who use them, may be enlarged, shortened, or varied in any respect, to render them the more pertinent and profitable. To complete the design it was found necessary to contribute many original prayers, and to make considerable additions to others; but whenever suitable materials could be found in works of longestablished repute, they have been preferred, although often much altered. Three prayers from modern authors, which are duly acknowledged, are, of course, unaltered. Although the Compiler can lay claim to so small a portion of this volume, yet he sends it forth with much fear and trembling. Not that he dreads criticism, which generally regards compilations as beneath its notice. But there is another consideration of infinite importance. Whatever be the means adopted, it is a serious undertaking a weighty responsibility—to at tempt to guide the devotions of othersa responsibility which the Compiler of this Manual has voluntarily incurred. But he commits it to the blessing of Him, who alone can make it really efficacious, with the earnest prayer that it may promote, in some measure, a spirit of piety and devotion, and thus yield comfort to the person who uses it, honour to his Church, and glory to GOD, through the mediation of Him who has graciously promised that no prayer, however feeble and faltering, if sincerely offered, shall be poured forth in vain. July, 1853. |