The Prayer in the Woods

A friend relates the following incident, as received from the lips of a poor afflicted, crippled orphan boy, whose own experience is a practical illustration of the words: When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.” Ps. xxvii 10.

“Out of many instances of answered prayer I will tell the following one: In August, 1874, I wished to go to Lowell, a distance of some thirty miles, or more. I had no money, and did not know how to get there. I asked the station-agent and the conductor, but each refused, saying it would not be consistent with their duty. Knowing of no human help, I left the depot and went into the woods, some ways from the station, where I could be alone, and tell that Friend who is able to provide, and who is rich unto all that call upon Him. I knelt down beside the stump of a tree and prayed, and told the Lord all about it, and asked Him either to give me money, or provide some way that I could go where I desired. I felt that the Lord heard and answered me, and filled my soul with praise and joy. The language of my heart was, ‘Bless the Lord.’

“As I turned and was going out of the woods, I heard a voice saying, ‘Halloo.’ As I had seen no one, and knew not that any human being was near, I was surprised at this greeting. ‘Halloo! ’ said the stranger, ‘I never heard such a prayer in my life. Why did you go and pray? ‘I told him that I felt heavy, burdened, and I took the burden to the Lord. He said, ‘I heard you pray — you want money, do you? The ANSWBBS TO PRAYEB. 109

Lord has opened the way; here is five dollars. It is the best way to go to the Lord, and trust Him to open the way. Gro and use the money.’ I thanked him, and I thanked the Lord, and went on my way rejoicing in Him whose promise is, ‘My God shall supply all your needs,’ and who himself had heard and answered my request.”