space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. James v. 17-18.

In the account we have of the Pilgrim Fathers who left this country for America, there are many instances of providential control over the material elements, and interpositions on their behalf. It is well known, that many of the good men who were driven from England to America, by persecution, in the seventeenth century, had to endure great privations. A numerous party who went out about the year 1620, were for a time supplied with food from England, and from the natives of the western wilderness; but as these resources were uncertain, they began to cultivate the ground. In the spring of 1623, they planted more corn than ever before, but by the time they had done planting, their food was spent. They daily prayed "Give us this day our daily bread;" and in some way or other the prayer was always answered. With a single boat and fishing-net they caught fish and when these failed they dug for a vegetable called clams. In the month of June, their hopes for a harvest were nearly blasted by a drought, which withered up their corn, and made the grass look like hay. All of them expected to perish with hunger. In their

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

It is related of the celebrated reformer, Luther, that at a certain time, he received an express, stating that his bosom friend and co-worker in the reformation, Philip Melancthon, was lying at the point of death; upon which information he immediately set out upon the journey of some 150 miles, to visit him, and upon his arrival, he actually found all the distinctive features of death; such as the glazed eye, the cold clammy sweat, and insensible lethargy upon him. On witnessing these sure indications of a speedy dissolution, as he mournfully bent over him, he exclaimed with great emotion, "Oh, how awful is the change wrought upon the visage of my dear brother!" hearing this voice, to the astonishment of all present, Melancthon opened his eyes, and looking up into Luther's face, remarked, "O Luther,

On

is this you? Why dont you let me depart in peace?" Upon which Luther replied, “O no, Philip, we cannot spare you yet." Luther then turned away from the bed, and fell upon his knees, and began to wrestle with God in prayer, and to plead with great fervency, for more than an hour, the many proofs recorded in Scripture of his being a prayer-hearing and prayer-answering God; and also how much he stood in need of the services of Melancthon, in furthering that cause, in which the honour and glory of God's great name, and the eternal welfare of unnumbered millions of immortal souls were so deeply interested; and that God should not deny him this one request, to restore him the aid of his well-tried brother Melancthon. He then rose up from prayer, and went to the bed-side again, and took Melancthon by the hand. Upon which Melancthon again remarked, "Oh, dear Luther, why dont you let me depart in peace ?" To which Luther again answered, “No, no, Philip, we cannot possibly spare you from the field of labour yet." In the course of a few days Melancthon grew better and was speedily restored to his wonted health and strength again, and laboured for years afterwards with his coadjutors in the blessed cause of the reformation.

PRAYER IS SOMETIMES ANSWERED BY THE PROVIDENTIAL CONTROL OF MEN'S MINDS.

Every christian will be able from his own experience to testify that God in answer to his prayers has sometimes favourably inclined the minds of his fellow-men toward him in the time of trial and difficulty.

David, in the midst of his perplexity occasioned by his son Absalom's rebellion, supported by the artful counsels of his prime minister, prayed to God, that he would turn the counsel of Ahithopel into foolishness. He was immediately heard and answered. 2 Sam. xv. 31; xvii. 14.

Mordecai and Esther sought God by prayer on behalf of the Jews, whom Haman intended to persecute and destroy; Haman fell from his high estate, and the Jews were delivered. Esther iv., v., and vi.

It is related, that a lady, who had just sat down to breakfast, had a strong impression upon her mind that she must instantly go to the house of a poor man who lived about half-a-mile from her dwelling. Her husband wished her either to postpone the visit until after breakfast, or to send her servant; but she choose to go her self instantly. As she approached the cottage, she heard the sound of a human voice. Willing to hear what it was, she stepped softly unperceived to the door. She now heard the poor man praying, and, among other things, he said, "O Lord, help me; Lord, thou wilt help

me; thy promise cannot fail: and although my wife, self, and children, have no bread to eat, and it is now a whole day since we had any, I know thou wilt supply me, though thou shouldest again rain down manna from heaven." The lady could wait no longer: she opened the door; "Yes," she replied, "God has sent you relief: take this loaf, and be encouraged to cast your care upon him, who careth for you; and when you ever want a loaf of bread, come to my house."

And in the biographies of good men we have many instances of the like nature, illustrative of the truth that in the providence of God the minds of men are controlled, and that he interposes in answer to the prayers of his people.

In Professor Franck's account of the footsteps of Divine Providence in raising and supporting the school for the reception and education of poor children, and for educating students in divinity, we have several pleasing instances of prayer being answered.

At one time, when all provision was gone, and their necessities great, he observes, In the midst of all these pressing circumstances I found one comfort, which was a presence of mind in prayer, joined with a confident dependance upon that Lord who heareth the young ravens when they cry. When prayer was over, and I was