It  is  a  great  proof,  both  of  faith  and  love,  to  be  frequent  in  secret
prayer.  If  we  were  told  that  a  departed  friend  was  hovering  near  us,
though  unseen,  and  that  he  could  hear  us,  though  he  could  not  answer
us  aloud,  should  we  feel  inclined  to  speak  to  him  ?  This  would  depend
upon  two  circumstances  :  first,  upon  our  faith  in  the  statement,  that
is,  upon  our  really  believing  that  the  friend  was  near ;  and  secondly,
upon  our  love  for  this  friend.  If  we  both  believed  he  was  near,  and
loved  him,  w^  should  find  great  dehght  in  talking  to  him.  "  He  that
cometh  to  God,  must  believe  that  he  w."  If  we  doubt  whether  God
hears  us,  no  wonder  we  find  prayer  a  burdensome  task.  If,  also,  we
do  not  love  God,  how  can  we  find  it  pleasant  to  speak  to  him  ?  But  if
we  believe  that  he  is  very  near  us,  and  if  we  love  him  with  fond  at-
tachment, 0  how  delightful  to  shut  our  closet  door,  and  to  pour  c/at  our
hearts  before  him  !  And  will  he  give  us  a  reward  for  doing  so  ?  What !
A  reward  to  his  needy  creatures,  for  calling  upon  him  for  help  !  The
reward  will  be.  He  will  answer  our  petitions  as  He  has  promised,  and
at  the  last  acknowledge  us  as  His  children.
