"Many may be unfit for serving their country in the field, who may yet promote its advantage in their closets, and by their influence at the throne of grace, may be the strongest bulwark of the land. Had we more persons among us, endued with the pious fervour of Moses, to hold up their hands to God on behalf of the nation, we should have less reason to fear the most formidable adversaries."

REV. T. ROBINSON.

"Let me alone," said the Lord to Moses, when he pleaded with him in behalf of rebellious Israel, "let me alone that I may destroy them in a moment:" he could not, so to speak, proceed to take vengeance, unless his servant would cease to plead for them. Abraham desisted from asking before the Lord delayed to grant his supplications for guilty Sodom. Sennacherib's numerous host was too feeble to withstand the united prayers of Hezekiah and Isaiah: nor could Herod's prison and guards detain or destroy

Peter, when time was given to the church to pour out their prayers for him. Do we then hear of good designs which seem likely to be frustrated through the artifices of the enemy, and their interference with mens' secular interest? Let us remember that our prayers are the appointed and effectual means of removing these impediments: and perhaps the Lord delays the success of such designs, till he be importuned by the whole multitude of his people; that, as he alone can send prosperity, or give the blessing, so the whole glory may thus be given to him, whatever instruments he may honour, by employing them in such beneficial services. It is, however, our bounden duty thus to assist all who labour to do good. We should pray without ceasing that the ministers of Christ may be faithful, bold, zealous, prudent, and successful; that the Lord would send forth labourers into his vineyard; that pure christianity may be diffused on every side; that the church may become as a city that is at unity within itself;" that at this time,

"when the enemy

comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord may lift up a standard against him ;" that impiety and false religion may be suppressed; that Jews, Pagans, Infidels, and Mohammedans may be converted; that such as are gone amidst manifold dangers and hardships, to preach the gospel in remote regions, may be protected, supported, comforted, and prospered; and that the earth may speedily be "filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."

"There is in general too small a proportion by far of supplication or intercession, in the devotions of christians of the present day. Selfishness seems even to infect our religion: we seek comfort, and perhaps sanctification, for ourselves, the company, and our particular circle; but, except on special occasions, we are not apt to enlarge, to multiply our petitions, and fill our mouths with arguments, in pleading for our fellow christians, and fellow sinners throughout the world; or even for our own country, and the church of God that is amongst us.

Let no one make unworthiness, or discour agement, or want of liberty in prayer, an excuse or reason for neglecting this bounden duty. In general, prayer for others is the best preparation for pouring out our own complaints before God with confidence and comfort; and did we more generally begin as our Lord hath taught us, "Hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven;" we should more generally conclude with animated alacrity," For thine," O Lord, "is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, for ever and ever: Amen."

REV. T. SCOTT.

“The communion of saints is the great privilege of all the children of God; they may be separate from each other in body, and yet may daily meet at the throne of grace. This is one branch of the communion of saints, to be present in spirit to each other; sharing in common of the influences of the Spirit, they feel the same desires, aim at the same objects

and, so far as they are personally acquainted, are led to bear each other upon their hearts in prayer. It has often been an encouragement to me in a dark and dull hour, when rather the constraint of duty, than the consideration of privilege, has brought me upon my knees, to reflect how many hearts, and eyes, and hands, have been probably lifted up in the same moment with mine; this thought has given me new courage. O what a great family has our Father! and what David says of the natural is true of the spiritual life. "These wait all upon thee; "that thou mayest give them their meat in "due season. That thou givest them, they "gather: thou openest thine hand, and they "are filled with good." Then I particularly think of those who have been helpful to me in time past; the seasons of sweet communion we have enjoyed together, the subjects of our anutual complaints, &c. Where are they, or how engaged now? Perhaps this moment praying or thinking about me. Then I am roused to make their cases my own, and by