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A TREATISE ON PRAYER ;

DESIGNED

TO ASSIST IN THE DEVOUT DISCHARGE
OF THAT DUTY.

BY THE REV. E. BICKERSTETH,

RECTOR OP WAXTON, HERTS.

FIFTEENTH EDITION,
CORRECTED AND ENLARGED.

PUBLISHED BY R. B. SEELEY AND W. BURNSIDE ;

AND SOLD BY L. AND G. SEELEY,

FLEET STREET, LONDON.

MDCCCXXXIX.

L. AND G. SEELEY, THAMES DITTON, SURREY.

CONTENTS.

CHAP. PAGE

I. The Nature and Duty of Prayer 1

II. The Privilege of Prayer 12

III. The ground on which sinners can come to the

Holy God 30

IV. The assistance of the Holy Spirit 34

V. The Intercession of Jesus Christ 48

VI. Private Prayer , 58

1. On Secret Prayer as distinguished from
other kinds of Worship 59

2. The Being to be worshipped 64

3. The subjects to be mentioned in Prayer. . 68

4. Forms of Prayer 7 L

5. The various parts of Prayer 74

Confession 77

Petition 83

Intercession 91

Thanksgiving 97

6. Brief observations on the Lord's Prayer. . 106

7. The frequency of Private Prayer. ....... 109

8. The reward of Private Prayer 114

VII. Public Worship , 123

VIII. Family Worship 149

IX. Social Prayer 1 70

X, The General Habit of Prayer 175

XI. On answers to Prayer 183

XII, The Spirit of Prayer for the Enlargement of the

Kingdom of Christ I93

XTII. Distractions in Prayer 204

iv CONTENTS.

CHAP. PAGE

XIV. On Devotional Feelings merely 21.'>

XV. Directions to assist in attaining the Spirit of

Prayer 220

XVI. An Exhortation to constant Prayer 253

XVII. Forms of Prayer 267

A Prayer for the Gift and Grace of Prayer 268

Private Morning Prayer 270

Another Private Morning Prayer 273

Private Prayer at Noon 276

Intercessory Prayer at Noon 278

Private Evening Prayer 281

Another Private Evening Prayer 284

Prayer before the Lord's Supper 286

Prayer after the Lord's Supper 289

Morning Family Prayer 291

Another Morning Family Prayer 295

Evening Family Prayer 298

Another Evening Family Prayer 301

Sunday Morning Family Prayer 303

Sunday Evening Family Prayer 306

Prayer for a Sunday School , 309

Prayer for a Benevolent Society 310

A Social Prayer 311

Prayer for the Enlargement of the Kingdom of

Christ , 314

Another on the same subject 319

Prayer for Readiness for our Lord's Coming. . 323

Prayer suited to these Times 324

Prayer for Infidels 327

Prayer for Papists 329

Ejaculatory Prayers from the Scriptures 329

XVIII. Hints for Morning and Evening Prayer on each

Day of the Week 333

Of
MC.m (8b I

PREFACE.

The acceptance which it has pleased God to give to
the " Scripture Help," and the testimonies which
the writer has received, of benefit derived from that
work, have induced him to endeavour to call the
attention of Christians, and particularly the young,
for whom he wishes to be considered as especiall}'
writing, to another most important means of grace.

It seemed also peculiarly needful to press the duty
of prayer now : for it appears to the writer to be
one of the dangers of the present reviving state of
the church, that men gain knowledge without cor-
responding feelings ; they are tempted to make a pro-
fession of religion, and to talk about it, while it is to
be feared, the more retired and all-important duties
of devout prayer, meditation, self-examination, and
reading the scriptures, are neglected.

He has felt a personal advantage in his former
Treatise, from its imposing on him an additional
obligation to the study of the word of God. He hopes
for a similar benefit in the present publication.

His various public engagements have indeed left
him little leisure for a work of such importance ; but

VI PREFACE.

it appeared to him better to attempt to do good, even
though it be done in an imperfect manner, than not
to do it at all.

In a treatise on that which has so often engaged
the attention of Christian writers, new sentiments
can neither be desired nor expected. The direction
— Ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk
therein, and you shall find rest for your souls, is well
applicable here. The writer willingly availed himself
of the ideas suggested by any former author.

He would, however, observe, that it is not the
knowledge of the duty, but the grace of prayer which
is the great thing that we should desire to attain.
He has often had occasion, in the course of his writ-
ing this book, to feel that it is much easier to know
how to pray, than really to pray. The grace of
prayer is a divine gift of far more importance than
the mere knowledge of all parts of this duty, or the
ability to perform it before man.

If some are disposed to think, that he has in any
instance set the standard of devotion too high, he
would say, that he has endeavoured to follow the
scriptures ; and though he feels that this necessarily
often condemns both himself and Christians in gen-
eral, it appeared his duty not to lower the standard
on that account, but rather to explain it, and press it
the more, that the perfection of the rule might lead
himself and his readers more simply to the Saviour,
for pardon, peace, and strength. Some may, indeed,
on the other hand, think, that by not setting the
standard high enough, he has often proved his own
want of devotional feeling. He is ready here to
submit to those of more experience in the Christian
life.

PREFACE. VU

It would have been easy to have enlarged many
parts; but the object vt^as to bring forvi^ard only the
most obvious and useful observations that occurred.

Though prayer is that duty which especially de-
clares the guilt and weakness of man, and the grace
and power of God ; yet there is danger in pressing
any positive duty, and particularly that of prayer,
lest we should in any measure foster and encourage
that self-righteousness which is so natural to the
human mind. The writer has endeavoured to guard
against this evil. Without prayer, indeed, no man
possesses spiritual life : yet we are not saved by our
prayers : the ability to pray is rather a part of that
salvation which Jesus Christ has obtained for us.

The author ventures to suggest to heads of families,
that parts of this work might furnish suitable reading
for family instruction on Sundays.

If the reader should obtain any benefit from this
work, and be excited to pray more constantly and
devoutly, the writer would earnestly ask an interest in
those prayers, that he himself may live in the practice
of that duty which he has been endeavouring to teach
others. May every reader also join him in entreating
the Author and Giver of every good gift, to grant his
blessing to this attempt to induce others to pray more
continually and more fervently ; to aim at living in
abiding communion with the Father of Spirits.

E. B.

Salishuri/ Square f Nov* 18, 1819.

ADVERTISEMENT

TO THE FIFTEENTH EDITION.

The Author has availed himself of another edition,
to enlarge it by an additional chapter, (Chapter 18,)
containing Hints for Morning and Evening Prayer
on each day of the week.

Thankful for the past reception of his work, he
again commends it, with these additions, to the
blessing of that heavenly Father, to whom he desires
heartily to ascribe the praise of success.

Watton Rectory, March 2, 1839.

PRi::CBTON

nLC.JUN 1881

THS0L0GIG4.L
A TREATISE ON PRAYER.

CHAPTER I.

ON THE NATURE AND DUTY OF PRAYER.

Men in general think it an honour to be admitted
into the company of those who are distinguished by
their rank, their power, or their attainments. They
feel it a privilege to converse with a man of the first
consequence in the state, a man eminent in wisdom
or knowledge, or the monarch of a mighty empire.
A Christian justly reckons it no small privilege to
be permitted, for a season, to associate with a person
of peculiar piety. And if while the greatest good
may be obtained from a distinguished person, there
be only a limited time in which we can go to him,
the importance of using an opportunity that is offered,
is evidently greatly increased. If we can say, ' Now
the way of access is open, but it will soon be closed ;
now you may hold converse, and get intimately ac-

B

2 THE NATURE AND

quainted with bim ; you may obtain all you want ;
you may secure a lasting interest in bis affections ;
he has invited you to come to him, and you will
never have this privilege offered again ; ' surely no
other arguments need be urged, to induce a man
waiting his help to go to him without delay.

When the Lord of Glory dwelt on earth, we often
read of the great multitudes who assembled together
and crowded around him, to see and to hear him.
On one occasion, we find even a rich man, Zaccheus,
unable to approach him, and climbing a tree to have
a transient glimpse of so remarkable a character.
Had we lived at that time, and possessed any thing
of our present knowledge, we should doubtless have
thought it a high honour to be in his company, and,
like Mary, to sit at the feet of Jesus, and hear his
words.

This privilege was counted the more valuable in
seasons of difficulty. When any were in sickness
or danger, and believed that if they could see our
Lord, he would help them, they then desired his
presence with peculiar earnestness. When Lazarus
is dying, then his sisters send a special message to
their Lord. When the disciples are in the storm,
they awaken him by saying, Carest thou not that we
perish? When the people are sick, they break
through the roof of a dwelling to come to him ; or
press through the crowd to touch the hem of his
garment.

It is the NATURE of prayer, that it gives to needy
and sinful men, in the limited time of this life, every
day, yes, every hour, this great privilege of access to
the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, to the Most
High and the Most Holy, and this with the utmost

DUTY OF PRAYER.

3^

freedom and confidence ; the access not merely of a
servant to a master; or a subject to a king; but
of a child to a tender parent.

Prayer is then a holy intercourse with God. " It
is," as the martyr Bradford expresses it, " a simple,
unfeigned, humble, and ardent offering of the heart
before God, wherein we either ask things needful,
or give thanks for benefits received." Acceptable
prayer is the desire of the heart offered up to God,
through the influence of his Spirit, in the name of
his Son Jesus Christ, for things according to his will,
and in confidence that he hears us, and will answer
us. There is no prayer without the exercise of holy
and suitable dispositions and affections. The true
worshippers, says our Lord, shall worship the Father in
spirit and in truth, for the Father seeketh such to wor-
ship him, John iv. 23.

Prayer is not the mere posture of the body. A
man may kneel till he wear out the stones ; like the
Mahomedans, he may put himself into every variety
of posture, throw himself on the earth, and lie in the
dust ; like Ahab, he may put on sackcloth and ashes ;
or, like the monks of modern times, kneel till his
knees become horny, and yet never pray at all.

It is not the mere expression of the mouth. A man
may repeat a hundred times in a day that comprehen-
sive and affecting prayer which our Lord has taught
us to use ; or he may say, 3Iy soul thirsteth for thee,
my flesh longeth after thee, — and yet not offer up one
prayer unto God.

It is not the mere invention of the mind. — Many
have a peculiar gift of prayer in this respect, and
can pour out fluently, perspicuously, and at length, a
multitude of words ; but, both the mind and the

B 2

4 THE NATURE AND

tongue may be thus employed, while the heart nei-
ther feels the sentiments expressed, nor longs for the
blessings implored.

Nor is the mere act of joining in family, social, or
public worship, acceptable prayer. Uniting with
others, in the most earnest petitions, while your own
heart is unmoved, will avail you nothing.

All these things may be as the mere husk and shell
without the kernel ; the body without the spirit. God
expects the desire of the heart. Your devotions
should be a sacred bond knitting the soul unto God,
a holy converse with him.

Dr. Watts thus expresses himself on this subject :
— " When a holy soul comes before God, he has
much more to say than merely to beg. He tells his
God what a sense he has of the divine attributes ;
and what high esteem he pays to his majesty, his
wisdom, his power, and his mercy. He talks with
him about the works of creation, and stands wrapt
up in wonder. He talks about the grace and mystery
of redemption, and is yet more filled with admiration
and joy. He talks of all the affairs of nature, grace,
and glory. He speaks of his works of providence,
of love and vengeance, in this and the future world.
Infinite and glorious are the subjects of this holy
communion between God and his saints.'^

Mrs. More observes, '* Prayer is a term of great
latitude, involving the whole compass of our inter-
course with God. St. Paul represents it to include
our adoration of his perfections ; our acknowledg-
ment of the wisdom of his dispensations, and of our
obligations for his benefits, providential and spiritual ;
the avowal of our entire dependence on him and of
our absolute subjection to him ; the declaration of

DUTY OF PRAYER. 5

our faith in him : the expression of our devoted ness
to him; the confession of our own unworthiness,
infirmities, and sins ; the petition for the supply of
our wants, and for the pardon of our offences, for
succour in our distress, for a blessing on our under-
takings, for the direction of our conduct, and the
success of our affairs." '

*' Prayer," says the same writer, " is the applica-
tion of want to Him who only can relieve it : the
voice of sin to Him who only can pardon it. It is
the urgency of poverty, the prostration of humility,
the fervency of penitence, the confidence of truth.
It is not eloquence, but earnestness ; not the defini-
tion of helplessness, but the feeling of it; not figures
of speech, but compunction of soul. It is the Lord,
save us, we perish! of drowning Peter; the cry of faith
to the ear of mercy." ^

Prayer is giving glory to all God's attributes of
wisdom, love, and truth. His omnipotence and om-
nipresence, his interest in man's welfare, our depen-
dance on him, and his fulness and all-sufiiciency are
manifested in the believing prayer of his people.

Prayer is the noblest act of faith for a poor sinner.
It is coming to the holy God, reposing upon his in-
finite love as revealed in his word, delighting and
rejoicing in him notwithstanding all our sins, through
the new and living way, Christ Jesus, and by the gift
of his Spirit,

Prayer is also our being made like Christ, inter-
cessors for a perishing world, and the Lord's instru-
ments for communicating the largest blessings to

•O"

1 See Essay on St. Paul, vol. ii. p. 22".

2 See Practical Piety, vol. i. p. 102.

6 THE NATURE AND

our fellow men, and hastening the coming of his
kingdom.

This is acceptable prayer. But how often are our
devotions a mere form to satisfy our conscience?
We know it is our duty to pray ; we know that none
go to heaven but men of prayer; we have been
taught to pray in our youth, and therefore we go
through the outward form; but is it not too often
without the inward motion and desire of the heart
towards God? Let us remember, that the mere form
is not only unprofitable to the soul, but brings guilt
upon it; and when trusted in is a dangerous delu-
sion. It may gain us a religious name in the world ;
it may pacify an alarming conscience for the moment;
but it gains nothing from God. Our Lord says.
This people draweth nigh unto me ivith their mouth, and
honoureth me with their lips, hut their heart is far from
me; and what follows ? — in vain do they worship me ! .
Matt. XV. 8.

From this description of the nature of prayer, it
must be obvious, that with the gift of the spirit of
grace and supplication^ two things are essentially
necessary to enable us really to pray.

1. The knowledge of our wants.— As the
needy only will stoop to ask for alms, so a real,
deep, and abiding sense of our indigence is the fjrst
spring of a true and earnest desire to obtain help
from God. The prodigal son thought not of return-
ing to his father, till reduced to wretchedness and
misery. When David says, I am poor and needy, he
then earnestly prays, Ma/^e haste unto me, O God: thou
art my help and my deliverer. Psalm Ixx. 5. While
we think we can help ourselves, and get through our
difficulties by our own means, we are little disposed

DUTY OF PRAYER. 7

to pray to God. The Laodicean church could not be
much in the spirit of real prayer, however it might
abound in the outward form, when our Lord had to
say of it, Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased luith
goods, and have need of nothing, and hnoivest not that
thou art wretched and miserable, and poor, and Mind, and
naked. Come to the throne of grace to get, and not
to give. Bring your wants and not your fulness :
and if you have no feeling of your spiritual poverty
and necessity, let your first prayer be for this feeling.

2. Faith in the being and goodness of God. —
The prodigal thought of his father's riches and
bounty, and then returned to him. He that cometh to
God, must believe that He is, and that He is the rewarder
of them that diligently seek him. Heb. ix. 6. He who
has not a scriptural knowledge of God, or who thinks
him a hard and austere master, will never feel dis-
posed rightly to approach him. It is faith, the gift
of God, realizing the views given us in the Bible of
the immensity, power, wisdom, all-sufficiency, and
goodness of God, of his being ever-present, and of
the way of access by Jesus Christ, and of the glori-
ous God in all his perfections being our portion a-nd
joy through Christ for ever, which excites the heart
to draw near to him, in full confidence that he hears
us, and loves us, and will help us. And what duty
can be more delightful than thus to come to God as
an almighty, compassionate, and reconciled Father
in Christ Jesus, in the full conviction that he loves
us, and, because he loves us, will deny us nothing
that is for our good ?

The nature of prayer is, however, better known by
experience than by any description. One who had
just begun to be in earnest about religion, said, " I

8 THE NATURE AND

was most affected with the difference which I found
in my prayers. I had never thought of doing any
thing more than outwardly repeating a form ; but I
was surprised to find how God enabled me in my
private devotions, earnestly to ask, in the name of
his Son, those mercies which I needed, and really to
desire those things which I had before only formally
expressed/'

Many arguments might be urged to shew the duty
OF PRAYER ; but WO wiU confine ourselves to some
plain ones.

Prayer is a natural and reasonable act for
HUMAN BEINGS. The first feeling of the mind, and
the natural expression of that feeling in any sudden
and alarming emergency and distress, is an act of
prayer to God. Jonah i. 5, 6. It is natural and rea-
sonable, for man is not an independent being ; he is
created by another, and he is altogether dependant
on his Creator. It is our truest wisdom to know,
and our best interest to act upon, this truth. It is
our highest happiness to delight in him, by whose
skill, power, and love we have every faculty given,
and continued to us. Prayer is the simplest and
plainest expression of dependance, and the most
obvious way of obtaining help from God our Creator.
Hence men in all ages and in all nations have in one
way or other offered up prayer.

Prayer is an act of homage justly due from
us, TO the great governor of all. We thereby
adore him, wlio only has a right to our adoration. It
is a special part of that honour and service to which
he has every possible claim. He ought to be ac-
knowledged as the Author and Giver of every good
gift. Thereby we glorify his wisdom as knowing all

DUTY OF PRAYER. 9

things, his power as able to extricate us from every
difficulty, his goodness as willing to assist us, his
all-sufficiency to meet every want, his mercy as
pitying our misery, and his forbearance in pardoning
all our sins. In short, what attribute of God does
not prayer acknowledge and honour? and how mani-
festly does it tend to maintain a constant, and lively,
and general impression of his supreme excellence
and glory !

God has expressly commanded us to pray to
HIM. — Our Lord says, Ask, and it shall be given you.
Matt. vii. 7. He declares, Men ought ahcays to pray,
and not to faint. Luke xviii. 1. St. Paul exhorts,
/ will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up
holy harids. 1 Tim. ii. 8. Testimonies to this effect
might be multiplied. See Eph. vi. 18 ; Phil. iv.
6 ; Rom. xii. 12 ; Col. iv. 2 ; Matt. vi. 9, &c. &c.
The great God, then, that made heaven and earth,
and before whom you will stand in judgment, plainly
requires you to worship him.

The relations by which God has revealed him-
self TO us shew this duty. He is a Father, and
gives us the Spirit of adoption, to cry, Abba, Father!
Children should go to their father to ask of him a
supply of their wants, and to tell him all that they
feel and enjoy. Jesus Christ is the way of access to
God ; a Mediator to interpose in our behalf, and a
High Priest and Intercessor to offer up our supplica-
tions ; the Holy Spirit also assists our prayers, making
intercession for us. These relations are specially
revealed for our use, and are mainly important
with reference to prayer. A peculiar title therefore
given to God is, O thou tJiat hearest prayer ! Psalm
Ixv. 2.

10 the nature and

There are severe threatenings against those
WHO neglect this duty. The Psalmist says, Pour
out thy wrath upon the kingdoms that have not called
upon thy name. Psalm Ixxix. 6. Daniel (ix. 13, 14.)
ascribes the evil that came on the Jews to their
neglect of prayer. Those were to be cut oflF who
turned hack from the Lord, and those that have not
sought the Lord. Zeph. i. 6. It is the character given of
the wicked, that they are far from God, (Ps. Ixxiii. 27.)
that they call not upon the Lord ; (Ps. xiv. 4.) and of
the hypocrite, that he will not always call upon God.
Job xxvii. 10. He may, perhaps, in a time of trouble
seek God's help ; but he neglects it as his daily duty.

The duty of prayer may be farther proved from
the practice of holy persons. I need not do
more than enumerate those of old. Abraham, (Gen.
xviii. 23—32; xxi. 33;) Isaac, (Gen. xxiv. 63;)
Jacob, (Gen. xxxii. 24, 28; Hosea xii. 3, 4;) Moses,
(Exod. xxxiv. 28;) Jabez, (1 Chron. iv. 10;) David,
(Psalm Iv. 16, 17;) Elijah, (James v. 17;) Daniel,
(chapter vi. 10 ;) Paul, (Acts ix. 11; Rom. 1.9; Eph.
i. 15, 16 ; Phil. i. 4 ; 2 Tim. i. 3 ;) Peter, (Acts x. 9 ;)
with many others: or those holy women, Rebecca,
(Gen. XXV. 22 ;) Hannah, (1 Sam. i. 13, 15;) Anna,
(Luke ii. 38 ;) and others, — to show that they lived in
prayer. And why is their devotion recorded? not
for their glory, but as examples for us. The man of
much prayer resembles those Patriarchs of old, who
walked with God; and has something of their privi-
leges, to whom God manifested himself in the flesh,
and with whom he conversed on earth. Not to dwell
on these, let us look to our Lord himself, whose
example is especially set before us to be followed.
Few parts of his character are more plainly exhi-

DUTY OF PRAYER. 11

bited, than his constant regard of this duty. The
reader is referred to the following passages ; Matt,
xiv. 23 ; Mark i. 35 ; vi. 46 ; Luke v. 16 ; vi. 12 ;
xxii. 39—45 ; Hebrews v. 7; vii. 25.
Prayer is also an indispensable means to be

USED IN ORDER TO OBTAIN SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS.

The good things of this life are given indeed indiscri-
minately to good or bad men; God thus shewing how
little value we ought to set on those things which the
wicked often abundantly possess. But grace and
pardon, mercy and salvation, are promised expressly
to those who pray. If thou shalt pray unto God, he
shall he favourable unto thee. Job xxxiii. 26. T/tow,
Lord, art good and ready to forgive, and plenteous in
mercy unto all that call upon thee. Psalm Ixxxvi. 5.
No excellences can compensate for the want of prayer.
In fact, it lies at the root of the real benefit of all the
other gifts of God to man.

But religion is in a low state in the heart of that
man on whom prayer must be urged as a duty. It
ought ever to be considered as the greatest of all
mercies, that we are permitted to pray to God, and
assured that every one that asketh receiveth. We
shall, therefore, in the following chapter, consider
prayer rather as a privilege than as a duty.

12 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

CHAPTER II.

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

" The true happiness of every Christian," says Bishop
Wilkins, " does properly consist in his spiritual com-
munion with God/' Prayer is, then, a necessary
part of the Christian's happiness; for it brings him
into the presence of God, and is the most direct act
of communion with him.

Every one that prays aright can adopt David's
expression, It is good for me to draw near to God. It
is pleasant, it is honourable, it is advantageous. If
I have riches, they may or may not be good for me.
If I have human knowledge, power, eloquence, ta-
lent, and earthly glory, or any of the good things of
this life, they may or may not be good for me : but if
I have the grace of prayer, the heart to draw near to
God, it is unmixed, unqualified good. It is cer-
tainly and unquestionably good for me.

Consider some of the advantages of prayer.

Prayer is the means which God has appointed

FOR YOU TO obtain EVERY GOOD, AND TO ESCAPE

EVERY EVIL. — It has pleased him to appoint this
means for various wise and holy purposes ; and espe-

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 13

cially that we may acknowledge and glorify his
attributes : that we may see our dependance on him,
and prove our obedience to him. There is no evil
that you may now suffer, or that you may expect to
suffer, which prayer is not the appointed means to
alleviate or avert. Our Lord declares, Ask, and it
shall he given unto you : seek, and ye shall find ; knock,
and it shall he opened unto you. Greater blessings
than we can think of, may thus be obtained. Call
upon me, and I ivill answer thee, and will shew thee
great and mighty things which thou knowest not. Thus
saith the Lord, the God of Israel ! It is a key to open
the storehouse of all God's treasury to us ; as by
knocking we enter into the place where we desire to
go, so by prayer we obtain all the blessings which
we require. It gives us the right of enjoyment to all
we have from the great Proprietor of all things. He
promises much, and he is never worse, and generally
better, than his promises. 1 Kings iii. 11, 12. Gen.
xvii. 19, 20 ; xxxii. 10 ; xxxiii. 4 — 11.

We are CERTAiisr of obtaining what we ask in
FAITH ACCORDING TO God's WILL. — The numerous
promises made to faithful prayer fully confirm this
remark. He is able to do exceeding ahundantly ahove
all that we can ask or think. Eph. iii. 20. You may
labour for riches, and lay by money year after year,
and after every care your money may be lost, and
you die poor ; or it may bring you trouble and sorrow
rather than any advantage. You may pursue the
pleasures or favour of the world, and live miserable
and die despised. But if you seek the blessings of
God in fervent prayer, you cannot be disappointed.
This has been the testimony of every servant of God
from the beginning. How differently men reason

14 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

about earthly and spiritual things ! If a great and
faithful and gracious monarch were to promiTse
riches, pleasures, or honours, to those who come to
him, his court would soon be crowded ; men would
anxiously ask, ' What has he promised?' ' How
may I go to him?' But God himself has earnestly
invited us to come to him, has promised to supply all
our wants, and to give us durable riches and right-
eousness. It is the solemn declaration of Jesus
Christ to his disciples. Verily, verily, I say unto you,
whatsoever ye shall ask the Fatlier in my name, he will
give it you ; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may
he full. You may not indeed succeed the first time
you ask ; the promise gives no assurance that you
shall. St. Paul had a thorn in the flesh, and besought
the Lord thrice, or frequently, before he was heard.
You may not obtain the very thing which you ask ;
but asking aright, you will obtain that which will
fully satisfy the spiritual mind. 1 John v. 14, 15.
Romans viii. 27, 28. St. Paul's thorn in the flesh
was not removed, but he was enabled to take plea-
sure in his infirmities. No prayers offered up aright,
will ever be made in vain.

The privilege of prayer was purchased for us at

THE COSTLY PRICE OF THE BLOOD OF JesUS ChRIST,

(Eph. ii. 13 ; Heb. x. 19,) and therefore we may
easily imagine what a great and vast advantage it
must be, and how excellent is that liberty of access
unto God which was obtained. Souls, now in eternal
ruin, are not privileged to pray. They have irreco-
verably lost this good. The fallen angels have no
way of access to God : — Jesus took not on him the
nature of angels. Shall we then slight or despise the
distinguishing privilege of our present life?

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 15

Prayer is a satisfactory evidence of our hav-
ing OBTAINED THE SAVING GRACE OF GoD. Because
ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son
into your hearts, whereby ye cry, Abba, Father ! Gal. iv.
6. It is the breath of the spiritual life in the soul.
Lam. iii. 56. Whatever has life, must breathe ; and
if the life be strong, it will breathe freely. If prayer
be faint, weak, and disordered, the person is not in
full life and health ; if there be no prayer, there is
no spiritual life at all ; the first mark of it is. Behold
he prayeth! (Acts ix. 11.) and the last account of one,
is his prayer, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! Acts vii.
59. It is to the spiritual church the promise belongs
— / will pour upon the house of David, and the inhabit-
ants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and supplications.
Zech.xii. 10. If you have a fervent, persevering spirit
of prayer, you have a sure evidence of being born
again ; of the life of God begun in your soul. When
you can feel with David, my soul thirsteth for thee,
my flesh longeth for thee, in a dry and thirsty land, to
see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the
sanctuary: then you may also say, with humble, yet
believing, confidence, O God, thou art my God!

Prayer gains for us spiritual strength. — It
is that singular duty in which every grace is exer-
cised, every sin opposed, every blessing obtained, the
whole soul revived, strengthened, and invigorated
for the Christian race. Just in proportion to your
prayers, so is your holiness, and your usefulness.
The praying Christian is the strong, the thriving
Christian, strong in the Lord, and in the power of his
might. As the naturally weak ivy, which, if it had
no support, would only grovel on the earth, by ad-
hering to some neighbouring tree or building, and

16 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

entwining itself about it, thus grows and flourishes,
and rises higher and higher; and the more the winds
blow and the tempests beat against it, the closer it
adheres, and the nearer it clings, and the faster its
fibres embrace that which supports it, and it remains
uninjured ; just so the Christian, naturally weak, by
prayer connects himself with the Almighty ; and the
more dangers and difficulties beset him, the more
closely they unite him to his God; he reaches to-
wards, and leans upon, and clings to him, and is
strengthened with divine strength. High is the pri-
vilege of prayer, which turns our very wants to our
advantage, leading us by them into constant inter-
course with God, and keeping us in a spiritual and
heavenly state of mind.

By prayer we obtain true peace of mind,
that peace to which those who never pra}'^ are utter
strangers. This peace is a calm and entire resting
upon God for the supply of every necessity, of body
and soul, for time and for eternity. It is a casting
all our burden, whatever it be, upon a kind, compas-
sionate, Almighty friend, who willingly sustains it,
and relieves and comforts us. Casting all your care
on him, for he caret h for you. Let the Christian
follow the apostle's direction, Be careful for nothing :
but in every thing^ by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto
God, and he may fully expect the effect which that
apostle describes — and the peace of God, which passeth
all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds
through Christ Jesus. How calm and composed may
he be, amid all the storms and distractions of this
world, who has daily and hourly communion with
the Creator, Ruler, and Preserver of all things.

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 17

The Christian falls below his true happiness in this
life, if he does not enjoy constant peace of mind.
Thou wilt keep him in perfecttpeace, whose mind is stayed
on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Isaiah xxvi. 3.

Prayer is especially advantageous in the time
OF TROUBLE.— Even those who neglect God altoge-
ther at other times, are often then compelled to apply
to him, and even in such a case he has heard and
accepted them. Isaiah xxvi. 16 ; 1 Kings xxi. 29.
But with a peculiarly filial confidence may those ap-
proach unto him, when they are in trouble, whose
habit of mind, whose continual practice, whose whole
life, is a drawing near to God. The command and
the promise belong to them. Call upon me in the day
of trouble : I ivill deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
Psalm 1. 15. Indeed, what Christian has not found in
his own experience, the truth of the declaration :
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in
trouble? Psalm xlvi. 1. When no other ear could
hear but his, no other arm save, no other power re-
lieve or help ; when we were destitute and almost in
despair, then his ear heard, and through his mercy
we were delivered. Prayer, like the precious metal,
comes most pure from the heated furnace. Are you
depressed under your guilt, your weakness, your
ignorance, or your ingratitude ? You may spread
your distress, as Hezekiah did his letter, before God,
and you need not fear but that God will help you :
and what a comfort it is that we can never come un-
seasonably to him ! A great man or a friend may be
so circumstanced that we cannot interrupt him, or he
will soon be wearied by repeated application, or he
may be so far off that w6 cannot get at him ; but our
God is ever nigh unto us— he is always with us; a

c ,

18 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

very present help in trouble. Other friends, if willing*
may not be able to help us ; but he has both the will
and the power to give the greatest blessings. " Even
our guilt, when confessed, becomes a plea for relief,
(1 Johni. 9;) and the worst condition that can be,
affords the strongest reason to pray ; all that is given,
being given, not for our merits, but for Christ's sake."
The following affecting anecdote is told us of a poor
negro woman. She was a poor slave in the West
Indies, and was forbidden, by her master, to attend
public worship, and threatened with severe punish-
ment if she did go : the only reply she made was, " I
must tell the Lord that ; " a reply that so affected her
owner, that he no longer refused her liberty to go.
What a view does this give us of the blessedness of
prayer, that a poor and friendless outcast may thereby
obtain the aid of the great Governor of the universe !
In prayer we enjoy the presence of God.—
Draw niyh to God, says St. James, and lie ivill draw
nigh to you. The devout soul having found in the
solitude of the closet the presence of God, is glad to
withdraw itself from the distraction of the world, and
retire to hold converse with him in secret. As the
heart panteth after the water-broohs, so panteth nty soul
after thee, O God. When shall I ceme and appear
before God? Psalm xlii. 1, 2, The Saviour assured
his disciples, he that loveth me shall be loved of my
Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself
to him. John xiv.21. There is an experience, there-
fore, of this presence, into which only those who love
Christ can enter. Jeremiah seems to feel the loss
of it, when in so affecting a way, he exclaims, O
thou hope of Israel, thou Saviour thereof in the time of
trouble, why shouldest thou be as a stranger in the land,

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 19

and as a wayfaring man that turneth aside to tarry for
a night? Jer. xiv. 8.

Prayer makes us the greatest benefactors to
OUR fellow men. No one helps others so much as
he who prays for them. And the Lord calls his
people to the privilege of being intercessors for all
men, and thus concurring with his mind, that all
should be saved and come to the knowledge of the
truth. (1 Tim. ii. 1—8.')

Prayer prepares us for the enjoyment of God
HEREAFTER. — He who has had this heavenly inter-
course on earth, and has here been able to say,
Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his
Son Jesus Christ, is prepared to enter into the blissful
society above. He becomes like God, He delights
in Him. God is not a stranger to him ; he has long
known him ; his Saviour is his tried and constant
friend. And just as a man who has been continually
experiencing the bounty and goodness of a friend
whom he has never seen, will rejoice in beholding
his face, so will it be to the devout believer. He
will enter heaven with the conviction, In thy presence
is fulness of joy.

The devout believer then is the only truly happy
man. What a delightful life does he live, whose
prayers afford him constant communion with God ?
No fears and anxieties about future things need dis-
tract him, nor present difficulties and burdens weigh
him down. He may calmly, steadily, and cheerfully
pass through all the varieties of this life, living in
the most exalted and yet endearing friendship with
his Maker, having a constant support, and a hidden
but solid joy from intercourse with him, possessing
an ample resource in every circumstance here below,

C 2

20 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

and an assured expectation of everlasting felicity
with Him at whose right hand there are pleasures for
evermore. Let the happiness of the life of devotion
induce you diligently to seek divine grace, to enable
you to say with David, I give myself unto prayer.

These, and many other things which might be
mentioned, are the advantages of prayer. But men
err in two ways concerning this privilege ; some
wholly neglect their prayers, and some trust in them.
Some neglect prayer, and this on various grounds.
They say, God knows what I want without my
ASKING, and he is too wise and too good to need my
information in order to relieve me. This should be
an argument to raise your faith and hope, and not to
hinder your prayers. Matt. vi. 8, 9. God is indeed
wise, infinitely wise ; and, being so wise, he has in
his word directed you to make known your wants
unto him by prayer. His knowledge is one reason
why you should pray to him, and his goodness ano-
ther, why you may confidently apply to him. Will
you pretend to be wiser than he is? Whatever his
design may be in it, your duty is clear — to obey his
will. He knows when you will die, and might
support you without food, and yet you daily eat.
Remember, that it may be agreeable to perfect Wis-
dom to grant that to our prayers, which it would not
have been agreeable to the same Wisdom to have
given us without praying for. What if prayer be
his plan for making you humble, dependent, devout,
holy, believing, and thankful : in short, for impressing
you with a sense and feeling of your wants, and for
bringing you to a proper state of mind to receive his
blessing? But whatever his design may be, it is your
highest wisdom and interest to follow his directions.

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 21

. A similar objection is, that God is unchangeable,

AND PRAYER WILL NOT ALTER NOR REVERSE HIS

PURPOSES. — We do not say that prayer really changes
the purpose of God, though it may be sometimes so
expressed in condescension to our infirmities : but
we do say that his course of dealing is quite different
with those who pray, and those who do not. We may
think, indeed, that we are drawing God nearer to us,
when we in truth draw nearer to him ; as a person
with a boat-hook which he fixes to the shore is ready
to think, when he draws the boat, that he is moving
the land towards him, when in fact he himself is
coming nearer the land. But you quite mistake
the true design of this perfection of God, if you
think it should keep you from praying. The un-
changeableness of God, so far from being an argu-
ment against prayer, is the reason why you should
pray, and secure to yourself the fulfilment of his
promises. What are the purposes of God ? are they
known or secret ? If known, as if he has threatened
judgment, prayer may avert it. Look at the ex-
ample of Nineveh, and see the effect of the Ninevites
humbling themselves before God, though God had
threatened, Yet forty days and Nineveh shall he de-
stroyed. Prayer arrests the judgment. Or, if he has
made promises, it is still our duty to pray that they
may be accomplished. When Daniel knew that the
return of the Jews at a certain time was decreed of
God, it only stirred him up to pray more earnestly
for the blessing. You cannot tell what the secret
purposes of God are ; but you know that God has
appointed prayer as the means of obtaining good
and averting evil. If you neglect the means which
he has directed you to use, you have no reason to .

22 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

expect the blessing which you desire : but if you
are induced by his grace to use the means, it is a
good sign that you are likely to obtain the desired
end. Remember, then, that though there be no
variableness nor shadow of turning with him, yet the
means are ordained as well as the effect ; and pray
to gain that which God ordains to be obtained by
prayer. Jesus Christ himself prayed, and com-
manded you to pray ; and an excuse drawn from the
unchangeableness of God will never avail you in
answer to a plain command, sanctioned by such an
example, and especially when there are such great
and evident advantages in obtaining your desires
through prayer.

Others say, I cannot pray. Indeed you cannot
of yourselves, and this is your guilt and your sin ;
but you may pray by the help of God, and I purpose
to shew how to them that have no might God increaseth
strength. But have you ever tried to pray? have
you ever asked God to enable you to pray? Many
children, when a hard lesson is given them, say to
their teachers, I cannot learn it ! yet by trying, and
attending to the instructions they receive, the hardest
lessons are mastered. So it will be with you as to
prayer. Only try, remembering that God accepts
the willin'g mind, 2 Cor. viii. 12. The greatest
obstacle is not want of ability, but want of will. I
know that the poor often say, I have no book-learn-
ing, and therefore cannot pray. And some are
ignorant enough to suppose that only ministers of
religion need pray. Had you no personal wants,
then indeed you might more plausibly thus reason.
But prayer must be the act of your own mind, of
yourself individually. God requires you to pray.

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 23

the prayer of your minister, your relatives and
friends, does not make your own prayer unnecessary.
Their prayers may be of use in obtaining for you
grace to seek God more earnestly ; but you cannot
expect to obtain his mercy and blessing, unless you
yourself unfeignedly apply to the throne of grace.
And as to ability to pray, it is a deep sense of your
necessities, and a simple faith in God's word, that
are the great helps to real prayer. Hence all per-
sons, high and low, learned and unlearned, are by
nature on a level in this respect. A beggar, feeling
his poverty and wretchedness, does not want book-
learning to teach him how to come to ask your alms.
He simply tells you his distress, points to his tattered
garments, or his pallid or diseased body, and thus
most effectually makes his way to your heart. And
so, though you cannot read, you may still pray to
God, and be accepted by him.

It is not an uncommon objection, * I am too much
OCCUPIED TO pray: Prayer is very proper for those
who have time, but I am so full of other engagements
that I cannot attend to it.' — You surely do not mean
to say so ! Time ! cannot get time ! how do you
employ your time? Is none of it wasted in sinful
pleasures or pursuits? Do you never find leisure to
talk about your children's or friend's good qualities?
Do you never find opportunities to thank men for
earthly favours ? and have you not time to acknow-
ledge God's goodness, of which your lives are full ?
If you are afflicted, can you not find time to unbosom
yourself to a friend, who yet perhaps can afford you
no effectual help ; and should you not tell your cares
and sorrows to God, your best, friend, who can de-
liver you from all your troubles ? But you forget

24 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

that devotion itself is the most important part of your
business, — the greatest work of your life. You have
more to do with God than with the whole world.
Prayer will obtain God's blessing on all you do. It
will prepare you for a happy eternity. You are not
lavishing away your time or misemploying it by
prayer. It was a saying of Dr. Donne's, ' that the
only time he saved, or employed to the best purpose,
he spent in piety and prayer, and in doing good.'
I answer your plea of business, by the experience of
a devout man who sajd, ' When I have hastened over
the duties of God's worship, out of a too eager desire
to follow my worldly business, I did many times
meet with some secret cross in my affairs ; whereas
when I took my ordinary time, God did make my
other business to succeed the better, or else my mind
was brought to a quiet submission to the divine will.'
-No business in the world brings such unspeakable
gain as private prayer does. He that prays well will
do all well besides.^ What are you labouring for?
the good things of this life? Remember, then, that
devotion ' procures,' as Barrow observes, ' wealth
inestimably precious, pleasure infinitely satisfactory,
honour incomparably noble, above all that this world
can afford.' Look at David, Daniel, and St. Paul,
men the meet constant in devotion, and yet inces-

' Fenelon, quoted by Shepherd, remarks, ' We must reserve the
needful hours for communion with God in prayer. Persons who are
in considerable offices, have so many indispensable duties to fulfil,
that scarcely any time remains to them for communion with God,
except they strictly apply themselves to its regulation. It is neces-
sary then to be firm in adopting and observing a rule. Our rigour
in this may seera'excessive ; but without it all falls into confusion ;
we are dissipated and relaxed : we lose our strength} we are insen-
sibly at a distance from God.*

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 25

santly engaged, and manifestly blessed, in their
several stations.

Another man will tell us, I find no benefit from
PRAYER. — I have prayed, and seem no better for it;
nay, rather worse. — If you feel more of your guilt
and sinfulness, that of itself is an advantage, and
should bring you more to the Saviour. This is a
vain excuse. Shall the minister give up preaching
because his congregation seem to receive no imme-
diate benefit? Shall the husbandmen, because the
seed just sown in one part of the field has not directly
sprung up, not sow the remainder of the field? Let
this objection lead you not to forget your prayers,
but to examine their character. We know that true
prayer is attended with the greatest benefits. One
devout person would sometimes say to her friend, ' I
would not be hired out of my closet for a thousand
worlds.'

Some venture to say, ' I am too wicked to pray.
— The sacrifices of the wicked are an abomination to
the Lord. Is it my duty to pray while unregenerate?'
But he who thinks that he shall get rid of the duty
of prayer on account of his wickedness, does not only
confess, but aggravate his guilt and his condemna-
tion. You must not, indeed, come with the same
wicked mind with which you committed your sins ;
but go grieved and penitent; and the sooner you go
the better. The ploughing of the wicked, all they do,
is sin ! and yet even a worldly man would not there-
fore justify them in being idle. Your neglect of
prayer is perhaps the very cause of your wickedness.
Begin to seek the grace of prayer, and God will give
you grace to amend. It is your duty, though unre-
generate, to pray, and to pray especially for a new

26 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

heart. When God has promised the new heart and
the new spirit to the Jews, he adds, I will yet for this
be inquired of hy the house of Israel to do it for them.
Ezek. xxxvi. 26, 37. Who more wicked than Simon
Magus? and yet the apostle calls on him to repent
and pray to God. Acts viii. 21, Your guilt should
bring you to the Saviour, and not keep you from
him. Will not the sick man desire to see the physi-
cian? Is keeping at a distance, and contemptuous
and negligent conduct in the offender, as likely to
gain the favour of him that is offended, as a humble
and meek confession of faults, and entreaty for par-
don ? All the practice and conduct of man, all your
own experience, all the confessions of sin, and all
the petitions for mercy which are recorded in the
Bible, testify against such an idea. If your confes-
sion of wickedness be the real feeling of your heart,
you must see it is the very reason that you should
immediately begin to meditate on your sad^condi-
tion, to repent, and seek God's mercy in prayer. But
if it be not the feeling of your heart, this excuse for
neglecting prayer needs no answer.

There are others who seem to think that all exhort-
ations to prayer savour of legality. We are to be
saved by believing, and not by working. — But how
gross is the mistake of such ! We press it not as a
mere task or a meritorious labour, but as a plain
duty. We state it to be a privilege and a blessing
bestowed on all the children of God. We are not, it
is true, saved by our prayers, but by Christ ; yet we
shall never be saved without prayer, for the spirit of
prayer is a part of our salvation. JLiving in neglect
of prayer is a plain proof, whatever men's notions or
fancies may be, whatever their doctrinal sentiments

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 27

are, that they have none of the spirit of adoption,
and so do not belong to Christ. Nay, a disregard of
prayer shews that you have none of the real feelings
of evangelical truth, which, working by love, ever in-
fluences the soul to seek the presence of him we love.

Is there not at the bottom of all these objections, a
reason of this kind : I dislike prayer — It puts a
restraint upon all my ways — It compels me to think
of that which I had rather forget? — But what are
you thus owning yourself to be? It is the character
of the wicked, that God is not in all his thoughts ; they
dislike to retain God in their knowledge. Ah ! re-
member that, at one time or other, all flesh must come
before God ; he now sits on a throne of grace, where
you may obtain mercy; he will hereafter sit on a
throne of judgment, where he will for ever condemn
those who have not sought and found grace to help in
time of need.

This neglect of prayer is the fault of many ; but
there is a generation who are righteous in their own
eyes, who trust in their prayers. They reason,
little as they think it, on the supposition that for
every prayer they make, God is, as it were, so much
in debt to them, and that thus by the multitude of
their prayers they deserve heaven. This is a common
but a strange mistake. What merit can there be in
begging and seeking that, which if we obtain, lays
us under increased obligations? Israel of old /<?/-
lowed after the law of righteousness, but did not attain
it, because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by
the 2vorks of the law. Is not this too much your case?
Be not mistaken: though prayer is good in its proper
place, it is not good in the way of meriting any
thing from God. It is not good in the way even of

28 THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER.

disposing God to give. He is ever ready to give
abundantly unto us, " more ready to hear than we
are to pray, and vv^ont to give more than either we
desire or deserve." But it is good as it is pursuing
the plan which God has appointed for obtaining his
blessings ; — it is good, as it is the way in which he
bestows them. Renounce, then, your own righteous-
ness ; and thus humbly and believingly seek, and
you shall find.

If you did but know the true character of your
fancied righteousness, you would say with Isaiah,
all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags, as a rejected
garment. You would enter into the feelings of the
excellent Bishop Beveridge, who declares,^ ' I know
not how it is with others, but for my own part I do
not remember, neither do T believe, that I ever
prayed in my life-time with that reverence, or heard
with that attention, or did any other work, with that
pure and single eye, as I ought to have done.' ' Or,'
as he says in another place, ' I do not only betray the
inbred venom of my heart, by poisoning my common
actions, but even ray most religious performances
also with sin. I cannot pray but I sin ; I cannot
hear or preach a sermon, but I sin ; I cannot give an
alms, or receive the sacrament, but I sin. Nay, I
cannot so much as confess my sins, but my very con-
fessions are still aggravations of them ; my re-
pentance needs to be repented of; my tears want
washing ; and the very washing of my tears needs
still to be Mashed over again with the blood of my
Redeemer. Thus not only the worst of my sins, but
even the best of my duties speak me a child of

' See Beveridge's Private Thoughts, a most useful and practical
book for the young Christian.

THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER. 29

Adam. Insomuch that whenever I reflect on my
past actions, methinks I cannot but look on my whole
life, from the time of my conception to this very mo-
ment, to be but as one continued act of sin/

With these feelings, you would be sensible at
once, that Jesus Christ is the only and complete
Saviour of sinners, and that it is only by his obedience
many are made righteous. Instead of trusting in your
prayers, you would mourn over their imperfections,
and be led to trust simply, wholly, and entirely, in
Christ and him crucified. An old writer, Scudder,
observes, " God uses, when he is overcome by prayer.''
(alluding to Jacob, Gen. xxxii. 28.) *' to work in
them that do overcome, some sense of weakness, to
let them know that they prevail with him in prayer,
not by any strength of their own, not by any worthi-
ness of their prayers, when they have prayed best,
but from the goodness of God's free grace, from the
worthiness of Christ's intercession, by whom they
offer up their prayers, and from the truth of his pro-
mise made unto them that pray. If it were not thus,
many when they have their heart's desire in prayer,
would ascribe all to the goodness of their prayers,
and not to the free grace of God ; and would be
proud of their own strength, which is in truth none
at all."

I have thus endeavoured to shew you the nature
and privilege of prayer ; may you be so convinced
that it is your duty, as to be desirous of further in-
struction on this subject.

30 HOW SINNERS MAY COME TO GOD.

CHAPTER III.

THE GROUND ON WHICH SINNERS CAN COME TO THE
HOLY GOD.

The great God is unutterably holy. This is the cha-
racter in which the seraphim above celebrate his
praise : One cried unto another, and said. Holy, holy,
holy, is the Laid of hosts : the whole earth is full of his
glory. How then can sinful worms of earth come into
his presence? How can we approach, with any con-
fidence, this holy God? Our carnal mind is enmity
against God. We fly from his presence. Prayer is a
task and a burden to an alienated mind.

How can all this be so changed that I can delight
in God's holiness, that I can with confidence ap-
proach him, that I can see his loving-kindness to me
a sinner, and rejoice in him always?

God has provided for this great necessity of our
fallen nature. In his infinite love and mercy he has
made it easy, practicable, and delightful, for the most
sinful immediately to return to him, and enter at
once into the privilege of prayer.

It is justly asked. How can two walk together, ex-
cept they be agreed ? But God has, in his boundless
grace and love, laid an ample foundation for the re-

HOW SINNERS MAY COME TO GOD. 31

conciliation of our souls to the Holyj God : and oh,
what treasures of loving kindness are developed in
the wondrous plan ! The incarnation, the life, the
sorrows, the agonies, and the death of the Lord Jesus,
irresistibly evidence, to the believing heart, God's
intense love to us sinners, and yet his inextinguish-
able and most awful wrath against sin, and his per-
fect and spotless holiness. God loves me, I see here
as clear as the noon-day ; but with a holy love that
makes me hate sin, and view it, as my loving Father
views it, as of all evils the greatest and most abomin-
able. Thus God hath reconciled us to himself hy Jesus
Christ. The ministry of reconciliation is, that God
was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, not
imputing their trespasses unto them.

Oh what a depth of holy love was that, how great
the mystery of godliness, when God was manifest in the
fleshy and identified himself with us ! God sent his
own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin
condemned sin in the flesh. Jesus put himself in the
place of sinners and suffered for us the just for the
unjust. What love there must be in God to us !
What holiness there must be in Gpd I What hatred
of all sin, and yet what compassion for sinners. See
Jesus weeping over the lost Jews in Jerusalem. It
is the mind of God. How he sympathizes with us
in our misery ; and yet his purity and holiness de-
mand the punishment of those who perseveringly
reject his great salvation: and therefore he pours
out the afl'ecting desire. Oh that thou hadst known, even
thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong
unto thy peace ! How clear it is that he loves us sin-
ners, and would have us to be saved ! Behold, the
Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world !

32 HOW SINNERS MAY COME TO GOD.

It is by viewing God as displayed in the whole
work of the Lord Jesus Christ, that I a sinner can
see all my sins forgiven through this stupendous
sacrifice. Thus, thus only, the enmity of my heart
against him is put away, and I can have full confi-
dence in approaching the Holy God. Let me credit
God's word really ; let me not reckon God false, but
true ; let me receive the testimony concerning his
Son, (1 John v. 9 — 12.) and joy and peace, love and
holiness enter my heart, and lean go to God with
the same confidence with which the unsinning angels
go to him. How very strong are the beautiful expres-
sions of God's own word ? Having, therefore, brethren,
BOLDNESS to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,
by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for
us, through the veil, that is to say Ins flesh ; and having
an High Priest over the house of God, let us di'aw near
with a true heart, in FULL ASSURANCE OF FAITH, having
our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our
bodies washed with pure water: or as in another place
let us come BOLDLY to the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need ;
or again, Through him we have access by one Spirit unto
the Father ; or again. In Jesus we have boldness and
access with confidence by the faith of him. Do, reader,
notice the anxiety of the Holy Spirit to shew the
freedom of the sinner's access with holy boldness
and confidence, and cast away all doubts and sus-
picions of God's love and of his willingness to receive
you, as the very suggestion of Satan the great enemy
of your souls. Whoever you are, there is no reason
why you should not, by Jesus, at once, go to God
and delight in his presence and love to you, and
obtained from him every promised blessing.

HOW SINNERS MAY COME TO GOD. 33

Do you say this is a blessed state for those who
believe it, but I am unable to believe ? Oh do not,
with a mocked humility and feigned modesty, thus
allow yourself the carnal gratifications of your alien-
ated mind. Oh it will not do ! You are deceiving
yourselves. The real truth is, you are accusing God
of falsehood. You are alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in you, because of the
hardness of your heart. Let the light of his truth
beam upon you ; receive God's word as you receive
man's word, and you must see that the " I cannot
believe," is really, *' I will not believe."

But to make this matter still plainer, the very pro-
vision which God makes in the gospel is all for your
sinfulness, unworthiness, and helplessness. God has
provided help for your unbelief. Jesus has received
gifts for the rebellious, yes, he has all things pertaining
to life and godliness. He bestows the Holy Spirit, he
bestows faith, he bestows the Spirit of grace and sup-
plication. He casts out none that come to him. He
enables those that look to him to pray in the Holy
Ghost. It is wholly your own fault, your own un-
belief, if you do not now, without delay, enjoy the
privilege of prayer. God invites you to come, he
promises you his Spirit, he tells you he loves you,
though sinful in ten thousand repeated forms, and
especially by the death of his Son ; (Rom. v. 6 — 11.)
he assures to you every blessing, simply on asking !
O reader ! perish not with the aggravated guilt of
neglecting so great salvation. There is in this day
of grace the fullest ground for your entire confidence
in approaching the most holy Jehovah, and the fullest
supply of strength and ability in Jesus to enable you
to do this.

D

34 THE ASSISTANCE OF

CHAPTER IV.

THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN PRAYER.

Suppose the case of a calm at sea. The ship in the
midst of the ocean is sometimes arrested in its pro-
gress by a dead calm. Every sail is spread to catch
the dying breeze, but all in vain. The vessel conti-
nues almost motionless on the vast expanse, or only
rocked to and fro by the swell of the sea. The ma-
riners look out day after day, with longing eyes, for
a favourable gale to carry them onward ; and per-
haps when they almost despair of attaining it, then,
in this hour of need, the sea manifests in the distance
a darker hue, some clouds are seen rising in the
horizon, a ripple appears upon the water, the sails
begin to fill, the wished-for breeze springs up, the
sea parts and foams, and the ship darts along towards
its destined port.

Thus it is with the Christian. He needs the breeze
from above, and could not, without it, advance on
his course. Sometimes, after using every means of
grace, his soul seems motionless in the voyage, and
his heart sighs and longs for better days. His sails
are spread, he is on his way, longing and waiting for,

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 35

and yet not immediately receiving, the favourable
breath of heaven. It is delayed, perhaps, to shew
him his own inability and weakness, that he is en-
tirely dependent on divine grace, and that the Holy
Spirit is the free gift of God. But he is waiting for
the breeze, and at length the wind blows, every sail
is filled, every faculty, affection, and power is en-
gaged ; he proceeds rapidly in his course, and is
wafted along toward the desired haven.

Without me, says Christ, ye can do nothing. The
words are full and express ; nothing, nothing pleas-
ing to God.

We are by nature averse to prayer. If prayer
were natural to us, we should find no difficulty in
having our hearts engaged in an intercourse so ad-
vantageous and so honourable. But who that has
attempted this duty, has not found an averseness of
heart, a distaste or disrelish, when about to engage
in secret prayer? The soul is often straitened, shut
up, and closed. Though the Christian knows it to
be both hisduty and his privilege to pray, he some-
time finds an insuperable impotency and unwil-
lingness. His mind is perhaps filled with worldly
cares and anxieties ; his affections are wandering
after a thousand vanities ; and he finds it a laborious
effort to drag his soul to the throne of grace.

We are also ignorant as to the subjects of
PRAYER. — We knoiv not what to pray for as we ought,
Rom. viii. 26. We indeed feel our misery, but are
not fully acquainted either with the cause or the
remedy. Blind men may be conscious of the evil
which surrounds them, but cannot see the way to
avoid it, nor know how to obtain that which will be
for their good. If we know at all what to pray for,

D 2

36 THE ASSISTANCE OF

yet we have not adequate views of our original de-
pravity, and of our exceeding sinfulness and unbe-
lief; nor of the fulness and power of Christ the
Saviour. We do not regard the glory of God, but our
own ease and pleasure. By nature we love outward
good, and are ready to ask in sickness for health, in
pain for ease, in sorrow for comfort, in poverty for
wealth, in disregard and contempt, for honour and
esteem ;--without considering God's glory, or our
eternal good. The mother of Zebedee's children
asked for a place of great honour for her sons ; but
our Lord said. Ye knuiv not what ye ask. Matt. xx. 22.
Often those things which we are ready to ask for,
would, if God were to give them to us, be our great-
est curse.

Nor, however useful and valuable in themselves,
do forms of prayer remedy our ignorance. It is one
thing to repeat a form of prayer from a book, or from
memory : and it is another thing to have the spirit of
prayer in the heart. Two persons may use the same
words, and one be worshipping God in spirit and in
truth ; whilst the other is drawing near to Him with
his lips only, and his heart is far from Him.

This ignorance in the understanding is accom-
panied also with a perverseness in the affec-
tions.— We have that carnal mind within us, which
is enmity against God. Therefore, though we have
all knowledge, though we may pray, either by the
most excellent of forms, or by the exercise of the un-
derstanding, our affections do not naturally rise to
God. The matter of our prayer may be good : but
the Lord looks at the heart that offers it up. Are
your prayers then ofl'ered up with a humble and be-
lieving heart ? are your affections holy and heavenly ?

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 37

are your desires ardent and steady ? or, do you not
often feel an insurmountable langour oppressing you,
so that, like David, your soul cleaves to the dust?

It will make the subject more plain, if we endea-
vour to shew the state of the heart in public worship.
Judging only by the outward expressions of peni-
tence and contrition, of holy desire and warm thanks-
giving, of earnest intercession, we should say. What
heavenly Christians are these ! But could we see all
that the eye of God discerns in the hearts of the wor-
shippers, the vain thoughts and distractions, the
earthly schemes and plans contriving and executing
in the midst of all this apparent devotion, what a
mockery would our solemn meetings be often found
to be; the very house of God turned again into a
den of thieves! Prov. v. 14. Oh what a cold, wander-
ing, and distracted heart is often concealed under
the drama, as it were, of pure and heavenly prayers !

I have stated thus fully the infirmities and defi-
ciencies connected with the performance of this holy
duty, in order that the absolute necessity of divine
assistance may be more clearly perceived. Blessed
be God, we need not be left to ourselves, under the
wretchedness and ruin of our fallen nature. How-
ever great and multiplied our infirmities, however
dark our ignorance, however dull and dead our
hearts, there is a power that can raise, support, en-
lighten, and revive.

The necessity of the assistance of the Holy Spirit,
is a principle of main and vital importance in the
Christian system: and therefore the Scriptures are
very express upon it.

The Holy Ghost is plainly promised to the
CHURCH. — Thus it is foretold, / ivill pour my Spirit

38 THE ASSISTANCE OF

upon thy seed, and my hlessiny upon thine offspring.
Isaiah xliv. 3. I will put my Spirit within you. Ezek.
xxxvi. 27. And our Lord evidently extends the pro-
mise of the Spirit to all that seek it, when he says,
If ye, being evily know how to give good gifts unto your
children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give
the Holy Spii^it to those that ask him ? Luke xi. 13.

The Holy Spirit is promised for the purpose of
ASSISTING us IN OUR PRAYERS. — That promise is
directly in point — I will pour upon the house of David,
and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of
grace and of supplications. Zech. xii. 10. Again, the
apostle thus describes the experience of Christians —
The Spirit also helpeth our infirmities : for we know not
what we should pray for as we ought : but the Spirit
itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings which
cannot be uttered. Rom.viii. 26. Dr. Owen observes,
that " it cannot be denied, that the assistance which
the Holy Spirit gives us, in our prayers and sup-
plications, is more frequently and expressly asserted
in the scriptures, than any other operation of his
whatever."

The scriptures also, when exciting us to the duty
of prayer, direct us to pray through the aid of the
Holy Ghost. Thus Jude says (ver. 20, 21), Praying
in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God,
looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto
eternal life. St. Paul says. Praying alivays tvith all
prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching
thereunto with all perseverance. Eph. vi. 18.

This aid of the Spirit in prayer is a blessing

WHICH BELONGS TO ALL THE CHILDREN OF GOD. —
Because ye are sonSf God hath sent forth the Spirit of
his Son into your hearts, crying; Abba, Father! Gal.

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 39

iv. 6. Ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby
we cry, Abba, Father! Rom. viii. 15.

Indeed the gift of the Spirit is the great promise of
the New Testament. It is the grand privilege of the
Christian church, that, since the resurrection of
Christ, a larger measure of that Spirit has been given
to the people of God. Jesus Christ was to baptize
his people with the Holy Ghost. Matt. iii. 11. He
told his disciples just before his death, It is expedient
for you that I go away ; for if I go not away, the Com-
forter will not come unto you ; but if I depart, I ivill
send him unto you. John xvi. 7.

The sentiments of the church of Eugland on this
doctrine are very clearly expressed. Thus in the
13th Article it is said, " Works done before the grace
of Christ, and the inspiration of his Spirit, are not
pleasant to God." In the sermon or homily for
Rogation week, it is said, " That we may boldly come
in prayer, and call upon Almighty God as our Father,
it is by his Holy Spirit, which maketh intercession
for us with continual sighs.^' Hence we find in the
Liturgy various prayers expressly for the aid of the
Holy Spirit. " Grant that thy Holy Spirit may in
all things direct and rule our hearts.''^ " Cleanse
the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy
Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee."^
These, with many other similar passages, which
might be brought, show the mind of our Reformers
on this subject.

Having shewn the necessity of the Spirit's aid, I

> Collect, igthSunday after Trinity.
' Collect before Communion Service. See also Art. 10, 11 ; 2n(i
Collect at Evening Prayer; 5th Sunday after Easter; 13th Eifter Tri-
nity. The Petitions, " Endue us with the grace of thy Holy Spirit,"
" Take not thy Holy Spirit from us," teach the same truth.

40 THE ASSISTANCE OF

would now endeavour in some measure, to explain
how this aid is given. The scriptures express it
generally under the terms, helpeth our infirmities^ and
maketh intercession for us, &c. '

The Holy Spirit helps our infirmities, — The
original expression for helpeth {awavriKayi^&virai) im-
plies that the Spirit takes upon himself a large part
of the burden by which our infirmity is weighed
down, and not only succours us in a slight degree,
but effectually relieves us by bearing himself, as it
were, the burden with us. " The image is taken
from one who sets his shoulders and lifts with us at
the same load. What if it be not said in scripture
that we shall be wholly delivered in this world from
our moral sicknesses? it is sufficient cause for thank-
fulness that we are effectually assisted under them."
Even a renewed soul cannot of itself raise its affec-
tions and desires after heavenly things. We find
the remains of our corrupt nature an oppressive load ;
but if we ask and diligently seek for the aid of the
Spirit, that burden under which we are ready to sink
will be removed, and our hearts raised in prayer to
God; the Spirit will relieve us in our necessities.
Preston, in his Treatise called " The Saint's Exer-
cise," thus illustrates the subject: " A fountain has
always an aptness to pour forth water, but cannot if
it be stopped by mud, stones, or other impediments ;
so in prayer the spirit is willing (to pray or do other
duties), but the flesh is iveak. Yet here the Holy
Ghost helps our infirmities, removing stoppages from
the fountain, taking away carnal impediments, and
stirring up the regenerate part, whereby we are able
to make a spiritual prayer unto God.

The Holy Spirit enlightens the understanding, to

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 41

shew us what we need ; and sanctifies the heart, so
that we desire what is really good for us. He re-
moves our natural ignorance and blindness. We
know not our sinfulness and unbelief; but the Holy
Spirit reproves or convinces the world of sin, because
they believe not on Christ. John xvi. 9. He thus shews
us our great and alarming danger, and inclines us
earnestly to seek deliverance.

Our Lord says to the Apostles, The Comforter^
which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father luill send in
my name, he shall bring all things to your remembrance,
whatsoever I have said unto you. John xiv. 26. We
may, therefore, reasonably conclude that the Holy
Spirit acts upon our minds after this manner, bring-
ing the declarations, the threatenings, and the pro-
mises of the word of Christ to our recollection ; and
thereby producing in us a desire to obey his word,
escape his displeasure, and obtain his favour.

The enlightening and sanctifying influences of the
Spirit are of great importance as to prayer, being
needful in preparing our hearts for holy intercourse
with God, and for desiring those things which will
glorify him, and really benefit our own souls.

But especially the Holy Spirit sheds abroad the love
of God in our hearts, taking of the things of Christ
and shewing them to us, and so effectually drawing
our hearts out in full confidence and love to the
throne of grace. Oh may we richly experience this,
daily and constantly !

We know not what to pray for as we ought. St.
James affirms. Ye ask and receive not, because ye ask
amiss, to consume it on your lusts. This being so, the
Holy Spirit maketh intercession for us, according to the
will of God. Rom. viii. 27. He directs and guides

42 THE ASSISTANCE OF

our minds to right ends in asking, and the Lord knows
the mind of the Spirit. He approves and accepts the
prayer made under his influence.

The intercession of the Holy Spirit differs
from that of Christ. Our Lord intercedes in heaven,
separate and apart from us, by himself, at the throne
of glory. The Holy Spirit intercedes in, and with
our hearts, at the throne of grace. The gift and in-
tercession of the Holy Spirit is the fruit and effect
of the intercession of Christ, who, when he ascended
up on highy led captivity captive, and received this gift
for men, yea, even for the rebellious.

Christians have, then, the intercession, the additi-
onal interposition of the Holy Spirit, like a powerful
and able advocate, who takes up our sinking cause,
urges our necessities and our pleas, with power,
earnestness, and perseverance, and places them with
strong and irresistible effect in such a light, that it is
evident the suit is obtained and the request granted.
Thus the Spirit maketh intercession for us, suggest-
ing to us, and offering up in us, those desires, argu-
ments, and pleas, which would otherwise never have
risen in our minds.

" The Holy' Spirit," says one of the Reformers,
" excites within us confidence, desires, and sighs, to
the conception of which our native powers were alto-
gether inadequate.'" There are pious persons of very
poor attainments in other respects, without learning
or human acquirements, in the very lowest stations
of life, who, asking for the aid of the Holy Spirit,
can, with the greatest propriety of expression, the
deepest reverence, and an uninterrupted fluency of
words, pour out their souls to God, and edify their
families and their neighbours. Indeed, have not

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 43

those who entirely decry the assistance of the Holy
Spirit, as given to believers in our days, reason to
fear lest they should be guilty, in some measure, of
the sin of blasphemy against him ?

There is a distinction, not improperly made, be-
tween the gift and the grace of prayer, though per-
haps the more just distinction would be between the
talent of elocution and the spirit of prayer. Some
have a natural or acquired power of a great command
of words, and a full flow of language, which enables
them to pray with facility, and so far it is very desir-
able ; and I hesitate not to say with Dr. Watts, that
" there is the ordinary assistance of the Spirit re-
quired, even to the attainment of this holy skill, or
ability to pray." But men may have this talent, and
yet have none of those real feelings of want, desire,
resignation, peace, hope, joy, &c., which form the
essence of true prayer, and without which the best
expressions are of little worth. The right spirit of
prayer is not merely to be able to press God with the
most proper words and urgent vehemence : this is
talent and elocution. True prayer is a higher thing,
the special gift of the Holy Ghost ; not so much a
matter of the lips, as of the heart. He has the most
of this gift, who " has the most enlightened appre-
hension of the God to whom he speaks : the deepest
sense of his own wants: the most eager longings after
grace, the most fervent desires of supplies from
heaven ; and, in a word, whose heart sends up the
strongest cries to the Father of Mercies." Hence
many may have much of the spirit of prayer, who
have but a small degree of the power of utterance.

Much, indeed, of the work of the Spirit is secret.
We know not various particulars connected with it.

44 THE ASSISTANCE OF

We know it rather by its effects, than by its mode of
operation. The ivind bloweth where it listeth, and thou
hearest the sound thereof, hut canst not tell whence it
Cometh, and whither it goeth ; so is every one that is born
of the Spirit. We experience its power, and that is
sufficient. The Christian knows that he has often
knelt down averse to prayer, dead, dull, stupid ;
almost without desiring the blessings for which he
ought to ask. And yet with all his weakness, after
looking for the aid of the Spirit, after praying as did
David, Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall
shew forth thy praise, (Psalm li. 15,) and persevering
in asking, seeking, and knocking, (Matt. vii. 7,) he
has in such a remarkable way experienced the pre-
sence of God, as to fill him with joy unspeakable,
and a hope full of glory. He has in these cases some-
times found an unction, an enlargement of expres-
sion, so far beyond anything that he had previously
calculated on, or could expect, accompanied by such
lively and vehement desires and thirstings after God
and holiness and glory, as satisfactorily and evidently
to his mind, marked the agency and assistance of a
divine power which maketh intercession for us.

But farther, he maketh intercession with groanings
which cannot be uttered. I am sensible that I am here
bringing a subject forward which must be in a great
measure unintelligible (and may therefore appear ab-
surd) to those who have never experienced it: but
since the sacred writings have plainly stated it, we
should neither conceal it, nor keep it back. And
conceive the case of a mind truly and fully awakened
to see the shortness of time, the vanitj'^ of worldly
things, the unutterable glory of the blessed, the
never-ending anguish of the condemned, the bound-

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 45

less ages of eternity, the uncertainty of every moment,
and the inseparable connexion between obtaining
grace in this life, and glory in the next. Conceive
the mind open to just views of the loving-kindness
and glory of the great God, and our privilege to have
fellowship with him. If we realize this state of
mind, we may easily imagine that there are such
ardent thirstings wrought in the immortal soul, after
pardon, grace, Christ, heaven and God's glory, as no
words are great or strong enough to express. The
Psalms of David often manifest this state of mind —
My soulfainteth, he says, for thy salvation. O Lord^
hoio long ! I am weary with my groaning. Here we
may observe some of the groanings of him in whom
the Spirit intercedes ; but yet this intercession is
with such importunity of desires, such holy pleading
and wrestling with God, such ardour of spirit, such
inward labouring and working of the heart toward
God, as cannot be expressed by words.

It may be proper, for preventing mistakes, to add,
that it is not meant that we may now receive, or
expect those extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit,
which enabled the early Christians to pray in a
foreign tongue, or suggested every particular word
or expression. Our prayers are not so entirely under
the influence of the Spirit, as, like those of David, to
be properly the work of inspiration ; so much of our
weakness mingles with them, that we cannot say of
any sentence, This is the perfect work of the Spirit.
Every feeling, and desire, must also be tried by the
sacred touchstone of the word of God, that we may
know whence it comes. But the Holy Spirit does
give those graces of love, fear, hope, and joy, that
are suited to this duty ; does excite holy desires,

46 THE ASSISTANCE OF

raise holy expectations, and work holy affections in
us; — does, we are persuaded, often secretly, incline
our minds to pray, and help us in praying, giving us
clear perceptions, a ready utterance, and a humble
confidence : and this aid is totally distinct from, and
superior to, that general aid, which the providence
of God affords to men in general, in order to their
performance of the various actions of their natural
life. " The workings of the Spirit are not indeed,"
says Watts, " to be easily distinguished by ourselves,
or by others, from the rational motions of our own
hearts, influenced by moral arguments ; but by the
whole tendency, and the sanctifying effects, we may
know that we had some of the assistance of the
blessed Spirit/'

Some mistake in another way, supposing that men
should never attempt to pray but when they feel the
present impulse of the Holy Spirit. But in reply
it may be observed, that we are commanded to pray
always. Go forward in the duty, and you may expect
difficulties to be removed. Neglect not any proper
season of prayer ; nor, on the other hand, neglect any
duty of your station under the pretence of an impulse
to pray. The Holy Spirit draws us to God at fit
seasons.

We are not in danger of quenching, or grieving,
the Spirit, by the humble and diligent use of the
means of grace ; but there is much danger in losing
this heavenly guest by the indulgence of any sin, and
especially of any sensual iniquity. Psa. li. 11. Know
ye not that ye are the temple of God, and the Spirit of
God dwelleth in you? Oh defile not that temple ; pro-
voke not that Spirit ; live in the Spirit, and then you
will pray in the Spirit.

THE HOLY SPIRIT. 47

Having thus guarded against some mistakes, let
it be remarked, what a comfort it is that there is an
express promise that our heavenly Father will give his
Holy Spirit to them that ask him. You need not then
fear, however dull, or dead, or cold, your heart may
be, to set about this duty. Seek, and you may fully
expect to obtain that aid of the Spirit, which will
help you, and carry you through all your difficulties.
Be diligent in reading the Bible, in coming to the
Saviour, and in earnest entreaties for the influence
of his Spirit. If you would obtain much of this
divine influence, live near to your Lord, who gives
it. John xiv. 16, 17.

48 THE INTERCESSION OF

CHAPTER V.

THE INTERCESSION OF JESUS CHRIST.

You have now seen how the Holy Spirit assists us in
prayer; his aid, and the acceptance of our prayers,
are obtained through the intercession of Jesus Christ.
While the Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is God over
till, Messed for ever : it discovers to us also his media-
torial kingdom. It tells us that there is one Mediator
between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim.
ii. 5. Him hath God exalted, as a Prince and a Sa-
viour, to give many blessed gifts to his people.

The first fruits of his ascending up on high, was
the gift of the Holy Spirit. St. Peter shews us that
the prophet Joel had foretold that full effusion of the
Holy Spirit which took place on the ascension of
Jesus Christ, in these words — And it shall come to pass
in the last day, saith God, I will pour out my Spirit
upon all flesh. And, after describing other effects
of this, he says, And it shall come to pass, that whoso-
ever shall call on the name of the Lord shall he saved.
Our Lord also tells his disciples that he will pray
for this gift : he says, / will pray the Father, and he
shall give you another Comforter^ that he may abide

JESUS CHRIST. 49

with you FOR EVER. John xiv. 16. The gift of the
Spirit and the intercession of Christ, are thus con-
nected together in the sacred writings.

It is unnecessary here to enter on a description of
this intercession in all its bearings, it will be suffi-
cient chiefly to dwell on it with reference to our
prayers.

The intercession of Christ is his earnest address to
God, in behalf of those for whom he prays. In order
the better to understand this, consider the office

WHICH HE BEARS AS OUR HIGH PRIEST. — The high

priest of Israel had to burn incense in the holy place
on the altar of incense, morning and evening perpe-
tually throughout the year. Exodus xxx. 7, 8. And
he was once a year to appear in the holy of holies,
alone, to sprinkle blood upon, and before the mercy
seat; to make an atonement for himself, for his
household, and for all the congregation of Israel.
Lev. xvi. 14—17. The apostle shows us that this
was typical of Jesus Christ, who is not entered into
the holy place made with hands, which are the figures of
the true; hut into heaven itself, now to appear in the
presence of God for us. Heb. ix. 24. And he points
out the superior advantage of this priesthood on
account of the holy character and the enduring con-
tinuance of our High Priest: wherefore, he says, he
is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto
God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession
for them. Heb. vii. 25. While his people are praying
without (Luke i. 10), our High Priest is interceding
within, and ofleringup our prayers.

Indeed, other offices which Christ bears, are full
of comfort in our approaches to God. He is the
Way, the Truth, and the Life, by whom we go to the

£

50 THE INTERCESSION OF

Father. He is a Prophet, to teach us to pray, and a
King, who shall deliver the needy when he crieth ; the
poor also, and him that hath no helper.

Consider, then, his redemption. — Man was afar
off from God, guilty, and under the penalty of that
sentence, The soul that sinneth, it shall die. How
was the mercy of God to be displayed, and his jus-
tice remain unsullied? By the death of the Holy
Jesus, the Son of God, his justice is satisfied and
engaged on the sinner's side; so that his mercy may
flow to sinners in copious and uninterrupted streams.
This redemption is so large as to include all men.
He gave himself a ransom for all — a propitiation for
the sins of the whole world. Oh for faith in this
blessed truth ! The divine love has its brightest
displays, in being manifested towards the unworthy ;
and the Almighty arm is now stretched forth to save,
and not to destroy the sinful. All the perfections
of God being engaged on the sinner's side, the inter-
cession of Him who has accomplished this, will
evidently prevail. The sinner may now be received
as a child returning to a reconciled Father. Here,
then, and here only, is the true ground of encourage-
ment for us to draw near with confidence to the Holy
God.

Consider the situation of the intercessor. —
He is at the right hand of God. Romans viii. 34. We
may learn hence his power, his dignity, his holiness,
his interest with God, and his being ever present in
heaven for us. All power is given him in heaven and
earth. Matt, xxviii. 18. " All things go," says Bishop
Hopkins, " by favour and friendship in the courts
of heaven ; if we stand upon our own merits and
deserts, we shall be shamefully disappointed in our

JESUS CHRIST. 51

expectations ; we have no merit to take place in
heaven, but only the merit of the Lord Jesus Christ." '
Ah ! how absurdly do they act, who, when such an
Intercessor pleads for us, put their cause into the
hands of any creature, saint, or angel.

Consider his character. — He is the beloved Son
of God, the elect in whom his soul delighteth. Isaiah
xlii. 1. He is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from
sinners, and made highei^ than the heavens* Heb. vii. 26.
And with all this, he is full of compassion, tender-
ness, and love. We have not an High Priest which
cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, hut
was in all points tempted like as ive are, yet without sin.
Heb. iv. 15. He is one who can have compassion on
the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way.
Seeing then, that we have such a great, such a com-
passionate High Priest, that has passed into the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God, let us come boldly unto the throne
of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
in time of need. Heb. iv. 16.

Consider, farther, the nature of his interces-
sion.— St. John seems to give us an emblematic view
of this : (Rev. viii. 3, 4.) And another angel came
and stood at the altar, having a golden censer : and
there was given unto him much incense, that he should
offer it with the prayei's of all saints, upon the golden
altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of
the incense which came with the prayers of the saints
ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. Even
the prayers of the saints are so defective, that they
need the incense of our Redeemer's merit to make
them acceptable unto God.

Jesus Christ intercedes by personally appear-

1 See Bishop Hopkins's Works, a most valuable Body of Divinity.

E 2

52 THE INTERCESSION OF

ING FOR US BEFORE GoD.— In heavcn itself he novr
appears in the presence of God for us. This man,
after he had offered one sacrifice for sin, for ever sat
down on the right hand of God. Heb. x. 12. By his
own blood he entered in once into the holy place, Heb.
ix. 12. The virtue, merit, and power of that blood
still remains. How sure may we be, then, that he
will obtain what he asks, when he pleads that he
died to procure it. He ascended into heaven with
the body in which he suffered ; and we may imagine,
when he makes intercession, that body silently and
yet powerfully urging his plea in our behalf. Hence
St. John, who saw the glory of the inner temple of
God, says, / beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne,
stood a lamb as it had been slain. This view of the
subject has been well illustrated by the story of
Amyntas and JEchylas, related by the historian
^lian. ^Echylas was condemned to death by the
Athenians, and was about to be led to execution.
His brother Amyntas had signalized himself in the
service of his country, and on the day of a most
illustrious victory, in a great measure obtained by
his means, had lost his hand. He came into the
court just as his brother was condemned, and with-
out saying anything, exposed the stump of his arm
from his under garment, and held it up in their sight ;
and the historian tells us " that when the judges saw
this mark of his sufferings, they remembered what
he had done, and for his sake discharged the guilty
brother, whose life had been forfeited." The wounded
body of the Saviour, though there may remain no
visible marks of his humble state, is, in the sight of
God, thus perpetually pleading for his sinful and
guilty brethren. Not that God the Father is severe,

JESUS CHRIST. 53

austere, difficult to be entreated, or hard to be won ;
tfiis would be a very mistaken view of Him whose
name is love. The Father appoints this way of
approach in infinite compassion and love to us, that
we may come holdhf unto the throne of grace ; (Heb. iv.
16.) and though his holiness be such that he cannot
endure the approach of sinners without a Mediator,
yet it was his own free grace which moved him to
provide a Mediator, and disposes him to accept his
meditation in our behalf. Hence the Father himself
is represented as willing to hear us, when we pray in
the name of Jesus. Thus our Lord says to his dis-
ciples, (John xvi. 26, 27.) At that day ye shall ask
in my name, and I say not unto you that I will pray the
Father for you, for the Father himself loveth you.

Jesus Christ intercedes for his people by fraying
FOR THEM, — Does he see them exposed to the just
vengeance of the holy almighty God ? Is the sentence
gone forth, Cut it down, why cumhereth it the ground?
he prays, Let it alone this year also, and I will dig
about it, and dung it, and if it hear fruit, well ; hut if
not, after that, thou shall cut it down. Luke xiii. 8, 9.
Are any of his disciples exposed to peculiar temp-
tations and dangers, so that it may be said of them,
as it was of Peter, Satan hath desired to have you, that
he may sift you as wheat ? he adds, But I have prayed
for thee that thy faith fail not, Luke xxii. 32. Indeed,
we could never pray ourselves, nor could we ever
approach unto God so as to be accepted of him, but
through the intercession of Christ. No man, saith
our Lord, cometh unto the Father but by me. (John
xiv. 6.) By his prayers we receive the Holy Spirit,
(John xiv. 16.) and many other spiritual blessings.
In the 17th of John, you have a delightful specimen

54 THE INTERCESSION OF

and example of the prayers which Jesus our Lord
himself makes out for his people.

Jesus Christ also offers up our prayers. — It
was the office of the Jewish priests to present the
prayers of Israel unto God, at the time they burned
incense before the Lord on the altar. And thus our
High Priest, by his own intercession, makes even
our poor and imperfect sighs and groans prevailing
and effectual. The very best prayers we make, even
when aided by the Holy Spirit of our God, are so
tainted with our sins, and so mingled with our im-
perfections, as to need his meditation for their accept-
ance. He has assured us, (John xvi. 23.) Whatsoever
ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you ;
ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may he full. This
name of Christ enabled those who used it, through
faith in his name, to work miracles, cast out devils,
speak with new tongues, and oppose and overcome
Satan, the world, and the flesh ; and by it we shall
assuredly prevail in all our petitions. Our persons
and our prayers are accepted of God, in and by Jesus
Christ. Eph. i. 6 ; 1 Peter ii. 5.

It is delightful to consider further, that the inter-
cession OF OUR LORD IS ALL IN OUR BEHALF. It
is said of the prophet Elijah, Elias made intercession
to God ayainst Israel. " He was,'^ says Trail, " a
severe prophet, and had severe service put into his
hand ; but our great Prophet and High Priest makes
no intercession against his Israel, but all for them."
In that pattern of what he is doing, (John xvii.) we
may observe that he mentions not one fault of his
disciples, but selects what was good in their con-
duct, and then pleads their cause. Let us see in
this his love ; let us trust him entirely.

JESUS CHRIST. 55

The intercession of Christ is an enduring act of
mercy. His grace and love never fail. It is said
(Heb. vii. 25.) he ever liveth to make intercession.
Therefore the apostle adds, He is able to save to the
uttermost. We need not fear that we are now too
late to obtain the advantages of it. He intercedes
for his church now, as he did in the days of his flesh.
John xvii. 20, 24.

It is also an intercession for sinners. — It was
foretold of him, He bore the sins of many, and made
intercession for the transgressors. Isa. liii. 12. Hence
he prayed even for his murderers. When they had
taunted and reviled him, and nailed him to the
accursed tree, he still prays. Father, forgive them!
And there is a special intercession for his people
which may greatly encourage believers. St. Paul
says, ivho also maketh intercession for us. Rom. viii.34.
The connection here shews him to mean God's pecu-
liar people ; hence our Lord says, (John xvii. 9.) /
pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast
given me, for they are thine. Yet in that very prayer
he does afterwards include the world, Neither pray I
for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on
me through their word : That they all may be one, as
thou Father art in me^ and I in thee ; that they also may
be one in us, that the WORLD may believe that thou hast
sent me. Augustine says, " Christian men in their
prayers mutually recommend each other to the divine
regard. That person for whom no one intercedes,
while he intercedes for all, is the true and only
Mediator."

I have stated thus fully and plainly, from the holy
scriptures, the doctrine of the intercession of Jesus
Christ, because it is not only a most delightful truth

56 THE INTERCESSION OF

to those who feel the burden of their sins, but is
highly profitable to us when duly improved. To
this end it should be considered before, at the time
of, and after your prayers.

Before prayer. — Make it the only ground of
your encouragement to draw near to God. Do not,
on the one hand, trust in any preparation which you
may have made, or in any disposition which you may
have acquired; and on the other hand, whatever
your former transgressions, (Psalm xxv. 7.) or aggra-
vated wickedness may have been, (Psalm xxv. 9 ;
Ixxix. 8, 11.) or whatever is the conviction of your
present sinfulness, (Jer. xiv. 7.) or your indisposition
to approach God, still endeavour to come with free-
dom, knowing that you have an advocate with the
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ; and he is the prO'
pitiationfor our sins. 1 John ii. 1, 2.

At the time of prayer. — Let the intercession
of Christ encourage you. Expect through his medi-
ation, the Spirit of grace and supplication. Zech.
xii. 10. By the exercise of faith, however weak,
still expect to receive, out of his fulness, grace suited
to your necessity. However great the matter for
which you ask, however many things in jfourself may
tend to discourage or discomfort you, you have a
sufficient ground to hope for the acceptance of your
prayers, through the name and mediation of Jesus
Christ. His gracious intercession remains firm and
unchangeable. Let faith in Christ's merits quiet
and compose your troubled mind, and dispose and
strengthen you to leave every petition with comfort
and confidence in his hands.

After prayer. — However conscience may accuse
you of many wanderings, imperfections, and distrac-

JESUS CHRIST. 57

tions, or abuses of former answers to prayer, or how-
ever earnest or fervent your petitions : still plead for
acceptance only on this ground. Christ is your me-
diator. Your hope of a favourable reception of any
prayer is, and is only, in the name and work of
Jesus Christ, and not in your own prayers. A prac-
tical writer observes, ' If we have cast our anchor on
Christ, and rest upon his merits and intercession, in
order to the receiving of an answer to our prayer, we
shall have a sufficient hold to keep us sure and sted-
fast, in the midst of the tossing waves of this world.
By this we may answer all — Christ is faithful, and a
tender, sympathizing High Priest, and so will not,
and cannot forget or neglect our cause.' '

' He,' says Ambrose, ' is our mouth, with which we
address the Father ; our eye, by which we behold
him; our hands, by which we present ourselves to
him : without whose mediation, neither we, nor any
of all the saints, have the least intercourse with
God.'

1 Brown on Prayer -.—an author to whom the writer has been often
indebted.

58 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

CHAPTER VI.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

It is observed by Dr. Owen, * that if a man of a car-
nal mind be brought into a large company, he will
have much to do ; if into a company of Christians,
he will feel little interest; if into a still smaller, en-
gaged in religious exercises, he will feel still less ;
but if taken into a closet, and forced to meditate on
God and eternity, this will be insupportable to him.'
Man is evidently by nature averse to ail communion
with God. There is an enmity to be removed. Rom.
viii. 7. And hence arises the necessity of a change
of mind ; of obtaining a " spiritual mind," without
which, spiritual truths and exercises can neither en-
gage nor influence the heart. The glory of the gos-
pel is, that it makes full provision for our obtaining
this spiritual mind now, in the day of grace, through
faith in Jesus. The man who possesses a spiritual
mind, does, through the grace of the Holy Spirit,
often find that closet retirement, which Dr. Owen
states to be so insupportable to the carnal mind, a
real privilege.

The duty of prayer generally, has already been
proved ; and that of closet devotion is plain from our

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 59

Lord's direction, Matt. vi. 6. Let us endeavour, how-
ever, always to consider it as an advantage afforded
to us, rather than as a work required of us.

Baxter well expresses this : ^ ' What delightful
converse may a Christian have with God alone ! He
is always present, always at leisure to be spoken with,
always easy of access ! He has no interest that will
clash with our happiness. He never mistakes our
meaning nor our character. In proportion, indeed,
as anything of God appears in men, their converse
is excellent and delightful. But there is so much of
vanity and sin in all of us, as exceedingly darkens
our light, and damps the pleasure, and blasts the
profit of our mutual converse. How often have I
been delighted in God, when I have found most de-
ceit and darkness in the world ! How often has he
comforted me, when it was not in man to do it ! '

In order to have a fuller view of secret prayer, we
will consider it under different sections, as it is dis-
tinguished from other kinds of worship ; as it re-
spects the object of worship ; the subjects to be men-
tioned ; the use of forms ; the various parts, the fre-
quency, and the reward of prayer. After dwelling on
these particulars in this chapter, we may afterwards
be the more brief in remarks on other kinds of prayer.

Sect. I. — On Secret Prayer, as distinguished from
other kinds of Worship.

There are some things in which secret prayer

HAS AN advantage OVER SOCIAL AND PUBLIC WOR-
SHIP.— By praying in secret we give God the glory

' See his excellent little tract, * Converse with God in SoUtude.'

60 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

of his being everywhere present, and seeing and
knowing all things. We acknowledge not only his
general providence, as taking care of communities,
but his particular providence, as watching over us
individually. We express our faith in his presence,
his power, and his love.

The Christian can also in secret give free vent to
every desire; vary his requests according to the pre-
sent state of his mind, or the present necessities of
the day or hour in which he is living; he can dwell
on his personal wants ; and, in short, give full scope
to his feelings, and pour out his whole soul before
God, with a freedpm that he would not before his
dearest friend.

Prayer in secret is also considered by our Lord as
forming a line of distinction between the Christian
and the mere professor. When thou prayest thou shalt
not he as the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in
the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that
they may he seen of men. Matt. vi. 5. When we are
constant in secret prayer, not as an act of self-right-
eousness, but from a feeling of necessity, and of its
being both our duty and privilege, we may hope well
of our sincerity, and of the general state of our souls
before God.

Other advantages of secret prayer will be noticed
afterwards. But it must not be concealed, that there
are peculiar difficulties in constant and fer-
vent SECRET prayer. We have many adversaries
opposing us. We are by nature both reluctant to
the duty, and utterly helpless and insufficient in our-
selves. We can do nothing by our own strength :
though we may do all things by Christ strengthening
us. And besides the opposition of a corrupt nature

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 61

within, the temptations of the world without, con-
tinually draw and allure us from the practice of this
duty. Our great enemy, Satan, also uses every
temptation to keep us from secret prayer. Hence,
though it is a most evident and needful, as well as
profitable duty, yet it is one, which it is not easy
with constancy and effect to fulfil. Outward acts are
easy : we do not find it difficult to read the Bible, go
to church, or hear sermons ; but, in these to have
communion with God, or to persevere in constant,
fervent, and believing private prayer, requires divine
strength. ' It is easier,' says one, * to hear a whole
hour, than to pray for a quarter of an hour.' ' When,
says another, ' we have overcome the difficulties at
one time, it may be the next day we shall meet with
new conflicts, new distempers, new afflictions, new
strength of lusts, and a new indisposition of mind,
against which we must put on a strong and unal-
terable resolution ; as that holy man who said, he
never went to pray but he found so many impedi-
ments, that except he so bound himself by a firm de-
termination, he could never have been constant, or
kept himself from formal or customary performance.
It is well to know, however, where the strength for
the resolution is, — only in Christ: and how it is to
be received, — simply by faith in his word, and re-
ceiving thus out of his fulness. He gives grace, he
alone imparts strength for real prayer. Let it en-
courage us to consider, that nothing so efl'ectually as
prayer impairs the kingdom of darkness, and hinders
the success of our adversary. It is a just and excel-
lent observation, that, continuing in prayer will make
a man give over sinning ; or else continuing in sin
will make him give over praying.'

62 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

The retirement of private prayer specially
distinguishes it; and our Lord has, in a few words,
fully stated to us its true character in this respect. —
Thou, luhen thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and
when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which
is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret, shall
reward thee openly. The principle which is here in-
culcated is, the avoiding of all show in your religion,
any thing that might foster vain glory, or appear to
proceed from it. In actions done in public, opinions
and thoughts of others are apt to have an undue
weight and influence upon our minds. Our Lord is
not here speaking against public or social worship,
which he elsewhere commands (Matt, xviii. 20) ; but
is exposing the vain show and hypocrisy of mere pro-
fessors, having a form of godliness without the power.

That those who are here addressed do pray is taken
for granted: the duty is manifest and unquestion-
able : and the mode of our Lord's expression may
imply, that a Christian's living without prayer is a
contradiction in terms.

The retirement of private devotion is strongly in-
culcated in the expression, Enter into thy closet.
Retire from company. Go by thyself. Be alone.
The word Ta/xeiov (closet), means any retired solitary
place, at home or abroad, where we may escape from
the observation of others, and be undisturbed by
them; not that the closet itself possesses any sanc-
tity, or will work in the way of a charm. You are
not to go into your closet on that account; but you
retire from the notice of others to avoid ostentation
on the one hand, and distraction on the other. Shut
thy door. Keep out the world, and prevent every
intrusion ; thou hast a great business to transact with

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 63

thy God, and let not the dearest friend or relative
interfere with thy intercourse and converse with him.
The privacy of prayer is the great thing which is here
enforced. Poor persons who have but one apart-
ment, may enter into the spirit of this direction by
praying wherever they can be retired. Isaac's closet
was a field. He went out to meditate in the field at the
eventide. Gen. xxiv. 63. David's closet was his bed-
chamber. Commune with your own heart upon your
bed, and he still. Psalm iv. 4. Our Lord's closet was
a mountain. When he had sent the multitude away, he
went into a mountain apart to pray, and when the evening
was come, he was there alone. Matt. xiv. 23. Peter's
closet was the house-top. Peter went up upon the
house-top to pray, about the sixth hour. Acts x. 9.
Hezekiah's closet was turning his face towards the
wall, and praying unto the Lord. Isaiah xxxviii. 2.

But there is a retiredness of heart and a self-recol-
lection which is of greater importance than any par-
ticular place of prayer. This is the fruit of the Holy
Spirit; as has already been shewn ; let us then con-
tinually look for and solely depend on his aid, which
alone can enable us to give our whole hearts to this
great work. Some have found it a happy means of
assisting in gaining self-recollection, to have nothing
to do but to pray. " We must," says Bonnel, " shut
all other businesses from our minds at that time, and
say, I have nothing to do this half-hour, but to wait
on my God. For if we determine ourselves no time,
but are in haste to do something else, as soon as we
have done our prayers, it is a great hazard if we are
recollected at all during our worship.''

64 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

Sect. II. — On the Being to be worshipped.

It is evident that the Being whom all men are to
worship, must be every where present, have all
power, and know all things. Many prayers being
offered up, at the same time, by many persons, and
for different things, an assurance that he possesses
these attributes is necessary, in order to our placing
confidence in him that he will answer all, and give
to each that which is best in his particular situation.
Hence the absurdity of praying to saints and angels,
or through their mediation.

God is also infinitely holy and righteous ; a God
of truth and without inquity, just and right is he.
Deut. xxxii. 4. He has all means in his controul ;
he is Lord of all worlds; and he has all riches in
his possession. But when to these perfections we
can add the attributes of goodness, tenderness, and
love, we may then have the greatest confidence.
And this is the case with the Christian. He may
consider God not only as the Father of the human
race, but as his father in a more special relation.
Christians have received the spirit of adoption, whereby
they cry, Abba, Father! they are reconciled to God by
the death of his Son. Like as a Father pitieth his chil'
dren, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. Psalm
ciii. 13. Jesus Christ delights to bring his relation
before us. He tells us, When ye pray, say, Our Father.
Pray to thy Father which is in secret. Private prayer
is the soul's approach in its retirements to this re-
conciled Father ; to one who has been pleased to
endear himself by so condescending and so kind a
title. He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 65

whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
and in him lie is ours also. Our Lord says to Mary,
/ ascend unto my Father and your Father, — first mine,
and then yours. And how graciously he encourages
us to bring our wants before God — What man is there
of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a
stone ? or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent ?
If ye, then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto
your children, how much more shall your Father which
is in heaven, give good things to them that ask him.
Matthew vii. 9, 11.

In praying to God the Father, we do not exclude
the Son and Holy Spirit from our worship. We
should ever include the thrice holy Jehovah in our
adoration. Isaiah vi. 3. Rev. iv. 8. In fact, we can-
not, as Christians, worship the one Jehovah, but we
include in that worship all the persons of the sacred
Trinity : God is our Father only in Christ, and we
call on him as such. We may, however, pray sepa-
rately to each person of the ever-blessed Trinity.
We may pray to Jesus Christ, (Luke xxiii. 42 ; Acts
vii. 59; 2 Cor. xii. 8, 9,) and to the Spirit. (Matthew
xxviii. 9 ; 2 Cor. xii. 14 ; Isaiah vi. 3, 9, compared
with Acts xxviii. 25.) In worshipping them, we only
worship the one God ; yet the general way of ap-
proaching the Almighty in prayer, is to God the
Father, through the mediation of the Son, (John xvi.
23,) and by the aid of the Spirit.

How delightful is the relation subsisting between
God and the Christian as Father and child ! The
child receives everything freely from paternal love ;
it does not come to the Father as a purchaser, or as
the merchant with the equivalent. When a desire
for any good arises in the child's mind, it does not

F

66 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

offer to buy it at a price, but simply expresses its
feelings, and asks it as a gift. In its earliest years
the child cannot speak its wants plainly ; yet even
in infancy, they are made known by looks and cries,
and the father understands these expressions of its
wishes. As the child grows up, all that the father
requires of it is an affectionate and dutiful conduct,
a reverence, and honour, and obedience, totally dis-
tinct from slavish fear, and which in effect only tends
to promote its real happiness.

It is under the influence of these feelings that we
should come to God ; and though we only learn to
cry Abba, Father ! by slow degrees, let us persevere
in faith and love, till we receive the full Spirit of
adoption.

In worshipping God we need not be anxious to
comprehend the particulars of his nature, except as
he has revealed himself. Job xi. 7. Beware of any
fanciful representation, or figure of him. All such
things only tend to degrade him in our minds, and
to fill us with unsuitable ideas of his Majesty. They
are also directly prohibited in the word of God.
Deut. iv. 12—25 ; Isaiah xl. 18—25. Jesus Christ is
our only Mediator and ground of access to God the
Father ; and his Holy Spirit, the purchase of the
blood of Christ, and sent by him to help our infir-
mities,— our great Assistant. The view we should
endeavour to have of God, is that which our Lord
gives — God is a Spirit ; and that which was revealed
to Moses — the Lord, the Lord God, merciful and
gracious, long-suffering , abundant in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, and
transgression, and sin, and that will by no means clear
the guilty. Exod. xxxiv. 6, 7. Keep fast hold, then,

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 67

of this view of the character of God ; it is exactly
suited to the wants of sinners.

The consideration that the eye of god is upon
us, that our heavenly Father is in secret, and there
beholds us, should be continually on our minds as a
motive for continual watchfulness, and a source of
the greatest comfort. Thou God seest me! should be
written on the walls of our closet ; or, rather, deeply
engraven on our hearts. Before an earthly superior
we are careful and circumspect in all our expres-
sions and actions : how careful then should we be
when we approach unto one, who, though he is our
Father, is yet the king of kings and the lord of
LORDS ! * If an angel in all his heavenly brightness
were to be with us, surely our hearts would feel
awed by his glorious presence. How mucji more
then should it affect us, and fill us with a holy fear,
to think, " I am with God ; he is present in the room
with me ? that God is now about me, whose glory
stains and sullies the beauty, and extinguishes the
light of angels! " '

Rush not hastily, then, into the presence of God.
Pause for a few moments. Meditate on his charac-
ter. Consider his goodness, he is our Father : con-
sider his greatness, he is in heaven.

Recollect the glorious majesty of that being
WHOM YOU address. Hc is in heaven, and we are
upon earth. It is with reflections of this kind that
David begins many of his Psalms. Thus he says in
the 104th Psalm, O Lord, my God, thou art very great,
thou art clothed with majesty and honour. Who cover-
est thyself with light as with a garment, who stretchest
out the heavens like a curtain, ivho layeth the beams of
his chambers in the water, who maketh the clouds his

F 2

68 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

chariot, who walheth upon the wings of the wind. These
recollections of his majesty are calculated, through
the grace of the Holy Spirit, to bring your mind to
a state of reverence and holy admiration ; of solem-
nity and devotional feeling. But lest this view of his
awful grandeur should discourage you, —

Recollect his wonderful grace and mercy.
Ever look at him in Christ Jesus, as a tender and
loving Father; as full of conjpassion and goodness.
How he endears himself to you by characters of the
utmost tenderness, compassion, and love ! Thy Maker
is thine husband; the Lord of hosts is his name. Isaiah
liv. 5. Return, saith the Lord, for I am married unto
you. Jer. iii. 12 — 14. What affectionate wife will
not rejoice in an opportunity of meeting a kind and
faithful husband! What child, in a proper state of
mind, will not willingly run to the arms of a tender
father inviting it to come to him ! It is our want of
faith and love that makes our prayers a task and a
burden. How often God invites us to pray! how
much he promises, in order to encourage us to come
to him with a holy boldness and confidence, freely
and unreservedly ! W^e need not fear to ask, when
God himself commands us to do so.

Sect. III. — On the Subjects to be mentioned in Prayer.

' The feeling of our wants,' says Mrs. More, ' the
confession of our sins, the acknowledgment of our
dependence, the renunciation of ourselves, the sup-
plication for mercy, the application to the fountain
opened for sin, the cordial entreaty for the aid of the
Spirit, the relinquishment of our own will, resolu-

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 69

tions of better obedience, petitions that those resolu-
tions may be directed and sanctified; these are the
subjects in which the supplicant should be engaged,
and by which his thoughts should be absorbed.' To
these may well be added the true knowledge of God
as light and love, the removal of all unbelief, and
constant walking with and delighting in him.

Prayer being the expression of the heart's desire
to God, we should, with all simplicity and sincerity,
open our hearts unto him. When you retire to your
devotions, lay aside all artifice, all needless forms,
all distracting anxiety, and express your desires with
the utmost plainness of speech.

Consider, before you begin, what are those sins,
which, if you were now on the point of death, would
weigh most on your conscience ; confess them,
enlarge upon their circumstances and aggravations,
bewail them, and plead for pardon through the blood
of Christ. — What blessing is there that you would
desire above all other things, if you were sure to have
your wish? Whatever it be, whether it be the sup-
ply of earthly wants, or pardon, grace, peace, or
heaven itself — ask, and ye shall have. What are those
MERCIES and comforts which others have not, but
you are now enjoying? and what are those which you
could least of all spare? give hearty and unfeigned
thanks for the possession of these. Consider the
WANTS OF YOUR FRIENDS, your immediate relatives
and your acquaintance, and intercede for them. In
short, make known your present sins, wants, desires,
and mercies, and empty the very thoughts of your
hearts in the most easy and obvious expressions.
Lordf save me, or I perish ! Jesus, thou Son of David,
have mercy upon me ! God he merciful to me a sinner !

70 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

coming from a full heart, are of prevailing weight
and importance ; while the most eloquent form of
words which is the mere expression of the lips, is
utterly unavailing. Thus you may see that there
need not be any difficulty for the poorest and
most unlearned to express their desires in prayer.
And do you complain of indisposition and unwil-
lingness to set about the duty ? go to the footstool of
mercy, confess, in broken sighs and groans, even
this indisposition of heart: cast this care upon God,
and he will either remove it, or accept those broken
sighs and unexpressed wishes of the heart, which
mark the unfeigned desire to find his favour, and to
love and serve him. The great thing is so to believe
in God and the blessed truths of his word as to
have the heart right with God ; then there will be
no difficulty in finding matter for prayer. What the
heart feels, the mouth will express ; and the varying
temptations and circumstances of life will thus afford
great variety in your prayers. Dwell, therefore,
chiefly on those things which the Bible shews you
to be of the greatest moment, and with which you
are most deeply affected ; which are warmest in your
own hearts.

Prayer for temporal blessings should ever be
mingled with expressions of entire and unfeigned
submission to the will of God. To ask for them thus
is not improper, but perfectly right, for many of the
highest saints have done so, and it may please God
in this way to impart those temporal good things
which we need. Hannah asks for children, and
God hears her prayer. Hezekiah asks for health,
and his sickness is removed. Paul prays for the
father of Publius, sick of a fever, and he is healed.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 71

Acts xxviii. 8. Nay, Asa is blamed, because in his
disease he sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.
2 Chron. xvi. 12. Only see to it that your desires
are purified from all carnal ends, and sanctified to
the glory of God ; that is, that you desire to serve
him more through the things which you request:
this makes the end of the prayer spiritual.

Prayer for spiritual blessings, for pardon, peace,
holiness, love, the favour of God, and the glory of
heaven, calls for great earnestness. Take no denial.
Say, like Jacob, / ivill not let thee go, except thou bless
me. Gen. xxxii. 26. Be importunate with your God.
The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent
take it by force. Yet it is possible to desire even
spiritual things for merely carnal ends ; — as with the
notion of meriting heaven by them; gaining human
applause, &c. And it is too true, that not only the
formalist, but a really devout man in general, may
thus sometimes make a carnal prayer even when
asking for spiritual things. Indeed, every prayer
that we offer up needs divine forgiveness, and the
Saviour's mediation.

God's glory, kingdom, and will, ought, as we see
in the Lord's Prayer, to be the leading object of all
our prayers.

Sect. IV.— On Forms of Prayer.

Forms of prayer are in themselves not only lawful,
(Luke xi. 2.) but often, even in private, expedient
and advantageous. They are a help by which a
child may be trained to walk alone ; the staff by
which weak Christians may, through the divine

72 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

blessing, be supported ; or the strong, occasionally,
when labouring under present deadness, or indispo-
sition, be much assisted.

The necessity for forms of prayer must therefore
be left to the cases and consciences of individuals.
Let it be remembered that it is not forms of prayer,
nor the want of them, that makes real devotion ; but
the grace of God in Christ Jesus. It is confessed
that many not only do not use forms, but would be
straitened in the use of them. Surely Christians
ought to have wisdom and charity neither to censure
nor to speak disdainfully of those who in earnest''
seek communion with God, either in the use of
forms or without them. * The graces of prayer,' says
Bennett, ' faith, love, humility, contrition, resigna-
tion, holy desires, and devout affections, are the life
and soul of prayer, and much more to be regarded
than this or that mode of outward performance.'

Bishop Wilkins, after allowing the use of forms
for the young and weaker Christian, both in the
family and the closet, and giving him a caution as
to the necessity of being ' narrowly watchful over his
own heart, for fear of that lip-service and formality
to which, in such cases, we are more especially ex-
posed,' adds as follows: 'But for anyone so to sit
down and satisfy himself with this book-prayer, or
proscribed form, as to go no farther, this were still to
remain in his infancy, and not to grow up in his new
nature. This would be as if a man who had once
need of crutches, should always afterwards make
use of them, and so necessitate himself to a continual
impotency.'

' And if it be a fault not to strive and labour after
this gift, much more is it to jeer and despise it, by

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 73

the name of * extempore prayer,' and ' praying by
the Spirit,' which expressions are, for the most part,
a sign of a profane heart, altogether a stranger to
the power and comfort of this duty/

And after giving some directions to help his read-
ers in the performance of prayer, he says, ' It will
not be diflicult to him that shall attempt it after this
manner to pray in private without a form. And it is
not easy to express what a vast difference a man may
find, in respect of inward comfort and satisfaction,
between those private prayers that are thus conceived
from the affections, and those prescribed forms which
we say by rote, or read out of books/

Indeed, an abilty and readiness to express our
thoughts to God, in all the various parts of prayer,
in the manner most fit to profit our own souls, and
the souls of those who join us, is not only a valuable
gift, but a delightful privilege which every Christian
should seek to gain.

It has been found useful in private prayer, to con-
sider previously the things which you have to men-
tion, and to put them down under the difl'erent parts
of prayer. Thus, have you sinned by vain and
trifiing conversation in company ? place that under
Confession. Do you fear a particular temptation ?
place the desire for strength to resist it under Peti-
tion. This previous arrangement has been found to
keep the mind more fixed on its work, and it also
gives you the advantage of reflecting afterwards on
the subjects of your prayer.

It may be observed, that the scriptures supply us
with many beautiful models of prayer. See Hosea
xiv. 1, 2, &c. Some have found it useful to take a
psalm or a chapter for a form of prayer; such as the

74 ON PRIVATE PRAYER-

103rd Psalm for praise, the 51st Psalm for confession,
the 9th of Daniel for intercession, the 12th of Romans
for petition. And again, others have found it edify-
ing and profitable daily to repeat the Te Deum.
God blesses us in various ways, when we endeavour,
in simplicity and sincerity, to seek and enjoy his
presence, and obtain his favour.

As prayer is a duty of such immense importance,
and of such continual recurrence, we shall dwell
more fully on the subject-matter of our prayers under
the following Section.

Sect. V. — On the Various Parts of Prayer.

It will appear, from what has been already said,
that no form of prayer can, perhaps, adequately ex-
press all our private, personal, and particular wants.
It will, therefore, be useful to have our minds so
furnished with information on the various parts of
prayer, that we may, orderly, and with propriety and
readiness, express every want before God.

The parts which are essential in our prayers, may
be comprehended under the four heads of Confession,
Petition, Intercession, and Thanksgiving. It will
be useful to have these four particulars in your mind,
and to bring them, more or less, into every prayer.
Perhaps this fourfold division may have been de-
duced from the passage (1 Tim. ii. 1), where the
apostle says, / exhort, therefore, that first of all, sup-
plications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks
he made. Our sins, our wants, the wants of others,
and the mercies of God, are the great subjects for
every prayer.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 75

Bishop Wilkins ' has given a view of the whole
subject in the following Analysis of Prayer.

CONFESSION.

Acknowledgment of sins by
Enumeration.

Original, in our inward man.

in our outward man.
Actual, both against Law and Gospel.
National and personal.
Omission and commission.
Thought, word, and deed.
Aggravation of them, in general, by multitudes and greatness,
in special, the kinds of sin.
in particular, the circumstances.
Punishments of them, external in our bodies, friends, estates, and
names,
internal, in respect of blessings, natural

and spiritual,
eternal, of loss and pain.

PETITION.

Supplication for ourselves.

Deprecation against the evil of sin .

in respect of its guilt, for pardon, and for the
evidence of pardon,
of its power.
against the evil of temptation by our corrupt nature,

the devil, and the world,
against the evil of punishment.
Comprecation.

For spiritual good in the sanctification of our nature, both
in the inward and outward man.
in the obedience of our lives, by the per-
formance, continuance, and increase
in the duties both of the Law and the
Gospel.
For temporal good, in the provision for us, and protection
of us.

1 Some interesting " Extracts from Bishop Wilkins's Treatise on
Prayer " have been reprinted.

76 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

Intbrcession for others.

In general— the Catholic Church.

In special — Ordinary for the nations uncalled, as Infidels,

Jews, &c.
the nations called — our own nation,
allies.
Occasional, in times of war, famine, pestilence, &c.
In particular— Ordinary for all relations, public or political.

private or economical,
friendship or enmity,
neighbourhood.
Occasional, for the afflicted in mind, body, or
estate.

THANKSGIVING.

Mercies to be enumerated.

Ordinary, Temporal, Private, as being, nature, birth,
education, preservation, souls, bodies,
friends, names, estates, &c.
Public, as fruitful, healthful, and peaceable,

seasons.
Spiritual, election, redemption, vocation,
justification, sanctification, both as to its
parts and means, hope of glory.
Occasional, for some particular preservation, recovery, or
deliverance of ourselves or others, in soul or body.
Mercies to be amplified.

Generally by their multitude.

greatness in respect of the Giver, and as to the
receiver,
their continuance.
Particularly by their circumstances, degrees, contraries.

Intermingled with all our prayers should be the
most profound and unfeigned adoration of that
great God whom we worship. Of every prayer we
should aim to be enabled to say with Nebuchad-
nezzar, / blessed the Most High, and I praised and
honoured him that liveth for ever, ivhose dominion is an
everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation
to generation. Dan. iv. 34.

The order in which you bring forward the various

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 77

parts of prayer is of little importance, and may
depend on the present state of your mind. Are you
burdened by sin? begin by confessing your sins.
Are you rejoicing in God's goodness? pour out your
heart first in grateful thanksgivings, and then confess
your unworthiness of every good. Is any afflicted?
let him pray. Is any merry? let him siny psalms.
James v. 13.

We will now enlarge upon each of the preceding
parts of prayer.

I. CONFESSION.

Under this head express your present feelings re-
specting your sinfulness and guilt. In private prayer
you should be minute and full in confessing sins,
and the circumstances attending them. The more
particular you are in enumerating those sins of
which conscience accuses you, the more you dwell
on the aggravations of your offences, and condemn
and abase yourself before God, the more he will lift
you up. (Hosea xiii. 1.)

Acknowledge then his spotless holiness, his al-
mighty power, his perfect justice, and that you
cannot approach with comfort or confidence, but
through the advocate of sinners, Jesus Christ the
righteous ; and, with the feeling of the publican, cry
only for mercy.

Do you feel your continual proneness and propen-
sity to sin! Confess your original corruption.
You are a transyressor from the ivomb, (Isaiah xlviii.
8) ; shapen in iniquity and conceived in sin (Psalm li.
5) ; by nature dead in trespasses and sinsj and the child

/» ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

of wrath. Eph. ii. 5. Mark also the progress of sin,
the sins of childhood and of riper years. You may
join Jeremiah in saying, We have sinned against the
Lord our God, loe and our fathers even unto this day,
Jer. iii. 25. Observe how this corruption has defiled
your UNDERSTANDING, SO that you may have often
to apply the description, not liking to retain God in
their knowledge (Romans i. 28), to yourself. Even
your CONSCIENCE will, at times, appear to be past
feeling, being seared as with a hot iron, 1 Tim. iv. 2.
Your AFFECTIONS have been fixed on evil things,
(Matt. XV. 19), and you can say from experience, the
heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked, Jerera. xvii. 9. The will has become a ser-
vant to sin (2 Pet. ii. 19), brought in bondage unto
corruption. The memory has been forgetful of what
is good, and retentive only of evil. Heb. ii. 1.

The powers of the soul have thus been corrupted
in the fall : nor have the members of the bohy
been less estranged from God. The eye is full of
adultery, pride, and envy, 2 Peter ii. 14 ; the ear un-
circumcised (Acts vii. 51), often open to slander,
malignity, and sin ; and often shut against divine
truth : the tongue is a world of iniquity, defiling the
whole body, James iii. 6 : the mouth full of cursing
and bitterness : the feet swift in the ways of sin, Rom.
iii. 15. In shoit, all the members of the body have
been yielded up as instruments of unrighteousness unto
sin. Rom. vi. 13. Those who know their own hearts,
will be ready to acknowledge that the seeds of the
worst and most aggravated M'ickednesses which have
been practised by other men lie hid therein (Matt.
XV. 19), and are only restrained from bursting forth
by God's grace. The pious martyr Bradford, when

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 79

he saw a poor crimiual led to execution, exclaimed,
"There, but for the grace of God, goes John Brad-
ford ! " He knew that the same evil principles were
in his own heart which had brought the criminal to
that shameful end.

But should you, from ignorance of your own heart,
be ready to think well of yourself, consider your
ACTUAL TRANSGRESSIONS. Go through the ten com-
mandments. See, in the first, how often j'ou have
loved the creature more than the Creator, and been
among those who are lovers of pleasure more than lovers
of God. See, in the second, how often you have dis-
regarded or slightly performed his holy worship.
In the third, observe your profanation of his holy
name by an irreverent and careless use of it: and of
his holy character by unholy words, or an unholy
life. In the fourth, notice all 5'our sins relating to
the sabbath. In the fifth, your sins respecting your
relatives, as parents, brothers, sisters, and others.
In the sixth, your evil thoughts of others, remem-
bering, lie that hateth his brother is a murderer. In
the seventh, your licentious imaginations — luhosoever
looketh on a icoman to lust after her, hath committed
adultery with her already in his heart. By the eighth,
you may bring to your recollection your partiality or
hypocrisy in your dealings and transactions; by the
ninth, your duplicity and want of truth ; and, by
the tenth, your covetousness and love of worldly
things.

And in order to discover more of the full extent
of your sinfulness, remember, that you are account-
able to God, not only for sins committed, but, for
DUTIES OMITTED : and that your sins in thought,
as well as those in word and action, expose you

80 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

to the displeasure of God ; the thoughts of the wicked
are an abomination to the Lord. Prov. xv. 26.

These are sins more especially against the law of
God. But in sins relating to the gospel, you
will see more of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and
thence have a more abundant cause of penitent con-
fession. Sin, when you have heard and received the
gospel, becomes peculiarly hateful, as it is sin against
love itself. Hence it is that unbelief, impenitence, and
self-righteousness, are so burdensome to the mind of
the believer, and so much humble him before his God.

Any unbelief in or doubt about the love and grace
of God, after such displays of that love as the Bible
discovers, confirmed in so many ways, and by such
powerful and numerous witnesses, especially after
those gracious deliverances which we have often
experienced, is no small sin. It shews the Christian
how he merits his Saviour's upbraidings of unbelief
and hardness of heart ; O fools, and slow of heart, to
believe all that the prophets have spoken ! Luke xxiv. 25.
He will often be disposed to ask himself, "where
is that simple reliance on the blood, righteousness,
intercession, and grace of Christ, which God's truth
so irresistibly claims from me, and which should give
the soul continual peace and joy ? " He will be hum-
bled also by the mixture of self-righteousness which
appears in all his attempts to glorify God. He will
often seem to himself, like the Jews, who, (joing about
to establish their own righteousness, did not submit them-
selves to the righteousness of God: (Rom. x. 3.) and
this mark of remaining pride and self-conceit, will
be confessed and bewailed. He will be greatly
affected by the hardness and impenitence of his
heart. The consideration that the goodness of God

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 81

should have led him to repentance, and yet that he is
so little affected, or moved by it, so often apparently
totally insensible to it, will sometimes be brought by
the Spirit so home to his heart, and with such effect,
as to bring him to the throne of grace in the most
penitent confessions of a broken and contrite spirit.
The particularity of our confession in all these things,
and these exercises of a broken and contrite spirit,
are eminently connected with a right state of mind
before God.

These sins will be seen to be aggravated by the
consideration of the majesty, mercy, and holiness of
that God against whom they have been committed,
and of the tendency of all sin. The Christian re-
members how it has debased the soul of man, the
fairest and most glorious image of God on earth ;
how it nailed the only Son of God on the tree; how
it causes every sorrow here, and eternal sorrow in
the life to come.

The MULTITUDE OF OUR SINS, will be another part
of our confession; we shall say of them with David,
Tltey are more than the hairs of mine head. Psalm xl.
12. Who can tell how oft he offendeth ? Psalm xix.
12. or with Ezra, Our iniquities are increased over our
head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.
Ezra ix. 6.

There are also some particularly grievous sins,
of which conscience justly accuses us. Sins which,
however now they may be forgotten, caused peculiar
uneasiness and anxiety when they were first com-
mitted. I mean sins committed, more or less, against
light and knowledge, against the checks of con-
science, against the motions of the Spirit of God,
though we knew the love of a bleeding Saviour, and

G

82 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

of the Father of mercies. Sins committed more or less
presumptuously and wilfully, deliberately and re-
peatedly.

Feeling this, you will be ready to acknowledge

THE PUNISHMENT DUE ON ACCOUNT OF YOUR SINS,

and to say with Jeremiah, It is of the Lord's mercies
that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail
not. Lam. iii. 22. We have sinned in the enjoyment
of every blessing ; and it is right and meet we should
confess that God would be just in depriving us of
them, or punishing us in the use of them.

The imperfection and defective character of
ALL OUR obedience, should also be plainly con-
fessed.—How slight and transient is our repentance !
— how slow have we been to be reconciled to those
with whom we have been at enmity ! Have we yet
fully made restitution to those we may have wronged
in any way, either as to their character, their com-
fort, or their property ! by negligence and careless-
ness, sins have been more than half allowed ; and
how often our watchfulness has become relaxed, and
we have ttus fallen into temptation ! Or again, how
little have our evil tempers been subdued ! Even
all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Isa. Ixiv. 6.^

The true ground of a right confession of our sins
is a j ust knowledge of the holy law of God, and of our
hearts and lives. Self-examination is then abso-
lutely necessary in order to an enlightened and feel-
ing confession of sin. This will keep us from their
mistake who confess little sins much, and altogether
neglect greater ; who confess those sins which they

' A pious person found a great advantage in keeping a list of those
sins to which he had found himself specially tempted, and praying
daily and particularly for strength to mortify them.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 83

seldom commit, and neglect those into which they
fall continually and frequently. Confession is the
way to peace and happiness. Never can we have
true peace of mind till we have fully and frankly
confessed all our sinfulness to God. (Psalm xxxii. 5.)
And having a mighty Redeemer, who has borne the
chastisement for us, and repaired all our wrongs, we
may come with the utmost freedom and confidence to
God our Father, and tell him openly all our sinful-
ness, without attempting to palliate or excuse it,
but rather finding out and confessing all their ag-
gravations.

II. PETITION.

From confessing our sins, we may easily and natu-
rally pass to the earnest request of those blessings
which sinners want ; and this, either by
A profession of shame and sorrow for so many sins ;
or, of purpose to renounce our own righteous-
ness ; or,
A desire of grace for greater strictness in future ; or,
A brief application to ourselves of the many pro-
mises of mercy to those that repent and believe.
First, ask for those things which concern the

AVERTING OF EVIL.

The great thing which we need is divine mercy.
When David had a peculiarly strong sense of his
sinfulness upon his mind, he begins his prayer with
earnest and repeated petitions for mercy. Have
mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving^kindness :
according mito the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot
out my transgressions. Psalm li. 1. The penitent

G 2

84 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

publican asked only for raercy. We are to approach
the throne of grace for this end, that we may obtain
mercy. When the apostle Paul sums up the benefit
which he derived from his conversion, he does it in
these words, / obtained mercy.

Mercy, good Lord, mercy T ask.

This is the total sum ;
For mercy, Lord, is all my suit,

Lord, let thy mercy come.

The Lord has already provided a propitiation for
sins, so that, confessing them, and pleading guilty to
all the charge that is against us, in a spirit of humi-
liation and godly sorrow, and in dependence upon
the promise, that whoso confesseth and forsaketh his
sins shall find mercy, we need not doubt to find a
favourable reception. Jesus Christ has assured us,
Him. that cometh unto me, I ivill in no wise cast out.

Sinners need deliverance from the guilt and from
the POWER OF SIN. With respect to the guilt of
SIN, seeing that believers are justified freely by the
grace of God through the redemjHion of Jesus Christ,
you should pray for faith in this free justification.
Urge the mercy of God, for with the Lord there is
mercy. Psalm cxxx. 7. Plead the merits of Christ,
who was wounded for. our transgressions, and bruised for
our iniquities. Isaiah liii. 5. He was made sin for v^,
who knew no sin, that ive might be made the righteous-
ness of God in him. 2 Cor. v. 21. Urge the many and
faithful promises — If we confess our sins, he is faithful
and just to forgive us our sins. 1 John i. 9. Only ac-
knowledge thine iniquity. Jer. iii. 13.

You should also seek for far more than mere par-
don ; I mean a knowledge of your being pardoned
and accepted in Christ, filling you with joy and

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 85

peace. This is promised, and may, and should, be
obtained : ask, then, with David, Say unto my soulj
I am thy salvation. Pray that bemg justified hy faith ^
you may have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus
Christ, (Rom. v. 1.) and be sealed with the Holy Spirit
of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance. Nor
be satisfied till you can say, the Spirit itself heareth
witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.
Rom. viii. 16. Thus seek to have the full assurance
of faith and hope. Heb. vi. 11 ; x. 22.

With respect to deliverance from the power of
SIN, remember that Jesus Christ is exalted to be a
Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance as well as
remission of sins. No avowedly impenitent sinner is
a pardoned sinner. Pray, then, that the grace of God
which hringeth salvation, may teach you to deny ungod-
liness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously,
and godly in this present world: pray, that the Saviour
may purify you unto himself, that you may be found
among his peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Various pleas may be urged to obtain this deliver-
ance. Christ gave himself for this end ; and he
says. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much
fruit.

You are surrounded with numerous temptations ;
pray that God would not suffer you to be tempted above
what you are able to bear* The HEART is deceitful above
all things, and desperately wicked ; pray that it may be
freed from all guile, deceit, and hypocrisy ; purified
by faith in Jesus. Acts xv. 9. You are in an en-
snaring WORLD ; pray that you may 7iot be conformed
to it, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Rom. xii. 2. The devil goeth about, as a roaring lion,
seeking whom he may devour ; ask, then, that the God

86 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

of peace would bruise Satan under your feet shortly >
Rom. xvi. 20.

You have deserved various punishments, and have
therefore reason to pray that no evil may befal you,
neither any plague come nigh your dwelling ; (Psalm
xci. 10) you have reason to ask with David, Cast me
not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit
from me. Psalm li. 11.

To these prayers for the averting of evil, add peti-
tions for those good things which we need.

Spiritual blessings are the things of first and
main importance. The direction is to seek these
things frst. It is not inaptly observed, " the petition
for heavenly things is the only key that must open
the door to our petition for temporals." The first
spiritual blessing is a new heart and a new spirit.
Ezek. xxxvi. 26. Pray, then, that you may put on
the new man, which after God is created in righteousness
and true holiness. Eph. iv. 24. With what sins does
your conscience charge you? go through all the par-
ticulars, and pray for the opposite graces. Are you
proud? pray for humility. Are you worldly? for
heavenly-mindedness. Is there any grace which you
specially need ? pray for it. Is there any sin into
which you are more apt to fall ? pray to be delivered
from it. Is there any duty or trial before you? ask
for wisdom, grace, and strength, in that particular
circumstance. Keep minutes of these things for your
own use, and remember in all it is the death of Jesus
that is the death of sin.

Your heart, in short, is not in a right state, till it
be your fixed purpose to devote yourself entirely to
God ; and you long to have all the powers of your
mind, the affections of your soul, and the members

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 87

of your body wholly given up to his service. St. Paul
prays for the Thessalonians (1 Ep. v. 23), the very God
of peace sanctify you wholly ; and I pray God your whole
spirit^ and soul, and body, he preserved blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, He beseeches
the Romans to present their bodies a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God, (xii. 1.) He reminds the
Corinthians, Ye are not your own, but are bought with a
price ; therefore glorify God in your body and in your
spirit, which are God's. 1 Ep. vi. 20. The love of God
must excite and animate you to this. Pray, then,
that the love of God may be shed abroad in your hearts
by the Holy Ghost. Rom. v. 5. There is power pro-
vided in the gospel for your attaining this.

Love is the fulfilling of the law, the most excellent
gift. 1 Cor. xiii. Desire, then, that you may be
taught of God to love others (1 Thess. iv. 9); to be
kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love, in
honour preferring one another. Rom. xii. 10.

Christians who feel that the precious deposit of
Christ's glory is in a peculiar way entrusted to them,
will especially pray that they may be enabled in all
things to adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour : that
they may be holy in all manner of conversation ; walk-
ing worthy of the Lord unto all well-pleasing ; that they
may give all diligence, and add to their faith virtue ^ —
knowledge — temperance — patience — godliness — brotherly
kindness — and charity. 2 Peter i. 5 — 7.

The Christian need not confine himself to petitions
for spiritual blessings. Temporal blessings are
promised, and may be sought of God. Whatever
good thing you may want, relative to your earthly

^ ty)6T7js, strength or courage in the work of Christ.

88 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

comfort ; whatever direction, provision, or protection,
you need concerning your body, j'our calling, your
name, your estate, or your friends ; whatever your
desires be, in every thing, hy prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving , 7nake your requests known unto God.
Yet in asking for temporal blessings, it will ever
become us not to seek great things for ourselves (Jar.
xlv. 5) ; and to say with our Saviour, Nevertheless,
not my will, but thine he done. The prayer of Agur is
a suitable prayer for us, (Prov. xxx. 8, 9.) Remove
from me vanity and lies ; give me neither poverty nor
riches ; feed me with food convenient for me : lest I be
full and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I
be poor and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
Do we not deprive ourselves of many temporal com-
forts by not bringing our necessities of this kind be-
fore God? Many of the examples of prayer which
we have in the scriptures are for temporal blessings.
Only remember to ask for them in submission to the
will of God, and the better to enable you to serve
him.

Relative duties should ever occupy a place in
our prayers. As ministers, that we may be faithful
stewards of the mysteries of God (1 Cor. iv. 1), by the
manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every
mans conscience in the sight of God (2 Cor. iv. 2),
making full proof of our ministry, rightly dividing the
word of truth (2 Tim. ii. 15), and in all things shew-
ing a pattern of good ivorks. As hearers and people,
that we may esteem those that labour among us, and are
over us in the Lord, very highly in love for their work's
sake (1 Thess. v. 12, 13) : that we may receive the truth
in the love of it, and be saved.

As husbands, that you may love your wives, even as

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 89

Christ also loved the church (Eph. v. 25) ; giving
honour unto them as the weaker vessel, and as being heirs
together of the grace of life. 1 Peter iii. 7.

As wives that you may submit yourselves to your
own husbands, as unto the Lord (Eph. v. 22), having
the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit. 1 Peter iii. 1, 4.

As parents, to bri7ig up your children in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord (Eph. vi. 4), teaching the
word of God diligently unto them (Deut. vi. 7) ;
chastening thy son while there is hope. Prov. xix. 18.

As children, to honour your father and mother
(Exod. XX. 12), obeying your parents well in all things.
Col. iii. 20.

As masters, giving unto your servants that which is
just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in
heaven. Col. iv. 1.

As servants, that ye may be obedient to them that
are your masters according to the flesh, in singleness of
heart, as unto Christ ; not with eye-service, as men
pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of
God from the heart. Eph. vi. 5, 6.

As magistrates, remembering He that ruleth over
men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 2 Sam.
xxiii. 3.

As subjects, praying/or kings and for all that are
in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable
life in all godliness and honesty (1 Tim. ii. 1, 3), ren-
dering to all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due,
(Rom. xiii. 7), being subject to principalities and poivers,
obeying magistrates, and being ready to every good work,
Titus iii. 1.

This may be considered as comprehending the
general course of petition, in private, morning and
evening. There are, however, occasional and special

90 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

seasons when we need the help of God, and should
obtain it by more than ordinary diligence in prayer.

Have you, by any sermon you have heard, or in
any other way, been led to feel that you are yet un-
converted?— give a stated time to pray for conver-
sion. Have you backslidden from God ?— give more
time than ordinary to ask of God to heal and restore
you : remember from, whence thou art fallen ; repent
and do the first works. Are all your Christian graces
drooping, languishing, and ready to die ! — seek, in a
special season of prayer, that grace of God, which
can alone quicken and restore them to primitive
vigour and beauty. Are you about to receive the
Lord's Supper? — prepare for it by retirement, medita-
tion, self-examination, and much prayer. Are you
in any respect changing your circumstances or situa-
tion, or about to undertake any important work?
here is a call on you to seek wisdom of God. Re-
member the example which our Lord has left us.
Before he chose his twelve apostles, he went out into
a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to
God* Luke vi. 12. Should you be in great distress
either of body or mind, imitate also his example ;
retire from the world as he did to the garden of
Gethsemane, to pour out the heart in secret prayer.
Express your wants to God in the same simple
manner that Jacob did in his distress. Genesis xxxii.
9, 12.

In short, new and peculiar circumstances require
us, if we would escape temptation, danger, and sin,
to be then more instant in seeking aid of God. And
we may appeal to the experience of Christians, that
when we have done so, all has gone on well; diffi-
culties have been removed, or they have been carried

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 91

comfortably through them ; the grace of God has
been magnified in their weakness.

Our petitions should be enforced by such argu-
ments as we can use. Of this part of prayer called
PLEADING, we have perpetual examples in the word
of God. The conclusion of the Lord's prayer exem-
plifies its importance, and shews that the most pow-
erful pleas we can urge, are to be drawn from the
attributes and perfections of God. Humble, holy,
and earnest pleading with our God, tends to make
the desire more fervent, and to strengthen our faith.
Observe how Moses pleads, (Exod. xxxii. 11 — 13;)
how Joshua intreats, (Josh. vii. 8, 9 ;) how Jehosa-
phat lays the whole case before God. 2 Chron. xx.
6—12.

But let not our prayers be selfish, or confined to
our own wants ; Christians are fellow-members of one
body, all the members of which should ever care for
each other. Christians are the salt of the earthy and
should by their intercessions procure its safety and
happiness. We proceed, then, to consider another
part of our prayers —

III. INTERCESSION.

The right position of a Christian is to be like his
Lord, an intercessor for the world. Abraham, Moses,
Daniel, Paul ; what intercessors they were !

The CHURCH OF Christ, in general, throughout
the world, should have the first place in our inter-
cessions. We should pray for the peace of Jerusalem^
(Psalm cxxii. 6.) that yrace may be with all them that
love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, (Eph. \i. 24,) that all

92 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

that believe in him may stand fast in one spirit, with
one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel*
Phil. i. 27.

We should also specially pray for the blessing of
God on that particular branch of the church of
Christ to which we individually belong. As members
of the church of England, let us ask '* that it may
please God to illuminate all Bishops, Priests and
Deacons, with true knowledge and understanding
of his word, and that both by their preaching and
living they may set it forth and shew it accordingly."
The ministers under whom you are instructed have a
particular claim to your prayers, that they may be
able ministers of the New Testament. Dr. Owen re-
marks on this subject, " The prayers of the meanest
saints may be useful to the greatest apostle, both
with respect to their persons and the discharge of
their office. Hence it was usual with the apostle to
desire the prayers of the churches to whom he wrote.
Heb. xiii. 18 ; 2 Cor. i. 11 ; Ephes. vi. 19 ; Col. iv. 3 ;
2 Thess. iii. 1. For in mutual prayer for each other
consists one principal part of the communion of
saints, wherein they are helpful to one another in all
times, places, and conditions. It is the especial duty
of the church to pray for them who are eminently
useful in the work of the ministry. '*

The increase of faithful ministers generally should
be constantly insisted on ; pray ye the Lord of the har-
vest, that he would send forth labourers into his vineyard,
that he would give the word, that great may be the
company of preachers. Psalm Ixviii. 11.

The ENLARGEMENT OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST

should be another topic to be much brought forward.
— We should pray for the conversion of the Jews,

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 93

that at length the veil may be removed from their
eyes, and they may behold the glory of God in the
face of Jesus Christ, and look unto him whom they
have pierced, and mourn.

The Gentiles require our prayers. Ask of me,
and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance,
and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession,
is the promise made to Christ, and in him to the
church. While we pray, then, that all Israel may
be saved, we should also pray that God would bring
in the fulness of the Gentiles, that the earth may be
filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the
waters cover the sea.

The NATION to which we belong should have our
prayers ; that we may be a people fearing God and
working righteousness. We are taught to pray for
kings, and all in authority. 1 Tim. ii. 1. We should
ask, also, that God would instruct our magistrates,
and teach our senators wisdom: (Psalm cv. 22,) that
judgment may run down as waters, and righteousness
as a mighty stream; (Amos v. 24,) that there may be
peace on earth, and good will towards men. Our
national sins, our national wants, and our national
mercies, will furnish the best, the only true patriot,
the Christian, with abundant matter for prayer.

The dear and interesting family circle of parents,
brothers, listers, wife, children, servants. Christian
friends, brethren and kinsmen according to the flesh,
(Rom. ix. 3,) and your neighbours, and connections,
will daily be gathered and assembled before the
throne of grace, will be included in the comprehen-
sive and affectionate embrace of Christian prayer.
" Though there be no reason," says Mr. Fuller, " why
God should save our children, relations, or friends,

94 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

before others, yet there is a reason why we should
seek their salvation, because they are particularly
put under our care, or stand in connection with us/'
David's prayer for his house is suitable for heads of
families ; therefore now let it please thee to bless the
house of thy servant, that it may continue for ever before
thee ; for thou, O Lord, hast spoken it ; and with thy
blessing let the house of thy servant be blessed for ever.

The expansive benevolence of true intercession
will also lead you to remember your enemies, bless-
ing them that curse and revile you, and doing the
best good to those that hate you most. The duty of
praying for any with whom we may unfortunately,
from whatever cause, be at enmity, is very important.
It prepares us to receive ill-treatment in a right
spirit ; to be very slow to suspect others of designing
an injury ; and when their design is evident, it dis-
poses us to return good for evil. O, if every Christian
did but pray for others, instead of returning evil for
evil, and coldness, suspicion, and jealousy, for fan-
cied injuries, what a change it would produce in the
state of the world !

The CIRCUMSTANCES of others should be considered.
Are any afflicted in mind, body, or estate? we should
weep with those that weep, and pray that the chasten-
ing, however grievous now, may yield the peaceable
fruits of righteousness to them that are exercised thereby:
(Heb. xii. 11,) that they may find God a present help
in time of trouble ; (Psalm xlvi. 1,) and that their
affliction may work out for them a far more exceeding
and eternal weight of glory.

Some may be dead in trespasses and sins; others
just beginning to know the truth ; others weak in the
faith; others backsliding; and some happy few

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 95

Strong in the Lord. You will find a blessing to your
own soul, in spreading their several cases and cir-
cumstances before God in prayer and praise.

You may not be able every day to dwell on all
these things, however desirable it may be not wholly
to omit them. The example of an eminent servant
of Christ, (the Rev. Mr. Romaine,) may here be re-
commended. " He devoted two hours every Friday
to particular intercession with God for his friends.
He had their names written down on paper, and
used to walk about his room, mentioning them one
by one, and specifying their wants as far as he knew
them, with earnest supplication."

The duty of praying for friends is so important,
that it calls for particular notice ; especially when
we consider how little in general we lay to heart the
state of our unconverted relatives and friends, and
their tremendous exposure to the divine wrath. Let
us remember how keen will be the anguish on the
death of a relation for whom no prajer nor exertion
has been made ; and how it will grieve us that many
precious opportunities have been lost. While, on
the other hand, by a constant practice of interces-
sion, we may become emboldened to perform, in a
Christian spirit, the difficult duties of solemn warn-
ing, reproof, and a full and free declaration of their
danger. Remember, that Job's prayers for his friends
were to be peculiarly prevalent. God declares. My
servant Job shall pray for you, for him will I accept.
Job xlii. 8.'

' A practice of Col. Gardiner's is worthy of our remembrance.
Doddridg-e says, when he received a letter from any of his Christian
friends which particularly affected his heart, he could not stay till
the stated return of his devotional hour, but immediately retired to
pray fur them, and to give vent to those religious emotions of mind

96 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

The scriptures furnish us with many aflfecting
examples of intercessory prayer, as Daniel, for his
country; (Dan. ix.) St. Paul for the churches of
Christ ; and our Lord for his enemies. Father, forgive
them, for they know not what they do.

Bishop Hall makes the following encouraging
remarks on intercessory prayer : " Every Christian
freely lays himself out by prayer for the benefit of
his fellow-members. Each member of Christ's church
sues for all. Neither can anyone be shut out from
partaking the benefit of the prayers of all God's
saints upon earth. There is a certain spiritual
traffic of piety betwixt all God's children ; wherein
they exchange prayers with each other, not regarding
number so much as weight. Am I weak in spirit,
and faint in my supplications ? I have no less share
in the most fervent prayers of the holiest suppliants,
than in my own ; all the vigour that is in the most
ardent hearts, supplies my defects ; while there is
life in their faithful devotions, I cannot go away
unblessed.''

The more religion advances in our hearts, the

which such a correspondence raised. How invaluable was such a
friend! Mr. Shepherd, in his valuable "Thoughts on Private Devo-
tion," after stating the importance of daily, though brief intercession,
for those most near and dear, gives the following useful hint. " With
respect to other friends, it seems most natural and expedient, that
our prayers should be but occasional, in order that they may then
be the more prolonged. There are few, even of our best friends,
whom we can visit daily. How happy would some be if they could
meet even yearly. But if we made it a rule of piety and kindness
daily to offer up particular intercession for one individual, or one
household, and thus successively for each, these secret visits of the
heart would in many instances be far more frequent than our per-
sonal intercourse can be. Amidst the inclemency of winter, or in
the chamber of sickness, we might still make the swift excursions,
and offer the best, though unheard salutations of Christian affection."
See pages 193, 194, second edition.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 97

more time we shall be disposed to give to interces-
sion ; which as it is the most disinterested and
benevolent part of Christian prayer, so it most likens
us to our divine Master. The Christian has some-
times found the presence of God, and enjoyed that
communion with him, in this part of his devotions,
which he in vain sought for in confession, petition,
or praise.'

After confessing our sins, and praying for future
blessings for ourselves and for others, and after ex-
pressing our confidence of obtaining our requests by
our experience of former mercies, Me ought to be
naturally led to acknowledge those mercies and bles-
sings which we have already received.

IV.— THANKSGIVING.

Prayer and praise have been compared to respira-
tion. By prayer the Christian draws in a happy life
from heaven ; and by praise he breathes it back
again to him who gave it. The first life is however
wholly from God, and so is its maintenance.

When the heart is right with God, and he opens
our lips to shew forth his praise, thanksgiving is a truly
delightful part of our devotion. And here what a
boundless subject opens before us ! That the high and
lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, should condescend
to be mindful of man, and visit him, may well excite
our adoring wonder and praise.

1 Prayers for the dead are plainly contrary to various statements
in God's word, and to the express doctrines of the church of England.
See the Homily on Prayer.

H

98 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

How numerous are our temporal blessings ! Our
creation, our education, our daily preservation, the
repose of the night, and the strength given for the
day, demand continued and persevering praise.

God has given us a soul capable of knowing,
loving, and rejoicing in him through all eternity. He
has given us a body by which we may serve and
glorify him. You have, perhaps, the free use of
every member of your body, the enjoyment of every
sense, and the full possession of every faculty of your
mind ; and do not these or any of them call for your
grateful acknowledgments ?

He gives you kind friends, and favour with them.
He furnishes you with that provision from day to
day, which is needful for you: bread to eat, clothes
to cover you, a house in which to dwell, and a fire
to warm you. He makes peace in your borders, so
that no evil befals you, and gives you health and
strength. Or if in any thing it be otherwise, he does
not afflict us for his pleasure, but for our profit, tlmt
we may he partakers of his holiness ; and in any case,
you are yet the living, the living to praise him.

What numberless temporal blessings do these
things comprehend, and how astonishing is the
mercy by which they are granted, and continued to
sinful and rebellious creatures ! O that men would
therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his
wonderful works to the children of men. Psalm cvii. 8.

Yet how small are these when compared with
spiritual blessings ! Blessed he the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath Messed us
with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ.
He is the channel through which the rich stream of
mercy flows unto us; and, how needful, how in-

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 99

valuable, are those blessings which he procures and
bestows !

We have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness
of sins, according to the riches of his grace* Hereby
the almighty, holy, and righteous God, who has
declared that he will not acquit the guilty, is yet
just and faithful to forgive us our sins. And shall
we not praise Him who sent his Son to die for man !
and Him who came into the world to save sinners?
In Christ, God is our portion, and all his perfec-
tions are engaged to supply our wants, and make us
happy.

Mark the first beginnings and the progress of this
happy state. — God hath chosen us in him before the
foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
without blame before him in love (Eph. i. 4) ; and in
the fulness of time he sent forth his Son, and we were
redeemed by his precious blood, who gave himself a
ransom for all.

Then, through his mercy, we were called with an
holy calling, not according to our works, but according
to his own purpose and grace : and, turned from dark-
ness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God,
we have been justified freely by his grace, that we
might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal
life.

Again, as one of his people, you have been sancti-
fied by the Holy Spirit; made meet for the inheritance
of the saints in light. For this end God has given
you his word, his ministers, hi« sacraments, and in-
tercourse with his people ; all the means of grace,
and his Spirit to make those means efficient. Is it
nothing that you were born and live in a Christian
land, in England, the land of Goshen, the land of spi-

H 2

100 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

ritual, as well as earthly freedom, peace, and joy?
What mercies are included in these things !

You have also in Christ, the hope of glory; the
lively, the assured hope of future glory ; of an inhe-
ritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeih not
away, reserved in heaven for you. Well may we say,
with David, His mercy endureth for ever.

And if you cannot feel that you enjoy any of these
spiritual mercies, you may yet be thankful for the
forbearance and long-suffering of God ; it is of the
Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his
compassions fail not, and you may yet, now, imme-
diately, by simple faith in God's word, see that he
has given you Christ, and with him all things.

These are general mercies common to all Chris-
tians, but each one has received special and peculiar
mercies, answers to prayers, deliverances from dan-
ger, trouble, or distress, protection in journeyings ;
strength and grace for particular occasions; these
things call for thanksgiving.

And with these mercies to ourselves, Christian
benevolence and sympathy will teach nsdiXso to rejoice
with them that do rejoice, and to praise God for his
love to all men, his willingness that all should be
saved, and his mercies to his church and mankind in
general : for that bright day of mercy in which we
live, and for all the signs of the times concerning
the approach of the Redeemer's kingdom.

Thus shall we be disposed, in reviewing God's
mercies, to say, Many, O Lord my God, are thy
wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts
which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in
order to thee : If I ivould declare and speak of them,
they are more than can be numbered. Psalm xl. 5 ;

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 101

cxxxix. 17, 18. Blessed he the Lord God, the God of
Israel, who only doeth ivondrous thing Sy and blessed he
his glorious name for ever, and let the whole earth he
filled with his glory*

Yet we must say, with the son of Sirach, of this
duty of praising our God — " We may speak much,
and yet come short ; wherefore, in sum. He is all. —
When ye glorify God, exalt him as much as ye can,
for even yet will he far exceed ; and when ye exalt
him, put forth all your strength, and be not weary :
for ye never can go far enough. — Who can magnify
HIM as he is?"

How much do we neglect, or how coldly do we
practise the duty of thanksgiving! In reading the
107th Psalm, we may observe how readily in trouble
all cry to God, without exhortation ; but when deli-
vered from their trouble, they need to be earnestly
invited to thankfulness. Yet it is often enjoined
we are called to it by the daily providence of God
in nothing do we enjoy God more fully and properly
the discharge of it prepares for greater mercies, the
neglect of it brings just rebukes ; and it is an excel-
lent preparation for heaven, where the songs of joyful
praise are ever ascending to the Father of mercies.

Let us then say, with David, While I live ivill I
praise the Lord. I will sing praises unto my God while
I have my being,

I'll praise my Maker with my breath :
And when my voice is lost in death,

Praise shall employ my noblest powers :
My days of praise shall ne'er be past,
While life, and thought, and being last.

Or immortality endures.

We should keep a list of the more remarkable
mercies which we have rpneived from our earliest

102 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

years, and frequently review it. If a person be
dwelling perpetually on his wants, he cannot be
thankful; but a catalogue of the blessings which
God has bestowed upon him, often reviewed, would
sweeten the spirit, and tend to fill him with gratitude
and love.

Thanksgiving, as well as every other part of prayer,
must be offered up in the name of Christ, acknow-
ledging that all our blessings flow through him
(Eph. i. 3), and expecting the acceptance of our
praise only on the ground of his mediation. Col.
iii. 17.

It will not be possible or advisable to dwell on,
or enumerate all the particulars that have been men-
tioned in every prayer which we make. Yet the
leading subjects, and the amplifying of those parts
with which our hearts are most affected, will form
the substance of your prayers, in letting your requests
he made known unto God, hy prayer and supplication,
with thanksgiving.

There is a happy connection between all the parts
of prayer ; and the full discharge of one leads on to
another. It may be thus illustrated. By an inge-
nious contrivance near some of the collieries, and in
other places, where the ground allows of it, the full
and empty carriages or vessels being connected toge-
ther, those which have been emptied, are from time to
time raised up an ascent, by the descending impulse
of those that have been filled. In this way let the
descent of God's mercies, and the gifts bestowed on
us out of his fulness, in answer to former prayer,
raise your empty vessels to receive again and again
from his inexhaustible treasury, all that you need.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 103

Say with David, Because he hath inclined his ear unto
me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live.

It may be advantageous not always to confine
yourselves to the same parts of worship, or the same
order. Watts enumerates the following eight parts
of prayer: Invocation, Adoration, Confession, Peti-
tion, Pleading, Self-dedication, Thanksgiving, and
Blessing.

We may occasionally be assisted in our devotion
by these more extended and enlarged parts and divi-
sions ; only take heed, lest in the use of them, our
prayers should become too artificial, and be merely
the work of the head, instead of the feeling of the
heart. Yet Watts justly observes, that if young
Christians did not give themselves up to a loose
habit of speaking what is uppermost, but attempted
to learn the holy skill of prayer, by a recollection of
its several parts, and disposing their thoughts into a
suitable method, they would be more successful in
attaining this great gift. Only let us take heed not
to lose the sweet power of the Holy Ghost on the
affections, by building up human frame-works.

These parts of prayer will be more plain by the fol-
lowing example of each part from the scriptures : —

INVOCATION.

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my
God, for unto thee will I pray.

ADORATION.

Thou art God, and none else ; thy name alone is Jeho-

104 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

vahf the most High — Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Al-
mighty, which was, and is, and is to come.

CONFESSION.

/ acknowledge my transgression, and my sin is ever
before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and
done this evil in thy sight,

PETITION.

Hide thy face from my sinSy and blot out all my ini-
quities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; renew a
right spirit within me.

Cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary.

PLEADING.

For thy mercies' sake, O Lord, save me. O^ir fathers
cried unto thee, and were delivered.

SELF-DEDICATION.

I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I
have loved. I have sivorn, and I will perform it, that I
will keep thy righteous judgments,

THANKSGIVING.

My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips.

O my soul, and all that is within me, bless Ids holy
name ; who forgiveth all thy sins, who healeth all thy
diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction, and
croivneih thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 105

BLESSING.

Blessed he his glorious name for ever.

Now urdo the King eternal^ immortaly invisible^ the
only wise God, he honour and glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.

O that every reader might be inclined, and by the
Spirit of God enabled, to enter on a full and enlarged
practice of private prayer! A continual spirit of
devotion is the highest attainment of man ; it is the
root which draws up the sap and life of the tree of
righteousness, and thus causes it to bring forth all
that fruit which glorifies God and benefits man.
Hence love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness,
goodness, meekness, faith, and temperance, all god-
liness, and all true excellence. Believe me, it will
be worth many sacrifices and struggles to gain the
spirit of prayer, guarding against trusting in your
own strength and self-righteousness, and remember-
ing, in prayer we put off our own righteousness and
pride, our wisdom and riches, and confess our sin-
fulness and poverty.* We shall then find constant
prayer bring in the richest return of all our labours
and employments.

While this account of the various parts of prayer
has been given, it is readily admitted that the purest
private prayer is above form and method. It is the
expression of a heart full of the Holy Ghost, pouring

' Prayer is a sweet travailing and trafficing of the soul betwixt
emptiness and fulness, betwixt want and all-sufi&ciency, and betwixt
our inability to help ourselves, and his ability to help us. --A. Gray,
on Prayer.

106 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

out the inmost desires of the soul before God, in the
most natural and obvious words.

It was a saying of the martyr Bradford, " that he
would never leave a duty, till he had brought his
heart into the frame of the duty ; he would not leave
confession of sin, till his heart was broken for sin ;
he would not leave petitioning for grace, till his heart
was quickened and enlivened in a hopeful expecta-
tion of more grace ; he would not leave the rendering
of thanks, till his heart was enlarged with the sense
of the mercies which he enjoyed, and quickened in
the return of praise.

And surely every part of our duty, as it is brought
before us in the word of God, shews us both our guilt
and our weakness. But still the perfection of that
rule must be declared. It is calculated to stimulate
us to higher efforts, and to humble us in lower pros-
tration of soul, under a sense of our so frequently
coming short of the mark set before us.

Sect. VI. — Brief Observations on the Lord's Prayer.

The prayer which our Lord gave to his disciples
is not only a perfect form of prayer, but also an ad-
mirable pattern and guide. It is in one place intro-
duced to our notice, thus, When ye pray^ say, (Luke
xi. 2) and in another, After this manner pray ye,
(Matt. vi. 9.) It is so full and comprehensive, that
we generally find, after our longest prayers, that there
is something asked for in the Lord's prayer, which
we had not before requested.

Its method is simple and clear. It consists of three
parts :

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 107

I. An Introduction, expressing the goodness and
greatness of Him to whom we speak.

Our Father which art in heaven,

II. Six Petitions, three of which have a more
immediate respect to the glory of God.

1. Hallowed he thy name.

2. Thy kingdom come.

3. Thy will he done on earth as it is in heaven.

And the three remaining more immediately respect
our own personal wants, temporal and spiritual.

4. Give us this day our daily hread,

5. And forgive us our trespasses, as ice forgive them

that trespass against us.

6. And lead us not into temptation, hut deliver us

from evil.
The first four of these petitions are for the obtain-
ing of good, and the last two for the averting of evil.

III. A Conclusion, not only acknowledging the
perfections of God, but most powerfully pleading
them as a reason why our prayers should be heard.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and t/te
glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

Every part of prayer is comprehended in this pat-
tern.

Confession is plainly implied in every request ; for
the requests suppose either our weakness or our sin-
fulness in the particulars desired.

Petition forms the main substance of this prayer.

Intercession is also involved in the whole ; in the
first three petitions more directly, and in the remain-
ing petitions by their being in the plural number-»-
give u^, — forgive us, — lead us, &c.

108 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

Thanksgiving is expressed in the conclusion, and
there is in the petitions an implied acknowledgment
of all the great perfections of God.

This prayer is too generally used as a vain repe-
tition. It is worthy of remark, that at the very time
our Lord gave it, he expressly warned his disciples
against vain repetitions. Matt. vi. 7.

Many things may be learned respecting prayer
from this pattern.

1. The filial confidence and reverence with which

we ought to approach God.

2. The expediency of method and order in our

prayers.

3. The necessity .of seeking first the kingdom of

God and his righteousness.

4. The lawfulness of then asking for temporal

blessings.

5. The importance of the temper in which we

pray ; an unforgiving temper obtains not God's
forgiveness.

6. The duty of praying much for others.

7. The excellence of simplicity of expression.

8. The powerful pleas with which we may urge

our petitions.

In this prayer we are not directly taught to ask in
the name of Christ ; and one reason may be, that
when it was given, Christ's atonement had not ac-
tually taken place, nor his intercession as a risen
Saviour begun. Therefore our Lord says. Hitherto
ye have asked nothing in my name — at that day ye shall
ask in my name. John xvi. 23.

But though not directly mentioned, Christ is in-
deed virtually included in every part, and a Chris-
tian may have the privilege of realizing this. " Our

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 109

Father,*' involves the relationship of Christ, as a bro-
.ther, the first-born, the head and representative of the
family. It is as if he had said, My Father and your
Father, my God and your God. As if he had said,
" My family, my brother, I will lead you by the
hand into the presence of the great and eternal God,
the Lord of heaven and earth. Do not fear, your
elder brother is with you; say with me, "Our Fa-
ther." I take the lead in every petition you present."
Oh, may we ever feel this.'

Sect. \11. —The frequency of Private Prayer.

The scriptures do not give express directions how
often we ought to pray, farther than by general inti-
mations and the examples of others. We ought
always to be in the spirit of prayer. But we are
speaking now of stated seasons for retired prayer :
and of this we say, that at the least you ought regu-
larly to pray twice every day. David says, It is a
good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing
j)raises unto thy name, O Most High: to show forth thy
loviiig Mildness in the morning, and thy faithfulness
every night. Psalm xcii. 1, 2. In the morning will I
direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. Psalm v.
3. And again, Let my prayer he set forth before thee
as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening
sacrifice. Psalm cxli. 1, 2. Morning and evening
devotions, then, every day, should never be omitted ;
and speaking generally, unless you are prevented
by circumstances out of your control, they cannot
be neglected without much damage to your soul.

\ See Howels' Sermons, page 39.

110 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

Prayer has been compared to a key, that in the
morning opens the treasury of God's mercies ; and
in the evening shuts us up under his protection and
safeguard. It has ever been found, that as we have
sought God in spirit and in truth in the morning, so
the rest of the day has prospered.

The habit of early rising is of great importance to
the due discharge of morning prayer. O how many
precious hours do indolent Christians lose ; while
those who are more self-denying and diligent, are
gaining the favour of God and enjoying communion
with him.'

Our first waking thoughts should be directed
towards God ; copying David's example, who says,
When I awake, I am still with thee. Psalm cxxxix. 18.
I would advise you to be longest in your morning

1 Colonel Gardiner set an admirable example. " He used con-
stantly to rise at four in the morning, and to spend his time till six,
in secret exercises of devotion, reading, meditation, and prayer, in
which last he contracted such a fervency of spirit, as I believe few
men living ever obtained. This certainly tended very much to
strengthen that firm faith in God, and reverend animating sense of
his presence, for which he was so eminently remarkable, and
which carried him through the trials and services of life with such
steadiness and such activity ^ for he indeed endured and acted as
always seeing him who is invisible. If at any time he was obliged to go
out before six in the morning, he rose proportionably sooner ; so that
when a journey or a march has required him to be on horseback by
four, he would be at his devotions at farthest by two. He likewise
secured time for retirement in an 'evening; and that he might have
it the more at command, and be the more fit to use it properly, as
well as the better able to rise early the next morning, he generally
went to bed about ten ; and during the time I was acquainted with
him, he seldom ate any supper, but a mouthful of bread with one glass
of wine. In consequence of this, as well as of his admirably good
constitution, and the long habit he had formed, he required less
sleep than most persons I have known ; and I doubt not but his un-
common progress in piety was in a great measure owing to these
resolute habits of self-denial. — See Doddridge's Life of Colonel Gar-
diner.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. Ill

devotions, when your spirits are lively and vigorous,
and undisturbed by the events of the day ; in the
evening, when you are tired and spent with its la-
bours, be shorter, and endeavour to attend to this
duty some time before you retire to rest. If your
evening devotions are deferred till everything else
is done, there is great danger of their being often
imperfectly performed, if not altogether omitted.

The Rev. C. Simeon remarks, " It is too gene-
rally found, that many, instead of transacting their
business with God while their faculties are alive,
stay till exhausted nature is become incapable of any
energetic exertion, and then hurry over some form of
prayer, as a school-boy does his task, without feeling
one word they utter. Even this is a too favourable
representation of the prayers of some others, who
stay till they have lien down upon their bed, and
then fall asleep in the midst of their devotions. As
for praying in the morning, they have no time for
that ; the concerns of the past or present day have
pre-occupied their minds ; and if they offer two or
three cold petitions while they are dressing, or before
they leave their room, they think this quite sufficient.'*

Regular devotional exercises, twice every day, in
secret, are both our privilege and our plain duty.
More than this is strongly recommended. Christians
in general would find, what many do find in their
own practice, a great advantage in obtaining a few
leisure moments for retired and stated prayer in the
middle of the day. The word of God gives us encou-
raging examples of those who have done so. Even-
inff, morning, and at noon-day will I pray, and cry
aloud, and he shall hear my voice. Psalm Iv. 17.
Daniel in a time of great danger, his windows being

112 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

opened in his chamher^ kneeled upon his knees three
times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God
as he did aforetime. Daniel vi. 10. Here was the
secret spring of the eminency of these holy men.
They were much in prayer. Besides, men's thoughts
and affections will necessarily be most vigorous and
lively about those things in which they are inces-
santly employed, and they are able to do that best
which they do most frequently. This is very evident
in the common affairs of life. Indeed, vve see this
to be the case, as in prayer itself our thoughts so con-
tinually run out after our daily and more constant oc-
cupations.

Many objections are ever ready to start up in the
natural heart, when we are called on to form a deter-
mined resolution to attend to any holy duty. But
let us say as one said, " If the house were about
to fall down, I must pray ; " meaning, that the glory
of God and the salvation of the soul were a matter of
such infinitely superior magnitude to every earthly
concern, that, whatever were the consequence, he
must attend to them.

Respecting the time to be allotted to prayer, no
general rule can be given. Many have the command
of their whole time, and from them more is reason-
ably expected. Surely an hour or two in twenty-
four is not too much for them. A real love to God
and a due sense of the value of his favour, will make
a cheerful and a liberal giver. Others, as servants,
who have hardly any time that they can call their
own, are yet bound to redeem some for God. Dr.
Doddridge remarks, " that there are few who, with
proper care, might not have half or three quarters of
an hour at command for reading the scriptures and

ON PRIVATE PRAYER, 113

prayer, morning and evening." Let there be a wil-
ling mind, and a way will be found.

" Let those," says Bishop Home, " who retire in
the middle of the day to adorn their persons, take the
opportunity of putting on the ornaments of grace,
and renewing the spirit of their minds."

In many cases and situations it will be impossible
to retire to your private chamber for a mid-day
prayer; but in a walk, in your house, or in your
business, your heart may statedly retire at a parti-
cular season for a few leisure moments from the
world, and hold communion with its God. Only try.

Some of the last words which an African youth
(very dear to the writer, and now, he doubts not, in
heaven) told one of those about him, were, " I used
to pray three times every day, and I now find that it
was good — do you mind to do the same." ^

The importance of this regular and frequent devo-
tion will be evident from the consideration of the
great concerns which we then have to transact with
God. " I have," says Baxter, " more and greater
business to do with God in one day, than with all
the world in all my life. My business with God is
so great, that, if I had not a Mediator to encourage
and assist me to do my work, and procure my accept-
ance, the thoughts of it would overwhelm my soul.
Therefore let man stand by ; I have to do with the
great and eternal God, and with him I am to transact
in this little time the business of my endless life. I
am to seek of God through Christ, the pardon of all
my great and grievous sins : and if I speed not,
woe unto me that ever I was born ! I have some

' See Memoir of Simeon Wilhelm.
I

114 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

hopes of pardon, but intermixed with many per-
plexing fears. I have evidences of grace ; but they
are exceedingly blotted. I want assurances that God
is my reconciled Father, and that he will receive
me to himself when the world forsakes me. I have
many languishing graces to be strengthened ; and,
alas ! what rooted, inveterate, vexatious corruptions
to be cured ! Can I look into my heart, into such an
unbelieving and earthly heart, into such a proud and
peevish heart, into such a perplexing and trembling
heart, and not discern how great my business is with
God ! Can I survey my sins, feel my wants, and
sink under my weaknesses ? Can I look forward,
and see how near my time is to an end ? Can I
think of the malice and diligence of Satan ; the
number, power, and policy of my enemies; the many
dangerous snares and temptations that are around
me, and my own ignorance, and weakness, and un-
watchfulness, and not know that my greatest busi-
ness is with God V ^ Surely such views should lead
us to frequent prayer. Connected with these are also
yet more momentous matters, the glory, kingdom, and
will of God. Oh, how they shew the blessedness and
magnitude of prayer !

Sect. VIII. — The Reward of Private Prayer.

Thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee
openly. While this holds out to us the certain re-
ward of secret devotion, it also discovers to us a
delightful view of the glory and perfections of God.

' See Baxter's Converse with God.

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 115

Heathen nations fancy that the God of heaven and
earth is too far off, or too great to attend to the
petitions of men — that he is too determined, and too
careless, or too powerful to be moved by them, and
that therefore tliey must pray to inferior deities.
But in what a much sublimer light do the Christian
scriptures lead us to think of God ! He is every-
where present — in him we live, move, and have our
being : He performeth all things for us : He seeth in
secret. Ogden says on this subject, " How magni-
ficent is this idea of God's government ! That he
inspects the whole and every part of the universe
every moment, and orders it according to the counsels
of his infinite wisdom and goodness, by his Almighty
will ! whose thought is power, and his acts ten
thousand times quicker than the light: unconfused
in a multiplicity exceeding number, and unwearied
through eternity."

Christian ! when you enter your closet for private
prayer, you are goings into the presence-chamber of
this great King of Kings : you are about to hold
intercourse with him in the character of a tender
father. He is indeed everywhere present, but he
manifests his presence to those that seek him. He
bestows on them his grace and blessing. Oh the
dignity and glory of the Christian ! Oh the vanity of
the world ! Oh the astonishing blindness and per-
verseness of man, who can think slightly of his
richest privilege and his highest honour! The ad-
vantages of prayer, generally, have already been
pointed out : but consider farther — Intercourse with
God in secret prayer has a transforming effi-
cacy. When Moses had been with God in the
mount, the skin of his face shone. Something of

I 2

116 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

that glory which had been then manifested to him
remained with him. And thus the Christian often
comes from his closet, with some of the beams of
heavenly light and glory, shining as it were in his
countenance. Coming into the world is sometimes
to him like coming back again into a lower sphere,
— into a new society. He has been holding converse
with the unseen world, and he returns invigorated
and refreshed for every duty. " Our graces will
languish and die, our spirits grow heavy and dull,
unless we are refreshed and revived by constant
intercourse with the great paternal Spirit." Grove
says, " The effects of Christian retirement will appear
in the sweet composure of the passions, the evenness
and affability of the behaviour, the charitableness
of the temper, and the purity and tranquillity of the
life.'' The retired violet, which hides itself in the
shade, gives one of the sweetest scents ; and the
lowly Christian, who is constant in secret prayer,
diffuses a holy feeling, a heavenly atmosphere around
him. Like-mindedness with God! what a glory!
This is given in prayer.

This blessed employment in secret raises the

CHRISTIAN ABOVE ANXIETY ABOUT TEMPORAL THINGS.

A holy intercourse with his Maker gives him a fixed-
ness and serenity which nothing else can bestow,
and hardly anything can discompose. It prepares
him for all events, and fills him with a noble con-
tempt for all the sinful pleasures and pursuits of a
world lying in wickedness. It is like a sure anchor,
safely fixed in solid ground, which, though unseen
above, keeps the vessel stedfast and secure amid the
tumultuous waves and the stormy tempest.

The devout Christian praying in secret, makes

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 117

RAPID ADVANCES IN THE DIVINE LIFE. They that
wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall
mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not
he weary, and they shall ivalh and not faint. Sins
with which the indolent and careless Christian is
contending to his life's end, soon yield to continued
fervent prayer. Prayer gains for us that strength
which enables us to surmount every difficulty, and
removes every obstacle in our way to Sion. Are our
affections towards God and Christ becoming cold?
prayer is as a fire to which we must approach ; and
doing so, we shall perceive a gentle warmth insen-
sibly overspread us, and our benumbed powers will
acquire fresh energy and vigour.

It was the daily practice of the eminent physician
Boerhaave, through his whole life, as soon as he
rose in the morning, which was generally very early,
to retire for an hour to private prayer, and meditation
on some part of the scriptures. He often told his
friends, when they asked him how it was possible
for him to go through so much fatigue with such
patience and quietness, that it was this which gave
him spirit and vigour in the business of the day.
This he therefore recommended as the best rule which
he could give.

Private prayer is an engine of greater power

THAN ALL HUMAN MEANS PUT TOGETHER.J The

greatest of earthly monarchs, neglecting prayer, has
not that power to glorify God, benefit man, and
secure his own happiness, which the humble and

I " Admirable is the power of prayer. It calms the surges of a
troubled spirit — shuts lions' mouths — opens prison doors— beats the
fiercest enemies— nay, arrests the impending judgments of God."
Beading's Guide to the Holy City.

118 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

praying Christian has. The pra5'er of a poor, des-
titute, and afflicted Christian, in the name of Christ,
may turn the hearts of kings and princes, save his
country, raise up pious ministers, secure a blessing
to their labours, send the gospel to the heathen,
and advance the kingdom of Christ in the world.
Prayer has an advantage above alms, and every other
good v^^ork, which can only benefit a few, while
faithful prayer can help all. It is also a resource of
which man cannot deprive you : he may despoil,
blind, and maim, imprison, or otherwise injure you;
but he cannot keep you from prayer. Observe the
power of prayer in the example of Elijah. He was
a man subject to like passions as ive are, and he prayed
earnestly that it might not rain ; and it rained not on the
earth by the space of three years and six months. And
he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth
brought forth her fruits.

It MAKES us FRUITFUL IN EVERY GOOD WORK.

— " I reckon it,'' says Bennett, " matter of common
experience among good men, that they find them-
selves more or less disposed, and fit for their respec-
tive duties and service, according as their diligence,
constancy, and seriousness in secret prayer is more
or less." The root that produces the beautiful and
flourishing tree, with all its spreading branches, ver-
dant leaves, and refreshing fruit, that which gains
for it sap, life, vigour, and fruitfulness, is all un-
seen : and the farther and the deeper the roots spread
beneath, the more the tree expands above. Chris-
tians, if you wish to prosper, if you long to bring
forth all the fruit of the Spirit, strike your roots
deep and wide in private prayer. That faith and
support, that strength and grace, which you seek of

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 119

God in secret, that it may be exercised in the hour
of need, God will in that hour give it you before
men.

Mr. Scott says, " Depend upon it every thing will
prosper in the event in a very near proportion to our
earnestness and perseverance in prayer ; but negli-
gence here will be followed by a declension perhaps
almost unperceived in all other respects, and will
make way for temptations, falls, corrections, dark-
ness, and inward distresses : if, like Jacob, we
wrestle with God and prevail, we shall eventually
prevail in all our other conflicts.

It will be rewarded openly. — Our Lord does
not in these words promise the very thing which you
request ; but your Father will reward you ; he will
give you a free, a full return, a gracious retribution,
evidently though not perhaps identically. How ma-
nifestly before all men was Hannah rewarded, when
the name of her son Samuel (meaning asked of God)
told all Israel, and tells the church in every age,
that God hears and answers prayer ! How openly
were Jacob's secret prayers answered, when Esau
publicly received him so graciously! Our heavenly
Father will also, before men and angels, hereafter
reward thy secret devotion. Now it is unknown to
man ; but it will all be known, and known by the
greatness of its reward. Every tear of godly sorrow,
shed in secret, will then be a brilliant gem in the
crown of glory surrounding the brow of the Christian.
The Christian's reward comes from a Father of infi-
nite power, riches, wisdom and love ; and therefore
cannot be a small reward, or an unsatisfying portion.

May every reader, then, be encouraged to begin, or
more constantly to practise, and persevere in this

120 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

sacred duty. However dull our spirits, however
wearied our body, however wandering our minds, let
us never wholly omit this duty, never put it oflf with
a vain excuse to another season. To do so is Satan's
temptation. Your weakness is the time for God's
power; attempt to pray in the best way you can,
looking for his strength : and you will find the Lord
assist you with the supply of his Spirit, enliven your
soul, fix your mind, and draw and raise your heart
to himself.

One of Melancthon's correspondents gives this ac-
count of Luther's private devotions, in one of the
most trying and critical times in the course of the
Reformation. " I cannot enough describe the cheer-
fulness, constancy, faith, and hope of this man in
these trying and vexatious times. He constantly
feeds these good affections, by a very diligent study
of the word of God. Then, not a day passes in
which he does not employ in prayer three, at least,
of his very best hours. Once I happened to hear
him at prayer. Gracious Lord ! what spirit, and
what faith there is in his expressions ! He petitions
God with as much reverence as if he was actually in
the divine presence, and yet with as firm a hope and
confidence as he would address a father or a friend.
* I know,' said he, * thou art our Father, and our God,
therefore, I am sure that thou wilt bring to nought
the persecutors of thy children. For shouldest thou
fail to do this, thine own cause being connected with
ours would be endangered. It is entirely thine own
concern : we, by thy providence, have been com-
pelled to take a part. Thou, therefore, wilt be our
defence.' Whilst I was listening to Luther praying
in this manner at a distance, my soul seemed on fire

ON PRIVATE PRAYER. 121

within me, to hear the man address God so like a
friend, and yet with so much gravity and reverence ;
and also to hear him in the course of his prayer,
insisting on the promises contained in the Psalms,
as if he were sure his petitions would be granted."
(See Milner's Hist, of the Church of Christ, vol. v.)
No wonder that Luther was such a blessing to the
world. All men of great usefulness to the church
have much abounded in prayer.

But why speak we of others ? Let us notice only
the extraordinary spirit of devotion which adorned
OUR BLESSED Saviour. This part of his character
has been well described ; when twelve years of age,
he was engaged in the temple with the doctors, in
his Father s business. When he entered on his pub-
lic ministry, he committed himself in solemn prayer
to God. Before he chose his twelve apostles, as well
as at his transfiguration, he spent a considerable
time in devotion. During his ministry, he resorted
to the synagogue on the sabbath. He devoutly
referred every act of his life and ministry, his
mission, his doctrine, his miracles, his suflFerings,
his resurrection, to the will and appointment of
bis Father. He encouraged a spirit of prayer in
his disciples, by commanding them to pray, and
by supplying them with a model of prayer. He
sanctioned these encouragements to prayer by his
own example ; by going out into a desert to pray ;
by rising up early, and by continuing all night in
prayer to God: by pouring out earnest and frequent
addresses to his heavenly Father, as new exigen-
cies arose ; by his solemn intercessory supplica-
tion previous to his last sufferings ; by his strong
crying and tears during his agony ; and by com-

122 ON PRIVATE PRAYER.

mending his soul to his Father as he expired on the
cross. ^

If the Saviour of the world thus prayed, and
was heard, and carried through his stupendous
work, can we have a stronger motive to abound in
prayer ?

1 See Bishop Wilson's Sermons.

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 123

CHAPTER VII.

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

Many are the advantages, and great is the necessity
of private prayer; but it will not be difficult to shew,
that public worship is also a duty of plain and vast
importance.

We will consider first, the duty and advantage of
public worship ; and then the mode of duly perform-
ing the duty.

The ASSEMBLING OF OURSELVES TOGETHER IS
REQUIRED IN THE SCRIPTURES OF ALL CHRISTIANS.

The apostle exhorts us to it as a great means of
strengthening our love to God and man ; Let us con-
sider one another to provoke unto love and good works ;
not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is. Hebrews x. 24, 25; The invita-
tion runs, O come, let us icorship and hoiv down: let
us kneel before the Lord our Maker. Psalm xcv. 6.
Come unto his courts ; O worship the Lord in the beauty
of holiness. Psalm xcvi. 8, 9. The direction is,
Praying always with all prayer. Eph. vi. 18. It is
plainly pointed out as a means to avert God's judg-
ments ; call a solemn assembly, gather the people, sanc-
tify the congregation, assemble the elders. Let the

124 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch
and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people. Joel
ii. 15, 17. These things, and the practice of all holy
persons, from the time when men began to call on the
name of the Lord, (Gen. iv. 26,) with the example of
our Lord and his disciples, give us sufficient scrip-
tural authority for the practice of public worship.
Nor should we forget the appointment of a particular
day for the solemn worship of God, and of a par-
ticular place for the Jewish nation, the various regu-
lations, and directions respecting their public wor-
ship ; all which things shew that it is a divine ordi-
nance pleasing and acceptable to God.

Public worship is A suitable and proper expres-
sion OF HOMAGE TO OUR CREATOR. In him we Uve
and move and have our being : and it is just and right
that we should publicly and unitedly give unto the
Lord the glory due unto his name. We all depend on
him, and it is right that we should join in acknow-
ledging this, and in praying to him. We have in
common sinned against him, and right it is that we
should in common confess our sins before him. We
need the same supplies ; we have received the same
mercies, and may therefore unite in the same prayers
and praises. Reasonable and immortal creatures are
engaged in an object worthy of their nature and cha-
racter, when they unite together to exalt the Lord
our God and worship at his footstool. Psalm xcix. 5.
The angels and spirits of just men made perfect,
unite in surrounding the throne of glory with hymns
and praises. We are to do his will on earth as it is
done in heaven. If we, then, expect to join the society
above, we should obtain a meetness on earth, for their
blissful employment.

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 125

It is also a public testimony and profession of
OUR religion. — We hereby shew, " whose we are,
and whom we serve." The religion of a nation is
known by its worship. All people will walk every one
in the name of his God, and we will walk in the name
of the Lord our God for ever, Micah iv. 5. If hea-
then nations assemble to worship idols ; if Maho-
medans meet to worship an unlcnown God, and
honour Mahomet ; let Christians meet to worship the
God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father
of the spirits of all flesh: and thus give a public
avowal of their being the disciples of Jesus Christ,
the only Lord and Saviour. By withdrawing from
the public assembly of his people, you do in effect
own yourself not to belong to those who love and
fear God and shall dwell with him for ever. Persons
of the greatest piety have ever been most remarkable
for their attachment to public worship. Look with
this view at the Psalms of David. See Psalms xlii.
Ixiii. Ixxxiv.

Public worship is attended with some pecu-
liar advantages.— The constant return of the
weekly sabbath, and its worship, keeps alive those
impressions of religion which the cares, and busi-
ness, and distractions of this world would wear
away. Our Saviour makes a special promise ap-
plicable to it, saying, where two or three are gathered
together in thy name, there am I in the midst of them,
Matt, xviii. 19, 20. The Lord is in his holy temple. He
loveth the gates of Sion, more than all the dwellings of
Jacob, peculiarly there manifesting to his people his
presence, in which is fulness of joy. He declares, /
will make them joyful in my house of prayer. Isa. Ivi. 7.
Worldly men find it natural and easy to meet in a

126 . ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

mart or exchange for worldly advantages, and the
religious man finds it thus easy to go to the house of
God for spiritual advantages. We thus turn the
sympathy of nature, common to us all, to its best
account. It has a tendency to unite men together in
mutual love. We are quickened, solemnized, and
enlivened by the devotion of a well-organized con-
gregation. / willJ37'ais€ the Lord with my ivhole heart,
says David, in the congrerjation of the faithful . Earth
affords not a more impressive, affecting, and solemn
sight, than that of a whole congregation uniting in
acts of prayer and praise to the great Lord of all. In
such a scene, also, the Christian peculiarly enjoys the
privilege of the communion of saints.

The reading and preaching of the holy scriptures
being joined with public worship, the young, the
poor, the ignorant and uninstructed, have by this
means a most important opportunity of religious in-
struction. The beneficial effects of this, when gene-
rally kept up through a whole nation, cannot easily
be estimated.

But public worship is a privilege as well as a
DUTY. — To the Christian it is not a burdensome
task, but a delightful employment, under the influ-
ences of the Holy Spirit, to join his fellow-Christians
in prayer and praise. Observe how David speaks—
One thing have I desired of the Lord, and that will I
seek after ; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord,
and to inquire in his temple. Psalm xxvii. 4. How
amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! My soul
longeth, yea even fainteth, for the courts of the Lord ;
my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.
Psalm Ixxxiv. 1, 2. Hence the sabbath is to the

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 127

Christian a happy day. He looks forward to it with
pleasure. He regrets its departure. He would not,
on any account, willingly deprive himself of its pri-
vileges, or lose its worship.

The observance of the sabbath is so intimately
connected with public worship, that it may be useful
to shew the obligation to keep holy the Lord's
day.

The sabbath was sanctified and set apart for God
from the beginning.^ God blessed the seventh day and
sanctified it ; because that in it he had rested from all
his work which God had created and made. Gen. ii. 3.
Hence we may infer, not only the advantage, but the
absolute necessity, as the world now is, if we would
pay any suitable regard to religion, or to the salva-
tion of our immortal souls, of time set apart for the
immediate service of God.

The command to remember the Sabbath day to keep
it holy, though given to the Jewish church with many
circumstances of peculiar strictness, ocurs among
the\ moral laws in the Ten Commandments. Mr.
Cecil thus explains its true character — "The Jewish
Sabbath was partly of political institution, and partly
of moral obligation : so far as it was a political ap-
pointment, designed to preserve the Jews from other

' It has, indeed, been objected, that there is no subsequent mention
of the observance of the sabbath, by the patriarchs ; but not to say
that there are intimations of a division of time into weeks, (Gen. viii.
10, 12; xxix. 27; 1, 10.) it might, for the same reason, have been
thought, that the Jews did not observe the sabbath from Moses to
David ; since, in the history of all that time there is no mention of that
day. Those who object to the institution of the sabbath, from the
beginning, admit that " if the divine command was actually delivered
at the creation, it was addressed no doubt to the whole human species
alike, and continues, unless repealed by some subsequent revelation,
binding on all who come to the knowledge of it."

128 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

nations, it is abrogated : so far as it was of moral
obligation, it remains in force. Christ came not to
abolish the Sabbath ; but to explain and enforce it, as
he did the rest of the law. Its observance was no
where positively enjoined by him, because Christian-
ity was to be practicable, and was to go into all
nations, and it goes thither stripped of its precise
and various circumstances. I was in the Spirit on the
Lord's day, seems to be the soul of the Christian Sab-
bath." The circumstance of the continuance of the
Jewish economy, while our Lord and his apostles
lived, suflBciently accounts for there being no positive
precept in the New Testament respecting the observ-
ance of the first day of the week, our Sunday. Yet
the practice of the primitive church, (Acts xx. 7.
1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2.) their freedom from the Jewish
Sabbath, (Col. ii. 16.) and the actual appointment
in our country of the first day, plainly require our
observing Sunday, the Lord's day, (Rev. i. 10.) being
the first, instead of Saturday, the seventh day of the
week.

While our Saviour, who is Lord even of the Sab-
bath day, has rectified the superstitious abuse of the
institution, and allows us to perform works of neces-
sity and charity, (Matt. xii. 1 — 12.) yet it is clear
that he would never have reformed the abuse of this
fourth commandment, had the Sabbath been an
ordinance which was to die in a little time. Hence
it is our plain duty, as far as it is possible, to devote
the first day of the week wholly to the service of
God. "We are going," says Mr. Cecil, "to spend
a sabbath in eternity. The Christian will acquire
as much of the sabbath spirit as he can. And in
proportion to a man's real piety, in every age of the

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 129

church, he will be found to have been a diligent
observer of the Sabbath day."

Alas ! how perpetually is this holy day profaned
in our Christian land ! what multitudes transact their
usual business ! how many shops in large towns are
more or less open! how many thousands of Sunday
newspapers are published, sold, and read ; what
needless travelling, visiting, writing letters, settling
of accounts, &c.

But how much more holy and more happy is the
Christian's employment of this day. It is to him a
delight and a joy. He gives it wholly to its varied
but sacred duties. He reads the scriptures and
other devotional books, examines his heart, thinks
on his ways, and meditates on spiritual and eternal
things. He attends public worship, and instructs
his family, or visits the poor and afflicted. He seeks
to have his heart with God all the day long, and thus
passing his sabbaths here below, he becomes better
prepared for an eternal sabbath above.

But to return to the duty of public worship.

My readers may be of two classes :— either more or
less neglecting public worship, or constantly attend-
ing it. Are you living in the neglect of public
WORSHIP?— To such it may be said, though it be
no certain mark of the truth of a man's religious
profession that he comes to public worship, yet the
habitual or frequent absence, when he has it in his
power to come, is a plain mark that a man has no
real religion. He is unlike his Saviour, and unlike
the disciples of that Saviour; and thus continuing
to despise the earthly house of his God, he will fail
of an entrance into his eternal mansions. It was

K

130 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

foretold, that in the days of the Messiah, his followers
should generally and unitedly assemble together, to
engage themselves in his service. Many people shall
say, Come ye and let us go up to the mountain of the
Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and he will
teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths*
Isaiah ii. 3. May you, then, be excited by the con-
siderations which I have stated, to begin a constant,
regular, and habitual attendance at the house of
God ; and thus not only gain inestimable benefits
to yourself, but also by your example and your in-
fluence bring others thither. But perhaps you may
imagine that you have sufiicient reasons to induce
you to stay at home.

It is not an uncommon objection made to a due
attendance on the duty of public worship, I can

PRAY BETTER AT HOME— I CAN LEARN MORE AT

HOME BY READING GOOD BOOKS. — The preceding ob-
servations have already furnished a suflBcient answer
to this objection. Those who make it, not unfre-
quently totally neglect also religious duties at home.
Public worship is a means of grace of divine appoint-
ment, and therefore must not be neglected. Though
you may not seem to derive that profit and edification
which you think you gain from reading a religious
book, you do in reality lose all the peculiar benefits
of public worship yourself, and do all that the power
of example can effect, to keep others from its advan-
tages. Besides, did you really know more than your
teachers, you might still learn, from the example
of our Saviour, in whom were and ai-e hid all the
treasures of wisdom and knowledge, to attend public
worship. We read of him that, «* his custom was, he
went into the synagogue on the Sabbath-day. Luke iv. 16

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 131

Others think that it is unnecessary to go con-
stantly.— The same reasons which require you to
go at all, call on you also to be constant in going.
It is the regular return of the duty which makes it so
valuable in the Christian life. You do not think it
unnecessary to partake constantly and regularly of
food for your body ; nor is it less necessary to be
regular in seeking food for your soul. A leaky vessel
in the ocean, continually letting in the waters, needs
continual pumping and baling to keep it free ; and
thus the corrupt heart of man calls for a constant use
of every means to keep it free from sin. There is a
great advantage in a constant attendance. Those
that he planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in
the courts of our God ! they shall bring forth fruit in
old age ; they shall he fat dnd flourishing. Psalm xcii.
13, 14. It would appear, from Heb. x. 25 — 27, that
remissness respecting the assembling of ourselves toge-
ther, was the first step to apostacy. Will not the
constancy of the early Christians in frequenting their
assemblies for worship in great difficulties, and often
at the risk of their lives, condemn you who refuse to
attend, though the house of God is open and you
have full liberty to go thither?

Some refuse to go because they have a personal
PREJUDICE against THE MINISTER. — There may be,
indeed, trying cases of unfaithful teachers, and there
is a sad woe pronounced on those by ivhom the offence
Cometh; but surely this objection ought not to induce
you altogether to neglect attendance on public wor-
ship. We should not disregard that instruction even
of an ungodly minister, which is scriptural. The
Sa'ibes and Pharisees sit in Moses'.seat : all, therefoi'e,
whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do ;

K 2

132 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

but do ye not after their works, for they say and do
not* But let me ask, have you practised fervent,
persevering, and united prayer for your minister?
Try this; and perhaps your prejudices may be re-
moved, or his character changed. Christians often
forget, in their desire of having a faithful minister
who shall preach to them the pure doctrines of
Christ, that it as easy for God to enlighten their pre-
sent minister '* with the true knowledge and under-
standing of his word," — to enable their present pastor
" both by his preaching and living to set it forth, and
shew it accordingly," as it is to send them such an
one as they desire. Let me strongly and urgently
recommend you to try the plan of fervent and perse-
vering prayer for your minister.

Many of my readers, however, attend public
WORSHIP CONSTANTLY.^ — To them, on this point, I
need only say, he not weary of well-doing. You have,
however, perhaps, relatives, friends, dependants, or
connections whom you greatly love, who never come
at all. May what has been said incline you to use
every proper means in your power to bring them.
You have over them, probably, the influence of au-
thority, friendship, or affection : use this talent of
influence in jour Saviour's service; and, by the
constraining power of love, compel them to come in
to his house. And while you thus exert yourselves
in their behalf, O seek, on every account, grace

i It is to be regretted that the appointment of the Church of Eng-
land for public worship twice a-week as well as on Sundays, is,
through the decay of Christian piety, in a great measure nugatory.
It is, however, in some measure supplied by the week-day Evening
Lectures, which are more convenient to our present habits, and
which Ciiristians in most large towns have now an opportunity of
attending.

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 133

rightly to fulfil that great duty in which you yourself
are engaged. Seek, when you come into his courts^ to
worship the Lord in the heauty of holiness.

We proceed to consider how we may duly wor-
ship GOD IN HIS HOUSE.— We may worship God in
the beauty of holiness. We do this, when, approach-
ing him in the name of Jesus Christ, and through the
assistance of his Spirit, all our faculties are fixed
and engaged in this work ; our expressions, accom-
panied by suitable affections, by holy longings and
thirsting of souls after God,— in short, when the whole
man is dedicated to the solemn act of worshipping
God.

There is no beauty of holiness, without a reference
to the mediation of Jesus Christ. God cannot, but
through him, look on sinners with acceptance. But
Jesus Christ, like the high priest of Israel, bears the
iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel
halloiu in all their holy gifts. He has holiness to
THE Lord upon his forehead, that they may he accepted
before the Lord. Exod. xxviii. 38. Every prayer must
be offered up in his name. John xiv. 13, 14.'

It may be useful to point out some things incon-
sistent with this due worship of God.

An unprepared mind, thoughtless of the work till
about to be engaged in it, will very generally lead to
careless worship.

Coming from wrong motives will lead to the
same thing. Some come merely from form or cus-

• Here I cannot but remark, that the conclusion of the various
Collects in the Liturgy gives the members of our Church a frequent
and continual opportunity of having respect to the intercession of the
Saviour, and offering up every petition in his name- Many excellent
persons have found the advantage and comfort of this.

134 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

torn, or to be seen of men ; without any expectation
of finding the presence of God, or any desire to
obtain his grace. Others come merely as a self-
righteous act, fancying public worship to be a species
of meritorious obedience, that will entitle them to
heaven.

Carelessness AND irreverence mark the worship
of some. They come in late, in the middle of prayers,
when they have it in their power to come in good
time. Not to mention the bad effect of this as an
example, only consider for a moment the disturbance
which it occasions in the devotions of others. It has
been justly observed, " A well-tutored mind will
revolt at the thought of unnecessarily disturbing
others in the most solemn of all employments. If
you look at the various classes of Christians, you
will find with scarcely an exception, that those who
have been the greatest honour to religion, and added
most to the edification of their brethren, attended on
God's worship steadily and in proper time. There is
often a striking analogy between people's manners
in such things, and their general character.'' '

Others are careless during worship. They sit at
the proper time for kneeling or standing, though no
bodily infirmities may require it.^ They look about

} See Kinghorn on Public Worship. Mr. Scott remarks, " It is
certainly very dishonourable to God whom we worship, and very
irreverent, and a very bad example to others, for persons to be fre-
quently, or without sufficient reason, too late at a place of worship ;
to the interruption of others, and often (I speak feelingly) of him who
leads the worship. — There is nothing that with me tends so much to
make our public worship formal, as the continual interruption which
arises from persons coming in after the service is begun." See the
volume of his Letters.

2 The propriety of kneeling in public worship is manifested by
various scripture examples. 2 Chron. vi. 11, 13; Ezra ix. 5; Dan. vi.
10; Paul, Acts xxi; Eph. iii. 14. Observe the invitation of the

ON PUBLIC WORSH ^ 135

tbem, and are attracted by anything that may pass
in the congregation. But if servants were to come
before any master on earth to ask for a favour in the
same careless, disrespectful vray, what could they
expect, but a denial of their request, and a rebuke
for their contempt of his person and presence? Our
minds and faculties ought to be absorbed in the great
act of worshipping Jehovah, the God of the spirits of
all ilesh ; but, alas ! all have, more or less, reason to
bewail sad wanderings and distraction of spirit,
through our unbelief and negligence.

These things are inconsistent with worshipping
God as we ought. Our Lord says, that his true
worshippers shall tvorship the Father in spirit and in
truth.

As some of the directions which follow will have
a particular reference to those who join in the forms
of our church, it may be expedient to point out some
of THE ADVANTAGES OF A LITURGY. ^ Great allow-
ance must indeed be made for the power of custom
and education, which have such an influence upon
our minds, as much to affect our devotional feelings.
One who has been accustomed to join a congregation
in worshipping without forms, has perhaps a great
prejudice against them, and may find it diflScult with
a form to worship God in spirit and in truth. But
another having found the presence of God in the

Psalmist, (Psalm xcv. 6,) O come, let us worship and bow down, let us
kneel before the Lord our MaJier—and the example of our Lord, who
kneeled down and prayed, (Luke xxii. 41,) and also of St. Paul, (see
Acts XX. 36,) where it is said that he kneeled down and prayed with
them all.

1 We are here speaking of forms of prayer, not for private or family
but for public worship. The word Liturgy is derived from a Greek
word, signifying public work — he who labours not in his prayers, does
not pray aright.

136 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

simple and scriptural devotion of our Liturgy, will
rather find extempore praj^er, in public worship, an
impediment than a help to his devotions.

While it is admitted that there is danger of mere
formality, weariness, and inattentiveness, both to the
minister and people, in the use of forms of prayer ;
yet, it appears to the writer, that this danger is not
confined to them ; it is, alas ! the grand difficulty
of all desiring true prayer, however they may wor-
ship. It also appears to him, that our Liturgy has
advantages which we cannot otherwise so completely
and eff'ectually receive : independent of the fact, that
pious clergymen continually find the advantage of
having an exposition of divine truth of acknow-
ledged excellence to refer to as a standard.

Our Lord says. If any two of you shall agree on
earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall
be done for them. Now, though there is in the mind
of man, that quickness of apprehension and consent,
which may obtain the benefit of this promise in ex-
tempore prayer, yet the agreement of desire spoken
of may be more specially and fully attained in the
use of a form, which all the Christians who meet to-
gether have long known and approved. Is there not
also a danger in extempore prayer, lest the mind of
the hearer, being held in continual expectation,
should be detained from its proper business by the
very novelty with which it is gratified?

Where the worship of those who join in our Liturgy
is sincere, may we not say, that this is more mani-
festly praying in the Holy Ghost? because, while the
heart is engaged, and the desires expressed are
scriptural, the mere natural affections cannot have
been raised by novelty of expression or sentiment

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 137

So far, therefore, from there being less, there is, to
a spiritual worshipper, greater evidence in the use
of forms of obtaining and enjoying communion with
God.

It is sometimes objected, that forms stint and limit
the Spirit ; but let it never be forgotten, that the
great thing wanted in prayer is not the multitude
and variety of expressions, but an engaged heart and
warm affections. " They who use forms, pray by the
Spirit when their petitions are accompanied with
fervent affections stirred in them by the Holy Ghost.
They who are most fluent in conceived prayer, may
pray only from the strength of their natural parts
and endowments.''

Some are offended at the repetitions of our Liturgy ;
and it is readily admitted, that neither this nor any
other human composition is perfect. But Bishop
Hopkins, speaking to those offended at the frequent
recurrence of the same requests, says, " It is much
in their own power," that it is by due watchfulness,
dependance on Christ, and seeking the power of his
Spirit, " to make them to be either vain repetitions,
or the most fervent ingeminations of their most af-
fectionate desires unto God, and the most spiritual
and forcible part of all their prayers and supplica-
tions." It may be observed, that there is nothing
in scripture against the lawfulness of using forms ;
and the form of prayer given by our Lord, with the
direction, When ye pray, say^ Our Father, ^c. (Luke
xi. 2,) appears satisfactory, as was before observed,
both as to the allowableness and expediency of
forms. It may also be again remarked, how much
of the whole Bible is a continued series of prayers,
so that no one can pray judiciously, and at length,

138 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

without bringing in many scriptural forms of prayer:
the book of Psalms is an inspired form of prayer.

The candid testimony of those who dissent from us
is very satisfactory respecting the excellence of our
Liturgy. Doddridge, writing to a member of a dis-
senting congregation, says, " I doubt not, but many
pious souls in the Established Church, have daily
converse with God in the offices of it, and I heartily
rejoice in the thought.'' The eloquent and excellent
Robert Hall of Leicester, speaks still more decid-
edly, and says of the Liturgy, " Though a Protestant
Dissenter, I am by no means insensible to its merits :
I believe that the evangelical purity of its sentiments,
the chastened fervour of its devotion, and the majestic
simplicity of its language, have combined to place it
in the very first rank of uninspired compositions."

It is promised to the church, kings shall he thy
nursing -fathers^ and queens thy nur sing -mother s : and
who that has a just and enlarged view of the various
talents and characters of those who minister in holy
things, and of the difficulty of always choosing fit
instruments, but must rejoice, that, in our national
establishment, whoever ministers, there is a devout
and scriptural Liturgy, in which the congregation
may join and worship God in spirit and in truth.

Places set apart for public worship are not only
necessary for us to assemble ourselves together, but
the habit of meeting there only for religious pur-
poses, has also a tendency to withdraw our minds
from the world. There is a relative holiness about
them as they are set apart for holy ends, like the hill
of Sion. One of the greatest instances of our Lord's
displeasure was for the profanation of the temple.

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 139

Mark xi. 17. There may, however, be an erroneous
idea of sanctity attached to the place where we
worship. If we consider a church as the proper
dwelling-place of God, where he is nearer to us to
hear our prayers, or ascribe to it an imaginary sanc-
tity, rendering our devotions more holy, we mistake
the use of God's house. The Most High dwells not in
temples made with hands ; and our Lord teaches us to
worship, not in any particular place, but in spirit
and in truth.

To assist in this, the following directions are
added : —

I. A DUE APPROACH TO THE HOUSE OF GOD.

Prepare for public worship. — The preparation
of the heart is requisite before prayer. Prepare thine
heart, and stretch out thine hands towards him. Job xi.
13. Amos (ch. iv. 12.) tells us. Prepare to meet thy
God ! While this applies more particularly to God's
coming to Israel in wrath and judgment, let it also
direct us to a suitable preparation of mind in all our
intercourse with him whose name is holy. We are to
remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy. Exodus xx.
Respecting the duties of the Sabbath, in particular,
it is profitable to think of them, and prepare for them
the evening before. Sir Matthew Hale says to his
children, " I would not have you meddle with any
recreations, pastimes, or ordinary work of your call-
ing, from Saturday night at eight o'clock, till Monday
morning. For though I am not apt to think that
Saturday night is part of the Christian Sabbath, yet
it is thus fit to prepare the heart for it." We should
not rush hastily into the divine presence. God is
greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to

140 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

he had in reverence of all them that are about him. Psa.
Ixxxix. 7. That great and glorious Lord and Saviour,
who holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, and who
walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlestichs^
(Rev. ii. 7.) is especially present. The apostle seems
to intimate that the angels, who w[Q ministering spirits
sent forth to minister to the heirs of salvation, attend
in Christian assemblies. Heb. i. 14. We should feel
with David, holiness hecometh thine house, O Lord,
for ever, (Psa. xciii. 5,) and shall thus be led to see
that a due preparation of heart is suitable and need-
ful. If you can, then, obtain time and opportunity
for this purpose, I would exhort you to prepare your
hearts by secret prayer and reading the scriptures.
It has been found by some to be a good practice to
read the lessons of the day before the service. One
eminently good man was accustomed to spend most
of the Sabbath morning in secret prayer and medita-
tion, and was wont to say, "We many times blame
the minister, when the fault is our own, that we have
not prayed for him as we should."

Be watchful over your spirit in going. Much of
our spirituality and comfort in public worship de-
pends on the state of mind in which we come. We
should, as far as may be, abstain not only from
worldly business, but worldly conversation and
thoughts on the Sabbath. A dream cometh, says Solo-
mon, through the multitude of business. Eccless. v. 3.
If you are conversing or thinking on the affairs of
this world till you enter the house of God, how is it
possible that your heart can at once be raised to
God?

Earnestly aim at going thither in the spirit of
PRAYER, looking upwards for the divine blessing to

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 141

give life, efficacy, and unction to the outward service.
It would be happy for us if we could always go in
that spirit which David describes — O God, thou art
tny God, early will I seek thee ; my soul thirsteth for
thee, my flesh long eth for thee, in a dry and thirsty land,
where no water is ; to see thy power and thy glory, so as
I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Psalm Ixiii. 1, 2.
When we come in any thing of this spirit, how dif-
ferent a service is public worship from what it is
when we come carelessly. How humbling, how aw-
ful, how elevating !

Let us also go in the spirit of praise. I was glad
when they said tmto me. Let us go into the house of the
Lord. Psalm cxxii. 1. We should come up to his
house with a thankful, grateful spirit; with the feel-
ing of children going to their parents ; not in the
spirit of bondage, but in the spirit of adoption. A
dutiful child, entirely dependent on the bounty, wis-
dom, and love of its kind father, after experiencing
the contempt or unfriendly treatment to which a
stranger in a foreign country is exposed, loves to go
to the father's dwelling. While we are in this hostile
and ensnaring world, it is our privilege to do so ; to
serve the Lord tvith gladness, and come before his pre-
sence with singing. Enter into his gates with thanks-
giving, and into his courts with praise.

Yet let holy joy be ever connected with godly
FEAR. The Jews were commanded, Reverence my
sanctuary. Lev. xix. 30. And Solomon's directions
should be often in our thoughts : Keep thy foot,
(watch and mark all the motions of soul and body,
restraining all that would be unbecoming) when thou
goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than
to offer the sacrijice of fools ^ Be not rash with thy

142 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

mouthy and let not thy heart he hasty to utter any thing
before God, for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth J
therefore let thy words he few. Eccles. v. 1, 2. We
should endeavour to have that lively impression of
the divine presence, which pervaded Jacob's mind,
after his intercourse with his God : Surely the Lord
is in this place ! how dreadful is this place, this is none
other hut the house of God, and this is the gate of
heaven! Gen. xxviii. 16, 17. The more just and
lively views we have of God's character, presence,
and glory, the more we shall seek to honour him.
This reverence St. Paul urges : Let us have grace (we
cannot do without it) whereby we may serve God ac-
ceptably, with reverence and godly fear. Heb. xi. 33.

Closely connected with this reverence will be
DEEP SELF-ABASEMENT. We may always observe
that, when God's servants have had near approaches
to him, or a true view of his glory, they have been
greatly humbled in the sense of their own sinful-
ness ; as Abraham, Behold, now I have taken upon me
to speak unto the Lord, which am hut dust and ashes ;
(Gen. xviii. 27.) or as Job, Behold I am vile! what
shall I answer thee ? L will lay mine hand upon my
mouth ; (Job xl. 4.) or as Isaiah, Woe is me, for 1 am
undone, because I am a man of unclean lips? and I
dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips ; for mine
eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts. (Isaiah vi.
5.) We should come with that feeling which Daniel
well expresses. We do not present our supplications
before thee, O Lord, for our righteousness, hut for thy
great mercies, Dan. ix. 18.

II. A DUE BEHAVIOUR IN THE HOUSE OF GOD.

Those who come with the views and feelings which

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 143

I have mentioned will readily admit the propriety
and follow the practice of the custom among us, first
to seek in private the grace of God to help us in our
worship. Let this be done briefly and fervently,
constantly, but not formally.'

The great thing is to keep our minds and affec-
tions fixed on the duty before us, so as to be able to
say, This one thing I do. Aim, then, to have the
mind engaged, and affections excited suitable to

' I cannot here but quote an admirable prayer of Bonnell's : his
biographer says, " When he came early to church, and could get to a
retired place, he continued at his private devotions until the public
service began, or a very little before, and how he employed those
happy moments of privacy and devotion in the house of God, the
foUov^ing prayer, mentioned as used by him in the church, before
morning prayer began, ■will shew : —

' Behold, O Lord, this portion of thy family, whom in this place
thou hast so often graciously visited and favoured; and who, having
addicted and given up ourselves to thy service, are here met together
in behalf of ourselves and of the rest of our happy number, and of all
our Christian brethren, even thy whole church. We beseech thee to
unite our hearts more in thyself, that we may have but one heart,
and one mind, as we have but one design, one aim, and hope. Let
us now welcome each other with hearts full of love and joy, into thy
presence, as we hope one day to welcome each other in thy presence
in glory. Let our civil respects, before thy service begins, be such
hearty and holy salutations as the blessed Elizabeth gave to the mo-
ther of our Lord, and may we have leave to say to each other, ' Hail,
thou that art favoured of God ; the Lord is with thee ! ' Behold, we
come with united hearts to beg of thee the confirming of thy grace
and favour to us ; we come to present ourselves before thee, with
most thankful acknowledgments for thy mercies received, and to
adore thee who hast so graciously visited us. We come humbly to
implore of thee strength against our respective temptations and difl5-
culties in life; to beseech thee to supply all our weaknesses, to make
us happily victorious against all our corruptions, and more than con-
querors through thee who hast loved us. But, O our bountiful Lord
God ! if it be such joy to meet those whom we love now in thy pre-
sence, what will it be to meet ten thousand glorified spirits, each of
whom we shall love infinitely more in thy kingdom of glory, than we
can do any creature here ! Glory be to thee, O Lord of glory and of
love, who hast given us such present pleasure in thy service, and
such comfortable hopes of those eternal good things which thou hast
prepared for them that love thee. Amen.'

144 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

every part of the service. Protestants see at once
the folly of praying in an unknown tongue ; but,
unless the heart join in the prayer — unless, when
the minister bless with the Spirit, he that occupieth the
room of the unlearned^ say. Amen, (i. e. really join with
his heart,) at thy giving of thanks (1 Cor. xiv. 16), it
is as unprofitable as if he prayed in a foreign lan-
guage. Prayers are not to be heard as sermons, but
to be really offered up to God in the desire of the
heart. In the word read and preached by the minis-
ter, let us hear God speaking, and receive it in faith.
In joining the confessions of sin, let memory bring
before you your particular transgressions ; and let
your hearts confess as well as your lips. In peti-
tions for pardon and a supply of necessities, let faith
realize the power and willingness of God to give.
In praying for others, remember, God's children are
members of that one body to which we are united :
and those now in darkness may yet be fellow-mem-
bers of the same body. Truly desire their best good.
In thanksgiving, call to mind your own particular
mercies, and your utter unworthiness of them. Our
hearts should overflow with gratitude, while our
mouth is filled with praise. We should have David's
feelings — O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt
his name together. Psalm xxxiv. 3.

But in all have an especial reference to the media-
tion, intercession, and grace of Christ. Vain are
all the foregoing rules and hints without the Spirit
of Christ in your heart. You cannot really or profit-
ably practise one of them, unless the Holy Spirit be
in you; for however necessary rules and precepts
may be, never yet was a Christian formed by rules
alone, but by the Spirit of Christ giving life to the

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 145

letter, and writing the rule in the heart. He is pre-
sent ; Matt, xviii. 20. By faith, then, realize his
presence. It spreads a savour— it imparts a life and
beauty — it throws a glory upon Christian assemblies.
Believe, then, the Lord Jesus Christ to be standing
in the midst of his people, giving power to the
prayers, and efficacy to the blessing at the close,
and offering up in heaven all those petitions which
you have made on earth.

While the prayers which the minister has to read
alone are repeating, do not accompany him by your
voice, or in whispers ; well-meaning people some-
times do this ; but it disturbs the devotions of others.
The thing to be aimed at is, that your heart go along
with all the service, desiring every blessing, and
holding unseen communion with God.

And, Christian reader, may I not appeal to you,
that when you have come to the house of God in the
spirit of prayer, and with an earnest longing to enjoy
the presence of God, and the communion of saints,
with your fellow-Christians, you have found in some
of the pathetic expressions of our Liturgy, that near-
ness to God, and that intercourse with him, which
has been to your own mind a manifest fulfilment of
the promise to be present with us when we meet in
his name. For instance, in repeating those earnest
entreaties for mercy, at the end of the Litany, " O
Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world,
have mercy upon us ! O Christ, hear us ! " have you
not, in happy moments, found your hearts deeply
affected, elevated, and drawn out to the Saviour?

The spiritual worship of God in every part of the
service, without wandering or distracted thoughts, is
one of the highest attainments of the Christian, and

L

146 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

through our belief, it is not, by any, perhaps, realized
on this side of the grave ; but, alas, how far from this
are we in general ? The writer mourns his own con-
tinual failure of spiritual worship, while he is endea-
vouring to exhort others to seek its attainment. It
has been observed, " How empty would our congre-
gations be sometimes, if no more bodies were present
than there are souls ! And what abundance of sorry
service hath our God that nobody sees ! '' This sub-
ject will be more fully considered hereafter. See
chapter xi.

The HEARING OF THE TRUTH in faith, humility,
and love, is a most important part in the solemnities
of public worship. On this, however, we cannot here
enlarge. Let it only be observed, that the more we
can hear with a devout heart, with a soul continually
darting up holy desires that God would send home
to our hearts what we hear, the more we thus hear
with self-application and earnest prayer, the more
profit we shall receive.

After the close of the service, you should be glad
of the pause allowed in all well-ordered congrega-
tions, for secret prayer to God, that he might pardon
every imperfection, and impress all that you have
heard on your heart.

III. A DUE RETURN FROM WORSHIP.

Alas ! how alive is the great adversary to rob us
of every good which we may obtain. The benefit and
comfort of meeting our fellow Christians in a solemn
act of worship, is often lost by the vain or trifling
conversation with them, which so frequently suc-
ceeds immediately on leaving the church. Is it not
the fulfilling of that saying, Wheit they have heard,

ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. 147

Satan cometh immediately and taketh away the word
that was sown in their hearts ? Mark iv. 15.

Christians should aim at carrying on the benefits of
public worship by suitable, spiritual, and heavenly
conversation, while obliged to be in company. And
they should, when practicable, retire as soon as may
be from the church to the closet, to examine what has
been the state of their minds, and to meditate and
pray over what they have heard and done. It would
greatly assist in impressing the sermon deeply on
your heart, to turn, as soon as may be after hearing
it, the substance of it into a prayer: confessing the
sins that have been brought home to your conscience,
and asking for grace to fulfil the duties that have been
enforced. O that all ministers had such hearers.

Lactantius says, " That is not true religion which
is left at the church. The holy and heavenly prin-
ciples enforced, or exercised there, should be care-
fully nourished to influence the life." The church of
Christ would soon assume a far brighter character,
did we duly improve this great means of grace.

But as there is danger of a careless return, so
there is danger of self-righteousness. Mixed and
defiled as all our services are, yet, through the
blindness of our minds, we are apt to think we are
something when we are nothing. Though it is the
highest act of divine mercy that God is willing to
hear us, we are ready to fancy that we are doing
something for him, and put him under an obligation
by praying. I appeal to those who have watched
their hearts for the truth of this. O beware of this
self-righteous spirit, which would taint all you do.
When ye shall have done all those things which are
commanded you (and who has done this ? but, sup-

L2

148 ON PUBLIC WORSHIP.

posing the case) say. We are unprofitable servants ;
we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke
xvii. 10.

Yet let not any (for we are apt to err on every
side) be too much discouraged by the strict-
ness RECOMMENDED. The writer freely confesses
how much he falls short of what he recommends ; the
good I would, I do not : the evil I would not, that I do.
Let the conviction of our falling short only lead us
to see the necessity of a total surrender to the righte-
ousness of our crucified, risen, and interceding Sa-
viour: and to come more simply to him for strength
to do that which is of manifest excellence, and a
plain duty.

ON FAMILY WORSHIP 149

CHAPTER VIII.

FAMILY WORSHIP.*

There are some very important means of grace, and
outward observances, which are plainly implied in
the word of God, for the performance of which we
have few, if any, positive, plain, and expressive
precepts. We are left to gather them from the ex-
amples of holy men, and from various incidental
circumstances: such, in some degree, is the duty of
public, and such more plainly is the duty of family
worship.

The reasons may be these. The Christian dispen-
sation is designed as a religion for people in every
country, and in every situation in which a human
being can be placed. It is more of a spiritual trans-
action between God and the soul than the Mosaic
dispensation was. Had there then been positive pre-
cepts respecting the means of grace, and the circum-
stantials of religion, and particularly respecting time,
place, or frequency, the tender conscience, for which
God has ever manifested particular regard, would

. 1 The greatest part of this chapter may perhaps be read with advan-
tage by the master of a family, when first beginning to attend to this
duty.

150 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

necessarily have been burdened when placed in situa-
tions where the duty was impracticable.^

By this, also, another important end is answered.
A trial is made of men's spirits. It is seen, whether,
because a positive precept cannot be brought requir-
ing its performance, men will neglect a duty plainly
implied. Thus more of the real state of our minds
is discovered, and it is manifested whether we have,
or have not, a full and ardent love for God, his wor-
ship, and service.

It will not, however, be difficult to prove the obli-
gation of family worship in various ways.

Consider the example of Abraham, the father
of the faithful, and the friend of God. — His family
piety is that for which he is blessed by Jehovah
himself: I know Ahrahaniy that he will command his
children and his household after him, and they shall
keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment,
that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he
hath spoken of him. Abraham is here commended
for instructing his children and his household in the
most important of all duties, the way of the Lord, the
great doctrines of religion, and justice and judgment,
its great duties. And observe, he will command
them; that is, he will use that just authority which
God gives the father and head of a family in the
religious instruction of his children. Abraham also
prayed with, as well as instructed, his family. Wher-
ever he fixed his tent, there he built an altar to the
Lord. This we read he did in the plain of Moriah.
And when he removed to a mountain on the east of
Bethel, there he builded an altar, and called upon the
name of the Lord, Gen. xii. 7, 8. Now we may say
1 See Cecil's Remains.

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 151

to those who neglect family worship, that as all real
Christians are Abraham's seed, (Gal. iii. 29.) If ye
were Abraham! s children, ye would do the works of
Abraham. John viii. 39. Your neglect of this duty
tends to show that you do not really belong to
Christ.i

The EXAMPLES OF OTHER HOLY MEN are similar
to that of Abraham. Consider the holy determina-
tion of Joshua, who declared to all Israel, Choose you
this day whom ye will serve ; as for me and my house,
we will serve the Lord. Joshua xxiv. 15. Neither the
exalted station which he occupied, nor his various
and pressing public labours, prevented his attention
to the religion of his family. When David had
brought the ark of God into Jerusalem with gladness,
sacrifices, and thanksgivings, after discharging all
his public duties, and blessing the people in the
name of the Lord of Hosts, he returned to bless his
household. 2 Sam. vi. 20. In addition to these might
be adduced the examples of Job, (chap. i. 5.) Daniel,
(chap. vi. 10.) and others. While the ark rested in
the house of Obed-edom, a blessing came upon him
and all his household. Would you then obtain the
blessing of God on your household ? let your family
be daily assembled for prayer and praise. Observe
the praise given to Cornelius ; he was a devout man,
and one that feared God, with all his house ; which
gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

1 Let us also notice the principle which iofluenced Abraham — If
Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory. But he
utterly renounced such ideas. In pleading before God, how he abases
himself: Behold, now I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord,
which am but dust and ashes! Abraham was justified by faith, and
relying on the promises of God, his heart was filled with love, and
hence he sought to impart to his family those spiritual blessings
which he himself enjoyed.

152 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

Acts X. 2. The early Christians practised this duty.
St. Paul greets the church in the house of Priscilla
and Aquila, when they were at Rome, (Rom. xvi. 3.)
and sends the salutation of the church that was in
their house when they were in Asia. 1 Cor. xvi. ]9.
We may probably gather hence, that he alludes
rather to the assembly of a religious family than to
that of a stated congregation. See also Col. iv. 15 ;
Philemon 2. When Peter was released by the angel
from prison, he came to the house of Mary the mother
of John, where many were gathered together praying.
Acts xii. 12.

These examples are brought forward to shew you,
that in duly attending to family worship, you are
followers of them who through faith and patience inherit
the promises.

The EXAMPLE OF Jesus Christ confirms the obli-
gation arising from that of good men. He was the
head of his family, and his apostles belonged to his
household. Matt. x. 25. We perpetually read how
he instructed them in private, and asked them vari-
ous questions as to their religious knowledge. Matt,
xiii. 51; xvi. 13. He often prayed with his dis-
ciples. Luke ix. 18; xi. 1. You call yourself a
Christian ; then remember, he that saith he ahideth in
him, ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
1 John ii. 6,

Threatenings are pronounced against those
WHO disregard this duty. Those who neglect
the worship of God in their families, lie (awful
thought !) under the displeasure of the Almighty,
under the frown of the Most High. Observe what is
said, (Jer. x. 25.) Pour out thy fury upon the heathen
that know thee not, and upon the families that call not

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 153

upon thy name. Now, if the heathen and their families
are to be thus punished, judge you what will become
of those families in a Christian land, living as
heathens, without regard to God and his worship.
Indeed, if any provide not for his oivn, and especially
for his own house^ (both in temporal and spiritual
things) he has denied the faith and is worse than an
infidel. 1 Tim. v. 8. Ah, Christian, I am sure if you
have hitherto neglected this duty, you should, with-
out delay, fly for refuge to the hope set before you in
the gospel: seek for pardon through the blood of
Christ ; and henceforth walk in newness of life. Yes,
begin to-day ^ while it is called to-day, (Heb. iii. 13.) to
practise this duty.

Family prayer has also some peculiar advantages.

It is A MOST IMPORTANT MEANS OF PROPAGATING

PIETY TO PROSTERITY. Children are creatures of
imitation. They love to copy all that they see in
others. The characters of unborn generations may
depend on your conduct in this matter. Eph. \i. 4.
Prov. xxii. 6. David says of the Lord, He established
a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers, that they should make
them known to their children, that the generations to
come might know ihem, even the children which should
be born, who should arise and declare them to their
children, that they might see their hope in God, and not
forget the works of God, but keep his commandments*
Psalm Ixxxviii. 5 — 7. Perhaps the present degraded
condition of the millions of immortal souls now
living in idolatry, with all their guilt and misery,
might be traced up to the neglect of family instruc-
tion, as one principal cause.

Family worship, when duly conducted, is attended

154 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

WITH MANY HAPPY EFFECTS ON YOUR WHOLE FAMILY.

No wonder that those who neglect this, are continu-
ally troubled with the misconduct and perverseness
of those under them and about them ; no wonder that
jarrings, dissensions, and other disagreeable circum-
stances, are continually disquieting them. It is just
what might be expected. How can they, who neglect
the worship of God in their families, look for peace
or comfort in them? I am sure also, that I may con-
fidently appeal to those who have regular and daily
family prayer, that, when conducted in a simple and
devout spirit, it has a tendency to remove, or allay,
all those unhappy passions to which our common
nature is subject, and which, more or less, appear in
every family. It unites the members of the family
together, gives the head of it a feeling of tenderness
and affection for those under him, and makes them
esteem and love him. Some masters are, on this
account, almost considered as angels in their fami-
lies. Cecil says of family worship rightly conducted,
" It may be used as an engine of vast power in a
family. It diffuses a sympathy through the members.
It calls off the mind from the deadening effects of
worldly affairs. It arrests every member with a
morning and evening sermon, in the midst of all the
hurries and cares of life. It says, " There is a God ? "
— " There is a spiritual world ! " — " There is a life
to come ! " It fixes the idea of responsibility in the
mind. It furnishes a tender and judicious father,
or master, with an opportunity of gently glancing at
faults, where a direct admonition might be inexpe-
dient. It enables him to relieve the weight with
which subordination or service often sits on the
minds of inferiors.

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 155

Family prayer gains for us the presence and
BLESSING OF OUR LoRD. There is a promise of his
presence, which appears peculiarly applicable to this
duty. Matthew xviii. 19,20. Many have found in
family worship, that help and that communion with
God which they sought for with less effect in private
prayer. It was the experience of one Christian, "
find more of the presence of God, and more of the
real spirit of prayer, in praying with my family, than
in almost any other means of grace." Surely, the
Christian, who really loves his Saviour, would regu-
larly call his family together to pray with him, from
this consideration alone, that he might enjoy more of
his Lord's presence.

Dr. Buchanan strikingly contrasts a family

WHICH WORSHIPS GOD, AND A FAMILY WHICH WOR-
SHIPS HIM NOT ; and the excellence of the remarks
will justify the length of the quotation. " How
painful it is to reflect," he says, " that there should
be, in this kingdom, many domestic societies among
whom the worship of the Deity is not known, in
whose houses no grateful accents are ever heard, no
exultation of heart for the divine goodness. There
are, indeed, accents of exultation and mirth ; and the
harp, and the viol, and the tabret, and the pipe, are in
their feasts : but there is no remembrance of God :
they regard not the operation of his hands. While even
inanimate nature, in a certain sense, ofFereth praise
to the great Creator, and fulfilleth his will ; these
men pass through life in silence ! insensible to the
mercies, or judgments, or power, or providence of
the unseen God : yes, more insensible than the in-
habitants of heathen lands, upon whom the light of
truth has never shined.

156 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

" How different is the scene which is presented in
those happy families, where the voice of prayer and
thanksgiving consecrates every day ! where the word
of God is devoutly read, and infants are taught to
lisp their Creator's praise. There, from day to day,
domestic peace, and love, and harmony, are cherished
by the subliraest motives, and strengthened by the
tenderest and the most powerful sanctions. On the
hallowed day they repair, with gladness of heart, to
their respective places of worship, and mingle with
assemblies which meet with much more delight for
praise and prayer than other assemblies for worldly
mirth. And let not the world contemn, or disturb
their holy exercise : for we learn from scripture, that
it is from such families and assemblies, who are the
salt of the earth, worshipping in the midst of us, that
the incense of prayer ascends in behalf of the
COUNTRY, and is accepted in heavenly places through
the intercession of the Mediator."

Though these reasons would of themselves be suf-
ficient to establish this duty, and therefore be a suffi-
cient answer to any objections, it may be proper to
consider some of the objections usually made.

One objection sometimes offered is, I have no
ABILITY TO PRAY IN MY FAMILY. I havc no talents
or gifts for this work, and should only expose myself.
It has been remarked, " This is almost the only case
in which people are apt to have a very mean opinion
of their own abilities. But this is not the language
of Christian humility." Let me reply to the objec-
ion in the words of Milner — " It is acknowledged
that many are unfit for such an undertaking, and
there are those who are forward to attempt things,
for which (at least till they have more experience)

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 157

they are not qualified. But we have good and sound
forms of prayer,^ easily procured, which you may
make use of on these occasions. Surely, if you at-
tend to this practice, in a hearty, conscientious way,
avoiding an unmeaning, cold formality, which is the
too common bane of things of this nature, you may
expect the divine blessing to accompany it to your-
self and your households."

Another objection is, I AM afraid of being ridi-
culed, or thought unnecessarily precise and strict.
This, though not much brought forward, has fre-
quently great weight with those who neglect this
duty. Now, here, I say, the irreligion of others is
the very reason why you should be faithful to God.
Imitate here the holy example of Noah, Abraham,
Joshua, and all the servants of God. If your religion
were real, though you stood alone in the whole world,
it might still be said of you, in the striking expres-
sions of Milton —

faithful found

Among the faithless, faithful only he :

Among innumerable false, unmoved;

Unshaken, unseduced, unterrified,

His loyalty he kept, his love, his zeal :

Nor number, nor example, with him wrought

To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind.

Though single.' Paradise Lost, Book V.

Perhaps in this very thing, God is applying the
touchstone to your character ; he here tries you
whether you will indeed confess Christ before men.
Remember, then, if we deny him, he will also deny us ;

1 As those of Cotterill, Knight, Bean, Swete, Sibthorp, Hall, Wilber-
force, and Jenks; and Short Prayers for every Morning and Evening,
by the Religious Tract Society. Some prayers are added at the end of
this Treatise.

158 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

if we confess him before men, he will also confess us
before his leather and the holy angels in heaven. Some
have regular family worship in general, but when
they have any friend in the house, unaccustomed to
this service, they are induced, by the fear of man, or
perhaps the pretence of not giving offence, to neg-
lect it. This conduct is utterly unworthy of a true
^Christian.

Others object, I have not time for the duty;
I am engaged in business from morning till night.
Is this true ? Then surely you, who have so much
to do, above all men, ought especially to seek the
favour and help of God. His blessing maketh rich^
and he addeth no sorrow with it : but without it, all
your endeavours and labours will profit you nothing ;
they will never make you happy. But have you
never any leisure for amusement, for vanity, trifling,
and folly? Remembering that God knows how you
employ all your time, will you venture to say, that
you cannot collect your family together for a few
minutes in the morning and in the evening? Have
you time to provide food for their perishing bodies,
which last but a few days, but no time to dispense
the bread of life to their never-dying souls ? The want
of time proceeds in most cases from indisposition to
the duty, or, at best, from want of due management.
If you appoint those stated and fixed times which
shall be found most convenient, and keep to them
regularly, you will find that it will be as easy to
collect your family together, and as indispensable to
have regular family prayer, as it is to have your daily
meals.

Some bring an objection of another kind — I
should meet with opposition from some in the

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 159

FAMLILY. Are you only an inferior member of the
family? you should still, at proper times, use what
influence you have to obtain so great a blessing ; ^
and if you cannot succeed in your attempts, God
will not lay the sin of neglecting family worship to
your charge. But whatever weight this objection
may have with those in inferior stations in the
family, sure I am that this objection should have no
weight with the master, or the head of the family.
Do not have thus plainly to confess that you fear
man rather than God. Remember, that you are
responsible for the duties of that station in v/hich
you are placed. Be firm, and of good courage, in
this matter; and, whatever you may give up of your
own ease and inclination in worldly things, for the
sake of quietness and rest, give nothing up, where
it concerns your duty, the good of immortal souls,
and the glory of God, to be firm and resolute. See
Psalm ci.

But you say, I do pray with my family on a
SUNDAY. It is certainly better thus to collect your
family together on the Sabbath, than not at all ; but
you are required to instructyour family not merely on
Sunday, hut tvhen thou liest down, and when thou risest
up, Deut. vi. 7. Your limited performance of the
duty shows that you do not really love and enjoy it:
if you did, you would be more frequent in practising
it. And I may appeal to you, whether you and your
family do not generally find it a weariness, (Mai. i.

1 I know an instance of a child in a family, where this duty was
neglected, upon her return from a visit in another where it was daily
performed, being the instrument of effecting a reform in this parti-
cular, by only asking her parents, 'Why can we not have daily
family prayer 1' The remonstrance of the child, through God's
blessing, was effectual.

160 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

13.) after the duties of the Sabbath to be engaged in
a service which daily custom and habit have not yet
made necessary and delightful.

But is not the real, though not the avowed objec-
tion, this, I AM AFRAID OF TOO GREAT A RESTRAINT

ON MYSELF? I am afraid that more will be expected
from me ; that I must be more consistent in my cha-
racter, and more circumspect in my conduct. Look
well into your hearts if this be not the real difficulty;
and if it be, only consider what a sad mark it is of a
man's spiritual condition, when he is afraid of a
restraint on his sins. Job xxi. 14, 15.

Howe observes : " We should look on family
religion, not merely under the notion of a duty,
and as imposed ; but as a privilege, and a singular
vouchsafement of grace that there may be such a
thing.

*' It hath been accounted so even in the very pagan
world. A divine presence, to have a Numen at hand
and ready ; how great a privilege hath it been
reckoned ! In the dark and dismal days of Popery,
when that hath been regnant, what a terrible thing it
has been counted to excommunicate a nation, to put
it under an interdict. Now let us consider this
matter so. What if instead of being bidden to pray
in our families, we should be forbidden to pray in
them. Make but that fearful supposition. Suppose
there should be a special interdict on your house,
and tliat by some particular signification of the mind
of God from heaven it should be said, ' I will have
no worship of God out of this house! from your
house I will accept no sacrifice I I will hear no
prayer!' What a terrible doom were this! What
a dark and horrid cloud would be drawn over that

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 161

habitation, if it sho.uld be said, * Here shall be no
prayers, here shall be no mention of the name of
God ! So that as in a like case represented to us in
reference to the people of the Jews — the poor forlorn
members of that family should say, We may not make
mention of the name of the Lord (Amos vi. 10) : and
what a dismal thing were this ! ' ^

Trusting, then, that the reader is now satisfied as
to the duty and privilege of daily family prayer, and
only wishes to know how he may best practise it ;
■we will make some remarks with reference to the

DUE PERFORMANCE OF FAMILY WORSHIP.

Every head of a family should consider himself as
the minister or priest of his own family. It is, if we
may use the expression, his parish, and he should
consider that he is as responsible to God for the
welfare of the souls thus committed to him, as the
minister is on a larger scale. The sin of omission
lies at his door if it be neglected. Mascers, give unto
your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that
ye also have a Master in heaven., may be applied to
their spiritual as well as their temporal wants. Let
the head of the family, then, consider it his duty and
his privilege to conduct family worship.

A preparation of mind for this duty, by taking a
few moments of retirement for self-recollection and
prayer, has been found by many to be highly advan-
tageous.

Where circumstances will admit of it, read the
scriptures, and sing a psalm or hymn, as well as
pray with your family.

1 Howe's Works, vol, v. p. 413. This whole Tract, entitled, • Tlie
Obligations to Family Religion and Worship,' is well worthy of a
serious and attentive perusal.

. M

162 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

Read the scriptures; a portion from one Testa-
ment in the morning, and from the other in the
evening. Both the Old and the New Testament are
thus constantly brought before your families. If you
pursue a regular course, going through one book
before you begin another, your lesson will always be
found for you. Those who have the talent of ex-
plaining the scriptures in an impressive and lively
way to their families (and this talent will increase
as it is used), will be able to give much additional
interest by a few short observations on what has
been read. Those who have not this talent may
find excellent helps for this purpose ; as the Prac-
tical Observations in Scott's Bible; the Religious
Tract Society's Commentary, Doddridge's Exposi-
tion, and more especially in Hardman's Comments
on the New Testament. Only in all take care to be
brief, practical, familiar, and serious. Any thing
long, or critical, is out of place, and tedious. Let
each member of the family bring a Bible. Some
have found that it serves to keep alive their attention
to refer them occasionally to parallel passages, one
of the family reading the passage.^ The reading of
the scriptures daily in family worship is a plain and
positive duty. How can you otherwise fulfil the

' Some have found it an excellent practice, and it is one which is
recommended to pious masters and mistresses, to take some time in
the course of the sabbath, or any other fixed time that may be more
convenient, to converse apart with each member of the family on the
subject of religion, giving them suitable advice. This has been at-
tended with the happiest effects. It discovers the true state of your
family — enables you better to pray for them, and with them — and
gives you many happy opportunities of arousing the careless, strength-
ening the weak, encouraging the desponding, and confirming the
strong.

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 163

express directions of the scriptures themselves ?
Deut. vi. 7.

Generally sing a psalm or hymn. When you
have time, and your family can join together in
singing, this adds much to the cheerfulness of family
devotion. " Psalmody/' says Dr. Hammond, " made
up a very great part of the devotions of the primitive
Christians, both in the public assembly, and more
privately in the family, and in their retirements in
the cloSet." When our Lord had instructed his
family, the twelve apostles, he sung an hymn with
them, (Matt. xxvi. 30.) and then prayed with them.
John xvii. This great example may encourage us
to go and do likewise. St. Paul says. Be filled with the
Spirit f speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns, and
spiritual songs ; singing and making melody in your
hearts to the Lord. Eph. v. 19. See also Col. iii. 16.
Anticipate thus, on earth, the songs of the blessed
above. Learn here below the employments of heaven,
and fulfil the promise. The ransomed of the Lord shall
return and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy
upon their head. Isaiah xxxv. 10.

Conclude with prayer. To some, God has evi-
dently given the spirit of grace and supplication, so
that they can, after some practice and experience,
pour out with ease and fluency the continued and
refreshing stream of holy feelings and ardent devo-
tion. This gift is bestowed on them for the benefit
of others, and they ought freely to use it. It is
also a gift which may be more generally attained
than is commonly supposed. Many pious poor,
without human learning, possess it in a great degree.
Let others use good forms. Happy are the families
that have devout and heavenly-minded masters or

M 2

1G4 OR FAMILY WORSHIP.

parents, who pray for them in private, and edify
them by prating with them !

The Lord's Prayer seems particularly appropriate
as a family prayer ; and while comprehending the
case and circumstances of the universal church, it
still has a reference to that church under the idea of
a .family, ' a whole family* one in heart and mind,
however separate or dispersed in person.

After those directions which have been given re-
specting private, the less need be said on* family
prayer.

Respecting the proper subjects to be mentioned,
there are some things which may, with great pro-
priety and interest, be brought before the family
altar.

Any particular circumstances which have occurred
should be mentioned. Is any member of the family
unwell? the prayer of faith may save the sick. Is
any afflicted ? call upon God in the time of troubUy
and he will deliver him. Has any member left your
family for a season? by praying for him, though absent
in bodify you will be present in spirit, serving the Lord.
Are any changes about to take place, or any scheme
to be eftected, in which the family are interested —
any one about to join or to leave the household — are
any special means of grace, confirmation, baptism,
or the Lord's Supper before you? these tilings may
properly be mentioned, and their due improvement
be requested of God in family prayer.

Much of the substance of the scriptures which you
have read, may generally be advantageously turned
into prayer. This, while it gains the blessing and
averts the evil about which you pray, will also im-
press the passages of scripture more deeply in the

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 165

mind and on the heart, and will prevent sameness
and repetition of expression.

These local circumstances induce the writer to
think that extempore prayer is often more suitable
and affecting for a family, than a form of prayer.^
Nor is the objection that those who pray with you do
not know what is coming, and therefore cannot join
you, a feally solid one. Experience confirms the
remark of Bishop Wilkins, " that as a man may in
his judgment assent unto any divine truth delivered
in a sermon which he never heard before, so may he
join in his affections unto any holy desire which he
never before heard."

But to sum up the heads of family prayer in a few
words, attend to these four things.

Family sins. Confess your faults one to another,
and pray one for another. James v. 16. Humble your-
selves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you
up. James vi. 10. This habitual, periodical, and
mutual confession, morning and evening, of your
mutual infirmities, j^our pride, your selfishness, your
impatience, and your sinfulness, will have a great
tendency also to soften down what is harsh and for-
bidding, and to unite you together.

Family wants, whether spiritual or temporal.
Here is a large scope for daily prayer. And here
you may pray that all may fulfil their relative duties,
whether it be as a father and mother, husband and
wife, master and mistress, inmate, servant and child ;

' The writer is far from desiring to press this on all. He knows
several good and judicious men who use forms. It is utterly wrong
in any to think worse of those who do so, and to consider them on
that account as deficient in the gift of prayer. Do not such rather
prove their own deficiency? for the true gift of prayer will be fol-
lowed by charity, tenderness, and humility.

166 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

and that all may apply themselves faithfully, con-
stantly, and diligently, in their respective situations,
to the work which God has given them to do ! that
they may exhibit the truth of David's saying. Behold ^
how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell toge-
ther in unity.

Family friends. The parents, brothers, sisters,
relatives, and friends, of those assembled together,
and the minister by whom they are instructed, should
not be forgotten. Your immediate neighbourhood,
the town in which you dwell, the nation to which you
belong, the king, and all in authority, and especially
the cause and church of Christ throughout the world,
the Jews and the benighted Gentiles, should all have
place in your prayers.

Family mercies. In the morning, after having
been kept in safety through the defenceless hours of
night, free from fire, accidents, or disturbance ; in
the evening, when the wants of the family for the
day have all been supplied, it is surely right, and
almost natural for you to unite in acknowledging
God's mercies. That you have bread enough and to
spare ; that you have light, life, liberty, health, and
strength, calls for your united praise. But above all,
the common salvation, (Jude 3.) offered to you all ;
the common faiths (Titus i. 4.) which you all profess
to receive; the union in Christ Jesus — One body and
one Spi7nt, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling ; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and
Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in
you all: (Eph. iv. 4—6.) all these things bestowed on
Christians, through the inestimable love of God in
Christ Jesus, require you to offer united sacrifices of
thanksffivin^.

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 167

Grace before and after meals is another
part of family prayer, which no Christian master can
neglect. The apostle, after reproving those who
commanded to abstain from meats, goes on to assert,
Which God hath created to he received with thanks-
giving, of them who know and believe the truth. For
every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused,
if it he received with thanksgiving : for it is sanctified
by the word of God and prayer. 1 Tim. iv. 3—5. In
discharging this part of family worship, take heed of
a few mere formal words. Be serious and devout in
every approach to the great God.

The manner of conducting family worship is of
much importance. Be not on the one side needlessly
tender about your own reputation in mere outward
things, nor on the other careless and remiss. Let us
have a greater awe of God's majesty than of man's pre-
sence. We will now notice some things to be avoided.

Some, by a voice too loud, or too low, or from
using a particular whine or tone — or by a repulsive
manner — by aiming at fine expressions, or by vulgar
and coarse ones, or by excessive length, fatigue and
perhaps disgust those whom they desire to edify.
Let all be natural and simple, short and devout, and
your voice such as you use in conversing with your
friends on serious subjects. In the multiplied en-
gagements of large towns, long prayers are not suited
to the situations of most families; yet do not abridge
the duty so as to make it a mere form, and as if you
were glad to hurry through it. Seek, in short, to
have your worship such that a piously-disposed
family may rejoice when the time of prayer is come ;
and amid the cares, distractions, and sorrows of life,
may count it a relief and a privilege.

168 ON FAMILY WORSHIP.

We have hitherto considered the duty of the head
of the family. The duties of those who join
IN FAMILY worship, are, duly to prize the privilege,
and to beware of a wandering, cold, and careless
spirit, which will destroy all your benefit and comfort
in it, whoever teaches, whoever prays. It is the
joining of every heart in the requests offered up
which gives to family prayer its greatest efficacy.
You should agree to ask; your spirit should join in
the spirit of him who prays; let there be a secret
Atnen in your heart to every petition (1 Cor. xiv. 16),
and thus you will obtain the promised blessing. And
do not think it sufficient for you to have joined in
family worship, and that you may then neglect secret
prayer. Never forget to pray in secret also.

What a lovely sight it is to see a whole family
thus united together morning and evening, preparing
and being made meet, day, by day, for the inheritance
of the saints in liyht : obtaining on earth the humble,
dependent, thankful, holy, and heavenly state of
mind, which fits them for joining the family of their
Lord in heaven. Whatever storms rage without,
such a family obeying the direction, Come, my people,
enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about
thee ; hide thyself as it were for a little moment, till
the indiynation be overpast (Isa. xxvi. 20), are safe.
They are able to say, God is our refuge and strenyth.
Psaira xlvi. 1.

May what has been said, induce those who have
hitherto lived IN the neglect of this duty,
to take up at once David's firm resolution, Surely I
will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up
into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, nor
slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the

ON FAMILY WORSHIP. 169

Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
Psalm cxxxii. Let me beseech you — lose no time —
not a single day. Difficulties may be multiplied;
but only set about it in faith and prayer, wisely and
vigorously, and they will all vanish. Say firmly, as
Jacob did to his household, and to all that were
with him, Put away the strange gods that are among
you, and be clean, and change your garments, and let vs
arise arid go up to Bethel, and I will make there an altar
unto God. Gen. xxxv. 2, 3.

And may those who have attended to this
DUTY, find the hints which have been given, an addi-
tional help to the performance of it ; and also feel
pledged, by their prayers and instructions to bring
into the family, in the day, the character which they
have manifested, and the graces which they requested,
in their united devotions.

But let them not think, as some have been ready
to think, that a discharge of this duty will absolve
them from the constant practice of daily morning
and evening devotions in secret. He who prays only
before others, has much to suspect that he prays to
be seen of men, and has no real love to God, nor
true knowledge of the nature of prayer.

170 ON SOCIAL PRAYER.

CHAPTER IX.

SOCIAL PRAYER.

The term social may be applied to all kind of prayer
in which we join with others, but it is here restricted
to the united prayer of Christian friends, distinct
from public and family worship. It would be well
if Christians were more accustomed than they are to
sanctify their occasional meetings by prayer, and to
meet also for the purpose of uniting in prayer to
obtain those blessings which they need. The par-
ticular promise given to united prayer, has led many
to practise this both as a privilege and as a duty.
Jf two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything
that they shall ash, it shall he done for them of my Father
which is in heaven. Matt, xviii. 19.

We have scriptural examples to encourage us to
the performance of this. When Peter was in prison,
prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God
fot^ him (Acts xii. 5) ; and when he came to the house
of Mary, the mother of John, he found there many
that were gathered together, praying. Acts xii. 12.
When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison they
comforted each other by social prayer. Paul and

ON SOCIAL PRAYER. 171

Silas frayed and sang -praises unto God : and the prison-
ers heard them. Acts xvi. 25. When Moses* hands
were heavy, Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one
on the one side and the other on the other side, and his
hands were steady until the going down of the sun.
Bishop Hall remarks on this, " Doubtless Aaron and
Hur did not only raise their hands but their minds
with his : the more cords the easier draught. Aaron
was brother to Moses. There cannot be a more
brotherly office than to help one another in our pray-
ers, and to excite our mutual devotions. No Chris-
tian may think it enough to pray alone : he is no
true Israelite that will not be ready to lift up the
weary hands of God's saints." ^

And as social prayer is a duty binding generally
on all Christians, so there is a special reason for it
in some particular relations. Husband and wife
should pray together, with and for each other ; the
apostle appears to suppose they do so, when he adds,
as a reason for some directions given to them, that
your prayers be not hindered. 1 Peter iii. 7.

There are some things which seem peculiarly to
call for social prayer. Let me especially mention
the state of the church of Christ in our own country,
and throughout the world, as calling for our atten-
tion. The various precepts and examples in the
word of God on this subject, and the present remark-
able signs of the times, evidently require' the Chris-
tian's remembrance of this in all his social prayers.
David gives us a solemn direction, and a copy of
his prayer and determination on this subject ; (Psa;
cxxii. 6 — 9.) Pray for the peace of Jerusalem ; they

' See Bishop Hall's Works.

172 ON SOCIAL PRAYER.

shall prosper that love thee. Peace he within thy walls,
and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren
and companions' sake, I will now say, Peace he within
thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will
seek thy good. This will lead to prayer for the en-
largement of the borders of Sion, by the conversion
of the heathen. Isaiah Ixii. Nor should the state of
your own nation be forgotten. 1 Tim. ii. 1, 2.

St. Paul hoped for deliverance from his difficulties,
by the Corinthians helping together by prayer for him.
(2 Cor. i. 11.) and thus supposes that Christians will
unite in prayer for their minister. Remember, then,
your minister in your social meetings, it will bring a
blessing on him and yourselves also. Why should
not those members of a family who are under the
full influence of real religion unite, at stated periods,
in praying for those of their relatives fhat are care-
less and regardless of its holy truths ? There are
various other things of general and personal, or local
interest, that need not be here specified, which afford
suitable subjects for social prayer.

It is a proof of the low state of religion among us,
that many, and those even real Christians, (for of
them only I speak,) can meet and part in our day
without praying together. It is feared that this
might be counted strange and uncommon ? this is
only a weali objection. The devoted Christian is an
uncommon character, and must expect to be often
reproached for unnecessary strictness and precise-
ness. Have you reason to think that this would be
an unwelcome service ? surely, then, you should not
voluntarily, be much in the society of those who
would think it such. Or may not another reason be,
that the conversation, even among those who have

ON SOCIAL PRAYER. 173

professed to renounce the world and its vanities, is
often so trifling, so worldly, and so vain — so much
about man, and so little about God, and Christ, and
his word, and his love, that your souls are unprepared
and unfitted for communion with him.^

Watts says, " If we pray among a select society
of Christians, we draw near to God with a holy
boldness, something like what we use in our duties
of secret worship." We have reason to take more
freedom among those that are fellow-saints, and
whose hearts have felt many of the same workings
with our own. Then, when our faith is lively, we
should give thanks to God for the love of God to all
mankind, so clearl}^ seen in the gift of his Son for the
world; for our election in Christ Jesus; for the
atonement and righteousness of the Son of God,
revealed to us in the gospel, in which we humbly
hope we have believed ; for the enlivening and sanc-
tifying work of his own Spirit upon our hearts; for
our expectations of eternal glory : and by thus ex-
pressing the joys of our faith to God, we may often

1 I cannot here but subjoin the remark which a valued friend made
on this passage. He says, '• Conversations among Christians often
takes a trifling turn, often a paity turn in politics, and often one
which merely concerns the circumstantials of things, and this for the
evident purpose of excluding essentials. Thus the manner of a
preacher, his style, his appearance, often occupy the place which is
due to his matter. Or, if the matter be introduced, it is not for the
purpose of enjoying its excellence, in tui'ning it to the exciting of
present good, but rather as a ground of critique on his mode of treat-
ment, aifording a subject of ingenious remark, if not of authoritative
decision. There are religious tattlers and busy bodies, it is to be feared,
as weU as those of the world J but it should never be forgotten, that
a religious gossip is less excusable than a worldly gossip. The object
of the worldly is to kill time ; and for this purpose characters are
sported with, and idle tales and jokes indulged in. It sliould be the
Christian's object to redeem the time, and to improve it by edifying
his associates."

174 ON SOCIAL PRAYER.

be raade a means, through the power of the Holy
Spirit, of raising the faith and joy of others.

Were your social meetings thus sanctified, the
occasional intercourse of dear friends would be more
blessed than it is. You would find it a means of
grace, and would enjoy, in a much higher degree,
the privilege of the communion of saints. You would
find the prayers of those who can and do pray with
freedom and fervency, a great help to your own
attainment of this gift. Those who have the holy
fire may be the means of enkindling the sacred flame
in others. You would receive a greater blessing
than you have yet done in all your family and social
relations. " Persons who belong to several families
may, and ought to meet on those occasions. The
consent of importunity is a pleasing instance of bro-
therly love."

- Those who join in social prayer should guard
against a spirit of criticism on the prayer which they
hear, and endeavour to join in the desire intended,
even when they think that the mode of expression is
not altogether proper or suitable. Watch against
criticising and being offended with the mere words
and manner of others. Those, indeed, who do pray,
should take care to avoid occasions of ofi'ence, by
simplicity and propriety in their mode of conducting
the prayer. But when sinful creatures kneel together
before their Almighty Creator, the solemnity of the
work in which they are engaged, and the greatness
of his Majesty, should prevent a rigid observance of
each other. Judge not, that ye he not judged.

In this, as in every means of grace, beware of any
thing like ostentation, display, or self-righteousness.
Endeavour to attain Christian simplicity, and the
meekness of wisdom. James iii. 13.

ON THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER. 175

CHAPTER X.

THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER.

Hitherto we have dwelt on the \arious kinds of
devotion, private, public, family, and social, which
should each come in their course at stated times ;
but the believer's character, I give myself unto prayer ,
(Psalm ex. 4), shews that he is continually in the
spirit of prayer. The scriptures suppose that this
is the habit of the Christian mind. Hence we find
directions of this kind; — Praying always, with all
prayer and supplication in the Spii'it, and watching there-
unto with all perseverance. Eph. vi. 18. Pray without
ceasing. 1 Thess. v. 17. Continuing instant in prayer.
Rom. xii. 12.

These directions are in some measure fulfilled, by
a constant attention to those kinds of prayer we have
before mentioned : but they may have a yet more
complete fulfilment, in the habitual disposition of the
Christian's mind, his readiness at all times for prayer,
and the exercise of this disposition in continual aspi-
rations of soul, and desires expressed unto God in
the midst of his other duties. These aspirations are
both a great sign and means of our being spiritually
minded. •

176 ON THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER.

Nor does this in any way hinder, but rather further
attention to our various duties. A labourer's love to
his family will often bring it to his mind during his
work, but will only incline him to labour more con-
stantly and more cheerfully ; and a Christian's love
to his Saviour will have the same effect. The breath-
ing of the lungs, and the beating of the pulse, hinder
not our being engaged in other work ; and the lifting
up of holy desires unto God, will only quicken us,
and animate us in the performance of the daily
labours of our life.

The expression of this state of mind has been
sometimes called ejaculatory prayer; when there is
the habit of prayer, there will frequently be short,
earnest petitions darted up, on the moment, to the
throne of grace.

Such an habitual devout disposition of mind, will
make every action of your life hol}^ You will learn
to do nothing without connecting it by prayer with
the presence and glory of God. You will see nothing
and hear nothing, without its raising your heart to
him. What a spiritual life may the Christian, im-
proving every thing by prayer, lead ! This will
consecrate every field, every wood, and every dwell-
ing-place. It will turn an ordinary walk into a
morning or evening sacrifice. Making this heavenly
use of earthly things you will rapidly advance in
conformity to the divine image, you will be strong in
overcoming sin, and you will carry on schemes of
good with a power which nothing can resist. In a
moment you thus bring God, and his presence, and
blessing, into the midst of all your concerns, and
bring peace, love, and tranquillity, amidst all the
cares and tumults of life, into your own heart.

ON THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER. 177

" How highly," says Cooke, " would a courtier
prize a privy key of admittance to his sovereign at
all times. This key we possess in ejaculatory prayer.
It is a golden chain of union between earth and
heaven."

This general spirit of devotion, prevailing in the
heart at all times, is of such importance, that the
chief number of examples of prayer which we find
in the Holy Scriptures are of this kind. Were all
these examples to be enumerated, it would be seen
that there is no situation nor circumstance, in which
we may be placed, where such a spirit will not be
suitable, and in which the blessing of God may not
in this way be sought and obtained. It may be right
to bring a few specimens from different parts of the
sacred volume.

When the patriarch Jacob, after much persuasion,
at length permits his sons to take their youngest
brother Benjamin, his heart sends up this short, but
earnest petition, God Almighty give you mercy before
the man. Gen. xliii. 14. When Joseph sees his bro-
ther Benjamin, he suddenly prays, God he gracious
unto thee, my son. Gen. xliii. 29.

When the Egyptians were behind the Israelites,
and the Red Sea before them, and the mountains
hemmed them in, and the people were repining and
murmuring, in that great difficulty the heart of Moses
was with his God ; and though we read of no outward
prayer, yet God says unto him, Wherefore criest thou
unto me ? speak unto the children of Israel, that they go
forward. Exod. xiv. 15.

In a similar great extremity, when the people talked
of stoning David, he encouraged himself in the Lord
Ms God. 1 Sam. xxx. 6. And when, flying from his

N

178 ON THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER.

rebellious son Absalom, he was going up Mount
Olivet, one told him that Ahithophel, his counsellor,
was among the conspirators, David prayed, on the
moment, as he was going up the hill, O Lord, I pray
thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
2 Sam. XV. 31.

Nehemiah is an eminent example of the same
spirit of prayer. You may observe it throughout his
whole history. The following is an example. Being
sorrowful in the presence of the king, and having
stated the reason, the history goes on, The king said
unto me, For what dost thou make request ? So I prayed
to the God of heaven, and I said unto the king, Send
me unto Judah. Neh. ii.4, 5. He doubtless means that
he lifted up his heart to God, before he asked the
king. You may see in various places how he thus
brought all his actions in prayer before God, and
entreated that he would remember him for them.

Our Lord Jesus Christ, who left an example for us
to follow, frequently thus addressed his Father. In
the midst of the people, on one occasion, he said,
Father, save me from this hour ! hut for this cause came
I into the world. Father, glorify thy name. John xii.
27. Again, on the cross, he says. My God, my God,
why hast thou forsaken me ! Matt, xxvii. 46. And he
prayed there, not only for himself, but in the midst
of his sufferings, beholding with pity his savage mur-
derers, the mocking priests, and deriding people, his
compassionate heart breathes out itself in the short
and fervent prayer, Father, forgive them; for they know
not what they do. Luke xxiii. 34. O love, till then
unknown I how should such an example teach us,
when reviled, not to revile again, but rather to pray
for them that despitefully use us.

ON THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER. l79

The gracious answers vouchsafed to these prayers
should encourage us to imitate the examples thus
brought before us. Let us, then, fulfil our Lord's
direction. Praying always that we may he accounted
ivorthy to escape these things, and to stand before the Son
of Man. Luke xxi. 36.

We do not suflScientiy attend to the growth of a
devout spirit. We are too much content with former
attainments, and often even fail short of them. But
let us labour not only to keep our ground, but to
make daily progress. The Christian's devotion
should be like the flowing tide, which gradually
gaining point after point, the retiring waves again
and again returning, filling up all vacancies, advanc-
ing and still advancing, at length replenishes, in re-
gular progress, the whole space. Let the spirit of
devotion advance till it fill our whole souls.

Indeed the truly advanced Christian is known by
this mark, as much as by any other. The man after
God's own heart, is the man of devotion ; one who
is always in prayer ; who says in the morning. When
I awake, I am still with thee ; and in the evening, /
will both lay me down in peace, and take my rest, for
thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety. Psalm
iv. 8. In the midst of his business he is fervent in
spirit, serving the Lord, Rom. xii. 11. He can say,
On thee do I wait all the day. Psalm xxv. 5. " He,"
says Law, " is the devout man, who considers God
in everything, who serves God in everything, who
makes all the parts of the common life parts of
piety, by doing everything in the name of God,
and under such rules as are conformable to his
glory."

Men of this world, the covetous and the impure,

N 2

180 ON THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER.

the licentious and the gay, even when outwardly en-
gaged in other things, have their minds full of their
particular sins. Let the Christian's heart then be
filled with that great work in which he is engaged.
As they pollute all their sacred duties by worldly
thoughts, so let him consecrate all his common ac-
tions by the constant and heavenly breathings of his
soul unto God.

But how often is nature in the believer stronger
than grace ! Do not Christians sometimes pass
a whole day with hardly a single devout aspira-
tion?

Let me mention particular seasons which seem
peculiarly to call for the exercise of this habit of
prayer. What Christian can pass along the streets
of a great city, and see vanity and sin everywhere
manifested, and hear, almost on every side, oaths
and curses, without praying for those whom he thus
sees sunk in sin ! What miserable objects continu-
ally pain his heart ! And though in many cases his
judgment may forbid him to give anything to those
who would only squander his bounty away, his
piety will yet incline him in secret to pray for them,
while thus obliged to withhold his alms. It was an
excellent practice of a pious minister, never to hear
an oath from any one, without praying to God for the
offending individual ; and, if compelled by his judg-
ment not to relieve a beggar in the street, still to
lift up his heart in secret prayer for a blessing on his
soul.

In conversing with others on religious subjects, in
going to the poor and afflicted, in waiting for others,
in going from one place to another, in visiting your
own friends, in coming to the house of God, in

ON THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER. 181

hearing his word, in these, and the various other
circumstances of our lives, the heart of the devout
Christian will be sending upwards many a secret
petition; he will be silently wrestling with God,
and gaining that divine blessing on all in which he
is engaged, which others lose by carelessness and
indifference.

This is the old religion ; this is the good way ; these
are the old paths. Jer. vi. 16. Thus Enoch, Noah,
Abraham, and David, walked with God ; and those
who walk thus now, Jind rest to their souls. In in-
viting the reader to this constant intercourse with
God, we are inviting him to the highest privilege —
friendship with his Creator ; and to his richest en-
joyment— delighting himself in communion with his
Lord.

Do you ask, how you are to obtain, and how you
are to keep alive this spirit of prayer? You must
seek it; you must cultivate it. The grace of God is
sufficient.

And first, men need a new relationship to
God ; being by nature born in sin, and afar off from
God, we must first be reconciled to him by Jesus
Christ. Can two walk together, except they be agreed?
Amos iii. 3. Lay hold, then, by faith, of the great
salvation provided in Christ for guilty sinners ; see
its fulness and its freeness ; accept the off'ered
mercy ; and then, bei7ig justified by faith, you will
have peace with God. One, when unacquainted wdth
real religion, was much perplexed as to the meaning
of the expression so often occurring in the scripture,
of walking with God. But, having at length em-
braced free salvation, by a crucified Saviour, his
heart was continually ascending in devout aspira-

182 ON THE GENERAL HABIT OF PRAYER.

tions, especially in his walks ; and then he said,
" Now I know what it is to walk with God."

And they also need the continual aid of the
Holy Ghost. Outward devotion may be practised
by the natural man. The Mahomedans are perpetu-
ally counting their beads, and saying many prayers
with their lips ; a work of mere self-righteousness,
or proceeding from ignorance, pride, or superstition.
The Roman Catholics are not without similar super-
stitious practices. And many Protestants have a
form of godliness, but deny the power thereof. When
the Holy Ghost is given, then, and then only, we
shall belong to that company of which the apostle
says, we are the circumcision, which tvorship God in the
spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence
in the flesh. Phil. iii. 3. The Holy Spirit alone can
enable us to pray spiritually and constantly.

Thus reconciled to God by Christ, thus aided by
his Spirit, you have the first principles of this habit
of prayer, which must be cultivated b}'^ continual
watchfulness, determined resolution, and patient per-
severance.

ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER. 1$3

CHAPTER XT.

ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER.

Our too general neglect of looking for answers to
what we ask, shows how little we are in earnest in
our petitions. " None ask in earnest," says Trail,
" but they will try how they speed. There is no
surer and plainer mark of trifling in prayer, than
when men are careless what they get by prayer." A
husbandman is not content without the harvest; a
marksman will observe whether the ball hits the
target ; a physician watches the effect of the medicine
which he gives ; one who writes or applies to another
for any temporal good eagerly expects the answer ;
and shall the Christian be careless about the eflfect
of his labour?

Every prayer of the Christian, made in faith ac-
cording to the will of God, for that which God hath
promised, offered up in the name of Jesus Christ,
and under the influence of his Spirit, whether for
temporal or for spiritual blessings, is, or will be fully
answered, either in the specific thing asked for, or
in that which, on the whole, is better for us. God
always answers the general design and intention

184 ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER.

of his people's prayers, in doing that which, all
things considered, is for the best, most for his own
glory, and their spiritual and eternal welfare. As
we never find that Jesus Christ rejected a single
supplicant who came to him for mercy, so we believe
that no prayer made in his name will be in vain.
"The answer of prayer may be approaching, though
we discern not its coming. The seed in winter that
lies under ground, is taking root in order to spring
and harvest, though it appear not above ground, but
seems dead and lost."

Bring every thing before God in prayer. What-
ever interests you, will interest him, and if you ask
for things that are improper, he who is wise and
good, will give you what is best for you on the
whole.

The time, or the mode of granting the request may
vary indeed from our wishes ; but yet the prayer
made as above stated is heard, the desire so put up
is fulfilled.

Bishop Taylor observes, "As for those irregular
donations of good things which wicked persons ask
for, and have, they are either no mercies, but instru-
ments of cursing and crime ; or else they are designs
of grace, intended to convince them of their unwor-
thiness, and so, [if they become not instruments of
their conversion, they are aggravations of their
ruin."

In asking for spiritual blessings, for repent-
ance, faith, humility, holiness, love, &c. we are sure
of having the particular request granted, for this is
the will of God, even your sanctijication. Yet in these
things the way of granting the request may, at first
sight, seem like a denial.

ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER. 185

Remarkable, sometimes, are the ways in which
prayers for spiritual blessings are answered. We
pray for an increase of faith, patience, resignation,
or other Christian graces ; and our trials, instead of
being removed, seem greatly aggravated. The clouds
grow darker and darker. But the secret supports
of the Holy Spirit being afforded, we do not sink
under our burden. And in the midst of all these
trials, the very things for which we asked are given.
There is no exercise for faith when all is smooth : no
room for patience and resignation when there is no
suffering; the very graces which we sought, need
diflSculties, sorrows, and trials, in order to be mani-
fested, exercised, and granted. Often the very
sentence of death is put upon all our hopes, before
they are realized. The extremity of sufiFering is the
point of our deliverance. Let the tried Christian,
then, attend to Cowper's exhortation :

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take !

The clouds ye so much dread.
Are big with mercy, and shaU break

In blessings on your head.

It is the main desire of every Christian, in a proper
state of mind, that God only should be glorified, and
his will alone be done; and when he asks for tem-
poral BLESSINGS, he does it with full purpose of
heart, not to have his own wishes accomplished,
farther than as they concur with the will of God,
which will, he is assured, ever designs his supreme
happiness. Delight thyself in the Lord, and he will
give thee the desire of thy heart. If you are really
delighting in the Lord, the desire of the heart will
be mainly for spiritual things : and for temporal

185 ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER.

things it will be with the reservation, thy will he done.
This petition, whether expressed, or only understood,
may often be a prayer that your previous requests
for temporal good may not be granted, and thus
there may be an opposition in your requests. We
lose not by the denial of meaner petitions, when God
sets them aside to give greater blessings. This ap-
pears to be the meaning of the following passages :
He that searcheth the hearts, knoweth what is the mind
of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the
saints, according to the luill of God. Rom. viii. 27.
And again, this is the confidence that we have in him ;
that if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth
us. And if we knoiv that he hear us, tvhatsoever we ask,
we know that we have the petitions that we desired of
hinu 1 John v. 14, 15. No Christian wishes for the
answer which the carnal Israelites received : He gave
them their request, hut sent leanness into their soul.
Psalm cvi. 15. If, then, the Christian be denied the
particular request, his real prayers may receive an
express answer in his own sanctification, and in the
accomplishing of God's holy will; just as a sick
man's real desire is accomplished, if he be ultimately
made well, even though the medicine or the mode
of cure expose him to things which he dislikes.
Faith in prayer is not a sure belief that he will give
us the identical things which we request ; but that
he is able to give us all things, and will, in answer
to our requests, give us that which is best for us.
He is sovereign and infinite, both in wisdom and
love ; and the more we depend on his grace, the
more diligently shall we use his appointed means for
attaining grace.

But perhaps you ask, How may I know whether

ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER. - 187

my prayers have been answered or not ? Sometimes
the case is so obvious that it cannot be mistaken —
Jehoshaphat prays, and he is delivered from his
enemies ; Hezekiah prays, and he is delivered from
sickness ; Jonah prays, and he is delivered from the
belly of the whale; the church prays, and Peter is
delivered from Herod. The following, among many
others, are examples of answers to particular re-
quests. Genesis xxv. 21 ; 1 Chron. v. 20 ; 2 Chron.
xxxiii. 13; Ezra viii. 23.

At other times prayers are answered, rather in the
increase of grace to bear the affliction, than in its
removal, as in the case of Paul's thorn in the flesh.
•'* There are," says Gee, in his Treatise on the Answer
of Prayer, " four ways of God's answering prayers.
By giving the things prayed for presently ; (Dan. ix.
23,) or by suspending the answer for a time, and
giving it afterwards ; (Luke xviii. 7) or by withhold-
ing from you that mercy which you ask, and giving
you a much better mercy in the room of it ; (Deut.
iii. 24, compared with Deut. xxxiv. 4, 5) or lastly,
by giving you patience to bear the loss or want of it.
2 Cor. xii. 9.

Many examples, in modern times, might be given
of answers to prayer, so plain that they cannot be
mistaken. Indeed, where is there a Christian who
cannot, from his own history, bring instances of this!
The prayers of the Martyr Latimer, and their answer,
are very observable. There were three principal
matters for which he prayed ; 1st. That God would
give him grace to stand to his doctrine until death.
2nd. That God would of his mercy restore his gos-
pel to England once again — repeating and insisting
on those words " once again" as though he had seen

188 ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER:

God before him, and spoken to him face to face.
3rd. That God would preserve Elizabeth ; with many
tears desiring God to make her a comfort to this com-
fortless realm of England. All these requests were
most fully and graciously answered.'

The increase of any Christian grace, poverty of
spirit, mourning for sin, meekness, hungering, and
thirsting after righteousness, quietness of mind, per-
severance in prayer, is, to the real Christian, of itself,
a most delightful answer to prayer. Whatever other
things may have been denied, if these are given, the
corresponding promises are secured to you, and the
greatest blessings have been granted. If we can say
with David, In the day when I cried, thou answeredst
me, and strengthenedst me with strength in my soul,
(Psalm cxxxviii. 3) we may see the prayer answered
in the strengthening of the soul, though the particular
request be denied.

It is said that our Lord was heard in that he feared;
but this was not by the removal of his sufferings, but
by his having strength suited to his stupendous woe.

The due use of means must be attended to, if we
wish for answers to our prayers. There is a species
of enthusiasm not uncommon, and to which young or
ignorant professors of religion are exposed, that is,
to expect the blessing desired in prayer, without any
effort or exertion on our parts. But in the Bible
you may constantly mark how those who earnestly
prayed, used the most likely means to effect their
desires. Though Jacob passes the night in prayer,
he still in the morning takes the best means to pacify
his brother Esau. Asa sets the battle in array, as

i See Foxe's Account of Latimer.

ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER. 189

well as cries to God, We rest on thee! 2 Chron. xiv.
10, 11. Bishop Hall says of Moses, when Israel was
about to contend with Amalek, " I do not hear Moses
say to his Joshua, Amalek is come up against us, it
matters not whether thou go against him, or not; or,
if thou go, whether alone or in company; or, if ac-
companied, whether with many or few, strong or
weak ; or, if strong men, whether they fight or no ;
I will pray on the hill : but he says, choose us out men,
and go fight. Then only can we hope when we have
done our best ; and though means cannot effect that
which we desire, yet God will have us use the like-
liest means on our part to effect it. Prayer, without
the use of means, is a mockery of God."

The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing.
Prov. xiii. 4. Means being required both in God's
word, and by the course of his providence, neglect
of them is not faith, but unbelief. The patient who
trusts his physician's skill, will carefully follow his
directions. Believing prayer does not render exer-
tion unnecessary, but makes it effectual ; giving a
divine power and blessing to that which was before
a merely weak and human effort. And the right way
is neither to use unlawful means, nor lawful ones
irregularly, nor to trust either in them, or in our
prayers ; but humbly and diligently to go on in the
path of duty, using those means which seem right
and profitable, and trusting only in God our Saviour
to bring the thing to pass, and that in his own way.
His wisdom, power, and love, are infinite. His ways
are often dark and mysterious to weak and fallible
man ; but it will ever be found in the end, that
Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. Psalm
ii. 12.

190 ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER.

But supposing, after having done all, and waited
long, our prayers are still denied, what are we then
to conclude ?

The DENIAL of prayer is always in mercy to the
children of God. It was in kindness to David that
his child was taken away. He earnestly prayed for
the life of one who would have been a living monu-
ment of his shame. He eagerly longed for the pre-
servation of Absalom ; but in mercy that rebellious
son, who might have ruined him, was cut off. And
bow frequently is the denial spiritually useful.

Godwin observes, " Often the very denial breaks
the hard heart, and brings a man nearer to God, and
puts him on searching into his ways and estate, and
to see what should be amiss in his prayer; which
alone is a great mercy, and better than the thing ;
seeing that by the loss of that one thing, he learns to
pray better, and so to obtain a hundred better things
afterwards.''

We lose many proofs of God's faithfulness and
grace, his tenderness and compassion, by not mark-
ing the answers to our prayers in these and in other
respects. Gee thus enumerates the ends for which
God may for a season hide himself from the prayers
of his people.

" In reference to themselves — to increase their assi-
duity and ardency in prayer — to fit them for the mercy
prayed for — to exercise and try their faith, patience,
love, sincerity, sanctification, and obedience — to
manifest himself to them more fully, either in or
after the delay — to make the benefit prayed for more
precious and welcome and useful when it comes — to
remove the impediments to their receiving or enjoy-
ing the mercy sought for — and to raise up their

ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER. 191

thoughts, their faith, hope, love, and longings, to the
second appearing of Christ. In reference to others
— to make up and bring in the number of those for
whom the mercy is proposed — to complete the account
of the church's sufferers and suflferings — to give others
an example of patient and confident waiting upon
God — and for the greater dismay and confusion of
the adversary."

When your prayers are not answered, let it
lead you to self-examination. Perhaps the prayer
may have been answered in a way you have not
thought of. Perhaps you were desiring something
that would only foster ambition or pride, or were
merely considering ease and comfort, without regard
to spiritual edification. Or look for the cause of it
in your neglect of Christ's intercession, or your
ingratitude for former answers : question your own
faith, the fervency of your desires, the purity of
your end, the propriety of the manner in which
you have offered up your petitions : ^ yes, any
thing rather than God's faithfulness : Let God he
true, and every man a liar. Again, God will not be

1 There are two duties connected with the efficacy of prayer, that
are, it is to be feared, too little practised or insisted on — Alms and
Fasting. The alms of Cornelius ascended with his prayers to God >
Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
Acts X. 4. See also Proverbs xxi. 13.

Parr observes, " Religious Fasting is also a notable help to prayer,
and is often commended to us in the word of God. It is a voluntary
abstaining from dinner or supper, or both, as our bodies will bear,
and from all delicacies for one day, or more, undertaken to make us
more fit for prayer and repentance. The ends in our fasting are,
1st. A fitting ourselves for prayer, that we may be the more lively
and earnest ; and 2ndly. That it may be a help and testimony of our
sorrow for sin, and of our humiliation before God." Only herein
ever take heed to avoid superstition (Rom. xiv. 17), and any opinion
of merit (1 Cor. viii. 8), and to fast from sin. Isaiah Iviii. 5, 6 ;
Jer. xiv. 12.

192 ON ANSWERS TO PRAYER.

inquired of by those who have an idol in their hearts.
Isaiah xlviii. 5 ; Ezek. xiv. 3. If you are living in
any habitual sin, you cannot expect that your prayers
should be heard.

When your prayers are answered, let it assure
you of God's faithfulness and love ; let it encourage
you to renew your prayers, to abound therein, to seek
God more constantly, to depend more simply on his
strength, to lay yourself out more entirely for him,
and never to fear undertaking anything in his cause.
Let it excite you to abound in thanksgiving and
praise. Psalm Ixvi. 13, 20.

May what has been stated encourage you not only
to "hope, but patiently to wait for, and attentively
observe, God's answers to prayer. Keep from such
sins as would provoke him to deny your requests,
and go on striving and praying, asking, seeking, and
knocking, till you are at length safely landed on the
heavenly shore; you will then find every prayer fully
answered, every wish accomplished, and your souls
filled with all the fulness of God.

ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 193

CHAPTER XIL

ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER FOR THE ENLARGEMENT
OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST.

Amid all that sin and sorrow which the Christian
sees in the world, observes in his family, or feels in
his own heart, there is one bright prospect on which
his eye can dwell with unmingled satisfaction, and in
the anticipation of which his heart can exult with
unbounded joy ; — the promised time when truth, and
righteousness, and peace shall universally prevail.
That such a time will come, a simple-minded and
humble reader of the scriptures can have no doubt.
Such passages as the following plainly point out an
extension of the gospel which has never yet taken
place.

All the ends of the earth shall remember, and turn
unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the nations shall
worship before thee. Psalm xxii. 27. All kings shall
fall doivn before him ; all nations shall serve him.
Psalm Ixxii. 11. All nations whom thou hast made
shall come and worship before thee, and shall glorify
thy name. Psalm Ixxxvi. 9. The earth shall be full
of the knowledge of the Lord, as the tvatei's cover the

o

194 ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER.

sea. Isaiah xi. 9. Blindness in part is happened to
Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles he come in; and
so all Israel shall be saved. Romans xi. 25, 26. The
kingdoms of this tvorld are become the kingdoms of our
Lord and of his Christ ; and he shall reign for ever
and ever. Rev. xi. 15.

Observe the fulness of each of these expressions.
Surely they foretel the universal spread of Chris-
tianity. To deny this, would, as President Edwards
lias observed, be in effect to say, that it would have
been impossible for God, if he had desired it,
plainly to have foretold any thing that should abso-
lutely have extended to all the nations of the earth.
To suppose that these are merely high-wrought
figures, and that events answerable to them are
not likely to take place, is little short of supposing
an intention to mislead others.

We may, then, rejoice in the delightful prospect
which the Bible thus opens before us. But these
promises involve a duty, as well as convey a cheering
prospect ; the duty of exerting ourselves to promote
the coming of this kingdom. Among other means
of doing so, the duty of prayer is of the first import-
ance. This subject is so little noticed in general,
and yet forms so large a part of that prayer which
our Lord teaches his disciples daily to use, that
though it has already been in some measure antici-
pated, when stating the subject of Intercession in
the chapter on Private Prayer, it justly calls for
distinct consideration.

This blessed consummation is in the scriptures
connected with the return of our heavenly Lord.
No time of universal rest, peace, and holiness is pro-
mised in the New Testament to the church of Christ.

ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 195

before that blessed hope ; till then the church is
afflicted, the world abounds with wickedness, and
the people of Christ are gathering out from the
world. The great hope of the church is the resur-
rection of the saints at our Lord's coming, and then
the establishment of his kingdom. 2 Thess. i. 5 — 10.

But for this we are to be earnestly praying ; looking
for, and hastening unto, the coming of the day of God,
and the promised new heavens and new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness, (2 Peter iii. 13.) and oflering
up continually the last general wish of the church ex-
pressed in the Bible; Surely I come quickly: Amen,
even so come. Lord Jesus. What glorious and animat-
ing hopes does this prospect set before us, and what
enlarged encouragements for abounding intercessory
prayer !

While it is clear from various promises, that the
kingdom of Christ shall universally prevail, it is no
less manifest that there are difficulties which only
A divine power can overcome.

There are many opposing powers of a nature that
no arm of flesh can subdue. Man may contend with
man with some hope of success ; but in contending
with principalities and powers, with the rulers of the
darkness of this world, and with spiritual wickedness
in high places, we want divine aid. We must pray
with the prophet. Awake! Awake ! put on strength^ O
arm of the Lord! How can Satan be dethroned from
his palace, the heart of man, till a stronger than he
shall come upon him and overcome him ?

All men's natural inclinations and corrupt opinions
also oppose the reception of the gospel. Nothing is
more absurd to him who knows not the Bible, and
the power of God, than to imagine that the blinded

02

196 ON THE SPiRIT OF PRAYER.

Hindoo, enchained to his caste, the acute and licen-
tious Mahomedan, reverencing his false prophet, the
savage and degraded African, and the barbarous
Nev7 Zealander, should give up their various notions,
and embrace the pure, holy, and humbling truths of
the gospel of Christ. The means, also, by which
this change is to be effected, appears to man utterly
inefficient. The preaching of the cross of Christ is
still unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the
Greeks foolishness ; and it is evident that to make these
means effectual, we must look for the power of God,
and the wisdom of God. No arm of flesh can help us
here : Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,
saith the Lord of Hosts.

Many of the great promises of scripture rela-
tive to that happy period of which we have been
speaking, seem to call for the spirit of prayer.

Observe the determination of the Saviour and his
church — For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace,
and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the
righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the
salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth. And the
Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy
glory: (Isaiah Ixiii. 1,2.) and then notice how this
determined zeal in seeking to promote the light and
glory of the church is approved and required: Ye
that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence; and
give him no rest till he establish, and till he make Jeru-
salem a praise in the earth, verses 6, 7.

The intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ in
heaven, is much on this subject. It is one part of
his prayer, that the world may believe that thou hast
sent me. John xvii- 21. And he so earnestly desires
the salvation of man, that it is called the travail of his

ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 197

soul. In the second Psalm the Father is described
as addressing the Son thus: Ask of me, and I will
give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utter-
most parts of the earth for thy possession. Psalm ii. 8.
Doubtless the Son has fulfilled this, as he has ful-
filled every other part of his blessed office as an inter-
cessor. Hence we have more encouragement from
his intercession to pray for the conversion of the
heathen, than for almost any other object. We are
sure that the Son of God intercedes for us in this
particular thing, and off"ers up our prayers. And as
our Lord thus intercedes himself for the enlargement
of his kingdom, so his word is full of directions and
examples to encourage us to do the same.

Observe the" directions to pray. Our Lord
seeing the harvest to be great, and the labourers few,
instructed his disciples to use this means of obtain-
ing them : — Pray ye, therefore, the Lord of the harvest,
that he will send forth labourers into his harvest :
Matt. ix. 38. One half of the prayer which he has
taught us daily to use, relates to this ; Hallowed he
thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth
as it is in heaven. Doubtless when all the ends of the
world shall remember and turn unto the Lord, and all
the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him,
(Psalm xxii. 27.) those petitions in the Lord's prayer,
with its simple but sublime and magnificent conclu-
sion^ Thine is the kingdom, and the jmwer, and the
glory, for ever and ever, will receive a more manifest
accomplishment than ever they have yet done. We
are told in Isaiah xlv. 11. Thus saith the Lord, the
Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to
come, concerning my sons, and concerning the work of
my hands command ye me. St. Paul thus earnestly

198 ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER.

presses this duty : I exhort, therefore, that first of all,
(as a matter of chief importance,) supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, he made
for all men : and he afterwards adds, for this is good
and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour, who
will have all men to be saved and to come unto the know-
ledge of the truth ; (1 Tim. ii. 1 — 4.) and again, he
says, Brethren, pray for us, that the word of the
Lord may have free course and be glorified, as it is
with you.

Observe the prophecies respecting this spirit
OF PRAYER : It shall yet come to pass that there shall
come people, and the inhabitants of many cities : and
the inhabitants of one city shall go unto another, saying,
Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek
the Lord of Hosts, — I will go also. Yea, many people
and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of Hosts
in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Zecb. viii.
20—22.

We have also examples to encourage us thus to
pray. David prays. Have respect unto the covenant,
for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations
of cruelty. Psalm Ixxiv. 20. Peace be within thy walls,
and plenteousness within thy palaces* Psalm cxxii. 7.
Esther, when the peculiar people of God were on the
point of destruction, sends to all the Jews to fast and
pray with her and her maidens; and their united
prayers are heard. Daniel's prayer for the church,
when in captivity, is well worthy of imitation. Dan.
ix. 2, 16, 17. It is probable, that on the very evening
of the day on which our Lord directed his disciples
to pray for more labourers, he himself went into a
mountain, and continued all night in prayer to God ;
and after thus praying all night, on the following

ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 199

morning he chose his twelve apostles ; Matthew ix.
36 — 38; X. 1 — 5; compared with Luke vi. 12 — 16.
The apostles, after his ascension, all continued with
one accord in prayer and supplication : and at length,
on the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost was given,
The Lord gave the ivord, and great was the company of
those that published it. Psalmlxviii.il. The church
of Autioch fasted and prayed, and then sent forth Bar-
nahas and Saul on that great mission to the Gentiles,
the benefits of which ultimately reached even to Eng-
land. Acts xiii. 3.

And to come to more modern times. We find that
holy men have ever, as they have more advanced in
religion, felt more for the perishing state of mankind.
Baxter thus expresses himself in some reflections at
the close of his life : " My soul is much more af-
flicted with the thoughts of this miserable world, and
more drawn out in a desire for its conversion than
heretofore. I was wont to look little farther than
England in my prayers ; but now I better understand
the case of mankind, and the method of the Lord's
Prayer. No part of my prayer is so deeply serious,
as that for the conversion of the infidel and ungodly
world.'' It is worth while reading the life of the mis-
sionary Brainerd, and, in our own days, the diaries
of Henry Martyn, only to observe the constant ardour
of their souls, in praying for the coming of Christ's
kingdom.

A BLESSING HAS EVER ATTENDED THIS MODE OF
SEEKING THE WELFARE OF THE CHURCH. The cry
of Israel in Egypt came up unto God by reason of
their bondage : and God heard their groanings, and he
sent them a deliverer. Daniel's prayer, (chap, ix.)
was attended with an immediate answer. Who

200 ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER.

would have supposed that in the state in which Judea
and the world were when our Lord was crucified,
that in so short a time such preachers should be raised
up from the self-righteous or worldly Jews, or the
benighted Gentiles, as should carry the gospel into
all the known nations of the earth, and almost con-
vert the world? They prayed, and great was found
to be the efficacy of prayer. In fact, every period of
the revival of religion has been distinguished by the
previous spirit of prayer. All the great societies
that have been raised in present times, and that fill
and adorn our country, have been raised in prayer;
and the way to obtain for them that full benefit to
mankind, of which, under the blessing of God, they
seem capable, is, for those who support them, to give
them also their continual prayers. St. Paul urges a
striking reason why Christians should thus pray :
(2 Cor. ii. 11.) Ye also, helping together by prayer for
us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by means of many
persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf; —
that thus, as he expresses it elsewhere, the abundant
grace might, through the thanksgiving of many, redound
to the glory of God. 2 Cor. iv. 15.

The importance of this will be more seen, when it
is remembered, that the enlargement and build-
ing UP OF THE spiritual CHURCH IS ENTIRELY THE

WORK OF God. Who can accomplish all the pro-
mises on this subject? Who can influence the
minds of Christians in general to promote their ful-
filment? Who can raise up, and prepare, and duly
qualify the labourers ? Who can open their way be-
fore them, and prosper their undertakings ? Who can
give the heathen eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart
to feel? And when the seed is sown in their hearts,

ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 201

who must give the increase ? In short, through
whose power and mercy must all flesh see the salvation
of God? We need not answer the question. It
must be evident how greatly, in any design to pro-
mote the kingdom of Christ, the fervent, general,
continued, united, and persevering prayers of all the
Church of God are needed in every step of our way.
The effect to be produced manifests the necessity of
a divine power. It is not a mere instruction in a
particular system; it is not a mere change of senti-
ment: but an entire change of heart and life; the
fulfilling of that promise, / will create in you a clean
heart, and renew a right spirit within you. Like the
work of creation, it requires the hand of God. As it
is only His power that makes the seed sown in the
earth to shoot and spring up ; so here, neither is he
that planteth anything, neither is he that watereth : but
God that giveth the increase. And the fervency and
ardour of prayer is here specially called for. Is it
not a proof that the prayer. Thy kingdom come, has
been coldly uttered, when we look abroad and see
the present state of the kingdom of Christ? May
we not well suppose that it would have been very
different had every Christian that used the prayer fer-
vently offered up therewith the desire of his heart
unto God ?

It pleases the Almighty generally to work through
prayer, as it is prayer that gives God, who is
jealous of his honour, all the glory. When
blessings come in answer to prayer, the praise is
more generally ascribed to him to whom alone all
praise belongs. The time is hastening on, when one
vast song shall fill the earth, from sea to sea, and from
the rivers unto the ends of the earth; when shall be

202 ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER.

heard, as it were the voice of mighty thunderings^ say-
ing, Allelujah, for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth ;
let us he glad, and rejoice and give honour to him. And,
doubtless, when, through the prayers of many, this
happy period arrives, the burden of the song will be.
Blessed, be the Lord God, the God of Lsrael, who only
doeth ivondrous things : and blessed be his glorious name
for ever ; and let the whole earth be filled with his glory.
Amen, and Amen.

May the reader lay these things to heart, and
remember how small a sacrifice the thing desired
calls for. You are not here asked to give your silver
and gold, or your life, though these all belong to
your Saviour ; but the duty now pointed out is sim-
ply that of remembering a perishing world in your
prayers ; and in constantly and faithfully discharging
jt, you are obeying the two great commands, of love
to God, and love to man. Never, then, think a
prayer to be at all complete, which does not include
the heathen world. Never be satisfied with a prayer,
either in your closet, in your family, in your walks,
with your relatives and friends, or in the house of
God, in which you have not asked of God something
relating to his ways being made known on earth, his
saving health among all nations.

Pray for all the societies engaged in this work,
either at home or abroad ; for all the missionaries
sent forth among the heathen, and all preparing to
go ; and for all who conduct or support missionary
efforts. As a real Christian, you will be an immense
gainer by the enlargement of the kingdom of Christ,
and the increase of the communion of saints.

And as this is the duty of individuals, so there
seems a special efficacy in united prayer. Much

ON THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 203

that has been said on social, family, and public
worship, applies here. Let Christian assemblies in
every part of our land, come frequently together to
pray for the coming of Christ's kingdom : and it
should be one of the happiest signs of its approach.

Let love to your Saviour, benevolence towards
man, your own interest in this promised and happy
era, the remarkable signs of the times, and your
plain and positive duty, all combine, and influence
and excite you really and often to pray. Thy kingdom
come.

204 ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER.

CHAPTER XIII.

ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER.^

When the sun is above the horizon, all the stars
which appear so plainly, and in such number, during
the night, are no longer visible ; for though they
are really still in the heavens, they are lost in the
blaze of the sun's brightness. This may illustrate a
difference often observable between the Christian's
striving to serve God in all things, and a Morldly
man who is living in habitual sin. The Christian
condemns himself for unnumbered faults. He sees
defects more numerous than the stars of heaven, in
every part of his conduct. Even his prayers appear
full of sins; he discovers in them innumerable wan-
derings of heart, and perpetual distractions ; for
there is no great sin in his life, in the blaze of which
all these daily infirmities are lost, as the stars are
lost in the more dazzling light of the sun. But the
man of the world, whose heart is unchanged and

» See Steele's " Antidote against Distractions in Prayer," from
•whom the author has borrowed several ideas.

ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER. 205

unrenewed, thinks that he performs a meritorious
service in the outward worship of God, and is not
troubled, though he never feels one holy indication.
Did he but watch his heart, and know its true state,
he would have to say, / was almost in all evil, in
the midst of the congregation and assembly. Proverbs
V. 14.

There are, indeed, many defects in our prayers ;
there is often great coldness in our desires, much
unbelief in God's promises, improper ends in our
petitions ; but one principal sin in all our devotion
is, the wandering of the heart.

It being of main importance to the right perform-
ance of prayer, to attend upon the Lord without dis-
traction, a fuller consideration of this subject may
be useful. And if distractions be not entirely cured
in this life ; yet as a man who knows not how to
swim, may gradually learn that art, so as to keep
himself by degrees longer and longer above water ;
so here improvements may be continually made. It
is possible to be more and more freed from distrac-
tions, and more and more to rise above those troublous
waves.

Observe the nature of distraction. It is the
wandering of the heart from God. Some indeed
manifest this in public worship by the wandering
of the eye, the irreverence of their outward beha-
viour, unnecessary whispering, and salutations ; but
I would rather dwell on the root of the evil — the
wandering of the heart. In the midst of a solemn
prayer, the heart will be dwelling on an earthly busi-
ness, or pursuing a vain pleasure. It will be engaged
jn thoughts of doing good, on a subject foreign to the
prayer then offering up with the lips, or be led aside

206 ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER.

to circumstances relating to the subject of our
prayer.^

There is a contest often carrying on in the Chris-
tian's breast, during worship, of which the mere
formalist is wholly ignorant. His end is gained, his
conscience is satisfied, if he has appeared in the
house of God, or if he has repeated his prayers — he
thinks this a meritorious service, and is well pleased
with himself. Not so the watchful Christian. It is
bis continual internal struggle to worship God in
spirit and in truth. He knows the task of raising an
earthly mind to heavenly things. He strives not
only against worldly thoughts, but also against good
thoughts, which often come thus unseasonably to
hinder him in attending to the present duty. In
carrying on this contest, he finds the power of a
carnal mind continually sinking him to the dust.
He repels idle and wandering thoughts, he labours
against inattention, and, perhaps, after all, he has
gained but a transient moment of devotion, and he
returns humbled, abased, and depressed, smiting his
breast, and saying, God be merciful to me a sinner !
Nothing humbles him more than the defects of his
prayers.

It is well when we are deeply affected by this
wandering of the heart, and mourn on account of it.

1 A converted female among the liberated negroes in Sierra Leone
described this very expressly. She said, "Wicked thing trouble me
much ; me want to do good, but my wicked heart will no let me. My
heart run away all this week ; run all about." When asked what she
meant by her heart running all about? she replied, "Suppose me
pray, my heart run to my country : to Sierra Leone ; all about ; and
then me can't say no more but ' Jesus Christ have mercy on me, poor
thing ! ' O my bad heart ! Me tink sometimes me have two hearts ;
one want to do good, but the other always want to do bad. O Jesus,
have mercy upon me, poor sinner ! "

ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER. 207

But, if the writer may judge from his own expe-
rience, how often do we insult and dishonour God
by a slight and perfunctory service, and yet retire
from worship with little brokenness of heart, and
little contrition. How would such conduct towards
an earthly superior, when reflected on in sober mo-
ments, overwhelm our minds with shame and confu-
sion of face ?

To some, almost the whole of their prayers is, at
times, little else but one continued distraction ; they
have not a single holy thought really olTered up to
God in any part of the service ; and, alas ! if the
thoughts of most Christians during their worship
were expressed with their prayers, what strange
petitions would be found to be offered up to God !
An old writer justly observes, " thinking is the mind's
speaking, and the Heart- searcher can, and does more
easily take notice when the mind thinks imperti-
nently, than we can observe when the tongue speaks
so.'^ There are but few that make a real business of
prayer.

There is great evil in these distractions.
The more wandering the Jheart is, the more weari-
some the duty ; while the nearer we come to God,
the more warmth, and life, and comfort we enjoy.
The work of prayer not only ceases while our hearts
wander, but distracted confessions increase guilt ;
distracted petitions only ask for a denial ; and dis-
tracted praises tend to stop the current of mercy.
We make light of distractions on account of their
commonness ; but God greatly condemns them. A
curse is pronounced on those who do the work of the
Lord deceitfully, or negligently. Jer. xlviii. 10. God
declares, / know the things that come into your heart

208 ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER.

every one of them. Ezek. xi. 5. Sins in public wor-
ship must be peculiarly offensive to the holy God.
Solomon says, with marked emphasis, I saw the
place of righteousness y that iniquity was there. Eccles.
iii. 16.

It is an awful character described by David, There
is no faithfulness in their mouth, their inward part is
very wickedness, their throat is an open sepulchre, they
flatter with their tongue. Psaloi v. 9. Observe, too,
how this sin agrees to Ezekiel's description. (Ezek.
xxiii. 31.) They come unto thee as the people cometh,
and they sit before thee as my people, — for with their
mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after
covetousness.

God has ever shewn himself to be jealous respecting
those things which concern his immediate worship.
Thus we find Nadab and Abihu punished with death
for offering strange fire before the Lord. Lev. x. 1, 2.
We read that Uzzah was smitten with death for
touching the ark of God. 2 Samuel vi. 6. The
directions respecting his worship under the Mosaic
dispensation were very minute and particular, which,
among other things, may teach us the need of great
attention in our approaches to God, and the regard
which God pays to all our worship. Indeed, as one
observes, " It is evidently a gross insult to the
glorious God, when praying to him, to quit him in
the midst of our prayers, as if we were conversing
with an inferior, and to make vain excursions on
every side."

Another thing which should teach us the sinfulness
of distractions is, they bear the stamp of hypocrisy.
It was the reproach of the ancient church — Ephraim
compasseth me about with lies. Hosea xi. 12, &c. Is

ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER. 209

not this a true description of much of the worship
of Christians? You would not like that any fellow
Christian should know what was passing in your
heart during your prayers ; but is it not a small
matter to be judged of man's judgment? he that
judgeth you is the Lord.

Alas! when we look back on the distractions of
our prayers (and the writer continually and deeply
feels in his own prayers the prevalence of that evil
which he has been describing), have we not reason
to fear that few ever really pray ? are we not compelled
to acknowledge, how seldom they that pray oftenest,
do pray; and what short prayers the best make:
many words, perhaps, and but very little prayer?
These things should lead us more to value the doc-
trine of free justification through the blood of Christ ;
more deeply to prize, and more earnestly to ask for,
the aid of the Holy Spirit; more to depend on the
Saviour's intercession ; and more to long to be in
that blessed kingdom where we shall serve our God
without weariness or wandering.

Some hints that may, by the help of God, assist
YOU TO AVOID DISTRACTIONS, will now be men-
tioned.

There may be an infirmity arising from the state
of bodily health or constitution, and the like, of
which timid and anxious Christians, who are most
apt to be troubled by their wanderings in prayer,
should not lose sight of, in judging of themselves.
Preston observes : " One may aim at a mark, aud do
bis best, aud yet be hindered, either by the palsy in
his arm, or by one who jogs him when about it."
But the general cause of our distractions is the
power of Satan, the remaining strength of corrupt

p

210 ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER.

nature, and our unbelief of God's promises. Though
the Christian is born again of God, he has two con-
tending parties within — the old man and the new
man ; and distractions mainly arise from the weak-
ness of faith, the strength of sin, and the temptations
of Satan,

Remember, first of all, your entire dependence
ON God. Know your own weakness. We are not
sufficient of ourselves, to think any thing as of ourselves ;
but while you see this, know your Saviour's strength,
that his grace is sufficient for you ; and these things
being duly impressed on your mind, in his strength
seek to overcome this evil. For farther directions,
as to the assistance which you may have from God, I
refer you to the chapter on the assistance of the Holy
Spirit.

Remember that Jesus Christ has opened up a
PLAIN WAY for communication between earth and
heaven. How sweet the divine testimony; — having
therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by
the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which he
hath consecrated through the veil, that is to say, his flesh,
and having a High Priest over the house of God ; let us
draw near tvith a true heart in full assurance of faith.
Heb. X. 19 — 22. By him alone we can go to God ;
by him alone spiritual and heavenly blessings de-
scend on us. How can jou attain heavenly benefits,
if the means of communication be neglected ?

Send up fervent petitions for divine assist-
ance, especially when you first find that your heart
is wandering.^ This is an efi'ectual help. It engages

I " Cry unto God, • Lord, wilt thou suffer thy slave to abuse th>-
child, before thy face, while he is on his knees for a blessing ? ' "

Hakrison.

ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER. 211

the power of God against the power of Satan and
sin. The Psalms are full of suitable expressions,
that may be used with advantage. — My soul cleaveth
to the dust, quicken thou me according to thy word.
Create in me a clean heart, O God : renetv a right spirit
within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and
take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Thus contend
against your spiritual enemies, and you must over-
come them.

Determine to strive against wanderings. Re-
sist the Devil and he will flee from you. James iv. 7.
Are you not in general going carelessly to the wor-
ship of God, as a matter of habit and custom, with-
out much thought of engaging your heart to approach
unto him. This seems to be a too general case from
the inquiry, Who is this that hath engaged his heart to
(approach unto me, saith the Lord? Jer. xxx. 21. The
heart must be engaged to serve God. We should re-
solve with Jeremiah, Let us lift up our hearts ivith our
hands, unto God iii the heavens. Lament, iii. 41. Be-
fore you enter on this holy duty, pause, and pray
with David, Unite my heart to fear thy name ; (Psalm
Ixxxvi. 11,) as if he had said, ' I find my heart di-
vided, and my thoughts dissipated ; gather in all my
wandering affections ; may they be fixed on one
great object; may they all be united in this single
act that is before me : '

" That all my powers, with all their mighty
In thy sole glory may unite." Ken.

Seek to gain a spiritual mind. To he spiritu-
ally-minded is life and peace. We are only cutting off
a leaf or a twig from this evil tree, while we take
away a particular distraction. O Jerusalem, wash

P 2

212 ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER.

thine heart from wickedness, that thou may est he saved!
Hoiv long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?
Jer. iv. 14. Tiji the heart be washed from sin, by
the blood of Jesus and by the grace of his Spirit,
vain thoughts will be sure to lodge, or take up an
abode in you, and to mingle with all you do. The
heavenly-minded Christian, whose heart is continu-
ally with God, finds it comparatively easy to keep it
more closely fixed on him, in the particular act of
prayer. But if you are under the full influence of
the carnal mind, it is utterly impossible that you can
offer spiritual worship. Ye must he horn again.
John iii. 7. Such want an entire new heart. When
they gain that, they may the better hope to attend
upon the Lord without distraction. Be thou in the fear
of the Lord all the day long, and then there will not
be the difficulty which you find in fixing your
thoughts, and staying your mind on God, during the
act of prayer.^

Men of the world are not distracted about their
worldly business, but will pursue it with all fixed-
ness and intention of mind, hour after hour, day
after day, and year after year. They have an earthly
mind, and love earthly things. Seek you to have a
spiritual mind, and then you will thus pursue spiri-
tual things. All the lines of your affections should
unite here ; all the radii of the circle should meet in
this centre — in a fixedness of heart on God in his
worship.

The circumstances of our prayers often lead our
minds from God. We have to think of our sins,
and their circumstances, when we confess them, and

1 See Owen's • Grace and Duty of being spiritually-minded.'

ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER. 213

of oar wants when we pray for what we need, and
of our mercies when we thank God for them, and of
our friends when we intercede for them; but if the
mind were in a spiritual state, these things would
rather be the means of drawing our hearts nearer
to God, than of drawing them from him. Our
thoughts should not so run out on the particulars of
worship, as to forget the presence of Him whom we
worship.

Persevere in prayer notwithstanding dis-
tractions.— In the paths of dutj', every obstacle
gives way to the faith of the Christian. When the
Israelites were come to the Red Sea, and to the
waters of Jordan, they were directed to go forward.
It might have been objected. If we go forward, shall
we not be drowned ? But still their duty was to go
forward ; and so should we go in the path of a plain
command, leaving to our God the removal of all
obstacles. The reluctance and the discouragement
of prayer will be overcome in the performance of the
duty. When their heart is in this distracted frame,
in private prayer, by giving more time to the duty,
and dwelling on the petitions till you are able to at-
tend to what you say, you will often be enabled to
overcome your difficulties. " Patience is a grace as
necessary sometimes in devotion, as in afflictions ;
and the want of patience does as often make our de-
votions defective as the want of recollection."

The difficulty of praying without distraction, and
the fact that distractions do mingle with our holiest
services, should inculcate many practical lessons ;
such as humility, brokenness of spirit, and, as has
been already noticed, entire dependence on Christ
for righteousness and strength, breathings after the

214 ON DISTRACTIONS IN PRAYER.

influence of the Spirit, and a longing to be in
heaven, where all our services will be pure and holy.
That prayer is not lost which produces any of these
effects. Nay, if a distracted prayer do but deeply
humble us, it may be one of our most profitable
prayers.

And when our distractions are lamented, and our
desire after spiritual blessings unfeigned, it may en-
courage us to remember that we pray to a Father.
A little child often finds a diflSculty in expressing its
wants to an earthly Father ; yet he, being desirous
to meet the wishes of the child, will be ingenuous
and patient, to discover and supply those wishes : so
shall our heavenly Father give good things to them that
ask him.

Our incapacity, indeed, is not physical, but
moral ; yet God, notwithstanding these many sins,
considers those who trust in his Son as children,
and pities them, and spares them, as a man spareth
his son.

ON DEVOTIONAL FEELINGS MERELY. 215

CHAPTER XIV.

ON DEVOTIONAL FEELINGS MERELY.

There are a number of persons whom we have no
reason to believe to be under the influence of real
religion; theirtempers are frequently unsubdued and
irritable; their aflfections, in the main, are worldly;
and their pride of heart is evident; they yet express
themselves in a devout way, and talk as if they
found pleasure in devotion. The beauties of cre-
ation, the charms of nature, the fancied pictures
which they draw of the goodness of the Deity, fill
their minds with lively ideas of the benevolence of
the Creator. They love to contemplate these things,
and to converse about them in a strain of devout ad-
miration and praise. Deists and idolaters sometimes
express themselves in this way ; and Socinians often
talk as if their view of religion encouraged real
devotion.

What, then, are the great defects of the kind
of devotion which has been described ? It is ac-
companied by some one or other of the following
marks.

With respect to those who profess to have it, it

216 ON DEVOTIONAL FEELINGS MERELY.

has little or no influence on the temper, which still
remains unsanctified, either self-indulgent or fretful,
and exposed to bursts of passion. It puffs up and
fosters pride of heart, and fills the mind with self-
conceit and self-sufficienc3\ It leads men to court
rather than shun the admiration of others ; or, it is
often a mere indulgence of natural imagination, of a
pensive disposition, of taste, and the like. Pleasur-
able sensations are excited by the idea of the dignity
of such contemplations, and it is supposed that they
indicate a state of mind superior to that of the com-
mon class of persons, and this pleases and satisfies
the carnal mind.

With respect to God, it has no regard to his holi-
ness or justice ; it overlooks the scripture account
of his character, and those sorrows and evils of life
which visibly mark his hand, and the sinfulness of
man. It greatly, if not totally, disregards the only
Mediator by whom we may draw near to God. No
man cometli unto the Father hut hy him.

And with respect to others, there is little or no
separation from vain and sinful company, from
worldly habits, practices, and maxims ; no fulfilling
of the precept, Come out from among them and he ye
separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing ; and therefore no obtaining of the promise,
and I will receive you, and will he a Father unto you,
and ye shall he my sons and daughters, saith the Lord
Almighty.

In the feelings to which we allude, there is no real
communion with God, that is ever humbling and
purifying. Men of the description which has been
mentioned, know nothing of the character of God as
the high and lofty One that inhahiteth eternity, whose

ON DEVOTIONAL FEELINGS MERELY. 217

name is Holy ; who says, / dwell in the high and holy
placcy with him also that is of a contrite and humble
sjmnt, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive
the heart of the contrite ones.

This deceptive appearance of devotion sometimes
arises from a spurious sentimentality ; from notions
not founded on the word of God, but on human
fictions, and vain reasonings, or foolish imaginations,
assuming the character without the scriptural reality
of religion. Sometimes men of real devotion, (like
Law in his Spirit of Prayer,) have gone off into that
which is mystical and unintelligible. Let us in all
things adhere to the written word. This sort of
devotion is not that plain, simple, home, and every-
day-life religion which so eminently marks the dis-
courses of our Saviour and of his apostles. It has its
seat more in the imagination of a recluse, than in a
broken spirit, enlightened and humbled by divine
truth, and under the teaching of the Spirit, brought
to a real knowledge of the excellence and glory of
the divine being, of our great corruption, our ines-
timably precious Redeemer, our entire dependence
on His grace, and to filial confidence in a reconciled
Father.

At other times such feelings may arise from mere
animal sympathy. In a social meeting, or in a con-
gregation, both he who offers up the prayers, and
they who join, will be deeply affected and moved by
the solemnity of the place, by the number assembled,
by the manifestation of their feelings, or by the sacred
music which they may hear : these things naturally
have, and ought to have, an impressive effect on
every mind ; we do not object to this effect, but to
the mind's resting satisfied with it, as the sum of

218 ON DEVOTIONAL FEELINGS P4ERELY.

devotion. It is possible that the whole effect of such
a service maj^ be the mere excitement of the animal
frame, apart from all those really devotional princi-
ples which come from above ; a mere impression on
the senses, quite distinct from communion with God
himself, and all that holy state of mind which God
alone bestows and regards.

That corrupt church which in its devotional exer-
cises, in direct contradiction to the plain testimony
of scripture, (1 Cor. xiv.) uses a language not under-
stood by the common people, cultivates much among
its adherents, by shew, pomp, music, and outward
solemnity, this mere impression on the mind and
senses of the worshippers. You may also behold
among them persons with the greatest appearance of
devotion, satisfying their conscience by numerous
repetitions of prayers counted by beads. Our Lord
decidedly condemns all such worship. Matt. vi. 7,
and XV. 7 — 9.

There are those also in the Protestant churches,
whose whole aim seems to be, merely to be deeply
affected, while in prayer, and who consider that the
being much impressed and excited, is the highest
degree of devotion.

Let the reader, then, be on his guard, and not
suppose that every thing of a contemplative, or sen-
sitive, or exciting nature, with a devotional cast, is
real devotion and acceptable to God.

Yet there is a true devotional feeling, essential to
our well-being and happiness, of the greatest value
and importance, and producing the most blessed
effects ; a devotion which humbles and yet raises,
which softens asperities of temper, and yet makes
the self-indulgent, self-denying and firm ; which

ON DEVOTIONAL FEELINGS MERELY. 219

changes the worldly into the heavenly mind; which
heightens every enjoyment, mitigates every trial and
suflFering, gives peace within, and spreads cheerful-
ness and happiness without. St. John describes it,
when he says, Truly our fellowship is with the Father,
and with his Son Jesus Christ. The former part of
this treatise will have shewn the reader the nature of
this devotion, and the following directions are added
to assist him in attaining it.

220 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

CHAPTER XV.

DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN ATTAINING THE SPIRIT
OF PRAYER.

The duty and privilege of the various kinds of prayer
have now been brought before the reader. They
should all be attended to; they are each beautiful,
and needful in their season. A Christian will not
attend public and neglect family worship ; he will
not pray in his family, and neglect his secret devo-
tions ; he will not pray steadily in secret, and neglect
social or habitual prayer. Each will come regularly
in its fit place and time, without interfering with the
other; each not hindering, but succeeding and mu-
tually helping the other. Nor will he count all this
course of prayer burdensome and wearisome. To
enjoy the presence of God is his happiness, and
therefore he longs to live in the continual practice of
prayer. Your views of devotional exercise as a task
or a privilege, are a test by which you may judge of
your progress in religion, if not of its reality.

And while there will, in the advanced Christian,
be a constant attention to all these kinds of prayer,
he will especially attend to the spirit in which each

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 221

is performed. It will not he sufficient to satisfy his
mind that he has gone through the mere act of devo-
tion ; he labours for the inward feeling as well as the
outward expression. He longs for the spirit of prayer,
which is not the mere business of this or that hour,
but the continual panting and breathing of the heart
after God (Psalm xlii. 1, 2), at all times.

Ardent love to God is, indeed, the true spring of
genuine prayer. Where this is, all other graces will
follow. " Love," says one, " renders prayer delight-
ful to ourselves, and acceptable to our Maker. It
makes us willing to ask, and willing to receive."

And this love is gained in the belief of God's word,
that he really loves us, sinful and rebellious as we
have been, with such a holy and intense love that he
gave his own Son to die for us. Rom. v. 6 — 11.

Andrew Gray also observes, " The spirit of prayer
consists more in the voice of the affections, than the
voice of words." He suggests the following queries,
to detect the want of the spirit of prayer : — Do you
know what it is to go to prayer on an internal prin-
ciple of love, and the grace of Christ constraining
you? — Do you know what it is by prayer to attain
greater conformity to God, and the mortification of
your lusts? — Do you know what it is to distinguish
between absence and presence? Do you know what
it is to sit down and lament over absence from Christ,
and think this an insupportable want?

I have endeavoured, under each kind of prayer, to
give such hints as might assist you in attaining this
spiritual worship ; it may not be useless to sum up
these hints in a few practical rules applicable to
prayer in general. Only let the reader again remem-
ber, what we are apt perpetually to forget, but what

222 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

should both humble, direct, and comfort us, that no
knowledge of rules is of itself sufficient to enable us
to pray ; it is the Holy Spirit alone, shewing us the
Jove of God, and impressing the rule on the heart,
that can enable us rightly to worship God.

'* To maintain a devotional spirit, two things,"
says Mrs. More, " are especially necessary : — habit-
ually to cultivate the disposition, and habitually to
avoid whatever is unfavourable to it." We will first
point out some things which hinder your attaining
the spirit of devotion, and then add some directions
which may help you to attain it.

' I. — Rules relating to hindrances in Prayer.

1. Renounce all known sin and sensual in-
dulgence.— The allowed practice of any sin is
utterly inconsistent with devotional feelings. If you
live in habitual sin, or in the indulgence of evil
tempers, or if any corrupt communication proceed out
of your mouth, you cannot at the same time enjoy
communion with God. 1 John i. 6; iii. 21 — 23. His
Spirit is grieved, and withdraws its influence. Who
shall ascend into the hill of the Lord, and who shall
stand in his holy place ? He thai hath clean hands and.
a pure heart. Psalm xxiv. 3, 4. Any sin indulged,
raises those fears, doubts, disorders, and tumults in
the mind, which make it averse to, and incapable of
fervent affectionate prayer. An instance or two may
confirm this remark. St. Paul exhorts us to pray
every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or
doubting. I am sure, if you have any Christian ex-
perience, you know that it is necessary, that all

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 223

hitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil
speaking, he put away from you, ivith all malice, if you
would gain the spirit of prayer. An unforgiving
temper, also, not only hinders the spirit of devotion,
but also prevents the acceptance of your petitions.
Our Lord says, Go thy way, first he reconciled to thy
brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matt. v. 24.
Bishop Taylor, in a beautiful figure, shows the evil
effects of anger as an impediment to devotion.
" Anger is a perfect alienation of the mind from
prayer, directly contrary to that disposition which
makes our prayers acceptable to God. Thus the
lark rising from his bed of grass, soars upward, sing-
ing as he rises, but the poor bird is beaten back by
the sudden blast of an eastern wind, and his motion
made irregular and inconstant, descending more at
every breath of the tempest, than it can recover by
the vibration of its wings, till the little creature is
forced to sit down, and pant, and stay till the storm
is over, and then it makes a more prosperous flight,
and rises still, and sings, as if it had learned music'
and motion from an angel." Again ; immoderate, or
unnecessary indulgence of ease, appetite, sleep, &c.
are serious obstacles to the attaining a devotional
spirit. The man of self-denial will, like Daniel,
(chapter i. 12), be the man of prayer. Chap. vi. 10.
Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts he
overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and the
cares of this life, is a solemn admonition of the Lord,
before he gave the charge, Watch ye, therefore, and
pray aliuays. Our sins are one great reason why our
prayers are not oftener heard. When you spread forth
your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you ; yea, when
you make many prayers I luill not hear you ; your hands

224 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

are full of hlood. Remember St. John's remark : If
our heart condemn us not, then have we conjidence toward
God : and whatsoever we ask we receive of him, because
we keep his commandments, and do those things that are
pleasing in his sight. See farther passages. Psalm
iv. 3 ; xxvi. 6 ; xxxiv. 15, 17. Prov. xv. 29. John ix.
31. James v. 16. Yet, remember, the meaning of
these passages is not that we must not pray if we
have committed actual sin ; for then none would
pray: but that we are not to go to our prayers with
the love of sin, or with a purpose to go on sinning
still. (See page 23. 'j

2. Be NOT CONFORMED TO THE WORLD. — We hope

that the happy day is coming on when all the ends of
the earth shall remember and turn unto the Lord, and
all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before him ;
but, at present, who can go much into the world,
unless his duties call him there, without suffering
from it? For a Christian to enter into worldly com-
pany, and join in vain amusements, is as if a man
were to put a burning torch into water: the flame of
devotion will be, must be, extinguished. Those
who go into a large manufactory, filled with people
and machines, find it difficult, when in the midst of
such a scene, to converse with each other; but those

1 Sir Matthew Hale, in his Treatise on the Knowledge of God, well
remarks — "A frequent, solemn, and serious use of the duty of prayer,
interrupts a custom of sin, by degrees weakens the old man, and will
in a time make a strangeness between our lusts and our souls. And
let a man be sure of these two truths : that as he that comes upon
his knees with a secret purpose to hold confederacy with any sin, he
shall be the worse, the more hardened, and the more neglected by
that God which searches the heart ; so whosoever he be that comes
to his Maker in the integrity of his heart, though sin adheres as close
to that heart of his, as the skin does to his flesh, shall find that em-
ployment will make those lusts that were most dear to him, by de-
grees to become strange and loose to his soul."

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 225

who go much into the bustle of company, find it still
more difficult to hold converse with God. It is only
when compelled to be there in the way of duty, and
not otherwise, that they may expect, that, as his
special grace preserved Daniel in the spirit of prayer,
even in Babylon, so it will preserve them. Being
immoderately engaged in worldly business is another
hindrance, filling a man with the cares of this life.
He whose whole time is incessantly occupied in
worldly afi'airs, finds his heart entirely distracted,
and utterly unfitted for holy and retired duties. The
apostle says, Be careful for nothing, and then adds,
hut in every thing, by prayer and supplication, with
thanksgiving , let your requests he made known unto God.
Oh believe me, it is far better to have a small income,
with a quiet conscience and a devout heart, than the
largest revenues without God's blessing.

3. Resist the temptations of Satan.— There
is a powerful spiritual adversary of man, who goeth
about as a roaring lion, seeking tvhom he may devour.
Here is your great enemy. Other things are but his
engines. His object in other things is to keep you
from or hinder you in prayer. Be not ignorant of his
devices. He will suggest that prayer is a dull and
gloomy service, or useless and vain. If this does not
succeed, he will suggest the putting off the duty
to another opportunity, on account of some other
employment : some favourite book to be read, some
letter perhaps to be written, or some other business
which he will propose to your mind, important per-
haps in itself, but 7iot good for this time. Consider
everything which would tempt you to neglect prayer,
in its appointed season, whether it be any of those
objections which have been answered already (see

Q

226 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

page 17, &c.) or the fear of man's ridicule, or love
of ease, or any other cause, as a mere temptation, and
resist the devil, and he will flee from you. This evil
spirit will be cast out by prayer and fasting. Matt,
xvii. 21. Does he present to you various difficulties?
Remember, that nothing excellent is obtained with-
out effort and difficulty. Remember, men pursue
human schemes of great difficulty, amidst every op-
position : they go through the most arduous enter-
prises, without any certainty of success, or any
promise of divine help. In seeking communion with
God, you are sure to succeed, and have his faith-
ful promise that he will help you. Will you not be
condemned by the conduct of men in general, re-
specting the things of this world, if difficulties should
deter you from endeavouring to obtain a good, which,
as a Christian, you must acknowledge to be the
greatest and most profitable that can be gained in
the present life? Difficulties give way to real eflForts.
" Prayer is in its nature a kind of wrestling and
striving for a victory, which pre-supposes an oppo-
sition." The opposition of Satan will be vanquished
by a steady resistance in the strength of your Saviour.
Oh how delightful to know and be assured that the
Captain of our salvation is the conqueror of Satan !
He that is in us is stronger than he that is in the world,

4. Beware of a self-righteous spirit, or any
thing like fancying, because you have said your
prayers, and especially if you have prayed with
more than ordinary freedom and affection, that there-
fore you deserve anything from God, or are holy
and righteous in his sight. Such a view of yourself
provokes God to withdraw his Spirit, and leaves you
to your own natural barrenness and dryness. Nay,

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 227

if you trust in your prayers, and put them in the
place of your Saviour, they will as much ruin your
immortal soul, as the grossest sins. This is a very
common temptation, of which we are all in danger.
The excellent Milner describes himself as naturally
always setting up for himself, always aiming at in-
dependence, and that it was with the utmost difficulty
he was brought to feel what a poor, sinful creature
he was by nature. This spirit of self-righteousness
manifests itself in complacency and self-satisfaction
when anything right has been done, and in over-
whelming despondency and depression after our
sins. But we should learn to rejoice in Christ alone
when most lively in the way of duty, and to trust to
him alone when most low. Nothing is more natural
to us, than, when we have been greatly assisted, and
our heart softened, and our mind enlarged in prayer,
to flatter ourselves, and trust in our performance.
But as in the flood, neither the tallest tree, nor the
highest mountain saved any of the ungodly world
who were shut out of the ark, the only refuge; so
Jesus Christ alone can save us. The directions of
the pious Anselm to the sick man, are in point here.
" See, then," he says to him, " while life remains in
thee, that thou repose thy confidence only in the
death of Christ, — trust in nothing else ; commit thy-
self wholly to his death — cover thyself with this
alone. And if the Lord will judge thee, say, ' Lord,
I cast the death of our Lord Jesus Christ between
myself and thy judgment, otherwise I will not engage
in judgment with thee.' And if he shall say unto
thee, ' Thou art a sinner!' say, ' I place the death
of our Lord Jesus Christ between me and my sin.
And if he shall say, ' Thou hast deserved damna-

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228 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

tion ! ' say, ' Lord, I cast the death of our Lord
Jesus Christ between me and my evil deserts, and I
offer his merits for that merit which I ought to have
had, and have not.' '' One good man said, " I am
more afraid of my duties than of ray sins, for my
duties make me often proud, but my sins make me
always humble/' Though an expression of this kind
is both unguarded and unscripturaJ, it may shew us
in a striking way, a danger which many Christians
hardly even suspect. Oh rest not, then, in any du-
ties ; put no confidence at all in them as grounds of
salvation ; count ail things hut loss for the excellency of
the knowledge of Christ, and rest wholly on him. Let
prayer be the way by which you gain an interest in
him and his salvation, and not be a means of keeping
you from a sole trust in him.

5. Guard against improper motives and ends
IN YOUR prayers. — Sinful motives are apt perpetu-
ally to mingle with and defile all we do. Let not the
procuring an esteem for sanctity, conscientiousness,
and spirituality, for great parts or gifts, for readiness
and copiousness of invention, memory, and judg-
ment, be your motives to pray. One prayer is worth
ten tliousand fine thoughts. Let not your design be
to shew that you can pray much, and are well fur-
nished with matter ; nor yet to manifest that you are
good church-goers, never miss prayers, and can pray
with an acceptable or pleasing delivery of voice.
Let not the vain glory of praying long, and frequently
in every place, as the hypocrites standing in the syna-
gogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be
seen of men, (Matt. vi. 5,) whom our Lord reproved,
— let not this be the end for which you pray. Rather
pray, desiring thereby to be disposed and enabled to

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 229

serve God and the world, to live profitably and com-
fortably, and to be prepared and made meet for an
immortal and everlasting reward. And remember
that the glory of God should be the ultimate end at
which you aim in all your prayers. Our design in
asking anything from God should be to render it
again to him; and while we propose this to our-
selves, we are the more likely to obtain our requests.
It has been said, " Wicked and unthankful men are
but like vapours and exhalations drawn up out of
the earth, which do but eclipse the sun that raises
them ; so it is when God raises up these men by his
bounty and goodness, who by their wickedness and
ingratitude stain and eclipse his glory in the world.
Whereas godly men are like rivers, which, as they
receive all their streams from the sea, so they return
all again into the sea: so, whatever truly devout
persons receive from God, they improve all for, and
return all again unto him." And therefore they
may well hope to speed, who beg mercies at the
hand of God, that they may return all again to his
glory.

6. Take heed of spiritual pride.— Let us re-
member, God hath respect to the lowly, but the proud
he knoweth afar off. Psalm cxxxviii. 6. One reason
why we do not receive more help from God, may be
this, — we could not have it without danger to our
souls. It is justly observed, "When the heart is
enlarged in prayer, and good expressions come with
great fluency from the lips, how apt is he who prays
to have high conceits of himself and of his perform-
ances ! His mind is prone to wander, and surmise
what others think of him, and is sinfully pleased in
the imagination, that they are admiring him. Such

230 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

thoughts as these — How well do I pray! How
broken for sin do I appear ! How fervent in spirit
do I seem ! What credit and applause shall I get by
this performance! What an excellent saint shall
I be accounted! Such thoughts are apt to hover
about an enlarged heart: but if they are not kept
out with an utter detestation of them, the heart will
be distracted with pride, how heavenly soever are
the expressions of the mouth/' ' Frequently con-
template the glorious perfections of Jehovah. Those
who see and know most of him are most humbled
before him. The more we see of his glory, the more
we shall discover our own insignificance. It is only
in proportion as we are far from God that we are
pleased with ourselves. We want more Christian
simplicity and humility; a more entire sense of our
own nothingness, of our emptiness of all good ; and
then we should neither fancy ourselves to be any-
thing, nor fancy that we are more devout than others.
If a man thinketh himself to he sotnething ivhen lie is
nothing, he deceiveth himself A right knowledge of
the true character of your best prayers will rather
lead you to the deepest humility, and will incline you
to look more simply for the power of the Spirit, and
to the intercession of Christ.

7. Neglect not the holy scriptures. — If you
disregard the word of God when he speaks, you can-
not expect that he should attend to you when you
are speaking to him. Remember what is said : He
that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his
prayer shall be abomination. Or again : Because I
have called and ye refused— ye have set at nought all my

1 Vincent on Distractions.

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 231

counsel — they shall call upon me, but I tvill not ansiver ;
they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me.
Prov. i. 24 — 28. Is not neglect of the scriptures
one great reason of the Christian's barrenness in
devotion? The word of God is a rich mine of devo-
tional feeling and expression. Become, then, more
acquainted with it. They cannot be devout who are
ignorant of the state of their own souls, and of the
truths of the Bible. It is not want of ability to
express ourselves, but want of feeling, that is the
greatest difficulty to be overcome : and while you
are unacquainted with those truths of the word of
God, which would discover to you your own cha-
racter and state ; while you know not the perfections
of God, his holy precepts, and his precious promises,
and the prospects which his word sets before you re-
specting another state, how can you feel aright on
these subjects ? You necessarily want the chief food
of prayer. Those who have but poor abilities, have
often been enabled, by knowledge of the scriptures,
most impressively to pray to God. Were our minds
more imbued with the sacred truths of the Bible, we
should never be in want of matter for confession,
petition, intercession, and praise. All its prohibi-
tions and threatenings would give you expressions of
confession ; all its precepts, of petition ; and all its
promises, of thanksgiving. A right knowledge of
the Bible is one of the best helps of devotion. It
would be well when you read that sacred book, to ■
extract any passage affecting your mind for prayer.
Study the Psalms of David in this view. The primi-
tive Christians used to learn the whole book by heart,
and thus have prayers ready for every occasion.
Would not this be a profitable exercise for the

232 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

young? And the Bible is not only useful as furnish-
ing matter for your prayers, but when read in faith
and humility, it is wonderfully calculated to excite
devotional feelings, and to quicken our hearts in
calling on God. All devout persons have, like David,
loved the law of the Lord.^

The hindrances which have been mentioned may
perhaps solve that which has often been a difficulty
in the minds of persons who have seen no good effect
produced by the prayers of some professors. The
duty of prayer may be discharged so erroneously and
carelessly, with such a mixture of sin and impure
motives, — men's affections may be so engaged in the
world, that there is no real desire of heart, little or no
true prayer. When they rise from their knees, their
petitions are quite forgotten ; the occupations of the
world come on ; and if any good affection or desires
have been excited, they are choked by the cares of
this life. Hence we may see those, who neglect not
stated seasons of prayer, and give much time to it,
still yielding like others to bad tempers ; and though
probably some general good may arise from their
prayers, yet there, is little perceptible difference be-
tween them and those who pray not at all. This shews
the necessity of praying in a right spirit, in order to
gain the advantage promised to this great duty.

^ Gray, a writer who has already been quoted, speaks of the follow-
ing: impediments to prayer. " Our low design. We pray in secret
that we may be more fitted to pray abroad. We aim at honour to
ourselves, not glory to God.— Our formaUty, or prayer without faith
and love.— Our neglect of seeking the Spirit.— Our not employing
Jesus as a mediator. Our earthly, worldly minds. —Our resisting
and grieving the Spirit in our ordinary walk. — Our pride of heart." —
The knowledge of these difficulties and impediments is one step
towards overcoming them.

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 233

II. — Rules to assist in attaining the Spirit of
Devotion,

1. Look for the aid of the Holy Spirit. —
Undoubtedly, the great helper of .the soul in devo-
tional exercise, is the Holy Ghost. Without his aid
we cannot at all pray aright or acceptably to God.
Be not content, then, unless you obtain this assist-
ance. Be not content with a formal circle of duties,
without the life, pleasure, and power of religion.
You ought not to be satisfied without receiving the
promises, and praying in the Holy Ghost, Jude 20.
He helpeth the infirmities of Christ's people. He is
the Spirit of adoption enabling them to cry, Abba,
Father ; and therefore if you are a true disciple of
Christ, you ought to expect, and obtain his help.
Think that prayer very defective in which your mind
is not sensible of the divine presence, in which your
heavenly Father does not manifest his presence by
imparting to you some feelings of sorrow for sin,
some holy thirstiogs and longings after the grace and
blessings of God, some ardent desires after holiness
and conformity to his will ; which feelings and de-
sires are manifestly the fruit of his Spirit. Every
man is more or less with his Lord in prayer, as he is
more or less under the teachings of the Holy Spirit.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Cor.
iii. 17. Through this divine influence hindrances are
removed, and all those graces imparted, which are
required in acceptable prayer. He takes of the
things of Christ, and shews them to us, and leads us
by him to the Father. Epiies. ii. 18. Ever remem-
ber, then, that the preparation of the heart in man is

234 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

from the Lord. Prov. xvi. 1. " The Spirit of grace
and supplication is like a quickening spirit, entering-
into a dead body, that insinuates life and activity into
all the parts, conveys a warmth into every limb, and
gives a freshness and beauty to the whole: which,
whatever other perfections it may have, is, without
this, but a languid, cold, dead, or lifeless thing."
Prayer, then, for the aid of the Holy Spirit, is the
best preparation for prayer. Plead the promise,
Thou wilt prepare their heart, thou wilt cause thine ear
to hear. Psalm x. 17. Urge the entreaty, Quicken
us, and we will call upon thy name. Psalm Ixxx. 18.

2. Trust only in the name of Jesus Christ.
To pray in the name of Christ, is rightly to view and
depend on his intercession, his atonement, his pur-
chase, and his strength. This is the only prevailing
plea. Be persuaded of your own sinfulness and
guilt. Mention none other name, but the name of
Jesus; none other merits, but the merits of Jesus,
when you approach unto God. Have a constant eye
to his intercession, saying with Jeremiah, O Lord,
though our iniquities testify against us, do thou it for
thy name's sake. Jer. xiv. 7, and Psalm xxv. 11. The
assurance that you have such a High Priest, should
exceedingly encourage you in approaching to, in
continuing at, and retiring from the throne of grace.
All your prayers are defective and defiled ; but Jesus
offering up even such prayers, (as was shewn at large
in a former chapter,) through His intercession, they
become effectual ; while the most fervent prayer you
ever made, if it fostered a self-righteous spirit, and
was trusted in, 'instead of Christ, will only add to
your guilt, and increase your condemnation. Regard
his atonement. He has made peace by the blood of

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 235

his cross ; and God was in Christ, reconciling the world
unto himself. Here then is a sufficient ground of
confidence in your approaches to God. Consider his
purchase. All the blessings that you need, and for
which you ask, were bought by his blood, and are
laid up ready for you, to be received on asking.
Heaven itself is a purchased possession. Ephes. i.
14. Depend on his strength. Without Christ you
can do nothing ; but you may say, / can do all through
Christ strengthening me. You can only get near to
God in and by Christ Jesus. Let this name of Christ
encourage you to begin your prayer, notwithstanding
all your sins ; and quiet your mind after your prayer,
notwithstanding all your defects. " Coming to the
throne of grace in Christ's name," says Trail, "is
another thing than commonly men take it to be.
Some think it is only to say in their prayers, ' for
Christ's sake.' To ask in His name is a higher busi-
ness than to be reached by unbelievers, and men
devoid of the Spirit of God. \i no man can say that
Jesus is the Lord, hut by the Holy Ghost ; (1 Cor. xii.
3.) hoiv shall men call on him in whom they have not be-
lieved? But can you take the searcher of hearts to
witness, that you build all your hopes of acceptance
at the throne of grace in the name and mediation of
Jesus? Can you say, I have no name to come to
God in, but Christ's ? since all that came in his name
were welcome, I will come also ; having no plea but
Christ's name, no covering but his robe of righteous-
ness— I will expect answers of peace and accept-
ance, only in that blessed beloved. — As much as
Christ is out of your minds in praying, so much are
you out in praying, and your praying out of that it
ought to be. That which we beg is out of Christ's

236 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

store. In whose name do we beg it, but in his ? for
whose sake, but for his? Out of whose hands do we
receive what we ask and get, but out of his? It is
marvellous that people should pretend to prayer, and
think they pray, who yet forget Jesus Christ, who is
all in all, in all right prayer,"

3. Be watchful. — Watch unto prayer. It is ob-
servable how frequently watchfulness and prayer
are joined together by our Lord and his apostles.
Jesus Christ says. Watch ye, therefore, and pray
always, that ye may he accounted worthy to escape,
Luke xxi. 36. St. Paul says. Continue in prayer,
mid watch in the same ; (Col. iv. 2.) and St. Peter,
after saying, the end of all things is at hand, exhorts
them, Se ye, therefore, sober, and watch unto prayer.
1 Peter iv. 7.

You should watch for favourable opportu-
nities OF PRAYER. In some happy moments, when
circumstances concur to call us to this duty, a more
than ordinary divine influence seems to be granted
to the Christian, disposing and inclining his heart to
pray, and wonderfully assisting him with suitable
thoughts and desires. There is a full breeze, as it
were, of spiritual aid vouchsafed. In this case, we
should spread every sail, seize the happy opportu-
nity, be instant in prayer, and make large advances
towards the haven where we would be.

Watch against those hindrances which have
already been mentioned, and need not be repeated.
Your hearts are evil, watch over them at all times.
This is needful to keep them in a proper state for
prayer. Worldly-mindedness, or the indulgence of
any sin in the heart, gradually unfits us for ap-
proaching Him, who is of purer eyes than to behold

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 237

iniquity. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord
will not hear me. Psalm Ixvi. 18.

Watch also for matter for prayer. Maintain
a temper always ready to converse with God. " A
man should be careful," says Bishop Wilkins, " to
keep a register of the most remarkable passages of
bis life, as to God's dealings with him, and his con-
duct towards God ; his sins and defects ; his suffer-
ings and w ants ; his mercies and enjoyments. A
common-place-book of this kind, arranged under the
various heads of prayer, would be of great use."

Watch also over your hearts in prayer. If
there be one time more than another, when the duty,
Keep thy heart with all diligence, for out of it are the
issues of life, is incumbent on us, it is in the time of
intercourse with the Majesty of heaven. We should
then specially take heed of uttering the words of
penitence, faith, hope, and love, without a penitent,
believing, hoping, and loving state of mind.

Lastly, watch for answers to your prayers.
Take notice how they prosper, and whether you
really gain what you ask. It has already been ob-
served, how much comfort we lose by negligence in
this respect, "t know," said one, ''that the Bible
is true, because I pray to God through Christ, and
he hears me. I know aho that God regards me, and
loves me, because he gives me those very blessings
which I ask at his hand." David found this a great
means of increasing his love to God, and his spirit of
prayer also. / love the Lord, because he hath heard my
voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his
ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I
live. Psalm cxvi. 1, 2. In the morning you prayed
for such and such blessings, to be enjoyed in the day ;

238 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

at night, then, ask yourself, Did I gain these bless-
ings ? If so, Praise the Lord : if not, you did not ask
in faith, or according to the will of God ; or the Lord
delays an answer to try your faith. Here are reasons
for humiliation, confession, and persevering prayer.

All this watchfulness requires great patience and
perseverance. It is easy to go through the round of
outward forms and duties, but it is another thing to
be praying always ivith all prayer and supplication in
the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance'
Hence, though the devout man may be truly blessed,
he is an uncommon character.

4. Meditate before you pray. — This is a most
important part of preparation for prayer. We do not
reflect on our state, we do not look within before-
hand, and therefore we have so little fervency, or
divine unction in our prayers. While I was musingy
the jire burned ; then spake I with my tongue. We are
apt to think time lost which is not spent in sensible
and active duty : but devout thoughtfulness and re-
flection redeem time for the most valuable ends.
Previously to private prayer, endeavour to compose
your thoughts, to attain a settled, calm, and attentive
mind. Ask yourself, Why do I retire? what is my
design ? Examine yourself, and note down all that
occurs in your mind as proper or advantageous to be
said under each head of prayer. Self-examination
should precede prayer. Consider beforehand the
particular things which you wish to ask of God, so
that you may ask freely, in order, and with method,
those things which you need. And while approach-
ing the house of the Lord for public worship, it is
advantageous to meditate on the great work in which
you are about to be engaged. The son of Sirach

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 239

says, " Before thou prayest, prepare thyself: and be
not as one that tempts God." The musician sees
that his instrument is in tune before he begins to
play on it; and we should surely prepare our minds
for prayer and praise. " Let your prayer," says the
Rev. Mr. Adam, " be short, and think a long time
before you begin, what you are going to say, and
what you mean by it; that is, to speak plainly,
whether you would be taken at your word, and put
to the pain of having your prayers answered." " He
who would pray,'' says Bishop Home, " must first
retire. Meditation, which is the mother of devotion,
is the daughter of retirement. They who do not me-
ditate, cannot pray ; they who do not retire, can do
neither." Profitable subjects of meditation abound.
Consider the promises of God made to prayer; the
character of Him you approach, and your own sinful-
ness. In the morning, call to mind the duties which
are before you in the approaching day, and ask for
grace to fulfil them. In the evening, think on all
that has occurred in the past day, and thus you will
be better able to confess your sins, and to bless God
for his mercies. " And continue in meditation,"
says Bishop Taylor, " till you get some new argu-
ments against sin, or some new encouragements t»
virtue, some spiritual strength and advantage, or some
act of prayer to God, or praise of him." Gerson justly
observes, that " meditation is the nurse of prayer."
My mouth, says David, shall praise thee with joyful lips,
when I remember thee upon my heel, and meditate on thee
in the ni(jht watches. Psalm Ixiii. 6. The sickle must
be sharpened before we reap ; — let us, then, by medi-
tation, prepare our hearts for effective prayer.

5. Ask in faith. The scriptures insist much on

240 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

this, James i. 6 ; Heb. x. 22 ; Matt. xxi. 22 •, Mark
xi. 24. All true prayer conies from faith (Rom. x.
12), and is the voice and expression of faith. You
need, in order to gain the true spirit of devotion, an
unwavering belief that God is, and that he is the re-
warder of them that diligently seek him (Heb. xi. 6),
that he is able to give us ail we ask, and if it be for
our real good, will do so. Faith is belief in God's
word: — giving your God entire credit for absolute
truth, in all he says. By faith realize his presence.
Say, with David, He is about my path, and about my
bed. Fully believe that his almighty power can help
and save even in the uttermost extremity, and that
he is willing to hear you, when you call upon him.
It is, in short, a true faith that will make all the dif-
ference, between a cold, heartless, unprofitable form,
like praying (as one expressed it to the author) to
nothing but empty air, and the real desire of the
believer, which, poured out unto God for things
according to his will, is sure to succeed — because
Christ hath purchased every blessing, and intercedes
for us ; it will make all the difference between a
mere ceremony and the soul-reviving and heart-
cheering presence of God. To faith in the presence
of God, join an undoubted confidence in the faith-
fulness of his promises. Vincent says, " If we did
but filrmly believe that God, according to his cove-
nant, for his Son's sake, has pardoned sin, and will
heal our souls of their distempers, and will give
grace sufficient, and make us to grow and increase
with the increase of God ; verily his promises would
appear to be real, and according to our faith it would
be to us. This confidence is perfectly consistent
with the deepest humility, and the most entire

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 241

distrust of ourselves. The larger our expectations
are, the greater sense do we shew of the generosity
and bounty of our unseen but ever-present and
ever gracious Benefactor. " We should endeavour,"
says Watts, *' to impress our minds frequently with
a fresh and lively belief of God's existence, though
he be so much unknown ; of his presence, though he
be invisible ; and of his just and merciful regard to
all the actions of men." Some have found it a means
of strengthening their faith, to appeal, in the midst
of their prayers, to the attributes of God, and to plead
his promises, and the name of his Son.

" The spirit and life of prayer in faith,'' says
Trail, " lies more in expectation than in asking.
Unwise Christians let out the vital spirit of prayer,
when they let their expectations languish. When
they set their face to pray, they make some con-
science of searching out their wants ; they labour to
improve that sight to the raising of fervent desires
of a supply of them : if they yet go higher, to take
in a sense of the fulness and freeness of that grace
where their help is ; yet how rarely are they careful
to raise up expectations of that helping grace ! Few
can say, As for me, / will call upon God, and the Lord
shall save me. Psalm Iv. 16. Our way is, if we could
see the glory, then we would believe : Christ's way
is just the contrary ; we must first believe, and then
we shall *' see the glory of God." John xi. 40. " It is
the very nature of prayer in faith," sajs Walker,*
" to cast all manner of care and every burden on the
Lord; guilt, corruption, trial, temptation, whatever
it be, to come and lay it all upon Christ ; and this

' See his Fifty-two Sermons on the Church Catechism.
R

242 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

with a certain confidence in him, which both does
him the highest honour, and makes him best pleased
with us. It charges Christ with all, and leaves every
thing with him. It says, * Lord, here are all these
sins that I have done ; here are all these temptations
I have to struggle with ; here are all these corrup-
tions to subdue; here is all this work to be per-
formed, and I am a poor helpless thing : behold, I
hnmbly lay it all upon thee, and leave it all and
every part with thee. And I know that thou canst,
and thou hast told me thou wilt, take care of the
whole. It is thy gracious oflfice to do so, and thou
delightest to do it : Lord, I cast all my care on thee/
There is no other boldness in this than that to which
the promises of God encourage and give sanction.
Such is the very prayer of faith.''

6. Be simple, reverend, and grave. Simpli-
city in our prayers is a great attainment. Beware
of setting more value on ingenious and original
thoughts, than on devout affections, fixedness of
mind, and devotedness of heart. One part of the
true character of prayer is, to express all our neces-
sity to our God with the utmost plainness and sim-
plicity ; as David did, when he could say (Psalm
cxlii.), / poured out my complaint before him, I shewed
before him my trouble. No art is needed ; no extra-
ordinary talent required ; the right feeling of the
heart is the great thing. He ivill fulfil the desire of
them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will
save them. Psalm cxlv. 19. But avoid haste and
precipitation, as if you were going through a task
which you wished to be over, that you may get to
your worldly employments. Remember, this, this is
the grand business. It is the most serious and so-

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 243

femn affair in which you can be engaged. Any
thing like affectation, anything that borders on an
undue attention to elegance of language, or ap-
proaches to mere vehemence of gesture, should be
carefully avoided. Let us not mimic devotion, but
seek to be really devout. Avoid also any particular
tone of voice. The character of prayer is vi^ell stated
by Bonnell, where he observes, " Devotion is to the
soul what blood is to the body, which is the life of it.
The best state of the body is when the blood moves
regularly and eve»ly, and we are least sensible that
we have such a thing as moving blood within us. It
is so when it is in its best condition, and we are in
firm health. Convulsive and extraordinary motions
in our bodies are not signs of health, but of sickness.
So our soul is in the best state, when our mind, in
our devotion, has a composed and gracious inter-
course with God, in such intenseness andrecollected-
ness of thought, that we are hardly sensible ourselves
that we are at our devotion.'' ^ " Fine words and
eloquent phrases," says Parr, " are not that wherein
God delights; but reverence, contrition, faith, and
the groanings of the spirit, however homely the
words be. Strive more to pray with feelings than to
be eloquent." Great seriousness and gravity should
mark every prayer we make.

7. Aim to enjoy a holy freedom and bold-
ness OF ACCESS TO GoD.— By the faith of Christ we
may have boldness and access with confidence. Eph. iii.
12. There should be the liberty of the child joined to
the humility of the creature. The mediation of Jesus,
our great necessity, and the faithful promises and

1 See Hamilton's Life of Bonnell.
R2

244 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

holy examples of the word of God, invite us to a
resolute and determined spirit, that will wrestle and
plead with God for the blessing ; and, like Jacob,
take no denial. I will not let thee go except thou bless
me. Gen. xxxii. 26. Our most gracious God thus
suffers himself to be prevailed on, and is willingly
overcome. None that wait on him shall he ashamed.
You should, you may tell him all your desires freely
and fully, without hiding anything from him. This
liberty of access was purchased for us by our Lord.
Having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of
Jesus, by a new and living way,, which he hath consecrated
for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh, and hav-
ing an High Priest over the house of God, let us draw
near with a true heart* Heb. x. 19 — 22. Importunity,
or urgent demand and entreaty, ai'aiSe/a, an urgency
that will not be repulsed, is recommended by an ex-
ample which our Lord himself brings before us.
Luke xi. 8. Yet beware of presumptuousness, or
any anything like irreverence. Observe how Abra-
ham pleads for Sodom ; (Gen. xviii. 27, 30 — 32) he
pleads freely and boldly ; yet with what reverence
and humility he urges his pleas ! Compare Deut. iii.
24, and Deut. ix. 28.

8. Be sincere and fervent, — Sincerity in prayer
is an unfeigned desire that God would grant our pe-
titions. " It is easy,'^ says Mr. Adam, " to say
the words of a prayer; but to pray hungering and
thirsting is the hardest of all works. Acquiescence
in the bare act of prayer is a most dangerous delu-
sion, and keeps the soul from its proper relief."
We cannot be too much warned against the mere
external service to which we are so constantly prone,
and which is the bane of all spiritual good. The

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 245

Scriptures often insist on the provocation which a
merely external service oflFers to God. Ezek. xxxiii.
31, 32. Our Lord repeatedly reproves the Pharisees
for their formal prayers. Consider, then, the amaz-
ing value of those spiritual blessings for which you
ask; believe that God, and God alone, can, and he
will give them. Believe that Jesus has the Spirit of
grace and supplication for you ; look to him and he
will, by his grace, help you to be both sincere and
fervent in your prayers. Nor ever be content with a
mere form, without real communion with God in
prayer.

Augustine confesses to God, " In the entrance on
youth, I had prayed for chastity, and had said, ' Give
me chastity and continence, but grant not my request
immediately;' for I was afraid lest thou shouldest
quickly hear my prayer, and heal this distemper of
concupiscence, which I wished rather to be fully
gratified than extinguished." Such an example
should instruct us. Let us really desire that which
we ask. 1 John iii. 23 ; John ix. 31. The Lord is
nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call
upon him in truth. Psalm cxlv. 18. Ye shall seek me,
and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your
heart. Jer. xxix. 13. It has been observed, " In our
prayers, sincerity is their best art, simplicity their
garb, and zeal their gloss.'' It is evident that the
mind should devote itself entirely to the solemn ex-
ercise, and dismissing all foreign and outward cares,
be as far as possible carried above them. How de-
fective, then, are our prayers ! how needful our Sa-
viour's intercession ! how all-important is the aid of
his Spirit ! Guard also against that sinful sloth and
indifference which is often indulged in, from the

246 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

vain idea, that if our intentions be right, any sub-
stance or form of prayer will serve. OfiFer not to
God such imperfect sacrifices. Mai. i. 13, 14. It may
assist you in ascertaining your sincerity, often to ask
yourself questions on your prayers, as, ' Did I really
desire what I asked?' &c.

And be not merely sincere ; seek also for fervency
of desire. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous
man availeth much. But we too generally get over it
as a task : we put not forth our strength to it. Cus-
tom turns it into a fruitless formality. Yet all the
various expressions by which prayer is described in
the scriptures, point out to us the sincerity and fer-
vency of true devotion. It is to call upon the name
of the Lord, (Rom. x. 13) to stretch forth the hands to
him, (Job xi. 13) to follow hard after him, (Psalm Ixiii.
S) to take hold of God, (Isaiah Ixiv. 7) to pour out the
heart before him, (Psalm Ixii. 8) as it were to empty
all the desires of the soul — It is, to give the Lord no
rest. Isa. Ixii. 7. It is striving in prayers, (Rom. xv.
30) always labouring fervently in prayers. CoK iv. 12.
Now it is evident that expressions of this kind shew
that it is not a trilling matter in which we are en-
gaged ; they imply the greatest earnestness in spirit.
And when we consider how immensely valuable are
the blessings which we ask, pardon, peace, holiness,
victory over Satan, acceptance in the day of judg-
ment, and eternal life ; surely the most vehement
and earnest longings and ardent desires are but
suitable and becoming. How strong are the expres-
sions of God's dislike of lukewarmness ! Rev. iii. 16.
The fervour of devotion will be much promoted by
constant perseverance in the performance of this
duty. " The chariot wheel is warmed by its own

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 247

motion." But after all, remember that caution, that
though where God inclines the heart fervently to
pray, he usually bestows the blessing; yet we are
not to draw our hopes of success merely from our
fervency, but only from the name of Christ.

9. Be frequent and persevering. — Appoint the
most convenient times, and be constant in keeping
to them. Let your hours of prayer be duly regulated
and constantly observed. The apostle exhorts us
to the duty of praying always with all prayer and sup-
plication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all
perseverance. Undoubtedly our many wants and dan-
gers, and the examples of the Bible, call for daily,
regular, constant, and incessant prayer. Undoubt-
edly also, it requires much patient perseverance,
really to maintain the spirit of devotion. Your evil
heart, your great spiritual enemy, your old habits,
your present ease and indulgence, and perhaps those
about you, oppose. But be not weary in well doing.
Grudge not the time which you spend in devotion.
It is the most truly profitable way of passing time.
Perseverance in prayer will carry away the blessing.
Consider the example of the woman of Canaan, who
thus gained her desire from our Lord. Matt. xv. 22.
This is written for our encouragement. Consider the
case of Moses being obliged to hold up his hands in
prayer during the whole battle with Amalek. Do
you think it presumptuous ? Nay, it is most pleasing
and acceptable to God. The whole scope of one of
our Lord's parables is to teach us that men oughts
always to pray, and not to faint. Luke xviii. 1. He
said, There was in a city a judge, which feared not
God. neither regarded man ; and there was a widow in
that city, and she came unto him, saying. Avenge me of

248 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

rtiine adversary. And he would not for a while ; but
afterwards he said within himself, Though I fear not
God, nor regard man ; yet, because this woman troubleth
me, I tvill avenge her, lest by her continual coming she
weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust
judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect,
which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long
with them? It is every day's practice in earthly
things, for men to persevere in their request, and to
send in petition after petition till they obtain their
wishes. It is the character of true devotion, that it
will not desist from seeking till it gain the desired
spiritual blessing. Blind Bartimeus, persevering not-
withstanding all discouragements, at length gains his
request. Matt. x. 46. Our Saviour has left us an
example of this holy perseverance, when he himself,
in the garden of Geihseraane, persevered in repeat-
edly asking, with the same words, that help which
he needed. We ought, then, to pray with restless
importunity and perseverance. The same duty is
brought before us in the following parable : (Luke
xi. 5 — 10.) Which of you shall have a friend, and shall
go unto him at midnight, and say unto him. Friend, lend
me three loaves ; for a friend of mine in his journey is
come to me, and I have nothing to set before him ; and he
from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not ; the
door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed : I
cannot rise and give thee. I say unto you, though he
will not rise and give him, because he is his friend ; yet
because of his importunity, he will rise and give him as
many as he needeth. And I say unto you, Ask, and it
shall be given you; seek and ye shall find ; knock, and
it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh,
receioeth ; and he that seeketh, findeth ; and to him that

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 249

knocTieth it shall he opened. How gracious is that
merciful Father, who by these examples teaches us
to continue praying, and how inexcusable will it be,
if, after such an encouragement, we do not persevere
in asking for his blessing !

10. Be humbled and self-abased. — This spirit
should mark all your prayers. " The foundation of
prayer," says Paley, *' in all cases, is a sense of want.
No man prays in earnest, or to any purpose, for what
he does not feel that he wants. Know, then, and
feel the weakness of your nature." " The great
mistake of prayer," says Mr. Adam, " is, not praying
as poor and destitute creatures; but thinking that
we are and have already in some degree what we
pray for." God forgetteth not the cry of the humble.
Psalm ix. 12 ; x. 17. Even when the wicked king
Manasseh humbled himself greatly before the God of
his fathers, and prayed unto him, we read that God
%vas entreated of him. 2 Chron. xxxiii. 12, 13. The
Saviour himself says. Not my will but thine be done.
If one grace more than another has God's special
approbation, and is attended with multiplied spiri-
tual advantages, it is that of humility.' The humble
man, being deeply sensible of his own need, the more
he receives, the more he feels his indigence : he
expects all from mere mercy, and pleads nothing but
his own worthlessness and necessity ; and, having a

' An old writer, commending humility in prayer as advantageous
in prosperity as well as affliction, thus illustrates it— "Vessels whose
sails are filled, if well ballasted, run a more steady course ; so it is
with saints, when they pray with full- sailed joy of faith: yet while
this holy ballast of humility is in the hold of the heart, and not merely
aloft in shew above deck, appearing to men, they are not soon lifted
up with every good success they meet with, but keep low and deep,
and carry it evenly before the Lord, as humbly, if not more humbly,
than before." See Cobbet on Prayer, page 283.

250 DIRECTIONS TO ASSIST IN

broken and contrite spirit, he waits with patience
till God have mercy, thinking the smallest blessing
above his deserts. Cultivate, then, a spirit of humi-
lity. When we pray for any grace, let us be ready
to confess our faultiness in that particular, and ac-
knowledge our utter inability of ourselves to work it
in our hearts. Let us remember what an awfully
great and holy Being he is, and how sinful we are at
the best! and how the glorified spirits veil their
faces, fall down and worship before God. Rev. v.
8 — 14. Many are the advantages of humility; Hum-
hie yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift
you up. James iv. 10. The Lord is nigh unto them
that are of a broken heart. Psalm xxxiv. 18. The
tears of the penitent avail much with him. When
Hezekiah wept sore (2 Kings xx. 5), his prayer was
heard. It is said of the people of God returning to
Zion, They shall come with weeping, and with suppli-
cations will I lead them. Jer. xxxi. 9. The showers
of heaven run off the high and steep hills, leaving
them dry and barren, while the lowly vallies are
saturated with the refreshing rain, and become fruit-
ful. Go to the throne of grace, not in the spirit of
the self-conceited Pharisee, fancying yourselves bet-
ter than others ; but in the humility of the publican,
crying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Bishop Wil-
kins justly observes, " our most enlarged devotions
are nothing worth without the fruit of humble and
upright conversation, and with this consequent, our
coldest and most restrained prayer may be looked
upon as successful." The High and Lofty One that
inhabiteth eternity, whose name is holy, dwells with him
that is of a contrite and humble spirit. Isaiah Ivii. 15.
It is by going in this spirit, relying on the merits.

ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER. 251

obedience, and intercession of the Saviour, that we
shall find acceptance with God. Observe how hum-
ble are the prayers of God's servants. See those of
Abraham (Gen. xviii. 27), Jacob (Gen. xxviii. 17,
18), David (Psalm li.), Job (xl. 4 ; xlii. 6), Isaiah
(vi. 5), Ezra (ix. 6), and even the Lord Jesus Christ
(Heb. V. 7.) We may abase ourselves more than we
ought before man, but we cannot be too humble when
we come before God ; and the nearer access we have
unto his glorious majesty, the more humble we shall
be. Let us have grace then, that we may serve God
acceptably, with reverence and godly fear. Heb. xii. 2S.^
In conclusion, we are led to remark, that even a
cursory view of these rules is calculated to shew us
how defective, in every one of them, our prayers
have been and still are. If we examine our past
prayers by them, we may learn the reason why we
have derived so little benefit from prayer; vve may
see more of our fallen condition ; and be led to
value more the only atonement for sin, and to appl}^

' Having given the preceding general rules as principally necessary
to be attended to, I sum up in a note what might farther be said, by
extracting from an old writer the following Rules of Practice.

I. Before Prayer. — Meditate on the promises and presence of
God. — Ask his gracious help, and the evidence of his Spirit. Lay aside
all malice, guile, envy, hatred ; and seek to have thy heart filled with
heavenly love. — Remember thy own vileness, and God's awful
majesty'. Disburthen thy mind of worldly thoughts and cares.

II. Ix Prayer. — Lift up thy heart with thy hands, and place before
thee Christ and his merits. — Watch.over thy thoughts.— Recover thy-
self from distractions, and improve them to thy farther humiliation
a nd watchfulness.

III. After Prayer. — Thank the Lord for any degree of liberty or
enlargement. — Pray for pardon and the sprinkling blood of atonement.
— Wait God's leisure.— Mark answers to prayer when God gives thee
greater confidence in his love j more cheerfulness of spirit, grace to
persevere in the face of many denials; a spirit of self-examination
and circumspection ; and when he gives thee thy requests, let it
stir thee up to thankfulness, and quicken thee in his way.

252 ON ATTAINING THE SPIRIT OF PRAYER.

without delay for that divine strength which alone
can enable us to overcome sin and serve God ac-
ceptably.

But be not discouraged by the strictness here
recommended, and think that the work of prayer is
altogether impracticable, because you cannot dis-
charge it perfectly. Aim high, and you are more
likely to attain to a good degree in Christian grace,
with that humility which ever marks the Christian
character ; besides, let us never forget what a foun-
tain of spiritual life, what a powerful, gracious, and
glorious Saviour we have; a sun whose rays can
warm the coldest heart, and whose beams can enliven
the dullest spirit. Let us never forget what a mighty
and gracious helper we have in the blessed Spirit,
who helpeth our infirmities. You will find that no-
thing is impossible to those who are united to Christ
by living faith, and who are abiding in him, and re-
ceiving the daily supply of his Holy Spirit.

AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. 253

CHAPTER XVI.

AN EXHORTATION TO CONSTANT PRAYER.

Prayer being at the root of every other good,
marking the commencement of the Christian life ;
being the pulse by which its strength and vigour may
be known, or the hands by which its daily nourish-
ment is obtained and ministered, the reader will bear
with me, while I attempt still farther to press this
duty on the conscience.

There are two things which will ever bring the
Christian to the throne of grace : — A sense of his
own wants ; and a desire to enjoy the presence of
God.

God having promised to supply all his wants, his
prayers are the importunate wrestling of the soul
with God, for blessings of infinite moment. And
God being the portion of his soul, he finds in his
presence the sweet and unspeakable repose of the
soul on God, his exceeding great reward.

'* Prayer,'^ says Bishop Taylor, " is the effect and
the exercise, the beginning and the promoter of all
graces. A holy life is a continual prayer. Prayer
is the peace of our spirit, the stillness of our

254 AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER.

thoughts, the rest of our cares, the calm of our
tempest."

1. Yet there are many who have neglected
PRAYER, and this in all, or at least in some of its
branches. Such persons will often be dissatisfied,
complaining of others ; and though in the midst,
perhaps, of abundance of earthly good things, yet
were they to declare their real state, they would be
found discontented and unhappy. And is this to
be wondered at? God is your Creator. He is the
Governor of the Universe. He makes men happy :
when he leaves them, they are miserable ; and yet
you neglect to seek him. You do not pursue his
plans. You do not follow the directions which he
has given you for obtaining his blessings, and there-
fore you have them not. But can you think that
you will always have an opportunity of seeking him ?
Oh no ! remember that there is an accepted time,
a day of salvation, and that it is our highest duty and
our plainest interest, to seek the Lord while he may
he found, and call upon him while he is near. But,
perhaps you defer seeking God to the close of life,
or to a period of sickness. Oh most dangerous de-
lusion ! To be careful about the temporal enjoyment
of a day, and to suspend eternal happiness on the
most improbable of all chances ! If you do, from day to
day, put otr the duty of prayer, deceiving yourself with
the intention of calling on God after such a period.
God may not, and probably will not, in that day,
give you either grace or ability to pray to him. You
will perish in your sins. There is neither safety
nor happiness but in constant prayer. If you would
obtain the waters of life, you must come to the foun-
tain. If you would drink of the streams, you must

AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. 255

come to the banks of that river which maketh glad the
city of our God. Perhaps you think prayer to be need-
less or useless. But is not this the greatest folly ?
You think it necessary to inquire, What shall we eat,
and what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be
clothed? necessary to seek after the provision of mere
temporal wants ; and yet you can be careless about
the pardon of your sins, the salvation of your soul,
the eternal ruin of hell, and the everlasting glory of
heaven. Prayer is no more to be esteemed needless,
than eternal bliss is needless. No man ever repented
of prayer. Baxter says, " I often repent that I have
prayed to him so coldly, and communed with him so
negligently, and served him so remissly ; but I never
repent of the time, care, affection, or diligence em-
ployed in this holy work.^'

2. Some are ashamed of prayer. — They think
that it is the mark of a weak, or superstitious mind.
They are afraid of being laughed at and ridiculed
by their ungodly companions ; and perhaps they
have no place to which they can retire to be alone.
But is it not the grossest ignorance, weakness, and
delusion, to be afraid of the ridicule of a perishing,
guilty man, and regardless of the displeasure of the
ever-living and ever-blessed God ? Only be firm
and constant in your devotions, and you will soon
put to shame the ridicule of your companions, or
God will manifestly appear on your side. Imitate
Daniel's noble openness and frankness, his firm de-
cision and integrity of devotion, (Dan. iv. 35.) and
you may expect to be carried through every difficulty.
It is not a mark of a weak and little mind, but of the
deepest wisdom, of the highest grandeur, and noble-
ness of spirit, to hold constant intercourse with the

256 AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER.

Lord of heaven and earth. The true weakness, the
real littleness, is to be afraid of a worm, a creature
of a day, mere dust and ashes. >
3. There are others who did once pray with

EARNESTNESS AND FERVOUR, BUT THEY HAVE BE-
COME REMISS OR CARELESS. — Some alarming sermons,
some terrors of conscience, some dangerous event,
and some convictions of sin, once excited you to
seek God ; but now, both your fears and your prayers
have passed away, or at least you are unsteady and
negligent. David describes the case, Psalm Ixxviii.
34 — 37. How precious once were the hours of
prayer! How delightful a place was your closet!
How tears filled your eyes while you confessed your
sinfulness, or thanked God for his mercies ! But
now, .all is cold and dull. Surely your own con-
science will most powerfully condemn you, and
plead with me when I exhort you to renewed efforts
to obtain the spirit of grace and supplication.
" Prayer," says Cooke, " is compared to incense :
and if the smoke of it ceases to rise up before God,
it is a sure sign that the light of divine knowledge

' The following' fact will shew that God's blessing to others may
also attend a faithful discharge of our own duty.

A pious man was once led by some common engagement to asso-
ciate a whole day with a minister who had greatly neglected his
sacred duties. Their business took them from home, and they had
much conversation together on religious subjects. At night they
came to the same inn, and found that they could only have one bed-
room. The minister was soon undrest and in bed, without a thought
of prayer. His companion at first hesitated whether he should put
out the candle and then pray, or perform this duty openly. He thought
that his duty at that time led him not to be ashamed of prayer, and
he prayed, extinguished the light and went to bed. This faithful dis-
charge of duty was not lost on him who had gone prayerless to bed.
The conversation which he had heard, and the example which he had
seen, left a deep and abiding impression on his mind, and from that
time he became a faithful and laborious minister of Christ.

AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. 257

and the fire of divine love are both extinguished in
the heart/' The exhortalion belongs to you— O
Israel, return unto the Lord thy God, for thou hast
fallen hy thine iniquity. Are the realities of a dying
bed and the judgment-day less near, or less import-
ant than they once vrere ? Nay, every day is bringing
you nearer and nearer to them. Every day is of more
importance, and shortens that little span of life, in
which we have to escape the misery of hell, and gain
the heavenly mansions. Lose not a moment — plead
earnestly for the renewed spirit of prayer. Think not
that your sin is beyond forgiveness, and that therefore
prayer is of no use. Let not Satan so tempt you.
Again seek the presence of God, and it will be a
proof that you are not yet given up to a reprobate
mind. Even in the wicked city of Nineveh, when
they cried mightily unto the Lord, they were spared.
Now if God heard the Ninevites crying for temporal
blessings, doubt not but he will hear you, when you
earnestly implore pardon, peace, and salvation. Yet
there is a way open to the throne of grace ; and so
long as it is open, you need not be miserable, you
need not be unhelped.

4. Others are endeavouring to live in constant
PRAYER. — They need no proof of the obligation, no
additional argument, to shew them that it is their
duty. But perhaps they are often discouraged and
cast down by their difficulties in attaining a constant
spirit of devotion. If, however, you are desiring
and seeking, Augustine justly says, " If he seeks,
let him not doubt but that the desire of seeking has
been received from him whom he seeks." And may I
not say, that when you really attain a good measure
of the spirit of devotion, you enjoy a peace of God

s

258 AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER.

which passeth all understanding ; it is your privilege
— your happiness. You have free communication
with the Lord of lords and King of kings — you are
permitted to come near to him on all occasions. He
grants all your requests, and supplies all your wants.
On account of our corrupt nature, it requires indeed
watchfulness, patience, and perseverance, to main-
tain this spirit of prayer ; but you find it to be its own
reward. Let us not then be content with small mea-
sures of the grace of supplication : let us seek to
attain more and more of this gift : and soon, the work
of prayer ended, the never-ceasing song of praise
will commence, which will endure through the bound-
less ages of eternity.

But let me speak to every reader.

Christian ministers. We should be men of
prayer; it is the half of our duty, and that by which
we carry on the rest. We will, says the apostle, give
ourselves continually to prayer, and the ministry of the
word. The prayers of ministers avail much. We
may expect more assistance than others. It is the
divine direction for our people — Is any sick among
you ? let him call for the elders of the church, and let
them pray over him. When Abimelech was threat-
ened with death, he was told to send for Abraham ;
and the reason given was, for he is a prophet, and he
sJiall pray for thee, and thou shalt live. Should not we
then abound in prayer?

Christian parents! We next address you.
Pray for your children. '' Whenever," says Bishop
Hopkins, " thou comest unto the throne of grace,
bring these thy dear pledges upon thy heart with
thee. Earnestly implore of God that he would own
them, and provide for them as his own children ;

AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. 259

that he would adopt them into the family of heaven,
make them heirs of glory, and co-heirs with Jesus
Christ : that he would give them a convenient por-
tion of good things for this life, that they may serve
him with the more cheerfulness and alacrity ; and a
large portion of spiritual blessings in heavenly
things in Christ Jesus; and at length bring them to
the heavenly inheritance. And know assuredly that
the prayers of parents are very effectual, and have a
kind of authority in them to obtain what they sue
for. This is the blessing which holy fathers in scrip-
ture have bestowed on their children. Thus Abraham
asked, O that Ishmael might live before thee. Thus
Jacob prayed for and blessed his children and his
grandchildren. Thus Job remembered his children,
and off^ered hurnt-offerings according to the number of
them all. Bring them up, also, in the practice of
prayer. They cannot too early begin to seek their
Saviour and to lisp his praise. No habit will be
more profitable to them than that of daily prayer.
Teach your children this, and they will then rise
up and call you blessed. Store their young minds
with the scriptures, furnish them with short portions
for all occasions. This will arm them with invin-
cible strength against their enemies. They are
about to journey through a dangerous wilderness ;
teach them to pray morning and evening, and it
will direct their way, like that pillar which guided
Israel through the wilderness, as a cloud by day to
shadow them, and as a fire by night to comfort
them."

Prayer is a duty at all times, and in all seasons
of life.

Are YOU in prosperity? Let praise and prayer
s 2

260 AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER.

sanctify all your enjoyments. Great is the snare of
outward prosperity. How hardly shall they that are
rich enter the kingdom of heaven. You have need to
pray much, lest that which was designed as a talent
for great usefulness, occasion your eternal ruin. Let
nothing hinder you from giving regular and full time
to devotion. The days of health and strength should
be given to God, ivhile the evil days come not, nor the
years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure
in them.

Are you afflicted ? That is the time for special
prayer. Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will
hear thee, and thou shalt glorify me. In the absence
of the sun, the mild and peaceful radiance of the
moon illumines our path. Let devotion spread a
cheering light over your darker hours. " The queen
of night," says Bowdler, " unveils its full beauty
when the hours of joy and lustre have passed away,
pouring as it were a holy light through the damps
and darkness of adversity.'' Thus will constant
prayer cheer the darkest season of affliction.

Are you young? Let that rapid torrent of youth-
ful strength and vivacity, which, if left to itself,
would only be wasted and dashed against rocks,
from precipice to precipice, be turned into a pro-
fitable course. Let this stream be brought into the
channel of devotion, and it will move the machine of
the Christian life, and communicate innumerable
blessings to man. Those that seek me early shall find
me. Prov. viii. 17. Nothing is more pleasing, no-
thing more profitable, than early devotion. Slight
not him in your strength, who will be the only pro-
tector of your weakness.

Are you in middle life? In the midst of this

AN EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. 261

world's engagements, Low are you encompassed, as
in a maze of temptation ! Let prayer be the secret
thread which leads you safely out of this labyrinth.
How are you surrounded with duties of the first
importance ! What a happy influence, then, would
devotion have in making you a general blessing to
your family, your neighbourhood, and your country !
Like the regulator in the watch, though unseen out-
wardly, it would keep the spring of your actions in
order ; it would make all your movements certain
and useful. Give the strength of your years to God,
and you will leave a good name better than precious
ointment. Eccles. vii. 1. Remember, " the prayer of
faith," as Bishop Porteus says, " moves the hands of
Him that moveth all things."

Are you in declining years? and will you not
hold converse with Him whom you are so soon to
meet and see face to face ! Why should you enter
the eternal world a stranger to the great King who
rules there, when you have an opportunity of being
adopted into his family, enjoying his presence here,
and sharing the splendours of his crown and of his
glories hereafter. " What," says one, " can be more
truly desirable than to attain to a measure of that
light and peace which, in their full measure, belong
to a higher condition? aijd what more excellent than
that occupation which connects the service with the
enjoyment of God, the duties of this life with the
glories of the better ! "

To every class of my readers, I say,

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.

262 HYMNS.

HYMNS ON PRAYER.

I.

Prayer is the sours sincere desire,
. Utter'd or unexpress'd ;
The motion of a hidden fire
That trembles in the breast.

Prayer is the burthen of a sigh,

The falling of a tear,
The upward glancing of an eye,

When none but God is near.

Prayer is the simplest form of speech

That infant lips can try ;
Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach

The Majesty on high.

Prayer is the Christian's vital breath,

The Christian's native air,
His w^atchword at the gates of death,

He enters heaven with prayer.

Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice.

Returning from his ways ;
While angels in their songs rejoice.

And say, " Behold he prays !"

HYMNS. > 263

The saints in prayer, appear as one,
In word and deed and mind.

When with the Father and the Son,
Their fellowship they find.

Nor prayer is made on earth alone ;

The Holy Spirit pleads ;
And Jesus, on th' eternal throne.

For sinners intercedes.

O thou, by whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way,

The path of prayer Thyself has trod,
Lord, teach us how to pray.

Montgomery.

II.

Though " Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord ! "

Seraph to seraph sings ;
And angel choirs with one accord,

Worship with veiling wings :

Though earth thy footstool, heaven thy throne,

Thy way amid the sea,
Thy path deep floods, thy steps unknown.

Thy counsels mystery :

264 HYMNS.

Yet wilt thou look on him who lies

A suppliant at thy feet :
And hearken to the feeblest cries

That reach thy mercy-seat.

Between the cherubim of old,

Thy glory was express'd ;
But God, in Christ, we now behold,

In flesh made manifest.

Touch'd with a feeling of our woes,

Jesus our High Priest stands ;
All our infirmities he knows,

Our souls are in his hands.

Through Him, who all our sickness felt,

Who all our sorrows bears ;
Through Him, in whom thy fulness dwelt.

We oflfer up our prayers.

He bears them up with strength divine.

When at thy feet we fall :
Lord ! cause thy face on us to shine ;

Hear us ; on Thee we call.

Montgomery.

HYMNS. 265

III.

Lord ! teach us how to pray aright,
With rever'nce and with fear ;

Though dust and ashes in thy sight,
We may, we must draw near.

We perish, if we cease from prayer ;

O grant us power to pray ;
And when to meet thee, we prepare,

Lord, meet us by the way.

Give deep humility : the sense

Of godly sorrow give ;
A strong desiring confidence

To hear thy voice, and live ;

Faith in the only Sacrifice

That can for sin atone ;
To cast our hopes, to fix our eyes.

On Christ, on Christ alone ;

Patience to watch, and wait, and weep,

Though mercy long delay ;
Courage, our fainting souls to keep.

And trust thee though thou slay :

266 HYMNS.

Give these ; — and then thy will be done :
Thus strengthened with all might,

We, by thy Spirit, through thy Son,
Shall pray, and pray aright.

Montgomery.

IV.

Lord ! when we bend before thy throne,

And our confessions pour,
Teach us to feel the sins we own,

And hate what we deplore.

Our broken spirit pitying see ;

True penitence impart;
Then let a kindling glance from thee

Beam hope on every heart.

When we disclose our wants in prayer,

May we our wills resign ;
And not a thought our bosom share,

That is not wholly thine.

May faith each weak petition fill.

And raise it to the skies,
And teach our hearts 'tis goodness still

That grants it, or denies.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 267

CHAPTER XVII.

FORMS OF PRAYER.

The writer's design has been to induce his readers,
generally, to pray in private and in the family, with-
out forms. Yet as this work may fall into the hands
of many, to whom this, from various causes, would
not immediately be practicable, he adds a few Forms
of Prayer.

He has, in two or three instances, put the names
of the parts of prayer to the forms, as a means of as-
sisting those who may use them to learn the divisions
of prayer.

In the part of Confession in the different prayers,
the writer has mentioned those sins which are most
common. The person who uses the form may easily
alter it according to circumstances.

These forms must rather be considered as hints to
be improved on, than examples to copy. Much of
the interest of private and family prayer depends on
personal and local circumstances. Let us endeavour
to attain that spirit of grace and supplication which
enables the Christian, in a strain of holy devotion, t6

268 FORMS OF PRAYER.

bring the changing circumstances and events of life
before the throne of grace, comforts his own heart
in private prayer, and edifies and interests all about
him in family vrorship.

PRAYER FOR THE GIFT AND GRACE OF
PRAYER.

O thou eternal and ever-blessed God ; who art the
Author and Giver of every good gift, and who hast
promised so many and such great blessings to them
that call upon thee, hear me now, I beseech thee,
through Jesus Christ.

Lord, I confess my utter inability to seek thee
aright. I am encompassed with infirmities ; I ac-
knowledge my indisposition to prayer ; I bewail my
backwardness and reluctance to hold converse with
God.

Teach me rightly to feel this my weakness and
helplessness. Give me a more complete knowledge
of my insufficiency. Convince me of the need that I
have of thy divine assistance, and grant me earnest
desires after thy salvation. Create in me an hunger-
ing and thirsting after righteousness. Impart to me
a holy liberty of soul in calling upon thee. Heavenly
Father, Fountain of light and life, I do not ask for
earthly riches, vain pleasures, human honours; bat
I do humbly ask for the spirit of prayer, for the heart
ever prepared and ready to call on God.

It is thy promise that thou wilt give the Holy
Spirit to them that ask. I ask, do thou give ; I
seek, grant that I may find ; I knock, let it be opened
unto me. Help me to pray in the Holy Ghost. Help

FORMS OF PRAYER. 269

me to live daily in constant believing prayer. Lord,
teach me to pray.

By nature proud and self-sufficient, I am prone to
think and act as if I needed not thy help ; but O
teach me to know how poor and how needy I really
am ; and knowing my great and many necessities,
and my entire dependence on thee, give me the dis-
position, from day to day, and from hour to hour, to
seek thy help and strength.

Enable me, through Christ, entirely to confide in
thy almighty power, thy perfect truth, faithfulness,
and holiness; thy boundless compassion, thy infinite
love, and thy amazing mercy. Let the gift of thy
Son Jesus Christ, and his intercession for sinners,
encourage me to approach thee. Help me to pray,
relying only on his merits, and through him may I
learn to come boldly to the throne of grace.

Let nothing keep me from God. May I renounce
all known sin, and all carnal indulgences, and not
be conformed to this world. Enable me to resist the
temptations of Satan, to watch against self-righte-
ousness and spiritual pride, and never to neglect the
study of thy word.

Give me grace, whenever I seek thee, to look for
the aid of thy Holy Spirit, to trust only in the name
of thy Son, and to watch unto prayer. Let me not
be rash with my mouth ; but, meditating before I
pray, may I ask in faith, in simplicity of mind, with
filial freedom of spirit, in sincerity of heart and fer-
vency of desire, praying always with all prayer, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance. And",
after having done all, may I ever consider myself an
unprofitable servant.

Grant me thy Holy Spirit to help my infirmities,

270 FORMS OF PRAYER.

for I know not what to pray for as I ought ; grant
me thy Holy Spirit to make intercession for me with
groanings which cannot be uttered.

Give me, O give me this great gift, the spirit of
grace and supplication, for thy dear Son's sake,
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

PRIVATE MORNING PRAYER.

Merciful God, give ear unto me, when I cry to
thee, in the name of Jesus Christ. My voice shalt
thou hear in the morning, O Lord ; in the morning
will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.
Lord, help me to pray.

Confession.
Great is the need that I have to seek the Lord
while he may be found, and to call upon him while
he is near. I know that in me, that is, in my flesh,
dwelleth no good tiling. The things of the world,
the lust of the eye, and the lust of the flesh, and the
pride of life, are continually tempting me, and lead-
ing me astray from thee. My affections towards
thee, my God, are cold and dull. My tempers are
often unsanctified. I am prone to depart from thee,
and lukewarm and indifferent when I ought to have
a holy zeal. I too much neglect and trifle with my
own salvation, and the salvation of my relatives and
friends. I have little of that spiritual mind which is
life and peace. My temptations are many, I often
yield to them; I have no strength of my own to re-
sist them.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 271

Petition.

I beseech thee, therefore, O my God, to be very
merciful to me a sinner. Incline and enable me to
come to Jesus Christ, weary and heavy-laden as I
am, and may I find rest in Him. Teach me my own
guilt and ruin : and help me to rely on his blood, and
build all my hopes on his righteousness. God grant
that, being grafted in Christ, I may live to him.
Suffer me not to deceive myself by a mere form and
profession of I'eligion ; but give me true faith that I
may really abide in Christ and bear much fruit.
Quicken thou my soul. Make my heart pure, hum-
ble, and devout; and my conversation holy and
heavenly. Thou art my Rock, and in thee do I
trust. Thou art my Strength, O establish me. Help
me to live near to thee all the day long; and do thou
preserve me from that sin which does so easily
beset me.

Give me grace this day to overcome temptation,
and to mortify all my corrupt affections. Grant
unto me the abundance of thy Holy Spirit. Lord, I
deserve not the blessing : I have forfeited the mercy,
but, O thou with whom is the residue of the Spirit,
for the glory of thy name, and according to thy faith-
ful promise, give me thy Spirit, that I may never
dishonour thee by inconsistency and unfruitfulness,
but abound in every good work, and walk worthy of
the gospel of Christ. Enable me to begin anew this
day in seriousness, and entire dedication of heart, to
give myself to thee.

Lord, help me this day to live in prayer, to watch
against the peculiar temptations of my station, to
embrace every opportunity of doing good, to redeem

272 FORMS OF PRAYER.

the time and to make steady advances in that narrow
way which leadeth to eternal life. May I this day
be kept looking unto Jesus, and waiting for his
coming.

Thanksgiving.

And while I pray to thee for those mercies which I
need, I would, from the heart, thank thee for all those
great blessings which I have received, and do from
day to day enjoy. The benefit of quiet repose, the
renewal of my strength, the light whidt I enjoy, and
the better light of life ; these, and all the mercies
which surround me on awaking, call for my unfeigned
thanksgiving, and I do praise and bless thee for
them. Blessed be thou for redeeming mercy. Blessed
be thou, that Jesus died for sinners, even for me.
Thanks be unto thee, that grace, pardon, peace,
strength, the Holy Spirit, and eternal life, are given
to sinners, through faith in Christ. Unto him that
loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own
blood, and hath made us to be kings and priests
unto God, and his Father, to him be glory and do-
minion for ever and ever. Amen.

Intercession.
O Lord God, let the bright glory and happy domi-
nion of our Lord Jesus Christ spread through the
world. Increase both the number and the zeal of
those who seek the good of Zion, and the enlargement
of thy Son's kingdom. Grant thy blessing to every
effort to make the unsearchable riches of Christ known
to the Gentiles. Give unto thy people Israel the
new heart and the new spirit. Bless our favoured
country, so that it may be a highly-honoured instru-

FORMS OF PRAYER. 273

ment in diflfusing the light of truth abroad ; and
grant that every exertion for that end may be a means
of reviving true religion in all our hearts at home.
Bless the king, and all in authority. Let thy priests
be clothed with righteousness, and thy people sing
for joy. May peace and mercy be granted to all my
relatives, and rest on my own soul, and in my own
family. May we and all thy people be united in one
heart and mind in thy service and love, praying for
each other, bearing one another's burdens, and so
fulfilling the law of Christ. Hear me, for his name's
sake. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

ANOTHER PRIVATE MORNING PRAYER.

Almighty and heavenly Father, who art about my
path and about my bed, and spiest out all my ways ;
I come to thee in the name of thy beloved Son, and
in obedience to his directions, to enter my closet, and
to shut my door, and pray to my Father which is in
secret.

Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me, my glory, and
the lifter up of mine head. I laid me down, and
slept ; I awaked, for thou, Lord, sustainedst me.
For restored light, for life, and health, and strength,
I praise and bless thee. Thou, Lord, only keepest
me in safety, and free from evil. Thou providest
for all my wants. May my soul, and all that is within
me, magnify God for all his goodness, and especially
for his wonderful mercy in redeeming sinners by
Jesus Christ ; for the light of that Sun of Righteous-
ness which arises with healing in his wings on be-

T

274 FORMS OF PRAYER.

nighted souls; for all the blessings of free salvation
through him, and all the means of grace, and the
hope of future glory.

Sad are the returns which I have made for so
many mercies. How ungrateful have I been ! I
acknowledge and bewail my manifold sins and re-
bellions. I was born in sin, and a child of wrath,
and I find continually the flesh lusting against the
spirit, and the spirit against the flesh, so that I can-
not do the things that I would. I am guilty, sinful,
and weak. Lord, save me, or I perish I I entirely
depend on thy mercy, in Christ Jesus, for the gift
and continuance of every good, and for deliverance
from all those evils which I have justly deserved.

For that mercy I now earnestly look to thee, O
Father of mercies. Remember me, O Lord, with the
favour that thou bearest unto thy people ; — O visit me
with thy salvation ; that I may see the good of thy
chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy
nation, that I may glory with thine inheritance.
May the grace of God which bringeth salvation,
teach me and all men, to deny ungodliness, and
worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and
godly, in this present world. Enable me now, and
ever hereafter, to seek the glory of thy holy name,
by fulfilling every duty of my station conscientiously
and diligently.

Give me grace to be continually looking to thee,
through this day, for direction, assistance, and
strength. Be thou in all my thoughts, and let me
acknowledge thee in all my ways.

Give me the same mind that was in Christ Jesus,
that I may be humble, patient, gentle, and full of
love, even as he was. Teach me to be poor in spirit,

FORMS OF PRAYER. 275

and meek ; to mourn for sin, and to hunger and
thirst after righteousness ; and thus shall I obtain
the blessings of the kingdom of Christ. Grant that
I may love that Saviour whom I have not seen, and,
believing in him, may 1 rejoice, with joy unspeakable
and full of glory.

And here, constrained by thy mercies, I would
afresh present my body a living sacrifice, holy and
acceptable unto thee, which is my reasonable service.
I renew in thy presence all the solemn vows made in
Baptism and at thy Table, renouncing the world, the
flesh and the devil ! and stedfastly purposing, by
thy help, to keep thy holy will and commandments,
and walk in the same, this and every day of my life.
I take thee, O God, for my portion, and thy laws as
my rule, and thy service as my duty, entreating thee
to give me grace that I may be wholly thine.

And O that all mankind knew and served thee.
Grant that the kingdom which is righteousness, and
peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, may be established
in every land, in every heart. Fulfil thy gracious
promises. Send thy gospel to the Gentiles, and let
them be turned from darkness to light. Let the
kingdoms of this world speedily become the king-
doms of our God and his Christ, that he may reign
for ever.

Grant the abundance of thy Holy Spirit to the
ministers of Christ every where, and especially to
him who watches over my soul. Bless the place
and neighbourhood in which I live, and prosper
every effort to do good.

Lord, I beseech thee also to bless my more imme-
diate relations. Regard with thy favour my parents,
my brothers and sisters, my benefactors and friends

T 2

276 FORMS OF PRAYER.

my connections and acquaintance. Look upon them
in mercy, and visit them with thy salvation. Hear
these prayers, for the only sake of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Amen.
Our Father, &c.

PRIVATE PRAYER AT NOON.

0 Lord God Almighty, my God, my refuge, and
my strength, incline my heart to seek thee in the
name of Jesus Christ, and hear my prayer for his
sake.

It is one of my highest privileges, and of my
greatest mercies, that thine ear is ever open to the
prayer of those that call upon thee. Give me, then,
thy Spirit, that I may at all times call upon the name
of the Lord. At evening, at morning, and at noon-
day, will I pray, and thou shalt hear my voice.

1 am, indeed, a sinful and a needy creature. My
wants are many, and my necessities are urgent. My
faith is weak, my repentance imperfect, my aflections
are wandering; my heart is hard, my pride is great,
and my sins are innumerable. I fail continually
both in love to thee and love to my neighbour, and
am verily guilty, and deeply polluted in thy sight.

Yet still, O Lord, though I have sinned, I have an
advocate with thee, Jesus Christ the righteous, who
is the propitiation for our sins. O grant me faith in
him, that I may be justified freely by thy grace,
through his redemption ; be accepted in that beloved
Son ; and be a partaker of his Spirit.

Lord, make me to hate and loathe every iniquity.
Strengthen me to resist every temptation. Give me

FORMS OF PRAYER. 277

grace to put my whole trust in thee, to love thee
supremely and constantly, to honour thy holy name,
and to serve thee truly all the days of my life. Teach
me to do thy will, O my God, and let thy good Spirit
lead me into the land of uprightness. Give me grace
to love my neighbour as myself, to reverence my
superiors, to hurt no one, to be temperate and chaste.
Let me not be slothful in business, but fervent in
spirit, serving the Lord.

Lord, hast thou not said. When the poor and needy
seek water, and there is none, and their tongue faileth
for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of
Israel will not forsake them! O Lord, I am poor
and needy, and my soul thirsteth for thee. Hear
me; let me drink of the waters of life — never leave
me, nor forsake me. Let me find thee and live in
thy presence, where alone is fulness of joy.

Grant, Lord of all power and love, that thy way may
be prepared, thy glory may be revealed, and that all
flesh may see it together. Lift up the light of thy
countenance upon thy people. Build up the waste
places of Sion. Send labourers into thy vineyard.

Bless our queen and all the royal family, the
nobility, the ministers of thy gospel, and all the
people. Impart thy mercy and grace to my dear
relations, to all who pray for me, and all for whom
I ought to pray. Be gracious to those in distress.
Grant to mine enemies, if I have any, thy pardoning
mercy and sanctifying Spirit, and reward seven-fold
into their bosom those from whom I have received
benefits and kindness.

Lord God of my salvation, every day will I bless
thee, and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and his

278 FORMS OF PRAYER.

greatness is unsearchable. The Lord is gracious
and full of compassion, slow to anger, and of great
mercy. Thou keepest me from day to day in safety,
and hast blessed me with innumerable mercies.

I thank thee for every prayer heard and answered,
and for every good received. But thou hast com-
mended thy love above all, in that while we were yet
sinners, Christ died for us. He shed his blood for
me ; and how can I love, and praise, and serve thee
as I ought ! O help me to live in ail things to thy
glory, for the only sake of Jesus Christ, my Lord
and Saviour.

Our Father, &c.

[As some may be desirous to give the whole time
of mid-day prayer to intercession, the following in-
tercessory prayer is added.]

INTERCESSORY PRAYER AT NOON.

Almighty Father, who would have all men to be
saved and come to the knowledge of the truth, permit
me now to approach thee, through Jesus Christ, in
behalf of all those for whom I ought to pray.

Lord, bless thy church throughout the world. Let
the glory of the Lord rise upon it in every place. I
humbly pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Grace be
with all them that love the Lord Jesus Christ in
sincerity. Grant that they that believe in him may
stand fast, in one spirit, with one mind, striving
together for the faith of the gospel ; and send them
now prosperity.

Bless that particular branch of thy church to which

FORMS OF PRAYER. 279

I belong. May it continue to be favoured with the
advantages which it now enjoys. God of all grace,
grant that thy ministering servants in all the earth
may be dead to the world and alive to Christ, and
faithfully and continually preach the doctrines of his
salvation. If any preach themselves, and not the
Lord Jesus Christ, O God, change thou their hearts,
shew them their danger, teach them thy truth, and
enable them to proclaim it to others. Give wisdom,
grace, and every blessing, to that minister from
whom I hear thy word.

And I pray thee, great Lord of the harvest, who
seest and knowest all men, and hast the hearts of all
in thy control, bless all universities, seminaries, and
schools, that in them the young may be trained up in
the fear of God and the faith of Christ. Give thy
Holy Spirit to all preparing for the ministry. Send
forth into thy vineyard, both in our own country and
in every land, men of an enlightened mind, and a
devout heart, men of patient perseverance, of firm
resolution, of entire dedication of body and soul to
their work, of a wise and sober judgment, and of
unquenchable love to immortal souls.

Give thy blessing to kings, queens, and all in
authority, that they may be nursing-fathers and
nursing-mothers of thy church, and use the means
which thou hast given them for the spread of true
religion. Lord, instruct our magistrates, and teach
our senators wisdom, that judgment may run down
as water, and righteousness as a mighty stream.
Grant that everywhere such men as Nehemiah and
Daniel may be raised up to ofiices in the state — men
who shall disinterestedly labour and pray for the
advancement of righteousness, and truth, and peace.

280 FORMS OF PRAYER.

Our national sins call indeed for judgment ; but
grant that mercy may rejoice over judgment, and
grace abound over sin. Give us, I beseech thee,
those temporal and spiritual blessings vi'hich we de-
serve not, for to thee belong mercies and forgiveness
of sins.

Grant that the doctrine of Christ crucified may be
every where preached. Let such as now are Chris-
tians in name only, being taught the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ, seek the life and power of reli-
gion ; may the Jews, hearing of Christ Jesus, look
unto him whom they have pierced, and mourn ; and
may the Gentiles be given to him. O may he
speedily judge the world; and let the earth be filled
with the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover
the sea.

May such an effusion of thy Spirit be shed on all
flesh, that every tongue may joyfully sing the angelic
song, " Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace,
good will towards men."

Bestow thy grace abundantly on my brethren and
kinsmen according to the flesh, my parents, brothers,
and sisters, and all my relatives, my servants, my
Christian friends, neighbours, and connections. If
any hate or revile me. Lord, teach me to bless them.
If any despitefully use me, or persecute me, I now
pray to thee in their behalf. Father, forgive them,
and do them good.

Look on the destitute and afflicted ; let their af-
flictions lead them to thee, that they may find thee
their refuge and strength, a very present help in time
of trouble ; and though the chastening be grievous,
may they experience that it yieldeth the peaceable
fruits of righteousness.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 281

Finally, O Lord God, quicken all those tbat are
dead in trespasses and sins ; grant that those be-
ginning to know the truth may follow on to know
the Lord ; those that are weak in faith may wax
strong; those that have backslidden may be healed ;
those that are strong may be confirmed more and
more, and go from strength to strength, till they
appear in Zion. Thanks be to thee for all thy ser-
vants departed this life in thy faith and fear. O do
thoa shortly accomplish the number of thine elect,
and hasten thy kingdom, through Jesus Christ our
Lord and Saviour. Amen.i

PRIVATE EVENING PRAYER.

Gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, great ^
in power, and rich in mercy to all them that call
upon thee, help me now so, in the name of Christ,
to ask, that I may have ; and so to seek, that I may
find.

Enter not into judgment with me, O Lord, for in
thy sight I cannot be justified. However unblame-
able I may appear before men, before Him who
knows the heart, I confess and would mourn over
innumerable sins in the past day, and in every day
in my life.

I acknowledge with shame and sorrow my hypo-

^ Some have found it advantageous to give particular days for par-
ticular parts of intercession, as follows :— Sunday, Ministers and
Christian Congregations.— Monday, FamUy.— Tuesday, Relations,
Friends, and Enemies. — Wednesday, The King and Nation. —
Thursday, Benevolent and Religious Societies.— Friday, The Church
throughout the world.— Saturday, Jews, Gentiles, and unconverted
persons.

282 FORMS OF PRAYER.

crisy and pride, my vanity and selfishness, my unbelief
and impatience, my self-indulgence and self-righ-
teousness, my obstinacy and self-will, my disregard
of thy law and thy glory, my living to myself and not
to thee. And, O how hard is my heart, that feels so
little the guilt and the evil of so many and such great
sins ?

Lord of all power and might, soften and break this
hard heart. Give me a contrite spirit. There is
mercy with thee. There is forgiveness with thee.
Give me true faith. O may thy great mercy be dis-
played towards me, in blotting out all my sins, and
in renewing my soul. Give me penitence, and self-
denial. Bestow on me the graces of sincerity, humility
and love.

Grant me grace so to abide in Christ, that when he
shall appear, I may have confidence, and not be
ashamed before him at his coming.

May the love of Christ be more known and felt by
me, and let it constrain me to live not to myself, but
to him that died for me. Grant me thy Holy Spirit,
teaching me those things of which I am ignorant,
taking of the things of Christ to show them unto me,
and daily sanctifying my heart.

I ask for heavenly wisdom, holy simplicity, ardent
zeal, and purity of heart. Incline me to study to be
quiet, and to mind my own business, and to work
with my own hand. Prepare me, day by day, more
and more, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Make me meet to be a partaker of the inheritance of
the saints in light.

I commend myself to thy care during the night.—
May I lay down in peace with thee, through Christ,
and in peace with all the world.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 283

O Lord, though I be unworthy, through my mani-
fold transgressions, to approach thee at all, yet thoa
hast commanded that intercessions be made for all
men ; hear me, therefore, unworthy though I be, in
behalf of all that need my prayers. May the Lord
comfort his people, and have mercy upon his af-
flicted. Let all nations whom thou hast made come
and worship before thee and glorify thy name. Let
every obstacle which may hinder the progress of thy
truth be removed in mercy. Bless all the members
of the church of Christ, and all his ministers, and
especially those with whom I am more intimatel)^.
connected.

Give to my parents, my brothers, my sisters, and
my relatives, all those temporal and spiritual bless-
ings of which they stand in need. Bless my superiors,
my companions, and all about me. Continue the
blessing of peace to my country. Pardon any who
may have injured me; and if I have injured any
may I be ready to confess my fault, and to make
restitution for any wrong done, and may they be dis-
posed to forgive me.

I would not, O thou gracious Giver of every good,
close my evening prayer, without offering up, through
Christ Jesus, my sincerest thanksgiving for all the
mercies of the past day. For any help vouchsafed
in my duties ; for any stand which I may have been
enabled to make against sin, Satan, and the world ;
for any measure of light, knowledge, or grace, given
unto me, all praise, all glory be to thee. If I am
still kept in thy way, and yet spared from that ruin
which I have deserved ; while I live, let me praise
and bless thee.

How great is the sum of thy mercies ! When I

284 FORMS OF PRAYER.

look back on thy past blessings, when I read thy
promises relating to that which is to come, and when
I look around me on every side, and especially when
I regard that cross on which thy Son died for sin-
ners, I would say from the heart. My mouth shall
speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless
his holy name for ever. Amen and amen.

Hear me, for the only sake of Jesus Christ.

Our Father, &c.

~ ANOTHER PRIVATE EVENING PRAYER.

Almighty God, Father of mercies, and God of all
comfort, according to thy gracious promise, give me
thy Holy Spirit, to help my infirmities, and enable
me, in the name, and through the meditation of thy
Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, to call upon thee.

Great is thy goodness to us sinners, in that we,
who have grievously offended thee, have such a me-
diator, who ever liveth to make intercession for us.
Without a Saviour I can have no hope : for I have
sinned against thee, and done evil in thy sight day
by day.

I confess and mourn before thee the manifold sins
of the past day.^ I daily offend thee by pride, impe-
nitence, hardness of heart, unbelief, and forgetfulness
of thee, and in many other ways: leaving undone
the things which I ought to have done, and doing
those which I ought not.

Lord, let thy Holy Spirit convince me of my sin-
fulness. I pray that I may see more the extent of

' Here state those sins of which your conscience accuses you.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 285

my iniquities, and feel more of their guilt. Thus
may I be led to hate sin, and to feel the need and
value of that Saviour who came to seek and to save
that which was lost. Grant that I may be a par-
taker of His great salvation. Whatever else I lose,
may I win Christ, and be found in him.

Lord, I am unclean ; if thou wilt, thou canst make
me clean. I believe that thou art able, I believe
that thou art willing. Lord, help my unbelief; Lord,
make me clean.

Give me, I beseech thee, such a sense of thy mercy
in free forgiveness, through the blood of Christ, that
I may be constrained to present my body a living
sacrifice unto thee. Enable me daily to crucify the
lusts of the flesh. Give me such a measure of thy
grace, that all the powers of my mind, all the affec-
tions of my heart, all the members of my body, and
all the talents entrusted to me, may be unreservedly
engaged for thee. Lord, incline me to spend myself
and be spent for thee : strengthen my desi^re to do so,
and enable me ever hereafter to bring this desire to
good effect.

Let the number of thy willing and devoted servants
be every where increased. Be thou exalted, O God,
above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth.
Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, that all the ends
of the earth may remember and turn unto the Lord,
and all the kindreds of the nations may worship
before thee. Let thy great name, now so little known,
and so much profaned, be magnified and sanctified
in every country and by every tongue.

Bless the land in which I dwell : its king, its
princes, its nobles, its senators, the ministers of Jesus
Christ, and all its subjects. May we be a people

285 FORMS OF PRAYER.

fearing God and working righteousness. Look with
thine especial favour on my relatives and friends, my
family connections and acquaintance. May they all
be partakers of the grace of Christ here, and of his
glory hereafter.

I will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall
continually be in my mouth. O my soul, and all that
is within me, bless his holy name ; bless the Lord, O
my soul, and forget not all his benefits. How great
and how numerous they are !

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with
benefits. All the temporal mercies granted so abun-
dantly to me, — my food, my clothing, my home, my
friends, the daily provisions for my various neces-
sities, these are from thee, who openest thy hand
and fillest all things living with plenteousness. But,
above all, blessed be the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual
blessings in heavenly things in Christ Jesus. Thanks
be unto Gojd for his unspeakable gift.

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only wise God, be honour and ^glory for ever and
ever. Amen.

These prayers and praises I offer up in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of perishing sinners,
trusting only in his mediation and merits. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

PRAYER BEFORE THE LORD'S SUPPER.

O Thou, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of glory, I approach thee as my God and my
Father, through thy Son, our Saviour and Intercessor.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 287

Invited to partake of the memorial of his dying
love, and to join thy people in remembering him, I
come to thee for the gift of all dispositions suitable
to a service so solemn and so aflFecting.

Deliver me, I beseech thee, from all careless, vain,
and trifling thoughts ; let me lay aside the vcorld and
its vanities ; let me renounce all self-righteousness
and superstitions, and come as a humble penitent,
expecting to discover fresh views of my Saviour's
glory and goodness, and to receive from him fresh
strength to glorify his name.

O Lord, thou hast vt^arned me against eating this
bread and drinking this cup unworthily. God of
mercy, preserve me from so great a sin. Thou hast
directed, Let a man examine himself, and so let him
eat of that bread, and drink of that cup : I beseech
thee, incline and enable me to examine myself, to
inquire into my motives in coming, to look back on
my life, and to compare my thoughts, words, and
works with thy holy law.

If I have wronged others, Lord, dispose and assist
me to make reparation. Wherein I have offended
thee, give me that godly sorrow that works repent-
ance unto salvation. Let thy Holy Spirit convince
me of my fallen and guilty state before thee. Take
away the heart of stone, and give me the heart of
flesh — the broken and contrite spirit. And O grant
unto me full purpose of heart to forsake every sin,
whatever it may cost me ; however habitual it may
have become. Search thou me, O Lord, and know
my heart; try me, and know my thoughts, and see if
there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the
way everlasting.

Let the conviction of my exceeding sinfulness

288 FORMS OF PRAYER.

lead me cordially and gratefully to accept my Sa-
viour's gracious invitations, and come, weary and
heavy laden, unto him. May I go to thy table
mourning for sin, and hungering and thirsting after
righteousness ; believing in Christ as my only hope
and refuge ; grateful for ail thy mercies, and with a
heart full of love to thee and all mankind.

Lord, I implore thy special grace at this solemn
ordinance. In the breaking of bread, help me, by a
lively faith, to view Christ's body broken for me;
and in the pouring out of the wine, his blood shed
for me. May I thus learn to feel more of the evil of
sin, and more of the love of Christ. Help me wisely,
believingly, and gratefully to discern the Lord's body ;
and may it be as living food to my soul, so that now,
resting on the atonement of Christ, my Lord, I may
rejoice and be glad in his great salvation. May he
thus be evidently set forth crucified before me, and
may I enjoy the communion of his body and his
blood.

Gracious Lord, I beseech thee, enable me, when
I receive the bread, by a lively faith to realize the
blessed truth, that Christ died for sinners, even for
me ; and when I drink the wine, to believe, accord-
ing to his own word, that his blood was shed for
many for the remission of sins. Grant me grace also
to look forward to his coming again. May I afresh
give myself wholly to thee, to be entirely thine, in
life, in death, and through eternity ; renewing all
my solemn vows of obedience, and receiving fresh
strength to carry them into effect.

Grant also unto all that shall meet with me around
thy table the same blessings. Let our hearts be
drawn near to each other. Give us 'to enter into the

FORMS OF PRAYER. 289

privilege of the communion of saints ; and may we
know that though many, we are one body, and all
partakers of that one bread, the living and true bread
that came down from heaven.

O Lord, may we and all thy people thus assembling
in thine earthly courts, be made more and more meet
for thy heavenly mansions, and at length come to sit
down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the
kingdom of heaven; may we meet again there,
where faith shall be lost in sight, and hope in full
enjoyment, and love for ever fill all our souls, through
Jesus Christ, our strength and our Redeemer.
Amen.

PRAYER AFTER THE LORD'S SUPPER.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual bless-
ings in heavenly places in Christ. Help me, holy
Lord, coming now to thee in secret, gratefully to
pour out my soul before thee.

O thou who dwellest in the high and holy place,
whose name is holy, I feel that I infinitely need par-
don for the sins of my holiest services. If thou.
Lord, be extreme to mark what has been amiss, I
cannot stand before thee. I have cause to mourn the
wanderings of my heart, the dulness of my affections,
the weakness of my faith, and the slightness of my
repentance ; even at thy table, with all the solemni-
ties of the memorials of my Saviour's death around
me, and amid the assembly of thy saints.

But while I mourn my own sinfulness, yet still
help me to magnify thy wonderful grace. Blessed

u

290 FORMS OF PRAYER.

be thou who put it into my heart to assemble with
thy people.

Great is the privilege thus to meet among them
here below, to participate in their prayers, and to
join in their praises. Thanks be unto thee for that
manifestation of thy love which this ordinance
brought before me. O how consoling the truth to
such a sinner as I am, that Jesus died for the un-
godly, that he receiveth sinners and eateth with
them.

Giver of all grace, if I enjoyed any feelings of love
to thee, any desires after thy salvation, anything
of communion with thee ; if my hope were at all en-
livened, my faith at all strengthened, my heart at all
enlarged, all praise and glory be to thee. I would
not deny thy answers to my prayer ; I would not re-
fuse to acknowledge the work of thy Spirit on my
soul ; but rather, in this thy goodness, find fresh
motives to love and to serve thee. Forgive me all
that was evil. Accept, through the mediation of
Jesus, all that thy grace enables me to do according
to thy will.

Teach me to feel that I am under fresh obligations
to all holy obedience. May the solid and delightful
joys of peace with God, the pardon of sins, free
justification, and the hope of glory, make the sinful
pleasures of the world for ever insipid and vain.
Having seen, and tasted how good the Lord is, may
I never turn back again to folly.

O Lord, now it is I need thy strength. Now grant
me thy Holy Spirit, continually to bring to my re-
membrance the solemn transactions of this day. May
the recollection of them long remain, filling me with
a holy fear of offending thee, an ardent love to my

FORMS OF PRAYER. 291

Saviour, and influencing me to devote my body, soul,
and substance, all I am, and all I have, wholly to
thee.

Lord, now grant that my evil tempers may at
length be subdued; that the flesh with its afi"ections
and lusts may, through thy Spirit, at length be mor-
tified ; that Christ may now dwell in my heart by
faith ; and that, strong in the Lord, and in the power
of his might, I may fulfil in my life all the solemn
vows and resolutions that have been afresh renewed
this day in thy presence.

Yes, gracious God, let me never cease striving to
serve thee ; let me never, while the world tempts,
and sin dwells in me, and Satan opposes, give over
the contest; let me never rest short of thy great
salvation. O thou good Shepherd, who laid down
thy life for thy sheep, let me never perish, neither
let any pluck me out of thy hand ; but preserve
thou me, till at length, with all thine elect, I come
to occupy thy fold above.

Hear me, gracious Father; hear and answer, for
Christ's sake. Amen.

MORNING FAMILY PRAYER.

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is
named, who hast said that thou wilt be the God of
all the families of Israel, and they shall be thy people ;
dispose our hearts, by the gracious influence of thy
Holy Spirit, to worship thee through one Mediator,
Jesus Christ our Lord.

u 2

292 FORMS OF PRAYER.

Adoration.

[^ Thou art God, and there is none beside thee :
the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of glory,
the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering,
abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for
thousands, forgiving iniquity, and transgression, and
sin, and that vt'ill by no means clear the guilty. We
bow and worship at thy footstool ; we acknowledge
thee to be the Lord.]

Thanhsgiving.

Accept, through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
our unfeigned thanksgivings for the mercies of ano-
ther day. Thou gavest us our being, and thou
preservest us from day to day. Through the de-
fenceless hours of the night thou hast kept us in
safety. Thou hast given us a soul capable of know-
ing and rejoicing in thee, and a body by which we
may serve thee.

[We bless thee for the seeing eye and the hearing
ear, for the free use of our limbs and of our senses,
for the powers of the mind, and the affections of the
heart.]

But, O Lord, we thank thee most of all for thy
spiritual blessings. We bless thee that we were not
born in heathen lands, but in this favoured country,
where the light of thy truth clearly shines. We
thank thee for the comfort of the holy scriptures,
for the labours of faithful ministers, and for all the
means of grace. O how great has been thy love to
us. Thou sparedst not thine own Son, but deliveredst

1 The parts in brackets can be left out, if it is wished to shorten the
prayers.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 293

bim up for us all, and with him thou hast freely
given us all things.

[We are invited to come to thee ; though we be
guilty and sinful, we have in Jesus free pardon,
peace, and salvation ; yea, thou givest us a hope full
of immortality, in Christ Jesus our Saviour.]

Dedication.

[What reward shall we render unto the Lord for
all his benefits. We desire now afresh to devote
ourselves to thy service. We give up ourselves, our
whole selves unto thee. God of peace, sanctify us
wholly. God of our life, grant that our whole spirit,
and soul, and body, may be preserved blameless unto
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.]

Confession.

But with shame and confusion of face, we would
confess that we have been rebellious and disobedient.
Thou art holy, but we are unholy. Thou art merciful,
but we have often been selfish and unkind. Thou
art pure, but we are impure. Thou art patient, but
we are impatient. We have abused all thy gifts, and
made them occasions of sin. Lord, we acknowledge
our impenitence, we confess our unbelief, we bewail
our self-righteousness.

Petition.

Forgive us all our offences, remember not against
us our transgressions, but remember the great and
tender mercies which have been ever of old. Grant
unto every one of us lively faith in the death of
Christ, who has obtained free and full forgiveness
of all our sins, and grant us grace and strength to go

294 FORMS OF PRAYER.

and sin no more. Lord, help us to love thee, teach
us to serve thee. Give us thy strength that we may
overcome our corrupt nature. Grant that this day
we may have power from on high to resist every
temptation, to confess Christ before men, to labour
stedfastly with a single eye to thy glory, to live in
the spirit of prayer, in faith, humility, self-denial,
and love, and to walk before thee in that narrow way
which leads to eternal life. Fill us with love to
others. Teach us to do good to all men, [and to
seek, according to our means, to visit and relieve the
fatherless and the widows in their affliction:] and do
thou keep us unspotted from the world.

Pleading.
[Lord, for thy name's sake, hear us. We beseech
thee, according to thy infinite mercy, give us grace
to serve thee, constantly and unfeignedly. Herein
art thou glorified, that we bear much fruit. For
thine own glory, grant us thy Spirit, that we may
bring forth all the fruits of righteousness.]

Intercession.
And hear us farther in behalf of our relations and
friends, our neighbourhood, our minister, and all for
whom we ought to pra}^ Help those that are weak.
Comfort those that are cast down. Heal those that
are sick. Relieve those that are in distress. Be
merciful unto thy church. O bless us, and cause thy
face to shine upon us, that thy way may be known
upon earth, thy saving health among all nations.
Bring the Gentiles to Christ. Gather thy people
Israel into thy fold. Give wisdom and power to
every effort of Christian love for spreading thy

FORMS OF PRAYER. 295

gospel. Bless all societies formed for tbis end, and
let those who support and conduct them have thy
direction and guidance. Lord, grant that the power
of the Redeemer may at length speedily and fully
triumph over all error and superstition, all idolatry,
and delusion, and sin, and bring in his own happy
and glorious kingdom.

Gracious Lord, not for our worthiness, but for the
only name's sake of Jesus Christ, hear these our
prayers, which we sum up in his own words.

Our Father, &c.

ANOTHER MORNING FAMILY PRAYER.

Almighty God, source of every good, and fountain
of every blessing, the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, and in him our God and Father, give
us the spirit of adoption, and enable us to cry, Abba
Father. Help us to come and pour out our hearts
before thee with the same confidence and affection
with which children go to an earthly parent. Enable
us to repose on thy love, to tell thee all our desires,
and all our sorrows ; and, from the heart, to thank
thee for all thy goodness to us.

, Great and abundant cause we have to bless thee,
for all that thou art in thyself, and for all that thou
art to us. Thy mercies are new every morning. We
thank thee that we meet together in peace and safety.
Thou hast been our defence and our refuge. Let
then the outgoings of the morning and of the evening
praise thee.

We thank thee more especially for all the mercies
of redemption. In the gospel of Christ, mercy and

293 FORMS OF PRAYEK.

truth meet together, and righteousness and peace
kiss each other. Thus can even we rejoice in thy
power and justice, thy holiness, mercy, and love;
and bless thee that the light of the knowledge of this
thy glory shines in the hearts of thy people, in the
face of Jesus Christ. Blessed be thou, the just God
and the Saviour.

O how unworthy are we of the least of thy mer-
cies ! We all are sinful and guilty. We have turned
every one to his own way. We would give thee glory
by an open and free confession, that in many things
we have all ofifended thee. From our youth up, even
till now, we have been in a great trespass.

We dare not justify ourselves in thy sight, for if
we should attempt it, even our own mouths would
condemn us. We have omitted to perform many
plain duties. We have done many things for which
our consciences justly accuse us. All our righteous-
nesses are defiled. All our prayers and services are
polluted.

Yet spare us, good Lord, spare us, according to
thy great compassion and thy tender mercy. Lord
God of our salvation, it is thy gracious promise on
which our souls rely, that if we confess our sins, thou
art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to
cleanse us from all unrighteousness. We now con-
fess our sins, and we ask that they may be forgiven,
and that our souls may be purified from sin. We
plead thy justice, for Jesus bore our sins in his own
body on the tree. We plead thy faithfulness, accord-
ing to thy many precious promises. Let us now by
faith obtain those promises.

Cleanse, we beseech thee, the thoughts of our
hearts, by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that

FORMS OF PRAYER. 297

we may perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify
thy holy name. Strengthen us for the duties of this
day. Suffer us not to be tempted above what we are
able to bear ; but with every temptation make a way
to escape. Incline and enable us to walk in that
way.

Hold thou up our goings in thy paths, that our
footsteps slip not. Set a watch before our mouths?
and keep the door of our lips, that we offend not
with our tongue. May we always speak that which
is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister
grace to the hearers. Enable us also to keep our
hearts with all diligence, seeing that out of them are
the issues of life. Increase our faith, enliven our
hope, and enlarge our charity, that we may faithfully
serve thee, and in all things glorify thy holy name.
May our hope be in the Lord, and we be waiting
for his coming.

We pray for all our relatives and friends. Give
them prosperity both of body and soul.' Grant that
grace and peace may be multiplied to all those that

' When any member of the family is sick, add —

We particularly commend unto thee that member of our family
now in affliction ; may faith, patience, submission, and resignation
be granted in this hour of trial, and in thy own good time remove the
affliction. And, liOrd, grant that all our tribulations here below may
lead us to look at the things which are above, and work out for us a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Ever give us a
spirit of sympathy and tender feeling, and love for each other ; and
may we always be ready to weep with those that weep, and rejoice
with those that rejoice.

When any member of the family is on a journey, add—

O Lord, we beseech thee, regard with thy favour, protect and defend
him who is now absent from us. Take him under thy special care.
Preserve Mm from every temptation. Prosper him in his undertak-
ings. May he be a blessing wherever he goesj and bring him in
health and peace among us again, that we may together have fresh
cause to praise and bless thy holy name.

298 FORMS OF PRAYER.

call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, their
Lord and ours. Seek and save the lost sheep of the
house of Israel. Let the light of life shine into every
benighted heart. Increase, especially among the
people of this nation, the number of those who know,
and love, and serve thee. Bless our rulers, and guide
our statesmen ; teach thy ministers, and prosper thy
people, that there may be no complaining in our
streets ; and that it may be said of us, " Happy is
the people that is in such a case ; yea, blessed is that
people whose God is the Lord."

These prayers we offer up in the name and through
the mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Our Father, &c.

EVENING FAMILY PRAYER.

O eternal God, whose name is love, and who so
loved the world, that thou gavest thy only-begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish but have everlasting life, help us, by thy
Holy Spirit, to believe in Christ Jesus, and trusting
in him to have access unto thee.

We feel our need of a Saviour for sinners ; for we
all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.
When we look back even on the past day, thy law
accuses us of many sins, and our own consciences
justly condemn us. We have been forgetful of thy
presence ; our conversation has been light and trifling ;
and we have not with a single eye sought thy glory,
or copied the holy life of our Saviour Christ. He left
us a perfect example, but how seldom do we tread
in his steps: how little have we of his meekness

FORMS OF PRAYER. 299

and lowliness of heart, of his zeal and love ! We
have sinned against the light of thy word, and the
checks of our own consciences.

Grant us thy grace, that we may not be hardened
through the deceitfulness of sin. Give us true re-
pentance, and such a sense of our sinfulness as may
lead us to despair of salvation by any works of our
own ; and bring us humbled and penitent to the foot
of the cross. Help us by faith to behold the Lamb
of God which taketh away the sin of the world.
Teach us to renounce our own righteousness, and to
depend wholly on Jesus Christ. May we be able to
say and feel, " In the Lord have I righteousness and
strength."

[Teach us to come to Jesus Christ, and now to
look to him, not only for pardon and peace, but also
for grace and strength. We are weak, but Jesus is
strong : grant that we may be made strong in and
through him. Draw us to Christ, that we may re-
ceive out of his fulness all that we need ; repent-
ance, remission of sins, and the gift of thy Holy
Spirit; that he may dwell in our hearts by faith, and
we may be rooted and grounded in love.]

We commend ourselves to thy care during the
night. Let no evil come nigh us. May our last
thoughts be with thee : and when we awake up,
may we be still with thee. Refresh our bodies with
the quiet repose of the night, and renew our spiri-
tual strength. Teach us ever to watch and pray,
and to be always ready, seeing we know neither the
day nor the hour when the Son of Man shall come.

Extend thy merciful care to all that are near and
dear to us. We pray for all our relatives. May
those that are endeared to us by the ties of nature, be

300 FORMS OF PRAYER.

yet more dear by the stronger bonds of grace. Grant
that we may be all one in Christ Jesus our Lord. We
pray for our Christian friends, for our neighbours, and
all with whom we have any intercourse.

Bless those that minister before the Lord. May
all Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, be faithful, wise,
humble, and devoted servants of the Lord Jesus
Christ. Everywhere raise up pastors according to
thine own heart, which shall feed thy people with
knowledge and understanding. Grant thy blessing
to every Missionary now preaching Christ to the
Gentiles. Cause Jew and Gentile, in every place, to
turn to the Lord, that they may be saved. Bring on
the happy day, when the Saviour shall return, and
there shall be one fold and one Shepherd ; and they
shall not hurt nor destroy in all thy holy mountain.

O thou giver of every good and perfect gift, we
praise and bless thee for thy great and continued
mercies to us. All things thou givest to us richly to
enjoy. We receive from thee full provision for all
our temporal wants, and thou forgivest our iniquities.

[Like as a father pitieth his children, so thou our
Lord and Father pitiest them that fear thee. Thou
knowest our frame ; thou rememberest that we are
dust. Thou hast had compassion on us in our lovr
and lost estate, and thou gavest thy Son to die for
us ; and now thou ofTerest and givest us thy Holy
Spirit, to soften our hard hearts and to help our
inOrmities. Thou justifiest us freely by thy grace,
adoptest us into thy family, and givest us a hope full
of glory.]

Behold what manner of love thou our Father hast
bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons
of God ! God of mercy, grant, we beseech thee,

FORMS OF PRAYER. 301

that we may be followers of thee as dear children,
and shew forth thy praise, not only with our lips,
but in our lives, through Jesus Christ.

And now blessing, and honour, and glory^ and
power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and
unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

The Lord bless us, and keep us.

The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be
gracious unto us.

The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and
give us peace.

ANOTHER EVENING FAMILY PRAYER.

O thou, who art the God of all the families of the
earth, who didst favourably notice Abraham's com-
manding his children and his household after him to
keep the way of the Lord : be thou present with us
now, and enable us by thy Holy Spirit, and through
thy Son's intercession, to worship thee in spirit and
in truth.

We come before thee acknowledging that we were
all born in sin, the children of wrath, and have in
common a corrupt nature and a continual propensity
to depart from thee. And O how often have we
offended thee, the God of all the earth, by actual
transgressions !

Even in the day that is past, by vain thoughts, by
idle words, by sinful indulgences, we have grieved
thy Spirit, and incurred thy displeasure. Our only
refuge is in thy promised mercy in Christ Jesus.
We cast ourselves wholly on that mercy. Fixing
all our hopes on our Saviour's sacrifice, we confess

302 FORMS OF PRAYER.

our guilt, and earnestly pray that his blood may
cleanse us from all sin.

And give us, we beseech thee, the comfortable
assurance that our sins are forgiven. Let thy Holy
Spirit bear witness w^ith our spirits that we are chil-
dren of God. Plentifully impart to. us the gift of
thy Spirit, that we may bring forth the fruits of love,
joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,
long-suffering, forbearance, and temperance. Grant
that we may so copy the example of our Saviour, as
to be the Epistles of Christ, known and read of all
men ; and have clear evidence of our own salvation.
Teach us so to live that we may glorify thee, who
hast bought us with a price of such amazing value
as the blood of thine own Son.

O that all now kneeling together may indeed ob-
tain mercy in Christ Jesus, be passed from death unto
life, and love and serve thee unfeignedly. But, O
Lord, how weak is our faith ! how cold is our love to
thee! how dead, how dull are our hearts! Help us
to believe in thee and to love thee ; to love God with
all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul,
and with all our strength. Shed abroad the love of
God in our hearts, by giving us the Holy Ghost ; and
may we be taught of Thee to love one another. Be
thou present with us in our more retired devotions ;
praying to our Father which is in secret in our closet,
may we find his presence and blessing there.

Bless, O Lord, all that are near and dear to us.
Many beloved relatives and friends are now absent
from us ; but thou art with them, and all their wants
are known to thee. Give them thy grace ; ever guide
them here by thy counsel, and may none of them be
wanting in thy heavenly kingdom.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 303

We pray for the queen, and all in authority : Lord,
may their counsels be so ordered by thee as may be
most for the good of our country.

Give, we beseech thee, to all bishops, priests, and
deacons, and ministers of Jesus Christ everywhere,
true knowledge and understanding of thy word ; and
may they set it forth in their lives accordingly.
Make them wise to win souls. Lord, call forth, and
send out many faithful labourers to the work of the
ministry. Bring it to pass that the distant isles shall
wait on thee, and the Gentiles come to thy light.
Bless every society established for benefitting the
bodies or the souls of men, and especially those in
which we are more immediately engaged and inte-
rested, and hasten thy kingdom.

Thanks be unto thee, holy Lord God, for all thy
goodness towards us. How multiplied are thy mer-
cies every day ! How excellent is thy loving-kind-
ness ! We bless thee for all thy long-suffering and
forbearance towards us. We bless thee for the infi-
nite mercies of redeeming love. We bless thee for
the knowledge of thy salvation, and for the light of
thy truth ; for protection from every danger during
the night, and provision for all our wants by day.
Thou hast spread our table with food, and thou givest
us every needful good. Accept these our prayers
and praises, which we offer up in and through Jesus
Christ, our only mediator and advocate. Amen.

Our Father, &,c.

FAMILY PRAYER, SUNDAY MORNING.

O Almighty God, Creator, Governor, and Upholder
of all things, who, after making the heaven and earth,

304 FORMS OF PRAYER.

didst rest on the seventh day, and bless and sanctify
it ; teach us now, resting from our worldly labours,
to devote the day to thy service. O thou whose Son
did, as on this day, rise again from the dead, grant
us grace to rise from the death of sin to the life of
righteousness. Help us now, in his name, to seek
thy blessing on those holy duties to which the sab-
bath is set apart.

We bless and praise thee for the appointment of
this day, and for all the means of grace which we
enjoy in this highly- favoured land. We bless thee
that thy house is open, that thy ministers have
liberty to preach, and we have opportunity and in-
clination to assembly with thy people and hear thy
holy word.

Above all, we thank thee for the knowledge of
Jesus Christ ; for free justification and salvation
through his life, death, and resurrection. We praise
thee for the gift of thy Holy Spirit. Blessed, for
ever blessed, be thou, the God and Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, for all these thy benefits.

Great have been thy mercies to us ; but with
shame we confess that we have slighted thy goodness,
and carelessly regarded thy great salvation. How
many sabbaths have we broken; how many invita-
tions of mercy have we neglected ; how many warn-
ings and threatenings have we trifled with ! How
cold have been our prayers ; how great our irrever-
ence : how inexcusable our unbelief!

Forgive us, O forgive us, all our negligences and
infirmities, and all our sins and iniquities. To
the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses,
though we have rebelled against him. Return again,
and bless us. Graciously be present with us, through

FORMS OF PRAYER. 305

all the solemn services of this day. Enable us to
go to thy house in the spirit of prayer. Pour out
upon us, and all that shall meet in thy name, the
spirit of grace and supplication. Let none of us
draw near to thee with our lips only, while our
hearts are far from thee : but enable us to worship
thee in spirit and in truth. Cause thy face to shine
upon us. Grant that we may find that the Lord is
in his holy temple, and be able to say. It was good
for us to have been there ! Prepare our hearts to
receive thy holy word, that it may be sown in good
ground, and bring much fruit to perfection.

[Bless, especially, such of us as hope this day
again to receive the memorials of our Saviour's
sufferings and death. May contrition, penitence,
faith, humility, and love, be in lively exercise, and
be greatly increased.]

Help all of us not only to abstain from engaging
in our usual business and occupation, but also keep
us from worldly conversation and from vain thoughts.
Raise our affections to things above, and let our con-
versation be in heaven. Enable us to give this day
to reading and hearing thy word, to meditation, self-
examination, and prayer ; and be thou with us, to
bless us in our retired devotions.

And, Father of mercies, we beseech thee to bless
all that minister in holy things. Multiply unto them
thy grace, that they may be faithful, diligent, and
laborious. Grant them humility, disinterestedness,
watchfulness, and zeal ; may they have grace to take
heed to themselves and to the flock over which the
Holy Ghost has made them overseers, feeding the
church of God which he has purchased with his
own blood. Stand by and strengthen them this day.

X

306 FORMS OF PRAYER.

Open thou their mouths, and enable them to testify
boldly the gospel of the grace of God. We espe-
cially pray for him who ministers among us. May
he this day be enabled to speak a word in season to
us, and to all that shall hear him.

And, we beseech thee, grant that this thy sabbath
may be distinguished by great and singular mercies
to thy church. Be thou with all Christian congrega-
tions meeting to worship thee. By the ministry of
thy word this day, convert many sinners ; heal those
that have backslidden, strengthen those that are
weak, and confirm those that are strong. Give thy
holy word free course, and let it be glorified in every
land, and among every people. Hear us, and answer
us, for our Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

FAMILY PRAYER, SUNDAY EVENING.

Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty, which was
and is, and art to come ! thou art of purer eyes than
to behold iniquity ; thou chargest thine angels with
folly, and in thy sight the heavens are not clean ;
we approach thee, then, only in the name of Jesus
Christ.

We confess, O Lord, how defective and defiled all
our services are. We acknowledge that our prayers
are full of distractions. Our confessions need to be
repented of, our very petitions require thy pardon, the
coldness of our intercession for others increases our
own guilt, and our unworthy thanksgivings fall utterly
short of thy great goodness. We carelessly and unbe-
lievingly hear thy word. All we do is polluted and

FORMS OF PRAYER. 307

sinful. O forgive us. Forgive the sins of our solemn
duties ; and let that great High Priest, who is passed
into the heavens, bearing the iniquities of our holy
things, plead for us in thy sight.

And grant, most merciful Lord, that it may not be
in vain that we enjoy such distinguished privileges
as thou hast given us, lest it be more tolerable for
Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than
for us. Let not the seed of the word of God which
has this day been sown in our hearts, be plucked
away by Satan, lost through temptation, or choked
with the cares of this life ; but having heard it and
received it, incline us to keep it, and do thou cause
it to bring forth fruit, an hundred-fold.

Grant that our lives may exhibit whose we are and
whom we serve : remembering, that if we know our
Lord's will and do it not, we shall justly have the
severer punishment ; we humbly beseech thee,
strengthen our resolutions to live more decidedly to
thee. We feel that we have now again to enter into
the contest with our spiritual enemies : make us
more than conquerors through him that loved us.
We have again to exert ourselves to run the race set
before us ; teach us ever to look unto Jesus as the
author and finisher of our faith. O let us take the
more earnest heed never to let slip the things which
we have heard.

And we pray for all those who have this day assem-
bled before thee, and heard the word of salvation.
Grant unto them the same mercies which we ask for
ourselves. Let thy ministers that water others be
hemselves abundantly watered in their own souls.
Strengthen them for thy work, both in body and
soul.

X 2

308 FORMS OF PRAYER.

Remember in mercy those who by thy providence
have been kept from thy house, and let them receive
a special supply of thy grace. Grant that those
who have wilfully or ignorantly deprived themselves
of public worship may have their eyes opened to see,
and their hearts awakened to feel, their guilt and
their danger, and learn to flee from the wrath to
come. O hasten the time when thy house shall be a
house of prayer for all nations, and the whole world
shall worship in thy courts.

Thanks be unto God for all the privileges of the
past Sabbath. Blessed be thy name that we were
permitted to hear thy word, to join thy people in
prayer and praise, and to enjoy so plentifully the
means of grace. Blessed be our God for any degree
of communion with him, or desire after him. Blessed
be God, if the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, or his
holy word, be more understood or valued by us. Our
cup runneth over with mercies.

O Lord, if, amidst our infirmities, thy Sabbaths
here below rejoice the heart ; if to rest from earthly
labours, and enjoy the privileges of thy house in this
world, be delightful, how should we thank thee for
the prospect of an eternal Sabbath, where thy ser-
vants shall serve thee without one wandering thought,
without weariness, and without distraction ? O grant,
in mercy grant, that none of those who have this day
met together in thy house, may be wanting in the
number of those who shall dwell in that house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens, for Jesus
Christ's sake. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 309

BRIEF PRAYER FOR A SUNDAY
SCHOOL.

Gracious Saviour, who hast said, SuJOfer little chil-
dren to come unto me, and forbid them not, regard
with thy favour every effort to bring up children in
the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Give, holy Lord, we beseech thee, wisdom and dis-
cretion, patience, kindness, and perseverance, to all
who conduct schools. Bless those who endeavour to
instruct the young. Do thou teach them, that they
may teach others.

Heavenly Father, grant that the children of this
school may receive, with a humble, teachable and
ready mind, all the instructions given to them ac-
cording to thy word. Give them thy grace while
young, that, early seeking Jesus their Saviour, they
may early find him. Let them remember their
Creator in the days of their youth. Teach them to
honour their parents and superiors, and to be kind
and full of love towards each other. God grant that
they may all be trained up in the way in which they
should go, and when they are old never depart from
it May the knowledge of the Lord be universally
diffused, till at length, all shall know thee from the
least to the greatest, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

310 FORMS OF PRAYER.

BRIEF PRAYER FOR A BENEVOLENT
SOCIETY.

O thou who art the Father of the fatherless, and
the Judge of the widow, who has declared it to be
pure religion and undefiled before God and the
Father, to visit the fatherless and the widow in their
affliction, bless all thy servants in any way engaged
in supporting and carrying on this work of mercy
and love. May those that have pity on the poor, find
by happy experience, that they have lent unto the
Lord, and that he pays them again what they have
given.

Help us to remember what a responsible duty is
committed to our charge, rightly to divide and ap-
portion those alms which have been entrusted to us,
among those in real necessity ; and give us grace to
act wisely and faithfully.

In all our visits to the poor and afflicted, do thou
go with us. Enable us to speak with them and act
towards them, both in fidelity and in tenderness.
With whatever difficulties, disappointments, or re-
proaches, we may meet, let us never be weary of
well-doing. Enable us, in all things, patiently to
follow his example who went about doing good.

Bless us and all men, in every endeavour to re-
claim the wicked, instruct the ignorant, comfort the
mourner, and confirm the believer ; and may true re-
ligion everywhere spread. O make us watchful and
prayerful, that we may be ready for our Lord, when
he comes to ask for an account of our stewardship.
Hear us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 311

A SOCIAL PRAYER.

[O Lord God Almighty, the Creator of heaven and
earth, the Lord of Glory, who art greatly to be feared
in the assembly of thy saints, and to be had in
reverence of all them that are round about thee ;
who dwellest in heaven, surrounded with angels and
archangels, with cherubim and seraphim, who veil
their faces while they praise and worship ; we bow
down before thee in the name of Jesus Christ. None
other name, but the name of Jesus ; none other
merits, but the merits of Jesus, would we plead in
thy sight: but by him, through one Spirit, may we
now have access with confidence to the throne of
grace.]

O thou whose name is Holy, who hast required
that we confess our faults one to another ; we would
now confess our many and our great sins. We have
often sinned against thee, and against each other,
in thought, word, or deed. O forgive our hardness
of heart, and our earthly-mindedness ; all our Mant
of charity, all our hastiness of spirit, all our bad
tempers, and every sinful action.

For thine own name's sake, blot out our trans-
gressions, and remember not our sins. [We put
thee in remembrance, and plead together thy gra-
cious promises. We declare them before thee, that
we may be justified. May the blood of Jesus purge
our consciences from dead works to serve the living
God.]

Lord of all grace, help us ever hereafter to walk
worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called.
May we, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-

312 FORMS OF PRAYER.

suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavour
to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Give us grace so to live, that we may find raore and
more how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to
dwell together in unity.

[Teach us to remember that to us there is one
body and one spirit, one Lord, one faith, one bap-
tism, one God and Father of all ; who is above all,
and through all, and in all ; and thus may we Jove
each other as brethren. Help us to love one another
even as Christ hath loved us. Whereto we have al-
ready attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us
mind the same thing.]

Give unto each of us grace to fulfil our duties
toward each other. As parents, may we bring up
our children in the nurture and admonition of the
Lord ; and as cldldren, obey our parents in all
things ; as masters, may we give unto our servants
that which is just and equal, remembering that we
also have a Master in heaven ; and as servants, be
obedient in singleness of heart, as unto Christ; as
husbands, loving our wives, even as Christ also loved
the church, and dwelling with them according to
knowledge ; as wives, being in subjection to the hus-
band, and having on the ornament of a meek and
quiet spirit.

We ask for blessings on our native land. Lord,
we would sigh before thee for all the abominations of
our country. O how does the swearer, the sabbath-
breaker, the covetous, the licentious, and the blas-
phemer abound on every side ! Because of these
things the wrath of God comes on the children of
disobedience. Spare us, good Lord, spare us, for
thy name's sake. Grant, we beseech thee, that as we

FORMS OF PRAYER. 313

have been peculiarly distinguished by thy mercies,
so it may have to be said of us, " Surely this great
nation is a wise and understanding people ; for what
nation is there so great, who hath God so nigh unto
them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we
call upon him for ! "

Pour out of thy Spirit on the king, and on all that
have the direction of public affairs ; on all that min-
ister in holy things ; on the magistrates, and on the
people ; that a general revival of religion may appear
among us. Cause thy church everywhere to flourish
and increase. We pray especially for an increase of
the zeal, purity and love, the humility and devotion of
thy people. Add daily to thy church, in our own
country, and in heathen lands such as shall be saved.
Bless every missionary gone forth to preach to the
Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and may
more and more grace be given unto them all, that
they may labour zealously, wisely, and abundantly in
thy cause. Bless thy people Israel, and graft them
again into their own olive-tree, and speedily come, O
our Redeemer, to Zion.

And now. Lord, accept cur unfeigned thanks-
givings for all those blessings which we daily so
richly enjoy. We thank thee more especially for
those many dear ties of relationship, affection, and
Christian principles, which bind us together. We
bless thee for all that sympathy of feeling and union
of heart which thou hast given us ; and we pray that
we may be more and more knit together in Christian
love.

But, beyond all other mercies, we bless thee for
the common salvation of Jesus Christ ; for his birth,
his life, his death, and his resurrection ; for all that

314 FORMS OF PRAYER.

•

he was, and is, and will be. Blessed be God for the
gift of bis Son Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, our
only hope, and our sure refuge.

[We trust that we may say we are one in Christ,
members of that body of which he is the head: and
we bless and praise thee for this thy unspeakable
mercy.] We thank thee for this opportunity of as-
sembling ourselves together; and we pray that how-
ever we may be separated here below, or however
scattered in different stations, as we have now met
together here on earth, we may hereafter all meet in
heaven, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

PRAYER FOR THE ENLARGEMENT OF
THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST.

I.

Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and the God of the spirits of all flesh, the earth is
thine, and the fulness thereof, the round world, and
they that dwell therein.

We come, as sinners, but trusting in thy beloved
Son oar Advocate, and the propitiation for our sins,
and looking for the promised Spirit of grace and
supplication.

Lord, we confess before thee our own sins and
those of our country. Like thy people of old, while
we have been greatly distinguished by privileges, we
have also been a sinful nation, a people laden with
iniquity, a seed of evil doers, children that are cor-
rupters. We have forsaken the Lord, and have pro-
voked the Holy One of Israel. And chiefly, now, we
would confess our coldness and indifference in ex-

FORMS OF PRAYER. 315

tending the blessings of that glorious gospel which
thou hast entrusted to us. How slothful and un-
concerned have we been to communicate to others
the privileges which we enjoy, and to use all the
means which thou hast given unto us of imparting
the knowledge of Christ to distant lands ! To us
belong shame and confusion of face — to our kings,
our princes, and our fathers, because we have sinned
against thee. But to tlie Lord our God belong
mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled
against him.

We beseech thee to give us a zeal for thy glory = —
Fountain of light, and life, and grace, pour upon us
thy quickening Spirit, to animate and excite us to
devote ourselves to thee. Raise up, we pray thee,
those who shall unceasingly pray, and give, and
think, and labour, for the spread of thy truth. Re-
vive the days of the primitive church, when thy
people, walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the
comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

O may we dwell in love, and so dwell in thee, and
thou in us ; and our love be made perfect, that we
may have boldness in the day of judgment, because
we are in this world as our Redeemer was.

May the true light come more and more to thy
church, and the glory of the Lord rise upon her;
and may the Gentiles come to this light, and kings to
the brightness of thy rising.

Lord, we plead the glory of thy great name, the
faithfulness of thy promises, and the happiness of
thine own creation ; and with these pleas we ask,
that the heathen may be given to Christ for his in-
heritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for
his possession.

316 FORMS OF PRAYER.

II.

O Lord, bast thou not said, '* It shall corae to pass
in the last days that I will pour out my Spirit upon
all flesh?" Behold I in these last days, give now to
us that ask. With thee is the residue of the Spirit;
and the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot
save, nor his ear heavy that it cannot hear.

Have respect unto the covenant, for the dark
places of the earth are full of the habitations of
cruelty. May the Sun of Righieousness arise, with
healing in bis wings, on those who are now sitting in
darkness and the shadow of death.

We pray thee to hasten the coming on of that time,
vrhen it shall not be asked, Who hath believed our
report? and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed?
but it shall be said, The Lord hath made bare his
holy arm in the sight of all nations, and all the ends
of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

And grant, gracious Lord, that while the fulness
of the Gentiles is come in, all Israel may also be
saved. May the veil which remains upon their
hearts when Moses is read, be taken away by their
turning to the Lord. May this branch which has so
long been broken off, at length be grafted into its
own olive-tree.

O let the Deliverer come out of Zion, and turn
away ungodliness from Jacob.

And while we thus pray, we thank thee, good and
gracious Lord, for those blessed signs of the times in
which we live, which shew thy approaching kingdom.
We bless thee for the beginning of a general desire
to spread thy truth through the world, and that
societies have been raised in these latter days, among

FORMS OF PRAYER. 317

all denominations of thy servants, for evangelizing
the heathen, and for their conversion from dumb
idols to the living God. We thank thee for any suc-
cess given to these efforts, and would thereby be
encouraged to persevere in more zealous labours,
and more fervent prayers. But help us to remember
that the preaching of the gospel is joined with the
hour of judgment (Rev. xiv. 6, 7.) and to be ready
and prepared for that judgment.

III.

O Father of lights, and giver of all wisdom, bless
every society formed for the conversion of Jews or
Gentiles, and for the spread and advancement of
thy truth, at home or abroad. Guide the minds
of all who conduct their affairs. In all their diflB-
culties and trials, comfort and support them. Espe-
cially direct them in the choice of fit instruments.
Give them the discerning of spirits, that none may
be sent forth but such as thou hast called, prepared,
and qualified for the blessed yet arduous office of
proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ. Greatly
increase the number of such labourers. Give, O give
thou the word, and great shall be the company of
preachers. Bless all who support thy cause at home.
May they that love Jerusalem prosper in body and
soul ; in endeavouring to water others, may their
own souls be watered.

Look with thy favour on all missionaries now
among the Jews and the heathen. O prepare thy
way in the wilderness. May every valley be exalted,
every hill made low ; may the crooked be made
straight, and the rough places plain, and the glory

318 FORMS OF PRAYER.

of the Lord be revealed. Let thy word every where
have free course and be «?lorified. May thy doctrine,
constantly preached by thy servants, drop as the
rain, and distil as the dew, and thy word never re-
turn unto thee void, but prosper abundantly, and
accomplish all that for which thou dost send it. Give
thy servants health and strength, vigour of mind,
and devotedness of heart; and may they all be cho-
sen vessels to bear thy name before the Gentiles.
May the deadening influence of climate, heathen
customs, and loss of means of grace, be more than
counteracted by a special supply of thy Holy Spirit.
May it have to be recorded of each one of them —
He was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost
and of faith ; and much people were, through him,
added to the Lord. Give them grace to be faithful
unto death, and may they receive from the Saviour's
hands the crown of life and glory. Grant that thou-
sands and tens of thousands may rise up to call
them blessed. May all nations whom thou hast
made fall down and worship before thee and glorify
thy name.

O Lord, hear ; O Lord, forgive ; O Lord, hearken
and do ; defer not, for thine own sake, O our God.
For thy dear Son's sake, answer. May he see of the
travail of his soul and be satisfied. Amen and Amen.

Our Father, &c.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 319

ANOTHER PRAYER FOR THE ENLARGE-
MENT OF THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST.

I.

O eternal God, the Lord of glory, who hast made
the heaven and the earth by thy great power and
stretched-out arm ; the great, the mighty God, the
Lord of hosts is thy name : thou, Lord, art good to
all, and thy tender mercies are over all thy works.
Thou art nigh unto all them that call upon thee, to
all that call upon thee in truth.

We are bold, therefore, to come before thee in
behalf of a world lying in wickedness. Behold, in
thy infinite compassion, dying millions, who have
changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an
image made like to corruptible man, and to birds,
and four-footed beasts ! behold them, without Christ,
strangers from the covenant of promise, having no
hope, and without God in the world ; filled with all un-
righteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness,
maliciousness ; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit,
and malignity ! Lord, we know that they which do
such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Regard, then, now, we beseech thee, in pity, the sad
effects of sin, the miserable condition of these thy
creatures. Regard, we beseech thee, thine own glory.
How long shall thy name be thus profaned? How
long shall the prince of darkness usurp the Saviour's
promised inheritance and possession ? Lord, how
long shall the blessed hope that the kingdoms of this
world are to be the kingdoms of our God and of his
Christ, tarry, ere it come? O Jesus, hasten thy ap-

320 FORMS OF PRAYER.

pearing and thy kingdom, and may we be counted
worthy to stand before thee in that day.

Thou shalt arise, and have mercy upon Sion, for
the time to favour her, yea, the set time is come. For
thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour
the dust thereof. So the heathen shall fear the name
of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.

Lord, we believe thy promises ; help our unbelief.
We are persuaded that thou hast brought the wretched
state of the world before the eyes of thy people, that
they may pity millions of guilty, accountable, and
immortal souls without the knowledge of a Saviour ;
that while there is time they may pray, and give, and
strive to make thy gospel known among them. Our
Saviour has commanded, " Go into all the world, and
preach the gospel to every creature ; " and thou hast
promised, that thy word shall not return unto thee
void ; we confidently, therefore, ask thee to bless the
cause of Christian missions, that it may advance, and
grow, and increase, till every Christian heart becomes
warmed with holy zeal for the spread of the Saviour's
name, and kingdom, and glory ; and the gospel of
Christ be preached to Jew and Gentile throughout
the world.

IL

Holy, holy, holy Lord, we acknowledge it to be
owing to thy infinite mercy, that we were not left in
the darkness of heathen lands. Thou didst incline
thy servants of old to send faithful missionaries to
preach thy glorious gospel ; thou didst support them
in all their trials and difficulties, and at length this
favoured country became a Christian land. And

FORMS OF PRAYER. 321

Lord, how hast thou since blessed us, above other
nations, in the enjoyment of the light of thy truth,
and in the power and means to communicate it!

We feel that our privileges imply duties. Give us
grace, then, to labour, that the word of the Lord may
from us sound out in every place. We thank thee
that thou has given many the disposition to aid in
this work, and that numbers of thy servants are
united in societies, to send abroad the tidings of sal-
vation. Lord, bless them all. Lord, greatly increase
the number of such as have at heart the good of
Zion.

AVe thank thee, O Lord, that thy holy word is
translating into numerous different languages, and
that now so many nations may hear in their own
tongues the wonderful works of God. Give yet
greater success to these efforts. Facilitate this work
by imparting, more and more, peculiar talents to
those engaged therein. As thou didst give to thy
servants of old peculiar skill in erecting the taber-
nacle in the wilderness, and the temple at Jerusalem,
so in this age of thy church do thou grant special
gifts to those engaged in building up thy spiritual
temple.

Lord, do thou prepare and call forth labourers.
Qualify fit instruments to conduct missionary efforts,
and give them faith, wisdom, and judgment, upright-
ness, patience, and self-denial, a single eye and a
single heart, in all their proceedings. So incline
their minds that they may send none to labour among
the heathen but those that are first chosen of thee :
men anointed with the Holy Ghost. Do thou raise
up meek, humble, patient, believing, laborious, and
persevering men, counting their work their wages,

Y

322 FORMS OF PRAYER.

and looking for the recompense of reward hereafter:
men suited to the exigencies of the heathen, in their
various degrees of civilization and knowledge, and
adapted to meet their wants in each particular situa-
tion ; men willing to spend themselves and be spent
for Christ. Lord, send forth, we beseech thee, send
forth such labourers.

III.

Regard, we beseech thee, O Lord, with thy infi-
nite love, those who have gone forth in thy name to
heathen lands, to labour in making Christ known to
the Gentiles. Help them to be followers of thy
apostles. Grant that they may never lose that first
love and ardour of mind which induced them, for
Christ's sake, to leave country, home, friends, and
relatives. Preserve them sound in doctrine, and
pure in their life and conversation. In the faith of
Christ may they vanquish the world, the flesh and
the devil, and overcome apparently insurmountable
difficulties. Give unto them utterance, that they
may open their mouths boldly, to make known the
mystery of the gospel. Give them grace to hope
even against hope ; and in thy own good time re-
move every opposing obstacle to the universal diffu-
sion of thy truth. Let the course of thy providence
prepare the way for thy servants. Let every fresh
advance, either in commerce, science, or arts, aid
the coming on of the Redeemer's kingdom ; and all
things work together for good, till at his coming all
shall know thee, the only true God, from the least to
the greatest.

And for this we entreat the full outpouring of thy

FORMS OF PRAYER. 323

Holy Spirit upon all flesh ; upon kings of the earth
and all people ; upon bishops, priests, deacons, and
all Christian ministers ; upon princes, senators, and
magistrates ; young men and maidens, old men and
children. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for
his name alone is excellent, his glory is above the
earth and heaven.

O Lord, it is not our glory we seek, but thine.
We long, we ask, we pray, that thy will may be
done on earth, as it is in heaven ; that all nations
whom thou hast made may come and worship before
thee, and glorify thy name. Lord, thou knowest
our desires : we know not how to express them as
we should. Do for us and thy church exceeding
abundantly above all that we ask or think, for thy
great name's sake. Amen.

These prayers we oflFer up in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

PRAYER FOR READINESS FOR OUR
LORD'S COMING.

O thou great and glorious Saviour, who hast so
often said to thy church. Behold, I come quickly;
who didst by thy holy angels assure the apostles
who witnessed thy departure, thou wouldest so come
in like manner as they saw thee go into heaven, I
pray thee to grant me such faith in thee, and love to
thee, that thy return may be to me a blessed hope,
ever purifying me, and ever quickening to my soul.
May I be among those who are looking and waiting
for our Lord, and hasting unto the day of his coming.

Y 2

324 FORMS OF PRAYER.

And seeing thou hast told us that thou wilt to thine
enemies come as a thief in the night, and punish
them with everlasting destruction, I beseech thee to
grant that I may watch and pray always that I may
be accounted worthy to escape those things which
shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of
Man. O may I and all thy people, like the wise vir-
gins, be now constantly gathering oil in our vessels,
and acquiring that knowledge and experience of thy
word which will preserve us from surprise and un-
preparedness. May our treasure, our heart, and our
conversation be in heaven, and our affections ever set
on things above, that when thou, O Christ our life,
shall appear, we may appear with thee in glory.
Hear me for thy name's sake. Amen.

PRAYER SUITED TO THESE TIMES.

Almighty Father, whose name is love, and who
hast so shown ihy love to the world, that thou gavest
thine only begotten Son for our salvation: we come
to thee in the name of Him who ever liveth to make
intercession for us.

O Lord, we have been most unbelieving in thy
word, and most unthankful for that great benefit —
the good tidings of thy grace in Christ Jesus ; and
now we see thine enemies and ours, endeavouring to
darken that glorious light, and to keep far from us all
the comforts of thy great salvation. We deserve to
lose that blessing which we have so greatly neglected.
But, O God of all grace, pity us, spare us, and help
us in our necessities. Pardon our sins, which are
many and great, and for thine own name's sake, turn

FORMS OF PRAYER. 325

US again, O God of Hosts, and cause thy face to shine,
that we may be saved.

And, O Lord, seeing all things around us are
disquieted and troubled, and there is no sure stand-
ing for our feet but on that word which endureth for
ever; we pray thee to set our feet upon that rock.
O let the word of Christ dwell in us richly in
all spiritual wisdom and understanding; and grant
that we may meditate therein day and night. Guard
us thereby from all error, and guide us thereby into
all truth : and may we shine as lights in the world,
holding forth the word of life.

O Lord, deliver us from all false doctrine, heresy
and schism ; take away from us all unbelief, hard-
ness of heart, and contempt of -thy word. Raise up
every where faithful ministers, revealing thy love in
Christ Jesus to them, and enabling them, boldly^
freely, and constantly, to proclaim the gospel of thy
grace.

Bless all societies formed for this end. Give grace
to all who conduct them, that nothing may be dearer
and more precious to them than thy truth, and that
they may ever have wisdom to discern, faith to re-
ceive, love to embrace, and stedfast courage to main-
tain that truth, against all the assaults of the world,
the flesh, and the devil.

Grace be with all them that love the Lord Jesus in
sincerity. Unite their hearts together as the heart
of one man. May the enemy no longer prevail over
us, to lead us to envy, vex, or harass each other ; but
whereunto we have already attained, may we walk by
the same rule, and mind the same thing.

O Lord, bring thy people out of Babylon, before
thy judgments descend upon it. May the warnings

326 FORMS OF PRAYER.

which thou hast given in thy holy word, be more dis-
tinctly and loudly proclaimed, till all thy people sepa-
rate themselves from that Man of Sin, whom thou
wilt destroy with the brightness of thy coaling.

Everywhere may thy church be like the wise vir-
gins, ready and prepared for the return of their Lord.
May we take heed lest our hearts be overcharged
with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this
life, and so that day come upon us unawares. Give
us grace to watch and pray always, that we may be
accounted worthy to escape those things which shall
come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

Lord, gather in thy people Israel from every land ;
take away their sins, and turn away ungodliness
from Jacob, that the. receiving of them may be as
life from the dead, and their fulness be far more the
riches of the world than their casting away was ;
and so every where the Gentiles may fear the
name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy
glory.

Thus may all the rich promises of thine own word
be speedily accomplished, and the kingdoms of this
world become the kingdom of our Lord and his
Christ; and the kingdom, and the dominion, and the
greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven,
be given to the people of the saints of the Most High,
whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all
dominions shall serve and obey him. Hear us, O
hear us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 327

PRAYER FOR INFIDELS.

O thou who hast called thy people to make sup-
plications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings
for all men, for that thou wouldesthave all men to be
saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth, I
come unto thee in behalf of those who are denying
the Lord that bought them, and bringing upon them-
selves swift destruction, — who are treading under
foot the Son of God, and counting the blood of the
covenant, wherewith they were sanctified, an unholy
thing, and doing despite to the spirit of grace. O
thou Father of mercies and God of love, forgive
them; for they know not what they do. Thou hast
opened my eyes to see thy love towards me when an
enemy to thee, and a rebel against thee : thou hast
led me to see in the death of thine own Son, that thou
lovest me, a sinner, with intense love, whilst thou
hatest sin with unutterable abhorrence ; and so I see
thy glory in the face of Jesus, and return unto thee
who hast redeemed me, and delight in thee my most
holy and most loving Father. O open their eyes to
see thy love to them in Christ Jesus ; for thou so
loved the world that thou gavest thine only begotten
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish but have everlasting life. In this day of rich,
free, abounding grace, where sin abounds, O let
grace more abound, and reign in their salvation unto
eternal life through Jesus Christ : that multitudes
may be snatched as brands from destruction, and be-
come everlasting monuments of thy loving kindness
to the chief of sinners. Hear, O hear me, for Jesus'
sake. Amen.

328 FORMS OF PRAYER.

PRAYER FOR PAPISTS.

O Lord, known unto thee are all thy works from
the beginning of the world. Thou hast foretold that
the day of Christ should not come, except there came
a falling away first, and the man of sin were revealed.
We have seen that falling away, and we now behold
millions, calling themselves by the name of Christ,
partaking of the sins of Babylon, and in fearful dan-
ger of receiving of her swiftly-coming plagues. I
now earnestly call upon thee to have mercy upon
them. Long hast thou delayed thy threatened judg-
ments, by thy goodness leading men to repentance :
O exalted Prince and Saviour, now bestow repent-
ance and remission of sins on the papists. Open their
eyes, O heavenly Father, to see the wrong which they
do to him, who is the propitiation for the sins of the
whole world, and who, having been once offered, hath
put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Open their
eyes to see the speedy ruin coming upon all who be-
long to Babylon, who shall be tormented with fire and
brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in
the presence of the Lamb. Open their ears in this
day of grace, to hear thy loving invitation to them,
Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers
of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
O Lord, may multitudes everywhere in this accepted
time hear thy word, and flee out of Babylon. May
thy people everywhere lift up their voice as a trumpet,
and point them to the only Lamb of God which taketh
away the sin of the world ; and may all the ends of
the earth look unto thee and be saved. And speedily
come, O Divine Redeemer, and put an end to the

FORMS OF PRAYER. 329

days of sin and sinning, and reign triumphantly,
King of kings, and Lord, of lords, over the whole
earth. Hear and answer, O heavenly Father, for
Jesus' sake. Amen.

EJACULATORY PRAYERS FROM THE
SCRIPTURES.

ON RISING IN THE MORNING.

/ laid me down, and slept ; I awaked, for thou, Lord,
sustained me. Psalm iii. 5.

AT NOON.

At evening, and at morning, and at noon-day, will I
pray, and that instantly. Psalm Iv. 19. .

ON GOING TO BED.

/ will lay me down in peace, and take my rest, for it
is thou. Lord, only, that makest me to dwell in safety.
Psalm iv. 9. .

AT GOING OUT.

Lord, bless my going out, and my coming in, from
this time forth for evermore. Psalm cxxi. 8.

AT WORK.

Prosper thou the work of my hands, O Lord : prosper
thou my handy-work. Psalm xc. 17.

330 FORMS OF PRAYER.

IN CONVERSATION.

Set a watchy O Lord, before my mouth ; keep thou
the door of my lips. Psalm cxii. 3.

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my
heart, he always acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my
Strength and my Redeemer. Psalm xix. 14.

WHEN EVIL ENTREATED.

Father, forgive them, for they know not what they
do. Luke xxiii. 34.

Lordf lay not this sin to their charge. Acts vii. 60.

ON ANY LOSS.

The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away : blessed
be the name of the Lord. Job i. 21.

ON TEMPTATION.

How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against
God? Gen. xxxix. 9.

Lord, cleanse thou me from my secret faults : keep
back thy servant also from presumptuous sins ; let them
not have dominion over me. Psalm xix. 12, 13.

IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES.

Cause me to know the way wherein I should walk, for
I lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm cxliii. 8.

Lord, I am oppressed : undertake for me. Isaiah
xxxviii. 14.

FORMS OF PRAYER. 331

FOR A FRIEND.

The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of
the Lord in that day, 2 Tim. i. 18.

y

BEFORE PRAYER.

Lord, teach us to pray. Luke xi. 1.
Quicken us, and we toill call upon thy name. Psalm
Ixxx. 18.

BEFORE READING THE SCRIPTURES.

Open thou mine eyes, that I tnay behold wondrous
things out of thy law. Psalm cxix. 18.

GOING TO CHURCH.

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of Hosts !
My soul longeth, yea, even faint eth, for the courts of the
Lord; my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living
God. Psalm Ixxxiv. 1, 2.

We will go into his tabernacles ; we will worship at
his footstool. Psalm cxxxii. 7.

ENTERING GOD's HOUSE.

This is none other but the house of God, and this is
the gate of heaven. Gen. xxviii. 17.

I

ON HEARING THE SCRIPTURES.

Sanctify us through thy truth : thy word is truth*
John xvii. 17.

332 FORMS OF PRAYER.

AFTER WORSHIP.

The good Lord pardon every one that prepareth his
heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though
he be not cleansed according to the purification of the
sanctuary. 2 Chron. xxx. 18, 19.

OCCASIONAL EJACULATIONS.

O Lord, he gracious unto us, we have waited for thee.
Isaiah xxxiii. 2.

Father, glorify thy name. John xii. 28.

Lord, save us, we perish. Matt. viii. 25.

Jesus, thou Son of David, have mei^cy on me. Luke
V. 12.

Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. Mark
X. 47.

Lord, I believe: help thou mine unbelief Mark ix. 24.

Lord, help me. Matt. xv. 25.

THE lord's prayer.

Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed he thy
name ; thy kingdom come ; thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven : give us this day our daily bread :
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that
trespass against us ; and lead us not into temptation,
hut deliver us from evil ; for thine is the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

HINTS FOR MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER. 333

CHAPTER XVIII.

HINTS FOR MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER ON EACH
DAY OF THE WEEK.

PROMISES.

Psalm cxlv. 18. The Lord is nigh unto all them that
call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.

Jer. xxxiii. 3. Call unto me, and I will answer,
and shew thee great and mighty things which thou
knowest not.

Psalm Ixxxi. 10. Open thy mouth wide, and I will
fill it.

Matt. vii. 7. Ask, and it shall be given you.

John xvi. 23. Verily, verily, I say, whatsoever ye
shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Rom. X. 13. Whosoever shall call upon the name
of the Lord shall be saved.

SOME TITLES GIVEN TO GOD IN PRAYER.

2 Sam. vii. 22. Thou art great, O Lord God, for
there is none like unto thee, neither is there any God
beside thee.

334 HINTS FOR

Neh. i. 5. O Lord God of heaven, the great and
terrible God.

Psalm Ixv. 2. O thou that hearest prayer.

Isaiah vi. 3. Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of
hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.

2 Cor. i. 3. God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the -Father of mercies, and the God of all
comfort.

Heb. xiii.20. The God of peace, that brought again
from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the Great
Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the ever-
lasting covenant.

1 Thess. V. 23. The very God of peace.

1 Tim. i. 17. The King eternal, immortal, invisible,
the only wise God.

1 Peter v. 10. The God of all grace, who hath
called us to his eternal glory, by Christ Jesus.

Rev. iv. 8. Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty,
which was, and is, and is to come.

CONCLUSION OF PRAYERS.

Rom. XV. 27. To God, only wise, be glory, through
Jesus Christ, for ever. Amen.

1 Tim. vi. 16. To whom be honour and power
everlasting. Amen.

Jude 25. To the only wise God, our Saviour, be
glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now
and ever. Amen.

Ephes. iii. 21. Unto him that is able to do exceed-
ing abundantly above all that we can ask or think,
according to the power that worketh in us, to him be
glory in the church by Christ Jesus, throughout all
ages, world without end. Amen.

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

335

LORD S DAY MORNING.

THANKSGIVING.

Creator— Lord of all, Father,
Son, and Spirit.

Creation— of heavens, earth,
Thy glory in them.

Visible light— morning, even-
ing, day, night.

Scriptural light— Holy Ghost
giving law, history. Psalms, Pro-
verbs, Prophets, Evangelists,
Acts, Epistles, Revelation, Christ
all in all.

Christ — his resurrection.

Redemption— on this day in
Passion-week ; earthquake, rising
out of grave, many appearances.

Holy Ghost — his new creating
work, gifts on the day of Pente-
cost.

Sabbath — God's ordinance, na-
tional establishment, civil pro-
tection and respect, house of God
open, preached gospel, church
ordinances, free access, quiet
rest.

Established creeds — Apostles',
Nicene, Athanasian, Thirty-nine
Articles, Protestant Confessions,
in Britain.

Promised rest — new heavens,
new earth, light of God and the
Lamb, his glory, no sin, no sor-
row, no death, no curse, full joy,
face to face, equal to and with
angels for ever and ever.

The day of grace now— this ac-
cepted time, for our salvation.

Increase of Christ's kingdom —
gathering elect, missions to Jews,
Gentiles, diminishing of Satan's
dominion.

Everlasting kingdom — what
thanks for this hope ! May I
wait, labour, pray, watch and
look for it !

CONFESSION.

Past Sabbath duties— omitted,
defective, unimproved.

Worship — formal, wandering,
cold, hypocritical, self-righteous,
irreverent.

Hearing — mere curiosity, with-
out faith, critical, dull, careless,
forgetting, not doing.

Social intercourse — worldly,
unprofitable.

Thoughts — vain, distracted.

Baptism — disregarded, vows
broken, good of, lost through
unbelief.

Lord's Supper — formality or
neglect, unpreparedness, self-
righteousness, no faith nor love,
little effect by it, resolutions un-
fulfilled.

Natural aversion to all spi-
ritual duties.

Shame and confusion of face
belongs to me.

PETITION.

Spirit of prayer — true devo-
tion.

Sabbath mercies — God's pre-
sence, worship in spirit, fellow-
ship with Christ, larger gifts of
Spirit, quickening, revival,
growth in grace, communion of
saints, power of word, sacra-
ments. Thy face will I seek.

Grace for sabbath duties — faith,
prayer, humility, hope, rever-
ence in worship, ardour, love,
joy, communion, fixing gifts,
1 Cor. xvi. 2. Spirituality, Rev.
i. 6. Outward decorum, inward
devotion.

Spirit of wisdom — to discern,
to speak, to adorn truth, en-
lighten my eyes, incline my
heart, direct my steps in thy
ways.

Beholding Jesus— propitiation,
righteousness, strength.

Effects of truth— knowledge,
belief, love, obedience.

Repentance for sin — free and

336

HINTS FOR

full, pardon believed, confidence
in God, victory over sin.

Blessings expected— to behold
the beauty of the Lord, see his
loving-kindness, perfecting holi-
ness.

Home duties — holy converse,
joy, instruction, praise, prayer,
piety.

Lord's Supper — received in
faith, penitence, and love, dis-
cerning his body, shewing his
death, looking for his coming,
fellowship with him and his,
mortifying sin, strengthening,
refreshing my soul.

Poverty of spirit — lowliness,
humility, self- distrust, serving
others.

INTERCESSION.

Ministers — direct, assist,
strengthen, make them faithful,
rightly dividing the word.

Congregations — presence of
Christ, power of truth, convert-
ing, sanctifying, comforting, en-
larging grace, and full of bless-
edness. Those absent from Pro-
vidence, sickness, wickedness.

Parish — minister, church offi-
cers, civil officers, leading fam-
ilies, teachers, schools, church

goers, communicants, young,
aged, poor, healthy, sick, wi-
dows, dying, careless, opposers,
wickedest.

Parish Societies —oneness, use-
fulness, enlargement.

Churches of Christ — Western,
Eastern, decayed, newly planted,
corrupted. Reform, revive, heal
divisions, increase, give full
glory.

Christians — sufferers for truth
and labourers for Christ; heal
backsliders, reclaim wanderers,
establish the just.

The world — places without the
gospel, all in Jewish, Papal, hea-
then, Mahomedan destitution.
Convert sinners, pity the whole
human race.

Family j grace, mercy, and
peace.

Queen — rulers, church of Eng-
land.

ACT OF FAITH.

O God, the Father, of thee,
through thee, and to thee are all
things. O God, the Son, all
things were created by thee, and
for thee. O God, the Spirit, thou
didst make me. All glory be to
thee.

LORD S DAY EVENING.

CONFESSION.

Worship— absence of mind, if
not of body , all my righteous-
ness defiled, taking God's name
in vain, lip service only, respect
of man rather than God.

Conversation — vain and idle
words, trifling.

Heart— not good, meek, lowly,
impressible ; but hard, proud,
self-wise.

Sacraments — want of faith,
penitence, and love.

Hearing — distrust and hard-
ness of heart .

Sabbath — not wholly in thought,
word, and deed sanctified ; im-
piety and profaneness, perverting
what is right.

Idols— the world, self, parents
or children, &c.

Indolence— in pleasure, list-
lessness, negligence.

A proud look, Prov. vi. 1".

Ashamed and confounded.

The increase God giveth — re-
pentance, faith, fruits meet for
repentance, growing goodness.

God's statutes — teach me, open
my eyes to see, my ears to hear,
my heart to receive.

The Holy Spirit— the spirit of
wisdom and understanding, the
spirit of counsel and might, the
spirit of knowledge and fear of
the Lord, a good understanding.

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

337

profiting with the manifestations
of the Spirit.

God's commandments — open
my understanding to know, in-
cline my heart to lovfe, and order
my steps to walk in.

Newness of life — a new heart,
a new spirit, a heart of flesh,
God's law written on the heart.

Hallowed be thy name — Thy
name only exalted, holiness to
the Lord on all, this name be our
strong tower ; looking for this in
Christ's day.

God's word — its diffusion and
free course, and full triumph
over heresy, error. Popery, Pa-
ganism.

Obedience —to all God's word,
teach me to do thy will.

Guard and bless me this
night.

INTERCESSION.

Success of the word preached —
all who have heard it, with me,
everywhere; open doors of ut-
terance ; give eyes to see, ears to
hear, a heart to receive.

Ministers — refresh their own
souls with truth, may they walk
according to it, strengthen them
out of Zion.

Jews— give them the blessed-
ness of this day, give peace to
Jerusalem.

Local church and congrega-
tion— bless my minister with di-
vine unction and wisdom, great
grace be upon us, and all that
meet in worship.

Those considering the poor-
enrich their souls.

Those needing, asking prayer —
supply all their need.

Queen, rulers, all.

Country — deliver us from wick-
ed men, plague, famine, civil dis-
cord, party spirit, foreign ene-
mies, give truth, peace and
holiness.

Family — every needful good.

THANKSGIVING.

Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord
God Almighty, &c. Thou art wor-
thy, O Lord, &c. Rev. iv. 8, 11.
Unto him that loved us, &c. Rev.
i. 5, 6.

The full light of truth— Expe-
rience by history, futurity in pro-
phecy, devotion by Psalms, di-
rection bylaw, comfort by gospel,
light without evening.

Christian instruction— Minis-
ters, teachers, parents, benefac-
tors, books, friends.

Special gifts of God— Christ,
his Spirit, his word, eternal life.

Lord'sSupper— Thanks for com-
munion of his body and blood.
Be thou exalted, O God.

ACT OF FAITH.

I believe in the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ, the love of
God, and the fellowship of the
Holy Ghost: the one God, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy
Ghost, unto whose name I was
baptized.

MONDAY MORNING.

THANKSGIVING.

Creation— the firmament, the
air, sky, clouds, storms and
calms, atmosphere; for breath-
ing, light, health, and comfort.

Waters — dew, hail, snow, rain,
thunders, lightnings ; for fruit-
fulness, purity, use, benefits in-
numerable.

The heavens— heaven of hea-
vens, with all its glorious hosts,
angels, archangels, cherubim,
seraphim, spirits of just now
there, and to be there.

Redemption — Passion week,
entrance into Jerusalem, Matt,
xxi. 1 — 17. John xii. 12 — 36.

Sleep — peaceful, refreshing ;
Thou, Lord, sustained me.

Constant benefits— each hour's

338

HINTS FOR

good, each day, week, my whole
life.

Temporal — being, birth, na-
ture, members, faculties, senses,
preservation, food, health, rai-
ment, education, home, posses-
sions.

Works of creation — full of va-
riety, beauty, joy, usefulness,
fruitfulness.

Works of art — for ease, com-
fort, countless conveniences, ad-
vantages.

CONFESSION.

Against thy law — dislike of its
purity, not loving thee, not lov-
ing man, self-seeking.

Against thy gospel — unbelief,
impenitence, disobedience.

Pride — high thoughts of self,
despising others, following lying
vanities.

Self indulgence — in ready gra-
tification of fleslily lusts, worldly
connections, pleasures.

Sins— presumptuous and se-
cret, perverseness.

God — the Father out of my
thoughts, the Son not looked to,
the Spirit not constantly asked
for.

Neighbour— his good not duly
sought.

Mere formality — in all duties ;
without heart, faith, love.

PETITION.

To rise — to newness of life.

For my soul — pardoningmercy,
forbearing love, victory over sin,
advances in holiness, supplies of
wisdom, joy, and peace in be-
lieving.

Devotedness — putting off old
man, putting on new, members
yielded to righteousness, God's
image restored, walking worthy
of God, delighting in the Lord,
waiting for Christ.

Mournmg for sin—a broken

spirit, contrition, repentance un-
to life, the stony heart removed,
the heart of flesh.

Patience— submission to God,
taking the cross for Christ, si-
lence under rebukes, enduring
affliction, joy in suffering for
truth.

Gifts specially desired — Holy
Ghost, grace of prayer, a clean
heart, a new spirit, increase of
faith, hope, and love, readiness
for the Lord's coming.

Spirit of understanding — in di-
vine things, growth in grace and
knowledge.

Deliverance— from pride, unbe-
lief, impenitence, covetousness,
worldliness.

More pressing wants— of body,
1 Kings viii. 33—45. of soul, Ps.
xxxviii.

Blessing in undertakings —
prosper thou my work, lead me
in thy truth, forsake me not, O
Lord.

INTERCESSION.

Queen, rulers, country, aU.

Family — good of husband, wife,
parents, children, infants, ser-
vants, bodily, spiritual, eternal :
names

Relations — husbands, parents,
wife's parents, brothers and fa-
milies, sisters and families, dis-
tant relatives : names of rela-
tives

God-children— their names. . . .

Guardians — orphans.

Friends— their names

Neighbours — their names . . .

Afflicted — in mind, body,
estate, poverty, distress.

Enemies— speaking evil of me,
or hating me.

All who love Christ.

All who know not Christ— turn
the Jews to their Redeemer,
bring the Gentiles to know thy
salvation, fill the earth with thy
glory.

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

339

MONDAY EVENING.

CONFESSION.

Sins. Nature — carnal, sold
under sin, no good thing in my
flesh, mind defiled, self-wisdom,
self-will, affections perverse.

Practice— ways evil, all short
of God's glory, evil habits
strong.

Aggravation — sins against
light, conscience, and this oft
repeated, many backslidings.

Partaking of other men's sins.

Impatience — soon wearied, ir-
ritability, hastiness.

To superiors — irreverence.

To equals — not brotherly love.

To inferiors — neglect.

AH — intercession omitted.

A lying tongue, Prov. vi. 17. —
Make me to know my sin.

I BELIEVE. God, was in Christ,
reconciling the world to himself.

Christ, is the Saviour of the
lost.

The Holy Spirit, guides into
all truth, and sanctifies the
people of God.

thanksgiving.

Blessing — and honour, and
glory, and power, be unto him
that sitteth upon the throne, and
unto the Lamb.

Daily mercies — fresh light,
food, clothing, fire, house, do-
mestic love, peace, day of grace,
word of grace, throne of grace.

Friends — and all who have
done me good, by advice, ex-
ample, discourses, prayers, writ-
ings, reproofs, persecutions.

Redemption — forgiveness of
sins, deliverance from the grave,
resurrection. O the depth of the
riches, both of thy wisdom and
knowledge ! Thy justice abides
for ever, thy mercy from ever-
lasting to everlasting.

God — his holy love known, be-
lieved, shed abroad ; God walked
with, his will mine.

Christ — received, abided in, re-
joiced in, followed, all in all.

Spirit— to guide, teach, dwell
in me, sanctify, comfort, glad-
den.

Thy kingdom come — God our
King, refuge, portion, his king-
dom within me, over all the
earth; we a royal priesthood;
all other kingdoms subject to
Christ; turn the hearts of all
kings to thyself.

Constant remembrance — of
death, our Lord's coming, his
judgment, eternal woe, heavenly
glory.

Duties — chastity, temperance,
liberality, self-denial.

Inspire — holy thoughts, edify-
ing words, large efforts for good.
Prosper our work.

Desires— Remove from me va-
nity and lies, give neither po-
verty nor riches, feed me with
food convenient, stablish me with
grace.

As to the future — direct all to
come for good, make thy strength
perfect in my weakness, a wait-
ing spirit, ready for Christ.

Give peace— keeping from us
anarchy, tyranny, civil war, hos-
tile invasion.

God's image restored — the
beauty of the Lord our God be
upon us.

Give protection and repose.

intercession.

Family — all evil put away,
heavenly blessings bestowed.

Country — made a full blessing.

Queen — direct, strengthen,
suggest good thoughts and mea-
sures, avert all evil.

All in authority— guide, bless.

Z 2

340

HINTS FOR

Jerusalem— make it a praise in
the earth.

Gentiles— thy way known on
earth, thy saving health among
all nations.

Christians— the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ with their
Spirit.

The families of Christians-

conversion of each member,
peace and union, joy and love,
affection and blessedness.

All the families of the earth-
to know, love and delight in God,
the only true God.

The bountiful — bless them in
body, in soul, and for ever.

TUESDAY MORNING.

THANKSGIVING.

Creation — the sea and dry land,
fountains, rivers, hills, vallies,
fifelds, meadows, grass, corn,
herbs, fruit-trees, stone, coals,
metals, minerals.

Redemption — Passion week,
warning of the fig-tree, cleansing
of the temple, Mark xi. 12—19.

Spiritual blessings — gift of
Christ, sending Spirit, God in
Christ my Father, revealed, re-
ceived, enjoyed. Calling, conver-
sion, justification, peace, adop-
tion, comfort, sanctification, joy,
perseverance, manifested elec-
tion.

God's multiplied perfections —
presence, knowledge, riches, pro-
vidence, dominion, power ; truth,
mercy, justice, righteousness,
love. My God through Christ.
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord.

His new mercies — this morn-
ing : a full cup given. To thee
be glory for ever.

CONFESSION.

As to God — His presence, truth,
power, righteousness, grace, wis-
dom, love, mercy ; not duly re-
garded nor glorified, but slighted
and forgotten.

As to Christ— His person, work,
will, law, life, death, glory, not
looked to, loved, followed, obey-
ed, but in spirit denied.

As , to the Spirit — not duly
sought, led by, depended on, but
grieved, provoked, quenched.

Great ingratitude to God.

Heart— deceitful, hard, blind.

self-righteous, proud, desperately
wicked.

Truth — often violated by par-
tial, discoloured, exaggerated,
vaiQ-glorious words.

Integrity — failing in, not think-
ing of others as myself.

Self-preference — contention
for my own will and way .

Lord Jesus have mercy on me.

PETITION.

Holiness — inward, outward,
impressed on everything, all the
acts of.

Thoughts — wise, just, scrip-
tural, peaceful ; try me and know
my thoughts.

Affections — pure, holy, spi-
ritual, heavenly ; make me sound
in thy statutes.

Words — true, kind, right, gra-
cious, edifying ; set a watch be-
fore my mouth .

Actions — upright, courteous,
becoming the gospel, steady, dili-
gent, abounding in good. Teach
me to do thy will.

Meekness — like Christ's, his
gentleness, long-suffering, love,
forbearance.

Life— sober, righteous, godly,
in the fear and love of the Lord.
Let my soul live hefore thee.

Sins — forgive, cleanse me from
secret, keep from presumptuous.

Virtuous and approved things
— true, honest, just, pure, lovely,
of good report. May I think on
and do these things.

Spirit of counsel — to advise
prudently, discretion.

Victory over Satan— discerning

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

341

his- devices, resisting, standing
fast, conquering.

Temporal blessings — peace,
health, good to others.

Save me — from the love of mo-
ney, pleasure and honour.

Strength — Lord, strengthen
me ; speak the word of healing ;
appear for me.

Earthly good — needful, suffi-
cient. God's glory the end of
my wish.

INTERCESSION.

Queen, rulers, country, all.

Church of England — bishops,
priests, deacons, members, make
all faithful to Christ, and each
other ; my own bishop, minister ;

safety from foes ; purity, re-
moval of offences, usefulness,
diffusiveness.

Religious societies — a full bless-
ing, on conductors, efforts.

Dissenters — grace with all that
love Christ, restore union, ba-
nish all schism.

Seasons — fasts, festivals, bap-
tism, Lord's supper, ordination,
confirmation, visitation.

Christians— to be the light of
the world, holding forth the word
of life.

Jews — remember thy promises.

The world— turn it to thyself
speedily, O Lord Jesus.

Family — God, the God of our
family in aU our ways.

TUESDAY EVENING.

CONFESSION.

. Works of the flesh — if not in
act yet in heart, or not testified
against in others ; adultery, for-
nication, uncleanness, lascivious-
ness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, wrath,
strife, seditions, heresies, envy-
ings, murders, drunkenness, re-
vellings, and the like.

Injuring the innocent, Prov.
vi. 17.

Foolishness — in departing
from, forgetting, neglecting God.

Vain glory — boasting, high-
minded, self-sufilcient.

Appetite — ungoverned, unre-
strained, dainty, selfish.

Neighijour — not loved as self,
his good disregarded, hard
thoughts, ill wishes, poor not
considered.

Distrust — in God's promises,
glories, care, love, power.

Unclean— all defiled and pol-
luted with sin.

God be merciful to me, a
sinner.

PETITION.

Teach me— thy truth, thy way.
Thy will be done— teach it to

me, make my way plain, thy
counsel rule us, thy good Spirit
lead us, thy purposes be fulfilled
in, by us ; the will of the flesh,
of man, removed. Write thy
law in my heart.

On earth as it is in heaven —
by all nations, all human beings,
all creation as by angels and
glorified hosts above ; the earth
a reflection of the heaven in
every region.

Light — in God's light to see
light, understanding, heart en-
lightened. Let thy comforts re-
fresh me.

Grace — in all its blessed and
blessing effects.

Preserve from — evils in holy
things, strange doctrines, inno-
vations, questions, strifes of
words, heresies, schisms, of-
fences, adulation of kings, flat-
tery of people, all guile and dis-
simulation.

Preserve from evils on earth —
tribulation, poverty, trusting in
riches, dangers, disquietude, ig-
nominy, violence.

Give me — contentment, resig-
nation, perfect honesty in my
whole character, large thought
for the good of others.

Heal my soul.

342

HINTS FOR

Help me speedily, O Lord.

Satisfy me with thy early
mercy, hide not thy face, re-
member me with the favour of
thy people.

INTERCESSION.

Family— God be gracious to
all.

Families everywhere— be the
God of all the families of the
earth, give holy peace and love,
infants cherished, youth in-
structed, feeble comforted, wan-
dering reclaimed, aged sus-
tained.

Help — provide for, orphans,
widows, strangers, poor, heavy
laden, oppressed.

Relieve — the tempted, faint,
distressed, sick, dying.

Save from sin and ruin — the
most wicked, Atheists, Deists,
infidels, blasphemers, Turks, So-
cinians, hypocrites. The adul-
terers, murderers, thieves, liars,
drunkards, swearers, Sabbath
breakers. O thou who wouldest
have all to be saved, have mercy
upon them and convert them.

Pity and assist — all in extreme
danger, sailors, travellers, wan-
derers, slaves, exiles.

Scatter all delighting in war
and evil.

Zion— have mercy upon and
build up, that the Lord may ap-
pear in his glory.

The heathen — to fear thy name.

All the kings of the earth — thy
glory.

Queen, rulers, church, all.

THANKSGIVIXG.

Salvation — to our God which
sitteth upon the throne, and unto
the Lamb. Hosanna in the high-
est. Who is like unto our God,
that pardoneth iniquity, &c. Mic.
vii. 18.

Life, and all its powers — rea-
son, intellect, memory, affec-
tions, conscience, eyes, ears,
tongue, hands, feet.

Fatherly love— like as a father
pitieth so the Lord.

Gospel blessings — glory to God
in the highest, on earth peace,
goodwill towards men. Blessed
be the King that cometh in the
name of the Lord, peace in hea*
ven, and glory in the highest.

Mercies -daily, special, rela-
tive, public.

Christ— the sum of all.

Open my mouth to shew forth
thy praise.

WEDNESDAY MORNING.

INTERCESSION.

Our country — queen, royal fa-
mily, queen's council, parlia-
ment, lords and commons,
princes, nobles, rulers, judges,
sheriffs, magistrates, army, navy,
merchants, rich, landholders,
tradesmen, farmers, labourers,
prosperous, afflicted, prisoners,
poor, all our coasts, divisions,
isles, Britons all over the earth,
thy church helped, thy name
honoured, Britain made a bless-
ing to all nations.

Our colonies — governors, coun-
cils, officers, civil, military, resi-

dents, and natives, fill them with
Christian light, love.

America— to be partaker of our
mercies and blessedness.

Our universities and colleges —
Cambridge, Oxford, London,
Wales, the Northern, Scotland,
Ireland, Calcutta, America, &c. ;
heads, professors, tutors, mem-
bers, increasing and constant
springs of good.

Our religious societies — at
home, on the continent, world at
large ; Jews, Bible, Missionary,
Reformation, Protestant, Chuich,
Book, Tract, Sound Education,
British, Irish, Scotch, Welch,

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

343

Sailors, Benevolent, hospitals,
asylums, &c., all aiming to do
good to bodies or souls.

Neighbourhood— make me use-
ful, a blessing to it.

Family — spiritual life to all.

CONFESSION.

Conscience — not tender, made
dull, slighted, hypocritical.

Easily besetting sin — not
watched against, steadily resist-
ed, but indulged, fostered.

Self-denial— wanting, in every
thing, duties, pleasures, food,
ease, studies, honour ; specially
marked in ungodliness and
worldly lusts.

Conversation— light, vain, idle,
man pleasing, unprofitable.

Passions— angry, contentious,
self-willed, or fearful, timid, giv-
ing way to evil.

Parents— not honoured.

Children — not disciplined, but
spoiled, idolised. Lord, blot out
all my sins, remember me in thy
kingdom.

To keep the heart diligently —
help me.

Give me hunger and thirst after
righteousness — to see Christ the
true bread, labour for this meat,
thirst for the living fountain, God
himself; following holiness, seek-
ing first thy kingdom; let thy
right hand uphold.

Spirit of might— courage to
execute, power to fulfil the will
and work of God.

Word of Christ— dwelling in
me richly, a lamp, a light, de-
light in, regulating all.

Tempers— meek, humble, lov-

ing, holy, patient, even all the
Lord called blessed, Matthew v.
3—11

Faith— living, strong, working,
conflicting, conquering.

Hope — lively, assured, good
through grace.

Charity— long-suffering, kind,
not envying, not vaunting, not
puffed up, not unseemly, nor sel-
fish nor easily provoked, rejoic-
ing in truth, not in iniquity, co-
vering, believing, hoping, endur-
ing all things, unfailing.

Good works added to each
other— faith, virtue, knowledge,
temperance, patience, godliness,
brotherly kindness, charity.

Self-denial — grace to crucify
flesh, not weary in well-doing,
not prefer nor indulge self.

To trust — in the Lord and do
good, hoping to the end : look-
ing for our Lord's coming.

Thy ways — make straight be-
fore me, hold up my goings in
thy paths.

Token for good— shew me, say
I am thy salvation.

THANKSGIVING.

Creation— sun, moon, stars, for
signs, seasons, days, nights,
weeks, months, years, spring,
summer, winter, autumn.

Providential— light, air, rain,
heat, cold, seed time, harvest,
prosperity, trials.

Redemption — Passion week,
parables, instruction. Matt. xxi.
— XXV. Widow's mite, Judas be-
traying, Luke xxiii. 13.

Special mercies — deliverance,
recovery, upholding, peculiar
grace, help, course of past life.

Remarkable mercies, Deut. v.
15. vii. 18. viii. 2.

WEDNESDAY EVENING.

THANKSGIVIN'G.

I BELIEVE — God is the God of
peace and love, Christ his only-
begotten Son died for our sins,

and the Holy Ghost teaches us all
things.

Blessing— and glory, and wis-
dom, and thanksgiving, and
honour, and power, and might, be

344

HINTS FOR

unto our God for ever and ever.
Amen.

Glory to God— who blots out
our sins for his own sake, who
has laid all our iniquities on
Christ, who has sworn that he
has no pleasure in the death of a
sinner and calls us to return and
live.

All praise be to him— for the
Leader and Captain of our salva-
tion, and for patriarchs, prophets,
kings, apostles, evangelists, mar-
tyrs, confessors and reformers.

I will extol thee — my God and
my King, who art never weary
of doing me good and blessing
me, my cup runs over, goodness
and mercy follow me each day.

CONFESSION.

An evil heart — of unbelief, de-
vising wicked imaginations.
Prov. vi. 18. bent to backslide.

Erring feet— like a lost sheep,
departing from God's ways.

A foolish tongue — speaking
vain, evil, idle words.

To God — lukewarmness, for-
getfulness, forsaking.

To the world — readily turning,
and eagerly pmsuingits vanities.

My body — not kept in subjec-
tion, in soberness, chastity and
temperance.

My spirit — light and frivolous,
or desponding, anxious.

Occasions of sin — not watched
against, not avoided.

Backslidings — giving way to
evil, departing from God, draw-
ing back, not pressing forward.

Enter not into judgment, O
Lord.

PETITION.

Heal my backslidings, restore
my soul. Make haste to help me.

Understanding — in thy word,
order my steps therein, preserve
my soul thereby.

Give us this day our daily
bread — bread to sustain, raiment
to cover, home for shelter, thy

word for my soul, food conve-
nient. O thou who givest seed
to the sower, and bread to the
eater !

Deliver us from merited evils —
pestilence, famine, wars, earth-
quake, floods, fires, drought,
blight, mildew, tempest, infec-
tions, diseases, unprepared death,
the unquenchable fire.

Give us unmerited good — thy
truth and grace, thy salvation,
heavenly affections, inward truth
and integrity, earthly blessings
needful and good, crowning the
year with thy goodness.

Restitution — help me to make,
if any injured by me in soul and
bodj^, as far as I have means.

Mortification of sin — crucifying
the fiesh with its affections and
lusts.

0 Lord, hear my prayer.

1 am thine, save me.

Help me and deliver me.

Turn me and I shall be turned.

Give me grace to follow right-
eousness, faith, charity, peace
with all that call on thee out of a
pure heart.

INTERCESSION.

Queen, rulers, church of Christ.

Family— visit us with thy sal-
vation.

Israel— give them one heart, a
new spirit, take away the stony
and give the heart of flesh.

Our neighbourhood — peace and
holiness be followed.

Our country — upright rulers,
firm magistrates, obedient people,
provide for widows and father-
less, help the helpless, give hope
to the despairing, and home to
the homeless.

Youth — preserve from youthful
lusts, grace to grow up as Christ
in wisdom and in stature, in fav-
our with God and man.

Aged— sustain, comfort, and
support.

Let all thy works praise thee,
O Lord.

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

345

THURSDAY MORNING.

ACT OF FAITH.

I BELIEVE — God hath given us
eternal life, and this life is in his
Son. I believe the Word was
made flesh and dwelt among us.
I believe in the Holy Ghost, the
Comforter. I believe Christ will
come again and judge the earth,
sendinii the wicked to everlasting
fire, and taking the righteous to
life eternal.

THANKSGIVIXG.

Creation— of all living crea-
tures in the waters and in the
air ; fish and winged fowl.

Redemption — Passion week,
teaching in the temple, washing
thy disciples' feet, passover and
Lord's Supper, last discourse and
prayer, (John xiv — xvii.) agony
in the garden, betrayed, led to
Annas, Caiaphas, denied by Peter.

Ascension — Christ's leading
captivity captive, sitting at God's
right hand, receiving gifts for
rebels.

God's gifts— of nature, provi-
dence, grace, instruction in thy
truth.

Family blessings — protection,
provision, love, sympathy, hus-
band, wife, parents, children,
master,servants,teachers,taught,
friends, dependants.

Blessing to others— being made
this, seeing their good, averting
evil from them, promoting their
salvation.

Thy mercies are new every
morning,great is thy faithfulness.

CONFESSION.

Ingratitude — under so much
goodness— less than the least of
all God's mercies.

Filthiness of the flesh — its lusts
still polluting my soul, sensual,
impure, covetous.

FUthiness of the spirit — pride,
vanity, wrath, strife, self-will,
envy, jealousy, lies, impatience,
fretfulness.

Conduct— not sober, righteous
and godly in its whole course.

Scriptures — not duly prized,
believed, read, prayed over,
obeyed, delighted in above earth-
ly things.

Devotions — want of faith, and
fervency; formal, duU, reluctant,
inconstant, omitted, shortened.

The world— loved too much,
its enmity feared, its friendship
desired, not crucified to it by
Christ.

Make haste to help me, O Lord,
my salvation.

PETITION.

Spirit of knowledge — knowing
thy will and counsel — discerning
spirits of men, and wise to in-
struct and win souls.

Good thoughts— suggest, main-
tain, bring to good effect.

Grace to lay apart aU filthiness
and superfluity of naughtiness,
and receive with meekness the
ingrafted word, to lay aside every
weight, easily besetting sin,, run-
ning the race with patience,
looking to Jesus, my Leader.

Serving God — believingly,
cheerfully, acceptably, wholly,
with reverence and godly fear.

Grace of God — to learn its teach-
ing, not to receive it in vain, to
find it helping in time of need,
not to fall short of it.

Others— to love them as myself,
and do as I would be done by,
returning good for evil, shewing
myself friendly, being courteous,
kind, humble, loving, caring for
the poor.

Help me to flee the love of
money.

Coming of Christ— grant me
thy salvation, make me ready for

345

HINTS FOR

his day, shew me thy ways, teach
me thy truth.

Mercy — seeing my need and
thy abounding grace, may I love
mercy,she\v it, be tender-hearted,
forgiving, bovpels of mercies,
pitying the distressed, distribut-
ing to them, visiting and refresh-
ing them.

INTERCESSION.

Queen, rulers, country, all lov-
ing Christ.

Christendom at large — all who
call on the name of Jesus in
every place, eastern, western,
America. Bring thy people out

of popery and every corrupt
church. May the reformed hold
fast thy truth, be revived and en-
larged through the earth.

All universities— Christ hon-
oured, his truth taught, his Spirit
given.

Schools, colleges — Christian
truth, faith, practice, sound
knowledge.

Names of religious societies.

Names of missions.

Names of missionaries.

The whole earth — full of truth,
peace, light, love.

Family — repentance, faith and
newness of life to each one.

THURSDAY MORNING.

CONFESSIOX.

Personal sins — unbelief, indo-
lence, pride, forgetfulness of thee.

General sins — we all do fade as
a leaf, we have sinned, committed
iniquity, done wickedly, rebelled,
by departing from thy precepts
and thy judgments.

Sins against God — other Lords
ruling, worship polluted, name
dishonoured, day profaned, not
making godliness my gain.

Sins against my neighbours-
authorities not honoured, hatred,
impurity, injury, falsehood, co-
vetousness.

Feet swift in mischief. Prov.
vi. 18.

Dealings with others — secret
unfairness, want of liberal love
to the poor.

Conscience — not alive to its
suggestions.

Deliver me speedily, O Lord.

Forgive us our trespasses as
we forgive them that trespass-
take them all away, blot them
out, help me to fear thee for-
giving me ; and fully to forgive
others, doing good to those who
injure me.

Spirit of prayer— constant, en-
larged, always with spirit of
praise, joy and glory.

Special love to God's people.

Real love to all men — indiffer-
ent about none, sacrifices for
enemies, seeking their true good.

Usefulness— as salt of the earth,
as light of the world. By exam-
ple, words, writing, publishing,
giving.

To be an enlarged good— to my
family, neighbourhood, church,
all men.

Thoughts -save me from evil,
continually inspire good, rectify
every inward desire.

Lips — set a watch before my
mouth, pour grace into my lips.

Save my soul— give me what is
profitable for it, sanctify it, keep
it to eternal life. If thou wilt
thou canst make me clean, may
I keep myself pure.

Death unto sin — crucifying the
flesh by the cross of Christ.

Life unto righteousness — by
the resurrection of Christ.

Thy word — teach me, sanctify
me by, increase faith, hope, and
love, by hearing, reading and me-
ditation, shew me thy ways.

Presence of God — to go with
me always. O forsake me not.

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

347

INTERCESSION.

Family— faith, hope and love.

Country — spare and bless, save
us from infidelity, secularity and
popery .

All classes— make me fruitful
in plans and efforts to do them
good, bless youth, infants, aged,
middle aged, prisoners, naked,
strangers, give comfort to the
mourner, repentance to crimi-
nals, food to the hungry, relief to
the sick.

Army and navy — give piety,
courage in thyself.

Our queen — suggest good coun-
sels to her, bless her and her
reign, all in authority.

Thy people — gather, perfect,
prosper in body and in soul.

Israel— assemble them out of
all countries, and give them the
land of Israel, and make Jerusa-
lem the joy of the whole earth,

THANKSGIVING.

We give thee thanks, O Lord
God Almighty, which art, and

wast, and art to come. Great
and marvellous are thy works,
just and true are thy ways thou
king of saints. Who shall not
fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy
name for thou only art holy 1

National mercies— safety, free-
dom, peace, deliverance from evil
men.

Gospel blessings — a Saviour, a
Sanctifier, a reconciled Father,
the gift of life eternal.

It is good to praise the Lord,
to shew thy faithfulness every
night; let all thy works praise
thee, and let thy saints bless thee.

Providences of the day— provi-
sion, care, preservation, good
done, or received, God's bounti-
ful dealings, Hosanna in the
highest.

ACT OF FAITH,

I believe in the love of God the
Father, I look for the mercy of
our Lord Jesus Christ unto eter-
nal life, I know the Holy Ghost
helpeth our infirmities, making
intercession for us.

FRIDAY MORNING.

CONFESSION.

Death of Jesus — not prized,
thought of, used as so great a
sacrifice should, neglecting in
spirit, denying afresh, crucifying
by sin.

Want of faith in Christ — seen
in fear of man, dread of death,
love of sin.

Family sins — not exhorting nor
duly praying for, nor setting good
example, nor giving up self.

Parish — influence not fuUy
used for its good.

N eighbours, friends — their
good not sought, want of care,
love, bounty, ill-will, evil speak-
ing.

Sins dearest to me. Psalm xviii.
23. Matt. V. 29, 30. Heb. xii. 1.

Particular sins— anger, hasti-

ness, envy, malice, love of the
world, sloth.

ACT OF FAITH.

I believe God spared not his
own Son but delivered him up
for us all. I believe the blood of
Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth
from all sin. I believe the Holy
Ghost takes of Christ's, and
shews them to us.

Lord, I believe, help thou my
unbelief.

Faith in Christ— living, justify-
ing, purifying, strong faith, even
the faith of his elect, believing in
his name, Christ dwelling in me,
built up in this most holy faith,

348

HINTS FOR

established in it, abiding in
Christ, ever taking tliis shield,
and stedfast in the Lord.

Effects of faith— laborious,
sanctifying, victorious over the
world, working by love.

Fruits of faith —adoption, joy,
peace, full salvation.

Spirit of the fear of the Lord-
not diflSdence, or doubt, or terror,
but reverence, care not to offend,
desire to please.

Purity in heart— truth in the
inward parts, holding it in love,
sincerity, uprightness, an honest
and good heart.

Temptations— watched, resist-
ed, overcome.

Relative duties — minister, hea-
rer; husband, wife, master, ser-
vant ; parent, child ; brother,
sister; friend, neighbour; ruler,
subject ; grace to fulfil each to
God's glory and man's good.

Fasting— grace for, as a habit,
on special occasions.

Influence — faith to use it, wher-
ever I possess it, for God, renew
our days as of old, quicken us in
thy ways.

INTERCESSION.

That Christ may be lifted up
and all men drawn to him.

The church of Christ — English,
Scotch, Irish, Welsh, reformed,
Lutheran, all Christian kingdoms
in Europe, Asia, Africa, America,
Isles of the sea, all Papists,
Greeks, Eastern Christians, to
each needful, suitable, season-
able mercies and grace, making
thy people one in all the earth.

Unchristian world— Jews, con-
version, peace, restoration, mis-
sionauies, amongst blessed.

Gentiles — great ingathering,
sending fresh labourers, prosper-
ing all now preaching.

All classes — in necessity, trou-
ble, fainting and heavy-laden.

All relations— my house and
family, peace be to it ; benefac-
tors, kindred, friends, and fa-
ther's friends, those who wish
me well, intercede for me, be-
nefit me, or have been benefitted
by me. Queen and rulers.

To aU tradesmen — artificers,
dealers, husbandmen, labourers,
fishermen, give skill, patience,
integrity, piety.

AU for whom Christ died— that
they may believe in him.

THANKSGIVING.

Creation — of all beasts and
cattle, and every creeping thing
out of the earth ; with all the
benefits obtained by them. Last
of all MAN, after God's own
image.

The members of the body —
eyes, ears, tongue, hands, feet,
heart.

Faculties of the soul — life,
senses, reason, intellect, will,
memory, conscience.

Man's dominion over the earth.

Redemption — Passion week,
Christ brought before Pilate, de-
nied by Peter, scourged, con-
demned, crowned with thorns,
mocked, crucified, derided, died
on the tree, earthquake, dark-
ness, burial.

Prospective good — return of
Christ, his kingdom, joy of crea-
tion, eternal life. Now unto him
that loved us, and washed us
from our sins in his own blood,
be glory. Rev. i. 5, 6.

FRIDAY EVENING.

THANKSGIVING.

Salvation, and glory, and ho-
nour, and power unto thee, O
Lord, our God, for true and

righteous are thy judgments.
Hallelujah.

Praise our God— for creating
all in heaven and earth, uphold-
ing all by his power, doing good

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

349

to all, redeeming all mankind.
Wisdom, might, truth, and love
are thine for ever.

Christ crucified — thanks be
unto God for this love unspeak-
able.

Deliverance — from dangers,
diseases, poverty, servitude,
shame, distressing accidents.

Good is the Lord— he is my
strength and song, he is become
my salvation. Blessed for ever
be my rock and my fortress.

ACT OF FAITH.

I believe by grace we are
saved through faith, the gift of
God. I believe we are created
in Christ Jesus unto good works.
I desire the fruit of the Spirit.

CONFESSION.

Forgetfulness — of God, and
thy presence, will, and glory ;
going astray like a sheep and
turning to my own way, not
living in prayer.

Want of godly simplicity — not
careful in speaking the exact
truth, desiring to appear good to
others, flattering words, false
witness, Prov. vi. 18.

Fasting — neglected, or self-
righteously practised.

Christ — not realized as my life,
and his body as meat, and his
blood as drink indeed.

In many things we all offend.
I am wicked, woe is me. Job x. 15.

Remove aU my guilt.

PETITION.

Lead us not into temptation —
pity my weakness, make haste
to help me, keep me from all oc-
casions of sins, turn my eyes
from vanity.

Repentance unto life— give me
godly sorrow, a heart of flesh, a
broken and contrite spirit, turn-
ing to thee with my whole heart.

Deliver me from hardness of

heart, blindness within, insensi-
bility to sin, disregard of threat-
nings, a seared conscience, a
reprobate mind.

Faith towards Christ — believ-
ing all thy word; truths, precepts,
threatnings, promises, and com-
ing to Jesus daily.

Humility — not thinking of my-
self more highly than I ought to
think, just views of my real sin-
fulness.

Fear of God — put in me.

Teach me to love others — ma-
nifesting it by all self-denying
acts of love.

Plans for good — suggest, direct,
enable, prosper, grace to perse-
vere in.

Resolutions — strengthen, bring
to good effect.

Death — may my last end be
holy and peaceful, free from fear
of evil.

Eternal life — begun now by
knowing God and Christ, com-
pletely possessed hereafter.

Save me for thy name's sake,
hold up my goings in thy paths.

This night give me quiet rest,
joy in thee, praises to thy name.

INTERCESSION.

Queen, ru.'ers.country, all men.

Enemies — if I have any. Lord
forgive them, bless them, do them
good.

Family — be thou their teacher,
head, Saviour.

AflJicted everywhere — by op-
pression, trouble of body, mind
or estate, captivity-bonds, prison,
slavery, distress, sickness.

Jews — May they look to Jesus,
mourn, and have all their sins
cleansed, and be as life from the
dead to the world.

My church, congregation —
Give to all to love thy house,
fervour in prayer, grateful
thanksgivings, overflowing of
mutual grace and love.

The whole church— unity, in-
crease, strength, full victorj'.

350

HINTS FOR

SATURDAY MORNING.

ACT OF FAITH.

I believe God has appointed a
day in which he will judge the
world by Jesus Christ. I believe
Christ will surely come again,
and that quickly. I believe his
Holy Spirit is now our Teacher
and Comforter.

THANKSGIVING.

Rest from creation — The insti-
tution of the Sabbath, the future
rest promised ; the blessedness of
a seventh day's rest now.

Redemption — Passion week,
rest on the Jewish sabbath,
watch set, Christ's descent into
hell, and all his victories. His
having the keys of death and hell.

Means of grace — scriptures,
abundance, sureness, fulness,
clearness, faithful ministers,
baptism. Lord's Supper, public
worship, Christian fellowship,
pious friends, pious books.

Church of England— doctrines,
ministry, liturgy, churches, esta-
blishment.

National blessings — our safety,
freedom, peace, religion, means
of doing good to all men. Thine
is the greatness, power, glory,
victory, majesty, riches, and
honour come of thee, with do ■
minion, might, and strength.

Goodness to us — how great thy
long-suflfering, and bounty !

The Giver — how great, good,
wise, righteous, forbearing, and
forgiving !

The receiver— unworthy, mis-
using most sinful.

The multitude — countless, con-
stant.

CONFESSION.

Talents — buried, abused,
squandered away, not traded
with for thee.

Injustice — more careful for ad-
vantage than for righteousness,
in dealing with others.

Mercy— little cheerfulness or
constancy in shewing it.

Relative duties — not duly
thought of, not with self-denisd
fulfilled.

Appetite — over-indulged, ful-
ness of bread, pride, idleness,
impurity.

Money— far too much thought
of.

Country— not duly prayed for,
sins not mourned, much selfish-
ness, and not living for others.

World — snares of not vratched
against nor escaped ; best good
of men not duly thought of, nor
sacrifices made for it.

Aggravations— greatness, num-
ber, my light, and many mercies,

PETITION.

Gospel— help to believe, obey,
welcome, rejoice in, adorn.

Law — delight in, conformity to.

Peacemaker — grace to be ;
seeking, living in, following, suf-
fering for peace. The unity of
Spirit in the bond of peace. Love,
joy, peace, gentleness, &c.

Quick perception in the fear of
the Lord, Isaiah xi. 3; discerning
all things.

Death— mindful of, prepared
for, truly Christian, looking for
the crown of life, my gain, peace-
ful, happy.

Perseverance — continuing in
the truth, holding it fast, praying
always, continuing in grace,
stedfast, unmoveable, not draw-
ing back, not weary, enduring to
the end.

New covenant — Laws put in
my mind, written in my heart.
God, my God : we to him a
people, all knowing him, mercy
for our unrighteousness, sins not
remembered.

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

351

A right spirit— renew, make me
to go in thy paths, give joy to my
soul.

Day of Christ — watchfulness
for, praying always, not over-
charged, looking, waiting for it,
hasting to it, all ready for him.

Second coming — loving his
appearing. Even so come.

God all in all— the rest, joy,
and portion of every living soul.

INTERCESSION.

Subject of Prayer in Private
Prayer Union, from 7 to 8. —
1. Gift of Spirit.— 2. Unity, purity
of church of Christ. — 3. Queen,
rulers, country. — 4. Sending min-

isters to preach.— 5. Blessing on
the ministry of the word.— 6. Pro-
mises to the Jews. — 7. Propaga-
tion of the Gospel among the
heathen. — 8. Blessing on mem-
bers of the Union.

Kingdom of Christ — hasten it
daily, constant growth, destroy
Antichrist Papal, Mahomedan,
Infidel, remove prejudices from
Jews, Christians, bring Israel to
their own land, convert the na-
tions, deliver oppressed, sanctify
judgments, pour out thy Spirit
on all, fill the earth with Christ's
glory, let all creation soon be for
ever joyful in him.

Family — return and bless my
own household.

SATURDAY EVENING.

CONFESSION.

Heart~defilement,evil thoughts,
adulteries, fornications, murders,
thefts, covetousness, wickedness,
deceit, lasciviousness, an evil
eye, blasphemy, pride, foolish-
ness.

Commandments— broken, felt
a burden, not delighted in.

Worldly carefulness — far too
much allowed,

Impeniten ce — unbelief.

Vanity — selfishness .

Words— that might sow dis-
cord. Prov. vi. 19. suspicions,
jealousies, envy.

Want of love to Christ — his
word, his people, his coming.

Unholy affections— my heart
full of vain, wandering thoughts,
sensual.

No child-like humility — teach-
ableness and submission.

PETITION.

Deliver us from evil — from Sa-
tan and from sin, all calamities,
evils in myself, of the times, of
the world, of sickness, past, pre-
sent, to come J set not thy face
against us.

The three graces— increase

faith, confirm hope, enlarge cha-
rity.

God's love — possessed, dwelt
in, more shed abroad in my heart,
full joy in it.

Edification of others — my con-
stant aim, success in it from thy-
self, salt to season, light to shine.

Walking with God— all the day
and each day, uprightly, soberly,
cheerfully, working while it is
day.

A good name among men, their
loving favour. Pro. xxii. 1.

Cheerfulness in the ways of
Christ; joy in God through him.

Judgment day — a good account
of my talents, acceptance and
abundant entrance.

The Holy Ghost— to renew, fill
with zeal, enable me to perse-
vere, though faint yet pursuing.

Comfort my soul — with thy
grace, the joy of thy salvation ;
remember me with the favour
thou bearest to thy people.

Save me— for thy name's sake.

INTERCESSION.

Thy saints— bless everywhere,
all living godly prosper, all min-
istering to the bodily and spiri-

352

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER.

tual wants of men, to the merci-
ful shew thyself merciful.

Thy ministers — Lord streng-
then them, and send them help
from thy sanctuary.

All not mentioned — through
forgetfulness, number or ne-
glect ; give to each suitable, sea-
sonable, needful grace and help.

Rich — save from their many
snares.

Poor — relieve in their many
difficulties.

Zion — hasten its being, a crown
of glory in the hand of the Lord
and a royal diadem ; called Heph-
zibah, and her land Beulah.

Queen, rulers, church of Christ.

Family— O God be the Father,
O Christ be the Saviour, O Spirit
be the Guide, and bring each to
heaven as their home.

The whole earth — let it be full
of the knowledge of the glory of
the Lord.

THANKSGIVING.

How excellent is thy loving-
kindness, thy name only is to be
praised !

Hallelujah— for the Lord God
omnipotent reigneth, let us be

glad, and rejoice, and give hon-
our to him.

0 the depth- of the riches,
both of the wisdom and know-
ledge of God, how unsearchable
are his judgments and his ways,
past finding out '

May I feel I am called out of
darkness into light to shew forth
his praise !

How great the riches of his
long-suffering and forbearance to
me and to all men !

My heart rejoices in the Lord
who has done excellent things,
whose name only is excellent in
all the earth. From the rising
of the sun to the going down of
the same let his name be praised.

ACT OF FAITH.

1 believe the tabernacle of God
will be with men, and he will
dwell with them, and that the
throne of God and of the Lamb
shall be in the heavenly Jerusa-
lem, and they shall see his face
and his name shall be in their
foreheads, and the Lord God shall
give them light, and they shall
reign for ever and ever. Rev.
xxi. 3 ; xxii. 3 — 5.

INDEX.

Abraham's example in family worship 151

Adam, Rev. Thomas, his Private Thoughts, quoted 244, 249

Address on constant prayer, to Christian ministers, parents,
those in prosperity, or afflicted, the young, those in

middle life, and the aged 258—262

Adoration, to be a part of prayer 76

example of 103

Affliction, prayer advantageous in 17

Alms should be joined with prayers 191

Analysis of prayer, from Bishop WUkins 75

Anselm, Bishop, quoted 227

ATiswers to prayer, chapter on 183

examples of 1 S6, 187

duty when prayers answered, or not IQS

Approach to public worship, directions for 139

Assistance of the Holy Spirit in prayer (see Holy Ghost) 34

Augustine, quoted 245

Averseness to prayer by nature 35

Baxter^ s Converse with God, quoted 59, 113

his spirit of prayer for the world at large 206

Behaviour, a due, in the house of God 142

Being, we have to worship 64

his character as a Father 65, 66

his majesty, his grace, and mercy 6;, 68

Benevolent Society, form of prayer for 310

Beveridge's Private Thoughts recommended 28

Blessing, example of, in prayer 104

Boerhave, his daily practice 117

Bonnet, the life of, quoted 63

his prayer before public worship 143

Books on Closet Prayer, quoted 247

Bawdier, quoted 260

Bradford, the martyr, sayings of 2, 79, 106

Brown on Prayer, quoted 57

Buchanan, Dr. his observations on family worship 155

Calm at Sea, figure to illustrate the need of divine aid .... 34

Cecil's -Bemams, quotation from, on family worsliip 154

2 A

354 ' INDEX.

Church of England Liturgy praised by Dissenters 138

■ — its testimony to the need of tlie Spirit's as-
sistance 38, 39

Church, or place set apart for public worship, observations on 138

Cobbett on Prayer, quoted 249

Confessions of sin, observations on (see Forms of Prayer) .... 77

original corruption 77

. actual transgression 79

aggravation of sins 81

example of 1 04

Conformity to the World to be avoided 224

Conversation among Christians, observations on 173

Denial of Prayer, resson?,ior 191

Devotional feelings merely, may be without real devotion 215

Directions to assist in attaining the spirit of prayer 220

Distractions in prayer, observations on 204

their nature 205

• great evil in them 207

hints to avoid them , , 209

lessons inculcated through them .... 211

Duty of prayer, proved by its being natural and reasonable . , 8

it is an act of homage due to God 8

the command and threatenings of God .... 9

God's relation to us shews it a duty ...... 9

the practice of holy persons 10

indispensable for the obtaining of grace .... 11

Ejaculntciry prayer, described 177

examples of persons using it 1/7

examples of prayers 329

Enlarye)nent of the kingdom of Christ, or a spirit of prayer for 193

divine power necessary to accomplish it • . 195

— ■ the promises relative to it call for prayer . . 196

directions and prophecies for tbat purpose . . 197

■ the many examples 198

a blessing has ever attended it 199

it gives God all the glory 201

united prayers specially eflScacious 202

— ■ forms of prayer for 314,317

Evening prayer, observations on 109

forms of private 281 , 284

family 298, 301

Sunday 303

Examples of prayer, our Lord's 11, 121, 152

Exhortation to constant prayer 253

• those who have neglected it .... 253

are ashamed of it .... 255

have become remiss .... 256

are endeavouring to pray

constantly 257

Eye of God, to be remembered as seeing our hearts in prayer 67

Faith in the being and goodness of God necessary 7

that we should obtain what we ask 239

Family worship, observations on 1 49

■ obligation to family worship 150

INDEX. 355

Family Worship, contrast between a family neglecting and at-
tending to it 154

objections to it answered 155

forms of family prayer recommended .... 156

examples of, it should be considered as a pri-
vilege 160

a due performance of it 161

the duty of those who join 168

address to those who neglect and who attend

to it 1 168

i^cwfm^, a help to prayer igi

Forms of prayer, observations on 71, 134, 267

examples of , 267

Freedom and boldness of access desirable 243

Frequency of private prayer, remarks on 1 09

• and perseverance necessary in prayer 247

Gift and grace of prayer distiDgmshed 39

Gift of prayer attainable (see Holy Ghost) I63

prayer for 268

God?OTw's observations on the denial of prayer ipo

Grace before and after meals 1 67

Gray, his queries to detect the want of spirit of prayer .... 221

Groanings of the Spirit, meaning explained 42

Growth of a devout spirit 179

Habit ofprager, chapter on 175

examples of ; 177

seasons for its exercise 1 80

■■ how to obtain it 181

Hale, a remark of his 224

Hall, Bishop, quoted 171

Hamilton's Life of Bonnel, quoted 243

Hawimand, Z>r. his remarks on Psalmody I63

Hindrances to prayer, rules respecting 223

Hints on Prayer for morning and evening of each day 333

Holy Ghost promised to the church * 37

assists us in prayer 38

• a common blessing to all Christians 38

his work explained 40

directions to look for his assistance 233

Home, Bishop, quoted 238

Hoif)e, extract from his Treatise on Family Worship 160

Humility and self-abasement needful to right prayer 249

Hymns on prayer 262

Ignorance, our natural, on the subject of prayer 35

Infirmities as to prayer, (see Distractions) 35

Intercession of the Holy Spirit explained 42

• • Jesus Christ, our High Priest and Redeemer .. 49

his situation as Interceder 50

the nature of his intercession 51

to be considered before, at, and after prayer . . 56

for others, direction for 91

particular days for 281

Invocation, example of 103

35G INDEX.

Ivy, prayer illustrated by 15

Kneeling in public worship, note on 134

Latimer's prayers, and their answers 187

Liturgy, advantages of 133

Lord's Prayer, bi'ief observations on 106

Luther's private devotion, account of 120

Lord's Supper, prayers before and after 25o, 262

Majesty of God, to be considered before prayer 67

Means, due use of to be attended to 188

Meditation needful before prayer 238

Milton, passage from his Paradise Lost 157

Moon, simile illustrating prayer in affliction 260

More, Mrs. H. her w^ritings quoted 4, 5, 68, 222

Morning prayer, observations on 109

forms of prayer 270, 273

family 287, 291

Sunday 299

Mystical devotion, to be guarded against 217

Name of Christ, only to be trusted in 233

Nature of prayer 1

Aegro, anecdote of 206

Noon, prayer at, observation on Ill

forms of prayer at 272, 274

Objections to prayer in general, answered 21

public woi-ship answered 130

family worship answered 130

Obligation to family worship 150

Ogden, quotation from 115

Owen, his "grace and duty of spiritual-mindedness" recom-
mended 212

— - — quoted 58

Parts of prayer, section on 74

confession 75, 104

petition 83, 104

intercession 91

thanksgiving 97, 1 04

Perverseness in the affections, as to prayer 36

Petition, directions for , 83

Places set apart for public worship, remarks on 138

Pleading, duty of 91

example of 104

Prayers not to be used in a language not understood .... 218

for the dead, contrary to scripture 97

Private prayer, ohscTvatious on 58

as distinguished from other kinds of worship . . 59

its reward 114

forms of 267

Privilege of prayer stated 12

Public Worship, its duty and advantages 116

how duly performed 133

a due approach to it 139

a due behaviour in it 142

a due return from it 146

Relative Duties, to be mentioned in prayer 88

INDEX. 357

Reward of Private Prayer 114

Romame's practice of intercessioa 95

Rules relating to hindrances to Prayer —

. renounce all known sin 222

be not conformed to the world 224

guard against improper motives 228

take heed of spiritual pride 229

neglect not the holy scriptures 230

Rules to assist in attaining the spirit of devotion —

resist the temptations of Satan 225

beware of a self-righteous spirit 226

look for the aid of the Holy Spirit 233

trust only in the name of Jesus Christ .... 234

be watchful 236

■ meditate before you pray 238

ask in faith 239

be simple, reverent, and grave 242

aim to enjoy a holy freedom 243

be sincere and fervent 244

be frequent and persevering 247

be humble and self-abased 249

i?«Zes from an old vsriter, before, in, and after prayer 251

Sabbath, the duty of observing 127

Satan, his temptations to be resisted 225

Scriptures, not to be neglected 230

Self-dedication, example of 104

Self -righteousness, danger from, to be guarded against . . . 147, 226

Sheppard's Thoughts on Private Devotion, quoted 24, 96

Simeon, quotation from Ill

Simplicity in prayer to be attended to 242

Sin, to be renounced 222

Social Prayer, the duty of 170

■ of those who join 174

Spiritual blessings, to be importunately asked for 71> 86

— answers to prayer for 1 84

pride to be watched against 229

Steele on Distractions recommended 204

Subjects to be mentioned in prayer 68

Sun, simile of stars obscui-ed by, illustrating distractions . . 205

Sunday School, form of prayer for 309

Taylor, Bishop, quotations from 185, 222, 253

Temporal Blessings, to be asked for with submission 70, 87

answers to prayer for 185

Thanksgiving, directions for 97

neglected or coldly practised 102

^ example of, (see Forms of Prayer) 103

Trail, quoted 235, 240

Trusting in our prayers, the danger of 27

in the name of Christ only, the duty of 234

Vincent on distractions quoted 229, 239

Walker^s Fifty-two Sermons on the Catechism, quoted 242

Watchfulness in prayer, the duty of 236

Watts, Dr. quoted 4, 173, 240

Wilkin's, Bishop, quoted 12, 71, 75, 251

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