A GUIDE TO PRAYER. THE INTRODUCTION. PRAYER isa word of an extensive sense in scripture, and includes not only a request or petition for mercies, but it is taken for the address of a creature on earth to God in heaven, about every thing that concerns his God, his neighbour or himself, In this world, or the world to come. It is that converse, which God hath allowed us to maintain with himself above, while we are here below. It is that language, wherein a creatureholds correspondence with his Creator :- and wherein the soulof asaint often gets near to God, is entertained with great delight, and, as it were, dwells with his heavenly Father for a short season before he comes to heaven. It is a glorious privilege that our Maker bath indulged to us: and a necessary part of that obedience whichhe bath required of us, at all times and seasons, and in every circumstance of life; according to those scriptures, 1 Thus. v. 17. Praywithout ceasing. Phil. iv. 6. In every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto, God. Ephes. vi. 18. Praying always, with all prayer and supplication. Prayer is a part of divine worship that is required of all men, and is to be performed either with the voice, or only in the heart, 'and is calledvocal or mental prayer. It is commanded to single persons in their private retirements, in a more so- lemn and continued method or manner ; and in the midst of the businesses of life, by secret and sudden liftings up of the soul to God. It belongs also to the communities of men, whether they be natural, as families; or civil, as corporations, parliaments, courts, or societies for tradè and business; and to religious communities, as when persons meet together on any pious design, they should seek their God : it is required of the churches of christians in an especial manner, for thehouse of God is the house of prayer. Since therefore it is a duty of such absolute necessity for all men, and of such universal use, it is fit we should all know how to perform it aright, that it may obtain acceptance of the great God, and become a delightful and profitable exercise to our own souls, and to those that join with us. To this end I shall deliver my thoughts on this subject in the following order : I. I shall speak of the natureof prayer as a duty of worship. H. As it is to be performed by the gifts or
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