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ENTERED, ACCORDING TO ACT OF CONGRESS, IN THE YEAR 847, BY
CHARLES A. GOODRICH,

IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT COURT OF CONNECTICUT

STEREOTYPED BY RICHARD H. HOBBS,

HARTFORD, CONN.

PRINTED BY

CASE, TIFFANY AND CO

HARTFORD, CONN.

PREFACE.

*

On the eve of the departure of a missionary to a distant Eastern island, a few years since, a manuscript was presented to him by a young lady,+ a relative of his, accompanied by a wish that it might prove, during his voyage, and, indeed, through his toils and trials as a missionary of the Cross, a source of instruction and consolation. A copy of the manuscript was retained by the young lady, who some time after placed it at the disposal of the author. It contains all the passages in the Bible pertaining to prayer.

The perusal of this manuscript suggested the present volume. It was originally the intention of the author to remark upon every passage it contains; but, in passing the sheets through the press, he has been compelled, in order to keep the volume within proper dimensions, to abandon this design. This explanation seems due, in order to account for a noticeable omission of several passages in the latter part of the New Testament. The omission, however, is the less to be regretted, as the truths involved in them will be found in a great measure to have been anticipated.

The author has not aimed to write a treatise on prayer. His object is less formal and less repulsive; being an endeavor to impart all possible interest to an important, but neglected subject. Intercourse with heaven ought to be a pleasant theme. Prayer ought to be a delightful and profitable exercise. It is, indeed, a solemn service; and, while standing in the presence of the King of kings, the soul is naturally filled with awe; and, moreover,

Guilt holds us back, and fear alarms.

But why should they? Why should we shrink to come near to Him whose nature is "Love?"—who styles himself our "Father?"—

* Rev. SAMUEL G. WHITTLESEY, to Ceylon.

Now Mrs. S. G. ASHTON, Newburyport, Mass.

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