dismissed from the drudgery of prayer; it will then have answered all the ends which you so tiresomely recommended. So far from it, we really figure to ourselves that if we could hope to hear of a human being brought to such perfection of discipline, it would unquestionably be found that this would be the very being who would continue most perseveringly in the practice of that devotion which had so materially contributed to bring his heart and mind into so desirable a state, who would most tremble to discontinue prayer, who would be most appalled at the thought of the condition into which such discontinuance would be likely to reduce him. Whatever others do, he will continue for ever to "sing praises unto Thee, O Thou most Highest; he will continue to tell of thy loving-kindness early in the morning, and of thy truth in the night-season."

See this subject discussed at length in a work entitled " The Spirit of Prayer," by the late excellent Hannah More.

THOUGHTS

ON

PRIVATE DEVOTION.

CHAPTER I.

THE ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE PRAYER.

INTRODUCTION.

It is the indispensable duty of every Christian to pray in private.

OUR Saviour hath enjoined it on all his followers, by precept, by promise, and by his own blessed example: "When 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." (Matt. vi. 6.) The precept is positive : the

we were daily imitating more that noble pattern which his holy life exhibits, by being much alone with God! What is Christianity, but an imitation of all the imitable perfections of the Saviour? A Christian's whole life should be a visible representation of Christ. The examples of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and saints, as recorded in the Old and New Testaments, plainly shew, that to be "followers of them who through faith and patience. inherit the promises," we should be much in private prayer. But to the spirituallyminded Christian, the example of Christ vastly transcends all others. Those of the . best of men are defective. His alone is the perfect pattern. To be an imitator of him in all his moral virtues is the duty and privilege of a Christian. And, of all others, they are the happiest who come the nearest to his bright example.

PRIVATE PRAYER HAS MANY ADVAN

TAGES.

In secret we may more freely, fully, and safely, unbosom our souls to God, than we can do in the presence of many, or few. IN public, confessions of sin are made in general terms; in private, we may descend to particulars. "The heart knoweth his own bitterness." (Prov. xiv. 10.) Every Christian has his secret faults, from which he desires to be cleansed. (Ps. xix. 12.) He has not the grosser vices of the ungodly to confess : but, becoming daily more acquainted with the spirituality of God's law, and the deep depravity of his own heart, he feels himself continually prone to err, and discovers within him a variety of things of a sinful nature, which he desires heartily and sincerely to confess at a throne of grace. The thought of foolishness -a proud look—a vain imagination—a sinful inclination-a secret murmur-a repining thought-the slightest indication of an unforgiving temper-the remains of

C

unbelief-secret distrust-carnal reasonings-a want of watchfulness-formality in holy duties—the comparative coldness of his affections towards heavenly things -the smallest degree of worldly-mindedness-the risings of envy, vainglory, or spiritual pride the want of love towards God or man-a hasty expression or an unguarded word, though perhaps unobserved by others, these, and a variety of similar things, which at times disturb his pious mind, and grieve his heart, will furnish him with abundant matter for confession before God, in whose word it is written, "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy." (Prov. xxviii. 13.) As a patient, afflicted with a loathsome disease, speaks not publicly of all the symptoms of his case, but takes a convenient opportunity of mentioning them to his physician,- -so the Christian will not publish to the world all the corrupt workings of his heart, which he feels and laments; but, availing himself of the fit opportunity private prayer affords, will