Too little, we acknowledge, has this been our experience in former engagements: we have often been careless, where we should have been full of reverence; we have been strangers to the power of godliness, while familiar with its forms. Thou hast been nigh in our mouths, but far from our reins. Much of our guilt has originated from our religious means and privileges: from the low estimation in which we have holden them; the slight improvements we have made of them; the little. advantage they have contributed to our growth in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour.

Over all this may we sorrow after a godly sort: and may the sincerity of our repentance, be seen in our future alarm, and endeavours; and especially in our selfrenunciation, and dependence upon another-for when we are weak, then, and then alone, we are strong. May we every moment feel, how necessary it is to be more intimate with Him who came, not only that we might have life, but that we might have it more abundantly; whose grace is sufficient for us: whose spirit helps our infirmities, and can strengthen in us the things that remain, that are ready to die.

We bless Thee for an Advocate with the Father; for a propitiation of infinite value; for a fulness that filleth all in all. In Him, believing, may we rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. And may we know how to obtain relief for a burdened conscience, without feeling reconciled to our imperfections. May we abhor the thought of turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, or sinning that grace may abound. Because we are not under the law, but under grace, may we reckon ourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord-by thy mercies, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice; and asking, What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me?

Through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth, may our affections be set on things that are above; and may this be the growing desire of our souls; O that my feet were directed to keep thy precepts.

We would not seek great things for ourselves; but be content with such things as we have. Deliver us, O Lord, from the love of money, which is the root of all evil. May we value our substance, not as the medium of pride and luxury, but as affording us the means of support and usefulness: and may we guide our affairs with discretion, that we may owe no man any thing, and be able to give to him that needeth. Establish in us the royal law may we love our neighbour as ourselves: and feel it, not only our duty, but our pleasure, as we have opportunity, to do good unto all men; especially unto them that are of the household of faith.

Bless all the churches of the faithful. Thou hast given them rest: may they walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and be edified and multiplied.

Display thy power and thy glory in the sanctuary. Be with thy servants, who show unto men the way of salvation. Make them wise to win souls: may they speak the things only that become sound doctrine: may they never expect success, as the result of their eloquence and reasonings, but from the excellency of the power that is of God.

May our highly favoured country be safe and flourishing, under the shadow of the Almighty.

Regard our friends and relations. Those that are absent from us, we commend to the care and direction of an ever-present God. Let those that know Thee not, be made wise unto salvation: let not those, who are endeared by so many ties, be separated from us for ever

How can we endure to see the destruction of our kindred?

Keep us in all places and circumstances. Hide us this night in the secret of thy pavilion, and in the morning encompass us with songs of deliverance.

And now, blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things; and blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen and Amen.

-000-000

WEDNESDAY MORNING.

O THOU, that hearest prayer, and inhabitest the praises of Israel; with Moses and Aaron among thy priests, and Samuel among them that call upon thy name, we would, this morning, exalt the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool, for He is holy.

We thank Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for all thy inexpressible and inconceivable goodness to the children of men, and of which, our own history and experience afford such numberless proofs. In thy works of creation, we read thy name, the Lord God Almighty ; in the dispensations of thy providence, we acknowledge Thee as the only wise God: but in the gospel of thy grace, we behold Thee as the God of love; and so loving the world, as to give thine only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In Him Thou hast provided for our deliverance, from all the effects of sin; for the justification of our persons, the sanctification of our natures, and our perseverance in the path of life, till we receive the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls.

We bless Thee, that, exposed as we are to the terrors of thy law, which we have so often transgressed, here we have a refuge from the storm; and learn, that there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus. We bless Thee, that while we are compelled to exclaim, Unclean, unclean; here is an open fountain, the efficacy of which, cleanseth from all sin. We bless Thee, that while in us dwelleth no good thing, there is a fulness accessible to all, and incapable of reduction, from which we can receive, and grace for grace.

O Lord, we ask not for worldly riches or honours, but pray, that we may be blessed with all spiritual blessings, in heavenly places in Christ. We envy not those whom the multitude admire-they will soon be cut down as the grass, and wither as the green herb: but remember us, O Lord, with the favour Thou bearest unto thy people look Thou upon us, and be merciful to us, as Thou usest to do unto those that fear thy name. They are happy-now; and are inviting and encouraging us, to taste and see, that the Lord is good. May a vital union be immediately established between Him and us-He the head, and we the members; He the vine, and we the branches; He the shepherd, and we the sheep of his pasture; He the chief corner stone, and we also as lively stones, built up a spiritual house, an habitation of God through the Spirit.

Let us not walk as other Gentiles, in the vanity of our minds, and having our understandings darkened: but may we estimate things according to the testimony of thy word; and feel a persuasion, that to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, is a concern in comparison with which, every other interest is a shadow, and a dream.

And O Lord, save us from presumption: Keep us from suspending our attention to the things of eternity,

on a more convenient season, or any future period, which may never arrive but reflecting upon the shortness and uncertainty of life, and knowing how frail we are, may we seek the Lord while He may be found, and call upon Him while He is near. May we immediately begin to live the life of the righteous, that we may die the death of the righteous, and that our last end may be like his.

And O, save us from the delusion of those who go far, but not far enough, in religion: who are convinced, but not converted: who have another heart, but not a new one and who, with all their light, and zeal, and confidence, have not the spirit of Christ, and therefore are none of his. May we judge of our christianity, not only by our dependence upon Christ-but our love to Christ-and our conformity to Christ: and know that He dwelleth in us, and we in Him-because He hath given us of his spirit.

- May our religion not only be real, but progressive : may we not only hold on our way, but wax stronger and stronger. May we live, and may we walk, in the spirit. May we profit by every correction; and be injured by no indulgence.

Accept of our personal and combined acknowledg ments, that Thou hast been our salvation in the night watches; and that we are not only living to praise Thee this morning, but have all things richly to enjoy.

Let

Bless the word which we have been reading. not the cares of this life, or the deceitfulness of sin, render it unfruitful. May thy word abide in us, and operate. May it attend us in all the businesses of the day, that we may not sin against Thee: and that whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we may do all to the glory of God

To whom be glory in the church, by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.