Contents. ALL NIGHT IN PRAYER,-an original poem, by WM. B. TAPPAN.... PRACTICAL HINTS ON THE EXERCISE OF PRAYER 12 1. Maintain a constant spirit of prayer........ 12 2. Observe stated and regular seasons of 3. Observe special seasons of prayer.......... 2. Come to it with a preparation of heart..... 3. Seek the aid of the Holy Spirit... 6. Study the Scriptures systematically. Character and Attributes of God.-Self-existence, 94. Eternity and Immutability, 95.- Omni- presence and Omniscience, 96.Omnipotence and Independence, 96.- Benevolence, 97.- Doctrines. Decrees of God, 102.-Sovereignty Redemption, 105.-Justification-Adoption - Character of Christ, 110. - World of Names and Offices of Christ, 112.-Saviour-Re- - ness-Humility-Patience -Long-suffering, Objects.-1. To discover our sins......... Questions for Saturday Evening.. Questions for Sabbath Evening.. Questions for every Evening... 2. To ascertain why prayer is not answered.. 3. To ascertain the cause of afflictions....... 4. To know whether we are Christians. Am I a Christian? Questions as to the vari- ous marks of Christian character... 5. To ascertain whether we are prepared to Entroduction. THE vital principle of piety must be cultivated in the closet. If there is a failure here, all other means will be unavailing. As the fountain to the stream, so is the closet to a holy life.. The time was, when religion was too exclusively confined to inward emotions. But, in this age of activity, the tendency is to neglect the exercise of spiritual affections, in the pressure of active efforts; and, in proportion as this is so, these efforts will be made in a carnal or worldly spirit. Every Christian, therefore, should be deeply impressed with this sentiment, viz. THE GLORY OF GOD AND THE INTERESTS OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM ARE INSEPARABLY CON NECTED WITH THE PERSONAL HOLINESS OF INDI VIDUAL BELIEVERS. Herein is my Father glorified, in that ye bear much fruit." This fruit is twofold: 1. The fruits of the Spirit in the hearts of believers, conforming them to the image of Jesus. As they are his liv A ing representatives, how deeply is his glory concerned in the approximation which they make to their great Pattern! 2. The influence which they exert in bringing others to a knowledge of the truth. The latter will generally bear a striking proportion to the former. It is eminent spiritual attainments, combined with practical wisdom, which make Christians successful instruments, in the hands of God, in bringing sinners to repentance. Without a high standard of personal piety, their efforts for the promotion of Christ's kingdom must be weak and ill-directed, inefficient and unsuccessful. Especially will this be apparent, when we consider how much depends upon the habit ual exercise of prevailing prayer. How important, then, at this period of the world, when such vast responsibilities press upon the church, is the RELIGION OF THE CLOSET! How important that the piety of the present age should assume the form of full-grown manhood! Growth in grace is much insisted on in the Holy Scriptures. But it is to be feared that its great importance to the soul of the believer, to the glory of God, and to all the interests of Zion, is but faintly realized. What a mighty host would the church of God now present, if all her members were growing, spiritual branches! But how can |