If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. John xiv. 14, 15.

Hear my cry, O God, attend unto my prayer; for thou, O God, hast heard my vows; so will I sing praise unto thee. Psa. lxi. 1. 5. 8.

If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Matt. v. 23, 24.

III.

When we have the words before our eyes, we must try to raise our hearts to the devout feelings which they represent. And when we are in this spiritual frame, we shall often

enlarge our devotions beyond what is written; because the prayer may not be full enough for all our wants and thanks, and our desires may be stronger than the words before us will express.

And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord; my mouth is enlarged; because I rejoice in thy salvation. 1 Sam. ii. 1.

I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge heart. Psa. cxix. 32.

my

IV.

We

Our prayers will be fruitless if they be not attended with a serious study, and earnest care to attain that which we wish God to bestow us. upon must beseech Him to quicken his word in our hearts, and give constancy to our endeavours, that we be

not wanting to his assisting grace, but work out his purposes of mercy towards us, and live according to our petitions.

Put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; bring no more vain oblations; cease to do evil; learn to do well. Isa. i. 13. 16. We then, as workers together with

him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 2 Cor. iii. 1.

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke xiii. 24.

V.

Be much in converse with God, and the devil will have less converse with thee, and less power to work thee harm and sorrow. Watch

against him who watches for every idle moment of thine heart, and hath a temptation for every changing temper and condition of this transitory life. Acquaint thyself with God; and none shall deprive thee of the protection of his Holy Spirit, or the assurance of his walking with thee; nor shall the promise thou hast trusted ever fail thee.

Rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Luke xxii. 40.

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph. vi. 16.

And, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Matt. xxviii. 20.

VI.

We should lift up the heart to God

on our first waking, or Satan will endeavour to unfit them for duties, and engage us in thought in the coming cares of the day before we have asked God's blessing. As the first thoughts and affections, so will the mind be through the day.

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee. Psa. lxiii. 1.

In the morning, rising up a great while before day, he prayed. Mark i. 35.

VII.

Prayer is not only a means of our obtaining protection from all evil, but it is also a constant pleading of our relation to the most pure and perfect and merciful of Beings, and a means of preparing us for all the

F