The New York herald., 1879-12-28
THE WEEK OF PRAYER.

CHANGES sUGGEsrED-ropIcs FOB PRAYER AND
DISCUSSION.
Again the revolving year brings us near the first
week In January. which has hitherto for many years
been observed throughout the world the Week Of
Prayer. DIR. Leonard Bacon some weeks since In the
Independent. the Adpdnce and some other religious
papers, advocated the change Of this week from the
beginning of January to the close of Lent or Holy
Week, which Is sacredly observed by Roman Catho-
lies and Episcopalians and some minor denomina-
tions. The Doctor urges this fact, too a reason
and adds, bit of experience that the fast day Of
Connecticut always comes on Good Friday. which is
to Episcopalans and Catholics the most sacred fast
day of all tho year, and that therefore it is much
easier obtain suspension Of business and gen.
eral attendance religious observances on that day
than on any other. correspondent of the Epangest
seeing but little hope Of the change being effected
which Dr.. Bacon suggests las. indeed, the Doctor
himself expressed the Same lack of hopej recom-
mends q change from the first to the third Sabbath
OF January or the first Sabbath OF February tho
beginning of the Week of Prayer. To many, IL not
to most of aymen the first about the busiest
week of the whole year. 1t would be something In
favor OF the plan II by IL the Week of Prayer
began with the year; but it begins with the first
Sabbath, which il only occasionally the first day, of
the year. Hence, as 1t Is now, holiday distractions
serve kind of carnival for introducing Lent; and.
besides, business men are 80 preoccupied with
usual business cares ms to be untitled for the most
profitable participation in the religious services OF
the week.
These changes, or any change. is opposed by some
preachers. churches and religious papers as strenu-
ously they advocated by others. The NORTH
Christian advocate would IL IL could change
Lent to December, but account would 1t trans
for tho Week of Prayer to Lent, BECAUSE to its
thinking the prayer week is worth forty times more
than the forty days OF Lent measuring each by their
fruits. Hundreds of revivals in which tens thou
sands converted date from "the week." and tho
suggestions aud preparations OF the period have
brought ark loads OF good to the unrituaistic
churches. Lent is aftcrdose of enforced reaction
after the childish whirl Of sensuous pleasure In
Venice. Paris. Rome and like communities. 1t is q
perpetual repetition of the hoary sinners repent
apce in old age One has said that more universal
celebration of Lent, and the change of the prayer
week to that season, would point toward Christian
unity.
programme with series of subjects for prayer.
yet issued without being criticised by
some one. 1t would be easy to mention q score OF
classes of people and specific evils aud definite
and important topics not enumerated in the pro-
grauimc for the next Week OF Prayer but IL all these
added there would remain yet many moro
named. Therefore use the plan adopted, not, as
seemeth good, but pray without ceasing.
TOPICS FOR PRAYER
The plan presented by the committee having
charge of the matter embraces the delivery of
mons next Sunday on the majesty and sovereignty
of God and the fulness of Chrsts salvation; thanks
giving on Monday, January 8, for the blessings of
the past year and prayer for their continuance; con-
fession of sin aud humiliation before God
Christ, its ministers, its enlargement, re-
vivals, &c., on Wednesday: prayer tor Christian
education, TOR the family for institutions of learn
ing, tor Sunday schools and Christian associations
Thursdays prayer for nations. rulers aud peoples,
for peace and religious liberty Friday, 9th and
for home ana foreign missions and the conversion OF
the world &C., on saturday. The union evangelical
meeting during the week will be held In st. Paurs
Methodist Episcopal Church. ON Fourth avenue and
Twontysecond street. daily at half-past three p. NJ,
led by ministers of various denominations, usual
The Rev. Arthur Brooks (Episcopai will conduct
the meeting Monday, 9th. The fulton street
MONDAY prayer meetings will DO directed to the