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LUTHERAN
PRAYER BOOK,
FOR THE USE OF
FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS,
^artlij (Original tart rjjMtj Cnmpltit.
WITH
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS ON FAMILY PRAYER,
TOGETHER WITH
A SELECTION OF HYMNS,
Sina ilXuoic abapteb to tfjem.
BY BENJAMIN KURTZ,
Author of two " Series of Letters on Europe," "Arguments on Infunt Baptism and
Affusion," " Why are you a Lutheran ? " " Prayer in all its Forms, and
Training up Children," etc. etc.
BALTIMORE:
PUBLISHED BY T. NEWTON KURTZ,
No. 151 W . Pratt street,
(Adjoining Bait, and Ohio R. R. Depot.)
1852.
V
Entered according to act of Congress, in the year one thousand eight
hundred and fifty-two, by T. Newton Kurtz, in the Clerk's Office of
the District Court of Maryland.
PREFACE
Though it is believed, that nothing will be found in this Prayer-
book to prevent its free use in any Protestant christian family, yet it
has beer, prepared mainly with a view to the Lutheran Church. In
the German language we are abundantly supplied with such helps; but
in English, a general and complete prayer-book, adapted to daily devo-
tion, to special occasions, and to every emergency, has thus far re-
mained a desideratum, which it has been our aim to supply. It is
therefore hoped, that the Lutheran Church especially, will encourage
this enterprise.
We greatly prefer that both ministers and laymen should pray
extempore. Prompted and guided by the Holy Spirit, the prayers that
come forth fresh from our own heart, couched in our own language,
even though homely and defective, will be more likely to express our
peculiar wants and to prove edifying to those who join in the solemn
and delightful exercise. But there are seasons when even those who
are accustomed to pray extempore, would prefer the aid of a prayer-
book ; heads of families whose duty it is to lead in family-prayer twice
a day for a long time, are in danger of falling into tautology, same-
ness, and consequent coldness and formality; and there are moreover,
many who are deterred altogether from attending to this important duty
by diffidence, or by supposed want of ability. The latter persuade
themselves, that to lead in social or family prayer, is a gift which they
possess not and cannot attain; and under this plea they neglect it
entirely. To meet all these cases, so far as lay in our power, has been
our great design.
We deem it our duty to state, that we have made free use of all the
facilities to family devotion within our reach. The arrangement is
indeed our own; some of the prayers also are original, and those
selected, have all been more or less altered and amended, so as to
render them more simple and direct, and to adapt them more fully to
the purpose contemplated. The sources from which we have culled ,
IV PREFACE.
are the Lutheran Liturgy, Communicant's Companion, Harkey, Wyatt,
Jay, Barnes, Moore, Crosswell, Habermann, &c.
It will be seen that we have selected Scripture lessons for every
morning and evening. For the first week these lessons are duplicated ;
the one being printed in full, and the other merely referred to. This
plan we have thus partially adopted, in order to ascertain the sense of
the public in regard to it. Should a second edition be called for, the
arrangement will be modified to suit the public wish.
A considerable number of " occasional prayers," suited to almost
every supposable condition, will be found. These are designed to be
incorporated in the daily morning and evening prayers, as circumstances
may require. The precise point at which they are to be introduced, is
sufficiently indicated. They may however, also be used separately or
apart from the stated daily devotions.
As the singing of God's praise is a delightful part of family devotion,
a collection of Hymns and Tunes has been added. The hymns have
been culled from various authors; and in the selection of the music,
we have been aided by a gentleman of science as well as refined taste,
in whose judgment in such matters, we repose entire confidence.
With these remarks we commend the book to God's blessing, hoping
the church may find cause to approve of it, and earnestly praying that
it may become one of the aids by which the great ends of the family
organization shall be secured, and a means whereby the worship of
God shall be extended and perpetuated among the families of this land,
and especially of the Lutheran Church. B. K.
Baltimore, Ayrill , 1852.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Introduction — Prayer in all its Forms, &c 1
MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS.
First Week 18
Second Week 57
Third Week 91
Fourth Week 117
Fifth Week 145
Sixth Week 170
PARTICULAR DAYS.
The Close of the Year 193
Last Evening of the Old Year 195
New Year — (general) 197
" " Morning 199
" " Evening 202
Christmas — (general) 205
" Morning 206
" Evening 209
Good Friday — (general) 211
" " Morning 213
«' " Evening 215
Easter — (general) 217
'• Sunday Morning 219
" - Evening 221
Ascension Day — (general) 223
" «' Morning 226
" " Evening 228
Whitsunday — (general) 229
" Morning.,....". 232
«' Evening 233
vi CONTENTS.
Fast Day Morning 235
" Evening 237
General Humiliation, Prayer and Thanksgiving 239
Thanksgiving Day Morning 242
" " Evening 244
Sacrament, Sabbath Morning. 245
•« " Evening 248
Anniversary of the Reformation 250
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
For the Extension of Christ's Kingdom 253
" Spread of the Gospel 256
For Communion Day — Morning 257
After Communion 258
" Baptism 258
" Confirmation 258
For a New Married Party 259
For Sabbath Schools 259
Under Family Affliction 261
" Affliction 264
In Behalf of One Sick 265
For One about to Die 266
In Behalf of a Sick Child 267
After a Funeral 268
Upon a Beginning or Recovery from Sickness 268
Upon Recovery from Sickness 269
About to go upon a Journey 269
In behalf of One absent at Sea 270
" " " on a Journey 270
" " upon his Return from a Journey 270
In behalf of a Youth Going from Home (if with a view to business) . 271
" " " " " (if with a view to school) .. 271
In Time of Popular Commotion 272
" of Threatening War 272
« of War 273
" of Pestilence 274
" of Death and Famine 276
After a Restoration of Plenty 276
Thanksgiving for Peace 276
In Time of Peace 277
For Rain 278
After Rain 278
For Fair Weather 278
CONTENTS. vii
For Fair Weather after much Rain 279
After Harvest 279
" a Good Harvest 281
Spring 282
Summer 283
Autumn 284
Winter 284
For Religious and Benevolent Institutions 285
For an Afflicted Minister 286
PRAYERS AT TABLE.
Before Meat 287
After Meat 288
PRATERS FOR CHILDREN.
Morning and Evening for Every Day in the Week 289
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN.
For a Little Girl who has been very Disobedient 297
For a Child who has told an Untruth 297
Morning Prayers for Little Children 298
Evening " " " 299
General " " " 300
The Lord's Prayer, in verse 301
Morning Prayers for Infants 302
Evening " " 303
Prayers Before and After Meals 304
INTRODUCTION.
PRAYER IN GENERAL.
1. JVhat is prayer?
Prayer is the converse of the heart with God ; or an appeal* to
him to bestow blessings, or to avert evils. In the Lord's prayer we
call on him, first, to confer some good, and second, to turn away some
evil. David represents it as " the words of his mouth and the medita-
tion of his heart." Psa. 19, 14. It may be more fully defined as, a
heart-felt address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, con-
fession of sin, supplication for pardon and blessings in conformity to
the divine will, intercession, and thanksgiving. It may, however, con-
sist of a single petition, be extemporaneous, written, or printed.
2. To whom must prayer be addressed?
To the Triune God only; he himself says: "Thou shalt have no
other gods before me." Ex. 20. 3. And when Satan tempted Christ
to fall down and pray to him, he indignantly replied : " Get thee
hence, Satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship the Lord thy God,
and him only shalt thou serve." Matt. 4. 10. We may, however,
call on either of the persons of the Holy Trinity. John 5. 23;
Phil. 2. 9—10; Heb. 1. 6; Acts 7. 59. But we have no Scriptural
authority to pray to angels, nor to saints, such as the apostles, the
Virgin Mary, or the departed spirits of other holy persons. Angels
may indeed convey the sufferings or necessities of the righteous on
earth to God; and so likewise, glorified spirits in heaven may inter-
cede for those living on earth, as they did while in the flesh; but it
would be in vain, as well as contrary to the teaching of the Bible,
to ask them to do so, because, being neither omnipresent nor omnis-
cient, it is impossible for them to hear us. The Most High says:
" 1 am God, and there is none else." It is his prerogative to search
the heart, to understand the secret breathings of the soul, and to hear
the multitudes of suppliants who are simultaneously sending forth their
requests from ten thousand different locations of his vast empire.
Moreover, he alone can pardon sin and iulfil all our desires. What
supreme folly then, to offer up prayer to the creature instead of the
Creator; to present our petitions to those who can neither hear nor
answer, while there is a God who both heareth and answereth, and is
more willing to give than we are to receive I
* The original Hebrew word signifies appeal, whereby we refer our
own cause, or that of others, to God, appealing to him for help.
1
2 INTRODUCTION.
3. What is meant by praying in Christ's name?
To do a thing in the name of another, often means to do it by
his authority; thus, to pray in Christ's name, is to pray because he
requires it, or in obedience to his command. But this is not all. It
also implies, that in approaching and addressing a throne of grace, we
rely entirely on the blood and righteousness of Christ, or the vica-
rious and atoning sacrifice of himself on ihe cross, trusting confi-
dently in his precious promises, and looking for acceptance and a
gracious answer wholly on account of his infinite merits. The mere
uttering of his name in our supplications, is however, by no means
sufficient; for, to pray in Christ's name presupposes that we are con-
vinced of our total want of merit before God, and that all our hope of
a hearing proceeds exclusively from the perfect righteousness which
he wrought out for us by his passion and death. This is an essential
feature of acceptable prayer; Christ says, " No man comelh unto the
Father, hut by me."
4. Wliat is implied by praying " in spirit and in truth ?''
In spirit signifies with feeling and fervor ; not merely with the
lips or by empty forms, but from the heart and through the influence
of the Holy Ghost.
In truth means in sincerity, in opposition to outward pretense. Thus,
a man prays in spirit when, by the assistance of the Holy Ghost, he
brings all his affections and desires to the throne of God; and he
prays in truth, when every purpose and passion of his heait, and
every part of his prayer are sincere and regulated by the word of God.
He is most devout, who exercises the fullest faith in Christ, and whose
soul is most fully possessed of his spirit.
5. You have spoken of the Holy Ghost in connection with prayer;
is his assistance necessary in order to pray effectually ?
Yes; the apostle teaches us, Rom. 8. 26, that " we know not what
to pray for as we ought; but the. Spirit itself maketh inteicession for
us with groanings that cannot be uttered." We are by nature averse
to pray, and unless moved by the Spirit we should have no inclina-
tion ; nor have we ability to pray aright unless aided by the Spirit.
But blessed be God! the Spirit knocks at the door of our heart and
offers his aid, even before we ask or seek it. Let us rejoice that the
Spirit of prayer is promised to all; Zech. 12. 10. JMatt. 7. 11.
Holy Spirit, breathe a spirit of prayer on our families, our churches,
and our nation ! May the Holy Ghost teach us to pray with the un-
derstanding, the heart and with fervor; then shall we pray acceptably
anil effectually, both For ourselves and for others.
6. For what blessings might we. to pray?
for '• blessings in conformity to God's will."
In that perfect model oi prayer bequeathed to the church by its
Great Head, we are taught to pray: "thy will be done." And the
same lesson is impressed upon us by his own example With the
deepest fervor and pathos, he prayed thai he might be delivered from
the awful agony he was suffering: "O my Father, if it be possible,
let this cup pass from me." But he added : "nevertheless, not as I
will, but as thou wilt." All our prayers, therefore, should be offered
i n unreserved submission to the divine will, and we should desire
nothing which it is not his good pleasure to confer.
INTRODUCTION. 3
7. But how shall we know what is in conformity to God's will?
By diligently reading the Sacred Scriptures, and especially acquaint-
ing ourselves with the many precious promises, which abound on
almost every page of the inspired volume. From them we learn that it
is agreeable to God's will to bestow temporal blessings. Isa. 33. 16;
Ps. 34. 10. But as his promises of spiritual good are far more abun-
dant and glorious, and as the blessings which concern the soul and
immortality exceed those which have respect only to the body and to
time, as much as the heavens are above the earth, we are bound to
make spiritual and eternal blessings the principal burden of our sup-
plications. How emphatically our Lord inculcates this truth when
he admonishes us: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his
righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you."
Matt. fi. 33.
8. For whom ought we to pray f
Paul exhorts us to " make supplications for all men." We have
no right therefore, to exclude any rational being on earth from our
prayers. The church especially, and her ministry, should share in
our sympathy. We should pray for her unity and prosperity, for the
healing of divisions and the removal of useless distinctions; that fra-
ternal affection may animate her members, and that all may learn to
feel, that while " one is their Master, even Christ, they all are
brethren." The ministers of the church in particular should be made
the subjects of our appeals at a mercy-seat, that they may not shun
to declare the whole counsel of God, and may watch for souls as those
who must give an account.
The civil government, magistrates, cabinet officers or ministers of
slate, our brethren, our enemies, and all sorts of men, both those that
are living and those that shall live hereafter, should be remembered
in our supplications. Judsun, the distinguished missionary, felt it to
be his especial duty to pray for his posterity, that his children and
children's children, to the latest generation, might be a godly seed and
useful subjects of Immanuel's kingdom, whom the Lord would delight
to bless, and whom he, the pious progenitor, might meet and rejoice
wilh in heaven.
Our personal enemies and the enemies of God's church are appro-
priate subjects of intercession. The gospel expressly teaches us " to
love our enemies, bless them that curse us, do good to them that hate
us, and pray for them that despitefully use us and persecute us."
Matt. 5 44. In this the religion of Christ rises high above every
other system, and most gloriously proclaims its heaven-born otigin.
Never, before the despised Galilean appeared, who however was at
the same time the God of the universe, had the world heard such a
teacher nor such doctrine !
In one word, we must make the whole family of man the subject of
our prayers.
9. Is it right to pray for the dead?
No; God has not commanded this, either directly or indirectly;
either by general principle or specific precept. To pray for departed
spirits, would therefore not be "in conformity to his will." We
have, moreover, no example on record in the Bible, of a pious man's
praying for the deceased. And if we had, it would possess no binding
force, since the teaching of God is higher authority than the ex-
4 INTRODUCTION.
ample even of the pious. Independently of alJ this, we learn from
the Scriptures, that the present life is the only state of probation ;
that while here we may repent and be saved; but that death decides
and fixes unalterably and for ever, the character and condition of
every one.
1 0. What is the design of prayer 1
It is briefly and simply lo obtain from God, in his own appointed
way, the blessings we need. The awakened sinner is sensible that
he is spiritually "miserable, poor, blind, and naked," and accordingly
needs many blessings which none but God can confer. Prayer is the
instrumentality, instituted by God, to obtain these blessings. We
therefore pray because God has commanded it, and because it is his
pleasure to impart blessings in answer to it. He might supply all
our spiritual wants without our prayers, just as he might furnish food
and raiment without a single effort on our part; but it is very certain
that this is not his accustomed mode of procedure. A wealthy and
benevolent man said to one of his humble dependents: I am kindly
disposed toward you and always ready to relieve your necessities; but
for reasons satisfactory to myself, and which would also satisfy you if
you could understand them, it is my fixed determination to afford you
no relief unless you ask me, and that too in a becoming manner.
Thus God acts. In his wise counsels as well as in the moral fitness
of things, there is an inseparable connection between appropriate
prayer and the blessings bestowed upon the suppliant. " I will yet
for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them."
Ezek. 36. 37.
Let it not therefore, be inferred, that prayer is an arbitrary arrange-
ment and exhibits God as a despot rather than as a kind and merciful
Father. On the contrary, there is the highest wisdom and propriety in
ordaining prayer as the medium of obtaining blessings. The man
who prays, is by this very act taught to feel his wants and dependence
on God, and prepared to receive the blessings he needs, with a spirit
of gratitude, reverence and obedience. It is not despotic but reasonable
and proper, for infinite wisdom to bestow on an humble suppliant, that
which it would very properly withhold from him, who refuses to pray.
One man feels that he is unspeakably poor and helpless, while God
is infinitely rich and merciful ; another thinks he is increased in goods
and has need of nothing, and proudly asks in his conduct: "What is
the Almighty that I should serve him ? and what profit shall I have if I
pray unto him?" The one prostrates himself before God in profound
self-abasement; and in humble reliance on Christ's atonement pleads
for mercy ; the other is too self-sufficient, too indolent, too indifferent, or
too worldly-minded, to seek for mercy or even to bow his knees be-
fore the Majesty of the universe, or to receive a single favor at the
hands of God, with due appreciation and grateful reverence. Is there
not a moral fitness in communicating to the one, and withholding from
the other? Reason declares that there is, and revelation places it be-
yond a cavil or a doubt. In the Scriptures we are taught expressly, that
such is absolutely the system of infinite wisdom and goodness; and that
blessings actually descend only as answers to prayer. It is "the
hungry (the praying penitent,) that are filled with good things, while
the rich (the self-sufficient,) are sent empty away." Luke 1. 53.
I
INTRODUCTION. 5
"This is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask any
thing according to his will, he heareth us." 1 Joh. 5. 14.
In this view of the design of prayer, the objections based on God's
omniscience, immutability and benevolence, accordingly all fall to the
ground. The intention is not to make him acquainted with our wants;
for he knows them better^han we do ourselves. Nor to alter his mind,
or bring about a change in his counsels; for with him there is no
variableness nor shadow of turning. Nor to incline him to kindness;
for he is infinitely disposed to exercise compassion toward all who
look to him for it, without any moving argument from us. He does
not say: "Ask," that I may know what you want; or "ask," and I
will change my mind; or "ask," and you will persuade me to give;
but simply and unconditionally: "Ask, and ye shall receive; seek,
and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." The
design then is, to comply with God's command ; to obtain mercy in
his own appointed way, and to awaken and cultivate that frame of
mind and condition of heart which will prepare us for the proper recep-
tion and due appreciation and application of his blessings.
11. Is it the duty of all men to pray?
Yes; God commands all men every where to pray; and every one
is bound to obey. Jt has been said that the unconverted have no
right to pray, and that they only bring upon them God's displeasure
if they attempt it. But if unregenerate men offend God, it is not be-
cause of an humble attempt to pray, but because they persist in their
impenitence and refuse to be converted. John 9. 31 is quoted to prove
that God will not regard the supplications of the impenitent : "Now
we know that God heareth not sinners; but if," &c. But this is not
decisive, because this was merely the declaration of a man who had
been blind and who was not inspired; it alludes, moreover, only to the
prayer of an impostor who prays for the gift of miracles. Solomon
represents God as saying to the wicked: "They shall call upon me,
but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not
find me." Pro v. 1. 28. But this refers to the hopeless cries of the
wicked, after their day of probation has ended. There are however,
inspired passages which teach, that presumptuous sinners will not be
heard, such as Prov. 15. S. fsa. 1.15. Amos 5. 22-23. But why
will God not hear them ? —because they do not pray aright. Let them
humble themselves in penitence before God, and call upon hirr in all
their deep moral degradation, in the name of Christ, and their prayers
will be acceptable and bring down pardon and salvation, though they
were ten thousand times more vile and hell-deserving than they are.
But still it is their duty to pray, though while clinging to their sins
they cannot pray acceptably. God commands all men to pray, and
suspends the bestowal of his blessings upon the performance of this
duty. To plead exemption on account of impenitence and consequent
inability, would be nothing less than seeking to excuse one delinquency
by pleading guilty to another, or to justify one violation of God's law
by committing: another. Jehovah can make no allowance for our per-
sistence in wilful iniquity; and as theft does not extenuate falsehood,
so unbelief cannot palliate prayerlessness.
But even to the unregenerate, prayer is not wholly useless. They
universally believe that they can pray with their present disposition,
1*
6 INTRODUCTION.
so as at least to satisfy themselves ; and not improbably, God also.
Now, there is perhaps no way, in which they so effectually unlearn
this doctrine, as by their own attempts at prayer. They soon learn to
6ee their own prayers in a light and with a distinctness and certainty,
never, perhaps, experienced in any other case. Amid the anxiety and
earnestness, with which awakened sinners pray, they come, without
an exception, first to doubt their own ability to pray as they ought;
and then, without a doubt, to believe, that their prayers are wholly
destitute of evangelical worth. This important part of self-knowledge,
is acquired in no other way so readily as by attempts to pray. By
such means, thousands of sinners have been brought to a state of
absolute humiliation, and a full conviction of their entire dependence
on Christ for holiness and salvation. Not to be able to pray, so as
to be in some degree satisfied and comforted by our prayer, is to be
poor indeed. This humbled, dependent state of mind is that in which
the grace of the gospel is usually bestowed on men.
12. How must we pray in order to insure an answer?
This question has already been incidentally answered ; but for the
sake of plainness we will recapitulate. We must pray, —
1. In faith. Matt. 11.2-4. This faith implies, at least, some know-
ledge of, and full confidence in, God's promises, in which he engages to
hear us and to bestow all needful blessings.
2. In Christ's name ; see answer to question 3.
j 3. In spirit and in truth; see answer to question 4.
4. In unqualified submission to the divine will; see answer to
question 6.
5. With perseverance. 1 Thess. 5. 17. " Pray without ceasing."
Eph. 6. 18. " Praying always with all prayer and supplication in
the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance" Though
we meet with the greatest difficulties; though an answer be long
delayed, and our spiritual enemies tempt us a thousand times to abandon
the duty, yet must we hold on despite of all discouragements. Job
13. 15; Luke 18. 1—; in Matt. 15.21-29 we have a striking example
of earnest, persevering, and finally, successful prayer.
If we pray thus, we may rest assured that God will answer; if not
in the way that we desire, yet in some other way, more conducive
to his glory and to our own welfare; as in the case of Moses, who
prayed that he might be permitted to enter the earthly Canaan, and God
transported him to the heavenly Canaan, which was infinitely better.
It must not, however, be supposed, that prayer is answered because
there is any thing meritorious in it; for all blessings are the gifts of
God's rich grace on account of the infinite merits of Christ. Nor that
a change is effected in the mind of God ; for he is immutable. Cut it
is because it is God's established plan to give in answer to prayer, and
because there is a peculiar propriety, becoming his character, so to
act. Prayer is therefore, as necessary a pre- requisite to a blessing, as
ploughing and sowing, rain and sunshine are to a harvest; in fact, there
is even a more regular connection between the former than the latter.
For there are blessings which never are given to men who do not
pray, such as peace of conscience, joy in the Holy Ghost, increase of
grace, final perseverance in piety, &c. These are the test of all bless-
ings; they are never found by prayerless men; but they are, without
INTRODUCTION. 7
fail, imparled to all who pray in faith, and are evidently given in
answer to prayer. "To renounce all good," said a distinguished man,
" when it is attainable by any means, however difficult, is the conduct
of a fool. To renounce it when the means are the easiest possible,
is the conduct of a madman." Such a fool and such a madman is
he who will not pray. To pray costs neither money, pains, nor time.
Why then do multitudes neglect to pray? " The true explanation,"
says the same writer, " of this mysterious, sottish violation of every
dictate of reason, conscience and revelation is, that all these persons
hate their duty. They sin against God, and wrong their own souls ;
they hale him, and love death." See Dwight's Theology.
FAMILY-PRAYER.
1 3. JVhal is meant by family-worship ?
The collecting together of themembers of a family at stated periods,
for divine worship
14. In what does it consist? "
Usually in singing God's praise, reading the Scriptures, and calling
upon the Lord in Christ's name.
15. Is family prayer expressly enjoined in Scripture ?
It is not, and this has often been urged as an apology for its ne-
glect. But none but the ignorant and those who are averse to the
duty in question, will attempt to justify the omission under so ground-
Jess a plea. If no duties were obligatory except those which are
expressly commanded in the Scriptures, the number of our moial and
religious obligations would be gieatly diminished. We rind no direct
injunction to observe the first day of the week as the Christian Sab-
bath; to love our children ; to build churches ; to attend public wor-
ship; pray in secret; baptize infants, administer the eucharist to
females; or to do a thousand other things which every one knows
to be his duty. And to claim exemption from them on account of
the absence of an express command, would be justly regarded as
an evidence of the grossest misapprehension. How could it be ex-
pected that God would explicitly enjoin every duty incumbent upon
us? Why, this would have swelled the Bible to a size which must
have defeated its very object.
16. fVhat is God's usual plan in pn scribing moral duty?
It is evidently not in accordance with his plan to legislate in regard
to each and every particular, but to lay down universal principles,
easily understood, and applicable to every state, condition or occur-
rence in life. One such principle or general statute may embody ten
thousand special duties, or apply to an indefinite number of specific
cases. No one can doubt that it is our duty to relieve our neighbor
when sick, or protect h:s property when in danger, or succor his wife
or child when assailed. But where is the express command to this
effect ? There is, however, one golden rule which meets each of these
cases, and any number of similar ones: "Therefore all things whatso-
ever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so to them."
This general principle, while it is of easy comprehension and may be
readily applied, supersedes special legislation on every point to which
8 INTRODUCTION.
it appertains. Thus there are general precepts in God's Word, which
imply Ihe necessity of family-prayer as clearly and forcibly as if it
were directly and literally enjoined.
It is also inconsistent with God's accustomed mode of dealing,
explicitly to prescribe a duty which is already in active practice.
Thus, when Christ commenced his ministry among the Jews, the
practice of baptizing proselytes and their children was already, in
vogue. Hence there was no necessity for an express injunction to
baptize infants; the general command to baptize all, necessarily in-
cluded them as distinctly as it did adults, and would undoubtedly
be so understood unless accompanied by an express prohibition of
infants. In like manner, there was no necessity to prescribe a law
requiring parents to love their children and to provide for them, be-
cause the very organization of the family relation, involved this; and
it was, moreover, already secured by the law of nature, a more ancient
statute than any on record. This remark applies with great force to
the subject of prayer. Dr. D wight tells us that the world was three
thousand years old and that eight hundred years had elapsed after the
call of Abraham, before any command at all to pray is found in the
Scriptures. Ps. cxxii. 6; Jer. xxix. 7- And yet, it is well known,
that during this time prayer is frequently mentioned, and that men
actually did pray. Gen. xxiv, 63; Job xv. 4; xvi 17. xxiii. 26.
Are we authorized, and is it reasonable, in view of this fact, to de-
mand an express command for family-prayer?
17. Is there no express injunction whatever in the Bible for any par-
ticular kind of prayer ?
No, but we find many passages in the Scriptures which imply the
duty under consideration, as plainly as any duty can be implied ; Eph.
6. 18; 1 Tim. 2. 8; Phil. 4. 6 ; 1 Peter 4. 7. If it be objected that
family-prayer is not explicitly mentioned in any of these passages, we
would ask, is it not plainly included? Can we pray at all times,
with all prayer, every ivhere, in every thing, watching unto prayer, —
without praying in our own house, with our own children, at the head
of our own family, and around our own domestic altar? If any one
deny that family prayer forms any part of the precept, because it is not
expressly specified; another may deny that secret prayer is intended,
because that is not specified; and a third may object on the same
ground, that social and public is not meant; thus all and every kind
of prayer may, on the principle of the caviler, be set aside. By this
kind of evasion and equivocation nominal Christians and ungodly men
may delude their own conscience, but they cannot deceive their Maker.
They are, in fact, trifling with the sacred Scriptures; destroying their
true import, and inviting the vengeance of a jealous and a holy God!
18. How is the Lord's Prayer to be regarded in rslatioii to this sub-
ject f
This model of prayer was evidently designed to teach us ivhen and
ivhere, as well as for what, to pray. Its very structure plainly indi-
cates that it is to be used daily, anil in a family That it was designed
to be a daily supplication, is evident from the fourth petition: give us
this day our daily bread. That it was intended as a family prayer
or a model of one, is no less clear from the general phraseology. It
is not worded, my Father, but our Father who art in heaven; — not
I
INTRODUCTION. 9
give me, but give us; — not forgive me, but forgive us ; — not lead me,
but us not into temptation, &c.
19. 1$ family prayer alluded to in the Scriptures?
Yes; frequently, and always as something with wbich God is
pleased, while the neglect of it has provoked the expression of his
ahhorrence. In proof of this we refer the reader to Gen. xvii, 19 ;
Josh, xxiv, 15; Job i, 5. These facts are all recorded to the praise of
the individuals named, and in every instance God manifested his ap-
probation. But God*s indignation at the neglect of this duty is as
strongly declared as his approval of its performance. Jer. x, 25. It
is a solemn and a fearful fact, that those families that call not on
God, are here numbered among the Heathen who know not God!
20. Is it not unreasonable to ask for an explicit enactment on this
subject ?
We think it is; because the law of our nature, — the inherent
affection implanted by our God in the human bosom, prompts us to
do all we can for our children's wellare. What sacrifice will not a
mother or a father make for their good? When a beloved child is
sick, do we ask for an iron statute to learn whether we shall send for
a physician ? When the storm |howls, the flood roars, or the flame
rages, do we demand an express law before we can venture to stretch
forth a helping arm? If, then, God has kindly furnished to u? the
means of establishing them in virtue, arming them against tempta-
tion and sin, and preparing them for usefulness to others and com-
fort to themselves, for a life of peace and honor and happiness on
earth, and of glory and joy eternal in heaven, why should we hesitate
and demand an express statute enforcing the use of those means i Can
such an individual be found in a Christian land and among the friends
of God ? If such an one read this essay, we address you as a Chris-
tian father, as a dying man and an accountable agent, and " beseech
you that this night the God of heaven may be invoked in your family,
and that your abode become consecrated as the dwelling-place of the
Most High !" If we live in the neglect of family-worship, the opinion
of Hesiod, a heathen poet of Greece, may condemn us at the judgment-
day. He says, " Bring your best burnt offering, holy and pure, and
with all thy might, before thou liest down, and when thou risest
up, present it before the immortal God ; then he will look upon thee
with an heart filled with delight; he will bless thee in thy temporal
concerns; and while others lor their contempt of God are obliged to
part with their temporal property, you shall be able to purchase rich
estates."
21. What are the considerations that should induce us to observe
family prayer ?
1. God requires it. Prayer was undoubtedly instituted by divine
appointment Irom the creation of man ; and was traditionally spread
through all nations, as a duty, evident to common sense, and acknow-
ledged by the universal voice of mankind. Hence we find that both
Patriarchs and Gentiles, Jews and Christians, practised it in the
earliest ages. It was therefore not the intention of the Scriptures to
institute it anew, in any of its forms, and we have no more right to look
for an express command for family prayer, than for secret or public
prayer; neither of which is enjoined in the Bible as an original duty,
10 INTRODUCTION.
and all which are treated as existing;, and regulated as duties already
acknowledged and practised. But that God requires us to observe
family-prayer, just as he does any other kind of prayer, has been abun-
dantly proven in the answer to questions 14, &c.
2. The relation in which families stand toward God. constitutes a
strong appeal in favor of this duly. God is the Author of the family-
organization. Gen. 2. 18-24. Does not this great fact furnish a
strong argument in support of family-prayer? Do we not as a family
owe homage and service to Him who is the founder of the family-
relation and the great proprietor of all families?
As he is the Founder, so also is he the Governor and Benefactor of
this interesting relation. As Governor he has prescribed the very best
laws for the regulation of the family. Eph. 5. 25-33; and 6. 1-18.
Col. 3. 19-25; and 4. 1-2. As Benefactor, he preserves the family,
supplies its wants, wards off danger, comforts in sickness and trial,
sanctities affliction, and is the rich source of countless social and other
blessings. How powerfully do these considerations address us in favor
of a family-altar! If it be the duty of an individual in his individual
capacity, to acknowledge God and to render homage and service to
him, because God is his Maker, Ruler, and Benefactor; is not a family
much more under obligations, on the same ground, to worship and
serve him in its family-capacity? It is admitted by Christians, that an
individual church, or nation, is bound to worship and serve God, in its
capacity as church or nation, because God is its Founder, Governor
and Benefactor; why then is it not the duty of a family, founded,
governed and blessed by the same God, to bow down before him in
its family-character, and unite in prayer and thanksgiving? Personal
mercies should be gratefully acknowledged and personal blessings
prayerfully sought, in a personal-capacity; national in a national-
capacity, and family in a family-capacity.
3. A third and most cogent consideration in favor of family-prayer,
is found in the fact that the great ends of the family organization
cannot he accomplished without it. One of these ends is, the training
up of children for usefulness and happiness in this life and for eternal
salvation in the world to come. In order to attain this great end the
family must be governed by sound principles. This premised, we
remark, —
(«) That the true principles of domestic government cannot be fully
carried into effect without prayer. If we would observe them, we
must be acquainted with them and embody them in our spirit and
daily practice. To this end we must not only search the Scriptures
and study God's plan of governing men, but also be instant in prayer.
It is by earnest converse with God in solemn devotion, that we main-
tain familiarity with him, keep his plan of governing constantly before
us, and are enabled in some good degree to imitate it in our families.
The restraints also, which family-prayer throws around us, greatly
favor sound domestic discipline. How can he who has just been en-
gaged in the solemn act of presenting himself and family to the God of
love, indulge in fits of ill-nature and outbursts of temper? — and if he
know that soon the period will again arrive when he and all the mem-
bers of his little community shall bow before the Lord at one common
altar, must not anger, passion and wrath be forced to flee away ?
INTRODUCTION. [[
Even in this first view of the subject, family -prayer seems to be so
important, that we doubt whether any father has ever succeeded or ever
will succeed in fully carrying out gospel principles in the government
of his family, while living in the neglect of this duty.
(6) The administration of family government requires that the father
should be held in high regard. But what is there in the wide world
that renders the paternal character so venerable, and so embalms it
in the warm alfections of the family, as the habitual connection of the
image of the father with the sacredness of religion? It is impossible
to treat such a man with disrespect, or to esteem lightly the principles
by which he is endeavoring to govern his family. Let the father be
to bis family what the pastor is to the flock ; let him add to the paternal
character the venerableness of thepiiestof his family; let him daily
unite with them in prayer, and he will enjoy their confidence; his
laws and opinions will be invested with authority; and thus governing
by gospel principles, his children will grow up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord.
(c) Fainily-prayer is necessary in order to impart the greatest efficacy
to the religious instruction of the family. All admit that a family
should receive religious instruction in order to answer the great end
of its organization. But can such instruction prove effectual in the
absence of prayer? Let us illustrate. Prayer is an essential duty
of religion; there can be no true religion without it. Of course then,
the parent attempts to inculcate this duty. But while he is giving
lessons in relation to it, he himself never once unites with them
around the family altar! His precepts and his example are at open
variance. What is the consequence? Why his -precepts remain
unheeded, and his example proves all-powerful. Children, even little
children, aie exceedingly observant. They will say: if prayer is of
so much moment, then, why does not our father pray with us and for
us? Why does he not set us the example? He teaches us to pray,
but we never see him pray; therefore prayer is not of much account.
Let it not he said that children do not reason so logically. It is well-
known that they do, and thousands of instances might be adduced.
22 Are there other inducements to family prayer?
Yes, many. Under the last question we referred only to three, viz.,
the requirement of God; the relation subsisting between him and
Families; and its importance in order to attain the great ends of the
family-organization, the principal of which is, the proper education
of children. Under question 18 we cited several examples of family-
prayer from the Scriptures; this list might easily be enlarged.
We might yet further appeal to the importance of the family-trust,
as an inducement to domestic worship. The immortal souls of those
composing our families, are, in a manner, committed to our hands.
How awful the thought, that any of these blood-bought souls should at
the last day be laid to our charge ! — If there be no religion in a family,
it is daily making progress in sin. If we love our country we should
pray with our families. But it is unnecessary to press this subject
further. If the foregoing does not convince, neither would additional
arguments.
23. How often should family-prayer be attended tof
There is a difference of opinion on this subject. Some teach that a
12 INTRODUCTION.
family ought to be assembled for prayer three times every day ; others
twice; and yet others only once. Many of those who adopt the last
view, lay great stress on secret prayer, and think that more frequent
attendance to this form of prayer should be inculcated. As the Bible
furnishes no specific directions on this point, Christians are bound
conscientiously to consider the subject and to act according to the best
knowledge they can obtain. While we would not censure the father
who calls his family around the altar but once a day, whether in the
morning or the evening, we feel bound to recommend the performance
of the duty twice each day; — in other words, we plead for both the
" morning and the evening sacrifice." The family has been defended
and preserved during the night; health, life, and numerous other mer-
cies have been continued to them ; refreshed by repose, cheered by
the smiles of the opening day, and the affectionate greetings of all
around; — is there in all this no cause for united thanks? But this
little community have their constantly recurring wants; they need
their daily food, raiment, grace, &c. They have their employments,
and require the daily blessing of God upon them, or all their efforts
will prove in vain. Does not this furnish suitable matter for renewed
petition? They are exposed to temptations and trials; the great ad-
versary is awake as soon as they are, and ever upon the watch for
an opporlunity to lead them captive. They are surrounded with dan-
gers; disease and death often lurk in the food they eat and the atmos-
phere they inhale. Now, in view of all this, is there no cause for
morning supplication as well as early praise?
And when the day is gone and night has come, what a vast collec-
tion of mercies have been showered upon us! how many dangers, seen
and unseen, have been averted ; and are our hearts not touched with
a sense of gratitude ? — We have not during the day loved God su-
premely and our neighbor as ourselves; unholy thoughts, desires
and tempers; probably also, words and actions inconsistent with our
Christian calling, are chargeable against us. Have we no cause for
humiliation, no need of appealing to a throne of grace for pardon and
mercy? The family are again about to separate for the night; sleep
is the image of death; — "so very much like it," said a good man,
" that I cannot close my eyes without first commending my soul to
God." Unconscious of existence; as utterly defenceless in our slum-
bers as a babe; wholly dependent on the mercy of God for life, pro-
tection, and a renewal of our strength, and ignorant whether we shall
open our eyes upon the light of another day; — is there no just ground,
no moral fitness in once more assembling around the family-altar and
uniting in prayer, praise and reading the Scriptures?
24. How should family-prayer be conducted?
So far as concerns the spirit and frame of mind, requisite to accepta-
ble prayer, this question is already answered. See question 11. But
in regard to the manner in which it should be conducted, we remark, —
(a) That family prayer should be regular. It should so enter into
the domestic arrangement as to form one of its essential constituents.
(b) It should be solemn and impressive. If he who leads in prayer,
manifest a light and volatile spirit, or a want of deep interest in the
exercise, not only will the object be defeated, but serious injury will
result. The family should plainly perceive and be made to feel by
INTRODUCTION. 13
our example, that we are in the presence of the Majesty of the uni-
verse, holding communion with an immaculate and sin-hating God, and
earnestly seeking blessings of paramount importance both for time and
eternity. But all mock-solemnity and affectation in tone and manner,
should be carefully eschewed. The language should be plain and
simple; the utterance distinct and intelligible; and the expressions
chaste and suitable. Coldness and spiritual death become any occa-
sion better than a meeting around the family-altar. " Let the snows of
Greenland, and the ice of the northern seas, be in any place of devo-
tion, rather than on that where you plead with God for the guidance
and salvation of your sons and daughters."
(c) Family-prayer should be conducted under the influence of affec-
tionate regard. The Apostle requires us to " be kindly-affectioned one
to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; * *
fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Rom. 12. 10-11. This beautiful
admonition is worthy of constant observance in all our domestic inter-
course; but when we come together to sing, and pray, and bow befoie
the family-altar, we should especially feel the tenderest emotions to-
ward each other, and delight to feel them. Our tempers should be
chastened and never be permitted to alfect our prayers; and offensive
and mortifying personalities should on no occasion be indulged. We
may, and indeed ought, to make a prudent and affectionate use of
the knowledge we possess of the circumstances of the various individ-
uals present; but at the same time we must remember, that we are
not to pray at, but for them.
(d) It should be short. Tediousness, repetition and monotony are
the bane of family devotion. Their tendency is to disgust and weary
the family, and to instil into the children a dread and hatred of the
whole system. The Lord's prayer, which was evidently intended to
be used in the family, is a model, as well in relation to its brevity as
its unsurpassed simplicity and plainness. A child soon learns to
understand this prayer, and is never wearied by its length. Some
seem to make it a rule to pray for every body, and every thing, in
every prayer. Frequently they begin with the creation, and trace
its history down to the millennium, and these historical prayers aie
easily spun out to a quarter or half an hour's length. If we really
desire to disgust a family, and are ambitious to destroy all the effects of
devotion; then this is precisely the course we should pursue.
(e) It should be pointed and to the purpose. When we kneel
down we should endeavor to have a few topics before the mind, and
aim at presenting those topics in all possible simplicity. "Till men
learn to concentrate their feelimrs. and have really some object for
which they wish to pray — an object in which they feel some interest,
the business of praying will be dull monotonous, disgusting."
(f) The whole family shoidd be present. If our children are per-
mitted to be irregular in their attendance, it will not be difficult to
foresee their future character.
But it should not be forgotten that our servants are a part of the
family as well as our children. They are under our care, and their
religious instruction and improvement are, for the time being, committed
to our charge. If they are Romanists, and icill not consent to hear
the Bible read and join us in prayer, then we must aim at so living out
2
14 INTRODUCTION.
our religion before tliem, as to constrain them to admit, that ours is a
holy and sanctifying religion. In some cases this has proven an effectual
means of causing the scales to fall from their eyes, and begetting
even a desire to share in our religious privileges.
25. Docs the Bible prescribe the posture to be observed in prayer?
It does not. As we have no express precept regulating the attitude
to be assumed in preaching and hearing the Gospel, receiving the
Holy Supper, &c, so we are not directed as to posture when we offer
up our prayers. Men may pray standing or kneeling, or they may
p-osirate themselves before God. We have examples on record in the
Scriptures of all these postures ; but it is worthy of remark, that there
is not a single case referred to of prayer in a silting position.
Prostration is indicative of a very deep and uncommon sense of sin,
and may be most suitably used in secret-prayer. Dr. Clarke says,
"this was the ordinary posture of the suppliant when the favor was
great which was asked, and deep humiliation required."
The standing and kneeling posture is most frequently mentioned in
Scripture. Where there is no convenient space for kneeling, we
should think standing would be preferred. Kneeling has some advan-
tages: it is naturally an expression of humility, and is calculated to
lead to this feeling and to a sense of our wants and our dependence
upon God. " But sitting,'' says a distinguished writer, "or other pos-
tures of rest and laziness, ought not to be indulged, unless persons are
aged or infirm." When prayer is drawn out to such an unreasonable
and unscriptural length, (unfortunately too often the case,) as to render
it fatiguing to mind and body to maintain a prayerful frame and a
standing position, we think a sitting posture is excusable, while at
the same lime we are compelled to censure the error that leads to this
apparent impropriety. The liftingup or spieatling out of the hands, on
the part of the individual leading in prayer, was a very common prac-
tice among the saints of old; and is a very natural expression of our
seeking help from God. The countenance should be composed to
gravity and solemnity; the eyes should not be allowed to rove, — we
think it best to keep them closed. Sighs and groans, and responses of
" amen," during prayer, are offensive to some; but if they are the sin-
cere expression of religious emotion and do not interfere with the de-
votions of others, we can take no exception to ihem ; and we are
free to confess, that there are occasions when we feel greatly inclined
to indulge them, and should regard it as an arbitrary restraint upon our
Christian liberty to be prevented. But noise made by the hands, or
feet, or knees, violent motions of the head, &c, are not only unmeaning
but have always appeared to us to be irreverent and inconsistent with
the solemnity of the exercise.
In the Lutheran Church standing is generally practised in public
worship'; but in their more retired meetings, such as prayer-meetings,
the "weekly-lecture," family-worship, and when they meet for ser-
vices preparatory to the Lord's supper, they most generally kneel.
The Scriptures give Christians liberty to consult their own inclinations
ami sense of propriety in this matter, and no ecclesiastical or other
body have a right to deprive them of this liberty. Whatever pos-
ture we choose to observe, we should be careful not to condemn or
even to find fault with others who dissent from us, and prefer a different
position.
INTRODUCTION. 15
26. Is it the duly of a mother lo conduct family prayer in the absence
of the father, or in case he refuses to attend lo it when at home ?
h the lather is decidedly opposed lo family-worship and forbids it
to be observed, it is the duty ol the mother, "in patience possessing
her. soul," to submit. But this need not prevent her from retiring at
stated periods with her children, and thus in secret supplicating the
blessing of God on them and him. But if the husband, while he
refuses to conduct the devotions, is nevertheless willing that his wife
should do so, the case is a plain one. It is her duty to establish
and maintain domestic worship, a.-.d there is no principle in the Bible
nor rule of propriety in well-organized society which she violates.
If the mother be a widow, the obligation to observe the duty in
question, presses even more peremptorily than in the case just sup-
posed. No mother more needs the aid and comfort of family-devotion,
than she who, in the piovidence of God, has been deprived of her hus-
band and the father of her children. More than half the human
assistance, counsel and encouragement she enjoyed, is taken away,
and it is often amid sisrhs and tears that she contemplates her
responsible relation, her own weakness, and her utter inability, apart
from divine instruction and assistance. 0 with what overwhelming
force does the appeal in favor of family-worship, come home to her
timid and desolate heart! Nor is it easy for children to treat with
disrespect a praying, widowed mother. We speak the language of
the Rev. A. Barnes, with slight alterations: "This is the very time,
and occasion, for seeking the God of grace, and his ear will not be
heavy to hear, nor his arm short to help her, that comes and pleads
day and night before his throne, his own oft-repeated promise to the
widow and the fatherless. There is no scene on earth, it seems to me,
so lovely as that of a bereaved family, thus pouring its sorrows into
the ears of God, and seeking repose on his bosom. And in that
family, that widowed and fatherless family where this is wanting,
there is a chasm which no adorning, no amiableness, no intelligence
can fill.
27. Is not the want of ability to lead profitably in family-prayer, a
justification of its omission?
No; God requires all men to pray; therefore all are bound to pray;
and all may become able to pray to edification if they will. It is not
learning or talent that enables men to conduct in prayer; but a humble
and contrite heart. If the heart is not in this condition, it is our own
fault. But even believers sometimes plead inability. In their case the
excuse arises from pride. These same persons can converse, and often
with fluency, with their families and their neighbors; they are at no
loss For words when they would speak on politics, trade, the price of
produce, &c. ; if they are sick they can pour out their complaints; if
in need of any comfort they know how to ask for it; if favored with
some turn of good fortune they can give expression to their gratifica-
tion. In all these cases we hear of no want of ability. But when
urged to express their wants and the wants of the family to God, then
they seek to justify themselves behind the plea of inability. What
marvelous inconsistency and self-delusion !
When alone in their closets, men can pray; there is then no want
of language, and they are never known to urge the plea of inability.
16 INTRODUCTION.
But in the presence of their fellow-sinners they are suddenly de-
prived of speech ! What does this prove but pride of heart, and that
they have more respect for sinners than for God, and are more afraid
of worms of the dust than of the Lord God of Hosts ! If they were
not so proud they could pray in their families! When an objection
can be reduced to this pitiful extremity, we are willing to leave it
there.
But this difficulty is anticipated by the numerous excellent prayer-
books prepared for family-use. If tbe objection of inability, arising
from the supposed want of appropriate language, be sincere, then let
such avail themselves of this facility. Whatever may be the abstract
opinion about the comparative value of forms of prayer, yet there
will be no question, that it is better to use a form, than not to pray
at all.
But may not this inability be remedied by the sinner, even without
the aid of forms ? Undoubtedly it may. Study to become acquainted
with, and more and more to realize, your fallen and perishing condition.
Look at the loathsomeness of sin; contemplate the immaculate holi-
ness of God ; consider the dreadful curse of the law and the awful
miseries of hell ; seek to be impressed with a humble sense of your
sinfulness, unvvorthiness, guilt and helplessness; and then it will be
no difficult task to plead with God in prayer. It is as natural for the
penitent to call upon God, as it is for the babe when applied to the
breast, to imbibe its nourishment. How readily the man pinched with
hunger, seeks for food; how eloquently the condemned criminal pleads
for life, or the drowning man for help! Learn to feel your spiritual
wants, and simultaneously you will learn to pray that they may be
supplied. Realize that beneath a heavy load of sin, you are sinking
into perdition, and you will need no other prompting than that of the
Spirit who has revealed your guilt, to constrain you to cry out:
" Lord, save or I perish !"
Read the Scriptures, particularly the Psalms, and you will find
abundance of matter for thanksgiving and prayer, clothed in the most
suitable language.
Plead with God to pour out upon you the spirit of supplication.
Fletcher says: " To seek the Spirit is prayer. While you are asking
the Spirit to teach you to pray, you are receiving the first lesson in
prayer — you have begun already 10 pray."
28. Will not an unusual degree of constitutional diffidence justify
the neglect of family worship ?
We admit that some men are naturally more timid than others,
and find great difficulty in expressing themselves with clearness on
any subject. But still this is no just ground for the omission of family-
worship. Cannot such men speak to their children, or in the presence
of their children, on other topics; — why not then converse with God in
their presence? Is it creditable to any father to be so afraid of his
children, as to neglect one of his most important religious duties?
How can a man maintain sound discipline in his family, if he be afraid
of it? how be a Christian if he tremble more from fear of his chil-
dren than from the displeasure of God ? The apostles and martyrs
trembled not before a threatening world; they quailed not in the pres-
ence of bloody tyrants, and would rather lace the rack and the stake
i
INTRODUCTION. 17
than depart from God's will. When Luther deemed it his duty to
go to Worms to answer before the Diet, he would do so though he
had to encounter as many devils as there were tiles on the houses.
The timid should bear these things in mind. They should remember
that fearful declaration of Christ: " He that is ashamed of me and my
words before men, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed beiore
his Father, and the holy angels." He who would do his duty as a
Christian, must be prepared to take up the cross and to practise self-
denial; he must be willing to suffer opposition, derision and even
persecution. His duty is imperious, and if reproach, ridicule and
contempt lie in his way, lie must cheerfully meet and bear them.
We say not that timidity is a sin; but if we allow it to gain the
ascendancy and to prevent us from the discharge of duty, then it be-
comes a snare, is undoubtedly offensive to God, and may prove
ruinous to the soul.
29. May not a man's efforts be so constantly taxed, in order to pro-
vide things temporal for his family, as to leave him no time for family-
prayer ?
Those who think they have no time for family-prayer, are men who
have no taste for it, and if they would closely examine their own
hearts they would find, that the true cause of the neglect is not want
of time but want of inclination, or rather downright opposition to the
duty. Such have just ground to suspect their religion, and a rigid
scrutiny would probably result in a conviction, that they are wholly
unconverted and on the broad road that leads down to darkness and
death.
If the Bible demanded long and laborious services, the apology
would wear the semblance of plausibilily ; but such is not the case.
It pleads only for the duty, and leaves the time to be employed in it,
• to our own conscience. And surely, a few minutes in the morning and
evening, which might even be redeemed from sleep, from the toilet, or
from unprofitable reading and remark, would not injuriously interfere
with secular business or worldly enjoyment.
Why is it that those who love to be engaged in family-worship, are
never heard to urge a want of time ? They also have families to pro-
vide for; a worldly calling to attend to, and a large and pressing busi-
ness to look after. But who ever heard them complain, that family-
prayer led them to neglect their secular duties, or that the time so
occupied, was the cause of the failure of their business ? " An
investigation on this subject might show, that all conscience is not
on the side of the objector; that the acknowledgment of God interferes
with no man's welfare ; and that there may be a conscientious appro-
priation of time, even among those who practise family-devotion."
But suppose a man is so deeply immersed in business, that he
really cannot maintain prayer in his family and attend to his business
too ; — what then ? Can any one hesitate for a moment as to the path
of duty? Must the claims of the soul yield to those of the body,
and the interests of eternity to those of time?
But the truth is, though none of us has too much time, yet all
have sufficient for all the duties that God requires. "There is," says
the pious Fletcher, " sufficient time both for the objects of the present
life, and for the life which is to come. Pious heads of well-regulated
2*
18 INTRODUCTION.
families, who have the management of extensive and important busi-
ness, find time to serve God, and to call their families around the
domestic altar. They find that such time, so occupied, never interferes
with their temporal interest, but rather brings down from heaven a
rich blessing upon their calling and their comforts.
In conclusion, we would congratulate all those families in which
the worship of God is regularly maintained. They doubtless know
from happy experience, that it is good to draw nigh to the Most
High, and in proportion as they worship and serve him in spirit and in
truth, is the measure of their consolations and spiritual enjoyments.
As the house of Obededom was blessed because the ark was in it, so
you are blessed because a reconciled God in Christ dwells among
you. God's presence accompanied the ark ; so he is in the midst
of those who meet in Christ's name to worship him. You are now
living with God; you have daily communion with him; the arms of
his Jove constantly encircle you and his mercy will abide upon you.
He will not leave nor forsake you. As you are his and delight in
his worship now, you shall be his in dealh; he will own you in judg-
ment, and be your everlasting portion in heaven. And if you find
so much comfort while you worship him in weakness on earth, how
much greater will be your enjoyment, when, made perfect through
grace, you shall be assembled before ihe throne of God and the Lamb
in heaven, and join in his worship in the company of angels and the
spirits of the just made perfect !
Would that we could persuade every reader to enter on a course of
personal and family piety. If you could appreciate the rich consola-
tions and glorious prospects secured to all its possessors by vital
religion, you would require no other argument. If you are living
without God in the world, then you know something of the barrenness
of irreligion ; you feel at least in your retired and reflective moments,
how utterly insufficient the world with all its advantages is, to meet the
wants of an immortal mind, and how exceedingly desirable it is to be
prepared to leave this world in peace and hope. 0 should not this
consideration alone be sufficient to determine you to make the resolu-
tion individually : " I will arise and go to my Father," and as the head
of a family : " As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." We
beseech you to consecrate your dwellings to the worship and service
of God ; let every returning day witness the incense of your devo-
tions, sprinkled by faith with the blood of atonement, ascending with
acceptance to the throne of grace. Or, will you exclude God from
your dwellings? Shall his presence and his grace be cast out from
your families, and his Spirit have no place in your hearts nor in the
hearts of your children ! O we beseech you to relent, to yield and con-
sent to have the God of Zion to dwell among you. Invite him into
your house, press him to abide with you, to live in you and reign
over you, and he will hear your prayers and mercifully respond:
" This is my rest, here will I dwell, for 1 have desired it."
FAMILY PRAYERS.
FIRST WEEK.
LOIiDSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
And God spake all these words, saying-, I am the Lord thy
God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of
the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before
me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any
likeness of any tiling that is in heaven above, or that is in the
earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth : thou shalt
not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them : for I the Lord
thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers
upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them
that hate me ; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that
love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not take the
name of the Lord thy God in vain : for the Lord will not hold
him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. Remember the Sab-
bath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do
all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy
God : in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor
thy daughter, thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant, nor thy
cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates : for in six days
the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is,
and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sab-
bath-day, and hallowed it. Honor thy father and thy mother;
that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God
giveth thee. Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt not commit adul-
tery. Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness
against thy neighbor. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house,
thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his man-servant,
nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that
is thy neighbor's. And all the people saw the thunderings, and
20 FIRST WEEK.
the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain
smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood
afar oil! And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and
we will hear : hut let not God speak with us, lest we die. And
Muses said unto the people, Fear not : for God is come to prove
you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.
Exodus xx, 1 — 20.
PRAYER.
O Thou who art the Author and Preserver of our
lives, unto thee we would lift up our hearts. Teach us
to approach thee with that reverence which becometh
all thy creatures; and draw near to us, as a God of pity,
of mercy, and of grace.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, who hope for acceptance
only through his merits and mediation, we would now
offer up our morning sacrifice to the God, and Father,
and fountain of all good. This is the day which thou
hast made; the day upon which thy Son rose from the
dead, finishing the work of our redemption; the happy
day when the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ,
and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, may be humbly
expected wherever two or three are met together in the
name of the adorable Trinity. Wilt thou then, O most
high and incomprehensible Jehovah! accept of the dedi-
cation which we now make thee of our bodies and souls?
We are sensible that we have rendered ourselves un-
worthy of thy notice, having lost thy image, and broken
thy commandments. But, God of all grace, thou art in
Christ again reconciling a guilty world unto thyself, not
imputing unto men their trespasses; and, therefore, we
would now believingly, yet humbly, draw near, asking
and hoping every thing for his sake. Let those sins
which we have committed against much goodness, much
love, and much light, be all blotted out of the book of
thy remembrance. Let these worthless souls of ours
be clothed with the wedding garment of a Redeemer's
righteousness. O thou Giver of every good and perfect
gift, create in us clean hearts, and renew right spirits
LORDSDAY MORNING. 21
within us, that we may love thee — that we may fear
thee — that it may be as our meat and our drink at all
times to do thy holy will. We thank thee, O God, for
that providential care and goodness which thou hast
exercised towards us during the past week, and the past
night. Prepare us for all the duties in which we are
this day to be engaged. When we are allowed to enter
into thine earthly temple, let all worldly wishes, worldly
cares, and worldly thoughts of every sort, be banished
from our minds. Let thy word preached, enlighten our
understandings, spiritualize our hopes, confirm our faith,
rekindle our love, and inspire us with new resolutions to
live more becoming the professions we have made, and
the privileges we enjoy.
And when we return from thy house, forbid, O God,
that we should spend any part of thy day in thinking
our own thoughts, speaking our own words, or minding
our own pleasures ; but let it be an entire Sabbath of
rest unto our souls.
O Lord, we would intercede in behalf of all man-
kind ! Thou hast promised by the blood of thy cove-
nant, to speak peace unto the heathen. Soon, O God,
give them to thy Son as his inheritance, with the utmost
parts of the earth for his possession. Where the gospel
is preached and professed, may multitudes be converted,
and made a willing people in the day of thy power. Pour
out, O God, a double portion of thy Holy Spirit, upon
all the ministers of the everlasting gospel; and may
they be enabled to discharge the important trust com-
mitted to them with fidelity and diligence, with thy
approbation, and with abundant success. Let the
churches with which we are more immediately con-
nected have rest: and walking together in the fear of
the Lord, and comforts of the Holy Ghost, may they be
edified and multiplied.
(Occasional prayers.)
May our relatives and friends, wherever they are, be
22 FIRST WEEK.
the objects of thy providential cnre, and the subjects of
thy saving grace. Such as may now be more immedi-
ately under thy afflicting hand, O God, console, support,
and in thy due time deliver; and may we all have an
interest in that sure promise, that all things at last shall
work together for good.
Now, unto the King eternal, immortal, and invisible,
the only wise God, be honor and glory, for ever and ever.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy
kingdom come; thy ivill be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our tres-
passes, as we forgive those ivho trespass against us. And
lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for thine
is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with us all ever-
more. Amen.
LORDSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first
day of the week, came Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, to
see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake :
for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and
rolled back the stone from the door and sat upon it. His coun-
tenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow : and
for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men.
And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye :
for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not
here; for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where
the Lord lay : and go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is
risen from the dead ; and, heboid, he goeth before yon into Gali-
lee ; there shall ye see him : lo, I have told you. And they
departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, and
did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell
his disciples, heboid, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they
came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said
Jesus unto them, Be not afraid : go tell by brethren that they go
into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Now, when they were
LOKDSDAY EVENING. 23
going, behold, some of the watch came into the city, and showed
unto the chief priests all the thing's that were done. And when
they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they
gave large money unto the soldiers, Saying, !Say ye, his disciples
came by night, and stole him away while we slept. And if this
come to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure
you. So they took the money, and did as they were taught :
and this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this
day. Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a
mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they
saw him, they worshipped him : but some doubted. And Jesus
came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me
in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and
of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things what-
soever I have commanded you : and, lo, 1 am with you always,
even unto the end of the world. Amen. — Matthew xxvin.
PRAYER.
It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and
to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High, to show
forth thy loving-kindness in the morning, and thy faith-
fulness every night.
We this evening acknowledge the blessings of another
CD O O
Lordsday. We bless thee that the Sabbath was made
for man, and that thou hast hallowed such a portion of
our time, for purposes so important. Thus thou art
affording us opportunities to retire and to learn, among
all the cares of life, that one thing is needful; and to
hear the inquiry, what is a man profited, if he should
gain the whole world and lose his own soul.
We thank thee that the lines are fallen to us in pleas-
ant places, and that we have a goodly heritage : so that
we can add to private meditation and devotion, the pub-
lic ordinances of religion ; and can sit under our own
vine and fig-tree, none daring to make us afraid. We
bless thee, that we have not only the Scriptures, but the
ministry of the gospel ; and have this day not only read,
but heard the words of eternal life.
But, O God, the effects we experience while waiting
upon thee, though delightful, often prove like the morn-
24 FIRST WEEK.
ing cloud, and early dew. Render, we beseech thee,
the impressions made upon us, deep and durable: keep
these things for ever in the imagination of the hearts of
thy people; and let thy word dwell in us richly, in all
wisdom.
May the instructions we receive, attend us in every
part of our life, and regulate, and excite us in the dis-
charge of all our relative duties, so that whether we are
husbands or wives, parents or children, masters or ser-
vants, we may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in
all things. May we be satisfied with no knowledge, no
belief, no professions, no feelings in religion — while our
hearts are void of thy love, and we are strangers to that
grace which bringeth salvation, and teacheth us to deny
ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly,
righteously, and godly in the present world.
We take shame to ourselves, not only for our open
violations of thy law; but for our secret faults, our
omissions of duty, our unprofitable attendance on, the
means of grace; and all the sins of our holy things.
Our iniquities are increased over our head, and our tres-
pass is gone up into the very heavens — and there he is
gone also, who is our Advocate with the Father, and the
Propitiation for our sins. Behold his hands and his feet:
and hear, O hear, the voice of the blood of sprinkling,
that speaketh better things than that of Abel.
Remember the millions who were never favored with
the advantages we enjoy, and would be grateful for the
crumbs that fall from our table. They never smiled
when a Lordsday appeared. They never heard the
name of Jesus. They feel guilt, but know nothing of
the blood that cleanseth from all sin; they feel deprav-
ity, but know nothing of the renewing of the Holy Ghost,
O, send out thy light and thy truth. Let thy way be
known on earth; thy saving health among all nations.
(Occasional prayers.)
We now commit ourselves, with all our interests,
MONDAY MORNING. 25
friends and relations, into thy hands. Guard us through
the defenseless hours of sleep, from every evil to which
we are exposed. If, as life is always uncertain, it should
please thee to call us hence this night — may we awake
in glory, and be for ever with the Lord: or if thou shouldst
continue us in being — may we rise in health and com-
fort, to pay thee the homage of a grateful heart, in a
course of cheerful obedience.
Prepare us, we beseech thee, for the rest that remains
for thy people ; in which we shall join the general assem-
bly and church of the first born, in ascribing blessing and
honor, and glory, and power, to him that silteth upon
the throne, and to the Lamb, for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
MONDAY MORNI'NG.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God,
through our Lord Jesus Christ : by whom also we have access
by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of
the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulation
also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience,
experience; and experience, hope : and hope maketh not ashamed;
because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy
Ghost which is given unto us. For when we were yet without
strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely
for a righteous man will one die ; yet peradventure for a good
man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his
love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died
for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we
shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were
enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son ;
much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And
not only so, but we also joy in God, through our Lord Jesus
Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Where-
fore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned : (for
until the law, sin was in the world : but sin is not imputed when
there is no law. Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam to
3
26 FIRST WEEK.
Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of
Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through
the offense of one many be dead ; much more the grace of God,
and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath
abounded unto many. And not as it was by one that sinned, so
is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but
the free gift is of many offenses unto justification. For if by
one man's offense death reigned by one; much more they which
receive abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall
reign in life by one, Jesus Christ :) therefore, as by the offense
of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even so
by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto
justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many
were made sinners ; so by the obedience of one shall many be
made righteous. Moreover, the law entered, that the offense
might abound: but where sin abounded, grace did much more
abound ; that as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace
reign through righteousness unto eternal life, by Jesus Christ our
Lord. — Romans v.
PRAYER.
Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live and
move, and have our being; we acknowledge our daily
dependence upon thee. We thank thee for all thy mer-
cies ; and especially for thy providential care and pre-
servation, from the beginning of our lives to this day.
We thank thee for thy goodness, in watching over us
during the darkness of the night; in protecting us from
evil; and in permitting us again to behold the morning
light. Accept, heavenly Father, this our grateful sacri-
fice of praise and thanksgiving; and enable us to ap-
proach thy throne with humble reverence and godly
fear; feeling our necessities; confessing our sins and
unworthiness ; and seeking pardon and forgiveness,
through the merits of thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ,
our Lord.
Give us grace, merciful God, to dedicate both our
souls and bodies to thee and thy service, in a sober,
righteous, and godly life; and in pity to the weakness
and corruption of our nature, we beseech thee to help
our infirmities, and strengthen our resolutions. As a
MONDAY MORNING. 27
father pitieth his own children, even so be thon merciful
unto us. Grant us the constant assistance of thy Holy
Spirit; that we may be effectually restrained from sin,
and excited to our duty. Imprint upon our hearts such
a dread of thy displeasure, and such a grateful sense of
thy goodness, as may make us both afraid and ashamed
to offend thee. Keep in our minds a lively remem-
brance of that great day, in which every thought, and
word, and deed, will be judged in righteousness; when
those that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake,
some to everlasting life, and some to shame and ever-
lasting contempt. Prepare us, O God, for this final
account. Purify our hearts, and direct us in all our
ways. As we approach nearer and nearer to the eter-
nal world, make us more diligent, and watchful, and
circumspect. Keep us this day from all evil; and de-
fend us from danger and adversity. Guard us in the
hour of temptation, restrain our passions, regulate our
desires, and preserve us especially from the sins which
most easily beset us. Grant us patience and resigna-
tion, if thou shalt see fit to visit us with affliction or
calamity; and in whatsoever state or condition it may
please thee to place us, grant us grace therewith to be
content. Make us just and upright in all our dealings;
kind and compassionate to our neighbors; quiet and
peaceable in all the relations of life; faithful to every
trust committed to us; and ready to do good to all men,
according to our abilities and opportunities.
(Occasional prayers, &c.)
Heavenly Father, receive with favor this our morning
oblation, and grant our petitions, not for our own deserv-
ings, but for the sake, and through the merits of Jesus
Christ thy Son our Lord.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
28 FIRST WEEK.
MONDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are
in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me
free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not
do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own
Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in
the flesh; that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in
us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they
that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh ; but they
that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be car-
nally minded is death ; but to be spiritually minded is life and
peace : because the carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is
not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then
they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in
the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell
in you. Now, if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is
none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because
of sin ; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. But if
the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in
you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken
your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. There-
fore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live afler the
flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die : but if ye
through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall
live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the
sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage
again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, where-
by we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with
our spirit, that we are the children of God : and if children, then
heirs: heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ: if so be that
we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For
I reckon, that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy
to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the mani-
festation of the sons of God. For the creature was made sub-
ject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath
subjected the same in hope; because the creature itself also shall
be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious
liberty of the children of God. — Romans vm, 1 — 21,
PRAYER.
Almighty and everlasting God, by whose merciful
providence we are preserved from day lo day, enable
MONDAY EVENING. 29
us to draw near to thee with reverence and godly fear.
Thou knowest, O Lord, the secrets of every heart.
Turn thee unto us, in loving-kindness, and hearken
unto our prayer. Pardon, we beseech thee, all the sins
of this day. Thou art full of compassion and mercy,
long-suffering, and of great goodness. Thou hast not
dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded us
according to our iniquities. Be gracious unto us, and
look with pity on all our infirmities. Hide not thy face
from us when we cry unto thee, but refresh us with thy
Spirit, and show us the light of thy countenance. By
thy help alone, we are enabled to will and to do those
things which are good and acceptable unto thee. Grant
us thy continual mercy and grace. Let thy fatherly
hand be ever over us, to sustain and support us. Let
thy holy Spirit be ever with us, to guide us in the
knowledge and obedience of thy word ; that so in the
end, we may obtain everlasting life.
To thy gracious care and protection, Heavenly Fa-
ther, we commit ourselves and all our friends and rela-
tives, this night. Guard us, we beseech thee, from every
danger: and bring us in peace and safety to the begin-
ning of another day. And enable us, by thy grace, to
walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called ;
with lowliness and meekness; with long-suffering, for-
bearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the
unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace; till we all
come, in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure
of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
Give us grace to put off the old man, which is cor-
rupt according to the deceitful lusts; that we may be
renewed in the spirit of our mind, and may put on the
new man, which after God, is created in righteousness
and true holiness.
Grant us, O God, according to the riches of thy grace,
to be strengthened with might by thy Spirit in the inner
3*
30 FIRST WEEK.
man ; that Christ may dwell in our hearts by faith; that
we, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to
comprehend with all saints, what is the breadth, and
length, and depth, and height; and to know the love of
Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we may be filled
with all the fulness of thee our God.
(Occasional prayers, &c.)
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abund-
antly above all that we ask or think, according to the
power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the
Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world
without end.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON
And seeing the multitude, he went up into a mountain ; and
when he was set, his disciples came unto him : and he opened
his mouth, and taught them, saying, blessed are the poor in
spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they
that mourn : for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek :
for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are ihey which do hun-
ger and thirst after righteousness : for they shall be filled. Blessed
are the merciful : for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the
pure in heart : for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace-
makers : for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed
are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake : for theirs
is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile
you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against
you falsely, for my sake. Bejoice, and be exceeding glad ; for
great is your reward in heaven : for so persecuted they the proph-
ets which were before you. Ye are the salt of the earth : but if
the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted ? it is
thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trod-
den under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city
that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a can-
dle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick ; and it giveth
light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine be-
fore men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your
TUESDAY MORNING. 31
Father which is in heaven. Think not that I am come to destroy
the law, or the prophets : I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.
For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or
one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least command-
ments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the
kingdom of heaven : but whosoever shall do and teach them, the
same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say
unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the right-
eousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter
into the kingdom of heaven. — Matthew v, 1 — 20.
PRAYER.
O Thou King eternal, immortal, and invisible — we
would adore thee, and take shame to ourselves: and
though allowed to approach ihy divine Majesty, we
would never forget the sentiments of humiliation and
contrition which become such creatures as we are.
Father ! we have sinned against heaven and in thy
sight, and are not worthy to be called thy children: we
are unworthy of the least of all thy mercies. Yea,
we have merited thy displeasure; and thy righteous-
ness would be completely acquitted in our destruction.
O, for hearts of flesh! Lord, produce in us that sen-
sibility of soul, which will lead us to feel our vileness,
to deplore our guilt, and to cast ourselves at thy feet,
abhorring ourselves and repenting in dust and ashes.
And impart to us that faith, which will enable us to
hope in thy word, and derive strong consolation from
the invitations and promises of the gospel. We have
come to implore the greatest blessings the God of love
can give: we have come to call thee, Abba Father; to
lean on thy arm; to walk with God; but have not come
unbidden or uncalled : Thou hast called us by thy grace;
and it is thy commandment that we should believe on
the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ. Lord, we assent,
we submit, we depend, we apply. Since he came into
the world to save sinners, we take him as our Saviour;
and glory in him, as made to us wisdom and righteous-
ness, sanctification and redemption.
32 FIRST WEEK.
And O, may our minds be fixed and filled with
admiring thoughts of his person and offices; may our
hearts be inflamed with a sense of his boundless com-
passion and love. By the new and living way which
he has not only revealed but consecrated for us, may
we come to thee; and enjoy all the advantages of a state
of reconciliation and friendship with God. To thee may
we commit our way and our works; and in every thing
by prayer and supplication make known our requests
unto God; and be thou always near, to guide us and to
defend; to relieve us in trouble, and to help us in duty.
And may we walk humbly with our God; loving him
for the condescension that deigns to regard our mean
affairs; the patience that bears with our manners; and
the kindness that employs so many means to advance
our everlasting welfare.
(Occasional prayers.)
Again thy goodness hath preserved our spirits.
Through the dark and silent watches of the night, thou
hast suffered no evil to befall us, nor any plague to
come nigh our dwelling. And we are not only the liv-
ing to praise thee this morning, but the distinguished,
and the indulged. Many who have seen the light of
the day, as well as ourselves, are encompassed with
want, and pain, and wretchedness ; but we have all
things richly to enjoy.
Thou takest pleasure in the prosperity of thy ser-
vants; may we always take pleasure in the advance-
ment of thy glory. Thou art never weary in doing us
good ; may we never grow weary in well doing. Thy
mercies are new every morning; every morning, by thy
mercies, may we present our bodies a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service.
And to the God of our salvation, the Father, the Son,
and the Holy Spirit, be ascribed, the kingdom, the power,
and the glory, for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY EVENING. 33
TUESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou
shalt not kill ; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the
judgment : but 1 say unto you, That whosoever is angry with
his brother without a cause, shall be in danger of the judgment ;
and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger
of the council ; but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in
danger of hell fire. Therefore, if thou bring thy gift to the altar,
and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee,
leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way ; first be
reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Agree with thine adversary quickly, while thou art in the way
with him ; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge,
and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into
prison. Verily, I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come
out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. Ye have
heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not com-
mit adultery : but I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a
woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her
already in his heart. And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it
out, and cast it from thee : for it is profitable for thee that one of
thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should
be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off",
and cast it from thee : for it is profitable for thee that one of thy
members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be
cast into hell. It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his
wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement : but I say unto
you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the
cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery : and who-
soever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery. —
Matthew \, 21— 32.
PRAYER.
O God, all thy works praise thee, and thy saints bless
thee. By thy mercies, we again surround this family
altar, and engage in the exercises of devotion. May we
worship thee, a holy God, in the beauty of holiness; and
thee, who art a Spirit, in spirit and in truth. Such wor-
ship alone thy word requires; but such worship, thy
grace alone can enable us to render. For we know,
from thy word, and from our own experience, that
without thee, we can do nothing. All our sufficiency is
34 FIRST WEEK.
of thee : do thou work in us to will, and to do, of thy
good pleasure.
We would call to remembrance our true character
and condition before thee. We are not only unprofit-
able servants, but condemned criminals. We confess
the number and offensiveness of our transgressions, and
acknowledge that we deserve to perish. But we bless
thee for the everlasting consolation and good hope,
through grace, which the gospel affords; for the news
of a Mediator between thee and us; of a High Priest
who has put away sin by the sacrifice of himself; of
an Advocate with the Father, who ever lives to make
intercession for us, and of a Saviour, in whom it has
pleased thee, that all fulness should dwell.
Produce in us, all the feelings of those who are blessed
with repentance unto life. Give us that faith by which
we can be justified from all things, and have peace with
God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. To the Redeem-
er's cross may we retreat, and there find security and
relief, refreshment and delight.
We bless thee for thy word. May it dwell in us
richly in all wisdom. May we yield a suitable atten-
tion to its various parts. May we make it, not only
our song in the house of our pilgrimage, but the man
of our counsel, a light unto our feet, and a lamp unto
our path. May we take it along with us, into all the
concerns of life; and whether we are rich or poor,
whether we are parents or children, whether we are
appointed to govern or serve, may we walk by this
rule, that mercy and peace may be upon us.
Regard those, who, under the pressure of affliction,
are saying, brethren pray for us. Be with them in
trouble. Thou knowest the anxieties of thy people, lest
any by their temper or carriage in the evil day, should
injure the religion they profess: let thy grace be suffi-
cient for them: let faith and patience have their perfect
work : let them glorify thee in all their trials.
WEDNESDAY MORNING. 35
Bless all in authority over us, and so rule their
hearts and strengthen their hands, that they may punish
wickedness and vice, and maintain true religion and
virtue.
(Occasional prayers.)
We now commit ourselves to thy merciful protection
for this night. May we lie down to rest, at peace with
thee, and with all the world. Forgive, we humbly pray
: thee, all the sins we may have committed this day.
' Whatever we have done or said amiss, do thou pardon.
If in our intercourse with our friends or foes we have
manifested a spirit unlike that of thy dear Son, do thou
: be graciously pleased to forgive it. If we have neglected
our duty to the poor, or the needy; if we have failed in
| setting a holy example before each other; if we have
ihad improper feelings towards thee, or our fellow men,
iwe pray thee to forgive us. Sprinkle upon us that blood
; which cleanseth from all sin; and take us into thy holy
care and keeping. Let no plague come nigh our dwell-
ing. Preserve us from sickness and sudden death;
Ifrom alarm, and from the devouring element; from the
'pestilence that walketh in darkness, as thou hast done
'from the destruction that wasteth at noon-day. And
:raise us in the morning, fitted for all the duties and
events of another day. These mercies, and whatever
else we need, we humbly ask in the name of thy dear
'.Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ; to whom, with thee, and
the Holy Ghost, be all honor and praise, both now and
for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old
time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the
36 FIRST WEEK.
Lord thine oaths : but I say unto you, Swear not at all : neither
by heaven ; for it is God's throne : nor by the earth ; for it is his
footstool : neither by Jerusalem ; for it is the city of the great
King: neither shalt thou swear by thy head; because thou canst
not make one hair white or black. But let your communication
be Yea, yea ; Nay, nay : for whatsoever is more than these Com-
eth of evil. Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an
eye, and a tooth for a tooth : but I say unto you, That ye resist
not evil ; but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn
to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law,
and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And who-
soever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give
to him that asketh thee; and from him that would borrow of
thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said,
Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy : but I say
unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good
to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use
you, and persecute you ; that ye may be the children of your
father which is in heaven : for he maketh his sun to rise on the
evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the
unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have
ye ? do not even the publicans the same ? And if ye salute your
brethren only, what do ye more than others ? do not even the
publicans so ? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father
which is in heaven is perfect. — Matthew v, 33 — 48.
PRAYER.
O Lord God Almighty, who art, and wast, and art
to come, thy name is most holy, and thy glory reacheth
above the heavens. We adore thee, that through thy
beloved Son thou hast opened the way to the throne of
grace, and hast declared thyself to be rich in mercy to
all that call upon thee in truth.
Great and glorious God, we are individually and uni-
tedly bound to give thee our fervent thanks, because thy
hands have made us; — thy power preserves us, — and
thou givest us all things richly to enjoy. Thou hast
lightened our eyes again, and hast caused the out-
goings of the morning, as well as of the evening, to
rejoice over us. We adore thee, O God, for thy good-
ness, wisdom, and power, displayed in our creation.
We adore thee that in the time of danger, thou hast
WEDNESDAY MORNING. 37
been our shield and our defense against the multiplied
evils and calamities, in which many others have been
involved. But in an especial manner we adore thee
for thy unspeakable mercy, and everlasting love dis-
played in sending thy beloved Son, to be a propitiation
for our sins, and that thou hast made peace through
the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile sinners unto
thyself.
Merciful Father, make us sensible that we are not
worthy of the least of thy mercies, and grateful that
thy loving kindness is ever more and more towards us.
Help us to own thy providence in all our concerns —
and to bless the hand that smites us in all the afflictions
and trials of this mortal life. May we trace up all our
streams of earthly and spiritual comfort, to the fountain
of eternal love in Christ Jesus.
O thou Holy Spirit, whose office it is to take of the
things of Christ, and show them with power to our
souls, discover to us more and more of the all-suffi-
ciency of the Lord Jesus, and of the endearing offices
and relations which he sustains towards his people.
May we know him as our life and peace, our wisdom
I and righteousness, our sanctification and redemption,
! our refuge and the rock of our strength.
Blessed Lord, put thy fear into our hearts; give us
; understanding to know thy will in all things, and grace
j to perform the same. Enable us to gain the victory over
I our besetting sins. Wean our affections from the things
i of time and sense. Put the world, the flesh, and the
| devil under our feet. And enable us to glorify thee
I with our bodies, our souls, and our spirits, which are
thine. Help us to reflect that we are not redeemed with
'Corruptible things, such as silver and gold, but with the
i precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without spot and
j blemish. May our walk and conduct prove that we are
| his true disciples; may we walk in his steps, and run
with enlarged hearts in the way of his commandments.
4
38 FIRST WEEK.
(Occasional prayers.)
O Lord, may all our dear relations and friends be
dear to thee. Have mercy on those who are alienated
from thee, through the ignorance that is in them, and
who neither see nor feel the guilt and corruption of their
nature. Enlighten their dark minds, and make them
wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Be
gracious also to those who have received a good hope
through thy grace; establish their faith, animate their
hope, increase their love, and fix their affections surely
there, where true joys are to be found. And while the
door of mercy is yet open, cause sinners of every de-
scription to flee to him who delivereth from the wrath
to come. O Lord, let the word of thy truth have free
course and be glorified ; let the borders of thy church
be enlarged; and let every tongue, and kindred, and
people, unite in praising the God of their salvation.
Hear us, O Heavenly Father, for the sake of Him
who hath loved and redeemed us, even the Lord our
Righteousness; to whom, with thee, and the Holy Spirit,
our guide and comforter, be ascribed the kingdom, and
the power, and the glory, now and for evermore.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen
of them; otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is
in heaven. Therefore, when thou doest thine alms, do not sound
a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues,
and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I
say unto you, They have their reward. But when thou doest
alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth ; that
thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in
secret, himself shall reward thee openly. And when thou pray-
est, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are : for they love to pray
WEDNESDAY EVENING. 39
standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that
they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have
their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet ;
and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is
in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee
openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen
do : for they think that they shall be heard for their much speak-
ing. Be not ye therefore like unto them : for your Father know-
eth what things ye have need of before ye ask him. After this
manner therefore pray ye : Our Father which art in heaven; hal-
lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in
earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And
forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not
into temptation ; but deliver us from evil : For thine is the king-
dom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye
forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also for-
give you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither
will your Father forgive your trespasses. — Matthew vi, 1 — 15.
PRAYER.
O Thou eternal and unchangeable God, thou art the
same yesterday, to-day, and for ever: by thine almighty
power and providential care we have been preserved
another day, and through thy grace, permitted once
more to approach thee in prayer. We are thine, for
thou hast made us for thy glory. We are not our own,
for we have been bought with a price. Help us to con-
secrate ourselves and all that we have and are to thee.
Enable us to glorify thee in our bodies and spirits, which
are thine.
We render thee thanks for the mercies which have
followed us to the present hour. Bless the Lord, O our
souls, and forget not all his benefits.
Enable us, by thy grace, to show forth thy praise in
a holy and consistent walk and conversation. May we
let our light so shine, that others seeing our good works,
may glorify our Father who is in heaven.
With an acknowledgment of thy mercies, O Lord,
we would confess our multiplied offenses against thee,
our innumerable transgressions of thy holy law, and our
aggravated sins of omission and commission. We are
40 FIRST WEEK.
guilty in thy sight. We deserve thy wrath. But, O
most merciful Father, for the sake of thy Son Jesus
Christ, pardon our iniquities, justify us freely on ac-
count of his righteousness, and accept us graciously in
thy beloved. Wash us in that fountain which was
opened in the house of David for sin and uncleanness.
Sprinkle us with atoning blood. Create within us clean
hearts, and renew within us right spirits. Vouchsafe
to us the grace of thy Spirit, that being enlightened,
strengthened, and sanctified by the same, we may de-
part from all iniquity, and adorn the doctrine of God
our Saviour in all things.
Almighty God, visit in mercy and with salvation, the
congregation of worshiping Christians, with which we
are connected. Make bare thine arm for the salvation
of sinners, and give abundant success to the ministra-
tion of thy word and ordinances among us. To this
end, revive thy work in the hearts of thine own chil-
dren, and plenteously endue thy servant, our pastor,
with wisdom and grace from on high, that he may right-
ly divide the word of life, and faithfully discharge the
duties of his office. May the young be trained in the
nurture and admonition of the Lord, that they may
remember their Creator in the days of their youth.
Bless all thy ministering servants and thy church uni-
versal, with an abundant outpouring of thy Holy Spirit,
and with a time of refreshing from the presence of the
Lord.
Regard in tender mercy and compassion, O Lord
God, our absent relations and friends. Make them, by
thy grace, the children of thine adoption, and heirs of
eternal life. Heal the sick, and comfort the afflicted.
Give strength to the weak, succor to the tempted, en-
couragement to the desponding, faith to the unbelieving,
and needed grace to all.
To thy watchful care and kind protection, O thou
Keeper of Israel, we commend our bodies and souls
THURSDAY MORNING. 4]
this night. Preserve us from all evil ; grant us refresh-
ing sleep; and, if consistent with thy divine will, per-
mit us in health and comfort to behold and enjoy the
light of another dajr.
(Occasional prayers.)
Hear us, O Lord, in these our humble petitions. Ac-
cept our thanksgivings and praise, and graciously own
and accept us, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
Moreover, when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad
countenance; for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear
unto men to fast. Verily 1 say unto you, They have their reward.
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thy head, and wash thy face ;
that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which
is in secret : and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward
thee openly. Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth,
where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break
through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,
where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do
not break through nor steal : for where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also. The light of the body is the eye : if there-
fore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.
But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of dark-
ness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great
is that darkness ! No man can serve two masters : for either he
will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the
one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what
ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what
ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body
than raiment ? Behold the fowls of the air : for they sow not,
neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet your heavenly
Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they ? Which
of you, by taking thought, can add one cubit unto his stature ?
and why take ye thought for raiment ? Consider the lilies of the
field, how they grow ; they toil not, neither do they spin : and
yet I say unto you, That even Solomon, in all his glory, was not
4*
42 FIRST WEEK.
arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass
of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven,
shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith ? There-
fore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat ? or, What shall
we drink ? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed ? (for after all
these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father
knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first
the kingdom of God, and his righteousness ; and all these things
shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the mor-
row : for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself.
Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. — Matt, vi, 16 — 34.
PRAYER.
Almighty and merciful Father, thou art our hope
and our stronghold : thou art our God, in whom we
will trust. Thou hast kept us through the dangers of
the past night: thou hast brought us in safety to the
beginning of another day. For these, thy great mer-
cies, we bless thee. May . we come before thee, under
a deep and humiliating sense of our unworthiness.
Helpless and miserable sinners, we ask nothing for our
own merits or deservings. But we know, O Lord God,
that thou art full of compassion and mercy, long-suffer-
ing, and plenteous in goodness and truth. O turn thee
unto us, therefore, and have mercy upon us. For the
sake of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, pardon bur trans-
gressions, and receive us graciously, and hear the sup-
plications which we present unto thee in his all-prevail-
ing name.
And since we are by nature prone to evil, and unable
of ourselves to purify our hearts, we pray thee, O God,
to cleanse our thoughts by the powerful efficacy of thy
grace, from all vain desires, and sinful imaginations.
Grant unto us thy Holy Spirit. May he dwell within
us, as a Spirit of purity and holiness, a Spirit of truth
and of wisdom, of peace also, and love, and of holy
joy and consolation. May we pass this day in humble
consciousness of our dependence, in thankful remem-
brance of thy mercies, and in the diligent performance
of thy commandments. May no evil thoughts, or angry
THURSDAY EVENING. 43
passions, or distressing doubts or fears disturb us. May
we serve thee, our God, with cheerfulness and fidelity;
and live in peace, and charity, and brotherly love with
all men.
We pray thee, O Lord, so to animate our minds with
the glorious hopes set before us in thy word, that all our
present trials, and sacrifices, and self-denials, may be
borne with cheerful resignation and submission. May
we count the loss of all things as nothing, in comparison
with the inward satisfaction and joy, which the gospel
affords in the midst of worldly disappointments. But,
O God, deliver us, we beseech thee, from every false
or delusive hope. Let us remember, that other found-
ation can no man lay, than that which is laid, even Je-
sus Christ our Lord. On this foundation may we begin,
and continue, and finish all our doings; until every evil
habit is destroyed, every sinful inclination cast out,
every temptation overcome, and every terror done
away; and until the Spirit itself bears witness with
our spirit, that we are the children of God.
(Occasional prayers.)
To the care and protection of thy good providence,
heavenly Father, we now commend ourselves, and all
our relatives, friends and brethren. Look with favor
upon those who ask an interest in our prayers; and
may our mutual and united supplications ascend to thy
throne as acceptable incense, and receive an answer
of peace, through the merits and intercession of Jesus
Christ our Lord.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
44 FIRST WEEK.
THURSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment
ye judge, ye shall be judged : and with what measure ye mete,
it shall be measured to you again. And why beholdest thou the
mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam
that is in thine own eye ? or how wilt thou say to thy brother,
Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye ; and, behold, a beam
is in thine own eye ? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam
out of thine own eye ; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out
the mote out of thy brother's eye. Give not that which is holy
unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they
trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. Ask,
and it shall be given you : seek, and ye shall find ; knock, and it
shall be opened unto you : for every one that asketh, receiveth :
and he that seeketh, findeth : and to him that knocketh, it shall
be opened. Or what man is there of you, Avhom if his son ask
bread, will he give him a stone ? or if he ask a fish, will he give
him a serpent ? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good
gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which
is in heaven give good things to them that ask him ? Therefore
all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do
ye even so to them : for this is the law and the prophets. Enter
ye in at the straight gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the
way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in
thereat : because straight is the gate, and narrow is the way,
which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. — Mattliew
vii, 1—14.
PRAYER.
Almighty God, whose ears are ever open to the peti-
tions of thy humble servants, and who hast graciously
promised, that whatsoever we ask of thee in prayer,
believing, we shall receive, mercifully look upon us at
this time, and enable us to draw near to thee in humble
reverence and godly fear. We lament the coldness of
our hearts; we confess and bewail our daily iniquities.
But we beseech thee, gracious God, unworthy as we are
to approach thee, and bowed down as we are with
infirmity, to accept our imperfect services through the
intercession of thy dear Son. Grant that our supplica-
tions and thanksgivings may be sprinkled with his most
precious blood, which cleanseth from all sin; and so
THURSDAY EVENING. 45
may come up as a memorial before thee, acceptable,
and well pleasing in thy sight. And pour down upon
us a more abundant measure of grace and supplication,
that we may hereafter approach thee in fervent prayer,
and worship thee in spirit and in truth.
Hear our prayers, O God, for those whom it is our
duly and our desire to remember at the throne of ^race.
Endue with a spirit of wisdom and faithfulness, those
who are appointed to watch over the fold of Christ.
Let none of them be as hirelings who care not for the
sheep. But raise up pastors according to thy heart,
who shall seek that which is lost, and bring again that
which is driven away, and bind up that which is broken,
and strengthen that which is weak. May they take heed
to themselves, and to all the flock of which the Holy
Ghost hath made them overseers, to feed thy church,
which thy blessed Son has purchased with his blood.
And O, thou blessed Jesus, who didst come to seek
and to save that which was lost, look with an eye of
pity upon those who are still as sheep going astray, and
especially on the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Bring them home, merciful Lord, to thy flock, that they
may be saved with the remnant of the true Israelites :
and grant that they and we, as one fold, under one
Shepherd, may learn of thee, who art meek and lowly
in heart, and thus find rest to our souls. Feed us in
green pastures; and lead us forth beside the waters of
comfort. Conduct us to the end of our life, in the paths
of righteousness. And when we oass through the val-
ley of the shadow of death, be thou with us, that thy
rod and staff may sustain and support us, and bring us
at last to thy heavenly fold.
(Occasional prayers.)
Grant these and all our petitions, through the merits
of Jesus Christ our Saviour, who iiveih and reigneth
with thee, C Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God, world without end.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
46 FIRST WEEK.
FRIDAY MORNING,
SCRIPTUTvE LESSON.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's
clothing, but inwp.rdly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know
them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of
thistles ? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit ; but
a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring
forth evil fruit; neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and
cast into the fire. YVherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into
the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doeth the will of my Father
which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord,
Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name ? and in thy name
have cast out devils ? and in thy name done many wonderful
works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you ;
depart from me, ye that work iniquity. Therefore, whosoever
heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him
unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock : and the
rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and
beat upon that house ; and it fell not : for it was founded upon a
rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and
doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built
his house upon the sand : and the rain descended, and the floods
came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house ; and it fell :
and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, when Jesus
had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doc-
trine : for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the
scribes. — Matthew vn, 15 — 29.
PRAYER.
O Lord our God! thy name is most excellent in all
the earth : thou hast set thy glory above the heavens,
and thou art worthy to be celebrated with everlasting
praises cf men and angels; for thou hast created all
things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Thy hands, O Lord, have made us and fashioned us,
and thou hast breathed into our nostrils the breath of
life ; yea, still thou holdest our souls in life, and givest
us every good thing that makes our lives a blessing and
a comfort to us. Thou hast formed us for thyself, that
FRIDAY MORNING. 47
we should show forth thy praise, and live to thy glory,
as we do continually live upon thy bounty.
But, O Lord our God ! we have not honored thee as
we should. We have rebelled against thee and trans-
gressed thy laws. We have been ungrateful in the
reception of thy blessings, and are justly exposed to thy
displeasure.
For these things we desire to humble ourselves here
before thee; entreating thy gracious favor, and thy
mercy in Christ Jesus. Give us, we beseech thee,
repentance and pardon for all that is past, wherein we
have offended thee; whether in omitting our duty, or
failing in it, or doing contrary to it.
And strengthen us, good Lord, with might, by thy
Spirit in the inner man, to make us more watchful
against the corruption of our nature, the temptations of
the devil, and the distractions and allurements of this
sinful world, wherein we live. O destroy in us every
vicious inclination, every evil habit, and rebellious no-
tion, that exalts itself against the knowledge of God,
and against the obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Increase and confirm in us still more and more, thy
true knowledge, and faith, and fear, and love; and
every grace of thy Holy Spirit, which thou knovvest to
be most wanting in us, and necessary for us. And
however it goes with us, as to the concerns of this pre-
sent time, O that we may still be found in the way of
our duty, fearing God, and working righteousness; that
we may secure our interest in the great Saviour of the
world, so that when all here shall fail us, thou may est
take us up, and be the strength of our hearts, and our
portion for evermore.
(Occasional prayers.)
Day by day we magnify thee, O Lord, who makest
every day of our lives still a further addition to thy
mercies. We bless thee for our last night's preserva-
tion and protection, and for the rest and refreshment
48 FIRST WEEK.
which thou hast given us therein. O cause us to hear
thy loving-kindness in the morning, for in thee do we
trust; cause us to know the way wherein we should go,
for we lift up our souls to thee. Cast us not away from
thy presence; take not thy Holy Spirit from us; but
direct all our ways to please thee, our God, that thou
mayest crown us with blessing and good success. Help
us to see thy power, to own thy presence, to admire thy
wisdom, and to love thy goodness in all thy creatures.
And by all the comforts of creatures, O draw our hearts
still nearer to thyself the blessed Creator of every com-
fort; and let our meditations of God be sweet as well
as frequent, that delighting ourselves in the Lord, thou
mayest give unto us the desires of our hearts. Such
mercy and grace we beg for ourselves, and all ours, and
thine every where, in our great Mediator's form of prayer.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness : thou hast
enlarged me when I was in distress ; have mercy upon me, and
hear my prayer. O ye sons of men, how long will ye turn
my glory into shame ? how long will ye love vanity, and seek
after leasing ? But know that the Lord hath set apart him that
is godly for himself: the Lord will hear when I call unto him.
Stand in awe, and sin not : commune with your own heart upon
your bed, and be still. Offer the sacrifices of righteousness,
and put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say,
Who will show us any good ? Lord, lift thou up the light of thy
countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, more
than in the time that their corn and their wine increased. I will
both lay me down in peace, and sleep ; for thou, Lord, only
makest me dwell in safety.
Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, which
by night stand in the house of the Lord. Lift up your hands in
the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. The Lord that made heaven
and earth bless thee out of Zion. — Psalm iv and cxxxiv.
FRIDAY EVENING. 49
PRAYER.
O Lord, our God, thou art most high and mighty,
most wise, and holy, and good! Thou art, and for ever
wast, and for ever shalt continue, unspeakably blessed
and glorious, above all that we are able to express or to
conceive. Thou humblest thyself even to behold the
things that are in heaven, to take notice of the worship
of those blessed creatures above. O how wonderful is
thy condescension then, to look down upon us, poor
sinful worms, that dwell here in houses of clay, whose
foundation is in the dust! Lord, what is man that thou
takest knowledge of him, and the son of man that thou
makest account of him ! Thou dost not at all need us,
nor any thing of ours, O blessed God; but we all stand
in great and continual need of thee, our only sovereign
good ; in need of thy mercy and forgiveness, thy grace
and guidance, thy blessing and assistance.
The desire of our souls, therefore, is to thy name, O
Lord, and to the remembrance of thee. Our eyes are
towards thee, and all our expectation is from thee: and
still we wait, and call, and depend upon thee, till thou
have mercy upon us, according to our several necessi-
ties; and according to the riches of thy grace, and the
multitude of thy mercies. O remember not against us
our former iniquities; enter not into judgment with us,
according to the desert of our sins; but according to thy
mercy remember thou us. For thy goodness' sake, O
Lord, blot out our transgressions as a cloud; and jus-
tify us freely by thy grace, through the redemption that
is in Jesus Christ. And bless us, holy God of our sal-
vation, in turning us from all our iniquities, and giving
us grace, to repent and amend our lives according to
thy holy word.
To this end, be thou pleased to enlighten our dark-
ened minds with the beams of thy saving truth, that we
may not be unwise, but understand what the will of the
Lord is — reform our depraved wills, inclining them to a
5
50 FIRSTWEEK.
cheerful and ready compliance with all the motions of
thy good Spirit. Regulate our unruly passions; purify
our corrupt affections;' and convert all the faculties of
our souls, to be instruments of thy glory, as they have
been of thy dishonor; and make our bodies fit temples
for thy Holy Spirit to dwell in. Yea, sanctify us wholly,
that we may, as we ought, sanctify thy blessed name,
(Occasional prayers.)
The same things also we beg in behalf of all that
ought to share in our prayers. 0 forgive the sins, and
relieve the miseries of thy poor creatures every where.
Enlarge the borders of thy church, and make additions
to it daily of such as shall be saved. O that all who
are called Christians, may be truly Christians, both in
their right believing and their holy living. Advance
the interest, and extend the limits of thy Son's king-
dom, and may all nations flow into it, as to their rest.
Bless our land, and endue our rulers, with wisdom from
on high. Give our judges the spirit of discernment, and
aid and countenance our magistrates in the faithful exe-
cution of their office. Make them all men fearing God,
and eschewing evil. And O that all who are called to
serve at thy altar, may be blessed with skilful under-
standings, and compassionate hearts, and exemplary
lives. Make them wise to win souls, and faithful, in-
dustrious and successful in their sacred office, as work-
men that need not be ashamed. Bless and prosper all
the places of learning and education; and make all this
people the Lord's people ; that they may all know thee
from the greatest to the least; and so order their con-
versation aright, that they may see the salvation of God.
Remember them all for good, who have been any way
instruments of our good; and all that have, or would
hurt us, O Lord, forgive. Give unto all that mourn in
Zion, beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and
the garments of praise for the spirit of heaviness. O
Lord ! continue thy gracious favor to us, and thy father-
SATURDAY MORNING. 51
ly care over us this night. And so discharge us from
our sins, and supply us still with thy grace, that we
may finish our course with joy, and in the end of our
lives find the greatest of all mercy, to be received into
thy glory: which we beg for the all-sufficient merits of
our only Redeemer; for whom, and to whom, with thee,
O everlasting Father, and the Holy Ghost the Comforter,
in the unity of the ever glorious Trinity, be all praise,
and honor and glory ascribed of us, and of all the Israel
of God, now and for evermore.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON..
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every
branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away; and every
branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth
more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have
spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch
cannot bear fruit of itself, except, it abide in the vine ; no more
can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches :
he that abideth in me, and 1 in him, the same bringeth forth much
fruit; for without me ye can do nothing, [f a man abide not in
me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather
them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide
in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and
it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye
bear much fruit ; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath
loved me, so have I loved you : continue ye in my love. If ye
keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love ; even as I
have kept ray Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain
in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my command-
ment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater
love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his
friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.
Henceforth I call you not servants ; for the servant knowcth not
what his lord doeth : but I have called you friends ; for all things
that I have heard of my Father have I made known unto you.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained
52 FIRST WEEK.
you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit
should remain ; that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my
name, he may give it you. These things I command you, That
ye love one another. — John xv, 1 — 17.
PRAYER.
Almighty and everlasting God, through whose mer-
ciful kindness we are preserved from day to day, we
approach thy throne of grace this morning, in the name
of thy beloved Son.
We humble ourselves in thy sight for all our iniqui-
ties, and particularly for those which we have committed
during the past week. We are sorry and ashamed that
we have had thy glory so little before our eyes; that
we have sinned against thee, our neighbor, and our-
selves. By leaving undone what thou hast commanded,
and by doing that which thou hast forbidden, we have
broken thy law, in thought, and word, and deed. If
thou, Lord, art extreme to mark what we have done
amiss, O Lord, who may abide it? Lay not, we pray
thee, our sins to our charge; but wash them away in
the fountain which thou hast opened for sin and for
uncleanness. And, O thou God of holiness, give us
grace and strength to subdue them. Renew us after
thy likeness, in righteousness and true holiness. Make
us holy as thou art holy, and pure as thou art pure. O
God, make clean our hearts within us; and take not
thy Holy Spirit from us.
And since life is short and uncertain, and every week
brings us nearer to the end of all things, enable us to
lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily
beset us, and to run with patience the race that is set
before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of
our faith. Preserve ever in our minds a lively remem-
brance of that day, when the throne shall be set, and
the books shall be opened; and every one of us shall
give account of himself to thee.
We humbly beseech thee to receive the thank-offer-
SATURDAY MORNING. 53
ings which we desire now to present on thy altar. Thou
hast guarded us from numberless perils, and preserved
us from desolating calamities. Thou hast given requi-
site success to our undertakings, and supplied us with
means of comfort and peace. From thy hand we have
been fed and clothed; in sorrow and temptation, thou
hast sustained us by thy Spirit; in our guilt thou hast
redeemed us by the blood of thine own Son; and it is
only through thy forbearance and tender mercies, that
we have been spared to the morning of this day. Thy
ways towards us have been faithfulness and truth. Who
can utter thy mighty acts, O Lord, or show forth all thy
praise ? Grant, that from the abundance of the heart,
we may speak thy praise ; and that, at the close of every
week, we may be found growing in grace, in thankful-
ness, and in every fruit of the blessed Spirit.
Keep us, we beseech thee, O Lord, this day, under
the protection of thy good providence, and prepare us,
both in body and soul, for the holy duties of the ap-
proaching Sabbath. May no regard to the fashions or
friendship of the world, cause us to profane it; nor any
weariness of the world, tempt us to consume its sacred
rest, in slothful indulgence, in vain conversation, or
unhallowed pleasure. Suffer us not to form frivolous
excuses for absenting ourselves from thy sanctuary.
But, if permitted in thy providence, may we go with
the multitude to thy house of prayer, with the voice of
joy and praise. There may we give thee the glory
which is due unto thy name, and worship thee in the
beauty of holiness. Grant that the Scriptures, which
thou hast caused to be written for our learning, may be
applied to our hearts in the demonstration of the Spirit,
and of power. Grant that we may find our corruptions
weakened, and the power of thy grace increased in our
souls.
We pray thee, finally, O merciful Lord, to remember
and to bless with thy choicest mercies, all our relations
6*
54 FIRST WEEK.
and friends. Keep them, we beseech thee, under the
protection of thy good providence, and make them to
have a perpetual fear and love of thy name. Let thy
fatherly hand be ever over them: let thy Holy Spirit be
ever with them; and so lead them in the knowledge
and obedience of thy word, that, in the end, they may
obtain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
The Lord reigneth : let the earth rejoice; let the multitude of
isles be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him :
righteousness and judgment are the habitation of his throne. A
fire goeth before him, and burneth up his enemies round about.
His lightnings enlightened the world ; the earth saw, and trem-
bled. The hills melted like v/ax at the presence of the Lord, at
the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens de-
clare his righteousness, and all the people see his glory. Con-
founded be all they that serve graven images, that boast them-
selves of idols : worship him, all ye gods. Zion heard, and was
glad; and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of thy judg-
ments, O Lord. For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth :
thou art exalted far above all gods. Ye that love the Lord, hate
evil; he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them
out of the hand of the wicked. Light is sown for the righteous,
and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, ye
righteous ; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.
Psalm xcvn.
PRA YER.
O God, thou hast made, and thou upholdest all things
by the word of thy power. Darkness is thy pavilion.
Thou walkest upon the wings of the wind. All nations
before thee are as nothing. One generation passeth
away, and another cometh; and we are hastening back
to the dust whence we were taken. The heavens
we behold will vanish away like the cloud that covers
them ; and the earth we tread will dissolve like a morn-
ing dream; but thou art, from everlasting to everlasting,
SATURDAY EVENING. 55
God over oil, unchangeably the same, and thy years
shall not fail.
Infinitely great and glorious as thou art, we are thy
offspring and thy care. Thy hands have made us and
fashioned us. Thou hast watched over us with more
than parental tenderness. Thou hast held our soul in
life, and not suffered our feet to be moved. Thy divine
power has given us all things, not only necessary for life,
but godliness- Bless the Lord, O our souls, and forget
not all his benefits; who forgiveth all our iniquities; who
healeth all our diseases; who redeemeth our lives from
destruction; who crowneth us with loving kindness and
tender mercies; who satisfieth our mouth with good
things, so that our youth is renewed like the eagle's.
We raise this evening a fresh memorial, and inscribe
it to the God of our salvation. Hitherto hath the Lord
helped us. We have passed, not only through another
day, but through another week. The sun has not smit-
ten us by day, nor the moon by night. We have been
preserved in our going out, and coming in. But thine
has been the vigilance, that turned aside the evils which
threatened us. Thine have been the supplies that have
nourished us. Thine the comforts that have indulged
us. Thine the relations and friends that have delighted
us. Thine have been the means of grace which have
edified us; and thine the book, which, amidst all our
enjoyments, has told us, that this is not our rest; and
in all our successes, that one thing is yet needful.
Nothing can equal the number of thy mercies, but
our imperfections and sins. These, O God, we would
not conceal, or palliate; but confess them, with a broken
heart and a contrite spirit.
In what a condition would we be this evening, were it
not for the assurance that there is forgiveness with thee,
that thou mayest be feared, and that with thee there is
plenteous redemption ? Yet, while we hope for pardon
through the blood of the cross, we pray to be clothed with
56 FIRST WEEK.
humility; to be quickened in thy way; and to be more
devoted to the things that belong to our everlasting peace.
How soon has the week rolled away ! Its days have
fled like a dream, a vapor, a shadow. So will all our
days flee; so will they all appear when the end arrives.
O, help us to keep that end in remembrance; and en-
deavor to view things now, as they will appear from
the borders of the grave. May we know how frail we
are, that we may be cured of the folly of delay and
indecision; and so number our days, that we may apply
our hearts unto wisdom.
(Occasional prayers.)
May we call the approaching Lordsday a delight, the
holy of the Lord, honorable; and may we honor thee,
in not doing our own ways, nor finding our own plea-
sures, nor speaking our own words. May the private
moments of the day, be sacred; and the social — inno-
cent and edifying. And may we keep our foot, when we
go to the house of God, and offer not the sacrifice of fools.
Preserve us from trifling with the things of the soul
and eternity, or trusting in those privileges, which unim-
proved, will only augment our guilt and our misery.
While we go to thy house in the multitude of thy
mercies, may we in thy fear worship towards thy holy
temple ; for thou art greatly to be feared in the assem-
bly of the saints. O, let us not perish under means
designed to save us. O, let not the savor of life unto
life, prove to us only the savor of death unto death.
Make the place of thy feet glorious. Bring us to thy
holy mountain, and if we are not made joyful in thy
house of prayer, convince us, alarm us, humble us,
banish the spirit of the world from our hearts, and fill
us with all the fulness of God.
So we thy people, and the sheep of thy pasture, will
give thee thanks for ever, we will show forth thy praise
throughout all generations.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SECOND WEEK. 57
SECOND WEEK.
LORDSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N O R PSALM CXXII.
Psalm xxv, 10. — All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth,
unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. The secret
of the Lord is with them that fear him, and he will show them
his covenant.
Eph. i, 3. — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly-
places in Christ. According as he hath chosen us in him before
the foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and without
blame before him in love.
Ps. lxxxiv, 4. — Blessed are they that dwell in thy house; they
will still be praising thee. For a day in thy courts is better than
a thousand. I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my
God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord is
a sun and a shield : he will give grace and glory ; and no good
thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Is. lvi, 7. — Them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make
them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt-offerings and
their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar ; for my house
shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
Is. lii, 7. — How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of
him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bring-
eth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation, that saith
unto Zion, Thy God reigneth. Thy watchmen shall lift up the
voice, with the voice together shall they sing ; for they shall see
eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.
Ps. xcn, 13. — Those that be planted in the house of the Lord,
shall flourish in the courts of our God.
PRAYER.
O Almighty God, Creator, Governor, and Upholder
of all things, who, after making the heaven and the
earth, didst rest the seventh day, and bless and sanctify
it, teach us now, resting from our worldly labors, to
devote the day to thy service. O thou, whose Son did,
as on this day, rise again from the dead, grant us grace
to rise from the death of sin, to the life of righteousness.
58 SECOND WEEK.
Help us now, in bis name, to seek thy blessing on those
holy duties to which the Lordsday is set apart.
We thank thee for the knowledge of Jesus Christ;
for free justification and salvation through his life, death
and resurrection. We praise thee for the gift of thy Holy
Spirit. Blessed, for ever blessed, be thou, the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for these thy benefits.
Great have been thy mercies to us; but with shame
we confess that we have slighted thy goodness, and
carelessly regarded thy great salvation. How many
Lordsdays have we broken! how many invitations of
mercy have we neglected! with how many warnings
and threatenings have we trifled ! how cold have been
our prayers! how great our irreverence! how inexcusa-
ble our unbelief!
Forgive us, O forgive us all our negligences and
infirmities, and all our sins. To the Lord our God be-
long mercies and forgiveness, though we have rebelled
against him. Return again and bless us. Graciously
be present with us, through all the solemn services of
this day. Enable us to go to thy house in the spirit of
prayer. Pour out upon us, and all that shall meet in
thy name, the spirit of grace and supplication. Let
none of us draw near to thee with our lips only, while
our hearts are far from thee; but enable us to worship
thee in spirit and in truth. Cause thy face to shine
upon us. Prepare our hearts to receive thy holy word,
that it may be sown in good ground, and bring much
fruit to perfection.
Help all of us, not only to abstain from engaging in
our usual business and occupation, but also keep us
from worldly conversation, and from vain thoughts.
Raise our affections to things above, and let our con-
versation be in heaven. Enable us to give this day to
reading and hearing thy word, to meditation, self-exam-
ination, and prayer; and be thou with us, to bless us in
our retired devotions.
LORDSDAY EVENING. 59
And, Father of mercies, we beseech thee to bless all
that minister in holy things. Multiply unto them thy
grace, that they may be faithful, diligent, and laborious.
[ Grant them humility, disinterestedness, watchfulness,
' and zeal; may all have grace to take heed to them-
selves, and to the flock over which the Holy Ghost has
made them overseers, leading the church of God which
he has purchased with his own blood. Stand by and
j strengthen them this day. Open thou their mouths, and
' enable them to testify boldly the gospel of the grace of
God. We especially pray for him who ministers among
us. May he this day be enabled to speak a word in
season to us, and to all that hear him.
And, we beseech thee, grant that this thy Lordsday
may be distinguished by great and singular mercies to
I thy church. Be thou with all Christian congregations
j meeting to worship thee. By the ministry of thy word
;this day, convert many sinners; heal those that have
backslidden, strengthen those that are weak, and con-
firm those that are strong. Give thy holy word free
course, and let it be glorified in every land, and among
every people.
(Occasional prayers.)
Hear us, and answer us, for our Lord Jesus Christ's
(sake.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
LORDSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSOR OR MATTHEW XIII. 1 23.
I John v, 39. — Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye
have eternal life ; and they are they which testify of me.
Rom. ix, 5. — Christ who is over all, God blessed for ever.
Amen.
Rev. i, 8. — I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
mding, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to
:ome, the Almighty.
60 SECOND WEEK.
Rev. xxi, 6. — I will give unto him that is athirst of the foun-
tain of the w ater of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit
all things ; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.
1 Tim. in, 16. — And without controversy, great is the mystery
of godliness. God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the
Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in
the world, received up into glory.
Isa. ix, 6. — Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given :
and the government shall be upon his shoulders : and his name
shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the
Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.
Matt, i, 23. — And they shall call his name Emmanuel, which
being interpreted is, God with us.
Tit. i, 3. — According to the commandment of God our Sa-
viour.— (Acts xx, 23.) Feed the church of God, which he hath
purchased with his own blood.
Col. i, 16. — By him (Christ) were all things created, that are
in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether
they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers ; all
things were created by him, and for him.
Heb. in, 4. — For every house is builded by some man ; but he
that built all things is God. John i, 1. — The Word was God.
Col. ii, 9. — For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead
bodily. Heb. xm, 8. — Jesus Christ the same yesterday, to-day,
and for ever.
PRAYER.
O Lord, God of our salvation, we present our sup-
plications before thee; knowing that thy arm is not
shortened, that it cannot save, nor thy ear heavy, that
it cannot hear. Let our prayer enter into thy presence,
and incline thine ear unto our calling. Let not our ini-
quities separate between us and thee our God. Cast
us not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy
Spirit from us.
We acknowledge, merciful Father, the imperfection
of our best services, during the day which is now
closing. The wanderings of our thoughts, the coldness
of our devotions, our carelessness, and negligence, and
hardness, are all known to thee. Pardon, O Lord, all
our weaknesses and infirmities, and quicken us to greater
diligence and fidelity in the performance of our duty to
LORDSDAY EVENING. Q\
thee, to our neighbor, and to ourselves. Enable us to
devote ourselves, with all our powers and faculties, to
thee and thy service. May we keep in lively remem-
brance the truths which have been delivered to us this
day; that the words which we have heard with our out-
ward ears, may be engrafted inwardly in our hearts,
and bring forth in us the fruit of good living. Give us
thy Holy Spirit, to enlighten our understanding, and
purify our hearts; that all our wishes and desires may
centre in what thou hast commanded. Make us instru-
mental, according to our ability and opportunity, in pro-
moting the salvation of all men, and especially those
who are the most closely united to us in the bonds of
friendship and society. Be thcu ever with us in the
performance of our several duties; in prayer, to quicken
our devotion; in praises, to heighten our love and grat-
itude ; and in all our works, to set a bright example to
those around us.
We intercede with thee, heavenly Father, for thy
church militant on earth; for her ministers and people;
and for all who call themselves christians. Guard thy
flock, O thou gracious Bishop and Shepherd of our souls,
and lead them into green pastures, and beside the still
waters of salvation.
(Occasional prayers.)
Almighty God, we commit ourselves to thy care and
keeping this night. We are weak and defenseless, ex-
posed to dangers on every side, and unable to help our-
selves. Keep us outwardly in our bodies, during the
unguarded hours of repose; that no evil may befall us,
nor any alarm or terror disturb us. Keep us also in-
wardly in our souls; that no wicked or hurtful thoughts,
no corrupt imaginations, no wiles of the adversary, may
assail us. Defend us from all adversities ; and bring us
in peace and safety to the beginning of another day; that
being refreshed in body, and strengthened by thy Spirit
in the inner man, we may enter upon our respective
6
62 SECOND WEEK.
duties with increasing trust and confidence in thy mercy,
and with renewed purposes of serving thee faithfully and
truly to the end of our days. We ask these blessings
for ourselves, and for all our friends, relatives, and breth-
ren, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose
name and words we conclude our petitions: —
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
MONDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR JOHN III. 1 21.
Psalm xci, 1. — He that dwelleth in the secret place of the
Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I
will say of the Lord he is my refuge and my fortress; my God,
in him will I trust. He shall cover thee with his feathers, and
under his wings shalt thou trust : His truth shall be thy shield
and buckler. There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any
plague come nigh thy dwelling.
Psa. cxxi, 1. — I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from
whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord,
which made heaven and earth. Behold, he that keepeth Israel
shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is thy keeper : the
Lord is thy defense upon thy right hand. The sun shall not
smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall pre-
serve thee from all evil ; he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord
shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, from this time
forth, and even for evermore.
Psa. xxxvn, 3. — Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou
dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed.
Matt, vi, 26. — Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not,
neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet your heavenly
Father feedeth them ; are ye not much better than they ?
Matt, vi, 25. — 1 say unto you, take no thought for your life
what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink ; nor yet for the body,
what ye shall put on : is not the life more than meat, and the
body than raiment. Wherefore if God so clothe the grass of the
field, which to-day is and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall
he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith ? Therefore
take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or what shall we
drink ? or wherewithal shall we be clothed ? For your heavenly
Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.
MONDAY MORNING. 63
PRAYER.
Almighty and most merciful Father! thou art a God
that hearest prayer; and we are encouraged to draw
nigh unto thy throne of grace, most humbly beseeching
thee to look upon us, according to thy tender mercy in
Jesus Christ. We confess our daily offenses against
thee in thought, word, and deed. If thou shouldst be
extreme to mark what is done amiss, O Lord, who
might abide it! Deal not with us after our sins, neither
reward us after our iniquities. We bless thee for that
all-prevailing Advocate, Jesus Christ, the righteous: by
his cross and intercession, Lord, deliver us.
We are now about to enter upon the worldly employ-
ments of another week; strengthen us with thy grace,
that these may not withdraw our hearts from thee, nor
make us negligent of our souls, and our salvation. May
the influences of the Lordsday rest upon us through the
week, and may the solemn and blessed truths which we
heard yesterday, in the house of prayer, abide in our
memories, and direct our conduct!
With many thanks for thy mercies during the past
night, we now cast ourselves upon thy protection, not
knowing what this day may bring forth, but trusting in
that wisdom which cannot err, and in that love which
cannot fail. Father, not our will, but thine be done!
Preserve us from temptation; preserve us from sin; pre-
serve us from our own evil hearts ; and if we are per-
mitted to see the close of this day, may it be our hap-
piness to look back upon it as one in which we have
walked with God.
Send thy good Spirit to direct us in the ways and
works of godliness; purify our affections; enliven our
devotion ; teach us how to pra}', and how to hear, and
read, and profit by thy holy word. Make us christians,
not only in name, but also in heart and in hope. Teach
us the value of our souls, and of the salvation which
has been wrought for them by Christ Jesus. May we
64 SECOND WEEK.
never be ashamed to confess him before men, but, amidst
all discouragement and difficulties, give us boldness to
show ourselves his true disciples.
Let our conversation be such as becometh his gospel;
and whatsoever we do in word or in deed, let us do all in
his name, giving thanks to God and the Father through
him. Let the words of our mouths, and the medita-
tions of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
our strength, and our Redeemer.
(Occasional prayers.)
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
MONDAY EVENING.*
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR PSALM XCI.
Gal. ii, 20. — I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live,
yet not I, but Christ, liveth in me : and the life which I now live
in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me,
and gave himself for me.
Deut. xxxm, 27. — The eternal God is thy refuge, and under-
neath are the everlasting arms, and he shall thrust out the enemy
from before thee, and shall say, Destroy them. Happy art thou,
O Israel ! Who is like unto thee, O people, saved by the Lord,
the shield of thy help, and who is the sword of thy excellency?
1 John v, 18. — We know that whosoever is born of God, sin-
neth not ; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and
the wicked one toucheth him not.
1 Cor. x, 12. — Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth,
take heed lest he fall.
1 Cor. x, 13. — There hath no temptation taken you but such
as is common to man : but God is faithful, who will not suffer
you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the
temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to
bear it.
Phil, i, 6. — Being confident of this very thing, that he which
hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of
Jesus Christ.
2 Pet. i, 10. — Wherefore, the rather, brethren, give diligence
to make your calling and election sure ; for if ye do these things,
ye shall never fall.
*The second Monday in the month is extensively observed as a concert
of prayer for Sunday schools.
MONDAY EVENING. 65
PRAYER.
O Lord our God! thou art infinitely great, and in-
finitely good. Thy glory is above all our thoughts, and
thy mercies are over all thy works. And above all thy
mercies, have we cause to admire, and bless, and praise
thee for those mercies which, in so large a measure, and
especial manner, thou hast been pleased still to vouch-
safe unto us, who are daily objects of thy bounty, and
who continue still the living monuments of thy goodness.
Thou didst create us, O Lord, after thine own blessed
image, in a holy and happy estate; but we have made
ourselves vile and miserable, averse to good and prone
to evil. But thou hast so far declared thy willingness
to be reconciled even to thy enemies, that thou hast sent
thy only Son into the world, upon the great errand of
our salvation; that whosoever believes in him, should
not perish in their sins, but have everlasting life, for his
sake. O Lord, we believe, help our unbelief; and give
us true repentance towards God, and faith in our Lord
Jesus Christ; that we may be of the number of those
who do indeed repent and believe, to the saving of the
soul.
And save us, O good Lord, from our sinful selves, and
from the love and course of this present evil world, and
from every self-destroying way which we are tempted to
follow. Make us a way to escape out of all the snares
of temptation, wherewith we have been entangled and
held, and hindered in running the race set before us.
Make thy ways plain before us. Strengthen and estab-
lish us, O Lord, that going forth in thy strength, we may
do thy will to all well-pleasing; and continue in thy fear
and love to our lives' end.
These things we beg, not for ourselves alone, but
also in behalf of all for whom we ought to entreat thy
mercy in our prayers. O bring nigh unto thee all those
that are yet afar off"; and make manifest the savor of thy
knowledge in every place; that such as yet sit in dark-
6*
56 SECOND WEEK.
ness and in the shadow of death, may come to see the
light of thy truth, and the joy of thy salvation. O that
all who name the name of Christ may depart from
iniquity, and so live up to their high and holy profes-
sion, that they may give no just occasion to the ene-
mies of the Lord to blaspheme ; but adorn the doctrine
of God, our Saviour, in all things, and so put to silence
the ignorance of foolish men by well doing.
Be gracious and favorable, O Lord, in an especial
manner, to thy church. Arise, O God, and plead thy
own cause, and maintain thy true and holy religion,
which thou hast so long and so wonderfully owned and
asserted. 0 let not the enemies of thy church ever
have cause to say, that they have prevailed against thy
people; but let all that espouse thy cause, and stand
up for the honor and defense of thy truth, be still pre-
valent and prosperous in all their pious designs; and
still have cause to say, the Lord be magnified, who has
pleasure in the prosperity of his servants.
Comfort all that want the comforts which we enjoy.
Remember with the favor which thou bearest to thy
people, our friends, our kindred after the flesh, and all
whosoever are dear to us, on any other account. For-
give,our enemies, and turn their hearts; and turn ours
to forgive them. And direct all our ways to please
thee, that thou mayest make even our enemies to be at
peace with us.
Hear us, O God of the spirits of all flesh; hear us
for ourselves and others; others for themselves and us:
and hear the Son of thy love, the lover of our souls, for
us and all the members of thy church militant here on
earth, whereof Christ Jesus in heaven is the glorious
head. For him and to him with thine eternal self, most
holy Father, and the blessed Spirit of grace, our G uide
and Comforter, be all thanks and praise, and honor, and
glory, humbly and heartily rendered and ascribed of us,
and all thy people, now and for evermore.
TUESDAY MORN I KG. 67
(Occasional prayers.)
And on this clay, set apart by many of thy people as
a season of prayer for thy mercy on Sunday schools, we
humbly implore thy blessing on all who are engaged in
those schools as teachers, or learners. Enlighten by
the Holy Spirit all teachers, that they ma}* truly under-
stand thy word. Make them the true friends of Jesus
Christ. May they be endowed with his spirit of self-
denial, patience, humilit}7, and prayer. May they ever-
more copy the example of Him who, when on earth,
said, Sufier little children, and forbid them not to come
unto me. While engaged in instructing the rising gen-
eration, in leading others to the cross of Christ, may
they themselves be interested in thy promises, and
sanctified in all their efforts to promote thy glory. And
grant, O gracious God, that their labors may be attended
with thy blessing. Do thou send down thy Spirit on all
Sunday schools, that the rising generation may grow up
in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and in preparation
for great usefulness in the church, and in the state. May
schools be established in all the destitute places of our
land; and all the means used to enlarge and perpetuate
these blessings be crowned with success. Never sufier
the zeal of thy people to languish in this cause, or thy
ministers to forget their obligations to use every influ-
ence in their power to promote the religious training of
the rising generation. Hear and answer the prayers
which this day may have been offered in behalf of Sun-
day schools; excite in all thy people a spirit of benevo-
lence; and fill the earth with thy glory.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 0 R PSALM I .
Isaiah xxvm, 16. — Behold I lay in Sion for a foundation, a
stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.
1 Pet. ii, 6. — He that believeth on him shall not be confounded.
68 SECOND WEEK.
Isa. xiv, 22. — Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of
the earth.
Mark iv, 23. — If thou canst believe, all things are possible to
him that believeth.
John i, 12. — As many as received him, to them gave he power
to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
John in, 16. — God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.
Jer. xxxi, 33. — This shall be the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord, I will
put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts : and
1 will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Eph. ii, 10. — We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should
walk in them.
2 Cor. in, 5. — Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think
any thing as of ourselves ; but our sufficiency is of God.
2 Thess. ii, 13. — We are bound to give thanks always to God
for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from
the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of
the Spirit, and belief of the truth.
PRAYER.
Our voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord : in
the morning will we direct our prayer unto thee, O thou
Most High ! How does it become us to be thankful !
Many, during the past night, have had no place where
to lay their head. Many, the victims of disease, have
been full of tossing to and fro, until the dawning of the
day; so that their bed has not comforted them, nor their
couch relieved their complaint. Many have been de-
prived of rest while watching over their connections in
pain and sorrow. Many have slept the sleep of death.
Others, whose lives are prolonged, have risen to be sur-
rounded with want and woe : and thousands who have
all things richly to enjoy, have risen to live another day
without God in the world.
Thou, O God, hast remembered, and distinguished,
and indulged us. Bless the Lord, O our souls, and all
that is within us bless his holy name. O magnify the
Lord, and let us exalt his name together.
TUESDAY MORNING. 69
Thy mercies have been new every morning, yea,
every moment. All our desires have not been grati-
fied; but it was love that denied us, when the accom-
plishment of our wishes would have proved our ruin or
our injury; we have had our trials, but they have been
few compared with our sins; they have been attended
with numberless alleviations.
Thou hast often wiped away our tears; and restored
peace to thy mourners. Thou hast never chastened us
but for our profit. We believe that thou hast done all
things well, and that thy work is perfect.
But, O what do we owe thee for the word of thy
truth — the throne of thy grace — the Son of thy love —
thy unspeakable gift; what do we owe thee, that we
have any reason to hope that we are in Christ, and free
from all condemnation ; and that when he, who is our
life, shall appear, we shall also appear with him in
glory, and be for ever with the Lord !
Surely, gratitude becomes us that will not end in a
morning acknowledgment with the lip, but such as will
keep us in the fear of the Lord all the day long, and
lead us to ask: what shall I render unto the Lord for
all his benefits towards me? We therefore, by the
mercies of God, present our bodies a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable unto thee, which is our reasonable
service.
(Occasional prayers.)
And now, O thou Author of all good, we come to thee
for the grace another day will require, for we know not
when we leave our apartments in the morning, what a
day will bring forth. But we know that we are step-
ping into a wicked world, and that we carry about us
an evil heart: we know that without thee we can do
nothing. We, therefore, desire to commit ourselves into
thy holy keeping. Hold thou us up, and we shall be
safe. Preserve our understandings from the subtlety of
error; our affections from- the love of idols; our senses
70 SECOND WEEK.
from the ungovernable impressions of outward objects;
our character from every stain of vice, and our profes-
sion from every appearance of evil. May the God of
peace sanctify us wholly; and may our whole spirit,
soul, and body, be preserved blameless unto the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May we engage in nothing on which we cannot im-
plore thy blessing, and to which we cannot welcome thy
inspection. Prosper us in our lawful undertakings, or
prepare us for disappointment. Give us neither poverty
nor riches. Feed us with food convenient for us, lest
we be full and deny thee, and say, who is the Lord ?
or lest we be poor, and steal, and take the name of our
God in vain.
May every creature be good to us, being sanctified
by the word of God and prayer. Teach us how to use
the world as not abusing it. Enable us to improve our
talents, and to redeem our time. May we walk in wis-
dom towards them that are without, and in kindness
towards them that are within; and do good as we have
opportunity unto all men, especially unto them that are
of the household of faith.
And unto Him that is able to keep us from falling,
and to present us faultless before the presence of his
glory with exceeding joy : to the only wise God, our
Saviour, be glory, and majesty, dominion, and power,
both now and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR 1 CORINTHIANS II.
Rom. vni, 11. — If the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from
the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead
shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth
in you.
John vi, 63. — It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profit-
TUESDAY EVENING. 71
eth nothing : the words that I speak unto yon, they are spirit,
and they are life.
Ro?n. vm, 26. — Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmi-
ties : for we know not what we should pray for as we ought:
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings
which cannot be uttered.
Gal. v, 22. — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
long-suflering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance :
against such there is no law. And they that are Christ's have
crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. If we live in
the Spirit, let us also walk, in the Spirit.
Heb. vi, 4. — For it is impossible for those Avho were once
enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made
partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word of
God, and the powers of the world to come, if they shall fall
away, to renew them again unto repentance, seeing they crucify
to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
1 Cor. vi, 11. — And such were some of you: but ye are
washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of
the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
PRAYER.
Almighty and most merciful Father, who, for our
many sins committed against thee, mightest most justly
have cut us off in the midst of our days, we humbly
thank thee, that in the multitude of thy mercies thou
hast hitherto spared us.
Accept, we beseech thee, our unfeigned sorrow for
our past transgressions; and grant that we may never
so presume upon thy mercy, as to despise the riches of
thy goodness; but let a sense of thy forbearance and
long-suflering work in us repentance and amendment of
life, to thy honor and glory, and to our final acceptance
in the last day, through the merits of our Saviour Jesus
Christ.
Keep alive in us, O Lord, a true spirit of devotion:
and preserve us from the great sin of praying to thee
with our lips only, and not with our heart and mind.
Convince us of our entire dependence upon thee;
quicken us in the pursuit of things eternal; that we
may continually press forward to obtain the prize of
our high calling in Christ Jesus.
72 SECOND WEEK.
Dispose us, we beseech thee, rightly to discharge all
our duties. Watch over our path; compass us about
with thy favor; preserve us in our going out and coming
in; and direct all our steps in the way of thy command-
ments.
Make us truly honest and conscientious in all our
dealings; diligent in the performance of our duty; in-
nocent in our conversation; meek, charitable, and for-
giving towards others; watchful over ourselves, and
ever mindful of thy presence.
Sanctify unto us our trials and crosses, if it be thy
good pleasure to afflict us; and give us such a mea-
sure of patience and godly resolution, that we may be
willing to take up our cross daily, and to follow the
Lamb, withersoever he goeth.
(Occasional prayers.)
O Lord, if we have now asked any thing amiss, we
pray thee pardon our ignorance and infirmity; and
whatsoever is good for us, even if we ask it not, be
pleased to grant to us, in the name and for the sake
of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and
Advocate.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, iScc. Amen.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR 1 CORINTHIANS XIII.
Rom. in, 10. — It is written, There is none righteous, no, not
one : there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh
after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together
become unprofitable ; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
Ezek. xi, 19. — But I will give them one heart, and 1 will put
a new spirit within them ; and I will take the stony heart out of
their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh.
Psa. xxxiv, 18. — The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a
broken heart ; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
Matt, xvin, 3. — Jesus said, Verily, I say unto you, except ye
be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter
into the kingdom of heaven.
WEDNESDAY MORNING 73
Luke xin, 3. — Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Rom. vin, 6. — For to be carnally minded is death ; but to be
spiritually minded is life and peace : because the carnal mind is
enmity against God : for it is not subject to the law of God,
neither indeed can be.
Jlcts in, 19. — Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your
sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come
from the presence of the Lord.
Psa. li, 1. — Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy
loving kindness : according to the multitude of thy tender mer-
cies blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine
iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my
transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Hide thy face from
my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. For thou desirest no
sacrifice, else would I give it : thou delightest not in burnt offer-
ing. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit : a broken and a
contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Isa. i, 18. — Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as
white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be
as wool.
1 John i, 7. — The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all
sin. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Heb. x, 14. — By one offering he hath perfected for ever them
that are sanctified.
John i, 29. — The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sins
of the world.
PRAYER.
O Thou, whose name is Jehovah, the Most High over
all the earth, we desire to adore the perfections of thy
nature, and to admire the works of thy hands. May
the united displays of thy greatness, and thy goodness,
impress our minds, and influence our thoughts and
affections, while we approach thee.
Heaven is thy throne, and the earth is thy footstool.
The universe, with all its creatures, was made by thy
word, and is upheld by thy power; and thou doest
according to thine own will in the army of heaven, and
among the inhabitants of the earth ; none can stay thy
hand, or say unto thee, What doest thou?
But thou art the Father of mercies, the God of all
grace, and the God of all comfort. Even we, poor,
7
74 SECOND WEEK.
mean, dying creatures, are not beneath thy care. Thou
hast been mindful of us; thou hast visited us; and thy
visitation hath preserved our spirits. The lines are
fallen to us in pleasant places; yea, we have a goodly
heritage; we live in a land of light; we have the Scrip-
tures in our hands, and our ears hear the joyful sound
of the gospel. We know that thou hast not spared
thine own Son, but delivered him up for us all. We
know that he has borne our griefs, and carried our sor-
rows: that his blood cleanseth from all sin, and that
whosoever believeth on him, shall not perish, but have
everlasting life.
We come in his name, and make mention of his right-
eousness only. We plead the obedience and sufferings
of him who magnified the law, and made it honorable.
May we be justified by his blood; and may we be saved
by his life. May we be joined to the Lord, and be of
one spirit with him. May we deny ourselves, and take
up our cross, and follow him. May the agency of thy
Holy Spirit prepare us for all the dispensations of thy
providence. May we be willing that the Lord should
choose our inheritance for us, and determine what we
shall retain or lose; what we shall suffer or enjoy.
If indulged with prosperity, may we be secured from
its snares, and use its advantages as not abusing them.
And may we patiently and cheerfully submit to those
afflictions which are necessary to hedge up our way
when we are tempted to wander, to excite an abhor-
rence of sin, to wean us from the present evil world,
and to make us partakers of thy holiness. In whatso-
ever state we are, may we be therewith content.
May our friends and relations be fellow-heirs with us
of the grace of life. Let our house be the tabernacle
of the righteous: let our children and servants be a seed
to serve thee: and among none of those who surround
this family altar, may there be weeping and wailing,
and gnashing of teeth, when they shall see Abraham,
WEDNESDAY EVENING. 75
and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God, and they
themselves shut out.
Lord, help us all to view our religious opportunities
as talents, for which we are accountable: to remember
that our greatest danger results from our highest privi-
leges; and to fear, lest a promise being left us of entering
into thy rest, any of us should seem to come short of it.
(Occasional prayers.)
In the duties of this day, be graciously pleased to be
with us. Preserve us from temptations, and the allure-
ments of the world. Defend us from danger, and pre-
pare us for whatever may be thy will in regard to us.
In all circumstances may we evince the Christian spirit:
be kept from anger, and pride, and ambition; from envy,
hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness. May we
be diligent in business; fervent in spirit; serving the
Lord; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continu-
ing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of
saints; given to hospitality. May we rejoice with them
who do rejoice, and weep with them who weep. Help
us to provide things honest in the sight of all men ; and
to live peaceably with all. To the end of our lives may
we be the humble and consistent followers of Jesus
Christ, so that at last, through his merits, we may, with
all thy people, be admitted to the joys of thy kingdom
above.
And to the only wise God, our Saviour, be praise and
glory everlasting.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR 2 CORINTHIANS V.
Jcr. xxxi, 33. — This shall be the covenant that I will make
with the house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord, I will
put my law into their inward parts, and write it in their hearts :
and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
76 SECOND WEEK.
Eph. ii, 10. — We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
unto good works, which God hath before ordained, that we should
walk in them.
2 Cor. in, 5. — Not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to think
any thing as of ourselves ; but our sufficiency is of God.
2 Thess. ii, 13. — We are bound to give thanks always to God
for you, brethren, beloved of the Lord, because God hath from
the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of
the Spirit, and belief of the truth.
John xvn, 11. — Holy Father, keep through thine own name
those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Rom. viii, 38. — I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life,
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor
things to come ; nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature,
shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord.
Phil, i, 6. — Being confident of this very thing, that he which
hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of
Jesus Christ.
Rom. viii, 1. — There is, therefore, now no condemnation to
them which are in Jesus Christ, who walk not after the flesh, but
after the spirit. Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's
elect ? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth ?
It is Christ that died ; yea rather is risen again, who is even at
the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Phil, ii, 12. — Work out your own salvation with fear and
trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will
and to do his good pleasure.
PRAYER.
O merciful God and heavenly Father, Maker of all
things, and Judge of all men, we, the helpless creatures
of thy bounty, and the humble dependants on thy will,
desire now to offer up our acknowledgments to thee, for
all thy goodness, and especially for thy over-ruling care
and protection during the past day. We approach thy
throne as unworthy sinners, and implore thy forgiving
mercy. We lament the trespasses which we daily com-
mit against thee. Thou knowest all our infirmities, and
seest all our hearts, and searchest out all our ways.
Pity, we beseech thee, our blindness and ignorance, and
our proneness to err from the paths of uprightness. Our
hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately
WEDNESDAY EVENING. 77
wicked; and we know not in how many things we con-
stantly offend. But we beseech thee, for Jesus Christ's
sake, to pardon whatever evil we have thought, or said,
or done this day. Turn away thy face from the multi-
tude of our iniquities, and enable us to examine our
hearts and lives by the light of thine unerring word,
that we may repent and turn from our transgressions,
that iniquity may not be our ruin.
We pray thee to pour down upon us the gift of thy
Holy Spirit, that we may amend our ways, and purify
our hearts, and walk before thee in newness of life.
Teach us to improve the means of grace and knowledge
with which we are favored : Remembering always, that
unto whom much is given, of them will much be re-
quired. Let us not bury the talent which thou hast
bestowed upon us, lest we stand condemned as unprof-
itable servants. As we have received Christ Jesus the
Lord, so let us walk in him. May we cultivate those
tempers, and abound in those works, which the gospel
requires. May the graces of meekness and patience,
of kindness and forbearance, of benevolence and char-
ity, be the ornaments of our lives. Being established
in the love of God, may we also love our fellow-men
with pureness and singleness of heart. And let us
abound in all the fruits of righteousness, which are by
Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of God.
(Occasional prayers.)
We beseech thee, heavenly Father, to bless unto us
the events of thy holy providence; and so to order all
things, during the remainder of our days, that they may
issue in our eternal good. Make us duly sensible at all
times, of the shortness and uncertainty of human life.
Teach us to realize the solemn truth, that we know not
what a day may bring forth. Sanctify to us all the
vicissitudes through which we are called to pass, whether
prosperity or adversity, health or sickness, joy or sorrow.
May we consider all things as coming from thy fatherly
78 SECOND WEEK.
hand; that we mny neither repine under thy chastise-
ments, nor prove forgetful of thy mercies. In cheerful-
ness and contentment; and in reconciliation with thee,
our God, may we enjoy peace within ourselves, and live
in perfect charity with all mankind.
We ask for all, for ourselves, and in behalf of those
who are near and dear to us, in the name of Jesus
Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR MATTHEW XVII, 1 13.
1 John in, 2. — Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it
doth not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that, when
he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he is.
3. — And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth him-
self even as he is pure.
2 Pet. in, 13. — We, according to his promise, look for new
heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
John xvn, 24. — Father, I will that they also whom thou hast
given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my
glory, which thou hast given me.
Rev. vii, 15. — They are before the throne of God, and serve
him day and night in his temple : and he that sitteth on the throne
shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither
thirst any more, neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat;
for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them,
and shall lead them unto living fountains of water : and God shall
wipe away all tears from their eyes.
2 Tim. iv, 8. — There is laid up for me a crown of righteous-
ness, which the Lord the righteous judge shall give me at that
day ; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing.
1 Pet. i, 3. — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, which, according to his abundant mercy, hath begotten
us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ
from the dead. 4. — To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled,
and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. 5. — Who
are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.
Heb. iv, 9. — There remaineth therefore a rest for the people
of God.
THURSDAY MORNING. 79
PRAYER.
O most merciful God, behold with compassion thy
weak and sinful creatures, waiting for thy blessing at
the throne of grace. Grant us a spirit of prayer and
supplication, that we may approach thee in a time
acceptable, and offer unto thee the sincere devotions of
humble and contrite hearts. And hear us, we beseech
thee, in loving kindness; and in the multitude of thy
tender mercies, draw nigh unto thy servants, whom
thou hast redeemed with the precious blood of thy dear
Son.
We bow the knee before thee in the name of him,
whom thou thyself hast made the Lord our righteous-
ness. And through him we pray thee to show us thy
mercy, and to grant us thy salvation.
May we now go forth to the discharge of our several
duties, in thy fear, and in humble dependence on thy
protection. Grant us thy Holy Spirit, to guide and
direct us in all the relations of life, and to restrain us
from every vain and sinful indulgence. Enable us to
abstain from those luxuries and pleasures which turn
away the heart from serving thee, and endanger the
peace and welfare of the soul. Preserve us from the
snares and enticements of the wicked. Keep our feet
from falling, and our souls from death, that we may
walk before thee in the light of the living. Dispose us,
day by day, to give all diligence, to add to our faith vir-
tue, and to virtue knowledge, and to knowledge tem-
perance, and to temperance brotherly kindness, and to
brotherly kindness charity. Grant that these, and all
other heavenly dispositions, may be in us and abound,
that we may not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(Occasional prayers.)
Prepare us, O God, for the various changes of this
mortal life. In every visitation, may we see thy over-
ruling hand; that we may humble ourselves in adver-
80 SECOND WEEK.
sity, and receive ihy bounties with devout and thankful
hearts. Regard with compassion all sorts and condi-
tions of men. Preserve the rich from temptation; and
teach them to trust not in uncertain riches, but in thee
the living God. To the poor, give contentment and
submission; that they may be rich in faith, and heirs of
the kingdom which thou hast promised to them that love
thee. Save and defend all the faithful in Christ Jesus.
Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom
thou hast given him; that they all may be one, as thou,
Father, art in him, and he in thee; that they also may
be one, even as ye are one.
Comfort the afflicted; succor the tempted; strengthen
the weak; instruct the ignorant; and reclaim the wan-
dering: and grant unto all men, that godliness which is
profitable unto all things; having the promise of the life
that now is, and of that which is to come.
We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of Jesus
Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, O Father, and the
Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR MATTHEW XIX, 16 29.
Psalm xxxiv, 7. — The angel of the Lord encampeth round
about them that fear him, and delivereth them.
Psa. xci, 11. — He shall give his angels charge over thee, to
keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their
hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Matt, xvni, 10. — Take heed that ye despise not one of these
little ones, for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do
always behold the face of my Father, which is in heaven.
Heb. i, 14. — Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to
minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.
Deut. xxxm, 12. — The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in
safety by him ; and the Lord shall cover him all the clay long.
Prov. xvin, 10. — The name of the Lord is a strong tower;
the righteous runneth unto it, and is safe.
THURSDAY EVENING. 81
Psa. xvi, 8. — I have set the Lord always before me ; because
he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Psa. xxvn, 1. — The Lord is my light, and my salvation, whom
shall ] fear ? The Lord is the strength of my life, of whom shall
1 be afraid ?
Matt, vi, 33. — Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his
righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
Isa. xliii, 2. — When thou passest through the waters, I will
be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow
thee : when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be
burnt; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the
Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour.
PRAYER.
O Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, who
art our constant protector, and the giver of every bless-
ing which we enjoy; we humbly and heartily thank
thee for thy mercies during the past day; and we pray
thee to preserve us through the night, and to cause thy
peace at this time to rest upon us. We ask the forgive-
ness of all our sins. Remember not against us the
transgressions of this day, or of our past lives: but
grant unto us true repentance, and a saving faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ. Give us a due sense of our great
unworthiness, and of the manifold transgressions which
we daily commit against thee. Help us to exercise that
godly sorrow which worketh repentance unto salvation.
And when we appear before thee, weary and heavy-
laden with the burden of our sins, we beseech thee to
show unto us the light of thy reconciled countenance,
and grant us the comforts of thy Holy Spirit; that we
may go to our rest in peace, and in the hope of pardon
of all our sins, through the all-prevailing merits of our
dear Redeemer.
Teach us, O Lord, so to number our days, that we
may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Let us remember,
that we are daily and hourly drawing nearer to the
grave. May we learn, by every instance of mortality,
that our hold on life is feeble and uncertain, and that we
know not how soon it may please thee to bring it to an
82 SECONDWEEK.
end. O blessed Lord, by whose mercy we have been
spared another day, give us grace lo redeem the time
that yet remains, and to use all diligence to fill up the
measure of our duties, and to finish the work which
thou hast given us to do, before we be called hence, to
give up our account to thee.
(Occasional prayers.)
Bless, we pray thee, all our relatives, friends, and
brethren. Make them thy children by adoption and
grace, and extend to them all the benefits of thy gospel.
Have mercy on our native land; and continue to us, if
it please thee, the blessings which we have so long and
so unthankfully enjoyed. Save us from national judg-
ments; and punish us not according to our deserts. But
spare us, good Lord; spare us, for the sake of thy dear
Son. Give wisdom and integrity, we beseech thee, to
our civil rulers and magistrates. May they rule in thy
fear, and seek thy glory. Endue them, and the people
under them, with that righteousness which exalteth a
nation; and save them from those sins which are a
reproach to any people.
These and all other things needful for our bodies and
our souls, for our temporal and eternal interests, we
humbly ask, in the name of our only mediator and
intercessor, Jesus Christ.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR ETHESIANS IV, 1 16.
As T live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of
the wicked ; but that the wicked turn from his way and live : turn
ye, turn ye, from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of
Israel ? Ezek. xxxiii, 1 1. But if the wicked will turn from all his
sins that lie hath committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that
which is lawful and right, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
All his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be
mentioned unto him : in his righteousness that he hath done he
FRIDAY MORNING. 83
shall live. Ezek. xviii, 21. The manifestation of the Spirit is
given to every man to profit withal. 1 Cor. xii, 7. He said unto
me, my grace is sufficient for thee; for my strength is made perfect
in weakness. 2 Cor. xii, 9. Have we not all one father ? Hath
not one God created us ? Mai. ii, 10. God is no respecter of per-
sons; Acts x, 34; but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that
any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. 2
Pet. iii, 9. For there is one God, and one mediator between God
and men, the man Christ Jesus ; who gave himself a ransom for
all. 1 Tim. ii, 5. He is the propitiation for our sins; and not
for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
1 John ii, 2. As by the offense of one, judgment came upon all
men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the
free gift came upon all men unto justification of life: Rom. v,
18 : for God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might
have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the
wisdom and knowledge of God ! how unsearchable are his judg-
ments, and his ways past finding out — Rom. xi, 32 — that he, by
the grace of God, should taste death for every man ! Heb. ii, 9.
PRAYER.
O Lord God, our heavenly Father, grant us grace, at
this time, to present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable unto thee, which is our reasonable service.
Let us come before thee, under a grateful sense of all
thy goodness. We will exalt thee: We will praise thy
name; for thou hast done wonderful things in thy right-
eousness. We will be glad, and rejoice in thy salva-
tion. Every day will we give thanks unto thee, and
praise thy name for ever and ever.
We commend ourselves, O God, to thy care and pro-
tection this day. Defend us with thy mighty power.
Stretch forth thine hand to deliver us from every danger.
Guide and direct us by thy good Spirit; that we may
shun every evil way, and walk securely in thy com-
mandments. Grant us grace, that we fall not under the
power of temptation, nor indulge in any secret or open
sin. Purify our hearts, and regulate our desires, and
restrain our passions, that all our doings, being ordered
by thy holy precepts, may be righteous in thy sight,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
84 SECOND WEEK.
(Occasional prayers.)
We bless thee, O God, that thou hast caused thy holy
scriptures to be written for our learning: and we be-
seech thee to grant, that they may prove profitable to
us, for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, lor instruc-
tion in righteousness; that we may be perfected in obe-
dience, and thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
May we all be so taught of thee, that thy law may be
written in our hearts; that we may call upon thee as
our God, and be acknowledged as thy people.
Grant, O Lord, that the ministers of thy word may
go forth into all the world, preaching the unsearchable
riches of Christ. Grant that the dark and benighted
regions of the earth may hear the voice of redeeming
love. Hasten the day, O God, when the mountain of
the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the
mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills, and all
nations shall flow unto it. May many people go q.nd
say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the
Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will
teach us of his wa}rs, and we will walk in his paths.
Hasten the day, when the nations of the earth shall
beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears
into pruning-hooks; when nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither learn war any more; when all
may walk in the light of the Lord, and great shall be
the peace of thy children.
Prepare us, O God, for the hour of death, and for the
day of judgment; that when thy blessed Son, who has
ascended into heaven, and sitteth on thy right hand,
shall come again, with glory, to judge both the quick
and dead, we may be ready to say, Lo, this is our God;
we have waited for him, and he will save us. Grant
this, for Jesus Christ's sake to whom, with thee, O
Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory,
now and for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY EVENING. 85
FRIDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR 1 JOHN III.
Jas. i, 12. — Blessed is the man that endureth temptation : for
when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the
Lord hath promised to them that love him.
Heb. xii, 5. — My son, despise not thou the chastening of the
Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him : for whom the
Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he
receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with
sons : for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not ? Fur-
thermore, we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us,
and we gave them reverence : shall we not much rather be in
subjection to the Father of spirits, and live ? For they verily for
a few days chastened us after their own pleasure ; but he for our
profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. Now no
chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous:
nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteous-
ness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up
the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.
James v, 7. — Be patient, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.
Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth,
and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter
rain. Be ye also patient; establish your hearts : for the coming
of the Lord draweth nigh.
1 Pet. iv, 12. — Beloved, think it not strange, concerning the
fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing hap-
pened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of
Christ's sufferings ; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may
be glad also with exceeding joy.
2 Cor. iv, 16. — For which cause we faint not ; but though our
outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17. — For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh
for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
1 Pet. v, 6. — Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty
hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time : casting all your
care upon him ; for he careth for you. And the God of all grace,
who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus,
after that ye have suffered awhile, make you perfect, stablish,
strengthen, settle you.
PRAYER.
Almighty God, the Giver of every good and perfect
gift, we bless thee for another opportunity of coming
into thy presence; and we beseech thee, of thy great
8
86 SECOND WEEK.
goodness, to accept our thanksgivings and receive our
prayers. May we approach thy throne with due rever-
ence and godly fear; knowing that thou art every where
present, and searchest out all our ways; that there is
not a word in our tongue, nor a thought of our heart,
but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether.
We acknowledge all our sinfulness. We have gone
astray like lost and wandering sheep. But, O thou
Shepherd of Israel, who didst come to seek and to save
that which was lost, may we hear thy voice, and return
unto thee. And we beseech thee to have compassion
upon us; bind up the broken; reclaim the wandering,
and restore us to the paths of righteousness and peace.
When compassed about with infirmities, and sorrows,
and sufferings, may we repose in perfect confidence on
thy promise, that thou wilt swallow up death in victory,
and wipe away tears from off all faces. May we look
upon our blessed Saviour as he is revealed to us, a King
reigning in righteousness. May he be unto us, as a
hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tem-
pest; as rivers of water in a dry place; as the shadow
of a great rock in a weary land.
(Occasional prayers.)
Have mercy, O God, upon the poor, the desolate, and
the oppressed. Be thou the widow's God, and a father
of the fatherless; and raise up, we beseech thee, friends
and benefactors for the needy and the destitute; that
they may be defended in all adversities, and provided
for in all their necessities.
We pray for our enemies, persecutors, and slanderers.
Have pity and compassion upon them; and grant them
grace to see their wickedness, and turn from their sins.
Forgive them, O Lord, in thy mercy; and grant us a
spirit of forgiveness, that we may be ready to do unto
others, as we would that thou shouldst do unto us.
Extend thy compassion, heavenly Father, to those
who are spiritually blind and ignorant. Cause the
SATURDAY MORNING. 87
wicked to forsake his way, and the unrighteous man
his thoughts, that he may turn unto thee, and be abun-
dantly pardoned.
Send out the light of thy everlasting gospel to the
benighted heathen, and to all who are dwelling in dark-
ness and the shadow of death. May the glad tidings
of salvation be heard among them, as the voice of one
crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the
Lord, and make his paths straight.
We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of Jesus
Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, O Father, and the
Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON OR EPHESIANS II.
Col. in, 1. — If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things
which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When
Christ who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with
him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon
the earth ; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil con-
cupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. For which
things1 sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of dis-
obedience: but now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, mal-
ice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. And
have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after
the image of him that created him.
Rom. vi, 21. — What fruit had ye then in those things whereof
ye are now ashamed ? for the end of those things is death.
22. — But now being made free from sin, and become servants to
God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
23. — For the wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal
life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
PRAYER.
Almighty and everlasting God, who hast taught us,
in thy holy word, to make prayers, and supplications,
88 gECOND WEEK.
and intercessions, and to give thanks for all men; we
humbly beseech thee favorably to receive these our
prayers, which we offer unto thy divine majesty. We
bless thee for thy great mercy, in opening a door of
access to thy throne, through the intercession of thy
dear Son, who is revealed to us as the way, the truth,
and the life. We bless thee for thy gracious promise,
that whatsoever we shall faithfully ask of thee in his
name, shall be given unto us. We come before thee,
pleading this thy unfailing assurance; and we beseech
thee to look down upon us in mercy, and grant our
petitions for Jesus Christ's sake.
We pray for thy holy church throughout the world.
Inspire its ministers and members with the spirit of
truth, unity, and concord; that it may be delivered from
all false doctrine, from hardness of heart, and contempt
of thy word and commandment; and grant that all those
who confess thy holy name, may agree in the truth of
thy holy word, and live in peace, and harmony, and
godly love.
We pray for all Christian rulers and magistrates; be-
seeching thee so to direct and dispose their hearts, that
they may truly and impartially administer justice, to
the punishment of wickedness and vice, and to the
maintenance of thy true religion and virtue.
We pray for our common country; that its civil, reli-
gious and benevolent institutions, may enjoy thy bless-
ing; that its schools and seminaries ^of learning may
flourish and prosper; that health, and peace, and plen-
teousness may abound ; that righteousness, which alone
exalteth a nation, may prevail; and that sin, which is a
reproach to any people, may not be our ruin.
We pray for all sorts and conditions of men ; that thou
wouldst give them thy heavenly grace; and especially
to this family here assembled in thy name and presence;
that with meekness of heart and due reverence, they
may hear and obey thy commandments; truly serving
SATURDAY EVENING. 89
thee in holiness and righteousness all the days of their
life.
We pray for all those, who, in this transitory life, are
in sorrow, sickness, or any other adversity. Of thy
great goodness, O Lord, comfort and succor them.
Show them the light of thy countenance; sustain them
in all their trials, and make all things to work together
for their present and eternal welfare.
(Occasional prayers.)
We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of Jesus
Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, O Father, and the
Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end.
Our Father who, Sec. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSOX OR PSALM CXIX, 1 16.
Jlcts xxiv, 16. — Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a
conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.
2 Cor. i, 12. — For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our
conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with flesh-
ly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversa-
tion in the world.
Isa. lvii, 15. — Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabit-
ed! eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy
place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to
revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the
contrite ones. But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when
it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. There is no
peace, saith my God, to the wicked.
Heb. x, 22. — Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assur-
ance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience,
and our bodies washed with pure water.
Tit. i, 15. — Unto the pure all things are pure; but unto them
that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure ; but even their
mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know
God; but in works they deny him, being abominable and dis-
obedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Luke xm, 24. — Strive to enter in at the straight gate; for
many, 1 say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
1 Tim. iv, 2. — Having their conscience seared with a hot iron.
Jer. xvn, 9. — The heart is deceitful above all things, and
desperately wicked : who can know it ?
8*
90 SECOND WEEK.
PRAYER.
In an humble acknowledgment of our manifold sins
and iniquities, which we from time to time, and more
especially this day, have committed against thee, in
thought, word, and deed, we now prostrate ourselves
before thee, O Lord of heaven and earth, beseeching
thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Lord and
Saviour, to be merciful unto us. Forgive us, O Lord,
that we have not rendered unto thee according to thy
mercy and loving-kindness; that we have been forgetful
and disobedient, and have sinned against heaven, and in
thy sight. Let thy Holy Spirit sanctify us throughout,
and give us more and more grace and strength, whereby
we may be enabled to subdue all our sinful and corrupt
affections; grant that we may improve the remainder
of our days with all possible care, and give all diligence
to make our calling and election sure, that we may so
persevere therein unto death, that at last we may attain
everlasting life.
Accept our praises and thanksgivings for all thy
mercies vouchsafed to us in this life, and for the hopes
of a better. And now that we are going lo take our rest
and sleep, let us consider that thou, Lord, only makest
us to dwell in safety ; whether we sleep or wake, live
or die, let us be found thine own, to thy eternal glory,
and our everlasting salvation, through Jesus Christ.
O our God, another week has just passed away, and
we are still in the land of the living, while so many of
our fellow-creatures have passed from time into eternity.
Blessed be God for the continuance of life and health,
and for prolonged opportunities of preparing for death
and judgment.
O gracious God, let not this continuance of mercy in-
crease our condemnation, by encouraging us to commit
sin, because hitherto thine anger has been withheld from
falling upon us. Let us not treasure up wrath unto our-
LORDSDAY MORNING. 91
selves against the day of wrath ; but teach us to number
our days, lhaC we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
(Occasional prayers.)
Prepare us, most blessed God, by sleep and rest, to
take our part in the duties of the Sabbath to-morrow.
Give us that sense of sin which leads to a full confession
of its guilt, and to faith in the atonement of Christ
for its pardon. Give us that adoring gratitude for all
thy mercies, more especially for the great mercy of a
Saviour, which may incline us to praise thee with joyful
lips. Give us that sense of the value of our souls, and
of the greatness of thy salvation, which may lead us to
seek life and mercy with all our hearts. O let not the
coming Sabbath be defectively used, like those which
are past; but let it be so improved, by public and
private means of grace, as to advance our meetness for
the service of that eternal Sabbath that remaineth for
the people of God; through the merit and mediation of
Jesus Christ.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THIRD WEEK.
LORDSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P SiLM XIX.
PRAYER.
O thou Lord of the Sabbath! enable us, on this
morning of thy holy day, to worship thee in spirit and
truth. May we find it good to draw near to thee in
prayer. We thank thee for the consecration of one day
in seven to thy immediate service. This is the day the
Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Grant us thy gracious presence and blessing. Take off
92 THIRD WEEK.
our thoughts from the vanities of time and sense, and
place them upon divine and heavenly things. We would
cease from our own works, as God on the seventh day
did from his, and call the Lordsday a delight, the holy
of the Lord, honorable; and honor him, not doing our
own ways, nor finding our own pleasure, nor speaking
our own words; but delighting in the Lord. We con-
fess before thee our manifold transgressions. With the
leper under the law, we cry, unclean, unclean ; and with
the humble publican, God! be merciful to us, sinners.
Like penitent Job, we would abhor ourselves, and re-
pent in dust and ashes. O thou God of salvation! have
mercy on us. Make bare thine almighty arm for our
deliverance: save us, or we perish. Make us the tro-
phies of thy victorious grace. Wilt thou, who didst at
first command light to shine out of darkness, shine in
our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the
glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. We bless,
thee, O God! for our creation and preservation; for the
kind care thou hast taken of us from the commencement
of our existence to the present moment. We thank thee
especially for the gift of thy Son, and for the method of
salvation by him. What shall we render unto the
Lord for all his benefits towards us? We will offer to
thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the
name of the Lord. We would present our bodies a
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God, which is
our reasonable service. When permitted to wait upon
thee in thine earthly courts, grant us thy blessing. If
thy presence go not with us, wherefore should we go up
to thy house ? Help us to keep our feet, when we go
to the house of God, and to be more ready to hear, than
to offer the sacrifice of fools. Be with all thy worship-
ing assemblies every where this day. Give them fel-
lowship with thee in thine ordinances, and, while in thy
banqueting-house, may thy banner over them be love.
Let none be disposed unnecessarily to forsake the as
LORDSDAY EVENING.' 93
sembling of themselves together as the manner of some
is. Impart unto the ministers of the gospel, a double
portion of thy Holy Spirit. May they show themselves
approved unto God, workmen that need not be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth. Bless the minister
whom thou hast placed over us. Make him wise to win
souls unto Christ. May this Lordsday be a spiritual
birth-day to thousands. Open thou blind eyes, unstop
deaf ears, and break hard hearts. Instruct the igno-
rant, reclaim the wandering, and edify thy people.
(Occasional prayers.)
We thank thee, gracious Father! for the mercies of
the past night, and for the light and blessings of this
holy morning. Let thy good providence preserve and
defend us this day, and thy Holy Spirit guide and com-
fort us. Prepare us for all the duties and events of sub-
sequent life, and, especially, for death, judgment and a
happy eternity. And now, O thou prayer-hearing and
prayer-answering God ! hear our supplications, and
grant us an answer in peace through Jesus Christ; to
whom, as the Lamb that was slain to redeem us to God
by his blood, be blessing, and honor, and glory, and
power for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The »race of, Sec. Amen.
LORDSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON JOHN I, 1 18.
PRAYER.
Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, which art, and
wast, and art to come! thy name endureth for ever, and
thy memorial unto all generations. Help us, at the
close of this thy holy day, to bow before thee with
profound veneration. We thank thee for the Lordsday
and its sacred privileges ; that we have been permitted
94 THIRD WEEK.
to worship thee in the family, and in the house of our
holy solemnities. Accept, through the mediation of the
heavenly Advocate, our praises and thanksgivings; hear
our supplications; and sanctify to us the instructions of
thy word. May what we have this day heard, read and
meditated upon, of a religious nature, deeply impress
our minds and do us good, as thy word doth the upright
in heart. If we have misspent or profaned any portion
of thy holy day, pardon us, we beseech thee. May the
services of thy people, in all parts of Christendom, come
up in acceptable remembrance before thee. Wherein
their worship has been defective or defiled, forgive.
Let what they have this day learned of God and his
law, of their depravity and ruin, of Christ and his gos-
pel, powerfully impress their hearts, and influence their
practice. May thy word, this day dispensed, be quick
and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit,
and of the joints and marrow. Cause a heavenly wind
to blow, that dry bones may be enlivened, and the dead
in trespasses and sins be quickened. Bless all thy
churches. Build them up in the faith, order, and
purity of the gospel. May all, who minister at thy
holy altar, be richly furnished for the services of the
sanctuary, and be inspired with an ardent love for the
souls of men. Bless thy servant, who ministers in spir-
itual things unto us. May he be instant in season and
out of season, laboring abundantly in word and doc-
trine, not teaching for doctrines the commandments of
men, but the pure word of God.
(Occasional prayers.)
Succeed all attempts to spread the gospel to the ends
of the earth, and to save a perishing world. O Lord !
graciously regard us, who are now worshiping before
thee. Behold! we are vile, what shall we answer thee?
Our sins are more numerous than the hairs of our heads,
and testify against us. But O Lord! enter not into
MONDAY MORNING. 95
judgment with us, for in thy sight shall no man living
be justified. With the disciple of Christ we pray,
Lord ! save or we perish. O thou who art exalted to
give repentance to Israel and remission of sins! give us
that godly sorrow which worketh repentance to salva-
tion not to be repented of. Pardon us we beseech thee,
and accept us in thy beloved. We thank thee, heav-
enly Father ! that thou hast so tenderly loved us, as to
give thine only begotten Son to die for us. Praised be
thy name, that eternal redemption may be obtained
through the blood of sprinkling. We give thee thanks
for the blessings of life, and of the past day in particu-
lar. We commit ourselves into thy hands for keeping
this night. May we lie down to rest in safety, and in
peace with God and man. Having been refreshed with
sleep, bring us to behold the morning, rejoicing in its
light and in thy loving kindness. Ever may we act in
thy fear, and live to thy glory. When the evening of
life shall arrive and we are called to close the day of
toil and trouble, may we fall asleep in Jesus, and, in
the morning of the resurrection, awake to a glorious
and blissful immortality. Hear our prayer, O Lord!
give ear to our supplications; in thy faithfulness answer
us, and in thy righteousness. Now unto the King eter-
nal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor
and glory for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
MONDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON JOHN IV, 1 26.
PRAYER.
The heavens declare thy glory, O God, and the
firmament showeth thy handiwork. Day unto day
uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth know-
ledge, and there is no speech nor language where their
96 THIRD WEEK.
voice is not heard. We behold displays of thy wisdom,
power and goodness, in all thy works, from the largest
to the least.
But thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name;
and we can never be sufficiently thankful, for the reve-
lation of thy will in the Scriptures of truth. We bless
thee that these sacred Scriptures have been preserved,
and translated, and published, and multiplied, so that we
all have it in our possession, and can read, in our own
tongue, the wonderful works of God. Here we see not
only thy greatness, but thy grace; and not only thy pity,
but thy rectitude; we see mercy and truth meeting
together, righteousness and peace kissing each other.
Here thou hast shined in our hearts, to give us the light
of the knowledge of thy glory in the face of Jesus
Christ.
For in Him thou hast reconciled the world unto thy-
self, not imputing their trespasses unto them. Thou
hast made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin, that
we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
And thou hast raised Him up from the dead, and given
him glory, that our faith and hope may be in God.
May the hearts thus tenderly wooed, be effectually
won. At the view of this infinite kindness, may we
resign all our unworthy and suspicious thoughts; and
placing our confidence in thee, return and say — Lord, I
am thine, save me. Look thou upon me and be mer-
ciful unto me, as thou dost unto those that love thy
name.
(Occasional prayers.)
Preserve us from a false estimate of the whole of our
character, or of any part of it. May we regard our
principles, as well as our conduct; our motives as well
as our actions. May we never mistake the excitement
of our passions, for the renewing of the Holy Ghost.
May we never judge of our religion, by occasional
impressions and impulses; but by our constant and
MONDAY EVENING. 97
prevailing disposition. May our heart be right with
God, and our life such as becometh the gospel.
May we maintain a supreme regard to another and a
better world, and feel, and confess ourselves to be only
strangers and pilgrims in this. How often by bodily
infirmities and pains, by relative afflictions, and by
dissatisfactions growing out of every enjoyment — how
often have we been told — O, when shall we be taught,
that this is notour rest? O God, not only command,
but enable us, to arise and depart hence. Afford us all
1 the direction, all the defense, all the support, all the
I consolation our journey will require. Give us, in large
abundance, the supply of the spirit of Jesus Christ, that
i we may be prepared for every duty: that we may love
! thee in all our mercies; that we may submit to thee in
: every trial. May we trust thee when we walk in dark-
' ness, and have no light; and amidst all the changes of
j the present, and the uncertainties of the future, may our
minds be kept in perfect peace, being stayed upon God.
Hast thou not made with us an everlasting covenant,
ordered in all things and sure? The very hairs of our
head — are they not all numbered? Are not all thy
ways mercy and truth? Lord, we believe, help thou
jour unbelief. And now unto him that is able to keep
! us from falling, and to present us faultless, before the
', presence of his glory, with exceeding joy. To the only
jwise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion
•and power, both now and for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
MONDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON — ISAIAH XXXV.
PRAYER.
O thou exalted God and Father! we come loaded
with thy mercies, to present to thee our evening sacri-
98 THIRD WEEK.
fice of prayer and thanksgiving. With more than pa-
rental solicitude thou hast watched over us this day,
and brought us to see its close in peace and safety.
How unworthy are we of all thy favors! We feel and
acknowledge that this very day we have been guilty of
many sins and shortcomings. Our hearts are ever prone
to forget thee; and though the spirit is willing, the flesh
is weak. Have mercy upon us, O God, according to
thy loving kindness, according to the multitude of thy
tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. Sprinkle
our souls afresh with the atoning blood of Christ.
Cleanse thou us from secret faults. We know that our
sins are great, but thy mercy is greater, and hence we
trust in our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May we
be enabled hereafter carefully to avoid whatever was
wrong or sinful in us to-day. May we be more watch-
ful against temptation, more zealous in thy service, more
devout in prayer, more spiritual in our conversation, and
more holy in our walk.
(Occasional prayers.)
We now retire to rest, — be pleased to throw the shield
of thy protection over us this night. Give thy holy
angels charge concerning us, that no evil, seen or un-
seen, may befall us. Help us to remember that as we
now lay our bodies upon our bed of sleep, so we will
soon have to be laid in our grave to awake no more
until the morning of the resurrection. Let erery future
day and night of our lives be spent in such a manner,
that whenever thou shalt call us hence, we may depart
as peacefully as we now retire to rest. If this should
be the night of our death, may we sleep in Jesus. Our
God is ours, and we are his, what enemy have we to
fear?
We would supplicate the same blessings for all that
are near and dear to us, that we ask for ourselves.
Have mercy upon our enemies, and bless their souls.
May they not be thine enemies. May we be enabled
TUESDAY MORNING. 99
to act in such a manner towards them, that they may
take knowledge of us, that we have been with Jesus,
and have learned of him. Remember graciously all
the sick and afflicted, and administer to their wants.
Pity a world that lieth in sin, and send abroad thy light
and truth into all the earth. May we be invigorated
and refreshed by sleep, so that if it be thy will, we may
behold the coming morning in health and peace, and be
well prepared for the duties and labors of the new day.
And now unto God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, be
present and eternal praises given.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY MORNING.
BCRIPTURE LESSON MARK II, 1 17.
PRAYER.
Blessed be God, the Creator of heaven and earth !
i Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only
doeth wondrous things. And blessed be his glorious
.name for ever! who hath created the day and the night,
[and divided the light and the darkness, and who hath
I ordained that as long as time shall be, they shall not
cease; in order that mankind may rest in the hours of
(silent darkness and return by morning light to their
daily avocations. Lord, how manifold are thy works;
in wisdom hast thou made them all ; the earth is full of
thy goodness. For these thy mercies we should praise
thee, before yet the sun arise, and draw nigh unto thee
iwilh the dawn of the morning. Therefore do we now
again appear in thy presence, to praise thee for the quiet
repose and refreshing sleep which in the past night we
have enjoyed, and that we are this morning again per-
mitted to rise in health and gladness. We beseech
thee, preserve our souls this day as it were in the hollow
100 THIRD WEEK.
of thy hand and keep our bodies in health and safety,
secure from the multiplied calamities which surround
us. Be thou unto us a mighty protection and a strong
stay, a preservation from stumbling and a help from
falling, [Sir. xxxiv, 16,] that no calamity overtake us.
(Occasional prayers.)
O merciful God, grant that, as knowing the time, that
now it is high time to arise out of the sleep of sin and
unrighteousness, for now our salvation is nearer than
when we believed, and since the night is far spent and
the day is at hand, O grant, that we may therefore cast
off' the works of darkness, and put on the armor of
light, that we may walk honestly as in the day: not
in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and
wantonness, not in strife and envying, but that we may
put on the Lord Jesus Christ in true faith and goodness.
Waken us, O Lord, in the morning, and incline our ears
to hear thy word, that we may receive the same in faith
and treasure it up in our hearts — and complying with
its directions, listen to the cries and supply the wants
of the poor and distressed; and when again in days of
distress we call upon thee, O lend a listening ear to the
voice of our supplications, and despise not the prayer of
our souls when death draws nigh. Early shall our
prayers come before thee, incline thine ear to our cries,
and in the morning fill us with thy grace, then shall we
delight and rejoice in thee all our days.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON MATTHEW XI.
PRAYER.
O thou powerful and everlasting God, Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, we would tender unto thee our
heartfelt and grateful acknowledgments, that through
TUESDAY EVENING. 101
thy divine protection, this day has been spent free from
all danger and harm. That we have not come into
perils and dangers, threatening both body and soul, we
have to attribute to thy mercy, for thou hast preserved
us in all our ways. We beseech thee now furthermore
pardon all the sins we have committed against thee in
former times, and take us and all those who are near
and dear unto us into thy keeping, this night and through
the remainder of our pilgrimage here below. In mercy
preserve us from all fear and distress, from the delusions
and craftiness of the devil, wherewith he endeavors to
subdue us both by day and by night; preserve us from the
pestilence that walketh in darkness, and from the snares
of the enemy: deliver us from the net and the snares
laid to entrap our souls. Let not the temptations of the
evil one be greater than our strength, but rescue us, O
Lord, from every danger which may threaten either
body or soul; for thou, Lord, art our rock and our
fortress and our deliverer: our God, our strength, in
thee will we trust, our buckler and the horn of our
salvation and our high tower. [Ps. xviii, 3.] Therefore
thou ever faithful God, let thy waking eyes be upon us,
and prove thou our defense from the power and attacks
of the great enemy; be our watch and guard, surround
us with thy protection as with a wall, that nothing can
harm us, for in thee alone is our salvation — to thee do
we raise our eyes, from thee alone comelh our help.
Our help cometh from the Lord who hath created heaven
and earth. Behold, as the eyes of servants look unto
the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden
unto the hand of her mistress, so our eyes wait upon
the Lord our God, until that he have mercy upon us.
Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us.
Lift upon us the light of thy countenance, that we may
not sleep the sleep of death, O thou that livest and
reignest throughout eternity. (Occasional prayers.)
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
9*
]02 THIRD WEEK.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P S A L M XXIII.
PRAYER.
Almighty and heavenly Father, who art about our
path, and beholdest all our ways; we come to thee in
the name of thy beloved Son, to supplicate thy mercy
as we enter upon the duties of another day.
Thou, O Lord, art a shield for us, our glory, and the
lifter up of our heads. We laid us down, and slept;
we have awaked, for thou, Lord, hast sustained us.
For restored light, for life, and health, and strength, we
praise and bless thee. Thou, Lord, only, keepest us in
safety, and free from evil. Thou providest for all our
wants. May our souls, and all that is within us, mag-
nify God for all his goodness, and especially for his
wonderful mercy in redeeming sinners by Jesus Christ;
for the light of that Sun of Righteousness, which arises
with healing in his wings on benighted souls; for all the
blessings of free salvation through him, all the means of
grace, and the hope of future glory.
Sad are the returns which we have made for so many
mercies. How ungrateful have we been ! We acknow-
ledge and bewail our manifold sins and rebellions. We
were born in sin, and we find continually the flesh lust-
ing against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh, so
that we cannot do the things that we would. We are
guilty, sinful and weak. Lord, save us, or we perish.
We entirely depend on thy mercy, in Christ Jesus,
for the gift and continuance of every good, and for
deliverance from all those evils which we have justly
deserved.
For that mercy we now earnestly look to thee, O
Father of mercies. Remember us, O Lord, with the
favor that thou bearest unto thy people. O visit us with
thy salvation that we may see the good of thy chosen,
WEDNESDAY MORNING. 103
that we may rejoice in the gladness of thy people, that
we may glory with thine inheritance. May the grace
of God which bringeth salvation, teach us, and all
men, to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live
soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world.
Give us grace to be continually looking to thee,
through this day, for direction, assistance and strength.
Be thou in all our thoughts, and let us acknowledge
thee in all our ways.
Give us the same mind that was in Christ Jesus, that
we may be humble, patient, gentle and full of love,
even as he was. Teach us to be poor in spirit, and
meek; to mourn for sin, and to hunger and thirst after
righteousness. Grant that we may love that Saviour
whom we have not seen, and believing in him may we
rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.
And here, constrained by thy mercies, we would
afresh present our bodies a living sacrifice, holy and
acceptable unto thee, which is our reasonable service.
We renew in thy presence all our solemn vows, re-
nouncing the world, the flesh and the devil; and stead-
fastly purposing, by thy help, to keep thy holy will and
commandments. We take thee, O God, for our portion,
and thy laws as our rule, and thy service as our duty,
entreating thee to give us grace that we may be wholly
thine.
(Occasional prayers.)
May all mankind know and serve thee. Grant that
the kingdom which is righteousness, and peace, and joy
in the Holy Ghost, may be established in every land, in
every heart.
Grant the abundance of thy Holy Spirit to the minis-
ters of Christ every where, and especially to him who
watches over our souls. Bless the place and the neigh-
borhood in which we live, and prosper every effort to do
good.
Lord, we beseech thee also to bless our more irame-
104 THIRD WEEK.
diate relations. Look upon them in mercy, and visit
them with thy salvation. Hear these prayers, for the
only sake of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON 1 CORINTHIANS XV, 1 28.
PRAYER.
Almighty God and most merciful Father! we adore
thee as a being possessed of all possible perfections,
excellence and glory. Who is like unto thee, O Lord !
glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?
We approach thee through Jesus Christ, who is Medi-
ator between God and man. In the name of our great
High Priest, who is passed into the heavens, we would
come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may
obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
We thank thee, O Lord ! that thou didst make man
with such noble powers of body and mind. But we
have to acknowledge that the crown is fallen from our
head; woe unto us that we have sinned. Our hearts
by nature are deceitful above all things, and desperately
wicked; who shall deliver us from the body of this
death ! Our flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and we
are afraid of thy judgment. Praised be thy name, that
thou hast not cut us down as cumberers of the ground,
but that we have still a place in thy vineyard. Thou
art waiting to be gracious, and calling by the voice of
providence and thy glorious word, saying : " turn ye, turn
ye, for why will ye die?" O that we might obey thy
calls, and turn and live! Give us repentance towards
God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. May
we have the blessedness of that man, whose iniquities
are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Enable us
WEDNESDAY EVENING. 105
to exercise ourselves so as to have always a conscience
void of offense towards God and towards man. O
Lord! graciously regard those who are in a state of
impenitence. Teach transgressors thy ways, and let
sinners be converted unto thee. Quicken those who
are dead in trespass and sins. Bless the aged. Sup-
port them in the decline of life, and let the evening of
their days be tranquil and happy. Command thy bless-
ing upon the middle aged and the rising generation.
May parents instruct their children and their households
after them, that they may keep the way of the Lord, to
do justice and judgment. Comfort Zion, make her wil-
derness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of
the Lord, that joy and gladness may be found therein,
thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
(Occasional prayers.)
Great Author of our being and blessings! we thank
thee for the favors, which thou hast been pleased to
bestow upon us. From thine inexhaustible fulness, our
daily wants have been supplied. We bless thee for the
wonders of redeeming love, for the overtures of mercy,
and for the means of grace. Make us wise unto eter-
nal life. Help us to choose that good part, which shall
never be taken away from us. We thank thee, O Lord !
for the protection and blessings of another day and
evening. We now commit ourselves into thy keeping
for this night. May the holy angels encamp around our
habitation and defend us. Permit us in safety to see
another day, prepared for its duties and events. Guide,
guard, and bless us in this state of trial, and at death
receive us to mansions of glory, through the atonement
and intercession of Jesus Christ. Now unto him that
is able to keep us from falling, and to present us fault-
less before the presence of his glory with exceeding
joy; to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and
majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
106 THIRD WEEK.
THURSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON JOHN X, 1 18.
PRAYER.
O thou high and lofty One that inhabitest eternity,
whose name is holy! though thou art exalted as God
over all, blessed for evermore; yet thou dost condescend
to dwell with those, who are of a contrite and humble
spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and the heart
of the contrite. O Lord ! in thine infinite condescen-
sion look down upon us now prostrate before thee. We
humbly confess all our iniquities and guilt. We have
erred and strayed like lost sheep. When we have
known our Master's will, we have not been careful to
perform it, and therefore deserve to be beaten with
many stripes. O Lord ! have mercy upon us miserable
sinners. Spare thou us, who confess our faults. Let
us know the plague of our hearts, and see what evil
dwells within us. Give us the deepest penitence for
sin, for a broken heart, O God ! thou wilt not despise.
May we think on our ways, and turn unto the Lord,
from whom we have so ungratefully revolted. O for an
interest in Christ, whose blood cleanseth from all sin.
We would go unto the glorious Saviour, who hath said,
come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden,
and 1 will give you rest. Enable us at all times to pos-
sess the temper of christians, that we may manifest our-
selves to be the disciples of the meek and lowly Jesus.
(Occasional prayers.)
O thou compassionate Father in heaven! be pleased
to extend thy grace to the whole family of man. Give
thy Son the heathen for his inheritance, and the utter-
most parts of the earth for his possession. Let the gos-
pel be preached to every creature under heaven, and
be effectual to their conversion and salvation. Give to
the ministers of the gospel ardent zeal in their divine
THURSDAY EVENING. 107
Master's service, and eminent success in their high call-
ing. We give thee thanks for thy manifold goodness in
redemption. We praise thee, O Lord, for the message
of eternal life, published in the gospel; that we are
come not unto mount Sinai, that burned with fire, and
threatens death; but unto mount Zion, which proclaims
mercy to every penitent. We bless thee, too, for the
bounties of thy daily providence. Surely goodness and
mercy have followed us all our days. We render thee
thanks for the mercies of the night past. We laid us
down and slept; we awaked, because thou, Lord! hast
sustained us. Go forth with us, we beseech thee, in the
concerns of this day. Prosper us in our lawful under-
takings. Guide us by thine unerring wisdom, all the
days of our pilgrimage, and enable us at death to depart
this life in the triumphs of a christian hope. And when
absent from the body, may we be present with the Lord,
and be permitted to celebrate for ever the praises of
redeeming love. All which we ask in the name, and
through the mediation of Jesus Christ; to whom with
the Father, and the Holy Spirit, be equal and everlast-
ing honors.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSOST MATTHEW XXI, 1 16.
PRAYER.
Supremely great and glorious God! before thee
angels, veiling their faces, bow and worship. Permit
us, who dwell on thy footstool, unworthy as we are, to
approach thy sacred presence, through the atoning blood
of Jesus. It is a good thing to give thanks unto the
Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High!
to show forth thy loving kindness in the morning, and
108 THIRD WEEK.
thy faithfulness every night. Blessed be God, who
hath preserved us in our going out and coming in, the
day past, and who daily loads us with benefits. We
have been the recipients of thy divine bounty continu-
ally, and we would gratefully acknowledge the hand
that has supplied us. Take care of us, O Lord! this
night. Keep us as the apple of thine eye. Hide us
under the shadow of thy wings. May we commune
with our own hearts upon our beds, and meditate upon
thee in the night watches. Permit us to behold the
light of another day, better prepared to serve thee, than
ever yet we have been. Be with us in all subsequent
life. As thou hast guarded and blessed us in infancy,
in youth, and in riper years; so do thou continue to be
our guardian and benefactor. While we rejoice that
thou hast given us birth and education in a land of gos-
pel light and liberty, may we not abuse our exalted
privileges and blessings. O Lord! we confess 4iat we
have ill-requited thee for thy goodness. We have been
disobedient children. We have violated thy precepts,
and despised thy mercy. Our trespasses have reached
unto the clouds, and cry aloud for vengeance. It is
thine amazing, thine infinite forbearance, that keeps us
out of hell. Look in mercy upon us, O God of mercy!
Turn us, and we shall be turned; draw us with the
cords of thy love, and we shall run after thee; mould
us into thine image, and we shall be holy. Lord! lift
thou up the light of thy countenance upon us, and put
gladness into our hearts. Ever may we act as account-
able creatures, and faithfully discharge the duties of our
several relations in life. May we be dead to this world,
and alive to God and divine things, and always live
prepared for death, judgment and eternity.
(Occasional prayers.)
Bless the whole christian church ; purge it from cor-
ruptions, heal its divisions, and increase its numbers.
Pour out thy Holy Spirit and revive pure religion, and
FRIDAY MORNING. 109
undefiled before God and the Father, in this place. Let
converts to Jesus be multiplied, and let many be added
to the church, who shall finally be saved. Bless thy
servant, who labors among us in word and doctrine.
Make him faithful and successful, as an ambassador of
Christ. Have compassion, O Lord! upon the whole
family of man. By thy all-conquering grace suppress
all vice, error and delusion. Plant Immanuel's stand-
ard in every land. Let thy word have free course and
be glorified; and let the earth be full of the knowledge
of the Lord as the\vaters cover the sea, and all flesh
see thy salvation. Glory be to the Father, and to the
Son, and to the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON PH1LIPPIANS II, 1 17.
PRAYER.
O thou eternal God! with thee is the fountain of life.
Thou art the Father of men and angels. Thou art the
Governor of the universe, and the Judge of all. Thou
dost from thy throne behold all the dwellers upon earth:
and there is not a word on our tongue, or a thought in
our heart, but lo! O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
And thou art not a God that has pleasure in wicked-
ness, neither can evil dwell with thee.
How then can we presume to enter thy presence,
Mwho have rendered ourselves guilty before thee, and
tjhave provoked thy righteous displeasure. O wretched
|| creatures that we are ! We have wearied thy patience,
l we have abused thy goodness, we have trampled on thy
authority, and we have said unto God, depart from us,
we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. We lie at
10
HO THIRD WE EK.
thy mercy. If thou pity us not, we are undone. But
thou art longsuffering, not willing that any should
perish. Hast thou not sworn by thyself, that thou hast
no pleasure in the death of him that dieth? Hast thou
not delivered up thine own Son for us all? And wilt
thou not with him, also freely give us all things?
Through him as the way, the truth, and the life, may
we return to thee; and find thee, waiting to be gracious,
and exalted to have mercy upon us. Awaken our
consciences. Enlighten us in the knowledge of sin and
of ourselves. May we feel our personal depravity,
misery, and helplessness. May we rejoice in the suit-
ableness, the all-sufficiency, and the perfect willingness
of the Saviour; and find in him, for ourselves, individ-
ually, wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification,
and redemption. As our Prophet, may we receive his
instructions. As our High Priest, may we rely on his
sacrifice and intercession. As our Prince, may we
obey him. As our example, may we follow him: and
whatsoever we do, in word, or deed, may we do all in
the name of the Lord Jesus.
May integrity and uprightness preserve us. May we
be Israelites indeed, in whom is no guile; and herein
exercise ourselves, to have always a conscience void of
offense, towards God, and towards man. May the
same mind govern us, and the same spirit actuate us,
in prosperity and adversity; alone, and in public; in
thy house, and in our own; may we fulfil our course
with diligence and perseverance; and at last, finish it
with joy. When we have passed the wilderness, and
our eyes behold the swellings of Jordan, bid our anx-
ious fears subside; and give us an abundant entrance
into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour.
But, O Lord, we would not reach that felicity alone.
May we awaken the attention of others, and induce
them to join us in the path of life; ever remembering,
that if we convert a sinner from the error of his way, we
FRIDAY EVENING. HI
shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude
of sins. May we therefore seek every opportunity of
usefulness; may we walk in wisdom towards them that
are without; holding forth the word of life, and adorn-
ing the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
(Occasional prayers.)
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON PHILIPPIANS III.
PRAYER.
Almighty and everlasting God, dispose our hearts,
we beseech thee, to close this day with serious reflec-
tion and fervent prayer. Receive with favor the sup-
plications of thy servants; and look down upon us in
compassion; not in thine anger, lest thou bring us to
nothing.
We thank thee for the daily bounties and blessings
which thou givest us to enjoy. Enable us to see thy
hand, and to acknowledge thy providence, in all our
concerns; and, with true devotion of heart, to trace
up every stream of earthly comfort to the fountain of
eternal love.
We bless thee especially, heavenly Father, for the
word of revelation ; for the light of the everlasting gos-
pel, and for the redemption of the world by the death
of our Saviour Christ, both God and man; who did
humble himself, even to the death of the cross, for us
miserable sinners; who lay in darkness and the shadow
of death, that he might make us the children of God,
and exalt us unto everlasting life. May we always
remember the exceeding great love of our Master and
only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the
innumerable benefits which, by his precious blood-shed-
112 THIRD WEEK.
ding, he hath obtained for us. And may we give unto
thee continual thanks; submitting ourselves to thy holy
will and pleasure, and studying to serve thee, in true
holiness and righteousness, all the days of our life.
(Occasional prayers.)
To the care and protection of thy good providence,
we commend ourselves, and all who are near and dear
to us, this night. Be thou our refuge, and fortress, and
house of defense, in whom we may trust. May we
abide safely under thy almighty shadow. May thy
truth and faithfulness be our shield and buckler. May
no evil befall us, nor any plague come nigh our dwell-
ing. Be thou our continual ruler and guide: and teach
us so to pass through things temporal, that we finally
lose not the things eternal.
We humbly beseech thee, O God, for all sorts and
conditions of men; that thou wouldst be pleased to
make thy ways known unto them, thy saving health
unto all nations. We pray especially for thy church
universal; that it may be so guided and governed by
thy good Spirit, that all who call themselves christians,
may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in
unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteous-
ness of life. Finally, we commend to thy fatherly
goodness all those who are in any way afflicted, or dis-
tressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please
thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their
several necessities; giving them patience under their
sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions.
All which we ask for Jesus Christ's sake; in whose all-
prevailing words we sum up these our petitions: —
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY MORNING. 1 13
SATURDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON COLLOSSIANS II.
PRAYER .
Almighty and ever blessed God, whose name alone
is Jehovah; thou art the Most High over all the earth;
unto thee would we look this morning, through Christ
the Mediator, as unto the prayer-hearing and prayer-
answering God. We thank thee for thy merciful pro-
tection during the past night, and for the refreshing
sleep which we have enjoyed. We laid ourselves down
and slept, and rose again because the Lord hath sus-
tained us. We thank thee for the light of another day,
and for the measure of health with which we are per-
mitted to behold it, and for all our mercies and comforts.
But above all, we bless thee for the light of the gospel,
and for the gift of him who is the light of the world.
Grant us, we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit, to enlighten
our minds, and to sanctify our hearts, that we may per-
ceive Christ to be the chief among ten thousand, and
the one altogether lovely; that we may receive him by
faith, as the Lord our righteousness, and glorify his holy
name by a godly walk and conversation.
We confess our manifold sins and transgressions.
We have strayed from thy ways, O God, like lost sheep.
We have done those things which we ought not to have
done, and we have left undone those things which we
ought to have done. We have incurred thy displeasure.
We deserve thy wrath. But O most gracious Father,
have mercy upon us. Grant us true repentance for
all our sins. Look thou upon us in the face of thine
Anointed, and forgive us all our trespasses, and enable
us by thy grace to adorn the doctrine of God, our
Saviour, in all things.
(Occasional prayers.)
Preserve us thia day, O Lord, from all evil, and
10*
114 THIRD WEEK.
defend us from every danger to which we may be ex-
posed. Give us a due sense of our dependence on thee,
and of our indebtedness to thee, for every good gift we
enjoy. Enable us this day to resist temptation, and
overcome the evil desires of our own hearts. May we,
in thy strength, discharge the duties incumbent on us,
and do thy holy will in all things. May we, as a family,
be devoted to thy service, and as individuals, may we
be the objects of thy providential care, and the subjects
of thy saving grace.
O heavenly Father, remember in mercy our absent
relatives and friends. May they be interested in the
covenant of redemption, and be made partakers of ever-
lasting life. May their lives and health be precious in
thy sight, and consecrated to thy service.
Bless all for whom we should pray. Have mercy
upon all men, and especially the sick and afflicted.
Heal and comfort them. Relieve them according to
their necessities. Give them patience under their suf-
ferings, humble resignation to thy will, and a happy
deliverance from all their pains and sorrows.
Smile graciously upon thy church universal, and give
grace to all who minister in holy things, to be faithful
in the same. Let thy kingdom soon come. From the
rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same,
may thy name be magnified.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE I-ESSON — COLLOSSIANS HI, 1 17.
PRAYER.
O Almighty God, who art exalted far above all the
blessings and praises which are offered to thee by the
angels above; — how great is thy mercy in opening a
SATURDAY EVENING. 115
way for lost sinners to approach thee, and to spread
their wants before thy footstool!
Great God, we might justly have been left under thy
wrath for our ingratitude and rebellion, — having no way
to escape, had not thine own arm brought salvation!
Thou hast sent thine incarnate Son to seek and to save
the guilty, and thou hast revealed thyself in him as a
just God, and yet the justifier of the believer in Jesus;
a just God, and yet the Saviour of sinners. O Lord,
save us, we beseech thee; we fall as vile sinners at the
footstool of thy sovereign mercy, loathing ourselves in
our own sight, on account of our iniquities. We re-
nounce all dependence on any merits of our own. We
plead thy promises, and offer before thee no other sac-
rifice or righteousness, but the all-sufficient sacrifice
and spotless righteousness of thy beloved Son, in whom
thou art ever well pleased. .
O thou Holy Spirit, whose province it is to convince
the world of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment, dis-
cover to us the pride of our nature, and the alienation
of our hearts from God. Take of the things of Christ
and exhibit them before us in all their fullness and suffi-
ciency. Cause us to renounce our own wisdom and
righteousness, and to be willing to receive pardon, and
the hope of eternal life, as the gift of free unmerited
mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Create in us
clean hearts, O God, and renew right spirits within us.
Subdue our corrupt desires, and set our affections on
heavenly things.
While passing through this wilderness, we would look
up to thee, day after day, as our heavenly Shepherd.
We have often erred and strayed from thy fold, yet now
again we return to thee hungry and thirsty, weak and
defenseless, diseased and perishing. O may we hear
thy voice and follow thee, may we feed on thy precious
promises, — may we drink of the waters of life, — may
we be supported by thy grace and enjoy thy favor.
116 THIRD WEEK.
Our hope is in thee alone, and therefore we trust that
thy goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of
our lives, and that we shall dwell in the house of the
Lord for ever.
(Occasional prayers.)
With humble and heartfelt thanks for the mercies of
the day that is past, we implore thy gracious protection
during the dark and silent watches of the night. O thou
keeper of Israel, who never slumberest nor sleepest, be
thou about our path and about our bed. Defend us
from all dangers, refresh our wearied bodies with sleep,
and if it should please thy almighty providence to raise
us up to behold the light of the returning sun, let us
arise with thankful hearts, remembering that the day is
the Sabbath of the Lord. O may our minds be solem-
nized, and may we rejoice and be glad in the day which
the Lord has made. Be with all thy ministering ser-
vants on the morrow, and especially with him who min-
isters unto us. May they go forth in the fullness of the
blessing of the gospel of peace, preaching peace through
the blood of the cross ; and may the word of thy grace
be as the rain that watereth the earth, and maketh it to
bring forth and bud ; may it accomplish thy good plea-
sure, and prosper in the thing whereto thou shalt send
it. All these things we ask for the sake, and through
the intercession of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
to whom, in the unity of the Father and the Holy Spirit,
be ascribed all honor and glory, now and for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
LORDSDAY MORNING. H7
FOURTH WEEK.
LORDSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 1 S A I A H LV.
O thou King eternal, immortal, invisible, dwelling
in the light which no man can approach unto, and whom
no eye hath seen, or can see. Yet thou hast been pleased
to reveal thyself to man; and by means of thy word,
we behold thee in every character and relation that can
suit our necessities, or encourage our hope. Thou art
exalted above all blessing and praise: our goodness ex-
tendeth not to thee — but unless thine be extended to us,
we are undone for ever. Without thee we can do no-
thing; we are nothing. In thee we live, and move, and
have our being. We are poor and dependent; but as
thou art able, so thou art willing, to take the charge of
us; and here we are to praise thee; and to acknow-
ledge that goodness and mercy have followed us all the
days of our lives.
We bless thee, that thou hast regarded our souls, as
well as our bodies; and no less provided for our future
interests, than our present. When there was no eye to
pity us, thou didst remember us in our low estate; and
when there was no arm to rescue, thou wast pleased to
lay help on one that is mighty; and thou hast sent thy
own Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but
that the world through him might be saved. To him
may we turn our hearts, and find in him the wisdom,
righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, which, as
perishing sinners, we need. May we know that he has
borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; and be able to
rejoice in him as our sacrifice, our sympathizing friend,
our almighty helper, and our lovely example. May we
118 FOURTH WEEK.
drink into his spirit. May we transcribe the excellencies
of his character into our own. May we place our feet
in the very prints of his steps; and follow him till we
shall be perfectly like him, and see him as he is.
We desire to acknowledge thee in the dispensations
of thy providence; and to own thy agency in all the
events that befall us, whether pleasing or painful. Thou
hast a right to govern us; and thou knowest what will
best advance our welfare. May we commit our way
unto the Lord, and be able to say at thy footstool, in
unfeigned submission, here I am, let him do what
seemeth him good.
(Occasional prayers.)
We bless thee for the institutions of religion, in the
use of which thou hast promised to draw near to those
that draw near to thee. Quicken and elevate our souls,
that rising above the formality of devotion, we may
come even to thy seat, and enjoy a little of the blessed-
ness of those that have entered thy temple above, and
are singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. We are
about to assemble in the house of prayer — pour upon us
the spirit of grace and of supplication ; and grant that
we may hunger and thirst after righteousness. We are
going to the house of praise — awaken in us every grate-
ful and cheerful emotion, and may we speak to ourselves
in psalms and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing, and
making melody in our hearts unto the Lord. We are
repairing to the house of instruction — enable us to re-
ceive the kingdom of God as a little child. Lead us
into all truth. And let us be neither barren nor unfruit-
ful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ.
For this purpose, let thy presence go with us; and let
thy word come to us in power, and in the Holy Ghost,
and in much assurance. Bless all the churches of the
faithful; and the ministers of the everlasting gospel, of
every name, and of every nation. Clothe thy minister-
LORDSDAY MORNING. 119
ing servants with salvation; and let thy saints shout
aloud for joy. May our country prosper in all her law-
ful interests, both domestic and foreign. Bless the chief
magistrate of our nation, and all that are in authority;
may they rule in thy fear, and be guided by thy coun-
sel; and may the people lead quiet and peaceable lives
in all godliness and honesty.
We especially invoke thy blessing, O Lord, to attend
this day all the instructions imparted in Sabbath schools
and Bible classes. We pray that thou wilt be graciously
pleased to grant the influences of the Holy Spirit,
that that instruction may be impressed deeply on the
heart and may produce abundant fruit in the life. Give
grace, Almighty God, to those who are teachers in those
schools; that they may be deeply impressed with their
responsibility; that they may be themselves thy chil-
dren; and that they may engage in their work with an
earnest desire to benefit those entrusted to their charge.
May their minds be enlightened that they may under-
stand thy holy word. May they see clearly the great
plan of redeeming mercy. May they be enabled to
present thy truth simply, clearly, with affection, and
with prayer. May the sacred Spirit — the Comforter —
be given them, to guide them into all truth. And do
thou be pleased to bless all children in those schools.
Preside over them and give to them thy Holy Spirit.
Grant to them tender, teachable minds. May their
hearts be given to the Saviour in their early years.
May they come to him, who, when on earth, said, Suf-
fer little children and forbid them not to come unto me,
for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Take, O blessed
Saviour, those lambs of the flock into thine arms. De-
fend them from the perils and temptations of life, and
conduct thou them to the joys of thine everlasting king-
dom. [May our own children be trained up in the
knowledge of thy name; and whatever instruction in
accordance with thy word may be imparted to them in
120 FOURTH WEEK.
the family, the Sunday school, or the sanctuary, we pray
that it may be attended with thy blessing, and be the
means of fitting them for the duties of this life, and for
the joys of thine eternal kingdom.]
These mercies, and all we need, we humbly ask in
the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, our most gracious
Lord and Redeemer.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
LORDSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON LUKE XIII, 1 17.
Almighty and everlasting God, we bless thee for our
creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life;
but, above all, for thine unspeakable love in the redemp-
tion of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the
means of grace which thou hast bestowed upon us, and
for the hope of glory which thou hast set before us.
Heavenly Father, make us duly sensible of thy un-
speakable gift, whereby we obtain the pardon of our
sins, and all things necessary for our eternal salvation.
We adore thee for the coming of thy blessed Son in the
flesh to dwell among us; for the perfect example set
before us in his holy life; for his painful atonement for
the sins of the world; and for his glorious resurrection
from the grave, whereby he hath given us assurance,
that he is able also to raise our bodies from the dust,
and to exalt us to his own right hand in the kingdom of
heaven.
We pray thee, O Lord, to impress deeply on our
minds the great and solemn truths revealed in thy
word; that amidst the cares and occupations of the
world, we may neither forget our Christian privileges,
nor neglect the duties to which we are called. Con-
vince us of the vanity of the world, of the shortness of
LORDSDAY EVENING. 121
life, and of the unspeakable importance of preparing for
eternity. Save us from the sins of indifference, care-
lessness, and levity, as well as from bold and presump-
tuous transgression. Purify our hearts by thy Holy
Spirit, that we may be cleansed from every secret fault,
and every unholy passion. And pardon, O Lord, the
multitude of our past iniquities; our forgetfulness of
thee and of all thy mercies, and the coldness and hard-
ness of our hearts, in the midst of all thy bounties.
Thou hast nourished and brought us up as thy children,
and we have rebelled against thee. Thou hast sus-
tained, and protected, and comforted us. Thou hast
borne with our infirmities, and withheld thy chastening
hand when we deserved nothing but punishment. Thou
hast laid us under peculiar obligations to love and serve
thee, and to praise and magnify thy holy name. But
how little have we honored thee ! How little have we
done to glorify thee! O Lord, forgive our ingratitude
to thee. Enable us to look up to Jesus, the great Medi-
ator of the new covenant, for the remission of our sins,
and for all the benefits of his glorious redemption.
(Occasional prayers.)
We intercede with thee, gracious God, for all our
relatives, friends and brethren; and especially for those
who are in sorrow, sickness, or any kind of trouble.
Give them the consolations which thou alone canst be-
stow. Put into their hearts a holy trust in thee, and a
sure hope in thy promises. And may those who are
compassed with infirmities, and who feel that their out-
ward man is perishing, be strengthened with might by
thy Spirit in the inner man; that so their light affliction,
which is but for a moment, may work out for them a
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
Take us now, O God, under thy gracious care and pro-
tection this night. Let thy blessing attend us ; and thy
good Spirit rest upon us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
11
122 FOURTH WEEK.
MONDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON LUKE IX, 1 27.
O thou God of the morning, as well as of the even-
ing! help us to worship and bow down, to kneel before
the Lord our Maker, and to offer unto thee a sacrifice
of praise and prayer. Thou hast prepared thy throne
in the heavens, and thy kingdom ruleth over all. We
rejoice, that thou hast proclaimed thyself the Lord God,
merciful and gracious, long-suffering and abundant in
goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, for-
giving iniquity, and transgression and sin, and that will
by no means clear the guilty. O Lord ! what is man,
that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that
thou visitest him ? We confess we are but sinful dust
and ashes. We have apostatized from our Maker, and
practically said, depart from us, for we desire not the
knowledge of thy ways. If thou, O Lord! shouldst
mark iniquities, who shall stand? But there is forgive-
ness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. Remit unto
us all our sins, and be at peace with us in the blood of
Christ. Dwell in us by thy Spirit, and cause the sacred
fire of holy affection to glow in our hearts. Work in us,
O God! both to will and to do of thy good pleasure, that
we may work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Ever may it be, as our meat and drink to do the will of
our Father in heaven; and ever may we resemble those
blessed spirits above, whose love is most ardent, and
whose obedience is perfect. In all that we do, may we
aim to promote the glory of God, and to diffuse happi-
ness around us. And may our path be as the shining
light, which shineth more and more unto the perfect
day. O Lord ! as thou hast directed us, so we would
make intercession for all men. Cause thy churches to
revive and shoot forth as the branches of Lebanon, and
kings to become nursing fathers, and queens nursing
MONDAY MORNING. 123
mothers to the whole Israel of God. Roll on the golden
age of light and love, when the holy and happy king-
dom of Christ shall embrace the great family of man.
Bless the ministers of religion. Give them the heart of
the pious, the tongue of the learned, and the zeal of the
faithful, and let their labors not be in vain in the Lord.
O thou sovereign Ruler among the kingdoms of the
earth ! we pray thee to bless all nations, especially the
land in which we live. Endue the President of the
United States with patriotic principles. Ever may he
know what the American Israel ought to do, and have
a prevailing desire to promote the highest prosperity of
this great nation. Incline all our officers to peace, and
our executors of law to righteousness. May our judges
honor justice in our courts of judgment.
(Occasional prayers.)
Accept, O Lord ! our acknowledgments for all favors
bestowed upon us. We thank thee for the capacities,
intellectual and moral, with which thou has endued us.
We rejoice in the overtures of mercy in the gospel, and
in the weighty motives to persuade men to embrace the
Saviour, and live. We bless thee for the guardian care
thou didst exercise over us the last night. O thou Shep-
herd of Israel! praised be thy name, that we were pre-
served, while others slept the sleep of death, that no
distressing accident befel us, and that thou hast opened
upon us the eyelids of the morning in circumstances so
favorable. We commit ourselves into thy hands for
keeping this day, as unto a faithful Creator. To thee
belong the issues of life and death. Give us grace to
do all the work of the day in its day. May we per-
severe in well doing unto the end of life, and receive a
crown of glory, that fadeth not away. All which we
ask in the name of our ascended and glorified Mediator.
Now unto the Three that bear record in heaven, the
Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, be glory for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
124 FOURTH WEEK.
MONDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON LUKE XII, 1 21.
O thou infinitely glorious and merciful Lord God,
thou art worthy to receive glory, honor, and power from
all thy creatures, for thou hast created all things, and
for thy pleasure they are, and were created. We would
close this day with the solemn acts of self-abasement
and humiliation of soul, which our great sinfulness
requires.
O Lord, when we examine into our own hearts and
lives, how ill do we appear to requite thy love ! Alas !
the crown is indeed fallen from our heads, for we are
sinners both by nature and by practice. We have erred,
and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, and have
preferred the vanities and follies of this transitory world,
to thy favor. Yea, even since the blessings of salvation,
through our crucified Redeemer, have been set before
us, how often have we made light of them, and given
way to an evil heart of unbelief! — how often have we
abused the mercy which we still implore, and forsaken
the fountain of living waters, in order to seek happiness
from the broken cisterns of earthly enjoyments and pos-
sessions!
Surely it is of thy mercies that we are not consumed,
because thy compassions fail not! Thou art still the
unchangeable God, the same yesterday, to-day, and for
ever. Thou hast set no bounds to thy mercy, but dost
magnify the freeness and fullness of thy grace, by never
rejecting the contrite sighs, or denying the humble re-
quests of those who call upon thee through the merits
of thy dear Son. O Lord, for his sake, we again implore
thy pardoning grace. Thou knowest our iniquities, for
they are not hid from thee. Remember them not against
us, but according to thy mercy in Christ Jesus, remem-
ber thou us, O Lord. Wash away our guilt in the
MONDAY EVENING. 125
fountain that is opened in his precious blood. Cover
us with the robe of his justifying righteousness, and
sanctify us by the purifying influences of his Holy
Spirit. So that being washed, and justified, and sancti-
fied in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit
of our God, we may have comfortable evidence that
thou hast adopted us into thy family, and bestowed
upon us the glorious privileges of thy children.
Gracious God! we have from sad experience, great
cause to lament our departure from thee, and our insuf-
ficiency to help ourselves. We need thy constant sup-
port and guidance. Leave us not to our own deceitful
hearts. Quicken our souls which cleave to the dust.
Renew them after thine own image. And may thy
glory be the great object and aim of our souls. O that
we may be kept in holy communion and fellowship
with thee, and have some foretaste of that blessedness
which is to be enjoyed hereafter around the throne of
the Lamb.
(Occasional prayers.)
Into thy hands, O heavenly Father, we now com-
mend ourselves, and all our personal and relative inter-
ests this night. Thou art the keeper of Israel, who
neither slumberest nor sleepest. May we lay ourselves
down in peace and take our rest, remembering that it is
thou alone that makest us to dwell in safety. And
should we be in mercy permitted to see another day,
may we grow in the grace and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Every mercy we
ask for his sake, who, in compassion to our infirmities,
hath taught us thus to pray :
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
11*
126 FOURTH WEEK.
TUESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON HEBREWS I.
Behold us, O good and gracious God, at the foot-
stool of thy throne this morning. We come to present
our humble, and sincere adorations to the Author of our
life, and lengthener out of our days: for it is to thee that
we are indebted for our preservation during the past
night; and thou alone hast caused us to see the begin-
ning of this day. Let thy gracious presence be with us
during the course of it, and all the succeeding days and
nights of our earthly pilgrimage. And to the end that
thou mayest hear us, notwithstanding our unworthiness
and sinfulness, look upon us, O God, in the face of thine
Anointed; and cause us to be partakers of all the blessed
fruits of his death and resurrection. We look to the
unsearchable riches of Christ, that we may see what is
the fellowship of the mystery which from the beginning
of the world hath been hid in God; who not only
created all things by Christ, but was in him reconciling
the world unto himself; and hath now exalted him to
be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance unto his
people, as well as the remission of all their sins. O
that our bodies may henceforth be the temples of God,
through the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, and uniting us
to Jesus Christ by a true and living faith. We would
count all things but loss, that we may win Christ, and
be found in him, not having our own righteousness, but
the righteousness which is of God by faith: we would
know him and the power of his resurrection, and the
fellowship of his sufferings, and be made conformable
unto his death. "Forgetting those things which are
behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are
before, may we press toward the mark for the prize of
the high calling of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Thou knowest, O God, and we would at the same time
TUESDAY EVENING. ]27
acknowledge and confess, the weakness and corruption
of our nature, and to how many dangers and tempta-
tions we are continually exposed. Lord, give us thy
strength, and thy grace, to preserve and keep us at all
times. Let neither the world nor the flesh this day se-
duce us from the path of duty : but, ever thinking and
acting as under God's more immediate inspection, may
we keep in the love and fear of all God's holy com-
mandments. Teach us in every circumstance, O God,
to know thy will, and give us inclination and ability
to do it. Continue of thy bounty to provide for all our
necessities; and support and comfort us under every
disappointment and trial which thou mayest see proper
to bring upon us.
May we live in thy fear, that we may die in thy fa-
vor, and so be made both happy and glorious through
eternity.
(Occasional prayers.)
For thy distinguishing, although unmerited goodness
and mercy towards us, and all who are near and dear
to us, we once more offer up our united thanksgivings;
saying at the same time: let every creature that is in
heaven, and on the earth, give glory to God for ever and
ever. And now, Lord, what wait we for? our hope is
in thee. Let the words of our mouths, and the medita-
tions of our hearts, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
our Strength and our Redeemer.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY EVENIN G.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N H E B R E W S IX.
Eternal and unchangeable God ! we adore thee as
the supreme Majesty of heaven and earth. All nations
before thee are as nothing; and they are counted to thee
less than nothing and vanity. Hearken unto the voice
128 FOURTH WEEK.
of our cry, our King and our God! for unto thee we will
pray. We acknowledge, O God! the depravity of our
nature, our sins have risen, as mountains, to separate
between thee and us. We are polluted from the crown
of the head to the sole of the foot; there is no sound-
ness in us. Whither, O Lord ! shall we go for cleans-
ing? Wash us from sin and uncleanness in that foun-
tain, opened to the house of David, and to the inhab-
itants of Jerusalem. Though our sins be as scarlet,
may they be white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, may they be as wool. May we abhor that
which is evil, and cleave to that which is good. May
we be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, rejoicing in
hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer.
Divest us of pride, and clothe us with humility, and
make us partakers of the inheritance of the saints in
light. We thank thee for thy written word, and that
the law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul ; that
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the
simple, more to be desired than gold, yea, than much
fine gold; sweeter than honey, and the honeycomb.
We bless thee for a preached gospel, and that it is the
wisdom of God and the power of God unto salvation,
to every one that believeth. May grace be with all
them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity and
truth. May thy professing people be much in pra3rer,
that they may obtain a blessing for themselves and a
sinful, deluded world. Bless the ministers of religion.
Make them burning and shining lights in thy golden
candlesticks. Endue them with wisdom, prudence, and
holy zeal. Bless the great council of our nation. Rule
in the hearts of our rulers. May all who take part in
civil affairs, be just, ruling in thy fear. Mercifully re-
gard all the interests of our country, domestic and for-
eign. Exercise compassion towards all people, that
dwell upon the face of the earth. Oh! let the wicked-
ness of the wicked come to an end ; but establish the
WEDNESDAY MORNING. 129
just. Comfort all that are in trouble and affliction.
Relieve the wants of the poor and needy, sustain those
who are languishing on beds of sickness and sorrow,
convert the unconverted, save the perishing, and fill the
earth with thy glory.
(Occasional prayers.)
Bless our family with all needed temporal and spirit-
ual favors. Let our lives, health, and happiness, be
precious in thy sight. May the return of night remind
us of the night of death, and that soon we must close
our eyes upon all things here below. We praise thee
for the protection, the supplies, and comforts of another
day. To thy merciful care we commend ourselves this
night. Defend our persons, dwelling, and possession.
May we awake in the morning, and be still with God.
Be pleased, O Lord! to accept this our evening service
in the name of the blessed Jesus ; in whose name and
words we would continue to pray —
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N H E B R E W S III.
I
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy
name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth,
; as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread;
! and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
; trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation;
< but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and
I the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live and
move and have our being; we, thy needy creatures,
render thee our humble praises, for thy preservation of
i us from the beginning of our lives to this day, and
| especially for having delivered us from the dangers of
the past night. To thy watchful providence we owe it,
130 FOURTH WEEK.
that no disturbance hath come nigh us or our dwelling;
but, that we are brought in safety to the beginning of
this day. For these thy mercies, we bless and magnify
thy glorious name; humbly beseeching thee to accept
this our morning sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
for his sake who lay down in the grave and rose again
for us, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ.
And since it is of thy mercy, O gracious Father, that
another day is added to our lives; we here dedicate
both our souls and our bodies to thee and thy service,
in a sober, righteous and godly life; in which resolu-
tion, do thou, O merciful God, confirm and strengthen
us; that, as we grow in age, we may grow in grace
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ.
But O God, who knowest the weakness and corrup-
tion of our nature, and the manifold temptations which
we daily meet with; we humbly beseech thee to have
compassion on our infirmities, and to give us the con-
stant assistance of thy Holy Spirit; that we may be
effectually restrained from sin, and excited to our duty.
Imprint upon our hearts such a dread of thy judgments,
and such a grateful sense of thy goodness to us, as may
make us both afraid and ashamed to offend thee. And
above all, keep in our minds a lively remembrance
of that great day, in which we must give a strict ac-
count of our thoughts, words and actions; and accord-
ing to the works done in the body, be eternally re-
warded or punished, by him whom thou hast appointed
the judge of quick and dead, thy Son, Jesus Christ, our
Lord.
(Occasional prayers.)
In particular, we implore thy grace and protection
for this day. Defend us from all dangers and adversi-
ties; and be graciously pleased to take us, and all things
belonging to us, under thy fatherly care and protection.
These things, and whatever else thou shalt see neces-
WEDNESDAY EVENING. 131
sary and convenient to us, we humbly beg through the
merits and mediation of him who is God over all,
] blessed for evermore.
The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N H EBREWS IV.
O thou that hearest prayer — through him who is the
great Intercessor, let our prayer come before thee as in-
cense, and the lifting up of our hands as the evening
sacrifice. We praise thee for the blessings of thy prov-
idence which encompass us on every side, and are con-
tinued to us notwithstanding our unworthiness. Thou
hast not only given us life and favor, but thy mercy
hath preserved our spirit, and secured our personal and
relative comforts.
But above all we thank thee for thine unspeakable
gift. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that
Ihe loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation
for our sins. Here our hopes find anchorage. Here
'believing we enter into rest. Here all our woes and
wants obtain redress and supplies. O may our souls
jbe united to this Saviour by a divine faith. May we
be his disciples, and learn of him; his soldiers, and
war under his banner; his beneficiaries, and live upon
his fullness. When we think of our transgressions of
thy law, may we remember him who is the end of the
law for righteousness. When we feel our sins, may
We think of him whose blood cleanseth from all sin : and
jwhen viewing our trials and duties our weakness makes
us despond, may we hear the voice that cries, my grace
s sufficient for thee.
(Occasional prayers.)
May we be followers of him who was meek and
owly in heart, who pleased not himself, who went
132 FOURTH WEEK.
about doing good, who said, my meat is to do the will
of him that sent me, and to finish his work. Subdue
in us the selfishness that is so common to our depraved
hearts, and excite in us a disposition to seek after the
welfare of others. May sentiments of benevolence and
kindness mingle with all our thoughts, words, and ac-
tions; may we be good to the unfaithful and the un-
worthy, that we may be the children of our Father who
art in heaven, for he maketh his sun to shine on the
evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and
unjust.
Yet may we especially do good unto them that are of
the household of faith. May all who do the will of our
heavenly Father be dear to our hearts. May we prefer
Jerusalem above our chief joy. Let her become a
praise in the whole earth. And from the rising of the
sun to the going down of the same, may thy name be
great among the Gentiles, and in every place may in-
cense be offered unto thee, and a pure offering. The
harvest is truly great, but the laborers are few; com-
mand their increase, and abundantly bless those who
are already employed.
And may the sincerity of our prayers appear in our
exertions and sacrifices. May we honor the Lord with
our substance. In our respective stations, may we
adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
By every kind of consistent co-operation with our min-
isters, may we become helpers to the truth : and carry-
ing the effects of the sermons we hear, and dispensing
them among those who refuse to hear, win them with-
out the word. May we never hide it in a napkin, be-
cause we have only one talent; but use what we have,
that more may be given ; and be concerned to obtai
from the Judge of all, the approving sentence pr
nounced on Mary, she hath done what she could. Ma;
we never despise the day of small things; never gro
weary in well doing; but cherish with patience as we
THURSDAY MORNING. ]33
as with diligence, every serious conviction, every pious
tendency, every godly impression.
And let us not labor in vain nor spend our strength
for naught. May we be the honored instruments of
saving some souls from death ; and of producing joy in
the presence of the angels of God, over one sinner that
repenteth.
Above all, render us successful among those who are
more fully under our instruction, influence and authority.
May we rule well our own house; and have the pleas-
ure to see all the members of the family, fellow-citizens
with the saints, and of the household of Christ. Of
whom, and through whom, and to whom are all things.
To whom be glory for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N H E B R E W S V .
O God, our heavenly Father, we bless thee for the
return of this morning light. We bless thee for thy
guardianship and care during the hours of darkness.
Enable us, we beseech thee, to devote the first fruits of
the day to thee. Accept our humble thanks for all thy
I mercies, and especially for the gift of thine incarnate
, Son. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, that he hath
i redeemed us, and raised up a mighty salvation for us;
that the day-spring from on high hath visited us, to give
light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of
| death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace. We
thank thee for that revelation, by which the power and
i coming of our Lord Jesus Christ are made known to us.
We thank thee for the gracious offers of salvation,
through his name and mediation; and for that atoning
sacrifice, through which our sins, though they be as
scarlet, shall be as white as snow, and though they be
12
134 FOURTH WEEK.
red like crimson, shall be as wool. We thank thee
especially for the sure word of prophecy, whereunto
we are admonished to take heed, as unto a light that
shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the
day-star arise in our hearts. And we beseech thee, O
God, to grant us grace, that we may not receive this
revelation in vain; that we may not be of the number
of those who choose darkness rather than light, because
their deeds are evil: — but enable us to walk as becometh
the children of light.
Guide and direct us, heavenly Father, in the duties
of this day. May a sense of thy continual presence
abide with us, to restrain every evil passion and pro-
pensity, and to support and encourage us in the dis-
charge of our respective duties. Let thy fatherly hand
be ever over us. Let thy Holy Spirit be ever with us;
and so lead us in the knowledge and obedience of thy
word, that in the end we may obtain everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Occasional prayers.)
We commend to thy fatherly care and protection, all
our friends and relatives. Give them grace as they
may severally stand in need ; and order all things for
their present and eternal good. Show the light of thy
countenance to those who are weary and heavy-laden
with the burden of their sins; and comlbrt and sustain
those who are suffering under any temporal calamity.
May they receive thy ehastisements as the loving cor-
rection of a kind and beneficent parent, who dost chasten
them for their profit, and correct them that the}' may live.
And in the days of their prosperity, give them a grate-
ful sense of all thy mercies; and teach them, as dutiful
children, and the humble partakers of thy bounty, to
ascribe all the honor and glory to thee, their gracious
benefactor, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY EVENING. 135
THURSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE I. ESSO N II E B R E W S VI.
0 thou King of glory, we desire to approach th}r
divine Majesty with reverence and godly fear, and to
worship thee in the beauty of holiness. Every perfec-
tion adorns thy nature and sustains thy throne. The
heavens are thine; the earth also is thine: the world is
thine, and the fullness thereof. Thy power formed the
universe from nothing. Thy wisdom has managed all
its multiplied concerns, presiding over nations, families,
and individuals, and numbering the very hairs of our
head. Thy goodness is boundless; the eyes of all wait
upon thee, and thou givest them their meat in due sea-
son. Thou openest thy hand, and satisfiest the desire
of every living thing. Thy loving kindness is great,
and the children of men put their trust under the shadow
of thy wing.
O, teach us to place our happiness in thyself. May
we never seek the living among the dead, nor ask with
the deluded many, who will show us any good? But,
may we prize the light of thy countenance; implore the
joy of thy salvation ; and passing by the attractions of
creatures, be able to say, whom have I in heaven but
thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside
thee.
Thou hast been infinitely more attentive to our hap-
piness than we ever have been, or ever can be. Thou
madest man upright, and when, by voluntary transgres-
sion, we fell away from thee, thou didst not treat us
with the severity we deserved. In thy love and pity
thou wast pleased to provide for us a Saviour, who bore
our griefs and carried our sorrows, and put away sin by
the sacrifice of himself.
Apply this redemption to our hearts, by the justifica-
tion of our persons, and the sanctification of our natures.
136 FOURTH WEEK.
We confess our transgressions — have mercy upon us.
We are heavy laden — give us rest. We are ignorant —
make us wise unto salvation. We are helpless — let thy
strength be made perfect in our weakness. We are poor
and needy — bless us with all the unsearchable riches
of Christ. May we run and not be weary, and walk
and not faint. And though perplexities, and trials, and
dangers await us, yet may we travel on, unchecked and
undismayed, knowing, thou hast said, I will never leave
thee, nor forsake thee.
Thus far, blessed be thy name, thou hast led us on,
and we have found ihee faithful to thy promises. We
have had our sorrows ; but thou hast been a very present
help in every time of trouble. We have had our fears;
but thou hast not suffered the enemy to triumph over us.
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. Thy vows are upon
us, O God: we will render praises unto thee, for thou
hast delivered our souls from death : wilt not thou de-
liver our feet from falling, that we may walk before God
in the light of the living?
(Occasional prayers.)
We would feel the connections which unite us to
others, and by sympathy, and prayer, and praise, make
their miseries and mercies our own. We would rejoice
with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep.
Provide support and employment for the poor. Make
the widow's heart to sing for joy; and in thee may the
fatherless find mercy. Visit those who are on beds of
sickness, and prepare them for thy pleasure; that if
they live, it may be to serve thee. Bless our nation.
May every department of the nation be under the con-
trol of infinite wisdom and goodness; and let righteous-
ness and peace be the stability of our times. Do good,
in thy good pleasure, unto Zion; build thou the walls
of Jerusalem: and may all our churches, like the orig-
inal disciples, continue steadfastly in the apostles' doc-
FRIDAY MORNING. 137
trine, and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and
in prayers.
Protect and refresh us through the night season: and
then cause us to hear thy loving kindness in the morn-
ing: for in thee do we trust: cause us to know the way
wherein we should go, for we lift up our souls unto thee.
We implore it through the intercession of thy dear Son,
and our Saviour.
And blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be
unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb, for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N R OMANS XIV.
O thou who nearest prayer, and unto whom all flesh
I should come ! graciously assist us to call upon thy great
and holy name this morning. O Lord ! thou art incom-
I prehensible in thy nature, infinite in thy perfections, and
' unwearied in thy goodness. Thy providential care
extends to all thy creatures. The Lord is good to all,
and his tender mercies are over all his works. We
acknowledge the purity, equity and fitness of thy laws,
and the clemency of thy government. We acknowledge
the grace and glory of thy gospel, and the freeness and
richness of thy salvation. O that all would praise the
Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to
the children of men. But, alas! we have forsaken the
God who made us, and lightly esteemed the Rock of our
salvation. We have been wise to do evil, but to do good,
we have had no knowledge. O Lord! righteousness
belongeth unto thee, but unto us confusion of face. We
humbly pray thee, lay not judgment to the line, nor
righteousness to the plummet; for in thy sight shall no
12*
13S FOURTH WEEK.
man living be justified. Forgive us, we beseech thee.
Impress thine image upon us, and make us the monu-
ments of thy mercy, and the trophies of thy victorious
grace. Break the fatal enchantment of sin, that holds
down our affection to this world. Enkindle within us a
flame of divine love, that shall never be extinguished.
O for more love, faith and hope.
(Occasional prayers.)
Extend thy compassions to all men. Enlighten the
Gentile world with a knowledge of the truth. May the
Son of righteousness arise upon them with healing in
his wings. Let the wilderness and the solitary place
be glad for them, and the desert rejoice and blossom as
the rose. Let Zion share in the blessings of her Lord
and Saviour. We rejoice that the church lies near thy
heart, and that her name is engraven on the palms of
thy hands. Furnish all the churches with suitable
guides. Give unto all destitute flocks pastors after
thine own heart — men of understanding and piety.
May the ministers of the gospel cry aloud and spare
not, lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show thy
people their transgressions, and the house of Jacob their
sins, and thus clear their own skirts from the blood of
souls. O thou great Fountain of love! compassionate
all those who are persecuted, enslaved, or in prison.
Pity the sick and the afflicted, the poor and the needy,
the tempted and the disconsolate, the widow and the
fatherless. May thy blessings, O Lord! rest upon our
family, and may all who appertain to it belong to the
household of faith, and be numbered with thy jewels,
when thou shall make them up. We thank thee for all
thy mercies. Thou hast soothed our sorrows: healed
our diseases, and richly supplied our wants. Praised
be thy name for the blessings of the night, that our re-
pose was quiet and undisturbed, and that thou hast
caused the day-spring to know his place. This day
grant us thy presence, shield us from all dangers, and
FRIDAY EVENING. 139
administer to our temporal and spiritual necessities. Be
with us and bless us all the days we are permitted to
live upon the earth: and when we drop this veil of flesh,
may our souls rise to regions of eternal blessedness
and glory. This our morning sacrifice, we offer in the
name of thy beloved Son, our great High Priest above,
to whom be rendered unceasing praises.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSOX JOHN V, 1 30.
Our Father, who art in heaven, we desire to acknow-
ledge thy being and agency; to adore thy perfections,
and to admire the works of thy hands. Thou hast ap-
pointed the moon for seasons, and the sun knoweth his
going down. The day is thine; the night also is thine:
and thou makest the outgoings of the morning and the
evening to rejoice. To that throne, from which none
were ever sent empty away, we again approach for
mercy and grace to help in time of need. Let our
prayer come before thee as incense, and the lifting up
of our hands as the evening sacrifice. Preserve us from
formality in these exercises in which we daily engage;
and alarm our fears, lest we should provoke thee to say:
in vain do they worship me.
For this purpose, enable us to realize thine all-seeing
eye, to remember with whom we have to do: may we
deeply feel the guilt of the sins we confess, and hunger
and thirst after the blessings we implore. And while
we review the numberless blessings we have received
from thy hands, may we be more than ever sensible of
our unworthiness, that our hearts may be unfeignedly
thankful, and that we may be disposed to show forth
thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by
140 FOURTH WEEK.
giving up ourselves to thy service, and walking before
thee in holiness and righteousness all our days.
He that is our God is the God of salvation, and unto
God the Lord belong the issues from death. We bless
thee this evening as the preserver of men. Another
day has been added, by thy good providence, to the
season of thy long-suffering, and the time of our prepa-
ration for eternity. We lament that the design of our
being placed and continued here, has been so imper-
fectly subserved ; that in so many things we have
offended, and in all, come short of the glory of God.
We cannot answer thee for one of a thousand of our
transgressions: our only relief is, that there is forgive-
ness with thee; and that with thee there is plenteous
redemption.
But while we hope in thy mercy, we would not abuse
it. We would not sin that grace may abound ; or be
evil, because thou art good. But since thou art good,
and ready to forgive, we would the more sincerely
grieve, that ever we have offended a Being, so worthy
of our devotedness, and be the more concerned in
future, to walk so as to please thee.
Create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit
within us. Set a watch, O God, upon our mouth; keep
the door of our lips. And in simplicity and godly sin-
cerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by thy grace, may
we have our conversation in the world, and in the
church, and in the family.
(Occasional prayers.)
We again commend ourselves to thy care. As thou
hast been through the day our sun and our shield, be
thou through the night, our shade and our defense.
Undisturbed by anxieties, unalarmed by fears, undis-
tressed by pain or indisposition, may we retire and
enjoy repose. Prepare us for the night of death, the
morning of the resurrection, and the day of judgment.
And all we implore is, through the mediation of Him
SATURDAY MORNING. 141
. who bore the sins of many, and made intercession for
the transgressors, to whom, with the Father and the
I Holy Spirit, be endless prayers.
Oar Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N J OHN XIV.
Our voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord ;
in the morning will we direct our pra}rer unto thee and
will look up. Lord ! teach us to pray in faith, for he
that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he
S is a rewarderof them who diligently seek him. O thou
; eternal Father! we have sinned against heaven and
' before thee, and are no more worthy to be called thy
j children. We have acted the part of prodigals. We
have gone far from our heavenly Father's house, and
wantonly rioted in the vanities and follies of the world.
We wrould repent and return; O! have compassion upon
us. Hide thy face from our sins, and blot out all our
I iniquities. Enable us to lay aside every weight, and
i the sin which doth so easily beset us, and to run with
'patience the race that is set before us, looking unto
i Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Fulfil in
jus all the pleasure of thy goodness, and the work of
faith with power. Help us to set our affections on things
j above, and to withdraw them from things below; and
jto lay up for ourselves treasures in heaven, where
|neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves
Jdo not break through nor steal. Ever may we live
jmindful of the day of judgment, when the Lord Jesus
ishall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels
jin flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not
God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and
142 FOURTH WEEK.
to be admired in all them that believe in that day. Bless
all our dear absent friends and relatives with the same
favors we ask for ourselves. Forgive our enemies, and
reward our benefactors.
(Occasional prayers.)
Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion; build thou
the walls of Jerusalem. Rectify every thing which is
amiss in the christian church, in doctrine, practice, and
discipline. Give unto them who mourn in Zion, beauty
for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment
of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Have compassion,
O God! upon impenitent sinners. Show them that they
stand on slippery places, and turn their feet unto thy
testimonies before they are beyond the reach of mercy,
where no place for repentance can be found, though they
seek it carefully with tears. O! pluck them, we beseech
thee, as brands out of the burning, and save them from
everlasting destruction. Bless our highly favored coun-
try. May it ever be the residence of freedom, peace,
and happiness, and a safe retreat for the persecuted and
oppressed. Make all who are in places of public trust
faithful to the public interest. Bless, we pray thee, the
whole family of man with knowledge, righteousness and
salvation. O thou God of mercies ! we thank thee for
the blessings we have enjoyed. Thou hast been to us
a bountiful benefactor. We have been fed and clothed
and sustained by thee, and are under ten thousand obli-
gations of gratitude to the Father of mercies. We
praise thee that thou didst keep us during the silent
watches of the night, and hast lifted upon us the light
of this new day in circumstances of comfort. Be with
us during this day, and all the days and nights of our
earthly existence. Guide us in the path of duty and
salvation. As our Lord has taught us, so we pray:
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY EVENING. 143
SATURDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 1 CORINTHIANS I .
O God, thou art the God of all the families of the
earth; for they are formed by thy will, and supported
by thy providence. But thou art, in a. peculiar manner,
the God of those families, in which thy name is known,
and loved, and honored. Thou blessest the habitation
of the just. Whatever be the disposition of others, we
desire to say, as for us, and our house, we will serve
the Lord. Thy yoke is easy, thy burden is light; thy
work is honorable and glorious; and in keeping thy
commandments there is great reward. Thou art the
best of all masters; thou hast promised to bear with our
infirmities, and to suffer us to want no good thing.
Already thou hast laid us under infinite obligations, as
j the God of providence and of grace ; thou hast dealt well
with thy servants, O Lord. Bless the Lord, O our souls,
and all that is within us, bless his holy name. Bless the
Lord, O our souls, and forget not all his benefits.
By thy good hand upon us, we have been conducted
through the perils, not only of another day, but another
week; a period, during which many have been carried
down to their graves, and we have been brought so
much nearer to our own. Impress us with the lapse of
time, and so teach us to number our days, that we may
apply our hearts unto wisdom. Many have been in-
volved in perplexities, and exposed to want; many have
been confined to the house of mourning, or the bed of
sickness; but we have been indulged with liberty, and
ease, and health, and strength; we have seen thy lov-
ing-kindness every morning, and thy faithfulness every
'night; and have had all things richly to enjoy.
But, O how little have we been affected by these in-
stances of thy undeserved goodness; how imperfectly
lave we improved our religious privileges; how negli-
gent have we been in seizing opportunities of doing good
144 FOURTH WEEK.
to the bodies and souls of our fellow-creatures — and
how well does it become each of us to exclaim: behold,
I am vile; what shall I answer thee? wherefore I abhor
myself, repenting in dust and ashes.
We appear before thee, this evening, in our trespass;
enter not into judgment with thy servants, O Lord. Our
only hope is, that to the Lord our God belong mercy
and forgiveness, though we have rebelled against him.
Have mercy upon us, O God, according to thy loving-
kindness, according to the multitude of thy tender
mercies, blot out our transgressions.
And may a confidence in thy goodness, instead of
encouraging us to sin, that grace may abound, inspire
us with that godly sorrow which worketh repentance
uuto life. May we be attentive to our condition, and
study our character; may we bridle our tongue, and
keep our heart with all diligence.
May we watch and pra}r in future, lest we enter into
temptation. And do thou keep us by thy power; up-
hold us by thy free Spirit; and not only restrain us from
sin, but mortify us to it.
(Occasional prayers.)
May sleep refresh our bodies, and fit them for thy
service on the ensuing day; and may thy grace prepare
our minds. May we repair to the hallowed exercises of
devotion, as the hart panteth after the water brooks.
May we call the Sabbath a delight, and be glad when
they say to us: let us go into the house of the Lord.
And O thou God of all grace, do as thou hast said;
fulfil thy word unto thy servants, upon which thou hast
caused them to hope. Bless abundantly the provisions
of thy house, and satisfy thy poor with bread. Clothe
thy ministers with salvation, and let thy saints shout
aloud for joy.
And to the God of all grace, the Father, the Word,
and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, both now
and for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
LORDSDAY MORNING. 145
FIFTH WEEK.
LORDSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P SALM LXXXIV.
O thou, Lord of the Sabbath, who hast set apart this
day for thyself, and hast commanded us to keep it holy
to thy name, look down upon a family of sinful creatures
who are assembled together to acknowledge thy good-
ness in brinsnns; us to see it.
We adore thee for thy patience and forbearance in
not dealinsr with us according to our deserts, nor re-
warding us according to our iniquities. And we beseech
thee to pour down upon us the abundance of thy grace,
that we may rest this day according to thy command-
ment. So frame our minds that thy Sabbath may not
be a weariness, but a delight to us. Let us honor thee,
by not doing our ways, nor rinding our own pleasure,
nor speaking our own words.
Bless us, O Lord, with all spiritual blessings in Christ
Jesus: bless us in turning away every one of us from
our iniquities. Wash us in the fountain of that blood
which cleanseth from all sin. Clothe us with the robe
of that righteousness, which is by faith of Jesus Christ,
unto all and upon all them that believe.
Prepare us for the various duties which are now
before us.
Sanctify unto us thy appointed means of grace. Send
out thy light and thy truth; let them lead us; let them
bring us to thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacle. May
we go to thy house of prayer, with the voice of joy and
' praise, with the multitude that keep holy-day. There
may we give thee the glory which is due unto thy name,
and worship thee in the beauty of holiness. May we
13
146 FIFTH WEEK.
see thy power and thy glory, as thy servants see them
in the sanctuary; and be satisfied with the goodness of
thy house.
Grant, O Lord, that the Scriptures, which thou hast
caused to be written for our learning, may be applied
to our hearts in the power and demonstration of the
Spirit. May we so hear them, read, mark, learn, and
inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever
hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, through a
crucified Redeemer.
(Occasional prayers.)
Hear our prayers, O God, for all christian ministers;
[especially for him whom thou hast appointed over us;]
and endue them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit.
Give unto them the spirit of love, and of power, and of
a sound mind. Make them able ministers of the New
Testament, faithful stewards of thy mysteries. Help
them to take heed to themselves and to the doctrine;
that, according to thy promise, they may both save
themselves and those who hear them.
We beseech thee to inspire continually the Universal
Church with the spirit of truth, unity and concord; and
grant that all they who confess thy name, may agree
in the truth of thy holy word, and live in harmony and
godly love. May numbers be added to it, every Lords-
day, of such as shall be saved.
Look in mercy upon such as have hitherto neglected
thy Sabbaths. Teach them to improve those that re-
main; and so to redeem the time which they have lost,
that they may be numbered among thy true people.
Remember for good as many as, through sickness, or
any other impediment, may be prevented from attend-
ing the ordinances of thy house. Let thy presence be
with them in their private meditations, even as with
those who shall assemble together in the place where
thy honor dwelleth.
lordsday evening. 147
"We pray thee, also, to have compassion upon those
who as yet belong not to thy visible church.
O Thou who art a light to lighten the Gentiles, and
the glory of thy people Israel, shine upon the nations
which are sitting in darkness, and in the shadow of
death.
Greatly increase the number of those who shall go
forth into all the world, to preach the gospel to every
creature. Let nation after nation be converted to the
christian faith, till the kingdoms of this world become
the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and the
earth be filled with the knowledge of thy glory, as the
waters cover the sea.
Hear, we beseech thee, O heavenly Father, these our
imperfect petitions; and answer them in the multitude
of thy tender mercies, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our
only Lord and Saviour; to whom, with thee and the
Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
LORDSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON MATTHEW XXII, 1 22.
Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, who humblest
thyself to listen to the adorations of the heavenly hosts
above; how great is thy condescension in regarding the
feeble thanksgivings and supplications of sinful mortals!
But thy ways are not as our ways, neither are thy
thoughts as our thoughts. Thou hast, of thine infinite
goodness, made known unto us the mysteries of thy
grace. Thou hast revealed thyself as delighting in
mercy, and being glorified in the salvation of sinners
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Enable us to take
shelter in this thine appointed refuge; and finding par-
don and acceptance with thee, may our evening sacrifice
of pr&yer and praise ascend up before thee, perfumed
148 FIFTH WEEK.
with the incense of his merits, and be heard, accepted
and answered by thee.
We bless thy name for having placed our dwelling
where the bright beams of thy glorious gospel shine
forth, — and for the many seasons and means of grace
which thou hast afforded us, — and especially for the
opportunities we have enj'03'ed this day of waiting upon
thee in the ordinances of thine own appointment. But
alas! O Lord, the review of even this day fills us with
shame and confusion of face ; for what coldness of affec-
tion, what wandering of thought, what want of rever-
ence, of love and of gratitude, have we betrayed in
all our religious services! Surely, wre are altogether
unprofitable servants.
But we desire now to cast ourselves at thy footstool,
beseeching thee, O Lord, for Christ's sake, to pardon all
our iniquity, yea the iniquity of our holy things. Wash
us in the fountain of his atoning blood, — clothe us with
the robe of his justifying righteousness, — and sanctify
our hearts by the purifying grace of his Spirit. O shine
upon us, and give us clearer views of the truth as it is
in Jesus. And may it influence our tempers and dispo-
sitions, our life and conduct, that in all things we may
adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour.
Gracious God, let not the word of thy truth which we
have heard this day with our outward ears, return unto
thee void. Enlighten our understandings, and open our
hearts to receive it in love and in power.
Grant that we may not only "read and mark" but
also "learn and inwardly digest" those Holy Scriptures
which are able to make us wise unto salvation, through
faith which is in Christ Jesus. O Lord, bless us with
all spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Make known
unto us his power and glory, and may we find in Him
all our fresh springs of grace and strength, of consola-
tion and joy.
LORDSDAY EVENING. 149
(Occasional prayers.)
Blessed Lord, hear the prayers which have been
offered up this day for all sorts and conditions of men.
To thee the secrets of their hearts are open, and thou
knowest their several characters and wants; strengthen
the weak, — comfort the afflicted, — instruct the igno-
rant,— take away the heart of stone, — and cause the
impenitent sinner to cry for mercy. Inspire continually
thy universal church with the spirit of truth, unity and
concord. Bless the labors of thy ministering servants.
May the seed which they have sown, bring forth fruit
to the praise and glory of thy grace. And O let thy
ways be known upon earth, thy saving health among all
nations; let both Jews and Gentiles be gathered into the
Redeemer's kingdom, and let every one that nameth the
name of Christ depart from all iniquity.
We now commit ourselves into thy care and fatherly
protection. Watch over us during the dark and silent
hours of the night, and refresh our wearied bodies with
sleep; and if it be consistent with thy good pleasure,
raise us up in health and safety to enjoy the light of
another day. O Lord, establish thy kingdom of right-
eousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost, within our
hearts. Water our souls with the dew7 of thy blessing,
that we ma}r grow in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and be enabled to hold the beginning of our confidence
steadfast to the end.
Blessed be the Lord our God, the God of Israel, who
only doeth wondrous things: and blessed be thy glori-
ous name for ever, and let the whole earth be filled with
thy glory.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
13
150 FIFTH WEEK.
MONDAY MORNING.
SCniPTURE LESSON MARK XII, 28 44.
O God, thou art our God; early will we seek thee.
Thou art good, and doest good to all; thy mercy is over
all thy works.
Unworthy as we are to offer unto thee any sacrifice,
thou hast appointed unto us a great High Priest, in
whose name we come boldly to the throne of grace, that
we may find mercy and grace to help in time of need.
Grant that the frequency and earnestness of our
prayers may be proportioned to the greatness of our
wants. Make us rejoice in every opportunity of wor-
shiping thy divine Majesty, and preserve us from the
sin of drawing near to thee with our lips, while our
hearts are far from thee.
(Occasional prayers.)
We humbly thank thee, O Lord, that thou hast pre-
served us through the night past, and hast renewed unto
us thy goodness this morning. Take us again into thy
guidance and protection during the day; and so govern
us by thy grace, that we may neither think nor speak,
nor do any thing this day which may displease thee or
wound our own souls. Assist us to be sincere and
hearty in dedicating ourselves, our souls and bodies, to
thy service. Preserve us from the power of evil; from
the sin that doth so easily beset us; from the lusts of
the flesh, and the vanities of a wicked world.
Send thy good Spirit to direct and guide us in the
ways and works of godliness: purify our affections;
enliven our devotion ; teach us how to pray, and how
to hear, and read, and profit by thy holy word. Make
us christians, not only in name, but also in heart and in
hope. Teach us the value of our souls and the salva-
tion which has been wrought for them by Christ Jesus.
May we never be ashamed of confessing him before
MONDAY EVENING. 151
men; but, amidst all discouragements and difficulties,
give us boldness to show ourselves his true disciples.
Let our conversation be such as becomcth his gospel;
and whatsoever we do in word or in deed, let us do all
in his name, giving thanks to God and the Father through
him. And let the words of our mouths, and the medi-
tations of our hearts, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord,
our strength, and our Redeemer.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
MONDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO.X 3IATTHEW XVIII, 1 20.
Blessed and glorious God ! Thou art the King eter-
nal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, the Father,
of mercies, and God of all grace. Thou searchest the
hearts and triest the reins of all men. As we now come
to seek thy grace, and beg thy presence, acceptance and
blessing, look down upon us in tender mercy. O let thy
Spirit help our infirmities, and teach us how to pray.
Harken unto the voice of our cry, our King and our
God, for unto thee will we pray; our voice shalt thou
hear in the morning, and in the evening will we direct
our prayer unto thee. We are not worthy, O Lord, of
the least of thy mercies, and yet how bountifully hast
thou bestowed them upon us! Open thou our lips, and
our mouths shall show forth thy praise.
Lord, we would lie in the dust and cry, unclean, un-
clean! we have a sinning and a sinful nature; we were
shapen in iniquity, and in sin were we conceived. And,
O God, how deeply aggravated are all our sins! they
have been committed against light and conviction,
against promises and vows, and against manifold expe-
riences of thy grace and love. O cast an eye of pity
upon us; we are vile; what shall we answer thee?
152 FIFTH WEEK.
Lord, we would abhor ourselves and repent in dust
and ashes.
And as our sins are many, so, O Lord, are our neces-
sities ; we come to thee for the supply of them all. Bless
us, O our God, with the pardon of all our iniquities. Let
our transgressions be forgiven, and our sins covered.
We have no merit to plead, but we cast ourselves upon
thy mercy and grace in the Redeemer; we plead his
atoning blood which was shed for the remission of sins;
we have sinned, but Christ has died, the just for the
unjust, that he might bring us to God. O justify us
freely by thy grace, through the redemption that is in
Christ. Look upon us in the face of thine Anointed,
and accept us in the Beloved. Create clean hearts, and
renew right spirits within us; help us to crucify the
flesh with its affections and lusts, that the body of sin
may be destroyed. Enlighten our minds, and grant us
the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of
Christ. Subdue and renew our wills. Cast down all
lofty imaginations, and bring every thought into subjec-
tion to the obedience of Christ. Help us to love our
enemies, and if we have aught against any man, help
us to forgive, as God, for Christ's sake, forgiveth us.
Enable us to bless them that curse us, and pray for
them that despitefulhy use us.
(Occasional prayers.)
Help us all, O Lord, duly to consider our latter end,
and diligently prepare for the same. Whatsoever our
hands find to do, may we do it now, without delay, and
with all our might; for there is no work, nor device, nor
knowledge in the grave, whither we are all hastening.
O Lord, regard in mercy our absent friends and rela-
tives; pity and relieve the poor and distressed; comfort
those who mourn; bless our land and all its rulers.
Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the com-
ing of thy glorious kingdom. Accept our thanks for the
mercies of this day. Take us under thy protection this
TUESDAY MORNING. 153
night; sustain us in sleep, and raise us up in the morn-
ing, and when we awake, may we be still with thee.
All which we beg in the name, and through the media-
tion of Christ our Saviour.
Our Father who, &e. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON MATTHEW XXV, 1 30.
Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, by
whom the whole family in heaven and earth were made.
Thou hast said that thou wilt be the God of all the fami-
lies of Israel, and they shall be thy people; dispose our
hearts, by the gracious influence of thy Holy Spirit, to
worship thee through one Mediator, Jesus Christ our
Lord.
Thou art God, and there is none beside thee. Thou art
the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of glory, the
Lord God, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, abun-
dant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands,
forgiving iniquity, and transgressions, and sins, and
wilt by no means clear the guilty. We bow and wor-
ship at thy footstool; we acknowledge thee to be the
Lord.
We are invited to come to thee; — though we be guilty
and sinful, we are freely offered pardon, peace and sal-
vation; and thou givest us a hope full of immortality in
Christ Jesus our Saviour.
What reward shall we render unto the Lord, for all
his benefits? We desire now afresh to devote ourselves
to thy service. We give up ourselves, our whole selves
nto thee. God of peace, sanctify us wholly. God of
our life, grant that our whole spirit, and soul, and body,
may be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
154 FIFTH WEEK.
Forgive us all our offenses, remember not against us
our transgressions. Grant unto every one of us a sav-
ing interest in the death of Christ, full and free forgive-
ness of all our sins, and grace and strength to go and
sin no more. Lord, help us to love thee, teach us to
serve thee. Give us thy strength that we may over-
come our corrupt nature. Grant that this day we may
have power from on high to resist every temptation, to
confess Christ before men, to labor steadfastly with a
single eye to thy glory, to live in the spirit of prayer, in
faith, humility, self-denial, and love, and to walk before
thee in that narrow way which leads to eternal life. Fill
us with love to others. Teach us to do good to all men,
and to seek according: to our means to visit and relieve
the fatherless and the widows in their affliction : and do
thou keep us unspotted from the world.
Lord, for thy name's sake, hear us. We beseech
thee, according, to thy infinite mercy, give us grace to
serve thee constantly and unfeignedly. Herein art thou
glorified, that we bear much fruit. For thine own glory,
grant us thy Spirit, that we may bring forth all the fruits
of righteousness.
(Occasional prayers.)
And hear us farther in behalf of our relations and
friends, our neighborhood, our minister, and all for
whom we ought to pray. Help those that are weak.
Comfort those that are cast down. Heal those that are
sick. Relieve those that are in distress. Be merciful
unto thy church. O bless us, and cause thy face to
shine upon us, that thy way may be known upon earth,
thy saving health among all nations. Bring the Gentiles
to Christ. Gather thy people Israel into thy fold. Give
wisdom and power to every effort of christian love for
spreading thy gospel. Bless all societies formed for this
end, and let those who support and conduct them, have
thy direction and guidance. Lord, grant that the power
of the cross of Christ, may at length fully triumph over
TUESDAY EVENING. 155
all error and superstition, all idolatry, and delusion,
and sin.
Gracious Lord, not for our worthiness, but for the
< name's sake of Jesus Christ alone, hear these our
. prayers, which we sum up in his own words.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON — MATTHEW XXV, 31 46.
Almighty God, Father of mercies, and God of all
. comfort, according to thy gracious promise, give us thy
Holy Spirit to help our infirmities, and enable us, in the
[ name, and through the mediation of thy Son Jesus
Christ, our Lord, to call upon thee.
Great is thy goodness to us sinners, in that we, who
lhave grievously offended thee, have such a Mediator,
who ever liveth to make intercession for us. Without
a Saviour we can have no hope; for we have sinned
against thee, and done evil in thy sight day by day.
We confess and mourn before thee the manifold sins
of the past day. We daily offend thee by pride, im-
penitence, unbelief, forgetfulness of thee, and in many
other ways: leaving undone the things which we ought
to have done, and doing those things which we ought not.
Lord, let thy Holy Spirit convince us of our sinful-
ness. We pray that we may see more of the extent of
)ur iniquities, and feel more of their guilt. Thus may
eve be led to hate sin, and to feel the need and value of
hat Saviour who came to seek and to save that which
.vas lost. Grant that we may be partakers of his great
salvation. Whatever else we lose, may we win Christ
tnd be found in him.
Lord, we are unclean; if thou wilt, thou canst make
is clean. We believe that thou art able, we believe
156 FIFTH WEEK.
that thou art willing. Lord, help our unbelief; Lord,
make us clean.
Give us, we beseech thee, such a sense of thy mercy
in free forgiveness, through the blood of Christ, that we
may be constrained to present our bodies a living sacri-
fice unto thee. Enable us daily to crucify the lusts of
the flesh. Give us such a measure of thy grace, that
all the powers of our minds, all the affections of our
hearts, and all the talents entrusted to us, maybe unre-
servedly engaged for thee. Lord, incline us to spend
ourselves and be spent for thee; strengthen our desire
to do so, and enable us ever hereafter to bring this
desire to good effect.
(Occasional prayers.)
Let the number of thy willing and devoted servants
be every where increased. Be thou exalted, O God,
above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth.
Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, that all the ends of
the earth may remember and turn unto the Lord, and
all the kindreds of the nations may worship before thee.
Bless the land in which we dwell; its government, the
ministers of Jesus Christ, and all its people. May we
be a people fearing God and working righteousness.
Look with especial favor on our relatives and friends,
our family-connections and acquaintances. May they
all be partakers of the grace of Christ here, and of his
glory hereafter.
Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with ben-
efits. All the temporal mercies granted so abundantly
to us, our food, our clothing, our home, our friends, the
daily provisions for our various necessities, these are
from thee, who openest thy hand and fillest all things
living with plenteousness. But, above all, blessed be
the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath
blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things
in Christ Jesus. Thanks be unto God for his unspeak-
able sift.
WEDNESDAY MORNING. 157
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the
only wise Cod, be honor and glory for ever and ever.
These prayers and praises we offer up in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of perishing sinners:
trusting only in his mediation and merits.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 1 S A I A H L I X .
O Lord God Almighty, we thank thee for having pre-
served us through the past night, and for granting us
health and strength for our duties on this day. Blessed
be the Lord for all his mercies; for giving us food to eat
and raiment to put on, and for delivering us from many
evils which our sins have justly deserved.
We thank thee especially, O Lord, for the gift of Jesus
Christ thy Son. We confess before thee our exceeding
guilt, and we pray thee, for Christ's sake, to pardon our
offenses, and to receive our souls when we die.
(Occasional prayers*)
We beseech thee also, for his sake, to grant unto us
the help of thy Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled to
follow our Saviour's example, and to do whatsoever he
hath commanded. May we be patient, humble, kind,
and merciful; endeavoring to do good unto all men, and
forgiving those who trespass against us, even as we hope
to be forgiven. Grant us grace this day diligently to
perform its duties, and to be true and just in all our
dealings, doing unto others as we would the}' should do
unto us; and help us, O Lord, to restrain our tongue,
and to subdue our evil tempers, and to live in temper-
ance, soberness and chastity. Save us from those sins
which in times past have most easily beset us; strengthen
us, O Lord, for all that awaits us; carry us through all
14
158 FIFTH WEEK.
our difficulties and troubles, and help us, day by day,
to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour. These prayers we humbly offer up in the
name of Jesus Christ.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY EVENING
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P S A L M LIU.
O thou, who art the God of all the families of the
earth, who didst favorably notice Abraham's command-
ing his children and his household after him to keep the
way of the Lord; be thou present with us now, and
enable us by thy Holy Spirit, and through thy Son's
intercession, to worship thee in spirit and in truth.
We come before thee acknowledging that we were
all born in sin, the children of wrath, and have in com-
mon a corrupt nature, and a continual propensity to
depart from thee. And O how often have we offended
thee, by actual transgressions !
Even in the clay that is past, by vain thoughts, by idle
words, b}^ sinful indulgences, we have grieved thy Spirit,
and we have incurred thy displeasure. Our only refuge
is in thy promised mercy in Christ Jesus. We cast our-
selves wholly on that mercy. Fixing all our hopes on
our Saviour Jesus, we confess our guilt, and earnestly
pray that his blood may cleanse us from all sin.
And give us, we beseech thee, the comfortable assu-
rance that our sins are forgiven. Let thy Holy Spirit
bear witness with our spirits that we are children of
God. Plentifully impart to us the gift of thy Spirit,
that we may bring forth love, joy, peace, gentleness,
, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance and
temperance. Grant that we may so copy the example
of our Saviour, as to be epistles of Christ, known and
WEDNESDAY EVENING. 159
read of all men; and have clear evidence of our own
salvation. Teach us so to live, that we may glorify
thee who hast, bought us with a price of such amazing
value as the blood of thine own Son.
O that all now kneeling together may indeed obtain
mere}' in Christ Jesus, be passed from death unto life,
and love and serve thee unfeignedly. But, O Lord,
how cold is our love to thee! how dead are our hearts!
Help us to love thee; to love God with all our strength.
Shed abroad the love of God in our hearts, by giving us
the Holy Ghost: and may we be taught of God to love
one another. Be thou present with us in our more re-
tired devotions; — praying in our closet, to our Father
which is in secz'et, may we find his presence and bless-
ing there.
(Occasional prayers.)
Bless, O Lord, all that are near and dear to us. Give
them thy grace, ever guide them here b}r thy counsel,
and may none of them be wanting in thy heavenly
kingdom.
We pray for all in authority; Lord, may their coun-
sels be so ordered by thee as may be most for the good
of our country.
Give, we beseech thee, to all the ministers of Jesus
Christ, every where, true knowledge and understanding
of thy word; and may they set it forth in their lives
accordingly. Make them wise to win souls. Lord, call
forth and send out many faithful laborers to the work of
the ministr}". Bring it to pass that the distant isles shall
wait on thee, and the Gentiles come to thy light. Bless
every Society established for benefiting the bodies or
the souls of men, and especially those in which we are
more immediately engaged and interested.
Thanks be unto thee, Holy Lord God, for all thy
goodness towards us. How multiplied are thy mercies
every day! How excellent is thy loving kindness! We
bless thee for all thy long-suffering and forbearance to-
160 FIFTH WEEK.
wards us. We bless thee for the infinite mercies of
redeeming love. We bless thee for the knowledge of
thy salvation, and for the light of thy truth; for protec-
tion from every danger during the night, and provision
for all our wants by day. Thou hast spread our table
with food, and thou givest us every needful good.
Accept these our prayers and our praises, which we
offer up in and through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator
and Advocate.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON LUKE XVIII, 1 17.
Almighty and adorable God, permitted by thy kind-
ness to come again into thy presence, we would begin
the day with praise to thee, who hast given us a night
of mercy. Bless the Lord, O our souls: and all that is
within us, bless his holy name!
We would sanctify all the employments, and all the
events of this day, by placing ourselves and them in
thy care, humbly and earnestly beseeching thee to over-
rule all things concerning us to thy glory, and the good
of our souls. Unto thee do we lift up our eyes, O thou
that dwellest in the heavens! O take us into thy pro-
tection, bodily and spiritually. We are ignorant, let
thy Spirit teach us; we are guilty, let us obtain pardon
through the blood of thy Son; we are wandering sheep,
let thy love lead us to the Saviour's fold; we are in
danger from enemies who lie in wait for our souls; —
what then is our hope .p Truly our hope is even in thee.
Hold up our goings in thy paths, that our footsteps slip
not; keep us as the apple of thine eye; hide us under
the shadow of thy wings.
We are in the midst of an ensnaring world; O thou
THURSDAY EVENING. 161
God of all grace, preserve us from the lust of the flesh,
the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life! Teach us
that the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; while
only they who do lh}r will abide for ever. Let us place
thee, O our unerring director, always before us; be thou
at our right hand continually, lest we make shipwreck
of faith and of a good conscience. Leave us not, neither
forsake us, O God of our salvation! for thy dear Son
Jesus Christ's sake.
(Occasional prayers.)
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON ROMANS III.
O God, thy greatness is unsearchable. Thy name is
most excellent in all the earth. Thou hast set thy glory
above the heavens. Thousands minister unto thee, and
ten thousand times ten thousand stand before thee. We
feel ourselves in thine awful presence to be nothing, less
than nothing, and vanity: nor do we presume to ap-
proach thee because we are deserving of thy notice —
for we have sinned — we have incurred thy^ righteous
displeasure — we acknowledge that thou art justified
when thou speakest, and just when thou judgest.
But our necessities compel us; and thy promises
encourage us. Thou art nigh' unto them that are of a
broken heart, and savest such as be of a contrite spirit.
Thou hast provided and revealed a Mediator, who has
not only obeyed but magnified the law and made it
honorable; and thou hast made us accepted in the
Beloved.
O look thou upon us, and be merciful unto us, as
thou art unto those that love thy name ! Convince us
of sin both in its penalty and in its pollution; and may
we mourn over it with godly sorrow. Give us faith in
14*
] 62 FIFTH WEEK.
the Lord Jesus Christ; and believing may we have life
through his name.
Our souls cleave unto the dust; quicken thou us
according to thy word. May we not only live in the
Spirit, but walk in the Spirit. May the same mind be
in us which was also in Christ Jesus; and may we feel
it to be a precious privilege to go about doing good.
As he suffered for us, leaving us an example that we
should tread in his steps; may we be willing to suffer
like him. When reviled, may we revile not again, but
commit ourselves to him that judgeth righteously. Who-
ever may be the instrument of our grief, may we never
lose sight of an overruling agency in preparing and
presenting it; but be able to say, the cup which my
Father giveth me shall I not drink it? In patience may
we possess our souls.
(Occasional prayers.)
We live in a world of changes, and have here no
continuing city — may we seek one to come; and have
our minds kept in perfect peace, being stayed upon God.
Be with us to the end of our journey; and after honor-
ing thee by the life we have lived, may we glorify thee
by the death we shall die. When heart and flesh fail,
be thou the strength of our heart and our portion for
ever; at death may we fall asleep in Jesus; and in the
morning of the resurrection, may he change our vile
body, that it may be fashioned like his own glorious
body; and so may we be for ever with the Lord.
Who can understand his errors? Forgive, O God,
the sins of the past day, in thought, word, and deed,
against thy divine majesty. We bless thee for our pres-
ervation in our going out and our coming in, and in all
our ways; and we bless thee for all the supplies and
indulgences which thy good providence has afforded us.
And now, O thou keeper of Israel, we commit our
souls and our bodies to thy all-sufficient care. Suffer
no evil to befall our persons, and no plague to come
FRIDAY MORNING. 163
nigh our dwelling. May our sleep be sweet; or if thou
boldest our eyes waking, may we remember thee upon
our bed, and meditate on thee in the night-watches.
And with the innumerable company who never slum-
ber nor sleep, and who rest not day and night, we would
join in ascribing blessing and honor and glory and power
unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb, for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N — R OMANS VI.
Our Father, &c.
O God, heavenly Father, who makest the outgoings
of the morning and evening to praise thee, accept our
hearty thanks for all thy mercies, and especially for
the rest and refreshment of the past night. With this
renewed token of thy goodness, give us newness of
heart to serve thee. Look with favor upon our earnest
desires, and stretch forth the right hand of thy majesty,
10 be our unfailing defense and protection. Help us to
amend our ways and our doings; that we may obey thy
voice, and walk in the way that thou hast commanded
us. Turn us from all our sins, that we may keep thy
statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, and save
our souls alive.
O blessed Jesus, grant us grace, so to confess thee
before men, that thou mayest confess us before thy
Father in heaven. Make us watchful and circumspect,
that we fall not again into our former transgressions.
Endue us with strength and fortitude, to lake up our
cross daily and follow thee, withersoever thy voice shall
call us. May we be strong, O Lord, in the power of
thy might. May we put on the whole armor of God,
164 FIFTH WEEK.
and fight manfully against our spiritual enemies. Willi
the girdle of truth; the breast-plate of righteousness;
the shield of faith; the helmet of salvation ; and the
sword of the Spirit; ma}'- we be able to stand against
the fiery darts of the wicked, and all the wiles of the
adversary.
O holy, blessed and eternal Spirit; vouchsafe, we
beseech thee, to direct, sanctify and govern, both our
hearts and bodies, in all the pursuits of this day.
Quicken us to renewed diligence in our several duties;
and make us just and upright in all our dealings; and
charitable, kind and compassionate in all the relations
of life.
(Occasional prayers.)
O God, whose days are without end, and whose mer-
cies cannot be numbered; make us, at all times, and
under all circumstances, duly sensible of the shortness
and uncertainty of human life, and of the transitory
nature of all earthly things. Thou hast made our days
as it were a span long; and our age is even nothing in
respect of thee; and verily every man living, is alto-
gether vanity. So teach us to number our days, that
we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Guide us by
thy powerful hand, as we pass through this vale of mis-
ery; that so we may serve thee in holiness and right-
eousness all the clays of our life; that when our proba-
tion shall be closed, we may be gathered in peace to
our fathers, having the testimony of a good conscience;
the witness of the Spirit that we are the children of
God.
All which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord, to
whom, with thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all
honor and glory, world without end.
The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY EVENING. 165
FRIDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE L E S S O N J O II N XIX, 1 18.
O God, the day is thine; the night also is thine.
Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening
to rejoice. The heavens declare thy glory; the earth
is full of thy riches, and so is the great and wide sea.
Thou art the maker, and sustainer, and proprietor of all
things. We are the creatures of thy power, and the
beneficiaries of thy bounty. But we have sinned against
heaven and before thee, and are not worthy of the least
of all the mercies, and of all the truth which thou hast
shown us. We are of those that rebel against the light;
for we have resisted the dictates of our consciences; the
demands of thy law; the admonitions of thy providence;
and the calls of the gospel of peace. We have made
light of those things into which angels desire to look:
we have neglected thy great salvation; and we deserve
that thy wrath should come upon us as children of
disobedience.
Yet we are in the land of the living, and under a
dispensation of hope. We flee for refuge to that dear
Saviour who said, I will deliver from going down into
the pit, I have found a ransom: and who himself bore
our sin in his own body on the tree. O that we may be
found in him, and know the power of his resurrection,
and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made con-
formable unto his death. May we not only be justified
by his blood, and saved from wrath through him; but
may we derive from him an influence, that shall subdue
our iniquities, and change us into his own image, from
glory to glory, as by the Spirit of the Lord.
(Occasional prayers.)
Deliver us, we pray thee, from the views and dispo-
sitions of men of the world. Ma}' we never look for that
on earth, which can only be found in heaven. Born
166 FIFTH WEEK.
from above and bound for glory, may we -feel that we
are but pilgrims, and pass the time of our sojourning
here in fear. Reminded — and O how often are we
reminded! — that here we have no continuing cit}r, may
we seek one to come: and in all the changing scenes of
time, know in ourselves that in heaven we have a better
and an enduring substance.
Cast us not away from thy presence, and take not thy
Holy Spirit from us. To thy wisdom wre must repair
for direction, or we shall every moment go astray. Thy
power is our only safety. O thou that savest by thy
right hand them that put their trust in thee, keep us as
the apple of thine eye, and hide us under the shadow
of thy wing. Be thou our strength in weakness, and
our victory in conflict. May we never deny thee. Es-
tablish our hearts with grace, and deliver our feet from
falling; and may we be sincere and without offense
until the day of Christ.
These are great blessings for us to ask — but we are
for ever undone without them — and thou hast encour-
aged us to hope. We plead thy command and thy pro-
mise— ask and it shall be given you, seek and ye shall
find, knock and it shall be opened unto }rou. No sup-
pliant, however unworthy or guilty, was ever rejected
or insulted at thy footstool. And we come in the name
of him who made intercession for transgressors. Him
thou nearest always — and to him, with the Father, and
to the Holy Spirit, be praises for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON LUKE XV, 1 24.
O God! thou art our God, early will we seek thee;
our fathers' God, and we will exalt thee. We rejoice,
SATURDAY MORNING. 167
that in every thing by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving, we are to make known our request unto
God. We acknowledge, O Lord! that we have sinned
against the light of nature, and against thy written law
and gospel. We have been vain in our imaginations,
and our foolish hearts have been darkened. We have
been lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. And,
by our iniquities, we have exposed ourselves to thine
everlasting displeasure. But, behold, O God our shield !
and look upon the face of thine Anointed, and have
mercy on us. May the blood of Christ, who through
the eternal Spirit, offered himself without spot to God,
purge our consciences from dead works to serve the
living God. Search us, O God! and know our hearts;
try us, and know our thoughts, and see if there be any
wicked way in us, and lead us in the way everlasting.
Permit us not to spend the golden hours of time in the
pursuit of vanity, but excite us to live as citizens of the
spiritual Jerusalem, and to form our hearts and lives to
the temper and manners of the heavenly world.
(Occasional prayers.)
Jesus, thou Son of David! have mercy upon all men.
Graciously regard those who are dead in trespasses
and sins. Teach the moralist the necessity of vital god-
liness, and the hypocrite the deceitfulness of his heart,
that he may stand amazed. Accomplish all thy predic-
tions relative to the latter day glory of the church. May
a way be opened for the introduction of the gospel into
all lauds. Raise up and prepare many to obey the com-
mand of their ascended Saviour: "go ye into all the
world, and preach my gospel to every creature." We
bless God for the religious instructions afforded us. We
thank thee that thou didst, at sundry times, and in
divers manners, speak in time past unto the fathers by
the prophets, and in these hist days hast spoken unto
us by thy Son Jesus Christ and his apostles. Ever
may we take thy word as a lamp unto our feet, and a
168 FIFTH WEEK.
light unto our path. Glory to God in the highest, for a
plan of redemption, and the overtures of grace in the
gospel. O! let us not despise the proffers of salvation,
and reject a crucified Saviour. We praise thee for the
mercies of the night; that while many were full of toss-
ings to and fro unto the dawning of the day, we enjoyed
quiet repose. Cause us to hear thy loving-kindness in
the morning, for in thee do we trust; cause us to know
the way wherein we should walk, for we lift up our
souls unto thee. Establish thou thy covenant with this
family, for an everlasting covenant even the sure mer-
cies of David. Prepare us for the vicissitudes of this
mortal state, and when we come to die, may we die in
the Lord, and be blessed for ever. Be pleased, gra-
cious God! to accept our persons and services in the
Beloved. Now blessing and honor, and glory and
power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and
unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &.c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P SALM III.
Infinitely powerful and glorious God! in the name
of our great High Priest, who is passed into the heav-
ens, we draw near unto thee this evening. May we
come unto thee, as children unto a father, who is able
and ready to assist them. Indite our petitions for us,
and enable us to present them before thee in faith. Thy
throne, O God! is for ever and ever; the sceptre of thy
kindgdom is a right sceptre. We adore the wisdom of
thy purposes, the holiness of thy ways, and the riches
of thy grace. We rejoice, that in Christ Jesus, mercy
and truth are met together, righteousness and peace
have embraced each other. Where sin hath abounded,
SATURDAY EVENING. 169
grace can now much more abound. Deal with us
according to the tenor of the everlasting covenant of
grace. Wash away our sins in the blood of the immac-
ulate Son of God, that we may be presented spotless
before thy throne in glory. Subdue our vile passions,
and make us willing captives of the Prince of peace.
May the same mind be in us, which was also in Christ
Jesus. Let us die daily unto sin, and live unto God.
May we walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
redeeming the time, because the days are evil; and may
we not be weary in well doing, for in due season we
shall reap, if we faint not. Graciously regard, O God!
all the sons and daughters of affliction. Be thou a
father to the fatherless, and a judge of the widows in
thy holy habitation. Give redemption to the captives,
loose the bands of wickedness, undo heavy burdens,
and let the oppressed go free. Pity the sick, and heal
their diseases. Furnish the destitute with food and rai-
ment. Be a guide to them who travel by sea or land.
Give to all repentance, pardon and salvation. Bless
our American republic. We thank thee for all our
civil, religious and literary privileges; and that thou
hast given us a good land, and crowned it with many
blessings. Thou hast not dealt so with any nation.
May our country continue to be under the care of thy
watchful providence. May we be a holy, that we may
be a happy people. May all our friends and relatives
be the objects of thy favorable regard. Let them be
enriched with the blessings of thy heavenly grace.
May Zion awake and put on her strength; arise, and
shake herself from the dust, and put on her beautiful
garments. Preserve the church from all dangers within
and without. Extend her boundaries from sea to sea,
and from the rivers to the ends of the earth. Make al
the ministers of religion faithful and zealous. Let the
heathen, now shrouded in the gloom of moral death, be
irradiated with the light of the gospel. O Lord ! how
15
170 SIXTH WEEK.
long shall darkness, ignorance, and superstition, so
awfully reign? Arise, O thou most mighty! in thy
strength, and convert, and save a perishing world.
(Occasional prayers.)
Now, Lord ! what wait we for? Our hope is in thee.
We thank thee, thou Guardian of man ! for the salvation
and blessings of another day and week. Watch over
us for good this night. Let thy holy angels pitch their
tents around our habitation, and may we dwell in secu-
rity. Prepare us for the duties and services of thy holy
day. May it be a season of refreshing from the pres-
ence of the Lord. Superintend all our changes in mercy,
and when time with us shall be no longer, receive us to
mansions of eternal blessedness. Now to the Lamb,
that was slain to redeem us to God by his blood, be
power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and
honor, and glory, and blessing for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SIXTH WEEK.
LORDSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P S A L M L X X I I I .
O Lord, we desire to begin the day and the week
with thee. Let a solemn sense of thy presence be upon
our minds; and while we offer our supplications, in the
name of our only Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ, com-
fort our hearts by the assurance that thou art nigh unto
all them that call upon thee, even all such as call upon
thee faithfully.
We acknowledge before thee, O Lord, how unworthy
we are to be numbered with thy children, for we have
sinned against thee, and thy wrath might justly have
consumed us in a moment, and have sent us down to
LORDSDAY EVENING. 171
hell: — but ihou hast had mercy on us, and hast made
known unto us by thy word how we may be saved.
We thank thee, O Lord, for the opportunities which
we are invited to enjoy this day; — of hearing those
blessed truths, the knowledge of which is essential to
the salvation of our souls. Oh! give us grace diligently
to attend to thy word; enable us to understand it, and
make us anxious to improve by it; that the sermons
which we hear may not rise up against us at the great
day.
Bless, O gracious God, the ministers of thy gospel,
especially our own, who show unto us the way of salva-
tion. Do thou teach them, that they may be able to
teach us. O Lord, may thy word this day awaken our
consciences, that we may see more evil in the nature
of sin, more danger from the guilt of it, and be more
earnest to secure an interest in Christ, the only Saviour.
(Occasional prayers.)
We beseech thee, O Lord, to keep us this day from
all worldly thoughts and words; and may thy Spirit
surest such things to our minds as are suitable to this
holy part of our time. Oh, may we keep thy Sabbath
in a becoming manner, and love it as the best day of
the seven, because it is a season dedicated to thy ser-
vice! Preserve us, whilst in thy house, from a stupid
and a wandering frame; strengthen our memory to
retain what we hear, and make this day a time of real
benefit to our souls, for which we may have reason to
bless thee to all eternity, for Jesus Christ's sake.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
LORDSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P S A L M L X I I I .
Almighty and everlasting God, we adore thee for
thy tender compassion and loving kindness to us, and
172 SIXTH WEEK.
to the whole family of mankind. We bless thee for the
gift of thy dear Son, through whose atoning sacrifice we
are brought near to thee, and by whose meritorious
death and passion we are redeemed from death, and
from the guilt and burden of our sins. We do not pre-
sume to come before thee, O merciful Lord, trusting in
our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and great
mercies. We acknowledge and bewail our many and
sore offenses, for which our Lord Jesus Christ humbled
himself, and became obedient unto death, even the pain-
ful death of the cross ; and for which thou wast pleased
to bruise him, and put him to grief. May we keep in
lively remembrance the agonies which he endured for
our sake. May we remember, that he hath borne our
griefs, and carried our sorrows; that he was wounded
for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities;
that the chastisement of our peace was upon him; that
by his stripes we are healed; and that upon him was
laid the iniquity of us all. May we remember the
exceeding great love of our blessed Saviour Jesus
Christ, in dying for our sins, and the innumerable ben-
efits, which by his precious blood-shedding he hath
obtained for us. And may we offer unto thee, our-
selves, our souls, and bodies, to be a reasonable, holy,
and living sacrifice; humbly beseeching thee, at all
times, to accept our poor and imperfect service, not
weighing our demerits, but pardoning our offenses,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Occasional prayers.)
Grant, heavenly Father, that the instructive lessons
which we have heard this day with our outward ears,
may, through thy grace, be so grafted inwardly in our
hearts, that they may bring forth in us the fruits of good
living; and that in all our walk and conversation, we
may henceforth glory in nothing else but the cross of
our Lord Jesus Christ.
Unto God's gracious care and protection, we now
MONDAY MORNING. ]73
commit ourselves, and all our relatives and friends, for
this night. The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord
make his face to shine upon us, and be merciful unto us.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon us and give us
peace, both now and evermore.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
MONDAY MORN1N G.
SCRIPTURE LESSON 1 PETER IV.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed, &c.
Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live, and
move, and have our being; we, thy needy creatures,
render thee our humble praises for thy preservation of
us from the beginning of our lives to this day, and
especially for having delivered us from the dangers of
the past night. To thy watchful providence we owe it,
that no disturbance hath come nigh us or our dwelling,
but that we are brought in safety to the beginning of
this day. For these thy mercies, we bless and magnify
thy glorious name; humbly beseeching thee to accept
this our morning sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
for his sake who lay down in the grave, and rose again
for us, thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
And since it is of ihy mercy, O gracious Father, that
another day is added to our lives, we here dedicate
both our souls and our bodies to thee and thy service,
in a sober, righteous, and godly life; in which resolu-
tion, do thou, O merciful God, confirm and strengthen
us ; that, as we grow in age, we may grow in grace,
and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
Christ.
But O God, who knowest the weakness and corrup-
tion of our nature, and the manifold temptations which
we daily meet with; we humbly beseech thee to have
compassion on our infirmities, and to give us the con-
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174 SIXTH WEEK.
stant assistance of thy Holy Spirit; that we may be
effectually restrained from sin, and excited to our duty.
Imprint upon our hearts such a dread of thy judgments,
and such a grateful sense of thy goodness to us, as may
make us both afraid and ashamed to offend thee. And,
above all, keep in our minds a lively remembrance of
that great day, in which we must give a strict account
of our thoughts, words, and actions; and, according to
the works done in the body, be eternally rewarded or
punished, by him whom thou hast appointed the judge
of quick and dead, thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
(Occasional prayers.)
In particular, we implore thy grace and protection for
the ensuing day. Keep us temperate in our meats and
drinks, and diligent in our several callings. Grant us
patience under any afflictions thou shalt see fit to lay on
us, and minds always contented with our present con-
dition. Give us grace to be just and upright in all our
dealings; quiet and peaceable; full of compassion ; and
ready to do good to all men according to our abilities
and opportunities. Direct us in all our ways, and pros-
per the works of our hands in the business of our several
stations. Defend us from all dangers and adversities;
and be graciously pleased to take us, and all things
belonging to us, under thy fatherly care and protection.
These things, and whatever else thou shalt see neces-
sary and convenient to us, we humbly beg, through the
merits and mediation of thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord
and Saviour. The grace of our Lord, &c. Amen.
MONDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N J AMES III.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed, &c.
Most merciful God, who art of purer eyes than to
behold iniquity, and hast promised forgiveness to all
MONDAY EVENING. J75
those who confess and forsake lheir sins; we come
before thee under an humble sense of our own unworthi-
ness, acknowledging our manifold transgressions of thy
righteous laws. But, O gracious Father, who desirest
not the death of a sinner, look upon us, we beseech
thee, in mercy, and forgive us all our transgressions.
Make us deeply sensible of the great evil of them; and
work in us a hearty contrition; that we may obtain
forgiveness at thy hands, who art ever ready to receive
humble and penitent sinners; for the sake of thy Son
Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and Redeemer.
And lest, through our own frailty, or the temptations
which encompass us, we be drawn again into sin, vouch-
safe to us, we beseech thee, the direction and assistance
of thy Holy Spirit. Reform whatever is amiss in the
temper and disposition of our souls; that no unclean
thoughts, unlawful designs, or inordinate desires, may
rest there. Purge our hearts from envy, hatred, and
malice; that we may never suffer the sun to go down
upon our wrath; but may always go to our rest in
peace, charity, and good-will, with a conscience void of
offense towards thee and towards men; that so we may
be preserved, pure and blameless, until the coming of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
(Occasional prayers.)
Accept, O Lord, our intercessions for all mankind.
Let the light of thy gospel shine upon all nations; and
may as many as have received it, live as becomes it.
Be gracious unto thy church; and grant that every
member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may
serve thee faithfully. Bless all in authority over us;
and so rule their hearts, and strengthen their hands,
that they may punish wickedness and vice, and main-
tain thy true religion and virtue. Send down thy bless-
ings, temporal and spiritual, upon all our relations,
friends and neighbors. Reward all who have done us
good, and pardon all those who have done or wish us
176 SIXTH WEEK.
evil, and give them repentance and better minds. Be
merciful to all who are in any trouble; and do thou, the
God of pity, administer to them according to their sev-
eral necessities, for his sake who went about doing good,
thy Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ.
To our prayers, O Lord, we join our unfeigned thanks
for all thy mercies; for our being, our reason, and all
other endowments and faculties of soul and body; for
our health, friends, food and raiment, and all the other
comforts and conveniences of life. Above all, we adore
thy mercy in sending thine only Son into the world to
redeem us from sin and eternal death, and in giving us
the knowledge and sense of our duly towards thee. We
bless thee for thy patience with us, notwithstanding our
many and great provocations; for all the directions,
assistances, and comforts of thy Holy Spirit; for thy
continual care and watchful providence over us through
the whole course of our lives; and particularly for the
mercies and benefits of the past day.
We beseech thee to continue thy gracious protection
to us this night. Defend us from all dangers and mis-
chiefs, and from the fear of them; that we may enjoy
such refreshing sleep as may fit us for the duties of the
following day. Make us ever mindful of the time when
we shall lie down in the dust; and grant us grace
always to live in such a state, that we may never be
afraid to die: so that living and dying we may be thine,
through the merits and satisfaction of thy Son, Christ
Jesus, in whose name we offer up these our imperfect
prayers. The grace of our Lord, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N — J AMES V .
O Lord God, heavenly Father, early in the morning
do we flee unto thee. Our souls do wait for thee. In
TUESDAY MORNING. 177
thy word is our trust. Lord, what is man, that thou so
regardest him.? As high as the heaven is, in comparison
with the earth, so great is thy mercy towards them that
fear thee. As far also as the east is from the west, so
far hast thou removed our sins from us. But, O God,
we confess our unworthiness and acknowledge our
frailty. We are but dust. Thou hast made our days
as it were a span long, and our age is even as nothing
in respect of thee; and verily every man living is alto-
gether vanity. At thy word all our days are gone.
They come to an end, as a tale that is told. The grave
must receive us. We must lie down in a place of dark-
ness. But, O God, according to thy promise, thou wilt
show wonders among the dead ; and they shall rise up
again and praise thee. Thou hast redeemed us; and
thou canst restore us. Thou shalt show us the path of
life: in thy presence is the fulness of joy, and at thy
right hand there is pleasure for evermore.
Grant, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death
of thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, and as he was raised
from the dead, even so we also may be raised from the
death of sin, and walk in newness of life. Being
planted together in the likeness of his death, may we
also be made in the likeness of his resurrection. May
our old man be crucified with him, that the body of sin
may be destroyed, and that henceforth we may not serve
sin. If we be dead with Christ, give us faith to believe
that we shall also live with him; knowing that Christ,
being raised from the dead, dieth no more; that death
hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died,
he died unto sin once; but in that he liveth, he liveth
unto God. May we also ourselves be dead unto sin,
but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
May sin have no more dominion over us: but being
made free from sin and become servants to God, may
we have our fruit unto holiness, and the end everlast-
ing life.
178 SIXTH WEEK.
(Occasional prayers.)
Grant us grace, heavenly Father, to live this day to
thy glory. In willing obedience to thy commandments;
in patient and humble resignation to thy will; in unre-
served confidence in thy justice, goodness, and wisdom;
and under a grateful sense of all thy mercies; enable
us to serve thee faithfully all the days of our life. We
pray for our friends, relatives and benefactors; and for
all whom we are bound to remember in our prayers.
May we all be found at last among the happy number
whose names are written in the book of everlasting
remembrance, and who shall be thine in that day when
thou makest up thy jewels, and when thou wilt spare
them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
May we so follow the example of our crucified and
risen Saviour, as to be made partakers of his blessed
resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
TUESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 2 PETER I .
O Lord our God! help us this evening to worship
thee in the beauty of holiness. Thou hast never said
to the seed of Jacob, seek ye my face in vain. We
would therefore call upon thy great and holy name,
believing that thou art, and that thou art a rewarder of
them, who diligently seek thee. O Lord! we confess
our sins of omission and commission. We have pur-
sued too much the pleasures, honors and riches of the
world. How often have we offended in thought, word
and action ! How stubborn have been our wills, how
vain our thoughts and how earthly our affections! Our
hearts cleave to the dust. We would feel, that we have
offended, and that there is no help in ourselves. We
would hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is
TUESDAY EVENING. 179
mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. Remem-
ber not the sins of our youth and riper years; but blot
out all our transgressions, and give us the peace of God
which passeth all understanding. O thou Physician of
souls, heal our spiritual maladies; restore us to health
and soundness, and to the joy of thy salvation.
(Occasional prayers.)
Teach transgressors thy wa}Ts, and turn the disobe-
dient to the wisdom of the just. Suffer not those who
are rich in this world, to be high minded, and to trust
in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth
them all things richly to enjoy. May they do good, and
be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to
communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good
foundation against the time to come; that the}' may lay
hold on eternal life. Make all the poor in this world
rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom. May every
christian society flourish in knowledge, holiness and
peace. Build thou the waste places of Zion. Give
unto all destitute flocks pastors after thine own heart.
Let thy ministering servants be clothed with righteous-
ness; and let thy saints shout for joy. Send forth her-
alds of salvation to plant churches in the region of
darkness and the shadow of death. Guide the public
councils of our nation; overrule all our civil affairs for
thy glory. Make all our colleges nurseries of piety, as
well as of useful knowledge. Cast into them the salt
of grace, that from these fountains may issue streams,
which shall make glad the city of our God. Thanks
to thy name, all gracious Father! for the blessings of
thy good providence ; that thou hast watched over us
with paternal care, preserved us in existence, and sup-
plied all our wants. We would rejoice, that Christ has
died to redeem us, and that thou hast accepted his aton-
ing sacrifice. We thank thee for the blessings of another
day, that thou hast preserved us amidst dangers, that
we are still in the land of the living, and in the enjoy-
180 SIXTH WEEK.
ment of health, liberty and safety. O thou Guardian
of men ! take our family under thy protection this night.
May our dwelling place be a safe and a quiet habitation.
May the shadows of the evening remind us of the night
of death, and the importance of preparing for it. Bring
us to see the light of a new day, rejoicing in the loving
kindness and tender mercy of our heavenly Father.
May our days on earth be happy, and our eternity joy-
ous. And glory be to God the Father, and to the Son,
and to the Holy Ghost.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 1 JOHN I .
Almighty and everlasting God, look in mercy upon
our infirmities. We acknowledge our helplessness and
dependence. Without thee we can do nothing. We
are surrounded by dangers and temptations. But thou,
O God, art able to sustain us. Thy hand is not short-
ened, that it cannot save; neither is thy ear heavy, that
it cannot hear. Have pity upon us, O God of our sal-
vation. Let not our sins cause thee to hide thy face
from us. In all our necessities, stretch forth thy right
hand to help and defend us. Give us such strength and
protection, as may support us in all dangers, and carry
us in safety through all our temptations. Knowing that
thou art rich in mercy to all who call upon thee in the
name of thy dear Son; give us faith to believe thy word
and to rely on thy promises ; that our prayers may come
up before thee as an acceptable offering, and that they
may be heard and answered, through the merits and
intercession of our blessed Saviour.
(Occasional prayers.)
O God, thou hast been found of them that sought thee
not. Thou hast been made manifest to them that asked
not after thee. May the sound of the everlasting gospel
WEDNESDAY EVENING. 181
be spread abroad from shore to shore; until all the
nations of the earth shall worship before thee. Be thou
exalted among the heathen. Let them that dwell in the
wilderness kneel down before thee. Let the kings of
the earth fall down at thy footstool. Let all the people
of the earth do thee service.
We bless thee, O God, for having cast our lot in a
land of gospel light and knowledge. May we be kept
by thy grace, from any misimprovement of our great
privileges. Grant that we, who profess to know thee,
and to hope in thy mercies, may walk circumspectly in
all thy commandments. Enable us to fulfil our re-
spective obligations to thee and to each other. May no
occasion be given to the enemies of religion to blas-
pheme thy holy name. May we show our love to thee,
by following thy precepts, and living a life of purity and
holiness. May we look away from the things which are
seen, and are temporal, and fix our hopes, and affec-
tions, and desires, on the things that are not seen, and
are eternal. And may we remember, that when our
day of probation has passed away, we must all appear
before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may
receive the things done in his body, and be punished or
rewarded according to what he hath done, whether it
be good or whether it be evil. Direct us especially in
all the duties of this day, that in all our works begun,
continued, and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy
name, and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON 1 JOHN V.
O Lord God Almighty, we bless thee for all the mer-
cies of the past day, and we pray thee now to take US3
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182 SIXTH WEEK.
under thy care, and to deliver us from all the perils and
dangers of this night. Preserve us, O Lord, both in
body and soul, from every evil, and keep us from all
sinful thoughts when we are about to close our eyes in
sleep.
And pardon, we beseech thee, all our offenses, for the
sake of Jesus Christ. We confess, O Lord, that we
have this day left undone many things which we ought
to have done, and done many things which we ought
not to have done. Pardon all our pride and vanity, our
idleness and self-indulgence, our impatience, fretfulness
and discontent. Forgive, O Lord, all the rash and angry
words which we have this day spoken, and all the sin-
ful thoughts which have risen up in our minds, and
which we have not been careful to resist. And espe-
cially, we pray thee, to pardon our forgetful ness of thee,
our God, and our want of gratitude and love to Jesus
Christ. For these, and all our other sins, which, from
time to time, we have committed, we here implore thy
pardoning love, in the name of our most merciful Saviour.
And since we know that our life is so short and uncer-
tain, help us, day by day, to think of our latter end. O
Lord, grant us grace so to live that we be not afraid to
die; and do thou receive our souls at last into thine
eternal kingdom.
Enable us this night lo shake off all worldly cares and
desires, and to meditate upon thee; let thy Holy Spirit
be present with us, to purify our hearts, and to bring
before us the things which concern our peace, and to
inspire us with godly resolutions.
Above all things, make us rightly to understand thine
infinite mercy in the redemption of mankind by Jesus
Christ, and diligently to avail ourselves of all our priv-
ileges, as his disciples, and thy children by adoption
and grace.
(Occasional prayers.)
O heavenly Father, we commit ourselves to thy holy
THURSDAY MORNING. 183
keeping this night, and desire to rest securely under the
shadow of thy protection. Defend us from all perils
and dangers, and especially from those which may
assault and hurt the soul. Prepare us, by comfortable
repose, for the duties of the morrow; and grant that we
may rise disposed and strengthened for thy service, as
faithful and diligent disciples of thy blessed Son; in
whose words we further pray:
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THURSDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N R EVELATIONS IV.
O Lord, thou art the God whose we are, and whom
we ought to serve. For thou hast laid upon us all the
obligations of thy laws, and all the endearments of thy
love, to be faithful in the covenant of our God, and to
abound in the work of the Lord. We desire to humble
ourselves here before thee, that our lives have been so
unserviceable to thee, and so full of provocation against
thee; that we have lived to ourselves, more than to the
Lord and Giver of our lives; and that we have served
our own lusts and pleasures more than thy holy blessed
will; which is the rule of ail righteousness, and in the
performance whereof, there is the greatest reward.
We have sinned against thee, our God, to the infinite
wrong and damage of our own souls, and by our sins
we have destroyed ourselves; but it is not in us to
recover and save ourselves. In thee alone is all our
help. Yea, thou hast laid help upon one that is mighty
and able to save to the uttermost all that come to God
through him: through whom thou hast encouraged us
to come boldly to thy throne of grace; that we may
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in every time of
need. In him, therefore, we beg, O Lord, that thou wilt
184 SIXTH WEEK.
be reconciled to us, and at peace with us; as a Father
of mercies, and a God of consolation.
For his sake, enable us also, we beseech thee, to
demean ourselves as becomes the children of God, the
redeemed of the Lord, and the followers of Jesus Christ.
O put such principles of grace and holiness into our
hearts, as may make us hate all iniquity, and every
false way. And put thy Spirit within us, causing us to
walk in thy statutes, and to keep thy judgments, and to
do them. And so engage our hearts to thyself, that we
may make it our meat and drink to do thy will; and
with enlarged hearts run in the way of thy commands. O
make our services acceptable to thee while we live, and
our souls ready for thee when we die. And as long as
we are in this world, keep us, O Lord our God, from
the evil of it, and from the snares and dangers to which
thou knowest we are continually exposed. O make our
passage safe and sure, through all the changes, troubles,
temptations, and various conditions of this mortal life,
to the unchangeable glories and felicities of life ever-
lasting.
(Occasional prayers.)
Be merciful to us, good Lord, and bless us, and keep
us this day, in all our ways, and in all our lawful de-
signs and undertakings; and may we take nothing in
hand, but what is warranted in thy word. O let us be
in the fear of the Lord all the day long. And let thy
love abound in our hearts, and sweetly and powerfully
constrain us to all faithful and cheerful obedience,
acceptable in thy sight, through him that has loved and
redeemed us ; even the Lord our righteousness ; in whose
blessed name, and the words of prayer which himself
has taught us, we continue praying our Father, &c.
The blessing of God Almighty, Father, Son and Holy
Ghost, be with us, and with all that belong to us, this
day, and for evermore. Amen.
FRIDAY MORNING. 185
THURSDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P SALM C X X X I X .
In an humble acknowledgment of our manifold sins
and iniquities, which we from time to time, and more
especially this day, have committed against thee, in
thought, word and deed, we now prostrate ourselves
before thee, O Lord of heaven and earth, beseeching
thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Lord and
Saviour, to be merciful unto us. Forgive us, O Lord,
that we have not rendered unto thee according to thy
mercy and loving-kindness; that we have been forgetful
and disobedient, and have sinned against heaven, and
in thy sight. Let thy Holy Spirit sanctify us wholly,
and give us more and more grace and strength, whereby
we may be enabled to subdue all our sinful and corrupt
affections; grant that we may improve the remainder of
our days with all possible care, and give all diligence
to make our calling and election sure, that we may so
persevere therein unto death, that at last we may attain
everlasting life.
(Occasional prayers.)
Accept our praises and thanksgivings for all thy mer-
cies vouchsafed unto us in this life, and for the hopes of
a better. And now that we are going to take our rest
and sleep, let us consider that thou, Lord, only makest
us to dwell in safety; whether we sleep or wake, live
or die, let us be found thine own, to thy eternal glory,
and our everlasting salvation, through Jesus Christ.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FRIDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N — P SALM C X L V .
O Lord God of our salvation! thou art the hope of all
the ends of the earth, upon whom the eyes of all do
16*
]86 SIXTH WEEK.
wait: for thou givest unto all life, and breath, and all
things. In thee we ever live, and move, and are; and
upon thee are we dependent for all the good that we
have, or hope for. Accept our thanks for thy protection
during the past night, and for the blessings we enjoy
this morning. Thou hast given us the assurance of thy
word, that if we commit our affairs to thee, and acknow-
ledge thee in all our ways, thou wilt establish our
thoughts, and direct our path. And therefore we de-
sire, O Lord, still to put ourselves under thy gracious
conduct, and thy fatherly protection; and to beg thy
heavenly guidance and blessing, and to dispose of us
and of all that concern us, to the glory of thy name.
O Lord, withdraw not thy tender mercies from us,
nor the comforts of thy presence, nor the assistance of
thy Spirit, for our great contempt and manifold abuses
of all such grace and goodness. Never punish our past
sins, by giving us over to the love and power of our
sins; but give us truly penitent hearts for all the evils
committed by us; and thy merciful discharge from all
the guilt that lies upon us. And grant us, O God, the
comfortable sense of thy gracious acceptance of us, and
thy merciful intentions towards us in the Son of thy
love: that our souls may bless thee, and all that is
within us may praise thy holy name.
And O that we may find the joy of the Lord to be
our strength, to enable us to contend against our sins;
especially the sins to which we are most addicted, and
whereof we are in greatest danger ; and to make us also
more ready to every good work, and better disposed for
all the duties which we owe to thee our God, to our
neighbor and ourselves. May we always have a con-
science void of offense towards God, and towards men.
O help us to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as
wise; carefully redeeming the time that we have lost,
and conscientiously improving all those seasons, and
means of grace which thou art pleased to give us for
FRIDAY EVENING. 187
the profit and advantage of our souls. And while we
are upon earth, O give us all things needful and con-
venient for our present pilgrimage; sanctify to us all
our enjoyments, and all events that now befall us; till,
through the merits of thy Son, and the multitude of thy
mercies, we are conducted safely to be ever with the
Lord. Amidst all our other affairs in this world, O
let us never forget or neglect the one thing needful;
but be careful so to live by faith every day, that we
may be prepared for the great day of thy appearing
and glory.
(Occasional prayers.)
O gracious Father! keep us, we beseech thee, this
day in thy fear and favor; and help us to live to thy
honor and glory. If thou guide us not, we shall run
into errors; if thou preserve us not, we shall fall into
dangers; O let thy good providence be our defense and
security; and let thy Holy Spirit be our guide and coun-
sellor in all our ways. And grant that we may take the
ways and courses agreeable to thy will, and acceptable
in thy sight, through Jesus Christ; in whose sacred
name and words we close these our imperfect requests
to thee, our Father, who art in heaven, &c.
Let thy grace, O Lord Jesus Christ, thy love, O
heavenly Father, thy comfortable fellowship, O holy
blessed Spirit, be with us, and with all for whom we
ought to beg thy mercy in our prayers, this day, and
for evermore. Amen.
FRIDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P ROVERBS VIII.
O God, whose blessed Son came into the world, to
redeem us from sin and death, and was manifested,
that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make
us the sons of God and heirs of eternal life; grant us
188 SIXTH WEEK.
grace, we beseech thee, to seek with earnestness and
diligence, the benefits of this great salvation. May we
look with humble trust and confidence, for the pardon
of our sins, through the mediation of our ever blessed
Redeemer; and may we obtain that lively hope, which
is as an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast. And
having this hope, may we, through the sanctifying influ-
ences of thy Holy Spirit, purify ourselves, according to
the pattern and example of our blessed Saviour Jesus
Christ; that when he shall appear again with power and
great glory, we may be made like unto him, in his
eternal and glorious kingdom.
We praise thee, O God, for all the manifestations of
thy goodness to a lost and ruined world. Great and
marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty. Just
and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. Be it our
delight to praise thee and glorify thy name. Let all the
people come and worship before thee. Make bare thine
holy arm in the eyes of all the nations. Let all the ends
of the earth see the salvation of God. May the Re-
deemer, the Holy One of Israel, have the heathen for
his inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for
his possession. Though the mountains depart and the
hills be removed, let not thy kindness depart from those
who fear thee; neither let the covenant of thy peace be
removed. As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as
the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to
spring forth; so, O Lord God, cause righteousness and
praise to spring forth before all the nations. Let the
people praise thee, O God, yea, let all the people praise
thee.
Put thy Spirit into the hearts of thy servants whom
thou hast called to preach thy living word. May they
go forth on this mission of mercy, guided by thy truth,
sustained by thy power, and animated by thy Spirit.
May they go forth, preaching repentance and faith for
the remission of sins. May they go forth, making dis-
SATURDAY MORNING. ]89
ciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; until
the kingdoms of the world become the kingdoms of
Christ, and righteousness and peace cover the face of
the earth, as the waters cover the sea.
(Occasional prayers.)
We bless thee, heavenly Father, for the mercies
bestowed upon us this day. We humble ourselves
before thee as unworthy sinners, beseeching thee to
watch over us this night, and to protect us from all the
evils to which we may be exposed. Above all, keep us
from sin, and from all the wiles of the adversary. Let
us repose under the shadow of thy wing, till every
danger be over, and we are brought again before thee,
to renew our prayers and praises, and to enter again
upon our respective duties.
We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of Jesus
Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, O Father, and
thee, O Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world
without end.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SATURDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N A C T S XXVI, 1 29.
O eternal and unchangeable Jehovah, who dwellest
in light which no mortal eye can behold, and dost from
thy sanctuary look down on the things that are in heaven
and earth; — we adore thee that thou hast, in the riches
of thy grace, opened a new and living way, whereby
sinners may draw nigh to thee, and find thee to be a
just God, and yet a Saviour, able and willing to save
to the uttermost, all who come unto thee through thy
incarnate Son.
O God, when we contemplate thine infinite holiness
190 SIXTH WEEK.
and purity, and our own sinfulness and depravity, we
have reason to loathe ourselves, and to repent in dust
and ashes. O Lord, our heavenly Father, we mourn
over and bewail at thy footstool, those sins which we,
from time to time, have committed by thought, word
and deed, against thy divine majesty.
But to thee belong mercies and forgivenesses, though
we have sinned and rebelled against thee. We bless
thee, that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all
sins; that he has made reconciliation for iniquity, and
has brought in everlasting righteousness; and that thy
word which cannot err, declares, that "whosoever be-
lieveth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting
life;" — that "though our sins be as scarlet, they shall
be made as white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool!"
O Lamb of God, who takest away the sin of the
world, cleanse us from our sins by thy most precious
blood, and clothe us in the spotless robe of thy right-
eousness, that being justified and accepted by thy
merits, we may have joy and peace in believing. '
O holy and eternal Spirit, enable us, by our life and
conversation, to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour
in all things. May we prove to those around us that
we are the children of light; that we are sitting for
instruction at the feet of the Lord Jesus, that we have
received his precepts, are influenced by his grace, are
following his example, and are pressing forward to his
kingdom. Preserve us from imbibing the spirit and
temper of those who fear not thee; but do thou increase
within us the faith, the fear, and the love of thy holy
name. Suffer us not to place our security in an arm of
flesh, but teach us ever to look for it where alone it is
to be found, in the Lord Jesus Christ. Grant that being
united to him by a living faith, we may obtain victory
over the corruption of our hearts, the temptations of
Satan, and the sinful cares and allurements of the
SATURDAY MORNING. 191
world. Let the lanq-unqe of our heart ever be — "Be-
hold, God is our salvation, we will trust and not be
afraid, for the Lord Jehovah is our strength and our
song, he is also become our salvation!"
(Occasional prayers.)
Into thy hands we commend ourselves, and all that
belong to us this day. We are short-sighted creatures,
and therefore know not what it may bring forth. Keep
us under the shadow of thine almighty wings. Guide
and direct us continually by thy counsel, until thou hast
brought us to thy glory.
0 Lord, we now lift up our voices with thanksgivings
to thee, for the multiplied favors both of providence and
grace, which thou hast heaped on our undeserving heads.
We bless thee for our creation, preservation, and all the
other blessings of this life, which thou hast given us
richly to enjoy; but above all, we praise thee for the
gift of thy Son, — for the word of thy gospel, — for the
; promise of thy Spirit, — for the means of grace, — and
;for the hope of glory. 0 Lord, help us to show forth
our gratitude, not merely with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by bringing
forth the fruits of righteousness and holiness, which are
by Jesus Christ, to the praise of the glory of thy grace.
Hear us, heavenly Father, and whilst thou hearest, have
mercy on us. Pardon the iniquity of our holy offerings,
and in all things enable us with the Psalmist to say, —
"Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name,
give glory, for trry loving mercy and thy truth's sake."
Now to God the Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Ghost, the glorious unchangeable, and eternal
jJehovah, be ascribed by us on earth, as by angels and
(glorified saints in heaven, everlasting praise!
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
192 SIXTH WEEK.
SATURDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N R EVELATIONS XXII.
O our God, another week has just passed away, and
we are still in the land of the living, while so many of
our fellow-creatures have passed from time into eternity.
Blessed be God for the continuance of life and health,
and for prolonged opportunities of preparing for death
and judgment!
O gracious God, let not this continuance of mercy
increase our condemnation, by encouraging us to com-
mit sin, because hitherto thine anger has been withheld
from falling upon us. Let us not treasure up wrath
unto ourselves against the day of wrath ; but teach us
to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto
wisdom.
(Occasional prayers.)
Prepare us, most blessed God, by sleep and rest, to
take our part in the duties of the Lordsday to-morrow.
Give us that sense of sin which leads to a full confession
of its guilt, and to faith in the atonement of Christ for
its pardon. Give us that adoring gratitude for all thy
mercies, more especially for the great mercy of a Sa-
viour, which may incline us to praise thee with joyful
lips. Give us that sense of the value of our souls, and
of the greatness of thy salvation, which may lead us to
seek life and mercy with all our hearts. O let not the
coming Lordsday be defectively used, like those which
are passed; but let it be so improved, by public and
private means of grace, as to advance our meetness for
the service of that eternal Sabbath that remaineth for
the people of God ; through the merit and mediation of
Jesus Christ.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
.
PARTICULAR DAYS.
THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR.
SCRIPTURE LESSON ISAIAH V, 1 7; LUKE XIII, 6 9.
Eternal and unchangeable God, -who guidest the stream
of time, and directest the course of worlds according to
thy pleasure, and who art, and ever shalt be, free from all
variableness and shadow of turning! What is man that
thou art mindful of him, and the son of man that thou vis-
itest him? Man, at his best state, is altogether vanity; thou
hast made his days as an hand-breadth, and as the stream
of brooks they pass away. We who are children of the
dust, fleeing as a shadow and continuing not, are reminded
this day that another year hath passed away; we humble
ourselves before thee, and confess, that it is of the good-
ness of our God, that we are not consumed, and his loving-
kindness is not taken from us. Concerning this, day unto
day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth know-
ledge. Hitherto hast thou brought us, O Lord, our faith-
ful God. Thou hast, during the past year, forgiven us
numberless offenses, and our hearts have experienced daily
the awakening, enlightening, and consoling influences of
thy Holy Spirit. And also in the concerns of this life thou
hast crowned the year with thy goodness. Thou hast been
with us in thy Providence, so that none of our wants has
been left unsupplied. Thou hast covered our land with
the shadow of thy wings, and bestowed many blessings
upon us all; thou hast graciously preserved our lives,
delivered us from dangers, and shielded us against calami-
ties; thou hast been our very present help in time of
trouble, and even by trials and sufferings thou hast sought
17
194 PARTICULAR DAYS.
to draw us unto thee. For all these mercies we praise thy
holy name; for the compassion which thou hast exercised
towards us; for the long-suffering thou hast shown us; for
thy faithfulness in providing for our poor, our widows, and
our orphans; for the consolation which thou hast ministered
unto the suffering, and vouchsafed unto those who have
been deeply distressed for the salvation of their souls. And
also for the relief which thou hast given the sick, and for
the aid wherewith thou hast graciously sustained the dying,
we bring thee the tribute of thanksgiving. May thy praise,
O our Father, be heard in every temple, in every abode of
man, throughout our whole land; unto thee may every
tongue and every heart give glory, 0 thou, who art plen-
teous in mercy! Every hour of this closing year beareth
witness of thy goodness and love ; O that each might no
less testify of our gratitude. But we have reason to be
ashamed, for our conscience accuses, and our heart con-
demns us. We feel constrained, this day, to confess unto
thee, who knowest all things, that we have neglected many
duties, left undone much good that we ought to have done,
and are chargeable with many sinful desires, words, and
actions. We are sinners in thy sight, and O ! how great
hath been the danger to many of our number, of being
overtaken by death, ere they were prepared for judgment.
0 Lord our God ! who art merciful and gracious, slow to
anger, and plenteous in mercy, have mercy upon us all.
Cast us not out of thy sight, and take not thy Holy Spirit
from us. Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that
trespass against us; blot them out, we beseech thee, for
the sake of the meritorious sufferings and death of thy
dear Son, that they may not be remembered against us at
thy judgment-seat. May thy goodness lead us, this day,
to repentance, that not one of us may close the year with-
out putting off the old man, and thus enter upon the new
year, having put on the new man, which after thee is created
in righteousness and true holiness.
Our time is passing away; forsake us not, nor withdraw
from us thy blessing. Continue thine all-powerful protec-
LAST EVENING OF THE OLD YEAR. 195
tion to city and country, to rulers and people, to churches
and schools, to congregations and pastors, to parents and
children, to the prosperous and the distressed, to the whole
and the sick, to the living and the dying. Thou King
eternal! thy years have no end, but ours flee as a shadow,
and continue not. So teach us to number our days, that
we may labor faithfully to fulfil thy commandments, ere the
night cometh, so that we may be accounted faithful stewards
when the day of reckoning shall come.
Abide with us, O Lord, by day and by night! Deliver
us from all evil; evermore preserve our souls; watch over
our outgoing and incoming, henceforth and for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
LAST EVENING OF THE OLD YEAR.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P S A L M X C .
Almighty and eternal Lord of heaven and earth,
with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turn-
ing, who art the same, yesterday, and to-day, and for
ever, and whose years fail not — from everlasting to
everlasting thou art God.
Accept, we beseech thee, our sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving, for thy goodness and mercy, which have
followed us all our days. We especially bless thee for
delivering us from the perils and dangers of the year
that is now drawing to a close. Not by our own strength,
nor for our righteousness, have we been spared. But
because thy compassions fail not, and for thy mercy's
sake, we have not been consumed. We humble our-
selves before thee, confessing and bewailing all that we
have done amiss. According to the multitude of tby
tender mercies, blot out our offenses. Pardon and
accept us, for the sake of thy only begotten Son, whom
thou didst send into the world, to take our nature upon
him, that he might redeem us unto thee by his blood.
196 PARTICULAR DAYS.
Turn us from our iniquities; wash us thoroughly from
our wickedness; and cleanse us from our sins; and let
them all be buried with the closing year, to rise up
against us no more for ever.
Keep us mindful, O Lord, as the years of our life pass
away, that the end of all things is at hand ; and make
us sober and watchful unto prayer. May we never for-
get, that we are strangers and pilgrims upon earth, and
that here we have no continuing city; and may we learn
diligently to seek one to come. Our years pass away
like a shadow, or a vapor, which appeareth for a little
time, and then vanisheth away. Lord, teach us to
number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto
wisdom. Make us to know our end, and the measure
of our days, that we may consider how frail we are,
and may be admonished to redeem the time that re-
mains. Give us grace to watch and pray, since we
know neither the day, nor the hour, when the Son of
man cometh. Above all, we beseech thee to preserve
in our minds, a lively remembrance, that it is appointed
unto us once to die, and after death the judgment; and
that we shall, every one, receive the things done in the
body, according to that we have done, whether it be
good or whether it be evil. May we so regard thy
threatenings and promises, that when we die, we may
die the death of the righteous, and our last end be like
his. Help us to fight the good fight, to finish our course,
and to keep the faith, that there may be laid up for us a
crown of righteousness, which thou, the righteous and
merciful Judge, wilt give unto us in that day.
(Occasional prayers.)
Hear our intercession, O Lord, for all who are par-
takers of the same frail nature with ourselves. Take
the little children into the arms of thy mercy, and bless
and preserve them. Look in tender compassion upon
those who are in the morning of their years. May they
remember their Creator in the days of their youth,
NEW YEAR. 197
before the evil days come and the years draw nigh, of
which they shall say, there is no pleasure in them. May
they grow in wisdom, as they grow in years, and in
favor with thee and man. Mercifully regard, also, such
as are in the strength and vigor of life ; and dispose
them to give unto thee the best of their days. Lastly,
we pray thee to remember those whose strength is now
but labor and sorrow. Enable them to bring forth fruit
in their old age, according to the ability which yet
remains. May they come to their graves at last, as a
shock of corn cometh in his season. : When their flesh
and their heart fail them, be thou the strength of their
heart, and their portion for ever. Grant all this, for the
sake of Jesus Christ our Lord.
^ Unto God's gracious mercy and protection, we com-
mit ourselves, and all for whom we are bound to pray.
The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his
face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The
Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us
peace, both now and evermore.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
NEW YEAR.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 2 PETER III.
Lord our God ! thou hast been our dwelling-place in all
generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or
ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from
everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. We come into
thy presence with thanksgiving, and magnify thy glorious
name. We call to remembrance the unmerited goodness
and faithfulness which, during the past year, and at all
times, thou hast manifested toward us. Thou hast crowned
the year with thy mercies, and satisfied us with the fatness
of thy house. Thou hast prolonged our lives, and done
us good ; and to thy superintending eare we owe it, that
17*
198 PARTICULAR DAYS.
we are now among the living. Thou hast blessed our
efforts to obtain our necessary food, and established the
work of our hands upon us. Thou hast refreshed our
hearts with many enjoyments, and delivered us from dis-
tress and danger. Thou hast preserved peace to our land,
and not withheld from thy church the preaching of that
gospel, which is the power of God unto salvation, to all
that believe.
0 Lord, we are utterly unworthy of all the mercy and
faithfulness which thou hast manifested toward us. We
acknowledge our great guilt, in that we have often been
unmindful of thy goodness, despised thy grace, and abused
thy mercies. But thou art our Father and Redeemer, and
thy tender mercies have been ever of old. Holy Father,
enter not. into judgment with thine unworthy and sinful
children! Cease not to spare us, and withdraw not thy
grace from us! Blot out our iniquities, through thy mercy
in Christ, and let our guilt, like the year that is past, be
buried in forgetfulness.
We have been redeemed by thy dear Son; we are called
by his name; and we have come up higher to address. our
supplications through him unto thee. Grant that this new
year may be rich in blessings unto us. Continue to uphold
and guide us by thine Almighty hand. To thine all power-
ful protection we commend our whole land, earnestly pray-
ing that love, and sincerity, and mutual confidence may
dwell in our midst, and that peace may not depart from
our borders. Pour out thy blessing abundantly upon the
President of the United States, upon the Governor of this
State, and upon all others to whom important offices have
been entrusted, and so replenish them with wisdom and
strength, that they may discharge their duties in thy fear,
and in accordance with thy will; that they may not fall
into condemnation, but be a blessing to their fellow-citi-
zens. May our people seek their highest honor, and their
greatest happiness in wisdom and righteousness. Vouch-
safe thy gracious protection to the churches and schools of
our land. Grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness
NEW YEAR MORNING. 199
they may preach the gospel of the ever-blessed God. Grant
that during the present year many souls may be comforted,
edified and received in thy sanctuary, to the end that thy
kingdom may be more and more established among us, and
that thy church may be rooted and grounded in love, and
grow up, in all things, into him which is the head, even
Christ. Prosper every useful undertaking, every honest
occupation, and every institution that tends to promote
order, equity, and happiness among men. Bless the rela-
tions of domestic life! May harmony, fidelity, and godli-
ness be a bond of union to husbands and wives; and so
direct and prosper the education of children, that they may
also be thy children, and that not one of them may be
finally lost. We beseech thee, gracious Father, to visit
with thy strength and consolation all who have entered
upon this year with tears and anxiety ; all who are poor
and destitute, sick or in temptation. Refresh them with
the consolations of thy word, and enable them from day to
day, to experience, that whoso putteth his strength in the
Lord shall be safe.
Teach us all, 0 Lord, to consider that we have here no
continuing city, that we may seek one to come. Accom-
pany thy word with thy grace, that we may now again un-
reservedly consecrate ourselves to the Prince of Peace, and
improve this year to our everlasting good. If thou hast
determined to call us hence during the course of this year,
may thy good and gracious will be done. Thou wilt be
near us in the hour of death; thou wilt fill our departing
spirit with the consolation and hope of the gospel of recon-
ciliation; thou wilt make us to fall asleep in Christ, unto
eternal life.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
NEW YEAR MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N E CCLESIASTES XII.
Of old thou hast laid the foundation of the earth: and
the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall
200 PARTICULAR DAYS.
perish, but thou shalt endure; as a vesture shalt thou
change them and they shall be changed: but thou art
the same, and thy years shall have no end. May our
minds be filled with elevation and grandeur at the
thought of a being with whom one day is as a thousand
years, and a thousand years are as one day; a being,
who, amidst all the revolutions of empire and the lapse
of ages, feels no variableness nor shadow of turning.
How glorious, with immortality attached to them, are
all thy attributes! and how secure are the hopes and
happiness of all those who know thy name, and put
their trust in thee!
May we rejoice, that while men die, the Lord liveth;
that while all creatures are found broken reeds and
broken cisterns, he is the rock of ages, and the fountain
of living waters. O that we may turn away our hearts
from vanity; and among all the dissatisfactions and
uncertainties of the present state, look after an interest
in that everlasting covenant which is ordered in all
things and sure. May we seek after a union with thy-
self, as the strength of our hearts and our portion for
ever, and be partakers ourselves of the immutability we
adore; for thou hast assured us that while the world
passeth away and the lusts thereof, he that doeth the
will of God abideth for ever.
We thank thee that thou hast revealed to us that
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. In his name
we come. O receive us gracioush\ Justify us freely
from all things. Renew us in the spirit of our minds;
and bless us with all the spiritual blessings in heavenly
places in Christ.
Suffer us not to neglect the claims of eternity in the
pursuit of the trifles of time; but knowing how frail we
are, may we be wise enough to choose that good part
which shall not be taken away from us. May thoughts
of death and eternity so impress our minds, as to put
seriousness into our prayers and vigour into our resolu-
NEW YEAR MORNING. 201
tions; may they loosen us from an undue attachment
to things seen and temporal; so that we may weep as
though we wept not, and rejoice as though we rejoiced
not.
And remembering that the present life, so short, so
uncertain, and so much of which is already vanished, is
the only opportunity we shall ever have for usefulness,
may we be concerned to redeem the time. May we be
alive and awake at every call of charity and piety.
May we feed the hungry and clothe the naked; may we
instruct the ignorant, reclaim the vicious, forgive the
offending, diffuse the gospel.
As we have entered on a new period of life, may we
faithfully examine ourselves, to see what has been amiss
in our former temper or conduct; and in thy strength
may we resolve to correct it.
Prepare us for all the duties of the ensuing year. All
the wisdom and strength necessary for the performance
of them must come from thyself; may we therefore
live a life of self-distrust, of divine dependence, and of
pra}'er; may we ask and receive, that our joy be full;
may we live in the Spirit, and walk in the Spirit.
If we are indulged with prosperity, let not our pros-
perity destroy us or injure us. If our relative comforts
are continued to us, may we love them without idolatry,
and hold them at thy disposal; and if they are taken
from us, may we be enabled to say, the Lord gave, and
the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the name of the
Lord.
Fit us for all events. Nothing can befall us by
chance. Thou hast been thus far our helper; thou
hast promised to be with us in every condition ; thou
hast engaged to make all things work together for our
good ; all thy ways are mercy and truth. May we
therefore be careful for nothing, but in every thing by
prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, may we
make known our requests unto God; and may the
202 PARTICULAR DAYS.
peace of God that passeth all understanding, keep our
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Bless, O bless the young! May each of them, this
day, hear thee saying, my son, give me thy heart; and
from this day may they cry unto thee as the guide of
their youth. Regard those who have reached the years
wherein they say, we have no pleasure in them. If old
in sin, may they be urged to embrace, before it be for
ever too late, the things that belong to their peace; and
if old in grace, uphold them with thy free Spirit, and
help them to remember that now is their salvation nearer
than when they believed.
Bless all the dear connections attached to us by
nature, friendship, or religion. Grace be to them, and
peace be multiplied.
Let our country share thy protection and smiles.
Bless all our rulers and magistrates.
Bless all our churches and congregations. Bless all
thy ministers; may thine ordinances in their hands be
enlivening and refreshing, and thy w-ord effectual to
wound and to heal.
May this be a year remarkable for the conversion of
souls and the extension of the gospel. Bless all mis-
sionary societies; and let the circling months see the
banner of the Redeemer carried forward, till all nations
are subdued to the obedience of faith.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
NEWYEAR EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON PSALM CIII, 1 — 22.
Great and eternal, God ! we bow before thee at the
close of this first day of the new year with the deepest
reverence for thy majesty and glory, and with unfeigned
thanksgiving for thy goodness and mercy. Surrounded
by every temporal and spiritual blessing, how could we
NEW YEAR EVENING. 203
be otherwise than joyful in the God of all our mercies?
What shall we render to the Lord for all his benefits?
O that thy goodness may lead us all to true repentance
and a life of sincere obedience and piety. Lord, we
know that our responsibilities are great; for of him to
whom much is given, much will be required. Thou
hast given us much; may we so use thy gifts, that when
called to render up an account of our stewardship, we
may do it with joy, and not with grief. Blessed with
health and happiness, we have entered upon this new
year; but we do not know that we shall live to see its
I close. We cannot tell what a day or night, yea, a single
t hour may bring forth; how much less what may occur
in a whole year? We commit our ways to the Lord,
' assured that he will bring it to pass. If God be for us,
who, or what, can be against us? All things shall work
I together for good to them that love the Lord. This year
[ some of us, perhaps all of us may die. Before another
; new year's day dawns upon the earth, we may be num-
; bered with the pale nations of the dead. Grant, O Lord,
that we may lay to heart those solemn admonitions:
" Set thy house in order, for thou shalt die and not live !"
" Watch therefore, for ye know not the day nor the hour
wherein the Son of man cometh." May we Jake warn-
ing by the example of the foolish Virgins, and never be
satisfied with having simply the lamp of a profession,
without the oil of grace in our hearts.
Our time is precious. May not a day nor an hour of
this year be misspent, or sinfully squandered away.
Help us to be diligent in business, fervent in spirit,
serving the Lord. Whatsoever our hands find to do,
may we do it with our might, knowing that there is no
knowledge, nor wisdom, work nor device in the grave
whither we are going. Lay us out for usefulness. May
we in our several spheres accomplish a great work for
God and souls this year.
Bless the land in which we live. Make it Immanuel's
204 PARTICULAR DAYS.
land. Fill it with thy glory. Continue to us our pre-
cious civil and religious privileges, and make us and all
the citizens of this country sensible of their greatness,
and our responsibilities to thee in view of them. May
peace and prosperity, health and plenty be our happy
lot this year. Bless our civil rulers and all that are in
authority among us. May they rule in thy fear, and
remember that they are accountable unto thee for the
manner in which they discharge their duties. May all
our people "be subject to the powers that be," and love
law and order.
In mercy remember thy church and all the ministers
of thy holy religion. Say to Zion, "Arise, shine; for
thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen
upon thee." May the church be greatly prospered this
year in all parts of the earth. May genuine revivals be
multiplied every where, and tens of thousands be sav-
ingly converted to thee. May thy ministers all be men
after thine own heart, and be abundantly successful in
accomplishing the work which thou hast given them.
Bless our dear minister. Encourage his heart and
strengthen his hands. May our congregation be richly
blessed this year, and may wre all act our parts well.
And now we beseech thee to pardon the sins of this
day — to fill our hearts with love, joy, peace and hope
in believing — and in great mercy do thou watch over us
for good this night. With this new year, we would
commence a new life and live more devotedly to thee
than we have ever done. And at last, when all our
years and days on earth are ended, take us one and all
to thyself in heaven, and we will praise thee, the Father,
Son, and Holy Ghost for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Am.cn.
CHRISTMAS. 205
CHRISTMAS.
SCRIPTURE LESSO If J O H N I, 1 28.
O God, our Creator and Father! We, thy redeemed
children, cast ourselves, in spirit, before thy throne, this
day, filled with joy and fervent devotion. For O ! how
great is that mystery of thy wisdom, that mystery of thy
love and compassion, of which we are reminded this day!
Unto subjects of thy government, deserving of punishment,
thou givest thine only begotten Son, to be their Saviour.
Unto our lost race thou sendest good tidings of great joy ;
for thou offerest us forgiveness, instead of that punishment
which we had deserved, and life instead of that death which
had been our merited portion, and happiness, in the place
of that misery, which we had brought upon ourselves.
And he whom thou lovest, and whom all the angels wor-
ship, cometh unto us to do thy will; leaving that glory
which he had with thee, he becomes a man, and is not
ashamed to call us brethren. Who can measure the great-
ness of love like this? Can seraph near thy throne, can
men who dwell in houses of clay? 0 Lord, what is man
that thou art mindful of him, that thou doest such great
things for him! What are we, that thou shouldst devise
such wondrous plans for our salvation, as to send from
heaven him who shares thy majesty with thee, that he might
be manifested in our nature.
Our God and Father! We cannot render thee the praise
that is due to thy name. We cannot love thee with that
love wherewith thou hast loved us. We pray thee to
accept what we have to give! We are thine — thine by
creation and by redemption. May our hearts be thine
also, and our whole life devoted to thee. To magnify thy
love and our blessedness, to extol thee as a God of infinite
compassion and mercy, and to live to thy praise, this, 0
Lord, shall be now, and evermore, our most delightful em-
ployment. In order that we may be enabled to carry this
purpose into effect, we pray thee, Father, to perfect thy
18
206 PARTICULAR DAYS.
work of love; to add grace to grace; having granted us
thy Son, grant us, with him, also thy Holy Spirit. Then
will the hours which we spend, this day, in thy house, be
hours of preparation for heaven, restoring us to the ordi-
nary pursuits of life, in a better and happier frame of mind;
for we shall be able to say: Unto us also the Saviour is
born.
O our Father, bring us all to a saving knowledge of
Jesus Christ, who alone can teach us the way of truth;
who is our deliverer from the power and guilt of sin, our
comforter, who leadeth, by faith, unto thee, our Father, the
heart that is burdened with guilt; and who, in the hour of
death, is our strength and song, and our salvation.
Do thou, Lord Jesus, who appearedst on earth to become
the author of a new creation, grant that we may celebrate
this holy day, which commemorates thy birth as man, re-
joicing in the light which thou hast brought; feeling the
constraining power of that love wherewith thou hast loved
us, and blessed with that peace, which thou givest unto
all that love thine appearing. 0 may wre feel that through
thee alone we have been begotten again unto a lively hope,
and made heirs of everlasting life.
We bow before thee full of joyful emotions, and call upon
our souls, and all that is within us, to give glory to God in
the highest.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
CHRISTMAS MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON MATTHEW II, 1 23.
Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
we humbly beseech thee to accept our hearty thanks for
the manifold mercies which thou hast poured upon us.
We bless thee, especially, for sending thy well be-
loved Son, to take our nature upon him, and to be made
in the likeness of sinful flesh.
CHRISTMAS MORNING. 207
We rejoice that unto us a child is born; that unto us
a Son is given. And we would join the multitude of
the heavenly host, in ascribing glory to thee in the
highest; peace on earth; good will toward men.
We praise thee for revealing to us the way in which
mercy and truth have met together; in which right-
eousness and peace have kissed each other. And we
account it a faithful saying, and worthy of all accepta-
tion, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save
sinners.
Help us, O Lord, to employ this day in meditating
on this great mystery of godliness, God manifest in the
flesh, which thy holy angels desire to look into.
O thou great and glorious Redeemer, who art Won-
derful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting
Father, the Prince of Peace, we praise thee; we bless
thee; we worship thee; we glorify thee; we give thanks
to thee for thy great glory, O Lord God, Lamb of God,
the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, King of kings, and
Lord of lords, Emmanuel, God with us. For thou only
art holy; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ,
with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God
the Father.
But chiefly, at this time, we adore thee for leaving
the glory which thou hadst with the Father before the
world began. We know thy grace, O Lord Jesus
Christ, that though thou wast rich, yet for our sakes
thou didst become poor, that we, through thy poverty,
might be made rich. We beseech thee, by the mystery
of thy holy incarnation and nativity, good Lord, deliver
us. O Son of David, have mercy upon us. Thou,
who didst come that we might have life, and might
have it more abundantly, be gracious unto us.
Thou who wast called Jesus, that thou mightest save
thy people from their sins, save us, and help us, we
humbly beseech thee, O Lord.
Give unto us grace, Almighty God, that we may
208 PARTICULAR DAYS.
cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the
armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in
which thy Son, Jesus Christ, came to visit us in great
humility.
As he came not to be ministered unto, but to minister,
and hath left us an example to do unto others as he hath
done unto us, so may we rejoice to take his yoke upon
us, and to learn of him, who was meek and lowly in
heart, that we may find rest unto our souls. Grant,
that we, being regenerate and made thy children by
adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy
Spirit, and follow the blessed steps of his most holy
life; ever remembering that he gave himself for us, to
redeem us from all iniquity, and to purify us unto
himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Have compassion, also, on those who have never
heard of the coming of our blessed Lord in the flesh.
In him who hath arisen to rule over the Gentiles, let the
Gentiles trust, and find his rest to be glorious.
Mercifully with thy favor look upon the whole chris-
tian world. May all that name the name of Christ
depart from iniquity. Especially preserve them from
turning this season into an occasion of revelling and
unholy mirth. Let them rejoice, as christians, in Christ
their Saviour; and let thy grace teach them to deny
all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly,
righteously, and godly, in this present world.
And, as at thy first coming, O Lord Jesus Christ, thou
didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before
thee, we beseech thee, finally, to grant that the minis-
ters and stewards of thy mysteries, may likewise so
prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts
of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; that, at thy
second coming to judge the world, we may be found an
acceptable people in thy sight, through Jesus Christ,
our Lord, in whose name we further pray:
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
CHRISTMAS EVENING. 209
CHRISTMAS EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 1 JOHN IV.
O Holy and merciful God, who art of purer eyes
than to behold iniquity, and yet long-suffering towards
sinners, we approach thy throne, acknowledging our
un worthiness, and putting our whole trust and con-
fidence in the promises which thou hast made unto us
in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We have greatly provoked thee to anger by our man-
ifold offenses; and, were not judgment thy strange work,
we should long since have received at thy hands the just
reward of our evil-doings.
But thou declarest thy almighty power chiefly in
showing mercy and pity. Thou hast not stretched
forth the right hand of thy majesty to avenge thee of
thine enemies ; but with thine own arm thou hast
wrought out redemption for us. Thou hast not sent
thy Son into the world to condemn the world, but that
the world through him might be saved.
We bless thee for revealing to us this great mystery,
which was hid for generations, but is now made mani-
fest unto the sons of men. We rejoice that unto us was
born a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Our souls
do magnify the Lord, and our spirits do rejoice in God
our Saviour.
Blessed be thou, the God of Israel, for visiting and
redeeming thy people, and raising up a horn of salva-
tion for them ; for performing the promise made unto
their fathers, and for remembering thy holy covenant.
Praised be thy name, for sending forth, in the fulness
of time, thy only begotten Son, made of a woman, made
under the law, that we might receive the adoption of
sons.
Glory be unto thee, for causing thy loving-kindness
toward us to appear. Not by works of righteousness
18*
210 PARTICULAR DAYS.
which we have done, but according to thy mercy, hast
thou saved us.
O thou, who wast in Christ reconciling the world unto
thyself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, forgive
us all our trespasses. Through him who was made in
the likeness of sinful flesh, and came to seek and to save
that which was lost, have mercy upon us.
And, since thy blessed Son was manifested that he
might destroy the works of the devil, to make us the
children of God and heirs of eternal life, grant, we be-
seech thee, that having this hope, we may purify our-
selves, even as he is pure; and that, when he shall come
again, in power and great glory, we may be made like
unto him, in his eternal and glorious kingdom.
Let the same mind, also, be in us, which was in Christ
Jesus; who being in the form of God, and thinking it
not robbery to be equal with God, yet made himself of
no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant,
and was found in fashion as a man, a man of sorrows
and acquainted with grief.
Help us continually to follow the example of his great
humility. In lowliness of mind may we esteem others
better than ourselves. And give us grace so to walk in
all holiness of living, that we may not be ashamed
before him at his coming.
We pray likewise, O heavenly Father, that, through
thy tender mercies, the Day-Spring from on high, which
hath visited us, may arise, and shine upon the nations
that are sitting in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide their feet into the way of peace.
Grant that it may both be a light to lighten the Gen-
tiles, and be the glory of thy people Israel.
Raise up faithful and able ministers of the New Tes-
tament, to go before the face of the Lord, to prepare his
ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people, by
the remission of their sins.
Pour down thy grace and heavenly benediction upon
GOOD FRI DAY. 211
all who are called christians. May the children of Zion
be joyful in their King! And may they so truly follow
the blessed steps of their Lord and Master, that they
may be saved by him in the great day of his appearing
and glory. Grant this for Jesus Christ's sake, our only
Lord and Saviour.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
GOOD FRIDAY.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N M ARK XV, 1 42.
Holy and gracious God! who condemnest sin, but yet
hast pity on sinners ! we worship thee in the deepest rever-
ence. Heavy is the load of that sin, which weighs us
down ; mighty to impel us to evil is that corruption which
dwelleth in us; great is the misery to which we have
brought ourselves ; and dark the night which awaits us in
eternity. How can we find peace and deliverance, save
by faith in thy grace, which hath accomplished an atone-
ment for us through Christ.
We must despair in our sins, except thou bestow upon
us thy free grace. Have mercy upon us, and grant, that
through the blood of thy Son every penitent heart may find
peace.
We cannot overcome the evil that is in us, except thou
strengthen us. Have mercy upon us, and let us so experi-
ence the power of Christ's death, that henceforth, crucified
with him, we may not serve sin, but live unto him who
died for us.
In our misery there is none to help us, except thou
stretch forth thine hand and raise us up. Have mercy
upon us, and grant that, in every sorrow of this life, we
may be comforted by fixing our thoughts upon our suffering
Redeemer.
We must be eternally lost, if there be none to intercede
for us at the judgment-bar. Have mercy upon us, and
212 PARTICULAR DAYS.
graciously hear our advocate, Jesus Christ the Righteous,
who, seated at thy right hand, maketh intercession for us.
Lord Jesus, thou Lamb of God who takest away the
sins of the world, be thou our advocate.
By thy love unto death, even the death of the cross ;
By the terrors that encompassed thy soul;
By the sufferings which thou didst endure in thy body;
By the bitter agony of thy death;
Have mercy upon us, 0 Lord Jesus.
When the stings of conscience fill us with anguish ;
when, accused by our own thoughts, our heart condemns
us; do thou have pity upon us, and speak peace unto our
souls.
In every time of temptation, when sinful desires would
prevail, and we are in danger of falling away from thee, do
thou strengthen us, that sin may not triumph over us.
When we are afflicted, and made to drink the cup of
sorrows, do thou comfort us, and enable us to derive
encouragement from contemplating thy meek and patient
suffering on the cross.
When we are in the agony of death, and fears beset our
soul, and our flesh and heart are failing, be thou near, to
sustain and strengthen us in that last conflict.
When thou shalt come to judgment, and we stand be-
fore thee to receive our sentence, do thou, Lord Jesus, be
gracious unto us ! Preserve us from everlasting torments,
0 thou Redeemer of our souls !
Hear us, 0 Lord ! Grant, O thou mediator between
God and man, who hast accomplished the work of recon-
ciliation, that none of us may forfeit the blessings purchased
for us by thy bitter sufferings and death, but that they may
redound to the eternal salvation of us all!
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
GOOD FRIDAY MORNING. 213
GOOD FRIDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N J O H N XIX, 31 42.
O Thou King eternal, immortal and invisible! We
bless thee for the revelation which thou hasl given us;
and that in thy word we can view thee as the father of
mercies and the God of all grace. All thy works and
ways correspond with the names thou hast assumed,
and demand and justify our confidence in thee. We
praise thee for the displays of thy goodness in the pro-
ductions of nature and the bounties of thy providence;
but above all, for thine inestimable love in the redemp-
tion of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; for the
means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
Herein thou hast commended thy love towards us, in
that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.
We find ourselves this morning at the foot of his
cross, where angels are desiring to look into these
things — and if they who need no repentance, study the
sufferings of Christ and the glory that should follow,
how much more should we, to whom they are not only
true and wonderful and sublime, but. all important and
infinitely interesting! Help us, O Lord, to turn aside
and see this great sight; and not suffer a dying Saviour
to address us in vain — is it nothing to you, all ye that
pass by? Behold and see if ever there was sorrow like
unto my sorrow.
Here may we see the value of our souls in the price
paid for their deliverance; and instead of neglecting
them for the vanities of time and sense, may we regard
them according to the estimation in which they were
held by him who gave his life a ransom for many. Here
may we contemplate the evil of sin, and abhor it; here
look upon him whom we have pierced, and mourn. Yet
remembering that he was not only slain by us, but for
us, may we rejoice in our tears; and by believing enter
into rest.
214 PARTICULAR DAYS.
With humble and holy confidence may we be enabled
to say, surely he hath borne our griefs and carried our
sorrows; the chastisement of our peace was upon him,
and with his stripes we are healed.
May we never degrade his death, by fearing that it
will not be available for guilt so great and aggravated
as ours, even if we depend upon it, and plead it before
God; but be fully persuaded that his blood cleanseth
from all sin, and that by once offering up himself he
hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
Yet, O God, never suffer us to sin that grace may
abound. May we never crucify the Saviour afresh, and
put him to an open shame. May he never be wounded
in the house of his professing friends. Rather may we
live only and wholly for him who died for us, and adorn
the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
May our old man be crucified with him, and the body
of sin be destroyed, that henceforth we may not serve
sin. May we be planted together in the likeness of his
death. As he suffered for us, leaving us an example
that we should follow his steps, may we learn of him
submission, and meekness and forgiveness of injuries:
when reviled, may we revile not again: when suffering
ma}T we threaten not, but commit ourselves to him that
judgeth righteously.
As thou hast made his soul an offering for sin, may
he see his seed, and prolong his days, and the pleasure
of the Lord prosper in his hand. May he see of the
travail of his soul and be satisfied; and by his know-
ledge may he justify many, having borne their iniquities.
Yea, having been lifted up from the earth, may he
draw all men unto him. May all kings fall down before
him, and all nations serve him; and in all the earth
which he has purchased with his own blood, may there
be one Lord, and his name one.
And when he who made himself of no reputation, but
took upon him the form of a servant, and became obe-
GOOD FRIDAY EVENING. 215
client unto death, even the death of the cross, shall
come in his glory, with all the holy angels, may we be
enabled to say, even so, come Lord Jesus; and unite
with those who will be eternally employed in saying —
Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins
in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests
unto God, and to his Father, be glory and dominion for
ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
GOOD FRIDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N 1 S A I A H LIU.
O Thou, whose name alone is Jehovah, the most high
over all the earth : we desire to adore thy perfections,
and to admire thy works, which are sought out of all
them that have pleasure therein.
Thou art the only wise God. Thy power is almighty.
Whither can we go from thy presence, or whither can
we flee from thy Spirit? Thou art holy in all thy ways.
And such is thy purity, that even the heavens are not
clean in thy sight.
How shall we come before the Lord, or bow before
the high God? We have no offering of our own to
bring. No man can redeem his brother, or give to God
a ransom for him. The blood of bulls and of goats
could not take away sin. The law itself made nothing
perfect — but the bringing in of better hope did, by the
which we draw nigh to God.
Yes, blessed be thy name, thou hast shown us what
is good; and we behold the Lamb of God, who is the
propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also
for the sins of the whole world.
Here a foundation is laid for our hope, in connection
with the highest glory of all thy perfections; and we
rejoice to think that while pleading for salvation by the
216 PARTICULAR DAYS.
blood of the cross, we ask thee not to deny thyself, or
to trample on thy holy law: for here thy law is magni-
fied and made honorable; here all thy attributes are
developed and harmonized : mercy and truth meet
together, righteousness and peace kiss each other.
Here weary and heavy laden, may we come for relief
and find rest unto our souls. May we take fresh views
of this adorable sacrifice under a sense of our constant
unworthiness and ill-desert; and in all our approaches to
thee may we have boldness and access with confidence
by the faith of him.
May we not only rely upon his cross, but glory in it.
Yea may we joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom we have now received the atonement. And
may we be able, individually to say, I am crucified
with Christ; nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh, I
live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and
gave himself for me.
We are thankful that as he atoned for our guilt, so he
procured for us the grace of life, that the blessing of
Abraham might come on the Gentiles, and that we
might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
May we never separate the pardon and sanctification
which thou hast joined together. May we prove that
he gave himself — not only for our sins, but that he might
deliver us from this present evil world; yea, that he
might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto
himself a peculiar people zealous of good works.
And O that in every future moment of our existence,
we may be constrained to live not to ourselves, but to
him that died for us and rose again. As he so loved
us, may we also love one another; and never deem
any thing too great to do or to suffer, while endeavoring
to seek and to save that which is lost.
Smile upon our rulers and our country. Let all the
churches of the faithful be edified and multiplied. Bless
EASTER. 217
all the ministers of the everlasting gospel, and may they
increasingly determine to know nothing, save Jesus
Christ and him crucified.
Increase the number of those who love his salvation;
and as he gave himself a ransom for all, may it be testi-
fied in due time ; that he may have the heathen for his
inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for his
possession, and reign King of kings, and Lord of lords.
In his words we conclude our devotions:
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
EASTER.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N — J, UCE XXIV, 13 48.
Glory be to thee, our God, who art, and wast, and
shalt be, from everlasting to everlasting. Praise and
honor be to thee the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Father of glory; for this is the day which thou hast
made for us, that we might rejoice and be glad in it.
Praise and thanksgiving be to thee, that thy beloved
Son appeared among us, not only that he might take
away sin, by offering himself a willing sacrifice for us,
but that he might bring life and immortality to light, and
re-open heaven for all who believe in his name! Thou
hast not left his soul in the realms of death, nor suffered
thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast fulfilled
unto him the promise that thou wouldst show him the
path of life, and hast made the Captain of our salvation
perfect through sufferings. Thanks and praise be to
thee that through the resurrection of Jesus his inno-
cence is established, his dignity made manifest, and his
work glorified as thy work; that instead of the crown
of thorns, he wears a crown of glory, and that, as the
Lord of the living and the dead, he hath received power,
as the Captain of salvation, to bring many sons unto
glory and eternal life.
19
/
218 PARTICULAR DAYS.
O Lord, our gracious God! forgive, we beseech thee,
our transgressions and our omissions of duly, by which
we have made ourselves unworthy of such unspeakable
kindness and compassion. Enlighten the eyes of our
understanding, that we may know what is the hope of
our calling. Help our infirmities, that with our whole
heart we may rejoice in that glorious gospel, which
banishes every doubt, turns our fears into gladness, and
ministers unto us abundantly an entrance into the ever-
lasting kingdom of glory. Grant, O Lord, that when
we praise thee because Jesus was delivered for our
offenses, and was raised again for our justification, we
may be made partakers of his resurrection, and thus
walk in newness of life. When we rejoice that thou,
according to thine abundant mercy, hast begotten us
again unto a lively hope, through the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorrup-
tible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away; O, then,
may we purify ourselves, even as he is pure, and seek
those things that are above, and lay up treasure in
heaven ! When temptations assail us, and we are in
danger of sinning against thee, do thou make us stead-
fast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of
the Lord, forasmuch as we know that our labor is not
in vain in the Lord. May all the joys with which thou
crownest us in this life, be made livelier and stronger
by the blissful thought, that they are but the foretaste of
greater joys to come. Amidst all the sufferings of this
period of probation may we be refreshed by the delight-
ful and consoling conviction, that through them our
Father is preparing his children for a far more exceed-
ing and eternal weight of glory. When we mourn at
the graves of those whom we had loved, may our hearts
find comfort in the promise, that them which sleep in
Jesus, will God bring with him. And when we our-
selves shall be called out of this world, may our depart-
ing spirit abundantly enjoy that assured hope, by which
EASTER SUNDAY MORNING. 219
we are enabled to say : I know that my Redeemer liveth :
O death, where is thy sting, O grave where is thy vic-
tory. Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory,
through our Lord Jesus Christ.
O thou God of peace and consolation, lift thou up the
light of thy countenance upon all, who, on this day of
rejoicing, are burdened with sorrows and care; upon
all who are oppressed by their fellow-men; upon all
who suffer for the sake of truth and conscience; upon
all who are surrounded by temptations to sin; upon all
wrho are ready to despair of thy grace; upon all that
are sick, or tormented by the fear of death ; upon all
who stand at the entrance of the dark valley. May
Christ be in them all the hope of glory, that the trial of
their faith, being much more precious than of gold that
perisheth, though it be tried by fire, may be found unto
praise, and honor, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus
Christ.
Unto thee, our God and Father, who hast loved us,
and hast given us everlasting consolation and good hope
through grace, who art able to keep us from falling, and
to present us faultless before the presence of his glory,
with exceeding joy; to the only wise God, our Saviour,
be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now
and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
EASTER SUNDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N J OHN XX, 1 18.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed, &c.
Almighty God and heavenly Father, we bless thee for
thy great goodness in permitting us again to behold the
return of this sacred day. We praise thee for the glori-
ous resurrection of thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus
Christ, whom we acknowledge as the very Paschal
220 PARTICULAR DAY8.
Lamb foreshadowed in the scriptures, and offered on
the cross, as a propitiation for the sins of the world ;
who, by the shedding of his own precious blood, has
overcome death, and by rising from the grave, is made
the first fruits of them that sleep, and has opened unto
us the gate of everlasting life.
We confess that we are by nature dead in trespasses
and sins, and cannot, by our own power, raise ourselves
to newness of life. But, blessed be thy name, that thou
hast, of thy abundant mercy, begotten us again to a
lively hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, to
an inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth
not away, reserved in heaven for all those who are kept
by thy power through faith unto salvation.
Give us grace, heavenly Father, so to bewail our sin-
fulness, and so to meditate on thy wondrous love, that
we may find our hearts dead indeed unto sin, and alive
unto thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
We beseech thee, gracious God, to grant us thy special
blessing this day. May the Spirit of him that raised up
Jesus from the dead, dwell in us, and direct us in' all
our duties. Raise our thoughts from the things of this
world, and fix them upon those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth at thy right hand.
Since Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us,
therefore let us keep the feast: not with the old leaven,
neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but
with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. May
we fervently join in the prayers and praises of thy
people in the courts of thy sanctuary.
Grant also to all those who shall assemble with us in
thy house of prayer, that they may be plenteously en-
dued with thy heavenly grace, and be prepared, with
meek heart, and due reverence, to hear and receive
thy holy word, and to be meet partakers of thy holy
mysteries.
EASTER SUNDAY EVENING. 221
(Occasional prayers.)
Pour down thy Spirit from on high on the ministers
of thy blessed gospel: and, while they preach Jesus and
the resurrection, let. thy word, in their mouth, be as life
from the dead; that so they, who are sleeping in their
sins, may awake, and arise from the dead, that Christ
may give them light.
And now, may the God of peace, who brought again
from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shep-
herd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting
covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do his
will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his
sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory
for ever and ever. The grace of our Lord, &c. Amen.
EASTER SUNDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON JO UN XX, 19 31.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed, &c.
Most merciful God and Father, receive, we beseech
thee, our hearty thanks for thy great goodness; and
especially for the blessings and mercies bestowed upon
us this day. We bless thee for the preaching of thy
word, and for the administration of thy holy sacraments.
We bless thee for thy gracious condescension, in having
thy habitation among the sons of men, and in dwelling
in the midst of the assemblies of thy people. Let thy
blessing rest, we beseech thee, upon those whom thou
hast called to minister in holy things; let them be clothed
with righteousness; and let thy people rejoice in thy sal-
vation. Grant that the words spoken in thy name, may
not be spoken in vain. Grant us grace, so to hear and
receive the godly counsel and instruction of those who
are set over us in the Lord, that in all our words and
deeds we may seek thy glory, and the increase of thy
kingdom.
19*
222 PARTICULAR DAYS.
We bless thee, heavenly Father, for the revelation of
our Lord Jesus Christ, as the resurrection and the life;
and for the gracious declaration, that whosoever liveth
and believeth in him, shall never die. Grant us grace
to humble ourselves before thee, knowing that thou art
able to exalt us in due time. May we follow the ex-
ample of thy dearly beloved Son, in patience, meekness
and humility. And as he died and rose again for us, so
may we, who are baptized into his death, die from sin,
and rise again unto righteousness, continually mortify-
ing all our evil and corrupt affections, and daily proceed-
ing in all virtue and godliness of living.
We commend to thy rich mercies in Christ Jesus, all
the nations that are sitting in darkness and in the shadow
of death. May the Sun of Righteousness rise upon them,
and the light of the everlasting gospel shine into their
hearts, to give them the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.
Have mercy on the house of Israel, and teach them
by thy Spirit to know, that thou hast made that same
Jesus, whom their forefathers crucified, both Lord and
Christ.
Awaken the impenitent to a sense of their danger, by
putting them in remembrance, that thou hast appointed
a day in which thou wilt judge the world in righteous-
ness, by him whom thou hast ordained, whereof thou
hast given assurance unto all men, in that thou hast
raised him from the dead.
(Occasional prayers.)
And now, O God, we commit ourselves, and all who
ate near and dear to us, to thy holy keeping. Let us
go to our rest in humble trust and confidence in thy
unfailing mercy. And let us remember, as we close
our eyes in sleep, that the hour is coming in the which
all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son
of man, and shall come forth, they that have done good,
to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil,
ASCENSION DAY. 223
to the resurrection of condemnation. And may we be
so prepared by thy grace, for tin's event, that when our
mortal bodies shall be committed to the ground, they
may rest in sure and certain hope of a joyful resurrec-
tion to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to
whom, with thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all
honor and glory, w7orld without end.
The grace of our Lord, &c. Amen.
ASCENSION DAY.
SCRIPTURE LESSON MARK XVI, 14 19.
O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all
the earth. How great is thy power in heaven and on
earth! We bow in spirit before the throne of thy ma-
jesty, and praise thee for that eternal salvation, which
thou hast vouchsafed unto us in Christ thy Son. Thou
deliveredst him for our offenses, and hast raised him
again for our justification. That thy name might be
glorified, and salvation and joy be our everlasting por-
tion, thou hast exalted him to heaven, and given him a
name, which is above every name. We whom he hath
redeemed with his own blood, come to worship thee
with praise and thanksgiving on this day, which com-
memorates his triumphant departure from the scene of
his humiliation. We thank thee that thou hast so glori-
ously rewarded his great love to thee and toward men,
and his obedience unto death, even the death of the
cross. We thank thee that from his abasement he hath
been raised to majesty on high, and that his sufferings
have been changed into joy. We rejoice in him as our
king, who liveth and reigneth with thee in that glory,
which he had with thee before the foundations of the
earth were laid, and who yet is not ashamed to call us
his brethren. We rejoice in him as an all-sufficient Sa-
viour, who entered in once into the holy place, to appear
224 PARTICULAR DAYS.
in the presence of God for us, and who is able to save
them to the uttermost that come unto God by him. And
we joyfully honor him whom thou, O Father, hast hon-
ored, and whom thou commandest all angels and men
to honor.
Gracious God ! May the grateful emotions of our
hearts be acceptable in thy sight ! Animate them
through the influences of thy Spirit, that they may lead
to those holy tempers and purposes which are pleasing
unto thee, and that they may bring forth the peaceable
fruits of righteousness in our lives. May we so keep in
view the Saviour's glory, that our faith in thy holy gov-
ernment may be strengthened, and we be established in
the conviction that thou art faithful to reward all that
diligently seek thee, and do thy will. Implant deep in
our hearts the blessed hope, that he is gone to prepare
a place for his people in his heavenly Father's house,
and that his victory is to all his faithful disciples a pledge
and guarantee of their victory. Make this hope effectual
to inspire us with courage when we encounter the temp-
tations and sufferings by which we are surrounded in
this life. Elevate our minds above all the allurements
of this transitory scene, and by raising our thoughts to
the invisible world, enable us to despise every sordid
pleasure, every sinful desire. Grant that through faith
in Christ, we may, while here below, taste the powers
of the world to come; daily quicken our zeal to strive
after increasing sanctification, to purify ourselves even
as he is pure, and at all times to have our conversation
in heaven. So replenish us with thy grace, that we
may walk more and more worthy of the vocation where-
with we are called, to the end that when our Lord shall
come and bring his reward with him, we may appear
before him with rejoicing, and be received into his
everlasting kingdom.
Father, glorify in us thy name, and the name of thy
Son Jesus! Amen.
ASCENSION DAY.
or this:
Lord Jesus Christ! we believe that thou earnest forth
from the Father into the world, and hast again left the
world, and gone to the Father. Thou Son of the Most
High, who no longer sojournest upon earth, poor and in
the form of a servant, but art exalted to the right hand
of the Father, to be Lord over all that is in heaven and
upon earth! We pray thee, as our glorified Head, to
draw us who are members of thy body, unto thee, that
we may not set our affections on things on the earth, but
seek those things which are above. And as, at thy de-
parture from the earth, thou didst lift up thy hands over
thy disciples to bless them, even so bless us also, and
thy whole church, now that thou art seated on thy throne
of grace. O thou who art made a High Priest for ever
unto the children of men, manifest thy power from on
high. Be gracious unto thy people, and evermore send
them thy Holy Spirit. Bless thy church with pious and
faithful ministers and officers; preserve us from all
errors in doctrine ; remove all hinderances to our salva-
tion; protect, establish and extend thy kingdom upon
earth, according to the greatness of thy power, until all
thine enemies are laid low at thy feet.
O thou, whose mediation hath brought peace on earth!
Give thy peace unto all who obey thy gospel, and accord-
ing to thy long-suffering have mercy upon unconverted
sinners, that ihey also may renounce the service of folly
and of sin, and become the children of peace. O thou,
who art the author and finisher of the faith of all that
believe, and who wast thyself made to enter into thy
glory through many sufferings, revive with thine abun-
dant consolation, all who are in affliction or temptation,
and arm them with courage and strength from on high,
that they may war a good warfare, even unto the end.
O thou Prince of life! how many hast thou already
cheered and sustained on the bed of death; grant us
226 PARTICULAR DAYS.
also thy encouraging and sustaining presence, in the
last trying hour of this mortal pilgrimage. When our
bodily e3res shall close, grant that with the eye of faith,
we may behold the gates of heaven open to receive us,
and view thee seated at the right hand of God ; and
graciously hear us, when with our expiring breath, we
shall exclaim: Lord Jesus, receive our spirit! O thou
Captain of salvation ! already hast thou brought many
sons to glory; even so lead us also, who still sojourn in
this land of mortality and of conflict; enable us by thy
Spirit, to overcome sin, and suffering, and death, and
grant us abundantly, through thine atoning merits, an
entrance into the kingdom of glory, where thou livest
and reignest, in unity of spirit with the Father, in
eternal majesty and power.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
ASCENSION DAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N A C T S I , 1 14.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed, &c.
O God, the King of glory, who hast exalted thine only
Son, Jesus Christ, with great triumph unto thy kingdom
in heaven, permit us, we beseech thee, to draw near to
thee in his all-prevailing name, knowing that he ever
liveth to make intercession for us miserable sinners.
May this great High Priest, who has passed into the
heavens, ever be our advocate with thee. Accept, we
implore thee, his mediation in our behalf; and when
thou nearest, have mercy upon us. May our sins,
though many, be forgiven us, through the riches of thy
grace. Excite in us that godly sorrow for sin, which
worketh repentance unto salvation, not to be repented
of. Give us that living faith which worketh by love,
purifying the heart, overcoming the world, and bringing
forth the abundant fruits of righteousness.
ASCENSION DAY MORNING. 227
And, O thou, who hast ascended up on high, and hast
led captivity captive, and hast received gifts for men,
and hast given us apostles, and prophets, and evangel-
ists, and pastors, and teachers, for the perfecting of thy
saints, and for the edification of thy church; grant, we
beseech thee, to all the ministers and stewards of thy
word, the abundance of thy grace, that they may ever-
more be ready to spread abroad thy gospel, and to
preach the glad tidings of salvation; until all men shall
come, in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of
the Son of God, unto the perfect stature of the fulness
of Christ.
We bless thee, heavenly Father, for all thy various
and great mercies; for the wonderful work of redemp-
tion ; and for the hope set before us in the gospel. We
bless thee for the privilege of meeting together for
prayer and praise, on this memorable morning. Give
us grace to celebrate, with grateful hearts, the exalta-
tion of thy blessed Son to his eternal throne. May our
thoughts also thither ascend, drawing up our affections
and desires to heavenly things, and fitting and prepar-
ing us for the final enjoyment of thy presence in the
mansions of glory.
(Occasional prayers.)
We intercede with thee, gracious God, for all who are
near and dear to us. Look with pity upon those who
have hitherto placed their hopes and affections on the
objects of this world, and have neglected the things
which belong to their eternal peace. Quicken them
from the death of sin, unto a new and holy life. Make
them wise unto salvation; and enable them hereafter to
seek those things which are above, where Christ sittelh
at the right hand of God. And to those who have
known the power of thy word, and have turned their
hearts from serving the vain idols of this world, to serve
thee, the living God, give the abundance of thy grace.
Keep them through thine own name from the evils and
228 PARTICULAR DAYS.
temptations of this present life. Sanctify them through
thy truth: and grant that, with them and all others who
shall believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, we may have our
perfect consummation and bliss in thy eternal and ever-
lasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom,
with thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor
and glory, world without end.
The grace of our Lord, &c. Amen.
ASCENSION DAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N H E B R E W S X , 1 29.
Thou art the King of Glory, O Christ; thou hast
ascended on high, "leading captivity captive, and
giving gifts to men." Thou art exalted far above all
principalities and powers; and enthroned in the highest
glory in thy heavenly kingdom, where saints and angels,
and all the hosts of heaven admire and adore thee. Be
thou exalted, Lord, and reign in the greatness of thy
power and majesty, till thou hast brought all enemies
in subjection under thy feet. But Lord remember us,
now thou art in thy kingdom, where thou rulest and
reignest on high. O regard the supplications, and re-
lieve the necessities of thy poor subjects and servants
here below. Save, Lord, and let the King of heaven
hear us when we call. And O that we may feel the
powerful attraction of thy grace and Holy Spirit; to
draw up our minds and desires from the poor enjoy-
ments here below, to those most glorious and everlast-
ing attainments above, where thou sittest at the right
hand of God. O let us lay up our treasure and have
our conversation with thee in heaven; and so love thy
appearing, and desire to be dissolved and to be with
Christ, that when Christ, who is our life, shall appear,
we may also appear with him in glory: and after our
ascending and dwelling above in heart and spirit, we
WHITSUNDAY. 229
may at last personally ascend, in soul and body, to be
ever with the Lord; there, with thy whole triumphant
church, to see and admire, and love and bless, and
praise, and glorify thee throughout eternal ages.
Blessed Jesus, thou art an High Priest for ever exalted
to the right hand of God to give repentance and remis-
sion of sins. Thou canst be touched with a feeling of
our infirmities, for thou knowest that we are dust and
ashes. Therefore we come boldly to thy throne of
grace, that we may find mercy and obtain grace to help
in time of need. O give us true repentance and remis-
sion of all our sins. Make us thine indeed. Help us
to lay aside every weight and the sin that doth so easily
beset us, and to run with patience the race set before
us. Unto thee we would commit and commend our-
selves this night. May we repose in perfect peace and
safety beneath the shadow of thy wings. Remember
all the sick and afflicted, the poor and needy, and such
as are in any way in danger or distress. Let thine ears
be open to their cries and thy hands to supply all their
want. Have mercy upon our world, which lyeth in sin
and wickedness. May thy gospel soon be preached to
all men, and let the knowledge of the Lord soon cover
the whole earth. Be our God and guide through life,
and afterward receive us to thy glory for our blessed
Redeemer's sake.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
WHITSUNDAY.
SCRIPTURE LSSSO N A C T S II, 1 17.
Eternal God! who workest all in all, diffusing hap-
ipiness in heaven and on earth: unlimited is thy power,
unsearchable thy wisdom, inexhaustible thy goodness.
|With heartfelt emotion we worship before thy glorious
Majesty. With thanksgiving and joy we adore thee as
20
230 PARTICULAR DAYS.
the first and eternal cause of all things ; as the only and
everlasting source of all light and life, of all power and
happiness. We give thanks to thee with our whole
heart, that when Christ our Saviour had returned to
thee, thou didst visit thy people with new mercies, and
establish, by the outpouring of thy Holy Spirit, the
church of thy Son upon earth. Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, be thou exalted in the congregation of thy
people, that thou hast bestowed this inestimable gift
upon sinful men. May all who name the name of Christ
unite, with joy, to praise thee : for thy kingdom cannot
be moved. Thy Son hath declared unto us: If ye,
being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your chil-
dren, how much more will your heavenly Father give
his Holy Spirit to them that ask him. Trusting in this
assurance, we beseech thee, in the name of Jesus, send
him unto us from thy high and holy place, and with him
grant us all things that pertain unto life and godliness,
that so we may be more and more brought from dark-
ness to light, and be completely delivered from the bond-
age of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the chil-
dren of God. O Holy Spirit, vouchsafe unto us thy
presence, and on this solemn day, bestow thy gifts upon
us in abundant measure. Enlighten and inspire with
holy zeal, the hearts of all, as thou didst on the day of
Pentecost, our first-born brethren at Jerusalem. Thou
Spirit of light! illumine our hearts, that we may attain
unto a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Glorify him
in us, that we may abide in him, who hath obtained for
us an eternal inheritance in heaven above. Thou Spirit
of life ! awaken to the life that is of God all who are
spiritually dead; and quicken more and more, all who
have been brought from death to life. Forbid that any
heart should resist thine influence, should quench or
grieve thee, and thus come short of eternal salvation.
Thou Spirit of power and of grace! help our infirmities
when we engage in prayer, when there is need of watch-
WHITSUNDAY. 231
fulness, whoa spiritual adversaries assail us. Be our
shield when temptation is near, when sinful pleasures
invite and allure us, and when the law in our members,
warring against the law of our mind, threatens to bring
us into captivity to the law of sin. O do thou stablish,
strengthen, settle us, that we may be more than con-
querors, and keep ourselves unspotted from the world,
knowing that our body is to be thy temple. Thou Spirit
of love! be gracious unto us, and unite us all in the
bonds of Christian concord, that, we may love one
another in godly sincerity, and at all times be of one
accord, and of one mind. Enable us, without any
interruption, to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond
of peace.
O thou, who art our only sufficient Comforter in every
time of need, deliver us from the fear of suffering and
of death. Bind up the broken-hearted! Raise up those
that are bowed down by sorrows and distresses. When
we meet with severe trials, do thou arm us with patience
and with firmness of faith ; and when our end is at hand,
minister encouragement to our souls, that we may tri-
umph over the terrors of death. Thou Spirit of adop-
tion! so sanctify our bodies and our souls, that we may
be temples meet for thee to dwell in. Grant that in our
hearts and in our lives, we may bring forth the fruit of
the Spirit which is in all goodness, and righteousness,
and truth, and thereby bear witness with our spirit, that
we are indeed the children of God. And thus make us
true followers of Christ, even his peculiar people, who
show forth the praises of their Lord, and are worthy to
enter upon the glorious Sabbath of the just made per-
fect, and to join them in praising thee, with the Father
and the Son, for ever and ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
232 PARTICULAR DAYS.
WHITSUNDAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON — JOHN XIV, 15 — 31.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed, &c.
O God, merciful Father, we give thanks to thee, for
all the bounties of thy providence and grace; and
especially for thy great goodness, in sending down the
Holy Ghost, the blessed Comforter, to abide with thy
church for ever, and to direct, sanctify and govern the
hearts of thy people.
We wait this morning at thy footstool for new sup-
plies of thy grace, to help our infirmities, to purify our
thoughts and to endue us with a spirit of prayer and
supplication. Grant, we beseech thee, that thy Holy
Spirit may now rest upon us, as a Spirit of wisdom and
understanding; a Spirit of counsel and strength; a Spirit
of knowledge and true godliness; a Spirit of holy fear
and reverence; a Spirit of truth, and love and unit}7; a
Spirit of everlasting consolation.
(Occasional prayers.)
O blessed Jesus, who after thou hadst ascended up
on high, didst shed upon thy holy apostles many excel-
lent gifts, and who hast graciously promised to be with
the ministers of thy church to the end of the world; we
commend to thy heavenly grace, all those whom thou
hast appointed and commanded to feed thy flock. Make
them diligent in preaching thy word, and in dispensing
thy holy sacraments; that they may teach the truth in
love, and administer the wholesome discipline of the
church, in thy fear, and to thy glory.
And to all thy people, extend the riches of thy grace.
Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh. Send out thy light
and thy truth to the nations who have never heard thy
name. Look with pity on thy ancient people Israel.
Give them a new heart, and revive a right spirit within
them, that they may hereafter confess thy name, and
WHITSUNDAY EVENING. 233
keep thy statutes, and follow and obey thy ordinances.
And shed abroad thy spiritual blessings on all the
churches of thy saints throughout the world. May they
be edified by thy truth; and walking in thy fear, and in
the comfort of the Holy Ghost, may they enjoy on earth
an earnest and foretaste of the joys and consolations of
thy church triumphant in heaven.
In thy all-prevailing name, 0 blessed Saviour, we
offer these our prayers and supplications; ascribing to
thee, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, equal adora-
tion and praise, now and evermore.
The grace of our Lord, &c. Amen.
WHITSUNDAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N A C T S X , 34 44.
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed, &c.
O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through
whom we have access by one Spirit unto thee, hear, we
beseech thee, the voice of praise and thanksgiving with
which we close this day. We bless thee for all the
benefits bestowed upon us, and especially for the spirit-
ual blessings sealed to us by the coming of the Holy
Ghost. We bless thee for thy holy word, for thy min-
istry and ordinances, and for all the means of grace
which we have been permitted to enjoy this day.
[Thanksgiving for Communion-day.]
We praise thee, O God, for opening unto us a foun-
tain for sin and for uncleanness, and for purifying the
humble and contrite soul, by the washing of regenera-
tion and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. Make us all
partakers of this heavenly gift. Grant that all sinful
affections may die in us, and that all things belonging
to the Spirit may live and grow in us.
Give us grace to put off, concerning the former con-
versation, the old man, which is corrupt, according to
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234 PARTICULAR DAYS.
the deceitful lusts; and to put on the new man, which,
after thy image, is created in righteousness and true
holiness. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by thy
holy inspiration, that we may perfectly love thee, and
worthily magnify thy holy name. Grant, we beseech
thee, that as thou didst teach the hearts of thy faithful
people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit,
so we, by the same Spirit, may have a right judgment
in all things, and may evermore rejoice in his holy
comfort.
O Lord God, inasmuch as the manifestation of the
Spirit is given to every man to profit withal, let none
receive his grace in vain. Have compassion on those
who deny his eternal power and godhead, and show
unto them who are thus in error, the light of thy truth,
that they may return into the way of righteousness. Be
merciful unto such as profess to believe in him, and yet
in works deny him, and are doing despite unto his grace.
Let them no longer grieve that Holy Spirit by which
they are sealed unto the day of redemption, but give
them strength ever hereafler to obey his godly motions
in righteousness and true holiness.
Be gracious unto those whom the Holy Ghost hath
made overseers to feed the church, and may they be
faithful dispensers of thy holy word and sacraments,
through the grace of our dear Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
O God, Holy Ghost, sanctifier of the faithful, visit us,
we pray thee, as a family and household, with thy love
and favor. Enlighten our minds more and more with
the light of the everlasting gospel; graft in our hearts a
love of the truth; increase in us true religion; nourish
us with all goodness; and of thy great mercy, keep us
steadfast in the faith, O blessed Spirit, whom, with the
Father and the Son, we worship and glorify as one God,
world without end.
The grace of our Lord, &c. Amen.
FAST DAY MORNING. 235
FAST DAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LE8SO N 1 S A I A H L V I I I .
O thou justly offended Sovereign ; we desire to bow
before thee, on this day of fasting, humiliation, and
prayer, with the deepest self-abasement. May we offer
unto thee the sacrifice of a broken and contrite heart,
which, O God! thou wilt not despise. O our God! we
are ashamed, and blush to lift up our faces to thee;
for our iniquities are increased over our heads, and
our trespasses are grown up into the heavens. We
confess that we are by nature children of wrath even as
others, and are under the curse of a broken law. We
have wickedly and ungratefully departed from thee, the
living God, and practically said, depart from us, we
desire not the knowledge of thy ways. We have hated
and despised reproof, and disregarded thy warnings
and instructions, abused thy goodness, and slighted thy
mercies. Thou hast nourished and brought us up as
children, but we have rebelled against thee. It is of
the Lord's mercies, that we are not consumed, because
thy compassions fail not. Look down, O God ! in mercy
upon us miserable sinners. Pardon us through the
mediation of Christ. Blot out all our transgressions,
and be at peace with us. Wash us, and we shall be
clean; purify us, and we shall be whiter than snow.
Help us to keep such a fast-day, as thou hast chosen,
and to rend our hearts, and not our garments; and turn
unto the Lord our God, for he is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and of great kindness, and repenteth him
of the evil. We acknowledge, O Lord ! that iniquity
abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. We lament
the profanation of thy holy name, and thy holy day; the
disregard of thine authority, and the disobedience of
thy sacred laws, and that such multitudes cast off fear,
and restrain prayer before thee. Pour, we beseech thee,
236 PARTICULAR DAYS.
upon thy people, a spirit of repentance and reformation.
Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but
establish the just. May temperance and sobriety, in-
dustry and good habits, universally prevail. Behold
thy people prostrate at the throne of grace, and hear
their prayers, whether offered in the sanctuary, in the
family, or in the closet. Spare thy people, O Lord ! and
give not thine heritage to reproach. We deserve all
thy rebukes and chastisements. Thou wouldst be just,
shouldst thou cast us off for ever. Return, O Lord!
how long? and let it repent thee concerning us thy ser-
vants. 0 satisfy us early with thy mercy, that we may
rejoice, and be glad all our days. Preserve us from the
pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction
that wasteth at noon day. Save us from the ravages of
tempests and earthquakes, fire and water, persecution
and the sword. Continue the health and happiness of
thy people. Bless the people of this nation in all their
interests and concerns. Ever may we remember, that
righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to
any people. Propitiously regard the President of the
United States, all heads of department, and all in sub-
ordinate authority. Give them that wisdom which is
from above, and is first pure, then peaceable, and easy
to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
partiality, and without hypocrisy. May they ever desire
to promote the glory of God, and the highest interest of
this people. Bless the Governor of this State, and the
legislative, judicial, and executive branches of the gov-
ernment. Smile mercifully upon all the ministers of
religion. May they not shun to declare all the counsel
of God, whether men will hear, or whether they will
forbear. Make them burning and shining lights in thy
golden candlesticks, and instrumental of great good to
Zion. May all our colleges, academies, and schools of
learning, be nurseries of useful knowledge and of piety.
Bless all the institutions of true religion, humanity and
FAST DAY EVENING. 237
benevolence. Graciously succeed all efforts to spread
a knowledge of the gospel of Christ among the great
family of man. Compassionate the circumstances of
all people, and fill the enrth with thy glory. Now unto
him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all
that we ask or think, according to the power that work-
eth in us, unto him be glory in the church, by Christ
Jesus, throughout all ages, world without end.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FAST DAY EVEN I NO.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N J EREMIAH IX.
O God, thou hast established thy throne in the heavens,
and thy kingdom extendeth over all. We prostrate our-
selves before thee, deeply impressed with a sense of the
vastness of thy agency and dominion. Thou changest
the times and the seasons: thou removest kings, and
settest up kings. Empires rise and fall, and fade and
flourish, at thy bidding: and all nations are in thy hand
but as clay in the hand of the potter.
But none of thy dispensations are arbitrary. "What-
ever thou doest, is done, because O Father it seemeth
good in thy sight: and thy judgment is always accord-
ing to truth. Thou art holy in all thy ways, and right-
eous in all thy works — and thou art good even in wrath.
Thou rememberest mercy; and dost not afllict wil-
lingly, nor grieve the children of men.
Therefore it is that we have been this day humbling
ourselves in thy presence.
For we acknowledge that we have been deeply guiliy.
Thou hast nourished and brought up children, but we
have rebelled against thee. The ox knoweth his owner,
and the ass his master's crib; but we have not known,
we have not considered. Thou hast multiplied thy
blessings but we have perverted them. Because of
238 PARTICULAR DAYS.
swearing, the land has mourned. Pride has compassed
us about as a chain. Discontent has rebelled against
thine appointment. How has the love of money, which
is the root of all evil, abounded among us. How have
thy Sabbaths been profaned, and thine ordinances dis-
regarded. Plow has the gospel been undervalued,
neglected, despised!
And all our transgressions have been more aggra-
vated than those of any other people, because thou hast
favored us unspeakably more than all the families of
the earth.
Therefore thou couldst easily and justly have de-
stroyed us: but thou hast not stirred up all thy wrath.
In all that is come upon us for our evil deeds, thou hast
punished us less than our iniquities deserve. Yet thou
hast testified thy displeasure; and visited us with thy
judgments: so that when we looked for light and peace,
we have seen darkness and trouble.
O let us not be inattentive to the design of thy deal-
ings or insensible under thy rebukes. O let it not be'
said of us, as it was of the Jews, the harp and the viol,
and the tabret and pipe, and wine, are in thy feasts, but
they regard not the work of the Lord, neither consider
the operation of his hand.
In the way of thy judgments, O Lord, may we wait
for thee. Thou hast said, is any afflicted? let him pray.
Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver
thee, and thou shalt glorif}7 me. Fulfil the word unto
thy servants, upon which thou hast caused us to hope.
And O let not the calamity be removed only, but above
all sanctified: let it appear that we have heard the rod,
and him that appointed it: and be able to say, it is good
for us that we have been afflicted.
For which purpose, bless, we beseech thee, the word
of thy grace which has been spoken; and grant that the
professed humiliation of the day may be real — for thou
lookest to the heart. And let it also be universal: may
HUMILIATION, PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING. 239
it extend from the highest to the lowest; may it pervade
the city and the country; may it enter every church
and every family — let none of us lose sight of ourselves
in the public calamity. May each individual retire and
ask, what have I done? — and what wilt thou have me
to do ?
Regard favorably the government under which we
live. Bless the representatives of the people; and the
magistracy of the land — may all be wise in council,
exemplary in conduct, and faithful to their trusts.
And thus may we be reformed and not destroyed.
Thus may we be a holy, that we may be a happy peo-
ple, whose God is the Lord. Return, O Lord, how
long? and let it repent thee concerning thy servants.
O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice
and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to
the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years
wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto
thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And
let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us; and
establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea the
work of our hands establish thou it.
And to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be
rendered the kingdom, power, and glory for ever and
ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
GENERAL HUMILIATION, PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N F SALM XLVI OR LV.
Merciful God, our Father in Christ, who hast pro-
mised that thou wilt regard the prayers of the destitute,
and not despise their supplications! we come before
thee to call upon thy name. And as thou hast given us
commandment to pray not for ourselves only, but for all
men, and hast graciously promised to hear our feeble
240 PARTICULAR DAYS.
petitions, we would come in obedience to thy word, and
humbly beseech thee to remember thy promise. Make
thyself known every where, as the Father of all men,
whom thy Son has purchased with his precious blood.
Remember in mercy those who are yet covered with
darkness, and to whom the light of thy gospel hath not
penetrated, and let the light of the knowledge of thee,
shine upon all the earth. Graciously remember all who
profess to be disciples of thy Son, and grant that they
may be Christians, not in name only but in deed. De-
stroy superstition, and overthrow the strongholds of un-
belief. Let thy evangelical Zion be the object of thine
especial care, and grant that all who profess to belong
to her, may experience in their hearts the power of
evangelical doctrine, unto the salvation of their souls.
We commend unto thee all the rulers of the earth ;
grant unto them a truly Christian spirit, and cause thy
fear to be before their eyes and in their hearts. We
entreat thee, for Christ's sake, to be especially mindful
of our land; and as thou hast in times past, made thy-
self known unto this people as their God, we pray thee
in times to come, to show thy favor unto them. Praise
be to thee for the liberty that we enjoy; forbid that it
should ever degenerate into licentiousness. Let thine
eye be ever open toward this thy people. To this end
inspire the President of the United States and all others
in authority, with the spirit of wisdom and of thy fear.
Grant that through their exertions, peace and unity may
be preserved and diffused throughout this Republic, and
that they may have the honor of thy name and the ex-
tension of the kingdom of thy Son at heart. Grant that
the several confederated states may remain perpetually
united together by the bond of love and peace, that their
union may endure to the end of time. We commend
unto thine especial favor the state in which we dwell!
Direct our government by thy Spirit, that the effect of
all its laws may be the welfare of the citizens. Grant
HUMILIATION, PRAYER AND THANKSGIVING. 241
that equity and justice may be administered by our
magistrates without respect to persons. Purify our land
from vice, and grant that the peaceable fruits of right-
eousness may abound on every hand.
Have mercy upon our beloved congregation ; may
peace and brotherly love be preserved and increased
in our midst; bless the officers of the church; bless
parents and children, and especially our Sabbath
schools. Graciously afford thy powerful protection
unto all mothers, widows and orphans. Grant help to
all that are in distress or danger, and have mercy upon
all who cry unto thee. Graciously preserve us from
national calamities; from war, scarcity and famine;
from the rage of fire and of over-flowing floods; from
pestilence and other plagues, and from all the calamities
which our sins have deserved. Grant favorable seasons,
that our store-houses may be replenished with the fruits
of the earth. Bless the labors of the husbandman, and
all pursuits by sea and land that are approved in thy
sight.
Thou holy God ! preserve us from all sin and wicked-
ness, and assist us by thy good Spirit, that we may not
forfeit thy blessings by transgression, nor bring upon us
thy righteous chastisements. To this end enable us to
make thy love our chief delight; to seek the gifts of thy
Holy Spirit as our highest good ; to esteem it our great-
est honor to be regarded as thy children, and to be like
unto thee; and to prize the robes of the Saviour's right-
eousness as our chief ornament. Preserve us, especial-
ly in the hour of death, from all assaults of the adver-
sary, and increase our faith in thy Son Jesus, that we
may overcome all the terrors of death. And when our
tongue can no longer speak, then let thy Spirit make
intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered,
and teach every one to say in his heart: Abba! Father!
into thy hands I commend my spirit. We beseech thee
earnestly, our faithful God, that we may live in thy fear,
21
242 PARTICULAR DAYS.
and die in thy grace, and go hence in thy peace, and
rest in the grave under thy protection, and be raised up
by thy power, and in the end inherit eternal life, through
Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, unto whom with thee and
the Holy Spirit, be adoration and praise, honor and
glory, now and for ever.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
THANKSGIVING DAY MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P S A L M C V I I .
[To be used on the first Thursday of November, or on such other day as
shall be appointed by the civil authority.]
Most gracious God, by whose unspeakable mercy we
are again permitted to present the annual tribute of our
thanks and praise, we bless thee for the continual man-
ifestations of thy goodness to us and to all the children
of men. By thy wisdom, O Lord, thou hast founded
the earth; by understanding thou hast established the
heavens; by thy knowledge the depths are broken up,
and the clouds drop down the dew. We bless thee for
the return of seed-time and harvest, and for crowning
the year with the bounties of thy providence. We
praise thee for all thy gracious dealings towards us,
and we beseech thee, of thy great goodness, to receive
the thank-offerings with which we come before thee
this day.
We acknowledge, heavenly Father, the imperfection
of our best services. We confess that we are sinners
before thee, and altogether unworthy of thy mercies.
But we know that thou art kind and beneficent, even
to the unthankful and the evil. Thou makest thy sun
to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendest rain on
the just and on the unjust. Give us a due sense of
thy wonderful condescension and forbearance, that our
hearts may be moved to penitence and contrition for our
THANKSGIVING DAY MORNING. 243
past negligence and sin, and excited to new diligence,
zeal and devotion for the future.
We beseech thee, O Lord, to pour down upon the
inhabitants of this land, the spirit of unfeigned gratitude
and love for all thy mercies. May they enter thy gates
with thanksgiving, and thy courts with praise. May
they honor thee with all their substance, and with the
first fruits of all their increase. And grant that they
may show forth their devotion to thee, not only with
their lips, but also in their lives. Preserve them from
the unholy rejoicings of the sensual and profane; re-
strain every sinful and intemperate indulgence; and
grant us all grace, heavenly Father, to use thy blessings
without abusing them; with zeal for thy glory, submis-
sion to thy will, and a faithful adherence to the gospel
of thy Son, with moderation and humility, with justice
and purity, with charity, forbearance and brotherly
love; that amidst these and all thy blessings, we may
seek thy glory and the increase of thy kingdom.
Fill our hearts, O God, with a spirit of tenderness
and compassion for all around us. May we rejoice
with those that rejoice, and weep with those that
weep. May we be ready to impart of the abundance
which thou hast given us, to the poor and needy; the
distressed and the afflicted ; the widow and the father-
less; and thus fulfil the law of pure and undefiled
religion before God and the Father.
(Occasional prayers.)
Grant us, heavenly Father, a continuance of all thy
mercies, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose all-
prevailing name and words we sum up our petitions:
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
244 PARTICULAR DAYS.
THANKSGIVING DAY EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N P S A L M CIV.
O Lord, our Governor, bow excellent is thy name in
all the world ; thou that hast set thy glory above the
heavens! We will consider the works of thy hands;
the heavens which thou hast made; the moon and the
stars which thou hast ordained. What is man, that
thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that
thou visitest him? Thou makest him to have dominion
over the works of thy hands; and thou hast put all
things in subjection under his feet. O Lord, our Gov-
ernor, how excellent is thy name in all the world!
We praise thee, O Lord ; for it is good to sing praises
unto our God ; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely.
We thank thee for all thy manifold blessings; for the
dispensation of thy grace, through the mediation of thy
blessed Son; for the bounties of thy providence; for the
plenty with which thou hast crowned the labors of the
husbandman; for the preservation of our health; for the
reign of peace, and for the enjoyment of our civil and
religious liberties. We thank thee for the comforts and
privileges, of which we have been permitted to partake
this day. We acknowledge thy hand in every mercy,
and desire to render back to thee the homage of grati-
tude and love. We acknowledge that every good gift,
and every perfect gift, is from above, and cometh down
from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness,
neither shadow of turning. But we confess unto thee,
O God, that our souls are burdened with iniquity; that
we are frail and erring creatures; that our hearts are
corrupt, and that our hands are not clean in thy sight-
Look with pity upon all that we have thought, or said,
or done, amiss this day. Be present with us, as we
now present our supplications unto thee; and through
the intercession of thy dear Son, grant unto us the par-
SACRAMENT, SABBATH MORNING. 245
don of all our sins. Give thy Holy Spirit, to comfort
the troubled mind, and soothe the pains, and wipe away
the stains of guilt. May we retire to rest, in perfect
charity with all men. May we be enabled, through thy
help, to love our enemies; to bless them that curse us;
to do good to them that hate us; and to pray for them
which despitefully use us and persecute us; that we
ma}^ be the children of our Father, who art in heaven.
(Occasional prayers.)
We now commit all our concerns to thee, O God, for
the year to come. Grant us thy blessings, both tem-
poral and spiritual, for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom,
with thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, be honor and
glory, world without end.
Unto God's gracious mercy and protection, we com-
mit ourselves. The Lord bless us and keep us. The
Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious
unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us,
and give us peace, both now and evermore.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
SACRAMENT, SABBATH MORNING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N M ARK XV, 1 39.
O holy and gracious Lord God, who wilt by no
means clear the guilty, yet sparest those who confess
their sins unto thee, look down with compassion upon
us, thy servants, who are now humbled before thee,
imploring thy fatherly forgiveness. Spare us, good
Lord, spare us, for we are miserable sinners! We
cannot set all our transgressions in order before thee,
nor confess them so truly as we ought to do; yet we
desire not to cloak and dissemble them before thy face,
O heavenly Father, trusting to thy word, that if we con-
fess our sins, thou art faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Be
21*
246 PARTICULAR DAYS.
merciful unto us, wo most humbly beseech thee; for we
put our whole trust and confidence in thy mere}7, and
not in any thing that we do. We have destroyed our-
selves, but in thee is our help. Save, Lord, or we per-
ish; for there is salvation in no other. To whom else
should we go? Thou only hast the words of eternal
life. Grant unto us, O Lord, we beseech thee, pardon
and peace; that we may be cleansed from all our sins,
and may serve thee with a quiet mind.
We praise thee, O God, for the multitude of thy
blessings vouchsafed unto us, particularly for the many
opportunities which thou affbrdest us of becoming wise
unto salvation.
What shall we render unto thee this day, for all the
benefits which thou hast done unto us? We will re-
ceive the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of
the Lord. We will pay our vows in the courts of thy
house, and in the presence of all thy people.
We give thee most humble and hearty thanks, O
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, that thou hast
given thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, not only to die
for us, but to be our spiritual food and sustenance in
the holy sacrament of his body and blood. Dispose us
religiously and devoutly to receive the same, in remem-
brance of his meritorious cross and passion; whereby
alone we obtain the remission of our sins, and are made
partakers of the kingdom of heaven. Teach us to con-
sider the dignity of that holy mystery, and so to search
and examine our own consciences, that we may come
holy and clean to such a heavenly feast, in the marriage
garment required by thee in Holy Scripture, and may
be received as worthy partakers of that holy table.
May we spiritually eat the flesh of Christ, and drink
his blood! May we dwell in Christ, and Christ in us!
May we be one with Christ, and Christ with us!
Mercifully vouchsafe, O Lord, to extend unto all our
SACRAMENT, SABBATH MORNING. 247
fellow-creatures the inestimable benefits of Christ's
suffering and death.
Give grace, O heavenly Father, to all thy ministering
servants, that they may, both by their life and doctrine,
set forth thy true and lively word, and rightly and duly
administer thy holy sacraments. And to all thy people
give thy heavenly grace; especially to such as shall
assemble with us in thy holy temple, and shall come to
the holy communion of the body and blood of our Sa-
viour Christ. And may numbers be added to thy church
continually, of those who are willing to join themselves
unto thee in an everlasting covenant, not to be forgotten;
Pitifully behold the sorrows of those who are filled
with groundless fears, lest they should eat and drink
unworthily. May they hear and receive the comfort-
able things which Christ our Saviour saith unto all who
truly turn unto him. May they come unto him laboring
and heavy laden with the burden of their sins, and so
find rest unto their souls.
Finally, we beseech thee to have compassion upon
those who shall most unthankfully refuse to come to thy
table, though so graciously called and bidden. May
they take heed, lest, by withdrawing themselves from
this holy supper of their Lord, they provoke his just
indignation against them. May they earnestly consider
how little their excuses will avail before thee, and by
thy grace be brought to a better mind ; seriously re-
membering, that if they eat not the flesh of the Son of
man, and drink not his blood, they have no life in them,
and neither part nor lot in his salvation.
Grant this, O God of mercy, for the sake of Jesus
Christ, our only Lord and Saviour.
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
248 PARTICULAR DAYS.
SACRAMENT, SABBATH EVENING.
SCRIPTURE LESSO N R OMASS XII.
Almighty God and Father, who, according to the
multitude of thy mercies, dost so put away the sins of
those who truly repent, that thou rememberest them no
more, look in mercy upon us, thy servants, who earn-
estly desire thy pardon and forgiveness. Impute not
unto us our manifold transgressions, but wash them
away in the blood of thy beloved Son. Graciously
vouchsafe to receive us to thy favor. Sanctify us and
strengthen us by thy Holy Spirit; and at length bring
us unto the kingdom of heaven, and to everlasting life.
We praise thee for thy promises of forgiveness to
those who truly turn unto thee.
We bless thee for another day of sacred rest, which
thou hast vouchsafed unto us, and for all the blessings
of the same.
Above all things, we give thee most humble and hearty
thanks for the redemption of the world by the death of
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May we always
remember the exceeding great love of our Master and
only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, and the
innumerable benefits which, by his precious blood-
shedding, he hath obtained for us, and also his good-
ness and loving-kindness in instituting and ordaining
holy ordinances as pledges of his love, to our great and
endless comfort.
Grant that we, who have eaten and drunk in thy
presence, may receive the strengthening and refreshing
of our souls by the body and blood of Christ. Help us
to remember the solemn vows which we have this day
renewed in thy presence, and in the presence of all thy
people; and enable us truly to perform them. May we
go forth into the world bearing about us the marks of
a crucified Saviour. Having enlisted ourselves again
SACRAMENT, SABBATH EVENING. 249
under the banners of the Captain of our salvation, may
we manfully fight the good fight of faith, and continue
his faithful soldiers and servants unto our life's end.
Grant that we may have power and strength to achieve
victory, and to triumph over the devil, and the world,
and the flesh. May we be encouraged in our holy
warfare by the ensamples of the glorious company of
the apostles, the goodly fellowship of the prophets, the
noble army of martyrs, and of all the holy church tri-
umphant, who have been made more than conquerors
through him who loved them, and bought them with
his blood.
And when he shall come to be glorified in his saints,
and to be admired in all them that believe, may we sit
down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all thy
redeemed people, at the marriage supper of the Lamb.
Grant, also, O Lord, we beseech thee, that those who
have waited on thee this day in thy holy temple, and
around thy table, may renew their spiritual strength.
May all men see that they are thy disciples, by the
love which they have one to another. O God, who
hast taught us that all our doings without charity are
nothing worth, send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our
hearts that most excellent gift of love, the very bond of
peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth
is counted dead before thee. Let there be no schism
in the body of Christ; but let the members have the
same care one of another, knowing, that if any sin
against their brother, and wound his weak conscience,
they sin against Christ.
Convert the hearts of all those who are thrusting
a\v;iy from them thy great mercies: especially of such
as have this day neglected thy ordinances, and turned
aside from thy holy table.
And, if any have there appeared before thee with
unclean hands and unsanctified hearts, without the
marriage garment required by thee in holy scripture,
250 PARTICULAR DAYS.
not discerning the Lord's body, may they search and
examine their conscience, and repent; lest, after the
taking of this holy sacrament, Satan enter into them as
he entered into Judas, and fill them full of all iniquity,
and bring them to destruction both of body and soul.
We ask these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ,
our only Lord and Saviour.
The grace of our Lord, &c. Amen.
ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION.
Our Father in Christ ! Thou hast made manifest thy
power and faithfulness, and glorified thy name. Thou
hast delivered the church of thy Son from the power of
darkness. Thou hast broken the degrading chains of
her bondage. Thou hast opened anew thy word of life
unto the flock of Christ, and gathered together all who
thirsted after righteousness, under the banner of the true
and saving faith. Yes, it was thy work, and not the
work of man. Thou didst raise up those faithful ser-
vants, who discerned and deeply lamented, the cor-
ruptions of the church. Thou gavest them light, and
madest them partakers of liberty in Christ, that they
might bring others to a knowledge of the same. Thou
didst make them willing and arm them with courage,
to stand forth in thy strength, as witnesses for thee, to
assail the corruption which had found its way into holy
places, and not to fear the enmity of the mighty of this
world. They deeply felt that, trusting in their own
strength, they could accomplish nothing, and would
soon be overcome; but they trusted in thee, as their
tower of defence, their trusty shield and weapon. And
tbou didst not suffer them to be discomfited. We will
magnify this grace, while we have our being, and
declare thy truth continually.
And thanks be unto thee, that thou hast since then,
ANNIVERSARY OF THE REFORMATION. 251
preserved unto thy church the dearly purchased herit-
age, and made us partakers thereof also. We give
thanks to thee, that we have thy word, free from addi-
tions of human invention, in its purity and its power;
and that the sacred ordinances instituted by Christ are
administered among us, as they were established by
him.
Thou good and gracious God! Continue evermore
to be the shield and buckler, the sure abode and salva-
tion of thy church. Enlighten, sanctify, and bless her
through thy word and ordinances. Enable her rightly
to value the privileges which thou hast graciously be-
stowed upon her, that she may hold fast, and faithfully
administer the treasure committed to her, and suffer none
to spoil her of her crown. Purify her from all offenses,
and graciously defend her from all schisms and divis-
ions. Vouchsafe at all times to our congregations pious
and faithful teachers, who shall proclaim thy word in
its purity and integrity, constrained by the deep con-
victions of the heart; and accompany their preaching
with the powerful influences of thy Spirit, that it may
bring forth blessed fruit in the hearts and lives of chris-
tians. O Lord! grant that we may dwell in thy regen-
erated church, as thy regenerated children, walking
worthily of the blessed gospel, and adorning its doc-
trines by a holy life. Help us to stand fast in the lib-
erty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and never
suffer us to become the slaves of men or of sin. May
holiness be the ornament of thy house for ever, and to
the glory of our God may the light shine from the can-
dlestick of every congregation. Father of all men, have
mercy upon all! Bestow the blessings for which we
are permitted to praise thee, upon those of our brethren
who are still destitute of them. Restrain every where,
the kingdom of darkness upon earth, and make the light
of thy truth more and more to fill the world. Convert
those who hate thy word, and forgive them, seeing that
252 PARTICULAR DAYS.
they know not what they do. Send help unto all that
suffer tribulation, and oppression, and persecution for
conscience' sake, and deliver them by thy mighty arm
out of all their troubles. Give light to those who have
gone astray ; give assurance to the doubling, and
strength to the weak, and render thy children more
and more meek for their eternal and blissful inherit-
ance. And thus bless us, and all men, in Christ our
Lord, with understanding and wisdom, with faith and
love, with peace in life, with hope in dealh.
Lord God Almighty, hear and answer our suppli-
cations.
Unto thee, the Father, with the Son and Holy Spirit,
be praise, and honor, and adoration, and thanksgiving,
in the church which is in Christ Jesus!
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
OCCASIONAL
PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
FOR THE EXTENSION OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM.
Almighty and eternal God, tliou Father of light and
of life! We offer thee adoration and praise, that thou
hast sent into this world thine only-begotten Son, our
Lord Jesus Christ, as the blessed light of life, in order
to make thyself known in him among all nations unto
their salvation, and to save them, by a great deliver-
ance, from the night of their sins. We render thanks
and praise unto thee, that by thy holy gospel, thou hast
called us also from darkness to light, and from the deep
shadow of death to the joyful day of life! We rejoice
and give praise to thee, that unto us the great mystery
of godliness is disclosed. God was manifest in the
flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached
unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received
up into glory. We now have a God and Father; we
know whence to obtain wisdom and strength to over-
come sin, and are enabled to pass with safety and joy,
even through the dark valley of the shadow of death,
seeing that we shall walk before God in the light of the
living, for ever!
We entreat thee, our Father in Christ, that in thy
tender mercy thou wouldst cause this heavenly light to
shine, at all times, within us and among us, that we
may more and more know and honor thee, the only true
God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent, and that,
as becometh children of the light, we may let our light
shine before men to the praise of thy name.
22
254 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
Build up more and more gloriously, thy kingdom of
light and peace among all who are called after the name
of Christ! May that kingdom come in every congre-
gation, in every family, in the hearts of all christians,
with increased demonstration of the Spirit and of power,
and with more abundant fulness of its blessings.
We pray especially for the extension of thy kingdom
in our laod. O Lord, there are yet many places whence
the voice of praise and thanksgiving ariseth not to thee,
and where the voice of thy word is not heard. Give
entrance unto thy light, that this darkness may be dis-
pelled; grant unto thy servants an open door to preach
thy gospel, that it may also reach those hearts that are
afar off, converting all unto thee, that have gone astray.
Hear our supplication in behalf of our brethren in the
faith. O Lord, forbid that they should any where, re-
lapse into indifference and forget thee, the God of their
fathers. Bestow upon them, through our instrument-
ality, the means of grace; open thou our hearts that we
may realize that we are debtors to them, and may re-
solve to pay the debt of love which we owe them.
Make us willing to do good, especially to them who are
of the household of iaiih, until in every place of our
land, inhabited by our brethren, the bread of life shall
be broken and the voice of all unite to praise the beauty
of holiness.
To this end pour out thy blessings upon the institu-
tions which are principally subservient to the promotion
of human happiness. Bless the church and her minis-
ters! May all the preachers of thy word be men full
of faith, and of the Holy Ghost: sincere, humble, godly,
and persevering, strong to build up the kingdom of
truth and of love. Bless the schools and their teach-
ers! Increase their number, until they shall cover the
length and breadth of the land; and may they all flour-
ish and prosper, under the government of wise, active
and faithful teachers, sensible, of the dignity of their
EXTENSION OF CHRIST'S KINGDOM. 255
office, and esteeming their work as their best reward.
Bless the sacred institution of domestic life, and those
who minister at its altar! May pure morals and gen-
uine piety dwell in the bosom of our families; may all
parents strive to bring up their children in the love and
service of their Saviour; and may every earthly habita-
tion become a nursery for our Father's house in heaven!
But thou, Oh Father of men, hast given thy Son unto
the whole world, and it is thy will that through Jesus
Christ all should be brought to the knowledge of thee.
And therefore we come boldly unto thy throne of grace,
to pray for the world, which knoweth thee not. Send
the glad tidings of salvation through Christ unto all the
ends of the earth, that the idols of the heathen may be
cast down, that the kingdom of sin and pollution may
be destroyed through the kingdom of thy grace, and
that, from the rising of the sun unto the going down
thereof, the hearts of men may bring unto thee, their
God, a pure sacrifice of praise.
With gratitude and joy we see, that in many places
the field is white for the harvest. Lord of the harvest,
send laborers into the great harvest, and deign to accept
our services also, that we may be co-workers with thee.
Grant thy blessing unto us and all our fellow-christians
in this glorious work of faith and love. Pour out upon
all congregations the Spirit of prayer, that they may
preserve this holy cause pure and uncorrupted; that it
may continually advance, until the sympathies of every
heart shall respond to its claims.
O God ! Hear our prayer for the sake of Jesus Christ!
Father, glorify thy name among all the inhabitants of
the earth. Let the church of Christ spread from land
to land, in the strength of this thy promise: "I shall
give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the ut-
termost parts of the earth for thy possession:" until the
redeemed of the Lord shall unite with the blessed choir
of heaven in the song of praise: "The kingdoms of this
256 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of
his Christ." "Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and
thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be
unto our God, for ever and ever."
Our Father who, &c. The grace of, &c. Amen.
FOR THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL.
O Father of lights, and giver of all wisdom, bless
every society formed for the conversion of Jews or
Gentiles, and for the spread and advancement of thy
truth, at home or abroad.
Look with favor on all missionaries now among the
heathen. O prepare thy way in the wilderness. May
every valley be exalted, and every hill be made low ;
may the crooked be made straight, and the rough
places plain; and let thy word have free course every
where and be glorified. May thy doctrine, constantly
preached by thy servants, drop as the rain, and distil
as the dew, and thy word never return unto thee void,
but prosper abundantly, and accomplish all that for
which thou dost send it. Give thy servants health and
strength, vigor of mind, and devotedness of heart; and
may they all be chosen vessels to bear thy name before
the Gentiles. May the deadening influence of climate,
heathen customs, and loss of means of grace, be more
than counteracted by a special supply of thy Holy
Spirit. Give them grace to be faithful unto death, and
may they receive from the Saviour's hands the crown
of life and glory. Grant that thousands and tens of
thousands may rise up to call thee blessed. May the
little leaven leaven the whole lump; and all nations
whom thou hast made, fall down and worship before
thee, and glorify thy name, through thy dear Son.
BEFORE RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT. 257
BEFORE RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT.
Almighty God, whose blessed Son Jesus Christ, for
the forgiveness of our sins, did suffer death upon the
cross: prepare us, we beseech thee, by thy grace, for
the worthy celebration of that holy ordinance, which
he has pleased to appoint for a continual remembrance
of his death, for a pledge of his love, and for a sign and
means of grace, to our great and endless comfort.
Make us discern the Lord's body; and remember and
adore the exceeding love of Christ our Saviour in thus
dying for us. Give us repentance unto life, not to be
repented of. Endue us with a lively faith, a perfect
love, and a universal charity. Enable us spiritually to
receive the bod3T and blood of Christ our Saviour; that
so all carnal affections may die in us, and that all things
belonging to the Spirit may live and grow; and that,
being continually refreshed and strengthened by thy
grace, we may persevere in all godliness unto the end
of our lives, and finally receive an everlasting recom-
pense, through the merits of Jesus Christ.
FOR COMMUNION DAY— MORNING.
Grant us grace, 0 heavenly Father, to prepare our
hearts for a due reception of the holy sacrament of the
Lord's Supper. May we truly and earnestly repent of
our sins. May we cherish a spirit of love and charity
towards our neighbors. May we resolve, by thy help,
to lead a new life, following thy commandments, and
walking from henceforth in thy righteous ways. May
we wash our hands in innocency, and so may we draw
near in faith to thy holy altar, and take the blessed
sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, to our grea
and endless comfort.
22*
258 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
AFTER COMMUNION.
Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily
thank thee for thy great mercy, in permitting us, on
this day, to receive the spiritual food of the most pre-
cious body and blood of thy Son our Saviour Jesus
Christ. We thank thee for this comfortable assurance
of thy favor and goodness; and for the blessed hope,
that we are very members incorporate in the mystical
body of thy Son, which is the whole company of all
faithful people; and are also heirs through grace of thy
everlasting kingdom, by the merits of the most precious
death and passion of thy dear Son. And we most
humbly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist
us with thy grace, that we may continue in that holy
fellowship, and do all such good works as thou hast
prepared for us to walk in, through Jesus Christ our
Lord.
AFTER BAPTISM.
Grant, O Lord, that the child this day dedicated to
thee, and proclaimed a member of thy church by bap-
tism, may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost, delivered
from thy wrath and eternal death, and received as a
living member of Christ's mystical body, and ever
remain in the number of thy faithful children.
AFTER CONFIRMATION.
We commend to thy mercy and grace, heavenly
Father, all those thy servants, who have this day, in
their own persons, renewed the promises and vows
which they made, or which were made for them by
their sureties, in baptism, and who have been con-
firmed by the laying on of hands. Direct, sanctify,
and govern their hearts and bodies in the ways of thy
FOR A NEW MARRIED TARTY. 259
laws, and in the works of thy commandments; and
defend them, O Lord, with thy heavenly grace, that
they may continue thine for ever, and daily increase in
thy Holy Spirit more and more, until they come unto
thy heavenly kingdom.
FOR A NEW MARRIED PARTY.
Bless those who have just entered a state honorable
in all. May they remember the vows they have made at
the altar; and in the discharge of their personal and
relative duty, may they make thy word their rule, that
mercy and peace may be upon them. May the hus-
band love his wife even as himself; and may the wife
see that she reverence her husband; and both walk
together, as heirs of the grace of life, that their prayers
be not hindered.
Preserve them from the evils which destroy or dimin-
ish the welfare and comfort of the condition in which
thou hast placed them; and ma}7 they enjoy all the
happiness derivable from prudence, temper, accommo-
dation, real godliness, and the divine blessing.
May they expect to discern infirmities in one an-
other; but may they be always most deeply conscious
of their own. And let them not look for unattainable,
by looking for unmingled bliss on earth; but remember
that this is not our rest; and be prepared for difficulties,
trials, changes, and final separation.
FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS.
Grant, O Lord, thy heavenly grace, to the Sunday
Schools and other institutions for the religious instruction
of the children and youth of thy flock. Make the pas-
tors and teachers of these children duly sensible of the
great charge committed to their trust. Endue them
260 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
plenleously with thy heavenly gifts, and make them
faithful in training up the young in thy fear and ser-
vice; that they may from the heart believe in thee, the
Lord their God, and worship and serve thee, their
Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier ; that they may
renounce the devil and all his works, the pomps and
vanities of this wicked world, and all the sinful desires
of the flesh, and keep thy holy will and commandments,
and walk in the same all the days of their life. Graft
in their hearts the love of thy name; increase in them
true religion; nourish them with all goodness; and by
thy great mercy, keep them in the same, that so, in the
end, they may obtain everlasting life.
FOR SABBATH SCHOOLS.
And on this day, set apart by many of tlry people as
a season of prayer for thy mercy on Sunday schools,
we humbly implore thy blessing on all who are engaged
in those schools as teachers, or learners. Enlighten by
the Holy Spirit all teachers, that they may truly under-
stand thy word. Make them the true friends of Jesus
Christ. May they be endowed with his spirit of self-
denial, patience, humility and prayer. May they ever-
more copy the example of Him who, when on earth,
said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come
unto me. While engaged in instructing the rising gen-
eration, in leading others to the cross of Christ, may
they themselves be interested in thy promises, and
sanctified by all their efforts to promote thy glory. And
grant, O gracious God, that their labors may be attended
with thy blessing. Do thou send down thy Spirit on all
Sunday schools, that the rising generation may grow up
in the knowledge of Jesus Christ, and in preparation
for great usefulness in the church, and in the state. May
schools be established in all the destitute places of our
land ; and all the means used to enlarge and perpetuate
UNDER FAMILY AFFLICTION. 261
these blessings be crowned with success. Never suffer
the zeal of 1 1 j v people to languish in iliis cause, or thy
ministers to forget their obligations to use every influ-
ence in their power to promote the religious training of
the rising generation. Hear and answer the prayers
which this clay may have been offered in behalf of Sun-
day schools; excite in all thy people a spirit of benevo-
lence; and till the earth with thy glory.
UNDER FAMILY AFFLICTION.
Almighty God, the Father of mercies and the God
of all consolation, our only help in time of need, we flee
unto thee for succor in this season of tribulation and
distress. Out of the deeps we call unto thee, O Lord.
Lord, hear our voice. O let thine ears consider well
the voice of our complaint.
Thou art gracious and merciful; full of compassion
and of great goodness. Thou hast not dealt with us
according to our sins: nor rewarded us according to our
iniquities. Blessed be thy name, that thou not only
hast opened unto us a way of escape from the wrath to
come, but hast mercifully ordained the sufferings of the
present life to work together for good to them that love
thee.
Thy wise providence ordereth all things both in
heaven and earth. Not a sparrow falleth to the ground
without thy knowledge and appointment; and the very
hairs of our head are all numbered. Thou assurest us,
that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children
of men, but for their profit, that they may be partakers
of thy holiness. Whom thou lovest, thou chaslenest;
and scourges! every son whom thou receivest.
Thou atrlictest us to humble us, and to prove us, and
to know what is in our hearts; and whether we will love
thee, and keep thy commandments, or no.
262 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
Give us grace therefore lo consider, in this day of our
adversity, wherefore thou contendest with us, and art
wroth. Let us not despise thy chastening, nor faint
when we are rebuked of thee; nor be weary of thy cor-
rection. But let us be still, and know that thou art God.
In patience enable us to possess our souls. Grant that
our tribulation may work patience; and patience expe-
rience; and experience hope; and let not our hope make
ashamed; but let thy love be shed abroad in our hearts,
through the Holy Ghost given unto us. Let us not cast
away our confidence, which hath great recompense of
reward. Though troubled on every side, let us not be
distressed; though perplexed, let us not be in despair;
though cast down, let us not be destroyed. And be
pleased to cause our light afflictions, which are but for
a moment, to work out for us a far more exceeding and
eternal weight of glory. Though no chastening for the
present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; yet after-
wards let it yield the peaceable fruit of righteousness
unto us who are now exercised thereby. Grant that
we may find it good to be afflicted, and see that thou,
of very faithfulness, hast caused us to be in trouble.
We beseech thee, also, O Lord, to have compassion
on our brethren and companions in tribulation.
Have mercy upon all sick persons; and make all their
bed in their sickness. Eternal God, be thou their refuge,
and place underneath them thy everlasting arms. Look
graciously upon them, O Lord; and the more the out-
ward man decayeth, strengthen them, we beseech thee,
so much the more continually, by thy grace and Holy
Spirit, in the inward man. Give them unfeigned re-
pentance for all the sins of their past lives, and stead
fast faith in thy Son Jesus; that their sins may be done
away by thy mercy, and their pardon sealed in heaven,
before they go hence, and are seen no more.
May it please thee, likewise, to defend and provide
UNDER FAMILY AFFLICTION. 26,
for the fatherless children, and widows, and all that are
desolate and oppressed.
We commend to thy fatherly goodness all those who
\ are any ways afflicted or distressed in mind, body, or
; estate. May it please thee to comfort and relieve them,
according to their several necessities; giving them
, patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out
of all their afflictions.
[Hear us, especially, in behalf of thy servant, for
j whom we desire especially to pray. We look up unto
i thee, O thou compassionate Saviour, who wast thyself
! a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. O thou,
J who didst weep at the tomb of Lazarus, and art still
touched with the feeling of our infirmities, mercifully be-
: hold the sorrows of our hearts, and graciously look upon
j our afflictions. O thou, who, of old, didst cure all man-
: ner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the
1 people, be gracious unto us. Let not this sickness be
unto death; but for the glory of thy name. Speak the
word only, and thy servant shall be healed. Have
mercy upon him, O Lord, have mercy upon him; and
not on him only, but on us also, lest we should have sor-
row upon sorrow. If it be possible, let this cup pass
away from us, without our drinking all its bitterness;
but, if not, thy will be done. Only be pleased to sanc-
tify this thy fatherly correction to him, that the sense of
his weakness may add strength to his faith, and efficacy
to his repentance; that, if it should be thy good pleasure
to restore him to his former health, he may lead the resi-
due of his life in thy fear and to thy glory; or else give
him grace so to take thy visitation, that after this pain-
ful life is ended, he may dwell with thee in life ever-
lasting.]
And this we beo; for Jesus Christ's sake.
264 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
UNDER AFFLICTION.
O merciful God, and heavenly Father, who hast
taught us in thy holy word, that thou dost not willingly
afflict or grieve the children of men, look with pity, we
beseech thee, upon us in our present sorrows. In thy
wisdom thou hast seen fit to visit us with trouble, and
to bring distress upon us. Remember us, O Lord, in
mercy; sanctify thy fatherly correction to us; endue
our souls with patience under our affliction, and with
resignation to thy blessed will; comfort us with a sense
of thy goodness; lift up thy countenance upon us, and
give us peace, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
UNDER AFFLICTION.
O our heavenly Father! enable us in all our trials
and afflictions to lie passive in thy hands; pardon thou
our unbecoming fears, and strengthen the faith of thy
wavering servants; compassionate our many and great
frailties, and cheer our hearts in the hour of despond-
ency; let a well-grounded hope of thy love and mercy
be imparted under every conflict, and a prospect of
heaven be afforded amidst all the sorrows and dark-
ness of these wilderness scenes.
Lord! we trust we are thine: save us and sanctify
us by every event and visitation which we are called
to experience, while passing through a world of sorrow,
sin, and death. And whether we live or die, may we
be the Lord's.
UNDERAFFLICTION.
Think, O God, for good upon the afflicted ; espe-
cially him (or her) whom we now commend to thy
compassionate regard. Comfort him upon the bed of
languishing, and make all his bed in his sickness.
IN BEHALF OF ONE SICK. 265
If the sickness be unto death, prepare him for the
solemn event, and be with him in it. But we are al-
lowed to implore deliverance, with submission ; nothing
is too hard for the Lord; Thou canst heal as well as
wound — we therefore pray, if it be thy good pleasure,
that Thou wilt put efficacy into the means; rebuke the
disorder; renew the strength; and prolong the days of
thy servant.
Above all, let the dispensation be sanctified to the
sufferer and his connections; and may all have reason
to acknowledge, in the review, it is good for me that I
have been afflicted.
IN BEHALF OF ONE SICK.
O Lord God, our heavenly Father, we fly to thee for
succor in behalf of this thy sick servant, in this day of
his tribulation and danger. We know, O God, that all
things are possible with thee. We know that thy arm
is not shortened that it cannot save, nor thy ear heavy
that it cannot hear. We know that thou canst, if it be
thy gracious will, speak the word only, and this thy
servant shall be healed. And we beseech thee, merci-
ful God, thus to interpose thy hand. Take away from
us this cup of bitterness; and if it seem good to thee,
alleviate his sufferings, remove his complaints, restore
him to health, and grant him a longer continuance
among us. But thy will, O Father, and not ours,
be done. Enable us to submit with patience and res-
ignation, to thy righteous dealing. And grant to this
thy servant, grace, that his repentance may be perfect,
his faith strong, his love fervent, and his hope steadfast;
so that after his departure hence in peace, he may rest
with thee for ever.
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266 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
FOR A BLESSING ON THE MEANS OF RECOVERY.
O Almighty God, by whose word man lives, and
not by any human means alone, prosper, we beseech
thee, the means which are used for the recovery of this
thy sick servant. Let not his confidence in any human
means, lessen his dependence upon thee. Make him
sensible that every good gift is from above; that it is
thou only who givest help in time of need. To thee,
gracious God, we fly for succor in the day of our visita-
tion: and may this thy sick servant look to thee for
bodily, as well as spiritual strength and salvation. Let
thine, O God, be the glory, and his the comfort, of the
means used for his recovery. Let him own thee as the
author of his mercies; to thee pay his vows and ser-
vices ; and to thy glory devote the remainder of his
days, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
FOR ONE ABOUT TO DIE.
O Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits of
just men made perfect, after they are delivered from
their earthly prisons, we humbly commend the soul of
this thy servant, into thy hands ; most humbly be-
seeching thee, that it may be precious in thy sight.
Wash it, we pray thee, in the blood of that Immaculate
Lamb, that was slain to take away the sins of the
world; that whatsoever defilements it may have con-
tracted in the midst of this miserable and sinful world,
being purged and done away, it may be presented pure
and without spot before thee. And teach us who sur-
vive, in this, and every other spectacle of mortality, to
see how frail and uncertain our own condition is; and
so to number our days, that we may seriously apply
our hearts to that holy and heavenly wisdom, whilst
we live here, which may in the end bring us to life
everlasting, through the merits of Jesus Christ, thine
only Son, our Lord.
IN BEHALF OF A SICK CHILD. 267
IN BEHALF OF A SICK CHILD.
Almighty and most merciful God, thou art the foun-
tain of all good, the refuge of the distressed, the friend
and comforter of those who look up to thy throne for
help. We would offer up our prayers unto thee in be-
half of the child, on whom thou hast seen fit to lay thine
afflicting hand. We beseech thee, if it be consistent
with thy wise and holy will, to bless the means em-
ployed for his recovery, and to raise him up to health
and strength. Suffer not the wishes of his parents to
be disappointed; but in thy great mercy spare him, to
be the comfort and support of their advancing years,
and to glorify thy name by obeying thee and becoming
useful in the world. But, whatever thou hast deter-
mined concerning him, thy will, O God, be done! Pre-
serve us from fainting under thy chastisements; and, if
thou takest him away from the world, vouchsafe to re-
ceive his soul into that blessed land, where sorrow and
death are unknown. Into thy hands we commit him,
ourselves, and all whom we love; and we humbly pray
that, by all the dispensations of thy Providence, we may
be trained up for that state, where thou wilt wipe away
all tears from the eyes of mourners, and where pious
friends and relations shall rejoice with each other for
ever and ever, through thine unspeakable love in Christ
Jesus our Lord.
IN BEHALF OF A SICK CHILD.
O Almighty God and merciful Father, to whom
alone belong the issues of life and death, look down
from heaven, we humbly beseech thee, with the eyes of
mercy, upon this child, now tying under thy hand in
sickness. Visit him, O Lord, with thy salvation; deliver
him in thy good appointed time from his bodily disease;
and save his soul for thy mercies' sake; that if it shall
268 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
be thy pleasure to prolong his days here on earth, he
may live to thee, and be an instrument of thy glory, b}'
serving thee faithfully, and doing good in his genera-
tion: or else receive him into those heavenly habita-
tions, where the souls of those who sleep in the Lord
Jesus, enjoy perpetual rest and felicity. Grant this, O
Lord, for thy mercies' sake.
AFTER A FUNERAL.
O God, whose days are without end, and whose
mercies cannot be numbered, grant that the solemn
services of this day may make us deeply sensible of
the shortness and uncertainty of human life, and of the
transitory nature of all earthly things. Sanctify to us,
and to all the friends and relatives of the deceased, this
afflictive dispensation of thy providence. May the
lively sense of the bereavement which we have sus-
tained, lead us to cleave more closely to thee our God.
In all our troubles, may our whole trust and confidence
be placed in thy mercy. Awakened by this visitation
to a realizing sense of our own danger, may we resolve
to seek supremely those things which are above; to
resign ourselves and all our concerns to thy disposal;
and in the fulness of resignation, to say with holy Job:
"The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away,
blessed be the name of the Lord."
UPON A BEGINNING OF RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS.
Great and mighty God, who bringest down to the
grave, and bringest up again, we bless thy great good-
ness, for having turned our heaviness into joy, and our
mourning into gladness, by restoring this thy servant to
some degree of his former health. Blessed be thy name,
that thou didst not forsake him in his sickness; but didst
visit him with comforts from above ; didst support him
RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS, &c. 269
in patience and submission to thy will ; and, at last, didst
send him seasonable relief. Perfect, we beseech thee,
this thy mercy towards him; and prosper the means
which shall be made use of for his cure: that being re-
stored to health of body, vigor of mind, and cheerful-
ness of spirit, he may be able to go to thine house, to
offer thee an oblation with great gladness; and to bless
thy holy name for all thy goodness towards him, through
Jesus Christ our Saviour.
UPON RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS.
O God, who art the giver of life, of health, and of
safety, we bless thy name, that thou hast been pleased
to deliver from his bodily sickness this thy servant, who
is now enabled to unite with us in returning thanks unto
thee, for this thy great mercy. Gracious art thou, O
Lord, and full of compassion to the children of men.
May his heart be duly impressed with a sense of thy
merciful goodness, and may he devote the residue of his
days to an humble, holy, and obedient walking before
thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ABOUT TO GO UPON A JOURNEY.
O Lord, thou art the same God in all places: and
no where can we go but thou art there. Both at home
and abroad, on our way and at the end, thou art ever
with us by the universal presence of thy grace, and thy
good Spirit, to conduct and guide us continually; to pro-
tect and save us from all dangers and mischiefs; and to
make our way prosperous, and all our affairs success-
ful. O let the blessing of the Lord follow us, and rest
upon us; and preserve our going out, and our coming
in; and never leave us, nor forsake us, O Lord, but be
our God and guide this day, in all this journey, and all
our life long; which is but a pilgrimage and passage
23*
270 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
through this world, in which we are continually hasten-
ing home, to the period of all our travels, to the place
where we must take up our abode and dwell for ever.
IN BEHALF OF ONE ABSENT AT SEA.
O eternal God, who alone spreadest out the heav-
ens, and rulest the raging of the sea, we commend to
thy Almighty protection, thy servant, for whose preser-
vation on the great deep we offer up our humble sup-
plications. Guard him, we beseech thee, from the
dangers of the sea, from pestilence and sickness, from
the violence of enemies, and from every evil to which
he may be exposed. Conduct him in safety to his place
of destination, and in thy good time, restore him in
health and peace, to his home, his family, and his friends:
and above all, give him a grateful sense of all thy mer-
cies, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
IN BEHALF OF ONE ABSENT ON A JOURNEY.
O Father Almighty, whose mercy is over all thy
works, we commend to thy protection and care, thy
servant, now absent from his home and famity. Pre-
serve him, we beseech thee, in all his journeyings; guard
him in every danger and calamity; keep him in health
and safety; and in thy good time, restore him again to
the joys and comforts of his household ; that he may
praise thee for all thy mercies, and love and serve thee
faithfully all his days, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
UPON HIS RETURN FROM A JOURNEY.
Merciful Father, we bless thee for thy providential
care in protecting this thy servant, in his late absence
from his home and family. We thank thee for his pre-
servation in his journeyings; for his exemption from
danger, and sickness, and death; and for his safe return
IN BEHALF OF A YOUTH GOING FROM HOME. 271
to the joys and comforts of his household. May he ever
praise thee for all thy mercies, and love and serve thee
faithfully all his days, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
IN BEHALF OF A YOUTH GOING FROM HOME.
(If with a view to Business.)
O God, thou appointest the bounds of our habitation;
and arranges! all our individual concerns; and it is thy
pleasure not only that we should part at death, but often
separate in life. When absent from each other in body,
may we be present in spirit; and may our natural affec-
tion be strengthened and sanctified by inquiry, and cor-
respondence, and divine remembrance at the throne of
grace.
Regard the member of our family, who is now leav-
ing the parental roof. In all his ways may he acknow-
ledge thee; and be thou the guide and the guard of his
youth. Secure him from the paths of the destroyer, and
the evils of the world. May uprightness preserve him.
In the situation he will be called to fill, may he be duti-
ful, and obliging, and diligent, and faithful: may he
always remember, that the eye of God is upon him;
and be not only amiable, but pious; and in favor with
God, as well as man.
(If with a view to School.)
O thou God of providence and grace, we commend
to thy care the dear child, about to leave our abode for
a season, in order to receive needful instruction. Let
his (or her) life be precious in thy sight. May he re-
deem his time, and acquire the improvement that will
fit him for usefulness, 'u his day and generation. And
O, let him be made wise unto salvation; and let the
beauty of the Lord our God be upon him; that he may
be a useful and ornamental member in thy church be-
low, and hereafter a pillar in thy temple above, never
more to go out.
272 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
IN TIME OF POPULAR COMMOTION.
Almighty and everlasting God, who art the Sovereign
of the universe and rulest the children of men as seem-
elh good in thy sight. Look down, we beseech thee, in
mercy, upon the world that lieth in wickedness. Re-
strain the inordinate passions of restless and ambitious
men; incline them to peace and good will. Suffer not
the wicked to accomplish their ungodly purposes; de-
feat the designs and machinations of those who would
invade the equal rights or abridge the just privileges of
the people. Arrest also, all tendencies to degeneracy,
licentiousness, and anarchy. May law and order, jus-
tice and equity, and the sound principles of thy holy
word prevail in our land, and in all the nations of the
earth. Our trust is in thee; thou livest and reignest on
high; O come down and live and reign also, among the
people, and overrule their agitations to thine own glory
and the furtherance of thy purposes of wisdom and
mercy. Cause the wrath of man to praise thee, and the
remainder of wrath do thou restrain. May peace and
harmony take the place of discontent and commotion,
and may love and good will animate the hearts of the
children of men every where; through our Lord Jesus
Christ.
IN TIME OF THREATENING WAR.
O Lord our God ! thou art the God of peace and the
Fountain of all love and mercy. Thou rulest in the
armies of heaven, and doest whatsoever thou pleasest
among the nations of the earth. In thee do we put our
trust. We would live in peace and friendship in our
own land and with all the earth. We have indeed
nationally as well as personally deserved thy judg-
ments; and shouldst thou scourge us with war and all
its frightful concomitants and consequences, we could
not charge thee with injustice. We have been proud
IN TIME OF WAR. 273
and self-sufficient; we have violated thy holy Sabbath
and repaid thy numerous blessings with ingratitude.
We have taken credit to ourselves and ascribed to our
wisdom and skill what was the result of thy goodness
and mercy. O Lord, enter not into judgment and deal
not according to our offenses, but according to thine in-
finite compassion in Christ Jesus. Put an end to the
agitations of unruly men; turn away from us the wrath
we have merited; may both people and the government
be influenced by thy good Spirit to peace and quiet. In
thy good providence, remove all the causes of reason-
able discontent; give us not over to the consequences of
reckless passion and suffer no wrong principles, no
erroneous policy, no false views of honor, and no un-
holy ambition to control the legislature of the states or
of the federal government. Save us, we beseech thee,
save us from war and its frightful horrors, and make us
a holy, peace-loving, righteous people, whom thou wilt
delight to bless, through Jesus Christ, the Prince of
peace.
IN TIME OF WAR.
We adore thee, 0 God, as the Lord of hosts. Great
and mighty are thy armies, by which thou canst lay
waste the guilty nations of the earth. We come unto
thee in time of public calamity. We would mourn, O
Lord, over the pride, and ambition, and env}', and re-
venge which agitate the bosoms of earthly rulers, and
make them rush into wars, and thus hazard the property,
the comfort, the blood, and the life of the children of
men. In thy mercy, O Lord, remove the causes which
lead to such great evils; subdue and change the wicked
passions and designs of all ungodly men who rashly and
corruptly exercise their influence and authority. O put
to naught the counsels of those who delight in war and
bloodshed, and will adopt no method to adjust disputes,
but that of leading thousands into the field of battle,
274 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
and ushering multitudes unprepared into the presence
of an offended and awful God.
O Lord, hear our prayers for peace. Teach rulers
and people to cultivate harmony and love; make an end
of tumult and bloodshed. Let all false ideas of dignity
and glory be buried in the dust, and may all in author-
ity see that it is their greatest glory to legislate and gov-
ern in the fear of the Lord and for the peace and quiet
of the nation.
Oh, look in pity on those who are in the tented field,
the fort, the ship of war, and the very arena of strife;
have thy eye upon them for good; let them not forget
that a day of judgment is nigh at hand ; and above all
things, preserve their souls; prepare them and us all
for the peaceful abodes of heaven; forgive our sins and
save us through Jesus Christ, our Lord.
ANOTHER IN TIME OF WAR.
O Almighty God, the supreme Governor of all things,
whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it
belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful
to those who truly repent, save and deliver us, we hum-
bly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that
we, being armed with thy defense, may be preserved
evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the
only giver of all victory, through the merits of thy Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.
IN TIME OF PESTILENCE.
O Lord God, the giver of our health, it is only of thy
mercy that we have so much health continued, after the
manner in which we have lived. And O how just were
it with thee, utterly to take away that health from us
which we have so greatly abused to a forgetfulness of
thee, and wantonness against thee! How justly might-
IN TIME OF PESTILENCE. 275
est thou smite us with sharp and noisome diseases, which
our nature most abhorreth: to hurry us out of the land
of the living, and put a sorrowful end to our wretched
days! But, 0 thou Hope of Israel, the Saviour thereof
in time of trouble! regard not our ill deserts; but re-
member thy own tender mercies and gracious promises;
and take pity on us, and turn away this plague from us.
Put a stop to the raging pestilence, and say to the de-
stroying angel: "It is enough;" that we may not be afraid
of the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flies by
day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;
nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon-day: but
with calmness in our minds, and gladness in our hearts,
may serve thee faithfully and cheerfully all our days:
and devote our spared lives, which we have begged at
thy hands, and our health and every mercy, to thy honor
and glory; through the strength and the righteousness
of thy dear Son, our most compassionate and prevailing
Mediator, Jesus Christ.
ANOTHER IN TIME OF PESTILENCE.
O Almighty God, the Lord of life and death, of sick-
ness and health, regard our supplications, we humbly
beseech thee; and, as thou hast thought fit to visit us
for our sins with great sickness and mortality, in the
midst of thy judgment, O Lord, remember mercy.
Have pity upon us miserable sinners, and withdraw
from us the grievous sickness with which we are afflict-
ed. May this thy fatherly correction have its due in-
fluence upon us, by leading us to consider the frailty
and uncertainty of our life; that we may apply our
hearts unto that heavenly wisdom, which in the end
'will bring us to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ
our Lord.
276 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
IN TIME OF DEARTH AND FAMINE.
O God, heavenly Father, whose gift it is that the rain
doth fall, and the earth bring forth her increase, behold,
we beseech thee, the afflictions of thy people; increase
the fruits of the earth by thy heavenly benediction; and
grant that the scarcity and dearth, which we now most
justly suffer for our sins, may, through thy goodness,
be mercifully turned into plenty, for the love of Jesus
Christ our Lord.
AFTER A RESTORATION OF PLENTY.
O most merciful Father, who of thy gracious good-
ness, hast heard our prayers and supplications, and
turned our dearth and scarcity into plenty, we give thee
humble thanks for this thy special bounty; beseeching
thee to continue thy loving kindness unto us, that our
land may yield us her fruits of increase, to thy glory
and our comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
THANKSGIVING FOR PEACE.
God of salvation, with joyful hearts we would present
the sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise for the return of
peace. Blessed be thy name for hushing the storm of
war and putting an end to the effusion of blood. It is
the Lord who breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear
asunder, and burneth the chariot in fire. To thy most
holy name be all the glory. As thou hast made peace
in our borders, and canst bring good out of evil, we pray
that thou wilt overrule the late war to thy glory and the
good of the nation. May the eyes of all be opened to
behold the great guilt of those who occasion war, and by
their evil passions and false views, lead to the wanton
and wholesale destruction of human life and property.
We pray for the universal extension of the holy, wise,
IN TIME OF PEACE. 277
and benign principles of the gospel of Christ. May
these blessed principles enter into the legislatures, the
cabinets, and palaces of all countries. Then shall wars
cease to the ends of the earth, and peace and righteous-
ness flourish among: the nations. O Lord God of heaven
and earth! we pray most earnestly for the universal
reign of Jesus Christ, the Prince of peace; hasten the
day when he shall rule among nations as he does in the
hearts of his faithful followers. Teach us all to culti-
vate peace in our own bosom, and in our family, and
our neighborhood, and make us heirs of the peaceful
joys of heaven and immortality, for the Redeemer's sake.
IN TIME OF PEACE.
O thou that stillest the noise ^>f the seas, the noise of
their waves, and the tumult of the people; we bless
thee, that thou hast made peace in our borders, and
called us to adore thee, as the repairer of the breach,
the restorer of paths to dwell in.
We lament the evils of war, both natural and moral:
and confess with shame, that ever since man became an
apostate from thee, he has been an enemy to his brother;
and that from the death of Abel, our earth has been a
field of blood. O let thy word be speedily accomplished.
Let the nations learn war no more, but beat their swords
into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks;
and only emulate each other in husbandry, and com-
merce, and science, and religion.
O thou Prince of Peace, preside in every council.
May all public teachers recommend peace. In private
life, may we follow peace with all men; and cherish
the principles and the dispositions, which will prepare
us for that world, where we shall enter into peace and
the sound of war will be heard no more.
24
278 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
FOR RAIN.
We confess, O Lord, that we have so greatly abused
the comforts of thy good creatures, that thou mightest
justly withdraw them from us, and make the heavens
over us as brass, and the rain of our land dust, and the
land itself to mourn, and all that grows upon it to wither.
But O thou Father of mercies, who in judgment reraem-
berest mercy, consult not now our demerits, but thy
own mercies, how to use us. Thou that hast the
treasures of heaven at thy command, be pleased now
to open the windows of heaven, and cause the rain to
come down in its season; making grass to grow for the
cattle, and herbs and fruits of the earth for the service
of men. And however thou art pleased to deal with
us, O suppress all our repinings at any of thy dealings:
and let them all amend and better us: and make us a
people prepared to receive the mercies which we want,
and wait and beg for, at thy gracious hands, upon the
account of Jesus Christ.
AFTER RAIN.
O God, thou art good and doest good. Thou hast
again poured down thy blessing, and been better to us
than our fears. Thou hast caused the clear shining after
rain; so that in the meadows the hay appeareth; and
in the fields, thou art preparing of thy goodness for the
poor. Thou preservest man and beast. May we feel
our entire dependence upon thee; and by prayer and
praise, give thee the glory that is due unto thy holy
name.
FOR FAIR WEATHER.
How numberless are our wants and dangers! Our
hopes are destroyed, not only by the deficiency, but the
excess of our supplies. May the overflowing showers
AFTER HARVEST. 279
cease, which damp the joy of the harvest ; cause thy
sun not only to rise, but to shine — give us the clear
shining after rain, that the earth may yield her increase
in maturity; and opportunity be afforded for the whole-
some ingathering of grass for the cattle, and grain for
the use of man : that there may be no complaining in
our streets; but that we may eat in plenty, and be
satisfied, and praise the Lord.
And O let us not forget our souls in our mindfulness
of the body; nor expend all our concern upon the meat
that perisheth — but be above all things, anxious to se-
cure that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, and
which the Son of man will give; for him hath God the
Father sealed.
FAIR WEATHER AFTER MUCH RAIN.
O God, thou art good and doest good. Thou hast
again surpassed our deserts, and been better to us than
our fears. Thou hast caused the clear shining after
rain; so that in the meadows the hay appeareth; and
in the fields thou art preparing of thy goodness for the
poor. Thou preservest man and beast. May we feel
our entire dependence upon thee; and by prayer and
praise, give thee the glory that is due unto thy holy
name.
AFTER HARVEST.
Almighty God! in thy hands are the fruits of the
earth; and thou who art infinitely good, hast again
opened thy hand to satisfy the desire of every living
thing. Thy protecting power hath blessed the seed of
the husbandman, that the mower might fill his hand,
and he that bindeth sheaves, his bosom. Thou hast
crowned the year with thy goodness, thou hast brought
forth food out of the earth, and hast permitted thy gifts
to be gathered in safety, and in peace.
280 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
Lord, we are utterly unworthy of all this compassion,
goodness, and faithfulness! We confess that we have
not deserved the bountiful gifts of our God. Thy
favored children we all are, but all are not thy grateful
children. We are too unmindful of thy goodness; we
do not give thee praise; we receive the gift and forget
the Giver; we are not faithful stewards of the goods
entrusted to us; we murmur and complain against thee.
Alas! our hearts are not as faithful as our lands. Unto
us belongeth shame in thy sight, and in our own. And
yet thy compassions fail not, thy mercy is new every
morning; great is thy faithfulness.
Holy Father! give us thy Spirit, that we may duly
acknowledge the riches of thy goodness, patience, and
long-suffering, and be suitably affected by them.
Every harvest is a new miracle of thine all-preserving
power and love, a new memorial of thy kind care and
faithfulness, a new proof that thou hast thoughts of peace
toward the children of men. And O! that each return-
ing harvest may bring anew to our remembrance the
declaration of thy word : Knowest thou not that the
goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? Enable
us to consider this in the exercise of true faith, that we
may receive thy gifts with thanksgiving, and use them
according to thy will. Preserve us from that levity that
makes light of thy word, and despises thy command-
ments; from that pride which exalts itself before thee;
from that envy which is grieved, when thou art good to
others; from all intemperance which abuses thy gifts,
and from that avarice which buries thy talent in the
earth. Give us a wise and contented heart, a meek
and humble spirit, that we may be satisfied with such
things as thou shall see fit to bestow; that we may im-
prove them wisely, and with believing hearts, put our
whole confidence in thee. Mightily influence us all, as
disciples of Christ, not to grow weary of well-doing,
knowing that in due season we shall reap if we faint not.
AFTER A GOOD HARVEST. 28 1
O God, our Father! continue, in days to come, to ex-
tend unto us thy goodness, and let thine eyes be upon
our whole land, that scarcity, famine, and other plagues
may not visit us. Fill our rulers with that wisdom which
is not of this world, and all the citizens of the land with
reverence for thy laws; grant them obedient hearts, and
the spirit of harmony, that righteousness and faith may
exalt our nation and thy blessing be its chief good.
To this end let the word of Christ dwell richly in all
churches, schools, and families, and the fruit of the
Spirit be every where manifest, which is in all good-
ness, righteousness and truth. Especially incline the
hearts of our children unto thee, that they may early
receive, and willingly admit, and faithfully preserve,
the good seed of thy word, and be one day found as
trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he
may be glorified. Dispose the hearts of the rich that
they may do good, and not forget to communicate, thus
exercising pure religion and undefiled before thee, our
Father. Make those, who are poor in this world, rich
in faith, that they may reap a harvest of blessings in
the world to come. All who are afflicted, revive by the
heavenly dew of thy grace, and refresh the dying with
that living water, that spriageth up unto everlasting life.
O God and Father of us all, who art rich to all that call
upon thee! Grant according to thy great goodness,
that we, who here sow in tears, may hereafter reap in
joy, and on the great harvest-day of thy second advent,
may come again with rejoicing, bringing our sheaves
with us; yea, may be ourselves gathered, as blessed
sheaves, into thy garner, through the merits of thy dear
Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
AFTER A GOOD HARVEST.
Again thou hast crowned the year with thy goodness.
The grain might have perished in the earth, or have
282 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
failed of maturity, for want of the showers, and of the
sunshine; but thou wast pleased to bless the springing
thereof; and we saw first the blade, then the ear, and
after that the full corn in the ear. We hailed the val-
leys standing thick with corn, and heard the little hills
rejoicing on every side. In due time the mower filled
his hands, and the binder of sheaves his bosom; and
the appointed weeks of harvest have been offered us to
gather in the precious produce. O that men would
praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful
works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the
longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness.
We have again witnessed thy faithfulness and truth
in the promise — while the earth remaineth, seed time
and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and win-
ter, and day and night, shall not cease — may we learn
to trust thee in all thy engagements.
And make us thankful, that as we have no famine of
bread, so we have no famine of hearing the word of the
Lord. With regard to the soul as well as to the body,
thou fillest us with the finest of the wheat.
SPRIN G.
Thou art the fountain of life; in thee we live, move,
and have our being — and the prerogative of that being
is, that we are able to contemplate thy perfections, and
rise from thy works — to thyself.
Thou sendest forth thy Spirit, and renewest the face
of the earth; and, from apparent death all nature starts
into re-animated vigor and joy. In what myriads of
productions art thou displaying afresh, the wonders of
thy wisdom, power, and goodness — the whole earlh is
full of thy riches.
While we partake of the general sympathy and de-
light, may we join with all thy works to praise thee.
And, O thou God of all grace, bless us with the renew-
S U M M E R. 283
ing of the Holy Ghost, in all the powers of our souls.
May old things pass away, and all become new in
Christ; may the beauty of the Lord be upon us; and
the joy of the Lord be our strength.
May the young remember, that they are now in the
spring of life; and that this spring, once gone, returns
no more. May they, therefore, eagerly seize, and zeal-
ously improve, the short, but all-important season, for
the cultivation of their minds, the formation of their
habits, the correction of their tempers, their preparation
for future usefulness, and their gaining that good part
which shall not be taken away from them.
S U M M E R .
We hail thee in the varying aspects of the year, and
bless thee for all their appropriate influences and advan-
tages. O, let us not view them and enjoy them as men
only, but as Christians also; and ever connect with
them, the better blessings of thy grace.
How wise, and useful, and necessary, are these inter-
mingled rains and sunbeams ; may Jesus, as the Sun of
Righteousness, arise upon us with healing under his
wings; and may he come down as rain upon the mown
grass, and as showers that water the earth.
When we walk by the cooling brook — may we think
of that river, the streams whereof make glad the city of
God.
When we retire from the scorching warmth of the
day, into the inviting shade — may we be thankful for a
rest at noon, a shelter from the heat, the shadow of a
great rock in a weary land.
May thy servants behold the moral fields, that are
already white unto harvest, and be all anxiety to save
the multitudes that are perishing for lack of knowledge.
The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few;
we therefore pray, that thou wilt send forth laborers into
thy harvest.
284 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS.
He that gathereth in summer, is a wise son; he that
sleepeth in harvest, is a son that causeth shame. Now
is our accepted time, now is our day of salvation. O,
let us not waste our precious privileges, and in a dying
hour exclaim : the harvest is past, the summer is ended,
and we are not saved !
AUTUMN.
How fleeting as well as varying are the seasons of
the year! How insensibly have the months of spring
and summer vanished! and nature has no sooner at-
tained its maturities, than we behold its declension and
decay. The fields are now shorn of their produce; the
beauties of the garden are withered; the woods are
changing their verdure, and the trees shedding their
foliage — we also never continue in one state. Many of
our connections and comforts have already dropped
away from us; and the remaining are holden by a slen-
der tenure; while we ourselves do all fade as a leaf, and
in a little time, our places will know us no more.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, for the announcement of an inheritance that
fadeth not away. O for a hope full of immortality! for
a possession of that good part, which shall not be taken
away from us!
WINTER.
O thou God of nature and providence; manifold are
thy works; in wisdom thou hast made them all; and all
are full of thy goodness. The welfare of thy creatures
requires the severity of winter as well as the pleasures
of spring. We adore thy hand in all. Thou givest
snow like wool: thou scatterest the hoar frost like ashes.
Thou sendest abroad thine ice like morsels: who can
stand before thy cold .?
RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS. 285
But we bless thee, for a house to shelter us; for rai-
ment to cover us; for fuel to warm us; and all the
accommodations, that render life, even at this inclement
season, not only tolerable, but full of comfort.
May we be grateful; and may we be pitiful. May
we reflect on the condition of those who are the victims
of every kind of privation and distress — and waste
nothing; hoard nothing; but hasten to be ministers of
mercy, and the disciples of him, who went abroad,
doing wood.
O, let the rich, now, deservedly prize their wealth,
and use it as the instrument of usefulness. May they
be willing to communicate, and ready to distribute; and
enjoy the blessing of him that is ready to perish; and
make the widow's heart to sing for joy.
FOR RELIGIOUS AND BENEVOLENT INSTITUTIONS.
We thank thee, O Lord, for Bible, Missionary, Tract,
and other kindred societies, which contemplate the dif-
fusion of evangelic truth, the enlargement of thy king-
dom, and the salvation of immortal souls. We greatly
rejoice that these free voluntary associations have been
preserved so long, and been made the means of so much
good to the children of men. Glory to God, that through
their instrumentality, accompanied by his smiles, so
many portions of the earth, in the darkness of pagan
idolatry, now enjoy the life-giving and sanctifying light
of the gospel. Blessed be thy name that many have
already cast their idols to the moles and bats, and now
acknowledge Jehovah as the only object of their wor-
ship, and Jesus Christ as the only Savior of a perishing
world. O Lord our God! we pray that all these soci-
eties may be controlled by thy gracious influences, and
that they may grow in efficiency, purity and zeal, until
the world shall be filled with the glory of God, and not
one vestige of false religion shall remain among the
\
286 FOR AN AFFLICTED MINISTER.
children of men. Have mercy, we pray thee, on all
nations, and may the promised period soon arrive, when
the heathen shall be given to Jesus for his inheritance,
and the utmost ends of the earth for his possession. O
Lord Jesus, thou King of glory! take unto thyself thy
great power, and reign thou, King of nations as thou
dost already, King of saints. Say to the North, "give
up; and to the South, keep thou not back; bring my
sons from far and my daughters from the ends of the
earth." Soon may it be said in every land: the Lord
God omnipotent reigneth ! We ask it for Jesus' sake.
FOR AN AFFLICTED MINISTER.
O Lord, we present our humble and earnest prayers
in behalf of thy servant, our beloved minister, whom
thou hast laid upon a bed of affliction. We pray, that
he may be speedily delivered from this visitation, and
be restored to usefulness in his holy calling. Give him
patience and confidence in thee during his illness, and
sanctify this sore trial to him and to us, so that we may
all have cause to kiss the rod, and bless the hand that
afflicts us. We thank thee that in our appeals, we are
permitted to use arguments. For the honor of thy name,
and for the furtherance of thy gospel, mercifully restore
our minister to health. For the conversion of sinners
and for the edification and comfort of saints, add many
years to his life, that many more souls may be added as
seals of his ministry. Prepare him and prepare us all
for thy holy will. If he live, may it be for Christ, if he
die may it be gain, everlasting gain to himself. May he
shine in the heavenly world as the brightness of the
firmament, for ever and ever. Hear us, we entreat
thee, forgive our sins, and save us for Jesus' sake.
PRAYERS AT TABLE.
BEFORE MEAT.
Almighty God ! the eyes of all wait upon thee, and
thou givest them their meat in due season. Bless, we
beseech thee, the provisions of thine earthly bounty,
which are now before us; and let them nourish and
strengthen our frail bodies, that we may the better serve
thee, through Jesus Christ. Amen.
or thus:
Let thy blessing, Almighty God, descend on this por-
tion of thy bounty, and on us, thy unworthy servants,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
or thus:
Almighty God, we beseech thee to pardon our sins:
to bless the refreshment now before us, to our use, and
us to thy service, through Jesus Christ.
or thus :
Father of lights, from whom cometh down every good
and perfect gift, enable us to receive these fruits of thy
bounty with humility and gratitude, and give us grace,
Jthat, whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we
j may do all to thy glory, and be accepted through the
great Redeemer.
or thus:
i
I Bounteous God, we acknowledge our dependence on
;thee, and our un worthiness of thy benefits. We pray
j thee to forgive our sins: to bless us in the reception of
j this food, and enable us to improve the strength we may
I derive from it to thy glory, for Christ's sake.
or thus:
Sanctify, O Lord, we beseech thee, these thy pro-
, ductions to our use, and us to thy service, through
Jesus Christ, our Lord.
288 PRAYERS AT TABLE.
or thus:
We bless thee, O God, for covering our table with
plenty, and for the present opportunity of partaking of
thy bounties. Nourish our bodies with these provisions
of thy hand, and our souls with the bread of life, for
the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
AFTER MEAT.
What shall we render to thee, 0 God, for all thy
benefits? Every day of our lives we are receiving
fresh tokens of thy favor. O, let thy goodness lead us
to repentance. And if we can do no more than express
our gratitude, help us to do that in the sincerity of our
souls, and thine shall be the glory, for ever, through
Jesus Christ. Amen.
or thus:
Accept, heavenly Father, our humble thanks for this,
and for all thy blessings through Jesus Christ.
or thus:
We praise thee, O Lord, for the provisions of thy
providence and grace, and in particular for this renewed
token of thy favor. May we feel our increased obliga-
tions to be thine, and be fitted at length, to eat bread in
thy heavenly kingdom, through our Lord Jesus Christ.
or thus:
We bless thee, O Lord, for this kind refreshment.
Be pleased to continue thy favors, and feed us with the
bread of life. Supply the wants of the needy, and en-
able us, while we live on thy bounty, to live to' thy
glory, for Christ's sake.
or thus:
We would praise and magnify thy holy name, O Lord,
for this and all other blessings, bestowed upon us through
Jesus Christ our Lord.
or thus:
O God, for all thy mercies; for the food that supports
our bodies, and the grace that sustains our souls; we
bless and praise thy holy name, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen.
MORNING AND EVENING
PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN.
SUNDAY MORNING.
O Lord, my heavenly Father, who hast safely
brought me to the beginning of this holy day, defend
me in the same with thy mighty power, and grant that
I may fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of
danger. May I remember the Sabbath day to keep it
holy. May I delight in the duties of thy house, and
worship thee with a sincere and thankful heart. Help
me in my efforts to do thy will, and to keep thy com-
mandments; and may I never forget, that thou, God,
seest me at all times.
O Lord, bless my parents, and all my dear relatives
and friends. Bless my beloved minister, my Sunday
school teacher, and the children of the Sunday school.
O may we all so improve the privileges which we
enj°3r' that we may at last enter into that rest which
remains for the people of God. Pardon all my sins, O
Lord, and hear my prayer, for the sake of thy Son
Jesus Christ, my most blessed and precious Saviour,
who hath taught us, when we pra\r, to say,
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy
name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread ;
and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil: for thine is the kingdom, and
the power and the glory, for ever. Amen.
26
290 MORNING AND EVENING
SUNDAY EVENING.
0 Lord, my God, hear my prayer at the close of
this sacred day; and accept my thanks for all thy
mercies.
Forgive me for every wicked thought, for every
wicked word, and for every wrong thing that I have
done. Pardon all my sins, for Christ's sake ; and help
me to serve thee better in time to come. May I remem-
ber the good things I have heard and learned this day.
May I love thy holy day more and more. And when
all my days are ended, and I can no more go to thy
house of prayer, O may I be among the saints and
angels that for ever worship around thy throne.
1 thank thee, O Lord, for all thy goodness to me this
day. All that I have is from thee ; O give me a grate-
ful heart for every blessing. May thy mercies lead me
to thyself, and may I show forth thy praise in doing
thy commandments.
Keep me, O Lord, in safety this night, and let me
see the light of another day, for the love of thy only
Son, my Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Our Father who, &c.
MONDAY MORNING.
I thank thee, O Lord, that I slept in safety last
night, and that I am alive in health this morning.
Though many children have died while I have been
resting in my bed, and though many others are this
morning in pain and sickness, thou hast kindly raised
me up, and given me strength for a new day. Bless
me to-day, O Lord, wherever I may be ; bless me in
m}T studies and in my plays ; and keep me from doing
any thing that thou hast forbidden. Save me from sin
PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 291
and from every danger, and let me not forget that thine
eye is upon me at all times. Help me to improve my
time, and keep me from being disobedient to my
parents and teachers. Ma}r I be kind to my com-
panions, and respectful to all who are older than my-
self. And O may the thought that this day may be my
last, make me careful to do nothing that will offend
thee and hurt my soul.
Hear my prayer, I beseech thee, for Christ's sake, in
whose words I would further address thee,
Our Father who, &c.
MONDAY EVENING.
O Lord, I thank thee for having taken care of me
this day, and I pray thee to forgive every thing I have
done that has displeased thee. Give me thy grace
that I may do wrong no more. Preserve me from all
danger this night. When I lie down to rest may I
remember that the time is coming when I shall lie
down in the dust; and wilt thou help me always so to
live, that I may never be afraid or unprepared to die ;
so that living and dying I may be thine, through the
merits of Jesus Christ, my Saviour.
Our Father who, &c.
[TUESDAY MORNING.
O God, my heavenly Father, may my first thoughts
in the morning always be upon thee and thy great
goodness to such a sinful child. May I remember that
thou givest me my breath, and every comfort that I
enjoy; and may I do nothing this day which would
displease such a kind and merciful Being. Direct me
in all my doings by thy Holy Spirit, and further me
with thy continual help, that in every thing I do, I may
292 MORNING AND EVENING
glorify thy holy name, and, finally, by thy mercy, ob-
tain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ, my Lord
and Saviour.
Our Father who, &c.
TUESDAY EVENING.
Almighty God, my heavenly Father, who hast kept
me alive this day, and preserved me from danger, I
pray thee to watch over me this night. Though I have
sinned against thee so many times, do thou forgive me
for my Saviour's sake, and keep me from doing wrong
any more. May I grow better every day, and be more
and more careful to avoid angry words, and a bad
temper, and all disobedient actions. May I go to sleep
this night with a happy and peaceful heart, and awake
in the morning to thank thee for thy mercies. Bless my
dear parents and friends, and make us all the followers
of that Saviour who suffered and died that we might
live for ever; to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost,
be all honor and glory, world without end.
Our Father who, &e.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
Almighty and most merciful Father, I come before
thee this morning to thank thee for thy goodness during
the night, and to ask for thy blessing upon me this day.
Direct me in all my ways, and be graciously pleased
to take me, and all who are near and dear to me, under
thy kind care and protection. Help me, O Lord, to
give up all my sinful desires and wicked habits, to be-
lieve in Christ my Saviour with all my heart, and obe-
diently to keep his holy will and commandments, and
walk in the same all the da}^s of my life. May I be
truly a member of Christ, a child of God, and an inheritor
PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 293
of the kingdom of heaven. May I love thee more and
more ; and when all my days on earth have passed
away, O receive me unto thyself in glory everlasting,
for Jesus' sake.
Our Father who, &c.
WEDNESDAY EVENING.
O God, I bless thee for thy protecting care over me
another day ; may I rest in safety this night under thy
watchful eye. The darkness is no darkness to thee,
and thou seest me by night as well as by day. Wilt
thou keep me from all danger, and permit me to see
the morning light. Pardon my sins, O Lord, and give
me grace to do lh}r will. Create in me a new and con-
trite heart ; and help me to become like the holy child
Jesus. Give me thy Holy Spirit, that I may love to
do what is right, and fear and hate every thing that is
wrong. May I trust in the Saviour for the forgiveness
of my sins, and try every day to follow his blessed
example. Bless my dear parents, and make me thank-
ful to thee for such kind friends, and finally make us all
a happy family in thy heavenly kingdom, for the sake
of Jesus Christ, my precious Redeemer.
Our Father who, &c.
THURSDAY MORNING.
Almighty God, the maker of every thing in heaven
and earth: the darkness goes away and the day-light
comes at thy command. 1 thank thee that thou hast
taken care of me the past night, and that I am alive
[and well] this morning. Keep me, O Lord, this day
from every thing that would do me harm, and give me
every good thing that is needful and proper for my
body and for my soul. Help me by thy Holy Spirit to
294 MORNING AND EVENING
do what thou hast commanded, and make me always
afraid to offend thee. Pardon my sins for the sake of
thy beloved Son, who died for sinners, and now lives
in heaven to pray for them and to save them. Be
pleased, O Lord, to hear my prayers for Jesus Christ's
sake. Amen.
THURSDAY EVENING.
O God, the Father of heaven, how gracious art thou
to permit me a sinful creature to pray to thee. I come
now to implore thy protection over me this night. De-
fend me from all dangers and mischiefs, and from the
fear of them, that I may enjoy such refreshing sleep as
may fit me for the duties of another day. Make me
ever mindful of the time when I shall lie down in the
dust, and grant me grace always to live in such a state
that I may never be afraid to die. I thank thee for the
mercies and benefits of the past day, and pray that
thy goodness may lead me to repentance for all my
sins. I ask thy blessing upon my father and mother,
[brothers and sisters,] and all my dear friends, and
pray thee to make us thine here and for ever for
Christ's sake.
Our Father who, &c.
FRIDAY MORNING.
O Lord God, who knowest all things, and seest by
night as well as by day, I come before thee to offer up
my morning praise for all thy mercies, especially for
my preservation during the past night. I thank thee
for all the blessings I enjoy, and above all for thy great
love in redeeming the world through thy dear Son.
May thy goodness lead me to repentance, gratitude
and obedience. Direct me by thy Spirit that I may
PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 295
always walk in thy holy way. Bless all my dear rela-
tions and friends. May they be happy both now and
for ever. Help me to behave well to them all, to love
all mankind, and to love thee, my God, more than all
besides. And do thou, O Lord, be pleased to love and
bless me as long as I live, and take me when I die to
heaven. I ask every blessing for the sake of Jesus
Christ the Saviour. Amen.
FRIDAY EVENING.
0 Lord Jesus Christ, thou hast said, " Suffer little
children to come unto me, and forbid them not;" and
I come to implore thy blessing upon me this night.
Thou hast suffered and died for my redemption, and I
pray that I may cling to thy cross as all my hope.
May I love thee with all my heart, and keep all thy
commandments. May thy grace be sufficient for me in
every time of need. May I never be ashamed of thee
and thy gospel, and may I manfully fight under thy
banner against sin, the world, and the devil, and con-
tinue thy faithful soldier and servant unto my life's
end. Receive me, O Lord, into the arms of thy
mercy; give unto me the blessing of eternal life, and
make me a partaker of thine everlasting kingdom.
Pardon the sins of this day, and make me, and all who
are near and dear to me, obedient to thy will, that we
may be happy here and for ever.
Our Father who, &c.
SATURDAY MORNING.
O Lord, accept my thanks for keeping me alive
through the darkness of the night, and for raising me
up in safety this morning. Guard me this day from
every evil, and let me not sin against thee. May I not
296 PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN.
waste my precious time, but try to improve every hour.
Bless me in my studies, and in my plays ; and make
me obedient to my parents and teachers, and kind and
affectionate to [my brothers and sisters, and] all my
companions. May I remember thee, my Creator, in
the days of my childhood and youth. May I love the
Saviour who died for me, and may the Holy Ghost
ever dwell in my heart. Guide me, O Lord, this day,
and all my life, by thy counsel, and afterwards receive
me to glory, for Christ's sake.
Our Father who, &c.
SATURDAY EVENING.
My Father and my God, I thank thee for having
taken care of me another day and another week. I
pray thee to forgive me all that I have done that is
wrong, and grant me thy grace, that I may avoid every
thing that is sinful. Keep me safe this night while I
sleep, and permit me to see the light of thy holy day.
May the close of the day and the week remind me that
the time will soon come when I shall lie down to sleep
in the grave ; and wilt thou help me so to number my
days, that I may apply my heart unto wisdom. O,
when time with me shall be no more, may I enter that
kingdom which Jesus has gone to prepare for all that
love thee. Bless my dear friends, and make us all thy
friends here, that we may enjoy thee for ever. Bless
all children that are poor and needy, and make me
thankful for every comfort, for Christ's sake.
Our Father who, &c.
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN. 297
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS FOR CHILDREN1.
FOR A LITTLE CHILD WHO HAS BEEN VERY DISOBEDIENT.
O Lord, I come to thee this night, confessing that I
have been a very sinful child to-day, and praying thee
to pardon me. I have done those things that I ought
not to have done, and offended against thy holy laws.
Forgive my disobedience to my dear parents, [or
teacher,] and help me hereafter to be a good and obe-
dient child. May I remember that thine eye is always
watching over me, and that thou knowest all my
thoughts and words and actions. Wilt thou help me
to love, honor, and obey my father and mother, to
respect and mind my teachers, and in all things to do
thy will. May I never give way to angry feelings or
an evil temper, but delight in being gentle, kind and
dutiful. O Lord, keep and bless me this night; and
when I wake in the morning, may my first thoughts be
about thee, and my first wish to grow more and more
like thine own children. Hear my prayer, I beseech
thee, for Christ's sake.
Our Father who, &c.
FOR A CHILD WHO HAS TOLD AN UNTRUTH.
O Lord, my God, I come to thee, feeling that I have
done very wrong this day, and repenting of my sin.
Thou art displeased with me for what I have done;
but do thou have mercy upon me, and forgive me.
When I am again tempted to tell that which is not true,
may I remember that thou, God, seest me, and be kept
by thy grace from deceit and falsehood. O Lord, be-
fore I close my eyes in sleep this night, do thou pardon
298 MORNING PRAYERS
my sin, and take me again into thy favor. Bless, pre-
serve, and keep me, and make me thine own child for
ever, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our most blessed
Lord and Saviour.
Our Father who, &c.
MORNING PRAYERS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN.
O Lord, I thank thee for taking care of me all last
night, when I was asleep. I thank thee that I am
alive and well this morning. Keep me from all danger
this day. May I not do any thing that is wrong, but
try to please thee and my dear parents by doing right;
and may I at last go to heaven, and be happy for ever,
for Jesus' sake. Amen.
Almighty Father, dearest friend !
O may my prayers on high ascend;
My thanks to thee are early giv'n,
For all thy mercies sent from heav'n.
Thou bast preserved me through the night,
And brought me to the morning light;
Help me to prove my love sincere,
While I thy holy laws revere.
Guide me through life by grace divine,
In life and death I would be thine ;
At last receive me as thine own,
And save my soul through Christ alone.
Forgive my foes, bless ev'ry friend, —
Conduct them safely to the end;
Unite us all in heaven above,
To celebrate redeeming love. Amen.
FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 299
I thank thee, Lord, for quiet rest,
And for thy care of me;
Oh ! let me through this day be blest,
And kept from harm by thee.
Oh, let me love thee! kind thou art
To children such as I;
Give me a gentle, holy heart,
Be thou my friend on high !
Help me to please my parents dear,
And do whate'er they tell;
Bless all my friends, both far and near,
And keep them safe and well.
EVENING PRAYERS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN,
O Lord, I thank thee for thy care over me this day;
and I. pray thee to keep me safe this night. If I have
done any thing that is wrong, forgive me, for Jesus'
sake, and may I do so no more. Bless my dear father
and mother, and all my friends, and make us all happy
here and for ever. Amen.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep ;
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.
Thanks to thee, thou God of love !
For all thy blessings from above ;
Pardon my sins for Jesus' sake ;
My all into thy keeping take. Amen.
300 GENERAL PRAYERS
Conduct me in thy righteous way,
That I from thee no more may stray ;
Thy Spirit grant, and grace supply,
That I to sin may daily die.
I would thy child for ever be,
Help me, dear Lord, to look to thee;
I trust in Christ, believe his word;
May 1 find mercy through his blood. Amen.
GENERAL PRAYERS FOR LITTLE CHILDREN.
Though, dearest Lord, thou dwell'st on high,
Thou hear'st thy children when they cry;
Then view me with thy smiling face,
And ever guide me by thy grace.
For Jesus' sake my sins forgive,
And to thy glory may I live ;
O make me Jowly, pure in heart,
Then take me to thee where thou art. Amen.
My Saviour, who art meek and mild,
Look down and see a little child,
Obedient at thy footstool stay,
And help me by thy grace to pray.
Teach me to understand thy word,
And wash me in thy precious blood.
Thy faithful lamb I fain would be ;
Assist me, Lord, to look to thee. Amen.
Lord, look upon a little child,
By nature sinful, rude and wild;
Oh ! let thy grace descend on me,
And make me all I ought to be.
FOR LITTLE CHILDREN. 301
Make me thy child, a child of God,
Washed in the Saviour's precious blood,
And my whole heart from sin set free,
A little vessel full of thee;
A star of early dawn and bright,
Shining within thy sacred light;
A beam of grace to all around,
A little spot of hallowed ground.
Dear Saviour, take me to thy breast,
And bless me that I may be blest;
Both when I wake, and when I sleep,
Thy little lamb in safety keep. Amen.
THE LORD'S PRAYER.
Our Father God, who art in heav'n,
To thy great name be rev'rence giv'n ;
Thy peaceful kingdom wide extend,
And reign, O Lord! till time shall end.
Thy sacred will on earth be done,
As 'tis by angels round the throne;
And let us ev'ry day be fed
With earthly and with heav'nly bread.
Our sins forgive, and teach us thus
To pardon those who injure us:
Our shield in all temptations prove,
And ev'ry evil far remove.
Thine is the kingdom to control,
And thine the power to save the soul ;
Great be the glory of thy name,
Let ev'ry creature say — Amen.
Heavenly Father, I am glad to see the morning
light. I thank thee for keeping me from harm all the
night. O please to take care of me all the day long,
and make me to be one of those good children whom the
kind Saviour, Jesus, calls his lambs. Amen.
Almighty God, my heavenly Father, the night and
the day are alike to thee, for thou hast made them both.
I should not be safe in the day, nor in the night, with-
out thy kind care. 1 thank thee for thy care of me last
night, and pray to thee to take care of me this day, and
make me good; that I may please thee; and then I
shall have a happy day. O hear my prayer for Jesus
Christ's sake. Amen.
Jesus, Saviour, clearest Lord,
Wash me in thy precious blood ;
I thy little lamb would be,
Help me Lord to look to thee.
Amen.
302 MORNING PRAYERS FOR INFANTS.
MORNING PRAYERS FOR INFANTS.
O God, my heavenly Father, bless me to-day, and
make me a good child. Bless my father and mother,
and sisters and brothers, and every body, fl>r the sake of
Jesus Christ. Amen.
Heavenly Father, I thank thee for taking care of
me all the night ; please to take care of me all this day,
and love me, and make me a very good child, for my
dear Saviour's sake. Amen.
EVENING rRAYERS FOR INFANTS. 3Q3
FOR THE SABBATH MORNING.
O let me be glad, heavenly Father, that the Sabbath
has come ; let me love thy holy day; and think of thee,
and love to talk about thee. Jesus my Saviour said,
" Suffer little children to come unto me;" O bring me
to Jesus, that I may learn of him to be good, and that
he may make me good, and take my soul to heaven
when my body dies. Heavenly Father, grant my
prayer for his sake. Amen.
O heavenly Father, bless this Sabbath day, and
make my heart love it better than any other day, be-
cause I can go to church and to Sunday-school, and
learn about thee, my kind creator God, and about Jesus
the good Saviour, who loves to bless little children ; and
to take them to heaven when they die. O let me love
thee, Lord, this day and for ever. Amen.
EVENING PRAYERS FOR INFANTS.
O God, my heavenly Father, bless me — forgive me
all I have done wrong this da}\ O take care of me,
and my father, and mother, and sisters, and brothers,
ibis night; love us all for the sake of Jesus Christ.
Amen.
Heavenly Father, before I go to sleep I pray thee
to forgive me for having done some naughty things this
day. Take care of me this night, holy Father, and let
me wake in the morning well. Make me a better child
than I ever have been. Bless all my relations and
friends, and may the blessed Jesus be our Saviour.
Amen.
304 PRAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER MEALS.
PRAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER MEALS.
BEFORE MEALS.*
O Lord, bless to my use the food now before me,
and give me a thankful heart for all thy mercies, for
Christ's sake. Amen.
Lord! to the needy send relief;
Assuage the sorrowing sinner's grief;
Thy blessing now on us bestow,
And all that we enjoy below.
May all the strength derived from food,
Be giv'n to God and others' good ;
Till we at last with all the blest,
Shall enter in eternal rest. Amen.
AFTER MEALS.*
I thank thee, O Lord, for this and every expression
of thy goodness ; may thy mercies lead me to thyself,
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
I acknowledge thy great goodness, O Lord, with a
thankful heart; may it lead me to be kind to others,
especially to the needy, and at last do thou save me
through Jesus Christ. Amen.
* When no blessing is asked and no thanks arc returned at tabic by the
parent, these short forms, or better ones, can be used by children, either
silently or otherwise, as circumstances may permit.
HYMNS AND TUNES.
26*
306 MORNING IIYMNS.
PETERBOROUGH. C. M.
Lord of my life ! 0 may thy praise Em-ploy my no-blest powers,
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- Praise to God in the morning.
1 LORD of my life, 0 may thy praise
Employ my noblest powers,
Whose goodness lengthens out my days
And fills the circling hours !
2 Preserved by thine Almighty arm,
I pass the shades of night,
Serene and safe from every harm,
And see returning light.
3 While many spent the night in sighs,
And restless pains and woes,
In gentle sleep I closed mine eyes
And undisturb'd repose.
MORNING HYMNS. 307
4 When sleep, death's semblance, o'er me spread,
And I unconscious lay,
Thy watchful care was round my bed
To guard my feeble clay.
5 0 let the same almighty care
My waking hours attend ;
From every trespass, every snare,
My heedless steps defend.
6 Smile on my minutes as they roll,
And guide my future days;
And let thy goodness fill my soul
With gratitude and praise.
2 C. M.
1 ONCE more, my soul, the rising day
Salutes thy waking eyes ;
Once more, my voice, thy tribute pay
To Him who rules the skies.
2 Night unto night his name repeats ;
The day renews the sound,
Wide as the heavens on which he sits
To turn the seasons round.
3 'Tis he supports my mortal frame ;
My tongue shall speak his praise ;
My sins would rouse his wrath to flame,
And yet his wrath delays.
4 How many wretched souls have fled
Since the last setting sun !
And yet thou lengthenest out my thread,
And yet my moments run.
5 Great God, let all my hours be thine,
While I enjoy the light;
Then shall my sun in smiles decline,
And bring a peaceful night.
808 MORNING HYMNS.
L A B A N . S. M. " FR0M spiritdal songs."
See how the rising sun Pursues his shining way ; And wide proclaims his
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1 SEE how the rising sun
Pursues his shining way ;
And wide proclaims his Maker's praise,
With every brightening ray.
2 Thus would my rising soul
Its Heavenly Parent sing ;
And to its great Original
The humble tribute bring.
3 Serene, I laid me down
Beneath his guardian care :
I slept, and I awoke, and found
My kind Preserver near.
MORNING HYMNS. 309
4 0 how shall I repay
The bounties of my God ?
This feeble spirit pants beneath
The pleasing, painful load.
5 Dear Saviour, to thy cross
I bring my sacrifice :
Cleansed by thy blood, it shall ascend
With fragrance to the skies.
G My life I would anew
Devote, 0 Lord, to thee ;
And in thy service I would spend
A long eternity.
S. M.
Prayer for spiritual light.
1 WE lift our hearts to Thee,
Thou Day-Star from on high ;
The sun itself is but thy shade,
Yet cheers both earth and sky.
2 0 let thy rising beams
Dispel the shades of night;
And let the glories of thy love
Come like the morning light.
3 How beauteous nature now !
How dark and sad before !
With joy we view the pleasing change,
And nature's God adore.
4 May we this life improve
To mourn for errors past;
And live this short revolving day
As if it were our last.
310 MORNING HYMNS.
TJXBRIDGE. L. M.
L. Mason.
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1 AWAKE, my soul, and with the sun
Thy daily stage of duty run ;
Shake off dull sloth — and joyful rise
To pay thy morning sacrifice.
2 Glory to Thee, who safe hast kept,
And hast refreshed me while I slept :
Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake,
I may of endless life partake.
3 Direct, control, suggest this day,
All I design, or do, or say ;
That all my powers, with all their might,
In thy sole glory may unite.
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MORNING HYMNS. 311
L. M.
1 GOD of the morning, at thy voice
The cheerful sun makes haste to rise,
And like a giant doth rejoice
To run his journey through the skies.
2 0 like the sun, may I fulfil
Th' appointed duties of the day;
With ready mind, and active will,
March on, and keep my heavenly way.
3 Lord, thy commands are clean and pure,
Enlightening our beclouded eyes;
Thy threatenings just — thy promise sure;
Thy gospel makes the simple wise.
4 Give me thy counsels for my guide,
And then receive me to thy bliss;
All my desires and hopes beside
Are faint and cold compared with this.
L. M.
Morning.
1 ARISE, my soul ! with rapture rise !
And, fill'd with love and fear, adore
The awful Sovereign of the skies,
Whose mercy lends me one day more.
2 And may this day, indulgent Power !
Not idly pass, or fruitless be ;
But may each swiftly flying hour
Still nearer bring my soul to thee !
3 But can it be, that Power divine
Is throned in light's unbounded blaze,
And countless worlds and angels join
To swell the glorious song of praise?
4 And will he deign to lend an ear,
When I, poor abject mortal, pray ?
Yes, boundless goodness ! he will hear
Nor cast the meanest wretch away.
5 Then let me serve thee all my days,
And may my zeal with years increase ;
For pleasant, Lord, are all thy ways,
And all thy paths are paths of peace.
312
MORNING HYMNS.
MERIBAH. C. P. M.
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MORNING HYMNS. 313
C. P. M.
1 ONCE more my eyes behold the day,
And to my God my soul would pay
Its tributary lays :
0 may the life preserved by thee,
With all its powers and blessings, be
Devoted to thy praise.
2 Beneath the shadow of thy wings,
Israel's great keeper, King of kings,
My weary head found rest ;
No dire alarms, or racking pains,
Devouring flames, or galling chains,
Disturb'd my peaceful breast.
3 How many, since I laid me down,
Have launch' d into a world unknown,
To meet a dreadful doom !
While some on watery billows toss'd,
Or wandering on an unknown coast,
Have sigh'd in vain for home.
4 But, I am spared to see thy face,
A monument of saving grace,
And live to praise thy name ;
Still be thou near, my gracious Lord,
To keep and guide ; — and by thy word,
Peace to my soul proclaim.
5 Let me enjoy thy presence here,
In every storm my heart to cheer,
Till thou shalt bid me rise,
Where sin and sorrow never come
Till at my blest eternal home
I wake in sweet surprise.
27
314 MORNING HYMNS.
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1 THOU that dost my life prolong,
Kindly aid my morning song ;
Thankful from my couch I rise,
To the God that rules the skies.
2 Thou didst hear my evening cry ;
Thy preserving hand was nigh ;
Peaceful slumbers thou hast shed,
Grateful to my weary head.
3 Thou hast kept me through the night,
'Twas thy hand restored the light :
Lord, thy mercies still are new,
Plenteous as the morning dew.
MORNING HYMNS. 315
4 Still my feet are prone to stray ;
O preserve me through the day
Dangers everywhere abound ;
Sins and snares beset me round.
5 Gently with the dawning ray,
On my soul thy beams display j
Sweeter than the smiling morn,
Let thy cheering light return.
10
7s.
1 NOW the shades of night are gone j
Now the morning light is come ;
Lord, may I be thine to-day —
Drive the shades of sin away.
2 Fill my soul with heavenly light,
Banish doubt, and cleanse my sight;
In thy service, Lord, to-day,
Help me labour, help me pray.
3 Keep my haughty passions bound —
Save me from my foes around ;
Going out and coming in,
Keep me safe from every sin.
4 When my work of life is past
O receive me then at last !
Night of sin will be no more,
When I reach the heavenly shore.
816 EVENING HYMNS
HEBRON. L. M.
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1 ANOTHER fleeting day has gone,
Slow o'er the west the shadows rise,
Swift the soft stealing hours have flown,
And night's dark mantle veils the skies.
2 Another fleeting day has gone,
Swept from the records of the year ;
And still with each successive sun
Life's fading visions disappear.
3 Another fleeting day has gone,
To tell thy secrets, 0 my soul ;
Faithful before th' eternal throne,
Thy slightest folly 'twill enrol.
EVENING HYMNS. 317
4 Another fleeting day has gone,
To join the fugitives before :
And I, when life's employ is done,
Shall sleep, to wake in time no more.
5 Another fleeting day has gone,
And soon a fairer day shall rise ;
A day whose never-setting sun
Shall pour his light o'er cloudless skies.
6 Another fleeting day has gone :
In solemn silence rest, my soul ;
Bend — bend before his awful throne,
Who bids the morn and evening roll.
12
L. M.
1 THUS far the Lord has led me on ;
Thus far his power prolongs my days,
And every evening shall make known
Some fresh memorial of his grace.
2 Much of my time has run to waste,
And I, perhaps, am near my home ;
But he forgives my follies past,
He gives me strength for days to come.
3 I lay my body down to sleep ;
Peace is the pillow for my head ;
While well appointed angels keep
Their watchful stations round my bed.
4 Thus, when the night of death shall come,
My flesh shall rest beneath the ground,
And wait thy voice to break my tomb,
With sweet salvation in the sound.
27*
318
EVENING HYMNS.
ARLINGTON. C. M.
Dr. Arne.
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1 DREAD Sovereign, let my evening song
Like holy incense rise ;
Assist the offering of my tongue
To reach the lofty skies.
2 Through all tbe dangers of the day
Thy hand was still my guard;
And still to drive my wants away
Thy mercy stood prepared.
3 Perpetual blessings from above
Encompass me around ;
But 0 ! how few returns of love
Hath my Redeemer found !
4 What have I done for him who died
To save my guilty soul ?
EVENING HYMNS. 319
Alas ! ruy sins are multiplied,
Fast as my minutes roll !
5 Yet, with this guilty heart of mine,
Lord, to thy cross I flee,
And to thy grace my soul resign,
To be renewed by thee.
14 C. M.
1 0 LORD, another day is flown,
And we, a lonely band,
Are met once more before thy throne,
To bless thy fostering hand.
2 And wilt thou bend a listening ear
To praises low as ours ?
Thou wilt ! for thou dost love to hear
The song which meekness pours.
3 And, Jesus, thou thy smiles wilt deign,
As we before thee pray;
For thou didst bless the infant train,
And we are less than they.
4 0 let thy grace perform its part,
And let contentions cease ;
And shed abroad in every heart
Thine everlasting peace.
15 C. M.
1 LORD, thou wilt hear me when I pray j
I am for ever thine :
I fear before thee all the day,
Nor would I dare to sin.
2 And while I rest my weary head,
From cares and business free,
'Tis sweet conversing on my bed
With my own heart and thee.
3 I pay this evening sacrifice ;
And when my work is done,
Great God, my faith and hope rely
Upon thy grace alone.
4 Thus with my thoughts composed to peace,
I'll give mine eyes to sleep ;
Thy hand in safety keeps my days,
And will my slumbers keep.
320
EVENING HYMNS.
LISBON. S. M
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S. M.
1 ANOTHER day is past,
The hours for ever fled ;
And time is bearing me away,
To mingle with the dead.
2 My mind in perfect peace
My Father's care shall keep -}
I yield to gentle slumber now,
For thou canst never sleep.
3 How blessed, Lord, are they
On thee securely stay'd !
Nor shall they be in life alarmed
Nor be in death dismayed.
17
EVENING HYMNS. 321
S. M.
1 THE day is past and gone,
The evening shades appear ;
0 may I ever keep in mind,
The night of death draws near.
2 Lord, keep rne safe this night,
Secure from all my fears ;
May angels guard me while I sleep,
Till morning light appears.
3 And when I early rise,
To view th' unwearied sun,
May I set out to win the prize,
And after glory run.
4 Lord, when my days are past,
And I from time remove,
0 may I in thy bosom rest,
The bosom of thy love.
18
S. M.
Evening Tlianks giving.
1 MY Maker and my King !
To thee my all I owe ;
Thy sovereign bounty is the spring
Whence all my blessings flow.
2 Thou ever good and kind !
A thousand reasons move,
A thousand obligations bind
My heart to grateful love.
3 Lord, what can I impart,
When all is thine before ?
Thy love demands a thankful heart;
The gift, alas ! how poor !
-4 0 let thy grace inspire
My soul with strength divine ;
Let all my powers to thee aspire,
And all my days be thine.
322
EVENING HYMNS.
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Sin and want wo come confessing, Thou canst save, and thou canst heal,
D. C. Angel-guards from thee surround us, We are safe, if thou art nigh.
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1 SAVIOUR, breathe an evening blessing,
Ere repose our spirits seal;
Sin and want wc come confessing,
Thou canst save, and thou canst heal.
Though destruction walk around us,
Though the arrow past us fly,
Angel-guards from thee surround us,
"We are safe, if thou art nigh.
2 Though the night be dark and dreary,
Darkness cannot hide from thee ;
Thou art He, who, never weary,
Watchest where thy people be ;
Should swift death this night o'ertake us,
And our couch become our tomb ;
May the morn in heaven awake us,
Clad in light and deathless bloom !
20
21
EVENING HYMNS. 323
8s & 7s.
The light of the world.
LIGHT of those whose dreary dwelling
Borders on the shades of death !
Come, and by thy love revealing,
Dissipate the clouds beneath ;
Thou, the heaven and earth's Creator,
In our deepest darkness rise,
Scattering all the night of nature,
Pouring eyesight on our eyes.
Still we wait for thine appearing ;
Life and joy thy beams impart,
Chasing all our fears, and cheering
Every poor, benighted heart :
Come, and manifest thy favour
To the ransom'd, helpless race ;
Come, thou glorious God and Saviour
Come, and bring the gospel-grace.
Save us, in thy great compassion,
0 thou mild, pacific Prince !
Give the knowledge of salvation ;
Give the pardon of our sins :
By thine all-sufficient merit,
Every burden'd soul release ;
Every weary, wandering spirit
Guide into thy perfect peace.
8s & 7s.
PEACE be to this habitation,
Peace to all that dwell therein,
Peace the earnest of salvation,
Peace the fruit of pardon'd sin,
Peace that speaks the heavenly Giver,
Peace to worldly minds unknown,
Peace divine, that lasts for ever,
Peace that comes from God alone.
Jesus, Prince of peace, be near us,
Fix in all our hearts thy home ;
With thy gracious presence cheer us,
Let thy sacred kingdom come ;
Raise to heaven our expectation,
Give our favour' d souls to prove
Glorious and comj)lete salvation
In the realms of bliss above.
324 EVENING HYMNS.
FRANKFORT. 7s.
S. Mather.
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Thoughts of death at night.
1 WHAT if death my sleep invade ?
Should I be of death afraid ?
While encircled by thine arm,
Death may strike, but cannot harm.
2 What if beams of opening day
Shine around my breathless clay ?
Brighter visions from on high
Shall regale my mental eye.
3 Tender friends a while may mourn
Me from their embraces torn;
Dearer, better friends I have
In the realms beyond the grave.
EVENING IIYMNS. 325
4 See the guardian-angels nigh
Wait to waft my soul on high !
S$e the golden gates display'd !
See the crown to grace my head !
5 See a flood of sacred light,
Which no more shall yield to night !
Transitory world, farewell !
Jesus calls with him to dwell !
G With thy heavenly presence blest,
Death is life, and labour rest :
Welcome sleep or death to me,
Still secure, for still with thee.
23 7,
1 OMNIPRESENT God, whose aid
No one ever ask'd in vain,
Be this night about my bed,
Every evil thought restrain.
2 Lay thy hand upon my soul,
God of mine unguarded hours !
All mine enemies control,
Hell and earth, and nature's powers !
3 Loose me from the chains of sense,
Set me from the body free :
Draw with stronger influence
My unfetter'd soul to thee.
4 In me, Lord, thyself reveal,
Fill me with a sweet surprise;
Let me thee, when waking, feel,
Let me in thine image rise.
24 7s.
1 SOFTLY now the light of day
Fades upon my sight away ;
Free from care — from labour free,
Lord, I would commune with thee.
2 Soon, for me, the light of day
Shall for ever pass away ;
Then from sin and sorrow free,
Take me, Lord, to dwell with thee !
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MORNING OR EVENINO HYMNS.
ROCKINGHAM. L. M.
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L. M.
1 MY God, how endless is thy love !
Thy gifts are every evening new ;
And morning mercies from above
Gently distil like early dew.
2 Thou spread' st the curtains of the night,
Great Guardian of my sleeping hours;
Thy sovereign word restores the light,
And quickens all my drowsy powers.
3 I yield my powers to thy command,
To thee I consecrate my days ;
Perpetual blessings from thy hand
Demand perpetual songs of praise.
MORNING OR EVENING HYMNS. 327
26 L. M.
1 IN sleep's serene oblivion laid,
I safely pass'd the silent night;
Again I see the breaking shade,
I drink again the morning light.
2 New-born, I bless the waking hour,
Once more, with awe, rejoice to be;
My conscious soul resumes her power,
And springs, my guardian God, to thee.
3 0 guide me through the various maze
My doubtful feet are doom'd to tread,
And spread thy shield's protecting blaze
Where dangers press around my head.
4 A deeper shade shall soon impend,
A deeper sleep mine eyes oppress ;
Yet then thy strength shall still defend,
Thy goodness still delight to bless.
5 That deeper shade shall break away,
That deeper sleep shall leave niins eyes;
Thy light shall give eternal day,
Thy love the rapture of the skies.
27 l. m.
1 WHEN, streaming from the eastern skies,
The morning light salutes mine eyes,
O Sun of righteousness divine !
On me, with beams of mercy, shine ;
Chase the dark clouds of guilt away,
And turn my darkness into day.
2 When each day's scenes and labours close,
And wearied nature seeks repose,
With pardoning mercy richly blest,
Guard me, my Saviour, while I rest ;
And, as each morning sun shall rise,
0 lead me onward to the skies.
3 And, at my life's last setting sun,
My conflicts o'er, my labours done,
Jesus, thy heavenly radiance shed,
To cheer and bless my dying-bed ;
And from death's gloom my spirit raise,
To see thy face, and sing thy praise.
328
MORNING OR EVENING HYMNS.
AZMON. C. M
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1 HOSANNA, with a cheerful sound,
To God's upholding hand ;
Ten thousand snares attend us round,
And yet secure we stand.
2 That was a most amazing power
That raised us with a word ;
And every day, and every hour,
We lean upon the Lord.
3 The rising morn cannot assure
That we shall end the day :
For death stands ready at the door
To hurry us away.
4 Our life is forfeited by sin
To God's avenging law ;
We own thy grace, immortal King,
In every breath we draw.
5 God is our sun — whose daily light
Our joy and safety brings :
Our feeble frame lies safe at night
Beneath his shady wings.
MORNING OR EVENINO HYMNS. 329
29 o. m.
1 ON thee, each morning, 0 my God,
My waking thoughts attend ;
In thee are founded all my hopes,
In thee my wishes end.
2 My soul, in pleasing wonder lost,
Thy boundless love surveys ;
And, fired with grateful zeal, prepares
A sacrifice of praise.
3 When evening slumbers press my eyes,
With his protection blest,
In peace and safety I commit
My weary limbs to rest.
4 My spirit, in his hand secure,
Fears no approaching ill j
For, whether waking or asleep,
Thou, Lord, art with me still.
30
C. M.
God' s presence is light.
1 MY God, the spring of all my joys,
The life of my delights,
The glory of my brightest days,
And comfort of my nights.
2 In darkest shades, if he appear,
My dawning is begun :
He is my soul's sweet morning-star,
And he my rising sun.
3 The opening heavens around me shine
With beams of sacred bliss,
While Jesus shows his heart is mine,
And whispers / am his I
4 My soul would leave this heavy clay
At that transporting word,
Run up with joy the shining way
T' embrace my dearest Lord.
5 Fearless of hell and ghastly death,
I'd break through every foe ;
The wings of love and arms of faith
Should bear me conqueror through.
28*
330 SABBATH MORNING
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TJie Sabbath welcomed.
1 WELCOME, sweet day of rest,
That saw the Lord arise ;
Welcome to this reviving breast,
And these rejoicing eyes !
2 Jesus himself comes near,
And feasts his saints to-day ;
Here we may sit, and see him here,
And love, and praise, and pray.
SABBATH MORNING. 331
3 One day amid the place
Where God my Saviour's been,
Is sweeter than ten thousand days
Of pleasure and of sin.
4 My willing soul would stay
In such a frame as this,
Till call'd to rise, and soar away
To everlasting bliss.
32
S. M.
1 JESUS we look to thee,
Thy promised presence claim ;
Thou in the midst of us shalt be,
Assembled in thy name.
2 Thy name salvation is,
Which here we come to prove ;
Thy name is life, and health, and peace,
And everlasting love.
3 Not in the name of pride
Or selfishness we meet ;
From nature's paths we turn aside,
And worldly thoughts forget.
4 We meet, the grace to take
Which thou hast freely given ;
We meet on earth for thy dear sake,
That we may meet in heaven.
5 Present we know thou art,
But 0 thyself reveal ;
Now, Lord, let every bounding heart
The mighty comfort feel.
6 O may thy quickening voice
The death of sin remove,
And bid our inmost souls rejoice
In hope of perfect love.
332
SABBATH MORNING.
DUKE STREET. L. M.
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SABBATH MORNING. 333
L. M.
Tlie Lord's day.
ANOTHER six days' work is done,
Another Sabbath is begun :
Return, my soul, enjoy thy rest,
Improve the day thy God has blest.
Come, bless the Lord, whose love assigns
So sweet a rest to wearied minds ;
Provides an antepast of heaven,
And gives this day the food of seven.
0 that our thoughts and thanks may rise,
As grateful incense, to the skies ;
And draw from heaven that sweet repose
Which none but he who feels it knows.
With joy, great God! thy works we view,
In various scenes both old and new ;
With praise we think of mercies past,
With hope we future pleasures taste.
In holy duties let the day,
In holy pleasures pass away :
How sweet a Sabbath thus to spend,
In hope of one that ne'er shall end.
34 L. M.
1 GREAT God ! this sacred day of thine
Demands the soul's collected powers ;
With joy we now to thee resign
These solemn, consecrated hom-s :
0 may our souls adoring own
The grace that calls us to thy throne.
2 All-seeing God ! thy piercing eye
Can every secret thought explore ;
May worldly cares our bosoms fly,
And where thou art intrude no more :
O may thy grace our spirits move,
And fix our minds on things above !
3 Thy Spirit's powerful aid impart,
And bid thy word, with life divine,
Engage the ear, and warm the heart :
Then shall the day indeed be thine :
Our souls shall then adoring own
The grace that calls us to thy throne.
334
SABBATH MORNING.
BARBY. C. M.
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C. M.
1 LORD, in the morning thou shalt hear
My voice ascending high ;
To thee will I direct my prayer,
To thee lift up mine eye ; —
2 Up to the hills, where Christ is gone
To plead for all his saints,
Presenting at his Father's throne
Our songs and our complaints.
3 Thou art a God, before whose sight
The wicked shall not stand ;
Sinners shall ne'er be thy delight,
Nor dwell at thy right hand.
SABBATH MORNTNG. 335
4 But to thy house will I resort,
To taste thy mercies there ;
I 'will frequent thiue holy court,
And worship in thy fear.
5 0 may thy Spirit guide my feet
In ways of righteousness,
Make every path of duty straight,
And plain before my face.
36
C. M.
1 AGAIN the Lord of life and light
Awakes the kindling ray ;
Dispels the darkness of the night,
And pours increasing day.
2 0 what a night was that which wrapt
A sinful world in gloom !
0 what a Sun, which broke, this day,
Triumphant from the tomb !
3 This day be grateful homage paid,
And loud hosannas sung;
Let gladness dwell in every heart,
And praise on every tongue.
4 Ten thousand thousand lips shall join
To hail this welcome morn,
Which scatters blessings from its wings
To nations yet unborn.
37
C. M.
1 COME, let us join with sweet accord
In hymns around the throne ;
This is the day our rising Lord
Hath made, and call'd his own.
2 This is the day which God has blest,
The brightest of the seven ;
Type of that everlasting rest
The saints enjoy in heaven.
336 SABBATH MORNING.
CARMARTHEN. H. M.
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The wonders of this day Our no - blest songs de-mand.
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38 H. M.
2 At thy approaching dawn,
Reluctant death resign'd
The glorious Prince of life,
Its dark domains confined :
Th' angelic host
Around hiin bends,
And 'mid their shouts
The Lord ascends.
3 All hail, triumphant Lord,
Heaven with hosannas rings ;
While earth in humbler strains
Thy praise responsive sings :
Worthy art thou,
Who once wast slain,
Through endless years
To live and reign.
SABBATn MORNINO. 337
Gird on, great God, thy sword,
Ascend thy conquering ear;
While justice, truth, and love
Maintain the glorious war;
Victorious, thou
Thy foes shalt tread,
And sin and hell
In triumph lead.
Make bare thy potent arm,
And wing th' unerring dart
With salutary pangs
To each rebellious heart.
Then dying souls
For life shall sue,
Numerous as drops
Of morning dew.
39 H- M-
1 WELCOME, delightful morn!
Thou day of sacred rest ;
I hail thy kind return ;
Lord, make these moments blest.
From low delights,
And mortal toys,
I soar to reach
Immortal joys.
2 Now may the King descend,
And fill his throne of grace;
Thy sceptre, Lord, extend,
While saints address thy face ;
Let sinners feel
Thy quickening word,
And learn to know
And fear the Lord.
3 Descend, celestial Dove,
With all thy quickening powers ;
Disclose a Saviour's love,
And bless these sacred hours :
Then shall my soul
New life obtain,
Nor Sabbaths be
Indulged in vain.
29
338
SABBATH MORNING.
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SAFELY through another week,
God has brought us on our way ;
Let us now a blessing seek,
Waiting in his courts to-day ;
Day of all the week the best,
Emblem of eternal rest.
While we seek supplies of grace,
Through the dear Redeemer's name;
Show thy reconciling face —
Take away our sin and shame ;
From our worldly cares set free,
May we rest this day in thee.
Here we come thy name to praise ;
Let us feel thy presence near :
May thy glory meet our eyes,
While we in thy house appear;
Here afford us, Lord, a taste
Of our everlasting feast.
May the gospel's joyful sound
Conquer sinners — comfort saints ;
Make the fruits of grace abound,
Bring relief from all complaints :
Thus let all our Sabbaths prove,
Till we join the church above.
340
SABBATH EVENING.
STONINGTON. L. M.
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1 IS there a time when moments flow
More peacefully than all beside ?
It is, of all the times below,
A Sabbath eve in summer-tide.
2 0 then the setting sun smiles fair,
And all below, and all above,
The different forms of nature wear
One universal garb of love.
3 And then the peace that Jesus beams,
The life of grace, the death of sin;
With nature's placid woods and streams,
Is peace without, and peace within.
SABBATH EVENING. 341
4 Delightful scene ! a world at rest,
A God all love, no grief nor fear ;
A heavenly hope, a peaceful breast,
A smile unsullied by a tear.
5 If heaven be ever felt below,
A scene so heavenly, sure, as this,
May cause a heart on earth to know
Some foretaste of celestial bliss.
6 Delightful hour ! how soon will night
Spread her dark mantle o'er thy reign;
And morrow's quick returning light
Must call us to the world again.
7 Yet will there dawn at last a day,
A Sun that never sets shall rise ;
Night will not veil his ceaseless ray ;
The heavenly Sabbath never dies !
42
L. M.
The Sabbath.
1 OUR Sabbaths come so welcome on,
We wish them to remain a while,
But soon, alas ! their joys are gone,
And scarce "bequeath a parting smile."
2 Full many are the hours of grief
Allotted to the sons of men ;
Our Sabbaths bring a short relief,
Yet leave us but to mourn again.
3 Ye peaceful days ! and thou, blest sun !
Why roll ye in such haste away ?
Ye happy hours ! why flow ye on
So fast towards eternity ?
4 0 if ye bring an endless day,
Speed fast along, nor ever cease ;
We'll gladly feel your joys decay,
In perfect and enduring bliss.
29*
342 SABBATH EVENING.
ORTONVILLE. C. M.
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1 FREQUENT the day of God returns
To shed its quickening beams ;
And yet how slow devotion burns,
How languid are its flames !
2 Accept our faint attempts to love;
Our frailties, Lord, forgive :
We would be like thy saints above,
And praise thee while we live.
o Increase, 0 Lord, our faith and hope,
And fit us to ascend,
Where the assembly ne'er breaks up,
The Sabbath ne'er shall end;
4 Where we shall breathe in heavenly air,
With heavenly lustre shine;
Before the throne of God appear,
And feast on love divine;
5 Where we, in high seraphic strains,
Shall all our powers employ ;
Delighted range th' ethereal plains
And take our fill of joy.
44
SABBATH EVENING. 343
C M.
Evening twilight.
I LOVE to steal a while away
From every cumbering care,
And spend the hours of setting day
In humble, grateful prayer.
I love in solitude to shed
The penitential tear,
And all his promises to plead
Where none but God can hear.
3 I love to think on mercies past,
And future good implore,
And all my cares and sorrows cast
On Him whom I adore.
4 I love by faith to take a view
Of brighter scenes in heaven ;
The prospect doth my strength renew
While here by tempests driven.
5 Thus, when life's toilsome day is o'er,
May its departing ray
Be calm as this impressive hour
And lead to endless day.
45
C. M.
Lord's -day evening.
1 WHEN, 0 dear Jesus, when shall I
Behold thee all serene ;
Blest in perpetual Sabbath-day,
Without a veil between !
2 Assist me, while I wander here
Amid a world of cares ;
Incline my heart to pray with love,
And then accept my prayers.
3 Spare me, my God, 0 spare the soul
That gives itself to thee;
Take all that I possess below,
And give thyself to me.
4 Thy Spirit, 0 my Father, give,
To be my guide and friend,
To light my path to ceaseless joys,
To Sabbaths without end.
344
FAMILY RELIGION.
OLD HUNDRED. L. M.
MODERATO
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Our Father, throned above the sky, To thee our empty hands we spread ;
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Thy children at thy foot-stool lie, And ask thy blessings on their head.
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46
L. M.
Confidence in God.
1 OUR Father, throned above the sky,
To thee our empty hands we spread ;
Thy children at thy footstool lie,
And ask thy blessings on their head.
2 With cheerful hope and filial fear,
In that august and precious name
By thee ordain' d, we now draw near,
And would the promised blessing claim.
3 Does not an earthly parent hear
The cravings of his famish'd son?
Will he reject the filial prayer,
Or give for bread the flinty stone ?
FAMILY RELIOJON. 345
4 Our heavenly Father, how much more
Will thy divine compassions rise ;
And open thy unbounded store,
To satisfy thy children's cries ?
5 Yes, we will ask, and seek, and press
For gracious audience at thy seat ;
Still hoping, waiting for success,
If persevering to entreat.
6 For Jesus in his faithful word
The upright supplicant has bless'd ;
And all thy saints with one accord
The prevalence of prayer attest.
47 L. M.
1 FATHER of all, thy care we bless,
Which crowns our families with peace ;
From thee they spring, and by thy hand
They have been, and are still sustain'd.
2 To God, most worthy to be praised,
Be our domestic altars raised ;
Who, Lord of heaven, scorns not to dwell
With saints in their obscurest cell.
3 To thee may each united house
Morning and night present its vows;
Our servants there, and rising race,
Be taught thy precepts and thy grace. ■
4 0 may each future age proclaim
The honours of thy glorious name ;
AVhile, pleased and thankful, we remove
To join the family above.
48 L. M.
1 FROM all that dwell below the skies,
Let the Creator's praise arise;
Let the Redeemer's name be sung,
Through every land, by every tongue.
2 Eternal are thy mercies, Lord;
Eternal truth attends thy word;
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore,
Till suns shall rise and set no more.
316
FAMILY RELIGION.
DUNDEE. C. M.
MODERATO.
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49 c. m.
1 AUTHOR of good, to thee we turn :
Thine ever wakeful eye
Alone can all our wants discern —
Thy hand alone supply.
2 0 let thy love within us dwell,
Thy fear our footsteps guide ;
That love shall vainer loves expel,
That fear all fears beside.
3 And 0, by error's force subdued,
Since oft, by stubborn will,
We blindly shun the latent good,
And grasp the specious ill ; —
4 Not what we wish — but what we want,
Let mercy still supply :
The good we ask not, Father, grant —
The ill we ask — deny.
50
51
FAMILY RELIGION. 34"i
C. M.
1 GOD of our fathers! by whose hand
Thy people still are blest,
Be with us through our pilgrimage,
Conduct us to our rest.
2 Through each perplexing path of life
Our wandering footsteps guide ;
Give us each day our daily bread,
And raiment fit provide.
3 0 spread thy sheltering wings around,
Till all our wanderings cease,
And at our Father's loved abode
Our souls arrive in peace.
4 Such blessings from thy gracious hand
Our humble prayers implore ;
And thou, the Lord, shalt be our God
And portion evermore.
C. M.
1 LORD, with our household deign to stay,
And bid our hearts rejoice ;
Our willing hearts shall own thy sway,
And echo to thy voice.
2 With thee conversing, we forget
All time and toil and fear;
Labour is rest, and pain is sweet,
If thou, our God, art here.
3 Thou callest us to seek thy face —
Thy face with joy we seek;
Wait for the whispers of thy grace,
And hear what thou dost speak.
4 Thus would we every hour employ,
Till we thy glory see ;
Till we partake our Master's joy,
And find our heaven in thee.
348 FAMILY RELIGION.
ST. THOMAS. S. M.
A. Williams.
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Brotherly love.
1 LO, what a pleasing sight
Are brethren that agree !
How blest are all whose hearts unite
In bonds of piety !
2 From those celestial springs
Such streams of comfort flow,
As no increase of riches brings,
Nor honours can bestow.
3 All in their stations move,
And each performs his part,
In all the cares of life and love,
With sympathizing heart.
FAMILY RELIGION. 349
4 Form'd for the purest joys
By one desire possest,
One aim the zeal of all employs,
To make each other blest.
5 No bliss can equal theirs
Where such affections meet;
While praise devout and mingled prayers
Make their communion sweet.
6 'Tis the same pleasure fills
The breast in worlds above,
Where joy, like morning-dew, distils,
And all the air is love.
53
S. M.
Love to the brethren.
1 BLEST be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
2 Before our Father's throne
We pour our ardent prayers ;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims, are one,
Our comforts and our cares.
3 We share our mutual woes;
Our mutual burdens bear ;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
4 When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain ;
But we shall still be join'd in heart,
And hope to meet again.
5 This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.
6 From sorrow, toil, and pain,
And sin, we shall be free ;
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.
30
350
COMMENCEMENT OF THE YEAR.
MENDON. L. M.
SPIRITED. ,
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L. M.
1 GREAT God ! we sing thy mighty hand ;
By that supported still we stand :
The opening year thy mercy shows ;
Let mercy crown it till it close.
2 By day, by night — at home, abroad,
Still we are guarded by our God;
By his incessant bounty fed —
By his unerring counsels led.
3 "With grateful hearts the past we own :
The future — all to us unknown —
We to thy guardian care commit,
And peaceful leave before thy feet.
COMMENCEMENT OF THE YEAR. 351
4 Iu scenes exalted or depress'd,
Be thou our joy — and thou our rest;
Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise,
Adored through all our changing days.
5 When death shall close our earthly songs,
And seal in silence mortal tongues,
Our helper, God, in whom we trust,
In brighter worlds our souls shall boast.
55
L. M.
The changing seasons.
1 GREAT God ! let all our tuneful powers
Awake, and sing thy mighty name :
Thy hand revolves our circling hours, —
Thy hand, from which our being came.
2 Seasons and moons, still rolling round
In beauteous order, speak thy praise ;
And years, with smiling mercy crown' d,
To thee successive honours raise.
3 To thee we raise the annual song,
To thee the grateful tribute give ;
Our God doth still our years prolong,
And midst unnumber'd deaths, we live.
4 Our life, our health, our friends, we owe
All to thy vast, unbounded love ;
Ten thousand precious gifts below,
And hope of nobler joys above.
5 Thus will we sing, till nature cease,
Till sense and language are no more,
And after death^ thy boundless grace
Through everlasting years adore.
352
COMMENCEMENT OF THE YEAR.
BENEVENTO. 7s.
Webbe.
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While with ceaseless course the sun Hasted through the former year,
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COMMENCEMENT OF THE YEAR.
35S
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We a lit -tie long-er wait, But how lit-tle — none can know.
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7s.
WHILE with ceaseless course the sun
Hasted through the former year,
Many souls their race have run,
Never more to meet us here ;
Fix'd in an eternal state,
They have done with all below ;
We a little longer wait,
But how little — none can know.
Spared to see another year,
Let thy blessing meet us here ;
Come, thy dying work revive,
Bid thy drooping garden thrive ;
Sun of righteousness, arise !
Warm our hearts and bless our eyes :
Let our prayer thy pity move ;
Make this year a time of love.
Thanks for mercies past received,
Pardon of our sins renew;
Teach us henceforth how to live
With eternity in view :
Bless thy word to old and young,
Fill us with a Saviour's love;
When our life's short race is run,
May we dwell with thee above.
30*
354
COMMENCEMENT OF THE YEAR.
NEW YEAR. 5s & 12s.
BOLD.
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Come, let us a - new Our jour-ney pur - sue,
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COMMENCEMENT OF THE YEAR. 355
5s & 12s.
A neiv year.
1 COME, let us anew
Our journey pursue,
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still, till the Master appear.
2 His adorable will
Let us gladly fulfil,
And our talents improve,
By the patience of hope and the labour of love.
3 Our life is a dream,
Our time as a stream
Glides swiftly away ;
And the fugitive moment refuses to stay.
4 The arrow is flown,
The moment is gone j
The millennial year
Rushes on to our view, and eternity's here.
5 0 that each in the day
Of his coming may say, .
"I've fought my way through,
I've finish'd the work thou didst give me to do !"
6 0 that each from his Lord
May receive the good word,
"Well and faithfully done!
Enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne!"
356
CLOSE OF THE YEAR.
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And now, my soul, an - oth - er year Of thy short life is past;
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58 c> M"
Reflections at the end of the year.
1 AND now, my soul, another year
Of thy short life is past ;
I cannot long continue here,
And this may be my last.
2 Much of my dubious life is gone,
Nor will return again ;
And swift my passing moments run,
The few that yet remain.
3 Awake, my soul — with utmost care
Thy true condition learn :
What are the hopes? — how sure? how fair?
What is thy great concern?
59
CLOSE OF THE YEAR. 357
4 Behold, another year begins !
Set out afresh for heaven;
Seek pardon for thy former sins,
In Christ so freely given.
5 Devoutly yield thyself to God,
And on his grace depend ;
With zeal pursue the heavenly road,
Nor doubt a happy end.
C. M.
Praise for providential goodness.
1 GOD of our lives, thy various praise
Our voices shall resound;
Thy hand directs our fleeting days,
And brings the seasons round.
2 To thee shall grateful songs arise,
Our Father and our Friend :
Whose constant mercies from the skies
In genial streams descend.
3 In every scene of life, thy care,
In every age, we see;
And, constant as thy favours are,
So let our praises be.
4 Still may thy love, in every scene,
To every age, appear;
And let the same compassion deign
To bless the opening year.
60 o- m.
1 AWAKE, ye saints, and raise your eyes,
And raise your voices high;
Awake, and praise that sovereign love
That shows salvation nigh.
2 On all the wings of time it flies,
Each moment brings it near;
Then welcome, each declining day !
Welcome, each closing year !
3 Ye wheels of nature, speed your course;
Ye mortal powers, decay;
Fast as ye bring the night of death,
Ye bring eternal day.
358 CLOSE OF THE YEAR.
TALLIS' EVENING HYMN. L. M.
Tallis.
God of my life, to thee belong The thankful heart, the grateful song ;
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L. M.
2%e barren fig-tree.
1 GOD of my life, to thee belong
The thankful heart, the grateful song;
Touch'd by thy love, each tuneful chord
Resounds the goodness of the Lord.
2 Thou hast preserved my fleeting breath,
And chased the gloomy shades of death;
The venom'd arrows vainly fly,
When God our great Deliverer's nigh.
3 Yet why, dear Lord, this tender care?
Why does thy hand so kindly rear
A useless cumberer of the ground,
On which no pleasant fruits are found?
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CLOSE OF THE YEAR. 359
4 Still may the barren fig-tree stand !
And, cultivated by thy hand,
Verdure, and bloom, and fruit afford,
Meet tribute to its bounteous Lord.
5 So shall thy praise employ my breath
Through life, and in the arms of death;
My soul the pleasant theme prolong,
Then rise to aid th' angelic song.
62
L. M.
TJie Christian pilgrimage.
1 "WE'VE no abiding city here,"
This may distress the worldly mind,
But should not cost a saint a tear,
Who hopes a better rest to find.
2 "We've no abiding city here,"
Sad truth, were this to be our home ;
But let this thought our spirits cheer,
" We seek a city yet to come."
3 "We've no abiding city here,"
Then let us live as pilgrims do :
Let not the world our rest appear,
But let us haste from all below.
4 "We've no abiding city here,"
We seek a city out of sight,
Zion its name — the Lord is there —
It shines with everlasting light.
5 0 sweet abode of peace and love,
Where pilgrims freed from toil are blest !
Had I the pinions of the dove,
I'd flee to thee, and be at rest.
6 But hush, my soul, nor dare repine !
The time my God appoints is best :
While here, to do his will be mine ;
And his to fix my time of rest.
360 CLOSE OF THE YEAR.
BOYLSTON. S. M.
L. Mason.
My few re-volv-ing years, How swift they glide a - way!
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How short the term of life appears ! When past — 'tis but a day ! —
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S. M.
Rapid flight of time.
1 MY few revolving years,
How swift they glide away!
How short the term of life appears !
When past — 'tis but a day ! —
2 A dark and cloudy day,
Made up of grief and sin ;
A host of dangerous foes without,
And guilt and fear within.
3 Lord, through another year,
If thou permit my stay,
With watchful care may I pursue
The true and living way !
64
65
CLOSE OF THE YEAR. 361
S. M.
God our Shcj)he7'd.
1 THE Lord my Shepherd is
I shall be well supplied :
Since he is mine and I am his,
What can I want beside ?
2 He leads me to the place
Where heavenly pasture grows,
Where living waters gently pass,
And full salvation flows.
3 If e'er I go astray,
He doth my soul reclaim,
And guides me, in his own right way,
For his most holy name.
4 While he affords his aid,
I cannot yield to fear ;
Though I should walk through death's dark shade,
My Shepherd's with me there.
5 In sight of all my foes,
Thou dost my table spread ;
My cup with blessings overflows,
And joy exalts my head.
G The bounties of thy love
Shall crown my future days ;
Nor from thy house will I remove,
Nor cease to speak thy praise.
S. M.
God the preserver of his people.
1 TO G-od the only wise,
Our Saviour and our King,
Let all the saints below the skies
Their humble praises bring.
2 'Tis his almighty love,
His counsel and his care,
Preserves us safe from sin and death,
And every hurtful snare.
3 He will present our souls
Unblemish'd and complete
Before the glory of his face,
With joys divinely great.
31
362
THE SEASONS.
MIGDOL. L.
LL it MODERATO.
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By thee the seasons change, and all
The changing sea-sons speak thy name.
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L. M.
Seasons ordered by God.
1 GREAT God; at whose all-powerful call
At first arose this beauteous frame !
By thee the seasons change, and all
The changing seasons speak thy name.
2 Thy bounty bids the infant year,
From winter storms recovered, rise;
When thousand grateful scenes appear,
Fresh opening to our wandering eyes.
THE SEASONS. 363
3 0 how delightful 'tis to see
The earth in vernal beauty dress'd !
While in each herb, and flower, and tree,
Thy blooming glories shine confess'd !
4 Aloft, full beaming, reigns the sun,
And light and genial heat conveys ;
And, while he leads the seasons on,
From thee derives his quickening rays.
5 Indulgent God ! from every part
Thy plenteous blessings largely flow;
We see, we taste; — let every heart
With grateful love and duty glow.
67
L. M.
Autumn.
1 GREAT God, as seasons disappear,
And changes mark the rolling year ;
As time with rapid pinions flies,
May every season make us wise.
2 Long has thy favour crown'd our days,
And summer shed again its rays ;
No deadly cloud our sky has veil'd,
No blasting winds our path assail'd.
o Our harvest months have o'er us roll'd,
And fill'd our fields with waving gold ;
Our tables spread, our garners stored !
Where are our hearts to praise the Lord?
4 The solemn harvest comes apace,
The closing day of life and grace :
Time of decision, awful hour !
Around it let no tempests lower.
5 Prepare us, Lord, by grace divine,
Like stars in heaven to rise and shine;
Then shall our happy souls above
Reap the full harvest of thy love.
364 THE SEASONS.
CORONATION. C. M.
O. HOLDEN.
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THE SEASONS.
365
68
69
C. M.
Spring.
WHEN verdure clothes the fertile vale,
And blossoms deck the spray,
And fragrance breathes in every gale,
How sweet the vernal day !
Hark ! how the feather' d warblers sing!
'Tis nature's cheerful voice ;
Soft music hails the lovely spring,
And woods and fields rejoice.
0 God of nature and of grace,
Thy heavenly gifts impart;
Then shall my meditation trace
Spring blooming in my heart.
Inspired to praise, I then shall join
Glad nature's cheerful song ;
And love and gratitude divine
Attune my joyful tongue.
C. M.
Summer — A harvest hymn.
1 TO praise the ever bounteous Lord,
My soul, wake all thy powers;
He calls, and at his voice come forth
The smiling harvest hours.
2 His covenant with the earth he keeps ;
My tongue, his goodness sing :
Summer and winter know their time,
His harvest crowns the spring.
3 Well pleased the toiling swains behold
The waving yellow crop ;
With joy they bear the sheaves away,
And sow again in hope.
4 Thus teach me, gracious God, to sow
The seeds of righteousness ;
Smile on my soul, and with thy beams
The ripening harvest bless.
5 Then, in the last great harvest, I
Shall reap a glorious crop;
The harvest shall by far exceed
What I have sow'd in hope.
31*
366
THE SEASONS.
ONITIA.
MODERATO.
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1 PLEASING spring again is here !
Trees and fields in bloom appear !
Hark ! the birds, with artless lays,
Warble their Creator's praise !
2 Lord, afford a spring to me !
Let me feel like what I see :
Ah ! my winter has been long,
Chill'd my hopes, suppress'd my song.
3 How the soul in winter mourns,
Till the Lord, the Sun, returns !
Till the Spirit's gentle rain
Bids the heart revive again !
71
THE SEASONS. 367
0 beloved Saviour, haste,
Tell me all the storms are past :
Speak, and by thy gracious voice
Make my drooping soul rejoice.
7s.
Jesus in the seasons.
1 SPRING- returns, and brings along
Life-invigorating suns :
Hark ! the turtle's plaintive song
Seems to speak his dying groans.
2 Summer has a thousand charms
All expressive of his worth ;
'Tis his sun that lights and warms,
His the air that cools the earth.
3 What ! has autumn left to say
Nothing of a Saviour's grace ?
Yes, the beams of milder day
Tell me of his smiling face.
4 Light appears with early dawn,
While the sun makes haste to rise ;
See his fleeting beauties dawn
On the blushes of the skies.
5 Evening with a silent pace,
Slowly moving in the west,
Shows an emblem of his grace,
Points to an eternal rest.
6 Winter has a joy for me,
While the Saviour's charms I read ;
Lowly, meek, from blemish free,
In the snowdrop's pensive head.
368 SPREAD OF TIIE GOSPEL.
MISSIONARY HYMN. 7s & 6s.
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72 7s & 6s.
1 FROM Greenland's icy mountains,
From India's coral strand :
Where Afric's sunny fountains
Roll down their golden sand;
From many an ancient river,
From many a palmy plain,
They call us to deliver
Their land from error's chain.
2 What though the spicy breezes
Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle,
Though every prospect pleases,
And only man is vile ;
In vain with lavish kindness
The gifts of G-od are strown;
The heathen in his blindness
Bows down to wood and stone.
3 Shall we, whose souls are lighted
AVith wisdom from on high,
Shall we to men benighted
The lamp of life deny?
Salvation ! 0 salvation !
The jo)-ful sound proclaim,
Till earth's remotest nation
Has learn'd 3Iessiah's name.
4 Waft, waft, ye winds, his story,
• And you, ye waters, roll,
Till, like a sea of glory,
It spreads from pole to pole ;
Till o'er our ransom' d nature,
The Lamb for sinners slain,
Redeemer, King, Creator,
In bliss returns to reign.
370
SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL.
LUTON. L. M.
BtJRDER.
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Bright as the sun's mo-ridian blaze, Vast as the blessings he con-
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L. M.
1 BRIGHT as the sun's meridian blaze,
Vast as the blessings he conveys,
Wide as his reign from pole to pole,
And permanent as his control :
2 So, Jesus, let thy kingdom come,
Then sin and hell's terrific gloom
Shall, at thy brightness, flee away,
The dawn of an eternal day.
3 Then shall the heathen, fill'd with awe,
Learn the blest knowledge of thy law :
And antichrist on every shore
Fall from his throne to rise no more.
SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. 371
4 Then shall thy lofty praise resound
On Afric's shores — through India's ground,
And islands of the southern sea
Shall stretch their eager arms to thee.
5 Then shall the Jew and Gentile meet
In pure devotion at thy feet ;
And earth shall yield thee, as thy due,
Her fulness and her glory too.
6 0 that from Zion now might shine
This heavenly light ; this truth divine :
Till the whole universe shall be
But one great temple, Lord, to thee.
74
75
L. M.
Jesus shall reign.
1 JESUS shall reign where'er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore
Till moons shall was and wane no more.
2 People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on his love with grateful song ;
And with united hearts proclaim
That grace and truth by Jesus came.
3 Blessings abound where'er he reigns ;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains,
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blest.
4 "Where he displays his healing power,
The sting of death is known no more :
In him the sons of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.
L. M.
Tlie glory of God in his tooi'ks and in his zcord.
1 GREAT Sun of righteousness, arise !
0 bless the world with heavenly light !
Thy gospel makes the simple wise :
Thy laws are pure — thy judgments right.
2 Thy noblest wonders here we view,
In souls renew'd and sins forgiven; —
Lord, cleanse my sins — my soul renew,
And make thy word my guide to heaven.
372
SPREAD OP THE GOSPKL.
GREENVILLE. 8s, 7s&4s.
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D. C. Lord, re-vive us, Lord, re-vive us ; All our help must come from thee.
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Prayer for a revival.
1 SAVIOUK, visit thy plantation :
Grant us, Lord, a gracious rain !
All will come to desolation,
Unless thou return again.
Lord, revive us !
All our help must come from thee.
2 Keep no longer at a distance ;
Shine upon us from on high,
Lest, for want of thine assistance,
Every plant should droop and die.
Lord, revive us !
All our help must come from thee.
SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. 373
Let our mutual love be fervent,
Make us prevalent in prayers ;
Let each one esteem' d thy servant
Shun the world's bewitching snares.
Lord, revive us !
All our help must come from thee.
Break the tempter's fatal power;
Turn the stony heart to flesh ;
And begin from this good hour
To revive thy work afresh.
Lord, revive us!
All our help must come from thee.
77 8s, 7s & 4s.
1 YES ! we trust the day is breaking;
Joyful times are near at hand :
God, the mighty God, is speaking
By his word in every land :
When he chooses,
Darkness flies at his command.
2 Let us hail the joyful season;
Let us hail the dawning ray :
When the Lord appears, there's reason
To expect a glorious day :
At his presence
Gloom and darkness flee away.
3 While the foe becomes more daring,
While he enters like a flood,
God, the Saviour, is preparing
Means to spread his truth abroad ;
Every language
Soon shall tell the love of God.
4 God of Jacob, high and glorious,
Let thy people see thy hand ;
Let the gospel be victorious
Through the world in every land ;
And the idols
Perish, Lord, at thy command.
32
374
EARLY PIETY.
WELLS. L. M.
Israel Holdroyd.
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Behold, the months come hastening on,
When you shall say, " My joys are gone."
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78
L. M.
J. caZZ fo i/ie young.
1 NOW, in the heat of youthful blood,
Remember your Creator, God :
Behold, the months come hastening on,
When you shall say, " My joys are gone."
2 God from on high beholds your thoughts ;
His book records your secret faults ;
The works of darkness men have done
Must all appear before the sun.
3 Behold the aged sinner goes,
Laden with guilt and heavy woes,
Down to the regions of the dead,
With bitterest curses on his head.
79
EARLY PIETY. 375
4 The dust returns to dust again ;
The soul, in agonies of pain,
Ascends to God, not there to dwell,
But hears her doom, and sinks to hell.
5 God of the young ! turn off their eyes
From earth's alluring vanities;
And let the warnings of thy word
Awake their souls to fear the Lord.
L. M.
Prayer of parents for their offspring.
1 NOW, Father, Son and Holy Ghost,
To whom we for our children cry !
The good desired and wanted most,
Out of thy richest grace supply.
2 Error and ignorance remove,
The blindness of their hearts and mind;
Give them the wisdom from above,
Spotless and peaceable and kind.
3 Unite what long has been disjoined.
Knowledge and vital piety ;
Learning and holiness combined,
And truth and love let all men see.
4 Father, accept them through thy Son,
And ever by thy Spirit guide !
Thy wisdom in their lives be shown,
Thy name confess'd and glorified.
80
L. M.
Dangers of delay.
1 WHY should I say 'tis yet too soon
To seek for heaven or think of death ?
A flower may fade before 'tis noon,
And I this day may lose my breath.
2 What if the Lord grow wroth, and swear,
While I refuse to read and pray,
That he'll refuse to lend an ear
To all my groans another day !
3 'Tis dangerous to provoke our God :
His power and vengeance none can tell ;
One stroke of his almighty rod
Shall send young sinners quick to hell.
376 EARLY PIETY.
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81 c> M-
Youth invited to love Christ.
1 YE hearts with youthful vigour warm,
In smiling crowds draw near ;
And turn from every mortal charm,
A Saviour's voice to hear.
2 He, Lord of all the worlds on high,
Stoops to converse with you;
And lays his radiant glories hy,
Your friendship to pursue.
3 " The soul that longs to see my face
Is sure my love to gain ;
And those that early seek my grace
Shall never seek in vain."
4 What object, Lord, my soul should move,
If once compared with thee ?
What beauty should command my love,
Like that in Christ I see ?
5 Away, ye false, delusive toys,
Vain tempters of the mind !
'Tis here I fix my lasting choice,
And here true bliss I find.
82
C. M.
Advantages of religion in youth.
1 HAPPY is he whose early years
Receive instruction well;
Who hates the sinner's path, and fear
The road that leads to hell.
2 'Tis easier work, if we begin
To serve the Lord betimes ;
While sinners, who grow old in sin,
Are harden'd by their crimes.
3 It saves us from a thousand snares
To mind religion young;
With joy it crowns succeeding years,
And makes our virtues strong.
4 To thee, Almighty G-od ! to thee
Our hearts we now resign :
'Twill please us to look back and see
That our whole lives were thine.
32*
378
EARLY PIETY.
MONTVILLE. S. M.
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With hum-ble heart and tongue, My God, to thee I pray;
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83
S. M.
Prayer of a youth.
1 WITH humble heart and tongue,
My God, to thee I pray ;
0 bring me now, while I am young,
To thee the living way.
2 Make an unguarded youth
The object of thy care;
Help me to choose the way of truth,
And fly from every snare.
3 My heart, to folly prone,
Renew by power divine ;
Unite it to thyself alone,
And make me wholly thine.
EARLY PIETY. 379
4 0 let thy word of grace
My warmest thoughts employ;
Be this, through all my following days,
My treasure arid my joy.
5 To what thy laws impart,
Be my whole soul inclined ;
0 let them dwell within my heart,
And sanctify my mind.
84
S. M.
Prayer for children.
1 GREAT God, now condescend
To bless our rising race ;
Soon may their willing spirits bend
To thy victorious grace.
2 0 what a vast delight
Their happiness to see !
Our warmest wishes all unite
To lead their souls to thee.
3 Dear Lord, thy Spirit pour
Upon our infant seed ;
0 bring the long'd-for happy hour
That makes them thine indeed.
4 May they receive thy word,
Confess the Saviour's name ;
Then follow their despised Lord
Through the baptismal stream.
5 Thus let our favour' d race
Surround thy sacred board,
There to adore thy sovereign grace
And sing their dying Lord.
380
THE BIBLE.
ORLAND. L. M.
Dr. Arnold.
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THE BIBLE. 381
L. M.
The usefulness of the Scriptures.
1 WHEN Israel through the desert pass'd,
A fiery pillar went before,
To guide them through the dreary waste,
Aud lessen the fatigues they bore.
2 Such is thy glorious word, 0 God !
'Tis for our light and guidance given ;
It sheds a lustre all abroad,
And points the path to bliss and heaven.
3 It fills the soul with sweet delight,
And quickens its inactive powers ;
It sets our wandering footsteps right;
Displays thy love, and kindles ours.
4 Its promises rejoice our hearts;
Its doctrines are divinely true;
Knowledge and pleasure it imparts;
It comforts and instructs us too.
5 Ye favour' d lands that have this word,
Ye saints who feel its saving power,
Unite your tongues to praise the Lord,
And his distinguished grace adore.
L. M.
Divine authority of the Bible.
1 'TWAS by an order from the Lord,
The ancient prophets spoke his word;
His Spirit did their tongues inspire,
And warm'd their hearts with heavenly fire.
2 The works and wonders which they wrought
Oonfirm'd the messages they brought :
The prophet's pen succeeds his breath,
To save the holy words from death.
3 Great God ! mine eyes with pleasure look
On the dear volume of thy book ;
There my Redeemer's face I see,
And read his name who died for me.
4 Let the false raptures of the mind
Be lost, and vanish in the wind;
Here I can fix my hopes secure :
This is thy word, and must endure.
382
THE BIBLE.
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ALLEGRETTO. . ■
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THE BIBLE. SS'i
C. M.
1 HOW shall the young secure their hearts,
And guard their lives from sin?
Thy word the choicest rules imparts,
To keep the conscience clean.
2 'Tis like the sun — a heavenly light,
That guides us all the day ;
And, through the dangers of the night,
A lamp to lead our way.
3 Thy precepts make me truly wise;
I hate the sinner's road ;
I hate my own vain thoughts that rise,
But love thy law, my God.
4 Thy word is everlasting truth,
How pure is every page ! —
That holy book shall guide our youth,
And well support our age.
88 c- M-
1 GREAT God, with wonder and with praise,
On all thy works I look ;
But still thy wisdom, power, and grace,
Shine brightest in thy book.
2 Lord, make me understand thy law :
Show what my faults have been;
And from the gospel let me draw
Pardon for all my sin.
3 Here would I learn how Christ has died
To save my soul from hell;
Not all the books on earth beside,
Such heavenly wonders tell.
4 Then let me love my Bible more,
And take a fresh delight
By day to read these wonders o'er,
And meditate by night.
384 THE BIBLE.
WOODSTOCK. C. P. M.
D. Dutton, Jr.
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1 HOW precious, Lord, thy sacred word
What light and joy those leaves afford
To souls in deep distress !
Thy precepts guide our doubtful way,
Thy fear forbids our feet to stray,
Thy promise leads to rest.
90
THE BIBLE. 385
Thy threatenings wake our slumbering eyes,
And warn us where our danger lies;
But 'tis thy gospel, Lord,
That makes the guilty conscience clean,
Converts the soul, and conquers sin,
And gives a free reward.
C. P. M.
The excellency of Christ.
0 COULD I speak the matchless worth,-
0 could I sound the glories forth
Which in my Saviour shine ;
I'd soar and touch the heavenly strings,
And vie with Gabriel while he sings,
In notes almost divine.
I'd sing the characters he bears,
And all the forms of love he wears,
Exalted on his throne :
In loftiest songs of sweetest praise,
1 would, to everlasting days,
Make all his glories known.
Soon the delightful day will come
When my dear Lord will bring me home,
And I shall see his face;
Then, with my Saviour, brother, friend,
A bless'd eternity I'll spend —
Triumphant in his grace.
33
386 THE BIBLE.
DOVEK. S. M.
HODERATO.
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His beams through all the nations run, And life and light con-vey.
91 s- «•
1 BEHOLD, the morning sun
Begins his glorious way;
His beams through all the nations run,
And life and light convey.
2 But where the gospel comes,
It spreads diviner light,
It calls dead sinners from their tombs,
And gives the blind their sight.
3 How perfect is thy word !
And all thy judgments just !
For ever sure thy promise, Lord,
And we securely trust.
4 My gracious God, how plain
Are thy directions given !
O may I never read in vain,
But find the path to heaven.
92
THE BIBLE. 387
S. M.
Safety in keeping God's precepts.
1 HOW perfect is thy word,
Thy judgments all are just;
And ever in thy promise, Lord,
May man securely trust.
2 I hear thy word in love ; —
In faith thy word obey ;
0 send thy Spirit from above,
To teach me, Lord, thy way.
3 Thy counsels all are plain,
Thy precepts all are pure ;
And long as heaven and earth remain,
Thy truth shall still endure.
4 0 may my soul, with joy,
Trust in thy faithful word :
Be it through life my glad employ,
To keep thy precepts, Lord
93
S. M.
Invitation and learning.
1 THE Lord declares his will,
And keeps the world in awe ;
Amid the smoke on Sinai's hill
Breaks out his fiery law.
2 The Lord reveals his face,
And smiling from above,
Sends down the gospel of his grace,
Th' epistles of his love.
3 These sacred words impart
Our Maker's just commands;
The pity of his melting heart,
And vengeance of his hands.
4 We read the heavenly word,
We take the offer'd grace,
Obey the statutes of the Lord,
And trust his promises.
388
AFFLICTION AND DEATH.
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If, pierced by sin and sorrows here, We could not fly to thee
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C. M.
Comfort in affliction.
1 0 THOU who driest the mourner's tear,
How dark this world would be,
If, pierced by sins and sorrows here,
We could not fly to thee !
2 The friends, who in our sunshine live,
When winter comes, are flown;
And he who has but tears to give,
Must weep those tears alone.
3 But thou wilt hear that broken heart,
Which, like the plants that throw
Their fragrance from the wounded part,
Breathes sweetness out of wo.
AFFLICTION AND DEATH. 389
4 When joy no longer soothes or cheers,
And e'en the hope that threw
A moment's sparkle o'er our tears,
Is dimm'd and vanish'd too !
5 0 who could bear life's stormy doom,
Did not thy wing of love
Come brightly wafting through the gloom
Our peace-branch from above ?
6 Then sorrow touch'd by thee grows bright
With more than rapture's ray ;
As darkness shows us worlds of light
We never saw by day.
95
C. M.
Comfort in sickness and death.
1 WHEN sickness shakes the languid frame,
Each phantom pleasure flies ;
Vain hopes of bliss no more obscure
Our long-deluded eyes.
2 The tottering frame of mortal life
Shall crumble into dust ;
Nature shall faint ; but learn, my soul,
On nature's God to trust.
3 The man whose pious heart is fix'd
Securely on his God,
In every frown may comfort find,
And kiss the chastening rod.
4 Nor him shall death itself alarm;
On heaven his soul relies ;
With joy he views his Maker's love,
And with composure dies.
33*
390 AFFLICTION AND DEATH.
BANGOR. C. M.
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Affliction, or meditation on God's love.
1 WHEN languor and disease invade
This trembling house of clay,
'Tis sweet to look beyond my pains
And long to fly away.
2 Sweet to look inward, and attend
The whispers of his love ;
Sweet to look upward to the place
Where Jesus pleads above.
3 Sweet to look back, and see my name
In life's fair book set down ;
Sweet to look forward, and behold
Eternal joys my own.
AFFLICTION AND DEATH. 391
4 Sweet to reflect how grace divine
My sins on Jesus laid ;
Sweet to remember that his blood
My debt of suffering paid.
5 Sweet in his righteousness to stand,
Which saves from second death ;
Sweet to experience, day by day,
His spirit's quickening breath.
6 If such the sweetness of the streams,
"What must the fountain be,
Where saints and angels draw their bliss
Immediately from thee !
97
C M.
At the funeral of a young person.
1 WHEN blooming youth is snatch'd away
By death's resistless hand,
Our hearts the mournful tribute pay
Which pity must demand.
2 While pity prompts the rising sigh,
0 may this truth, imprest
With awful power, — " I too must die I"
Sink deep in every breast.
3 Let this vain world delude no more ;
Behold the gaping tomb !
It bids us seize the present hour,
To-morrow death may come.
4 The voice of this alarming scene
May every heart obey ;
Nor be the heavenly warning vain,
Which calls to watch and pray.
5 0 let us fly — to Jesus fly,
Whose powerful arm can save ;
Then shall our hopes ascend on high,
And triumph o'er the grave.
392
AFFLICTION AND DEATH.
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L. M.
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I7ie peaceful death of the righteous.
1 SWEET is the scene when Christians die,
When holy souls retire to rest :
How mildly beams the closing eye !
How gently heaves th' expiring breast !
2 So fades a summer cloud away ;
So sinks the gale when storms are o'er;
So gently shuts the eye of day;
So dies a wave along the shore.
3 Triumphant smiles the victor's brow,
Fann'd by some guardian angel's wing :
O grave ! where is thy victory now ?
And where, 0 death ! where is thy sting ?
99
100
AFFLICTION AND DEATH. 393
L. M.
Death of an infant.
1 SO fades the lovely, blooming flower,
Frail, smiling solace of an hour ;
So soon our transient comforts fly,
And pleasure only blooms to die.
2 Is there no kind, no healing art
To soothe the anguish of the heart ?
Spirit of grace, be ever nigh :
Thy comforts are not made to die.
3 Let gentle patience smile on pain,
Till dying hope revives again ;
Hope wipes the tear from sorrow's eye,
And faith points upward to the sky.
L. M.
God appointeth affliction.
1 NOT from relentless fate's dark womb,
Or from the dust, our troubles come.
No fickle chance presides o'er grief,
To cause the pain, or send relief.
2 Look up, and see, ye sorrowing saints !
The cause and cure of your complaints.
Know, 'tis your heavenly Father's will :
Bid every murmur then be still.
3 He sees we need the painful yoke;
Yet love directs his heaviest stroke.
He takes no pleasure in our smart,
But wounds to heal and cheer the heart.
4 Blest trials those that cleanse from sin,
And make the soul all pure within,
Wean the fond mind from earthly toys,
To seek and taste celestial joys !
394
AFFLICTION AND DEATH.
CHINA. C. M.
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C. M.
T7ie death and burial of a saint.
1 WHY do we mourn departing friends ?
Or shake at death's alarms ?
'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends
To call them to his arms.
2 Are we not tending upward too,
As fast as time cau move ?
Nor would we wish the hours more slow,
To keep us from our love.
3 Why should we tremble to convey
Their bodies to the tomb ?
There the dear flesh of Jesus lay,
His light dispell'd its gloom.
AFFLICTION AND DEATH. 395
4 The graves of all his saints he bless'd,
And soften'd every bed ;
Where should the dying members rest,
But with the dying Head ?
5 Thence he arose, ascending high,
And show'd our feet the way ;
Up to the Lord our flesh shall fly
At the great rising-day.
6 Then let the last loud trumpet sound,
And bid our kindred rise ;
Awake, ye nations under ground,
Ye saints, ascend the skies.
102
C. M.
On the death of a child.
1 LIFE is a span, a fleeting hour ;
How soon the vapour flies !
Man is a tender, transient flower
That e'en in blooming dies.
2 The once lov'd form, now cold and dead,
Each mournful thought employs ;
And nature weeps her comforts fled,
And wither'd all her joys.
3 But wait the interposing gloom,
And lo ! stern winter flies j
And, dressed in beauty's fairest bloom,
The flowery tribes arise.
4 Hope looks beyond the bounds of time,
When what we now deplore
Shall rise in full immortal prime,
And bloom to fade no more.
5 Then cease, fond nature! cease thy tears;
Religion points on high :
There everlasting spring appears,
And joys that cannot die.
396 TIME — ETERNITY.
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C. M.
Frailty ami folly.
1 HOW short and hasty is our life !
How vast our souls' affairs !
Yet senseless mortals vainly strive
To lavish out their years.
2 Our days run thoughtlessly along,
Without a moment's stay;
Just like a story, or a song,
We pass our lives away.
3 God from on high invites us home,
But we march heedless on,
And ever hastening to the tomb,
Stoop downwards as we run.
TIME — ETERNITY. 397
4 How we deserve the deepest hell,
That slight the joys above !
What chains of vengeance should we feel,
That break such chords of love !
5 Draw us, 0 Saviour, with thy grace,
And lift our thoughts on high,
That we may end this mortal race,
And see salvation nigh.
104
C. M.
Time is sJiort.
1 THE time is short ! the season near
When death will us remove ;
To leave our friends, however dear,
And all we fondly love.
2 The time is short ! sinners, beware,
Nor trifle time away ;
The word of great salvation hear
While it is calPd to-day.
3 The time is short ! ye rebels, now
To Christ the Lord submit;
To mercy's golden sceptre bow,
And fall at Jesus' feet.
4 The time is short ! ye saints rejoice —
The Lord will quickly come :
Soon shall you hear the Bridegroom's voice,
To call you to your home.
5 The time is short ! it swiftly flies —
The hour is just at hand,
When we shall mount above the skies,
And reach the wish'd-for land.
G The time is short ! — the moment near
When we shall dwell above,
And be for ever happy there
With Jesus, whom we love.
34
398 TIME — ETERNITY.
FOREST. L. M.
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L. M.
Improving time.
1 THAT awful hour will soon appear,
Swift on the wings of time it flies,
When all that pains or pleases here
Will vanish from my closing eyes.
2 Death calls my friends, my neighbours hence,
And none resist the fatal dart :
Continual warnings strike my sense,
And shall they fail to strike my heart?
3 Think, 0 my soul ! how much depends
On the short period of to-day :
Shall time, which heaven in mercy lends,
Be negligently thrown away ?
4 Thy wasting minutes strive to use ;
Awake, arouse every active power ;
And not in dreams and trifles lose
This little, this important hour !
5 Lord of my life, inspire my heart
With heavenly ardour, grace divine j
Nor let thy presence e'er depart,
For strength and life and death are thine.
106
107
TIME — ETERNITY. 399
6 0 teach me some celestial skill,
Each awful warning to improve ;
And, while my days are shortening still,
Prepare me for the joys above.
L. M.
1 LIFE is the time to serve the Lord,
The time t' insure the great reward;
And while the lamp holds out to burn,
The vilest sinner may return.
2 Life is the hour that God has given
T' escape from hell, and fly to heaven;
The day of grace — and mortals may
Secure the blessings of the day.
3 Then, what my thoughts design to do,
My hands, with all your might, pursue ;
Since no device, nor work, is found,
Nor faith, nor hope, beneath the ground.
4 There are no acts of pardon pass'd
In the cold grave to which we haste ;
But darkness, death, and long despair
Reign in eternal silence there.
L. M.
The soul's best portion.
1 ALMIGHTY Maker of my frame,
Teach me the measure of my days;
Teach me to know how frail I am,
And spend the remnant to thy praise.
2 My days are shorter than a span;
A little point my life appears;
How frail, at best, is dying man !
How vain are all his hopes and fears !
3 Vain his ambition, noise, and show :
Vain are the cares which rack his mind :
He heaps up treasures mis'd with wo,
And dies, and leaves them all behind.
4 0 be a nobler portion mine !
My God, I bow before thy throne ;
Earth's fleeting treasures I resign,
And fix my hope on thee alone.
400 JUDGMENT — HEAVEN.
RESIGNATION. C. M.
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1 JERUSALEM ! my happy home !
Name ever dear to me !
When shall my labours have an end,
In joy, and peace, and thee ?
2 When shall these eyes thy heaven-built walls
And pearly gates behold ?
Thy bulwarks, with salvation strong,
And streets of shining gold ?
3 0 when, thou city of my God,
Shall I thy courts ascend,
Where congregations ne'er break up,
And Sabbaths have no end ?
JUDGMENT — HEAVEN. 401
4 There happier bowers than Eden's bloom,
Nor sin nor sorrow know :
Blest seats ! through rude and stormy scenes,
I onward press to you.
5 Why should I shrink at pain and wo ?
Or feel at death dismay ?
I've Canaan's goodly land in view,
And realms of endless day.
6 Apostles, martyrs, prophets there,
Around my Saviour stand ;
And soon my friends in Christ below
"Will join the glorious band.
7 Jerusalem ! my happy home !
My soul still pants for thee !
Then shall my labours have an end,
When I thy joys shall see.
109
C. M.
Banishment from God intolerable.
1 THAT awful day will surely come,
Th' appointed hour makes haste,
When I must stand before my Judge,
And pass the solemn test.
2 Thou lovely Chief of all my joys —
Thou Sovereign of my heart —
How could I bear to hear thy voice
Pronounce the word — " Depart !"
3 0 wretched state of deep despair,
To see my God remove,
And fix my doleful station where
I must not taste his love.
4 0 tell me that my worthless name
Is graven on thy hands ;
Show me some promise in thy book,
Where my salvation stands !
34*
402
JUDGMENT — HEAVEN.
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8s, 7s & 4s.
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Judgment.
1 LO ! he comes, with clouds descending,
Once for favour'd sinners slain :
Thousand, thousand saints attending,
Swell the triumph of his train :
Hallelujah,
Jesus now shall ever reign !
Ill
JUDGMENT — HEAVEN. 403
Every eye shall now behold him
Rob'd in dreadful majesty ;
Those who set at naught and sold him
Pierc'd and nail'd him to the tree,
Deeply wailing,
Shall the great Messiah see ?
Every island, sea and mountain,
Heaven and earth shall flee away;
All who hate him must, confounded,
Hear the trump proclaim the day:
Come to judgment !
Come to judgment ! come away !
Now redemption, long expected,
See in solemn pomp appear !
All his saints, by man rejected,
Now shall meet him in the air !
Hallelujah !
See the day of God appear !
Yea ! Amen ! let all adore thee,
High on thine exalted throne ;
Saviour ! take the power and glory ;
Claim the kingdoms for thine own !
O come quickly !
Hallelujah ! Come, Lord, come !
8s, 7s & 4s.
The day of judgment.
DAY of judgment — day of wonders,
Hark ! the trumpet's awful sound,
Louder than a thousand thunders,
Shakes the vast creation round !
How the summons
Will the sinner's heart confound !
See the Judge our nature wearing,
Cloth'd in majesty divine !
Ye who long for his appearing,
Then shall say, "This God is mine !"
Gracious Saviour !
Own me in that day for thine !
Under sorrows and reproaches,
May this thought our courage raise !
Swiftly God's great day approaches,
Sighs shall then be chang'd to praise !
May we triumph
When the world is in a blaze !
404
JUDGMENT — HEAVEN.
WOODLAND. 8s&6s.
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To mourning wand'rers given ;
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Tlie heavenly rest.
1 THERE is an hour of peaceful rest,
To mourning wand'rers given ;
There is a joy for souls distress'd,
A balm for every wounded breast —
'Tis found above — in heaven.
2 There is a soft, a downy bed,
'Tis fair as breath of even' ;
A couch for weary mortals spread,
Where they may rest the aching head,
And find repose in heaven.
113
JUDGMENT — HEAVEN. 405
3 There is a home for weary souls,
By sin and sorrow driven ;
"When toss'd on life's tempestuous shoals,
Where storms arise and ocean rolls,
And all is drear — but heaven.
4 There faith lifts up her cheerful eye,
To brighter prospects given ;
And views the tempest passing by,
The evening shadows quickly fly,
And all serene — in heaven.
5 There fragrant flowers immortal bloom,
And joys supreme are given;
There rays divine disperse the gloom : —
Beyond the confines of the tomb
Appears the dawn of heaven.
8s & 6s.
Nothing like heaven.
1 THIS world is poor from shore to shore,
And, like a baseless vision,
Its lofty domes and brilliant ore,
Its gems and crowns, are vain and poor; —
There's nothing rich but heaven.
2 Empires decay and nations die,
Our hopes to winds are given :
The vernal blooms in ruin lie,
Death reigns o'er all beneath the sky ; —
There's nothing sure but heaven.
3 Creation's mighty fabric all
Shall be to atoms riven. —
The skies consume, the planets fall,
Convulsions rock this earthly ball ; —
There's nothing firm but heaven.
4 A stranger, lonely here I roam,
From place to place am driven;
My friends are gone, and I'm in gloom,
This earth is all a dismal tomb ; —
I have no home but heaven.
5 The clouds disperse — the light appears,
My sins are all forgiven,
Triumphant grace hath quelled my fears; —
Roll on, thou sun ! fly swift, my years !
I'm on my way to heaven.
406 JUDGMENT — HEAVEN.
ELTHAM. 7s.
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115
JUDGMENT — HEAVEN. 407
7s.
The saints in heaven.
WHO are these in bright array,
This innumerable throng,
Round the altar night and day,
Tuning their triumphant song ?
"Worthy is the Lamb, once slain,
Blessing, honour, glory, power,
Wisdom, riches, to obtain
New dominion every hour."
These through fiery trials trod,
These from great affliction came ;
Now, before the throne of God,
Seal'd with his eternal name,
Clad in raiment pure and white,
Victor palms in every hand,
Through their great Redeemer's might,
More than conquerors they stand.
Hunger, thirst, disease unknown,
On immortal fruits they feed :
Them the Lamb amid the throne
Shall to living fountains lead.
Joy and gladness banish sighs ;
Perfect love dispels their fears ;
And for ever from their eyes
God shall wipe away their tears.
7s.
Heavenly anticipations.
IF 'tis sweet to mingle where
Christians meet for social prayer;
If 'tis sweet with them to raise
Songs of holy joy and praise; —
Passing sweet that state must be
Where they meet eternally.
Saviour, may these meetings prove
Preparations for above ;
While we worship in this place,
May we grow from grace to grace,
Till we, each in his degree,
Fit for endless glory be.
408
JUDGMENT — HEAVEN.
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116
JUDGMENT — HEAVEN. 409
lis.
I would not live alway.
1 I "WOULD not live alway : I ask not to stay
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way ;
The few lurid mornings that dawn on us here,
Are enough for life's woes, full enough for its cheer.
2 I would not live alway, thus fetter'd by sin ;
Temptation without and corruption within :
E'en the rapture of pardon is mingled with fears,
And the cup of thanksgiving with penitent tears.
3 I would not live alway : no — welcome the tomb !
Since Jesus has lain there, I dread not its gloom ;
There sweet be my rest, till he bid me arise
To hail him in triumph descending the skies.
4 Who, who would live alway, away from his God ;
Away from yon heaven, that blissful abode,
Where the rivers of pleasure flow o'er the bright plains,
And the noontide of glory eternally reigns;
5 Where the saints of all ages in harmony meet,
Their Saviour and brethren, transported to greet :
"While the anthems of rapture unceasingly roll,
And the smile of the Lord is the feast of the soul !
117
lis.
Precious promises.
1 HOW firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word !
What more can he say than to you he has said?
You, who unto Jesus for refuge have fled.
2 In every condition — in sickness, in health,
In poverty's vale, or abounding in wealth,
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, so thy succour shall be.
3 The soul that on Jesus has lean'd for repose,
I will not, I cannot desert to his foes :
That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake,
I'll never — no, never — no, never forsake !
35
410 MISCELLANEOUS.
MARLOW. C. M.
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How sweet the name of Je-sus sounds, In a be - liev-er's ear !
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118
C. M.
Christ precious.
1 HOW sweet the name of Jesus sounds
In a believer's ear !
It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,
And drives away his fear.
2 It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
'Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary, rest.
3 By him my prayers acceptance gain,
Although with sin defil'd ;
Satan accuses me in vain,
And I am own'd a child.
MISCELLANEOUS. 411
4 Weak is the effort of my heart,
And cold my warmest thought;
But when I see thee as thou art,
I'll praise thee as I ought.
5 Till then, I would thy love proclaim,
With every fleeting breath ;
And may the music of thy name
Refresh my soul in death.
119
C. M.
God eternal and unchangeable.
1 GREAT God, how infinite art thou !
How frail and weak are we !
Let the whole race of creatures bow
And pay their praise to thee.
2 Thy throne eternal ages stood,
Ere earth or heaven was made ;
Thou art the ever-living God,
Were all the nations dead.
3 Nature and time all open lie
To thine immense survey,
From the formation of the sky,
To the last awful day.
4 Eternity, with all its years,
Stands present to thy view;
To thee there's nothing old appears,
To thee there's nothing new.
5 Our lives through various scenes are drawn,
And vex'd with trifliDg cares ;
While thine eternal thought moves on
Thine undisturb'd affairs.
6 Great God, how infinite art thou !
How frail and weak are we !
Let the whole race of creatures bow
And pay their praise to thee.
412 MISCELLANEOUS.
SUFFERING SAVIOUR. C. H.
A - las ! and did my Sa-viour bleed, And did my Sove-reign
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120
C. M.
Sorroivfor the stiffen' tigs of the Saviour.
1 ALAS ! and did my Saviour bleed,
And did my Sovereign die ?
Would he devote that sacred head
For such a worm as I ?
2 Was it for crimes that I had done
He groan'd upon the tree ?
Amazing pity ! grace unknown !
And love beyond degree !
3 Well might the sun in darkness hide,
And shut his glories in,
When Christ the mighty Maker died
For man the creature's sin !
4 Thus might I hide my blushing face,
While his dear cross appears ;
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt my eyes to tears.
5 But drops of grief can ne'er repay
The debt of love I owe ;
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
'Tis all that I can do.
121
MISCELLANEOUS. 413
C. M.
The love of a dying Saviour.
1 BEHOLD the Saviour of mankind
Nail'd to the shameful tree !
How vast the love that him inclin'd
To bleed and die for thee !
2 Hark, how he groans ! while nature shakes,
And earth's strong pillars bend !
The temple's vail in sunder breaks,
The solid marbles rend.
3 'Tis done ! the precious ransom's paid ;
" Receive my soul !" he cries :
See where he bows his sacred head !
He bows his head and dies !
4 But soon he'll break death's envious chain,
And in full glory shine;
0 Lamb of God ! was ever pain,
Was ever love like thine !
122
C. M.
Tribute to the Lamb.
1 COME, let us join our cheerful songs
With angels round the throne ;
Ten thousand thousand are their tongues,
But all their joys are one.
2 " Worthy the Lamb that died," they cry,
To be exalted thus ;
"Worthy the Lamb," our lips reply,
For he was slain for us.
3 Jesus is worthy to receive
Honour and power divine ;
And blessings more than we can give,
Be, Lord ! for ever thine.
4 Let all that dwell above the sky,
And air, and earth, and seas,
Conspire to lift thy glories high,
And speak thine endless praise !
35*
414
MISCELLANEOUS.
ST. MARTIN'S. C. M.
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And light to shine up - on the road, That leads me to the Lamb.
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123
C. M.
Walking with God.
1 0 FOK a closer walk with God,
A calm and heavenly frame,
And light to shine upon the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
2 Where is the blessedness I knew
When first I saw the Lord ?
Where is the soul-refreshing view
Of Jesus and his word?
3 What peaceful hours I then enjoy'd !
How sweet their memory still !
But now I find an aching void,
The world can never fill.
MISCELLANEOUS. 415
4 lleturn, 0 holy Dove, return,
Sweet messenger of rest !
I hate the sins that made thee mourn,
And drove thee from my breast.
5 The dearest idol I have known,
"Whate'er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne,
And worship only thee.
6 So shall my walk be close with God,
Calm and serene my frame !
And purer light shall mark the road
That leads me to the Lamb.
124
C. M.
Christ's compassion.
1 HOW condescending and how kind
Was God's eternal Son !
Our misery reach'd his heavenly mind,
And pity brought him down.
2 This was compassion like a God,
That when the Saviour knew
The price of pardon was his blood,
His pity ne'er withdrew.
3 Now, though he reigns exalted high,
His love is still as great :
Well he remembers Calvary,
Nor should his saints forget.
4 Here we receive repeated seals
Of Jesus' dying love :
Hard is the heart that never feels
One soft affection move.
5 Here let our hearts begin to melt,
While we his death record,
And with our joy for pardon'd guilt,
Mourn that we pierc'd the Lord.
416 MISCELLANEOUS.
ROTHERHAM. L. M.
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Are not thy mer-cies large and free ? May not the con-trite trust in thee ?
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125
L. M.
1 SHOW pity. Lord ! 0 Lord, forgive !
Let a repenting sinner live :
Are not thy mercies large and free ?
May not the contrite trust in thee ?
2 With shame my numerous sins I trace
Against thy law, against thy grace ;
And, though my prayer thou shouldst not hear,
My doom is just and thou art clear.
3 Yet save a penitent, 0 Lord !
Whose hope, still hovering round thy word,
Seeks for some precious promise there,
Some sure support against despair.
MISCELLANEOUS. 417
4 My sins are great, but don't surpass
The riches of eternal grace;
Great God, thy nature hath no bound,
So let thy pard'ning love be found.
5 O wash my soul from every stain,
Nor let the guilt I mourn remain ;
Give me to hear thy pard'ning voice,
And bid my bleeding heart rejoice.
6 Then shall thy love inspire my tongue,
Salvation shall be all my song ;
And every power shall join to bless
The Lord, my strength and righteousness.
126
L. M.
Christ's intercession.
1 HE lives, the great Redeemer lives,
(What joy the blest assurance gives !)
And now, before his Father, God,
Pleads the full merit of his blood.
2 Repeated crimes awake our fears,
And justice arm'd with frowns appears;
But in the Saviour's lovely face
Sweet mercy smiles, and all is peace.
3 Hence, then, ye black, despairing thoughts !
Above our fears, above our faults,
His powerful intercessions rise,
And guilt recedes and terror dies.
4 In every dark, distressful hour,
"When sin and Satan join their power,
Let this dear hope repel the dart,
That Jesus bears us on his heart.
5 Great Advocate, Almighty Friend —
On him our humble hopes depend :
Our cause can never, never fail,
For Jesus pleads and must prevail.
418
MISCELLANEOUS.
WATCHMAN, TELL US, &c. 7s.
With deliberation, and rather ad. lib.
Soln. — Soprano.
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Je-sus, lov-er of my soul, Let me to thy bo-som fly,
Solo.— Tenor.
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While the bil-lows near me roll, While the tem-pest still is high ;
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Hide me, 0 my Sa-viour, hide, Till the storm of life be past ;
Solo.— Tenor.
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Safe in - to the ha - Yen guide, 0 re - ccive my soul at last !
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Chorus.
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127
MISCELLANEOUS. 419
7s.
1 JESUS, lover of my soul,
Let me to thy bosom fly,
While the billows near me roll,
"While the tempest still is high ;
Hide me, 0 my Saviour, hide,
Till the storm of life is past;
Safe into the haven guide,
0 receive my soul at last !
2 Other refuge have I none ;
Lo ! I, helpless, hang on thee;
Leave, 0 leave me not alone,
Lest I basely shrink and flee :
Thou art all my trust and aid,
All my help from thee I bring ;
Cover my defenceless head
With the shadow of thy wing.
3 Thou, 0 Christ, art all I want ;
Boundless love in thee I find :
Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
Just and holy is thy name :
I'm all unrighteousness;
Vile and full of sin I am,
Thou art full of truth and grace.
4 Plenteous grace with thee is found,
Grace to pardon all my sin ;
Let the healing streams abound,
Make and keep me pure within.
Thou of life the fountain art,
Freely let me take of thee :
Reign, 0 Lord, within my heart,
Reign to all eternity.
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420 MISCELLANEOUS.
MAETYN. 7s.
B. S. Marsii.
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36
MISCELLANEOUS. 421
7s.
Rock smitten; or the Rock of Ages.
ROCK of ages, cleft for me !
Let me hide myself in thee ;
Let the water and the blood,
From thy wounded side that flow'd,
Be of sin the perfect cure ;
Save me, Lord ! and make me pure.
Should my tears for ever flow,
Should my zeal no languor know,
This for sin could not atone,
Thou must save, and thou alone :
In my hand no price I bring;
Simply to thy cross I cling.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When mine eyelids close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold thee on thy throne,
Rock of ages, cleft for me !
Let me hide myself in thee.
7s.
Sun of Righteousness.
CHRIST, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ, the true, the only light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Triumph o'er the shades of night ;
Day-spring from on high, be near ;
Day-star, in my heart appear.
Dark and cheerless is the morn,
If thy light is hid from me ;
Joyless is the day's return,
Till thy mercy's beams I see ; —
Till thy inward light impart
Warmth and gladness to my heart.
Visit, then, this soul of mine;
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief}
Fill me, radiant Sun divine ;
Scatter all my unbelief;
More and more thyself display,
Shining to the perfect day.
422
MISCELLANEOUS.
MIDDLETON.
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8s & 7s.
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Come, thou fount of ev'-ry blessing, Tune my heart to sing thy grace;
Streams of mer-cy ne-ver eeas-ing, Calls for songs of loud-est praise.
D. C. Fill my soul with sa-cred plea-sure, While I sing re-deem-ing love.
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130
8s & 7s.
Grateful recollections on the journey of life.
1 COME, thou fount of every blessing,
Tune my heart to sing thy grace ;
Streams of mercy never ceasing,
Calls for songs of loudest praise :
2 Teach me some melodious measure,
Sung by flaming tongues above ;
Fill my soul with sacred pleasure,
While I sing redeeming love.
3 Here I raise mine Ebenezer,
Hither by thy help I've come,
And I hope, by thy good pleasure,
Safely to arrive at home.
4 Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God ;
He, to save my soul from danger,
Interposed his precious blood.
5 0 to grace how great a debtor
Daily I'm constrain'd to be !
Let that grace, Lord, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to thee !
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131
132
MISCELLANEOUS. 423
6 Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it;
Prone to leave the God I love —
Here's my heart, Lord, take and seal it,
Seal it for thy courts above.
8s & 7s.
Christ our friend.
1 ONE there is, above all others,
Well deserves the name of Friend ;
His is love beyond a brother's,
Costly, free, and knows no end.
2 Which of all our friends, to save us,
Could or would have shed his blood !
But this Saviour died to have us
Eeconcil'd in him to God.
3 When he liv'd on earth abased,
Friend of sinners was his name ;
Now, above all glory raised,
He rejoices in the same.
4 0 for grace our hearts to soften !
Teach us, Lord, at length to love ;
We, alas ! forget too often
What a Friend we have above.
8s & 7s.
Glory of Christ.
1 JESUS, hail ! enthroned in glory,
There for ever to abide ;
All the heavenly host adore thee,
Seated at thy Father's side.
2 There for sinners thou art pleading,
There thou dost our place prepare :
Ever for us interceding,
Till in glory we appear.
3 Worship, honour, power, and blessing,
Thou art worthy to receive;
Loudest praises without ceasing,
Meet it is for us to give.
4 Help, ye bright angelic spirits,
Bring your sweetest, noblest lays ;
Help to sing our Saviour's merits,
Help to chant Immanuel's praise.
424 MISCELLANEOUS.
SILVER STREET. S. M.
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I^SSS
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133
S. M.
Heavenly joy on earth.
1 COME, ye that love the Lord,
And let your joys be known ;
Join in a song with sweet accord,
While ye surround the throne.
2 Let those refuse to sing
Who never knew our God;
But servants of the heavenly King
May speak their joys abroad.
3 The God who rules on high,
Who all the earth surveys,
Who rides upon the stormy sky,
And calms the roaring seas :
MISCELLANEOUS. 425
4 This awful God is ours,
Our Father and our love ;
He will send down his heavenly powers
To carry us above.
5 There we shall see his face,
And never, never sin !
There, from the rivers of his grace,
Drink endless pleasures in.
6 Yea, and before we rise
To that immortal state,
The thoughts of such amazing bliss
Should constant joys create.
7 The men of grace have found
Glory begun below —
Celestial fruit on earthly ground
From faith and hope may grow.
8 Then let our songs abound,
And every tear be dry ;
We're marching through Immanuel's ground
To fairer worlds on high.
134
S. M.
Tlie pleasures of conversion.
1 HOW various and how new
Are thy compassions, Lord !
Each morning shall thy mercies show,
Each night thy love record.
2 Thy goodness, like the sun,
Dawn'd on our early days,
Ere infant reason had begun
To form our lips to praise.
3 Each object we beheld
Gave pleasure to our eyes,
And nature all our senses held
In bands of sweet surprise.
4 But pleasures more refin'd
Awaited that blest day,
When light arose upon our mind
To chase our sins away.
36*
426 MISCELLANEOUS.
OLMUTZ. S. M.
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Freedom in the death of Jesus.
1 AND shall we still be slaves,
And in our fetters lie,
When summon'd by a voice divine
T' assert our liberty !
2 Did the great Saviour bleed,
Our freedom to obtain ?
And shall we trample on his blood,
And glory in our chain ?
3 Shall we go on in sin,
Because thy grace abounds ;
Or crucify the Lord again,
And open all his wounds ?
MISCELLANEOUS. 427
4 Forbid it, mighty God !
Nor let it e'er be said
That those, for whom thy Son has died,
In vice are lost and dead.
5 The man that durst despise
The law that Moses brought,
Behold ! how terribly he dies
For his presumptuous fault.
6 But sorer vengeance falls
On that rebellious race,
Who hate to hear when Jesus calls,
And dare resist his grace.
136
S. M.
Death temporal and eternal.
1 0 WHERE shall rest be found,
Rest for the weary soul ?
'Twere vain the ocean's depths to sound,
Or pierce to either pole.
2 The world can never give
The bliss for which we sigh :
'Tis not the whole of life to live,
Nor all of death to die.
3 Beyond this vale of tears
There is a life above,
Unmeasur'd by the flight of years —
And all that life is love.
4 There is a death whose pang
Outlasts the fleeting breath :
0 what eternal horrors hang
Around the second death !
5 Lord God of truth and grace !
Teach us that death to shun : —
Lest we be driven from thy face,
And evermore undone.
6 Here would we end our quest —
Alone are found in thee
The life of perfect love — the rest
Of immortality.
428 MORNING HYMNS.
MORNING HYMNS.
TQ^ CM. Peterborough, (p. 306.)
The fear of God.
1 THRICE happy souls, who, born of heaven
While yet they sojourn here,
Humbly begin their days with God,
And spend them in his fear.
2 So may our eyes with holy zeal
Prevent the dawning day;
And turn the sacred pages o'er,
And praise thy name and pray.
3 Midst hourly cares may love present
Its incense to thy throne ;
And, while the world our hands employs,
Our hearts be thine alone.
4 At night we lean our weary heads
On thy paternal breast ;
And, safely folded in thine arms,
Resign our powers to rest.
5 In solid, pure delights, like these,
Let all my days be passed j
Nor shall I then impatient wish,
Nor shall I fear the last.
1 O o C. M. Peterborough, (p. 306.)
Morning prayer for Divine protection.
1 TO thee let my first offerings rise,
Whose sun creates my day ;
Swift as the gladdening influence flies,
And spotless as his ray.
2 This day thy favouring hand be nigh,
So oft vouchsafed before !
Still may it lead, protect, supply,
And I that hand adore.
MORNING HYMNS. 429
3 If bliss thy Providence impart,
For which, resign' d, I pray,
Give me to feel the grateful heart
That, -without guilt, is gay.
4 Affliction shouldst thou please to send,
As sin's or folly's cure,
Patient to gain that blessed end,
May I the means endure.
5 Be this and every future day
Still wiser than the past;
That, from the whole of life's survey,
I may find peace at last.
"I OQ C. M. Peterborough, (p. 306.)
God's goodness renewed every morning and evening.
1 GREAT God ! my early vows to thee
With gratitude I'll bring;
And at the rosy dawn of day
Thy lofty praises sing.
2 Thou, round the heavenly arch dost draw
A dark and sable vail,
And all the beauties of the world
From mortal eyes conceal.
3 Again the sky with golden beams
Thy skilful hands adorn,
And paint, with cheerful splendour gay,
The fair ascending morn.
4 And as the gloomy night returns,
Or smiling day renews,
Thy constant goodness still my soul
With benefits pursues.
5 For this will I my vows to thee
With evening incense bring ;
And at the rosy dawn of day
Thy lofty praises sing.
430
EVENING HYMNS.
EVENING HYMNS.
Jzj-Q C. M. Arlington, (p. 318.)
Evening prayer and praise.
1 INDULGENT Father, by whose care,
I've pass'd another day,
Let me this night thy mercy share ;
0 teach me how to pray.
2 Show me my sins, that I may mourn
My guilt before thy face ;
Direct me, Lord, to Christ alone,
And save me by thy grace.
3 Let each returning night declare
The tokens of thy love ;
And every hour thy grace prepare
My soul for joys above.
4 And when on earth I close mine eyes
To sleep in death's embrace,
Let me to heaven and glory rise,
To see thy smiling face.
141 CM. Arlington, (p. 318.)
1 NOW from the altar of our hearts
Let incense flames arise;
Assist us, Lord, to offer up
Our evening sacrifice.
2 Awake, our love, awake our joy;
Awake, our hearts and tongue :
Sleep not when mercies loudly call,
Break forth into a song.
3 Minutes and mercies multiplied
Have made up all this day ;
Minutes came quick, but mercies were
More fleet and free than they.
4 New time, new favours, and new joys
Do a new song require;
Till we shall praise thee as we would,
Accept our heart's desire.
ITEMING HYMNS. 431
5 Lord of our time, whose baud hath set
New time upon our score,
Thee may we praise for all our time,
When time shall be no more.
\±2 c- M- Arlington, (p. 318.)
1 IN all my vast concerns with thee,
In vain my soul would try
To shun thy presence, Lord, or flee
The notice of thine eye.
2 Thy all-surrounding sight surveys
My rising and my rest,
My public walks, my private ways,
And secrets of my breast.
3 My thoughts lie open to the Lord,
Before they're form'd within;
And ere my lips pronounce the word,
He knows the sense I mean.
4 0 wondrous knowledge, deep and high,
Where can a creature hide ?
Within thy circling arms I lie,
Enclos'd on every side.
5 So let thy grace surround me still,
And like a bulwark prove,
To guard my soul from every ill,
Secur'd by sovereign love.
143 CM. Arlington, (p. 318.)
1 IN mercy, Lord, remember me,
Through all the hours of night,
And grant to me most graciously
The safeguard of thy might.
2 With cheerful heart I close my eyes
Since thou wilt not remove ;
0 in the morning let me rise
Rejoicing in thy love !
3 Or, if this night should prove the last,
And end my transient days,
Lord, take me to thy promis'd rest,
Where I may sing thy praise.
432 EVENING HYMNS.
J 4.4. CM. Arlington, (p. 318.)
Saturday niglit.
1 BEGONE, my worldly cares, away,
Nor dare to tempt my sight ;
Let me begin th' ensuing day,
Before I end this night.
2 Yes, let the work of prayer and praise
Employ my heart and tongue :
Begin, my soul ; — thy Sabbath-days
Can never be too long.
3 Let the past mercies of the week
Excite a grateful frame ;
Nor let my tongue refuse to speak
Some good of Jesus' name.
4 On wings of expectation borne,
My hopes to heaven ascend ;
I long to welcome in the morn,
With thee the day to spend.
J 45 L. M. Hebron, (p. 316.)
1 GLORY to thee, my God, this night,
For all the blessings of the light :
Keep me, 0 keep me, King of kings
Beneath thine own almighty wings.
2 Forgive me, Lord, for thy dear Son,
The ill that I this day have done ;
That with the world, myself, and thee,
I, ere I sleep, at peace may be.
3 Teach me to live, that I may dread
The grave as little as my bed ;
Teach me to die, that so I may
Rise glorious at the judgment day.
4 Lord, let my soul for ever share
The bliss of thy paternal care :
'Tis heaven on earth, 'tis heaven above,
To see thy face and sing thy love !
146
SABBATH MORNING. 433
L. M. Hebron, (p. 316.)
1 GEE AT God, to thee my evening song
With humble gratitude I raise ;
0 let thy mercy tune my tongue,
And fill my heart with lively praise.
2 My days unclouded as they pass,
And every gently rolling hour,
Are monuments of wond'rous grace,
And witness to thy love and power.
3 Thy love and power, celestial guard,
Preserve me from surrounding harm :
Can danger reach me while the Lord
Extends his kind, protecting arm ?
4 Let this blest hope my eyelids close ;
With sleep refresh my feeble frame :
Safe in thy care may I repose,
And wake with praises to thy name.
SABBATH MORNING.
247 CM. Barby, (p. 334.)
The resurrection Sabbath.
1 BLEST morning, whose first dawning rayg
Beheld our rising God ;
That saw him triumph o'er the dust,
And leave his dark abode !
2 In the cold prison of the tomb
Our dear Redeemer lay,
Till the revolving skies had brought
The third, th' appointed day.
3 Hell and the grave unite their force
To hold our God in vain;
The sleeping conqueror arose,
And burst their feeble chain.
37
434 SABBATH MORNING.
4 To thy great name, almighty Lord,
These sacred hours we pay,
And loud hosannas shall proclaim
The triumph of the day.
24.Q CM. Barby, (p. 334.)
Lord's-day morning.
1 ON this sweet morn my Lord arose
Triumphant o'er the grave !
He dies to vanish all my foes,
And lives again to save.
2 This is the day for holy rest,
Yet clouds will gather soon,
Except my Lord becomes my guest,
And put my harp in tune.
3 No heavenly fire my heart can raise,
Without the Spirit's aid ;
His breath must kindle prayer and praise,
Or I am cold and dead.
4 On all the flocks thy Spirit pour,
And saving health convey ;
A sweet, refreshing Sunday shower
Will make them sing and pray.
5 Direct thy shepherds how to feed
The flocks of thine own choice ;
Give savour to the heavenly bread,
And bid the folds rejoice.
l^Q CM. Barby, (p. 334.)
Christ's resurrection and our salvation.
1 THIS is the day the Lord hath made,
He calls the hours his own :
Let heaven rejoice ; let earth be glad,
And praise surround the throne.
2 To-day he rose and left the dead ;
And Satan's empire fell ;
To-day the saints his triumphs spread,
And all his wonders tell.
SABBATH EVENING. 435
8 Hosanna to th' anointed King,
To David's holy Son ;
Help us. 0 Lord, descend and bring
Salvation from thy throne.
4 Blest be the Lord who comes to men
With messages of grace ;
Who comes in God his Father's name,
To save our sinful race.
5 Hosanna in the highest strain
The church on earth can raise ;
The highest heavens in which he reigns,
Shall give him nobler praise.
SABBATH EVENING.
1 KA L. M. Stonington, (p. 340.)
The eternal Sabbath.
1 THINE earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we love,
But there's a nobler rest above ;
To that our longing souls aspire,
With ardent hope and strong desire.
9
No more fatigue, no more distress,
Nor sin, nor hell, shall reach the place ;
No groans to mingle with the songs,
Which warble from immortal tongues.
3 No rude alarms of raging foes ;
No cares to break the long repose ;
No midnight shade, no clouded sun
Obscures the lustre of thy throne.
4 Around thy throne, grant we may meet,
And give us but the lowest seat ;
We'll shout thy praise, and join the song
Of the triumphant, holy throng.
436 FAMILY RELIGION. — THE SEASONS.
FAMILY RELIGION.
151 L- M. Old Hundred, (p. 344.)
1 THOU, Lord, through every changing scene,
Hast to the saints a refuge been ;
Through every age, eternal God !
Their pleasing home — their safe abode.
2 In thee our fathers sought their rest,
And were with thy protection blest;
Behold their sons, a feeble race !
We come to fill our fathers' place.
3 Through all the thorny paths we tread,
Ere we are number'd with the dead,
When friends desert — and foes invade,
Be thou our all-sufficient aid !
4 And when this pilgrimage is o'er,
And we must dwell on earth no more,
To thee, great God ! may we ascend,
And find an everlasting friend.
5 To thee our infant race we'll leave ;
Them may their fathers' God receive ;
That voices, yet unform'd, may raise
Succeeding hymns of humble praise.
THE SEASONS.
1 go C. M. Coronation, (p. 364.)
Winter.
1 STERN winter throws his icy chains,
Encircling nature round;
How bleak, how comfortless the plains,
Late with gay verdure crown'd !
2 The sun withdraws his vital beams,
And light and warmth depart;
And drooping lifeless, nature seems
An emblem of my heart.
EARLY TIETY. 437
3 My heart, where mental winter reigns,
In night's dark mantle clad,
Confin'd in cold, inactive chains,
How desolate and sad !
4 Return, 0 blissful Sun, and bring
Thy soul-reviving ray ;
This mental winter shall be spring,
This darkness cheerful day.
5 0 happy state, divine abode,
Where spring eternal reigns;
And perfect day, the smile of God,
Fills all the heavenly plains !
6 Great Source of light, thy beams display,
My drooping joys restore,
And guide me to the seats of day,
Where winter chills no more.
EARLY PIETY.
1KO C. M. Devizes, (p. 376.)
Thejirst great object.
1 RELIGION is the chief concern
Of mortals here below ;
May I its great importance learn,
Its sovereign virtue know !
2 More needful this, than glittering wealth,
Or aught the world bestows ;
Nor reputation, food, and health,
Can give us such repose.
3 Religion should our thoughts engage,
Amid our youthful bloom ;
'Twill fit us for declining age,
And for the awful tomb.
4 0 may my heart, by grace renew' d,
Be my Redeemer's throne ;
And be my stubborn will subdu'd,
His government to own.
5 Let deep repentance, faith, and love
Be join'd with godly fear;
And all my conversation prove
My heart to be sincere.
37*
438 TIxME — ETERNITY. — MISCELLANEOUS.
154
TIME— ETERNITY.
C. M. ^ Rochester, (p. 396.)
Death at hand.
THEE we adore, eternal Name !
And humbly own to thee
How feeble is our mortal frame,
What dying worms are we.
Our wasting lives are shortening still,
As months and days increase ;
And every beating pulse we tell
Leaves but the number less.
Dangers stand thick through all the ground,
To push us to the tomb;
And fierce diseases wait around
To hurry mortals home.
Great God ! on what a slender thread
Hang everlasting things !
Th' eternal states of all the dead
Upon life's feeble strings.
Yet while a world of joy or wo
Depends on every breath,
Thoughtless and unconcern' d we go
Upon the brink of death.
Waken, 0 Lord, our drowsy sense,
To walk this dangerous road ;
And if our souls are hurried hence,
May they be found with God.
MISCELLANEOUS.
jgg CM. Marlow, (p. 410.)
Breathing after holiness.
1 0 THAT the Lord would guide my ways,
To keep his statutes still !
0 that my God would grant me grace
To know and do his will !
2 Order my footsteps by thy word,
And make my heart sincere ;
Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.
MISCELLANEOUS. 439
3 Assist my soul, too apt to stray,
A stricter watch to keep ;
And, should I ere forget thy way,
Kestore thy wandering sheep.
4 Make me to walk in thy commands ;
;Tis a delightful road :
Nor let my lips, or heart, or hands,
Offend against our God.
1££ CM. Marlow, (p. 410.)
Breathing after the Holy Spirit.
1 COME, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all thy quickening powers,
Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts of ours.
2 See, how we grovel here below,
Fond of these earthly toys!
Our souls, how heavily they go,
To reach eternal joys !
3 Dear Lord ! and shall we always live
At this poor, dying rate ?
Our love so cold, so faint to thee,
And thine to us so great.
4 Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove,
With all thy quickening powers ;
Come, shed abroad a Saviour's love,
And that shall kindle ours.
157 CM. Marlow, (p. 410.)
Living near to God.
1 0 COULD I find, from day to day,
A nearness to my Grod :
Then should my hours glide sweet away
And lean upon his word.
2 Lord, I desire with thee to live
Anew from day to day ;
In joys the world can never give,
Nor ever take away.
3 0 Jesus, come and rule my heart,
And make me wholly thine,
That I may never more depart,
Nor grieve thy love divine.
440 MISCELLANEOUS.
4 Thus till my last expiring breath,
Thy goodness I'll adore;
And when my flesh dissolves in death,
My soul shall love thee more.
J go CM. St. Martin's, (p. 414.)
Holy fortitude.
1 AM I a soldier of the cross ?
A follower of the Lamb !
And shall I fear to own his cause,
Or blush to speak his name ?
2 Shall I be carried to the skies,
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sail'd through bloody seas ?
3 Are there no foes for me to face ?
Must I not stem the flood ?
Is this vain world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God ?
4 Sure I must fight, if I would reign ;
Increase my courage, Lord,
To bear the cross, endure the shame,
Supported by thy word.
5 The saints, in all this glorious war,
Shall conquer, though they die ;
They see the triumph from afar,
With faith's discerning eye.
I KQ L. M. ROTHERHAM, (p. 416.)
Parting with carnal joys.
1 I SEND the joys of earth away;
Away, ye tempters of the mind,
False as the smooth, deceitful sea,
And empty as the whistling wind.
2 Your streams were floating me along
Down to the gulf of black despair,
And while I listen'd to your song,
Your streams had e'en convey' d me there.
3 Lord, I adore thy matchless grace,
That warn'd me of that dark abyss,
That drew me from those treacherous seas,
And bade me seek superior bliss.
MISCELLANEOUS. 441
4 Now to the shining realms above
I stretch my hands and glance mine eyes )
0 for the pinions of a dove
To bear me to the upper skies.
5 There, from the bosom of my God,
Oceans of endless pleasure roll ;
There would I fix my last abode,
And drown the sorrows of my soul.
1 £ A L. M. ROTHERHAM, (p. 416.)
Crucifixion to the world by the cross.
1 WHEN I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God ;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.
3 See from his head, his hands, his feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down ;
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet?
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
4 Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small ;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
I £> 1 L. M. ROTHERHAM, (p. 416.)
Dismission, or a parting hymn.
1 CHRISTIANS and brethren ! ere we part,
Join every voice and every heart ;
One solemn hymn to God we'll raise,
One final song of grateful praise.
2 Christians ! we here may meet no more,
But there is yet a happier shore;
And there, releas'd from toil and pain,
Dear brethren, we shall meet again.
3 Now to our God, the Three in One,
Be everlasting glory done ;
Raise ye, his saiuts, the sound again,
Ye nations, join the loud Amen.
442 MISCELLANEOUS.
IgO L. M. ROTHERHAM, (p. 416.)
The Mercy-seat.
1 FROM every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat,
'Tis found beneath the Mercy-seat.
2 There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness on our heads,
A place than all besides more sweet —
It is the blood-bought Mercy-seat.
3 There is a scene where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend.
Though sunder'd far — by faith they meet
Around one common Mercy-seat.
4 Ah ! whither could we flee for aid,
When tempted, desolate, dismay'd ?
Or how the hosts of hell defeat,
Had suffering saints no Mercy-seat ?
5 There ! there on eagle wings we soar,
And sin and sense seem all no more ;
And heaven comes down our souls to greet,
And glory crowns the Mercy-seat.
6 0 let my hand forget her skill,
My tongue be silent, cold," and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the Mercy-seat.
T£Q L. M. Migdol, (p. 362.)
"Behold, I stand at the door."
1 BEHOLD a stranger at the door !
He gently knocks — has kuock'd before,
Hatb waited long — is waiting still :
You treat no other friend so ill.
2 0, lovely attitude, he stands
With melting heart and loaded hands !
0, matchless kindness ! and he shows
This matchless kindness to his foes !
3 But will he prove a friend indeed ?
He will ; the very friend you need ;
The friend of sinners — yes, 'tis He,
With garments dy'd on Calvary.
MISCELLANEOUS. 443
4 Rise, toucli'd with gratitude divine ;
Turn out his enemy and thine,
That soul-destroying monster, sin,
And let the heavenly stranger in.
5 Admit him, ere his anger burn,
His feet departed ne'er return ;
Admit him, or the hour's at hand,
You'll at his door rejected stand.
~\(\A L. M. Stonington, (p. 340.)
TJie offer of pardon.
1 I HEAR a voice that comes from far,
From Calvary it sounds abroad ;
It soothes my soul, and calms my fear ;
It speaks of pardon bought with blood.
'2 And is it true that many fly
The sound that bids my soul rejoice,
And rather choose in sin to die
Than turn an ear to mercy's voice !
3 Alas for those ! — the day is near
"When mercy will be heard no more ;
Then will they ask, in vain, to hear
The voice they would not hear before.
4 With such, I own, I once appear'd,
Rut now I know how great their loss;
For sweeter sounds were never heard
Than mercy utters from the cross.
"| £ ^ L. M. Rc-THERHAM, (p. 416.)
The %canderer invited to return.
1 RETURN, 0 wanderer, return,
And seek an injur'd Father's face ;
Those warm desires that in thee burn
Were kindled by reclaiming grace.
2 Return, 0 wanderer, return,
And seek a Father's melting heart ;
His pitying eyes thy grief discern,
His hand shall heal thy inward smart.
3 Return, 0 wanderer, return,
Thy Saviour bids thy spirit live ;
Go to his bleeding feet, and learn
How freely Jesus can forgive.
444 MISCELLANEOUS.
4 Return, 0 wanderer, return,
And wipe away the falling tear:
'Tis God who says, "No longer mourn,"
'Tis mercy's voice invites thee near.
\QQ I<- M. Forest, (p. 398.)
My Spirit shall not always strive.
1 SAY, sinner, hath a voice within
Oft whisper'd to thy secret soul,
Urg'd thee to leave the ways of sin,
And yield thy heart to God's control ?
2 Hath something met thee in the path
Of worldliness and vanity,
And pointed to the coming wrath,
And warn'd thee from that wrath to flee ?
3 Sinner, it was a heavenly voice, —
It was the Spirit's gracious call ;
It bade thee make the better choice,
And haste to seek in Christ thine all.
4 Spurn not the call to life and light ;
Regard in time the warning kind;
That call thou may'st not always slight,
And yet the gate of mercy find.
5 God's Spirit will not always strive
With harden'd self-destroying man ;
Ye, who persist his love to grieve,
May never hear his voice again.
6 Sinner — perhaps this very day
Thy last accepted time may be ;
0 shouldst thou grieve him now away,
Then hope may never beam on thee.
1 G>7 L. M. Rotherham, (p. 416.)
Hardness of heart lamented.
1 0 FOR a glance of heavenly day,
To take this stubborn heart away,
And thaw with beams of love divine
This heart, this frozen heart of mine !
2 The rocks can rend ; the earth can quake ;
The seas can roar; the mountains shake;
Of feeling all things show some sign,
But this unfeeling heart of mine.
MISCELLANEOUS. 445
3 To hear the sorrows thou hast felt,
0 Lord, an adamant might melt;
But I can read each moving line,
And nothing moves this heart of mine.
4 Thy judgments, too, which devils fear,
(Amazing thought!) untnov'd I hear;
Goodness and wrath in vain combine
To stir this stupid heart of mine.
5 Eternal Spirit ! mighty God !
Apply to me the Saviour's blood ;
'Tis his rich blood, and his alone,
Can move and melt this heart of stone.
IgO C M. Azmon, (p. 328.)
Spiritual sloth deprecated.
1 MY drowsy powers, why sleep ye so ?
Awake, my sluggish soul !
Nothing has half thy work to do,
Yet nothing's half so dull.
2 The little ants, for one poor grain,
Labour, and toil, and strive ;
Yet we who have a heaven t' obtain
How negligent we live !
3 We, for whose sake all nature stands,
And stars their courses move ;
We, for whose guard the augel bands
Come flying from above ;
4 We, for whom God the Son came down,
And labour'd for our good,
How careless to secure that crown
He purchas'd with his blood !
5 Lord, shall we lie so sluggish still !
And never act our parts ?
Come, holy Dove, from the heavenly hill,
Ilenew and warm our hearts.
6 Then shall our active spirits move,
Upward our souls shall rise ;
With hands of faith and wings of love
We'll fly and take the prize.
38
446 MISCELLANEOUS.
JgQ CM. Marlow, (p. 410.)
Praise for the fountain opened.
1 THERE is a fountain fill'd with blood
Drawn from Immanuel's veins :
And sinners plung'd beneath that flood,
Lose all their guilty stains.
2 The dying thief rejoic'd to see
That fountain in his day ;
0 there may I, though vile as he,
Wash all my sins away !
3 Dear dying Lamb, thy precious blood
Shall never lose its power,
'Till all the ransom'd church of God
Be saved, to sin no more.
4 E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream
Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme,
And shall be till I die.
5 Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
I'll sing thy power to save;
When this poor, lisping, stamm'ring tongue
Lies silent in the grave.
6 Lord, I believe thou hast prepar'd
(Unworthy though I be)
For me a blood-bought free reward,
A golden harp for me !
7 'Tis strung and tun'd for endless years,
And form'd by power divine ;
To sound in God the Father's ears
No other name but thine.
l^A CM. Howard, (p. 382.)
'the delights of heaven inconceivable.
1 NOR eye hath seen, nor ear hath heard,
Nor sense nor reason known,
What joys the Father has prepar'd
For those that love the Son.
2 But the good Spirit of the Lord
Reveals a heaven to come ;
The beams of glory in his word
Allure and guide us home.
MISCELLANEOUS. 447
3 Pure are the joys above the sky,
And all the region peace ;
No wanton lips, nor envious eye,
Can see or taste the bliss.
4 Those holy gates for ever bar
Pollution, sin, and shame :
None shall obtain admittance there,
But followers of the Lamb.
5 He keeps the Father's book of life
There all their names are found ;
The hypocrite in vain shall strive
To tread the heavenly ground.
]72 C. M. Azmon, (p. 328.)
Prayer for a renewed heart.
1 0 FOR a heart to praise my God,
A heart from sin set free !
A heart that always feels thy blood
So freely spilt for me !
2 A heart resign'd, submissive, meek,
My great Redeemer's throne ;
Where only Christ is heard to speak,
Where Jesus reigns alone.
3 0 for a lowly, contrite heart,
Believing, true, and clean ;
Which neither life nor death can part
From him that dwells within.
4 A heart in every thought renew' d,
And full of love divine :
Perfect, and right, and pure, and good;
A copy, Lord, of thine !
5 Thy nature, gracious Lord, impart,
Come quickly from above ;
Write thy new name upon my heart,
Thy new, best name of love.
172 S.N. Silver Street, (p. 424.)
Salvation by grace.
1 GRACE ! 'tis a charming sound !
Harmonious to the ear !
Heaven with the echo shall resound,
And all the earth shall hear.
448 MISCELLANEOUS.
2 Grace first contrived the way
To save rebellious man ;
And all the steps that grace display
Which drew the wondrous plan.
3 Grace led my roving feet
To tread the heavenly road ;
And new supplies, each hour, I meet,
While pressing on to God.
4 Grace taught my soul to pray,
And made my eyes o'erflow :
;Twas grace which kept me to this day,
And will not let me go.
5 Grace all the work shall crown,
Through everlasting days j
It lays in heaven the topmost stone,
And well deserves the praise.
T^O S. M. Olmutz, (p. 426.)
For diligence and watchfulness.
1 A CHARGE to keep I have,
A God to glorify ;
A never-dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.
2 To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfil,—
0 may it all my powers engage,
To do my Master's will.
3 Arm me with jealous care,
As in thy sight to live ;
And 0, thy servant, Lord, prepare,
A strict account to give.
4 Help me to watch and pray,
And on thyself rely,
Assured, if I my trust betray,
I shall for ever die.
\*1A S. M. Dover, (p. 386.)
Lamb of God.
1 NOT all the blood of beasts,
On Jewish altars slain,
Could give the guilty conscience peace,
Or wash away the stain.
MISCELLANEOUS. 449
2 But Christ, the heavenly Lamb
Takes all our sins away ;
A sacrifice of nobler name,
And richer blood than they.
3 My faith would lay her hand
On that dear head of thine —
While as a penitent I stand,
And there confess my sin.
4 My soul looks back to see
The burden thou didst bear,
When hanging on the cursed tree,
And hopes her guilt was there.
5 Believing, we rejoice
To see the curse remove ;
We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice
And sing his bleeding love.
1 >7 Q 7s. Eltham, (p. 406.)
The neio member's declaration.
1 PEOPLE of the living God,
I have sought the world around,
Paths of sin and sorrow trod,
Peace and comfort nowhere found.
2 Now to you my spirit turns,
Turns a fugitive unblest;
Brethren, where your altar burns,
0 receive me into rest !
3 Lonely I no longer roam,
Like the cloud, the wind, the wave ;
Where you dwell shall be my home,
Where you die shall be my grave.
4 Mine the God whom you adore ;
Your Redeemer shall be mine;
Earth can fill my soul no more,
Every idol I resign.
5 Tell me not of gain and loss,
Ease, enjoyment, pomp, and power;
Welcome poverty and cross,
Shame, reproach, affliction's power.
38*
450 MISCELLANEOUS.
6 " Follow me !" I kuow tby voice ;
Jesus, Lord, thy steps I see :
Now I take thy yoke by choice,
Light 's thy burden now to me.
1 J £ 8s & 7s. Middleton, (p. 422 )
Taking up the cross.
1 JESUS, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee ;
Naked, poor, despis'd, forsaken,
Thou from hence my all shalt be ;
Perish every fond ambition,
All I've sought, or hop'd, or known,
Yet how rich is my condition,
God and heaven are still mine own !
2 Let the world despise and leave me ;
They have left my Saviour too ;
Human hearts and looks deceive me —
Thou art not, like them, untrue ;
And while thou shalt smile upon me,
God of wisdom, love and might,
Foes may hate and friends disown me,
Show thy face and all is bright.
INDEX OF TUNES.
I«. M.
PAGE
Duke Street 332
Forest 398
Hebron 316
Luton 370
Mendon 350
Migdol 362
Old Hundred 344
Orland 380
Rockingham 326
Rotherhain 416
Stonington 340
Tallis' Evening Hymn 358
Uxbridge 310
Wells 374
Windham 392
C. BE.
Arlington 318
Azmon 328
Ballerma 356
Bangor 390
Barby 334
China 394
Coronation 364
Devizes 376
Dundee 346
Howard 382
Marlow 410
O Thou who driest, &c 388
Ortonville 342
Peterborough 306
Rochester 396
Resignation 400
St. Martin's 414
Suffering Saviour 412
S. BE.
Boylston 360
Dover 386
Laban 308
Lisbon 320
Montville 378
Olmutz 426
Silver Street 424
St, Thomas 348
Watchman 330
7a*
PAGE
Benevento 352
Eltham 406
Frankfort 324
Martyn 420
Onitia 366
Safely through, Ac 338
Watchman, tell us, &c 418
Wilmot 314
8s &, 7s.
Otto 322
Middleton 422
8s, 7s &. 4s.
Greenville 372
Zion 402
7s &, 6s.
Missionary Hymn 368
8s &- 6s.
Woodland 404
5s &- 12s.
New Year 354
lis.
Frederick 408
C. P. BE.
Meribah 312
Woodstock 384
II. BE.
Carmarthen 336
451
INDEX OF FIRST LINES OF HYMNS.
HYMN
A charge to keep I have 173
Again the Lord of life and light... 36
Alas ! and did my Saviour bleed... 120
Almighty Maker of my frame 107
Am I a soldier of the cross? 158
And now, my soul, another year... 58
And shall we still be slaves 135
Another day is past 16
Another fleeting day has gone 11
Another six days' work is done 33
Arise, my soul ! with rapture rise ! 7
Author of good, to thee we turn... 49
Awake, my soul, and with the sun 5
Awake, our drowsy souls 3S
Awake, ye saints, and raise your... 68
Begone, my worldly cares, away... 144
Behold a stranger at the door 103
Behold the morning sun 91
Behold the Saviour of mankind.... 121
Blest be the tie that binds 53
Blest morning, whose first dawning 147
Bright as the sun's meridian blaze 73
Christians and brethren ! ere we.... 161
Christ, whose glory fills the skies.. 129
Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove 156
Come, let us anew 57
Come, let us join our cheerful songs 122
Come, let us join with sweet accord 37
Come, thou fount of every blessing 130
Come, ye that love the Lord 133
Day of judgment — day of wonders 111
Dread Sovereign, let my evening.. 13
Father of all, thy care we bless.... 47
Frequent the day of God returns.. 43
From all that dwell below the skies 48
From every stormy wind that blows 1 62
From Greenland's icy mountains... 72
Glory to thee, my God, this night.. 145
God of my life, to thee belong 61
God of our Fathers ! by whose hand 50
God of our lives, thy various praise 59
God of the morning, at thy voice... 6
Grace! 'tis a charming sound! 172
Great God, as seasons disappear.... 67
452
HYMN
Great God, at whose all-powerful... 66
Great God, how infinite art thou!.. 119
Great God, let all our tuneful 55
Great God ! my early vows to thee 139
Great God, now condescend 84
Great God ! this sacred day of thine 34
Great God, to thee my evening song 146
Great God! we sing thy mighty... 54
Great God, with wonder and with.. 88
Great Sun of Righteousness, arise ! 75
Happy is he whose early years 82
He lives, the great Redeemer lives 126
Hosanna, with a cheerful sound.... 28
How condescending and how kind 124
How firm a foundation, ye saints of 117
How perfect is thy word 92
How precious, Lord, thy sacred.... 89
How shall the young secure their.. 87
How short and hasty is our life!... 103
How sweet the name of Jesus 118
How various and how new 134
If 'tis sweet to mingle where 115
I hear a voice that comes from far 164
I love to steal a while away 44
In all my vast concerns with thee.. 145
Indulgent Father, by whose care... 140
In mercy, Lord, remember me 143
I send the joys of earth away 159
In sleep's serene oblivion laid 26
Is there a time when moments flow 41
I would not live alway : I ask not... 116
Jerusalem! my happy home ! 108
Jesus, hail! enthroned in glory.... 132
Jesus, I my cross have taken 176
Jesus, lover of my soul 127
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun 74
Jesus, we look to thee 32
Life is a span, a fleeting hour 102
Life is the time to serve the Lord.. 106
Light of those whose dreary 20
Lo ! he comes, with clouds 110
Lo, what a pleasing sight 52
Lord, in the morning thou shalt... 35
Lord of my life, O may thy praise 1
Lord, thou wilt hear me when I... 15
Lord, with our household deign to 51
INDEX OP FIRST LINES OP HYMNS.
453
HYMN
My drowsy powers, why sleep ye so? 16S
My few revolving years 63
My God, how endless is thy love ! 25
My God, the spring of all my joys 30
My Maker and my King! 18
Nor eye hath seen, nor ear hath... ]70
Not all the blood of beasts 174
Not from relentless fate's dark 100
Now Father, Son, and Holy Ghost 79
Now from the altar of our hearts... 141
Now, in the heat of youthful blood 78
Now the shades of night are gone.. 10
0 could I find, from day to day.... 157-
0 could I speak the matchless worth 90
O for a closer walk with God 123
O for a glance of heavenly day 167
O for a heart to praise my God 171
O Lord, another day is flown 14
Omnipresent God, whose aid 23
Once more my eyes behold the day 8
Once more, my soul, the rising day 2
One there is above all others 131
On thee, each morning, O my God 29
On this sweet morn my Lord arose 148
O that the Lord would guide my... 155
O thou who driest the mourner's... 94
Our Father, throned above the sky 46
Our Sabbaths come so welcome on 42
0 where shall rest be found 136
Peace be to this habitation 21
People of the living God 175
Pleasing spring again is here ! 70
Religion is the chief concern 153
Return, O wanderer, return 165
Rock of ages, cleft for me ! 128
Safely through another week 40
Saviour, breathe an evening 19
Saviour, visit thy plantation 76
Say, sinner, hath a voice within... 166
See how the rising sun 3
Show pity, Lord ! O Lord, forgive ! 125
So fades the lovely, blooming flower 99
Softly now the light of day 24
Spring returns, and brings along... 71
Stern winter throws his icy chains 152
Sweet is the scene when Christians 98
That awful day will surely come... 109
That awful hour will soon appear.. 105
The day is past and gone 17
Thee we adore, eternal name ! 154
The Lord declares his will 93
The Lord my shepherd is 64
There is a fountain filled with blood 169
There is an hour of peaceful rest.. 112
The time is short! the season near 104
Thine earthly Sabbaths, Lord, we.. 150
This is the day the Lord hath made 149
This world is poor from shore to... 113
Thou, Lord, from every changing.. 151
Thou that dost my life prolong 9
Thrice happy souls, who, born of... 137
Thus far the Lord has led me on... 12
To God the only wise 65
To praise the ever bounteous 69
To thee let my first offerings rise... 138
'Twas by an order from the Lord.. 86
We lift our hearts to thee 4
Welcome, delightful morn ! 39
Welcome, sweet day of rest 31
We've no abiding city here 62
What if death my sleep invade.... 22
When blooming youth is snatched 97
When I survey the wondrous cross 160
When Israel through the desert.... 85
When languor and disease invade.. 96
When, O dear Jesus, when shall I 45
AVhen sickness shakes the languid 95
When streaming from the eastern 27
When verdure clothed the fertile... 68
While with ceaseless course the sun 56
With humble heart and tongue.... 83
Who are these in bright array?.... 114
Why do we mourn departing 101
Why should I say 'tis yet too soon 80
Ye hearts with youthful vigour 81
Yes ! we trust the day is breaking 77
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prepared in Europe for it at a cost of nearly $400.
HAZELIUS'S CHURCH HISTORY, vol. 1, 12mo.
CHURCH'S BEST STATE, by Rev. S. W. Harkey, 12mo. (But
few of this work left.)
MODERN UNIVERSAL1SM AT WAR WITH THE BIBLE AND
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HUBNERS BIBLE HISTORY, in German, 12mo.
SEARS'* LIFE OF LUTHER, 18 and 12mo.
MEMOIR OF REV. WALTER GUNN, late missionary in India
from the Evang. Luth. Church in the U. S., by G. A. Lintner,
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THE UNALTERED AUGSBURG CONFESSION, and the Three
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ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE FAITH OF ABEL, ENOCH, NOAH
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REFLECTIONS ON THE EVANG. (LUTHERAN) CHURCH IN
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CHRISTIAN FATHERS, to the close of 3d Century, 8vo.
A SCRIPTURE MANUAL, Alphabetically and Systematically ar-
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Rev. Charles Simmons, with an Introduction by Rev. Gardiner
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HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, from its institution to
the 16th Century, by Thomas Gaillard, 8vo.
THE AMERICAN FARMERS INSTRUCTOR, or Practical Agri-
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JESUS" WITNESSES, or the^Great Salvation" Exemplified, by
Rev. Henry Doll, 12mo.
THE YOUNG AMERICAN, or Book of Government and Law, for
the use of Schools, by S. G. Goodrich, author of Peter Parley's
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THE LOOKING GLASS FOR THE MIND, or Intellectual Mirror,
being an elegant collection of the most delightful little Stories
and interesting Tales for Children, with sixty-four Engravings.
l8mo.
BUN Y AX'S PILGRIM'S PROGRESS, with Emrravinirs, 18mo.
KEMPIS' CHRISTIAN'S PATTERN, by John Wesley-, A.M.. 32nU>.
DODDRIDGE'S RISE AND PROGRESS OF RELIGION IN THE
SOUL, 32mo.
THE WAY TO ATTAIN SELF-KNOWLEDGE, by John Mason,
A.M., 32mo.
DEVOTIONAL EXERCISES OF THE HEART, by Mrs. Elizabeth
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THE MILLENNIUM OF THE CHURCH, 18mo.
THE UNITED STATES READER, or Juvenile Instructor, No. 1,
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THE JUVENILE PRIMER, and Child's own Progressive Guide to
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