The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1894-04-25
EVERY DAY PIETY.

There is generally more OF true piety exh1b'
tied in the faithful observance OF the mlnot
duties Of religion than those that excite the
notice and applause Of men. Improper mo
tives may prompt the public duties while
those duties which escape mems eyes, and
are intended only for Gods observation, are
not likely to be practised by an unrenewed
person. There was more piety in the devo-
ton of Nathaniel when he bowed alone be-
meath the 1g tree than in all the ossent1ous
prayers Of the philactery adorned Pharisees at
thecorners ofthestreets. Thepoor woman who
modestly castin the treasury her hard earned
mite, gave greater evidence Of piety than did
the wealthy Jew, whose golden coin ratified
their own phrase as they fell into the chest.
Desire of applause, pride of consistency,
dread Of censure. prompts to external devot-
edness, but only pietv towards God can lead
perseveringly and joyfully to the closet-to
the chamber of afliction and poverty-to the
alleys and lanes-in search Of opportunity to
do good. This child is dutiful who obeys his
fathers requirements but that child Is more
dutiful who obeys his fathers requests In
little matters - who seeks opportunities to
please, and who watches for occasion
to show his love. So general obedi.
ence may warrant the belief that the
nishes greater evidences of love to God
whose full heart overlooks no little things
that may please or glorify his name. There
was no piety in Peters burst Of zeal, when ne
hewed of the ear OF the high priests servant,
but there was in Mary's quiet approach,
when her raining tears washed the Sayiour's
feet. The unostentatious duty Of Christian.
ity, those that never win public applause
that only find place in the pure tenor OF or.
dinary life, are more satisfactory proofs Of
the pure godliness upon the heart, than any
ebullitions of piety or spasmodic starts Of de-
votion.
UNABLE TO DO ANYTHING BUT PRAY.
In his revival letters, Mr.. Finney tells Of o
man In New York state, whose name he does
not give-a consumptive, poor and sick, un.
able to do anything but pray. Yet his inter.
cessions brought answers to one soul, and
one community after another. and even te
distant fields in pagan and heathen SOIL
Revivals spang up rs If spontaneously and
unaccountably; but after his death his diary
revealed the secret cause. Daily he set apart
certain hours for certain ministers, churches
and mission stations. Often in these pages
would be found such an entry as this:
"Today have been enabled to offer what
I believe to be the prayer OF faith for the
outpouring of the Spirit Oh, and trust
In God that there will soon be revival
there" And not long after would follow Che
record OF the answer, even IN places as ds-
tant as Celon.
What Is more remarkable, the revivals TO-.
lowed in the order named, as though to defy
any explanation but that found in prevailing
prayer. During his sickness, as death drew
nigh, he was especially engrossed in prayer
for the town he lived in. After he died his
works followed him, and that last prayer
found gracious and abundant answer In the
place of his residence. The prayer was re-
corded on high, and his tears put into Gods
bottle; and though the praying lips were
dumb and the holy tears were wiped from his
eyes, the prayers he had offered came back
In converting grace, and the tears he had
shed descended in abundantshowers OF bless
ing.
Prayer is appointed to convey
The blessings God designs to give;
Long as they live should Christians pray,
They learn to pray when first they live.
1.-THE Christian.