of spiritual excitation. Faith is not a meditation, either on poverty or on riches. It is hunger and thirst, calling for the bread of life and the cup of salvation. It is blind

ness, calling for sight. It is nakedness and beggary, stretching forth the hand, to solicit and receive an alms from the Giver of all good.

If prayer were no more than an instrument for raising thoughts and emotions by the near contemplation of religious subjects; it is plain, that frequency of prayer would defeat its purpose. For repetition of the same ideas, diminishes their power of excitation. But, since prayer is, in fact, that by which we ask, in order that God may give; then, instead of hindering its efficacy, we are positively taught in holy Scripture, that its efficacy mainly depends on frequency and reiteration. We are desired to "watch unto prayer," to "continue instant in prayer," to "pray without ceasing 1." Our blessed Redeemer has

1 Rom. xii. 12. Col. iv. 2.

1 Thess. v. 17.

1 Pet. iv. 7. Luke xxi. 36.

distinctly taught and commanded us to press our daily petitions with such persevering urgency, precisely as if our heavenly Father, like some unjust judge or hollowhearted friend,-were one who could be induced to grant our requests by no other motive, than a desire to free Himself from the daily importunity of our solicitation'. If, then, faith be that act or habit which believes the testimony of God, and yields obedience to His precepts, it is plainly impossible, that faith can subsist in a lively or healthy state, in those who habitually neglect the means of grace. Faith will ask until it has obtained; it will seek until it has found; it will knock until the door of mercy has been opened 2. It will do so, because God Himself commands it: because God Himself has promised: "All things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive 3."

2. But, the benefits to be derived from prayer, are not merely those which we our

1 Luke xi. 5-10; xviii. 1-8.

selves are immediately and directly to receive. In the Lord's Prayer, our Saviour has instructed us, that a considerable part, if not the greater part of our devotions, should carry us out of ourselves, and raise us above our personal wants, to higher and more unselfish objects. He teaches us, that our first and chief desire should be, the glory of God and the salvation of mankind. Intercessory prayer is one of the characteristics of Christian devotion. Let any one read the writings of St. Paul, and he will be convinced, that it is one of the principal fruits of charity. It is commanded as a positive duty "that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men'." And the command is given, not so much for a guide for private devotions, as a rule to the governors of the church in the construction of its public services. Upon this rule all the liturgies of the churches of Christ have been drawn up. Examine our own Book of Common Prayer, and you

1 1 Tim. ii. 1.

for the happiness and well-being of his country.

Now, there is no church under heaven which so largely honours the laity as ours, by inviting them to assist in the duty of intercession. But true faith is rarely found: and therefore it is, that exertion has been substituted for prayer; and those, to whom we should have looked for encouragement and aid, are wasting and embittering their spirits in agitation and excitement: discussing and deploring evils, which God alone can remedy; instead of daily assembling to offer up their prayers, and intercessions, and tears, at the feet of our Redeemer. Oh, how different would be the result of their well-intentioned efforts in the cause of religion, if such were the spirit in which their works were begun, continued, and ended in Him! But without His blessing, in vain are all our labours and He Himself has told us, that "without faith it is impossible to please him 1."

My brethren, we are more especially

1 Heb. xi. 6.

called on by the church during the present week to offer up our intercessions at the throne of grace'. This is one of the solemn seasons set apart for the ordination of the ministers of Christ: and before many days have passed, numbers of persons will be admitted into holy orders, in this city, and in various other parts of the Christian world. Consider, I earnestly intreat you, how important such a transaction must be to you and to your children. How much of your happiness, here and hereafter, must depend on the sort of persons who may be admitted to be your ministers and teachers. Recollect, that these are they, to whom you should naturally look up; as teachers, as examples, as those, who are to give you counsel in life, and consolation in your last moments. These are they, whose duty it will be to tell you the truth; to rebuke; to warn you; to resolve your doubts and difficulties; to administer medicine to the diseases of your souls. And then consider, what sort of

1 This sermon was preached on the Third Sunday in Advent, 1839, being Ember Week.