The Wonders of Prayer
by
Various

Part 7 out of 7



knew not but that I should be without even a home. My verse was Psalms
50: 15. O, how I had to pray that day. So day by day I was comforted,
and now to-day the answer has come."

Here, then, is a portion of the story of a sweet life who trusted God,
not as a God of the past, nor far off, but ever living, ever present,
ever faithful, and believed Him _able, willing_, and that He _would
help_ her in her daily life. She tried her Lord, to prove if his
promises were indeed true, and she clung to them to the very last. No
one knew her need. No one knew what she was praying for. The stranger
did not know anything of her. She had asked money of no one but the
Lord. Hesitant ever, she dared not name any amount of the Lord, but that
ever present Spirit of God guided her heart, made her _fix the amount_,
and then touched the heart of the stranger and fixed the amount also in
his mind, and then, by his own guidance saved the letter from being
lost, and behold! when opened the _prayer of the one and the gift of the
other was the same_.

What a comfort, what a privilege, then, it is for the true-hearted
Christian thus to feel, "_There is one who careth for us_."


WHY HE FAILED.


A prominent business man failed in the Spring of 1877. He had been for
years a prominent and consistent member of a Christian church. He had
even supported a church once almost entirely. Nothing was known against
his character, _but he failed; he failed in business_. No one knew the
reason why, but there it was, _failure_.

At last, in moments of bitter repentance before God, he unbosomed
himself to his pastor, and said, "_Long ago I promised to give the Lord
one-tenth of all the profits I gained from my business, and while I did
so, I was immensely prosperous and successful; never did any one have
any such splendid success,--but I forgot my promise, stopped giving,
thought that I did not need to spend so much, and I began to invest my
means in real estate. When I stopped giving I stopped getting. Now all
is gone. I lost my all because I did not keep my promise to the Lord_."

This incident is a practical one, telling how utter is the impossibility
of true success, without the aid of the Lord, and how absolutely
necessary it is to our own peace and comfort of mind to religiously
observe one's promises made to God. The Bible only too truly tells of
the end of those who forget Him.

"_But Jeshurun waxed fat, then he forsook God which made him; and when
the Lord saw it, he abhorred them, and said, 'I will hide my face from
them_.'"

"_Ye can not prosper; because ye have forsaken the Lord_, He _hath also
forsaken you." "There shall be desolation; because thou hast forgotten
the God of thy salvation, and hast not been mindful of the rock of thy
strength_."

* * * * * HOW THE LORD


CONTROLS THE WINDS AND THE WAVES


JOHN EASTER'S PRAYER.


In his "Memorials of Methodism in Virginia," Dr. W.W. Bennet relates the
following incidents in the life of John Easter, one of the pioneer
ministers who labored there nearly one hundred years ago: He is
represented as being the most powerful exhortatory preacher of his day.
His faith was transcendent, his appeals irresistible, his prayers like
talking with God face to face. Perhaps no man has ever been more
signally honored of God as an instrument in the conversion of souls. On
one of his circuits eighteen hundred members were added to the church in
a single year.

Many thrilling scenes under his preaching yet linger among the people in
those counties where he principally labored. A most extraordinary
display of his faith was witnessed in Brunswick. At Merritt's meeting-
house a quarterly meeting was in progress, and so vast was the concourse
of people from many miles around, that the services were conducted in a
beautiful grove near the church. In the midst of the exercises, a heavy
cloud arose, and swept rapidly towards the place of worship. From the
skirts of the grove the rain could be seen coming on across the fields.
The people were in consternation; no house could hold one-third of the
multitude, and they were about to scatter in all directions. Easter rose
in the midst of the confusion--"Brethren," cried he at the top of his
voice, "be still while I call upon God to stay the clouds, till His word
can be preached to perishing sinners." Arrested by his voice and manner,
they stood between hope and fear. He kneeled down and offered a fervent
prayer that God would then stay the rain, that the preaching of His word
might go on, and afterwards send refreshing showers. _While he was
praying, the angry cloud, as it swiftly rolled up to them, was seen to
part asunder in the midst, pass on either side of them, and close again
beyond, leaving a space several hundred yards in circumference perfectly
dry. The next morning a copious rain fell again, and the fields that had
been left dry were well watered_."


THE HUSHED TEMPEST.


The following circumstance is communicated to _The Christian_ by a
minister of the editor's acquaintance, as a memorial of God's care for
the poor and needy who trust in him:

It was about the year 1853, and near the middle of a Canadian Winter, we
had a succession of snowfalls, followed by high winds and severe cold. I
was getting ready to haul my Winter's stock of wood, for which I had to
go two miles over a road running north and south, entirely unprotected
from the keen cold west winds that prevail the most of the time in that
part of Canada during the Winter months.

The procuring of my Winter's supply of wood was no small task for me,
for I had very little to do with, and was unable to endure much fatigue,
or bear the severe cold. I had, however, succeeded in securing the
services of an excellent hand to chop, and help me load, and had also
engaged a horse of one neighbor, and a horse and sled of another, and
was ready on Monday morning to commence my job. Monday morning the roads
were fair, the day promised well, and my man was off at daybreak to the
woods to, have a load ready for me. There had been quite a fall of snow
during the night; not enough to do any harm if it only lay still, but
should the wind rise, as it had after every snow-fall before, it would
make it dreadful for me. Soon as possible I harnessed my team, and
started. I had not gone a quarter of a mile before it became painfully
evident that a repetition of our previous "blows" was impending. The sky
was dark and stormy, the wind rose rapidly, and in every direction
clouds of the newly fallen snow were beginning to ride on the "wings of
the wind," pouring over the fences, and filling the road full! My heart
sank within me. What could I do? At this rate, by next morning the roads
would be impassable, and it was so cold! Besides, if I failed to go on
now, it would be very difficult to get my borrowed team together again,
and impossible to get my man again; and we could as well live without
bread as without wood in a Canadian Winter.

Every moment the wind increased. In deep distress, I looked upon the
threatening elements, exclaiming over and over, "What shall I do?" I
felt then that there was but one thing that I could do, and that was
just what poor sinking Peter did; and with feelings I imagine something
like his, I looked up to God, and cried out, "O, my God, this is more
than I am able to bear. Lord, help me! The elements are subject to thee;
thou boldest the winds in thy fist. If thou wilt speak the word, there
will be a great calm. O, for Jesus' sake, and for the sake of my little
helpless family, let this snow lie still and give me an opportunity of
accomplishing this necessary labor comfortably!" I do not think it was
above fifteen minutes after I began to call upon the Lord before there
was a visible change. The wind began to subside, the sky grew calm, and
in less than half an hour all was still, and a more pleasant time for
wood-hauling than I had that day, I never saw nor desire to see. Many
others beside me enjoyed the benefit of that "sudden change" of weather,
but to them it was only a "nice spell of weather," a "lucky thing;"
while to me it was full of sweet and encouraging tokens of the
"loving-kindness of the Lord." And now, after so many years, I feel
impelled to give this imperfect narrative, to encourage others in the
day of trouble to call upon the Lord; and also, as a tribute of
gratitude to Him who has "never said to the house of Jacob, seek ye my
face in vain."


PRAYING IN FAIR WEATHER.


The ways in which God saves those whom he wishes to deliver from death,
are sometimes too wonderful for our understanding. A certain ship was
overtaken in a severe and prolonged storm at sea. She had a noble
Christian man for a captain, and as good a sailor as ever trod the
quarter-deck, and he had under him a good and obedient crew. But they
could not save the ship; she was too badly strained, her leaks were too
great for the pumps, she must go to the bottom. The captain committed
them all to the care of the God in whom he put his trust, and made ready
to take to their boats. Just then a sail was descried, and, by signals
of distress, drawn to their relief. All on board were taken off safely
and put on the ship, soon after which they saw their own ship go down.

Now comes the peculiar part. The ship was soon overtaken in a dreadful
storm, was cast on her beam ends, and everything seemed to be lost. The
passengers were praying, and many of the old seamen were calling on God
to save them from the great deep. The captain of the ship had done his
best, but could not right the vessel, and all was given up to go down.
The captain, whose ship was lost, then asked if he might take his crew
and try to right the vessel.

"Take them, and do what you can," was the reply. He called to his men
and told them they must save that ship; he inspired them with
confidence, for they knew he was a true man of God. They executed his
orders with alacrity and care. They cut away the masts, and cleared away
the rigging, and brought all the force they could to right the vessel.
God prospered the efforts--the ship righted; they got the pumps at work,
rigged a sail, and were finally all saved. It seemed as if it was
necessary to put the captain of the first ship and his crew on the
second ship, that they might save it and those on board when the
terrible storm came.

Now it was particularly noticed in connection with this deliverance,
that the captain of the lost vessel did not make any ado in prayer, or
in calling on God, while the storm was raging; and knowing that he was a
Christian man, they asked him the reason of this. He answered them,
_that he did his praying in fair weather; "and then_" said he, _"when
the storm comes, I work_." He did not distrust God then, any more than
in fair weather; but he knew that God requires man to do all he can to
save himself, and praying might lose him his ship, when his own efforts
must save it.


THE RESCUE FROM THE VILLE DU HAVRE, AND THE LOCH EARN.


A remarkable illustration of God's mysterious way is found in connection
with the rescue of some of the passengers of the ill-fated French
steamship, Ville du Havre, which was sunk by a collision with the Loch
Earn, November 22, 1873, on her voyage from New York to France. After
the sinking of the Ville du Havre, with some two hundred of her
passengers, the rest were taken up by the Loch Earn, from which most of
them were afterwards transferred to the Trimountain. Others remained on
board the Loch Earn, where in consequence of its disabled condition they
seemed again in imminent danger of being lost.

On the 11th of December, while Mr. D.L. Moody was conducting a noonday
prayer-meeting in the city of Edinburgh, Rev. Dr. Andrew Thompson read a
letter from a Christian lady, the mother of one of these imperiled
passengers, which contained the following account:

"After the Trimountain left them, and they had examined their ship, many
a heart failed, and they feared they would never see land again. They
could not navigate the vessel, and were left to the mercy of the winds
and waves, or rather to the care of Him who ruleth wind and waves. Vain
was the help of man. The wind drove them out of the course of ships,
northward. You are aware that two ministers were left on board the Loch
Earn. One, Mr. Cook, a truly godly man, did all he could to encourage
their hearts. Every day, at noon, he gathered them together, and
earnestly, by prayer, strove to lead them to the Savior; and this he
continued to do till they reached England. The day before they were
rescued they knew that very shortly the ship must go down. The wind had
changed, bringing them nearer the track of ships, but they had little
hope of being saved. Mr. Cook told them of his own hope, that death to
him would be eternal life, and he urgently entreated them to put their
trust in 'Him who was mighty to save.' At the same time he told them he
had no doubt they would be rescued, that even then a vessel was speeding
to save them, that God had answered their prayers, that next day as
morning dawned they would see her. That night was one of great anxiety.

"As morning dawned every eye was strained to see the promised ship.
There truly she was, and the British Queen bore down upon them. You may
think that with thankful hearts they left the Loch Earn. One thing is
remarkable--_the officer in charge on board the British Queen had a most
unaccountable feeling that there was something for him to do,_ and
_three times during the night he changed the course of the vessel,
bearing northward_. He told the watch to keep a sharp lookout for a
ship, and immediately on sighting the Loch Earn bore down upon her. At
first he thought she had been abandoned, as she lay helpless in the
trough of the sea, but soon they saw her signal of distress. It seems to
me a remarkable instance of faith on the one side and a guiding
Providence on the other. After they were taken on board the pilot-boat
that brought them into Plymouth, at noon, when they for the last time
joined together in prayer, Mr. Cook read to them the account of Paul's
shipwreck, showing the similarity of their experience. _'What made that
captain change his course against his will?' but the ever present Spirit
of God"_.


THE STORM MADE CALM.


At a Sunday morning meeting at Repository Hall, January 25, 1874, a
Christian brother, in illustration of the power and faithfulness of God,
and his willingness to hear and answer prayer, related these facts in
his own experience. An account of them was subsequently published in the
_Christian_:

"In 1839 I was a sailor on board the brig Pandora, Captain G----, bound
from Savannah to Boston, with a cargo of cotton. When off the coast of
Virginia, some twenty-five miles distant from Chesapeake Bay, we
encountered a heavy gale. Saturday evening, December 21st, the wind blew
gently from the south. On sounding, we found ourselves in thirty fathoms
of water. At midnight the wind veered to the eastward, gradually
increasing until four o'clock Sunday morning, by which time the brig was
under close-reefed topsails and foresail. The wind still increasing,
every stitch of canvas was taken in, and now the vessel lay helpless and
unmanageable in the trough of the sea, not minding her helm at all,
while the wind blew a perfect hurricane. The vessel being very light,
loaded with cotton, made much leeway, and though we had worn ship four
times during the preceding night, hoping, if possible, to weather some
shoals which the captain judged were near, and to make Chesapeake Bay,
where we might have a clear beach before us in case the vessel should
strand, yet at eight o'clock Sunday morning we were in but seventeen
fathoms of water.

"The gale now increased with fearful violence, waves rising like
mountains, and rain and sleet pouring from the dismal clouds. At ten,
A.M., being then in fifteen fathoms of water, and drifting rapidly
towards the shore, the captain summoned all hands into the cabin to
consult about throwing our deck-load overboard, in order to leave us a
better chance to secure ourselves to the rigging, and thus save our
lives when the vessel should strike, which he judged would be in about
half an hour. Not a gleam of hope appeared, and here our distress was
increased by observing that the captain seemed under the influence of
liquor, to which he had probably resorted in order to stifle his fears
of approaching death.

"The order was given, and we went to work to throw the cotton over,
while the captain, frightened and despairing, went into the cabin to
drown his fears in drink. Seeing the state of things, and believing that
shipwreck was imminent, I found two of my shipmates who were Christians,
and who had prayed daily with me in the forecastle, and I asked them if
they had any faith in God now, that he would hear our prayers and
deliver us? They both said they had; and I told them to pray, then, that
the Lord might rebuke the winds and calm the waves.

"With an unspeakable mingling of fear and hope we applied ourselves to
the task of casting the cotton into the sea, at the same time lifting up
earnest and united prayers to God for deliverance from the threatened
destruction, occasionally gliding in close contact with each other, and
speaking words of hope in each other's ears, and feeling, as we toiled,
a blessed confidence that our prayers were not in vain.

"It did not seem more than five minutes from the time we commenced to
throw the cotton overboard, for we had scarcely tumbled twenty bales
into the sea, when we heard a shout from the quarter deck:

"'Avast heaving cotton overboard! _The wind is coming out from our lee!_
Avast there!'

"It was the captain's voice, bidding us stay our hands; we obeyed, and
looking up we saw him clinging to the rigging, apparently so drunk that
he could hardly stand, _while away over our lee-bow we could see blue
sky and fair weather_, and _it seemed that in less than ten minutes from
the time the hurricane was at its height, the wind had chopped around in
shore, and was gently wafting us away from danger, and out into deep
water again_.

"There were glad souls on board the Pandora that day, as she swung
around in obedience to the helm, and we laid her course again for our
destined port. And some who before had mocked at prayers and blasphemed
the God we loved, admitted then that God had answered prayer, and that
he had delivered us from death.

"And I love to repeat the story to the praise of the Lord, who yet lives
to hear, and bless, and save his trusting children."


NO FEAR OF THUNDER.


Some years ago a camp-meeting was held in Southern Indiana. It rained
nearly all the time of the meeting. Father Haven, a man mighty in
prayer, rose to preach. Just as he announced his text it thundered, and
the congregation seemed to be restless and alarmed. The old hero
instantly said, "Let us engage a moment in prayer." He prayed that God
would allow the storm to pass by and not disturb them.

After having plead for a few moments he said, "Friends, keep your seats;
it will not rain one drop here to-day." He commenced to preach, and it
thundered again. He repeated his assurance, and thus it continued until
the storm-cloud was almost over the encampment. It divided north and
south, and passed about a quarter of a mile on either side of them,
reunited again and passed on, and not one solitary drop of rain fell on
that encampment.


THE PRAYER OF THE PILGRIMS FOR RAIN ANSWERED.


It is well known that many of the good men who were driven from England
to America by persecution in the seventeenth century, had to endure
great privations. In the Spring of 1623 they planted more corn than ever
before; but by the time they had done planting, their food was spent.
They daily prayed, "Give us this day our daily bread;" and in some way
or other the prayer was always answered. With a single boat and a net
they caught some fish, and when these failed, they dug in the sand for
shell-fish. In the month of June their hopes of a harvest were nearly
blasted by a drought which withered up their corn and made the grass
look like hay. All expected to perish with hunger.

In their distress the pilgrims set apart a day of humiliation and
prayer, and continued their worship for eight or nine hours. God heard
their prayers, and answered them in a way which excited universal
admiration. Although the morning of that day was clear, and the weather
very hot and dry during the whole forenoon, yet before night it began to
rain, and gentle showers continued to fall for many days, so that the
ground became thoroughly soaked, and the drooping corn revived.


THE ENEMIES OF A GOD FEARING NATION.


"An answer to prayer," says Le Clerc, "may be seen by what happened on
the coast of Holland in the year 1672. The Dutch expected an attack from
their enemies by sea, and public prayers were ordered for their
deliverance. It came to pass that when their enemies waited only for the
tide, in order to land, _the tide was retarded, contrary to its usual
course, for twelve hours_, so their enemies were obliged to defer the
attempt to another opportunity; which they never found, _because a
storm, arose afterwards_, and drove them from the coast."


CHANGING THE COURSE ONE POINT.


Walking across Palace Square in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with an American
ship-master, (says a correspondent of the _Watchman_) he invited me to
accompany him to his hotel. While there he showed me a very large gold
medal he had received from the British government for saving a ship's
company at sea. The circumstances were these: One night at sea, when it
was the captain's "mid-watch,"--the watch from twelve, midnight, till
four o'clock in the morning--just before turning in, he gave the officer
of the watch the ship's course; the direction in which she was to be
steered. While undressing, it was impressed on his mind that he ought to
change the course a point; but he could see no reason for the change, as
the ship was on the right course for the port of her destination. He
turned in and tried to fall asleep, as it was only four hours to his
watch; but the impression that he ought to change the ship's course kept
him awake. In vain he tried to throw off that impression; and yielding
to it, he went on deck and gave the order for the change. On returning
to his berth, he was asleep as soon as his head was on the pillow. The
next day he sighted a ship in distress, and made sail for her. The ship
was in a sinking condition, and he rescued the whole ship's company.
Shortly after, a gale of wind arose and carried the sinking ship to
complete destruction. Had not the American captain changed the course of
his ship that evening, he would not have come in sight of the ship in
distress, and all of the company would have perished.

_Query_--_What made that Captain arise in the middle of the night and,
contrary to all science, reason and his own will, change the course of
his vessel_, but a _Supreme Being, whose power he could not resist_, and
what made him _exactly_ reach that sinking _ship just in time_.

* * * * *



THE FULTON ST. PRAYER MEETING.


ANSWERS TO PRAYER FROM ITS HISTORY, RECORDS AND CORRESPONDENCE.


The following Incidents of Prayer and the remarkable Answers, have been
obtained from the records of the Fulton Street Prayer Meeting in New
York City. They include both facts which have been related by speakers
in their daily meetings, or furnished from the letters of those who have
solicited Prayer and received the Answer to their Faith.

They are of the utmost diversity of subjects, literally including the
"all things" of the Bible, and temporal as well as spiritual interests.

Numerous as the incidents are, which we here give, still they cover only
_one-sixtieth_ part of the whole Record of the Blessed Meeting.

History can never tell of the wonders done in Answer to the Prayers of
these trusting ones; but Faith can rejoice, for here is fulfilled daily
those cheerful Promises of the Lord: "_If ye abide in me and my words
abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
"Ask and receive, that your joy may be full_."


SAVED FROM A LIFE OF DEGRADATION.


"Your prayers for my husband have been answered; _on the very day_ I
wished your prayers for him, and _before the hour of prayer had
expired_" he came into the house, and said, '_I am going to do better_.'
He had not been home before for _several weeks_. He was a profane,
hard-drinking man. He has since joined the church. 'All hail the power
of Jesus' name.'"


RECOVERY OF AN INVALID.


"One year ago, the prayers of this meeting were asked for an invalid who
had years of intense suffering before her, unless soon relieved. Prayers
were offered for her. Now we would like to acknowledge the
loving-kindness and tender mercy of our God, for, since that time, she
has slowly but steadily improved, even under most trying and unfavorable
circumstances, and-has now recovered comparative strength."


RELIEF IN BUSINESS.


"_None of those who trust in Him shall be made desolate_."

"Some three weeks ago, I wrote you, stating that _my business had been a
failure_, and asked your prayers that God, in His mercy, would point out
a way for me to _provide for my family._ The clouds grew thicker and
blacker, but the more earnest were my prayers. _Last Saturday the Lord
came to my rescue_, and provided me with the necessities of life, and
to-day I wish you to join with me in thanksgiving to Almighty God for
these favors;--'For He is good; His mercy endureth forever.'"


A DAUGHTER SAVED FROM MARRIAGE WITH A CORRUPT MAN.


"I pray you give God praise and thanks for His merciful deliverance of
my dear daughter from the _evil influence_ of the man to whom she had
given her love and promise of marriage. THE LORD gave her strength and
courage to break her engagement, in answer to our earnest prayers. Oh,
implore _Him_ to keep that man out of her path, for he is constantly
lying in wait to meet her when she goes out. He wanted her to read bad
books, but told her that they were not wrong. He constantly laid
temptation in alluring forms before her. To HIM alone be the thanks for
this step she has taken."


A SKEPTIC OVERPOWERED.


"More and more God is pouring out His Spirit, gloriously answering your
prayers and ours. I have been constantly asking your prayers, and
though, for a while, the vision tarried, _yet it has come. The young
man_, from a neighborhood where there was _not one Christian_, and _he
himself scarcely less than a skeptic, is now sitting, in his right mind,
at Jesus' feet."_


SAVED FROM DEATH.


"My brother, that lay apparently at the point of death, has been
restored to comparative health."


AN INTEMPERATE YOUNG MAN RECLAIMED.


"Rejoice with me, and thank God for his gracious answer to prayer. The
intemperate young man for whom I requested prayer some months ago, has
turned away from his cups, and is earnestly striving to overcome his
appetite for strong drink. He is competent to be the means of doing so
much good."


THE CONVERSION OF INTIMATE FRIENDS.


"Some time since, I sent request for prayer for the conversion of
friends. Since then _three_ have united with the church."


RAISED UP FROM DEATH'S DOOR.


"Our former pastor was raised up from death's door, in answer to your
prayer. _The doctor gave him up_. He says the Lord alone saved him, in
answer to prayer. Praise His name."


THE DESIRE OF THE HEART FULFILLED.


"A few weeks since I sent a request for prayer in my behalf, asking you
to pray God very earnestly that He would grant me the desire of my
heart, for which I was praying almost unceasingly. _On the evening of
the same day_ on which I supposed you would receive my request, _the
answer came,_ lifting a great burden from my heart. I send this in
acknowledgment of God's loving-kindness to me, and to encourage' every
burdened, praying one, to _trust Him more_."


A POOR OLD SICK LADY RESTORED.


"The poor, sick old lady for whom I requested your prayers some time
since, wishes to return thanks to Almighty God, for _restoring her
health_, and _sending friends_. It is wonderful how your and our
requests are answered."


A NEW BIRTH.


"Give thanks with me. Since I wrote you last, our son has given himself
to Jesus."


A CHURCH SAVED FROM STRIFE.


"It is with heartfelt gratitude to God that I write you of answer to
your prayer. Last Spring, I asked your prayers in behalf of our church.
It was almost destroyed by a man trying to get into our Conference
without proper papers, and could not. He then broke up a Presbyterian
church, and formed another. He gathered a number of our members with
him, and tried hard to take our parsonage, but did not succeed. Thank
God! though we are few, and have had a hard struggle, we still hold our
property, our circuit has doubled, God is reviving His work, and is now
answering your prayers"


REASON RESTORED.


"Last March, I requested you to pray for a dear friend in Massachusetts,
who was deprived of her reason through sickness and great trouble. _Give
thanks unto God, she is fully restored."_


"Arise And Walk."


"It will be just one year since Jesus came and took me by the hand, and
_I arose from what was supposed to be my death-bed_, and _walked to the
astonishment of all_. I have not claimed the fullness of the promise,
but feel that I may. I prayed God not to heal my body wholly, until I
was more patient under my cross."


THE APPETITE FOR STRONG DRINK TAKEN AWAY.


"Sometime ago I wrote to you for my husband. He was _a victim to strong
drink_ at that time, but _blessed be God, he has not drank one drop for
five months_."


SPIRITUAL STRENGTH.


"I feel your prayers; I think I know the day and the hour, for I felt
strengthened with strength in my soul."


HEALING OF SOUL AND BODY.


"I have reason to rejoice that I have been greatly blessed in answer to
your prayers. Two young lady friends of mine have been enabled to claim
the blessed promise of full salvation, not only to the healing of the
soul, _but the body also_.

My own experience helped them: On the 16th of January, last, in answer
to constant prayer offered by myself and friends, I arose from what all
thought to be my death-bed, and walked all over the house; also many
miles on the streets during the next few months. I did not claim the
full extent of the promise as I craved only relief from such terrible
pain, as was then my portion to bear. I think God in his goodness would
have granted full restoration to health, as I was so anxious to work for
Him, but I pleaded with Him _not to heal my body_ until my mind had had
the discipline I felt it needed."


AN INTEMPERATE HUSBAND SAVED BY PRAYER.


"Some three weeks since, I asked you for my intemperate husband, that
you would pray that he might be _willing to be saved. He has been made
willing to give up the intoxicating cup,_ and says he has _not any
desire_ for it. To God be all the praise."


RELIGION LOST, RELIGION REGAINED.


"I wrote you two months since, asking an interest in your prayers for a
young man that experienced religion a year ago, but failed to confess
Christ by uniting with the church. Your prayers have been answered. Last
night my heart was made to rejoice by seeing him confess Christ, before
the world. He is now happy in the love of Jesus, and will he useful and
active in the church."


DRUNKARDS REFORMED.


"Return thanks to God for two men signing the pledge, about one month
ago, who have been enabled to keep it through great temptation. _They
were drunkards for over twenty years_. Their reformation was in answer
to a praying mother's prayers, and to the prayers for them at your
meeting."


A HOPELESS CASE.


"A little less than a year ago, prayers were desired at the Fulton
street prayer-meeting for a man whose case seemed wholly hopeless.
Shortly after he gave up drink, and became a Christian; is now a happy
man, and has a happy family.

"Please carry this thank offering to God, that he has given us such a
Savior, and such a way to escape from temptation."


A HARVEST OF CONVERSIONS.


"Last Fall, I wrote you to pray for us. You did pray. The result was a
wonderful increase of spiritual life--_fifty conversions."_


A FAMILY MADE HAPPY.


"Two years ago, I wrote asking your prayers for a dear sister, brothers
and nieces. Since then, one brother, about sixty, and my two nieces have
been converted, and are now rejoicing in a Savior's love."


THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT


"About two years ago we requested your prayers for the Holy Spirit upon
a revival work then in progress in our church." _The Lord answered us_
by giving us _over four score souls."_


HEARTS MADE GLAD.


"We return most hearty thanks for the answer to prayer given. I wrote
more than a year ago last August of our low state. Last Winter twenty
young persons were converted, and continue to work faithfully."


GIVEN UP BY MAN, BUT RESCUED BY THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.


"The writer was himself raised up by prayer, from the gates of death,
offered by the heart and lips of one who is now a sufferer. _Two of the
most skillful physicians in the land had given me up_."


THE STORY OF A WAYWARD LIFE, SAVED BY PRAYER.


"In the last fourteen years I have stood beside the deathbeds of eight
who were near and dear to me, and the last words that each spoke to me
as they were leaving the world were, "_Will you not meet me in Heaven_?"
I have been a wayward child. Eight years ago I became addicted to strong
drink. I became a drunkard, which brought my dear old father down to an
untimely grave. I made a promise on his death-bed that I would not drink
any more, and for six long years I kept that promise, but at last I
broke it. I again became a drunkard, which began to tell on my wife. I
promised her that I would not drink, but that promise was broken time
after time. Within this year, in the week of prayer, I attended the
prayer-meetings, asked prayers for me, and on the night following, I
erected the family altar, which had for four years been neglected, and,
thank God, it is there yet. I am now trusting in the promise that _He
will not let his children be tempted beyond what they are able to
endure_."


A WONDERFUL CURE.


An earnest Christian woman who believed the Lord greater than any
earthly physician, cries, "_O, praise the Lord. He hath delivered me in
six troubles, and in the seventh he hath not forsaken me_." "And the
seventh was the worst. By the help of _eight physicians_, and in answer
to prayer, partly of this meeting, a fearful tumor has been taken from
me weighing twelve pounds, with three gallons of water in the sack. O,
praise the Lord, for He is good, and his mercy endureth forever."

This case was one of extraordinary risk and apparently impossible
achievement; but the Lord gave faith to try, and skill to win the
victory. No earthly power could have dared the venture.


GIVEN UP.


"Our pastor, after four months' sickness, preached to us last evening
the most solemn sermon I ever heard, and says he was raised up in answer
to prayer. The physicians gave him up several times, and say they have
never known such an instance of recovery."


CHAINS BROKEN AT LAST.


"Long months, week by week, I have asked you to pray that my husband
might be saved from the eternal doom of a drunkard. God has mercifully
given him strength to break the fetters that bound him fast."


BETTER THAN WE EXPECTED.


"We asked your prayers; they have been answered. They were answered more
and better than we had hoped or dreamed they could be."


PRAYER ANSWERED FOR EMPLOYMENT.


"A foreigner without means and friendless tried in vain for ten months
to succeed in finding some employment. He requested your prayers to God,
and _God answered_. In less than eighteen hours a splendid position was
offered to him. He and his wife give thanks, and pray that they may
devote their lives usefully to the cause of God who has been so good to
them."


FOUND EMPLOYMENT.


"God has answered our united prayers, and given employment to his
child."


AN OLD LADY SAVED FROM LITTLE ANNOYANCES.


"Your prayers have been heard and answered in mercy. The old lady has
not been quite so much annoyed. Thank God for some peace for the aged
one, not able to bear what younger people can, that go out into the
world and can find relief. I thank my heavenly Father for his loving-
kindness and tender mercy for those that cry to him in trouble."


INSANITY DISPELLED.


"I sent a petition months ago, for prayers for an insane husband. Your
prayers have been answered. He has rapidly recovered."


RECLAIMED.


"I must ask you to return thanks with me that your prayers have been
answered. An intemperate brother has been reclaimed."


RESTORED TO HEALTH.


"One month since, I requested prayer specially for my own family. My
oldest son, who was then sick, has been restored to his usual health.
'_The prayer of faith hath indeed saved the sick_.'"


TEMPTATIONS REMOVED.


"Some months ago I asked your prayers for a son in college, amid great
temptations. I desire to give thanks that those temptations have been
removed."

THE HEART OF A CLERGYMAN TURNED FROM THOUGHTS OF AMBITION.


"I sent a request to you for a young man, who was called, and eminently
fitted for the ministry, but was tempted, by ambition, not to listen to
the divine call, and obstacles had hedged his way somewhat. After I
requested your prayers in his behalf, this temptation was removed, and
nearly one hundred persons were converted in the church which was under
his care."


A GRATEFUL TRIBUTE.


"For a long time I have been the subject of personal affliction, caused
by _two internal tumors_ of the _worst type_. Speedy death seemed
inevitable; yet there was a little hope that a surgical operation might
possibly remove the difficulty and prolong my day. To this hope I clung,
submitted to the operation, and it was a success. To the earnest prayers
of Christian people is due this grateful acknowledgment."


WAS A PERFECT SLAVE TO LIQUOR.


"Please return _thanks_ to our kind Heavenly Father for this answer to
prayer. All last Winter requests were sent in for a gentleman, a perfect
slave to liquor. Those prayers were answered, and he is attending church
regularly, striving to do what is right to please his Heavenly Master."


ALWAYS ANSWERED.


"Several times in years past I have asked for the prayers of this
meeting, and always found them answered."


CURED OF EPILEPSY.


"I wrote you to aid me by your prayers, that my afflicted son, who was
troubled with epilepsy, might be cured. Thanks be to the Heavenly
Father, he is better."


ALMOST LOST.


"Your prayers and mine for my son have been answered. He was almost
lost, on the downward road of intemperance. He has now reformed."


A SITUATION OBTAINED BY PRAYER.


"Yesterday I sent a request that God would give me sustaining grace and
abiding faith, and in his own good time give me a situation where I
might be able to support my family. In that very afternoon, I made a
contract of $1,200 a year. Praise the Lord."


A BOUNTIFUL BLESSING.


"Some time ago I solicited your prayers for a blessing on my services,
and _never, in all my life_ before have I been blessed as since that
time. 'Tis truly wonderful; it has seemed as if I must have become some
one else, and that it could not longer be me speaking with such
boldness, and apparent success. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that
is within me, bless his holy name."


SAVED FROM THE COMPANY OF A BAD LOVER.


"A week ago I begged you to pray for my daughter, who had given her
heart to an unworthy man, praying that God might guide her to see him as
he is, and turn her love from him. She is a child of God. In answer, God
has caused a rupture between them."


AWAY FROM HOME, BUT NOT AWAY FROM GOD.


"Some weeks since I sent in a request for prayer for my sons who had
fallen victims to intemperance and vice. My heart rejoices to-day in the
hope that it has.


"Two who left home, and had gone to distant cities to seek employment,
have written me to pray that they may be able to forsake sin in all its
forms, and come to Christ and be Christians. One of them was skeptical
when he left home. The one remaining at home has resolved to quit
drinking."


GOD ALWAYS ANSWERS BELIEVING PRAYER.


"Your prayers asked on several occasions have all been graciously
answered. Return thanks unto the Lord that sendeth mercy."


THE HARDEST HEART YIELDS AT LAST.


"Several years since your prayers were solicited in behalf of one who
seemed given over to hardness of heart and reprobacy of mind. Since that
time there has been some reform in his life. God only knows how far
those prayers have been answered in restraining grace. Last week he said
to the friend who had solicited your prayers for him, 'I wish you would
ask Fulton Street prayer-meeting to pray again for me. _I believe it did
me good._'"


UP FROM THE LOWEST DEPTHS.


"One year ago I wrote you respecting prayer for my husband. He has since
been reclaimed from the lowest depths of a drunkard's life, and is now a
member of the Christian church. Thanks be to God, the giver of all
good."


SAVED AND HONORED.


"Almost three years ago I asked you to pray for a young man that was
wandering from God. Thank God, your and my prayers were answered. He is
now an active Christian, a superintendent of the Sabbath school, and a
most zealous member of the Young Men's Christian Association of this
place."


ALMOST PERSUADED.


"Some weeks since I requested prayer for a member of this Institution
who was 'almost persuaded' to be a Christian. Thanks to our Father, and
to those who have offered prayer in her behalf, she has been _altogether
persuaded_, and has united with the Lord's people."


ANSWERED THE SAME DAY.


"You received a letter yesterday. My husband rose for prayers the same
night."


OH, HOW PRECIOUS.


"I wrote five months since for prayers for myself, and I now write to
say that I have found my Savior very precious to my soul."


PRAYING FOR A PASTOR.


"Several months ago I wrote asking you to pray for a feeble church in
need of a pastor. Since then I am happy to say that this church has been
blessed and we now have a pastor."


A TELEGRAM OF PRAYER.


An incident was related at one of the meetings by a clergyman who had
written a telegram asking for prayers. God heard it before it was sent.

"When we were in Switzerland, my daughter was taken very ill, so that
the doctor despaired of her life. I felt the need of sympathy and help
and prayer, and I made up my mind that I would send a telegraphic
dispatch to this meeting, where I had so often united with you in
prayer. I wrote the dispatch and was prepared to send it, when all at
once there was poured out such a joyful faith and confidence in God on
me as I never felt before in all my life, and I fell on my knees in
devout thanksgiving for the assurance that God gave me that he had heard
and answered our prayers, for we had prayed for that dear daughter's
life. There lay the telegram ready to be sent. There I was waiting and
praying. In less than half an hour my wife came into the room and said,
'There is a change for the better in our daughter,' and the telegram was
never sent, though I believe the writing of it was the prayer that God
answered."


HE DID NOT KEEP HIS PROMISE, BUT GOD DID.


A remarkable instance of how God keeps his promises and is faithful, and
how man often forgets to keep his, and at last receives deserved
punishment for his thanklessness to God, was recently related in the
Fulton Street prayer-meeting.

A very urgent case was presented by a friend. He said: "A friend of mine
is seeking Jesus. A little while ago his only child lay near death. He
prayed God to restore her to health, promising to serve the Lord for the
rest of his life if the child's life was spared. His daughter recovered,
but _the man forgot the promise he had made and sought not after God._
In a very little while the child was suddenly taken sick again, and
almost as suddenly died. The father remembered his vows, and feels that
this is God's solemn warning to him to seek the Savior."


A DOUBLE PRAYER ANSWERED.


At the Fulton Street prayer-meeting a number of remarkable cases were
related of real answers to prayer for recovery to health, and obtaining
of positions.

"I must tell you how God has been answering prayer, for his glory and
for your encouragement. Your prayers were asked for a sick wife. She was
thought by the doctors to be beyond recovery, but in response to prayer
God spared her life, and she and her husband returned their heartfelt
thanks to Him. But there was another trouble. The husband had long
needed employment, and was in great pecuniary distress. He had been
praying for help, beseeching the Lord to open up a way for him. But help
did not come, and the cloud seemed darker, and the poor man got
discouraged. Friends begged him to hope on, and not to give up his trust
in that God who, in answer to prayer, had raised his sick wife to
health. He continued to pray, and on the long, dark night, morning at
last dawned. He is now in a good position, and sends a request to
friends to thank God with him for this two-fold goodness of the Lord.


HOW THE LORD BLESSED AN OLD ADVERTISEMENT.


"I had another acquaintance who was also greatly distressed. With a wife
and family to care for, and all his means gone, and no prospect of
employment, he was in trouble indeed. We induced him to present his case
for prayer here, as it would encourage him to have others pray for him.
Then we inserted an advertisement in one of the daily papers, offering
his services, hoping the Lord would bless the means used and answer
prayer. Day by day passed, but no response came. Some two weeks after
the advertisement was inserted, a merchant picked up _an old paper_, and
noticing the advertisement, showed it to his partner, remarking, 'Why,
this is just the man we need.' Observing the _old date_ on the paper,
his partner said he thought it would be too late to respond; but the
trial was made. The man was requested to call, and proved to be just
what these merchants had been wishing for, and was very quickly engaged.
He feels that the Heavenly Father who cares for the sparrows,
undoubtedly met his need, and that all the circumstances connected with
the case were providential."


HATING THE ACCURSED DRINK.


A brother rose in the meeting and said, "I believe it is God's will that
I should tell you how He saved me, about two years since. I came into
the meeting when it was held in the old church, and was at the time
under the influence of liquor. The missionary took me into the gallery
and talked with me, and prayed with me, and God heard prayer and saved
me. I became a new man in Christ, and have lost all appetite for drink;
I hate the accursed stuff."


A DRUNKARD FOR THIRTY YEARS.


Another told a remarkable story of his life: "I was a drunkard for
thirty years, and I tried all kinds of means to get free, but all
failed. I pledged myself over and over again, and swore off many a time.
At last, Jesus met me at the mission meeting, and he saved me. He took
away the appetite for drink from me. I am a different man; I am tempted
in various ways at times, but when tempted I think of Jesus and look to
Him, and He saves me."


THE HOPELESS ONE BROUGHT HOME.


"A pastor related the incident of the conversion of a man who had
disgraced his family, and all through drink. All the people in the
village where he lived regarded him as a hopeless case. But he was
prayed for, and one night in answer to an appeal to those desiring
Christ to rise, he rose. He soon became a new man, and a steadfast
soldier of the Cross, completely delivered from his hopeless situation,
and all his appetites taken away."


"NO MAN CAN PLUCK THEM OUT OF MY FATHER'S HAND."


A brother says, "Jesus says this, and I rest just there." "A year ago I
was in Philadelphia. I had resolved not to drink any liquor that day,
but my resolution was soon broken. In the evening as I wandered the
streets, that voice of God, '_Turn ye, turn ye_,' gave me great
uneasiness. Although I tried hard not to go, yet the Spirit was at work
within me, and against my will led me to the meetings of the Young Men's
Christian Association. When the call came for those desiring prayers, I
felt that it was my last call, and I pushed forward and rose. Friends
prayed with me, and that night, as I pleaded for mercy, the burden of my
sin was lifted and I was free. Christ took the appetite for drink away,
and He has kept me ever since, and will keep me to the end, for He says,
'_Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name;
thou art mine_.' Oh! I know He won't let me go."


ANSWER TO PRAYER IN TEMPORAL MATTERS.


A speaker said at one meeting, "God answers prayer in temporal matters.
In a Western college, at a time when the last morsels of food had been
eaten, and some had to go away from the table empty, four of the number
retired to pray, and before they had ceased praying relief came.
Provisions in large quantities were received, thus verifying the old
promise, 'Before they call I will answer.'"


THE LORD PROVED TRUE.


"The Lord reigns," another exclaimed, "I have proved that during my long
life! It has looked dark very often, and I have been in difficult
places, but again and again the Lord has brought me through
triumphantly. I have found the promise true." "Trust in the Lord, and do
good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed."


A LITTLE BOY'S QUESTION.


A brother related a touching incident which occurred in Brooklyn. "A
little boy asked his father at the dinner table, '_Papa, why don't you
read the Bible_?' The father was a passionate man, and was about driving
the boy out of his presence, but his anger made the little fellow weep.
That brought tears to the mother's eyes, and then the father followed
suit. The boy's tears moved him, and the question struck his heart; and
father and mother, up to that hour unconverted, were soon on their way
to the prayer-meeting, where they found Jesus."


A LITTLE GIRL'S QUESTION.


A touching little story, with eternal results in it, was told at one of
the meetings, illustrating that word of God's book, "A little child
shall lead them." "A dress-maker called on a very wealthy lady in a city
not far from New York, and took with her her little girl, five years
old. The lady took a fancy to the child, and showed her over the house.
She expressed great admiration at all she saw, and, particularly
attracted by the carpet, said to the lady: 'Why, I should think Jesus
must come here very often, it is such a nice house, and such a beautiful
carpet--He must come here very often. He comes to our house, and we have
no carpet; I am sure He must come here very often, doesn't He?' The lady
not answering, the child repeated the question, when the reply came,
with deep emotion, "I am afraid not." The child left, but God's message
was delivered. The lady related the incident to her husband in the
evening, and both were led to seek the Savior.


GOD CARED FOR ME.


At a meeting a young man in broken English, said: "If any man ought to
believe in prayer, I ought to. My friends turned me out of my home,
because I was seeking for Christ. I was too much Christian my landlady
said. I told her I wished I was all Christian. It was seven o'clock in
the evening when she refused to let me come into the house. I went then
to the prayer-meeting in Water Street; we had such a good meeting, that
I quite forgot that I had no place to sleep. The services over, I found
it was raining fast, and I had no place to which to go. I went back into
the room, and kneeling at one of the benches, I begged God to give me a
place to rest. I did not go home my usual way that night, but on the way
I took I met an old friend, and walking with him to his house he begged
me to stay the night, as he did not like to be alone. I staid there that
night, though I had never told him of my condition. What was it but an
answer to prayer. Many a time since has God thus provided for my wants.
O friends, let your heart go out, for Him, then He will never let you
want."


THE BLIND CAN SEE.


Said another, "I came here yesterday to ask you to pray for my sister.
She has been sick some time, and then she lost her _sight_. I did not
get an opportunity to present my request because so many took part; but
I thought I would just take my sister's case to Jesus, remembering that
'the prayer of faith shall save the sick.' In the afternoon I found her
in sad need of sleep. I told her just to look to Jesus, because it was
written of Him, 'So He giveth His beloved sleep.' We prayed together,
and I left her in a _profound slumber_, 'This morning when I called on
her she could _see me.' Friends, the Lord does answer prayer."













 


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