3. _Comments._ On the question whether the minster should make a running commentary on the passage while reading, there are several points to be considered: (1.) It is doubtful whether such an interjecting of man's words among the words of God, though elucidating possibly here and there an obscure point, does not on the whole mar the impression of the passage as the Word of God, and whether the simple reading of the Bible, with just emphasis and expression, is not more instructive and impressive than a reading thus broken up into fragments by interjected comments. I confess that this doubt grows on me with added observation and experience, and my impression is that in most cases the majesty and power of the Scriptures will be most distinctly presented in a careful reading, without commingling the words of man with the words of God. (2.) Besides, such comments require time, and the practice thus tends to an undue protraction of public worship, seriously interfering with the Sunday-school when, as in many places, it immediately follows the service. (3.) Few men possess the gift for such an exercise. Spurgeon, indeed, has it in an eminent degree, and makes effective use of it. This is true, perhaps, of some others, but most men fail; and if there is a failure, it is here a most serious one. My advice, therefore, is that, unless a minister have special aptitude for it, he should not attempt this form of exposition, but in the public reading of the Scriptures make his best effort to develop and impress God's thoughts in the simple, right reading of them. IV. PUBLIC PRAYER. Public prayer is the worship of the church presented audibly through its representative or leader. The minister gives vocal expression to the devotions of the assembly. But it is more than this. The public prayer not only gives a voice to the devotions of the people: it stimulates the thoughts and desires of the assembly, and gives direction and form to them, so that their hearts are quickened and borne heavenward by the prayer of the leader. It is here the pastor's heart touches most directly the hearts of the people, and all the spiritual forces of his nature are felt, inspiring, guiding, and helping souls in their approach to God. Power here, therefore, depends, not so much on the observance of any special rules, however judicious, as on a soul habitually living in the Spirit, and thus profoundly realizing spiritual verities and sympathizing with the experiences and necessities of men. A few suggestions, however, may be of value, and we consider--