assist in bringing out into this service, some who, having been intimidated by its difficulties, are now relying supinely on the gifts of their more favoured brethren. It should be a prominent object with every church to have a numerous band, who are able intelligently and fervently to lead its devotions: but the great body of church-members will not be able to discharge this important duty without diligent attention to the gifts and graces of supplication. It should not be understood that the author regards the machinery of prayer as possessing more value than its spirit. Far, very far otherwise. It would be infinitely better to employ the broken and disjointed sentences of untutored but craving religious want, than to use with heartless formality the most finished liturgy. Still it is true, on the whole, that the excellency and efficacy of prayer will depend very much on our knowing, definitely and thoroughly, what we want, and how to express our desires THE AUTHOR. October, 1837 |