which may refresh my body, and dispose me to serve thee cheerfully, both in body and mind, the ensuing day. I heartily desire the good of all mankind; and pray unto thee for the purity, the peace, and the enlargement of thy holy church; for thy direction and assistance of all its governors and pastors, particularly those under whose guidance I am placed; for the welfare of my country; for a blessing upon the king, and all in authority under him; for the relief and comfort of all that are in affliction; for all my friends and relations; beseeching thee to hear and to accept me, and all that call upon thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, our only Lord and Saviour, who has taught me thus to pray: Our Father,' &c. THE ECONOMY OF HUMAN LIFE. INTRODUCTION. Bow down your heads unto the dust, O ye inhabitants of earth! be silent and receive, with reverence, instruction from on high. Wheresoever the sun doth shine, wheresoever the wind doth blow, wheresoever there is an ear to hear, and a mind to conceive; there let the precepts of life be made known, let the maxims of truth be honoured and obeyed. All things proceed from God. His power is unbounded, his wisdom is from eternity, and his goodness endureth for ever. He sitteth on his throne in the centre, and the breath of his mouth giveth life to the world. He toucheth the stars with his finger, and they run their course rejoicing. On the wings of the wind he walketh abroad, and performeth his will through all the regions of unlimited space. Order, and grace, and beauty, spring from his hand. The voice of wisdom speaketh in all his works; but the human understanding comprehendeth it not. The shadow of knowledge passeth over the mind |