we cannot doubt it. Did Shadrach, Meshech, and Abednego pray, when they were cast into the burning fiery furnace? We are not told that they did, and yet they must have prayed. Peter once prayed, when he was in danger; do you recollect the occasion? It was when he began to sink in the waters. He cried out, "Lord, save me." Jonah prayed, when he was in the whale's belly; as we read (Jonah ii. 1), “Then Jonah prayed unto the Lord his God, out of the fish's belly."

Some years ago, a large piece of a mountain in Switzerland, loosened by heavy rains, fell down. In one house, which was covered with the ruins, were two children. The falling masses forced the roof of the house upon them, without, however, killing them. Though they were close together, they could not move, or render each other any assistance. But as they could hear each other speak, the eldest encouraged the youngest, whose name was Anna, to trust in Jesus, who

saw them, where no other eye could see them. Then they prayed out of their sorrowful hearts to God to save them, or give them strength to bear the trial with patience. They had scarcely finished praying, when they heard the sound of a neighbouring clock. This gave them comfort, for they thought before, that all the inhabitants of the village must have been killed. There they passed the night. Early in the morning, the eldest sister called out to little Anna, but there was Was she dead? The eldest

no answer.

sister thought so, and expected to die herself soon; but no, she was not dead. It must have been an uncomfortable place to sleep, yet she had fallen asleep. Francisca was so glad to find, that her little sister was still alive. Suddenly she heard another sound. What was it? It was the voice of her own father. On hearing it, she cried out as loud as she could. Her voice, though weak, reached her father's ear. He was full of joy, and re

newed his exertions to clear away the earth. Soon both were extricated. God had heard their prayer, and answered it.

If you then, my young friend, are ever in danger, either on the sea, or on the railway, remember to pray to God; whilst others are frightened, and perhaps know not what to do, try to lift up your heart calmly to God.

Now, let us consider how we should pray. You should pray with the heart, with all your heart, as it says (Jer. xxix.

13), "And shall seek me, and find me,

ye

when ye search for me with all your heart." And as David says (Ps. cxix. 58), "I entreated Thy favour with my whole heart." You must pray with a true heart, as St. Paul says (Heb. x. 22), "Let us draw near with a true heart." You must pray in faith, as St. James says (i. 6), "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." You must pray with confidence in God (1 John v. 14), "And this is the confidence that we have in Him,

You

that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us." You must pray in a gentle and forbearing spirit (1 Tim. ii. 8), "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting." You must pray with humility (2 Chron. vii. 14), "If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." must pray with boldness (Heb. iv. 16), "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." With earnestness (James v. 17), "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months." You must pray with perseverance (Luke xviii. 1), "And He spake a parable unto them to this end, that men

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ought always to pray, and not to faint." Prayer must ascend from a heart, that hates sin (Ps. lxvi. 18), “If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me." My dear child, do you think it is a very easy thing to pray? If it was enough to say some prayers, which you have been taught, then it would not be difficult to pray. But if we ought, as I have said, to pray frequently during the day, in the time of temptation, in every undertaking, and in every danger; if prayer must come from the heart, if it must be earnest, persevering, bold, and yet humble, oh! then we must feel, that we need the blood of Jesus to cleanse our prayers, and the intercessions of Jesus to make them acceptable to God, and the Spirit of God to teach us to pray. You ask God, do you not, to bless you, to forgive you, and to keep you? Oh! ask Him too to teach you to pray; say, "Lord, teach me to pray."

We will say only a few words on the last head, why we should pray.