PREFACE. THE acceptance which it has pleased God to give to the "SCRIPTURE HELP," and the testimonies which the writer has received of benefit derived from that work, have induced him to endeavour to call the attention of Christians, and particularly the young, for whom he wishes to be considered as especially writing, to another most important means of grace. It seemed also peculiarly needful to press the duty of prayer now; for it appears to the writer to be one of the dangers of the present reviving state of the Church, that men gain knowledge without corresponding feelings; they are tempted to make a profession of religion, and to talk about it, while, it is to be feared, the more retired and all-important duties of devout prayer, meditation, selfexamination, and reading the Scriptures, are neglected. ་ He has felt a personal advantage in his former Treatise, from its imposing on him an additional obligation to the study of the Word of God. He hopes for a similar benefit in the present publication. His various public engagements have indeed left him little leisure for a work of such importance; but it appeared to him better to attempt to do good, even though it be done in an imperfect manner, than not to do it at all. In a Treatise on that which has so often engaged the attention of Christian writers, new sentiments can neither be desired nor expected. The direction-ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls, is well applicable here. The writer willingly availed himself of the ideas suggested by any former author. He would, however, observe, that it is not the knowledge of the duty, but the grace of prayer which is the great thing that we should desire to attain. He has often had occasion, in the course of his writing this book, to feel that it is much easier to know how to pray, than really to pray. The grace of prayer is a divine gift of far more importance than the mere knowledge of all parts of this duty, or the ability to perform it before man. If some are disposed to think, that he has in any instance set the standard of devotion too high, he would say, that he has endeavoured to follow the Scriptures; and though he feels that this necessarily often condemns both himself and Christians in general, it appeared his duty not to lower the standard on that account, but rather to explain it, and press it the more, that the perfection of the rule might lead himself and his readers more simply to the Saviour for pardon, peace, and strength. Some may, indeed, on the other hand, think, that by not setting the standard high enough, he has often proved his own want of devotional feeling. He is ready here to submit to those of more experience in the Christian life. |