1 ! 1 h\ 1 li ill ' ''■ ilill f^"^' J THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, | % Princeton, N.J. % * t BV 4832 .M67 1850 More, Hannah, 1745-1833. ^ tL book of private devotiop ^c^^^< / 0^ -^ THE BOOK PRIVATE DEVOTION The fftoTiotu jfrgsence of God.-wTrichI lona far. and the swtet feZlov/sh^ of Jnyeh atii nzmis " O deaffl.-wTiere is ilty simp? O ffrave. where zs-i^ vtetery! I'^Ccr. 75- i THE BOOK PRIVATE DEVOTION A SERIES OF PRAYERS AND MEDITATIONS: AN INTRODUCTORY ESSAY ON PRAYER. CHIEFLY FROM THE WRITINGS OF HANNAH MORE. REVISED AND ENLARGED. " Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret." NEW YORK: ROBERT CARTER & BROTHERS, 285 Broadway. 1850. ,y' , {^rtnir TH' CONTENTS. FAOE Introductory Essay on Prayer .... 11 THOUGHTS ON PRIVATE DEVOTION. Chap. I.— Advantages of PriTate Prayer . . 39 Chap. II,— On the Neglect of Private Prayer . . 70 Chap. III.— Directions, &c 90 MORNING PRAYERS FOR EVERY DAY IN THE WEEK 103 — 127 EVENING PRAYERS FOR EVERY DAY IN THE WEEK 127—142 Short Foi-ms for INIomlng and Evening . . . 143 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. For New- Year's Day 147 For a Birth-Day 148 Before receiving the Sacrament 151 idem 152 Confession of Sin 154 For Repentance 155 For the Pardon of Sin 156 5 VI CONTENTS. PAGE For Faith . . .... 158 idem 159 For Strength to resist Temptations .... 160 For Watchfulness against Sin . . 162 idem 164 On Reading the Scriptures . • . . . . 165 For Meekness 166 For Spiritualized Affections 167 For Holiness 169 idem 170 Against Wandering Thoughts in Prayer ... 172 For a right use of Time 173 For God's Direction 175 For Humility 176 For the Love of God 177 For Patience under Afflictions . . 179 idem 180 Under Spiritual Trouble 181 An Invocation to the Spirit 184 For the Graces of the Sphit 185 Gratitude to God for Spiritual blessings . . 187 Before going a Journey 189 For the Spread of the Gospel . . . . 190 For Resignation to the Divine Will . . . 192 In the Prospect of Death ... .194 Ejaculations under various Circumstances . , 196—202 CONTENTS. vii DEVOUT MEDITATIONS. PAGE On Communion with God in secret 203 On the WiUingness of the Saviour . 205 Ou the Love of the Saviour .... 206 God, the Friend of his People 208 For the Sabbath 209 On the Loss of Beloved Friends 210 On the Hindrances to a Holy Life . 212 On the Goodness of God 213 On Christ as a Refuge . 215 On Devoting ourselves to God 216 On Prayer 217 On the Sufferings of Christ .... . 219 On Death 221 ! On the Joys of Heaven 1 222 A COURSE OF SELF-EXAMINATION . . . S J2^254 DEVOTIONAL POETRY. Above— below— where'er I gaze . 258 A shadow moving by one's side . 271 As much have T of worldly good 280 Beyond the deep Atlantic waves . 335 Bread of Heaven !— on thee I feed . 302 Brightest and best of the sons of the mommg . 295 ! Viii CONTENTS. PAGE But art thou thua indeed alone , 277 But if our tliought."? are fixed aright 314 Come, escape from the tempests of life . 289 Faith, "like an unsuspecting child 262 Far from the world, Lord, I flee . 289 Flowers, wherefore do ye bloom ? . 285 « He was there alone," when even . 341 Here, bliss is short, imperfect, insecure 281 Hope sets the stamp of vanity on all 264 I asked a man of sorrow and of tears 315 I asked an aged man, a man of cares 316 I love to listen when the winds blow high 337 If human kindness meets return 303 It is not that my lot is low 275 Jesus, I my cross have taken 298 Lord of the Sabbath, hear our vows 327 Lord, when we bend before thy throne . 274 Moved by a strange mysterious power . 332 draw me. Saviour, after Thee . 297 O God, thou art my God alone . . 255 Oh, for a closer walk with God . 291 Oh, thou who dry'st the mourner's tear 304 Oh, thou whose mercy guides my way . 308 Our life how short, a groan, a sigh . 1 323 C O NTENTS. Saviour ! when in dust to thee . Sweet the moments, rich in blessing That man no guard nor weapon needs The days and years of time are fled The dove let loose in eastern skies . There is a world we have not seen . Thee will T love, my strength and tower The golden palace of my God . The Lord, how tender is his love There is an hour of peaceful rest Thou didst, O mighty God, exist Through sorrow's night and danger's path Tlirough the skies when the thunder is hurl'd To-morrow !— mortal, boast not thou What is life ?— a rapid stream .... What is the world ?— a wildering maze . When one that holds communion with the skies When on Sinai's top I see .... When forced to part from those we love . When gathering clouds around I view When in the hours of lonely wo . . . When streaming from the eastern skies . When the orb of morn enlightens Where high the heavenly temple stands . PRIVATE DEVOTION. PART I. AN INTRODUCTORY ESSAY ON PRAYER AND PRIVATE DEVOTION. AN INTRODUCTORY ESSAY ON PRAYER, Prayer is the application of want to Him who alone can relieve it — the confes- sion of sin to Him who alone can pardon it. It is the urgency of poverty, the pros- tration of humility, the fervency of peni- tence, the confidence of trust. It is not eloquence, but earnestness; not the de- finition of helplessness, but the feehng of it : not figures of speech, but compunction of soul. It is the "Lord, save us^ we perish," of drowning Peter — the cry of faith to the ear of mercy. 14 PRIVATE DEVOTION. Adoration is the noblest employment of created beings ; confession the natural lan- guage of guilty creatures ; gratitude the spontaneous expression of pardoned sin- ners. Prayer is desire : it is not r mere conception of tlie mind, not an effort of the intellect, not an act of tlie memory, but an elevation of the soul towards its Maimer ; a pressing sense of our own ignorance and infirmity, a consciousness of the perfections of God, of his readiness to hear, of his power to help, of his willingness to save. It is not an emotion produced in the senses, nor an effect wrought by the imagination ; but a determination of the will, an effusion of the heart. Prayer is an act both of the understand- ing and of the heart. The understanding must apply itself to the knowledge of the PRIVATE DEVOTION. 15 Divine perfections, or the heart will not be led to the adoration of them. It would not be a reasonable service if the mind were excluded. It must be rational wor- ship, or the human worshipper will not brino' to the service the distino-uishins^ faculty of his nature, which is reason. It must be spiritual worship, or it will want tlie distinctive quahty to make it accepta- ble to Him who is a spirit, and who has declared that he will be worshipped " in sphit and in truth." Man is not only a sinful but also a help- less, and therefore a dependant being. This offers new and powerful motives to prayer, and shoAYs the necessity of looking con- tinual]^' to a higher power, to a better strength than our o\n\. If that Power sus- tains us not we fall : if He direct us not we 16 PRIVATE DEVOTION. wander. His guidance is not only perfect freedom, but perfect safety. Our greatest danger begins from the moment we imagine we are able to go alone. He who does not believe this fundamen- tal truth, " the helplessness of man," on which the other doctrines of the Bible are built — even he who does nominally profess to assent to it as a doctrine of Scripture, yet if he does not experimentally acknow- ledge it — if he does not feel it in the con- victions of his own awakened conscience, in his discovery of the evil workings of his own heart, and the wrong propensities of his own nature, all bearing their testimony to its truth, — such a one will not pray earnestly for its cure — will not pray with that feeling of his own helplessness, with PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. l7 that -ense of dependance on Divine assist- ance which alone makes prayer efficacious. Nothing will make us truly humble, nothing will make us constantly \igilant, nothing will entirely lead us to have re- course to prayer, so fervently or so fre- quently as this ever- abiding sense of our corrupt and helpless nature, as our not be- ing able to ascnbe any disposition in our- selves to anything that is good, or any power to avoid, by our own strength, any- thing that is evil. Prayer is right in itself as the most powerful means of resisting sin and ad- vancing in holiness. It is above all right, as everything is which has the authority of Scripture, the command of God, and the example of Christ, There is perfect consistency in all the 18 PRIVATE DEVOTION. ordinances of God ; a perfect congruity in the whole scheme of his dispensations. If man were not a corrupt creature, such prayer as the gospel enjoins would not have been necessary. Had not prayer been an important means for curing those cor- ruptions, a God of perfect wisdom would not have ordered it. He would not have prohibited everything which tends to in- flame and promote them, had they not ex- isted ; nor would he have commanded everything that has a tendency to diminish and remove them, had not their existence been fatal. Prayer, therefore, is an indis- pensable part of his economy and of our obedience. We cannot attain to a just notion of prayer while we remain ignorant of our own nature, of the nature of God as re- PRIVATE DEVOTION, 19 vealed in Scripture, of our relations to him, and of our dependanee on him. If, there- fore, we do not Hve in the daily study of the holy Scriptures, we shall want the highest motive to this duty, and the best helps for performing it ; if we do, the co- gency of these motives, and the inestimable value of these helps, will render argument unnecessary, and exhortation superfluous. One cause, therefore, of the "dulness of many Christians in prayer is their slight acquaintance with the sacred volume. They hear it periodically, they read it oc- casionally, they ai-e contented to know it historically, to consider it superficially; but they do not endeavor to get their minds imbued with its spirit. If they store their memory with its facts, they do not impress their hearts with its truth. They 20 PRIVATE DEVOTION. do not regard it as the nutriment on Avhich their spiritual life and growth depend. They do not pray over it ; they do not consider all its doctrines as of practical application ; they do not cultivate that spi- ritual discernment which alone can enable them judiciously to appropriate its pro- mises, and apply its denunciations, to tlieir own actual case. They do not use it as an unerring line to ascertain their own rectitude, or detect their own obliquity. Though we cannot pray with a too deep sense of sin, w^e may make our sins too ex- clusively the object of our prayers. While we keep, with a self- debasing eye, our own corruptions in view, let us look with equal intentness on that mercy which clc;inscth from all sin. Let our prayers be all hu- miliation, but let them not be all com- PRIVATE DEVOTION. 21 plaint. When men indulge no other thought but that they are rebels, the hope- lessness of pardon hardens' them into dis- loyalty. Let us look to the mercy of the King as well as to the rebellion of the subject. If we contemplate his grace as displayed in the gospel, then, though our humility will increase, our despair will vanish. Gratitude in this, as in human in- stances, will create affection: — "We love him, because he first loved us." Let us, therefore, always keep our un- worthiness in view, to remind us that we stand in need of the mercy of God in Christ, but never plead it as a reason why we should not draw nigh to him to implore that mercy. The best men are unworthy for their own sakes ; the worst, on repent- 22 PRIVATE DEVOTION. ance, will be accepted for His sake and through his merits. In prayer, then, the perfections of God, and especially his mercies in our redemp- tion, should occupy om* thoughts as much as our sins ; our obligations to him as much as our departures from him. We should keep up in our hearts a constant sense of our own weakness, not with a design to discourage the mind and depress the spi- rits, but with a view to drive us out of ourselves in search of the Divine assist- ance. We should contemplate our in- firmity in order to draw us to look for liis strength, and to seek that power from God which we vainly look for in ourselves : we do not tell a sick friend of his danger in order to grieve and terrify him, but to in- PRIVATE DEVOTION. 23 duee him to apply to his physician, and to have recourse to his remedy. The success of prayer, though promised to all who offer it in perfect sincerity, is not so frequently promised to the cry of distress, to the impulse of fear, or the emergency of the moment, as to humble perseverance in devotion ; it is to patient waiting, to assiduous solicitation, to un- wearied importunity that God has declared that He will lend His ear, that He will give the communication of His Spirit, that He will grant the return of our requests, Nothing but this holy perseverance can keep up In our minds a humble sense of our dependance. It Is not by a mere casual petition, however passionate, but by ha- bitual application, that devout affections are excited and maintained, that our con- 24 PRIVATE DEVOTION. verse with Heaven is carried on. It is by- no other means that \\c c:in be assured, with St. Paul, that " we are risen with Christ," but this obvious one — that we thus seek the things which are above ; that the heart is renovated ; that the mind is hfted above this low scene of things ; that the spirit breathes in a purer atmosphere ; that the whole man is enlightened, and strengthened, and purified ; and that the more frequently so the more nearly we approach to the throne of God. We shall find also, that prayer not only expresses but elicits the Divine grace. Prayer draws all the Christian graces into its focus. It draws Charity, followed by her lovely train, her forbearance with faults, her forgiveness of injuiies, her pity for errors, her compassion for want. It PRIVATE DEVOTION. 25 draws Repentance, with her holy sorrows, her pious resolutions, her self-distrust. It attracts Faith, Avith her elevated eye — Hope, with her grasped anchor — Benefi- cence, with her open hand — Zeal, looking far and wide to serve — Humility, with in- troverted eye, looking at home. Prayer, by quickening these graces in the heart, warms them into life, tits them for service, and dismisses each to its appropriate prac- tice. Cordial prayer is mental virtue; Christian virtue is spiritual action. The mould into which genuine prayer casts the soul is not effliced by the suspension of the act, but retains some touches of the impression till the act is repeated. But he to whom the duty of prayer is unknown, and by whom the privilege of prayer is unfelt ; or he by whom it is neg- 26 PRIVATE DEVOTION lected ; or he who uses it for form and not from feeling, may probably say. Will this work, wearisome even if necessary, never know an end? Will the/e be no period when God will dispense with its legular exercise? Will there never be such an attainment of the end proposed, as that we may be allowed to discontinue the means ? To these interroo-atories there is but o one answer — an answer which shall be also made by an appeal to the inquirer himself. If there be any day in which we are quite certain that we shall meet witii no trial from Providence, no temptation from the world ; any day in which we shall be sure to have no wrong tempers excited in ourselves, no call to bear with those of others, no misfortune to encounter, and PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. 27 no need of Divine assistance to endiu'e it ; on that morning we may safely omit prayer. If tlierc be an evening in which we have received no protection from God, and experienced no mercy at his hands ; if we have not neglected a single opportunity of doing or receiving good ; if We are quite certain ihat we have not once spoken un- advisedly with our lips, nor entertained one vain or idle thought in our heart ; on that night we may safely omit to praise God, and to confess our own sinfulness ; on that night we may safely omit humiliation and thanksgiving. To repeat the converse would be superfluous. Wiien we can conscientiously say, that rehg'on has given a tone to om* conduct, a law to our actions, a rule to our thoughts, a bridle to oar tongue, a restraint to every 28 PRIVATE DEVOTION. wrong passion, a check to every ill temper, then some will say. We may safely be dis- missed from the drudgery of prayer, it will then have answered all the ends which you so tiresomely recommend. So far from it, we really figure to om-selves, that if we could hope to hear of a human being- taught to such perfection of disciphne, it would unquestionably be found that this would be the very being who would con- tinue most perseveringly in the practice of that devotion which had so materially con- tributed to bring his heart and mind into so desirable a state, who would most trem- ble to discontinue prayer, who would be most appalled at the thought of the con- dition into which such discontinuance would be likely to reduce him. Whatever others dq,he will continue forever to " sing praises PRIVATE D E V O T I X . 29 unto Thee, Tlioii most Highest ; he will continue to tell of Thy loving-kindness eai-lv in the morning, and of thy truth in the night-season." Our reluctant devotions may remind us of the remark of a certain great political wit, who apologized for his late attendance in Parliament by his being detained while a party of soldiers were dragging a volun- teer to his duty. How many excuses do we find for not being in time ! How many apologies for brevity ! How many evasions for neo'lect ! How unwilling, too often, are we to come into the di\'ine presence, how I i 1 ' reluctant to remain in it? Those hours I v-^hich are least valuable for business, which are least seasonable for pleasure, we com- monly give to religion. Our energies which were so exerted in the society we have just 30 PRIVATE DEVOTION. quitted, are sunk as we approach the divine presence. Our hearts, which were all ala- crity in some frivolous conversation, be- come cold and inanimate, as if it were the natural property of devotion to freeze the affections. Our animal spirits, which so readily performed their functions before, now slacken their vigor and lose their vi- vacity. The sluggish body sympathizes with the unwilling mind, and each pro- motes the deadness of the other ; both are slow in listening to the call of duty ; botli are soon weary in performing it. As prayer requires all the energies of the compound being of man, so we too often feel as if there were a conspiracy of body, soul, and spirit, to decline and disqualify us for it. To be deeply impressed with a few fun- PRIVATE DEVOTION. 31 damental truths, to digest them thoroughly, to meditate on them seriously, to praj^ over them fervently, to get them deeply rooted in the heart, will be more productive of faith and holiness than to labor after vari- ety, ingenuity, or elegance. The indul- gence of imao-ination will rather distract than edify. Searching after ingenious thoughts will rather divert the attention from God to om-selves, than promote fix- edness of thought, singleness of uitention, and devotedness of spirit. Whatever is subtle and refined, is in danger of being imscriptural. If we do not guard the mind, it will learn to wander in quest of novel- ties. It will set more value on original thoughts than devout aflfections. It is the business of prayer to cast down imagina- tions which gratify the natural activity of 32 PRIVATE DEVOTIo:^^. the mind, while they leave the heart un- hiimbled. We sliould confine ourselves to the pre- sent business of the present moment ; we should keep the mind in a state of per- petual dependance. " Now is the accepted time." " To-day we must hear his voice." " Give us this day our daily bread." The manna Avill not keep till to-morrow: to- morrow will have its own wants, and must have its own petitions. To-morrow we must seek the bread of heaven afresh. We should, however, avoid coming to our devotions with unfurnished minds. We should be always laying in materials for prayer, by a diligent course of serious read- ino-, by treasuring up in our minds the most important truths, and by a careful and solemn self-examination. If we rush into PRIVATE DEVOTION. 33 the divine presence Avith a vacant, or igno- rant, or unprepared mind, with a heart fill- ed with the world ; as we shall feel no disposition or qualification for the work we are about to engage in, so we cannot expect that our petitions will be heard or granted. There must be some congruity between the heart and the object, some affinity between the state of our minds and the business iu which they are employed, if we would ex- pect success in the work. We are often deceived both as to the principle and the effect of our prayers. When from some external cause the heart is glad, the spirits light, the thoughts rea- sonable, the tongue voluble, a kind of spon- taneous eloquence is the result ; with this we are pleased, and this ready flow we are ready to impose on ourselves for piety. 34 PRIVATE DEVOTION. On tlie other hand, when the mind is dejected, the animal spirits low, the thoughts confused ; when apposite words do not readily present themselves, we are apt to accuse our hearts of want of fervor, to lament our weakness, and to mourn that, because we have no pleasure in praying, our prayers have, therefore, not ascended to the throne of mercy. In both cases we perhaps judge ourselves unfaiily. These unready accents, these faltering praises, these ill- expressed petitions may find more acceptance than the florid talk with which we were so well satisfied : the latter con- sisted, it may be, of shining thoughts float- ing on the fancy, eloquent words dwelling only on the lips : the former was the sigh- ing of a contrite heart, abased by the feel- ing of its own uuAvorthiness, and awed by PRIVATE DEVOTION. 35 the perfections of a holy and heart-search- ing God. The heart is dissatisfied with its own dull and tasteless repetitions, which, with all their imperfections, infinite good- ness may perhaps hear with favor. We may not only be elated with the fluency, but even with the fervency of our prayers. Vanity may grow out of the very act of renouncing it, and we may begin to feel proud at having humbled om-selves so eloquently. There is, however, a strain and spirit of prayer equally distinct from that facihty and copiousness for which we certainly are never the better in the sight of God, and from that constraint and dryness for which we may be never the worse. There is a simple, solid, pious strain of prayer, in which the supphcant is so filled and oc- 86 PRIVATE DEVOTION. cupied with a sense of his own dependance, and of the importance of the things for which he asks, and so persuaded of the power and grace of God through Christ to p-ive him those thingrs, that while he is engaged in it, he does not merely imagine, but feels assured that God is nigh to him as a reconciled Father, so that every bur- den and doubt are taken off from his mind. "He knows," as St. John expresses it, " that he has the petition he desired of God," and he feels the truth of that pro- mise, " while they speak I will hear." This is the perfection of prayer. Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, CJnuttered or expressed ; The motion of a hidden fire That trembles in the breast. PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. The falling of a tear ; The upwai-d glancing of an eye, When none but God is near. Prayer is the simplest form of speech, The infant lips can try ; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach The majesty on high. Prayer is the Christian's vital breathy. The Christian's native air. His watchwords at the gates of death ; He enters heaven by prayer. Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice, Retm'ning from his ways, "While angels in their songs rejoice, And say, " Behold he prays." The saints in prayer appear as one^ In word, and deed, and mind. 38 PRIVATE DEVOTION. When with the Father and the Son, Their fellowship they find. Nor prayer is made on earth alone : The Holy Spirit pleads ; And Jesus on the eternal throne, For sinners intercedes. O Thou, by whom we come to God ; The Life, the Truth, the Way : The path of prayer thyself hast trod Lord, teach us how to pray. James Moistgoiviery. See this subject discussed at length, in a work entitled *'The Spirit of Prayer,''* hy Hannah More. THOUGHTS OM PRIVATE DEVOTION, CHAP. I. THE ADVANTAGES OF PRIVATE PRATER. INTRODUCTION. It is tlie indispensable duty of every Chris- tian to pray in private. Our Sa^-iour 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." 40 PRIVATE DEVOTION. (Matt. vi. 9.) The precept is positive : the promise is certain : in both the singular number is used. Christ here saith to each of his followers, "Enter into thy closet," ''Pray to ihj Father." Thij Father shall reward tiiee. As obedience to the divine precepts is generally attended v.dth a pre- sent blessing, so is it here. For private prayer sweetly inclines and disposes a per- son to a cheerful performance of every other religious duty and ser\-ice ; and the power of godliness in the soul flourishes or decays as the private duties of the closet are attended to or neglected. This, in con- junction with the precept, promise, and example of the Saviour, furnishes the true Christian with powerful motives for con- tinuing instant in private prayer even unto the end : when his heavenly Father, who PRIVATE DEVOTION. 41 seeth in secret, -svill, in an especial manner, openly reward liim. The Saviour's example of private prayer an-ested the attention of all the evangelists. How often do Ave read of his sending the midtitude aAvay, and going up into a moun- tain apart to pray ! (Matt. xiv. 24. Mark vi. 46.) St. Mark mentions his rising up a great while before day for that purpose. And St. Luke records one instance (doubt- less it was not the only one) of his going "out into a mountain to pray, and con- tinuing all night in prayer to God." (Luke vi. 12.) For the sake of private prayer, he would forego the pleasure of conversa- tion with his disciples on the most inter- esting subjects. When his heart was full of heaviness, and his soul exceeding sor- rowful, instead of telHng the particulars of 42 PRIVATE DEVOTION. the sad tale in the ears of his disciples, who loved him, he said unto them, " Sit ye here, while I ^o and pray yonder." (Matt. xxvi. 36.) There he unbosomed his soul to his Father, offering up " prayers and supplications, with strong crying and tears, unto him who was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." (Heb. V. Y.) *' Night IS the time to pray ; Our Saviour oft withdrew To desert mountains far away, So will his followers do ; Steal from the throng to haunts untrod, And hold communion there with God." James Montgomery. What an illustrious example. Did He spend loliole nights in private prayer on a PRIVATE DEVOTION. 43 cold mountain, for our sakes ; and shall we think it too much to spend a portion of the day in our closets, for the furtherance of our o^Ti spiritual and eternal T\'elfare ? Oh, that 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 in- imitable perfections of the Saviour ? A Christian's whole life should be a visible representation of Christ, The example of patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and saints, as recorded in the Old and New Testa- ments, plainly show, that, to be " followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises," we should be much in private prayer. But, to the spiritually- minded Christian, the example of Clirist vastly transcends all others. These of the 44 PRIVATE DEVOTION. 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 near- est to his bright example. PRIVATE PRAYER HAS MANY ADVANTAGES. In secret we may more freely y 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." (Pro v. xiv. 10.) Every Christian has his secret faults, from wliich PRIVATE DEVOTION. 45 he desires to be cleansed. (Ps. xix. 12). He has not the grosser vices of the un- godly 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 con- fess at a throne of grace. The thought of foolishness — a proud look — a vain imagina- tion — a sinful inclination — a secrQ^ murmur — a repining thought — the slightest indi- cation of an unforgiving temper — the re- mains of unbelief — secret distrust — carnal reasonings — a want of watchfulness — for- mality in holy duties — the comparative coldness of his affections towards heavenly thinors — the smallest deo-ree of worldlv- 46 PRIVATE DEVOTION. mindedness — the risings of envy, vain- glory, or spiritual pride — the Avant of love towards God or man — a hasty expression or an unguarded word, though perhaps un- observed by others — these, and a variety of similar things, which at times disturb a pious mind, and grieve his heart, will fur- nish him with abundant matter for confes- sion before God, in whose word it is writ- ten, " He that covereth his sins shall not prosper; but whoso confesseth and for- sake th tkem shall have mercy." (Pro v. xxxviii, 13.) As a patient, aiflicted 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 work- ings of his heart, which he feels and la- PRIVATE DEVOTION. 47 ments ; but, availing himself of the fit op- portunity private prayer affords, will freely confess them to his heavenly Physician, Christ Jesus, who alone can forgive all his sins, and heal all the spiritual diseases of the soul. Confession of sin, however, is but one part of a Christian's duty in his closet. While passing through this vale of tears, he has his peculiar trials, his peculiar wants, and his peculiar mercies. Another will scarcely be found whose experience in all points will accord with his own. In all his trials, wants, and mercies, he alone seems to be deeply interested. No one else can so feelingly express what his sufferings under trials are, the urgency of his wants, or the gratitude he feels for mercies he has received. Hence arises the insufficien- 48 PKIVATE DEVOTION. cy of public and family prayer for every purpose, and the necessity of the Chris- tian's retiring to his closet — where, through our great ''High Priest, who is touched with the feehng of our infirmities," he may in secret " come boldly to a throne of grace, and obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of need." (Heb. iv. 15, 16.) Private Prayer is a privile^^e of which a Christian mo,y at all times avail himself. Ill health, affliction in his family, un- favorable weather, the distance, and a variety of other circumstances, may detain him from the public means of grace ; but none of these can prevent his praying in secret. However desirous he may be of FRIVATE DEVOTION. 49 enjoying the benefits of a domestic altar, a want of piety in his friends, or a deter- mined opposition to domestic worship in the heads of his family, may deprive him of this means also. But neither friends nor enemies have power to prevent his holding communion with his God in secret. No time is unseasonable for such a purpose — no place unfit for such devotions. There is no corner so dark — no place so secret, but God is there. He never wants an eye to see, an ear to hear the cries and groans, nor a heart to grant the request, of him who sincerely prays to Him in secret. There are no desires so confused — no re- quests so broken — no effort so feeble, as to escape his notice. The eye that God hath upon his people in secret, is such a special tender eye of love as opens his ear, his 50 PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. heart, and liis hand, for their good. " The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers." Should their petitions be feeble and faint, and seem to them scarcely to reach the heavens, he will graciously hoiv dovni " his ear, and attend to the prayer that goeth not out of feigned lips." He knows the intentions of the heart. He perceives the motions of the soul. He records them all in the book of his remembrance, i-md will one day openly reward all these secret transactions. Did Christians move fully be- lieve this, and more seriously consider it — they would live more thankfully, labor more cheerfully, suffer more patienlly, fight against the world, the flesh, and the devil, more manfully, and lay themselves out for God, his interests, and glory, more freely. PRIVATE DEVOTION. 51 Private Prayer is a sci'ij^tiiral means of ohtaining a dearer knowledge of the re- vealed loill of God. It has been compared to a golden key unlocking the mysteries of the divine word. " If any man lack wisdom, let him ask of God." (James i, 5.) The knowledge of many choice and blessed truths is but the returns of private prayer. We have a re- markable instance of this in the history of Cornelius. " At the ninth hour (saith he) I prayed in my house, and behold a man stood by me in brio-ht clothino*, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard. (Acts x. 30, 31.) Send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose sirname is Peter, who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved." (Acts xi. 13, 14.) 52 PRIVATE DEVOTION. His prayer was not only lieard and accept- ed, but pTacioiislv answered, in the know- ledge he obtained of salvation by Jesus Christ. Another instance may be adduced from the book of Daniel. He was a man who studied the sacred Scriptures, (Dan. ix. 2,) and in ansv/er to prayer, obtained a clearer knowledge of their contents. " While I was speaking and praying, and confessing my sin, and the sin of my peo- ple Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God, for the holy mountain of my God ; yea, ivhlle I was sjoeahing in prayer, even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the be- ginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening oblation ; and he informed me, and talked with me, and said, Daniel, I am now come forth PRIVATE DEVOTION. 53 to give thee skill and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I ara come to show thee ; for thou art greatly beloved : therefore miderstand the matter and con- sider the vision." (Dan. ix. 20, 23.) To " understand the matter" — to have clearer views of the revealed will of God, was a great blessing ; but, not a greater than that gracious assurance with which the communication of that knowledge was ac- companied, namely, that he was in the favor of God, a "man greatly beloved." Happy is he who in sincerity seeks instiiic- tion at the fountain-head of all spiritual wisdom ! The Holy Ghost is promised to teach us all things. (John xiv. 26.) The promises of God should be pleaded in prayer. He loves to be sued on his own 54 PRIVATE DEVOTION. bond ; and delights to lade the wings of secret prayer with his sweetest, choicest, richest blessings. Hence it is that the word of Christ dwells most richly in them who are most diligent and fervent in pour- ing out their hearts to him in secret. Those ivlio 2)ioushj and conscientiously dis- charge the duties of the closet generally p'osper both in temporals and spirituals. " Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come." (1 Tim. iv. 8.) To enter on the duties of our calling in the fear of God, and to do all with a view to his glory, is the surest way to obtain the blessing of Heaven. Temporal affairs are PRIVATE DEVOTION. best expedited when tliey are made the subjects of secret prayer. Generally speak- ing, he who prays fervently in his closet, will speed vv^ell in his shop, at the plough, or in whatsoever he may turn his Iiand unto. "Them that honor me (saith the Lord), I will honor ; and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." (1 Sam, ii. 30.) All the worthies, who are mentioned in Scripture as men of private prayer, prospered in the world. God blessed to them their blessings, and eventually made their cup of temporal mercies to overflow. And in the last great day, when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, and shall openly reward them that have prayed to him secretly, it will be manifest to assembled worlds, that no families have been so prospered, protected and blessed. 56 PRIVATE DEVOTION. as those who have been most dihgent in maintaining secret communion with Him. As to spiritual things, it is most certain that private devotion prepares the heart, and fits the soul, so to speak, for the pub- he duties of religion. He who willingly neglects one has seldom much enjoyment in the other. But he who in secret waits upon God sincerely, will, in the public means, frequently find his spiritual strength renewed, his languishing graces revived, his intercourse with Heaven more pure, his hopes more elevated, and his enjoyments more spiiitual. Want of private pr;iyer may be one great reason why many are so heavy and dull, so formal and careless, so unfruitful and lifeless, under the public means of grace. Oh, that Christians would seriously lay this to heart ! He PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. 57 wlio would liave liis soul athirst for God, and long to see his goings in the sanctuary, (Psalm Ixiii. 1, 2,) who would have public ordinances lovely and delightful to his soid, his drooping spirits refreshed, his weak faith strengthened, his strong corruptions subdued, and his affections set on heavenly things (Col. iii. 2), should be frequent and fervent in secret prayer. How strong in grace — how victorious over sin — how dead to the world — how alive to Christ — how fit to hve — how prepared to die — might many a Christian have been, had he more diligently, seriously, and conscientiously discharored the duties of the closet ! 58 PRIVATE DEVOTION, Diligence and perseverance in secret prayer may he regarded as a certain evidence of sincerity. Private prayer is not the hypocrite's delight. He can find no soHd satisfaction in such exercises. He loves to pray where others may notice his devotions and com- mend him ; and he has his reward. (Matt, vi. 5.) The Scriptures record nothing of Saul and Judas, Demas and Simon Magus, that affords the slightest evidence of their having addicted themselves to secret pray- er. The Scribes and Pharisees assumed the garb of exterior sanctity, but we never read of their retiring to a solitary place to pray. A good name among men is more valued by a hypocrite than a good life or a good conscience. Under some temporary PRIVATE DEVOTION . 59 alarm he may cry aloud upon liis bed, or seek relief on his knees in retirement. But, " Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?" (Job xxvii. 10.) If the cause be removed, the effect will cease. When his fears have' subsided, and his spirits are tranquillized, he will discontinue the practice, lavingr aside his private prayers as an irksome task. Secret duties are not his ordinary work. Self is the oil of his lamp ; — worldly interests and the plaudits of men* nourish its flame. If these are wanting, its brd- hancy declines ; and, as his hope of these fail, its light gradually or instantly expires. "Can the rush grow up without mire ? — can the flag grow without water ? — whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. So 60 PRIVATE DEVOTION. are the paths of all that forget God : and the hypocrite's hope shall perish." (Job viii. 11, 13.) lie does not ''forget God, who perse- veres in the duties of the closet." God is tlie object, and his glory the end, of his secret devotions. He retires from the ob- servation of men to " give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name, (and to) wor- ship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." (Ps. xxix. 2.) He is not satisfied with a mere esternal performance of the duty. He examines his motives, scrutinizes the workings of his heart, and afterwards re- views the whole transaction. " I call to remembrance my song in the night : I commune with my own heart : my spirit made diligent search." (Ps. Ixxvii. 6.) Not so the hypocrite. " Praying ahoays, PRIVATE DEVOTION. 61 with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all per- severance,'" (Eph, vi. 18,) is not his prac- tice. He has ever at hand some excuse for the neglect oi private prayer. Though he squanders perhaps every day more than an hour of his time in frivolous con^ersa- tion or unnecessary visitings, he can per- suade himself his engagements are so many and so urgent, that he has no time for re- tiring to his closet without neglecting his worldly business, in which he must be dili- gent from a regard to the divine precept (Rom xii. 11,) and for his family's sake. Or, should his conscience testify that he has time sufficient, another circumstance will furnish him with an excuse — the want of a convenient place. Oh, let it ever be remembered, that the most illustrious ex- 6 62 PRIVATE DEVOTION. ample we have of diligence and perseve- rance in this sacred duty, namely, Christ Jesus, was pressed for time more than aii}^ man, through a multiplicity of other en- ffao-ements ; so much so, that at times he *' had no leisure so much as to eat." (Mark vi. 31.) And as to place, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man (had) not where to lay his head." (Matt. viii. 20.) Yet, by rising early, and by late retiring to rest, (compare Mark i. 35, with Luke vi. 12,) he found sufficient time ; and in the open air, on a mountain, or in a garden, a convenient place for pouring out his soul to God. The hypocrite wants a heart for it, more than he wants sufficient time or a convenient place. However regular he may be in his attendance on public prayer. I PRIVATE DEVOTION. 63 lie does not love private, and, therefore, does not habituate himself to the practice of it. He it is who loves to pray secretly, and values such exercises for the effect they have on liim in humbling the soul, mortifying pride, debasing self, weaning the heart from the world, imbittering sin, ren- dering the mind more spiritual, a.nd exalt- ing the Sa\nour in the affections ; who habituates himself to, and perseveres in the practice of, secret prayer. And a diligent and conscientious continuing in such well- doing, most assuredly afifords a decisive evidence of sincerity. 64 PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. There is no m,cans of grace more enriching to the soul than private prayer. It is a golden pipe, through which the Lord is graciously pleased to convey spiritual blessings to the soul. He know- eth all our wants, and, without our askino- him, could supply all our need in the best manner, and at the best possible time. But he will be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do for them according to the ex- ceeding great and precious promises he hath given. (Ezek. xxxvi. 37.) How often has the believer found the Lord's promises of grace here verified, and been enabled to look forward, with joyfiil hope, to the ful- filment of those which relate to glory here- after, while he has been eno-ao-ed in his PRIVATE DEVOTION. 65 private devotions ! When he has entered his closet, he has been, perhaps, hke the mother of Samuel, " of a sorrowful sinrit^'' and, like her, has poured out his " soul he- fore the Lord,'' mth an " abundance of complaint and grief f but the God of Israel has granted his petition, and he hath gone on his way with a " countenance no longer sad." (1 Sam. i. 15, 18.) How often in these private exercises, particularly when the believer has felt himself " in heaviness through manifold temptations," (1 Pet. i. 6,) " encompassed with infirmities," (Heb. V. 2,) and has " groaned being burdened," (2 Cor. V. 4,) not knowing " what he should pray for as he ought," (Rom. viii. 2G,) hath the Holy Spirit helped his in- firmities ! — " making him to knowr Lis transgression and his sin," (Job. Mil. '!?.,) 66 PRIVATE DEVOTION. and causing him to ''ablior himself and repent as in dust and ashes." (Job xhii. 6.) Then, in the language of the Psalm- ist, he hath prayed : — " The troubles of my heart are enlarged ; Oh, bring thou me out of my distresses! (Ps. xxv. 17.) " I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel ; my reins also chasten me." (Ps. xvi. 7.) " Make me to hear joy and glad- ness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, God, and reneAv a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation : and uphold me with thy free Spirit." (Ps. li. 8, 12.) God hat!) heard this prayer, and fulfilled his own PRIVATE DEVOTION. 67 most gracious word : — " Before they call I will answer, and while they are yet speak- ing, I will hear." (Isa. Ixv. 24.) The Sa- viour's promise also hath been verified : — ''He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me : and he that lo^■eth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will ma- nifest myself to him." (John xiv. 21.) The Holy Spirit hath taken of the things of Jesus, and hath shovrn them unto his ser- vant, (John xvi. 14,) and the believer hath been enabled with lively gratitude and joy, to adopt the language of the prophet. " Lord, I will praise thee : though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortest me. Behold, God is my salvation ; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my 68 PRIVATE DEVOTION. strength and my song ; he is also become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall (I) draw water out of the wells of salvation." (Isa. xii. 1-3.) Thus the Christian, with- drawn for a season from the world, and realising the immediate presence of God, the awfulness of eternity, and the vast im- portance of heavenly things, prays to his Father, which seeth in secret ; gets more humbling views of himself, and makes fresh discoveries of the exceeding sinful- ness of sin, and of the superaboundings of Divine grace, of the long-suffering patience of the Lord, of the grace he has bestowed on him, the deliverances he has wrought for him, and the abundant mercy wliich is treasured up in Christ Jesus for all true believers. Thus he, who began his secret prayers ^' with groanings that cannot be PRIVATE DEVOTIOX, 69 uttered," (Rom. \\\i. 26,) finds spiritual en- largement; is '' strengthened with might in the inner man," (Eph. iii, 16 ;) is enriched with the light of God's reconciled counte- nance ; and comes forth from his closet in a more humble, more watchful, more spi- ritual, more holy, more heavenly frame ; and, consequently, is more fit for the public duties of religion, or the particular duties of his calling — the Lord ha\^ng put into his heart more gfladness than an increase of com and wine could give, (Ps. iv. V,) and caused his holy comforts to delight his soul. (Psalm xciv. 19.) CHAP. II. ON THE NEGLECT OF PRIVATE PRAYEK. How lamentable is it that a duty so ob- vious, a privilege so great, a means of grace so enriching to the soul, ever should be neglected ! WJiat are the causes to be assigned for it ? If the neglect he total and 'permanent, im- penitency of heart may he suspected as the cause. To perceive no necessity for secret pray- er — to have no mind, no will, no heart to such a duty — to make no effort to dis- PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. 7l cliarge it, and to feel no remorse of con- science for neglecting it, are fearful signs of an unhumbled, unrenewed, impenitent heart. Whilst the cause remains, the effect will continue ; therefore, let such ''beseech God to (jrant them true repent- ance and his Holy Spirit'^ that their in- disposition to call upon him in private may be removed, that their secret prayers may be accepted, and openly rewarded, by him, *' and that the rest of their life may he pure and holy, so that at the last they may com,e to his eternal joy, tkroayh Jesus Christ our Lord:' 72 PRIVATE DEVOTION. If the neglect he temjyorary and voluntary, some sin or sins committed agccinst light and knowledge mag he the cause. Such sins load the conscience with giiilt, weaken the spiritual strength of the Chris- tian, becloud his evidences of gTace, make him a terror to himself, and afraid of real- izing the Divine Presence. Then he is shy of drawing near to God in secret ; and as our first parents, from conscious guilt, would have " hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God, amongst the trees of the garden ;" so he, by neglecting the positive and known duty of secret prayer, flies, as it were, from the Lord's presence, to forget his transgression and acquire his former confidence, by occupy- PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. 7-3 ing his time and thoughts with the affairs of this world. But this is folly. To add sin to sin — the sin of omission to the sin of commission — gives the enemy of souls a powerful advantage over him. It invaria- bly increases his guilt, benumbs his con- science, strengthens his inbred corruptions, and renders his return to spiritual duties increasingly difficult. However painful it may be to draw near to God in secret, with an awful consciousness of guilt on the soul, it should not be shunned. It is vastly better, while the conscience is feelingly alive to the wound it has received, to has- ten to the throne of grace, and ingeniously to confess the sin, looking to the cross of Christ, and imploring the pardon of it for his sake, and grace to be more watchful in future. It must be done, or the conse- /4 PRIVATE DEVOTION. qiiences will be most awful ; and the soon- er it is done the better, " For with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plen- teous redemption, and he shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities." (Ps. cxxx. 1,8.) If the neglect he partial, spiritual declension is prohahly the cause. While the believer, with deep humilia- tion, reviews the evils of his pa^t life — reflects upon the awful consequences of sin, and contemplates, with adoring grati- tude, the astonishing love of God his Fa- ther, the amazing condescension of God the Son, and the stupendous work of God the Holy Ghost, a.s exhibit'-fl in ^h^ o^n^^n- PRIVATE DEVOTION. 75 my of redemption, and feels " the love of God slied abroad in liis heart," (Rom. v. 0,) he does not neglect the private duties of the closet ; but anticipates with delight the return of those seasons of private pray- er in which he has frequently enjoyed sweet communion with the Lord, and found his service perfect freedom. Having " escaped the pollutions of the world," and being watchful lest he be '* ao-ain entanoled therein and overcome," (2 Pet. ii. 20,) a temptation from that quarter excites his alarm, leads him to his closet, and makes him more earnest in prayer ; thus the purposes of the enemy in presenting the temptation are defeated. But he is liable to an attack in a more \T,d- nerable part. Religion is his delight. An evil in a religious garb he does not suspect. '76 PRIVATE DEVOTION. Ignorant in some measure of tlie devices of his spiritual adversary, he has httle or no apprehension of meeting him trans- formed into an ano-el of ho^ht. He is not aware of the paralyzing effects which an inordinate zeal for the non-essentials of re- ligion has upon the inner man ; nor of the intoxicating nature of that busy, prying curiosity which intrudes too far into those mysterious and deep things of God and religion, which are most remote from the understanding of the best and wisest of men. Having tasted much of the plea- santness of religion, and being anxious in the pursuit of more, he eagerly grasps at anything that may be urged by those whom he highly esteems and regards as fathers in Christ, as absolutely necessary to render his Christianity more pui-e nnd PRIVATE DEVOTION. 77 primitive, or to increase his measure of re- ligious knowledge. This is an important crisis — a time of much spiritual danger : the enemy of souls is ever watchful to hinder the Christian in his course : v,4iat- ever diverts his attention from the weightier matters of religion to those which are comparatively unimportant, does this. Hence it is, that such as have their thoughts more occupied with the non- essentials of religion than with the power of godhness in the soul, seldom make much progress in humility or heavenly- mindedness, and are often lamentably de- ficient in the duties of the closet. The temptations of the enemy Avhich have the semblance of religion are the most artful. What is called a religious controversy — a dispute about the govern- '78 PRIVATE DEVOTION. ment and discipline of Christian churches — the modes of public worship and ad- ministering the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper — or on some abstruse theological subject, often suc- ceeds. Perplexed with the discordant opinions of the controversionists, the pious Christian laudably resolves to examine and weigh for himself the arsjuments on both sides ; on the issue of his inquiry much depends. If, happily, he discovers that the disputation does not relate to matters affecting religion itself, but to non-essentials, concerning which good men may decidedly differ, without the smallest diminution of liberality, or Christian forbearance, towards those of a contrary opinion ; it is well. His per- plexity ceases, and his heart is enlarged PRIVATE DEVOTION. 79 in Christian love towards all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity ; and he finds additional pleasure in his secret prayers, when, in giving vent to the pious feelings of his soul, he copiously intercedes for the universal Church of Christ. But if, unhappily, he conceives the disputable articles to be very im- portant, and imbibes a controversial spirit, he receives a wound materially affecting his spiritual health — his mental appetite becomes vitiated — he cannot feed on the most important truths unless the mode of serving them up precisely fit his humour. His zeal is soon diverted to a new channel, and his thoughts are wholly occupied with arguments in support of his favorite position. He begins to feed, as it were, on the very husks of religion. 80 PRIVATE DEVOTION. A vast declension in spiritual things takes place iu liim, and he perceives it not. He frequently neglects private prayer : (not voluntarily indeed, but) having his mind fully occupied with things that have the semblance of religion, \\e forgets to retire ; when he recollects himself, he hastens to his closet ; should the work of his favorite author in the controversy be near his Bible, he cannot resist the temptation to read just a page or two in that. He reads : he finds his time almost gone ; the reading of the Scrip- tures is postponed to a more convenient opportunity, that he may spend his few remaining moments in prayer. With his lips he goes over, as it were, mechan- ically, a {ii\Y important petitions, whilst a multitude of thoughts are rushing into PRIVATE DEVOTION. 81 his mind. This corroborates his own arguments ; tliat refutes the argument of an opponent. He rises from his knees with a mind, as he conceives, stored with wisdom : he feels himself qualified, had he the power to reorganize the Church, to introduce such a mode of worship and discipline, and so to define the most abstruse points of doctrine, as v*^ould, unquestionabl}^ meet the views and wishes of all, and eflfectually put his opponents to the blush. But where is that humility, that Christian love, that hatred of sin, that watchfulness against pride, self-conceit, and vain-glory, Avhich the Christian ought ever to seek diligently and earnestly in private prayer? Alas, the crown is fallen from his head ! Non-essentials have no place in heaven; 82 PRIVATE DEVOTION. doubtful disputations never enter there ; controversial knowledge is no qualifica- tion or meetness for the saints in light. Happy is he who avoids disputes about things indifferent, and learns to admire, in the Scriptures, the depths he cannot reach, and to adore the mysteries he cannot comprehend. If the Christian conceive in his heart an excessive desire of some temporal good, how lawful soever the possession of the thing may be in itself, the effect will be very similar : spiritual declension will succeed, and private prayer will be nec-iected ; thouo-h less in the form, probably, than in the spirit of it. An inordinate desire of any thing, not inseparably connected with religion, en- grosses the attention, and pre-occupies PRIVATE DEVOTION. 83 the thonglits to the exclusion of medita- tion, the handmaid of private devotion ; and like " the cares of this world " in genera], and " the deceitfulness of riches " in particular, chokes the precious seed, and renders it unfruitful. With his affections thus embarrassed, the Christian may retire to his closet, but the object which he is pursuing with impassionate ardour will follow him thither. He may bend his knees, but the ardently desired good wnll present itself, in its most en- gaging forms, to his imagination, and possess his thoughts. He may draw nigh unto God with his lips, " but his heart will be far from him ;" for "where his treasure is, there will his heart be also." Should an apparently favorable oppor- I ( 84 PRIVATE DEVOTION. tunity present itself for pursuing the I object of his inordinate desire, at the very period of time he has been accus- tomed to retire for private prayer, a barter of time succeeds. His prayers are deferred to another opportunity, and the present fortunate moment, as he conceives, eagerly seized as most fit for prosecuting his favorite schemes. But no time is found for his secret devotions, till the accustomed period again returns. Thus in the form, as well as the spirit of it, is secret prayer neglected, through an inordinate desire of some temporal good. He who has left his first love should remember from whence he hoth fallen, and repent, and do his first vwrTcs. (Rev. ii. 4, 5.) PRIVATE DEVOTION Whatever he the cause, the neglect of secret prayer is culpable and dangerous. It gives the enemy an advantage against the soul, and, by damping the ardor of spiritual affections, strengthens inbred corruptions. It fosters spiritual sloth, engenders earthly mindedness, blunts the edge of conscience, induces a laxity of Christian morals, and even- tually, if persevered in, an indisposition to the public duties of religion. It should be dreaded as an alarming indication of indifference to the promised help of the Holy Spirit, and an awful slighting of the rich mercies tendered to us in the Gospel. How very different is every instance of real neglect, in its character 86 PRIVATE DEVOTION. and consequences, to that imaginary kind over which the pious Christian sometimes mourns. Incapacitated for retiring to his closet, by some bodily disease, which ren- ders the constant attendance of another person upon him necessary, he is deprived of the opportunities of private devotion, for which he thirsts, and is frequently in- terrupted when mentally calling on his God. Being thus prevented from pouring out his heart before the Lord, with all that copiousness and enlargement he could desire (though he prays sincerely and very earnestly in the way of ejacuhition,) he feels a deficiency ; and, without con- sidering the circumstances under which he is placed, suspects himself of neglect, and is much grieved. This is his infir- mity ; it is not neglect, though it seems PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. 87 to him to be such. If the cause were removed, the effect would immediately cease. He does not voluntarily absent himself from his closet ; his heart is still there; and thither would he resort, if restored to health. In the meantime, the secret aspirations of his soul will be favorably regarded, and will, ultimately be openly rewarded by his heavenly Father, as piayers offered to him in secret. In like manner the Christian may sus- pect himself guilty of some neglect of secret prayer, when his mind is affected, and his animal spirits are depressed with some corporal malady which does not confine him to his apartments, but unfits his mind for exertion, and disqualifies him for bending his knees in prayer, or pre- PRIVATE DEVOTION vents his continuing long in that position. Under such an affliction he may feel (if kneeling) much lassitude, his thoughts confused, his desires languid, his affections cold, his petitions faint, his praises inani- mate, and be much grieved ; ascribing to it an indisposition to private prayer, bordering on a neglect of the duty; because, in another position of body, he feels himself very differently affected with spiritual things. But, can this be neglect ? Does it border upon it ? He has a mind, a will, a heart, to pray in se- cret ; and, notwithstanding his bodily in- disposition, makes an effort to do so. — **The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." The lamented deficiencies of his prayers will be graciously pardoned, and his imperfect petitions mercifully accepted PRIVATE DEYOTIOX. 89 and answered ; for his heavenly Father, who seeth in secret, "searcheth the heart, and knoweth what is the mind of the spirit" (Rom. viii. 27;) and will regis- ter the sorrowful sighings of his contrite ones, to be openly rewarded, in the last Great Day. It will, doubtless, be evident to those who are disposed to practice it — that se- cret prayer is the duty of all ; that its advantages are many and great; and that the neglect of it is sinful and dangerous. For the benefit of such shall be added a few directions for a devout discharge of so important and necessary a duty. CHAP. III. A FEW DIRECTIONS FOR A DEVOUT DIS- CHARGE OF THIS IMPORTANT AND NE- CESSARY DUTY. Private Prayer, as a means, tends to comiteract the corru^yt workings of the heart, and to give a pro2)er bias to the faculties of the soul ; it should therefore he performed frequently. It is far better to pray often, than to make long prayers. As in our taking frequently a temperate supply of fresh nourisliment, the Lord providentially PRIVATE DEVOTION. 91 repairs the continual wastes of our bodies, and keeps the fluids in a healthy state ; so, in our frequent use of private prayer, he graciously restores the soul (Ps. xxiii. 3,) and causes it to prosper and be in health. (3 John 2.) The Christian, therefore, cannot too frequently contemplate and desire heavenly treasures. He cannot too frequently approach his blessed Saviour, and hold communion with his God in secret prayer. The fittest season should he talcenfor this sacred duty. Some, who are subject to drowsiness in the after part of the day, prefer the morning before their minds have been 92 PRIVATE DEVOTION. occupied, and their spirits damped, with temporal concerns. And it is doubtless most fit that God should be worslupped by every one, before he enters on the business of the day. Others, who are constitutionally heavy and dull in the morning, and almost unfit for any tiling, are quite alert in the evening, and exempt from that heaviness, of which so many complain, as peculiarly unfitting tliem for prayer. Every one, therefore, must be left to determine, which, in his case are the fittest parts of the day to be the stated period of his private devotions. But the Christian's experience varies. There are seasons when he feels his mind more than usually solemnized, and every thing connected with religion appears to him of the utmost importance. His con- PRIVATE DEVOTION. 93 science at one time is peculiarly tender, his soul within him deeply humbled under a sense of sin, his heart broken and contrite, and he is very sorrowful. At another, his faith in the promise of God is vigorous, his hope animated, his love to the Saviour ardent, and he is very thankful. Seasons like these should be embraced, as especially fit to be extraor- dinary times of secret devotion. The Christian should he constant in the discharge of his duty. It is not very probable that the incal- culable benefits of it should be experi- mentally known by those who retire to their closets by fits and starts only. If it 94 PRIVATE DEVOTION. be necessary for a man to pray in secret when he is suffering from the upbraidings of his conscience, or smarting under the rod of affliction; it is equally so in the time of prosperity, when it is probable his danger is greater, and fresh trials may await him. The Christian should " pray without ceasing." Not actually, indeed ; for private prayer, like every other kind, must have its intermissions ; but the heart should be in a disposition for it, at all times, in all places, and under all circum- stances, and in the actual practice of it, at fit limes, he should persevere. It is not he w^ho begins in the spirit and ends in the flesh, but he that endureth to the end, that will be saved. PRIVATE DEVOTION. 95 Impo7'taM as secret iwayer is, and neces- sary/ to his souVs health, it must not be trusted in. Christ alone is the foundation of our hope. If we are not interested in liim, we may perish with the words of prayer on our Hps. (Matt. xxv. 11, 12.) It is the Saviour's free grace, infinite mercy, everlasting love — his full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfac- tion — his pure, spotless, perfect, and glorious righteousness, which form the proper basis of the Christian's trust and confidence. He must not, therefore, trust in his prayers, but in Jiis Saviour ; and doubtless the enemy of his soul will trem- ble to see him go, and leave his closet, 96 PRIVATE DEVOTION. trusting and glorying alone in Jesus. Thrice happy is he, whose secret prayers lead him, as the star led the eastern Ma^ii to the feet of the Saviour ! — and who, like them, when there, is disposed willingly to offer the choicest and best things he has, not indeed " gold and frankincense and myrrh," but himself, his soul and body, to be a reasonable, holy, and lively sacri- fice unto God. The Christian, in all his prayers, should look well to his heart. The eye of God is then, in an especial manner, upon it. He does not look at the eloquence, the length, the number of the prayers, but at the sincerity of the heart. PRIVATE DEVOTION. 97 He approves, accepts and rewards no prayer, but that in Avhicli the heart is en- gaged. It is not the hfting up of the voice, the wringing of the hands, or the smiting on the breast, that he regards, but the motions of the heart. He hears with approbation no more than the heart speaks in sincerity. Every grayer should he offered in the name of Jesus. Through him alone we have access with boldness to the throne of grace. He is our advocate with the Father. When the believer appears before God in secret, the Sa\iour appears also: for he "ever liveth to make intercession for us." He 9 98 ■ PRIVATE DEVOTION. hath not only directed us to call upon his Father as " Our Father," and to ask him to supply our daily need, and to forgive us our trespasses ; but hath graciously as- sured us that " whatsoever (we) shall ask in his name, he will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son." (John, xiv. 13.) And saith (14th verse,) "if ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it." And again (John xvi. 23, 24.) "Verily, verily, I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name ; ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." All needful bless- inofs suited to our various situations and circumstances in this mortal life, — all that will be necessary for us in the hour of death, and all that can minister to our feli- PRIVATE DEVOTION. 99 city in a world of gloiy, hath he graciously promised, and given ns a command to ask for, in his name. And what is this but to plead, when praying to our heavenly Fa- ther, that Jesus hath sent us ; and to ask and expect the blessings for his sake alone ? Expect therefore an answer to grayer. " I WILL make an altar (said the vene- rable patriarch Jacob) unto God, who an- swereth me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went." (Gen. XXXV. 3.) He expected the bless- ing: which he asked of the Lord, and in the dispensations of Providence towards him he received the answer to his prayer. God is faithful, who hath promised. He 100 PRIVATE DEVOTION. saith, concerning every one who '' hath set his love upon" him, " He shall call upon 7716 and I will ansioer him, 1 will be with him in trouble ; I will deliver him and ho- nor him." (Ps. xci. 14, 15.) His pro- mises are evidently designed to direct us in our supplications, and to excite in us an expectation of their fulfilment. And what is prayer but the offering up of the desires of the heart for some good thing, which the Lord hath directly or indirectly pro- mised in his holy word to bestow ? The very act itself implies that a blessing may be vouchsafed, in answer to our petitions ; and his promises assure us there will; though the time and manner of conferring it are reserved to himself: and he best knows what will suit us, and the best pos- sible time of bestowing it. Therefore, he PRIVATE DEVOTION. 101 who obeys the divme precepts heartily, pleads the promises in prayer persever- ingly, waits their fulfilment patiently, and is content if God be glorified, though him- self be not gratified, may confidently expect seasonable and suitable answers to all the prayers he offers in sincerity at a throne of gra3e, in the name of Jesus. 9* PRIVATE DEVOTIOlSr. PART II. MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS, FOR EVERY DAY IN THE WEEK, AND ON VARIOUS OCCA- SIONS ; DEVOUT MEDITATIONS ; A COURSE OF SELF-EXAMINATION ; AND DEVOTIONAL POETRY. 10^ "It cannot be supposed that persons who use the following forms of prayer are under the necessity of confining them- selves to every expression and sentiment in them. Any words or sentences may be added, omitted, or changed, as they see occasion, to suit their present state, their own judgment of things, and their circum- stances. For it can never be expected that the same method or form of private prayer should suit all persons at all times. It is impossible that a serious Christian can pre- sent to God in secret prayer all his wants, all his sorrows, all his dearest and most im- portant concerns, in a few general sentences pre-composed by another." 104 t AN INTRODUCTORY IMEDITATION OJS^ PRAYER. BY BISHOP WILSON. How good is God ! who will not only- give us what we pray for, but will reward us for going to him, and laying our wants before him. May I always present myself before God, with a firm faith and hope in his promises and mercy; — with great reverence to his infinite majesty ; — with the humility of an offender ; — and with a full purpose of keep- ing of God's commandments. 105 " 106 PRIVATE DEVOTION. May the thoughts of eternity quicken my devotions ; — my wants make me ear- nest ; my backshdings make me persevere ; — and may I never wilfully give way to any distracting thoughts. May I wait with patience, and leave it to thee, my God and Father, liow and token to grant my petitions. He that has learned to pray as he ought, has got the secret of a holy life. It is of greater advantage to us than Ave imagine, that God does not grant our pe- titions immediat(3ly. We learn by that, that whereunto we have already attained, it was the gift of God. The best way to prevent wandering in prayer is not to let the mind wander too much at other times : but to have God always in our minds in the whole course PRIVATE DEVOTION. 107 of oui' lives. -The end of prayer is not to inform God, but to give a man a sight of his own misery ; to raise his soul towards heaven ; and to put him in mind that tliere is his Father and his inheritance. MORNING PRAYERS. SUNDAY. Lord, I desire to begin the day and the week with thee. Let a solemn sense of thy presence be upon my mind ; and while I offer my supplications, in the name of my only Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, comfort my heart by the assurance that thou art nigh unto all them that call upon thee, even all such as call upon thee faithfully. 1 acknowledge before thee, Lord, how unworthy I am to be numbered with thy children, for I have sinned against thee, and thy wrath might justly have consumed 108 PRIVATE DEVOTION. 109 me in a moment, and have sent me down to hell : — but thou hast had mercy on me, and hast made known unto me by thy word how I may be saved. I thank thee, Lord, for the opportu- nities which I am invited to enjoy this day, of hearing those blessed truths, the know- ledge of which is essential to the salvation of my soul. Oh ! give me grace diligently to attend to thy word, enable me to under- stand it, and make me anxious to improve by it ; that the sermons which I hear may not rise up against me at the great day. Bless, gracious God, the ministers of thy Gospel, especially my own, who show unto us the way of salvation. Do thou teach them, that they may be able to teach us. Lord, may thy word this day awa- ken my conscience, that I may see more 10 110 PRIVATE DEVOTION. evil in the nature of sin, more danger from the guilt of it, and be more earnest to se- cure an interest in Clirist, the only Saviour. I beseech thee, Lord, to keep me this day from all worldly thoughts and words ; and may thy Spirit suggest such things to my mind as are suitable to this holy part of my tune. Oh, may I keep thy Sabbath in a becoming manner, and love it as the best day of the seven, because it is a sea- son dedicated to thy service ! Preserve me, whilst in thy house, from a stupid and a wandering frame ; strengthen my me- mory to retain what I hear, and make this day a time of real benefit to my sotd, for which I may have reason to bless thee to all eternity, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Our Father, &c. PRIVATE DEVOTION. Ill MONDAY. Almighty and most merciful Father! thou art a God that hearest prayer ; and I am encouraged to draw nigh unto thy throne of grace, most humbly beseeching thee to look upon me according to thy tender mercy ia Jesus Christ. I confess my daily offences against thee, in thought, word, and deed. If thou shouldst be ex- treme to mark what is done amiss, Lord, who might abide it ! Deal not with me after my sins, neither reward me after my iniquiiies. I bless thee for that all-per- vading advocate, Jesus Christ, the right- eous : by his cross and intercession, good Lord, deliver me. I am now about to enter upon the 112 PRIVATE DEVOTION. worldly employments of another week : strengthen me with th}^ grace, that these may not withdraw my heart from thee, nor make me negligent of my soul, and my salv^ation. May the influences of the Sabbath rest upon me through the week ; and may the solemn and blessed truths which I heai-d yesterday, in the house of prayer, abide in my memory and direct my conduct ! With many thanks for thy mercies du- ring the past night, I now cast myself upon thy protection, not knowing what this day may bring forth; but trusting in that wisdom which cannot eri', and in that love which cannot fail ; do thou appoint my lot as seemeth good to both. Fatlier, not my will, but thine be done ! Preserve me from temptation ; preserve me from PRIVATE DEVOTION. 113 sin ; preserve me from my own evil Hfeart ; and if I am permitted to see the close of this day, let me look back upon it, as one in which I have walked with God ; through Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and Advocate. Amen. Our Father, &c. TUESDAY. [Dr. Johnson, God, who desireth not the death of a sinner, look down with mercy on me, now daring to call upon thee. Let thy Holy Spirit so purify my affections and exalt my desires, that my prayers may be acceptable in thy sight, through Jesus Christ. 114 PRIVATE DEVOTION. merciful God, full of compassion, long suffering, and of great pity, who sparest when we deserve punishment, and in thy wrath thinkest upon mercy, make me earnestly to repent and be heartily sorry for all my misdoings ; make the re- membrance of them so burthensome and painful, that I may flee unto thee with a troubled spirit and a contrite heart ; and, merciful Lord, visit, comfort, and relieve me ; cast me not out of thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from me, but ex- cite in me true repentance ; give me in this world knowledge of thy truth, and confi- dence in thy mercy, and in the world to come life everlastinn^. Formve the davs and years which I have passed in folly, idleness, and sin ; fill me with such sorrow for the time mis-spent, that I may amend PRIVATE DEVOTION. 11 my life according to thy holy word ; streno-then me airainst sin, and enable me so to perform every duty, that whilst I live I may serve thee in that state to which thou hast called me, and at last, by a holy and happy death, be delivered from the strui^gles and sorrows of this life, and ob- tain eternal happiness, by the mercy and for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. Our Father, &c. WEDNESDAY. • [Bp. Bloomiield. God, thou art my God ; early will I seek thee. Thou art good, and doest good to all ; thy mercy is over all thy works. Unworthy as I am to offer unto thee any sacrifice, thou hast appointed unto me 116 PRIVATE DEVOTION. a great High Priest, in whose name I come boldly to the throne of grace, that I may find mercy and grace to help me in time of need. Grant that the frequency and earnest- ness of my prayers may be proportioned to the greatness of my wants. Make me to rejoice in every opportunity of wor- shipping thy divine Majesty, and pre- serve me from the sin of drawino: near to thee with my lips, while my heart is far from thee. I humbly thank thee, Lord, that thou hast preserved me through the night past, and hast renewed unto me thy goodness this morning. Take me agnin into thy guidance and protection during the day ; and so govern me by thy grace, that I may neither think nor speak, nor do any- PRIVATE D E V O T I O X . 117 thing this day which may displease thee or wound my own souh Assist me to be sincere and hearty in dedicating myself, my soul and body, to thy service. Preserve me from the power of evil ; from the sin that doth so easily beset me ; from the lusts of the flesh, and the vanities of a wicked world. Send thy good spirit to direct and guide me in the ways and works of godliness : purify my affections ; enliven my devo- tion ; teach me how to pray, and how to hear, and read, and profit by thy holy word. Make me a Christian, not only in name, but also in heart and hope. Teach me the value of my soul and the salvation which has been wrought for it by Christ Jesus. May I never be ashamed of con- fessing him before men; but amidst all 118 PRIVATE DEVOTION. discouragements and difficulties, give me boldness to show myself his true disciple. Let my conversation be such as becom- eth his Gospel ; and whatsoever I do in word or in deed, let me do all in his name, giving thanks to God and the Father through him. And let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in thy sight, Lord my strength, and my Redeemer. Amen. Our Father, &c. THURSDAY. [Hannah More. Lord God Almighty, I tliank thee for having preserved me through the past night, and for granting me health and strength for my duties on this day. Bless- PRIVATE DEVOTION. 119 ed be the Lord for all his mercies ; for giving me food to eat and raiment to put on, and for delivering me from many evils which my sins have justly deserved. I thank thee especially, Lord, for the gift of Jesus Christ thy Son. I conf \ss before thee my exceeding guilt, and I pray thee, for Christ's sake, to pardon my of- fences, and to receive my soul when I die I beseech thee also, for his sake, to grant unto me the help of thy Holy Spirit, that I may be enabled to follow my Sa- viour's example, and to do whatsoever he hath commanded. May I be patient, humble, kind, and merciful ; endeavoring to do good unto all men, and forgiving those who trespass against me, even as I hope to be forgiven. Grant me grace this day diligently to perform its duties, and to 120 PRIVATE DEVOTION. be true and just in all my dealings, doing unto others as I would they should do unto me ; and help me, Lord, to restrain my tongue, and to subdue my evil tem- pers, and to live in temperance, soberness, and chastity. Save me from those sins which in times past have most easily beset me ; strengthen me, Lord, for all that awaits me ; carry me through all my diffi- culties and troubles, and help me, day by day, to grow in grace, and in the know- ledge of my Lord and Saviour. These prayers I humbly offer up in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. Our Father, &c. PRIVATE DEVOTION. 121 FRIDAY. Almighty and adorable God, permitted by thy kindness to come again into thy presence, I would begin the day with praise to thee who hast given me a night of mercy. Bless the Lord, my soul ; and all that is within me, bless his holy name! I would sanctify all the employments, and all the events of this day, by placing myself and them in thy care, humbly and earnestly beseeching thee to overrule all things concerning me to thy glory, and the good of my soul. Unto thee do I lift up mine eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens ! take me into thy protection, bodily and spiritually. I am ignorant, let thy Spirit teach me ; I am guilty, let me __ 122 PRIVATE DEVOTION. obtain pardon througli the blood of thy Son ; I am a wandering dieep, let thy love lead me to the Saviour's fold ; I am in dan- ger from enemies who lie in wait for my soul ; what then is my hope ? Truly my hope is even in thee. Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not ; keep me as the apple of thine eye ; hide me under the shadow of thy wings. I am in the midst of an ensnaring world ; thou God of all grace, preserve me from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life ! Teach me that the world passe th away, and the lust thereof ; vi^hile only they who do thy will abide forever. Let me place thee, my unerring director, always before me : be thou at my right hand continually, lest I make shipwreck of faith and of a PRIVATE r>EVOTIOX. 123 good conscience. Leave me not, neither forsake me, God of my salvation ! for thy dear Son Jesus Christ's sake. — Amen. Our Father, &c. SATURDAY. [Bp. Bloomfield. ALMiGHTr and most merciful Father, who, for my many sins committed against thee mightest most justly have cut me off in the midst of my days, I humbly thank thee, that in the multitude of thy mercies ihou hast hitherto spared me. Accept, I beseech thee, my unfeigned sorrow for my past transgressions ; and grant that I may never so presume upon thy mercy, as to despise the riches of thy goodness ; but let a sense of thy forbear- 124 PRIVATE DEVOTION. ance and lono; sufferino^ work in me re- pentance and amendment of life, to thy honor and glory, and to my final accept- ance in the last day, through the merits of my Saviour Jesus Christ. Keep alive in me, Lord, a true spirit of devotion ; and preserve me from the great sin of praying to thee with my lips only, and not with my heart and mind. Convince me of my entire dependance upon thee ; quicken me in the pursuit of things eternal; that I may continually press forward to obtain the prize of our high calling in Christ Jesus. Dispose me, I beseech thee, rightly to discharge the duties of this day. Watch over my path ; compass me about with thy favor ; preserve me in my going out and PRIVATE DEVOTION. 125 coming in ; and direct all my steps in the way of thy commandments. Make me truly honest and conscientious in all my dealings ; diligent in the perfor- mance of my duty ; innocent in my con- versation ; meek, charitable, and forgiving towards others : watchful over myself, and ever mindful of thy presence. Sanctify unto me my crosses and afflic- tions, if it be thy good pleasure to afflict me ; and give me such a measure of pa- tience and godly resolution, that I may be willing to take up my cross daily, cand to follow the Lamb, whithersoever he goeth, Lord, if I have now asked anything amiss, I pray thee pardon my ignorance and infirmity : and whatsoever is good for me^ even if I ask it not, be pleased to grant to 11^ 126 PRIVATE DEVOTION. me, in the name and for the sake of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. Our Father, &c. EVENING PRAYERS. SUNDAY. Almighty and most merciful Father, blessed be thy name, that I have again heard the Gospel of thy grace, and the in- vitations of my Saviour. I adore thee for thy word, which is a light unto my feet, and a lantern to my paths ; and, above all, for my hope of peace with thee through the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world. make the duties of his Gospel and the calls of his goodness more dear to my heart, that I may glorify him in my body and in my spirit, whicii are his ! 128 PRIVATE DEVOTION. • I thank thee, gracious God, for that un- deserved compassion which has cast my lot in a Christian hind. make me more anxious to show fortli this gratitude, not on!}'- with my hps, but in ray hfe, by giving up myself to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and riglit- eousness all my days. Teach me, by thy Holy Spirit, that all my means of grace and all my opportunities of salvation must be accounted for in the day of judgment ; and that to whom much is given, from them will be much required. Grant, merciful God, that the Sab- bath now closing may promote thy glory, and set forward the salvation of men, es- pecially of those with whom I have wor- shipped ; that sinners may be converted, PRIVATE DEVOTION. 129 and that Christ may see in them of the travail of his soul and be satisfied ! Have mercy, God of love, upon my relations, and upon all who are near and dear unto me ; and give them that godli- ness which is profitable for all things ; which hath the promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. I commend myself to thy merciful pro- tection this night. Be my defence in the hours of sleep and darkness ; and if I am permitted to see the light of another day, unite and sanctify my affections to love thee more and serve thee better, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Our Father, &c. 130 PRIVATE DEVOTION. MONDAY. God, my Creator, Preserver, and Be- nefactor ! in the ever adorable name of the Lord Jesus I approach thee with the sincerest reverence and humihty, to paj the hist acknowledgments' of this day to thee, before my eyes are closed with sleep. I praise and magnify thy name for all tliy mercies ; particularly at this time, for thy preservation of me through the past day, and for that tender care and guidance of thy merciful providence, by which I have been defended from the great and innume- rable dangers of soul and body, with which this imperfect state so much abounds. Whatever of good or happiness I enjoy, from thy favor I derive it, and to thee I give the praise. My sinful imperfections PRIVATE- DEVOTION. 131 and my failings, my transactions and neg lects, in many instances, of thy law and m}'' duty, I truly lament, and take the shame of them to myself, humbly beseech- ing thee to give me true repentance. fat-give me, for thy dear Son's sake, what- soever thou hast seen amiss in any part of my conduct through the past day, and wash away all my sins in that atoning blood which -was shed for sinners. Lord* in mercy take me, and all with whom I am concerned, into thy care and protection through this night. Defend us, if it Le thy holy will, from all the designs of evil men, and from everything terrible and hurt- ful ; and lead us all in the paths of holi- ness, through thy fatherly goodness and love to mankind, declared by thy Son, Je- 132 PRIVATE DEVOTION. sus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory for ever and ever! Amen. Our Father, &c. TUESDAY. [Hannah More. Lord God Almight}^ I bless thee for all the mercies of the past day, and I pray thee now to take me under thy care, and to deliver me from all the perils and dangers of this night. Preserve me, Lord, both in body and soul, from every evil, and keep me from all sinful thoughts when I am about to close my eyes in sleep. And pardon, I beseech thee, all my of- fences, for the sake of Jesus Christ. I confess, Lord, that I have this day left undone many things which I ought to PRIVATE DEVOTION. 133 have done, and done many things wliich I ought not to have done. Pardon all my pride and vanity, my idleness, and self-in- dulgence, my impatience, fretfulness, and discontent. Pardon, Lord, all the rash and angry words which I have this day spoken, and all the sinful thoughts which have arisen up in my mind, and which I have not been careful to resist. And es- pecially, I pray thee, to pardon my for- getfulness of thee, my God, and my want of gratitude and love to Jesus Christ. For these and all my other sins which from time to time I have committed, I here implore thy pardon and forgiveness, in the name of my most merciful Saviour. And, since I know that my life is so short and uncertain, help me, day by day, to think of my latter end. Lord, grant 12 134 PRIVATE DEVOTION. me grace so to live that I may not be afraid to die : and do thou receive my soul at last into thine eternal kingdom. Amen. Our Father, &c. WEDNESDAY. Almighty and merciful Lord, I praise thee for the mercies of the past day, and I desire to commend myself to thy watch- ful providence during the silent hours of this night. thou shepherd of Israel ! who never slumberest nor sleepest, watch over me as one of thy flock : embrace, with the arms of thy mercy, and bring into tliy fold all my friends and relations, and brethren of mankind, that so, at last, there may be one fold under one shepherd, Je- sus Christ. PRIVATE DEVOTION. 135 Lord, pardon my sins of this day, as well as the sins of my past life, for the sake of him whom thou ladest with the iniquity of us all. May I be daily renewed in the spirit of my mind, by the regene- rating influences of the Holy Ghost. May I be enabled to set thee, Lord, always before mine eyes ; trusting in thy gracious promises, and living in humble dependance upon thee. May I receive the blessings of the Father's love, through faith in the finished salvation of the Son. Hear me, Lord, for thy mercy is great ; and may the woi'ds of my mouth, proceeding from the meditation of my heart, be always acceptable in thy sight, through Jesus Christ, my strength, and my Redeemer. Amen. Our Father, &c. 136 PRIVATE DEVOTION. THURSDAY. [Bp. Bloomfield. Almighty Lord, pardon, I beseech thee, the sins of which I have this 'day been guilty ; consider the weakness of my nature ; and, for thy dear Son's sake, be not extreme to mark what is done amiss. I magnify thy goodness, which has so long spared me, and has granted me so much time for repentance ; give me grace that I may henceforth turn it to better account. Enable me, this night, to shake off all worldly cares and desires, and to meditate upon thee ; let thy Holy Spirit be present with me in my devotions, to purify my heart, and to brinsj before me the thinq;s which concern my peace, and to inspire me with godly resolutions. PRIVATE DEVOTIOX. 137 Above all tilings, make me rightly to understand thine infinite mercy in the re- demption of mankind by Jesus Christ, and diligently to avail myself of all my privi- leges, as his disciple, and thy child by adoption and grace. heavenly Father, I commit myself to thy holy keeping this night, and desire to rest securely under the shadow of thy pro- tection. Defend me from all perils and dangers, and especially from those which may assault and hurt the soul. Prepare me, by comfortable repose, for the duties of to-morrow ; and grant that I may rise disposed and strengthened for thy service as a faithful and diligent disciple of thy blessed Son; in whose words I further pray : Our Father, &c. 11^ 138 PRIVATE DEVOTION. FRIDAY. In an humble acknowledgment of my manifold sins and iniquities, which I, from time to time, and more especially this day, have committed against Thee, both in thought, word, and deed, I now prostrate myself before thee, Lord of heaven and earth, beseeching thee for the sake of Je- sus Christ, my only Lord and Saviour, to be merciful unto me. Forgive me, Lord, that I have not rendered unto thee according to thy mercy and loving-kind- ness ; that I have been forgetful and diso- bedient, and have sinned against heaven and in thy sight. Let thy holy spirit sanctify me throughout, and give me more and more grace and strength, Avhereby I may be enabled to subdue all my sinful PRIVATE DEVOTION. 139 and corrupt affections ; grant that I may improve the remainder of my days with all possible care, and give all diligence to make my calling and election sure, that I may so persevere therein unto death, that at last I may attain everlasting life. Accept my praises and thanksgivings for all thy mercies vouchsafed me in this life, and for the hopes of a better. And now that I am going to take my rest and sleep, let me consider that thou. Lord, only makest me to dwell in safety ; whe- ther I sleep or wake, live or die, let me be found thine own, to thy eternal glory, and my everlasting salvation, through Jesus Christ. Our Father, &c. 140 TRIVATE DEVOTION. SATURDAY. MY God, another week has just passed away, and I am still in the land of the living, while so many of my fellow-crea- tures have passed from time into eternity. Blessed be God for the continuance of life and health, and for prolonged opportuni- ties of preparing for death and judgment. gracious God, let not this continu- ance of mercy increase my condemnation, by encouraging me to commit sin, because hitherto thine annrer has been withheld o from falling upon me. Let me not trea- sure up wrath unto myself against the day of wrath ; but teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. PRIVATE DEVOTION. 141 Prepare me, most blessed God, by sleep and rest, to take my part in the duties of the Sabbath to-morrow. Give me that sense of sin which leads to a full confes- sion of its guilt, and to faith in the atone- ment of Christ for its pardon. Give me that adoring gratitude for all thy mercies, more especially for the great mercy of a Saviour, which may incline me to praise thee v/ith joyful hps. Give me that sense of the Vcilue of my soul, and of the great- ness of thy salvation, which may lead me to seek life and mercy with all my heart. let not the coming Sabbath be defec- tively used, like those which are passed ; but let it be so improved, by public and private means of grace, as to advance my meetness for the service of that eternal 142 PRIVATE DEVOTION Sabbath that remaineth for the people of God ; through tlie merit and mediation of Jesus Christ. Amen. Our Father, (fee. SHORT FORMS FOR MORNING AND EVENING. These Fonns may be added to the following Occasional Prayers, and used instead of the preceding for the Morn- ing or Evening's Devotion. Morning. (1.) Merciful and over-looking God, I bless thee for thy care over me the past night. Grant me thy protection through the en- suing day ; keep me from all evil ; and whatever thou ordainest for me, in small or great events, may I remember that it is thy will, and that I must cheerfully take up my cross to follow the Lord Jesus, my Saviour and Redeemer. Amen. Our Father, &c. 144 PRIVATE DEVOTION. Morning. (2.) Heavexly Father, Lord God Almighty, I come to thee to implore thine aid and protection through the ensuing day, and to offer thee thanks and praise for all thy mercies, and that of the past night's quiet rest. Make me to walk in thy ways, and so I shall be blessed. Give me the strength to do that which is righteous in thy siglit, and may no allurements of gentleness or pleasure wile away my heart from thee. Make me diligent to do the day's work which is set before me. And in all the trials of hourly existence, the infirmities of my temper and that of others, the crosses and disappointments of worldly hopes and cares, may I, God, lift up PRIVATE DEVOTION. 145 my heart unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, &c. Evening. (1.) Merciful Lord, take me this night un- der thy kind protection. Watch over me while I sleep. If I wake in the night sea- son, may my meditation of thee be sweet, and my soul be glad in the Lord. If I am spared to see the light of the return- ing day, may I rise from my bed to give all diligence to walk before thee to all well-pleasing. And whether I wake or sleep, live or die, may I be the Lord's, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Our Father, &c. 13 146 PRIVATE DEVOTION. Evening. (2.) I THANK thee, Lord, for the blessings which I have this day enjoyed. Grant me this night such lefreshing rest, that I may' be better able to discharge the duties, and hear the burdens of another day, if thou shalt be pleased to add another day to my life. If my eyes should be kept waking, may my meditations on thee be useful to me. Pity my weakness, mer- ciful God, and hear my imperfect petitions, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is touched with our infirmities, to whom, as to our merciful High Priest, be glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Our Father, (fee. PRAYERS FOR VARIOUS OCCASIONS. PRAYER I. Neiv- Years Day. [Bp. Wilson. Blessed be God, who has brought me safe to the beginning of another year ! My God, make me truly sensible of this mercy, and give me grace to consider oft- en how short and how uncertain my time is ; that there is one year more of a short life passed over my head ; and that I am 50 much nearer eternity : — :that I may in good earnest think of another life, and be so prepared for it, as that death may not overtake me unawares. Lord, pardon all my misspent time, and __ 148 PRIVATE DEVOTION. make me more diligent and careful to re- deem it for the time to come, that when I come to the end of my life, I may look "back with comfort on the days that are past. Grant that I may begin this new year with new resolutions of serving thee more faithfully ; — and if, through infidelity or negligence, I forget these good purposes, the good Lord awaken in me a sense of my danger. My heart is in thy hands, God, as well as my time ; make me wise unto salvation ; that I may consider in this my day the things that belong unto my peace ; and that I may pass this, and all the years I have yet to live, in the comfortable hope of a blessed eternity, for the Lord Jesus' sake. Amen. Our Father,