"Yes, indeed," said I; "we ought--let us."  And together we knelt down on the hard rock, surrounded by the roaring flames, the thick black smoke curling around us, and sometimes almost suffocating us; and most earnestly did we offer up our prayers for the safety of our friends and for our own; and most thankful did we feel that we had been preserved from the dangers into which we had been thrown.  I pity the person who is ashamed to acknowledge that he prays for protection both for himself and those he cares for.  How should we go through the world without the protection of an all-merciful God?  Often and often I have had proof of how utterly unable we are to take care of ourselves.  Among the many blessings and advantages I have enjoyed is that of having had parents who taught me to pray, and not to be ashamed of praying.  At school, when some poor, weak, foolish boys were afraid to kneel down by their bedsides to say their prayers, my brothers and I always persevered in the practice; and very soon we put to shame those who tried to interrupt us--and not only we ourselves, but other boys who did the same, were from that time never interfered with.  Sure I am that our prayers were heard, and that the blessings we prayed for in earnestness and simplicity were given us.  When we rose from our knees we found our courage much increased.  The occasion had made us serious, and reminded us of our duties.  I wish that it had been always so, that it were still always so; but even now as I write, I feel how much day after day I have left undone of what I ought to have done.  Is it not so with all of us? Then what necessity is there for prayer for strength from above to enable us to do our duty.  I say again, don't be ashamed.  Pray always; and if it is for your good, what you ask with faith God will most assuredly give you.  He has said it, and his promises never fail.