a nothing as thou so inordinately lovest, as t it in preference to the will of God-a noth thou wilt despise in words, in order to frame for thy non-observance of it; but in the gr a nothing which thou holdest fast, against the v and which, if continued in, will bring thee to

Despising small things does not, as some a from greatness of mind, but far otherwise, fr sightedness, esteeming things small, which in dency and consequences have a very exter and effect. The more we discover ourselves indifference in small things, and the more v trial to us to pay attention herein, the more v fear and become jealous, yea, and to cast u against a spirit of indifference and carnal se that despises little things, will certainly fall b little. Be not afraid of a constant watchfulne in small things: a godly resolution is necess beginning, and the exercise and suffering tho thou hast well deserved, it being very necessa perfecting of thy peace and security, out of wh nothing but disquiet and backsliding. God this path more and more sweet and pleasant. is watchful and attentive without great and straint of spirit.

Augustine saith, "little things are little thi be faithful in little things is something great."

ON PRAYER,

EXTRACTED

FROM SEVERAL AUTHORS.

NO. 4.

SECOND EDITION.

NEW-YORK:

PRINTED BY MAHLON DAY,

No. 372, PEARL-STREET.

MATT. vi. 5, 6, 7, 8.

And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as t erites are: for they love to pray standing in t gogues and in the corners of the streets, that th be seen of men. Verily, I say unto you, they h reward.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy cl when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, ward thee openly.

But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions heathen do: for they think that they shall be h their much speaking.

Be not ye, therefore, like unto them: for you knoweth what things ye have need of before ye a

MATT. XXVI. 41.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into tempt

MARK Xiii. 37.

ON PRAYER.

PRAYER is a devout, sincere, and hearty address, or application of the soul, to the adorable majesty of God, under the influence and assistance of the Divine Spirit; in which only the soul hath access to him, and acceptance with him; and therefore an inward retirement to the Divine Grace is essential to a right performance of true prayer.

We must always bear in mind the purity and holiness of God, how unmeet and unfit we are to draw nigh to him in an unholy frame of heart. Our hearts must be washed, and made clean. We must cease to do evil, and learn to do well;" for "without holiness, no man shall see the Lord." How unacceptable are all dead, dry, and formal religious performances, not proceeding from a pure heart, influenced and quickened by the Holy Spirit.

On the contrary, how acceptable to Him are the sacrifices and offerings of a clean heart, enlightened and guided by the Divine Spirit! What delight and comfort doth the soul feel! What returns of love from the Divine Presence! What times of refreshing come from HIM! What new life and vigour is the soul inspired with, to abandon all the of vice, and persevere in virtue and the love of God! How is the heart " enlarged to run the

ways

way of God's commandments!"* and "blessed are the pure in heart, for they God." These come "into his courts with

The learned and judicious Dr. Robert lived in the reign of King Charles the F preached a sermon before him at Newm the year 1631, saith,- Words conceived o earthly mind, and uttered out of the memo man's voice, which make a noise in the ear and blood, are not, nor can be accounted before our Father which is in Heaven.' 156.

'And therefore, devotion is said to be of the mind and will towards God; which m manifold acts; as holy meditation, resign lifting up the heart by prayer and thanksgi God. Ibid. 544.

What do we else, but betray or with a kiss, when, in praying and prais singing and preaching, we draw near unto our lips, but our hearts are far from him? 1

Dr. Smaldridge, late Bishop of Bristo 16th folio of his Sermons, says,-' Prayer consist either in the bending of our knee service of our lips, or the lifting up of our