
tonal spirit is its power over those who
are present.
ONE NOTICEABLE EFFECT.
1t never failed, in any instance | have
heard of, to hush every opposing voice to
silence, Ribaldry, blasphemy and baccha,
nalian songs are shamed in the presence of
these God-directed pleadings of women's
voices. What better evidence would you
have for the genuincness of prayer-what
better testimony even for our sanctuary
services that they are Heaven drectedo
Surely, If business ever demanded prayer
it is this one about which the prayers OF
the women are beginning to be concerned
If men ever needed an intercesson with
God, it is these men who are determined
on destroying other men s bodies and souls
and their own also. Here is a specimen of
the petitions offered in a saloon at Frank
lin, Ohio, and which was besieged four
weeks before it capituated. This is the
way the women prayed it out of being. 1t
was 4 good death for it to die. | suppose
a reporter managed to he present, as see
some are to day. and some way it got into
the papers:
o, our Heavenly Father we thank Thee
that Thou hast permitted Thy poor I'M
worthy servants to work for Jesus. We
feel Q Father, that it is a glorious and
blessed work in which we are now engaged,
and we cannot be sufficiently grateful for
the dear privileges in mercy to us granted.
We thank Thee 0 God, more than we can
tell. We thank Thee for the answers
Thou hast already given our prayers. But
even If no such glorious answers had been
given we should be no less grateful, for
our hearts are growing stronger every day.
. Lord, hear us, we beseech Thee hear
us yet again, as we plead where we have SO
often pleaded before, as to the closing of
this last place where Intoxicating drinks
are sold for the destlI1-tion of the lives and
souls of our fellow men. Lord bless the
keeper of this saloon. Bless Mr. Munger,
show him the error of his ways, and cause
him to see how much he might 10 for the
cause of Christ if he wonld abandon his
present evil ways. Lord, touch his heart,
show him how sweet and glorious Thy ser
vice is to those who follow it in love. Nor
is this all we ask, o Lord for our hearts
are filled with grief when we see the temp
tations which beset our fathers, brothers
and all who are dear to US in this town.
Keep them in the right way, and remove
temptation for their feet While we ask,
we would be submissive in all things to
Thy will, who knoweSt best, make us
patient as we wait. For all our blessings
we thank Thee in Jesus name, and we
will praise Thee forever more.
If | were writing a liturgy, | think l
would like TO hear the woman who deliver
ed that prayer at least once day, in order
to get my own mind in the right spirit in
which to frame it. l will say right here,
| trust the good example set by the wo-
men in Ohio and elsewhere will be careful
ly followed by the women engaged in this
work, by having their prayers directed to
God rather than to man; by having their
words comparatively few, without passion,
impotence or vehemence. 1t is the quiet
manner of a pious woman that makes its
way to the hearts of men more than any
mere demonstration.
ITS PERMANENCE.
Is the experiment likely to have any
permanent success That is a question
often asked. Most persons would have