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 sooth our sorrows, sanctify our successes, and qualify us for all our dealings with our fellow creatures. : 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 loving kindness, 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 to 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 ensure 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, as at the moment of our setting out-Cast us not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from us. May we live in the Spirit, and may we walk in the Spirit. And may our path be as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. 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 plead thy own cause. 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, The Lord be magnified. Be gracious to our absent connexions-our hearts' desire and prayer to God for them is, that they may be saved. Continue 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. ·000-000 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 regards 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, but delivered Him up for us all that He has fulfilled and magnified the law: that his blood 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 hope of the glory of God. May thy image be reimpressed 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. Raise us above the world; where duty is concerned, may we feel neither its frowns nor its smiles. 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 whatever 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 may we 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 serve Thee better, than we have done this day-through our Lord and Saviour. Amen. -000-000 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 intreat 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 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 transgression, is a bar to that forgiveness, which is 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 |