The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1908-02-23
"rtE WOups or MY MOUTH"

| f.
"rIIE wOnDs OF MY MOUTH"
(selected for The Times-Dispatch.)
Let the words OF my mouth
be acceptable In Thy sight. Lord.
my Strength and my Redeemer. -
Psalnls XIX. IA.
The gift of speech Is n most precious
thing. 1t is that which distinguishes
us from the brute creation and brings
us nearer to the likeness Of God HIM
self. Words make up all tile good ana
evil in the world, so that this prayer
Of David Is needed by every one OF US.
THE words of my MOUTH" What,
then, should be first? Words of prayer.
Our need is great, our Father wise
and almighty; then why not seek HIS
protection and aid Prayer Is the
greatest power of all. Even the little
child's prayer Gun do more than the
wisdom of all the ages. But take
heed how you pray. Use simple words.
Christ Himself gave Us the pattern IN
the Lords Prayer. Nothing can be
more simple, more comprehensive. than
that. The child asks It's parent simply
for what 1t wants, and in our prayers
we must be like little children. The
world is too much with us when we
pray. The meat that perisheth. our
bodily comfort, earthly desires--these
are the things which cumber and clog
our prayers. We should ask first for
holiness. gentleness. patience, love; we
should ask to be made good; God Will
give us all the rest.
The words of our prayer should be
unselfsh words. We are taught to
say "our Father" (not my Father) to
remind us that we are oil one house
hold. one family. We must think Of
others more than of ourselves. and,
therefore, say give u.s." not give me.
Tho wording struggles to get the
best for himself; the cody man thinks
of others and shares with them.
Therefore, he says, give U.s." We hear
much these days about pushing our
way; none will ever push his way to
God by selfish prayer.
The words of our lips should be
words of encouragement. Life is very
difficult for us all. There are many
word of uplift; tell them how others
have conquered, in spite Of obstacles
and failures. Some have fallen, for
their burden was too heavy; say a
word of cheer and hope to them. 1t is
blessed thing to infuse new life and
courage The words OF our mouth
should be words of sympathy. Such
words are very dear to our Lord, who
went about comforting those who
mourned. They do not cost much, but
they are worth everything. We may
have no money, but we can give sym
pathy to those who need it. We can
say, 81 am sorry" and show that we
mean it. We can be angels Of COM
fort If we only love others as we do
ourselves There are all sorts of
sorrows and trials everywhere; let US
try to speak the words of sympathy in
season.
THE words of our mouth" should
be words of warming. All around us
there are brethren living in sin
prayerless and goddess, and dying with
out the Bible or hope. Do we say a
word of warning to them? Do you
think this is the work of u minister
only? If you saw your child playing
with fire. or man about to take his
life, would you wait to send for q clcr-
gyman TO speak to him? I think you
would do it yourself II you see one
drinking his life and health away, say
| a word of warning. If you see one
| setting all religion at defiance, laugh
ing at all things holy, speak WORD
of warning. If you see children bring
ing sorrow on their parents gray hairs
speak a word Of warning.
| a kind word, mind you! We canno
scare or scold people into being good
Speak as neighbors, as friends. as bro
Tiers; speak with the love of Christ II
your hearts, remembering how III
| spoke to those who sinned and sor
rowed. Say word Of warning to al
such, in love, for Christs sake!
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