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PREFACE.

THE following Forms of Family Prayer were originally drawn up for private use. They have been so used for several years, and are now published in the hope that they may afford some assistance to others.

On account of the many publications of a like kind which have lately appeared, an additional one might seem needless. But the pious practice of Family Devotion has, of late years, much increased; and, with it, the demand for books of this nature : and as the circumstances, and also the tastes of families, differ, it may not, perhaps, be amiss to promote and encourage that practice, by submitting different forms of prayer to their choice. At the same time the Compiler cannot but express his devout wish-vain though it may be, especially in the present day-that, since the daily sacrifice of the Temple has been generally discontinued among us, all Christians could be brought "with one mind

and one mouth to glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," in the assemblies of the family as well as in the House of God.

The First Series of Prayers, compiled from the public formularies of that part of the Church at present established in England, was published about twelve years ago. The Compiler had not then seen any forms upon the same plan, though, since that time, others, in many respects similar to it, have appeared: yet, in the general plan and arrangement of the Prayers, they differ from it sufficiently, perhaps, to allow of its re-publication. Great care has been taken to avoid the insertion of any clause, or even word, not contained in the formularies from which they are professedly taken, except only such as seem to be required in family prayers; as, in the intercessory parts of each prayer, relations, friends, neighbours. The order observed in each Prayer is that of the daily liturgy of the Church.

The Second Series is taken from the "Private Devotions for every Day in the Week," contained in "The true Church of England Man's Companion in the Closet." The Prayers are in several respects altered and abridged, and are adapted to Family Worship.

The Third Series, as it is hoped that every one familiar with the devotional writings of the author will at once perceive, is from the "Prayers and Offices of Devotion for Families" of the Reverend Benjamin Jenks. The Prayers are considerably abridged, the sentences shortened, repetitions avoided; and the antitheses, so frequently occurring in them, as well as some other forms of expression, are altered. But it has been anxiously endeavoured to. preserve the devotional spirit, the sentiments, and the general character of the original.

The Occasional Prayers, or Collects, are intended, principally, to be used with the Second and Third Series; as in the First Series the subjects to which those Collects refer have been kept in view, in compiling the Prayers for those days on which the fixed occasions recur.

It may be noticed that this Collection of Prayers is especially adapted to the use of the members of the Church. If it should be found to assist in the discharge of the important duty of Family Prayer, and thereby promote the glory of God, from whom all blessings flow, through the mediation of the everblessed Redeemer, the sole object of its publication will be gained.

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