they may be always in a fit disposition to pray : to entreat them, I say, that they would not neglect a duty, which is attended with such unspeakable advantages; but that they would pray frequently to God in private, and if they have families, that they would every morning and evening pray to God with them too, and also join in the public prayers of the church as often as they can.

This, I am persuaded, is the most likely way we can take to procure the favour of God, and to draw down the blessings of his providence upon ourselves and families; this will make our bodies the temples of the Holy Ghost, and invite that blessed spirit to take up his residence in our souls; in short, this will fill our minds with joy and peace, and comfort in this world, and through the mercy of God, and the merits of his dear Son, will make us everlastingly happy in that which is to come.

necessity of itself, an

d; and ye will find

the bless ily to forg

I cannot conclude this discourse without acquainting the reader, that when I recommend the duty of prayer, I would be understood to include in it that of praise and thanksgiving; which being a thing so excellent in itself, so highly conducing to the glory of God, and so suitable to the nature of a creature, it ought

if they

bem.

said

the le

e are n

to Go

inquiry Jrtion

that

and

W

nk tha

yast

Dess a

redy d

hining

ntent

mobles

thing

in trespas

the Prince that now

ence, hav

But then, how much more strange and surprising will this ungrateful behaviour of man appear to be, if we consider him as a sinner, "redeemed (as St. Peter says) not with corruptible things as silver and gold,-but with the precious blood of the Son of God." If we look upon him under the different characters St. Paul gives of him t to wit" Once

the mi

an al

al, and a

World

by the er and

ints,

side

mo

red વધ

ma's

pro

enou

of creation and providence; but chiefly in that stupendous work of our redemption; let us think upon the "breadth and length, the depth and heighth of that love of Christ, which passeth all knowledge ;" that our hearts being inflamed with the divine love," we may praise the Lord for his goodness *, and declare the wonders that he doth for the children of men; that we may offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and tell out his works with gladness; and may not only resolve with the holy Psalmist, "That his praises shall ever be in our mouths:"-" But that we will show forth those praises in our lives also, by giving up ourselves to his service, and by walking before him in holiness and righteousness all the days of our lives."

This is what our praises should always lead to, or else they will be but vain oblations: for God is a regarder of the heart, and unless there is a principle of love and obedience rooted there, the most exalted praises will never reach his ears.

* Psal. cvii. 21, 22.

N

PRA

Morni

I praise

dest

We ad

the

Ble