Full text of "The pocket prayer book [compiled by R. Wilkinson]."

See other formats

Google

This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project

to make the world's books discoverable online.

It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject

to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books

are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover.

Marks, notations and other maiginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the

publisher to a library and finally to you.

Usage guidelines

Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the
public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing tliis resource, we liave taken steps to
prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying.
We also ask that you:

+ Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for
personal, non-commercial purposes.

+ Refrain fivm automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine
translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the
use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help.

+ Maintain attributionTht GoogXt "watermark" you see on each file is essential for in forming people about this project and helping them find
additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it.

+ Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just
because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other
countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of
any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner
anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liabili^ can be quite severe.

About Google Book Search

Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers
discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web

at|http: //books .google .com/I

234-.

• <

THB

POCKET

PRAYER BOOK,

WITH

A SCRFPTURE MEDITATION
AND HYMNS

ATTACHED TO EACH DAY

W^j££KS*

LONDON :

Printed and Sold hy
The PfliLAKTHsopic SociBTTy St. George's Fldds.

lold also hj SiMFKiK and Mabshaxx; hovQUAV
nd Co ; Shxswood and Co ; HAMiiiTON and Co ;
Ibblbt ; Hatchasd ; Nisbbt ; and all other Bodk-

eUers.

1838.
£k^ed0t StaiianerM' HdB.

i\u

,;.i '?•

,M*>^>^ i<- -.^'^i-i ,t'^^''^^ -'^■^- ' '■■'■

}

PREFACE.

Tab Editor of the Pocket Prayer Book
is reason to acknowledge with much
ankfulneiss, the general approbation with
lich the first Editions of this little Vo-
tne have been received ; another Edition
ing called for, it is now re-printed with
ditional Prayers for the Family, inter-
ersed with Meditations on Texts of
;ripture^ selected from Henry, and other
votional writers. It is the Editor's wish
at a short Family Service may be form-
, by reading one of the Meditations, fol-
Kved by a suitable Psalm, or Hymn, (to
read or sung) and concluded by a prayer.

will be found that this little Service
ay be performed in about twenty mi-
ites, and it is hoped will not be thought

encroach too much upon domestic
ties.

It is not wished that this short Medita-
m should take place of the reading of
e Scriptures. Some portion of Scrip-
re, accompanied by a select part of a
votional and practical exposition, such
Doddridge and Henry^ Brown ot ^e.^\X^

iv PREFACE.

should be daily read in the family ; this
might form the morning exercise ; and a
devotional meditation the evening service.
Such a variety might be found highly in-
teresting to the servants and younger
branches of the family, and lead them to
continue, from inclination, as well as duty,
a practice from which they had received
both pleasure and profit.

As the few Meditations interspersed may
not afford sufficient variety, the Editor begs
leave to recommend for this purpose a
small volume of devotional meditations
selected from Dr. Watts and Mr. Howe.
'That this little Volume may be attended
with the Divine blessing, and be the happy
means of promoting a spirit of devotion in
the Family and the Closet^ is the sincere
prayer of

The Editor.

: • ; , •:■
',' t

' . '

PREFACE

■

TO THE SEVENTH EDITION.

-. li'j,. ■ ■; ^ ] . ■ > I I.I 000'*

The^Editor of the Pocket Prayer Book
wbeml^ffp^^i^tedio waichAn rettre*
eni[the progress of her -tittle cSareuhUing
itnnnee:. Mfiknown by neme, or place of
^odfi* Their itiere€tsinff'iH>r€fHation seetns

t^geiiheimcessityofgimngsome efficient
acejf^Tesi^noe, ^iimtd <m/lfuiure eaivimu-

cation be requested from abroad.

...■; ' ■

The Editor being the only responsible
jrson^ hopes that the friends of evangelical
ligion will accept of this apology for the
allowing short statement.

It was a sentiment formed in early years ,
at every member of society should have in
ew some leading object of pursuit^ so far
r m>ay be consistent with the first duties of
lative and domestic life : free jrom mau^)

▼1 PREFACE.

of its most important caresy the Editor found
herself at liberty to follow the chosen object
of her pursuit — the abridgment of books.

The devotional writings of Baxter ^ Howe^
Flavely Allein^ Watts and Doddridge, made
a strong iinpressUm upon her own mind; and
in the ardour of youthful feeling she ima-
gined, that the same impression mu^t follow
wherever their works were known.

Her plan was to form from the m^ost devo-
tional and practical parts of their works, a
few pocket volumes for easy circulation;
mere extracts were not her taste. It was her
wish to form her little abridgmentSy as much
aspossiblcy into a whole ; whether a Volume^
a Chapter, or a Meditation : endeavouring
to preserve the thoughts and feelings of the
respective Authors, and to give all in their
oum highly spiritual and scriptural language.

As a sample of what she wished to effect,
she begs leave to refer to her little volume of
Meditations from Watts and Howe. Happy
would she be, should her endeavours encou^
rage some of her pious readers to try the
pleasant work. Her feeble pen, employed
fnmi youth to age, has done little to eahausi

PJUCFACX. vii

Hermfs Commeakay oontaim rich ftuUe-
nak for Bible mediations ; wme of them
'mil he found in the Pocket Prayer Book.
The deiotional parts of Baxter* s writings,
^particularly his Christian Directory y) aff-
ord excellent materials for prayer ^ as well
^practical divinity. Bishop Patrick^ and
^enkSf give some of our most spiritual mo^
els of prayer: to each of these authors the
^ocket Prayer Book is highly indebted.

Should the expense of printing a volume
^er some of her yotmg friends from making
^ attempt, she wishes to remind them, that

is by no means difficult to epitomize a book
vto a tract, and for a sample begs leave to
\fer to the ** SairU Indeed,** from Flavel.

The union of a few friends might with
'se defray the expense of one tract, espe-
ally if the edition be large. If only one
iportant tract be selected, the good which
fxy be accomplished is incalculable.

After so much experience of the Divine
odness, the Editor can with cheerfulness
we her plan with Him who untnesstd Tier
mest ragfuegi m eariy life for its 8iicce^.
Aaa^ fxa^ /umed away her praver^ not his
yyhmJier: and she indulges thA pUas-

viii PREFACE.

ing hope Ihat in some distant land, (pe.
far from her native shores^) or in som
tant period oftime^ this undertaking m
placed in more efficient hands; still i
His blessiiMg -Without which^ a Paul
plant, and an Apollos water in vain.

To Him that is able to do exce
abundantly above all that she could a
think, to Him alone be all the praise q
unworthy Editor,

Rebecca Wilki

Clapham Cummon, Snrrej
Jan. 90fA, 18S5.

« .< r ~ preface:

!/ TO THE ELEVENTH EDITION.

T%e Editors of the Pocket Prayer Book
tSannot offer an Eleventh Edition to the
PubliCj without humbly acknowled^ng
the blessing of Almighty God which has
i^peared to follow its enlarged circulation.
Since the death of its valued Compiler^
in the year 1828, more than 20,000 copies
have been sold, or gratuitously dispersed ;
and an Eleventh Edition, of 10,000 copies^
is now issued from the Press. The work
will be foimd substantially the same, with
the exception of a few passages from the
earlier Editions, which had been omitted
from want of space, but are now restored.

It only remains for tbem again to coxo
a/t their Jlttle work to the protectvow

X PREFACE.

Him, whose is the spirit of prayer,
supplication, and to add their humbh
tition, that it may be made subservie:
the glory of that Redeemer, ^^ for w
prayer also shall be made continua
and " unto whom, shall the gatherin
the people be/*

Clapham Cammon^ 1838.

CONTENTS.

•doctorj AddreM

*dactorj Prayer to be osed at the beginnbig of
rDerotioiis

MEDITATIONS.

ai sMii. 14. For this God is our God for ever

andeyer .... 9^

Ixxiii. 25. Whom hare I in heaven, &c 247

Ixxxix. IS.Blessed is the people that know,lkc. 229
xcii.l2,ld,14. The righteous shall flourish, &c. 202

xcri. 1, 2. O sing unto the Lord, &c 220

Ai Ixiy. 7. And there is none that calleth, &c. .. 344
•s ix. 13. The threshing shidl reach to, &c. .... 855
t. iii.l3—17.Thencometh Jesus fromGalilee,&c. 52

y. 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit, &c 173

y. 4. Blessed are they that mourn, &c 237

yi. 25. Therefore I say unto you, take no

thought, &c 182

yii. 24—27. Whosoever heareth these

sayings, &c 277

xy. 28. O woman great is thy faith 106

cy. 1 1 — 24 . And Jesus said, a certain man, &c. 34

. 29. Behold the Lamb of God, &c. ... »• 70

'. 47. Behold an Israelite indeed, kc. 287

11. 16. For God so loved the world, &c. 306

r. 13. Whosoever drinketh of this water,fcc» 267
I. 37. All that the father giveth me, &c. ••• 155

. 51. 1 am the living bread, &c 43

IK I am the good shepherd, kc 145

.1.1 Jim the true vine, &c ••••. 134

11. That your joy might be full, &c^— .. 191
.33. Be of good cheer, I have overcome,&c. 61

30. It is finished %&1

24, 25. 0 wretched man that I ua, lic.«** ^
LI beseech y%m therefore tMrcAhTea^ die. W
I The lore of Christ, which pM»eth>%tc« 4.^

•

xii

Epbes. iv. 24. Put on the new man, &c

Colos. iii. 1—4. If ye tben be risen with Christ, i
Heb. iv. 16. Let us come boldly to the throne

grace

vii. 25. Wiierefore he is able also to save,

xii. 1 — 3. Wherefore seeing we also are cc

passed, &c.

1 Peter i. 23. Being born again not of corrupt!

seed, &c

ii, 9. A peculiar people

ii. 11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you

strangers, &c • •

V. 10. llie God of all grace make you perl

2 Peter i 4. Whereby are g^ven to us exceed

great, &c

i. lO.Wherefore the rather brethren, give c

gence

1 John ]. 4. And these things write we unto you
Y. 4, 5. And this is the victory that o^

Cometh, &c

T. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God,

Prayers relating to particular suhjec,

To know more of Christ

A thanlug^ving prayer

For holiness

For quickening g^ace

For increase of gfrace

On the goodness of God

A family thanksgiving

A penitentiary prayer

HYMNS.

AU power and grace to God belong

Almighty Saviour set us free

Attend, while God's exalted Son

Awake, my soul ! stretch every nerve

Alirake, my soul ! the sun has risen

AMke, my zeal ! awake tny love. . •• «

Awake, oar aonU, away our fears

kUi Page

^}ce and sing the song . . « . . 92i

>io, my tong^ue, some heavenly theme 314

^^d the sure foundation stone 284

^tiU, my heart ! these anxious cares 253

^'d are die souls that hear and know 230

^t are the humble souls that see 239

^t Jesus, source of g^ace divine 273

'Qdren of the heavenly King 818

me all harmonious tongues 3A9

me holy Spirit, heavenly dove 170

me let us lift our thankful eyes 19

ne let us join our cheerful songs 77

De ma^ify the Lord with me. . • 363

oe worship at Emmauuel's feet 137

ae ye that love the Lord 193

sad Sovereign, let my evening song « . . . . 30

ptied of earth I fain would be 161

;h adds new charms to earthly bliss 108

her, I long, t faint" to see 384

her, whate'er of earthly bliss 306

ever blessed be the Lord 63

k ! the Toice of love and mercy 259

ivenly Father I to this name t 86

y fjord God ! I love thy truth 27

¥ shall the young secure their hearts • 233

k*d the Lord, that I might grow 302

ve my shepherd's voice • • • • 151

here a sight in earth or heaven 158

his the kind return 328

IS, I love thy charming name. 49

DB invites his saints • 426

ns is gone above the skies « • . 428

OS mine advocate above 57

OS shall reig^ wherever the sun 555

Ds where'er thy people meet 351

'everlasting glories crown 14^

levery mortal ear attend 269

worldly builders raise their house ........•••• 280

ijl, I am thine, but thou wilt prove ••••••;•.« \^

iff if thoa the ^race Impart \ , .,•••.••,..•,«,, \*]5

xiv P«ff

Lord, I hftre made thj word m; choice 91i

Lord of the Tlneyird, we adore lU

iiord, pluit K principle within 2M

I^trd, 'Us a pleasant tbinp to itand S0<

Hj dear Redeemer and m; Lord U

M; Gud, my eTerUuting hope S3l

My God, my Father, blissful name IW

My God, my King, thy various praise IW

My God, permit my tongue 471

My Shepherd is the liTiog God #

My soul repeat hia praise 931

Not aH the blood of beasts H

Not to condemn the sons of men 91

Now let our sool* on wings aBbUme M

0 happy christian! who on boast 41

O happy soul that lires on high 191

0 bappy souls I O glorious state HI

0 that the Lord tvould guide my ways Ill

Oar God is lore, and all hla saint4 SSI

O I ye that pant for living streama ...„ 30t

Prayer Is the soul's sincere dealre 84i

Qnlet, Lord, my froward heart.... IH

Safely through anotherweek S3t

Savloor of men, and Lord of love 81

Shew pity. Lord, O Lord forgive 311

Sii let onr llpi and Uvea express 91

Stand up, my soul, shake off thy fears 91

Sweet la the memory of thy gnoe Hi

nanks be onto Ood for the gift 41]

Tlie Lord my pasture shall prepare I4f

^iB Lord oar salvation and light 47]

Hiov whom my soul admirea above. 481

^toogh, troubles aissll 491

Tlirongh the day thy love has spor'd ns SM

True religion is the same 401

We've no abiding ei^ here , SI <

When I survey the wondrous eroM 81

Where are the mimnier*, s^th dw Lord 241

^6lferilr'd without the LoTi Iflj

"^^JarireMioaitattttbf.gTmee \fl

jtr at tmigtAng to OttVati^txbln. 491

T before a Comnmnion 48S

meDUlHjiaa 418

ionnl Eierdae at the Lwrd'i Ubie 4S7

•The memorU ofmir abMnit Iiord 438

atisn after a CommanioD 4tt

rafter B Commanion 430

bna« on the S3rd Psalm 439

mental Htsui 437

Oecctimal Praymfor a Fantily,

Loder affUcHoB 43B

LBder neavy afitdum 441

aj mewher ot it li rick 441

gaation trtien any member Aa» bim removed

Uh 4*7

isf^ini; for the rteotery of a rid penoo . . 4M

xct of njotmity. . US

jriTiog far a lafe T«tnni from a joamev. . . . 4S7

fnrthl-i^llfntlL-mi^r Ml

Xffi Page

ffjmiD, the encouragement young persons have to

seek Christ 4SS

Ihe child's prayer to the good Shepherd 48S

A child's prayer 484

A child's prayer 485

A mother's prayer for her children 481

A prayer of parents for their children 488

Poor man's prayer 490

Hymn 491

Instructions far Self Examination

Marks of growth in g^race 4^

Symptoms of declining in grace 501

Adyice to doubting christians 501

Compassionate adcfress to the fearful and dejected

christian M

Maries of a confirmed christian 511

Preparation for Death.

Address • 590

Instructions to dying christians 598

Reflections for an aged christian 599,

Hymn — My God, my ererlasting hope 5)9

A thanksgiving prayer for an aged, or dying chris«

tUn 539

A prayer against unbelief 5S4

The prayer of a christian near death 5M

A prayer for a dying christian 531'

An address to a dying christian 540

OfMitolatioDS addressed to a dying christian 54S

An address to the sick when unprepared for death 547

Prayer 549

A Mistlonary prayer - 551

Hymn«-Jesn8 shall reign ....•• 555

OoorfLUOHAXi Sbntbxcss, which may be added to

any oC the didly prayers 550

Hm Lord's Prayer, and condoding Benedictions . . 559

ita

THK

OCKET PRAYER BOOK.

INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS.

tJL Y friends^ this Prayer Book is presented
> you, not as a set of forms by which you
re to be confined ; but as helps to lead you
0 devotion.

Prayer is your first duty, your highest
jrivilege : it is a communion of the soul
^th God ; with your Father, your heaven-
|r Father ! It must proceed from your own
learts : it must be the language of your
wn joys, of your own wants and sorrows.
b will be the pleasure and comfort of your
fe to keep up. this devout communion with
Dur God. When loaded with mercies ; how
teasant is it to look up and say, ^^ Thou
rownest me with loving-kindness and ten-
ejr mercies !" ^^ He that spared not his ow
on,hvf^ ^eJirared him up for us all, \iC
\iUJ henot with him aho freely g\v<i

3
for thoughts of God ; and every thought
be fi spring of pleasure and holy delight !
When prayer is mixed with your thoughts,
your heart will breathe out such requests
as that of the Psalmist, " Rejoice the soul
of thy servant ; for unto thee, O Lord, do
I lift up my soul 1"

To promote this spirit of devotion, con-
verse much with the word of God : let it
^^ dwell in you richly, in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding ;" endeavour to
imitate the lively devotion you meet with
in the heavenly volume ; and try to have
your heart affected in the same way. To
you is directed the invitation, " O come let
us sing unto the Lord ; let us come before
his presence with thanksgiving." O join
the universal church, and say, " While I
live will 1 praise the Lord : I will sing
praises u-^to God while I have any being."

Accustom yourselves to behold the bless-
ed God in the face of his beloved Son, who
is ^' the brightness of his glory, and the
express image of his person." Call upon
him in the endearing relation of the God
and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, his
God and our God, his Father and our
Father. " Blessed be the God and Falhet ol
our Lord Jbsub Christ, wiiich accordmg \.o
his abundaat mercy y bath begotten US ag^Xi

A 2

4
to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus
Christ from the dead^ to an inheritance
incorruptible^ and undefiled, and that
fadeth not away !"

Every day let some portion of the word
of God be read in this devotional manner.
It will afford subjects both for meditation
and prayer. And, thus^ through the influ-
ences of divine grace, you will attain to
that spiritual mindedness, which is ^^ life
and peace" here ; and which will fit you to
join m the song of Moses and the Lamb
for ever.

It has been observed, with much plea-
sure ; that^ of late, the important, but long
neglected duty of explaining the Scriptures
daily^ for the benefit of children and ser-
vants^ is reviving among pious heads of
families in all classes of society.

Ignorance the most fatal is entailed upon
every family where the wisdom from above
is not known or desired.

A select portion of scripture, meditated
upon in the closet, and talked over with a
simplicity and feeling adapted to the ca-

Eacities of the young and the ignorant,
as been attended with the most beneficial
efi^ects.

Happy the parents, whose hearts have
received the words of life^ and who teach

them diligently to their children ; who talk
of them while sitting in the house, or
talking by the way ; when they lie down,
and when they rise up.

Happy is the family, whether high or
low, where the word of God is loved,
dwells in the heart, and influences the
lives of all its members.

iNTttODtTCTOaY PrAYER,

To be used at the beginning of our Demotions.

O thou ever blessed Majesty, who fillest
heaven and earth with thy presence, and
art always listening to the supplications of
a world of creatures that hang upon thee :
open, we beseech thee, thine ears of mercy
to thine unworthy servants, who are pros-
trate at thv footstool. Our hearts would
now open themselves to thy gracious in-
fluence ; possess them, we beseech thee,
with such a strong and vigorous love to
thyself, SLS may lift us tip above all earthly
things ; that we may approach with longing
hearts to thee our God, our exceeding joy.
Gather in, we beseech thee, our wandering
thoughts, and fix them upon thyself: raise
our cold and earthly desires, and cause
them to ascend unto thee in the lively fer-
vour of devotion. May we so ask, that we
may receive ; so seek, that we may find ;
so knock, that it may be opened unto us,
through Jesus Christ our blessed Lord and
Redeemer. Amen.

FAMILY PRAYERS

FIRST WEEK.

MEDITATION
For the LoruPs Day Morning,

Christ aIighty to savb.

** Wherefore he is able also to save them to the
' uttermost, that come unto God by himi seeing
' be eVer liyeth to make intercession for them." —
leb. yii. 25.

Our Lord Jestis Christ was able to save
irom the beginning : from the first promise
o our fallen parents unto the present
lay^ has the seed of the woman been
imising the serpent's head. By faith in
lim the elders obtained a good report^ and
lied in expectation of a better resui*rection.
Pheir faith embraced him according to the
legree in which he was revealed; they
saw his day in distant prospect, and re-
joiced: and were admitted to the divine
hvour here^ and to eternal happiness ii\>o\e<

8
He appeared able to save when he d^
on earth in a tabernacle of clay : still
mingled the dignity and power of a C
with the abasements and infirmities <
mortal man : asserting to himself the dii
prerogative of forgiving sins : speakin,
a glorious resurrection and eternal '.
as his gift : representing himself as
head stone of the corner, on whom
fixed all the stress of men's eternal in
ests : and as the awful judge, before wl
tribunal the greatest of the childrer
men should stand ; and from whom
should receive that decisive sentence, wl
should fix. them in final happiness
despair. Nay, even in his deepest hunii
tion on the cursed tree, a ray of di^
glory broke through the dark cloud
infamy with which he was then surround
and, amidst all the scorn and rage of
suiting enemies, who were reproach
him as abandoned by God and man,
speaks from the cross as from the thro
and, as the king of heaven, takes upon ]
to dispose of seats in Paradise ! If lie h
thus able to save, when he dwelt in
humble a form ; how much more so is
amidst all the magnificence of his exa
^/on in the highest heaven •, -wYulYveY \ve
^ceijded^ as a glorious couqueroY^ \v«

exert an altnigbty power for the
3 of his people, as he was ou that
us day, when he poured out the
1 his disciples, at the Feast of Pen-
or when he appeared to Paul on
to Damascus with the glories of
new upon him, even with lustre
ig that of the meridian sun I Still
ledeemer able to save, and shall
! to be so. When we and our
are laid in the dust of death, he
the joy and confidence of a new
lelievers j and to the very end of
e generation shall rise, and declare
iteousness to another, and that
isness shall be the same ! This

10
power as of his grace, that Jesus Christ is
the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever !
Jleavenly Father, glorify thy Son, that
thy Son also may glorify thee ; that at the
name of Jesus every knee may bow, and
every tongue confess him Lord. Be thou
exalted Lord in thine own strength ; so
will we sing and praise thy power.

HYMN
For the hordes Day Morning.

All power and grace to God belong,
He is my strength^ and He my song :
He comes, my Saviour, from his throne ;
He comes, to bring salvation down.

Lo ! rising from the tents of men.
The voice of joy resounds again :
His saints with him tbe triumph claim.
And shout salvation to his name.

His own right hand its strength displays
In acts of valour and of grace :
The cross, the tomb, the throne declare
How vast his power and glory are.

For us he conquers, though he dies :
Behold the mighty Saviour rise I
ffi8 own right hand on h\gVx d\fti^\vj^
/o acts of valour and of grace.

(

PRAYER

Ftyr the Lord*s Day Morning.

Most gracious God and Father, it is
od for us to draw near to thee. Blessed
the man whom thou chodsest, and causest
approach unto thee, that he may be
11 praising thee ! We bless thee for the
burning light of this morning. O let the
y-spring from oti high visit our souls,
d the Kuii of righteousness arise upon
with healing in his wings. " The light
5 see is the Lord's." " This is the day
svhich the Lord hath hiade; we will
•ejoiee and be glad therein.'' May this
indeed the sabbath of the Lord in our
celling, and in our hearts ; a sabbath of
St from sin, ahd of rest in God. Enable
, we pray thee, so to sanctify this day,
at it may be made a means of our sane-
ication.

Grant that, by resting from every world-
employment, oUr hearts may be more
ken off from present things ; and that by
hploying our time in the worship ot Oodi^
9 majr be led into a more expeTitaeiA.«X
fua/ntanee ^ith the work of heaveuj mv

be made more meet for that blessed world. •

On this day would we give glory to theCi ^

O Father Almighty, maker of heaven and *

earth. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to re- *

ceive blessing, and honor, and glory, and «

power; for thou hast created all things, «

and for thy pleasure they are, and were '

created. O Thou, who didst at first com- ;

mand the light to shine out of darkness, i

shine into our hearts, to give us more of ^

the light of the knowledge of thy glory, »

in the face of Jesus Christ ; and let us be >

thy workmanship, created anew in him >.

unto good works. With peculiar pleasure -

would we call to mind the resurrection of i

our exalted Redeemer from the dead on (

the first day of the week ; by which he was i

declared to be the son of God with power, '

and is become the first fruits of them that '

slept. O that as Christ was raised from '

the dead by the glory of the Father, so we '

also may rise and walk in newness of life. <

We pray that the Spirit of him that raised '

up Jesus from the dead, and graciously

descended on the Church on the day of

Pentecost, may dwell and rule in us, and

make us partakers of a new and divine

nature. We bless thee for thy holy word,

which is a light to our feet, awA. «l Vwkmj to

our paths. Let us not receive t\i\^ ^t^^"^

vain ; but teach us to value and
id that blessed book which was
>r our learning, that we through
amd comfort of the scriptures may
e. Especially we bless thee for

Gospel record, " That God hath

us eternal life, and that this
his Son." O may we receive
ithful saying, and worthy of all
on, " That Christ came into the
save sinners." May he be made
wisdom, and righteousness, and
tion, and redemption. Being

him by faith, may we grow up
in all things, who is our heaa.

thee for the new covenant made
n Jesus Christ. May we flee to
age, and take hold of it, as the
before us, O receive us into the
this covenant, and make us ac-
II the beloved. Grant that our
ay this day be filled with pleasing

of Christ, and that great love
th he hath loved us. For his sake
11 our sins, in thought, word, and
id let no con'upt affections hinder
at of our souls heavenward.
y word come with life and "powet
• souls, and be as good seed sov?x^
fj/j taking root and bringing tovO

J ■

: ; *

14
fruit to thy praise. Assist the ministe
of thy gospel rightly to divide the word
truth, and to speak with love, fidelity, ai
success. May sinners be converted ud
thee, find thy saints built up in knowledg
faith, and holiness, unto salvation. No
the God of hope fill us with joy and pea<
in believing, through Jesus Christ, oi
blessed Saviour and Redeemer. Amen.

HYMN

For the Lord's Day Evening.

Let everlasting glories crown
Thy bead, my Saviour and my Lord :

Thy hands have brought salvation down,
And writ the blessings in thy word.

In vain the trembling conscience seeks
Some solid ground to rest upon ;

With long despair the spirit breaks
Till we apply to Christ alone.

How well thy blessed truths agree !

How wise and holy thy commands !
Thy promises how great and free I

How firm our hope and comfort stands I

Should all the forms that men devise
Assault our faith with treacherous art ;

We call them vanity and lies.
And bind the gospel to our heart.

PRAYER

For the Lord^s Day Evening.

most good and. gracious God, though
I art the High and Holy One, who
kbitest eternity, yet thou pennittest
; and ashes to draw nigh unto thee ;
dwellest in the humble and contrite
pt, that trembles at thy word. Wc
le to praise thee for all the gracious
ds that we have heard this day in thy
se ; for the glad tidings of salvation
ch have sounded in our ears ; for all
: we have heard of Jesus, of his dying
)y of his holy and spotless life, of the
3tifying influences of his Spirit ; for all
holy thoughts, affections, and purposes
: have been raised in our hearts ; for
means of grace, and for the hope of
•y ! How exceeding rich is thy grace to
I in Christ Jesus ! " Thanks be unto
I for his unspeakable gift !" May wc
fv this thankfulness by a life of constant
dience to thy commandments, and of
ible submission to thy will. May it be
meat and our drink to do thy w\\l.
orgive, O our Father, that oiirthowgVvX.^,
fiion/fj and devotions^ towards VYvec

are so few, so short, so cold ; that we ha

at any time loved the world, the trifl

and pleasures of it, more than God, ai

Christ, and heaven. We are asTiamed ai

tremble to think, with what indifferent

we too often hear and receive the messag

of salvation by Christy that we ai'e !

little melted by his love ; that we are i

unlike our blessed Lord in his holy lif

and in his meek and lowly temper ; th;

we have no deeper sense of the evil of si:

after all that thou hast done to deliver i

from it, and to shew thy hatred against il

that we have so little serious sense of tl

worth of souls, and the weight of eternit;

O gracious God, clear up our understanc

ing of divine things ; call off our mine

from every thing that draws our heart

from thee ; and write thy law in our hearti

that we may no more sin against thei

Sanctify us more entirely, in body, sou

and spirit; renew us more into thin

image ; we would be thine, more entirel

thine; we would live to thee while w

live ; we would serve thee, not with th

spirit of bondage as slaves ; but with th

cheerfulness and affection of children. (

make thy ways so pleasant to us, that th

forbidden pleasures of sm luay lose al

"be/r attraction. Let the l\vo\\g\\\.^ o^ VJc

ious love in Christy and our peace and

lon^ and everlasting blessedness with

, be the daily cordial of our hearts.

the days of our lives may we comfort

elves, and one another, with the hope,

we shall be ever with our glorified

1. We would live, and worship toge-

here, as fellow-heirs of that glory

blessedness which we hope to enjoy

thee for ever in thy heavenly king-

. : and as the children of thy family,

would pray that the same blessings

descend on all mankind; may they

, with us, partake of thy great salva-

be translated out of the kingdom of

ness into the kingdom of thy dear

and in him let all the nations of the

be blessed. And may we all join at

I the song of Moses and the Lamb,

•, *^ Worthy is the Lamb that was

o receive glory and honour, for he

adeemed us to God by his blood."

MEDITATION

For Monday Morning.

THE THBOKE OF GRACE.

" Let us, therefore, come boldly to the throne
of grace." Heb. iv. 16.

A ihroney bespeaks authority^ awe, and
reverence ; a thrmie of graces bespeaks
encouragement, even to the chief of sin*
ners : there grace reigns and acts with
sovereign freedom, power, and bounty.
To be often found before this throne is
both our bounden duty and our highest
interest. Our errand there is, that wc
may obtain mercy, and find grace to help
in time of need.

In all our approaches to this throne oi
grace for mercy, we are permitted to come
with humble freedom and boldness. We
should ask in faith, nothing wavering j we
should come with a spirit of adoption, as
children to a reconciled God and Father.

We are, indeed, to come with reverence
and godly fear, not, however, with terror
and amazement ; but as kindly invited to
the mercy-seat, where grace reigns through
righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesus
Christ our Lord.

HYMN
For Monday Mormng,

Come let us lift our thankful eyes

Up to the courts above,
RejoicM to see our Father there.

Upon a throne of loye.

Now we may bow before his feet,

And venture near the Lord ;
No fiery cherub g^uards his seat,

Nor double flaming sword.

The peaceful gates of heavenly bliss

Are open'd by the Son ;
High let us raise our notes of praise,

And reach th' Almighty's throne.

To thee ten thousand thanks we bring.

Great Advocate on high ;
And glory to th' etenial King,

That lays his anger by.

PRAYER

For Monday Morning.

[oly, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty ;
a art of purer eyes than to beYkoYdi
uUjr, neither can sin dwell witYi tViee.
uilty sinners we deserve to be c«CLW

to a throne of judgment ; but, throi
the Son of thy love, thou art proclaim
a throne of grace ! a mercy seat !
come to touch thy golden sceptre j
live !

Lord, though we are unworthy, we coi
because thou hast found a ransom,
atonement for our guilt ! — because tl
hast pointed us to thy beloved Son, s
said, " Behold the Lamb of God, wh
taketh away the sin of the world." H
great is thy grace, that we who have er
and strayed from thy ways like lost she
who have forsaken thee, the fountain
living waters, and hewed out cistei
broken cisterns that can hold no wat
thatsuchrebelliousandbackslidiugchild:
should be invited to return to a Fathi
house, to be received not merely
pardoned criminals, but as sons and dauj
ters of the Lord Almighty.

Lord of all power and grace, trusting
thine almighty strength, thine infii
goodness, and thy gracious promises,
come to ask of thee the blessings wh
thou knowest that we need, and to obt
grace sufficient for us. Let thy good S
rit help our infirmities, and strengthen
to ijgbt the good fight of faitU \ to str
^g-aiDst the 8in& thi^t mo&t es^W^ ^^^^v»

lindness of heivt, from pride,
and hypocrisy ; from enry,
1 malice, and all uncharitable-
all the deceits of the world, the
the devil; from hardnega of
contempt of thy word and com-
i, graciously, O Lord, deliver us.
of our tribulation; in all time
th ', in the hour of death, and in
judgment, good Lord deliver ne.
isethceto give us a heart to love
!e, and diligently to live after thy
tents : to bless and keep all thy
I give unto them increase of
!ar meekly thy word, to receive
•e affection, and to bring forth
»fthe Spirit. Strengthen such
I ; comH>rt and help the weak-

all our sins, negligences, and ignorances ;
and to endue us with the grace of thy
Holy Spirit, that we may amend our lives
according to thy holy word. We humbly
beseech thee, O Father, mercifully to look
upon our infirmities ; and for the glory of
thy name, turn from us all those evils that
we most righteously have deserved ; and
grant that, in all our troubles, we may put
our whole trust and confidence in thy
mercy, and evermore serve thee in holi-
ness to thy glory, through our only Advo-
cate and Mediator Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

HYMN
For Monday Evening.

Not to condemn the sons of men
Did Christ, the Son of God appear ;

No weapons in his hands are seen,
No flaming sword, nor thunder there.

Such was the pity of our God,
He lov'd the race of men so well.

He sent his Son to bear our load,
And save our guilty souls from hell.

Sinners, believe the Saviour^s word,
IVust in his mighty name and live ;

A thousand joys his lips afford,
' His haads a thousand blessings gpive.

PRAYER

•

For Monday Evening.

, our maker and presei'ver, who
our being* at first, and hast up-

0 this moment ; we bless thee,

1 didst create us iu thine own
nd endow us with a reasonable
; we might glorify thee and enjoy
jver. But we confess with shame
rition, that we have not done

have loved other things more
; 5 we have feared other things
n offending thee ; and this very
erciful Redeemer, too often have
;ten thee, the author of all our
, and the fountain of all our com-
ut thou, O Lord, have mercy upon
able offenders.

mk thee, O Lord, that there is a
at, to which we are invited to
it we may obtain a pardon for the
grace for the future. O let us
as the hypocrites do, repeating
ir lips what they do not feel in
rts ; lest our very prayers should
t day rise up in judgment aj^'d.Vo&X*

us and condemn us : but may we re;
feel an earnest desire for thy pardon
mercy and sanctifying grace. Our n:
secret thoughts are open to thee^ as i
as our words and actions. Help us^
beseech thee^ seriously to examine c
selves this night. May our sins be brou
to remembrance ; and may we not su
them to escape from our minds^ till
have a good hope that they are forgi
for Christ's sake. Let us not com
ourselves to rest with either a guilty c
science, or a careless heart. But may
lie down trusting in the merits of
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and lo<
ing to him for the salvation of our 1
souls.

Suffer us not, O Lord, to suppose t
by merely bending our knees in pra^
we render unto thee an acceptable servi*
May we feel that prayer is designed to br
our souls near to thee, to make us 1
thee ; that we ask in order to receive, i
seek that we may find. O Lord, bestow i
on us the spirit of prayer ; that we n
pour out our very hearts before thee,
our heavenly Father through Jesus Cbr
Ab thou hast taught us to meet togeth
Jtttd la our imperfect matmeT \>o o€et
^ta" atippUt^tlons and praises &a^ Vj ^

Qt^ we intreat thee, that we may became
-e spiritual, more acquainted with thy
;sed gospel ; that we may lore thy ways
ordinances with increasing delight,
3 sin with a more perfect hatred, and
3me more and more fit for thine eternal
^om. O make us love to pray unto
; and to praise thy name ! Angels love
ing thy praise ; thy servants on earth
ght to worship thee ; O may we be
ibered among them both here^ and in
7 everlasting ! Amen

MEDITATION

'Por Tuesday Morning.

THE FLESIt AND SPIRIT.

O wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver
from the hody of this death ? I thank God
ugh Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with
mind I myself serve the law of God : hut with
flesh the law of sin." Rom. vii. 24, 25.

he remainder of indwellingsinisagriev-
burden to the degenerate soul. All that
born again, truly delight in the law of
L To its authority they most cheeriwW^
mit; and in that su&mission tliev e\v\o^
»/r complacency. They deWgVit tvc

26
only in the promises, but also in the pre-
cepts and prohibitions of the Word. Of
these gracious delights the soul is the seat
and residence : they are, therefore, sincere
and serious. The new man is called the
inner man, the hidden man of the heart.
The corrupt nature, however, the unre-
generate part, is continually working to-
wards sin, and engages the soul in a per-
petual warfare. Foiled in the contest the
heart faints and seems ready to perish.
Nevertheless, there is yet comfort from
the covenant of grace, which accepts the
willingness of the spirit, and has provided
pardon for the weaknesses of the flesh,
rest for the weary, and strength against
prevailing iniquities.

There is an all-sufficient friend, even
Christ Jesus. He is the mediator of all our
pi*ayers and all our praises : and, through
nim, God pities, and spares, and pardons,
and lays not our sins to our charge. Yea,
more ; Christ has purchased for us all the
graces of the new covenant, and in due
time deliverance, even an everlasting holi-
ness. Blessed be God, who giveth us the
victory through Christ our Lord.

HYMN

For Tuesday Morning.

)rd God ! I loye thy truth,

iare thy least commandments slight ;

nk before thy just reproof,

own the condemnation right.

)ugh the poison lurks within,
i bids me still with patience wait,
ith shall set me free from sin,
from the only thing I hate.

I throne above the rest,

re angels and archangels dwell ;

I unslain within my breast.

Id make that heaven as dark as hell.

I ! no foe invades the bliss,

II glory crowns the Christian's head :
rht of Jesus as He is,

L strike all sin for ever dead,

PRAYER

For Tuesday Morning.

St holy and merciful Father, with
111, humble, and penitent hearta,\v^
'selves down before thee, conSes^^-
we hare sinned agidust Yiewe

1' --'

' lit

::i

,;■■ . j

fl"

■:' i
.1 i

28
]/; and in thy sights and are no more \
to be called thy children. We rem
with contrition of soul, how many c
tions thou hast laid upon us to lov
serve thee ; how often have we ac
ledged the wisdom and goodness <
commands, and promised and vo\i
conform ourselves to them. Yet,
and again, has the slightest temji
drawn us aside from thy way. But
j I j would we return unto thee, saying
jU away from us all iniquity, receive u
y.\ ciously, and love us freely : withdra
': I the sweet influences of thy Holy
]. from thy unworthy servants, who ei
! -J, confide in thy mercy ; hide not th;
'I from us ; put not thy servants away
■?j ger. Hast thou not promised to give
^ * to the faint, and to increase the sti
of them that have no might ? We
not only pardon of our sins, but a
power to enable us to subdue them
that our repentance may be such aj
not need to be repented of. We des
peace, O Lord> but in keeping th;
O strengthen us, we beseech thee, i
holy disposition ; that we may be k
thy favour and love, by a happy agre
with thy will and pleasure in all t
fi&lietlfy our understahding, that vn

y vuA ti AIA9 »ua» Ab jjiay t;ud;iiuiiy

)e, and entirely consent to thine in
igs ; and sanctify all our affections,
s may love thee with all our heart,
111 and strength, and delight in thee
han in all the pleasures of this life,
y our passions, that we may be
at nothing so much as having dis-
1 thee. Sanctify us throughout in
as well as in spirit, that we may
; it in holiness and lionour ; and
1 our senses administer occasion to
ads to remember thee, to praise thee,
bless thee. Fortify our wills with
Kver of thy divine love, that we may
me all sensual affections; and possess

enable us to deaye unto thee with full
purpose of heart. ^' O cast us not away
from thy presence^ and take not thy Holy
Spirit from us. Create in us clean hearts,
and renew right spirits within us. Make
our hearts sound in thy statutes^ that we
may never be ashamed. Keep back thy
servants also from presumptuous sins, let
them not have dominion over us ; let the
words of our mouths, and tlie meditations
of our hearts, be acceptable in thy sight,
O Lord, our strength, and our Redeemer."
Amen.

HYMN

For Tuesday Evening,

Dread Sovereign ! let my evening song

Like holy incense rise ;
Assist the offerings of my tongue

To reach the lofty skies.

Through all the dangers of the day
Thy hand was still my guard ;

And still to drive my wants away,
Thy mercy stood prepared.

Perpetual blessings from above

Encompass me around ;
But Oh I how few returns of love

Hath my Creator found.

Wliat have I done for him that died

To save my wretched soul ;
How are my follies multiply 'd

Fast as my minutes roll !

Lord, with this guilty heart of mine

To thy dear cross I flee ;
And to thy grace my soul resign.

To be renew'd by thee.

Thus with my thoughts compos'd to peace,

I give my eyes to sleep ;
Thy hand in safety keeps my days,

And will my slumbers keep.

PRAYER

For Tuesday Evening*

Father of mercies, the fountain of all
jood things we enjoy at present, and
iiope of our souls for ever and ever !
a would we return unto thee, blessing,
glory, and honour, and praise, for sdl
goodness towards us. Blessed be thy
e for thy renewed kindness to us,
iighout the day past, in our spiritual
:emporal concerns ; and for the liberty
now grantest us of drawing near uxvto

li-j;

thee. Pardon, O Lord, whatsoever

hast seen in us in thought, word, and

contrary to thy holy law; and gra

an earnest desire to approve ourseb

thee in all well-doing. It is but jus

reasonable that we should follow thy

and not our own ; and, in a grateful

of our obligations to thee, we oug

employ all our powers of soul and bo

thy glory. And such is the goo

of thy will, that to be absolutel]

and governed by it, is our highest h

ness, and our most reasonable sei

Make us most deeply sensible, O ]

how greatly we are indebted to thee

for teaching us by Christ Jesus, and

strongly obliging us to exercise ours

in all godliness, purity, righteous

humility, goodness, and truth. We t

thee for the holy example he has

descended to set us; for the hope

hast given us by his blood ; for the

cious aids of thy Spirit to enable i

imitate and obey him ; and for the ex(

ing great and precious promises of ^

here, and eternal glory hereafter, ti

he has given us, to encourage us to

low him willingly and cheerfully even

death. O that we may have a lively

jfieadAst Aith in liiB ^ot^, eoxi^Cwi

33
nting us to unwearied diligence^ zeal,
i love, and patient continuance in well
Ing : that so our hope in thee may grow
1 increase ; and that so we may joyfully
[)ect the hour which shall translate us
thy blissful presence.
To thy care, O heavenly Father, we
nmit ourselves, and all that we are
1 have, this night; beseeching thee to
'end and keep us, both in soul and body,
m all the evils and dangers to which
I weakness of our frame, and the great-
is of our sins expose us. May we be
reshed by comfortable rest; and rise
vin to serve thee better, according to
will, in all the duties of the following
Shouldest thou be pleased to give us
;her day of trial, may we be enabled
dd repentance and amendment to our
: and may every day bring us nearer
ose everlasting joys and glories which
hast prepared for those that love
We ask all in the name of our dear
»mer, to whom with thyself O Father,
le Holy Spirit, be ascribed everlast-
lise. Amen.

Hi ^

IHtl

MEDITATION

For Wednesday Morning,

The Prodigal Son.

" And Jesus said, a certain man had twc
And the younger of them said to his
Father, give me the portion of goods thai
to me. And he divided unto them his
And not many days after, the younger
thered all together, and took his journey
far country, and there wasted his substan
riotous liring. And when he had spent a!
arose a mighty famine in that land ; and
gan to be in w^ant. And he went and
himself to a citizen of that country; and
him into his fields to feed swine. And h*
fain have filled his belly with the husks 1
swine did eat : and no man gaye unt
And when he came to himself, he sai
many hired seryants of my father's hav(
enough and to spare, and I perish with h
1 wiU arise and go to my father^ and ^
unto him. Father, I haye sinned against
and before thee^ and am no more worthy

naMArl fViv crtn • tyioIta ma oa nnt* f\€f\\\r Viii

called thy son. But the f&ther said to his st
^ants^ Bring forth the hest robe, and put it <
liim ; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes c
lis feet : And bring hither the fatted calf, an
kill it ; and let us eat and be merry : For thi
ny son was dead and is alive again ; he wa
lost, and is found." Luke xv. 1 1 — 24.

Such weffe Ire ! and such is our heavenly

thc^r! Thus is the sinner enriched by

I bounty, and ungrateful for his love !

1 such he remains till a Father's rod

ngs him to himself; till divine grace

sets his heart with penitential sorrow

I filial love : then, and not till then, he

8, " I will arise and go to my Father."

»ut Oh ! let us behold with wonder and

itude, the gracious reception he meets

from injured goodness, from Divine
1

•

e father sees him afar off: runs to
and embrace him ; interrupts his
laints and confessions, his sorrows
lis fears, saying, ^* Bring forth the
obe and put it on him ; and put a
n his hand, and shoes on his feet ;
ing hither the fatted calf, and kill
i let us eat and be merry."
does our heavenly Father welcoiue
ble penitent! Thus does he opeu

36
the arms of his love to embrace him, and
the treasures of his bounty to enrich him.
He arrays him with the robe of a Sa-
viour's righteousness ; dresses him in
the ornaments of sanctifying grace ; hon-
ours him with the tokens of adopting love^
and invests him with the immunities of
his children : and all this he does with
unutterable delight ! He rejoices over him
with singing; and this is the joyful lan-
guage of the song, '^This my son was
dead, and is alive again : he was lost, and
is found !"

HYMN

For Wednesday Morning.

Heavenly Father ! — to this name,
May we humbly lay our claim ?
Worms on earth, and thou above !
May we dare to ask thy love ?

Yes ! from far, thy love can see
Our first wish to come to thee ;
Ere we ask, thine ear can hear.
Bid the trembling feet draw near.

Love can lay its anger by,
Love can bid the tear be dry ;
Ijove can spread its atma «co\m^,
Ijove can say " my son la io\m^.'^

le we seek the meanest plaee,
he footstool of thy grace ;
ie we heave the humble sigh ;
us, " Abba, Father," cry.

ngers now no more to roam,
lur Father's house at home
s and daughters may we be,
! with Jesus I— one with thee !

PRAYER
For Wednesday Morning.

Father which art in heaven, we
ove thee as the author of our being,
Father of spii*its ; but thou art
irer to us as the God and Father of
rd Jesus Christ, by whom thou art
ing sinners unto thyself, calling
ut of darkness into marvellous light,
eating anew thine image in their
Thou art adopting them into thy
and making them heirs of God, and
leirs with Christ! "Behold what
r of love is this, that we should be
the sons of God" and provided for
children I O let this name of Father,
ir relation to thee^ be our f^\oTN)
ti^, our support, and the pr\iic\we
7re and oSedience. Giye m^ to»

38
faith and humble confidence in prayer, by
the spirit of grace and supplication, that
we may approach thee in all our necessities,
as children to a father, more ready to give,
than we arc to ask ; and may we come with
boldness to a throne of grace, to obtain
mercy, and grace to help in every tiiqe of
need. O ! let the Spirit of thy Son breathe
continually in our hearts, teaching us to
cry, " Abba, Father.'' We would seek this
Holy Spirit with more earnestness than
our daily food : and we know that thoa
art more ready to grant it, than an earthly
parent is to grant bread to his children.
Guilty, weak, and helpless as we arCj it i$
our comfort, that thou, our heavenly
Father, knowest all our wants, and wUt
supply them, not according to our necessi-
ties, but according to thy riches in glory,
by Christ Jesus. Like a tender Fath^,
thou art ready to notice the earliest desirfs
of our souls after thee — the feeblest step
toward thee. It is thine own gracious
promise, " Before they ask, I will answer;
while they are yet speaking, I will hefir*"
Into thine ear would we pour all our
sorrows, and having cast our burdens j
upon thee, would go away, and be no more
sad* And let us not otv\^ mourn^ but
rejoice before thee. lASt wj u^wx \sa ^^ '

39
f thy reconciled couDtenance ; let
owed 8in separate between us and
yd ; hide not thy face from us ; put
y children away in anger ; leave us
neither forsake us^ O God of our
don. O that it may ever be the joy
T hearts to be righteous, as thou art
ceous ; to be merciful, as thou, our
renly Father, art merciful ; as thou art
f, so may we be holy in all manner of
versation. And let the relation we
ir to thee as thy children, fill us with
e and kindness toward all our brethren
mankind. Let all those whom thou
It own for thy children, most gracious
Lther, be united in holy bands of love ;
aring one another's burdens, and join-
g together to advance the honour of
y name, and to show forth thy praise ; \(:
id at last may we make up one great \'.j
mily, which no man can number, and f\
lite in ascribing ^^ Glory and praise, to i j
im who sitteth upon the throne, and to |^'
e Lamb for ever." And since thou, our T
ither, dwellest in heaven, may our affec- \
)ns be raised above earthly things ; that
B may seek heaven as our country, where
e hope to possess those mansions w\\\c\\
isnsr, our elder brother, has prepared fo^
/a our Fatber'8 bouse. There ma^ nvc

40
be togedicr with his Fkther^ and o\ir
Fkthcr, with liis God, and our God!
Amen.

HYMN

Mr Shqiberd is the fiTing' God ;

Now shall mj wants be well snpply'd ;
His providence and holy word

Become my safety and my guide.

In pastures where salration grows^
He makes me feed, he makes me rest ;

There \vnng water gently flows,
And all the food's divinely blest.

My wand'ring feet his ways mistake,
But he restores my soul to peace ;

And leads me, for his mercy's sake.
In pleasant paths of righteousness.

Tho' cali'd to tread the gloomy vale,
Where death and all its terrors are ;

My heart and hope shall never fail.
For Jesus will be with me there.

41
PRAYER

For Wednesday Evening.

nighty and most merciful Father !
ive erred and strayed from thy ways
lost sheep, and desire to draw nigh
thee^ confessing with shame and sor-
that we have followed too much the
es and desires of our own hearts : we
offended against thy holy laws : we
left undone those things which we
t to have done, and we have done
things which we ought not to have
Lord have mercy upon us miser-
sinners ; and save us through faith in
lood of thy- beloved Son. O draw us
pself with cords of love. We know
;hou dost not desire the death of a
r, but wouldest rather that he should
nverted and live. Turn us, and we
be turned ; for thou art the Lord our
admit us again into thy family;
fh we are unworthy to be called thy
ren ; our sins and our iniquities re-
ier no more.

ou hast made known thyself to ua tt&
d ready to pardon^ and not wiV&u^
ly should perishy hxkt that all bYio\»1^

come to repentance ! — As having given
thine only begotten Son^ that whosoever
believeth in him should have everlasting
life ! O Lord^ we believe, help thou our
unbelief ! Enable us to rely more simply
and entirely on Jesus as exalted to be a
Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance
and remission of sins.

Forgive, O Lord, we beseech thee, wh|i(-
ever has been sinful in our conduct, con-
versation, and temper through the day
past ; and graciously accept and bless ui
this night.

Spare us, O Lord, if it be thy holy will,
to another day; and mercifully preserve
both our souls and bodies from every eviL
Grant that, in the morning, we may awake
in health, and with increased vigour,
thankfully disposed to praise and serve
thee. And O ! that the close of every
future day which thou shalt vouchsafe to
afford us, may find us more disengaged
from the present world, and desirous after
abetter ! May we die daily to the pleasures,
the riches, and honours of this life 1 May
we glorify thee on earth, finish the work
thou hast given us to do ; and, at length,
in thine own due time, be received unto
tbys^, to behold thy gVoty^ througb
Jmns Cbiiat our Lord.

43
nth regivd to the time and cir-
:es of our departure hence, we
nibly pray, io submUsioa to thy
Lord, thai it may be when we
best prepared, and in the most
heavenly state of miDd, (vhen we
entirely resigned to thee, wheo
have clear acts of faith in God by
rtst, high and reverential thoughts
in our minds, and enlarged afieo-
[vards thee ! And, at that awful
vhen called to enter the conflict
king of terrors, grant us, we be-
lee, O Lord, thy protection and
presence ; that we may be deli-
ora all consternatiou, all douitt
ertaipty as to our everlasting
qA, that at length, we may depart
ill-grounded assurance, that whea
be absent from the body, we shall
at with the Lord. Amen.

MEDITATION
Par ITmrtdt^ Morning.

THB BRBAD OF LIFB.

the liriag bread which came down ^TOTft
^y man eat oftbh bread heaUaUVw*

44
for ever : and the bread that I will give is m]
flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.'
John yi. 51.

It is evident, that by the flesh and bloo^
of the Son of Man^ repeatedly mentioned
in this chapter, we are to understand th<
Redeemer incarnate and dying : it is CfarisI
and him crucified, and redemption wrought
out by him, with all the precious benefits ol
pardon, acceptance with God, the adoptioii
of sons, access to a throne of grace, th<
promises of the covenant, and eternal life
These are called the flesh and the blooc
of Christ ; because they are purchased b]
the breaking of his body, and the shedding
of his blood.* The eating and drinking o:
this spiritual food begins with hungering
and thirsting after Christ, with eamesi
and importunate desires after him ; an un
willingness to take up with any thing shor
of an interest in him ; and an applicatioi
of his sufl^erings and merits to ourselves
a delight in Jesus, and salvation by hiui
and a dependance upon him for the sup
port and comfort of our spiritual life, an(
the increase of its strength and vigoui
It is a fatal sign that we have no spi
ritual lite in us^ if we \iwe Tia de«ir
z^^irarA C/irist, nor dclig\vt\iv\i\^^ ^S.^

45
ul doth not hunger and thirst, it cer-
inly doth not live. Faith in Christ is
e first living principle of grace : by faith
3 have a close and intimate union with
irist ; he is in us, and we in him. Whoso
teth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, as
t forth in the Gospel to be the food of
ols, he hath eternal life ; he hath it now ;
I has the foretaste of it, and the hope of
and the assurance of it : ^^ because I
'C ye shall live also !" Amen.

HYMN
Ffyr Thursday Morning.

O happy Christian ! who can boast

The Son of God is mine ;
Happy, though humble in the dust ;

Rich in this gift divine.

He lives the life of heav'n below ;

And shall for ever live ;
This heavenly bread shall life bestow,

And endless vigour give.

That life wc ask with bended knees ;

Nor will the Lord deny :
CeJestial mercy will not see
Its'bumble supplianta die.

That life Thou ^av'st for praise alone ;

O ^ant continued breath ;
Taught by experience may we own

That praise can live in death.

PRAYER

For Tlmrsday Morning,

To KKow MORE OP Christ.

O thou Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
and God of all glory, who hast so loved
the world, as to give thine only begotten
Son, that wiiosdfevei^ believeth in him
should not perish, but have everlasting
life : we beseech thee to have uiercjr upon
us, miserable sinners^ Prepare oili* hearts
to seek thee, atid ahsu^cr ils accofding to
the multitude of thy tender tnercies. We
mourn over our ingratitude, and the hard-
ness and impenitency of our heat*ts ; but,
above all, we bewail our unbelief of the
blessed record thou hast given us of thy
beloved Son.

Though we have read of his glory, how
little does it affect us ! though he has a
name which is above every name, in hea-
or earth, how little do we love him

47
all that he has done aiid suffered on

behalf ! Have compassion upon us^ O
d, and help us. Give us according to
le own most gracious promise^ the
*it of truth to open our understanding,
^ we may understand the things which
Scriptures reveal concerning thy Son
lis Christ our Lord^ O give us the
it of wisdom and revelation in the
wledgeof him : of his person and offices)
lis love and power towards all that
r his voice and follow him ; that so we
r abound in clear^ enlarged, and en-
ring thoughts of him : that he may be
dous to us, as he was to the glorious
ipany of the Apostles^ and the noble
y of martyrs. Thou, O God, hast de-
ed, that thy Son shall be exalted and
>lled, and shall be very high : help us,
earnestly pray thee, to give him more
more perfectly the honour due unto his
ie« Enable Us to comprehend with all
ts the immeasurable extent of his
iy id its breadth and length, its height

depth.

rrant, O Lord, that the Saviour's love
IS may be the pattern of ours to all that
round about us : may we make him
pattern as he is our hope. May we

on the Lord Jesus Christ ; and \)e

1 II

I • I. ■

I ' "I

48
clothed in all the graces which she
conspicuously in him.

May nothing be so dear to us i
world, as to be partakers of his ho
his humility, his goodness and chari
meekness, patience, and resignatioi
entire trust in thee, and delight to <
will of his heavenly Father. Fi:
minds and affections more steadfas
the glory wherewith he is crowned,
obedient suffering even unto death
we may never be weary nor faint
minds ; but continuing faithful unto
may receive the crown of life. We
mit to thee this day both our sou
bodies ; beseeching thee to increa
love to thee, and to all men, till we
to be translated to the regions of lo
joy; where the harmony of prais(
never be interrupted by sins, or gri<
fears, or discord ; but shall be cv
ingly perfect to our joy and to thy
These blessings we humbly ask, tl
our glorified Mediator and Redi
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

HYMN

For Thursday Evening.

Jesus ! I love thj channiiig name :

Tis music to my ear :
Fam would I sound it out so loud^

That earth and hear'n should hear.

Yes, thou art precious to my soul ;

My transport, and my trust :
Jewels to thee are gaudy toys,

And gold is sordid dust.

All my capacious powers can wish.

In thee doth richly meet :
Not to nlih6 eyes is light so dear.

Nor friendship half so sweet.

Thy grace still dwells upon my heart.

And sheds its fragrance there ;
The noblest balm of all its wounds.

The cordial of its care.

A THANKSGIVING PRAYER

For Thursddy Evening.

O most High aud Holy One^ who inhab-
est eternity^ and art God over all, blessed
>r eyermore ! happy are they Y^\iO ^Xi^xA

50
continuaUy in thy presence^ always a
ing, loving, and obeying thee ; and rej(
in thy love and favour. Thou art w<
O Lord, to receive from us, and fror
whole creation, blessing, and honour
glory, and power ; for thou art great
greatly to be praised. All the ho
heaven continually praise thee ; ai
ought the universal church on earth,
ing, "Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almi
which was, and is, and is to come !^

Praised be thy sovereign goodness, ^
spreads itself over all thy works !
Lord how manifold are they :" "
openest thine hand, and fiUest all t
living with plenteousness." Throug
mercy, O Lord, we can, from our ow
perience, bear abundant testimony t
goodness. O how pleasant and won*
is it to recount all the instances o
patience with us, and thy bounty t^
In the day of trouble thou hast beei
defence and our refuge. In our diJ
we have cried unto thee, and thou
enlarged us. Blessed be God, who
not cast away our prayer, nor his n
from us. When our feet have slipped
mercy, O Lord, held us up. But
daily would we adore, O LotAjtVe bre
^nd length, and depthi and \\e\^\. ^

M. 9IMA\f%M. 11C40I; LtlX^r M.\A%i\Ay mUCkV YTV UlBgUll

1 to the knowledge of thy great love,
florify thee, O Heavenly Father, if
who didst command the light to shine
f darkness, hast " shined into our
3 to give lis the knowledge of the
of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
' be to thee, O God, for the gracious
tionsofthyHoly Spirit, enlightening
iinds, drawing our will towards thee,
ng in us holy desires, and forming

puiposes and resolutions in our
s. How often hast thou spared us

we deserved thine anger ! From
nany assaults of the enemy have we
guarded ! And how many of his
Q8 have been defeated by an invisible
mdeserved goodness ! O how great
; our iov to be in thv love, and in thv

and hajipiness, than to live to the praise ai
glory of thy grace in Christ Jestis ; wall
ing worthy of him who hath called us
thy kingdom and glory«

MEDITATION

For Friday Morning.

THK EXAMPLE OP JESDS.

" Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jbrd
unto John, to be baptized of him.

" But John forbad him, sayingf, I haye need
be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me ?

" And Jesus answering said unto him, suffer
to be 80 now ; for thus it becometh us to. fulfil i
righteousness. Then he suffered him.

" And JesUs when he was baptized, went i
straightway out of the water ; and, lo, the heare
were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit
God descending like a dove and lighting upi
him.

** And, lo, a voice from heaven, saying, this
my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."-
Matt. iii. 13—17-

Thus it becometh us to fulfil all righti
oiuness : thus it becomes the penitent sii
ner to pat off the old man and to put c

; to die unto sin, and to rise unto

i of life. Thus it becomes us to

le body, in token of the purity of

iidthout which none shall see God.

t became him who condescended to

leader^ pattern, and guide of his

i, to leave them an example ; to

them the purity and. holiness re-

d in the gospel kingdom.

e blessed Jesus was our example ;

nly as to the outward and visible sign,

also as to the inward and spiritual

e. While looking up and praying,

ras preparing for his glorious offices ;

making ready that heavenly kingdom

3h was now to be founded ; preparing

s Kingof Sion ! King of saints ! lie was

)aring that great sacrifice which was

tone for the sins of the world ; per-

ing himself through sufiering, that he

ht bring many sons to glory ! While

; looking up and offering himself up

this great work, behold the heavens

e opened unto him^ and the Father

1 abroad the light of his countenance ;

divine Spirit was poured forth without

;sure upon him^ as a spirit of might, and

9ower, and of adoption. And, \o\ v

ie Jrom heaven, saying, ^^ Thou aT\ \t

fred Son, in whom I am well p\eaae«

As such^ blessed Jesus^ may our so
receive Thee^ full of grace and truth; {
we earnestly pray, that something of ti
holy unction may descend from Thee uj
our souls ; may thy enlivening Spirit kin
its sacred flame there, with such vigo
that many waters may not be able
quench it, nor floods of temptation ov
whelm us.

HYMN

For Friday Morning.

My dear Redeemer and my Lord,
I read my duly in thy word,
But in thy life the law appears
Drawn out in living characters.

Such was thy truth, and such thy zeal^
Such deference to thy Father's will.
Such love, and meekness so diyine,
I would transcrihe and make them mine.

Cold mountains^ and the midnight air^
Witness'd the fervour of thy prayer ;
The desert thy temptation knew,
Thy conflict and thy vict'ry too.

Be thou my pattern ; make me bear
More of thy gracious Image here :
Then Ood the judge shall own my name
AoMNigtt the rollowen of the Lamb.

PRAYER

For Friday Morning.

O most holy and blessed Lord^ thine we
e^ and thee we ought to serve: thou
.St made us^ and not we ourselves : we
63 therefore, not our own ; but bound to
rve thee with our bodies and spirits
lich are thine. The obligations of thy
V, and the endearments of thy love, ren-
r it our indispensable duty to be faithful
the covenant of our God, and to abound

the work of the Lord. May thy al-
ghty Spirit so write the law of holiness
on our minds, that we may delight in it
;er the inward man ; that it may be our
iat and drink to do thy will, our highest
iasure to go about doing good. Teach

the value of time, and enable us to
prove it to the best advantage, in such
ties as thou hast assigned us ; may we
t be slothful in business ; but fervent in
irit, serving the Lord. To thy glory, O
Td, may the labours of life be pursued ;
d to thy glory may the refreshments of
be sought and enjoyed : whether we
t or driak, or whatsoever we do, may

do all to thy glory. May out e^e'e.

ever be watchful to obseire the desce
mercies from Thee : and may a grt
sense of thy hand^ and thy love nianif
in them, add i^ savour wd value to thei
While in this world of trial, may we a
tom ourselves to expect aMctiopsj
when they come, may we be reooncil
them, by remembering that they come
Thee ; and by firmly believing, that
the same love appoints our daily cr
which gives us our duly bread. M<
learn to take them up, tod foUo'
^jA blessed Liord with a temper like that
t|i he manifested when ascending C;
I V for our sakes. Like him may we s
\t: every circumstance of trial. The cup
Ur my heavenly Father hath given me,
■'■^ I not drink it ? Keep us, O Lord, w
thee, amidst the temptations to whi
are daily exposed : make us sensi
our own weakness, that our hearts i
perpetually raised to Thee for needfi
plies of strength. When in societ]
we watch the door of our lips, th

57
Like our blessed Master may we
retire to pray; and do Thoii, our
Qly Father, meet us^ and strengthen
h all might by thy Spirit in the in-
an: may we enjoy the pleasure of
esence, and feel its animating power
ning our souls to an earnest desire
low Jesus; and, in our imperfect
re, to fulfil all rigl^teousness ! Thus
his day, and all our days be spent.
) Lord, dispose us seriously to re-
he actions of every day, and judge
vesj as we expect to be judged at
f Thee, who search est all hearts ;
^hen our Lord shall come, we may
lat joyful sentence, "Come ye blessed
Father, inherit the kingdom pre-
for you from the foundation of the
" Grant this, we beseech thee, O
ul Father, through Jesus Christ,
ediator and Redeemer. Amen.

HYMN

For Friday Evening".

SUA mine adyocate above,
Let me not hear of thee alone ;
it make the wonders of thy love
By sweet experience deeply known.

On this my faith would fix her eje, i

My lips would taste thy heavenly grace, .j

Then should I raise thine honour high.
And teach a thousand tongues thy praiM^

The sacred flame from heart to heart.
Should with a rapid progress run ;

Till. each in God should bear a part.
In sweet communion with his Son.

PRAYER

For Friday Evening.

How excellent is thy mercy, O God ! and
what encouragement hast thou given us to
put our trust under the shadow of thy
wings ! — ^Thou art the bountiful giver of tM
good that our souls desire, and the merci-
ful withholder of the evil that our sins de-
serve. From Thee comes all our help ; and
in Thee may we repose all our hope. We
acknowledge thy great and daily goodness
to us ; and our own absolute unwoi*thine8S
of the least of all thy mercies. We desire
to take shame and confusion to ourselves»
that we have so little improved, and so
greatly abused, thy patience with us^ and
the various instances of th^ V^outit^ towards
us. Thy very mercies \ieVp \.o ^%t^^«^ft

icious tavour in J esus unrist tor tlie
of them. Being justified by faith,
e have peace with God, through
i^brist our Lord. And, as we pray,
ou wilt be to us a Father of mer-
id a God of consolation ; so also
lou wouldest make iia followers of
IS dear children. Work in us by
'ly Spirit that which is well-pleas-
thy sight. Lord, thou knowest
eakness, and the temptations to
we are exposed ; our danger from
jmy of souls, and from the present
wluch is full of snares; and, above
im the enemy within, a heart de-
above all things, and desperately
J ever apt to betray us into sin.
ly, therefore, that thou wilt arm us

1 T

> .

60
give us hearts more sensible of thy
love to U89 more inflamed with k
thee, and more thankful for the ble
which thou art pleased to miiltiplj
us. And cause us to shew forth thy ]
not only by speaking good of thy
but by ordering our conversation a
comes the gospel of Christ. To thy
do we humbly commend ourselve
ours this night; beseeching thee U
us with thy salvation, and to presei
in soul and bodv from all evils am]
gers, to which the weakness of our i
and the greatness of our sins cxpc
May our repose be safe and refre
that we may rise better fitted to serv
according to thy will. And as thou 1
days and mercies, add repentanci
amendment to our days ; that, in pi
tion as we draw nearer to the grav
souls may grow fitter for heaven,
which we hope only through the med
and intercession of Jesus Christ our
who is the same yesterday, and ti
and for ever. Amen*

MEDITATION

For Saturday Mottling'.

e of good cheer ; I have oTercome the world."

John xvi. 33.

Temptations are fiery darts^ thorns iu
I fleshy buffetings^ fightings^ combats^
'dships^ and sufferings. Christ submitted
them^ because he would humble him-
f to be made in all things like unto his
itbren.

rhere is no conquest without a combat.

rist submitted to be tempted, that he

Ifht overcome the tempter. Satan tempt-

the first Adam, and triumphed over

: but he was hot to triumph always.

second Adam vanquished him, and

captivity captive. Let saints remem-

that though their enemy is subtle, yet

not invincible : though he is a strong

irmed, yet the Captain of our salya-

s stronger than he. Our great High

knows by ewperience what it is to be

?d } and is, therefore, more tenderly

•d with the feeling of om* infirmities.

is still more animating to bear in

hat, as Christ when he conquered

nquering for ics ; not only is the

with whom wc grapple a con-

quered^ baffled^ disarmed enemy ; but tb
we are interested in Christ's victory ov
him; and, through him^ are more th
conquerors.

Christ repelled all the temptations
Satan with, *' It is written." The word
God is the sword of the Spirit ; the oi
offensive weapon in the Christian armoi
It is mighty, through God ; there is no
like that in our spiritual conflicts. T
great aim of Satan is^ to tempt the ch
dren of God to throw ofi^ their relation
God as their Father ; and, by this meai
to cut oflF their dependance on him, thi
duty to him, and their communion wi
him : to persuade them that outwa
afflictions, wants, and burdens, are reaso
for questioning their sonship : as if affl:
tions could not consist with fatherly lov
while this is really the source from when
they proceed.

Christ would not command the stoi
to be made bread, because he would i
do any thing that looked like distrust!
his heavenly Father. Those know how
answer Satan's temptations, who with h(
Job can say, though " he slay me, j
Willi trust in him."

^^Beholdy angels came «i\\A mltiister
wto him !" Behold, and rejoice^ ^\\^VS

63
lat, though there is a world of wicked,
alicious spirits, that fight against Christ
id his church ; yet, so also, is there a
orld of holy and blessed spirits engaged
id employed to succour and defend them,
drist's victories ai'e the triumphs of an-
ils. They come to rejoice with him, and

give him the glory due unto his name.
ius was Christ signalized, and made
•eat in the invisible world, by the voice

the Father, the descent of the Spirit,
s victory over devils, and his dominion
er angels ; thus was he qualified to
pear in the invisible world, as the
ediator between God and man ; and thus
be become the Captain of our salvation.

HYMN
For Saturday Morning,

For ever blessed be the Lord,
My Saviour and my shield :

He sends his Spirit with his word
To arm me for the field.

When sin and hell their force unite
He makes my soul his care ;

Instructs me in the heavenly fight,
And guards me through the war.

A friend and helper so divine
Doth my weak courage raise ;

He makes the glorious victory mine,
And his shall be the praise.

PRAYER

For Saturdtttf Morning.

O God of all grace, and giver of efd
good and perfect gift, we humbly besee(
thee to pour upon us this morning ^
spirit of grace and supplication ; may c
hearts, as well as our lips, be engaged
worshipping, praising, and adoring T!
the Lord of our life, the source of
mercies, and the God of our salvatic
Christ Jesus. As the light of the mo:
has chased away the darkness of the ]
so, do thou, O Sun of righteousness,
upon our souls, and dispel the darkc
ignorance and unbelief from our r
and enable us to walk as the child
the light, and of the day. Thou ha
cifuUy said, *' He that followeth m'
not walk in darkness, but shall h
light of life." Draw us and we si
after thee. The power is thine, 0
it upon 1185 that we may live acco

Jid eigoy thy preseoce, peace,

n whatsoever work we shall
inga^e tbiB day, may we Berve

aim at thy glory in all things,
og contrary to thy holy will.
8 Lord, leave us not to oar-
: is not in man that waiketh to
:ps : let us not follow our own
t, nor lean to our own under-
it clothe us with humility;
Jou3 and watchful over our-
dependent on thee alone to
a all the evil that surrounds

all that dwells within us. It
served privilege to bear the
me. O convince us of the
;ting satisfied with the name,
eriencing the inward life and
e Spirit of Christ upon our

thy word assures us, that if

the spirit of Christ, we are
. May we more and more
lowliness of mind, that tender
ionate charity, that meekness,
1 forgiveness, which shone in
rings ; and subdue our will
and ready submission to thy
I all things. Fulfil in us, U

recious promises, saying

them, and walk in them ;" " I

66
will be unto them a God^ aiid they Bhi
unto me a people;" ^^ They shall all 1
me, from the least unto the gfreatt
'^for they shall all be taught of C
May our souls hunger and thirst
the sweet experience of these blessin
Constrained by thy mercies, O ^
may we present ourselves living sacri
holy, acceptable unto thee, througli
great High Priest, who ever liveth to
intercession for usj and in whoG
desire to be found, now, and for
Amen.

HYMN

For Saturday Evening.

Awake, my soul, stretch every nerve,
And press with vigfour on ;

A heavenly race demands thy zeal|
And an immortal crown.

A cloud of witnesses around,

Hold thee in full survey ;
Forget the steps already trod.

And onward urge thy way.

fc OttTiour ! iiitroduc'd by thee,
av6 I my race begub ;
, crow&'d with rict'ry at thy feet,
11 lay mine honours down.

PRAYER

For Saturday Evening.

d^ the creator of all mankind^ who
)t only rest on the seventh day
. thy labours and pronounce them
)ut also didst in mercy set apart
r in seven, that tre thy creatures
vait on thee without distraction ;
sech thee to impress upon our
that the morrow is the sabbath of
d our God. May we rest from our
rks, and from all worldly thoughts
es ; and itifty our hearts be entirely
1 in thy worship and service : may
1 the Spirit on the Lord's day ; and
8 holy influences abide with us
ve rettim to the duties of life
hou hast appointed. O prepare us
ag to the purification of the sanct-
ith a serious, reverent, and spirit-
id ; may we hunger for the bread
and thirst after the living v^^V^eti^

of thy grace : looking to the light <
countenance for joy and gladness.

If any of u9 are among the weai
heavy laden, may we find rest unt
souls in the living pastures of thy s
nary. Is our burden a heart of unb
May the Saviour say unto us by his I
wherefore dost thou doubt? If sin
burden of our souls, may we be enab
leave it by faith at the foot of the
We tbank thee that we are inriti
oome to a throne of grace, that wi
obtfun mercy to pardon, and grace ti
in time of need.

O pour upon us the spirit of grac
of supplication ; and suffer not til
preaching Sabbath to be spent as,
too many of those which are past
been. Help us to look forward with
sure to those precious means of
which it may afibrd : and though n
utterly unworthy to tread thy cour
to join thy people in the blessed exe
of prayer and praise, 0 feed our souli
the bread of life, and clothe us wit
garments of salvation !

We are now one week nearer t
Utter end : put us in remenibram
Lord, that days and weeks, as they pa
hiing ufl nearer to death and juag

ij each of us remember, that in the midst

ife we are in death ; that the approach -

' sabbath may be our last. We deserve

; to be favoured with another sabbath ;

deserve not to have our day of grace

gthened : but spare us, good Lord :

1 if our ears have been hitherto shut

iinst the sound of thy gospel, may we

ir and live ; may the eyes that have

m closed against the light of the gospel

opened; and the hearts blinded and

rdened by sin be made by thy grace to

! and feel : may the lukewarm be

ckened, and all who are planted in the

\se of the Lord flourish in the courts of

God ! May their faith, and love, and

3, and joy increase ; and prepare them

3 and more for the bliss and praise of

en ; where the Lamb which is in the

t of the throne shall feed them, and

'hem unto living fountains of water.

unto him that is able to keep us from

:, and to present us faultless before

esence of his glory with exceeding

0 the only wise God, our Saviour,

>ry and majesty, dominion and

now and for ever. Amen.

SECOND WEEK.

MEDITATION
For the Lord's Day Morning

TUB LAMB OF GOD.

" Behold the Iinmh of God, who taketl
aioB of the world," John i. 29

The Lamb slain from the fuuni
the world : the Lgmh gignified b;
sacrifices of the law : the Lainb
by the Father, in whom he is well
in whom justice is Eatistied, an
granted.

May our eyes look Btedfastly
and fix upon him our faith, our 1
our love, an the only way to the
as the only way in which our gui
tvafihed away, and our robes ina<
Let us look at him, and wonder a
to man ; and love him becausi
loved us. Let us go to him as the
truth, and the life : the true and i
way to the Father.

our heart pressed down even to deg-
ency under the guilt of sin, so that we
^ How can such a sinner be pardoned !
»in is greater than can be forgiven?"
lold the Lamb of God that tadketh a-
the sin of the world !" " The blood of
3 Christ cleanseth from all sin.*' Do
omplain of the hai*dnes8 of our hearts,
rant of love to Christ ? Behold him as
ed up to God for us ; and such a sight
jr, will melt our hard hearts. " They
look on ine whom they have pierced
shall mourn.''

) you at any time find your hearts fret-
disquieted, and impatient under every
I ana trial ? See how patiently, meekly,
quietly Christ, your sacrifice, came to
iltar, and bore your sins and your sor-
I. *'For he was made sin for us that we
it be made the righteousness of God
m." Whatever corruption may burden
a believing application of this will
•d support. Whatever grace is deti-
t, this will revive it. Blessed Jesus !
hank thee for the kind memorials thou
left us of thy love. May this love
IT us to thy table. There we can see
as a sacrifice ; and by faith can eat of
flesh, and drink of that blood, which
offered for the life of our souls. Theve;

7-2
may we hear thee say, " Be not f
but believing." Can we thus re
thee, and forget our own guilt 1
thus remember thee at thy tal
again and again forget thee i O
feast of love might this be to a b
soul 1 Lord, give us to taste that th;
meat indeed, and thy blood is drinli
O let us say from the bottom of oui
Thanks be unto God for his uns[
gifl. And with thy saints here let
" Worthy is the Lamb that was
receive power, and riches, and wisd
strength. Honoiu-, and glory, and
be unto him that sitteth upon the
and unto the Lamb for ever and
Amen.

HYMN

For the Lord's Day Morning

Not all the blood of beasts.
On Jewish altars slain,
Could g'ire the guilty conscience p(
Or wash away the stain.

But Christ the heavenly Lamb,
Takes all our sins away :
A sacrifice of nobler nnne.
And richer blood than they.

faith would lay her hand
:hat dear head of thine,
like a penitent I stand,
there confess my sin,

soul looks back to see
burdens thou didst bear,
hanging" on the accursed tree,
hopes her g^ilt was there.

evin^, we rejoice
;ee the curse remove ;
88 the Lamb with cheerful Toice,
sing his bleeding love.

PRAYER

>r the Lord^s Day Morning.

3 Jehovah! Thou art infinitely
praises of angels^ and much

nnil mortals. They that are far
shall perish ; but it is good for

' nigh to thee. Thy mercy has
this holy day, that thy love
may employ our minds, and be

e of our eternal rest. Breathe

le spirit of light, life, and love ;

s to this heavenly work, and

in it through thy dear Sou« W^

• i\ t-

1 r

I : ■■ I

■■■■Ji

■q. ^■■.
r ■ I-'"'

■}■>'

I , ■

adore thee as the Almighty Crea
heaven, and earth. How manifol
thy works, O Lord ! in wisdom hast
made them all. Thou hast made
^^ but a little lower than the angels/
with capacities for knowing, lovinj
serving thee- Thou wast his father,
factor, and chief good, to engage I
thyself in resignation, love, and obec
( Thou gavest him a holy, just, and go
that he might please and enjoy thee
man by departing from thee, did fo<
requite the Lord, and forsake the r^
his salvation. Sin entered into the
and death by sin. Yet, blessed I
name, thou didst add to the sentei
death the promise of a Redeemer,
took upon him the form of a servan
was made in the likeness of ma
wondei'ful, condescending love ! ^
proclaimed it, and with adoration ]
into it. Adored be our Emanuel
came as the light, and life of the
(He was holy, harmless, tmdefiled, am
raiefrom sinners.) He taught us ]

Eerfect doctrine and example. He
imself, by his sufferings and de
sacrifice and propitiation for our
Now, 0 Father, ^' there is forgi
vrfAh thee, that thou mayest be fei

76
hat our souls could with greater thank-
less maguify the Lord^ and our spirits
nee in God our Saviour. Thou art to
reverenced in the assemblies of thy
Its, and to be honoured of all that

abo^t thee. A d^y in thy courts is
ter than a thousand. Quicken, O Lord,

desires after an everlasting Sabbath,
. while Sabbaths on earth are con-
led, make them a blessing to our
Is.

Lssist us in all the religious services of
I holy day. Let thy gracious presence
svith us to the solemn assembly. Help
against our manifold infirmities, and
sins that most easily beset us, in our
indance upon thee. Let thy word be
^ood seed in our hearts, taking root,
. bringing forth fruit to thy glory, and

eternal salvation. Let our prayers

praises be spiritual sacrifices, aocept-
s in thy sight through Jesus Christ,
'his day ride forth in the chariot of
everlasting gospel, conquering and to
quer. Let heathen nations be brought
acknowledge their Creator, and Re>
mer. In all thy churches let the arm
the Lord be revealed, sinners be con-
ted, and saints be edified, in their most
y faith. Continue the gospel in our

own land, and give it more abi
success. Make the ministers of the
faithful to Christ and souls ; as thoi
must give an account, thai they mai
with jay y and not with grief. Heal th
ease the puned ; succour the tempte(
ply the necessitous ; be a father
fatherless, and a husband to the wi(
thy holy habitation. If afflictioi
tain any from the public solemnities
day, let them enjoy thy gracious pi
in their own dwellings. Fit the dy:
a glorious sabbath above, comple
number of thine elect, and fit thi
thy heavenly kingdom.

Blessed be God, that we are in
and comfort to engage in the dutic
enjoy the privileges of this st
Leave us not to wandering though
affections. But let our conversatio:
heaven, from whence we look fn
glorious Redeemer, whom having no
we love ; in whom, though now
him not, yet believing, may we :
with joy unspeakable, and full of
For his sake we beseech thee to h<
and do for us abundantly above a
we can ask, conceive, or think ! An

HYMN
For the Lwd^z Bay Evening.

Come let us join our cheerful son^s

With angels round the throne ;
Ten thousand thousand are their tong^es^

But all their joys are one«

Worthy the Lamb that died, they cry,

To be exalted thus :
Worthy the Lamb, our lips replyj

For he was slun for us.

Jesus is worthy to receive

Honour and power divine.
And blessings more than we can gire,

Be, Lord, for ever thine.

The whole creation join in onCj

To bless the sacred name
Of him that sits upon the throne^

And to adore the Lamb.

PRAYER

For the Lord's Day Evening.

I Lord our God, who hast remembered
m our low estate, and given thy well
oved Son to he a ransom for our ^o\A^\
desire to draw nigh to thee on lAvVBi

creniD^ of thine own day. We W'
the hosts of heaven fttll down bef
Sillying, blessing, and i^lory, and
and power, be unto thee for ever
We would unite with the redeem
the throne, in ascribing salratio
God which sitteth upon the thi
unto the Lamb. How wondei
been the designs of thy love,
counsels of thy wisdom 1 may i
magnify the Lord, and our spiril
in God our Saviour. Father of
prepare our hearts to embrace t
unspeakable gift. O, thou great
lover of souls, remember u&
favour which thou bearest to th
and visit us witli thy salvation.
Saviour, be thou an eflectual
to U9. Thou didst bare our sins
own body on the tree j may w
thee for refuge from the wrath
and lay hold on the hope set I
Thou tuokcst our naturci that i
partake of thine : O let us, t
perienne the mighty power of th
let it heal our depraved naturi
sanctify our sinful rouIs ; let it
lovers and followers of thy hi
lliou earnest down to earth, to n
to helireD : O set our affections i

e ; may we in heart and mind thither
id where thou art gone before to
ire a place for us ; and may the great
;s, which accompany salvation, be
iplied unto us exceedingly, through
:nowledge of our incarnate Lord,
savenly Father, our souls would es^
Jly bless thee for the mercies which
are experienced this day : for thy
e open to us ; for the word of salva-
sounding in our ears; and for thy
ed Spirit striving with our hearts. O
we not receive this grace in vain : let
It provoke thee to withdraw thy ten-
[lercies from us : but cause us to erow
ace, and the knowledge of our Lord
Saviour Jesus Christ.
mercy pardon all which thy pure and
eyes have seen amiss this day in our
[fhts or desires, our words or actions,
le sake of our great Mediator, who
lives at thy right hand to make
cession for us. To Him, as the blessed
IF of our hopes and happiness ; and
liee, who didst vouchsafe to deliver
up for us ; and to the ever blessed
t, who reveals him to us, be all praise,
onour, and glory, humbly and heartily
9ed by us, and by all thy church, now
or ev^tuore. Amen.

MEDITATION
For Monday Morning.

THE LIVING SACRIFICE.

'' I breech you therefore, brethre
mercies of God, that ye present you
liTin^ sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto G
is your reasonable service." Rom. xii. '

Do we live, and move, and I
being in God ? and dare we refu
HUy to live to Himy and to move
obedience to him and dependan
him ? Shall we dare to deny the I
bought us, who redeemed us to G<
own blood ; who died and rose ag
henceforth we should not live to o
but to him ; that he might be oi
both in life and in death ? A living
must be a willing sacrifice. Wen
lost ? Are we not rescued in the inc
way ? To us, it is true, without c
most costly to our Redeemer. Is i
thing, that he offers himself to us
fitlness, without money, and withoi
saying, '^ Ho ! every one that t
come ye to the waters, and he tl

■--'

81
money, come ye, buy and eat; yea,
ne, buy wine and milk without money,
1 without price!" Is it a small thing,
,t he should thus expostulate with us,
i^herefore do ye spend your money for
t which is not bread, and your labour
that which satlsfieth not? Hearken
gently unto me, and eat ye that which
^ood, and let your soul delight itself in
lesis. Incline your ear, and come unto
; hear, and your soul shall live." Is it
iiaU thing, that he in whom is all the
less of God, having first offered himself
us, now offers himself to us ? that he
h treated us hitherto with such indul-
ice ? waited on us with such enduring
ience ? sustained us by such liberal
intv ? And now, when we should be
amuning with our own hearts, tind ask-
' ourselves " What shall we render unto
I Lord ?" — that ?ie should say to us so
icisely, and yet so comprehensively,
present yourselves." Is that too much ?
t we too inconsiderable to be his ? or are
I mercies too inconsiderable to constrain
to be so? The mercies that flow so
lely from him, who is indeed the Father
mercies. The mercies that are so suit-
le to us; pardon to the guilty; light to
em that dwell in darkness ; life to live

Mi"

Hi'!)

1 il

83
dead ; a rich portion, and all-suffici
ness for the poor, indigent, and n
tous. The mercies that we are enco
to ecopecty as well as those which w<
The great good laid up in store
mercies of eternity, added to those <
The mercies of both worlds meetinj
us ! Hare you heard this gracious
tion ? and has your heart consented
reflect upon it, and bethink yourse]
you have done, and whose you no
I, who was once afar oflF, am brough
once alienated from the life of G<
now holiness to the Lord. Let u
glorify God with our bodies and wi
spirits, which are his ; may we glor
kere^ and enjoy him for ever in heav

HYl^IN

For Monday Mornings

For as mean, wretched, sinfdl men,

Thou laid'st thy glory by ;
First in our mortal flesh to serve,

Then in that flesh to die.

Bought with thy service and thy blood.
We doubly. Lord, are thine ;

To thee our Uvea we would devote,
To thee our deaths resign.

PRAYER

Tot Monday Morning:

> most blessed God^ thou art the great
'ce of being and happiness ; the nearer
u-e to thee, the more pure and delight-
is the stream, ^^with thee is the
tain of life, in thy light may we see
" Give us, we beseech thee, the
^dness of the man who feareth the
and delighteth greatly in his com-
nents. So form our hearts by thy
that, from day to day, we may set
he Lord, always before us, and live
fear all the day long,
lee may we ever direct our waking
ts ; and with the first ray of light
its our opening eyes, do thou, O
f2

84
Lord^ graciously lift up upon us the Wg
of thy countenance. O enable us to pc
out our souls before thee with filial rev(
ence, humility, freedom^ and affectu
With hearts filled with gratitude^ woi
we praise thee for past mercies ; and in t
exercise of a lively faith implore the frc
blessings which every retui*ning day i
quires. We desire with cheerfulness da
to renew the dedication of ourselves
thee, through thy beloved Son, our Lc
and Saviour Jesus Christ. May we lc
to meditate on thy Holy Word, and J
tentively hearken to its instructions ; tl
we may know what thou wouldest have
to do. Enable us to hide it in our hear
that we may not sin against thee ; a
earnestly to seek fresh supplies of t
blessed Spirit, that we may be quicken
in all the duties which it enjoins. Tl
prepared, do thou, O Lord, lead us foi
to all the duties of this day, and let it
our delight to do thy blessed will. I
our offerings of love and praise be live
willing offerings : the desire of our soi
and the joy of our heatts ; that, instc
of dishonouring thee by our lifeless si
vices, we may abound in thy work, and
fervent in i^pirit, serving the Lord. Mc
vs also faithful in all our \iv\et\:^^\ix%^ "9^

round us : ready to do ^od, and

evil : just and kind, merciful and

peaceable and patient, sober and

nying, inoffensive and exemplary in

nduct : that so glorifying thee while

earth, we may, at our departure

, be received through thy mercy into

)y of our Lord, and be for ever glori-

in thy heavenly kingdom. Let no

stations draw us, nor any tribulations

e us from thee : but let all thy dispen-

ons be received as messengers of thy

3 to our souls ; and all thy dealings

h us bring us nearer to thyself, and

ke us fitter for thy blissful presence.

eave us not, neither forsake us ; but be

- guide unto death, in death our comfort,

I after death our everlasting portion,

ough the atonement and merits of

)us Christ, our only Lord and Saviour.

HYMN

For Monday Evening.

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory d\eA,
Mjr richest gain I count but loss.
And pour contempt on all my pr\de.

Forbid it. Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ my God ;

All the vain things that charms me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood*

See from his head, his hands, his feet.
Sorrow and love flow mingl'd down !

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet ?
Or thorns compose so rich a crown ?

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.

PRAYER

Fw Monday Evening*

Infinite and everlasting God, the great
Creator of the heavens and of the earthi
and of all things visible and mvisible, we
unworthy sinners desire to approach thee,
through the mediation of our Lord Jemu
Christ; that blessed way of thine own
appointment. May our prayer be set forth
before thee as incense, and the lifting up
of our hands as an acceptable evenmg
muaiAce. Blessed be th^ name, O thou
never faiUng source of |^oo^<^^*& ^s&

mercy^ for the preservation and favours of
another day ; and that no afflictive and
melancholy providence prevents our meet-
mg together this evening in a comfortable
manner at thy throne of grace. May we
with one consent call upon our souls to
bless thee who loadest us daily with thy
benefits^ feedest us with food convenient
for us^ and continuest to us our daily com-
forts, redeeming our lives from destruction,
and crowning us with loving-kindness and
tender mercies. And may we shew forth
thy praise not only with our lips ; but by
a life devoted to thy service. Forgive us,
gracious God, that our hearts have hither-
to been so little affected with thy good-
ness, and our consequent obligations to
love and serve thee. Forgive, that when
we have known our duty we have neglect-
ed to practise it ; and especially that we
have so often acted directly contrary to it.
Innumerable are our offences ; and they
are aggravated, O Lord, by being commit-
ted against the clearest light, and strongest
love.

This day has witnessed to thy mercies
and to our follies : a slight review at the
dose of even our best days, couviucea m^
how yery detective we are, in cowvf»^&^^
of what we might be. O Lord, Yiav^ ijckstc

88
upon us, miserable sinners, for Jesuf
Christ's sake ! Father, forgive us, though
we have sinned against heaven, and before
thee.

And, O that, as the shadows of OM
evening after another are stretching them-
selves over us, our thoughts may be more
steadily and seriously fixed on the ap-
proaching night of death, and the succeed-
ing day of judgment ! May we be above
all things concerned to stand prepared for
our departure hence, and that we may be
found of Christ in peace when he appeareth.
Thy word assures us, that when that awful
morning shall dawn, many shall wish to
have lain still in everlasting night ; and
shall call to the mountains and to the rocks
to fall on them, and hide them from the
face of him that sitteth on the throne, and
from the wrath of the Lamb. And, 0
Lord, shall any in our family be of this
wretched number ? O God forbid I To
prevent so dreadful an end, help us, 0
Lord, to examine ourselves now. May
we never be satisfied in any state or course
of life, which is inconsistent with the sin-
cerity and holiness which the Gospel re-
quires at thy tribunal ; and O thou great
searcher of hearts, do thou still more
thoroughly search us and try us : see if

89
'e be any wicked way in us, discover it
s^ and lead us in the way of life ever-
ng : that so, when day and night shall
e, and the elements shall melt with
ent heat, we may lift up our heads
L joy, knowing that our redemption
wetlk nigh I Amen.

MEDITATION

For Tueiday Morning.

KVherefore the rather brethren, give diligence
&ke your calling and election sure, for if ye
lese things ye shall never fall :
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto
abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of
[jord and Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Pet. i. 10.

ow^ active and anxious are men in pur-
g the things of the world ; but how
)ncemed and inactive in the ways of
:e and holiness. Christians, however,
lid remember that the promises of God
made not to the slothful and the idle,
to the laborious and diligent christian.
of him only who keeps his words, that
Son has said, ^^My Father will love
, and we will make our abode with

90 1

It is the will of God, that the hearts d Mi
his people should be warm and fervent ila=«
religious exercises. That service whidl
hath not heavenly warmth is no service.!
Lukewarmness God cannot endure; bat|l
as he forewarned the church at Laodiceitl
rejects with holy disgust. Let the slothMl
christian remember, that God loves activity I
in duty, and promises that, while ^^thel ^
soul of the sluggard desireth, and hathl
nothing ; the soul of the diJigent shall b^l
made fat/' It is only the energetic fervent!
prayer that availeth much. I

If we would wear the crown, the raofti
must be run : if we would share the tri-l .
umph, the good fight must be fought, afill
the victory won : he that would knoWtl
must follow on to know the Lord : he tbs^ '
would make his calling and election «Mm
and would never fall, but have an abundaofi
entrance into the everlasting kingdom <f\
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, mu^ |
give diligence thereto, and work out b^ 1
salvation with fear and trembling. j

Do you, then, complain of want of assul^ -
ance ? Be no longer formal, listless, aa^
superficial in prayer. Stir up yourselve^
and exert all your energies in seeking an^
serving the Lord ; and then you shall soo^
Awe such communicatious irovsv V^'^^^^t^-

ill you with joy unspeakable and
:lory !

HYMN

JFbr Tuesday Morning.

id up, my soul, sliake off thy fears,
nd g^ird the Gospel armour on ;
rch to the gates of endless joy,
'here thy great Captain Sayiour's gone.

1 and thy sins resist thy course ;
•ut hell and sin are yanquish'd foes ;
' Jesus nail'd them to the cross,
nd sung the triumph when he rose.

It though the prince of darkness rage,
Lnd waste the fury of his spite ;
rnal chains confine him down
^o fiery deeps and endless night.

at though thine inward lusts rehel,
ns but a struggling gasp for life ;
) weapons of victorious grace
(hall slay thy sins, and end the strife.

in let my soul march boldly on.
Press forward to the heavenly gate \
9r0 peace Mnd joy eternal reign,
ndgUtt'ring robea for conquerors 'wAt*

There shall I wear a starry crown,
rjj And triumph in Almig^hty grace ;

While all the armies of the skies,
Join in my glorious Leader's praise.

PRAYER

Far Tuesday Morning.

For Holiness.

O Almighty and Eternal God ! w
like unto thee^ glorious in holiness, fi
in praises^ doing wonders ? '* Thou \
purer eyes than to behold iniquity, n<
shall sin dwell with thee." We desi
approach thy Divine Majesty mo«t
foundly adoring thine infinite hatr
sin^ thine inflexible determination to p
it ; and thine awfiil justice manifesti
the sacrifice of thy beloved Son, thi
might be a propitiation for our sins,
would adore thy glorious holiness as s
in the coming of Jesus Christ to put
sin, to bring in everlasting righteoui
and to purify us unto hiniself a pei
people zealous of good works. O our
create us anew in Christ Je«u«) aud
iu^ to hunger and thirst after T\^tao>v

93
»ur hearts be right with thee, before
we appear without disguise, and
tannot be deceived by the most
us pretences to piety,
the knowledge of thy holiness and
teach us to deny all ungodliness and
y lusts, and to live soberly, righte-
and godly, in this present world. O
y and destroy in us every rebellious
ition, every vicious inclination, that
itself against the holy precepts of
)spel, tliat gives Satan advantage
B, and hinders our blessed Redeemer
f'eigning as King supreme in our
. Let not sin reign any longer in
ortal bodies, that we should obey it
lusts thereof : but help us. Lord, to
Qce every idol, though dear as a right
or right eye, and tear ii from thy
; ) to keep under our body, and bring
subjection. Help us, O God of our
ion, against the sins that most easily
lis. Let not sinful flesh, but thy
ily Spirit and grace, guide and go-
is. Gird us, O our God, with might
e spiritual conflict we are caUed to
aiu ; imd enable us to go on conquer-
ery spiritual adversary. O make us
ealous over our hearts, and watchful
>ur ways : mortify our pride, and

94
clothe us with humility ; subdue oi
passions^ and put on us the ornament of
meek and quiet spirit; pluck up evei
root of bitterness out of our minds, ai
make us kind, tender-hearted, as becomi
the followers of Jesus. May we put c
the Lord Jesus, not in name and profe;
sion only; but also so walk, even as 1
walked. We would put on his purity, b
self-denial, his meekness, his patience, h
bowels of kindness, his submission to h
heavenly Father's will, his love to God ai
man. Thus may we shew forth thy prais
making it evident that thou hast called i
out of darkness into thy marvellous ligli
and translated us out of the kingdom
Satan into the kingdom of thy dear So
Thus may we be training up for that sta
where holiness shall be perfected, whe
we shall behold thy face in righteousnes
and be satisfied when we awake in t1
likeness.

Let holiness to the Lord be written u
on this house, and upon every heart und
this roof. Let sin have no dominion her
but let every soul be a temple for thy Ho
Spirit to dwell in. Here let the fruits
righteousness grow to thy praise and gl
rjr; and way we all at last appear amoi
tAe redeemed of the Lotd, ** ^\v^ \fl

robes, and made them white
)f the tAmb." Amen.

HYMN
ir l\ie*day Evening.

lips and lives expresB
;ospeI we profess,
works ftnd nrtues BfainCf
the doctrine til divine.

we best proclaim abroad,
irB of our Sariour God ;
salvation reigns within,
subdues the power of sin.

and sense miist be denied,
id envy, lust and pride ;
ice, temp'rance, truth, and lore,
d piety approve.

ears our spirits up,
expect that blessed hope,
t appearance of the Lord,
atands leaning on his word.

PRAYER

'or Tuetday Evening.

hearen and earth, we &«.%vt%
trate ourselves before t^i«*"»

• '1

f ■\-\

.1 : ■ ,-.1
«1 ■ jl

pi.i

I'? •

ml }

96
and to join that holy company who
not day and night, saying, " Holy, li
holy, Lord God Almighty, which was,
is, and is to come. Thou art worth]
Lord, to receive glory, honour, and pov
for thou hast created all things, and
thy pleasure they are and were creat<
Blessed be thy divine goodness, which
made the children of men but little Ic
than the angels i and crowned us with i
glory and honour, that we are capabl
accompanying the heavenly hosts^ in
ing continual thanks and praise to t
Praised be thy name for all the comfor
this life, and for the hopes of eternal hi
edness in that which is to come, thrc
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
how great was thy love, which sent
into the world to direct us in the wa
that happiness, by his holy doctrine
life ; to be a propitiation for our sini
his death ; and to be the first that sh
rise from the dead, and shew light i
the world. We rejoice in that ligl
life 5 we desire most cheerfully to de
ourselves to be the faithful disciples oi
Prince of Peace, the Lord of Life
Glory. It is our happiness, as well as
duty to be governed by him, and obey
oommMdi. We are sensible they an

[ good ; and that it is in love and
I thou hast taught us to deny un-
s and worldly lusts^ and to liye
righteously, and godly in the world.
3refore, we would most heartily
T our wiUs to thine^ desiring that
cleave to all thy commands with
; entire love and affection. O that
ly abide in us such a strong and
1 sense of thy mighty love towards
[irist Jesus, as may constrain us
id willingly to please thee in the

exercise of piety and devotion,
sness and mercy, meekness and
, truth and fidelity; with such a

contented, and peaceable spirit,

idom the religion of our Lord and

O God, grant that these holy

nd inclinations may never die nor

in our hearts : but may they be
'e in their vigour and force by the
1 inspiration of the Holy Ghost,
sse holy thoughts and desires, we
iw commend ourselves to thy pro-
his night, who hast preserved and
16 during the past day. We repose
€lief of thy good providence, to
e thankfidly entrust ourselves and
gingto us. We would lie down
with heaits full of love to thee,

98
and humble faith and hope in thee :
when we awake may we be still with 1
Dispofie VL8f O Lord) by the rest thou g
U89 to serve thee more zealously with
renewed spirits ; and mercifully gi
that, after the few days and nights we '
to pass in this world, we may come tc
eternal rest with Christ Jesus our 1
and Sayiour. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Wednesday Morning.

THK APPROPRIATION OF FAITH.

^' For this God is our God for ever and e

Psalm xlviii. \

By faith the Christian is enabled tc
hold God in Christ, in a way of holy ap
priation and delight. The ground of
claim is the covenant grant and proi
through the eternal Son. If thou
thus fixed thy claim unto God in Cfa
proceed to take a view of all his attrib
and perfections : for each of them
rook on which thou mayest build with
greatest comfort and security. Thou n
est say, my God is a God of infinite poi
/ mil not fear : he wiW TiAA^ me as *
pavilion in the evil day- HeV& «^ ^

Qite wisdom; and, therefore, he will
1 me in the way I know not, and make
wise unto salvation. He is a God of
nite justice ; and, therefore, haying ac-
ted Christ as my sacrifice, he will blot
i my iniquities as a cloud. He is a God
unspotted holiness ; and will sanctify
according to his covenant, and sprinkle
an water upon me, and I shall be clean,
is a God of infinite mercies ; and will
y me, and panlon me, and hear me
en I cry. He is a God of infinite faith-
ness ; and, therefore, his covenant will
not break, nor alter the thing which
th gone out of his lips.
Fhus faith rests on all the divine attri-
tes, as they are manifested in Christ;
d cUscovers treasures which can never
exhausted or diminished. FinaUy, it
Dteinplates the whole providence of God,
designed for the advancement of his
B glory, and the good of those that love
n. And this calms and satisfies the soul
ddst all the reelings and shakings of
is lower world : and assures the christian
an eternity of happiness in the imme-
ite fruition and enjoyment of his Lord.
My flesh and my heart faileth : but Go4l
fhe strenjrtfa of my be^t, and m^ i^ot-

100

HYMN

For Wednesday Momitig,

My Godj my Father, blissful name !

0 may I call thee mine ?

May I with sweet assurance claim
A portion so divine ?

This only can my fears controul.

And bid my sorrows fly ;
What harm can ever reach my soul

Beneath my Father's eye ?

Whatever thy providence denies,

1 calmly would resign ;

For thou art good, and just, and wise,
O bend my will to thine.

Whatever thy sacred will ordains,
O give me strength to bear ;

And let me know my Father reigns.
And trust his tender care.

My God, my father, be thy name

My solace and my stay ;
O come and seal my humble claim.

And drive my fears away.

PRAYER
Fw Wednesday Morning.

. O iDMt glorious axid eternal Majef
who art Ood oyer all, \Ae^^edL iox «^^\

101
er ; and whom all the hosts of heaven
Tship and adore I we desire with the
satest fervency of spirit, and in the most
rout and humble manner, to acknow-
Ige our obligations to love and serve
ec. But, alas ! we are unprofitable ser-
Dts ; our provocations against thee are in-
cased, and our trespasses are grown up
en unto the heavens. We have lived

ourselves, instead of living unto him
10 died for us, and rose ag^n ; we have
t, as we ought to have done, glorified
ee in our bodies, and in our spirits, which
e thine. And since it is not in man to
cover and save himself, O enable us to
>k unto thee, in whom alone our help
s. In the name of Jesus we come to
Y throne of grace, hoping to obtain
»rcy, and find grace to nelp in time of
ed : for his sake we humbly entreat thy
rour and the light of thy countenance,
aying thee to be reconciled to us, and to

at peace with us, as a Father of mercies
id a Grod of all consolation. Lord, ena-
e us to walk as becomes those upon whom
y name is called. May we be followers
Christ, as dear children ; and adorn the
ictrine of God our Saviour in all th\n^*&.
ay thj Hhnjghty Spirit so write the \vir
baliaess upon our minds, that it Tua^ViC

102
our meat and drink to do thy will ; that
we may hate all iniquity, and every false
way ; and resemble the blessed Jesus as
our pattern, while we trust in his merits as
our propitiation. Lord, make our services
aceeptaole to thee while we live, and our
souls ready for thee when we die. As long
as we arc in the world, keep us from the
evil of it ; and from the snares and dangers
to which we are continually exposed in our
passage through it. O make our pilgrim-
age safe and sure through all the troubles^
changes, and temptations of this mortal
life, to the unchangeable glories and feli-
cities of the life everlasting. Be merciful
to us this day. Keep us in all our ways ;
bless all om* lawful undertakings ; and
grant that we may do nothing but what is
acceptable in thy sight. Set thy fear
before our eyes all the day long, and put
thy love into our hearts, that we may not
depart from thee. Bless and preserve us
in our going out and our coming in. Alay
the angel of thy presence save us from all
sin and danger. Hear and answer us, 0
Lord, for the sake of him who hath loved
and redeemed us, even the Lord our righ-
teousness ; to whom be ascribed the king-
dom^ the power y and the g\oT>}, Xwxcn*

103

HYMN

For Wednesday Evening.

With joy we meditate the grace

Of our high-priest ahove.
His heart is made of tenderness.

His howels melt with love.

Touch'd Hith a sympathy within,

He knows our feeble frame ;
He knows what sore temptations mean,

For he has felt the same.

He in the days of feeble flesh

PourM out his cries and tears ;
And in his measure feels afresh

What every member bears.

He'll never quench the smoking flax^

But raise it to a flame ;
The bruised reed he never breaks^

Nor scorns the meanest name.

Then let our humble faith address

His mercy and his power ;
We shall obtain delivering grace

In the distressing hour.

PRAYER

For Wednesday Evening,

O thon Father of mercies, and GoA o^
f comfort; how precious are thy thoug^at^

104
towards us ; how great is the sum of them I ^,
This day, and every day of our lives, we ,■ ^
have largely experienced thy mercy, and j^
lived still upon thy fatherly care and boun« .,
ty. Thou renewest thy favours continuallv, \-
and art still pouring upon us innumerable ^
benefits : and, O our God, we esteem it .■
one of the greatest of thy favours, that we .[
have liberty to come into thy presence, to ^
call thee Father, and to make known our ^
requests to thee by prayer and supplica- ^
tion, with thanksgiving. We would, 0 ^
Lord, accept, with all thankfulness, this ^
thy great grace and loving kindness to us; ^.
and again we prostrate ourselves before {^
thee this evening, to acknowledge thy good- ^
ness in making us capable of knowing and >,
loving thee. To thee, therefore, be given ;
by us, and all thy creatures, all honour and j^
praise, love and obedience, as long as we j^
have any being. To thee would we de- \
voutly resign both soul and body, to be
governed and ruled according to thy holy '
will and pleasure. We are heartily sorry
that we have not done it from the very
beginning of our lives till this time. We
are ashamed to think of our ingratitude
in following our own desires so long. We
have done those things which we ought
joot to have done ; and we\ia\e\^^\>\vQA<QrD0^

106

things which we ought to have done ;
bere is no health in us. But our hope
bhat infinite mercy that has spared us
ig. Open our eyes^ we beseech thee,
i our transgressions ; and touch our
s with sorrow for sin. AH our liope
that love that has redeemed us with
eh a price. We earnestly implore,
ding to thy promises in Cluist Jesus,
>nly pardon, but also the powerful
ance of thy Holy Spirit to enable us
e as becomes thy children and the
>les of thy Son. O that it may ever
e joy of our hearts to be righteous as
art righteous ; to be merciful as thou,
leavenly Father, art merciful ; to be
as thou who hast called us art holy
. manner of conversation. May the
ory of our blessed Saviour, and his
raole example, be ever dear to us;

we may cheerfully follow him in
umility, meekness, and patience, and
ht to do thy will, O God, in every
; as he did. Accept our thanks for
merciful preservation of us through
day : we come before thee, O Lord,
a new load of thy benefits added to
be blessings thou hast formerly be-
^d upon u^. Again we would YiUToVA^
lU ourselves to thy protectiou tVvVs

106
night ; and trust in thy oare^ whei
not take care of ourselves. D
from all evil, and raise us up in tl
ing, in such a sense of thy goo*
shall encourage us to persevere
wearied diligence in well doing,
grace to behave ourselves arigh
several relations, that we may a
doctrine of God our Saviour in al
and having done thy will here, by 1
assisting us, and enjoyed thy blcs
earth, may receive immortal hoi
glory hereafter from the hands
Christ, our merciful Redeemer.

MEDITATION
For nnndttff Morning,

STRONG FAITH.

" O woman, great is thy faith ! " Mat

What an honour is here put up«
and how great its efficacy ! Th<
God is pleased to represent himsel
overcome, as conquered by it. I
csrease my faith, and make it thus
ous. Let me consider the chai
ibhMltb. It was strong, it was
/T PBspejhsevering.

107

is the great foundation-stone of

yenly building; upon that we

ir knowledge of God ; of all he is,

ill that he has done. It is faith that

i seal to the truth of God's word,

truth of his promise. It is faith

^ercomes the world. A weak faith

ield, and give way, like the waves

the feet of Peter; and leave us to

when we need its support. A weak

ravering faith is like the waves of the

cossed to and fro, uncertain where to

or on what to rest. Lord, let my

i be the substance of things hoped for,

evidence of thingps not seen. Though

inheritance is out of sight ; though the

y promised is still to come ; yet faith

I me it is secure. May I feel its full,

ittractive force ! May faith set it before

eyes ! May I find it supply thejplacc of

ence, of possession, of sight ! By faith

my understanding be directed, my

determined, my affections moved, and

life governed. By this heavenly liglit

my darkness be done away, and my

illuminated. Heavenly Father, give

3yes to see the glorious things which

set before me in thy gospel, and let uie

r in this Jlg-bt !

108

HYMN

For Thursday Morning,

Faith adds new charms to earthly hliss.
And saves us ft'om its snares ;

Its aid in every duty brings^
And softens all my cares.

Exting^shes the thirst of sin,

And lights the sacred fire
Of love to God and heavenly things^

And feeds the pure desire.

The wounded conscience knows its power

The healing balm to give ;
That balm the saddest heart can cheer,

And make the dying live.

Wide it unveils celestial worlds,
Where deathless pleasures reign ;

And bids me seek my portion there.
Nor bids me seek in vain.

Shews me the precious promise seal'd

With the Redeemer's blood ;
And helps my feeble hope to rest

Upon a faithful God.

PRAYER

For Thursday Morning.

O ja08t gracious Father, encouraged b
&r precepts and promises, anft. \^^ ^

isiness and comforf to worship thee .. I'p''
1 our family. t ^ "

thank thee for making us capable of |j.'.: .
\g and loving, serving and enjoying
And, adored be thy mercy, that
I by our apostacy from thee, we have
ired ourselves 3 yet in thee may help
ad. We thank thee for laying help
upon one that is mighty and able to
» the uttermost all that come unto
f him. We thank thee, if Christ,
vation by him, have been made in
;ree precious to our souls. O how
bypatience and long sufferingmercy,
spared our lives, and kept us out of
hile we were going in the paths of

110
our hearts and lives, of our ehitdb
youth and riper years, testify against

Long did we forget God and our s*
Christ and eternity, and live in ignor
and unbelief: long were we deoeiye<
earthly vanities ; and too long did
resist the motions of thy Holy 8]
Too often, alas ! even since we
known thee, and engaged ourselvei
thee, have we returned to folly, and
been negligent in loving and serving t

But, glory be to thy name, thei^ is
giveness with thee, that thou mayec
feared. O wash us in the blood of
dear Son, sanctify us by his Spirit,
accept us in his merits. We dare
draw nigh to thee, but in the nam
Christ ; nor expect any mercy but foi
sake. O Holy Spirit, dwell in our h<
by faith, fill us with heavenly love,
strengthen us for all holy obedience,
our thoughts and affections be fixec
God and Christ, on divine precepts

Ill

Dmament of a meek and quiet tpirit.
yer us from overy snare of rin^ and
y hurtfiil lust. Especially save us
i the sin that most easily besets us.
'e humbly thank thee for our safety
repose during the last night ; and the
th and comfort we enjoy this morning,
p us in thy fear^ faith, and love, all this
Grant us to grow in grace, and the
tirledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
ist : make us faithful, diligent, and cir-
spect in all the duties of our several
es and relations : and dispose of all our
Idly affairs as shall be most for thine

glory, and the welfare of our immor-
iouls. We intreat thee to pardon our
, accept our service, and eive an answer
eace to our prayers, for the sake of thy
: Son, our Redeemer and Saviour*;
> has graciously taught us thus to pray.

Father, which art in heaven, &c. —
en.

HYMN
Far Thursday Evening,

O that the Lord would guide my ways,

To keep his statutes still I
O thift my God would grant me gnxcc.
To know and do Ma will.

■«>:..

112

O send thy Spirit down to write
Thy law upon my heart !

Nor let my tongue indulge deceit^
Nor act the liar's part.

From YMiity turn off my eyes ;

Let no corrupt design,
Nor covetous desire arise

Within this soul of mine.

Order my footsteps by thy word.
And make my heart sincere ;

Let sin have no dominion, Lord,
But keep my conscience clear.

My soul hath gone too far astray,

My feet too often slip :
Yet, since I've not forgot the way.

Restore thy wand'ring sheep.

Make me to walk in thy commands ;

'Tis a delightful road :
Nor let my head, or heart, or hands,

Offend against my God.

PRAYER

For Thursday Evening*

O thou high and lofty One, who iu
test eternity^ whose name \a li^V

' thy goodness, and conatraioed by

necessities, we bow before thee,
confesgin^ our sins, thankfully
[edging thy mercies, and earnestly
for grace to help ue in every time

ould confess with the most humble
jgement and contrition of spirit,
hare so long walked contrary to
r law, and followed the devices and
of our own evil hearts : that we
:en lovers of pleasure more than
F God ; and have idolized the vani-
perishing world. We have abused
ence, foroearance, and long suffer-
whinh thAn hast heen leading us to

114
ever with Christ in the unfading gloi
heaven. We have contented ourselve
the form of godliness, without the lii
power of it. But, O God ! visit our
with thy forgiving love. Though oi
deserve thine eternal wrath, yet thj
beloved Son hath died for us ; and i
there is infinite worthiness. For his
justify us by thy grace, adopt us int
family, and make us partakers of tl
vine nature. May thy Holy Spirit f
minds with faith and wisdom, an
hearts with holiness and love ! L(
thoughts of thy love to us in Christ, <
pardon and peace with thee, and i
promised joys of heaven, be our cc
under all the afflictions and sorrows <
Teach us to redeem our precious tin
lay up treasure in heaven, and to see
the kingdom of God and his righteou
trusting thy gracious promise, tfa
other things shall be added unto us^
as they are for our good and thy
Help us to bear every sufiering with
and patience. Make us conquerorfi
every temptation, and preserve us t
heavenly kingdom.

Let thy blessing be on this family,
our cares and concems. Ever keep
Jove and peace, and lu e\eT^ \vo\^ ^

115
'' and to one another. We thank thee
;he mercies of our past lives, and par-
larly of this day. Protect us this night
i every eviL Refresh us with rest in
). Prepare us for the duties and events
le morrow. May we live every day in
Fear, and to thy glory ; that we may
with thee in a glorious eternal day,
:e there shall be night no more for
. Hear and answer us in all our
afect petitions and supplications for
^e of our all-prev£uling Intercessor,
in.

MEDITATION
For Friday Morning.

THE CHRISTIAN RACE.

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about
80 great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside
f weighty and the sin which doth so easily be-
lli and let us run with patience the race set
n u8, looking unto Jesus the author and
lier of our Auth." Hebrews xii. 1 — 3.

!hristian8 have a race to run ; a race of
rice, and a race of sufferings ; a co\irw
tbedienee^ both active and passive. T\\\^
^ 19 set before tbem ; it is marked ouX

116
both by the word of God, and the ex;
of his faithful eervaiits, that cloud
nesses, mth which they are eiicom;
It is set out by proper limits and
tiona : the marli they run to, andtb
they run for, arc set before them,
race must be run with patience and
verance : there will be need of pati
encounter the difficulties that lie
way ; of perseverance to resist all t
tions to desist or turn aside. Pai
patience are the conquering gracet
therefore, must always be cultivat
kept in lively exercise. Above all,
tians have the example of the Lore
Chrifit to animate and encourage
and they are directed to run, " 1
unto Jesus, the author and tinisher
faith." He is not only the object
faith, but likewise its author. He
gi-eat leader and precedent of our
he in the purchaser of the Spirit oi
thn nmmi)1(rHt.nr nf tli(> mie nf fni

117

d the mtirk, and from him and in
' have the prize.

nto Jesus ; look at the trials he
in his race and conrse. '* He en-
! contradiction of sinners against
' they were continually opposing
crossing his great designs ; and
e could easily hare confounded
t he endured their penrerseness
ocations with the greatest pa-
"He endured the cross/' — ^all
ings he met with in the world ;
ik up his cross betimes ; and at
dured that painful^ ignominious,
rsed death ; " He also despised
e/' and was infinitely superior
reproaches that were cast upon

all^ he had joy ! the joy set
n^ to make peace between Ood
; to open a way of salvation^ even
ief of sinners ; and also that he
as to rise from the dead, " the
among many brethren;" And
set down at the right-hand of
e of God : He is exalted to a sta-
he highest honour, and of the
power and influence ; and ever
aire intercessiou for his people.
wn conaiderhim, meditate ia\xc\v

118
upon him, look to him for dii'ection, fo
assistance, and for acceptance in all ou
sufferings. If we compare Christ's suffer
ings with our own, we shall find that the;
far exceed ours both in nature, and ii
measure. These considerations will be i
means to prevent our weariness and faint
ing ; and therefore, it is added, ^^ conside
him that endured such contradiction o
sinners against himself, lest ye be wear
and faint in your minds."'

There is a proneness in the best to groT
weary^ and to faint under their trials an<
a£9icti6ns; especially when they proy<
heavy, and of long continuance ; and;, thi
best way to prevent this, is to look unt<
Jesus and consider him. By faith an<
meditation we shall obtain fresh supplie
of strength, comfort, and courage ; f^r hi
has assured us, ^^ if we suffer with him, wi
shall also reign with him."'

Now to him who hath loved us, anc
given us everlasting consolation and goo(
hope through grace, be everlasting pndses
Amen.

HYMN

For Friday Morning*

Awake our souls^ away our fears,
Let every trembling l\io\i^\.\i^ ^^^qtdaI
A wake, and run the hewvenVj t^j^^.
And put a cheerful co\ir«i^^ oxv.

119

True» 'tis a strait and thorny road»
And mortal spirits tire and faint ;

But they forget the mighty God

That feeds the strength of eveiy saint :

The mighty God whose matchless pow'r

Is ever new, and ever young ;
And firm endures, while endless years,

Their everlasting circles run.

From thee, the everflowing spring.
Our souls shall drink a fresh supply ;

While such as trust their native strength,
Shall melt away, and droop, and die.

Swift as an eagle cuts the air.
We'll mount aloft to thine ahode ;

On wings of love our souls shall fly.
Nor tire amidst the heavenly road.

PRAYER

For Friday Morning,

Almighty 6od^ the Father of lights^
om whom cometh down every good and
irfect gift; we bless thee that through
ly tender mercy the day-spring from on
gh hath visited ns^ to give light to them
lat sit in darkness and in the shadow of
;ath ; to guide our feet into the way of
;ace. We thank thee for the gt^LCV^w^
durance of thy beloved Son, owx otX^

120

Lord and Saviour^ '^ I am the light of the
world ; he that followeth me shall not walk
in darkness ; but shall have the light of
life." Grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that
wc may not love darkness rather than Ugbt,
lest it should turn to our condemnation
that light is come into the world. 0
may we work the work of God^ by believ-
ing in him whom he hath sent. Teach us
to glorify thy name^ and to work out our
salvation with fear and trembling. Deeply
impress on our hearts the solemn con-
sideration, that upon this moment of time
depends an unchanging eternity ; and that
our everlasting happiness^ all thai concerns
uafor every hangs upon a life so quickly
gone, and that will never return. Let us
gird up the loins of our minds, and in thy
strength, prepare in earnest to run the
christian race. Are we slothful ? Do thou
awaken us ! Arc wc burdened with easily
besetting sins ? O enable us to cast them
off, and to watch unto prayer !

Turn away our eyes from beholding
vanity, and quicken thou us in thy ways :
make us as zealous for our God, as we have
been eager for the world : and enable us k
to shew the sincerity of our profession by {,
that Meal and fervour, wYv\e\\ «x^ t\ve verf ^
Jlfb and aoul of religion \

ty ana bid inai nas nmoerea ma arawn
side from the christian course .' We
ed not off our eyes from the vanities

surrounded us. We have given place
ic world, the flesh, and the devil ; and

have been burdened and hindered by
a. Thy grace it U, O heavenly Father,

has called us to the christian race :
ake us so firmly thine, that nothing

befala ub in the world may separate
■om thee : let as not be of them that
7 back unto perdition, but of them

believe to tne saving of the soul.
1 thou us up, and we shall be safe, and
t hare respect unto thy statutes con-
ally. And as we too often renew our

122

I HYMN

i For Friday Evening.

I Ye servants of the Lord,

£ach in his office wait
1^ Observant of his heavenly word,

£a And watchful at his gate.

Let all your lamps be bright,
t4 And trim the golden flame :

Gird up your loins, as in his sight ;
For awful is his name.

O happy servant he,
In such a posture found ;
He shall his Lord with rapture see.
And be with honour crown'd.

Christ shall the banquet spread.
With bis own royal band ;
And raise that faithful servant's head.
Amidst the angelic band.

PRAYER

For Friday Evening,

FOR QUICKENING GRACE. _

O God of all grace^ who hast of 1

abounding mercy provided a Saviou)

gtnnerSf we come before iVvee^ ^i^eordii

ibjr command^ to suppMeaX.^ V\v>] ^^i

123

: in us to will and do of thy good
sure ; and that thou wouldest give us to
3ye in Jesus to the savingof our souls.
s is life eternal, to know thee the only
d God, and Jesus Christ whom thou
it sent. O let us not be alienated from
te through the blindness of our hearts :
t shine into our minds to give us the
;ht of the knowledge of thy glory, as
.en in Jesus Christ our Liord.
We acknowledge and bewail before thee,
> thou all-seeing God, our backwardness
o the duties of thy holy service. We
should delight in thy law, and serve thee
with all gladness of heart, making it our
meat and drink to do thy will : but oh,
how cold and listless are we in the per-
formance of that which most nearly and
eternally concerns us ! We are alive to
the world, and ever ready to be transported
with the objects of sense; but oh, how
heavy and dead in those offices of attend-
ance on our Lord, which are the joy and
glory of the hosts of heaven 1 Our souls
deave unto the dust ! O quicken us, ac-
cording to thy word. Quicken us, O Lord,
according to thy command, which requires
us to be spiritually minded, fervent in spirit^
wrnngr Ae Lord. Quicken us accotdcoi'
to ibjr promise, that sin shall not, \«

124

dominion over thy Bervants ; and that thou
wilt perfect that which concerneth them.
O gracious Lord ! be thou pleased to per-
fect that which concerns our souls.
With our whole hearts will we seek thee ;
O let us not wander from thy command-
ments. Thy word would we hide in our
hearts, that we may not sin against thee ;
we woidd delight ourselves in thy statutes,
and never forget thy ways. Thy testimo-
nies would we take as our heritage for
ever ; for they are the rejoicing of our
souls. Incline our hearts to perform them
always, even unto the end. May we ac-
count all things but loss, that we may be
found in Christ Jesus our Lord, having
the righteousness which is of God by faith :
may we be conformed to him in his death,
and partake of the power of his resurrec-
tion. May we press continually forward
to the prize of our high calling, having our
conversation in heaven; and looking for
the glorious appearing of our Lord and
Saviour, who shall change our vile bodies,
and fashion them like unto his own glo-
rious body ; according to the mighty
working whereby he is able even to sub-
due all things to himself. Now to him
who bath loved us, and g\ve\\ YvVoAelC for
m^ be Ail honour and glory.

125

MEDITATION
For Saiwrday Morning,

A peculiar people." I Peter, ii, 9.

Distinguished from the rest of the worlds
not only by their general profession of
Christianity ; but by the peculiai* grace of
God bestowed upon theiu ; by their pecu-
liarly lively faith in the Redeemer's sacri-
fice and mediation ; and their divine union
with him through his Spirit : by their
peculiarly afiectionate attachment to him^
and delight in him, as their only Saviour ;
by their trust and hope in his promises^
and obedience to his will ; by their peculiar
seriousness and constancy in the worship
of God^ their peculiar love to one another,
and good will to all men ; in a word^ by
their peculiar likeness to God^ their relish
for the pleasures of religion^ their regard
to their duty in this worlds and their infi-
nitely superior interests in another.

Lord^ grant us thy grace^ that we may
be numbered with this peculiar people :
give us more and more of that w\^do\si
which is 6rom above^ which is pure «xA
peaceable, fuH of mercj and good ftu\t%

126
more of that true and vital faith, by whi
we may cleave to thee and thy word,
led to abhor all sin, and practise all rigl
eousness and goodness, as a people zealo
of good works. Of this kind of singularii
however neglected or derided by the wor
may it be om* privilege to partake large

HYMN
For Saturday Morning.

O happy soul that lives on high,
While men lie grov'ling here I

His hopes are fixt ahove the sky,
And faith forbids his fear.

His conscience knows no secret stings.
While peace and joy combine

To form a life, whose holy springs
Are hidden and divine.

He waits in secret on his God ;

His God in secret sees :
Let earth be all in arms abroad.

He dwells in heavenly peace.

He wants no pomp nor royal throne,

To make him happy here ;
Content and pieas'd to live uukuown,
^Xff Christ his life appear.

127

He looks to heaven's eternal hill,

To meet that glorious day :
But patient waits his Saviour's will.

His soul to call away.

PRAYER

For Saturday Morning,

Most merciful God and Father ! art thou^
in thy infinite condescension and mercy^
saying to thy offending creatures, ** Seek
ye my face?" And shall not our hearts
reply, '^Thy face, Lord, wiU we seek,"
and that with our whole hearts. Blessed
are they whom thou choosest, and causest
to approach unto thee. It is good for us
to draw near to thee, for thou art good to
the souls that seek thee. Thou art rich in
mercy to all that call upon thee, to all that
call upon thee in truth. We come to plead
those gracious promises on which thou hast
caused us to hope. Put thy laws in our
minds, and write them in our hearts, and
our sins and iniquities remember no more !
Thou hast graciously promised that if we
walk in the light as thou art in the light,
we shall have fellowship with thee the
Father, and with thy Son Jesu^ C\\fssX».
O sanctify our sinful hearts, au^ ftcw^

198
in them by the inflaenoes of thy Holy.
Spirit. Give U8 that lively hope, which .
may make us purify ourselves even as thou .
art pure^ and that ardent love to thee that •
will make us cheerfully do thy will. ,

O thou great rewarder of them that ;
diligently seek thee^ help us seriously to .
engage in thy service, to run the way of ,
thy commandments without weariness, [
and to walk therein without fainting;
exercising ourselves unto godliness, con- ■
tinning watchful in prayer, keeping our ,.
hearts with all diligence, and running the
race set before us with all cheerfulness,
being full of ardour in thy work, and full
of good fruit to thy honour. To this end,
we beseech thee, O Lord, to strengthen us
with all might by thv Spirit in the inner-
man. Blessed be tny name, O God, if
thou hast inspired our hearts with these
holy desires and resolutions ; it is an earn-
est we hope of thy never-failing love
towards us ! Heavenly Father, it is our
joy and glory that we know thee, that we
live under the care of thy wise, mereifol^
and almighty providence at present ; and
have the promise of remission of sins,
and of a crown of life in thy presence,
miere there is fulness of joy, and pleasures
^ evermore* This is au o\cc ^;^^>sv^\i^

129
ir desire. We rejoice heavenly

thy loye. Bless the Lord, O our
lull that is within us, bless his
le! Bless the Lord with us, ye
hosts, who rejoice over one sinner
Qteth ! ye ministers of his that do
ire. . And O that this joy may in-
ntinually ; and while we grow in
i holiness, may the joy of the
ur strength ; and may we go from
to strength, till at last we shall
und thy throne, and enter into
f our Lord !

bese devout impressions we would
•n the duties of this day. Let the
our duty be our pleasure, and to
e be our great reward. Let a
I mind be instead of all we
id a thankful heart sweeten every
it. May a humble submission to
ireserve in us a settled tranquil-
ind ; and may our thoughts be
re while we live, where we desire
len we die. That heaven being
our hope, and the longing expec-

our souls, we may conquer all
s in our way to it ; and go
lonour and dishonour, good re-
evU report, prosperity and sAnct-

cbeerfulDess and everaie^^ o^

130
mind. And at last bring us, we pray thei
to eternal rest and peace ; with our glori
fied Redeemer, who is able to do for v
abundantly above all that we can asl
conceive, or think | to wash us from ov
gins in his blood, to sanctify ua by hi
Spirit, and to make us unto our God king
and priests. To him be glory for ever an
ever. Amen.

HYMN

y For Saturday Evening.

Lord, I am thine> but thou wilt prove
My faith^ my patience, and my love ;
When scorDfiil men ag^ainst me join,
lliey are the sword, the hand is thine.

Their hope and portion lie below :
"Hs all the happiness they know ;
Tis all they seek : they take their RhareBy
Then die^ and leave it to their hein.

What sinners value, I resi^ ;
Lord, 'tis enough that thou art OAi^e }
I shall behold thy blissful face,
And stand complete in righteousness.

This life's a dream, an empty show ;
But the bright world to which I go.
Hath joys substantial and ?\\vc«r^\
^^'hen shall I wake, and ftnA m«i i3K«»'^

131

0 glorious hour 2 O blest abode I

1 shall be near and like my God !
And flesh and sin no more controul
The sacred pleasures of the soul.

My flesh shall slumber in the ground.
Till the last trumpet's joyful sound ;
Then burst the chains with sweet surprise,
And in my Sayiour's image rise.

PRAYER

For Saturday Evening.

Almighty and most merciful Father, by
'bom we were made, and in whom we live,
lOve, and baye our being ; to tby tender
ompassion we owe our safety the day
ast, with all the hopes of tby approach-
Dg sabbath. Unto thee would we give
hanks, O 6od, our exceeding joy : every
lay would we bless tbee, and praise thv
lame for ever and ever. We would thank
hee with all our souls, if we feel any
^eturns of love to thee ; if we have made
lie least progress in the path of life during
Ehe week which is now drawing to a close.
Behold, O Lord, we present ourselves here
before thee, to be inspired with sue\i ^
pow&rful sease of thy love^ as may iXiON^

s mare powerfully towards thee ; an^x^v

i2 ^

182

iis fonriU^ with greater earnestness,
and diligence in the way of thy comm
ments. O that Jesus, the hope of g
may be formed in us, in all humility
meekness, patience and righteousness
an absolute surrender of our souls
bodies to thy holy will and pleasure,
we no longer live, but Christ live in
and may the life we live in the flesh, I
*^" the faith of the Son of God, who love
j and gave himself for us — ^the remembr
of that love is most dear and prec
Again would we oflfer up ourselves
cerely to thee, to do thy will, O Got
our blessed Lord and Master did.
would repose an entire confidence in
who hast not spared thy own Son,
given him up for us all. We m
humbly and reverently accept whats(
thou sendest us ; and in every thing
thanks, which is thy will coucemin
!n Christ Jesus. We trust thou wilt i
leave us nor forsake us : but condui
safely through all the changes of
condition here in an unchanging lo^
thee, and in holy composure and tran
ity of mind in thy love to us, till we •
to live with thee and enjoy thee for
To tby watchful proViAewe^ ^^ eo
ounelvea this night •, to \>^ «»^^\a^

138
tted by thee^ when we cannot protect
ves : may it please thee to giv*e this
T comfortable rest and repose^ to de«
lur habitation, and all about us from
mt and alarm ; and to raise ns in
1 and cheerfulness to praise thee in
3use of prayer. Fit us for the enjoy-
and improvement of thy holy day ;
we will sing of thy power ; yea, we
ing aloud of thy mercy in the morn-
because thou hast been our defence
ur refuge at all times. Unto thee^
r strength^ will we sing ; for it is a
thing to praise thy name, O thou
High; to show forth thy loving
less in the morning, and thy faithful-
every night. Thus would we both
urselves down in peace, and sleep ;
lou. Lord, only, makest us to dwell in
J : and whether we wake in this world
other, may we still be pnusing thee,
by mercy endureth for ever and
We humbly beseech thee to accept
our imperfect petitions and unwor-
praises, through Jesus Christ our
. . Amen.

134

THIRD WEEK.

MEDITATION

For the LorS^s Day Morning.

'^ I am the true vine, and my Father is tiie
hushandman." John xv. 1.

Never was any yineyard 8o honoured ;
never was any husbandman so wise, so
watchful over his vineyard, as God is over
his church. The true vine is the Lord
Jesus Christ ! Of this vine believers are
the branches. The root, though unseen,
bears the tree, diffuseth the sap, and is all
in all to its flourishing and fruitfulness.
So our life is hid with Christ in God. The
branches, though many and extended, all
meet in the root, and all form but one
vine. Of all Christ's disciples it is the
great concern to keep up a constant de-
pendance upon him, and communion with
tiim 3 to adhere habitually to him, and
actually derive from Mm «iV tlvelt ^^irltual
life* Their aim is so to ^Sai^e; m \vasx\s^

135

faith, thaf h^, according to his promise,
may by his Spirit abide in them.

Union with Christ is a divine principle.
A life of faith in the Son of God is the
most excellent life a man can live in this
world : it is pure and heavenly ; it is most
useful and.comfortable : it is not only the
means of cultivating and increasing what-
ever good there is in us already 5 but it is
the root and source from which must spring
all that shall be in us in future. We
have as necessary and constant depend-
ance upon the grace of the Mediator for
all our spiritual and divine life, as we
hare upon the providence of the Creator
for all the actions of the natural life : for
as to both, it is in the Divine Power that
we live, and moire, and have our being.
Without Christ we can do nothing aright,
nothing that will be either pleasing to
God, or profitable to ourselves. We de-

Sena upon Christ, not only as the vine
epends upon the wall for support ; but
also as the Dranches upon the root for sap.
Our union with Chnst is maintained by
the word of God, and by prayer. Where
the word of Christ dwells richly, there
Christ dwells. Those who come to Muv
must abide in him by faith. Wc Tavv$\.
Mde in Clurist's merit as our rig\\teo\x%-

136
ness and plea ; and it must abide in us as
our support and comfort. Christ's word
must abide in us^ as a light to our feet,
and a lamp to our path. If this word is
our constant guide and monitor, if it dwells
within us, then we abide in Christ, and
he in us.

Those who abide in Christ, regarding
him as their cliief delight, shall have ful-
filled unto them the desire of their hearts.
The promises abiding in us lie ready to be
turned into prayers; and prayers so ex-
cited and regulated cannot out speed. If
we abide in Christ, and his word abides in
us, we shall have an interest in Grod's
feyour through his mediation; we shall
have an answer of peace to all our prayers.
Christ says that those who abide in him
shall bring forth fruit : from christians,
therefore, we look for Christianity : that
is, the fruit of a christian temper and dis-
position, a christian life and conversation,
christian devotion, and christian designs
and practice. We must honour God and
do good ; and exemplify the purity and
power of the religion we profess in all the
fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus
Christ to the glory of God the Father.
He pruneth them that tliey may bring
^rtb more frvat. The prumng oi fe>Mi\Jl\iL

187
Iraiiolied^ in order to their greater firuit-

Mness^ is the care and work of the great
husbandman. Even the best have in them
mttch that wants pruning. That faith
wfaicli is received into the heart purifies
the soul. There is^ through the Spirit, a
deansing virtue in his holy word ; it quickens
grace^ and works out corruption ; it deans-
eth as fire cleanseth the gold from its
dross : and we then evidence that we are
cleansed by the word, when we bring forth
fruit unto holiness. So shall ye be my dis-
ciples. So shall we both evidence our dis-
dpleship and ctdom it ; and be to our Majster
for a name, and a praise, and a glory. That
is to be disciples indeed ! So shidl we be
owned by our Master in the great day, and
have the reward of disciples, and share in
the joy of our Lord.

HYMN
For the Lord's Day Morning*

Come worship at Emanuel's feet^
See Id his face what wonders meet ;
Earth is too narrow to expTe«%
His worth, hi8 glory, or hia |^tm^^«

138

Is he a rose ? not Sharon yields
Such fragrancy in all her fields :
Or if the lily he assume ;
The yalieys bless the lich perfume.

Is he a vine ? his heavenly root
Supplies the boughs with life and fruit :
O let a lasting union join
My soul to Christ the living vine.

PRAYER

Fbr the Lord^s Dag Miming.

O God, the Father Almighty, maker of
heaven and earth, thou art worthy to re-
ceive from us, and from the whole crea-
tion, blessing, and honour, and glory, and
power, for thou hast created all things,
and for thy pleasure they are and were
created. Assist us, we humbly beseech
thee, on this morning of thine own day,
to unite with thy whole family in heaven
and earth, in praising thy glorious name,
and rendering thanks unto thee, whose
mercy endureth for ever. It is a good
thing to praise thy name, O Lord, and to
declare thy loving-kindness : may we this
day go into thy gates with thanksgiving,
^ad enter thy courts with pT«L\ft^. O tlvat
^^y day may ever be the Ae\\^^ o^ wx\

189
Snffisr us not to do our own works,
k our own words^ or think our own
ts. Fix our hearts upon thee, and
above; and enable us to approve
lis in thy sight, who beholdest our
f and searchest our hearts ; and
ill shortly call us to judgment.
) us to remember that every Sab-
very sermon, every prayer, brings
either to heaven or hell. Under
Lemn consideration, may we work
r salvation with fear and trembling,
it not be our condemnation that
re have sabbath after sabbath at-
thine ordinances, we have only
led the deadness of our souls, and
'dness of our hearts ; and have caused
rd to be to us a savour of death
leath. We pray for Christ's sake
is may be a blessed and comfortable
us ;. a day of repentance and par-
i day of conviction and conversion ;
»f e^fication and consolation. May
vants who shall this day preach thy
. be endued with heavenly wisdom,
Uy and zealously to apply it to the
mces and circumstances of all who
lear them. This day, O Lord^
thy free grace and soverei^ -^o^w ^
ogtbe gospel effectual fox o^«iv\\i^

140
the bearts of sinners, brin^g them to
cast down the weapons of rebellion, and
touch the golden sceptre of mercy, that
they may live. Let our hearts, we beseech
thee, be opened to attend to the things
which shall be spoken by thy ministers.
O let them not be as the highway or stony
ground, where the good seed of thy word
cannot thrive ; or like the thorny ground,
where the cares and pleasures of the world,
and the deceitfulness of riches do choke
the word : but may we receive thy word
into honest and good hearts, and bring
forth fruit unto perfection. Dispose us. to
hear with humility and reverence, without
prejudice, and with minds ready to obey.
While engaged in prayer and praise, . jp
reading and hearing thy word, may ibj
Holy Spirit rest upon us, and enable /us
to do all as for the life of our soujs.
In all the services of this day keep, us
we pray thee from drowsiness, wanderUfgi
and distraction. Banish from us , ^
vain and worldly imaginations. De-
liver us from hypocrisy in aU our ap-
proaches to thee. Let us not draw nigh
to thee with our lips, whilst our hearts are
far from thee, but give us grace so to ask,
tbat'wemay receive, &o to seek that we
ioaj Snd, so to kuock> t\i»X> ^^ ^^^^^ ^^

141
mercy may be opened to ufi. Q may we
spend every Saboath, and hear every ser-
mon as if it were our last ; since we know
not how soon our last may come.

Have mercy, O Lord, upon a world that
Hetb in wickedness ! For thy name's sake,
let thy everlasting gospel go forth, not in
word only, but in power and in the Holy
Ghost. May the breath of his heavenly
influences be vouchsafed this day, that
many dry bones may be enlivened, many
dead souls quickened. May the faith of
thy people be strengthened, their desires
quickened, their love inflamed, and their
holiness perfected in the fear of the Lord.
And hasten that blessed time when thy
kingdom shall come, and thy will be done
on earth, even as it is done in heaven.
We humbly beg every blessing for our-
selves and others, in the name of Jesus
Christ, our Lord, to whom, with the Father,
and the eternal Spirit, be everlasting glory
and praise. Amen.

HYMN
Far the Lord's Day Evening.

Lord of the vineyard^ we adore
That pow'r and grace divine,
Which grafts our wild, our barrtiv f^Q!v\^>
In Christ the hying vine.

143

For eref mfty tJiey there abide^

And from that yital root
Be influence spread thro' ev'ry branch,

To form and feed the fruit.

Shine forth, my God, the clusters warm

With rays of sacred love ;
Till Eden's soil, and Zion's stream,

The generous plant improve.

PRAYER

For the Lord*8 Day Evening.

O Lord^ our God^ when we consi
what thou art, and what thou hast beei
116 1 what a tender, gracious, and com]
slonate Father ! how long thou hast be
with our ingratitude and rebellion I 1
tenderly thou hast invited, yea entrei
us to come to thee ! and that thou art
beseeching us by all thy mercies j stanc
at the door of our hearts, and knocki
we are lost in admiration of thy k
suffering patience, and condescenc
goodness.
Suffer ua not, O Lord) \a> rnXVAisA.^ <
^l^res JErom tbee j but oauae \i&xc^ ^\a>^^

143
ir souls and bodies into thy hands ; and
ay we join ourselves to thee in a per-
itual covenant never to be forgotten. O
ay we have such a powerful sense of thy
>ve^ that it may govern all our passions
id affections; and that nothing in the
orld may induce us to displease thee,
^hom^ O LfOrd^ is there in heaven but
lee^ or on earth that we can desire bo-
des thee^ who art the King of kings,
ad Lord of lords, infinitely glorious and
lessed ; and designest to raise us sinful
ust and ashes to a kingdom of glory,
onour, and immortality in the heavens.
^ preserve in our minds how dearly we
re bought, even by the precious blood of
ly only begotten Son ! Jesus Christ our
dord. We would acknowledge most
eaitily the righteousness and goodness of
U Hit laws. We implore, as the great-
Bt of blessings, thy renewing grace to
reate us in thine own lovely image of
igbteeufi and true holiness ; and would re-
irfve, O our God, in thy strength, that
loUness and etenial life shall be the great
•b^ect of our most ardent hope, and our
(lOflt vigorous pursuit. We would ex-
pect no pardon, but in the wa^^ q^ ^a-
^nety^ r^bteousncsSy and godlme^^. "W^
'^e Ar a Messed immortality o\A^ ^^

144
patient continuance in well doing. We
would consent to every part of thy holy
gospel ; and bear our testimony^ that none
of tny commandments are grievous ; that
thy yoke is easy and thy burden light ! . 0
may we never contradict in our practice
these serious professions; but continue
with unwearied diligence in thy commands,
growing stronger and sti*onger in the grace
of the Lord Jesus. May every address to
thy Divine Majesty^ and every sabbath
with which thou favourest us^ leave upon
our hearts a more enlarged and in-
fluential sense of thine infinite excellence
and loving kindness, and of om* most
bounden duty to love and serve thee.
Whenever we leave thy presence may it
be with our minds more heavenwards;
with lower thoughts of ail the enjoyments
of this life ; with a greater love of piety
and holiness ; and with more fervent de-
sire to become in every thing such as thou
canst approve^ and love, and delight in for
ever ! Forgive, O Lord, the sins of our
holy things this day; the wanderings of
our thoughts, and the evil of our hearts.
Imprint upon our memories the precepts
of thy worAy and the promises of thy love.
^^d giuDt, we beseech tVvee, WiblI ^rhat-
^ver good thoughts may Yiaxe \ie«a Vsa-

145
rawed upon onr minds, they may grow
ilo fixed principles: and that all holy
nd heayenly affections may become a new
Rture, and the constant temper of our spi-
its. May all our resolutions advance into a
srionB practice and exercise of godliness ;
Bd all the actions of a holy life grow
wire ^ree, cheerful^ vigorous^ and full of
slight, till they are completed in eyer-
isting bliss. There may we shine among
lose who have washed thier robes and
lade them white in the blood of the Lamb ;
^ whom, with the Father and the Holy
host, be all honour and glory, now and
T ever. Amen.

MEDITATION
Far Monday Mornings

THB GOOJD SHBPHBRD.

** I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd
veth his life for the sheep." John x. 11.

Is not this a character full of gentleness
id goodness ? '' Is it not instead often
lOusand arguments to prove, that if he
tied u8 in this low estate, m v?\vv3cl \sa
a^ fbund ii«r, his mevc^ tci^^wfta "^^

146
will endure for ever V View our blesaed
Redeemer in the abasement of his abode
ajDnoBg men : view him in the agonies' iki
which he finished the long scene of i his
sufferings ; and then say, what but lotoe
brought him from heaven, and kept faim
on earth ? What but love stretched him
on the cross, and laid him in the grave?
And can any expression of tenderness be
too great to be expected after such alnai-
ing effects of it have already been exhibit- >
ed? Surely, as he himself says, greater ,
love has no man than this, that a man \
should lay down his life for his friends ! i
But, as the apostle justly observes^ his j
love is commended towards us ; it is set
off by this important circumstance ; in^tlat
while we were yet sinners, Christ died fdr
us. And how cheerfully may we depeild
upon it, that, if when we were enemies "v^e
were reconciled by his death, we shall by
his life obtain complete salvation : aiifd
that his living care will accomplish, what
his dying love has begun. : 1 1

He will feed his flock, he will gather the
lambs with his arm, and carry them 'iif his
bosom, and be very tender of the lives of
those for whom he laid down his^owm^iit;:
I'd us observe how t\ie'\>Vfi%%^&^ i«ili&
Jf/is up the hands wMch >w«x«.>Mitei^)^

147

jmtkf and streagthens the feeble kiieeg.
S'saw that the church of Ephesus had
ft its <&rst love^ that the church of Sardis
id a name to live, but was dead; yet
At there was a little handful amongst
kem who had not defiled their garments :
lat the church of Philadelphia had but a
ttle strength ; and that of Laodicea was
either cold nor hot. Yet a gracious
edeemer does not immediately disown
lem ! but on the one hand kindly ad--
ionishes them of their danger ; lest grow-
ig apoBtacy and degeneracy should pro-
>ke him to remove their candlestick out
fits {daee ; to cast them out as loathsome ;
r to wound them with the sword of his
iouth, that is his word. And on the other
and, he encourages them to greater fide-
tjr and zeal by a promise of eating of the
'vAi of the tree of life, of being clothed in
'hBte raiment, of being confessed before
le Father and his holy angels, and of
ittingdown with him on his victorious
irone. And, as for his faithful Smyr-
ianS) he not only applauds their former
onduot'; but animates them against the
urrort of imprisonment and other tribu-
itiooB^by assuring them he would ^v^
^Bia M eroim of life. And to tb^ ^^A^-
ifptsMSfWiioy though they wet^ n^^^

K 2

148
had kept his word^ he gives the graidious
assurance, that he also would keep them
from the approaching hour of temptation,
until at length he m^le them pillars in the
house of God above, and gave them a new
name in his holy city.

HYMN

JPor Monday Morning*

The Lord my pasture shall prepare.
And feed me with a shepherd's care ;
His presence shall my wants supply,
And guard me with a watchful eye ;
My noon-day walks he shall attend.
And all my midnight hours defend.

When in the sultry glebe I faint,
Or in the thirsty mountain pant.
To fertile vales and dewy meads
My weary, wanderings steps he leads ;
Where peaceful rivers soft and slow,
Amid the verdant landscape flow.

Though in a bare and rugged way.
Through devious, lonely, wilds I stray.
Thy bounty shall my wants begfuile ;
Tlie barren wilderness shall smile
With sudden greens and herbage crownM,
And streams shall mutmut ^ «xQ\nkd%

149

Thongli in the patihs of death I tread,
With gloomy horrors overspread,
Mj^ steadfast heart shall fear no ill,
For thou, O Lord ! art with me still ;
Thy friendly crook shall give me aid,
And guide me through the dreadful shade*

PRAYER

For Monday Morning.

) thou Shepherd of Israel^ who neither
tnberest nor sleepest^ graciously regard
who ai^e now assembled together to
nk thee for thy care over us through

darkness and dangers of the night ;
1 to entreat thy protection^ guidance,
1 blessing through the day to which
n hast mercifully brought us. We ac-
)wledge, O Lord, that we are altogether
worthy thy protection ; and confess with
,me and contrition^ that we have all
le astray froni thee like lost sheep^ and
'C turned every one to his own way.
St justly mightest thou leave us to eat
the ftmt thereof, and to be filled with
• own .devices. But we flee unto thee,
H good Shepherd, who hast given th^

tor the abeep. Surely thou hast \iOTX\^
grie&j and earned our sorrows. TVions

160
waBt wounded for our transgrefiisioiiB^ and
bruised for our iniquities ; and the' 'Lord
hath laid upon thee the iniquity of us all.
For thine own name's sake therefore^ we
beseech thee to hare mercy upon us ; and
though we have been as sheep going
astray^ incline us to return unto thce^ the
Shepherd and the Bishop of our souls.
We look up unto thee for guidance, pre-
servation, and strength. Lead us in the
paths of righteousness for thy name's
sake. Keep us in the way in which we
should gOj and guide us with thine eye.
Give unto us eternal life, and let us never
perish ; neither let any one pluck us oat
of thy hand.

Be thou. Lord, our Shepherd, and we
shall not want. Let thy loving-kindAesi^
and mercy follow us all the days of our
lives. And when we pass through the
valley of the shadow of aeath, be thou still
with us. Let thy rod and thy staff com-
fort and support us : and^ at the last, gra-
ciously receive us into thy heavenly fold ;
there with thy people, and the sheep of
thy pasture, to give thee thanks for ever
and ever.

O thou who feedest thy flock like a

shepherd, guide and protect thy helpless

^eep, ^scattered abroad tYaoM^Vv ^Xi^ ^w^-

IS of this wodd. Mercifully guard
rom those who lie in wait to oeceive ;
irticularly from the great enemy of
who as a roaring lion^ goeth about
ig whom he may devour; and let
ig separate them from thy everlast-
ye. Gather the lambs in thy arms,
ury them in thy bosom^ and say unto
^^ Fear not, little flock, it is your
r's good pleasure to give you the
om." And grant that, as one fold
one shepherd, they may learn of thee,
rt meek and lowly in heart, to dwell
iier in peace and love. These pray*
>r ourselves and others, we humbly
up to the throne of grace, in the
» and through the mediation of Jesus
t our only Lord and Saviour. Amen.

HYMN

For Monday Evening.

I love my Shepherd's voice ;
His watchful eyes shall keep
My wanderings soul among^
The thousands of his sheep :

He feeds his flock,

He calls their names ;

His bosom bears

The tender lambs.

1«2

Be tboa my counsellor,
My pattern and my guide ;
And through this desert land
Still keep me near thy side :

O let my feet

Ne'er run astray.

Nor rove, nor seek

The crooked way !

PRAYER

For Monday Evening.

FOR INCREASE OF GRACE,

O God of all grace, who gavest thy •
loved Son that we might have life, i
that we might have it more abundant
we beseech thee to grant that of his f
ness we may receive grace suflScient
us, to make us strong in the Lord, i
ready to every good work. Thy peoj
thou hast said, shall go from strength
strength, growing in grace, till they App
before thee in glory; and the path
the just is as the shining light, wh
shineth more and more unto the perf
day. But, O Lord, how barren and i
fruitful have we been among the trees
rJfbteousnees ! how week blt^ \7e s
in oar spiritual estate \ "how f^m\iXV Vs.

163
and stren^b to that which is good !
V much are we behind many of thy
mnts in the Christian race. O our
d, we have not well improved the talents
ch which thou hast entrusted us^ nor
swered the care and kindness of hearen^
Aich we have so long experienced ; we
'e ashamed that so many mercies hare
een lost upon us. Forgive us, O Lord^
ud repair thy holy image in us. O help
IS more and more to put off the old man^
nrhich is corrupt according to the deceit-
ful lusts ; and to put on the new man^
which^ after God^ is created in righteous-
ness and true holiness. Whatever else
we want^ Lord deny us not thy grace,
but increase it in us more and more ; yea,
let the graces of thy Spirit that accompany
salvation so flourish in our souls, that the
peace of God, which passeth all understand-
mgj may keep our hearts and minds,
through Christ Jesus.

Blessed Jesus, our life, our strength,
and our Redeemer! {strengthen in us,
we beseech thee, the things that remain
and are ready to die; and cherish all
the seeds of grace sown in our hearts.
May our souls prosper and increase
with the increase of God; gromtv^ N
knowledge and grace, and «l\)0\MiK'»

154
in all the fruits of righteousnesfi which ore
by Jesus Christy to thy praise and glory t
that so we may be fully satisfied of. die;
truth of thy grace in us by the abundance
of its fruits. Carry on, O Lord ! with
power the work of faith and sanctification
in our souls ; that our sinful corruptions
may grow weaker and weaker day by
day, and thy grace stronger and stronger.
Let it take more entire possession of our
souls, subduing every corrupt affection,
every proud thought, and bringing all into
the obedience of faith. May grace so
prevail in our hearts, as to make the
exercises of it easy, and delightful, regular,
and constant ; and may the sins that most
easily beset us, be more and more subdued.
Let pride be mortified, however painful we
may feel it ; till we think of ourselves no
more highly than we ought to think ; till
we . can bear injuries, and slight, and
contempt with meekness, as followers of
the meek, and humble Jesus; and may
we be clothed with humility. Thus may
every sin be more subdued, and every
grace growing and abounding within us,
and forgetting the things that are behind,
may we press forward till we come to the
measure of the stature of the fulness of

IS5
uniting us in lorey and preparing ns for
the family of heaven^ where it shall be
rijiened into glory. We ask eyery blessing
in th« name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

MEDITATION
For Tuesday Morning.

** All that the Father giveth me shall come to
me ; and him that cometh I will in nowise cast
out." John vi. 37.

How welcome should these words be to
our souls ! When we consider our unwor-
thiness, what reason have we to fear that
he should cast us out ! Most justly might
he frown upon us and reject us ; but his
promise is, ^^ I will in nowise cast out.''
When it is said he will not cast out him
that cometh, the meaning is, that he will
receive him, and entertain him, and give
him all that he needs.

Tliey shall be taught of God. Their un-
derstandings shall be enlightened. None
will come to Christ but such as have learned
of the Father. We shall never \)e Aixow^V.
to Christ but under divine guidatkce^ *^ ^^Kot

166
less God, by his grace, enlighten our minds,
inform our judgment, and rectify om* mis-
takes ; and not only tell us that we may
hea/t^ but teach us that we may learn the
truth as it is in Jesus.

The nature of this work is drawing ;
not a force compelling against the will;
but a change wrought in it ; a new bias
given to the soul, by which it inclines to
God. He that formed the soul of man
within him, knows how to new mould it ;
to alter its bent and temper, and to make
it conformable to himself. He can take
away our natural enmity to him, and give
us a spirit of adoption, and cause us to cry
unto him, Abbaj Father.

He can enable us to say. He is my Fa-
ther : I know, therefore, he will pity me as
a father pitieth his children : he will pardon
and spare me as a father spareth his son
that serves him. He is my Father 7 then
whither should I go but to him for pro-
tection in all my dangers ? for direction in
all my difficulties ? for satisfaction in all
my doubts ? for supply in all my wants ?
Mercy and tenderness are attributes which
he delights in; mercy pleaseth him. It
was that great attribute that he proclaimed
iisn&me by, causing his &wtv Xq «\v\w^ qw
^e eril and the good : and swt A^ Va \Xv^x

167

hath mercy and goodness finr a stranfrer,
cannot deny it to a child* But if wt have
a spirit of adoption, and are the sons and
daughters ; then also are we heirs of God,
through Christ. And here is that lively
hope given to us in our Saviour's parting
words, " I go to prepare a place for you ;
and if I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again and receive you unto my-
self; that where I am, ye may be also."
This is a hope that maketh not ashamed ;
a hope of that glory which my Saviour
came down from heaven to purchase by
his blood ; a hope of a joyful resurrection
after death ; a hope of that glorious ap-
pearance of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ ; a hope of that blissful sentence,
in the presence of men and angels, *^ Conic
yc blessed of my Father, receive the king-
dom prepared for you ;'^ and a hope of an
eveilasting state of happiness and glory,
in the presence of angels, and of saints
made perfect.

Let us fix our faith, and encourage our
hope upon those animating words of our
Lord, '^ Be not afraid, I have overcome the
world/' '' Fear not, little flock : for it is
your Father's good pleasure to gVre -^^^
d^ kingdom." Let us with the Xipo^VV^,
^SrelyMtb and hope, anticipate Wv^tlf*

166
umphant song, '' Thanks be unto God, who
giveth us the Yicstorj through our Lord
Jesus Christ/'

HYMN
For Tuesday Morning',

Is there a sight in earth or hea?'n
Cau such delight impart.

As Jesu's wide extended aim,
And softly melting heart ?

. 4

J .

^ : >

" All that my heavenly Father gives
Shall eome," the Saviour cries :

** And ey'ry trembling soul that comes, .
Finds favour in mine eyes." '

Hearken, ye dying sinners all ; '• -^ <

And hasten, while ye hear ; • ' •»'

For crowds of wretched souls at once-
May find their refuge there.

' I hear thy voice, and 1 obey ; » i .

'; ' For at thy feet I fall ; /^', ' J

» • ^ Nor shall the tempterV voice prevail '. '

4 ) • Against the Saviour'a call. ' '

Id9

PRAYER

For Tuesday Morning.

ON THE GOODNBSS OF GOD.

O most merciful Lord God^ thou hast
proclaimed thyself to be the Lord : the
Lord God^ merciful and gracious^ slow to
anger^ abundant in goodness and truth,
keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving
iniquity, transgression, and sin. What
grace and mercy hast thou bestowed upon
us sinful creatures in permitting us to
approach thee, who art. glorious in holi-
ness^ a)^d fearful in praises, doing wonders.

It is in thee we live, and move, and have
our being; and we would say, bless the
Lord, O our souls, and forget* not all his
benefits. But, above all, we bless thee for
the richer mercies of thy redeeming grace
and forgiving love, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Blessed be thy name, who hast
pitied a sinful world, and sent thy deai-
Son to jdieji.^b^t we might live ; : and hath
raised faini kgain for our justification. O
cause us to feel more of thy {ot^\\\\%
mercy; make us more sensible \iow xxwiOo
tre need i% Iniquity^ transgre^svon, «»

160

sin, have abounded within us ; O grant us
such a sight of sin, as may melt our hard
hearts : and may we see thy forbearance in
the blessings thou continuest to bestow
upon us. O Lord, who pardonest iniquity,
transgression, and sin, in every degree,
and under every aggravation, mercifully
forgive our iniquities ; and draw us by the
cords of mercy nearer to thyself. Above
all, may that love which gave thy onlv
begotten Son to die for smners, which
angels desire to look into, pass before us
in all its fulness and glory ! O let thy good
Spirit take of the things of Christ, and
shew them unto us ; that our consciences
may be awakened, our understanding en-
lightened, om* will bowed to the obedience
of faith ; our affections fixed on heavenly
things, and our hearts enriched with divine
graces and comforts. And whilst we are
mourning over the evils of our hearts and
lives, O lead us to that fountain of atoning
blood, by which we may be cleansed and
pardoned. Bring us to the foot of the
Redeemer's cross ; and enable us to say
with believing hearts. My Lord and my
God.

Tfay goodness has followed us all our
days; may this day be ivmoT\% VX\^ \«v^\!c^
^mt tbott bast blessed. BVes^ >x^,\i^^n^\^^

161
ither, in our going out and coming in,
id in all our lawful undertakings : above
I may our souls be in health, and prosper ;
id may thy goodness be our daily song.
irery day will we bless thee^ and praise
y name for ever and ever. And may we
;ain tell of thy loving -kindness in the
ening : thus may we sing of thy redeem-
g love on earth, till we join the general
sembly of the church of the first-born
heaven, through the atonement and me-
te of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen and
men.

HYMN

For Tuesday Evening'.

Emptied of earth I fain would be ;
Of sin, of self, of all but thee :
Reserv'd for Christ who bled and died,
Surrender'd to be crucified.

Sequestered from the noise and strife,
The lust, t^e pomp, the pride of life :
PreparM for heaven, my noblest care ;
To have my conversation there.

Nothings save Jesus would I know ;
My friend, and my companion, thou :
Lord, take my heart, assert thy ngVvt
And put all otiher joys to fiight.

162

Each idol tread beneath thy foot,
And to thyself the conquest get :
Let sin no more oppose my Lord,
Slain by the Spirit's two edgM sword.

Detached from sublunary joys,
Lord^ let me only hear thy voice ;
Thy beauty see, thy grace admire ;
Nor glow but with celestial fire.

Larger communion let me prove
With thee, blest object of my love :
But, Oh! for this no power have I ;
My strength is at thy feet to lie.

PRAYER

For Tuesday Evening,

Infinitely great, and gracious God,
glory exceeds onr utmost thoughts ; \
thy mercies are over all thy works. A
thy sinful creatures, have especial rea
to admire and adore, not only thy
tiencei which bears with us, notwi
standing all that we have done agai
thee ; but likewise thy never-ceasing bo'
ty, by which our comforts are continu
and our wants supplied. We desire
approach tbee^ as our kind ^tvd mere
I^tber, in Jesus Christ •, TtiumXA^ \i^^^'

163
\g thee that our sins may be washed
way through faith in his most precious
lood ; and that thou wouldest give us a
ifficient measure of thy grace and Holy
pirit, to enable us to resist and overcome
lem. Thou didst create man^ O. Lord,
rter thine own blessed image ; but we have
estroyed ourselves, and come short of thy
lory : the crown is fallen from our heads ;
nd woe unto us, for we are sinners both
y nature and practice ; justly mightest
bou swear in thy wrath, that we should
ot enter into thy rest. Yet suffer us to
lead in faith thy gracious promise, that
whoever trusteth in the Saviour thou hast
rovided, and cometh unto thee by him,
hall never come unto thee in vain, nor fall
nto condemnation; but have everlasting
Ifo for his sake. Lord, we would believe :
) help our unbelief! work in us an un-
eigned repentance towards God, and a
i^t faith in our Lord Jesus Christ ; that
re m^j be of the number of them that
epent and believe to the saving of the soul,
larc us, O Lord, from our sinful selves ;
pom the love of the present evil world ;
nd from every thing that opposes thy
^cc, and wars against our sowV^* ¥i^-
abJj^li us ID thy love ; strengtVvew \3l^ \.c
?rform thy will; and settle our ?a\\\v Q

L 2

Pj 164

' Christy the rock of ages. To thy mere
if him we would humbly commit ourse
i? this night. Be thou our shield to del
''^: us against every danger ; and grant u
A) it please thee^ rest of body and peac
'^' mind. Let the voice of joy and healtl
heard in our dwelling. Comfort all
want the comforts we enjoy; and g
]i suitable supplies of mercy, both spiri
* and temporal^ to all the afflicted, wh
soever they are, and howsoever tried,
member, with the favour that thou b
est to thy people, our absent friends
relations : be thou a friend to them,
may they stand in a covenant relatioi
thee. Make them and us, such as 1
wouldest have us to be, and such as 1
wilt accept in Christ Jesus, here to
gracious favour, and hereafter to thy
rious kingdom. Hear us, O Lord, in
. half of ourselves and others. Above
hear the Son of thy love, the lover of
souls, who intercedes we trust for us
thy right hand. To him, with thyself,
the blessed Spirit, enable us to as(
everlasting praise and glory. Amen.

165

MEDITATION
For Wedneiday Morning.

THE INWARD WITNESS*

** He that betieyeth on the Son of God, hath
the witness in himself: he that believeth not God,
hath made, him a liar; because he believeth not
the record that God gaye of his Sou." 1 John y. 10.

Here we see the privilege and stability
of the reid christian, ^^ He that believeth
on the Son of God hath the witness in
himself/' He hath not only the outward
evidence that others have ; but he hath in
his own heart also a testimony for Jesus
Christ. He can alledge what Christ, and
the truth of Christ have done for his soul ;
and what he has seen and found in him.
He has seen his sin, guilt, and misery;
and his utter need of such a Saviour. He
has seen the excellency, beauty, and office
of the Son of God ; and the incomparable
suitableness of such a Saviour to all bis
spiritual wants. He sees and admires the
wisdom and love of God, in preparing and
sending such a Saviour to deliver him from
sin and hell; and to raise him to ij^^s4a^\i^
rfeace, and communion with. Goo.* "ftft
^l8 the power of the word aaA ^oeXJcvo

166
of Christ wounding, healing, quickening,
and comforting his soul. He finds that the
revelation of Christ, as it is the greatest
discovery of the-love of God to man, so it
is the most powerful means of kindling
and enflaming his lore to God. He is born
of God by the truth of Christ ; and has a
new heart and natm-e, a new love, disposi-
tion, and delight 5 and is not the same man
he formerly was. Moreover he finds just
such a conflict with himself, with sin, with
the flesh, the world, and invisible wicked
powers, as is described and provided for in
the doctrine of Christ. He finds such

E respects and such strength afforded him
y the faith of Christ, that he can despise
al^d overcome the world, and travel on
towards a better. He learns what interest
the Mediator hath in heaven, by the an-
swers he receives to those prayers that
are sent thither in his name, according to
his will, and through his intercession. He
is begotten again unto a lively hope ; to a
holy confidence in God, in his good wUl and
love J to a joyful victory over the terrors
of conscience, the dread of death and hell;
to a comfortable prospect of life and im*
jaortajdty ! being enriched with the earnest
of the Spirit, and sealed to X\i^ ^^ Qi( t^-

107

in the gospel : he has a witness in himself.
Christ is formed in him ;'and he is growing
up to the fulness and perfection, or perfect
image of Christ in heaven.

HYMN

iFbr Wednesday Momini^.

Witness ye saints that Christ is true ;

Tell how his name imparts
The life of ^ace and glory too ;

Ye have it in your hearts.

The heavenly huilding is begun,

When ye receive the Lord ;
His hands shall lay the crowning stone.

And will perform his word.

Your souls are form'd by wisdom's rules ;

Your joys and graces shine ;
You need no learning of the schools

To prove your faith divine.

Let a vain world with scoffs oppose ;

Let Satan's bolts be hurl'd ;
There's something wrought within you shows,

That Jesus saves the world.

PRAYER

For Wednesday Morning.

Unto thee, O God, do we give \,\\a\^^ v
jrea uuto tbee will we give thauks^ 'j^i^caxx^

168
thy name is nigh^ and thy wondrous wi
declare thee. We beseech thee gracioi
to hear us at this time, to pardon
tn^nifold sins, and supply our numei
wants. O write a law of thank^]
tipdn our hearts, for the experience
have already had of thy goodness ;
kindly go on to be nigh unto us in all 1
we call upon thee for. Wash away
sifns of the night past, and those of '
day hitherto. Who can tell how oft
bffendeth ? none but thou who knowesi
things. O cleanse thou us from our sei
faults, and from our original depra^
May we be justified fully and fteely
thy grace, through the redemption l
is in Christ Jesus, and sanctified by
i«enewing efficacy of thy blessed Sp:
We humbly pray thee to bless us in
our waiting upon thee : we are gathi
together in thy name at the footstool
tiiy throne of grace : O Lord Jesus,
thou in the midst of us, and give u
us a well grounded hope of our intei
in thy precious blood. We depend
thy righteousness, blood-shedding, ;
intercession ; as the altar which sancti
every sacrifice of prayer and praise wk
fre offer up. Since it is ouVy t\Mco\3L%\i 1\
fiat our persons and o\a actNVifcv^

169
be acceptable to the Fkther ; O mingle our
addresses with the incense of thy interces-
sion, that they may rise up as a memorial
before God. O thou risen and ascended
Sayioiir, may our hearts and affSections
tend upwards to thy throne in heaven ; that
by faith in thy adorable person and infinite
merits^ and by the exercise of continual
obedience and deadness to the worlds we
may safely hope to be with thee where
thou art, and oehold thy glory. O our
heavenly Father, we acknowledge that all
the blessings, spiritual and temporal, which
we have received from om* earliest exist-
ence to this day, have proceeded from thy
free and unmerited goodness. If the con-
tinuance of thy favours were to be regu-
lated by our deserts, how soon would
they be withdrawn ! Therefore, not unto
us, O Lord, not unto us ; but unto thy
name be the praise. Hear us, O God of
our salvation ; and do more for us than we
are able to ask or think, for the sake of thy
beloved Son, om* adorable Redeemer : to
whom, with thee, and the Holy Ghost,
be ascribed all glory, and adoration, by
the church above, and the church below,
for ever and ever. Amen.

170

HYMN
For* Wednesday Evening.

Come, Holy Spirit^ heav'nly dove.
With tdl thy qulck'nlng powers :

Kindle a flame of sacred love
In these cold hearts of ours.

Look how we g^vel here helow.
Fond of these trifling toys ;

Our souls, how heavily they ^o
To reach eternal joys.

In vain we tune our formal songs,
In vain we strive to rise ;

Hosannahs languish on our tongues.
And our devotion dies.

Dear Lord ! and shall we ever live

At this poor dying rate ;
Our love so faint, so cold to Thee,

And thine to us so great ?

Come, Holy Spirit, heav'nly dove.
With all thy quick'ning powers ;
Come shed abroad a ^ayiowi^^YoN^^
And that shall kin^e ovxt^*

171

PRAYER

For Wednesday Evening.

0 thou God of love, whose tender mer*
es ar'e over all thy works :. and who in
y abounding loving kindness hast said,
Delight thyself in the Lord, and he shall
Ifil the desires of thine heart i" we come
ifore thee, confessing with deep humility
id contrition, that thy love has been
ost unworthily neglected by our ungi*ate-

1 hearts, or we might have dwelt in the
yoyment of thy favour which is better
lan life. O that henceforth we may make
e Lord our refuge, and the most High
ir habitation, and that in the multitude
' our thoughts within us thy comforts
ay delight our souls ; may we rejoice in
believing view of thy reconciled face,
id be enabled from blessed experience to
y, ^^ Whom have we in heaven but thee,
id there is none upon earth that we de-
re in comparison of thee/^

O how plainly hast thou declared, in
le condescension, sufferings, death, and
tercession of thy dear Son, thy wondrous
ve to the sons of men ! What love hast
lou shewn in the course of t\i'Y ^ttyfv-
ace, in preaem^tions and deVri eT^svc£^% '

172
thou hast conducted us by thy unerring
wisdom^ and crowned us with loving-kind-
ness and tender mercies ! Thou hast mani-
fested thy love to us in all thy precious
promises, and in the glorious provision
thou hast made for us through Jesus
Christ to all eternity.

We lament, O Lord, that thy love has
been so much lost upon us. If at any time
we have been drawn towards thee by the
cords of thy mercy ; how soon, alas ! have
our carnal minds been again entangled
by earthly vanities. The darkness, the
sluggishness, and the earthliness of our
hearts, has kept us from thee our God :
and our iniquities as a thick cloud have
hid thy face from us. O that we had
walked with thee and dwelt with thee in
righteousness, peace and joy. This sinful
distance from thee, our God, has been our
grievous loss. Mercifully grant us that
nearer admittance to thy presence, which
alone can constitute our recovery and our
joy. O help our souls to lay hold on Jesus,
our reconciler ; and through him to abide
in thy love. Increase our faith, and give
lis some evidence that eternal life is
begun within us, and while we continue
Acre, help us more and TSkoite \^ take u^
QMw cross and follow Aesvk&) Vn w\sn&v^>

173

righteousness^ and godliness of life. There
is nothing w^e would more desire than that
doing righteousness, we may be righteous
eren as he is righteous. Assist us, we
beseech thee, to attain this great end of
his sufferings and death, the purchase of
his cross, and the promise of his love.
Presenre in us a constant sense of the
great value of our souls, for which he died,
and especially raise us to a greater height
of love and gratitude, and of hope and
confidence in thy infinite mercies, ot which
we. have such strong assurance, in that he
was delivered for our offences and raised
again for our justification.

May we live above the tempting allure-
ments of this world, and delight ourselves
in thee ; walking as seeing him who is
invisible, till we arrive at the heavenly city,
where the sun of our joy shall go down no
more, but the glory of God and of the
Lamb shall be our light for ever and ever.
O Lord accept these our prayers for the
sake of thy beloved Son our only Mediator
and Advocate.

MEDITATION

For Thursday Morning.

*' Blestedwe the poor in spirit, foT X\ldt%\% ^^
\iMMgdom ofbeaven.*' Matt. v. 3.

The foundation of all graces \a \^^^

174

humility; those that would build higli
must begin low. It is an excellent pre-
parative for the entrance of gospel grace
into the soul : it fits the soil to receive
the seed.

The general opinion is^ blessed are the
rich, the great, the honourable | who spend
their days in mirth, and their years in
pleasure. Our Lord Jesus Christ in thii
chapter gives us quite another view oi
blessedness ; and from him, it is, that the
Christian takes his ideas of happiness.

To be poor in spirit is, to be humbled,
to be low in our own eyes : it is to ac
knowledge that God is great, and that w<
are mean ; that he is holy> and we arc
sinful ; that he is all, and we are nothing
to be watching daily at Gk>d^s gates, wait-
ing at the posts of his doors, always ii
want of his grace ; it is to esteem othen
better than ourselves. It is to renounci
our own righteousness and strength, anc
depend only upon the merit of Christ foi
our justification, and upon the Spirit o:
Christ for our sanctification. That brokei
and contrite spirit with which the Publicai
cried, " God be merciful to me a sinner,'
js this poverty of spirit. Such are blessed
blessed in the favour of GoA. \ \.o Vcl^xclVm
g'/res more grace j they live t\ve\xvo%\. e»\

176

table lires, and are kind and tender
Eurted to themselves and all about them,
eirs is the kingdom of heaven. High
rits are carried away by the glory of
; kingdoms of this world ; but the hum-
I obtain the glory of the kingdom of
aven.

\s in our greatest abundance we roust
t think to live without God ; so in our
latest straits we must learn to live upon
n } and wlien the fig- tree doth not bios-
n, and the fields yield no meat, still to
oice in the Lord, in full persuasion thatj
some way or other, Goa will provide.

HYMN

For Thursday Morning,

Lord, if thou the grace impart,
Poor in spirit, meek in heart,
I shall as my Master be,
Rooted in humility.

From the time that thee I Icnow,
Nothing great I'd seek belo^r ;
Pleas'd with all the Lord provides,
Wean'd from all the world besides.

Sin^ple, teachable, and mild,
Humble as a little child,
JEr'ry evil let me flee,
Father, £x my soul on thee.

176

Oh ! that all m&y seek and find,
Ev'rj good in JesuB join'd 1
Him let Israel still adore.
Trust him, praise him, evermore,

PRAYER

For Thursday Morning,

O ItioTi, who hast borne so lo
us, and done so much for us ; o
alone co-neth our salvation, and b
we escape death ; moved by a g
our necessities, and encouraged
dwly experience of thy mercies, w
still to snelter ourselves under the
of thy wings, and to continue oui
cations at the throne of thy graci
humbly entreating thee, who fa
the hearts of the cUildrcn of men, tl
wouldest prepare onr hearts to cc
thy sacred presence, and to call i
blessed name. O pour down up
spirit of grace and of supplication
good Spirit help our infirmities, ai
us how to pray. We who are but i
ashes— we who have but too just
fear lest our great and manifold sin
provoke thee to hide thy face from
'e/iui up thy loving-kindness in
sarcj have taken vipoia u* to %^'

177

ee, the Sovereign Majesty of heaven and
rth. O be merciful to us sinners, for the
ke of him whom thou hast exalted to be
Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance
tto his people, and forgiveness of sins.
eal our souls, which have greatly sinned
;ainst thee : heal our backslidings, and
ve us freelv : take away our ungodliness,
new us daily imto repentance ; establish
ir hearts in thy faith, and fear, and love.
Hold up our goings in thy paths, that
ir foot-steps slip not. Make us, in the
rength of thy grace, to go on conquering
id to conquer all the enemies of our
'uls, and all the hindrances of our salva-
[)n, until thou hast bruised Satan under
ir feet.

We bless t^^ee for the mercies of the
ust night. We laid us down to sleep,
id have risen again ; for thou hast sus-
ined us, and made us to dwell in safety.
!ay we ever experience the comfort of
y protection, and the help of thy divine
•ace ! May we find thee indeed to be a
od of pardon, and a God of sanctifica-
[)n. Dispose of us, we beseech thee, and
'all that (DQpcerus us this day, to the glory
' thy Q^ine. Keep us at all timcs^ m ^11
BceSy and Ip all companies, fro\i\ \Xv^ ^n^
sliij and from all other eyWs to vAv\cX

178

the greatness of our sins expose ns. An<
take thou, O heavenly Father, the charge
guidance, and goyernment of us ; lead u
by thy counsel through this world, unti
thou hast brought us to thy kingdom am
glory. In the mean time sanctify to us a1
thy dealings with us ; and seal us thine t<
the great day of redemption, for the sak
of thy tender mercies, and the abundan
merits of Jesus Christ, our most blesse
Mediator and Redeemer. Amen.

HYMN
For Fhursday Evening.

Ye humble souls rejoice,

And cheerful triumphs sing ;

Wake all your harmony of yoice^
For Jesus is your King'.

That meek and lowly Lord,

Whom here your souls have known,
Pledges the honour of his word

T' avow you for his own.

He brings salvation near,

For which his blood was paid ;
How beauteous shall your souls appear*
ThuB fiumptuouBly aTtnydX

179

Salvation, Lord, is thine ;

And all thy saints confess,
The royal robes in which they shine.

Were wrought by sov'reign grace.

PRAYEE

Far Thursday Evening,

O Lord; the iMnite, incomprehensible
Jehovah ; thou hast heaven for thy throne,
and earth for thy footstool ; and all things
are in thy sight and at thy disposal. Thou
art the great searcher of our hearts, and
the observer of our lives, here and every
where present. Thou compassest our
path, and our lying down, and art acquaint-
ed with all our ways. Lord, prepare our
hearts to attend upon thy glorious, all-
seeing Majesty. Work in us, by the power
of thy grace, that change which we cannot
work in ourselves j for of ourselves we are
vile and helpless. Justly mightest thou
withdraw thy tender mercies from us, and
pour out thy wrath and indignation upon
us to the uttermost ; making us to feel, by
dreadful experience, that it is an evil and
bitter thing to depart from thee, the living
God. But thy patience is wonderful, thy
goodness is infinite ; and, as is th^ tCL^i^^*«X^ ^
€o is tby mercy. We therefore \L\vsc^^:i

M 2

180

beseech thee to stretch forth the har
;J thy power and grace, which alone is
If to deliver us, who are tied and bound
.r the chain of our sins ; call us effecti
and we shall come unto thee ; dra^
and we shall run after thee. Cause
ii|r feel, to abhor, and to forsake
it; iniquities : and, give us a well-ffrou
;:[ apprehension of ourbeingjustified thr

i >; . the redemption that is in Jesus. Fo
;]; '■ sake, vouchsafe us the sanctifying i
!* ■ ences of thy Spirit, to transform us
thine own image, and to strengthen d
all the duties of thy service. Perfet
Lord, that which concemeth us : and i
us such, both in our hearts, and livcSj
we may enjoy thy peace here, and be ]
meet for the inheritance of thy hea^
glory above. O satisfy us with thy fai
and enable us to rejoice in a sense o
gracious acceptance of us, and mei
intentions towards us in the Son o
love. Speak peace to our conscie
Say to each of our souls, I am thy salv?
that we may rejoice in thee as our
and Father in Jesus Christ. And as
hast been good and kind to us throug
day past, so may we experience
opBiwuance of thy fathetX^ c»lt^ qy<
*Afc joigbt Preserve u» fcoTcv viX

I'
if:

I-:

181
uchsafe to favour us with such needful
•ose as may refresh and strengthen us
our respective duties. Prepare vs
ecially, we earnestly entreat thee^ most
y God, for the final sleep of death ; and
I solemn account we must shortly give
;he judgment-scat of Christ. When our
ds are required of us^ and we are
clothed of the body, grant that we may
; be found spiritually destitute; un-
inkled with the blood of thy Son,
clothed with the robe of his justifying
hteousness, nor unadorned with the
ices of thy sanctifying Spirit. O cause
, in this our day, the day of life, the only
uson of preparation, to know and follow
er the things pertaining to our everlast-
f peace, before they are for ever hidden
m our eyes. Accomplish the work of
J grace upon our hearts, and cause us to
ish the work thou hast given us to do.
id whenever thou shalt be pleased to
1 us hence, we may have nothing to do
t to depart in peace, according to thy
•rd ; to quit the body with cheerfulness ;
d in faith fearlessly to commend our
rits into thy gracious hands trust-
f in the riches oi thy grace j Widi \Jsv^
ing merits of thy blessed Son. AxA^w
"^bat he bos so TTonderfuUy efiecl^^ V^
^er us, and to obtain etexaa\ re^^w

182
tion for us : for whatever good thou
wrought in us ; and for the hope of
thou hast given us : to thy name, O bl
God of our salvation, we would ascril
praise and glory, now and for even
Amen.

MEDITATION

For Friday Morning.

*^ Therefore I say 'unto you, Take no th
for your life, what ye shall eat^ or what ye
drink^ nor yet for your bodies, what ye sha
on.' Matt. Ti. 25.

^^ I say v/nto you.*' What is it that «
saith ? " Take no thought for your
He saith it as our lawgiver, andthesove
of our hearts : he saith it as our comf<
and the helper of our joy.

The care he forbids is, a disquieting
menting care, which distracts the i
and causes it to hang in suspense ; ^
disturbs our joy in God, and casts a <
upon our hope in him ; which hinder
enjoyment of what God has given us.
forbids distrustful, unbelieving thouj
and commands us to cast all our cai*e
biw, and let our souls dwell at ease
Ueving bis gracious assxiraxv^fe^ \Xvi
caretb for us. Take no VXxoax^x*

183

I continuance of life ; refer it to God to
gthen or shorten it as he pleases^ saying,
f y times are in thy hand/' And with
pect to the comforts of this life ; refer
im also to God, to embitter or sweeten
he pleases. He has maintained our liyes
iherto ; he has protected us and kept us
ye. He that guards us against all evil

II supply us with every necessary good.
he had oeen pleased to let us perish, he
»uld not have given his angels charge
Qceming us to keep us. Behold the
vis of the air ; for they sow not, neither

they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet
ur heavenly Father feedeth them : are

not much better than they ? Look upon
em, and learn to trust in God. Consider
e lilies of the field. God has arrayed
em in all their beauty,surpassing that of
lomon in his glory. If he so clothe the
ort lived grass, much more will he clothe
»u whom he hath chosen for immortality,
iren the children of Nineveh were pre-
rred before the gourd ; much more the
ns of Zion, who are in covenant with
eir God. " Oy^e of little faith." This may
) taken as an encouragement to weak
ith. True faith, though it be but weak<^
an earnest of the 6iymtQ,w^. Ot^^V^vofiow
lU be comineuded, and WVu^ Vo. ^^"^

184
things ; but little faith shall not be n
Iccted. Your heavenly Father know
you have need of these things,
the excellences of the ci'eatiu'c must f
from God, the fountain and sprinji; of th
all. And though he i6 in heaven and
upon earth, he observes what the lea^t
us liatli occasion for ; and he will pravi

HYMN
F&r Fridug Morning.
Quiet, Lord, njy trov&rd lieait.
Make me teachable and mild,
Upriglit, simple, free from art,
Make me as a weaned eUUd :
From distrust and envy free,
Pleaa'd with all that pleBses thee.

What thou shalt to-day provide.
Let me oe a child receive;

WliBt to-raorrow may betide.
Calmly to tliy niudoni leave ;

'Tis enough that I'hou wilt care,

Why eliould 1 tlie burden hcnr ?

Ab a little child relies

Oil a care beyond his own i
KnowB he's neither strong nor wtae ;
Fenrs to stir a step alone :
Itetme thus with thee abide,
As my FMther, Guard, snA OtMa*

185
Tbu8 preaenr'd from Satan's wiles,

Safe from dangers, free from fears,
May I live upon thy smiles,

'nil the promis'd hour appears 4
When the sons- of God shiul prove,
All their Father's boundless love.

PRAYER

Fvr Friday Morning,

^ most high and gracious God ! Father
ur Lord Jesus Christy we desire to draw
li UDto thee acknowledging that we are
le, for thou hast made us, and not we
selves. O may we in heart and mind
md unto thy dwelling-place ; and with
owliness worship at the footstool of thy
-ious Majesty. May we with confidence
delight approach thee, our heavenly
\ker, as dear children. Bless our souls
1 such holy and lively faith as may en-
ten our minds, purify our hearts, and
lence our lives. May we receive the
d Jesus Christ as set forth in the Gos-
as a propitiation, as a Prince, and a
iour, and desire more thoroughly to
rove ourselves sincere unfeigned pe-
nts, that we may obtain through hixsv
\on,ju8ti£cationy and eteniai\VL^« 1£av-
ua to trust in thine almigVitY V^"^^"^

186
to help and save ; in thy loving-kindness
to pity and relieve ; and in thy exceeding
great and precious promises made unto aU
that wait upon thee. May thy grace be
manifested this day in our life and con-
rersation. Make us watchful over our-
selves, over our thoughts, words, and
actions ; watchful against all evil, and
watching unto prayer. Remind us, O God,
that thine eye is ever upon us, and may
we walk as those on whom thy name is
called. May we be careful for nothing,
but in every thing give thanks ; and make
known our requests unto thee by prayer
and supplication, with thanksgiving. And
when at any time thou shalt see fit, in
thine infinite wisdom and love, to with-
hold an immediate answer to our petitions,
be graciously pleased, O Father, to give us
such a measure of faith, hope, and patience,
as may bear us up in all the changes of this
mortal life. And in whatsoever state we
are, may we learn therewith to be content.
May we know how to be abased, as well as
how to be exalted ; to want as well as to
abound ; to have nothing as well as to pos-
sess all things. And though the fig tree
should not blossom, and no fruit be found
on the vine ; though tlie IbX^ot o^ tbft olive
should faily and the field fieVduo Vwsc^^ii. %

187
though there be no sheep in the fold, or
herd in the stall ; may we still trust in the
Lord^ and be joyful in the God of our salva-
tion. May we remember, O Lord, that
thou canst cause rivers to flow from die
rock, and furnish a table in the wilder-
ness : that by thee even the hairs of our
heads are all numbered; and none ever
trusted in thee, and were confounded.
And thus may we run our race, fight the
good fight, keep the faith, and live the
Ufe of the righteous ; and at length may
our last end be like his. Whenever these
earthly tabernacles shall be dissolved,
may our souls be safely conveyed to the
mansions of the blessed in the heavens ;
to the innumerable company of angels, to
the spirits of the just made perfect, and
to God the judge of all ; to receive from
him that crown of life which fadeth not
away. Now to the Lamb that was slain,
and has redeemed us to God by his blood,
be glory, dominion, and praise, for ever
and ever. Amen.

HYMN

Far Friday Evening*

While I liv'd without the Lord,
(If I might he said to Uve,)
Nothing could relief afford.
Nothing satisfaction give.

188
Empty hopes^ and groundless fear,

Mov'd by turns my anxious mind ;
Like a feather in the air,

Made the sport of evVy wind.

Now I see, whatever betide^
AH IS well if Christ be mine :

He has promisM to provide ;
1 have only to resign.

When a sense of sin and thrall
Forc'd me to the sinner's Friend,

He engaged to manage all,
By the way and to the end.

" Cast," he s^d, " on me thy care,
'Tis enough that I am nigh :

I will all thy burdens bear,
I will all thy wants supply.

" Simply follow as I lead ;

Do not reason, but believe :
Call on me in time of need,

Thou shalt surely help receive.

Lord, I would, I do submit,
Gladly yield my all to thee ;

What thy wisdom sees most fit
Must be, surely, best for me.

Onfy when the way is rough,
And our timid fiesli wo\ild «\ax\>\
Zee tbjr promise and thy \w«i
Cheer and animate my \iQ^tt«

189
PRAYER

Fur Friday Ev€iUng,

St holy, great, and glorious God,
ligbty Creator of heaven and earth,
boldest all things by the word of
er, and art unsearchable in wisdom,
and mercy ; the praises of angels
nitely below thy transcendant ex-
KS ! How then shall we sufficiently
l;heel But thou hast graciously
tended to say, '^ Whoso offereth me
lie glorifieth me i" we would, there-
ssire to bless thine unspeakable
hich has revealed thyself in the

of our Lord Jesus Christ, not only
liord most mighty i but also as the
nost merciful, and abundant in
kindness. Enable us, O Lord,

to abhor ourselves ; and to be

in dust and ashes, that we have so

;d from thee, and walked after

We have, indeed, destroyed our-

But we would with all our souls
thy holy name, that in thee is help
mnd : and that thou hast laid l\^l^
w who is mighty to sov^^ «h«^
dio 18 ^ble to save to tVv^ wWft^'c

190
most all that come unto God by him,
ever liveth to make iutercesslon for tfa
To him would we look^ and upon
would we depend^ for the pardon of
sins^ and the salvation of our souls,
that we may know him^ and the powe
his resurrection^ and the fellowship oi
sufferings^ and be made conformable
his death. May the cross of Christ be
means of crucifying the world unto
and us unto the world. Make us foil
ers of Christ as dear children, adori
the doctrine of God our Saviour in
things. We would most thankfully
knowledge the manifold tokens we 1
received of thy long suffering, patie
and forbearance. O that there wer
every one of us a heart to know thee
ter ; to meditate continually on thy i
cies ; to love thee entirely ; to search
the designs of thy goodness towards
Empty our heai*ts of all other thi
Draw us, and we shall run after t
Help us^to shew our love to thee, by g]
ing in acquaintance with thee ; and I
constant doing of thy will on earth, <
is done in heaven*

As thy ways are ways of pleasanti

suMd all thy paths peace \ ^^oit that

otay never admit a thoxiis^t ^voi^x

191
lurity and strictness of thy holy law. May
^e always admire and approve it ; may we
ielight in it after the inner man. Manifest^
^e pray thee, thy powerful grace in con-
[uering our will; and assist us to go from
trength to strength^ and so run our Chris-
ian race as to obtain the heavenly prize.
^ay thy daily providential dispensations^
vhether afflictive or prosperous, quicken
IS in our pursuit of thine everlasting
'est : and prepare our minds by holy trust
md fortitude^ for what every night or
lay may bring forth ; persuaded that
ivhatever thou doest will be in wisdom
md in love. May we lie down this night
in peace with thee ; and at last may we
lie down and sleep in Jesus ; to whom
with tiie Father, and the eternal Spirit^ be
^lory for ever. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Saturday Morning'.
'' That your joy might be full." John. xv. 2.

It is the pleasure of our bounteous Lord,
that none of his family should want com-
fort j he would have our jo^^ e^<(^^«^ ^^^^
sorrows. Greaily as he deVLf^XA Vo^ ^

192
humble and contrite soul ; yet he rejoices
still more in those that cheerfully trust
in him. Hath our Lord spread a table in
the wilderness, and furnished it with the
promises of everlasting glory ! Hath he
set before us that flesh which is meat in-
deed, and that blood which is drink indeed !
Has he invited us to sit down and feed ;
and furnished us with faith and love ; and
has he not then a desire that we should
rejoice in him ? O let not ?ur unbelieving
souls ever charge our uncomfortable hea-
viness upon him, who has offered the
highest delights that heaven can afford,
and God can bestow. Does he not bid us
delight ourselves in the Lord ; and promise
to give us the desires of our hearts ? Hath
he not charged us to rejoice evermore 5
yea, to sing aloud, and shout for joy ? Why
should any then draw back discouraged P
God is willing if we are. He would fain
have it our constant frame and daily
business, to be near him in believing me-
ditations ; and to live in the sweetest
thoughts of his goodness. O blessed work ;
employment fit for the sons of God ! Thou,
O Lord, spreadest before us a rich and
^iritu^ banquet : but, alas ! we are blind,
««m/ cannot perceive it •, we we ^Kds.^ ^wd
ctinnot relish spiritual toodi-. ^e «xe ^'ci

193
^nunibed^ that we cannot put forth a hand
> lay hold on eternal life. We therefore
imbly beg thy grace ; that^ as thou hast^
I thy blessed word^ opened heaven to us ;
» thou wouldest open our eyes to see it^
id our hearts to desh*e and seek it.
nrake^ O thou spirit of life, and breathe
)on us thy graces. O lift us up from
irth, that we may walk in the paradise
' thy love and grace here ; and by faith
alize what thou hast laid up for them
lat love and wait for thee hereafter.

HYMN

For Saturday Morning,

Come, ye that love the Lord,

And let our joys be known ;
Join in a song with sweet accord.

And thus surround the throne.

The sorrows of the mind

Be banish'd from this place !
Religion never was design'd

To make our pleasures less.

Let those refuse to sing

That never knew our God ;
But children of the heavenly K\w^

M»y Bpeak their joys abroad.

194

Ihe men of griuct have found

Glory begun below ;
Celestial fruits on earthly ground

From faith and hope may grow.

The hill of Zion yields

A thousand sacred sweets.
Before we reach the heavenly fields.

Or walk the golden streets.

Then let our songs abound,

And every tear be dry ;
We're marching through Immanuel's groi

To fairer worlds on high.

PRAYER

For Saturday Morning.

O our God ! who dwellest in the hij
est heavens^ with what awe and reverei
ought we to make mention of thy nam
with what humility of soul ought we
acknowledge thy divine grace, that th
who art so great^ and highly exalted^ d
humble thyself to take notice of such s:
ful and rebellious children as we ai
Adored be thy wonderful love, O m(
merciful and gracious Father, who h
encouraged our approaches to Uvee \ w
didst not utterly oast us out oi tV^ ^v^

195
irhen we had turned our backs upon thee ;
mt didst send thy only begotten Son into
he world to redeem and save us. We
hank thee with all our souls, that he bare
mr sins in his own body on the tree, that
ve being dead unto sin might live unto
ighteousness. O Lord, how infinitely
ire we indebted to thee, for giving him for
IS, that he might redeem us from all in-
quity, and purify us unto himself a pecu-
iar people, zealous of good works. O let
lot the great things which the Lamb of
Grod has done and suffered for perishing
sinners be lost unto us ; but may we love
more that adorable Saviour who bought
us at the inestimable price of his own
}lood.

Heavenly Father, give us the grace of
thj Holy Spirit, to change and renew us
throughout, in spirit, soul, and body ; and
to enable us daily to amend our lives ac-
cording to thy holy word. We hope it is
the desire of our souls to be possessed with
more steady and affectionate thoughts of
thee, to be more inflamed with love to thee
and all mankind. O dispose our will to
resign itself to thine, cheerfully to comply
with thy providence, and to employ ^V
opDortunhies of doing or receivmg goQ^«

O God, deny us not this gte^X ^^f^^

196
though we ai'e unworthy of the least of thy
mercies ; but strengthen us with might by
thy Spirit in the inner man. O Holy Spirit,
do thou gi*aciously teach and direct us in
the right way, and assist us to walk in it :
cheer and refresh us when we are ready
to faint ; uphold us lest we fall ; and ena-
ble us, with fervent desires, to implore
thy mercy, that with more resolved watch-
fulness, and more earnest prayer, we may
be strengthened for the time to come.
Thou, O Lord, givest us temporal bless-
ings, that we may thirst after spiritual;
and thou fillest us with spiritual blessings
in Christ, that we may long for the accom-

Slishment of them in immortal life. Thou
oest us good before we ask ; and thou giv-
est liberally unto us, that thou mayest en-
courage us to ask for more. Thou pities t us
when we have no compassion for ourselves ;
and art still careful of us when we trifle
with thy richest mercies. O let this be our
rejoicing, to have Christ formed in us ; and
to be made like unto the Son of thy
love : and give us a lively and animating
hope of living with him in his heavenly
kingdom, with all those that love his ap-
pearing. Amen and Amen.

197

HYMN
Far Saturday Evening*

My God, my King*, thy various praise
Shall fill the remnant of my days ;
Thy grace employ my humble tongfue
nil death and glory raise the song.

The wings of every hour shall bear
Some thankful tribute to thine ear ;
And every setting sun shall see
New works of duty done for thee.

Thy truth and justice I'll proclaim ;
Thy bounty flows an endless stream :
Thy mercy swift ; thine anger slow,
But dreadful to the stubborn foe.

But who can speak thy wondrous deeds ?
Thy greatness all our thoughts exceeds :
Vast and unsearchable thy ways,
Vast and immortal be thy praise.

PRAYER

For Saturday Evening.

Wherewith shall we come before thee^
Lord : or bow ourselves in thy pte^ew^^,
tbou Most High. Cause \xa to co\sa5

ii;!

198

i| unto thee in faith, mentioning: no

I4 name, pleading no other righteon

and trusting in no other atonement,

ij the name, righteousness, and atonem

j}. thy blessed Son, and our adorable jV

^- tor, Jesus Christ. In him we desire

ri found ; through him we hope for i

„sj with thee and acceptance in thy

|}ti; Blessed be thy goodness for the m

j{f: of the past day; for the blessings i

jj Providence, the comforts of thy i

and the privileges we enjoy. We
jj thee that we have been protected
r danger; and above all, if we have
in any measure withheld by grace
sinning against thee. Sinners w<
and sinned against thee we have, e^
the best of times, and in the best of fn
but, O Lord, we would be unfei^
thankful if thou hast given us a des
live unto thee. O make those d
effectual through the mighty work]
thy Spirit, who is able to subdue ev(
rebellious hearts to himself. We b(
thee to blot out the transgressions (
week now closing. Look upon the
nant of thy grace ; and through the
€f the covenant forgive us all our
£: 4MiiA ng and we shall be ^\i\\.ct >i\\a»
mJf^^Hadeet thou deal wltYi u^ ^^^t q

199
rewai*d us according to our deserts^
3 ! we could not stan<l in thy presence,
' be justified in thy sight. But^ though
are guilty and depraved, thou art gra-
ns. We bless thee for that rich pro-
ion of grace and glory which thou hast
de for thy penitent and believing peo-

in the righteousness, sacrifice, and
ercession of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
bheir advocate with the Father, and the
ipitiation for their sins. Thou hast de«
sred thy redeemed from going down
o the pit, and hast found a ransom for
5m. O satisfy us, by thy blessed Spirit,
it we are of this happy number. Con-
ue thy goodness towards us this night ;
ike us rest under thy defence, O thou
3St High, and to abide under the shadow
the Almighty. Thy mercies to us have
en equally great, numerous, and un-
^rited : may we ever experience thee

be a God of love. Perfect, O Lord,
at which concemeth us, and forsake not
e work of thine own hands. Bless us
th thy presence, grace, and protection,
iffer not the enemy to have an advantage
er us ; neither let the sons of wicked -
188 approach to hurt us. Be witli ^ILtJv:^
opie every where. Visit espeevaJ^ V^
' salvation those whoia we ^e«vs^ N

200
bear upon our hearts before thee. May
those who are near and dear to us, be
near and dear to God : and whatever sepa-
ration thy good Providence may make upon
earth, grant that we and they may meet
with joy at thy right hand in the last great
day. May all orders and degrees of men,
from the highest to the lowest, fear God,
love the truth, and work righteousness.
Strengthen and relieve those who labour
under any affliction in mind, body, or es-
tate ; and make all work together for their
good. Preserved, O Lord, by thy gracious
mercy, we are come to the close of another
week. Since the commencement of it,
many of our fellow creatures have left this
earthly scene, and have entered upon an
etemsd state. O God most holy, O God
most mighty, suffer us not to close our
eyes in death, before we have been enabled
to embrace the Lord's Christ in the arms
of faith, and to say, "Now, Lord, lettest
thou thy servant depart in peace ; for
mine eyes have seen thy salvation/' In all
the duties of thy holy day before us, may
we look to the Spirit of grace for willing-
ness and power to serve thee faithfully ;
and may our entire dependance be upon
^e merits of Jesus Cbrist \Xi^ Yv^\fcw\s>.
-*<** up the light of thy coutiXeivwii^^ ^>:^^^v

201
ay we wait for thy loving kindness,
li in the midst of thy temple : O
our souls joyful in thy house of
. Be thou present in the worship-
semblies of thy saints ; meet them
esire to meet with thee, and visit
ly salvation those who wait on thee
Drdinances of thy appointment. May
3 seek thee be joyful and glad in
and find by happy experience, that
iy in thy courts is better than a
nd elsewhere ; and that thy house
)ed the house of God, and the gate
^en. Be with all the faithful stew-
f thy mysteries who shall minister
' name. Enable them rightly to
the Word of Truth, applying it to
Eirts and consciences of their hearers,
ing to their several cases. Pardon
worthiness of ministers and people ;
uchsafe to own thy glorious gospel,
cing it effectual to the salvation of
hat hear. Every spiritual and tem-
nercy we request for the alone sake
IS Christ the righteous. Amen.

202

FOURTH WEEK.

MEDITATION

For the Lord's Day Morning,

" The righteous shall flounsh like the palm
tree ; he shall ^row like a cedar in Lebanon,
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord,
" shall flourish in the courts of our God. They
" shall bringr forth fruit in old age ; they shall
^^ be fat and flourishing : to shew that the Lord
^' is upright, and there is no unrighteousness in
" him." Psalm xcii. 12, 13, 14.

The trees of righteousness grow not in
common soil, but in the vineyard and
house of the Lord. It is from his grace,
by his word and Spirit, that they receive
all the spiritual sap and virtue that keeps
them alive and makes them fruitful. They
put themselves under the divine protec-
tion ; they fix themselves under divine or-
dlnances ; take i*oot iu them, and bring
forth all their fruit to God! «» \vsycissv« ^\A
grlory.

208

They shall grow in grace, in usefnlness,
and in beauty ; like the tall cedars of
Lebanon they shall grow nearer heaven,
and with a holy ambition shall aspire to-
wards the world above.

They shall flourish to the credit of thciir
profession, and to the comfort and joy of
their own souls. While^ the wicked flourish
like the grass which is soon withered, the
righteous shall flourish like the palm tree :
their leaves shall not wither. Being planted
in the house of the Lord they shall flourish
in the courts of their God : there their root
is, and there their branches spread : their
life is hid with Christ in God. Their light
also shines before men, and they adorn
the doctrine of God their Saviour in all
things.

They shall be fruitful. Did they bear
only leaves, they would be trees of no
value. But they shall bring forth fruit —
fruits of holiness, of lively devotion, useful
conversation; and those good works by
which God is glorified, and all around
them edified — ^the fruits of righteousness,
which are by Jesus Christ to the praise
and glory of God. Other trees, when they
are old, leave off bearing ; but ihci'^\»xv\.'^ ^V
rigbteousneBa shall bring forth faxat^ e^^^
in old age. In them the streiigt\L oi g^^^

» /

204
shall not fail with the strength of natt
The last days of the saints have been tt
best days^ and their last works their b
works ; to shew that they are upright, i
that the Lord is faithful, who has promi
that those who wait on him shall rer
their strength. The faithfulness of Go«
the believer's tnuraph. If they arc plant;
righteousness, it is because He has plan
them by his right hand. If they br
forth fruit, it is because He has made th
fruitful and flourishing. If their leaf d
not wither, it is because He has plantei
living principle of grace within ; if tl

? prosper, it is to shew that the Lord is fai
111, and there is no unrighteousness in h

HYMN

For the Lord's Day Morning,

Lord, 'tis a pleasant thing to stand
In gardens planted by thy hand :
Let me within thy courts be seen.
Like a young cedar fresh and green.

There grow thy saints in faith and love,
Blest fdth thine inftuetvce from above :
Not Lebanon with a\\ lU tt^e^^
YMdB such a comeVy aigVit, «l% xV^^^t.

205

The plants of g^race shall ever live :
(Nature decays, but grace must thrive.)
i ime, that doth all things else impair,
Still makes them flourish strong and fair.

Laden with fruits of age they shew
The Lord is holy, just and true :
None that attend his gates shall find
A God unfaithful or unkind.

PRAYER

For the hordes Day Morning

O Lord God Almighty, the Creator of
LC imiverse, before whom angels and
'changels veil their faces ! we desire to
)proach thy divine Majesty with the re-
3rence and godly fear which becomes
lose who are round about thee. We
ould worship and fall down before thee,
le Lord our maker, acknowledging that
e are unworthy to come into thy glori-
as presence ; and trusting for acceptance
nly in the atonement and merits of Christ
esus, our only Mediator and Redeemer.
»ut through him, and by the influences of
[le Holy Ghost, may we draw nigh with
be filial liberty and confidence^Yriltv^RVxv^
hou graciously inritest us to come \.o V!k^
rooe of grace* O enable \xa to ^otftfc^

206
Christ, that out of his fulness we may re-
ceive all we need; repentance, remis-
sion of sins, and the gift of thy Holy Spirit.
May Jesus dwell in our hearts by faith,
and may we be rooted and grounded in
love. Teach us, O Lord, to rely on his
blood, and build all our hopes on his right-
eousness. Sujflter us not to deceive our-
selves with the form of godliness j but give
us true faith that we may abide in Christ,
and bring forth much fruit. O grant us
devout hearts, a holy conversation, and a
heavenly life.

May nothing keep us this day from our
God. Thy Gospel is the power of God
unto salvation. May it prove so to us.
Let thy word preached be received by us
in faith : enable us to give earnest heed to
the things we hear lest we should let them
slip.

May we glory in the preaching of Christ
crucified. Convince us deeply of the ex-
ceeding sinfulness of sin, of the perfect
purity, justice, and goodness of thy law,
which we have broken 5 of the utter insuf-
ficiency of our own polluted righteousness
to justify us in thy sight ; and of our con-
stant need of Christ in all his ofiices. O
Jet none of U8 neglect eo g;t^aV> ^^n^Ivqu.
JUeaged Lord, msJ^e tYiy^^VL Vtio^^tdl Vdl

207
le assemblies of thy people this day.
.ssist all thy faithful ministers ; and^ that
ley may truly please thee, pour upon
lem the dew of thy blessing ; and while
tiey are preaching thy glorious gospel^
lay the Holy Ghost give unto them abun-
ant success. Let thy word have free
ourse^ and be glorified in the conviction
ud conversion of sinners^ and in the edifi-
ation and comfort of thy saints. Quicken
iie dead in sin ; awaken the careless ; and
aliven and invigorate the hearts and
races of thy people. May we know the
)yful sounds and walk in the light of thy
ountenance : in thy name let us rejoice
11 the day, and be exalted in thy righte-
usness. Make us strong in tne grace
bat is in Christ Jesus : strong to resist
•atan^ sin, and unbelief: strong to fight
be good fight of faith, to run with patience .
he race that is set before us, and lay hold
n eternal life as thy free gift^ through the
iches of thy grace.

And O hasten that glorious period when
lie everlasting gospel shall be proclaimed
1 every land ; when the year of the re-
eemed shall come ; and the name of Jesus
e praised from the rising of the sun to
iie go'wg down thereof.

We humbly entreat thee to gcexA* >2cl^^'

206
blessings also to all who are near and <
to us : may we all worship thee in
same spirit of adoption^ through our
Mediator and Advocate. Amen.

HYMN

For the LordH Day Evening,

O ! ye that pant for living streams,

And pine away and die ;
Here ye may quench your raging thirst

With springs that never dry.

Rivers of love and mercy here

In a rich ocean join !
Salvation in abundance flows

In streams of grace divine.

Dear Lord^ the treasures of thy love

Are everlasting mines,
Deep as our helpless mis'ries are,

And boundless as our sins.

The happy gates of gospel grace

Stand open night and day :
Lord, we are come to seek supplies,

And drive our wants away.

ao9

PRAYER

Far the Lord's Day Evening.

O Almighty Lord God, great, wonderful,
and holy. Thou art exalted fer above all
blessing and praise ; and yet humblest thy-
self to behold the things that are in heaven
and in earth. Look down in mercy upon
us who here present ourselves before thee
on this evening of thine own day. We
have indeed abundant cause of humiliation
in thy sight, on account of our manifold
iniquities. We have been favored this
day with thy word and ordinances, with
the means of grace, and opportunities of
drawing near unto thee. Yet, alas, we
must confess we have not rendered again
according to the benefits thou hast vouch-
safed us. Our services have been defective
and defiled. Our prayers and praises have
been cold and wandering, and too often
disturbed by vain and unprofitable thoughts
and speculations. Yet, O reject us not,
unworthy as we are 5 but accept us through
the sacrifice and merits of our Lord Jesus
Christ I and for his sake grant us, we be-
seech thee, all those gifts and grae^^^ ^sA
hlessiDgs which we severally need.
Impress more deeply upoti ouc txjmA^

210
O Lord^ by the influence of thine Holy
Spirit, thy word which we have this day
heard and read. May we continually see
more and more our need of that salvation
which the Son of God hath purchased for
us : and more earnestly seek, and more
entirely depend upon Him, as made of God
unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and
sanctification, and redemption. Open our
eyes that we may understand the wondrous
things of thy law. Give us that enlarged
view of its spiritual nature and require-
ments, that we may no longer seek to be
justified by our own merits : yet may we
delight in thy law, may we count all thy
precepts in ail things to be right, and hate
every false and evil way. O let us labor
after an increasing conformity to thine
holy image : and be habitually pressing
towards the prize of our high calling.

Bless thy holy word to all who have
heard it this day. O do thou, who alone
canst give the increase, water the seed
sown with the abundant influence of thy
Holy Spirit. May it take deep root, and
bring forth much fruit to the glory of thy
name, the credit of our christian profession,
and the everlasting salvation of our souls.
And tre pray^ O Lord, tYvatWv^V^Xkfc&fcaof
^Ae Cbristmn Sabbatli ma^\>ei cxX.^\A^\'«jt

211
and wide; that souls may be converted
from idols to thee the living God; and
that the reign of death may be destroyed.
In our own land may we see a greater
reverence of thy day; may true religion
revive, and flourish among us, and every
one who professes to name the name of
Christ depart from iniquity. May many,
who now say of the Sabbath, what a weari-
ness is it, be brought to call it their de-
light, the holy of the Lord, and honour-
able; and may the light of the gospel
arise, and shine on every land, which
hitherto has not been cheered by its glori-
ous life-giving beams. May the heathen
know thee ; may thine ancient people, the
Jews, be brought to acknowledge^and adore
the true Messiah, and be gathered in with
the fulness of the Gentiles. May all who
preach thy word be found faithful to its doc-
trines ; strengthen them with thy mighty
power ; and may those especially who are
gone forth to distant lands, to proclaim
thy grace to every guilty fallen child of
Adam^ find thee a very present help. And
now, O Lord, we commend ourselves, and
all our absent friends and relatives, to thy
fatherly protection through the apuroaiek-
^Jig oight, and the week upouWiA^^^
Asre entered. Be with us : forgWe Aox >)a

212

Redeemer's sake^ all our short comings,
and misdoings^ especially remember not
against us the sins of our holy things.
Sanctify us by thy word, and make us
meet for that blessed Sabbath above,
which shall never end. There, with all
thy chosen people, may we unite in one
universal song of praise,ascribingdominioD,
might, majesty, and power, to him that
sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb for
ever and ever. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Monday Morning.

" Whereby are gfiven to us exceeding g^reat
*' and precious promises." 2 Peter^ i« 4.

Worthy indeed of all acceptation, of our
warmest and most affectionate gratitude I
of our highest confidence and joy. For
they are the words of God, the greatest
and the best of beings : his gracious words ;
the dictates of his infinite and undeserved
goodness and love ; words that speak the
greatness of his mercy, and display all the
perfections of his nature in the most ami-
able Ught. Their truth is ratified by the
blood of the everlastiug co\etk»cvi\.^ \^wder-
iog Mil the diriae promiae^ v.o »& ^s^^ ^^^

213

God himself bearing witness by
d wonders. They are oflTered to
freeness the most unbounded : so
>soeyer will may come and partake
They will make us truly wise,
id spiritually minded: they will
us under the severest trials ; and
us with the noblest magnanimity
yation of soul: and, in a word,

to God, and make us partakers of
less and glory.

God, let me never neglect or des-
se precious promises ; nor let me
le for comfort from them, but in

of real holiness. Let me never
spond in any of my trials and afflic-
^ever doubt the power, the love,
ifuluessof thatGod, who has given
rds for my consolation ! Here, my
ave all thy burdens and cares !
[iscouraged and fainting, here be

! These are the everlasting arms
3ngthen and uphold all that fear
lat conduct them through life, de-
m in death, and ensure their com-
d eternal salvation !

214

HYMN

Far Monday Morning.

Begin, my toDgue, some heavenly theme,
And speak some houndless thing ;

The mighty works, or mightier name
Of our eternal King.

Tell of his wondrous faithfulness,
And sound his power abroad ;

Sing the sweet promise of his grace,
And the performing God.

Proclfum salvation from the Lord

For wretched dying men :
His hand has writ the sacred word

With an immortal pen.

Engrav'd as in eternal brass

The mighty promise shines ;
Nor can the powers of darkness rase

Those everlasting lines.

His every word of grace is strong

As that which buUt tUe ekies ;
The voice that rolls t\ie atw^ ^oiv%,
Spetiks all the promise*.

215
PRAYER

For Monday Mornings

most gracious Lord God, the eyes of
ait upon thee : thou art the hope of
le ends of the earth. In thee we live,
love, and have our being : thou givest
ie, and healthy and all things. Still
takest care of us^ and watchest over
iren in the hours of sleep, when we
nable to take care of ourselves. Thy
ies are daily renewed ; thy goodness
peated every morning: yea, every
ent dost thou give us fresh occasion
*aise and thanksgiving. Blessed be
ame, for the peace, rest, and safety
i night past. Enable us in the strength
y grace to love thee truly, to serve
faithfully, and to depend on thee
mt wavering. In all our ways may
^knowledge thee; and be thou gra-
ly pleased to establish our goings,
lirect our path. We desire to put
Ives under thy gracious conduct, and
itherly protection this day. We beg
heavenly guidance, blessing, and
ance of thy good Spirit, to Ockft^%&
heritance for us, and to diaipo^^ ^1 ^^

216

and all that concerns us, to the glory of ,:
thy great name. O Lord, withdraw not
thy tender mercies from ns, neither shut
up thy loving-kindness in displeasure ; but
grant us such a well founded apprehension
of thy free acceptance of us, and of thy
gracious intentions towards us in the Son
of thy love; that our hearts may bless
thee, and all that is within us may praise
thy holy name. May we each of us be
enabled to say from our own experience,
*^A11 thy ways are ways of pleasantness,
and thy paths paths of peace:" in keeping
them there is great reward. He that
loveth them, loveth life. O Lord, keep us
this day from sin : subdue as well as par-
don our iniquities : and may we exercise
ourselves to have always a conscience
void of offence, both towards God, and to-
wards man. Whilst upon earth, grant
us a supply of all things needful for us in
the house of our pilgrimage. Sanctify
to us our enjoyments, and our occupations ;
our comforts, and our crosses 5 every con-
dition we are in, and every event that
shall befal us. Enable us to live to thy
)ionour and glory : and so to pass through
things temporal, as finally to lose not the
tbioga which are eternal. 1^ t\vo\SL «ts\\^lvt-
«o us not, we shall run Into cttot •^ K^^Ct^ws.

217

vent not, we shall relapse into sin ; ii

>u preserve us not^ we shall fall into

igers. O let thy good providence be

r defence and security; and thy Holy

lirit be our comforter, guide, and counsel-

r in all our ways: until^ through the

lerits of thy Son^ and the multitude oi

ay mercies, thou hast made us meet foi

he inheritance of thy saints in glory ever-

astiiig. Amen.

HYMN
For Monday Evening.

Lord, I have made thy word my choice^

My lasting heritage :
There shall my noblest powers rejoice,

My warmest thoughts engage.

I'll read the histories of thy love,

And keep thy laws in sight ;
While through the promises 1 rove,

With ever fresh delight.

lis a broad land of wealth unknown

Where springs of life arise,
Seeds of immortal bliss are sown.

And hidden glory lies.

The best relief that mourners have ;

It makes our sorrows blest :
Oar Airest hope beyond the grwft,
AniouT eternal rest.

218

PRAYER

For Monday Evening.

O thou glorious Majesty of heaven and
earth ! we would with all humility and re-
verence adore thee as above our highest
thoughts^ and infinitely beyond all our
praises. When we contemplate thine al-
mighty power, thine infinite loving-kind-
ness^ and thine awful holiness and justice,
as manifested in thy wonderful works and
in thy holy word, we are ashamed that we
do not fear, and reverence, and love thee
more. O God of all grace, grant unto us,
we beseech thee, thy Holy Spirit to renew
thine image on our souls : awaken our
minds to a more lively remembrance of
thee our Creator, our Redeemer, our
tender-hearted Father in Christ Jesus.

Though we have sinned, we have an
advocate with thee, Jesus Christ the right-
eous; and he is the propitiation for our
sins. In his name we are encouraged to
come unto thee, and seek the blessings he
has purchased for us with his own blood.
Glory be to thee, O Father, that it hath
pleased thee, that in Him should all ful-
nesa dwell : that the gu\\\.^ taa.^ \^e \us-
fiSed^ the unholy be c\ewi^e^% ^^\>:\x^

219
sinners redeemed and set free; and the
lost and perishing restored to the richest
blessings, by the salvation which is in
Christ Jesus'.

We plead thy gracious promise, that all
things whatever we ask in prayer, believ-
ing, we shall receive : O give us faith to
plead with thee for the fulfilment of thine
own words. Teach us so to ask that we
may receive, and so to knock at the door of
thy mercy, that it may be opened to us.
We pray that thou wouldest impart to
each of us a heart truly contrite for sin,
and an humble frame of mind. Grant
unto us faith to embrace and ever hold
fast thy promises of grace and glory. May
we be endued with a spirit of adoption,
crying unto thee, Abba, Father. O shed
thy love abroad in our hearts, and make
us to abound in all the fruits of the Spirit,
love, joy, peace, long-suffering, meekness,
goodness, temperance, righteousness, and
truth. Convmce us daily that this world
is not our rest ; that the earth and all
that is therein shall be burned up ; and
seeing these things are so, may wc exer-
cise ourselves in all holy conversation and
godliness.

Father of mercieSy we desVte V.O \^fc«^
ebee for all the favors of the p«iS\. ^«^ N ^"^^

entreat tliee to continue to us thy pro
tioii and blessing through the night. 1
Iiiire us for the duties and events of
morrow. We know not what a day
night may bring forth : in the mids-
life we are in death. Before another
it may please thee to require some of
souls. If so, may we be found re
having the loins of our minds girded,
our lamps burning ; and we ourse
waiting for the coming of our Lord
Saviour Jesus Chrigt, io whom we tn
and to whom with the Father, and
Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory
ever and ever. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Tuesilui/ Morning,

" 0 siiig: unto the Lord a new song : sin^
■' tlie Lord, bless bin name : shew forth liis 3
" tlun from day to day." Psalm sen. 1, 9.

Let this song of praise be echoed f
iiur heartM. Let us sing unto the Loi
new song : a song with new affectic
and clothed with new expressions of tha
, fulness for new mercies. Let day 11
day utter it ; for his comYas^^^tt* ;«% ■
erery morniugy and fres\v e\tv-s est

221
the whole earth join in this song ; let
n give unto the Lord the glory due
o his name. Let them shew forth his
tration from day to day ; for every new
y brings new dangers and new deliver-
ces. Let, therefore, his saving mercy
; our daily song. Above all, let the gospel
Jvation be the new and ever animating
leme of our song of praise. Let all the
edeemed of the Lord sing it ; let all the
iarth learn it. ^^Let the people praise
Aee, O God : yea, let all the people praise
thee/' Let us join with angelic hosts in
singing glory to God in the highest : be-
cause to us is born a Saviour : and through
him is proclaimed peace on earth, and
good-will to men. *' Sing, O ye heavens,
for the Lord hath done it : and shout ye
lower parts of the earth/' This song will
be for ever new ; as new wonders will ever
be unfolding themselves in the contempla-
tion of redeeming love. Now, then, let us
begin that new song, which, through the
tender mercy of our God, we hope to sing
with saints in light in the heavenly Jeru-
salem : ^^Worthy is the Lamb that was slain
to receive power, and riches, and wisdom,
and strength, and honour, and glory, and
bless^iz?^ / for thou wast 6la\i\) aa^L Yk»&*
"Adeemed us unto God, by thy \)Vo^^> ^

222

of erery kindred, and tongue, and people,
and nation/' ^' Blessing, and honour, and
glory, and power be unto him that sitteth
upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for
ever and ever/' Amen.

HYMN

For Tuetday Morning, i^

Awake and sin^ the soDg h3

Of '' Moses and the Lamb ;"
Wake ev'ry heart, and ev'ry tongue,

To praise the Saviour's name.

Sing of his dying love.

Sing of his rising power ;
Sing how he intercedes above

For those whose sins he bore.

Sing, till we feel our hearts

Ascending with our tongues ;
Sing, till the love of sin departs.

And grace inspires our songs.

Soon shall we hear him say,

" Ye blessed children come ;"
Soon will he call us hence away.

And take his wand'rers home.

There shall our raptur'd tongue
His endless praise proclaim ;
And BWtettv voices cYvant VXvck ^\i\i%
Of Mo0e8 and tbe li»Da\>:'

223

PRAYER

For Tuesday Morning,

O Lord God^ merciful aud gracious^
[>Dg-sufferiDg, and abundant in goodness^
•nd truth ! Thou keepest mercy for thou-
ands, pardoning iniquity, transgression^
md sin ; thou dost not retain thine anger
or ever, because thou delightest in mercy,
low excellent is thy loving-kindness, O
jrod ! therefore do the sons of men put
heir trust under the shadow of thy wings 5
ind therefore do we desire still to look up
0 that bountiful hand of thine which has
;atisfied us with every good thing. O Lord
)ur God, be thou pleased to look down
nercifuUy upon us, and be thou gracious
ind favouraolc to us. Look not upon oiur
iins, which are more than we can number,
ind greater than we can express ; but be-
lold us in mercy, through the merits and
nediation of thy Son our Saviour, who did
10 sin, and was manifested that he might
:ake away our sin. O that we may receive
)f his fulness, grace sufficient for us;
:o pardon our sins and subdue our inic^l-
Aes; to justify our persons and swicXaVj
ur souls; and to complete upon o\it\i^wV

224

and lives that truly renovating change,
which may transform us into the blessed
image after which we were created anew
in Christ Jesus ; and make us meet to be
partakers of the inheritance of the saints
in light. Teach us, O Lord our God, to
use this world without abusing it $ and to
enjoy the things of it without losing our
part in thy love, which is better than life.
Whatever we have of the world, may we
have it with thy love ; sanctified to us by
thy word and prayer. And whatsoever we
want of the things of this life, O Lord^ our
heavenly Father, leave us not destitute of
those things that accompany salvation ;
but fill our souls with such graces of thy
Spirit, as may enable us to adorn the doc-
trine of God our Saviour in all things : that
others seeing our good works, may glorify
our Father who is in heaven.

And now that thou hast renewed our
lives and thy mercies to us this morning,
help us, gracious God, to renew our de-
sires and endeavours to live in obedience
to thy holy will, and to the honour of thy
blessed name. O grant that we may
think, and speak, and will, and act as
beoometh the children of our heavenly
fhtherj and so find the fetxoii^ ^otk&^^>svsst!L
fthy gnciouB acceptance ol >)» Va. Ctrfy&\

225
58US our Saviour ; in whom we desire to
5 found, in life, in death, and for ever.
men.

HYMN
For Tuesday Evening.

My soul, repeat his praise,
Whose mercies are so great ;
Whose anger is so slow to rise.
So ready to abate.

God will not always chide ;
And when his rod is felt.
His strokes are fewer than our crimes,
And lighter than our guilt.

High as the heav'ns are rais'd
Above the ground we tread.
So far the riches of his grace
Our highest thoughts exceed.

His pow'r subdues our sins ;
And hi^ forgiving love.
Far as the east is from the west.
Doth ail our g^ilt remove.

Tlie pity of the Lord
To those that fear his name,
Ig such as tender parents feel \
He knows our feeble frame.

396

He knowg we are but dustji
Scatter'd with ey'ry breath ;
His anger, Uke a rising wind.
Can send us swift to death.

Our days are like the grass,
Or as the morning flower :
If one sharp blast sweep o'er the field,
It withers in an hour.

But thy eompassions, Lord^
To endless years endure |
And children's children ever find
Thy words of promise sure.

PBAYER

For Tuesday Evening.

Almighty and everlasting God^ who art
^ays more ready to hear than we are to
ay ; and art able to give more than we
n either ask or think ; pour down upon
the abundance of thy mercy 3 forgiving
those things of which our consciences
e afraid; and giving us those good things
lich we are not worthy to ask, but for
sus Christ's sake.

Once more, O Lord, we are permitted
'^resent ourselves brfot^ \Xi^^\ Vx iM (^
ciful ears be open to oxxt ^xwj«k^ \ «»^

237
that we may obtain our petitions, make us

to ask only such things as shall please thee.

We know that we cannot pray aright, but

as thy grace influences both our hearts

and lips. O give us a hearty desire to

pray. May we now seek thy grace, as a

condemned criminal would ask for mercy

of his judge : and do thou, O Lord, vouch^

safe that mercy to our sinful souls, for thy

name's sake.

Our days and years pass away with the
greatest speed; and every one of them
brings us nearer to death and eternity. O
may we feel a lively conviction of the
vanity of all worldly pursuits ; and the
necessity, as well as aavantage, of living
by faith on the Son of God : that so, when-
ever death shall overtake us, it may find us
prepared to leave the world and go to thee.
O God, who hast prepared for them that
love thee $uch good things as pass man's
understanding, pour into our hearts such
love toward thee, that we loving thee
above all things, may obtain thy promises,
which exceed all that we can desire. Cause
us to lie down this night with our affec-
tions set upon things above, where Christ
sitteth at the right hand of God.

O Almighty God, who alone csoi'sX «tftkfc\
$lic unruly wills and affections o^ ««&s

p 2

228
men^ grant unto us that we may love the
thing that thou commandest^ and desire
that which thou dost promise ; that so,
among the sundry and manifold changes
of this world, our hearts may surely there
be fixed, where true joys are to be found.
Suffer us not to be deceived by lying
vanities. Suffer us not to deceive ourselves
by the form of religion without its power;
but grant us thy Spirit to think and do
always such things as are right ; that we,
who cannot do any thing that is good
without thee, may by thee be enabled to
live according to thy will. Let us not put
our trust in any thing that we do; for,
alas ! all our doings are nothing worth :
but may our dependance be in him who
bore our sins and carried our sorrows.
May his blessed name become every day
more precious to us. May we aJways
most thankfully receive this thine ines-
timable gift, and also daily endeavour to
follow the blessed steps of his most holy
life. And at length may we, through bis
merits and mediation, attain those blissful
regions whither he has gone before to
prepare a place for his people ; that where
he 18, there we may be also, to be with
hiw, and behold his gVor^j* Vn V\scl x&a?^
^^^ be found, and accept^A,\iv>iSfcn vs^ ^v^'as^
wdfor ever. Amen.

229

MEDITATION

For Wednesday Morning,

" Blessed is the people that know the jojrful
sound." Psalm Ixxxix. 15.

The joyful sound of their deliverer and
their Saviour. Such was thy God, O Is-
rael ! and such is thy God, O believer !
The Gospel is indeed a joyful sound : a
sound of victory over the powers of dark-
ness, and of liberty from the slavery of
sin : a sound of pardoning mercy for rebel-
lious mortals* A joyful proclamation that
God will indeed dwell with men, and that
they shall have fellowship with him and
with his Son Jesus Christ. A proclama-
tion of the gracious and sanctifying influ-
ence of his Holy Spirit to renew their
hearts to holiness, and help them to do his
will ; and of a heavenly crown and eternal
glory to him that overcometh.

Blessed are the people that hear this
joyful sound. They shall walk, O Lord,
in the light of thy countenance ; in thy
name shaU they rejoice all the da^. T\vk^
shatt order their s(;eps by thy ^ot^l^ w
ffuided by thine eye, and deWgtiVi \\i««i

rasS

230

selves in thy consolations. They shall
through all the exercises of a holy 1
under the powerful influences of G(
loving-kindness. Blessed is the belie
who thus derives his comfort from G(
favour^ and abides in his love.

HYMN
For Wednesday Morning,

Bless'd are the souls that hear and kn
The g-ospel's joyful sound ;

Peace shall attend the path they go,
And light their steps surround.

Th6ir joy shall hear their spirits up
Through their Redeemer's name ;

His righteousness exalts their hope,
Nor Satan dares condemn.

Tlie Lord, our glory and defence,
Strength and salvation gives ;

Israel, thy King for ever reigns.
Thy God for ever lives.

PRAYER

For Wednesday Morning,

O Lord our God,tby Tvarcv^K^TCkft^v^-!

Jeatlu all the eartlv; tYvowYi^x^^^'^^i

231

m the heavens, and art worthy to be

;brated with the everlasting praises of

1 and angels ; for thou hast created all

Qg8, and for thy pleasure they are> and

re created. Thy hands, O Lord, have

ide and fashioned us, and thou hast

eathed into our nostrils the breath of life^

5a thou upholdest our souls in life. As

e are the workmanship of thy power^ O

lake us likewise the children of thy gracoi

created anew in Christ Jesus, unto

righteousness and true holiness. Give

Eroof that thou hast formed us for thyself,
y causing us to shew forth thy praise;
and by enabling us to live unto thy glory,
Its we are hourly sustained by thy bounty.
But, we must confess, O Lord, that we
have not yielded thee that glory which
thou hast made us capable of rendering
unto thee^ We are prone to forget thee,
who art never unnnndfiil of us; and to
disobey thee, whose goodness to us is un-
wearied. For these things, O Lord ; for
the sinfulness of our nature and of our
lives, we desire to pour out our hearti^
and to humble our guilty selves before
thee : entreating thee, for the sake of thy
dear Son, and of thy mercies in him^ to
work in us true repentance, audi Va ^gt^scx
U0 fiUl And free ibrgiveneas. ^U^t^gScLW^

232
us^ O Lord; with might by thy Spirit, in
the inner man ; and make us watchful
against; and victorious over the coiTuptions
of our hearts, the temptations of Satan,
and the sinfui cares and aliurements of the
world. Destroy in us every root of bitter-
ness, every plant which thy grace hath
not planted ; exterminate every evil habit
and rebellious emotion which exalts itself
against the knowledge of God, and against
the obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Increase and confirm in us more and more
thy true knowledge, and faith, and fear,
and love, and every grace of thy holy
Spirit. Let not one grace of thy holy
Spirit be wanting ; let not one be weak :
but grant us such manifestations of thyself ;
and so conform us to the image of thy holi-
ness, that our lives may be comfortable to
ourselves, profitable to others, and honoiur-
able to thee ourGod. And,whatever may be-
fal us, as to the concern of this life, may we
still be found in the path of duty, fearing
God and working righteousness ; making
it evident to all around us, that we have
been with Jesus ; that we have learned of
him ; that we are influenced by his Spirit,
guided by his example, and are pressing
Jbrwdrd to his kingdom. Day by day we
OMagoify thee, O Lord, wYio ctowu^^X ^^^\:^

233
y with thy tender mercies. We bless
ee for the rest, protection, and preserva-
in of the last night. O cause us to hear
y loving-kindness this morning, for in
ee do we trust : make us to know the
ty wherein we should go, for we lift up
ir souls unto thee. Cast us not away
)m thy presence ; take not thy Holy
>irit from us ; but direct our hearts into
e love of thy holy name, and our feet
to the way of thy testimonies. Whether
e eat, or drink, or whatever we do, may
e do all to the glory of God ; and walk
seeing him who is invisible. Command
y angels to encamp around us, and to
iar us in their hands ; and may their God
id ours be the strength of our hearts,
le guide of our ways, and our portion for
'erand ever; through Jesus Christ our
ord« Amen.

HYMN

For Wednesday Evening.

How shall the young secure their hearts*
And guard their lives from sin ?

Thy word the choicest rulea imi^wE\.^
To keep the conscience cVfewcv*

384

When that pervades th^ inquiring mind,
And spreads its light abroad ;

The meanest souls instruction find,
And raise their thoughts to Gt>d,

'Tis like the sun, a heavenly light,

To guide us all the day ;
And through the dangers of the night

A lamp to lead our way.

The men that Iceep thy law with care,

And meditate thy word,
Grow wiser than their teachers are^

And better know the Lord.

Thy precepts make me truly wise ;

I hate the sinners road :
I hate my own vain thoughts that rise ;

But love thy law, my God.

The starry heavens thy rule obey.
The earth maintains her place ;

And these thy servants night and day
Thy skill and power express.

But still thy law and gospel, Lord,

Have lessons more divine :
Not earth stands firmer than thy word.

Nor stars so nobly shine.

Thy word is everlasting truth ;

How pure is every page I
O may it guide our ewtVi^&v. ^ovxVJci,
iliid cheer o\ir liiteftt ^^^^

235

PRAYER

For Wednesday Evening.

O Almighty God, our heavenly Father,
we rejoice that under all our sinfulnesd^
weakness, and danger, we have a throne
of grace to go to ; and that thou invitest us
to come to it with holy boldness, that we
may obtain mercy to pardon and grace to
help in every time of need. We would
not, O Lord, abuse thy grace, or make our
weakness an excuse for negligence and
sloth . We confess thou hast already given
us more strength than we have used ; and
we charge it upon ourselves, and not on
thee, that we have not received more abun-
dant supplies, O may we for the futui-e
be found more diligent in the use of all
the appointed means of grace. Be merci-
fully pleased to shed abroad thy sanctify-
ing influences on our souls, to form us for
every duty which thou requirest. Plant
every Christian grace and virtue deep in
our hearts ; and maintain and strengthen
them amidst all assaults both from within
and fi*om without.

Help us to remember at aW. tvoSke^^ V>&»^
ererf secret of our souls la open \.o ^^^

286
and to guard against the first rising o1
and the first approaches of temptat
And that Satan may not find room foi
evil suggestions, we pray, O Lord,
thou wouldest graciously fill our h<
with thy Spirit, and take up thine a
there ! Dwell in us, and walk with us.
let our bodies be the temples of the ]
Ghost.

May we be so joined to Christ Jesus
Lord as to become one spirit with I
may we so wait upon the Lord as to re
our spiritual strength, to run without '
riness, and to walk without fainting ; g
on from one degree of faith and lo\
another, till we appear before thee
God in Zion.

While we are here, we are surrou
with dangers and difficulties. Blc
God, to thine almighty power we flee
thy fgrace be sufl&cient for us, and
strength be made perfect in our weaki

-Wft ilarp TiAt: sav wpt mil npvAr fnrsAl

237
.age our hope; and inspire us with an
heroic resolution in opposing every thing
that obstructs us in our way to heaven.
Keep us at all times by thy mighty power,
through faith, unto salvation. Wherever
thou leadest, there let us follow ; and
whatever station thou appointest for us,
there let us labour. In the midst of dan-
gers and discouragements may we look
unto Jesus, the captain of our salvation ;
and be made at last more than conquerors
through him that loved us. Now unto
him that is able to keep us from falling ;
and to do for us more than we can ask or
think ; to him be glory for ever. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Thursday Morning,

*' Blessed are they that mourn for they shall
be comforted." Matt. y. 4.

Would we learn who are truly blessed,
we must look into our Bibles ; we must sit
at the feet of Jesus. There we shall find,
that the first step to blessedness lies in be-
ing poor in spirit, and in mourning for sin :
and that the next step to that felicity i^^
to he daily and earnestly su^ij>Y\e,^>5Ax\%^^
throne of grace for an interest \w\Jcv^\^^

ass

of God through Christ. Tliere we shall
learn that the only real happiness consists
in the enjoyment of pardon of sin 3 an in«
terest in the hlessing of the life to come ;
purity and holiness of heart ; the supports
of divine grace ; communion with God in
his worship in this world ; and the perfec-
tion of holiness, glory, and joy, which the
gospel promises in the next.

Do thou, my soul, choose this better
part: be not afraid of those convictions
that would lead thee to mourn for sin.
Sin should be always thy affliction, and
holiness thy delight. Thou art then happy
indeed. The consolation of Christ as tby
righteousness, strength, and salvation is
thine. Thou shalt feel its reviving and
rejoicing power, even in this world ; and
possess the fulness of joy in that which is
to come. He himself has said, ^' Blessed
are they that mourn ; for they shall be
comforted." O that I could always keep
this gracious promise in view ! particularly
in the seasons of affliction, when I most
need such consolations.

But while we encourage a truly spiritual
concern for sin, let us not indulge a me-
lancholy gloom. The bright hopes which
Me gospel gives us o( Y^^^^\i\> comfort

' everlaating joy, s\\ou\dL vx\^\fcvc^ >a&Nff>s^

239
cheerful gratitude to the divine goodness.
And, when we can rejoice in nothing else,
let us rejoice in the assurance Christ has
given us, that though we now go forth
weeping; yet, bearing precious seed, we
shall doubtless come again with joy, bring-
ing our sheaves with us : that though
mourners now, we shall be comforted in
his due time.

HYMN

For Thursday Morning.

Blest are the humble souls that see
Their emptiuess and poverty ;
Trefisures of grace to them are given,
And orpwDs of joy laid up in heaven.

Blest are the men of broken heart,
Who mourn for sin with inward smart ;
The blood of Christ divinely flows,
A healing balm for all their woes.

Blest are the meek, who stand afar
From rage and passion, noise and war ;
Qod will secure their happy state.
And plead their cause against the great.

Blest are the souls that thirst for grace,
Hunger and long for righteousues^ \
Thejr shall be weU supplied, and i^4^
WjtA living streams and iiving \>x«i3A.

r w
I -

240

Blest are the men whose bowels move,
And melt with sympathy and love ;
From Christ the Lord shall they obtain
Like sympathy and lore agidn.

Blest are the pure whose hearts are clean
From the defiling powers of sin ;
With endless pleasure they shall see
A God of spotless purity.

Blest are the men of peaceful life^
Who quench the coals of growing strife ;
They shall be called the heirs of bliss,
The sons of God, the God of peace.

Blest are the sufTrers who partake
Of pain and shame for Jesu's sake ;
Their souls shall triumph in the Lord ;
Glory and joy are their reward.

PRAYER

For Thtirsday Morning.

O Lord our God, we desire with hu-
mility and holy fear to draw near to the
footstool of thy throne, to give thee the
glory due to thy name. On the morning
of this new day we direct our prayer unto
thee and look up. Accept our united
tAanksgivings and praises iox \\ve txv^x^K^^
^fiAe past night : we have beeu xe^x^^^^

241

r sleep, and permitted to rise in health
id peace.

May it be oui* sincere desire and purpose
f heart to begin, and spend, and close this
ly with thee. Arm our minds and hearts
gainst all the temptations to which we
ay be this day exposed, and with every
tmptation do thou make a way for our
icape, that we may be able to endure.
Thou hast formed us for thyself, that we
Lould shew forth thy praise. But, O Lord,
ir God, we acknowledge with shame before
lee, that we have not brought thee that
ory for which we were made. O how
?eatly have we dishonoured thee, our
od, in the whole course of our lives,
me after time forgetting thee, the
racious giver of all our good things,
hough thou hast never been unmindful
F us, nor been weary of doing us good j
3t we have not only forgotten thee, but
e have disobeyed thee, and rebelled
gainst thee. VVe have set up our own
iUagainst thy wise and holy will ; we have
allowed the devices and desires of our own
earts : we have done what we ought not
> have done, and have left undone that
hlch we ought to have done ; and there
I no health in us. But for VXve^^ VJkwx'^
e desire to pour out our YveaiV^^ wv^ ^»^

242

humble our sinful selves before thee. For
the sake of thy dear Son have mercy upon
us ; and for the sake of that mercy of thine
in Christ Jesus, which has moved thee to
spai*e us so long, and to do so much for us,
we beseech thee to give us repentance and
pardon for all that is past, wherein we have
offended thee : pardon our iniquity for it is
great, and give us grace to serve thee faith-
fully for the time to come.

Assist us in the cheerful and zealous dis-
charge of all the duties incumbent upon
us as the disciples of thy Son. While we
profess and embrace the doctrines of Christ,
may we drink deep into his spirit : may the
same mind which was in him be in us also.
As he was in this world, may we also aim
to be, humble, and holy, and heavenly-
minded, keeping ourselves unspotted from
the world. May we have grace to attend
to the duties of the several relations we
sustain, as parents and children, as masters
and servants : may we abide with God in
our respective callings, and be found fruit-
ful in all things.

Guide us, O our God, through all the

trials and difficulties of this day. O that

thou wouldest keep us from sin that it

may not grieve us ; and wY^^x^n^t afflic-

tions may be appointed us Va x>da& \x^%.^\^

243
Fe, may we have the good hope of passing
irough them all into thy heavenly king-
om.

O thou God of all the families of Israel,
less this family with all spiritual blessings;
lake every individual of it a member of
Ihrist, a child of God, and an inheritor of
tie kingdom of heaven. Direct all our
rays to please thee : and vouchsafe to
rown all with thy blessing. Help us to
ee thy power, to own thy presence, to ad-
nire thy msdom, and to love thy goodness
Q all thy creatures. And by all the com-
orts of this life draw our hearts still nearer
o thyself, the Creator and giver of them
Jl, and let our meditations of thee be
weet as well as frequent ; that delighting
mrselves in the Lord we may have the
lesires of our hearts. And, at last, gather
IS all, we earnestly beseech thee, with thy
laints in glory everlasting. These mercies
ve implore in the name, and through the
nediation of thy beloved Son Jesus Christ,
mr only Lord and Saviour. Amen.

HYMN
For Thursday Evening.

** Where are the mourners," saith the Lord,
** That wait and tremble at my yroxd^
ThBt walk in darkness all the d^^ \
Come, make my name your truaX. wiA %\»^ •

Q 2

244

" No works or duties of your own
Can for the smallest sin atone ;
The robes that nature may provide
Will not your least pollutions hide.

" The softest couch that nature knows
Can give the conscience no repose ;
Look to my righteousness and live ;
Comfort and peace are mine to give.

" Ye sons of pride, that kindle coals
With your own hands to warm your souls ;
Walk in the light of your own fire.
Enjoy the sparks that ye desire.

*' This is your portion at my hands.
Hell waits you with her iron bauds ;
Ye shall lie down in sorrow there,
In death, in darkness, and despair."

PRAYER

For Thursday Evening.

O thou most glorious God, with whom
a thousand years are as one day ; and who
dwellest in the light to which no mortal can
approach ; we are reminded by the return of
night how short our time is ; and how soon
we must finally close our eyes on all things
Aere below, and open tYiem ow «sl eternal
ww/d. O suffer vis noX to ii^^^^x. s^^

245
iportant work of life : but teach us so
' meditate on the shortness, uncertainty,
id vanity of things temporal; and on
16 reality, nearness, and importance of
lings eternal, that we may indeed live
; strangers and piigrims on earth, seek-
g a heavenly inheritance with our
armest affections, and the most per-*
ivering diligence. May the thoughts of
3ath and judgment be so familiar to our
linds, and so impressed on our hearts^
lat they may excite to greater fervency
1 prayer, and greater earnestness in all
le means of grace : that we may renounce
rerj evil way, and so act in all things as
> be prepared for a dying hour.
O give us such a knowledge of thy holy
.w, and of its spiritual and reasonable de-
lands, that we may be deeply sensible of
iir exceeding sinfulness^ and truly hum-
led before thee in unfeigned repentance.
' thou heart-searching God, the sins and
nperfections of the past day, and of our
hole lives, are all open to thy view ! our
ftin thoughts, our idle words, and wrong
smpers. Our selfish desires and motives,
ad manifold omissions of duty, leave us
seechless and self-condemned befoT^W^.^^.
teJp nsj we earnestly entreat t\\^e, wtAks
9ea0e ofourgnUt and danger ^ to ^1 ^

246
the only refuge and hope set before us^ t
atoning blood of Jesus, which cleanse
from all sin. May we receive thy Gosj
with a lively faith : and continually cot
unto thee, as the fountain of life a
blessedness. O give us that well ground
confidence in thy pardoning mercy, a
that love, gratitude, and ze^, which m
excite us to unreserved obedience ; a
make us steadfast, unmoveable, alwa
abounding in the work of the Lord.

Be graciously pleased, O merciful I
ther, to prosper by thy blessing whate^
we have attempted this day in accordai
with thy will. Sanctify to us all thy d

Eensations, and our own experience : a
elp us to thank thee with unfeigi
hearts for the mercies and comforts w
which thou hast favoured us. Bless,
Lord, all endeavours to spread thy Gosp
and to promote the peace and happin
of mankind : and remember with pecul
regard those who are laboring in dist]
and inhospitable regions to make kno
thy salvation among poor benight
heathen.

We desire to commend to thy gracii

protection ourselves, and all connec

^ih us by the ties of kin^edi ^xi^ {ellc

^^Kft$>. Preserve us from ou\.\vttt^ ^^^

247
3S, and defend us against our spiritual
lemies. May we be prepared to meet
ir God, should we be called hence this
ght. If spared to awake in peace, and
se with the returning day, may we devote
irselves afresh to thy service : and may
e wait all the days of our appointed time
1 earth in calm submission, careful watch-
iluess, and patient continuance in well
3ing. Vouchsafe us, O heavenly Father,
lese and all other mercies for the sake
r thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
men.

MEDITATION

For Friday Mondng*

BB SOUL DESIRING GOD AS ITS PORTION.

"Whom have I in heaven but thee." Psalm
:xiii. 25.

God reigns on an exalted throne above ;
nd the highest potentates of that glori-
as world are infinitely more inferior to
im, than they are superior to the mean-
st insect on earth. He is there, and he
} here ; he surrounds all his creatures
dth immensity, and preserveSk VXv^vsv ^2W\
is iDAuence I In him we \vve^ wsA vcl^n^

248

and have our being : on him the angels
ai*e as dependant as the worms. Behold
him, O my soul, with reverence and love :
for he is trauscendently glorious : in him
unsearchable wisdom and almighty power
are joined with unerring justice, unspotted
holiness, and invariable truth. But re-
member that his name is love : that this
blends itself with all his peifections. The
beauty of them all is softened and sweet- .
ened by the over-flowings of goodness and
mercy ; those rich and gentle streams which
not only water Paradise, but visit the re-
gions of guilt and darkness here on earth.
Why do we lift up our souls unto vanity,
and grow fond of the empty shadows of this
world ? It is because God is forgotten.
Alas ! whither have we wandered ? Into
what a wilderness ? I look round on all
created beings and things, and can see no
shelter or refreshment ; they are like bro-
ken cisterns, whose waters fail me when
I most need them. What then, O Lord,
do I wait for ? My hope is in thee ; for
thou art the fountain of living waters,
all-sufficient for my happiness. Though I
had not on earth a friend or helper : yet if
in tjiis desolation I could look up to thee,
6nd can thee my Father and tely God, I
^ould 8tiU be happy. I m\s\A ^\vj ^^

249
;t prosperous on earth that were
ngers to thee and to thy love. " There
many that say, who will shew us any
d ?" O that thy Spirit may ted,ch them
( wisdom ! But as for me I will say,
d, lift thou up the light of thy counte-
ce upon me. Whom have 1 in heaven
thee ? and there is none upon earth that
sire besides thee ! It grieves me to think
' I have injured thee, and wronged my
I soul in suffering other lords to have
linion over me. Thou requirest that
should give thee our hearts^ and should
eady to leave all and follow thee. Lord,
-"ould cheerfully consent ; and hope
;, through grace, I can say, " None of
le things move me ; neither should I
at life dear unto me," if I may but
I thee for my portion ! Amen.

HYMN
For Fridag Morning.

Sweet is the memory of thy grace.

My God, my heavenly King ;
Itet Bge to age thy righteo\iftii^%%
In sounds of glory sing.

250

God reigns on high, hut not confines
His goodness to the skies ;

Through the whole earth his bounty shi
And every want supplies.

With longing eyes thy creatures wait

On thee for duly food ;
Thy liberal hand provides their meat,

And fills their mouths with good.

How kind are thy compassions, Lord !

How slow thine anger moves !
But soon he sends his pardoning word

To cheer the souls he loves.

Creatures, with all their endless race,
Thy power and praise proclaim ;

But saints that taste thy richer grace
Delight to bless thy name.

PRAYER

For Friday Morning*

Almighty God, with thankful praise
joy we meet the light of another m(
ing. How pleasant is it to behold the
shining in its morning brightness after
darkness of the night ! O heavenly Fat
ilaise up our meditations to that unsp<
.*&fe Joy and pleasure wYivcYv vXv^ >ttV

251

jve possess in beholding thy face, and
le face of the Lamb, shining ten thou-
ind times brighter than the sun in the
rmament.

As the sun in the morning dispels all
16 darkness of the night, so may the light
f thy word, with which we converse from
.me to time, dispel the darkness and ig-
orance of our minds. And as the retum-
\g spring unbinds the earth and makes it
-uitful ; so, O Lord, do thou unbind our
earts ; open the springs of love to thy-
elf ; and revive our souls with the influ*
nces of the Sun of righteousness.

O thou Father of lights, who didst com-
land the light to shine out of darkness,
liine into our dark minds : shine upon our
ard hearts; and kindle there heavenly
ght, and every sacred passion ; that we
lay walk all the day in the light of thy
ountenance, and lie down at night in thy
ivour. By daily conversing with God,
lay we grow in all holiness of mind, till
^e are fitted to behold thy face in
Lg^teousness ; and to be eternally satis-
ed when we awake in thy likeness ! As
11 thy works are every day praising thee,
re would unite our feeble voices with the
losts of heaven, and the YvoV^ VtJwsJcfsXaKX^
f the earth, in giving glot^ \.o ^^^ ^

252
Creator^ King, and Friend of the Univense.
Every day brings with it the return of
mercies and benefits more than we can
number : help us frequently to recount
them ; and implant in our hearts a grate-
ful sense of all thine unspeakable love and
goodness ; especially as appearing in Christ
Jesus our Lord. May his Gospel every
where succeed in rooting out all ungodli-
ness and unrighteousness from the earth ;
and whatever others do, may we, by thy
blessing on our reading and thinking on
that gospel, be determined on the side of
holiness against all sin : that in hope, and
without presumption, we may commit our-
selves, our dwelling places, our studies and
labours, to the Divine protection. May
the holy thoughts which now possess our
souls, mingle with all the business of the
day. Help us daily to walk with God, in
a course of holy living ; and never silver
us to give way to vain thoughts, or un-
governed passions. But fill our souls with
such apprehensions of thy infinite great-
ness and majesty, and such a belief of thy
iiniversal presence, as shall make us delight
to please, serve^ and imitate thee. Forgive,
O merciful God, all our past deadness,
iakewarmnesSy and Yiypoetvs^ \iv every
Christim duty> either towwAa xV^^^^x

253
/ards man. Deliver us from such
tngerous dispositions, and from every
her temper that would hinder the accept-
ice of our prayers ! May they be the
ayers of the upright which are thy
tlight ; and be accepted in thy beloved
)n^ and our dear Redeemer. Amen.

HYMN
For Friday Evening,

Be still, my heart ! these anxious cares
To thee are burdens, thorns and snares :
They cast dishonour on the Lord,
And contradict his gracious word.

Brought safely by his hand thus far ;
Why wilt thou now give place to fear ?
How canst thou want if he provide ?
Or lose thy way with such a guide ?

When first before his mercy seat
lliou didst to him thy all commit ;
He gave the warrant from that hour
To trust his wisdom, love, and power.

Did ever trouble yet befal,
And he refuse to hear thy call ?
And has he not his promise p«L*^^^
That thou Bhalt overcome at V^Ait*^

254

He, who has help'd me hitherto,
Will help me all my journey through ;
And give me duly cause to ruse
New Ebenezers to his praise.

lliough rough and thorny be the road ;
It leads thee home apace to God.
Then count the present trials small ;
For heaven will make amends for all.

PRAYER

For Friday Evening.

Most glorious and gracious God^ who
dwellest in the highest heavens ! we desire
to adore with the most lively thankfulness
thy condescension and love towards the
children of men. Though we have left
thee, our heavenly Father, and rebelled
against thee after thou hadst nourished
and brought us up as children, thou dost
invite us again to become the sons and
daughters of the Lord Almighty. We
bless thee for thy gracious declaration,
that, to as many as receive Christ Jesus, to
them thou givest power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on
bis Dame. 0 let us not receive thy grace
in vain I We would com^ to v\vfe^ w2to^wa-

255
edging that we are unworthy to be called
ly children ; but at the same time relying
Q thy promised mercy and grace, we
ould entreat that thou wouldest give us
ew hearts and create right spirits within
s ; that thou wouldest adopt us into thy
imily, and give unto us the spirit of
doption; that we may be followers of
lee as dear children, conformed to the
nage of thy beloved Son, who is the first-
orn among many brethren.

Heavenly Father, let thy kingdom of
race come in our hearts; and make us
;mples of the Holy Ghost. Let no in-
luity have dominion over us. Make us
illing in the day of thy power. Rule in
s by the power of thy truth : and may
le truth make us free, translating us out
f the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom
f thy dear Son. O give to each of us
race to know and do thy will as it is done
1 heaven. May we be filled with the
nowledge of thy will in all wisdom and
)iritual understanding : and make us
erfect in every good word and work.
«t the time past of our lives suffice us to
ave wrought the will of the flesh.

Grant, O Lord, we beseech thee, that
le kingdom of thy grace may eovxi^ xwot^
id more in our own land, ftcte \'e\. ^Sk"

2B6

word have free course and be glorified.
May all who agree in the truth of thy holy
word, live in unity and godly love 5 truly
serving thee in righteousness and holiness.
May all orders and degrees of men serve
thee in their several callings, to the dis-
couragement of wickedness and vice, and
to the maintenance of true religion and
virtue.

And grant, O heavenly Father, that the
kingdoms of this world may soon become
the kingdoms of our God and of his
Christ : may all be taught of Ood, and
know thee, from the least to the greatest :
and all the kindreds of the nations worship
before thee.

And when thy kingdom of glory shall
come, may we be of their happy number
who look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus,
to come in the clouds of heaven, with
power and great glory. O make us ready
for it, that we may lift up our heads with
joy ; knowing that our complete redemp-
tion draweth nigh. Mercifully hear these
our prayers, and grant us every needful
blessing for the sake of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Amen.

257

MEDITATION

tor Saturday Morning.

" It is finished." John xix. 30.

These are the last words of Jesus ; and
nay not every penitent believer say, they
contain all my salvation. Redeeming love
las now finished its glorious plan, and the
;riumph of the cross is completed.

While angels desire to look into these
;hings, let our faith dwell upon their im-
lortant meaning. Then all the prophesies
ind promises relating to this great event
vere fulfilled. All the types and figures
>f the Mosaic dispensation were answered;
md the dispensation itself was at an end.
rhen the work of the Redeemer's public
ninistry was accomplished : and his obe-
lience completed. The true and proper
itonement for sin was then made; and
he new and living way opened for the
lenitent and believing sinner. And then
lid infinite wisdom, justice, and mercy^
hiue forth in their brightest glory. The
^wakened sinner, who feels himself expo*
ed to the reproaches of conscvetkc^^ ^^
reatenings of the divine lav^ wA ^^

958
dread of death ; who feels himself every
way undone and hopeless^ may here see an
all-sufficient atonement^ and a complete
righteousness. Here he may look with
solid, rational, and delightful hope ; may
feel his conscience purged from dead works;
see his pardon signed and sealed ; and a
new title to eternal life made out and finish-
ed. Hence he receives strength against
in-dwelling corruption, and all his spiri-
tual adversaries. Hence he learns to hate
all sin, to love and ^practice holiness ; to
delight in God, to overcome the worlds
and to seek a better, even an heavenly
country. Here his heart feels the peace of
God that passeth all understanding : here
he begins the new and divine life, serving
the living God, worshipping him in spirit
and in truth, and obeying the law of
righteousness with a cheerful and enlarged
heart. Here he learns and practices pa-
tience and submission to the divine will ;
and waits for the Lord Jesus from heaven
to finish his glorious plan of redemption.
How great the guilt of trifling with a Sa-
viour thus presented to our notice ! A
Saviour whose character and righteousness
18 so acceptable to God ! lliat only name
by which we can be saved \ IiotA ^\ve me
grace to see more and more 6i tk^ '^ssww-

259
thiness, that I may glory in the cross of
Christ. Let this be my only refuge, hope,
and consolation ! Upon this enable me
daily to live in humble and obedient faith ;
in the comfort of this let me die ; and then
I am sure it will be the subject of my
admiration, joy, and praise, throughout a
never ending eternity. Amen.

HYMN

For Saturday Morning.

Hark ! the voice of love and mercy

Sounds aloud from Calvary I
See ! it rends the rocks asunder,

Shakes the earth and veils the sky !
•^ It is finish'd,"
Hear the dying Saviour cry I

It is finish'd ! O what pleasure
Do these precious words a£ford !

Heavenly blessings without measure
Flow to us from Christ the Lord !
It is finish'd !

Saints, the dying words record.

FinishM is the great salvation,

Jesus has fulfill'd the law ;
Finifth'd all that God bad promis'd ;
Death and hell no more shall awe I
It is fiiush'dl
Sinaerg, benc^ jour comfort ^w«

260

Tune your harps anew, ye seraphs ;

Join to sing the glorious theme ;
All on earth and all in heaven^

Join to praise Emanuel's name.
Hallelujah!
Glory to the bleeding Lamb !

PRAYER

For Saturday Mortiing.

O God of all grace, blessed be thy glo-
rious name, who of thy abundant mercy
hast proyided a Saviour for lost sinners !
It is thy own command, that those who
believe in God should believe also in him.
'' This is life eternal, to know thee, th(
only true God, and Jesus Christ whoi
thou hast sent." In all we do we stand ?
need of this Saviour. There is no healii
for our souls, but by his grace ; no pea
for our consciences, but in the reconcil
tion he has made for us. Without t
all-sufficient Redeemer, we arc lost
ever. We beseech thee, therefore, O L<
whatever else we want, leave us not dc
tute of an interest in this Saviour, w'
thou art graciously pleased to hold fr
even to the most sinful and unwo
We would thankfully accept of his in
t/on to the weary and\iew^\^^^\i'

261
would take of the water of life, which is
oflRered without money, and without price.
O make us more acquainted with this gra-
cious way of salvation ; and may we sub-
mit ourselves to the righteousness of God.
Dear Lord, give us thy Son to save us,
and thy Spirit to draw us to him ; and
enable us to take hold of him, and believe
in him to the saving of our souls. May we
never distrust his power or his love ; nor
be faithless, but believing that " he is able
to save unto the uttermost all that come
unto God by him," To him would we bring
our guilty souls to be washed in his blood,
and sanctified by his Spirit. O let us
have *^ peace with God, through our Lord
Jesus Christ." May " Christ dwell in our
hearts by faith j" and may "the life we
now live in the flesh, be by the faith of
the Son of God, who loved us, and gave him-
self for us :" and " though now we see him
not, yet believing may we rejoice with
joy unspeakable, and full of glory." O
Lord, mercifully fulfil unto us thy graci-
ous promises to blot out thy people's trans-
gressions, not to suffer sin to nave dominion
over them ; to give them a new heart, and
a right spirit ; to teach and quicken the\xv%
to put thy Spirit within tliem, ^.w^ c»n\s.^
tAeia to walk in thy statutes •, lo i^w^^'t^

262

the good work in them until the day of
Christ ; to put thy fear in their hearts,
that they may not depart from thee ; to
preserve them unto thy heavenly kingdom^
and give unto them eternal life ! O ex-
ceeding great and precious promises !
Let us lay them up in our hearts, as the
richest treasure; and despise all the plea-
sures of this world in comparison of Thy-
self, thy Son, thy Spirit, thy love, thy
grace and glory.

And, O Lord, are any before thee stran-
gers to the inestimable value of these pre-
cious promises, alienated from the life of
God, and going astray like lost sheep ? 0
bring them back unto thee, the Shepherd
and Bishop of their souls. Thy cords of
love can draw them, or thy terrors can
drive them into thy fold. Turn them, O
Lord, and they shall be turned. We would
plead at the footstool of thy grace for all
those who are near and dear to us ; may
they be joined with us in the bonds of
thine everlasting covenant, through Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

263

HYMN
For Saturday Evening.

Ye that pass by, behold the Man,
The man of grief condemn'd for you !

The Lamb of God for sinners slain,
Weeping to Calvary pursue.

See there, his temples crown'd with thorns ;

His bleeding hands extended wide ;
His streaming feet transfixt and torn ;

The fountain gushing from his side !

The earth could to her centre quake,
Convuls'd while her Deliv'rer died ;

O may our inmost nature shake.
And bow with Jesus crucified.

The rocks could feel thy pow'rful death.

And tremble and asunder part :
O rend ^th thy expiring breath

The harder marble of our heart.

PRAYER

For Saturday Evening.

O most gracious God! enable Ue t<^
iesire thee as our chiefe^t goodi*, ^»A x^
?jae to tbee, as our lIkerc^V3\^^^Jc^'^'*^^^

264
the Son of thy love. In his great name
and prevailing mediation alone it is, that
we, who have multiplied our offences against
thee, are encouraged still to present our
persons and our prayers before thee. We
dare not appear in the presence of thy
glorious majesty in our own names, or
trusting in our own righteousness : Our
guilt is so great, and our iniquities so
grievous, that we have just cause to be
ashamed to come before thy throne, and
to tremble for fear of thy judgments. We
would therefore flee for refuge to the
atoning sacrifice and meritorious righte-
ousness of Jesus Christ our Lord, whom
thou delightest to honour in sparing,
accepting, and saving contrite and return-
ing sinners. For his sake, we beseech
thee to pardon all the transgressions for
which our hearts condemn us : and those
of which thou that art greater than our
hearts knowest us to be guilty ; and seal to
us a full pardon through faith in his most
precious blood. May we no longer live to
ourselves, following our own corrupt wills,
and fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of
the mind. O put an end to all our presump-
tuous conduct towards thy heavenly aU-
weing^ Majesty ; and create \w \sl^ \ie^ and
^^ao, penitent and coix\.tv\.e \vea^\^^ ^^

265
ly tremble at thy word and presence,
ite and abandon all our foolish and
1 lusts.

imand thy blessing and thy saving
to descend and rest upon our souls,
us to know the joyful sound of thy
[y not only by the hearing of the ear,
• heavenly experience. O take pos-
1 of our hearts, and by the power of
pirit draw up our affections to thy
il self. Grant us union and commu-
^ith thee ; such a sight and sense of
id of our lost estate by nature, as
ender Christ and his righteousness
nably precious to us ; and such evi-
) of our justification through him as
nlarge our hearts with joy, fill our
ith praise, and influence us to live
lim that died for us and rose again,
fy to us our respective conditions,
us for whatever thy good providence
ippoint us. We beseech thee^ O
to accept our evening tribute of
and thanksgiving for the mercies
past day; and for thy unwearied
3SS which has followed us through-
5 week, and during the whole course
lives. Graciously go on to aboM\A
^s us in Joving-kindness ati^ \,e.\A^3t
> forgiving our iniium««^Afc ^v»s

266
and supplying our every want. Take
charge of us this night. Hide us in thy
pavilion^ and compass us about with songs
of deliverance. If sleepless hours are
appointed us^ may our hearts be occupied
in thy statutes. And at length bring us to
the heavenly city, where there is no night,
but the glory of God doth lighten it, and
the Lamb is the light thereof. Prepare us,
O Lord, for thy approaching sabbath ; and
enable us to improve it to thy glory and
our own benefit. Suffer us not to waste
its sacred hours either in sleep or indo-
lence : but may we rise to pray to and
to praise thee. May we awake with a
devout sense of thy great goodness. And
as our blessed Redeemer on that day
rose from the dead, so may we also rise
in holy desires to the place of his heavenly
abode, and join with thy servants above
in shewing forth the glory of thy name.
Heavenly Father, tune our hearts to sing
thy praise.

And now, O God of our salvation ! Fa-
ther, Son, and Holy Ghost, one eternal
JehoVah, to thee be equal and everlasting
glory ascribed. Amen.

267
FIFTH WEEK.

MEDITATION

For the Lord's Day Morning.

WATBR OP LIFE.

" Whosoever drinketh of this water, shall thirst
agun ; hut whosoever drinketh of the water that
I shall give him, shall never thirst." John iv. 13.

Condescending and compassionate Re-
deemer, who could forget his own hunger
and his own thirsty that he might lead
guilty sinners to the water of life ! O
gracious gift of God to the children ot
men ! Lord^ evermore give us this living
water. O pour out upon us the influences
of thy renewing Spirit to take away our
thirst for worldly good. Never let us seek
for water in broken cisterns that cannot
hold it : again and again shall we thirst,
and again and again shall we be disap-
pointed, while we go thither to draw.
Lord give us this living water ; this well
of heavenly consolation and joy, that wilL
never fail; wbicb will spriug av^j ^\kv^^\»
tlie thirsty deserts, the care^ «jciSl ^otto^^

268
the vanity and disappointment that sin has
introduced ; that olessed fountain which
divine grace has opened to cleanse^ purify,
enliven^ and rejoice the heart. And, oh !
let our hearts feel, let our lives shew its
heavenly influence, its renewing efficacy,
till we grow nearer and nearer to Thee, who
art the fountain of life, and in whose pre-
sence is fulness of joy. There alone can be
satisfied the thirst of an immortal soul.
Blessed Jesus ! hast thou opened this spring
in our hearts ? O never let it fail. Let it
spring up in our souls to the glory and
praise of God. Let it be in us a well of water
springing up unto everlasting life; cheering
and refreshmg us till we reach the bliss of
heaven ; where the streams of Eden will
flow again. There they who drink of them
shall forget their earthly poverty, and
remember the miseries of the world no more.
Some drops from this celestial spring are
sufficient to make us for a time forget our
sorrows, even while we are in the midst of
them. What then may we not expect
from those rivers of pleasure which are at
thy right hand, O Lord, for evermore ?

269

HYMN
For the Lord^s Day MartUng.

Let every mortal ear attend.

And every heart rejoice ;
The Trumpet of the Gospel sounds

With an inviting voice.

Ho ! all ye hungry^ starving souls,

That feed upon the wind,
And vainly strive with earthly toys

To fill an empty mind :

Eternal wisdom has prepar'd

A soul reviving feast ;
And bids your longing appetites

The rich provision taste.

Ho I ye that pant for living streams.

And pine away and die ;
Here you may quench your raging thirsty

With springs that never dry.

Rivers of love and mercy here^

In a rich ocean join !
Salvation in abundance flows.

Like floods of milk and wine*

Dear Lord ! the treasures of thy love

Are everlasting mines,
Deep AS our helpless mia^ne^ «xe%
And boundless as ouY b\us«

270

The luippy gates of Gospel Grace

Stand opeu night and day ;
Lord, we are come to seek supplies.

And drive our wants away.

PRAYER

For tlie Lord's Day Morning.

O Lord, our God^ who art most glorious
in thyself, and most gracious in thy ever
blcsjsed Son ; we desire^ and more especi-
ally on this thine own day, to bless and
praise thy holy name for all spiritual bless-
ings in Christ Jesus: for all the means of
grace afforded us here, and the hope of
glory hereafter. Mercifully vouchsafe to
meet us this day with thy heavenly grace
both in our private and public attendance
on thee, O grant us the assistance of thy
holy Spirit, and enable us to engage with
the most serious attention and fervent affec-
tion in every part of thy divine service.
May we have the liveliest sense of thy
glorious perfections when we pmnae thee ;
and the most delightful remembrance of
thy mercies when we gwe thee thanks.
May our prayers be presented before thee
with huMg,ermf^ &ii^ t&dc^&i^ after the

-AUhieoces of tky ginM* ^^l ^^lurar \ki^

271

word with the most ardent desire to know
and be conformed to thy will. O let
us sit at thy feet and receive thy law, even
the instructions of life, from thy lips ! May
we receive the oracles of God in the power
and demonstration of the Spirit !

Let thy blessing attend thy word and
ordinances, that we may increase in know-
ledge and wisdom, in meekness and humi-
lity, in faith and charity, and in a sincere
and universal obedience to all thy com-
mands. Let the law of the spirit of life,
which is in Christ Jesus, deliver every one
of us from the law of sin and death ; give
us, we pray thee, repentance unto life
never to be repented of : and let the good
things which accompany salvation be mul-
tiplied unto us exceedingly, through the
knowledge of our incarnate Lord.

Subdue every corinipt and inordinate
affection : accomplish in our souls the
work of faith with power : sanctify us
throughout : fulfil in us all the good plea-
sure of thy will : and keep us by thy
mighty power unto everlasting salvation ;
to that inheritance which is incorruptible,
undefiled, and fadeth not away.

And as, O Lord, thou hast commanded
us to make prayer and supp\iea^\QXL io^^
others, as well as for ourBeWe^ ', vj^ \i^-

272

seech thee to extend thy grace and mercy
to all mankind. O send thy enlightening
grace to those that are in darkness, and
thy converting grace to those that are in
sin. Raise up and send forth into thy
harvest many faithful, able, and laborious
ministers ; and grant an abundant increase
to the seed sown. Let all Chi*istians walk
worthy of their high calling in Christ Je-
sus, and live up to the laws and privileges
of the holy religion they profess. Merci-
fully relieve the poor and af9icted ; sanc-
tify all their sorrows, and distresses ; and
in thy own due time send them a happy
deliverance out of all their troubles.

Those who ai*e near and dear to us are,
O Lord, known unto thee, with all their
wants and desires : we beseech thee to
relieve and bless them according to their
various necessities. May we all be united
in the bonds of redeeming love to Christ
Jesus our Lord, of whom the whole family
in heaven and earth is named. Mbj we
be of that happy number of whom Jesus
says, " My brethren are these, which hear
the word of God, and do it.'' May we all
know thee and love thee, from the greatest
unto the least : may we fear thee, and
iklnk upon thy name \ and %^eak often of

thee one to another* ^lidi ^"^^ "ki^ ^^

273
I be thine in that day when thou shalt
ake up thy jewels ; when thou shalt
turn and discern between the righteous
id the wicked, between him that serveth
od, and him that serveth him not. And
length may we all meet around thy
rone, and unite in praising, loving, and
joying Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for
er and ever. Amen.

HYMN

For the Lord's Day Evening.

Blest Jesus, source of grace divine,
What soul refreshing streams are thine !
O bring these healing waters nigh,
Or we must faint, and fall, and die.

No traveller through desert lands,
'Midst scorching suns and burning sands.
More eager longs for cooling rain ;
Or pants the living spring to g^in.

Our longing souls aloud would sing.
Spring up, celestial fountain, spring ;
To a redundant river flow.
And cheer this thirsty land below.

May these blest waters near my side.
Through all the desert gently ^^dft \
Then, in fmanael's land above^
Spread to a sea of joy and \oye«

274

PRAYER

For the Lord's Day Evening.

O almighty God, and heavenly Fa
from whom cometh down every gooc
perfect gift ! we come to thee as
God and Father of our Lord Jesus CI
and in him the God of all comfort
the source of all blessedness. What j
and mercy hast thou bestowed on us
ful dust and ashes ! Who, and whai
we, that the Lord of Hosts should cc
scend to draw us nigh unto himself !
thou shouldest permit us to find a pla
thy house, and number us amongst
worshippers ! How great is our priv
in being allowed to hear and read
word : to join with thy people in pi
and praise ; and in haying the unsei
able riches of Christ opened to our
poverished souls !

But^ O Lord, we lament that we
been so unworthy of thy goodness tov
us; so vain and thoughtless, so dull
lifeless, so wandering and distracted,
little of thy word has been treasui'ed
our hearts ! how little Yi^n^ ^^ 4l^V\^
fo the truths of Chn&t*, or UYVi VNx^

275

is grace and love ; or perceived the
of sin and the beauty of holiness ! For-
y we beseech thee, the iniquities of our

things ; and sprinkle our persons and
ices with the all-atoning blood of Jesus,
''e are drawing near to the close of
blessed day ; O let not the means of
!e which it has afforded us be altogether
O that we may long retain its holy
lences. May the good seed of thy word

root in our hearts, and bring forth
Fruits of righteousness in our tempers,
\f and conversation. O give us more

to thyaelf, and to Jesus Christ the

of thy love ; and more love to our
w creatures for Jesu's sake. May we

sin more than ever j be more watch-
.gainst every temptation of Satan and
vorld, and more resolute in mortifying
y corruption of our hearts. Let thy
e be sufficient for us, and thy strength
lade perfect in our weakness,
iessed be thy name, O Lord, that thou

not utterly forsaken thine own ordi-
«s. We praise thee for any breathings
ul towards thee, for any holy exercises
ith and love, of submission and obe-
se, of repentance and self-ded\e>'Q^\x^Ti\
ny delight rrehave experieticedLm^SK^
iip and service, both In t\\e ^kA«wii5

assembly of thy saints and in devout
retirement. O carry on in ns thy good
work^ till at length it be finished in heaven-
ly joy and praise in thy immediate presence.

Let the Saviour become increasingly
precious to us all for that great love where-
with he loved us, audi the inestimable
benefits he has by hia blood-shedding ob-
taiqed for us. May his name b^ known,
and bis salvation rejoiced in throughout
the whole earth.

May all who are dear to us partake of
this great salvation. O thou Shepherd
and Bishop of souls^ bring back to thine
own self those who are still as sheep go^iig
astray. Teach trangressors thy ways, and
let sinners be converted unto thee.

We bless thee, O Lord, that thy taber-
nacle is still amongst us ; and that there y,
still remains the keeping of a sabbath to '
the people of God. May thy day be more
devoutly hallowed, and thy sanctuary
iqcreasingly reverenced. And hasten, we
humbly beseech thee, the fulfilment of thy
gracious promise, that ^^all the ends of
the world shall remember and turn unto
the Lord, and all the kindreds of thelg
nations worship before thee.'" Hear^ Ojg
Jpord, these our 6U(\!Vvcai>Ao\i% ^sA later' f
ecBaions, for the sake oi Jfe«vx«» ^\sf«&^ ^s»
only Mediator and B.edeemct- Kt^ki^..

n
1

277

MEDITATION

Fw Monday Morning.

** Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and
ioeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man
Mrhich huilt Ills house upon a rdck : and the rain
descended, iemd the floods came, and the windis
blew^ and beiat upon that house : and it fell not»
for it wjEis founded upon a rock. And every ohe
that heareth these sayings of mine> and doeth
them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man,
vehich built his house upon the sand: and th^
rain descended, and the floods came, and the
winds hlew, and beat upon that house : and it fell,
and great was the fall of it." Matt. vii. 24—2?.

We have every one of us a house to
build^ and that house is our hope for hea-
ven. Our great business is to secure a
title to the happiness of heaven ; that when
we fall, we niay be received into everlast-;-
ing habitations. There is a rock provided
for us to build upon, and that rock is Christ.
The Church is built upon this rock ; and so
is every believer. We must ground dUt
hope for heaven upon the fulness of his
sacrifice and merits for the pardon of sin
and eternal life, on the power of lus S^vtV^
for the sancti&cation of our Xk»X>3CC^^ ^csA
^Ae preraleucy of bis interce^sVoxi i^?c ^^

27«
acceptance at a throne of grace. He is
sufficient for all our necessities ; he is a
Saviour to the uttermost. He is strong
and immoveable as a rock. We may ven-
ture our all upon him^ and shall never be
ashamed of our hope. Happy souls^ who,
by hearing and doing the sayings of Christ,
build their hopes upon this rock ; who
having sincerely received him as their
Prince and Saviour^ make it their constant
care to conform to all the rules of his holy
religion ; who depend entirely upon him for
assistance from God^ and acceptance with
him ; and count every thing but loss that
they may win Christ, and be found in him.
To build upon a rock requires care and
pains. They are the wise builders who
lay a firm foundation, and begin to build
so as that they may be able to finish.
Every thing besides Christ is sand. Some *
build their hopes upon their external pro-
fession ; the privileges they enjoy and the
services they perform. They are called
Christians, have been baptized, go to the
sanctuary of God, hear the words of Christ,
never omit their prayers, and do harm to
no one. This is the light of their own fire,
in which they walk ; on which with much
assurance they venture *. but It is all sand,
too weak to bear such a i^SatVa ^& ^Xiss^'t

279
of heaven. There is a storm coming that
will try every man's work, and will disco-
ver the foundation on which it rests ; the
rain, and floods, and wind, will beat vehe-
mently upon the house. The trial is some-
times in this world : when tribulation and
persecution arise because of the word, then
it is seen who only hear the word, and who
both hear and practise it. Then, when
we have occasion to use our hopes, it will
be tried whether they were right and well
grounded or not. When death and judg-
ment come, then the storm comes ; and it
will undoubtedly come, how calm soever
things may be with us now.

The hopes that foolish builders ground
upon any thing but Christ, will certainly
fail them in a stormy day. They will
yield them no true comfort in trouble, in
the hour of death, and the day of judgment :
they will be no fence against temptation or
apostacy in a time of persecution, Where-
ever is the hope of a hypocrite, his house
shall not stand when God taketh away his
soul. The house, we are told, fell in the
stormy when the builder had most need of
it, and expected it should be a shelter to
him. It fell when it was too late to build
another. When a wicked maTi fiAft.^,\^x^
expectation perishes. It ie\\> awfti ^^^

280
was the fall of it ; great was the disappoii
ment, and great the loss and shame.

But the hopes that are built upon Chri
the Rock of Ages, will not disappoint t
builder. They will stand when the stoi
comes ; they will be his preservation be
from desertion, and from prevailing d
quiet. His profession will not wither, 1
comforts will not fail; they will be ]
strength and song, as an anchor of 1
soul sure and stedfast. And when he con
to the last encounter, those hopes ^
Ward off the terrors of death and the grai
and carry him cheerfully through the Ai
valley: they will be approved .by t
Judge, will stand the test of the great di
and be crowned with endless glory.

HYMN

For Monday Morning.

Let worldly builders raise their house

Upon the moving sands :
firm on the Rock of Ages fix'd

The heavenly buildings stands.

That rock is Christ : no other name

Avails before the throne ;
Ws bleeding love shaW at\W te-mwci
'Sufficient and alone.

281

'Twas grace first laid the living stone,

And there engrav'd its law :
Grace shall the glorious Top-stone crown

With shouts of heavenly joy.

A house eternal in the heavens

Not earth or hell can move :
And grace, free graccy alone, shall crown

The purchase of his love.

Firm as the everlasting hills

That promise shall remain,
" Where 7 enjoy my Father's love,

You shall enjoy the same.

PRAYER

For Monday Morning,

O thou that isearchest the heart and
iest the reins of the children of men, be-
►re thee we desire to bow with the great-
5t reverence and humility, beseechihg
lee, O God, to search us and knoiV" OilJ
earts, to try us and know our thoughts 3
> see if there be any way of wickedness in
5, and to lead us in the way everlasting.
iTe acknowledge with shahie^ before thiSfe,
lat we are compassed about with infirmi-
es, and subject to numberless and €lt»I
Tors and dangers. O Fat\\eT oS. \v^\»^-
id out thy light and tby tt\A\v\ \^^ ^^^"^

282
lead us, let them bring us to thy holy
habitation. We adore thee, that thou hast
condescended to shew to us, thy wandering
and guilty creatures, the path of peace, of
safety, and of life.

We bless thee that thou hast laid in
Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried
stone, a precious corner stone ; assuring
us, that he who believeth in him shall not
be ashamed. Preserve us from building
our hopes of pardon, peace, and happiness,
on any other basis than that which thou
hast appointed. May we look to the Lord
Jesus Christ as the only foundation, and
on him may we rest. May we deeply feel,
that if we seek to lay any other foundation,
our building will prove to be only a refuge
of lien ; no covert from the storm, no
shelter from the tempest. Under the guid-
ance of thy holy Spirit may we repose on
the Rock of Ages ; that so the structure of
our hopes and expectations may never
be destroyed. And thus coming unto Jesus
Christ the living stone, disallowed indeed
of men, but chosen of God and precious,
may we as lively stones be built up a spi-
ritual house to the praise of the glory of
thy grace.

O give us such a kuo^led^^ of the
terrors of the Lord, anAsuc\i aVvN^S.^ ^wi-

283
viction that we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, to receive accord-
ing to the things done in the body, that
we may constantly labour to be accepted
of him, and to make our calling and elec-
tion sure.

Possess us, we beseech thee, with an
abiding and influential sense of the future
and eternal blessedness of thy believing
people ; and give us a well grounded hope,
that when our earthly tabernacles shall
be dissolved, we shall have a building of
God, a house not made with hands, eternal
in the heavens. Vouchsafe unto us the
earnest of the Spirit; and so sanctify and
spiritualize our affections, that we may
long for mortality to be swallowed up of
life, to be absent from the body and present
with the Lord.

O Lord, look down upon all who have
never heard the sayings of Jesus, or who
hearing do them not. May his voice be
heard in every land, and in every house :
and grant that those who hear may not
refuse him that speaketh, but diligently
attend to the things which belong unto
their everlasting peace, ere they shall be
for ever hidden from their eyes. Espe-
cially be pleased to bless aW out T^'aJC^s>^\ss*
and friends ; make them auA w^ yAs^^^ >^»Jy

284
salvation : that so^ after haying passed
through this present vain and evil worlds
we may all meet together around thy
throne, to praise and love thee for ever-
more. We earnestly implore thee, O Lord,
to accept our feeble praises, and answer
our imperfect petitions, not according to
our worthiness, but according to thy pow-
er and grace, which is able to do for us
exceeding abundantly above all we can ask
or think, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our
Saviour 5 to whom with thee, O Father, and
the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory
for ever and ever. Amen.

HYMN

For Monday Evening.

Behold the sure foundation stone

Which God in Zion lays,
To build our heavenly hopes upon,

And his eternal praise.

Chosen of God^ to sinners dear^
And saints adore the name ;

They trust their whole salvation here :
Nor shall they suffer shame.

The foolish builder, scribe and priest,

Reject it with disdain :
Yet on this rock the cWtOcl ^^xvrX\
-And envy rage m ^«Mi.

285

What though the gates of hell withstood,

Yet must this building rise :
'Tis thine own work, Almighty God !

And wondrous in our eyes.

PRAYER

For Monday Evening,

Infinitely great and gracious God, thou
ha8t promised to draw nigh unto all those
who call upon thy name. Help us by the
influence of thy Holy Spirit to approach
thee in sincerity, believing that thou search-
est the heart, and requirest those who
worship thee to do so in spirit and in
truth. Thou art of purer eyes than to be-
hold iniquity 5 and we, O Lord, are consci*
ous that even our best services are defiled :
yet we venture near to thy mercy seat : for
glory be to thy name, thou hast found out
a way in which thou canst be just, and yet
the justifier of all who come unto thee.
O lead us in this new and living way ; help
us to plead the merits, and trust in the
mercy of our great Advocate. We thank
thee that the Saviour ever lives to make
intercession for us. May we love him
who hath loved us, and given 1\Voft&^\S. l^x
US; may bis blood speak lae^ie^ V^ ^^'^
souls. And though we have oe^ttor^^^^'^

286
selves^ yet in him may our help be found.
May we admire the wonders of redeeming
love; -and seeing we were bought with
a price, may wc ever remember whose we
are, and whom we ought to serve. We
know that we are bound to love him and
live to him, who gave himself a ransom for
us ; but we feel by sad experience the
deceitfulness of our own hearts ; and there-
fore, blessed Lord, we come to thee, the
strong, for strength. O draw us, and we
will run after thee; put thy fear into our
hearts, and then we shall not depart from
thee. What thou art in thyself, O Lord,
ever be to us : may thy wisdom be ours to
counsel and direct us ; thy power ours to
protect and support us ; thy justice ours to
justify us ; thy holiness ours to sanctify us ;
thy goodness ours to love and supply us . May
we depend on thy truth as the security of
all thy precious promises ; and in the world
to come may we find a joy unspeakable
and full of glory. O Lord, graciously
bestow upon us all the blessings which
we need for life and godliness; espe*
cially give us hearts deeply sensible of
all thy goodness. Let us lie down and
rest this night under thy guardian care
aad protection : grant \xa Q^\ex ^wd re-
^ffJbmg Bleep j and ma^ we wv^e Va ^^

287
morning with fresh vigour for the duties of
life, and with hearts unreservedly devoted
to thy service. Hear us while we supplicate
thy favour to rest on our beloved friends
and relatives : may we all be found in
covenant relation with thee. May thy
cause prosper in the earth, and thy name
be known among all nations. We entreat
thee to forgive our sins, to receive our
prayers, and to accept and bless us for the
sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Tuesday Morning*

'* Behold an Israelite indeed^ in whom is no
guile." John ii. 47.

Such may our character be in the sight
of God and man. Let us be able to appeal
to God as the witness of our integrity;
" Lord, thou knowest all things, thou
knowest that I love thee." The royal law
is, " Thou shalt love the Lord thy God
with all thy heart and with all thy might."

Let there be truth in all we do ; and, as
much as in us lies, nothing but truth* Let
us love in truth, let us speak Wve \x>aScw\ss
Jove : let our hearts be in evetv viotSl% ^s

288
in every step of our lives let the heart do
all. Let the heart pray, let the heart hear,
let the heart bestow, and lend, and forgive.
Let the grace of God in our hearts do all.

Heart and tongue, prayer and practice,
must mutually respond one to the other,
or all will be lost. It is not the sweetness
of the voice, nor the multitude of words or
eloquent expressions,that pleases Jehovah ;
but truth in the inward parts. The reason
why men are so unsuccessful in religious
duties and services is, because they are
not more sincere and upright in them.
Were there more singleness of heart in
duties, we should have surer and sweeter
returns from heaven. The more sincere
we are, the more will prayer be the life
and support of our souls : the more shall
we rejoice in God and be loved of him. He
delights in those who delight in his service.
Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy
may be fiill !

It is not a divided heart that will satisfy
the 'Maker of it. Gracious souls come
from prayer with hearts more disengaged
from sin, more set against it. The preci-
ous communion they have with God, the
SHreet breathings of God into their hearts,
Mnd the secret movings oi Wx^ ^^\cvt upon
tbeir souls in prayer, arm tV^xcv \sl^\^

289
against sin. How shall I do this great wick-
edness and sin against God ? I cannot, I
will not do any thing unworthy of him who
hath caused all his goodness to pass before
me ; and hath called me to glory, honour^
and immortality.

The true Israelite must also have a consci-
ence void of offence towards man, as well
as sincere before God. It must be tender
of every evil; not only of the gi*eatest
and most scandalous, but of the smallest
sins ; not only of open sins, such as come
to the view of men, but of the most secret
sins ; the most inward and spiritual wicked*
uess, such as needs fear no reprover but
conscience. The true Christian must be
tender not only of sins of commission, but
also of omissions and neglects ; not only
of neglects, but negligences in duties ; that
deadness, formality, coldness, hypocrisy,
and distractions, which arise from the
negligent performance of our duty to God
or man. It may be we cannot wholly omit
a duty, a season of praying or hearing,
without our hearts presently condemning
us ; but how often are we remiss and neg-
ligent in the performance, and yet feel not
the reproof ? It may be we take some care
in the matters of our own sowls. \ W\» ^\aX
are we doing for our fanaiiVe^) o\« iTv^^^

d90
and acquaintance ? It may be we dare not
conform to evil men, nor have fellowship
with them in evil ways ; but do we not con-
nive at them ? We do not render evil for
evil, nor railing for railing; but do we
return good for evil ? Do we pity and pray
for our enemies, persecutoi*s, and slanderers,
andlabour by all means to gain their hearts?
It may be we dare not be unrighteous or
unjust in our dealings ; but are we not un-
merciful, implacable, contentious ? We
dare not lie, nor swear; but are we so
watchful as we should be against idle and
vain talkings, unedifying and imsavoury
discourse ? We cannot s^BFer any root of
malice in our hearts; but are there not
many sudden and furious fits of anger
breaking forth with much bitter and re-
proachful language ? Are we not fretfal
and impatient, without laying it much to
heart ? Doth conscience check us for every
evil, and make resistance against it? 0
that our consciences were universally ten-
der! Our pride will not bear any thing
that reflects upon our reputation ; our
covetousness will not bear any thing that
is a hindrance to our gains ; our passions
scarely bear the least cross or unpleasing
word. Oh, if conscveuce were in every
ibtagas tender, what CVit\«.Vvwa&^^viN3^^^^

291
) ! Let us then press on with so much
Lrnestness after this even and consistent
$\ky that it may be seen that^ though
e have hot yet attained, we are follow-
g after; though we have not reached
', we are yet reaching towards it. Let
J be gentle, flexible, easy to be entreat-
1 ; so fearful to offend, so ready to please
1 men in all things which are not against
mscience, its peace and purity ; that we
ay convince them, that, in those things
herein we are fixed and do not yield, it
because we cannot.^ not because we wUl
4. And may this at last be our rejoic-
g, the testimony of our conscience, that
Lth simplicity and godly sincerity, not
Lth fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of
od, we have had our conversation in the
orld. Amen.

HVMN

For Tuesday Morning.

Awake, my soul ! the sun has risen ;
With the new day prepare for heaven :
Put off thy sins in thought and de^d^
AndBhiae an /sraelite indeed.

T 2

292

Let all thy converse be sincere.
Thy conscience as the noon-day clear :
Think how th' all-seeing God, thy ways
And all thy secret thoughts surveys.

Redeem thy misspent moments past,
And live this day as if thy last :
Thy talents to improve take care ;
For the great day thyself prepare.

Great God, control, suggest this day.
All I design, or do, or say ;
That all my powers with all their might
To seek thy glory may unite.

Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart !
With angel hosts to bear thy part ;
Who day and night unwearied sing,
Glory to the eternal King.

Prfuse God, from whom all blessings flo
Praise him all creatures here below ;
Praise him above, ye heavenly host ;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

PRAYER

For Tuesday Morning.

Almighty and most merciful Fath
whose ears are ever open to the souls tl
seek thee in sincerity aa^ \,t>\\\3l, dlsp<
u» ever to direct our ptaYex mwVq ^Xn^^

293
look up. May we daily wait at thy
footstool for thy blessing ; For thou art a
God full of compassion, and gracious, long-
suffering, and plenteous in goodness and
truth.

In thee we live, and move, and have our
being ; it is thou alone who boldest our
souls in life. It is thou, our heavenly
Father, who hast protected us during the
past night, and hast brought us to meet
together in health and peace this morning,
the living monuments of thy sparing mer-
cy and providential care.

But thou hast done for us greater things
than these, which call for our gratitude
and praise, lliou hast sent thy only Son
into the world to redeem us from sin and
everlasting death. Bless the Lord, O our
souls : and all that is within us bless
his holy name ! We would bless thee at all
times ; thy praise shall continually be in
our mouths ; we will magnify thee with the
voice of thanksgiving, and exalt thy name
together.

But thou requirest us to glorify thee
not only with our lips, but in our lives.
Dispose us this day to serve thee faith-
fully, in simplicity and godly sliiee\!vt^.
Grant that every morning \s\x^ ^tA w«
Aearts more enlarged to run t\ie ^«^ ^

294
thy commandiiients. May it become more
and more the earnest desire of our souls,
and the great business of our lives^ to
work out our salvation with fear and
trembling. And do thou, O almighty Go4,
continuidly work in us both to will and to
do of thy good pleasure. Let our conver-
sation be daily in heaven, and our whole
behaviour sucli as becometh holiness. May
we be jealous over our hearts, and ever
keep them with all diligence, remember-
ing that out of them are the issues of life.
Enable us, O God, to set a watch before
our mouths, and to keep the door of our
lips; may no communication proceed
out of them, but that which is good for
the use of edifying, that it may minister
grace unto the hearers. Save us from
that fear of man which bringeth a snare :
while we are willing to become all things
to all men for their spiritual good, keep
us from making shipwreck of faith and a
good conscience. And grant, O Lord,
that we may shew ourselves partakers of
thy grace, by holding the beginning of our
confidence firm unto the end We look up
unto thee, thou compassionate High Priest,
.who alone art able to keep us from falling,
nnd who art touched wit\it\i^i^^\xsk<^ o€ our

295
our souls from day to day the work of
faith with power. Fill ns with the know-
ledge of thy will in all wisdom and
spiritual understanding. Strengthen ns
with all might according to thy glorious
power, that we may walk worthy of thee
unto all pleasing; being fruitful in every
good work, and increasing in the know-
ledge of God.

Thus, heavenly Father, help us to glo-
rify thee in our bodies and our spirits
which are thine : put thy fes^ within us
that we may i^ot depart from thee : make
us to go in the path of thy command-
ments, for therein is our desire. Give us
understanding that we may keep thy law,
yea that we may keep it with our whole
heart.

Give us wisdom and grace to honour
thee by uprightness and fidelity in all our
ways, ft-eserye us from all unchristian
tempers and pursuits : may we exercise
ourselves to have always a conscience void
of offence, both towards thee and towards
men, and adoi*n the doctrine of God our
Saviour in all things. May we be approv-
ed in thy sight as Israelites indeed, in
whom is no guile; and be numbered
amon^ the trtie followers of t\ve "Laxs^ ^*i
God, who did no sin, neither ^«k& %^^^

296
found in his mouth. Amen : and^ May
peace of God^ &c.

HYMN
For Tuesday Evening.

Lord, plant a principle within

Of jealous, gfodly fear ;
A sensibility of sin,

And grief to find it near.

GHhre us the first approach to feel

Of pride and vain desire ;
To watch the wand'ringfs of the will.

And quench the kindling^ fire.

The filial awe, the feelings heart.
The deep compunction give ;

That we from thee no more may part,
No more thy Spirit grieve.

Quick as the apple of an eye,
O God, our conscience make ;

Awake its fears when sin is nigh.
And keep them still awake.

O ! may the least omission pain

Our well-instructed soul ;
And drive us to that grace again.

Which makes the wounded whole.

i t

297

PRAYER

Far Tuesday Evening*

\t and glorious^ gracious and merci-.
d and Father in Christ ! look down
leaven, the habitation of thy holi-

and take notice of us weak and
creatures^ worshipping this evening

footstool. Thou madest the hea-
ind the earthy and sustainest all
)rks of thy hand. Our most secret
Its are open to thine eye : our hearts
oo often forgotten thee \ the best of
rvices are too imperfect to deserve
v^e ; nor can all our obedience merit
irdon of one of our past trans-
)ns. O let our guilt be washed
through faith in the blood of thy
on ; and accept us in him^ though we
>rthless sinners. Spare us according

multitude of thy tender mercies;
t us not go down to the grave in an
ioned and unholy state. Lengthen
ir days, that we may secure our best
3ts and our eternal hope. Take out
: hearts every evil thought, and
J every sinful inclinatioxk. \k^\. ^3k^
' Spirit renew our so\iis, ravdi \XNsiS«J

296
us holy in heart, in conversation, 3
life. Give us strength to withstai
assaults of temptation, that we ms
offend our God, crucify afresh our S{
and make continual work for bitt
pent wee.

Choose onx inheritance for us, O
and piake us content with the dispo
thy Providence in this present life
not our hearts idolize any thing on
but fix our affections on things
where Christ is at thy right hand,
us up under all the afflictions of lit
faith and patience. Make us ste
immoveable, always abounding in th
of the Lord, trusting thy graciou
mise, that we shall reap a joyful hai
we faint not. Search, O God, and i
hearts; discover to us wherein wt
wandered from thee : give us true i
ance^ and lead us in the paths of h
and peace. Fit us for death and
ment ; and train us up daily by thi
and ordinances, by thy Spirit and
for the holiness and blessedness
kingdom in glory.

lYotect us by thy providence, and

mi by thy grace through this nigli

su^er any evil to ii\jure ot d\^<\u

Whether we wake or e\eei^)\\N^ ^x

OS be tbine for ever \

299
We praise thee, O our God, for the ease
and health, and all the comforts of this
day, and of our whole lives. But above
all, we bless thee for Jesus Christ, who
came to purchase salvation for us by his
most precious blood. We bless thee that
we have been brought up under the soimd
of thy gospel; and have been early acquaint-
ed with thy Holy Word, wherein is all our
hope of everlasting life and glory. We
beseech thee to accept our unworthy pray-
ers and praises through the rich incense of
eyr Redeemer's intercession, who is most
worthy ; and in whose name and words we
would further call upon thee, as " Our
Father which art in heaven,'' &c.

MEDITATION

For Wednesday Morning,

'' The God of all grace make you perfect."
1 Peter, v. 10.

It is an excellent life, and it is the
proper life of a Christian, to be daily out-
stripping himself, to be spiritually wiser,
holier, more heavenly minded to-day than
yesterdajr, and to-morrow (if it \>^ «Ai^fc^
to bis life) than to-day : every Asc^ \wSsvs

300
the world less, and Christ more, than the
former ; and gaining some further victory
over his secret corruptions ; having his

Sassions more subdued and mortified, his
esires in all temporal things more cool
and indifferent, and in spiritual things more
ardent : that miserable lightness of spirit
cured, and his heart rendered more solid
and fixed upon God, aspiring to more near
communion with him; labouring that par-
ticular graces may be made more lively
and strong, by often exercising and stirring
them up ; his faith more confirmed^ love
more inflamed, composed meekness pro-
ducing^ more deep humility. Oh ! this
were a worthy ambition indeed ! you
would have your estates growing, and your
credit growing ; how much rather should
you seek to have your graces growing;
and not be content with any thing you
have attained to ? But all our endeavours
and diligence in this will be in vain, unless
we look for our perfecting and establishing
from that right handy without which we do
nothing ; the God of all grace make you per-
feet. The humble believer sees himself
beset with enemies without, and buckled
to a treacherous heart within, that will
betray him to them ; and \ie Aax^ w^ \saore
trust himself to himself, t\\wv to \»& ^a^^t

301
Pessed enemies. He finds that when
ihinks to go forward he is driven back-
d, and sin gets hold of him, oftentimes^
!n he thought to have smitten it. He
s that sad inconstancy of his heart in
itual things, the vanishing of his pur-
ss and breaking ofi^ of his thoughts, that
f usually die ere they be brought forth :
hat when he hath thought, ^^ I will
Y more reverently, and set myself to
old God when I speak to him, and
ch more over my heart, that it fly not
and leave me ;" possibly the first time
lets to it, thinking to be master of his
ntion, he finds himself more scattered,
disordered, and dead, than at any
B before. When he hath conceived
Lights of humility and self-abasement,
thinks, ^' Now I am down, and laid
within myself, to rise and look big no
•e;" yet some vain fancy creeps in
a, and encourages him, and raises him
to his old estate ; so that in this plight
he not higher strength to look to, he
lid sit down and give over all, as utter-
opeless of ever attaining to his journey's
. But when he considers whose work
; within him, even these small begin-
o-s of desires^ he is encout^^^^ \s^ ^^^
tness of the work, not to de%Tpi&e V\>

302
day of small things ; and knowing, that it is
7Wt by any power nor mighty but by his Spirit,
that it shsdl foe accomplished ; he lays hold
on that word, Job. viii. 7» *' Thotigh thy
beginning be sfnally yet thy latter end shaU
greatly increase.'* The well instructed
Christian looks toJesuSy looks off frotn all op-
position and difficulties ; looks aboye thedi
to Jestcsy the Author and Finisher of owr
faith. Though thou art weak, he is strong ;
and is he that strengthens thee, imd renews
thy strength, when it seems to be gone and
quite spent, he makes it fresh and greater
than ever before. A weak believer, and
his strong Saviour, will be too hard for all
that can rise against them. If we make
him all our strength, then shall we indeed
find his fulness and all-sufficiency, and
be more than conquerors through him tJoho
hath loved tcs.

HYMN

For Wednesday Morning.

I ask'd the Lord, that I might ^row
Jn faith, and love, and ev'ry grace ;
Might more of his salvatVow Vuq^, .
And seek more eameatVY \iX» ^v».

303

'Twas he wlio taught me thus to pray ;

And he, I trust, has answer'd prayer ;
But it has been in such a way,

As almost drove toie to despair.

I hop'd that in some favour'd hour^
At once he'd answer my request ;

And by his love's constraining power,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, he ititidt me feel
The hidden evils of my heart ;

And let the angry powers of hell
Assault my soul in ev'ry part.

Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd
Intent to aggravate my woe ;

Cross'd all the ifair designs t schem'd.
Blasted my gourds^ and laid me low.

Lord, why is this ? I trembling cry'd.
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death ?
1'is in this way," the Lord reply 'd,
I answer prayer for grace and faith.

These inward trials I employ,
'' From self and pride to set thee free !
'^ And break thy schemes of earthly joy.
" That thou may'st seek thy all in me."

304

PRAYER

For Wednesday Morning.

O thou uncreated Majesty^ the so
light and fountain of love^ whom t(
is life eternal ! we desire to bless tl
endowing us with various faculties
and body by which we may know, ai
and praise, and serve thee. May ou
delight to know thee, our hearts
thee, our tongues to praise thee, an^
powersbe engaged in thy service. N<
ly or created object can be a full and
ing portion for our souls. Too far l
trusted, too long have we follow
creature : henceforth may we resi^
selves to thee, our Creator, and sul
we have and are to thee as our ]
Sovereign. We would thankfully a
ledge thy providential goodness in
benefits and comforts of our lives,
alone may we seek our true felic
knowing, loving and delighting i
May we feel more and more that oi
cannot be in health and peace till w
thee better, and love thee more.

Since thou hast graciously invi
SAying, ^^My son, gvve me xXv^

305
nable us to devote our hearts to thee,
lid to oflFer them on the holy altar erected
I the mediation of thy well-beloved Son.
^ that we could present unto thee hearts
lore feeling, more ardent, more sincere,
^o thou, who alone canst kindle the sacri-
ce, send down thy heavenly fire into our
>uls. Let it consume all remaining dross,
nd consecrate to thy service whatever good
loa hast implanted. May our hearts be
ashed in the precious and all-atoning blood
f Jesus. Let us ever look towards thee, and
)llow after thee ; and no longer be content
ith any inferior good. Though, alas! we do
ot love thee as we wish ; yet blessed be
ly name if, from our hearts, we desire to
>ve thee more, and seek no greater hap-
iness than in perfectly and endlessly
»ying and being loved by thee. And
nee, O Lord, we never could have been
rou^t back to thyself but by a teacher
mt from God ; glory be to thy name for
iving thine only Son to be the Shepherd
id Bishop of our souls. Above all, we
lore thine undeserved mercy if thOu hast
Y thy Holy Spirit taught us that there is
o way so suitable to our souls ; no remedy
> adapted to our misery, as that whlcL
lou hast provided in thy offered. coNCti^DX»
'S^ace. O may we see t\ksA t\i\^ diO^Xsws^

306
is divine and heavenly ; and fully con
and delivered ; and may it powerfully
thy cause, purifying the soul from s<
vanity, and leading it to thee our
How unspeakable thy mercy if thoi
given us the witness in ourselves : i
unfounded persuasion, but that renew
ture, those heavenly affections, ai
sires, which can come from none bui
With thee, therefore, O our Red<
would we renew our covenant; or
would we cast the souls which thoi
redeemed, not to be advanced to the \^
and honour, and pleasures of this \
but to be delivered from them ;
healed of sin ; to be washed in thy
tind quickened by thy Spirit ; to be
ducted in the ways of holiness ; ai
last, presented justified and spotless
presence of thy Father, and put in p
sion of the glory which thou hast
chased and promised. Amen.

HYMN

For Wednesday Evening.

Father, whate'er of earthly hliss

Thy sov'reign will denies,
itccapted at thy tYiroivfe ol ^rwi^
het ihis petit\on m^i.

307
Give me a calm, a thankful heart.

From every murmur free ;
The blessings of thy grace impart,

And let me live to thee.

Let the sweet hope that thou art mine,

My life and death attend ;
Thy presence through my journey shine,

And crown my journey's end.

PRAYER

For Wednesday Evening.

O God, who art ever present, and
newest all things : thy majesty and con-
ascension, thy justice and compassion, are
ike infinite and adorable. Thine is the
ngdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted
;ad over all. Be thou our strong tower,
id help us to take refuge under the
ladow of thy wings.

We desire this evening to humble our-
;lves in thy presence for the sins of the
ist day, and of our whole lives. Give us,
e entreat thee, such a knowledge of thy
[)ly law, that we may be deeply sensible
r* our exceeding sinfulness ; and so judge
urselves, that we may not be condeixvTi^^L
t thy awful tribuuaL Help us, O %t^c\wv^
frdj to believe thy Gospel wVtVi Xvnsj^

308
faith, and continually to come unt
as the fountain of life and felicity, tli
the righteousness and redemption i
great High Priest, who ever liveth tc
intercession for us. Give us, w
seech thee, that humble confidence i
pardoning mercy ; and that love, grat
and zeal, which may lead us to unrei
obedience, and make us steadfast, un
able, and always abounding in the w
the Lord.

We commend to thy care and bh
O Lord, all that are dear unto us.
us to use all proper means of doing
good, and of convincing such as stUi
lect thy great salvation. Bless thy
Church. Endue thy ministers with wj
clothe them with righteousness, and
them valiant and zealous for thy
Enable thy people to rejoice in
Let thy grace be sufficient for them
their trials and temptations : give

309
seech thee, to bless our own land with
ice, liberty^ and the light of thy Gospel :
d may effectual measures be taken to
»p the progress of wickedness^ that so
quity may not be our ruin. Bless our
leen, and those in authority ; and direct
nr counsels for the preservation of
blic tranquillity, the establishment of
%ce among the nations, the reformation
manners, the revival of true religion,
i the success of thy Gospel throughout
) world. Visit with thy compassion and
ing grace all the sons and daughters of
iction, and teach them to profit by tl^y
istisements. And may the Go^ of Peace,

0 brought again from the dead the
^t Shepherd of the sheep, through the
lod of the everlasting covenant, make as
rfect in every good work to do his will,

1 work in us that which is well pleasing
his sight; through Jesus Christ, our

viour, to whom with the Father, and the
ily Ghost, be all glory and praise for ever
i ever. Amen.

310

MEDITATION

Far Thursday Morning.

THE CHRISTIAN PILGaiBf.

^' Dearly beloved, I beseech you^ as strangers
and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which
war against the soul." 1 Pet. ii. 11.

Remember, O my soul, this is not thy
home : thou art upon a journey to thy Fa-
ther's house, where thou must abide for
ever. Even on thy journey home he per-
mits thee freely to converse with him. 0^
then, see him that is invisible : hearken
to him when he speaketh : obey his voice :
observe his way : speak to him boldly,
though humbly and reverently, as his
child, about thy greatest concern. Tell
him all thy sorrows, and confess all thy
folly and unkindness : intreat his forgive-
ness, and plead the merits of thy Saviotu*.
Converse with him about the way in which
thou shouldest go. Desire his grace ; give
up thyself to his conduct and care. Weep '
over the history of thy ingratitude. Tell
him how thou art most offended with
what has most displeased \vvhv\ \?ft»l thou
'-- Hrith thy di8o\>eA\eTit,\\\LV\i«x^iB&^,

311
jart : that thou art weary of that heart
lat loveth him no more ; and that it shall
5ver please thee till it loves him better
id is more desirous to please him. Tell
im of thy enemies, and beg the protection
r his love : tell him of thy frailties^ in-
rniities, and passions ; and beg not only
is tender forbearance, but his help Tell
im that without him thou canst do no*
ling ; and beg the grace that is sufficient
>r thee ; that through him that strength-
aeth thee, thou mayest do all things,
^hen thou fallest, despair not ; but beg
is helping hand to raise thee. Speak to
im especially of everlasting things ;
nd thank him for his promises, and for
hy hopes 3 for what thou shalt be, and do,
nd enjoy among his holy ones for ever.
iXpress thy joy in the hope that thou
halt see his glory, and love him and
•raise him better than thou canst now
lesire. Begin those praises ; and, as thou
(ralkest with him, take pleasure in the
Liention of his perfections : be thankful
o him and speak good of his name. So-,
ace thyself in remembering what a God,
vhat a defence and portion all believers
lave; and in considering where he is
low conducting thee, what \ve ^\VV 4.^
vhb thee, and what use he ViXV xa.^^ <3!

312

thee for ever. Speak with rejoic

the glory of his works, and the righ

ness of his judgments, and the h<

>: ^ and evenness of his ways. Sing for

praises with a joyful heart, and disn

slavish fears, all malicious suggestio

jJ! doubts, and all nipping griefs, that

% interrupt the harmony of thy soul.

I heavenly Father beholds with appro

'I thy moans and tears ; but how mucl

K does he love thy thanks and praises

;!?' if, indeed, it is winter time with t

i i][; stormy day, and he seems to chide, c

'!ji his face, because thou hast offendec

:|:; let the cloud that is gathered by th

come down in tears, and tell hino

J hast sinned against heaven and befor

}|! and art no more worthy to be call

Ul son. However yet fly not from him

jv supplicate his pardon, and to be adi

,J :■ to his service : and thou wilt find fo

■.X ness when thou fearest condemn

il %. Only return and keep closer to hi

i S the time to come. If the breach, th

j ^ thy neglect, has gone so far that
jll'^j Beemest to have lost thy God, and
cast off and forsaken ; yet despair
ibr he doth but hide his face till th
pent» Lift up thy voice «iid^r^,ii
^f unbelief, my FatlieT, m^ ^wS»

■■1

313
od ! and thou shalt at last hear him ad-
ress thee as his child ! Cry out, O why
ast thou forsaken me ? What shall I do
ere without thee ? O leave me not here
I this waste howling wilderness ; let me
ot be a prey to my sins, to Satan, to my
»es and thine. O beg of him that thy
anderings and childish folly may not be
iken as acts of enmity, or at least that
ley may be pardoned: and that though
e correct thee, he will return and not for-
ike thee. Or if thou hast not words to
our out before him^ at least smite upon
ly breast : and though thou art ashamed
r afraid' to look up towards heaven^ yet
>ok down and say, *^ O Lord, be merciful
> me a sinner!'* and he will accept
lee, and will number such a supplication
mongst the prayers which he cannot deny.
;e will restore thee, and show thee where
was that thou didst go astray, by losing
lyself and turning from him. Seek him
ad thou shalt find him; for he never
ileth or forsaketh those that wait upon
Im.

314

HYMN

For Thursday Morning.

" We've no abiding city here :"

This may distress the worldling's mind ;
But should not cost the saint a tear,

Who hopes a better rest to find*

" We've no abiding city here :"

Sad truths were this to be our home :

But, let the thought our spirits cheer,
" We seek a city yet to come."

" 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.

" 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.

Zion I Jehovah is her strength ;

Secure she smiles at all her foes :
And weary travellers at length

Within her sacred walls repose.

O sweet abode of peace and love.

Where pilgrims free from toil are blest I
Had I the piniona oi tYve ^on^^
I'd fly to thcc, anAbe «kX x^^V-

315
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 !

PRAYER

For Thursday Morning,

Imighty God, and most merciful Pa-
, who of thy never failing goodness

mercy has protected and preserved
he last night, and safely brought us to
light of another day 5 defend us, we
r thee, in the same by thy mighty
er ; and so prevent us with thy gracious
ur, and further us with thy continual
►, that in all our works begun, con-
ed, and ended in thee, we may ever seek
honour and glory ; and finally, by thy
cy,obtain everlasting life,through Jesus
ist our blessed Lord and Saviour. Por
sake we humbly pray thee to blot out
by remembrance all our past sins and
irocations : and to work in our hearts
)dly sorrow, a sincere repentance, and
;eadfast resolution to amend our lives,
)rding to thy holy word. To this end
pleased to assist us with the gjca^c^e <\t

holy Spirit to overcome tVie ft^e^^w^
ir natures, and sanctify \x^ to \Jk^ ^^^

316
vice. Let our hearts and minds be more
and more renewed; that, being transformed
by the renewing of our minds^ we may
prove what is that good and acceptable
and perfect will of God ; that we may be
able to know and delight to do thy will, 0
God ; and that thy law may be written in
our hearts. Give us to know Christ and
his life, that he may be formed in our
hearts ; and that he may live in us ; that
the same mind may be in us which was
in Christ Jesus, that we may be made
conformable to his death, in crucifying the
flesh with its affections and lusts. Let thy
grace always accompany us, and enable
us to persevere unto the end. Make us
perfect in every good work to do thy will;
working in us that which is well pleasing
in thy sight through Jesus Christ our
Lord. And, as we are here but strangers
and pilgrims, O let thy good Spirit guide
and conduct us in our way through the
wilderness of this sinful word. O let us not
be led astray by the dangerous and allur-
ing temptations with which it abounds:
but preserve us from the snares laid by the
devil and his emissaries, to entice us to
sin and wickedness, and to plunge us into
endless woe.
Mbj we give aft ^igcuw to tm^^ w*

317
lling and election sure. If any of us
ve hitherto neglected the one thing
edful, rested in a form of godliness^ or
any way deceived ourselves ; O stir us up
thout delay to seek first thy kingdom
d righteousness^ and to make all oui*
her pursuits give place to this grand
ncern.

Teach us to serve thee in our several re-
gions and diflbneiit employments^ doing
L in the name of the Lord Jesus. May
5 use our possessions, and improve our
ne and talents, as knowing that shortly
i must give an account of our steward-
ip. At all times and in all places may
3 joyfully prepare for, and anticipate the
ad summons, ^' Well done good and
ithful servant, enter into the joy of thy
)rd.'* &rant us, O thou Fountain of
fe, such consolations in communion with
ee, as may bear us up above the tempta-
)ns and troubles of this world, and fix
ir affections on things above.
We humbly beseech thee, O Father of
ercies, graciously tolook upon our beloved
latives and friends. Bring home to thy
Id such as still wander in the ways of
a and folly; and communicate all sea-
•nable help and comfort to \Xvq%^ ^\v^
ofv thy nsun^ and love tfa^ ^^i\N^^ss\

318
And hasten that time when thy name 8l
be known upon earth, and thy say
health among all nations. We earnes
entreat every spiritual and temporal bh
ing for ourselves and others through <
Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

HYMN

For Thursday Evening,

Children of the heavenly King !
As ye journey sweetly sing :
Sing your Saviour's worthy praise,
Glorious in his works and ways !

Ye are travelling home to God,
In the way the fathers trod :
They are happy now, and ye
Soon their happiness shall see.

Shout ye ransom'd flock, most blest ;
Ye on Jesus' throne shall rest :
There your seat is now prepar'd.
There your kingdom and reward.

Fear not, brethren ! joyful stand
On the borders of your land :
Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
Bids you undismay'd go on.

Lord, submissive may we go.
Gladly leaving all below :
Only thou our le^Aex \i^,
ilnd ftdll let us ioWo^ t\v<i^*

319
PRAYER

For Thursday Evening.

" Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive
> our debts as we forgive our debtors ; and lead
$ not into temptation, but deliver us ^om evil :
r thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the
cry, for ever and ever. Amen."

O almighty God, we desire to draw
igh unto thee with lively gratitude, that
lou encouragest us to look up to thee as
ur heavenly Father, who knowest all our
ants. We bless thee, that thou invitest
s to cast all our care upon thee, assuring
s that thou carest for us ; and that thou
iltkeep those in perfect peace whose minds
re staid on thee, and make known their
^quests unto thee in prayer and suppli-
ation, with thanksgiving. We adore
[line infinite goodness which encourages
s to ask the largest blessings ; and
romises, that if we " seek first the king-
om of God and his righteousness, all other
[lings shall be added unto us.'^ Grant us,
herefore, O Lord, ever to remember that
ut one thing is needful ; and let us n.Qt
e carefuJ and troubled about luan^ VSK«i%^v
it enable us to choose, to seet^ mA\»<

320
obtain that good part which shall never be
taken away from us. And while we pray
for the bread of life^ we entreat thee also
to give us food convenient for us, to sap-
ply all our necessary wants^ and to grant
that having food and raiment we may be
therewith content. Prosper thou the work
of our hands according to thine own infinite
wisdom and goodness ; and enable us to
trust in thee with all our heart, not leaning
to our own understanding ; and preserve
us from falling into those foolish and
hurtful lusts which drown men in destruc**
tion and perdition.

And as, O heavenly Father, we pray for
our daily bread, so we beseech thee for
the daily forgiveness of our sins ; for is
many things we all offend every day. 0
cleanse us from our secret faults ; and
keep back thy servants also from pre-
sumptuous sins, that they get not the
dominion over us. We confess with shame
that we have not duly improved the talents
with which we have been entrusted : that
we have not rendered again according to
thy benefits. We have deserved the wages
of sin, and have been guilty of those thingH
for which the wrath of God cometh oa
the cbildren of disobedience. Our debt k
gnat} luid we have uotAim^x^v^^vt^ ^^^^

321

Slory be to thy name^ O Lord^ thou hast
evised a way whereby thou canst be just,
and yet justify him that belieyeth in Jesus.
O grant that through faith in the blood of
Jesus Christy thy Son^ we may be cleansed
from all sin; and purge our conscience
firom dead works to serve thee, the living
Ood.

And, while we pray that thou wouldest
mercifully forgive us our sins which are
more than the hairs of our head, we be-
seech thee that we may forgive our ene-
mies, love them that hate us, bless them
that curse us, and pray for and do good to
them that despitefuUy use us and perse-
cute us. If we forgive not men their
trespasses, we cannot expect thee to for-
give us our trespasses. IVlay all bitterness,
and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and
evil speaking be put away from us, with
all malice ; and make us kind one to ano-
ther, forbearing one another, and forgiving
one another, even as we trust God for
Christ's sake wUl forgive us.

And since, O our God, we are ever in
danger of being enticed and drawn away
by our own hearts^ lusts, we earnestly
pray thee, not to lead us into tem^^td^^^^
but to save us from the aVaa tM*. Tftsw
eaailjr beset ns : to deliver ua feoxa. ^s^^

822
•eril} and preserve iis ereni'to the^^nd
Let 41S hide thy word in our heartJ^tliA^ '
l^e kxMqr.be kept from the paths ^rf^ the
destroyer. O send out thy light and thy ' .
fcTMih't let them lead us : left them bring 't
Ufi :to. thy holy hill^ and to thy habitation, i
..Heavenly Father^ we humbly beseech i
thee in behalf of ourselves and all mtoh k
kind; to set up thy kingdom in our hearli K
and throughout the whole earth ; that we ii
may hallow thy name, and do thy will at ^
it is done in heaven : for thine is the king-
dom,, and the power, and the glory, for
ever and even Amen. •

MEDITATION

■ » ■ .

Far Friday Morning.

TUB NBW MAN.

^ Putting on the new man, which after QoS tl'
credited in righteousness and true holincsii^
Eph. ir* 94.

..The loss of God's image upon the M«);

was- both the sinfulness and misery :%f

maa's fallen state : and that rcsemblatiM^

wbich it bears to God, is the beauty^- tM'

glcny^ Aod happiness of the new ereatf6n;J

Qjeated anew by his o^n ^ijmt^ \si ft^^

328
;nQS6 and tnie boliaess^ it bears the
;e of tha;t Saviour in whom it is ere-
:a<iow« Cfirist Jeaua* T9 put on the Lord ,
ifi^Aoukpiieheiids the. whole- of tbe Ciiriiii-
<s dsktYj ail bis duties tmrtoa-d^Godiaiid
.-Sim is not the Cbdslian'fi elmdnti;
delight is in the law of the Lovdt^he
8 it even wh^re it most crosses the
ains of corruption that are in him^t
Nends the 8ti*ength of his soul to please
y. and to live unto righteousness. . 14
LOt merely the study of hisieisurei
rs : BO ; it is his main business^ his all.

new lifc^ like the natural oney 'Ifir
ed in the heart ; and from thence dif-
s itself through the whole man. He
s righteousness^ and receiveth the
h in the love of it. The unrenewed
. may do many things that appear
teous : but he lives not to righteous-

J . because his heart is not pos^e^sed
rilled with the love of it. The. aaw

not only forsakes sin^ but he bates. it/
hate vain thoughts." And not only
ei 81W8,. but all ; *^ I hate e^ery fUse
vV^-While, he dies to^ sin> : sin -dies fci
^iifJbi^.mind dies to the : «tudy of sin j
hmi dies, ta the acting ^fiti; tlys'^ar
iQ. bearing o£ thij^s pro£«j)iie^th^^\x&\s^^^

X 2

324
to speaking guile. This new creation
adorns the soul with a sweet variety of
gracious and heavenly dispositions. It
is in their hearts a living source of
love, joy, and peace ; of long-suffering
and gentleness, of goodness and faith, of
meekness and temperance, and of all di-
vine virtues ; which, for this very reason,
are in Holy Scripture stiled, the " Fruits
of the Spirit." 'Tis he that breathes into
their souls those amiable and heavenly
dispositions, whereby alone they can od
good ground be denominated meek, and
humble, and patient ; chaste and charita-
ble, and ready to forgive ; these make the
noblest endowments of the inward man.
These are the real beauties of the soul,
that truly perfect it, and render it lovely
and precious in the sight of God. But it
is very certidn that those holy dispositions
which adorn the inward man, will also
beautify the life ; and render the conversa-
tion such as becomes the gospel, like the
shining light, shining more and more unto
the perfect day.

I .*

325
HYMN

For Friday Morning,

Attend, while God's exalted Son,

Does his own glories show ;
Behold, I sit upon my throne.

Creating all things new.

1*11 he a sun of righteousness

To the new world I make :
None hut the new-hom heirs of graee

Mj glories shall partake.

Mighty Redeemer, set me free

From my old state of sin ;
O make my soul alive to thee ;

Create new pow'rs within.

Renew mine eyes, and form mine ears.

And mould my heart afresh ;
Give me new passions, joys, and fears ;

And turn the stone to flesh.

Far from the regions of the dead.

From sin, and earth, and hell, . .

In the new world that grace has made, i
I would for ever dwell.

PRAYER

For Friday Aforning.

O Lord, thou hast revealed tAx^^^^^*^^^
tie Lord God, merciful wiA. «c^vo>5

396
abundant in loving-kindness^ goodness
truth ; keeping mercy for thousa;ndS3
giving iniquity, transgression, and sii
the height, and depth, and breadth b
love of God in sending Christ liitc
world to be a Saviour. All j^e likfe i
hdve gone astray, we have turfaed i
one to his own way ; but thou hast Is
him the iniquities of us all. He pourc
his soul unto death, and made intercc
for the transgressors. O receive us t
gressors into thy favour. Our sins
abounded, let thy grace much more ab
We have fallen by our iniquity ; h'\
would turn unto thee saying " take
from us all iniquity : receive us graci(
and love us freely.'* O that thou wo\
become a God in covenant with us, j
reconciled father to us. We wou
earnest with thee for that new heart ^
thou hast most graciously promises
mould iis into a conformity to thy
and make us the sons and daughters i
Lord Almighty. Cause the love of t
to constrain us to live, not to ourd
but to him who died for us and roi^e 2
Thus may we find his yoke easy, an
burden light : thus ma^ nv^ ^etve the
/ii fAe spirit of bondage t^a A^^^'a^^
the spMi ot dAo^tKovL, ^ ^^w e)

327
Then shall we run in the way of thy com'
xnandments when thou hast enlarged our
hearts. . ,..^

'. O Lord, so renew our nature, th^t yfp
may hate sin and delight in holin9^3f;
that thy commandments may be th^ t^*
joicing of our hearts^ and thy word svfpe(t
unto our taste. Let thy statutes be pu^
song in the house of our pilgrimage^ an4
thy testimonies may we choose as our bfi-
riti^ for ever. Set up thy throne in oi(r
hearts ; write thy law^ and plant thy fe^
tlicre ; and fill us with all the graces of tfiy
Spirit^ that we may abound in the fruits of
righteousness to the glory and praise, of
God.

O turn away our eyes from beholding
vanity; let not vain thoughts lodge within
us : but let us be serious and sober mimdqd-
Let the love of the world be rooted put of
us^ and let the love of God in Christ be
rooted in us. Mortify our pride, aJtid
clothe us with humility, that when we
.have done all, we may account ourselves
unprofitable servants. Make us meek
aad patient, serious and sober-minded.
Give us grace to keep under our body, and
bring it into subjection. MotISS^ \s\^>a&^5^
earjr^ hatred, malice^ and uiic\iaA\^i5c\«tLe»»
and help us to Jove all men, e«>ip^wiJ^^ ^

fellow christians, with a pare hearty fSer-
yently. And while we are here^ make ns,
O Lord, wiser and better every day 3 more
holy, heavenly, and spiritual ; that so our
last days may be our best days^ our last
works our best worics, and our last com-
forts our sweetest comforts. And having
put on the Lord Jesus here^ may we at
last be placed among those whom he has
redeemed by his blood, and sanctified by
his Spirit. Now to him who loved us and
gave himself for us; to him be glory
for ever and ever. Amen.

HYMN

For Friday Evening.

Is this the kind return,

And these the thanks we owe ?
- Thus to forget eternal lore,

Whence idl our blegsings flow ?

To what a stuhhom frame

Has sin reduc'd our mind ;
What wretched rehels. Lord, are we ;

And thou, how wondrous kind !

On UB he bids the sun

Bhed his ret lying rsys ;
nr tt§ tbe sldas their drc\e« Tuti»
/^/( ' IbJeagtben out our day««

329

The brutes obey their Gnd,

And bow their necks to men ;
J3ut we, more stubborn far tiian they,

Refuse his easy reign..

Turn, turn us, mighty (jod,

And mould our souls afresh ;
Break, Soy'reign Grace, these hearts of stone,

And give us hearts of flesh.

Let past ingratitude

Bedew our weeping eyes ;
And hourly as new mercies fall,

Let hourly thanks arise.

PRAYER

Far Friday Evening.

O thou Father of mercies, and God of
all comfort, we beseech thee to accept our
thanksgivings for the blessings of this day.
Blessed be thy name for that light which
no darkness overspreads, that sun which
never sets : Jesus is our resurrection and
our life. Grant that in him our souls may
rise to newness of life, and that we may be
planted in the likeness of his resurrection.
Glory be to thy name, O Lord) th«Lt tJ^ftx^^Sl^
no condemnation to them wYio ax^vckV^Xecv^^
Jesus. O, for tby mercy' a sakft^Wm*^^

380
soiils into this happy statfe ; land ghre ns
fl longing desire to enjoy the felicity t^thy
chosen. May this salration be experi-
enced by every soul before thee* May we
all find it a present salvation^ detivering
ns from every false hope; from the* love
of sin, the love of the world, and the lusts
of the flesh. Teach us to pass through
this present evil world as strangers and
pilgrims, who have no continuing city here,
and are seeking one to come.

Thou hast taught us by thy word, that if
any man have not the spirit of Christ, he
is none of his. O Father of mercies hear
our unworthy petitions, and bestow upon
us this invaluable gift ; that we may walk
not after the flesh, but after the Spirit;
and that our conversation may be such as
beootneth the Gospel. Enable us to mor-
tify the deeds of the body, to subdue the
unholy desires of our corrupt nature, and
to discharge every duty incumbent upon
us in accordance with thy holy word. Give
us grace to lay aside every weight, and the
tun which more easily besets us : and let
us run: with patience the race set before
us, looking unto Jesus, the author and
finisber-of our faith. Gracious Lord, be
-ikitu onr strength •, and ^w^XAfc >\^ Xft ^iss^-

381
and tbe devil. Teach ug pxir own deprarhy^,
and the exceeding sinfulness of sin ; ieajch
us t^e deceitfalness of Our hearts ; tfakt
so we 'may be truly hUinb led' befei^dtbee^
and) 4Sliin^ed up to greater eamesthoite in
tkoiwdrkof our salvatiob. May the cry
of our souls ever be j " Lord, isaye us^ dr
#6' perish!-' Ann us this day with the
shield of faith, the helmet of salvatiott,
and the sword of the Spirit; and-letliifi
ever hold fast the blessed hope of eternu
life. j

O" thou compassionate High Priesty fby
whom a new and living way has been conJ-
secratedfor us, through the veil of thy own
flesh, enable us to draw near humbly trusfn
ing in thee. "»•

Where, O Lord, thou hast begun -the
good work of grace in any of our sould,
we beseech thee to carry it on until Hlwe
day of €hrist, and to perfect it to-: thy
praise and glory. Work in us both td will
and to do of thy good pleasure. Let us not
like Biany be saying, ^* Who will shew us
-any* good :*' but may our prayer ever be,
)^ Lot*d, lift thou tip the light <»f thy coun-
f'tenanceupon as.'' • < .. *•

Preserve^ we beseech tKee, l\ifc>SJ^\»^^

the git)rious Gospel in oxiv owTfe\^wfti* ^S^fts

^•thyniMsters who faitVrfxiSli ^^^^^b.^

332

truth as it is in Jesus : add to their num-
ber ; and increase their usefulness in the
awakening of the dead in sin, and in
comforting and edifying thy people in
their most holy faith.

Accept our imperfect praises for the
blessings of this day. O keep us in the
love of God, looking for the mercy of our
Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Nov
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,
now and for ever. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Saturday Morning.

"Deingf bom Kf^un, not of corruptible seed,
but of incorruptible, by tbe word of God, which
liveth and abideth for ever." 1 Peter i. 23.

This is the great dignity of believerSi
that they arc the sous of God; and this
the great evidence of the love of God, that
he hath bestowed this dignity on them.
The ffi'acious purpose o^ (lod 1<^ Impart
his goodness appears luttos-, \Xvax\^\«8^

333
formed for himself so many sons, not from
amongst angels only, but also from amongst
men 5 made it is true a little lower than
they are, but yet dignified with this appel-
lation. He had not merely the impressioti
of God's footsteps, which all the creatures
have, but his image. And, most of £ill, iii
this is the rich grace of God magnified-;
that, when sin had defaced that image,
degraded man from his honour, divested
him of that title of sonship, and stamped
our polluted nature with the marks 6t
bondage, yea, with the very image of satan;
that, out of mankind thus ruined and
degenerated, God should raise to himself
a new race of sons. For this design was
the " Word made flesh.'' John i. 12. The
Son of God was made man, that he might
make men the sons of God ; it is by him
alone we are restored to this privilege.
And, that we may know, that this divine
adoption is not a mere outward name, the
sonship of the saints is denominated in
Scripture a new generation, a new birth.
They are *' begotten of God," 1 John xi.29.
A new being, a spiritual life is com-
municated to them. They are not only-
accounted of the family of God by ado^
tion ; but hy this new birth t\\ey m^ VcAftfc^
Afc cbildreD^ and partakers ol ^^ *&2<\s:

384
uatur c. Ileucc , we leara that troie xonycr*
slou is not so slight a wovk as -it is com*
mouly accoiiutcd. : It is not mertdy the
reformation of some bad habits j|-. it :hs a
new creation. Though it be but a ehaiige
of qualities ; yet it is such an one, as bean
the name of a most essential and substaiH
tjal change* From ^^ children of disobe-
dience/' and that which is linked with it,
"children of wrath/' to be "sons of God
and heirs of glory." They have a new
spirit given them 3 a free, princely^ noblo
spirit ; and this spirit influences their life
and actions. Consider this dignity j and
be kindled with an ambition worthy of iC.
How doth a christian pity that poor vanity,
that men make so much account of^ their
kindred and extraction ! To be of the
highest blood royal^ sons of the King of
kings, and in the ueai'est relation to him^
is, indeed, worth glorying in. This adds
n^atchless honour to that birth which is so
honourable in the esteem of the world. .But
we all suppose ourselves to be of this
number; whilst it is too evident that in
many this is a false confidence^ There is
no appearance of the Spirit of God ; not a
trace of his footsteps. "As many as arc
Jed hy the Spirit of God^ they ai'c the sons
ofGod/'tlom. viii. U. 'Vu ^^ Vxx^^^n xVai.

835
he is righteous/' says. St* Joh»^ ^^ ye know
that erery one that doth fighteousaess 'is
born of him/' Aiid'» how> contrapy tiM'lhd
most faoly-'God^ the lover stiid ( fountain > of
holia^ssy are they that dlelightbi'the^^
hasiiifg pleasures of sin ! Do^ €hi}dr^>])^^e
to dishontour their fathei^'s name?* ^NoU
earthly mindedness is a eontntersigtiw Sliftll
the king's children, "thoy that irwfe
brotight up in scarlet/' as Jeremiidi> {la-
ments, "ombrace the dunghill V Labi 4t*.fti'
Princes, by their high birth and' edUMK
tibn, haye usually their hearts filted M^lblr
fiar higher thoughts than mean persons! <>
thiey think either of conquest or of ^crriJrlli.'
ing- kingdoms. Are you not borilt^U
better inheritance, if indeed born agalti>W
Why do you then debase yourselves ? 'Why*
ore you not more in prayer ? Thei^e -are^np^
nmb children among those that«re iWb^
6 God ; they have all that spirit of pna^i-;^
^ whidi they not only speak,- bud -dry i
bbaFatber.- .;«b,..ii,."'i.i

Now let our souls on wuiffs syblune . .., ,

Rise from the vanitief of time 5 ^ v

r^t^W back XU^ parting Veil; ';iwi ^<^ : ■ " V
t^giorktdt eternity. ^^^^^ ^'^ '

336

Born by a new celestial birtb,
Why should we grovel here on earth ?
Why grasp at transitory toys.
So near to heaven's eternal joys ?

Shall aught beguile us on the road.
When we are walking back to God !
For strangers into life we come^
And dying is but going home.

To dwell with God, and feel his love,
Imparts the bliss enjoy'd above ;
How sweet the expectation now.
The early dawn of heaven below.

PRAYER

For Saturday Morning.

O Lord our God, unto whom all hei
are open ; who knowest our downsiti
and our uprising, and understandei^t
thoughts afar off; how much must
pure and holy eyes see in us which ti
canst not approve ! We must confess 1
we have not entertained those thoug"
nor cherished that regard so justly due
Thee, the author of our being and
father of om* mercies ; and though we i
have been restrained ^ ^Jk^ ^raci

337
orkcrs of iniquity ; yet how much have
e lived without God in the world ! how
ive we resisted thy authority ! abused thy
)odness ; neglected thine ordinances ;
id slighted the Gospel of thy dear Son 1
> little have we been restrained by thy
ar^ and actuated by thy love ; so little
ivc we lived to thy glory, that, alas !
ost righteously might we have been dealt
ith as ungodly ; and driven away as chaff
fore the wind. And even now, if brought
to judgment, how could we stand in
c congregation of the righteous, and
pear among the sons of God !
But, O Lord, there is forgiveness with
ee, that thou mayest be feai*ed; and
th thee is plenteous redemption. Be
sased to have mercy upon us, for the
ke of Him who came that he might turn
ray ungodliness from Jacob ; and who
re our sins in his own body on the tree.
Pour down upon us, we pray thee,
e influences of thy regenerating and
Qctifying grace ; adopt us into thy fami-
. put, us among thy children, and make
the sons and daughters of the Lord
mighty. Bestow upon us thy wondrous
re ; give us a new heart and ^i x\^c&.
\rit; henceforward may t\v^ \avi >a^ w«t
fg-btj may we meditate on \t cwv\iASi>x

338
ally ; and may we become like trees planted
by the rivers of waters^ brin^g forA
fruit in their season.

Grant) O God, that this day we may ex-
perience the blessedness of those wlio
walk not in the counsel of the ungodljr,
nor stand in the way of sinners, nor
sit in the seat of the scornful. May our
ways be directed to keep thy statutes.
And O Lord, do thou so controul our
plans and purposes, and so regulate and
Dless all our undertakings, that a happy
and holy prosperity may attend our steps.
May we not be tempted to do or say any
thing that shall have an unhallowed influ-
ence on our characters, our hope, or our
profession. O grant, that, as obedient
children, we may not fashion ourselves
according to the former lusts in our igno-
rance ; but as He who hath called us is
holy, so may we be holy in all manner of
conversation.

Most gracious God, let thy heavenly
blessing rest on all around us, that none
of those we love, and with whom wo dwell,
may be left to live and die, and at last to
perish, as children of the wicked one. 0
thou God of peace, who didst bring again
fi^m the deaa our Lord 3e%\\^ ^\w\^\^\!^^
great jBjbepherd of t\ie s\ieeip^ Ww>5i^ ^vt

339
ood of the everlasting covenant, make us
;rfect in every good work, to do thy
ill ; working in us that which is well-
easing in thy sight, through Jesus Christ
ir Lord. To whom with thyself, O
Either, and the blessed Spirit, be all
)nour and glory now and for ever. Amen.

HYMN

Tot Saturiay Evening.

Safely through another week

God has hrought us on our way ;
Lfet us now a blessing seek

On th' approaching sabbath day :
Day of all the week the best ;
Emblem of eternal rest !

Mercies muHiply'd each hour

Through the week our praise demand :
Guarded by Almighty pow'r.
Fed and guided by his hand :
Tho' ungrateful we have been.
Only made returns of sin.

While we pray for pard'ning grace

Through our great Redeemer's name,
Shew thy reconciled face,

Shine away our sin and shtim^ \
From our worldly care a^t iT^Ci,
Majr we rest this niglit mt\i ^«s»»

840
When the morn shall bid us rlse^

May we feel thy presence near :
M^thy glory meet our eyes,
When we in thy house appear :
There afford us, LfOrd^ a taste
Of our eyerlastingc feast.

May thy gospel's joyful sound

Conquer sinners, comfort saints :
Make the fruits of grace abound ;
Bring relief for all complaints.
Thus may all our sabbaths prove
1111 we join the church above ! <

PRAYER

For Saturday Evening.

O Lord our God, who art over all bless-
ed for ever ; and needest not the services
of men or angels to make the least addi- ^
tion to thy glory : we bless thee, that thou
hast been pleased in love to our souls, to
appoint, that we should wait upon thee in
the duties of thy worship, and engiu^e io
that immediate service, which is the bliss-
ful employment of all the hosts of heaven.

But though thou, O Lord, canst not )
i?eed us, nor any thing of ours : we stand in
continual need of ttv^^ •, oi W\^ c^Tsv^ie^ssion
and forg-iveness^ t\\y gxace wA ^sa\^»&sR^

341
blessing and assistance. Without these
mist be for ever wretched, without hope
escaping the misery due to our sins,
.ttaining that glory, which is the free
of God in Chnst Jesus,
'o thee, therefore, O Almighty God, do
lift up our eyes. All our expectation
Vom thee : still would we call, and
t, and depend upon thee, till thon have
•cy upon us. O blot out our trans-
ssions as a cloud ; and justify us freely
thy grace, through the redemption
t is in Christ Jesus. Bless us, OGod of
salvation, in turning every one of us
n our iniquities, and in giving us grace
ive according to thy holy word,
'o this end, we beseech thee, O Lord, to
ghten our dark minds with the beams
by saving truth . Reform our rebellious
is, and incline them to a cheerful com-
mce with the motions of thy good Spirit,
pilate our unruly passions ; purify all
affections; convert every faculty of
souls, and make us fit temples for the
[y Ghost.

ve desire most thankfully to acknow-
^e thine undeserved goodness in bring-
us safely to the close of anotXieT ^^^^^
in the mercies thou YiaaX. >tte»\.^'^^
r us daring the course ofitv 0>sfc^

342 !

us ever mindfiil of the shortness of time,
and the uncertainty of our continuance in
this world. Make us more deeply con-
cerned for our everlasting welfare; and i
more careful to improve every present i
good for our souls' eternal a4ivantage.
Let the work of thy grace be daily ad-
vancing in our hearts, that we mav grow
in grace as we grow in years, and be con-
tinually ripening for the full enjoyment of
thy glory. I

We pray thee, O Lord, to continue to ns '
thy favour and thy fatherly care over us '
this night. And as we go to rest after the
labours of the day, so help us daily to do
thy work, that, at the close of life, we may
enter that rest which remaineth for thy
people. Fit us, we beseech thee, for thy
service on the approaching sabbath : and
enable us diligently to improve every ;
means of grace it may afford, in humble
dependance on thy blessing. May Christ
be preached to our ears by thy ministers,
ana to our hearts by thy blessed Spirit, to
the destruction of our sins, and the sancti-
fication and salvation of our souls. 0 |
prepare thy ministers for their solemn ■
wonis May they come forth in the fulness
of the blessing of tYie ^o«9^\ ^^ \^^<(!(e:
mtd irhile they preaic\i CVxAsx ^«A \^

343
vation to others, may they feel his love
their own souls. May thy word drop

the rain^ and distil as the dew upon
y people. May dead sinners feel its
ickening power^ and thy saints its ever*
sting consolations. May weak hearts

strengthened. To those who mourn
Zion, appoint^ O Loi*d, beauty for ashes^
e oil of joy for mournings and the
rment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.
Bless and keep all who sure near and
ar to us 5 may they know the love of
irist which passeth knowledge^ and his
ace which passeth all understandioi^,
ay our enemies be blessed of thee. These
pplications for ourselves and others, we
seech thee^ O Almighty God^ to hear
d answer, for the sake of our Lord
sus Christ. Amen.

344

*1 ■ ■ •

ff •

• - ' '

SIXTH WEEK.

MEDITATION

For the Lord's Day Mwmitig.

THE FBRVBNT PRAYER.

**And there is none that calleth
name, that stirreth up himself to tak
thee : for thou hast hid thy face from us
consumed us, hecause of our iniquities
btiv. 7.

Those that would take hold of
prayer so as to prevail with hii
stir up themselves to do it: aU
within us must be employed in tl
our thoughts fixed, and our ai
ardent.

To pray is to take hold of God b
to take hold of the promises and
darations God has made of his g<
to us, and to plead them with him :
hold of him, as of one who is t
depart from us, earnestly begging
not to leave us ; or of one \\i;x\. y& d
salieitiDg hia return •, to \.i!^^\x«^

345
as he that wrestles takes hold of him he
wrestles with ; for the seed of Jacob so
wrestle with him as to prevail. All that is
within us must be engaged and summoned
into the service. We must stir up the
gift that is in us, by a consideration of the
work that is before us, and a close appli-
cation of mind to it. But how can we
expect God should come to us in the ways
of mercy, when we neglect to do .this 5
when those that profess to be intercessors
are mere triflers ? No wonder, if our pro-
fession of religion wither and we grow dry
and sapless ; no wonder if God turn away
his face from us ; no wonder if he put us
in the fui'nace of trial ; not indeed to con-
sume us as dross, but to melt us as gold ;
"^o refine and new mould us.

When he saith to us, '^ Return ye back-
liding children/' should we not readily
dply, "Behold we come unto thee, for thou
•t the Lord our God ?" If he speak to us
' way of conviction and reproof, ought
\ not to answer, ^^ Father, we have sinned
unst heaven and in thy sight, and are
more worthy to be called thy children ?"
\e speak to us by way of comfort, ought
lot to reply in praises ? If we love Go4^
we be at a loss for BomeV>[vm?,\»o ^^ ^»
' Something for out liveOTX.% t^ ^^"^

346

out before him, whose grace has already
imparted it ? We may rest assured, and
should pray in this assurance, that where-
ever God finds a praying heart he will be
found a prayer-hearing God.

O our God, estrange us £rom every thing
that will not let us lore thee with all our
heart, and soul, and strength. O that we
were more sensibly affected with the know-
ledge and love of thy pei*fections : that, at
least, thy sparing and forbearing mercy
might fill, and everlastingly possess our
hearts with admiration ; that so we may,
with the greatest sorrow and grief, bewail
our offences against such tender compas-
sion towards us 1 O let the love of Christ
constrain us ; may we look unto Jesus, till
we feel that we do indeed love him ; that
he is all our salvation, and all our desire.

HYMN
For the Lord^t Dag Maming.

Prayer is the soul's sincere desire,

Utter'd, or unexpress'd ;
The motion of a hidden fire^

That tremhies in the hreast.

Prayer is the hurden of a sigh,

Tbt falling of a te%.T ;
The upward glancinf; oi «si «3«^
IFlen none but Go4 \ft ^iewc*

347

Prayer is the simplest form of speech

That infant lips can try ;
Prayer, the sublimes t strains that reach

The Majesty on high.

Prtfer is the Christian's rital breath.

The Christian's naliye ur ;
His watch-word at the gates of death :

He enters heaven with prayer.

Prayer is the contrite sinner's yoice,

Returning from his ways ;
While angels in their songs rejoice.

And cry, " Behold he prays."

In prayer on earth the saints are one^
In word, and deed, and mind :

When with the Father and his Son
Sweet fellowship they find.

Nor prayer is made on earth alone ;

The Holy Spirit pleads ;
And Jesus, on the eternal throne,

For sinners intercedes.

O Thou by whom we come to God,
The Life, the Truth, the Way !

The path of prayer thyself hast trod ;
Lord, teach us how to pray !

348 -

PRAYER

For the Lord's Day Morning,

Holy, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty !
thou art glorious in holiness, fearful in
praises, doing wonders. What wonders of
goodness and mercy hast thou done for us
unworthy and sinful creatures from oar
earliest existence up to the present hour !
Though we have misimproved so many
precious seasons of grace ; yet hast thou
most mercifully brought us to behold
another of the days of the Son of man. 0
may the day star from on high visit our
souls, and the sun of righteousness arise
upon us with healing in his wings. Help
ns on this day, the Lord's day, the type of
that glorious rest which remaineth for
the people of God, to rejoice and be ex-
ceeding glad. Help us so to remember
the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour,
that our hearts may ascend to the throne
of his glory. O Lord, make this day a
sabbath to our souls ; a day of spiritual
improvement, of heavenly consolation,
and near communion with thee. Banish
from our minds every v^\xv wdfti ^w\dl^
tbougbt} and may we beg^iv wA «^^^V^

349
to thy honour and our own salvation.
Blessed be thy name, O heavenly Father,
who hast pitied a sinful world, and given
thy dear Son to die, that we might live 5
and to rise again, that we might be justi-
fied. Blessed be our adorable Redeemer,
who took our flesh and blood,, and by bi8
sufferings and death reconciled us smful
creatures to thine offended Mfgesty.
Adored be thy divine mercy, which sent
thy glorious Gospel to this our land, and
has put into om* hands the sacred volume^
in which we read the covenant of grace^
and learn the way to everlasting life.

Help us this day to hear thy word, and
attend the ordinances of thy house with
pleasure and profit. O Holy Spirit, assist
and bless all thy ministering servants:
make them faithful to thee, faithful to the
truth, and faithful to the souls entrusted 4q
their charge. May they be mighty through
thee to convince the unconvinced, to con-
vert the unconverted, to heal them that
are of a contrite heart, and to build up
believers in their most holy faith. Espe-
cially bless thy truth to our own souls.
O that our consciences may this day be
awakened, our ujiderstanding enlightened^
our wills bowed to the obed\cne.e ^l ^"^^^JiXv^
our affections £xed on Yiea\^x\^ xNxxsv^

350
and our hearts enriched with divine graces
and consolations ! Make ns fenrent in
prayer, and joyful in praise. Deliver ns
from a wandering eye and heart. Let not
vain thoughts lodge within us^ or interrupt
our humble converse with thee. Let us
love the habitation of thy house^ and the
place where thy honour dwelleth. And at
the close of public worship^ may we find
our hearts the fitter for devout retirement.
We pray thee, O Lord, in behalf of those
who shall be unwillingly detained from thy
house ; comfort them in secret ; sanctify
their absence ; and as they are excluded
from the stream, give them to drink the
deeper at the fountain head.

Graciously accept this our morning tri-
bute of praise and thanksgiving for Jesus
Christ's sake. In the evening let our own
experience jojrfuUy testify that a day spent
in nearness to God, is better than a thou-
sand spent in earthly pleasures. And
while we are favoured with such means of
grace, and foretastes of glory, may we
look and long more ardently for the better
work and worship of an infinitely better
sabbath at thy right-hand. Hear, O Lord,
IB heaven, thy dwelling place ; and when
tbou bearest, forgive : awd d<^ for us.^ and
ifer sdl whom we would bew ou ovsNi^'^aN^

351
jfore thee, according to the riches of thy
•ace in the great Redeemer : to whom,
ith Thyself, and the Holy Spirit^ be end-
ss praises. Amen.

HYMN

Far the Lord's Day Evenings

Jesiis^ where'er thy people meet,
There they behold thy mercy-seat :
Where'er they seek thee, thou art found ;
And ev'ry place is hallow'd ground.

For thou, within no walls confin'd^
Inhabitest the humble mind :
Such ever bring thee where they come ;
And, going, take thee to their home.

Dear Shepherd of thy chosen few,.
Thy former mercies here renew ;
Here to our waiting souls proclum
The sweetness of thy saying name.

Here may we prove the pow'r of prayer
To strengthen faith, and sweeten care :
To teach our faint desires to rise.
And bring all heaven before our eyes.

Lord, we are few, but thou art near ;
Nor short thine arm, nor de«i^ 1i)K«\^ «Kt\
Ob! rend the heavens, coiae <\ys\c\i^ ^«H^sv^
AndjuAke each wavering \iean i6\iVB.«i o'^^-

352

PRAYER

For the Lord^s Day Evening.

Blessed and glorious Majesty, we desire
humbly to adore thee, as the God and
Father of our Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, and through him as our reconciled
God and Father. We have none in hea-
ven but thee, and there is nothing upon
earth we would desire beside thee. Thy
favour is life, and thy loving-kindness is
better than life. Thou hast given us all
things richly to enjoy, pertaining both to
life and godliness. *Evei*y day hast thou
loaded us with thy benefits. On this thy
holy day .thou hast taught us the know-
ledge of thyself, and of thy dear Son,
whom to know is life eternal. Thou hast
set before us life and death, blessing and
cursing, good and evil, that we might flee
from the wrath to come, and secure the
blessings of thy people. Thou hast shewed
us the evil of sin, the danger of an uncon-
verted state, and the riches of pardoning
grace and love. Thou hast invited us by
tbf precious promises, and hast opened to
our view the glories o? tt\^ \\^wfi\\^Viw^-
^■^ Hoh'ness has m some ^egc^ev^p^^ta^^

353

• us in its beauty, sin in its deformity,
hrist in his all -sufficiency to save, and
ly Holy Spirit iu bis gracious influences
» renew our natures, and fit us for a per-
ct sabbatb at tby rigbt-band.

Adored be tbine infinite mercy, if any

• us have experienced tby recovering
-ace ! If thou hast plucked us ad bran£
it of the burning : if thy pardoning love
itb delivered us from guilt and condemna*
on, let our souls here find a refuge from
ine eternal wrath. [*To us thy pro-
ises are all yea and amen in Christ Jesus*
itau, the world, and death are overcome
r us. O death ! where is tby sting ?

grave! where is thy victory f Because
brist lives, we shall live also. Because
ir head is glorified, we shall be glorified
itb him. Once we were dead in sin, but
e now quickened to spiritual life. Long
3re we in ignorance and unbelief^ but are
>w light in the Lord. Too long were we
rnal, sold under sin, but the Holy Spirit
kth renewed us, in the law of our mind.
Lessed be the God and Father of our
)rd Jesus Christ, who bath blessed us
tb all spiritual blessings in heavenly
ings in Christ. O that every soulo{>&&>

^ TbiM parenthesis ma^ be omitted vrtiero \\x^ xc^sv^ ^
remder cminot rise §o high,

854
not one excepted^ may bear for itself a
joyful part in these thanksgivings and
praises ! And why, Lord, are we regene-
rated and sanctified, but to love, and praise,
and sei-ve thee ?] We beseech thee, per-
fect these weak and languid graces. Make
ns more holy, and heavenly, and bring n8
nearer to thyself in faith and love, that we
may rise higher in thy praises.

Lord, pardon the sins of our holy thingfi.
Give us grace to live a life of communion
with thee, both in the diligent use of tbifie
ordinances, and a watchful observance of
thy providences, trusting in thee at all
times, pouring out our hearts before thte,
and rejoicing in thy love and favour.
What we know not, do thou teach us. and
wherein we have done iniquity, help us to
do so no more. Fix our affections on things
above, and let time, and the things of time, ' I
be as nothing to us compared with eternal
glory- Fit us for every thing between
this and the grave ; every service or suffer-
ing, every temptation and conflict. In all
conditions and relations may we glorify -
thee, maintain a good conscience, ani j !
welcome thy whole Avill Avith a lively liope,
and holy joy, in thy salvation by Jesus <
Christ When we come to ^\e^ wiay we ;
bMve dear evidences ior \iewe\i^ 'tL^^^

356
ourse with joy, and an entrance be
tercd unto us abundantly into the
sisting kingdom of our Lord and
»ur, and graciously afford us e^ery
nal and family blessing. Take us
r thy protection this night : be with
all our ways through the following
. Help us to carry with us into every
iuty, and occurrence, the temper and
inents of thy day. May we by this
kth be brought nearer to, and made
for, aglorious eternal sabbath. Having
Uy remembered our Lord's resurrec*
may we more ardently look for and
n to his last coming, and our appear-
with him in glory. In him may we
)und and accepted, both living and
; ; and to him with thyself, O Father,
ttie Spirit of grace and consolation
I honour and glory. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Monday Morning,

he threshing shall reach to the vintage : and
Qtage to the seed time ! the ploughman sliall
ike the reaper : and the treader of grapes
bat soweth seed." Amos ix. 13.

itics are the harvests and vintages o€
ouls. O what blessed IVve^ %\vo>oiAL^^
iid WQ so improve aud \i\x^^Ai^ 'wNisai

356
we gain in one duty^ that it might last us
to another ! that the life, and warmth, and
refreshment of the last might be retained
till the next ; and that thus we might be
carried on in a holy, lively, and hcaveBly
frame, from duty to duty ; as Israel walked
on from strength to strength, till they
came and appeared before God in Sion.

lliat which keeps us so low and barren
in religion is, that whatever we have ob-
tained of the Lord in duties or ordinances,
we presently lose it. When we have been
sometimes weeping before the Lord, and
wrestling with him, and pleading hard for
some quickening or comforting influences
of his Spirit upon our hearts ; and the Lord
has heard us and given us our desires : yet
then, as soon as duty is over wc go awayi
forget all, and bury all that we have thus
obtained in a confused heap of worldly
thoughts and business. We unbend, and
let down our spirits, and lay aside all
thoughts of God, till wc come to duty
again. We content ourselves to live in :
such an estrangement from God all the
rest of our time, that sin and the world |
have a whole day's time to null down what .
■||iM^||aduty has been building ; a whole I
^^^^^^hc to destroy \5A\^ ^\.^\s\ ^jjwax
^^ With hatli goXleTv m % ^^^ ^x '^

357
returns of duty we find our hearts at the
same loss, in the same deadness and hard-
ness that they were before. In the Old
Testament, though the sacrifices were
o£fered but morning and evening, yet the
fire that kindled them was not to go out
night nor day : there must be fire kept
alive from the morning sacrifice, to kindle
the evening sacrifice 5 and fire left from
the evening to kindle the morning sacri-
fice. O ! behold, how often it is, that
though at our morning sacrifice a fire is
kindled; yet we let this fire lie all day
under the ashes, and take so little care to
keep it alive, that it is quite out before the
evening ; and when we come to ofler our
evening sacrifice, we have no fire to kindle
it.

Brethren, hath the Lord visited you, and
quickened you in duty ? Oh ! think with
yourselves, what a sweet life should I live,
might it be thus with me always 1 what
pity it is that such light should ever go
out : that such grace should be so short
lived ! If I do not look to myself better,
this sunshine will last but a little while ;
and how will the Lord take it, if I suffer
the sparks which he hath kindV^di^ %^ «vsl^-
denly to he guenched? How VftTCv^ 'e*^^
ike to prosper if^ for an Yvour^l «ccckVs^ v»

368
mount with God, raised up to heaven for
the time ; and then within a few hours after,
sunk into the mire of the earth > What a
sad change is this ! When will your souls
come to any thing if you have only some
few such lucid intervals^ and all the rest
of your time covered over with clouds and
darkness ? Beloved^ if ever you expect to
prosper in grace, or be settled in peace,
oe careful of maintaining your praying
comforts. Do not think to make use of
them to save you the labour of after care;
but to help you to be more careful and
fruitful. Let your eye be much upon your
hearts : observe diligently how they hold
up or sink, that so, if there be the least
damp or decay growing upon you, you may
observe it before it is gone too far. It is
no wonder that we lose all upon such a ,
sudden, if, as soon as our duties are over
we go away, and think no more where we
have been, or what we have been about ;
as if we were well content to take our leave
of our duties and our God together ! When
you come from yoiu* closets still watch
your hearts ; see to it, that the temptations >
gMHim|with do not so easily divert your j
^^^^^ybtom what you have been begging

— ^ C^tg to tine liOX^VsL ^^\X ^-^^^si^r

359
3n8. No business, no company can
ier this duty : and this will be a special
outage to you ; therefore neglect it not.
ry sigh or breathing of your soul hea-
wards will fetch down fresh inilueuces
n heaven upon you !
let us make present use of what we hare
lined. God gives grace^ anid strength^
life^ for use ; and use will preserve it.
;h the Lord warmed thy heart? Go
m thy brother's heart, and that will
p thine own from cooling. Hath God
ken comfortably to thy soul? go and
ik of thy God, and what he hath done
thee to others. Hath God inclinedand
-eby fitted thee for action ? take the sea^
for doing good in which thou can^t
; shew thy love to that Saviour who
id us and gave himself for us.

HYMN

For Monday Morning.

Our God is love ; and all his saints

His image bear below :
The heart with love to God inspired

With love to man will glow.

O may we love each other, Lord,

As we are lov'd of thc^ :
For none are truly bom oi do^
Who live in eauaSsf.

S60

Heirs of the same immortal bliss,
Our hopes and fears the same ;

llie cords of love our hearts should bi
The law of love inflame.

So shall the vain contentious world
Our peaceful lives approve ;

And wond'ring say, as they of old,
*^ See how these christians love !"

PRAYER

For Monday Morning.

A FAMILY THANKSGIVING.

Bless the Lord, O our souls I O \a
our God) thou art very great, and clotl
with honour and majesty ! Thou cover
thyself with light as with a garmei
Thou stretchest out the heavens like
curtain ! Thou hast laid the foundatic
of the earth, that they should not
moved. The world is thine, O Loi
and the fulness thereof! Thou h;
founded it on the seas, and established
on the floods 1 And all that dwell, i
only on this earth, but in all places of t
boundless dominion, are thine ; the cr<
tares of thy power, the cXviXiftiS^ii ^^ t
providence, aud the ExiSajecVA ol W^

361
vemment ! We, who are but a small part
of thy family on earth, are met together
with the return of another day, to adore
and magnify, to bless and praise thy holy
name : for that thy name is near, thy
wondrous works of goodness and never-
failing mercy declare. We have lain us
down and slept, and are again awaked the
living to praise thee ; because thou, O
Lord, hast sustained us. Our voice shalt
thou hear in the morning : ^^ In the morn*
ing will we direct our prayer to thee and
look up.'^ Thine we are, and thee would
we serve. We will praise thee, O Lord,
as long as we have any being ! We com-
mit ourselves and all belonging to us to thy
special care, protection, and guidance
through this day. We are entering on a
day cf business ; be with us, O Lord, we
beseech thee, in all our honest and lawful
undertakings. Enable us to be diligent,
upright, and faithful in our several employ-
ments and stations ! Let not our hearts en-
vy sinners, but may we be in the fear of the
Lord all the day long. And do thou, who
art wonderful in counsel and excellent in
working, give us that wisdom which is pro-
fitable to direct us in our affak^^ «c^^
crown all with thy blessing.
We are entering on aaotYiet dowj of coti

362

frum service and usefulness in life : O teach
\is to employ our talents and capacities
more and more for thy honour, and to the
benefit of mankind. May wc more habit-
ually glorify thee in our bodies and spi-
rits, which are thine.

We are entering on a day of tt'ial : help
us, Lord, we beseech thee, to acquit our-
selves well through the whole of it ; that
our hearts may not justly reproach or
condemn us for any allowed sin.

We are entering on a day of care, and
quite ignorant about the events of it : but
known unto God are all its events : they
ai'e under thy direction, and subject to thy
controul. Help us that we may be over
careful for nothing. If it please thee may
we pass this day in a comfortable manner.
But, whatever may be thy will, may we in
patience and thankfulness possess our
souls ; and may the peace of God, which
passeth all understanding, keep our hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus.

We are entering on another day thai brings
us so much nearer to our last day^ and to
an awful unchangeable eternity ! Lord, so
teach us to number our days, that we may
apply our heai*ts unto wisdom. May we
be found discharging t\\e ^xjAXfe^ ^^ ^x^^^
*•- in its season, and itoxa nv«l\. ^^^e«i^ ^«^^

363
Four appointed time till our change comes,
nd novv^ O Lord, hear, accept, and bless
i ; and do for us above all we can ask or
link, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

HYMN
For Monday Evetiing.

Come magnify the Lord with me,
Come, let us all exalt his name :

I sought the eternal God, and he
Has not expos'd my hope to shune.

I told him all my secret grief.
My secret groanings reach'd his ears ;

He gaye my inward pains relief^
And calm'd the tumult of my fears.

To him the poor lift up their eyes ;

On them his love delights to shhie :
A beam of mercy from the skies

nils them with light and joy divine. :

His holy angels pitch their tents

Around the men that serve the Lord ;

O fear and love him, all his saints ;
Taste of his grace, and trust his word.

Lord, we will bless thee all our days.

Thy pndse shall dwell u^^cm o^x \«^^BaA\
Oar souls shall glory m thy ^gwwc^^ *

While Baints rejoioe toloiQwr <y^»r %^^^«'

364

PRAYER

For Monday Evening.

O most holy Lord God Almighty, who is
a God like unto thee ! Thou art infinitely
blessed in thyself, and the gracious author
of all our blessings. Thou art the only
sovereign Lord^ who canst do what thou
pleasest in heaven and earth. Thou alone
hast everlasting life in thyself, and thou
only canst bestow it upon others.

O our God, we are ashamed, and blush
to lift our faces before thee ; for our in-
iquities are increased over our heads, and
our trespasses are grown up even unto the
heavens. If we should attempt to justify
ourselves, our own mouths would condemn
us. We have walked after vanity and be-
come vain : we have forsaken our own
mercies. Our hearts are bent to backslide
from thee the living God ; they are deceit-
ful above all things, and desperately wick-
ed.

Lord, we come to thee, as the poor pub-
lican, praying, " God be merciful unto me
a sioner." Sprinkle our consciences with
the blood of Jeswa, aivfli ^^ ^viS^ \«.
clean ; wash us in ttiat ct\to»oti \w«sX\&si^

365
and we shall be whiter than snow. May we
be justified freely through faith in Christ
Jesus. Let us have access unto that grace
wherein thy believing people standi and re-
joice in hope of the glory of God. Let thy
Spirit witness with our spirits, that we are
children of God^ and joint heirs with
Christ.

Lord give us a wise and understanding
heart : that which we know not teach
thou us. O Holy Spirit guide us into all
truth, and make us to understand wherein
we have erred. Make thy way plain before
our face. Lord give us to believe, and
make us strong in faith, giving glory to
God. Let our hearts be purified by faith ;
and by faith enable us to overcome the
world, to resist the devil, and to live con*
tinually upon Jesus, drawing out of his ful-
ness grace for grace. Unite our hearts to
fear thy name, that we may never depart
from thee. Give us grace to love thee
supremely, to delight ourselves always in
thee, and thus experience the fulfilment of
the desires of our souls.

May the very God of peace sanctify us
wholly, and may our whole spirit be pre-
served blameless unto the coming of cs\wt
Lord Jesus Christ. Let gooAn^^^ '^fic^^
mercy follow us all the da^s oi ^>W! \J&s

366'
and when we walk through the valley of the
shadow of death, be thou with us, that we
may fear no evil. Redeem our souls from
the power of the grave, and at length re-
ceive us to thy glory, through Jesus Christ,
our blessed Lord and Saviour ; to whom
with Thee, and the Holy Spirit, be all
honor and glory, thanksgiving and praise,
for ever and ever. Amen.

MEDITATION

For Tuesday Morning.

god's lovr to sinful man.

*^ For God so loved the world, that he g^ve his
only begotten Son^ that whosoever believeth in
him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John iii. 16.

God in Christ, is a God of pity and com-
passion to us ; a God of patience, a God of
mercy, with whom is plenteous redemp-
tion ; a God pardoning iniquity, and pass*
ing by transgression : loving us in our
low estate; pai*doning and washing us;
saving us from our sins and from the
wrath to come. Such is the great love
that kindles ours *, abused lov^^ ^protK^ced
Jor^j and yet /orgimng \o\^\ '^\«;^ vk

3
whom much is forgiven, will love much !
Now, in Christ, we have not only an
interest in God, but, in some degree, a
present posiessiout ^^ He that hath the Son^
hath the Father also/' We see his light,
we behold and taste his goodness, we en-
j6y his presence, he dwelleth in us, and
we in him ; and hence we love, and herein
we rejoice. No wonder, that carnal hearts
are strangers to this. But, oh ! what a
sad wonder it is that Saints, who have
so often mounted towards heaven, are yet
no nearer home : that they, whose feet are
so often on the mountain of the Lord,
should be still so much on earth ; so far
from God, when God is among them.
Where, Christians, are your affections ?
How is it they are here below ? What
have you here ? Your city is above, your
home is above, your God, your Jesus, your
treasure is above. How is it that where
your treasure is, your hearts are not also ?
that you direct to heaven your eyes, your
prayers, your complaints, your promises^
and still leave your hearts below ? Did we
love our God more, we certainly should
be more with him, and to better purpose ;
we should not go away without his blessing
nor throw it away when we YissA Q>Q\»"«i\xv^
jU. Without this what \s \luwA&^%^

368
faith, hope^ and patience ? Dost thou valva,
thy soul ? Is rehgion, is heaven^ is Chii^
is God himself of any account with thee }
Then prize love to God : without whicb
he is no God to thcc ; Christ is no Christ
to thee ; heaven is no heaven for thee ;
better thou hadst no being than be desti-
tute of this. O prize the love of God;
prize and seek, prize and pray : pray as
for thy soul, as for thy everlasting kiag-
dom ! Love and thou wilt be holy, liumble,
and fruitful; love and thou wilt please,
praise, and enjoy thy God. How little
affectionate warmth is there in our spirits!
Do we feel our hearts tending upwards^
ascending in our own flames ? We wUh
well to his name and interest, wc wish he
were ours 5 we wish ourselves his. Oh !
if wishing were loving, what Christians
should wc be ! But doth the kingdom 1
of God stfffer violence? the kingdom of 1
heaven may offer violence if it will, and
take us by force ; but how little violence
dotli it suffer ! We say we love God ; wc
desire to be holy ; but is there nothing we
desire more? O how few cordial friends
hath Clirist in the world ; and how little
affection from those few 1 So little, that we
cannot tell ourselves whether it be any
tlung' or nothing How mairj xciaxV^ \a»&\

3G9
-e consider ere we can prove its exist-
Qce ; and yet at last be still in doubt !
low few of us can make our appeal to
Em^ '^Lord^ thou knowest that I love
dee." O Lord^ do thou kindle in our souls
tils sacred fire ; and then shall our mouth
e opened ; then will we speak of the glo-
ious honour of thy majesty, and of thy
rondrous works. Then shall we sing of
he name which the Lord hath claimed ;
The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and
racious, forgiving iniquity, transgression
nd sin, full of compassion, slow to anger^
nd of great mercy \" The Lord is good to
U, and his tender mercies are over all his
rorks. Let thy saints bless thee ; let them
bundantly utter the memory of thy good-
ess, and sing of thy righteousness. O our
rod, thou art all love, all goodness, all
race ! let thy servants be aH love, and
raise, and joy.

HYMN

For Tuesday Morning.

Come, all harmopious tongues,
Your noblest music bimg *.
^8 Cbrist, the eyerlastm^ Oo^\
And Christy the Man, we «vtL^*
2a

370

Tell how he took our fleshy
To take awaj our gfuilt :
Tell of the drops of sacred blood.
That hellish monsters spilt*

Down to the shades of death
He bow'd his awful head :
Yet he arose to live and re\f^
When death itself is dead.

No more the bloody spear,
The cross and nails no more :
For hell itself shakes at his name.
And all the heay'ns adore»

There the Redeemer sits.
High on his Father's throne ;
The Father lays his yengeance by.
And smiles upon his Son.

PRAYER

For Tuesday Morning,

FOR HOLINESS.

O most gracious Father, thou hast inri-
ted all who feel their need of thy ^race to
come unto thee ; and hast promised that
those who come thou^ wilt not cast out
Than fiUest the Vmngt^ vnxV ^^^M^d things, ..
whilst the rich are seux. e\xjL^\^ ^ww^, ^\

371

that we may hunger and thirst after thy
pardoning and sanctifying grace ; and may
we desire nothing so much as to experi-
ence thy peace^ thy favour, and thy love.
We are brought to the beginning of this
day that therein we may increase in the
knowledge of thee, and give thee glory. O
grant that this great end of our life may
be fully answered.

Thou, O God, art a holy God : Christ
our Saviour is a holy Saviour : thy Spirit
is the holy Spirit : thy heaven is a holy
place : thy angels are holy angels : and thy
redeemed people are a holy people. O
Lord make us also holy ; for without ho-
liness we cannot see thee. May our hearts
be separated from sin to thee. May we
not only abstain from sin, but really hate
it because thou hatest it. May we hate
all sin. Whatever is inconsistent with thy
will, that may we abhor. May we make
conscience of our words and thoughts as
well as of our actions. May we desire not
so much to appear good in the eyes of our
fellow creatures, as to be so in thy sight.
May we labour to approve ourselves to
thee, thou heart-searching God. May thy
word be the rule of our conduct •, th^ %Wsn
the end of our conversation •, toT vi^^'os

^ot enter into heaven till we «r^ t\voL^Tfis

AoJjr. 2 A 2

\ salvation. May thy grace al^

! before and follow us, and make us i

ally to be given to all good works. ]
^?|: ; and multiply upon us thy mere
~ I thou being our ruler and guide^ we
pass through things temporal^ tha
f . we lose not the things which are
We acknowledge that we can do i
■[ thing without thee ; O grant us t

of thy grace, that, in keeping th
mandments, we may please thee
will and deed.

O Lord, as we are dying sinners,
seech thee, for the sake of thy de
mercifully to hear our prayers,
snare us who confess our sins un

373
of those who shall be monuments of thy
grace for evermore.

We have nothing to plead in our own
behalf but that Christ died to save sin-
ners. We lie entirely at thy mercy, and
have no hope but in the name of that gra-
cious Lord and Saviour, whom thou hast
anointed to give repentance and remission
of sin ; to him be glory for ever and ever.
Amen.

HYMN

For Tuesday Evening*

Shew pity. Lord ; oh Lord, forgive ;
Let a repenting rebel ]ive :
Are not thy mercies large and free ?
May not a sinner trust in thee?

My crimes, though great, do not sarpass
The power and glory of thy grace :
Great God, thy nature hath no bound !
So let thy pardoning love be found.

O wash my soul from every sin,
And make my guilty conscience clean ;
Here on my heart the burden lies.
And past offences round me rise.

My lips with shame my sins confess
Against thy law, against thy grace i
Lord^ should thy judgment gtONV %^n«c^>
Mm eondemued^ but thou. «rt Q\t»s\

374

Should sudden vengeance seize my breath,
I must pronounce thee just in death :
And if my soul were sent to hell.
Thy righteous law approves it well.

Yet save a tremhling sinner. Lord t
Whose hope, still hov'ring round thy wor4
Would light on some sweet promise there,
Some sure support agunst despair.

PRAYER

For Tuesday Evening.

A PENITENTIARV PRAYBR.

O Lord God, merciful and gracious^ who
wiliest not the death of a sinner^ but
wouldest rather that he turn and live ; ytt
feel and confess that we are sinners before
thee. We were born with inclinations to
that which is evil, and have too much fol-
lowed those inclinations all our lives.
We have lived at a distance from thee,
forgetting our own souls^ and that eternal
world into which we must shortly enter.
We have been strangers to that holy and
heavenly life which can alone prepare us
for eternal blesaediiea^ *) «ii^ ^wvthout love ■ <
to that adorable Sovioxa vfti^ to ^w^^^^

375
who wept, and bled, and died for us ! With
what affecting language did he plead with
us ! He called, but we did not answer I
He assured us, ^^ He that cometh unto me
I will no wise cast out \'^ but we were not
moved. His compassion yearned orer us ;
but our hearts did not relent. ^His blessed
Spirit awakened our conscience ; but how
soon did it fall asleep again ! Lord, we
are ashamed to look back upon our lives.
What deep and heartfelt contrition do our
sins call for! Lord, give iis that godly
sorrow which worketh repentance unto
salvation, not to be repented of. We
have taken upon ourselves the christian
name, but often, alas ! have we fallen to
the dishonour of God, the discredit of re->
ligion, the wounding of ourselves, and the
grieving of others. We confess, O Lord,
that we have often neglected thy service,
and slighted thy love, and that our duties
have been performed in a cold, sluggish,
and heartless manner. We have not im-
proved the talents thou hast given us to
thy glory, or to the edification of our felt-
low creatures. We have suffered the love
of the world to weaken our graces, and
much evil has been mixed with our good.
Often while we have slept, om\\Xm% ^'^^
pliitual watch, has Satan s\ir^t\»}b^ ^^^

376
and temptation prevailed over onr souls.
We have too much conformed to the cus-
toms of a 8inful world, and lived contrarj'
to our profession^ and below our hopes as
members of thy spiritual churchy and re-
cipients of thy grace. What a slow pro-
gress have we made in the ways of holi-
ness 1 How frequent and strong have been
the. workings of unbelief^ pride^ passion,
envy, and uncharitableness ! Lord, how
have our sins been aggravated by the love
and mercy thou hast shewn to us, and the
long experience we have had of thy bounty
and goodness ! Though thou art our God,
how often have we offended against thee !
though thou art our Father, how often
have we displeased thee ! How have we
by our sins wounded that Redeemer who
died for us, and grieved that Holy Spirit
who has comforted us ! O for a faroken
heart and a contrite spirit ! O for inward
shame and heartfelt remorse 1 O that our
stony hearts might be broken, and be
turned into hearts of flesh ! Thou hast
mercifully invited those who are weary
and heavy laden to come unto thee, and
hast promised that thou wilt refresh diem.
O let us experience the refreshing io-
Auences of thy grs^fie on ou£ souls this

377

which are many and great, neither take
thou vengeance of our sins ; but spare us,
-good Lord, spai^e us whom thou hast i*e-
deemed with thy most precious bloody and
:be- not angry with us for ever. We ask
for repentance, for mercy, for pardon and
grace, only tturough the merits and me-
diation of him who loved us, and gave
himself for us : in whom we hope to be
found living and dying, and for ever. Amen •

■ « ■

MEDITATION

For Wednesday Morning,

SPIRITUAL JOY.

** And these things write we unto you that your
joy may be full." 1 John i. 4.

The Grospel dispensation is not a dispen-
fiati6n of fear, sorrow, and dread ; but one
of peace and joy. Terror and astonishment
.may well attend mount Sinai; but exul-
tation and joy become mount Sion, where
appears the eternal Word, the eternal Life,
manifested in our flesh.

The mystery of the Christian religion is
directly calculated to inspire mortals with
joy. It should be joy to \i8 XJaaX^ XJc^^ ^XKt-
jualSon of God should come to ^e^vsi^^^^

378
us ; that he made a full atonement for our
sins ; that he has conquered sin, death,
and hell ; that he lives as our intercessor
and advocate with the Father ; and that he
will come again to perfect and glorify his
persevering believers. They, therefore)
live below the use and end of the christian
revelation, that are not filled with spirit-
ual joy. Believers should rejoice in thdr
happy relation to God, as his sons and
heirs, beloved and adopted : in their happy
relation to the Son of God, as his members
and co-heirs with himself ; in the pardon
of their sins, the sauctification of their
natures, the adoption of their persons, and
in the prospect of grace and glory that will
be revealed at the return of their Lord
and Head from heaven. Were they con-
firmed in their holy faith, how would they
rejoice ! The disciples were filled with joy,
and with the Holy Ghost. And for' this
purpose the Apostles declared that which
they had seen and heard, '^ that ye may have
fellowship with us/' The Apostle means not
personal fellowship; but such as is consist-
ent with personal distance from each other.
It is from communion with heaven, and in
blessings that come from thence and tend
tbither, that our fe\\ov?s\vv5 ^^es. This
we declare and teatity, VSctax. lowxiwj ^Smr.

879
with us in our privileges and happiness.
Those who are made happy by gospel grace,
would fain have others happy too. We
see also that there is a fellowship or com-*
munion that runs through the whole
church of God. There may be some per-
sonal distinctions and peculiarities} but
there is a communion or common partici-
pation of privilege and dignity belonging
to all saints, from the highest apostle to
the lowest believer. As there is the same
precious faith, there are the same precious
promises dignifying and crowning that
faith, and the same precious blessings and
glories enriching and filling those pro*
mises. That believers may be ambitious
of this communion ; that they may be in*
stigated to retain and hold fast the faith
that is the means of such communion; that
the Apostles also may manifest their love
to the disciples in assisting them to the
same communion with themselves, they
open to them what it is and where it is.
And truly our fellowship is with the Father
and his Son Jesus Christ. We have com-
munion with the Father and the Son in our
happy relation to them, in our receiving
heavenly blessings from them, and in our
spiritual converse witli tYieixv. >N^\vw^
ttowsucb cajmnunioa witYvOodLWcA^^tofv^

380

as is a foretaste of our everlasting abode
with them, and enjoyment of them in the
heavenly glory. See whither the Gospel
revelation tends to advance us ! far aboye
sin and earth : and to carry us to blessed
communion with the Father and the Son.
See for what end the eternal life was
made flesh ! that he might advance us to
eternal life in communion with the Father
and himself. Hear thy blessed Lord when
he says, ^^ Behold ! I stand at the door and
knock/' Let not then the world be ad-
mitted, and let not our hearts go with our
cares to the ends of the earth ; let oar
spiritual desires be so strong as to drown
the noise of these disturbers, and command
silence to every impertinent thought.

Behold those cords of love that are let
down in every ordinance ! in every provi-
dence there is a cord let down to gather
up hearts. Heai^ken to those divine calls !
Come up hither, come up hither. We
come ; Lord, thou bidst us come ; O lend
us thy hand, and lift us up. Come on, chris-
tians, come let us be happy. If we love
we are happy, we live. Let us then rejoice ;
let us live : While we linger on this earth
we die. Let every duty, every exercise,
every power, our Y^odie^ ^tA q»>)s «!qu1s be
Vfing sacrifices, lioVy wx^ w«KJ^v»a«^ n^

381
m. Canst thou not love ? Look till thou
nst ; look up to thy God^ send up thy
oughts thither. Let thy meditations be
him : these will not be long before the
rone ere they draw up thy heart. Look
i thy Saviour; behold his hands and his
et. Lift up a prayer 5 Lord if thou lov*
t me, let me love thee ! I, would seek
11 I can see and feel myself drawn by
e sight. What have I here, Lord ! My all
with thee, my help, my hope, my trea-
ire, my life is hid with Christ in Grod.
''here my treasure is, there let my heart
) also. Amen.

HYMN

For Wednesday Morning.

O happy souls ! O glorious state,

Of overflowing grace :
When saints approach their Father's seat.

And see his lovely face.

They find access at every hour,

To God within the vail ;
Hence they derive a^uick'ning pow'r,

And joys that never fail.

Lord, I address thy heavenly t\vxow^.

Call me a child of thine •,
Send down the Spirit of thy 80x1,
To form my heart divine.

862

There shed thy choicest lore abroad.
And make my comforts strong ;

Then shall I say my Father Godj
With an unwavering tongue.

PRAYER

Fw Wednesday Morning.

Almighty God^ who art a Father to
a Redeemer to save^ and a Spirit to sa
us unworthy sinners j look dowu in i
upon us this morning, and enable
look up to thee in faith and hope. A
we pray thee, our heartfelt thanks fc
light of another day, and the safet;
rest of the past night. Enable us n^
lift up our hearts unto thee, as a God
ing prayer, and receiving and pard
sinners who come unto thee in the
of thy beloved Son. We bless thee
he is engaged for us in the covenant
demption. May we exercise faith ii
as the faithful and true witness. Ma
give up ourselves to be ruled, and tfi
and saved by him in whom we hav
and free salvation. Help us to drau
to thee for mercy and g^race, m depen
on him as our righteousness ; and
ybriA to every dw^ \u de^^xiA^.'wce* ou h
our strength. Every a«cs \no>3\^\^^

383
[) grow up into a nearer and holier com-
lunion with thee, and receive out of his
ilness grace for grace. May the great-
ess of our necessities, the strength of our
irruptions, and the subtlety of Satan's
nnptations, engage our hearts to greater
atchfulness and prayer. In our daily
'alk and conversation may we rejoice in
ly promises^ and have respect to all thy
3mmandment8. O fill us with all the
races of thy Spirit, and with peace of
onscience through thy redeeming love,
fay we at all times feel assured that the
•ord God will help us ; and that, therefore,
e shall not be confounded.
We bless thee that we have a Savioui* to
ope in. Having such an advidcaie with
le Father, we would not only > come boldly
> the throne of grace, but would sit down
ader its shadow with 'delight, to behold
le beauty of the vL<QFd> .and to enquire in
is temple. O'ftiou God of love! shew
ito us here thy loving kindness; cause
1 thy goodness to pass before us; proclaim
ly name as the Lord God, merciful and
racious, and let the joy of the Lord be our
rength. May we delight ourselves in
lee as the fountain of blessedness : and
f faith may we rely upon t\i^ ^x^^cvssvsa
claration, ^^Fear not, 1 ara VvVXv \X\fc^

384
lam thy shield and exceeding great rei
I will strengthen thee, yea I will u]
thee with the right hand of my right
ness.*^ Let this be to our souls the
of joy and gladness. Thus may we r»
thy love and stay ourselves on the m
God of Jacob, saying, ^^Thou art oui
and we will exalt thee ! We will praifi
name, for thy counsels of old are fail
ness and truth." Thus would we blesi
while we live, we would praise thee ^
we have any being, and, after this life
we be admitted to dwell at thy right
where there is fulness of joy and plea
for evermore. We ask all for the dea
deemer's sake ; to whom with Thysel
the blessed Spirit be ascribed et
praises. Amen.

HYMN
For Wednesday Evening,

Father, I long, I faint to see
The place of thine abode :

I'd leave thy earthly courts and flee
Up to thy seat, my God.

Here I behold thy distant face,

And 'tis ft pleasing sight :
But to abide in tViVae vukX^t^c^
Is lignite delight.

385

I'd part with all the joys of sense,

To gaze upon thy throne :
Pleasure springs fresh for erer thence.

Unspeakable, unknown. ' * *

There all the heavenly hosts arevseen,

In shining ranks they move.
And drink immortal vigor in.

With wonder and with love.

There at thy feet with awful fear ^

Th' adoring armies fall.
With joy they shrink to nothing there

Before the eternal All.

There I would vie with all the host

In duty and in bliss :
While less than nothing I could boast, •:

And vanity confess.

The more thy glories strike mine eyes.

The humbler I shall lie :
Tlius while I sink my joys shall rise

Unmeasurably high.

PRAYER

For Wednesday Evening,

O thou God of infinite goodwe^ wA
ve, we desire to adore auA \A«.%^ >Jckfcfe>
t only as altogether lovely \ti WvVdl^ «wo.

2 B

i VAAV^Vy f VlAUlAA WW M.M.M.\JMJL VXA\^ *A«& AAX^O V ««U

f no greater bliss : yea, that thou

only given us capacities for doii
I also the greatest obligations 1

our hearts unto it.

til Yet, alas! how cold and defl

been our love ! In what estran^

heart from thee, our God, ar

against thee have we lived ! O

have done foolishly and wicked

f saking thee, the fountain of livii

J ' and hewing out to ourselves brok<

: I ; that can hold no water : we hay<

;:{.. hearts against thee our chief ^

;.'; preferred the trifles and vaniti

, i; • present world, and the gratifying

387
3turns of love to thee. O discover to us
le vanity of all that would draw our
earts from thee ; reveal thyself to us as
ur life, our hope, our joy; and may we
lore ardently long to appear before thee,
nd delight in the duties that bring us near
> thee, and advance us in communion with
dee. Increase our love to thy word, to
he things of thy Spirit, and the means of
race. And let us find more satisfaction
nd pleasure in the light of thy counte-
ance, than in all the enjoyments of this
[fe. O let us not rest in thy gifts, forget-
ul of thee, the bountiful giver of all good :
ut by every cord of love draw us still
tearer to thyself. Help us, O Lord, to
aanifest our devotion to thee by hating
Jl iniquity, keeping thy commandments,
nd delighting to do thy will. Guard us
>y thine almighty power, guide us by thine
merring wisdom, and so cleanse us by the
perpetual inspiration of thy holy Spirit,
hat we may rejoice in all thy perfections.
Jnder the trials and afflictions of life, may
ve look unto thee and be lightened ; and
)0ssess our souls with such an abiding
jense of thy mercy, that we may draw nigh
;o thee in every time of perplexity and
trial, and so pass the days o£ o\xt ^oysv^t^^-
ughere in tby faith and fear, \\ia\^\.V^\^

2b2

388
we may attain to the possession of tl
peace which passeth sdl understandii
and which is the everlasting portion
thy redeemed people. Thus may we
rooted and grounded in love, and throu
thy grace, keep ourselves in the love
God, abounding in all the fruits of righ
ousness, which are by Jesus Christ to t
praise and glory. Our Father, &c.

MEDITATION

For Thursday Morning.

THB CHRISTIAN CONQUEROR.

" And this is the victory that overcometh
world, even our faith. Who is he that overcom
the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is
son of God." 1 John v. 4, 5.

The real Christian is the true conque
of the world. It is the world that obstru
our way to heaven, and is the great imi
diment to our entrance there. But he tl
believes that Jesus is the Son of God, 1
lieves that he gave himself for ug that
might deliver us from this present t
TTorld^and powerfxAV^ to co\ift.\\R\>>3L%\jM:<jii
it to heaven, and to <iofii, ^V'^ ve^ V^

389
e enjoyed there : and he that so believes^
y this faith overcomes the world. He
iels that this world is an enemy to his
jvl, to his holiness^ to his salvation^ and
) his blessedness. For all that is in the
''orld^ the lust of the flesh, the lust of the
ye, and the pride of life, is not of the
*ather, but is of the world. He sees it must
e a great part of the Saviour's work, and
f his own salvation, to be redeemed and
escued from the pollution that is in the
rorld through lust. He sees in the life
nd conduct of the Lord Jesus on earth,
bat this world is to be renounced and
vercome. He perceives that the Lord
esus conquered the world, not for himself
nly, but also for his followers : and that
hey must study to be^ partakers of his
ictory. " Be of good cheer, I have over-
ome the world.*' By the sufferings and
eath of the Lord Jesus he is mortified
nd crucified to the world : ^^ God forbid
hat I should glory, save in the cross of
ur Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world
s crucified to me, and I unto the world.''
(y the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
he dead, he is begotten to a lively hope of
blessed world above. He know^ iu\»s&.
he Saviour is gyme to Aeat^en, lo ^t«^«^^
place for all true believers. 13a VSlo^

390
that from thence his Saviour tDill come
again to. put an end to this world, to
judge the inhabitants of it, and to receive
his believers to his presence and glory.
He is possessed with a spirit and disposition
that cannot be satisfied with this world,
that looks beyond it, and is still tending,
striving, and pressing towards the world in
heaven. It is in the Gospel that wc see the
occasion and ground of the ouarrel between
the holy God and this rebellious world.
It is there we meet with that sacred doc-
trine both spiritual and practical, which is
altogether opposed to the tenour, the tem-
per, and tendency of this world. It is iy
that doctrine that a spirit is communicated
and diffused, which is superior and adverse
to the spirit of the world. It is there we see
that the Saviour himself is not of this
world, that his kingdom was not, and is
not so ; that it must be separated from the
world, and gathered out of it for heaven
and for Him. There we see that the Savi-
our designed not this world for the inheri-
tance and portion of his redeemed people.
As he is gone to heaven himself, so he
assures them that he will prepare a place
for their residence there^ designing that
tbey shall always dv?e\\ Vv>SfiL \c«eL\ ^sA
allowing them to \)eUe\e V>a»x \VY£i^>a.^&^

391
and this world only, they had hope in him,
they should indeed be miserable. It is
there that the eternally blessed world is
most clearly revealed and proposed to our
affections and pursuits. It is there t\iaLt we
are furnished with the best arms and artil-
lery against the assaults and attempts of
the world. It is there we are taught how
its artillery may be turned against itself;
and its oppositions^ encounters, and perse-
cutions be made serviceable to our con-
quest of the worlds and to our motion and
ascent heavenwards. And there we are
encouraged by a whole army and cloud of
faithful soldiers^ who have in their several
generations, and the posts and stations
appointed them, overcome the worlds and
won the crown.

It is only the Christian who is the true
hero that vanquishes the world, rejoices
in a universal victory, takes the kingdom
of heaveft by violence, and lays hold on
eternal life. Who but the believer on
Jesus Christ can thus overcome the world ?

302

HYMN
For nursday Morning.

Awake, my zeal ! awake, my love !

To serve my Saviour here below ;
In works which Saints in light above.

And Angels would delight to do.

Awake, my charity ! to feed

The hungfry soul, to clothe the poor ;
In heaven there are no sons of need,

There all these dudes are no more.

The land of triumph is on high ;

The land where foes no more shall ragej
Lord, may I conquer till I die.

And all the Christian warfare wage.

Subdue thy passions, O my soul !

Maintain the fight, thy work pursue ;
Daily thy rising sins control.

And be thy victories ever new.

Let ev'ry passing hour confess.
That I the Lord, my Saviour, own :

And when my life and labour cease.
May I obtfun the glorious crown !

393

PRAYER

For Thursday Morning.

O most high and holy God, whi
had in reverence of all them t
round about thee, vouchsafe to san
by thy Spirit ; and enable us so t
nigh unto thee in prayer, that thou .
draw nigh unto us in the communii
of thy love and mercy. O grant u
spirit of faith and adoption to call o
name. We would come with holy li
to the throne of thy grace, knowing
we have a gracious and all-powerful &
^ate with the Father, even Jesus Christ
lighteous; and rejoicing that through
re given to us exceeding great and pi
as promises. O, let us never lose
»nefit of thy promises for the wax
eading them with thee. May our del
drawling near to thee increase ; ma^
Ik before thee in the land of the li\
1 ever abide in the bonds of thy cover
y the Saviour be increasingly prec
IS ; and by that great love where
ath loved us, may we be weaned r
more from the world wMclvVi^^i
^ruciSed him. As he ovexcws

394
world, so may we also overcome it. By
faith in him may we obtain the victory;
such a victory, that we may not again be
entangled by its alluring vanities, encum-
bered by its cares, or disquieted by its
sorrows. Help us to live above the things
that are seen and temporal, looking upon
them with a holy indifference. May the
eyes of our faith be ever fixed on those
things which are not seen and eternal,
remembering that we are not of this world,
but are called to come out of it. And
seeing we are designed for another and
better state of being, may we seek those
things which are above, and set our affec-
tions on them. As followers of the
cross, may we fight the good fight of faith !
may we lay hold on eternal life ; and be
animated by a well founded hope that
there is laid up for us a crown of life,
which the Lord the righteous Judge shall
give us in the last great day. We come
to thee that we may obtain mercy to par-
don, and grace to help us in every time
of need. O excite us to, direct us in,
and thoroughly furnish us for every good
word and work. May we commit oor-
aelyes to thy grace, with a sincere re-
solution to Bubmvt V[v ^N^r^ V^&xi^Vi thy

395
ling us, to do and suffer all thy will.

we are assaulted with temptations to
D^ though we have often found our re-
stance weak and ineffectual^ yet hence-
irward give us faith^ that we may not
3 foiled or overcome by them. Furnish
s with the whole armour of God ; that,
jr the power of his might we may be able
) stand in the evil day. If we are bur-
ened with affliction, let us not faint in
le hour of adversity ; but impart unto
3 faith and stren^h equal to support us
nder all calamities. Whatever we lose
it us still find comfort in thee^ and keep
ossession of hope and joy in God. Grant
3, we humbly beseech thee, the assurance
F thy presence throughout our earthly
ilgrimage ; and when at length we shall
3 called to go up and possess the good
md, and find we need a strength we never
ad before ; oh ! then may the great Cap-
tin of our salvation shew us that death

a conquered enemy ; may he cause us
} triumph, and enable us to render eter-
eQ thanks unto God who giveth us the
LCtory through our Lord Jesus Christ,
men.

396

HYMN

For Thursday Evening.

Through the day thy love has spar'd us,
Now we lay us down to rest :

Through the silent watches guard us,
JiCt no foe our peace molest ;

Jesus, thou our guardian he.

Sweet it is to trust in thee.

Pilgrims here on earth, and strangers
Dwelling in the midst of foes.

Us and ours preserre from dangers,
In thy care may we repose :

And, when life's short day is past.

Rest with thee in heaven at last.

PRAYER

For Thursday Evening.

O Lord our God, we desire to come into
thy holy presence pleading thine own gra-
cious promise to pour out upon those who
seek thee a spirit of grace and supplica-
tion. While we present our petitions
unto thee^ we woula remember that thou
art in heaven, enlYitoTked m thine own
glory, dweUing amidsx, t\i^ \ix^^^s^ ^\ '«&.•

397
gels, and the spirits of the just made per-
fect. How great is thy condescension in
humbling thyself to delight in their con-
stant ascriptions of glory, honour, do-
minion, and power ! But thou hast in
thine infinite compassion and goodness
deigned to declare that thou hast a dwell-
ing place on earth, even every heart which
is humble and contrite, and which trem-
bleth at thy word ! Graciously vouchsafe
unto each of us such a disposition as thou
wilt thus honour. May we come before
thee deeply sensible that we have fallen
by our iniquities, and that in us dwelleth
no good thing. Wc are depraved by
nature, and defiled by transgression ; and
thou wouldest be most just in sending us
where hope cannot come. Yet banish us
not from thy presence ; take not thy Holy
Spirit from us ; but reveal thyself unto
Tis^ and let the light of thy countenance
ever shine upon our souls. O Lord, who
is a God like unto thee, pardoning iniquity,
transgression, and sin i because thou de-
lightest in mercy, and retainest not thine
anger for ever ! Not unto us, O Lord, not
unto ns ; but unto thy great name be all
the glory. We rejoice that thou hast^vcL
xinspeakaWe mercy, found a xaxw^wsv ^«^
dinners, and satisfied offendeA V\xsy^\^^- ^

399
lee while we are here below ; and, after
lis life, take our souls to dwell with thee
ir ever in heaven. These mercies, and
1 things necessary for life and godliness,
e earnestly supplicate for ourselves and
1 our dear relatives and friends in the
ime of our most blessed Redeemer and
dvocate, Jesus Christ our Lord ; who in
impassion to our ignorance has taught
J thus to call upon thee in behalf of our-
Ives and all mankind, " Our Father,'^ &c.

MEDITATION

For Friday Morning,

" If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those
ings which are above, where Christ sitteth on
3 right hand of God. Set your affection on
ings above, not on things on the earth. For ye
3 dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
hen Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then
all ye also appear with him in glory." Col.
1—4.

We must seek first his kingdom : we
ust mind the concerns of another world
ore than this : we must make heaven
ir scope and aim ; maintaining commu-
on with the world above \>^ ^iVSsi^ ^>kA
ve^ and holy lore ; and xaeimx^'v^ ^^^

400
constant care and business to secure our
title to heavenly bliss. And the reason
given is, because Christ sits at the right
hand of God.

He who is our best friend^ our headi
is advanced to the highest dignity and
honour in heaven ; and is gone before to
secure to us heavenly happiness. We
therefore should seek and secure what he
has purchased at so vast an expense^ and
about which he is taking so much care. We
must live such a life as Christ lived on
earth, holy, harmless, undefiled^ and sepa-
rate from sinners.

To seek heavenly things, is to set our
affections upon them; to love them, and
enlarge our desires after them. Upon the
wings of affection the heart soars upwards,
and is carried forth towards spiritual and
divine objects. We must acquaint our-
selves with them^ and esteem them above
all other things ; and lay out ourselves in
preparation for the enjoyment of them.
This is to be spiritually minded^ and to
seek and desire a better country, that is
an heavenly one.

Let us remember that we are buried |
with Christ, and planted in the likeness .
of bis death. Every CYinsW^tv \^ ^T>\^\^<>d (
vnto the world, and t\ie ^oT\a.\a ^x>m2v\a\

401
a. And, surely, if we are dead to
h, and have renounced it as our
^s, we shall not set our affections
and seek it. Our true life lies in
3r world ; ye are dead^ and your
d with Christ in God. The new
born and nourished from above^

perfection of his life is reserved
state. It is hid with Christ ; not

us only in point of secresy, but
.s in security. The life of a Chi*is-
lid with Christ : ^^ Because I live^

live also." Christ is at present
)m we have not seen ; but this is
fort^ that our life is hid with him,
safe with him. If we can say, him
aot seen we love; we may also
e comfort of a happiness out of
id reserved in heaven for us.
live a life of Christian purity and
i now ; when Christ who is our life
pear, we also shall appear with him
. Christ is the believer's life ; " I

not I, but Christ liveth in me :"

e principle and end of the Chris-

te : he lives in us by his Spirit, and

in him in all we do : " to me to

Ihrist."

fc will appear agamm\\\«»'5^VX^Ki?^

\ bis own glory, and viViXv V^ V^

402
angels. We shall then appear with him in
glory. It will be his glory to have his re-
deemed with him, and it will be theirs to
come with him, and be with him for ever !
At the second coming of Clirist there will
be a general meeting of all the saints;
and they, whose life is now hid with Christ,
shall then appear with Christ in that glorj
which he himself enjoys. Do we look for
such a happiness as that ? Should we not
then set our affections upon that world,
and live above this ? Our head is there,
our home is there, our treasure is there,
and we hope to be there for ever.

HYMN

For Friday Morning.

Almighty Saviour set us free

From sin's vile state of slavery ;

And as our treasure is above,

Be there our tlioughts, be there our love*

But oft, alas I too well we know,

Our thoughts, our love, arc fix'd below :

In every lifeless prayer we find,

The heart unmoved, the absent mind.

Lord, draw our best affections hence.
Above this world of sin and sense ;
Cause them to so&x «\)o^^ >\\^ ^\^\^
And rest not tVH to YkCkWcu VJs^fci tvw^

403
PRAYER

For FHday Morning.

) most merciful and blessed God, who
it commanded us to make known our
[uests unto thee by prayer and suppli-
ion with thanksgiving; assist us, we
leech thee, to draw nigh to thee with
jly thankfulness for thy holy word,
ich opens to us such glorious prospects,
i sets before us thy commandments, in
jping of which there is great reward.
5 bless thee for the revelation of a
i^iour, and desire to exalt his name above
iry name. We thank thee, that, having
ained eternal redemption for us, he is
ered with his own blood into th^ holy
ce 5 and now sits upon the throne of
' Majesty in the highest heavens, adored
the angelic hosts, and attended by an
umcrable company of the redeemed,
o continually surround him, singing
hems to his praise, and casting their
wns at his feet.

Ve bless thee that he ever appears in
presence of God as the gre«>5L ^^.^-
^stof our profession, to int^xe^^ft' ^^^
rho come unto thee by Yviuv \ \>a»X.>afc^

2c 2

404
now preparing a place for all his followers,
and will come again to receive them to
himself^ to behold and partake his glory.
O9 may the contemplation of the joy into
which he is entered^ and the power with
which he is girded^ so influence our minds,
that we also by faith may be raised up
and made to sit together with him in
heavenly places. Help us to contemplate { ^
the glory of Christ, the love of Christy and
the great things of the world above ; that
so our hearts may be dead to all below,
but alive to thee. But, O Lord, we have .
need to examine om'selves, that we may
know of a truth that we are risen with
Christ. Help us ever to exercise sincerity
in this great search, and never to rest
satisfied until we can appeal to thee, and
say, ^* Whom have we in heaven but
thee? and there is none upon earth we
desire besides thee;" " Thou knowest all
things, thou knowest that we love thee."
Do thou, O Lord, who searchest the heart
and triest the reins, lead us, we beseech
thee, in the way everlasting.

Make us jealous over ourselves with a

godly jealousy, lest we should be cleaving

to earth. Raise our affections to Christ,

und help us to esteeia VAisi ^>& ^^ the chief

moDg ten thouaauii ?x\v^ ^x^\t^s^v^^^&^^\J

r
P

tl
r
m
m

111
tfi

405
*' Help us to accept of salvation in the
y in which he offers it to guilty man.
ly we approve and love this free salva-
n, submitting to the righteousness of
•d by faith^ and not seeking to establish
r own righteousness ; content to be
things that the Lord alone may be ex-
ed, and Christ be all in all ; and may
5 grace of God which bringeth salvation^
ich us to deny all ungodliness and
rldly lusts^ and to live soberly, right-
iisly, and godly in the world. May we
^e our whole selves imto thee, present-
; our bodies and souls as a living sa-
fice which is our reasonable service.
Ip us to resign ourselves to the sancti-
ng power of thy Spirit, to the com-
.nding power of thy law, to the disposing
tver of thy providence.
We have in times past too much resisted
) Holy Spirit, and striven against him
en he has striven with us. Henceforward
y we yield to his influences ; let his
^ht quell our corruptions, and bring
Ty thought into captivity to the obe-
nce of Christ, May we have respect
to all thy commandments, and resolve
it what the Lord shall say unto u^ t\sa^.
1 we do. Cause us, heaveiA^ "^^XJcL^t,
r cbeerMly to submit a\\ oxxx ^Ss&cc

406

to thy divine disposal, to be directed and
determined by thine unerring wisdom.
Do with us as seemeth good in thy sight;
let us not lean to our own understanding;
but work thy will in us, and for us, and
by us. Thus, O Lord, fit us for life or for
death ; that so, when Christ who is our
life shall appear, we also may appear with
him in glory. Amen.

HYMN

For Friday Evenings

True religion is the same
Under every age and name :
All who feel its power will own.
They are savM hy grace alone.

Very different they may be ;
Yet in this they all agree ;
That their hearts are full of sin^
And their natures all unclean.

Saints have been in every age
Guided by the sacred page ;
And the poorest Christian feels
What the word of God reveals.

Yes^ they would with us confess

Christ the Lord our righteousness ;

By belieying m \A% \i%x&ft)

They to heavenVj ^Vyrj e«B«u k^

407

We may well exalt him thus ;
He is all in all to us ;
If he wash us in his hlood,
He will bring us home to God.

Oh ! that all of us may meet^
In his righteousness complete.
With the ransom'd tribes above,
There to sing redeeming loye !

PRAYER

For Friday Evening,

O almighty and most gracious God,
Dse who know thy name will put their
ist in thee ; for thou hast never failed
em that seek thee through thy beloved
n. Help us^ we pray thee, at this time^

know for ourselves that thou art gra-
)us, long-suffering, and abundant in
odness and truth. May this revelation

thyself encourage us to draw near to
ee, though we have often broken thy
(vs and transgressed thy commands, and
serve only that thou shouldest hide thy
ee from us, and shut up thy loving kind-
tss in displeasure.

Our evil hearts of unbelief are continu-
ly apt to start aside like a\i\!c>Vfcw\i«^ s
? are prone to forget l^iee oa^ ^"^

406
defence, and to trust in our own strength,
though we have often found it to be per-
fect weakness. Merciful Father, hold thou
us up with thine almighty arm, then shall
we be able to maintain the g^od fight of
faith, and at length be more than conquer-
ers through him that hath loved us. Ena-
ble us to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
and own ourselves his willing subjects.
May we put ourselves under his govern-
ment, under the influences of his grace,
and the guidance of his Holy Spirit. May
wc seriously attend to the great things
which belong to our everlasting peace and
welfare. Enable us to exercise an un-
wavering faith in Christ. Thou hast
declared thyself well pleased in the Son of
thy love : O help us to commit our souls
into his almighty protection, believing that
he is able to keep that which we commit
unto him against that day. Then may wc

Eurified from an evil conscience by the
lood of Jesus, and clothed with the robe
of his justifying righteousness,be admitted
to sit down at the marriage supper of the
Lamb. And looking for and hastening to
the joy and glory set before us, may we run
with patience the race of godliness ; may
we resign our wYvoVe ^^Ne.^^\i^^^^ ^<\aU ^
And spirit, unto tYiee •, wi^\i^ ^^iXwsKssv^

409
that in thy strength we will serve thee
faithfully, and walk closely with thee in all
manner of obedience.

We entreat thee^ O God, in an especial
manner to bless our friends^ visit them with
thy favour^ and shew unto them the path
of life. Let those that know thee rejoice
and be glad in thee ; and in thy mercy
visit those who know and love thee not.
Thou art he who openeth^ and no man
shutteth : O speak thou unto their souls,
and open their hearts to receive the testi-
mony thou hast given of thy Son, . Grant
that we may all be found savingly united
to Christ ; that so we may be interested in
the propitiation he has made for sin, and
be accepted before thee at thy coming.
O Lord, pardon and hear^ and bless us for
the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour ; to
whom with thee, O Father, and the blessed
Sphit, be equal and never ending praises,
^men.

MEDITATION

For Saturday Morning.

THB LOVE OF CHRIST.

** The love of Christ which passeth knowledge."
Eph. ill. 19.

21^ love of Christ ! but ^l[ieTe; ^tiJ^^"^^

i 410

begin, and where shall we find i
With holy wonder and adoration
(^laim^ O the breadth^ the length, tb
the height of that love in which j
tion is swallowed up ! O the bounc
tent of that power, wisdom, righte
and mercy, which finite knowle<
neither comprehend nor express !
gelic choir proclaimed the high pi
the infinite Jehovah, all whose pei
are alike unlimited, when the;
** Glory to God in the highest ; j
earth, and good- will to men/'
must learn this spiritual song on t
mit of Calvary, There, beholding 1
ator of Angels hanging upon the i
tree, even as the sufi^ering lamb o\
offering, we understand the divine
tion, " They crucified the Lord of
There we perceive wisdom, holin
love united, emanating from one
The Creator becoming man, in \
make his fallen creatures again th(
of that everlasting friendship, wh
lost in our first head, but restore
Lord from heaven. There weeee the

J laid for miserable insolvent debt<
aw, the impress of the divine holi:
ceiving full satMactvow \ the req
of an infinitely t\6\iteo^^s ^\sA%^

411
and obtaining complete and sufficient ful-
filment in the perfect, all-surpassing obe-
dience of the Lamb. Whilst at the excla-
mation, " It is Jinished! " hell trembled ;
Satan stood dismayed ; the rocks and the
mountains rent ; the dead were raised ;
and the veil of the temple was divided in
twain ! There we behold the mystery of the
sinner's justification, his regeneration and
sanctification ; in the blood shedding of
Emmanuel, his burial, resurrection, ascen-
sion, and his promised gift of the Holy
Spirit. O the depth of the riches both of
the wisdom and knowledge of God ! Well
may the Scriptures say, that to Jesus
Christ give all the prophets witness ; since
he alone is the eternal Rock of Ages,
founded upon which the soul obtains re-
mission of sin, and a title to everlasting
life.

What holy shame must cover our face
when reflecting on what have been our re-
turns for such loving-kindness. When we
behold ourselves in this lights we dare not
lift up our head ! Blessed be God, there is
a sufficient source of comfort in the bound-
less ocean of divine love, which has neither
bottom nor shore. Yet must our soul be
often grieved and wounded b^ owx Vw^^^Jcv.-
tudcj when we ask ourseWe^, ^\\sx^'

412
that hatred and aversion to sin ? Where is
that love towards Christ and his people }
Where that following after holiness and
every other virtue which is seen brightly
shining in many of his children ? Not that
they are a ground of confidence ; O no !
this is quite beyond ourselves. O ! that
being in Christ Jesus who has loved all his
people with everlasting love, we could
walk more humbly before him and with
hira. Oh ! to look more habitually into
the garden of Gethsamene^ and the awful
scene of bleeding Calvary ; then should
wc wait in a lowly posture at the feet of
the great Teacher, and so would this love
which passeth knowledge be abundantly
shed abroad in our hearts.

HYMN
For Saturday Morning,

Thanks he unto God for the gift;,
Th' unspeakahle gift of his love 1

Come sinners, let gratitude lift
Our joyful affections above 1

This gift ev'ry other outweighs ;
Its value we cannot conceive ;

The Gospel \l^ T\\i\x^^ ^«^«^^^
And bleBfted «t^ ^^«^ ^^\.\i^«^^.

413

How wretched and lost was our case,

By nature and practice undone I
To save us, ob wonder of grace,

The Father withheld not his San I
He fifave Him, the just for the vile.

To die that we rebels might lire :
In Him he is pleased to smile,

And faithful and just to forgive*

Yet, when we were enemies doom'd

To renons of guilt and despur,
The Saviour our nature assumed.

Himself our infirmities bare.
He sav'd us from sin and from hell.

When lost and just ready to die ;
And rais'd us with princes to dwell

In mansions of glory on high.

What tongue can his mercy unfold !

Its height and its depth are unknown ;
Yet sweetly its worth we behold

ReveaVd by his Spirit alone.
But more shall its glories employ

Our praise in his temple above ;
While ever beholding with joy

Th' unspeakable gift of his love.

PRAYER

For Saturday Morning,

loly, holy, holy. Lord God ^N?cKv^\?i,
rcB and earth are fuBl oi Vkia tc^^^^^^s^

414
of thy glory '. All thy crei

thee, aDd thy saints bless th
may they bless thee who kn(
and the riches of thy ^ace
Jesus Christ thy well-beloved
be unto God for his unspe
Adored be thy name, O Xiot
didst not spare thine OTvn So
gave him up for us all. An
thy name, O Lord Jesus Cbri
didst not spare thine own si
behold us in our lost estate, t
relief. With lively thankfu
we remember thy grace, n
thou (Vast rich, yet for our
become poor ; that we, throi
verty, might be made rich,
shall we render unto the Ijov
benefits. May we take the c
tion, and call upon the name i
May we receive Christ Jesus
in the Gospel ; as our Prop
and King. May he be made i
us wisdom, and righteousness
Gcation and redemption. Ma
as more precious than rubies t
able blessings of his grace : s
hearts be filled with wonder ai
at the exceeding i5te,a.ltv(i%% -
Prom liis fulness ma'j ■««. aV\

415

for grace. Bought with such a price may

we be anxious to glorify thee, O Lord^

nrith our bodies and spirits^ which arc

loiibly thine ; thine by redemption as well

Bifi by creation. Henceforward may they

[>e thine^ also^ by a full and unreserved

consecration of ourselves to thy service

ftnd glory. Constrained by such love may

we be willing to deny ourselves, and take

up our cross and follow him. What things

were gain to us, them may we count loss

for Christ ; yea, doubtless^ may we count

ill things but loss for the excellency of

he knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord ;

hat we may win Christ and be found in

im.

We rejoice that he, who while here

»low, wept and died for sinners, is now

cended up on high, and exalted at thy

;ht hand to be a Prince and a Saviour.

e adore thee^ that his love is still the

ne, now that he is entered into heaven

our great forerunner. Thither may

most ardent affections ever ascend ;

her may our thoughts continually rise

idoring contemplation of the glory

;h is to be revealed. And oh ! may

ill be amongst the happy number of

\ who will at last behold V\vj ^'^^^ ^w>5^

ding joy.

416

With shame, O Lord, would we confess,
that we haye been so weak and defective
in our love to thee ; so low in our thoughts
of thee, so languid in our desires towards
thee, so unsteady in our resolutions to
serve thee. O enable us henceforth to
love thee better, and fit us to be where
love shall be made perfect. There may
we drink largely of the rivers of joy, and
fully partake of the blessings of redeeming
grace. We ask all for the Redeemer's
sake, who ever liveth to make intercession
for us, and is able to save to the utter-
most all that come unto God by him.
Amen.

HYMN
For Saturday Evening,

With thy counsel thou shalt ^ide me,

O thou Shepherd of the flock !
Safe from every tempest hide me,

Fix'd upon tiio living rock. (

Poor and needy, oh ! receive me ; a

Be thy rod my staff and stay ; \

And that blesaed \^oit\oii ^Ive me^ in

Which no pov^ct fi«a \»\tfc «W4 . (^

417

Whether love and mercy shining

Cheer my path with sacred light,
Or my heavenly sun declining

Spread around the shades of night ;
Still my faith on thee reposing,

Let thine arm conduct me through.
Till in death the warfare closing,

I shall prove thy promise true.

Never leave me nor forsake me ;

More and more reveal thy love ;
Till thou shalt a pillar make me

In the house of God ahove.
There the song of grace ahoundlng

Freely round thy throne shall rise,
And thy pruse for ever sounding

Fill thy temple in the skies,

PRAYER

For Saturday Evening,

O Thou, in vi^liom we live, and move,
ad have our being, we thank thee that
et thou preservest us in life ; and that,
t the close of another week, we bow at
ly footstool, to offer to thee the tribute
f our thanks, and to plead with thee for

renewal of thy mercies. May thy Spirit
elp our infirmities, and teach us how to
ray. What are we, O Lord, xSwaXi ^^Xnssn
mst brought us hitherto \ liovi ixvec*

2i>

418

have been called to thy bar dmi
week which is now closing ! O k
constantly in mind^ that to us the
may not be far distant when we tc
be required to give an account
stewardship ; of the improvement m
made of our precious time, and the i
talents with which thou hast enl
us. When the Judge of all the
shall come upon the clouds of his
and every eye shall see him ; Ol
may we not be ashamed before him
coming. Though we have too mm
son to confess, that in times past li
provoked thee, and been enemies t
in our minds by wicked works ; y<
it then be found, that we are recc
to God by the blood of the cross
through Christ Jesus, may we b
sentcd holy and unblameable, and
provable in thy sight.

We bless thee that thou hast man
thy love towards us in sending thin
begotten Son into the world, that we
live through him. O give us to I
this blessed record thou hast givei
thy Son. O Lord, help our unbelief,
is not of ourselves ; it is the gift ol
21iOu alone art the a\i\\voT,\5CDk^ Ws:^\
art the finisher of it- I^ot^ \w«^

419
feUh : fulfil the work of feith with power j
shed abroad tby love in our hearts, so
ghall we be vitally united to Christ our
living head. If hitherto we have not known
thee nor loved thee, O hasten with thine
Holy Spirit, and begin the good work
prithin us; breathe into our souls the
!>rcath of life. May we look unto the
Saviour, and beneath the shadow of his
jross may our hearts of stone be turned
;o flesh.

Spare us, we pray thee, to enter on the
norrow into thy courts. May our waking
;boughts be of thee ; and let us welcome
;hy day, as a day of rest from sin and
5very worldly care. Prepare us for the
solemnities of the Sabbath, and fit us for
•ommunion with thee. Help us to leave
he world and the things of the world, and
vith our loins girded and our lamps burn-
ng9 to worship the Lord in the beauty of
loliness. Teach thy servants who shall
ainister, and strengthen them with all
night by thy Holy Spirit : endue them
H:th fidelity, wisdom, and zeal. Do thou
peak unto our souls a word in due season ;
tnd may we receive the truth not as the
vord of a dying man, but as the vio^^ ^N.
he living- God. Make it effectxx^ Xo \xn3c«v-

2d2

4^
ble the proud, to awaken the
to melt the hardened^ to comfor
tressed^ and to sanctify the unl
the close of the day may there
heaven over many a repentin
And may each of us, O heaven!
be of that happy number who
lieved thy report. Now take i
seech thee into thy care : be to
and may we be to thee a peoj
all who are near and dear to us
up together with those who
gathered into the heavenly ga
rise to glory, honour, and imi
through him that hath loved us^
himself for us. Amen.

421

SACRAMENTAL EXERCISES.

he Prayer of one going to the Lord's

Table.

O thou God of ordinances, I thank thee
r the covenant of thy grace, and the ap-
linted seals of it. I desire to give myself

thee, bnt fear I should approach to holy
tings unworthily. Hast not thou filled
e with reverence for this command of my
^ing Saviour, with this desire of commu-
on with thee, and with this willingness
• be wholly thine ? Examine me, O Lord,
id prove me ; try my reins and my heart,
m I indulging any secret sin ? Do I allow
yself in the neglect of any holy precept ?
et ite not wrong my soul by a sinful ab-
jnce from thy table. Let thy word, thy
•ovidence, and thy Spirit concur to make
y way plain before me. Scatter my
)ubts. Give me stronger faith and love.

that the views of a crucified Saviour may
3eply impress my mind, and a sense of
is dying love constrain me to give u^
lyself to him more solemnly VXi^w W^n^
'cryet done.

422

Lord, shew me thy covenant, and help
me to grow in grace, and in the knowledge
of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I
believe ; Lord, help thou mine unbelief, and
increase my faith. Kindle my repentance)
and strike this rocky heart that it msj
bleed at the remembrance of my past fol-
lies; and confirm my resolutions, that I
may have nothing more to do with idols. I
abhor myself that I love my God, my Sa-
viour, no better. Let that spark become
a flame; let that flame be strong anl
steady, and the proofs of it appear in my
holy obedience. O shed abroad thy loTe
in my heart, by the Holy Spirit g^ven unto
me ! Breathe upon this earthly clod : anl
it shall become warm. Draw me, and I
shall run after thee. I had rather lore
thee than have all the treasures on earth.
O my God, let me not be cold and lifeless
at that solemnity, where 1 am to oom^l^
morate the most glorious love that wtf
ever known or heard of ! Be with my spirit)
help my infirmities,' accept me, and unite
my heart to thee in everlasting bonds^
through my Redeemer. Amen.

423
PRAYER

BBFORB A COMMUNION.

Worthy art thou, O Lord^ to receive
blessings and honour, and glory, and
power ; for thou hast created all things,
and for thy pleasure they are and were
created. I adore thee as the God of my
life, and the length of my days ; but above
all, as the God of salvation, the God and
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, through
whom I draw near to a throne of grace.

I bless thee for the new covenant which
is ratified by the shedding of Christ's blood,
and that I am invited this day to receive
the seals of that covenant. Do thou gra-
ciously open the fountain of life, for the
refreshment of my thirsty soul : may I by
faith behold Christ crucified set forth be-
fore me, and feed on him to my spiritual
growth in grace. Give me, I beseech thee,
clearer views of the evil of sin, and of the
height and breadth of the love of Christ,
that passeth knowledge. Grant, O Lord,
that I may be enabled to eat of that bread
as the memorial of the body of Christ, bro-
ken for me ; and to drink of that cup, as
the memorial of the blood oi CW^X^^e^^'^
for the remission of sins, 'lYkffit^ xwarj

424

glory in the cross of Christ, in him thfi
was crucified upon it, as my only Lord asl
Saviour. There may I meditate on thine
inestimable love, O Father of mercies, b
the ^ft of thine only begotten Son,
on his astonishing love and ^race, till
fire of sacred love shall bum within me;
till out of the abundance of my heart, mj
tongue break forth in strains of livdy
thanksgiving:, and my mouth praise thet
with joyful lips : till, being constrainedby
this love, 1 most solemnly resolve and en-
gage to live henceforth, not to myself, but
to him that died for me and rose agun!
Here at Emanuel's cross may I learn self-
denial, dcadness to the world, patience,
meekness, forgiveness, and humility, look-
ing unto him who endured the cross, and
despised the shame. May I never be
weary and faint in my mind ; but, while I
smite on my breast and say, *^ God be mer-
ciful to me a sinner," I would utter my
penitent confessions with lively faith and
hope. O give me true repentance, and
living faith : teach me to count all things
but loss, that I may win Christy and par-
take of his salvation.

I believe, Lord, that thou art gone up on
highy having led ca^\ivV\\.^ e^?^VAN^. K\»n^s&
feast of love, let me tecw^e ^i \:tv^ ^^^

425

nd benefits of this glorious victory ; and,
'hile I receive the outward and visible
ign, let my soul delightfully feel the in-
'^ard and spiritual grace. Accept, I be-
eech thee, O Lord, of the fresh surrender
nd dedication which I make of myself
and family) to thee this morning. I am
o longer my own ; but thine. Thou
ast made me, thou hast continually
matched over and preserved me ; and thou
ast bought me with a price, even the pre-
ious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without
lemish and without spot. O thou that
rt the beginner and finisher of every good
rorky be pleased to assist my endeavours,
o withdraw my mind more and more from
hcse sensible things. Shed abroad thy
Dve in my heart ; may I sit under thy
hadow with delight ; and so hunger and
iiirst after the bread and water of life,
iiat my soul may be satisfied ; that I may
unger no more for the bread that pe-
isheth ; that I may thirst no more for the
isterns that yield no water ; but for those
ivers of pleasure that are at thy right
and for evermore.

496

A SACRAMENTAL HYMN.

Jesus invites his saints
To meet around his board :

Here pardon'd rebels sit and hold
Communion wit^ their Lord.

For food he g&ve his flesh ;

He bids us drink his blood :
Amazing favour, matchless gracoj

Of our descending God I

This holy bread and wine

Maintain our fainting breath,

By union with our living Lord,
And int'rest in his death.

Our heavenly Father calls
Christ and his members one :

We, the young children of his love,
And he, the firstborn Son.

We are but several parts
Of the same broken bread :

One body hath its sev'ral limbs
But Jesus is the head.

Let all our pow'rs be join'd
His glorious name to raise :

Pleasure and \oNft «!V cv^irj Ti&ad%
And every 'vov^ift^i^ \it^'a»%

427

A devotional JEwercise at the Lord's Table.

O matchless bounty of the eternal God !
What a gift is this ! And to what unwor-
thy sinners ! And will God stoop so low to
man^ and come so near him ? Will he thus
reconcile his worthless enemies ? Will he
freely pardon all that I haye done, and
take me into his family and loye, and feed
me with the flesh and blood of his Son ? I
believe ; Lord help my unbelief ; I humbly
and thankfully accept thy gifts ! Open
thou my hearty that I may yet more joy-
fully and more thankfully accept them.
Behold, Lord, a wretch that needeth all
this mercy ! And, as it is the offer of thy
grace and covenant, my soul gladly takes
thee for my God and Father, for my Sa-
viour and my Sanctifier. And here I give
up myself to thee, as thy created, redeemed,
and regenerated child ; to be saved and
sanctified by thee ; to be loved by thee, and
to love thee for ever. O seal this cove-
nant by thy Spkit, and let me be entirely
and for ever thine !

428

THE MEMORIAL OF OUE ABS£NT LORD.

Jesus is gone above the skies.

Where our weak senses reach him not:

And carnal objects court our eyes,
To thrust our Saviour fronoi our thought

He knows what wand'ring hearts we have,

Apt te forget his lovely face :
And, to refresh our minds, he gave

These kind memorials of his grace.

The Lord of life this table spread,
With his own flesh and dying blood.

We on the rich provision feed.

And taste the wine, and bless our God.

Let sinful sweets be all forgot.
And earth grow less in our esteem ;

Christ and his love fill every thought.
And faith and hope be fix'd on him.

While he is absent from our sight, I

'Tis to prepare our souls a place C I

That we way dwell in heavenly light.
And live for ever near his face*

Our eyes look upwards to the hills,
Whence our returning Lord shall come :

We wait thy c\i«tT\o^'% wil\j\^\««\%^ 1

To fetch OUT \o\i^ti% %Y^^^^^^'^*

429
MEDITATION

AFTER A COMMUNION.

O what a privilege is the Lord's supper
when it is the means of communion with
the Son^ and with his Father^ through the
Spirit ! What an honour is it to be admit-
ted to a feast instituted by the Lamb of
God, and for the enjoyment of the love of
God ! What a blessing is it to sit down
now to the marriage supper of the Lamb ;
and to partake by faith of its spiritual
realities and delights ! There is nothing
beyond this upon earth ; and it has some-
times been to the believing receiver a fore-
taste of heaven. Yes, blessed be God, it
has been even to thee, O my soul, unwor-
thy as thou art of one crumb from the
master's table, a feast of fat things, of
wines kept; even of fat things, full of
marrow ; of wines kept and weU refined.
And when thou hast not been so highly
feasted, yet thou hast enjoyed solid com-
munion. Partaking of this bread and
wine, according to the Lord's institution,
and depending on the Lord's promise, thou
hast been fed and nourished at his table.
The virtue of his Spirit has \>^e,ii^\sX'^^'^'^
ID thy heart; and, by faith, V\vo\3l \v^^V» ^

490

truly eat the flesh and drunk the blood of
the Son of man^ as thou didst eat the bread
and drink the wine. It was strictly speak-
ing a communion ; being united to Christ
thou wast a partaker of Christ, and hadst
a fellowship with him in his life and death.
O let me pray for more of this ; and beg of
the Holy Spirit to increase my communion
with Jesus, that I may live more and more
in him and on him ; and thereby enjoy
more of the love of my heavenly Father.
Let me plead and expect the fulfilment of
his gracious promise, '^ He that eateth my
flesh, and dnnketh my blood, dwelleth in
me, and I in him. As the living Father
hath sent me, and I live bv the Father, w
he that eateth me, even he shall live by
nic." John vi. 56, 57-

PRAYER

AFTER A COMMUNION.

Glory be to thee, O Lord our God, that
in our extreme need of a Redeemer, thou
hast made such a gracious provision fbr
our souls : that thou hast given thy beloved
Son to die for our sins, and to save us,
after we had destroyed ourselves. Blessed
be thy name, that Vve 'wVo Q^'iKt^\^s:!^Vi\«L-
self upon the cross for ms, \% ^^rs^r^ \.^

431
offer himself at his table to us. There have
I sat clown under his shadow, and his fruit
was sweet to my taste. O how infinitely
indebted am I to thy mercy, that thou
callest me to this sweet heavenly enter-
tainment ; which thou hast purchased and
provided for us at so great a price ! O
make me more sensible of thy love^ and
more thankful for its blessed effects. Let
me now find the happy fruits of strength
and refreshment to my soul : even strength
against all the temptations that would
pluck me out of thy hands ; and refresh-
ment that may render all the pleasures of
sin distasteful to me, and make it my meat
and drink to do the will of my heavenly
Father. Let nothing take from me the
savour I have had of heavenly things. Let
me not forsake the Lord of love^ who has
been so good and gracious to my soul.
Other lords beside thee have had domi-
nion over mc, but, henceforth, by thee only
may I make mention of thy name. Let
me never more take up arms against my
heavenly Sovereign, to whom now again I
have vowed allegiance. O let me join
myself to thee, my Lord, in a perpetual
covenant, that shall never be torgotte.\Sk«
Thou art the best of all lords, vAio \>3\rs^»
MIS only that tbou may est bleaa \x^ • O \jrt<b«

432

all ties that detain me from thee, an<
me for thine own. In the day of thy ]
may I offer myself to thee a fre
offering with holy worship; presi
myself, my soul and body, to be a n
able^ holy, and lively sacrifice untc
Be thou exalted in thine own stre
so will we sing and praise thy i
Keep and continue me in thy faitt
fear, and love to my life's end. I b<
thee to accept this my bounden du)
service, not weighing my merits, hv
doning my offences, for the sake of
Christ our Lord, who loved us, an^
himself for us : for whom, and to ^
with thy eternal self, and the holy I
be all thanks and praise, and honoi
glory ascribed by me and thy whole Ci
now and for evermore. Amen.

Paraphrase on the 23rd Psalm
At the Sacrament.

'* The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not \

" Why art thou cast down, O my (

What if the fig-tree does not blo8s<

the labour of the olive fail, and t!

rourite g'ourd is witheted, and pover

distress msJke large anA. Xv^Vj ^^

433
towards thee. ^^ Why art thou disquieted
within me ?'' The Lord is my Shepherd ;
The Lord Jehovah my creator^ and the
world's creator ; so that *^ the earth is the
Lord's and the fulness thereof; the worlds
and all that dwell therein/' The Lord
God omnipotent J *^ who does what he
pleases^ both in heaven and on earth :
who can open deep rivers in high places^
and fountains in the midst of valleys ; who
can make the wilderness a pool of water^
and the dry land springs of water;" and
^^ cause all things to work together for
the good of those who love him.** The
Lord Jems, my Saviour, my friend, my
elder brother, bone of my bone, and flesh
Df my flesh ; and who, therefore, can be
touched with the feeling of my infirmities :
Evho knows what things I stand in need of,
and will not suflFer me to be tried above
what he will enable me to bear.

The Lord is my Shepherd. Blessed Sa-
viour, thou art called by various names,
dil of which display great condescension
sind goodness ; but none of the characters
thou hast assumed is expressive of more
tender affection, and watchful care, than
that of a Shepherd ; and none of them hast
bhou more graciously fulfilled. "fiAyw vd&l-
litely bast thou sui^assed l\\e >a^^V» '^^^r

2 B

434

herd that ever existed. Other shepherds
havebeen remarkable for lookiBg diligeDth
to the state of their flocks, providing for
their proper pasture, taking care that none
of them went astray, and defending them
against beasts of prey. But when was it
ever known that a shepherd laid down bis
life for his sheep ? And yet this has the
Lord my Shepherd done.

/ shall not want. I cannot want, if h
undertake for my supply. I may indeed
want health ; or I may want wealth ; or •
may want friends. I may want a thousand
things, which others may think, or which
I myself may be so far mistaken as to
think necessary for my happiness. Bot
my faithful and infinitely wise Shepherd
best knows what I want. He may see i
change of pasture, (though seemingly from
good to bad,) advantageous. He may see
I want medicine, when I may think I wait
cordials. He may sec I want humbling)
when I may think I want consolation. Bat
I will comfort myself with this, what I .
really want I shall assuredly have.

Ver. 2d. He maketh me to Ue down in
green pastures ; he leadeth me beside the still
waters. And are not present mercies suf- i
ficient pledges of future supplies ? I bate |
all things ricYvAy to eTy^o^,\i^>^vV3rtVife.ti«i ii

436
godliness. And it is the peculiarity of
gospel blessings that they do not perish in
the using. The waters of the sanctuary
are living waters. The " river, the streams
•whereof make glad the city of our God,"
'depends not on creature sources for its
supply. It rises in heaven ; it springs
immediately from the throne of God ; and
is fed from the everflowing, and overflow-
ing fountain of grace and glory. Other
pastures may be eaten bare, or scorched up
with drought; but the pastures where
Christ leads his flocks are covered with
perpetual verdure, and afibrd the richest
entertainment to starving souls.

Ver. 3d. Hereatoreth my soul. Thanks
be to my ever faithful guide and guardian !
He ordereth my steps, and pondereth all
my goings ; and, by the most endearing
cords of love, hath bound me fast to the
horns of the altar. How frequently, how
solemnly, (and I would hope sincerely)
have I renewed those bonds, and entered
into fresh engagements, that though all
men should forsake him, yet would not I !
And when I have been at his table feasting
bn his smiles, tasting that loving kindness
that is better than life, and beholding the
glory of the only begotten of tlve ¥^\3c^^^^
»fiiJl of grace and truth, I Yvwe V\voM^goX^2

2 b2

437

jrdition. He will keep me, therefore,
om falling ; or restore ine when I do
11 ; and preserve me, by his mighty
)wer, through faith unto salvation.

HYMN.

leekiDg the pastures of Christ. Cant. i. 7» S*

Thou whom my soul admires ahoye
All earthly joy, all earthly love ;
Tell me, dear Shepherd, let me know^
Where do thy sweetest pastures grow ?

Where is the shadow of that rock
That from the sun defends thy flock ?
Fain would I feed among thy sheep,
Among them rest, among them sleep.

Why should thy hride appear like one
That turns aside to paths unknown ?
My constant feet would never rove,
Would never seek another love.

The footsteps of thy flock I see ;
Thy sweetest pastures rich and firee !
A wondrous feast thy love prepares^
Bought with thy wounds,andgroans,and tears.

His dearest flesh he gives for food,
And hids me drink Ms precio\X!& Wo^^.
Here to these hills my soul b\v"82I\ c«ai»'>
Tillmjr betoyed leads me \iQiAft*

', ■

^1 :

O thou infinitely great and g]
thou killest andmakest alive;
est and thou healest ; thou br
to the grave and briugest
Thou doest according to thy
armies of heaven^ and among
tants of the earth ; and none cj
hand or say unto thee, "What <
Yet righteous art thou in all t]
holy in all thy works. Ever
afflictest and causest trouble
ness to fall upon us^ it is that v
righteousness from thy judgm
ceive profit from thy correctii
our God ! though thou hast no

hniisp urit.h fiin.knpfis. nnH art. i

439
sion ! For these multiplied favours, blessed
be thy name, O most gracious God ! And
shall wc receive so much good at thy hand,
and shall we not receive evil ? The cup
which our heavenly Father hath given us,
shall we not drink it ? We humbly take
it from thine hands, O our God, in a full
persuasion of thy fatherly love. We desire
to resign all our thoughts and desires
unto thee. The Lord gave, and the Lord
hath taken away ; blessed be the name of
the Lord ! Blessed be thy name that thou
hast continued so long the enjoyments
thou now callest us to resign : and blessed
be thy name, if, by resigning our will to
thine, we can testify om* faith in thee
and aflfiection to thee. We have nothing
too great or too dear to resign to thee,
from whose bountiful hand we have receiv-
ed our all. O that no repining thought
may arise in our hearts to disoruer or dis-
compose our duty to thee, or towards our
neignbour : but help us rather to think
wherein we have offended thee ; and where-
in we have done iniquity, to do so no more.
Let us place our affections more stedfastly
on things above, and lay up our treasure
and hope in heaven, where out " Ivfe ^s^VJA.
with Christ in God." W^ >u\v^\5>i-^iXv^^->^
Father of mercies, tliatt\iou\i^^'<» ^'e^i.

440
such everlasting consolation through thy
grace in Christ Jesus. We will praise thy
name for ever, for those exceeding great
and precious promises which are our sup-
port and comfort in all the troubles of tIA
life. Increase our faith, strengthen ani
confirm our hope, and raise up our spirits
continually to that blessed place when
Jesus is, that we may rejoice in hopeot
that immortal life where all tears shall be
wiped away from our eyes ; where sighiog
and sorrow shall never enter ; and where,
through the riches of divine grace, we
hope to follow those who are now, through
faith and patience, inheriting the promises;
and where we hope to join together in
praising that wise and merciful providence,
which, by ways most contrary to our
desires, brought us to endless and undis-
turbed bliss.

Keep us, O our God, in a humble, quiet,
and dutiful submission to thee, waiting for
that peaceful and joyful repose in the eter-
nal rest which thou hast prepared for thy
people through thy mercies m Christ Je-
sus ; by whom all glory, honour, love, and
obedience be rendered to thee, both now
and for ever. Amen,

441

For a Family under heavy Affliction.

O thou wise and merciful Governor of
tlie world ! we have often said, Thy wiU be
done ; and now thy will is pidnful to us.
But shall we on that account unsay what
we have so often said ? God forbid ! We
come rather to lay ourselves down at thy
feet, and to declare our full and free sub-
mission to all thy sacred pleasure ! O Lord,
thou art just and righteous in all ! We ac-
knowledge in thy presence that we have
deserved this, and ten thousand times
more ; we acknowledge that it is of thy
mercy that we are not consumed ; that the
least degree of comfort yet remains. But
shall we speak to thee only as our Judge ?
O Lord, thou hast taught us a tenderer
name : thou condescendest to call thyself
our Father, and to speak of correction as
the effects of thy love. O welcome, wel-
come those afflictions, which are the to-
kens of thy parental affection ; the marks
of our adoption into thy family. Thou
knowest what discipline we need. Thou
seest, O Lord, that folly which there is
in the hearts of thy poor froward and
thoughtless children; and knowest what
rods and what strokes ax^ xkfc^^>3^^ '^^
diire it away. We wo\Adi, xJk^rx^^^"^^

word of the Lord.'* Yea, Liord

praise thee, that thou art thu

training us up for glory. The ci

our heavenly Father puts into oi

«* shall we not drink it ? By thiue a

and support we will. Only be p]

Lord, to stand by us, and some

gi*ant us a favourable look in the

our sufferings ; and support our

thy consolations. However sei

night of affliction may seem, if the

" Let there be light,'* there shall

j But we are more concerned that k

\ " tions may be sanctified, than that

be removed. Number us, O Go
the happy persons whom, while tl

443
^ ing after. We are partakers every mo-

- nient of thy bounty, of thy gospel ; and we
j hope, in some measure, partakers of the

( ^ace of it operating on our hearts. O
y may it operate more and more^ that we
3 mtiy largely partake of thine holiness too ;
p( that we may come nearer and nearer in
^ the temper of our minds to thee, O blessed
^ God ! Let our souls be melted in the fur-
gf nace, if we may but thereby be made fit
^ for being delivered into the mould of thy
^ gospel^ and bearing thy bright and amiable
^ image for ever. Amen.

PRAYER FOR A FAMILY.

* When any Member of it is Sick ; to he used
^ either Morning or Evening.

E Most great and glorious God ; thou
^ art the maker, and sovereign Lord of all !
Thou killest and thou makest alive ; thou
woundest and thou healest ; thou bringest
down to the gates of the grave, and thou
raisest up again ! And thou dost according
to thy will in the armies of heaven, and
among all the inhabitants of the earth : and
none can stay thine hand, or say unto thee,
'^ What doest thou ?''

Yet righteous art thoum d\>3tt^ ^«%^
holy in idl thy works, OuA goo^LVsL^Sii^^

444
dispensations of thy providence towa
the children of men ; even in those wl
are a£9ictiye^ and, for the present,
joyous but grievous !

We believe that thou dost never ti
ingly afflict nor grieve the children of m
but that it is only if need be, that we
any belonging to us, are at any time
heaviness through trials and distresses

Although, therefore, thou hast now
sited our family with sickness ; and we
humbling ourselves under thy mig
hand ; yet we would still adore^ and I(
and bless thy holy name.

We desire, at this season, to bless
praise thee, O Lord, for all the past j
cies with which thou hast visited w
our household I God forbid that the pr
trouble and suffering should make u
get those many, those constant bei
wherewith thou hast been daily loadi'
How great is the sum of them ! Mor
the hairs of our heads, and innum
as the sands upon the sea shore !

How long have we enjoyed fami]
forts and blessings, without any in
tion ! How long has each membe:
house been favoured uith health a?
and numberless boAW^ mct^vi^ V W
has tbj candle slioiie >xtjo\i wi v?

445
without any interposing cloud ! Blessed be
thy good and holy name, O Lord, for these
constant, these never ceasing favours ! We
are less than the least of all the mercy and
of all the truth thou hast caused to pass
before us. And when we consider how
unworthy our sins have rendered us of the
least notice and regard from thee ; when
we consider how we have exposed our-
selves, by our numberless transgressions,
to thine anger, and all the dreadful effects
of it, both in time and to eternity, we are
amazed that we are yet alive. We are
astonished that, instead of suffering so lit-
tle as we have, we are not sinking under
the weight of thine heavy indignation !
The least mercy we receive from thee is
more than we deservci and the greatest
affliction less ! Blessed be thy condescend-
ing goodness and compassion, that thou
hast opened the way for our relief, under
every mortal trouble, by thus directing in
thy word, *^ Is any man afflicted ? let him
pray !" To thee, O Father of mercies, do
we direct our supplications at this time ! O
Lord, be not far from us when trouble is so
near ! In an entire submission to the deter-
minations of thy wise and holy will, do we
now earnestly pray for tYvy setN^xiX* \«A^
thine aMicting hand, wYiose ^\^Tifc^^ "^^

Liiuu liiiuwcdt HIS iraiut;^ j^tii'Uj

more upon him than thou wilt en
to bear ! And O thou great P
without whom all others are of i
do thou direct to the most proper;
able means, and give thy blessing,
desired success in the use of thei:
in thy due time restore thy sei
health and strength again ; and t<
city for honouring and serving th
family, and the world about him.
mean time we desire and pray tha
fliction may be sanctified to him
Blessed is the man whom thou chj
O Lord, and teachest out of thy la
him that patience and rcsignatio:

Oi\ vin/>ACO<iv»«r

v^vtH l-kA/>#\ivkin np irk V\i

447

And, O Lord, help us that are now in
health to he preparing for sickness ! het
not the youngest of us glory in our strength
or vigour ; but may we use our various ta-
lents in a course of well doing ; that so^
whenever thou shalt call any of us to our
chambers and beds of sickness, we may not
be affrighted at the summons. But may
we then have those consolations which the
world can neither give nor take away !

Now unto God, the only wise, be glory,
through Jesus Christ, for ever and ever.
Amen.

A FAMILY PRAYER.

For Resignation when any Member has been

removed by death,

O thou Father of our Spirits, we would
lay our hands on our mouths, and fall
down now before thee, humbly to own thy
sovereign right to dispose of us, and all we
have and are, as thou pleasest ; we are in
thy hands as the clay in the hand of the
pdtter. May our language be, ** It is t/te
Lord, let him do what seemeth him good !*'
" The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken
away, and blessed be the name of the
Lord !'* We desire to know wherefait^^Jw^
Lord is contending with \is.

448
Are there any in this hotisehoL
and unconcerned about their soul
awaken them from their securit
this messenger from the dead stai
and awaken them to call upon tl

Arethere others who hare lost tl
love, grown luke-warm in rcli]
lived too much like men of the w
that this providence may bring
May we repent and do our first x\
when our master cometh he ma
sleeping ! And may we all be quit
a greater diligence^ that whatso
hands find to do we may do it wit
might.

May we all keep constantly in
brance how short our time is ; th
may not boast ourselves of to-
since we know not what a day m
forth. But may wc now, in this
mind the things which belong to c
lasting peace, before they are hid :
eyes ; enable us to fill up every re
day well, that so our last day ma;
best, and the day of our death bet
the day of our birth. Blessed are tt
vants whom their Lord when he
shall find so doing !

Blessed be thy name, \^\^.t \\i tl\
of darkness, sorrow auOi Aea\\i,\*

449
lortality are brouglit to light by the gos-
\e\ ! Blessed be the God and Father of our
uord Jesus Christ, who has begotten us
^ain to a lively hope, by the resurrection
»f Jesus Christ from the dead, to an in->
leritance incorruptible, undefiled, and that
adeth not away, reserved in heaven for
is!

We believe in God, we believe also in
Fesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
Through him we may hope, not only for
ihe complete happiness of our souls in an-
>ther world, but for the resurrection of
)ur bodies to glory, honour, and immor-
l;ality !

O that these consolations may be ours !
May we be sure of a title to them, by being
reconciled to God through his Son ; that,
having our sins pardoned, and being crea-
ted anew in Christ Jesus, we may rejoice
together and comfort one another with
these blessed promises !

And now unto that glorious Lord, who
was dead and is alive again, and lives for
evermore, and has the keys of death ; who
4ied and rose again,* and revived, that he
toight be Lord both of the dead and of the
Sving ; to him be honour and glory^ sal-
[^ation, victory, triumpYi, axv^ ^^xvxvKNssrcw
w ever and ever. Amen*

2 F

450

A Family Tluiyiksgimng for the Recovery of

a Sick Person.

jVIost merciful and gracious Lord God;
thou art good, and thou doest good, and
thy tender mercies are over all thy works:
and this is the message which we hvn
heard, which we have seen^ and which we
have particularly experienced, that God is
love !

Blessed, for ever blessed be thy name,
that^ instead of being kno\iii to us by the
judgments wliich thou mightest right6
ously execute upon us, thou art manifested
to us as a God, willing to forgive all oar
iniquities ; who healest all our diseases:
who rencwest our youth, and health, and
vigour, and crownest us with constant lor-
ing kindness ! Thou hast been better to as
than our fears, and larger than our hopes
and expectations !

O that men would praise the Lord to

his f>:oo(hiess, and for his wonderful works

to tlic ciiildren of men 1 O let us, in thb

family, give thanks unto the Lord ; for trt

have abundant reason to say, he is good

because his mercy cndureth for ever. Ti

him who alone docth g;reat wonders, fci

his mercy endurct\\ioT evex- ^^XsasBa.-^Vi

hath remembered us m o>xt \wv^\a*fc^

his nioxcy eiiduret\v for ^nv^v , ^v^^^

451

rejoicing and salvation is now in our

tabernacle. The right-hand of the Lord

doeth mighty things. Thy right-hand, O

, Liord, is exalted ! Thy servant, whom thou

^ hast lately afflicted, shall not die, but live,

. and declare the works of the Lord ! The

J. Lord hath chastened sore ; but adored be

^ his sparing mercy, he hath not delivered

"^ over unto death ! The living, they shall

praise thee, as thy restored servant does at

. this time ; the parents to the children shall

•, make known thy truth ! Accept, O Lord,

_ we beseech thee, the thanksgivings of thy

"^ servant in particular ! Thou hast delivered

' his (or her) soul from death, his eyes from

^ fears, and his feet from falling. O may he

1^^ love the Lord, who has heard his voice and

p his supplications, and endeavour to walk

. . more exactly before thee in the land of the

^ living. May thy servant be enabled to go

*" to thine house ; and there may we be among

the people that shall witness to the pav-

^ meat of his vows ; and join with them m

offering the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and

calling upon the name of the Lord.

And may this instance of thy goodness
and mercy, O heavenly Father, affect and
influence all before thee in a proper \fiL^\!^~
ner . May we all learn more ^eiv^iW^^, ^^^
our greatest worldly goodL, o\3X ^e.'^:^^
comfortSy are not in our o^u VmA^ %

2 IP 2

T^^vt tUou i««^^^f jy and may ^^^^ ^ ^
vc to us >vl»at It 1^ . who kno ^^

fashion ot rtn'Jth it '• ,v.islateaft^«^^^°"
in o-^ rS not to We tog^^ ? n^av J

^ That >v« f ^\,ope, toay;^'^ ^^^;„di»?:
^"'^'''Jjencd to' a r;:rk for wUicU^

getvce «\^'Sto tU«,r Ml uv our sta
Ust sc«t ^\^'g of God tofi I «V ^,gtter

^,d relations By thf J^jfouvselv
^« ^•'^''nSraiued to devote o

be thine for c> ^

453

A Family Prayer m prospect of a Joumei

Most blessed and eyerlasting God ! thoi
art great^ and of great power, and thint
liiiderstanding is infinite ! Thou, O Lord.
Iiast searched and known tis, thou under-
standest our thoughts afar off; thou com-
passest our path, and our lying down, and
art acquainted with all our ways ! Whither
ijan we go from thy Spirit, O Lord ? And
whither shall we flee fipom thy presence ?
If we ascend up into heaven, thou art
there ! If we make our bed in the grave,
behold thou art there ! If we take the
wings of the morning, and dwell in the ut-
termost parts of the sea, even there shall
thy hand lead us, and thy right-hand shall
hold us ! If we say, surely the darkness
shall cover us, even the night shall be
light about us ; yea, the darkness hideth
lot from thee, the night shineth as the day,
he darkness and the light are both alike
t> thee ! Adored be thy name, O Lord, for
le proof we have had of thy constant pre-
mce with us, from the constant, favour -
)le, and gracious effects of it ! From the
ginning of our lives to this day hast thou
en with us ; in our lying down and risiu^
; in all the business o? evex^ ^"w^ ^ "^k^^
^dst all the terrors and daxALu^is.^ csll«^^

454

night : and in every place we have found
thee nigh unto us, as our friend, our pre-
SQirer, and benefactor !

We desire now solemnly to recommend
ourselves to thy cai*e and protection, for
the journey wo are designing to under-
take. Being encouraged from our past
experience of thy watchful providence,
and comforted with the thought of thy
universal presence, we commit our waj^
unto thee, O Lord ; humbly acknowledging
thee in them^ and begging thou wouldest
direct our paths ! If thy presence go not
with us, let us not go up from our habi-
tation. But as we hope we are undertaking
nothing unlawful in itself, nor unsuitable,
we humbly pray, that we may be the ob-
jects of thy special care and protection I
Direct our course for us, and be with us in
the way in which we go. Keep us from
every evil to which we arc exposed ; keep«
we beseech thee, all our bones, that not
one of them may be broken. Preserve to
us our bodily health, and may the journey
tend to the confirming and establishing of
it.

Provide, we pray thee, for our bodily
wants by the way ; give us bread to eai I
and raiment to put ot\. \iv ^n«y 1?1«^
where we shall go ma^ ^^%\A^wwQS:^iaik.

455
behave in a proper and becoming manner
Keep us, we beseech thee, from all man-
ner of sin. May we set thee, the Lord^
always before us ; that sowe may never
venture to be off our guard because we
may be at a distance from those who used
to observe, and take notice of our conduct
at other times. May we preserve a sense
of God and religion upon our minds, in all
places and companies ; and take every
proper opportunity to pei*form the dutiei^
of religious worship. Particularly help us
to maintain a constant regard to thy holy
day as often as it shall return 5 and, in-
stead of profaning it by unnecessary tra^
veiling or amusements, keep it holy te
thee, the Lord ! May we endeavour to do
all the good we can wherever we go, and
so leave a blessing and not a curse be-
hind us. And do thou succeed and pros-
per whatever we lawfully undertake, and
sanctify to us our diversions and - re^
creations.

May our frequent removes from one

place to another put us continually in mind

of our unsettled state in this world. May

we consider ourselves as pilgrims and

-strangers upon earth ; as those who have

^crc no continuing city, Wx. «x^ ^^•^^Kxa.'^

w^ne to come, O may we Veww \.^ x^Ofts

456
our whole life is a journey towaordB. UiU
everlaating, unchangeable setUemeit !
And may sueh a notice of life teach us the
better to bear and struggle with the erila
and trials of it, and to be more moderate
in the enjoyment of the comforts of it :
that 60 we may neither tire nor faint in
our course, nor be at a fatal stand. Nor
may we ever mistake our way ; but hold
on and hold out unto the end. And may
we be guided through the whole by thy
counsel and at last be received to thy glory.
Watch over our habitation, O Lord, we
beseech thee, in our absence : may thine
eye be upon it by night and by day ; keep
it safefrom devouring flames, and from the
attempts of wicked men. And, in thy doe
time, may we be returned in health, safety,
and comfort, and find our tabernacle in
peace!

To thee we recommend our friends and
all our fellow creatures. Mercifully re-
gard, we beseech thee, our nation and
our public affairs ! Bless all that are in
authority over us, and may they become
terrors to evil doers, and a praise to then
that do well. Bless the Ministers of thy
Grospel ; and by their means may the word
of the Lord Viave^Te^ewa^^^KAte^o-
rified.

457
Accept, we humbly pray thee, O thou
^ood and gracious God, of these our ac-
knowledgements of thy perfections and
providence, and our repeated dedication
of ourselves and all that belong^s t-oi us to
thy care. Be thou our sun, and our
Hhield ; give us grace, and glory ; and with-
hold no good thing from us ! We ask all
in the name, and through the mediation of
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A Family Thanksgiving /or a safe Return

from a Journey.

Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens,
and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the
clouds ! Thy righteousness is unmoveablc
as the great mountains, thy judgments are
a great deep. O Lord, thou preserveat
man and beast.

We, who have experienced this thy kind
preservation in our late journey, are now
come, at the end of it, to bless and praise
thy name ! We bow ourselves in thanks-
'^vings at thy footstool, O thou our Al-
•mighty Guardian, for all that care nndpro-
' tection wherewith thou hast befriended
us, from the time we le?\. owx Xv^Vv^fi^^"^
to this comfortable returu to \X.\ "^ ^ ^'^^
witted ourselves to thee \>^ \jx«:^^"^ ^

458
supplication, and trusted in thy 1
fatherly goodness ; and thou ha
our prayerSy and blessed us in o
out and our coming in. Thou li
us from all evil, and we now
tabernacle, and find all in safety
thee, O Lord, do we give thanks, i
do we give thanks ; for that tl
is near thy wonderful works
Through how many dangers have
unhurt, because thou hast defen
How many accidents have we esci
least of which might have been t
for us ; because thou. Lord, hast p
them ! Not a sparrow falls to the
without thee, our heavenly Father
very hairs of our head are all nun
Lord, what shall we render t
We desire to renew the dedicatio]
selves, and our all to thee, from v
received all at first ; by whom all h
to us ; and we ourselves preserve<
comfortable use and enjoyment
things ! It is not enough for us 1
thy praises with our lips, we desii
the constraining power of thy goo
our hearts ; and to shew forth th]
in our lives and conversation.
May we be cateixA \\v>\. x.^ fe
Lord our God, wYvo \\«l^ ^^^^ >^*

459
g^ood. And do thou, O Lord, by the in-
fluences of thy good Spirit, keep these
things on our hearts continually ; that we
may never wickedly depart from thee, but
be engaged thereby to run in the way of
thy commandments with greater zeal and
vigour !

Forgive, we earnestly beseech thee, all
the sins we have committed since we left
this place 1 Whatever has been amiss,
mercifully pardon ! If we have in any in-
stances forgot ourselves, acted out of cha-
racter, been off our guard, given into any
faulty indulgences, or done any thing
which we may have just reason to reproach
ourselves for ; O Lord, forgive us. We re-
new our repentance, and take refuge in
the merciful provision of the Gospel cove-
nant, ratified and confirmed in the blood
of Jesus the great mediator. Forgive that
we still so little love thee, who hast so
wonderfully koved us ; and that we are yet
so fond of this vain and changing world,
and no more raised in our deaires after a
better and everlasting state.

O shed abroad thy love in our hearts,
that we may love thee with all our hearts,
and with all our souls, and with all our
strength ! Enable us to seek. xXv^ ^Cwikc^
wbich are above, and to set o\ix ^^OC^s!kv:

460
thcrey where Christ sittetli on the right*
hand of God ; that so, when Christ who is
our life shall appear, we also may appear
with him in glory !

And now, we are returned to our stated
service and business in life again, do thon
graciously bless and prosper us. Still
keep us and our dwellings from all evil, and
our affairs from pei-plexity and entangle-
ment. May every one of us be excited by
thy past goodness to go on more content-
edly and cheerfully in the way of our duty!
May we behave wisely and usefully while
we live in the world ; and may we, when-
ever q^r time comes, depart out of it with
honour, and under the strongest influence
of the hopes of the glorious Gospel of the
blessed God!

Graciously, we beseech thee, regard all
whom wc ought to remember. Be with
all those who are either on journeys by
land, or voyages by sea, and need the same
mercies of which thou hast lately made «s
partakers. Preserve them from every Cfil
by the way, especially from the evil of sfai;
and bring them back, as thou hast brougkt
us, to their houses and friends in safety,
comfort, and joy. May all mankind par-
take, not onAy oIl \\\^ >a\«ft««\^% ^^ tWy con-
moll providence, Wt ^^ ^'^ ^^'w^-^ >«^ "^

461
revelation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
among them.

Kemeuiber all our relatives and friends
with thy special favour. And do for us
and ours, and all thine, according to thine
infinite wisdom and fatherly goodness*
Forsake not, O God, the work of thine
own hands, because thy mercy endureth
for ever, for the sake of Jesus Chru^t
our Lord. Amen.

Now unto Him that is able to save and
deliver. us from every evil work, and to
preserve us unto his heavenly kingdom .: ;to
Him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. .

A Family Prayer for the close of an Old

Year.

Praise belongeth unto thee, O Lor49 a^d
unto thee shall all flesh come. It was
thou who didst in the beginning lay the

• foundation of the world ; and the heavei)S

' are the work of thine hands I They shall
perish, but thou shalt endure ; yea, all of
them shall wax old like a garment ; as. a

. vesture shalt thou change them, and they
shall be changed ; but thou art the saine,
and thy years shall have no ew^\ fe^.^^^-

aaad years, in thy sight, are\3i>xVaa'^^'^^

462

day when it is past^ and as a watch in the
night ; and one day is with the Liord as
a thousand years. In the multitude of
thy mercies, O Lord, we are come^ once
more, to present our family worsliip at thy
foot-stool. Having obtained help of thee,
O God, we continue in life and health;
and are, through thy blessing, presenred
to see the close of another year.

But, above all, would we bless thee for
thy kindness to our souls ! We thank thee,
O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that
we have been born in a Christian land;
that we have the knowledge of the Gos-
pel, and the means of obtaining salvation
by Jesus Christ ! We praise thee that our
ears hear those glad tidings of life and ,
eternal happiness revealed by thine own i
Son in our nature, which many prophets ;
and kings and righteous men have dc- |
sired to hear, but have not heard them :
and that our eyes have seen those glorious
things which they have desired to see, but
have died without the sight.

We bless and magnify thee for the con-
stant uninterupted enjoyment of family-
blessings through the year. If we have
had constant health, thanks be to him, ani
to him alone, wV\o Y\«& >a^^^ \Jfta Vvealth of
our countenance aii^ ^wT ^Q^^ vvtNs.'wPi

463
)f us have been visited with affliction, yet
>Iessed be God for the gentleness of his
chastisements, for our recovery and resto-
*ation ; and that we now appear together
*ejoicing in thy mercy and salvation.

We praise thee for continuing to us the
comforts of life through the year, and keep-
ng off those evils and calamities from us,
>y which other fatnilies have been most
grievously distressed. And if in the year
last thou hast blessed the labour of our
lands and succeeded our affairs, we would
'emember that it is thou, O Lord, who
pivest wisdom to increase our store ; that
t is thou atone who makest whatsoever we
lo to prosper ; and would give to thee the
iraise and glory.

We bless thee for preserving us by night
md by day, and for taking care of ua
rherever we have gone ; so that no evil
las befallen us, no plague has come nigh
►ur dwelling. Thine eye,.0 Lord, has
onstantly watched over us and ours from
he beginning of the year to the end of the
ear.

More especially would we bless thee for
ontinuing to us the means of grace> and
he ordinances of thy Gospel ! That we
ave had the enjoyment of ««ScJa^^% ^>2^^
wraments; that we have slVW ^x^ft ^ac^^"^

464 <

lino, and precept upon precept ; and ihit
tUoti art yet coutiuiiing the strmugs W
thy ^ooil Spirit with our hearts. These
ntercies arc all owiu^ to the riches of tbf
<i:oodncss and loug-suffering ; by whiok
thou art sparing us in a state of trial) ml
p^ivingus such abundant means for rcpest-
aurc and securing our eternal salvation.

Surely thy ways, O Lord, are not U '
our ways, nor are thy thoughts as otf
thoughts ; else wc had long ago been con*
sunied ! No ; blessed be thy naiuc, we ait
not consumed amidst all the dangers M
which we ai*e exposed, amidst our number- 1
less repeated provocations^ because thy
compassions fail not.

How difi'erent has been thj/ conduct to-
wards 118^ from our's towards thee ! All /If
ways, O Lord, have been goodness ani
mercy ; all suited to win upon our hearty
to engage our affections to thee, and ti
fix us for thee. But owr ways have beea,
in many instances, froward and perverse.
Our wills have been ungovernable ! otf
affections vain, wandering, and carthlji
and our hearts and souls too much undff
the influence of sense. How often wbcii
thou hast called, have wc refused to heartl
en ! How oftcv\ \\aL^\. nXvv^xsl ^\xv^s}8a4 oi»I\
thine hand, auOi we \\vxn^ w^v ^^^e^^

465
low little gratitude have we returned for
ly constant and uninterrupted kindness !
low little have the terrors of thy word, And
ie chastenings of thy rod^ awed tihciflie
;ubborh hearts of bursf to obedience ! '
When we have been for any coiisia^t-
We time without changes in oui' fatailjr
r affairs^ we have been too apt' to forget
lee, and neglect that fear ahd revference
bich is thy due. And when,' at other
mes, we have been passing through vari-
as changes^ how apt have we been to
lurmui' and repine^ instead of submitting
} thy holy will with a proper and' he-
lming temper!

The best of us have abundant cause to
timble ourselves, that we arc no better 3
lat we come so very short of what thou
lightest justly expect from us ! We have
;cn trees planted by the rivers of y^B.ter )
that we had, in the expected seasons^
*otlght forth fruit in Some measure wor-
ly of him by whom we have been thus
anted, and watered, and blessed with sdl
iiritttal blessings, in heavenly things in
brist Jesus ! But we have reason to be
fhamed of our unprofitableness and un-
uitfttlness, and that our goodness has so
ten been no better tY\aTi V\ve Tcv«rc^s\^
md, and the early dew XXvaX ^^^^"^
^y- 2 G

466
Thou mightest justly have cut us do
in anger : but adored be thy name, we
let alone this year also ! And for w
hast thou spared us, O Lord^ but that
may repent of all we have done am
and resolve to amend our ways ? We
unfeignedly repent of all our sins :
do take shame to ourselves for all •
transgressions and provocations ! We
heartily sorry, that so much of the f
year has been witness to so many repea
failings and follies, as well as (with reg
to some of us, it is to be fearcd^^ gres
sins I And we see how our iniquities
aggravated by thy continued never-fail
bounty and goodness ! We would co
and confess our sorrow and grief for :
We would take with us words and t
unto thee, O Lord ; and say, ^^ If thou, L
shouldest be strict to mark iniquities
Lord^ who can stand? for then in
sight no flesh living could be justifi<
But there is forgiveness with thee^ t
thou mayest be feared'^ and loi
Through Jesus Christy the great ato
ment, we may hope to obtain the ren
sion of all our sins, and an interest in '
favour. In his name we plead for pard
Lord, take away ^\\ vcA^^oAty from \
teceive us graciousVj, «»^^ ^«^^ >ms. v«

467
O let all our sins be blotted out^ and may
. -we not begin a new year under the weight
of unpardoned guilt. But may we be
washed, and sanctified, and justified, in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the
Spirit of our God.

And now unto Him that is able to do
exceeding abundantly 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. Amen.

A Prayer to be used at the beginning of a

New Year,

O God of all grace, from whom cometh
every good desire and every humble en-
deavour^ grant that this new yeai* wc are

^ entering upon, may witness to our greater
reformation from every thing that is amiss

; in us 3 and our being more and more re-

. newed in the spirit of our minds. May all
.old things be done away; and may we
learn more heartily to approve and prac-

^ tice thy good, and holy, and acceptable will.

\jit is our earnest desire to live better than
we have done- It is our fixfci. >:^%<^s»5gsss^
to amend our ways, w\iei:^\w^^^^^^ ^

2 g2

468
know we have done wrong,
prayer is to thee, O thou gracioi
thine assistance, and the influen
Holy Spirit, to establish all our
poses, and render all our endc
the practice of holiness successf
fectual. May thy grace be al^^
dent for us, and tliy strength mi
iest in our weakness ; that so w
enabled to be faithful unto deal
last obtain a crown of life.

And now, O Lord, to thee we
lemnly commend ourselves, at
mily, for the ensuing year. If 1
fit to spare us all through it, ma
mercy to every one of us. And i
holy will, we pray that we may b<
another year. That if there she
here who as yet have been quite (
of the ground, they may at last l
some fruit; and that others (
become more and more fruitfi
glori^ our Father who is in hea
would not desire life, merely for
of living in this world ; but chief
an opportunity for honouring
God; for promoting the interests
deemer, and doing good to o
creatures. Tor t\\e%^ ^jwra^^es
O Lord, that ttvou nvoxA^^^

469
And, O that we may not contradict sa
desires and purposes by our after conduc
All our worldly concerns we commit
= thy care ; and beg, that we may pass tl
? year in those circumstances which th
2 knowcst to be best for us. If it be so, m
« we have health, and the comforts of 1
continued without any interruption. If nt
z prepare us for sickness, and every chan
: through which thou shalt think proper
lead us. And if thou shalt think proi
• for us to make our great change ben
?. this year shall end, may we be ready :
L it : and all the days of our appointed tii
may we be waiting till this most import?
: change shall come.

"i We desire to fix all our schemes, as

I time, with an humble submission to t

ft.' will. O Lord, so teach us to number (

g remaining few and evil days, that we n

^ apply our hearts unto wisdom ! We pra

t: thee, O Lord, for national mercies the yi

past, and humbly implore the continual

• of them ! W^e are, indeed, the land wh

~ thou, the Lord our God, hast cared for.

may we still be the object of thy care i

kindness ! Blessed be God for tempo

and spiritual mercies ; for the Ke.^\?a. '

j)lc2it/of our land; and ^ot \N\^ ^<2jjvs:

auce of thy Gospel among ^^.»^ ^^X>fe^ ^

470

paet abuse of the riches of th
and forbearance and lon^-suffi
we at last be reformed. Coni
to us our civil government
Queen and all the Royal Pamil
succeed all lier counsels for th
welfare and happiness of the
our poor be satisfied with brt
there be no just cause of coi
our streets. May thy Gosp(
tinue, and be more successful <
of ministers and hearers.

And O that this may be the
year of the Lord to those natio
hitherto sat in darkness and in
of death. How long, O Loi
ti*ue, shall ignorance blind, an
superstition pervert the minds
able creatures ! O that the yci
deemed may come ! Hasten
time, we pray thee, when tl
more hurt or destroy iu al

471

- and advocate, who ever lives to make i

tercession for us.

Now unto Him who is the blessed a
* only Potentate, the King of kings, a
' Lord of lords ; who only hath immortalii
^ dwelling in the light which no man ha
" seen nor can see ; to him be honour a:

power everlasting ! Amen.

HYMN

FOR THK NBW VfiAR.

The Lord^ our salvation and light,

The guide and the strength of our days
Has brought us together to night,

A new Ebenezer to raise.
The year we have now passed through.

His goodness with blessings has crown
Each morning his mercies were new :

llien let our thanksgivings abound.

Encompass'd with dangers and snares.

Temptations, and fears, and complaint!
His ear he inclin'd to our pray'rs ;

His hand open'd wide to our wants.
We never besought him in vain.

When burden'd with sorrow or sin ;
He he]j)'d us again and u^«atv.

Or where, before i\ovf,\\«A^^^i^^^

472
His Gospel throughout the long j«tr«'

From Sabbath to Sabbath he gave ;
How oft has he met with us here,

And shewn himself mighty to save I
His candlestick has been remov'd

From churches once priyileg'd thus ;
But though we unworthy have prov'd.

It still is continued to us.

For so many mercies receiv'd,

Alas ! what returns have we made !
His Spirit we often have griev'd.

And evil for good have repud.
How well it becomes us to cry.

Oh ! who Is a God like to thee !
Who passest iniquities by,

And plungest them deep in the sea !

To Jesus, who sits on the throne.

Our best hallelujahs we bring :
To thee it is owing alone.

That we are permitted to sing.
Assist us, we pray, to lament

The sins of the year that is past :
And grant that the next may be spent

Far more to thy praise than the last.

A Prayer under Spiritual Decay,

Eternal and unchangeable Jehovah ! thy
jcrfcctious and Wv^ ^Vo\\ft.'a» ^re like thy
cingy immutable \ 3 ^«v^»» ^^ "^^w^ v*. •<!«

473
yesterday, ti^-day, aiid for ever. The
il worlds to which we are hastening,
ays equally important. But, alas !
lews, and our affections, and our
'csolutions are continually varying,
ice, O Lord ! whence this sad change

wc now experience in the frame
cmper of our minds towards thee ?
icc this alienation of our souls from
Why cannot we come to thee with
e endearments of filial love, as we
3ould ? Why is thy service so remiss-
ended, if attended at all ? And why
ic exercises of it, which were once
reatest pleasure, become a burden to
ilas ! Lord, whither are we fallen !

eye sees us still ; but oh ! unlike what
e saw us ! Cold and insensible as we
^e must blush at the reflection. Thou
us in secret ; and seest us, perhaps, '

amusing ourselves with trifles in

seasons which we used solemnly to
e to thine immediate service. Thou
us coming into thy presence as by
'aint ! and when we are before thee,
aitenedin our spirit, that we hardly
what to say to thee ; though thou art
od with whom we have to do % ^ixv^
h the keeping up an \vw\x^^ ^^^*.
^^orre^pondence with t\vee,^^^>«^^'^^

474
all comparison the most important busi-
ness of our lives. And even when we are
speaking to thee, with how much coldness
and formality is it ! It is perhaps the work
of the imagination, the labour of the lips;
but where are those ardent desires, those
intense breathings after God^ which we
once felt ? Where is that pleasing re-
pose in thee which we were once con-
scious of, as being near our divine rest, as
being happy in that nearness^ and re-
solving, if possible, we would no more be
removed from it ? But oh ! how far are we
now removed ! When these short devo-
tions are over, in what long intervals du
we forget thee ! Thou callest us to tbioc
house, O Lord, on thine own day ; but how
heartless are our services there ! We offer
thee only an empty form. Our thoughts
and affections are engrossed with other ob-
jects, while we draw near to thee with our
mouth, and honour thee with our lips.
Thou callest us to thy table ; but oiu* hearts
are so frozen, that they hardly melt, even
at the foot of the cross ! Hardly feel anj
efficacy in the blood of Jesus ! Is thii
Lord, the service we once promised ; and j
which thou hast such manifold reason!^
to expect } Xre W\e^^ Wv^ t^Vwcxv^^ we arc ,
making for tTay AaWj Y^wiK^^xv^Cssi^ ^5»^\
for the sacrifice o« tVj ^^^^% ^v.x>\x^«*^

475
lunications of thy Spirit ; for the pardon
f our numberless aggravated sins; for
le hopes of eternal glory ? Lord, we are
shamed to kneel before thee ! but pity us,
e beseech thee, and help us. •* Our souls
leave unto the dust," and lay as in the
List before thee : but, " O quicken us, ac-
)rding to thy word !" Let us trifle no
mger ; for we are on the brink of a pre-
pice ! O give us grace to turn our feet
ato thy testimonies. Search us, O Lord,
id try us; go to the root of this dis-
jinper which spreads itself over our souls ;
ad recover us from it. So represent sin
tito us, O Lord, we pray thee, that we may
*e it with abhorrence : and represent the
ord Jesus Christ to us in such a light,
lat we may look upon him and mourn ;
lat we may look upon him and love,
[ay we awake from our stupid lethargy
ito which we are sinking. And may Christ
Lve us more abundant degrees of spiritual
fe and activity than we have ever yet
5ceived. May we be so quickened and
nimated by him, that we may more than
3C0ver the ground we have lost. Send
own upon us, O Lord, in a more rich and
bundant efl\ision, thy good Spirit : ma^
e dwell in us as a temple vj\i\c^v \v^ \!i»a»
msecrated to himself : anA. Tft«:^ *^^ V^
the Lord be our strengtYi. Ktokiv-

A repenting Youth at -tH

O moBt jufit and holy, mos^j
merciful ' Lord Qod, I 4m a 11
doDe8iaiier,aDd'.hadbf)eD iin^t
if Aou tudst not pulled i»e a^
of the fire. I hare been siotiii
lyi- practising almost every yi
1 hare broken through the 1
priociple and education, fmiped
stifled contictioD, and hardeni
a^inst reproof, I hare stop]

Antins* fhv vmrA eliirhtOfl nn

477
irins of grace extended to receive me. I

$ee a fountain opened to wash me. I see
the blood of Christ shed to take away my
sin. It has been ti*ampled on^ and des-
pised ; but now I prize it above all the
ivor]d, I plead it as my atonement ; I have
no other plea but my Saviour's merits and
thy mercy. Thou hast sent him to be my
Saviour. Save me, O my God, through him,
by the virtue of his blood ; by the cflScacy
of his Spirit ; by the power of his word.
Save me, O Ood, or I am lost for ever. I
review my life with horror. I repent in
dust and ashes. I have done foolishly a
thousand times, and forgotten thee day^
without number; but t hope thou hast
changed me, and formed me anew; and
that I am not the creatui*e I once was. I
am ashamed ; yea, even confounded, when
I look back. But with thee is plenteous
pardon ! Pardon my transgressions, for
they are great. Let a repenting sinner
live. I purpose, by thy grace, to offend
no more. O God, create my heart anew ;
repair thine image in me ; put thy Holy
Spirit within me ; and make me thine
adopted child.

I have been a lover of the world, and
of sinful pleasures more thaw tAGio\\V^KH^
indulged my body, \)ut we^ecX^^ ^»2o

478
starved my soul : tliis is my folly anc
shame. But I return to thee thn
Christ. I cast myself upon thy g\
Here I am at thy feet ; cast me not i
for ever. I cannot endure the thougl
everlasting banishment from thy presi
And as I am resolved to be thine^ ai
serve thee through the remainder ol
life, I pray thee to confirm these res
tionS; that I may indeed be thinc^
child, and thy servant for ever ; an(
last find a place in heaven, through J
Christ, the lamb that was slain; wl
worthy to receive power, and riches,
wisdom, and strength, and honour,
glory, and blessing, for ever and <
Amen.

HYMN.

Seeking God.

My God permit my tongue
This joy to call thee mine ;

And let my early cries prevail
To taste thy love divine.

My thirsty fainting soul
Thy mercy doth implore ;

Not traveWe^T^ iiv desert lands
Can paiiti iot ^^\.ct Mtfst^,

479
Within thy churches. Lord,

I long to find mjr pltce ;
Thy pow'r and glory to behold.

And feel thy qutck'ning grace.

For life without thy lore

No relish can afford ;
No joy can be compar'd with thiB,

To serve and please the Lord.

To thee 111 lifi my hands,
And praise thee while I live ;

Not all the dunties of a feast
Such food or pleasure giye.

In wakeful hours of night

I call my God to mind;
I think how wise thy counsels are.

And all thy dealings kind.

Since thou hast been my help,

To thee my spirit flies ;
Anil on thy watchful providence

Sly cheerful hope relies.

The shadow of thy vin^
My soul in safety keeps ;

I follow where tny Father leads.
And he supports my steps.

480

A jnouB Youth seeking after God and

rejoicing in him»

O most high and holy Godl I have
sought thee and have found thee. Awhile
ago I knew thee not, though thou wast
ever near me. But thy grace has abounded
towards me : thou hast opened mine
eves, and I see thee : I see thine infinite
perfections drawn upon all thy works of
wonder. When I hft up my eyes, and
consider the heavens, I own them to be the
works of thy hand ; and wonder that the
Builder and Inhabiter of those glorious
worlds should look down upon man, and
visit such worms as we are. The sun,
moon, and stars, ai'e all created by thee.
I see thy glory in them aU, and the glon ,
of thy Son Jesus Christ, by whom thou
madest the world. Every day and exen
night they speak thy praise, and tell
the world there is a God. And while the
heavens declare thy glory^ and the firma-
ment thy handy works, how can I forbear
to worship and adore thee their great |
Creator ?

Thou, O Almighty God! hangcst the
earth upon nol\\\\\% \ ^i\5^jKWifc'3s\llve clouds;
bringest the w\iv^ owx. ^^ ^^ \.x%»asw»»N

481

ihunderest niarvellously with thy voice :
md thou cansest the sea to know . i1»
N)unds. I admire, I adore the God of na-*
ure and providence, whose hand doth all
hese things, and who fainteth not, neither
B weary. O Lord, how manifold are thy
rorks, all made in wisdom : and where
an I go where thou art not ?

I adore and tremhle at thy holiness and
urity, who " chargest thine angels with
>lly ; and in whose sight the heavens utt
ot clean." I admire and adore thine in-
nite goodness, the earth is full of it. But
'hat mind can conceive, what tongue can
3II, the wonders of thy love in giving thy
eloved Son to save a perishing world I O
le height and depth of this love ! How
lany thousand sinners have been pardoned
irough Christ, and yet pardoning grace
\ still offered ! How long does divine pity
^ait over sinners ! How long hast thou
ad patience with me !

At length I come ; I come worshipping
t thy footstool, admiring the riches of
hy grace in Christ ; admiring that good-
ess which offers me a thousand blessings
y the Gospel, and whicli has laid up more
c^r me than can enter into my heart to
oQceive. Accept, O God, slca^c^X* >^\sft
fv-n creature, lying prostarate "Vi^lox^ ^^^

2 H

make me one more instance
and saving grace, that I m
thy praises in thy earthly
may go, ere long, to sing
thy temple above, througl
now risen and interceding S

HYMN.

THB BNC0URA6BMBNT YOUNG P

SBBK CHRIST.

' il

■ «

■ ■ t

■I
t

I i

Ye hearts with youthful vig
In smiling ci'owds draw r

And turn from every mortal
A Saviour's voice to hear.

He, Lord of all the worlds <
Stoops to converse with i

And lays his radiant glories
Your friendship to pursue

''The soul that longs to see
"Is sure my love to gain

'^And those that early seek
" Shall never seek in vaii

What ohject, Lord, my soul
If once comp^tT*^ V\\;\v \Xvi

What beauty 8\\ow\d c^mxa
Liike wbat lu C\\m\.\ ^

483

way, ye false delusive toys,
Vain tempers of the mind !

'is here I fix my lasting choice,
For here true bliss I find.

Child's Prayer to the good Shepherd,

issed Jesus, I^ a poor weak^ tender
ure, come to thee : but it was in re-
to such weakness that thou hast been
ed to speak so graciously. I believe
I have heard^ and I mean to venture
oul upon it. I flee to thee as the
ess lamb to its shepherd, when hun-
that he may feed it ; when pursued
ild beasts, that he may defend it.
, open thine arms and thy bosom to
hough I am so inconsiderable a crea-
, out of the mouths of babes and
ings thou ordainest praise. Fill my
i with love, and my mouth with thy
e, and lead me on, till I may come to
e thee amongst the holy angels in
3n, and serve thee as they do^ fox:
Amen.

2 H 2

A Child's Prayei

O Lord God ! I am a poor
ful child, but thou art my hes
and I hope, through Christ J
eonriled God and Father. I
thee, and I am grieved and s
that I have ever left thee,
astrav from thee like a lost
liow come to thee. Aecej]
child ; take me, O Father, i
of thy mercy ; and may thy
who took children in his ant
the arms of his love and bl
thy Spirit renew my sinful i
in me a clean heart, and r
spirit within me ; take aw
and give mc a soft, a tender]
to mourn for sin, and to be
fending thee ; a heart to lov
love all thy children. Del
all the snares of the devil, fro
pany, from a lying tongue,
own wilful and obstinate tern
a Father to me in the dear
teach me, to guide me, to pr
Teach me to love thee, to pre
to serve thee here \ and p
dwell with thee ioY eN<iY Va.
kingdom, for JesW ^^^^

486
Child's Prayer
»e ye followers of God as dear Children.'

iavenly Father, am I thy child ?
I inc how to follow thee. Teach i
How thee as dear children should f
a Father whom they love ; a Fatl
n they fear; a Father whom tl
it to obey in all things ! Lord, wl
dest thou have me to do ? I kn
5 own word says, " Be ye holy for 1 1
/' I am thy child, for thou mad

and by thee I live, and move, s

my being. But I cannot be thy d<
[ if I am not holy. I know thou cai
ook upon sin. I know and feel th{

inclinations to that which is evil ; c
^c too much followed them with

will, contrary to thy holy will i
mandments. I know that thou lov
1 in the inner man, in the heart. 1
ire often tried to deceive others ; i
I to make them believe what is :
. I have often tried to deceive mys
ive seen others bad; and I thouj

I was not worse than they were, i
I should do as well as they did.
rebellious and stubborn , ^tidi ^\%v^:^'
o my earthly parents •, \kOW >iXx«».A

• I

A Mother's Prayer far her i

Most glorious and eternal <
of our Lord Jesus Christ, Fat
and angels. Father of mercies,
all comforts ; thou hast promi
Father to a thousand generati
that love and fear thee. Be
and a Father to me, and the chi
thou hast given nie. Enable i
to bring them up in the nurti
monition of the Lord, and in
God. to the nraise of thv hol'<

487
Iging them in their follies, never con-
ing at any unworthy action : and that
my childi'en may be thine, O preserve
^m in thy favour. If thou pleaeest^ let
im live to a full age ; but above all, se-
re to them a full measure of piety and
iiness, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Po this end, give them grace to obey
lir parents, that doing their duty they
y receive the promise : preserve them
m sin and shame, from youthful follies,
1 youthful crimes : and sanctify them
'oughout in their bodies, and souls, and
rits, that their thbughtsr may be pure
1 holy; not displeasing to the eye of
m who is the searcher of hearts. Let
}ir words be true, prudent, and ingenu-
3, seasoned with gi*ace, and apt to
Qister grace unto the hearers. Let all
ir actions in their whole life be such as
;ome the servants of Jesus, holy and
iful, that they may not be burdens to
5 public, or to their family ; but pleasing
5e, and doing good to others, they may
irease in the love of God, and in favdttf
;h men, and may have the portion of
\ meek and humble in this world, and of
\ pure and merciful in the wofld to
ne, through Jesua Chti^t wa \jKst^.

., I

488 !

Prayer of Patents for thai f Children,

(> God! thou art our God, aud we will
seek thee ; our father's God^ and we will
exalt thee ! and we beseech thee to be our
children's God. Save them from sin^ an4
satan^ and this evil world. Save then
from the vanity of childhood and youth:
incline their hearts to holiness, and give
them the wisdom which is from above.
Pour thy Spirit upon our seed, and thy
blessing upon our offspring; that they may
be a seed to serve thee, which shall be
accounted to the Lord for a generation.

Teach and enable us to bring thein up
in the nurture and admonition of the Lurd;
and to instruct aud guide, reprove and vi-
hort them in the meekness of wisdom, a:
those who travel in birth again to sef
Christ formed in their souls. Let none vi
our's come short of eternal life, or be fonvi
on Christ's left-hand at the great day. Let
it be the joy of our hearts to sec then
walking in the truth, and setting their
faces heaven-ward.

We ask not for them great things be-
longing to this world. So far as shali
be for their s\^\r\t\ial and eternal good?
favour them wiv.\\ \\«i^V>2^ ^^^ >aa&fcV\^ ^

489

"sing in every honest
them with food con-
g> ,— ^^ ^ ^^fc. specially make them
Pfcife If ^^1^ and eternity.
^•jl^^^^^ J thee to remove any of
■%^£^^(^ deaths while they are
^ humbly submissive and

uly persuaded that all is
le they are young, thou
•ve us from them^ be thou
.er to them than we were
ing ; for in thee the fatherless
^ — ^ y. And, when we are gone to
F^^ in heaven^ let our dear chil-
^^f raising thee on earth; and be
^**^ i to themselves, but to him that
.hem and rose again,
thou knowest our care and eon-
id we desire to cast it upon thee.
p nous godliness in our family make
fuelling a house of God, and a nursery
/hrist and glory. Let our children do
e and better service for thee in their
^ than we have done in ours. And before
3 tribunal of Christ may we joyfully say,
!ere are we, and the children thou gavest
/ Grant us this rich grace, for the sake
thy dear and only begotten Son, to
ttim, mth thee, O Fat\\eY, mAVJw^ ^^^^s?^
fri4 be the kingdom, povfct^ wA ^«^
ever. Amen.

400

The Poor Man*s Prayer.

O thou Father of all I who hast graci-
ously promised to deliver ^^ the needy
when he crieth, .the poor also^ and him
that hath no helper;'' we had fainted,
unless we had believed in thy goodness !
We have been brought low^ and thou hast
helped us : at thy hand we have received
our daily bread. And though sometimes
our cup of earthly good has been almost
dry ; yet thou hast again supplied it, and
again encouraged us to trust in thee ! Hast
thou said^ the very hairs of our head are all
numbered ; and may we not cast our care
upon him who thus careth for us ! Thou.
Lord^ hast never forsaken them that trust
in thee ! But^ O our God, we thank thee,
that though poor as to this world's good,
we may be rich in faith, and heirs of
heaven. We thank thee for . that bread
which Cometh down from heaven — ^that
bread which is the life of the world, and
the life of our souls ; we would feed upon
it till our souls are nourished unto eternal
life ! We will not complain while we see
him who was ricli for our sake become
poor. BlesseOi 3^«»\Sk&\ \^a^ Ivl^hly hast

thovL honoured t\v^ i?^^^ \ ^^^"^^^ ^e«»&\

491

t thou favdtired them with the glad
ngs of thy go9()el ! Blessed poverty,
t makes us poor in spirit, and heirs of
kingdom ! Having nothing, we may
n possess all thingsi
lay we be thy hurable followers in hu-
ity and poverty of spirit, be conformed
thine image, and made meet for that
'Id where sorrow and sighing shall flee
ly, where all tearis shall be wiped away
in our eyes; and wherie we shall be
de kings and priests Unto 6ur God for
r! Amen.

HYMN.

Though troubles assail,
■And dangers affright ;
Though friends should all fail,

And foes all unite :
Yet one thing secures us^

Whatever betide ;
The Scripture assures us,
The Lord will provide."

The birds without bam
Or storehouse are fed ; ,

From them let lis Ae&Tii
To trust for our ^te^A^

492

His saints what is fitting
Shall ne'er be deny'd.

So long as 'tis written
" The Lord will provide."

We may, like the ships.

By tempests be tost
On perilous deeps ;

But cannot be lost.
Though Satan enrages

The wind and the tide ;
The promise engages^

" The Lord will provide,"

His call we obey,

Like Abraham of old,
Not knowing our way ;

But faith makes us bold.
For, though we are strangers.

We have a good guide ;
And trust in all dangers,

" The Lord will provide."

When Satan appears

To stop up our path
And fill us with fears.

We triumph by faith.
He cannot take from us.

Though oft he has try'd.
This heart-cheering promise,

« The LiotdmVV^xi^^d^i."

493

He tells us we're weak,

Our hope is in vain ;
The good that we seek

We ne'er shall obtain.
But when such suggestions

Our spirits have tried,
'J'his answers all questions,

" The Lord will provide."

No strength of our own.

Or goodness we claim ;
Yet since we have known

The Saviour's great name ;
In this our strong tower

For safety we hide ;
The Lord is our power,

" The Lord will provide." .

When life sinks apace.

And death is in view ;
This word of his grace

Shall comfort us through.
No fearing or doubting

With Christ on our side ;
We hope to die shouting,

*' The Lord will provide."

348

PRAYER

For the Lord's Day Morning.

Holy, holy, holy, Lof d God Almighty !
thou art glorious in holiness, fearful in
praises, doing wonders. What wonders of
goodness and mercy hast thou done for ns
unworthy and sinful creatures from oar
earliest existence up to the present hour !
Though we have misimproved so many
precious seasons of grace ; yet hast thou
most mercifully brought us to behold
another of the days of the Son of man. 0
may the day star from on high visit our
souls, and the sun of righteousness arise
upon us with healing in his wings. Help
us on this day, the Lord's day, the type of
that glorious rest which remaincth for
the people of God, to rejoice and be ex-
ceeding glad. Help us so to remember
the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour,
that our hearts may ascend to the throne
of his glory. O Lord, make this day a
sabbath to our souls ; a day of spiritual
improvement, of heavenly consolation,
and near communion with thee. Banish
ffow our minds every vam ^.wA. ^qtWIy
tJhhgbt} and may we begm widi ^^^tA'ix

1 1- T •■' •■■-!.»-■ •..

:'i«»:i- G .•-;-i. ; ...••• ^.

the ordiuajjft- "" ii:; uou-. »• :.
• auci prof::. ^* iinr >pin:. a*M
?.- al: tiiv iiiiiii'sieriij:. .*».*r\aijii-
icui faithful to thei. laitiuni in tii*
lid faithful to tiie boui^ entrusted u
arffe. May they be luijrhty thruu^i.
coinnnce the uucoiiviuced. to coii-
iiucoii verted, to heal them that
coutrite hearty aud t(» build up
s in their most holy faith. E^pt-
less thy truth to our own soui*.
our consciences may thi- day u*.
?d, our under^tandiiis: eQU«i'u\.cXi*'X..

:> bowed to the obedicrkLc oi ijsi^
?tion< Bxed on ueuveu\v

INSTRUCTIONS

FOR SELF-EXAMINATION.

Marks of Growth in Grace.

My Friknds,

If there is a living principle of grac
your soulSj it will be gi'owing, and
growth will evidence your spiritual
And would you not have some evid
that you are'indeed alive ; united to J
Christ as your living head, h^vinj
Spirit dwelling in you as a vital priuc
that you arc such as he will pres
from eternal death, and make happ
eternal life ? Of what importance is
examine whether you are growing or
Ask yourselves seriously, am I growii
gi'ace or not ? Does grace enter fu;
into my soul, refine and spiritualize
Have I more ligVvt, move ^^\tl\^ more
Diore humility, better (5:v§.^o€vCvw\& Vj

495
•vice of God, and self-denial ? Am I more
inkful, more watchful, more careful and
igent in every duty ? Does my growth
tend to the several kinds of graces ? Is
ice more strong and powerful ? Are the
ercises'of it easy, regular, and constant?
id do I find the fruits of it more emi-
ntly appearing hoth in heart and life ?
it me intreat you to dwell upon each of
3se particulars.

1 . Grace is growing when it spreads it-
f wider in the soul ; that is, when each
lulty becomes more spiritual and refined ;
len grace penetrates further into it ;
len the whole mind is more subject to
5 Gospel of Christ, and under its influ-
ce ; when divine light is brighter in the
derstanding, and the will is become more
dng and obedient to God ; when the soul
more powerfully drawn by the great mo-
es and encouragements of the Gospel ;
len it is more affected with the displays
the authority of God, and the grace of
Saviour, and more powerfully bowed to
e Redeemer's demands; when divine
ings take faster hold of the soul, and
mmand it more ; when the mind is he-
me seasoned with the great principles 4(
e Gospel ; when it is itvo>\\ie;ftL \w\.^ '^'^^
y image of God as t\vew«x.\«» V.^ ^'^^'^'«

496

2. We may be said to grow in grace
^'hcn we are growing in the several kinds
of grace. The beginning of the divine life
in the soul, is like the kindling of a spark
(if fire which grows up into a flame. And
when there is an increase of one and the
other, or of every kind of grace, then the
soul may be said to grow. When it has
not only common but special grace, then
there is not only light and knowledge, but
faith also ; nor yet faith only, but a holj
life. And when there is added to this, i
flaming love ; when the soul is melted
into godly sorrow ; when it is led to ex-
ercise itself in mortification and self-d^
nial ; and to cleanse itself from all filthi-
ncss both of flesh and spirit : and when it
rises from holiness to comfort and joy in
believing.

3. The soul grows when it becomes more
strong and powerful in any particular
grace. The more we grow in gjace, the
more will the force and eflScacy of it be
felt, and the actings of it will be more su^
cessful in reaching their end, either ii
mortifying sin, or in furnishing us for daty.
We grow in knowledge and light, wheo
the great mysteries of the gospel shine
more visibly in t\ie Y\te, ^\A \^^eome more
/ruitAil in formiiig \v% ^^ ^vccCsv^ %sA.Nbsk^^

497
£ind meekness, and holiness of conversa-
tion. The more we purify our souls in
^; obeying the truth through the Spirit, the
■j] xnore we grow in grace. So when our af-
'* fections become answerable to the steadi-
^ ness and vigour of our faith ; when great
*^ difficulties do not lead us to distrust and
- ^ «inxlety, as little ones did before ; but we
^ can trust God in the greatest that befall
y ^us. They grow who once struggled with
^ passion and appetite, and were easily led
' «iway by them, butcan now overcome them ;
\ ^^irhose good desires rise into holy endea-
,' "vours; whose good thoughts ripen into
' lioly words and actions : whose knowledge
^ :is more clear and certain, more powerful
' «,ncl experimental ; whose love is more
^. 'ftervent, steady, and pure ; and whose re-
' pcntance flows not only from a sense of
^vrath and fear of hell, but from a love of
^ Crod and hatred of sin.
^ A. When the exercise of grace becomea
'^ ^nore easy and pleasant to us than it was
^ l3efore. When the several graces of the
^ Spirit are ready to be called out to exer-
^ crise, and move like oiled wheels upon the
^' Jirst attempt to set them inmotion. That
' ^oul is in a growing state that is ready to
' attend duty upon short warmu%> ^ai^ ^<«r^
f ^very grace engaged ; tViat ca» -^x^^- *«

496
read in a spiritual fraiuc^ deny itself, ail
faith in the promises^ renounce the devil
and the flesh, forgive injuries, and du acta
of charity with readiness and pleasure.
Some persons find their minds lie a great .
way off, and averse from spiritual and holy !
exercises, they must argue with them-
selves a great while before they can pr^
vail. The christian has frequently hard
work to do. He must chide himself again
and again before his backward spirit will
comply. On the other hand, when spiritual
work is become natural and easy to the
soul, there is undoubtedly improvement
and growth in grace. There may be growth
indeed where there is some difficulty ia i
getting the heart into a spiritual frame; i
but then that grace cannot be so remark- '
able ; though the existence of it cannot ;
be denied, yet the strength and vigour of i I
it must. This is an evidence that grace i$ ;
weak, though it may be true. We may be {
said to grow in grace, when we are uioie |
steady, constant, and regular in the oxer- I
cii^e of it ; and are still reaching forward \
to the greatest perfection. < c

5. The soul is growing when the fruits [
of grace appear eminently upon it. The j
tree that bears goo(SL ixxsil e^rtainl v grows- t
''God is ableJ' ^vj«^ >j>kv^ K>^Q^>\<t^'^^^ >

499
ake all grtoe abound towards you, that
! always having sufficiency in all thingd
ay abound to every good work." When
iristians are called out to any special
ity or service, they shew they had their
;arts fitted for that service, by a readiness
> engage in it, and a skilful performance
' it to the glory of God. This is a glori-
IS sufficiency. When an earthly mind
^comes heavenly, and a vain mind be-
>mes serious ; when a narrow spirit be-
imes generous ; and one that was slothful
id inactive in the service of God, becomei^
le of excellent usefulness, full of good
orks, and brings forth fruit ; this is growth
L grace. In any or all of these instances
I ere may be growth.
6. Enquire whether you grow in humble
id mean thoughts of yourselves. To these
od has made the promise, that he will
Lve more grace : " he resisteth the proud,
lit giveth grace unto the humble." Hum-
ling yourselves is the way to be exalted,
oth in grace and in the divine favour,
'he tree that shoots its roots furthest
ownwards, rises highest upward with its
ranches, and stands the fastest with all
;6 height. They who have stood fast in
he rank of God's worthier, )a.wi^ ^»s«v-
toDlybadihe least and \ovr<i%\. V^cio^^goX^

2 i2

600

of themBelves. " I count i
hare apprehended, " was thi
that eminent apostle St. Pi
though 1 had already attaint
already perfect:" and in ot
confesseth, that he was less :
of all gainte, and the chief '
am not worthy of the least o
cies, and of all the truth wh'
showed unto thy servant. I
rising to grace ; there is an
to make the soul grow, heca
God in Christ, under a sens
weakness, and makes it wan
at a throne of grace for relic
7. Do you grow in a love,
the blessed Jesus ? This wi
cellent symptom of growth!
got to a noble height, when 1
things but loss and dung for t
of the knowledge of Christ Je
Ho who has hceu most solicit
and taken most pfuns in dul
the highest value for Christ.
much imperfection in every g
defects in every service he pt
he will acknowledge he must
is not justified by a better ri
if he has not oa a\\-*M?RcviCTA
Lastly ; do ?o^ 6rws«.% liJ

601
? ^race increase ? and are you more dili{
? 3n your endeavours after it ? Our per
'tion on earth lies in desire ; I mean ir
:. "borious endeavouring desire ; not in si
> 4ul lazy wishes. Desires^ indeed, are v
i -Clie good man talks of more than any tl
^ ^Ise ; but lest you should flatter youi
^ -111 to any dangerous mistake^ observe i;^
^^her your desires are active^ and put
j<^pon the greatest diligence and labou
^-^ne way that God hath prescribed. It
^ remarkable, and an affecting expression
r tjj^cat man/^Hell is paved with lazy wisl
[^ Jlic wise man says, the desire of the si
Cul killeth him ; his desires must be

.c^>etual torment to him, because he will
^ £^ at the pains to give them satisfacf
j^^The diligent hand maketh rich, botli
y«f ^mporals and spirituals. There is
ci^^owth to be expected without pa
jfci^ough while we labour we must own
br«tc;cess of all depends upon the di
?Ti^^Ossing. Endeavours belong to us by Q

^^^j3ointment, and sficceas belongs to
s* ^^orgetting, therefore, the things that
■*-'^^ind, let us press forward ; pressing
si-^^^^rds the mark for the prize of the 1
ing of God, in Christ Jesus."

k^r

502

Symptoms of declining in Grace. . 1(

1 . You are declining in grace wfaeYi yon
grow bolder with sin, or with the occasions
of it, or temptations to it, than you were
in your more watchful state.

2. When you make a small matter of • i
'those inward corruptions and infirmities ; i

whiehvonce seemed grievous to you, and
almost intolerable.

3. When you settle in a course of rdi-
gion that costs you little labour, and leave
out the hard and costly part ; and seem to
be very religious in the rest.

4. When you grow strange to God aai
Christy and have little converse with him
in the Spirit ; and your thoughts of him tf<^
few, and cold, and lifeless ; and yoiu" rcli- .
gion consists in conversing with good meo. I
and good books, and outward duties.

5. When you are careless about heart-
work ; and find but little to do with yotf
hearts from day to day in trying them, or
watching them, or stirring thcui up, or
mortifying their corruptions : but yotf I
business in religion is most abroad, and in
outward exercises.

6. Though -J OUT o^w Vk«wc^% awLd duties
must have muc\i o? '5^>« V>fta\x^ecc?^^^ss^^

503
n the losing hand, if the wonders of
)vc and grace in Christ have not more
f your thoughts and of your devout af-
3ctions.

7« All is not well with you when spiritu^
elps and advantages are less relished and
alued, and you grow more indifferent to
lie sermons, prayers, and ordinances which
uce you could not live without ; when
ou use them but as bare duties, for ne-
essity, and not as means, with any great
ope of benefit and success.

8. When you regard too much the eye
f man, and too little the eye of God : and
re more attentive to the words and out-
ide of your prayers, than the seci'et and
award part of them ; and dress yourselves
ccurately when you appear abroad, but
t home wear the sordid garb of a cold
.nd careless heart and life.

9. When you grow hottest about some
ontroverted smaller matters in religion,
r studious of the interest of some private
>pinion, or party, which you have chosen,
[lore than of the interest of the common
ruths and cause of Christ; more uncha-
itable and censorious to brethren that
iiffer from you, and less tender of the
lames and welfare of others \ ^xAVxs^ ^'^^^

504
your neighbour as yourselves, and do net
as you would be done by.
. ] 0. When the renewing of your repent-
ance is grown a lifeless, cursory work.
When in preparation for the Lord's day,
or sacrament, or other duties, you call
yourselves to no serious account, and grow
slight in self-exainination ; and are con-
tented in the daily use of ordinances,
though you find no profit, or increase in
grace, or communion with God.

11. When sense and appetite, and fleshly
pleasures are grown more powerful ; and
when you are more proud and impatient,
and less able to bear disesteem, and slight-
ing and injuries from men, or poverty, or
sufferings for Christ ; and make a greatei
matter of your crosses and wrongs, than
becomes one that is dead to the flesh anf
the world.

Lastly ; when the hopes of heaven, at
the love of God, cannot content you ; b
jjj you are thirsting after some worldly cc
''■ tentment, and grow eager in your desir
and the world grows more sweet to y^
when you had rather dwell on earth t
in heaven; and are more unwilling
think of death, or to prepare for it, or
pect it, and axe\cs^VaV$v^V\v\3Li\v<ft <
fng of Christ •, aad we x^^^ \» «w:^ '

505
sinful life in the flesh, it is good to be
here. All these are signs of a declining
state, though yet you are not come to
apostacy.

*«■

Advice to doubting Christians.

Judge not of your hearts and evidences,
upon every sudden glance of feeling ; but
upon a sober, deliberate examination:
and let your skill and diligence be much
greater to get grace, and use it, and in-
crease it, than to try whether you have it
or not. There is no such safe way to be
certain that you have grace, as to get so
much as will be easily discerned, and will
shew itself. When you have a strong faith,
you will easily be sure that you believe ;
when you have a fervent love to Christ, and
holiness, you will easily be assured that you
love them : when you strongly hate sin, and
live in universal constant obedience, you
will easily discern your repentance and
obedience. Weak grace will have but
weak assurance, and little consolation.

Set yourselves, with all your skill and
diligence, to destroy every sin of heart
and life; and make it your -^ravcs^j^ ^^^^
%nd business to do your dut^, ^wl ^^"^

606
God, and do all the good you can in the
world ; and trust God with your souls^ as
long as you wait upon him in bis way. If
you live in wilful sin and negligence ; if
you cherish your sensual fleshly lusts^ and
set your heiu'ts 'too eagerly on the world ;
if you indulge the passions of envy, pride,
or uncharitableness, or live in the neglect
of duty to God or man, and make no con-
science of a true reformation ; it is not
any inquiries after signs of grace that will
help you to assurance. You may complain
long enough before you have ease while
such a thorn is in your foot. Conscience
must be better used before it speaks a word
of sound well-grounded peace. But when
you set yourselves, with all your care and
skill to do your duty, and please your Lord,
he will not let you labour in vain ; he will
take care of your peace and comfort, while
you take care of your duty ; and in tUs
way you may safely trust him.

Compassionate Address to the fearful and

dejected Christian.

My dear fellow Christians, whose souk

are taken up wiiVi t\v^ \v.ti^\ous thought<« of

attaiaing to, and i^x^^^Wvok^ ^oxm ^'<as^

507
rith God ; who are vUe in your own cyeff,
nd value the blood, and Spirit, and word
f your Redeemer, and the hope of heaven,
efore all the vanities of the world ; and
esolve to give up yourselves to his con-
act, who is become the author of eternal
Eilvation to all those that obey him : your
lerciful and heavenly Father has, by his
eloved Son, sent you this joyful message,
liat God is love ; that like as a father pities
18 own children, so the Lord pities you.
[e commands us by his word to tell you,
^lat he takes notice of your sorrows ; he
-.ands by, when you see him not, and are
*.ady to think he has forsaken you: he
inds you with the greatest tenderness
len you say he has forgotten you; he
mbereth your sighs ; he bottles up your
vrs ; he takes it unkind that you are so
picious of him; and that all that he
h done for you in the work of redemp-
!, and all the gracious workings of his
*it on your souls, and all your own ex-
ence of his goodness, can raise you to
igher a sense of his love.
> you not see, and hear, and taste his
y and love ? Do you live wholly upon
d yet doubt of it ? God takes not this

But yet he know^ ^o\tt Sx^tfts.^ '»ssSi.
ibers that you are Aw8X\ ^J^^ >ksv^s^^

506
that the flesh will war against the S
he knows that sin will breed sorro^v
fears; and that man's understand!
narrow, and that all his conceptions <
are extremely low: that we are so fa
God as creatures, and so much f
from him as sinners, that we shall
times draw back and look at God ai
But, my friends, it is not the will o
Father, that you should always keep
distance of a servant, or a slave ; he
you to enjoy the privileges of childr<
cry, A1)ba, Father. I'o win your 1
you are told^ " That God so love
world, as to send his only begottei
that whosoever believeth in him
not perish, but have everlasting
Hear the gracious invitations of this
ful Saviour ; *' Come unto me all 3
labour, and are heavy laden, and I w
you rest." And is not this gracious
tion addressed to all ? And are yi
eluded ? Are not you the weary and
laden ? Here, is that rest and peace
which you want. Remember, wh<
are upon your knees, that your he
Father stands by beseeching you to
of what you are beseeelvlu^ him to
Do you wish for patdLOw, X\^^^ ^\A
tion f You have oB\>f x.o t^w\n^\

609
:ofipel way. Are you distressed with fears
nd troubles^ and uncertain whether Chrisft
nd salvation is yours P Suppose you have
ever accepted of Christy nor given up
ourselves to him : but is he not now ready
0 accept you ? *^ Now is the accepted
ime : now is the day of salvation !" Be-
old he stands at the door and knocks !
nd will you not receive him with all his
aving and sanctifying blessings ? Come
hen boldly to a throne of grace, that you
lay '^ obtain mer(*.y, and find grace to help
n every time of need."

Is it not a comfort to your dejected spl-
its to reflect that your gracious High
'ricst was tempted like as you are^ and is
ouched with the feeling of your infirmities.
ie will not break the bruised reed. Oh, if
i poor bruised wounded soul had but heard
hese words from his Saviour's mouth :
* The Spirit of the Lord is upon -me, be-
*ause he has anointed me to preach the
rospel to the poor: he hath sent me to
leal the broken-hearted : to preach deliver-
ince to the captives, and recovering of
sight to the blind, to set at liberty them
that are bruised; to preach the acceptable
year of the Lord/' What heart-meltings
i\'ould it have caused, what \o\^ ^^xSJA.Nx
bnve raised ! You would sut^\^ \)cve.w\^«^

510

believed that the Lord is indeed ^acious !
Let the soul who is doubting of God*s love
read the character of his lieavenly Father '
in the story of the returning prodigal, and '
let him feel what that poor penitent felt,
when he found himself in the arms of his
compassionate father. The soul that felt
this, would never sure have such hard and
doubtful thoughts of God ! Read the words
of him who is high and holy ; who inha-
biteth eternity, and who dwells 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. Away then
with every suspicious thought of God's
love ! Let his praise dwell upon your lips:
the actings of love, and thanks, and jov,
will help you to comfort, in a nearer way
than arguments and self-examination, even
in away of feeling ! Even as the lire maketh
you warm, the exercising these sweeter
graces will habituate your souls to it, and
in time wear out the sad and gloomy im-
pression you now feel ; and in the multi-
tude of such thoughts you may hope, that
tlic comforts of God will delight vour
soul

511

Marks of cl confirmed Christian.

. A Christian indeed^ is one whose rc-
tance has been deep^ and serious, and
^ersal ; it has gone to the very root of
; and has not left behind any reigning
ioii;ified corruption, nor any prevailing
t to sensual pleasure. He does not only
demnsin in words, and use confessions,
excuse him from mortification, and frpm
ng the mortal blow to his corruptions,
does he only repent of his open sins ;
he especially perceives the dangerous
ion of pride, and unbelief, and worldli-
s, and the want of love to God, and his
^hbour ; and all his outward and smaller
shew him the malignity of these
rt sins ; and these arc the matter of his
itest lamentation. He takes not up a
'ession of religion, with strong cor-
tions secretly covered in his heart ; but
religion consists in the death of his
"uptions, and the purifying of his heart,
does not secretly cherish any sin as too
et, or too profitable to Jbe utterly for-
3n, or overlook it as a small inconsider-
; matter : but he feels sin to be his
my and his disease ; and desire.^ ^^^^^
sin to be spared in lua soxiV \ \y^^» ^^sb^v^

512

with Dayid^ "Search me O God, and
know my heart; try me, and know my
thoughts ; and see if there be any wicked
way in me, and lead me in the way ever-
lasting!*' "He is blameless, and harm-
less, as a Son of God, without rebuke in
the midst of a crooked and perverse gene-
ration, among whom he shines as a light
in the world." The fear and love, and
obedience of God, is the work and tenor
of his life.

2. A Christian indeed, is one, that is so
sensible of his lost condition, un worthiness,
and utter insuflSciency for himself ; and so
highly prizes the offices, perfection, and
sufficiency of Christ ; that he has abso-
lutely put his soul and all his hopes into
the hands of this Almighty Saviour ; and
now lives in him, as having no life but
what he has from Christ, nor any other way
of access to God, or acceptance with him;
in him he beholds and delightfully admires
the love and goodness of his Father ; and
through him has access with boldness to a
reconciled God. Christ now dwells in his
heart by faith, and being rooted and
grounded in love, he *^ apprehendeth, with
all saints, what is the breadth and depth
and height of t\\c \q\^ q^ Christ, which
reth knowledge V ^^ ^^^^ ^"^ V^'>«.

613
Idcn to Christ for all his hopes of .
ition : he perceives that he is dead to |
elf, and that his life is hid with Christ li
od ; and therefore he is as it were ,.
»d, and risen again with Christ ; even
to sin, but alive to God through Jesus
St ; and the life that he now lives, is
le faith of the Son of God who loved
and gave himself for him.
A Christian indeed, is one that makes
and heaven the end, the reward, and
motive of his life. The interests of
and his soul, are the ruling interests
him : as a traveller goes on his way,
3cars all the difficulty of it, for the
of the place he is going to ; however
ay talk of many other matters by the
his business is to lay up a good foun-
n against the time to come, and to lay
on eternal life, and therefore his very
; is there ; and he is employed in seek-
and setting his affections on things
e. He looks not at the things which
een, which are temporal^ but at the
;s which arc unseen, and are eternal,
ng taken heaven for his felicity, he
mts no cost too great for the obtain-
t; ; though difficulties may hinder him,
lis attainments fall sUoYt ol\vv% ^^-
' yet he is resolved, tVvTOw^ ^^^^^%

2 K

514
never to part with Christ and heaven. He
knows that it is impossible to be a loser by
God, or to purchase heaven at too dear a
rate. He knows that whatsoever it cost
him, heaven will fully pay for all. He
knows that even our duty is not our
smallest privilege and mercy : but that the
more we do for God, the more we receive,
and the greater is our gain and honoar.
He is not one that desires the end without
the means : he complains of his backward-
ness to obey, but never complains of the
strictness of the command. He loves the i
holiness, iustice, and goodness of the lav, |
while he bewails the unholiness and bad-
ness of his heart. He does not desire God
to command him less, but desires grace :
and ability to do more. i

4. A Christian indeed, is one that daily i
delights himself in God, and finds more li
solid pleasure in his commands and pro* p
mises than all this world can give him. o
Religion is not a tiresome task to him; e
the yoke of Christ is easy to him^ and his t|
buraen light. That which others perform {
from mere necessity, against their will, he ' tli
goes to with delight. He prays because he ag
loves to pray *, and thinks and speaks of k
f^oly things, because \\e XsiNLft^ "^^fiAaure in p^
"^m • If it is a AeWgXvt to \xv^w \a ^^\£^v»»l >«

515 i

h their dearest friends^ or to hear from
!in at a distance^ it is no wonder if the
ristian delights to read the Gospel mys-
ies of lore, and to find there the pro-
ses of everlasting happiness ; and to see

the face of Jesus Christ the clearest
^e of the eternal Deity. It is not bare
;emal duty which he is taken up with :
; it is Grod, in creatures and ordinances^
it he seeks and lives upon. He would
b change the heavenly delight which he
ds in the exercise of faith^ and hope^
1 love to God, for all the carnal plea-
ses of the world. He " would rather be
loor keeper in the house of God, than to
ell in the palaces of wickedness ;" ^^ in
; multitude of his thoughts within him,
i comforts of God delight his soul/' His
sditation of God is sweet, and he is glad

the Lord. One look to Christ; one
^mise of the Gospel ; one serious thought
the life which he is to live with God for
er, affords his soul more solid comfort
in all the kingdoms on earth can afford,
id though he lives not continually in
ese high delights ; yet peace with Grod^
d peace of conscience, and some delight

God and godliness, is the ordinary tern-
r of his soul. His grace \8 xkot %» ^^a:^^
to be undiscernable 5 i\ot \^ vt ^ ^^«^^

516
buried seed, or principle. They that have
H good degi'ee of grace, and keep it in
lively exercise, are not so much troubled
With doubts of its sincerity, as the weak
and languid christian. They blot not their
evidence by so many infirmities and falls :
they are more in the light, and have more
acquaintance with themselves, and more
sense of the abundant love of God. They
have more of the spirit of adoption, and
can call him Father, with greater freedom
and comfort.

5. A Christian indeed, is grounded iu ,
humility. He is so well acquainted with j
his manifold imperfections, and daily fail- ■
ings, and great unworthiness, that he is
vei'y low and vile in his own eyes, and
therefore can easily endure to be low and
vile in the eyes of others. lie even ab-
hors himself when he finds the perverse- |
ness of his heart to God, and how little he
Icnows of him, and how little he loves him
in comparison of what he ought : and hoir
little of heaven is upon his heart ; and how ,
backward his thoughts are to the life to /
come. These arc as fetters upon his soul. ;
He groans under them as a captive, and •'
longs for the day of his deliverance. He j'-
sees in hiuise\t so mwv^ ftaccVxji^ss^ impcr- ^^
fection, and waul o^ ^vvcxXv^x ^T^'wt^Si^nj^.V ^i

517

s often a burden to himself. O could he
mt know and love God more ; and be more
n heaven^ and more willing to die^ how
easily could he bear all crosses and inju-
ies^ and be content with any state o1»
larth. He is much more fearful of doing;
rrong than of receiving wrong. He falls
»ut with himself more frequently thah
rith others. He believes himself to be
LIS greatest enemy^ and knows that his"
langer is most at home. He is more
lareful of his duty to his prince, his pa-
ents, his master, his pastor, than of
heirs towards him ; because he knows that
in is worse than present suffering; and
fc is better to be injured than to injure
thers.
6. A Christian indeed, is more in getting
nd using his graces, than enquiring whe--
her he has them. He is very desirous to-
e assured that he is sincere, but he is*
aore desirous to be so : and he know^
hat even assurance is gained more by the
xcrcise and increase of grace, than by
are enquiry, whether we have it already.
Jot that he is a neglecter of self-exami-
ation, but he oftener asks, what shall I
o to be saved ? than how shall \ Va^vs^
bat J shall be saved ?
/. A Christian indeed, slw^\^^&^^'^'«^^'

518
than events. He looks to his own patt
wore tban God's^ knowing that he is
likely to fail ; but that God will never fail
of his pai*t. And when any thing
goes amiss, he blames himself, and not
God's providence. He knows that the hairs
of his head are numbered, and that his
Father knows what he needs ; and that
God is infinitely wiser and fitter to dispose
of him than he is to choose for himself:
and, therefore, he thankfully accepts that
easy, indulgent command, ^^ Cast all your
care on him for he careth for you."

8. A Christian indeed, is one that highly
values time: he knows how much work
he has to do ; that he has a soul to save
or lose ; a heaven to win ; a hell to escape;
a death and judgment to prepare for;
many a sin to mortify, and many graces t4)
exercise and increase, and many enemies -
and temptations to overcome ; and that
what is now left undone, must be undone
for ever. O precious time ! how highly
does he value it, when he thinks of his
everlasting state, and what work he has j
for every hour of his time. He has a heart
to teach, and watch, and study ; and a God
to seek, and {aithfully serve, and many to
do good to, and a xaTOX.-^ ^\ ^;»^^^^^^5^ x^er-
form. But alas \ vVme \$\\ftifc^>aas^\& '«»^,^

619
and many things are left undone ; and he
is afraid that death will find him very
much behind hand ; and therefore he is up
and doing as one that has use for every
minute.

9. A Christian indeed, makes conscience
of all the duties of his station and relation
to others. If he is a husband he is loving^
and patient^ and faithful to his wife ; if he
is a father^ he is careful of the holy edu-
cation of his children ; if he is a master^
he is just and merciful to his servants, and
careful for the saving of their souls ; if he
is a child or servant, he is obedient, trusty^
diligent and careful, as well behind his pa-
rents or master's back, as before their face.

O happy church, and state, and family,
that is composed of such confirmed Christ-
ians ! where their prevailing character is
such as has been described ! But how much
more happy is the new Jerusalem, the city
[>f the living God, where the perfected spi-
rits of the just, in perfect life, and light,
and love, are beholding, admiring, and
praising the eternal God, their Creator,
ind Redeemer, and Sanctiiier for ever !

520

PREPARATION FOR DEATH.

My Friends,

You cannot live a comfortable life till
you are prepared for a comfortable death ;
but if you are ready to die well, you are
ready to live well, and ready to suflfer, and
ready for any thing. The man who hopes
to be for ever with the Lord, has little to
fear. How quietly may he sleep ! how
easily may he suflfer ! how joyfully may he
live ! Give me leave then to assist and di-
rect you in this great work.

1. Be sure that you repent of every
known sin : there is nothing makes death
so terrible to us as guilt. " The atitig of
death is sin.*'' It is sin that makes us hide
ourselves from our God ; and it is sin that
hides his face from us. So great is his
mercy, that nothing but sin could separate
us from his love. Spare not sin, there-
fore. Search it to the very bottom of your
hearts, you will find it has taken deep root
there^ and requires deep repentance. And
when you have to\ma ^i\3X ^M Us secret
places in your Yveart^^ eoxi^^'^% \\. ^^^^.

521

it you must go still further, and for-
ke it resolutely : a half repentance will
>t afford you comfort in life, or hope in
ath.

That repentance which is unto life, is a
rning unto God; a new heart, and a
^ht spirit ; a putting off the old man, and
itting on the new ; it is ceasing to do
il, and learning to do well ; it is a death
to sin, and a new birth unto righteous-

8S.

2. Put your souls into the hands of Je-
s^ to be pardoned, to be sanctified, and
eed. Are you afraid of guilt, and the
;r, and the wrath of God, and hell ? Re-
^mber he is ^^ the Lamb of God that tak-
h away the sins of the world." " He was
side sin for us who knew no sin, that we
ight be made the righteousness of God

him." " If any man sin, we have an
[vocate with the Father, Jesus Christ
e righteous." Fly to this refuge. Lay
dd on this hope set before you, and you
:11 find strong consolation.

3. Devote yourself entirely to God ; and
ake it the business of your life to please
ai, and to do good to all around you. O
at I could persuade you, my friends, how
uch a life of total resiguaWoxi V^ ^^^>
d devotedness to his service NvoviJA wc^.-

sanctified by his Spirit, and cr
in hini, aod siade meet for the
of the eointB in light.

Will it not be matter of com
to look back on such marks o
cerity as these i That you
above all things, and loved yoi
around you, becaiise they wer
dren of the same heavenly Fat
you have taken Christ for yov
viour, and his Spirit for youi
That it has been the desire of ;
and the endeavour of your life
God. That you bare endeavoui
tify sin, though it has been like
a rifi'ht-hand. nr nluckine' out a

523
i^isli you had lived, when you shall be
ipon a dying bed.

4. Live daily as in heaven while you are
•n earthy by faith, hope, and love. If y<m
ive as a stranger to heaven in health, you
Till be a stranger to it in sickness : and
he soul will rather have terror than pleas-
ure, under a thought of going to a strange
lace, a strange God, strange company,
nd strange employments. Remember
ally that there is your Father, your Sa-
iour, your Comforter, your home, your
appiness, your friends, your treasure,
our crown, your glory ! Do all that you
o in this world with heaven still in yoiu*
ye. Hear, and read, and pray, as if Lea-
en were open before you. Resist temp-
itions, and follow your business and
our trade, as if heaven was still in sight,
s a traveller holds on his journey in re-
lembrance of the end. Meditate often on
le heavenly glory ; on the certainty, the
eamess, the greatness of that glory,
hink how many millions of holy souls
re there in joy, while we are here in fears
id cares. Tliey have passed through a
arid of trials, and were compassed with
ich infirmities as ours, and passed through
jath as we must do. We go Tio\» «». ^^KCk.-
ydden path ; but are " fo\\o^«^ ^"^ ^^^^^^^

524
who, through faith and patience, inherit
the promises."

Think how much better it is with them,
than with iis. How they are freed from all
our sins and suflferings, doubts and fears.
O think what it is for a perfected, holy
soul^ to sec the glorified Kedeemer, and
all the holy company of saints and angels.
To see the glory of God, and to have the
knowledge of his glorious works ; to feel
his love poured out on us, and to be swal-
lowed up in love and praise. Tliink of
your holy acquaintance that are gone be-
fore you 5 and frequently talie, as it were,
a walk in the streets of the city of God.
Suppose you saw their glory, and heard
their concordant praises of their Creator,
their Redeemer, and Sanctifier. Let such
thoughts as these be your daily work and
pleasure, and the conversation of your
minds with God above. And because your
heart will be backward you must drive it
on, and preach as it were to yourself. Let
heaven be your subject; convince your
heart with evidence ; urge it with heavenly
motives; solace it with heavenly comforts;
and when it is dull turn your thoughts by
petition to God, awd beg his help. Some-
times speak to ^^owy^^Vj^'s.^ ^\A ^^^sxs^vmes
reverently to God-, ^xv^ >C>cv\v3. Vr.^^ -se^v^^

525

^mmunion and familiarity above ; this
ill make heaven desirable to you in a
dng hour. If you can but keep the sen-
ile apprehensions of God's love continu-
ly upon your heart, it will make heaven
ssirable to you, and the drawing of God's
ve will overcome the fears of death.
Think much of the infinite perfection of
od : remember his goodness is equal to
s greatness ; and what that is look up to
e heavens and see. He is called love
self; and shall it be hard for a soul that
isires to please God, to believe that love
self loves him, and that infinite goodness
ill be pleased with him in Christ Jesus.
The Son of God, incarnate, in his whole
ork of redemption, is a wonderful glass
► reveal the love' of God to man. The
•eatest proof of friendship cannot more
mvince us of the love of our friend.
The remembering all the great mercies
' your lives, to your souls and bodies, in
rery place, and state, and company, will
3lp to convince you, that he that hath
jne all this for you, loveth you. And yon
lay trust that God of love at death, who
ath filled up your lives with the benefits
f his love-
Make praise and thanksgivlvitt ;\. "^^ctV* ^1.
7ur devotion every day. \\ ^o^ >JJ«»s^

UKSirea, hdu g'uuu vmnui, tu «ii
fruits and foretaste of heaven i
and is a firuit of believing moi
than faith itself. It comforts
the soul by the most powerful
by experimental taste of his lov
nes3 ; and he will most easily I
there is a heaven fur him, who
ginning and foretastes of it air

Instructions to dying CAri

Now, my friends, let eve
thought be dismissed ; and deU

527
5 the mediator of the new covenant seal-
1 by his blood, by which free forgiveness
(id life is given to all believers ! Trust
im as the King and Jndge ^f all^ and as
le advocate of the faithful ; as our great
[igh Priest^ who intercedes for us^ and
ath taken possession -of the glory, to
'hieh he hath promised to bring us. Trust
Im implicitly with soul and body ; leave
oth in his faithful hands ; and let his
ower^ wisdom, and love dispose of you
» he pleases. Indulge no anxious thoughts
F the corruption of your flesh, or of the
Qsearchable difficulties of the nature of
>irits, and the things unseen, which over-
helm and bewilder many. But rest your
)uls in the will of God through a Re-
3emer, in that will which is infinitely
3od) and the only felicity and rest of
mis.

2. Renew your believing thoughts of
od's love^ and of all the mercies of your
fe. Instead of sorrowing that they are at
1 end, rejoice with thankfulness. Rejoice
[ that mercy which opened your eyes,
id turned you from darkness to light, and
om the power of Satan unto God ; that
IS pardoned and adopted you, and led you
\ far on your way towards 1\\^ Vl^"!»i^\^
heritaace. O triumpVi m XXvaX. Vsh^ ^^^^wNJ^^ii^

veil, be afraid to go to such
•'). Now steep your souls ic
thoughts of the heavenly g]
you are going. O now rcme
time is but short till you sha]
and fear no more, and suf
till vou shall know God and '.
onlv as much as you can <
niueli as your heart can Tiisl
largcd capacities can receive
hour will that be, when you s
entered into the city of God.
society, and sing your first s
praise' to God and the Lamb
enemy is unbelief, that can i
trembling without the doors,

529
Reflections for an aged Christian.

V^hat abundant experience have I had
jod's fidelity and love ! And after all
\y shall I not love him ? His undeserved
idncss gave me bdng; it chose my
ents, gave them a tender love for me,
[ desire of my good; it taught them
nstruct me early in his word ; to edu-
e me in his fear ; it placed me in the
t of landSj and one of the best of ages;
estroyed all great expectations from the
rld^ teaching me to bear the yoke from
youth; it chastened me betimes^ but
not destroy me. 1 have been trained
in the school of aflSiction^ to keep my
ggish soul awake in the constant ex-
*.tation of my great change ; to kill my
de and overvaluing of this world ; and
a spur to quicken my soul to diligence,
ivhat a mercy hath a life of gentle chafi-
3ment proved to me ! It urged me
unst all dull delays^ to make my calling
d election sure ; and to make ready my
*ounts^ as one that must quickly give
!m up to God. It was love and mercy
it made sacred truth so pleasant to me
all its glorious discoveries axvd \ft^«^>asK^
?. How many comfortoOEAe Vo^^Wk V^b^

530
I had in the society of living saints ; how
many joyful days in the solemn assemblies
where God has been worshipped with se-
riousness by concordant, though imperfect
saints ! From how many a danger, fear
and pain, have I been delivered ! How
many weary days have been sweetened
with his pleasant work, and how many
painful nights have had a comfortable
morning! Many a time have I cried to the
Lord in my trouble, and he hath delivered
me out of my distress.

These, and many more than these, arc
my experiences of that wondrous mercy
which has measured my pilgrimage, and
filled up my days. Never did God break
his promises with me ; never did he fail
me, nor forsake me, till provoked by my
wilful sinning. How little interruption
have I had of my peace and comfort, and
iihall I now distrust him at last ? Shall I
not quietly trust that infinite wisdom, love,
and power, which I have so long trusted,
and found so good ? To thee, O Lord, as
to a faithful Creator, I commit my souJ. I
know that thou art the faithful God, that
kcepest covenant and mercy with them
that love thee, and keep thy command*
luente. To t\iee,0 m^ §iw\ft\ir^ I commit
itiv spirit. It 18 tVim^ o^^wXi^ \^\'«i.\sv>^>CNS5i^\

531
it is thine own by covenant ; it is marked
and sealed for thine own by thy Spirit ;
and thou hast promised not to lose it*.
Thou wast made like thy brethren, that
thou mightest be *' a merciful and faithful
High Priest in things pertaining to God,"
to make reconciliation for our sins. By
thy blood we have boldness to enter into
the holiest ; even by the new and living
consecrated way. Cause me to draw near
with a sincere heart, in full assurance of
faith ; for he is faithful who has promised
life through thee. Faithful and true are
all thy promises. Thou hast promised
rest to weary souls that come unto thee.
I am weary of suffering and of sin 5 weary
of my flesh, and weary of my darkness,
and dulness, and distance ; and of this
wicked and unrighteous world. And whi-
ther should I look for rest, but to my
heavenly Father, and to thee ? I am but
a bruised reed ; but thou wilt not break
me. I am but a smoking flax ; but thou
wilt not quench what thy gi'ace hath
kindled. The Lord redeemeth the souls of
his sei*vants, and none of them that trust
in thee shall be desolate ; therefore will I
wait on thy name, for it is good, and will
trust in the mercy of God?oT e.N^'^. 'X^cv^svs.
Gj't wy hope, O Lord Go AX xXvoxsl -dx"^ ^ss

532

trust from my youth ; my praise fihal

continually of thee. O God ! forsake

not ! *^ I had fainted unless I had belie

to see the goodness of the Lord in the

of the living." The sun may ceas

shine on man^ and the earth to bear

but God will never cease to live, nor 1

faithful to his promises. Blessed be

Lord, who hath commanded me so safe

quieting a duty, to trust him^ and cas

my care on one who has promised to

for me.

HYMN.

My God ! my everlasting bope^

I live upon thy truth :
Thy bands have neld my childhood u

And strengthenM all my youth.

Still has my life new wonders seen

Repeated every year.
Behold ! my days that yet remain,

I trust them to thy care.

Cast me not off when strength declii]
Wlien hoary hairs arise :

And round me let thy glory shine,
Whene'er thy servant dies.

Then in the history of my age,
Wlien men review my days,

Tliey'll read thy love in every page ;
In evet^ \m^ ^"^ ^t^^b^.

533

A Thanksgimng Prayer for an agedy or
dying Christian.

Alas ! dear Lord^ I am ashamed that to
love and praise thee should be a work ^of
difficulty ! What should I love, if not good-
ness and love itself? That merciful Father
who made me, that I might love him;
who redeemed me, that by love he might
win my love ; and sanctified me to dispose
my soul to love him ? What shall I praise,
if not infinite perfection ? the glory of
whose power, wisdom, and goodness, shines
forth in the whole creation ! Heaven and
earth praise thee ! And am I no part of
heaven or earth ? The whole creation pro-
claims thy glory ? And am I not a part of
thy creation ? Thy very enemies when
redeemed, reconciled, ana forgiven, praise
the love and grace of their Redeemer ! And
am I not one of these ? Thy saints all love
thee; for love is the essence of a saint : they
praise thee ; for this is the work of saints*
And am I not one of these ? I am less than
the least of all thy mercies ; but it is not
the least of thy mercies which I have re-
ceived. And if a life M\ oi \CL«^\fc'^ >»»a
not brought forth a \We iviVV ^^ ^^^^ "^

534
praise, let it end in a loving and praising
deatb .

A Prayer againsi Unbelief.

O Thou that knowest how deadly an
enemy unbelief is to thy honour and my
soul 1 send, I beseech thee, that heavenly
light to iny mind, wliick may banish and
confound it. Let it not blaspheme thy
truth, and imprison, and blind, and tor-
ment my souL O Thou that givest the
word, the Saviour, the heaven which I
must believe ! deny me not that faith by
which I must believe them. It must be thy
glory whose reflections must reveal thy
glory to us ; and a light from heaven that
must shew us heaven. O send one beam,
one beam, Lord, of that heavenly light
into this dark sinful soul ! that, with Ste<
phen, I may see in my passage the glory
of my blessed Lord to whom I go ; and
with Simeon may gladly say, " Lord, now
let thy servant depart in peace, for mine
eyes have seen thy salvation !" One beam
of thine will drive away the powers of
darkness, awd Wu\^ ^ \Xi^<&^ doubts and
fears, and let \u «»ow\^ ol Xvr.'^n^w \\\\si >cs\

535
soul^ before it is admitted into heaven ! O-
thou blessed Spirit^ the illuminator of dark
imprisoned souls, remember not all my
resistances of thy grace, and leave me not
to the power of darkness and unbelief !

O Thou that art the Spirit of life, so
quicken and actuate this sluggish soul,
that the last part of my race may be run
ivith vigour, and the last act of my life may
be done in evidence of the heavenly influ^^
ence, and may be more like the heavenly
employment, than all the rest has been !
Now kindle that fire of heavenly love ift
me ; and give me some taste of the celestial
joys, which may feelingly tell me that
there is a heaven indeed ; and may be the
witness \vithin, and the pledge and earnest
that I shall live with Christ. My flesh
and my heart now fail me; the world
and all therein is nothing to me; I am
taking my everlasting farewell of them
all. But one beam of his face, and one
taste of his love, who is iny portion for
ever, will be strength and joy to my de-
parting soul, and better than this life and
all its pleasures. Come, Lord, with all
these seasonable comforts into my sou],
that my soul may comfortably come to
thee ! My life had beeti Wx. ft.<b"^^> "^s^

536
darkness, and disaffection to God, if thou
hadst not been in me a spirit of life, and
light, and love. The tempter would have
been too strong for me. And how then
shall I deal with him myself, when the
languishings of my body shall disable my
soul ! Thou despisest not art and reason. I
thank thee for the use I hare had of them
in their season . But one beam of thy light,
one spark of thy love, one motion of thy
heavenly life, will better confute the enemy
of faith than my disputes can do. Teach
me effectually to lore and praise thee ; and
it shall powerfully prove to me that there
is a heaven where I shall joyfully love and
praise thee for ever.

The Prayer of a Christian near Death.

O thou Sovereign of Life and Death, of
Earth and Heaven ! Thy mercy brought
me into the world, kept me from a thou-
sand dangers, and gave me innumerable
blessings of life and godliness. Thy mercy
convinced and converted me, renewed and
sanctified my heart, and formed Christ in
me. O amazing -mercr^ , \XvaX. \ «av ts^r^ 4'^-
inff in an impenitetit tcafti C.Vtv%\\r«a ^v^jm^^

537
I thank thee for the means of ^ace, and
the hopes of glory. I thank thee for the
firuits of Canaan through the wilderness,
and now on the brink of Jordan. I thank
thee for the cordials of thy great and pre-
aous promises^ and that they are now as

{precious as ever. I covenanted with thee
or eternal life^ as the gift of thy free graee>
through Jesus Christ my Lord. In his
name I humbly claim it. To thine hand I
commit this departing spirit. I am thine ;
save me. I have fled to the cross of thy Son.
I have renounced all dependance on any
worthiness of my own. I come to thee as
a sinner, believing in Christ for pardon
and salvation. Let me have my lot among
the followers of Jesus. I know in whom
I have believed. I rejoice that I am in
the hands of the good Shepherd. I thank
thee, that, after this long absence, thou art
calling me home — to my glorious eternal
home. But forsake not the world I am
leaving, nor thy church from which I am
removing. Having bought it with an in-
estimable price ; still guard it, purify it,
and unite it more and more, till all flesh
shall see thy salvation. Let my few re-
maining moments on earth be spent for thy
glory. Whatever this ftedi \smwj %^s5Ssx^
Jet my soul be rising to tXv^ ^^xji^^*^ ^

c'uiue aureiy ;

Prayer Jbr a dying Ckriatiat

Thy mercy brought me into tin
Thy mercy chose my parentage, ed
and habitation; it trained mc up,
me from a thousand dangers; i1
pered my body and furnished my !
gave me teachers, books, and hel
it gave me a Redeemer, the prt
life, and the word of salvation ! It
the influences of thy Spirit, which
and turned my sinful heoi't; all

539
e ; all these have been the dealings of
>ve I All my deliverances from temp*-.
I and sin; from death and danger;
y recoveries from my too frequent
and pardon of my daily sins ; all the

hath pleased thee to make of me an
rthy sinner for the good of any, for
>r body ; all these are the pledges of
ondrous love ! And shall I be afraid
ne to such a God ! Hath mercy filled
', my life, and brought me now so near

end ? and shall I not trust it after so

trial ? It is heaven that thou madest
r ; and heaven that Christ did pur-

for me. It is heaven thou pi*omisedst
ould be thine ; and it is heaven that I
nted to take for my portion, and for
1 I did engage to forsake the world.
) that I had more entirely done it ;
now find how little reason I have to
t of my covenant ! It is heaven which
Jpirit of grace and merciful provi-
s have all this while been preparing
»r ; and shall I now be fearful and
ling to possess it ? O my God, do
lesc foretastes of love assure me that
1 be happy in thy love for ever ! My
in thy goodness, thy Son, and thy
ant, will never be diswpi^omV^ftL, ^\vs$^

Dbar Fribnd,

'Rioiigh nature teaches as to tnoi
you under your present suff'erinf
ftath permits us to rejoice with you

lUgl

'Ou under your present suff'erinf
Edth permits us to rejoice with you
of your endless joys, which seem to
at hand. We must rejoice with yo
friends that love you ; and thereft
partakers of your welfare. And w
rejoice with you as fellow-traveD
fellow- soldiers, that are going aloi

{'ou to the same felicity ; and if
eft behind for a little while, yet y
ere long to overtake you, and neve
separated from you more. This is
for which Christ has been so lone-

541
stve a Christ ! that you are not to en-
>unter an unconquered death, nor to go
» God without a Mediator : but that Death
by Christ disarmed of his sting; and
lac you may boldly resign your soul into
le hands of your Redeemer^ and corn-
end it to him as a member of himself!
ow you may better perceive than ever
j\i have done, what God did for you
hen he opened your eyes^ and humbled,
id changed, and renewed your sinful
3art ; when he forgave all your sins, anid
istified you by his grace, adopted you for
& child and an heir of life^ and sealed
)u with his Spirit^ and separated you to
imself ; and how great a mercy it is to be
penitent believer. How sad would your
Lse now be, if you were yet in your sins ;
your heart was now to be softened^ hum-
ed^ and converted ; and all your prepara-
3n for heaven to be made ; and all this
ith a pained body and a distracted mind ;
id in so short a time ; with God, and
emity, and death before you ! If you
id all your past life to look back upon as
•nsumed in sin ! But what an unspeak-
Je mercy is it, that you have been recon-
led to that God to whom you are going :
id that the sins which would \v.qnr Vjisc^^
en jour liorror, are a\\ ?oTgw^\i^2Ktvs^'^

HW^^^^M Tning oi your own lo justii}
f ffi^^^B ^^^ <>f ^°d ; and need a Sarit
^^^^ don even for your best duties

I must with thankfulness ren
grace which has begun etemt
you, and prepared you for it.
You have had something to
and to shew you that you wer
Adam ; and you have had so
grace to contend with, and to ■
for Christ to pardon 1 Bless h
whom you have had the victo
long you shall sing the song c
with stronger love, and richei
of his grace, O what a joy is
,1 parting souls that we have ou

543
man serve me, let him follow me;
vhere I am there shall also my ser-
be/' You have served him, and are
;^ing him, and ai*e going to be with
svhere he is.

ylations addressed to a dying Christian,

J friend, you seem now to be almost
ur journey's end ! But how many sad
have those to go, whom you leave
d in this sinful world ! You have
it a good fight, and kept the faith ;
hall never be troubled with an enemy,
mptation, when this contest is over !
shall never be so much as tempted to
ief, or pride, or worldly mindedness,
shly lusts, or to any defects in the
je of your Lord ! But how many
tations do you leave us encompassed
! And how many dangers and enemies
ercome ! And, alas, how many falls
rounds may we receive ! You are en-
l into the harbour, and leave us toss-
the tempest on the waves. Flesh will
ore entice or cloy your soul ! You
to more have unruly senses ,1^ ^^\a.«
, noT an unreasonaVAe ^^^^n^^*^ ^'^

as you desire to know him F A
as much as you desire to love
you shall be delivered from
ness of this world. How d
see through the veil of the
little do we know, and hoi
we ignoraut of ; and what pai
little knowledge cost ue ! Bui
sight of the face of God, will p
this long night ; and there you
stand the works of God, and t
the creation j the place, the
reason of all the things whit
know not. The mysteries of
which angels pry into, will b
folded to you. What welcomi

545
3romised harbour of felicity with them-
jelves ! What joy will you be entertained
^nd welcomed into ! to the acquaintance
of those blessed spirits^ and of all the holy
spirits that are aelivered from this flesh
and world; and to see their order, be
numbered with their society, and to be
employed in their joyful work ! O how
much better company is there than the
best below ! There is no ignorance ; and,
therefore no error ; no want of love, and
BO contention ; no narrow private interest
to contend for; but all made happy in
perfect lovje : no cruel mockings or impri-
sonments ; none destitute, afflicted, or tor-
mented ; no more sufferings for the sake
of righteousness ; but having suffered with
Christ, they are now reigning with him.
No wars or rumours of wars ; because no
lust to war in their members. There we
shall have no suffering friend to mourn
for ; your righteous soul will no longer be
grieved with the wicked ; the whole so-
ciety will shine in light, and flame in love;
and none through weakness or corruption
will be a cloy or hindrance to another.
Above all this, you shall behold the person
of your glorified Redeemer ! the wonder-
ful condescension of his ii\ca:c\vaLNAftw^ ^b»^
the mystery of his divine i\?i\.\xy^ TPf^s:^^^'^

2 M

546

1)C better understood. You shall see
1jle!:sed God himself; in that place w
lie hath prepared to reveal his glori
You shall see him, whose sight will
tcct your understandiogs ; and love
aud feel the fulness of his love. O ^
a change will it be to a humble fe:
soul, to find itself in a inotncot dislo'
from a sinful ptunful tlesh; and enl
into a world of light and life, and
love ! Alas ! that our present ignoi
and fear should make us draw back
such a change ! That wlule all the
thrcu that died in £aith, are triumphii
those joys with Christ, our trem
souls should be too loth to leave this
and to be called to the same felicity
what an enemy is the remnant of unl
to our souls, that it can hide such
scribable glory from our eyes, tha
should no more desire it, but are w
to stay so long from God ! How wo
ful is that love and mercy that brings
backward souls to happiness ; and i
us to blessedness, whether we will oi
Come ou then, dear friend, and faU
at the last. Fear uot to encountc
A'lHg* of Terrors \ ItV&the last enemj
it is a couqueredcnem-^.

547

in Addreas^tothe Sicky when unprepared for

Death.

1y Dbar Friend,

It has pleased God, in whose hands our
wreath is, and whose are all our ways, to
ay his afflicting hand upon you. He has
lone much to convince you of his love i
le has nourished and brought you up as
lis child I crowned you with loving-kind-
less and tender mercies ; and invited you
o partake of all the blessings of the Gos-
)el Salvation. But hitherto all has been
n vain ; his terrors have not alarmed you,
lis mercies have not melted you; but
lis love still follows you : and rather than
jTOu should perish, he is laying his correct-
ng hand upon you. You have often seen
the love of a father in the chastisement of
bis child ; and will you not believe your
lieavenly Father, when he declares," whom
hie loveth he chasteneth;"not for his plea-
sure, but to purify them from sin, and
make them partakers of his holiness?
This is, perhaps, the last means that he
will try. Now he is shewing you the va-
nity of the world, and how poor o. ^<i?t\^ss^
\t is for an immortal sowW "S.^ '^^ ^"^"^

548
shewing you the value of that time which
you have trifled away. He is drawing
you nearer to an eternal world, that he
may rouse you from your fatal security.
We would not, my friend, wish to alarm or
terrify you; but we must be faithful, where
the life of an immortal soul is at stake.
You know that you are a mortal; and
ought you not to suppose that this sick-
ness may be unto death ? Let me entreat
you to put to yourself this serious question,
Am I ready? Take the gospel marks of
salvation into your hands^ and judge your-
self faithfully as one who must be judg-
ed of the Lord.

Jesus Christ has told you, that "Except
a man be born again he cannot see the
icingdom of God." Does not this imply,
that you have a sinful nature, that must
be changed and renewed ? He tells you,
that *^ One thing is needful;" and what is
this one thing, but the care of your soul ?
Has this been the one thing needful with
you ? Have you sought first the kingdom
of God and his righteousness, and preferred
the hopes of eternal life, before all the

Pleasures and prosperity of this world?
fare you walked after the flesh, or after
tbe Spirit } "Rave ^om \i^exi s^nritually
tniuded^ whic\i\s \tfe ^^^ ^^'5xr.^\ ^x ^-^ssl-

549
nally minded, which is death ? Have you
hated sin, and been striving, watching,
and praying against it ? Have you seen:
yourself to be one of those lost sinners
whom Jesus Christ came to seek and to
save ? And have you cast yourself upon
him for life and salvation ? O^ my friend^
how will you escape if you neglect so
great a salvation ? Arise, and call upon thy
God ! Seek him while he may be found !
Call upon him while he is near I

Prayer,

O my God ! I have been examining my
heart, and searching my ways ; and I find
that I have sinned against heaven and ia
thy sight; I have lived without thee i4
the world. Thou hast called ; but I would
opt answer. I have cast off fear, and re-
strained prayer before thee. I have re-
sisted thy Holy Spirit, and trampled upon
the blood of a Redeemer ! O that my head
were waters, and my eyes a fountain of
tears, that I might weep day and night !
Have mercy upon me, O God ! Turn me,
and I shall be turned ! I have undone my-
self; but to thee do I look for hel\j I La^d^
save me, or I perish I 1 \v^Ne \\^«:t\ "^ta^
the King of Israel is a mer cv^\3\'&^^'^^-» "^

mourn for my rebellion against thi
heart to love holiness, and to himge:
thirst after rigfateousness 1 O my G
is a great work to change this sinfiil 1
and to create it anew in Christ Jesii
crucify the old man, and to put o
new : and I may have but little tin
this great work. But O how many c
must I have of my own sincerity ! S
my God, the work ia thine own ! Th;
rit can sanctify these corrupt affet
and the blood of sprinkling can c
me &om all sin ! I will lie at the ft
the crosSj and if I perish, I will
there.

551

A MISSIONARY PRAYER.

Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord God Almighty,
who art, and wast, and art to come : who
is God like unto thee, glorious in holiness^
fearful in praises, doing wonders ! Thou
art blessed in thyself, and the gracious
Author of all our blessings, the only
sovereign Lord, who canst do what thou
pleasest in heaven and in earth. Thou
alone hast everlasting life in thyself, and
thou only canst bestow it upon others.

O Lord ! thou hast purchased to thyself
an universal church, by the precious blood
3f thy dear Son, and hast commanded that
ntercession be made for all men by thy
chosen people. We now more especially
'raw near unto thee, to entreat thy bless-
ig upon the nations that sit in darkness
id the shadow of death. May mission-
les and ministers be abundantly raised
\ and sent forth among them, and may
56e thy servants be enabled in the power
thy Spirit, to proclaim in ever-^ Iwa.*!
^ood tidings of eveT\a^\\w% %'.^c^"«i2»^^"«
jffb a crucified Redeemer • '^ ^"^^"^

552 I

thee, O God ! and we would that all the - '
earth should worship before thee, in spirit \
and in truth. Where darkness and delu-
sion prevail, and every evil work abounds,
may grace much more abound, through
the preaching of the glorious gospel of re-
conciliation and peace. But how, O Lford,
shall they heai* without a teacher, and who
but the Lord of the harvest shall send forth :
labourers into the field ? Influence our
cold heftrts,.thou God of love ! and awaken
in us a deeper concern for the souls of
men. Call forth by thy Spirit the energies
of a divine philanthropy, and let its work- '
ings be guided by thy redeeming grace. ,>
Four forth a spirit of love, of power, and I
of a sound mind, and grant that unity and
brotherly love may confirm and strengthen
that which is weak among ourselves.

Look on those who are already gone
forth not counting their lives dear to them
in this glorious cause. Support them
under all sufferings and discouragements
whether of mind, body, or estate; and
finally give them to see the triumphs of
thy word in pulling down the strong holds
of iniquity, and turning many to the wisdom
of the just. 0 1 that that just One would
rend the heavens aii^ w^m^ ^»^rK\^^«s^iL ^^-
tablish his cause w^o^a. \\vb ^iNt^^\ ^'^

553

for thee, O Christ, as those who
b for the morning ; hasten the great
>f the restitution of all things, and let
ear of thy redeemed come — the year
3Compense for the controversies of
. We bless thee that thine arm hath
een shortened that it should not save ;
hat our eyes have seen the assemblies
ly people gathered together as in a

convocation to proclaim thy glory.
£e ! Awake ! put on thy strength,
•m of the Lord : awake, as in the
int days, as in the generations of old,
nake the depths of the sea a way for
ransomed of the Lord to pass over,
lou their confidence who are afar off,
et the blessing of Him who was sepa-
1 from his brethren be upon them even
e utmost bounds of the everlasting
Look on the churches of Asia,
e were the golden candlesticks, ana
re unto them their privileges as at
TSt, and turn again their captivity as
treams of the south,
istroy the power of her whose hire is
iouls of men, and let those who are
r strong delusions to believe a lie, be
sed by the Spirit of truth from the
age of corruption*
visit every branch ot t^vj nvcl^^^^'^^

554
and plant it anew by thy right-hand ; and
where some good seed is found in it^ let it
be restored before thee, and say thou,
^' Spare, for a blessing is in it. " Bring back
thine ancient people the Jews : convince
them that Shiloh is come, and let them
answer the messengers of the nations, that
the Lord hath founded Zion, and that the
poor of her people do trust in a crucified
Messiah. And wherever, O God, thou hast
begun to shew thy servants thy greatness
and thy mighty hand, go on, we beseech
thee, to work for thine own glory, and to
perfect that which concemeth it.

Look upon us in mercy, and hear oiu*
prayer : hear us, good Lord, for thine own
name's sake, even for the sake of that
great name whereby thou delightest to be
called — The Lord God, long-suffering and
gracious, full of goodness and truth. Open
unto each of us the treasures of thy word.
Fulfil unto us thy glorious promises, and
make us so firmly thine in Christ Jesns,
that we may ever have our portion among
thy people upon earth, and finally receive
from thee the end of our faith^ even the
salvation of our souls.

655

HYMN.

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does his successive journeys run :
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore.
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.

To him shall endless prayer he made.
And princes throng to crown his head :
His name^ like sweet perfume, shall rise.
With ev'ry morning sacrifice.

People and realms of ev'ry tongue
Dwell on his love with sweetest song ;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on his name.

Blessings abound where'er he reigns ;
The pris'ner leaps to lose his chains :
The weary find eternal rest,
And ali the sons of want are blest.

Where he displays his healing pow'r,
Death and the curse are known no more :
In him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.

Let ev'ry creature rise, and bring
Peculiar honours to our King :
Angels descend with songs again.
And earth repeat the loud Amen !

556

OCCASIONAL SENTENCE

WHICH MAY BB ADDBD TO ANT O

DAILY PRAYERS.

IVhen any Member of the Family i

Hear us, almighty and most i
God and Saviour : extend thy accu
goodness to thy servant who is
with sickness. Sanctify, we beseei
thy fatherly correction to him ; i]
sense of his weakness may add stre
his faith, and seriousness to his repe
That, if it shall be thy good plea
restore him to his former health,
lead the residue of his life in thy fe
to thy glory : or else, give him gra<
take thy visitation, that, after this
life ended, he may dwell with thee
everlasting, tlirougjci 3e&M^ Christ oi]
Amen.

55/

any Member of the Family is going
a Journey,

especially entreat thee in behalf of
ho in addition to the ordinary dan-'
f life^ is about to be exposed to those
immediately incident to travelling.
him^ we beseech thee, every jour-
: mercy. Be thou, O Lord, his help-
1 his defence on every side. Let no
}efal him by night or by day. Keep
3m all evil. Preserve his going out
>ming in ; and be with him amidst

vicissitudes of this earthly pilgrim-
1 thou hast brought him to thy holy
;, to be a pillar in the house of hi^
ind to go no more out.

For those under Affliction.

>ok upon all who are afflicted and
;sed, whether in mind, body, or

Heal thou their infirmities, remove
trials, and in the mean time sanctify
m an thy dispensations. May every
ind cfvery trial, lead them, and lead

to prepare more earnestly for that
1 state, when there sKalVV^^ ^^ xsvw^
and where sorrow «xl^ ^\^kv^\%'^'^
r flee away."

«/%»'«.

For Friends and Relatives.

" We commend to thy fatherly care our
beloved friends and relatives. Grant them
whatever may be good for them in this
present life, and afterwards receive them
to everlasting glory through Jesns Chiist
our Lord."

'* May thy blessing rest on our friends,
relatives, and acquaintance. Make us all
partakers of thy salvation ; and whatever
separation thy good providence may make
upon earth, O grant that we and they may
meet with joy at thy right hand in the day
of judgment .*'

Or with the same commencement.

*^ Enable us all to live in love and peace
together, discharging every duty as in thy
sight, and looking for thy mercy through
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; and
may we all at length rejoice together in
the great day of his appearing."

559
OUR FATHER which art in heaven, hal-
owed be thy Name. Thy kingdom come,
rhy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,
jive u9 this day our daily bread. And for-
give us our trespasses, as we forgive them
hat trespass against us. And lead us not
nto temptation j but deliver us from evil :
?or thine is the kingdom, and the power,
ind the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
ind the love of God, and the fellowship of
,he Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore.
\men.

The Lord bless us, and keep us; the
Lord make his face to shine upon us, and
le gracious unto us : the Lord lift up his
countenance upon us, and give us peace,
low and evermore. Amen.

The peace of God, which passeth all
understanding, keep our hearts and minds
in the knowledge and love of God, and of
his Son Jesus Christ our Lord : and the
blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Ghost, be amongst -us,
and remain with us always. Amen.

CHEAP BOOKS.

The following Select loK has been made by a pri-
Tate IndiHdtial, and the Books printed at the lowest
fOstWe Price9j to enable the benevolent Friends of
Religkm to extend their drcnlation among the various
dasaes of Society.

Boiadin

•beep 9t

lettered

Quai ler
bound*

Pocket Prayer Book, (new Edition) «....• 2

Pocket Tract Book 2

Meditations from Watts and Howe 1 8

Doddridge^s Bise and Progress 1 6

Life of Joseph Allein 1 3; I

Pocket Sermons 1 3^1

Sunday School Library 1 0,0

Baxter's Dying Thoughts 1 0 0

Pocket Prayer Book abridged 1 0,0

Sermons to Children , -0

Ditto, with plates 1 0^—

TRACTS.

0
0
9
9
9
6

etc hi

. 2<f.
2

1|
2

1
1

Allein*s Alarm to the Unconverted 15,,

Henry*8 Daily Communion wiUi God I5

Heavenly Pa&s ,„ 10

Child*s First Sunday Book 15

Instructions for Self Examination 10

The Saint Indeed 7

Come and Welcome 7

A New Heart, the Child's best Portion 5 ... —

Address to Soldiers and Sailors , 5 [[[

Sloth, or the Great Time Waster 5 '" _

Printed and Sold by the Philanthropic Societv
St. George's Fields ; sold also by Sunpkin & Marsliall)
Stationcrs'-court ; Longman &, Co. Paternoster Row •
Hamilton & Co. ditto ; Seeley, Fleet^treet ; Hatchard!
Piccadilly; 'N\a\>ftl,'BcTiim-*txeet; andaU other Book-

..'<^.».

Internet Archive Audio

Featured

Top

Images

Featured

Top

Software

Featured

Top

Books

Featured

Top

Video

Featured

Top

Mobile Apps

Browser Extensions

Archive-It Subscription

Save Page Now

Full text of "The pocket prayer book [compiled by R. Wilkinson]."

See other formats