meeting must be modified by the number and character of the persons present, and the length of time they can spend together. Where only a few can be collected, it is manifest that one individual must perform what had better be divided among a number. It will not be possible to give directions for all the varying circumstances and occasions which may arise. Our instructions are designed for meetings respectable in number and character, leaving smaller assemblages to be regulated as best they may be; and where one has to do the work of many, our advice to him is that he do one thing at a time, doing that as though, for the moment, it were his whole duty. If several topics must be introduced into a single prayer, they may be so arranged that each one of those topics shall be presented entire, and in such a way that all may know for what they are praying and for what they are giving thanks.

It has been common to consider prayer as consisting of three parts, supposed to be discoverable in the Lord's Prayer. These parts are adoration, supplication, and confession. The examples afforded us in the Bible teach that these parts of prayer are not always to be used, even in individual exercises of devotion; and much less should they all be found in every prayer that is offered. They may have a

place in every meeting, but not in every prayer. Their proper place is in the introductory and concluding prayers, which ought by all means to be in reference to the meeting itself. If they be otherwise, they must anticipate or repeat the matter of other prayers, to the gendering of confusion, and the destruction of interest and profit.

The introductory and concluding prayers admit, if they do not require, direct addresses to God, in the way of adoration and general thanksgiving. They admit of confession of sin, and a deprecation of its awful consequences. The presence and influences of the Spirit may be largely invoked upon all the exercises of the meeting, according as they have been or are to be performed.

To the beginning and close of meetings, these things in their general application most certainly should be confined.

The introductory service having been performed, the other prayers should be direct to the point in hand, whatever that may be. Like the prayers spoken of in the scripture, they should dispense with the parade of introduction, or close, as such; just telling the story to God in the simplest and plainest language, solemn and reverent, but not adulatory or repetitious.

We should not feel as though God our Father was to be propitiated by flatteries and professions, before we can expect a favorable response. Humility, and sincerity, and honesty, and earnestness, are all that he cares to see in us. His mind needs no preparation to render him favorably disposed. The seeming awe with which God is often approached argues distrust rather than faith, and selfishness rather than love. Why should there be more solicitude to propitiate our Father in heaven than our father on earth? The idea that such a direct and simple prayer, for just what we want, and for nothing else, will seem too short, or too naked, is altogether baseless and absurd. What if it be two minutes? What if it be one minute? No matter; provided the end be answered. What if the thing we want lie all uncovered and alone before God and the congregation? That is just as it should lie. That is the way to know where it is and what it is. We need not cover it up, as if we were ashamed of what we had done.

In so far as directness and explicitness are concerned in our manner of approaching God, the prayer of Abraham's servant, when going to seek a wife for Isaac, is an excellent model for our imitation; indeed, such is the character of almost every prayer recorded in the Bi

ble. If thanksgiving be offered, the cause for it is distinctly stated; if confession be made, some sin is specified; if supplications be uttered, something definite and tangible is sought. You find no flourish of vapid, unmeaning ceremony, and hollow complimentary expression. Just listen: (Gen. 24: 12-14.) "Oh Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee send me good speed this day, and show kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come to draw water; and let it come to pass that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also; let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast 'shewed kindness unto my master."

When Daniel, (Dan. 2: 17, 18,) had a great concern on his hands, in the matter of Nebuchadnezzar's dream; how simple and direct, was his manner of prayer. "Then Daniel went to his house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael and Usariah, his companions; that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven, concerning this secret.' See the publican come trembling into the tem

ple, with down cast eyes afar off from the holy place, striking his breast with his hand, and now hear his tremulous voice cry out "God be merciful to me a sinner." One such direct, pointed prayer, is worth an hundred, or a thousand, of those soulless performances, which we sometimes hear and sometimes utter ; filled up, with every thing, and really meaning nothing, serving no purpose, but to try the patience of the assembly.

It will tend greatly to the concentration of thought and desire, if the subject of each prayer be announced, before the prayer is offered. And if in a brief address, the subject matter be expounded, it will be all the better. All this, will in its tendency make us feel, that we have an understood object in coming to God; and a corresponding expected result to encourage us. We shall feel, as though we have something to do, and we shall do it with good will; and whatever is so done, is likely to succeed. The economy in time, by such an arrangement, is also immense. No one, who has not seen things done in this way, will have any idea of the number of prayers, and other separate services, which can be brought within a single hour; and all without any hurry or confusion. Just have the motto, "one thing at a time" before your eyes, and you will have