On READING and PRAYER. 161 
pronounced in a proper manner, without confeffing a god, 
and acknowledging your dependance on him for your fupport ? 
If we do not colled: our thoughts on this oceafion, we had bet- 
ter not repeat the words, which are intended to excite corre- 
fpondent ideas. Thofe who cannot pray over their meat for a 
quarter of a minute, (for I would not recommend fuch prayer 
to be longer) how can they pretend to pray at church for three 
quarters of an hour? Suppofe the grace were to this effect; — * 
“ Supply, O lord, the neceflities of other men ; and inlpire 
“ our hearts with gratitude for thy continual mercies to us, for 
“ the fake of our redeemer jesus Christ.” If the daily repe- 
tition of any particular form of prayer deftroyed its effed: on the 
mind, we might change it : but the fame objedion may be urged 
again!! all forms in the public worfhip of god. The fault lies 
in a habit of inattention, not in the form of prayer. 
Do we mean what we fay, even when we acknowledge a god, 
the fupreme governor of the world, who exads the constant 
homage of his creatures? Or do we talk like parrots ? If we 
think ourfelves bound at any time to pray with attention, why 
not at this ? If we perform the duty of prayer as a ceremonial, 
which we had rather excufe, there is very little reafon to hope 
it will be acceptable; but there is great reafon to fear it will 
be punishable as an affront to the majesty of heaven. Fare- 
well. I am yours, $jfc* 
Y 
L E T* 
