1. Fellow Christians.

As, in the general precept, we are called upon to do good to all men, but especially to them who are of the household of faith; so, in regard to prayer in particular, a like distinction obtains, and we must keep it always in view. The household of faith is made up of those who have been regenerated by the Spirit, and adopted by the grace of God. Let every separating line which jealousy has drawn be cancelled, and every barrier which bigotry has raised be swept away. The saints, however far they may reside apart, however diversified they may be in outward circumstances and peculiarities, are brethren in the bonds of the gospel. And who is there, possessing a spark of genuine affection to our adorable Redeemer and his cause, that cannot earnestly and daily pray, that " that grace may be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity?” The true church is the whole body of faithful and holy men throughout the world. It is an inference, from premises which cannot be disputed, that in proportion as we know the personal wants, difficulties, and trials of our fellow Christians, or the peculiar circumstances which agitate and exercise them as collective communities, we are bound to spread their cases before the Lord. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

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Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companion's sakes I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God, will I seek thy good." (Ps. cxxii. 6-9.)

2. Our relatives, or those who are connected with us in the flesh.

Religion does not steel and stupify, but melt and soften the heart. Divine grace refines the feelings, and at once gives them a right direction, and opens for them a noble channel. How fervently did the patriarch pray for his ungodly son. Oh! that Ishmael might live before thee! What anxiety and tender solicitude did Paul feel for the conversion and eternal happiness of his kinsmen according to the flesh! It was his heart's desire, and daily prayer to God, that they might be saved. And can we be unconcerned about the state of those, who are nearly allied to us by the strongest ties of nature, without subjecting ourselves justly to the charge of a most criminal apathy and indifference? Surely pious parents ought to pray for the enlightening and renovation of their children, and pious children to supplicate God for the comfort and peace of their declining parents. Brothers and sisters, while growing up under the same roof, and the same paternal vigilance, should constantly remember each other in their devout addresses to God; and when they are

separated and scattered from their early and endeared home, by the dispensations of Providence, they should make it a point to meet at the throne of grace.

3. Our neighbours, acquaintance, and countrymen.

Their circumstances of poverty, temptation, danger, and sorrow, come more immediately under our notice. We behold them not only on the flowery bank, which smiles with the sun-gleam of prosperity, but also in the wintry torrent of tribulation, struggling for existence, and catching at every reed or twig for support. Our countrymen have strong and peculiar claims upon us; and we should make it evident, that true patriotism and true piety are intimately allied. Many bonds unite those who tread the same soil, breathe the same air, speak the same language, participate freedom and protection under the same laws and the same government; but religion supplies a cement, without which all other bonds will be defective. It is a plain and obvious duty to pray for our princes, senators, and rulers, and to suffer no political opinions or animosities to interfere with this duty. The Apostle exhorts that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings, be made for all men, for kings, and for all that are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and

honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God and our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. "Whatever we ask, believing, we shall receive; and when God arises, his enemies must be scattered." And let us remember, that noted answers of prayer deserve memorials of gratitude; and while we thankfully acknowledge past help, we may depend on future protection. "When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes his enemies to be at peace with him. Prayer and penitence can do more for a nation, than the mightiest armies. And every blessing may be expected in that land, where magistrates and ministers unite remarkable diligence, equity, and faithfulness, with exemplary holiness, and ardent devotions.

4. Our fellow mortals of all nations.

Whatever some narrow and absurd systems of religion may inculcate, we are certain that Christianity teaches us to cherish sentiments of kindness and friendly concern for mankind at large. And can we think of the gross delusions, the idle mummeries, the vile obscenities, and the cold-blooded and horrible cruelties, which superstition enjoins and sanctions, without praying that God may send forth his Word, and accompany it with power, to enlighten and renew the millions

who still sit in the region and shadow of death? Those social meetings of pious men, the specific object of which is to supplicate blessings in behalf of the nations which yet lie under the veil of ignorance and unbelief, are highly commendable, as being strictly in accordance with the spirit of Christianity, and calculated to awaken and keep alive a benevolent zeal for the propagation of its salutary truths. How a friend to mankind, and a faithful adherent to the Gospel, can be an enemy to those missionary efforts, by which the kingdom of Christ is ordinarily extended, is beyond my comprehension. But where there is no hostility to the generous and praiseworthy institutions, which aim at this great end, we often find but a feeble and languid interest towards them, and social prayer is one of the best means of opening and exciting the mind.

II. We will lay down some reasons to prove the obligations every Christian is under, to continue in the exercise of intercessory prayer.

1. Because God, as a Being of infinite goodness, is well pleased that we should seek the happiness of his creatures. Those who worshipped Jupiter, Mars, and Bellona, and had

even altars erected to the

Furies, might, in

strict consistency with their system, however