The National Register.
London, England, 1809-04-09 00:00:00

THE NATIONAL REGISTER,

Co w).Eit,

APRIL D.

tends to restrict the unstudied ebullitions of the heart, when
aspiring, either in praise or prayer, imploration or thanks-
giving, to the Divine Author of all its mercies, and the
rock of its refuge! He who alone can " hear the soul's re-
turning sigh," who is not only the giver of all good things
but the author of all good thoughts, will doubtless prefer,
imperfectly as it may he offered, the natural expression of
our wants and our thanks, of our dependence or our grati-
tude. If, indeed, we are to 44 pray without ceasing," and
there are few pious persons who do not so pray, mentally
rather than verbally, it is impossible for any spiritual for-
mulary to direct, at all times, the exercise of our internal
devotion, We have an explicit .caution, from the highest
source, on this head,—" IV hen ye pray," said Jesus Christ,
" use not vain repetitions, as the heathens do ; for they
" think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
" lie not ye, therefore, like unto them : fur your father
44 knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask."
Properly to investigate the nature of Public Prayer, or
congregational intercession, would far exceed the limits
to which the present papers are necessarily restricted.
Thereasons assigned for praying by printed prayers are
much the same as those which sometimes defend the
preaching of written sermons, Propriety, perhaps even
expediency, suggests the necessity of especially attending
to the decency of Divine Service in the former particular.
If, during the time we arc in the temple of religion, the
46 heart is not to be hasty to utter any thing," much less
are we to be 44 rash with the mouth ;" feeling, as we do,
that it is seldom possible fur us to pray as we ought. Va-
rious churches, have, therefore, since the extended propa-
gation of Christianity took place, ordained the use of na-
tional rituals; a practice to which, under the divine fa-
vour, the Church of England owes her stability. It was
thistraining up the children in the way in which they should
walk, that formed the secret of the greatness of their fa-
thers, It is to the neglect of such training, politically no
less than piously, that our present evils, together with our
prospective calamities, will he found imputable.
Notwithstanding my leaning towards national rituals,
and (with certain exceptions yet to be pointed out) my
special value for the Book of Common Prayer ap-
pointed to be used among us, 1 can perceive the advan-
tages of extemporary praying, as practiced by aumerous
religious societies at this day. If every gospel minister
possessed the gift of prayer, if such pious prayer were the
combined operation of soul 'and mind, of judgment as weli
as feelieg, then might " set forms of prayer" no longer
appear necessary or eligible, Much is it to be apprehended,
however, that such *MI not be soon the. case, It is the
peculiar province of extemporary prayers to apply to im-
mediate events, and embrace particular persons ; but it is
the benefit of printed prayers, on the other hand; that they
extend to all circunistaiices of time, and affect all condi-
tions of men. Still it is on the ground of incapacity, and
the consequent danger of impropriety if not impiety, that
set Forms of Prayer are mostly desirable. He who takes
with him printed prayers, knows what he is to pray far;
while those who go to hear extemporary prayers, though
in spirit and truth. often know not to what they may
listen, in what words they are expected to join, or by what
nonsense their ears may be offended and their minds in-
sulted. Whether by head or by rote, there will he found,
in each method of praying. something to censure as well al
to commend, Considering fairly the advantages and dis-
advantages of both modes, comprehensively as well as spe-
cifically, impartiality must, I think, incline still to prefer
" set Forms of Prayer". in the performance of public wore
ship.