prayer, characterised as mere court-forms, no otherwise defensible, than on the score of custom and decency. It is surely no idle ceremony, to pray for the bodily and spiritual health of persons, in whose character, conduct, and prosperity, every member of our community is so deeply interested: and, if we claim a right, as subjects, to the fatherly care and concern of that ruler, whom the King of heaven has appointed to reign over us upon earth, how can we at the same time, deny his claim to our filial love and duty and, if we feel the influence of those motives, how can we withhold from him our earnest prayers for his present and future well-being?

We are next called upon to consider the prayer "for the Clergy and people;" which reminds us, how close and important is the bond of connection between "our Bishops and Curates," and "the congregations committed to their charge." As the spiritual knowledge and faith of the whole people depends, in great measure, upon the orthodoxy of their pastors, so likewise does their practice, upon the example which they set before them. Justly, therefore, may it be required of us,

that we should pray with earnest ardour for a blessing of vital importance to our own nation, and of no light concern to the whole Christian world.

The fourth of these prayers was taken from a Liturgy attributed to Chrysostom, a bishop of great piety, learning, and industry in the ancient Greek church. Therein we sum up our former petitions; praying for the fulfilment of them, so far only" as may be expedient for us;" of which we acknowledge our heavenly Father himself to be the only competent judge: but, especially, for "the knowledge of his truth" (that is-of true religion)" in this world," and for "everlasting life in the world to come:" for all which, we humbly claim the gracious promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, "where two or three are gathered together in his name, he will grant their requests.".

The few words, which, with singular solemnity as well as propriety, constitute the final prayer, are taken from the thirteenth chapter of St. Paul's second Epistle to the Corinthians; and contain a supplication for each of those appropriate blessings, which they, who ask faithfully, may hope to receive from the three Persons of the sacred Tri

nity. This passage, as originally addressed by the Apostle to the Christians at Corinth, evidently bears the form of a blessing; but our Church here adopts it as a prayer. The priest continues kneeling as he recites it; and, having named "the grace (that is, in this place, the favour and bounty) of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God (that is, of God the Father) and the fellowship (or communion) of the Holy Ghost," he adds-not, as the words stand in the Epistle"be with you all;" but-" be with us all :" and the people are directed, as at the conclusion of other prayers, to answer "Amen!"

And here ends the order of Evening-prayer: and that of the morning, unless when the Litany is appointed to be read, is concluded in the same manner. But, by custom, in both, and by actual appointment, in the service of the morning, when the Litany is not read, a prayer "for all sorts and conditions of men" is introduced next after the prayer for the clergy; and, after that, a form of "general thanksgiving."

The prayer" for all sorts and conditions of men" is truly, as its name imports, an intercession for

all mankind:—for all "who profess and call themselves Christians," that, both in belief and practice, they may live as becomes that profession,

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holding the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life:" and, for those, on whom the glorious light of the Gospel has not yet shone, that it would please "the Almighty Creator and Preserver of all mankind," in his good time," to make his ways known unto them,” and “his saving health unto all nations." And let us not fail to notice, that, in this petition for the whole Christian world, our Church has not directed that her own establishment, as such, should be exclusively or even specifically named; but only recommends herself to our prayers, as forming a part of that holy catholic (or universal) Church," which is acknowledged in the Apostles' Creed; no otherwise defining, what communities, calling themselves Christians, may or may not be justly included in that description. This prayer also contains a general intercession for all persons under peculiar affliction, of whatever kind; with a proviso for the distinct mention of any individuals, for whom the

prayers of the congregation may be particularly desired.

In the general Thanksgiving, we humbly offer up our thanks and praise for the various blessings conferred upon ourselves and all mankind; but with a similar permission, as in our prayers for them, to specify the desire of such persons, as have made application to that effect, to express their gratitude for particular mercies vouchsafed to them. And it should be observed, that as many as, in any case of affliction, have desired the prayers of the congregation, are bound, in duty as well as decency, upon their restoration or delivery, to proclaim their thankfulness to Almighty God in the same public manner.

But most especially is it provided, that we may pour out our souls in unwearied thankfulness for that transcendent act of Divine mercy and love

"the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory." On this pre-eminent occasion of gratitude, we are most naturally and appropriately made to add our prayers, that “ our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful;" and that we may "shew