Te desire this event, knowing the Other ends, which we are to keep in purpose of God respecting it, is to deview in the duty of prayer, are the acsire that his purpose may not be accomplishment of the Divine purposes, complished; and that the greatest gen-in general; the greatest good of beeral good, which is the object of all his lievers, and the best interest of the purposes, may not be effected. Such Redeemer's kingdom. But, a prayer desires cannot be truly benevolent ;- for immediate perfection in holiness, they are desires, which we ought not by one who has a just view of the reto possess, and which of course, we vealed purposes of God respecting this ought not to express to God in the form event, would not be consistent with of prayer. either of these ends. A state of imme

2ndly. To pray for immediate per-diate perfection, being contrary to the fection in holiness is inconsistent with the ends we are to keep in view, in the duty of prayer.

Our chief end, in prayer, as well as in all other duties, should be the glory of God. But, we cannot pray for immediate perfection in holiness, for the chief end of promoting the glory of God, because we know, at the time of making this prayer, that the glory of God would not be best promoted, by such an event. As this would be contrary to the Divine purposes, it would of course, be inconsistent with the greatest display of God's glory; and believing this, we cannot have this display of his glory for our chief end, in praying that this event may take place. There can be no greater absurdity, than to suppose we can do any thing, with an ultimate regard to God's glory, which thing, we believe and know, at the time of doing it, will not be conducive to this end.

Divine purposes, would not be consistent with a general prayer, that those purposes may be accomplished. And since we are assured that all things, as they actually take place, shall work together for the good of individual Christians, and for the best interest of the church at large; we cannot consistently wish, or pray, that the state of individual Christians, or of the church at large, should be essentially different from that which God hath seen fit to appoint. We cannot, consistently, pray that his revealed purposes should be altered for the good of particular believers, or for the general good of the church,, because no possible alteration would conduce to this end. If all things, as they are established by the Divine purposes, will conspire to promote the good of believers, the best interests of the Church, and the greatest display of God's glory, it is manifest that we cannot desire or pray Another end, which we are to have for any conceivable change in the Diin view, in prayer, is to bring our-vine purposes, that these events may selves into submission to the Divine be accomplished. will. The design of prayer is not to move God to change his purposes.The change, which is to be wrought, by means of this duty, is not in God, but in ourselves. It is designed to All acceptable petitions must be bring us into submission to the Divine presented to God with submission to will; to prepare us to receive or not to his will. But, to pray, in this manner, receive, the particular things which we for immediate perfection in holiness, ask for, as God shall see fit. But, we knowing that it is the will or purpose cannot pray for immediate perfection, of God that we should not be thus perin holiness, with this end in view, be-fect, in this life, is to pray, either that cause we know it is contrary to the will or purpose of God, that this event should take place. 1 VOL. 2

3dly. To pray for immediate perfec tion in holiness would be inconsistent with the manner in which all accepta ble prayer is to be offered up.

God would take us, immediately, out of this world; or, that he would change his revealed purposes respecting us; or, that we might continue in a state

of imperfection. And, can any one believe it is the duty of Christians to present such a prayer as this to the throne of grace?

No prayer can be acceptable to God which is not offered in faith. Heb. xi. 6. But, how can we pray in faith for a thing which God hath previously assured us he will not bestow? Where can there be any ground for faith in such a prayer? We, not only, cannot believe that the subject of the petition will be granted, but we can have not a gleam of hope for it: we know, at the very time of making this petition, that the thing which we plead for is contrary to the purposes of God, and will not be granted. But, if there be no ground for faith or hope in such a prayer, it cannot be acceptable to God, and therefore it cannot be the duty of Christians.

This injunction is, evidently, founded upon the principle, that no petitions, even for spiritual blessings, are to be presented to God, for things which he hath previously assured us he will not bestow. The prophets of old were often prohibited from praying for the forgiveness of the Jews, when God had revealed his purpose to destroy them. Jer. vii. 15, 16. “I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out the whole seed of Ephraim, therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them; neither make intercession for them, to me, for, I will not hear thee." A similar direction is contained in chap. xi. 14, and again repeated in chap. xiv. 11, 12, to show that it is a consideration of nos mall importance. There are two reasons here given, why Jeremiah should not pray for that people; one is, God had deThese remarks apply only to those termined to "punish them," and to who have just views of the revealed" cast them out of his sight;" and had purposes of God, respecting the im- revealed this determination to the properfect state of Christians in this world. phet; the other, which results from this, The prayers of those who have erro-is, that God would not hear him, in neous apprehensions of this subject, do such a prayer. not come within the limits of our present consideration.

But, if the fact, that God would not grant deliverance to the Jews, but Such are the arguments, from would assuredly punish them, was a the nature of those desires which we sufficient reason why Jeremiah should are to present unto God, in the duty not pray that they might be spared, of prayer; from the ends we are to and why God would not hear such a keep in view, in this duty; and, from prayer; the fact, that he will not make the manner in which it is to be per- Christians perfectly holy in this life, is formed, in support of the doctrine that a sufficient reason why they should not it is not our duty to pray for immedi-pray for this event, and why such a ate perfection in holiness.

We observe in the 4th place, That this doctrine is supported by several passages of scripture. The following texts establish the principle, that we ought not to pray for an event, which is contrary to the known purposes of God:

prayer will not be heard.

The prayer of our Saviour, in Mat. xxvi. 39, may be adduced, in support of the doctrine under consideration."O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt." The cup, here mentioned, was doubtless 1 John v. 16. "There is a sin unto the scene of his last sufferings. In view death, I do not say that ye shall pray of the inexpressible agonies he was for it." The sin here referred to, is about to endure, he exclaims, " O my doubtless the unpardonable sin. We Father, if it be possible, let this cup are not to pray for its forgiveness; pass from me." By these words, he and the obvious reason for this direc- did not pray to be delivered from these fion is, it is the revealed purpose of sufferings, if it were in the power of God that it shall not be forgiven.- Omnipotence to deliver him. The

phrase, "if it be possible," can only || Laws are the fruit of a universal combimean, if it be consistent with the grea-nation among people of the same comtest display of God's glory in the sal-monwealth. Human depravity is alvation of sinners: if the work, which ways found enlisted in the warfare to he had undertaken, could be accom-render void such statutes as are poinplished in any other way. But, even ted against its beloved licentiousness. this petition, thus qualified, he pre-Laws for the suppression of vice are, sented only in submission to his Fa-consequently, among the first that sink ther's will. Thus, we are taught not into "a dead letter." The whole to pray to be delivered from any evils which it is the will of God that we should suffer; or, to enjoy any good, which it is not his will to bestow. In other words, all our petitions are to be limited by the Divine purposes; consequently, it cannot be our duty to ask for any thing which we know it to be his purpose not to grant.

community are vigilant for regulations pertaining to perishing property.They are unanimous in taking up arms against the dealer by false weights and measures; the counterfeiter of money; the thief, and the robber. But the profane swearer, the drunkard, the gambler, the sabbath breaker-is, in too many instances, permitted to pass with slight censure. In some cases, when the laws which he violates have become silent, he has even the affrontery to demand the fair standing of reputation. It is lamentable that his demand has been, of late, so rarely repelled.

In such a state of society, a voluntary association has appeared necessary in every parish of the community, for

This doctrine is, also, implied in that memorable prayer which is recorded in John xvii. 9. "I pray not for them, I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me, for they are thine." The reason here assigned by our Saviour, why he prayed not for the world, is, that they were not given unto him by the Father;they were not included in the cove-the purpose of awakening those wholenant of redemption; of course, it was some laws which the profligate have not the purpose of God that they caused to slumber; and of encourageshould be saved. ing the magistrate and public officer In each of these passages, the pray-to fidelity in every thing that pertains ers which are brought into view, are, to their office, and to their oath. evidently, grounded upon, and regulated by the general principle, that we ought not to pray for any event which is contrary to the revealed or known purpose of God: consequently, it is not our duty to pray for immediate perfection in holiness.

(To be continued.)

CONNECTICUT MORAL SOCIETY,

Nor has this necessity presented itself unattended with a reasonable prospect of success. The considerate and sober are always on the side of such efforts. Omnipotence is on their side. But the power of the Most High is employed in aid of those, who, according to his will, use the means which he gives them.

An experiment of twelve years, în the island of our fathers, has proved the If those feelings and opinions, pur-happy efficacy of voluntary associa poses and deeds, which prevent per- tions for the suppression of vice. That manent good, and produce permanent experiment, in the beginning, was evil, are justly called vicious, or im-comparatively feeble. It was, also, moral, then, every judicious effort to resisted with much violence and masuppress immorality must deserve en- lignity. Its friends persevered howev couragement. Statutes and penalties er. The cause acquired strength.against immorality have, from the be- The magistrate was aided in his duty. ginning, been found indispensable to Many of the incorrigible in profligac the security of man's social well-being. were brought to merited punishment

and shame. Notorious licentiousness ion, would use them to excess; and, has, of course, been gradually falling likewise, to ascertain the quantity of arinto infamy. Criminals have been di-dent spirits consumed within the parish minishing. On the subject of the during the year which began, the first Lord's day, even the metropolis of the of April, 1813. To the former article British dominions exhibits a new face. the committee attended, and the conThe ruin of numbers has been mani-sequences were in some degree, such festly prevented. as good people would wish to behold. Similar effects have been produced On the latter article of request, the by similar associations in the Ameri-committee had made no report at the can States. As far as combinations close of the year specified. The vices have been formed, and their labors di- of profanity, Sabbath-breaking, and inrected by a discreet firmness and reso- temperance had been prevalent.― Jution, the results have been happy. Considerate people rejoiced in the forThey continue to be happy. It is, in-mation of the Society. Numbers, of deed, obvious, that the mere establish- an opposite character, manifested hosment itself of such associations must tility, and labored to render the Socieact powerfully as a check upon openty odious. Nevertheless the friends immorality. For, how can the public of morality prevailed. The effects of knowledge of a combination to prose- the institution were happy. Though cute for specified offences, fail to di- every thing pernicious had not been minish those offences? removed, yet the objects of the instiThe Connecticut Society for the tution were, in some measure, attainpromotion of good morals is co-opera-ed, and progress was making towards ting with others, of the same nature, their complete accomplishment in that in our land. Its constitution is, per-parish.

haps, the simplest possible. It seems The Branch Society of Middlesex, not, however, the less likely, on this in Norwalk, reported resolutions of the account, to be efficacious. According following import; That they would to its provisions, reliance is placed on themselves be examples of morality; those Branch Societies which it invites that they would admonish retailers of the well disposed in every parish to ardent spirits not to violate the laws of form. To the persevering activity of the state upon this subject; that if, afthese the friends of social order and ter such admonition, the laws were vivirtue are to look for the salutary ef-olated, the members would complain, fects of the institution. To such of these as have already had time and a disposition to act, they have not looked in vain.

unless satisfied that such retailers were determined to obey the laws in future; that no member would employ a person addicted to immorality, unless such person refrain from it while in his service, or be indebted to said member; that the members shall deem it their duty to admonish all persons within the parish, whom they shall know to be guilty of vicious conduct, and, in case admonitions prove useless to make complaint to the proper authority, provided, the families of such

The General Society, however, cannot be inattentive to the concerns of every part. Composed of members associated in the several Branches, they possess favorable means of information pertaining to morality in the various districts of the community.An abstract of reports from the Branches are here laid before the public. The Branch Society in the first par-vicious inhabitants were not likely to ish of Woodstock, reported, That, im- be distressed by the consequences of mediately after their organization, they executing the laws; and, finally, that appointed a committee to request re- they would not vote for any person guiltailers of ardent spirits to refuse selling ty of known immorality, for any imthem to such people, as, in their opin-portant public office, whatever might

be his political opinions. An address was delivered, pointing out the prevalent vices with their pernicious effects, and making known the determination of the Society, by the blessing of God, to suppress them. That Branch had been quite recently organized, when this report was prepared. Effects extensively salutary are rather anticipated, therefore, than realized.

stock reported, That a reformation in morals had been progressing there, the last two years; that taverns and tips pling shops are now little frequented; that gross breaches of the Sabbath are rarely, if at all, seen in the parish; and that profanity, when heard, which is by no means often, is generally dis countenanced. All intelligent friends of human well being will rejoice, when truth shall authorise many such reports.

The Branch Society in Wolcot reported, That they had resolved to hold The Branch Society in Greenfield in due contempt, all persons who spend provided, soon after their organizatheir time in idleness, gambling, pro- tion, that nearly, or quite, every family fane swearing, and excessive drinking; in the parish become furnished with a to notice carefully violators of the Sab- copy of an "Address of the Western bath and neglecters of public worship; Association in Fairfield County, to the and to feel themselves pledged indi-churches and congregations under vidually to bear testimony by example, their care, on the pernicious effects of exhortation, admonition, and reproof, ardent spirts." Much good was soon against all immoral conduct within observed to be the pleasing result.their personal knowledge, Many respectable families, who, according to fashion in our country, had long made spiritous liquors a part of the entertainment at social visits, Individuals,

The Branch Society in East-Haven resolved, That the suppression of vice generally was their object-and especially Sabbath breaking,intemperance, discontinued their use. profane swearing, slander, and gamb-whom that fashion had led to intemling; that every member would feel himself obligated to use the influence of his personal example, and-if a parent, master, or guardian of his authority, for the accomplishment of this object; that the Society would support its members in their efforts to suppress such immoralities; that, in appointment to office-whether of state, town, or parish, it should be the duty of every member to withhold his suffrage from men habitually guilty of vicious practices; that every member would aid the civil magistrate in executing the laws against vice, and assist all informing officers in the discharge of their duty; and that the Clerk of the Society present the grand-jury-men, constables, and tithing-men of the town, each with a copy of their vote, tendering their assistance and pledging their support to the said officers, in the execution of the laws against immorality in general, and, especially, against licentious taverns, places of illicit resort, and the prevalent vices above mentioned.

perance, had seen the error of their way and turned from it. Others, who had believed that ardent spirits were necessary to sustain them while at hard labor, were convinced, that such an opinion was altogether groundless.So salutary were the effects of exertions already made, that, although intemperance was still, in some degree, prevalent, the Society indulged strong hopes of seeing their persevering effort followed by a general reformation. That Branch, also, impressed with the importance of suppressing the open profanation of the Lord's day, declared their readiness to co-operate with the other Branches through the State, in putting a stop to this alarming evil, and to assist in promoting every measure conducive to the good of man. [To be continued.]

CONNECTICUT MISSIONARY SOCIETY. THE Brief for Contributions thro' this State, for the benefit of the MisThe Branch Society in North Wood-sionary Society, having expired with