Josiah. Oh, Mr. Alcott, I have not half done!
Edward J. Mr. Alcott, what is the use of responding in church?
Mr. Alcott. Cannot you tell?
Edward J. No; I never knew.
Josiah. Oh! Mr. Alcott!
Mr. Alcott. Well, Josiah, do you know?
Josiah. Why, Edward! is it not just like a mother's telling her child the words? The child wants to pray; it don't know how to express its real thoughts, as we often say to Mr. Alcott here; and the mother says words, and the child repeats after her the words.
Edward J. Yes; but I don't see what good it does.
Josiah. What! if the mother says the words, and the child repeats them and feels them,—really wants the things that are prayed for,—can't you see that it does some good?
Edward J. It teaches the word-prayer—it is not the real prayer.