PREFACE. THIS Manual contains, with a a few trifling changes, the Order of Public Worship and the Forms of Prayer, which have been in use for several years past by the First Congregational Society of this city. Several motives have induced me to print them. The Manual will afford a convenient and sufficient answer to the inquiries so frequently made, as to our mode of religious worship and the general principles upon which our Society is founded. It will be useful to the members of the Society itself, as a guide in their devotions, and also in their family circles. It will materially lessen my own labors on the Sabbath and at other times a consideration which my peculiar position compels me to regard. It will render it easier to conduct the exercises of Public Worship in the absence of a regular minister. This object, which is very important, will be attained even if the Manual be not permanently adopted by the Society. In the selection of Forms of Prayer, I have endeavored to use none but those which are simple and comprehensive; and I have generally preferred such as have the sanction of long use and the charm of familiarity. The minister need not, however, feel himself confined to these forms, but may at any time substitute extemporaneous prayer, or vary the hymns to be sung. SAINT LOUIS, July 20, 1842. W. G. E. CONTENTS. Page. FIRST ORDER OF MORNING PRAYER,. SECOND ORDER OF MORNING Prayer, FIRST ORDER OF EVENING PRAYER, MANUAL OF PRAYER. FIRST ORDER OF MORNING PRAYER. THE MINISTER COMMENCES BY READING ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SENTENCES OF SCRIPTURE. [It is recommended that the Congregation rise at the commencement of the Religious Exercises, and remain standing until the close of the Exhortation; also, that they KNEEL in time of Prayer, and STAND, facing the pulpit, in time of Singing.] THE Lord is in his holy temple; Let all the earth keep silence before him! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your |