144 INTERCESSORY PRAYER. goes on mechanically to pray for the poor, whilst his prayer has neither opened his heart nor his purse. He may value himself on this, as on other instances of his ingenuity, in having found out so cheap a way of doing good, and go on contentedly, till he hears those tremen- dous words of exclusion, " Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me." There is a generosity in religion. The same principle which disposes a Chris- tian to contribute to the temporal inte- rests of those he loves, inclines him to breathe his earnest supplication for their spiritual benefit. Not only does prayer for others promote natural affection, not only does it soften the heart of him who intercedes, but it is hoped that they for whom the intercession is made, may reap the benefit. But our intercessions must dwell nei- ther in generalities for the public, nor in limitations to the wants of our particular friends. The Christian is the friend of
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