benefits that may be conferred on others by praying for them. The nobleman's son at Capernaum — the centu- rion's servant — the daughter of Jairus, are all striking examples. Wonderful as it may seem, God is pleased to do great things for souls, when friends and relations are moved to pray for them. " The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James v. 16.)
Fathers and mothers are especially bound to remember the case of this woman. They cannot give their children new hearts. They can give them Christian education, and show them the way of life ; but they cannot give them a will to choose Christ's service, and a mind to love God. Yet there is one thing they can always do — they can pray for them. They can pray for the conversion of profligate sons, who will have their own way, and run greedily into sin. They can pray for the conversion of worldly daughters, who set their affections on things below, and love pleasure more than God. Such prayers are heard on high. Such prayers will often bring down blessings. Never, never let us forget that the children for whom many prayers have been offered, seldom finally perish. Let us pray more for our sons and daughters. Even when they will not let us speak to them about religion, they cannot prevent us speaking for them to God.
In the second place, this passage is meant to teach us to persevere in praying for others. The woman whc e history we are now reading, appeared at first to obtain nothing by her application to our Lord. On the contra cur Lord's reply was discouraging. Yet she diu n^«, give up in despair. She prayed on, and did not