PROPER LESSONS,

TO BE READ AT

MORNING AND EVENING PRAYER

ON THE

SUNDAYS AND OTHER HOLYDAYS

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.

WITH A SHORT PRACTICAL COMMENTARY

AND

EXPLANATORY NOTES

BY

JOHN JAMES, D. D.

PREBENDARY OF PETERBOROUGH,

AND AUTHOR OF "A COMMENT UPON THE COLLECTS,"

AND CHRISTIAN WATCHFULNESS."

DEDICATED, BY PERMISSION, TO

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT.

LONDON:

PRINTED FOR J. G. F. & J. RIVINGTON,
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH YARD, AND WATERLOO PLACE, PALL MALL.

1840.

ΤΟ

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS

PRINCE ALBERT,

OF COBOURG AND SAXE-GOTHA.

THIS Work, the object of which is to aid the worshipper in understanding the Word of God when read in the congregation, is dedicated to your Royal Highness with all respect and honour.

Indeed, since no earthly consideration more avails. to promote a due reverence for the Word of God, than the example of those in whom private worth and illustrious station meet, I must hope that your Royal Highness's gracious adoption of the Work

will most powerfully encourage others in a closer attention to the important truths conveyed in it.

That your Royal Highness and Her Majesty the Queen may long live a blessing to each other, and the joy of our land, is the daily fervent prayer of

Her Majesty's loyal Subject,

and

Your Royal Highness's obedient Servant,

JOHN JAMES.

AUGUST 4, 1840.

THE aim of the present work is to aid the worshipper in so hearkening, when the word of God is read by the minister in the assembled congregation, that each one may the better understand its application to his own condition; and feel its warnings or encouragements, its threatenings or its promises, as addressed to himself individually.

To this end I have endeavoured to compress the instruction conveyed in each lesson, by supplying concise and apposite reflections, in the hope that the reader may be induced to carry on the thought suggested by me; pursue it to his edification; and during his services in the house of prayer, find the Word to be as living waters, supplying fresh streams of comfort, strengthening and refreshing him.

Having led to the fountain, I leave the thirsting soul to drink thereof.

August, 1840.

J. J.