Democratic Sentinel, Volume 5, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 October 1881 — The Province and Efficacy of Prayer [ARTICLE]

The Province and Efficacy of Prayer

The late William O. Bartlett, the distinguished lawyer and journalist, before his death, gave expression to the following beautiful thoughts on the province and efficacy of prayer; PRAYER—A UNIVERSAL INSTINCT. “There is, just at present, a particularly animated discussion going on as to the province and efficacy of prayer, “It is very easy for unbelievers to ridicule prayer. They say: ‘Does it rain when you pray for rain?’ ‘Does it stop raining when you pray for sunshine ?’ “Then they laugh at the idea that a universe which is manifestly governed by general laws, should be influenced by special prayers. “In reply to all this it may be stat ed, that all spiritual and religious affairs are enveloped in mystery. We see them as through a glass, darkly. “But what seems to us a very powerful argument in favor of prayer, and, indeed, unanswerable, is the universal instinct to fall down before a higher power and petition for help and relief under afflictions for which there is no human remedy. “By the deathbed of our beloved who would not pray? “Then it will not do to make light of prayer-- to attempt to ridicule the whole world on its knees; for alike saint and sinner the revered pastor and the pirate in a storm—supplicate the same God for forgiveness and preservation.”

A large and varied assortment of Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes, for the fall and winter trade. Call and see for yourselves. Ralph Fendig. “I dote upon that girl,” said Smith. That makes the 20th girl you have doted on within a month,” remarked Fenderson. “It is about time you had sown all your wild dotes, Smith. A New York lady was asked to join one of the divisions of the Daughters of Temperance. She renlied: “This is unnecessary as it is my intention to join one of the Sons in the course of a few weekg.” Rensselaer now has telegraphic connection with the outside world.

An extensive- and choice selecticn of Clothing, good in quality. low in price, just opened out, at Fendig's.