he gave it in charge to his servant, that he should go and watch the appearance of the heavens towards the sea, the quarter whence, in all probability, the first indications of a change would be discoverable. The prophet's command was obeyed, but after an inconsiderable interval, as it should seem, his attendant returned with the disheartening report, that no perceptible change had taken place in the appearance of the heavens. Undiscouraged, however, by this intelligence, and as a proof of his persevering faith, he enjoined his servant to go again seven times. A certain number is here put for an uncertain; while the order most probably was, unweariedly to watch for the earliest favourable tokens that should be granted. It was, perhaps, after a long season of patient waiting, that the signal of mercy was at length hung out; and it was thus faintly reported by the prophet's messenger-Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand! The appearance was not of magnitude enough to arrest the public attention; but it satisfied Elijah as an undoubted answer to prayer. In his domestic's eyes, the cloud appeared no larger than a man's hand, a very flimsy thing, and likely very soon to be dissipated and lost; while his master discerned in it the omnipotent hand of Jehovah, collecting not only the refreshing dews, but preparing the great rain of his strength. The circumstances of the prophet, at this moment, are scarcely to be conceived; the awe, the confidence, the gratitude, the joy he felt, must have produced upon his spirit indescribable effects. But before he could give free course to these extraordinary feelings, he found it necessary to dispatch his servant on a further errandGo, said he, and say unto Ahab, prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not. Thus left in a state of absolute solitude, the enraptured prophet could turn his supplicating strain, without any restraint, into a song of adoration and thanksgiving, making mention of the righteous acts of Jehovah, and calling upon the whole surrounding creation to praise Him first, Him last, Him midst, and without end. And it came to pass that, while the prophet was thus engaged, the heavens grew black with E 2 clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. Such was the conclusion of that memorable day, which had been marked by two signal displays of Jehovah's power: and all Israel saw that great work, which the Lord was pleased to accomplish through the instrumentality of his prophet; and the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord, and Elijah his servant. And now, brethren, while you meditate upon this interesting relation in your own houses, as I trust some of you will feel yourselves disposed to do, I would press it upon you especially to mark these two things—the efficacy of prayer, and the faithfulness of God. Writing on the wonderful efficacy of prayer, St. James refers to that remarkable instance of it, which we have been now consideringThe effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly 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. Now the Lord God of Elijah is our God, equally ready to hear as in the days of ancient times, and equally ready to answer. Apply to him in every case of distress, and you shall at all times find him seated upon a throne of grace, where you may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Ask, and ye shall have; seek, and ye shall find. Ye have not, because ye ask not; ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss. Ask, and receive, that your joy may be full. Dwell deliberately also, my brethren, upon the faithfulness of God. His promises are unchangeable. They are the words of Him with whom there is no variableness nor shadow of turning. Hath he said, and shall he not do it; or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Distrust every creature; but hold fast your confidence in the Creator without wavering, unto the end. Under every threatening appearance, and amid the most furious assaults you can suffer, bring all your troubles to him without any reserve; cast all your care upon him; and make your large request in his presence without fear or |