Appropriateness in Prayer.
By J. Clarke
How beautiful is appropriateness; to suit one's remarks, whether at home or abroad, to the occasion, and the company; not to change one's religion and opinions with every breeze that blows, like some political men we know of, or like "Mr. By-Ends," of whom John Bunyan wrote; but a straight-forward, honest, out-spoken, but pleasant, appropriateness, that considers the circumstances and the time. Words fitly spoken are powerful for good, and it must be a real, live soul, that always uses such words. One must be alive, awake, ready; his heart must be in the work, in order to speak appropriately to the occasion. In exhortation, how edifying, when the ideas flow out from a full heart, one that comprehends the wants and trials of the church, and its present needs. In prayer, one may well consider the time and circumstances, when, how, where, &c. Some have the same formula to go through with, whether it is early or late, in a Sabbath-school or in a State conference, whether people are tired or fresh, whether the meeting is opening or about to close, whether in the family or among strangers; they do not seem to enter into the spirit of the occasion at all, but always seem to move in the same old beaten track. I had thought to dwell upon this theme a little, but it is of no use. The fact is, if a man has not got appropriateness in his head, you can't put it there. You might as easily start a north-west breeze in a sultry day, while Sirius rages, as to get the dullness from the mind that is naturally dull. But if God's good Spirit only gets full possession of the mind, it soon wakes from its dullness, and these humdrum forms are exchanged for life and appropriateness. So that it must after all be left with the good taste of each individual, under the sanctifying influences of the Spirit, to be always appropriate and timely. It is not great talent one wants to be useful, but good common sense, always in the fullest exercise on every occasion, ready at the best influence of the good Spirit to furl or spread the sail, and with steady, firm step, to go forward. Study the best method of doing the best deeds, at the best time, with the best motive. "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." Prov. xxv, 11. J. CLARKE.