Inder of hymns.

Preface.

T

HIS little wreath of Praise and Prayer, gathered from many sources, is sent forth in the humble hope that, each Eventide, it may point many to the Mercy-Seat.

That Treasury of Devotion, the Book of Common Prayer, has furnished most of the short Collects. To other sources, new and old, the Compiler gratefully acknowledges his indebtedness.

In addition to the arrangement of Praise and Prayer for Four Weeks there will be found Hymns and Collects for varied events of Home Life, for Sacred Seasons, and other special occasions. These may be used in conjunction with the other Prayers as the special day or event comes round.*

A Calendar of Daily Readings is given, in which the New Testament Scriptures are so divided that they may be read through in a year. The arrangement, with a few variations, is that of the late Dr. E. B. Chalmer, a much esteemed Sheffield Vicar. It will be seen that a Gospel is given for each quarter of the year. The Book of the Acts follows St. Luke's Gospel as being a continuation of the narrative, whilst the Epistles of St. John and the Book of Revelation follow his Gospel, and close the year. A prominent verse for daily meditation is

given in a separate column.

"Missionary Collects," in connection with the cycle of Prayer for Missions, arranged for a month, and published by the Church Missionary Society, may also be profitably used.

Dr. Hill, who some 300 years ago ministered at St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, London, very tersely puts the duty of prayer thus:-"Pray in all places, at all times, for all persons, and for all things. For the King, his Senators, his Clergy, his Soldiers, and his Subjects. Art thou a Minister? pray for thy flock. A Hearer for thy preacher. A Father? for thy child. A Husband? for thy wife. A Master? for thy servant. Is any Sick? pray for his health. Poor? for his wealth. In Distress? for his deliverance. Pray for all men,

that their bodies may be preserved, souls saved, estates maintained, that their thoughts may be sanctified, words seasoned, and actions ordered by the Spirit of God.

With Morning Prayer the day begin:
With Evening Prayer the night shut in."

Dr. H. C. G. Moule truly says, "Nothing, where there is a family in any sense, can take the place of Family Prayer, in which the head of the family takes his God-intended position as its pastor and teacher; instructing it from the Word, leading it in praise and prayer, and pledging himself and his circle by that solemn act to a family life in which the Lord shall be honoured." (Secret Prayer).

A well-known worker for God, the Rev. Chas. Bullock, B.D., asks:- "How is it that in so many homes, even in Christian England, sons and daughters might say, 'We never saw our parents kneel with us in Family Prayer'? I believe the answer to the question would rightly be--It has not been because of want of will, but because of want of thought.' Prayer and Praise in every home would indeed be a pledge of a revival of true Religion and Divine Blessing in the Family, the Parish, the Church, and the World."

May this little Book help to unite the family each evening at the Throne of Grace in the Worship of the "One Father" the "Author and Giver of all good gifts."

James Montgomery, the Sheffield poet, very aptly describes Prayer as "the Christian's vital breath."

Prayer is the simplest form of speech
That infant lips can try;

Prayer the sublimest strains that reach,
The Majesty on high.

Bishop E. H. Bickersteth tenderly emphasises the Apostolic injunction, "Pray without ceasing."

Pray, always pray; the Holy Spirit pleads

With thee and for thee; tell Him all thy needs.

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Pray, always pray; amid the world's turmoil

Prayer keeps the heart at rest, and nerves for toil.
Pray, always pray if joys thy pathway throng,
Prayer strikes the harp, and sings the angels' song.

William Cowper, in words born of experience, says:-
Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw,

Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw.

The saintly George Herbert, nearly 300 years ago, quaintly wrote:-

Who goes to bed and doth not pray,

Maketh two nights of every day.

The late Bp. Walsham How felt the blessedness of "blended voice in prayer

Light of the world! with us abide,
And to Thyself our footsteps guide,
At Morn, at Noon, and Eventide.

Dear Reader, may it be your privilege and mine thus to hold sweet and hallowed communion with our Heavenly Father in praise and prayer. As we strive by the help of the Holy Spirit to live more nearly as we pray, may Montgomery's words find a ready and constant echo in each heart :-

O Thou by Whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way,

The path of prayer Thyself hast trod:
Lord, teach us how to pray.

HEELEY VICARAGE, SHEFFIELD,

WHITSUNTIDE, 1899.

W. O.