niently spent all the members being present. The result was, that it was concluded to hold a series of meetings about the time of the week of prayer; and, as it was thought to suit better, in a country place, to have the meetings during moonlight, the time was put a little beyond the week of prayer. It was also understood that the members of Session, in their families, should specially remember the object in view, in their devotions; and the congregation, as such, was requested to have the matter in view, particularly in their prayers, as individuals and families. During the period of our meetings, the pastor gave very frequent opportunities to persons to meet with him for conversation. The Session often met to converse with and receive applicants.

"We had prayer-meetings in the congregation. But there was no special arrangement to this end beyond what I have mentioned. I have every reason, however, to believe that the people were very much engaged in prayer. The interest manifested could not have been separated from this. And I do believe that there can be no true revival where prayer is not most prominently associated with it. And I believe, also, that no congregation will unitedly engage in sincerely seeking the outpouring of the Spirit, where there shall not be evidences of his power, which shall make their hearts rejoice.

"I think that, during that season, much, under the blessing of the Divine Spirit, was done through prudent individual effort. Members of Session, and private members of the congregation, and the pastor, sought every opportunity of conversing with individuals, of learning their feelings and views, and of urging upon them their duty. I think that these efforts were specially blessed, as I think such efforts made in the proper spirit always will be. One hundred and eight persons made a profession of religion,

and were received into the church. Eighteen adults were baptized. Of this number, only three, of whom I have heard from, were unfaithful; and in their case there was something peculiar.

"I think we have reason to believe that a true revival begins in the hearts of the people of God. When they themselves, through prayer, and careful observance of all the means of grace, are refreshed by the influences of the Spirit, they necessarily are prepared to exert an influence, which, through the blessing of God, must have its effect. With them a revival commences; through them it is carried on; and by them the instrumentalities are employed which the power of God makes efficient."

This letter is of practical importance to every congregation, and worthy of earnest attention:

1. To enjoy a revival of religion, the pastor, elders, and leading members must take a leading interest in revival, and in the employment of the instrumentalities divinely appointed to secure it. 2. They must make it a subject of earnest conversation. This is Christ's way of making disciples' cold hearts burn with renewed love. 3. They must make it a matter of earnest, united prayer. Then will God's Spirit come down with a blessing and revive.

CHAPTER XVI.

CHURCH CREEDS AND THE PRAYER-MEETING.

Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church-Testimony of the Reformed Presbyterian Church-Directory for Worship of the United Presbyterian Church-Reflections.

THE HHE deliverances of all the churches upon this subject, whether in the form of organic law, or occasional declaratory acts, would form an interesting chapter here; but we have neither space, time, nor the means for it in this connection. We give a brief specimen only.

In the doctrines and discipline of the "Methodist Episcopal Church," we find the following:

"In the latter end of the year 1739, eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley, in London, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired (as did two or three more the next day) that he would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come; which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That he might have more time for this great work, he appointed a day when they might all come together; which, from thence forward, they did every week, namely, on Thursday, in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join with them (for their number increased daily), he gave those advices, from time to time, which he judged most needful for them; and they always concluded their meeting with prayer suited to their several necessities.

This was the rise of the UNITED SOCIETY, first in

Europe, and then in America. Such a society is no other than 'a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation.'

"That it may the more easily be discerned whether they are, indeed, working out their own salvation, each society is divided into smaller companies, called classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in a class; one of whom is styled the leader."

"OF THE BAND SOCIETIES.”

"Two, three, or four, true believers, who have confidence in each other, form a band. Only, it is to be observed, that in one of these bands all must be men, or all women; and all married, or all unmarried."

RULES FOR THE BAND SOCIETIES, DRAWN UP
DEC. 25, 1738.”

"The design of our meeting is to obey that command of God, 'Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed.' James v. 16. To this end we agree: 1. To meet once a week, at least. 2. To come punctually at the hour appointed, without some extraordinary reason prevents. 3. To begin exactly at the hour, with singing, or prayer. 4. To speak, each of us in order, freely and plainly, the true state of our souls, with the faults we have committed in tempers, words, or actions, and the temptations we have felt, since our last meeting. 5. To end every meeting with prayer suited to the state of each person present."-Discipline, edition 1852. Pp. 25-6, 81-2.

TESTIMONY OF THE REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

"Christians should frequently meet, at stated times, for acts of private social worship, in order to strengthen each

other in piety and zeal, and maintain sincere friendship upon evangelical principles." Chapter xxiv., Section 5, "Of Christian Worship." P. 231.

DIRECTORY FOR WORSHIP OF THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.

"Prayer-Meetings: 1. Meetings for prayer should be held in every congregation. Matt. iii. 16, etc.; Acts ii. 42, etc. When a minister is present, he should preside and give direction to the exercises. In his absence, an elder, or member of approved piety, should conduct the meeting.

"2. The exercises should consist of reading the Scriptures, the singing of Psalms, the offering of suitable prayers, and remarks founded on some passage of Scripture, or interesting event of Providence. The whole should conduce to brotherly love, personal piety, and the general interests of religion.

"3. Meetings for prayer may be held at one or more times, and in one or more places, in the congregation during the week. But they should never be allowed to interfere with, or to take the place of, important religious duties in the family.

"4. Church Sessions should hold a Sessional prayermeeting at least once a month, at which they may consult about the condition and interests of the flock, and implore divine guidance in all that to which they are called.

"5. When a congregation has no pastor, or when he is absent, it may be profitable to spend a part of the Sabbath in social prayer; and if none are present capable of making appropriate remarks, let some one read an evangelical and instructive sermon.

"Church officers should exhort the people to a faithful attendance on prayer-meetings, and none should excuse themselves from attending, without good reason."