Showers of Blessing at Mt. Vernon (Ohio) College
By Mrs. A. E. Shepherd
HERE in Mt. Vernon College we have been looking forward to the week of prayer,—the time set apart for special refreshings from the presence of the Lord, when our people unitedly seek, and always receive, a blessing. This year the need of seeking the Lord was felt more than ever before. Many things to make the timid fearful and the doubting soul full of forebodings came to us, and our hearts were heavy with sorrow for the present and with anxiety for the future. We sought the Source of all comfort, and were soon directed to others who were earnestly seeking him. We read with a deeper interest the promise given by our Saviour to those who unite in asking, and we followed closely the directions given, taking one thing at a time to him in earnest prayer. The early morning hour found a little company gathered with just one petition,—every other desire of the heart was put aside,—and as one after another was taken in prayer to God, the knowledge came that we were not praying alone, but that Jesus himself had come in among us, and hearts were being made tender by his presence. Tuesday morning at chapel hour, while the president was addressing the students, his own heart overflowed with love, and he could not refrain from bearing a testimony to the goodness of God and his tender compassion and infinite love for the children of men. He then extended the same privilege to any one who desired to speak. Testimonies followed in quick succession, hearts were touched, and many requests for prayer came from burdened souls who had long turned a deaf ear to the Saviour's pleadings. There were many confessions of faults and pleadings for deliverance, and when the meeting closed, at half-past twelve o'clock, almost all in the school had21sought the Lord in sincerity of heart for a closer walk with him. The session closed with the conviction in our hearts that the three and one-half hours spent with Jesus had revealed a depth of love before unknown. Tuesday night after the chapel meeting, the students held their weekly prayer-meeting. All the Home students were present. The morning's work was deepened by the experience of the evening. Three more unconverted ones asked for prayers, and at the present time there are but two in the Home who have not yielded their hearts to God. The week of prayer has begun with us earlier than the appointed season, but it does not diminish our desires for this precious season; for we must keep by prayer what the Lord has committed to our trust. There is One mighty to save who will keep watch with us; all praise, and honor, and glory to his name.