Though we can in many cases judge, even of ourselves, what is right, our consciences bearing witness to what is good or evil, yet we are not a sufficient law to ourselves, but stand in need of divine illumination.

For, without the aid of revelation, the law written on our hearts is not able to give us a full knowledge of that good, acceptable and perfect will of God, which is necessary to shew us the path of life, and lead us in the way everlasting.

Blessed be God for the glorious light of revelation, shining in the sacred pages of the Old and New Testament, which amply supplies the deficiences of the light of nature, and is able to instruct us in the way of holy and happy living.

Let us search the scriptures daily, since they are profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, instruction, and sufficient to make us wise to salvation.

While we rejoice in the doctrine of salvation, which was spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed by them who heard him, let us take heed that we do not fall under the condemnation of those, who love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.

EXER. XXIII.

Confession, supplication and confidence in God, adapted also for Sabbath morning. Mas. UNTO thee, Almighty God, do we lift up our hearts; trusting in thee we shall

not be ashamed or confounded, neither shall any sin or temptation triumph over us.

Fam. For all those, who hope in thee, will not be ashamed, but those who transgress without a cause, shall be put to confusion.

Shew us thy ways, O Lord, and teach us thy paths; lead us in thy truth and righteousness, for thou art the God of our salvation; on thee do we wait all the day.

Remember not the sins and transgressions of our youth, but according to thy mercy, which has ever been of old, remember thou us for thy goodness' sake, O Lord.

Good and perfect are thy laws; therefore thou wilt teach sinners in the way; the meek thou wilt guide in judgment, and those, who are humble, will obey thy commands.

All thy paths, Lord, are mercy and truth; and those, who endeavour to keep thy covenant and testimonies, will receive thy blessing.

Those who adhere to thy precepts, thou wilt strengthen in their way; their souls will receive comfort, and their offspring will inherit the earth.

Though by frailty they may fall, they will not be forsaken, for thou wilt be their support, and the wholesome defence of thine anointed.

Turn thou us, O Lord, and have mercy upon us, for we are desolate and afflicted ; the sorrows of our hearts are enlarged. O rescue us from dangers that surround us.

Look on our adversity and misery, and pardon our sins. Keep our souls, and deliver us from trouble; then we shall not be confound

ed, but our trust and confidence shall be in thy word.

Examine and prove us, O Lord; try our reins and our hearts. Experiencing thy loving kindness, we will endeavour to walk in thy truth.

We will not sit with vain persons, neither have fellowship with dissemblers, in whose hands are mischief and deceit.

We will wash our hands in innocency, and compass thine altar, to acknowledge thy mercy with thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Lord may we love the habitation of thine house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Our feet shall stand in an even place. In the congregation we will bless the Lord.

Thou being our light and salvation, whom then need we fear? The Lord is the strength of our life; of whom then shall we be afraid?

Though an host of enemies should encamp against us, our hearts will not be dismayed: Though war should rise against us, in this we will be confident.

One thing do we desire of the Lord; that we may dwell in his house, to behold its order, and to celebrate his great and holy

name.

When thou saidst, seek ye my face, our hearts would devoutly reply, thy face, Lord, we will seek.

For thou, O Lord, hast been our shield and defence when our friends and kindred forsook us, and when false witnesses and those who

breathed out cruelty appeared against us, thou didst support and strengthen our hearts. Therefore we will wait on the Lord in his sanctuary, and be of good courage. He will guide our feet in the paths of righteousness, for his name sake.

EXER. XXIV.

Diligence and Contentment.

OUR Father, who art in heaven, teach us, we beseech thee, in our several stations and relations, to prosecute the service required of us with diligence and contentment.

Let every man labour, working with his hand the thing, which is good; that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Be not slothful in business; for the way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns, and the end thereof is poverty and disgrace.

The thoughts of the diligent tend to plenteousness; but he that is slothful in his work, is brother to him that is a great waster.

A good man with assiduous labour provideth for the welfare of his family, and a virtuous woman looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idle

ness.

The hand of the diligent maketh rich, but the soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing.

Seeth thou a man diligent in business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men.

Let every man abide in the calling wherein he is called; and having food and raiment convenient for us, let us take heed, lest at any time our hearts be overcharged with vexatious cares and unavailing anxieties.

Let us not too much solicit ourselves about what we shall eat, or what we shall drink, or wherewithal we shall be clothed; but let us make it our first care to lay up treasures in heaven, in confidence that our heavenly Father, who knoweth that we have need of such temporal good things, will bestow them in competent supplies.

Let us learn, in whatsoever state we are, therewith to be content, and endeavour to use this world as not abusing it, since the fashion of it passeth away.

Let your conversation be without anxiety, and be content with such things as ye have, for God hath said, I will never leave nor forsake thee.

Let us take heed and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things he possesseth. Godliness with contentment is great gain; for we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure and trouble there with ; for what is a man profited if he gain the whole world and lose own soul.

Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven; for where your treasure is there will your heart be also.