not be uttered." What does this mean? Whatever it means there is reality in it; it goes to the lowest depths of our being; the Spirit (that is, the Holy Spirit of God) maketh search, teacheth, helpeth, maketh intercession with unutterable groanings. Was this confined to the Apostles' days, or is there anything like it now? Many people are afraid of fanaticism, and are always saying, at least in religion, "be sober minded;" what do they do with such passages as these; it is not right to pass them over; is it right to say they concern not us? My brethren, may God give us grace to take hold on such passages as these, and then we shall draw nearer and nearer to our blessed Master in the solitary mountain, until we too fall on our knees as He did, and find prayer a solace, a resource. "I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also." "Pray without ceasing." "In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." But why do I go on enlarging thus? there is no need; verily we all feel at this moment, do we not? that Prayer, to be genuine, must be the outpouring of the heart to that great and glorious Being, who seeth all, and knoweth all, and yet will be entreated; and through the medium of Him who though once a man here below is God and Man above, ever living, making intercession for us; and by e gracious aid of Him, ever at hand, the Holy Ghost, 10 helpeth our infirmities and teacheth us to pray? Christian! in seasons of trial, of trouble, of misery, worry and toil, retire and pray; do as your Master ls you, as your Master sets example. Christian in hours of prosperity, when the sun nes, and mayhap without a cloud; when many ong about, calling thee friend and benefactor, and d and good, retire and pray; do as your Master Is you, as your Master setteth example. For seasons of affliction, and hours of worldly weal, ould be times of earnest prayer; then the enemy thy soul marshals his hosts against thee, and tries worst to take thee captive, I say unto thee, yet I, but the Lord-" Continue in prayer, and watch the same with thanksgiving." There is another here, perhaps; shall I offend if I I thee man of the world? By what name wouldst u be called? With whom dost thou keep company, h the Pharisees, formalists and hypocrites; or the ducees, doubters and given to lust; or with the mon herd of men waving to and fro like a wave the sea, to-day crying Hosannah; to-morrow Cru? Let me entreat you to be a man, in the best se of that sacred title; and curl not your lip at mention of prayers; and refuse not to bend the e in humble adoration to Him who made thee, or Him who redeemed thee, and will soon, you know how soon, judge thee-God teach thee to pray now-Oh! 'twill be wretched work, ending in despair, to pray then, when the door is shut, and thus-"Lord, Lord, open to us." |