The Wonders of Prayer by Various (page 3)

connected with his business, made it impossible for him to leave. It was with real heartfelt sorrow I heard of it. The day before we were to have started, as I saw another member of the family, who was going with a friend, packing her trunk, it seemed to me I could not bear it. I carried my trouble to my dear heavenly Father, begging him to send me a way to go.

“I rose from my knees with the sweet assurance in my heart my prayer was heard–packed my trunk and waited patiently. When night came and the men came home, in the place of the expected buggy came a small spring-wagon, and a seat for me. What may seem more remarkable, the change between buggy and spring-wagon was made ten miles away, while I was praying.

“I believe I enjoyed the meeting more for the feeling of thankfulness that pervaded my whole being while there.”

THE GREAT PHYSICIAN.

“Nearly five years ago, after a decline of almost two years, I was brought very near to the grave. Medical aid availed nothing. I was fearfully emaciated, and my death was daily expected. A devoted mother and a sister, who had watched over me tenderly during my long illness, were completely exhausted.

“I determined to apply to the Great Physician, as directed in James 5:14. As I united with others in prayer, unconsciously I uttered these words, ‘I shall yet praise Thee in the great congregation.’ All present felt assured that it was the will of God to restore me to health. Appearances were against me; for some time I could sleep but very little, and there was no perceptible gain. But trusting in the sure promise, the next Sabbath I rode a short distance to church, and, as I thus ventured out little by little, my strength gradually returned. A few months later, my mother, who through disease had been in a state of despair for some years, was enabled again to hope in God’s mercy.”

SHALL SAVE THE SICK.

“I was desperately ill. My physicians had done all in their power, without success–and yet I lived! For my father’s sake, the hearts of hundreds waited the issue, and prayed for me! For his sake, the bells in the neighborhood were tied–the criers did not come within sound of the house–nor was the sound of wheels heard upon the street. There was a death-like stillness without and within.

“The physicians sat with folded hands and wept, because the blow seemed too heavy for my father to bear–the thought that I was going to die without any assurance that I trusted in my Saviour!

“‘It cannot be,’ he said, ‘I will wrestle with my God until He hears me!’ Sunday came. In almost every church a special prayer was offered for my recovery. After morning service, a band of devoted women met, and offered fervent prayers that God would spare my life. Evening came–the weary doctors went home, leaving the last sacred moments to my parents. Early next morning they came again, and exclaimed, as they entered the room, ‘She is better! Prayer has saved her!’ I still live, ‘a spared monument of God’s mercy.'”

ALL-SUFFICIENT FOR ALL NEED.

“I am a mother of seven children. By the help of our Father in heaven, we have all of us gone regularly to church and Sunday-school. We are poor; and at length the time came we were not clothed so we could comfortably go to church. I earnestly asked our Father to show me, within a week, which was right for us to do: to go in debt for clothes, or stay at home. Within that week, I received a large package of ready-made clothing. The clothing came from a source I never thought of receiving anything from.”

A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE.

“At one time, during a season of adversity, there was urgent occasion for a certain sum beyond the income of the family, and there was no way of borrowing it. I took the matter to the Lord in prayer, asking Him, if the money were really needed, as it appeared to be, to send it, and, if it were not, to remove the distressing circumstances. The answer came in a sum five times the amount asked for, and in a manner totally unexpected.”

* * * * *

“At another time, the mother of the family was very ill, and, when apparently near death, the physicians had ordered a remedy which was to be constantly employed, as her life, so far as they could judge, depended on its use. One night, her symptoms became so alarming as to compel the writer (who had charge of the nursing) to use this remedy more freely than ever, and, about midnight the supply was exhausted. There was no possibility of obtaining any more before morning, and the rest of that night, while attending to the other directions of the doctors, I spent in one earnest, agonizing prayer that God would so overrule natural causes that death would not occur in consequence of what I felt to be my own culpable carelessness in not having provided a larger quantity of an article so necessary. In His great mercy, He granted the prayer, the dangerous symptoms did not increase during the seven or eight hours that intervened before the remedy could be procured. One proof that it was a special mercy, is found in the fact that there was no other such standing still of the disease, either before this or afterward. And the doctors were astonished when they saw that the disease had made no progress, under conditions that rendered that progress inevitable in the usual law of cause and effect. And when, on her final recovery, Doctor Parker told her that she owed her life to the good care I had taken of her, my thoughts went back to the long hours of that night of anguish, and I said, ‘It was the Lord that took care of her.’ ‘I meant your care, under Providence,’ was the reply.”

HE SHALL DIRECT THY PATHS

“I am a teacher by profession, and, a few years ago, I found myself placed in a school whose every surrounding was utterly repugnant to my tastes, and to all my ideas of right and wrong and what good teaching should be. At first, I kept hoping that things would grow better, and that I should, at least, be able to have some influence on the modes of teaching; but I soon found that everything connected with the establishment was directed by the iron will of an unscrupulous and tyrannical woman, whose laws were as irrevocable as those of the Medes and Persians. I at once decided I could not stay there long, but I had no other position in view, and it was not easy to secure one in the middle of the term. As usual, I made it a subject of prayer, and the result was that, in a short time, I was most unexpectedly, and without the least solicitation on my part, offered a much better position, in every respect, which, of course, I was only too thankful to accept. That is only one instance, out of thousands I could name, where God has heard and answered my prayers, and I believe He will do so to the end.”

HOW THE LORD IS CONSTANTLY CARING FOR HIS TRUSTING POOR.

A city missionary recently found, in this city on the streets, a refined Englishwoman with her children, who had been turned out of her home for non-payment of rent. With the aid of a few friends he installed her in a new domicile, and procured work for her. From time to time he visited her, and rejoiced with her that God had sent him to her in the hour of extremity. At length, pressure of business kept him away for some time, until, one evening, he started out to look up a few dollars owing him, in order to procure some delicacies for a sick wife. One dollar was all he could procure, and with that in his pocket he was returning homeward, when he became so impressed with the idea that he should visit the Englishwoman that he turned aside and did so. He found her in tears, and asking the cause, heard the sorrowful tale of no work, no food in the house for to-morrow, which was Sunday. He was in doubt whether to give her the dollar and suffer his sick wife to go without something palatable, but in a moment, “Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble,” presented itself to his mind, and–the dollar dried the widow’s tears.

Upon reaching his home he found a lady had called on his wife and brought with her three or four kinds of jellies, fruit, home-made biscuit, various relishing things; three times more than the dollar would have purchased.

The same gentleman, while calling on a poor family one day, discovered a little house in the rear, which he visited, finding a neat, cleanly room, occupied by an old lady, crippled with rheumatism. He found she had no one in the world but a sister, a monthly nurse, to care for her. When first setting out on his tour that morning, the missionary had fifty cents given him by a gentleman, who expressed the hope that “it might do some good during the day.” Although a number of visits had been made, he had not felt called upon to bestow it until then, nor could he tell why he should want to put it in the old lady’s hand at parting, but he did so.

She was too much overcome by her emotions to speak, but she took his hand and led him to a little table, on which lay a Bible, opened at the passage, “Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, He will give it you.” She said, “Please tell me if any one sent you here?” “No.” “Did you ever hear that I lived here?” “I did not.” “Then the Lord sent you in answer to my prayer this morning. For the first time in my life, I am without food. My sister was to have come home yesterday, but has not. I was just asking the Lord to provide for me when you knocked at the door.”

Such scenes as these amply repay our missionaries for all the toils and weariness, all the anxieties and perplexities of the work.

A PRAYER FOR BREAD.

“Washington Allston, who stood at the head of American artists a half century ago, was, at one time, so reduced by poverty, that he locked his studio, in London, one day, threw himself on his knees and prayed for a loaf of bread for himself and wife. While thus engaged, a knock was heard at the door, which the artist hastened to open. A stranger inquired for Mr. Allston, and was anxious to know who was the fortunate purchaser of the painting of the ‘Angel Uriel,’ which had won the prize at the exhibition of the Royal Academy. He was told that it was not sold. ‘Where is it to be found?’ ‘In this very room,’ said Allston, producing a painting from a corner and wiping off the dust. ‘It is for sale, but its value has not been adequately appreciated, and I would not part with it.’ ‘What is its price?’ ‘I have done affixing any nominal sum. I have always so far exceeded any offers, I leave it to you to name the price.’ ‘Will four hundred pounds be an adequate recompense?’ ‘It is more than I ever asked for it.’ ‘Then the painting is mine,’ said the stranger, who introduced himself as the Marquis of Stafford, and, from that time, became one of Mr. Allston’s warmest friends and patrons.”

THE DAUGHTER’S PRAYER.

The late Doctor Krummacher, chaplain to the king of Prussia, in referring to faith and prayer, writes as follows:

“A little incident occurs to me which I can hardly withhold, on account of its simplicity and beauty. The mother of a little girl, only four years of age, had been, for some time, most dangerously ill. The physician had given her up. When the little girl heard this, she went into an adjoining room, knelt down, and said: ‘Dear Lord Jesus, O make my mother well again.’

“After she had thus prayed, she said, as though in God’s name, with as deep a voice as she could: ‘Yes, my dear child, I will do it gladly!’ This was the little girl’s amen. She rose up, joyfully ran to her mother’s bed, and said: ‘Mother, you will get well!’

“And she recovered, and is in health to this day. Is it, then, always permitted for me to pray thus unconditionally respecting temporal concerns? No; thou must not venture to do so, if, whilst you ask, you doubt. But shouldst thou ever be inclined by God’s Spirit to pray thus, without doubt or scruple, in a filial temper, and with simplicity of heart, resting on the true foundation, and in genuine faith, then pray thus by all means! None dare censure thee; God will accept thee.”

THE LORD WILL PROVIDE.

“A city missionary, one Saturday night, was going home with a basket of provisions on his arm. Meeting a policeman, he asked him if there had any families moved in the bounds of his beat during the week. He answered, ‘Yes,’ and, pointing to a building up an alley, said, ‘a woman and some children are living there now.’

“The missionary went to the house, rapped at the door, and was admitted. The woman was sitting by a small light, sewing. In the corner of the room, were two little girls, apparently from nine to twelve years of age, playing.

“The missionary said, ‘Madam, I am here to see if you will allow your girls to attend Sunday-school to-morrow morning.’ ‘I would, sir; but what you see on them is all the clothing they have, and you would not wish them to go as they are now.’ ‘The Lord will provide, madam. Have you no money?’ ‘Not yet, but I have committed my case into the hands of the Lord.’ ‘Have you anything to eat?’ ‘Nothing, sir!’ ‘What will you do for breakfast?’ ‘O, sir, I once had a husband; he provided when he could. These children had a father; he supplied their wants; but he is dead now. Yet my Maker, even God, is my husband, and He has promised to be a father to the fatherless. We have committed all to Him, have called upon Him in this our day of trouble. I am trusting in God to take care of a poor widow and her children in a strange place, and I know He will provide.’ ‘Thank God for such faith,’ said the missionary; and, handing her the basket, said ‘here is your breakfast, and you shall have the clothing for your children.’ With tears streaming down her face, she replied: ‘Oh, thank God for his faithfulness! He heareth and answereth prayer. May He bless you!’ And, said our dear brother to us, ‘I felt the promise was sure, for she was blessed in receiving, I was more so in giving.'”

A PRAYER FOR A LOAD OF WOOD.

Here is an illustration of the way in which God sends relief in trouble. The story is told by the Christian woman to whom it happened, in her own language:

“About the month of January, 1863, I was living in Connecticut, alone with two little boys, one of them four years old, and the other about a year and a half old. My husband was away in the service of his country. When the coldest weather came, I was nearly out of wood. I went down into the village, one day, to try and get some, but tried in vain; so many men were away in the army that help was scarce. Very little wood was brought into market, and those living on the main street, got all that came, while those who lived outside the village could get none. I tried to buy a quarter of a cord from two or three merchants, but could not get any. One of them told me he could not get what he wanted for his own family. Another said he wasn’t willing to yoke up his team for so small a quantity; but, as I only had a dollar and seventy-five cents, I could not buy any more, and so I was obliged to go home without any. I went back to my little ones, feeling very sad. But while I sat there, almost ready to cry, the words of Abraham came into my mind, ‘Jehovah- Jireh, the Lord will provide.’ Then I went up to my chamber. There I knelt down and told God of my trouble, and asked him to help me and send the relief that we needed. Then I went to the window and waited, looking down the street, expecting to see the wood coming. After waiting a while, without seeing any come, my faith began to fail. I said to myself, ‘The Lord did provide for Abraham, but He won’t provide for me.’ Our last stick of wood was put in the stove. It was too cold to keep the children in the house without fire. I got the children’s clothes out, and thought I would take them to the house of a kind neighbor, where I knew they could stay till we got some wood. But, just as I was going out with the children, in passing by the window, I saw the top of a great load of wood coming up the road towards our little house. Can that be for us? I asked myself. Presently I saw the wagon turn off the road and come up towards our door. Then I was puzzled to know how to pay for it. A dollar and seventy-five cents I knew would only go a little way towards paying for all that wood. The oxen came slowly on, dragging the load to our door. I asked the man if there wasn’t same mistake about it. ‘No, ma’am,’ said he, ‘there’s no mistake.’ ‘I did not order it, and I cannot pay for it,’ was my reply. ‘Never mind, ma’am,’ said he, ‘a friend ordered it, and it is all paid for.’ Then he unhitched the oxen from the wagon, and gave them some hay to eat. When this was done, he asked for a saw and ax, and never stopped till the whole load was cut and split and piled away in the woodshed.

“This was more than I could stand. My feelings overcame me, and I sat down and cried like a child. But these were not bitter tears of sorrow. They were tears of joy and gladness, of gratitude and thankfulness. I felt ashamed of myself for doubting God’s word, and I prayed that I might never do so again. What pleasure I had in using that wood! Every stick of it, as I took it up, seemed to have a voice with which to say ‘Jehovah-Jireh.’ As Abraham stood on the top of Mount Moriah he could say, ‘The Lord _will_ provide.’ But every day, as I went into our woodshed, I could point to that blessed pile of wood sent from heaven, and say, ‘The Lord _does_ provide.'”

A REFRACTORY MAN COMPELLED TO PAY A DEBT.

A refractory man who owed a small debt of about $43, refused to pay it all, but offered to do so if ten dollars was taken off. His creditor, feeling that it was just, declined to abate the amount.

For more than a year the creditor waited, after having no attention paid to his correspondence or, claim by the debtor, who exhibited unmistakable obstinacy and want of courtesy. At last it was put into the hands of a lawyer. The lawyer, too, was fairly provoked at the faithlessness of the debtor in his promises or his attention to the subject; thus matters dragged wearily for months, yet exercised leniency in pressing the claim.

The creditor, whose forbearance had now reached the extremity of endurance, at last was led to take it to the Lord in prayer; saying he would “willingly forgive the whole debt if in anything he was wrong, but if the Lord thought it was right, hoped that his debtor _might be compelled to pay the amount he so obstinately withheld_.”

To the astonishment of all, a letter received from the lawyer four days after, informed him _that his debtor had called and paid the claim in full_ with interest to date. “In doing so, he said he paid it _under protest_,” thus showing he was _compelled by something he could not resist to pay it all_.

A HURRICANE PASSES AROUND A SHIP.

A Sea Captain relates to the editor of the _Christian_, a remarkable incident, whereby in one of his voyages his ship was unaccountably held still, and thereby saved from sailing directly into the midst of a terrible hurricane:–“We sailed from the Kennebec on the first of October, 1876. There had been several severe gales, and some of my friends thought it hardly safe to go, but after considerable prayer I concluded it was right to undertake the voyage. On the 19th of October we were about one hundred and fifty miles west of the Bahamas, and we encountered very disagreeable weather. _For five or six days we seemed held by shifting currents, or some unknown power, in about the same place. We would think we had sailed thirty or forty miles_, when on taking our observations we would find we _were within three or four miles of our position the day before_. This circumstance occurring repeatedly proved a trial to my faith, and I said within my heart, ‘_Lord, why are we so hindered, and kept in this position_?’ Day after day we were held as if by an unseen force, until at length a change took place, and we went on our way. Reaching our port they inquired, ‘Where have you been through the gale?’ ‘_What gale_?’ we asked. ‘_We have seen no gale_.’ We then learned that a terrible hurricane had swept through that region, and that all was desolation. We afterwards learned that _this hurricane had swept around us, and had almost formed a circle around the place occupied by us during the storm. A hundred miles in one direction all was wreck and ruin, fifty miles in the opposite direction all was desolation; and while that storm was raging in all its fury, we were held in perfect safety, in quiet waters_, and in continual anxiety to change our position and pursue our voyage _One day of ordinary sailing would have brought us into the track of the storm, and sent us to the bottom of the sea._ We were anxious to sail on, but some unseen power held us where we were, and we escaped.”

The Captain was a prayerful man, trusting in his Lord, though his faith was tried, and he thought the Lord was not helping him. Yet the Lord was keeping his promise to him, “_The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by him, and the Lord shall cover him all the day long_.”

RECOVERY FROM SPINAL DISEASE.

“Miss M—- is the daughter of a respectable farmer, an elder in a Presbyterian church in Western Pennsylvania. When a young girl her spine was injured while nursing her aged and helpless grandmother, and she has been a great sufferer for many years. For eleven years she has not been able to attend church nor to go from home, and for a long time was unable to leave her chamber or her bed. Two years ago she was so ill that hopes of her recovery were abandoned, her mind was thought to be seriously, even hopelessly impaired. Her physician acknowledged that her disease baffled his skill.

“A few months ago, being near her residence and hearing that her health was better, I called on her, and to my surprise, found her able to sew, walk about, and even go down stairs. She informed me that she suffered so intensely from the remedies used for her cure, and constantly grew worse, that she determined to do nothing more; it seemed like fighting against God; she would put herself into His hands to do with her as He pleased. Then it seemed to her that the Saviour came to her and said, ‘M—-, what aileth thee?’ She told Him all her case, and He soothed and comforted her. From that time she began to improve; the paroxysms of pain grew less, and disappeared; her nervousness was relieved, she could sleep, her mind was full of peace. She said, ‘I am not cured, and do not expect to be well, but I can bear what I have to suffer, and am willing to depart whenever it is the Lord’s will to take me away to himself.'”

PRAYER FOR A PAIR OF BOOTS.

In the Fall of 1858, H—-, a student in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N.J., was in great need of a new pair of boots. His toes were sticking out of his old ones, and he had no money to purchase new ones. All the money he could command was barely enough to pay his fare to his home, where be had promised a dear friend to be present on the approaching communion Sabbath.

H—- was a man of great faith, and was accustomed to carry all his wants to God in prayer. To God he carried the present emergency, and earnestly importuned Him, that He would send him a pair of boots, and that He would do it before the approaching Sabbath. He was persuaded that God heard, and would answer his petition, yet his faith was sorely tried. Saturday morning came and still there was no answer; he resolved, however, to go to his home, fully persuaded that God would in good time grant his request. He took the morning train at the Princeton depot, and reached home about eleven o’clock. It was a hard trial for him to go to “Preparatory Lecture” with his boots in the condition they were in; yet at two o’clock he went, still praying that God would send him a new pair of boots. During the service, a merchant in the town took a seat in the same pew with him, and at the close of the service, without a word being spoken on the subject, the merchant, after shaking hands with H—- and inquiring of his welfare, asked him if he would do him the favor of going down town to a certain boot and shoe store and select from the stock as good a pair of boots as he could find, and, said the merchant, “have them charged to me.” It was, as, H—- said to me on his return to the seminary, a direct answer to prayer. Indeed, it might be said of H—- that he went through college and seminary _on prayer_. He laid all his plans before God, pleaded his promises, and never was disappointed.

UNDER GARMENTS IN ANSWER TO PRAYER.

Among the students in the Theological Seminary at Princeton, N.J., in 1860, was my intimate friend L—-. He was at the time poorly clad, but was a devoted Christian, and is at present a successful foreign missionary.

One day when on the Seminary campus, I heard two of the students very thoughtlessly criticising the exceeding shabbiness of L—-‘s wearing apparel, his short pants, old shoes, and socks with no heels in them. At almost every step L—- took when playing ball, his bare heels could be seen. That day, after evening prayers, I took L—- by the arm, for a walk to “Orthodox point,” a tree about a mile distant from the Seminary. During our walk, I gently told him of the criticisms I had heard, and learned more fully than I had ever done of his destitution of wearing apparel, especially of under garments. I offered him a share of mine, or the loan of money, so as to meet his present wants, but this he declined to receive, saying, that he “would take it to the Lord in prayer,” and that God would in good time supply all his wants. I, too, bore his case to the throne of grace. The next day after this, on going into his room, he laid before me an empty envelope, and a five dollar bill, and asked me the question, “Did you throw that envelope with that bill in it, through that ventilator?” I assured him that I did not. “Well,” said he, “when I came in from recitation a short time ago, I found this envelope on the floor and that five dollar bill in it. It has evidently been thrown in through the ventilator.” We both recognized God’s hand in the provision made and mentally gave thanks to our Heavenly Father. Soon after this, “a missionary box” was sent to the Seminary, and my friend was therefrom well supplied with under garments. Frequently afterward did he say to me, in substance, “Prayer is the key to God’s treasury. Trust in Him and the Lord will provide.”

UNEXPECTED RELIEF.

Henry Badgerow was a man about seventy years of age at the time of the incident, and a resident of Steuben county, State of New York. This was in the year about A.D. 1830-31. He had been for many years an invalid– so much so that he couldn’t walk–the result of a horse running away with him. In a forest, isolated from neighbors, the old man resided alone with an aged wife. They were quite poor, and wholly dependent upon the labor of a son who worked away from home for others. This son was at length taken sick with a fever, and unable to minister to his parents’ wants. This was in mid-winter, when storms were frequent and the snows deep and lasting. One evening when the storm was at its highest, this old couple found themselves without a particle of food in the house. Matters were desperate with them. They could see but starvation staring them in the face. They resolved upon prayer, having a firm trust in their Heavenly Father, whom for many years they had been humbly serving. They did not retire, but continued in fervent prayer that God would send them food. About two and a half miles distant lived a young married man in comfortable circumstances, by the name of Joseph Clason (the author of the story). He was not at this time a Christian, although it was not long after this he was converted, and has since lived an eminently active and godly life. About 12 o’clock on the night of the snow storm above mentioned, young Clason awoke. His first thoughts were of old Mr. Badgerow and his condition in that storm. His mind became so impressed with the thought of him, and so wrought upon that he could not again go to sleep, although trying so to do. At length he awakened his wife, told her that he was in trouble about Mr. B., for fear he and his wife were starving. She replied that if he would get right up and make a light, she would prepare something, and that he had better take it right down. Young C. did so, taking with him a pail of provisions. After a jaunt through the storm and snow in the dead hour of night, he reached the old man’s cabin. There he found a light burning. He knocked; the door was opened by the wife. The old man was fervently praying; but when he saw young C. with the pail of provisions, he held up both hands and said, “Now I know that God heareth prayer. Not one mouthful have we in the house to eat. I know that God sent you here.” Young C. staid with the old couple until daylight. The conversation revealed that about midnight the old man perceiving that a storm had arisen, and that unless relief came, which was not likely, they would starve, resolved to appeal to his Heavenly Father, saying that God who sent the ravens to feed Elijah would feed him if he went to him in faith, and now God had heard his prayer, and he blessed God that he could do so in all trouble and trial.

The old man having asked C. how he came to visit them, he replied he didn’t know, but supposed God had sent him, as he had awoke and couldn’t again sleep on account of thought of him.

The incident made a serious and lasting impression on young C’s mind.

In the morning, as C. was returning home, he came by his father’s house; his mother, espying his pail, wished to know where he had been. He replied, “To feed the hungry.” His father spreading the incident, the neighbors all turned out and brought in enough provision to last them during several weeks, the old man being greatly loved and respected by his community, on account of his sterling Christian life and character.

Mr. Joseph Clason is still living, now seventy-five years of age, in Bazine, Ness county, Kansas.

THAT BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS GIFT. HOW THE LORD USED IT.

A lady and gentleman were walking up Madison avenue, New York City, from church, when incidentally the lady said, “We are trying to get up Christmas decorations and entertainment for our Mission School.”

“_Well, put my name down for anything you like_,” and then came into his mind a certain sum to give.

A day passed on, it seemed forgotten; but a note from the lady reminded him of his promise, and he responded, giving the exact sum originally thought of, $25. Notice, now, the most singular disposition of it, which, by the hand of Providence, was made to go on its circuitous way to meet those who needed it most.

The next Sabbath, the lady and gentleman again meeting each other, she said, “Your gift was too large. I cannot take so much from you. I shall give you back part.”

“But I won’t take it.”

“Well, you must. I can’t keep it.”

It resulted in the lady taking $15 from her muff and forcing it back into the gentleman’s hand.

The gentleman felt badly. “_I intended this for the Lord, and now it is refused. It is the first time I ever heard that money ever given to a Sunday school was not wanted. I meant the whole for the. Lord_. If she don’t want it and wont keep it, I will give the rest away. _It does not belong to me_.” Before night he had enclosed it in a letter and sent it out of the city to an invalid as a _Christmas present_. He had occasion not long after to visit the invalid, and was fairly astonished at the extraordinary circumstances connected with its use; and this is his story, told in his letter to the lady who returned the $15.

“The sequel to the $15 is far more beautiful and wonderful than anything I have ever known. This invalid had been praying for some money for a needed article of dress to protect her from cold. _The_ $15 _came the very next morning in answer to her prayer. But it was more than enough_. As a consistent Christian, having asked the Lord only for enough to meet but one need, she felt as if the rest belonged to the Lord and must be used for Him. So in wondering how to use it, she thought of a poor woman who needed a new calico dress, and at once bought it and gave it to her. She had but $5 left. A dear friend was in distress; his horse and carriage had been seized for failure to pay the livery bill of their keeping; he could not collect any money of the debts due him, to pay his bill, and had nothing. His wife and children were in New Britain, and here he was, no means to get there. The little Christian invalid sent him her $5, the last money she had, not knowing where her next was to come from, with these words: “_The Lord has sent you this_,” and though he offered to return, or use only part, she said, “_No, the Lord meant this for you_. You must keep it, I will not take it back.” Now see how beautifully all these incidents have been made to work for the good of many, by the managing hand of Providence.

“My original gift of $25 to you was _more than enough_. You did not need it all for your Sunday-school, and the Lord made you force back the $15 upon me. I could not keep it, because I felt, it belonged to the Lord. So I sent it to the little invalid.

“She, too, had only needed a part, and used only what she asked the Lord for, and then she, in her turn, gave the rest away. The most wonderful part of it is, that the money you gave back to me, and I gave to the Lord, was _three-fifths of the amount you received_, and the money the little invalid gave away _to the Lord_ was also _three-fifths the amount she received. The money which you kept for your use was just two-fifths, and the money that the invalid kept for her own use was just two-fifths also. The very next day after she had given her money away_, a lady called and gave her some money, which _was precisely the same amount_ which _the poor woman’s calico dress_ had cost, (though she knew nothing of the circumstances), and in return for the $5 which she gave her friend in distress, and refused to take back, the Lord remembered her and gave her a good home.

THE WIDOW’S WOOD AND FLOUR.–THE UNBELIEVING ONES MADE SPEECHLESS.

The following instance is known to _The Christian_ as true, and to a remarkable degree indicates how thoroughly God knows our minutest needs, and how effectively He makes those who ever reproach his name ashamed of their unbelief.

“A friend and relative of the one who was ‘a widow indeed,’ one who trusted in God, and continued in supplications and prayers day and night, was once brought into circumstances of peculiar straitness and trial. She had two daughters who exerted themselves with their needles to earn a livelihood; and at that time they were so busily engaged in trying to finish some work that had long been on their hands, they had neglected to make provision for their ordinary wants until they found themselves one Winter’s day in the midst of a New England snow storm, with food and fuel almost exhausted, at a distance from neighbors, and without any means of procuring needful sustenance.

“The daughters began to be alarmed, and were full of anxiety at the dismal prospect, but the good old mother said, ‘Don’t worry, girls, the Lord will provide; we have enough for to-day, and to-morrow may be pleasant,’ and in this hope the girls settled down again to their labor.

“Another morning came, and with it no sunshine, but wind and snow in abundance. The storm still raged, but no one came near the house, and all was dark and dismal without.

“Noon came, and the last morsel of food was eaten, the wind was almost gone, and there were no tokens of any relief for their necessities.

“The girls became much distressed, and talked anxiously of their condition, but the good mother said, ‘Don’t worry, the Lord will provide.’

“But they had heard that story the day before, and they, knew not the strong foundation upon which that mother’s trust was builded, and could not share the confidence she felt.

“‘If we get anything to-day the Lord will have to bring it himself, for nobody else can get here if they try,’ said one of the daughters, impatiently, but the mother said, ‘Don’t worry.’ And so they sat down again to their sewing, the daughters to muse upon their necessitous condition, and the mother to roll her burden on the Everlasting Arms.”

Now mark the way in which the Lord came to their rescue, and just at this moment of extremity, put it into the heart of one of his children to go and carry relief. _Human Nature_ at such a time would never have ventured out in such a storm, but waited for a pleasant day. But Divine Wisdom and power made him carry _just what was needed, in the face of adverse circumstances, and just at the time it was needed_.

“Mr. M. sat at his fireside, about a mile away, surrounded by every bounty and comfort needed to cheer his heart, with his only daughter sitting by his side.

“For a long time not a word had been spoken, and he had seemed lost in silent meditation, till at length he said, ‘Mary, I want you to go and order the cattle yoked, and then get me a bag. I must go and carry some wood and flour to sister C.’

“‘Why, Father, it is impossible for you to go. There is no track, and it is all of a mile up there. You would almost perish.’

“The old man sat in silence a few moments and said, ‘Mary, I must go.’ She knew her father too well to suppose that words would detain him, and so complied with his wishes. While she held the bag for him, she felt perhaps a little uneasiness to see the flour so liberally disposed of, and said, ‘I wish you would remember that _I_ want to give a poor woman some flour, if it ever clears off.’ The old man understood the intimation and said, ‘Mary, give all you feel it duty to, and when the Lord says stop, I will do so.’

“Soon all things were ready, and the patient oxen took their way to the widow’s home, wallowing through the drifted snow, and dragging the sled with its load of wood and flour. About four o’clock in the afternoon, the mother had arisen from her work to fix the fire, and, looking out of the window, she saw the oxen at the door, and she knew that the Lord had heard her cry.

“She said not a word–why should she? She was not surprised!–but, presently, a heavy step at the threshold caused the daughters to look up with astonishment, as Mr. M. strode unceremoniously into the room, saying, ‘_The Lord told me, Sister C, that you wanted some wood and flour_.’

“‘_He told you the truth_,’ said the widow, ‘and I will praise Him forever.’

“‘_What think you now girls_?’ she continued, as she turned in solemn joy to her unbelieving daughters.

“_They were speechless_; not a word escaped their lips; but they pondered that new revelation of the providential mercy of the Lord, until it made upon their minds an impression never to be effaced.

“From that hour they learned to trust in Him who cares for _His needy_ in the hour of distress, and who, from His boundless stores, supplies the wants of those who trust in Him.”

A PAIR OF SHOES.–THE LORD’S REBUKE TO THOSE WHO “DIDN’T BELIEVE.”

The following incident occurred in Connecticut: In an humble cottage two sisters were watching over and caring for a much-loved brother, who, for many long months had been upon a bed of sickness. At length, the younger of them began to be discouraged. She was dependent, for her clothing, upon her labor; her shoes were worn out, and how should she get another pair, unless she could leave the sick bed and go away from home and work and earn some money.

“Well,” said the mother, “I know you need a pair of shoes, but don’t worry, the Lord will provide.”

“_Do you think that_ THE LORD _will come down from heaven and buy me a pair of shoes_?” said the younger sister, with an expression of discouragement and vexation on her countenance.

“No,” said the mother, “but perhaps he will put it into somebody’s heart to buy you a pair.”

“Perhaps He will, _but I don’t believe it_,” said the discouraged girl.

“Well,” said the other sister, who was a little more hopeful, “you won’t get them any quicker by fretting, so you might as well be quiet.” Then the subject dropped and the day passed as usual.

As the shades of evening were gathering, a brother who lived at some distance, and who knew nothing of their previous conversation, called to inquire after their prosperity. After the customary salutations he said, “You have been sick here a long time, and I thought I would come round and see if I could not do something for you; thought perhaps by this time the girls needed something.” Then turning to the younger sister, he said, “_How is it, aren’t your shoes worn out?”_

She dropped her eyes, blushed deeply, and, perhaps, a little conscience-smitten, answered not a word. Nothing was said of the previous conversation, though it was not forgotten by those who heard it. The brother soon saw for himself enough to satisfy him, and said no more, but went away. The next day _two pairs of shoes_ were sent around to her, and with them came to her heart a lesson which she never forgot.

She lived many years after that, but was never heard to murmur in that way again, and often said that the two pairs of shoes taught her to _wait, hope and trust_, and thereby learn implicit confidence in Him who sendeth all blessings. The last time she alluded to the occurrence, she said, “_I was speechless then, but, by the grace of God, I will not be in the world to come_.”

THE LAME HEALED.

Rev. Charles G. Finney, during his life-time, was familiar with the circumstances connected with the remarkable healing of a sick lady in Oberlin, O., the wife of Rev. R.D. Miller, and these facts were vouched for as unquestionably authentic. Mr. Finney says:

“Mrs. Miller is the wife of a Congregational minister, and a lady of unquestionably veracity. However the fact of her healing is to be accounted for, her story is no doubt worthy of entire confidence, as we have known her for years as a lame, suffering invalid, and now see her in our midst in sound health. This instantaneous restoration will be accounted for by different persons in different ways. Mrs. Miller and those who were present regard the healing as supernatural and a direct answer to prayer. The facts must speak for themselves. Why should not the sick be healed in answer to the prayer of faith? Unbelief can discredit them, but faith sees nothing incredible in such facts as are stated by Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Miller’s own statement is as follows, and it is fully endorsed by the most reliable citizens and members of the First church at Oberlin:

“From my parents I inherited a constitution subject to a chronic form of rheumatism. In early life I was attacked with rheumatic weaknesses and pains, which affected my whole system. For nearly forty years I was subject to more or less suffering from this cause, sometimes unable to attend meeting for months at a time. For seven years, until the last three months, I have been unable to get about without the aid of crutch or staff, generally both. I have used many liniments and remedies, but with no permanently good result. I have been a Christian from early life, but last Spring, in our revival, I received a spiritual refreshing from the Lord, which gave a new impulse to my faith. Since then my religion has been a new life to me.

“Last Summer, several of us Christian sisters were in the habit of spending short seasons of prayer together, that the Lord would send us a pastor. Some of our number had read the narrative of Dorothea Trudel, and had spoken to me on the subject of healing in answer to prayer. My faith had not then risen to this elevation. I had in fact accepted what I supposed to be the will of God, and made up my mind to be a lame and suffering invalid the rest of my life. I had long since ceased to use remedies for the restoration of my health, and had not even thought of praying in regard to it, for I regarded it as the will of God that I should suffer in silent submission.

“Notwithstanding what had been said to me, I remained in this opinion and in this attitude until the 26th of September, 1872, when several ladies met at our house, by appointment, for a prayer-meeting. I had been growing worse for some time, and was at that time unable to get out to attend a meeting. I was suffering much pain that afternoon; indeed, I was hardly able to be out of my bed. Up to this time none of the sisters who had conversed with me about the subject of healing by faith, had been able to tell me anything from their own experience. That afternoon, one lady was present who could speak to me from her own experience of being healed in answer to the prayer of faith. She related several striking instances in which her prayers had been answered in the removal of divers forms of disease to which she was subject. She also repeated a number of passages of Scripture, which clearly justified the expectation of being healed in answer to the prayer of faith. She also said that Jesus had shown her that he was just as ready to heal diseases now as he was when on earth; that such healing was expressly promised in Scripture, in answer to the prayer of faith, and that it was nowhere taken back. These facts, reasonings, and passages of Scripture, made a deep impression on my mind, and, for the first time, I found myself able to believe that Jesus would heal me in answer to prayer. She asked me if I could join my faith with hers and ask for present healing. I told her I felt that I could. We then knelt, and called upon the Lord. She offered a mighty prayer to God, and I followed. While she was leading in prayer I felt a quickening in my whole being, whereupon my pain subsided, and when we rose from prayer I felt that a great change had come over me, that I was cured. I found that I could walk without my staff or crutch, or any assistance from any one. Since then my pains have never returned; I have more than my youthful vigor; I walk with more ease and rapidity than I ever did in my life, and I never felt so fresh and young as I now do, at the age of fifty-two.

“Now, the hundred and third psalm is my psalm, and my youth is more than renewed, like the eagle’s. I cannot express the constant joy of my heart for the wonderful healing of my soul and body. I feel as if I was every whit made whole.”

The testimony of eye-witnesses to this healing is as follows:

“We were all present at the time of the healing, and know the facts to be true. We are all Christians, and have no interest in deceiving anybody, and would by no means dishonor God by stating more than the exact truth. Since the healing, Mrs. Miller is still with us, and in excellent health. Neither the severe cold of last Winter, nor the extreme heat of this Summer, has at all injured her health. From our first acquaintance with her, she has been so lame as to be unable to walk, except by the aid of crutches. Since which time she has been able to walk without help, and appears perfectly well.”

Her husband, also adding his testimony, says:

“She has been unable to walk without crutches for a series of years. A long time ago, we tried many remedies and physicians, with no lasting good results, and were expecting she would remain an invalid. Of late, she had applied no remedy, nor taken any medicine. At the time of her cure, she was much worse than for a long while before, being in great pain continually, until the moment she fully believed, and, _in an instant_, she was restored to perfect soundness. From that moment to this she has not felt a particle of her former complaint.

“She can now walk for miles as fast as I wish to, without feeling very much fatigue, does all her own housework, and attends seven meetings during the week. In short, she is stronger, and seems as young and spry, as when we were married, thirty-two years ago. The work of the dear Savior in her cure seems to be perfect, and she is an astonishment to all who knew her before and see her now. To _His_ name be all the praise.

“Another lady, the same week my wife was healed, a member of the First Congregational Church, confined to her bed with a complicated disease, was prayed for, and restored at once to soundness.”

THE WONDERFUL CURE OF MRS. SHERMAN.

Although there are so many cases of healing in answer to prayer, yet the incident of the healing of Mrs. Sherman is so minute, and resulted in such a radical change of the physical constitution, that it is necessary to relate it in full detail. It is too well proven to admit the possibility of a doubt.

“Mrs. Ellen Sherman is the wife of Rev. Moses Sherman, and, at the time of this occurrence, in 1873, they were residents of Piermont, N.H. She had been an invalid for many years. In the Winter after she was fifteen, she fell on the ice and hurt her left knee, so that it became weak and easy to slip out of joint. Six years after, she fell again on the same knee, so twisting it and injuring the ligaments that it became partially stiff, and, the physician said, incurable.

“The next Summer, by very fast walking, one day, she brought on special weakness, which no physician was able to cure. From that moment she was subject to severe neuralgia, sick-headaches, at least monthly, and sometimes even weekly.

“In December, 1859, while stepping out of doors, she slipped, by reason of her stiff joint, and fell, striking near the base of the spine, directly across the sharp edge of the stone step. This caused such a sickness that she was obliged to leave the school she was attending.

“Three years after (in January, 1862), she fell at the top of a stairway, striking just as before, and sliding all the way down to the foot. This nearly paralyzed the spinal cord, and caused deep and permanent spinal disease. After this she was up and down for many years, attended by various physicians, yet nothing bettered, but, rather, growing worse. It may be said, for short, that every organ of the lower body became chronically diseased, and that the headaches increased in violence.

“In September, 1872, through a severe cold, she took her bed, where she lay, except when lifted from it, till the night of August 27, 1873. She was unable to walk a step, or even stand. She could sit up only a short time without great distress. The best medical skill that could be procured gave only temporary relief. The spine grew worse in spite of every appliance, and the nervous sensitiveness and prostration were increasing. During the two or three weeks immediately preceding her cure she was especially helpless, two persons being required to lift her off and on the bed. On the Monday before, one of her severest neuralgia sick-headaches came on. During Wednesday she began to be relieved, but was still so sick that when, in the evening, she tried to have her clothes changed, she could only endure the change of her night-dress.”

It will be seen from this her utter physical helplessness, and not the slightest hope of any amelioration. During the night of August 27th, she enjoyed a blessed time of communion with her Lord, giving herself, in all her helplessness, wholly to Him to do as he wills.

With feelings beyond all expression, she _felt_ the nearness of her mighty Savior, and the sense of receiving a new and most delicious pulsation of new life. At last, though she had been bed-ridden for twelve months, and incapable of any bodily assistance, she felt an uncontrollable impulse to throw off the clothes of the bed with her left arm, and sprang out of bed upon her feet, and started to walk across the room.

“Her husband’s first thought was that she was crazed, and would fall to the floor, and he sprang towards her to help her. But she put up her hands against him, saying with great energy, ‘Don’t you touch me! Don’t you touch me!’ and went walking back and forth across the room speaking rapidly, and declaring the work which Jesus had been working upon her.

“Her husband, quickly saw that she was in her right mind, and had been healed by the Lord, and his soul was filled with unutterable emotion.

“One of the women of the household was called, also their son, twelve years old, and together they thanked God for the great and blessed wonder he had wrought.

“In the morning, after a sleep of several hours, she further examined herself to see if entirely healed, and found both knees perfectly well; and though for sixteen years she had not been able to use either, now she lifted the left _foot_ and _put it upon the right knee_, thus proving the completeness of her restoration.

“At the end of two years from her healing, inquiry having been made as to how thorough had been the work, Mrs. Sherman gave full and abundant evidence. ‘I cannot remember a Summer when I have been so healthy and strong, and able to work hard. I am a constant wonder to myself, and to others, and have been for the two years past. The cure exceeded my highest expectations at the time I was cured. I did not look forward to such a state of vigor and strength. No words can express my joy and gratitude for all this.’

“The parents of Mrs. Sherman also testify of the wonderful change physically which occurred with the cure.

“Before, her appetite was always disordered, but on the very morning of the healing it was wholly changed, and her food, which distressed her formerly, she ate with a relish and without any pain following; and she so continues. For years before a natural action of the bowels was rare. From that day since, an unnatural one is equally rare.

“For fifteen years, with few exceptions, she had had severe neuralgic sick headaches monthly or oftener. From that time she has been natural and without pain, with no return of the headaches, except a comparatively slight one once, from overdoing and a cold taken through carelessness.

“There was also at that time an immediate and radical change in the action of the kidneys, which had become a source of great trouble before. Moreover the knee which had been partially stiff for so many years was made entirely well. In fine, her body, which had been so full of pain, became at once free from pain, and full of health.

“The week after she was healed she went fifty miles to attend a camp-meeting, riding five miles in a carriage, the rest by cars. A near neighbor said, ‘She will come back worse than ever.’ Though the weather was especially bad, she came back better than when she went.”

These are but few out of many expressions respecting her extraordinary recovery, which fully satisfy the believing Christian that _the Great_ Physician is with us now, “_healing the lame_,” and curing the sick. It is faith only, unyielding, which the Lord requires ere he gives his richest blessing.

The unbelieving one simply sees in it “_something strange_,” which he can not understand, but the faith-keeping Christian knows it is the sign of his _Precious Lord_, in whom he trusts and abides forever.

DR. NEWMAN HALL’S TESTIMONIES TO THE VALUE OF PRAYER.

Dr. Newman Hall, of London, in his wide experience has met with many incidents of answered prayer, and thus relates several:

A PRAYER FOR THIRTY POUNDS.

“On a recent evangelizing visit to Newport, one of its citizens said to me, ‘In yonder house dwell a man and wife, who recently needed a sum of L30 to meet some payment the next morning. Having failed in their efforts to collect it, they earnestly prayed God to provide it. The store was being closed for the night when a sea-captain knocked at the door and asked for some seamen’s clothes. The gas was relighted, and various articles were selected; the purchaser then asked for the account, and the money was paid–_a little more than_ L30. The man and his wife thanked their Heavenly Father for sending it in this way in answer to prayer.'”

RECOVERY FROM DANGEROUS ILLNESS.

Dr. Newman Hall was once visiting, on his dying bed, John Cranfield, son of the great originator of ragged schools, under the ministry of Rowland Hill.

“We were conversing on prayer. He said, ‘A remarkable instance occurred in connection with my father. The former organist of Surry Chapel, Mr. Howard, was dangerously ill. He was greatly beloved, and his friends met for special prayer that God would spare his life. My father on that occasion was remarkably earnest in asking that the life of his friend might be lengthened, as in the case of Hezekiah. The next day he began to recover; and during fifteen years was a blessing to his friends and the church.'”

A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER IN DISTRESS.

“My brother,” says Dr. Hall, “told me that when superintendent of a Sunday school he felt a strong impulse, one Saturday evening, to call at the home of one of his teachers whom he had never visited before. He found his mother and sisters in such evident distress that he inquired the cause. With much reluctance they explained that, being unable to pay their taxes, their goods were to be taken on the coming Monday, and they had been asking special help from God to save them from a disaster which they felt would be a dishonor to religion. By the aid of a few friends the difficulty was at once met, but the timely succor was regarded as the divine answer to their prayer.”

RESCUED IN PERIL.

“With my brother I was once climbing the _Cirrha di Jazze_, one of the mountains in the chain of _Mount Rosa_. When nearly at the top, we entered a dense fog. Presently our guides faced right about and grounded their axes on the frozen snowed slope. My brother, seeing the slope still beyond, and not knowing it was merely the cornice overhanging a precipice of several thousand feet, rushed onward. I shall never forget their cry of agonized warning. He stood a moment on the very summit, and then, the snow yielding, he began to fall through. One of the guides, at great risk, had rushed after him, and seizing him by the coat, drew him down to a place of safety.

“No one could be nearer death and yet escape. On his return home, an invalid member of his congregation told him that she had been much in prayer for his safety, and mentioned a special time when she was particularly earnest, as if imploring deliverance from some great peril. _The times corresponded._ His life was saved in answer to her prayer.”

A PHYSICAL IMPEDIMENT REMOVED.

“A clergyman, of great scholarship and genius, has told me of a remarkable answer to prayer, authenticated by three missionaries known to himself, who are personally acquainted with the facts.

“A Prussian, the master of a hotel in India, was anxious to relinquish his large income, and labor as a missionary among the Santil tribes. Objection was made to him on account of an impediment in his speech which would render him, in speaking a foreign language, incapable of being understood. Believing in the efficacy of prayer, he called together his friends, specially to ask that his impediment might be removed. The next morning, he presented himself again at the Mission House–_the impediment had gone_! He was accepted, relinquished his business, and is now preaching the gospel to the Santils in their own tongue.”

RESTORATION FROM DEATH.

“My father, the author of the _Sinner’s Friend_, narrates in his autobiography a circumstance which he often used to speak of with great emotion.

“My mother was very ill, and apparently dying. The Doctor said that now, if at all, the children might be brought for her to look at them once more. One by one we were brought to the bedside, and her hand was placed on our heads.

“Then my father bade her farewell, and she lay motionless as if soon to breathe her last.

“He then said to himself, ‘There is yet one promise I have not pleaded, “If ye ask anything in my name I will do it.” He stepped aside, and in an agony of soul exclaimed, ‘_O, Lord, for the honor of thy dear Son, give me the life of my wife!’_

“He could say no more, and sank down exhausted. Just then the nurse called him to the bedside saying, ‘She has opened her mouth again as if for food.’ Nourishment was given, and from that time she began to recover. The doctor said it was miraculous. My father said it was God, who had heard his prayer.”

THE HELP OF THE LORD IN LITTLE THINGS.

The Rev. Dr. Patton, of Chicago, in receiving many letters from clergymen, received one from Mr. F., a pastor in Massachusetts.

In it he speaks of his unsuccessful search for a valuable knife, prized as a present from a friend, which he had lost on a hillside covered with laurels. He paused in prayer, asked to be guided, commenced his search, and was almost immediately successful thereafter.

The same letter also mentions the case of a friend in a responsible position under the government, whose accounts failed to balance by reason of an error, which, after long search, he could not detect.

In great distress he betook himself to prayer, and then opening his books, _on the very first page_, which he happened to glance at, and at the top of the column, he saw instantly the looked for error, standing out so plainly that he wondered he had not seen it before.

The writer also speaks of a rubber shoe being lost and promptly found after mention in prayer.

These may seem little matters, but they are the privileges of the righteous to ask “anything” of “Him who careth for them.”

A BOY’S FAITH IN PRAYER

In a letter to Dr. W.W. Patton, by Mr. T.I. Goodwin, M.D., of Staten Island, he describes a little incident which happened to him when only thirteen years old.

“He lost a choice penknife while collecting and driving several cows from a pasture covered with grass two inches high. Having read Huntington’s Book of Faith, he thought of prayer, and in childlike trust he knelt under a tree, outside the bars, and prayed for his lost treasure; for he was a farmer’s boy, and his spending money amounted to only about fifty cents a year. ‘I rose up, cast my eyes down on the ground, and without planning my course or making any estimate of probabilities, walked across the meadow centrally to near its farther edge, saw the penknife down in the grass directly before me, and picked it up all as readily as I could have done had any one stood there pointing to the exact place. _Had I gone ten feet to the right or left_ I could not have seen the knife, for the grass was too high.'”

A PRAYER FOR FIVE DOLLARS.

One of the City Home missionaries in New York city received on a certain day five dollars with special directions that it be given to a certain poor minister in Amos street. In the evening the missionary called and gave him the money.

For a moment the good man stood amazed and speechless. Then taking down a little journal he turned to the record made in his diary of that morning, and showed it to the missionary. “_Spent two and a half hours in earnest prayer for five dollars_.”

“And now here it is,” said the man, with a heart overflowing with gratitude. “The Lord has sent it.” Both giver and receiver had their faith strengthened by the incident.

GO TO THE POST-OFFICE.

A correspondent of “_The Guiding Hand_” relates this incident:

“In the year 18–, having a brother living in the city of R., I went to see him. Going to the store where he had been at work, I found that the firm had suspended, and that he was thrown out of employment, and had broken up housekeeping, but could not ascertain where he was, only that he was boarding somewhere out in the suburbs of the city. I searched for him all day, but in vain.

“It was _absolutely necessary_ that I should find _him_. What MORE to do I knew not, except to _pray_. Finally, I was impressed to write a line and drop it into the post-office, and I obeyed the impression, telling him, if he got it, to meet me at a stated place, the next morning, at ten o’clock. _I prayed earnestly_ that the Lord would cause him _to go to the post-office,_ so that he might get my letter. I felt full of peace, and at rest about the matter. The next morning, at ten o’clock, I went to the place appointed for him to meet me, _and he soon came in_.”

This incident might seem one of ordinary or chance occurrence, but for the following unusual circumstances:

“As they were returning to their home, his brother said: ‘There is something _very strange_ about my going to the post-office this morning–_I had my arrangements all made to go with a party, this morning early, to the bay, fishing; but, when I awoke, I had such an impression to go down to the post-office, that I had to forgo the pleasure of going to the bay, and went to the post-office and found your letter_.’

“I replied, ‘_It was the Lord_ that impressed you in answer to my prayer, for I have prayed earnestly for the Lord to send you to the office this morning,’ and, although but young in years and religion, I gave God the praise for his guidance and His grace.”

THE WIDOW’S TREE

Not many years ago a violent storm, with wind and thunder, spread devastation all through the valley of Yellow Creek, Georgia. For a mile in width, trees were uprooted, barns and fences were prostrated, and all the lands were desolated.

Right in the center of the tornado stood a small cabin. Its sole occupants were an aged widow and her only son. The terrible wind struck a large tree in front of her humble dwelling, twisting and dashing it about. If it fell it would lay her home in ruins. Desolation, death itself, might follow. The storm howled and raged. The great trees fell in all directions. When it seemed her tree must also fall and there was no remedy, she knelt in fervent supplication to Him who gathereth the wind in his fists, that he would spare that tree. Her prayer was heard. The tree was spared, and was the _only one_ left within a considerable distance of the widow’s cabin.

THE LORD PAID HIS INTEREST.

A most curious answer to prayer occurred in the experience of a home missionary in Brooklyn. It illustrates how God, in his trials of faith to see if His people do really cling to the promises, compels them to march right into the scene of danger, and into the mouth of the cannon, that apparently is open specially to shoot them down.

The interest on the mortgage of his property was due in a few days. Its amount was $300. He did not have the money–did not know where to obtain it. With anxious heart during the day, he kept up his faith and courage by thinking of the Lord’s promises, and, the last night before the eventful day, was spent in prayer, until the assurance came that all was well. Often he pleaded, often he reminded the Lord that, as his life was _His_, to save him from reproach, and not let his trust in the Lord suffer dishonor before others.

The last moment came–no money–no relief. With sinking heart he went to the holder of the mortgage to announce his utter inability to meet his demand. While there, just at the last moment, when he was about to leave, the gentleman said, “_By the way, here is an envelope I was told to give you.”_

The missionary opened it, _and out came six fifty dollar bills,_ just the _three hundred dollars prayed for_. The Lord met and delivered him in the very jaws of the enemy.

WILL THE LORD DELIVER FROM BAD HABITS OF TOBACCO, RUM, LIQUOR, LICENTIOUSNESS, ETC., IN ANSWER TO PRAYER.

This question having been asked by a clergyman of Brooklyn, Rev. S.H. Platt, he received a large number of communications, which evidently prove that the Lord is _willing_ and _does_, either _instantaneously_ or gradually in answer to prayer, deliver and take away wholly the bad _habits_ and _appetites_ of those who are willing to forsake their sinful ways and cleave only to Him. _The Lord’s salvation cleanses and delivers the body as well as the soul_.

We quote a few extracts from his correspondence, which is but a small portion out of many published in his volume, “_The Power of Grace_.”

CURED OF TOBACCO APPETITE.

“A little more than a year has elapsed since I left off the use of tobacco. This further time has more fully developed the thoroughness of the case spoken of and the completeness of the victory over an evil habit. I am filled with wonder, for I expected a terrible fight with an appetite, strengthened by an indulgence of about thirty-five years, but the enemy has not shown his head. _Not only has the desire for smoking been effectually squelched_, but a perfect hatred of smoking has been developed on account of the offensiveness of the odor of tobacco. I frequently cross the street, or change my seat in a car to escape the puff of smoke, or the fetid breath of a smoker. ‘Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory.'”

BAD HABITS WHOLLY OVERCOME.

“A physician of extended practice was converted and reclaimed while I had charge of the place in which he lived. He had acquired the habit of using large quantities of whiskey and brandy, and withal more or less given to licentiousness. Since that time he has been steadily advancing in morals and moral power, till he now preaches the gospel as a local preacher, side by side with the best of the district.”

WAS IT INSTANTANEOUS?

“Yes, as respects tobacco; he became convicted of its sinfulness by a voice saying, ‘That is not the way to glorify God: stop, and stop now.’ And from that moment he says he has never used it, neither does he in any way like the smell, or even the sight of tobacco.”

THE LORD DELIVERS FROM BODILY SINS.

“I had used tobacco from my childhood, and the love and use thereof grew upon me. I became convicted of its sinfulness, went to God and said, ‘_Destroy the appetite, and give me power over it_. Save me that I may glorify thee as a God of power for our present sins, and I will glorify thee ever more.’ I wrote out the contract and signed it, and from that blessed afternoon have no recollection of ever desiring it even.”

ANOTHER DELIVERANCE.

“Tobacco was a great trouble to me; and I had tried a number of times to leave it off, but could not do so. One night as I was retiring to rest, I thought I would kneel by my bed and ask _Him_, who never refuses to answer prayer, to take from me the desire for tobacco, and from that moment it has been impossible for me to use it.

NOT YOUR OWN STRENGTH CAN BREAK THE HABIT.

“I smoked tobacco excessively for fifteen years, commencing when I was about twenty years old. I often strove to break off from the use of it; indeed I determined time and again to desist from it, sometimes abstaining for a few months or weeks, once for twelve months, _but the desire never left me_, and whenever I tasted it I was sure to take to it again. I sometimes vowed whilst upon my knees in prayer, to abstain from it and never touch it again, but I always attempted to do this in my own strength; hence I failed, being overcome by the almost irresistible influences it had upon my appetite, so long accustomed to the use.

“One Sunday morning, I retired to a secluded place, got down upon my knees, and asked the Lord to help me quit it, determining then and there that I would, God being my helper, never touch the accursed thing again by any kind of use in the way of consumption, and from that day to this, I have never had any desire to smoke or chew tobacco, or to use it in any way; I lifted my heart to God, imploring his assistance in abstaining from it. I have now been clear of the desire of it for nearly twenty-three years.”

A DOUBLE CURE.

“At the age of twelve years I commenced to use tobacco, and continued to use it, both smoking and chewing, till five years ago, when in answer to prayer the appetite was instantly removed.

“The circumstances were as follows: I had tried many ways to leave off the use of tobacco, but the appetite was so strong that I could not withstand it. At one time I left it off for a month, but not a day passed but I craved it, and when I did begin again it tasted as good as ever. I found that tobacco was injuring my health. My nervous system was much deranged.

“For more than a year before I left it off there was scarcely a night but I lay for two or three hours, before I could go to sleep. I resolved a great many times I would leave off, but always failed. I had also acquired the habit of drinking, and became a confirmed drunkard.

“I knew the habits were killing me, but I was powerless to stop. One evening a prayer-meeting was appointed at my house. The minister in his remarks spoke about habits, and said that religion would cure all bad habits, such as tobacco, &c., and that by prayer God would remove all evil appetites.

“I thought but little about it that night; was very careless and trifling about it. The next morning I took out my tobacco to take a chew, and thought of what the minister had said the night before. It was a new idea to me. I put the tobacco in my pocket again, and said, ‘_I’ll try it_.’

“_I was alone in my barn; I kneeled down and asked God to remove the appetite from me. It was done. I was cured_. I felt it. I knew it then. I have never had a desire for it since. There has been no hankering for it or for strong drink since. My sins were all forgiven, and I was made a new man all over, inside and outside.

“When I go into company where they are smoking, I have no desire for it at all, neither have I for drinking, any more than if I had never had those habits. _My nervous difficulty was also instantly cured_. No more trouble about sleeping, and I know that Jesus can heal and remove and destroy all evil habits.”

A SPECIAL WORD TO ALL SEEKING TO ESCAPE EVIL WAYS.

Should these words meet the eye of any one so troubled over any evil way or bad habit from whose bondage he would gladly escape, let me say to you these words of good cheer: “_The Lord can save you, the Lord can deliver you, the Lord can wholly heal you. He can take away your appetite and cleanse you thoroughly_. He has done it for many others. He can do it for you. Realize that your own strength can not do it. Forget not that it is only in answer to your own prayer. Those who want this good gift must _pray for it_. Deliverance may be instantaneous or gradual, but do not cease your prayer. Seek in the Bible for those promises which show that he can _deliver from all evil_, and plead them and then trust in Him and his strength to fulfill them.

“Forget not also to ask others to pray for you, and remember that the answer is sure to come if you add to your prayer these true thoughts of your heart, ‘_Deliver me and I give myself to thee forever_.’

“If you expect so great a gift from the Lord, he asks of you, ‘_What are you willing to do for me_?'”

HELP AT THE VERY LAST MOMENT. FAITH REWARDED.

A clergyman in the State of New York, through the influence of a disaffected member, was unfairly and precipitately deprived of his pulpit, which involved a large family in necessity. At supper the good man had the pain of beholding the last morsel of bread placed upon the table without the least means or prospect of a supply for his children’s breakfast. His wife, full of grief with her children, retired to her bed. The minister chose to sit up and employ his dark hours in prayer, and reading the promises of God. Some secret hope of supply pervaded his breast, but when, whence, or by whom, he knew not. He retired to rest, and in the morning appeared with his family, and offered family prayer. It being the depth of Winter, and a little fire on the hearth, he desired his wife to hang on the kettle, and spread the cloth upon the table. The kettle boiled, the children cried for bread; the afflicted father, standing before the fire, felt those deep emotions of heart over his helplessness and impending starvation which those reared in affluence never know.

While in this painful state some one knocked at the door, entered, and delivered a letter into the minister’s hand. When the gentleman was gone the letter was opened, and to the minister’s astonishment it contained a few bank bills, with a desire for acceptance. So manifest an answer to prayer from Divine Goodness could not but be received with gratitude and joy, and fulfills to the very letter these promises: “Verily thou shalt be fed.” Psalm 37:3. “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5.

To ascertain how this occurrence came to take place, this remarkable coincidence of relief at the identical moment of time when there was the last appeal to God, the incident was communicated to the editor of a religious journal. Having an intimacy with the gentleman said to be the one whose hand had offered the seasonable relief, he determined the next time he made him a visit to introduce the subject, and, if possible, to know the reason that induced the generous action. The story was told with a modest blush which evinced the tenderness of his heart. On interrogation, he said “he had frequently heard that minister. On a certain morning he was disposed for a walk; thought in the severity of the winter season a trifle might be of service, as fuel was high; felt a kind of necessity to enclose the money in a letter; went to the house, found the family, delivered the paper and retired, but knew not the extreme necessity of the minister and his family, either at that time nor till this very moment when his friend introduced the subject. Thus it is seen none but God knew the want or moved the hand that gave the supply, and brought them to meet at the right time.

SPINAL DISEASE CURED.

“There was a little girl in this place that had the cerebro-spinal-meningitis; several had died with this disease, and the physician had given her up to die. The weekly prayer-meeting met in town that night, and her parents wrote a note and sent it by their little son, requesting prayer that their little daughter might live and not die, signed with the names of both parents. From that time she began to recover, and to-day she is a bright little girl, with full use of every faculty, and not deformed as most persons are from this terrible disease. I cannot view it in any other light than a direct answer to prayer.”

AN OLD MAN’S PRAYER.

“I feel also like mentioning another instance. I knew an old father in Israel, a minister of the gospel, who once in speaking with a brother minister, after a revival of religion in which five of his grandchildren had professed their faith in Christ, among others with whom he had labored; said if he could only live to see his one remaining granddaughter brought into the fold, and the two Presbyterian churches, then, called the Old and New school, united, he could say, like Simeon of old, ‘Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.’ About three years after, the two Presbyteries met near this place in Germantown, Mo., and he seemed as if he could not contain himself till the time came for the meeting, so anxious was he for this great desire of his heart to be fulfilled. On the day of meeting he took sick and could not be present at any of the sessions, but many of his brethren were with him, among whom was this one he had been conversing with. The sessions lasted three days, and upon the last evening his wishes were gratified, the two Presbyteries merged into one, singing ‘Blest be the tie that binds;’ and his youngest granddaughter united with the church, and after the meeting adjourned this brother came to watch with the aged servant of God. He was permitted to convey the glad news to him, and see a heavenly smile light up his countenance as he passed away with his earnest prayer gratified.”

THE MYSTERIOUS LEADINGS OF PROVIDENCE.

The following incidents are contributed to the book by a prominent clergyman:

“A period, ever memorable in the life of the writer, occurred in the Autumn of 1832, while attending a protracted meeting of more than ordinary interest and power, held under the auspices of the Baptist church in the city of Schenectady, under the then pastoral charge of Rev. Abraham D. Gillette, this being his first settlement. It was in one of the meetings that the Holy Spirit impressed my mind of its sinfulness and the need of a Savior, not only to cleanse my soul of sin and sinful stains, but to save me. These impressions caused me to humble myself at the feet of sovereign mercy; and in the midst of my pleadings, God answered my prayer, and opened to me new views, views of the heavenly kingdom, which so electrified my soul, that with a full heart I could say, ‘Blessed be the Lord who has shown me marvelous works in this lonely place beneath the star-lit sky.’

“This great change was, and is, to me the most wonderful interposition of God in my behalf in answer to prayer. This answer to prayer the promised result of faith in Him.”

“Again, in the year 1836, the writer in the year mentioned was employed by a transportation company, in the city of Troy, in the character of an employee having direction of a portion of the business of the company which brought me into close relation with the many boatmen connected with the company. Association with the boatmen was painful to my religious nature, compelled, as I was, to hear all manner of offensive talk. The latter led me to indulge a wish that I might free myself from such company, in order to form associations with persons of my own religious turn of mind. But God willed otherwise, as will be learned from the recital of God’s dealings with me on an occasion of a journey alone in a carriage from Troy to Schenectady. It was on the occasion alluded to that most of the time was occupied in prayer, and the burden of my prayer was ‘that God would open up a way for me wherein I could find more congenial company, where in fact my religious feelings would not meet with the trials incident to my present associations.’ But He who knew my needs better, came to my relief in words seemingly distinct enough to be heard. This was the answer: ‘I have placed you just where I want you.’ Instantly my prayer for a change of location or separation from my business and its connections ceased, and since, instead of looking for easy positions, wherein the principles of the faith which is in me may be undisturbed, I deem it suited to my growth in grace and increase in devotion to my Master’s cause, to covet the association of men whose only tendency is to evil continually. I have found by experience in the latter direction, that although many tongues are loose in the habit of profanity, I am roused more and more by grace to impart words of counsel. I know that efforts at consistency in Christian conduct and converse will stop the mouth of profaners of the name of our Redeemer, God.”

Another instance of the presence of God with his children is clearly manifest in the following sketch of a meeting of two brethren, of whom the writer was one, held in the conference room of the First Baptist church in Troy, N.Y., of which church he was a member. The meeting alluded to occurred in the early spring of 1840 or ’41. We were accustomed to meet almost every day for the purpose of arranging the Sunday school library, but would occupy a portion of the time, usually at noon, in prayer for such persons or objects as were presented to the mind. On the particular occasion we propose to mention, it was mutually agreed that we pray for one of the brethren, whose gifts were of a high order, and his usefulness hindered by a lack of spirituality. We mutually bowed in prayer for this brother, and while thus engaged the door of the room was opened, and a person entered and knelt between us, but who he was, or the purpose of his visit we knew not until we had ended our prayer, at which time the person spoke and requested us to continue praying for him.

At the conclusion of the service, the question was mooted how he came there. His reply was in substance as follows: “When standing on a stoop on the corner of Fourth and Congress streets, cogitating which way I should go, I was impressed by a voice within which directed my course to the Conference Room. I debated with the impression, taking the position that it being noon no meeting was then in progress. Still the impression remained, and could not be removed. Noticing this, I gave way to the voice and here I am.” Neither of the three thus brought together could doubt for a moment that our prayer for this brother was answered. His joy was great in view of being thus called from his delinquency to share in the fullness of his Savior’s love.

“Another instance in the experience of the writer very clearly shows the power and worth of prayer. About the year 1840, in the Autumn thereof, he experienced a lack of vital, spiritual energy. This had been of months’ continuance, but to his joy, culminated after retiring to rest. After this manner, before sleep overcame him, he was impressed to present his case before the mercy-seat. To do so he arose from his bed, retired to a quiet part of his home and bowed in prayer, seeking to occupy the entire night if need be in prayer for the bestowal of the Holy Spirit, and the consequent revival influences of other days. This season of prayer was of short continuance; but not by reason of disrelish for the exercise, but because my prayer was answered and a complete breaking away of the previous hindrances to my spiritual enjoyment. Since the event alluded to, now more than thirty-six years, I have not been afflicted by doubts, and counsel brethren and sisters not to allow themselves to be made unhappy by this evil to our spiritual progress.”

LIFE SPARED FOR TWO WEEKS.

“On the 8th of January, last, I was called upon to visit a dying man in Jersey City, whom the doctors had said could not live but a few hours. I found him in severe bodily sufferings and a terrible agony of mind. He had lived a moral and upright life in the eyes of the world, but careless and neglectful of all religious duties, and now with eternity before him he felt his life a failure and his imperative need of help.

“In his agony he would cry out, ‘Lord, help me,’ and perhaps the next moment blaspheme the name of God. I sought to show him his great sin in having so long neglected God and his salvation, and at the same time assured him that Jesus was a great Savior, ‘able to save to the uttermost all who would come unto Him.’ I went from his bedside to the union prayer-meeting, held in our city during the week of prayer, where I presented his case and asked the brethren to pray that God would save this poor man even at the eleventh hour, and spare him to give good evidence of his conversion. His case seemed to reach the hearts of all present, and most earnest prayers were offered in his behalf; so strong was the faith that many came to me at the close of the meeting and said that young man will certainly be saved before he is taken from this world.

“In answer to prayer he was spared nearly two weeks, and for some six or seven days before his death, gave much clearer evidence of being truly converted than could have been expected of one in his condition.”

A MISSIONARY’S EXPERIENCE IN MEXICO.

“While laboring with my wife as a missionary in Northern Mexico, we supported ourselves for nearly four years by teaching and such other ways as the Lord opened up to us.

“But our schools being decidedly Protestant, and I preaching regularly, the opposition from Romanists was very strong; this, together with the extreme poverty of the people, made our income very small. Frequently the opposition would rise to that pitch that only the children of the poorest would be permitted to come, but we never turned these away, though they could pay no tuition, trusting that God would provide for us in some other way.

“Early in the year 1869, we were much exercised to know the will of the Lord concerning us, whether he would have us continue or not. We brought our case before the Lord and prayed him to make known his will and provide for our necessary wants. In about three weeks we received a check for eighty dollars, sent us, as we felt, truly by the Lord in answer to our prayer through a friend in New York, who knew nothing of our circumstances or prayer.

“In August the same year, our condition became such that it seemed as if in a few days we would be wholly without the necessaries of life. We laid our case before the Lord, and as he did not appear to open up any way for us to leave the field, we went forward with our work as faithfully as we knew how, believing that the Lord would provide in his own time and way, when one evening, just after family worship, a rap came to the door. I opened it, there came in quite a company of persons, all bearing something, and just exactly the things we needed most, and to the amount of over fifty dollars’ worth, and about a sixth of it was, as we learned, given by Romanists who had opposed us very strongly all the time we had been there. Truly the Lord answers prayer and turns the hearts of men to do his will.”

THE GREATEST OF PHYSICIANS.

Miss X. of Brooklyn, had suffered long and severely from a distressing tumor. One physician after another had plied his skill, but to no purpose; even the celebrated Doctor Simms of New York, corroborated their verdict, that there was no help for her but in the knife. She finally consented to that terrific method, but was in no condition of strength to bear the operation. It was decided to postpone it till the 22d of June. Twelve doctors were invited to be present. Meanwhile a diet nurse sent from New York, remained with her, to prepare her system for the ordeal.

Three days preceding the one appointed for the operation, she was attacked by severe nausea, which lasted two days, and so weakened her that again the doctors were all notified by the attending one, that a further postponement was imperative, and a certain date fixed in November.

All this time her own prayers were unceasing, those of her friends added to her own; and many a remembrance in the Fulton Street meeting, cheered and encouraged her.

_By November, the tumor had totally disappeared!_ That was two years ago. She is still well, strong; able to walk three miles any time.

She is as certain that the whole cure was performed by the Lord in answer to all those fervent prayers, as she is certain she lives and moves.

HOW THE LORD PAID BACK THE $5.

Mr. H., missionary, was appealed to by a poor man who seemed almost distracted. He had a wife and five children; one of them ill; had been sick himself for three months, and owed rent for the whole of that time. The landlord had served him with a writ of ejectment, and he could get no other tenement, unless he could pay five dollars on the rent. He had applied to a well-known society in Brooklyn; but they were entirely out of funds and gave him a note to the missionary, hoping he might have or find the desired help. But missionaries’ pockets are more often depleted, than those of benevolent organizations, and the one in question was fain to take the applicant to a friend, whom we shall call Q.

The poor man told his story, asked the five dollars only as a loan, and, having an order for the painting of two signs, said he should be paid for them when done, and could return the loan the next Saturday, one week from that time.

Mr. Q. saw, at once, that the utter destitution of the family, and the need of _everything_, would prevent the man returning the money, however much he might wish to, and so refused to lend it. The case was urged, but without avail; and the missionary sent the man away, promising to see him again that night or on Monday. After his departure, the following conversation passed between the gentlemen:

Q.–“Now, H., I don’t take any stock in that man. Can you not see that his paying that money back, is a simple impossibility?”

H.–“Well, perhaps so; but the question with me in such cases, is this: What is duty? Admit that he cannot pay it, or even that he will not try; is it not better to relieve his desperate need, than to have him perhaps turn criminal and prey upon society? He _must_ leave the house he is in; he _cannot_ get another without the money, and he is desperate; feels that five dollars he must have, by fair means or foul. Moreover, think of his wife and children, leaving him out of the question. Now let us open this little Bible, and see what meets our eye first.”

Q.–“Oh, pshaw! You know I do not believe in that kind of thing! Do you go to the Bible for everything?”

H.–“Why not? Can we have any better guide?”

Q.–“Oh! well, I don’t work that way. Now about that man and his money. I will toss up a penny with you, whether I lend or not.”

H.–“No you won’t! You know I don’t believe in chance, but in the Lord. And would you sooner rest your decision on a gambler’s test, than on God’s promise? Now just let us open the book.”

Q.–“Well; what do you see?”

H.–“‘The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again; but the righteous sheweth mercy, and lendeth.'” 37th Psalm, 21st verse.

As there was no hunting up of passages, nor leaves turned down to open easily, the coincidence was impressive, as well as amusing, and H., following it up, said, “Lend him the money, and if he does not pay you next Saturday night, I will.”

It was so agreed upon, and, when the man called on the missionary on Monday morning, he was sent to Q. for the relief.

The week passed on, as they all pass, weighted and freighted with human ills; some capable of alleviation, some not; but of the former, a full share had come under the notice and care of the missionary, and Saturday found him stepping into the Fulton street prayer-meeting, N.Y., for fresh encouragement and benediction on his labors.

At its close, a gentleman said to him, “Mr. H., I have known you by sight for years; know your work; but have never given you anything; and I promised myself the next time I saw you, I would do so. Have you any special need of five dollars now? If so, and you will step to the bank with me, you shall have it.” Instantly it flashed through the mind of H. that this was the day when, either the borrower or he, must pay his friend. It may be supposed that he went to the bank with alacrity. Going back to B. and meeting the friend, he learned that neither man nor money had appeared, and at once tendered the five dollars, telling the story of the Lord’s care in the matter.

Q. was so interested in this manner of obtaining supplies, that he refused to take the money, and instructed H. to use it in the Lord’s work.

PRAYING FOR MONEY FOR A JOURNEY.

A lady, Miss E., residing in New Bedford, received a letter telling of the serious illness of her mother, in New York. Sick herself, from unremitted care of an invalid during eight years, poor as Elijah when his only grocers were the ravens, too old for new ambitions, too well acquainted with the gray mists of life to hope for many rifts through which the sunshine might enter, she had no sum of money at all approaching the cost of the trip between the two places.

“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust,” is a text bound over her daily life, as a phylactery was bound between the eyes of an ancient Hebrew. She lives literally, _only one day at a time_, and walks literally by faith and not by sight. So then as ever, the Lord was her committee of ways and means; but for three days the answer was delayed. Then, an old lady called to express her indebtedness for Miss E.’s services three years before, and ask her acceptance of ten dollars therefor, “no sort of equivalent for days and days of writing and searching law papers, but only a little token that the service was not forgotten.”

There was the answer to her prayer; there the redemption of the pledge: “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth, even forever.”

EMPLOYMENT FOUND.

A man and wife were out of employment, and in very great trouble. Mr. H. (missionary) had added his efforts to theirs, and sedulously sought among the families he knew, for positions for them. After two weeks’ fruitless endeavor, he said to the man, “Well, John, let us go into the Fulton street meeting and leave it with the Lord.” They did so; the request was read and remembered.

The very next day, Mr. H. received a note from one of the families to whom he had already applied, and without success, requesting him to send the man and wife of whom he had spoken. Very joyfully he did so, and they were both engaged! Mr. H. considered it a very marked answer to prayer, inasmuch as it was quite difficult to find a family who wanted a man as well as woman servant; and that particular family was, of all others, the least likely to make such an arrangement!

A BARREL OF FLOUR.

For the “Faith Home for Incurables” Mr. H. received, one day, five dollars. A barrel of flour was terribly needed. He went to a large house in New York, hoping the Lord would incline the proprietor to sell him a barrel for that sum. He felt too poor, was not willing; and with a heavy heart, Mr. H. returned, asking the Lord what next he should do. He called at the store of a friend, where the following conversation took place. “Well, did you get the flour?” “I did not; they feel too poor, and I am terribly disappointed. It is almost dark now; I have lost my time going over there, and at this hour, the flour merchants here are closed.” “Well, Mr. —- called here, and I told him you were in, and on what errand you had gone to New York. He said he would send a barrel to my store if I would send it up to the Home; and I did so, about an hour ago.”

WONDERFUL WAYS OF THE LORD IN GUIDING HIS PEOPLE.

Our missionaries move amidst the reality of scenes which religious fiction vainly strives to equal. Remarkable proofs of genuine and vivid piety, triumphs of patience and grace, lifting their possessors above the most painful and distressing circumstances, are met with in all their explorations, and more than repay them for toil or privation.

WONDERFUL CONVERSION OF A ROMAN CATHOLIC.

A frame dwelling in an alley, two rooms on the first floor, in the smaller one a bed-ridden old colored man, who had fought the battle of life for ninety years, fifteen of them on his bed, with eyes so dimmed by age that he could not even read; and a wife who was eye, ear and solace to him, are the salient points of our first picture.

They were both earnest, exultant Christians, around whom the angels of God encamped day and night. The wife was brought up in the West Indies, as a Catholic, but her ideas of religion consisted mostly in counting beads on a rosary. After coming to Brooklyn, she became a servant in the family of a well-known naval officer, and was always a favorite on account of her vivacity. One day, a young painter who was working there, and proved to be one of the Christians whose light shines for all in the house, spoke to her, and invited her to a prayer-meeting in a Protestant chapel. She refused, laughing; but the painter’s assurance next day, that she had been prayed for in that meeting, made her restless, uneasy and sick. In a few days, she was confined to her bed and pronounced by some doctors, a victim to consumption. One, more sagacious than the rest, said her trouble was of the mind, not the body, and a minister would be better than a doctor.

It proved to be the case; she was soon led into a glimmering hope, though feeling that she literally carried a burden on her back. Starting out, one night, to look for a place of worship, she turned her feet to a Methodist meeting from whence the sound of singing had reached her. In the prayer and exhortation, however, there were words which revealed to her the secret of faith and salvation. She felt the burden loosen and fall from her shoulders, so sensibly, that involuntarily, she turned and looked for it on the floor. In a few moments she began to realize the freedom she had gained, and started to her feet in joy and wonder.

Her work then began in her own home, and through her prayers of faith, five members of the Commodore’s own family and an Irish Catholic servant girl, were brought to “Christ, the living way.” For years her faith was proved by her works; her daily example in the household, her watchings and waitings by the bedside of her helpless husband–poverty, sickness, perplexities of every sort, but made her hope the brighter, her hold the firmer. With no dependence for their daily bread but the benefactions of one and another person, sometimes entire strangers, they never knew what it was to suffer actual want, nor did Frances ever believe that her friend would forget her.

REMARKABLE PRESERVATION OF LIFE FROM LIGHTNING IN ANSWER TO PRAYER.

I was riding on top of the Boulder Pass of the Rocky Mountains, in the summer of 1876, when a sudden storm of rain, wind, and furious tempest came up. There was no shelter from rocks, no trees or buildings to be seen–a lonely, wind-swept summit. I knew that the lightning on those high elevations was fearful in intensity. I was appalled at the prospect before me, but feeling that God had promised to care for his children– “No evil shall befall thee or come nigh thy dwelling”–I composed myself, and though on horseback, with the rain beating in torrents, I offered simple prayer to God that he would save me from the rain and stop it. But _No_, it came harder than ever; then I prayed that I might be protected from all danger, “_for I trusted in Him_!”

I rode on and on for miles, chilly, cold, wet through, the clouds hanging low and the lightning flashing above me, around me, striking near me, constant flashes, peals of thunder; but I was not terrified. “God must keep me.” _Twice I was distinctly struck_ with the electric flash, detached portions or sparks from the electric cloud, directly in the center of the forehead, but it had no more force than just to close my eyes, shake my head a little, obscure my sight a moment, and then it was all over, and I was clearer, cooler, calmer, happier, and more self-possessed than ever before. I attribute my protection from peril entirely to prayer, and the fierceness of the tempest and the proximity of danger were permitted by the Lord to try my trust. Those portions which struck me, if in ordinary times had been given me from an electric battery in a school-room, a shock with sparks only one-hundredth the size, would have killed me.

I can thus say with thanks, faith was then made perfect in danger, and the Lord _was faithful_ in hearing his child’s cry, and delivered him.

GOD NEVER FAILED HER.

An aged colored woman, lived that life of faith which shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. Born a slave, on Long Island, she was never taught to read, never enjoyed any social privileges; but the God of the widow of Sarepta, who had neither “store-house nor barn,” was her God, and brought her out of the house of spiritual bondage.

She outlived all her early associations; all her children and grandchildren, husband and brother passed on before, leaving her alone in poverty and sickness. Yet she sat in her little hut, a cheerful, happy Christian; a living witness for God as a covenant-keeper. Doubting, despondent souls were always glad to visit her, to listen to her simple words of wisdom and gather strength from her invincible trust. Roman Catholic neighbors persecuted and even threatened her; but in reply to a missionary who remarked that it must be very trying and somewhat dangerous, she said, “Don’t you know the Lord has a hook in the