Memoir of the Rev. Joseph Stibbs Christmas. By E. Lord [pp. 256-269]

Memoir of Rev. J. S. Christmas.
If any ask, how these evils shall be avoided, and the oppo site excellencies attained? We answer, we know of no
methods more direct and effectual than those which were
adopted by the subject of this memoir. Let that candidate
for the holy ministry who desires to excel in public prayer,
devote early, habitual, and close attention to the subject. Let
him, first of all, and above all, labour to cultivate a devotional
spirit, by daily communion with God; by a devout study of
the Scriptures; and by a deep and intimnate familiarity with
the throne of grace in secret. Let him read and think much
on the great subject of prayer; not merely on its dutly and
importance, but likewise on its nature; its constituent parts;
and the best sources of aid for its acceptable performance.
Let him often embody, and express on paper his thoughts
in relation to these points. Let him carefully peruse the best
works, both on the general subject, and on particular branches
of it, which he may be able to find. Let him abound in de votional composition; in other words, let him, every week,
for a number of years, exercise himself, more or less, in composing prayers, more particularly on special and interesting
occasions. Let him labour, by thus putting his devotional
thoughts in writing, to acquire a simple, natural, filial, humble, tender mode of addressing the High and Holy One.
Let him carefully commit to memory, every day of his life,
for the first ten years-and frequently afterwards-select
portions of Scripture, the spirit and language of which may
appear peculiarly adapted to the exercise of prayer. Let him
sacredly avoid all high-flown, rhetorical, quaint, ostentatious
modes of expression, in this solemn, elevated service. Let it
be his constant aim to have incorporated in his prayers as
much as possible of the diction, as well as the spirit, of the
word of God; remembering that no language can possibly be
more appropriate, more suitable, more touching, and more
likely to move and impress than that which is drawn immediately from the sacred oracles. Let him, whenever he is
called upon to perform any public devotional service of a peculiar kind, adjust his thoughts for the purpose by careful,
devout premeditation. In a word, let him labour, in all the
variety of ways, which will readily occur to an active and
pious mind, to lay up in store the richest materials to which
he can obtain access, and which may help to prepare him for
performing this part of his public work, not only with acceptance, but with the deepest impression. And, finally, after
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