for their fulfilment, there is the utmost assurance of being heard and answered. All the blessings promised in the covenant of redemption, and in the covenant of grace, are proper subjects of prayer, and will be granted in answer to special fervent prayer. The glorious Millenium of the church, which is fixed and established by the divine decree, will never take place, but in answer to fervent prayer. The glorious restoration of God's people foretold by the prophet Ezekiel, is strongly confirmed; "I the Lord have spoken it, and I will do it." Yet, saith the Lord," I will be enquired of, by the house of Israel, to do it for them." All divine and special blessings are in answer to the prayers of the upright which are God's delight. Hence the only assignable reason why any ask and receive not is, because they ask amiss, that they may consume it upon their lusts. It is on the ground of God's always hearing the prayer of the faithful, that it is said, "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Not that the immutable Jehovah is swerved from his purposes, by the efficacy of prayer; but that he has wisely connected his purposes with the fervent prayer of his saints. It was the eternal purpose of God to visit the house of Israel, for the wickedness of Ahab, with a severe drought; and afterwards to grant a sudden and plentiful rain. But the drought and the rain were according to the prayers of the prophet Elijah. “Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth, by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit." Hearing the prayers of Elijah was not the only instance, in ancient ages, of God's hearing and answering the prayers of his saints. Jacob wrestled in prayer at Bethel, and obtained the blessing; and with him the covenant of grace was established. Moses was heard, at all times, when he interceded for the rebellious people; and by prayer he appeased the divine anger; and as a mediator, led the Israelites to the borders of the land of Canaan.When Moses held up his hands in prayer, Israel pre

vailed in battle; but when he let down his hands, so that the visible appearance of prayer ceased: then Amalek prevailed. At the word of Joshua, who was a man of prayer, the sun and moon stood still; the solar system suspended its revolution, till the victory in battle with the Amorites was completed. David and Solomon had great experience of God's answers to prayer. At the dedication of the temple, the cloud of glory, which was the symbol of the divine presence and favor, filled the house; and the Lord afterwards, expressly said to Solomon, "I have heard thy prayer, and thy supplication which thou hast made before me." Hezekiah was remarkably heard, in his short and fervent prayer, when Jerusalem was invaded by the Assyrians. An angel of the Lord slew, in one night, a hundred and eighty-five thousand of the Assyrian army, and broke up the siege. Nehemiah, rebuilt the temple and city of Jerusalem, more by his prayers, than by his own strength, or the strength of his laborers. The restoration of the Jews from the captivity in Babylon, was by the special prayers of Daniel. Encouraged by the prophecies," He set his heart to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes." His prayers were full of importunity; and they were remarkably heard, approved, and answered. The deliverance of the Jews from captivity, was as much in answer to the prayers of Daniel, as if his prayers had been the sole cause of their deliverance. "At the beginning of thy supplications, the commandment came forth," said Gabriel to Daniel," And I am come to show thee, for thou art greatly beloved."

God never bestows any great and special favors on his people, but in answer to particular and fervent prayer. But such prayer is never made in vain. The prayers of the new testament saints were as remarkably heard as those of the more ancient saints. Jesus Christ, in his religious devotions, acted in the capacity of a man; and in his prayers, he was always heard. His disciples and followers, who were daily of one accord, after his ascension, praying for the accomplishment of his gracious promises, were heard and answered abundantly, on the

day of Pentecost and afterwards. When the Apostles and brethren, on a special occasion, were united in social prayer, and lifted up their voice with one accord to God;

the place was shaken, where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost." When Peter was bound in prison, "prayer was made without ceasing of the church, unto God for him." And in the very hour of their nocturnal devotions, he was rescued, by an angel from heaven. Paul and Silas, in close confinement, were miraculously delivered by an earthquake at midnight, in answer to their prayers and praises. And in answer to their prayers, the Jailor and his household were converted and baptized. By prayer, Paul was delivered from the shipwreck; and, for his sake, the whole crew were saved from a watery grave. Instances of God's hearing prayer are so numerous, that it is unnecessary to quote them all, to prove that God always hears and answers the prayers of the faithful; and in general, he grants the very things which are asked for. In many instances, however, Christians may sincerely and fervently pray for things which God, in his wisdom may see fit to withhold, and grant them even richer blessings, as a substitute. All we contend for, in the present discussion, is, that always, and in his own way, God hears and answers the prayers of his people; and when they are more particularly excited to union and fervor in this important duty, the answer is more particular. When the people of God are excited, by the Spirit of God, to pray for rain, God sends them rain. When they unitedly plead for the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit is given. Revivals of religion are generally the effect of union and importunity in the prayers of the saints. These are the source of every good and perfect gift of God. When God delivers his people from pestilence, war, or famine, it is by prayer; by prayer he will accomplish all his promises; and ultimately, he will fill the earth with his glory.

REMARKS.

1. Although Christ was very particular to enjoin on his followers, both by precept and example, the impor tant duty of secret prayer; yet he was equally particular and strenuous with regard to the various branches of social prayer. The example which he gave to his disciples, was an example of social prayer. It is expressed in the plurul number; "Our Father, who art in heaven." This is pertinent to every branch of social prayer, but not to individual prayer. Another branch of social prayer, urged and enforced by the Apostle Peter, is that of the family. Admonishing husbands and wives to the mutual discharge of their social and relative duties, he exhorts them to live, as being heirs together of the grace of life, that their prayers be not hindered;" plainly alluding to the most important, and indispensable duty of family prayer. To no other society, but the family, can these words have any proper application. The fellowship of christian husbands and wives is most intimate and endearing. But how can this be promoted to advantage, without daily union in prayer ? If, in the families of christians, to whom Peter wrote his epistle, there had been no social prayer; then, certainly, there were no prayers of husbands and wives, which were liable to be hindered.

On the whole, it appears, that, in every community, social prayer is the life and nerve of religion; and especially in families, which are the nurseries of all civil societies. Without family worship, how can parents bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord? And how can their children be impressed with the idea that their parents give themselves to prayer ?

Not only in families, but in all other communities, and on many occasions, social prayer is essential to the christian character. On the holy sabbath in particular, all the friends of Christ are of one accord in the house of prayer and praise. In the sanctuary, their devotions are enkin

dled into a holy ardor: and were it consistent with duty in general, they would "desire to dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of their life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple." Very cordial is the fellowship of real christians, in the house of prayer. Other days and seasons, besides the Sabbath, are set apart for special humiliation and prayer: and those who disregard these institutions, which are of human authority, discover a spirit of rebellion against the authority which is divine. "From evening to evening shall ye celebrate your sabbaths," as well as the Lord's sabbaths.

Seasons of affliction, distress and mortality, are proper seasons for special union and concert in prayer. The example of Christ was, that, "in all the afflictions of his people, he was afflicted." Benevolence requires, that we unite with the afflicted, especially in humiliation, and social prayer.

Another special occasion for social prayer is, when christians are excited by the Holy Spirit, to set apart short seasons for prayer, and religious conference. By these special meetings for prayer, and religious improvement, the life of godliness is promoted, and the Lord is well pleased. "Then they that feared the Lord," says the prophet, "spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it; and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared the Lord, and that thought on his name." Scarcely any part of religious improvement is more useful and important than these voluntary associations for prayer and praise, and holy conversation. How often are they attended with the happy fruits of divine grace, in the conviction and conversion of sinners, and in the edification of the saints!

2. In connection with the duty of prayer, and as a part of it, a few remarks may be useful, on the duty of singing, as well as speaking the praises of the Lord. "Is any merry? let him sing Psalms," All the Psalms and songs, and poetical books, which comprise a great part of the Bible, were divinely inspired, for the important purpose of singing praises to the Lord. Singing the praises