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impolite, and improper to introduce the subject of religion in stages, in public houses, in any public assemblies, or in any places which were not expressly religious. This was a religious paper-so called. Now, we find that the secular press is employed in spreading abroad the proceedings of these meetings, and they help the cause of religion very much. This class of people [the editors and conductors of the secular press] is a most important class in the community, and yet they are never mentioned in our prayers. I have alluded to this subject once before, and perhaps twice. They have more influence in the community than the ministers have, and yet they are passed over. But they have, of their own will, taken up this subject, and spread the intelligence with regard to it all over the land. I think many thanks are due the secular press for what they have done in this matter.

The meeting then closed with the Doxology:

"Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost."

The following letter from the Daily Prayermeeting in Portland, Me., was sent to the Old South Prayer-meeting:

PORTLAND, August 17, 1853. To the Members of the Prayer-meeting held for so many years at the Old South Chapel, in Boston, Mass.

BELOVED BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN THE LORD:

At our prayer-meeting, held daily at the Reading-Room of the Young Men's Christian Association, a gratifying letter from you (through your committee, the venerable Dr. Jenks) was read on

Wednesday, the 15th instant, and the reading of it gave much pleasure to those who were present. On motion, the subscriber was appointed a committee, to communicate to you an expression of that pleasure, with such other remarks as the subject would naturally suggest.

THE ORIGIN.

Our meeting, like most good undertakings, had a small beginning. At a vestry service in one of our churches, with eight or ten present, the subject was introduced, quite incidentally, about the desirableness of having a morning meeting established, similar to the one in Boston. At the next regular conference of that church, the subject was introduced again, freely remarked upon, and a committee was appointed to bring the matter before all our evangelical churches, suggesting the appointment of a similar committee, by each church, for general conference. The object was, if possible, to secure an intelligent, united, and efficient action. The plan succeeded. A large committee assembled ; the conference was spirited and harmonious. A morning prayer-meeting was appointed for July 30th, to be permanent, every day, except on the Sabbath.

ATTENDANCE.

Previous to this morning, we have held sixteen meetings. The smallest number, at any time, being six-(a very rainy morning, but one of our best meetings) the largest number being forty, and the average attendance twenty-four. Of this number, there has been a good proportion of brethren and sisters, of representatives from our different churches,

of our pastors, of strangers, and men from all callings, ranks, and ages; while all seemed to find it good to be there.

MEANS OF INTEREST.

With something of a filial spirit, we have copied freely from your model. Among these sources of interest, might be mentioned-punctuality, brevity, variety, religious intelligence, or any thrilling incident which may be recited. As the missionary, Mr. Nevins, once said in your meeting, of our American people, "Each one," in his turn, "seems to feel that he has something to do, and he does it."

ENCOURAGEMENTS.

From the first, our undertaking met with the warm approval of the pastors and lay brethren in our different churches; much earnest supplication was going up to God in its behalf; it was early baptized with a spirit of prayer; and we doubt not, as you well suggest, it sprang into being in answer to prayer. Yes, it may be one of the many remote influences rising up from the life of that praying, much-beloved, much-lamented man of God, the Rev. Dr. Payson. There is a great deal of good seed planted in this soil by his hand, which must yet have a resurrection. The presence of pastors and strangers has often inspired us with new hope and courage. The interest expressed in our meetings by many who cannot be with us, by some who have gone out from us, but are still of us,-absent in body, but present in spirit,-has increased our faith and joy. The warm Christian assurances of sympathy, interest, and fraternal love, breathing upon us through letters like yours, have been as good news

from a far country. The meeting itself has been of a character more than hopeful. And, above all, tokens of the Divine presence and favour have been marked enough to say, with a voice we cannot misinterpret, "Go forward!" "Go forward!" We are beginning already to feel that the meeting is no longer a doubtful experiment, but a fixed fact.

EXPECTATIONS.

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We are looking for much good-are we for too much? from this meeting. We confidently expect that those who attend will grow more rapidly in grace; that those who would come, but cannot, will be benefited even by their deprivation; that those who might come, but would not, may be reminded, admonished, and profited; that the sight, to a busy world around, of a little band meeting every day at such an hour, at such a place, for such a purpose,the voice of Christian exhortation, prayer, and praise, mingling with the din of business,-may lead to profitable inquiry and reflection; that the churches in our city may be benefited-as member rejoices, all may-as one is quickened, all may be; that the influence upon the city itself, in one way or another, may be for good; that our meeting may, as you properly suggest, grow up into a happy example of a practical, elevated Christian alliance, so that, to the welfare of souls and the glory of God, many may "behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity;"-that in answer to united and persevering prayer and is it too much to expect ?-the Holy Spirit will descend in gentle dew, or in abundant showers, sweeping over this entire community with mighty power. And who can tell the end thereof?

Oh, what scenes may yet be witnessed in this morning meeting! God be trusted-God be praised for all! We shall remember your request, and hope you will remember ours,-"Brethren, pray for us!" Yours, in Christian bonds

(On behalf of the Daily Prayer-meeting in

Portland),

J. W. TURNER,
Committee.

The following record was made Sept. 3, 1855 :

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Monday, September 3. "At the prayer-meeting this morning, the Rev. Dr. Jenks having finished the reading of the letter (Rev. Mr. Turner's) from the Portland Morning Prayer-meeting, it was

"Moved by Dea. Willis, seconded by Dea. Proctor, that Rev. Dr. Jenks be appointed permanent secretary of this meeting, and that he be requested to write a reply to the letter from Portland, which was in answer to a letter from us.

"It is hoped that this correspondence will be a channel through which intelligence of revivals, and other blessings to churches and individuals, sent in answer to prayer, will be communicated for our mutual encouragement, improvement, and preparedness for the service of God in time and eternity."

The following letter, sent to the prayer-meeting in Portland, was written by Rev. Dr. Jenks :— BOSTON, August 9, 1855. To the Members of the Prayer-meeting recently instituted in Portland, Maine. (Care of Deacon William Hyde.)

BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN THE LORD:

This morning, at our prayer-meeting held daily in

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