Page:The Collected Works of Theodore Parker volume 3.djvu/288

Rh in all places and for ever, and too often they seem to think that exhortations and prayers will answer in place of the fulfilment of the precept commanding to us to "do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly" before God. Thqy make good resolves in abundance, but forget the truthful words of the poet:

These are some of the defects most noticeable in revivals, and we instance them not because we would in aught detract from the just merits of these religious movements, but as showing that these like all human efforts are imperfect, and hence should be carefully scrutinized and judged with candour and charity. Perhaps no mistake is more common with those most zealous in these revivals, than that of turning away their attention entirely from themselves, and exerting themselves strenuously to save the souls of their neighbours, perhaps forgetting that to his own master each one must stand or fall, or mayhap forgetting self altogether in their new and zealous benevolence for the salvation of others. At all events this extraordinary manifestation of anxiety for the spiritual welfare of others, leads to some exhibitions not at all calculated to reflect credit upon religion, or to inspire confidence in revivals, or in the sanity and common sense of some of those who participate in them. To illustrate: at many of the prayer-meetings of late, Rev. Theodore Parker has been made the subject of special prayer, and we give below some specimens of the way in which the mercy of God is implored for this somewhat eccentric but distinguished preacher. The words of these supplications were taken down by a reporter as they were uttered. One brother prayed for Mr Parker in the following language: "O Lord, if this man (Parker) is a subject of grace, convert him and bring him into the kingdom of thy dear Son: but if he is beyond the reach of the saving influence of the gospel, remove him out of the way, and let his influence die with him!" Now, is this that spirit which instructs us to "pray for all men everywhere!" Is this "lifting up holy hands without wrath or doubting?" Did this Christian mean to ask God to kill Theodore Parker, or would he have the only other possible interpretation put upon his petition,