FRIDAY EVENING.

O THOU incomprehensibly great and glorious Jehovah; the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who only hast immortality. We adore Thee, and abase ourselves. Though we are allowed to approach Thee, we would not be mindless of the views and feelings, which so well become those, who, as creatures, are less than nothing, and, as sinners, are worse than nothing, before Thee.

For if we say, we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us: the heavens would reveal our iniquity, and the earth would rise up against us. And why should we endeavour to deny our guilt-since even our thoughts have not been screened from thy sight, and Thou hast set our most secret sins in the light of thy countenance and why should we desire it-since we know, that if we confess our sins, Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. From a view, therefore, of their exceeding sinfulness, we would confess them with a broken heart, and a contrite spirit, earnestly longing to be delivered from them, and be led in the way everlasting.

Enable us to remember that blood which cleanseth from all sin; to believe in that grace which can subdue all our iniquities; and to resign ourselves to that agency, which can deliver us from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. While ma

ny envy the men of the world, who have their portion in this life-may we, with Moses, choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. While many seek great things for themselves, on earth; things which perish in the using, and afford no satisfaction in the possessing-may the prayer of David become ours-Remember me, O Lord,

with the favor Thou bearest unto thy people; O visit ine with thy salvation, that I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation, and glory with thine inheritance.

We sometimes hope that Thou hast already begun a good work in us; and to whom should we go, for the continuance, the progress, and the completion, but to Thee, the God of all grace, and who art not only the Author, but Finisher of our faith? We rejoice in what Thou hast done for others: in their deliverance and elevation, we see what Thou art able and willing to do for us. We bless Thee for the promises upon which Thou hast caused us to hope; and in which Thou hast engaged to perfect that which concerneth us. We thank Thee for the means of grace, in the humble and diligent use of which, Thou art pleased to draw near to those who draw near to Thee.

May we love the closet, as well as the temple: and sanctify to us, not only the preaching of the gospel, but also the reading of thy word. Believing, with a faith unfeigned, that it is given by inspiration of God, may we find it profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. In every perplexity, may it be the man of our counsel; may we repair to it in every distress, and in the multitude of our thoughts within us, may thy comforts delight our souls.

May we have an increasing conviction of our liableness to err, and our exposure to sin, that we may place ourselves under thy guiding and guardian care. As we see the vanity of the world, and meet with trials and disappointments, may we take a firmer hold of that covenant, which is ordered in all things and sure: and may this be all our salvation and all our desire, when our house is not so with God, and Thou makest it not to

grow. May we rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation; and continue constant in prayer.

May we feel more of the purifying, more of the dignifying, more of the softening influence of the religion we profess. May we have compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. May we never render railing for railing, but, contrariwise, blessing: may we not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

May we never incur the curse of the angel of the covenant, for not coming to the help of the Lord. May we deem it an honour to be employed by Thee and long to be instruments in thy hands. Ready to seize every opportunity of usefulness; and willing to use all our talents in thy blessed service, may we daily ask, Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?

Bless our country. May we be for a name and a praise unto Thee in the whole earth. Largely have we been the recipients of thy goodness: and freely may we give. Sanction the institutions and efforts, by which we are endeavouring to spread the benefits of the gospel. God be merciful unto us, and bless us, that his way may be known on earth, his saving health among all nations.

O remember the number called in various ways, to suffer. Bless their daily rod as well as their daily bread. May they feel impressions which shall never wear off; may they learn such lessons as shall never be forgotten ; may they enjoy such consolations, as shall enable them to say, It is good for me that I have been afflicted.

And to God, only wise, be glory and dominion, for ever and ever. Amen.

SATURDAY MORNING.

O THOU everlasting God, the Creator of all the ends of the earth, and the Father of the spirits of all flesh. We have destroyed ourselves, but in Thee is our help. Our nature is defiled; all the powers of our souls are degraded; we are vile, we are miserable; we are without strength. We condemn ourselves; and confess that we deserve to perish. If ever we are saved, it must be by goodness the most undeserved and astonishing; not only by mercy, but abundant mercy; not only by grace, but the exceeding riches of thy grace.

And such mercy and grace Thou hast been pleased to reveal, and to promise, and to exemplify. Thou hast told us thy designs, and unlike the forebodings of our guilty minds, they are thoughts of peace, and not of evil.

We bless Thee for devising means to rescue us from the perdition of sin, and restore us to a state of happiness, and honour, and safety, superior to our original condition. We bless Thee for the provisions of the everlasting covenant; and for the constitution of a Mediator between Thee and us. We rejoice that He failed not, nor was discouraged, but accomplished the work that was given Him to do, and said on the cross, It is finished. We rejoice that now thy justice is satisfied, thy truth established, thy law magnified, and a foundation laid, even in thy own glory, for our hope.

May we look after present and personal interest in Christ, and never rest, till we can say-Surely he hath borne our grief, and carried our sorrow; the chastisement of our peace was upon him, and by his stripes we are healed. May we know, that in Him we have righteousness, and strength, and are blessed with all spiritual blessings. While we are justified by his blood, may we

be saved by his life. While we glory in his cross, may we bow to his sceptre, and long to have the same mind in us, which was also in Him; knowing, that if we have not the Spirit of Christ, we are none of his.

We are convinced, that it is our happiness, as well as duty, to walk in thy ways, to keep thy statutes, and to submit to thy appointments: but we are equally convinced, that thy grace alone is sufficient for us, and that without Thee, we can do nothing. We cannot even stand, but as we are upheld by thy free Spirit. But with Thee is the residue of the Spirit: and Thou hast engaged to give thy Holy Spirit to them that ask Thee: yea, Thou hast said, Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it. Bless us, therefore, with constant and increasing supplies of grace and strength: work in us to will and to do of thy good pleasure; and fulfil all the good pleasure of thy goodness, and the work of faith with power.

May our religion, instead of being an occasional and partial thing, be universal and invariable, in its influence and effects. May we be in the fear of the Lord, every day, and all the day long. May we hold communion with Thee in thy works, as well as in thy word, and in the dispensations of thy providence, as well as in the ordinances of thy house.

May we always distinguish between the form of godliness, and the power thereof; and between life, and a name to live. What is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when Thou takest away his soul?—O make us Israelites indeed, in whom is no guile. Often may we examine ourselves, and inquire whether our religion will bear the eye of God. If we are not right, set us right, and keep us right. Search us, O God, and know our heart; try us, and know our thoughts; and see if there be any wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting.