no desire to do these things we shall put forth no efforts, and the results will not be obtained. Viewed in this light, prayer is seen to be all-availing as it respects ourselves.— Without prayer nothing can be done, for prayer is the main-spring of action.

2. Under this head prayers are efficacious, in a greater or less degree, when made in behalf of others. We illus trate this position as follows:

If I desire to enlighten your mind and bring you to a knowledge of salvation and faith in the Redeemer, I shall of course make use of means which in my judgment are best calculated to effect the work if it is in my power shall personally converse with you or invite some other person to do so, or perhaps furnish you with books and other means of instruction-and these means may bring you to the knowledge of the truth. Thus in this case my prayer was the means of your conversion. If I had had no desire in reference to the subject, I should have made no exertions to enlighten your mind. On this principle i might also be shown, that our prayers may be efficacious in such instances as the following, and many others which might be named :-Prayers in behalf of the national gov ernment-prayers for the peace of the nation and prosper ity of the country-prayers for persons in foreign landsfor the diffusion of knowledge-for the destruction of error and triumph of truth-for the poor and needy-for the sick and distressed. In short, prayer may be instrumental in effecting any work that is not inconsistent with the estab lished order of God's providence. But on the other hand, should a person be so foolish as to pray or desire that grav itation might cease, or that the ocean might be drained, his prayers would be in vain, as we are not to expect a mirac ulous answer to prayer.

3. And last, we observe that it is proper on some occasions to express our good desires in audible words. An instance, by way of illustration -Suppose that I know of a certain family in the town which is in an extreme state of suffering for want of the necessaries of life; I have a great desire that this family should be relieved, but have not myself the means of relief; if I should, in the presence of a number of other persons, express my earnest desires in behalf of this suffering family, it might be the means of inspiring others with the same desire, and the relief would be afforded. Thus the prayer saved the family from famine and distress. Finally, if it is right for us to have a good desire it is right also to express the 'some in words, mentally or vocally. We see in view of this subject that there is efficacy in prayer-that it is an important exercise. Let is then observe the exhortation of the Apostle, and "pray with all prayer." The reason why prayers are addressed o God is obvious: it is a direct acknowledgment of our dependence for all things on him, who is the source of all power, wisdom and goodness.

DISSERTATIONS.

I.

On the figurative style of the Inspired Writings. ALL the scriptures abound in that kind of language which is called figurative. The ancient eastern nations were remarkable for expressing themselves in a figurative style, both in speaking and writing. The fables of Esop, Phaedrus, &c. were merely allegories, by means of which important moral truths were illustrated by the aid of visible objects in the natural world. The Jews, in particular, were distinguished for their frequent use of the figurative style. The writings of the prophets are replete with the boldest metaphors and other sublime and beautiful figures of speech. The numerous parables spoken by our Lord are remarkable specimens of the figurative style. The Saviour himself was so much accustomed to this manner of speaking that the evangelist declares concerning him, that without a parable spake he not unto the people. But here a question presents itself to the mind, which may be stated as follows:

If the scriptures were written for our improvement and instruction, why were they not given in simple, plain and literal language, the sense of which would be visible to every reader at the first glance? Why were they written in such terms and in such a style that it requires much study and close attention to understand the sentiment inculcated? Queries like the foregoing have often been raised,

and some have thereby been led to doubt the validity and reject the doctrine of the inspiration of the scriptures. We are, however, in hopes that no person will be disposed to become skeptical in reference to divine revelation on such grounds as this. We might with equal propriety discard all the important and useful discoveries in modern science; all the facts which have recently been brought to light in Chemistry, Philosophy and Astronomy. These important facts and truths have always been contained in the book of nature ever since creation, yet they have been concealed from common or superficial observation, so that it has required the study and experience of several thousands of years to bring these facts to light and apply them to prac tical use.

It argues not against divine revelation, but altogether in favor of it, if the truths therein contained are hidden in such a manner that to discover the whole requires a long experience and careful investigation. If the foregoing suggestion is correct, it will at once be seen that the book of divine inspiration bears a strong resemblance to the "great book of nature;" both these books must be deeply investigated before their teachings can be understood by us. If we reject the Bible because of the darkness and obscurity of its style, we ought also, if we would be consistent with ourselves, to reject the book of nature on the same account, for that is also dark and obscure. The mysteries of nature have been unveiled and brought to light, no doubt, with as great rapidity as was consistent with the good of mankind. The same is doubtless true with respect to the truths of divine inspiration. There is a proper time "for every work under the sun." The Apostle speaks of a "due time," when it shall be testified to "all" that Christ is a ransom for the "whole." Every age of the world has its appropri