«^%«i mm^ II ^. LIBRARY OF THE THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY PRINCETON, N. J. ivVs, CI. PRESENTED BY Ltt.OsqoocH BV 255 .B37 1871 Barnes, Albert, 1798-1870 Prayers for the use of families PRAYERS roa THE USE OF FAMILIES, i ^tUttinu nf I^mns. / i,y^^^7 n CkH PRAYERS .\^ THE USE OF FAMILIES, CHIEFLY SELECTED FROM VARIOUS AUTHORS ; WITH A PRELIMINARY ESSAY: itll a ^tlttVun oi ltatnn$ BY REV. ALBERT BARNES. ^tw v^tviBttX £Hilion PHILADELPHIA: CHARLES DESILVER ; CLAXTON. REMSEN AND HAFFELFINGER ; J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO. Boston: NICHOLS & HALL. A'i'iH Vorfc : Oaklet, Mason A Co.; A. S. Barnes** Co.; D. Applktox A Co. — San Fi-dnaxcn. Cal. : A. L. BAycRoiT & Co. — Cincinnati: Wilson, Hinkle & Co.; Robert Clarke & Co. — CharUsInn, S. C.: J. M. Grker: Edward Perry. — Rule.igh, N. C: WlLLUMS & ijAVBV.itt. — Baltimore, Mi/.: CcsniNOS 4 Bailey; Selbt & Dulvney. — Siw Orleans, La.: Stevens & Setmi)u«i. — Savannah, Ga.: .•. M. Cooper* Co. — Macon.Ga.: 3. M. Boab~- MAW. — Augusta, G-.: ""hos. Ricpards A Son. — ■'Richmond. t tl : WOODHOUSE A ?ARHA«« 187L Entered, according to the Act of Congress, in tlio year 1849, ojr THOMAS, COWPERTHWAIT & CO. in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, foi the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. BTEBKOTTFED BY J. FAOAN. e R I S S V AND M A U K I. E V, PRINTERS. ADVERTISEMENT. The following Selection of Prayers and Hymns, has been made for the aid of those heads of families who believe family devotion to be a duty, but who are deterred from it by diffidence, or by supposed want of ability. In the Preliminary Essay I have endeavoured to show the importance of the duty, and to meet the usual excuses made for neglecting it. One of these excuses is the plea of the want of abil- ity. To meet that, as far as lies in my power, has been the main design of this selection. In meeting it, free use has been made of all the helps to family devotion within my reach. Al- terations have been made where they were deemed to be desirable, and especially made to render the prayers as simple and direct as pos- sible. A few additions have been made to adapt them to our times, and especially to Sunday Schools, and to the great efforts of Christian benevolence to fill the earth with the gospel. A 2 (y) Vi ADVERTISEMENT. These additions are indicated at the beginning and the end by a small asterisk. And as praise may be made a most important and interesting part of family devotion, a selection of Hymns has been added especially adapted to this de- sign. As no such selections came -svithin my reach, I have made this from various authors, and in the best manner that I was able, with the helps to which I have had access. The Selection has been made from the "Church Psalmody," by Messrs. Mason and Green ; from the General Assembly's Psalms and Hymns; the " Village Hymns ;" " Sacred Lyrics," by Mr. Beman ; Dr. Dwight's Psalms and Hymns ; and Hymns by Dr. Alexander. The book is com- mitted to the blessing of God, with the prayer that it may be one of the aids by which the great ends of the family organization may be secured ; and a means by which the worship of God may be extended and perpetuated amidst the families of this land. A. B. riiii.ADri.i'iiiA, J;imiary, 1S")0. CONTENTS. PRELIMINAHT EsSAT . .Page ' 13 Morning and Evening Prayers. First week 50 Second week 88 Third week 122 Fourth week 156 Fifth week 188 Prayers and Thanksgivings for Particular Occasions. Last Evening ofthe Old Year 216 First morning of the New Year 219 For Christmas Day (Morn- ing) 223 For Christmas Day (Even- ing) 225 For a Sacrament Sabbath (Morning) 228 For a Sacrament Sabbath (Evening) 230 Fast Day (Morning) 233 (Evening) 236 In Time of Pestilence 239 For Rain 239 For Fair Weather 240 Under Family Affliction . . . 241 For a Sick Child 245 Under Dangerous Sickness . 246 For One Dying 248 The Evening after a Fune- ral 249 Mourning for the Loss of Relatives and Friends . . . 251 The Seasons — Spring 253 Summer 254 Autumn 254 Winter 255 For a Day of Thanksgiving (Morning) 256 For a Day of Thanksgiving (Evening) 258 Thanksgiving for Rain after a Drought 261 For Fair Weather after Rain 261 For a Good Harvest 261 For the Restoration of Plenty 262 For a Safe Return from a Journey 263 For Recovery from Sickness 263 Prayers at Table 264 INDEX TO THE HYMNS. Morning Hymns 269 Evening Hymns 277 Saturday Nitjht 285 Morning or Evening 286 Family Religion 288 Sabbath Morning 293 Sabbath Evening 300 For the Beginning of the Year 303 The Close of the Year 305 The Seasons 307 The Spread of the Gospel. . 315 Early Piety 323 Miscellaneous 328 The Holy Scriptures 337 Afflictions and Death 340 Time and Eternity 346 The Judgment 349 Heaven 352 (vii) INDEX OF FIRST LINES. A AoAiN the Lord of life and light ^ Page 297 All hail, the great Iinmanuers name 321 Am I a soldier of the cross 330 And must this body die 350 And now, my soul, another year 305 Another day is past 279 Another six day's work is done 295 Autlior of good, to thee we turn 291 Awake, my drowsy soul 273 Awake, my soul, and with the sun 270 Awake, our drowsy souls 297 B Eofrone, my worldly cares, away 285 Behold, the morning sun 339 Blest are the sons of peace 290 Bh-st be the tie that binds ■. 2S9 Blest morning, whose first dawning rays 299 C Children, to your Creator, God 324 Cease, ye mourners, cease to languish 341) Come, dearest Lord, and bless this day 296 Come, Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove 333 Come, let us anew 304 Come, let us join with sweet accord 29fi Come, let us now forget our mirth 325 D Day of Juflgment — day of wonders 3 J)t Dread !5overei{;n, let my evening song 277 E Elernal God ! I bless thy name 303 E'ernity is just at hand 349 (viii) INDEX or FIRST LINES. IX Father, by saints on earth ador'd - ^ ........ 282 Father of all, thy care we bless 288 Frequent the clay of God returns -. 300 From all that dwell below the skies 323 From earliest dawn of life « • 324 From Greenland's icy mountains 318 G God of the morning, at thy voice t 270 God of my life, my morning song 270 God of our fathers, by whose hand 291 God of our lives, thy various praise .-. - 306 Glory to thee, my God, this night ^ ^ -. 287 Great God ! my early vows to thee -. ... 247 Great God, to thee my evening song ^. - 278 Great God ! this sacred day of thine ^ -. 296 Great God, we sing thy mighty hand -.-. 305 Great God, whose universal sway 319 Great God, I own thy sentence just «►. 349 Great God, at thy command - 309 Great Saviour, let thy power divine .^ -, 319 Great Sun of Righteousness, arise ... ..^ 319 Guide me, thou great Jehovah ^ -. ., . ..^ . 329 H Hail, happy day! thou day of holy rest 295 Hail, sacred truth ! whose piercing rays -. -., 337 Hark! the voice of love and mercy - . . . 333 Hark ! that shout of rapturous joy 351 Hear what the voice from heaven proclaims -. -. . 341 Heav'n is the land where troubles cease 354 Hosanna, with a cheerful sound ^ ^ ^ 287 How bless'd the righteous when he dies -. 340 How blest is our brother bereft 342 How pleasant 'tis to see ^ 291 How pleasing is the voice ^ 307 How precious. Lord, thy sacred word 338 How shall the young secure their hearts 339 How short and hasty is our life 346 How soft the words my Saviour speaks 327 How still and peaceful is the grave . . ; 307 How vain are all things here below 336 How vain is all beneath tne skies! ..^ .....^ 359 1* INDEX TO FIRST LINZS. I I long to behokl him arrayed 35' I love thy kingdom, Lord .^ 321 I love to steal a^vhile away 302 I send the joys of earth away 333 In all my vast concerns with Thee 2S4 ndulgent God, whose bounteous care 279 ndulgenl Fatlier, by whose care 280 In merry. Lord, remember me 28 1 Inspirer and Hearer of prayer 284 In tliis calm impressive hour 299 Is there a time when moments flow 3U1 J Jerusalem ! my happy home 356 Jesus shall reign wliere'er the sun 320 Jesus, lover of my soul 334 L Let all the earth their voices raise - 320 Let Zion praise the mighty God 313 Life is the time to serve the Lord 347 Lo ! he comes, with clouds descending 3.')0 Lo ! what an entertaining sight 290 Lord, in the morning thou shalt hear 293 Lord, thou wilt hear me when I pray . . « ^ ^«««« 283 M My few revolving years 306 My God, how endless is thy love ^ 286 My God, accept my early vows 288 My son, know thou tiie Lord 325 N Now from labour and from care 281 Now in the heat nf yfintliful blood 323 Now the shades of night are gone 267 O O'er the gloomy hills of darkness « 317 O for a closer walk with God 330 O for the death of those ^ . . . . ^ 343 O for a sweet, inspiring ray 353 O happy soul, that lives on high . . . 359 INDEX TO FIRST LINES. Zl O Lord, how many are my foes Page 272 O Lord, another day is flown 283 Oh where shall rest he found .' 352 Oh, when shall Afric's sahle sons 316 Once more, my soul, the rising day 269 Onee more my eyes hehold tlie day 247 On God the race of man depends 312 On thee, each morning, O my God 287 On wings of faith, mount up, my soul, and rise 360 Oppressed with guilt, and full of fears 338 P Pleasing spring again is here 310 R Religion is the chief concern .^ 326 Rise, my soul, and stretch t.hy wings ^ . 334 S Safely through another week 286 Salvation, O the joyful sound ^ 330 Saviour, breathe an evening blessing 282 Saviour, visit thy plantation 315 Shine on our souls, eternal God 348 Show pity. Lord ; O Lord, forgive 331 Sing to the Lord, exalt him high 313 Softly now the light of day 280 Soon as the morning rays appear 293 Sovereign of worlds above 315 Sovereign of worlds above 322 Sovereign of worlds! display thy power 317 Stern winter throws his icy chains 311 Stretch'd on the cross the Saviour dies 331 Sweet is the scene when Christians die 345 Sweet is the time of spring ^ 309 T That awful day will surely come 352 That once lovHl form, now cold and dead ^ 341 The day is past and gone ^ 280 Thee we adore. Eternal Name 347 The flowry spring, at Gods command 308 The grave is now a favourd spot 342 The Lord is good, the heavenly King 312 The night shall hear me raise my song _ 283 There is an hour of hallowed peace ^ 353 Xn INDEX TO FIRST LINES. Tliere is a land of pure delight Page 2C)5 There is an hour of peaceful rest 356 The time is short! Sinners beware 346 The winter is over and gone 310 Thine earthly Sabljaths, Lord, we love 301 Thou, gracious Lord, art my defence 272 Thou, Lord, through every changing scene 292 Thou that dost my life prolong 27 1 Thrice happy souls, who, born of heaven 257 Thus far the Lord has led me on 277 Tis finish'd, the conflict is past 343 To-morrow, Lord, is thine 348 To praise the ever-bounteous Lord 311 *Twas by an order from the Lord 337 'Twas for my sins, my dearest Lord 331 W Wake the song of Jubilee 322 We lift our hearts to thee - ^ 237 Welcome, sweet day of rest 294 Welcome, delightful morn 294 We've no abiding city here -. 357 What are these in bright array 358 When bending o'er the brink of life 34 1 When blooming youth is snatch'd away 344 When I can read my title clear 354 When I survey the wond'rous cross 329 When, on the third auspicious day 300 When verdure clothes the fertile vale 308 While in the tender years of youth 324 While with ceaseless course the sun '. . 304 Wiiilst thee I seek, protecting Power 328 Who but thou. Almighty Spirit 317 Why do we mourn departing friends 344 With humble heart and tongue 327 With songs and honours sounding loud 314 Y Ye lovely bands of blooming youth 326 Yos, we trust the day is breaking ^ , 335 PRELIMINARY ESSAY FAMILY PRATER. TO PARENTS: I WISH, in this Preliminary Essay, to mate a candid appeal to parents on the duty of family prayer. In doing this, I shall assume but one thing as a conceded point — a thing which may commonly, at least, be as- sumed without danger of error. It is, that you feel a deep interest in the welfare of your children ; and are willing to make use of any proper means to promote their happiness. This point I assume, because the God of nature has so constituted us, that as a great universal rule parents will love their children ; and because no small part of their exertions are called forth with ex- press, and almost sole reference to their present and future bliss. You who are parents, will instantly run over in your minds, many most tender and affecting scenes of watchfulness, care, anxiety, sleeplessness, and toil, to provide for their wants, alleviate their pains, defend them from danger, and train them for future re- spectability and happiness. The tenderest emotions in your bosoms now, relate to them. Your deepest in- terest is to see them virtuous, amiable, happy. You would run to their relief in danger, and deny yourself of ease to alleviate their pains in sickness. Your bright- est visions of future bliss in this world are connected B 13^ 14 PRELIMINARY ESSAY "witli their welfare. The loveliest vie"W in the future, is ■when they stand forth, pure and happy, in bold relief, — single, or in lovely groups. The chief solace in the prospect of your future trials ; in the anticipated days of feebleness and pain, and in the imbecility and weariness of advancing age ; is that a son will live to bless you by his toil, or to cheer your last days by his virtues ; or that a daughter, lovely and tender, shall come around your bed, and mingle her tears with yours, and catch your last breath, and with a gentle hand close your eyes as you sink into the long sleep of death. I wish to show you that family prayer will be one of the most impor- tant helps in meeting your wishes in regard to your children. And in doing this, I invite your attention, in the 1st place, to the design of the f;imily organization. God might have fitted up a world of independent indivi- duals, bound by no common sympathies ; cheered by no common joys ; impelled by no common wants. All that is tender in parental and filial affection ; all that is mild, bland, peaceful in love ; and all that is sympathetic in sorrow, and in joy ; might have been denied us. Soli- tary beings, we might have wept alone, rejoiced alone, thought alone, died alone. The sun might have shed his beams around our lonely rambles, and not a mortal have felt an interest in our bliss or wo. Man miglit have lived unbenefited by the experience of his ances- tors ; and witli none to shed a tear around the bed of moss on which he would recline in disease, and where unwept he would die. But this is not the way which he has chosen. He has made the race one great brotl er- hood — and we feel 807ne interest at least, in the ob- scurest man that seeks a shelter beneath a rock, or t'aat finds a home in a tent, or in a cave. " I am a man, und I regard nothing pertaining to man as unimportant to me" — was the language of an ancient dramatist, ani a heatlien theatre rang with plaudits at tlie noble sc'iti- ment. Tliis great brotherhood Ciod has l)roken up i ito communities of nations, and clans, and tribes, and faui- ON FAMILY PRAYER. 15 lies, and neighbourhoods ; each with its own set of sym- pathies : with peculiar interests ; with peculiar resources. One design is, to divide our sorrows by sympathetic emotions. Another, to double our joys by imparting them to others who sympathize with us. Sorrow hath not half its pangs when you can mingle your tears with those of a friend; and joy has not diffused half its bless- ings until 1/ our jo J has lighted up the countenance of a father, or touched the sympathies of a brother or a sister. This organization will be seen at once to be eminently adapted to religion. On no subject have we so many sympathies as in the great business pertaining to our eternal welfare. I look on a family circle. What tender feelings ! what mutual love ! Avhat common joys ! what united sorrows! The blow that strikes one member, reaches all. The joy that lights up one countenance, diffuses its blessings over all. Together they bend over a sick member; together they rejoice at his recovery; or together they bow their heads and weep, and go sad to his grave. They are plunged into the same apostacy. They are together under the fearful visitations of that malady which has travelled doAvn from Paradise lost. They are going to a common tomb ; and over the circle shines the same sunbeams of hope ; and the same balm of Gilead, and the same great Physician may diffuse health, peace and salvation there. Cheered with the hopes of the same immortality, they may travel to the tomb ; and the joy in religion that beams from a father's eye, may be reflected from the happy faces of beloved sons and daughters. The whole organization is clearly one of the most profound and wise in this world, to deepen, extend, and perpetuate the principles of the Christian religion. Of this any one may be satisfied who will for a moment compare the facilities of deepen- ing and prolonging the feelings of religion under all the advantages of the family sympathy, compared with what it would and must be "if the earth were tenanted by isolated and independent individuals. God designed the 16 PRELIMINARY ESSAY organization with reference to all that is pure, and lovely in man ; and in fact he has at all times made the family organization one of the most important facilitiea for extending, and perpetuating religious feeling. The question now arises, whether the full benefits of this organization can be accomplished without the aid of family devotion ? In answer to this, you will see at cnce, that the neglect of religion as a family, will be to break in upon the whole design of the organization, so far as religion is concerned, and to throw every mem- ber upon his own individual strength and responsibili- ties. That is, to separate religion from all other things, and deny it the aid which is rendered to every other ob- ject which you wish to promote — the aid derived from the sympathies of the domestic alliance, and the endear- ments of the family circle. You call in this aid when you wish to promote other commendable designs — when you would prompt to industry, to learning, to morals, to esteem ; and you withhold this aid in the greatest and most important matter that can ever press on the atten- tion of your sons and daughters, and make their religion to be a cold, isolated, independent matter, in which they receive no sympathy from you ; and where they are rudely put back from all the tender sympathies which divide their sorrows, and joys, in all their other interests. We all know the power of alliance and confederation. It is the way in which good and evil ever have been, and ever must be, propagated in this world. Solitary, un- divided efforts avail little, and from the nature of the case must avail little. This is understood by all men. lie who wishes to rouse his countrymen to arms, does it by an appeal to the social principle, and seeks con- federated talents and valour. Individual and unorga- nized efforts would do little in the day when men strug- gle for freedom. Hence they seek to pour on the battle field combined talent, and organized and compacted energy. So in great deeds of evil. The drunkard, the prolligate, the infidel, the pirate, seeks alliance and de- sires confederation in the enormous deeds of guilt which ON FAMILY PRAYER. 17 arc contemplated and planned. In the same way, if re- ligion is to be spread, it must be by the same alliance and confederation. It must be by bringing combined powers to act on combined ills and dangers. It is de- signed to be done by calling in all the aid of the family confederation; by appealing to all the authority and venerableness of a father ; the tender love of a mother ; the silken cords which bind sons and daughters in com- mon love, and in common hopes. This is clearly one great design of the organization. Religion brings one of the most obvious and plain appeals which can ever be made to tbe family sympathies. It has more that is adapted to the family compact ; more that carries for- ward the tender family sympathies ; and more that will consolidate and cement the alliance, than any other sub- ject that can be presented to the little community. — Yet to secure this, it is clear that it must be primary and prominent in the family doings. It must occupy a place that shall be obvious and often seen. It must be often presented ; and the strength and tenderness of the family emotions must be often brought to bear upon it.^ I shall attempt to show that this can never be done with- out family prayer. Indeed, it is almost so clear as not to admit of argument. The force of the organization — the power of all the sympathies in the family, ca7inot be made to bear on it, except by daily acts, in which the whole community shall bow with united feelings before the God of grace. II. I proceed to remark, 2dly, that family worship is one of the most direct and obvious means of meeting the evils to which the family is exposed. The design of the family organization is well understood — at least all parents have some great ends which they are endeavour- ing to reach by it. Whatever these ends may be, it will be assumed that they contemplate education, restraint, guidance, defence from danger, preparation for future years. You regard your children as exposed to dangers ; subject to passions which demand control; liable to headlong and dangerous propensities, which need, in the B2 18 PRELIMINARY ESSAY earliest years, to be met and restrained. Tlie "vs-orld ia settinj!; in upon tlioni even in verv early life, like a mist from the ocean, witli a full tide of iniluences, which you desire to resist. You know there are a thousand opin- ions and habits among men from which you would gladly restrain your children. Pious you may not be ; but you would be willing to see them walking in the paths of wisdom. You know that there are vices to which they are exposed ; and they may meet with companions which would ruin them ; and that they will soon be beyond your control ; and you would throw around them a panoply which should shield them from evil. Y'^ou seek that the influence of a father and mother may be pro- longed, and live even when you may lie in the grave. Y'^ou would give to yourself a kind of omnipresent influ- ence, that your example and precepts at least may speak when they are away from you, or when your tongue may no more be able to give utterance to the precepts of experience, or to the tenderness of parental love. Now contemplate for a moment the influences from the world, against which a parent would guard. There is, at first, the influence of formed plans and employments. The schemes of yesterday travel over the night watches, and meet them in the morning. They are still under the influence of the world which they met yesterday. Their schemes may not be complete. The world which they s:iw before they retired to rest ; the opinions which they heard; the temptations which they met, shall put forth new power in the freshness of the morning. The charm has not been dissolved by the Blumbers of the night. The forming habits have not been crushed, or even slept, while they have sought re- pose. Tiie influence of the world which you feared yesterday, will meet them again in the morning. The enemy that made advances, did not lose his hold or even shnuber while they reposed. The ever sleepless foe is strengthening his power, riveting the chains, and ma- king his prisoner sure. Can there be any way so likely to break in ujton this influence, as by a solemn prcsenta- ON FAMILY PRAYER. 19 tion in the morning, to the God of grace ; to bring in the par'^ntal power, and suffer tliem to see that you are influenced by better things ; and to bring down all the sacredness of the religious feeling to arrest and annihi- late this malignant influence ? A second influence from the world, results from your own plans, and views, which they see from day to day, and with which they are becoming increasingly informed and familiar. They see "what engrosses your thoughts. They know what is in your heart. You are encompass- ing them Avith a set of influences in your fainily, and plans, which is each day determining tlicir views of the relative value of objects. If religion has no place — no obvious, seen, and prominent place, in those plans, they will understand it ; and they will learn what to think of it. Let the pleasures of living be all ; or the gains of traflic be all ; or adorning be all ; or the first and last energies in your house, and your conversation be to grasp the world, and your children will be among the first of mortals to comprehend your whole character. Other men may learn it slowly. Your children will learn it at once. And to-day shall deepen the lesson of yesterday, and to-morrow shall write it with the pen of a diamond on their hearts. Can there be any way of meeting this influence so direct, and decided, as by a solemn presentation of them to God, in the morning and evening ; and by thus leaving on them the deep fixed im- pression, that though engaged of necessity in the world, yet that you are not unmindful of better things, and that yonv first and last thoughts are given unto God? This act will shed a new influence over all your doings. It will teach the child that your worldly plans are not pri- mary, or all. It will satisfy him that your toils for gain are the result of necessity, and duty ; not of idolatrous choice. It will show that religion is the deep voluntary preference of your soul ; excited not by selfishness and interest, but by love and a conviction of its truth and importance ; and though your ardour in worldly achieve- ment should be little varied, yet all your efforts will 20 PRELIMINARY ESSAY assume to their view a new direction, and put on a ne"»r aspect. A third influence which your chiklren are to meet, that needs a guardian power, is tliat which proceeds from other men, and other families — from the nameless at- tractions and seductions, that go forth each day from the Avorld. Of this you can know nothing definite. Your family go forth to encounter you know not what. You know not what new and untried scenes of tempta- tion they shall meet before the shades of evening descend around them. You know not what new baits and allure- ments the world shall present, when they are away from the watchful parental eye. You know not how attrac- tive some form of evil shall appear to them — how it shall appeal to youthful passion or dance in delightful vision before the mind just awake to the sentiments of pleasure, vanity or ambition. Long since you passed through such scenes, and you know their power. You felt their dan- ger, and you would guard your children from the seduc- tive influence. To you of riper years, and wisdom, there may be no danger. To them all is fresh, attractive, lovely, like the first light of a morning, without mists or pestilential vapours. They know not the dangers ; and are sIoav to learn. Still further, you little know what companions they may meet with, before the evening. The spendthrift, the profligate, the infidel — the young man, j)rofane, fli]»pant, confident, polished yet dissolute ; or the aged man skilled in the cunning of unbelief, and knowing each avenue to the youthful heart, may meet liim, and in a moment undo the slow work of j)arental instruction of many years. Kow I submit it to you, whether there can be any so effectual safeguard against tliis, as family devotion '( 1 do not aflirm that it will be infallible. But I ask whether any influence can be formed so likely to shield from these dangers, as the solemnity of an invocation of the pre- sence and blessing of God, and the expectation of a simi- lar solemn presentation in the evening. It is a kind of familiarizing the mind in early life, to the judy nient seat ON FAMILY PRAYER. 21 of God. It is a species of arraignment there each day to suffer ITis all-seeing eye to rest on each thought and deed. That God hears prayer : and that God is every where. To him, it is as easy to guard your child when away from your roof, as when the eye of the earthly father is upon him. That God will see each temptation ; mark each alluring influence ; go before each child in the hour of danger ; and resti-ain the power of the tempter. He can impress parental precept on the soul ; and when the theatre, or the tavern, or the gambling place allures, the power of God unseen, can freshen in his memory the precepts of a father, and recall the expressed wishes and the pleadings of a mother. All the influences in tliis world are under his control ; nor can there be any way so effectual of meeting them as to secure the favour of that God who can give them a direction to virtue and to heaven. Greatly do I wonder, that in a world of temp- tations like this, and at a period of life so exposed as that of childhood and youth, any parent dcD'e sufi"er his children to go forth into the allurements of a city, or a wicked world, without having once asked the Father of mercies to take them beneath his protecting care, and to defend them from the ills that may bring ruin into their souls; and wo, deep and inconsolable, into your own bosom. And much do I marvel, that any parent can send them forth upon the ocean of life — amid the billows that break around the frail bark, and never seek for them the protection of that God who rides upon that ocean. And I wonder much that you can fail to implore the help of Him, who when your eye shall sleep in death, and the child shall walk over your unconscious grave, can stretch forth a hand more mighty than yours, and speak with a voice more tender than yours, to save him from the ways of ruin and despair. And much do I wonder also, that there is rest to your pillow, when you have offered no sacrifice of praise to God for preserving mercy, and Bought no protection from Him whose eye never slumbers nor sleeps. III. I remark, thirdly, that the direct influence of do- 22 PRELIMINARY E^St5AT votion in obtaining the ends of the family organization, njay be, and should be incalculably great. 1 mean the influence in all those great interests -which you are en- deavouring to secure. One of these is family govern- ment — a thing, ^vhich to be efficient, must be mild, steady, consistent, firm. There arc two -ways of govern- ing a family. One is with the rod of a tyrant, and the rage of the furies ; by cold, unfeeling statute, and never- ending reproof; by passion, and fire, and -vvrath. The other is by love, and tenderness, and discipline, admi- nistered with calmness, and yet with a faithful hand — by callin2 into exercise all that is tender in the social afi'ec- tions — all the budding and blossoming ingenuousness of the child — by the aid of conscience and of reason — and by severity only when other means fail ; and then sufter- ing the feelings of t\\Q father to be seen, at the same time that the firmness of the ruler shows itself to the child. The one is modelled on the plan which tyrants choose ; the other is the plan of God. The one shuts God out of view; the other is like him, and borrows its features from the Divinity. And this one truth is established, and will yet be better known — that the model of a pro- per domestic administration is God in his moral govern- ment — and is a bringing down the great principles on which lie acts, to bear on the smaller community over which presides an earthly father. Now I think I am warranted in affirming, that no ftither will be likely to embody these principles and express them, without prayer. They are not to be possessed without it. Xo man can understand the principles, on which God governs men, without that familiarity with him, which results from prayer. Ko man can keep this great j)lan before biui, without that close and ])ressing converse and con- tact with God, which exists in solemn devotion. And on a father's own spirit, there will be no so happy re- straint as that imposed by family intercession. Anger and passion, ill become the bosom of the man who has just been engaged in a solemn ])resentation of his family to the God of love. And wralli, and anger, llee away, ON FAMILY PEAYER. 23 when we kno"W tliat soon we are to bend together before a common altar. Besides, there is no way so direct, of giving authority and sanction to your commands, as by family devotion. Whatever will increase the venerableness of the paternal character, will, of course, impress his laws with addi- tional sanctions, and power. Now, it is clear to mj mind, that there can be no way of doing this so effective, as by connecting the image of a father in the mind of a child, with the sacredness of religion. Let him be re- garded by them as the venerable priest of the family, to bow before the altar, and speak their wants into the ears of God — the converser with the Deity — the invoker of heaven's blessings on the community — the venerable organ through whom the sought blessings of heaven will descend on them, and a sanction is given to his laws and opinions, which you will gain in no other mode. It is not easy to treat the man with disrespect, who is known often to approach the throne of grace ; — sacred by such an approach — and who is known to approach that throne only to obtain heaven's blessings on us. At all times, the ministers of religion have been refrarded with re- spect, and there is no way so effectual of securing esteem in your family, as by suffering it to be seen daily, that you are a friend of God — a converser with the Deity — • and that you are invested not only with the character of a father, but with the additional venerableness of being the priest of the family, and presenting their wants and feelings to the King of kings. Thus, too, by your example, you shall correct and ad- just their views of the world. More effectually than by any lessons, you shall teach them 7/our sense of the value of earthly objects. Time, gold, pleasure, cannot be es- teemed to be all, when the first and the last thoughts of the day are given to God. Nor can your children, in advancing years, go forth so easily to the undivided pur- suit of gain and pleasure, when they know that a father and a mother, at the altar, have expressed their views of the value of these things. It will check the wantonness 24 PRELIMINARY ESSAY of worldly pursuits ; it will come into the pleasures of the ball-room and the theatre, with a chilling influence on all those delights, if the thought then crosses the bosom of the son or daughter that at this late hour, pa- rental feelings are expressed at the family altar, and a father and mother bow before God, to implore his bless- ing on thoughtless sons and daughters. " I should be there," will be the instinctive language of the heart ; " my place is not amid these scenes of vanity, when a parent Beeks God; and these scenes can afford no permanent joy, against whose malignant influence a parent prays, and to guard me from which a parent now implores the protection of the eye and arm of God." Such prayers are often heard. And even while it is fresh breathing from the lips of pious parentage, the serious thought, the painful misgiving of the child in the place of pleasure, may be already an answer to prayer, and the purpose may even then be forming to forsake forever such scenes, and seek peace and joy in the endearments of the fire- side and of home. Let me add, too, that such amuse- ments find their support, with few — few exceptions, from the children of families who never pray ; and this devotion in all our habitations, would at once close our theatres, and no small part of the haunts of vice and ruin. You will pass, also, into scenes of affliction. You will go down into a dark valley, and turbid waters shall roll at your feet, and a sunless sky shall be over your head. A son, a daughter, may die. Calamity may strip away your property; and slander may asperse your name; and the waves of trouble may roll high and mighty over your habitation. Your pillow may give you no rest; and the deep calamity may spread weeping and wo through all your house. In such scenes who is he that is to bo calm? "Who to stand like Mount Atlas, "when storms and tempests thunder on its brow, and oceans break their billows at its feet" unmoved? "Who to allay the swelling tide of grief, and be a counsellor ftnd an exiinple there? Who to wipe away the tears ON FAMILY PRAYER. 25 from the weeping eyes of children, and pour, under God, consolation there? Who but the father at the family altar — the venerable guide and friend of the little community — he whose heart may bleed like others — for he felt the stroke more keenly than all, when his son or daughter died; but who still can gather the weeping group before God, and calmly say, " not our will but thine, God, be done?" And if he cannot do this; if he be first in agony, and a stranger to consolation, sind shall murmur at the stroke, and refuse to be comforled, who knows not the effect on the family ? Grief will deepen and prolong its reign, and sorrow there shall have no comforter. Yet how shall this be done ? Who does not see that the habit of daily seeking God, of ac- knowledging hira in all the ways of the family, is the only mode of meeting this grief, and soothing these bit- ter pains of life ? Family devotion shall change the storm to peace, and open a pathway through all these clouds ; and beyond the region of these muttering thun- ders, in that upper sky, the splendours of an eternal day are still seen, and it shall be felt that there is peace. I add here, one other remark. There are times when your children think — deeply think, of the subject of re- ligion. They inquire what they must do to be saved. They are pressed with the great truths of eternity, and they desire to know the path that leads to immortality. Every parent knows that such thoughts are right; and that their ^;-s^ days are their best days, to attend to the concerns of the soul. And few are the parents who would not express a desire that these serious thoughts should ripen into the settled peace and purity of the Christian. They are the sweet openings of the buds of spiing, the putting forth of lovely flowers, and may bo nurtured to produce a rich harvest of piety. How shall this be done ? what will be the most effectual deepener and promoter of these feelings ? It is clear that if the object of the parent was to secure the ascendency of these feelings, no way could be found so eflectual aa daily religion in the family. Let the child 8C« that hii 2 C 20 PRELI.MINARY ESSAY feiiousness has the countenance of a father and mother — that it falls in with their views, and accords with their most deep desires — that to cherish these feelings would be to pour balm into their bosoms, and to fill their lips •vsith praise — that there is an altar for the morning and evening sacrifice to deepen them, and there is no earthly influence that could be so effectual to ripen these feelings into tlie love of (iod. It seems to be a power expressly organized to accomplish this great work on the soul of tlie child. And on the other hand, let there be no family altar, and no sacrifice of praise in the habitation, and it is easy to see what is to be the result on the mind of a child anxious about his eternal welfare. True, he feels, and deeply feels. He prays, he trembles, he weeps. He lifts the eye to heaven in a state of deep anxiety, and waits for a guide to conduct him to the Saviour of men. The world to him is losing its charms. Temptation is shorn of its poAver. Fashion, wealth, and splendour, are dimmed of their lustre, and the spirit pants for immortality — for brighter peace, — more pe- rennial joys than this world can give. What is demanded then to fill the Avhole soul with peace ? "What but the family altar — the deep seriousness of religion there — the pleading father, the bending circle, seeking for com- mon salvation ? And if there be no such altar, how cold and chill all that influence in a family! If the world bo all, and fashion only has its seat there, or wealth is the grand object, or a mother's lips invite to the theatre or the ball-room, and never speak of prayer; and a father's liand guides only to scenes of gain or ambition, Avho can fail to see the result? IIow soon all seriousness shall disappear ! IIow soon the Sj)irit of God shall be grieved ! IIow soon a new current will be given to the affections, and the Son of God be shut from the view, and tiie Prince of darkness establish again his broken and en- feebled reign. Stronger fetters shall bind the captive to the chariot of the dark monarch of desj)air; and all the influence of a family be imparted to piolong his empire over the soul. And if to this wo add what mn^^ and ON FAMILY PRAYER. 27 Joes often exist, in a family without prayer, cold and cutting remarks about religion; perversion of its doc- trines and duties; derision of the Avork of God in saving man; apparent respect, but real sarcasm, the work is done, and the enemy of man has gained his object. The most sad narrative, perhaps, that could be penned in this world, would be the history of families who have thus stifled the serious thoughts of children, and driven back by neglect or derision, the Son of God advancing to take possession of the human heart. For the wealth of the Indies, I would not come into the secret of such families ; nor hazard the loss and ruin which might accrue to my children in days of seriousness, by the neglect of family prayer. There are times when the neglect of this plain and obvious duty, may seal the character of a child, and mark his course forever on- ward in the ways of sin and of hell. IV. My fourth argument on this subject will be de- rived from the fact, that without family prayer, there will he no religious teaching in a famili/ that will he ef- fectual. This proposition I maintain by the following considerations. 1. The duty of family worship is one of the most obvious that strikes a child; and especially if an attempt is made to instruct that child in the prin- ciples of religion. Other duties he may not so readily understand ; but this is one which is plain and apparent. He sees it; and sees it clearly. There is something so unnatural in constantly receiving benefits without ac- knowledging them ; in being protected, and provided for, from day to day, and week to week, and year to year, without any recognition of the kind unseen hand that does it, that the mind even of a child cannot but be struck with it. If lie who experiences a father's and mother's tenderness from year to year, should by no act express his sense of obligation, he would be conscious of something exceedingly ungrateful, and unamiable in his character. And he cannot but feel that something of the same kind must attach itself to his father and mother. Especially is this the case, if you attempt to teach him re« 28 rRELIMINAUY ESSAY ligion, to show him the duty of thanksgiving to yours^lt. or to God ; and to set hcfoie him the evil of ingratitude. Vile, and mean, and odious, lie may easily he made to see ingratitude to he. His natural honesty, and ingenuous- ness, may easily he excited to indignation and scorn at the hase feelings of the recipient of favours, "who repays them with thoughtlessness and unconcern. But are you not, in doing this, teaching him to frame an argument against yourself? 'If to be ungrateful be a trait of character so unlovely, then why is it that no gratitude is expressed to God, amid the many mercies of my father's house ? How are his teachings about the evil of ingratitude in me, to be reconciled with entire ami- ableness in Jiis deportment toward God ? And if he can live from year to year, and exercise no gratitude to his great Benefactor, then why is mi/ character to be esteemed so unlovely if I imitate his example, and re- ceive the kindness of mi/ father with cold reserve ; or as entitled to few expressions of thankfulness ?' And is not this the same as to teach ingratitude on a large scale, and make it the prominent lesson in the house, that blessings may be received to any amount from a bene- factor, and yet no guilt be incurred by forgetting the giver, and rioting on his beneficence without one grate- ful emotion ? 2. Prayer is one of the prime duties of religion. There can be no religion Avithout it. You cannot teach your children any of the precepts of religion, without making this one of them. Perhaps the first lesson which you vfill of necessity teach, will be that it is their dutv to pray. Yet how can you consistently teach this lesson without setting them the example ? If prayer is of so much moment, then why should not he Avho incul- cates the lesson, exemplify it also in his family ? And what will be the effect of this teaching, if in the family he observes that you are a stranger to devotion ? Can it be possible to teach the precepts, or the duties of re- ligion, unless it be done in connexion with nuvking thera prominent and constant, in the arrangements of th« ON FAMILY PRAYER. 29 household? It will be remembered that on no other subject do you make such an experhnent. You wish to inculcate the lessons pertainmg to business, or the me- chanic arts. You wish to train up the child to habits of industry, frugality, and order. You wish to inculcate on him the lessons of economy, or the value of polite in- tercourse, or of accomplishment. You have but one way of doing it. It is by example — by making these thing's prominent — by making them stand forth in all vour domestic arrangements, so that your vieAvs cannot hut be seen and apprehended. By making i/our concep- tion of their value manifest to the child, you hope that he Avill be brought to feel as you feel, and be trained up so as to be an ornament to your name and family. Re- liirion, you attempt to teach on a different principle — to acquaint him with the theory, not the practice ; to ex- press with the lips what the heart feels not ; and to suf- fer the language to teach one thing, which is as regular- ly denied by the life. Now what is this but to take religion from all its proper connexions, and to make it a cold, distant, unmeaning thing ? If I wished to tell a man how he could effectually disgust a child with a sub- ject, it AYOuld be to teach it as he does nothing else : to take it out of all the ordinary relations of human things, and proclaim with his lips what is known never to be practised in his life. 3. Your example, without family prayer, will neutra- lize all the instructions of religion. If religion is of so much importance as you would endeavour to persuade him, then the child will ask, at once, ' Why does not my father exemplify it ? If the world is a trifle, and eternity be all, as he tells me, then Avhy do I see his first and last thoughts given to that world? Why all his time engrossed in the counting room, the office, or the ways of pleasure or ambition ? AVhy is not a portion of that time given to that which is pronounced to be of such transcendent value ? And if the world be so full of temptations, and trials, why does he not implore for me the blessing of that God, who I am told, can encompass C2 30 PRELIMINARY ESSAY me, and shield me from danger? Is it my fathers be- lief that that God affords protection unasked, and that he would not desire to he invoked to grant that defence and protection which circumstances of danger and trial demand? And can that he of so much moment which is Buffered to he broken in upon by the veriest trifle, and excluded by any project of pleasure or gain?' 4. I appeal then to the facts in the case. I appeal to those parents who neglect family prayer, whether, in fact, they do not neglect the religious training of their children, as a matter of regular, sober, faithful arrange- ment. Does such instruction come in, in any way, as a part of the family organization ? Is it not a fact that you Bee the inconsistency of attempting it without family prayer, and that rather than do the one, you choose also to neglect the other ? And if so, then I put the matter on this broad ground, and urge the duty of family worship, by all the importance of the religious training. If it be so, that, if the one is neglected, the other will be, then I ap- peal to you by all the solemnity of their eternal interests — by a reference to their religious character in this life, and their eternal doom in the life to come, and ask you whether you dare to do a thing which, in its results, is to shut religion from your family, and preclude all parental religious training in your household? That parent who can coolly take a step like that, is advancing to meet an account which I humbly pray to God I may never be called to render in the day of judgment. And this sad neglect has given rise to an abuse of ono of the noblest institutions of this age — I mean the Sun- day School. The parent who is unwilling to teach his children for himself, or to pray Avith them at home, finds a salvo to his conscience by devolving the task on others. Neglecting his own duty, he attempts to put tie onerous burden on others; and to find peace in the conviction that they will do that whicli he is conscious he is neglect- ing. — In regard to this, I make two remarks. One is, that the Sunday School teacher is not, and will not be, and cannot be, responsible for your neglect of duty. A ON FAMILY PRAYER. 31 burden— -if to teach and pray for your own children he a burden, has been hxid on you by a higher authority tlian any human power; and there is no device, by which you can free yourself from the obligation. GoA most High, has clothed you with responsibility, that of training up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; — that of exerting the influence of a parent to prepare them for usefulness, and for heaven. And that is no enviable feeling which attempts to flee from the responsibility, and devolve its duties on others. Be- sides, the Sunday School teacher has a responsibility of hi;5 own, quite enough for any human being to endure. After you have done your duty, still Ids work is as ar- duous as any mortal would willingly undertake. It is unkindness to your children, and to such a teacher, to ask him to bear your responsibilities. It cannot be done. He will not stand at the judgment bar in your place ; nor will he meet there the doom which awaits parental neglect in the family. The other remark is this. It is, that one of the prominent effects of the in- structions in the Sunday School, is to teach the duty of family devotion. That is a lesson soon learned. And your children return to you from those nurseries of piety, often deeply feeling, and greatly grieved, that their father's house is a place Avhere no God is acknow- ledged, and where mercies are ever descending without any returns of praise. Each Sabbath shall deepen this lesson. And you are not to wonder if the lips of chil- dren should sometimes tenderly ask you why so plain a duty is neglected ; or if they throw their arms around your necks, and intreat you to acknowledge the God of all your mercies in your habitation. I regard the Sun- day School as one of the means prompting to family pr.iyer, and not the least of its blessings do I esteem it to oe, that it throws an influence back upon your fami- lies, and makes your children pleaders for God, and pi )mpters to duty, in the business of family religion. But while the duty of family prayer appears thus m inifest and clear, while every parent would probably 32 PRELIMINARY ESSAY admit tliat lie can see the propriety of the duty, and that most important benefits Avould result from its oliserv- ance, yet it has so happened that there is not prol)a])!_y any single duty against Avhich so many objections are urged as this. To what this fact is owing, it is not now ncci.'.-^sary to inquire. It may be remarked, however, that the fact of the existence of so many objections, is no small confirmation of the strength of the arguments in favour of family prayer. Men do not commonly in- vent and urge objections where a duty is not strongly and plausibly pressed. The amount of objection will be in proportion to the strength and frequency with which the argument is urged. When that occurs daily, as in the case of family devotion, where the duty is pal- pable and obvious, and yet from any cause there is an unwillingness to engage in it, then it is necessary that there should be some excuse always at hand, and suffi- ciently plausible to turn aside, at least for the present, the force of the argument. It is of importance to notice these objections. The first and most plausible is, that the duty of family prayer is not expressly enjoined in the Scriptures. This I admit — and having frankly made the admission, let us advance to ascertain, if possible, the precise shape which this subject assumes in the sacred volume. This Avill be seen by the following observations: — 1. One design of law, and especially of laws pertaining to morals, is to give general statutes, or injunctions, applicable to all the cases M'hich may occur. It is not to specify each case, in which business there could be no end — but to advance geiieial ])rincii)lcs that can be readily understood, and ai)i)lical)le to all the cases whicli may occur. That you should relieve your neighbour when he is sick, or defend his child when in danger, is not expressly commanded ; but the golden rule of the Saviour will meet any number of cases of that kind which may happen. To legislate about eadi particular case would be endless. The gene- ral rule to do to others as you Avould wish them tc do to you, is easy and easily applied to all the instances which ON FAMILY PRAYER. 33 may exist. 2. It is not the manner of the Scriptures to command a thing which was ah'eady in existence, and which it was supposed would be performed if there were right feeling. Thus, that men should love their chil- dren, and provide for them, was assumed without ex- press statute, because the very organization of the family relation supposed it, and it was secured by a more an cient law than by any express statute. 3. The whol subject of prayer was left substantially in this manner. There is no injunction to prayer at all in the Scriptures, until the world was three thousand years old, nor until eight hundred years after the calling of Abraham.* Ps. cxxii. 6 ; Jer. xxix. 7. Yet during this time, the subject of prayer is not unfrequently mentioned ; and the fact is recorded that men did call on God. Gen. xxiv. 63 ; Job xv. 4 ; xvi. 17, 15 ; xxiii. 26. 4. There is not in the Scriptures any injunction to any particular kind of prayer. Thus when secret prayer is mentioned, it is not as a command, but as a thing which was prac- tised, and which it was assumed would he practised. All that was needed in the case, was to regulate the man- ner of its performance. Matt. vi. 5, 6. The same is true of public worship. The general command to j^'^^^y is given ; the fact is recorded that the church did pray ; and regulations are suggested about the proper way of performing it. Is it not to be presumed, that the subject of family prayer would be left in the same manner ? 5. There are injunctions respecting prayer, which imply the duty of family prayer as well as any other. Thus the command, Eph. vi. 18. Praying always (Gr. in every time — or at all times) with all prayer — that is, with all kinds of prayer, or offering it on all proper oc- casions. 1 Tim. ii. 8. I will that men pray every where. Phil. iv. 6. In every thing by prayer and sup- plication, with thanksgiving let your requests be made known before God. 1 Pet. iv. 7. Be ye therefore sober and ivatch unto prayer. Now if a question should arise * Dr. D wight. 2* 34 PRELIMINARY ESSAY what kind of prayer was contemplated in these places, on the principle of the ohjector it would he impossihle to determine ; or rather the tendency of his objection is to nullify the whole precept. He objects that the com- mands do not imply the duty of family prayer. They do not distinctly specify it, and therefore it is not a part of the injunction. For the same reason / may object that secret prayer is not commanded here, and as it is not specified, it cannot be intended. A third person, with the same reason and propriety, shall remark that social and public prayer are not commanded, and he feels released from that. What is this but to trifle with the Scriptures, and to make them unmeaning? If the command to pray with all prayer does not \m\Ay family prayer, it implies nothing and means nothing. 6. The duty of family worship — and I may assume that there will be no worship without prayer — is often mentioned with approbation, and so mentioned as to show that it is acceptable to God. Thus of Abraham. I know that he will command his children, and his household after him, that they shall keep the Avay of the Lord, to do justice and judgment. Gen. xviii. 19. Thus said Joshua. As for me, and my house, we Avill serve the Lord. Josh, xxiv. 15. Thus Job oftered daily Avorship in his house — by offering daily sacrifices to obtain the blessing of God, and to turn away the divine indignation from his sons. Job i. 4. And thus also our Saviour with his apostles, and the apostles after his ascension, offered united prayer ; expressed their common wants, and commended them- selves to the common paternal guidance of God. That beautiful model of all proper supplication — the Lord's prayer — implies in its very structure that it is to be used daily, and in some community like a family. It is to be a daily supjdication — "give us thin day our daily bread." It is to be used not by an individual, but by a community. " Ouii Father," not my Father — Avhich urt in he.tven. "Give us this day" — "forgive us our trespasses" — "lead US not into temptation" — "deliver US from evil." Yet there is no community that can use ON FAMILY PRAYER. 35 tilis but a family ; none that are together each clay, and none where the prayer woiild be so directly adapted to the wants of the petitioners, as in a household depend- ent on God, bowing down before him in the morning to ask the supply of their returning wants, and to implore protection and defence in the various trials to which the household would be exposed. " What a live coal," says Dr. Hunter, " is applied to devotion, when the solitary my Father and my God, is changed into the social our Father, and our God!" 7. God has expressly declared his abhorrence of the neglect of family devotion. It is given as a characteristic of those who know not God, that they call not on his name, and as classifying them with the heathen world. Jer. x. 25. " Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that knoAV thee not, and upon the families that call 7iot on thy name.'' 8. I would only add here, that to a parent it would seem that there was no duty that less required an authoritative injunctioL from heaven. I would not sit down here to an inquiry iixio the nature of abstract statute and law. I would not look for iron enactments, and Gothic and terrific mandates here. A parent's love for his children, prompts him to do all that is possible for their welfare. For them he toils, he denies himself, he watches around their beds of pain. What is there Avhich a mother or a father will not sacrifice for the welfare of their children? How freely do health, and property, and rest, go to promote their peace, and train them for usefulness and felicity ! And who, when a child is sick, asks for an iron statute, to learn whether he shall send for a physician? Who, when the storm howls, or the flames rage, looks for in- ex'^rable law to know whether he shall stretch out his arms to aid? Why is it not so, we ask, in regard to all the great helps and blessings that may establish their virtue and promote their welfare here, or prepare them for glory hereafter? You, and your children, rise from beds of repose, protected by the hand of God. The blessings of his providence croAvn your board, and fill your houses with rejoicing. Protected by an unseen 56 PRELIMINARY ESSAY arm, raised by unseen power, and blessed by an invisible hand, "vvhat inexorable law is demanded to induce you, with them, to express thanksgiving to your great Bene- factor ? You go forth to the duties of the day. You know not its temptations, its toils, its dangers. No eye can see what unexpected occurrence may meet you — ■ what dangers may assail — what temptations may lie in your path. Who can crown your goings with blessings but God ? Who can watch over them but his unseen and never slumbering eye ? And do we look for statutes to hind us to seek his blessing and ask his protecting care ? The shades of evening come around you. Again pro- tected, defended, shielded, you come into the family cir- cle. Peace is there, and health, and cheerfulness, and plenty. Do I need 2i formal law when I go into such an abode, and say, here the goodness of God should be ac- knowledged ; here it is appropriate that heaven's Eter- nal King should listen to the voice of praise, and the watchfulness of that eye that never slumbers nor sleeps, should be invoked ? Your children go into — what? a world of peace, and friendship, of virtue, and of joy ? no. They tread a vale of sorrow. You have given them existence in a dwelling of temptation and of danger. Toes, deadly, and malignant, are in their path. The most fragrant bower may be the residence of the ser- pent, beguiling to destroy. The most lovely glade, the fairest patli, and most charming stream, may be the residence of foes that shall attack their peace, or endan- ger their souls. They Avill be in peril — they Avill be allured, beguiled. Other lips than yours will attempt to influence them ; and the guilty and the voluptuous may seek to make them their prey. They will weep. They will feel — yes, deeply feel, that they are in a cold, unfriendly, guilty world. They will be laid on beds of pain; will pant, will struggle, will expire. But one eye can mark their dangers or their pains, when you are dead. Far away from them in the cold grave, your eye will have lost its power to pity, and your hands their Btrength to relieve. Say, parent — father, mother, do ON FAMILY PRAYER. 37 ♦v^ need the formality of law, the sternness of command^ to tell us we must seek the blessing of God on our fa- mily ? Is it not the instinctive feeling of every father, " 3fay I bend before the God of heaven ; and ivill his ear be open : and can I have the assurance that he is ready and willing to defend my children?" Cast the eye onward. What shall be the doom of your children beyond the grave ? Whither shall they wander in that undiscovered world ? Shall they repose forever in the arms of heaven's King, or shall they be vagrants and outcasts, excluded from the place of mercy and of peace, and driven away with the polluted and the lost forever ! On whom is dependent their eternal doom? On that Being who is to be invoked by prayer. Who alone can save them from being cast down into hell ? None but that Almighty God, whose blessing you never ask for your children, whose protecting care you never seek. Now I would only ask of any parent, to look at his children with a parent's feeling, and remember they go to a world of dangers, and woes ; to inevitable scenes of sorrow and of death ; to an illimitable eternity ; and to remember that none but the arm of Jehovah can shield them ; and then to contemplate his household as practi- cally heathen, where no God is adored ; no voice of prayer is heard ; no song of praise is offered ; no hands are stretched out to the heavens to save your beloved sons nnd daughters ! We are here tempted to ask, can there be such scenes ? Certainly we do ask, can there be such a scene among the friends of God, and among parents, feeling that they are professedly devoted to the service of the Most High ? If I speak to such an one, I address you as a Christian father, as a dying man, and beseech you that this night the God of heaven may be invoked in your abode, and that your dwelling become consecrated as the dwelling-place of the Most High. 2. A second objection is want of time. This objection scarce deserves a serious answer ; and yet it is one of the most frequent that is made. I reply to it — 1. That the objection is one whii>li may be turned to account, and D 38 PRELIMINARY ESSAY (lo good, if you ever establisli family worship. The great fault of devotion in families is, that it is too tedious, mo- notonous, and long — that it becomes wearisome and dis- gusting. It wall be well if you can enter on it with all the advantage of the objection so often urged, and with the hope that you will feel the propriety of being short. 2. I reply, make your devotions in the family as short as you please. I am not pleading for long services. I am pleading for the thing itself. And assuredly it would not greatly impede the more important business of mak- ing money, or enjoying the world, to give five minutes or three minutes to God. 3. Is this objection ever urged by those who are conscientious about this thing, and who feel that time Avas given them for some valuable purpose ? Is it urged by those who have actually engaged with in- terest in this duty, and who love it ? From them should come the objection, if from any quarter ; and it is not fair for an objector to pj'esiune that he, of all men, is conscientious about his time ; and that those who offer prayer in their families are the idle, and the prodigal. An investigation on this subject might show that all con- science is not on the side of the objector, and that the acknowledgment of God interferes with no man's wel- fare; and that there 7nag be a conscientious appropria- tion of time, even among those who regard family devo- tion as a pleasure and a duty. To such objectors I respectfully submit whether no time is spent in unne- cessary sleep; whether the toilet claims no time that God might claim; and whether no time is spent in un- profitable reading or remark, on which God might have a claim on the head of the family. I feel that I am h t- ting doivn this subject by noticing this objection. It requires some self-denial to meet the reasonings of men, who suppose that God is an aggressor, and an usurper ; that the Eternal King is violating all the laws of pro- perty, and is rudely intruding, when he claims a juris- diction over your hours, or moments ; and that for God, your Creator, to demand even a few moments of human life, is to come in as an unbidden and unwelcome guest ON FAMILY PRAYER. 39 into your family; and is such an act of trespass on a man's castle, as to demand the deliberate purpose of a father to exclude him each day from the domain. I add in the language of Barrow, " Do we take devotion itself to be no business, or a business of no consideration ? Do we conceit, when we pay God his debts, or discharge our duty toward him, when we crave his mercy, when we solicit the main concernments of our souls, that we are idle, or misemployed? that we lavish our time, and lose our pains? What other affairs can we have of greater moment, or necessity, than this ? Can there be any interest more close, and weighty, than this, of pro- moting for our own souls eternal health and happiness ? Is not this indeed the great work — the only necessary matter — in comparison with which, all other occupa- tions are trifling? What are the great businesses of this world? What but scraping for pelf, compassing designs of ambition, courting the respect and favour of men, gratifying sinful curiosity, and carnal humour? Shall these images, these shadows of business, suppress or crowd out devotion? — that which procureth wealth inestimable, pleasure infinitely satisfactory, and honour incomparably noble : above all that this earth can aiford ? Is it not, beside, no such indispensable business, but rather some base dotage on lucre, some inveigling bait of pleasure, that crosseth our devotion ? Is it not often a complimental visit, an appointment to tattle, a wild ramble in vice or folly, that so deeply urgeth us to put off our duty? Nay, is it not commonly sloth, rather than activity, an averseness from this, rather than incli- nation to any other employment, which diverts us from our prayers ? Is it not the true reason why we pray so seldom, not because we are very busy, hut because ice are extremely idle : so idle, that Ave cannot willingly take the pains to withdraw our affections from sensible things, to reduce our wandering thoughts, to compose our hearts to right frames, to bend our untoward inclinations to a compliance with our duty? Do we not betake ourselves to other conversations and commerces, merely for re- 40 TRELIMINARY ESSAY fuge, shunning tliis intercourse witli God, and with our selves." 3. A tliird objection arises from diffidence. This de- mands a more respectful consideration. And yet there is scarcely any thing in which men are more liable to err. I shall assume the strongest case. It is that where a father is naturally timid, and retiring. Where he finda it difficult to express himself, clearly and fluently, on any subject. Where he has arrived to a somewhat advanced period of life, and his family have grown up around him, Where he even apprehends opposition, or ridicule, from his companion or children. In such a case, is it the duty of the father to establish the worship of God in his family ? I reply, 1. You can speak to your children about other matters, you can address them on any topic ; why can you not, in their presence, address God ? Does it require more talent, more learning, more eloquence ? The simplest language, and the humblest petitions, are those which will be most acceptable to him. 2. Every parent must feel that it is no creditable thing for him to be afraid of his children, when called to do his duty. To fear the^n, is to throw disorder into all family govern- ment ; and to fear them more than God, is more. It is to throw " shadows, clouds, and darkness," on all his piety. How can a man be a Christian, when he trem- bles more at the fear of his children, than he does at the presence of God ; and Avhen he regards their opinion as of more consequence than the judgment of heaven ? This was not the spirit of the apostles and martyrs, who faced the world, and defied tyrants on their thrones, and feared not racks and flames rather than to depart from the Avill of heaven. 3. All duty demands self-denial. He who expects to reach the heavens by sailing on the bosom of a calm and unrufllcd stream, Avill find yet that he has greatly mistaken the nature of piety. And especially U " this the case where duty has been long neglected. Then, to return is always difficult. Fear and shame will ahvaya plead for a longer indulgence. The man will be diffi- dent just in proportion to the extent of his sin, and tc ON FAMILY PRAYER. 41 tho amount of influence that will be opposed to his return. The world will oppose him, perhaps deride and perse- cute him. But it is not reserved to this time to know what is to be done in such a case. It is long since made known. Duty is imperious. It yields nothing. And Christianity demands that whatever shame, or ridicule, or persecution, be to be encountered, it be cheerfully met and borne, even on the rack or in the flames. You will never be a Christian without self-denial. That matter is put beyond debate. 4. On this subject there* is a most solemn and fearful declaration of Jesus Christ. He that is ashamed of me and of my words before men, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed before his Father, and the holy angels. 5. You are probably mistaken about your family. Sufi'er me to ask, what reason have you to suppose that they Avill regard an attempt to pray, with disapprobation, or derision ? Have they thus ever met an attempt to do your duty ? Have you made the experiment ? Have you seen any indications that your attempt to obey God would meet with opposition ? Then it is time that the authority of a father should be exer- cised, and attended by all the sanctions and pleadings of religion. If you have so long neglected to do your duty, so long neglected their religious training, that they be- gin to deride the religion of the Son of God, then no time is to be lost in meeting this influence, and showing: them your sense of the value of the Christian religion, and the importance of being prepared to die. But you have not estimated aright the feelings of your children. Long since they have wondered that a father acknow- ledges no God in his habitation ; and perhops this may have been the burden of their secret prayers that the God of heaven might be honoured in their father's house. It is not common, in this land, at least, that a family is disposed to deride a father for a serious attempt to do his duty. — I will add here, that all these difficultiea vanish when a man commences the duty in earnest. Mountains at once dwindle to mole-hills. What was formidable in appearance, becomes easy in the reality ; D2 42 PRELIMINARY ESSATf and delight comes in where you expected dismay and ahirm. I appeal to your own experience in other things HoAV often have you found that all your difficulties have vanished Avlien you have seriously resolved to do your duty ! So you would find it in family prayer. 4. A fourth objection is want of ability to pray to edification. To this I answer, 1. It is not talent or eloquence that is required in addressing God. It is a humble and contrite heart. 2. You can speak before your family on other subjects with propriety. You make no plea of want of ability when you express your desires to them. Why urge this plea about expressing tlieir and your desires to God ? 3. You have as much ability in this case as the publican had. It was not eloquence or learning in him that received the commendation of the Son of God. 4. There is scarcely any thing in which pride is more apparent ; and none in which it iy more abominable, than in the excuses about prayer. It it were not for their follow sinners, men could pr-.iy. Alone, they are never known to urge the plea of waiit of ability. And this is saying that they have more respect for thgir fellow men than they have for God. And this is the same as to say, if they were not proud they rtould find no difficulty in devotion. When an objection «an be reduced to this condition, there it is proper to leave it. 5. All this difficulty can be avoided by availing yourself of forms of prayer. If the objection be sincere, that is a full ansAver to it, and you should commence at once. Such forms are not forbidden in the New Testa- ment, and as if to meet this whole difficulty, and with an expi'essed design to teach bis disciples how to pray, Christ left that inimitably beautiful model which is known as his. That, you can at least use in your family. And whatever may be the abstract opinion about the compa- rative value of forms of prayer, yet there will be no question. I apprehend, that it is better to use a form, than not- to pray at all. 5. There is but one other difficulty that I think 'u important to notice; and that is one that demands the ON FAMILY PRAYER. 43 utmost tenderness and kindness in the reply. It re- lates to the duty of a mother, and especially of a wi- dowed mother; and the question is whether such a mother should lead a family advancing in years to the throne of Grace. The duty of a mother, where the fath'jr is opposed to it, is manifestly clear. It is not to assume authority, or to demand the privilege as a right, of con ducting herself the devotions of the family. In retire ment with her children, however, she may, and should, supplicate the blessing of God on them and him. When, however, he is unwilling to perform the duty himself, but Avilling that she should conduct the devotions of the house, there can be no violation of propriety in her maintaining family devotion. The more difficult ques- tion pertains to the widow. Let us look at this. On this, then, I remark, 1. She is obviously the very per- son who needs the aid of family prayer. God has taken away the head and earthly father in his mysterious dealings — he whose it was to conduct your devotions — and why should you not look to him who is your Father and Comforter in heaven ? The benefit of the counsels of the earthly parent is withdrawn. You need t^ie. coun- sel of a higher Being ; and why should you not seek it ? You feel now more and more your dependence on God, and why should you not express it? 2. You especially need all this aid, in the business of governing and di- recting your children. They have lost their father's counsel, his example, his authority. On your feebler arm now all is dependent. It is yours to guide, to counsel, to govern. In this you need all the aid which can be obtained. What so direct and mighty as to call in the aid of religion — amid your sighs and tears to be- seech the God of mercy to take you beneath his kind paternal care? It is not easy for children to treat with disrespect a praying, widowed mother. This is the very time, and occasion, for seeking the God of grace, And his ear will not be heavy to hear, nor his arm short to help her, that comes and pleads day and night before his thione, his own oft-repeated promises to the widow 44 PRELIMINARY ESSAY and the fatherless. 3. There is no scene on earth, it seems to me, so lovelj as that of a bereaved family, thus pouring its sorrows into the ears of God, and seeking repose on his bosom. And in that family — that widowed and fatherless family where this is wanting, there is a chasm which no adorning, no amiableness, no intelli- gence can fill. God should be acknowledged there. It is the very place where there should be an altar. And if all places of worship should be broken up ; if all our assemblies should be dissolved ; if the fires of devotion every where else should grow dim, or expire, yet they should be seen to shed their pure beams on the abode of the widow, and to diffuse light and joy in the otherwise sad dwelling-place of the fatherless. 4. The plea of want of ability should not be urged there. It is proper to use forms of prayer; and the widow comes to her duty under the advantage of more cheering promises made to her in the Scriptures, than are made to any other class of the human family. It is proper, before we close, to make a few remarks on the ivay in which family devotion should be per- formed. . As general remarks on a subject like this do no good, I shall specify a few particulars. 1. Prayer should be short. A family cannot be brought to attend with interest to a prayer that shall much, if any, exceed five minutes in length. It is better to fall short of that than to exceed it. The tendency of long prayers is to disgust and weary, and to train them up to dread, and to hate the whole business of family devotion. 2. Prayer should be simple and plain. The Lord's prayer is on this su])jcct an inimitable model of devo- tion. It is unsurpassed in simplicity, and it is one of the first things that a child can be made to understand. A family will soon be disgusted with that which is above their comprehension ; and the only way to interest chil- dren in such devotions is to frame them so that they can understiind them and feel an interest in them. 3. It should be direct. There should be some object to be prayed for. It should be commonly limited to a ON FAMILY TRAYER. 43 ^ew topics, and those should be presented in the most isimple way possible. The practice of praying for every body and every thing, in every prayer, has a direct ten- dency to destroy all the eifects of devotion. Hhtorical prayers — prayers beginning with the creation of man, and tracing all his history to the times of the millen- nium, repeated from one day to another, soon disgust and weary any audience, and soonest of all, a family. Till men learn to concentrate their feelings, and have really some object for which they wish to pray — an ob- ject in which they feel some interest, the business of praying will be dull, monotonous, disgusting. 4. Prayer should be solemn. It should not be a mat- ter of form. Nor should it be in an affected tone, or mock solemnity. Few audiences understand the real nature of such prayers, sooner than a family. The God whom you worship is not an idol. Your wants are not fictions. Your sins are real. The dangers of your children are mighty and pressing. Your relation to God and eternity, is not a cold formality. It has every thing to thrill, to pierce, to awe, to overwhelm. And coldness, and spiritual death, become any place better than the family altar. Let the snows of Greenland, and the ice of the northern seas, be in any other place of devotion, rather than on that where you plead with God for the guidance and salvation of your sons and daughters. 5. Prayer should be regular. It is not the business of the sabbath merely ; nor of scenes of affliction mere- ly ; nor a matter to be attended to when you are not otherwise employed. It is to be the real business of the family — a part of its systematic organization, and em- ployment. Without this its interest will expire. When I plead with you that God be acknowledged in your family, I plead that it may enter into your plans, that religion is to be a prominent part of the design for which you live. 6. Family prayer should obviously be connected with instruction, and especially with the perusal of the Holy 46 PRELIMINARI r.P.SAY Scriptures. Its interest may also be heightened, anc' its great ends furthered, by making it the occasion of celebrating the praises of God, by psalms and hymns I add— 7. That it should be the offering of the famiJij. 1 deem this remark of more importance than any one ■s\hich I have made. When I say that it should be the offering of the family, I mean that it should enter into the j9?(/?i, and the arrangement, that children, and ser- vants, should be present at the time of devotion. I make the observation, because it is so easy to forget that oui- servants are a part of the family, or that they have any sympathies in common with us. Whoever looks into the epistles of Paul, will see that the religious treat- ment of servants occupies a large place in his instruc- tions to the churches. It is clear, that proper religious attention Avill not be shown to them, unless it is made a matter of conscience with you to admit them to the privileges of family prayer. They are a part of your family. They are under your care. Their religious instruction is to be subject to your control. And it is perfectly manifest that their attachment to you, their lidelity, their good conduct, can be in no way so effectu- ally secured as to admit them to the privileges of the Christian, and share with them the hopes of the mercy of heaven, and the favour of God. If you wish to secure their attachment, shoAV them that you are interested in their religious welfare. If ^^ou wish to bind them to your family, admit them to the privileges of that religion, where there is neither Jew nor Greek, neither bond nor free; but where Christ is all and in all. These great interests you have in common. The hopes of heaven may be theirs, as well as yours. And rank, and wealth, and the relation of master, afford no passport to the favour of God, and confer no elevation before the throne Df grace. Besides, there is no so effectual way of pro- ducing liumility, kindness, and fidelity, among servants, as by imbuing them with a kno^vledge of that religion whieh recognises their condition, teaches them theij UN FAMILY rRA5fER. auty and makes them prayerful and conscientious. Be- fore the throne of God masters and ser^ ants should bow Jn common. They will soon stand at a common bar of Vulo-ment. And it is well even for the rich and the po^v^rful, to feel every day, that in the great mterests of human existence, wealth and splendour confer no- prerogatives ; and that those poor, dependent, and igno- rant, have spirits precious as our own, and that it is ours to attempt to raise them up to the blessings of re- demption, and that there is no respect of persons with God. , The same remarks are applicable to your children The evil of disorganized families results from irregu larity in their attendance on family devotion. Indulge them in sleep ; or suffer them to be absent amid the scenes of gaiety, fashion, splendour, or dissipation, at the regu- lar times of devotion, and it is not difficult to foresee what will be the character of your sons and daughters. Deeds of wickedness are commonly literally deeds of darkness ; and more than half the evils inflicted on a community, result from the want of power or iriclination of parents to restrain, and bind to proper hours, and times, ^the headlong, and daring propensities of children. That parent, in my view, greatly fails in his duty, and is pointing thorns for a future pillow, who suffers his chil- dren to be absent from his view at the proper seasons of devotion. Summon them to your side, and present them before God; and there, if any where, they are safe. In conclusion, I remark, that there is not on earth a scene more interesting than a family thus bending be- fore the God of heaven. A collection of dependent beings, with tender feelings, with lively sympathies, with com- mon hopes, fears, joys, blending their bliss, and their woes together, and presenting them all to the King of kings, and the Great Father of all the families of man- kind. There is not on earth a man more to be vene- rated, or that will be more venerated, than the father who thus ministers at the family altar. No other man, i8 PRELIMINARY ESSAY like that father, so reaches all the sources of human action, or so gently controls the powers yielding in their first years, and following the direction of his moulding hand, that are soon to control all that is tender and sa- cred in the interests of the church and state. No Solon or Lycurgus is laying the foundation of codes of laws so eep, or taking so fast a hold on all that is to afl'ect the resent or future destiny of man. We love, therefore, to look at such venerable locks ; and to contemplate these ministers of God which stand between the rising genera- tion — feeble, helpless, and exposed to a thousand ])orils — and the Eternal Parent of all. They stand between the past and the coming age — remnants of the one, and lights to the other ; binding the past with that which is to come ; living lights of experience to guide the footsteps of the ignorant and erring; to illuminate the coming genera- tion — to obtain for it blessings by counsel and prayer, and then to die. And if the earth contains, amid its desolations, one spot of green on which the eye of God reposes with pleasure, it is the collected group, with tho eye of the father raised to heaven, and the voice of faith and prayer commending tlie little worshippers to tlie protecting care of llim who never slumbers nor sleeps. The inimitable language of Burns, on this subject, ia not fiction. In hundreds of families you might witness all that is ])ure and sublime in the scene contemplated by the Scottish bard. "They cliaiit tlii'ir artless notes in simple guise: 'I'liL-y tnne llicir lic.irts, hy Car llic nobksl aim: Perliaps Dutiilrr^s wild warbliiijr nieasures rise Or piaintivi: Muitijis, wnrtliy of tliu name: Or nol)lf Elinn lieiits tin; lieav'iiward llanic, Tlic swict'st far {.A' Scotia 8 lioly layst Compar'd widi llicsi;, Italian trills arc Unnc ; Tliu tickl'd cars no lieart-tllt rai)turcs raise; Nae unison hae tlicy willi our Creator's praise. " The priest-like father reads the sacred page, How Ahrtnn was the friend nf God on high; Or Mosrs bade eternal warliire wa>;e With Aiiiiilrk's niii,fracions projjeiiy; Or liuw the royal Laid did gruaning lie ON FAMILY PRAYER. 49 Beneath the stroke of Heaven's avenging ire; Or Job's pathetic plaint, and wailing cry; Or rapt Isaiah's wild, seraphic fire; Or other holy seers that tune the sacred lyre. " Perhaps the Christian volume is the theme, How guiltless blood for guilty man was shed; How He, who bore in heaven the second name, Had not on earth whereon to lay his head: How his first followers and servants sped; The precepts sage they wrote to many a land; How he who lone in Patmos banished. Saw in the sun a mighty angel stand; And heard great BabHon's doom pronounc'd by Heaven's com* mand. " Then kneeling down, to Heaven's Eternal King, The saint, the father, and the husband prays; Hope " springs exulting on triumphant wing,"* That thus they all shall meet in future days; There ever bask in uncreated rays, No more to sigh, or shed the bitter tear, Together hymning their Creator's praise. In such society, yet still more dear ; While circling time moves round in an eternal splrar*.** •Pope's Windsor Forest E / FAMILY PRAYERS. FIRST VTEEK. SABBATH MORNING. Jay Thou King eternal, immortal, invisible, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, and whom no eye hath seen, or can see. Thou art incomprehensi- ble, and the highest archangel can never find thee out unio perfection. Yet thou hast been pleased to reveal thyself to man ; and by means of thy word, we behold thee in every character and relation that can suit our necessities, or encourage our hope. Thy throne is in the heavens, and thy kingdom ruleth over all ; and all nations before thee are as nothing; yet thou conde- scendest to regard the things that are done in the earth ; and thou despisest not the prayer even of the destitute. Thou art exalted above all blessing and jjraise : our goodness extendeth not to thee — but unless thine be extended to us, we are undone forever. Without thee we can do nothing ; we are nothing. In thee we live, and move, and have our being. The way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. We are poor and dependent ; but as thou art able, so thou art willing, to take the charge of us ; and here we are, the living to praise thee ; and to acknow ledge that goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our Kves. We bless thee, that thou hast regarded our souls, as voll as ou»* bodies; and no less provided for our future (51) 52 FIRST WEEK. interests, than our present. When there was no eye to pity us, thou didst remember us in our low estate ; and when there was no arm to rescue, thou wast pleased to lay help on one that is mighty ; and thou hast sent thy own Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. To him may we turn our hearts, and find in him the wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption, which, as perishing sinners, we need. In all our approaches to thee, may we have boldness, and access, with confidence, by the faith of him. May we know that he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows ; and be able to re- joice in him as our sacrifice, our sympathising friend, our almighty helper, and our lovely example. May we drink into his spirit. May we transcribe the excelleii- cies of his character into our own. May we place our feet in the very prints of his steps ; and follow him till we shall be perfectly like him, and see him as he is. We desire to acknowledge thee in the dispensations of thy providence ; and to own thy agency in all the events that befall us, whether pleasing or painful. Thou hast a right to govern us ; and thou knowcst what will best advance our welfare. May Ave commit our way unto the Lord, and be able to say at thy footstool, in un- feigned submission. Here I am, let him do what seem- eth him good. If darkness veils thy dealings with us. may we trust and not be afraid ; believing that what we know not now, we shall know hereafter ; and that the development of thy conduct will issue in perfect satis- faction and praise. We bless thee for the institutions of religion, in tho use of which thou hast promised to draw near to those that draw near to thee. We rejoice in another of the days of the Son of man ; may w'c call ufi' our minds from the cares of the world, and attend upon the Lord Vithout distraction. Quicken and elevate our souls, that rising above the formality of devotion, we may come even to thy seat, and enjoy a little of the blessed- ness of those that have entered thy temple above, auJ FIRST WEEK, 53 ttie singing 'che song of Moses and the Lamb. We are about to assemble in the house of prayer — pour upon us the spirit of grace and of supplication ; and rank us in the number of those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. We are going to the house of praise — awaken in us every grateful and cheerful emotion, and may we speak to ourselves in psalms and liymns, and spiritual songs, singing, and making melody in our hearts unto the Lord. We are repairing to the house of instruction — enable us to receive the kingdom of God as a little child. Teach us of thy ways. Lead us into all truth. And let us be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. For this purpose, let thy presence go with us; and let thy word come to us ; not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. Bless all the churches of the faithful ; and the ministers of the everlasting gospel, of every name, and of every nation. Clothe the priests with salvation; and let thy saints shout aloud for joy. May our country prosper in all her lawful interests, both domestic and foreign. Bless the chief magistrate of our nation, and all that are in authority ; may they rule in thy fear, and be guided by thy counsel ; and may the people lead quiet and peacea- ble lives in all godliness and honesty. Make us glad ac- cording to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work ap- pear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their chil dren, and let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us ; establish thou the work of our hand upon us, yea, the work of our hand, establish thou it. *And we especially invoke thy blessing, Lord, to attend this day all the instructions imparted in Sabbath schools and Bible classes. We pray that thou wilt be graciously pleased to grant the influences of the Holy Spirit, that that instruction may be impressed deeply on the heart and may produce abundant fruit in the life. Give grace, Almighty God, to those who are teachers in those schools; that they may be deeply impressed E2 64 FIRST WEEK. with their responsibility ; that they may be themselvea thy children; and that they may engage in their work with an earnest desire to benefit those entrusted to their charge. May their minds be enlightened that they may understand thy holy word. May they see clearly the great plan of redeeming mercy. May they be enabled to present thy truth simply, clearly, with affection, and with prayer. May the sacred Spirit — the Comforter — be given them, to guide them into all truth. And do thou be pleased to bless all children in those schools. Preside over them and give to them thy Holy Spirit. Grant to them tender, teachable minds. May they learn the paths of wisdom, and delight in i/istruction. May their hearts be given to the Saviour in their early years. May they come to him, who, when on earth, said. Suffer little children and forbid them not to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. Take, blessed Sa- viour, those lambs of the flock into thine arms, and guide them by thine unerring counsel. Defend them from the perils and temptations of life, and conduct thou them to the joys of thine everlasting kingdom. [May our own children be trained up in the knowledge of thy name ; and whatever instruction in accordance with thy word may be imparted to them in the family, the Sunday school, or the sanctuary, we pray that it may be attended with thy blessing, and be the means of fitting them for the duties of this life, and for the joys of thine eternal kingdom.]* These mercies, and all we need, we humbly ask in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, our most gracious Lord and lledeemer. Amen. SABBATH EVENING. Jat,- It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto tliy name, Most High, to show forth thy loving-kindness in the morning, and tiiy faith- fulness every night. FIBST WEEK. 5» We this evening acknowledge the blessings, not only of another day, but of another Sabbath. We bless thee that the Sabbath was made for man, and that thou hast hallowed such a portion of our time, for purposes so im- portant, but which, alas, we are prone to neglect. Thus thou art aifording us opportunities to retire and to learn, among all the cares of life, that one thing is needful ; am to hear the inquiry, what is a man profited, if he shoul gain the whole world and lose his own soul. Thus we have moments of leisure, in which we can more fully investigate our character; examine our condition; and ask, for what purpose we entered this mortal stage, and what Avill become of us when these scenes close. We thank thee that the lines are fallen to us in plea- sant places, and that we have a goodly heritage : so that we can add to private meditation and devotion, the pub- lic ordinances of religion ; and can sit under our own vine and fig-tree, none daring to make us afraid. AYe bless thee, that Ave have not only the Scriptures, but the ministry of the gospel ; and have this day not only read,, but heard the words of eternal life. But, God, the effects we experience while waiting upon thee, though delightful, often prove like the morn- ing cloud, and early dew. Before the lapse of a single day, we are compelled to complain. My soul cleaveth unto the dust; and to pray. Quicken thou me according to thy word. Render therefore the impressions made upon us, deep and durable : keep these things for ever in the imagination of the hearts of thy people ; and let thy word dwell in us richly, in all wisdom. May the instructions we receive, attend us in every part of our life, and regulate, and excite us in the dis- charge of all our relative duties, so that whether we are husbands or wives, parents or children, masters or ser- vants, Ave may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. May Ave be satisfied Avith no knowledge, no belief, no professions, no feelings in religion — AA'hile our hearts are void of thy love, and we are strangers to that grace Avhich bringeth salvation, and teacheth us ti deny b6 FIRST WEEK. angodlincss and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, right- eously, and godly in the present world. We take shame to ourselves, not only for our open violations of thy law ; but for our secret faults, our omis- sions of duty, our unprofitable attendance on the means of grace, our carnality in worshipping thee; and all the sins of our holy things. Our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is gone up into the very heavens — and there he is gone also, Avho is our Advo- cate with the Father, and the Propitiation for our sins. Behold his hands and his feet : and hear, hear, the voice of the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Pity those who have this day been deprived of the public means of grace by sickness or infirmity. Let them know that thou art not confined to temples made with hands : be with them in trouble ; and give them their vineyards from thence, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope. And remember the millions Avho were never favoured with the advantages we enjoy, and would be grateful for the crumbs that fall from our table. But they never smiled when a sabbath appeared. They never heard the name of Jesus. They feel guilt, but knoAV nothing of the blood that clcanscth from all sin ; they feci de- pravity, but know nothing of the renewing of the Holy Ghost. No one proclaims among them the balm of Gilead ; and the physician there. 0, send out thy light and thy truth. Let thy way be known on earth ; thy saviiio; health among all nations. We now commit ourselves, with all our connexions, into thy hands. Guard us through the defenceless lioura of sleep, from every evil to which we arc exposed. If, as life is always uncertain, it should please thee to call ns hence this night — may we awaken in glory, and he forever with the Lord: or if thou shouldst continue U3 in being — may we rise in health and comfort, to pay thee the homage of a grateful heart, in a course of cheer ful obedience. FIRST WEEK. 57 In thy favour is life — Do thou bless us, and we shall be blessed — safe from every evil, and sure of every good. And prepare us at length for the rest that remains for thy people ; in which we shall join the general assembly and church of the first born, in ascribing blessing and honour, and glory, and power, to him that sitteth upon the throne, and to the Lamb, for ever and ever. Amen. MONDAY MORNING.* Ja^/. Thou, who hast characterized thyself as the hearer of prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come : and that we may come with acceptance and success, we come in the name of the great intercessor, Jesus Christ, the righteous ■ — and thou Eternal Spirit of grace and supplication, do thou make intercession for us, by making intercession in us, according to the will of God. Bless the services in which we were engaged on the past day. Let a savour of divine things be left on our spirits, and be diffused in our conversation. Let those around us take knowledge of us, that w^e have been with Jesus; and may our profiting appear unto all men. May our light shine before men. May we be manifestly the disciples of Christ. May we put on, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humble- ness of mind, meekness, long suffering, forgiving one another. May we be followers of God, as dear children: may Ave be perfect, as our Father, who is in heaven, is perfect. We confess and bewail, not only our deficiencies, but our backslidings also. 0, recall us to thyself; enable us to feel our first love, and to do our first works. Yea, may we forget the things that are behind, and reach forth unto those that are before. May we not only have life, * The first Monday in tlie month is observed, by most Chrisliaii denominations, as a monthly concert of prayer for the ppread of the gosj)el tliroughout the world. 3* 58 FIRST WEEK. but may "we have it more abundantly ; and not only be fruitful, but bear much fruit. May our improvements correspond Avith our privi- leges ; and our practice with our knowledge. May our wills always bow to the decisions of our judgments ; may we choose what we approve, and never condemn ourselves in the things that we allow. jNIay all our churches continue steadfiistly in the apos- tles' doctrine, and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer; and may the Lord add daily to their number, such as shall be saved. May the dead hear the voice of the Son of God, and live. May those who are asking the way to Zion, with their faces thitherward, find a teacher that will say to them, This is the way, walk ye in it, when they turn to the right hand, and when they turn to the left. Let the rich be poor in spirit ; and the poor be made rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom Avhich thou hast promised to them that love thee. Let the ignorant be enlightened; and let those that are wise, become fools, that they may be wise. *We acknowledge thee, most merciful God, as the Father of all flesh. Thou hast made of one blood all the nations of men, to dwell on the face of all the earth ; and hast fixed tlie bounds of their habitation. Thou ujiliold- est all in being; providest for their wants; causest thy sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendest rain on the just and on the unjust. "We rejoice, our Father, and thank thee for thy goodness to all men. We praise thee tliat thou hast had mercy on the human family, and liast provided a i)lan of salvation, adapted to the wants of all mankind. And Ave bless thee for all tliy promises in relation to the spread, and final triumph of the gospel of thy dear Son, that the heathen shall be given to hira for his inheritance, and the ends of the earth for his possession — that the desert shall bud and bloom as the rose, tuid tlie wilderness and solitary place shall be glad. Be pleased, () Lord, to look down in mercy, on all who shall this day assemble to supplicate thy blessing FIRST WEEK. 59 on a fallen worlds Give to thy people a spirit of grace and supplication. May they approach thy throne with humble hearts ; with true faith ; with earnest desires, that thy kingdom may come, and thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven. May they approach thee, feel- ing that they plead for the salvation of a dying world ; and give thee no rest until the righteousness of Zion go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a lamp that burneth. Do thou graciously hear and answer their sup- plications. Look in mercy upon a ruined world. Pity the nations that are sitting in the region and shadow of death ; and may the sun of righteousness arise upon them with healing in his beams. May the dark places of the earth, now full of the habitations of cruelty, become the dwelling-place of righteousness, and the abodes of peace. May the ignorant be enlightened ; the wretched be com- forted ; the oppressed go free. May thy glorious gospel shed its blessings on all the nations of the earth ; and all the means now used to advance the glory of the latter day, be crowned with success. Attend, most merciful Father, all those who have gone to other lands, to make known the unsearchable riches of Christ. Give to them much of the spirit of thy dear Son. Give them wisdom to direct them — grace to support them in all their trials — success in all their efforts. Make them burning and shining lights among the na- tions. May they be kept from sin, and temptation; from despondency, and doubt; from persecution, and want. In all their trials may they stay themselves on thee, and ever have an unshaken confidence in the pro- mises of thy holy word. Keep, by thy mighty power, all who among the heathen have been converted to the Christian faith. Preserve them from temptation and apostacy. AflFord them light and strength as they need, and amid all the trials with Avhich they may meet, may they find thee to be a present help, a refuge, and a strength. May they see more and more of the beauty of that religion which they profess, and daily rejoice more and more in hope of the glory of God. 60 FIRST WEEK. Advance, Lord, all the great interests of man. May the blessings of civil and religious freedom, of Christian education, and of peace, be everywhere enjoyed. May wars, and rumours of wars cease. May the sword be beat into a ploughshare, and the spear into a pruning hook, and nations learn war no more. Let the mild and peaceful principles of thy glorious gospel every where prevail, and the ends of the earth soon be filled with thy glory.* We bless thee, for all thy former loving-kindnesses to this family, and pray that they may be continued to us, and sanctified to us. May the outgoings of the morning and evening of another day be made to rejoice. May we continually live under the shadow of thy wing and the influence of thy grace : and let the words of our mouth, and the meditations of our hearts, be acceptable in thy sight, Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. And unto Him that is able to do for us 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 with- out end. Amen. MONDAY EVENING. Jai/. *OuR Father, who art in heaven, we approach thee at the close of another day to render thee thanks for thy mercies, and to implore thy blessing on us and on all mankind. Thy mercies are new to us every morning, fresh every evening, repeated every moment. To thy name we give thanks for our birth in a Christian land, and for all the mercy thou hast shown us in our lives. We thank thee for thy glorious gospel, that gospel which we have so long slighted and abused, and which thou art graciously continuing to us. We would remember this night, that millions of our fellow beings are sitting in the region and shadow of death ; that on them no light has FIRST WEEK. 61 risen, and none have gone to them to break to them the bread of life. Make us sensible of thy distinguishing mercy to us. May we remember that where much is given, there much will be required ; and that soon we must appear at thy bar, with an assembled world, t& render an account for the improvement of all our privi- leges.* We bless thee for a purpose of grace given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. We rejoice that in the fulness of time he assumed our nature, and became obe- dient unto death," even the death of the cross ; and that as he was delivered for our offences, so he was raised again for our justification, and ascending up on high, entered into the holy place, as a proof of the sufficiency and acceptance of the sacrifice he offered. We rejoice that he has received the whole dispensation of the Spirit, and that in him all fulness dwells. And we bless thee for the proclamations of the gospel, which hold him forth to our view in all his grace and glory, and un- searchable riches, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope. thou God of hope, fill us with all joy and peace, in believing thy promises and invitations, that we may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. May we esteem all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord ; and may we supremely desire to win Christ, knowing that he who hath the Son of God hath life, and shall never come into condemnation. May we prove that we are joined to the Lord, by being one spirit with him ; may our sentiments, tempers, and conduct, be formed after the example which "he left us; and may we never consider ourselves Chris- tians, but as we long to be like him, and the life also of Jesus is made manifest in our mortal body. May we never love a world that crucified the Lord of glory ; nor sufier those sins to live that caused him to die. May his grace, in becoming poor, that we through his poverty might be rich, make us ashamed of our selfishness ; and may his love, in giving his life a ransom for us, so con* F 62 FIRST WEEK. Btrajn us, as to render any services or sacrifices, for his Bake, our delight. May he never be -wounded in the house of his pro- fessed friends ; may we rather die than bring a reproach upon his cause. May all his followers be dear to us. May we recommend him to those that know him not, that they may seek him, Avith us. Let the number of those who love his salvation, daily increase ; and let the accessions include every member of our household, and all our absent friends. And hasten, Lord, the blessed hour, when all kings shall fall down before him, and all nations shall serve him — and blessed be his glorious name forever ! And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. *Be pleased, Lord, to hear the prayers which thy people have this day offered in behalf of Zion. Grant an answer to the desires and supplications of thy people. Send out thy light and thy truth, and let all nations be illuminated with the gospel of thy grace. We commend to thee thy cause. We beseech thee to look in mercy upon the nations of the earth. We pray that thy people may be more deeply impressed with the wants and woes of man. Grant that thy people may more and more deny themselves ; may feel more deeply afi'ected in view of all the miseries and crimes of our race ; and more earnestly desirous that all nations should hear thy gospel. We commend to thy care all Missionary, Tract, Bible, and Education Societies, and all the institutions of benevo lence in our land, and throughout the world. May those who are called, in thy providence, to direct the charities of thy people, and to preside in the institutions of benevo- lence, be endowed with true wisdom, with conscientious- ness, with a spirit of prayer, and with deep and expan- sive benevolence. May they ever feel their responsi- bility, and in all their deliberations be conducted to such results as shall be for the glory of thy name, and for the speedy and universal extension of the gospel among the nations of the earth. We pray that revivals of true reli- gion in all lands may be multiplied. We beseech thee FIRST WEEK, 63 WO send fortli more labourers into the harvest. May all our schools and colleges be under thy fostering care, and may the young men of this land, and this generation, bo imbued with the spirit of self-denial, and with a readiness to obey thy call in diffusing the blessings of civilization and Christianity among all men. May every continent and island partake of thy blessing, and every nation and tribe speedily hear in their own language the wonderful works of God. Let thy holy word be translated into all the languages of the earth, and every habitation of man be soon blessed with the inestimable treasure of the word of life. Behold in mercy, God, all who are oppressed. Es- pecially look in tenderness upon benighted and injured Africa. Send to all her millions thy holy gospel, and may Christian nations soon be roused to repair her wrongs, and to send to that people, so long injured and afflicted, the healing balm of life. Put a period, we do earnestly pray thee, to the traffic in human flesh. May the eyes of men be opened to the guilt and wo of this traffic, and their hearts feel, deeply feel, for that injured people. Re- member, Lord, all the sons of Africa who are held in bondage in all lands. May that gospel, which is sent to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the cap- tives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound, be sent to all those lands, and may the prisoner speedily go free. Especially remember all in bondage in our own land. Bless all the means that are used to pro- mote their welfare ; and soon may this land be freed from this burden, and all men here be admitted to the rights with which, by nature, thou hast endowed them. Direct to such means as may result in their freedom, in consist- ency with the peace and welfare of this nation ; and grant that their captivity here, may yet be the means of bestowing the rich blessings of Christianity on the land of their fathers.* "We praise thee as the length of our days and the God of our mercy. In the morning we committed ourselves to thy care, and thou hast been with us in our going out and 64 FIKdT WLKK. our coming in ; and hast kept us in all our ways. Par- don whatever thou hast seen amiss in us through another period of our time. Accept the charge of us through the approaching night ; and grant us the sleep whicli thou givest thy beloved ; as we hope we desire it, not only as creatures, but as Christians ; not only to gratify our ^eelings, but to renew our strength for thy service, and o fit us to glorify thee in our bodies as well as in our spirits, through our adorable Redeemer. Amen. TUESDAY MORNING. Jai/. Thou, whose name also is Jehovah, the Most High over all the earth, we desire to adore the perfections of thy nature, and to admire the works of thy hands. May the united displays of thy greatness, and thy goodness, nnpress our minds, and influence our thoughts and affec- tions, while we approach thee. Heaven is thy throne, and the earth is thy footstool The universe, with all its creatures, was made by thy word, and is upholden by thy poAver ; and thou doest ac- cording to thine own will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth ; none can stay thy hand, or say unto thee. What doest thou ? But thou art the Father of mercies, the God of all grace, and the God of all comfort. Even we, poor, mean, dying creatures, are not beneath thy care. Thou hast been mindful of us ; thou hast visited us ; and thy visitation hath preserved our spirits. The lines are fallen CO us in pleasant places ; yea, we have a goodly heritage ; we live in a land of light ; we have the Scriptures in our hands, and our ears hear the joyful sound of the gospel. "We know that thou hast not spared thine own Son, but delivered him up for us all. We know that he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows : that his blood cleanseth from all sin, and that whosoever believeth on him, shall not {)erish, but have everlasting life. We come in hin name, and make mention of his rifjht- FIRST WEEK. 65 eowsTiess only. We plead the obedience and sufferings of liim who magnified the law, and made it honourable. May we be justified by his blood ; and may we be saved by his life. May we be joined to the Lord, and of one spirit with him. May we deny ourselves, and take up our cross, and follow him. May the agency of thy Holy Spirit prepare us for all the dispensations of thy provi- dence. May Ave be Avilling that the Lord should choose our inheritance for us, and determine what we shall re- tain or lose ; what we shall suffer or enjoy. If indulged with prosperity, may we be secured from its snares, and use its advantages as not abusing them. And may we patiently and cheerfully submit to those afflictions, which are necessary to hedge up our way when we are tempted to wander, to excite an abhor- rence of sin, to wean us from the present evil world, and to make us partakers of thy holiness. In whatso- ever state we are, may we be therewith content. Only assure us that thou wilt be with us in trouble, and, that at the end of the vale of tears, we shall enter Emmanuel's land, where the inhabitants no more say, I am sick ; where our sun shall no more go down, nor our moon withdraw itself, but God shall be our everlasting light, and the days of our mourning shall He ended. May our friends and relations be fellow-heirs with us of the grace of life. Let our house be the tabernacle of the righteous : let our children and servants be a seed to serve thee : and among none of those who surround ihis family altar, may there be weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, when they shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of God, and they themselves shut out. Lord, help us all to view our religious opportunities as talents, for which we are accountable : to remember, that our greatest danger results from our highest privileges ; and to fear, lest a promise being left us of entering into thy rest, any of us should seem to come short of it. Thou hast determined the bounds of our habitation , and by the events of thy providence, many of those in F2 66 FIRST WEEK. whose society we delight, are separated from us. When we are absent in body, may we be often present in spirit. We commend our absent friends and kindred to thy cove- nant care. May no evil tidings concerning them, wound our hearts : spare them in mere}'' : may we often embrace each other in circumstances of health and comfort: or if we have had our last interview on earth, may Ave all meet in our heavenly Father's house, and be for ever with each other, and for ever with the Lord. *In the duties of this day, be graciously pleased to be with us. Preserve us from temptations, and the allure- ments of the world. Defend us from danger, and pre- pare us for whatever may be thy will in regard to us. In all circumstances may we evince the Christian spirit : be kept from anger, and pride, and ambition ; from envy, hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness. May we be diligent in business ; fervent in spirit ; serving the Lord ; rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing in- stant in prayer ; distributing to the necessity of saints ; given to hospitality. May we rejoice Avith them Avho do rejoice, and Aveep with them Avho Aveep. Help us to proA'ide things honest in the sight of all men ; and to live peaceably Avith all. To the end of our lives may Ave be the humble and consistent followers of Jesus Christ, so that at last, through his merits, we may, Avith all thy people, be admitted to the joys of thy kingdom above.* And to the only wise God, our Saviour, be praise and glory everlasting. Amen. TUESDAY EVENING. Jai/. Tiiou King of Glory, avc desire to approach tliy divine Majesty Avith reverence and godly fear, and to worship thee in the beauty of holiness. Every perfection adorns thy nature, and sustains tliy throne. The heavens are thine ; the earth also is thine : the Avorld is thine, and the fulness thereof. Thy poAver formed the universe from nothing. Thy Avisdora has managed all its multiplied cou- FIRST WEEK. 67 cerns, presiding over nations, families, and individuals, and numbering the very hairs of our head. Thy good- ness is boundless ; the eyes of all wait upon thee* and thou givest them their meat in due season. Tliou o])enest thine hand, and satisliest the desire of every living thing. How precious are the thoughts of thy mercy and grace — and so excellent is thy loving kindness, that even the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wing. Thou art the blessed and happy God. 0, teach us to place our happiness in thyself. May Ave never seek the living among the dead, nor ask with the deluded many, AVho will show us any good ? But, may we prize the light of thy countenance ; implore the joy of thy salvation ; and passing by the attractions of creatures, be able to say, Whom have I in heaven but thee, and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. Thou hast been infinitely more attentive to our happi- ness than we ever have been, or ever can be. Thou madest man upright, and when, by voluntary transgres- sion, we fell away from thee, thou didst not treat us with the severity or the neglect we deserved. In thy love and pity thou wast pleased to provide for us a Saviour, who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, and put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Apply this redemption to our hearts, by the justifica- tion of our persons, and the sanctification of our natures. We confess our transgressions — Have mercy upon us. We are heavy laden — Give us rest. We are ignorant — Make us wise unto salvation. We are helpless — Let thy strength be made perfect in our weakness. We are poor and needy — Bless us with all the unsearchable riches of Christ. May we run and not be weary, and walk and liot faint. And though perplexities, and trials, and dangers await us, yet may we travel on, uncliecked and undis- mayed, knowing, thou hast said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Thus far, blessed be thy name, thou hast led us on, and we have found thee faithful to thy promises. We have had our sorrovrs; but thou hast baen a very present help fiS FIRST WEEK. in every time of trouLlc. "We have had our fears; but thou hast not suffered the enemy to triumph over us. We have sometimes been on the verge of despair, and have said, I am cast out of thy siglit : but we have been enal)lc(l to look again towards tliy holy temple; and the shadow of death has been turned in the morning. Hitherto hath the Lord helped us. Thy vows are upon us, God : we will render praises unto thee, for thou hast delivered our souls from death : wilt not thou deliver our feet from falling, that we may walk before Goay praise thy holy name. , , , . Yea let us give thee thanks from the heart, and praise our God, whilst we have our being. And for all thy patience with us, thy care over us, and thy continual mercy to us, blessed be thy name, Lord God, our heavenly Father: and unto thee be all thanks, and praise, and love, and obedience, and honour, and glory, offered by us and all thine, every where, now and ever- more. Amen. WEDNESDAY MORNING. Jenks. Lord, the blessed God of our salvation ! thou art the hope of all the ends of the earth, upon whom the eyes of all do wait : for thou givest unto all lite, and breath, and all things. In thee we ever live, and move, and are; and upon thee we continually do depend ior all the good that ever we have, or hope for. btili thou takest care of us, and watchest for good over us ; even in our rest and sleep, when we have not so much as any thoughts of caring for ourselves ; and daily thou renew- est to us our lives, and thy mercies ; every mornmg giv- ing us new occasions still for thy praise, and our thank- fulness. And thou hast given us the assurance of thy word that if we commit our affairs to thee, and acknow- ledcre' thee in all our ways, thou wilt establish our thouo-hts, and direct our path. And therefore we de- sire Lord, still to put ourselves under thy gracious conduct, and thy fatherly protection ; and to beg thy heavenly guidance and blessing, and assistance ot thy good Spirit, to choose our inheritance for us ; and to dispose of us and of all that concern us, to the glory of thy name. Lord, withdraw not thy tender mercies irom us, 104 SECOND WEEK. nor the CGmforts of thy presence, nor the assistance of thy Spirit, for our great contempt and manifold abusea of all such grace and goodness. Never punish our past sins, by giving us over to the love and power of our sins ; but give us true penitent hearts for all the evils committed by us ; and thy merciful discharge from all the guilt that lies upon us. And grant us, God, the comfortable sense and apprehension of thy gracious ac- ceptance of us, and thy merciful intentions towards us in the Son of thy love, the lover of our souls : that cur souls may bless thee, and all that is Avithin us may praise thy holy name. And that we may find the joy of the Lord to be our strength, to enable us to contend against our sins ; especially the sins to which we are most addicted, and "whereof we are in greatest danger ; and to make us also more ready to every good work, and better disposed for all the duties of piety, justice, charity, and sobriety, which we owe to thee our God, to our neighbour and ourselves : that herein we may experience ourselves to have always a conscience void of offence towards God, and towards men. help us to Avalk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise ; carefully redeeming the time that we have lost, and conscientiously improving all those seasons, and means of grace which thou art pleased to put into our hands, for the best profit and advantage of our souls. And while we are upon earth, give us all things needful and convenient for our present pilgrim- age ; and sanctify to us all our enjoyments, and all events that now befall us; till, through the merits of thy Son, and the multitude of tlij mercies, we are conducted safe to be ever with tiie Lord. Amidst all our other afi'airs in this world, let us never forget or neglect the one thing needful ; but be in greatest care so to demean our- selves every day, as may forward our comfortable ac- counts in the great day of tny appearing and glory. gracious Father ! keep us, we beseech thee, thi^i day in thy fear and favour ; and help us to live to thy honour and glory. If thou guide us not, we shall run SECOND WEEK. 10' into errors; if thou preserve us not, we shall fall into dangers ; let thy good providence be our defence and security ; and let thy Holy Spirit be our guide and coun- sellor in xll our ways. And grant that we may take the ways and courses agreeable to thy will, and acceptable in thy sight, through Jesus Christ ; in whose sacred name and words we close up these our imperfect requests to thee, Our Father, &c. Let thy grace, Lord Jesus Christ, thy love, heavenly Father, thy comfortable fellowship, holy blessed Spirit, be with us, and with all whom we ought to beg thy mercy for in our prayers, this day, and for evermore. A?nen. WEDNESDAY EVENING. Jenh. Lord, our God, thou art most high and mighty, most wise, and holy, and good ! Thou art, and for ever wast, and for ever shalt continue, unspeakably blessed and glorious, above all that we are able to express or to conceive. Thou dost not need the services of men or angels to make the least addition to thy glory and bliss. Men cannot be profitable unto God ; our goodness will not extend to the Lord. But in kindness and love to our souls it is, that thou art pleased to lay thy commands upon us, to wait upon thee in these duties of thy imme- diate service. Thou humblest thyself even to behold the things that are in heaven, to take notice of the wor- ship of those blessed creatures above. how wonderful is thy condescension then, to look down upon us, poor sinful worms, that dwell here in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust ! Lord, what is man that thou takest knowledge of him, and the son of man that thou makest account of him ! Thou canst not at all need us, nor any thing of ours, blessed God ; but we all stand * in great and continual need of thee, our only sovereign good ; in need of thy mercy and forgiveness, thy grace and guidance, thy blessing and assistance ; without which 6* 106 SECOND WEEK. we could never hope to escape the curses and m'lserku which are the due wages of our sins ; nor even* to attain to that glory an.d »y""d, but thy own gracious nature, and merciful indlT^'J^' '.s, and the many promises and declarations, of thys'^lf' vhich thou hast made to returning sinners in Jcsp': Cnrist ! Thou hast sent thine only Son to be our only Saviour ; and he that did no sin was manifested to take away our sins. for his sake be thou pleased to pity us, and spare us, and forgive us. Turn away thy wrath from us ; receive us to thy blessed favour ; and comfort us with the sure persuasion, that our great and many sins are remitted. And because such is the infirmity of our nature, that without thy grace w^e have not the least power to keep ourselves even from the greatest sins ; grant us the in- crease of thy grace, and such help of thy good Spirit, as may fortify us against all temptation, and make us willing and faithful, and diligent in thy service. And be pleased, Lord, yet further to discover and manifest thyself to our souls, that we may know aright thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. And give us power from on high, to enable us so to live and prac- tise, according to that light and knowledge of our duty which thou art pleased to impart unto us, that we may not hold the truth in unrighteousness, knowing the bet- ter, and doing the worse, but may walk in the light, aa children of light, while we have it ; that we may never in judgment be deprived of it. let us not only be al- 112 SECOND WEEK. most, but altogether Christians ; sincere converts, trnti penitents, and sound believers. And wilt thou, God, that workest all in all, do that work of thy grace tho- roughly upon all our hearts ; for which we may have cause to give thee praise and glory to all eternity. Which things we beg not only for ourselves, but for all the partakers of our nature, whom thou hast made to share in our hopes and capacities of eternal happiness; especially for thy whole church, wheresoever or howso- ever disposed of over all the earth ; for all in authority, from the highest even to the lowest ; for our ministers and teachers ; for our relations and neighbours ; our friends and benefactors ; and for all thy afflicted, Avhatsoever be their trials and troubles. supply all their wants, and fulfil all their desires, so as thy wisdom sees best, for thy « own mercy's sake in Jesus Christ. Thou, Lord, art the great preserver of men, who hast kept and blessed us to-day, and all our days. Praised be thy name for all thy goodness, Avhich we so long and largely have experienced. make us sensible and thank- ful, as we are obliged to be. Take care of us, Lord, and be good to us this night. Give us bodily rest in our beds, and rest for our souls in thyself. And be thou our God and guide, our hope and help, our joy and comfort, and all in all to us this night, and for evermore. Amen. FRIDAY MORNING. JenJcs. Lord our God ! thy name is most excellent in all the earth : thou hast set thy glory above the heavens, and thou art worthy to be celebrated Avith everlasting praises of men and angels ; for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. , Thy Lands, Lord, have made us and fashioned us, and thou hast breatlicd into our nostrils the breath of life ; yea, still thou boldest our souls in life, and givest us every good thing that makes our lives a blessing and a com^n-t to us. Thou hast formed us for thyself, that SECONl; WEEK. 113 we should show forth thy praise, and live to thy glory, as we du continually live upon thy bounty. But, Lord our God ! we have not brought thee the glory thou hast made us capable of, and so many ways obliged us to ; instead of that, how greatly have we dishonoured thee, our God, in the whole course and con- duct of our lives ! time after time, forgetting the gracious Giver of all our good things, who art never unmindful of us. And how soon have we been weary to do thee service, who art never weary to do us good ! Yea, we have not only neglected thy work, but have been dis- obedient against thy word, and have gone after our own foolish and hurtful lusts, in such ways of living as thy laws and our own hearts disallow and condemn us for. And for these things we desire to pour out our hearts, and to humble ourselves here before thee ; entreating thy gracious favour, for the sake of thy mercy in Christ Jesus, diat thou wilt be pleased to give us repentance and par- don for all that is past, wherein we have offended thee ; whether in omitting of our duty, or failing in it, or doing contrary to it. However Ave have transgressed, hum- ble us duly under the sense of it ; and for thy dear Son's sake, absolve us thoroughly from the guilt of it. And strengthen us, good Lord, with might, by thy Spi- rit in the inner man, to make us more watchful against, and more victorious over, the corruption of our nature, the temptations of the devil, and the distractions and al- lurements of this sinful world, wherein we live. de- stroy in us every vicious inclination, every evil habit, and rebellious notion, that exalts itself against the know- ledge of God, aoid against the obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ. And increase and confirm in us still more and more, thy true knowledge, and faith, and fear, and love; and every grace of thy Holy Spirit, which thou knowest to be most wanting in us, and necessary for us ; such as may make our lives still more comfortable to our- selves, more profitable to others, and more to the glory of thy name. And however it goes with us, as to the concerns of this present time, that we may still bts K2 114 SECOND WEEK. found in the way of our duty, fearing God, and working righteousness ; that we may secure our interest in the great Saviour of the world, so that when all here shall fail us, thou mayest take us up, and be the strength of our hearts, and our portion for evermore. Day by day we magnify thee, Lord, who makest every day of our lives still a further addition to thy mer- cies. We bless thee for our last night's preservation and protection, and for the rest and refreshment which thou hast given us therein. cause us to hear thy loving- kindness in the morning, for in thee do we trust; cause us to know the way wherein we should go, for we lift up our souls to thee. Cast us not away from thy presence; take not thy Holy Spirit from us ; but direct all our ways to please thee, our God, that thou mayest crown us with blessing and good success. Help us to see thy power, to own thy presence, to admire thy wisdom, and to love thy goodness in all thy creatures. And by all the comforts of creatures, draw our hearts still nearer to thyself the blessed Creator of every comfort; and let our medita- tions of God be sweet as well as frequent, that delighting ourselves in the Lord, thou mayest give unto us the de- sires of ovn- hearts. Such thy mercy and grace we beg for ourselves, and all ours, and thine every where, in our great Mediator's form of prayer. Our Father, ould be our hope ? What, indeed, would our situation be, wert thou not a God of infinite mercy, and were not severity and judgment thy strange work. Yet thy mercy, Lord, is everlasting, and thy com- passions fail not. Thou hast said, " As I live, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked ; but that the wicked turn from his way and live." And again: " Come now, and let us reason together : though your sins be as scar- let, they shall be as white as snow ; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Who then is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgressions of thy people ; who retainest not thine anger because thou delightest in mercy ? For the display of this attribute, and that a solid foundation" might be laid for our hope, thou didst not spare thine only begotten Son, but sent him in due time, to sufi'er and die in the room of sinners. It is a faithful saying, and not only worthy of all acceptation, but of our high- est and daily praise, that " God was in Christ, recon- ciling the world unto himself, not imputing their tres- passes unto them ;" and hath committed to his servants, in every age, the word of reconciliation. Forbid it, then, heavenly Father ! that any of us here present, should be amongst that unhappy number to rt'hom thy N2 150 THIRD WEEK. Son shall at last say, " Ye would not come nnto me, that ye might have life." But deeply sensible of our present sinjful and miserable state, convinced that there is no other name under heaven by which we can be saved, and divinely persuaded of the willingness, as well as all-sufficiency of the Son of God, for this pur- pose, may we each, in due time, believe to the saving of the soul. Through him alone we look for pardon, for justifica- tion, for adoption into the family of heaven, and for a renovation of all the powers and faculties of our mind and soul, to enlighten and fit us for a holy practice. We know from past experience that we are not suffi- cient of ourselves, either to will or to do ; but thy grace is sufficient for us, and thy strength can be perfected in our Aveakness. We pray that the law of the Spirit of life which is in Christ, may make us free from the law of sin and death. We shall then, God, enjoy comfort through life, peace at death, and glory in heaven. This night would we again commend ourselves, and all that is near and dear to us, unto thy fatherly care and special protection. Preserve us from every danger, and let us never be separated from thy love in Christ Jesus. Grant, God, the pardon of all the sins which we have committed during the past day ; as well those that lie heavy upon our consciences, as those which through infirmity we have forgotten. Give thine angels charge, God, in a particular man- ner, with respect to this family, that heads, and domes- tics, and children belonging to it, may all be preserved from the jnalice and power of the prince of darkness. Should our soils be re([uired at our hands this night, may Ave be leady to resign them into the arms of a covenant God in Christ : but should our life be spared, may Ave more cheerfully and entirely dedicate it to Him unto Avhom it best belongs, and avIio alone can make us happy here and hereafter. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, and invisible, the only Avise God, be honour, and glory : for of him, and through him, and to him, aro all things. A men. THIRD WEEK. ♦ 151 SATURDAY MORNING Smith. Lord God Almighty ! which was, and is, and art to come : with thee is the fountain of life, and thou art the Author of every good and perfect gift. We would, therefore, give unto the Lord the glory and thanksgiv- ing which is due unto his name, and worship him this morning in the beauty of holiness. But how shall we, whose thoughts are vanity, and whose hands and hearts are so impure, presume to address the sacred Majesty of heaven and earth ? We take encouragement only, God, from thy perfections, and from the gracious declarations of thy revealed will. " Thou art infinitely wise, and holy, and just, and good ; but thou hast mag- nified thy mercy above thy great name." Blessed, for ever blessed, be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through him might be saved. God, for Christ's sake, forgive us all our sins ; and according to the good pleasure of thy will, and to the praise of the glory of thy grace, may we be accepted in the Beloved. We would be justified by faith alone, and thus have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ ; for we believe that he is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth. And may this faith, God, not be of a dead and barren nature, but may it work by love, and purify our hearts. God, thy word is truth ; sanctify us through belief of the truth. According to thine own promise, give unto each of us a new spirit, and take away the stony heart out of our flesh, that we may walk in thy statutes, and keep thine ordinances, and do them. Thus may we hope that we shall be thy people, and that thou wilt con- tinue to be our God, and portion, in time and through eternity. Accept of our thanks, God, for all that mercy and goodness which hath followed us through every period 152 TniRD WEEK. of our past life ; for sparing us under the weakness and diseases of cliildhood ; conducting our steps through the slippery paths of youth ; and preserving us still amidst the no less surrounding dangei'S of riper years. We thank thee for the food we have to eat, the rai- ment wherewith we are clothed, for the comfortable habitations we have to dwell in, and the many conve- niences and privileges that we enjoy above numbers around us, and in other parts of this habitable world. "We thank thee, God, for another night's comfort- able rest. We have laid us down and slept in peaceful security. Thou hast caused the out-goings of another morning to rejoice over us. AVe are brought in safety and health to the light and enjoyments of another day. Defend and keep us in the same, God, from all harm, whether of a temporal or spiritual nature. Prosper us in all our lawful undertakings this day; and give us humble and thankful hearts to enjoy the good things which thou hast provided for us. Provide, God, in thy mercy and goodness, for the wants of the poor and needy. Thou hast promised to regard the prayer of the destitute. Help thorn to wait upon thee in the use of every lawful mean, and then to see that their expectation shall not perish. thou who art in thy holy habitation a Father to the fatherless, and the Judge of the widow, according to thy word, help and relieve all those who commit themselves unto thee. Lord, be merciful to the sick and afflicted part of man- kind. Spare young and useful lives; and prepare tlie dying for their last change. It is said in thy word, " The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Lord, fulfil this promise in respect unto all such as may be distressed in mind. May it please thee to have compassion according to the multitude of thy tender mercies. And wilt thou be pleased to sanctify bereaving dispensations to all con- cerned. May neither we, nor ours, sorrow as those wlio have no hope : but ever reiiiembcring that as Jesus Christ himself died and rose again from the dead, so them that THIRD WEEK. 153 Bleep in Jesus will God bring with him : may we comfort ourselves and one another with these words. As those who are near and dear to us are daily dropping off the stage of life, may we love heaven better, and strive to have clearer views of our interest in gospel privileges and hopes. To us to live, and while we live, may it indeed be Christ, and then to die will be everlasting gain. And now, our God, hear the prayer of thy servants, and their supplications. Lord, hear ; Lord, forgive ; Lord, hearken, and do, and defer not, for thine own name's sake and for thy Son's sake ; who, with the Holy Spirit, are worthy to receive all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. SATURDAY EVENING. Smith. Loud God of Israel, according to thy promise in these latter days, pour out thy Spirit upon all thy servants here present ; even the spirit of wisdom and of truth. Let him teach us all things, and bring all things to our remembrance whatsoever we should say unto thee, and then give ear to our prayer, God, and hide not thyself from our supplications ; but hearken thou, and hear in heaven thy dwelling-place, and when thou hearest, for- give, and accept of our persons, and this our evening sacrifice. AYe would review, and acknowledge all thy merciful dealings towards us this week. Six days more thou hast added to our lives, and every morning we have experienced thy loving-kindness ; and every evening ^ve have had reason to celebrate thy faithfulness. "Wliilst many have been exposed to hunger and cold, we have l^een fed and clothed by thy bounty. Multitudes in the world have this week been suddenly called from time to eternity ; but God is still holding our soul in life. Night after night we have laid ourselves down to sleep, and we have awakened in the morning, for the Lord sustained us ; yea, we have lain down in peace, and our sleep hath been sweet. For all this we would be thankful to thee, 7* 15-1 ' TniRD WEEK. Lord, who makest us to dwell in safety, and whose visitation alone preserveth our spirit. But we would b* chiefly thankful for the continuance of our spiritual pri vileges and comforts. Blessed be God, that our land is still the lar^d of gos pel light and liberty ; and that we can worship thee both in private and public, without anyone daring to disturb us. God grant that we may never undervalue or abuse these privileges ; as knowing that our guilt and condem- nation will then be severer in the day of judgment. We would be more and more thankful for the means of grace, and all the ordinances of divine appointment. May the daily reading of thy word increase our spiritual knowledge, confirm om- faith, and animate our hopes. Let our morning and evening sacrifices keep us in a holy and watchful frame through the day, and dispose us to resign ourselves to thy gracious keeping during the night. And may the return of every Sabbath be looked forward to with increasing delight ! Lord, make us thankful for the near approach of another Lord's day Sabbath. Shouldst thou see meet in thy goodness, and by thino all-protecting providence, to spare us to see the light of another morning, may we all be in the Spirit upon the Lord's day, and worship God, who is a Spirit, in spirit and in truth. We would not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is. May we love the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth ; thither would our willing feet repair, that we may publish, with the voice of thanks- giving, God's manifold mercies, and tell of all his won- drous works. Lord, bless the studios and preparation of thy ministering servants ; may they be as scribes who are well instructed unto the kingdom of Heaven, and bring forth, out of their treasures, things new and old May they convince and convert sinners, and build up and comfort the saints. Permit us once more to commit, to thy care and kcep' THIRD WEEK. 155 ing, our absent relatives and friends. Although at a distance from us, may they be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night, that he may maintain their cause at all times, as the matter shall require. Lord, be merciful to the sick and afflicted part of man- kind. Whatever be the cause, or the ev.ent of their pre- sent visitation, may they have reason to say ■with thy servant of old, "It is good for us that we have been af- flicted; for thereby have we learned thy statutes." Merciful and gracious God, lay not upon such more than thou wilt enable them to bear ; and soon, if it be thy holy will, let the language of the Psalmist be theirs — "Return unto thy rest, my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." For the world in general we would once more entreat at a throne of grace. Look down from heaven, God, and behold from the habitation of thy holiness and glory, a world lying in ignorance and wickedness. God be merciful to us, and bless us, and cause thy face to shine upon us, that thy way may be known upon earth, and thy saving health among all nations. Blessed Jesus, thou hast expressly declared that thy gospel shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations. We long for that happy time when the Jews shall be brought in with the fulness of the Gentiles. Then should we behold mercy and truth meet together, right- eousness and peace mutually embrace. Nation shall not then lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Lord, although not permitted to see these happy times, may we now rejoice in the pros- pect, and at last die in the comfortable hope of their arrival. This night we would again commit ourselves, and all our concerns, to God's paternal care and keep- ing, in the hope of being raised up in the morning to see and enjoy another day of the Son of man. For his sake, we ask every blessing. — And to him, with thee, Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all g ory, and praise, and humble worship, for ever. Ainen. FOUETH WEEK. FOURTH VTEEK. SABBATH MORNING. Bichersteth. Almi<5IITY God, Creator, Governor, and Upholder of all things, Avho, after making the heaven and earth, didst rest on the seventh day, and bless and sanctify it, teach us now, resting from our worldly labours, to do- vote the day to thy service. thou, whose Son did, aa on this day, rise again from the dead, grant us grace to rise from the death of sin to the life of righteousness. Help us now, in his name, to seek thy blessing on those holy duties to which the Sabbath is set apart. We bless and praise thee for the appointment of this day, and for all the means of grace which we enjoy in this highly favoured land. We bless thee that thy house is open, that thy ministers have liberty to preach, and we have opportunity and inclination to assemble with thy people and hear thy holy word. Above all, we thank thee for the knowledge of Jesus Christ; for free justification and salvation through his life, death, and resurrection. We praise thee for the gift of thy Holy Spirit. Blessed, for ever blessed, be thou, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for all these thy benefits. Great have been thy mercies to us; but with shame we confess that we have slighted thy goodness, and care- lessly regarded thy gi-eat salvation. How many Sabbaths have we broken; how many invitations of mercy hare we neglected; how many warnings and thrcatenings have we trilled with! How cold have been our prayers; how great our irreverence; how inexcusable our unbelief! Forgive us, forgive us, all our negligences, and in- firmities, and all our sins and iniquities. To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though wo have rebelled aj^ainst him. Keturn a,'H which are above, and work out for us a fir more exceeding and eternal wei^jht of f;lnry. Kver jjivc us a >i|)iril of sympathy, and tinder feelinj,', and love for each other, and mav we always be ready to W".':^ with Uiosc that Weep, and rejoice with iliutte Uiat rejoice. FOURTH WEEK. 167 peace may he multiplied to all those that call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours. 8eek and save the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Let the light of life shine into every benighted heart. Increase especially among the people of this nation, the number of those who know, and love, and serve thee. Bless our rulers, and guide our statesmen ; teach thy ministers and prosper thy people, that there may be no complaining in our streets ; and that it may be said of us, " Happy is the people that is in such a case ; yea, happy is that people whose God is the Lord." Those prayers we offer up in the name and through the mediation of thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Our Father, &c. TUESDAY EVENING. BicJcersteth. Thou, who art the God of all the families of the earth, Avho didst favourably notice Abraham's command- ing his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord ; be thou present with us now, and enable us by thy Holy Spirit, and through thy Son's intercession, to Avorship thee in spirit and in truth. We come before thee, acknowledging that we were all born in sin, the children of wrath, and have in common a corrupt nature and a continual propensity to depart from thee. And how often have we offended thee, *-he God of all the earth, by actual transgressions ! Even in the day that is past, by vain thoughts, by idle words, by sinful indulgences, we have grieved thy Spirit, and we have incurred thy displeasure. Our only refuge is in thy promised mercy in Christ Jesus. We When any member of the family is on a journey, add — O Lord, we beseech thee, regard with tiiy favour, protect and defend him who is now absent from us. Taite him under thy special care. Preserve him from every temptation. Prosper him in his undertakings May he be a blessing every wiierc he goes; and bring him in health and peace among us again, that we may tog( ther have fresh cause Ui jiraiw and bless thy holy name. 108 FOURTH WEEK. cast ourselves wholly on that mercy. Fixing all cur hopes on our Saviour Jesus, we confess our guilt, and earnestly pray that his blood may cleanse us from all sin. And give us, we beseech thee, the comfortable assur- ance that our sins are forgiven. Let thy Holy Spirit bear witness with our spirits that we are children of God. Plentifully impart to us the gift of thy Spirit, that we may bring forth love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, meekness, long-suffering, forbearance, and temperance. Grant that we may so copy the example of our Saviour, as to be the epistles of Christ, known and read of all men ; and have clear evidence of our own salvation. Teach us so to live, that we may glorify thee Avho hast bought us with a price of such amazing value as the blood of thine own Son. that all now kneeling together may indeed obtair mercy in Christ Jesus, may pass from death unto life, and love and serve thee unfcigncdly. But, Lord, how cold is our love to thee ! how dead, how dull are our hearts ! Help us to love thee ; to love God with all our heart, with all our mind, with all our soul, and with all our strength. Shed abroad the love of God in our hearts, by giving us the Holy Ghost ; and may we be taught of God to love one another. Be tliou present with us in our more retired devotions ; praying to our Father which is in. secret in our closet, may we find his presence and blessing there. Bless, Lord, all that are near and dear to us. Many beloved relatives and friends are now absent from us ; but thou art with them, and all their waTits are known to thee. Give them thy grace; ever guide them here by thy counsel, and may none of them be wanting in thy heavenly kingdom. "We pray fur all in authority ; Lord, may their coun- sels be ordered by thee as may be most for the good of our country. Give, we beseech thee, to all ministers of Jesus Christ every where, true knowledge and understanding of thy FOURTH WEEK. 169 word ; and may they set it forth in their lives accord- ingly. Make them wise to win souls. Lord, call forth and send out many faithful labourers to the work of the ministry. May the distant isles wait on thee, and the Gentiles come to thy light. Bless every society esta- blished for benefiting the bodies or the souls of men, and especially those in which we are more immediately en- gaged and interested. Thanks be unto thee. Holy Lord God, for all thy goodness towards us. How multiplied are thy mercies every day ! How excellent is thy loving-kindness ! We bless thee for all thy long suffering and forbearance to- wards us. We bless thee for the infinite mercies of re- deeming love. We bless thee for the knoAvledge of thy sah^ation, and for the light of thy truth ; for protection from every danger during the night, and provision for all our wants by day. Thou hast spread our table with food, and thou givest us every needful good. Accept these our prayers and our praises, which we offer up in and through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advo- cate. Amen. Our Father, &c. WEDNESDAY MORNING. Bickersteth. Lord God Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Lord of glory, who art greatly to be feared in the assembly of thy saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are round about thee ; who dwellest in heaven, surrounded with angels and archangels, with ciierubim and serapliim, who veil their faces while they praise and worship ; we bow down before thee in the name of Jesus Christ. None other name, but the name of Jesus ; none other merits, but the merits of Jesus, would we plead in thy sight : but by him, through one Spirit, may we now have access with confidence to the throne of grace. Thou whose name is holy, who hast required that 8 P 170 FOURTH M'EEK. we confess our faults one to another ; vre would now confess our many and our great sins. We have often sinned against thee, and against each other, in thought, word, and deed. forgive our hardness of heart, and our earthly-mindcdness ; all our want of charity, all our hastiness of spirit, all our bad tempers, and every sinful action. For thine own name's sake blot out our transgressions, and remember not our sins. Lord of all grace, help us ever hereafter to walk wor- thy of the vocation wherewith we are called. May we, with all lowliness, and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, endeavour to keep t\ie unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Give us grace so to live, that we may find more and more hoAV gpod and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Give unto each of us grace to fulfil our duties toward each other. As parents, may we bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; and as cliil- dren, obey our parents in all things. We ask for blessings on our native land. Lord, we would sigh before thee for all the abominations of our country. how the swearer, the Sabbath-breaker, the covetous, the licentious, and the blasphemer, abound on every side ! Because of these things the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. Spare us, good Lord, spare us, for thy name's sake. Grant, Ave beseoc-h thee, that as we have been peculiarly distinguished by thy mercies, so it may have to be said of us, " Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people, for what nation is there so great, avIio hath God so nigh unto them, as the Lord our God is in all things that we call upon him for." Pour out of thy Spirit on all who have the direction of public affairs ; on all who minister in holy things ; on the magistrates ; and on the people ; that a general re- vival of religion may appear among us. Cause tliy church every where to floui'ish and increase. We pray FODRTH WEEK. 171 especially for an increase of the zeal, purity and love, humility and devotion of thy people. Let Zion break forth on the right hand and on the left. Add daily to thy church, in our own country, and in heathen lands, such as shall be saved. Bless every missionary gone forth to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and may more and more grace be given unto them all, that they may labour zealously, wisely, and abundantly in thy cause. And now. Lord, accept our unfeigned thanksgivings, for all those blessings which wc daily so richly enjoy, and especially for the kind protection of another night. We thank thee more especially for those many dear tics of relationship, aifection, and Christian principles, which bind us together. We bless thee for all that sympathy of feeling and union of heart which thou hast given us ; and we pray that we may be more and more knit toge- ther in Christian love. But, beyond all other mercies, we bless thee for the common salvation of Jesus Christ ; for his birth, his life, his death, and his resurrection ; for all that he was, and is, and will be. Blessed be God for the gift of his Son Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, our only hope, and our sure refuge. We trust that we may say we are one in Christ, mem- bers of that body of which he is the head ; and we bless and praise thee for this thy unspeakable mercy. We thank thee for this opportunity of assembling ourselves together, to pay our morning sacrifice ; and we pray that however we may be separated here below, or however scattered in different stations ; as we have now met to- gether here on earth, we may hereafter all meet in hea- ven, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. WEDNESDAY EVENING. Bickersteth. Gracious and merciful God, slow to anger, great in power, and rich in mercy to all them that call upon thee, 172 FOIKTII WKFK. help us now so, in the name of Christ, to ask, that we may have ; and so to seek, tliat we may find. Enter not into judgment with us, Lord, for in th^ sight we cannot be justified. However unbhimeable we may appear before men, before Ilim who knows the heart we confess and would mourn over innumerable ins in the past day, and in every day of our life. We acknowledge with shame and sorrow our hypo- crisy and pride, our vanity and selfishness, our unbelief and impatience, our self-indulgence and self-righteous- ness, our obstinacy and self-will, our disregard of thy law and thy glory, our living to ourselves and not to thee. And, how hard is our heart, that feels so little the guilt and the evil of so many and such great sins ! Lord of all power and might, soften and break these hard hearts. Give us a contrite spirit. There is mercy with thee. There is forgiveness with thee. may thy great mercy be displayed towards us, in pardoning all our sins, and in renewing our souls. Give us penitence, faith, and self-denial. Bestow on us th§ graces of sin- cerity, humility, and love. May the love of Christ be more known and felt by us, and let it constrain us to live not to ourselves, but to him that died for us. Grant us thy Holy S})irit, teach- ing those things of which we are ignorant, taking of the things of Christ to show them unto us, and daily sancti- fying our hearts. AVe ask for heavenly wisdom, holy simplicity, ardent zeal, and purity of heart. Incline us to study to be quiet, and to do our own business, and to work with our own hands. Prepare us, day by day, more and more, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Make us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. We commend ourselves to thy care during the night. May we lie down at peace with thee, through Christ, and in peace with all the world. O Lord, thougli we be unworthy, through our mani- fold transgressions, to approach thee at all, yet thou hast commanded that intercessions be made for all nien ; hear FOURTH WEEK. 173 US, tliereforc, unworthy though we be, in behalf of all that need our prayers. May the Lord comfort his peo- ple, and have mercy upon his afflicted. Let all nations whom thou hast made come and worship before thee, and glorify thy name. Let every obstacle which may hinder the progress of thy truth, be removed in mercy. Bless all the members of the church of Christ, and all his ministers, and especially those with whom we are more intimately connected. Give to our parents, our brothers, our sisters, and our relatives, all those temporal and spiritual blessings of which they stand in need. Bless our superiors, our companions, and all about us. Continue the blessing of peace to our country. Pardon any Avho may have in- jured us; and if we have injured any, may we be ready to confess our fault, and to make restitution for any wrong done, and may they be disposed to forgive us. We would not, thou gracious Giver of every good, close our evening prayer, without offering up, through Christ Jesus, our sincerest thanksgiving for all the mer- cies of the past day. For any help vouchsafed in our duties ; for any stand which we may have been enabled to make against sin, Satan,and the world ; for any mea- sure of light, knowledge, or grace, given unto us, all praise, all glory be to thee. If we are still kept in thy way, and yet spared from that ruin which we have de- served, while we live, let us praise and bless thee. How great is the sum of thy mercies ! When we look back on thy past blessings, when we read thy promises relating to .that which is to come, and when we look around us on every side, and especially when we regard that cross on Avhich thy Son died for sinners, we would say from the heart, Our mouths shall speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever. Hear us, for the only sake of Jesus Christ. Our Father, &c. P2 174 FOURXa WEEK. THURSDAY MORNING. Biclersteth. Merciful God, give ear unto us, -when we cry to tliee, in the name of Jesus Christ. Our voices slialt thou hear in the morning, Lord; in the morning will we direct our prayer unto thee, and will look up. Lord, help us to pray. Great is the need that we have to seek the Lord while he may be found, and to call upon him while he is near. We know that in us, that is, in our flesh, there dwelleth no good thing. The things of the world, the lust of the eye, and the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life, are' continually tempting us, and leading us astray from thee. Our affections towards thee, God, are cold and dull. Our tempers are often unsanctified. AVe are prone to de- part from thee, and lukewarm and indiflorent when we ought to have a holy zeal. We too much neglect and trifle with our own salvation, and the salvation of our relatives and friends. We have little of that spiritual mind which is life and peace. Our temptations are many, we often yield to them; we have no strength of our own to resist them. AVe beseech thee, therefore, our God, to be very merciful to us, sinners. Incline and enable us to come to Jesus Christ, weary and heavy laden as we are, and may we find rest in him. Teach us our own guilt and ruin; and help us to rely on his blood, and build all our hopes on his righteousness. God grant that, being graft- ed in Christ, we may live to him. SuftVr us not to de- ceive ourselves by a mere form and profession of reli- gion ; but give us true faith, that we may really abide in Christ and bear much fruit. C^)uicken thou our souls. Make our hearts pure, huiiiltle, and devout ; and our c(in- versation holy and hcaverdy. Thou art our Ivock, and in thee do we trust. Thou art our Strength, O establish us. Help us to live near to thee all the day long ; and do thou preserve us from that sin which does so easily beset us. Give us grace this day to overcome temptation, and tc FOURTU WEEK. 175 mortify all our corrupt affections. Grant unto us the abundance of thy Holy Spirit. Lord, we deserve not the blessing; we have forfeited the mercy : but, Thou, with whjm is the residue of the Spirit, for the glory of thy name, and according to thy faithful promise, give us thy Spirit, that we may never dishonour thee by incon- sistency and unfruitfulness, but abound in every good work, and walk worthy of the gospel of Christ. Enable us to begin anew this day, in seriousness and entire de- dication of heart, to give ourselves to thee. Lord, help us this day to live in prayer, to watch against the peculiar temptations of our station, to em- brace every opportunity of doing good, to redeem the time, and to make steady advances in that narrow way which leadcth to eternal life. And while Ave pray to thee for those mercies which we need, we would from the heart thank thee for all those great blessings Avhich we have received, and do from day to day enjoy. The benefit of quiet repose, the renewal of our strength, the light which we enjoy, and the better light of life ; these, and all the mercies which surround us on awaking, call for our unfeigned thanks- giving, and we do praise and bless thee for them. Blessed be thou, for redeeming mercy. Blessed be thou, that Jesus died for sinners, even for us. Thanks be unto thee, that grace, pardon, peace, strength, the Holy Spirit, and_ eternal life, are given to sinners, through faith in Christ. Unto Ilim that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us to be kings and priests unto God, and his Father, to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Lord God, let the bright glory and happy dominion of our Lord Jesus Christ be spread tlirough the world. Licrease both the number and tbe zeal of those seeking the good of Zion, and the enlargement of thy Son's king° dom. Grant thy blessing to every effort to make the unsearchable riches of Christ known to the Gentiles. Give unto thy people Israel the new heart and the new spirit. Bless our favoured country, so that it may bo 176 FOURTH WEEK. a liiglilj' honoured instrument in diffusing the light of trutli iibroad; and grant that every exertion for that end may he a means of reviving true religion in all our hearts at home. Bless all in authority. Let thy priests l»e clothed Avith righteousness, and thy people sing for joy. May peace and mercy be granted to all our relatives, and rest on our own souls, and in our own family. May Ave, and all thy people, be united in one heart and mind in thy service and love, praying for each other, bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfilling the law of Christ. Hear us for his name's sake. Our Father, &c. THURSDAY EVENING. Bickersteth. Almighty God, Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, according to thy gracious promise, give us thy Holy Spirit to help our infirmities, and enable us, in the name, and through tlie mediation of thy Son Jesus Christ, cur Lord, to call upon thee. Great is thy goodness to us sinners, in that we, Avlm have grievously offended thee, have such a Mediator, Avho ever liveth to make intercession for us. "Without a Saviour we can have no hope; for Ave have sinned against thee, and done evil in thy sight day by day. We confess and mourn before thee the manifold sins of the past day. We daily offend thee by pride, im- penitence, hardness of heart, unbelief, and forgctfulness of thee, ami in many other Avays: leaving undone the things Avhich Ave ought to have done, and doing those things Avhich Ave ought not. Lord, let thy Holy Sj)irit convince us of our sinful- ness. We pray that Ave may see more of the extent of our iniquities, and feel more of their guilt. Thus may Ave be led to hate sin, and to feel tlie need and value of that Saviour Avho came to seek and to save that Avhich was lost. Grant that avc may be partakers of his great FOURTH WEEK. 177 salvation. Whatever else we lose, may we win Clirist and be found in him. Lord, vve are unclean ; if thou wilt, thou canst make us clean. We believe that thou art able, we believe that thou art willing. Lord, help our unbelief; Lord, make us clean. Give us, we beseech thee, such a sense of thy mercy in free forgiveness, through the blood of Christ, that we may be constrained to present our bodies a living sacri- fice unto thee. Enable us daily to crucify the lusts of the flesh. Give us such a measure of thy grace, that all the powers of our minds, all the affections of our hearts, and all the talents entrusted to us, may be unreservedly engaged for thee. Lord, incline us to spend ourselves and be spent for thee ; strengthen our desire to do so, and enable us ever hereafter to bring this desire to good effect. Let the number of thy willing and devoted servants be every where increased. Be thou exalted, God, above the heavens, and thy glory above all the earth. Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh, that all the ends of the earth may remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kin- dreds of the nations may worship before thee. Let thy great name, now so little known, and so much profaned, be magnified and sanctified in every country and by every tongue. Bless the land in which we dwell; its government, the ministers of Jesus Christ, and all its people. May we be a people fearing God and working righteousness. Look with thine especial favour on our relatives and friends, our family connexions and acquaintance. May they all be partakers of the grace of Christ here, and of his glory hereafter. We will bless the Lord at all times, his praise shall continually be in our mouths. Bless the Lord, our Bouls, and forget not all his benefits. How great and how numerous they are ! Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with bene- fits. All the temporal mercies granted so abundantly to us, our food, our clothing, our home, our friends, the 8* 178 FOURTH WEEK. daily provisions for our various necessities, tliesc are from thee, who openest tlij hand and fillcst all things living with plenteousness. But, above all, blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ Jesus. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only Avise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. These prayers and praises we oft'er up in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of perishing sinners : trusting only in his mediation and merits. Our Father, kc. FRIDAY MORNING. Bichersteth. Almigiity and heavenly Father, who art about our path, and about our bed, and spiest out all our ways ; we 3omo to thee in the name of thy beloved Son, to sup- olicate thy mercy as we enter upon the duties of another day. Thou, Lord, art a shield for us, our glory, and the lifter up of our heads. We laid us down, and slept; we awaked, for thou. Lord, hast sustained us. For restored light, for life, and health, and strength, Ave praise and bless thee. Thou, Lord, only, keepest us in safety, and free from evil. Thou providest for all our wants. May our souls, and all that is within us, magnify God for all his goodness, and especially for his wonderful mercy in redeeming sinners by Jesus Christ; for the light of that Sun of Righteousness, which arises with healing in his winjxs on beni«f . As the Keeper of Israel, Thou hast been with us, not only in the house, but by the way. We might have been injured by wicked and unreasonable men. We might have been left groaning under the pain of bruised or fractured limbs. Our lives might have been spilt, like water on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again ; and the first tidings that reached our friends, might have plunged them into anguish. Thy mercy, too, in our absence, has been upon our tabernacle, and secured it from all evil — that it may be a tabernacle of the righteous ; and be ever filled, not only with the voice of rejoicing, but of praise. And be with us in all the future journey of life ; guide us by thy counsel, uphold us by thy power ; and supply all our wants, till we come to our Father's house in peace. FOR RECOVERY FROM SICKNESS. Jay All our times are in thy hand. All diseases come at thy call, and go at thy bidding. Thou redeem est our life from destruction, and crownest us with loving-kind- ness and tender mercies. We bless thee, that thou hast heard our prayer, and commanded deliverance for our friend and thy servant, who has been under thine afflict- ing hand. He {or she) was brought low, but thou hast helped him: thou hast chastened hi7n sore, but not de- livered hi7n over unto death. May he not only live, but declare the works of the Lord. As thou hast delivered his eyes from tears, his feet from falling, and his soul from death, may he daily in- quire. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits towards me ? and resolve to offer unto thee, the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and to call upon the name of the Lord. And may we ever remember, that a recovery is only -64 PRAYERS AT TABLE. a reprieve ; that the sentence "which dooms us to the dust is only suspended ; and, that at most, when a few years are come, we shall go the way whence we shall not return. May we therefore secure the one thing needful, and live with eternity in view. PRAYERS AT TABLE. BEFORE MEAT. Jay. Almighty God ! the eyes of all wait upon thee, and thou givest them their meat in due season. Bless, we beseech thee, the provisions of thine earthly bounty, which are now before us ; and let them nourish and strengthen our frail bodies, that we may the better serve thee, through Jesus Christ. Amen. OR THUS : Bountiful Giver of every good and perfect gift ! thou art never weary of supplying our returning wants — grant, we pray thee, that the food of which we are about to partake, may contribute to the comfort and support of our bodies, — and enable us to engage with more zeal in thy service ; which we ask for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. OR THUS : Let thy blessing, Almighty God, descend on this por- tion of thy bounty, and on us, thy unworthy servants, through Jesus Christ our Lord. OR THUS : Almighty God, we beseech thee to pardon our sins : to bless the refreshment now before us, to our use, and us to thy service, through Jesus Christ. PRATERS AT TABLE. 265 OR THUS : Father of lights, from whom comcth clown every good and perfect gift, enable us to receive these fruits of thy bounty with humility and gratitude, and give us grace, that, whether we eat or drink, or whatever we do, we may do all to ^hy glory, and be accepted through the great Kedeemer. OR THUS : Bounteous God, we acknowledge our dependence on thee, and our unworthiness of thy benefits. We pray thee to forgive our sins : to bless us in the reception of this food, and enable us to improve the strength we may derive from it to thy glory, for Christ's sake. OR THUS : Sanctify, Lord, we beseech thee, these thy produc- tions to our use, and us to thy service, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Ainen. AFTER MEAT. Jay. We thank thee, God, our heavenly Father ! for the innumerable good gifts of thy providence. Especially do we thank thee for the rich provision thou hast made for our souls — accept our grateful acknowledgments for the food we have now received ; and enable us to prove our sincerity by the holiness and obedience of our lives, for the sake of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. OR THUS ; What shall we render to thee, God, for all thy benefits ? Every day of our lives we are receiving fresh tokens of thy favour. 0, let thy goodness lead us to repentance. And if we can do no more than express our gratitude, help us to do that in the sincerity of our souls, and thine shall be the glory, for ever, through Jesus Christ. Atiieri. 12 X 2G6 PRATERS AND THANKSGIVINGS OR THUS: Accept, heavenly Father, our humhle thanks for thia,, and for all thy blessings through Jesus Christ. OR THUS ; We thank thee, our heavenly Father, for the rich provision thou hast made for our temporal and eternal ■welfare ; especially for the food we have now received. May thy goodness lead us to repentance, and thy grace prepare us for heavenly entertainments, through Jesus Christ oui- Lord. OR THUS : We praise thee, Lord, for the provisions of thy pro- vidence and grace, and in particular for this renewed token of thy favour. May we feel our increased obliga- tions to be thine, and be fitted at length, to eat bread in thy heavenly kingdom, through our Lord Jesus Christ. OR THUS : We bless thee, Lord, for this kind refreshment. Be pleased to continue thy favours, and feed us witli tlie bread of life. Supply the wants of the needy, and en- able us, while we live on thy bounty, to live to thy glory, for Christ's sake. Amen. OR THUS : Blessed and praised be thy holy name, Lord, for this and all thy other blessings, bestowed upon ua through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. H Y M N S CmEFLV ADAPTED TO FAMILY WORSHIP. SB" HYMNS CHIEFLY ADAPTED TO FAMILY WORSHIP. IVEORNING KYIMENS. 1 HYMN. C. M, 1 ONCE more, my soul, the rising day Salutes thy waking eyes; Once more, my voice, thy tribute pay To Him who rules the sides. 2 Night unto night his name repeals ; The day renews the sound, Wide as the heavens on which he sits To turn the seasons round. 3 'Tis he su])ports my mortal frame ; My tongue shall speak his praise; My sins would rouse his wrath to flame, A.nd yet his wrath delays. 4 How many wretched souls have fled Since the last setting sun I And yet thou lengthenest out my thread, And yet my moments run. 5 Great God, let all my hours be thine, While I enjoy the light; Then shall my sun in smiles decline. And bring a peaceful night. X2 <*"> 270 MORNING HYMNS. 2 HYMN. L. M. 1 AWAKE, my soul, and witli tlie sun Tliy daily stage of duty run; Shake oil" dull sloth — and joyful rise To pay thy morning sacrifice. 2 Glory to Tiicc, who safe hast kept, And hast rcl'rcshed inc while I slept : Grant, Lord, when I from death shall waka. I may of endless life partake. 3 Direct, control, suggest, this day, All I design, or do, or say ; That all my powers, with all their might, In thy sole glory may unite. 3 HYMN. L. M. 1 GOD of the morning, at thy voice The cheerful sun makes haste to rise, And like a giant doth rejoice To run his journey through the skies. 2 0! like the sun, may I fulfil Til' appointed duties of the day; With ready mind, and active will, March on, and keep my heav'nly way. 3 Lord, thy commands arc clean and pure, Enliiihtening our beclouded eyes; Thy threafenings just — thy promise sure Thy gospel makes the simi)lc wise. 4 Give me thy counsels for my guide, And then receive me to thy bli-^s; All my desires and ho|)es beside Arc faint and cold compared with this. 4 HYMN. C. M. 1 GOD of my life, my morning song To thee I cheerful raise: Thy acts of love 't is good to sing, And pleasant 't is to praise. MORNING HYMNS. 271 2 Preserv'd by thy almighty arm, I pass'd the shades of night, Serene, and safe from every harm, To see tlie morning light. 3 While numbers spent the night in sighs. And restless pains and woes, In gentle sleep I closed my eyes, And rose from sweet repose. 4 Oh let the same almighty care Through all this day attend : From every danger — every snare, My heedless steps defend. 6 Smile on my minutes as they roll, And guide my future days; And let thy goodness fill my soul With gratitude and praise. 5 HYMN. 7's. 1 THOU that dost my life prolong, Kindly aid my morning song ; Thankful from my couch I rise. To the God that rules the skies- 2 Thou didst hear my ev'ning cry ; Thy preserving hand was nigh ; Peaceful slumbers thou hast shed, Grateful to my weary head. 3 Thou hast kept me through the night 'T was thy hand rcstor'd the light: Lord, thy mercies still are new. Plenteous as the morning dew. 4 Still my feet are prone to stray; Oh I preserve me through the day Dangers every whcr6 abound; Sins and snares beset me round. 6 Gently, with the dawning ray, On my soul thy beams display ; Sweeter than the smiling morn, Let thy cheering light return. 272 MORNING HYMNS. 6 HYMN. L. M. God our Defence. 1 O LORD, how many are my foes, In this weak state of flesh and blood My peace they daily discompose. But my defence and hope is God. 2 Tired with the burdens of the day. To thee I raised an ev'ning cry ; Thou heardsf, when I began to pray> And thine almighty help was nigh. 3 Supported by thine heav'nly aid, I laid me down and slept secure ; Not death should make my heart afraid, Though I should wake and rise no more 4 But God sustain'd me all the night ; Salvation doth to God belong : He raised my head to see the light, And makes his praise my morning song 7 HYMN. C. M. 1 THOU, gracious Lord, art my defence : On thee my hopes rely ; Thou art my glory, and shalt yet Lift up my head on high. 2 Guarded by him, I laid me down. My sweet repose to take ; For I through him securely sleep, Through him in safety wake. Salvation to the Lord belongs; He only can defend ; His blessing he extends to all That on his power de])cnd. MORNING HYMNS. 273 HYMN. S. M. Prayer for spiritual light. 1 WE lift our hearts to Thee, Thou Day-Star from on high ; The sun itself is but thy sliade, Yet cheers both earth and sky 2 O, let thy rising beams Dispel the shades of night ; And let the glories of thy love Come like the morning light. 3 How beauteous nature now I How dark and sad before 1 With joy we view the pleasing change And nature's God adore. 4 May we this life improve To mourn for errors past; And live this short revolving day As if it were our last. 9 HYlAIN. S. M. Morning Meditation. 1 AWAKE, my drowsy soul, These airy visions chase; Awake, my active pow'rs renew'd, To run the heav'nly race. 2 See how the rising sun Pursues his shining way; And wide proclaims his Maker's praise, With ev'ry bright'ning ray I 3 Thus would my rising soul Her heav'nly Parent sing; And to her great Original Her humble tribute bring. 4 Serene, I laid me down Beneath his guardian care; 1 slept, and I awoke, and found My kind preserver near. 12* 274 MORNING HYMNS. 5 Dear Saviour, to thy cross, I bring my sacrifice ; Ting'd with thy blood, it shall ascend With frasrance to the skies. 10 HYMN. C. M. God's goodness renetced every Morning and Evening. 1 GREAT GOD ! my early vows to thee With gratitude I'll bring, And at the rosy dawn of day Thy lofty praises sing. 2 Thou, round the hcav'nly arch dost draw A dark and sable veil. And all the beauties of the world, From mortal eyes conceal. 3 Again the sky with golden beams Thy skilful hands adorn, And paint, with cheerful splendour gay The fair ascending morn. 4 And as the gloomy night returns, Or smiling day renews, Thy constant goodness still my soul With benefits pursues. 5 For this will I my vows to thee With cv'ning incense bring; And at the rosy dawn of day Thy lofty praises sing. 11 HYMN. 8.8.6. 1 ONCE more my eyes behold the day, And to my God, my soul would pay Its tributary lays : O may the life prcscrv'd by thee With all its powers and blessings be Devoted to thy praise. MOENINQ HYMNS. 275 2 Beneath the shadow of thy wings, (Israel's great Keeper, King of kings) My weary head found rest: No dire alarms, or racking pains, Devouring flames or galling chains, Disturb my peaceful breast. 3 How many, since I laid me down, Have launch'd into a world unknown, To meet a dreadful doom ; While some on watery billows toss'd, Or wand'ring on an unknown coast, Have sigh'd in vain for home. 4 But, I am spar'd to see thy face, A monument of saving grace. And live to praise thy name Still be thou near, my gracious Lord, ~ To keep and guide ; — and by thy word Peace to my soul proclaim. 5 Let me enjoy thy presence here, In every storm my heart to cheer, Till thou shalt bid me rise, Where sin and sorrow never come, Till at my blest eternal home, I wake in sweet surprise. 12 HYMN. C. M. The fear of God. Prov. xxiii. 17. 1 THRICE happy souls, who, born of heav*n While yet they sojourn here. Humbly begin their days with God, And spend them in his fear. 2 So may our eyes with holy zeal Prevent the dawning day ; And turn the sacred pages o'er, And praise thy name and pray. 3 Midst hourly cares may love present Its incense to thy throne ; And, while the world our hands employs. Our hearts be thine alone. i76 MORNING HYMNS. 4 At niglit WG loan our weary heads On thy paternal breast ; And, safely folded in thine arms, Resign our powers to rest. n In solid, pure delights, like these, Let all my days be past; Nor shall I then impatient wish, Nor shall I fear the last. 13 HY.MN. 7'3. 1 NOW the shades of night are gonej Now the morning light is come ; Lord, may I be thine to-day — Drive the shades of sin away. 2 Fill my soul with hrav'nly light, Banish doubt, and cleanse my sight; In thy service. Lord, to-day. Help me labour, help mc pray 3 Keep my haughty passions bound- Save mc from my foes around ; Going out and coming in. Keep mc safe from ev'ry sin. 4 When my work of life is past Oh ! receive me then at last f Night of sin will be no more, When I reach the heav'niy shore. EVENING HYMNS. 277 EVENING HY2VCNS. 14 L. M. 1 THUS far the Lord has led me on; Thus far his power |)rolongs my days. And ev'ry ev'ning shall make known Some fresh memorial of his grace. 2 Much of my time has run to waste, And I, perhaps, am near my home; But he forgives my follies past ; He give me strength for days to come. 8 I lay my body down to sleep ; Peace is the pillow for my head ; While well appointed angels keep Their watchl'ul stations round my bed. 4 Thus, wheTi the night of death shall come Rly flesh shall rest beneath the ground. And wait thy voice to break my tomb, With sweet salvation in the sound. 15 HYMN. C. M. 1 DREAD Sov'reign, let my ev'ning song L'lke holy incense rise; Assist the ofiering of my tongue To reach the lofty skies. 2 Through all the dangers of the day Thy hand was still my guard ; And still to drive my wants away, Thy mercy stood prepar'd. 3 Perpetual blessings from above Encompass me around, But oh ! how Cow returns of love Hath my Redeemer found ! 4 What have I done for him who died To save my guilty soul ? Alas! my sins are multiplied, Fast as mv m-nutes roll! Y 278 EVllNING HYMNS. 6 Yet, with this guilty heart of mine, Lord, to thy cross I flee, And to thy grace my soul resign, To be rencw'd by thee. 16 HYMN. S. M. 1 GREAT God, to thee my ev'ning song ^V'ilh hunibic gratitude 1 raise; Oh let tliy mercy tune my tongue. And fill my heart >vilh lively praise. 2 My days unclouded as they pass, And ev'ry gently rolling hour, Arc monuments of wond'rous grace, And witness to thy love and pow'r. 3 Thy love and pow'r, celestial guard, Preserve me from surrounding harm: Can danger reach me while the Lord Extends his kind, protecting arm? 4 Let this blest hope my eyelids close With sle(>p refresh my feeble frame : Safe in thy care may 1 repose. And wake with praises to thy name, 17 HYMN. L. M. 1 GLORY to thee, my God, this night, For all the blessings of the light ; Keep me, O keep me. King of kings, Beneath thine own almighty wings. 2 Forgive me, liord, for thy dear Son, The ill that I this day have done ; . That with the world, myself, and thee, I, ere I sleep, at peace may be. 3 Let my blest guardian, while I sl(;ep. His watchful station near me keep, My heart with love celestial fill, And guard me from th' approach of ill. EVENING HYMNS. 270 4 Teach me to live, that I may dread The grave as little as my bed ; Teach me to die, that so I may Rise glorious at the awful day. 18 HYMN. C. M. 1 INDULGENT God, whose bounteous care O'er all thy works is shown. Oh let my grateful praise and prayer Arise before thy throne. 2 What mercies has this day bestow'd! How largely hast thou blest! My cup with plenty overllow'd, With cheerfulness my breast. 3 Now may soft slumber close my eyes, From pain and sickn(!ss free ; And let my waking thoughts arise, To meditate on thee. 4 Thus bless each future day and night, Till life's vain scene is o'er; And then to realms of endless light, - Oh let my spirit soar. 19 HYMN. S. M. 1 ANOTHER day is past, The hours forever fled; And time is bearing me away, To mingle with the dead. 2 My mind in perfect peace My Father's care shall keep I yield to gentle slumber now For thou canst never sleep. 3 How blessed. Lord, are they On thee securely staved! Nor shall they be in life alarmed Nor be in death dismayed. 2*^0 EVKNINO HYMNS. 20 HYMN. S. M. 1 TPTE day is past and gone, The ev'ning shades appear; Oh, may I ever keep in mind, Tlie night of death draws near. 2 Lord, keep me safe this night, Secure from all my fears; May angels guard me while I sleep, Till morning light appears. 3 And when I early rise. To view th' unwearied sun, May I set out to win the prize, And after glory run. 4 Lord, when my days are past. And I from time remove, O may I in thy bosom rest, The bosom of thy love. 21 HYMN. 7's. 1 SOFTLY now the light of day Fades upon my sight away ; Free from care — from labour free. Lord, I would commune with thee. 2 Soon, for me, the light of day Shall for ever pass away : Then from sin and sorrow free, Take me. Lord, to dwell with thoe! 22 HYMN. C. M. Evening Prayer and Praise, 1 INDULGENT Fatlicr, by whose care, I've pass'd anothor day, Let me this night thy mercy share ; O, teach mc how to j)ray. EVENING HYMNS. 281 2 Show mc my sins, that I may mourn My guilt before thy face; Direct me, Lord, to Clirist alone, And save me by thy grace. 3 Let each returning night declare The tokens of thy love ; And ev'ry hour thy grace prepare My soul for joys above. 4 And when on earth I close mine eyes. To sleep in death's embrace. Let me to heav'n and glory rise, To see thy smiling face. 23 HYMN. 7's. Evening Communion rcith God. 1 NOW, from labour and from care, Twilight shades have set me free ; In the work of praise and pray'r Lord, I would converse with thee. O, behold me from above. Fill me with a Saviour's love. 2 Sin and sorrow, guilt and wo. Wither all my earthly joys ; Nought can charm me here below, But my Saviour's melting voice, Lord, forgive ; thy grace restore ; Make me thine for evermore. 3 For the blessings of this day, For the mercies of this hour. For the gospel's cheering ray. For the Spirit's quick'ning pow'r. Grateful notes to thee I raise; O, accept my song of praise. 24 HYMN. C. M. 1 IN mercy, Lord, remember me, Through all the hours of night. And grant to me most graciously The safeguard of thv might. Y2 282 EVENING HYMNS. 2 With cheerful heart I close my eyes Since thou wilt not remove; Oh, in the morning let me rise, Rejoicing in thy love ! 3 Or, if this night should prove the last. And end my transient days ; Lord, take me to thy promis'd rest. Where I may sing thy praise. 25 HYMN. C. M. 1 FATHER, by saints on earth ador'd, By saints beyond the skies, Accept, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Our ev'ning sacrifice. 2 If kept to-day from wilful sin. We magnify thy grace ; Thou hast our kind preserver been, And thine be all the praise. 3 We live to testify the grace, Which sure salvation brings ; And sink to night in thine embrace, And rest beneath thy wings. 4 But whether. Lord, we wake or sleep, The charge of love divine. We trust thy providence to keep Our souls for ever thine. 26 HYMN. 8's & 7's. 1 SAVIOUR, breathe an ev'ning blessing, Ere repose our spirits seal : Sin and want we come confessing, Thou canst save, and thou canst Iieal. Though destruction walk around us, Though the arrow past us fly, Angel-guards from thee surround us, We are safe, if thou art nigh EVENING HYMNS. 283 Thougli the night be dark and dreary, Darkness cannot hide from thee ; Thou art He, who, never weary, Watchest where thy people he ; Should swift death this night o'ertake us, And our couch become our tomb ; May the morn in heav'n awake us, Clad in liaht and deathless bloom! 27 HYMN. C. M. 1 O LORD, another day is flown. And we, a lonely band, Are met once more before thy throne, To bless thy fost'ring hand. 2 And wilt thou bend a list'ning ear To praises low as ours? Thou wilt ! for thou dost love to hear The song which meekness pours. 3 And, Jesus, thou thy smiles wilt deign. As we before thee pray ; For thou didst bless the infant train, And we are less than they. 4 Oh, let thy grace perform its part, And let contentions cease ; And shed abroad m ev'ry heart Thine everlasting peace. 28 HYMN. L. M. 1 THE night shall hoar me raise my song. And in her silent courts my tongue Shall pour the solitary lay, For all the mercies of ihc day. 2 Nor will my God disdain to hoar The sigh I breathe — the fervent pray'r: When, sinking to oblivious rest, I seek the pillow of his breast. 284 EVENING HYMNS. 3 And when the blushing morn sliall rise. To tinge with gold the eastern skies; With strength renow'd, my thankful lay Shall hail the new-born beams of day. 29 HYMN. 8's. 1 INSPIRER and IKnrer of pray'r, Before whom a sinner may bend; My all to thy covenant care, I sleeping or waking commend. 2 If thou art my shield and my sun, The night is no darkness to me; And fast as my moments roll on, They bring mc but nearer to thee. 3 From evil secure, and its dread, I rest, if my Saviour be nigh ; And songs his kind presence indeed, Shall in the night season supply. 4 He smiles, and my comforts abound; His grace as the dew shall descend* And walls of salvation surround Tlie soul lie deii'rhts to defend. 30 HYMN. C. M. 1 IN all my vast concerns with thee, In vain my soul would try To shun thy presence, Lord, or flee The notice of lliine eye. 2 Thy all-surrounding sight surveys My ri.^ing and my rest, My public walks, my private ways, And secrets of my breast. 3 My thoughts lie open to ihc Lord, Hefore they're form'd within ; And ere my lips pronounce llie word, He knows the sense I mean. EVENING HYMNS. 285 Oh wondrous knowledge, deep and high, Where can a creature hide? Within thy circling arms I lie, Enclos'd on ev'ry side. 5 So let thy grace surround me still, And like a bulwark prove, To guard my soul from ev'ry ill, Secur'd by sov'rcign love. 31 HYMxN. C. M. 1 LORD, thou wilt hear me when I pray I am for ever thine : I fear before thee all the day, Nor would 1 dare to sin. 2 And while I rest my weary head, From cares and business free, 'Tis sweet conversing on my bed With my own heart and thee. 3 I pay this evenmg sacrifice ; And when my work is done, Great God, my faith and hope relies Upon thy grace alone. 4 Thus with my thoughts compos'd to peace, I'll give mine eyes to sleep ; Thy hand in safety keeps my days, And will my slumbci's keep. 32 HYMN. C. M. Saturday J^ight. 1 BEGONE, my worldly cares, away, Nor dare to tempt my sight ; Let me begin th' ensuing day, Before 1 end this night. 2 Yes, let the work of pray'r and praise Employ my heart and tongue; Begin, my soul ; — thy Sabbath days Can never be too lonir. 286 MORNING OR EVENING UYMN8. 3 Let the past mercies of the week Excite a grateful frame; Nor let my tongue refuse to speak Some good of Jesus' name. 4 On wings of expectation borne, My hoj)f's to heav'n ascend ; I long to welcome in the morn, With thee tlie day to spend. 3 t HYMN. 7's. Sahbalh-Eve. Heb. iv. 9. 1 SAFELY through another week, God has brought us on our way ; Let us now a blessing seek, On th' approaching Sabbath day. Day of all the week the best, Emblem of eternal rest. 2 When tlie morn shall bid us rise. May we feel thy presence near! May thy glory meet our eyes When we in thy house appear There afibrd us, Lord, a taste Of our everlasting feast. IVIORNZNG on EVENING KYIilNS. 34 HYMN. L. M. Jl Ilijmii'for JMorning or Evening. 1 MY Ciod, how endless is thy iove ! Thy gifts are ev'ry evening new; And morning mercies from above .Gently distil like early dew. 2 Thou sprrad'st the curtains of the night, Great (uiardian of my sleeping hours; Thy sov'reign word restores the light, And fpiitrkens all my drowsy pow'ra MORNING OR EVENING HYMNS. 287 3 I yie.d my pow'rs to thy command, To thee 1 consecrate my days ; Perpetual blessings from lliiuc hand Demand perpetual songs of praise. 35 HYMN. C. M. 1 nOSANNA, with a cheerful sound, To God's upholding hand ; Ten thousand snares attend us round. And yet secure we stand. 2 That was a most amazing pow'r That rais'd us with a word ; And ev'ry day, and ev'ry hour, We lean upon the Lord. 3 The rising morn cannot assure Tnat we shall end the day ; For death stands ready at the door To hurry us away. 4 Our life is forfeited by sin To God's avenging law; We own thy grace, immortal King, In ev'ry breath we draw. 5 God is our sun — whose daily light Our joy and safety brings ; Our feeble frame lies safe at niiiht. Beneath his shady wings. 36 HYMN. C. M. 1 ON iheo, each morning, O my God, My waking thoughts attend ; Tn thee are founded all my hopes. In thee my wishes end. 2 My soul, in pleasing wonder lost. Thy boundless love surveys; And, f.r'd with grateful zeal, prepares A sacrifice of praise. 288 TAMILY RELIGION. 3 When cv'iiing slumbers press my eyes. With his protection blest, In peace and safety I commit My weary limbs to rest. 4 My spirit, in his hand secure, Fears no approaching ill ; For, whether waking or asleep. Thou, Lord, art with me still. 37 PIYMN. L. M. Daily Devotion. 1 MY God, accept my early vows. Like morning incense in thine house ; And let my nightly worship rise, Sweet as the ev'ning sacrifice. 2 Watch o'er my lips, and guard them, Lord, From every rash and heedless word ; Nor let my feet incline to tread The guilty path where sinners lead. 3 Oh, may the righteous, when I stray, Smite, and reprove my wandering way; Their gentle words, like ointment shed, Shall never bruise, but cheer my head. 4 When I behold them press'd with grief, I'll cry to heaven for their relief; And by my warm petitions, prove How much I prize their faithful love. FAIMZILY RELIGION', 38 HYMN. L. M. 1 FATHER of all, thy care we bless. Which crowns our liimilios with peace; From thee they spring, and by thy hanil They huvt; been, and are still sustain'd. FAMILY RELIGION. 289 2 To God, most worthy to be prais'd, Be our domestic altars rais'd ; Who, Lord of heav'n, scorns not to dwell With saints in their obscurest cell. 3 To thee may each united house, Morning and night present its vows ; Our servants there, and rising race, Be taught thy precepts, and thy grace. 4 Oh, may each future age proclaim The honours of thy glorious name; While, pleas'd ana ihankful, we remove To join the family above. 39 HYMN. S. M. Love to the Brethren. 1 Blest be the tie that binds Our hearts in Christian love; The fellowship of kindred minds Is like to that above. 2 Before our Father's throne We pour our ardent prayers; Our fears, our hopes, our aims*, are one, Our comforts and our cares. 3 We share our mutual woes ; Our mutual burdens bear; And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear. 4 When we asunder part. It gives us inward pain ; But we shall still be join'd in heart. And hope to meet again. 5 This glorious hope revives Our courage by the way; While each in expectation lives, And longs to see the day. 13 Z 290 FAMILY RELIGION. 6 From sorrow, toil, and pain, And sin, we shall be free ; And perfect love and friendship reign Through all eternity. 40 HYMN. C. M. 1 LO ! what an entertaining sight, Those friendly brethren prove, Whose cheerful hearts in bands unite, Of harmony and love .' 2 Where streams of bliss, from Christ the spring, Descend to every soul ; And heav'nly peace, with balmy wing. Shades and bedews the whole. 3 Tis pleasant as the morning dews, That fall on Zion's hill; Where God his mildest glory shows, And makes his grace distil. 41 HYMN. S. M. 1 BLEST are the sons of peace, Whose hearts -and hopes are one; Whose kind designs to serve and please Through all their actions run. 2 Blest is the pious house. Where zeal and friendship meet ; Their songs of praise — their mingled vowi. Make their communion sweet. 3 From those celestial springs Such streams of pleasure flow, As no increase of riches brings, . Nor honours can bestow. 4 Thus on the heavenly hills The sainis are blest above ; Where joy, like morning dew, distils. And all the air is love. FAMILY RELIGION. 291 42 HYMN. S. P. M. 1 HOW pleasant 'tis to see Kindred and friends agree, Each in hi& proper station move; And each fulfil his part, With sympathizing heart, In all the cares of life and love! 2 Like fruitful showers of rain, That water all the plain, Descending from the neighbouring hills , Such streams of pleasure roll Through every friendly soul, Where love, like heav'nly dew, distils. 43 HYMN. C. M. 1 AUTHOR of good— to thee we turn : Thine ever wakeful eye Alone can all our wants discern — Thy hand alone supply. 2 O let thy love within us dwell. Thy fear our footsteps guide; That love shall vainer loves expel, That fear all fears beside. 3 And O, by error's force subdued. Since oft, by stubborn will, We blindly shun the latent good, And grasp the specious ill; — 4 Not what we wish — but what we want, Let mercy still supply: The good we ask not. Father, grant— The ill we ask — deny. 44 HYMN. C. M. 1 GOD of our fathers ! by whose hand Thy people still are blest. Be with us through our pilgrimage, Conduct us to our rest. 292 FAMILY RHLIGIO.V. 2 Througli each perplexing path of Ufe Our wandering Ibot-steps guide; Give us each day our daily bread, And raiment fit provide 3 O spread thy sheltering wings around, Till all our wanderings cease. And at our Father's lov'd abode Our souls arrive in peace. 4 Such blessings from thy gracious hand Our humble prayers implore; And thou, the Lord, shall be our God And portion evermore. 45 HYMN. L. M. 1 THOU, Lord, through every changing scent Hast to the saints a refuge been ; Through every age, eternal God ! Their pleasing home — their safe abode. 2 In ihcc our fathers sought their rest, And wore with thy protection blest; Behold their sons, a feeble race ! We come to fill our fathers' place. 3 Through all the thorny paths wc tread, Ere we are numbcr'd with the dead, When friends desert — and foes invade. Be thou our all-sufficient aid ! 4 And when this pilgrimage is o'er. And we must dwell on earth no more. To thee, great God ! may we ascend, And find an everlasting friend. 5 To thee our infant r.ncc we'll leave; Them may their fathers' God receive; 'That voices, yet unforin'd, may raise Succeeding hyiiuis of humble praise. SABBATH MORNING. 293 SABBATH IMEORNINO, 46 HYMN. C. M. 1 LORD, in the morning thou shall hear My voice ascending high ; To thee will I direct my prayer, To thee lift up mine eye ; — 2 Up to the hills, where Christ is gone To plead for all his saints. Presenting at his Father's throne Our songs and our complaints. 3 Thou art a God, before whose sight The wicked shall not stand ; Sinners shall ne'er be thy delight. Nor dwell at thy right hand. 4 But to thy house will I resort, To taste thy mercies there ; I will frequent thine holy court. And worship in thy fear. 6 Oh may thy Spirit guide my feel In ways of righteousness. Make every path of duty straight, And plain before my face. 47 HYMN. C. M. 1 SOON as the morning rays appear, I'll lift my eyes above; My voice shall reach thy listening ear. And supplicate thy love. 2 Within thy house my voice shall rise Before thy mercy-seat ; There will I fix my steadfast eyes, And worship at thy feet. 3 In righteousness thy strength display, And my protection be ; Teach me to know that only way, Which leads to heav'n and thee. Z2 £94 SABBATH MORNING. 48 HYMN. S. M. Tlie Sabbath welcomed. 1 WELCOME, sweet day of rest, That saw the Lord arise ; Welcome to this reviving breast, And these rejoicing eyes ! 2 Jesus himself comes near, And feasts his saints to-day ; Here we may sit, and see him here. And love, and praise, and pray. 3 One day, amid the place Where God my Saviour's been, Is sweeter than ten thousand days Of pleasure and of sin. 4 My willing soul would stay In such a frame as this, Till call'd to rise, and soar away, To everlasting bliss. 49 HYMN. P. M. 1 WELCOME, delightful morn! Thou day of sacred rest ; I hail thy kind return ; Lord make these moments blest. From low delights, and mortal toys, I soar to reach immortal joys. 2 Now may the King descend, And fill his throne of grace ; Thy sceptre, Lord, extend, While saints address thy face; Let sinners feel thy qiiick'ning word, And learn to know and fear the Lord. 3 Descend, celestial Dove, With all thy quick'ning powers; Disclose a Saviour's love. And bless these sacred hours: Then shall my soul new life obtain, Nor Sabbaths be indulii'd in vain. SABBATH MORNING. 295 50 IlYlMN. lO's, 1 HAIL, happy day ! thou day of holy nst ! What hcav'nly peace and transport fill our breast, When Christ, the God of grace, in love descends, And kindly holds communion with his friends. 2 Let earth and all its vanities be gone, Move from my sight, and leave my soul alone ; Its flattering, fading glories I despise, And to immortal beauties turn my eyes. 3 Fain would I mount and penetrate the skies, And on my Saviour's glories f\ my eyes : Oh! meet my rising soul, thou God of love. And wafl. it to the blissful realms above! 51 HYMN. L. M. The Rest of the Sabbath. 1 ANOTHER six days' work is done ; Another Sabbath is begun : Return, my soul — enjoy thy rest ; Improve the day thy God has blest. 2 Oh that our thoughts and thanks may rise, As grateful incense, to the skies ; And draw from heav'n that sweet repose, Which none but he that feels it knows. 3 This heav'nly calm within the breast! The dearest pledge of glorious rest. Which for the church of God remains — The end of cares — the end of pains. 4 With joy, great God, thy works we vifc.v In varied scenes, both old and new; With praise, we think on mercies past With hope, we future pleasures taste. 6 In holy duties let the day — In holy pleasures, pass away; Ho\v sweet, a Sabbath thus to spend In hope of one that ne'er shall end. 29G SABBATH MORNING. 52 HYMN. C. M. 1 COME, let us join with sweet accord In hymns around the throne; This is the day our rising Lord Hath made, and call'd his own. 2 This is the day which God hath blest, The brightest of the seven ; Type of that everlasting rest, The saints enjoy in heav'n. 53 HYMN. L. M. Preparation for the Duties of the Sabbath implored 1 COME, dearest Lord, and bless this day; Come, bear our thoughts from earth away ; Now, let our noblest passions rise With ardour to their native skies. 2 Come, Holy Spirit, all divine. With rays •f light upon us shine; And let our waiting souls be blest On this sweet day of sacred rest. 3 Then, when our Sabbaths here arc o'er, And we arrive on Canaan's shore, With all the ransom'd, we shall spend A Sabbatii which shall never end. 54 HYMN. L. M. 1 GREAT God! this sacred day of thine Demands the soul's collected pow'rs; With joy we now to thee resign 'i'hesc sol(,'mn, consecrated hours : Oh may our souls adoring own The grace that calls us to thy throne. 2 All-seeing God ! thy piercing eye Can every secret thought explore; May worldly cares our bosoms fly, And where thou art intrude no more Oh may thy grace our spirits move. And fix our minds on tJMn^s above ' SABBATH MORNING. 297 3 Thy Spirit's powerful aid impart, And bid thy word, with Ule divine, Engage the i;ar — and warm the heart; Then shall the day indeed be thine: Our souls shall then adoring own The grace that calls us to thy throne. 55 HYMN. P. M. Resurrection of Christ celebrated. 1 AWAKE, our drowsy souls. And burst the slothful band ; The wonders of this day Our noblest songs demand : Auspicious morn ! thy blissful rays Bright seraphs hail, in songs of praise. 2 At thy approaching dawn, Reluctant death rcsign'd The glorious Prince of life. In dark domains confin'd Th' angelic host around him bonds, And midst their shouts the God ascends. 3 All hail, triumphant Lord ! Heav'n with hosannas rings ; While earth, in humbler strains, Thy praise responsive sings ! " Worthy art thou, who once wast slain Through endless years to live and reign." 4 Gird on, great God, thy sword, Ascend thy conqu'ring car, While justice, truth, and love, Maintain the glorious war : Victorious, thou thy foes shalt tread, And sin and hell in triumph lead. 56 HYMN. C. M. 1 AGAIN the Lord of life and light Awakes the kindling ray ; Dispels the darkness of the night, And pours increasi ^^y. 13* 298 SABBATH MORNING, 2 Oh ! what a niyht was that, which wrapt A sinful world in glocjiii ! Oh ' what a Sun, which broi^e, this day, Triumphant from the tomb! 3 This day be grateful homage paid, And loud hosannas sung ; Let gladness dwell in ev'ry heart, And praise on ev'iy tongue. 4 Ten thousand thousand lips shall join To hail this welcome morn. Which scatters blessings from its winsa To nations yet unborn. 57 HYMN. 7's. 1 SAFELY through another week, God has brought us on our way ; Let us now a blessing seek, Waiting in his courts to-day; Day of all the week the best, Emblem of eternal rest. 2 While we sock supplies of grace, Through the dear Redeemer's name; Show thy reconciling face — Take away our sin and shame ; From our worldly cares set free. May we rest this day in thee. 3 May the gospel's joyful sound Conquer sinners — comfort saints; MaKC the fruits of grace abound, , Bring relief from all complaints: Thus let all our Sabbaths prove, Till we join the church above. SABBATH MORNING. 299 58 HYMN. 7's. The Sabbath Morning. 1 IN this calm impressive hour, Let my pray'r ascend on high ; God of mercy, God of pow'r, Hear me when to thee I cry : Hear me from thy lofty throne, For the sake of Christ thy Son. 2 With this morning's early ray, While the shades of night depart, Let thy beams of light convey Joy and gladness to my heart: Now o'er all my steps preside, And for all my wants provide. 3 O what joy that word affords, "Thou shalt reign o'er all the earth;** King of kings, and Lord of lords, Send thy gospel heralds forth: Now begin thy boundless sway, Usher in the glorious day. 59 HYMN. C. M. The Resurrection Sabbath. 1 BLEST morning, whose first dawning rayfi Beheld our rising God ; That saw him triumph o'er the dust, And leave his dark abode! 2 In the cold prison of the tomb Our dear Redeemer lay, Till the revolving skies had brought The third, th' appointed day. 3 Hell and the grave unite their force To hold our God in vain ; The sleeping conqueror arose, And burst their feeble chain. 800 SABBATH EVENING 4 To thy great name, Almighty Lord, These sacred hours we pay, And loud nosannas shall proclaim The triumph of the day. 60 UYUN. C. M. 1 WHEN, on the third auspicious day, While yet the blushing dawn Shed forth its earliest smiling ray To gild the rising morn ; 2 The " holy women" sought the place Where their belov'd was laid, And shining angels preach'd the grace That rais'd him from the dead; 3 They hasted from the hallow'd ground, Where his dear flesh had Iain, To tell his mourning friends around, That Jesus lives again. 4 This day, as days of older tunc. Is one of hcav'nly joy ; Good tidings reach to ev'ry clime, And ev'ry tongue employ. SABBATH EVBNINa, 61 HYMN. C. M. 1 FREQUENT the day of God returns To shed its quick'ning beams; And yet how slow devotion burns, How languid are its flames! 2 Accept our faint attempts to love ; Our frailties, Lord, forgive : We would be like thy saints above. And praise thee wiiile we live. 8 increase, Lord, our fTilh and liope^ And fit us to ascend, Where the assembly ne'er breaks up Tho Sabbath ne'er shall end; SABBATH EVENING. ZQ" 4 Where we shall breathe in heav'nly air, With heav'nly lustre shine ; Before the throne of God appear, And feast on love divine; 5 Where we, in high seraphic strains, Shall all our pow'rs employ ; Delighted range th' ethereal plains. And take our fill of joy. 63 HYMN. L. M. The Eternal Sabbath. Hcb. iv. 9. 1 THINE earthl} Sabbaths, Lord, we love, But there's a nobler rest above ; To that our longing souls aspire, With ardent pangs of strong desire. 2 No more fatigue, no more distress, Nor sin, nor hell, shall reach the place; No groans to mingle with the songs, Which warble from immortal tongues. 3 No rude alarms of raging foes ; No cares to break the long repose ; No midnight shade, no clouded sun, Obscures the lustre of thy throne, 4 Around thy throne, grant we may meet, And give us but the lowest seat ; We'll shout thy praise, and join the song Of the triumphant, holy throng. 03 HYMN. L. M. 1 IS there a time when moments flow. More peacefully than all beside? It is, of all the times below, A Sabbath eve in summer tide. 2 O then the setting sun smiles fair, And all below, and all above, The difPrent forms of nature wear One universal garb of love. 3 And then the peace that Jesus beams, The life of grace, the death of sin ; 2A 30£ SABBxVTH EVENING. With nature's placid woods and streams, Is peace without, and peace within. 4 Deh'ghtful scene ! a world at rest, A God all love, no grief nor fear ; A heav'nly hope, a peaceful breast, A smile unsullied by a tear. 6 If heav'n be ever felt below, A scene so heav'nly, sure, as this. May cause a heart on earth to know Some foretaste of celestial bliss 6 Delightful hour, how soon will night Spread her dark mantle o'er thy reiga,- And morrow's quick returning light Musi call us to the world again. 7 Yet will there dawn at last a day, A Sun that never sets shall rise ; Night will not veil his ceaseless ray, The heav'nly Sabbath never dies! 64 HYMN. C. M. Evening Twilight. 1 I LOVE to steal awhile away From every cumb'ring care. And spend the hours of setting day In humble, grateful prayer. 2 I love in solitude to shed The penitential tear, And all his promises to plead, Where none but God can hear. 3 I love to think on mercies past, And future good implore. And ail my cares and sorrows cast On liim whom I adore 4 I love by faith to take a view Of brighter scenes in heav'n ; The prospect doth my strength renew While here by tempests driv'n. 5 Thus, when life's toilsome day is o'er, May its departing ray Be calm as this impressive hour, And lead to endless day. FOR THE BEGINNING OP TUE YEAR. 303 FOR THS BEGINNING OF THE YEAZt, 65 HYMN. L. M. 1 GREAT God! we sing thy mighty hand; By that supported still we stand : The op'ning year thy mercy shows, Let mercy crown it till it close. 2 By day, by night — at home, abroad, Still we are guarded by our God; By his incessant bounty fed — By his unerring counsels led. 3 With grateful hearts the past we own , The future — all to us unknown — We to thy guardian care commit, And peaceful leave before thy feet. 4 In scenes exalted or depress'd, Be thou our joy — and thou our rest; Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise, Ador'd through all our changing days. 5 When death shall close our earthly songs, And seal in silence mortal tongues, Our helper, God, in whom we trust. In brighter worlds our souls shall boast. 66 HYMN. L. M. 1 ETERNAL God ! I bless thy name, The same thy power — thy grace the same; The tokens of thy friendly care Begin, and close, and crown the year. 2 Supported by thy guardian hand. Amid ten thousand deaths I stand. And see, when I survey thy ways. Ten thousand monuments of praise. 3 Thus far thine arm has led me on — Thus far I make thy mercy known ; And while I tread tliis desert land. New mercies sha'.l new songs demand. 304 FOR THE BEOINNINQ OF THE YEAR. 4 My grateful voice on Jordan's shore, Shall raise one sacred pillar more ; Thnn bear in thy bright courts above, Inscriptions of immortal love 67 HYMN. 7's. 1 WMILE with ceaseless course the sun Hasted through the former year, Many souls their race have run, Never more to meet us here : Fixed in an eternal state, They have done with all below We a little longer wait, But how little — none can know. 2 Spared to see another year, Let thy blessing meet us here ; Come, thy dying work revive. Bid thy drooping garden thrive; Sun of Righteousness, arise ! Warm our hearts and bless our eyes; Let our prayer thy pity move; Make this year a time of love. 3 Thanks for mercies past received. Pardon of our sins renew ; Teach us henceforth how to live With eternity in view; Bless thy word to old and young. Fill us with a Saviour's love; When our lilij's short race is run, Mav we dwell with thee above. 68 HYMN. 5's & 11 'a Ji JVew Year. 1 COMl^, let us anew Our journf-y piirsun, Roll round with tin; year, And never stand still, till the Master appear FOR THE CLOSE OF THE TEAR. 805 I Our life is a dream, Our time as a stream Glides swiftly away; A.nd the fugitive moment refuses to stay. The arrow is flown, The moment is gone; The millennial year Rushes on to our view, and eternity's here. O that each in the day Of his coming may say, "I've fought my way through, I've finish'd the work thou did'st give me to do V O that each from his Lord May receive the good word, " Well and faithfully done ! Enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne!" FOR THE CZ.OSE OF THE YEAR. 69 HYMN. C. M. Reflections at the End of the Year. 1 AND now, my soul, another year Of thy short life is past ; I cannot long continue here, And this may be my last. 2 Much of my dubious life is gone, Nor will return again; And swift my passing moments run. The few that yet remain. 3 Awake, my soul — with utmost care Thy true condition learn: What are thy hopes] — how surel hew fair! What is thy great concern] 4 Behold, another year begins ! Set out afresh for heaven ; Seek pardon for thy former sins, In Christ so frcelv given. 2 A 2 30G FOR THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR. 5 Devoutly yield thyself to God, And on his grace depend ; With zeal pursue the heav'niy road, Nor doubt a happy end. 70 HYMN. S. M. Rapid Jllghl of Time. 1 MY few revolving years, How swift they glide away ! How short the term of life appears, When past — 'tis but a day ! — 2 A dark and cloudy day, Made up of grief and sin ; A host of dang'rous foes without, And guilt and fear within. 3 Lord, through another year. If thou permit my stay. With watchful care may I pursue The true and living way! 71 HYMN. C. M. Praise for Providential GoodneMB. 1 GOD of our lives, thy various praise Our voices shall resound: Thy hand directs our fleeting days, And brings the seasons round. 2 To thee shall grateful songs arise. Our Father and our Friend: Whose constant mercies from the skies. In genial streams descend. 3 In cv'ry scene of life, thy care, In ev'ry age, we see ; And, constant as thy flivours are, So let our praises be. 4 Still may thy love, in every scene, To ev'ry age, a|)pear; And let the same compassion deign To bless the op'ning year. THE SEASONS. 307 72 HYMN. C. M. 77ie House appointed for all living, 1 HO W still and peaceful is the grave, Where, life's vain tumults past, Th' appointed house by heav'n's decree, Receives us all at last! 2 The wicked there from troubling cease— Their passions rage no more; And tliere the weary pilgrim rests From all the toils he bore, 3 All, levell'd by the hand of death, Lie Sleeping in the tomb, Till God in judgment calls them forth, To meet their final doom. THE SEASONS. 73 HYMN. P. M. 1 HOW pleasing is the voice Of God, our hcav'nly King, Who bids the frosts retire, And wakes the lovely spring! Bright suns arise. The mild wind blows. And beauty glows. Thro' earth and skies. 2 The morn, with glory crown'd His hand arrays in smiles: He bids the eve decline. Rejoicing o'er the hills : The ev'ning breeze His breath perfumes; His beauty blooms In flow'rs and trees. 808 THE SEASONS. 3 With life he clothes the sprinir, The earth with summer warms: He spreads th' autumnal feast, And rides on wintry storms; His gifts divine Thro' all appear; And round the year His glories shine. 74 HYMN. L. M. 1 THE flow'ry spring, at God's command. Perfumes the air, and paints the land: The summer rays with vigour shine, To raise the corn and cheer the vine. 2 His hand' in autumn richly pours, Througli ail her coasts, redundant stores; And winters, soflen'd by his care. No more the face of horror wear. 3 The changing seasons, months and days. Demand successive songs of praise; And be the cheerful homage paid, With morning light and ev'ning shade. 4 And oh, may each harmonious tongue In worlds unknown the praise prolong, And in those brighter courts adore, Where days and years revolve no more. 75 UYMN. C. M. Spring: 1 WHEN verdure clothes the fertile vale, And l)lossoms deck the spray, Anrl fragrance breathes in ev'ry gale, How sweet the vernal day! 2 Hark ! how the fonther'd warblers sing.' 'Tis nature's cheerful voice; Soft music hails the lovely spring, And woods and fields rejoice. 3 O Hod of nature, and nf grace. Thy heav'niy gifts impart; Then shall my meditation trace Spring blooming in my heart. THE SEASONS. 300 4 Inspir'd to praise, I then shall join Glad nature's cheerful song; And love, and giatitude divine Attune my joyful tongue. 76 HYMN. S. M. The Spring. 1 SWEET is the time of spring, When nature's charms appear; The birds with ceaseless pleasure sing, And hail the opening year: But sweeter far the spring Of wisdom and of grace, When children bless and praise their King Who loves the youthful race. 2 Sweet is the dawn of day, When light just streaks the sky; When shades and darkness pass away, And morning's beams are nigh : But sweeter far the dawn Of piety in youth ; When doubt and darkness are withdrawn Before the light of truth. 3 Sweet is the early dew, Which gilds the mountain's tops, And decks each plant and fiow'r we view, With pearly glitt'ring drops: But sweeter far the scene On Zion's holy hill ; When there the dew of youth is seen Its freshness to distil. 77 HYMN. S. M. 1 GREAT God, at thy command Seasons in order rise : Thy pow'r and love in concert reign Through earth, and seas, and skies. 2 How balmy is the air! How warm the sun's bright beams! While, to refresh the grounds, the rains Descend in gentle streams. 810 THE SEASONS. 3 With grateful praise we own Thy providential hand, While trrass, and herbs, and wavinf' corn» Adorn and bless the land. ° 4 But greater still the gift Of thine incarnate Son; By him forgiveness, peace, and joy, Through endless ages run. 78 HYMN. 8's. 1 THE winter is over and gone, The thrush whistles sweet on the spray. The turtle breathes forth her soft moan, The lark mounts and warbles away. 2 Shall every creature around Their voices in concert unite, And I, the most favour'd, be found, In praising to take less delight? 3 Awake, then, my harp, and my lute! Sweet organs, your notes softly swell' No longer my lips shall be mute, The Saviour's high praises to tell! 4 His love in my heart shed abroad, My graces shall bloom as the spriiio- This temple, his Spirit's abode. My joy, as my duty, to sing. 79 HYMN. 7's. 1 PLRASfNG spring again is here! Trees and fields in bloom appear! Hark! the birds, with artless lays, Warble their Creator's praise! 2 Lord, afford a spring to me ! Let me feel like what I see: Ah ! my winter has been long, Chill'd my hopes, suppress'd my song. 3 How the soul in winter mourns, Till the Lord, the Sun, returns ! Till the Spirit's gentle rain Bids the heart revive again! THE SEASONS 811 O beloved Saviour, hasto. Tell me all the storms are past: Speak, and by thy gracious voice Make my drooping soul rejoice. 80 HYMN. c. m: Summer — A Harvest Hymn. 1 TO praise the ever bounteous Lord, My soul, wake ail thy pow'rs ; He calls, and at his voice come forth The smiling harvest hours. 2 His cov'nant with the earth he keeps ; My tongue, his goodness sing; Summer and winter know their time, His harvest crowns the spring. 3 Well pleas'd the toiling swains behold The waving yellow crop; With joy they bear the sheaves away, And sow again [n hope. 4 Thus teach me, gracious God, to sow The seeds of righteousness ; Smile on my soul, and with thy beams The rip'ning harvest bless. 5 Then, In the last great harvest, I Shall reap a glorious crop; The harvest shall by far exceed What I have sow'd in hope. 81 HYMN. C. M. Winter. 1 STERN winter throws his icy chains, Encircling nature round; How bleak, how comfortless the plains, Late with gay verdure crown'd! 2 The sun withdraws his vital beams, And light and warmth depart; And drooping lifeless, nature seems An emblem of my heart. 312 THE SEASONS. 3 My heart, where mental winter reigns. In night's dark manile ciad, Confin'd in cold, inactive cliains, How desolate and sad! 4 Return, O blissful Sun, and bring Thy soul-reviving ray; This mental winter shall be spring, This darkness cheerful day. 6 O happy state, divine abode. Where spring eternal reigns; And perfi^ct day, the smile of God, Fills all the heav'niy plains ! 6 Great Source of light, thy beams display. My drooping joys restore, And guide me to the seats of day, Where winter frowns no more. 82 HYMN. L. M. Goodness of God in the Seasons. 1 ON God the race of man depends, Far as the earth's remotest ends; At his command the morning ray Smiles in the east, and leads the day. 2 Seasons and times obey his voice; The morn and ev'ning both rejoice To see the earth made soft with showers, Laden with fruit, and dress'd in flowers. 3 The desert grows a fruitful field ; Abundant food the valleys yield; The plains shall shout witli cheerful voice. And neighbouring hills repeat their joys. 4 Thy works pronounce thy power divine; O'er every field tiiy glories shine; Through ev'ry month thy gifts appear: Great God, thy goodness crowns the year g3 HYMN. C. M. 1 THE Lord is good, the heav'niy King, He makes the earth his care; Visits the pastures ev'ry spring, And bids the grass appear. THE SEASONS. 818 2 The times and seasons — days and hours, Heav'n, earth, and air, are thine; When clouds distil in iruitful show'rs, The Author is divine. 3 The soften'd ridges of the field Permit the corn to spring; The valleys rich provision yield, And all the laborers sing. 4 The various months thy goodness crowns; How bounteous are thy ways! The bleating flocks spread o'er the downs. And shepherds shout thy praise. 84 HYMN. L. M. 1 SING to the Lord, exalt him high. Who spreads his clouds aroimd the sky; There he prepares the fruitful rain, Nor lets the drops descend in vain. 2 He makes the grass the hills adorn, And clothes the smiling fields with corn; The beasts with food his hands supply. And feed the ravens when they cry. 3 What is the creature's skill or force. The vig'rous man, the warlike horse. The sprightly wit, the active limb ! All are too mean delights for him. 4 His saints are lovely in his sight; He views his children with delight; He sees their hopes, he knows tlieir fear. And finds and loves his image there. 85 HYMN L. M. 1 LET Zion praise the mighty God, And make his honours known abroad; For sweet the joy our songs to raise, And glorious is the work of praise. 2 Our children live secure and blest ; Our shores have peace, our cities rest; He feeds our sons with finest wheat. And adds his blessings to their meat. 14 2B 8U THE SEASONS. 3 The changing seasons he ordains, The early and the latter rains; His flakes of snow like wool he sends, And thus the springing corn defends. 4 With hoary frost he strews the ground; His hail descends witii dreadful sound; His icy bands the rivers hold, And terror arms his wintry cold. 5 He bids the warmer breezes blow, The ice dissolves, the waters How; But he hath nobler works and ways To call his people to his praise. 6 Through all our land his laws are shown: His gospel through our borders known; He hath not thus reveal'd his word To every land— Praise ye the Lord ! 86 HYMN. C. M. 1 WITH songs and honours sounding loud, Address the Lord on high ; Over the heavens he spreads his cloud, And waters veil the sky. 2 He sends his showers of blessings down To cheer the plains below; He makes the grass the mountains crown. And corn in valleys grow. 3 He gives the grazing ox his meat, He hears the ravens cry; But man, who tastes his finest wheat, Should raise his honours high. 4 His steady counsels change the face Of the declining year; He bids the sun cut short his race, And wintry days appear. 6 His hoary frost, his fleecy snow. Descend and clothe the ground; The liquid streams forbear to flow. In icy fetters bound. 6 When from his dreadful stores on high He pours the sounding hail. The wretch that dares his (Jod defy Shall find his courage fail. THE SPREAD OP THE GOSPEL. 315 7 He sends his word, and melts the snow, The fields no longer mourn ; He calls the warmer gales to blow, And bids the spring return. 8 The changing wind, the flying cloud. Obey his mighty word; With songs and honours sounding loud, Praise ye the sov'i'eign Lord. THE SFRIiAD OF THE GOSPEIh g>7 HYMN. 8's, 7's, 4's. Prayer for a Revival. Ps. Ixxxv. 7. 1 SAVIOUR, visit thy plantation: Grant us, Lord, a gracious rain! All will come to desolation, Unless thou return again. Lord, revive us; All our help must come from thee. 2 Keep no longer at a distance; Shine upon us from on high. Lest, for want of tiiine assistance, Ev'ry plant should droop and die. 3 Let our mutual love be fervent, Make us prevalent in pray'rs; Let each one esteem'd thy servant, Shun the world's bewitching snare* 4 Break the tempter's fatal power; Turn the stony heart to flesh; And begin from this good hour To revive thy work afresh. §§ HYMN. P. M. 1 SOV'REIGN of worlds above, And Lord of all bolow, Thy faithfulness and love. Thy pow'r and mercy show; Fulfil thy word; Thy Spirit give; Let heathens live And praise the Lord. 81G THE si'UKAn oi- t!ik gospel. 2 On lands that lie lionoath Foul superstition's sway, Whose horrid shades of death Admit no heav'niy ray, Blest Spirit ! shine, Tlieir hearts illume; Dispel the jLrloom With light divine. 3 Father, who to thy Son Thy steadfast word has given, That thro' the earth shall run The news of peace with heav*ll. Ex-tend his fame; Thy grace diffuse; And let the news The world reclaim. 4 Few be the years that roll, Ere all shall worship thee; The travail of his soul. Soon let the Saviour sec ; O God of grace! Thy pow'r employ, Fill earth with joy. And heav'n witii praise. 89 HYMN. C. M. 1 OH, when shall Afric's sable sons Enjoy the heav'niy word ; And vassals, long enslaved, become The freemen of the Lord ? 2 When shall the untutor'd heathen tribe% A dark, bewilder'd race, Sit down at our Immannel's feet, And learn and sing his grace] 8 Haste, soveroifrn merry, and transform Their cruelty to love : Soft(^n the tiger to a lamb, The vulture to a dove. THE SPREAD OP THE GOSPEL. 317 90 HYMN. 8,7,4. 1 O'ER the gloomy hills of darkness, Cheer'd by no celestial ray, Sun of Righteousness, arising, Bring the briglit, the glorious day; Send the gospel To the earth's remotest bound. 2 Kingdoms wide that sit in darkness! Grant them, Lord, the glorious light; And from eastern coast to western. May the morning chase the night; And redemption, Freely purchased, win the day. 3 Fly abroad, thou mighty gospel — Win and conquer, never cease ; May thy lasting, wide dominions Multiply and still increase; Sway thy sceptre. Saviour, all the world around. 91 HYMN. L. M. 1 SOV'REIGN of worlds ! display thy pow'r Be this thy Zion's favour'd hour; Bid the bright Morning Star arise. And point the nations to the skies. 2 Set up thy throne where Satan reigns, On Afric's shore, on India's plains, On wilds and continents unknown; And be the universe thine own. 3 Speak! and the world shall hear thy voice; Speak! and the desert shall rejoice; Scatter the gloom of heathen night, And bid all nations hail the light. 92 HYMN. 8, 7, 4. For the Influence of the Spirit. 1 WHO, but thou, Almighty Spirit, Can the heathen world reclaim? Men may prear-h, but till thou favour, Heatliens will be still the same: Mighty Spirit ! Witness to the Saviour's name. 2 Vy-1 318 THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. 2 Thou hast promised by the prophets, Glorious light in latter days: Come, and bless bewiider'd nations, Change our pray'rs and tears to praise j Promis'd Spirit ! Round the world diffuse thy rays. 3 All our hopes, and prayers, and labours. Must be vain without thine aid: But thou wilt not disappoint us — All is true that thou hast said Faithful Spirit! O'er the world thine influence shed. 93 HYMN. 7, 6. 1 FROM Greenland's icy mountains, From India's coral strand : Where Afric's sunny fountains Roll down their golden sand; From many an ancient river. From many a palmy plain, They call us to deliver Their land from error's chain. 2 What tho' the spicy breezes Blow soft o'er Ceylon's Isle, Tho' ev'ry prospect pleases, And only man is vi!o; In vain with lavish kindness Tlie gifts of God are bU wn ; The heathen in his blindness Bows down to wood and stone. 3 Shall we, whose souls arc lighted With wisdom from on high, Shall we to men benighted The lamp of life deny] Salvation ! () Salvation! The joyful sound proclaim, Till earth's remotfst nation lias learn'd Messiah's name. 4 Wad, wafl, ye winds, his story, And you, ye waters, roll, Till, like a sea of glory, it spreads from pole to pole; THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. 819 Till o'er our ransom'd nature, The Lamb for sinners slain, Redeemer, King, Creator, In bliss retui-ns to reign. 94 HYMN. C. M. 1 GREAT Saviour, l^t thy pow'r divine O'er all the earth be known; Let all, to thee, their will resign. And make thy will their own. 2 Perversion marks the guilty way. Which heathens madly tread ; From all thy laws they go astray. And hasten to the dead. 3 Thou, Saviour-God, hast pow'r alone To turn their wand'ring feet; To bend their souls before thy throne, Low at thy mercy-seat : 4 For all the pow'r, beneath, above, Thy wounded hands sustain ; Then sway the sceptre of thy love. And let thy mercy reign. 95 HYMN. L. M. The Glory of God in his JVorks and in his IVoreL 1 GREAT Sun of Righteousness, arise! O bless the world with heav'nly light! Thy gospel makes the simple wise: Thy laws are pure — tliy judgments right. 2 Thy noblest wonders here we view. In souls renew'd and sins forgiv'n: — Lord, cleanse my sins — my soul renew. And make thy word my guide to heuv'n. 96 HYMN. L. M. Universal Reign of Christ, 1 GREAT God ! whose universal sway The known and unknown worlds obey. Now give the kingdom to thy Son, Extend his pow'r — exalt his throne. 32G THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. 2 As rain on meadows newly mown, So shall he send his influence down; His grace, on fainting souls, distils, Like heav'nly dew, on tliirsty hills. 3 The heathen lands, that lie beneath The shades of overspreading death, Revive at his first dawning light, And deserts blossom at tlie sight. 4 The saints shall flourish in his days, Dress'd in the robes of joy and praise; Peace, like a river, from his throne, Shall flow to nations yet unknown. 97 HYMN. L. M. 1 JESUS shall reign where'er the sun Doth his successive journeys run ; His kingdom stretch from shore to shore. Till moons shall wax and wane no more. 2 For him shall endless pray'r be made, And endless praises crown his head ; His name, like sweet perfume, shall rise With ev'ry morning sacrifice. 3 People and realms of ev'ry tongue Dwell on his love with sweetest song; And infant voices shall proclaim Their curly blessings on his name. 4 Blessings abound where'er he reigns. The joyful pri.s'ner bursts his chains; The weary find eternal rest. And all the sons of want are blest. 5 Let every creature rise and bring Peculiar honours to our king; Angels descend with souirs atrain. And earth repeat the loud amen. 98 IIYMX. L. P. M, Rejoicing in View of God's Universal ReigTi. 1 LET nil the earth their voices raise, To sing a psalm of lofty praise, To sing and bless Jehovah's name; His glory let the heathen know. His wonders to the nations show. And all his saving works proclaim. THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. 321 2 Oh ! haste the day— the glorious hour, When earth shall feel his saving pow'r, And barb'rous nations fear his name: Then shall the race of man confess The beauty of his holiness, And in his courts his grace proclaim. 99 HYMN. S. M. . I LOVE thy kingdom, Lord, The house of thine abode, The church, our blest Redeemer sav'd With his own precious blood. 2 I love thy church, O God ! Her walls before thee stand, Dear as the apple of thine eye, And graven on thy hand. 3 For her my tears shall fall ; For her my prayers ascend ; To her my cares and toils be given. Till toils and cares shall end. 4 Beyond my highest joy I prize her heav'nly ways, Her sweet communion — solemn vows Her hymns of love and praise. 5 Jesus, thou friend divine, Our Saviour, and our King, Thy hand from every snare and foe, Shall great deliv'rance bring. 6 Sure as thy truth shall last. To Zion shall be giv'n The brightest glories earth can yield. And brighter bliss of heaven. XOO HYMN. C. M. Christ croioned as Lord of all, 1 ALL hail, the great Immanuel's name! Let angels prostrate fall : Bring forth the royal diadem, And crown him Lord of all. 14* 322 THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL. 2 Crown him, ye martyrs of our God, Wild from his altar call ; Praise him who shed for you his blood. And crown him Lord of all. 3 Ye chosen seed of Israel's race, A remnant weak and small, Hail him who saves you by his grace, And crown him Lord of all. 4 Ye Gentile sinners, ne'er forget The wormwood and the gall; Go spread your trophies at his feet, And crown him Lord of all. 5 Let ev'ry kindred — ev'ry tribe, On this terrestrial ball, To him all majesty ascribe, And crown him Lord of all. 6 Oh ! that with yonder sacred throng. We at his feet may fall ; And join the everlasting song, And crown him Lord of all. 101 HYMN P. M. 1 SOV'REIGN of worlds above, And Lord of all below. Thy faithfulness and love. Thy power and mercy show/ Fulfil thy word, Tliy Spirit give; Let lieathens live, And praise the Lord. 2 Few be the years that roll, Kre all shall worship thee; The travail of his soul Soon let the Saviour see: () God of grace ! Thy power employ; Fill earth with joy. And licav'n with praise. 102 IJYMN. 7's. 1 ^VAKR the song of jubilee, Li't it echo o'er the sea! ]\o\v is come the proniis'd hour; Jesus reigns with sov'reign pow'rl EARLY PIETT. 828 2 All ye nations, join and sing, "Christ, of lords and kin^rs is King!" Let it sound from shore to shore, Jesus reigns for evermore ! 3 Now the desert lands rejoice. And tiie islands join their voice; Yea, the whole creation sings, "Jesus is the King of kings." X03 HYMN. L. M. Exhortation to Universal Proise. 1 FROM all that dwell below the skies, Let the Creator's praise arise: Let the Redeemer's name be sung, Through ev'ry land— by ev'ry tongue. 2 Eternal are thy mercies, Lord ; Eternal truth attends thy word; Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, Till suns shall rise and set no more. eauly piety. 104 HYMN. L. M. 1 NOW in the heat of youthful blood. Remember your Creator, God; Behold the months come hasfning on, When you shall say — " My joys are gone' 2 Behold, the aged sinner goes, Oppress'd with guilt and heavy woes, Down to the regions of the dead. With endless curses on his head. 3 The dust returns to dust again; The soul, in agony of pain, Ascends to God — not there to dwell, But hears her doom — and sinks to hell. 4 Eternal King! I fear thy name; Teach me to know how frail I am : And when my soul must hence remove^ Give me a mansion in thy love. 324 EARLY PIET7. 105 HYMN. C. M. Youth admonished to remember their Creator, 1 CHILDREN, to your Creator, Goa Your early honours pay ; Wliile vanity and youthful blood Would tempt your thoughts astray. 2 Be wise — and make his favour sure, Before the mournful day, When youth and mirth are known no more, And life and strength decay. 3 The mem'ry of his mighty name Demaiuls your first regard ; Nor dare indulge a meaner flame, Till you have lov'd the Lord. lOG HYMN. C. M. 1 WHILE in the tender years of youth. In nature's smiling bloom, . Ere age arrive, and trembling wait Its summons to the tomb; — 2 Remember thy Creator, God; For him thy pow'rs employ; Make him thy fear, thy love, thy hope. Thy portion, and thy joy. 3 He shall defend and guide thy course Tlirough life's uncertain sea, Till thou art landed on the shore Of blest eternity. 107 HY.MN. S. M The Young' asking for Divine Guidance, 1 FROM earliest dawn of life. Thy <:oo(lness we have shared; And still we live to sing thy praise, By sov'reign njercy spared. 2 To learn and do thy will, O Lord, «iur hearts incline; And o'er the paths of future life Conmiand thy light to shine. EARLY PIETY. 825 3 While taught thy word of truth, May we tliat word receive ; And when we hear of Jesus' name, In tiiat blest name believe! 4 O, let us never tread Tiie broad, destructive road. But trace those holy paths which lead To glory, and to God. 108 HYMN. S. M. 1 MY son, know thou the Lord, Thy father's God obey : Seek his protecting care by night, His guardian hand by day. 2 Call, while he may be found, And seek him while he's near; Serve him with all thy heart and mind, And worship him with fear. 3 If thou wilt seek his face, His ear will hear thy cry ; Then shalt thou find his mercy sure, His grace forever nigh. 4 But if thou leave thy God, Nor choose the path to heav'n ; Then shalt thou perish in thy sins. And never be forgiv'n. 109 HYMN. C. M. Youth. 1 COME, let us now forget our mirth. And think that we must die; What are our best delights on earth, Compar'd with those on high ! 2 Our pleasures here will soon be past— Our brightest joys decay; But pleasures there for ever last, And cannot fade away, 3 Here sins and sorrows we deplore. With many cares distrest; But there the mourners weep no more. And there the weary rest. 2C 326 EARLY riETT. 4 Our dearest friends, when death shall ca*., At once must hence depart; But there we hope to meet them all, And never, never part. 5 Then let us love and serve the Lord, With all our youthful pow'rs; And we shall gain this great reward, This glory shall be ours. 110 IIY.MX. C. M. 1 RELIGION is the chief concern Of mortals here below ; May I its great importance learn. Its sov'reign virtue know! 2 Religion should our thoughts engage, Amidst our youthful bloom ; 'Twill fit us for declining age, And for the awful tomb. Ill IIVMN. L. M. 1 YE lovely bands of blooming youth, WarnM by the voice of hcav'nly truth. Now yield to Christ your youtiiful prime, With all your talents and your time. 2 Think on your end, nor thoughtless say, "I'll put far off the evil day;" Ah! not a moment's in your pow'r, And death stands ready at the door. 3 Eternity! — how near it mils! Count the vast value of your souls! Beware! and count the awful cost, What they have gain'd whose souls are lost 4 Pride, sinful pleasures, lusts and snares. Beset your henrts, your eyes, your ears- Take the alarm — the d.uiLier lly ! "Lord ! Save me," be your earnest cry EARLY PIETY. 327 X13 HYMN. S. M. Prayer of a Youth. Ps. cxix. 9. 1 WITH humble heart and tongue, My God, to thee I pray; Oh, make nie learn, while I am young, How 1 may cleanse my way. 2 Make an unguarded youth The object of thy care; Help me to choose tlie way of truth, And fly from every snare. 3 My heart, to folly prone. Renew by power divine; Unite it to thyself alone, And make me wholly thine. 4 Oh, let thy word of grace My warmest thouglits employ; Be this, through all my foITwing days, My treasure and my joy. 5 To what thy laws impart. Be my wliole soul inclin'd; Oh, let them dwell within my heart, And sanctify my mind. 6 May thy young servant learn, By these to cleanse his way; And may I here the path discern That leads to endless day. 113 HYMN. L M. 1 HOW soft the words my Saviour speaks! How kind the promises he makes! A bruised reed he never breaks, Nor will he quench the smoking flax. 2 The humble poor he won't despise, Nor on the contrite sinner frown ; His ear is open to their cries, He quickly sends salvation down. 3 When piety, in early minds, Like tender buds, begins to shoot, He guards the plants from threat'ning winds, And ripens blossoms into fruit. 328 MISCELLANEOnS. 4 With humble souls he bears a part In all the sorrows they endure; Tender and gracious is his iieart, His promise is for ever sure. 5 He sees the struggles that prevail Between the powers of grace and sin He kindly listens while they tell The bitter pangs they feel within. 6 Though press'd with fears on every side, Tliey know nut how tlie strife may end Yet he will soon the cause decide, And judgment unto vict'ry send. ZVIZSCELLANEOUS. 114 HYMN. CM. 1 WHILST thee I seek, protecting Power I Be my vain wislics slill'd ; And may this consecrated hour With better hopes be fill'd. 2 Thy love the pow'r of thought bcstow'd. To thee my thoughts would soar: Thy mercy o'er my life has flow'd, That mercy I adore. 3 In each event of life, how clear Thy ruling hand I see! Each blessing to my soul most dear, Because conlerr'd by thee. 4 In cv'ry joy that crowns my days, In ev'ry pain I bear, My heart shall find delight in praise, Or seek relief in pray'r. 5 When gladness wings my fnvour'd hour, Thy love my thoughts shall lill ; Resign'd, when storms of sorrow lowY, My soul shall meet thy will. My lifted eye, without a tear, The gath'ring storm shall see; My steadfist Iieart shall know no fear; That heart will rest on thee. MISCELLANEOUS. 329 XI 5 HYMN. 8 s, 7's, and 4's. God, the Pilg-^rwi's Guide. 1 GUIDE me, O thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land; I am weak, but thou art mighty; Hold me with thy pow'rfui hand: Bread of heaven. Feed me till I want no more. 2 Open, Lord, the crystal fountain, Whence the healing waters flow, Let the fiery, cloudy pillar. Lead me all my journey through. Strong Deliv'rer, Be thou still my strength and shield. ft :} When I tread the verge of Jordan, Bid my anxious fears subside; Death of death, and hell's destruction, Land me sale on Canaan's side : Songs of praises I will ever give to thee. 116 HYMN. L. M. Crucifixion to the World. 1 WHEN I survey the wond'rous cross, On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss. And pour contempt on all my pride, 2 Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast. Save in the death of Christ, my God, All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to his blood. 3 See, from his head, his hands, his feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down ! Did e'er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown? 4 Were the wide realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine. Demands my soul, my life, my all. 2C2 330 MISCELLANEOUS 117 HYMN. C. M. Ilohj Fortitude. 1 AM I a soldier of the cross? A follower of tlie Lamb! And shall I fear to own his cause. Or blush to speak his name? 2 Shall I be carried to the skies, On flow'ry beds of ease, While others fouLdit to win the prize, And sail'd through bloody seas] 3 Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vain world a friend to grace. To help me on to God ? 4 Sure I must fight, if I would reign; Increase my courage. Lord, To bear the cross, endure the shame. Supported by thy word. 5 The saints, in all this glorious war. Shall conquer, tho' they die; They s^ee the triumph from afar. With faith's discerning eye. 118 HYMN. C. M. Salvation irelcomed. 1 SALVATION! O, the joyfid sound! 'Tis pleasiu'e to our ears: A sov'reiLm balm for every wound, A cordial for our fears. 2 Buried In sorrow and in sin, At hell's dark door we lay; But we arise by grace divine To see a heav'niy day. 8 Salvation ! let the echo fly The spacious earth around. While all the armies of the sky Conspire to raise the sound. MISCELLANEOUS. 831 119 HYMN. L. M. A Broken and a Contrite Heart. 1 SHOW pity, Lord; O Lord, forgive; Let a repenting rebel live; Are not thy mercies large and free? May not a sinner trust in thee? 2 O wash my soul from every sin, And make my guilty conscience clean ; Here on my heart the burden lies, And past offences pain mine eyes. 3 My lips with shame my sins confess, Against thy law, against thy grace; Lord, should thy judgments grow severe, I am condemn'd, but thou art clear. 4 Yet save a trembling sinner, Lc'rd, Whose hope, still hov'ring round thy word, Would light on some sweet promise there Some sure support against despair. 120 HYMN. C. M. Repentance at the Cross. 1 'TWAS for my sins, my dearest Lord Hung on the cursed tree, And groan'd away a dying life For thee, my soul, for thee. 2 O, how I hate those sins of mine That shed the Saviour's blood ; That pierc'd and nail'd his sacred flesh Fast to the fatal wood! 3 Whilst with a melting broken heart My murder'd Lord I view, I here renounce my darling sins, And slay the murd'rers too. 121 nY3IN. L. M. Sufferings and Death. 1 STRETCH'D on the cross, the Saviour dies; Hark! his expiring groans arise: See from his hands, his feet, his side, Runs down the sacred crimson tide. •*? 332 MISCELLANEOUS. 2 But life attends the deathful sound, And fiows from ev'ry bleedin 338 TUE HOLY SCRIPTURES. 2 Great God ! mine eyes with pleasure look On the dear voluiiie of tliy book; There my Redeemer's face I see, And read his name who died for me. 3 Let the false raptures of the mind Be lost and vanish in the wind : Here I can fix my hojx? secure; This is tliy word — and must endure. 132 HYMN. C. P. M 1 HOW precious. Lord, thy sacred word ! What liirht and joy those leaves afford To souls in deep distress! Thy precepts fruide our doubtful way, Thy fear forbids our feet to stray, Thy promise leads to rest. 2 Thy threat'ninjrs wake our slumb'ring eye; And warn us where our danger lies ; But 'tis thy gospol, Lord, That makes the guilty conscience clean, Converts the soul, and conquers sin, And gives a free reward. 133 HYMN. C. M. 1 OPPRESSED with guilt, and full of feara, I come to thee, my Lord ; While not a ray of hope appears, But in thy holy word. 2 Tne volume of my Father's grace Dors all my grief dispel ; Here 1 behold my Saviour's face, And learn to do his will. 3 Here living water freely flows, To cleanse me Worn my sin ; 'Tis here the tree of knowledge grows, Nor danger dwells therein. 4 O ! may thy counsels, mighty God, My roving feet command ; Nor I forsake the hapfiy road. That leads to thy right hand. THE HOLY SCRirrURES. 330 134 HYMiN. S. M. 1 BEHOLD, the morning sun Begins his glorious way; His beams through ail tlie nations run. And life and light convey. 2 But where the gospel comes, It spreads diviner light, It calls dead sinners from their tombs. And gives the blind their sight. 3 How perfect is thy word ! And all thy judgments just! Forever sure thy promise, Lord, And we securely trust. 4 My gracious God, how plain Are thy directions given ! O! may I never read in vain. But find the path to heaven. 135 HYMN. C. M. 1 HOW shall the young secure their hearts, And guard their lives from sin 1 Thy word the choicest rules imparts, To keep the conscience clean. 2 'Tis like the sun — a heavenly light, That guides us all the day; And, through the dangers of the nign*, A lamp to lead our way. 3 Thy precepts make me truly wise, 1 hate the sinner's road; I hate my own vain thoughts that rise But love thy law, my God. 4 Thy word is everlasting truth, How pure is every page ! — Tliat holy book shall guide our youth. And well support our age. 340 AFFLICTIONS AM- PF.ATri. ATPLICTIONS AND DEATH. 13G HYMN. 8's, andT's. Mourners comforted. 1 CEASE, ye mourners, cease to languish, O'er the grave of those you love; Pain, and death, and night, and anguish, Enter not the world above. 2 While our silent steps are straying. Lonely, through night's decp'niiig shade. Glory's !)rightest beams are playing Round th' immortal spirit's head. 3 Light and peace at once deriving From the liand of God most high, In his glorious presence living, They shall never — never die. 4 Endless pleasure, pain excluding, Sickness there, no more can come; There no fear of wo, intruding. Sheds o'er heav'n a moment's gloom. 5 Now, ye mourners, cease to languish O'er the grave of those you love; Far remov'd from pain and anguish, They are chanting hymn,s above. 137 HYMN. L. M. Death of the Righteous 1 new bless'd the righteous when he dies I When sinks a weary soul to rest, How mildly beam the closing e3'es. How gently heaves th' expiring breast! 2 So fades a sunmier cloud away, So sinks the gale when storms arc o'er, So gently shuts the eye of day. So dies a wave along the shore. 3 A holy quiet reiuns around, A calm which life nor death destroys- Nothing (listuri)s that peac(- profound Which liiK uiifftfcrM soul enjoys. AFFLrCTIONS AND DEATH. 341 Farewell, conflicting hopes and fears. Where lights and shades alternate dwell; How bright th' unchanging morn appears' Farewell, inconstant world, farewell. 138 HYMN. C. M. Dying in the Lord. 1 HEAR what the voice from heav'n proclaims, For all the pious dead ; Sweet is the savour of their names, And soft their sleeping bed. 2 They die in Jesus, and are bless'd; How kind their slumbers are ! From suti'rings, and from sins releas'd, And freed from ev'ry snare. 3 Far from tliis world of toil and strife, They're present with the Lord ; The labours of their mortal life End in a large reward. 139 HYMN. C. M. Mourning with Hope. 1 THAT once-lov'd form, now cold and dead. Each mournful thought employs; And nature weeps, her comforts fled, And wither'd all her joys. 2 Hope looks beyond the bounds of time; When what we now deplore. Shall rise in full immortal prime, And bloom to fade no more. 3 Then cease, fond nature, cease thy tears. Religion points on high ; There everlasting spring appears, And joys that cannot die. 140 HYMN. C. M. Prayer for Support in Death. 1 WHEN, bending o'er the brink of life, My trembling soul shall stand. And wait to pass death's awful flood. Great God, at thy c(»mmand. 2U-2 84"2 AFFLICTIONS AND DKATH. 2 Thou source of life and joy supreme. Whose arm alone can save, Dispel thy darkness that surrounds The entrance to the grave. 3 Lay thy supporting, gentle hand Beneath my sinking head. And let a beam of life divine IJlume my dying bed. 141 HYMN. L. M. The Grave. Job iii, 17. 1 THE grave is now a favour'd spot — To saints wiio sleep, in Jesus blcss'd; For there the wicked trouble not. And there the weary are at rest. 2 At rest in Jesus' faithful arms ; At rest as in a peaceful bed : Secure from all the dreadful storms. Which round this sinful world are spreadL 3 Tin-ice happy souls, who're gone before To that inheritance divine! They labour, sorrow, sigh no more, But bright in endless glory shine. 4 Then let our mournful tears be dry, Or in a gentle measure flow ; We liail them happy in the sky, And joyful wait our call to go. 143 HYMN. 8's. Deuth of a Br other. 1 now blest is our brother, bereft Of all that could burden his mind; How easy the soul that has left This wearisome body behind ! Of evil incapable thou, Whose relics with envy I see, No longer in misery now, No longer a sinner like me, 2 This earth is affected no more With sickness, or shnken with pain, The war in Hie members is o'er, And never shall vex him airain : AFFLICTIONS AND DEATU. 843 No anger henceforward, or shame. Shall I'edden his innocent clay; Extinct is the animal Hanie, And passion is vanish'd away. The lids he so seldom could close, By sorrow forbidden to sleep, ^ Seal'd up in eternal repose, Have strangely forgotten to weep; These fountains can yield no supplies— These hollows horn water are fi-ee; The tears are all wiped from those eyes, And evil they never shall see. To mourn and to suffer is mine, While bound in a prison I breathe. And still fur deliverance pine, And press to the issues of death. What now with my tears I bedew, Oh, shall I not shortly become! JNIy spirit created anew, Ere I am consitrned to the tomb ! 143 HYMN. 8's. Death of a Sister. 1 'TIS finish'd ! the conflict is past. The heav'n-born spirit is fled; Her wish is accomplish'd at last. And now she's entomb'd with the dead. The months of aflliction are o'er, The days and the niohts of distress. We see her in anp-uish no more — She's gained her happy release. No sickness, or sorrow, or pain. Shall ever disquiet her now ; For death to her spirit was gain, Since Christ was her life when beiow. Her soul has now taken its fliglit To mansions of glory above. To mingle with angels of light. And dwell in the kingdom of love. 3 The victory now is obtain'd; She's gone her dear Saviour to see; Her wishes she fully has gain'd — She's now where she longed to be. 814 * AFFLICTIONS AND DEATD. Thpn let us forbear to complain. That she has now gone fiom our sight; We soon shall behold her again, With new and redoubled delight, 144 HYMN. C. M. Death of a Young Person. 1 WHEN blooming youth is snatch'd away By death's resistless iiand, Our hearts the mournful tribute pay, Which pity must demand. 2 While pity prompts the rising sigh, Oh, may this truth, iiiiprest Witli awful pow'r — " I too must die" — Sink deep in ev'ry breast. 3 The voice of this alarming scene May ev'ry heart obey ; Nor be the heav'nly warning vain, Wliich calls to watch and pray. 4 Oh, let us fly, to Jesus fly, Wiiose pow'rful arm can save; Then shall our hopes ascend on high. And triumph o'er the grave. 145 IIYMX C. M. Death and Bui-ial of Christians. 1 WHY do we mourn departing friends. Or shake at death's alarms] 'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends To call them to his arms. 2 Are we not tending upward too, To heav'n's dfsired abode? Why should we wish the hours more slovr, Which keep us from our God ? 3 Why should we tremble to convey Tlieir bodies to the t(^mb1 'Twas there the Saviour's body lay. And left a long perfume. 4 The graves of all his saints he blest. And soflrnM ev'ry bed : Where should the dying members rest. But with their dying Head J AFFLICTION-S AND PEATH. 345 Thence he arose, ascending high, And show'd our feet the way: Up to the Lord his saints sliall fly At the great rising day. 6 Then let the last loud trumpet sound, And bid our kindred rise; Awake, ye nations under ground! Ye saints! ascend the skies. 146 HYMN. L. M The peaceful Death of the Righteous. 1 SWEET is the scene when Christians die, When holy souls retire to rest: How niiKlIy beams the closing eye! How gently heaves th' expiring breast! \i So fades a summer cloud away; So sinks the gale when storms are o'er; So gently sliuts the eye of day ; So dies a wave along the shore. 3 Triumphant smiles the victor's brow, Fann'd by some guardian angel's wing: O grave 1 where is thy victory now ? And where, O death! wlicre is thy sting 147 HYMN. S. xM. 1 O FOR the death of those Who slumber in the Lord! O be like tlieirs my last repose. Like theirs my last reward. 2 Their bodies, in the ground, In silent hope may lie, Till the last trumpet's joyful sound Shall call them to the sky. 3 Their ransom'd spirits soar On wings of faith and love, To meet the Saviour they adore. And reign with him above. 4 With us their names shall live Through long succeeding years, Enibalin'd with all our hearts can give^ Our praises and our tears. 5 O for the death of those Who slumber in the Lord : O be like theirs my last repose, Like theirs my last reward. 15* 346 TIME AND ETKUNFTY. TIME AND ETERNITY 118 HYMN. C. M. Time short and misspent. 1 HOW short and hasty is our life! How vast our souls afluirs ! Yet senseless mortals vainly strive To lavish out their years. 2 Our days run thoufrhtlessly along, Without a moment's stay; Just like a story, or a sonji, \Ve pass our lives away. 3 God from on high invites us home, But we march heedless on, And, ever hastening to the tomb. Stoop downward as we run. 4 How we deserve the deepest hell. That sliirht the joys above! What chains of venjzeance should we feel, That break such cords of love ! 5 Draw us. O Cod, with sovereign grace, And lilt our thoughts on high, That we may end this mortal race. And see salvation nigh. 1 19 IIYMX. C. M. 1 THR time is short ! — sinners, beware, Nor trifle time away: Th<^ word of great salvation hear. While yet 'tis called to-day. 2 The time is short ! — O sinners, now, To Christ the Lord submit; To mercy's goldt^n sceptre bow. And fall at Jesus' feet. 3 The time is short! — ye saints, rejoice — The Lord will quickly come: Soon shall you hear the Saviour's voice To call you to your home. 4 The time is short ! — it swiftly flies — The hour is just at hand. When we shall mount above the skies. And reach the wishcd-for land. TIME AN1> ETERNITY. 3-17 5 The time is short !— tlie moment near, When we shall dwell above; And be forever happy there, Witli Jesus, whom we love. 150 HYMN. C. M. Time the Period to prepare for Eternity. 1 THEE we adore. Eternal Name ! And humbly own to thee, How feeble is our mortal frame, What dying worms are we! 2 The year rolls round, and steals away The breath that first it gave; Whate'er we do — where'er we be, We're travelling to the grave. 3 Great God ! on what a slender threaa Hang everlasting things! Th' eternal state of all the dead Upon life's feeble strings! 4 Eternal joy — or endless wo Attends on every breath ! And yet how unconcern'd we go Upon the brink of death ! 5 Awake, O Lord, our drowsy sense, To walk this dang'rous road ; And if our souls are hurried hence, May they be found with God. 151 IIYMxM. L. !\r. 1 LIFE is the time to serve the Lord, The time t' insure the great reward; And while the lamp holds out to burn. The vilest sinner may return. 2 Life is the hour that God has given T' escape from hell, ami fly to heaven; The day of grace — and mortals may Secure the blessings of the day. 3 Then, what my thoughts design to do, My hands, with all your might, pursue i Since no device, nor work, is found. Nor faith, nor hope, beneath the groun.l. 348 TIME AND ETERNITY. 4 There are no acts of pardon pass'd In the cold grave to wliich we haste; But darkness, death, and long despair Reign in eternal silence there. 153 HYMN. S. M. TO-MORROW, Lord, is thine, Lodg'd in thy sov'reign hand; And if its sun arise and shine, It shines by thy coainiand. 2 The present moment flies. And bears our life away; O make thy servants truly wise, That they may live to-day. 3 Since on this fleeting hour Eternity is hung. Awake, by thine Almighty pow'r, The aged and the young. 4 One thing demands our care; O! be "that still pursu'd! Lest, slighted once, the season fair Should never be renew'd. 5 To Jesus may we fly. Swift as the morning lipht. Lest life's young golden beams should dl* In sudden endless night. 15.*} HYMN. C. M. 1 SIIIXR on our souls, eternal God, AVith rays of nif rry shine: O let thy favour crown our days, And all their round bo thine. 2 With thee let every week bogin ; With thee each day be spent; To thee each fleeting hour be given, Since each by thee is lent. 3 Thus cheer us through this desert road, Till all our labours cease; — Till heav'n refresh our weary souls With everlasting peace. THE JUDGMENT. 349 154 HYMN. L. M. Etcrni(y anticipated. 1 ETERNITY is just at hand, And sluill I waste my ebbing sand? And careless view departing day, And tiirow my inch of time away? 2 Eternity! — tremendous sound! — To guilty souls a dreadful wound! But O! if Christ and heav'n be mine, How sweet the accents ! — how divine! 3 Be this my chief, my only care — My high pursuit — my ardent pray'r — An interest in the Saviour's blood, My pardon seal'd, and peace with God. 4 But should my brightest hopes be vain ; The rising doubts how sharp their pain ; My fears, O gracious God, remove, Confirm my title to thy love. 5 Search, Lord — O search my inmost heart, And light, and hope, and joy, impart ; From guilt and error set me free. And guide me safe to heav'n and thee. THE JUDGMENT. 155 IlYMxM. C. M. Triumph over Death in Hope of the Resurrection, 1 GREAT God, I own thy sentence just, And nature must decay; I yield my body to the dust. To dwell with fellow clay. 2 Yet faith may triumph o'er the grave, And trample on the tombs; My great Redeemer ever lives, My God, my Saviour, comes. 3 The mighty Conqn'ror shall appear, High on a royal seat; And death, the last of all his foes, Lie vanquish'd at his feet. 2E 350 TUE JUDGMENT. 4 Then shall I see tny lOvely face With strong, immortal eyes, And feast upon thine unknown grrce. With pleasure and surprise. 156 HYMN. S. M. Hope of the llesurreclion. 1 AND must this body die? This mortal frame decay ? And must these active limbs of mine Lie mould'ring in the clay? 2 God, my Redeemer, lives, And frequent from the skies. Looks down and watclies all my dust Till he shall bid it rise. 3 Array'd in glorious grace Shall these vile bcjdics shine, And ev'ry shape, and ev'ry face Look heav'nly and divine. 4 These lively hopes we owe To Jesus' dying love — We would adore his grace below, And sing his power above. 6 Accept, O Lord, the praise Of these our humble songs, Till tunes of nobler sound we raise With our immortal tongues. 157 HYMN 8's, 7's, and 4'3. 1 LO ! He comes, with clouds descending Once for favour'd sinners slain! Thousand, thousand saints, attending, Swell the triumph of liis train; lliillelujah! Jesus comes — and comes to reign. 2 Every eye shall now behold him, Robed in dreadful majesty ! Those who set at nought and sold him, Pierced and nail'd him to the tree, Deeply wailing. Shall the true IMessiah see! THE JUDGMENT. 351 3 When the solemn trump has sounded, Heav'n and eartli sliall flee away ; All who hate liim must, confounded, Hear the summons of that day — "Come to judgment! — Come to judgment — come away." 4 Yea, amen ! — let all adore thee. High on thine eternal throne ! Saviour, take the pow'r and glory; Make thy righteous sentence known '. O come quickly — Claim the kingdom for thine own ! 158 HYMN. 7's. 1 HARK !— that shout of rapt'rous joy, Bursting forth from yonder cloud ! Jesus comes— and through the sky, Angels tell their joy aloud. 2 Hark! the trumpet's awful voice Sounds abroad through sea and landj Let his people now rejoice ! Their redemption is at hand. 3 See! the Lord appears in view; Heav'n and earth before him fly! Rise, ye saints, he comes for you — Rise to meet him in the sky. 4 Go, and dwell with him above. Where no foe can e'er molest; Happy in the Saviour's love! Ever blessing, ever blest, 159 HYMN. 8's, T's, and 4's. 1 DAY of judgment — day of wonders! Hark! — the trumpet's awful sound, Louder than a thousand thunders, Shakes the vast creation round ! How the summons Will the sinner's heart confound! 2 See the Judge, our nature wearing, Clothed in majesty divine! You who long for his appearing. Then shall say, " This God is mine!* Gracious Saviour, Own me in that day for thine! HEAVEN. 352 3 At his call the dead awaken, Rise to lii'e from earth and sea : All the powers of nature, shaken By his looks, prepare to flee : Careless sinner, What will then become of thee 1 4 But to those who have confessed. Loved and served tlie Lord below, He will say, "Come near, ye blessed, See the kingdom I bestow; You forever Shall my love and glory know." 160 HYMN. CM. Banishment from God intolerable, 1 THAT awful day will surely come, Th' appf)int(>d hour makes haste. When 1 must stand before my Judge, And pass the solemn test. 2 Thou lovely Chief of all my joys — Thou Sov'reign of my heart — How could I bear to hear thy voice • Pronounce the word — " Depart !" 3 O ! wretched state of deep despair, To see my God remove. And fix my doleful station where I must not taste his love. 4 Oh ! tell me that my worthless name Is graven on thy hands; Show me some promise in thy book, Where my salvation stands. HEAVEN. 101 HYMN. S. M. Rest in Heaven. 1 OH! where shall rest be found? Rest for the weary soul ! 'Twere vain tlie ocean's depths to sound. Or search from pole to pole. HEAVEN. 353 2 Tlie world can never give The bliss for which we sigh; 'Tis not the whole of life to live, Nor all of death to die. 3 Beyond this vale of tears There is a life above, Unnitasur'd by the flight of years — And all that life is love. 162 HYMN. C. M. The Peace and Repose of Heaven. 1 THERE is an hour of hallow'd peace For those witfi cares opprest, Where sigiis and sorr'wing tears shall cease, And all be hush'd to rest: 'Tis then the soul is freed from fears And doubts, which here annoy; Then they that ofl had sown in tears, Shall reap again in joy. 2 There is a home of sweet repose, Where storms assail no more; The stream of endless pleasure flows On that celestiid shore: There purity with love appears. And bliss without alloy; There they that ofl had sown in tears, Shall reap again in joy. 163 HYMN. L. M. The Wortiliip of Heaven, 1 O FOR a sweet inspiring ray. To animate our feeble strains, From the bright realms of endless day, The blissful realms, where Jesus reigns! 2 Tiicre, low before his glorious throne, Adoring saints and angels fall; And with delightful worship own. His smile their bliss, their heav'n, their alL 3 Immortal glories crown his head. While tuneful hallelujahs rise, And love, and joy, and triumph spread Through all th' assemblies of the skies. 2E2 351 HEAVEN. 4 Ke smiles, and seraphs tune their songs To boundless rapture, while they iraze: Ten thousand, thousand joyful tongues Resound his everlasting praise. 5 There all the foll'wers of the Lamb Shall join at last the lieav'niy clioir: O may the joy inspiring theme Awake our faith and warm desire! 6 Dear Saviour, let thy spirit seal Our int'rest in that blissful place; Till death remove this mortal veil, And we behold thy lovely face. 164 IIYMx>J. 8's and 6's. Tlie Everlasting Bliss of Heaven. 1 IIEAV'N is the land where troubles cease, AVhere toils and tears are o'er; The blissful clime of rest and peace, Where cares distract no more, And not the shadow of distress Dims its unsullied blessedness. 2 Ileav'n is the place where Jesus lives. To plead his dying blood; While to his pray'rs, Ids Father gives An unknown multitude. Whose harps and tongues, through endless d Shall crown his head with songs of praise. 3 Heav'n is the dwelline-place of joy, The home of light and love, Where Hnth and hope in rapture die. And ransom'd souls above Enjoy, before th' eternal throne. Bliss everlasting and unknown. 165 HYMN. C. M. 1 WTTEN I can read my title clear To mansions in the skies, I bid farewell to every fear. And wipe my weeping eyes. HEAVEN. 355 2 Should earth against my soul engage. And hellish darts be liurj'd, Then 1 can smile at Satan's rage, And face a frowning world. 3 Let cares like a wild deluge come, And storms of sorrow fall ; May I but safely reach my home, My God, my heav'n, my all : — 4 There shall I bathe my weary soul In seas of heav'nly rest. And not a wave of trouble roll Across my peaceful breast. 166 HYMN. C. M. 1 THERE is a land of pure delight, Where saints immortal reign; Infinite day excludes the night. And pleasures banish pain. 2 There everlasting spring abides, And never-witli'ring flow'rs : Death, like a narrow sea, divides Tliis heav'nly land from ours. 3 Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, Stand dress'd in living green ; So to the Jews old Canaan stood, While Jordan roH'd between. 4 But tim'rous mortals start and shrmk. To cross this narrow sea ; And linger, shiv'riiig on the brink. And ifear to launch away. 5 O ! could we make our doubts remove, Those gloomy doubts that rise. And see the Canaan that we love With unbeclouded eyes ! — 6 Could we but climb where Moses stood, And view the landscape o'er. Not Jordan's stream, nor death's cold flood. Should fright us from the shore. 356 HEAVEN. 167 IIYMX. 8's, and Q's. The Peace and Rest of Heaven. 1 THERE is an hour of peaceful rest, To mourning wand'rers giv'n ; There is a joy for souls distress'd, A balm for cv'ry wounded breast — 'Tis found above in heav'n. 2 There is a home for weary souls, By sin and sorrow driv'n, When toss'd on life's tempestuous shoals. Where storms arise, and ocean rolls, And all is drear but heav'n. 3 There faith lifts up her cheerful eye, To brighter prospects giv'n ; And views the tempest passing by. The ev'ning shadows quickly fly, And all serene in heav'n ! 4 There, fragrant flowers immortal, bloom, And joys supreme are given: There, rays divine disperse the gloom: — Beyond the confines of the tomb. Appears the dawn of heav'n. 168 HYMN. C. M. 1 JERUSALEM! my happy home! Name ever dear to me! Wlien shall my labours have an end, In joy, and peace, and thee! 2 When shall these eyes thy heav'n-built w alls And pearly gates behold ? Thy bulwarks, with salvation strong, And streets of shining gold ? 3 O, when, thou city of my Ood, Shall I thy courts ascend, Where congregations ne'er break up, And Sabbatlis have no end ? 4 There happier bow'rs than Eden's bloom, Nor sin nor sorrow know: Blest seats! through rude and stormy sc I onward press to you. HEAVEN. 357 5 Why should I shrink at pain and wol Or fee! at death, dismay ] I've Canaan's goodly land in view, And realms of endless day. 6 Apostles, martyrs, prophets there, Around my Saviour stand ; And soon my friends in Christ below, Will join the glorious band. 7 Jerusalem! my happy home! My soul still pants for tiiee! Then shall my labours have an end, When I thy joys shall see. 169 HYMN. L. M. 1 "WE'VE no abiding city here" — This may distress the worldly mind; But should not cost the saint a tear, Who hopes a better rest to find. 2 "We've no abiding- city here" — Sad truth, were this to be our home: But let this thought our spirits cheer, " We seek a city yet to come." 3 "We've no abiding city here" — Then let us live as pilgrims do; Let not the world our rest appear. But let us haste from all below. 4 "We've no abiding city here" — We seek a city out of sight ; Zion its name — the Lord is there, It shines with everlasting light. 170 HYMN. 8's. Earnest Desire of Heaven, 1 I LONG to behold him array'd With glory and light from above,— The King in his beauty display'd. His beauty of holiest love: I languish and sigh to be there, Wliere Jesus has fix'd his abode: Oh when shall we meet in the air, And fly to the mountain of God'' 558 HEAVEX. 2 With him I on Zion shall stanrl, (P'or Jesus hath spoken tiie word,) The breadth of Ininianuel's land Survey by the light of my Lord; But when on thy bosom reclined, Thy fiice I am strengthen'd to see, My fulness of rapture I find, My heaven of heavens, in thee. 3 How happy the people that dwell Secure in the city above ! No pain the inhabitants feel, No sickness or sorrow shall prove Physician of souls, unto me Forgiveness and holiness give; And then from the body set free. And then to the city receive. 171 HYMN. 7's. The Redeemed in Heaven. 1 WHAT are these in bright array, This innumerable throng Round the altar night and day. Hymning one triumphant song: " Worthy is the Lamb once slain, Blessing, honour, glory, power, Wisdom, riches, to obtain, New dominion, every hour, 2 These through fiery trials trod. These from great affliction came ; Now before the thi-one of God, Soal'd with his Almighty name; Clad in raiment pure and white, Victor-palms in every hand. Through their dear Redeemer's mighti More than conquerors they stand. 3 Hunger, thirst, disease unknown On immortal fruits they feed; Them, the Lamb amidst the throne. Shall to living fountains lead: Joy and gladness banish sighs, Perfect love dispels all fears, And for ever from their eyes, God shall wipe away the tears. HEAVEN. 172 HYMN. L. M Vanity of the World, and Happhxcss of Heaven. 1 HOW vain is all beneath the skies'. How transient every earthly bliss! How slender all the fondest ties, That bind us to a world like this ! 2 The ev'nintr cloud, the morning dew, The with'rinir grass, the fading flower Of earthly liopes^are emblems true — The glory of a passing hour ! 3 But, though earth's fliirest blossoms die, And alT beneath the skies is vain, There is a land whose confines lie Beyond the reach of care and pain. 4 Then let the hope of joys to come Dispel our cares, and chase our fears, If God be ours, we're trav'ling home, Though passing through a vale of tears, 173 HYMN. C. M. 1 O HAPPY soul, that lives on high, While men lie grov'ling here! His hopes are fixed above the sky, And faith forbids his fear.. 2 His conscience knows no secret stings, While grace and joy combine To form a life whose holy springs Are hidden and divine. 3 He waits in secret on his God, His God in secret sees; Let earth be all in arms abroad. He dwells in heavenly peace. 4 His pleasures rise from things unseen, Beyond this world of time. Where neither eyes nor ears have been Nor thoughts of mortals ciimb. 5 He wants no pomp nor royal throne. To raise his fisure here; Content and pleased to live alone, Till Christ liis life appear. 359 860 HEAVEN. 174 HYMxN. 10 and 11. View of Heaven. 1 ON winss of faith, mount up, my soul, and rise, View thine inheritance beyond tiie skies ; Nor heart can tliink, nor mortal tongue can tell, What endless pleasures in those mansions dwell; There my Redeemer lives, all brisrht and iziorious. O'er sin, and death, and heJI, he reigns victorious. 2 No gnawing grief, no sad heart-rending pain In that bless'd country can admission gain; No sorrow there, no soul-tormenting fear, For God's own hand shall wipe the falling tear: There my Redeemer lives, &c. 3 Before the throne a crystal river glides, Immortal verdure decks its cheerful sides; There the fair tree of life majestic rears Its blooming head, and sovereign virtue bears: There my Redeemer lives, &,c. 4 No rising sun his transient beam displays, No sickly moon emits her feeble rays; The Godhead there celestial glory sheds, Th' exalted Lamb eternal radiance spreads: There my Redeemer lives, &.c. 5 One distant glimpse my eager passion fires Jesus, to thee my longing soul aspires! When shall 1 at my heav'nly home arrive — When leave this earth, and when begin to live? For there my Saviour is all bright and glorious. O'er sin, and death, and hell, he reigns victorioua THE END. STAI3DARD SPEAKERS, PUBl.ISHED BY CHARLKS DESILVER, CHESTNUT STREET, PIULADELPHIA. SARGENT'S SERIES OF STANDARD SPEAKERS. THE STANDARD SPEAKER; COSTAIXISa FOR DECLAMATION IN SCHOOLS, ACADEMIES, LYCEUMS, AND COLLEGES. ■ KWI.Y IRANSLATF.D OR COMPILED FKOM CELEBRATF.n ORATORS, AUTHORS, AllR POPl'LAR DEBATERS, ANCIENT AND MODKRN. A TREATISE ON ORATORY AND ELOCUTION. WITH NOTES EXPLANATORY AND BIOGRAPHICAL. ^ BY EPES SARGENT. In one demi-odavo volume, of 538 pages, Judf-roan binding. Pricf, $ This Speaker nas undoubtedly acquired a higher reputation throughout eae Dflited States than any other similar work. In its production there has been a groat expenditure of original labor, it contains all the great master-pieces of tlo« fuence, and it abounds in original translations from the Greek, Latin, and Frenoh. SARGENT'S SERIES OF STANDARD SPEAKERS. THE INTERMEDIATE STANDARD SPEAKER, COXTAIXl.va PIECES FOR DECLAMATION, DIALOGUES, ETC., IN SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. INTRODUCTORT OR SUPPLEMENTARY TO THE STANDARD SPEAKER. In one vdume, 12mo^ of 432 paga, half Turkey binding. Price, $' This Speaker contains a capital collection of Dialogues, and short, spirited pieces for dcchimation ; and the original Debalet have aoqiiircd for it a weQ merited and wide-spread reputation. The pieces are quite distinct from those con- tained in the larger Standard Speaker. For beginners in Declamation, this is the most attractive and 8er\'iceablo work in the language; the selections being admirable, the original pieces skilfully bdiiptcd to their purpose, and the whole stylo of the book of a superior character. All the above works are models of tasto in typography, Ac. ; they are printed upon fine paper, and great care has been taken to render them fully equal to the iw^uiremontfl of the present progressive ago. 6 Sargent's Series of Standard Speakers. OPINIONS OF CRITICS AND TEACHERS M jiave no hesitation in saying that the " Standard SpeakiT" is tlic lu-st compilation o; the \ lod, in the variety and in the comprehcnsivenesH of its selections, which has yet beeo madft on either side of the Atlantic. The various pieces are selected with );reat judgment from a long array of celebrated orators and writers, and not only is the volume admirably adapted to serve its primal purposes as a Speaker, but the general reader will find it to be • most stimulating and attractive book, far excelling any work of " elegant extracts" we hav* Been. — £. P. WUippU, Die well-known Essaj/ist and Critic I pronounce "Sargent's Series of Speakers" to be decidedly superior to any I have }ti seen; and I will spare no pains in endeavoring to introduce them, not only into the schoD. of which I have charge, but also, into others, as far as my acquaintance extends. — GiUi UoLliaway, I'l-ina'pal of TaylorsviUe Suminary, Taylorsville, Ky. Beside the old standard pieces, Mr. Sargent has given us a great many new ones, and, to my surpri.se, has put a new vigor into some of the old translations, which makes them quit* new and redolent of their originals. — E. S. Dixwdl, Esq., late Principal of Vvt Public Latin School, Boston. . I trust that the improvement of the pupils of the old Latin School in elocution, will soon afford the most gratifying proofs of the good service rendered them by putting into their handt a collection of pieces so admirably adapted to their purposes.— /Va/icis Gardner, Principai of l/te I'ublic Latin School, Boston. I have been using " Sargent's Standard Speaker" as a text-book in my class in Klocution, and I are. highly pleased with it. It is the best work I have met with. My students are themselves delighted with it, which I consider a better recommendation than any I might offer. — Jasper Packard, La Porte, Ind. I consider the "Standard Speaker" an invaluable companion in the school-room, and that for beauty of arrangement and the tasV; evinced in the collection of the several pieces, it h Ida a position pre-eminently superior to ^at of any other work of the kind I have ever examired. — W. Hamilton Myers, Johnstown, jfti,. Having given " Sargent's Standard and Primary Speakers" a thorough perusal, I sf >all advisedly when I say that they are the best works of the kind ever issued from the American press. I have adopted them in the Institute, and am now using them with great satisfac- tion. — J. D. H. Curwine, Principal nf Institute, Crittenden, Ky. Sargent's " Intermediate Standard Speaker" needs but to be known to be appreciated. Wa shall use the work, thankful to the author for the valuable .selection he has given us, and to the publisher for the attractive mechanical dress in which he has presented it. — M. L Hqfford, Ikverly, N. J. I am very much pleased with "Sargent's Standard Speakers," and h.ive no hesitation in laying that I regard them, in several important particulars, as the best works of the kind that have come under my observation. — L. A. Spencer, Priticipal of Siva7tsbord' Academy, Swansboro', North Carolina. The "Standard Speaker" furni.shea by far the best storehouse of oratorical matter with Whli-h I am acquainted — probably superior to any other in the language. — G. F. Thayer, rretiderU of the American Institute, and Principal nf the Chauncey Place School, Boston. The " Standard Speaker" contains the choicest selections of oratorical literature in th« Vlngl-.-sh language. No man of any literary taste can call his library complete without it. — H'. IT. Boies, Hennepin, III. I have used the " Standard Speaker" for a number of years, and I am very happy to saj that it is unrivalled in the number and excellence of its selections. — Geo. P. Butler, EaM fhland, Maine. The " Intermediate Standard Speaker" pleases me so much, that I shall recommend it to Uie booksellers in my vicinity. — O. O. Wheeler, South Hero, VL I am using "Sargent's Standard Speakers" in my school, and like them very mach. — W 7. Mivchell, GermatUottn, Tenn. 7 Sargent's Series of Standard Spcakei's. OPINIONS OF EMINENT MEN ETC. Mr. Sar(r<"nt hnp piven new and improved traiistatioiis of great merit from the mDst re'» brated orntions of antiquity, in Greek and Latin; from tlie most i'islint;uisliecutionary exercises. This work should be in the posscsbion of eTcry teacher and pupil. — Louisville Journal. "The Standard Speaker," by Mr. Kpes Sargent, is the most comprehensive collection of exer- cises for declamation and elocution wlilch has ever been publis)ie prl-'es several hiiiiilri'il arlirles In prose and vers*', gleaned from the best writers and oratora, ancient and modern. — Autionul InUUiymctr, Wathingtun, D. C. "Sargent's Standard Speaker" Is a very artist-llko book. It eclipses every previous colIa» tlon of the kind, the editor having evidently bestowed u|>on it a degree of lalior which hat been given to no similar proiiuclion. A capital Introductory treatise on elocution, and a full Index, give completeness to the volume. — Sew OrUans IHcayune. 8 Sargent's Series of Standard Speakers. •— ♦ — ♦ OPINIONS OFTHE PRESS. "Sargent's Standnrd Speaker" is one of the best books of the kind yet presented to lh« public. It shows common sense and RuoU sense in its introduction, is judicious in Its ex- tracts, copious in those departments of the Senate and tlie Bar, where Americans should b« best informed, and is free throughout from the prevailing preference— in school-books of thit ilass — for e.xpediency before classicality. Mr. Sargent's taste accepts nothing that is not wor- thy, and omits little that is desirable. Wo commeud his "Standard Speaker" to the atlca- tion of teachers. — Literary World. "Sargent's Standard Speaker" is the most thorough and comprehrnsive collection of elo- cutionary exercises that we remember to have seen. As a compendium of the elo(|uence of all nations and times, it is %yell deserving of a place in every library; while as a repo.'iitory of pieces admirably adapted in their length and general character for declamation and reci- tation in schools, it cannot fail to be wiJely introduced into our seminaries of learning. — Z>* mocratic Review. " Sarf ent's Standard Spe.iker" is an admirable collection for the purposes of school decla- mation, and is introduced with a valuable treatise upon the principles of the art. The .selec- tions, varied, copious, and directed by excellent taste, are from Knglish and American orators, and translations from foreign writers. \V« do what we very seldom do in regard to a school" book — heartily endorse it. — I'romdertce, {li. /.) Journal. No Speaker extant — none ever publi.shed — contains so many gems of oratory, so large an amount and splendid variety of pieces, as "Sargent's Standard Speaker." In the case of se- lections, care has been taken to collect them from the latest and most authentic editions of the works from which they are extracted ; and thus many current errors and mutilations have been avoided. — Troy (iV. I'.) Daily Timts. The " Standard Speaker," by Mr. Epes Sargent, brother of our fellow-citizen, supplies a de- sideratum long needed in our school.s and colleges, and which we hope, for the sake of the hitherto neglected and highly important branch of education of which it treats, may at ones be adopted into the educational institutions throughout the land. — Davenport (Iowa) Gazette. It is not merely as a judicious manual for educational purpo.ses that we recommend "Sap- gent's Standard Speaker" to our readers. It is, in fact, a collection of many of the rarest and brightest gems in English literature, no less adaptt-d to family reading and literary refer- ence than to use in the classes of a school. — New York Tribune. The pulpit, the bench, the bar, the legislative hall, and the lecture-room of our own and even forei.'n countries, have each furnished their contribution.s, and the book has high claims to its title of being the " Standard Speaker." We commend it to the attention of professors and students of oratory everywhere. — Cincinnati Cfiriitian Herald. From a somewhat familiar acquaintance with Speakers of this description, we feel qualifled to pmnounce the opinion that "Sargent's Standard Speaker" is the best work of the kind extant. We have no doubt but it will readily be adopted as a standard in all our schools and colleges. — New York Mirror. Such is Sargent's Standard Speaker," that, while it will be found to justify its title in ths retention of all the standard specimens of rhetoric suitaule for its purposes, it presents, in its large proportion of new exercises of a high character, fresh and enduring claims to popu- larity. — International Magazine. As a book to be used in instruction. "Sargent's Standard Speaker" is excellent, the pieces being well adapted for declamation, and the introductory essay full, judicious, and instmctirflb We commend it to the special attention of young speakers — Cincinnati Gazette. 9 Sargent's Series of Standard Speakers. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. rh« celebratfd ppeeohe* of Kobesiiicrre, "Aj^ainst W:ir." niul " Morality the Basis of CItI tiled Society," and the speeches of Mirabeau iinJ Victor IIu^'o. are now for tlie first tim» placed before the American student of oratory ; and "8arKent's Standard t^peaker" as a whole— its unusual v:irii-ty, nietho ♦ * OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Tt is th» paramount duty of him who prepares a work like the "Standard Speaker" U exflude eviTV 8i.-ntimeut whoso tiMulenry is mischievous, however eloquently uttered, »n4 to suffer not liiiii: there unfU W he treasured Ihrowjh life, and remembered in a dijiitfj hour. Wo h;ive ex:imii)e:ired with it in variety or extent. — Xew York Commercial Advertiser. The whole range of ancient and modern oratory, pulpit, forensic, or occasional, as well as of poetry, dramatic, lyrical, or epic, ha.i been exploreil. and the choicest gems from each bi'cught together into this literary casket. — Lowell Courier. The volume deserves to be, what it-s title claim.s, a "Standard Speaker." — Boston DaH% Advertiser The "Standard Speaker" has been prepared with care, industry, and good taste, and is n*. lazy gleaning from the labors of others. — Boston Post. It may well be called a " Standard Speaker." It eclipses everyOiing of Vie kind hitherto pub, Ushed. It is as perfect in every department as could be desired. — Salem {Mass.) Register. 11 Gargcnt's Series of Standard Speakers. « ♦ » OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. The "Intermpiliate Standard Speaker" is introductory, beiuj; tlio socond in a eerie*, of which the I'riinary ^^pe:lke^ i» ihu tirst. Thus the difTurent lesmiDs iu elocution are ouitabU to the ages of tin- pupils, and tliey proceed iu tlieir ftudies until they reach tlie highest example. The present volume conUtius an excellent preliminary treatise, and cipitul mieo tiODs from the uratioua aud writings of eminent Kuropeuus and Americana. — isuiiday Dup-iUJi. "Sargent's Standard Speaker" is an inruluable book, and Is not likely to be soon super- Reded. Tlii.s, with the Intermediate and i'rimary Speakers, forms a series admirably adapted to the wants of leumers of all ajjes, ii" there is no repetition of pieces in Ihe-^e books ; the throe, eollecliTely, containing all the choice ma.sterpieces iu ancient and modern history. — I'kiUuidr phia Surtli American. The " Standard Speaker" is one of the most superbly executed works that ^rer emanated ftom the .\merican press, and is the best book for the purinjses for which it w;ui designi-d, ever issued in the language. U must become a standard school-book, wherever reading aud •locution are taught. — Xew York Express. The " Intermediate Standard Speaker" is another volume in Mr. Epes Sargent's fine series of cxerci.'ses in elocution. This is graduati-d for pupils of an age between those to which the '• Standard" and the " I'rimary Speakers" are severally adapted, and is withal beautifully printed. — ii'ew York Indfptndtnt. The " Primary Standard Speaker" is the title of an admirable book for the lUtU rpfalrrrs, filled with the most desirable matter, and beautiful illustrations. Tho.se teachers familiar with the other works of Mr. Sargent will need no other recommendation than the name of the author. — Scttool Visitor, Spencerport, Monroe Co., iV. Y. The " Intermediate Standard Speaker" is an extremely Interesting publication, contains • number of excellent specimens of oratory, and will doubtless be a valuable licquisition to the ■tudeut of elocution. — J'hiladclphia Sunday Mercury. The "Intermediate Standard Speaker" is especially rich in spirited declamatory passages, dialogues, and hiiniorous pieces. The arrangement throughout is judicious, and the mechani- cal execution is of the very beat description. — I'liilada. I'tnnsylvania Inquirer. The "Intermediate Standard Speaker" contains a very excellent solid collection of speci- mens of Knglish literature (most of them from the old orators) well selected for the use of ■chools. — I'hiladflphia Courier. The enormous sales of Sargent's Speakers are the best guarantees of their excellence, nnj we are happy to say that n careful examination of the " Trimary Standanl .speaker" has con- Tinced us that its merits correspond to this great demand. — I'luUidUi. Kvcninif Jiullrlin. The "Intermediate Standard Speaker" will make a sensation among the school-lioys. Mitb some familiar and indispensable pieces for declamation, it contains a great variety of new aud spirited pieces in prose and verse. — Huston Daily Qjurier. The " I'rimary Speaker" is designed for children, and every piece in the book \* suiUible to b* committed to memory, and to be spoken by the young. — iVcstminsUr Herald, yew ll'ii minfflim, J "a. .^^___ " Sargent's Interme pupil and teacher. — J\«u» Orleans J'iaii/une. The chimerical "systems," through which a short cut to the attainment of good elocution 4s promised, are .set down at their true value. All the available information on the subject IS summed up in "Sargent's Standard Speaker." — JVew York Home Journal. The " Primary Standard Speaker" is embellished with spirited wood-cuts, and is just the htiok to delight the young pupil, who is looking for pieces to commit to memory and declaim. — I'hUadelphia Inquirer. " Sargent's Primary Standard Speaker" is especially valuable to young people, as it contains R flue variety of original and selected pieces, adapted to the declamatory powers of the youngest pupils. It is beautifully illustrated. — Philada. Sunday Mercury. The " Primary Standard Speaker," made up of original and selected pieces, especially adapted to declamation, for the youngest pupils in schools, is well illustrated, and appears to be an excellent book in other respects. — j^ew Orleans Daily Crescent. Tliere is much in the " Primary Speaker" for its size, acd it contains several original trans- lations from French and Gerunm, together with many Knglish pieces, not to be found in any limilar work. Another pl«asing feature is the illustrations. — Boston I'Ost. For declamation the " Standard Speaker" is one of the best books ever published, and is full of the richest gems of ancient and modern eloquence. — Advertiser, St. J'aul, Minnesoiix. The selections in Sargent's " Intermediate and Primary Speakers" are remarkably dis- irimiuating, and, as far as we have observed, free from all sectional bias. — ..Yeui Orleans Bee. The selections in the " Primary Standard Speaker" are well adapted to their purpose. Such « work was uk:^'!. — Kews Lelier. 13 SARGENT'S SERIES OF STANDARD SPEAKERS. SELECTIONS IN POETRY, iat (bvcrciscs at ^f|]ool i\\\^ at <)Diue. 00 or /1^^& 19 ^ S Q- //flu ^MK. o 7n on< rolume, 12mo., containing 336 pages, haJf-moroceo binding. Pn'cf, This choice collection hng been wclcomod by both toaclicrs and pupiln with loarcely less cordiulity than the well-known Standard Si-kakkr, compiled b^ tae same author. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. "Sarjfcnt'g SclectionH In Poetry" have bej-n niailo by i\ mnn of trup fa«t<'. ami liim«cif ■ irnuine poet He h«ii culle flelil rf {Mirinlical litt-ralure, and to Iibto rulled tlirrcfroni a rare mllertion of unfmliiii; flower*. Thf folume In un exri-lti-nt one for tlie une of m-IiooIs, and no leM Taluatle as a table and littraiy •uinpanlon. — Umton Trarfllrr. M^ny n scho/d will U- enliKhteni-d, and mnny a fireside enlivened by the p«'rusal { bra* |ur< and beautiful edusions of tlio niu!V," "P.FNA," THB "planter's NOUTUKRS DRIDE," ETC. fit iw« VZmo. volume, comprising 322 pages, fialf-moro'XO binding. Priet, ■'Brave yomli! thy worJs urn kindlinR — tbey have waked Ardors I diTiu^d despair hiid queiicli'd fori'Vi-rl I rushed with de.sperHte purpose to tliis wild; Driven to the Teri;e of madness I Thou hast come Like a redeeming spirit 'mid the storm. And brought the wiiiidi'rer back to reason's ROal. Ask not my name or rank. The sounding blnsta May liear them far as their wild wings extend. Give me no name; but wlien in these free valeB IJumor is busy o'er the stranger's relics. Say that thou found'st him prostrate in despair, And that thy hand the fallen pillar raiBclibcrnlivc, Forensic, Academic, and Populiir Eloquence fills up the greater por- tion of the viilumc. It has met with a very rapid sale, and the estimation in which it is held by intclligont teachers has been attested by numerous recom< mendatioDS. EXTRACT FROU THE PRBFACI. " Eloqueno? Is one of the rhiuf elements of politlcnl distinction, as well vi one of the most efflripnt nids in BdvHnring the cause of moral and reliplous Improvement. How nerewary a crirm-t and tasteful elocution is to the education of an oraUir, \b obvious on the i>lit!htest reflc-tion. If it is true that some remarkable men have won their way to distinction aa orators, without lan-fully studying the principles of elocution. It la not less true that their way would have l><>cn smoother, and their difflcultit* fewer, if they had alTordod tbemsclrea this auxiliary ; while, with the fji'nt mn/o no dlrcrsity of opinion as to the utility of the other parts of the work, and, particn. larly, the many pieces In which the iDllectlons of the voice are mnrkel}' calculated to produce a love fi>r the study in the minds of those pupili "cno u.se it. It is bcautilully illu.rd's IFistory of the rnlted Pfntcs" far superior to any work of the kind yet published, as he seems to strike n uiedium between the extremes of dry skeleton and dilTus» composition. It is just tlie thin;: iieel-room. — Philadelphia Nurth American. A» far as I nm :(blf to judRe, " Lord's Iiistory of the United States" Is a most efRiient *c1iool book, and slmuld be in the bands of all the youth wlio have had a sufDeient trainiu); in ea^iiei re:idin(j les.sons. — //. Freeman, Mount Ephraim, Ohio. We sliall lie mistaken if fiiis work is not at onc« hniled with acclanintinn as liy far the be»t »rbocd histoiy in the I'niteU States yet published. It should at once hv introduced iiitc jur I'liblie Schools. — Philadelphia City Item. The fai-ts piven in "I-onl's Iiistory of the United State.s" are well chosen, and pet forth In k manner well calculated t*) fix them in the memory of the learner. — Phila. JCvenimj JinlMin. It is not only an excellent .">chool Iiistory, but an excellent peneral Idstory, that n.ay b« perused with profit by readers of all ages aud acriuireinuDts. - A'ew York Evening Mirror. U LORD'S MODERN HISTORY. A HISTORY OF MODERN EUROPE. FROU TUB TIME OF LIITIII;!'. TO TUK FALL OF NAl'OLEON. FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES. BY JOHN LORD, A.M., UCTCRER ON HISTORY, AND AUTUOR OF A NliW HISTORT OP TUE UNITED STAnt. One volume, 12mo., 544 pages, half-morocco binding. Priotf OPINIONS OF EMINENT EDUCATIONISTS. The narrative is clear, the stylo is animated and perspicuous, the estimate of the charRCMM tod motives of the prominent actors is discriminating and judicious, and, above all, lher» u fcn enlarged and generous spirit running through the whole, which produces the conviction thiit the author everywhere aims at truth, impartiality, and strict justice. — Jared Sparkt, President of Harvard 0/llege. I am satisfied that "Lord's History" is one of the most valuable books which h.is been Issued from the press in this country or in England. It unites the qualities of brevity and clearness, with a power to interest which is rarely found in works of this class. — liev, Dr T\ippan, formerly Professor of History and Philosophy in the University of Neai York. I s:ar-;cly know any work on history as interesting, or better calculated to Knswcr a most rnluable purjiose in the cause of education ; besides being especially useful as a text hcMik, ii may be read to advanta'^e by almost any person in any walk of life. — Prof. II. VTeitfur, i* .i» tipal of the JV'U) I'urk Free Academy. " Lord's Modern History" is a living book, and presents the great events of an age In aa •ttractive manner. Its style is iH'autifuUy simple and graphic. It is remarkable for its ooa- dct.8ati0D aud clearness. — Professor JCesi, Principal of Putyer't Iiistitute, New York. I have carefully examined "Lord's History of Modern Europe," and am fre« to say that, tor the use of schools, I consider it the best history with which I am actxnainted. — Jivia Hhoads, Profeiior of Belles Letires, Central High Scliool, Philadelphia. 19 liord's Modern History. OPINIONS OF EDUCATIONISTS, ETC. I liiive cxaiiiiiicJ " Lord's Motlorn History" with catisfiu-tion and interest, and most rbeo fully cfinicieuil it to faTorabic attention, hoping that it may secure the %-ery lilx.'ral patnin •ge which it certainly ueserveii. — M. L. Stoever, Pro/tssor of UUlury in I'ennsylcania (\AUfft Gtli.ysbuig, I'enmijlvania. I have suflBciently examined " Lord's Modern History" to l)c satisfied that he has made i ' aluuble contribution to tliis important branch of the literature of our country, for thi eriod embraced in it, I should ^\\o it the preference to any other book iu the same depart. Kent. — i>tcplitn Taylor, liiclimoiui, Va. Lord's Modern History" marks the extraordinary events of the period on Thich it treat* nith precision, and iis much candor as is usually the case wiih authors who have favored the world with works treating of the wonders which have transpired, and of the (rood whicb has been done by paper and type, genius and gunpowder. — l^nnsylvanian, PUiladdphia. the author of the " Modern History" has handli-d his subjects with Rreat ability. Hii Btyle is nervous and graphic, and often strikingly eloquent; and the work will prove to l)c an interesting reading-took for schools, besides forming an interesting text-book for the student of history. — W'ashiuijton Union. All know what important events have occurred in the world's history since the time of Luther. Mr. Lord narrates them in a clear, concise, and vi^rorou.i manner, treating each subject in the true philosophical spirit which should always animate the historian. — J'liiia dilphia Eeeniiiy liulUUn. "Turd's Mok for ."chools and colleges, and also as worthy the attention of the general rojuler. — RicUmoud ( I'd.) Christian AtlvoiMtc. .Mr. Ty>rl does not sp.crifice truth to effect, nor sinipliiity to ornament, b.« is the nio fkiralively brief limits, an immensu mass of valuable information. — Vliilud. Jtu/uirfr. Mr. Lonl has cfimpihtl this liook with considerable jud'.:ment. passing over long wasti-* of liirapnrnlively unimportant history, and commenting w ith force upon points oracknowli\lt;od nt«rcst. — JiicJimond (\'a.) Daily Wfiig. " Lord's Mn jects, as well as iu the grouping of his characters. — New Turk Home JountaL " Lord's Modern History" is especially adapted to supply the exigencies of students of hl» tory, while to readers of maturer years, who lack time for more extended treatises, it sup- plies n lucid aud connected sketch of the great events that have transpired since the Protest- ant Reformation. — JS'ew York JounuU of Gjinmerce. The author of" Lord's Jlodtrn IHstory" has been well known as a public lecturer on hto- tory, both in this country and in Kurope, and in that capacity has received very favorable testimonials from the most compcteut judges. — Daily Teltynqi/i, Chlumbia, S. C AVe commend " Lord's Modern History" both to the general rcidcr, and to those who select and examine books for our higher seminaries of learning. — Philadelphia ChrUiian Observer 21 Lord's Modern History. » » » OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Wr. l>ord has furnished in a somewhat mtxItTate conipa.«s. for the use of students and young persons generally, a substitute for those wretihed, lifeless skeletons, with wliich iiublishera and paid hook-makers are fli'OiIitiK us, under the name of ahrid^•ment3. tr histories fi~ia In his favorite subject; and, like all ):eiiuiue eulhusiasm, il imparts it*elf to his readtr — JJMical liepos^ilory and I'tinceton Jievicw. To condense the great and Taried subjects extending over the exciting period of the ]aA three hundred years, so as to furnish a connected narrative of all that is most interesting •nd vital in its history, has been the object of this work. This lias been so successfully Boiomplished that the three centuries of which it treats are clearly and distinctly brought before the mind of the student and general reader. — Banner and Advocate, PiUiburg, I'a. It Is rather late in the day to produce a •' Modern History" which can lay claim to much of oriu'inalitj' or research, but Mr. I^ord'.s aim is not to compete on these grounds with hia predecessors on the same field, but to simplify and concentrate, according to his own system of arrangement, the facts and data whicli go to make up the sum and substance of the many histories already before the world. — Ktw York Literary ^Yurld. " Lord's ^lodern History" is a volume of very attractive appearance, prepared by a well-road and warm-hearted man. full of his subject, full of matter, and full of scholar-like enthusiasm. Tlioujjh professedly written "for the use of schools and colleges," it is ailniirably fittetl for the Instruction of that best of all schools — the domestic circle. — Boston Puritan and litcorUer. It would be difficult to imairine how a volume like the pre.«ent could be used as a class-book in n public institution without imparting benefit,"! rarely experienced in kindred stuclie.4. Indeed we know no other compend covering the same ground equal to it; ami it will be found as interesting and instructive iu the family as in schools. — Newark {X.J.) Advertiser. }i\t. Lord has woven into his work all the leading features and events of the last three coo. turies, and clolheil the whole in his own happy and agreeable style of thought. He merits the scholar's fh;inks for .«o instructive a book, and we hope it may meet with an extensive circulation. — I\'ew i'ork Protestant Churchman. The book is well and boldly written: great thought.s worthily clothe great facts; and the latter aptly suggest the former. The style of tlie work is a model of historical writing. The chronological tables and questions are full, u.seful, and good. — English Journal n/ JCducation. In this excellent History the author has given a connected narrative of the most vital events of tin- last three hundred yeans, avoiding all those minute iletails, and elaborate dis- quisitions, which are calculated to embarras-s young students. — Kducatioiuil Kxposilor. " I/ord's Modem History" should l* possesseil by every one who has not the leisure to rend extensive works, but who desires to l>e informe;h thp ronsMcrablo pcricul cmliraccd, the multitude of characters and events (1;-!inc:itc(l, ami the extent of tlie fii'M in wliiili they fijiurn. have rendered the preservation of historiral unity no easy task, the nutlKir has labored to give the work such a dcjiree of ciimpactni'ss as would enable the sluilent to percoive the relation of all its parts, and to prasp the whole without any very difiioult exercise of comprehension." 23 FROST'S SCHOOL HISTORIES HISTORY OP THE UNITED STATES, Kor tlie ITse oT Coininon. Sclioolc;. BY JOHN FROST, LL. D. CONOENSKD FKOM TiiE AUTllOll'S LARUf UIsroKY OF XIIK UNITKD STATES, BKOXTOHT DOWN TO THE PRESENT TIME. ILLUSTRATEO WITH FORTY ENGRAVINGS ON WOOD. On* vohimt, \8mo., ccntuir.ing 375 page*, neat lialf-roan binding. Price, cenit. Thia smaller history is abridged very judiciously from the larger one, and can Im recommciukd confidently to general use. Many interesting and important factl relative to American afTair.", omitted in other works of the kind, are herein .-ikilfiilly introduced. The sim|)licily of the style cannot fail to jdease every attentive reader. The appendi.i, containing the Con.«titntion of our country, as also a useful Chrono- logical Table, will render the work douhly valnnhle. These invaluuhle Histories are e.Nten.-^ively used in the schools of Philadelphi*, New York, Biiltimorc, Pittshurg, Cincinnati, St. Louis, New Orleans, and are daily being introduced into all the best schools throughout the Union. OPINICNS OF TEACHERS. Iht stylo is clear, concisi', nml spiritiMl; free, on tin- ntii' liaml. fri>ni the nmliilinn." nnil rh» toriral rlmructtT, and on the otlipr, from tlie ni'plijronci' Hiid iimrcuriiry into which nio«t of cur i>r)|iulnr cnmpendH linVH fallen. Af a llistnry of the United Stales, it is, in my o)iiiiion oiori) full iiiid nmre exiut than any of the same size, niul in all otlier resperts prefcrahle, as ■ bk Inlviiilrd to ain of a most important portion of our national territory. " In thin history, written by the arc omplishol Dr. Taylor, the eventi" ore narrated clearly and forcibly; and Justice l.i done to the great cbaructiTH who havo flgureil on that grand thenlr* of human offalrd. The rjuentions for exiimination of pupild, and niottned at the h«'ail.< of cha|>- tcrs, are the same an in the KnglJHh eilition. The Anierlnin ixlitor ha* made pome few addi- tiouH to the U'Xt, Including the limt cliapter, which tprings the history di>wn to the present time, lie haii also inserted the nuiiieroun hisloricnl eniN-llishmenUi, connlminu of portrait*, (y.^tuniid, historical pictureH of battlex and sieged, and vlewK of important placed. In editing the work, he had endeavoreil to coiif..rm to the lutive spirit of improTumenl in book* for th« ttlucatiou of youtb, which It to inoikud a feature of the presoul age.'' ' 20 PINNOCK'S HISTORICAL SERIES. HISTORY OF ROME. PINNOCK'S IMPROVED EDITION OP DR. GOLDSMITH'S HISTORY OF ROME; TO WHICH IS PREFIXED AN INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF ROMAN HISTORY, A QREAT VAUIKTY OF INFORMATION IS GIVEN THROUGHOUT THE WORK, CON'CERNINa THE MANNERS, INSTITUTIONS, AND ANTIQUITIES OF THE ROMANSk TOGETHER WITE QUESTIONS FOB EXAMINATION AT THE END OF EACH SECTION. BY W. C. TAYLOR, LL. D. fillusttatctJ toitl) numerous Huflrabtnss, BY ATUERTON AND OTHERS. A New and Revised. Edition. One vdume, 12mo., 399 pages, half-roan bitiding. Price, EXTRACT FROM THE PREFACE. "Thp TPsenT-hrs of Niehuhr and SPTPr.-il other distinsuishod Ocrmnn Minlars linve thrown a new li_'ht on Uotnan History, nnd enabled us to discover the true ennslitulior. of that re- pul.lic which once ruled the destinies of the known world, nnd the influence of whose litera- ture and laws is still powerful in every civilized state, and will prohahly continue to he felt tc the remotest posterity. These discoveries have, however, been hitherto useless to junior ftud.-nts in this country; the works of the German critics being unsuited to the purposes of schools, not only from their price, hut also from the extensive learnini,' requisite to follow them throujrh their laborious disquisitions. The editor has. therefore, thouRht that it would be no unaccT-ptable service to prefi.t a few Introductory Chapters, detailinir such results from their inquiries .-xs best elucidate the character and condition of the Roman people, and explain the most important .ortion of the history." 27 PDi^'OCK'S HISTORICAL SERIES. HISTORY OF GREECE. PINNOCK'S IMTIIOVKD KDITION Of DR. GOLDSMITH'S HISTORY OF GREECE; REVIfKD CORRECTED, AM) OKEATLY ENLAIUiEI), OT TUB AIiDlTlON OF Sevei'al Xow Chaptern, numerous Useful fsotes, AXD QUESTIONS FOR EXAMINATION AT THE END OF EACH SECTION. ]{ Y W. C. TAYLOR, L L. I). ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS ENGBAVINOg, BY ATllKUTO.N AND OTHERS. Oru vU. 1 'Imo., 3C5 pagtt, half-roan binding. /Vi« EXTRACT FROM THE PREFACE. "The «ltfr«(i<'n« tlmt Imvn Xn-vn mail* In thin npw «Illlon of the Orwian hUtorr Br» K Domrmun and rxtriiiilTp k» almniit to make It ■ now work. Tlieorl({lnal hUtory of Dr. t)cl •mlth mntainn ninny aner
  • tr« of <|iifi>tionnblp nutliority, an. wlillr ho aiwlffni'd very dl'propnrlionatc lenctli to a frw Isolated InrMenla. The prriwnt editor ha* enilraror.Mj to remedy Urth ctIIp, by abrid|;lni{ whatever appeared tK) dllTuM', pxpandlnK tho*^ part* whirli wore ao brief an to In xram-ly intelll^-lhle, and iiupplylni; the numen>uii omla*lont of the original work. The authorltlea to which he haa principally had recourne are the lit*. tortea of (illliea and Mitford In the earlier part of the work, and I>-land and Ua/it fur lh« prrliKl aul>iieoks. Their use is co-<'Xtensivc with the Enpllsh laiipuaire, and their names are familiar t« all mUy haTe reewived an English education. — l^nnsytvaniii Imjuirer, PfiiladeljMa. 1 consider " Tinnoek's edition of Goldsmith's History of England" as the best edition cf that work which has as yet lieen published for the use of schools. — John Id. Keasi/, fYiena/ Academy, Philaddphia. The style and elepance of the Innijuage. the arranKement of the chapters, and the ques ions tor examination, render " Pinnock's lmproTe, simplicity of diction ar^l clear- neKK of style with cla^fic elegance, and which compresses into a necessary compactnek«, with- out confoundinR and obscuring, so immense a mass of matter as is comprised in the annali ©f Old Kngland. The edition which we haTe now to commend to our readers is the latest published, and contains all the additions, emendations, and improvements to the author's original work, which long experience and careful study have suggested. — Qufbfc Mtrcury. "Taylor's History of France" is truly an attractive book for the family and the school, neatly printed, and Illustrated with numenius engravings, which descriVie to the eye iniinj historical characters and events of general interest. As an epitome of history, it is found-tl im the authority of French writers of high repute as historians. The style in which the writer has briefly narrated the great events of French history, is manly and vigorous, yet simple, and iutelliglble to the young. — Christian Ob/erver. " Pinnock's Goldsmith's Histories of Greece, Komc. and England," hold the rank of school classics, and are to be found in almost every school in Kngland anci .America, in which history is studied. In the History of England, the last chapters, which were addeil since the time of Goldsmith, have been re-written, and so cxtendi-d, as to include the nation's history, and % view of the progress of its arts, sciences, and literature, to the present time. — I'/iiludii. HotOi Amtrican and U. S. 6'turite. OoTernment Is seen In Its every form, and society in its every phase, in the History of France. The questions, tables, and engravings, add much to the value of the work. t>f the last there are two or three hundred, ill ustnitive of striking events; portraits of sovereigns auJ prominent characters; and illustrations of the manners, dre.ss, and weapons of the people, in diHerent periods of their national existence. — Christiiin M'alchman, Toronto, Oinada H'. "Pinnock's Goldsmith's England" is 80 well known and univer.sally approved, that any •ommendatiun were superfluous. We need only remark that the tables of contemporary Mvercigns and eminent persona at the close of each chapter, and the mass of Illustrative matter, consisting of not*'S, numerous tables, and engravings, give to this edition a superi- ority over every other one not thus illustrated. — Christian }yalcfiman, Toronto, CUnada )^\ "Taylor's France" Is designed for the use of schools, and Is a part of Pinnock's school series. It is admirably aiJapted to the purpose for which it is intended, and will give to pupils, in a brief space, much useful information in relation to the history of Franc, t^uch works ought to be introduced into all schools, as history is the most important ttudy to which the mind of the young can be directed. — Haltimnrt Clipper. "Goldsmith's Histories of Greece, Home, and England," as now publisliixl, have l>een sub- jected to a UKist tlKTough revision, with a view to adapt them to the present state of histori- cal learning. Numerous notes are appended, chapters have been added, to make the work/ more complete, and to each section, questions bare been annexed for the use of schools. — Wurctitfr {Mass.) J\illadium. " Taylor's History of Frnnro" Is appropriately place«ruslng works moTt in detail. — JifpMican lianner, yashviUt, Tenn. 3« STANDARD W0RL8 ON NATURAL SCiENCBS, PUBLISH 1:1 ) BY (;HAUI.i:S l>i:sil.VKIl, 1229 CHESTNUT STREET. PUILADELFU: A. JOHNSTON'S TURNER'S CHEMISTRl? A MANUAL OF CHEMISTRY, ON Tni BA8I8 or DR. TURNER'S ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY; C0NTA1NI.10, IN A CONDENSED FORM, ALL TIU UUST IMrORTANT FACTS AND I'KINCII'LES OF TUB SCIENCE, ANb D»>iaNID AS A TEXT-BUOK IN COLLEGES AND OTHER SEMINARIES OF lEARNINB. A New tiiitl Iinjirovntl I*I(lition. BY JOHN JOHNSTON, LL. 0., PR0rE880R or NATURAL (taCNCE IN WESLETAN CNITRRSITT. IL1.(;BTSAT£0 by THBBB HUNDHZO and EIOHTSBN BNOSAVIBtM in one volume, 12ino., 370 paga, half turkey-morocco binding. Price, JOHNSTON'S TURNER'S ELEHENTS OF CHEIOISTRY ElilMENTS OF CHEMISTRY. FOR THE USE OF COMMON SCHOOLS. BY JOHN JOHNSTON, LL. D.. PkOrCBSOR or NATDRAL tCIINCI IM TUI WtlLITAK DiriTIBSITr. BBADTLTOia^r IULUBTBaTED with NUMEBOU8 ENOaA7tKOS OH WOOIk A New antl Iinprovetl Edition. /n s and several colli'^es, and is held in hi^h e.-tiiuatioii — John F t'Tazer,/urmcrli/ l^ufcsiur of O'cneral Chemistry in Uie »anA7in JnttituU, J'hUixUtljihia. I repard "Johnston's Turner's Chemistry" as an oxoellent toxt-bof)k. Indeed, to most ttuileiilK in the hiKhur seniiiuiries of learninf;, I know of no book upon the suhjin-t whirh I o.iild reOimm>'nd in prefen-uco to it. — F. Merrick, I'mfrtanr of C/uiniilry in Vie Ohio Wt* 'tyan Vnivrrnly and iHarling Medical tXUUge, Cblumbut, Ohio. Ai a text-txMik, I repird "Johnston's Manual of Chemistry" as fur superior to "Turner's 'vliemlstry," on whirh it is lia>'rd ; Im-Irk more condensed and practical, and yet sufflciently and equally presentlot; the lute rapid advancvmeut of the sclencu. — I^i/r*tor lioolh, /or- mrrly of Uu JJiyh Miool, IhiUidilyhia. I hare examlniKl "Jolinston's Turner's Chemistry," and can recommend It as an excellent •Irmontary work on that sulyuct. — Ji. UuuntrU Hand, I'njtuor t(f Vli€tniftry in Uit Ocntrai Vtffh School, I'hiUxddyhia. 82 Johnston's Turner's Chemistries. ^ 1 ■ OPINIONS OF EMINENT PROFESSORS, ETC. I likfi "Johnston's Turner's CTiemistry " now much better than before. The arrangeinent ef fjucstions at the foot of each page, with numb«'r8 rcfiTrinjc to the para^aphs, is a great help to stunt edition of "Johnston's Turner'* Chemintry " haa been In part re-wrltten, en tir.ly nv,icr«.t/pe.l, and new illustrations prrpareil for It, some of which have been Ukso fr..m the popular work of ,V. h'njnauli. The work Is thus presented as subsUntlally an o^^ final manunl. cmmplul" In Its di-l){n, snd contaliilnu all which oould be gleaned ftvm Iba moct prominent works on the sulJocL — Afu; York .Sie Houcht; and when, as in this, an approved sUndard is taken as the basis, and the • ork is re-written from time to time, to keep pace with the advnnce of discovery, every requU iite to a complete manual is embroced In \U — rhUadelphia yorlh American. "Johnston's Turner's Chemistry " Is formed npon thebai«Uof "Turner's Element* of Ch». »l5fry," and -»nt;iini>, in a condensed form, aU the most Important facta and prindplee of tbt tel*D*«. — -Vow OrUaru BuCtUn. JOHNSTON'S NATURAL PHILOSOPHIES JOHNSTON'S NATURAL PHILOSOPHY. A MANUAL OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY, COMPILKD FKOM VARIOUS SOURCES, AND DESIGNED AS A TEXT-BOOK IN II 10 II SCUOOLS AND ACADEMICS BY JOHN JOHNSTON, LL. D, PROFESSOR or NATURAL SCIKNCE IN THK WtSLKTAX DNIVLESITT. lUuitraUD toft!) Ctcff jHJunHrc^ an"D Cbfttn^JThjo liiifltabfnBS on MSoofc A Ne\v and. Revised Edition, ENLARGED AND IMPROVED. Jh eiM vcUtme, \2mo^ Z'ipagtt, half lurUty-morocco binding. Priot, Tic present edition of this work will be found much enlarged and prcntlj Im prored. Exact in its definilions, ori^iunl in its illustrntiun?, full and fiimiliar Id tsplnnations, the publisher feels confident that on exaininatiun of the work cannot fftil to result in its decided approTal. Recently it hag been rccummended for us* in the common schools by the Hoard of Education of the Slate of New Il'impshire. It has also been adopted in the 111^1' School of C:iinKriliy " was uoanimousljr adopted as % text-book for the use of the pupils. — L. M J\Utcrtun, Secretary. »S Johnston's Natural Philosophies. •— ♦ — • OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. A new and revised edition of this extensively used text-book has been issued. The expla. nntions of the natural phenomena are full and intelligible, and illustrated by numerous en- gravings, while the work combines the merits of simplicity and brevity. — Boston Dailf Journal. We know no better text-book of the physical sciences than this. As a manual for pchoolfi, It is worthy of all prai.xe; and the information it embraces is of a character that every intel- Ugent reader should refresh his mind with occasionally. — Boston Transcript. "Johnston's Natural Philosophy" is a compilation from the most able writers on Natural Science, condensed into a work bearing an original impress, by an experienred teacher. W* commend it to the attention of professors and principals of schools. — PhU.Ko)-Ui AmerKon, "Johnston's Natural Philosophy," de.slgned for the use of high schools and academies, has ooon pre|i;>red in a very able and judicious manner for the comprehension of the student.— Fhiladelphia Advertiser. 39 Johnston's Natural Philosophies. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. This book belongs to n rare ^ipecies. It is better thnn its dcfiKU, and performs more than !l promises. It was prcparuil expressly for tlie tyro of scienoe in our hif;li schools and aOHde Bies. niirl. wliile we ronimeiid its admirable adaptation to that end, we also believe it t< b» equally suit<'d to the wants of a numerous class of general readers, who desire information upon physical sul jects, but are deterred from seeking it in larger and more abstruse trejUi>«t - Literary Ittcurd. Thia excellent and standard work on Natural Philosophy was very thoroughly revi.st-d a f«w year* ago, and brought, in every respect, up to the modern sLindard. But the science ad vances Tery rnpiilly ; and it is only very recently that the Foucault experiment with the [«n dulum. the gyro.scope, and the stereoscope have been invented. All of these arc added to this edition, making it in every respect a very desirable book for schools.— /Vii:/oer. ing BulUtin. n ".Tohn«ton's Primary Natural Philososophy," Intended for the use of young beginners, hfc been very Inippily di-slgiii-d by I'rofi'ssor Johnston. Tlie lessons in Philoi«i|iby are ver', plainly told, and neatly illnHtratem.<a!'ti:d to tiik csk ok com-kges, academics, and schools generally with numerous illustrations. BY KICIIAIID J. DUNGLISON, M.D. Otie vol., royal \2nw., half-morocco binding. J'ricc $ This work will be a comprehensive and accurate text-book on the interesting and important subject of which it treats, and will be found well adapted to tap purposes of Colleges, Academies, and Schools, as well as of great utility to the ge- neral reader. It will embrace, so far as may be deemed necessary, the applica- tions of Descriptive .Anatomy, Microscopy, and Organic Chemistry to the elucida- a-jn of the various sul'jects. (/n Preparation.) G L I M P S K S OF ANIMATED NATURE; C'lMl'KlSlNO DESCUIPTIOXS OF tiirds, Anintials, Fislies, Reptiles, Insects, £Lto. WITH SKETCHES OF THEIR PECCLIAK HABITS AND CHARACTERISTICS; COMPILED FROM THE WRITINGS OP Cuvicr, Buffon, Goldsmith, Bigland, Wood, Godwin, Audubon, Cassln, AND OTHER EMINENT NATURALISTS, AND ADAPTED TO THE CAPACITIES OF ALL READERS. BY J. W. O'NEILL. — *^^ Copfousljj anti JScautffulIn Illustvntrt. In one royal V2mo. volume, half morocco binding. Price $ in this volume will be presented accurate descriptions of every variety of Bird, A!:imal, Reptile, Insect, Fish, etc., written in plain and familiar language, and iivested of those technicalities which are calculated rather to embarrass than to inform the ordinary reader. It will be so arranged as to fill equally well a place in »he family library, or a vacuum on the school-desk ; for which it will be adapted by judicious Questions appended at the close of the volume. The Illustrationi wi'.l be true to Nature, and engraved in the very highest style of the art. 41 GUY ON ASTRONOMY, AND KEITH ON THE GLOBES. GUY'S ELEMENTS OF ASTRONOMY, AND A.N AURlnCME.VT OF KEITH'S NEW TREATISE o:» THE USE OF THE GLOBES. THIRTIETH AMERICAN EDITION, WITH ADDITIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS, AND AN BXPLAXATIOX OF THE ASTUOXOMICAL PAUT OP THE AMKRICAN AI.MANAtt ILLUSTRATED WITH EIGHTEEN BEAUTIFUL PLATES, nUAWN AND KNORaVED ON STKKL, IN TllK BKST MANNER. /n (yv. Tcyal 18mo. rxiume, wrUaining MQpaga, half-roan binding. JVict $1.00. As an elementary work, "Guy's Astronomy" is free from two very common ob- jections — extreme brevity on the one hnnd, and excessive prolixity on the other; but a just medium has been observed between the.-=e two extremes. Every one is aware not only of the impropriety, but also of the positive injury, effected by an attempt to overload the yet unexpaiidcd faculties of the mind by filling it with a too great redundancy of ideas, during a first course in any science; and, there- fore, the Work has been so arranged as to make it suit the purposes of fclmlnrs of different clasiics, cafiacities, and ages, while, at the sumo time, it is rendered mur* accommodating to instructors. The cxl'-nsive and clear definitions of "Keith on the Globes" include every- thing which is necessary for a thorough knowledge of the structure, design, and uses of the globes. The present abridgment has been i)reparcd to meet a demand which has been frequently ina work on A^tnuioniy In rlf»r, Intel- liijililp, nnJ Fiiltfil to till" (^•in|irfhi'n^ion of younn p«'^^onn. It roracrlocH n i:Trni nniuuiit of Infornintlnn, mill Ik writ llluKlrHtr"Vi«l l)y the oiiiiM>l«n of much ■xtrniiroiiR mnttrr, ami tl« rrOurtion c.f ulie nnj (irlcu. On tUr whole, wc know of no whool-bi>ok wliirh ronlninn no tniirh in dc llttio i<|>a»> a.< the new cllthm of (iuy ami Kriiti. — TKiimai h'.uitncr, Jnhn l/ntlam, M'. Curran, Aimiul CUnJtnin, Churl/j Maul, IlrnjK MiUspaugh, Principal of the C'Uitttcai SchiMl, ParmvilU. I linvo your Geometry, and, afler a careful examination of it, I do not hesitate to prt^ -ounro it an excellent wi.rk — the best on the subject tliat I have seen. 1 kIuiII iberufor* •dopt it immedlatuly in the academy. — JfV tJtesUr, Va. ^ Mr. Smith has had long experience in the absorbing pursuit of mathematics. This trentise, eminently adapted to the purposes of elementary instruction, hag attractii-ns al.^o for ad- vanced students, who have the enthusiasm of adept^i for the science. — J'/iiladtlphia Xurlh American. This is an ably composed work, litted for the use of Iligh-.schools and Colleges. The author's design is to present as complete an elementary course of algebra as the time devoted to the study of mathematics in our acailemies will allow. — Saturday Evening iW. Originally prepared for the u.se of the cadets of the Virginia Military Institute, it has sine* been adapted to the present state of mathematical instruction in the schools, academies, and oolleges of the United States. — I'eitnsylvaiiia Inquirer. BRIDGE'S ALGEBRA. A TREATISE ON THE ELEMENTS OF ALGEBRA. BY THE REV. B. BRIDGK, B. D., F. R. S., FULOW of ST. Peter's college, CAMDRIDGE, A.VD late I-IIOFESSOR op MATlIEMATICa III TUR EAMT I. vol A COLI.KOR, HERTS. THE FIFTY-SECOND AMEUICAN, BEVISKD A.ND COIlUKCrKD FRO.M TlIK .SKVENTII LONDON EDITION. In one vol. 12mo., 2'J4 paijfs, hnJf-roan binding. Price 67 cenlt. EXTRACT FROM THE PREFACE. "The favornMe reception which this trentise has met with from the pul.lic, hm Induced llic nutlior, in this edition, to make sonic considerable additions nnrl iilth rntions. The wlnde hns also been rcviseil, and the press corrected, Ijy a friend on whose judgment and accuracy the niithor has tlio greatest reliance. It is hoped, therefore, that it may still retain its character as a useful elementary work on Ihii branch uf uiathcmatical scicDce." 4.9 KEEL'S AKITIIMETIC. ^ SYSTEM OF ARITHMETIC, On an ()riyin;il l^laii ; IlKSlU.VED AS A.\ IMPROVEMENT ON THE SYSTEMS IN COMMON USE. BY SIMON KEEL, A. M., W A S II I NO TON UMVEUSITV, ST. LOUIS, MO. One vol. 18/(10 , cmUainivg Id'Zpages, half-roan binding. I'rice 30 cents. OPINIONS OF EDUCATIONISTS. * '' Kerl's I'rimiiry Aritliiiutii-" is just tlie tliin;^ wanted to fill :i vacnncy among the school, ro lUs now usiil, wliicli liail not been adeiiuately supplied before. We shall adopt it in th« I'reparatory Department of tlie University ; and we reeommend it to all Primary schools, con- fidently believing that they will find it a most valuable auxiliary in laying the foundation of mathematical knowledge. N. D. Tikukll, ) ^.,^^ ^^^,^ ^ Washington Vniver J. D. Low, ) " All parts of Kerl's Primary Arithmetic are illustrated by an unusually large number of examples; and I believe that any student, wiili ordinary attention, will be almost compelled to understand it, I therefore commend it highly, and hazard the opinion that it will be approved by every teacher who will give it a fair trial. — W. \V. Iludsim, I'res. Jfissotiri Univ. I concur in the above recommendation of iMr. Simon Kerl's Arithmetic. — B. S. Head, Pro fcssor of Mathematics in Missouri University. I con.sider " Kerl's Primary .Arithmetic" not only a practical and analytical work, but emi oently adapted to the speedy and .'successful acquisition of a thorough knowledge of the great and fundamental principles which are the very foundation upon which alone cm be built tha »ublinic structure of mathematical knowledge. — James J. Searcy, Principal of Primary De- partment, Missouri University. In simplicity, ."scientific arrangement, comprehensiveness, practical utility, and adaptation to the taste and capacity of the yuung, I consider Kerl's Arithmetic, Part 1., .-iuperior to any simi- lar book now used in this State. I therefore recommend its adoption by the Common Schools of our State, and should be pleased to see it brought into general use by the teachers. — il. B. Stark, Superintendent of thmmon Schools, Jefferson, Mo. I have examined Kerl's Elementary Arithmetic sufficiently to satisfy my.'ielf that the work is admirably well calculated to attain the end wliich the author has in view. The child that has been carefully drilled in the manner prescribed, will make an expert accountant. — Prancit P. O' Louyhlen, S. J., Professor of Mathematics in St. Louis University, I am delighted with the simplicity and clearness with which you have presented the fundiv- mental principles of Arithmetic, and hope that you will receive sufiicient encouragement to give us a complete series of Mathematics. I am inclined to adopt it as a text-book as soon al convcuient, and encourage others to do likewise. — J. A. IloUis, Baptist Fern. Cut. Columbia, Mo. •— ♦ — • OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. "Kol's System of Arithmetic" aims to furnish such a series of mental exercises as will enable the pupil to acquire in the easiest and most direct manner all the knowledge requi- site for undertaking and prosecuting with rapidity and accuracy the study of written .Arith- metic. Vi'e recommend it as a very good introduction to the more abstract and difticult branches of A'.athematics. — Missouri JicpuUican. I am fully satisfied that if the plan of Kerl's Klomentary Arithmetic wore fully carried out by teachers, written arithmetic would be better understood, and each pupil would perform his calculations in a more satisfactory manner than heretofore. — Charles Stetoayt, formerly Tiac'ifr of Mathematics in SI. Louis, Missouri. ■\Ve think well of its plan and design, and commend the work to the attention of instruct- prs of youin. — Missouri Statesman. We believe it will answer admirably the purpo.se for which it was intisiii-:d by charlks u>i:silvi:r, 714 CHESTNUT STKEET, PUILADELI'lIIA. CHANDLER'S COMMON SCHOOL GRAMMAR. A GRAMMAR THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, A CommiUu. Jou.. Walsu, Chairman. D. IIaY.NEJ), J. liLACKMKR, ) OommiUu. The n Orltans Daily liec Decidedly the best English Grammar that we have eter seen. — Cincinnati Daily Allot. (/« r reparation.) THE MODEL SPELLER; IN WUICH, Ey a Progressive Graclalion, CHI JtrVTMLE LEARNER PKSSrS FROM THE SIMPLE MONOSVLLARLE TO THE MOST IHmitrtT WOBM IN TUB ENGLISH LANGUAGE, AND ALSO IIKCOMKS OONVtRSVNT WITH THE DLRIVATIO^CS OF WORDS, AND THE MODES OF GRUUIM.NO THEM INTO SENTENCES. In one royal ISm/j volume., hound in hoards. Price McROBERTS' GRAMMAR. THE SELF-INSTRUCTING MODEL ENGLISH GBAMMAB; EMUUM INii BXEKCISES IN OUTIIOGKAl'UY, ETYMOLOGY, SYNTAX, AND rROSODT, AND A COMPLETE KEY TO THE METHOD OF ANALYZING AND PARSING) INTENDED TO AID TEACUERS AND PRIVATE STUDENTS. BY JOHN A. McllOBKllTS, TEACHER OF ENGLISH GRAMMAR, TENNESSEE. Jm one volume, Vimo, 2^2 pages, lialf-roan hiiuiing. Price 60 oimtt. 49 UIDLAW'S PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY. AN AMERICAN PRONOUNCING DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE; in wnicn TAKUBLE, CONTESTED, AJfD DIFnCtTT SPriLINr.S ARI DESIONATEB ; AND mPIOCUR INFLECnOire, PRIMABT AND 8KCOXI1AKT ACCEM8, APPROPRIATE PREPOSITIONS, CORREiiPUNDLNa CONJUNCTIONS AND AOVKRU-S. AND Nl'MEROUS REFERENCtS tO WRlTlMOa or STANDARD MERIT AtM INSERTED; AND TO WniCU ARE APPENDED MnniTIONS OP OEOCRAPniCAL KAMES, ANT) PROPER NAMF^ Of PERSONS. TRANSLATIONS OF FOREIOR PUBASES, BCLE8 FOR SPELLINO, LISTS CONTAINING THE CONSERVATIVE AND \rEU«TeilLiN OnTIIOflRAPIIIES, AND A COLLECTION Of PROVEROS AND MAXIMS. BY ALEXANDER H. LAIDLAW, A.M. /» MM volume, iquart Svo., oonlaining 600 pagtj, half-roan binding. Priet, $1.25. OPINIONS OF EDUCATIONISTS, ETC. If this book had beon entirely anonymouB, a very cursory exMtiinntion would hnve hoen rufflclent to dhow that it was the work of a practical tcarhcr. AvciJinsf, with wise nioilem- lioD, the attempt to make alar^e and ambitious book, Mr. Laidlaw hu? conti>ntpii hini<act and romprt'lien- (Ivp, and by one, too, who has well known how to supply that want. It is the first Diction- ary which contrasts Web.«t<>rlBn and conservative spellings; and f)r tor«e cnnipletenetis of deOnlUons it haa no luporior In Lb* language. — Philadelphia Sunday Dispatch. At a meeting of the " ControUeri of the Public Schools, First District, Pennsylvania," held at tlieControllers'Chamber, on Tuesday, June 14, 18.')9, the following re."olution was adopted: HftUrtd, That "The American Pronouncing Dictionary," by Alexandir II. Ivildliiw, A.M., be Introduced to bo used in the Public h'chooU of this District. — Hubert. J. JlimphiU, Stcrt- tary of Uu Hoard of Omtrolleri. We have long felt that such a book should be prepared, but did not expect to And It so well done, and In such a comparatively small space. Mr. Laidlnw's dvflnitioni are plain and renxl- ble. The Dictionary, we supjiosc, will become a much-usN in the Knglixli language, but aim) iifTordlng a full insight Into the art •f Kogliab composition. Wu heartily commend Uiis/ticUooaiy to the public — J'mmylMyinicn, 50 Laidlaw's Pronouncing Dictionary. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Vbf volume is distinguirtlieil for a masterly troatmont of the powers nnd properties of onr lon^ue, for a judicious extension of the uses of a dictionary, for a displiiy of nice discrimina- tion in Jiscanling as well as in inserting words, and for choice and cultivated diction. Th« definitions of geographical names, and of the proper names of persons, give it additional interest nnd value. The rules for spelling contain much that is new and useful, and th« contrast of Webstcrian and conservative orthographies constitutes the only full exhiliilinn of the difTerences, advantages, and disadvantages of both systems, that has yet bctu olfered fA> the public. — Daily Argus, Philaddphia. .Mr l.aifllaw's Dictionary is intended to be a manual for all who speak and write, or. at lea^t, for such as desire to do this kind of work with prerision and elegance. It eoniain.«, in a voluiiii- of very moderate size, all the living words in common use in our language, and niMiiy of their inflections, especially tho.se wltich are irregular and consequently most lik« tfi rjiuse euib:irassmcnt to a writer; variable and contested spellings and pronunciations art rrarefully designated, and accents marked. The work is prepared wiih a good deal of care, Hinl we believe it to be a perfectly reliable standard of pronunciation and definition. — CatltoU* J/crald and Visitor. B«sidcs the comprehensive catilogue of words contained in this vofle mrcnm of the Knglish Biiguage, there is much additional matterof a very useful character. The '• hints to spellers" are invalualile to those who have not quite miustered the language. I^aidlaw's Dictionary should be at the elbow of every man who writes, and its substance on the tongue of every one who speaks. We cannot recommend it too highly, and we feel a pride in saying that it IP a rhiladelphia production. — Dailt/ News, Philadelphia. Uesidcs its school purposes, this dictionary will be found very u.seful for ordinary refer- ence in families. It is cert.iinly one of the most comprehensive volumes for its size which we have ever examined, containing among its tables and lisWmany things very useful and wnveiiieiit. The excellence of the larger dictionaries now in use demanded an improvement in the "chool abridgments, and the author of this work has responded to the call. — North Am'.ru.-an, Philadelphia. I'his work contains nearly 40,000 classified words, their pronunciations and primary and secondary accents, variable, contested and difficult spellings designated, appropriate preposi- tions, references to writings of standard merit, definitions of geographical names, and proper nanle^ i f per.sons; translations of foreign phra-ses, rules for spelling, lists contrasting the .'Oii.serviitive and Websterian orthographies, &.C., making it an excellent school Dictionary — f'lMic Lcdijtr, Philadelphia. A book like this deserves a place upon the household shelf of every man. whether he b« laborer, mechanic, or profe.esional. It will be a matter of reference every day. to settle tlios« vexed little questions •' gramatically " which are constantly occurring, and the scholar will find it an invaluable companion in his studies, when a ponderous Webster might prove an ineubus. — Philadelphia Sunday Mercury. This is a carefully compiled, well-arranged, and eminently useful work. It embmcos ■ larire collection of words, to which brief but clear definitions are affixed, and is well calci* lated to bei-ome a welcome visitor in the schools and homes of America, in both of which it will be found a useful companion. — Sunday Atlas. At a time when all the world Is quarrelling as to which is the correct system, that of »<>bster or Won-cstcr. a neat, practical and carefully compiled work like the present, giving ooth rcadiiiL" is much needed. As a school book It is one of great merit — Evening BuUelin. Kor those who would have a Dictionary of a tolerable size, this one is a consideration : and no far as we have examined it. it is in all respects reliable. We commend the work to school* and private fami'.ies, iu< a ready resolver of many a difficulty. — Philada. Evening Journal. 51 Laidlaw's Dictionary — Jaudon's Expositor. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. T^ie pronunciation is carefully marked, the vocabulary full without, as was the case with talker, b«'in(;ov('rburdoiied. In the spellinj^ the author, who is Principal nf the Monroe (Jram- nur School, Thiladelphia, has soupht to provide "a brid>ce on which the advocates of both Ides may meet to compromise," by supplying both the Worcester and Wcbsleriim modes of rrilini;. The different words are given in the body of the work, and sperially at th>' end Ve observe the first place is pivcn to the " WebstiTian," the second to the "conscrvatiTe." 'here is some other tabular matter at the end, libta of foreign words, and a collection of pro •rbs. — TUt Ctnlury, Afw Turk. A peculiarity of this Dictionary, which the title page docs not set forth, consists of a lar^e »OMil» r of " starred" words, of peculiar spelling, and w Inch of tliemselves. render it valualilo \a a first class spelling-book. In other respects, tlie best commendation that we can p<)s,silily Civc it, is the assertion, that the contents entirely and faithfully fulfil what the title pagt >romise3. — J'hiiaJtlpliia Sunday Transcript. This is really a very useful work of reference, in which the true pronunciation of every 4rord in the language is given in the clearest and most familiar manner. Not only is the MHMMiluation perfect, but contested and difticult spellings are designated, while thedefiditicDi ire concise and correct. — I'ltiladdphia Inquirer. JAUDON'S EXPOSITOR. TIIK ENGLISH OltTHOGRAPHICAL EXPOSITOR; Dl.lNO A C .M P E N D I U S S K L E C T I N OF THE MOST USEFUL WORDS IN THE ENGLISH L.VNGUAGE, ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED, DIVIDED, ACCENTED, AND EXPLAINED, ACCORDING TO TUK MOST APIMIOVEU MODKR.S AL'TIIOItS. ALSO A LIST OF MORE THAN EIGHT HUNDRED WORDS, SIMILAR, OR .NKARLY HIMII.AU IN Siit ND, III T OF DIKFERKNT .SI'KI.LIXC AND IMPOnT, BY DANIEL JAUDON, THOMAS WATSON, AND STEPHEN ADDINGTON. Oiu voL, 12mn., 0.! r<^yft, half-roan hindiiij. I'rict OS unit. OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. Ifu mrdlally commend "Jnudon'n K.xposit/ir" Xo all tearliiTs, and to those doslrouii of baT- BR at hiiud a roni|>endiuus mid useful tipellingbook ; ninl there are few persons ^o can-fully iducated that thov do not at times uved soma aid iu this particular. — Evening liulUlin, F/iiUuUlphia. 'Jaudon'i Kx(K>sitor" ia n comprehensive manual, fully supporting its title, |io far or tha — lUian parpoawof mttlBtnlury lustructiuu rvnuttv. — I'hUa. Js'urlh Amcruun. 62 Date Due