(3. i Famt/y prayer is also another part not in be n< g-
lected. It is true there is no absolute mmand lor this
in God's Word: yet, from hints, allusions, and exam- ple- v, e may learn that it was the practice of ancient saint- Abraham (Gen. xviii. 19), David (2 Sam. vi. 20), Solomon (Prov. xxii,6), Job I i, l. 5), Joshua (xxiv, i ■■ . See also Eph.vi, 4; Prov. vi, 20; jer. x, 25; Acts x. ■_'. .'Hi; x\i. l.">. i Family prayer, indeed, may nol he essential to the character of a true Christian, hut it is
SUrel) no I ■ to heads of families to have it said that
they have no religion in their housea If we what a blessing it i- likely in pmve to our children and our domestics; what comfort it must afford to ourselves ; of what utility il mayprove to the community at large ; how it sanctifies domestic comforts and crosses; and what
a tendencj ii ha- to pro te order, decency, sobriety,
. we must at mice see the propri- ety of am nding in it The objection often made to family prayer is want of time; bul this is a ven friv- n-e, -inc the lime allotted for this purpose in. d bi bul short, and may easily he redeemed from sleep or business. Others say they have no uiu-:
where I hi- i- the ca-e. a form ma\ BOOn he procured and
used, hui it should !»■ remembered that gifts increase by exercise, and no man can properly decide unless he make ..pealed trials. Others are detevred through
shame, or the fear of man : in answer to such, we re- fer them to the declarations of our Lord (Matt x,37, 38; Mark viii. 38). A- to the season for family prayer, every family must determine tor it-clt ; hut before break- fast every morning, and before Bupper at night, seems most proper: perhaps a quarter of an hour or twenty minute- may he sufficient as to the time.
(l.i Social prayer i- another kind Christians are called upon to attend to. It is denominated social be- cause it i- "Hi rid by a society ol < Ihristians in their col- lective capacity, enlivened for that particular purpose, either on some peculiar and extraordinary occasions, or at stated and regular seasons. Special prayer-mi etings are such as are held at the meeting and parting of inti- mate friends, especially churches and ministers: when the Church is in a state of unusual dcadui-s and har- reimess; when ministers are sick, or taken away by death: in times of public calamity and distress, etc. "-land meetings for BOCial prayer are such a- are held weekly in some places which have a special regard to the state of the nation and churches; missionary prayer- meetings for the spread of the Gospel; weekly meet- ings held in most of the congregations, which have a more particular reference to their own churches, minis- ter-, the sick, feeble, and weak of the flock, christians are greatly encouraged to this kind of prayer from the consideration of the promise i Matt, xviii. 20 |, the bene- fit of mutual supplications, from the example of the most eminent primitive -aim- I Mai. iii. Id: Acts xii. 12 i, the answers given in prayer (Acts xii, ] 12; Josh, x; Isa. xxxvii. etc.). and the signal blessing they are to the churches i Phil. i. 1'.'; 2 Cor. i. 11). Tin ->■ meetings should he attended with regularity; those who engage should study simplicity, brevity, Scripture language, seriousness of : spirit, and everything that has a tend* ncy to edification. We now come, lastly, to take notice of
public prayer, or that in which the whole congregation
is engaged, either in repeating a set form or acquiescing with the prayer of the minister who leads their devo- tions. This is both an ancient and important part of religious exercise; it was a part of the patriarchal wor- ship (Gen. i\. 56); it was also carried on by the Jews (Exod. xxix. 43; Luke i. 10). It was a part of the Temple-service (Isa. l\i. 7: 1 Kings viii. 69). Jesus Christ recommended it both by hi- example and in- struction ,Matt. xviii. 20; Luke iv. IC). The disciples also attended to it (Ads ii. H, 42), and the Scriptures in many plac- countenance it i Exod. XX, 2 1 : Psa. lxiii, 1. 2; ixxxiv. 11; xxvii. 4). See \\ ilkins. Henry, Watts. On Prayer; Townsend, Nine Sermons < Paley, Moral Philosophy, ii. :>1 : Mather, Student mid Pastor, p. 87; Wollaston, Religion of Nature, p. 122, 123; Hannah More. On Education, vol. ii, ch.i; Barrow, Works, vol. i. ser. ii; Smith. System of Prayer; Scamp,
on Family Religion; Walford, <>n I Henderson's Buck. See Worship.
III. Philosophical Difficulties. — 1. Scripture does net give any theoretical explanation of the mystery which attaches to praj er. The difficulty of understanding its real efficacy arises chiefly from two sources: from the belief thai man lives under general laws. which in all cases must he fulfilled unalterably; and the opposing belief that he i- master of in- own destiny, and need
pray for im external blessing. The lir-l difficulty is
even increased when we substitute the belief in a per- snnal God for i he sense of an impersonal destiny: since not nid\ dm -tic predestination ol God seem to render prayer useless, hut hi- wisdom and love, giving freely