Praying for Rain.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XX, Issue 2022, 26 January 1887, Page 2

Praying for Rain.

To the Editor of the Standard.

Sir—l am glad that “ Churchman ” has replied, and though 1 have no faith in offering prayers for rain—believing that God gi/es what is best—l will believe that “ Church, man ”is sincere in bis opinions. I have no desire to wound any person’s feelings, but in such a question as the one before as we ought to speak out with courage and so set other minds thinking. “Churchman” has brought forward as a proof that God answers prayer the story of Elijah praying that it should not rain and uo ruin coming for three years. If God answers such players as these and inflicts misery upon his own creation merely to gratify the desire of one mao, 1 say it is wrong—l cannot help saying it. But to tell the truth I do not believe the story at all. If we had no rain for three years in these parts there would be no sign of animal or vegetable life in much less time than three years, and the man who would kneel before bis Maker and put up a petition that it shcnld not rain for that period would deserve a taste of eternal punishment. But the real question is, Will God send rain if we ask him to do so ? I say, No. He never has done it and he never will, and when I heat of prayer being offered in tbe churches for rain I am surprised at the ignorance of tbe members. Will " Churchman ” be kind enough to answer my first letter and not call upon clergymen to help him out. The clergy know all about the absurdity of praying for rain, but they are paid to pray—and surely rain is a good thing to pray for. I am, Ac., Faithless.