"Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,
The Christian's native air."
My brother and sister in the Lord, are we breathing this air? Are we holding that sweet communion with our God it is our privilege to enjoy? Do any believers in present truth neglect to pray, with their families, at the prayer-meeting, or in their closet? Let each answer for themselves. For one I confess with sorrow that my closet has been neglected at times, and darkness was sure to follow; yet I trust my heavenly Father has forgiven me. Often, especially of late, has the sweet, subduing Spirit of the Lord descended like the gentle dew upon me, while bowing with my family around the family altar. Yes, thank the Lord, I have felt its melting influence in my heart. Often has the blessed promise been verified to my soul, "They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint."
Brethren, the prayer of my heart is, and shall be, Give me, O Lord, with thy dear people, a living experience, a vital, heartfelt religion, a joy unspeakable and full of glory. Let us therefore come boldly unto a throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Heb. iv, 16.
Fellow-traveler to mount Zion, when you find a want of interest in heavenly and divine things, and darkness creeping over your soul, fly, O fly to your closet, plead for your life! Remember,
"Prayer makes the darkest cloud withdraw,
Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw;
Gives exercise to faith and love,
Brings every blessing from above."
Never, O, never neglect the family altar. Let no consideration within your power to control prevent your performing this important duty. Plead not, dear brother, that you have no talent, your business prevents, you have no time, &c. Say not, dear sister, The cross is too great to bow before my unbelieving husband. Be strong. "Be of good courage, and the Lord will strengthen thine heart;" [Ps. xxvii, 14,] and again, "I will never leave nor forsake thee." Heb. xiii, 5. I have great reason to fear that some professed believers in present truth neglect to raise their voices in prayer with their families morning and evening. If this should meet the eye of any such, be admonished by one that loves you, neglect it no longer. If you have not commenced, commence now. Be in earnest; never rest satisfied with a mere form; seek to get deep and heartfelt religion, and pray in faith, nothing wavering.
Solemn scenes are just before us. The storm of God's wrath is about to burst upon a world lying in wickedness. What is done must be done quickly. How shall we be sheltered in that day? Signs portend it near. We need not be at a loss for a moment. Hear the blessed Saviour: "Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man." Luke xxi, 36. GEO. WRIGHT.