Bible Truths Illustrated by J. C. Ferdinand Pittman

BIBLE TRUTHS ILLUSTRATED
"I think I can say that I scarcely do; the habit has become almost
as fixed as breathing."
660. One requisite of true prayer is that we are willing to
co-operate with God in answering our request. A man used
to pray fervently for the poor in his neighbourhood, but never
gave them of his substance. After the usual prayer one morning,
his child said, "Father, I wish I had your corn-crib !" " . v hy,
my son?" replied the father. "Why, because then I would
answer your prayer myself."
661. Some time ago, our newspaper contained the following
soldier-lad's letter: "Although I want to serve my king and
country, if possible, I serve the King of kings first. I think
that through this I may perhaps emerge stronger for having
gone through the many temptations that beset me up here.
There are seventy-five of us in one room, and I shall not forget
the first night in a hurry. As I looked round and heard the
cursing and swearing going on, I thought that I should never
have the courage to get down and pray. But I was, by the
grace of God, enabled to do so, and I have done so each night
since, but have to stop my ears to keep out the sounds. I want
your very earnest prayers, for you know how easy it is to
fall. I want to shun the very appearance of evil, that I may
show these fellows that Christ does not stand for a name
only, but that at all times He enables us to conquer by His
grace."
662. A. T. Pierson tells of two families at enmity in a church
After trying various plans in vain, the church was advised to
give itself over to prayer—exclusively. In three months both
families had left the district.
663. William Dawson once told this story, says D. L. Moody:
At a revival meeting a little lad, who was used to Methodist
ways, went home to his mother and said, "Mother, John So-andso
is under conviction and seeking for peace ; but he will not
find it to-night, mother." "Why, William?" "Because he is
only down on one knee, mother, and he will never get peace
until he's down on both knees." From this we can at any rate
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