§ 20.] PRAYER. 709

world. There is the power of ideas, true or false ; the power of truth ; the power of love and human sympathy ; the power of con- science ; and above all, the Supreme Power, immanent in the world as well as over it, which is an intelligent, voluntary, per- sonal power, cooperating with and controlling the operations of all creatures, without violating their nature. This Supreme Power is roused into action by prayer, in a way analogous to that in which the energies of a man are called into action by the entreat- ies of his fellow-men. This is the doctrine of the Bible ; it is perfectly consistent with reason, and is confirmed by the whole history of the world, and especially of the Church. Moses by his prayer saved the Israelites from destruction ; at the prayer of Samuel the army of the Philistines was dispersed ; " EHas was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed ear- nestly that it might not rain : and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." These facts are referred to by the Apostle James, for the purpose of proving that the prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Paul constantly begged his Christian brethren to pray for him, and directed that prayer should " be made for all men : for kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." This of course sup- poses that prayer is a power. Queen Mary of Scotland was not beside herself, when she said she feared the prayers of John Knox, more than an army. Once admit the doctrine of theism, that is of the existence of a personal God, and of his constant control over all things out of Himself, and all ground for doubt as to the efficacy of prayer is removed, and it remains to us, as it has been to the people of God in all ages, the great source of spiritual joy and strength, of security for the present and confidence for the future. The Forty-sixth Psalm still stands : " The Lord of Hosts is with us ; the God of Jacob is our refuge."