is to be acceptably performed. 283 from this fault than they are. That prayer S a R /Id which our Saviour hath left us as a pattern, X. and a direEtory in performing this duty, is molt worthy to be frequently ufed, and to be imitated in our own compofures as nearly as we can. The words are few, but very figni- ficant, the fentiments concerning the deity it containeth, are perfectly juít and rational, tending to infpire the mind with the higheft efteem and love, with a firm confidence in his paternal goodnefs and tender care of us ; and from thefe principles to excite difpofitions, to fincere and confront obedience and fubmißïon, as well as to fill us with a refolution of ftridt vigilance againft temptations, and all ap- proaches of evil ; to excite in us likewife, the the molt affe ±innate mutual fympathy and fervent charity, which the law of our nature ftrongly bindeth us to, which it is the glory of chriftianity to enforce by the mofi powerful motives, and the greateft glory of men to praftife. The petitions are the molt becoming, and at the fame time comprehenfive of all, that a well difpofed heart would defire ; there is no idle infipid repetition of unmeaning founds, but the molt proper and reafonable addreffes of men to almighty God, ex- preffed in a very concife,, but yet very in- telligible manner, How unlike it are many of
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