The First Prayer In Congress

We are, most of us, familiar vrith the well-known engraving entitled " The First Prayer in Congress," but few persons have ever seen that prayer. It has occurred to me that, as Revolutionary relies are in great demand at this time, many would bo interested in seeing this historical curiosity. In Thatcher's Military Journal, under the date of December, 1777, is found a note containing the identical " First Prayer in Congress," made by Rev. David Buche, D. D., an Episcopal clergyman, and I think at the time rector of Christ's Church, Pniladelphia. I take pleasure In sending you the subjoined copy. " O Lord, ourHeavenly Father, high and migiity King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who dost from Thy throne behold all the dwellers of the earth, and reignest with power supreme and uncontrollable over the kingdoras, empires and governments, look down in mercy, we beseech Thee, on these American States, who have fled to Thee from the rod of the oppressor, and thrown themselves on Thy gracious protection, desiring to be henceforth only dependent on Thee ; to Thee have they appealed for the righteousness of their cause, to Thee do they now look up for that co mtenauce and support which Thou alone canst give. Take them, therefore, Ileavenly Father, under Thy nurturing care ; give them wisdom in council and valor in the field. Defeat the malicious designs of our adversarles ; convince them of the uprighteousness of their cause ; and if they still persist in their sanguinary purpose, O ! let the voice of Thy uuerring judgment, sounding in their hearts, constrain tliem to drop tne weapons of war in tlieir unnerved hands in the day of battle. Be ïhou pregent, O God of Wisdom, and direct tbecouncils of this honorable assembly ; enable them to settlo things on the best and sure3t foundation, that the scène of blood may be speedily closed ; thut order, harmony, and peace may be reatored and truth and justice, religión and plenty, prevail and flourish among the people. Preserve the health of their bodies and the vigor of their Btinds ; shower down on them and the millions they here represent such temporal blessings as Thou seest expedient for them in thia world, and crown them with everlasting glory in the world to come. All this we ask in the name and through the merits of JesusChrist,