$l)c €l)uvd) in Salvation. John ix., i-ii. — Jesus the Light of the World. Eph. v., -8-2 1. — Children of the Light. O THOU that didst divide the light from the darkness, shine into our hearts, and make us know those sins that are displeasing to thee. While thou art all pure, thou art all merciful. Have pity upon our infirmities. And since Christ is our helper as well as our propitiation, may his strength be in us, that we may overcome the sins that easily beset us. Make us to have a right understanding of ourselves, that we may neither cast 6 FIRST SUNDAY MORNING. away our confidence from thee, nor place it anywhere but in thee. This day may our sacrifices be acceptable in thy sight ; our prayers and thanksgivings, and such gifts as we bring to thy house, may they be to thy praise on earth and to our store in heaven. As thou for- gettest our sins, make more worthy of remembrance our service. Illumine the path of duty. Make us to know what thou wouldst have us to do. May what we confess with our lips be manifest in our lives; and as we are fed at thy table, may we work in thy field. This day may thy Son be honored in the preaching of thy word, in the conversion, of sinners, and in the edification of thy saints : and as sacramental praises ascend to thy throne, let covenanted mercies come down to needy suppliants. Make speed to help, O God ! Thy people bless ! Remember thy ancient promises. < Able and willing art thou to restore Jacob to his inheritance and David's son to his possession. Accomplish the number of thine elect : and let Him whose right it is to reign, be king among men as he is king of saints. And thine shall be the glory in Christ our Saviour. Amen. Shed abroad, we beseech thee, O Lord, throughout the whole world, the gift of thy Holy Spirit : that the work wrought by divine goodness at the first preaching of the gospel, may now also be extended among believ- ing hearts, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. The grace of our Lord, etc. first toeck. gun^ag a3t)cning. * satal > 53 - SURELY he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows : yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, ani afflicted. 5 But be was wounded for oar transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities : the chastisement of our peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we, like sheep, have gone astray ; we have turned every one to his own way : and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted ; yet he opened not his mouth : he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 8 He was taken from prison and from judgment : and who shall de- clare h s generation ? for he was cut off out of the land of the living : for the transgression of my people was he stricken. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Gen, xxii., 1-13 John i. f 29-51.- Heb. ix., 11-28. — God will Provide a Lamb. -Behold the Lamb of God. —Redemption by Blood. O God, thou art all holy, all pure and all powerful. We will ascribe unto thee that worship which is thy due, and unworthy as we are, we beseech thee to accept our praise. Thou hast been our Creator, preserver and bountiful benefactor. But above all, thou hast sent thy Son to redeem us from sin, and to give us a knowledge and sense of our duty towards thee. For these and all thy mercies, we bless and praise thy holy name. Besides our homage, we would offer the grateful tribute of our lives, and we would dedicate ourselves to FIRST SUNDAY EVENING. thee and to thy service, separating ourselves henceforth more devotedly to a sober, righteous and godly life. And wilt thou keep us to this purpose. We can do no good thing without thee. So even in our promises and prayers, we need thy help. Give us more grace, dear Lord, and to each and every member of this family as shall seem best. Thou know- est our necessities. That which is weak do thou strengthen. That which is empty do thou fill. That which is sluggish do thou quicken. That which is cast down, cheer. And that which is amiss, do thou in thy own loving way correct. Give us more grace, and this we must have, if we are to be thy true children. And when the days of our pilgrimage are past, bring us to the heavenly home where we may spend an eternal Sabbath in thy presence. We ask all for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. GRANT unto us, O gracious Father, through the merits and intercession of thy Son, perfect pardon for what is past and repentance for all our sins, that for the time to come we may serve thee with a pure spirit and a contrite heart, with devout lips, and holy desires, for his name's sake. Amen. Our Father, etc. first toe*k. iHanbay looming. 1M» »• COME, ye children, hearken un- to me : I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 What man is he that desireth life, and loveth many days, that he may see good ? 13 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. 14 Depart from evil, and do good ; seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open j him out of them all, unto their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the re- membrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. 18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and sav- eth such as be of a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous; but the Lord delivereth Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth 7nonths. Genesis xxviii., 10-19. — Bethel. Genesis xxxii., 24-30. — PENIEL. Ezra viii., 21-32. — AHAVA. O Lord, be gracious unto us thy servants who seek thee early and wait upon thee. Be thou our arm every morning and our salvation throughout the day. Make us to go forth strong in the might of thy Holy Spirit, to resist the temptations and to improve the opportunities each hour may present to us. Let us not be slothful either in the business of this world, or of that which is to come : but whatever our hands find to do becoming our Christian calling, may we do it with our might, as good stewards of thy manifold grace. In our study and in our plans, in our toil and in our pastimes, in our lying down and in our rising up, be thou near. 10 FIRST MONDAY MORNING. II Parents and children wilt thou befriend. Sweeten and support age, quench the fires of youth, and the lit- tle ones (of this family) whose angels always behold thy face in heaven, lead gently with thy hand. Remember in pity such as are this day destitute, homeless, or forgotten of their fellow-men. Uplift those who are cast down, mightily befriend innocent sufferers, and sanctify to them the endurance of their wrongs. Cheer with hope all discouraged and unhappy people, and by thy heavenly grace preserve from falling those whose penury tempteth them to sin. Whate'er we need, do thou bestow, forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. LOOK mercifully, O Lord, upon the morning prayers of thy suppliants, and enlighten with thy healing good- ness the secrets of our hearts, that no dark desires may have possession of those whom the light of thy heavenly grace has renewed through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. nut to*k. jflcmban enmg. » salm m - THE earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein : 2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? and who shall stand in his holy place ? 4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart ; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. 7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors ; and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory ? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. io Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. II. Kings vi., 8-19. — DOTHAN. II. Kings ii., 6-14. — ELIJAH. Luke xxiv., 46-53. — The Ascension. ALMIGHTY God, who art worshipped by the heavenly- host with hymns that are never silent, and with thanks- givings that never cease, fill our mouths with thy praise, that we may magnify thy holy name. From the beginning thou hast planned for our sal- vation : before the morning stars sang together, or the sons of God shouted for joy. And when on Bethlehem's plains thy glory shone again, the song broke through from heaven to earth. Though weak our praises seem, do thou accept them, Lord. 12 FIRST MONDAY EVENING. 13 And as our lips are loosed our hearts are warmed. We feel thy presence near. Although thy throne is in heaven, thy footstool is here, and bending here ask mercy, peace and thy Spirit's power. May angels keep us in thy way, and never let us fall from thee. Our times are in thy hand. A little span is meted to us, what better can we do than pray and praise ? Shouldst thou, O Lord, in thy goodness, spare us yet another day, give us grace, we humbly beseech thee, to serve thee better than in times past. Whom have we in heaven but thee, O Lord ! And when the days of our vanity are past, and these lips that speak are turned to dust, with new faculties may we adore thy name, with ransomed ones above. And all praise shall be to the Father who hath loved us, the Son who hath died for us, and the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us. Amen. Grant, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to have ascended into the heavens ; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. Our Father, etc. irirsttoeek. $ ue 0&ag Jttorning. ^aimm. OLORD thou hast searched me, and known me. 2 Thou knowest my down-sitting and mine up-rising ; thou under- standest my thought afar off. 3 Thou compassest my path, and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. 5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too won- derful for me ; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 7 Whither shall I go from thy Spirit ? or whither shall I flee from thy presence ? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. 9 If I take the wings of the morn- ing, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea ; io Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 12 Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth -months. Jer. xvii., 7-16. — God's Omniscience. Dan. vi., 10-27. — Omnipotence. Rom. viii., 27-39. — Foreknowledge. O THOU who inhabitest eternity, listen to the prayers of thy children. Thou knowest our sins. Have pity upon that which thou seest. That which is hidden from man thou knowest. Turn not thy face from us, though we would turn our faces in shame from thee. Yet thou hast made us, thou knowest our frame. For thy Son's sake, blot out of thy record our transgressions. Remember not the sins of our youth, and for the time to come, make us to conform to thy precepts and be mindful of thy laws. Give us purity of heart, meekness 14 FIRST TUESDAY MORNING. 15 of spirit and watchfulness of tongue ; that in life and conduct we may show that we love thee and one an- other. In our goings-out and comings-in, order our ways and direct our steps. When we leave home may we not be leaving thee, that amidst the perils that beset us from the tempta- tions of the world without, and from its evil influence within, we may never forget thy laws or fail in the stead- fastness of our service. In all places and amongst all people may we be still the temples of thy Spirit, carrying him with us where- soever we go, and ever striving to adorn the doctrine of our God and Saviour. As thou hast brought us to the beginning of this day, defend us in the same with thy mighty power, and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that which is righteous in thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. LORD, hear our prayers for all thy children throughout the world, those in the darkness of death, in bondage to superstition, those who in their ignorance worship and make to themselves strange gods. O that men who would worship, might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. O that thou wouldst be pleased to make thy way known unto men, thy saving health among the nations. That thou mightest reign upon the earth as thou reignest in Hea- ven. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. .first ftteek. (ftues&ag <£ tjcning. fl 0alm 63 - OGOD, thou art my God ; early will I seek thee : my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is ; 2 To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. 3 Because thy loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. 4 Thus will I bless thee while I live : I will lift up my hands in thy name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips ; 6 When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches. 7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. 8 My soul followeth hard after thee : thy right hand upholdeth me. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth mo7iths. Psalm xlii., i-8.— The Thirsty Soul. Isaiah lv. — The Water of Life. John iv., 5-14. — Jesus the Water of Life. As thou hast bidden us come to thee, and as thou hast asked our prayers, we thy children bow before thee in adoration and praise. Look upon us, Father, while we pray. Whether we wake or sleep, we are thine. The love thou bearest us we would own. The fellow- ship thou delightest in we would share. Nor for ourselves alone would we invoke thy favor, but for all dear to us this night. May the members of this family absent from each other be present with thee. Those exposed to danger, do thou protect. Those in sorrow, comfort. Those perplexed, enlighten and guide. 16 FIRST TUESDAY EVENING. 17 May we all love thee ; and whether or not, according as it seemeth best to thee, we all meet together here again on earth, may we surely meet again in the resurrection of the just, and go in together to the house of the many mansions prepared for them that love thee. Quicken us, we beseech thee, in the knowledge of thy dear Son. May his spirit animate our lives. May his example be the measure of our conduct, and his singleness of purpose our aim. May we not live to please ourselves, but to the honor of him who loved us and died for us. Increase our faith as thou dost increase our years ; and the longer we are suffered to abide in thy Church on earth, the better may our service be, the more willing our obedience, the more consistent our daily lives, and the more complete our devotion ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O GOD, the life of the faithful, the bliss of the righteous, mercifully receive the prayers of thy suppli- ants, that the souls which thirst for thy promises may evermore be filled from thine abundance - through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. fmt to«k. tDc&ncsbaij Ittorning. V>° im >* 5 - A LL thy works shall praise thee, | fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. 15 The eyes of all wait upon thee ; and thou givest them their meat in due season. 16 Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all O Lord ; and thy saints shall bless thee. n They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power ; 12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom. 13 Thy kingdom is an everlast- j his ways, and holy in all his works. ing kingdom, and thy dominion en- 1 18 The Lord is nigh unto all dureth throughout all generations. \ them that call upon him, to all that 14 The Lord upholdeth all that call upon him in truth. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Deut. xxxii., 1-12.— God's Bounty. Job xxii., 12-30. — His Power. Matt, vi., 25-34. — His Forethought. O God who through thy Son hast promised to be where two or three of thy faithful people shall assemble in thy name, we beseech to be present with us and ful- fil thy promise. We thank thee for the sparing mercy that has brought us to this day: and that at this morning hour we are permitted as a family to meet thee in prayer and praise. While others have been laid low by sickness and re- moved by death, thou hast spared us. While others have been separated from friends, thou hast kept us together. We therefore bless thy holy name. Accept the offering of ourselves to thee and thy ser- 18 FIRST WEDNESDAY MORNING. 19 vice this day. And the strength thou dost give we would employ in the way thou commandest. We await the direction and help of thy Holy Spirit to perfect that which is lacking in our purpose and power. Our hands, our feet, our minds and all our faculties are thine, consecrated to thee. Our hearts are full of thy love. We want steadfastness and continuance in thy service. Guard us from all perils this day. May our bodies be protected from harm and our souls from vice. Suffer not our feet to slip. The path that divides from the straight and narrow way, may we see and avoid. The sins that we have repented of, may we fall into no more. For thy Son's sake absolve us from all iniquity, and blot out the remembrance of the past from thy books, that we may be assured this day of thy favor. With more grace we can better serve thee and more acceptably. Grant these petitions, dear Father, for thy Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. O GOD, most high and most holy, who dwellest in the holy place, make us holy, and bring us near unto thee, cleansing us from all defilement, that we may wor- ship thee with a holy worship ; for thou alone dost bless and hallow all things ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. inrst to«k. nje^ncsbau averting. $ salm 91 - HE that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge, and my fortress: my God ; in him will I trust. 3 Surely he shall deliver ihee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. 4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler. 5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day. 6 Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noon- day. 7 A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. 8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; io There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. ir For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth vioitJis. Job v., 17-27. — Deliverance from Trouble. Psalm cxxv., 1-5. — TRUST. Acts ix., 22-31. — Saul at Damascus. In the evening, in the morning and at noon-day we praise thee, we bless thee, we give thanks to thee, O Lord of all. Be thou our shield and hiding-place, and as we retire to our rest, may it be in the sure confidence that thou wilt cover us with thy wings. May no danger come nigh us while we sleep. From evil dreams and the powers of darkness defend us. And after needful 20 FIRST WEDNESDAY EVENING, 2t slumber, may our collected powers await thy call. May no sloth or indolence retard, when we should awake to our appointed work. May godliness be our gain. May we ^row in grace and in the knowledge of thy dear Son. Lead us for- ward by thy Spirit from strength to strength, that we may more perfectly serve thee, and attain unto a more lively hope of thy mercy in Christ Jesus. Thou knowest what is best for us, far better than we know ourselves. May pain as well as pleasure, sickness as well as health, reverse as well as prosperity, be accepted by us, and as coming from thy loving hand. And what falls to the lot of all, may we b'e prepared for. When death comes, may we be ready. May heaven be dearer every day, and dearer because of treasures there, and loving ones that are gathering there, and above all because Christ is there. Accept this prayer, O Lord, and our praise, and pardon our transgressions for the sake of Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. Unto thee, O Lord God, do we lift up our eyes, and in thee do we put our trust. Let us not be confounded, but sanctify us wholly, and may our whole body and soul and spirit be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom, with thee, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. Our Father, etc. ifirsttoeek. {£( )Urs fc an jfflfonim& ^alm 40 1 WAITED patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God : many shall see it, and fear, and shall ttust in the Lord. 4 Blessed is that man that mak- eth the Lord his trust, and respect- eth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O Lord my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward ; they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them they are more than can be numbered. 6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin-offer- ing hast thou not required. 7 Then said T, Lo, I come : in the volume of the book it is writ- ten of me, 8 I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Lev. iv., i-i2. — The Sin Offering. Mai. i., 6-i i. — The Pure Offering. Rom. xii., i-ii. — A Living Sacrifice. Almighty God, we enter on the duties of this day imploring thy favor and blessing. We leave all our af- fairs in thy Fatherly hand. Thou makest poor and mak- est rich. Let thy will rule all things for us, and give us what thou seest best for our welfare. We seek not great things for ourselves in this world, but rather choose that good part which shall never be taken from us. Give us, O Lord, this day not to please ourselves, but thee, the living God, who givest us richly all things to FIRST THURSDAY MORNING. 23 enjoy. May no discontent or pride or lust lurk in our hearts. May no disparagement or ill-will pass our lips. May no lightness, fear or idleness mark our conduct. But in all things may we live as becomes our profession, and as those purchased by the precious blood of Jesus Christ. May it please thee to give us the constant assistance of thy Holy Spirit to guide us in our ways ; and by his blessed influence may we be enabled to love thee above all things, and our neighbors as ourselves. Finally, grant to every member of this family, and to all our friends wherever they may be, thy peace and heavenly consolations. Make us to be of one heart and mind, loving and serving thee on earth, and becoming day by day better prepared for that eternal kingdom which thou hast promised to thy faithful servants by and through thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the Cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility ; mercifully grant that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection ; through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. iHrst tocek. ^;^ ur0 baij ^tjeuittg. Jol > n 10 - 1AM the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf com- ing, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep, 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself : I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This com- mandment have I received of my Father. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Psalm xxiii. — The Shepherd Leads. Ezek. xxxiv., 11-16. — He SEEKS. Heb. xiii., 12-21. — He Saves. We come to thee, gracious Father, with many needs. We have much to ask. Thou hast much to give, and as we ask in thy Son's name, withhold not thy hand. Give us pardon for our sins, gratitude for mercies past, and grace to use the time and strength already ours in thy service. Grant us patience under any afflictions thou shalt see fit to lay upon us, and contentment with our lot. Make us charitable towards others' faults, penitent on account of our own. Set a watch, O Lord, before our mouths, and keep the door of our lips, and 24 FIRST THURSDAY EVENING. 25 let nothing we shall do or say this day be a cause of regret to ourselves, or of offense or evil influence to others. Dispose us faithfully to employ our faculties in the various duties of our calling, with an eye single to thy glory, and make us willing in all respects to deny our- selves that we may live unto thee. In prosperity suffer us not to forget thee,. our chief good. And in seasons of trouble, when the sorrows of our hearts are enlarged, assist us with the consolations of thy Spirit. These and all other needful blessings we ask for all who are dear to us, as well as for ourselves : and, we hum- bly beseech thee, grant to them and to us, thy favor in this life and in the world to come life everlasting ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O THOU who art the Good Shepherd, who hast laid down thy life for the sheep, be thou our guide, and we shall lack nothing in the green pastures wherein thou feedest us, until we are brought to the pastures of eter- nal life, to find there our names written in the Lamb's Book of Life, for thine own blessed sake. Amen. Our Father, etc. .first {Deck. JfribaD Jttotmng. matt. 7. ASK, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 8 For every one that asketh, re- ceiveth; and he that seeketh, find- eth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you, whom, if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone ? io Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent ? II If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him ? 12 Therefore all things whatso- ever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them : for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate ; for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat : 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Psalm lxxxvi., 1-12. — David's Prayer. II. Chron. i., 7-13. — Solomon's Prayer. Matt, vi., 5-15. — How to Pray. Hear, O thou Shepherd of Israel, thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep, show thyself also, thou that sittest upon the cherubim. And as we kneel before thy throne, thou knowest our several wants. For one grant com- fort ; for one restoration ; for another peace ; for one a new heart ; for another new supplies of grace ; for all pardon. Especially look upon (the children of) this household, present or absent. May they be inspired with love for thee, with wisdom, prudence and industry. May they be submissive to thy laws, and live in harmony and 26 FIRST FRIDAY MORNING. 27 deference towards one another. Keep them from the contagion of the world, and after a life of obedience and usefulness in thy kingdom, make them members of thy family above. Grant that thy Holy Spirit may move each one of us to serve thee every day with renewed energy and affection, abounding more and more in knowledge, judgment and charity, approving those things that are excellent, that we may be diligent and sincere and with- out offence until the day of Christ. Be merciful, O Lord to the poor and afflicted, and relieve them out of their distress ; that they who have no helper but only thee, may find their comfort and support in him who came to bear not only the sins but the sorrows of the world. All of which we ask for his Name's sake. Amen, Almighty and everlasting God, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve ; pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy ; forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen, Our Father, etc. first totk. £x\bay abetting. ma "- 21 BUT as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark. 39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away ; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 42 Watch therefore ; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come 43 But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. 44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. 45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season ? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Luke xii., 32-40. — Christ to Return. Acts i., 1-12.— Visibly as He Went. Rev. L, 1-8.— In Clouds. We draw nigh to thee, O Father, for an evening bless- ing. Disclose to us the glories of the heavenly home to which thou hast called us, and which thy Son has gone to prepare : and whether we are to go to our Lord, or he is to come to us, may we be among those who shall be received and rewarded as faithful servants. May we count no happiness so great as entering into the joy of our Lord, and may no hope be to us more dear than the blessed hope of his appearing. As we recount and celebrate the sufferings of Christ, 28 1 FIRST FRIDAY EVENING. 29 may we be mindful of his triumph. As we have been thankful for his life past, and for prophecies of trial and distress fulfilled, so may we be expectant of promises of vindication in store. O God, increase our faith, and kindle within us that holy joy that thou hast vouch- safed for those who watch and wait his coming. Grant that we may never be cast down, and whatever disappointments and pain we are called upon to bear, they may be accepted in an humble reliance upon the will and the wisdom of him who doeth all things well. We beseech thee, O Lord, that of thy gracious good- ness, shortly to accomplish the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy kingdom, that we, with all those who are departed in the true faith of thy holy Name, may have our perfect consolation and bliss, both in body and soul, in thy eternal and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life ; grant us, we be- seech thee, that having this hope, we may purify our- selves, even as he is pure ; that when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom ; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. Our Father, etc. first fcOeek. Statar&aD Morning. » Sfllm 51 - HAVE mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving-kind- ness; according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my trans- gressions; and my sin is ever be- fore me. 4 Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight; that thou mightest be justi- fied when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. 5 Behold, I was shapen in in- iquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. 6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts; and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. 7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months, ♦Psalm cxxx. — Out of the Depths. Matt, xviii., 21-35. — OFFENSES. Col. iii., 12-25. — Forbearance. O, MOST holy and blessed God, before whom the angels veil their faces, fill us with awe and reverence as we draw ni^h to thee. As unworthy as we are, thou hast invited us to come. In thy dear Son's name, and not for anything that we are, or for anything that we have done, do we make now our petitions unto thee. Give to each of us, dear Lord, a clear knowledge of our duties and responsibilities, and besides this, wisdom and strength, that these may be discharged by us with diligence and fidelity. Whatsoever good thing our hands may find to do this day, may we do it with our might, remembering that the 30 FIRST SATURDAY MORNING. 31 night of death cometh when no man can work, and that after death there is the judgment. May no evil thoughts or angry tempers, may no doubts or fears disturb us, but may we ever put our trust in thee and find guidance, hope and consolation in the blessed gospel of thy Son. May our hearts be so rooted and grounded in love for thee that no difficulties, however great they may be, may discourage us in the way of well-doing. Increase in us that which is lacking ; raise up that which is fallen ; restore to us that which has been lost ; quicken within us that which may be ready to die ; so that we may serve and obey thee in all things, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We pray as well for thy blessing for all those who are dear to us, wherever they are, that they may be filled with the knowledge of thy will in wisdom and understanding, and in one heart and mind may ever seek thy glory and the salvation of souls ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O LORD, we beseech thee, mercifully hear our prayers, and spare all those who confess their sins unto thee ; that they, whose consciences by sin are accused, by thy merciful pardon may be absolved; through Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. .first tDeek. Saturbag dfocniwj. ® mm 51 CREATE in me a clean heart, O God ; and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit: 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be con- verted unto thee. 14 Deliver me from Mood-guilti- ness O God thou God of my sal- vation; and my tongue shall sing aloud of thy righteousness. 15 O Lord, open thou my lips; and my mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 16 For thou desirest not sacrifice, else would I give it; thou delightest not in burnt-offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a con- trite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 1 3 Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Thin shalt thou be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with burnt-offering, and whole burnt-offering: then shall they offer bullocks upon thine altar. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Isaiah lix., I2-2I. — OUR TRANSGRESSIONS. Luke xv., 11-32. — The Prodigal Son. I. John iii., 1-9. — The SONS OF God. Almighty and most merciful Father, who hast of thy goodness brought us to the close of another week, accept our united thanks for all thy mercies. May we ever be mindful of thy great goodness, and own thy hand in every gift. In many ways we have offended thee, in thought, in word and in deed. Pardon, we beseech thee, for the sake of thy Son, all of these transgressions, and what- ever we have done to offend thy sight, which is all pure, and to grieve thy heart, which is all loving, we have no 32 FIRST SATURDAY EVENING. 33 sufficiency in ourselves ; all is in thee. Make us clean hearts, O God. Renew a right spirit within us. Cast us not away from thy presence. And take not thy Holy Spirit from us. Prepare us for thy holy day and for the privileges of thy sanctuary. May we go into thy presence with thanksgiving and enter thy courts with praise, and with all evil first cast out from the sanctury of our own souls, we would render unto thee that adoration which is thy due. Commending ourselves and all dear to us this night unto thy gracious and loving care, we would ascribe all praise unto the Father who hast made and who hath loved us, unto the Son who hath redeemed us, and unto the Holy Spirit w r ho sanctifieth us. Amen. Grant, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him ; and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection ; for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. gec0tti> towk. un ^ a g jflorning. ^ salm 122 - 1WAS glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. 2 Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together. 4 Whither. the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testi- mony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord. £ For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusa- lem : they shall prosper that love thee. 7 Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. 8 For my brethren and compan- ions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. 9 Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good. Other selections fro7n the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fottrih months. Ezek. xliii., 1-9. — God's House Honored. Mai. iii., 10-18. — Offerings of the Sanctuary. Luke iv., 16-30. — Jesus in the Synagogue. ALMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who through him hath given free access to thy presence, and art graciously inviting us on thy holy day to the worship of thy house, bestow upon us the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that we may serve thee with reverence and with fear. Impress upon our minds a just sense of thy attributes, and upon our hearts a grateful sense of thy bountiful love and care. Above all, let our souls be stirred to bless thee for the riches of thy grace and to give thee the glory due to thee for our redemption. We magnify and praise thy name that thou didst so love the world as to give thine only-begotten Son, that 34 SECOND SUNDAY MORNING. 35 whosoever believeth on him might not perish but have everlasting life. We thank thee that he was made flesh and dwelt among us, that he fulfilled all righteousness and that being wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities, he rose again from the dead, that he ascended into the heavens, and being at thy right hand, has received for us the promise of thy Holy Spirit : that touched with the feeling of our infirmities, he ever liveth to make intercession for us: and that having gone to prepare a place for his people, he will come again and receive them unto himself, that where he is they may be also. And as thou hast given us thy holy Word to be a lan- tern to our feet amid the darkness of this world ; have compassion upon all who, by denying the Gospel of thy dear Son, have been led far off from peace and become estranged from prayer ; open their hearts to the truth, help them to cast down every proud thought, and make them to become as little children that they may be wise ; through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. Now, O God, our hope is in thee. Let thy presence go with us, and may thy grace be sufficient for us, that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts may always be acceptable in thy sight. In this hour fill us, O Lord, with thy mercy, that rejoicing throughout the whole day, we may take delight in thy praise; through jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. 0«ott&to«k. UU ^ aB (gtjcmng. Met - BLESSED be the Lord God of Israel ; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, 69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David. 70 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began : 71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us ; 72 To perform the mercy prom- ised to our fathers, and to remem- ber his holy covenant ; 73 The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, 74 That he would grant unto us, that we bein^ delivered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, 75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And thou, child, shalt be call- ed the prophet of the Highest ; for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways ; 77 To give knowledge of salva- tion unto his people by the remis- sion of their sins, 78 Through the tender mercy of our God ; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us, 79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. I. Sam. ii., 1-11. — HANNAH'S PRAYER. Luke i., 46-55. — Mary's Song. Rev. v., 9-14. — The New Song. Almighty God, who in time past spake unto the fathers by the prophets, and in these last days has spoken unto us by thy Son, make us, we beseech thee, deeply sensible of our high privilege and the blessed- ness of our high calling in Christ Jesus. Renew and strengthen our faith in his all-atoning sac- rifice, and thus may the work of grace be carried forward in our hearts this day, and may we be established wholly 36 SECOND SUNDAY EVENING. 37 in the liberty of the sons of God, and so live to thy honor and glory. Bless the preaching of thy Word to old and young, and may as many as receive it live as becomes it. Be gra- cious unto thy Church, and grant that every member of the same may truly and godly serve thee, fulfilling each his high vocation, as a child of God and an heir of the promises of the life to come. May they show forth thy praises, who hast called them out of darkness into mar- vellous light. Preserve them from the sin of offending thy little ones who believe in thee, and from causing thy Word to be blasphemed. Make them as the salt of the earth, and as a light in the world ; that so, be- holding their good works, and won by their holy lives, multitudes may be turned to thy truth, to glorify thee in the day of visitation. Take us, Father, and all those who are dear to us, into thy holy keeping this night. May our united prayers continually ascend to the throne of thy grace, and may thy blessing rest upon us now and evermore. And whatever good things thou shalt see to be fitting for us, and for thy Church, and for all mankind, we humbly beg, through the merits and mediation of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. O GOD, glory to thy name for this blessed day. Make it ever a day of reverent joy and holy gladness of heart; and so bring home to us the greatness of our spiritual mercies in Christ, that we may be filled with love and praise, and evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. Zuonb toeek. jttonbai) morning. 2 ® im - 4 - I CHARGE thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom ; 2 Preach the word ; be instant in season, out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffer- ing and doctrine. 6 For I am now ready to be of- fered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day : and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Isaiah xlix., i-ii. — Israel a Missionary. Luke xxiv., 33-53. — The Missionary Church. II. Cor. iv., 1-18. — Treasure in Earthen Ves- sels. O ETERNAL God, by whose power we were made and by whose goodness we have been preserved, let our cry come to thee for our Redeemer's sake. Refreshed by the rest and services of thy holy day, O Father, may we go forth to the employments of another week, secure in the pardon of our sins and strengthened for every good work. May we by the constancy of our lives show that we have not heard thy Word in vain. Whatever our hands find to do accord- ing to thy will, may we do it with our might. Impress upon us the responsibility of our high calling in Christ Jesus, and make us good stewards of the mani- 38 SECOND MONDAY MORNING. 39 fold grace of God. From indifference to thy will, from the love of gain, from excessive worldliness and pride, from discontent and alienation, from needless perplexity and untimely projects, wilt thou deliver us, O Lord. aking us duly sensible of our dependence upon thy favor, may we thus secure the good will of our fellows, the approval of conscience, and above all thy divine benefaction, May we fight successfully a good fight, and keep the faith. May the temptations of age be passed, as well as those of youth ; the dangers of sorrow and loss, as well as those of joy ; and may we at the end receive the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will give to all who love him at his appearing, for his own Name's sake. Amen. Send down, we beseech thee, O Lord, upon the min- isters of thy Gospel, the continual dew of thy blessing, and especially remember for good those who labor as missionaries in foreign lands. Preserve them, O thou Father of mercies, from all perils and dangers, from sick- ness, from enemies, and from every evil to which they may be exposed. May we ever be ready to give of our substance, and rejoice to be instrumental in extending to others those blessed privileges which through thy goodness we enjoy. May we pray "earnestly, and strive diligently, that the gospel of Jesus Christ may be truly preached to every creature. Pardon, O Lord, our weak- ness, and the coldness of our love and zeal for thee and for thy Church ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. Second toeek. jitoubag Veiling. 2 Cflr - FOR the love of Christ constrain- eth us ; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead : 15 And that he died for all, that they which live should not hence- forth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 16 Wherefore, henceforth know we no man after the flesh ; yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature : old things are passed away ; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God who haih reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself ; not imputing their tres- passes unto, them ; and hath com- mitted unto us the word of recon- ciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did be- seech you by us : we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months Job ix., 25-35. — Job's Reflections. Dan. ix., 3-20. — Daniel's Prayer. Rom. v., 1-15. — Justification through Christ. ALMIGHTY God, Father of all mercies, we humbly beseech thee to forgive whatever thou hast seen amiss in our thoughts, words or actions, and help us to repent of our sins, and amend our ways. May the sense of our past failings make us more watchful for the future Make us circumspect in con- duct, conciliatory in our temper, and just in all of our decisions. Prepare us for whatsoever change in our con- dition thou mayest have in store for us, so that sickness 40 SECOND MONDAY EVENING. 41 as well as health, adversity as well as prosperity, sorrow as well as joy, may promote our spiritual discipline. Grant that to the end of our appointed time we may walk worthy of our Christian calling, and at last receive a heavenly heritage through the merits of him who has has purchased it for us, thy Son our Saviour. The day is gone ; we give thanks, O Lord. Evening is at hand ; make it bright to us. As day has its even- ing, so also has life. O Lord, make the evening of life bright unto thy servants. Forsake us not when our strength faileth us. The day is fled and gone : life too is going. Night cometh, death also. Into thy hands, Lord, we commend body, soul and spirit. Let us re- member thee upon our bed, and think of thee in our waking. We will lay us down in peace, and take our rest, for it is thou Lord only, that makest us dwell in safety. Hear us O Father, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen, O THOU Almighty Lord, who art a most strong tower unto them that put their trust in thee, to whom all things in heaven, and in earth, and under the earth, do bow and obey, be now and evermore our defence ; and make us to know and to feel, that there is none other name under heaven, given to man, in whom and through whom we may receive health and salvation, but only the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. OUR Father, etc. secoubtouk. & U e 5ag Morning. Jol > n6 - VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die, 51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. 52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat. 53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ex- cept ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you. 54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third a7id fourth months. Exodus xvi., 1-30. — The Israelites Fed. Isaiah lv. — The Free Invitation. Luke xxii., 14-20. — The INSTITUTION. O GOD, thou art our God, early will we seek thee. Our soul thirsteth for thee. Our flesh longeth after thee in a barren and dry land where no water is. Thou art our daily dependence, O God. As thou didst feed thy peo- ple Israel, do thou fill our souls with heavenly food. Apart from thee we die, and as Christ is our life and sustenance, may we live in him. Make us not indifferent to the calls for help and sym- pathy from those about us. May we find place for some 42 SECOND TUESDAY MORNING. 43 kind deed, some healing word, some unselfish endeavor, that may lessen the sorrow and suffering in the world. May we not be blind to our opportunities, but achieve a high and holy calling, doing our best in that state of life in which thou hast been pleased to call us. May we use this day as if it were the last, impressed with our privileges, and thankful for the span of life allotted to us. Fit and prepare us by thy grace for every duty ; give us the spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind ; strengthen us to endure hardness ; and grant that both by our lives and doctrine we may show forth thy glory. Grant, Father, that we may be witnesses to the pres- ence and power of Christ in the world. May our country have thy blessing and our rulers thy will, as their coun- sel and guide. The President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and all in authority, do thou make sensible of the great charge committed to them, that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may serve thee with reverence and fear. Make the right arm of thy power to be seen among the nations, that men may know thou rulest all things, and that as thine they are, it is for them to worship and obey. Hear this prayer, O Father; this nation save, and thy people bless; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, O God, the Bread of our life, look upon us. Be thou the guardian of our bodies, be thou the Saviour of our souls; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. 0cconb tDwk. ftucsbmj (footing. ® tbtm * 12 < WE have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence : shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? io For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleas- ure ; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. ii Now no chastening for the present seemerh to be joyous, but grievous : nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of right- eousness unto them which are ex- ercised thereby. 12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees ; 13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way ; but let it rather be healed. 14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Other selections from the Holy Scrifttzires for the seco7id, third and fourth months. Psalm xci. — The Secret Place. II. Cor. iv., 8. — Troubled but not Distressed. I. John iv., 9-21. — Love Casteth out Fear c O God, the King of glory, who hast exalted thine only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto thy kingdom in heaven; we beseech thee, leave us not comfortless; but send to us thine Holy Ghost to comfort us, and exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before. Let thy grace forgive, thy power de- fend, thy blood and merits plead for us and supply all the defects of our confession and repentance. This night may we go to our rest in a full and confid- ing trust in thy love and wisdom, as well as in thy power. May we realize that he that spared not his own Son, but freely offered him up for us all, will freely also give us all things. 44 SECOND TUESDAY EVENING. 45 Should thou call us to resign what is dear to us, we beseech thee lay upon us no heavier load than thou wilt enable us to bear ; and suffer us not to murmur at thy chastisements or to despair of thy mercy. Inspire us with true and heavenly wisdom and patience, that if we see not the reasons that direct thy providence, we may yet meekly and submissively answer the ends thou dost propose by it. While we are in the world, keep us from the evil, and let thy good Spirit in all things direct and rule our hearts. And when, O gracious God, we shall have done and suffered all thou hast appointed for us, may we find our rest in those mansions of peace prepared for the righteous by our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. O LORD God, w^e give unto thee our bodies and souls and spirits to be thine forever, in sickness and in health, in poverty and in wealth, in fulness and in want, in life and in death. Use us for thyself, and for the glory of thy blessed name. We are not our own, but thine. Therefore claim us as thy right, keep us as thy charge, love us as thy children ; for our Redeemer's sake. Amen. OUR Father, etc. Qnonh to«k. tiJebnesbai) fttorning. Jol > n 15 I AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that bear- eth not fruit he taketh away; and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of it- self, except it abide in the vine ; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. 5 I am the vine, ye are the branches ; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit ; for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered ; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. 8 Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit ; so shall ye be my disciples. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third a?id fourth months. Prov. xvi., 18-25. — Trust in the Lord. Eph. iii., 14-21. — Strengthened with Might. I. John ii., 13-29. — The Love of God Perfected. O Lord, our Heavenly Father, whose power is infi- nite and whose mercy is everlasting, we, thy dependent creatures, most humbly thank thee for thy providential care of us during the past night, and we beseech thee to watch over us, and to direct our steps throughout the day. Save us from all things that can harm the body, and especially from whatever can assault and hurt the soul. We confess before thee that we have departed from thy ways and transgressed thy commandments, and that 46 SECOND WEDNESDAY MORNING. 47 we are unworthy of the least of thy favors. Shame and confusion have covered our face. Draw us to thyself, and suffer us to feel and to know that we are thine, and bought with thy precious blood. So may we go and sin no more. As members of the same family and as friends, may we know our value to each other and to thee. Make us Lord, kind, gentle and forbearing one towards another. Contrariness do thou correct, and the overlooking of tender ties and the magnifying of differences. Make us helpful and ever desirous of promoting a common good. Let there be no growing apart in the interest of those providentially made one household. The asperities of age do thou soften, the inconsequences and irresponsi- bility of youth do thou subdue. From undue exactions of those who serve us, and from improvidence and dis- content by those who serve, do thou deliver us, O Lord. One in thee, may we be one in each other ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Be thou, Lord, ever with us, within and without, to strengthen and guard, to guide and stablish us. Thus shall we be thy loving children,, and thou our Divine Master, and our life shall be service on earth and joy in Paradise. We ask it for our Saviour's sake. Amen. OUR Father, etc. Btconh to«k. nje&nea&ar) <£oening. Sol}n 3 - JESUS answered. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the fledr is flesh ; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou heareth the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 13 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up ; 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eter- nal life. 16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever- lasting life. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Isaiah liii. — Crucified with Christ. Rom. vi., 1— 13. — Buried with Christ. Col. iii., 1— 1 5. — Risen with Christ. O God, whose nature and property is ever to have mercy and to forgive, receive our humble petitions ; and though we be tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet let the pitifulness of thy great mercy loose us; for the honor of Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Advocate. O Lord, the only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ ; O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the world, receive our prayer. Thou that sittest at the right hand of God the 43 SECOND WEDNESDAY EVENING, 49 Father, have mercy upon us. For thou only art holy ; thou only art the Lord; thou only, O Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in the glory of God the Father. And as we beseech thee, O Lord, to forgive the sins, negligences and ignorances of the past day, so may it please thee to endue us with the grace of the Holy Spirit, to amend our lives according to thy holy Word. Forgive, we beseech thee, the impatience of our un belief, make perfect that which is lacking in our faith, and while we tarry thy fulfilment of the ancient promises, grant us to have a good hope for the time to come. This night may we go to our rest in a sure confidence that thou art our Friend. May the morning hours awaken us to a new sense of thy presence, and the new purposes of sacrifice and separation to thy service, and thus may we be protected against the great adversary of souls. Grant this, O Father, through the merits and the mediation of thy dear Son Jesus Christ. Amen. O God, who by the Resurrection of thy well-beloved Son from the dead hast brought life and immortality to light; grant, we humbly beseech thee, that, because he liveth, we may live also ; and that, being risen with Christ, we may evermore walk in newness of life, and seek those things which are above; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen* OUR Father, etc. Seconb toeek. ft| )UV6 & a ,j iflormitQ. 9™- 13 - A SOFT answer turneth away wrath; but grievous words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despiseth his father's in- struction: but he that regardeth re- proof is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure: but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge : but the heart of the foolish doeth not so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord: but the prayer of the upright is his de- light. 9 The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the Lord: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Psalm cxli. — The Door of the Lips. I, Cor. xiii., i-i 3.— Charity. James Hi., 1-13. — To Offend Not in Word. MOST merciful God, who art of purer eyes than to be- hold iniquity, and hast promised forgiveness to all those who confess and forsake their sins ; we come before thee in an humble sense of our own unworthiness, ac- knowledging our manifold transgressions of thy right- eous laws. But, O gracious Father, who desirest not the death of a sinner, look upon us, we beseech thee, in mercy, and forgive us all our transgressions. Make us deeply sensible of the great evil of them ; and work in us a hearty contrition ; that we may obtain forgiveness at 50 SECOND THURSDAY MORNING. 5* thy hands, who art ever ready to receive humble and penitent sinners ; for the sake of thy Son our Saviour. And lest, through our own frailty, or the temptations which encompass us, we be drawn again into sin, vouch- safe us, we beseech thee, the direction and assistance of thy Holy Spirit. Reform whatever is amiss in the temper and disposition of our souls ; that no unclean thoughts, unlawful designs, or inordinate desires may rest there. May we seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. And may our life be so hid with Christ in God now, that when he, who is our life, shall appear, we may also ap- pear with him in glory. Extend, we beseech thee, the arms of thy compassion beyond the bounds of our own habitations. Send down thy blessings, temporal and spiritual, upon our relations, friends, and neighbors. Reward all who have done us good, and pardon all those who have done or wish us evil, and give them repentance and better minds. Be merciful to all who are in any trouble ; and do thou, the God of pity, administer to them according to their several necessities ; for his sake who went about doing good, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. O MOST loving Jesus, pattern of charity, grant that the grace of charity and brotherly love may dwell in us, and that all envy, harshness, and ill-will may die in us ; fill our hearts with such kindness that by constantly re- joicing in the happiness and good success of others, and by putting away all envious thoughts we may follow thee, who art thyself the true and perfect Love. Amen. OUR Father, etc. seconb to***. ft|) Ur0 & ai j letting. ® cdes - 12 REMEMBER now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them ; 2 While the sun, or the light, or the moon, or the stars, be not dark- ened, nor the clouds return after the rain : 3 In the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease, because they are few, and those that look out of the windows be darkened ; 5 Also when they shall be afraid of that which is high, and fears shall be in the way, and the almond-tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail ; because man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets : 6 Or ever the silver cord be loos- ed, or the golden bowl be broken, or the pitcher be broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern : 7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was ; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Prov. iv., i— 13. — The Instruction of a Father. Eccles. xi. — In the Morning Sow thy Seed. I. John ii., 13. — The Gospel for Children. We yield thee humble thanks, O heavenly Father, that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the knowledge of thy grace and faith in thee. Increase this knowledge and confirm this faith evermore. Give thy Holy Spirit to us, that having been born again, and made heirs of ever- lasting salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ,- we may continue thy servants, and attain thy promises. Grant that we may never fall from thee ; and since we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves, take us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good provi- 52 SECOND THURSDAY EVENING. 53 dence. Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and in- wardly in our souls, that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul. May we be temples fit for the indwelling of thy Holy Spirit. Cast out everything that defileth ; all lusts, sin- ful affections, covetous desires, vain imaginations, and everything contrary to thy holy will, that we may serve thee with pure and humble minds. Bless us in our lying down and in our rising up. May we remember thee upon our beds, and think of thee in the night watches. When it is dark about us, thou spiest out all our ways. There is nothing hid from thee. May we remember this, O Lord, and thus be prevented from sin. And when the night of death has come, and our eyes closed forever to the light of the sun, may we be gathered to the rest and the rewards of the many mansions in the skies, and worship thee in the temple where there is no need of the light of the sun, and where the Lamb is the light thereof; for his Name's sake. Amen. O Heavenly Father, look down in mercy upon the young (and the children of this family). Keep them from all harm. Make them obedient, and humble, and pure, and truthful. May they remember thee in the days of their youth. And so may they grow up in thy fear and love, and increase, like the Child Jesus, in wisdom and in favor with God and man ; through the same, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. secon* to«k. f r tf>em Morning. ,0, > n xi 1WILL not leave you comfort- less ; I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more ; but ye see me : because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 21 He that hath my command- ments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me : and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, (not Iscariot,) Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words : and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Psalms lxix., 9-19. — The Lord is Nigh. John viii., 51-59. — DEPENDENCE UPON CHRIST. Rom. xiv., 1-12. — Dependence One upon An- other. O THOU eternal Father, that rulest over all, and who yet has deigned to come near to us thy children, Ave call upon thee to incline thine ear to our petitions. We own O Father, that we have no need to go to the ages past, and call as witnesses to thy presence and love, patriarchs and prophets and apostles. We have no need to penetrate the skies, and amidst circling suns to seek thee, to go over the seas or worship at some shrine to find thee, when thou Lord, art nearer to us than we are one to another. By thy Spirit thou art very near, and so do thou par- don and help, do thou comfort and inspire, do thou 54 SECOND FRIDAY MORNING. 55 enlighten. Sweeten our lives, soften our affections, make us considerate to the erring, helpful to the weak, sympathetic to the suffering, ever commending thy love to the darkened and discouraged spirits of man. By our lives and actions may we commend the blessed gospel of thy Son to all around us. This day may we serve thee, and may our highest delight be in doing thy will. In sorrow and perplexity may nothing separate us from thee. And as thy most dear Son went not up to joy, but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified ; mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the Cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace. And when life's work is done, may we realize, as we cannot realize now, that in thy presence there is fulness of joy, and at thy right hand there are pleasures forever- more ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Nor do we pray for ourselves alone, but for all who are dear to us, those especially from whom on earth we a«re now separated. Grant that both they and we, by draw- ing nearer to thee, may be drawing nearer to each other, bound together by the unseen chains of thy love, in the communion of thy Spirit and in the fellowship of thy saints. And whether we meet again on earth or not, may we meet in the house of the many mansions in the skies, there to dwell with thee forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. Quonh fteek. f x \ba^ dwelling. 3o[)n 15 < REMEMBER the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they know not him that sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin ; but now they have no cloak for their sin. 23 He that hateth me, hateth my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin; but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father. 25 But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause. 26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Psalm cxvi., 1-14. — Trouble and Sorrow. Eccles. iii. 1-13. — To Everything a Time. Luke xxiii., 34-46. — The CRUCIFIXION. O GOD, whose blessed Son was crucified for us, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to thee, look upon us thy suppliant children, hear our prayer, incline thine ear to our supplication. O for a song of praise, a psalm of thanksgiving unto thee,, the God of our salvation ! O Lamb of God, worthy art thou that was slain to receive power and riches, and wisdom and strength, and honor, and glory and blessing ! Teach us, Lord, to live day by day, in humble depen- dence upon thy promises, in cheerful obedience to thy 56 SECOND FRIDAY EVENING. 57 laws, and in a certain hope of a blessed immortality. Show some token of good. Admit us into the sanctuary of thy presence. We have followed thee, O Lord, al- though sometime it has been afar off. Grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldst have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in thy straight path may not stumble. O thou whose hands for our sake were pierced with sharp nails, whatever evil our hands have committed, whatever good left unwrought, do thou forgive ! O thou whose feet were fastened to the cross, whereinso- ever our feet have been swift to do evil, or have been slow on errands of mercy and love, do thou forgive ! O thou whose side was pierced with a spear, in whatso- ever our minds have been vain and foolish, our hearts evil and corrupt, do thou, dear Lord, forgive ! Keep us, we beseech thee, with thy perpetual mercy, and because the fraility of man without thee cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy help from all things hurtful and lead us to all things profitable to our salvation ; for our Redeemer's sake. Amen, O LORD Jesus Christ, our sympathizing Saviour, draw thou near to all who in this transitory life are in any sorrow, need, sickness or other adversity, and so hallow their crosses here, that thou mayest crown them here- after where all tears are wiped away ; for thine own Name's sake. Amen. Our Father, etc. scconb totek. amr 5aij JJIorning. 3ol > n VERILY, verily, I say unto you, He that hearethmy word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation : but is passed from death unto life. 25 Verily, verily, 'I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God : and they that hear shall live. 26 For as the Father hath life in himself, so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself ; 27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28 Marvel not at this : for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth ; they that have done good, unto the res- urrection of life ; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrec- tion of damnation. 30 I can of mine own self do nothing : as I hear, I judge : and my judgment is just ; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me. Other selections fxom the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Isaiah xl., 9-15. — God's Wisdom. Mai. iii., 1-6. — The Day of His Coming. Heb. xii., 22-29. — A CONSUMING FlRE. O GOD, the King of kings and Lord of lords, we bow before thee with reverence and awe. Have respect to our prayer, though thou art holy and we are sinful. Thou art mighty and we are weak. Thou art our Creator and Sovereign, and we thy creatures and sub- jects. Listen to our petition. Give us food, shelter and whate'er is necessary for our sustenance this day. Our lives are in thy hand, and with these gifts grant us grace to use them aright and to thy service. Above all, feed us with the bread which 58 SECOND SATURDAY MORNING. 59 cometh down from heaven, and which thou givest for the life of the world. Lord, evermore give unto us this bread, and nourish us with it, even unto life eternal. May we seek first thy kingdom and righteousness, and to trust thy unfailing promise, that all other things may be added unto us. Let no riches ever make us for- get ourselves ; let no poverty ever make us forget thee ; but let thy Holy Spirit in all things direct and rule our hearts and minds, and render effectual the salu- tary precepts of thy holy Word ; that we may be filled with heavenly wisdom, and richly abound in the fruits of Christian knowledge and goodness. And do thou, Lord, grant in thy mercy to all those who are far from thee, and are yet in the darkness of ignorance and error, that they may be led by thy grace into the way of salvation, and to know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. Have pity upon the unthankful and the unholy. For- give the evil-doers, who know not what they do ; and out of many nations and tongues assemble the congre- gation of thy saints ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O LORD, who never failest to help and govern those whom thou dost bring up in thy steadfast fear and love-, keep us, we beseech thee, under the protection of thy good providence, and make us to have a perpetual fear and love of thy holy Name ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. geconb to«k. Sctturban Omiting. acts 12 PETER therefore was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two sol- diers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. 7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying. Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy san- dals : and so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. 12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly af- firmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knock- ing: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were as- tonished. 17 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into an- other place. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Isaiah xliii., I-I2. — BESIDE THE LORD, NO SAVIOUR. II. Cor. xL, 23-33. — Paul's Deliverance. I. Peter v., 5-14. — Casting all Care upon Him. O ETERNAL, immortal, invisible and only wise God, incline, we beseech thee, thine ear to our calling ; and let the voice of our prayer and thanksgiving enter into thy presence. Thou hast brought us to the close of an- other w r eek ; and we acknowledge with thankfulness all 60 SECOND SATURDAY EVENING. 61 the mercies which thou hast bestowed upon us from the beginning of our lives to this moment, We thank thee for food and raiment ; for health and strength ; for friends and benefactors ; but above all, we heartily thank thee for having called us to a state of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. And we pray thee to give us thy grace, that we may continue in the same unto our lives' end. We bless thee for this favored land ; for the Church in which thou hast placed us ; for its worship ; for thy holy Word. Give grace, O Heavenly Father, to the stewards of thy mysteries, particularly to thy servants who minister unto us in holy things, that, both by their life and doctrine, they may set forth thy true and lively Word, and rightly and duly administer thy holy sacra- ments. And to all thy people give thy heavenly grace ; espe- cially unto those who shall assemble with us on thy holy day in thy courts, that with meek heart and with due reverence, we may hear and receive thy holy Word, truly serving in holiness and righteousness before thee, all the days of their lives ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, UNTO God's gracious mercy and protection we com- mit ourselves and all dear unto us this night, wherever they may be. The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now and evermore. Amen. OUR Father, etc. Wlirbtoeek. Q m ^ Jflorntng. ® cdcs - &. KEEP thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools : for they con- sider not that they do evil. 2 Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God : for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth ; therefore let thy words be few. 3 r/or a dream cometh through the multitude of business ; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words. 4 When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it ; for he hath no pleasure in fools : pay that which thou hast vowed. 5 Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. 6 Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin ; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error : wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands ? Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. II. Cor. vi., 35-42. — Prayer in the Sanctuary. Psalm cxliii., 1-11. — David's Prayer. II. Thess. iii., 1-13. — Prayer for the Disciples. Unto thee do we lift up our eyes, O thou that dwellest in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look upon the hands of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hands of her mistress, even so our eyes wait upon thee, O Lord our God, until thou have mercy upon us. Hearken to the voice of our thanksgiving, that upon man's transgressions thou didst not pass him by, nor leave him helpless, but didst give him promise of salvation, and in the fulness of time didst send thy Son to take upon him our nature, and by his obedience unto 62 THIRD SUNDAY MORNING. 63 death didst take away the curse of the Law, and by his death didst redeem us, and all mankind ; blessed be thy Name, and praised and magnified be its record, and every memorial of it. Let thy priests this day be clothed with righteousness, and make thy people joyful in thy salvation. Merci- fully look upon thy Church. And to all those who shall be ordained to any holy function give thy grace and heavenly benediction, that both by their lives and doctrine they may declare thy glory and set forward the salvation of men. Hear this, we beseech thee, our prayer for those who teach the young, that they may first be taught of thee. Bless the children of our Sunday-schools. Open their hearts to receive thy truth. May they feel their need of the renewing influence of the Holy Spirit, and be led to holiness of life, without which they cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. And let thy Holy Spirit accompany us to the place of thy public worship, making us serious and attentive, and raising our minds from the thoughts of this world to the consideration of the next, that we may fervently join in the prayers and praises of thy Church, and listen to our duty with honest hearts, in order to practice it ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. ari)ir&to«k. Ult & ag (gtjening. ft«kea4. AND beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went : and he made as though he would have gone further. 29 But they constrained him, say- ing. Abide with us : for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. 30 And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were opened, [ and they knew him ; and he van- ished out of their sight. 32 And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scrip- tures ? 33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered to- gether, and them that were with them, 34 Saying, The Lord is risen in- deed, and hath appeared to Simon. 35 And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Ps. xxxiv., .15-22. — The Lord is Nigh. Acts xviii., 1- 1 1.— With Paul at Corinth. II. Tim. iv., 9-18. — At Ephesus. O ALMIGHTY Father, we, thine unworthy children, present ourselves before the footstool of thy mercy, be- seeching thee to forgive us the sins, negligences and ignorances of this day. Pardon our want of zeal in thy service, the coldness of our hearts, and the wandering of our thoughts, and teach us to worship thee more worth- ily. Engrave upon our minds the holy lessons which we have this day heard, that we may be doers of thy Word 64 THIRD SUNDAY EVENING. 65 and not hearers only, deceiving our own selves. Let thy Holy Spirit dwell in our souls, sanctifying our thoughts and purifying our affections. Wilt thou direct our wills, that throughout this week we may live in obedience to thee, and in love and char- ity with our neighbors. With hearts full of gratitude for thy mercies, may we be more devoted to thy ser- vice, and carry the glad tidings of redeeming love to those who know thee not. May we lift up feeble knees and cheer despondent hearts. With power and help for ourselves, we ask thy bless- ing upon all the members of this family, far and near ; that thou wilt grant unto them our earnest desire, and that finally, when the days of our pilgrimage are over, we may be received into the rest and happiness of heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, who hast called us to be the children of the Resurrection, and hast made us citizens of the Jerusalem which is above, grant that whensoever, in the dimness of this life present, our eyes are holden that we see thee not, our hearts may be attentive to thy holy Word, and burn within us, as it is opened by thy Son our Sav- iour Jesus Christ. Amen. OUR Father, etc. ®Uirb tottk. jnan5au Jttormng. mm - 6 - AND when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues, and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Fa- ther which is in secret; and thy Fa- ther which seeth in secret shall re- ward thee openly. 7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. 8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him. 9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Other selections fr 077i the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth 77ionths. Psalm xciii. — The Lord Reigneth. Isaiah lx., I-I2.— A PROSPEROUS KINGDOM. Matt, xiii., 14-52. — The Kingdom of Heaven. O God, the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of nations : we adore and magnify thy holy name for all the wonderful things that thou hast done. We render thee thanks for the goodly heritage which thou hast given us ; for the civil and religious privileges which we enjoy ; and for the multiplied manifestations of thy favor. Preserve to our country the blessings of peace. Re- store them to nations deprived of them. May the kingdom of the Prince of Peace come, and reigning in the hearts and lives of men, unite them in holy fellowship; so that their only strife may be, who shall show forth with most 66 THIRD MONDAY MORNING. 67 humble and holy fervor the praises of him who hath loved them, and hath made them by promise kings and priests unto God. We implore thy blessing upon all in authority, legis- lative, judicial and executive. May they have grace and wisdom to so discharge their duties as most effectually to promote thy glory, and the peace, good order and welfare of the state. Save us, O God, from the guilt of abusing the bless- ings of prosperity by luxury, licentiousness, irreligion and vice; lest we provoke thee to visit our offences with a rod and our sins with scourges. And while thy un- merited goodness leads us to repentance, may we offer ourselves, our souls and bodies, a living sacrifice to thee, who hast preserved and redeemed us. Teach us to be content with the station wherein thou hast been pleased to place us. Grant that we may honestly and diligently discharge the duties of our calling, and without anxiety, depend on thy blessing for the success of our lawful endeavors ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, ALMIGHTY God, who hast promised to hear the peti- tions of those who ask in thy Son's Name; we beseech thee mercifully to incline thine ears to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto thee ; and errant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of thy glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. grinrb to«k. iftonbao Veiling. x mm - 6 AND having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. ii But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after right- eousness, godliness, faith, love, pa- tience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, Jay hold on eternal life, where- unto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third andfozcrth months. Neh. iv. — Watch and Pray. Rom. xiii .— The Christian Armor. I. Tim. L 12-20. — A Good Warfare. O GOD, who art the strength of all those who put their trust in thee, we desire this evening to bow before thee with reverence and humility, and with a thankful sense of thy goodness towards us. We would draw nigh in full assurance of faith unto thee, who hast graciously promised that they who ask through faith in Christ, shall receive, and that they who seek shall find. We are unworthy, through our manifold sins, to offer unto thee any sacrifice ; yet we beseech thee to have compassion upon our infirmities, not weighing our merits, but pardoning our offences. We thank thee that our lives are still preserved, we adore thy majesty, we revere thy justice, we magnify thy mercies. While in our 68 THIRD MONDAY EVENING. 69 hearts we meditate upon thy ways, our lips would de- clare thy righteousness, and our tongues would sing thy praise. Thou hast revealed thyself to us in thy works, in thy holy Word, and in thy Providence ; but above all, we thank thee that thou hast revealed thyself to us in thy Son. May we see thy face in him ; may his character be our contemplation, his example our pattern, and his Spirit our help and guide. On every hand there are the manifestations of thy forethought and love. May we neglect none of the means of grace provided for us, in the study and in the . reverence of thy Word, in prayer and in the sacramental worship of thy Church. Above all, may we use the light and strength thus imparted to us for the help of others, to the extension and building up of thy kingdom, and to the glory of thy holy Name. Make us strong in the Lord and in the power of his grace. Make us humble, obedient, pure-minded and temperate. Make us just, generous and true : and thus may we be fitted for thy self, and for residence with thee in the skies ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Almighty God, grant to those thy servants who have put on Christ, that they may be defended against all adversities, and may ever prove themselves good sol- diers of Jesus Christ; through his merits, who with thee and the Holy Ghost we worship as one God, world with- out end. Amen. OUR Father, etc. mn> toeek. ^ ue5 5 al) itiorning. x ® or - 10 - MOREOVER, brethren, I would not that ye should be igno- rant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea ; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea ; 3 And did all eat the same spirit- ual meat ; 4 And did all drink the same spiri.ual drink ; (for they drank of •that spiritual Rock that followed them ; and that Rock was Christ :) 5 But with many of them God was not well pleased ; for they were overthrown in the wilderness. 9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents. 11 Now all these things happen- ed unto them for ensamples : and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 12 Wherefore, let him that think- eth he standeth take heed lest he fall. 13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man : but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to es- cape, that ye may be able to bear it. Other selections frovi the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Psalm xvii. — David's Deliverance. Matt, iv., i-ii. — Jesus' Temptation. James i., 12-27. — ENDURANCE. Accept merciful Father, our morning sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving for the protection of the night, and for the early blessings of this day. To thee we owe all that we have and are. May the appreciation of thy goodness so grow upon us, that we may love thee more and serve thee better. As day shall be added to day, may we become more obedient to thy will and more earnest and self-forgetful in thy work. Let nothing separate us from the love of 70 THIRD TUESDAY MORNING. 71 God that is in Christ Jesus, and finding our happiness in doing his will, may we secure his favor. May we lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset, to run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him, endured the Cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. And as thou hast promised to give thy Holy Spirit to them that ask, we humbly pray for this gift, that we may be kept from carelessness and hardness of heart, from fretfulness and impatience, from vanity and pride, from self-seeking and covetousness, from the unhappy desire of becoming great, from repining at thy dispensa- tion, and from neglecting thy warning. And as thou dost take from us these, will thou grant unto us such love and joy, and peace and long-suffering, such gentleness and goodness, faith, meekness and tem- perance, that we may daily crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts. And this we ask not for our own merits, but for the sake of him who hath loved us and died for us, thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Be thou, O God, our protection, and watch over our paths with guiding love, that among the snares which lie hidden in our paths, we may so pass onward with hearts fixed on thee, that we may come to thee and be forever with thee. We ask it for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Our Father, etc. si)ir& tow*, guesbay (itoening. '"'">• S6 H AVE mercy upon us, O Lord j hand and thy right arm, that they God of all, and behold us 2 And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after thee. 3 Lift up thy hand against the may set forth thy wondrous works. 15 Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the beginning, and raise up prophets strange nations, and let them see that have been in thy name, thy power. 16 Reward them that wait for 4 As thou wast sanctified in us thee, and let thy prophets be found before them: so, be thou magnified among them before us. 5 And let them know thee as we have known thee, that there is no God , but only thou, O God. 6 Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders: glorify thy faithful. 17 O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the bless- ing of Aaron over thy people, that all they which dwell upon the earth may know that thou art the Lord, the eternal God. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Jer. xvi., 14-21. — From all Lands. Matt, xxi., 1-14. — From the Highways. Rev. v. — From Every Nation and Tongue. O LORD, who didst come to seek and to save the lost, and to whom all power is given in heaven and in earth, hear, we beseech thee, our prayers for those who, at thy command, go forth to preach the Gospel to every crea- ture. Preserve them from all dangers to which they may be exposed ; from perils by land and perils by water ; from the deadly pestilence ; from the violence of the per- secutor ; from doubt and impatience ; from discourage- ment and discord ; and from all the devices of the powers of darkness. And while they plant and water, send thou, O Lord, the increase. 72 THIRD TUESDAY EVENING. 73 Convert thou in Christian lands such as neglect so great salvation. Make us, thy servants, strong and cour- ageous to do our duty in whatever place of privilege or opportunity thou hast placed us. Quicken within us a sense of our responsibility to those who are ignorant, erring and uncared for about us, those at our very doors ; and may we be quickened to such a degree as to move us to sacrifice and service in their behalf without delay. Make us to see that souls are perishing without the knowledge of Jesus Christ and him crucified. And since thou hast entrusted to us the knowledge of thy truth, and the gifts of thy bounty, help us to use them as good stewards, so that thy Name may be glorified and thy kingdom come, O gracious Saviour of the world ; to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. Almighty God, who didst give such grace unto thy Apostles that they readily obeyed the calling of thy Son Jesus Christ, and followed him without delay ; grant unto us all, that we, being called by thy holy Word, may forthwith give up ourselves obediently to fulfil thy holy commandments ; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Our Father, etc. ®Uir* toetk. tDe^nee^ag Morning. *&■ 3 WHEREFORE I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 That he would grant you, ac- cording to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man ; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith ; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ; 19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Psalm xvi. — The Lord Our Portion. Rom. viii., 1-11. — CHRIST IN You. Eph. i., 15-23. — Christ Revealed. WORTHY is the Lamb that was slain, to receive power and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing. To him that sitteth upon the throne and to the Lamb, be the blessing, and the thanks, and the honor, and the glory, and the might ! And, O Father, make us know and feel, that there is none other Name under heaven given to man, in whom, and through whom, we may receive health and salvation, but only the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thou knowest our necessities. They are not hid from 74 THIRD WEDNESDAY MORNING. 75 thee. We need thy pardon and help ; but above all, we want more of thee. Thou art ever near. Thou sus- taineth us. For every breath we draw we are dependent on thee. Come Lord, to us, and make us to feel that thou hast possession of every faculty. Flesh and heart faint; be thou O God, the strength of our hearts: so that as day is added to day, we may be more obedient to thy will and instructed by thy precepts. Besides thy presence we would ask thy care. Keep us from all things hurtful. From the sins which so easily beset us, be our deliverer. From dangers to the body, as well as to the soul, protect us. What is likely to befall us w r e know not. Thou knowest. Make our paths straight. Make us to discern between evil and good, and so follow that which is right and well pleasing to thee. Those whom we love do thou befriend ; and what we ask for ourselves we ask for them. For our neighbors and companions, for those we serve and those who serve us, we invoke thy blessing; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O LORD Jesus Christ, mercifully incline thine ears to our prayers, and of thy loving kindness enlighten the depths of our hearts, that no evil desires may rule where the light of thy heavenly grace hath shined ; for thine own Name's sake. Amen. OUR Father, etc. &t,irb 03**k. tocbnesbai) tfuening. «rt- 6 - FINALLY, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. ii Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against princi- palities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and hav- ing on the breastplate of righteous- ness ; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace ; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of sal- vation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Judges vii., 9-22. — Gideon. Judges xiii., 9-25. — SAMSON. II. Tim. ii. — TIMOTHY. O THOU that sittest in the heavens, unto thee shall all flesh come. Thy mercies, O God, are numberless. They are new every morning and fresh every evening. Great is thy faithfulness. Before we retire to rest, we desire to thank thee for the kind and providential care of this day. While we may have had no thought of thee, thou hast been thinking of us. May the sense of thy watchfulness and oversight increase gratitude, restrain us from sin, inspire us with confidence, and lead us to seek continually thy pleasure ; 76 THIRD WEDNESDAY EVENING, 77 and so may our highest delight be in thy favor and commendation. This night may quietness dwell in our household ; keep from us fire, sickness, intrusions of every kind, and the fear of them. May no thought as to the future alarm, may no evil dreams disturb. May thy angels that min- ister to thee before thy throne, succor and defend. To the careless give repentance, and those in doubt, the assurance of thy blessed promises. And we would commend to thy mercy all those who have wronged us by word or deed, beseeching thee to forgive them all their sins, and to bring them with us into thy heavenly kingdom. May peace, O God, thy peace, O Lord, attend our ways. May thy blessed Spirit aid, counsel and direct until we come to the land where there is no fear, no sin and no night. We ask all for the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, O God, the protector of all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy ; increase and multiply upon us thy mercy; that, thou being our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. ciiirb tank. art)urs5a|3 JHontinfl. Uk * s - AND it came to pass, about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter, and John, and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29 And, as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias : 31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him, 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three taber- nacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not know- ing what he said. 34 While he thus spake, there came a cloud and overshadowed them: and they feared as they en- tered into the cloud. 35 And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my be- loved Son; hear him. 36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Exodus xxiv.— Moses in the Mount. Matt, xvi., 21-28. — Sufferings and Glory. II. Peter i., 13-21. — Peter a Witness. We will magnify thee, O God our King, and praise thy Name forever and ever. Every day will we give thanks unto thee, and praise thy name forever and ever. Great is the Lord, and worthy to be praised ; there is no end of his greatness. As we adore thy name, we would wait upon thy will. For all thy goodness, what service can we render thee 78 THIRD THURSDAY MORNING. 79 this day, what praise with our lives as well as with our lips ? Our paths are not easy, the way is not always clear. Make us to discern the right, and discerning, to do right. Suffer us not to deceive ourselves. We cannot deceive thee. Make our judgment right, our decisions quick, our impulses true, our tempers kind, our words and actions helpful, and our spirits submissive. Hear, O God, and help : and as thou hearest forgive. For thy dear Son's sake, help and forgive. His merits alone we plead. And as our great High Priest, who has ascended into the heavens, intercedes before the mercy seat, bearing upon his breast the names of thy people and upon his shoulders their burden, do thou in mercy hear : and may the radiance of thy reconciled face give cheer and hope to troubled souls ; for Jesus' sake. Amen. O God, who on the mount didst reveal to chosen wit- nesses thy only-begotten Son, wonderfully transfigured in white raiment and glistering ; mercifully grant that we, being delivered from the disquietudes of this world, may be permitted to behold the King in his beauty, who with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen. OUR Father, etc. m* tocek. ^|) Urs ^ a j) opening. fl* 09 - X5 - A MERRY heart maketh a cheer- ful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him that hath un- derstanding seeketh knowledge: but the mouth of fools feedeth on foolish- ness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil: but he that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast, 16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. 17 Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox and hatred therewith. 18 A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger ap^easeth strife. 19 The way of the slothful man is as an hedge of thorns: but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20 A wise son maketh a glad fa- ther: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. 21 Folly is joy to him that is desti- tute of wisdom: but a man of under- standing walketh uprightly. Other selections /rout the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and foitrth 'months. Psalm xlix., 1-15. — Riches Temporary. I. Tim. vi., 6-14. — Contentment. Hebrews xiii., 1-8. — WITHOUT COVETOUSNESS. HEAVENLY Father, thou hast preserved us through the day, keep us, we beseech thee, this night. May no dis- turbance come near our dwelling, may no evil thoughts enter our souls. Father of all, look into our hearts and find what is hateful to thee, and drive it out. What sin we have committed this day, may it be put away from us for- ever: and receiving pardon at thy hands, may we be watchful, resolute, and in the end victorious. Our besetting sins thou knowest. Our lusts, our tem- pers unbridled, our wayward thoughts and vagrant de- sires, impure imaginations, our covetousness, and dis- content, and rebellions against thy will, our impatience 80 THIRD THURSDAY EVENING. towards those about us, and our frettings under the al- lotments of thy providence, do thou in mercy forgive. Reinstated in thy favor, may we be fortified by thy Spirit, and encompassed by thy love, so that on the morrow and each succeeding day of our lives, we may serve and please thee, in courageous, earnest and suc- cessful endeavor. And as thou hast forbidden us to be anxious about the supplies for this life, grant that we may devotedly follow after what belongeth to thee, and that all things salutary may be granted to us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, at whose word man goeth forth unto his work and to his labor until the evening, protect the efforts of sober and honest industry, and suffer not the hire of the laborers to be kept back by fraud. Incline the hearts of employers and of those whom they employ to mutual forbearance, fairness and good will. Give the spirit of governance and of a sound mind to all in places of authority. Remember all who by reason of weakness are overtasked, or by reason of poverty are forgotten. Give ear unto our prayer, O merciful and gracious Father, for the love of thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. OUR Father, etc. mn toeek. fn^ag jflormng. 1 ttim. 2. I EXHORT, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, in- tercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men ; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowl- edge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not,) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Prov. xxii., 21-29. — Before Kings. Rom. xiii., 1-14. — The Higher Powers. I.Thess. v,, 12-28. — Those Over Us in the Lord. O THOU that sittest in the heavens and rulest over all things, we own and revere thy name. We adore thy majesty and magnify thy mercy. Open thou our lips, and our mouths shall show forth thy praise. This day thou hast spared us, and we would give this day to thee. In all our employments may we seek thy favor. May we be watchful for opportunities to serve thee, especially in those things which belong to thy kingdom and the salvation of souls. May we be true laborers in thy harvest, and each in his place make full proof of our ministry and the power of grace in our own souls. 82 THIRD FRIDAY MORNING. 83 Make us ever truly humble before thee. May we never be high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in thee the living God, who givest us richly all things to enjoy. May we remember that thou, the Father of mercies, art the sole author of all our privileges and blessings, and that to thee we must render a strict ac- count of the use we make of them. And to thy hands do we now commit ourselves, and all of our affairs, beseeching thee so to bless, direct and guide us, that we may pass this and each succeeding day of our lives, confident of thine approval and of thy ac- ceptance at the last day ; through the merits and medi- ation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. ALMIGHTY God, whose kingdom is everlasting and power infinite, have mercy upon this whole land ; and so rule the hearts of thy servants, the President of the United States, the Governor of this State, and all others in authority, that they, knowing whose ministers they are, may above all things seek thine honor and glory ; and that we and all the people, duly considering whose authority they bear, may faithfully and obediently honor them : in thee, and for thee, according to thy blessed Word and ordinance ; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. OUR Father, etc. eijit* toeek. j r ft an (gtjening. a ® im - THIS know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come: 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 Without natural affection, truce- breakers, false accusers, incon- tinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, 4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God ; 5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof; from such turn away. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them : 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by in- spiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- tion, for instruction in righteousness; 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and, fourth months. Psalm cxix., 9-16. — God's Word a Guide. John v., 36-47. — And Testifies of Christ, L Peter ii., 1-9. — To BE DESIRED. We ask deliverance, O Lord, from the perils which are about us, perils to our faith and perils to thy kingdom. Help and defend thy chosen ones. Preserve thy Church from arrogance and pride, unnecessary divisions and discord ; thy followers from having a form of godliness and denying the power thereof. May ours be a people fearing God and loving right eousness. Where'er thy followers go, may they have the promised help of thy presence. Look with favor 84 THIRD FRIDAY EVENING. 85 upon the young (especially of this family). Grant them thy care, that they may never be turned from thee, and that being heirs by promise of the life to come, may enter into their inheritance. Grant that not one of this family may be missing in the day that thou makest up thy jewels, and that all of this home, here or elsewhere, may be members of the household of God. May infancy be protected, may childhood be encouraged, may the .wanderer be returned, and manhood and womanhood be strengthened, may age be consoled, and may the dying be cheered. Hear our heartfelt prayer, O God. Accept our praise; may angels watch us and all dear to us, this night ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O LORD God, giver of heavenly increase, who by thy Spirit's might doth confirm the first efforts of feeble souls ; encourage in the hearts of us thy children every good intent, and carry us from strength to strength. Cleanse our consciences, and stir our wills gladly to serve thee, the living God. Leave no room in us for spiritual wickedness, no lurking-place for secret sins : but so establish and sanctify us by the power of thy holy Word, that evermore taking heed unto the thing that is right, and speaking and doing the truth, we may find godli- ness our gain, both in the life which now is, and in that which is to come ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. ®i)iri> toeek. s a turbarj Morning. ^ 8fllm lfl - THE law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul : the testi- mony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart : the com- mandment of the Lord is pure, en- lightening the eyes : 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever : the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous al- together. io More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold ; sweeter also than honey, and the honey-comb. 11 Moreover, by them is thy ser- vant warned : and in keeping of them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his er- rors ? cleanse thou me from secret faults. 13 Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins ; let them not have dominion over me : then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgres- sion. 14 Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth 7nonths. Deut. xxxiii.— Moses' Blessing. Prov. iii., 19-35. — God's Wisdom. Rom. xi., 32-36. — God's Knowledge. O Lord, thou hast searched us and known us, thou knowest our down-sitting and up-rising, thou under- standest our thoughts long before. Thou art about our path, and about our bed, and spiest out all our ways. For there is not a word in our tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Such knowledge is too wonderful ; we cannot attain unto it. Impressed by thine omniscience, may we go forth to the duties and employments and pleasures of this day. 86 THIRD SATURDAY MORNING. 87 As thou seest us, so make us to see ourselves. As thou knowest us, make us to know more of thee, and as in our knowledge, so in our service, let nothing separate us from thee. Where sight and strength fail, may thy Spirit supply, and so may our hearts be kept pure, our hands strong, our lives fruitful, our faith unshaken and secure, and our tempers cheerful. Keep us mindful of how short our time is, and that we are drawing nearer to the close of life. May each day find us more ready not only for its duties, but more ready to leave it, and more meet for heaven. And when our days are ended on earth, may we be received into thy presence, to dwell with thee forever ; through the merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. Almighty and everliving God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate us, thy servants, by water and the Holy Ghost, and hast given unto us forgiveness of all our sins ; strengthen us, we beseech thee, O Lord, with the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, and daily increase in us thy manifold gifts of grace ; the spirit of wisdom and under- standing, the spirit of counsel and ghostly strength, the spirit of knowledge and true godliness ; and fill us, O Lord, with the spirit of thy holy fear, now and forever. Amen. OUR Father, etc. ®i)irb to«k. gaturbajj (Eoemng. ««b«w« 1. AND of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. 8 But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. 9 Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. io And, thou, Lord, in the be- ginning hast laid the foundation of the earth ; and the heavens are the works of thine hands : ii They shall perish, but thou remainest ; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment : 12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed : but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail. 13 But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool ? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salva- tion ? Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Psalm ii. — The King of Kings. Col. L, 9-19. — Christ the Head. Rev. iv. — Christ on the Throne. Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we thank thee that thou didst send thy well-beloved Son to take our nature upon him and to be made in the likeness of our flesh. We rejoice that unto us a child is born ; that unto us a Son is given. And we would join the multi- tude of the heavenly host in ascribing glory unto God in the Highest, peace on earth, good will towards men. We praise thee for revealing to us the way in which mercy and truth have met together and righteousness 88 THIRD SATURDAY EVENING. and peace have kissed each other. And we account it a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Help us, O God, to meditate upon this great mystery of godliness, God manifest in the flesh, which thy holy angels desire to look into. And when thou didst bring thy first-begotten into the world, and as thou didst com- mand all the heavenly host to worship him, so may we also ascribe unto him that homage which is his due. Weak as is our effort, do thou accept it, O God. May we be prepared for the services of thy holy day. To thee our hearts are opened. Thou knowest us as we are, and seest every motive of our will and every desire of our affections. Enlarge our expectation, quicken our zeal, hallow our service, and sanctify us and all the people of God with thy Holy Spirit; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O EVERLASTING God, who hast ordained and con- stituted the services of angels and men in a wonderful order ; mercifully grant, that as thy holy angels always do thee service in heaven, so, by thy appointment, they may succor and defend us on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. {our* touk. s uu 5 ay jfloming. ® ebxm * *• THERE remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 11 Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened un- to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Genesis ii., 1-17. — The Rest Day. Psalm xcv., 6-1 1. — The Wilderness. Hebrews iii., 1-14. — A Great High Priest. VOUCHSAFE, O Father, to be present with us who on thy holy day desire to consecrate ourselves anew to thee and thy service, separating ourselves, as we would separate this day, from all unholy undertakings. May the sanctuary of our hearts be cleansed from all iniquity, and the light of thy presence shine forth. As we meditate upon thy holy Word, may the in- fluence of thy Holy Spirit abound, lifting us from the seen to the unseen, and fitting us while we live here, for 90 FOURTH SUNDAY MORNING. 91 a residence with thee in the skies, and for converse with saints and angels. As thy people enter thy courts may they render thee that worship which is thy due. May thy priests be clothed with righteousness : and the words spoken by their lips, may they not return unto thee void, but ac- complish that which thou dost please, and prosper in the way whereunto they are sent. Look with mercy upon such as have hitherto forsaken or despised thy ordinances ; and move them so to re- deem the time which they have lost. Remember for good as many as through sickness or any other hin- drance may be prevented from going with thy people to the house of prayer. And grant that the course of this world may be so peaceably ordered by thy governance, that thy Church may joyfully serve thee, in all godly quietness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, GRANT, we beseech thee, that the gospel of grace and salvation may this day have free course everywhere, and glad acceptance. May suffers find comfort, wanderers rest, and sinners pardon, through the merits of a cruci- fied and risen Saviour, once made sin for us that we might be made righteous, and now present with thee in the heavenly places, as our Lord, our Intercessor, and our Life ; for his Name's sake. Amen, Our Father, etc. Jbiirtl) toeck. un ^ a y $ tJcntUg, **l 3. IF ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also ap- pear with him in glory. 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth ; fornica- tion, uncleanness, inordinate affec- tion, evil concupiscence, and covet- Ousness, which is idolatry : 8 But now ye also put off all these ; anger, wrath, malice, blas- phemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds ; io And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth months. Psalm cxviii., 14-29. — The Lord's Day. Phil, iv., 4-13. — Everything by Prayer. Heb. xii., 1-14. — Looking Unto Jesus. Let our prayer, O Father, be set forth before thee as the incense, and let the lifting up of our hands be as the evening sacrifice. As thou hast promised thy special presence where two or three of thy faithful people as- semble in thy Name to offer up their prayers and praises unto thee, vouchsafe to be present with us as we bow before thee, in humble dependence upon thy favor, and as we speak thy praise. We would see Jesus. We would have clearer appre- hensions of his Divine presence ; we would be animated by his love, and strengthened by his promises. In trial 92 FOURTH SUNDAY EVENING. 93 we need his comfort, in temptation deliverance, in ser- vice steadfastness. Much there is to draw away from purpose, and to hinder and divert us from our high call- ing. Give to each one of us such hatred of sin and such love of thee, that we may ever rejoice in his power who has restored us to thy favor. Teach us all so to realize the mysteries in thy dear Son, that we may be strength- ened for the difficulties of our life in this world, and may be perfected according to thy will hereafter. Conscious of his presence, we fear no ill, and count no duty a burden ; and since we are no longer servants, but friends, make us one with him. We would not live apart from him, but would draw upon and use his strength. Abide with us, dear Lord, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent ; and as night comes on, and as nature fails, may the One known in the breaking of bread suffer us to sit with him at his table, in his king- dom; for his own Name's sake. Amen. Accept, O Lord, these our prayers, together with all our services of this day, through the intercession of thy holy Son Jesus, that, being hallowed by his most pre- cious merits, they may ascend thither where thy glory dwells, and from whence mercy and blessing come down upon thy Church ; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. £mrti) toetk. ifloufcmj Morning. ^te« S 10. FOR by one offering he hath per- fected for ever them that are sanctified. 15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us : for after that he had said before, 16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them ; 17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. 18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin. 19 Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh ; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God ; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering ; (for he is faithful that promised ;) 24 And let us consider one an- other, to provoke unto love, and to good works : 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the man- ner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Lev. xvii. — The Blood of the Atonement. Psalm lxxxv. — Mercy and Truth. Heb. v., 1-10. — A High Priest Forever. O God, by whose power we were made, and by whose goodness we have been preserved, let our prayer come up before thee with acceptance. As we enter to-day upon the active employments of another week, may we show by our lives that we have not worshipped thee in vain. May we carry into 94 FOURTH MONDAY MORNING. 95 practice the teachings of thy holy Word, and fulfil every high resolve. Make us in every way obedient to thy will. Whatever our hands find rightly to do, may we do it with our might, and ever keep in mind that thou God seest us. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world, take away our sins. Be thou our shield and hiding-place. Make us to feel continually that we are thine, and that thou hast bought us with thy precious blood, Make us ever to glorify thee in our bodies and spirits, which are thine. Since thou hast united us as a family, make us kind and gentle one towards another. May selfishness, and envy, and evil speaking be put away from us, with all malice, and may we all be humble followers of a meek and lowly Saviour, and with thy Word as a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our paths, may we walk in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Grant, we beseech thee, almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens ; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. OUR Father, etc. iFourtf) toeek. Jfl on & a g (g^eiting. fl«b««i0 6. THEREFORE, leaving the prin- ciples of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection ; not laying again the foundation of re- pentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit. io For God is not unrighteous, to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in tbatyehave ministered to the saints, and do minister. 11 And we desire that everyone, of you do shew the same diligence, to the full assurance of hope unto the end. 12 That ye be not slothful, but fol- lowers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ » third and fourth months. Deut. vi., i-i2. — The Instructions of Israel. Prov. iv., 1-15. — Get Wisdom. Heb. ii., 1-10. — The More Earnest Heed. Whom have we, O Lord, in heaven but thee ; and whom upon earth have we desired in comparison with thee? Show us thy glory, we beseech thee, and make all thy goodness pass before us, that we may see how gracious thou art. We would know more of him whom to know aright is life eternal. We would have his spirit dwelling in us. casting out all fear and every vain desire, preparing us for life's trials, its toil, its separations, its end, and, finally, for the abode of saints and angels. While living in the world, may we not abuse it. May we discern 96 FOURTH MONDAY EVENING. 97 between the evil and good, between the transient and the enduring; and may we so make the things of time serve us, that each day we may be the richer in our heavenly store. In things temporal may we be the master ; in things spiritual the pupil. May we neglect none of the ap- pointed means of grace, in the stated worship of thy Church, and in fulfilling its requirements ; in our daily duties, and in those outward acts of charity and self-sur- render necessary to our godly discipline. The grace we ask for ourselves this day we ask for all we love, for the old and young, those at home aud abroad. Especially to those in need, extend thy help- ing hand ; through the merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. O LORD God, the giver of heavenly increase, who by thy Spirit's might hast confirmed the first efforts of feeble souls, encourage in the hearts of us, thy children, every good intent, and carry us from strength to strength. Leave no room in us for spiritual wicked- ness, no lurking place for secret sins ; but so establish and sanctify us by the power of thy holy Word, that evermore taking heed unto the thing that is right, and speaking and doing the truth, we may find godliness our gain, both in the life which now is, and in that which is to come ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, etc. Amrtij toeek. & U e bai) Jttormng. 3ams * *■ MY brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temp- tations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her per- fect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. 5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and unbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, noth- ing wavering. For he that waver- eth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. 12 Blessed is the man that endur- eth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Psalm lxx. — God's Help in Temptation. James i., 12-27.— Endurance Possible. I. Peter iv., 12. — To Suffer as a Christian. O THOU eternal Father, all-loving and all-wise, incline thine ear to us, who desire to make our confessions to thee and to ask forgiveness of all our sins. Thou hast promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy Son's Name. So do thou hear and grant our request. Let thy Fatherly hand ever be extended to guide our steps in the way of righteousness and peace. Though, through the frailty of our nature, and amidst the busy cares of life, we are prone to be forgetful of thee our God and Saviour, O be not unmindful ol us. Bless each member of this family with healthful bod- ies and good understandings, with the graces and gifts of thy Holy Spirit, and with sweet dispositions and 98 FOURTH TUESDAY MORNING. 99 holy habits. May thy good providence lead us through all the dangers and temptations of this evil world, and sanctify us wholly in our bodies, and souls, and spirits, and keep us unblamable, to the coming of our Lord and Saviour. Grant to those we love thy favor. Those exposed to special temptations wilt thou befriend ; those who have little courage in the battles of life, wilt thou succor : those cast down and discouraged do thou cheer ; make thyself and thine own right arm clearly known to all who need thy help. Sorrows and separations await us all. Make us in our time — if not already visited by pain and calamity — ready to accept, and bow our heads to thy will. In health may we prepare for sickness ; in youth for manhood and age; in life for death ; in our probation for judgment ; and in this time of service for reward. And thine shall be the praise and glory in the ages ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O GOD, who knowest us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the fraility of our nature we cannot always stand upright ; grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers, and carry us through all temptations ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. fontt\) toeek. ^uesbaw €t)ening. ! ® Hn 9 - DEARLY beloved, I beseech you, as strangers and pilgrims, ab- stain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation hon- est among the Gentiles ; that, whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake : whether it be to the king, as supreme ; 14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. 15 For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to si- lence the ignorance of foolish men : 16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. all men. Love the Fear God. Honour 17 Honour brotherhood, the king. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear ; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. 19 For this is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward God en- dure grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it, if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently ? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Isaiah xxxv. — The Way of Holiness. I. Peter iii., 9-18. — The Christian Example. Rev. xxii., 5-21. — The Heavenly City. ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, as thou hast brought us to the close of another day, we would ac- knowledge with thankfulness its mercies, and all that thou hast bestowed upon us from the beginning of our lives to the present hour. We thank thee for food and raiment, health and strength, friends and benefactors, for all the comforts and conveniences of life. 100 FOURTH TUESDAY EVENING. ioi But above all, we thank thee that thou hast called us to a state of salvation, through Jesus Christ our Lord, and we pray thee that thou wilt give us thy grace, that we may continue in the same unto our life's end. Suffer us not to be covetous or to have too great a mind for earthly things. May we have that godliness which with contentment is great gain, always remem- bering that our life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which we have. Make us upright in our dealings, providing things honest in the sight of all men, rendering unto all their dues, tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, and honor to whom honor. As members of the same household and heirs together of the grace of life, may we dwell in love one towards another, in all things approving ourselves as thy true servants ; so that at the last an entrance may be admin- istered unto us abundantly, into the everlasting king- dom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen, CLEANSE us, O Lord, and keep us undefiled, that we may be numbered among those blessed ones who, hav- ing washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb, stand before thy throne and serve thee day and night in thy temple; for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Our Father, etc. ifotmi, to**. ttJebneebag Jttoraing, 1 N etcr 5 - LIKEWISE, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder ; yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility ; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time ; 7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant ; because your adversary the devil, as a roar- ing lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour : . 9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflic- tions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. io But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you : ii To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Job ii., 2-10. — Job's Temptation. Phil, iv., 9-14.— All Things Through Christ. Rev. v. — The Worship of the Lamb. Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we live and move and have our being ; we, thy needy creatures, render thee our humble praises, for thy preservation of us from the beginning of our lives to this day, and especially for having delivered us from the dangers of the past night. To thy watchful providence we owe it, that no disturbance hath come nigh us or our dwelling. And since it is of thy mercy, O gracious Father, that another day is added to our lives ; we here dedicate both our souls and our bodies to thee and thy service, in a sober, righteous and godly life : in which resolution do thou, O merciful God, confirm and strengthen us ; that, 102 FOURTH WEDNESDAY MORNING. 103 as we grow in age, we may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. But, O God, who knowest the weakness and corruption of our nature, and the manifold temptations which we daily meet with; we humbly beseech thee to have com- passion on our infirmities, and to give us the constant assistance of thy Holy Spirit ; that we may be effectually restrained from sin, and excited to our duty. - Imprint upon our hearts such a dread of thy judg- ments, and such a grateful sense of thy goodness to us, as may make us both afraid and ashamed to offend thee. And, above all, keep in our minds a lively remem- brance of that great day, in which we must give a strict account of our thoughts, words and actions ; and accord- ing to the works done in the body, be eternally rewarded or punished, by him whom thou hast apointed the Judge of quick and dead, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life ; grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is pure ; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom ; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Ghost, he liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen. OUR Father, etc. ionxti) to^k. HJc^ncsbaij fuming. 2 »*» h AND besides this, giving all dili- gence, add to your faith vir- tue; and to virtue knowledge; 6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruit- ful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar otf, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. io Wherefore tin. rather, breth- ren, give diligence to make your call- ing and election sure; for if you do these things, ye shall never fall: ii For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly in- to the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Other selections from the Holy Scriptzires for the second, ' third and fourth vionths. Prov. xxii., 17-29. — The Afflicted in the Gate. Ezek. xxii., 16-22.— Dishoxest Gain. I. Peter i., 11. — The Corruptions of the World. Accept, O Lord God, our intercessions for all man- kind. Let the light of thy gospel shine upon all na- tions ; and may as many as have received it, live as be- comes it. Be gracious unto thy Church, and grant that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may serve thee faithfully. Bless all in au- thority over us ; and so rule their hearts and strengthen their hands, that they may punish wickedness and vice, and maintain thy true religion and virtue. Send down thy blessings, temporal and spiritual, upon all our relations, friends and neighbors. Reward all who have done us good, and pardon all those who have 104 FOURTH WEDNESDAY EVENING, done or wish us evil, and give them repentance and better minds. Be merciful to all who are in any trouble ; and do thou, the God of pity, administer to them according to their several necessities, for his sake who went about good, thy Son our Saviour. To our prayers, O Lord, we join our unfeigned thanks i >r all thy mercies ; for our being, our reason, and all cAher endowments and faculties of soul and body ; for our health, friends, food and raiment, and all the other comforts and conveniences of life. Above all, we adore thy mercy in sending thy only Son into the world, to redeem us from sin and eternal death, and in giving us the knowledge and sense of our duty towards thee. We bless thee for thy patience with us ; beseeching thee to continue these thy blessings to us ; and to give us grace to show our thankfulness in a sincere obedience to his laws, through whose merits and intercession we received them all, thy Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. In particular, we beseech thee to continue thy gra- cious protection to us this night. Defend us from all dangers and mischiefs, and from the fear of them ; that we may enjoy such refreshing sleep as may fit us for the duties of the following day. Make us ever mindful of the time when we shall lie down in the dust ; and grant us grace always to live in such a state, that we may never be afraid to die ; so that, living and dying, we may be thine, through the merits and satisfaction of thy Son Christ Jesus, in whose name we offer up these our imperfect prayers. Amen. Our Father, etc. * mtti > towk - fttntrsbcti) Jttormng. t Jol > n 2 I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have over- come the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father. 14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one. 15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof ; but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second, third and fourth 7nonths. Psalm cxix., 9-16.— The Young Man. Luke ii., 40-52. — The Child at Nazareth. Titus ii. — A Good Example. Almighty God, who didst give commandment to thine Apostles, that they should go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature ; give us, we beseech thee, a ready will to obey thy word, and fill us with a hearty desire to make thy way known upon the earth, thy saving health among the nations. Regard with favor every effort to increase the number of those who are ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. O Lord of the harvest, hear our prayer, and send forth laborers into thy harvest. In- cline especially the hearts of the young among us, to give themselves to thy service, and to the ministry of reconciliation. 106 FOURTH THURSDAY MORNING. 107 Bless the institutions for learning among us, and those established for the teaching of thy holy Word. May there be found more with hearts willing and minds qualified to do thy work. Quicken thy Church in a recognition of its responsibility to the young, that thy gospel may be extended among those ready to receive. May there be no delay. And while earnest men plant, O God, do thou send the increase, that by the uprising of thy people quick- ened to their duty, the bounds of thy kingdom among us may be enlarged, and thy name be glorified, by those to whom thy cause has been entrusted. We look, O Lord, to thee and thy cross for pardon. We look to thy coming, for reward. May neither sparingly be given, thy pity and our service. We ask all for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. O BLESSED Jesus, who for thirty years didst dwell in thy humble home at Nazareth, be with us, we pray thee, in this our home ; drive from it all pride, and selfish- ness, and impurity, that it may be a home meet for thy presence. May each member of this family be more and more conformed to thy perfect pattern ; and may we so live unto thee here that we may be with thee in thy kingdom hereafter, where, with the Father and the Holy Spirit, thou livest and reignest one God, world without end. Amen. OUR Father, etc. * mvtl > toeek - ftfjursfrmj Veiling. x Mo ^ n 5 - WHOSOEVER believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God : and every one that loveth him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments : and his commandments are not griev- ous. 4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world : and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God ? 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life ; and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. 13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God : 14 And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. 15 And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. Oth e selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fozirth months. Isaiah lxi. — The Anointed One. John L, 1-14 — The Incarnation. Heb. ii., 6-18. — Like His Brethren. Almighty God, who hast made thyself known to us as the Father which is in heaven, and hast taught us to draw nigh to thee as thy redeemed and reconciled chil- dren, send into our hearts, we beseech thee, the Spirit of adoption, whereby we may cry, Abba, Father ! We thank thee for having revealed thyself to us in thy holy Word, and for having brought to us the light of the gospel We thank thee for thy Church, built 108 FOURTH THURSDAY EVENING. 109 upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. We thank thee for the blessed testimony of believing ones, through the ages ; for the ordinances of thy worship and fellowship of thy people. But above all, we thank thee for thine inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. We thank thee for his earthly ministry of sym- pathy, and the manifestation of his power ; for his suffer- ings and death for us ; for his rising again. Give us faith that we may see him at thy right hand, as our High Priest, our Intercessor and our Friend. And, we beseech thee, give us that due sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thank- ful, and that we show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives ; by giving up ourselves to thy service, and by walking before thee in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. Amen. O LORD Jesus Christ, who didst humble thyself to become man, and to be born into the world, for our sal- vation ; teach us the grace of humility, root out of our hearts all pride and haughtiness, and so fashion us after thy holy likeness in this world, that in the world to come we may be made like unto thee, who livest and reignest, w r ith the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. OUR Father, etc, fonttb i»eefc. jfnbaw fflorning. x €or - 3 - FOR other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation, gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall de- clare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall re- ceive a reward, 15 If any man's work shall be burnt, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men: for all things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's. Other selections fro77i the Holy Scriptures foi third and fourth months. the second^ Jer. xxxv.— Children of Recab. I. Thess. v., 4-23. — Children of the Day. Rev. xxii., IO-2I — CHILDREN OF HEAVEN. " Father of heaven, whose love profound A ransom for our sins hath found, Before thy throne we sinners bend, To us thy saving grace extend." For the sake of thy dear Son, and in his name alone, we enter thy presence. We exalt and glorify thy holy Name. For there is none other name under heaven given among men, by whom and through whom we may receive help and salvation, but only through the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. no FOURTH FRIDAY MORNING. m As our heads are bowed with humility and sorrow, and as ou. lips are attuned to praise, we would ask thy help. " The living, the living, they shall praise thee/* and so may service follow song, and may we be glad and true yoke-fellows with Christ. As we have been at the price of blood saved, may we at the cost of effort be willing to save others. As we have received the gift, even so may we minister the same, one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. We would present unto thee our bodies this day, a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable service. We would not be conformed to this world, but would be transformed by the renewing of the mind, that we would prove what is that good and per- fect will of God. Accept, O Lord, this dedication of ourselves to thee and thy service; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O God, as we go forth to our duty and labor until the evening, give us patience under trials, kind speech under provocation, truthful words under temptations, fair and honorable dealing toward all mankind. May we bear no malice or hatred in our hearts. May we keep our bodies in temperance soberness and chastity. May we not covet or desire other men goods, but learn and labor truly to get our own living, and to do our duty in that state of life to which thou hast been pleased to call us ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. fourtb toeek. jnbaij Queuing, toisbom s. BUT the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them. 2 In the sight of the unwise they seem to die ; and their departure is taken for misery, 3 And their going from us to be utter destruction ; but they are in peace. 4 For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their hope full of immortality ; 5 And having been a little chas- tised, they shall be greatly re- warded ; for God proved them and found them worthy of himself. 6 As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and received them as a burnt offering. 7 And in the time of their visita- tion they shall shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stub- ble. 8 They shall judge the nations and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign forever. 9 They that put t leir trust in him shall understand the truth ; and such as be faithful in love, shall abide with him : for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect. Other selections froiii the Holy- Scriptures for +he secona, third and fourth months. Psalm cxlviii. — The Praise of Angels. II. Cor. v. — The House Not Made with Hands. Rev. xxii , 1-17. — The Heavenly Home. O God, our help in ages, our hope for years to come, we bow before thy throne to yield thee thanks for the revelation thou hast given us of thyself and of thy will and thy holy Word. Gracious art thou, O Lord, and merciful to the children of men. Above all, we thank thee for the revelation of thyself and thy dear Son, that by his death thou hast destroyed death, and by his ris- ing hast vouchsafed to us eternal life, and that he is at thy right hand. We yield thee hearty thanks for the good example of all thy servants in ages past, who, having finished their 112 FOURTH FRIDAY EVENING. 113 course, now rest from their labors ; and more especially those taken from our side, dearly loved, and who have trusted in thee. And, as day by day thy saints gather on the other side, may our hearts surely there be fixed with them, where true joys are to be found. Teach us to practice their doctrine, imitate their example, and thus be united as a part of the same mystical body, by the bands of the same faith, and a holy hope and a never-ceasing charity. While in the world, may we seek to live more above the world. May we desire thy favor, study thy will, and in all of our actions aim at the salvation of our own souls and the souls of our fellow-men, so that when we go the way of all the earth, thy presence may go with us, and strengthen us, and lead us to that rest eternal prepared for us in the heavens ; through the merits and mediation of our Lord and Saviour. And with the saints and angels and the glorious com- pany around thy throne, we will ascribe all worship and honor and glory unto him who hath loved us and re- deemed us out of all the kindred of the earth, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. LIGHTEN our darkness, we beseech thee, O Lord ; and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night ; for the love of thine only Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. OUR Father, etc. fourtij to«k. gaturbag Jttorning. ftet). 21. AND I heard a great voice out of heaven, saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God him- self shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes ; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain : for the former things are passed away. 22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it : for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. 24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it : and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it. 25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day : for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 27 And there shall in no wise en- ter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomi- nation, or maketh a lie : but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Psalm lxxiii., 14-28. — TRUST IN THE LORD. Isaiah lxiii., 7. — His LOVING KINDNESS. II. Cor. iv. — Things Eternal. HEAVENLY Father, we thy children come to offer up our prayer and praise to thee. May they be offerings well pleasing. Thy mercies are new every morning and fresh every evening. Great is thy faithfulness. For health and strength we thank thee, for the light of this day, for all its blessings ; but above all for the gift of thy dear Son, to redeem us from sin and to open unto us the gates of everlasting life. For his present 114 FOURTH SATURDAY MORNING. 115 grace, his interceding love and his Spirit's power, we give thee thanks. For thy Church, its ministry and sacraments, thy holy Word, and for the examples of those who have departed in the true faith of thy holy Name, for the hope of a life to come, and the promise of thy coming again, we gratefully adore. Make us ever mindful of thy love. May we never fall from thee, nor be led by sorrow or adversity to either question thy wisdom or deny thy goodness. May we be willing to receive at the Lord's hands evil as well as good. Pity our weakness and give us strength against the hour of trial sure to come. Sickness wilt thou sanctify. While on the earth, may we be trained for Heaven, and come off conquerors and more than conquerors; through him who hath loved us, thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. O MERCIFUL God, who hast written thy holy Word for our learning, that we, through patience and comfort of thy holy Scriptures, might have hope ; give us a right understanding of ourselves, and of thy threats and promises ; that we may neither cast away our con- fidence in thee, nor place it anywhere but in thee. Break not the bruised reed, nor quench the smoking flax. Shut not up thy tender mercies in displeasure; but make us to hear of joy and gladness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. jrottrti) toctk. 0atur5as (ffoening. mtl 2e - AND as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat ; this is my body. 27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, say- ing, Drink ye all of it : 28 For this is my # blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's king- dom. 30 And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives. 31 Then saith Jesus unto them, All ye shall be offended because of me this night : for it is written, I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. 32 But after I am risen again, I " will go before you into Galilee. Other selections from the Holy Scriptures for the second^ third and fourth months. Psalm lxxviii. — A Table in the Wilderness. I. Cor. x., 1-17.— The Cup of Blessing. Rev. xix., 1-19. — The Marriage Supper. MOST merciful Lord and Heavenly Father, at the close of another week we come before thee to confess our manifold sins, and to render thee the thanks and homage that are thy due. Increase in us faith and devotion, and replenish our hearts with love. Give us zeal in service, humility in prosperity, patience in adversity, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Give unto us, we beseech thee, larger outpourings of thy grace. Knit us together more closely in the bonds of unity and Christian fellowship. Make us to stand out more distinctly as thy true children and faithful servants. May we have grace always to confess Christ before men. 116 FOURTH SATURDAY EVENING. 117 And especially we beseech thee for all the members of our Church and congregation, as well as ourselves, that we may be more unworldly and make greater advancement in the knowledge of thy will and in thy true service. May we let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven. May men take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus and have learned of him. Build us ever more and more, O Lord, in faith, hope, charity and holiness. To those of us who shall come to the sacrament of the body and blood of our Saviour on thy holy day, grant us grace to approach that heavenly banquet, in the marriage garment of sincere repentance, that we may draw near with faith, not trusting in our own right- eousness, but in thy manifold and great mercy. May we perfect our work of preparation by praying for each other, by devout attention to the solemn services of thy Church, and by careful hearing of thy blessed Word, and thus finally take thy holy sacrament to our comfort, and be filled with thy grace and heavenly benediction ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, O GOD, pardon what we have been, sanctify what we are, and order what we shall be : that thine may be the glory, and ours the salvation ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. OUR Father, etc. ffjje 3Lorfr in tttfif) unto all tf)tm tfjat tall xipou j)tm ; gta, all sutf) as tall upon ijtm taiti fulls*— Psalm cxlv., 18. &sfe, aufr It sfjall it gtbtn sou j sttfe, autr ^t sjjall tfuir ; kuottt, auir it sjjall $t optuttr to sou*— Matt, vii., 7. Special jprayera. FOR PASTORS. MOST gracious God, the giver of all good and perfect gifts, who, of thy wise providence has appointed divers Orders in thy Church; give thy grace, we beseech thee, to thy servant, to whom the charge of our congre- gation is committed ; and so replenish him with the truth of thy«doctrine, and endue him with innocency of life, that he may faithfully serve before thee, to the glory of thy great Name, and the benefit of thy holy Church ; through Jesus Christ our only Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. FOR CHURCH OFFICERS. O HOLY Jesus, who has purchased to thyself an universal Church, and hast promised to be with thy Church to the end of the world ; be gra- ciously pleased to bless those appointed to serve thee in thy Church — ihe officers of this Parish, the superintendent and teachers of our Sunday- school. May the words of their mouths and the meditation of their hearts be always acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. Amen. FOR CHILDREN. O GOD, Holy Ghost, Sanctifier of the faithful, visit, we pray thee, all the children (of this family and) of our Sunday-school with thy love and favor ; enlighten their minds more and more with the light of the ever- lasting Gospel ; graft in their hearts a love for the truth ; increase in them true religion ; nourish them with all goodness ; and of thy great mercy keep them in the same, O blessed Spirit, whom with the Father and the Son together we worship and glorify as one God, world without end. Amen. FOR TEACHERS. O Lord, my God ! I am not worthy that thou shouldst come under my roof ; yet thou hast honored me, thy servant, with appointing me to stand in thy house, and to serve thee in thy Holy Temple. To thee and to thy service I devote myself, soul, body and spirit, with all their pow- ers and faculties. Fill my memory with the words of thy law ; enlighten my understanding with the illumination of the Holy Ghost ; and may all the wishes and desires of my will centre in what thou hast commanded. And to make me instrumental in promoting the salvation of those who are committed to my charge, grant that I myself may be taught of thee, and that I, by my life and doctrine, may set forth thy true and lively Word. Be ever with me in the performance of all duties ; in prayer, to quicken my devotion ; in praises, to heighten my love and gratitude ; and in teaching, to give a readiness of thought and expression suitable to the clearness and excellency of thy holy Word. Grant this for the sake of Jesus Christ, thy Son our Saviour. Amen. 119 SPECIAL PRAYERS. GRACE BEFORE MEALS. Bless, heavenly Father, this food to our use, and ourselves to thy service ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, Accept, Lord, our thanks for thy mercies. Bless this provision of thy bounty. Feed our souls with the bread of life : and grant that we may sit with thee at thy table in thy kingdom ; for thine own Name's sake. Amen. PRAYER UPON ENTERING CHURCH. O Lord, help me to worship thee in spirit and in truth. Make me at- tentive to thy Word, and bless my soul for my Redeemer's sake. Amen. Open thou, O Lord, my lips to praise thee; drive from my heart evil affections and from my mind wandering thoughts, that with devotion I may join in this service, and so glorify thee on earth as to be heard by thee in heaven ; through Jesus Christ thy Son. Amen. FOR A BLESSING ON PUBLIC WORSHIP. Almighty God, accept, we beseech thee, the prayers of thy Church that shall be offered up on this day. Bless the preaching of thy Word, and thy holy sacraments, and may we receive thy blessing to our comfort and peace ; through thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen* UPON LEAVING CHURCH. O Lord, forgive all my sins, and bless the services in which I have been engaged, to my spiritual and everlasting good; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. FOR THE UNITY OF GOD'S PEOPLE. O God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, our only Saviour, the Prince of Peace ; take away all pride, self-sufficiency and prejudice, and whatsoever else may hinder us from godly union and concord ; that, as there is but one Body, and one Spirit, and one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may all be of one heart, and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify thee ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: August 2005 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township. PA 16066 (724) 779-21 1 1