kindness in the morning; for in Thee do we | setting out-Cast us not away from thy pretrust: cause us to know the way wherein sence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from us. we should go, for we lift up our souls unto May we live in the Spirit, and may we walk Thee. We implore it through the interces- in the Spirit. And may our path be as the sion of thy dear Son and our Saviour. shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. And blessing and honour, and glory and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen. WEDNESDAY MORNING. O GOD, Thou art incomprehensible, and in none of thy works and ways can any of thy creatures find Thee out unto perfection. Yet Thou hast not left thyself without witness, nor called us to worship an unknown God. Thou hast been pleased to reveal thyself to us as far as our wants and welfare require, and among other endearing characters we can discern Thee as a God hearing prayer. Thou never saidst to the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain. A glorious high throne from the beginning has been the place of thy people's sanctuary. And thither would we repair in all our difficulties, necessities, and distresses, and find it good to draw near to God. Possess us with the Spirit of grace, which is always a spirit of supplication. May we live in a prayerful frame of mind, that will always allow of our immediate and pleasing intercourse with Thee: in the ordinary concerns of life may our thoughts and desires often ascend the skies; and in habitual devotion may we find a resource that will soothe our sorrows, sanctify our successes, and qualify us for all our dealings with our fellowcreatures. We bless Thee that Thou hast made us capable of knowing Thee, the author of all being; of resembling Thee, the perfection of all excellency; and of enjoying Thee, the source of all happiness. Though we are unworthy to share in thy lovingkindness, it is thy pleasure that we seek after it; and Thou hast said, Their hearts shall live that seek God. Therefore look Thou upon us, and be merciful unto us, as Thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. May we be accepted in the Beloved, and know that in Him we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of our sins. May we view Him as the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth, and as the source of all that grace by which we are renewed in the spirit of our minds. May we always contemplate our duties in connexion with those promises which insure ability for the performance of them; and while weak in ourselves, may we be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. Attend us, O God, in every part of our arduous and trying pilgrimage. We need the same counsel, the same defence, the same comfort we implored at the moment of our Let our religion be more obvious to our own consciences, and more perceptible to the eye of those around us. May all that see and hear us take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus. While He is representing us in heaven, may we represent Him on earth, while He pleads our cause, may we plead his, and be concerned in all things to show forth his praise, who is making all things to work together for our good. Arise, O God, and appear in thy glory. Give the word, and let the company of those that publish the glad tidings of thy kingdom be great. May thy house be filled with inhabitants, and thy table furnished with guests; and let all that love thy salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. hearts desire and prayer to God for them is, Be gracious to our absent connexions—our that they may be saved. Continue the gentleness of thy goodness to this household. To the care which has watched over us through another night, we give up ourselves in prospect of the duties and events of the day. Let thy presence go with us, and thy blessing attend us. And whether we wake or sleep, may we live together with Christ. In whose words we address Thee, as Our Father, &c. Amen. WEDNESDAY EVENING. O THOU ever blessed God, we desire to approach Thee, adoring thy perfections and admiring thy works, which are sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. May we feel becoming regard towards Thee as our Creator, the Preserver of men, and the Saviour of sinners. Thy name is most excellent in all the earth, and Thou hast set thy glory above the heavens. Thy compassions fail not, and therefore we are not consumed. We are filled with wonder at thy condescension in noticing creatures so poor and worthless, and at thy mercy and grace in providing for the deliverance and happiness of creatures so miserable and guilty. We can never sufficiently bless Thee, that we were born in a christian country where the true light shineth, and we can hear words whereby we may be saved. How suitable and encouraging are the discoveries, the invitations, and the promises of the gospel of peace. Here are announced pardon for rebels, liberty for captives, health for the sick, and a free, full and everlasting salvation for them that are lost. Here we are informed that Thou hast not spared thine own Son, bu delivered Him up for us all; that He has ful- serve Thee better than we have done this filled and magnified the law; that his blood day-through our Lord and Saviour. Amen. cleanseth from all sin; that in Him all fulness dwells; and that whosoever believeth on Him shall not be confounded. In his beloved name we come, and avail ourselves of the plea which Thou thyself hast afforded us. For his sake be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause thy face to shine upon us that we may be saved. May we be justified by his blood, and have access into that grace, wherein we shall stand and rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. May thy image be re-impressed upon our souls, in knowledge, righteousness, and true holiness. May thy Holy Spirit take full possession of our hearts, and lead us into all truth, and enable us to walk in all thy commandments and ordinances blameless: may we be fruitful in every good word and work to do thy will. THURSDAY MORNING. O LORD, our God, blessed is the man whom Thou choosest, and causest to approach unto Thee. In thy presence there is fulness of joy, and at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. With Thee is the fountain of life, and in thy light alone can we see light. We therefore entreat thy favour with our whole heart. We acknowledge that we have forfeited all claims to it; and if we had no better ground of hope than our deservings we must sink into despair. For against Thee, Thee only have we sinned, and done evil in thy sight, that Thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and clear when Thou judgest. But with Thee there is mercy, and with Thee there is plenteous redemption. We bless Thee for the assurance that Thou hast sent thy own Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. We rejoice that neither the number nor heinousness of our trans Raise us above the world. May we feel neither its frowns nor its smiles where duty is concerned. May it ever be a light thing with us to be judged of man's judgment. May thy approbation be our only aim, and thy word our only rule; and with Enoch may we all enjoy the testimony, that we please God. Keep us from, or preserve us in, the hour of temptation. May we abhor and avoid what-gressions is a bar to that forgiveness which is ever would grieve thy Holy Spirit, and cause Thee to hide thy face from us. May we walk in the fear of the Lord, that we may walk in the comforts of the Holy Ghost; and may we always suspect the confidence and consolation which can be enjoyed along with a worldly temper and a careless conversation. May we have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them: yet we may in meekness instruct those who oppose themselves, and be gentle and patient towards all men. And may we do as well as teach. May we be not only professors of the gospel but examples, displaying in every relation and office and condition of life, its excellency, loveliness, and advantages, that we may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, and even constrain them to glorify God in the day of visitation. How well does it become us to be humble! How little have we illustrated our principles, or improved our advantages! How often have we injured, instead of recommending the cause of our Redeemer! How little have we served our generation; and how few are those to whom we have been a blessing! In many things we have offended; and in all come short of thy glory. Pardon our iniquity, for it is great. Forgive the imperfections, omissions, and sins of another day; and make us thankful for the continuance of its numberless blessings. Shelter us through the night; and in the morning, with renewed strength and grateful hearts, may we rise to love Thee more and founded on the sufferings and sacrifice of the cross. The blood of Jesus Christ, thy son, cleanseth from all sin. By the blood of that covenant which he has ratified, send forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein there is no water. Graciously absolve us from all our guilt; and pronounce our discharge from all condemnation, not only in the court of heaven, but in the court of conscience, that being justified by faith, we may have peace with God, and enjoy the glorious liberty of his children. But O save us from the hope of the hypocrite which shall perish. Never suffer us to impose upon ourselves in anything that relates to our eternal state. May we never suppose that we are in Christ, unless we are new creatures; or that we are born of the Spirit, unless we mind the things of the Spirit. May we never rest satisfied with any professions of belief, or any outward forms or services, while the heart is not right with God. May we judge of our sincerity in religion by our fear to offend Thee; by our concern to know what Thou wilt have us to do; and by our willingness to deny ourselves, and take up our cross and follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. May nothing render us forgetful of thy glory; may nothing turn us aside from thy commands; may nothing shake our confidence in thy promises. Take from us the evil heart of unbelief the cause of all our waverings and wanderings. May we believe, that we may be established in our goings, and be always abounding in the work of the Lord. Prepare us for whatever we have to meet | are ashamed even of our devotions; and often with between this morning and the grave. question, whether any part of our religion will We know not what lies before us; but Thou bear the eye of God. knowest, and thy grace can make us sufficient for every service and every suffering. Let not our temporal occupations ever injure our spiritual concerns, or the cares of this life make us forget or neglect the one thing needful. May we learn the holy art of abiding with God in our callings; of being in the world without being of it; and of making everything not only consistent with religion, but conducive to it. But it is our encouragement, that if we cannot come to Thee as saints, we may come as sinners, with the assurance that Thou wilt in nowise cast us out. We therefore come as sinners yet sinners who hate themselves for their abominations and long for deliverance. Hear the groaning of the prisoners, and loose those who are appointed unto death. Heal us and we shall be healed; save us and we shall be saved, for thou art our praise. Save us from the curse of the law which we have violated; save us from the power and love of every sin; save us from an evil heart May we do and may we say nothing by which we shall offend against the generation of thy children. If strong, may we bear the infirmities of the weak, and not please our-of unbelief in departing from the living God; selves. If preserved, may we restore a brother that has been overtaken in a fault, in the spirit of meekness, considering ourselves lest we also be tempted. Bless those who have done us good, and render seven-fold into their own bosom: and forgive those who have done us evil, and enable us to forgive them. Bless those who are near and dear to us; may they be near and dear to Thee. Bless them in their outward comforts; but above all may their souls prosper. Be gracious to our native land. Be mindful of our sovereign. Teach our senators wisdom. Bless the ministers of state, and the ministers of the sanctuary. Bless the gates of Zion, and all the dwellings of Jacob. Let thy secret reside in the families of them that fear Thee; and may those that have neglected to call upon thy name, immediately adopt the resolution of Joshua,-As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. This morning sacrifice we offer in the allprevailing name of our adorable RedeemerAnd unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God, and to his Father-to Him be glory and dominion, for ever and ever. Amen. THURSDAY EVENING. save us from the present evil world; save us from our adversary the devil, who goeth about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour-that being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we may serve Thee without fear, in holiness and righteousness before Thee, all the days of our lives. We sometimes hope Thou hast begun a good work in us, and we take comfort from the assurance that Thou wilt perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. We ought to be humble, but we would not be ungrateful, nor refuse to acknowledge what Thou hast done for our souls; for by thy grace alone we are what we are. Thou hast shown us the evil of sin, and the beauty there is in holiness: Thou hast led us to hunger and thirst after righteousness: we glory in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; we long to be conformed to his example; and we have taken hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, and have said, We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you. O Thou, who despisest not the day of small things, perfect that which concerneth us. May we not only have hope, but abound in hope; may we not only have faith, but be rich in faith; may we not only be fruitful, but be filled with all the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God. Let us not be of the number of those who are always learning, and never able to come O GOD, by the return of this hour of devo-to the knowledge of the truth. May we have tion, Thou hast again said, Seek ye my face; and our hearts have answered, Thy face, Lord, will we seek. We value every opportunity of approaching Thee, not only as our duty, but as our unspeakable privilege. We rejoice that there is opened a new and living way into the holiest of all; and that as we enter, we can see Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and hear the voice of the blood of sprinkling that speaketh better things than that of Abel. We are unprofitable servants. Our obedience, instead of meriting recompense, deserves condemnation for its numerous defects. We clear and consistent views of divine truth; and may every doctrine we admit into our judgments have a powerful influence over our hearts. May it bring as well as reveal salvation; and teach us to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present world. May the love of God subdue the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life, and whatever is not of the Father, but is of the world. May we love our neighbour as ourselves, and never hide ourselves from our own flesh. May we look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others, and especially the things that are Jesus Christ's. May we never crucify him afresh and put him to an open shame. May we rather die than cause his worthy name to be blasphemed. May our devoted hearts be hourly asking, What shall I do for him, who when rich for our sakes became poor, and died that we might live? May he obtain the purchase of his blood in our revolted world! May he see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied. Let all kings fall down before Him and all nations serve Him. And blessed be his glorious name for ever, and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen. FRIDAY MORNING. O THOU ever blessed God! It is good for us to draw near to Thee; and if we had no other privilege to be thankful for we ought continually to praise Thee for permission and encouragement to approach the throne of thy grace, there to spread before Thee all our wants and all our desires. serve our understandings from error; our af fections from the love of idols; our lips from speaking guile; our conduct from every stain of vice, and our character from the very appearance of evil. And may we not only be harmless and blameless, the sons of God without rebuke; but may we be exemplary and useful, holding forth the word of life and adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. If the Saviour has manifested himself to us as he does not unto the world, may we declare that which we have seen and heard unto others, that they also may have fellowship with us; and having tasted that the Lord is gracious ourselves, may we ever be saying to those around us, O taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. And may we walk in wisdom towards them that are without. May our efforts be guided by prudence, as well as animated by zeal. May we distinguish things that differ; and— not by a sacrifice of principle, but by a judicious use of circumstances and opportunities, may we become all things to all men, if by any means we may gain some. And O let We are not worthy of the blessing; we are our endeavours be successful, that we may be not worthy of the least of all thy mercies. the honoured instruments of converting sinWe are far gone from the original righteous-ners from the error of their ways, saving souls ness in which we were created, and the depravity of our nature has appeared in the disobedience and rebellion of our lives. How early did we discover tendencies to discontent and pride, and envy and revenge. Remember not against us the sins of our youth! nor the multiplied transgressions of riper years-our misimproved time and talents, our abused mercies and means, our wasted and perverted Sabbaths and seasons of grace, our neglect of thy great salvation, and our disregard of the Friend of sinners who loved us so as to die for us. Our iniquity is increased over our head, and our trespass is gone up into the very heaven. While we confess our guilt may we individually and deeply feel it, and be filled with self-abhorrence and self-despair. But help us to remember, that there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. Enable us to hear the voice that proclaims, Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. Through Him may we return to Thee, and find Thee a God ready to pardon sin and able to subdue it. Through Him may we give up ourselves to Thee, as our portion to enjoy and our master to serve for ever. At thy footstool, in the spirit of submission may we ever say, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. May we not only obey, but delight to do thy will, yea may thy law be within our heart. Conscious of our danger, may we watch; and sensible of our inability to keep ourselves, may we pray-lest we enter into temptation. from death and hiding a multitude of sins. Especially may our solicitude and exertion be available with regard to our connexions and relations. Let those who are dear to us in the bonds of nature or friendship, become fellow-heirs with us of the grace of life, and fellow-labourers with us in the Lord's vineyard. Let the rising generation be a seed to serve Thee. Excite them by the command, Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth; and encourage them by the promise, I love them that love me, and they that seek me early shall find me: Regard the aged. Alarm the old in sin; convince them that it is high time, and that it will shortly be too late to seek the things that belong to their everlasting peace. Sup port those who have long known Thee, and whose gray hairs as a crown of glory are found in the way of righteousness. Cast them not off in the time of old age, and forsake them not when their strength faileth. Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant; make us perfect in every good work to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. FRIDAY EVENING. O GOD, thy command and thy promise, our Hold thou us up and we shall be safe. Pre-duty and our privilege, induce us to avail ourselves of every opportunity of approaching the throne of thy grace. We are all indigence and inability. It is not in the power of men and angels to reach our case, and afford us the blessings we so much need and so much desire. Our only hope is in the name of the Lord God who made heaven and earth. But Thou art over all and rich unto all that call upon Thee; and Thou Lord hast not forsaken them that seek Thee. We love to reflect upon the displays of thy perfections, and to contemplate what Thou hast done for others, as poor and destitute, as sinful and guilty as we are; and to remember that thy hand is not shortened that it cannot save, nor thy ear heavy that it cannot hear. improbable does it frequently seem that we should ever attain it! We have never yet been better than a bruised reed and a smoking flax; and thy patience alone could have borne with our imperfections and perverseness. Yet we trust the root of the matter is found in us: and we bless Thee, if thy grace -by which alone we are what we are-has caused us to loathe sin and abhor ourselves, and to hunger and thirst after righteousness, and to place our happiness in serving and enjoying Thee. And we pray that our path may be as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Complete that which is lacking in our faith. Lead us into all truth; and establish our hearts with grace. Fill our Behold a company of suppliants at thy foot- minds with the sublime and elevating objects stool, in all the effects of the fall, and let our of revelation, that worldly things may find no ruined condition be under thy agency. O room in our minds; and keep near us all the Thou God of all grace, work Thou in us to affecting and awful motives of the gospel, that will and to do of thy good pleasure; and we may not be able to sin, but in the view of vile as we are in ourselves, make us an eter-thine all-seeing eye, a burning world, a judgnal excellency, the joy of many generations. ment to come, and the cross of our Lord JeOur understandings are darkened. Our hearts sus Christ. are hearts of stone. Our very censcience also is defiled. Our affections are earthly and sensual. Open Thou the eyes of our understanding. Give us hearts of flesh. Purify our consciences from dead works to serve the living God. Set our affections on things that are above; and as He who has called us is holy, so may we also be holy in all manner of conversation and godliness. Deliver us from the bondage of corruption, and bring us into the glorious liberty of thy children; that being made free from sin, and become servants unto God, we may have our fruit unto holiness, and our end everlasting life. Preserve us from all self-delusion, especially where our souls are concerned. May we never be flattered by the good opinion of our fellow-creatures against the convictions of our own consciences; but remember that if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts and knoweth all things. May we never substitute mere opinions and outward forms and ceremonies, in the room of that grace which renews the soul and sanctifies the life. Ever keep alive in our minds the belief that in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing nor uncircumcision, but a new creature; and in the examinations of our religious state and character, may we look after that kingdom which is not meat and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Ghost. Inspire us with a well grounded hope of being one day presented before the presence of thy glory; when we shall see Thee without obscurity, approach Thee without sin, serve Thee without imperfection, and enjoy Thee without sorrow. How remote now do we often feel from this exalted state! And how And the Lord make us also to increase and abound in love one towards another, and towards all men. Let all bitterness and wrath, and anger and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from us with all malice; and may we be kind one towards another, tenderhearted; forgiving also one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven us. Prepare us for all the duties and trials that lie before us. We bless Thee for thy promises, which provide against every want we feel, and for every condition in which we can be found. In God will we praise his word. In God have we put our trust. We will not fear what flesh can do unto us. Thou tellest our wanderings. Put Thou our tears into thy bottle. Are they not in thy book? We commend ourselves with all our relations and friends this evening, to thy forgiving mercy and providential care. O Thou that givest thy beloved sleep, indulge us with refreshing repose; or if Thou holdest our eyes waking, in the night may thy song be with us, and our prayer unto the God of our life. Guide us by thy counsel through life, and afterwards receive us to glory. And to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power for ever and ever. Amen. SATURDAY MORNING. O THOU who hast said, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people will I be glorified; may we have grace whereby we shall serve Thee acceptably with reverence and godly fear. Thou inhabitest eternity; but our age is as nothing before Thee. Thy understanding is infinite, |