And by the vices and miseries, which so frequently follow the want of religious instruction in early life, teach us of this house, to set a due value on it. Let not the younger branches of the family be impatient to burst the bonds, and break the yoke of godly discipline, but be thankful to Thee that care is taken of their souls; and pray that they may give a good account of the advantages put into their hands. O lead us all, day by day, in thine own paths, that our way may be peace, and our end may be peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord; for whose sake, wè pray thee, to accept our thanks for thy care over us this day, and to bless us with the same during the ensuing night.

Our Father, &c.

pentance into the heart of the dying thief, vouchsafe the like mercy to those, who are appointed unto death; that they may be as brands plucked out of the fire. And may their untimely end be regarded as a warning of the consequences of sin.

THURSDAY MORNING.

A Prayer for the Influence of God's Holy Spirit.

ETERNAL and ever-blessed God, by whom all things were made, and by whom they are upheld, mercifully look down from the throne of thy glory, upon the unworthy creatures, who are now bowing at thy footstool.

O Lord, there is nothing that can yield real satisfaction to our hearts, but a knowledge of thyself as our God and our friend. We are seeking the living among the dead, till we look for our happiness in Thee. Put therefore a desire into our souls to know thee, and to be as much united to thee, as such frail creatures can be to the ever-blessed Creator.

But, O great God, how shall we attain to such honour and happiness? Art thou not

of purer eyes than to behold iniquity? Do we not know that we are defiled by sin? O Lord, our very endeavours to be holy prove it; if we set ourselves to pray unto thee, to read thy word, or to meditate on everlasting things, it is with difficulty that we can keep our attention fixed, even for the little time we are thus employed.

How then can such sinful creatures have any communion with Thee? and who but thyself, O Lord, can answer this solemn enquiry? What cause then have we to be thankful for thy holy word; which both showeth us the way to be at peace with thee, and how to continue therein.

Blessed be thy name for a Mediator, in whom we may approach thee, and obtain mercy! Blessed be thy name, for the promise of thy Holy Spirit to cleanse and purify our hearts, that we may be made meet to hold communion with Thee our God, and enjoy the light of thy countenance! O grant us this grace, 'for the sake of Him who bore

the cross, and is now sitting down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

We call to mind the glorious day of pentecost; that day when mercy rejoiced against judgment, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just. O let that power which pricked the hearts of our Lord's persecutors, again attend the ministry of the gospel! Still may thy word be accompanied with the influence of thy Holy Spirit; that it may be quick and powerful, and both humble and gladden the hearts of those who hear it.

O thou who art able to make the wolf dwell with the lamb, and the leopard to lie down with the kid, and who didst on the day of pentecost, gloriously show forth this transforming power of thy grace; pour forth upon us that spirit of brotherly kindness, by which the first disciples were distinguished. Enable us who call ourselves Christians, to put on, as the elect of God, bowels of mercies, kindness, and long-suffering; that all men may know whose

disciples we are, by the love that we bear one toward another.

every

We pray, O Lord, that we may all partake of that spiritual life, which will excite us to seek after christian temper. Let us be known as the followers of the Lord, by love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, and all other fruits of the Spirit. Unite us, unworthy creatures, to that blessed company, who shall to all eternity praise thee for raising up a mighty Saviour for them, and for giving them grace to trust in him, and to love him 'with their whole heart.

May thy Holy Spirit abide with thy church continually, and may we be alway under his sanctifying influences, that we may not only see the way of salvation, but also walk therein day by day. Make us to increase in faith, in hope, and in charity; and while our light is shining brighter, may our hearts be more and more filled with that peace of God, which passeth all understanding.