Tho’ we are to treat all mankind as _neighbour_ and _brethren_, as occasion offers; yet as we can only live in the actual society of a few, and are more particularly _related_ to some than others; so when our intercession is made an exercise of love and care for those amongst whom our _lot_ is fallen, or who belong to us in a _nearer relation_, it then becomes the greatest benefit to ourselves. If therefore you should always alter your intercessions, according as the _needs_ of your _neighbours_ or _acquaintance_ require; beseeching God to deliver them from such or such particular evils, or to grant them this or that particular gift, or blessing; such intercessions, besides the great charity of them, would have a mighty effect upon your own heart. 4. This would make it pleasant to you to be _courteous_, _civil_, and _condescending_ to all about you, and make you unable to say or do a rude or hard thing to those for whom you had used yourself to be so kind and compassionate in your prayers. *For there is nothing that makes us love a man so much, as praying for him; and when you can once do this sincerely for any man, you have fitted your soul for the performance of every thing that is kind and civil towards him. This will fill your heart with a generosity and tenderness, that will give you a better and sweeter behaviour, than any thing that is called _fine breeding_ and _good manners_. By considering yourself as an advocate with God for your neighbours and acquaintance, you would never find it hard to be at peace with them yourself. It would be easy to you to bear with, and forgive those, for whom you particularly implored the divine mercy and forgiveness. Such prayers as these amongst _neighbours_ and _acquaintance_, would unite them to one another in the strongest bonds of love and tenderness. It would teach them to consider one another in a higher state, as members of a _spiritual society_, that are created for the enjoyment of the common blessings of God, and fellow heirs of the same glory. And by being thus desirous that every one should have their full share of the favours of God, they would be glad to see one another happy in the little enjoyments of this life. 5. *_Ouranius_ is a holy priest, full of the spirit of the gospel, watching, labouring, and praying for a poor _country village_. Every soul in it is as dear to him as himself; and he loves them all, as he loves himself, because he _prays_ for them all, as often as he prays for himself. If his whole life is one continual exercise of great zeal and labour, hardly ever satisfied with any degrees of care and watchfulness, ’tis because he has learned the great value of souls, by so often appearing before God as an _intercessor_ for them.