strengthen that which is weak, and heal that which is diseased? We believe, O Lord, that all power is in thine hands; yea that thou hast power over all hearts, and that thou art willing as well as able, to fill us with all spiritual blessings. But we fail in seeking to thee for these things. We know we stand in need of them; but we have too little of that hungering and thirsting after them, which thou hast promised to satisfy.

O stir up our languid desires. Let us not be slothful in religion, but fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. Let us not forget how much we have to do, and how little there may be left of life. Suffer none of us to shorten the time which thou hast given to us for the work of salvation, by making it late ere we begin; and when we begin, ( may we press () forward with increasing ardour, toward the mark of the prize of our high calling.

How apt are we to rest in present attain-, ments; but alas! what are they? How much more is there to be attained, than we have yet reached! Even in knowledge, we might

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have made greater improvement; and how far short do we come of what we ought to be in other things. How much is there yet wanting in us! How much is there yet to subdue, to bring down, and to cast out! Lord show us where we stand; and let us be filled with shame at perceiving, how little progress we have made.

And may it affect us with a godly sorrow, that we so little adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour. O Lord, we pray that the honour of religion may be dearer to us than our own honour; and that we may be enabled to bear a better testimony in its behalf, than we have ever yet done. Make us more alive toward God, that we may be more active in our duty. Pour fresh oil into the lamp, that our light may shine clearer before men, and our heavenly Father be more glorified.

Guard us, O Almighty Defender, from the influence of every thing that may bring on any indifference of heart toward thee. Preserve us from all corrupt principles. Keep us from all employments which may beget

coldness and deadness toward God. Let us not follow any customs, nor be led into any connections, which may deprive us of that simplicity and earnestness, with which a Christian should follow his Lord and Saviour.

Blessed be thy name for all the enjoyments of this day. To thee, gracious Lord, we look for preservation this night. Let the blood of Jesus Christ cleanse us from all our sins; and the Spirit of God work in our hearts a true repentance of every unholy thought, word, and action. May all who are dear to us, lie down on their beds with these desires. We commend not only our kindred, but all the children of men to thee, O God of grace; beseeching thee to supply their several wants, but especially their spiritual ones. O that thy way may be known upon earth, and thy saving health among all nations.

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Hear us, we beseech thee, most merciful Lord, in these our humble requests, which we conclude in the words our Saviour taught

• us:

Our Father, &c.

FRIDAY MORNING.

That we may improve by what we are taught in the Sufferings of Christ.

O LORD, thy judgments are unsearchable, and thy ways past finding out! Something we know of thee: but it is because thou hast revealed thyself to man. Thou knowest his ignorance, and in compassion to his soul, thou instructest him; that he might savingly know that God with whom he hath to do.

Yet who can comprehend all thy ways? Nor are thy ways of mercy the least of those wonders, we ought devoutly to admire. O

what is man that thou shouldest be mindful of him! Seeing we forsook thy covenant, and like sheep went astray from Thee, why were we not left to be filled with our own wretched devices!

O Lord, we have no words that will suf ficiently express the greatnesss of that mercy, which thou hast displayed in the redemption

of man. May we be deeply affected with the riches of thy grace; that our hearts may adore thee, though our lips cannot utter the half, nor the thousandth part of thy good

ness.

Thou hast opened a door of hope to us through the sufferings and death of thy dear Son: Enable us to enter it. And impress our hearts with a due sense of what we owe to Him, who gave himself for us. Let the name of that Friend, who was wounded for our transgressions, be ever dear to us. Fix it deeply in our memory, that whatever else we forget, we may always remember with devout affection the great love wherewith he loved us.

And while we thankfully embrace the benefits of his death, let our souls be deeply impressed with thy holy displeasure against sin, which we are taught by the sacrifice of Christ. Did he suffer for sin, and shall we think lightly of it? Far be it from us! O let us not dare to repeat those offences for which our Saviour was delivered up to death.