labored and prayed long, and with but little success. Are we not in fault? Do we help him, as we should, by our prayers?"

The conversation resulted in a strong determination to persevere in prayer, and in effort, till the whole church be awakened to feel the necessity of the case.

It was a gay summer in our village. Ships of the line visited the port, and received and returned the hospitalities of the community. Balls were given by the courteous officers on board of the frigate, which was dressed in flags. Gay bands of music playing stirring quick-steps, beautiful pleasure-boats in attendance, polished officers, winning the hearts of lovely village girls, splendid suppers prepared in elegant cabins, and the broad, cool holy-stoned decks, invited to the dance. Refreshing sea-breezes swept up the bay, and the oars beat time, while the young middys plied them, richly freighted with the youth of both sexes, in their best attire. What a season was this for faith! who could look for the Heavenly Visitant, or stop to

listen to the solemn utterance forever heard behind the curtain, "prepare to meet thy God?"

Anna and Simeon were not at the temple; no matter for that. Prayer, the mighty agent, was in the village. Oh, that some celestial tongue would be given to speak the worth of prayer! This little ministry of love going up from silent hearts in secret chambers, in midnight hours, at early dawn, at family altars, by evening fire-sides, at the needle; prayer at the way-side, in the crowded street, by the hill-side, at the spade or plough, on the mountain top, or in the deep grand forest; prayer in the vale, in the cottage, in the splendid mansion, behind the counter, in the buzy market; prayer any where, every where! streaming up to fill the golden vials, day by day, ever offered by the throne of God!

Wherever you see the foot-prints of a disciple, there is an open pathway between him and heaven. "Behold! he prays." Just as much of

a Christian as there is prayer! just as little as there is prayer!

Just so much does he do for Christ as he prays! Just as little as he prays!

Let memory run along the telegraphic wires of the past. Has it been a desert, a wilderness? Or has it been a long, fruitful vineyard, enriched and enriching by prayer?

Nothing is so called for as effectual prayer. And many a silent prayer went up at the windows of the dwellings, as the lovely young creatures, in beautiful array, passed down the hill, by the side of their attendants, who were to convey them to the noble frigate.

A few days passed by, and another scene of festivity followed. Every preparation which taste and refinement could furnish, was in requisition to do honor to the distinguished guests. The hall was illuminated and filled to overflowing; and the inhabitants of our village were determined not to be outdone in the expression of good will, and unbounded liberality.

The assembly went off heavily. The dancers looked weary. A something undefined unearthly, seemed present. What could be the matter? They wished themselves away from that whirl of vanity and folly.

Could the Holy Spirit be in that ballroom?

A short time before our story commences, a young, sparkling lady arrived, newly married. A woman of education, talent, wit, and humor; fascinating in manners, and agreeable to every one. All the world was bright around her; trouble had not yet approached, and she feared no evil.

The evening following the ball, Mrs. L. was at the Parsonage, with her usual sunny face and cheerful manners. There happened to be present, a young theological student from Yale College, whose heart beat warmly for the cause of his Saviour, in the salvation of souls. He soon commenced a very interesting conversation, relating many striking incidents calculated to interest Mrs. L., who listened attentively,

but at every pause would throw out some mirthful expression, clearly indicating that the citadel of the heart was closely barred, and by no means should be invaded.

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Another incident was related, more solemn, more pointed still, and then turning his large, mild eyes full upon her, said, "Mrs. L., are you a Christian?" She looked up amazed, but her face instantly resumed its pleasant smile, and she then burst into a flood of tears. Truth was now urged home strongly and tenderly. "I am perfectly wretched," said Mrs. L., and last evening, I thought I should drop to the floor in the assembly-room;" but added quickly, "Frederick must not see me thus." She hurried out as her husband came up the steps, and bathed her face with water, till the expression of distress was gone.

Mrs. L. had been carefully instructed by a faithful Christian mother. The ground was well prepared. Her clear mind felt the force of motives which the Holy Spirit presented. She yielded her heart, intelligently and entirely, to