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THE 
 
 FAMILY 
 
 PEAYEE BOOK; 
 
 OH, 
 
 omtirg antr ^kiting '^rajicrs fcrr ^torg gan iir t^t ^mx. 
 
 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 KDlTEl) BY 
 
 THE REV. EDWARD GARBETT, M.A, 
 
 INCUMBENT OF CHRIST CHURCH, SURBITON, AND LATE BOYLE LECTURER; 
 
 AND 
 
 THE REY. SAMUEL MARTIN, 
 
 MINISTER OF WESTMINSTER CHAPEL, AND CHAIRMAN OF THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION FOR 1802-3. 
 
 LONDON: 
 CASSELL, PETTER, AND GALPIN. 
 
 1864. 
 

 GcB 
 
 'IT 
 
 GIFT OP 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 IT would be superfluous to expatiate to those, into whose hands this publication is likely to fall, on the 
 obligations of Pi'ayer, since a personal experience can alone suggest the want which this Volume is 
 intended to supply. Like all other things of Divine institution, prayer is commended by benefits as varied 
 as the aspects in which it can be regarded. It is a duty, for Christ has commanded it ; a privilege, for we 
 speak to God himself; an instinct of self-interest, for how else shall our wants be supplied? a necessity, for 
 the full heart must iind some mode of utterance ; a happiness, for in prayer the Christian enjoys that 
 immediate intercourse with his Heavenly Father, through Christ Jesus, which will constitute hereafter the 
 very bliss and glory of heaven. 
 
 Nor is Family Prayer commended by reasons less cogent or varied than private supplication. It is a 
 formal witness to the Unseen, an act of solemn allegiance to Him in whom we live, and move, and have our 
 being. It is the expression of those religious interests and sympathies which the menibei-s of a family have 
 in common, neither so general as those of the congregation, nor so closely personal as those of the indi- 
 viduaL It is the means of mutual intercession, and the channel through which larger supplies of the Holy 
 Spirit may be sought, sealed as it is with Christ's especial promise to united prayer. It is the truest bond 
 of family affection, the spring of mutual sympathy, an instrument in the education of character, and the 
 foretaste of a heavenly and an enduring relationship. 
 
 But the recognition of the dixty is more easy than its satisfactory performance. There are some persons 
 so richly endowed with fervency of spirit, tenderness of feeling, and freedom of utterance, that their extem- 
 poraneous outpourings of devotion constitute the best mode of family worship which can be suggested. But 
 such gifts are not common, and it cannot be expected that all fathers of families should feel themselves 
 competent to discharge such an office, either with comfort to themselves or with edification to others. To 
 maintain its continuous performance without running either into eccentricity on the one side, or into 
 monotony on the otlier, requires greater endowments than men can ordinarily be supposed to possess ; and 
 no warmth of feeling or fluency of language are in themselves sufficient. 
 
 An exact doctrinal knowledge must underlie all enlightened devotion. The free langiaage of the heart 
 is, we admit, very different from the definitions of theology, and must be measured by a widely different 
 standard. Nevertheless, they are intimately related, and mutually react upon each other. The creed of the 
 intellect necessarily guides the affections of the heart. Yet the process is often reversed, and an unscriptural 
 mode of feeling leads little by little into an unscriptural mode of thinking. The relation between the head 
 and the heart is so close, that no permanent discx'epancy can exist between them. Not only the subjects of 
 prayer, but its whole tone and chai-acter, are affected by the doctrinal creed. How differently, for instance, 
 must the man feel and express himself before God, who believes in the total depravity of human nature and 
 the sovereignty of Divine grace, from the man who believes with the Rationalist in human perfectibility, or 
 with the Homanist in the opus operatum of the sacraments. Hence, a solid knowledge of Divine truth, and 
 that devout familiarity with Scripture which saturates, as ifc were, the very heart with its tone and spirit, 
 are the first requisites for the conduct of family devotion. 
 
 But when the substance of prayer has thus been secured, it still remains to regulate its expression. 
 In private prayer this element scarcely enters into consideration, because here the relation is immediate 
 
 M81742 
 
iy • INTEODUCTION. 
 
 between the soul itself and the God with whom it speaks. But when pmyer becomes the common act of a 
 number, the case is different. Some one must become the mouthpiece of all the rest, and the devotion of the 
 whole circle can only be real, free, and unrestrained, in proportion as the thoughts and feelings of all are 
 reflected in the language of the speaker. Hence the language should be simple, natural, unaffected. There 
 should be no effort at ornament to distract, no coarseness of speech to offend. Conventionalisms, familiar to 
 one man, but strange to another, should be avoided. Nothing, in short, should divert attention from the 
 object and purpose of pi-ayer to its outwai'd form and vehicle. Affectionate, without familiarity ; earnest, 
 without effort ; simple, without affectation, the language of prayer should be the outward reflection of 
 prayer itself, by a process as natural as that which moulds the leaves of the bud after the shape of the 
 blossom it encloses. 
 
 But when the matter and manner of pi-ayer are both adjusted, it is still necessary to arrange the topics 
 in such order as shall best quicken interest and promote ediflcation. The recurrence of the same unalterable 
 wants in every family circle makes it the more important to vary, as much as possible, the aspects under 
 which they may be presented. In no way can tliis be accomplished with so much propriety, as by following 
 the inexhaustible stores of Holy Scripture. "What so natural, as that the portion of God's Word read should 
 give its character to the prayer that fallows, suggesting its salient topics, and colouring, with its own divine 
 hues of promise or of warning, its confessions and its thanksgivings, its ascrij^tions and its supplications? 
 
 On these principles the present Volume of Prayers for Family Use has been comi)iled. It will be found 
 to be pervaded everywhere with the distinctive principles of evangelical truth, and to breathe throughout an 
 entire liarmony of thought and sentiment. The high reputation of its Contributors, and the care with which 
 the whole has been revised, encourage the hope that nothing will be found in it contraiy to sound doctrine. 
 The number of writers who have rendered their valuable assistance has tended to secure variety of style, 
 and to prevent poverty of thought and individual peculiarities of expression. The portions of Scripture 
 have been carefully selected from the authorised version, with a view to elucidate Scri])ture by Scripture, 
 and to combine in one consistent course of instructive reading the various books of the Old and New Testa- 
 ments. The connecting thought which has been present in the mind of the Editors may not in all cases be 
 equally transparent ; but it is believed that the heart of the worshipper may be conscious of a harmony of 
 teaching, where the head may fail to analyse the exact connection out of which it has sprung. 
 
 That the object aimed at in this volume has been carried oiit imperfectly and with some defects, is most 
 readily admitted. Diversities of judgment in the details of such a work must necessarily be expected. It 
 is pi'obable that the editors themselves, when they quietly revise their own work, may become conscious of 
 faults which they would be the first to acknowledge and deplore. If the design is even partially realised, 
 they must be thankful for this measure of success ; and conscious of the sense of responsibility before God, 
 in which their work was undertaken, must leave the rest to the forgiving mercies of their Master, and the 
 indulgent judgment of their Christian brethren. 
 
 They humbly commend the Volume to the blessing of Him who hears and answers prayer through that 
 gracious Saviour by whom alone we have access unto the Father, May He be pleased to assist with 
 his Holy Si)irit all those who use these prayers as the utterances of their family worship ! "Without His 
 help, all forms whatever Avill be useless : with it, the forms supplied in this Volume may become instinct 
 with spiritual blessing, and every home, where prayer is offered, be as the house of God and as the gate of 
 heaven. 
 
LIST OF COFmiBUTORS. 
 
 The Eight Eev. the LoKD Bishop of Mauritius. 
 
 The Eight Eev. the Lokd Bishop of Melbourne. 
 
 The Eight Eev. the Lord Bishop of Sydney. 
 
 The Very Eev. the Deax of Dromore. 
 
 The Very Eev. the Deax of Gloucester. 
 
 The Very Eev. the Deax of Waterford. 
 
 The Ven. the Archdeacox of Derby, M.A., Canon 
 
 of Lichfield, and Vicar of ChestertiuUl, 
 The Ven. the Archdeacox of Surrey, M.A., Canon 
 
 of Winchester, and Vicar of Farnham. 
 Eev. W. AcwoRTii, M.A., Vicar of Phimstead. 
 Eev. B. Addisox, M.A., Incumbent of St. John's, 
 
 Newcastle-on-Tync. 
 Eev. T. Alexaxder, M.A., Chelsea. 
 Rev. C. E. Alford, M.A., Principal of the Metro- 
 politan Training College. 
 Eev. H. Allox, Islington. 
 Eev. J. AxGUS, D.D., President of Eegent's Park 
 
 College. 
 Eev. E. Ashtox, Secretary of the Congregational 
 
 Union, London. 
 Eev. C. T. Astley, M.A., Vicar of Margate. 
 Eev. E. AURIOL, M.A., Eector of St. Dunstau's, West. 
 Eev. T. W. AvELiNO, Kingsland. 
 Eev. E. Balgarxie, Scarborough. 
 Eev. J. Batemax, M.A., Vicar of North Cray, Kent. 
 Eev. J. Beazley, Blackheath. 
 Eev. C. D. Bell, M.A., Incumbent of Ambleside. 
 Eev. S. B. Beugxe, Secretary of British and Foreign 
 
 Bible Society. 
 Eev. E. W. Betts, Peckham. 
 Eev. W. Bevax, Canonbury. 
 Eev. J. BiGWOOD, Bromi:)ton. 
 Eev. C. W. Bixgham, M.A., Eector of Melcombe 
 
 Horsey, Dorchester. 
 Eev. C. M. BiRRELL, Liverpool. 
 Eev. D. Blow, Eegent's Park. 
 Eev. J. BoLTOX, M.A. (the late), Incumbent of St. 
 
 Paul's, Kilburn. 
 
 Eev. E. Brixdley, Bath. 
 
 Eev. H. F. Brock, M.A., Incumbent of Chi-ist Church, 
 Doncaster 
 
 Eev. W. Brock, Jun., Hampstead. 
 
 Eev. T. Bromley, M.A., Incumbent of St. Mary's, 
 Leamington. 
 
 Eev. J. W. Brooks, M.A., Vicar of St. Mary's, Notting- 
 ham, and Prebendary of Lincoln. 
 
 Eev. J. MoRTOX Browx, D.D., Cheltenham. 
 
 Eev. Dr. Buciiaxax, Glasgow. 
 
 Eev. W. M. BucKE, M.A., Chaplain to the Magdalen 
 Asylum, London. 
 
 Eev. C. Bullock, Eector of St. Nicholas, AVorcester. 
 
 Eov. W. M. BuxTiXG, M.A., Ilighgate. 
 
 Eev. J. BURDER, M.A., Clifton. 
 
 Eav. J. BuRXS, D.D., Paddington. 
 
 Eov. A. B. BuRTOX, M.A., Eector of Holy Trinity, 
 Southampton. 
 
 Eev. W. BuRTOX, Frome. 
 
 Eev. A. BuzACOTT, B.A., Eomford. 
 
 Eev. L. H. Byrxes, B.A., Kingston. 
 
 Eev. Dr. Cairxs, Berwick. 
 
 Eev. G. Caltiirop, M.A., Incumbent of Trhiity 
 Church, Cheltenham. 
 
 Eev. Canon Camidge, M.A., Vicar of Wakefield. 
 
 Eev. J. E. Campbell, D.D., Bradford. 
 
 Eev. E. G. Cecil, Portsmouth. 
 
 Eev. F. S. C. Chalmers, M.A., Eector of Beckenham. 
 
 Eev. J. Chalmers, M.A., Tottenham. 
 
 Eev. Canon Champxeys, M. A., Vicar of St. Pancras. 
 
 Eev. J. M. Charltox, M.A., Western College, Ply- 
 mouth. 
 
 Eev. C. F. Chase, M.A., Eector of St. Ann's, Black- 
 friars. 
 
 Eev. C. F. Childe, M.A., Eector of Holbrook, Suffolk. 
 
 Eev. Professor Christmas, M.A., Lecturer of St. 
 Peter's, Cornhill. 
 
 Eev. II. Christophersox, New College Chapel, St. 
 John's Wood. 
 
VI 
 
 LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. 
 
 Rev. B. S. CiiAKKE, M.A., Incumbent of Soutliport. 
 Rev. T. J. Clarke, M.A., Incumbent of St. Paul's, 
 
 Southport. 
 Rev. E. Clay, B.A., Incumbent of St. Margaret's, 
 
 Brighton. 
 Rev. C. Clayton, M.A., Fellow and Tutor of Caius 
 
 College, Cambridge, and Examining Chaplain to 
 
 the Bishop of Rii)on. 
 Eev. W. COCKIN, M.A., Rector of St. George's, Bir- 
 mingham, and Examining Chaplain to the Bishop 
 
 of Durham. 
 Rev. J. CoLBOURNE, M.A., Incumbent of St. Matthias, 
 
 Bethnal Green. ^ 
 
 Eev. E. R. CoxDEK, M.A., Leeds. 
 Rev. G. W. CoNDEH, Leeds. 
 Rev. "W. Cooke, D.D., London. 
 Rev. J. CoRBiN, Homsey. 
 Rev. A. G. Cornwall, M.A., Chaplain in Ordinary to 
 
 the Queen, and Rector of Beverstone, Gloucester- 
 
 shii'e. 
 Rev. H. O. Crofts, D.D., Leeds. 
 Rev. J. H. Crowder, M.A., Minister of the Octagon 
 
 Chapel, Bath. 
 Rev. S. Crump, Kentish Town. 
 Rev. F. Cruse, M.A., Incumbent of St. Jude's, South- 
 
 wark. 
 Rev. T. CuRME, M.A., Vicar of Sandford, Oxon. 
 Rev. T. H. Da VIES, M.A., Incumbent of Chi-ist's 
 
 Church, Ramsgate. 
 Rev. U. Davies, M.A., Incumbent of St. Matthew's, 
 
 Islington. 
 Rev. C. H. Davis, M.A., Chaplain to the Stroud 
 
 Union. 
 Rev. J. Davis, Secretary to Evangelical Alliance. 
 Rev. E. Davys, M.A., Vicar of Peterborough. 
 Rev. G. Despabd, M.A., Incumbent of St. Paul's, 
 
 Kilburn. 
 Rev. J. W. K. Disney, M.A., Vicar of St. Saviour's, 
 
 Retford. 
 Rev. G. T. Driffield, M.A., Rector of Bow. 
 Rev. T. D. K. Drummond, M.A., Incumbent of St. 
 
 Thomas's, Edinburgh. 
 Rev. J. Eadie, D.D., Glasgow. 
 
 Rev. Canon Eden, M.A., Vicar of Wymondham, Nor- 
 folk. 
 Rev. J. Edmond, D.D., Highbury. 
 Rev. C. "W. Edmonstone, M.A., Incumbent of St. 
 
 John's, Upper IloUoway. 
 Eev. C. Evans, M.A., Rector of St. Clement's, Wor- 
 cester. 
 Rev. "W. Fairbrotiier, Highgate. 
 
 Rev. J. Ferguson, D.D., St. John's "Wood. 
 
 Rev. G. W. FiSHBOURNE, Stratford. 
 
 Rev. J. B. Figgis, B.A., Brighton. 
 
 Rev. G. FiSK, LL.B., Vicar of Great Malvern, and 
 
 Prebendary of Lichfield. 
 Rev. J. Fleming, Kentish Town. 
 Rev. W. Fleming, M.A., Incumbent of Christ Church, 
 
 Homsey. 
 Rev. B. Field, Northampton Square, London. 
 Rev. J. Fletcher, Christchurch, Hants. 
 Rev. G. T. Fox, M.A., Rector of St. Nicholas's, 
 
 Durham. 
 Rev. J. B. French, Richmond. 
 Rev. II. J. Gamble, Upper Clapton. 
 Rev. S. Garratt, M.A., Incumbent of Trinity Chui-ch, 
 
 St. Giles-in-the-Fields. 
 Rev. S. Gedge, M.A., Vicar of All Saints, North- 
 ampton. 
 Rev. Canon GiRDLESTONE, M.A., Vicar of Halberton, 
 
 Devon. 
 Rev. R. Glover, M.A., Incumbent of Christ Church, 
 
 Dover. 
 Rev. E. Godson, M.A., Curate of Shopton Mallett. 
 Rev. C. J. GooDHART, M.A., Minister of Park Chapel, 
 
 Chelsea. 
 Rev. J. Grailvm, Craven Chapel. 
 Rev. J. II. Gray, M.A., Incumbent of St. Barnabas, 
 
 Isle of Man. 
 Rev. E. W. Greaves, M.A., Rector of Tooting. 
 Eev. T. Green, M.A., Principal of Chui-ch Missionary 
 
 Institution, Islington. 
 Rev. R, Gunnery, M.A., Incumbent of St. Mary's, 
 
 Hornsey Rise. 
 Rev. J. Guthrie, M.A., Albany Chapel, Regent's Park. 
 Eev. J. S. Hall, Falcon Square Chapel, London. 
 Eev. J. Hambleton, M.A., Minister of the Chapel of 
 
 Ease, Islington. 
 Eev. A. Hambson, Stoke Newingtou. 
 Eev. Canon Hastings, M.A., Rector of Martley, Wor- 
 
 cestershii'e. 
 Eev. A. M. Henderson, Pentonville. 
 Eev. C. Hebert, M.A., Vicar of Lowestoft. 
 Eev. J. Hill, Ventnor, 
 Eev. J. H. Hinton, M.A., Devonshire Square Chapel, 
 
 London. 
 Eev. J. Hoby, D.D., Hackney. 
 Eev. B. S, HoLLis, Islington. 
 
 Eev. H. C. Howard, Curate of St. Matthew's, Is- 
 lington. 
 Eev. C. E. Howell, Finchley. 
 Eev. J. M'CoNNELL HussEY, M.A., Incumbeat Oi 
 
 Christ Church, North Brixton. 
 
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS. 
 
 Rev. H. B. Ingram, Paddington. 
 
 Rev. J. JamiesoX, D.D., Glasgow. 
 
 Rev. J. S. JexkiNsoN, M.A., Vicar of Battersea. 
 
 Rev. A. Jexour, Incumbent of Blackpool. 
 
 Rev. J. Keeling, M.A., Incumbent of St. PauVs, 
 
 Lisson Grovev 
 Rev. D. KellYj M.A., Incumbent of Trinity Church, 
 
 Gough Square, Fleet Street. 
 Rev. W. Kendall, M.A., Association Secretary, Church 
 
 Pastoral- Aid Society. 
 Rev. J. Kennedy, M.A., Stepney, 
 Rev. W. H. KiLLiCK, M.A., Rector of St. Clement 
 
 Danes, Strand. 
 Rev. J. Sv Knapp, Incumbent of St. John's, Portsea. 
 Rev. W. Landels, Regent's Park. 
 Rev. "VV. Laygock, M.A., Incumbent of St. Anne's, 
 
 Haliftix. 
 Rev. G. Lea, M.A., Incumbent of Christ Church, 
 
 Birmingham, and Pi-ebendary of Lichfield. 
 Rev. W. Leask, D.D., Ware. 
 Rev. J. Leech^an, M.A., LL.D., Hammersmith. 
 Rev. J. Lees, M.A., Incumbent of St. Mark's, Tol- 
 
 lington Park. 
 Rev. J. Leifchild, M.A., Regent's Park. 
 Rev. T. LesseY, Arundel Square, Islington. 
 Rev. J. W. Lester, D.D., Incumbent of St, Luke's, 
 
 Lower Noi*wood. 
 Rev. W. G. Lewis, Westbourne Grove, Bayswater. 
 Rev. Sir C. R. Lighton, Bart., M.A., Vicar of 
 
 Ellastone, Staffordshire. 
 Rev. E, Lillingston, M.A., Incumbent of St. 
 
 George's, Edgbaston, Bii-mingham. 
 Rev. R. Long, M.A., Association Secretary, Church 
 
 Missionary Society. 
 Rev. J. LouTiT, Plymouth. 
 Rev. S. M*Az,r, Hackney College. 
 Rev. W. M'All, M.A., Incumbent of St. Mary's, St. 
 
 George's East. 
 Rev. D. M'Analy, Incumbent of Pcngo. 
 Rev. J. Macfarlane, D.D., Clapham. 
 Rev. H. M. M'GiLL, D.D., Glasgow. 
 Rev. R. Maguire, M.A., Incumbent of Clerkenwell. 
 Rev. E. M.VNNERING, Bishopsgate Chapel. 
 Rev. G. Mansfield, M.A., Vicar of Finchingfield, 
 
 Essex. 
 Rev. S. March, Erith. 
 Rev. Canon Marsh, D.D., Rector of Beddington, 
 
 Surrey. 
 Rev. C. D. Marston, M.A., Rector of St. Mary's, 
 
 Bryanston Square. 
 Rev. R. H. Marten, B.A., Lee. 
 Rev. J. H. Millard, B.A., Maze Pond Chapel. 
 
 Rev. Canon Miller, D.D., Rector of St. Martin's, 
 
 Bii-mingham. 
 Rgv. W. a. Mocatta, M.A., Association Secretary, 
 
 Church Missionaiy Society. 
 Rev. C. F. S. Money, M.A., Incumbent of St. John's, 
 
 Deptford. 
 Rev. J. MooRHoUSE, M.A., Incumbent of St. John's, 
 
 Fitzroy Square. 
 Rev. J. V. Mummery, F.R.A.S., Secretary of Book 
 
 Society, and to Congregational Board, London. 
 Rev. W. M. MuNGEAM, B.A., Incumbent of St. Peter's, 
 
 Southwark. 
 Rev. T. Nolan, B.D., Incumbent of St. Peter's, Regent 
 
 Square, St. Pancras. 
 Rev. G. Osborne, D.D., Secretary, Weslej'an Mis- 
 sionary Society. 
 Rev. J. Patteson, M.A., Rector of Christ Church, 
 
 Spitalfields. 
 Rev. J. S. PE.1RSALL, Eccleston Chapel, Pimlico. 
 Rev. J. Peddie, D.D., Edinburgh. 
 Rev. G. Perry, M.A., Minister of Fitzroy Chapel, St. 
 
 Pancras. 
 Rev. B. PniLPOT, M.A., Vicar of Lydney, Gloucester- 
 shire. 
 Rev. D. PiTCAiRN, Torquay. 
 
 Rev. A. Price, B.A., Minister of the Lock Chapel. 
 Rev. E. T. Prust, Northampton. 
 Rov. W. M. PUNSHON, M.A., Islington. 
 Rev. A. Raleigh, Canonbury. 
 Rev. J. Randerson, Lincoln. 
 Rev. T. R. Rbdwar, M.A., Incumbent of St. Thomas's, 
 
 Chancery Lane. 
 Rov. W. Reed, London, 
 
 Rev. II. R. Reynolds, B.A., Cheshunt College. 
 Rev. R. W. Reynolds, M.A., Incumbent of St. 
 
 Stephen's, Spitalfields. 
 Rev. J. Richardson, M.A., Vicar of St. Mary's, Bury 
 
 St. Edmunds. 
 Rev. J. W. Richardson, Rosendale, Dulwich. 
 Rev. A. Roberts, M.A., Rector of Woodrising. 
 Rev. R. Roberts, Huddersfield. 
 Rev. W. Roberts, B.A., Netting Hill. 
 Rov. W. Roberts, Halifax. 
 Rev. W. Robertson, M.A., Hamilton. 
 Rev. D. Robinson, M.A., Curate of Ilenbmy, Bristol. 
 Rev. Canon Sale, M. A. , Vicar of Sheffield. 
 Rev. F. G. Sanders, B.A., Curate of Southport. 
 Rev. J. Scott, M.A., Incumbent of St. Mary's, 
 
 Hull. 
 Rev. F. Scott, M.A., Rector of Wappenham. 
 Rev. T. H. Sharpe, M.A., Vicar of Codicoto, Herts. 
 Rev. G. Smith, Trinity Chapel, Poplar. 
 
LIST OF CONTEIBUTOES. 
 
 Eev. Gervase Smith, Islington. 
 
 Eev. A. "W. SxAPE, M.A., Incumbent of St. Mary 
 Magdalene, Southwark. 
 
 Eev. J. Spexce, D.D., Poultry Chapel. 
 
 Eev. J. Stagey, Sheffield. 
 
 Eev. "W. M. Statham, Brompton. 
 
 Eev. E. SteaNE, D.D., Camberwell. 
 
 Eev. n. Stebbixg, D.D., Eector of St. Mary's Somer- 
 set, Thames Street. 
 
 Eev. J. E. Stock, M.A., Eector of Allhallows, Thames 
 Street. 
 
 Eev. J. Strattex, Paddington. 
 
 Eev. A. B. SuTER, B.A., Incumbent of All Saints, 
 Stepney. 
 
 Eev. G. Tait, M.A., Eector of St. Matthew's, Bath. 
 
 Eev. A. C. Thomas, Cross Street, Islington. 
 
 Eev. P. Thoiisox, Grosvenor Street Chapel, Man- 
 chester. 
 
 Eev. "W. L. TnoRNTOX, M.A., Editor to Wesleyan 
 Conference. 
 
 Eev. A. W. Thorold, M.A., Eector of St. Giles-in- 
 the-Fields. 
 
 Eev. S. A. Tipple, Upper Norwood. 
 
 Eev. J. II. TiTCOMB, M.A., Incumbent of St. Stephen's, 
 South Lambeth. 
 
 Eev. r. Trestrail, Secretary, Baptist Missionaiy 
 Society. 
 
 Eev. J. "W. TwEDDLE, Westminster. 
 
 Eev. L. TuGWELL, M.A., Incumbent of St. Andrew's, 
 
 Lambeth. 
 Eev. H. Vachell, M.A., Eector of St. John's, 
 
 Horsleydown. 
 Eev. M. H. Vine, M. A., Eector of St. Mary-le-Bow, 
 
 Cheapside. , 
 
 Eev. J. YlXEY, Highgate. 
 Eev. S. Waddy, D.D., Chelsea. 
 Eev. E. Waite, M.A., Leatherhoad. 
 Eev. S. A. Walker, M.A., Eector of St. Mary-le-Port, 
 
 Bristol. 
 Eev. H. Walsh, M.A., Eector of Bishopston, Wilts. 
 Eev. W. Wells, M.A., Vicar of Carbrooke, Norfolk. 
 Eev. F. A. West, Governor of New Kingswood School, 
 
 Bath. 
 Eev. C. White, M.A., Incumbent of HasKngton, 
 
 Cheshire. 
 Eev. J. B. WiiiTiXG, M.A., Eector of Broomfield, Essex. 
 Eev. W. WiLKiXsox, M.A., Incumbent of St. Mary's, 
 
 Sheffield. 
 Eev. D. F. WiLSOX, M.A., Vicar of Mitcham, Surrey. 
 Eev. J. G. WiLSOX, M.A., Assistant Editor to Wesleyan 
 
 Conference. 
 Eev. S. A. WixDLE, Chaplain of Mariners' Churcli, 
 
 KingstoTsai. 
 Eev. W. WiNDLE, M.A,, Eector of St. Stephen's, Wal- 
 
 brook. 
 Eev. J. Wright, M.A., London. 
 
THE 
 
 FAMILY PEAYEK-BOOK; 
 
 OR, 
 
 gjornrng mib €htmnc; ^^^2^^"^ fat €btx^ gaij in il^t ^cur. 
 
 Morning.] 
 
 FIEST WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS I. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, Creator of 
 -Tl heaven and earth, accept our thanksgiving for 
 all thj mercies, for Thou art the Lord our God. 
 We especially praise Thee, God, for the pro- 
 tection wherewith Thou hast kept us during the 
 past night, and for the renewed mercies of another 
 day. Thou hast stretched thy shield over this 
 household, and beneath thy care we have dwelt 
 in safety. Continue thy care over us throughout 
 the day, and enable us to please Thee in all our 
 thoughts, and words, and works. Bestow upon us 
 such health and strength that we may be ready, 
 both in body and soul, to do thy will ; and give 
 us all such things as Thou seest to be good for us. 
 
 Tliou who didst command the light to shine out 
 of darkness, shed the light of thy truth into our 
 souls. Thou knowest, Lord, what the day will 
 bring forth, and neither our weaknesses nor our 
 temptations are hidden from Thee. Fulfil towards 
 us thy promises, and grant us such grace that we 
 may Avaik in thy faith and fear all the day long, 
 for Tliou art round about our path, and spiest out 
 all our ways. 
 
 We beseech Thee, also, for all those who are 
 near and dear to us. We commend to thy 
 fatherly goodness all thine afflicted people. And 
 as Thou hast made of one blood all nations of 
 men, teach us so to love one another that we may 
 rejoice with those who do rejoice, and weep with 
 those who weep. Be in the midst of this 
 family, to guide us in our devotions before Thee 
 and in our intercourse with each other. Endow 
 all thy ministers with grace and wisdom, and all 
 thy congregations with the hearing ear and the 
 understanding heart. Shed thy blessing, God, 
 on thy Church and people. Grant that thy Word 
 may be widely preached throughout the world, 
 and so prosper it with thy Spirit that many 
 sinners may be gathered unto Thee. Hear us, 
 we beseech Tliee, for the sake of thy Son Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 1 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN L 1—18. 
 
 OUR Father which art in heaven, we assemble 
 ourselves as a family at the end of the first 
 Sabbath in this New Year, to confess our sins, 
 to thank Thee for thy goodness to us, and to seek 
 thy blessing upon this closing day's engagements. 
 Blessed be God who daily loadeth us with laenefits, 
 and who hath richly blessed us this day. By thy 
 grace we have not forsaken the assembling of our- 
 selves together, as the manner of some is, but we 
 have loved the habitation of thy house. Sanctifv 
 to our spiritual profit the public reading of the 
 Scriptures, the preaching of the Gospel of thy grace, 
 and all the ordinances of thy Church. Suffer us 
 not to be forgetful hearers, but make us doers of 
 thy Word. May the sweet savour of Church wor- 
 ship abide with us, and by means of all the religious 
 privileges which we enjoy, whether public, private, 
 or domestic, may we bring forth much fruit. In 
 every place, as in many things, we all offend. We 
 have sinned in thy house this day, and have come 
 short of thy glory. We would be humbled by the 
 thought that even in the place where prayer is wont 
 to be made, and even in acts of worship, we grieve 
 Thee and break thy laws. Father in heaven, for- 
 give us, we beseech Thee, and may we now and 
 always feel that the blood of Jesus Christ our 
 Saviour cleanseth us from all sin. 
 
 One thing, merciful Father, we specially ask 
 of Thee, that during this New Year our knowledge 
 of the Saviour may greatly increase. May we 
 know Him as the Word made flesh, and as the 
 only-begotten Son of the Father, and may our 
 experience be that He is full of grace and truth. 
 Grant, we pray Thee, that in every period of life 
 we may be qualified to sa}-, " I know whom I have 
 believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep 
 that which I have committed unto Him against that 
 day." And now bless us with thy protection during 
 the night, that we may lay ourselves doAvn in sleep 
 and safety, secure from evil, and quiet from fear 
 of evil, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 1 
 
MoRNIN'Gf.], 
 
 FIRST WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 ,REM? IN, .^9^y. SCRiPTURE PSALM CIV. 
 
 0L6R"D*W''God,' Merciful and Almighty 
 Father ! our hearts would respond to the 
 ])salm of praise which we have just been reading, 
 and with our souls and all that is within us we 
 would now bless Thee. For sleep and safety during 
 the night; for life, and health, and strength this 
 morning; for food and raiment, and a dwelling- 
 place ; and for all that supplies the needs of the 
 body, we thank Thee. For all Thou art unto us as 
 our Father ; for the gift of thy Son our Saviour — 
 for the sending of the Holy Ghost, our Rege- 
 nerator and Comforter ; and for the sacred volume 
 which gives us the knowledge of thyself and of 
 Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent, we bless Tliee. 
 We receive from Thee every day mercies more 
 than we can number, and blessings more precious 
 than we can describe; and we are sensible of 
 obligations v/hich these words of worship do not 
 express. Accept, therefore, merciful Father, 
 not merely the praises of our lips, but the un- 
 uttered gratitude of our hearts. 
 
 And we beseech Thee to hear us, Lord God, 
 when we ask that thy mercy may follow us 
 throughout this day — may it attend us in all our 
 labours, and in all our recreations ; in all our 
 trials, and in all our temptations. Often move us 
 to think of Thee, and may our meditation of Thee 
 be sweet ; may we be glad in the Lord. Open our 
 eyes to see thy manifold works, and thy riches, of 
 which this earth is full. Especially enable us to 
 inquire into and to meditate upon the exceeding 
 riches of thy grace, and the unsearchable riches 
 of Christ, so that we may sing unto the Lord as 
 long as Ave live, yea, sing praises to our God while 
 we have any being. 
 
 We acknowledge ourselves to be defiled with 
 the exceeding sinfulness of sin, and to be un- 
 worthy to receive any gift from Thee. Grant, 
 therefore, that with the spirit of praise there may 
 be ever united in our hearts the spirit of true 
 humility ; and that whenever we speak of Thee, 
 it may always be with a penitent and believing 
 heart. 
 
 We especially confess to Thee that we have 
 often been unmindful of thy love to us, and that 
 we have shown our unthankfulness by restraining 
 praise, by coldness and indifference of heart, and 
 by disobedience to thy commandments. Merci- 
 fully forgive us. We resolve, by the help of thy 
 grace, to show forth thy praise, not with our lips 
 onl}', but also with our lives, by giving up our- 
 selves to thy service, and walking before Thee in 
 holiness and righteousness all our days. 
 
 Accept, Father of all mercies, this our morning 
 sacrifice of worship, for our Lord Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 2 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS I. 
 
 GRACIOUS art Thou, God, and blessed is thy 
 name : for Thou dost give us life, and healtli, 
 and all things. Thou art our God, and we will 
 praise Thee ; Thou art our God, and we will exalt 
 Thee. 
 
 We give Thee humble and hearty thanks, 
 merciful Lord, for thy guardian care over us in 
 our goings out and in our comings in. For all 
 our mercies, personal, social, and domestic ; for 
 food, and raiment, and shelter; for the preserva- 
 tion of life and health ; for every pleasure we 
 have enjoyed, and every mutual affection which 
 has gladdened our homes, we glorify thy good- 
 ness, our God. 
 
 We acknowledge, holy and heart-searching 
 Judge, that we have not deserved any of thy 
 mercies : for we, like sheep, have gone astray. 
 It is of thy mercy only that we are not consumed. 
 
 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 who didst give thine only-begotten Son to make 
 known unto us thy will, and to bear the penalty of 
 our transgressions, mercifully pardon and accept 
 us. God the Son, who didst humble thyself to 
 the death upon the cross, that Thou mightest purge 
 away our sins, and art now ascended into heaven, 
 cleanse us in thy most precious blood. God 
 the Holy Ghost, who didst guide the minds of 
 prophets and apostles to write thy Word, open 
 our minds to understand thy will, and prepare 
 our hearts to do it. Blot out as a thick cloud 
 our transgressions, and as a cloud our sins. 
 
 Teach us, Lord, so to number our days that 
 we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Awaken 
 and ever increase in us an earnest anxiety about 
 the things belonging to our peace, that we may 
 live as strangers and pilgrims who seek another 
 country, even a heavenly. Let us not love the 
 world, nor the things of the world, more than we 
 love Thee. Be Thou alone our strength in life, 
 our hope in death, and our exceeding great 
 reward for evermore. 
 
 Send down, we beseech Thee, thy Holy Spirit, 
 to cleanse from our hearts any evil thoughts which 
 may have been suggested to us during the day, 
 either from within or from without. Accept, 
 through Jesus Christ thy Son, whatever sincere 
 love and obedient service thine own grace hath 
 enabled us to render unto Thee, and be not ex- 
 treme to mark the negligences and ignorances 
 with which they have been accompanied. 
 
 To thy protection we commit ourselves and 
 all whom we love. Keep us in peace through the 
 hours of the darkness : and if it be thy pleasure, 
 raise us to see another day ; if not, take away 
 the fear of death and receive us into thy king- 
 dom, through Jesus Clmst our Lord. Amen. 
 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIRST WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS II. 
 
 OGOD our Father, enable us to feel in tins 
 our prayer, that Thou art very near to us, 
 and that we are very near to Thee ; that thine ear 
 is hearkening to our prayer, and thy hand out- 
 stretched to bless us. With all our hearts we thank 
 Thee for the protection and rest of the night and 
 the mercies of the day. Thou hast renewed to us 
 the bounties of thy providence and the riches of 
 thy grace. Lord, we desire to see thy love in 
 all these things. Help us to use them as for Thee, 
 and to remember, day by day, that of all these 
 talents we must give account at the Great Day. 
 
 Forgive us, God, all our forgetfulness of Thee, 
 and of thy mercy to us — all our disobedience of thy 
 commands. Awaken in us every day a deeper 
 sense of our own emptiness, and reveal to us more 
 clearly the fulness and sufficiency of Jesus. Tlu:ougli 
 Him alone we hope for peace and blessing. 
 
 And now, God, when another day is before 
 us, with its temptations, and opportunities, and 
 duties, we look upward to Thee for preserving and 
 sustaining care. The life which Thou didst inbreathe 
 at the first we commit to thy precious keeping. 
 Leave us not to ourselves, for if Thou withdraw 
 thy care we fall and perish. Thou knowest, God, 
 the craft of the great enemy, and what ignorant 
 and feeble creatures we are ; Thou knowest the 
 power of the world's temptations, and how imable 
 we are in our own strength to meet and overcome 
 them. Lord, help us. Preserve us from falling. 
 Uphold us in the narrow way, that our footsteps 
 slip not. Set a watch over our lips, that we offend 
 not in word. Make our conscience so tender and 
 sensitive, that we may shrink at the approach of 
 evil, and touch not the forbidden thing. Remind 
 us constantly of thy presence, and hide thy word in 
 our hearts, that we may not sin against Thee. We 
 know, Lord, that whatever Thou denlest us is 
 denied in mercy, and whatever Thou commandest 
 is commanded in mercy. Kindle in our hearts 
 such love to Thee, that thy commandments 
 may never be grievous. It is Thou who hast 
 placed us where we are, and given us our work to 
 do. We desire in our station and calling to please 
 Thee in all things. If Thou seest us wandering from 
 the ways of godliness, speak to our hearts by thy 
 Holy Spirit, and turn our feet again into thy paths. 
 
 Lord, we pray not for ourselves alone, but for all 
 whom we love. Sanctify to us and to them the 
 earthly relationships by which thy providence has 
 knit us together. Let not one of us be found wanting 
 in the day when Thou makest up thy jewels ; but 
 make us thine, and keep us thine for evermore. 
 Hear us, God. We ask Thee for all, and thank 
 Thee for all, in the name of Jesus Christ, thy dear 
 Son, our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 C 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XL. 1—11. 
 
 OGOD, whose providence ordereth all things 
 in heaven and earth, glory be to thy great 
 Name for the mercies of this day. If we havo 
 had strength for the daily task ; if we have been 
 protected in the midst of dangers ; if home com- 
 forts have been ours ; if we have had peace in the 
 midst of much to trouble us, and a secret sense of 
 thy love hath sweetened our toil, it is all of thy 
 favour. If we have been steadfast in the face of 
 temptation, not unto us, Lord, but unto thy 
 Name be all the praise. For these, and all thy 
 gifts, we adore thee, thou Fountain of grace 
 and Father of mercies. We did not deserve 
 thy goodness, but Thou hast had mercy, and even 
 now waitest to be gracious. Oh, add to all thy 
 gifts the gift of a thankful heart, that we may 
 be stirred up to see what we can render to Thee 
 for all thy benefits. 
 
 We come to Thee, God, just as we are : 
 sinful, do Thou forgive us : guilty, do Thou 
 cleanse us : unholy, do Thou sanctify us : ig- 
 norant, do Thou teach us : in a world of sorrow, 
 do Thou comfort us : uncertain of life, for all 
 flesh is as grass, do Thou establish our faith in 
 thy Word, which standeth fast for ever; and give 
 us the hope of a blessed immortality. Oh, tiiat 
 the glad tidings of thy Gospel may melt our 
 hearts anew, and make them contrite and be- 
 lieving. Level whatever hinders the perfect work 
 of thy Spirit within us. Break down all pride and 
 conceit of our own goodness. Cast out all self- 
 righteousness. Humble us, God, by thy teach- 
 ing and discipline. Make us meekly submissive 
 to all thy will. In all things prepare us for the 
 coming of Jesus in the power and glory of the 
 Father, to judge the living and the dead. Oh, 
 that in that day we may be found of Him in 
 peace, without spot or stain. 
 
 Lord Jesus, Thou art the good Shepherd of the 
 sheep. Thou stoopest to the youngest and weakest 
 of thy flock, bearing them in thine arms, and 
 carrying them in thy bosom. Regard with special 
 favour the children of this household. Convince 
 them of their own sinfulness, and unfold to them 
 the meaning of thy Cross and Passion. Have pity 
 on the unconverted among us. Spare them, God, 
 and by thy Spirit root out their hardness of heart 
 and unbelief. Forbid it, Lord, in thy mercy, that 
 even one of us should neglect thy great salvation. 
 
 Take us now under tliy protection. Pour out 
 thy choicest blessings on all whom we love. 
 Strengthen the hands of thy ministers. Magnify 
 thy grace in the conversion of souls. Make known 
 thy glory fiir and wide, that all the world may see 
 it ; and hasten thy kingdom. We ask all tlu'ough 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 3 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIRST WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS IV. 1—11. 
 
 GLOBIOUS art Thou, O God, and adored for 
 ever and ever be thy name. Thy ways are not 
 as our w^ays, nor thy thoughts as our thoughts. As 
 we now recall thy goodness, deepen in us, Lord, 
 a feeling of thankfulness and praise. We confess 
 with shame and sorrow we have not loved Tliee 
 and lived for Thee as we ought. We have re- 
 ceived thy gifts, and too often have forgotten the 
 Giver. Convince us of our sin, and cleanse us 
 from its stain. 
 
 Lord, thou hast given us the promise of rest 
 and peace in Jesus. Increase our faith, lest 
 through unbelief we come short of it and perish. 
 Give us peace of conscience now by the assurance 
 of forgiveness from all sin, and of our adoption 
 into thy family. Amid all the buffetings of temp- 
 tation, and the anxieties and cares of life, enable 
 us to stay our souls on Thee, and thus to be kept 
 in perfect peace. Give us rest with thyself here- 
 after, in that better land where neither sin nor 
 temptation can beset us. Forbid it. Lord, in thy 
 mercy, that we should fail of a place in thy king- 
 dom. We fear, not because we doubt thy truth 
 or despair of thy love : we fear for ourselves. We 
 fear lest at any time our hearts should become 
 hard and insensible through the deceitfulness of 
 sin or the engrossments and pleasures of the 
 world. Thou knowest how weak is our faith, 
 and how inconstant our best and holiest resolu- 
 tions. Give us, Lord God, constancy of pur- 
 pose, and the grace of unfailing perseverance, 
 that we may hold fast our confidence even to the 
 end. Show us the exceeding sinfulness of un- 
 belief, and preserve us from ever dishonouring 
 Thee and imperilling our own souls by doubting 
 thy truth. Especially, Lord, keep us mindful 
 that this earth is not our rest. Teach us to look 
 forward with an earnest and lively hope to the 
 coming of the Lord, and our own entrance into 
 the rest which remaineth for his people. 
 
 We pray for all with whom Thou hast united us 
 in the ties of relationship and affection. We pray 
 for all men : for the ungodly at home, and the 
 heathen abroad. Enlighten them by thy truth : 
 bring them humble and penitent to the feet of 
 Jesus. Take the veil from the eyes of the Jew : 
 reveal to him Christ his Redeemer and King. We 
 pray for the Church of Christ, that every member 
 thereof may truly and godly serve Thee. We 
 pray for all in authority : overrule all that they 
 do for the enlargement of the Redeemer's king- 
 dom, and the increase of godliness in the land. 
 
 Lord, accept Thou our unworthy services. Re- 
 ceive us for Jesus' sake. To him, our exalted 
 Saviour, with Thee, Father, and Thee, Holy 
 Ghost, be honour and praise for evermore. Amen. 
 
 [ 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE I. 1-25. 
 
 OGOD, at the close of another day we fall low 
 at thy mercy-seat. May we not only bend the 
 knee before Thee but also the heart. And may we 
 come with boldness to thy throne, by that new and 
 living way, even by our Saviour Jesus Christ. We 
 acknowledge. Holy Father, our transgressions and 
 sins. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive 
 ourselves, and the truth is not in us ; but if we 
 confess our sins, Thou art faithful and just to 
 forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all 
 unrighteousness. 
 
 We have sinned this day in thought, word, and 
 deed. We have done things which we should not 
 have done, and we have left undone many things 
 which we ought to have done ; but there is forgive- 
 ness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared, and the 
 blood of Jesus Christ thy Son cleanseth from all 
 sm. May that blood be sprinkled on our souls, 
 and our sins, which are many, be all forgiven 
 and for ever blotted out. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy gracious dealings to- 
 wards us throughout this day. We thank Thee 
 for food and raiment, for health and strength, for 
 home, and peace, and happiness. May these thy 
 mercies long be continued to us, and do Thou 
 thyself never leave and never forsake us. 
 
 Graciously grant. Heavenly Father, that as each 
 day passes away we may be found nearer unto 
 heaven, walking, as Zacharlas and Elizabeth, in all 
 the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, 
 blameless. Give us more and more of the Spirit 
 of Christ. Impress thine own image more deeply 
 on oiu* souls. Subdue in us all evil passions 
 which hinder our growth in godliness and true 
 holiness. Help us to cast away our besetting 
 sins. Deepen our love to Thee, and confirm and 
 strengthen our faith. And thus, living in thy 
 fear, and doing thy will, may we be ready, when- 
 ever our summons may come, to enter into the 
 joy of our Lord. 
 
 And now we commit ourselves to thy care and 
 keeping this night. Watch Thou beside our beds, 
 and grant that we may awake in the morning 
 filled with thy Spirit, to do Thee better service 
 than we have done this day. We beseech Thee to 
 bless all for whom we ought to pray. Those near 
 and dear to us, may they be very near and dc-ar 
 to Thee. Those in any sorrow, trial, need, or 
 necessity do Thou remember, and be unto them a 
 very present God in their season of afiliction. 
 
 Hear us. Holy Father, in these our petitions. 
 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 for the sake and 
 through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 ^ ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 FIRST WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS III. 
 
 OGOD! Tliou art the Creator of all things: 
 with Thee is the fountain of life. Thou didst 
 make man at first in thine own image, and after 
 thy likeness, to reflect thy glory in righteousness 
 and true holiness. But, alas ! how soon and how 
 totally did he fall away from Thee ! We humble 
 ourselves before Thee as members of a fallen race. 
 We with our fathers have sinned : we have done 
 wickedly. Unto the Lord our God belongeth 
 righteousness, but unto us shame and confusion 
 of face, as at this day. We have not trusted 
 Thee : we have not obeyed thy VV^ord. The 
 tempter has tempted us, and led us far astray. 
 We have been drawn by the love of the world. 
 We have sought the pleasures of sense. We 
 have forgotten thy holy law. We have often 
 put out the hand to forbidden things. We too 
 have fallen by our iniquity. Lord, convince 
 us deeply of our sin, and work in us, by thy 
 Holy Spirit, true repentance, which needeth not 
 to be repented of, and a sincere faith in our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 We adore thy manifold wisdom and the riches 
 of thy grace in the promise which softened the 
 fall of our first parents in Eden, and which, in 
 its last fulfilment, will repeal the curse over all 
 the earth. We thank thee for Him who came in 
 the fulness of time, made of a woman, made under 
 the law, to redeem them that were under the law, 
 that we might receive the adoption of sons. We 
 thank Thee that he has finished the work given 
 him to do. May we behold him coming to us 
 now, travelling in the greatness of his strength, 
 speaking in righteousness, and mighty to save. 
 Teach us to admire his spotless life. Lift us up 
 that we may behold his greatness and his beauty. 
 Above all, bring us in penitent and humble trust 
 to his cross, and help us to rely with unwavering 
 confidence on that atoning sacrifice which he 
 offered for us. Thus receiving Christ, and him 
 crucified, as our salvation, may we walk in new- 
 ness of life. Teach us to know the power of his 
 resurrection. Give us the fellowship of his suf- 
 ferings, and conform us increasingly unto his 
 death. Lord, graciously bend our will to 
 thine : constrain our affections, and lift them up 
 to spiritual things : cleanse our consciences from 
 dead works : take all our nature into thy holy 
 keeping, and let us be living sacrifices unto Thee. 
 
 Preserve us this day: guide all our steps: shield 
 us from all evil : assist us in every duty. May 
 all the days of our earthly pilgrimage, under thy 
 gracious guidance, be leading us on to the heavenly 
 rest ; and may we all meet at length in our 
 Father's house above. We ask all in the name of 
 our only Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 5 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE I. 26-38. 
 
 A ALMIGHTY and Everlasting God, who hast 
 \J caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our 
 learning, give us grace to receive with meekness 
 and faith the portion which we have now heard. 
 We thank Thee for that inestimable love which led 
 Thee to give thy Son — thine only Son — to take our 
 nature upon him, and to be made flesh without 
 spot of sin, that we might be free from all sin. We 
 thank Thee, Lord, for that example of faith 
 which Thou hast given us in the mother of our 
 Lord, whose spirit rejoiced in God her Saviour. 
 We pray Thee to give us all the same precious faith ; 
 enable us to receive the message of thy Word with 
 the same readiness of mind. Teach us to submit 
 to thy will concerning us, with the same loving 
 humility. Strengthen us to leave the difficulties 
 which we know, and those also which we do not 
 know, to that never-failing providence which 
 ordereth all things both in heaven and earth. 
 Enable us to commit ourselves and our characters 
 calmly into thy hands, anxious only to be right 
 with Thee, and having no doubt that Thoit wilt 
 make our righteousness as clear as the light. 
 
 Oh, may the Holy Ghost — the Lord and Giver of 
 life — form Christ within our hearts. May it 
 please Thee to reveal thy Son in us, that he may 
 dwell in our hearts by faith. Set up within us thy 
 kingdom, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in 
 the Holy Ghost. 01i,thatThou wouldest bring every 
 thought within us, every temper, every motive, 
 every disposition, into obedience to the law of 
 Christ. May the Spirit of Truth rule and direct 
 our minds, and may we watch continually and keep 
 the door of our lips. May no corrupt communi- 
 cation — no words that are not true, or profltable, or 
 kind — ever come forth from our lips, which are 
 not our own, but Christ's ; and may we speak only 
 that which is good to the use of edifying, which 
 may minister grace to the hearers. 
 
 Lord Jesus, Thou thyself hast assured us that 
 Avhosoever shall do the will of thy Father wdiich 
 is in heaven, the same is thy brother, and sister, 
 and mother. We bless Thee that we may all thus 
 be thy kinsmen according to the Spirit—the chil- 
 dren of God by faith in Thee — whom Thou, the 
 root and offspring of David, art not ashamed to 
 call thy brethren. Oh, give us grace to live as 
 becometh this our high and holy calling ; and as 
 Thou, Lord, art holy, so may we strive and pray 
 to be holy in all manner of conversation. We 
 beseech Thee to prepare us now to dwell with Thee 
 hereafter, that when Thou comest in thy kingdom, 
 Lord, thou son of David, we may, with all thy 
 holy angels and all thy redeemed saints, bo admitted 
 to behold thy glory. 
 
 God, grant this for thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIRST WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS I. 18—25. 
 
 OLORD, our God ! our Creator, our Preserver, 
 our Redeemer, our Judge ! We are un- 
 worthy to take thy lioly Name upon our lips, to 
 enter into thy presence, and to supplicate thy 
 favour. We are guilty sinners : unholy and un- 
 clean. We acknowledge our iniquity : we confess 
 our vileness. God, have mercy upon us ! 
 
 Thy wrath, God, is revealed from heaven 
 against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of 
 men. Thy just sentence is — "The soul that sni- 
 neth, it shall die." We are "worthy of death." 
 Lord ! we read thy power, thy wisdom, thy good- 
 ness, in the glorious works of thy Almighty hand : 
 we discern them in our own bodies, so fearfully and 
 wonderfully made : we see them in the retui'ning 
 day, in the revolving seasons, in the fruits of the 
 earth, and in the wonders of the great deep. But, 
 alas ! too often have we forgotten Thee, our Maker 
 and Preserver, in whom we live, and move, and 
 have our being : too often, while we have pro- 
 fessed with the lip to serve Thee, have we in our 
 lives denied Thee, and " held the truth in un- 
 righteousness." We confess with shame and con- 
 fusion of face that too often, since we have known 
 Thee, have we " glorified Thee not as God, neither 
 have we been thankful:" we have "worshipped 
 and served the creature," idolising the very com- 
 forts and blessings Thou hast given us, rather 
 than thyself, our Creator, "who art blessed for 
 ever." Blessed God! Thou hast further re- 
 vealed thyself to us in thy Holy Word as the 
 God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ : we 
 have heard thy gracious message, but how coldly 
 have we received the message ! how little have 
 we been affected by the manifestation of thine 
 infinite love towards us thy sinful creatures ! 
 Great, indeed, is our guilt in forgetting Thee our 
 Almighty Creator and gracious Preserver ! Oh, 
 how much greater our sin in forgetting thy re- 
 deeming love in the Lord Jesus Christ ! " Have 
 niercy upon us, God, according to thy loving- 
 kindness : according unto the multitude of thy 
 tender mercies, blot out our transgressions." 
 Oh, may the precious blood of Jesus cleanse us 
 from all sin ! Shed abroad in our hearts the love 
 of Jesus, by thy Holy Spirit ! 
 
 Help us this day to live under the abiding 
 influence of thy goodness, grace, and love. May 
 the love of Christ constrain us to live not to 
 ourselves, but to Thee our God. Teach us, 
 by happy experience, that thy service, is perfect 
 freedom. May it be the resolve of our hearts, as 
 well as the profession of our lips — " Lord our 
 God, other lords beside Thee have had dominion 
 over us ; but by Thee only will we make mention 
 of thy Name." Amen. 
 
 [ 6 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW I. 18—25. 
 
 OGOD, who art always more ready to hear 
 than we to pray, be gracious unto us, we 
 beseech Thee, and accept us for Christ's sake. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for the multiplied 
 mercies of this day. In the midst of its dangers 
 Thou hast kept us safely. our God, we are 
 monuments of thy forbearance and love. Our 
 hearts have been cold and dead, when they should 
 have kindled with grateful love : our feet have 
 been sluggish to duty, when they should have run 
 in the way of thy commandments ; in all things, 
 God, we have come short of thy glory. Could 
 we but see ourselves as Thou seest us, we should 
 be ashamed to lift up our eyes unto Thee. Guilty 
 as we are, and unrighteous — stained with the 
 defilement of many transgressions — we cast our- 
 selves on thy mercy. Lord, whither can we turn for 
 pardon and peace but to Thee? For Jesus Christ's 
 sake, God, let not our sins be remembered. 
 We recall, with adoring hearts, the name of thy 
 dear Son, and take comfort. It tells of thy mercy 
 and grace to a guilty world. Thou didst give 
 thy Son Jesus Christ to save his people from their 
 sins : to reveal unto us all thy love : to proclaim to 
 us thy grace, and restore in us the righteousness 
 we have lost. Graciously give us the assurance of 
 our acceptance in him. If any of us are uncon- 
 verted, do Thou convert them. By the attraction 
 of thy love, draw us all near to thyself : subduing 
 our rebellious wills, melting the hard heart to a 
 true repentance, and quickening within it the faith 
 which looks unto Jesus, and in him finds joy 
 and peace. 
 
 And, Lord Jesus, deliver us from the power 
 of sin. Take away all that opposes Thee and 
 hinders the full accomplishment of thy purposes 
 of mercy towards us. Let the thought of thy 
 love stir up in us a jealous watchfulness against the 
 unholy thoughts and tempers that mar thy work 
 in om' hearts and lives. Lord, we desire to be like 
 Thee ; to have the mind that was in Thee ; to be 
 walking in thy footsteps ; and to have the constant 
 sense of thy love. 
 
 God our Father, take us and all that are dear 
 to us into thy care and keeping. Spread around 
 us diu-ing the night the shield of thy protecting 
 power. Give us all sweet and refreshing sleep, 
 and turn away evil from our dwelling. 
 
 Carry the Gospel to those who know^ it not, oi-, 
 knowing it, have turned away from its heavenly 
 message. Go forth, God, in the power of thy 
 truth, and gather into the fold the estranged and 
 the wandering. Thy kingdom come : thy Avill be 
 done in earth as it is in heaven. Lord God, hear 
 us in these our prayers and thanksgivings, for 
 Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIRST WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 FEvENiNa 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS IV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most gracious Lord God, who 
 invitest iis to come to Thee as our reconciled 
 Father in Jesus Christ, give unto us, we beseech 
 Thee, thy Holy Spirit as the Spirit of adoption, 
 that we may draw near to Thee unfeignedly in his 
 all-prevaihng name. We confess that we are un- 
 worthy to come into thy presence, for we are 
 guilty, sinful, and unprofitable creatm'es. We 
 have nothing which we can oft'er to commend us 
 to thy favour ; but we beseech Tliee to give to 
 each of us a true raid living faith in the Lamb of 
 God, which taketh away the sins of the world. 
 We bless Thee that his blood speaketh better 
 things than the blood of Abel. May it plead effectu- 
 ally for us before thy throne of grace. May it be 
 sprinkled on our consciences, and purge our 
 souls from dead works to serve Thee, the living 
 God. 
 
 Make us mindful this day of our solemn obliga- 
 tions to Thee in all our undertakinofs and doino-s, 
 and give us grace that we may be kept unspotted 
 from the world. Presence us from evil. Direct 
 the thoughts of our minds and the affections of 
 our hearts, that they may be in accordance with 
 thy holy Word and will. We thank Thee for thy 
 great goodness in having preserved us in safety to 
 the closing day of another week. Enter not into 
 judgment with thy servants for anything Thou 
 hast seen amiss in us during the time that is past, 
 and grant that we may so spend this day that it 
 may be a suitable preparation for the sacred 
 season of the approaching Sabbath. Keep far 
 from us, as a Christian family, everything that 
 may tend to stir up evil passions, wrath, strife, 
 envy, or jealousy, and may we live together in holy 
 love and peace, as it becomes brethren of the same 
 household. 
 
 Bless our Sovereign and the members of the 
 Royal Family. Direct the counsels of our rulers 
 for the furtherance of peace and godliness, 
 and the extension of thy kingdom amongst 
 us. Spiritually bless thy ministers this day 
 in preparing for the responsible duties of the 
 morrow. ^ Guide them to the contemplation of 
 such subjects as may most tend to the edification 
 and spiritual benefit of their people. Comfort those 
 who mourn. Look upon any who are suffering for 
 conscience' sake, or who are testifying for the 
 Gospel of thy dear Son in the midst of opposition 
 or danger. Restrain the ungodly, and make the 
 very wrath of man to praise Thee. God, we 
 beseech Thee to grant that we may be found 
 amongst thy true people, and that with all thy 
 redeemed ones we may have our everlasting 
 portion in thy glorious kingdom, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 r V 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE I. 3D-56. 
 
 OLORD God, the high, the holy, the gracious 
 God, in tenderness and compassion look 
 upon us, as in the name of Jesus we humbly 
 kneel at thy footstool. Be present in our midst, 
 and reveal thyself unto us as Thou dost not unto 
 the world. 
 
 Raise our hearts in praise for the mercies of 
 this day, and let thine ear be open to our praver. 
 Thou causest thy sun to rise on the evil and 
 the good, and sendest rain on the just and the 
 unjust. Thy mercy reacheth unto the heavens, 
 and thy faithfulness to all generations. We, too, 
 have experienced thy love. Thou hast done for 
 us great things, and holy is thy name. Even 
 when we were yet without strength, Christ died 
 for us. Our day of grace has been prolonged, 
 while others have been called to their great 
 account. Thou hast satisfied us out of thy good- 
 ness, and em'iched us with blessings that have 
 been withheld from others. Thine everlasting 
 arms have upheld us, and the mightiness of thy 
 protection has been round about us. Our table 
 has been spread by thy hand. The raiment that 
 clothes us and the dwelling that shelters us are of 
 thy giving. The faith which enables us to grasp 
 thy promises, and the repentance which bows us 
 now at thy feet in sorrow for sin, and the grace of 
 thy Holy Spirit which guides and keeps us in the 
 narrow way, are of thy giving. We magnify 
 Thee, Lord, for this and all thy mercy. Oh, 
 that oiu" hearts may now rejoice in God our 
 Saviour. Help us, heavenly Father, to consecrate 
 ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, more lovingly 
 and obediently than ever to thy service. 
 
 Have mercy upon us, our God, for the sins of 
 this day. If thou wert extreme to mark what is 
 done amiss, who could stand before Tliee? But 
 there is mercy with Thee, and the blood of Jesus 
 Christ cleanseth us from all sin. W^ash us. Lord, 
 in the fountain once opened for sin and unclean- 
 ness. Shed upon our souls the peace which 
 springs from the assurance that our sins are for- 
 given, and that thy providence is making all 
 things work for good to us so long as we love 
 Thee. Deepen in us a spirit of true humility. 
 Increase our faith, and enable us to look up 
 undoubtingly for the fulfilment of thy Word. Help 
 us to deny ourselves and bear meekly the cross of 
 Christ. Give us a righteous abhorrence of all evil, 
 that we may indeed be the sons and daughters of 
 the Lord God Almighty. Let the light of thy 
 love shine on our path, and grant us the sure liope 
 of eternal life in thy dear Son. In his name we 
 commend ourselves, and all who are dear to us, 
 to thy care. Oh, watch over us and bless us, and 
 answer our prayers for his sake. Amen. 
 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SECOND WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ in holy SCRIPTURE I. JOHN III. 11-24. 
 
 
 
 HEAVENLY Fatlier, who hast in thy gracious 
 providence kept us in safety through the watches 
 of the night, accept our sacrifice of prayer and 
 thankso-ivinc;. 
 
 Wo pray, Holy Father, that thy protecting good- 
 ness may be around us this day. Be with us in 
 whatever we may think or do. Wherever we go, 
 do Tliou go ; wherever we abide, do Thou abide. 
 Ever be with us, to guide, to help, and to bless us. 
 And may we remember that this is thy day, and 
 keep it holy unto Thee. Banish all worldly cares, 
 all wandering thoughts. Fix our hearts upon 
 things above. And when we go up to thy house 
 of prayer, may we worship Thee in spirit and in 
 truth. 
 
 Bless, Heavenly Father, especially thy 
 minister whom tiiou hast set over us. Grant that 
 the influences of the Holy Spirit may be abundantly 
 poured out upon him this day ! May he hold up 
 the Cross in all simplicity, plainness, and affection. 
 May thy Word fall as into good ground, and bring 
 forth fruit — some thirty, some sixty, and some a 
 hundred-fold. 
 
 Ijord Jesus, be in the midst of all assemblies of 
 thy people to-day. Let thy Word have free course 
 and be glorified. May sinners be saved ; the un- 
 converted changed ; the dead in tresspasses and 
 sins quickened ; the sleeper aroused ; the mourning 
 penitents comforted ; the broken in heart healed ; 
 the waverers decided ; the backsliders humbled ; 
 and the righteous built up in their most holy faith. 
 Bless the Word of thy grace to them all. 
 
 And bless, Lord, all near and dear to us. 
 Bless our parents, friends, and relatives. Bless 
 the poor, the destitute, the dying, the outcast, the 
 afflicted, and him that hath no helper. 
 
 And now, Lord God, we again ask for our- 
 selves. May we love one another as thou hast 
 given us commandment. Help us to bear with 
 each other's failings or infirmities. Increase in 
 us a spirit of kindness, so that we may love in deed 
 as in word. May we ever feel for those who possess 
 not the many mercies of our own lot. If our 
 brother hath need, may we never shut up the bowels 
 of compassion from him. Lord, thy Son did die 
 for us guilty siiuiers : may we ever be ready to deny 
 ourselves for the sake of those in necessity around 
 us. Fill our souls with love, both to Thee and to 
 our fellow- creatures. Subdue in us all hatred, all 
 ill-will ; root out of our hearts all bitterness. En- 
 able us to be kind one to another, to be forgiving 
 if we have any cause of offence, and ever to re- 
 member Him who graciously forgave us. 
 
 These, and all other mercies, we ask. Holy Father, 
 in the name and through the mediation of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST, LUKE I. 57—80. 
 
 OLORD God of our fathers ! we desire to bow 
 humbly at thy footstool. We approach Thee 
 in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We 
 make mention of his righteousness. Draw near 
 unto each of us, Lord : make us feel thy 
 presence : and give us that holy reverence and 
 solemn awe which is the due of the Creator from 
 his creatures, of the Father in heaven from the 
 children on earth. And do Thou, Holy Spirit, 
 breathe on our souls and inspire our speech, that 
 our communion may be with the Father, and 
 with the Son, and with the Holy Ghost: one 
 God. 
 
 We bless Thee, our Father, for sparing us 
 to see another day of the Son of Man. May 
 the public services of thy House be blessed to our 
 souls. May the Word preached be profitable to 
 us, being mixed with faith : and may our Sabbath 
 day's sins be blotted out, and not remembered 
 against us. Thou hast seen and knowest all that 
 we have said, and done, and been this day. We 
 confess our sins before Thee : we confess the sins 
 of thought, the sins of feeling, the sins of desire, 
 the sins of imagination, the secret sins, and those 
 which may have been open. We confess each and 
 all of the sins of omission and of commission of 
 which each of us has been guilty this day. Give 
 each of us grace, Lord, we earnestly beseech Thee, 
 for Christ's sake, to make hearty and humble con- 
 fession of our individual sins before Thee ere we 
 retire to rest, and to seek pardon through the 
 merits of the precious blood of Jesus. We join 
 in supplicating this mercy on each and all of us 
 now. Lord, our God, for thine own name's 
 sake, and for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, pardon 
 our iniquity, because it is great. And grant, 
 Lord, that we, being delivered from the hand of 
 our enemies, may serve Thee without fear, in holi- 
 ness and righteousness before Thee all the days of 
 our life. Save us, God, from the hand of our 
 enemies, and from all them that hate us. Keep 
 us ever from the strife of tongues. 
 
 Take us into thy very special care this evening. 
 Spread the sheltering shadow of thy wings over 
 our household. Keep us and ours, and all near 
 and dear to us, during the darkness. Waken us 
 to life and health in the morning. Give us grace 
 to begin the labour of the week in thy fear and 
 favour, and may our Sabbath devotions sweeten 
 the performance of all our duties through the 
 coming Aveek. 
 
 Lord our God, bless our Sovereign and our 
 dear native land, and all for whom we ought to 
 pray ; and may the beauty of the Lord our God 
 be upon us and ours for ever and ever : for the 
 Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 8 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SECOND WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXIX 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE II. 8-20. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and eternal God, since it is 
 appointed unto all men once to die, so teach 
 us to number our days that we may apply our 
 hearts unto wisdom. Kaise us by thy Spirit from 
 the death of" sin unto the life of righteousness. 
 Renew us in thine own image. Let not self- 
 pleasing nor man-pleasing be our aim ; but in 
 singleness and purity of heart may w^e please Thee. 
 Oh, that we may live soberly, righteously, and 
 godly this day. Oh, that our life may be hid w ith 
 Christ in God ; that neither the cares of the family 
 or of business, neither the duties of our calling nor 
 the pleasures of the world, may make us earthly- 
 minded or earthly-hearted, but that we may walk 
 in the Spirit, as those whose citizenship is in 
 heaven. Help us by thy grace so to watch, and 
 pray, and wait, that when death comes to us we 
 may have nothing to do but to die. Take us, 
 when we die, to thyself. Give us now the earnest 
 of thine indwelling Spirit, to assure us that, 
 in the day of the Lord, mortality shall be 
 swallowed up of life. We would find in Jesus, 
 who died and rose again for us, our rest and com- 
 fort, and the ark of our salvation. We rejoice in 
 the glorious hope that our portion shall be with the 
 children of the resurrection, who can die no more. 
 Strengthen us, our God, that we may fear no 
 evil in the prospect of death. Thou givest grace 
 to live. Thou wilt give grace to die. 
 
 We connnend ourselves to thy fatherly care this 
 day. Prepare us for every duty, every care, 
 and every temptation. Teach us to use the world 
 as not abusing it. We would enjoy thy gifts 
 thankfully, cheerfully, and moderately. 
 
 Above all, give us pardon and peace, that we 
 may walk before Thee and with Thee in faith 
 and holiness. We have many who are dear to 
 our hearts ; some near, some afar off. Visit them 
 with thy mercy, preserve them from harm, guide 
 them safely amid all the dangers of their earthly 
 pilgrimage, and grant that in thy goodness they 
 and we may meet at last in thy kingdom. May 
 this household live in love to-day. Let no angry 
 temper, no unruly tongue, no sinful lust mar our 
 peace and unity. Give us a spirit of forbearance 
 and meekness. May our love to Thee bind us 
 more closely in love to one another. Have mercy 
 upon all men. Bless thy Church's work in this 
 and in every land. Quicken her missionary zeaL 
 Multiply her missionaries a thousand fold, and 
 cheer their hearts in the midst of trial and oppo- 
 sition. Stablish and bless thy true churches 
 already formed amid the darkness of other lands. 
 Hasten the coming of thy kingdom, and let the 
 whole earth be filled with thy glory. We ask it 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 9 
 
 OGOD the Holy Ghost ! wake up our sluggish 
 hearts to praise, by the glad tidings which 
 this Scripture brings. We would dwell with 
 grateful adoration on the marvel of grace and 
 love of which it tells. The Word was made flesh ! 
 Thou, the Creator, hast clothed thyself with the 
 humanity of thy erring creatures. This is, indeed, 
 thy crowning mercy to our rebellious and guilty 
 world. Lord, never suffer the familiar truth to 
 become a common thing to us, neither kindling 
 emotion nor exciting thankfulness. But for this 
 we had been lost for ever and ever ! Enable us 
 to see in the birth of Jesus Clirist the fulfilment 
 of thine everlasting counsels. Through long 
 years of waiting, thy Word cheered the hearts 
 of thy people ; and when the fulness of time 
 was come, thy dear Son, the brightness of his 
 Father's glory, and the express image of his 
 person, was made flesh and dwelt among us, and 
 men beheld his glory, the glory as of the only 
 begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. 
 
 God, how can we praise Thee enough for this 
 thy goodness ! Forgive us the indifference with 
 wdiich we often hear of thy redeeming love. 
 Pardon the coldness of our hearts, our deadness 
 to spiritual things, and the weakness of our faith. 
 In mercy take away the veil from our eyes, and 
 unfold to us all the meaning and significance of 
 that scene in Bethlehem on Avhich we have looked. 
 May we learn from it thy tenderness and com- 
 passion towards us : may we see in it the Divine 
 provision for our deep need. , Lord, increase our 
 faith, that we may embrace with all our hearts the 
 message of mercy which thy incarnation brings 
 us from Thee. Blessed indeed are our eyes, which 
 see what kings and prophets longed to see, but 
 saw not. Jesus, Thou art born unto us a 
 Saviour. Save us from the guilt of sin, by 
 washing us in thine atoning blood. Save us from 
 the love of sin, by kindling within us the love of 
 God. Save us from the power of sin, by the 
 indwelling energies of thy sanctifying Spirit. 
 Oh, may this thy name be ever precious to us, 
 comforting our hearts when sad, inspiring us with 
 courage when fainting, and constraining us, by 
 the mercies it recalls, to deny ourselves, and in all 
 things conform ourselves to thine image. 
 
 Impress, Lord, on our hearts the high respon- 
 sibility which these Gospel privileges entail. Oh, 
 suffer none of us to neglect thy great salvation. 
 Visit with thy grace all who are dear to us. 
 Send forth far and wide thine everlasting Gospel. 
 Let us see the day dawn in which glory shall be 
 to God in the highest, peace in all the earth, and 
 good will among all men. Hasten it. Lord, in 
 thine own good time, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 ] 
 
 No. 2. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SECOND WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS VI. 
 
 OGOD, pour down upon us the spirit of praise 
 and prayer, lest we draw nigh to Thee with 
 our hps, while our hearts are far from Thee, and 
 thus add to our other many transgressions the sin 
 of insincerity and untruthfulness towards Thee. 
 Truly Thou dealest with us not after our sins, and 
 rewardest us not after our iniquities. Time and 
 memory would fail us to recount thy mercies. 
 Oh, help us to proclaim our thankfulness, not only 
 now, in the uplifted song of praise, but through all 
 the day, in the hearty obedience of the life. 
 
 And while Thou acceptest our praise, turn not 
 away, God, from our prayer. We plead His 
 name and righteousness who hath promised that 
 whatsoever we shall ask in prayer, believing, we 
 shall receive. Lord, we believe ; help Thou our 
 unbelief. All the number of our sins are known 
 to Thee : the sins of thoughtlessness and levity, the 
 sins against light and knowledge, sins against the 
 warnings of conscience and the strivings of thy 
 Spirit. Thou hast measured all their greatness 
 and enormity. And yet, Lord, thy power to 
 save transcends them all. Who is a God like unto 
 Thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by 
 transo-ression ? We have fallen from righteous- 
 ness, and the imaginations of our hearts are evil 
 continually. We turn away in faith from our- 
 selves to Jesus, and his atoning sacrifice, and 
 take comfort. Lord, with Thee is plenteous 
 redemption ; cleanse us, we beseech Thee, from 
 all unrighteousness. 
 
 gracious Spirit, the Spirit of holiness and 
 love, dwell Thou within us this day, that we may 
 be kept in the faith and fear of God. We pray 
 that we may not grieve Thee by neglecting thy 
 promptings to what is good, or by wilfully 
 despising thy warnings against sin. We would 
 walk with God through all the day; do Thou, 
 God, walk with us, and by precious tokens of 
 thy presence make us conscious that Thou art 
 near. Li dependence on thy strength we enter on 
 the day's duties, and earnestly plead that Thou 
 wouldst enable us to do them as in thy sight, with 
 singleness of eye and purity of motive. Shield us 
 in the midst of temptation. Guide us through all 
 perplexities. Whenever our will clashes with 
 thine, may we in all things prefer thy will to our 
 own, and be ready to deny ourselves daily, and 
 bear whatever cross thou layest upon us. 
 
 Mercifully regard the chiklren of this family. 
 By nature dead in trespasses and sins, and the 
 children of wrath, make them, by thy life-giving 
 Spirit, children of grace. In thy hands we leave 
 ourselves, and all who seek an interest in our 
 prayers. Seal them thine and keep them thine for 
 ever, in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH IX. 1—7. 
 
 LORD Jesus, we bend with adoring hearts before 
 the mj'stery of thy incarnation. Thou, the 
 Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince 
 of Peace, didst lay aside the robes of thy Eternal 
 Majesty, and humble thyself to our nature, sharing 
 our weakness, and bearing our sins. Oh, enlarge 
 our hearts with a knowledge of thy self-sacrificing 
 love, and enable us to realise to ourselves thy grace 
 and all-sufilciency. Thou art wonderful in thy 
 being : one with us, bone of our bone, and flesh of 
 our flesh, and yet God over all, blessed for ever ! 
 Wonderful art Thou in thy cross and passion, in 
 thy death and resiu^rection , and in the overflowing 
 compassion which moved Thee to live, and suffer, 
 and die for us men and our salvation. Lord, 
 when we think of all Thou hast done for us this 
 and every day, and all that Thou art doing, and 
 all Thou hast promised to do, we feel that thy love 
 passeth knowledge. We can but wonder and 
 adore. Oh, reveal to us more and more of thy- 
 self, that we may grow in grace and in the know- 
 ledge of Thee, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 Thou art able to save to the uttermost all that come 
 to God by Thee. Lord Jesus, save us. Save us 
 from the condemnation which our sins deserve. 
 Cleanse us from the guilt of all sins which Thou 
 hast seen in us during the day now past — sins of 
 ingratitude and coldness of heart towards thyself 
 — sins of the heart, sins of the lips, sins of the life. 
 Lord, they are all known to Thee. Blot them 
 from thy remembrance, and let them be seen no 
 more. 
 
 Li Thee, Saviour, are hid all the treasures of 
 wisdom and knowledge. Thou art the Counsellor. 
 None teacheth like Thee. Oh, leave us not in 
 ignorance of all we should know, and all we should 
 do. Let us hear thy voice in the Holy Book, and 
 in the daily dealings of thy providence. Teach 
 us by thy Spirit, and impress deeply thy divine 
 lessons on our hearts. Keep us in safety amid the 
 dangers of daily life. Call us back when we 
 wander. Uphold us when we slip. Restore us 
 when we fall. Guide us, Lord, by thy counsel 
 here, train and teach us in thy way, and after- 
 wards, in thine own good time, take us to glory. 
 
 We ask, Lord, the same blessings for others. 
 Bestow them on all who are dear to us, and espe- 
 cially on all among us and around us who are yet 
 in the darkness of spiritual death. Shed the bright 
 beams of thy grace and glory in their hearts. 
 Extend thy sway through all the earth. Hasten 
 the day when Jew and Gentile shall bow the knee 
 at thy footstool. Keep us safely this night, and 
 if it please Thee, raise us again, refreshed and 
 strengthened, for the duties of another day. Grant 
 it, Lord, for thy great name's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 10 ] 
 
MOENING.] 
 
 SECOND WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [EVENmG. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS VII. 
 
 ETERNAL God, our gracious Father and ever- 
 living Friend, grant that the words of our lips 
 and the meditation of our hearts may now be 
 acceptable in thy sight, Lord, our strength and 
 our Redeemer. 
 
 We want, Lord, a deeper conviction of our 
 sinfulness and danger through sin. Teach us how 
 hateful sin is in the light of thy countenance. Ln- 
 press on our hearts the testimony Thou hast given 
 against it in the destruction of the old world. By 
 thy Holy Spirit reveal to us the disease of our 
 hearts, and make us sensible of our helplessness to 
 save ourselves. God the Holy Ghost, purge our 
 darkened sight, that we may see Divine things 
 plainly, and discern especially the excellence and 
 glory of thy dear Son, om* only ark of safety and 
 deliverance when the tempest of thy wrath bursts 
 on the world. Bestow a stronger faith, that we may 
 grasp more firmly the exceeding great and precious 
 promises of thy Word. We pray for a brighter 
 hope, that we may bear about with us the earnest 
 and pledge of the heavenly inheritance. We de- 
 sire a warmer love, that our hearts may glow with 
 grateful affection, and constrain us in all things 
 cheerfully to do thy will. Oh, for that joy and peace 
 in believing which are the privilege of thy saints ! 
 Oh, for that experience of the Divine life which will 
 testify that we have indeed taken refuge in Christ, 
 and found deliverance from condemnation and death 
 through his precious blood-shedding. Lord, these 
 are all thy gifts — bestow them on us, we pray 
 Tliee, and by thy Spirit work them within us. 
 Wisdom and strength are thine, Lord : with- 
 hold them not. Clothe us with the spotless robe 
 of Christ's righteousness, and mould us into his 
 image and likeness. By thy grace bring every 
 thought and disposition into subjection at thy 
 footstool, that thy will may be our will, and 
 thy Word in all things our law. Above all 
 things, preserve us, God, from unbelief of 
 thy coming judgments, and suffer us not to walk 
 in the old way which wicked men have trodden. 
 Oh, that none of us may turn aside from the 
 open door of mercy, and perish eternally in the 
 day of thy wrath ! 
 
 We acknowledge with heartfelt praise the mercies 
 of the night now past. Evermore make us mind- 
 ful of thy goodness. Go with us now to the varied 
 duties of the day : leave us not to ourselves or to 
 the devices of our great enemy. Preserve us and 
 all whom we love in the midst of surrounding evil 
 and the temptations of besetting sins. Be this our 
 desire : so to let our light shine before men that 
 they, seeing our good works, may glorify Thee, 
 our God and Father in heaven. Lord, hear us and 
 mightily help us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 11 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST, LUKE IL 25-40. 
 
 LORD God Almighty ! another of our days has 
 now passed away, never to return again ; 
 and Thou hast seen and known all that has 
 been amiss in our thoughts, and words, and 
 ways. Lord, what can we say, and wherewith 
 can we present ourselves before Thee? We are 
 sinful, helpless creatures : but we lift our eyes 
 to Jesus who died for us, and is now exalted to 
 the right hand of God, a Prince and Saviour, to 
 give repentance and remission of sins. For his 
 sake, blot from the book of thy remembrance what- 
 ever stands recorded against us, and let it not 
 witness to our condemnation in the great day. 
 
 Thanks and praise are due to Thee, God our 
 Father, for the mercies of the day. Enable us to 
 take account of thy goodness, and to treasure in 
 our hearts the constant remembrance of thy 
 gracious dealings with us from day to day. Our 
 blessings might have been curses, and our joys 
 sorrows, but for thy lovingkindness and com- 
 passion. Accept the offering of our unfeigned 
 thankfulness, not only for these daily gifts of thy 
 providence, but also for the more precious gifts of 
 thy grace. Grant, we beseech Thee, that our 
 hearts may rejoice in these blessings. Let the 
 light of thy love ever shine upon our path, 
 cheering us with the abundance of its consola- 
 tions, and kindling within us a spirit of hearty 
 obedience to all thy will. 
 
 We know not, God, what the night may 
 bring forth. We place our life and strength in 
 thy care and beneath thy protection. Give us all 
 to sleep in quietness, and speak to our hearts, as 
 we lie down, words of comfort and of peace. We 
 long, God, for the clearer and brighter expe- 
 riences of thy grace. We desire to grow in 
 holiness as we grow in years. Grant that through 
 thy teaching and blessing we may become wiser 
 and better every day. We know not what is thy 
 will concerning us, whether to live or to die. If 
 it please Thee, spare us till we have made our 
 calling and election sure. And, oh ! grant that 
 when our race of life is run, and the last of our 
 days on earth shall have dawned, we may face 
 death without a fear, and be enabled to say with 
 Simeon, " Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant de- 
 part in peace, according to thy word, for mine 
 eyes have seen thy salvation." 
 
 Help us, Lord, in all our necessities. Thou 
 knowest what will be good for us. Give us, we 
 beseech Thee, a quiet and humble spirit, and in 
 mercy bend our own will into perfect conformity 
 to thine. We ask these blessings, and all things 
 else that Thou seest good for us, and for those dear 
 to us, in the name of thy dear Son, our Saviour, 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SECOND WEEK— THUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTUEE ST. MATTHEW XXIV. 36-51. 
 
 OTHOU holy Lord God, humble our minds, 
 we beseech Thee, under a just apprehension of 
 thy glorious majesty and of thy coming judgments. 
 Suft'er us neither to be unmindful now in ancient 
 time Thou broughtest swift destruction upon an 
 ungodly world, nor that Thou art reserving the 
 world which now is for the judgment of the last 
 day. We adore thy great goodness in giving us 
 those forewarnings of its approach which we have 
 now read in the words of our blessed Saviour. 
 Oh, help us to be watchful ; and since we know not 
 when the time shall be, enable us to live as faithful 
 servants, who wait for their Master's coming. 
 
 But who may abide the day of thy coming, 
 and who shall stand when Thou appearest? 
 Lord Grod, we humble ourselves before Thee as we 
 remember our manifold sins. We have lived too 
 much in the indulgence of our carnal affections ; 
 we have found our pleasure too much in the gratifi- 
 cation of our senses ; too eagerly have we pur- 
 sued the world. Oh, let thy Holy Spirit withdraw 
 our hearts from all that would still more debase 
 and pollute our nature, and direct them into the 
 love of God and the patient waiting for Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 And grant, most merciful Father, for his 
 sake, the forgiveness of all our sins, which we thus 
 humbly confess before Thee. Lamb of God, 
 hast not Thou borne our sins in thine own body on 
 the tree ? We plead thy sufferings and atoning 
 death. Our sole trust is in thy precious blood and 
 righteousness. Grant that being now justified by 
 faith, we may spend the rest of our life in loving 
 obedience to thy holy will. 
 
 Accept, we beseech Thee, heavenly Father, 
 our thanksgiving for all thy lovingkindness to- 
 wards us. Thine eye hath watched over us through 
 the darkness of the night, and thy hand hath 
 raised us up to meet the new duties of another 
 day. Strengthen us for all the requirements of 
 active life, or for the patient endurance of thy holy 
 will. Bestow upon us, in thy fatherly bounty, the 
 gifts of thy providence, and fill our hearts with 
 compassion for the destitute. We commend one 
 another to thy protection and love, and to Thee 
 we also commend all who are dear to us. Do 
 thou, God, remember them for good. Be 
 gracious to all who especially need thy help. 
 Sanctify all tribulations and sorrows ; succour the 
 distressed ; comfort the broken-hearted ; preserve 
 the young from the follies and dangers of youth, 
 and sustain the aged and dying with the blessed 
 hope of eternal life. All these gifts we humbly 
 ask in the ever adorable name of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, to whom, with the Father and the Holy 
 Spirit, one God, be glory everlasting. Amen. 
 
 r 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW II. 
 
 OHOLY God ! help us to draw near to Thee 
 witli lowly reverence and godly fear. We 
 glorify Thee as the King eternal, immortal, in- 
 visible, who hast revealed thyself to us in the 
 person of thy Son. We rejoice that the Word was 
 made flesh, and dwelt among us, partaking of our 
 sorrows, and acquainted with our griefs. We 
 adore the providence that turned from him the 
 wrath of Herod, and preserved a life so precious to 
 the world. May our rulers desire, in all honesty, 
 to know and worship him, and worthily magnify 
 his holy name. We bless Thee that we have thy 
 Word, as the star that leads us to the Saviour. 
 May it shine in every dark place ! 
 
 Help us now, God, like the wise men of old, 
 to approach unto Jesus, and to offer to him the 
 homage of our hearts as our King, and worship 
 him as God over all. May he control all our 
 thoughts and affections, that we may always live 
 to his glory. May the corruptions of our nature 
 be entirely subdued, our tempers be sanctified, and 
 our dispositions be brought into harmony with the 
 mind of Christ. May our thoughts be pure, and 
 our words truthful and loving. May we hate sin 
 with a perfect hatred, as that which thou abhorrest, 
 and which brings misery and ruin to men. Pardon 
 all our transgressions, for the sake of thy dear Son, 
 whose atoning blood we plead as the ground of 
 our hope of forgiveness. Let it be our delight to 
 do the will of our Father who is in heaven. To 
 tliis end may we grow in the knowledge of thy 
 Word and will; and, with deeper convictions of obli- 
 gation and duty, more heartily serve and love Thee. 
 
 Make this home a scene of domestic peace and 
 happiness, where the law of kindness and forbear- 
 ance shall reign, and where selfishness shall be 
 unknown. Abide with us at all seasons and under 
 all circumstances. Sanctify the sorrows of life to 
 all who are called to bear them ; especially overrule 
 for good the bereavements that so often desolate 
 our dwellings. May parents who, like Rachel, 
 mourn over the death of their children, be com- 
 forted by the assurance that of such is the king- 
 dom of heaven. May all who are spared to us live 
 before Thee as thy children ; and when the hour 
 of our departure comes, receive us, God, to 
 thyself; and grant that we and all dear to us may 
 for ever be with the Lord. 
 
 Graciously watch over us during the night on 
 which we have entered. Suffer no evil to befall 
 us, no plague to come nigh our dwelling. May the 
 morning find us prepared for the duties of the new 
 day. Grant us these blessings, and all others that 
 we need, but have forgotten to ask, for the sake 
 of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator 
 and Advocate. Amen. 
 12 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SECOND WEEK— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS VIII. 
 
 LORD God Almighty, our Creator, Preserver, and 
 Father, all power is thine. Thon canst create 
 and Thou canst destroy : Thou canst kill and make 
 alive ; Thou canst raise the dead, and preserve 
 alive in the midst of death. Who would not fear 
 Thee, Lord of all power and might ? We would 
 ever speak to Thee with reverence and godly fear, 
 but at the same time with the confidence which 
 thy faithfulness and goodness invite. 
 
 We have deserved destruction on account of 
 our sins, but Thou hast not rewarded us according 
 to our iniquities. Blessed be God, who daily 
 loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our 
 salvation. For the redemption which is in Christ 
 Jesus our Lord, glory be to the Father, and to the 
 Son, and to the Holy Ghost. 
 
 Remember not against us, Lord, the sins of 
 our youth, or any of our iniquities ; but remember 
 us with the favour Thou bearest unto thy people. 
 Remember us all, the youngest and the oldest, the 
 weakest and the strongest. Remember us all, to 
 save us with an everlasting salvation, and to do us 
 good all the days of our lives. And wilt Thou 
 help us, Father of our spirits, to remember 
 Thee? As we begin and end each day, may Ave 
 remember Thee. As we commence and finish our 
 daily work, may we remember Thee. Li the 
 midst of our kindred, friends, and neighbours, 
 may we remember Thee. In all times of sorrow 
 and of joy, in all seasons of trial and of temp- 
 tation, may we remember Thee. In all places and 
 in all scenes, help us to remember Thee. May 
 we remember Thee with love and with joy, with 
 hope and with child-like confidence. May we re- 
 member Thee to obey Thee, to give Thee thanks 
 continually, to cast all our cares upon Thee, to 
 serve and to glorify Thee, and to present to Thee 
 our bodies living sacrifices, holy and acceptable, 
 which is our reasonable service. 
 
 We also pray that we may be assisted at all 
 times to remember Thee, not merely by thy Word 
 and by thy Holy Spirit's ministrations, but also by 
 beholding the works of thy hands. As we see 
 the seasons change from seedtime to harvest, from 
 summer to winter ; as we see day follow night, 
 and night succeed today; may we remember Thee, 
 and think of Thee as ever faithful to thy promises, 
 and mindful of thy covenant. We ask yet further, 
 that as Noah, and his sons, and his wife, and his 
 sons' wives with him, were saved from the flood, 
 so in like manner we may be saved as a family 
 from thy wrath ; and may we assemble around thy 
 throne in heaven a family unbroken — a family 
 entirely saved. This great mercy, and all the 
 blessings which vi-e need, we ask in our gracious 
 Savioux''s name. Amen. 
 
 r 13 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS III. 
 
 OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 of whom the whole family in heaven and 
 earth is named, in mercy regard us who now as a 
 family are gathered at thy footstool. Glory be to 
 thy Name for this gracious Word to which we 
 have now listened. What motives it supplies for 
 praise ! What encouragement it gives for prayer ! 
 To us in these Gospel days is made known the 
 mystery long kept secret, that even for us Gentiles, 
 as well as for thine ancient people, there have been 
 stored up the unsearchable riches of Divine grace 
 and power. Oh, that we may be made partakers 
 of thy mercy, and that even in us and in our 
 salvation the angels and archangels in heavenly 
 places may see the manifold wisdom of God. 
 
 Lord, we come boldly to thy throne of grace. 
 Thou hast not spared thine own dear Son, but 
 delivered him up for us all, and Thou art able, 
 through him, to do exceeding alnmdantly above 
 all that we ask or think. We plead these assu- 
 rances of thy Holy Book : we remind Thee how 
 Thou hast exalted Jesus to thy right hand in glory 
 to intercede for us. For his sake, God, grant 
 us thy peace : for his sake enrich us with spiritual 
 blessino:. 
 
 How great have been thy mercies to us this 
 day ! Thou hast fed and clothed us : we have 
 gone in and out to our daily task, and Thou hast 
 spread around us the shield of thy power and 
 protection. Thou redeemest our lives from de- 
 struction, and crownest us with the gifts of thy 
 lovingkindness. Bless the Lord, our souls, and 
 all that is within us bless his holy Name. Thou 
 knowest our frame, and rememberest that we are 
 dust. Thou dost not always chide, nor keep thine 
 anger for ever. Oh, suffer us never to forget 
 Thee, thou Father of mercies! or to be un- 
 thankful recipients of thy bounty. 
 
 Especially we pray, God, that according to 
 the riches of thy glory we may be strengthened 
 by thy Spirit in the inner man. Jesus, come 
 and dwell in our hearts, that being rooted and 
 grounded in love, we may share with all thy saints 
 in the knowledge and experience of thy love, and 
 be filled with all the fulness of God. Guide us, 
 we beseech Thee, to a deeper acquaintance with 
 thy Truth. We are weak : do Thou uphold us. 
 We are ignorant : do Thou teach us. We know 
 not what may befall us as a family, or singly 
 and alone. We commit ourselves to thy keeping, 
 Thou who never sleepest. Keep our souls clear 
 of every sinful thought, and raise us, if it be thy 
 will, to the duties of the coming day. We ask all 
 for Christ's sake, to whom, with Thee and the 
 Holy Ghost, be glory in the Church, throughout 
 all ages, world without jend. Amen. 
 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SECOND WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS IX. 1—19. 
 
 OTHOU that liearest prayer, and. hast declared 
 that whoso offereth praise honoureth Thee, 
 we raise our eyes and our hearts to thy throne. 
 Thine is the kingdom for ever and ever, and Tliou 
 rulest over alL We praise Thee, God : we 
 acknowledge Thee to be the Lord. AH the earth 
 doth worship Thee, the Father everlasting. To 
 Thee all angels cry aloud, the heavens and all the 
 powers therein. To Thee cherubim and seraphim 
 continually cry. Holy, Holy, Holy Lord God of 
 Hosts. Heaven and earth are full of the majesty 
 of thy glory. How great our privilege. Lord, 
 that we can speak to Thee, and Thou wilt not 
 disdain our offering : that we can spread at thy 
 footstool, in the name of Jesus, the confession of 
 our sins, and wants, and weaknesses, and Thou 
 wilt not send us empty away ! Day by day thou re- 
 newest the tokens of thy mercy and love. Despite 
 our countless sins, Thou never weariest of blessing 
 us. Oh, that we may never weary of praising Thee. 
 
 Fulfil to us, we beseech Thee, this day, thy 
 promise in Jesus Christ. Heaven and earth 
 shall pass away, but thy word shall not pass 
 away. Jiinable us, in the midst of all fears and 
 dangers, to see the bow of mercy in the cloud, 
 and to take courage. If afflictions come upon 
 us, may we have grace to receive them as of thy 
 sending, and to bear them without a murmur, 
 remembering that whom the Lord loveth he 
 chasteneth, and that it is through much tribula- 
 tion we must enter into rest. Under all circum- 
 stances confirm our faith in thy Gospel. Let no 
 doubting or unbelief cloud our spiritual sight. 
 Open more fully to us the meaning of thy Word, 
 and enable us to use it as the lamp of our feet and 
 the light of our path. God, let nothing separate 
 us from the love of Christ. If Thou be for us, 
 who can be against us ? If Thou justify us, who 
 can condemn ? If Christ has cleansed us in his 
 blood, and pleads our cause in his all-prevailing 
 intercession, who can lay anything to our charge ? 
 Almighty Saviour, endue us with thy strength, 
 and we shall be more than conquerors in every 
 conflict. 
 
 Lord, look in thy love on all whom we love. 
 Such of them as are still wanderers from thy fold, 
 in the broad way of sin and death, seek out and 
 bring in. Oh, may they live before Thee ! Be 
 gracious to the young among us : win their hearts 
 to thyself: preserve them from the temptations 
 peculiar to youth, and under thy training and 
 discipline may they grow in grace as they grow in 
 years, and learn even now that the ways of wisdom 
 are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are 
 peace. Lord, grant this, and all other petitions, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE IL 41-52. 
 
 AGAIN, God, we are called to thank Thee 
 lor thy great mercy towards us. Thou hast 
 ordered our steps through the day, and now in 
 thankfuhiess and peace we will lay ourselves down 
 to rest, confiding in thy care, who alone makest 
 us to dwell in safety. Forgive, Lord, all that 
 thou hast seen amiss in us. Put it away from 
 before Thee, and cancel the guilt of it for ever. 
 Create in us a clean heart, and renew in us a right 
 spirit. So unfold to us the riches of thy saving 
 grace, that we may live not for ourselves, but for 
 Thee ; and let our light so shine before men, that 
 they may see our good works, and glorify our 
 Father which is in heaven. 
 
 Lord Jesus, Thou wast made in all things like 
 unto us, sin only excepted. As the child, the 
 boy, and the man. Thou hast had experience of 
 our life, and hast set us an example that Ave may 
 walk in thy steps. Thou Avast very God, and yet 
 — oh, inscrutable mystery ! — Thou didst grow in 
 wisdom and in favour with God and man. Im- 
 part, we beseech Thee, to us the very mind that 
 was in Thee. By thy Holy Spirit, impress on us 
 thy likeness and image. Thou didst choose a lowly 
 state, when angels would have done thy bidding, 
 and all the riches of heaven and earth were at thy 
 command. Make us contented with such things 
 as we have, and enable us to do our duty in what- 
 ever station it may please Thee to place us. .Thou 
 didst bear the burden of human labour, and 
 thereby hast made it honourable. Be with us in 
 all our work from day to day, and teach us that 
 how lowly soever our place, we may glorify Thee 
 in it by singleness of eye and purity of motive. 
 Thou didst do and suffer in all things the Father's 
 will. Enable us by thy Spirit to crush every rising 
 passion, and subdue every rebellious temper. Teach 
 the young among us from thy example to be 
 obedient to their parents, to bear meekly the re- 
 straints of home, and thus to prove themselves thy 
 faithful servants and disciples, sharing thy cross, 
 and in all things following Thee. 
 
 Shelter us, God, to-night beneath thy pro- 
 tecting wing. We look forward with thankfulness 
 to the rest and peace of the Lord's day. Oh, 
 prepare us to enjoy the sacred season, and to profit 
 by its services. Prepare also thy ministers for 
 their holy work. Kindle in their hearts a burning 
 zeal for thy glory and a fervent love for souls. 
 Teach them thy truth, that out of their own 
 experience they may teach others. Put a word in 
 their tongues, God, that shall be useful to all, 
 that the hard heart may be softened, the mourning 
 be comforted, and all thy people edified. Hear 
 us, Lord, and help and save, for the sake of 
 Jesus, our adorable Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 C 14 ] 
 
MOENING.] 
 
 THIRD WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 PETER III. 
 
 LORD of the Sabbatli, in thy mercy listen to our 
 prayer. Thou art the long-suft'ering God, or 
 we had not now been kneehng together in peace at 
 thy footstool. Often have we grieved thy Spirit by 
 the wilfulness and waywardness of our hearts : still 
 Thou sparest us, not because our transgressions are 
 of small account w ith Thee, nor because thine arm 
 is not strong to punish and destroy, but because 
 thy mercies are great, and thy compassions fail 
 not. Thou art not willing that we should perish. 
 For thy name's sake, God, and in pity to our 
 souls, let not thy forbearance towards us fail of 
 its purpose. Give us thy Holy Spirit to arouse 
 and quicken us. Such of us as have never yet 
 repented of their multiplied transgressions against 
 Thee, convince of their sin : show them the fearful 
 peril of trifling with grace and opportunity. In 
 such of us as have already sorrowed for sin after a 
 godly sort-, do Thou deepen the sense of sin. Lord, 
 take these hearts of ours, unholy, impure, stained 
 as they are, and make them clean in the foun- 
 tain once opened for sin. Renew and sanctify 
 us by thy grace, that we may be transformed 
 ever more and more into the image and like- 
 ness of thy dear Son. 
 
 We thank Thee, heavenly Father, for the 
 mercies of the past night. This is the day which 
 the Lord hath made : oh, that we may rejoice 
 and be glad in it ! Forgive, God, past neglect, 
 and let it not cause Thee now to withhold thy 
 blessing. Be Thou with us all the day, and 
 work in us to will and to do of thy good pleasure. 
 As we kneel in prayer, teach us our emptiness, that 
 we may yearn to be filled out of thy fulness. Feed 
 us with the bread of life which came down from 
 heaven. Give us of the living waters which flow 
 from the throne of God and the Lamb. As we 
 lifl up our voices in praise, oh ! kindle within us 
 a heavenly fervour by the recollection of thy 
 goodness and mercy. Let not thy Gospel witness 
 against us to our condemnation, but make it the 
 savour of life unto life — a message of love and 
 peace welcome to our souls, for which we shall 
 glorify Thee at the close of the day. 
 
 Pour down thy Spirit abundantly on all who 
 shall meet in thy house of prayer ; prepare them 
 to receive thy Word. Lead many this day to 
 the cross. Let thy Word have free course and be 
 glorified. Touch the hearts of thy ministers with 
 fire from heaven, and make them wise to win souls 
 to Christ. Make bare thine arm among the nations. 
 Awaken in thy Church an earnest longing for 
 His coming who shall make all things new ; and 
 grant that when He cometh we may all be found 
 of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless. 
 Grant it, Lord, for his sake. Amen. 
 
 C 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE III. 1-22. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God! who art merciful and 
 ^ gracious, slow to anger, abundant in good- 
 ness and truth ; who wiliest not the death of a 
 sinner, but rather that he should turn from his evil 
 way and live ; grant unto us that godly sorrow 
 which worketh repentance unto life, that by faith 
 in thy Son we may obtain redemption through his 
 blood, and the forgiveness of our sins, according 
 to the riches of thy grace ; and, receiving the 
 adoption of children, may become heirs according 
 to the hope of eternal life. 
 
 God ! who searchest tlie hearts and triest the 
 reins of the children of men, search us and try 
 us, and see what way of wickedness there is in us, 
 and lead us in the way everlasting. Preserve us 
 from resting in any outward privilege or ordi- 
 nance, and fix our faith on Him who is the only 
 fountain of mercy, grace, and peace. Renew us 
 in the spirit of our minds, that we may bring forth 
 fruits meet for repentance, and worthily magnify 
 thy name. 
 
 Eternal God ! the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, who at his baptism didst declare him, by a 
 voice from the excellent glory, to be thy beloved 
 Son, we give Thee thanks for thine unspeakable 
 gift. Sprinkle our hearts with his most precious 
 blood ; justify us freely through the redemption 
 that is in him. Baptise us with the Holy Ghost, 
 and make us meet for the inheritance of the saints 
 in light. Oh, that in the great day of separation, 
 when Jesus shall sift the wheat from the chaff, the 
 precious from the vile, we may all of us be gar- 
 nered safely in thy kingdom ! 
 
 Father of all our mercies ! accept our humble 
 thanksgiving for the blessings of this day. May 
 it please Thee to remember us as a family, with 
 all who are dear unto us by the ties of nature 
 and affection. Let the continued dew of thy 
 blessing be on them and on us. Bless to our 
 souls all the ordinances of thy house. Forgive 
 the sins of our holy services. Apply thy Word 
 with power to our hearts, and the hearts of all 
 who have heard it. Look in mercy on the uncon- 
 verted among us. Reveal to them the terrors of 
 the Lord, and awaken them to flee from the wrath 
 to come while the day of grace lasts. 
 
 Show us thy marvellous lovingkindness, Tliou 
 that savest by thy right hand those that put their 
 trust in Thee. Keep us as the apple of thine eye, 
 and hide us under the shadow of thy wings ; so 
 will we lie down, and none shall make us afraid. 
 Give thine angels charge over us, to keep us in all 
 our ways. Satisfy us early with thy goodness, 
 and make us joyful in Thee. All this we beg in 
 the name and through the mediation of our only 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 15 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRD WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XI. 1—9, 
 
 A LMIGHTY Lord God, the Maker of all things, 
 -HL who from thy throne beholdest all the dwellers 
 upon earth, be pleased most graciously to look 
 upon us at this time. 
 
 We acknowledge that we have sinned and done 
 amiss, and have need to bow at thy footstool in 
 great lowliness of spirit. Thy dealings with us 
 and all thy ci-eatures have been most kind and 
 tender — worthy of our greatest confidence and 
 love. 
 
 Thou hast wisely counselled, admonished, and 
 corrected us. Thy judgments, from time to time, 
 have been abroad in the earth ; yet we have too 
 often been unmindful of them, and not learnt to 
 do thy righteous will. 
 
 But we beseech Thee to enter not into judgment 
 with us, thine unworthy servants. Spare us, good 
 Lord, and pardon our manifold offences, for thy 
 dear Son's sake. 
 
 And as we, through thy gracious providence, 
 have been permitted to enter upon the duties of 
 another day, we would seek thy guidance, protec- 
 tion, and blessing. May we this day be delivered 
 from the great snare of putting our trust in any 
 earthly good, power, or creature, and from seeking 
 our happiness in the world apart from Thee. 
 
 Be pleased also to instruct us in the nature of 
 thy will, the character of thy laws, and the way of 
 peace and safety, so that we may be kept under 
 the protection of thy fatherly love, and have a 
 perpetual fear and love of thy holy name and 
 Word. 
 
 In our prayers we would bear before Thee the 
 wants of the world in which we live. It has gone 
 astray from thy testimonies ; the strife of tongues 
 prevails ; confusion and every evil work are seen 
 in the dwellings of many; and the way of peace 
 is not sought or loved. We therefore beseech 
 Thee, in compassion to our fallen world, to in- 
 crease and make more piu-e and efficient the 
 agencies employed for its conversion. 
 
 Send forth thy Holy Spirit upon all flesh. 
 Make thy ways known ; thy saving health among 
 all nations. Oh, let the people soon learn to be of 
 one heart and tongue, and united to praise Thee. 
 Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, and 
 God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing. 
 
 As members of a Christian family we would 
 implore thy favour and blessing upon us. Pour 
 into each of our hearts that most excellent gift of 
 charity, the bond of peace and of all virtues. 
 Keep us from all things hurtful, and bestow upon 
 us all such gifts as will be profitable for us both in 
 time and eternity : and grant that, when we have 
 served Thee upon earth, we may glorify Thee in 
 heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 
 
 C 16 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE IV. 1—13. 
 
 MOST holy Lord God, we draw near to Thee in 
 the name of Jesus Christ, to praise Thee for 
 the favours and deliverances of the day which has 
 passed. May our evening's sacrifice of praise and 
 thanksgiving be acceptable in thy sight, Lord, 
 our strength and our Bedeemer. 
 
 We desire to acknowledge our dependence upon 
 Thee, and that we are under thy rule and govern- 
 ance. Thou knowest all that we have done, 
 endured, suffered, or pxu'posed in our minds to do 
 this day. Thou hast understood our thoughts afar 
 oflp, and there has not been a word in our tongue 
 but 'I hou, Lord, hast known it altogether. 
 
 Whatever, therefore, has been wrong in our 
 conduct or spirit, or wherein we have failed to do 
 thy will, to be watchful, and to resist temptation, be 
 pleased, through thy manifold and great mercies 
 in Christ Jesus, to pardon and forgive. Thou, 
 Lord, knowest that we are placed in so many 
 and great dangers that, by reason of our frailty, 
 we cannot always stand upright. But we are 
 encouraged, in our approaches to thy Majesty, by 
 remembering that when we offend against thy 
 holy law, if we confess our sins. Thou art willing, 
 for thy Son's sake, to forgive us our sins, and to 
 cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
 
 That we may hereafter faithfully serve Tliee, 
 impress upon our minds the truths of thy holy 
 Word. Grant that with meek hearts and due 
 reverence we may receive the truths of that 
 portion of it we have now read. May we never 
 forget that we are constantly exposed to the evil 
 devices of Satan and the corruptions of our own 
 deceitful hearts. 
 
 If in thy dispensations towards us we should 
 ever be so tempted and tried as to be brought 
 into great straits and difficulties, may we re- 
 member the example of our Saviour, who, though 
 tempted as we are, was yet Avithout sin. May 
 we never make it our only or chief care to obtain 
 the bread which perisheth, but may we be taught 
 by thy Word to do and suffer thy will. 
 
 Deliver us from the great sin of unbelief. May 
 no hasty desire, no feeling of presumption, ever 
 lead us rashly to engage in anything, but may we 
 in all our ways seek thy direction, and humbly 
 trust in Thee. 
 
 Save us also from the baneful influence of the 
 world. Grant that its seductive power may never 
 subdue our spirits to its service ; but preserve us, 
 we beseech Thee, ever ready, both in private, at 
 the family altar, and in thy house, to worship 
 Thee, the one living and true God. 
 
 Hear these our prayers, protect us through the 
 night, refresh us with quiet rest ; an^to Thee will 
 we ascribe the praise, for Chribt's sake. Amen. 
 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRD WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XII. 
 
 OGOD, our Creator and Preserver, Thou pro- 
 claimest to us day by day thy goodness and 
 truth. The streams of thy bounty nev^er fail. In 
 the Hght and in the darkness thine eye is ever 
 upon us. Thou art at our right hand and our 
 left, sustaining us by thy power, and enriching us 
 with thy mercy. God, we feel that we owe all 
 our temporal blessings, as well as our spiritual, to 
 thy love in Christ Jesus. Life, and health, and 
 strength, and all that Thou bestowest, are ours, 
 because He redeemed us. For thy gifts alike in 
 creation, in providence, and in grace, we offer at 
 thy footstool our tribute of fervent praise. 
 
 The stains of sin mar and defile all that we do. 
 We can but cry, Unclean, unclean. Oh, let our 
 cry enter into thine ears, and bring down from 
 above thy forgiveness and pardon. Constantly do 
 we need thy strength. We are impotent of our- 
 selves to stand against temptation, unless Thou 
 uphold us, that our footsteps slip not. God, Thou 
 knowest our weakness and shortcomings, pour 
 down upon us the abundance of thy grace. Bear 
 with the weakness of our faith, and supply all our 
 need according to thy riches in glory by Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. 
 
 We know not, God, what this day will bring 
 forth for us. All its circumstances are known to 
 Thee, its trials and temptations, its perplexities 
 and its dangers. It is our comfort to know that 
 nothing happens but as Thou seest fit, and that all 
 the issues of life and death are in thy hand. Pre- 
 vent us, Lord, in all our doings with thy most 
 gracious favour, and assist us with thy continual 
 help, that in all our works begun, continued, and 
 ended in dependence on Thee, we may glorify 
 thy holy name, and finally, by thy mercy, of)tain 
 everlasting life. Wean us, God, from the love 
 of the world and worldly things. Enable us to 
 hold all things as from Thee, and to be ready 
 at all times cheerfully to sacrifice even what is 
 dearest to us at thy bidding, and to follow Thee 
 whithersoever thou leadest us. Oh, that we may 
 count all things but loss compared with Christ our 
 Redeemer and Lord ; that the savour of Christian 
 piety may abound in our life and conversation. 
 May we have grace to avoid all evil, and even the 
 appearance of evil, lest we bring dishonour on the 
 holy name of Jesus, or cause the enemies of the 
 Lord to blaspheme. 
 
 Graciously grant us thy protection during the 
 day. Spread around us all the shield of thy 
 power, and tm-n aside whatever evil may threaten 
 our bodies or souls. Make known the glory of 
 the Saviour to those who know Him not, that in 
 Him Jew and Gentile may be blessed. Hear us, 
 God, for thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 17 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS II. 
 
 FATHER of all mercies, beneath whose sheltering 
 providence we have this day been preserved, 
 look down upon us, we beseech Thee, in these our 
 evening prayers. To whom else can we come for 
 protection through the dark shadows of the night ? 
 To whom can we bring our cares for relief, or our 
 sins for pardon, but to Thee, Heavenly Father, 
 who hast promised to supply all the wants of thy 
 children for the sake of Jesus Christ our Mediator? 
 In his blessed name, therefore, we now draw near 
 thy throne, and ask for the gifts of thy covenant 
 grace. Blot out all our transgressions. Sanctify 
 us by thy Holy Spirit. Let thy Word dwell 
 richly in our heaxts. Thou hast honoured us 
 above angels by granting us the revelation of 
 thine eternal love in Christ Jesus. Yet how little 
 have we prized the excellency of this knowledge ! 
 How often do we forget thy promises, and neglect 
 thy precepts ! Lord, lay not these sins to our 
 charge. Remember that we are but dust. Accept 
 us for Jesus' sake. 
 
 blessed Jesus, we turn to Thee in this our 
 conscious weakness, and thank Thee for that divine 
 compassion which has not left us comfortless. We 
 glorify the riches of thy love which led Thee to 
 become partaker of our own flesh and blood. Pre- 
 cious to us now is all thy power of sympathy 
 with our sorrows, and of help in our temptations ! 
 Blessed, for ever blessed be thy name, that we 
 can live by faith on the assurance of thy glorified 
 manhood, and see Thee on Jehovah's throne as the 
 great Captain of our salvation, not being ashamed 
 even to call us brethren ! Lord, into thy faithful 
 hand we commend ourselves day by day. Wilt 
 Thou not keep us, and bring us among many sons 
 to glory ! Thou art our only Shepherd. Thou art 
 the Lord our Righteousness. Oh, for a deeper 
 sense of thy love, and a larger measure of the in- 
 dwelling of the Holy Ghost ! Oh, for that faith and 
 patience which will enable us to inherit the pro- 
 mises ! We desire to follow Thee in all faithful- 
 ness, and whenever we stray from the right path, 
 to hear thy voice behind us saying, " This is the 
 way, walk ye in it." 
 
 Gracious God, give us these blessings, we be- 
 seech Thee. And if any now among us be still 
 strangers to Thee, add to thy gift of mercy, and 
 this very evening bestow upon them the spirit of 
 repentance and faith. Quicken us all, that we may 
 be more wholly and constantly thine. Bless our 
 children, friends, and country. Bless thy Church, 
 with its ministers at home, and its missionaries 
 abroad, and its members everywhere. And all we 
 ask, God, is for Christ's sake, to whom with 
 Thee, Father, and Thee, Eternal Spirit, be 
 honour and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 ] 
 
 No. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRD WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER II. 11—25. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN I. 19—34. 
 
 FATHER of mercies and God of all grace, we bless 
 and praise Thee for all the kindness Thou hast 
 shown unto us in the commencement of another 
 day. Thou hast preserved us during the watches 
 of the night, and by thine hand our eyes have 
 been opened to see the morning light. Blessed be 
 thy holy name for refreshing sleep, for convenient 
 food and raiment, for health and strength, and for 
 all thy mercies which Thou givest us so richly to 
 enjoy. Teach us to take all the comforts of life 
 from thy hand, and in their use to be tr*iy 
 thankful unto Thee, Lord ; and when Thou 
 sendest sorrow or trouble of any kind, help us to 
 believe that Thou doest all things well, and to say, 
 " Thy will be done." 
 
 We beseech Thee, good Lord, to refresh and 
 strengthen our souls with that portion of thy 
 sacred Word which we have read. Make us true 
 pilgrims, such as feel that this world is not their 
 rest, and teach us daily to walk as in thy sight. 
 Keep us, holy Father, from fleshly lusts, which 
 war against the soul. Li all the business of life 
 let integrity and uprightness preserve us. Make 
 us peaceable subjects, good neighbours, faithful 
 servants, loving relatives, and true followers of 
 thy dear Son Jesus Christ. In thought, and 
 speech, and conduct may we be made like unto 
 Him, who did no sin, neither was guile found in 
 his mouth. If our patience shall be tried this 
 day by unkindness or injustice, preserve us, God 
 of peace, from anger and resentment, so that our 
 fellow-men may take knowledge of us that we 
 have been with Jesus, and have learnt of Him. 
 Guide our rulers with heavenly wisdom ; prosper 
 our country, and let peace and plenty enrich 
 our native land. Have mercy upon all who are 
 suffei'ing affliction, and help them who have no 
 earthly helper. We confess before Thee, Lord, 
 our manifold sins and transgressions. Pardon us 
 for the sake of Him who his own self bare our 
 sins in his own body on the tree. Bestow upon 
 each one of us now bowing down at thy footstool 
 that faith in Jesus which purifieth the heart and 
 worketh by love. Grant unto us that true repent- 
 ance which leadeth unto life, and is not to be 
 repented of Redeem us from all iniquity, receive 
 us graciously, and love us freely. Let the fruits 
 of holiness abound in our lives, so that we may 
 adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
 things ; and when we shall depart from this life, 
 may we sleep in Jesus, and rise to dwell for ever 
 amid the joys which are at thy right hand. These 
 our humble prayers and praises we present in the 
 name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with 
 Thee, Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all 
 praise and glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 
 
 OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 for his sake baptize us also with the Holy 
 Ghost, that we may now draw nigh unto Thee in 
 the spirit of adoption, crying, Abba, Father. But, 
 Father, we have sinned against heaven, and in thy 
 sight, and are not worthy to be called thy children. 
 We own with shame that we have turned every 
 one to his own way : Thou alone knowest how 
 often we have sinned in thought, word, and deed 
 against Thee. Yet, merciful Father, thy Word, 
 which tells us of our sins, tells us also of thy 
 readiness to show mercy, and directs us to be- 
 hold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin 
 of the world. Thou hast so loved the world, as to 
 give thine only begotten and well-beloved Son 
 to die, the just for the unjust, that He might 
 bring us to Thee. For his dear sake, Father, 
 forgive us our sins, and receive us graciously. 
 
 Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of 
 the world, take away our sins ; grant us thy peace ; 
 sprinkle our consciences with thy blood ; plead 
 for us as our Advocate with the Father. May thy 
 spotless righteousness be reckoned for our right- 
 eousness, that being justified by faith in Thee, we 
 may have peace with God. Be Thou still, and 
 always be to us, the Lamb of God, which 
 takest away sin ; take away from us all love of 
 Heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 
 sin. 
 
 give us daily thy Holy Spirit, to constrain us to 
 follow Him as our pattern while trusting in Him 
 as the propitiation for our sins. Forgiven much, 
 may we love much ^ loving Thee, may we try to 
 please Thee in all things ; may we, and our poor, 
 imperfect services be daily accepted in the Beloved : 
 and thus may we be preparing while on earth to 
 dwell with Thee for ever in heaven. 
 
 Lord, the whole world lieth in wickedness 
 before Thee ; may we feel as we ought for our 
 fellow-sinners. Send forth, we pray Thee, faithful 
 men to point sinners to that Lamb of God, that 
 they also may look to Him and live. May many 
 see One standing among them whom they know 
 not, and discover with delight that, by the appli- 
 cation of this one sacrifice once made. He still 
 taketh away the sin of the world. Send the Holy 
 Ghost, and give success to all the endeavours of 
 thy servants to make straight the way of the Lord, 
 and prepare men for his glorious coming. May 
 they all, like John the Baptist, have lowly views 
 of themselves, and exalted views of the Lord Jesus. 
 Hear us. Heavenly Father, in these our prayers 
 for his name's sake. Accept our praises for all 
 thy many mercies, and especially for thine un- 
 speakable gift of that all precious Lamb of God, 
 thy Son our Saviour. To Him, with Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost, be glory, now and ever. Amen. 
 18 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRD WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XIII. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN I. 35-51. 
 
 GREAT and gracious God, we desire that, like 
 thy servant of whom we have now been read- 
 ing, we may have an altar in every place where 
 we dwell. We know that we cannot live without 
 Thee, and we would never forget to acknowledge 
 Thee, the Author of all our mercies, and the God 
 of our salvation. On this family altar we would 
 now lay our offering of praise and prayer. Con- 
 descend to accept it through the Great High 
 Priest of our profession ; and let the fire of God, 
 though unseen, fall upon it, enlightening and 
 purifying all our soids. Send into our hearts the 
 Spirit of thy Son, crying, Abba, Father. May He 
 renew us in the spirit of our minds. May He 
 deliver' us from the power of sin and Satan, 
 and enlarge our hearts that we may run the way 
 of thy commandments. Help us, Lord, against 
 ourselves, . that we, through the Spirit, may mor- 
 tify the deeds of the body. Make us, like faithful 
 Abraham, meek and peaceable. May we be will- 
 ing to yield even to our inferiors "whatever we may 
 with a good conscience, rather than live in strife 
 and contention. God forbid that wo should cause 
 the way of truth to be evil spoken of, or that those 
 who are enemies to thy cause and Thee should 
 be encouraged by our conduct to continue in sin. 
 Rather may they see in us the fruit of the Spirit, 
 which is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentle- 
 ness, goodness. 
 
 Pardon, Lord, we pray Thee, all our past sin 
 and folly. Too often have we not only failed to 
 show forth these graces, but have done the works 
 of the flesh and the will of the devil. But we 
 betake ourselves to Thee. We return unto the 
 Lord, from whom we have fallen by our iniquity. 
 Have mercy upon us according to thy loving- 
 kindness. Accept us in thy Son. Wash us in 
 the fountain which Thou hast opened for sin and 
 uncleanness, and make us clean. 
 
 For the mercies of the past night, and for all 
 the good gifts of thy providence bestowed upon 
 us, we humbly thank Thee. We pray that thy 
 guidance and protection may be granted to us 
 throughout this day. Be about our path, as Thou 
 hast been about our lying down. Bless and keep 
 all whom we love. May the love of Jesus conse- 
 crate our mutual affection, and knit us together 
 in everlasting bonds. Oh ! that none of us may 
 remain unreconciled to Thee, or uncleansed and 
 unforgiven. Especially, Loi'd, look in mercy 
 upon the young members of this family. Speak 
 to their hearts by thy gracious Spirit, that they 
 may give the morning of their lives to Thee, 
 and have their names even now written in the 
 Book of Life. We ask it all for the Lord's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 19 1 
 
 OMOST good and merciful Lord God, Fa- 
 ther of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
 behold us met together this night before the throne 
 of thy grace. Give ear unto our prayers, and 
 attend unto the voice of our humble petitions. We 
 thank Thee for the mercies of the day past, and for 
 all the opportunities Thou hast given us of showing 
 our love to Thee. We confess that we have not 
 made such use of them as we might have done, 
 had our souls been more steadily bent upon 
 running the way of thy commandments. While 
 we mourn over our sins and shortcomings, we 
 pray Thee, God, to direct our eyes unto Jesus 
 Christ, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the 
 sins of the world. May we lay our guilt and 
 offences upon Him, believing that his blood 
 cleanseth us from all sins, and that by his stripes 
 our souls shall be healed. 
 
 Give us grace, we beseech Thee, rightly to 
 follow the Lord Jesus. Make us his true disciples, 
 and give us such hearty love to Him, and sucli 
 readiness and power to obey his commandments, 
 that He may never be ashamed of us, but own us 
 as his now, and at the last, when he makes up 
 his jewels. 
 
 We pray not for ourselves only, but for all whom 
 we know, especially for our relatives, friends, 
 and neighbours, and those with whom we live or 
 work. Grant to them, as well as to us, the saving 
 knowledge of Jesus. May they, with us, be 
 brought to Christ, and encouraged to forsake all 
 ungodliness, and follow Him without delay. Give 
 success to all ministers, missionaries, and teachers, 
 whose occupation is specially to lead others to 
 Christ. Prosper them in their work, and may 
 many by their means be led to know their Lord 
 and Saviour. 
 
 And now, God, who art ever present, and 
 who seest us even when we are alone, we beseech 
 Thee to watch over us this night ; we commend 
 ourselves to thy kind care. Keep us when we 
 have no power to keep ourselves, during the silent 
 hours of darkness. Preserve us from danger, but 
 above all deliver us from evil. Restore our souls 
 by thy Holy Spirit, make us to love thy Word 
 and thy service, and as each day passes over us, 
 grant that it may find us further advanced in 
 the paths of righteousness, and better prepared for 
 living with Thee in heaven, after having served 
 our generation according to thy blessed will. 
 These petitions we humbly present unto Thee, 
 God, through Him whom Thou hearest always, 
 Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Saviour, to whom, with 
 Thee and the Holy Spirit, one eternal God, we 
 would give all praise, and honour, and glory, now 
 and for ever. Amen. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRD WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XII. 13-31. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXXII. 
 
 OUR Father and our God, we again bow at thy 
 footstool, and offer Thee our morning worship. 
 Every day Thou dost renew thy mercies to us, 
 and every day would we renew our praise to Thee. 
 For the protection and repose of the past night, 
 and for the health and comforts Ave enjoy this 
 morning, we devoutly thank Thee. Oh, may a 
 sense of thy constant goodness to us lead us to 
 cherish constant gratitude and love to Thee, and 
 prompt us to a' life of cheerful obedience and 
 willing service. 
 
 We thank Thee, thou fountain of light, for 
 all the teaching of thy Holy Word. We especially 
 praise Thee that Thou hast, in these latter days, 
 spoken to us by thy Son. Help us to listen to his 
 words, and to profit by them. Help us to take heed 
 and beware of covetousness. Impress upon our 
 minds a sense of the supreme value of that which 
 is spiritual and heavenly ; and save us, oh, save us, 
 we beseech Thee, from that delay or neglect that 
 would leave us unprepared for our final summons. 
 So do Thou enrich us by thy grace, and help us 
 to lay up treasure in heaven, that when our souls 
 are required of us, we may be enabled, with calm 
 and humble confidence, to resign them into the 
 hands of Him who hath redeemed them with his 
 blood. 
 
 So long as it is thy will that we should remain 
 on earth, do Thou help us to confide in thy 
 Fatherly goodness and care. May Ave not dis- 
 honour Thee by distrusting Thee. If we have 
 burdens to bear, help us to cast them upon the 
 Lord. If the future should appear dark to us, help 
 us to believe that light will arise in the darkness. 
 When we cannot see our way, may Ave be willing 
 that Thou shouldest lead us. May the changes of 
 earth lead us to rejoice in thine unchangeableness ; 
 and may the failures of earthly supplies send us to 
 that fountain which can never fail. We thank 
 Thee, our Father, that Thou hast promised that 
 our bread shall be given us, and our water shall be 
 sure. We thank Thee that in our past history no 
 good thing has been withheld from us. May the 
 experience of the past strengthen our confidence 
 for the future. May we take no anxious thought 
 for tiie morrow, but leave that trustfully with Thee. 
 And do Thou, God of providence and grace, 
 make our hearts strong and glad in the belief that, 
 as Thou dost clothe the lilies and feed the ravens, 
 Thou Avilt never forget nor forsake us. 
 
 Defend us, Lord, from all the dangers of this 
 day. Guide us in every difficulty. Aid us in 
 every duty. Keep us from temptation, and every 
 hurtful snare. Help us to walk in thy fear all the 
 day long, and finally bring us to thine eternal king- 
 dom, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 
 
 OTHOU by whom kings do reign and princes 
 decree justice, we gratefully acknowledge thy 
 goodness in guiding us through the busy hours of 
 the past day, and bringing us to its close in peace 
 and security. For all thy gracious dealings with 
 us, Ave render to Thee our unfeigned thanks. We 
 haA^e had food and raiment, health and happiness, 
 peace of conscience, and whatever else Thou seest 
 good for us. All these blessings thy hand has 
 provided and thy bounty bestowed, and to Thee 
 we give the praise. 
 
 Amongst all the temporal blessings which Ave 
 haA^e received at thy hands, not the least is that of 
 good governance under a rightful sovereign. May 
 she long reign over us in peace and confidence, 
 and may all the royal family be the recipients oif 
 thy choicest blessings. For all our governors and 
 judges, also, for all our legislators and public officers 
 we pray, that they may so adjudge the causes and 
 claims of the people, that injustice and oppression 
 may be removed, and that thy servants may lead 
 a peaceable and quiet life, in all godliness and 
 honesty. 
 
 But, thou Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 prepare us to receiA^e thy Son as our universal 
 King. We earnestly pray that his dominion may 
 extend from sea to sea, and from the river to 
 the end of the eai'th. Let the people that dwell in 
 the wilderness boAv before Him, and those who 
 inhabit the uttermost parts of the earth do homage 
 unto Him. Let kings fall dovA-n before Thee, and 
 all people do Him service. 
 
 thou blessed Saviour of our souls, avIio didst 
 redeem us at the cost of thine oAvn precious blood, 
 to Thee Ave turn Avith holy joy and humble adora- 
 tion. May thy glorious person be had in rever- 
 ence, and thine earthly temples held in honour. 
 There let prayer and intercessions be made con- 
 tinually to Thee ; there let men offer the sacrifices 
 of praise and thanksgiving. O thou King of 
 saints, Avho perpetually sittest at the right hand of 
 thy Father, receive the supplications Avhich are 
 presented in thy prevailing name, and grant great 
 success to the Gospel which proclaims Thee and 
 honours the Father. . 
 
 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, 
 Avho only doeth, and can do these wondrous things 
 for us. He is our King, and He saves us; He 
 alone delivers us from our enemies ; He alone 
 spares his people and pardons their iniquities. 
 Pardon our offences, for they are many ; pardon 
 them for Jesus Christ's sake, for He is our atoning 
 Lamb, which taketh aAvay the sin of the AA'-orld. 
 Then shall our hearts be filled Avith thy praise, as 
 tlie whole earth shall one day be filled with his 
 glory. Amen and Amen. 
 20 ] 
 
MORNIMG.] 
 
 THIRD WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IK HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XIV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, give us 
 access to Thee this morning, through Jesus 
 Christ our Saviour, and enlarge, day by day, our 
 desires after spiritual blessings. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for the rest and pro- 
 tection we have enjoyed during the past night. 
 Suffer us not to forget all the benefits we receive 
 at thy hands, but give us that due sense of all 
 thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly 
 thankful. Let our gratitude for spiritual blessings 
 be seen in our holy and consistent lives. Help 
 us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
 things ; make it the rule of our lives. In all 
 the concerns of daily life enable us to be con- 
 sistent with our Christian profession. Help us 
 in difficult circumstances to do justly, to love 
 mercy, and to walk humbly with God. In our 
 dealings with those who know not Thee, keep us 
 doubly watchful ; let us not go beyond nor defraud 
 them in any matter. May we have grace to walk 
 in wisdom towards them that are without. Teach us 
 to value the acquaintance and prayers of those who 
 serve Thee, and ever to show them the respect 
 which thy Word enjoins. 
 
 Help us now to enter upon our daily duties in a 
 Christian spirit ; prepare us by thy grace for all 
 the events of the day. Amidst the busy occupation 
 of the day suffer us not to forget the worth of our 
 souls. Let us not be deceived by the vanities of 
 the world. Thy providence calls upon us to be in 
 the world ; oh, let us not be of it ! Teach us the 
 secret of true religion. Unite us to Christ Jesus. 
 Help us to realise our dependence upon Him all 
 day long. May He be the ground of all our hopes, 
 the object of our love, and the pattern of our lives. 
 Watch over us until the day shall close ; prepare us 
 to expect temptation ; give us the victory over it ; 
 preserve our bodies in health and safety ; and 
 sanctify all that befalls us. Increase our desires 
 for the good of others. Open our bowels of com- 
 passion for all the sinful and guilty around us. 
 O Lord, bless all our relatives, friends, and 
 acquaintances. Have pity upon the multitudes 
 who have no pity upon themselves ; open their eyes 
 to see their danger, and lead them to flee for safety 
 to Thee. Finally, Lord, revive thy work in 
 the world. Lay this desire upon all thy faithful 
 people. Put it into the hearts of all Christians to 
 pray this prayer. Let prayer ascend up from thy 
 true Church on earth without ceasing. Lord, 
 give thy dear Son the heathen for his inheritance, 
 and the uttermost parts of the earth for his pos- 
 session. 
 
 Hear these our supplications, Heavenly Father, 
 and graciously ans^'^er us, for the sake of our Lord 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN II. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, help us 
 -ty- now to worship Thee in spirit and in truth. 
 We come to Thee in our Saviour's name ; we plead 
 his merits ; we rest on his gracious promise that 
 what we ask faithfully we shall obtain effectually, 
 to the relief of our necessities, and to the setting 
 forth of thy glory. Incline our hearts to come to 
 Thee in faith and prayer for every needful good. 
 
 We thank thee, merciful Father, for all the 
 comforts and enjoyments of this life, and for the 
 many temporal blessings with which we are sur- 
 rounded. While we thankfully use these good 
 gifts, may we not abuse them, but may our hearts 
 be ever lifted up in grateful love to Thee, our 
 bountiful and never- failing benefactor. 
 
 We praise thy holy name for giving thine only 
 Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin and an 
 example of godly life. Give us grace that we may 
 daily endeavour ourselves to follow the -blessed 
 steps of his most holy life. Help us to walk even 
 as He walked. Like Him, may we go about doing 
 
 food. May it be our meat and drink to do our 
 ather's will. May our days on earth, like his, 
 be spent in works of holy, active loving-kindness. 
 Make it ever our happiness to promote the hap- 
 piness of others, and as our blessed Lord deigned 
 to show his sympathy in his people's joys, and to 
 sanctify by his presence their lawful pleasures, so 
 may we learn to rejoice with them that do rejoice, 
 and thus to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour 
 in all things. We bless Thee, Lord, for thy 
 Holy Word, which is able to make us wise unto 
 salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 
 Help us, we beseech Thee, so to read its sacred 
 pages as daily to draw from it some useful lesson 
 of life. Oh, give us an increasing love and re- 
 verence for that blessed Book. May it show us 
 the greatness of our need ; may it reveal Christ 
 Jesus to us in all the fulness of his love, in all the 
 freeness of his salvation. Thou, Lord, art the 
 inexhaustible fountain of life ; may thy Holy Spirit 
 bring each one of us to Him who alone is able and 
 willing to give us of the water of life freely. Thou 
 hast said, " Open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it." 
 We come to Thee, Lord, trusting in this thy 
 word, and earnestly beseech Thee now to grant us 
 thy grace and heavenly benediction, that we may 
 live in the constant obedience of thy will. 
 
 Lord, we pray not only for ourselves, but for 
 those we love. Grant to them all the fulness of 
 the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. Take them 
 and us under thy merciful protection this night. 
 May no evil befall us. Grant us refreshing rest, 
 and raise us up in the morning to serve Thee with 
 all our hearts, for Jesus Christ om' Saviour's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 21 ] 
 
MORNDTG.] 
 
 FOURTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS VII. 11—28. 
 
 A LMIGHTY GOD, the Father of our Lord 
 jlX Jesus Christ, who hast appointed the Sabbath 
 for man, a day of rest for the exhausted body, and 
 of refreshment to the weary spirit; we would 
 approach Thee first in the simpHcity of this family 
 service, before assembling together in the midst of 
 thy worshipping people. Give us grace so to 
 improve our earthly Sabbaths, that at the last an 
 entrance may abundantly be ministered to each of 
 us into thine everlasting Sabbath, the rest that 
 remaineth to the people of God. 
 
 We bless Thee for thy mercy to each of us 
 through the night, and that we are all in safety 
 before Thee this morning. Cause us to be in the 
 Spirit on this Lord's day, that we may worship 
 Thee in spirit and in truth. Meet us in the 
 sanctuary, and bless the company of our fellow- 
 worshippers as well as ourselves. Bless also all thy 
 ministers. Make thy word from their lips to be 
 with power to every heart amongst us ; let it come 
 to us as a message from Thee ; let the inward 
 grace accompany and quicken each outward ordi- 
 nance to-day, so shall we realise thy presence, and 
 feel that God is with us of a truth. 
 
 Father, we would remember all that are near 
 and dear to us. We would ask thy mercy and 
 grace upon them also. We pray for our Queen 
 and country; for thy Church militant here on 
 earth, at home and abroad ; for thy faithful mis- 
 sionaries to the Jew and the heathen. May thy 
 Word have free course and be glorified. Let not 
 the enemy of souls have advantage over us. Let 
 him not take away the word from our hearts, but 
 help us all to believe and to be saved. 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, Thou only Mediator be- 
 tween God and man, who art the same yesterday, 
 and to-day, and for ever, the only Son of the 
 Father, consecrated for evermore the Great High 
 Priest, who art holy, harmless, undefiled, and 
 separate from sinners, God over all, blessed for 
 evermore, whose blood cleanseth from all sin, who 
 art able to save to the uttermost all that come to 
 God by Thee, our Hope, our All, who canst 
 be touched with a feeling of our infirmities, have 
 compassion on us, we beseech thee, and upon all 
 who are out of the way. For thy name's sake, 
 pardon our iniquity, for it is great. 
 
 eternal Spirit, proceeding from the Father 
 and the Son, do Thou help our infirmities, and 
 make intercession for us. Do Thou lead us into 
 all truth, and sanctify us with its power. 
 
 merciful God, may Christ in us, the hope of 
 glory, be an anchor of the soul, sure and stedfast, 
 to be realised in its fulness, in the day of the 
 Lord Jesus. Lord, hasten it in thy time. Lord 
 Jesus, come quickly. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XLV. 
 
 OTHOU, who art the King of kings and the 
 Lord of lords; Thou art good, though men 
 are evil. Thou hast given thine only begotten Son 
 to die for our sins, and thy Holy Spirit to quicken 
 us to newness of life. We thank thee if we have 
 been made partakers of this grace. Help us to 
 love Thee with all the love of our hearts ; and to 
 serve Thee with all the service of our lives. We 
 thank Thee for the kingdom of Christ upon earth ; 
 that this sick and sorrowful world is thus healed 
 and blessed by Him ; and that all nations are to be 
 blessed in Him and to call Him blessed. 
 
 We thank Thee for the righteousness of his rule, 
 and for the beauty of his holiness. May we imi- 
 tate his perfect example ; be like Him in all piety 
 towards God, and in all virtue towards men : thus 
 may we be holy members of his kingdom, and 
 help its coming upon earth. 
 
 We thank Thee that Thou hast made thy Son 
 our Saviour head over all things to his Church. 
 We bless Thee that of his fulness we may all 
 receive, and grace for grace. God of all grace, 
 may the Church live as the true Bride of thy 
 beloved Son, adorned with the garments of salva- 
 tion and the beauty of holiness, manifesting to 
 the woi'ld that loving yet reverent attachment 
 which is a meet response to his surpassing love. 
 Do Thou graciously perfect it, and remove from 
 its members every inconsistency. Help us to 
 seek thy glory. Take out of our hearts all 
 worldly-mindedness, and all spiritual selfishness. 
 Bless all the members of this family. Let our 
 children be a seed to serve Thee ; make them simple 
 concerning evil, and wise to that which is good. 
 May they be children of the Father's house, and 
 the Church be their home from their earliest years. 
 In spiritual goodness and beauty may they grow 
 up in it saints fi^om their childhood ; and when our 
 hands shall fail, may they bear the ark of the Lord, 
 and uplift the standard of the cross more nobly 
 and zealously than we have done. 
 
 Holy Father, we thank Thee for the manifold 
 mercies of this thy day; for thy protection from its 
 evils, and for thy gifts of its goodness ; for the 
 ordinances of thy house, and the preaching of 
 thy Word. Forgive our poor returns; our forget- 
 fulness, ingratitude, and sin. 
 
 Mercifully protect us during the night, and give 
 us sleep that may refresh us and strengthen us to 
 serve Thee on the morrow. 
 
 Bless all our relatives and friends, and have 
 mercy upon all men, for the sake of Him whose 
 name we bear, and we will render to Thee, the 
 Father of an infinite Majesty, and to thine honour- 
 able, true, and only Son, and to the Holy Ghost 
 the Comforter, everlasting praises. Amen. 
 
 [ 22 2 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOURTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XVl 
 
 ALMIGtHTY and everlasting God, who didst 
 make thyself known in ancient times to thy 
 faithful servant Abraham, be pleased to reveal 
 thyself unto us. As obedient children we desire 
 to walk in the steps of his faith, and as heirs of 
 the promise, to look for thy blessing in Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Come to us as Thou hast pro- 
 mised, and take up thine abode with us. Gra- 
 ciously shed abroad the love of God in our hearts 
 by thy Holy Spirit, that we may love Thee better, 
 and ever be disposed to keep thy commandments. 
 Most unworthy are we to receive such tokens of 
 thy love and mercy. Our sins have deserved thy 
 wrath and condemnation, but Thou hast taught us 
 that Christ is the propitiation for our sins. For 
 His sake impute not iniquity to us, but account us 
 righteous in thy sight. 
 
 most gracious God, send the Spirit of adop- 
 tion into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Cause 
 us to know that we are indeed thy children 
 through faith in Christ Jesus, the seed of Abraham, 
 and heirs according to the promise. Oh, may we 
 ever walk worthy of our high vocation. Save us 
 from falling into any kind of sin ; keep us by thy 
 power through faith unto salvation. Thou art our 
 shield and exceeding great reward. Protect us, 
 God, from all evil, and preserve us in thy fear and 
 love all our lives long. May we stedfastly walk 
 with Thee all the days of our life, ever looking for 
 that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of 
 God our Saviour, who gave himself up for us, and 
 redeemed us from all iniquity. 
 
 Pour out upon us the spirit of grace and sup- 
 plication, that we may never cease to pray, and 
 thus receive thy promised blessing. Help our 
 infirmities, blessed Lord, by thy Holy Spirit, and 
 let us not faint in coming to thy throne of grace. 
 Let no wandering thoughts intrude ; let nothing 
 defile our souls and hinder our prayers this day. 
 Do Thou fill us with thy Spirit. Bring every 
 thought and imagination into obedience to thy 
 blessed will, and grant that we may have sweet 
 communion with the Father and the Son. 
 
 gracious God, bless us and our family, our 
 relations and friends, with thy richest blessings in 
 Christ Jesus. May all receive out of his fulness 
 grace for grace. 
 
 Let thy way be known on earth, thy saving 
 health among all nations ; may all the families in the 
 earth be blessed in Christ according to thy promise. 
 May He be the light of the Gentiles and the glory 
 of thy people Israel. 
 
 Receive these our supplications which we present 
 unto Thee this day, not trusting in our own right- 
 eousness, but in thy manifold and great mercies, 
 through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator. Amen. 
 
 [ 23 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN III. 1-2L 
 
 OLORD God, our Father, which art in heaven, it 
 is good for us to draw near unto Thee. We call 
 upon Thee, O Lord, of thy great mercy to fill our 
 hearts with the wonderful words we have read from 
 thy holy Gospel. Send down thy Holy Spirit, that 
 we may understand what we read. If by thy 
 grace we have been born again, may the Holy 
 Ghost work in us to will and to do of thy 
 good pleasure. May He be our Teacher, our 
 Guide, and our Comforter, and bring all things to 
 our remembrance, whatsoever Christ Jesus hath 
 said unto us. thou great Searcher of all hearts, 
 if there be one among us this night who is not 
 yet born again, one who has not believed in the 
 Son of God, hear our prayer, that before he lays 
 himself down to sleep he may have a new heart 
 created within him. Take away the stony heart 
 out of his flesh, and renew a right spirit within 
 him, for thy mercy's sake, Lord. 
 
 AJmighty God, we humbly beseech Thee to 
 accept our thanks for the great goodness Thou hast 
 shown to all of us throughout this day. We bless 
 Thee for all the good things which the Lord our 
 God hath given us. Thou crownest our life with 
 loving-kindness and tender mercies. What man- 
 ner of persons ought we to be ! But, Lord, we 
 confess with shame that we have sinned against 
 Thee, and are not worthy this night that Thou 
 shouldest come under our roof. Lord, have 
 mercy upon us ! Christ, have mercy upon us ! 
 Let the blood of the cross be found upon us, now, 
 and in the hour of death, and at the day of 
 judgment. 
 
 Hear us, heavenly Father, we implore Thee, 
 when we pray for all our absent relatives and 
 friends. The Lord bless them and keep them. 
 Make them thy sons and thy daughters. May 
 they all be born again. May they all believe 
 in Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. May our 
 whole family be numbered with thy saints in 
 glory everlasting. Be merciful, God, we humbly 
 beseech Thee, to our neighbours, to our country, 
 and to all who rule over us. More especially we 
 pray for our Sovereign, and for all the members 
 of the royal household. Let great grace be upon 
 them all. 
 
 And now, Lord, we commend ourselves to 
 thy care during this night. Thou never slumberest, 
 never sleepest. May we lay ourselves down in 
 peace and sleep, for Thou, Lord, only makest us 
 to dwell in safety. So teach us to number our 
 days that Ave may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 
 Lord, hear us ; Lord, forgive ; and supply 
 all our need, for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom, 
 with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and 
 glory, world without end. Amen. 
 1 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 FOURTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXXXIX. 1—12. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, once more, 
 through thy kind and gracious providence, we 
 are gathered, a united family, at thy footstool. 
 Thou hast given us sleep and rest ; Thou hast 
 renewed our strength. We have awakened with 
 fresh energy for the duties of the coming day. 
 
 We thank Thee for these great and ever-recur- 
 ring blessings ; Thou art, indeed, ever mindful of 
 us. During the hours of darkness Thou hast 
 watched over us. Whilst lying in unconscious 
 sleep thine eye has never closed. Trouble has 
 come to many during the past night, yet Thou in 
 thy goodness hast kept and guarded us. Through 
 thy loving-kindness we are enabled to offer up our 
 praise and thanksgiving. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy Word read. May we 
 ever feel conscious that thine eye is upon us ; may 
 we never lose sight of thy all-pervading presence. 
 Whatever our occupation may be this day, what- 
 ever the duties which we may be called upon to 
 fulfil, may we remember Thou God seest us. And 
 as Thou didst open up a fountain in the desert to 
 Hagar of old, so open, Lord God, the fountain 
 of thy grace, that in our constant weaknesses and 
 necessities we may be comforted and strengthened 
 by thy help. 
 
 We know not, Lord, what may befall us this 
 day ; we know not what temptations may assault 
 us ; we know not what dangers may beset our 
 path : Thou knowest all, God ! Help us gra- 
 ciously by thy mighty power ; if we are tempted, 
 help us to resist and overcome ; and if dangers 
 arise, send us a speedy deliverance : direct our 
 every footstep, and lead us and bless us in all 
 things. And not only, Lord God, do Thou 
 protect and guide us, but do Thou graciously 
 help us to manifest in our conduct a Christian 
 character. In all our doings may we act with 
 sobriety and uprightness, as those who have one 
 day to give an account of things done in the body, 
 whether they be good or bad. 
 
 But, Lord God, we cannot maintain this holy 
 life unless Thou thyself pourest out upon us thy 
 Holy Spirit. Of ourselves we can do nothing; 
 our good resolutions we cannot carry into effect ; 
 we are weak and utterly impotent without thy 
 gracious favour. Help us, Lord God ! help us, 
 and Thou shalt have the praise and the glory. 
 
 And now we go forth in thy strength ; leave us 
 not, forsake us not, but be with us throughout 
 every hour and every moment of the day. 
 
 These and all other mercies, together with the 
 forgiveness of our sins, we humbly ask in and 
 through the name of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord 
 and Saviour, to whom, with Thee and the Holy 
 Spirit, be glory and praise now and ever. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS VII. 25-VIII. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, the God and Father of our 
 -t\. Lord Jesus Christ, and our God and Father in 
 and through Jesus Christ, we draw near to the 
 throne of thy grace in his name. Thou, God, 
 art rich in mercy. Thou desirest not the death of 
 the sinner, but that he should turn from his way 
 and live ; and therefore Thou didst give thine only 
 begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on him 
 should not perish, but have eternal life. 
 
 God, for his sake we pray Thee to pardon all 
 our sins ; to justify us freely by faith in Him ; to 
 give us peace with Thee, through Him who is our 
 peace. We beseech Thee to adopt us into thy 
 family ; to make us thy children ; to give us a 
 good hope through grace ; yea, for his sake to 
 receive us graciously and love us freely. 
 
 We acknowledge before Thee our ignorance. 
 Of ourselves we understand not heavenly things. 
 Lord, open Thou our eyes, that we may behold 
 wondrous things out of thy law. Send upon us 
 thy Holy Spirit, that Christ may be revealed in 
 us, that the things of Christ may be shown unto 
 us, that our faith and love may be strengthened, 
 that we may be filled with joy and peace in be- 
 lieving, and abound in hope through the power of 
 the Holy Ghost. 
 
 We bless Thee for our great High Priest and 
 Intercessor at thy right hand, the Advocate whose 
 pleading always prevails with Thee. We bless 
 Thee that He is touched with the feeling of our 
 infirmities, and was in all points tempted like 
 as we are, yet without sin. May we be enabled 
 through Him to come boldly unto the throne of 
 grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace 
 to help in time of need. We bless and glorify thj 
 name that He ever liveth, and is able to save them 
 to the uttermost that come unto Thee by Him. 
 Lord Jesus, our High Priest, save us, or we 
 perish. 
 
 Nor for ourselves only would we plead, but also 
 for all men, that like blessings may be bestowed 
 on them. Thou art our Father, and we are all 
 thy offspring. Oh, let the time speedily come, 
 when both Jews and Gentiles shall be brought to 
 enjoy the fulness of the blessings of the Gospel of 
 Christ ; when thy kingdom shall come, and thy 
 will be done on earth as it is in heaven. God, 
 pour out abundantly of thy Spirit, that thy Word 
 may mightily prevail, and be glorified. Let the 
 day dawn when they shall not teach every man 
 his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, 
 Know the Lord, but when all shall know Thee, 
 from the least to the greatest. 
 
 We ask all in the name of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, to whom, with the Father and the Holy 
 Spirit, we ascribe everlasting glory. Amen. 
 
 C 24 ] 
 
MOENIKG.J 
 
 FOURTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPH. IV. 17-32. 
 
 OGOD, most mighty and most merciful, 
 beliold us, thy creatures, thy children, as 
 we draw near thy throne. We adore Thee as 
 our Creator and Upholder : Thine eye has again 
 watched over us, and thine arm protected us. We 
 praise Thee for the rest of the night, and the new 
 mercies of the morning. We reverence Thee as 
 our King and Lord ; we acknowledge that thy 
 government is supreme, thy commandments 
 righteous and true. We approach Thee as our 
 Father, to whom we have been reconciled in Jesus 
 Christ, and made nigh by his precious blood. 
 Thou hast pitied us ; Thou didst remember us in 
 our low estate, and bear long and patiently with 
 our sin. And now Thou lovest us ; every day we 
 believe Thou art bending down to help and heal 
 our weakness, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse 
 us from . all unrighteousness. We say together, 
 " Bless the Lord, our souls, and forget not all his 
 benefits!" 
 
 Teach us, then, our Father, to live this day as 
 thy forgiven children. Forbid that we should be 
 hasty and uncharitable with others, when Thou art 
 so forbearing and long-suffering to us. Help us 
 always to remember that it is only by thy great 
 love that we are saved ; that Tliou hast saved us 
 in order to make us like thyself May the thought 
 of thy purity, therefore, make us pure ; the recol- 
 lection of thy truthfulness keep us from being false 
 in lip or in life ; may thy mercy make us mer- 
 ciful. _ In the company of others this day, oh ! 
 may we be indeed thy followers, as dear children. 
 Keep Thou the door of our lips, of our hearts. 
 Enable us to adorn the doctrine of our Saviour in 
 all things. In our intercourse together at home, 
 may we be careful to speak and act the truth ; to 
 avoid all offence ; to be patient if we are pro- 
 voked ; to forgive freely if we are injured. And 
 in our own hearts give us thy Holy Spirit ; make 
 them thy dwelling-place, that so we may have 
 friendship with Thee, and be in the fear of the 
 Lord all the day long. . Oh, that this day, each of 
 us, from the youngest to the oldest, may do some 
 good in the great world where we live ! 
 
 Take care of us to-day, God. Keep us from 
 disease, we pray, from accident, from strife, and, 
 above all, from sin. Draw the hearts of the 
 children before Thee to Jesus, that they may be 
 his now in the days of their youth, and his for 
 ever and ever. Give us wisdom and strength for 
 every duty ; sanctify to us every pleasure ; uphold 
 us under every burden; and may the evening, 
 when it comes, find us at thy footstool, with a 
 new song upon our lips ! 
 
 We present our praise and our prayer in the 
 name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN III. 23—36. 
 
 OLORD God Almighty, wo this evening 
 bow om'selves before thy footstool, in ' tlic 
 name of Jesus Christ our Saviour and Mediator. 
 We are unworthy to come into thy presence, by 
 reason of our heinous sins ; but Thou encouragest 
 lost sinners to seek mercy and salvation, and 
 wiliest not that we should perish. Grant us, 
 Lord, the true baptism : the baptism of thy 
 Holy Spirit. Send into our hearts the Holy 
 Ghost, to convince us more and more of our deep 
 sinfulness, and to reveal to our souls the exceeding 
 preciousness of Christ. May the same Holy Spirit 
 conform us to the Saviour's likeness, making us 
 willing to humble ourselves, that he may be exalted. 
 Clothe our souls with true humility, and grant 
 that we may exhibit in our conduct the meekness 
 and gentleness of Him who said, " Take my yoke 
 upon you, for I am meek and lowly in heart." 
 
 Grant, also, we beseech Thee, that wo, like thy 
 servant John the Baptist, may serve Thee with all 
 oiu' hearts, and be ready, through evil report and 
 good report, to bear testimony to thy love to us in 
 Christ Jesuh. Teach us to rejoice greatly in the 
 advance of the Redeemer's kingdom, and in the 
 salvation of souls. Incline us willingly and thank- 
 fully to receive the revelation which Thou hast 
 made to mankind by thy dear Son, and to know 
 that "thy Word is truth." Father, Thou 
 lovest thy Son ; and Thou hast given all things 
 into his hand. Out of the fulness of grace that 
 is treasured up for us in Christ, bestow upon 
 us, we pray Thee, all that Thou seest to be needful 
 for us. Above all, give us a saving faith. Grant 
 that we may so believe in the death and merits of 
 Christ, that we may become inheritors of ever- 
 lasting life. Oh, grant that no one of us, now 
 kneeling before thy face, may reject our only hope 
 of salvation, by neglecting Christ. Take out from 
 every one of us the evil heart of unbelief, for Thou 
 hast solemnly warned us that " he that believeth 
 not the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of 
 God abideth on him." We deserve thy wrath; 
 but, Lord, enable us to believe that the Lord 
 Jesus endured thy wrath on our behalf, and to 
 rejoice that he was wounded for our transgres- 
 sions, and that with his stripes we are healed. 
 
 Graciously look upon the children of this family. 
 Oh, that they may be filled with the Holy Ghost, 
 even from their earliest years, and ever serve Thee 
 in faithfulness and love. Preserve and keep us 
 through the night, and if it be thy will renew 
 to us morning mercies, for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ our only Lord and Saviour, to whom, 
 with Thee, Father, and Thee, Holy Ghost, 
 we would ascribe all honour and glory, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 r 25 ] 
 
MORNIKG.] 
 
 FOURTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XVII. 
 
 OLORD God, by whoso gracious help alone we 
 can render an acceptable service of prayer and 
 praise, pour down upon us thy promised Spirit. 
 Incline our wills to engage heartily in this our 
 morning worship : kindle within us a spirit of 
 thankfulness; increase our faith, enlarge our 
 desires after heavenly things, and enable us to 
 worship Thee now and at all times in sincerity 
 and truth. We are sinful and unworthy, but 
 Jesus is our advocate with the Father. We plead 
 liis merits. Lord, according to thy gracious word, 
 accept us, pardon us, and bless us for his sake- 
 Glory be to thy name for the mercies of the 
 night. Oh, how great is thy goodness to us, 
 Lord, fi'om day to day. Morning by morning 
 and evening by evening Thou preservest us and 
 keepest us. Continue, we beseech Thee, thy gra- 
 cious guardianship and care over us through all 
 the day. In the midst of its duties, and tempta- 
 tions, and difficulties, be Thou ever near us, and 
 succour us according to our need, that in nothing 
 we may fail of our duty to God or man. We 
 thank Thee for the spiritual privileges which Thou 
 hast bestowed upon thy believing people in making 
 them thy children by adoption and grace. We 
 pray Thee for the continual indwelling of the 
 Holy Ghost, that our souls may be cleansed and 
 sanctified ; that we may be Christians not in name 
 only, but in deed and in truth, living in the Spirit, 
 and walking worthily of our high calling. God, 
 by thy grace mortify and subdue in us every 
 sinful temper and every unholy desire. Mightily 
 strengthen us from above, that with all Christian 
 courage we may cast away from us all that is 
 hateful and displeasing to Thee. Oh, help us to 
 strive after higher things — to aim at a loftier 
 standard of Christian character, and thus to go on 
 unto perfection. Seal us by the Spirit, and grant 
 that we may live as the children of God and heirs 
 of the promises wherewith Thou hast blessed us in 
 thy dear Son. 
 
 Lord, look down in thy love on the whole 
 Church of Christ. Endue all the professing mem- 
 bers thereof with thy grace, that they may be 
 more and more conformed to the image of thy 
 dear Son, and enjoy more abundantly the precious 
 gifts which Thou bestOAvest througli him. Oh, 
 make them and us more unworldly in spirit. 
 Awaken in them and us a deeper interest in the 
 spread of the Redeemer's kingdom. Stir up the 
 desire of all hearts for the ingathering into thy 
 fold of Jew and Gentile, and the fulfilment of the 
 sure promise that in Christ all nations shall be 
 blessed." God, let these our prayers and thanks- 
 givings enter into thine ears, and bring forth an 
 answer of peace, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 JOHN V. 
 
 LORD God, Thou liearest and answercst prayer, 
 and biddest us cast our care upon Thee, for 
 Thou carest for us. For the sake of thy dear 
 Son, and in fulfilment of thy gracious promises, 
 hear, and answer, and bless us. Manifold as are 
 our wants. Thou canst supply them ; open to us 
 now the treasures of thy love, and bestow all that 
 Thou seest us to need, whether of life and strength 
 for the body, or of grace and peace for the soul. 
 We ask it, God, believing in thy promises to 
 which we have now listened, and remembering 
 all the love with which Thou hast loved us, and 
 the mercy which Thou hast shown to us in Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. 
 
 We praise Thee, God, for the record which 
 thou hast given us of thy Son, that in him we 
 have life, the life that is spiritual and eternal. 
 We pray that we may have Christ for our own, 
 and that, having him, and believing in him as 
 our Saviour and our God, his life may be our life, 
 and that, because he liveth, we may live also. 
 Lord, we believe ; help thou our unbelief. We 
 believe that Jesus is the Son of God, that he came 
 to seek and to save tliat Avhich was lost, that he 
 lived, and suffered, and died for us, and that he is 
 ascended up far above all heavens, and at thy right 
 hand in glory pleadeth our cause. Lord, let us 
 have the sure witness in our own hearts, testifying 
 to our acceptance in Christ, and that we have been 
 born of God. Give us true peace of conscience, 
 that, if we are thine, no fear of condemnation may 
 haunt and disturb us. Give us such faitli in thy 
 dear Son that we may know that we have eternal 
 life. And, oh ! grant that the evidence of these 
 blessings may be seen in our hearty and constant 
 obedience to thy commandments. Bring our 
 hearts into such perfect luiison Avith thy will, and 
 fill us Avith such a sense of thy love, that thy com- 
 mandments may never seem grievous, but the hiAV 
 of perfect happiness and peace. Grant also, 
 God, that in the poAver of a true faith, Ave may 
 resist all the temptations of the Avorld, aud come 
 off more than conqueroi-s through Him Avho hath 
 loved us. Lord, let us not be condemned Avith the 
 Avorld. Raise us above it in thought, and motive, 
 and inclination, that neither the lust of the flesh, 
 nor the lust of the eye, nor the pride of life may 
 draAV us aAvay from Thee. 
 
 Lord, be Avith us through the hours of darkness, 
 and giA^e to us, as Thou dost give to thy beloved, 
 sleep. Spread around us, and all Avhom Ave love, 
 the shield of thine unslumbering care. Let neither 
 Avicked man nor Avicked spirit come near to harm 
 us. We lay ourselves doAvn to sleep, trusting to 
 thy protection. Keep us noAV and OA'er as thine 
 own children, for the sake of Jesus Christ, Amen. 
 
 [ 2G ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOURTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 HEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS IV. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN IV. 1—42. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and merciful God, Avho givcst 
 liberally and upbraidest not, bestow upon us, 
 we pray Thee, all the things that accompany salva- 
 tion. Impute not against us our many sins, 
 known and unknown ; and graciously enable us to 
 enjoy day by day the comforting sense of thy 
 forgiveness. Unworthy and guilty in ourselves, 
 we plead the saving righteousness of thy dear Son. 
 Cover us with it, God, that our sins may be 
 hidden from thy sight, and that we may be found 
 without fault before thy throne. Create in us the 
 clean heart, and renew us, from day to day, in 
 knowledge and true holiness. Fill our hearts with 
 all joy and peace in believing, that we may abound 
 in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. 
 Work in us to will and to do of thy good plea- 
 sure whatsoever is well-pleasing in thy sight. 
 Grateful for the blessings of the past night, we 
 desire to consecrate ourselves afresh this morning 
 to thy service. Oh, help us to live not to our- 
 selves, but to Him who died for our sins, and rose 
 again for our justification, and now ever liveth to 
 make intercession for us. 
 
 Especially, God, we pra}' for a strong faith, 
 that in all things we may give glory to Thee by 
 our unwavering confidence in thy word and in thy 
 love. We trust, Lord, not in ourselves or our 
 principles, but only in thy promises. Confirm our 
 faith, that we stagger not in unbelief. Thy coun- 
 sels of old are faithfulness and truth. What Thou 
 hast promised Thou art able to perform. In thy 
 hands wc place ourselves, body, soul, and spirit. 
 Work in us thy holy will, conform us to the image 
 and likeness of thy dear Son, and grant that wo may 
 be numbered Avith thy saints in glory everlasting. 
 
 Extend the same favours, Lord, to our rela- 
 tions, neighbours, and friends. Endue them with 
 thy Holy Spirit; enrich them with thy heavenly 
 grace. Let thy Gospel be preached to all nations, 
 and unite Jews and Gentiles in one fold under the 
 good Shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord. Prosper 
 all societies formed to promote thy glory and the 
 peace and happiness of mankind. Succour the 
 tempted, give patience to the afflicted, comfort the 
 persecuted, and give peace to the dying. Grant 
 that the rising generation may remember Thee, 
 9,nd walk in thy Avays. May all thy ministers 
 diligently feed thy sheep, and especially the lambs 
 of thy flock. Bless thy Church, and enable all 
 who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity to 
 abound in love and humility towards one another, 
 that Christ's people may be one, and that the 
 world may know that Thou hast sent him. Hear 
 us, God; grant us thy presence and protection 
 through the day, and do for us above all that Ave 
 can ask or thiuk, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 
 
 GRACIOUS Father and God, heaven is thy 
 throne and earth thy footstool, and Thou in- 
 habitest eternity. Blessed be thy name, that Thou 
 wilt also dwell in the humble and contrite heart. 
 Come, Lord, and abide with us and in us. Let us 
 now feel thy presence among us, and, oh ! enable 
 us by thy grace to worship Theo in spirit and in 
 truth. 
 
 Thou hast preserved and upheld us this day in 
 such health and strength as is good for us. Out of 
 thine own fulness Thou hast supplied our Avants, 
 and Avith the bounties of thy providence hast 
 nourished and clothed us. Wake up our hearts to 
 thankfulness and praise; teach us hoAv undeserving 
 Ave are, and teach us how much Ave OAve to Thee. 
 Grievous, and great, and many have been our 
 sins and shortcomings in thy sight. Weighed in 
 thy balances Ave are found Avanting ; Lord, pity us. 
 Blessed Saviour, Avho didst visit and teach the 
 guilty and impure Avhen on earth, and draAV them 
 to thyself by the pOAver of the Spirit, have mercy 
 upon us. ShoAv us our sinfulness, and reveal thy 
 power and AvilHngness to save. Let nothing 
 keep us from Thee, or hide from us thy glory. 
 Thou, God, art the Fountain of living Avaters ; 
 Ave desire to drink daily at the streams of thy love, 
 and to receive thy Holy Spirit in such abundant 
 measure that it may be in us as a Avell of Avater 
 springing up to everlasting life. Give us truer 
 conceptions of our OAvn emptiness and of thy ful- 
 ness. Grant us an ever-deepening experience of 
 the riches of thy grace and love in Christ Jesus, 
 that the signs of the ncAV life may abound in us 
 more and more, and men take knoAvledge of us 
 that we have been Avith Jesus. Lord, so trans- 
 form us into his likeness, and give us the mind that 
 Avas in him, that Ave may tread in his footsteps, 
 and make it our meat and drink to do thy Avill. 
 
 Look in mercy, Lord, aa'c beseech Thee, on 
 the Avorld at large. Give grace to thy Church, that 
 it may scatter far and near the incorruptible seed 
 of thy truth, and look up earnestly and believingly 
 for thy blessing and the promised harvest, in Avhich 
 sower and reaper shall rejoice together. God, 
 let it not be in vain that thy Gospel is preached 
 from day to day, to the healthy and the sick, to the 
 living and the dying. Let it not be in vain that 
 the precious tidings of the Saviour's love have 
 come to us, and those that are dear to us. If as 
 yet Ave have been deaf to thy voice, open our ears 
 noAv, Ave pray Thee, and soften and subdue us to a 
 true repentance. To thy kind care we commit 
 ourselves for the night, and all Avhom Ave love. 
 Watch us, preserve us, and aboA-e all, save us 
 eternally. We ask all for thy dear Son's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 7 ] 
 
MORNIKO.] 
 
 FOURTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XVIII. 1-15. 
 
 riRACIOUS Lord God, as Thou didst appear 
 ^ tinto thy servant Abraham of old, so appear 
 unto us this morning. Be in our midst as we 
 humbly kneel at thy mercy-seat. May we feel that 
 Thou art present. Banish from our minds all that 
 may distract or disturb them. Let our thou_o;hts 
 be fixed upon Thee ; and thus, tlu'ough thy Holy 
 Sjjirit, may we offer unto Thee an undivided sacri- 
 fice of heart and soul. 
 
 We thank Thee, gracious Lord, for all the 
 mercies of the past night. Whilst we have slum- 
 bered. Thou hast boen wakeful and watchful : 
 whilst we have been lying in helpless sleep, ex- 
 posed to many dangers, thine eye has never closed. 
 
 We desire to give our first thoughts to Thee. 
 We desire that the thanksgiving of love should 
 first arise to Thee. We desire to begin the day 
 with God. Before going into the world, before 
 entering upon our several duties, before mixing 
 with those around, we would, as one united family, 
 bow the knee, and come into thy presence. 
 
 We know, O Lord, that Ave cannot keep in our 
 Christian course this day without Thee. We 
 know that temptations cannot be resisted, that 
 difficulties cannot be overcome without thy help. 
 We shall want wisdom to guide us, and strength 
 to aid us ; and to whom, Lord, can we go but 
 unto Thee ? 
 
 We come asking humbly but earnestly for these 
 mercies. We may be much tried this day, we 
 may be much tempted, we may have to face many 
 and great dangers ; we know not what may hap- 
 pen : but we know that if Thou art with us, on our 
 right hand and on our left, we are safe. Be with 
 us, Lord God, and grant that we may realise 
 thy presence. 
 
 And should we be tempted to doubt because of 
 any seeming difficulty, may we remember that 
 nothing is too hard for Thee; that though some 
 things are impossible with men, all things are pos- 
 sible with Thee. May we call to mind thy wonders 
 of old. Thou didst work for thy people great 
 deliverances. May we feel that it will be the same 
 in thy dealings Avith us. May we cling with un- 
 Avavering belief to thy poAver, and to the covenant 
 of thy love Avitli all thy children. 
 
 We pray for the forgiveness of our sins. We 
 pray for our besetting sins to be rooted out. 
 We pray to become holy. 
 
 We pray also for all estates of men in their 
 several vocations and ministry. We pray for thy 
 Church, that it may be kept in the right Avay. 
 We pray for the coming of Christ in poAver and 
 gi-eat glory. Even so, come. Lord Jesus. Hear 
 us and answer us, God, for the sake of our only 
 Mediator, Jesus Clu'ist. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN IV. 43-54. 
 
 OLORD, our Heavenly Father, in approaching 
 Thee at this time, Ave desire humbly to 
 acknowledge our un worthiness, and to confess our 
 sin : yet Ave bless Thee that Thou hast made us 
 Avelcoine through Jesus Christ thine only Son. 
 Thou hast mercifully preserA^ed us during another 
 day, and Ave bow before Thee in thankfulness for all 
 thy goodness to us. We lament, Lord, that not 
 a day passes over us Avhich is not marked by 
 imperfections and shortcomings. Vlo have sinned 
 against Thee this day; but aa'C rejoice that Ave 
 have an advocate Avith Thee the Father, even 
 Jesus Christ the righteous, whose blood can Avash 
 aAvay all om' sin. We thank Thee, God, 
 for the record which Thou hast given us of all 
 that Jesus did, and taught, and suffered during his 
 sojourn among men; and we pray that by the 
 teaching of thy Spirit every part of his earthly 
 history may be full of holy instruction and in- 
 fluence to us. May Ave yield to him the homage, 
 love, and Avorship which are his due. May none 
 of us be like those in his own country Avho refused 
 to honour him ; but may Ave all submit to his 
 authority, to be ruled by his love, and saved by 
 his grace. To whom can we go, as creatures 
 morally diseased, but to Him who is the Physician 
 of souls? To whom, Lord, can Ave look, as 
 creatures by nature spiritually dead, but to Him 
 who came to give life to perishing men? Help 
 us, therefore, to bring our emptiness to his ful- 
 ness, and our souls, guilty and polluted as they 
 are, to his atoning sacrifice and healing grace, 
 that we may live anew in him. And grant, 
 O Lord, we beseech Thee, that our faith may be 
 simple and strong : that in believing Ave may rest 
 on the Saviour's word, and through faith rise to 
 liberty, and joy, and hope. Thus may Ave all 
 accept thy mercy in Christ, realise thy presence, 
 and seek day by day to live to thy glory, so as to 
 find the blessedness of those Avho are at peace with 
 Thee, and who rejoice in thy salvation. 
 
 We pray, Lord, for all whom Ave love, that 
 every needful blessing may descend on thom, and 
 that they may know the power and preciousness of 
 thy Divine love. We pray for our country, and 
 for the progress of thy Gospel in our OAvn and in 
 every land. May the time soon come Avlien tlie^ 
 •Saviour's name shall be everyAvhere adored, and 
 his Gospel everyAvhere triumphant. 
 
 NoAV Ave commit ourselves to thy gracious care. 
 May we rest in safety under thy shadow; and 
 may every day witness our groAving devotedness 
 to Thee, and om* adA^ancing meetness for thy glory. 
 Hear us, Lord ; forgive and saA^e ; and to Thee 
 shall be the praise, through Jesus, our strength 
 and our Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 r 28 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XVIII. 16-33. 
 
 OLORD, our Heavenly Father, help us to come 
 to Thee this morniuor with deep humility, 
 sincerity, and faith. Thy Word has reminded us 
 that sin is very grievous in thy sight. We confess 
 before Thee, Lord, that we are sinners. We 
 remember with shame that our sins have been 
 committed against the clearest light and know- 
 ledge. Thou hast sent thy beloved Son to die, a 
 sacrifice for our sins, and thy good Spirit to 
 cleanse us and to guide us in thy way; and yet, 
 Lord, we have lived in rebelHon against Thee. 
 We know, therefore, that our sins must be pecu- 
 liarly offensive in thy sight. As Thou hast 
 graciously taught us this, we humbly beseech Thee 
 to make us to feel it deeply in our hearts. Humble 
 us, our Father, at the thought that we should 
 have so often and so grievously offended Thee. 
 Give us grace that with penitent hearts we may 
 truly repent and turn to the Lord. 
 
 holy and righteous Saviour, our Creator, 
 Redeemer, and Judge, we humbly entreat the 
 forgiveness of all our sins. Without thy mercy. 
 Lord, • we know it -srill be more tolerable for 
 Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment 
 than for us. We implore, in the name of Jesus 
 Christ, who died on the cross for us, the assurance 
 of thy forgiving love. Throughout this day help 
 us in thy strength to resist and overcome every 
 temptation, and henceforth to live only to Thee. 
 
 We ask the assistance of thy Holy Spirit, that 
 we may follow the example of thy servant 
 Abraham, who commanded his children and his 
 household after him to keep thy way. Make our 
 house, Lord, thy house ; and so rule our hearts 
 that we may ever bo helpers together with Thee in 
 promoting each other's holiness, happiness, and 
 usefulness here upon earth, and hereafter may we 
 all reign together with Thee in glory everlasting. 
 
 Upon all our dear relatives and friends we 
 beseech Thee to bestow thy rich blessing. May 
 those who love Thee rejoice continually in thy 
 favour. And, Lord, grant thy mercy especially 
 to those who are yet in sin. Spare them, we 
 beseech Thee, and, by thy Holy Spirit, change and 
 sanctify their hearts, that they also may be all 
 thine for ever. 
 
 We ask thy blessing on this, thy day, upon 
 all the preachers of the Gospel throughout the 
 world, and especially upon thy servant om' be- 
 loved pastor. Prosper him and them, Lord, in 
 all their efforts for the extension of thy kingdom. 
 
 Accept our thanksgiving for thy protection 
 through the night, and for the blessings we this 
 morning enjoy. Be with us to guide and bless us 
 throughout this day, for the sake of thy Son Jesus 
 Clu'ist our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LXI. 
 
 OGOD, our heavenly Father, visit us this even- 
 ing with the power of the Holy Ghost, and 
 let thy Spirit descend and abide upon us. Thou 
 hast given us many blessings, for time and for 
 eternity; and this day wo have been permitted to 
 enjoy the means of grace in the services of thy 
 sanctuary. We now draw nigh to Thee, in faith 
 and humble confidence that Thou wilt hear our 
 prayer, and bestow upon us a Sabbath evening's 
 blessing ere we retire to rest. Let the good 
 tidings of the Gospel of thy dear Son bind up 
 the broken heart, and proclaim liberty to the 
 captive soul. Let the acceptable year of the Lord 
 come upon us with power, and find us willing to 
 receive the Saviour, and to be accepted of him. 
 Grant that the good news of salvation read and 
 preached from thy Holy Word to-day may comfort 
 all that mourn; and that the seed planted in our 
 hearts may be as the good seed in the good 
 ground, bringing forth fruit to thy praise and 
 glory. 
 
 Thou kuowest us, God, better than we know 
 ourselves. Teach us hoAV low and how deep we 
 have fallen, and what evil sin hath wrought 
 within us. We sit in dust and ashes, and confess 
 our sins before Thee. Let the unction of thy good 
 Spirit, the oil of joy and gladness, refresh our souls, 
 and clothe us with the garment of praise. We long 
 for the time, Lord, when Thou shalt make us to 
 become fruit-bearing trees of righteousness, which 
 thine own right hand hath planted. We pray Thee 
 to make us the true Israel of God, restored to thy 
 favour — prodigals returned, and reinstated in our 
 
 Father's house, and for our 
 
 shame receiving 
 
 double at the good hand of the Lord, in an ever- 
 lasting covenant, Avhich shall not be cut off. 
 
 Oh, give to us this evening a fresh view of Jesus. 
 Reveal thy Son in our hearts. Open the eyes of 
 our understanding, that we may see by faith and 
 realise thy presence here, and claim thy promises, 
 which are yea and amen in Christ Jesus. 
 
 We beseech Thee also, Lord, to impart to us 
 heavenly peace, and the joys of thy salvation. 
 Clothe us with the robe of righteousness — the 
 spotless righteousness of thy dear Son ; and thus 
 arrayed, we shall be adorned as the spiritual bride 
 of the Heavenly Bridegroom. Help us, God of 
 our salvation, to wait and look for the Bride- 
 groom's coming. 
 
 We pray for domestic blessings, for thy Divine 
 protection through the night, and such rest and 
 peace as Thou seest good for us. Shelter us, Lord, 
 beneath thy wings ; and if it please Thee, raise us 
 in safety to see the coming day. We ask all 
 through the name and intercession of thy Son, our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 29 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 TIMOTHY II. 
 
 GREAT and merciful God, we worship at thy 
 footstool. New mercies received at thy hand 
 call for new thanksgiving and praise. We bless 
 Thee that once more we behold the morning light. 
 Let thy favour rest upon us, unworthy though 
 we be. Increase our knowledge of Christ, and 
 bestow upon us more largely the graces of the 
 Holy Spirit. Help us to raise our thoughts to 
 heaven and heavenly things. Unite us more 
 closely to Thee and to each other ; and so united 
 may we remain to the end of life — one in the fear 
 of Grod, in the love of Christ, and in the hope of 
 glory. Give to us, merciful Father, all the tem- 
 poral good that we require. We thank Thee for 
 the bounties of thy hand in times past. We thank 
 Thee for health in the measure in which it has 
 been granted to us, and for that gracious help we 
 have received whenever, in trouble or difficulty, 
 we have looked to Thee. So bless us, we beseech 
 Thee, in the future, and let thy goodness and 
 mercy follow us all the days of our life. 
 
 And now, Lord, as Abraham, thy servant, was 
 allowed to intercede with Thee, do we desire to 
 offer, so far as our weakness will permit, prayers, 
 intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men. 
 Cause godliness and honesty to prevail and to 
 increase more and more amongst us. Dispose the 
 hearts of those who are in authority to exercise 
 their high office as under thine aU-seeing eye, and 
 in view of ihat account which all must render to 
 Thee at last. May they hear, as Thou, Lord, 
 hearest, the cry of the oppressed ; and, being both 
 " a terror to evil-doers " and a " praise to them 
 that do well," may they be the ministers of God 
 unto their subjects for good. Grant, Lord, unto 
 such riders as truly confide in Thee support under 
 every trial. Guide them in every time of per- 
 plexity, overrule all their plans and proceedings 
 for good, and give unto them at length a crown 
 of life. 
 
 And, Lord, hear us when we offer " prayers 
 for all men." Succom* Thou the needy. Comfoi*t 
 those that are cast down. Save such as be con- 
 trite. Thou only knowest the Jiearts and the wajits 
 of the children of men ; cause them, we beseech 
 Thee, to trust in the shadow of thy wings. Spe- 
 cially do we pray that men everywhere may this 
 day be enlightened by thy Spirit, and come to the 
 knowledge of the truth. Reveal thy Son unto 
 them, that through his infinite merits they may 
 find pardon and peace. 
 
 These prayers for ourselves and others we offer, 
 Lord, through Christ, our only Saviour and In- 
 tercessor, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and 
 witli the Holy Spirit, one God blessed for ever- 
 more. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE IV. 14-31. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 -/a Christ, we thank Thee that we have heard 
 of the wonderful grace and compassion of Him who 
 came into the world to save sinners. ^Ve bless 
 Thee that the land in Avhich we live is filled Avith 
 the fame of Him, and that the story of his great 
 love is being told in these last days far and near. 
 Oh, forgive us, merciful Father, that we have not 
 glorified Him as we ought. We confess with 
 sorrow our negligence and tlie hardness of 
 our hearts, and luimbly pray Thee for grace, 
 that from henceforth our wandering eyes may 
 be kept fastened on Him by whom Thou dost 
 speak to us, and in whom are hid all the treasures 
 of God. May our spiritual poverty be relieved 
 out of his unsearchable riches ; may He pour upon 
 our spirits, when troubled and sad, the oil of joy. 
 May his Divine power set us free from the sore 
 bondage of sin, and in his light may we sec light. 
 Lord, increase our faith, and suffer not the clouds 
 of doubt and unbelief to darken our hearts or dim 
 the brightness of our confidence in thy promises. 
 With unbounded trust we would look up to Thee, 
 and in all things lean upon thy love and truth. 
 
 God, our Father, in the name of Christ we 
 cast ourselves upon thy loving care, beseeching 
 Thee to bless us, according to our several neces- 
 sities, with such things as Thou seest good for us. 
 So reveal Thyself to us, ajid grant us such a sweet 
 sense of thy presence, that while all is darkening 
 around us Ave may have sunshine and joy Avithin. 
 Do Thou comfort our bodies Avith rest to-night. 
 May Ave lie doAvn in peace, and sleep, Avhile Thou, 
 Lord, makest us dAvell in safety. • 
 
 We entreat Thee to remember Avith thy faA'onr 
 all our kindred, and those among Avhom we live ; 
 help us to do them good, and to seek their salva- 
 tion, like the blessed Jesus, Avho did not forget 
 Nazareth, where he had been brought up. May 
 none Avhom Ave knoAV and love reject Him as the 
 Nazarenes did, but may his gracious Avords dAvell 
 in them richly in all Avisdom. Let thy special 
 grace be given to the little ones of this household. 
 Lead them by thy Spirit to love what is good, and 
 fulfil in them all thy purposes of mercy. 
 Lord, let the blessing promised to those who are 
 not offended in Him rest upon us and all our dear 
 ones ; and so teach us to sit at his feet and learn 
 of Him, that wc may have grace rightly to dis- 
 charge the duties, patiently to bear the troubles, 
 and successfully to resist tlie temptations of life, 
 and that, being made Avise unto salvation, Ave may 
 be brought at last to thy eternal glory. Hear and 
 ansAver us, Lord, for the alone sake of thy Avell 
 beloved Son Jesus Christ, to Avhom, Avith thyself 
 and the Holj'- Spirit, be evei'lasting praise. Amen. 
 
 [ 30 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XIX. 1-30. 
 
 A 
 
 LMIGHTY and everlasting God, wlio dost 
 govern all things, and in whom we live and 
 move and have our being, accept our humble 
 thanks for the mercies vouchsafed to us through 
 another night. Grant that we may come to the 
 throne of grace confessing our sins with contrite 
 liearts, and pleading with earnest faith the merits 
 of Jesus Christ. Thou who didst warn thy servant 
 Lot to escape from the city of Sodom, lest he 
 should be consumed with the wicked, hast also 
 warned us to flee from the wrath to come, and lay 
 hold on the hope set before us in the Gospel. Yet, 
 Lord, we have erred and strayed from thy ways 
 like lost sheep. Altogether weak, unworthy, and 
 full of sin, we have resisted the strivings of the 
 Holy Spirit, and not hearkened to thy voice when 
 Thou hast said, " Arise, and depart from your evil 
 ways." Have mercy upon us, God ; deal not 
 with us according to our sins, but for Christ's 
 sake blot out all our transgressions. And if by 
 thy grace we are resolved henceforth to live in 
 Christ, and to walk not after the flesh, but after 
 the Spirit, may we not look back with desire upon 
 the pleasures of sin, but may we exercise ourselves 
 to have a conscience void of offence toward God 
 and man. When dangers threaten us, and temp- 
 tations press heavily upon us, be Thou our refuge 
 and strength. Lift upon us the light of thy coun- 
 tenance, and cause us to rejoice in thy salvation. 
 Keep us back from all presumptuous sins — from 
 sins of irreverence and self-sufficiency, of deliberate 
 purpose, and of unsettled habit. Give unto us the 
 spirit of watchfulness and prayer ; deliver us from 
 the sin which doth easily beset us, and from the 
 sin to which we think we are not prone ; make us 
 to understand the purity of thy law and the deceit- 
 fulness of our own liearts, and cleanse Thou us 
 from secret faults. 
 
 In tender compassion regard thy servants ; 
 cause thy face to shine upon us, and lead us in the 
 way everlasting. Have mercy, Lord, upon all 
 who are oppressed by calamity, affliction, or be- 
 reavement, giving them the consolations of thy 
 Gospel, and grace to say, " Thy will be done." 
 Bless our Queen and all the members of the royal 
 family ; give prosperity to thy Church, and peace 
 to all nations. Unite thy people in the fellowship 
 of Jesus Christ, and in pity for the lost sheep of 
 the house of Israel. Be gracious to all our friends, 
 loving them as Thou hast loved us, with an ever- 
 lasting love. Preserve us this day from all evil, 
 and grant that we may be followers of Thee as 
 dear children ; that throughout life we may be 
 faithful, loving, and without guile ; and to Thee we 
 shall ascribe all praise and glory, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW IV. 12-25. 
 
 PRECIOUS to us, Lord Jesus, is this re- 
 cord of thy character and labours. We 
 hail Thee as the Day-spring from on high, 
 which was to visit the world. Thou art the life 
 and the light of men. We bless Thee that in the 
 fulness of time Thou didst appear to the lost sheep 
 of the house of Israel, as the predicted Sun of 
 Righteousness ; but we also praise Thee that in 
 Galilee of the Gentiles, the people which sat in 
 darkness saw great light, and to them which sat in 
 the region and shadow of death light sprang up. 
 We thank Thee that thy light has not been con- 
 fined to Galilee, but that it has reached us. Let 
 none of us close our eyes to this light. May it 
 shine into our liearts. 
 
 But while we glory in Tliee, Lord Christ, 
 for what thou art, we praise Tliee for what thou 
 hast done. As the great Teacher of man. Thou 
 didst preach repentance and the kingdom of 
 heaven when Thou wast on earth ; and still Thou 
 dost speak to us by thy Word, thy Spirit, and the 
 preachers of thy Gospel. May none of us be dis- 
 obedient to thy invitations and commands. We 
 rejoice that Thou art able to save to the utter- 
 most our souls and our bodies. Heal us, Lord, 
 for we have sinned against Thee. 
 
 As a family we come this evening to thy feet, 
 Jesus, remembering that our times are in thy 
 hand. The temporal blessings we enjoy arc more 
 highly valued by us as thy gifts. The care and 
 bounty of another day have laid us under deeper 
 obligation to Thee. How many began this day 
 who have not been permitted to see its close ! 
 How many have passed through suffering and 
 trial, from which we have been preserved ! But 
 in the light of thy goodness our sins appear in 
 their enormity. What neglect of Thee and oppo- 
 sition to thy will ! What selfishness, earthliness, 
 and unbelief! Have mercy upon us. Sprinkle us 
 with thy precious blood. Sanctify us by thy Holy 
 Spirit. Let thy goodness lead us to repentance. 
 Make us more watchful, prayerful, earnest, and 
 devoted. 
 
 Bless our relatives and friends. Regard with 
 special favour the children of this family. Incline 
 their hearts to do thy will, and teach them the 
 preciousness of a Saviour's love. Comfort the 
 sorrowful. Have mercy upon prayerless famihes, 
 and hasten the time when incense and a pure 
 offering shall ascend to Thee from all._ 
 
 Watch over us during the night. Give rest and 
 comfort. Let thine angels encamp around us, 
 and when the fulness of the time shall come, exalt 
 us to the blessedness and glory of heaven. And 
 to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, shall 
 be praise for evermore. Amen. 
 
 C 31 ] 
 
 ii'fi "ihtrii ■■'«■> ail 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XVII. 11—32. 
 
 GRACIOUS God, give to us the Spirit of 
 grace and supplication. Enable us to worship 
 Thee in spirit and in truth. Blessed Lord, draw 
 nigh to us, and then we shall draw nigh to 
 Thee. We are, indeed, by nature afar off from 
 Thee. Our sins separate us from Thee. They 
 rise up like a high mountain between Thee 
 and us. Oh, that we may come to Thee 
 through that new and living way which Jesus 
 has consecrated for us through the rent veil 
 of his flesh. In Him receive us graciously, and 
 love us freely. In Him bless us with all spiritual 
 and all temporal blessings this day. We thank 
 Thee that thou hast preserved us to ^ee the light 
 of another day. We bless Thee that thou didst 
 spread thy guardian wing over us during the past 
 night. And now, Lord, renew thy mercies to us 
 this morning. We need thy special care to 
 sustain us under all the trials and temptations of 
 life. We have no strength or sufficiency of our 
 own. We confess our proneness to wander froni 
 Thee, and to yield to the snares and temptations 
 which encompass us on every side. Keep Thou 
 our feet, and then, and then only, shall we be safe. 
 Hold Thou us up, Lord. Guide us in the duties 
 of this day. Enable us to set the Lord always 
 before us. May we not forget that life is short, 
 and that the Lord Jesus is at hand. 
 
 Make us to feel that this world is not our home. 
 ]\Iay the eye of our faith be steadily fixed upon the 
 kingdom of heaven. May we seek first, in all 
 things, and under all circumstances, the kingdom 
 of God and thy righteousness. May we go forth to 
 the duties of this day in the strength of our Lord, 
 conscious at all times of thy presence and blessing. 
 our Lord, may not the world absorb our 
 thoughts. Living in the world, may we be not of 
 the Avorld. May our t''easure be in heaven, and 
 our hearts be there also. May we receive grace to 
 be willing to sacrifice health, reputation, yea, life 
 itself, rather than lose thy favour. Be Thou our 
 portion, and the lot of our inheritance for ever. 
 
 And now, Lord, we beseech Thee to bless us 
 all with thy Holy Spirit. Make all our relations 
 and friends thy children. Take them under thy 
 guardian care this day. Make them thine, and 
 keep them thine for ever. Bless our beloved 
 Sovereign, and bless our favoured country. Give 
 wisdom to our senators, and enable them to rule in 
 the fear of the Lord. Send forth thy light and 
 thy truth into all lands. Hasten thine own 
 coming, Lord Jesus ; and when Thou shalt 
 appear, may we be found waiting for Tliee. 
 
 Lord God, hear these our prayers, and grant 
 these our requests, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord and Saviom*. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW V. 1— IG. 
 
 
 
 UE, Father, which art in heaven, we desire to 
 glorify thy name. We are not worthy of the 
 least of all thy mercies, and yet we are bidden by 
 Thee to come and ask for the greatest of them all. 
 We fall at thy feet, and ask Thee to make us 
 citizens of thy heavenly kingdom. We have 
 been selfish, and proud, and worldly, but we 
 pray Thee to give us that Holy Spirit which 
 can consume our lusts, and humble our pride, 
 and enable us, from the depths of our spirits, 
 to cry unto Thee, Abba, Father. We dare 
 not disbelieve thy promise; and though often 
 broken-hearted and crushed by our sins, we 
 take Thee at thy word, and lay hold of thy 
 strength, and desire nothing so much as to be at 
 peace with Thee. We have an infinite need. May 
 we hunger and thirst after thy righteousness. May 
 we crave a peace that passes all understanding, 
 and yearn after a joy that is unspeakable. "VVe 
 cry unto Thee to give us a perfect love, that can 
 cast out all fear. We humble ourselves before 
 Thee; Thou alone canst exalt us. We mourn; 
 Thou alone canst comfort us. We are dark ; Thou 
 art able to shed such light upon us that we shall 
 become children of the light and of the daj?, and 
 be ourselves as lights in the world. 
 
 God, Thou hast comforted us to-night by the 
 gracious words of our Lord. He has blessed our 
 hunger and thirst, our sense of helplessness, our 
 consciousness of disease, our fears and our groan- 
 ings. May we receive his righteousness, and be 
 complete in Him. May his precious, atoning 
 blood, cleanse us from all unrighteousness. May 
 the purity of heart which He gives, the single eye 
 which He bestows, see Thee, living God. We 
 wish to see Thee in Him, to see Thee in the dark 
 mysteries of thy providence, in the wondrous 
 things of thy law, and in the workings of our own 
 hearts. We beseech Thee show us thy glory. 
 Let us see Thee so clearly that this vision of thy 
 face shall be an earnest of our purchased possession, 
 a foretaste of heaven itself. 
 
 Another day is before Thee, and Thou seest 
 all its sins, and neglect, and follies. Pardon and 
 strengthen us. May to-morrow be a better, and 
 happier, and holier day ; and as the days pass by, 
 may we have more of hope, and faith, and charity; 
 more of Christ, and more of heaven in them. 
 Watch over us, and all whom we love, to-night. 
 Have mercy upon our sinful world. May all men 
 acquaint themselves with Thee, and be at peace. 
 Christ, be our advocate with our Father and 
 with thy Father to-night. And as we ask what 
 we will, that it may be done unto us, may the 
 Father be glorified in the Son : to whom, with the 
 Holy Ghost, be all glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 [ S2 ] 
 
MOENING.J 
 
 FIFTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCKIPTURE 2 PETER II. 1—9. 
 
 OGOD ! in whose hand are all our times, and 
 who knowest how to deliver the godly out of 
 temptations, save by thy name and judge us by 
 thy strength. Let thy tender mercies come unto us, 
 that we may live ; and let thy merciful kindness 
 be for our comfort, according to thy word. Thou, 
 Lord, art our confidence, and we beseech Thee 
 to keep our foot from being taken ; so will we walk 
 in our way safely, and not be afraid of sudden 
 fear, neither of the destruction of the wicked when 
 it cometh. Deliver us, Lord, from our enemies ; 
 we flee unto Thee to hide us. Mercifully send 
 thine angel before us, to keep us in all our ways ; 
 and as Thou didst save thy servant Lot from the 
 hand of unjust and cruel men, let it please Thee 
 to preserve us in the hour of temptation, delivering 
 our souls from death, our eyes from tears, and oui' 
 feet from falling. 
 
 Almighty God, who requi rest truth in the inward 
 parts, create in us a clean heart, that we, escaj)ing 
 the corruption that is in the world tlu*ough lust, 
 may do those things which are well pleasing unto 
 Thee, so that finally we may obtain the salvation 
 that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 
 
 Father of all our mercies, we give thanks unto 
 Thee for thy great goodness which Thou hast laid 
 up for those that fear Thee, which Thou hast 
 wrought for them that trust in Thee before the 
 sons of men. Accept our morning sacrifice of 
 praise for thy watchful care over us during the 
 sleep and the silence of night — for renewed life, and 
 health, and reason, and all the blessings of this life. 
 Above all, we bless Thee for thine inestimable love 
 in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus 
 Ciuist, for the means of grace, and for the hope of 
 glory. And we beseech Thee give us that due 
 sense of all thy mercies, that our hearts may be 
 unfeignedly thankful, and that we may 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 righteousness and holiness 
 all our days. Mercifully keep us this day from 
 evil, and prosper us in the work of our hands. 
 
 Bless us, our Father, as a family, with all 
 who are dear unto us. Hear us for the good 
 estate of thy whole Church and for the salvation 
 of all men. Let thy Word run and be glorified. 
 Bring many hearts this day to thy dear Son in 
 repentance and faith. Bless our country and our 
 Queen, with all in authority over us. Comfort all 
 who are in sorrow, and heal the broken in heart ; 
 and this we beg through Jesus Christ, our only 
 Mediator and Saviour. 
 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of 
 God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be 
 with us all. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW V. 17-48. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and gracious God, whose we are 
 and whom we serve, we draw nigh to Thee 
 this evening as a family, to adore and praise 
 Tliee. Very near and very gracious hast Thou 
 been to us. Strength to labour, food to eat, a home 
 to receive us, are the least of all thy gifts. Thou 
 hast given us to have fellowship with Thyself and 
 thy dear Son, and we know that the blood of Jesus 
 Christ cleanseth from all sin. How else can we 
 draw near to Thee in this our evening prayer? 
 Breakers of thy law, condemned by it and by con- 
 science, "our sin ever before us," what can we do? 
 We can make no atonement, nor offer a ransom for 
 our forfeited souls. But what we cannot do Thou 
 hast done. " Christ has redeemed us from the 
 cm'se of the law, being made a curse for us." 
 
 Delivered from the curse — a redeemed family, 
 enable us to serve Thee in all holy obedience. Con- 
 strained by the love of Christ, never let us think 
 little of sin, never let us live unto ourselves. Put 
 thy law into our inward parts, and write it in 
 our hearts ; and be om* God, and let us be thy 
 people. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy law, which is holy, just, 
 and good. Make it, in thy Spirit's hands, our 
 guide, and our rule. Search us by it, show us our- 
 selves, reprove us, humble us. Convince us of all 
 sin. We ask Thee to spare no evil in us ; we 
 would be nearer and more like to Thee. Jesus ! 
 let thy words ever abide in us : "Be ye perfect, 
 even as your Father in heaven is perfect." 
 
 How much we owe Thee, our God, for thy law; 
 and to Thee, our Saviour, that Thou hast taught us 
 how broad, and spiritual, and searching it is. We 
 do stand condemned by it for an impure look, an 
 evil thought, and a hasty word. Keep us, our 
 God ; keep our hearts, our lips, our Avays ; let us 
 not offend Thee. Enable us to do what Thou hast 
 commanded, and to cease to do what Thou hast for- 
 bidden. Teach us to love our enemies ; to return 
 good for evil ; to remember others as Thou hast 
 remembered us, that we may be the children of our 
 Father which is in heaven. 
 
 God, we confess this evening how much we 
 hare done that we ought not to have done. We 
 pray Thee to forgive us. Remember what we are — 
 poor sinners, so ready to fall, and quite unable to 
 arise without Thee. Withhold not from us thy rich 
 blessing, but grant us to lie down at peace with 
 Thee, happy in thy forgiving love, confident in thy 
 care, and looking forward with growing desire to 
 the appearing of our God and Saviom\ 
 
 Bless our dear relations and friends. Visit with 
 thy salvation each heart and home around us ; send 
 thy Gospel to the heathen, and gather in thy ancient 
 j)eople, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 33 ] 
 
 No. 5. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXI. 1—21. 
 
 OST gracious God, on coming into thy pre- 
 sence, we acknowledge Thee as the God of 
 truth and power, and believe that what Thou hast 
 promised Thou art able and willing to perform. 
 Look favourably upon us and bless us, for the 
 sake of Him in whom all tliy promises are faith- 
 fulness and truth. 
 
 We entreat Thee to accept our humble offering 
 of praise for having again permitted us to expe- 
 rience thy goodness during another night. It is of 
 thy mercies we are not consumed. 
 
 We read in thy Word that Thou didst make 
 unto thy servants of old, the patriarchs, many 
 rich promises. These Thou didst graciously 
 fulfil, in their protection and guidance, and in 
 accomplishing tiiy Divine purposes concerning 
 them. We praise Thee for these examples, written 
 for our learning, and pray to be encouraged and 
 instructed by them. May we rejoice that there 
 are given to us also exceeding great and precious 
 promises, so that by them we may be made 
 partakers of the Divine nature. Grant that, 
 having these, it may be our endeavoiu* this day 
 to cleanse ourselves from all sinfulness of the flesh 
 and spirit. Bring us, we beseech Thee, Father 
 of all our mercies, more fully into the enjoyment of 
 thy promises made to us in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 Renew and sanctify our hearts by thy Holy 
 Spirit. Help us prayerfully to seek circum- 
 cision of the heart and the spirit : that we may 
 worship Thee in the spirit, and rejoice in 
 Christ Jesus, having no confidence in the flesh. 
 Enable us faithfully to perform the duties in 
 which we shall engage this day. As members of 
 a Christian family, may we love each other fer- 
 vently, and avoid everything in word and deed 
 which would offend Thee and destroy that har- 
 mony which should exist among us. Grant that 
 we may strive to carry into all our engagements 
 the spirit of truth, peace, unity, and concord. 
 Oh, forbid that we should be careless and uncon- 
 cerned about these things. To this end impress 
 our minds with the solemn truth that Thou God 
 seest us ; that wherever we are, whether at home 
 or abroad, we cannot be where Thou art not. 
 
 Lord, we now commit ourselves to thy care. 
 Point out the way of safety in all that we have to 
 do, and help us to walk therein. Oh, that we may- 
 listen this day in all things to the promptings and 
 warnings of thy Holy Spirit, and not grieve him 
 by ovu* wilfulness and disobedience. Thou knowest 
 our weaknesses and wants, how many and constant 
 they are. Oh, supply all our need out of thy 
 abundance, and bring us safely to thy kingdom of 
 glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose 
 name we ask every blessing. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS XII. 
 
 OTHOU fountain of all goodness ! we thank Thee 
 for thy watchful care over us this day, for 
 the supplies of thy kind providence, and for the 
 strength which has enabled us to discharge the 
 duties of life. Follow, we pray Thee, with thy 
 blessing all the lawful occupations of the day, and 
 give success to all our endeavours to do good to 
 others, and to get good to ourselves. 
 
 May our sins and imperfections, our mistakes 
 and neglects, be all forgiven, for our Saviour's 
 sake. Oh, sprinkle us afresh witli his precious 
 blood. Wash us, and keep us clean, that we may 
 be enabled to perfect holiness in the fear of the 
 Lord. 
 
 Do thou help us, Lord, to gain wisdom from 
 the experience of the past. May we not go need- 
 lessly into scenes and circumstances that have 
 proved dangerous to us. May we never trifle 
 with temptation. May we never think lightly of 
 sin. In every hour of peril, gracious Deliverer, 
 be Thou at our right hand, and bring us off more 
 than conquerors through Him who loved us. 
 
 May the lessons now read from thy Word be 
 written upon our memories and our hearts. Save 
 us from a spirit of resentment ; help us to return 
 good for evil, and to follow the example of Him 
 who prayed even for his murderers. Save us 
 from vain and lofty thoughts about ourselves, 
 and help us to learn of Him who was meek 
 and lowly in heart. Save us from slothfulness, 
 from dishonesty, and from the spirit that en- 
 genders strife. thou Giver of all grace, qualify 
 us, we beseech Thee, for every office we have to 
 fill and every duty we have to perform. May we 
 serve the Lord even in our daily business ; and 
 may our common occupations be sanctified by- 
 godly motives prompting them, and by the re- 
 ligious spirit in which they are undertaken. 
 
 We acknowledge, Thou who art our Creator 
 and Redeemer, that by many ties we are thine. 
 And now mo desire, constrained by thy multiplied 
 mercies toward us, to present ourselves a living 
 sacrifice unto God. Graciously accept us in and 
 through thy beloved Son. And may we be so 
 filled with thy Holy Spirit, that henceforth we 
 may continually live under the recollection that 
 we are not our own, but thine. 
 
 We pray Thee to bless our relations and friends, 
 our neighbours and our fellow-Christians. May 
 they all share in thy fatherly protection, and be all 
 partakers of thy heavenly grace. Do Thou guard 
 our habitation during the night, and fit us all, if it 
 please Thee, by refreshing sleep, for the duties 
 and enjoyments of the coming day. Hear these 
 our prayers, and breathe on us thy evening 
 blessing, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 34 ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 FIFTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIANS IV. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTCTRE ST. MATTHEW VI. 1 18. 
 
 OLORD, our Lord, we thank Thee for the tender 
 mercy and watchful care that have preserved 
 our h'ves to the beginning of another day, and for 
 the great and many blessings of every kind by 
 which we are surrounded ; but we more especially 
 thank Thee that through the atonement of thy dear 
 Son we may come unto Thee this morning as 
 children to a loving Father ; not as servants, but as 
 sons, even as the sons and daughters of the Lord 
 God Almighty. May we more thoroughly enjoy 
 and more highly value the manner of love that has 
 been bestowed upon us that we should be called 
 thy children, and may we be h(^lped to look 
 forward with joyful expectation to that blessed 
 time when we shall be with Thee, our Father, in 
 the house of many mansions. We ask Thee to 
 help us to-day to walk worthy of this high 
 vocation whereunto we are called, and to assist us 
 to show in our conduct, and by our words and 
 spirit, whose we are and whom we serve. May our 
 light so shine before men that they, seeing our 
 good works, may glorify our Father in heaven. 
 Give us grace and wisdom this day rightly to 
 fulfil the duties devolving on us in our varied 
 stations and relationships. Teach us, God, our 
 Father, in all things, to see Thee, and to do 
 everything as to the Lord and not as unto men ; 
 not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the 
 children of God, doing the will of God from the 
 heart. We pray Thee that Thou wouldst so send 
 forth thy light and thy truth that all people may 
 come to know Thee and to serve Thee as their 
 Father. Gather out thy children from the utter- 
 most parts of the earth ; and may those who are 
 now living far from Thee, without God and with- 
 out hope in the world, be drawn by the teachings 
 of thy blessed Spirit unto Jesus Christ, and tlu-ough 
 him call Thee Father. 
 
 May thy kingdom, Lord, come into every 
 land, and may Thy will be done on earth as it 
 is in heaven. We would pray for all our kindred 
 and friends, specially for those in affliction, whether 
 of mind, bod}'-, or estate. It is our joy to know 
 that although some whom we love may be far 
 off from us, they cannot be far from Thee ; thine 
 eye is on them as it is on us, and Thou knowest all 
 their needs. Lord, bless them, we pray Thee, with 
 needful grace, and in thine own good time give 
 them a happy issue out of all their afflictions. 
 
 To Thee we commit ourselves for this day. 
 Defend us from the dangers which may beset us in 
 body or soul. Constrain us, by the love of Christ, 
 to do thy will and to please Thee in all things. 
 Grant us these mercies and all else that is good for 
 us according to thy gracious promises, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 OLORD, the great and mighty God ; the high 
 and lofty One, that inhabiteth eternity, whose 
 name is holy, in bowing at thy feet we remember 
 that Thou hast said, " To this man will I look, even 
 to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and 
 trerableth at my word." Thou resistest the proud, 
 but givest grace to the humble. We feel it to be 
 condescension in Thee to permit us to approach 
 Thee, and therefore would put far from us the 
 thought that we can lay Thee under obligation by 
 our prayers and services. Our goodness cannot 
 reach to Thee. Save us from pride and self-com- 
 placency in our services. Give us a deep conviction 
 of our weakness, imperfection, and sin, and con- 
 vince us that not for our righteousness' sake, but for 
 thy great mercy, in Christ Jesus, we are accepted 
 by Thee. Deliver us, Lord, from all hypocrisy ; 
 let us not draw nigh to Thee with the mouth and 
 honour Thee with the lip, while the heart is far 
 from Thee. Save us from doing our works that they 
 may be seen of men, and grant that our charity 
 and devotion may be acceptable in thy sight, who 
 seest in secret and rewardest openly. Sutter us 
 not to be deceived by a formal and external 
 religion, which rests in prayers and gifts, and keeps 
 back the soul from God. Thou searchest the hearts 
 and triest the reins of men ; therefore may we not 
 offer to Thee heartless service. Purify us from all 
 unworthy motive in thy service, and let us not 
 regard iniquity in our hearts, lest Thou shouldst 
 not hear us. Pour upon us the spirit of true 
 worship ; Thou who didst teach thy disciples how 
 to pray, teach us to pray. While every evening on 
 which we gather around our family altar we have 
 cause for thankfulness and praise, specially so is 
 it this evening. A week's mercies present them- 
 selves for acknowledgment. 
 
 Day has followed day, and thy goodness has 
 been new every morning and fresh every evening. 
 As a family, our bread has been given and our 
 water has been sure. Death has not come up into 
 our dwelling, and affliction has not been laid upon 
 our loins. Bless the Lord, our souls. But, 
 alas ! our sins stand out before us in the light of 
 thy goodness ; enter not into judgment with us. 
 We look to the cross. For Christ's sake, O Lord, 
 blot out our sins of omission and of commis- 
 sion. 
 
 And now the Sabbath draws on. Give us a 
 preparation blessing ; preserve us from all evil this 
 night ; give us, as thy beloved, sleep. Let us awake 
 refreshed and fitted for the service of the Lord. To 
 Thee we commit ourselves and all dear to us, and 
 we pray that the whole earth may be visited with 
 thy salvation. Now to the Father, the Son, and 
 the Holy Ghost, be glory everlasting. Amen. 
 
 C 35 ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 SIXTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXII. 1—19. READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW VL 19—34. 
 
 WE bless Thee, most gracious God, that Tliou hast 
 been pleased to set apart one day in seven for 
 tliy own worship and the welfare of the liuman race. 
 We thank Thee for the peace and the rest brought 
 unto us by the Sabbath morning, and we humbly 
 ask of Thee grace to help us, that we may serve 
 Thee with reverence and with godly fear. Make 
 this day a season of spiritual instruction and 
 heavenly joy unto our souls. Wherever thy holy 
 Word shall be proclaimed, and the way of salvation 
 through Jesus Chi'ist made known to-day, there, 
 O Lox-d, bestow thy blessing. Hear the prayers 
 and accept the praises of all saints, and grant unto 
 all faithful preachers and teachers of thy truth 
 grace from on high, so that poor sinners may come 
 to the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, and 
 those who have believed in him may grow in grace 
 and holiness. 
 
 Bless all our dear relations, friends, and neigh- 
 bours, and in thy great mercy grant that our 
 beloved children may know and serve Thee, and 
 walk in thy ways all the days of their life. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we entreat Thee to apply to 
 our hearts the lessons we have now heard from the 
 ancient Scriptures. Make us the children of 
 faithful Abraham, so that like him we may believe 
 th}'- promises, obey thy commands, and patiently 
 wait thy holy will. We adore Thee that Thou 
 didst so love the world as to give thy only begotten 
 Son a sacrifice for sin. Help us, good Lord, truly 
 to believe in Jesus, and to rest assured that Thou 
 wilt provide for all our wants, and conduct us in 
 safety to thy heavenly kingdom. What can we 
 render unto Thee in return for thy great love to us? 
 A broken and contrite heart, God, Thou wilt not 
 despise. Feeling that we have nothing, and are 
 nothing of ourselves, we cast ourselves at thy feet, 
 and pray that we may love Thee more and serve 
 Thee better than we have done before. 
 
 Fulfil, we beseech Thee, thy ancient promise 
 that all nations of the earth shall be blessed in 
 Christ. Smile upon all efforts to bring the heathen 
 unto him, and let all sorrow, and ignorance, and 
 sin be banished before the brightness of his glorious 
 coming. 
 
 And now that we are about to go unto thy 
 house, we praise Thee that we need no burnt 
 offering, but we ask that the holy fire of love may 
 glow in our hearts, that we may be free from all 
 the cares and business of the world. Deliver us, 
 Lord, from all wandering thoughts and tempta- 
 tions of Satan, and grant unto us the pardon of all 
 our sins, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 to whom, with Thee, Father, and the Holy 
 Spirit, we will render all praise and glory, both 
 now and for evermore. Amen. 
 
 ADORED be thy name, God, for the many 
 and undeserved blessings of this day. We 
 tiiank Thee for its rest from toil. We thank 
 Thee for its priceless privileges : we thank Thee 
 for the ordinances of thy house, for the opportu- 
 nities of prayer and of the hearing of thy Word ; for 
 whatever communion we have had Avith Thee, and 
 for every assurance of thy grace which has fallen 
 on our ears and our hearts. We feel, as we look 
 back on the services of the day, how unworthy 
 they have been of thy regard. We have not 
 worshipped Thee as we ought ; our desires have 
 been contracted, our faith has been weak, our praises 
 languid. 
 
 Oh, how little have we felt the guiltiness of the 
 sins we have confessed ; with what coldness of 
 heart have we sought thy pardon! We confess, 
 God, the sin of our confessions, and pray Thee 
 to pardon this and all those other sins which thy 
 searching eye has detected in us. Let not this 
 Sabbath-day be remembered to our shame and con- 
 demnation in thy judgment. 
 
 Gracious Spirit, it is thine to guide us into all 
 truth, and to apply the Word of God with power 
 to the heart. Arouse our consciences, we pray Thee, 
 to feel that what we have heard and reatl this day 
 is the message of the living God to us. Fix its 
 lessons on our hearts, that we may remember them 
 not only now as we look up from our knees to the 
 throne of God, but to-morrow and every day, when 
 we go forth to discharge the duties and face the 
 temptations of busy life. Let not thy Word sown 
 this day fall to the ground. Deepen everv im- 
 pression which has been made in our own hearts 
 or the hearts of others. Confirm and strengthen 
 every resolution. God, let thy truth be mighty, 
 through Divine grace to subdue the strongholds of 
 sin and the world to the love of Thee and of thy 
 dear Son. May his praises be sung anew this 
 night by many converted souls. 
 
 Lord, we are comforted by the assurance of thy 
 fatherly care, as it is proclaimed to us by the grass 
 of the field and the fowls of the air. Oh, let us 
 never distrust Thee or doubt thy goodness. We 
 will confide in Thee more and more. Lord, we 
 believe ; help our unbelief. Enable us to seek 
 first and above all things thy glory and the fulfil- 
 ment of thy work in our hearts, and to commit all 
 our anxieties and cares to Thee. Preserve us, 
 God, from over- carefulness ; and enable us so 
 to pass through things temporal that we finally 
 lose not the things which are eternal. We ask 
 these things for ourselves and all who are dear to 
 us, and Ave commend them and ourselves this night 
 to thy holy keeping, in the name of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 36 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SIXTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XI. 1-19. 
 
 OGOD, our Father, which art in heaven, look 
 down upon us from thy dwelling-place ; 
 behold us gathered in the name of Jesus, thy 
 dear Son, and for his sake grant the petitions that 
 we desire of Thee. 
 
 Thou, God, art good and gracious ; Thou art 
 a reward er of them that diligently seek Thee ; and 
 though we see Thee not, yet we believe Thou art 
 not far from any one of us, but especially near us 
 now, when we draw nigh unto Thee. 
 
 Help us to come before Thee with true humility 
 of heart, not trusting in our own righteousness, 
 but in thy great mercy and pardoning love 
 through Jesus Christ. Accept us in him. Look 
 upon the sacrifice which he made for us ; for he 
 is the Lamb of God, who, by the sacrifice of 
 himself once made, taketh away the sin of the 
 world. 
 
 Grant us grace that we may henceforth serve 
 Thee in newness of life ; and may it be our daily 
 endeavour so to live as to please Thee. Enable us, 
 by the help of thy Holy Spirit, to Avalk before 
 Thee in all holfliess, uprightness, and godliness ; 
 and when our time to die shall come, may we 
 rest in peace, and in certain hope of a resurrection 
 to eternal life, through the merits of Jesus. 
 
 Thou who art the God of all the families of 
 the earth, be thou our God, our Guide through life. 
 Keep us as we journey on to that heaven which 
 we desire for our home. May we never seek our 
 rest here ; but by pressing forward and raising our 
 thoughts and desires above earthly things, look for 
 a better country, that is, an heavenly. 
 
 We pray Thee, Lord, to increase the number 
 of true believers. May thy Word have free 
 course in our land. May thy Sabbaths be better 
 observed. May the houses of prayer be filled 
 with true worshippers. Bless all who preach thy 
 Word; clothe them with righteousness; and may 
 many, by their warning, be led to flee from the 
 wrath to come, and to take refuge in Jesus, that 
 they may be saved in the day of account. 
 
 And now, Lord, we beseech Thee to accept 
 our thanks for the mercies of the past, and for the 
 renewal of them this morning ; and we ask for 
 thy special assistance to help us in every time 
 of need that may occur to us this day. Thou 
 knoAvest what is before us, and how great is our 
 ignorance and weakness : if it be temptation, 
 show us the way to escape, that we may be able to 
 bear it ; if it be trial, give us patience, and, in 
 thine own good time and way, a happy end to the 
 trouble. May thy good promises be ever before 
 our minds, and grant that they may be fulfilled to 
 us, for the sake of Jesjis Christ, our Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CIIL 
 
 OTHOU gracious and eternal Jehovah, who 
 art the strength of all who trust thee, the 
 light of all who see thee, and the life of all 
 who love thee : Thou art most worthy of the 
 praises of heaven and earth. Help us, a little 
 band, whose hearts have been touched by thy 
 love, to draw near unto Thee, that we may join 
 the great company who do contiunally show forth 
 thy praise. Glory be to thy holy name for all the 
 blessings Thou hast conferred upon us during tlie 
 day that is now drawing to a close. We thank 
 Thee for all the comforts we have enjoyed, and for 
 all the evils from which we have been spared ; and 
 we desire to be deeply grateful for the privileges 
 enjoyed by us during the Sabbath which is 
 past. May the good seed of the kingdom which 
 has been sown in our hearts bring forth fruit 
 in our lives, and in the lives of all who have 
 been our fellow-worshippers. Teach us to hide 
 thy Word in our hearts, so that we may not sin 
 against Thee. And we pray Thee, good Lord, to 
 comfort those who by sickness, or infirmity, or 
 any lawful impediment, were deprived of the 
 means of grace, and supply them, by thy good 
 Spirit, with holy thoughts and heavenly desires. 
 
 Thou kind and merciful Father, we praise Thee 
 for all thy bounties. Never let us forget thy 
 love to us, for it is wonderful. AVe are of yester- 
 day, and know nothing. Thou art the same 
 yesterday, to-day, and for ever. Yet Thou dost 
 not despise or forget us. We are guilty of sins 
 without number. Thou art of purer eyes than to 
 behold iniquity; yet Thou hast not dealt with us 
 after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our 
 iniquities. We die, but thine undying mercy 
 endureth throughout all generations. Let the 
 people praise Thee, God ; yea, let all the people 
 praise Thee. Cause us to feel the uncertainty of 
 our lives, and to be continually prepared for death ; 
 and grant that our children after us may sing of 
 thy righteousness, and be a seed to serve Thee, and 
 a generation to call Thee blessed. 
 
 May thy kind and watchful providence protect 
 all beneath this roof during the night upon which 
 we have entered ; bless us with refreshing sleep ; 
 preserve us from danger, and let us rise in the 
 morning, to pursue the duties of daily life 
 in a spirit of humble faith and holy diligence, 
 anxious in all things to do that which will please 
 Thee. Forgive, most merciful God, all that has 
 been amiss in us this day. In many things we 
 all offend; but we bless Thee that the blood of 
 Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin. Through 
 him we ascribe lanto Thee, Lord God Almighty, 
 the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 [ »7 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 SIXTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN VIII. 30—69. 
 
 OGOD of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who 
 keepest covenant with thy people for ever, 
 help us, with the return of another day, to make 
 suitable acknowledgments to Thee for the mercies 
 of the past night. We bless Thee that through 
 the hours of darkness Thou wast our protector 
 from all evil. Now, while the light is shining 
 around us, defend us from every danger, seen and 
 unseen. Hold Thou us up, and we shall be safe. 
 
 We this morning renew our vows of obedience 
 and service. Help us to keep them. We would 
 again exercise our dejjendence upon Thee, and be 
 childlike in our reliance. Give us a confiding 
 heart, that trusts Thee where it cannot trace Thee ; 
 and an obedient heart, ready to do thy will without 
 a murmur, and without a doubt. Make us ready 
 thus to submit and deny ourselves, by the remem- 
 brance of thy wonderful love to us, in that Thou 
 didst not withhold thy Son, thine only Son, from 
 us. We rejoice that the day of Christ, which 
 Abi-aliam saw afar off with sacred joy, has dawned 
 upon the earth ; and that He who dwelt in the 
 bosom of the Father has come into the world to 
 save sinners, even the chief, having laid down his 
 life as a ransom for many. May we, and all men, 
 have that faith in thy blessed Son which shall lead 
 to the saving of the soul. We would look with 
 holy awe upon the Lamb of God who taketh away 
 the sin of the world ; and, while we mom'n over 
 the transgressions which rendered necessary so 
 costly a sacrifice, we admire and adore the love 
 that so freely gave him up for us all. 
 
 Under the influence of grateful feelings, may 
 we faithfully discharge the duties of this day : be 
 diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the 
 Lord. As Thou hast formed us for thy praise, 
 may we glorify Thee in our body and in our 
 spirit, which are thine. May we recommend 
 religion to all around us, by the evenness of our 
 temper, the gentleness of our spirit, the truthful- 
 ness of our words, and the uprightness of our 
 actions. If, during the day, temptation should 
 assail us, and our easily besetting sins should seek 
 to lead us astray, God, forsake us not. And if, 
 through the weakness of our faith and the deceit- 
 fulness of our hearts, we should sin against Thee, 
 cast us not away from thy presence, and take not 
 thy Holy Spirit from us. 
 
 Bless the whole world. Where ignorance exists, 
 there send thy light and thy truth. Where sorrow 
 dwells, send consolation. Where affliction and 
 poverty are found, let thy goodness minister to the 
 wants of them that are exercised thereby, and 
 let the trials of earth prepare us for the blessed- 
 ness of heaven. Grant all these mercies, God, 
 our loving Father, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW VII. 
 
 OGOD, our heavenly Father, encouraged by the 
 gracious promises of thy holy Word, we 
 come to Thee. Thou art the fountain of all life 
 and the source of all blessing. Thou art the 
 Creator and the upholder of heaven and earth, 
 and all things, visible and invisible. As children 
 return to their home, seeking the blessing and pro- 
 tection of their parents, so we this night come to 
 Thee as our heavenly Father. Reveal thyself to 
 us, Father, that we may see Thee. Stretch out 
 thy hand to us, that we may lay hold upon Thee. 
 Make us to feel thy love, that our hearts may 
 grow warm with love to Thee. May thy presence 
 and blessing make us so glad here in our earthly 
 home, that we may anticipate with holy desire the 
 time when we shall behold thy face, and dwell for 
 ever with Thee in our heavenly home. 
 
 With a father's love, Lord, thou hast watched 
 over us every moment of this day. Thou hast 
 gone before us, shedding thy blessing on our path. 
 Though we have not seen Thee, thou hast been 
 walking at our side, to strengthen, guide, and 
 protect us. How good, how kind, how loving 
 thou art, Lord ! We have not deserved this 
 favour from Thee. Whilst Thou, Father, hast 
 been caring for us, we have been slighting Thee ; 
 whilst Thou hast blessed us, we have sinned 
 against Thee. With shame and sorrow, Lord, 
 we confess our sins ; and for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ we beseech Thee to have mercy upon us, 
 and pardon all our offences. Without thy forgive- 
 ness, Lord, we cannot sleep this night in peace. 
 Blot out our transgressions, and assure us of thy 
 forgiving love. 
 
 We ask thy gracious assistance, God, that we 
 may henceforth live in obedience to thy law. Let 
 thy Holy Spirit guide us, that we may enter in at 
 the strait gate, and walk in the narrow way that 
 leads to eternal life. We are prone to do evil; 
 Holy Spirit, sanctify our desires, our thoughts 
 and motives, that we may learn to do well. 
 Dispose our hearts to love that which is holy, and 
 help us to bring forth the fruits of holiness in 
 om" lives, to the praise and glory of God. 
 
 The shadows of evening close around us, and 
 soon the darkness of death will cover us ; then, 
 Lord, our state will be fixed for the judgment 
 of the great day. We tremble, Lord, at the 
 thought that thou mightest then say to some of 
 us, " Depart, ye cursed ; I never knew you." 
 Oh, that we may build upon the sure Foundation, 
 that we may be saved in that day. 
 
 We pray for all our relations and friends, that 
 Thou wilt mercifully grant them thy grace, and 
 bring them to thy heavenly kingdom, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 38 ] 
 
MCRNING.] 
 
 SIXTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXIII. 
 
 OOUR God, the God of all the families of the 
 earth, regard us in thy mercy, and accept our 
 prayer. We ought indeed to praise Thee and 
 to trust in Thee. Day by day Thou hast blessed 
 us ; we have wanted no good thing ; and better 
 than all, Thou hast given to us thy dear Son. 
 We thank Thee for him, thine inestimable gift. 
 We thank Thee for thy Book which tells of the 
 Saviour, and of how he lived, and suflFered, and 
 died for us. God, awaken in us ever more and 
 more a spirit of praise and thankfulness. Make us 
 so to feel thy goodness, that it may be our desire 
 and our joy to consecrate the life, and strength, 
 and talents which Thou hast given to thy service. 
 
 God, we confess, at thy footstool, our many 
 misdoings, the coldness and deadness of our hearts 
 under the experience of thy loving mercy, the 
 weakness of our faith in thy promises, our frequent 
 disobedience to thy commandments in thought, and 
 word, and deed. Pardon us for these things, we 
 pray Thee. Look upon thy dear Son, and for his 
 sake refuse not our prayer. 
 
 Graciously be with us in all the varying cir- 
 cumstances of this day, and by thy Holy Spirit 
 teach us more perfectly the knowledge of thy Word 
 and will. Impress on our hearts the solemn 
 lessons of the chapter we have now read. Grant 
 that whenever Thou sendest to us the afflictive 
 dispensations of thy providence, we may bow our- 
 selves submissively beneath thy chastening hand. 
 Grant that we may see in the death of others the 
 evidence of our own mortality, and give all diligence 
 to make our calling and election sure, that when 
 Thou demandest an account of our stewardship, 
 we may render it up with joy, and not with grief. 
 
 Enable us, in all our dealings with others, to 
 be examples of Christian courtesy and unselfish- 
 ness, of humility and meekness, showing the very 
 mind of Christ, and striving in all things to be like 
 him, and to tread in his footsteps, who did no sin, nor 
 was deceit found in his mouth. Thou knowest, 
 God, how, through our sins and wickedness, we 
 are sore let and hindered in running the race that 
 is set before us ; do Thou, in thy bountiful grace 
 and mercy, help and deliver us, that this day we 
 may be kept from all that would displease Tliee. 
 
 Look, in thy compassion, upon all who are dear 
 to us. May our relations and friends know both 
 Thee and thy dear Son, and have all peace and 
 joy in believing. Comfort them if they are in 
 soiTow. Sustain and help them in every hour of 
 need. Make all things work together for their 
 spiritual and eternal welfare, and bring them and 
 us in safety to thine everlasting kingdom, for the 
 sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE V. 1—16. 
 
 LORD Jesus, our blessed Saviour, we rejoice to 
 know that Thou art the same yesterday, to- 
 day, and for ever ; that as in the days of thy life 
 on earth Thou wert ever touched with pity for the 
 infirmities of those who sought thy help, so now 
 that Thou art ascended up on high. Thou ever 
 livest to make intercession for us. Still may we 
 come to Thee, assured that Thou wilt not turn 
 away our prayer nor thy mercy from us. We ask 
 Thee, Lord, this night, to cleanse us from the 
 leprosy of sin. We acknowledge that we are 
 sinners before Thee, that we have no hope but in 
 thy mercy, through Christ Jesus. We rejoice to 
 know that we may come unto Thee, that Thou art 
 a God pardoning iniquity, transgression, and sin, 
 and that Thou hast sent thy Spirit into the world 
 that our hearts may be drawn to the Saviour, and 
 be cleansed from the defilement of all iniquity. 
 We pray thee, Lord, to make us holy, even as 
 Thou art holy ; to strengthen us with all might by 
 thy Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may 
 dwell in our hearts by faith; and to grant that 
 every day we may grow more and more like Him 
 who came to set us an example that we should 
 walk in his steps. 
 
 We thank Thee for all the mercies that have 
 attended us through the past day. Goodness and 
 mercy have followed us all the days of our lives, 
 and with grateful hearts we off'er the sacrifice of 
 praise and thanksgiving. Have mercy upon all 
 our fellow-creatures who are destitute of the 
 blessings that we enjoy ; relieve the necessities of 
 the poor ; succour and comfort the sick and dying; 
 break the yoke of the slave, and let the oppressed 
 go free. Above all, we pray that the knowledge 
 of Jesus may be spread throughout the earth, so 
 that sin and misery may be known no more. May 
 every effort made to extend this knowledge be 
 blessed of Thee. Give success to the labours of all 
 missionaries at home and abroad ; encourage them 
 in their work by thy gracious presence and evident 
 blessing ; give them the great joy of seeing the 
 degraded and ignorant among whom they labour 
 become enlightened and holy followers of the 
 Lamb of God. Especially have mercy on the 
 thousands in our own country who shut their eyes 
 against the light of the Gospel, and choose dark- 
 ness rather than light, because their deeds are evil. 
 Save them, we pray Thee, and make our beloved 
 country a holy and happy nation, serving Thee. 
 Now, Lord, we commit ourselves to thy care 
 and protection for the night. It is our joy to know 
 that while we are sleeping Thou art watching over 
 us ; that thy watchful eyes are ever open toward 
 us. Hear our prayers and bless us now and for 
 ever, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 39 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SIXTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIANS III. 13-29. 
 
 OGOD, blessed be thy name that the great 
 promise of a Saviour, which was given in 
 Paradise, was revealed more fully through succeed- 
 ing ages and generations ; and that the law, in its 
 commandments and ordinances, was constituted a 
 schoolmaster to bring men to Christ. 
 
 How glorious is thy grace in Jesus the Re- 
 deemer ! Not by works of righteousness which we 
 have done, but according to thy mercy in Christ, 
 v/e are saved. God forbid that we should seek to 
 establish our own righteousness, but may we 
 cordially submit to the righteousness of faith. 
 Let the blessing of Abraham rest upon us through 
 Jesus, and may those precious truths of thy Word 
 which we have read this morning often come with 
 power to our hearts. 
 
 We committed ourselves to thy protection and 
 blessing on the past evening, and thou didst give 
 tliine angels charge over us. Under the shadow 
 of thy wings we have rested securely. We laid us 
 down and slept, and awaked, for the Lord sus- 
 tained us. Now that a new day dawns upon us, 
 with gratitude we implore Tliee to shine into our 
 hearts, and give us the light of the knowledge of 
 thy glory in the face of Jesus Christ. We know 
 not what is before us. Each day bi'ings its duties 
 and temptations, and lays us under fresh obliga- 
 tions. 
 
 Help us to commit ourselves to our several 
 works and ways in thy fear. May we carry about 
 with us a sense of thy presence everywhere and in 
 all things, and be diligent in business, fervent in 
 spirit, serving the Lord. Preserve us from the 
 immerous temptations and enemies that may sur- 
 round us, and help us to keep our hearts with all 
 diligence, remembering that out of them proceed 
 the issues of life. 
 
 Open thine hand, and graciously supply us with 
 all necessary good. Let us, as a family, be pros- 
 pered, in going out and coming in. May we 
 seek to do good, as well as to get good, to-day. 
 Bless our relatives and friends. May those who 
 are unconverted be subdued to the obedience of 
 faith. Let thy comforts delight the souls of all 
 thy people. 
 
 Pour out thy Spirit upon the world, and let thy 
 salvation fill the earth. Send forth more labourers 
 to the great work of winning souls to Christ and 
 edifying thy Church. Oh endue them with thy 
 good Spirit. Make them wise themselves, that 
 with wisdom they may teach others. Lord, grant 
 them a large measure of thy presence, and great 
 success in their work. Accept this our morning 
 sacrifice, Lord, and let the lifting up of our 
 hands be as incense, through Jesus Ciirist our 
 Lord. Amen> 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE V. 17- -39. 
 
 GRACIOUS Lord God, Father of our Saviour 
 Jesus Christ, be pleased to accept our united 
 praise for the favours bestowed upon us during the 
 day now about to close. Now that we are again 
 assembled in thy presence to worship Thee, may 
 our hearts be so impressed with a deep sense of 
 thy fatherly goodness, that our souls may be 
 devoutly raised in this our evening service. Truly 
 we can say. Thou hast been mindful of us in all 
 the dangers and duties through which we have 
 been brought. 
 
 Yet in making these our grateful acknowledg- 
 ments, we have abundant cause to come in deep 
 humility before Thee, at the remembrance of our 
 sins. How often we have offended against thy 
 Divine Majesty this day. Thou only knowest. We 
 cannot dissemble, nor hide any fault or misconduct 
 from Thee. Give us, therefore, at this time, the 
 spirit of true repentance ; pardon our sins, negli- 
 gences, and ignorances. 
 
 We are encouraged in our petitions by thine 
 own Word. Thou biddest us to come in faith unto 
 the throne of thy grace to seek mercy. It is Thou 
 alone who forgivest our sins, healest our diseases, 
 deliverest our souls from destruction, and crownest 
 us with loving-kindness and tender mercies. Be 
 pleased, we beseech Thee, Father of mercy, for 
 thy Son's sake, to pardon our offences and cleanse 
 us from all unrighteousness. 
 
 That we may more faithfully serve Thee for the 
 future, endue us with grace to amend our lives 
 according to thy holy will. Let thine eternal 
 Spirit so dwell in our souls and bodies, that 
 wliether we sleep or wake, live or die, we may be 
 thine. 
 
 Impress our minds with a high sense of tliy 
 majesty, power, and glory. Help us all to see that 
 thy works proclaim the greatness of thy name and 
 the wondrous character of thy nature. Whenever 
 we think or speak of Thee, whenever we offer praise 
 and prayer, may it be with the recollection that 
 Thou art the Lord God Almighty, glorious in 
 holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. Keep 
 also before our eyes thy Son Jesus Christ. Help 
 us to study and adore his character, and so to 
 follow his footsteps as becometh the disciples of a 
 pure and holy Master. 
 
 Give thy blessing to our Sovereign, to the rulers 
 of our land, and to the ministers and members of 
 thy holy Church. Save the sick and all in any 
 adversity. 
 
 To thy fatherly care we commend our family, 
 relations, friends, and neighbours. The Lord bless 
 us and keep us, and make his face to shine upon 
 us, both now and evermore, for Clu"ist's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 C 40 ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 SIXTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 lEvening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXIV, 1—31. 
 
 MERCIFUL God and Father, fulfil now thj 
 gracious promise, as in the name of thy dear 
 Son we come into thy presence, and make known at 
 thy footstool all our care. It is of thy goodness we 
 have been kept safely through the night, and that 
 in the renewed experience of morning mercies we 
 are permitted to unite at thy footstool in thanks- 
 giving and praise. Lord, let not thy daily bless- 
 ings fall on cold and thankless hearts. How have 
 we failed to realise the exceeding abundance of thy 
 Divine compassions ; how contracted is our know- 
 ledge of the precious and priceless gift of thy dear 
 Son. Forgive us, we pray Thee, this and all our 
 other sins. Speak peace to our souls, and make 
 known to us our forgiveness, by shedding upon 
 our hearts the sweet sense of thy reconciling love 
 and pardoning grace. 
 
 In thy name and in thy fear we desire to go 
 forth to the duties of this day. We look up to 
 Thee for protection and guidance. Go Thou with 
 us wherever we go ; be Thou with us wherever we 
 are. Stand Thou between us and all dangers. 
 Turn aside the shafts of evil which may be launched 
 against us by the malice of Satan, or the unkind- 
 ness of our fellow-men. All our circumstances, in 
 their minutest details, are known to Thee, and spread 
 before thine all-seeing eye. Thou knowest our 
 peculiar trials, whether at home or in the engage- 
 ments of our daily calling. Thou knowest all that 
 is in our hearts, the weak points of our character, 
 the side on which we are most exposed to temp- 
 tation, and the sins which most easily beset us. 
 Lord, in thy mercy, and for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ thy dear Son, strengthen our faith. Awaken 
 us to greater watchfulness. Help us in every hour 
 of our need and temptation. Give us tenderness 
 of conscience. If we are proud, humble us, and 
 inspire in us the meekness and gentleness of Christ. 
 If we are forgetting Thee in the eager pursuit of 
 worldly things, show to us that one thing is needful. 
 K we are under the power of any sin, arouse us to 
 struggle against it, and by thine Almighty Spirit 
 break the bonds that hold us captive. Deliver us, 
 Lord God, and save us for thy great name's 
 sake. 
 
 Hear us, we pray Thee, for all whom we love ; 
 we would send them a blessing by thy hand. Thou 
 knowest what is best for them ; watch over them 
 all for good. 
 
 We pray that thy favour may be with us in all 
 that we put our hands to this day. Prosper Thou 
 our daily work, and enable us in all things to do 
 that which is just and right before Thee and to- 
 wards all men. Hear us, gracious God, and 
 answer us ; help us, keep us, and bless us, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LVIII. 
 
 WE humbly pray Thee, God, to help us in 
 this our evening service. Give us thy Holy 
 Spirit to enkindle our affections, guide our 
 thoughts, direct us to the petitions we ought to 
 ask, and to teach us how to pray. We would ask 
 only such things as are pleasing in thy sight. Thou 
 knowest what is good for each one of us kneeling 
 before Thee ; but we do not, for we are ignorant 
 even of all our needs. We therefore earnestly 
 pray the Holy One to rule and direct our hearts 
 whilst we call upon Thee. 
 
 We feel that we have omitted many things this 
 day which it was our bounden duty to have done. 
 We feel, too, that many things have been done 
 which are not in accordance with thy Divine law. 
 We bewail these our offences. We find them 
 a grievous burden ; but do Thou remove it ; take 
 it far off; roll it from our hearts. May each one 
 of us feel in our own conscience that our trans- 
 gressions are forgiven freely and fully, through 
 the all prevailing atonement of thy dear Son. 
 
 And what mercies have we enjoyed ! Our family 
 circle still unbroken ; health and strength still 
 our portion ; food and raiment still bestowed ; 
 guided and guarded still by thy fatherly love and 
 goodness ; and all kneeling here to thank Thee for 
 thy continued lovingkindness, and to adore tlie 
 hand that scatters upon our pathway so many and 
 great bounties. 
 
 Evermore give us grateful hearts. Evermore, 
 Lord, incline us to praise and adore Thee, thou 
 giver of all good things. Evermore grant us to 
 feel that He who hath led us on hitherto will lead 
 us on in safety to the home of the blessed, which is 
 above. We praise Thee, we laud Thee, we magnify 
 Thee, we give thanks to Thee, thou good, and gra- 
 cious, and loving Benefactor and Father. 
 
 And now that we are about to retire to our rest, 
 keep us still under thy protection. We are helpless, 
 exposed to many and great dangers, but we look to 
 Thee; Thou that keepest Israel never slumberest. 
 Thine eye is ever watchful. In safety keep us, and 
 grant that our night's rest may, by thy mighty 
 power, restore and fit us for the duties of the 
 coming day. 
 
 Bless our relatives and friends; the poor and 
 the destitute; the sick and dying; every man in 
 his vocation and ministry; and forget not our 
 native land. Remember our Queen and her 
 family ; our senators, our judges, and our magis- 
 trates ; remember our pastors and teachers ; and 
 have mercy upon the heathen who know Thee 
 not. Send unto them thy light and truth. Hasten 
 the coming of thy Son. Hear us, we humbly 
 beseech Thee, for the sake of our blessed Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 41 ] 
 
 No. 6. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SIXTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXIV. 32—67. 
 
 WE would turn, Lord God, our earliest 
 thoughts to Thee. In thy providence Thou 
 hast spared us during the hours of the past night, 
 Thou hast kept watch beside our beds. Thou hast 
 renewed our strength, and hast awakened us to 
 find all our family circle blessed by Thee. We 
 kneel now before Thee, and utter forth our united 
 thanksgiving. Lord God, we need thy help and 
 protection throughout this day. We cannot go right, 
 we cannot do right, we cannot even think right, 
 without Thee. Be with us, then, God, in all we 
 think and do. Be with us in our goings out and in 
 our comings in ; and help us so to act that when 
 we come to lie down at night our conscience may 
 be free from sins against thy Divine law. 
 
 We feel, Lord, our own utter weakness. We 
 feel that unless we have the constant indwelling 
 of thy Spirit we cannot please Thee. There is 
 much pride remaining within our breasts, much 
 irritability of disposition, much impatience if trial 
 comes upon us, much readiness of judging others, 
 so that we are prone of ourselves to go astray. 
 Lord God, our faith is so weak, our love so 
 lukewarm, our interest in Divine things so little, 
 that unless thy Spirit strengthen, and enkindle, 
 and keep alive our faith and love, Ave cannot but 
 err and stray. 
 
 Keep us, then, Lord God, keep our hearts 
 aright ; keep our very thoughts ; keep our unruly 
 tongue , keep us in all things ; and grant that this 
 day we may breathe the spirit of Jesus, and follow, 
 in all our dealings with our fellow-men, the foot- 
 steps of our Divine Master. We would live to thy 
 honour and glory. 
 
 If tempted, may we, by thy power, resist and 
 overcome ; but if it be thy will, lead us not into 
 temptation. Give success to the work of our 
 hands. May we be blessed in our business and 
 pursuits. Thou knowest the needs of each and all, 
 grant us help and blessing in accordance with these 
 needs. Apportion strength according to our neces- 
 sities. Bless our children ; may they learn thus 
 early to love and to serve Thee. May they be thy 
 children. May their young hearts be touched by 
 thy truth, and may they give themselves up to the 
 Lord. Bless those that govern among us. May 
 we remember that we have a Master in heaven. 
 Bless us all with the spirit of love, of truth, and 
 of a sound mind. 
 
 And now we commit all those for whom we 
 ought to pray to thy blessing and keeping. Bless 
 them according to their sereral necessities ; give 
 them in this world knowledge of thy truth, in 
 the world to come life everlasting. 
 
 These and all other mercies we ask in the name 
 and for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN V. 1—23. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and merciful God, enable us to 
 draw nigh to Thee at this time with one ac- 
 cord, in full assurance of faith, by thy dear Son 
 Jesus Christ, the Lord our righteousness, who died 
 the just for the unjust, that He might bring us 
 unto Thee. We are not fit to come into thy holy 
 presence, but thy dear Son has promised that 
 whatsoever we ask in his name we shall receive. 
 
 God, we thank Thee for thy fatherly care 
 during the past day ; for food and raiment, health 
 and strength ; for a peaceful home ; and for the 
 mutual help and comfort we have one of another. 
 But still more do we bless Thee for the word of 
 thy salvation ; for all the means of grace we enjoy 
 here, and the hope of glory in the world to come. 
 We are unworthy of the least of all thy mercies. 
 Oh, may thy goodness lead us to repentance. By 
 thy blessed Spirit convince each of us this night of 
 our sins, especially of the sins and shortcomings of 
 the past day. May we be ashamed of our many 
 iniquities, and feel that we are indeed miserable 
 sinners, and have no power to help ourselves. 
 God, we thank Thee that Thou hast revealed to us 
 a pool of Bethesda, a fountain opened for sin and 
 uncleanness. Give us grace, each one, to step in, 
 knowing and feeling the plague of our oaati hearts. 
 Let the power of the Lord be now present to heal 
 us. Wash us and make us white in the blood of 
 the Lamb. May Christ himself draw near, and 
 apply his precious merits and impart his virtues to 
 each of us, that we may feel in ourselves that we 
 are healed of our plague. God, help us to walk 
 as thy redeemed, and to adorn the doctrine of God 
 our Saviour in all things. May our whole con- 
 versation be such as becomes the Gospel. Implant 
 the same mind in us as was in the Lord Jesus ; 
 the same meekness, gentleness, and purity ; the 
 same zeal for Thee and love to all men. 
 
 Bless us, oiu' God, and make us a blessing, 
 separately, and also as a Christian household. 
 Grant that the Son of peace may ever abide be- 
 neath this roof, that there be no secret or open 
 wickedness here, and nothing in any member of 
 this family which shall cause Thee to withdraw th}"- 
 presence from us. Take us under thy gracious 
 care this night. Preserve us from all accidents, 
 sickness, and sad tidings, and from all that might 
 grieve or vex us. Grant us that sleep which Thou 
 seest good and needful for us. May our last 
 thought be of Thee, and may we awake to find 
 we are still with Thee. Bless all our dear friends 
 with every temporal and spiritual mercy in Christ 
 Jesus. Be Thou their God, and do for them and 
 for us above all that we ask or think, now and 
 ever, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord and 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 r 42 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTH WEEK— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PROVERBS III. 
 
 OGOD of Hosts, hear our prayer. Meet us in 
 our worship. May we all be in the Spirit of 
 the Lord on the Lord's day. Be merciful unto us, 
 God, through the merils of thy dear Son, our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. He died for our sins, but 
 was raised again for our justification. We plead 
 his righteousness alone. Give to thy servants, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, fellowship with his suffer- 
 ings, and let us know the power of his resurrection. 
 May we be risen with Christ. May we seek, this 
 day, those things which are above, where Christ 
 sitteth on the right hand of God. 
 
 We present to Thee, Lord, our offering of 
 praise for the mercies of the past week. Thou hast 
 defended and comforted us every night. Thou 
 hast been always doing us good. If we are per- 
 mitted to go up to thy holy temple, and to worship 
 with thy people, of thy great goodness, go Thou 
 witli us. . Let us worship God, who is a Spirit, in 
 spirit and in truth. May we hear thy holy Word 
 in all humility, and understand it, and believe it, 
 and obey it from the heart. Assist thy servant who 
 shall speak to us in thy name. May he speak as a 
 good minister of Jesus Christ, and this day know 
 nothing amongst men save Jesus Christ and him 
 crucified. If, in thy providence, any amongst us 
 be deprived of the services of the sanctuary, do 
 thou, nevertheless, visit us with the joys of thy 
 salvation, and open to us the Scriptures, and draw 
 near to us in our private worship, and let our home 
 be to us as the house of God. 
 
 We pray, merciful Father, for all faithful 
 pastors, and for all who confess Christ and acknow- 
 ledge him to be the Lord. May they all this 
 day receive help out of Zion, and be satisfied with 
 the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple. 
 May thy people everywhere keep the unity of the 
 Spirit in the bond of peace. Hear us, God, for 
 all mankind, especially for those who, being aliens 
 from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to 
 the covenant of promise, shall hear this day of 
 Christ in our own land or on foreign shOfTCS. Send 
 down upon them thy Holy Spirit. Take away the 
 stony heart from every sinner, and give him a 
 heart of flesh. Lord, let thy word have free 
 course, and be glorified. Let the people praise 
 Thee, God, yea, let all the people praise Thee. 
 Soon let all lands keep their Sabbaths, and let 
 the reign of righteousness spread over all the earth. 
 
 And now, may He who brought again from the 
 dead our Lord Jesus, that Great Shepherd of the 
 sheep, through the blood of the everlasting cove- 
 nant, make us perfect in every good work, to do 
 his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing 
 in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be 
 glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST, JOHN V. 24-47. 
 
 OTHOU, from whom cometli every good and 
 perfect gift, we praise Thee for the blessings 
 of this thy day, for the privilege of Christian wor- 
 ship, and for the Gospel of thy grace, the good 
 news which have come to us concerning thy Son 
 Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. We be- 
 lieve in Thee, Saviour, as the Anointed One of 
 God, to whom give all the prophets witness. Thou 
 art the Way, the Truth, and the Life ; the Bread 
 that came down from heaven ; the living Water, 
 of which if a man drink he shall never thirst. 
 Oh, draw us near unto Thee, we implore Thee. 
 Let thy life be imparted to us ; let thy love quicken 
 and animate us. Speak words of power and of 
 mercy to our darkened souls ; open our under- 
 standings ; turn our affections toward thyself ; 
 create in us clean hearts, and renew right spirits 
 within us. If we be already among thy faithful 
 ones, keep us always from sinking back into the 
 sloth of unbelief; stimulate us to higher aims, fill 
 us with purer motives ; may it be our daily en- 
 deavour to grow in knowledge and in grace. If we 
 be arising from the dead, aroused to a sense of sin 
 and weakness, guide us to thy cross, Lord Jesus ; 
 teach us how thy death was our life, how by thy 
 stripes we are healed. If any of us be utterly dead 
 in trespasses and sins, merciful Saviour, arouse them, 
 we implore Thee ; speak the word of authority, as 
 of old in the streets of Nain, and by the cave at 
 Bethany, and awaken them out of sleep. Oh, that 
 we might all lie down this night reconciled through 
 Thee to the Father, clothed in thy righteousness, 
 sanctified by thy Spirit ; that whether we live or 
 die, wake or sleep, we might be the Lord's ; and 
 thus, when Thou comest in the glory of thy Father, 
 to execute judgment, grant to us that we may be 
 among the blessed company who come forth at 
 thy call unto the resurrection of life. 
 
 And now, most merciful Father, we commend 
 each other to thy keeping during the darkness of 
 the night. Protect, we pray Thee, our persons, our 
 property, our home. Though we be but a little 
 group in thy great family, remembey us ; give 
 thine angels charge over us ; and Thyself, thou 
 Keeper of Israel, who never slumberest, be as a 
 wall of fire about our dwellings. Be pleased, in 
 like manner, to care for all our absent ones. Extend 
 thy guidance to the perplexed, thy consolation to 
 the sorrowful, thy charity to the homeless and 
 destitute. Bless thy word to all who have heard it 
 this day. Make it instrumental, even now, to the 
 awaking of the careless, the comforting of the 
 afflicted, and to the edification of all. Blot out, 
 we implore Thee, all our transgressions; and re- 
 ceive us graciously, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ -13 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XII. 14—28, 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we draw near 
 to thy throne with deep reverence, adoring 
 thy glorious perfections, confessing our sins, and 
 supplicating thy gracious regard and unmerited 
 mercy. Blessed be thy name that, through the 
 blood which speaketh better things than the blood 
 of Abel, we can come near to thy footstool. Give 
 us grace to hear thy voice as thou speakest in thy 
 Word and by thy Spirit, and ever to serve Thee 
 with reverence and godly fear. 
 
 our God, we thank thee for the gift of thy 
 Son. May his life be our righteousness, his death 
 our atonement and salvation, and his mighty inter- 
 cession at thy right hand our constant and abiding 
 security and help in every time of trouble. We 
 thank Thee, Lord, for the means of grace 
 and the blessed privileges of the glorious Gospel of 
 thy Son. Gloiy be to thy gracious name, we are 
 permitted to draw near to Thee ! Lord, give us 
 simple, full, and strong faith in Christ for the salva- 
 tion of our souls. Oh, forgive us all that has been 
 wrong in the past; and grant us such spiritual 
 strength f6r all future duties and difficulties, that 
 in everything we may glorify thy holy name. 
 
 Thou, Lord, art acquainted with all our affairs. 
 Direct us in thine own way ; show us the path of 
 duty ; and, for the sake of our blessed Redeemer, 
 pour down upon u.s thy special blessing, and give 
 us in rich abundance the help of thy Holy Spirit. 
 
 We acknowledge our sins, and are deeply grieved 
 on account of our many transgressions ; in thought, 
 word, and deed, we have offended against Thee. 
 We have broken thy laws, and have not profited 
 by the many opportunities which have been gra- 
 ciously laid in our path. We have not been as 
 grateful as we ought to be for thy mercies daily 
 bestowed upon us. Forgive us, Lord, for all 
 these things. Take not thy Holy Spirit from us. 
 Let us not fail of thy grace ; nor for anything 
 which this world can offer, barter our hope of 
 eternal glory. Continue thy loving-kindness and 
 thy gracious mercies towards us. Help us per- 
 sonally to honour thy great name. Let no bitter- 
 ness or strife be found among us, but make us a 
 family serving Thee and loving one another ; 
 willing to be guided by thy Word in all things 
 that may happen to us. 
 
 We commend to Thee, Lord, ourselves and 
 all whom we love ; our country and our gracious 
 Queen ; make all our great men good men ; give 
 them grace and courage to perform the duties 
 of their high stations as in thy sight. Bless all 
 thy ministers in their work ; give them the signs 
 of thy presence in converted and believing hearers. 
 We pray for all* in the name of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XII, 1—21. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, unto whom all hearts be 
 open and all desires known, cleanse the 
 thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy 
 Holy Spirit ; enable us to realise at this time thy 
 presence in the midst of us, and to worship Thee 
 in spirit and in truth. 
 
 We praise thee, Lord, for the unnumbered 
 mercies which have prevented and followed us ; for 
 all the blessings of this life ; for the continuance to 
 us of our faculties and powers of mind and body ; 
 but more especially for what we have individually 
 experienced of thy loving-kindness, faithfulness, 
 and power. Oh, may we show forth thy praise not 
 only with our lips, but in our lives. 
 
 We come before thee, Lord, as those who in 
 some measure feel their sins and their sinfulness. 
 In us dwelleth no good thing. Although we may 
 have been preserved from many of those outward 
 sins into which others have fallen, yet we would 
 remember that the seed of every evil is within us, 
 and that the principle of corruption constantly 
 works in us, defiling our thoughts, corrupting our 
 motives, drawing down our affections, and causing 
 us sometimes even to doubt what Thou hast said. 
 We must still come before Thee in the deepest 
 humiliation, saying. Unclean, unclean. 
 
 Yet, Lord, give us to know that while in 
 ourselves we are sinners, in Christ we are saved ; 
 and enable us to rise to the enjoyment of those 
 blessings wherewith Thou hast blessed thy people 
 in Christ Jesus. We pray Thee to order all things 
 for us as Thou seest best, and grant that as our 
 day is so our strength may be. 
 
 And now, Lord, we beseech Thee to bless 
 those near and dear to us. We rejoice to feel that 
 their state and circumstances are known unto Thee. 
 If it be thy will, cause the light of thy truth to 
 shine into the hearts of those yet in darkness. 
 Turn Thou them, and they shall be turned; call 
 Thou them, and«they shall call upon Thee. 
 
 And do Thou, who wilt not break the bruised 
 reed nor quench the smoking flax, carry on thy 
 work wherever it is begun. Do Thou support the 
 weak, protect the tempted, lift up them that are 
 cast down, strengthen the feeble knees, and give 
 joy for mourning, the garment of praise foj' the 
 spirit of heaviness. Bless thy beloved people, 
 by whatever outward name they may be called. 
 Send many faithful labourers into thy harvest. 
 Take us under thy care during the hours of dark- 
 ness ; and if it please Thee to spare us to another 
 day, may we rise with thankful hearts to engage in 
 every work to which Thou shalt see fit to call us. 
 All this, and whatever else is good in thy sight, we 
 ask in the name and for the sake of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 44 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXVI. 1—26. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, help us 
 this morning to praise Thee for tliy benefits, 
 and may all that is within us bless thy holy name. 
 We thank Thee for thy preserving care during the 
 night. We laid us down and slept ; we awaked, 
 for Thou sustainedst us. Heavenly Father, we 
 look to Thee for aid and succour during the day on 
 which we have entered. We know not what may 
 be its sorrows and its joys, its trials and tempta- 
 tions. But Thou knowest them all. Hide us 
 under the shadow of thy wing. Make perfect 
 thy strength in our weakness. Sprinkle, we be- 
 seech Thee, our hearts and consciences, and may 
 the life we now live in the flesh be a life of faith 
 in Jesus, who loved us, and gave himself for us. 
 
 God, thou hast been the guide of thy people 
 in every age; thou didst lead thy servants Abraham, 
 Issae, and Jacob, of old. In all their wanderings 
 Thou wast with them, and didst never leave nor 
 forsake them. Say to us as Thou didst to Isaac, 
 " I will be with tliee, and bless thee ; " and enable 
 us by tiiy grace to obey thy voice. Help us to 
 walk in wisdom towards them that are with- 
 out, and when temptation assails us, make there- 
 witli a way to escape, that we may be able to 
 bear it Grant us such a measure of blessing in 
 our worldly callings as Thou seest good for us, 
 but may we never, Lord, whilst enjoying thy 
 gifts, prove unmindful of the Giver. 
 
 May we endeavour, as much as in us lieth, to 
 live peaceably with all men, never returning railing 
 for railing, but contrariwise, blessing. Let not 
 our dwelling become a place of contention, nor 
 a place of hatred, but may it ever be to us a 
 Bethel, the house of God and the gate of heaven. 
 Grant that brotlierly love may continue, and that 
 all the graces of the Spirit may live, grow, and 
 abound in us. 
 
 Bless all our relatives and friends. Look gra- 
 ciously on our beloved Sovereign, and all the 
 members of the royal family. Continue thy favour 
 to our country. Regard with thy pity and favour 
 all orders and degrees of men. May the rich be 
 poor in spirit, and the poor rich in faith. Comfort 
 the sons and daughters of affliction ; support them 
 under their trials, and grant them a happy issue 
 out of all their sufferings. Prosper all efforts for 
 the promotion of thy Gospel both at home and 
 abroad. Hasten the time when Jew and Gentile 
 shall be one fold under one Shepherd, Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 Hear us, we pray Thee ; pardon us ; bless us ; 
 and do for us far more than, through our weak- 
 ness and ignorance, we have been able to ask, 
 for the sake of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XLII. 
 
 DIVINE Father, God of all the families of 
 Israel, who hast created the heavens and 
 stretched them out, who givest breath and spirit to 
 them that walk upon the earth, we, the creatures of 
 thy hand, come to bless Thee, and to call Thee Father 
 in thy Son Jesus. In ourselves there is no good 
 thing, but he is thine elect, in whom thy soul de- 
 lighteth. Accept us in him. Of ourselves we know 
 not how to pray as we ought, but give us, as Thou 
 hast promised, thy Holy Spirit, that we may give 
 glory unto Thee, and declare thy praise. 
 
 Lord, most holy and most merciful, impute not 
 unto us our sins this day. We confess them now, 
 each of us, to Thee. We would not hide them, 
 nor excuse them, but bring -them out, and lay them 
 on Jesus. Oh, wash us, and make us clean. 
 Deliver us not only from the punishment which our 
 sins have merited, but from the power which they 
 have over us, and, oh ! ever keep us from presump- 
 tuous sins. Make our consciences tender ; make 
 thy law great and honourable in our sight. Make 
 us to run the way of thy commandments with a 
 perfect heart. 
 
 For Thou art a most tender Father, and the 
 bruised reed Thou wilt not break, and the 
 smoking flax Thou wilt not quench. We desire 
 to bless Thee for thy love, while we humble our- 
 selves in the dust for our exceeding unworthiness. 
 We thank Thee for daily bread, for our happy 
 home, for human kindness, for the precious love of 
 friends, for opportunities of helping our brethren ; 
 but most of all, we bless Thee for the Son of thy 
 love, and for the gift of thy Spirit, for the rivers of 
 pleasure in thy house, and for the hope laid up for 
 us in heaven. Grant, Lord, that having this hope 
 we may purify ourselves, even as Christ is pure. 
 
 And now we ask Thee to give us yet more out 
 of thy fulness, and to continue to us thy mercy. If 
 tribulation come upon us, enable us to suffer 
 patiently. If prosperity shine upon us, teach us 
 that every good gifb cometh of Thee. Bless the 
 children of this family with thine abundant grace. 
 Give to all near and dear to us what we have asked 
 for ourselves. Spare useful lives. Make peace where 
 there is now war. Give bread where there is now 
 hunger. In our own land, and in our own neigh- 
 bourhood, strengthen thy ministers to preach thy 
 Word. Set judgment in the earth, and make the 
 isles wait for thy law. When we sleep, let thine 
 everlasting arms be round about us ; when we wake, 
 meet us with sweet thoughts of Thee. Living or 
 dying, let us be the Lord's ; and when life is over, 
 call us to sit down together at the marriage supper 
 of the Lamb ; for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom, 
 with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be all praise 
 and glory, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 r 45 ] 
 
MORNlNQ.l 
 
 SEVENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXVII. 1-29. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE VL 12—38. 
 
 OTHOU most gracious God, who hast been in 
 all ages the confidence of thy people, we bless 
 Thee that Thou dost still hear and answer prayer. 
 We earnestly desire that the same Holy Spirit who 
 taught men in ancient days to call upon thy name, 
 may now instruct us, so that with reverence, with 
 gratitude, with faith, and with all humility, we may 
 bow at thy footstool. We thank Thee that Thou 
 hast once again restored the day, and quickened 
 all our powers of body and of mind. Thou hast 
 given us refreshing sleep and safety during the 
 hours of darkness, and we believe that the same 
 power and mercy which have raised us up this 
 morning will one day animate our dust, and raise 
 us from the sleep of death. Let all the gifts of thy 
 wise and holy providence fill our souls with thank- 
 fulness to Thee. 
 
 We come unto Thee, heavenly Father, in the name 
 of Christ our Elder Brother. We would be clothed 
 with his righteousness, and we plead in his name for 
 the bestowal of that blessing which maketh rich, 
 and addeth no sorrow to it. Make us to know our 
 interest in those boundless blessings which proceed 
 to men through Jesus Christ, who was the hope of 
 the patriarchs, and who has been so distinctly made 
 known to us in the Gospel of thy grace. Preserve 
 us, Lord, from all deceit and untruthfulness. 
 Suffer not strife or division at any time to destroy 
 our peace, or sever us from those dear to us by the 
 ties of nature or of friendship. Teach us to wait 
 for the fulfilment of thy promises, for Thou hast 
 said, " I am the Lord ; they shall not be ashamed 
 that wait for me." Never let us do evil that good 
 may come. May we choose affliction rather than 
 sin, and walk in the truth all our days. 
 
 And now bestow upon each one of us before 
 Thee a blessing, that shall abide with us throughout 
 this day. Make our labour light by the assurance 
 of thy love. Guide us continually by thy counsel, 
 and keep our hearts in thy fear. Help us to live 
 soberly, righteously, and godly, and bring us 
 together again at the close of the day in peace and 
 comfort, to praise thy holy name. Grant, Lord, that 
 our children may be obedient, loving, upright, and 
 honest ; and put Thou thy fear into their hearts, that 
 it may preserve them from evil. Bless all with 
 whom we have to do this day. Teach them and 
 us continually to render to one another that which 
 is neighbourly in thy sight ; and grant that all 
 men may see in us the fruits of true religion, to the 
 praise of thy holy name. Make our country and 
 our beloved Queen the objects of thy constant care 
 and kindness, and let all the earth rejoice in the 
 knowledo;e of Thee, our God. We ask it throug-h 
 our ever adorable Redeemer and Saviour, Jesus 
 Christ Amen. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, glorious in thy holiness, rich 
 in thy mercies towards us in Christ Jesus, look 
 down upon us, as once more we are gathered 
 together at thy footstool. Pardon, oh ! pardon, for 
 Jesus' sake, the sins and follies of this day. We are 
 too ready to lay up treasure upon earth. We shrink 
 from the daily cross. We are apt to call the rich 
 and great happy. We covet that which Thou hast 
 in mercy kept back from us. We are quick to 
 resent evil, and slow to forgive others. Oh, send 
 the Spirit of thy Son into our hearts, that we 
 may become like him. Give us of the true riches. 
 Make us willing to suffer with Jesus, that we may 
 hereafter reign with him. Grant us a large, a 
 liberal, and a loving heart. Teach us to love our 
 enemies. Supply all our need, according to thy 
 most gracious promise, " I will never leave thee 
 nor forsake thee." Watch over us this night, and 
 refresh us for the duty and service of the morrow. 
 
 Bless, Lord, each one of us with the grace we 
 need at this time. Lead us to the fulness of grace 
 which is treasured up in Christ Jesus. Bless also 
 our dear relations and friends with all real good. 
 Seal the younger ones among us with the seal of 
 thy covenant love. Gather into thy fold those who 
 are still wandering from Thee. Strengthen the 
 weak and timid. Keep thine own people very 
 near to Thee, abiding in Jesus. Bless also our 
 sovereign the Queen, and all the royal family, and 
 make us as a nation to fear Thee and work 
 righteousness. 
 
 Thou great Head of the Church, who in the 
 days of thy flesh didst send forth thine apostles to 
 prepare thy way, raise up a succession of faithful 
 pastors, who shall fully preach thy Word, and be 
 ensamples to the flock. Defend thy Church from 
 all false teachers. Send thy Holy Spirit to accom- 
 pany the ministry of thy Word with power, that 
 sinners may be converted, and thy people grow up 
 in Christ. And, thou Lord of the harvest, send 
 forth labourers among the heathen, and to the 
 house of Israel, and greatly bless them. Hasten, 
 Lord, thy coming and thy kingdom, to the 
 glory of thy great name. 
 
 With these our prayers accept, Lord, our 
 humble and hearty praises for all thy mercies 
 towards us. We bless Thee for food and raiment, 
 for friends and benefactors; above all, for the 
 Gospel of thy grace, for thy written Word, thy 
 holy Sabbaths, and for the hope of glory. All 
 praise and honour be unto Thee, Father, Son, 
 and Holv Ghost, one Jehovah, for thy boundless 
 love ! Help us to praise Thee better here, and 
 may we worship Thee perfectly in thine own 
 kingdom hereafter, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ -16 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXVII. 30—46. 
 
 OGOD, who makest the outgoings of the morning 
 to rejoice, it is a good thing lo give thanks 
 unto Thee, Lord, to show forth thy loving-kind- 
 ness in the morning and thy faitiifuhiess every 
 night. Praise is comely for the righteous, and 
 gladness for the upright in heart. We adore Thee 
 for again restoring us to the activities of life. Thou 
 hast been about our bed, and hast given us rest 
 and sleep. Eefreshed by the rest of the night, we 
 come forth to the duties of another day ; but while 
 we enjoy hght, and life, and all the temporal 
 bounties of thy hand, we remember that man lives 
 not by bread alone, but by every word that pro- 
 ceeds out of the mouth of God. We adore Thee 
 for this provision of thy grace. 
 
 Bless to us that portion of thy Word now read. 
 May its solemnity and importance deeply impress 
 us. God forbid that we should lightly estimate the 
 privileges, with which Thou hast favoured us, lest 
 at last we should have to exclaim in bitterness, 
 " The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and 
 we are not saved." May we firmly believe that 
 whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap ; that 
 he who sows to the flesh shall of the flesh reap 
 corruption, and they that sow the wind shall reap 
 the whirlwind. Deliver us from the profanity of 
 Esau, who, by sinful appetite, involved himself 
 in sorrow and bitterness. Help us to keep under 
 our bodies, and bring them into subjection. May 
 the Holy Spirit make us his temples, that holiness 
 to the Lord may be written upon our bodies and 
 our souls. Regulate, we beseech Thee, the 
 thoughts of our hearts, and direct the actions of 
 our lives. Teach us in all things to walk in the 
 footsteps of thy dear Son. Oh, give us the grace 
 which shall enable us so to improve the events 
 and duties of life, as that each day may witness 
 our victory over sin, and the cultivation of what- 
 ever is pure, lovely, just, and good. Suffer us not 
 to give occasion to the enemy to blaspheme, or, 
 like Jacob, to be the means of prompting others to 
 anger and malice, but rather may we be blameless 
 and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in 
 the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, 
 and thus maintain a conscience void of offence 
 both towards God and man. For this, may we 
 set a watch over the door of our lips, that we may 
 not sin. Hold Thou us up and we shall be safe. 
 
 Comfort us with thy love, and strengthen us for 
 all duty with thy grace. Let us and all our friends 
 be written among the living in the new Jerusalem. 
 God be merciful to us, and bless us, and cause his 
 face to shine upon us, that thy way may be known 
 upon earth, and thy saving health among all nations, 
 for Christ's sake, to whom, with the Father and 
 the Spirit, be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE VL 39—49. 
 
 OLORD, oiu* God, bless, we pray Thee, thy 
 Word to our souls, and enable us to follow 
 its teachings. Grant that it may be our constant 
 aim to do as well as know thy will. Put thy laws 
 in our minds, and write them in our hearts, that 
 we may be thy people, and that thou mayost be 
 our God. 
 
 Make us, we beseech Thee, pure and holy; create 
 within us clean hearts, and renew right spirits 
 within us. Sanctify oirr affections and desires, 
 that it may be our joy to obey thy command- 
 ments and glorify thy name, and make us fruitful 
 in all good works, to the glory of thy name. May 
 our conduct ever prove that we are indeed the 
 disciples of Christ. Give us grace to walk in his 
 footsteps, and to look to him as our example, as 
 well as our Saviour. May the same mind that was 
 in Jesus be in us. May we cultivate his temper and 
 disposition, and beholding, as in a glass, the glory 
 of the Lord, be changed into the same im,age, from 
 glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 
 
 Guide us, God, we pray Thee, by thy Holy 
 Spirit, into all truth. Forbid that we should be 
 blind followers of the blind. Give Tinto us both 
 light and sight. Open our eyes, that we may 
 behold wondrous things out of thy law, and enable 
 us to walk in the light, as children of light. Reveal 
 unto us, we earnestly entreat Thee, the glory of 
 the Saviour's character and work. Give unto us 
 firm faith in the efficacy of his sacrifice, and the 
 completeness of his atonement. Make us to realise 
 the power of his blood to wash away all sin, to 
 cleanse the soul from all pollution, and to render us 
 perfectly acceptable to Thee. Forgive, we pray 
 Thee, for his sake, all the sins that we have this 
 day committed. Speak to us words of pardon and 
 peace. Cause us to know that our sins are for- 
 given, and thus inspire us with full confidence in 
 thy fatherly goodness, and child-like, loving trust 
 in thy protection and care. 
 
 Accept our hearty thanks for all the mercies of 
 this day — for health, food, and raiment; for the 
 pleasures of friendship, for family endearments, for 
 all the good we enjoy. Make each individual mem- 
 ber of this household the object of thy love, and the 
 partaker of thy grace, and bless all the inhabitants 
 of the earth with the joys of thy salvation. 
 
 Watch over us during the hours of darkness ; pre- 
 serve us from all harm; refresh us with the sleep Thou 
 givest to thy beloved, and raise us up on the morrow 
 invigorated and refreshed for its duties. Guide us 
 by thy counsel, and afterwards receive us to glory, 
 for the sake of thy dear Son ; and unto God the 
 Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, as 
 unto one God, we will render everlasting praise. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 47 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXVL 
 
 OGOD our Father, most gracious and com- 
 passionate, we thank Thee that the h'ght of 
 another day has dawned on us, and that we are 
 permitted again to approach Thee in social wor- 
 ship, in the name of thy dear Son Jesus Christ. 
 Be with us, we beseech Thee, and let thy Holy 
 Spirit help our infirmities while "we call upon 
 Thee. We thank Thee for the portion of thy 
 Holy Word which has just been read; and we 
 pray that the savour of it may be in our hearts 
 continually. May the fear of God be ever before 
 our eyes, that we wander not into the ways of the 
 transgressors, who delight in the works of iniquity, 
 who devise mischief on their beds, and abhor not 
 that which is evil. Lord, Thou knowest how often 
 and how grievously we have sinned against Thee. 
 We have trodden in dangerous ways, and Thou 
 only hast known the greatness of our peril ; but, 
 blessed be thy holy name, thy mercy is in the 
 heavens, and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the 
 clouds. Thou, Lord, art the God who delightest 
 in showing mercy and forgiveness. Oh, visit 
 us with thy forgiving mercy, so shall we put 
 our trust under the shadow of thy wings, and 
 be abundantly satisfied with the river of thy 
 pleasures. Lord, make us to know Thee in 
 Christ Jesus as the Fountain of Life, and in thy 
 light grant that we may see light. Continue to 
 us thy loving-kindness, and give us a full ex- 
 perience of tliy righteousness, even the righteous- 
 ness of our God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ 
 unto all and upon all who believe. We look for a 
 free justification by thy grace in Christ Jesus, 
 whom Thou hast set forth to be a propitiation, 
 through faith in his blood, for the remission of 
 sins that are past, that Thou mightest be just, and 
 the justifier of those who believe in Jesus our 
 Lord. 
 
 our Father, when the workers of iniquity 
 are falling around us, do Thou uphold us in 
 righteousness ; and when the foot of pride and 
 the power of this World's wickedness are striving 
 against us, interpose mightily for our deliverance. 
 Help us ever to cast our care upon Thee, assured 
 that Thou carest for us. Make us to delight in 
 holiness ; and to that end, we pray Thee, fill us 
 with thy Spirit. Increase our faith, and every 
 other Christian grace, and incline and enable us to 
 promote thy glory in all we think, and say, and do. 
 Bless us as a family, according to our several 
 states and circumstances, and extend a like bless- 
 ing to our dear relatives and friends, even the 
 blessing which maketh rich, and with which no 
 sorrow is added. We ask these, and all other 
 needful things, in the name and for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS III. 
 
 OGOD, thy mercies are renewed every evening, 
 and great is thy faithfulness. Sensible of thy 
 goodness, we would not forget that much will be 
 required from those to whom much is given. 
 
 We have been solemnly reminded in thy Word 
 of the responsibilities and obligations which attach 
 to our Christian privileges. We are humbled by 
 the remembrance of these responsibilities. We are 
 constrained to confess how prone we are to allow 
 sinful preferences and prejudices to hinder spiritual 
 profit from the ministry of thy Word. Pardon, 
 Lord, this sinful disposition, and deliver us from 
 it. May we ever look to Thee for the blessing 
 without which there can be no increase, although 
 Paul may plant and Apollos water. Lord, 
 Thou hast taught us that all things are ours, if we 
 be Christ's ; give us, we pray Thee, experience of 
 the good things prepared for them that love Thee. 
 Teach us not to glory in men, but humbly to rest 
 on Thee alone. 
 
 And now, our God, we supplicate for our 
 souls the renewal of spiritual gifts. We are poor 
 and needy : graciously supply all our need out of 
 thy riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Make us 
 increasingly partakers of the justifying and sancti- 
 fying riches of Christ, which are unsearchable. 
 Apply afresh the blood of sprinkling to our con- 
 sciences, and by thy Holy Spirit write thy law in 
 our hearts, and work in us both to will and to do 
 those things that are pleasing in thy sight. 
 
 Extend to others the Christiar privileges which 
 we enjoy. Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh. 
 Pull down the strongholds of sin and Satan in 
 idolatrous lands. Bring home the outcast Jew. 
 Break the oppressor's yoke, and scatter the people 
 who delight in war. Strengthen thy ministering 
 servants at home and abroad for their work. In- 
 crease their number, and cause them in every place 
 to "triumph in Christ." Greatly prosper the 
 labours of our own pastor. Bless him for our 
 sake, that we may receive the greater benefit from 
 his ministrations. May he both save himself and 
 those who hear him. Look graciously upon our 
 kindred and our friends. May their souls prosper 
 and be in health. Sanctify every providence, 
 whether of prosperity or adversity, to their spiritual 
 good. 
 
 Finally, we pray Thee to preserve and protect 
 this household during the hours of the night. Let 
 no harm befall, and no ten-or disturb us. With 
 thankfiil, penitent, and believing hearts, may we 
 lie down in peace and take our rest ; and with the 
 morning sun may we arise to consecrate ourselves 
 more devotedly to thy service, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, to whom be honom- and glory for 
 Amen. 
 
 ever. 
 
 [ 48 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXVIII. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE VII. 1—23. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, for thy dear Son's sake, 
 accept this our family tribute of prayer and 
 praise. Thou art gracious and longsufFering, 
 bearing patiently with our infirmities ; even when 
 we have sinned against thee. Thou art wilHng to 
 receive us, if we come to Thee in godly sorrow, 
 trusting not to our own righteousness, but to the 
 atoning sacrifice of thy dear Son. Thou art the 
 same yesterday, to-day, and for ever. All thy 
 dealings with us are in tenderness and compassion. 
 If Thou chastenest us for our disobedience, and by 
 sharp trial makest our sin to find us out, it is that 
 Thou mayest bring us back to thyself, as Thou 
 didst Jacob thy servant, and give us peace and the 
 assurance of thy blessing. Even when brought 
 low by the conviction of our misdoings. Thou art 
 near, to teach us that the gates of mercy are not 
 closed, and that though we have dishonoured Thee 
 by our sinful thoughts, and sinful words, and 
 sinful acts, the way is yet open by which our 
 supplications may ascend to Thee, and thy bles- 
 sings come down upon us. 
 
 We praise Thee, Grod, for' the mercies of the 
 night, and that Thou hast raised us in safety this 
 morning. We desire to show our thankfulness by 
 a heartier and more constant obedience to thy will. 
 Give us, we entreat Thee, such a view of thy love 
 to us, as shown in all our mercies, spiritual and 
 temporal, as may constrain us to live, not for our- 
 selves, but for Thee. In thy goodness and love be 
 not far from us, but watch over us through all this 
 day. Preserve us amid its dangers. Great is our 
 need, but great also is thy sufficiency. Even our 
 lawful calHng may be a snare unto us, much more 
 the temptations of the great enemy, and the secret 
 promptings of our own evil hearts. God, 
 unable to keep ourselves, prone as we are to fall, 
 we implore thy help and protection. In thy keep- 
 ing we shall be safe : in thy sti'ength we shall be 
 strong. Kindle in omr hearts such a zeal for god- 
 liness and truth, that we may abhor all that is 
 fraudulent and deceitful, and set our faces like a 
 fiint against all solicitations to evil, come whence 
 tliey may. And grant, Lord, that ours may be 
 a life much cheered by communion with Thee. 
 We never can be where Thou canst not see us, or 
 where Thou art not near us. May we more and 
 more cherish the assurance of thy love, and, in the 
 trustfulness of an undoubting faith, cast all our 
 care upon Thee. 
 
 Hear us, merciful Father, in all we ask. Keep 
 from harm this day all whom we love, and bless 
 them with thy love. Lead them to the feet of 
 Jesus who know Him not. Succour the tempted 
 and tried. Lord, help and save, according to 
 tny mercy in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 OGOD, our Father, we come into thy presence 
 this evening as thy children, claiming the 
 privilege we have of drawing near to Thee in the 
 Son of thy love. Jesus Christ is our brother ; we 
 are one with Him. And, as Thou dost not refuse 
 to hear Him, Thou wilt not refuse to hear us. 
 
 Sprinkle our consciences afresh with the pre- 
 cious blood of Christ. We have sinned to-day, often 
 and greatly ; but now we bring our sins and spread 
 them before Thee. our Father, we thank Thee 
 that He has made reconciliation for the sins of thy 
 people, and that Thou wilt forgive, and dost 
 forgive. We are grieved that we so grieve Thee. 
 We rejoice that Thou dost blot out our iniquities 
 and rememberest our sins no more. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we ai'e beset with many 
 enemies. In our own strength we cannot resist 
 them ; but we trust in our High Priest, who has 
 himself suffered, being tempted. We know that 
 He sympathises with us in our worst temptations. 
 Jesus, succour us ; give us the victory. We 
 cannot fight except Thou fight for us ; we cannot 
 conquer except Thou conquer for us. We can do 
 nothing ; and yet, through Thee and in Thee, we 
 can do all things. 
 
 our Father, look in mercy on those who are 
 near and dear to us. Bless them, wherever they 
 are. If they are not thine already, make them 
 thy sons and daughters by faith in Christ Jesus. 
 If they are thine, fill them with all the riches of 
 thy grace. 
 
 Pour forth thy Spirit. May the Holy Ghost 
 work mightily in all hearts, in miracles of grace and 
 gifts, according to his owti will, gathering multi- 
 tudes to Christ from every nation, and people, and 
 kindred, and tongue, and giving to each believer 
 fresh power, fresh light, fresh joy, and fresh love. 
 
 Our God and Father, bless, we beseech Thee, 
 thy suffering people in every part of the world. 
 Enable those in sorrow to cast their sorrows on 
 the loving heart of Jesus. Be with those who, in 
 every land, are preaching the everlasting Gospel, 
 and grant them great success. May all thy people 
 glorify thy name, and shine as lights in the world. 
 
 Bless our Queen and our country. May thy 
 name be honoured in our councils, and be a wall 
 of fire around us. Watch over us this night. 
 Let none be satisfied to sleep unsaved. We thank 
 Thee that, whether asleep or awake, living or 
 dying, in Jesus we are safe. Keep us mider the 
 shadow of thy wings, and fill our hearts with joy 
 and peace in believing. 
 
 We ask all in the name of Jesus, thy dear Son, 
 to whom, with Thee, Father, and the Holy 
 Ghost, be glory, praise, and power, henceforth 
 and for evermore. Amen, 
 
 [ 49 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRlPi'URE PSALM XXXVIL 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XL 1-19. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and all-seeiiii; God, restored by thy 
 -tx. mercy to see another Sabbath day, we would 
 solemnly devote it to thy service, and spend it in 
 rest and spiritual occupation, so as thereby to re- 
 fresh both our hearts and bodies. 
 
 Lord, in Thee do Ave trust. We nre weak : 
 do Thou strengthen us; dark: do Tliou shine upon 
 us ; short-sighted : do Thou enlighten us. Help 
 us to trust Tliee when we cannot trace thy hand, 
 nssured that Thou doest all well, and that all things 
 Avork together for good to those who love Thee. 
 
 Overrule our waywardness when we wander ; 
 teach us to act as ever in thy sight, not fearing 
 what man can do unto us. Thou that orderest 
 all things according to the counsel of thy will, help 
 us to commit our way unto Thee in perfect confi- 
 dence, assured that Thou wilt bring to pass that 
 which concerneth us. May it be the desire of our 
 hearts to serve Thee, comforted by the assurance 
 that so long as we hold fast by the Lord, none of 
 our steps shall slide. Whatever be the lot of the 
 wicked, the thoughtless, and the profane, may it 
 never be ours. Keep us from becoming envious 
 at the prosperity of others, especially of the ungodly, 
 and suffer no prospect of gain ever to make us 
 think lightly of sin. 
 
 Grant that many heavenly, messages niay pass 
 up and down this day between our souls and 
 Thee. May we take our part faithfully in public 
 and private prayer, asking for our own need, 
 and for that of our neighbours, and for Christ's 
 Church throughout the world. Especially would 
 we remember the aged, the young, and the afflicted. 
 Build us up in our most holy faith ; help us all 
 to say, " I know in whom I have believed," and 
 may we have a good hope of eternal salvation 
 through Christ Jesus. May we keep before our 
 eyes the doom of the transgressors, who .shall be 
 destroyed at the last, and be enabled in all cases to 
 cast in our lot with the righteous, assured that it 
 shall be well with them that fear the Lord. Grant 
 us such a view of thy goodness in the sanctuary 
 this day that we may learn our blessedness as 
 children of God ; and if any of us have any doubts 
 as to our being born again, may we seek thy Holy 
 Spirit to create us anew in Christ, that old things 
 may pass away, and all things become new. 
 
 Bless our dear relations and friends ; enable us 
 to join them in spirit at thy footstool. Help all 
 Avho this day shall instruct the young. Assist, 
 Lord, thy ministering servants; enlighten their 
 minds, inspire their tongues, prepare the hearts of 
 the hearers, that thy Word may have free course and 
 be glorified amongst us, and bring forth fruit to 
 last for ever. These and all other mercies we ask 
 in the name of Jesus our Lord. Amen. 
 
 GRACIOUS and glorious Lord God, Thou hast 
 been very merciful to us this day, and we thank 
 Thee for thy goodness. We praise Thee, God 
 the Father, who hast created us ; and Thee, God 
 the Son, who hast redeemed us ; and Thee, God 
 the Holy Ghost, who abidest with us and sancti- 
 fiest us. Strengthen our faith, we beseech Thee, in 
 all thy love and truth. Let it not be shaken by the 
 sorrows or temptations of life, nor allow us to be dis- 
 couraged even though clouds and darkness hang at 
 times around our i)ath. If Thou seest trial good 
 for us, enable us to receive it with meekness and 
 submission, as of thy sending. Subdue in us at all 
 times a spirit of repining or impatience. We are 
 but weak and frail in ourselves, but in thy strength 
 we may iTieet the secret pi'omptings of doubt, and 
 the open assaults of evil, and come off more than 
 conquerors. 
 
 Bless to our hearts, God, all the services in 
 Avhich we have been engaged this Lord's dav. 
 Forgive the sins and selfishnesses which have 
 stained them, and let them be accepted for the 
 sake of Him in whose name we have performed 
 them. As each Sabbath comes round, may it be 
 the means of increasing our knowledge of JDivine 
 things. Make so clear to us what Thou hast re- 
 vealed, that we may not be offended at Christ or 
 his truth, but ever adore Him as our Emmanuel, 
 God with us, our great atoning Sacrifice, the 
 Lamb of God which taketh away the sin ot 
 the world, our great High Priest, who can be 
 touched with the feeling of our infirmities, 
 our exalted King, who shall come again in 
 the glory of his Father, and render to all 
 according to their works. Fix what we have 
 heard tlii.s day deeply in our hearts. Thou 
 speakest to us in the bright tokens of blessing and 
 in the sharpness of trial. Thou hast sent a 
 message to us in the warnings of thy law and the 
 invitations of thy Gospel. However Thou speakest 
 to us, prompt us by thy Spirit at all times to say, 
 " Speak, Lord, thy servant heareth." We ask this, 
 God, not alone for ourselves, but for others [for 
 the children of this family,] for those who are 
 bound to us by the ties of kindred and affection, 
 for all who are yet in bondage to sin and Satan, 
 for all who are suffering in mind, body, or estate. 
 God, heal the sick, quicken the dead in tres- 
 passes and sins, open the ears of those who are 
 deaf to thy voice, and turn the feet of many into 
 the way of thy commandments. Glorify thy name 
 by a great increase, day by day, to the number oi' 
 thy believing peo])le. 
 
 Casting ourselves on tby care and protection for 
 the night, we beseech Thee, Lord, to grant us 
 thy peace, for thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 50 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HOSEA XIV. 
 
 GREAT and most merciful Father, we thank 
 Tliee for thy precious promises of mercy to 
 penitent and backsliding souls. Lord, we repent 
 of our sins. Oh ! make our repentance deep and 
 sincere, a repentance that needeth not to be re- 
 pented of. We thank Thee for the gracious 
 promise of thy Word. Convince, cleanse, and 
 comfort the hearts of all sincere believers in Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, and speak peace to all who for- 
 sake their sins and retui'n to Thee. God of light, 
 reveal to our souls the value of thy Spii'it, that 
 we may thirst for his truth and grace. God of 
 love, reveal to us the power and willingness of our 
 glorified Redeemer to send down this most ex- 
 cellent gift of tliy Spirit into our hearts. May his 
 grace drop on us as the rain, and distil on us as 
 the dew, and make our heart ?s a watered garden 
 bringing forth ripe fruits unto Thee. May the 
 influences of thy blessed Spirit mingle with 
 all our meditations and prayers. May his 
 holy fire touch our hearts and lips with praise. 
 May his quickening power animate us to all holy 
 zeal and vigour in duty, and make us as the salt 
 of the earth to our generation, so that our speech 
 may be always with grace. Let his purifying 
 energy penetrate to the inmost springs of thought, 
 feeling, and action within us. May his grace so 
 feed our lamp, that it may burn steadily in lif^, 
 and through the valley and shadow of death. 
 
 God, shed thy love abroad in our hearts by 
 the Holy Spirit given unto us ; and while we 
 love Thee as our Father, may we love our fellow- 
 men as the olyects of thy love, and our fellow- 
 Christians as thy childi'en and our brethren in 
 Christ. Prepare us by thy Spirit for all the dis- 
 pensations of thy jn'ovidence. May we bring 
 forth the fruits of the Spirit in due degree and 
 proportion. May we be taught of God to be 
 moderate in prosperity, to be submissive in 
 suflf'ei'ing, to be meek under opposition, to be gentle 
 toward all men, and rightly to discharge every 
 duty connected with our calling and walk. We 
 thank Thee for past helps ; and we trust Thee, 
 Thou good and faithful God, for all future good, 
 and for all grace to help us in every time of need. 
 Bless thy Church with Pentecostal baptisms of thy 
 Spirit. Revive, Father, thy work in the midst 
 of us. Let Divine power attend thy preached 
 Gospel ; and let the world be more deeply and 
 widely convinced of its sin and its needof tiie great 
 salvation of thy Son. We would realise our 
 dependence on thy grace ; keep us sensitively 
 watchful lest we grieve the Holy Spirit of God, 
 by which we trust we are sealed to the day of 
 redemption. God, grant it all, for Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ ! 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XI. 20-30. 
 
 OGod, the Creator of all things, regard us, wo 
 entreat Thee, in this our prayer. How count- 
 le s are thy blessings ; how constant is thy care ; 
 how unwearied thy patience ; how surpassing all 
 knowledge is thy love ! Lord, when we think of 
 what we are, and in how many things, great and 
 small, we have sinned against Thee, we can but 
 adore thy mercy which spares us, and for the sake 
 of Jesus forgives our guilt. 
 
 We come in thy name, Lord Jesus, 
 for Thou hast bidden us. We confess the sins 
 which burden our consciences, and of which 
 Thou hast this day seen us to be guilty. The 
 evil thought, the impulse of unsanctified desire, 
 the impatient temper, the idle word, the envi- 
 ous eye, the selfish purpose, the disobedient and 
 rebellious will. Then, Lord, hast seen it, and 
 mai-ked it, as we thus grieved thy Spirit, and 
 turned a deaf ear to thy commands. Gracious 
 Saviour, wash us in thy atoning blood, and gi\'e 
 rest and peace to our anxious souls. And oh ! 
 enable us to learn meekly at thy feet all the lessons 
 which thou wouldst teach us. Subdue the pride 
 of our hearts, and all conceit of our own goodness 
 and knowledge, that we may be as babes before 
 Thee, and like little children hearken obediently to 
 every message which thy Word brings to us. 
 Lay thy yoke upon lis, and give us such a sweet 
 and abiding experience of thy love, as shall make 
 it easy and light. 
 
 Gracious God, awaken in us a deep conviction 
 of the greatness of our privileges, and remind us 
 continually that to whom much is given of him 
 will much be required. Thou hast indeed been 
 good and merciful to us beyond multitudes of our 
 fellow- creatures. Other nations are sitting in 
 darkness and in the shadow of death, while we 
 have the light of thy Gospel shining brightly 
 among us. To others thy Word is a sealed book, 
 but we can read it, none making us afraid. 
 Lord, preserve us, we entreat Thee, from blindness 
 of heart and contempt of thy Woi'd. Enable us so 
 to receive it, and to believe in it that not against 
 us may the heathen rise up in judgment, and 
 witness against our unbeMef and our sin. Save 
 us, God, from so great a condemnation. 
 
 [Take under tliy special teaching the younger 
 members of this family. May they be tliy dis- 
 ciples indeed. Let thy work in them be begun 
 early, and graciously draw their hearts to Thyself, 
 before they have been hardened by sinful habits 
 and blunted by contact with the world.] Spread 
 around lis during the night the shield of thy care ; 
 and if it please Thee, raise us to see the morning 
 light, and to serve Thee faithfully in the duties of 
 another day, for thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 . ] 
 
Morning. 1 
 
 EIGHTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXIX. 1—20. 
 
 OTHOU who art the God of all the families of 
 Israel, we bless Thee for the mercies of the 
 darkness and of the daylight. Thou hast re- 
 freshed us with sleep, and awakened us again to 
 active life. Supply all our needs, in food, and 
 clothing, and various comforts ; but, above all, 
 grant us a sense of thy love and favour. 
 
 Oh, let our communion with Thyself be real 
 and spiritual. Inspire in us that conscious fellow- 
 ship with Thee, our God and Father, which shall 
 enable ns, at home and abroad, to go about all 
 duties with cheerfulness. We do not know what 
 a day may bring forth, but would own and trust 
 Thee in all the relations, offices, and business of 
 life. Guide us with thy wisdom, protect us with 
 tliy power, replenish us with thy grace, and 
 uphold our feeble footsteps lest they slide. 
 
 We lay before Thee all that concerns us, and in 
 all implore thy blessing. Whether we pursue the 
 ordinary tenor of our way, or may be sui'prised 
 into new and unlooked-for circumstances, may we 
 feel equally assured of thy care, and depend upon 
 thine overruling hand. As we commit our ways 
 to Thee, so may we defer to thine unerring wis- 
 dom and unfailing goodness. Teach us, Lord, 
 a ,quiet submissiveness to thy will ; and when we 
 may be bewildered with doubt, or encompassed with 
 darkness, help us cheerfully to consider that our 
 pilgrimage is to a brighter world. May we look 
 upon all that happens here in its relation to in- 
 visible and everlasting things. Deliver us from 
 all distrust and suspicion. In patience may we 
 possess our souls. Enable us to come boldly to 
 thy throne, seeing we may with confidence look 
 for mercy, and shall assuredly receive grace from 
 the fulness of Christ. By looking to Jesus, may 
 we be preserved from being weary and faint. 
 Help us to rejoice in thy promises, and to plead 
 tbem in our prayers. Let each soul pi'esent feel 
 a deep concern to secure by fiiith a personal in- 
 terest in all the blessings of thine everlastino- 
 covenant. 
 
 We bring our kindred and friends before Thee, 
 and implore for them like blessi.ius as for our- 
 selves. Especially comfort and heal the sick. 
 Succour the oppressed, and provide for the poor 
 and destitute. Dispose all, according as they 
 receive from Thee, to give to the needy. Above 
 all blessings, be pleased to visit all men with the 
 blessings of thy salvation. Pity the nations of 
 mankind, and scatter the clouds of ignorance and 
 error. Deliver the heathen from cruel idolatry. 
 May the simple truths of the Gospel of Christ be 
 cordially believed, and thy kingdom and glory be 
 estalilished for ever and ever. Hear and answer 
 us for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE VII. 36-50. 
 
 IT is a good thing to give thanks unto the 
 Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, 
 Most High : to show forth thy loving-kindness in 
 the morning, and thy faithfulness every night." 
 Accept, Lord, our united thanks for the mercies 
 of this day. Thou hast preserved our going out 
 and our coming in. Thou hast given us " bread 
 to eat, and raiment to put on," and to these Thou 
 hast added numberless other comforts. Many, 
 Lord, are thy wonderful works which Thou hast 
 done, and thy thoughts which are to usward : they 
 cannot he reckoned up in order unto Thee ; if we 
 should declare and speak of them, they are more 
 than can be numbered. " Blessed be the Lord 
 who daily loadeth us with his benefits, even the 
 God of our salvation." " Give us that due sense of 
 all thy mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly 
 grateful." 
 
 We bless Thee for the Holy Scriptures, and ask 
 Thee to give us the aid of thy Spirit, that we may 
 be guided into all truth. We are encouraged by 
 thy Word now read to ask Thee to dwell among 
 us. We know we are not worthy that Thou 
 shouldst come under our roof, but Thou art not a 
 respecter of persons. Oh, make our hearts thy 
 home. " Abide with us ; for it is toward evening, 
 and the day is far spent ; " then " our tabernacle 
 shall be in peace." 
 
 We confess with shame, Lord, that we have 
 ill requited thy favours. How little have we loved 
 Thee in return for all thy love to us ! Instead of 
 daily remembering how much we owe Thee, we 
 are prone to forget thy benefits. OlT, teach us the 
 sinfulness of ingratitude, and of all our other sins, 
 that we may confess and forsake them. We plead 
 thy abundant mercy in Christ Jesus, " in whom 
 we have redemption through his blood, the for- 
 giveness of sins, according to the riches of his 
 grace." Let each one of us hear thy voice saying 
 to-night, " Thy sins are forgiven thee ; " '' thy 
 faith hath saved thee ; " and, having had much 
 forgiven, may we love much. 
 
 Be with us during the night. May we lie 
 down in peace with our fellow-creatures and with 
 Thyself ; may no plague come nigh our dwelling ; 
 may we have sleep and be refreshed ; and when 
 we awake, cause us to hear thy loving-kindness in 
 tliG morning, and with all diligence to give our- 
 selves to the work which >in thy providence thou 
 hast placed in our hands. 
 
 We present these petitions and thanksgivings, 
 Father, " in the name of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ," to whom " blessing, and glory, and wis- 
 dom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, 
 and might, be ascribed for ever and ever." 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 52 ] 
 
MORNESfG.] 
 
 EIGHTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXXI. 25-55. 
 
 MERCIFUL Father, who hast brought us in 
 safety to this day, accept, we beseech Thee, 
 our grateful thanks for thy protecting goodness. 
 Awaken our hearts to lively gratitude for thy 
 favours ; forgive all our transgressions, and fill us 
 M'ith thy Spirit of love and life, that we may faith- 
 fully serve Thee. 
 
 Preserve us, gracious God, this day, from all 
 the power of evil men whom we may be called to 
 meet in the business and intercourse of life. Let 
 them not be suffered to do us injury, nor to lead 
 us away from Thee ; and suffer us not in any 
 measure to forget Thee, our protector and friend. 
 We are weak and sinful creatures, and ever need 
 thy support and guidance. Oh, preserve us from 
 the expression or indulgence of any unholy temper 
 or passion. When wrongfully accused, may we 
 answer with meekness, and may our conduct be 
 such, that with well-doing, we may ])ut to silence 
 the ignorance of foolish men. May we be 
 faithful in all our relations witii our fellow-men, 
 and above all, ever faithful to Thee, feeling 
 the greatness of thy claims upon us, and remem- 
 bering continually thy redeeming love in the gift 
 of thy beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 thou Father of all the families of the whole 
 earth, bless our family. May we who are at 
 its head live for Thee. May our example, in 
 word, in temper, and in all our conduct, be in- 
 fluential for good. [May our children grow up in 
 thy fear and love to be the servants of God, a 
 blessing to their parents, and a benefit to their 
 generation. May their hearts be truly affected by 
 thy grace, that they may love that Saviour who 
 has first loved them.] Help us, God, ever to 
 I'emember our accountability to Thee for the dis- 
 chai'ge of all our duties to each other, and may 
 we in the spirit of our household and in its peace 
 and harmony, " adorn the doctrine of God our 
 Saviour in all things." May none of us permit 
 any vain idol to pollute and injure our own souls 
 and the souls of others, and bring upon us thy 
 dread anger ; but may we ever live as seeing Him 
 who is invisible. 
 
 We would intercede with Thee, God, on 
 behalf of those who are endeared to us by ties of 
 kindred or friendship ; may they be thy friends. 
 Bless all who ax'e afflicted, and sanctify thy cor- 
 rections to their spiritual profit, and so keep us 
 that when we come to the close of this day we 
 may have reasons for fresh gratitude in the 
 abundant blessings of thy grace, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, to whom, with the Father and 
 the Holy Spirit, one God, we ascribe all power, 
 and dominion, and praise, now, and for ever- 
 more. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW X. l-2;5. 
 
 L'^ATHER of mercies, we thank Thee that the 
 J- season of rest has once more arrived, and that 
 after the toils of the day it is om- happiness to take 
 thy holy name upon our lips, and to lift up our 
 hearts in thy worship. Pardon all the sin that 
 Thou has-^t seen in us this day ; let us not retire to 
 sleep with unforgiven guilt upon the conscience, 
 but, looking unto Jesus, may we have peace with 
 Thee, peace within, and peace with all beside. 
 Glory be to Thee, Lord, for all the mercies 
 bestowed upon us hitherto. How precious are 
 thy thoughts unto us, God! how great is the 
 sum of them ! If we should count them, they are 
 more in number than the sand ; when we awake 
 we are still with Thee. 
 
 Under the shadow of thy Almighty wings may 
 we, and all we love, repose in safety through this 
 night. Behold, God, those who lie upon beds of 
 pain, and comfort them. Hear the cry of the 
 troubled, and of him that hath no helper. Let thy 
 merciful care preserve those who are sailing on 
 the broad ocean. Do Thou, gracious Saviour, 
 who once liadst not where to lay thy hoad, befriend 
 the friendless, shelter the outcast, and let all men 
 know the riches of thy compassion and thy savin j^ 
 love. 
 
 Blessed for ever be thy holy name, Lord, that 
 Thou didst come into our world to save sinners, 
 and that now on the throne of thy glory Thou 
 dost still choose the poor of this world, and make 
 them rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. May 
 we be thy loyal subjects, loving friends, and faithful 
 disciples, and by thy grace enable us to bring ovir 
 fellow sinners unto Thee. We thank Thee that the 
 days of persecution are past in our land, and that 
 we can call upon thy name, none daring to make 
 us afraid. Keep us by thy mighty power from 
 the corruption that is in the world ; let us never 
 grow cold toward Thee ; never neglect thy Word or 
 thy worship ; but may we become more fervent in 
 prayer, wax stronger in the faith, grow in every 
 grace, and, enduring to the end, see Thee in thy 
 heavenly kingdom, and serve Thee with everlasting- 
 joy and gladness. Bless those in less favouretl 
 lands who are persecuted for righteousness sake ; 
 strengthen them to endure as seeing Him who is 
 invisible, and hasten the time when superstition 
 and sin shall cease to afflict our race. 
 
 Bestow, Lord, upon all our relations, friends, 
 and neighbours the mercies which Thou seest they 
 require. Comfort those of them who are aged ; 
 protect the young, and grant that all of them may, 
 with us, when days and nights shall be no more, 
 meet at thy right hand. And to Father, Son, 
 and Holy Ghost we will ascribe all blessings and 
 praise for ever. Amen. 
 
 [ •''>3 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXV. 
 
 OUR heavenly Father, by -whose care we have 
 been preserved through another night, accept 
 our morning sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. 
 Tliou art the God ot" salvation, and they wlio wait 
 on Thee shall not be put to shame. Thou re- 
 deemest Israel out of all his troubles. In the 
 midst of affliction and pain, thy people trust in 
 Thee, and are upheld and comforted. Eucom- 
 j passed with enemies, they find Thee to be a wall 
 7 of fire around them, their defence and glor}'. 
 And we, encouraged by the experience of all ages, 
 turn our eyes and hearts to Thee now, and ask that 
 Thou wilt be our shield, our portion, and our joy. 
 Show us thy ways, Loixl ; teach us thy paths. 
 We are very ignorant : do Thou enlighten us. We 
 are very guilty: do Thou forgive us. We are very 
 weak : do Thou strengthen us. We are very 
 sinful : do Thou sanctity us. To whom shall we 
 go but unto Thee? All thy ways are mercy and 
 truth. The meek wilt Thou guide in judgment. 
 The secret of thy presence and love is with them 
 that fear Thee, and thy mercy enduretli for ever. 
 
 We know !iot, Lord, what this day may bring 
 forth. But our times are in thy hands, and we 
 desire to cast ourselves on thy care. Whatsoever 
 duties devolve upon us, do Thou enable us to dis- 
 charge them in thy fear, doing everything as unto 
 the Lord. Should trouble come, do Thou enable 
 us to bear it, and to submit to thy righteous will. 
 Should temptation assail us, do Thou pluck our 
 feet out of the net. May the thought that Thou 
 seest us, be a stimulus to duty, a comfort under 
 affliction, and a motive to flee from sin. And 
 when the shades of evening return, may it be our 
 privilege to record with grateful hearts that Thou 
 hast not left nor forsaken us. 
 
 Bless, we pray Thee, all the families that call 
 upon thy name ; may there be light in their 
 dwellings. May thy Church grow in knowledge, 
 in purity, and in spiritual power. Have mercy 
 on all mankind. Hasten the time, Lord, when 
 thy glory shall cover the earth, and there shall 
 be nothing to hurt or to destroy in all thy 
 holy mountain. Make us daily more and more 
 thankful to Thee^for our liberties and our Christian 
 privileges : for our Bibles, our Sabbaths, and our 
 sanctuaries. And grant that, nurtured as we 
 are in thy knowledge, and fenced around by thy 
 good providence, we may walk in the paths of 
 righteousness, adorn the Gospel of God our 
 Saviour, and grow in meetness for that holy state 
 which sin shall never defile and sorrow never 
 darken. Cleanse us, Father, from all iniquity, 
 and fill us with thy love. 
 
 We ask these blessings in the name and for the 
 sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW X. 24-42. 
 
 TO whom. Lord Jesus, shall we go? Thou hast 
 the words of eternal life. Through Thee alone 
 can we draw nigh to the Father, by the help of 
 the Holy Spirit. On Thee alone we depend, from 
 day to dav, from hour to hour, for grace, mercy, 
 and peace : on Thee, who bore our sins in thine 
 own body on the tree, and who ever livest to make 
 intercession for us. 
 
 Grant that the lessons from thine own lips 
 which we have now heard may be graven on our 
 memory and heart. Make us willing to tread in 
 thy steps, to go forth unto Thee without the camp, 
 bearing thy reproach, and humbly looking for 
 thine appearing in our behalf. Implant in us a 
 filial fear of the Almighty, that we may fear none 
 beside. Awaken us to a lively apprehension of 
 thy providence in our minutest affairs. Give us 
 grace to confess Thee before men, to deny our- 
 selves, and willingly to give up all for thy glory; 
 in thy saints to trace and to love thine image, 
 and so to bear one another's bunlens as to fulfil 
 thy blessed law. 
 
 glorious God ! we wonder at thy condescension 
 in permitting us thus to plead with Thee. If Thou, 
 Lord, shouldest mark iniquities, Lord, who shall 
 stand ? But thy love is greater than our guilt and 
 misery. At thy own bidding we cume to find re- 
 fuge beneath the shadow of thy wings, until every 
 calamity of life and of death shall be overpast. 
 Have mercy, have mercy upon us. Pardon all 
 that we have done amiss. Renew to each believing 
 soul the assurance of thine accepting love. Help 
 us to hate sin, to overcome the world, and to resist 
 Satan. Apply thy truth, to warn, instruct, and 
 stimulate us. May we prove its sanctifying virtue, 
 and, by its exceeding great and precious ]>romises, 
 be partakers of the Divine nature. May we know 
 how frail we are, and feel that eternity is nigh. 
 May we live ready for our swiftly approaching 
 change ; and oh, remember us when Thou comest 
 in thy kingdom. 
 
 These great mercies we ask for ourselves, and 
 for aU whom we love. We commend to Thee our 
 Queen, our country, and all classes around us, 
 with tlie Jew and the Gentile, the bond and the 
 free, in every land. Hasten thy reign of grace, 
 and let all the people praise Thee. 
 
 Now, Shepherd of Israel, we rest in thy care. 
 We are safe and happy while Thou art our Guardian. 
 May our last thoughts and our first thoughts be, 
 every day, thoughts of Thee. May we rise, if it 
 please Thee to spare us a little longer, to serve 
 Thee in the duties of a new day. And when 
 the night of our sojourn on eai'th is gone, may 
 we wake up to be for ever in thine own light. 
 Even so, Lord Jesus. Amen. 
 
 [ ru ] 
 
JlORNING.] 
 
 EIGHTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EVKNIXG. 
 
 READ IN HOLY'SCRIPTUHE GEJ^ESIS XXXII. 
 
 OTHOU who didst make Thyself known to thine 
 ancient people as the God of Abraham, the 
 God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, look with 
 compassion upon ns who desire to be numbered 
 among tlie spiritual Israel, and are now assembled 
 to offer unto Thee the sacrifice of prayer and 
 praise. /^Like thy servant Jacob, we entreat Thee 
 to grant us thy blessing. _We are exposed to 
 many perils, and we have no power to resist them ; 
 all our sufficiency is in Thee. -To whom can we 
 fiee for succour but inito Thee, Lord, who for 
 our sins art justly displeased?/ We acknowledge 
 that we are not worthy of the least of all thy 
 mercies and of all the truth which thou hast shown 
 unto thy servants ; but enable us to enjoy the 
 fulfilment of thy gracious promises given to the 
 disciples of thy Son. Give us power, we pray 
 Thee, to serve Thee with a Avilling mind, that Ave 
 may ei^'oy the light of thy countenance and the 
 assurance of thy protecting care. ^Bestow upon 
 us wisdom to conduct ourselves aright, and ability 
 to fulfil discreetly the duties that may this day 
 devolve upon us. Set a guard, God, over our 
 lips, that we speak not unadvisedly ; and do Thou 
 bestow upon us the ornament of a meek and quiet 
 spirit. Be with us in our going out and our 
 coming in, and prosper the work of our hands. 
 Give us grace to remember that, though unseen, 
 Thou art about our path, and spiest out all our 
 w^ays. May we daily remember that without Thee 
 no man is strong, and no man is holy ; may we 
 look to the Wise for wisdom, and to the Strong 
 for strength, and by thy Holy Spirit attain to 
 that purity Avhich is acceptable in thy sight. 
 
 We desire to dedicate ourselves anew to thy 
 service ; we acknowledge thy right to reign OAcr 
 us, and that thy service is perfect freedom. May 
 our hearts become the throne of Christ, and our 
 bodies the temples of the Holy Ghost. With these 
 our supplications, we present unto Thee our thanks- 
 givings for mercies temporal and spiritual. Our 
 worldly comforts we owe to thy providence, our 
 religious privileges we owe to thy grace. All we 
 have and all we hope for are gifts from thy hand, 
 for which we bless and praise thy holy name. 
 
 Remember, wo beseech Thee, all for whom it is 
 our duty to pray; especially all who are distressed in 
 mind, body, or estate. Comfort and relieve them 
 according to their several necessities, giving them 
 patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue 
 out of all their afflictions. These prayers for our- 
 selves and others we offer unto thy Divine Majesty, 
 through the intercession of thy Son Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy 
 Ghost, be ascribed all honour and glory hence- 
 forth and for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION VII. 9-17 
 
 A LORD God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, 
 Vy that takest away the sins of the world, receive 
 our praises and our prayers. With joy we behold 
 the Lamb that was slain now standing in the 
 midst of the throne. We rejoice in thy glorious 
 rest ; we rejoice in thy government and care. As 
 a family, blessed in Thee, we unite to call Thee 
 blessed. For the mercies of this day we adore and 
 laud thy name. All mercies flow to sinful man 
 through thy sympathy and through thy merits. 
 Thy death redeemed our forfeited life ; thy bloody 
 sweat earned for us the bread we eat ; and to thy 
 poverty and sorrows, as the Son of Man, we owe 
 all the solaces of our lot. Teach us to give thanks 
 always for all things to God, even the Father, by 
 Thee ; and oh, that the sense of thy dear-bought 
 benefits may rivet thy claims on our hearts ! 
 
 But exceeding great is thy love, Lord Christ, 
 unto such as have heartily embraced Thee as their 
 Master and only Saviour. Their life in Thee is 
 eternal, their consolation everlasting. Thou hast 
 washed them from their sins in thy blood, and hast 
 taught them to follow thy footsteps. Thou hast 
 given them rest in thy salvation, and liberty in 
 thy service, and triumph in a good hope through 
 grace. Blessed Jesus, receive us into their num- 
 ber. By thy cross and passion, deliver us from 
 the bondage of guilt and sin, and pour down into 
 our hearts the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, 
 Abba, Father. May we love Thee for thy love ; 
 and may we love not only thy salvation, but 
 thy 3^oke, thy law, thy holy ways, and the very 
 track of thy toiling, bleeding footsteps in this 
 wilderness. And while striving to follow Thee, 
 by the teaching of the Holy Ghost, may we be 
 strengthened unto all patience with joyfulness, 
 by the promises which Thou hast given us. How 
 many are thy toil-worn, tempted, downcast ser- 
 vants. May the murmur of the " living foun- 
 tains," and the chant of victory in the upper 
 " temple " oftentimes fall upon their ear. How 
 many are " the prisoners of the Lord," in dungeons 
 or on beds of languishing. May " the heavens be 
 opened" through thy Word; and may they " see 
 visions of God " their Redeemer, and of the 
 white-robed, happy multitude before his throne. 
 So do Thou comfort their hearts, and brighten 
 the tears, which God shall soon wipe away. 
 
 And now, Lord, vouchsafe to us and ours, ere 
 we sleep, the assurance that we ai-e thine ; and 
 when we awake, if on earth, may it be to do or 
 suffer thy will ; if in eternity, may it be to meet 
 thy merciful welcome. But, whether on earth or 
 in heaven, we will magnify thy grace, ascribing to 
 God and the Lamb alone salvation for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 55 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXXIII. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and merciful Grod, pour upon us tlie 
 spirit of grace and supplication. We thank 
 Thee for all thy goodness and mercy towards us 
 during the past night. We laid down, and slept ; 
 we awaked, for the Lord sustained ns. May our 
 spared lives be evermore consecrated to thy haj^j^y 
 service. 
 
 We ask thy blessing, Lord, on the portion of 
 tliy Holy Word which has just been read. May 
 the lessons it teaches be deeply impressed on our 
 hearts, and be ever acted out in our lives. We see 
 Thee there as the Protector of all that put their 
 trust in Thee. May the gracious answer which 
 Jacob received to his prayer encourage us to pray 
 always, and never to faint. In all our ways may 
 we acknowledge Thee, and do thou direct our 
 paths. We know not, Lord, to what dangers we 
 may be exposed as we pass through this trouble- 
 some world. We are encompassed by enemies on 
 every side. Our own evil hearts, and the tempta- 
 tions of the world, are ever leading us out of the 
 only path of peace and safety. How often, alas ! 
 do our own sins bring us into difficulties, and cause 
 our hearts to fail. Oh, help us to pour out our 
 souls before Thee in earnest, persevering prayer, 
 that so we may meet all our trials with calmness, 
 confidence, and comfort, assured that in thine own 
 good time we shall experience the mercy and faith- 
 fulness of our God. thou whose never-failing 
 pi'ovidence ordereth all things in heaven and earth, 
 who alone canst order the unruly wills and affec- 
 tions of sinful men, graciously hear us, that those 
 evils which the craft and subtilty of the Devil or 
 man worketh against us be brought to nought, and 
 by the providence of thy goodness they may be 
 tlispersed. Thou, Lord, canst make even our 
 enemies to be at peace with us. 
 
 Oh, shed forth, we beseech Thee, the spirit of 
 love throughout this world of strife. May we ever 
 be kindly aft'ectioned one to another with brotherly 
 love, in honour preferring one another. May all 
 who see us take knowledge of us that we have been 
 
 i with Jesus, and have learned of Him who w^as holy, 
 
 ' harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. In 
 our intercourse with all men, and specially with 
 those who are neai' and dear to us, help us to 
 walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, and 
 
 \ make us fruitful in every good word and work. 
 Thus may we be living epistles, known and read of 
 all men. 
 
 / Be with us this day. May thy Spirit guide, 
 protect, and bless us. Assist us in all the duties of 
 the station of life in which thou hast been pleased 
 
 I to place us ; and if it be thy will, prosper all our 
 
 I plans with thy blessing. Grant this for Jesus 
 
 • Christ our Saviour's sake. Amen. 
 
 f 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATT. XII. 22—37. 
 
 A LMIGHTY Father, we bless thy holy name for 
 xi- the mercies of this day. In Thee we live, and 
 move, and have our being. Enable us to feel that 
 we are not our own, and give us grace that we 
 may not live as our own, but that we may live 
 unto Tiiee. Forgive all that thou hast seen amiss 
 in us this day. Enter not into judgment with 
 thy servants, Lord, for in thy sight shall no 
 man living be justified. Wash away all our sins 
 in the blood of thy dear Son. 
 
 Bless the words we have now read. May they 
 be imprinted upon our minds, and sink deep into 
 our hearts. Remove our spiritual blindness, and 
 enable us to see Jesus in all his loveliness, and to 
 behold wondrous things out of thy law. Take 
 away our deadness of heart, and help us to praise 
 thy name, and bear witness of Christ before all men. 
 Help us to set a watch upon the door of our lips. 
 May no idle words proceed out of our mouth, but 
 sound and holy speech that may edify. We would 
 remember that by our words we shall be justified, 
 and by our words we shall be condemned, and that 
 for every idle word we must give account in the 
 great day. Whatsoever we have spoken amiss this 
 day do thou graciously pardon ; and whatever we 
 have spoken that is profitable do thou graciously 
 bless. Take from us all lukewarmness in our 
 religion. May we remember that all who are not 
 with Christ are against him. Keep thy servants 
 from presumptuous sins, and let them not get 
 dominion over us. May we never resist the 
 strivings of thy Spirit, nor sin against the Holy 
 Ghost. Graciously fill us with that Sj)irit, and 
 make the fruits of holiness abound in us. thou 
 who art stronger than our strongest enemy, keep 
 us ever stedfast in the way everlasting. May we 
 as a household be bound together in love, and 
 never be divided against each other. May we be 
 united in the bonds of the Gospel, and love each 
 other in the love of Christ Jesus. May our in- 
 fluence upon each other be always for good. May 
 we bear each other's burdens, and strengthen each 
 other's faith. If any before Thee know Thee not, 
 and love not the Lord Jesus, oh ! may thy Spirit 
 quicken them, that Ave may none of us be sepa- 
 rated from each other and from Thee in the day 
 of Chi'ist. thou who searehest the hearts of all 
 men, make us pure within, that we may be 
 righteous in all our deeds. May we glorify our 
 Father in heaven by bringing forth much fruit. 
 
 Go with us to our rest. May we lie down in 
 thy love, and rise up in thy fear. thou that 
 neither slumberest nor sleepest, watch over us. 
 Help us to serve Thee on the morrow better than 
 we have served Thee to-day. Hear us, and answer 
 us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 56 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 NINTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY 
 
 [EvENDsG. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XCII, 
 
 OLORD most high ! it is a good thing to give 
 thanks unto tliy name : to show forth thy 
 loving-kindness in the morning, and thy faithful- 
 ness every night. Oh, how great is thy goodness 
 which Thou hast laid up for them that fear Thee, 
 Avhich Thou hast wrought for them that trust in 
 Thee before the sons of men. 
 
 And now we come to Thee tlurough that blessed 
 Saviour whose day this is. On it He rose ; on it 
 He showed himself ahve, again and again, after He 
 had suffered ; on it He ascended ; on it He pom'ed 
 out his Spirit ; on it He specially visits his servants, 
 and blesses their meetings and their work. For all 
 this day brings to our memory, accept our thanks- 
 giving : the finished work of Jesus Christ ; his 
 glorious sacrifice, and his resurrection and ascen- 
 sion, the pledge and type of our own./ For all 
 this day brings to our hope, accept our thanks- 
 giving : rest when toils are over ; things eye hath 
 not seen, nor ear heard ; a home where sin, and 
 change, and death can never come. Let the 
 cross, and the glory that followed it, fill om^ 
 thoughts and hearts to-day. Say to each of us 
 anew, " I am thy salvation." 
 
 Go with those of us who hope to worship in the 
 great congregation. May we feel how awful is 
 the place of religious assembly, and yet how 
 blessed. Let our thoughts be fixed on Thee. 
 While beholding thy glory, may we be changed 
 into the same image. Beneath the light of thy 
 truth and of thy favour, give us higher aims, 
 and a more joyous, heavenly temper, and greater 
 fruitfulness ; that so we may flourish like the 
 palm-tree, and grow like the cedars in Lebanon. 
 Strengthen us thus, with all might, by thy Spirit, 
 in the inner man. Staj'- with any of us who are 
 prevented by thy providence from attending in thy 
 house. ''Teach us to sanctify Thee in our hearts. 
 Visit us with the favour Thou bearest to thy 
 children. Help us to say, " This is the day the 
 Lord hath made ; we will rejoice and be glad in 
 it." And if there be any dear to us, and yet 
 far from Thee, graciously remember them. Our 
 hearts' desire is, that they may be saved. What- 
 ever else Thou gij-est or withholdest, oh, guide 
 them in judgment, and teach them thy way. 
 
 Bless all who to-day shall be working or 
 speaking for Thee. Clothe thy ministers with 
 salvation. Wherever and by whomsoever the words 
 of life are spoken, let them accomplish what Thou 
 pleasest : let them prosper in the thing whereto 
 Thou hast sent them. Let thy light and thy 
 truth visit all nations, that thy kingdom may 
 come and thy will be done on earth even as it 
 is in hea\-en. These blessings we ask through 
 Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JONAH II., III. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and gracious God, let thine ear be 
 open to our prayer, and receive, we beseech 
 Thee, with thy favour, our sacrifice of thanks- 
 giving. When we think of our unimproved oppor- 
 tunities, our misspent Sabbaths, and of the sins and 
 shortcomings of even this our holy day, we are 
 ashamed, and confess before Thee, in self-abase- 
 ment and humiliation, our great and manifold 
 offences. Have mercy upon us, Lord ; deal 
 not with us after our sins, but spare us and forgive 
 us. We have nothing to answer Thee, nor any 
 righteousness of our own to plead. We lay our 
 mouths in the dust, and in the name of Jesus we 
 crave thy forgiveness and blessing. Thou didst 
 turn away from repentant Nineveh the wrath 
 which it deserved. Avert from us the wrath 
 which our misdoings have deserved, and shed on 
 our souls the sweet and comforting assurance of 
 thy peace. 
 
 Heavenly Father, let thy blessing follow all the 
 engagements and exercises of this day. Much of 
 sinfulness and unbelief has mingled with our 
 services. We are conscious how unworthy they 
 are of thy regard. But we trust they have been 
 fragrant with the atoning merits of Jesus, and 
 have risen as a sweet savour before Thee. liord 
 Jesus, thou hast been set forth among us as the 
 crucified Redeemer, dying and rising again ; and 
 in thy resurrection testifying to us, as Jonah to the 
 Ninevites, of the power and truth of God. Grant 
 us thy grace, that the Word which we have heard 
 read and preached may abide in our hearts as a 
 message from above. God the Holy Ghost, lay 
 it upon our consciences. Let not the enemy 
 snatch it away. Let not the cares, or temptations, 
 or pleasures of the coming week choke it, and 
 make it unfruitful. Apply it with power to our 
 souls, that it may renew us into the image of 
 Christ, and so sanctify us and increase in us all 
 heavenly virtues, that we may be ripened for 
 glory, and look forward with joy to the never- 
 ending Sabbath of the heavenly kingdom. 
 
 Oh, look in mercy, gracious Lord, on the world 
 that lieth in wickedness. Have pity on the souls 
 of those that know Thee not, and snatch them as 
 brands from the burning. Wherever minister, 
 missionary, or teacher has spoken a word for 
 Thee this day — whether of warning or entreaty, 
 whether of doctrine or exhortation — bless their 
 efforts, and make their message a savour of life 
 unto Hfe. We long, God, for the accomplish- 
 ment of thy purposes. We pray Thee to hasten 
 the time when Jesus shall see of the travail of his 
 soul and be satisfied, and the earth shall be filled 
 with thy glory. Hear us, we beseech Thee, and 
 accept us in Jesus Christ, our Lord. Ameu. 
 
 [ 57 ] 
 
 No. 8. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXXV. 1—15. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who 
 showest to them that be in error the light of 
 thy truth, to the intent that they may return into 
 the M'ay of righteousness, we desire to bless and 
 praise thy holy name for the instruction and en- 
 couragement which we may derive from con- 
 sidering thy dealings with thy servants of old, 
 and especially with the patriai'ch of whom we 
 have been reading. 
 
 Grant, we humbly beseech Thee, that we may 
 remember all the way which the Lord our God 
 has led us through this earthly wilderness, may 
 recall our sins to remembrance, and fulfil the 
 vows which we made in the day of trouble. 
 May we recall past instances of Divine inter- 
 position in our behalf, and of communion with 
 Tliee, Father of our spirits. May we call to 
 mind the promises which Thou hast made to us 
 to support and cheer us on our way, and humble 
 ourselves before Thee for all failures, and especially 
 for the many vows and resolutions which we have 
 neglected to keep. 
 
 We desire, Lord, to come before Thee, as 
 humble suppliants for the mercy revealed and 
 promised in thy Word through Jesus Christ. We 
 rest simply on Him by faith; and while deeply 
 lamenting our sins, we ask for the grace and 
 strength of thy promised Spirit, tliat we may go 
 and sin no more. Cleanse the thoughts of our 
 hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Sj^irit, that 
 we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily magnify 
 thy holy name. For thy Son, our Lord Jesus 
 Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past, and grant 
 that we may ever hereafter serve and please Thee 
 in newness of life. Increase and multiply upon us 
 thy mercy, that Thou being our ruler and guide, 
 we may so pass through things temporal, tliat 
 we finally lose not the things eternal. 
 
 May we carefully watch over the souls of those 
 who are dear to us. May we bid them also to 
 arise, and, with us, to seek the Lord; and do 
 Thou graciously prosper our efforts, and crown 
 them with success. Diffuse, we beseech Thee, the 
 knowledge of salvation at home and throughout 
 the world, and accompany the preaching of thy 
 Word with the out-pouring of thy Spirit, that 
 sinners may be converted and live, and the name 
 of the Lord Jesus be magnified. 
 
 Accept our praises and thanksgiving especially 
 for thy protection during the past night, and for 
 all thy mercies, temporal and spiritual ; and do for 
 us, and all whom we should remember in our 
 prayers, exceeding abundantly above all that we 
 can ask or think, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
 to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all 
 honour and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XIL 38—50. 
 
 LORD God Almighty! Thou hast in mercy 
 brought us to the close of another day. We 
 would thank Thee most heartily for thy gracious 
 favour. Thou hast covered our heads. Thou hast 
 strengthened us by thy mighty power. Thou hast 
 guided our steps. Thou hast permitted us again to 
 kneel at thy footstool to recount the mercies of the 
 day, and to give Thee heartfelt thanks. What are 
 we, that Thou shouldest thus take knowledge of 
 us? What are we, that Thou so regardest us? 
 We are poor, weak, sinful creatures; and yet, 
 how ever-mindful of us Thou art! how careful 
 to preserve us in health ! how tender in forgiving 
 our many shortcomings ! Again and again, at 
 this quiet evening hour, we thank thee, blessed 
 Lord and God. 
 
 We thank Thee, too, for thy holy Word. We 
 thank Thee for the portion we have just read and 
 heard. May it warn us ; may it at the same time 
 encourage us. 
 
 Thou hast given us great and precious privi- 
 leges ; but to whom much is given, much, we 
 know, will be required. Thou hast committed to 
 our charge ten talents, privileges without number. 
 May we use them aright. May we not allow 
 them to rise in judgment against us. May those 
 who have had but few privileges not be witnesses 
 in the last great day against us. The queen of 
 the south came from the uttermost parts of the 
 earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. May she 
 never rise in the judgment against us ; for we 
 this night have heard the words of a greater 
 than Solomon — Solomon's King and Lord. 
 
 And grant, gracious Lord God, that the 
 unclean spirit may be cast out of all our hearts. 
 May every unruly lust and passion be overcome, 
 and may our souls be filled with the light, and 
 truth, and love which come from Thee. And may 
 we so live that the unclean spirit once cast out 
 may never more return. Oh, may we dread to 
 sin, after the warning our Saviour this evening 
 has given. Keep us, gracious Lord, by thy 
 almighty power. 
 
 But there is sweet encouragement in thy holy 
 Word. Our Saviour speaks of his brother, and 
 sister, and mother. May we be of his kindred. 
 We would be his entirely and for ever. 
 God, adopt us, by thy Spirit, into thy family, 
 and make us the loving members of our elder 
 Brother. 
 
 And now protect us throughout this night. 
 Keep us in safety, and by thy gracious providence 
 bring us to the beginning of another day. 
 
 Bless us and all men ; and all these mercies, 
 with the forgiveness of our sins, we ask in the 
 name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 68 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 NINTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXXVII. 
 
 OMOST merciful and gracious God I morning 
 and evening will we praise Thee for thy great 
 goodness. May thy Holy Spirit teach us to pray 
 aright, that we may ask of Thee those blessings 
 which are best adapted to our spiritual and eternal 
 welfare. We thank Thee for the promises which 
 Thou hast given us that whatsoever we ask in 
 faith, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator, we shall 
 receive. Lord, increase our faith, that we may 
 rest with stronger confidence upon thy Word, 
 knowing that He who spared not his own Son, 
 but delivered Him up for us all, will also with Him 
 freely give us all things. 
 
 May we be deeply impressed at this time with 
 the thought that Thou God seest us. Wherever 
 we are, and in whatever we are engaged, we can 
 never elude the observation of thine eye. The 
 darkness hideth not from Thee, but the night 
 shineth as the day. Thou compassest oiu* path, 
 and art acquainted with all our acts, purposes, 
 desires, and thoughts. Whenever, therefore, we 
 are tempted to do evil, may we shrink from its 
 commission, because the eye of a just, holy, and 
 loving God is upon us. And may we be kept 
 from evil, not merely by the dread of Divine 
 detection, but because our souls loathe it as an 
 injury to ourselves and a dishonour to Thee. For 
 all past sin we desire heartily and humbly to 
 repent. Whether sin has been open or secret, more 
 immediately against God or our fellow-creatures, 
 whether in thought, word, or deed, we bring it 
 in sincere confession, Lord, to Thee, and 
 beseech Thee to take away the awful burden from 
 our souls, through the atoning sacrifice of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ ; and may thy Spirit enable us 
 to prove our repentance and faith, by denying un- 
 godliness and worldly lust, and walking diligently 
 in the path of thy commandments. 
 
 Sanctify to our minds the solemn and instruc- 
 tive lessons suggested by that portion of sacred 
 history just read. May we see the wickedness of 
 envying others upon whom thy providence seems 
 to smile more than upon ourselves. May we be 
 very grateful for what we possess, and feel that we 
 are not worthy of the least of thy mercies. May 
 we shut out of our hearts every unkind and cruel 
 purpose or thought. Preserve us from deceit and 
 falsehood. Hide from us lying lips, and let in- 
 tegrity and uprightness ever preserve us. Grant 
 us simple and childlike trust in thy providence, so 
 that when events appear adverse, we may hope for 
 an issue which shall make us wiser, holier, and 
 happier for the discipline through which we have 
 passed. Be Thou our guide through life, and at 
 length bring us all to thy kingdom in heaven, 
 through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XII. 1—12. 
 
 WE draw near to thy footstool, gracious God, 
 with all reverence and humility of mind, in 
 the name of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. We thank 
 Thee for the manifold and precious mercies of 
 another day. We bless Thee for our reason, our 
 speech, the exercise of our senses, and the use of 
 our limbs. We adore Thee for the air we breathe, 
 the light which has shone upon us, the food by 
 which our bodies have been noimshed. May our 
 hearts be filled with gratitude to our Divine and 
 unwearied Benefactor. 
 
 We are conscious of sin, infirmity, and short- 
 coming this day, and we lament and deplore it 
 before Thee. We read with joy in thy Scriptures 
 that if we confess our sins. Thou art faithful and 
 just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from 
 all unrighteousness. We beseech Thee, God, to 
 fulfil thy promise in the person and experience of 
 each one of us this night. blessed Lord, put 
 thy fear into our hearts — that holy fear which will 
 make us unwilling to offend against Thee, in 
 thought, or word, or deed, and which will enable 
 us to put away every other fear. Teach us by thy 
 Holy Spirit to know the things we ought to do, 
 and faithfully to fulfil the same. Make sin hateful 
 to us because it is so hateful to Thee. Give us a 
 holy courage and boldness, that wherever we go, 
 and whatever we do, we may not be ashamed of 
 confessing that we know and love the Saviour, 
 and that when He comes to be our Judge, He 
 may confess us before the angels of God. May 
 we ever remember that the fear of man bringeth 
 a snare. 
 
 We know, Lord, that Thou art about our 
 path and about our bed, and spiest out all our 
 ways. The very hairs of our head are all num- 
 bered, and not a sparrow falls to the grou,nd 
 without thy will. We therefore commend our- 
 selves in humble confidence to thy guardianship 
 for the night. May we fall asleep in peace ^itli, 
 Thee, God, in peace with our own min^s, and 
 in perfect charity with all the world. May the; 
 precious blood of sprinkling minister rest to our 
 consciences, repose and safety to our soiils. 
 Number us with thy saints in glory everlasting. 
 
 Protect us and all our dear friends, whether at 
 home, in foreign lands, or on the sea, this nightj^ 
 from every danger. Prepare us for our last hour ; 
 and when that shall come, may our minds be 
 serene and tranquil, and without fear. May our 
 sleep remind us of the blessed sleep in Jesus, 
 and our awakening be to us the emblem and 
 pledge of the glorious morning of the resurrection 
 of the just. 
 
 And now to the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
 Ghost, be equal and ceaseless praises. Amen,. 
 
 [ 59 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XXXIX. 
 
 OLORD, help us, we pray Thee, so to read thj 
 Word as to find it at all times profitable fi)r 
 doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for in- 
 struction in righteousness. Through thy tender 
 mercy we are permitted to begin another day, and 
 we ask Thee to help each of us through all its 
 hours, and in all its duties. May we be con- 
 scious that Thou art with us, and that we have 
 the blessing of the Lord, that maketh rich. Thou 
 hast assured us that they who delight in thy Word 
 shall be as trees planted by rivers of water, and 
 that whatsoever they do shall prosper. Lord, may 
 it be thus with us to-day. Keep us from sin; 
 keep us from error, from mistakes, and from all 
 evil and danger ; whatever we do, help us to do it 
 unto Thee, and do Thou make it to prosper. And 
 we especially ask Thee to keep us this day from 
 temptation ; let it never be too strong for us, but 
 may we always see a way of escape, that we may 
 be able to bear it. We know that the devil goeth 
 about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may 
 devour; we know something of our own utter 
 weakness and sinfulness, and of our natural ten- 
 dency to yield to his temptations. Hold Thou us 
 up, therefore, or we cannot be safe ; keep us by 
 thy mighty power ; strengthen us with all might 
 by thy Spirit in the inner man, that we may be 
 able to resist the devil. Help us to use the shield 
 of faith, wherewith we may be able to quench all 
 the fiery darts of the wicked one ; and may we 
 ever be encouraged in the midst of all our con- 
 flicts and strivings against evil, by the sympathy 
 of Jesus, who was tempted in all points like as we 
 are, yet without sin. Let us not be discouraged 
 by any trials, or difficulties, or persecutions that 
 may happen unto us ; in all things may we seek to 
 approve ourselves unto Thee, having a conscience 
 void of offence. Help us cheerfully to commit our 
 way unto Thee, our Lord, counting it a small 
 matter what may be the judgment of men concern- 
 ing us. 
 
 We offer Thee our hearty thanks for the 
 blessings of another night, and for the unnumbered 
 mercies by Avhich we are surrounded this morning. 
 Thy love, Lord, is new every day. Oh, help us 
 anew every morning to give ourselves up as living 
 sacrifices unto Thee. We pray for all who are 
 dear to us ; give them all lliou seest needful for 
 them in this world, and in the world to come grant 
 them life everlasting. We pray for the whole 
 world. Send out thy light and thy truth to the 
 yttermost parts of the earth, so that all people 
 may know Thee, the living God, and Jesus Christ 
 whom Thou hast sent. Hear these our prayers 
 and praises, Lord, for the sake of our beloved 
 Saviour. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XXL 13-34. 
 
 OUR heavenly Father, we approach thy mercy- 
 seat in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. We acknowledge with grateful hearts thy 
 manifold mercies, and desire to celebrate thy 
 praise. We bless Thee for our continued exist- 
 ence, for the bounties of thy daily providence, for 
 thy great forbearance and long-suffering towards 
 us, and for all the benefits bestowed upon us. We 
 acknowledge Thee as the Father of lights, and the 
 source of every good and perfect gift, whose good- 
 ness fills the earth, and whose tender mercies are 
 over all thy works. We more especially bless Thee 
 for thy great and infinite mercy, in sending thine 
 only-begotten Son to be the one sacrifice tor sin, 
 and we adore Thee that by his gracious mediation 
 we can come near to Thee, and be sure that Thou 
 wilt accept us. 
 
 We adore and magnify thy name that Thou hast 
 given unto us the Holy Spirit, to be our Guide 
 and Sanctifier, and to assist us with his gracious 
 aid in all our exercises of praise and prayer. 
 Grant unto us now such a sense of our dependence 
 and helplessness, that we may draw near unto 
 Thee with reverence, humility, and fear. May we 
 not lean to our own understanding, or trust in any 
 righteousness or merit of our own, but confess 
 our sins and neo;lio;ences before Thee, and obtain 
 forgiveness through the righteousness and sacrifice 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant unto us such a 
 knowledge of thy character that we may love 
 Thee supi'emely, and such an assurance of thy 
 favour, that we may rejoice continually in thy 
 name. 
 
 Deliver us, Lord, from all sinful anxiety 
 about the things of this life. Deliver us from all 
 covetousness and earthly -mindedness. Amidst the 
 troubles and sorrows of this life, may it be our 
 blessedness, as thy redeemed people, to rejoice in 
 the hope of possessing the kingdom of eternal glory. 
 
 The lives which thou dost so mercifully preserve 
 and bountifully sustain may we dedicate afresh to 
 Thee as our most reasonable service ; and may 
 our whole body, soul, and spirit be sanctified by 
 thy Holy Spirit, and washed in the fountain 
 opened for sin and uncleanness. Preserve us, 
 Lord, from peril during the night; and if it please 
 Thee, grant unto us refreshing sleep and a quiet 
 spirit, that so we may be better prepared for doing 
 or suffering thy holy will. 
 
 We pray for all our kindred, and for the pros- 
 perity of thy kingdom ; for the welfare of our 
 nation, and the diffusion of thy Gosj)el to all the 
 nations of the earth. Hear us, O Lord, in thy 
 dwelling-place, and when Thou hearest forgive, 
 and accept us through Jesus Christ oiu* Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 60 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXV. 
 
 
 
 THOU Almighty Protector, who during the 
 darkness of the past night didst cover ns with 
 the shadow of thy wing, we awake to behold the 
 light of this morning in peace and health, because 
 Tliou hist kept us. Now that Thou hast raised us 
 from .sleep, continue thy protection to us against 
 all our enemies. May those who malign us and 
 contrive evil against us find that Thou dost con- 
 found them and put them to shame. Keep not 
 silence. Be not Thou far from us. Plead Thou 
 our cause, Lord, when we cannot plead our own, 
 and make our righteousness clear as the noon-day. 
 If we are truly thy servants, we know that the 
 world will hate us, but let not men wrongfully 
 rejoice over us, who hate us without a cause. 
 Stir up Tiiyself, and help us in all our need, as 
 Thou didst thy servant Joseph when Thou wast 
 with him, and didst show him mercy, and didst 
 give him favour in the sight of the keeper of 
 tlie prison. 
 
 We remember also how Thou didst appear on 
 behalf of tiiy servant David, whose song of distress 
 and deliverance we have now been reading. May 
 thy Word encourage us in the midst of all our 
 temptations. With the saints of ancient days 
 may we look directly to Thee for aid, and for 
 the riffhteous vindication of our cause. Thou hast 
 it in the power of thy providential purposes to 
 clothe with shame and dishonour all who magnify 
 themselves against us. 
 
 Then, Lord, shall our souls be joyful in Thee ; 
 they shall rejoice in thy salvation. Let us never 
 be ungrateful for thy delivering mercy. With all 
 our strength may we join in thy praises, and say, 
 " Lord, who is like unto Thee in goodness, power, 
 mercy, and justice ? Who is like unto Thee, who 
 in thy great goodness deliverest the poor who have 
 nothing to repay : who in thy great power de- 
 fendest the weak, that have no strength ; and com- 
 fortest the afflicted, who are in sorrow ? " 
 
 Let thy name be magnified, thou mighty and 
 merciful Deliverer, who hast pleasure in the pros- 
 perity of thy servants ; and may thy right hand be 
 extended in favour of all who in any land are 
 oppressed by their enemies for righteousness' sake. 
 Let thy Church be secured by the saving strength 
 of thy right hand, and defended from the malice 
 and evil devices of all her enemies ; so, gracious 
 Father, shall our tongues perpetually speak of thy 
 righteousness and of th)'' praise. Help us by thy 
 grace to live a life of praise and obedience. Let 
 us not this day turn from the way of thy com- 
 mandments. May the daily experience of thy 
 love constrain us to follow, in all things, thy 
 perfect will. Hear us, God, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XIL 35-48. 
 
 MOST Holy God, who hast appointed a day in 
 which Thou wilt judge the world in righteous- 
 ness by Jesus Christ our Lord, vouchsafe to us, in 
 thy mercy, that we may be numbered, in that day, 
 among thy saints and the inheritors of thy king- 
 dom. 
 
 We confess, Lord, that we are utterly un^- 
 worthy, in any merit of our own, to stand before 
 the Son of Man. We have sinned against heaven 
 and before Thee. We come to Thee with penitent 
 and contrite hearts. We beseech Thee, for the 
 sake of Him who loved us and gave Himself for 
 us, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from 
 all unrighteousness. 
 
 Of thine infinite goodness and mercy, Lord, 
 suffer us not, through any weakness or folly of our 
 own, or any temptations of the devil or of the 
 world, to neglect thy will, and to leave undone the 
 work which Thou hast given us to do. Siiffei' us 
 not, at any time, to say in our hearts, " My Lord 
 delayeth his coming ; " but make us watchful, 
 patient, humble, diligent, as the followers of Jesus 
 Christ. Grant that we may always have our loins 
 girt and our lights burning, and be ourselves as 
 those who wait for their Lord. 
 
 Enable us faithfully to do Thee service in the 
 several stations which in thy good providence Thou 
 hast assigned to us, and so let our light shine before 
 men. At all times and in all places make us to 
 remember Thee ; and the life we now live in the 
 flesh may we live by the faith of the Son of God, 
 looking for that blessed hope and the glorious 
 appearing of the great God and our Saviour. 
 Increase and multiply upon us thy grace, that we 
 may abound unto every good word and work. 
 Dispose us to seek the furtherance of thy true 
 religion among men. Endue us with fervency of 
 spirit, with holy zeal, and with constancy and 
 devotion in our Master's cause. And oh, that it 
 may be given to us to know the full blessedness of 
 those whom the Lord, when he comes, shall find so 
 watching and working for him. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord our God, for all the 
 blessings of the past day : that we have been pre- 
 served in health and safety, and that Thou hast 
 provided for all our earthly necessities. Above all, 
 we thank Thee for our spiritual privileges and 
 hopes, for the gift of thy Son our Lord, and for 
 the promise of life in him. 
 
 And now we commend ourselves to thy fatherly 
 care and protection for the coming night. Let thy 
 blessing rest on every member of this house and 
 family, and on all our relatives and friends. Grant 
 us peaceful and refreshing rest, and may we rise 
 with renewed strength to serve and glorify Thee, 
 throLifrh Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 61 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 NINTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XL. 
 
 OOUR God and Father, who leadest thy people 
 in a way they know not, blessed be thy name 
 for all thy goodness to us and ours this morning, 
 and all our life through. Thou art ever good, in 
 chastisement as in blessing, when Thou deniest as 
 when thou givest. With what tenderness dost 
 Thou reprove us. The darkness Thou makest 
 light; our sorrow Thou turnest into joy; and to 
 us, straggling and tempest-tossed. Thou givest 
 back the sweet calm of peaceful trust. Humbled, 
 repenting, we fall before Thee ; we confess ; we 
 adore. Great art Thou, God ; wise, loving, and 
 faithful. Teach us how to px'aise and how to 
 trust. 
 
 Wonderful are thy providences, as when Tliou 
 didst suffer thy servant Joseph to linger in prison. 
 Thou art still the same, and thy footsteps are in 
 the deep waters. To-day Thou mayest call us to 
 suffer ; we may stumble beneath some heavy cross. 
 Stand Thou by us ; give us the needed grace ; 
 refresh us with thy strengthening presence ; subdue 
 sin within us; check the oft-rising murmur ; loosen 
 us from earth; bind us closer to Thee. Teach us 
 to fear sin more than suffering; to value more than 
 ease and self-comfort thy presence and grace. 
 
 Let not our sorrows and trials make us selfish or 
 idle. May we look kindly on our brother who is 
 sad, coniforting him with the consolations with 
 which Thou hast comforted us. May we speak of 
 Thee, our God, and tell of all thy wondrous works 
 to us and all thy people, and trust Thee even 
 when thy judgments are most unsearchable. 
 Enable us to lighten, by words and deeds of 
 blessing, what we cannot remove ; and to plead 
 for our brother as for ourselves at thy throne of 
 mercy. Grant us, Lord, to love our neighbour 
 as ourselves. 
 
 If our kindness meet with no grateful return, 
 but they whom we have remembered in their 
 sorrow should in prosperity forget us, let us not 
 repine. Recall to our sorrowing hearts how often 
 we have thus treated Thee and thy goodness ; how 
 we have taken thy gifts, and forgotten the Giver ; 
 and may we have eyes watchful for our own sin 
 rather than for our brother's. May we do good 
 with a more single motive, with less self-seeking. 
 May we cease from man, and cleave to Thee ; for 
 Thou wilt never forget us, our God. 
 
 Bless this our family each moment in each duty 
 as we need. Unite us in growing love to Christ 
 and to each other; and grant us, if such be thy 
 will, to meet again before Thee this evening in 
 health, thankful and happy, to praise Thee for 
 new mercies, for preserving grace, and for a desire, 
 daily strengthening, to be thine and thine only, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XII. 49-59. 
 
 GOD of all mercy and truth ; Thou in whom we 
 live, and move, and have our being ; by whom 
 alone our lives have been sustained and our reason 
 continued, and from whom we receive every good 
 and perfect gift ; we meekly beseech Thee for thy 
 Holy Spirit, that at the close of another day we 
 may approach the throne of thy heavenly grace, 
 with lowly, penitent, and believing hearts, and in 
 our evening worship find acceptance with Thee. 
 
 We once more draw near to Thee, Lord our 
 God, to adore thy great and matchless name, to 
 magnify' thy abounding mercy, and to acknow- 
 ledge thy fatherly goodness and love. Through 
 all the days of our lives, in all our wanderings, 
 labours, and troubles, amid dangers both seen and 
 unseen. Thou hast been our Protector, Guardian, 
 and Friend. And as the darkness of another 
 night has gathered around our dwelling, we come 
 to confess before Thee our manifold sins and ini- 
 quities, to cast ourselves on thy redeeming love, to 
 implore thy forgiveness, and to supplicate thy 
 saving strength. We humbly beseech Thee, our 
 Father and our God, for the sake of thy dear 
 Son, not to enter into judgment with us because 
 of our transgressions, but in the midst of deserved 
 wrath to remember with undeserved mercy. 
 
 Thou didst send thy Son into the world, not to 
 condemn the world, but that the world through 
 Him might be saved. By thy Holy Spirit Thou 
 hast separated and art now separating a people to 
 Thyself; a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 
 Here Thou art calling the prince, thei'e the peasant; 
 here the child of tender years, there the profligate 
 and profane ; here the master, there the servant ; 
 for Thou art no respecter of persons. Nor shall 
 thy truth and Spirit cease to work, burning like 
 fire among men, until all thy people are gathered 
 in, and made holy, " without spot, or wrinkle, or 
 any such thing." Grant, God, that in that day 
 we may be found of Christ in peace, and enter into 
 the joy of our Lord. 
 
 Lord, hear our prayers, and save us and all dear 
 to us, and number us among thy jewels. Bless, 
 we beseech Thee, all that have rule over us, and 
 give them wisdom and justice ; all tliat preach thy 
 Gospel, and make them wise to win souls. Save 
 thy people, God, and bless thine inheritance; 
 make haste to help the needy, the afflicted, and 
 the dying ; and speedily accomplish the coming of 
 thy kingdom. Beneath the shadow of thy pro- 
 tecting love, holy Father, we desire this night to 
 rest ; and when that time comes when we are to 
 awake no more on earth, give us all to live with 
 Thee in heaven, for Christ's sake ; to whom, with 
 the Father and the Holy Ghost, be everlasting 
 praise. Amen. 
 
 [ 62 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLI. 1—36. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, whose compassions fail not, 
 look, we beseech Thee, in loving-kindness 
 and tender mercy, upon us here gathered together 
 before Thee. We approach Thee in the all-pre- 
 vaihng name of Jesus Christ. Thou that hearest 
 and answerest prayer, hide not thy face from us ; 
 but for thy dear Son's sake hearken to our cry, 
 accept and bless us. 
 
 We thank Thee, gracious God and Father, for 
 rest and preservation during the past night. Thou 
 hast protected us when we could not protect our- 
 selves. Thou hast watched over us, and brought 
 us in safety to see the light of this day. 
 
 We beseech Thee to fit us for the duties of the 
 day. Give us that preparation of the heart which 
 is from the Lord. Grant that in thought, in word, 
 and in deed, we may glorify Thee continually, 
 remembering that we have been redeemed with the 
 precious blood of Christ, and are therefore not our 
 own, but bought with a price. Oh, may thy good 
 Spirit teach us what we ought to do, and also give 
 us power faithfully and diligently to fulfil the 
 same. 
 
 We desire, our God, to acknowledge thy 
 hand in all the events of our daily life ; for thy 
 Word hath showed us that famine and plenty, 
 abundance and scarcity, sorrow and joy, are 
 ordered by Thee, and are the ministers of thy will. 
 Teach us to trust Thee at all times, with a perfect 
 heart. If we abound in the good things of this life, 
 enable us to trace our blessings to thy bountiful 
 hand. And shouldest Thou call upon us to suffer 
 privation or sorrow, may we still believe that 
 Thou doest all things well for them that put their 
 trust in Thee. Grant, gracious Father, that, by 
 the teaching of thy Spirit, the Lord Jesus Christ 
 may become increasingly precious to our souls. 
 May we feed on Him in our hearts by faith with 
 thanksgiving. And as we beseech Thee to 
 strengthen us by thy Spirit for the duties of 
 life, so we beseech Thee to arm us for its trials. 
 It may be our lot to encoimter wrotig-doing, or 
 neglect, or oppression. Hard words may be 
 spoken against us to-day. Hard things may be 
 done. Give us, we humbly pray Thee, the meek- 
 ness and gentleness of Christ. Being reviled, may 
 we not revile again. May we commit our cause 
 unto Thee, knowing that Thou wilt bring forth 
 oiu" righteousness as the light, and om* judgment 
 as the noon-day. And now send us forth, 
 Lord, to our work with thy blessing resting 
 upon us. Bless also our friends and relatives. 
 Bless our Queen and country, and all others for 
 whom we should pray. God, our God, hear us 
 and answer us in these our prayers, for Jesus 
 Christ, our Saviour's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XIII. 1—9. 
 
 OTHOU Preserver of men, in Thee we live, and 
 move, and have our being. Thou boldest 
 our souls in life. It is thy air that we breathe ; it 
 is on thy bounty that we live ; we are every day 
 fed at thy table ; and when thou takest away our 
 breath we die. Nor do we know the moment 
 or the day when our souls will be required of us. 
 
 In the name of Jesus, the one Mediator between 
 Thee and men, we would give Thee hearty thanks 
 for all thy care over us and ours this day. It has 
 been a day of mercy. Thou redeemest our lives 
 from destruction, and crownest us with loving- 
 kindness and tender mercy. Bless the Lord, 
 our souls, and forget not all his benefits. 
 
 We would take shame to ourselves that we have 
 so often abused thy long-suffering. How little 
 fruit have we borne to thy praise ! Lord, we 
 have been worse than cumberers of the ground ; 
 we have borne corrupt fruit. Adored be the 
 exceeding riches of thy grace for thy forbearance. 
 Let thy long-suffering be our salvation. Cut us 
 not down, but spare us yet another year, for the 
 sake of the Great Intercessor, who ever lives to 
 make intercession for all who come to Thee by him. 
 Let all om* trials only tend to loosen our attach- 
 ment to the world, to make our hearts soft, and 
 let thy Spirit be to them as the dew on the moun- 
 tains of Sion. Let our souls live, and they shall 
 praise Thee. Hast not Thou said, " I will be as 
 the dew unto Israel?" Fulfil thy word, and be 
 as the dew unto us. 
 
 For thy name's sake forgive us the trespasses 
 which we have committed this day, as we forgive 
 all who have trespassed against us. Bless the work 
 of our hands ; and now hide us under the shadow 
 of thy wings. Suffer no harm to befall us, nor 
 any plague to come nigh our dwelling. If it please 
 Thee, give rest to our weary bodies, and so renew 
 our strength for the duties of the morrow. If it 
 should be our lot to be wakeful, with our souls 
 may we desire Thee in the night, and meditate in 
 thy law. 
 
 most merciful Father, prepare us for the night 
 of death and the morning of the resurrection. 
 At whatever moment and in whatever form death 
 may visit us, may we be found clothed in the 
 wedding garment of Christ's righteousness, with 
 our loins girded and our lamps trimmed, ready to 
 enter into thy presence, and to dwell with Thee for 
 ever. 
 
 All these praises and petitions we humOly pre- 
 sent before Thee, Lord, in the precious name of 
 Jesus, who died the just for the unjust, to bring us 
 unto Thee. And to Him, to Thee, and to the Holy 
 Spirit, one God, be ascribed all honour and glory, 
 world without end. Amen. 
 
 C 68 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLI. 37—57. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, we bless Thee that 
 our lives have been spared through the dark- 
 ness of night, and that we are permitted to 
 behold the light of another Sabbath-day. We 
 desire, Lord, to begin this day with Thee, and 
 to enjoy thy presence and blessing throughout its 
 sacred hours. We come, therefore, to ask that 
 Thou wouldst give us thy Holy Spirit, that He 
 may govern our thoughts, our words, and our 
 actions this day ; so that in all things we may 
 })lease Thee our God. Bless thy holy Word which 
 we have read. May its lessons be impressed 
 upon our hearts by thy Holy Spirit. We admire 
 and adore Thee for thine infinite goodness to the 
 children of men. Even in the midst of thy judg- 
 ments, thy mercy, thy condescension, and thy love 
 appear most brightly. Thou who didst give 
 unto thy servant Joseph thy own Spirit, and didst 
 raise him out of his prison to be a prince in Egypt 
 and a blessing to the nations in time of famine, we 
 humbly beseech Thee to be our God ; and grant 
 that in all our trials and afflictions we may be 
 upheld by Thee, and be fitted by them for useful- 
 ness in thy Church and in the world. 
 
 This morning, Lord, we ask thy special bless- 
 ing to fit us for the privileges and duties of this 
 sacred day. Draw our minds from all things that 
 are merely earthly, and fix them on those things 
 that are heavenly and divine. Reveal to us the 
 fuhiess of thy love in Christ Jesus, and assure our 
 hearts of an interest in his salvation. Prepare 
 our minds for the solemn exercises of Divine wor- 
 ship. May we go to thy house in a humble, 
 teachable, and fervent spirit, desiring only to meet 
 Thee our God. Li praise and in prayer help us to 
 worship Thee in spirit and in truth. May we 
 hold communion with the Father and his Son 
 Jesus Clu-ist, and listen to tJiy Word with deep 
 attention, and with a desire to learn some lesson 
 which may be profitable to our souls. 
 
 Be with all thy servants who to-day shall pro- 
 claim tliy truth. May they preach with the power 
 of the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, so that 
 sinners may be pricked in their hearts, and cry, 
 " What must we do to be saved ?" and thy people 
 be built up in their most holy faith. Fill all 
 Sabbath-school teachers, Lord, with a sense of 
 the value of their scholars' souls, and with a deep 
 desire for their salvation. Help them to impart 
 that truth by which the children shall be made 
 wise unto salvation. Upon all our friends we 
 beseech Thee to pour out thy Spirit, and grant 
 that M-e and they may meet at last with all the 
 redeemed in glory everlasting. Have mercy upon 
 us, and accept our prayers and praises, for Jesus 
 Clu-ist's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH V. 1—25. 
 
 GRACIOUS and merciful art Tliou, our God; 
 constant and unfailing is thy care, and 
 exhaustless thy Divine goodness and compassion. 
 What could have been done for us whicli Thou 
 hast not done? From the beginning even until 
 now thy preserving goodness hath sustained and 
 kept us, and thy hand hath supplied our wants. 
 We belong to a fallen race ; but even when we were 
 sinners and without strength, Thou didst not spare 
 thy dear Son, but deliveredst him up for us all. 
 We have had thy holy Word to be a lamp unto 
 our feet, and a light unto our ])ath. Mim'sters 
 have spoken to us, in Christ's stead, the message of 
 reconciliation. The way of access to thy footstool 
 is open to us. Through thy dear Son Thou hast 
 px'ovided for us all that infinite mercy can find, 
 and all that fallen man can need. 
 
 Lord, we acknowledge thy great and un- 
 deserved goodness. How poor a return we have 
 made for it; what scanty fruit we have brought 
 forth. Thou hast borne with us long and patiently, 
 and it is of thy mercy that we are not consumed. 
 The power which could have destroyed us has been 
 extended to bless us. God, we blush for our 
 ingratitude and sin. We adore Thee for thy long- 
 suffering patience and forbearance. Spare us, we 
 beseech Thee. Pour upon our hearts tlie precious 
 gift of thy Holy Spirit, that He may quicken us 
 to new life. Bless to our souls the Word which 
 has this day been sown among us, that it may 
 arouse us from our sluggishness and indolence, 
 and Avarn us back from the sinful ways in which 
 our feet have trodden, and stimulate us to greater 
 diligence in thy service, that we may be trees of 
 rigliteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He 
 may be glorified. 
 
 We pray not for ourselves alone, Lord, but 
 for others : for those who are bound up with us in 
 the bonds of kindred and aftection, for those who 
 dwell around us and in the midst of whom our lot 
 is cast, and for all sorts and conditions of men. 
 Thou knowest the measure of their opportunity 
 and privilege, and the measure of their fruitfulness. 
 Spare, God, the unfruitful, and awaken them to 
 see their danger and their sin. Visit with thy 
 grace the fruitful, that they may bring forth much 
 fruit to thy glory, and the honour of thy Gospel. 
 May every Sabbath-day see a great enlargement 
 of the Redeemer's kingdom, and the conversion 
 of many souls, both among Jews and Gentiles, 
 among the heathen abroad and the ungodly at 
 home. 
 
 Take us into thy keeping, God, for the night, 
 and bestow upon us now and ever every needful 
 and saving blessing, tlu'ough Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 64 ] 
 
Morning.' 
 
 TENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 r Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTUKE PSALM LXVI. 
 
 OLORD our God, Thou art very great ; who is 
 hke unto Thee? Thou art God alone. The 
 day is thine, and the niglit is thine ; Thou hast 
 prepared the h'ght and the sun. God, Thou hast 
 made us, and not we ourselves ; we are thy people, 
 and the sheep of thy pasture. In thy hand our 
 breath is, and thine are all our ways. 
 
 Blessed for ever be Thou, our Father ; Thou 
 hast not turned away our prayer, nor thy mercy 
 from us. We have cried unto Thee in our troubles, 
 and Thou hast heard and delivered us. The 
 living, the living, they shall praise Thee, as Ave 
 do this day. 
 
 Wisely and graciously hast Thou dealt with 
 us in every time of sorrow. Thou broughtest 
 us into the net; Thou laidst affliction upon our 
 loins. Our fears were many, our unbelief great, 
 our murmurings loud. We asked, " Has the 
 Lord forgotten to be gracious, and will He shut up 
 his loving-kindness in displeasure ? " But all 
 the while — now we see it, now we praise Thee for 
 it — Thou wert proving us, wert trying us as silver 
 is tried. We went through fire and water, but 
 Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place. 
 
 God, who boldest our souls in life, and dost 
 not suffer our feet to be moved; who hast often, 
 by thy providence, turned our sorrow into joy, 
 consecrate us, body and soul, to thy service. Teach 
 each o]ie of us to live, labour, suffer, trust, so 
 that Thyself and thy grace may be daily magnified 
 in us. Grant us to remember all the way Thou, 
 Lord our God, hast led us, to humble us 
 and prove us, to know what was in om* hearts, 
 whether we would keep thy commandments or no. 
 In prosperity, let us not forget the vows of adver- 
 sity. May we pay that which our lips have 
 uttered and our mouths have spoken Avlien we 
 were in trouble. 
 
 Keep us from feigned prayers, from insincere 
 dealing with Thyself and om'selves. If we regard 
 iniquity in our hearts. Thou wilt not hear us, for 
 Thou searchest the hearts and triest the reins ; all 
 things are naked and open before Thee, with whom 
 we have to do. 
 
 Grant thy blessing on our daily toil. Let thy 
 presence gladden us all the day long. Keep the 
 thought of evil afar off". Give strength and victory 
 in temptation. May we grow in grace, watching 
 against sin, fearing self, hiding thy Word in our 
 hearts, doing good, blessing others, living and 
 longing for the coming of our Lord and Master ; 
 and so day by day walking in the light, as Thou 
 art in the light, may the blood of Jesus Christ 
 cleanse us from all sin. Accept our praises, we 
 beseech Thee ; grant these our petitions for thy 
 dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE' ST, MATTHEW J [II. 1-23. 
 
 FAITHFUL and ever-blessed God, who art Most 
 High for evermore, who fillest heaven and 
 earth ! there is no darkness where the workers of 
 iniquity can hide themselves, nor are thy children 
 ever concealed from thy view. The day and the 
 night are both alike to Thee. 
 
 We adore the riches of thy goodness towards us 
 since last we bent the knee before Thee. We went 
 forth to our work, and Thou hast upheld us. Our 
 bodily wants Thou hast supplied. Thy grace has 
 been bestowed in proportion as we have prized 
 and sought it. Thou hast made the outgoing of 
 the morning and the evening to rejoice ; and now 
 we meet again to speak good of tliy name. Let 
 not our eyes be so blind as not to see, let not our 
 hearts be so dull as not to feel, the loving-kindness 
 of the Lord. 
 
 But to us, Lord, belongeth shame and con- 
 fusion of face. We have sinned, Ave have done 
 wickedly ; we have been unthankful, insincere, 
 unholy. We come, therefore, tln'ough Him whom 
 Thou hast exalted to be a Prince and a Saviour. 
 We make mention of his righteousness, and of his 
 only. Cleanse us from the defilement our souls 
 have contracted. Speak peace to our consciences. 
 Justified anew from all things, may we rejoice in 
 hope of thy glory. 
 
 And now, our Father, how can wo thank Thee 
 enough for the clear teachings of thy Word ? 
 Projihets and righteous men desired to see those 
 things we see, and have not seen them ; and to 
 hear those things we hear, and have not heard 
 them. Blessed are our ears, for they hear; and 
 our eyes, for they tee. Let thy Word abide in us, 
 and thy Spirit enable us to understand it. Let not 
 our hearts prove so hard that it cannot touch or 
 enter them, but let it be as good seed cast into 
 good ground, yielding ready and abundant fruit. 
 Teach us to count the cost as well as to know the 
 blessedness of obedience. If tribulation comes or 
 persecution, may consolations abound even as 
 sufferings abound. Help us to be on our guard 
 against the corrupting and deadening influence 
 of worldly cares and of worldly Avealth. If riches 
 increase, teach us not to set our hearts upon them. 
 Our cares, teach us to cast thcni upon Thee. 
 
 We commend to thy blessing our friends and all 
 the members of this family. Be with them and 
 us through the hours of the night. We are safe 
 only when Thou art our Defender ; rich onl}^ 
 when Thou art our portion; happy only when 
 Thou art our good. If it jilease Thee, may we 
 rise on the morrov/- with new strength for new 
 duty. When we awake, may we bo still with 
 Thee. Wo ask all through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ Co ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EVENIIS'G. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLII. 1-24. 
 
 OLORD God, our heavenly Father, who- art 
 glorious in thy majesty, and yet dost stoop 
 down to the weakest and meanest of thy creatures; 
 we adore thy grace and power, which have kept 
 us through the night now past. Oh, enable us 
 to regard every returning day as a fresh witness 
 of thy goodness, and to see in all daily blessings, 
 and especially in the message of thy Word, cords of 
 love by which Thou wouldest draw us to Thyself. 
 Accept our thanksgivings. To Thee, God, be all 
 the praise and glory. Thou hast loved us with an 
 everlasting love. Forgive,- we beseech Thee, the 
 coldness and sinfulness of our hearts, that we have 
 loved Thee so little in return. Cleanse us from 
 the guilt of unthankfulness, and awaken us to a 
 deeper gratitude, and a heartier and holier service. 
 Lord, we desire to live this day under thy protec- 
 tion. Watch Thou over us for good. We know 
 not what is before us, nor what may be the trials 
 and temptations which we shall meet. Be Thou 
 with us in all that we do ; and by thy Holy Spirit 
 show us what is riglit, and give us strength and 
 courage to do it. 
 
 Especially we pray Thee to give us a tender 
 conscience, that we may not sleep in the ways of 
 sin, nor be deaf to the voice of thy Word, nor 
 grieve thy Spirit by our wilfulness and disobedi- 
 ence. God, preserve us from spiritual blindness, 
 from hardness of heart, and from contempt of thy 
 Word and commandment. If trouble, befall us, 
 open our eyes to see thy hand in it; and if it 
 bring our sin to remembrance, give us grace to 
 confess that we are verily guilty, and to seek 
 earnestly for pardon and forgiveness. Oh, that past 
 faults and failings may make us watchful against 
 the approach of temptation, and keep us humbly 
 dependent upon thy guidance and help, without 
 which we shall surely fall. Grant us, God, as a 
 family, every domestic blessing. May the love of 
 Jesus abide in all our hearts, that drawing nearer 
 day by day to Him, we may be drawn nearer to 
 each other. Oh, that all of us may be thy people, 
 the children of God, loving Thee, and bringing 
 forth the fruits of the Spirit. Are any of us yet 
 wanderers from Thee, God ? by thy Holy Spirit 
 convince us of sin, arouse us to repentance, subdue 
 our pride, quicken us from spiritual death, reveal 
 unto us thy dear Son in the tenderness of his love, 
 and the power of his saving grace. Salvation be- 
 longeth unto Thee. Oh, let none of us be found 
 unsaved in the day of Christ's appearing. Mer- 
 ciful God and Father, we implore all these 
 blessings, and we praise Thee for all thy goodness, 
 in the name of Jesus Clu'ist. For his sake accept 
 us and our offering of prayer and praise, and give 
 us peace. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XIII. 2^-43. 
 
 AT the close of another day, Lord, we meet 
 together to offer Thee our praises for thy great 
 goodness to us, and to supplicate thy continued 
 protection during the night. Keep us under the 
 shadow of thy wings ; let no evil befall us, suffer 
 no plague to come nigh our dwelling. Each day 
 brings us nearer to the close of life ; and we 
 specially ask Thee to prepare us, by the blood of 
 Jesus Christ and the transforming power of thy 
 Holy Spirit, for that last great day when Thou wilt 
 send forth thine angels to gather out of thy king- 
 dom all that offend and all that have done iniquity. 
 May every one of us be found then in Christ ; 
 not having our own righteousness, but the 
 righteousness which is by the faith of our Saviour. 
 Keep us all from self-deception ; let us not be as 
 tares among the wheat, exposed to the awful 
 misery of discovering our real position by the 
 revelations of the great day of thine appearing. 
 We know from the lips of our blessed Saviour that 
 in that day many will say, " Lord, Lord, have we 
 not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name done 
 many wonderful works?" and that He will re- 
 ply, " I never knew you ; depart from me, ye 
 workers of iniquity." Lord, our Father, again 
 we ask Thee to save every one of us from this 
 awful doom. Make us know ourselves. Search 
 us, Lord, and try our hearts, and show us 
 if there is anything that is keeping us from a 
 simple trust in thy beloved Son, our Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, as the only hope of our salvation. Help 
 us to give all diligence to make our calling and 
 election sure ; to have our loins girded and our 
 lamps burning, as servants, waiting for their Lord's 
 coming ; so that whenever He shall come and call 
 for us, we may be ready. And we ask this not 
 only for ourselves, but for all who are dear to us, 
 and for all mankind. Cause there to be an in- 
 creased preparation in the hearts of all people for 
 the coming of the Son of Man. Prosper and bless 
 all efforts for the spread of the Gospel, both at home 
 and abroad, and help us as we have opportunity to 
 hold forth the Word of life, and to be as lights of 
 the world, so that men seeing our good works may 
 glorify our Father which is in heaven. We ask 
 thy pardon for all the sins we have committed 
 during the past day ; with shame and contrition 
 we confess before Thee that we have sinned in 
 thought, in word, and in deed. If we looked only 
 at our sins, we should despair ; but we turn witli 
 thankful hope to the precious blood of Jesus Christ, 
 who came into the world to save sinners. For 
 his sake have mercy upon us and forgive us all 
 our sins, and accept our prayers ; and to Father, 
 Son, and Holy Ghost be glory and praise for ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 r 66 -1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IX HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLII. 25—38. 
 
 OLORD God, thy mercies never cease. Day 
 after day and niglit after night thy mercy 
 surrounds thy children. During the hours of dark- 
 ness Thou guardest our beds, Thou givest sleep to 
 our eyes, Thou renewest our wearied strength ; and 
 now, refreshed and invigorated, we kneel before 
 Thee in praise and thanksgiving. 
 
 How wonjierful, Lord, art Thou in all thy 
 Avorks ! How wonderful in thy dealings with us 
 poor weak and sinful creatures ! May we walk 
 worthy of thy goodness and love. 
 
 We pray Thee, Lord, to be our Guide and 
 Protector this day. Keep us from all sin, and give 
 us grace to hate it. Let us not whisper to our 
 conscience that our transgression is so secret that 
 none can ever know it, for thou knowest all things, 
 Lord, even the very innermost thoughts of our 
 heart. Make us to feel that, sooner or later, our 
 iniquities will find us out. Keep us, therefore, 
 Lord our God, ever in thy trust and love, that 
 we sin not against Tliee. 
 
 And, Lord, it may be that some of us may be 
 tried very much with things working, as wo think, 
 against us. We may be in deep affliction of soul, 
 and it may be all unknown to those around us. 
 Some trial from Thee may be bringing us down to 
 the very dust. We may be in bitterness of spirit. 
 Lord, may we not for an instant think that Thou 
 art against us. May we not imagine for one single 
 moment that Thou hast either forgotten or for- 
 saken us. 
 
 No, Lord our God : a woman may forget her 
 child ; but Thou never forsakest those who trust in 
 
 Thee, and who love Thee. 
 
 To those among us 
 
 who may be suiFering under trial give sweet and 
 holy comfort ; and as Thou didst cause all to work 
 together for good for thy servant Jacob, so cause 
 all to work together for the same gracious purpose 
 for all thine afflicted people. Amid their afflictions 
 may they not for-get Thee, but feel, with Job of 
 old, " Though He slay me, yet Avill I trust in 
 Him." 
 
 And now, Loi*d, again we ask Thee to keep 
 us this day from all sin and all danger. Guide us 
 by thy wisdom. Help us by thy blessing. May 
 we so walk, as thy children, and so conduct oiu*-- 
 selves, that men may behold in us the epistles of 
 Christ. We pray that we may be useful to those 
 aroimd us. May we live, not only for ourselves, 
 but for others. May we seek their good, as well 
 as our own ; and, above all, may we seek the 
 eternal welfare of all. 
 
 We go forth in thy name. We depend on thy 
 help. We trust in thy love. May we triumph in 
 thy salvation. Hear us and ansAver us, for thy dear 
 Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XIU. 44-53, 
 
 OGOD, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires 
 knoAvn, and from Avliom no secrets are hid, 
 subdue our hearts by the remembrance of our oavu 
 uuAvorthiness as Ave kneel at thy footstool. 
 Humbly and reverently Ave come into thy pre- 
 sence. Turn not thy face away in displeasure, 
 but according to thy great mercy in Christ Jesus, 
 give us a token for good, and let u«i not be ashamed 
 of our hope in Thee. 
 
 Blessed be thy name, Lord oar God, for the 
 many mercies of this day. We owe it to thy 
 Avatchful and tender care that we have been kc})t 
 in safety, and that our day of grace is prolonged. 
 Forgive us, we pray Thee, our frequent sins, and 
 let them not be remembered. Let us knoAv in our 
 daily experience the healing poAA'er of Jesus' 
 blood, and have the peace which passeth all under- 
 standing. Thou hast given us thy Gospel, and 
 gathered us into the number of thy professing 
 people. God, grant that Ave may be thine, not 
 by profession only, but in deed and in truth. 
 Teach us that it Avill aA'ail us nothing to serA'e Thee 
 Avith the lips, unless our hearts and lives be given to 
 Thee. Carry on in us thy work, and let its poAver 
 be seen in the holiness of our conduct. Check 
 and subdue in us OA'ery disposition to formalism 
 and hypocrisy, that Ave may be what Ave profess to 
 be, true disciples of thy dear Son ; and that Avhen 
 the great day of final separation shall come, avc 
 may not be cast aAvay. Preserve us from spiritual 
 hardness and insensibility. May our hearts be 
 tender, receiving readily the impressions of thy 
 AVord, yielding cheerfully to the promptings of 
 the Holy Ghost, and resisting firmly all the 
 temptations of pride and vmbelief. Thou hast 
 brought us near to Thyself in the privileges Ave 
 enjoy. Thou hast revealed to us Jesus, thy dear 
 Son, and hast made clearly knoAvn unto us the 
 Avay of salvation. Having spared Him not, but 
 delivered Him up for us all, with Him Thou Avilt 
 freely give us all things. Lord, give us such 
 an increase of faith that we may be AA'illing to 
 count all things but loss for the excellency of the 
 knoAvledge of Christ Jesus, if so be Ave may bo 
 found in Him, clothed with his righteousness, and 
 sanctified by his Spirit. 
 
 Take us noAv, Ave pray Thee, under thy protec- 
 tion. Let thy blessing rest on all Avho are dear to 
 Tis. Let none of them remain in unbelief. [Es- 
 pecially visit Avith thy grace the children of this 
 family. May they I'omember their Creator in the 
 days of their youth, and, under the guidance of 
 thy Holy Spirit, give their hearts noAV to- the 
 Saviour.] We lay our prayers and thanksgivings 
 at thy feet. Accept them, Ave beseech Thee, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 67 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLIII. 1-14. 
 
 OGOD, holy and true, who workest all things 
 after the counsel of thine OAvn "will, and who 
 in thy wisdom and love dost bring light out of 
 darkness, order out of confusion, and joy out of 
 sorrow ; we acknowledge with gratitude and praise 
 tliat just and true are all thy Avays, and that in 
 thy hand all things work together for good to 
 them that love Thee. Be pleased to confirm our 
 faith in thy promises, that we, casting all our 
 care upon Thee, may be careful about nothing ; 
 and that, Avalking in the light of thy countenance, 
 we may be filled with that peace which passeth 
 all understanding. Remember, Lord, thy word 
 unto thy servants, upon which Thou hast caused 
 us to hope ; and perfect in us all the good pleasure 
 of thy goodness, and the work of faith with power. 
 Hear us when we call, God of our righteous- 
 ness. Thou hast enlarged us when Ave were in 
 distress. Have mercy upon us, and hear our 
 prayers. 
 
 Father of mercies, who makest our cup to run 
 over, and preventest us with the blessings of thy 
 goodness; accept, we beseech Thee, the freewill 
 offerings of our mouth, and let our prayer come 
 before Thee as incense, and the lifting up of our 
 hands be as the evening sacrifice. Thou hast pre- 
 served our souls in life, and hast filled our hearts 
 witli food and gladness. We would bless Thee, 
 the Lord, at all times; may thy praise be con- 
 tinually in our mouth. Oh, continue thy loving- 
 kindness unto them that know Thee, and thy 
 righteousness to the upright in heart. We commit 
 our way unto Thee, we trust also in Thee ; for 
 Thou wilt bring forth our righteousness as the 
 light, and our judgment as the noonday. We 
 wait for Thee ; our soul doth wait, and in thy 
 word do we hope. Be pleased, Lord, to fulfil 
 our petitions, and bless us with all spiritual bless- 
 ijigs in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. 
 
 We give thanks unto Thee, thou Preserver of 
 men, that we are alive every one of us this morn- 
 ing ; and we beseech Thee, according to thy 
 manifold mercies, to preserve us, and let goodness 
 and mercy follow us all the days of our life. Be 
 Thou our Grod ; and remember those who are dear 
 to us with the favour which Thou bearest to thy 
 people. Let Israel rejoice in Him that made him, 
 let the children of Zion be joyful in their King; 
 for Thou takest pleasure in thy saints, Thou wilt 
 preserve all them that trust in Thee. 
 
 Lord, go before us, we beseech Thee, to keep us 
 this day in the right path ; and bless us in all that 
 we put our hand unto, that of thine may we give 
 TJiee ; and so fill us with thy grace, that whatsoever 
 we do, we may do all to thy glory, through Jesus 
 Christ our only Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH VI. 
 
 ETERNAL and ever-blessed Saviour, who didst 
 reveal Thyself to tiiy servant Isaiah, make 
 Thyself known unto us, we pray Thee, in this our 
 assembling at thy footstool. Thou art God of God, 
 Light of Light, very God of very God. Thy glory 
 covereth the heavens, and the earth is full of thy 
 praise. Holy and reverend is thy name, Lord 
 of Hosts. Lord, what are we, tliat we should bo 
 permitted to speak unto Thee, before whom even 
 angels veil their faces ! Our hearts are unclean, 
 our lips are unclean, our hands are unclean ; in 
 thouglit, and word, and deed, we have trans- 
 gressed against Thee. We are vile in thy sight, 
 whose eyes are as a flame of fire, searching the 
 heart and reading the life. 
 
 Lord Jesus, as we know our misery through 
 sin, so enable us to feel our need of thy cleansing 
 blood ; that experiencing in our hearts the blessed- 
 ness of thy peace, we may be ready to run in the 
 way of thy commandments. Gracious Saviour, 
 impart to us these blessings. Blot out our sins, 
 whatever they be. Kindle in our hearts a lively 
 sense of thy mercy, that with a holy zeal we may 
 be ready to eveiy good Avord and work, and realise 
 ever more and more that thy service is perfect 
 freedom. 
 
 We praise thy name, our God and Father, 
 for the many mercies of the day. To thy gracious 
 providence we owe all our good. Life, health, 
 strength, domestic comforts, a blessing on our 
 daily toil ; above all, the Gospel of thy dear Son 
 and the gift of thy Holy Spirit, are of Thee, and 
 to Thee will we give the glory. We pray that we 
 may not prove unprofitable servants, lajang our 
 talents idly by instead of employing them to thy 
 glory. Lord, when Thou seest us slothfully or 
 selfishly misusing the gifts of time, money, and 
 opportunity, remind us, by the powerful impres- 
 sions of thy Spirit on our hearts, of the solemn 
 account we must one day give. Especially grant 
 that thy Word 'may never become to us the savour 
 of death unto death. Oh, forbid it, Lord, that we 
 should resist its power and shut our ears to its 
 warnings ; sinful and ungrateful as we have been, 
 cast us not away from thy presence, and take not 
 thy Holy Spirit from us. 
 
 Be very gracious unto all whom we love. May 
 each and all of them be partakers of thy grace 
 in Christ Jesus. [Make the children of this 
 family thy children, and daily renew them by thy 
 Holy Spirit.] Guard us and our dwelling from 
 all evil this night, and let us sleep beneath thy 
 protection. 
 
 Hearken to these our prayers, and supply all 
 our need, according to thy riches in glory by Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 r 68 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLIII. 15-34. READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW VIIL 18-31. 
 
 OLORD, Tliou art our God ; the Author of 
 our being, and the Giver of every good and 
 perfect gift. All the blessings we enjoy come to 
 us from Thee, through Him who, though exalted 
 on high, and crowned with glory and honour, is 
 our Saviour, and Brother, and Friend. 
 
 We rejoice that for our sake Jesus Christ sub- 
 mitted to humiliation, poverty, and pain ; loving 
 us when we were at enmity with Him, and seeking 
 our welfare while He suffered for our sins. We 
 rejoice that, having suffered. He is now exalted 
 above all principalities and powers, a Prince and 
 a Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins. 
 Especially do we rejoice that, on his throne in 
 glory. He retains the same love for us as when He 
 hung upon the cross, that He does not forget those 
 whose nature He wears, but still thinks of us, and 
 intercedes for us ; and, as He bore our sin and 
 shame, gives us a share in the fruits of his exal- 
 tation. 
 
 We thank Thee for all the blessings Thou hast 
 bestowed on us through Him. Tliou hast fed us 
 and clothed us ; Thou hast protected us fi'om 
 danger, and preserved our lives. In sickness and 
 sorrow Thou hast sustained us ; and in health Thou 
 hast supplied our wants. And, looking back over 
 all the way by which Thou hast led us, we are 
 constrained to say, " Blessed be the Lord God, 
 the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous 
 things ; and blessed be his glorious name for ever, 
 and let the Avliole earth be filled with his glory. 
 Amen and Amen." 
 
 AVe acknowledge likewise thy spiritual mercies 
 in Christ Jesus, for all the means of grace, and for 
 the hope of glory. Make us partakers of thy 
 Spirit, and heirs of the kingdom of thy dear Son, 
 that we may be his in the day when He maketh 
 up his jewels. 
 
 Accept, Lord, of our thanksgivings for these 
 manifold mercies, of which we are most unworthy; 
 and enable us to use thy gifts for thy service. May 
 every renewed favour increase om' love to Thee 
 and devotedness to thy service. And, receiving 
 so much ourselves, may we ever be ready, in the 
 exercise of a true brotherly feeling, and according 
 to the ability which Thou hast given, to minister to 
 the welfare of others. Help us especially, as a 
 family, to be considerate of each other's feelings. 
 May Christian love characterise all our intercourse 
 here. And, when the vicissitudes of life are past, 
 may we have a happy meeting around thy throne. 
 
 Receive our thanks for the mercies of the past 
 night. Grant us protection, and help, and guid- 
 ance, and grace throughout the day. Forgive us 
 our sins, and accept us and our services, for the 
 Redeemer's sake. Amen. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and ever-living God, the Protector 
 ■^ of all who trust in Thee, help us to look up to 
 Thee now and at all times, in love, and reverence, 
 and godly fear. Fill our hearts with grateful 
 praise for the continued mercies of this day. Thou 
 art indeed good and gracious to us. May we ever 
 be mindful that it is from Thee that all good things 
 do come, and that even the evils of life are over- 
 ruled by Thee, and work for good to them that 
 love Thee. Forgive, we earnestly beseech Thee, 
 all that we have done, or said, or thought amiss 
 this day. Thou art faithful and just to forgive the 
 sins of all who believe in thy dear Son. Lord, Ave 
 believe ; help Thou our unbelief. 
 
 Gracious Spirit, anoint our eyes, tliat we may 
 see.. Leave us not to grope in spiritual darkness. 
 Take of the things of Jesus, and show them unto 
 us, that in Him we may have peace, and be indeed 
 the children of our Father in heaven. Merciful 
 Saviour, Thou knowest our frame, and canst com- 
 passionate our weakness. Stretch out at this time 
 thy merciful hand, and raise us u-p from the depths 
 into which our sin has plunged us. Save us, 
 Lord ! save us, or we perish. We pray Thee also 
 to help and succour us in all the trials and tempta- 
 tions of our daily life. Leave us not to be 
 overwhelmed by them, nor permit them to 
 bring us under the dominion and power of sin. 
 When we find our cross heavy, do Thou share the 
 burden with us, and enable us to bear it with 
 patience and holy courage. Remembering thy 
 sufferings for us, Lord Jesus, may we never 
 repine, but meet with cheerfulness and faith what- 
 ever trials, for the Gospel's sake. Thou art pleased 
 to send to us, and be willing to count all things 
 but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of our 
 Lord and Saviour. 
 
 Preserve us, Lord, this night in peace and 
 safety. We have no power of ourselves to help 
 ourselves. Keep us, we pray Thee, outwardly in 
 the body, and inwardly in the soul, and fit us for 
 the duties of another day. Let thy favour rest 
 upon our dear relations and friends. Oh, grant that 
 both they and we, the old and the young, may 
 hearken to the call of Jesus, and follow Him at all 
 cost. Lord, suffer nothing to hinder us. We 
 desire, Lord, to be thine entirely ; to be free with 
 the liberty wherewith Christ makes his people free, 
 and to enjoy the witness of thy Spirit that we are 
 indeed thy children. Pity, we pray Thee, all 
 them that are yet led captive of the devil at his 
 will. Cast out from their hearts the spirit of dis- 
 obedience. Open their ears to hear the glad 
 tidings of deliverance, and bring them to a right 
 mind. We ask all, God, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 69 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 TENTH WEEK.— SATUilDAY. 
 
 [Evening, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER IV. 7-19. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MAITHEW IX. I-IG. 
 
 OGOD Almighty, who givost us good things 
 without number, without money, and without 
 price ; we Kft our hearts to Thee in thanlcsgiving 
 and in praise. We laid ourselves down, we slept, 
 we awaked; for thou, Lord, didst sustain us. 
 Yet we are not worthy of the least of all thy 
 mercies, or to present any offering to Thee ; but, 
 sinners as we are, do Thou receive us for his sake 
 who Himself became our Surety, and over liveth 
 to make intercession for us. 
 
 Lord God, be gracious to us this day, and help 
 us, we beseech Thee, to spend it as in thy sight, 
 and Avith eternity in view. May we use the world 
 as not abusing it, being temperate in all things, 
 and watching unto prayer. Oh, fill our hearts Avith 
 fervent charity towards all men, and especially 
 towards those Avith whom we shall associate, 
 whether at home or elsoAvhere. May we be intent, 
 not on spying out their faults, but on furthering 
 their interests, lovingly ministering to their wants, 
 and seeking their happiness according to our 
 ability. God, save us from selfishness, in all 
 its forms. Root it out of our souls, and grant 
 that in things temporal and spiritual we may ever 
 remember that Ave have nothing Avhich Ave did not 
 receive, and that Thou Avilt soon require of us an 
 account of our steAvardship. May all our conduct, 
 iu public and in private, be regulated by the 
 principles of thy Word ; and then we shall not be 
 ashamed, but Thou Avilt in all things be glorified, 
 through Jesus Christ. 
 
 Be Avith us, heavenly Father, amidst the varied 
 troubles of our daily life, that, taught and 
 strengthened by thy good Spirit, we may rest 
 thankfully in thy Avill, knoAving that Avhom the 
 Lord loveth He chasteneth. And should Ave be 
 called to suffer for Christ's sake, may ayc arm 
 ourselves Avith his mind. May we never be 
 ashamed of his name, but rejoice in the privilege 
 of being partakers of his suft'erings ; so that Avhen 
 his glory shall be revealed, we may be glad with 
 exceeding joy. But forbid, we earnestly implore, 
 that, through forgetfulness of Thee, Ave should 
 at any time bring shame and sorrow to our 
 own souls, and give occasion to thine enemies to 
 blaspheme. 
 
 Pardon all our past sins. Draw us to Thyself 
 by thy constraining love ; and when the day is 
 ended, may we feel that we have made some pro- 
 gress in the Avay to heaven and Thee. Shed every 
 blessing on all whom Ave loA^e, Avherever they may 
 be. Bless thy Church. Let the time to favour 
 Zion, yea, the set time, come ; that thy glory may 
 be revealed, and all flesh see it together. Lord, 
 hear ; Lord, forgive, and save us evei'more, for 
 the alone merits of Jesus Clu-ist, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 OLORD, om* heavenly Father, Ave come before 
 Thee at the close of another day — another 
 day of labour and of toil, but a day in Avhicli thy 
 kind hand has still been about us for good. But, 
 Lord, hoAv have Ave failed to walk Avith Thee ! 
 liOAv have aa^c failed of being, like our blessed 
 Redeemer, ahvays employed in doing thy Avill ! As 
 for us, Ave seem, at best, just to serve Thee for a little 
 while, and then to forget Thee ; but Avith Him it 
 Avas, all the day long, unceasing service and un- 
 ceasing love. Forgive the sins of our hol}^ things, 
 that they are so cold, and of our unholy things, 
 that they are so frequent. 
 
 Lord, Ave would come to Thee through Him avIio 
 died for our sins and rose again for our justification. 
 For his sake receive and help us. Polluted and 
 helpless as Ave are, avo come to Thee, our God, 
 for cleansing and deliverance, that Ave may bo 
 pardoned, strengthened, and renewed. Heal us, 
 Ave pray Thee, and purify us from all our iniquities. 
 Who can forgive our sins but Thou alone ? Lord, 
 give us living faith, that in thy Son Jesus Ave may 
 obtain the fulness of thy blessing. Lord, Ave arc 
 blind, but we believe that Thou canst give us 
 sight. Open Thou our eyes, that aa'C may behold 
 the Avondrous things of thy Word. 
 
 Nor would Ave pray unto Thee, Lord, for our- 
 selves alone. We Avould bring before Thee in 
 prayer all those who are dear to us. [Our children,] 
 our friends, our relatives, our household ; may 
 they all live before Thee. It may bo that some 
 of those dearest to us may at this moment be as 
 dead before Thee. Lord, for his sake who pur- 
 chased for us the gift of thy blessed Spirit, raise 
 those Avho know Thee not from the death of sin 
 unto the life of righteousness. May the Saviour 
 speak by his Spirit to their hearts, '' I say unto 
 thee, Arise!" 
 
 Nor look upon our families alone ; but ;ipon our 
 friends, our neighbourhood, our country. Lord, 
 pour doAvn thy blessing on this land of ours. Thou 
 hast blessed thy Avork Avithin our borders, and yet, 
 God, among us, as in thine own Israel, there 
 are many Avandering far from Thee, as sheep that 
 haA^e no shepherd. Lord, look upon thy Church, 
 and have mercy upon the Avorld. Increase the 
 number of thy faithful shepherds; preserve from 
 Avaudering the sheep already iu thy fold. Collect 
 thy dispersed flock, and according to our Savioui-'s 
 promise, let there be one fold and one Shepherd. 
 Gather the number of thine elect, and hasten thy 
 kingdom. Hear us for his sake Avho alone is 
 Avorthy, thy beloved Son, Jesus Cluist, to Avhom, 
 Avith Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, be all 
 glory, and praise, and honour, for ever and ca'ci". 
 Amen. 
 
 C Vo 3 
 
Morning.] 
 
 ELEVENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 RKAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLIV. 
 
 OGOD, we adore tliv blessed name, and pray 
 that our hearts may be kindled by the re- 
 membrance of thy g;lory. Before the moun- 
 tains were brought forth, or ever Thou hadst 
 formed the earth and the world, even from ever- 
 lasting to everlasting. Thou art God. Thou art 
 the Almighty God, who doest as Thou wilt in 
 lieaven above and in earth beneath. Thou art the 
 holy God, who hatest and abhorrest sin. Thou 
 art the faithful and true God, whose promises 
 stand fast for ever and ever. Hear Thou from 
 heaven, thy dwelling-place ; and when Thou 
 hearest have mercy and forgive, and do for us 
 according to the riches of thy grace and love in 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 From our very hearts wo thank Thee, heavenly 
 Father, for all thy mercy to us, and especially for 
 the day of rest, and the ordinances of the house of 
 prayer. By thy Spirit so work in us to will and 
 to do, that these blessings may not be in vain. 
 We beseech Thee ever to deepen in us the convic- 
 tion of our own unworthiness. When we confess 
 our sins publicly before Thee this day, fill us with 
 shame at the remembrance of them. Let thy grace 
 woi'k in our hearts, humbling us before the cross 
 of tliy Son, and preparing us to hear with joy the 
 message of thy pardoning grace and reconciling 
 love. Glory be to thy name that thy hand is not 
 shortened that it cannot save, nor thine ear heavy 
 that it cannot hear. Implant in our hearts the 
 comforting sense of thy forgiveness, that being 
 justified by faith, we may have peace with God 
 through thy dear Son, and rejoice in hope of thy 
 glory. 
 
 Li the midst of all our trials and temptations, 
 enable us to see that Thou art teaching us. If thy 
 hand be laid upon us in chastisement, and Thou 
 callest our sins to remembrance, as Thou didst the 
 sins of Judah and his brethren, at the same time 
 reveal to us thy mercy, that we may not be over- 
 whelmed by the fear of thy wrath. Keep us ever 
 humble and watchful against the sinfulness of our 
 hearts, and the temptations of evil around us. Be 
 Thou in all things our Shield and Strength, and let 
 thy good Spirit guide and help us. 
 
 According to thy promise, be present with all 
 who this day meet in thy name. Preserve us from 
 all that would distract the mind, or cause us to 
 forget that Thou art near. Give wisdom to thy 
 ministers, and let none of their words fall to the 
 ground. Have mercy on many Avho are now 
 estranged from Thee. Draw them to thy house, 
 and sow the seed of thy Word in their hearts. 
 Glorify thy dear Son, and let Him see this day of 
 the travail of his soul. God, in thy mercy 
 answer us, and bless us for his sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW IX. 18-33. 
 
 GRACIOUS Father, we thank Thee for thy 
 fatherly care, for the renewal of religious 
 opportunities, and for all thy goodness towards us 
 on this thy day. We bless Thee for health of 
 body, for soundness of mind, and for our daily 
 food and raiment. Wo thank Thee for the enjoy- 
 ments of home, for all our domestic blessings and 
 comforts. We praise Thee for thy holy Word 
 which we have been privileged to read and hear, 
 for the ordinances of thy house, and for the service 
 of the family altar, with which we would conclude 
 the engagements of this day. May we rejoice 
 amidst bereaving providences that our kindred and 
 friends are continued to us ; and that while we 
 are smTounded by disease and death, we are alive 
 to praise Thee. Enable us gratefully to acknow- 
 ledge all thy benefits, and not to forget these 
 tokens of thy daily kindness. We confess our 
 secret faults, and presumptuous offences. We 
 approach Thee, Lord, not as righteous persons 
 needing no repentance, but as those who have 
 often vexed thy good Spirit by our transgressions 
 against Thee. We humbly pray that our sins may 
 be blotted out as a cloud, and our iniquities as a 
 thick cloud. Take away from our hearts the love 
 of evil, and may we experience the cleansing of 
 the atoning blood of Jesus. May thy rich grace 
 be bountifully supplied to us, that we may have 
 wisdom and ability both to know and do thy will. 
 
 Make us anxious to redeem the time, and to 
 employ our life for the benefit of our fellow-men, 
 and for the manifestation of tliy glory. May our 
 faith in the Lord Jesus be constantly increased ; 
 and as in the days of his flesh he gave sight to the 
 blind, and raised the dead, so may we experience 
 the operations of his Holy Spirit, in being 
 spiritually enlightened, and raised from the death 
 of sin to newness of life. 
 
 We mourn the sinfiilness which we daily witness 
 in the world. How many are perishing for lack 
 of knowledge, and lie under the power and do- 
 minion of Satan. The harvest truly is plenteous, 
 but the labourers are few. Raise up, God, and 
 send forth more labourers. Beat down by thy 
 truth all superstition and error. Let the Gospel 
 of the kingdom be preached with power and much 
 assurance, so that many around us may be saved. 
 Restore thine ancient Israel to favour. Prosper 
 all missionary efforts both at home and abroad, 
 that righteousness and peace may bless the world. 
 
 Mercifully bless our kindred and friends. Com- 
 fort the poor, the afflicted, and desolate. Thy 
 kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is 
 in heaven. We ask all, God, in the name and 
 through the intercession of our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 71 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 ELEVENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLV. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, tlie Holy One of Israel, Father 
 ■ix of the whole family in heaven and earth, we 
 present ourselves before Thee in worship and 
 adoration. Our voice shalt Thou hear in the 
 morning, and day by day will we direct our prayer 
 unto Thee, and will look up. We thank Thee for 
 peace and safety during the night, and for the re- 
 freshment and strength received in sleep ; and now 
 that our faculties are restored, and another day is 
 before us, we pray for the forgiveness of past sins 
 and follies, and ask that we may be kept from 
 again being guilty of the offences against Thee 
 which Thou hast graciously pardoned. 
 
 We are only safe as Thou keepcst us. Great 
 and many dangers beset our path. Our own 
 hearts are prone to evil. Continually we see the 
 good, but prefer the evil. The good that we 
 would we do not, and the evil that we would not 
 that we do. We are frail and feeble, Avithout 
 strength of our own to stand upright. Lord, 
 look in thy mercy upon us, and preserve us from 
 falling. Clothe us with the armour of God, that 
 tlie shafts of temptation, and sin, and Satan may 
 Inu't us not. Remove the hindrances that prevent 
 our spiritual progress. Suffer us not to be 
 tempted beyond what we can bear. Let thy 
 name be glorified in our godly walk and con- 
 versation, that we may not do harm to religion, 
 nor bring dishonour on thy name by inconsistency 
 and sin. 
 
 Grant, Lord, that the lesson of thy Word now 
 read may be fixed deeply in our hearts. May it 
 show us how Thou makest all things work together 
 for good to thy people, and how, though soitow 
 may endure for a night, joy cometh in the morn- 
 ing. May Ave learn from it the duty of forgive- 
 ness, and be ready at all times to do good to them 
 that have injured us, and to pray for them that 
 despitefully use us. God, forgive us our tres- 
 passes, as Ave forgiA^e them that trespass against us. 
 Oh, let this our household be a God-fearing family, 
 abounding in love to Thee and to one another. Let 
 no fruits of bitterness spring up to trouble us. We 
 desire that Jesus may dAvell Avith us, shedding on 
 all om' hearts the bright beams of his precious 
 presence, and draAving us all to Himself by the 
 bands of everlasting love. Grant, Lord, that Avhen 
 the shades of evening shall come down upon the 
 world again, Ave may be privileged to look back 
 on a day Avhich has been Avithout Avilful offence 
 against God or man. 
 
 We present at thy footstool these our prayers 
 and thanksgivings, trusting in the grace and 
 mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, 
 to Avhom, Avith the Father and the Holy Ghost, 
 one eternal Jehovah, be unending praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LXII. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, our Almighty and 
 gracious God, thy good hand has been upon us 
 all the day through, and in thine exceeding mercv 
 Ave are again gathered as a family at thy throne 
 of grace. Oh, let not this our evening service of 
 prayer and praise be cold and formal. Stir up 
 our hearts to dcA^otion, that Ave may have joy and 
 gladness in thy presence, and feel that the bright- 
 ness of thy love is shining upon us. Forgive all 
 that Ave have done Avrong this day. Cleanse our 
 consciences in the atoning blood of th}^ Son, and 
 increase our faith, that as thy children Ave may 
 take hold of the promises to Avhich Ave have listened, 
 and cheerfully obey the precepts of thy Word. 
 
 Lord, enlarge our hearts with zeal for thy 
 glory, and a desire for the coming of thy kingdom. 
 HoAv feebly have Ave realised the encouragement 
 which Thou hast given us in this chapter to plead 
 Avith Thee for the success of the Gospel, and the 
 accomplishment of thy gracious purposes to our 
 lost and guilty Avorld. Lord, let not this our 
 unbelief and lukewarmness remain unforgiven. 
 Arouse us fi-om our apathy, and kindle Avithin us 
 from this hour a fervent zeal for the honour of 
 thy name and the triumph of thy truth. 
 
 AAvaken in thy Church a deeper anxiety for tliy 
 glory. Pout doAvn the spirit of prayer and sup- 
 plication on all thy believing people. Excite 
 them to increased labours for Thee, and to more 
 self-denying sacrifices for the advancement of the 
 Gospel. lievive thy Avork in the midst of us. 
 Let Christians feel more intensely the preciousness 
 of Christ to themselves, and the obligation Avhich 
 lies upon them to make Him knoAvn to others. 
 Call foi'th an increasing band of faithful ministers. 
 Teach them by thy OAvn Spirit, and endue them 
 Avith Divine gifts. Give abundant grace to 
 all Avho now preach thy truth. Keveal it 
 with poAver to their own hearts, that they may 
 proclaim it more clearly and powerfully to others. 
 Be Avith our missionaries in other lands. Lift up 
 their hands when they hang doAvn, and strengthen 
 their feebleness. Go forth, Lord, in thy 
 righteousness and truth, and level in the dust the 
 strongholds of sin and Satan. To the ends of the 
 earth let it be seen that Thou art God, and Thou 
 alone; and that the Avord in thy mouth is truth. 
 Take the veil from the eyes of the Jew. Stir up 
 thy people to remove every stumbling-block from 
 his path, and hasten the day when thy name shall 
 be knoAvn upon earth, and thy saving health among 
 all nations. 
 
 Grant, God, that the Avords of our mouth 
 and the meditation of our hearts may be accept- 
 able in thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Strength 
 and Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 [ 72 ] 
 
MOKNDsG.] 
 
 ELEVENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXX. 
 
 HOLY and ever-blessed God, the Father of our 
 spirits, the framer of our bodies, the preserver 
 of our lives ; in approaching thy throne this 
 morning, we come v^^ith humble boldness, making 
 mention of the name and pleading alone the merits 
 of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are sinners, and 
 feel our need of a Saviour. Burdened by a sense 
 of our own unworthiness, but remembering thine 
 own gracious command, in all things to make 
 known our requests unto Thee, we now bow om* 
 knees, and offer unto Thee the thanksgivings of 
 grateful and adoring hearts. 
 
 Lord, thou art good, and ever doing good ; 
 gracious art Thou in all thy ways. All of us in 
 thy presence have again been the recipients of 
 Divine protection and sparing mercy. Through 
 the silent hours of the night Thou hast sustained 
 us ; and while many have been awake through 
 suffering, we have slept and been refreshed. 
 During the season in which darkness has over- 
 shadowed our dwelling, we have been free from 
 dangers, both from within and from without ; and 
 now ere we enter on the duties and demands of 
 another day, we implore the pardon of all our 
 sins, and unwavering guidance in the way of 
 holiness ; that, as a family and household, we may 
 be kept an unbroken circle in the fellowship and 
 love of our God. 
 
 Holy Father, in thus approaching into thy pre- 
 sence, we desire to plead the great work of thine 
 own well-beloved Son, who died on the cross, and 
 ever liveth to make intercession for us. When our 
 world was lying in sin, none in it righteous, no, 
 not one, and when no eye pitied and no hand 
 helped the pei-ishing, blessed be thy gracious 
 name, thine eye pitied, and thy hand wrought 
 redemption. For this great salvation we would 
 adore and bless Thee. But, Lord God, the v;-orld 
 as yet is far from enjoying the glad tidings of 
 great joy which are for all people. We there- 
 fore earnestly beseech Thee, most blessed God, 
 to send forth light and truth to the ends of the 
 earth, to lead men out of darkness into mar- 
 vellous light, to subdue their hearts to Thyself, to 
 make an end of war, and so to take to Thyself 
 thy great power and reign, that speedily the 
 kingdoms of this world may become the kingdoms 
 of thy dear Son. 
 
 Bless the poor, God, and save the dying. 
 Let the afflicted be sanctified, and the sorrowing 
 be consoled. And may we all so remember our 
 latter end, as to number our days and apply our 
 hearts to wisdom ; that in thine own kingdom at 
 last, with the innumerable host of the redeemed, 
 we may praise Thee for ever and ever, through 
 Jesus Clu'ist, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XIV. 1—14. 
 
 OETEENAL God, in whom we live, and move, 
 and have our being, we bless Thee for the 
 protecting care which has been around us this day. 
 Dispose our hearts, we pray Thee, to come into 
 thy presence with holy thankfulness and devout 
 adoration. 
 
 Thou knowest. Lord, how this whole world lieth 
 in wickedness ; whenever the overflowings of un- 
 godliness make us afraid, grant that our trust 
 and our confidence may be in Thee. We adore 
 thy goodness that our lot is cast in this favoured 
 land, where the course of things is so peaceably 
 ordered by thy governance, that thy Church is 
 able to serve Thee in godly quietness, and the 
 families of our Israel may sit each under his own 
 vine and under his own fig tree, none making us 
 afraid. 
 
 But forasmuch as thy holy Word has taught 
 us that they who reign with Christ must first suffer 
 with Him, we pray Thee, gracious God, to prepare 
 us to bear with meekness, patience, and constancy 
 the afflictive dispensations of thy providence, in 
 whatever form they may present themselves. Give 
 us the self-denial and boldness, even unto death, of 
 thy servant John the Baptist ; nay, more, give us 
 the spirit of thy dear Son Jesus, who endured the 
 cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the 
 right hand of the throne of God. In the hour of 
 our sore temptations, in our conflicts with indwel- 
 ling sin, in the mortification of self, in the fight 
 of faith, and until the glad hour of final triumph, 
 be Thou, Lord, our strength and our defence. 
 When our hearts are overwhelmed within us, lead 
 us to the Rock that is higher than we. Thou, 
 blessed Jesus, art that Rock ; Thou hast been our 
 shelter and a strong tower from our enemies ; keep 
 us, we pray Thee, even unto the end. That we 
 may walk more closely with Thee, and grieve not 
 thy Holy Spirit, make us, merciful God, very 
 watchful against all occasions of sin, from without 
 and from within. May we have grace to abstain 
 from the very appearance of evil, and to be on our 
 guard against all places, and all company, and all 
 habits of worldly conformity, whereby we may be 
 surprised into sin. Thus do Thou enable us to 
 keep ourselves in the love of Thee, looking for the 
 mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 
 
 Now, heavenly Father, we desire once again to 
 commend ourselves to thy keeping for the coming 
 night ; may we lay us down in peace, assured that 
 Thou, Lord, wilt make us dwell in safety; may 
 we rise refreshed and strengthened to renew our 
 work of faith and labour of love, until we rest 
 with Thee in glory, through the only merits of 
 our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Chi-ist, 
 Amen. 
 
 L 73 ] 
 
 No. lo. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 ELEVENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLVI. 1-7, 26-34. 
 
 WE devoutly acknowledge Tliee, Lord, as the 
 supreme object of our adoration, reverence, 
 and love. Bestow on us the precious gift of faith, 
 that we may always trust in Thee. Each day and 
 each hour may we hear thy voice speaking to our 
 inmost souls. May we all do thy will cheerfully, 
 as in the sight of the Lord. E^'en in those things 
 which contradict our natural inclinations, may we 
 learn to obey Thee. Tliroughout this day may we 
 have the deep consciousness that Thou art witli us, 
 directing our steps, inspiring our thoughts, and 
 regulating our purposes. Let everything we do, 
 whether secular or sacred, be done as in thy holy 
 presence and for thy glory. Preserve us from the 
 snares which may beset our path. Destroy our 
 selfishness, and teach us to love others even as 
 ourselves. Give us a growing love of all holiness, 
 and a growing hatred of all sin. In the midst of 
 an evil world, give us thy Holy Spirit, that we 
 may maintain a conscience void of offence toward 
 God and toward men. 
 
 We adore Thee, Lord, as the Fountain of all 
 our blessings. Accept, we pray Thee, of our 
 united thanksgivings for thy watchful care through- 
 out the night, for the mercies of the morning, and 
 for the manifold blessings which tend to make our 
 existence here below holy and happy. May all thy 
 gifts be employed for Thee, and be rendered back 
 to Thee in holy and accej^table service. In every 
 gift may we recognise the Giver. Grant, we 
 beseech Thee, Lord, that our life may in all 
 things be well-pleasing to Thee. We devoutly 
 thank Thee for the gift of thy well-beloved Son, 
 Jesus Christ, as the Saviour of sinners. May we 
 so believe in Him that we may reap all the benefits 
 of his death and passion upon the cross, and at 
 last be counted worthy to share in the joys of his 
 heavenly kingdom. 
 
 We pray Thee, Lord, to bless our country 
 with peace, and with that measure of prosperity 
 which shall be most conducive to the furtherance 
 of thy purposes of mercy and love. Let the 
 wickedness of the wicked come to an end. Esta- 
 blish the reign of righteousness and truth through- 
 out the world. [Be gracious, we beseech Thee, to 
 the children of our household. Bless them with 
 the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that they may be 
 restrained from all evil, and be renewed in thy 
 likeness.] And now. Lord, we commend ourselves, 
 as a family, to thy fatherly care and protection 
 during another day. Be thou our Guard and 
 Guide. In every perplexity be Thou our wisdom. 
 In every sorrow be Thou our solace. In every 
 perplexity be Thou our shield and strength. Hear 
 us, gracious Lord, in these our supplications, for 
 the sake of Jesus Christ our only Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN VI. 1—21. 
 
 OLORD God, Most High, unworthy of ourselves 
 to come into thy holy presence, we plead the 
 name of thy dear Son. On his atoning merits and 
 righteousness we rest our hope of acceptance. In 
 gracious fulfilment of thy promise, do Thou for us 
 exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or 
 think. Show us, God, our sinfulness. By thy 
 Holy Spirit convince us how undeserving we are 
 of thy daily goodness. Root out of our minds all 
 pride and conceit of our own goodness ; give us a 
 deep insight into our own hearts and our many 
 transgressions, that we may see our great need. 
 Whatever in us has grieved th} Holy Spirit and 
 defiled our own souls, graciousl}^ pardon. For thy 
 name's sake remember not, we beseech Thee, our 
 offences, but spare us, good Lord. 
 
 We praise Thee, God, for the bounties of thy 
 providence. We bless Thee that the same Divine 
 power and compassion which supplied the hungry 
 crowds that followed Jesus has ministered to our 
 daily necessities. Enable us to read in these thy 
 mercies the greatness of thy love, and in all thy 
 past goodness to see a pledge of future grace. 
 Especially, we beseech Thee to feed us with the 
 bread of life. Awaken in us the hungering and 
 thirsting after righteousness which will impel us to 
 come daily to Jesus, that we may be filled. Our 
 wants are many, but thou canst supply them all — 
 strength in our weakness, protection from all 
 dangers, and guidance in all pex'plexity. Be with 
 us, we pray Thee, in the darkness and in the light. 
 Keep us back from presumptuous and wilful sins, 
 and direct our steps in thy ways, that we slip not. 
 
 Graciously, God, look on all whom we would 
 remember at thy footstool. Whatever earthly 
 blessing Thou seest right and good for them, 
 bestow. Above all, grant that they may be 
 numbered among thy saints. May the young love 
 and fear thee in the days of their youth, and the 
 old be ripened, under the teaching and training of 
 thy Spirit, for a place in thy kingdom of glory. 
 Send forth the light of thy truth even to ihe utter- 
 most parts of the earth. Grant that wherever it 
 comes it may shine in many hearts which have 
 hitherto been in darkness and the shadow of death, 
 and guide them into the way of peace. Pour out 
 thy Spirit on all thy Chm-ch. Illuminate all thy 
 ministers with true knowledge and understanding 
 of thy word. Give wisdom to all in authority, and 
 courage to do that which is right in thy sight. 
 Strengthen weak believers. Comfort sorrowing 
 and bereaved hearts. Raise the fallen, and finally 
 break down and subdue the power of Satan. 
 
 Hear us, O God ; watch over us during the 
 night, and bless us with all needful rest and sleep, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 74 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 ELEVENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XL VII, 1—12. 
 
 HOLY Father ! in the Saviour's precious name 
 we again present ourselves at thy footstool, to 
 acknowledge thy protection through another night, 
 and to implore a continuance of thy care through 
 the dangers of another day. We have laid us 
 down and slept, and awaked ; for Thou hast sus- 
 tained us. Now be pleased to give thine angels 
 charge concerning us, to keep us in all our ways. 
 Lord, make us to know our end, and the measure 
 of our days, what it is ; that we may know how 
 frail we are, and apply oui* hearts unto wisdom. 
 
 Lord, be our days few or many, days of joy 
 or sorrow, let them not be days of sin — days on 
 which we shall have to reflect in life's decline, and 
 in death, with remorse or repentance. Oh, pardon 
 all our past mis-spent days, and let the time past of 
 our life suffice us wherein we have wrought the 
 will of the flesh. Henceforth we would live in thy 
 fear and .to thy glory : but our strength is weak- 
 ness ; therefore hold Thou us up, and we shall be 
 safe. 
 
 Impress our hearts, by what we have been read- 
 ing, that life is a pilgrimage to eternity ; and help 
 us throughout tlie journey to keep the end in 
 view. May we, by thy grace, be seeking, as the 
 holy patriarchs did, a better country, that is, a 
 heavenly. Be Thou to us, as to them, a Sun and 
 a Shield. Direct and defend us, all through the 
 wilderness, to the rest which reraaineth to the people 
 of God, and let not any of us come short of that 
 rest. 
 
 Mercifully assist us now in the faithful dis- 
 charge of all the duties of the day. Provide for 
 our necessities. Order all our goings. Lead us 
 not into temptation, but deliver us from evil ; and 
 unto all endeared to us by the ties of nature 
 or friendship impart the blessings which they 
 severally need. Comfort all who are in sorrow, 
 and especially do we pray Thee to be the support 
 of the infirm and aged. Should we attain three- 
 score or fourscore years, may our hoary heads 
 be a crown of glory, being found in the way of 
 righteousness. 
 
 We again supplicate thy mercy on behalf of our 
 gracious Monarch and all the royal family : our 
 several ministers of state, and magistrates. Of thy 
 goodness provide for the poor. For Christ's sake, 
 the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the 
 world, restore every prodigal to his Father's house. 
 Hasten the fulfilment of thy word, " All the ends 
 of the world shall remember and turn unto the 
 Lord." 
 
 We now commit ourselves into the arms of thy 
 love. Remember us for good, for our Lord and 
 Saviour's sake ; to whom, with Thee and the Holy 
 Ghost, be all honour and glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN VI. 22—40. 
 
 HEAVENLY and loving Father, we praise 
 Thee for thy gracious promise that every one 
 who sees the Son, and believes in Him, shall have 
 everlasting life. Give us thy Holy Spirit, that, 
 taking of the things that are Christ's, He may show 
 them to us. Grant us to grow continually in the 
 knowledge of Jesus, and of the power of his resur- 
 rection, till we come to find that even in going to 
 the grave there is no real death to them that are 
 in Christ Jesus. When we are called by Thee to 
 leave this world, may we fall to sleep, in sweet 
 hope that nothing of Christ's shall be lost, but our 
 very bodies be raised up at the last day. Send us 
 now, we beseech Thee, a token for good, and give 
 us refreshing sleep. Or if our eyes are held 
 waking, be Thou near us, and the very darkness 
 shall be light in Thee. 
 
 kind Father, thou hast preserved and provided 
 for us during another day. We thank Thee for 
 the earthly bread which we have eaten, and which 
 has come from thy hand, as surely as if we had 
 gathered it, like the manna which of old fell from 
 the skies. We praise Thee for strength to do our 
 daily work. Let thy blessing rest on our accom- 
 plished tasks. Forgive us our forgetfulness of the 
 true bread which came down from heaven. Let 
 us ever seek first the kingdom of God and his 
 righteousness. Blessed be thy glorious name that 
 the entrance into the kingdom is not by works 
 which we have done, but by believing on Him 
 whom Thou hast sent. Lord, we hope in Him, 
 we come to Him, sure that He will receive us, and 
 never, never cast us out. 
 
 We commend to Thee, gracious Father, with 
 sympathy and compassion, all poor and destitute 
 ones this night. Guide wanderers to the shelter of 
 homes thou shalt open for them. Give the hungry 
 food from hands prepared for them. Licline our 
 hearts always to relieve, as Thou enablest us, the 
 wants of the needy. And, bountiful Provider of 
 heavenly bread for the life of the world, pity all 
 famishing souls. Awaken thy Church to scatter 
 her stores more freely. Call men everywhere to 
 the feast prepared for all peoples. Oh, that the 
 salvation of Israel were come out of Zion ! Oh, 
 that men of every tongue, and nation, and tribe 
 were taught no more to labour for that which is 
 not bread, but to hearken to thy call, and eat that 
 which is good, given by Thee for the life of the 
 soul. 
 
 Now, Lord, we commit to thy care, for the 
 night, all the members of this family, young and 
 old; and all our dear fi-iends, far and near. 
 Keep them night and day, till Thou bring them 
 home ; and to Thee shall be glory for ever, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 75 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 ELEVENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLVII. 13—31. 
 
 HOLY Father, Lord of heaven and earth, we 
 thank Thee for all thy goodness and mercy to 
 us ; goodness undeserved, and mercy great beyond 
 our utmost thought. Thou hast again kept us in 
 safety during the hours of the night, Thou hast 
 blessed us with sleep, and the morning has 
 brought to us fresh proofs of thy loving- kindness. 
 We praise thy holy name for health and strength, 
 and for the good which Thou hast mercifully pro- 
 vided for the refreshment of our bodies. Thou, 
 Lord, preservest man and beast. We beseech 
 Thee to behold all who are suffering the bitter 
 pangs of hunger, and send them help out of thy 
 vast store-house ; for the silver and the gold are 
 thine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. 
 
 Merciful Lord God, we thank Thee that we are 
 not driven from our native land by famine, like 
 thine ancient servant Jacob and his sons ; that our 
 Lord and Saviour has provided better blessings for 
 all who confide in Him than those which Joseph 
 obtained for his father's house. Let us daily feel 
 that man liveth not by bread alone, but by every 
 word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 
 Feed us this day with the bread of life. Strengthen 
 us, sanctify us, comfort us by thy everlasting Word, 
 that it may be our guard and our guide ; and when 
 the time shall come that we must die, may thy 
 sacred promises cheer and sustain us in death, and 
 assure us of an entrance into thy kingdom. 
 
 We pray that thy gracious providence may 
 watch over us throughout all the labours of the 
 day; especially keep us from sin, that we may not 
 grieve Thee. When we are beset by temptation, 
 be Thou our strength, and in all our ways uphold, 
 direct, and teach us. We beseech Thee, Lord, 
 to protect those who are exposed to great peril of 
 life in their daily labours. We pray Thee to 
 provide for the relief of those who are unemployed. 
 Comfort the afflicted, support the aged, bless the 
 bereaved, and cheer the dying through the 
 precious blood of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Father of mercies, we entreat Thee to bless our 
 country. As thou hast exalted our nation by so 
 many privileges, so also grant unto us grace to 
 serve and honour Thee. Let the wickedness of the 
 wicked come to an end, but establish thou the just. 
 Bring men of all classes to know, and love, and 
 serve Thee. Bless our beloved Queen and all the 
 royal family. Enlighten our rulers with heavenly 
 wisdom, prosper our commerce, and give us peace 
 by all means. 
 
 And now we cheerfully and thankfully betake 
 ourselves to our daily duties. Be not far from us, 
 O our God. To Thee we dedicate ourselves and 
 all our service, through our blessed Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN VL 41—71. 
 
 OLORD our God, in Thee we live, and move, 
 and have our being. Our life in the flesh 
 hangs upon thy care, and is sustained by thy good- 
 ness. We receive daily bread, because thy com- 
 passions fail not. We are closing another day in 
 peace, because it has been crowned with loving- 
 kindness and tender mercy. 
 
 But man liveth not by bread alone. Our fathers 
 did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 
 Though enriched with the blessings of this life, we, 
 too, must lie down to die, and we know not the 
 day nor the hour when the Son of Man shall come. 
 So teach us to number our days that M-e may 
 apply our hearts unto wisdom. Thou hast made 
 us for endless life. Thou hast rendered us capable 
 of bearing thine image and tasting thy joy ; of 
 being lights of the world, and temples of the living 
 God ; but we have sinned against Thee, Lord, 
 and are not worthy to be called thy children. By 
 natin-e we are alienated from Thee, and dead in 
 trespasses and sins ; but Thou hast had pity upon 
 us, and proposed to us reconciliation, and shown to 
 us the way of life. 
 
 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift, 
 that He spared not his o^vn Son, but gave Him, 
 the true bread from heaven, that all who believe 
 in Him may have everlasting life. 
 
 We pray that we may be taught of Thee, and 
 become wise unto salvation ; and that it may please 
 Thee to draw our reluctant hearts to Christ, in 
 whom Thou hast given us remission of sins. 
 
 Through his obedience unto death, may we not 
 come into condemnation, but pass from death into 
 life. Quickened by his Spirit, may we rise from 
 the death of sin to the life of righteousness. May 
 we live a life of faith upon Christ, and hunger and 
 thirst after righteousness. May our fellowship be 
 with Thee, God, and with thy Son Jesus Christ ; 
 and so closely unite us with Him that we may 
 learn by experience what it is to eat his flesh and 
 drink his blood. Thus nourished unto eternal life, 
 may we increase in knowledge, grow in grace, 
 abound more and more in love, wax stronger and 
 stronger, rejoice in the hope of the glory of God, 
 and be changed into the same image from glory 
 to glory, by the Spirit of the Lord ; that though 
 our bodies perish day by day, our souls may live, 
 looking for and hasting unto the glorious appearing 
 of our God and Saviour Christ. 
 
 Hear our prayers for our [children and] kindred, 
 that they all may be alive unto Thee, through 
 Jesus Christ ; serve Thee in newness of life in this 
 world, and in the world to come have life ever- 
 lasting. We ask all in the name and for the sake 
 of Jesus Christ, our adorable Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 76 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 ELEVENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLVIII. 
 
 LORD, we bless Thee that in a world of change 
 and death Thou art ever the same. Be mer- 
 ciful unto us, we praj Tliee, and grant that we 
 may be followers of them who through faith and 
 patience inherit the promises. Help us to live, as 
 they did, as pilgrims and strangers upon earth. 
 Whether our lives be long or short, may they be 
 lives of faith upon the Son of God ; and when we 
 die, may we enter upon the rest that remaineth for 
 thy people. We thank Thee that the Day Spring 
 from on high hath visited us, and that things 
 which righteous men of old saw only through a 
 glass darkly stand open to our sight. Lord, 
 accept the offering of grateful and contrite hearts. 
 We plead the merits of Jesus for acceptance with 
 Thee. We beseech Thee to sprinkle us afresh 
 with the blood of atonement. May the guilt of 
 sin be cancelled, and its power be destroyed within 
 us. May we cease to do evil, and learn to do well, 
 perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord. To 
 this end grant us the aid of thy Holy Spii'it, that 
 He may take of the things of Christ, and show 
 them unto our souls ; and thus may Christ not only 
 be the object of our trust, but the example we 
 imitate. 
 
 We render hearty thanks unto Thee, Grod, 
 for thy watchful care during another night. Oh, 
 help us to begin every day as if we entered upon 
 life anew. May the precious hours of this day 
 be well spent ; yea, so spent as if it were the last. 
 To Thee we now consecrate our renewed health 
 and strength. May the secular duties of life be to 
 us religious duties, because we seek thy glory in 
 them. Help us to order all our affairs with dis- 
 cretion, and to regulate our entire life by the 
 principles of thy Word. May those with whom 
 we have intercourse take knowledge of us that 
 we have been with Jesus, and that we are on our 
 way to dwell in his presence for ever. Preserve 
 us this day from the temptations of the wicked one. 
 Keep our feet that they do not stumble, our eyes 
 that they behold not vanity, our tongues that they 
 utter no guile, our hearts that they be not dis- 
 quieted by untoward events, and that we lose not 
 the light of thy countenance. Grant us as much 
 prosperity as shall be for our good ; and when 
 Thou sendest adversity, may we receive it from 
 the hand of our Father, and may it contribute both 
 to the health of otu* souls and the glory of thy name. 
 
 [We pray Thee to bless the children of this 
 family; bring them all in early life to Jesus, that 
 we may be a holy family, journeying to our 
 Father's house above.] Let thy mercy be be- 
 stowed on all whom we love. We ask all, and 
 we praise Thee for all, in the name of Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXXX. 
 
 OGOD ! the God of the spirits of all flesh ; Thou 
 hast no pleasure in the death of the wicked, 
 and savest such as be of a contrite spirit ; pardon, 
 we beseech Thee, the iniquity of thy servants, 
 according to the greatness of thy mercy ; and bless 
 us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in 
 Christ Jesus; that we, being sanctified through 
 thy truth, and preserved by thy mighty power, 
 may receive the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, 
 with eternal glory. 
 
 Most merciful Father ! out of the depth of our 
 sin and ruin do we cry unto Thee ; pitifully 
 behold us in our low and lost estate ; for if Thou 
 shouldest mark iniquity, we could not stand. With 
 Thee there is forgiveness, that Thou mayest be 
 feared. Have mercy upon us, Lord, according 
 to thy loving-kindness ; according to thy tender 
 mercies, blot out our transgressions ; granting us 
 true repentance, with faith in our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, and the hope of eternal life. We wait on 
 Thee ; our soul doth wait, and in thy word do we 
 hope. God, be not far from us ; our God, 
 make haste for our help. 
 
 Our Fatlier in heaven ! who hast given us this 
 day our daily bread, and hast prevented us with 
 the blessings of thy goodness ; we would sacrifice 
 unto Thee with the voice of thanksgiving, and 
 pay unto Thee that which we have vowed. Let it 
 please Thee so to rule in our hearts by thy grace, 
 that we may hate every false way, and be kept 
 from the path of the destroyer. Pitifully look 
 upon us in our weakness, and help us to take heed 
 to our ways, that we sin not against Thee ; but 
 keeping our tongue from evil and our lips from 
 speaking guile, may we worthily magnify thy holy 
 name, and adorn the doctrine of God our Saviom*. 
 
 God, hide us under the shadow of thy wings, 
 and let tliy tender mercies come unto us, that we 
 may live. Let thy merciful kindness be for our 
 comfort, according to thy word ; bless our sub- 
 stance, and accept the work of our hands ; let it 
 be well with us, and with om* children after us, 
 that we may prolong our days upon the earth. 
 Lord, who art our confidence and our hope, 
 let it please Thee to keep us during the night. 
 When we lie down, let us not be afraid ; and let 
 our sleep be sweet. Do Thou for us, and for our 
 kindred, above all we ask or think. Build up 
 Jerusalem, and let the righteousness thereof go 
 forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a 
 lamp that burneth. 
 
 And now let these our words wherewith we have 
 made supplication before Thee, be heard by Thee, 
 the Lord our God ; and in thy faithfulness answer 
 us through Jesus Cin-ist, our only exalted Re- 
 deemer. Amen. 
 
 r 77 ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 TWELFTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXXI. 
 
 GRACIOUS God, accept our praises for all thy 
 mercy to us, and grant that in all the religious 
 duties of this holy day thy Spirit may kindle in us 
 a fervent desire towards Thee, and maintain in us 
 a constant remembrance that we are not our own, 
 but thine. Thou hast bought us with a price, not 
 with silver and gold, but with the precious blood 
 of thy dear Son. May we be entirely consecrated 
 to thy service and glory ! 
 
 Lord, how many are the motives which Thou 
 hast given us for trusting in Thee ! Through 
 infant years and later days thine eye has watched 
 over us, and thy hand ministered to our wants. 
 Thou hast cast our lot where we have been privi- 
 leged to hear the blessed tidings of redeeming 
 mercy. All things that pertain to life and godli- 
 ness Thou hast abundantly bestowed. God, we 
 desire that our mouth may be continually filled 
 with thy praise, and that in the experience of thy 
 goodness we may lean upon Thee more and more. 
 Renew to us, day by day, the tokens of thy love. 
 May all thy dealings with us tend to the increase 
 of our faith; and fill us, we beseech Thee, with all 
 joy and peace in believing, that we may abound 
 in hope through the power of the Holy Ghost. 
 Deliver us out of every trouble; disappoint the 
 craft of the great enemy, and let us not fall under 
 his power. Especially, God, preserve us this 
 day from his devices, and from all those earthly 
 and sinful thoughts which would hinder our 
 services of prayer and praise in the sanctuary. 
 Calm and solemnise our hearts as we draw near to 
 thy footstool. May we realise at once the great- 
 ness of thy majesty and the tenderness of thy pity. 
 Let not the Word we shall hear be snatched from 
 our hearts, or be choked by other things, but cause 
 it to take root and bring forth fruit abundantly in 
 holy and religious lives. 
 
 We pray for all congregations that shall meet in 
 tny name this day, far and near. Let the signs 
 of thy presence be seen among them in the earnest- 
 ness of ministej-s and people. Give wisdom to all 
 who shall teach thy Word, in public or in private, 
 in the school or the congregation. May they be 
 guided into all truth themselves, and be thereby 
 fitted to guide others. Pour out thy Spirit, which 
 alone can make effectual to salvation the message 
 they shall deliver. Anxiously we pray, God, 
 that thou wouldst turn the feet of many to thy 
 house to-day who have hitherto neglected its ordi- 
 nances. Draw them by thy grace, and let them 
 not hear in vain. 
 
 Commending ourselves and all whom we love to 
 thy watchful providence, we ask these and all 
 needful mercies at thy hand, in the name of Jesus 
 Christ, our exalted Redeemer and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOL"Y SCRIPTURE ST. MARK VIL 1—23. 
 
 ONCE, more, God, in the multitude of thy 
 tender mercies, we are permitted to draw near 
 to thy throne of grace. We have had many re- 
 ligious privileges to-day, but we fear we have not 
 used them as we ought to have done. Forgive 
 the sins of our worship ; wash our very services in 
 the blood of the Lamb, and keep us at all times 
 from honouring Thee with oiu' lips, while our 
 hearts are far from Thee. 
 
 Bless to our hearts, God, the word of the 
 truth of tlie Gospel which our ears have heard to- 
 day. Bless the portions of thy Holy Book to 
 which we have listened, and oh, fasten upon our 
 souls the solemn words of the Saviour which we 
 have just read. Keep us from the defilement that 
 Cometh out of the heart. From all deadly sin, 
 from envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness, 
 good Lord, deliver us. 
 
 Heavenly Father, and Saviour, and Comforter, 
 it grieves us to think that our hearts are so dead, 
 and our lips are so dumb, to speak thy praise. 
 Yet, we beseech Thee, accept our humble tribute 
 of thanksgiving, for Jesus' sake, and fit us for 
 singing thy praises in a better way and in a 
 brighter world. 
 
 We rejoice to think of Thee, eternal King, as 
 the God who heareth and answereth prayer. May 
 all the prayers to-day offered, according to thy 
 will, return in blessings to many, many souls. 
 Make thy Word preached this day to be th6 
 power of God unto the salvation of many who 
 have heard it. Let thy Church now arise, and 
 shake herself from the dust, and put on her i>eau- 
 tiful garments ; let all the ends of the world see 
 the salvation of our God. 
 
 Bless the poor in their cottages ; bless the sick 
 upon their beds ; bless the captives in their dun- 
 geon, especially those whom Satan hath bound; 
 and, in blessing others, forget us not. Lord, we 
 would see Jesus. Take the veil from our hearts, 
 and let us behold the King in his beauty. For- 
 give us that we have grieved the blessed Com- 
 forter, and take not thy Holy Spirit fi'om us. We 
 desire to know more of Thee and thy love, which 
 passeth knowledge, and to have a deeper ex- 
 perience of the work of thy grace in oiu* hearts. 
 
 Gathered here as a family, we ask for family 
 mercies. [Our children, ourselves, the dear ones 
 at home, and the dear ones far away, bless them 
 all, Lord.] Make those who are already thine 
 more like Thee, and oh, that all whom we love 
 may live before Thee ! And now for the hours 
 of our nightly rest we cast ourselves on thy loving 
 care. Guard us while we sleep, and when we 
 awake may we be still with Thee. We ask all for 
 the love of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 ! ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 TWELFTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [EVENINQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS XLIX. 1—27. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MARK VII. 24—37. 
 
 OGOD, Thou art our God, early will we seek 
 Thee. Our voice shalt Thou hear in the morn- 
 ing ; every day will we bless Thee, and praise thy 
 name for ever. Preserved by thy care, Thou 
 who never slumberest, we again implore a Father's 
 blessing from thy hands, and ask of Thee those 
 things which are necessary as well for the body as 
 the soul. We pray for guidance during this day. 
 We are strangers here, seeking a better country ; 
 help us to lire as those who know that this is not 
 their rest. Let thy bountiful grace and mercy 
 point out our way. Enable us to overcome diffi- 
 culties, preserve us in the hour of temptation and 
 weakness, and bring us safely to our journey's end. 
 Thou compassionate and all-loving Father, 
 who in Jesus Christ art willing to be our Father, 
 who givest good gifts to thy children, behold us 
 before Thee, waiting for those gifts which Thou 
 alone canst bestow. Earnestly do we ask that Thou 
 wouldst accept us through thy well-beloved Son, 
 wouldst place us among thy children, and give us 
 of their portion. 
 
 Bless us with strength of purpose and stability 
 of mind. May we never look back, after putting 
 our hands to the plough, but forgetting that which 
 is behind, reach forward to the prize of our high 
 calling in Christ Jesus. Teach us to value our 
 privileges and rights as the sons of God, never to 
 barter them for anything the world or the flesh 
 may offer, but to endeavour to be blameless and 
 harmless, as thy children in the midst of an evil 
 world. 
 
 Bless us with calm and holy tempers, such as 
 become the followers of the meek and loving Jesus ; 
 and give us resolution to put away from us all 
 anger, wrath, and malice, forbearing one another, 
 and forgiving one another, even as we hope to be 
 forgiven of Thee, for Christ's sake. 
 
 Bless us with influence for good over our 
 brethren, that we may seek their happiness, 
 sorrowing with their sorrows, and rejoicing in their 
 If thou shouldst call us to rule, may we rule 
 
 10V. 
 
 in the fear of the Lord ; if to serve, help us to do it 
 as serving the Lord Christ ; that when He comes 
 we may be approved in his sight, and give in our 
 account with joy. 
 
 Bless our neighbours and friends with peace and 
 prosperity in their homes, that all men may see 
 that we are a people blessed and owned of Thee. 
 Guide and direct our rulers, and all in authority. 
 Clothe them with uprightness and truth, for the 
 punishment of wickedness and vice, and the 
 maintenance of thy true religion and virtue. 
 
 These mercies we seek from Thee, the mighty 
 God, for the sake of thy Son our Saviour, Jesus 
 Clurist. Amen. 
 
 OLORD, we gratefully acknowledge that Tliou 
 hast done all things well. All our life long 
 we have been the objects of thy care ; and through 
 all the way by which we have come. Thou hast 
 watched over us. Thou hast shaped our course, 
 and fixed the bounds of our habitation, and ordered 
 aright that which concerns us. And now, Lord, 
 we give Thee thanks for thy providential guidance 
 and guardianship, and for the unfailing bounty by 
 which Thou hast supplied our wants. Grant, we 
 entreat Thee, that the goodness and mercy which 
 have been over us until now may follow us all 
 the days of our life. 
 
 We are encouraged to trust Thee by the remem- 
 brance of thy past mercies. If sometimes thy 
 ways have appeared dark and mysterious to our 
 erring sight, the result has proved that all thy 
 ways were right. Though Thou hast veiled thy face. 
 Thou hast never withdrawn thy love ; Thou hast 
 shown us that when thou didst most clothe Thyself 
 in clouds, it was only the better to fulfil thy wise 
 design. Thou hast delayed to bestow, but Thou 
 hast never denied us thy blessing ; and the delay of 
 which we have most complained has only been 
 designed to try our faith, and to prepare us for tiie 
 larger mercy. And whatever the way by which 
 Thou hast brought us. Thou hast caused all things 
 to work together for our good. 
 
 And now, Lord, we come again to the fountain 
 from which we have so often drawn. We cast 
 ourselves again on the love which has never failed 
 us. We deserve not the smallest of thy favours, 
 nor the meanest place in thy house. We ai'e not 
 worthy to be called thy children, nor to be num- 
 bered among thy servants ; for we have failed to 
 honour Thee as a Father, and to serve Thee as a 
 Master. But Thou, Lord, art merciful; and 
 though our wants are manifold as our sin is great, 
 it is easy for Thee to supply them all. Even the 
 crumbs of thy bounty are sufficient to enrich us ; 
 and Thou wilt not withhold these when Thou hast 
 given us thy Son. Lord, for his sake do Thou 
 supply our wants. Grant us a clearer sense of 
 forgiveness and acceptance. Take away every 
 feeling which interferes with our service. Let 
 our ears be open to hear thy voice, our hearts and 
 lips to show forth thy praise. 
 
 We commend to Thee our [children and] friends. 
 Teach them day by day thy will. Deliver them 
 from aU evil, and preserve them safe mito thy 
 kingdom and glory. 
 
 Accept of our thanksgivings for the mercies of 
 the day. Have us and ours in thy holy keeping 
 during the watches of the night. Guide us 
 through life ; and at death receive us to Thyself, 
 for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 79 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWELFTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS L. 
 
 WE thank Thee, Thou preserver of men, 
 that this morning Ave are not found weeping 
 over the dead body of any who compose our family 
 circle, but that, having been favoured with sound 
 and refreshing sleep, we now present ourselves at 
 thy gracious footstool in the possession of health 
 of body, vigour of mind, and earthly comfort. 
 Whilst we render Thee our most grateful thanks 
 for these undeserved mercies, we would pray 
 for any into whose habitation death has entered, 
 and who are now mourning over the loss they 
 have sustained. Enable them to say, " The 
 Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; 
 blessed be the name of the Lord ; " and grant 
 them grace, that they sorrow not even as others 
 which have no hope, for them also which sleep 
 in Jesus will God bring with Him. Sanctify 
 such solemn events for our good also, and for the 
 good of all the living. Lord God of the patri- 
 archs, as Thou didst guide Jacob and Joseph, thy 
 servants, through life, and didst sustain and com- 
 fort them in death, so guide us with thy counsel, 
 and afterward receive us to glory. 
 
 We beseech Thee, Lord, to give us this day 
 a watchful spirit, that we may not say or do 
 anything which shall be injurious to one another, 
 or to any with whom we may associate. If 
 we should act improperly, make us immediately 
 sensible of our fault, and give us the grace of true 
 humility to acknowledge and confess the same, 
 seeking forgiveness from those we may oifend ; and 
 if any should act towards us contrary to righteous- 
 ness, may we be saved from indulging in a spirit 
 of retaliation and enmity. As we hope for for- 
 giveness from Tliee for our manifold sins, so may 
 we be ready to forgive others. 
 
 Licline us, Lord I who art the Author of all 
 goodness, to live the I'emainder of our lives accord- 
 ing to thy glorious Gospel, which teacheth us that, 
 denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should 
 live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present 
 world. Purify our hearts, by the power of the 
 Holy Spirit, from the love of sin, especially the 
 sin which doth so easily beset us ; and fill us with 
 such views of Thee, and experiences of thy favour, 
 that we may love the Lord our God with all our 
 heart, and with all our soul, and with all our 
 mind. Enable us to discharge every duty 
 aright, prayerfully trusting in thy wise, power- 
 ful, and beneficent providence. Grant, Lord, 
 that whatsoever our hand findeth to do this day, 
 we may do it with our might, remembering that 
 there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, 
 nor wisdom, in the grave, whither we must all, 
 sooner or later, go. Hear us, merciful Father, 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ EST HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXLVII. 
 
 OLORD, we praise Thee as our Creator ; Thou 
 madest us, and not we ourselves. We praise 
 Thee as our Preserver ; for in Thee we live, and 
 move, and have our being. We praise Thee as our 
 Redeemer ; for in Thee we have redemption through 
 Christ's blood, the forgiveness of sins, according 
 to the riches of his grace. We praise Thee, 
 Jehovah, as his Father, who loved us from eter- 
 nity ; as the Son that died for us on the cross ; as 
 the Holy Ghost, that comforteth and sanctifieth us ; 
 and as the ever-blessed and undivided Trinity, to 
 whom we would now ascribe glory, honour, praise, 
 and power. Hear us, Lord, when we cry unto 
 Thee. 
 
 We have sinned against Thee, and are not 
 worthy to be called thy children. Father, forgive 
 us ; stretch forth thy hand and lift us up, and be 
 our strength and our hope. Oh, create within us 
 clean hearts, and renew within us right spirits. 
 We cannot be happy till we become holy, and we 
 can never be holy till thy Spirit take up his abode 
 with us, and renew and sanctify us. Be pleased 
 to reconcile us to Thyself 
 
 Our Father which art in heaven, make us 
 thankful for our numerous and undeserved 
 mercies ; above all, for Jesus, thine unspeakable 
 gift. Help us to open our hearts when He knocks 
 for admission. God forbid that we should shut 
 Him out, and give entrance and entertainment to 
 sin and Satan. Come, Spirit of the Lord, open 
 the gates of our affections, and let the King of 
 Glory come in. We lament before Thee our 
 weakness of faith, our feebleness of hope, and our 
 deadness of affection. Our sins prevail against us, 
 and are more in number than the hairs of our 
 head ; but we look to Thee for mercy. Kindle a 
 holy love in our hearts, and cause all that is within 
 us to bless thy holy name. Make thy will to be 
 our will, and so we shall be filled with grace 
 and peace. Feed us, Lord, with the bread of 
 life, of which, if we eat, we shall never die. 
 Strengthened by this food, we will go on our 
 way rejoicing, till it pleases Thee to take us to 
 heaven, where we shall neither hunger nor thirst 
 any more. Till then, holy Saviour, hedge up 
 our way, even though it be with thorns, that we 
 go not aside from the path that leads to life 
 e\^erlasting. Help us continually to expect death 
 and the judgment to come; help us, like the 
 Apostle, to die daily ; help us to resist the world, 
 the devil, and the flesh ; and when all thy pur- 
 poses regarding us in this world have been accom- 
 plished, oh, receive our ransomed spirits into the 
 kingdom of thy dear Son, that we may live and 
 reign with Him for ever. We ask all for His 
 name's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ so 
 
MORNESTG.] 
 
 TWELFTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIFrCTRE 2 CORINTHIANS V. 
 
 OGOD, our Father, suffer us to draw nigh to 
 Thee this morning with our morning sacrifice 
 of prayer and thanksgiving. Help us to Kve this 
 day in thy faith, and fear, and love; and in our 
 life and conduct enable us to walk by faith, and 
 not by sight. 
 
 Teach us, God, the solemnities of the 
 future — the things that shall be, and that must 
 be hereafter. Teach us that we are but dying 
 creatures, living here for a season, and then to 
 pass away. In thy Holy Book we have read this 
 morning about this perishable body, and about this 
 imperishable soul of oiu"S. Oh, teach us to learn 
 the lessons of thy Word, and to value its timely 
 teachings. Teach us how frail are these bodies, 
 and how uncertain is this life ; that the body is 
 but a movable tent, an earthly tabernacle, that 
 must one day dissolve, that is even every day dis- 
 solving. Fix our affections on things above, and 
 teach us not to rest the foundation of our hopes on 
 the shifting sands of this passing world ; but to 
 push forward, and look upward, away from the 
 crumbling clay to the building of God, the house 
 not made with hands; away from that which is 
 temporal and temporary to that which is eternal in 
 the heavens. 
 
 Lord, give us spiritual foresight in time to pro- 
 vide for eternity. Teach us so to live that we may 
 not fear to die; and may we so die that we may 
 live for evermore ! While we ai'e at home in the 
 body may we be clothed upon with Clu^ist; and 
 then, when we shall depart from the body, we 
 shall not be cast out naked, but shall be clothed upon 
 with immortality. Grant that whether present or 
 absent, we may be accepted of Him ; that, living 
 or dying, we may be the Lord's. 
 
 Prepare us for judgment. Let us love Jesus as 
 our Friend, our Redeemer, om' Advocate, and we 
 shall not fear Him as a Judge ; for He that hath 
 loved us, and bought us, and pardoned us, and 
 accepted us in this the day of salvation, will not 
 condemn us in the great day of his appearing. 
 Let the love of Christ constrain us, and lead us no 
 longer to live unto ourselves, but imto Him which 
 died for us and rose again. Thus consecrate our 
 days to thyself, God, by thine anointing Spirit, 
 and receive us as thy servants, and admit lis into 
 the adoption of thy Son. 
 
 We give Thee thanks, God, for thy continued 
 goodness. Thou hast sustained us while we slept, 
 and hast kept us from the perils and dangers of 
 the night season. We now commit ourselves to 
 thy good keeping during this day, and humbly 
 pray that Thou wouldst preserve us by thy provi- 
 dence, and at last receive us into thine everlasting 
 kingdom, tlirough Jesus Christ om* Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XV. 29—39. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most gracious God, who 
 knowest our wants and hast compassion on our 
 infirmities, we beseech Thee to assist us by thy 
 grace whilst we offer up our evening prayer. 
 
 We come to Thee as weak and guilty creatures, 
 and we entreat Thee to forgive the sins which we 
 have this day committed against Thee by thought, 
 word, and deed, and to strengthen us with might 
 by thy Spirit, that we may successfully strive 
 against oui' besetting evil passions, and run with 
 patience the race that is set before us, looking mito 
 Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy goodness to us in supply- 
 ing our wants. We are dependent on Thee, 
 Lord, for life and all that we need, and we desire 
 to recognise thy hand in all our daily circum- 
 stances ; and whilst we use with moderation and 
 gratitude this world's enjoyments which thy bounty 
 bestows upon us, we pray Thee to enrich our souls 
 with those spiritual gifts whereby we may daily 
 grow in grace, and become meet for the inheritance 
 of the saints in light. 
 
 Incline our hearts to seek first the kingdom of 
 God and his righteousness, and cheerfully to trust 
 in Thee to prosper our efforts to provide things 
 honest in the sight of all men ; and if it should 
 please Thee to visit us with disappointment or 
 affliction, let thy grace accompany thy dispensa- 
 tions, so that we may humble ourselves under thy 
 mighty hand, and bear with patience and resigna- 
 tion the trials which Thou seest to be needful 
 for us. Let thy blessing accompany our daily 
 study of thy Holy Word, and grant that what we 
 read therein may be so carried to our hearts by 
 thy Holy Spirit that it may guide, strengthen, and 
 comfort us in all our ways, and make us wise imto 
 salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. 
 
 We know that this world, with all its objects 
 and enjoyments, passeth away. Incline us to 
 seek more earnestly that eternal inheritance which 
 Christ hath purchased for us; and may a lively 
 faith in his merits enable us to live in this world 
 with our affections set upon things above, so that, 
 amidst all the changes and chances of this mortal 
 life, our hearts may surely there be fixed where 
 true joys are to be found. 
 
 To thy gracious care and protection we commend 
 ourselves aiid all that belongs to us. Let thy 
 gracious hand be over us to keep us from all evil. 
 Refresh us with such sleep as is needful to fit us 
 for the duties of another day. May we daily grow 
 in grace, and in the knowledge and experience of 
 thy Gospel; and whenever it shall please Thee to 
 take us out of this world may we be received into 
 thine everlasting kingdom, through our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 81 ] 
 
 No. II. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWELFTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [EvENma- 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS I. 1—14. 
 
 OTHOU that hearest prayer! quicken us, we 
 beseech Thee, by thy Spirit, that we may 
 worship Thee in spirit and in truth ; and grant 
 us access to Thee, by faith in Christ Jesus. 
 
 Another day is before us. We know not what 
 it may bring forth. Unexpected trials may sadden 
 us, or unexpected mercies may cheer us. FeeHng 
 the uncertainty of the futm-e, we seek renewed 
 grace, and strength, and wisdom, to sustain, 
 direct, and guide us under all the circumstances 
 that may befall us. Prepare us for whatever Thou 
 art preparing for us. 
 
 If temporal mercies are continued to us, if the 
 enjoyment of family and social privileges be pro- 
 longed, if our household abide in safety this day, 
 we beseech Thee to preserve us from the peril of 
 prosperity, by adding to all thy other gifts the 
 grace which alone can fill our hearts with a sense 
 of dependent gratitude. 
 
 Or, should it seem good to Thee to visit us with 
 affliction, we pray for a submissive, resigned, and 
 patient spirit. We pray for the gift of faith, 
 to enable us to trust Thee where we cannot 
 trace Thee. We know thy people are often chosen 
 in the furnace of affliction. We know that the 
 rigour of Egyptian bondage went before the de- 
 liverance of Israel from the oppression of their 
 cruel taskmasters. If, therefore, trial be before us. 
 Lord, increase our faith ! Grant that we may 
 hear the rod and who hath appointed it ; that we 
 may see God in our affliction, and so see good 
 in it. 
 
 And now, heavenly Father, committing all that 
 is uncertain to thy gracious providence, we pray 
 for present grace for present duty. Whether it be 
 our province to rule or serve, to be active in the 
 world or diligent in the home, shed abroad thy 
 love in om- hearts, by thy Holy Spirit, that our 
 day's work may be a work of faith, our day's 
 labour a labour of love. Let thy presence go 
 forth with us. Suffer us not to forget Thee, and 
 fall into sin ; but in every temptation be Thou at 
 our right hand, and make a way for our escape. 
 May it be our aim to adorn the doctrine of God 
 our Saviour in all things ; and to this end grant 
 that we may abide in Clirist. 
 
 We supplicate thy blessing upon all near and 
 dear to us. Bless them with all spiritual .blessings 
 in Christ Jesus. Be gracious to our land, and to 
 our Sovereign. Regard all conditions of men. 
 Succour the oppressed. Break the fetters of 
 slavery in every land. Comfort the sorrowful and 
 bereaved, and in Thine own -time, and in thine 
 own way, set up thy kingdom of righteousness, 
 peace, and joy in the Holy Gliost, in the hearts 
 of men, thi-ough Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XVL 1—12. 
 
 OLORD our heavenly Father, who hast taught 
 us in thy holy word to have our conversation in 
 heaven, enable us while we live in the world to live 
 above it, renouncing its lusts and vanities, and 
 seeking Thee only, as our exceeding great reward. 
 Deliver us from all trust in secular knowledge, and 
 from a vain satisfaction in sense ; and, above all, 
 from a worldly mind in our spiritual things. Take 
 from us the carnal heart, which looks for Thee only 
 in the rich, and mighty, and wonderful things of the 
 world ; and give us the spiritual mind which can 
 see Thee best in love, and meekness, and holiness. 
 Give us a spii'itual ear to catch the still small voice 
 of the promised Comforter, that so the earnest 
 of the spirit of Jesus may be our all-sufficient sign 
 from heaven in the dangers and troubles of our 
 daily life. Teach us to read the signs of the time, 
 not only in the world around us, but in the wox-d 
 of thy truth, and in the course of thy providence ; 
 and while we mourn in ourselves and others the 
 abounding of error and wickedness, enable us to stay 
 our hearts upon the assurance of thy promise, that 
 "when the enemy cometh in like a flood, the Spirit 
 of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. 
 
 Thou who feedest the young ravens that call 
 upon Thee, and the cattle upon a thousand hills ; 
 who satisfiest the poor with bread, and spreadest 
 thy bountiful table for all the multitudes of man- 
 kind ; feed us, we beseech Thee, with that bread 
 of heaven which giveth life unto the world. Wo 
 thank Thee and praise thy holy name for all our 
 temporal blessings ; but we beseech Thee to enable us 
 to s,QQk first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
 ness, that we may know the love of Christ which 
 passeth knowledge, and be filled with all the fulness 
 of God. 
 
 We feel and bewail the deceitfulness of our own 
 heart, and that the leaven of sin lingers in it at its 
 best estate. Cleanse us from om' sin in its guilt 
 and power. Take away our natural enmity to Thee. 
 Wash us in the atoning blood of our Redeemer, 
 and purge us throughly from our iniquities. Join 
 us more closely to our risen Lord ; quicken in us 
 his life, and perfect in us his love, that henceforth 
 we may not live to ourselves, but to Him that died 
 for us and rose again. And when our hearts faint 
 and fail through unbelief, remind us of the truth 
 and mercy that have followed us all the days of 
 om* life ; that, resting on thy love, and patiently 
 awaiting thy time, we may trust Thee even in tlie 
 thick darkness. These prayers and praises we offer 
 to Thee, beseeching Thee, Father, to bring us 
 and all whom Thou hast taught us to remember at 
 thy throne of grace, to that eternal feast of joy and 
 love which Thou hast promised us in Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 82 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWELFTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOXr SCRIPTURE PSALM V. 
 
 OLORD, without whom nothing is strong, 
 nothing is holy, we would begin this day 
 with Thee, and ask that we may have Thee with 
 us through the day. Lord, cause thy face to 
 shine upon us, and thereby make our faces to 
 shine, and fill us with strength for all the duties 
 and burdens of the day. We give Thee hearty 
 thanks, God, for the sleep which has re- 
 freshed and recruited us, after the labours of 
 yesterday; for the sweet morning light which 
 raises us again to our toil. Thou hast blessed us, 
 and we are blessed ; no pestilence walking in the 
 darkness has smitten us, no evil thing has come 
 nigh our dwellincr; we laid ourselves down and 
 slept ; we awoke, for Thou didst sustain us. 
 Accept, we beseech Thee, through thy Son Jesus 
 Christ, our morning sacrifice of praise. 
 
 And now, Lord, do thou go forth with us to 
 our work ; let not our hands lose their cunning, 
 nor our minds their intelligence ; make us diligent 
 in business, and grant us comfort and success in 
 all we undertake ; prepare us for whatever thy 
 fatherly goodness may have in store for us to day, 
 whether of joy or sorrow, and help us both to suffer 
 and to do thy will. God, we are sadly prone 
 to go astray from thy commandments, and many 
 temptations will beset our path ; but may the 
 thought that Thou hatest all workers of iniquity 
 restrain us. Moved with fear, may we shrink from 
 vexing thy love and incurring thy displeasure. Do 
 Thou keep our lips that they speak no falsehood, 
 Dut may truth characterise and hallow all our com- 
 manications. Do Thou lead us in thy righteousness, 
 that we may not be beguiled, by the enemy of souls, 
 into any sin. Let us not listen to his seductions, nor 
 lend an ear to his promises, for there is no faithful- 
 ness in his mouth ; but give us grace to trust only 
 in Thee, and under the shadow of thy wing may 
 we abide all the day long. Defend us, we beseech 
 Thee, with the shield of thy power. Make our 
 hearts glad with the sunshine of thy favour. Look 
 in mercy on the world which lieth in wickedness. 
 Day by day snatch many souls as brands from the 
 burning. Arouse slumbering and lukewarm Chris- 
 tians. May thy Chxurch serve Thee, and seek thy 
 glory with a warmer zeal. Endue thy ministers 
 with the wisdom which cometh from above, and 
 encourage them by the manifest tokens of thy 
 blessing. 
 
 These mercies we entreat, according to thy will 
 and our several necessities, not only for ourselves, 
 but for every one whom we love, and for all men, 
 in the great name of our blessed Advocate and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom, with Thyself and 
 the Holy Spirit, be all honour and glory for ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST, MATT. XVI. 13—28. 
 
 BLESSED Lord Jesus, we adore Thee as the 
 only begotten Son of God ; the brightness of 
 the Father's glory, and the express image of his 
 person. Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living 
 God ; our only Saviour, our eternal Friend. We 
 build all our hopes upon thy person, thy righteous- 
 ness, and thy finished work. Ever may we be 
 bound to Thee by ties of gratitude and love. 
 Blessed is he who believeth in Thee. Blessed are 
 we, that out of our sin and sorrow we may look 
 unto Thee for salvation. 
 
 Bestow upon us, God, such zeal for thy glory, 
 and so much of the patience of thy kingdom, that 
 we may gladly endure persecution and scorn for 
 thy name's sake. Since Thou didst bear the cross 
 for us, let us not refuse any cross of thine ; only 
 strengthen us in thy ways, and leave us not with- 
 out the supports of thy sacred Spirit. Pardon tis, 
 Lord, that we have done so little to spread abroad 
 thy praise, and to bring our fellow-men to the 
 knowledge of thy grace. Arm us, we beseech 
 Thee, with courage, and fill our hearts with so 
 much love to Thee that we may make all around 
 us know how great, how good, and how precious a 
 Saviour Thou art. 
 
 May we ever, as Thou hast taught us, prize the 
 soul beyond the body, eternity beyond time, and 
 heaven beyond earth. Make us content to be poor 
 in this world, if only we are rich in faith and heirs 
 of the kingdom ; and in that great day when Thou 
 shalt judge the secrets of all men, grant unto us, 
 through thy precious blood, to find acceptance with 
 Thee and everlasting life. 
 
 We thank and bless our God for all the good- 
 ness and the truth which have been -shown us this 
 day. We praise Tliee, Lord, for all the mercies 
 bestowed on us, and for our preservation from 
 the innumerable evils which have compassed us 
 about. Pardon all Thou hast seen in us opposed 
 to thy sacred will. Teach us to do thy will. We 
 humbly and earnestly ask that forgiveness of sin 
 which Thou hast mercifully promised to bestow 
 upon all who seek it, through thy dear Son Jesus 
 Christ. Keep us in safety through the night ; bless 
 our habitation and all whom it contains. Kindly 
 grant us sweet sleep ; preserve us from all disturb- 
 ance and all danger, and in the morning grant us 
 to rise refreshed and strengthened for our labour. 
 Have mercy, God, upon all our relations, fi-iends, 
 and neighbours; bestow upon them all needful good, 
 both temporal and spiritual. Hear the prayers which 
 any offer on our behalf, as well as our prayers for 
 all the families that call upon thy name ; for we 
 approach Thee in the name of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, unto whom, with Thee, Father, and the 
 Holy Spirit, be praise and glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 83 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWELFTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS II. 
 
 
 
 LORD Grod Almighty, the Maker of all things 
 in heaven and earth, the day is thine, the 
 night also is thine; Thou Greatest the light and the 
 sun. We thank Thee that thou hast raised us 
 from sleep, and given us to see the light of another 
 day. We are not worthy of these repeated acts of 
 thy goodness; for we have sinned against Thee in 
 thought, word, and deed. Thou mightest justly 
 have left us in darkness, in the night of hopeless 
 gloom and despair; but because Thou delightest in 
 mercy we are still spared. Oh, let the day star 
 shine upon our hearts, and chase away all the 
 darkness of sin! We pray for pardon through 
 Jesus Christ, who has died for our sins and risen 
 again for our justification. Give us the witness of 
 the Holy Spirit that we arc thy children, adopted 
 into thy family, and made heirs together of the 
 hope of eternal life. 
 
 This day supply all our wants. Feed us with food 
 convenient for us; let our bread be given us, and 
 our water be sure. As thou didst graciously care 
 for thy servant Moses, and even from infancy to 
 hoary hairs didst protect him from all dangers, and 
 deliver him in all temptations, so guard, guide, and 
 defend us, we beseech Thee. Let the examples 
 of thy special care for thy people in the days which 
 are past lead us so to trust in Thee, that we may 
 not be tempted to seek our wealth or profit by 
 any means which would incur thy displeasure, 
 and place us beyond the range of thy special 
 providence and regard. May we always endure 
 temptation and trial as seeing Thee, the Invisible ! 
 
 Feed our souls, we pray Thee, with the bread 
 of heaven. Let us earnestly labour for the bread 
 which endureth unto everlasting life. Let our 
 treasure and our heart be in heaven. Let us ever 
 feel that the supply of our temporal wants is not 
 all we need ; and as the people of old by faith still 
 looked to the land of promise, and longed for it as 
 their final resting place, so, while thankful for 
 temporal mercies, would we most earnestly pray 
 for final admission into the rest which remaineth 
 for the people of Grod. May we esteem even the 
 reproach of Christ greater riches than all which 
 the world can give, and in all things bear the cross 
 patiently while we have respect unto the recom- 
 pence of the reward. Let us ever feel that this is 
 not our home, that the heavenly Canaan is our true 
 country, and that we are constantly travelling to it. 
 We pray to be more and more fitted for that rest 
 by thy renewing and sanctifying Spirit. Watch 
 over all the members of our family ; restrain and 
 sanctify them in all things by thy grace, and bring 
 them and us finally to a heavenly home, for the sake 
 of Jesus Christ our adorable Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS XL 13-22. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, we adore 
 the greatness of thy love in preserving our 
 lives, and bringing us nearly to the close of another 
 week. Truly it is of thy mercy that we are not 
 consumed. It is not of our own carefulness that we 
 are permitted to bow before Thee in the possession 
 of so much health and comfort. Many of our 
 fellow-creatures during the week have had to pass 
 through much and severe trial ; many have been 
 visited with great sickness and mortality; some 
 with pestilence, famine, and sudden death. But 
 Thou hast mercifully preserved us, and given us 
 another opportunity of drawing near to the throne 
 of thy grace, and seeking pardon through Christ 
 our Redeemer. 
 
 We confess om' need of coming penitently into thy 
 presence. We have committed many offences, in 
 thought, word, and deed, against thy Divine Ma- 
 jesty. Help us truly to repent, and to be heartily 
 sorry for these our misdoings. Give us grace that, 
 by faith in our Saviour Jesus Christ, we may seek 
 and obtain forgiveness for all that is past, and 
 strength whereby we may ever hereafter serve and 
 please Thee in newness of life, to the honour and 
 glory of thy name. 
 
 We beseech Thee, most merciful Father, upon 
 this the eve of thy holy day, so to affect our minds 
 that they may be withdrawn from all unnecessary 
 care and worldly concern. Fix our thoughts upon 
 the word of thy truth and upon Christ, who hath 
 brought us, once strangers from the covenant of 
 promise, nigh unto Thyself, and hath given us 
 access by the Spirit to the throne of thy grace. 
 Lead us also to magnify thy holy name for having 
 made so great provision for thy Church upon earth. 
 Enable us highly to value its privileges; make 
 us, by thy saving and sanctifying power, fellow 
 citizens with the saints, and obedient and affec- 
 tionate members of thy family and household. 
 Being thus blessed, may we seek, in dependence 
 upon Thee, the prosperity of thy Church. Give to 
 its pastors a large measure of thy grace and 
 heavenly benediction, so that by their life and 
 teaching they may set forth thy glory in the salva- 
 tion of men. 
 
 Grant also that we and all thy people may be 
 built upon the foundation of the apostles and 
 prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief 
 corner stone. May we be constantly seeking to 
 become a holy and perfect temple, in which thy 
 praises may be sung, thy pure truth taught, thy 
 glory seen, and thy presence felt. 
 
 Now, Lord, we commit ourselves [our fami- 
 lies] , and all for whom we should pray, to thy pro- 
 tection this night. We ask every blessing for the 
 sake of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 C' 84 ] 
 
Morning, j 
 
 THIRTEENTH WEEK.— LOED'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XI. 23—40. 
 
 OLORD Grod Almighty, no man hath seen Thee 
 at any time ; no man can see thy face and 
 live. But verily God is in this place, though we 
 cannot see Him. Wherever two or three are 
 gathered together in thy name, there art Thou ; 
 for, " the only-begotten of the Father, He hath 
 revealed Thee." And, lo ; He is with us alway, 
 even unto the end of the world. 
 
 We bless and magnify thy name that we have 
 had fathers in thy Church, who now, by faith and 
 patience, inherit the promises. They saw the 
 Redeemer's day, and were glad. They waited for 
 thy salvation, Lord. We beseech Thee to grant 
 unto us, by thy Holy Spirit, like precious faith, 
 that we may trust to a Mediator whom we have 
 not seen, as they also did before He came. Lord, 
 we believe ; help Thou our unbelief. 
 
 Thanks be unto thy mercy and goodness for 
 another of the days of the Son of Man. We rest 
 from our labours, as Thou, Lord, didst rest, 
 when thy work ws3 done. We would be in the 
 Spirit of the Lord on the Lord's day. Take 
 us up to thy courts with thanksgiving, and to 
 thy gates with praise. It is good for us to draw 
 near unto God. Endue thy ministers with 
 righteousness, and make thy chosen people joyful. 
 Satisfy thy poor with bread. May thousands hear 
 the joyful sound of thy Gospel, and be blessed. 
 Let thy Word prosper, being mixed with faith in 
 them that hear it. Our fathers wandered in 
 deserts, and in caves of the earth; they resisted 
 unto blood ; they were persecuted, afflicted, tor- 
 mented; but we, this day, sit every man under 
 his own vine and under his own fig-tree, none 
 daring to make afraid. What hath God wrought I 
 God help us to walk this day according to our high 
 calling of God in Christ Jesus. 
 
 And now we beseech Thee, our Father, to 
 accept our acknowledgments for the safe slumber 
 of another night. The Shepherd of Israel, who 
 never slumbers, never sleeps, has been with us. 
 We laid ourselves down in peace, and slept, for 
 Thou, Lord, only madest us to dwell in safety. 
 
 Let thy Word, which we are about to hear, 
 sink deep in all our souls, and bear fruit unto 
 everlasting life. Send thy blessing upon all thy 
 churches. Heal the divisions of the body of Christ. 
 Let great grace be upon Israel. 
 
 And now will we go, if Thou permit us, to the 
 altar of God — to God, our exceeding joy. We 
 will worship and bow down, and kneel Ijefore the 
 Lord our Maker. Strengthen us, we beseech 
 Thee, out of Zion. And, unto the Father, the 
 Son, and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, be the 
 kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and ever- 
 more. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XVII. 1—13. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 -^ Christ, the Author and Giver of every good 
 and perfect gift, send down thy Holy Spirit to 
 teach us how to pray. 
 
 We approach Thee in the name of thy dear 
 Son ; we make mention of his righteousness only ; 
 and we adore Thee for the great love and tender 
 mercy which Thou hast ever shown to us. Lord, 
 we are unworthy of that love ; from our birth we 
 have gone astray; our hearts are deceitful above 
 all things, and desperately wicked; in us there 
 dwelleth no good thing. Even to-day we have 
 sinned grievously. Lord, righteousness be- 
 longeth unto Thee, but unto us confusion of face. 
 Pour out thy Holy Spirit upon us. Quicken our 
 cold hearts; revive our drooping love; increase 
 our faith. Give us such a sight, by faith, of 
 Jesus, so reveal to us his preciousness, that we 
 may be filled with a burning desire to be ever 
 with Him. 
 
 Lord Jesus, show us thy glory. We would see 
 Thee. Oh, change us into thine image, fi:'om glory 
 to glory, even as by the Holy Spirit. Make us 
 more heavenly minded, more loving, more gentle, 
 more holy. So conform us to Thyself, that our will 
 may be swallowed up in thy will, and that we may 
 be living epistles of Thee, known and read of all 
 men. 
 
 Heavenly Father, glorify thy Son in us. Bring 
 down every thought in our hearts into subjection 
 to Him. Let our influence be exercised for Him. 
 Make us, as a family and as individuals, to shine 
 as lights in the world. In all our intercom-se 
 one with another, make us forbearing and kind, 
 anxious each to promote the other's good, and 
 willing always to give place one to the other. 
 
 Above all, God, keep us living in the daily 
 expectation of the glorious appearing of Christ. 
 Let that day soon dawn when the knowledge of 
 thy glory shall cover the earth even as the waters 
 cover the seas. Bless thy Word wherever it has 
 been spoken to-day. Make it effectual, through the 
 Holy Ghost, to the conversion of sinners and the 
 building up of believers. Be especially with our 
 own minister ; help him in his study of thy Word, 
 and use him as an instrument in bringing many 
 souls to Jesus. 
 
 And now, Lord, take care of us to-night. 
 Protect us, body and soul. Help us quietly and 
 peacefully to rest on Christ; and give us such a 
 good hope through grace, that we may be weU 
 assured that whether we wake or sleep, whether 
 we die or live, we are thine. Hear us, heavenly 
 Father, and do exceeding abundantly for us above 
 all that we can either ask or think, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 85 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTEENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS III. 
 
 HOLY Lord God Almighty, who dost from thy 
 tlirone behold all the dwellers upon earth, 
 regard us favourably as now we worship Thee. 
 May we ever remember, in our approaches to Thee, 
 that the place where we stand is holy ground. It 
 is infinite condescension in Thee to listen to our 
 praises and prayers ; for we are as yesterday, and 
 know nothing, while Thou art the great " I Am," 
 the ever-living God. Yet though Thou art the 
 high and lofty one, encouraged by thy gracious 
 invitation, we look up to Thee, and ask that thy 
 blessing may rest upon us all this day. Help 
 us conscientiously to fulfil its various engagements, 
 that we may glorify Thee. Give us bodily strength 
 for every duty. Control our minds and hearts, 
 that we may think and feel aright. Thus may all 
 our powers be consecrated to Thee ; and we remem- 
 ber, when we have done this, that of thine own 
 have we given Thee. 
 
 We adore Thee for the many tokens of thy love 
 and care with which thy people have been favoured 
 in the past. Thou hast preserved thy Church amid 
 the dangers by which it has been assailed. 
 Though the bush has been surrounded by fire, yet 
 hast Thou not suffered it to be consumed. No 
 weapon formed against thy servants has prospered. 
 
 We thank Thee, God, that thy promises 
 extend to every one of thy people, and that like as 
 a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth 
 them that fear Him. Thou knowest their sorrows, 
 and wilt not lay upon them more than they can 
 bear. We bless Thee for the assurance of thy 
 loving pity. May it be enjoyed by us even when 
 the shadow of grief passes over our dwelling. 
 
 We thank thee that no obstacles prevent us from 
 worshipping Thee ; that in om* sanctuaries and 
 homes we can offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving, 
 and call upon the name of the Lord. We bless 
 Thee for the inestimable privileges we possess in 
 this favoured land. Truly, the lines have fallen to 
 us in pleasant places. May we understand our 
 responsibilities ; as much has been given to us, 
 may we love much, and serve Thee heartily. 
 » Yet, Lord, grant that, amid all our mercies and 
 enjoyments, we may remember we have not yet 
 come to our rest. Help us to live as pilgrims and 
 sojourners, who have here no continuing city, antici- 
 pating one in heaven, where, in the everlasting 
 sunshine of thy smile, our wanderings and our 
 woes shall be forgotten ; where we shall behold 
 thy face in righteousness, and being made like 
 unto Thee, shall enter into the joy of our Lord. 
 Prepare us for that eternal home ; and grant us all 
 needful blessings, with the pardon of all our sins, 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ, our atoning High 
 Priest and Advocate. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 PETER I. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, we approach thy throne 
 at the close of another day, in the name and 
 through the merits of our great High Priest, now 
 pleading for us above. Thou hast in condescension 
 and love been speaking to us by thy Word ; help us 
 now, by the gracious aid of thy Holy Spirit, to 
 speak to Thee in humble, heart- felt prayer. 
 
 We acknowledge before Thee, Lord, the 
 corruption of our nature — the sins of our heart, of 
 our lips, and of our lives. Thanks to thy blessed 
 name for the gift of thy Son. Through Him, 
 Lord, give us all things that pertain to life and 
 godliness. In Him we put our trust. May thine 
 exceeding great and precious promises be om* com- 
 fort and stay; through them may we be partakers 
 of the Divine nature, and escape the pollutions and 
 perils of the wicked world in which we dwell. 
 
 We pray that our religion may be of the right 
 kind. Give us the precious faith of thy chosen. 
 May the only ground of our hope be the perfect 
 righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. Help us to add to this faith all the 
 excellences that should adorn the Christian 
 character. Forbid it, Father, that we should be 
 idle or unfruitful in our profession. Daily bestow 
 upon us rich supplies from above, that we may give 
 all diligence to make our calling and election sure. 
 And at last, when we have finished our course 
 below, grant us an abundant entrance intb the ever- 
 lasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour. 
 
 Impress us, our Father, with a deep con- 
 viction of our mortality. Thanks to thy name, 
 we can look beyond death and the grave. When 
 we trust in Jesus, and follow Him, and look for 
 glory through his infinite mercy, we are not 
 following cunningly devised fables. We thank 
 Thee, Lord, for the evidence that Jesus is the 
 Christ. We think of Him as transfigured on the 
 holy mount, when his face did shine as the sun, 
 and his raiment was white and glistening. We 
 praise Thee for the testimony of the eye witnesses 
 of his majesty. Above all, we bless Thee for thy 
 voice from the exoellent glory, declaring Him 
 to be thy beloved Son, in whom Thou art well 
 pleased. Lord, help us to trust in Him ; to rejoice 
 in his glory, and to anticipate the time when He 
 will change our vile body, and fashion it like to 
 his glorious body. Till then, Lord, enable us to 
 hold fast thy faithful word, as a light shining in a 
 dark place. May we buy the truth, and sell it 
 not. May the holy words which holy men of God 
 spake by the Holy Ghost be our solace and guide, 
 till the shadows of time depart, and the glories of 
 eternity btust upon us. Then may we live with 
 Jesus, owe exalted Saviour, in eternal day ! Hear 
 us, Lord, for our Redeemer's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 86 ] 
 
MORNENQ.J 
 
 THIRTEENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EvE?j;Na. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS IV. 1—23. 
 
 ETERNAL Lord God, most mighty and gra- 
 cious Protector, we, thine unworthy servants, do 
 humbly present ourselves before Thee in the name 
 of thy Son Jesus Clirist. 
 
 We desire to offer Thee our imfeigned thanks 
 for haying again permitted us to meet at the 
 family altar, in the enjoyment of so many and 
 great mercies. Put a new song into our mouths, 
 even praise unto thy holy name. 
 
 We adore the wisdom and goodness of thy pro- 
 vidence over the children of men. For though 
 Tliou art the high and lofty one, that dwellest in 
 the heavens, yet Thou beholdest those that dwell 
 upon earth. Thou openest thine hand and satis- 
 fiest the desire of every living thing. Thou 
 upholdest all that fall, and raisest up those that are 
 bowed down. Thou art nigh unto all that call 
 upon Thee, and thine ear is open to their cry. 
 We therefore beseech Thee, thou covenant-keeping 
 God, to have respect unto thy people now as in 
 days of old. Oh, defend and protect them from 
 all that would hurt and oppress them. Do Thou 
 be pleased, in thy goodness, to raise up holy and 
 devoted men, mighty in the truth of thy Word and 
 in the power of the Holy Ghost. Qualify them 
 for thy service. Make them valiant for thine 
 honour, and daily prepared to be the leaders of 
 thy people through the wilderness of this world 
 to the better inheritance of the saints in light. 
 
 We beseech Thee also to bless us as members of 
 thy Clim'ch on earth. Teach us by th}'- Word and 
 Spirit all the good purposes of thy blessed will, 
 and the work Thou hast given us to perform. We 
 confess and deplore our ignorance, and inability, 
 in cur own strength, to work for thy glory. Do 
 Thou strengthen us, as Thou didst thy servants of 
 old. Make us willing and prompt to act, to speak, 
 and think for Thee. Leave us not to ourselves, 
 but defend us from falling into any sin, error, 
 or danger, and grant that all our doings may be 
 ordered by thy counsel. 
 
 Whatever duties await us, give strength to dis- 
 charge them. If we are called, in thy providence, 
 to rule, may we do it in tliy fear, knowing that our 
 Master is in heaven ; if to obey, may we do it in 
 singleness of heart, as unto Christ. If to instruct, 
 to admonish, or to reprove, may we not hesitate or 
 forbear, seeking thy help. Do Thou speak to us ; 
 put thoughts into our hearts and words into our 
 mouths, that with meekness we may so instruct and 
 convince those that oppose, that they may have no 
 evil thing to say against us and thy truth. 
 
 Be with us this day. Watch over our footsteps. 
 Keep us from all danger and sin, and at the last 
 receive us unto Thysolf, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XVII. 14—27. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, we, thy children, 
 draw near to Thee at the close of another day, 
 to thank Thee for thy mercies, and to worship at 
 tliy footstool. May thy Holy Spirit prepare our 
 hearts for devotion, and may we be accepted 
 through the atoning merits of the one great 
 sacrifice, even of tlie Lamb of God, which taketh 
 away sin. 
 
 We bless Tliee for the favour shown us in the 
 supply to us of temporal comforts. We humbly 
 acknowledge that we have forfeited our common 
 mercies by our sins, and have deserved thy just 
 anger. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not 
 consumed. But we bless Thee, God, with a 
 deeper gratitude for our spiritual mercies; espe- 
 cially for thy blessed Word; for showing us the 
 Saviour, full of compassion, ready to heal the sick- 
 ness and to pity the infirmities of all who apply 
 to Him for help, whether for body or soul. We 
 mourn that we have come so seldom to Jesus, and so 
 coldly pleaded for ourselves and for our friends. We 
 have been a faithless and perverse generation, but 
 we now confess and bewail our unbelief. Lord, 
 increase our faith, that, strong in the help of thy 
 Holy Spirit, we may stand fast in every time of trial. 
 We have been easily, because willingly discouraged, 
 and have soon counted that to be impossible with 
 God which was only impossible with men. Lord 
 Jesus, forgive our unbelief, and let it no more 
 have dominion over us ; but may we expect thy 
 grace to be sufficient for us, whenever we are 
 called to any great trials, or to any difficult duties, 
 because Thou hast appointed the trial and required 
 the obedience. Teach us to copy thy example 
 of fulfilling all righteousness ; of uniting wisdom 
 with fidelity; of regarding every ordinance of 
 man for the Lord's sake ; and with meekness of 
 wisdom, putting to silence the ignorance of foolish 
 men. May we learn to unite all obedience to 
 human laws with the fear of God, and to sanctify 
 our ordinary engagements by the Word of God 
 and prayer. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we implore the forgiveness, 
 through Christ, of all the known and unknown sins 
 of this day, and especially of our want of trust in 
 thy promise and grace. We now place ourselves 
 and our families and friends in thy hands. Thou 
 gracious, watchful Shepherd, to be defended this 
 night from all perils and dangers. Shelter us 
 beneath thy protection ; and grant that in the 
 morning we may each give himself, with renewed 
 strength of purpose, as a living sacrifice to Thee. 
 We ask all mercies and blessings in the only name 
 of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, to whom 
 with Thee, Father, and Thee, Holy Ghost, be 
 eternal praise and glory. Amen. 
 
 C 87 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTEENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS V. 
 
 WITH holy awe, yet with filial confidence, we 
 approach thy throne of grace, heavenly 
 Father; and, while humbling ourselves before 
 Thee, under a deep consciousness of our own un- 
 worthiness, we yet draw near with boldness in the 
 all-prevailing name of Jesus Christ. We rely on 
 the assuring promise of thy Word, that whatsoever 
 we ask in his name we shall receive. Much have 
 we to ask, for much we need ; much have we to 
 confess, for greatly have we sinned. Grant to us 
 at this time hearts to pray, and give us the spirit 
 of praise. Pour out upon us the Holy Ghost, that 
 He may teach us our necessities, and dictate our 
 supplications. 
 
 We remember with gratitude that thine eye is 
 ever upon us ; that He who is our Protector and 
 Friend neither slumbereth nor sleepeth, and that 
 the humblest of thy people are precious in thy 
 sight. Impress this cheering thought upon our 
 minds, so that we may not despond amid diffi- 
 culties, nor despair amid disappointments. May 
 we recall to mind how Thou hast wrought deliver- 
 ance for thy people in the days of old, and that 
 Thou, the unchangeable God, canst deliver now. 
 Reveal to us more and more the glorious victory 
 of Christ, and enable us to be more than conquerors 
 through Him that loved us. May we know Him 
 as the Deliverer out of Zion, who gives liberty to 
 the captive and freedom to the slave. 
 
 Grant, mighty God, that Satan may be 
 trodden down under our feet, and that the stan- 
 dard of the Lord may be lifted up against the 
 flood of iniquity in our land. Raise up amongst 
 us faithful witnesses for thy truth, who may speak 
 in love, and earnestly contend for the faith once 
 delivered to the saints. May they cry aloud and 
 not spare, lifting up their voice like a tnimpet. 
 May their bold testimony be honoured of Thee in 
 the conversion of many souls, and the discomfi- 
 ture of those who oppose thy Word. May the 
 record of thy love have free course and be glori- 
 fied, the kingdom of Christ extended; and from 
 north to south, from east to west, may earth echo 
 with the sound, " Know the Lord." Reveal thine 
 arm in the midst of the world, that wondering 
 nations may cry, " See what God hath wrought ! " 
 Teach us so to experience thy sympathy and love 
 that in all our nights of trial or days of joy we 
 may draw near to Thee, assured that into a 
 Father's ear we may pour the complaint of our 
 sorrows, or the grateful tribute of our rejoicing 
 hearts. Enrich us with all spiritual blessings, and 
 so guide us tlu-ough things temporal that we 
 finally lose not the things eternal. Grant these 
 our prayers for the sake of thy beloved Son Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XVIIL 1—20. 
 
 OLORD our God, infinite and eternal ; Thou 
 fillest heaven, and the heaven of heavens cannot 
 contain Thee; yet Thou art pleased to dwell with 
 them that are of an humble and contrite heart. We 
 beseech Thee to cause us to feel that Thou art here 
 present with us, who offer Thee thanksgiving for 
 thy goodness towards us through the day past. 
 
 Unite our hearts. Teach us, by thy Holy Spirit, 
 to agree together in prayer and in praise. Help 
 us to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, who ever 
 liveth and reigneth at thy right hand, that, putting 
 our trust in Him, we may ask and receive all 
 needful grace, and that our joy may be full. 
 
 Search us, God, and know our heart; prove 
 us, and know our thoughts. See if there be any 
 way of wickedness in us, and lead us in the way 
 everlasting. 
 
 Grant that each one who now bows down before 
 Thee may be humble and lowly as a little child, 
 made a new creature in Christ Jesus. Make our 
 consciences tender. Pardon our unbelief. Give 
 us meekness and lowliness, even as our blessed 
 Lord and Saviour was meek and lowly, and has 
 left us an example that we should walk in his 
 steps. Yet, Lord, we cannot follow Him unless 
 Thou lead us ; and therefore we implore Thee to 
 stretch out thy mighty hand, and lead us, even the 
 weakest member of this thy flock, in the paths cf 
 righteousness for thy name's sake. Pity our 
 weakness. Forgive our wanderings. Restore our 
 souls ; and bring Thou every thought into captivity 
 to the obedience of Christ. 
 
 Thou openest, and no man shutteth; Thou shut- 
 test, and no man openeth; and that which thy in- 
 spired servants declare to be bound on earth is 
 bound in heaven. Therefore, we pray Thee, en- 
 lighten our mind to understand thy written Word. 
 Save us from condemnation; keep us in the per- 
 fect liberty of God's children. From all vain 
 desires, from every besetting sin, from every hurt- 
 ful pleasure, and from the love of the world, which 
 is enmity against Thee, good Lord, deliver us. 
 
 Shepherd of souls, bring back them that have 
 wandered from thy flock, and fill heaven with 
 gladness for the dead that are alive again, and for 
 the lost that are found. Destroy the enmity of 
 sinners against thyself, and shed upon all who call 
 themselves thy children the Spirit of thy Son who 
 loved them, and gave Himself for them. 
 
 If we have any enemies, forgive them, and turn 
 their hearts. If any man hath aught himself 
 against any one of us, we pray Thee so to incline 
 the heart of the offender that we, being reconciled 
 one to another may be all forgiven, and meet at last 
 at thy right hand, through Jesus Christ our 
 adorable Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 [ 88 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTEENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXXXVIII. 
 
 OTHOU from whom all blessings flow, and with 
 whom is no variableness, nor shadow of 
 turning, bow down thine ear, we beseech Thee, 
 and listen to our morning prayer. It is of thy 
 goodness that we have slept in peace and safety, 
 and that we can again unite in praise and thanks- 
 giving at thy footstool. Blessed be thy holy name 
 for all thy mercy to us. May it lead us to a 
 deeper repentance for sin, and cause us to be more 
 and more ashamed of our past ingratitude towards 
 Thee, and of our forgetfulness and disobedience to 
 thy commandments. 
 
 We know not what a day may bring forth, or 
 now, in a moment, we may be brought into grievous 
 sorrow and temptation. Teach us, therefore, 
 God, to be humble, patient, and submissive, and 
 to count all things but loss for the excellency of 
 the knowledge of Christ Jesus our liord. Enable 
 us always to trace thy hand in all that concerns us, 
 and to desire, above all things, that thy dealings 
 with us may mould us more and more into the 
 image and likeness of tby dear Son. Give us thy 
 Holy Spirit this day. May thy Word be hid in 
 our hearts, that we may not sin against Thee. By 
 thy power uphold and defend us, and let not our 
 feet wander from the ways of thy commandments. 
 In ourselves we are frail and feeble, and our wills 
 infirm of purpose ; leave us not then, we pray 
 Thee, but be with us, and watch over us in all our 
 goings out and comings in. Cleanse us from every 
 sin in the atoning blood of Jesus, and give to our 
 hearts the peace which passeth all understanding. 
 
 Look in thy compassion on all who are in 
 trouble and necessity. Grant them the tokens of 
 thy presence, and fill them with the consolations of 
 thy Spirit. As Thou hast commanded us to love 
 our brethren, and to bear one another's burdens, so 
 we beseech Thee to hear our prayers for all thy 
 suffering people. To such as mourn under the 
 heavy pressure of sin, do Thou give peace. Show 
 them the sufficiency of the Saviour, and the merits 
 of his perfect sacrifice. To such as weep under 
 bereavement, do Thou make Thyself known as the 
 Father of the fathei'less and the God of the widow. 
 To those who are distressed by worldly anxieties, 
 give faith in thy promises, that they may cast 
 their care on Thee, and hear thy voice speaking 
 to them in trial. 
 
 May thy mercy continue to rest on our land. 
 May our Queen be enabled to rule in thy fear, and 
 may all in authority under her be endued with 
 wisdom and grace to do what is just and right in 
 thy sight. Bless all thy ministers in their work, 
 and slied on all whom we would remember at thy 
 throne the fulness of thy grace and love. Hear us, 
 gracious Father, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ in holy SCRIPTURE 1 PETER V. 
 
 GRACIOUS and merciful God, our heavenly 
 Father, in whom we live, and move, and have 
 our being, brought by thy parental care to the 
 close of another day, we would again draw near to 
 thy throne of grace, and ere we retire to rest offer 
 to Thee our evening sacrifice of prayer and praise. 
 
 We thank Thee for the mercies of this daf, for 
 our temporal supplies, for food and raiment, 
 and all the present comforts we have been per- 
 mitted to enjoy. May we never forget from whom 
 all blessings come ; but tracing up every mercy to 
 Thee, the fountain of all good, may our souls, and 
 all that is within us, praise and bless thy holy name. 
 
 Above all, we would thank Thee for thine un- 
 speakable love in our redemption by thy dear Son. 
 For his sake pardon whatever Thou hast seen of 
 evil in us this day, and blot out all our sins by his 
 atoning blood, that being justified by faith in him, 
 we may have peace with Thee our God, and rejoice 
 in the hope of thy glory. 
 
 And do Thou, who art the giver of all grace, 
 and who hast, we humbly trust, made known 
 to us thy truth, and called us to thy eternal king- 
 dom, perfect thy work within us. Daily more and 
 more strengthen us in our souls. Especially, we 
 beseech Thee, by thy Spirit, to make us humble. 
 Root out of our hearts all pride and self-conceit. 
 Give us the very mind that was in Christ, that 
 we may submit ourselves in all things to thy 
 will, and by our meekness and humility adorn 
 the Gospel of thy dear Son. 
 
 Deliver us from all error in doctrine, and from all 
 evil in practice. Confirm and settle us in the true 
 faith of the Gospel, that we may not be carried 
 about by divers and strange doctrines ; but keep- 
 ing stedfast hold of Thee and thy Word to the end 
 of our lives, may finally, when the chief Shepherd 
 shall appear, receive a crown of glory that fadeth 
 not away. 
 
 To thy love and mercy we commit ourselves for 
 the night, casting all our care upon Thee, in the 
 assured belief that Thou carest for us. Do Thou 
 who never slumberest nor sleepest, with whom the 
 darkness and the light are both alike, watch over 
 us for good. With humble and thankful hearts 
 we would retire to rest, and lie down under the 
 shadow of thy wings. Grant us refreshing sleep, 
 that we may be fitted to fulfil whatever duties and 
 meet whatever trials Thou, in thy wisdom, mayest 
 appoint for us. 
 
 May the Lord bless, preserve, and keep us; may 
 He mercifully cause his face to shine upon us. 
 
 We ask ail, God, in thy dear Son's name, to 
 whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, we would 
 ascribe all glory and honour, majesty and dominion, 
 for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 [ «9 ] 
 
 No. 12. 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 THIRTEENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS VI. 1—13. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and self-existent God, who hast 
 made Thyself known to us by tliy name, 
 Jehovah, assist us to worship Thee. Keep back 
 thy servants fi'om presumptuous sins ; inspire us 
 with confidence in thy mercy and faithfuhiess, and 
 let our morning sacrifice be acceptable in thy sight. 
 
 W^ thankfully acknowledge thy goodness in 
 preserving us from the dangers of the past night. 
 We laid us down and slept, we awaked, for the 
 Lord sustained us. We bless Thee for the supply 
 of our bodily wants, for the light of thy holy 
 Word, and above all, for the wondrous provision 
 which Thou hast made for our present and ever- 
 lasting salvation. Thou who didst hear the groan- 
 ing and pity the wretchedness of thine ancient 
 people, hast had compassion on us. In our 
 utter misery thine eye pitied us, and thine arm 
 brought salvation. We adore Thee, gracious 
 Father, for the unspeakable gift of thy beloved 
 Son, and for the assurance that with Him Thou wilt 
 give us all things that pertain to life and godli- 
 ness. Thou hast redeemed us without money, 
 even with the precious blood of Christ ; and as 
 thy servant Moses was commissioned by Thee to 
 proclaim thy merciful designs to his brethren, 
 his kinsmen according to the flesh, so by thy 
 grace the ministers of thy Word publish to us the 
 good tidings of salvation. Give us, we pray Thee, to 
 feel our need of redemption through Jesus ; forbid 
 that, in anguish of spirit, we should despair of 
 thy mercy ; but, with believing hearts, may we 
 accept the pardon which Thou ofi^'erest unto us. 
 
 May we, God, be delivered from the yoke of 
 Satan, from the seductions of the world, from the 
 depravity of our own hearts, and be introduced 
 into that spiritual liberty which thy Son came to 
 preach and to give to us. If He make us free, 
 we shall be free indeed : may we experience his 
 ability to save to the uttermost them that come to 
 Thee through Him ; and may we thus become thy 
 people, and prove that Thou art to us a God. 
 Help us, as thy redeemed servants, to do thy will, 
 to resign ourselves to thy disposal, and thus to 
 magnify thy grace. 
 
 Be present with us throughout this day : preserve 
 us, if consistent with thy will, from accident, 
 disease, and sudden death ; give us victory over 
 temptation ; guide us in all our perplexity ; help us 
 to act in our worldly business as under thine in- 
 spection, and in all things may we serve the Lord 
 Christ. Guide us with thy counsel, and ultimately 
 bring us to that country which is better than 
 the earthly Canaan, and in which we shall see 
 Thee as Thou art, and be happy and safe in thy 
 presence for ever. We ask it for Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XVIII. 21-35. 
 
 OTHOU adorable Father, whose goodness has 
 preserved us throughout another day, whose 
 wisdom has ordered our goings, and whose power 
 has strengthened our feebleness ; we give Thee 
 hearty thanks for thy parental kindness which has 
 supplied all our wants, watched over our faltering 
 steps, and kept us and those dear to us safe from 
 harm. We come to Thee to ask thy blessing at the 
 close of the day. We would confess with true 
 contrition our sins and offences in thy sight, and 
 earnestly, through Jesus Christ, implore thy for- 
 giveness. Have mercy upon us, God, have 
 mercy upon us, and blot out all our transgressions. 
 We cannot say we will render Thee all thy due, for 
 we have nothing to pay. We are poor, undone, 
 helpless creatures, utterly ruined and lost ; only thy 
 mercy can raise us : only thy free forgiveness can 
 save us. Our hearts are troubled and over- 
 whelmed when we consider our sins ; but we flee 
 to Thee, through the all-sufficient sacrifice and 
 mediation of Jesus Christ. Accept us in Him ; 
 and let us have the seal of thy forgiving love upon 
 our hearts — the testimony of thy Spirit with ours 
 that we are the children of God, restored to our 
 Father's embrace, and comforted with his love. 
 
 And, Lord, grant us, we beseech Thee, the 
 spirit of thy children, loving, meek, and good. So 
 renew our hearts by the Spirit of grace, that we 
 may love our brethren around us. When they 
 oliend against us, help us to remember how often 
 and grievously we have offended against Thee ; and 
 remembering thy goodness toward us, may we, 
 from our heart, forgive them. Purge out from our 
 souls all malice, and hatred, and revenge ; and 
 make us kind, loving, forbearing, and forgiving. 
 May we never call forth thine anger by any mani- 
 festation of unholy anger against our fellows ; but 
 ever live in peace and harmony, following his 
 blessed example who when He was reviled reviled 
 not again ; when He suffered, He threatened not, 
 but committed Himself to Him that judgeth right- 
 eously. And if this day we have fallen into any 
 uncharitableness or hastiness of temper, or angry 
 words, we beseech Thee forgive us, and make us 
 watchful over our spirits for the future, that we 
 may not again offend Thee. 
 
 Bless, God, all the members of this family. 
 Let every heart be renewed by thy grace ; let us 
 live before Thee in holy love, seeking each other's 
 good. Give us this night that rest which is 
 needed to restore our strength for to-morrow's 
 duties ; and if we should know no to-morrow here, 
 may we wake in that world where there is no 
 night, to be for ever with the Lord. Grant these 
 our humble petitions, God, for the sake of Jesuf 
 Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 r 90 1 
 
MOBNING.J 
 
 THIRTEENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS VII. 
 
 OGOD, Thou art our God, early will we seek 
 Thee. Mercifully be Thou nigh unto us, that 
 in seeking we may find Thee. 
 
 Thou, Lord, art very great; Thou art clothed 
 with honour and majesty, but Thou art also very 
 good, and thine unsearchable greatness is softened 
 to om" view by thine unspeakable goodness. Both 
 in the works of thy hands and in the ways of thy 
 providence Thou hast made Thyself known to the 
 sons of men, so that in their forgetfulness of Thee 
 they have ever been without excuse. When they 
 have hardened themselves against Thee, Thou hast 
 not withdrawn thy compassions from them. Thou 
 hast even como out of thy place, and shown signs 
 and wonders in the midst of them, for Thou hast no 
 pleasure in him that dieth, but woiddst have all 
 men come to repentance and live. 
 
 We thank Tliee, God, that Thou hast in so 
 many ways spoken unto us ; in the heavens, which 
 are ever telling of thy glory, and in the earth, 
 which is ever full of thy riches. Thy providence, 
 which daily loadeth us with benefits, is daily ad- 
 dressing us in accents of fatherly love. Even the 
 things which aforetime were said unto others are 
 now said unto us, upon whom the ends of the 
 world are come. Chiefly do we bless Thee that 
 Thou hast spoken unto us by thy Son, who is heir 
 of all things. Save us, we pray Thee, from 
 hardening our hearts, as did Pharaoh of old, against 
 thy Word; lest, like him also, we perish at last 
 through unbelief Especially may we have grace 
 to hear Him in whom Thou art ever well pleased, 
 and whose words are spirit and life to all who 
 receive them ; for if they escaped not who refused 
 him that spake on earth, much more shall not we 
 escape, if we turn away from Him that speaketh 
 from heaven. 
 
 Enable us, in full surrender of ourselves to thy 
 guidance, to enter upon the duties of this day 
 thankful for the love which has watched over us 
 during the night, and quick to hear that still 
 small voice of thy Spirit which is given to instruct 
 us, and to teach us in the way that we should go. 
 Preserve us, Lord, from the deceitfulness of our 
 own hearts, and from the corruption that is in the 
 world through lust. Fortify us against the devices of 
 Satan, and against the malice of those who whet 
 their tongues like swords, and bend their bows to 
 shoot their arrows, even bitter words. Give us the 
 spirit that always watches and always prays. 
 Though in the world, and engaged in worldly busi- 
 ness, may we walk with God, and each day obtain 
 a greater likeness to Him, until, in the end, we 
 receive an abundant entrance into his everlasting 
 kingdom, through our Lord and Savioiu* Jesus 
 Christ, Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 COR. XIII. 
 
 GREAT God of love, and grace, and truth, we 
 adore, we praise, we glorify Thee. Thou art 
 our Father in Christ, and Tiiou art our King. 
 All thy laws are wise, all thy words are true, all 
 thy ways are good, all thy works are great. We 
 thank Thee for the privilege and ordinance of 
 prayer. Help us now to worship Thee in spirit 
 and in truth. Accept us in the Son of thy 
 love. Answer us according to thy wisdom, and 
 mercy, and faithfulness. Oh, our Father, we 
 thank Thee for the grace given us by the Holy 
 Ghost! If we have passed from death unto life, 
 if we have laid aside the foolish things of sin 
 and unbelief, it is because Thou hast taught us. 
 Every good gift, and every perfect gift, has been 
 from Tliee. We thank Thee for all Thou hast 
 wrought in us. Because Thou hast given, we 
 ask Thee still to give such things as may be good. 
 Keep us from pride of heart, even from every 
 form of that pride which is so unseemly and offen- 
 sive in thy presence. Lord, give us faith in thy 
 dear Son, in his atoning blood, in his prevailing 
 intercession, in his coming glory. Lord, give us a 
 well-founded hope that our souls shall be saved in 
 the day of his appearing. We ask for spirituality 
 of mind and heart. We pray that Thou wouldst 
 j make us a consecrated people to thy praise. 
 
 Oh, our Father, teach us how truly to love Thee 
 and to love all that bear thy image! Help us to be 
 unselfish. Write thy new name upon our hearts 
 — thy name of love. We thank Thee for the mer- 
 cies of the day which is about to close. Father, 
 help us to remember the heaven where there is 
 no night. Teach us to look for the home in 
 which we shall see face to face. Enable us, 
 before sleep closes our eyes, to have a living look 
 to Jesus. Teach us to know that our sins have 
 been covered and cancelled through the blood of 
 sprinkling. Give us the comfort of the Holy 
 Ghost, the seal of our sonship, the witness of 
 our acceptance in the Beloved. Shed thy light 
 upon all our souls. Thou knowest what we ai?e 
 and what we need. Oh, suit thy gifts to oiir 
 necessity ! Bless us in body and in soul. Be with 
 us in life and death. 
 
 [Look upon om* children, and make them thy 
 children also,] 
 
 Watch over our home, and make us to be of the 
 household of faith and family of God, Sanctify, 
 strengthen, guide, deliver us. We would be ever 
 thine, altogether thine, all thine. Lord, have 
 mercy upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. 
 Lord, have mercy upon us. So shall we love Thee, 
 so shall we live for Thee, so shall we live with Thee 
 for ever. Lord, hear our prayer, for Christ our 
 Saviour's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 91 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOURTEENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS VIII. 1—19. 
 
 GRATEFUL to us, Lord our God, is the li'glit 
 of any day which dawns upon us, as the token 
 of thine unfaiHng kindness and ceaseless thougbt- 
 fuhiess towards us ; but this day, the day of the 
 Lord, is especially grateful to us. Thou hast made 
 the Sabbath for man, and crowned it with privi- 
 leges and blessings. May we be in the Spirit on 
 the Lord's day. May it not be felt to be a burden 
 by any of us, but may we hail it as the holy of the 
 Lord honourable, and say in the gratitude of our 
 hearts, " This is.the day which the Lord hath made, 
 we will rejoice and be glad in it." May we con- 
 secrate its hours to high and heavenly objects ; 
 not doing our own ways, nor finding our own 
 pleasure, nor speaking our own words, but keeping 
 it holy and honourable unto the Lord. May we 
 this day eat of heavenly manna and drink of living 
 water, and thus be nourished up to life eternal. 
 
 May this domestic service prepare us for the 
 various exercises of the day. Let the Word of 
 God now read shed its light upon all our minds, 
 and exert a salutary influence upon all our hearts. 
 Mighty art Thou, Lord, to vindicate thine 
 honour and to punish the sin of man. Thy power 
 is over all thy works. Means and instrumentalities 
 are ever available to Thee. Thou hast bu^- ^^ speak, 
 and it is done. All creatures minister to tliy will ; 
 but, alas, how deep and deadly is the enmity of the 
 human heart. Plagues and judgments fail to 
 reduce it to penitence and submission. Thy grace 
 alone can melt the soul to contrition and to love. 
 Deliver us by thy grace, Lord, from unbe- 
 lief and hardness of heart. Make us willing and 
 obedient. Go with us to thy house, and let thy 
 Word prove the power of God unto our salvation. 
 Let thy ministers be clothed with salvation, that 
 thy saints may shout aloud for joy. May we be 
 solicitous, not only to obtain good, but to do good 
 this day. 
 
 Bless all who shall be occupied in works of faith 
 and labours of love. Let such as shall be engaged 
 in imparting instruction to the young, in the 
 family and in the Sunday school, be greatly 
 blessed, and all who seek to spread thy truth be 
 prospered with thy favour. 
 
 Oh send out thy light and thy truth throughout 
 our land. Have mercy upon our fellow-country- 
 men who forsake thy sanctuaries, break thy 
 Sabbaths, and run in the way of death. Enlighten 
 their minds and change their hearts. 
 
 Bless distant nations. Render missionary eiforts 
 gloriously successful, and let the world be filled 
 with thy salvation. May this Sabbath be to us a 
 preparation for, and an earnest of, the Sabbath of 
 heaven. Hear us, Lord, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MARK IX. 38-50. 
 
 OLORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name 
 in all the earth. Thou art great, and greatly 
 to be feared, for Thou doest wondrous things. 
 Look from the throne of thy glory upon worms of 
 the earth, who have now taken upon themselves to 
 speak unto Thee. Help us to worship Thee in 
 spirit and in truth. We have been surrounded 
 this day with circumstances demanding our grati- 
 tude, and we praise Thee with joyful lips. The 
 sound of the Gospel has saluted our ears, and Jesus 
 Christ has been set forth before our eyes as cruci- 
 fied for our sins. Help us to improve our privileges, 
 that we may be benefited by all m'c hear and learn. 
 Impress upon our minds the solemn and delightful 
 truths made known to us this day ; and may we 
 hide thy word in our hearts, that we sin not against 
 Thee. Save us from the abuse of thy long-suffering 
 and compassion, lest the things we have heard 
 depart from us all the days of our life, and rise up 
 to our condemnation in the judgment of the great 
 day. 
 
 We thank Thee, our God and Father, for the 
 glad tidings of the Gospel as preached to guilty men. 
 Thou hast sent forth the Word of salvation, pro- 
 claiming peace to them that are afar off and to 
 them that are nigh. We bless Thee that it ever 
 reached our shores, and by the power of thy Spirit 
 turned our forefathers from the worship of idols to 
 tiie service of the true God. We thank Thee that 
 it is now going forth from this and from other lands 
 to be proclaimed to all nations, and people, and 
 tongues. What multitudes have hailed the messen- 
 gers of mercy who have proclaimed it to-day ! 
 Dark minds have been enlightened, stubborn 
 hearts have been subdued, and sorrowful spirits 
 rendered glad by the proclamation of salvation, 
 through the blood of the cross. Be pleased to 
 follow with thy blessing the Word of life, whereso- 
 ever and by whomsoever it may be preached. 
 Give an abundant increase to all who toil in thy 
 vineyard. Never let thy servants labour in vain. 
 May the pleasure of the Lord prosper in their hands, 
 till all nations shall be blessed in Him, and all 
 people call Him blessed. 
 
 Teach us to love and acknowledge all who are 
 trying to do good in the name of Jesus. May we 
 not willingly offend any of his followers, however 
 lowly or feeble. Grant that we may always stand 
 prepared by our words, and feelings, and actions, 
 to do them good. May all our works be per- 
 formed from love to Christ and with a view to his 
 glory, so that we may not lose the reward He will 
 graciously bestow. Grant that we may live peace- 
 able and holy lives, and through thine infinite 
 mercy be saved from future and eternal woe. We 
 ask it for Christ's sake. Amen 
 
 [ 92 1 
 
'MoRNmG.V 
 
 FOURTEENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS VIII. '^0-32. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, at the open- 
 ing of the day we come to pay our grate- 
 ful homage to Thee. Thou art the God of all 
 peoples upon the earth, but specially of those who 
 believe and obey Thee. We acknowledge Thee to 
 be our God, our Redeemer and Saviour. 
 
 We humbly beseech Thee of thy great mercy to 
 write upon our hearts the lessons of thy holy 
 Word we have now read. Fill us with a deep 
 sense of thy love to thine own p eople, and of thy 
 power to deliver and to defend them from all foes 
 and all dangers. Impress us deeply with a sense 
 of thy long-suffering and forbearance towards those 
 who rebel against Thee, and of thy justice in 
 punishing those who trifle with thy mercy. Deliver 
 us, we beseech Thee, from the sins which brought 
 upon Pharaoh and his people thy displeasure and 
 thy wrath. Grant us the grace we need that we 
 may be sincere in all our duties towards Thee and 
 our fellow-men. May our repentance be deep and 
 earnest, our faith be simple, and our love to Thee 
 be true. Help us in the discharge of our duties 
 towards thy people, that we may speak and act 
 with prudence and with kindness, remembering, 
 on all occasions, that they are thine, and that what 
 is done to them is really done to Thee. Make us 
 jealous for the honour, the happiness, and the use- 
 fulness of thy people. In our conduct towards the 
 world, help us to be just and truthful. If we have 
 enemies, detractors, or slanderers, oh, help us to 
 bear with them I Give us grace to love them ; 
 and, by our meekness, humility, and consistency, 
 may we commend om'selves to every man's con- 
 science in thy sight; and so let our light shine 
 before men, that they may glorify Thee, who alone 
 worketh in us to will and to do. 
 
 For our relations and friends we ask that they 
 all may live in thy faith, fear, and love, and ever 
 enjoy thy guidance and favour. We pray for thy 
 blessing upon the neighbourhood in which we live. 
 May all who are around us be made partakers of 
 thy salvation. We pray for our Queen and our 
 country. We beseech Thee to pity and provide 
 for the poor. Have mercy upon all who are 
 afflicted and distressed. Carry the Gospel to our 
 prisons, and deliver all who are in captivity to 
 Satan. Oh, our Father, wo pray that thy king- 
 dom may come, and thy will be done on earth as 
 it is in heaven ! Accept, Lord, our thanks- 
 givings for thy watchful care over us through the 
 night, for the health and comfort we now enjoy, 
 and for the many mercies Thou hast given us. 
 We implore thy guidance and help throughout 
 this day. Keep uss in the hour of temptation, and 
 in all things help us to glorify Thee, for the sake 
 of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIFrURE ST. LUKPJ IX. 51-62. 
 
 GRANT us, Lord God, thy promised Spirit, 
 that we may worship Thee in spirit and in 
 truth. Help us to think of Thee as the fountain of 
 all life, of all goodness, and of all joy. Grant unto 
 us more deeply to feel what we owe to Thee for 
 loading us with benefits, unworthy as we are. 
 
 We pray for grace, that our face may be more 
 stedfastly set towards the Jerusalem above, while 
 on our pilgrimage through this world. Make us 
 willing to be strangers upon the earth. May we 
 not feel at home here, knowing that Christ has 
 prepared a place for his disciples in his Father's 
 house. Yet help us, Lord, to praise Thee, as 
 we would now do, for all our home comforts here 
 below. May we all learn of Jesus, not to mar, 
 but always tenderly to promote the peace and well- 
 being of all with whom we dwell, and to show 
 piety at home. Make us deeply sensible of our 
 many faults, in thought, and word, and act. We 
 would make Christ's word a light and a lamp to 
 our feet; and we pray that we may look at his pure 
 and holy life while we listen to his voice. May 
 we learn what He means by bidding us to follow 
 Him ; and oh forgive all the insincerity and the 
 frailty of om* sinful and infirm hearts. We need 
 the cleansing of Christ's atoning blood, alike for 
 our very professions and performances. Lord, 
 pardon us wherein we have lacked the spirit of 
 meekness and goodness, or been unconcerned for 
 thy glory. 
 
 We seek the renewal of peace, and hope, and 
 joy, at his cross who there made atonement for our 
 sins. Help us to put our trust beneath the 
 shadow of thy wings, that we may rest securely, 
 and sleep in peace. Whatever have been the events 
 and circumstances of this day, we desire to acknow- 
 ledge thy hand in all things, and pray that Thou 
 wouldst make them, in thy wisdom and love, work 
 together for good. Whatever anxieties arise, may 
 we have faith to cast our cares upon Thee. 
 Graciously take us under thy protection this 
 night. Give us refreshing rest, and grant that when 
 we awake we may feel that we are still with Thee. 
 
 Remember, God, for good all whom we love. 
 Enrich them, according to thy mercy, with the 
 bounties of thy providence ; but, above all, bestow 
 upon them the riclies of thy grace. If they are in 
 sorrow, comfort them; if they are in perplexity, 
 guide them; if weak, strengthen them. [May thy 
 special favour rest on the young of our household. 
 Draw their hearts to Thyself in the days of their 
 youth, and teach them to remember Thee.] Pity 
 the unconverted around us, and pour on their 
 darkened souls the light of thy truth. We ask 
 these and all other mercies in the name of Jesus 
 Christ, thy dear Son, our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 C 93 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOURTEENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EvENmo, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XI. 1—13. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, we draw near to Thee 
 with our hearty thanksgivings. To Thee we 
 are indebted for the Hght of the morning, for hfe, 
 for health, and for sound minds; above all, for 
 Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Each day 
 we rise, we would call upon thy name, and make 
 mention of thy faithfulness. Rested and refreshed 
 with sleep, we would go to the duties and trials of 
 a new day underneath the shadow of thy wings. 
 Leaning upon our own understanding, we are sure 
 to go astray; and trusting in our own strength, we 
 are certain to fail. Oh, be pleased to direct our 
 steps into the ways of thy precepts. Help us to 
 set Thee the Lord constantly before us ; and whilst 
 Thou givest us our daily bread, give us also 
 daily grace. When duty is to be done, may our 
 hearts be inclined to it, and may our hands per- 
 form it diligently. When temptation approaches, 
 put us on our guard, and open for us a door of 
 escape. When opportunities of usefulness are 
 presented, may we have the understanding to dis- 
 cern them, the heart to seize them, and the power 
 to turn them to good account. Empty us of self, 
 and fill us with the mind that was in Christ Jesus. 
 Enable us to live for Thee ; and when we again 
 seek repose, may the blessing of our God descend 
 upon us. 
 
 God of the prophets, we would rejoice over 
 their accomplished word. Hasten the time when 
 the Gospel shall be preached among all nations, 
 and when the rod out of the stem of Jesse shall 
 wield its mighty power to the subjugation of all 
 hateful passions, and to the rise and reign of pure 
 and undefiled religion throughout the whole earth. 
 May each of us, in our own experience, know 
 the sanctifying influence of the cross of Jesus. 
 Believing that in our corrupt human nature lie the 
 seeds of all evil, we would come to that cross, and 
 have them all destroyed there. We ourselves 
 cannot root up such evils, but thy grace is 
 sufficient for us. Create within us clean hearts; 
 and may we be careful not to grieve thy Spirit, 
 who seals us unto the day of redemption, 
 
 Father, we implore Thee for thy richest blessings. 
 We ask not wealth, nor power, nor fame ; but we 
 ask the blessing that makes rich and adds no 
 sorrow. Oh, give us not only the pardon of our 
 sins, but the delightful conviction that they are all 
 cast out of thy sight and out of thy remembrance. 
 Thus may we have thy peace reigning within us, 
 and taste even here the joys that are at thy 
 right hand. These our morning supplications we 
 leave with Thee, and we now arise and go forth in 
 humble iaith that not only throughout this day, 
 but even unto death, Thou wilt be our God and 
 Guide. And all we ask is for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS X. 19- 
 
 /|'OST merciful God, we bless Thee that though 
 utterly unworthy to approach Thee, we have 
 boldness to come through Jesus Christ. We 
 behold Him as our great High Priest within 
 the veil, ever living to make intercession for us. 
 We stand now before his cross, and from thence 
 lift up our eyes to his throne. May our consciences 
 be sprinkled afx'esh with atoning blood, that the 
 sins of this day may be all forgiven, and we may lie 
 down at peace with God. We give Thee thanks 
 on behalf of those members of this family who 
 have believed in Jesus. Help us to hold fast the 
 profession of our faith without wavering. We 
 would not be among those who draw back unto 
 perdition, but of those who believe to the sal- 
 vation of their souls. We lament before Thee 
 that though we bear the name of Christ, we 
 have so little of his image. We have followed 
 Him, but, alas ! at how great a distance ! Blessed 
 Jesus, wert Thou to regulate the bestowment of 
 thy favour by our desert, long ere this we had 
 been left to ourselves. We thank Thee for thy 
 forbearance towards us. Make it a powerful 
 motive to bring us nearer to Thyself. Our faith is 
 weak : do Thou strengthen it. Our hope is dim : 
 do Thou brighten it. Our love is cold : do Thou 
 kindle it into a flame. Our souls cleave to the 
 dust: quicken Thou us according to thy Word. 
 Henceforth may we follow Thee fully, and may 
 every closing day find us nearer to Thee, and fitter 
 for the rest that remaineth for thy people. 
 
 Holy Spirit, sanctify to us all the events of this 
 day. May afflictions wean us from the world. 
 May disappointments loosen our aflPections from 
 the things that are seen, and transfer them to the 
 things that are eternal. Whatever prosperity Thou 
 art pleased to send, may it not lift us up, but 
 supply fresh materials for songs of praise. We 
 beseech Thee to sanctify to us the reading of the 
 Scriptm"es ; may we ever find something precious 
 therein which shall be as manna to our hungry 
 souls. Help us to know our Lord's will, and to 
 do it, or to bear it. . Help us to study the life of 
 Jesus, and in all things to walk in his footsteps, 
 that at last we may be like Him, and see Him as 
 He is. 
 
 We now commend ourselves to thy fatherly care. 
 Suffer no enemy to molest om* property, no disease 
 to attack our persons, and permit not death to 
 invade our home; but with sleep unbroken, and 
 strength renewed, may we awake in the morning 
 to serve our God. May we lie down as calmly to 
 die as we lie down this night to sleep; so that 
 falling asleep in Jesus, we may be satisfied with 
 his likeness when we awake. We ask all in the 
 name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Ameiv 
 
 [ 9^ ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOURTEENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS IX. 1-12. 
 
 HEARKEN unto the voice of our cry, our King 
 and our God; for unto Thee will we pray. 
 In the morning will we direct our prayer unto 
 Thee, and will look up. 
 
 We thank Thee for the mercies of the past night, 
 for Thou, Lord, only makest us dwell in safety. 
 The day is thine, the night also is thine. Thou 
 hast prepared the light and the sun. Many of our 
 fellow-creatures during the night have passed into 
 eternity, but we are alive and remain ; and our 
 prayer shall be to the God of our life. The 
 living, the Kving he shall praise Thee, as we do 
 this day. 
 
 Give us this day our daily bread. We desire 
 not to eat the bread of idleness, but would be 
 diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving 
 the Lord. May we ever seek an honest liveli- 
 hood, and do Thou bless the work of our hands. 
 Vouchsafe to keep us this day without sin. 
 May we be in the fear of the Lord all the day 
 long. 
 
 Bless this household. Let none of us, like 
 Pharaoh, impiously exclaim, " Who is the Lord, 
 that I should obey his voice ? " May we exhort 
 one another daily, lest any of us be hardened 
 through the deceitfulness of sin. Shouldest Thou 
 see fit to afflict us, let us not murmiu', but submit 
 to thy will. 
 
 Remember, Lord, any that are suffering per- 
 secution for righteousness' sake. Let them not 
 fear the wrath of any Pharaoh, but hold fast the pro- 
 fession of their faith without wavering. May they 
 choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of 
 God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a 
 season, esteeming the reproach of Christ greater 
 riches than the treasures in Egypt, having respect 
 unto the recompense of the reward. 
 
 Give us grace for the special duties and trials of 
 this day, and enable us to resist all temptations. 
 May we live to thy praise, and walk worthy of oiu* 
 Christian vocation. May we be kind to all about 
 us, and bear meekly with each other's infirmities, 
 forgiving one another, as we trust God, for Christ's 
 sake, has forgiven us. Let thine eye and thy 
 hand be upon us all for good, and prosper us in 
 all our plans and undertakings which are accord- 
 ing to thy will. 
 
 Give wisdom to all our rulers. Preserve them 
 from the fear of man, and enable them to act in 
 all things as in thy sight, remembering the account 
 they must one day give. Graciously pour out the 
 Holy Spirit on thy Church, and daily increase the 
 number of thy believing people. 
 
 Forgive, Lord, all the imperfections of our 
 supplications. Hear us for the Lord Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE X. 1-16, 
 
 OGOD, our heavenly Father, we give Thee 
 thanks for the privilege of drawing near to the 
 throne of grace. During another day Thou hast 
 supplied our need, and caused our comforts to 
 abound. What shall we render unto Thee for all 
 thy mercy and loving-kindness ? Every day 
 augments the sum of our obligations to love and 
 serve Thee our God, and we bless Thee that, in in- 
 finite wisdom and goodness, Thou hast united our 
 happiness with our duty. Thy ways are ways of 
 pleasantness, and all thy paths are peace. May 
 we love Thee with all our hearts, and daily grow 
 in thy favour and image ; and let us always make 
 thy holy will our law, thy Word our guide, thine 
 example our pattern, and thy glory the sole end of 
 our being. How far, Lord, have we hitherto 
 fallen short of this I What ingratitude and folly, 
 what neglect and waywardness, have marked our 
 conduct. For the sake of thy dear Son, forgive 
 us all iniquities, receive us graciously, and enrich 
 us with all the graces of thy Holy Spirit. Espe- 
 cially, Lord, reveal thy dear Son to us in all 
 the glory of his Divine power, and in all the riches 
 of his saving grace. May He dwell in our hearts 
 by faith, and cause us to know the peace which 
 springs from reconciliation with Thee, and the for- 
 giveness of sins. 
 
 We commend all our loved ones to thy mercy. 
 Make them all partakers of thy salvation ; be Thou 
 their portion, and the Guide of their life. We 
 pray Thee also to bless our enemies ; change their 
 hearts, and make them thy fi-iends. Remove far 
 away from our own hearts all anger and malice, 
 and help us to live in charity with all men. Re- 
 member, in thy compassion, all the sons and 
 daughters of affliction, especially thine own chil- 
 dren. Be with them in the furnace ; and when 
 Thou hast tried them, may they come forth like 
 gold that is purified. Mercifully spare useful 
 lives ; and those who are drawing near the gates of 
 death prepare for the eternal world. Fit us for 
 death and judgment, that when Thou comest we 
 may be ready to obey thy call, and enter into thy 
 joy. Have compassion on all those who obey not 
 thy Gospel and regard not the day of thy visita- 
 tion. Oh turn Thou their hearts to Thyself, and 
 let not the judgments of Chorazin and Bethsaida 
 fall on them. And now, Lord, we commit the 
 keeping of both body and soul to thy care during 
 this night. Almighty Keeper of Israel, give_ to 
 thy beloved sleep, and may we rise in the morning 
 with invigorated strength, to love and serve Thee 
 our God in the duties of another day ; and when 
 days and nights with us are no more, may we be 
 found in thy glorious kingdom, tlirough Jesu3 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 95 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOURTEENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS IX. 13—35. 
 
 WHO knoweth the power of tliine anger, God? 
 who can stay thine hand, or say unto Thee, 
 What doest Thou ? Keep us, by thy grace, from 
 hardening our hearts against Thee ; and may we 
 never, by our own sins, bring down thy judgment 
 on ourselves or others. Hast Thou not, on account 
 of sin. cursed the ground ? Have mercy upon us, 
 God, miserable sinners. Bring not thy plagues 
 upon our hearts. Make us not, by reason of our 
 continued rebellion, examples of th}'- power and 
 wrath. Give us to see what an evil and bitter 
 thing sin is, and may we turn from its first 
 approach as from the bite of a serpent or the sting 
 of an adder. Oh that we may never be found 
 amongst them who regard not thy Word ; and 
 keep us ever in mind that it is a fearful thing to 
 fall into thy hands, thou holy and righteous God ! 
 
 We bless Thee that Thou hast ever mingled 
 mercy with judgment. Thou dost not smite with- 
 out warning, nor threaten without showing a 
 way of escape. Thou wiliest not the death of a 
 sinner, but rather that all should turn to Thee and 
 live. Give us true repentance. How often have 
 we, like Pharaoh, when thy hand was upon us, 
 confessed our sin, and vowed to serve Thee ; but 
 no sooner has the burden been removed than we 
 have turned again to folly. Grant us thy Holy 
 Spirit, that we may forsake sin as well as mourn 
 for sin ; and may the future of our lives be in strict 
 obedience to thy commands. Thou hast, in the 
 Son of thy love, provided a refuge from the storm 
 and a covert from the tempest. May we fly to 
 Him. Pardon us for his sake. Thou canst, 
 through the atonement which He has made, be just, 
 and yet the justifier of the ungodly. Accept us in 
 the beloved ; and when thy fierce anger burns in 
 the judgments which are abroad, may we hide our- 
 selves in Him till the indignation be overpast. 
 
 We bless Thee, God, for raising up a prophet 
 like unto Moses, and that Thou hast appointed Him 
 to give deliverance to the captive and freedom to 
 them that are bound. Unto Jesus may we hearken ; 
 and oh grant that by faith in Him we may be 
 freed from spiritual bondage, from the passions of 
 the flesh, the allurements of the world, the 
 temptations of Satan, and be led to rejoice in the 
 glorious liberty of the children of God. May we 
 know the truth, and the truth make us free. 
 
 For the mercies of another day we thank Thee. 
 Thou hast preserved us while we slept, and raised 
 us in health and safety. Now, as we go forth to our 
 duties, take us under thy protection, and make 
 use of us for thy glory. We consecrate ourselves 
 to Thee, body, soul, and spirit. Do for us ex- 
 ceeding abundantly above all we are able to ask 
 or think, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JAMES L 17—27. 
 
 OLORD God, at the close of another day, we 
 lift up the voice of prayer. We call on Thee 
 as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the 
 Father of all them who truly believe in Him. 
 We remember how He spake to his disciples of 
 his Father and their Father, of his God and their 
 God ; and we ask, in his name, that we may 
 know for ourselves the preciousness of this high 
 relationship, and that in very deed we may be 
 thy children, born again through the truth, and 
 have faith to say " Abba, Father." 
 
 Forgive, we beseech Thee, all the sins of this 
 day, and give us peace through Jesus Clirist. We 
 confess that in thy sight, Thou holy God, we 
 have deeply sinned and come short of thy glory ; 
 but looking up to Him who is the Lord our 
 Righteousness, we earnestly pray for pardon, and 
 ask that by thy Spirit we may be made every day 
 more and more what we ought to be. Let thy 
 Word be increasingly precious to us — be hidden in 
 our hearts, and manifested in our lives. Lord, we 
 would be not forgetful hearers, but doers of thy 
 Word ; witnessing to its power, and fulfilling its 
 precepts. May our religion be pure and undefiled 
 before Thee, our God and Father. Teach us, we 
 beseech Thee, to bridle our tongues, to watch over 
 our hearts, and to abound in all acts of Chris- 
 tian kindness and charity. Lord, enable us to 
 keep ourselves unspotted from the world, that we 
 may be preserved harmless amidst its temptations ; 
 and though living in it, yet have our hearts and 
 our treasure in heaven. 
 
 Lord, let none of us be self-deceived in 
 regard to our state before Thee. Thou readest 
 and searchest the very heart. If any of us be un- 
 converted, show them their lost condition. Con- 
 vince them of sin, reveal them to themselves ; let 
 them learn, under thy teaching, all their guiltiness, 
 and in thy mercy bring them out of darkness into 
 the light of thy love. Teach us that it is not 
 enough to cry Lord, Lord; but that the heart 
 must be changed, and the sins be blotted out, and 
 the life be conformed to thy will. Oh, let not our 
 religion be a vain one ; but in heart and life may 
 we be consecrated to Thee, loving Thee more, 
 serving Thee better, and bringing forth the fruits 
 of the Spirit in a ready obedience in all things to 
 thy will. 
 
 We now go to rest for the night, commending 
 each other, and all whom we love, to thy care. 
 Lord, watch over us by thy gracious providence. 
 If we live, may we awake to glorify Thee ; if we 
 die, may we sleep in Jesus. Hear us, we pray 
 Thee, our God, for his sake, to whom, with Thee 
 and the Holy Ghost, our only God, be ascribed 
 equal and undivided praise. Amen. 
 
 [ 96 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOURTEENTH WEEK— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXVIH. 1—19. 
 
 \ 
 
 OGOD of our salvation, our voice shalt Thou 
 hear in the morning. We thank Thee for 
 having watched over us through the night, for 
 having refreshed us with sleep, and for bringing 
 us in health and comfort to the beginning of 
 another daj. Defend us throughout its hoiu's, 
 and grant that we may not fall into anj sin, 
 neither run into any kind of danger. Thou art 
 able to keep us from evil, and to comfort and sup- 
 port us in all the trials and duties of life, Thou 
 hast been the refuge and helper of thy people in 
 all generations. Thou didst guide thine ancient 
 people in the wilderness, and encompass them 
 with miraculous tokens of thy presence and 
 care. Thou didst lead them to the goodly 
 land promised to their fathers, refresh and con- 
 firm them in its possession, and provide of thy 
 goodness for the poor. Guide us, we humbly pray 
 Thee, tlu-ough the pilgrimage of life, and give us 
 day by day our daily bread. In mercy feed us 
 with the bread of life. Cause us to drink of the 
 living water that flows, for our refreshment and 
 salvation, from Jesus Christ, the smitten Rock ; 
 and bring us to that better country which Thou 
 hast promised to all them that love and serve Thee. 
 We thank Thee for the gracious revelation 
 Thou hast made of thy character and will to 
 the children of men, and we would rejoice in 
 Thee as the all-sufficient God. A Father of the 
 fatherless and a Judge of the widow art Thou. 
 Thou openest the eyes of the blind. The outcast 
 and forsaken are remembered by Thee. Thou 
 hast sent thy dear Son, in our nature, to open the 
 prison doors to them that are bound, and to set at 
 liberty them that are bruised. Thou hast given 
 the Word of salvation, and great is the company of 
 them who preach it. Soon may the joyful tidings 
 of repentance and remission of sins be preached in 
 the name of Jesus among all nations. May those 
 who are now afar off be made nigh. May those 
 who are now degraded and dishonoured by the 
 practice of sin be purified and forgiven, and be 
 adorned by the beauty of holiness. 
 
 Thou wilt in very deed dwell with man upon the 
 earth. We thank Thee that when Christ ascended 
 on high he obtained gifts for men, even for the 
 rebellious ; and we bless Thee that the Divine 
 Spirit has been shed abroad. May He take of the 
 things of Christ and reveal them to us, so that 
 Jesus may dwell in our hearts by faith, and our 
 bodies may be temples of the living God. Daily 
 would we bless Thee, as we are constantly loaded 
 with benefits, and always would we rejoice in Thee ; 
 as the God of our salvation. Be pleased to accept | 
 our M^orship, to pardon our sins, and to supply our ■ 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST JOHN VIL 1—13, 
 
 various wants, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 GREAT and glorious Lord God Almighty, who 
 dwellest in light which no man can approach 
 unto, whom no man hath seen, or can see ; we 
 come into thy presence in the name of thy well- 
 beloved Son, who is the Mediator between Thyself 
 and us. In no other name can we come, for there 
 is none other name under heaven given amongst 
 men whereby we must be saved. We adore Thee 
 for Him as thine unspeakable gift, and for all the 
 blessings that are promised and secured to us 
 through his death. Because Thou hast not spared 
 thine own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. 
 Thou wilt with Him also freely give us all things. 
 Grant us to feel our need of Him, and to find in 
 Him all our salvation and all our desire. May we 
 feel more and more our spiritual poverty, and 
 more and more be made rich with his unsearchable 
 riches. And as we thus receive of his fulness, oh, 
 help us continually to show forth his praise. May 
 his name be so dear to us that we shall delight to 
 speak of Him. While our whole temper and con- 
 duct bear witness to our union with Him and our 
 love to Him, may we so add to our faith courage 
 that we shall be bold to go without the camp bear- 
 ing his reproach ; not like those who, in the days 
 of his flesh, did not speak openly of Him for fear of 
 the Jews, but rather like those who, making men- 
 tion of his righteousness, and of his only, rejoiced 
 that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for 
 his name's sake. 
 
 Accept, Lord, of the praises we humbly bring 
 to Thee for the mercy of this day. Thou hast 
 given to us our daily bread, and with this all things 
 that pertain to life and godliness. How precious 
 are thy thoughts unto us, God ; how great is 
 the sum of them! If we should count them, they 
 are more in number than the sand. Continue these 
 tokens of thy love, we pray Thee, as thy wisdom 
 may see most fit ; and ever enable us to say, 
 " Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, 
 my lips shall praise Thee. Thou art my portion, 
 Lord." 
 
 We implore the forgiveness of this day's offences 
 through the intercession of our gi-eat High Priest, 
 and commit the keeping of our souls to Thee for 
 the night, as unto a faithful Creator. Be Thou, 
 Lord, our hiding place ; preserve us from trouble, 
 and compass us about with songs of deliverance. 
 May no evil befal us, nor any plague come nigh 
 our dwelling; but grant us, with the security of 
 thy watchful presence, such a renewal of our 
 strength, both of body and of mind, by the rest of 
 this night, that we may be able to offer Thee on 
 the coming day a more cheerful and acceptable 
 service. We ask every mercy iu the name of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 C 97 ] 
 
 No. 13. 
 
Morning,] 
 
 FOURTEENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS X, 1— 11. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and eternal God, Lord of heaven 
 and earth, the world is full of thy glory. Help 
 us to come near to Thee with reverence and godly 
 fear, and to kneel at thy footstool, remembering 
 that Thou art our Creator and our King. We ask 
 for lowly hearts, such as become those who feel 
 thy presence and thy majesty. We thank Thee 
 that Thou hast revealed Thyself unto us not only as 
 a God of glory, but as a God of grace, delighting 
 in mercy, and pardoning iniquity, transgression, 
 and sin. Li Christ Jesus Thou art full of love 
 towards us ; and for his sake Thou wilt save and 
 bless all who come unto Thee through Him. Thou 
 givest us boldness of access into thy presence, that 
 we may obtain mercy and find grace to help us 
 in time of need. Behold us, Loi*d; we come to 
 Thee, for Thou art our God. Look down, and let 
 the light of thy countenance shine upon us. 
 
 We thank Thee that Thou makest Thyself known 
 to us as a covenant-keeping God, faithful to thy 
 gracious promises, providing for all the wants of 
 thy people, defending them from their enemies, 
 and working for their deliverance. Lord, we 
 beseech Thee, provide for us; guard us this day 
 from sin and danger ; lead us not into temptation ; 
 or, if Thou permit us to be tempted, be near us to 
 preserve our feet from falling. Let not the snares 
 of the Evil One entrap us, nor the assaults of sin 
 have power to subdue and overcome us. We 
 would make the Lord oui* refuge, and abide for 
 ev'ir under the shadow of the Almighty. 
 
 Gracious God, look in mercy and love on the 
 whole Church of Clu'ist. Make thy people more 
 and more a blessing to all around them. Especially 
 be with thy ministers in their preparation for the 
 laboiu-s of the coming Sabbath-day. May thy 
 Spirit take of the things of Christ, and show 
 them wondrous things out of thy Word. Give 
 them clear views of thy truth. If they are 
 in error, give them light and understanding. 
 Endue them abundantly with thy grace ; give 
 them fervour of spirit, tender compassion for the 
 weak and the perishing, and let the unction of thy 
 grace be on all that they say and do. Increase 
 the number of faithful labourers in thy vineyard. 
 Raise up men to serve Thee in the ministry who 
 shall be mighty in the Scriptures, and zealous for 
 Christ. May all who have the training of future 
 pastors receive wisdom and grace from above, tliat 
 their labours may be blessed of Thee, and tend to 
 the welfare of thy Church and the increase of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom. 
 
 Be with us, and all who are dear to us, this day 
 and for evermore. We ask every mercy for his 
 sake who loved us and gave Himself for us, Jesus 
 Christ thy dear Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN VII, 14—31. 
 
 OGOD, the Creator and Governor of all things, 
 again we bow before thy sacred Majesty. 
 Though Thou art high. Thou hast respect 
 unto the lowly. We approach Thee through the 
 one Mediator, Christ Jesus : for his sake lift upon 
 us the light of thy countenance, and give us 
 peace. 
 
 We thank Thee for the manifold mercies which 
 we have received from thy bountiful hand during 
 the past week. Thou hast blessed our going out 
 and our coming in ; our lives have been precious 
 in thy sight. Thou hast given us day by day our 
 daily bread. Thou hast clothed us, and provided us 
 with a comfortable habitation. Notwithstanding 
 our forgetfulness of Thee, Thou hast mercifully 
 remembered us. The consolations of thy Spirit 
 have not been withdrawn from us ; the adversary 
 of om- souls has not been permitted to devour 
 us; and the trials by which we have been 
 overtaken have been designed for our spiritual 
 and eternal welfare. What shall we render unto 
 the Lord for all his benefits towards us ? May we 
 take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name 
 of the Lord. Fill our hearts with gratitude, and 
 let all our powers be consecrated to thy service. 
 We have not hitherto rendered unto Thee accord- 
 ing to the benefits which Thou hast conferred. 
 Oh, sprinkle our consciences with the blood of 
 atonement, and enable us in the future to glorify 
 Thee with our bodies and our spirits, which are 
 thine. 
 
 We bless Thee for the appointment of the 
 Sabbath-day. Prepare us for its holy exercises ; 
 and if we are permitted to enter upon them, may 
 they be to us som'ces of spiritual comfort and 
 edification. Let the Sabbath be to us not only a 
 day of rest, but also a joy and a delight : and, 
 like our Lord and Master, may we employ a 
 portion of its sacred hours in works of love 
 and mercy. 
 
 Graciously prepare thy servants who may be 
 called to labour for Thee, for their respective 
 duties, and make them instrumental in leading 
 multitudes to Jesus. May many souls be 
 quickened fi^om the death of sin unto the life of 
 righteousness. Let all the ends of the earth 
 acknowledge Him to be the very Christ, and 
 receive Him as their Saviour. 
 
 We now commend ourselves and all who are 
 dear to us into thine hand. Preserve us during 
 the night season, and may we rise in the morn- 
 ing with renewed strength and grateful heai-ts. 
 Grant these our petitions for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the 
 Holy Spirit, be all praise, and glory, and honour 
 for ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 98 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTEENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS X. 12—29. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN VIL 32-53. 
 
 BLESSED God, Thou art indeed long-suffer- 
 ing and slow to anger. Thou hast not dealt 
 with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according 
 to our iniquities. We have often provoked thy 
 displeasure, yet Thou hast made goodness and 
 mercy to follow us all our days. When Thou 
 hast smitten us, it has been to make us wise, 
 and to bring us to hearken to thy voice of love. 
 Lord, sanctify to us all past afflictions. Pardon our 
 forgetfulness of those lessons, and grant that the 
 lasting effect of thy discipline may be to keep us 
 humble, watchful, and weaned in spirit from earth 
 and earthly affections. Have compassion on all 
 in affliction this morning. Be with thine own chil- 
 dren in the furnace, and bring them forth purified. 
 Keep the hearts of sinners from becoming hardened 
 under thy deahngs. May they humble themselves 
 before Thee in their darkness and trouble, and 
 come to Thee in Jesus with a true repentance. Oh, 
 let none mock Thee with a false profession of 
 sorrow for sin. Thou art a holy God, and re- 
 quirest truth in the inward parts. Nor will thy 
 word of threatening fall to the ground. When 
 Thou visitest for sin. Thou workest fearful things 
 in righteousness. Great, Lord, and dread are 
 thy resources for the punishment of transgression. 
 Who can stand before Thee when Thou art angry ? 
 Our hearts may well tremble in awe of thy righte- 
 ous judgments. 
 
 But Thou art calling us this morning to grati- 
 tude and joy. The darkness of the night has not 
 brought us terj-or, and our eyes have been opened 
 to see the morning. We hail it in thy name, for 
 it is the morning that saw our Lord arise. Oh, 
 make this day a blessed time df privilege and 
 profit to our souls. In our closets, in our family, 
 in the sanctuary, meet us, and bless us. Teach 
 us to worship Thee, and give us this day our por- 
 tion of bread from heaven. Bless our pastor in 
 his sacred work. Bless all ministers of the Gos- 
 pel and all Christian teachers this day, and make 
 their labours effectual to win souls. Pour out thy 
 Spirit as on the day of Pentecost of old, and let 
 thousands of saved souls be added to the Church. 
 
 We commend to Thee each member of this 
 household as if by name. We commend to Tliee 
 all our kindred and friends. We pray Thee to 
 bless the land we live in. Bless it with yearly 
 harvests unblighted, and its people with grateful 
 hearts. Bless our beloved Queen, and let her 
 reign ever bring blessing to her subjects. Bless 
 all lands. Let the people praise Thee, Lord ; let 
 all the people praise Thee. Let earth soon keep 
 universal Sabbath, and ascribe to Thee, as we do 
 now, dominion and glory, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who in 
 -^ thy good providence hast brought us to the 
 close of another day, we humbly thank Thee for 
 thy loving-kindness, and for thy care over us, and 
 would now commend ourselves and all that arc 
 near and dear to us to thy protection for the 
 night. 
 
 We acknowledge, Lord, that we are unworthy 
 of thy least favours. In how many things have we 
 sinned against Thee and done amiss this day ! 
 How many vain thoughts have lodged in om* 
 minds, how many idle words have escaped our 
 lips, and how far have we fallen short in the ac- 
 tions of our life of that holiness which becomes thy 
 people ! But there is forgiveness with Thee, our 
 God, and plenteous redemption. Let the blood of 
 Clu'ist our Saviour cleanse us from all sin, and do 
 Thou receive us, for his sake, into the arms of thy 
 mercy now, and let us abide in thy love. 
 
 We bless thy holy name for all the spiritual 
 privileges we enjoy. We thank Thee for the gift 
 of thy Word, and for thy Holy Spirit which Thou 
 hast sent to dwell with thy Church always, to 
 quicken, sanctify, and comfort the souls of thy 
 people. Grant unto us that we all who are here 
 present may understand thy Word, and be filled 
 with thy Spirit. Yet a little while, Saviour, 
 Thou art with us. Oh, give us grace that we may 
 seek Thee day by day whilst Thou mayest be found. 
 Make Thyself manifest to our hearts, that we may 
 know Thee now by faith, and evermore increase 
 in the love of Thee. Enable us to put away all 
 doubt and misbelief, all sin and wickedness, all 
 worldliness and vanity. And do Thou refresh us 
 with thy heavenly consolations. Give us to drink 
 more and more deeply of the streams of the foun- 
 tain of life which is in Thee. Our soul thirsteth 
 for Thee, God our Saviour. Thou hast re- 
 ceived of the Father gifts even for the rebellious. 
 Therefore, send down upon us, in fulness of mea- 
 sure, thy Spirit, that we may rejoice in Tliee, and 
 be made meet for thine inheritance. 
 
 Keep us; Lord our God, this night from all 
 evil. Give us peaceful rest, and grant that we 
 may rise in the morning fitted for the services and 
 duties to which Thou mayest be pleased to call us. 
 Bless all our relatives and friends. Do good to all 
 who love us. Bless our Sovereign the Queen, and 
 all in authority under her. Bless the ministers of 
 thy Word and ordinances. Bless and keep all thy 
 people ; and have mercy on thoee who in igno- 
 rance or wilfulness are rejecting the Saviour. We 
 ask all in Christ's most holy name, and to the 
 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons, one 
 God, would ascribe all honour and praise, wcrld 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 [ 99 ] 
 
MORXING.] 
 
 FIFTEENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOjuY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LI. 9—16. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, the Creator 
 -^ of heaven and earth, by whose never-faihng 
 providence all things are upheld and governed, 
 look down in mercy, we humbly beseech Thee, 
 upon us thy servants, who desire to begin this day 
 by putting ourselves under thy guidance and pro- 
 tection. Thou, even Thou alone, art the God of 
 all the families of the earth ; to Thee alone belong 
 glory, and honour, and power, for Thou madest all 
 things, and for thy pleasm*e they are and were 
 created. 
 
 Be with us. Lord, we beseech Thee, this day in 
 our going out and coming in, and' keep us in all 
 our ways. Thou knowest om' frame, and remem- 
 berest that we are dust. Strengthen us by thy 
 Spirit in the inner man, that we, being strong in 
 Thee and in the power of thy might, may lay aside 
 every weight, and especially the sin that does most 
 easily beset us, and run with patience the race that 
 is set before us. Give us grace that we may faith- 
 fully and diligently fulfil all our appointed duties, 
 and so have a conscience void of offence both 
 towards Thee and towards men. 
 
 Thy hand is not shortened that it cannot save, 
 nor thine ear heavy that it cannot hear. Oh, do 
 Thou, who didst deliver thy people of old from 
 hard bondage, and didst divide the waters of the 
 sea, making a way for thy ransomed ones to pass 
 over, deliver us from the guilt and bondage of sin, 
 and make a way for us to escape from the sins and 
 snares of the world, and from all the dangers and 
 temptations to which we are exposed in this present 
 life. Thou knowest. Lord, liow weak and ignorant 
 we are of ourselves ; graciously strengthen, guide, 
 and direct us, that we may walk in the way of 
 thy precepts. 
 
 Amidst all our cares and distractions, enable us 
 to feel conscious of thy presence, and to set Thee 
 always before us. Thou art about our path, and 
 observest all our ways. May we therefore strive 
 to approve ourselves in all things to Thee, the 
 heart- searching God. Suffer us not, gracious 
 Lord, through fear of man, ever to be ashamed of 
 thy name, but give us grace that we may boldly 
 confess Thee before men, and be faithful witnesses 
 for thy truth, both with our lips and in our lives. 
 
 Pour out thy heavenly grace abundantly on all 
 who are dear to us [and especially on the younger 
 members of this household]. May they all be 
 numbered among thy saints, and be daily found at 
 thy footstool praying for themselves as we now 
 pray for them. Sow the seed of thy truth in all 
 their hearts, that whatsoever from thy Word they 
 may profitably learn they may indeed fulfil the 
 same. Hear us, merciful Father, for the sake 
 of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, we adore Thee as the author 
 of our being, and bless Thee as the giver of 
 every good and perfect gift. We thank Thee for 
 thy gracious invitation to come to the waters of 
 life, and to partake freely of all the blessings of 
 thy grace. We have spent our money for that which 
 is not bread, and our labour for that which satis- 
 fieth not ; but now, through the grace of thy holy 
 Spirit, we repent of our wickedness, and beseech 
 Thee, Lord, to give unto us the bread of life, 
 that we may not perish, but live for ever. 
 
 We incline our ear, and come unto Thee, 
 Lord ; and we implore Thee, of thy great goodness, 
 to make an everlasting covenant with us, even the 
 sure mercies of David. Thou hast given Him for a 
 Witness to the people, a Leader in the way to 
 heaven, and a Commander in all our conflicts with 
 the powers of darkness. Oh, may the nations run 
 unto Jesus for salvation ; for it has pleased Thee 
 that in Him should all fulness dwell, that men 
 should be blessed in Him, that all nations should 
 call Him blessed. Do Thou give unto us, Lord, 
 a new heart and a new spirit, that we may obey 
 the Captain of our salvation, and may be also glori- 
 fied with Him. 
 
 Through Jesus we now seek Thee, Lord, and 
 call upon Thee for salvation. Be found of us now, 
 and evermore be near to save us to the uttermost. 
 We have done wickedly in thy sight, and have 
 deserved death for our sins. It is of thy mercy that 
 we are not consumed. We would confess our sins, 
 forsake our wicked ways and thoughts, and return 
 unto Thee, our God, that Thou mayest have mercy 
 upon us, and abundantly pardon our transgressions. 
 We rejoice, 4iOrd, that thy thoughts to us- ward 
 are thoughts of peace, and not of evil ; that thy 
 ways to penitent sinners are full of mercy. As 
 the heaven is high above the earth, so great is thy 
 mercy towards them that fear Thee. 
 
 Do Thou, God, bless the preaching of thy 
 most holy Word, that it may make the souls of 
 men fruitful in every good word and work, even as 
 the rain and snow make the earth bring forth and 
 bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread 
 to the eater. Grant thy ministers abundant 
 success, that there may be joy in heaven over the 
 repentance of sinners, and that thy Word may be 
 fulfilled in the conversion of the world. Lord, 
 remember the Word upon which Thou hast caused 
 us to hope, and grant that instead of error and 
 ignox'ance may come up wisdom and knowledge, 
 and instead of wickedness and misery may come 
 up holiness and joy, for the benefit of men, and to 
 the everlasting glory of thy great name. Hear us, 
 God, and bless us, for the sake of Jesus Christ, 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 100 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTEENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XI. 
 
 I 
 
 OLOED God, the Author and Giver of all 
 good things, we again approach Thee in 
 prayer and praise. Graciously assist us by thy 
 Holy Spirit, that our morning sacrifice may be 
 acceptable in thy sight We thank Thee, 
 God of om' life, for thy preserving care and for 
 refreshing sleep ; help us to devote ourselves and 
 all that we have to Thee, which is our reasonable 
 service ; and may thy good providence watch 
 over us during this day, protecting us in danger, 
 guiding us in perplexity, and mercifully supplying 
 all our need. We acknowledge oui'selves, 
 Lord, to be unworthy of thy regard, and to be 
 exposed to thy just displeasiu-e, because we have 
 sinned against Thee, violating thy righteous 
 law, rejecting thy Gospel, and grieving thy Holy 
 Spirit. Have mercy upon us, God, giving us 
 true repentance, a firm reliance on the atoning 
 death of thy Son, and that full and free pardon 
 offered in thy blessed Word. We pray also that 
 the promised Comforter may dwell within us, and 
 bear witness to our acceptance tlu'ough Christ ; 
 and thoroughly sanctify our natm*e, so that we 
 may perfectly love and worthily magnify thy 
 holy name. Write thy precious Word in our 
 heart. May our lives be so regulated by its pre- 
 cepts that we may please Thee in all things, and 
 escape the judgments which Thou hast denounced 
 against the ungodly. Look, gracious Father, 
 in thy mercy, on those who are dear to us. 
 Watch over them by thy providence. Teach and 
 guide them by thy Holy Spirit, and grant that 
 such of them as are unconverted may be turned 
 from darkness to light, and delivered from the 
 bondage of sin and Satan into the glorious liberty 
 of the children of God. [We supplicate Thee also 
 for the younger members of this family. To them 
 also give thy grace, and draw them to Christ their 
 Saviour.] 
 
 We pray also, Lord, for thy Church through- 
 out the world. Give peace and unity to thy 
 people, fill thy ministers with wisdom and grace, 
 clothe their word with power, and let all thine 
 ordinances be seasons of refreshing from thy pre- 
 sence. We pray Thee to subvert all deadly eri'ors, 
 vanquish and overtiurn all opposition to thy truth, 
 and let thy kingdom come with power and great 
 glory. Hear us, Lord, for our beloved country. 
 Turn away ungodliness from our people, and bring 
 them to the knowledge of thy salvation. Favour 
 us with prosperity in our commerce and trade, 
 direct om- legislators into all truth, and give wis- 
 dom, equity, and mercy to our magistrates. Be 
 gracious to our beloved Queen, and to all the Royal 
 Family ; and let thy compassion be extended to all 
 mankind, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE^ ST. JOHN VIII. 12—30. 
 
 OTHOU who art the Fountain of light and life, 
 we draw near to Thee to offer up our evenino- 
 worship, in the name of thy Son Jesus Christ. We 
 acknowledge thy great goodness to us this day. 
 Thou hast continued to us the use of our faculties 
 and powers, and hast supplied us with all needful 
 good. 
 
 We confess before Thee, Lord, that we 
 are altogether unworthy of the least of these 
 thy favom-s. We have been unmindful of thy 
 goodness and thy love. We have been un- 
 grateful for thy mercies. We have neglected thy 
 Word. We have transgressed thy commands. 
 We mourn before Thee that to-day we have added 
 to the number of our sins and to the amount of 
 our guilt. Have mercy upon us, Lord, we 
 beseech Thee. Grant us penitence of heart, and 
 by thy good Spirit lead us to sincere repentance. 
 For the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son, blot out all 
 our sins, and assure us of thy forgiving love. 
 
 Thou who art the Light of the world, dispel 
 from our minds all darkness of error and unbelief. 
 Be in us the light of life. Grant that in all our 
 relationships to each other and the world we may 
 henceforth live as children of light. Help us, by 
 conduct as well as conversation, to hold forth the 
 Word of life. Tlu'ough us do Thou graciously 
 shine forth mato others, that they, seeing our good 
 works, may glorify Thee our Father in heaven. 
 
 Most merciful Father, we beseech Thee to pour 
 out thy blessing upon all who are dear to us. May 
 our friends who love Thee continually enjoy thy 
 favour. If any are in perplexity and sorrow, may 
 thy wisdom and grace guide and comfort them. 
 May those who are aged be sustained in their de- 
 clining years by the consolations of thy love. 
 May they enjoy such constant and intimate com- 
 munion with Thee that they may ever feel them- 
 selves ready to enter into thy heavenly kingdom. 
 May those who are young grow up into Jesus 
 Christ, apd adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour 
 in all things. Of thine infinite mercy bring to thy 
 Son Jesus Christ any whom we love who may be 
 still living in sin and at enmity against Thee, and 
 gi'ant that all our relations and friends may be 
 thy children, and heirs with us of eternal glory. 
 
 We pray for the extension of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom. Let the nations which are now held in 
 bondage by Satan be made free in Christ, and soon 
 may the whole world see the salvation of God. 
 
 We now commit ourselves and each other unto 
 thy care. Keep us from all danger through the 
 night. Give us the rest we need, and grant, if it 
 be thy will, that we may rise in the morning to 
 serve Thee in newness office, for the sake of Jesua 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 C 101 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTEENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XII. 1—20. 
 
 WE thank Thee, heavenly Father, that Christ 
 our Passover has been slain for us ; that 
 Thou hast brought us out of the land of Egypt, 
 and out of the house of bondage ; that Thou hast 
 released us from the thraldom of sin, delivered us 
 from the power of Satan, and translated us into the 
 kingdom of thy dear Son. We thank Thee that 
 when we had no helper, when there was no eye to 
 pity and none to deliver, thine eye took compassion 
 on us, and thine arm wrought out salvation. We 
 adore that love which condescended to our low 
 estate, remembered us in our sin and misery, and 
 snatched us as brands from the burning. 
 
 God, we had no claim upon thy love ; Thou 
 mightest justly have left us to perish ; we merited 
 thine eternal wrath, but Thou hast not dealt with 
 us according to our sins. Thou hast redeemed us 
 with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamB 
 without blemish and without spot. Enable us ever 
 to live under the influence of this love. Constrain 
 us, by the mercies of Christ, to present our bodies 
 a living sacrifice to Thee ; and grant that, sprinkled 
 with the blood of atonement, we may find mercy 
 in that day when Thou shalt be revealed in flaming 
 fire, taking vengeance on thine enemies. 
 
 Hasten the time, Lord, we beseech Thee, 
 when all our fellow-creatures in every part of the 
 earth shall be made acquainted with Christ our 
 Passover, and all the captives of Satan brought into 
 the glorious liberty of the sons of God, so that 
 the whole world may be filled with thy glory. 
 
 We desire to praise Thee, Lord our God, for 
 thy preserving care through another night. We 
 laid ourselves down and slept, we awaked, for the 
 Lord sustained us. We thank Thee for the mea- 
 sure of health and strength in which Thou hast 
 raised us up. We gratefully recognise thy hand 
 in all the mercies we enjoy. Thou hast spread our 
 table for us, and supplied our returning wants. 
 Give unto us thankfiil hearts, and enable us to 
 consecrate all we have and are to thy service. 
 Grant us thy presence throughout this day. Help 
 us to keep a close watch over our steps, words, and 
 thoughts, that we sin not in any way against Thee. 
 Prepare us for the discharge of every duty ; shield 
 us from all harm ; strengthen us in every tempta- 
 tion ; and assist us to maintain a good conscience 
 both toward God and man. 
 
 Bless every member of this family. May young 
 and old be the partakers of thy grace, and in every 
 relationship of life may we act as becometh the 
 children of God. 
 
 Hear Thou, in heaven thy dwelling place, and 
 when Thou hearest, forgive ; and do for us exceed- 
 ing abundantly above all we can ask or think, for 
 the sake of thy dear Son. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN VIII. 31—45. 
 
 OTHOU who art the light, and with whom is no 
 darkness at all, we beseech Thee to enlighten 
 our minds and help us to understand thy holy 
 Word. We praise Thee for the words of grace 
 and truth which dropped from the lips of thy well- 
 beloved Son. May we delight to sit at his feet 
 and learn of Him. May we be meek and lowly in 
 heart, ready to receive whatever truth He is 
 pleased to teach us, and ever willing to follow Him 
 in all things. 
 
 Oh, make us his disciples indeed. May our 
 actions proclaim more loudly than our words that 
 we belong to Him ; and may our whole lives be an 
 exemplification of the doctrines and precepts of the 
 Gospel. Deliver us, Lord, from the slavery of 
 sin, and from the bondage of our natural 
 corruption. Let not the wicked one be allowed to 
 lead us captive at his will. Give us grace to resist 
 him whenever he may tempt us. May we never 
 give the least encouragement to his suggestions, 
 nor go unnecessarily into the way of temptation. 
 O Jesus, who hast Thyself been tempted, succour 
 us ; succour us, we pray Thee, and plead for us, 
 that our faith fail not. 
 
 We give Thee thanks, most gracious God, that 
 Thou dost permit us to call Thee our Father. Wilt 
 Thou mercifully own us as thy sons and daughters, 
 and give to us all the blessings of thine adopting 
 love ? May the truth as it is in Jesus make us 
 free, that we may love Thee with all oui* hearts, 
 and serve Thee with all our strength. 
 
 We desire to praise Thee, Thou who fixest 
 the bounds of our habitation, for our family 
 mercies and for our national privileges. Ever 
 would we thank Thee for the piety of our ancestors, 
 and for all the influences that have affected for 
 good our character and our life. Help us to profit 
 by the instructions of the living and the dead ; 
 help us to follow their example so far as they 
 followed Christ ; but may we never trust to their 
 piety or their prayers. Oh, save us, our God, we 
 beseech Thee, save us from ever thinking that 
 because we have had Abraham, or any one 
 else, as our father, we are at liberty to 
 do the works of the wicked one ; but may we 
 rather feel that our natural and family connections 
 lay us under increased obligations to love, and 
 obey, and serve Thee. 
 
 Accept our thanks for the multiplied mercies of 
 this day. Pardon, we beseech Thee, our imper- 
 fections, neglects, and sins. Sprinkle our hearts 
 afresh to-night with the blood of the everlasting 
 covenant. Protect us through the hours of dark- 
 ness, and refresh us by sleep for the duties of to- 
 morrow. Grant us these and all needful blessings, 
 for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 102 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTEENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XII. 21—36. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, great in 
 holiness and terrible in power, who art the 
 same yesterday, to-day, and for ever, the un- 
 changeable God, we desire to draw near to Thee, 
 pleading no other name and trusting to no other 
 merit than the name and merit of Jesus Christ, thy 
 Son, om* Lord. We thank Thee, gracious God, 
 that Thou hast been pleased to make known unto 
 us the way of life. Give us grace, we beseech 
 Thee, so to profit by the revelation of thy mind 
 and will, that we may embrace and ever hold fast 
 those truths which pertain to our well-doing in the 
 life that now is, and to our prosperity in the life 
 that is to follow. May we so reflect upon thy 
 dealings with thine ancient people Israel, and the 
 direful judgments denounced against the rejecters 
 of thy commands, that we may be led in faith, in 
 penitence, and in holy fear, to the Lamb of God 
 who taketh away the sin of the world. As Christ 
 our Passover was sacrificed for us, grant, by thy 
 grace, that we may be made partakers of all the 
 blessings which He died to secure. And as of our- 
 selves we are not able to believe and to do those 
 things which ai'e pleasmg in thy sight, we beseech 
 Thee, strengthen us by power from on high for the 
 right discharge of our duties to Thee and to our 
 fellow-men ; and grant, that we may be led so to 
 embrace the offer of deliverance, by faith in Christ 
 Jesus, that being rescued from all our spiritual 
 enemies, we may be enabled to worship Thee with 
 joyful heai'ts, and to serve Thee in newness of 
 life. 
 
 A? it is Thou, Lord, that liftest up or castest 
 down, as it is thine to exalt or to abase, and as the 
 silver and the gold are thine, and the hearts of all 
 men are at thy control, teach us to know that our 
 safety and our prosperity in things temporal are 
 alike in thy hands. May we therefore look up 
 to Thee for guidance in all our ways, and ever 
 pray that Thou mayest direct our paths. 
 
 Now that we are about to enter on the duties of 
 the day, be with us in our going out and our 
 coming in, to prosper the work of our hands. Be- 
 stow upon us throughout the day a sense of thy 
 presence ; keep us in thy faith and fear ; and when 
 our duties on earth are finished, do Thou in mercy 
 forgive us those things whereof our consciences are 
 afraid, and give us those good things which of our- 
 selves we are not worthy to ask, but which we 
 venture to ask for ourselves, and for all for whom 
 it is our duty to pray, through the intercession of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 The Lord bless and keep us. The Lord make 
 his face to shine upon us, and give us peace. The 
 Lord be gracious unto us this day, henceforth, and 
 for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN VIIL 46—59. 
 
 GIVE US, we beseech Thee, Lord God, the 
 spirit of prayer and praise, that this our even- 
 ing worship may not be a vain and empty service, 
 but be acceptable in thy sight, because fragrant 
 with the merits of thy dear Son, who ever liveth to 
 make intercession for us. We owe Thee, gracious 
 Father, everlasting thankfulness. Our mercies this 
 day have been many and great. Unspeakable, 
 indeed, is thy loving patience and forbearance, for 
 we are utterly unworthy of thy favour. We have 
 gone astray, like lost sheep, from thy command- 
 ments, and in many things day by day have pre- 
 ferred our own will to thine, and the way of the 
 world to thy precepts. Forgive us, merciful 
 God, all our sins — the sins of our secret thoughts, 
 the sins of temper, the sins of the tongue, the sins 
 of act, of which we may have been guilty this day. 
 They are known to Thee ; have compassion upon 
 us, and blot them out for ever. Lamb of God, 
 that takest away the sins of the world, hear our 
 prayer and grant us thy peace. 
 
 Gracious Father, we earnestly implore the gift 
 of the Spirit, that He may dwell in our hearts, and 
 incline us to think and to do such things as please 
 Thee. Take from us all ignorance and hardness of 
 heart, and enable us to receive with meekness thy 
 Word, which is able to save our souls. We pray 
 for the hearing ear and the understanding heart of 
 thy children, and for the teaching of thy Spirit, 
 who alone can guide us into all truth, and enable 
 u-s to know the things which have been given to us 
 by God. We pray for thy love to be shed abroad 
 in our hearts, that we may live as in the light of 
 thy countenance, and feel that thy commandments 
 are not grievous. Deliver us from the bondage of 
 sin, and self, and Satan, that, keeping Christ's 
 sayings, we may be spared the second death, and 
 have our life hid with Christ in God. May no 
 unbelief be harboured in our hearts, nor love for 
 what is sinful make us halt in the way of thy com- 
 mandments, or turn a deaf ear to the warnings of 
 thy holy book. 
 
 Mercifully be with us, God, during the night. 
 Do Thou comfort us and shelter us by thy protect- 
 ing power. Spare us, if it be thy will, till the 
 morning, and raise us up, strengthened in body and 
 spirit, to serve Thee cheerfully in the duties of 
 another day. 
 
 Let thy Divine favour and blessing rest on [the 
 young of this household, and on] all whom we love. 
 Endue them with thy grace, give them a heart- 
 knowledge of thy Gospel, and cause them so to 
 abound in the graces of the Spirit, that they may 
 be seen to be the children of God, and faithful 
 disciples of the Lord Jesus. In his name we ask 
 these and all other mercies which we need. Amen. 
 
 [ 103 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 FIFTEENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XII. 37—61. 
 
 OLORD, teacli us to pray. We bless Thee for 
 our creation, preservation, and for all the bless- 
 ings of this life ; but above all, for our redemption, 
 the redemption of our bodies and souls, by 
 Christ Jesus our Lord. Oh, grant us thy grace to 
 walk as thy redeemed ones. May we this day and 
 ever remember that we are bought with a price, 
 and that we are not our own. Set our souls free 
 from every evil thing, and especially from that sin 
 which doth so easily beset us. Baptise us afresh 
 with the Holy Spirit, and enkindle within us a 
 fervent love and holy zeal for thy name. May we 
 have grace to be faithful to our high and holy 
 calling. Lord, hold Thou us up, and then we 
 shall be safe. Receive us, Lord, as Thou hast 
 promised, and be a Father unto us for ever. Bless 
 this whole family. Make it thy family. Be Thou 
 our Father and our God. Make every heart 
 thine own. Let not one of us be a stranger to 
 Thee. May thy holy Word dwell richly in our 
 hearts, and may we adorn it in our daily walk and 
 conversation. May we live as pilgrims in the 
 earth. 
 
 Lord, strengthen us this day for all the duties, 
 responsibilities, and trials of faith to which Thou 
 shalt call us. May we not faint nor be weary in 
 well-doing. Make us feel thy strength in our 
 weakness. In the hour of difficulty and perplexity 
 do Thou guide us. In the hour of temptation and 
 danger do Thou deliver us. Leave us not a 
 moment to ourselves. Safely guide us by thy 
 counsel, and after our race is run receive us into 
 glory. 
 
 blessed Redeemer, may we experience the 
 sanctifying efficacy of thy precious atonement this 
 day. Sprinkle our consciences afresh with thy 
 purifying blood. Give us thy peace, which the 
 world can neither give nor take away. 
 
 We commend to thy guardian care, Lord, 
 our beloved Queen and our country. Oh, bless and 
 sanctify to thy service all the Royal Family. 
 Make this nation a holy people. Teach us to prize 
 thy favour above all riches, and all honour, and all 
 glory. Grant that we may be made a blessing in the 
 earth. Lord, we would also plead for those who 
 plead for Thee. Bless the ministers of thy holy 
 Word. Make them wise to win souls to Christ. 
 Uphold them in all their laborious works for 
 Thee. Especially bless our own minister. We 
 pray that he may be filled with the Spirit, and 
 that his ministrations may be continually blessed 
 to us and to all his flock. And now, our Lord, 
 we commend ourselves and all who are dear unto 
 us once more into thy hands ; exceed our most 
 fervent desires and petitions, for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ, our blessed Lord and Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN IX. 1—23. 
 
 OTHOU who hearest prayer, we beseech Thee 
 now to accept and help us. We cannot hold 
 communion with Thee or realise thy presence 
 without the help of the Holy Spirit. We desire 
 now to plead with Thee this promise, " If ye then, 
 being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your 
 children, how much more shall your heavenly 
 Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ^°^ Him?" 
 Gracious Father, give us now the Holy Spirit, to 
 teach us and guide us into all truth. Oh, assist us 
 to come to Thee as helpless children to a loving 
 father. Send into our hearts the spirit of adoption, 
 crying Abba, Father. It is because we are weak 
 and sinful that we stand so much in need of thy 
 help. Bow down thine ear and hear, for we are 
 poor and needy. 
 
 Come, Holy Spirit, into our hearts, and speak to 
 us of Jesus and his love. Come and help us to 
 give up sin and to worship God. Come and make 
 us wise, and holy, and happy. Come and make 
 us like Christ. We are indeed sinful, but we 
 know that Christ is a great Saviour. Be very 
 gracious to us now. Help us to cast all our care 
 upon God, and all our sins upon Jesus. Help us 
 to feed upon thy holy Word. We thank Thee 
 for all Thou hast done for us. Without Thee 
 we cannot think a good thought, or pray aright. 
 Bless us, then, we pray Thee, and bless to us that 
 portion of Scripture vve have just been reading, and 
 which was written for our learning. 
 
 Thou who art the light of the world, open 
 our eyes, we beseech Thee. Enable us to see Thee, 
 Jesus, and to worship Thee as our Prophet, 
 Priest, and King. Lighten our darkness, we be- 
 seech Thee, Lord. Take away all blindness 
 from our eyes, and all hardness from our hearts. 
 In thy light may we see light. When evil thoughts 
 and desires darken our minds, oh, do Thou graci- 
 ously anoint us with thine own Spirit. May the 
 Spirit of truth enlighten the eyes of our under- 
 standing. Blessed Saviour, Thou hadst compas- 
 sion upon one who was born blind : have mercy 
 now upon those who are blinded by sin. Thou 
 dost often bring the blind by a way that they 
 know not : guide us, we beseech Thee, in the way 
 that leads to heaven. May thy Word be a lamp 
 to our feet and a light to our path. Suffer us not 
 to fall or wander from Thee. Be ever near to us. 
 It is not night, blessed Saviour, if Thou art near. 
 
 Oh, may no earth-born cloud arise, 
 To hide Thee from thy servants' eyes. 
 
 Guard us sleeping ; watch over us till the day 
 dawns ; and when we awake from the sleep of 
 death, do Thou, who art the bright and morning 
 Star, shine on us for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 104 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTEENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXVIII. 20—30. • 
 
 OTHOU gracious preserver of men, whose 
 merciful providence has watched over us dm-ing 
 the darkness and dangers of another night, receive 
 our united thanksgivings for thy goodness. We 
 bless Thee for the light of this morning, awaking 
 us to so many mercies, of which we are 
 utterly unworthy, and for the promise of all the 
 blessings we may need tliis day. We know that our 
 common mercies, too often received as if our due, 
 and enjoyed without thought of their value or 
 regard to the Giver, yet demand our heartfelt 
 gratitude and praise. A sleepless night, with pain 
 or weariness, would make us more highly value 
 the rest we so commonly enjoy ; and the loss of 
 the mercies of our table and our home would 
 make us more grateful for our comforts. teach 
 us to say from the heart, " Blessed be the Lord, 
 who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God 
 of our salvation ; " and let our bodies, thus fed 
 and sustained, and the life thus lengthened and 
 made comfortable by thy goodness, be a sacrifice to 
 God, acceptable through Christ our Saviour. 
 
 We join in blessing Thee, Lord, for the pro- 
 vision which Thou hast made for our souls, for 
 that redemption we have in Christ, for that fountain 
 of infinite merit at all times and to all men easy 
 of access, for the blessings of personal forgive- 
 ness, and acceptance to thy favour, and for the 
 gift of thy Holy Spirit, the source of infinite grace, 
 tlie Author and Giver of life, and peace, and 
 strength. We bless Thee that we are not cast out 
 of thy presence, after all our ingratitude and dis- 
 obedience ; that through the intercession of thy 
 Son we have the privilege to pray, and the promise 
 of both mercy and grace. In thy Word and in thy 
 sanctuary Thou hast made known Thyself to man ; 
 how Thou hast set thine heart upon him, and hast 
 towards him thoughts of peace, and not of evil. 
 We thank Thee that we are disposed by thy blessed 
 Spirit to seek salvation by grace through faith, 
 to trust in Christ alone, and to receive Him as our 
 Prophet, Priest, and King. Oh, lead us into aU 
 truth, and teach us to do thy will. Help us to live 
 by faith on the Son of God, who loved us, and 
 gave Himself for us ; and may his blessed love be 
 continually in our hearts. 
 
 Grant these blessings, heavenly Father, not 
 only to this family, but to all our connections in 
 life, that all grace, and peace, and every blessing, 
 may be multiplied unto them also. Give thy 
 ministers thine effectual help in preparing food 
 for thy people. Bless our beloved Queen and our 
 nation, and enlighten and save the world. Let 
 these our prayers and praises come up with 
 acceptance, through Jesus Christ, our Lord and 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN IX. 24—41. 
 
 ETERNAL God, the strength of all that trust in 
 Thee, our hoj)e and refuge in every time of 
 need, hear us now that we call upon Thee, and in 
 the name of thy beloved Son implore thy blessing. 
 Most graciously hast Thou dealt with us. Another 
 week's mercies have been added to the life-long 
 loving-kindness which Thou hast shown towards 
 us. Oh, add to all thy other bounties the gift of a 
 thankful heart, and so inspire us by thy grace that 
 we may perfectly love Thee, and worthily glorify 
 thy name. 
 
 Thou, Lord, searchest and triest our very 
 hearts. Sins of which we are hardly conscious 
 are seen by thine all-seeing eye. Secret thoughts 
 and imaginations of evil which we have forgotten 
 have been written in the book of thy remembrance 
 Lord, could we but see ourselves as Thou seest us, 
 we should blush and be ashamed to lift our eyes 
 unto Thee. Merciful Father, cleanse us, we pray 
 Thee, from all the guilt and defilement of these 
 our transgressions. So put away our sin from 
 before Thee that it may never more be seen. We 
 plead the blood of Jesus Christ, and we earnestly 
 desire that we may so see our sins in the light of 
 his cross and passion, that we may abhor and for- 
 sake them, and strive every day to live more 
 entirely according to thy will. 
 
 Reveal unto us, God, the gloiy and sufficiency 
 of Jesus Christ. Thou knowest how feeble is our 
 comprehension of divine things ; how little we have 
 as yet understood of the glory of Jesus Christ, and 
 of his wonderful suffering for all the sinner's need. 
 Open our eyes, we pray Thee, that we may know 
 and believe in Him as our adorable Emmanuel, 
 Jesus our Saviour, Christ our King. Teach us all 
 the meaning of his cross, and agony, and passion ; 
 raise our hearts to his throne, whither Thou hast 
 exalted Him to give repentance and remission of 
 sins. Give us such experience of his saving power 
 and grace that we may have the witness in our- 
 selves of forgiveness and acceptance, and be 
 enabled to go on our way rejoicing. 
 
 Do Thou, Lord, take us into thy keeping for the 
 night to which Thou hast brought us ; and as the 
 Sabbath-day dawns, grant us to be in a suitable 
 spirit, thankful for renewed religious oppor- 
 tunities, and anxious to make them profitable for 
 our growth in grace and in spiritual knowledge. 
 Let thy favour rest on all whon?. we love. [Watch 
 over the yomiger members of our family. Take 
 them under thy special teaching, and by thy con- 
 straining love win them into thy fold. Let them 
 hear the voice of Jesus the good Shepherd, and 
 follow Him.] Prepare aU thy ministers for the 
 duties of the morrow, and make it a day of bles- 
 Ging unto us all, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ lOB ] 
 
 No. 14. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SIXTEENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURii EXODUS XIII. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, who didst deliver thj people 
 from the land of Egypt, and from the house 
 of bondage, and who dost now deliver from the 
 bondage of sin them that repent and believe in 
 Thee, accept the praises of thy servants whom 
 Thou hast ransomed by the precious blood of 
 Christ. Thou who didst command thy people to 
 sanctify their first-born unto Thee, and who dost 
 teach us that we are not our own, but are bought 
 with a price, help us to give up to Thee that which 
 most we love, and to consecrate to thy service all 
 that we possess. 
 
 For the gifts of thy bounty in days past, for 
 strength to serve Thee, for help in time of need, 
 and for long-suffering towards us when our offences 
 have provoked thy just displeasure, we humbly 
 offer Thee, through Jesus, the sacrifice of praise. 
 Casting off our burden of toil and care on this day 
 of rest, we most humbly approach thy mercy-seat 
 through the same Jesus, our great High Priest; 
 and ask for grace to keep a solemn feast unto the 
 Lord. This is the day which the Lord hath 
 made ; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 
 
 God of mercy and of might, break Thou 
 our bonds, and set us free. Let not sin have 
 dominion over us, but bring us into the perfect 
 liberty of the children of God. Let no unkindness 
 towards any man hinder our prayers. Let not im- 
 penitence, nor pride, nor hardness of heart, nor 
 unbelief prevent one soul from coming freely unto 
 Thee, with whom there is forgiveness, that Thou 
 mayest be feared. Grant us all grace, King of 
 Sion, that thy children may be joyful in Thee. 
 Then we shall have power to cast away every idol, 
 and live only to thy glory, freed from the things 
 of guilt, and from the dread of hell. 
 
 And now. Father of Heaven, let thy good Spirit 
 bear witness to us if we are indeed thy children, 
 that we have been born from above, and can truly 
 call Thee Father ; then will we cast ourselves upon 
 thy mercy for all that may befall us throughout this 
 earthly pilgrimage. Thou so leadest the faithful 
 through the wilderness, that neither the fiery 
 serpent, nor the scorpion, nor the drought can 
 hurt them. Thou feedest them with manna, and 
 bringest water for them from the flinty rock. 
 Send now the Angel of the Covenant, that He may 
 go before us. Command the fiery pillar to give us 
 light, and let us hear thy voice bidding us march 
 onwards to the eternal country. Oh, give each 
 member of our family to-day a foretaste of that 
 rest. Save each one from the evil heart of un- 
 belief in departing from the living God; and 
 grant him faith, which only Thou canst give, that 
 even now he may enter into the holiest by the blood 
 of Jesus. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM L 
 
 OLORD God, searcher of the hearts, who 
 knowest our necessity before we ask, and our 
 ignorance in asking, give us now, we beseech 
 Thee, thy help, that we may come into thy presence 
 with reverence and godly fear. We are but dust 
 and ashes before Thee ; we have nothing we can 
 call our own but our sins. 
 
 And yet, most merciful and gracious God, we 
 would remember that we have in heaven a great 
 High Priest, who ever liveth to make intercession 
 for us. Through Him we approach Thee as our 
 Father. Give us, together with the spirit of holy 
 reverence, the Spirit of adoption; and enable us to 
 come boldly before Thee, that we may obtain 
 mercy and find grace to help in time of need. 
 
 We thank Thee, our Father, for the many 
 mercies of another day, and that thine own holy day. 
 We praise and bless thy name for all thy gifts to 
 fallen man, for the appointment of a day of rest, 
 for the revelation of Thyself in thy Word, for the 
 ordinances of thy house, for the means of grace, 
 as well as for all the temporal blessings which 
 Thou dost so abundantly bestow upon us. Above 
 all, we thank Thee for the unspeakable gift of thy 
 dear Son, and for the salvation which has been 
 again this day proclaimed to us through his atoning 
 blood. Graciously forgive us the imperfection of 
 our religious duties, and if, by wandering thought, 
 or vain imagination, or by a trifling and cavilling 
 spirit, we have offended against Thee this day, oh, 
 wash us again in that fountain which Thou hast 
 opened for the sin and uncleanness of thy believing 
 people. And grant, gracious Father, that each 
 succeeding Sabbath may incline our thoughts 
 more to that rest which remaineth for the people 
 of God. 
 
 We desire, God, the felicity of thy chosen 
 ones. Help us to desire it more. Thy blessing, 
 we know, is upon thy people. It is Thou who 
 makest them to prosper in their ways. Oh, help 
 us to remember that from Thee alone is our fruit 
 found ; and may we be enabled, by the help of thy 
 Holy Spirit, to exercise, under all circumstances, 
 an unfailing reliance upon thy protecting, and 
 quickening, and sustaining love. We would, also, 
 greatly value thy written Word. May we find it 
 a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. 
 Bless, Loi'd, the public preaching of the Word 
 this day. May thy Spirit clothe it with power. 
 May sinners be converted, and thy people edified. 
 
 And now, gracious Father, we commend our- 
 selves and all who belong us to thy guardian 
 care. Graciously protect us and refresh us- for the 
 duties of the coming day, and may thy blessing 
 abide upon us now and for ever, for Jesus Christ 
 our Saviour's sake. Amen. 
 
 e 106 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 SIXTEENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOI^Y SCRIPTURE EXODUS XIV. 1—18. 
 
 BLESSED and Almighty God, Thou knowest 
 the way of the righteous. Thou didst lead thy 
 people as a flock ; with a mighty hand and a 
 stretched out arm Thou didst deliver them, to get 
 Thyself a glorious name, that men might trust in 
 Thee for ever. Thou art still our Guide and our 
 Deliverer. We look to Thee, where to go and 
 where to rest. The pillar of cloud and of fire is 
 before and around us still. 
 
 Another day of rest has come and gone. We 
 enter again upon the labours of the week. We 
 have heard thy Word : teach us to remember and 
 keep it. Let us be not only hearers, but doers of 
 the same. We have met thy people ; visit us with 
 the favour which Thou bearest to them. We have 
 read of thy judgments ; may we learn righteous- 
 ness. We have been told of thy mercy ; let not 
 our hearts be hardened by it. And now, give us thy 
 blessing and guidance, amid the duties and trials 
 that are before us. If our work is arduous, may 
 we remember Him through whom we can do all 
 things. If our work is humble, teach us to en- 
 noble it by the spirit in which it is done. Whether 
 we eat or drink, whether we live or die, may 
 we do all as unto the Lord. If our course is dark 
 and uncertain, if our adversaries are many and 
 powerful, be Thou our Light and our Salvation. 
 Teach us to be still, and to know that Thou art God. 
 
 Remember in love all that are dear to us. We 
 thank Thee for them. Thou mightest have put 
 them from us, and our acquaintance into darloiess. 
 If there are any of our kindred that are strangers 
 to thy grace, hear us on their behalf Our hearts' 
 desire is that they may be saved. Teach us to win 
 them to Christ. Let there be no division of our 
 household in the great day. 
 
 We look beyond our own borders. We pray 
 for lands where there is no light, and where the 
 people perish. Have respect to thy covenant. 
 Give the heathen to thy Son for his inheritance, 
 and the uttermost parts of the earth for his posses- 
 sion. Awake, arm of the Lord. Let Zion put 
 on her strength, employ her resources — her might 
 of faith, her power of prayer, her energy of love 
 — for the salvation of men, and then let her trust 
 in Thee. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, most 
 mighty, and now give the kingdom to thy Son. 
 
 Hear us, our Father. Keep us, and continue 
 thy loving-kindness to us. Go Thou forth with 
 us into every engagement, sustaining and sanctify- 
 ing us in them all. Thus may our whole spirit, and 
 soul, and body be preserved blameless unto the 
 coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept our 
 prayers and our thanksgivings through Him, thine 
 own Son, our Redeemer, to whom with Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN X. 1—18. 
 
 ADORABLE Redeemer, the Apostle and High 
 Priest of our profession, the very Door of sal- 
 vation and of heaven, look graciously on us, who 
 now desire to come to God by Thee. 
 
 Enable us, most blessed Jesus, to approach the 
 throne of grace with a true heart, in entire de- 
 pendence on the eternal Spirit, and pleading 
 nothing but thy blood and righteousness. 
 
 We are indeed sinful, and have sinned more 
 deeply than we know; yet here, prostrate at thy 
 footstool, we are constrained to render thanks and 
 praise to Thee, God, the Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, who didst not spare thine own Son, 
 but deliveredst Him up for us all, that He might 
 be the Author of everlasting life to every one be- 
 lieving on his name. And Thee we glorify. Thou 
 precious Saviour, who didst come with joy to do 
 thy Father's will ; so loving us, while we were 
 yet thine enemies, as to become obedient unto 
 death, even the death of the cross, that we might 
 have life, and have it more abundantly. Thee, 
 too, we bless and magnify, almighty Comforter, 
 who in richest mercy dost open blind eyes to see 
 the beauty of Christ ; who dost reveal Him in the 
 broken heart, turning all its grief to gladness ; and 
 who dost lead the souls of thy people to go in and 
 out, and evermore find pasture. 
 
 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one God, en- 
 rich us with the knowledge of Thyself; enfold us 
 in the everlasting arms, write upon us thy new 
 name, make us familiar with thy voice ; and 
 whithersoever Thou shalt go, oh, give us grace to 
 follow. Another day has fled, to return no 
 more. How richly have we proved thy faithftil- 
 ness and love I We have lacked no good thing. 
 Thou hast been our Shepherd, and we have not 
 wanted. Blessed be God, who daily loadeth us 
 with benefits, giving us not always what we would, 
 but ever what is best. Mercifully forgive our sins. 
 Of very many sins we have been conscious ; but 
 oh, how often do we grieve Thee, and not know it ! 
 For Christ's sake blot out all that is against us, 
 and may we sleep this night in perfect peace, and 
 with thy smile resting as a holy light upon our 
 hearts. Suffer no evil to molest us ; grant to 
 us all the shelter of thy wings; and should wakeful 
 moments come to us amid the silence and the 
 darkness, oh, may we have coipmunion with our 
 God. 
 
 Be near to all we love. Visit with showers of 
 blessing the universal Church, and let that happy 
 day soon come when the fulness of thy mercy 
 shall be made known, and there shall be one fold 
 and one Shepherd. We ask all through the me- 
 diation of thy only Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 107 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 SIXTEENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XIV. 19—31. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, we bless 
 thy name for thy goodness to us during the 
 past night, and in bringing us to the beginning of 
 another day. May this day, and all days, be spent 
 in thy service. May we work for Thee while it is 
 day, because the night cometh when no man can 
 work. May we redeem the time because the days 
 are evil. In thought, word, and deed strengthen 
 us to glorify thy name. Let us shine as lights in 
 a dark world. May men take knowledge of us 
 that we have been with Jesus. May we do nothing 
 that is inconsistent with our holy profession, and 
 never cause any to stumble by our worldliness or 
 sinfulness. 
 
 Thou only knowest what lies before us. Thou 
 only knowest what this day may bring forth. 
 To Thee, therefore, we commend ourselves and all 
 our affairs. Do Thou be our Guide. Let the pillar 
 of thy presence go before us. May we ever hear 
 a voice behind us, as we turn to the right hand or 
 fo the left, saying, " This is the way, walk ye in it." 
 May the angel of thy presence abide with us this 
 day and for ever. Do Thou Thyself encamp around 
 us. May our very trials be overruled for good. 
 May the deep waters of our afflictions open out a way 
 for us to the good land. May our deepest sorrows 
 be so sanctified by Thee as to be a wall of defence 
 unto us on the right hand and on the left. 
 Enable us to be victorious over every enemy, and 
 to fight manfully under Christ's banner against sin, 
 the world, and the devil ; and may we at last 
 receive the victor's welcome of " Well done," and 
 enter into the joy of our Lord. 
 
 Grant that we, as a family, may grow in grace 
 day by day. May we seek each other's good. 
 May we be helpers to each other in every holy 
 work. May we be a household in which Jesus 
 delights to dwell. Teach us to regulate our actions 
 according to thy Word. In ruling and serving 
 may we remember that one is our Master, even 
 Christ, and that all we are his servants. [May we, 
 as parents and children, serve and glorify Thee. 
 Make the young before Thee like unto the child 
 Jesus. May they be subject unto their parents 
 as He was. As they grow in stature may they 
 grow in favour with God and man. May they 
 ever be about their Father's business, even in their 
 days of childhood and youth; and may they grow 
 up to be blessings to all men, and living examples 
 of the saving and sanctifying influence of the 
 Gospel.] Let thy blessing rest upon all our relatives, 
 and make them thine. Pour down thy Spirit upon 
 the whole Church, and hasten the time when all 
 shall know Thee, from the least to the greatest, 
 because all shall be taught of God. We ask these 
 blessings for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXIII. 
 
 GIVE ear, Thou Shepherd of Israel ; Thou that 
 dwellest between the cherubims, appear unto us. 
 We acknowledge that like lost sheep we have 
 gone astray, we have turned every one to his own 
 way. We are foolish and ignorant ; and because 
 our deeds are evil, we love darkness rather than 
 light. 
 
 Eestore now, we beseech Thee, our souls, and 
 lead us in the path of righteousness for thy 
 name's sake. Forgive the sins of.tliis day; for- 
 give our waywardness, our impatience, our morbid 
 anxiety, our eagerness to obtain the bread that 
 perisheth, our forgetfulness of that which endureth 
 unto life eternal. Mercifully now replenish us 
 with thy grace. Calm our hearts. Let us rest in 
 the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Make us, 
 in quiet meditation on thy precepts, to lie down in 
 green pastures. Lead us, by loving faith in thy 
 promises, beside the still waters. Let sweet sleep 
 refresh our weary bodies ; let spiritual repose 
 invigorate our souls. 
 
 Thou who art the good Shepherd, Tliou 
 who hast given thy life for the sheep, make us to 
 know thy voice. Keep us in thy fold. Let no 
 man ever pluck us out of thy hand. Even though 
 we walk through the valley of the shadow of 
 death, tended by Thee, let us fear no evil ; be 
 Thou with us ; let thy rod and thy stafi" com- 
 fort us. 
 
 Heavenly Father, encircle us, as a family, with 
 thy love. Give thine angels charge concerning us. 
 [Sanctify parental affection and care. Guard the 
 young from all hurtful snares.] Let our house- 
 hold be a household of faith. May we all abide 
 this night and for evermore under the shadow of 
 the Almighty. Let no plague come nigh our dwell- 
 ing. Take care of those who are dear to us. 
 Comfort such as are in soitow ; cheer the dying ; 
 strengthen those who may have to pass the night 
 in watching at their side. Be Thou the Father of 
 all fatherless and motherless children. Let them 
 not want, but supply all their need and the need 
 of us all, according to the riches of thy glory by 
 Christ Jesus. 
 
 Exalted Saviour, as the Shepherd of the sheep 
 Thou hast been smitten for us. Gather together 
 in one all thy scattered flock. Let there be one 
 fold and one Shepherd. Help thy ministers to 
 feed the flock of God. Gather the lambs with 
 thy arm, and carry them in thy bosom. Reclaim 
 those who are wandering ; prepare all for thy pro- 
 mised coming ; and grant that when, as the Chief 
 Shepherd, Thou shalt appear, we may be acknow- 
 ledged as thine, and abide with Thee for ever ; and 
 unto God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost will wo 
 ascribe eternal praise. Amen. 
 
 [ 108 ] 
 
MOENESIG.] 
 
 SIXTEENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXXVL 
 
 ALMIGHTY and eternal Jehovah, we praise 
 Thee that we can enter thy presence in the 
 exercise of that perfect love which casteth out fear. 
 We would at this time come as dear children to a 
 loving Father, and thank Thee for preserving us 
 through the perils and dangers of another night. 
 Truly thy mercies are new eveiy morning ; great is 
 the sum of them. Make us sensible of thy loving- 
 kindness ; give to us thankful hearts, and let us 
 not forget thy benefits. 
 
 We have no power, no might of our own, to 
 help ourselves. But our eyes are unto Thee. We 
 would run to Thee as our sure refuge and rock of 
 defence. We have heard with our ears, and our 
 fatiiers have declared to us, the noble works that 
 Thou didst in their days, and in the old time before 
 them. As Thou wert pleased to work then, even 
 so mercifully interpose in our behalf now. As 
 thou didst preserve them, bless and keep us. Let 
 no weapon forged against us prosper, and enable 
 us to condemn every tongue raised against us in 
 judgment. 
 
 Be pleased this day, and at all times, to give us 
 an abiding sense of thy gracious and watchful pro- 
 vidence. We trust that whatever may be the 
 trials, the sorrows, the cares, and the disappoint- 
 ments which may beset us. Thou wilt be pleased 
 to sanctify them to our eternal good. We would 
 cast all our care on Thee, believing that Thou doest 
 all things well. We come to Thee poor, empty, 
 and needy. Give us all we need tliis day for this 
 day's necessities. All good of every kind must 
 come from Thee. Help us this day to walk con- 
 sistently with our profession. May we have an 
 abiding sense of thy presence. Enable us to live 
 as those who love the Saviour. Let us do 
 nothing which may grieve thy Holy Spirit, or 
 cause thine enemies to blaspheme. Bless us in 
 our avocations. May we do all things as unto 
 Thee. Make us active in the dischai'ge of every 
 duty. Grant us opportunities for doing good, 
 and bestow upon us the mind and spirit to make 
 use of them. 
 
 And now, Lord, we commend ourselves to thy 
 keeping, for we cannot keep ourselves. Hold 
 Thou up our goings in thy paths, that our foot- 
 steps slip not. Look favourably on all who are 
 dear to us [and especially bless with thy grace the 
 children of our family. Draw their young hearts 
 to Christ, and even from their childhood sanctify 
 them to thy service]. Be with all thy ministers, 
 and prosper them in their labours for Thee. Cause 
 thy people to shine as lights in the world, that thy 
 name may be glorified in them. We humbly beg 
 every mercy in the name and for the sake of thy 
 dear Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN X. 19—42. 
 
 OGOD our Father, unto Thee, at the close of 
 this day, we raise our hearts in praise and 
 thanksgiving. Constant and unfailing is thy love, 
 unwearied and exhaustless are thy divine com- 
 passions. Enable us now, we beseech Thee, to 
 have blessed communion with Thee in this our 
 family worship, and to enjoy in our souls the 
 tokens of thy gracious presence. For all thy 
 mercies to us, from the beginning until now, we 
 thank Thee ; for blessings bestowed, and evils, 
 known or unknown, averted ; for protection in the 
 hour of danger, and strength in the time of temp- 
 tation. If in any degree we have served Thee in 
 the duties of our station this day, to Thee be all 
 the praise. If we have been enabled to overcome 
 evil, to thy grace and sustaining help we owe it, 
 and to Thee be all the glory. 
 
 Lord Jesus, we adore Thee for thy great love 
 to sinners. Thou didst bear meekly and patiently 
 the scornful reviling of men, and the unbelief and 
 contradiction of the ungodly, and all for us and 
 for our salvation. Enable us to see what suffering 
 our sins have cost Thee, that we may hate them, and 
 remember how hateful they are to Thee. Cleanse 
 us, we beseech Thee, from all the guilt which our 
 souls have contracted during the day, and by 
 thy Spirit renew in us whatever graces have 
 declined through the malice of the wicked one, the 
 influence of the world, or the deceitfulness and 
 infirmity of our own hearts. Mould us more and 
 more into thine image and likeness. We believe, 
 do Thou help our unbelief. Quicken and increase 
 our love, and kindle our hopes by the bright anti- 
 cipations of the glory which is yet to be revealed. 
 We desire, gracious Savioiu', to tread in thy 
 footsteps, and to live as in the constant pi*esence of 
 the things which are unseen and eternal. Speak 
 to us day by day in thy Word, and by the im- 
 pressions of thy Spirit on our hearts, and give us 
 grace to know thy voice, and cheerfully and 
 lovingly to follow Thee. If we are indeed thy 
 sheep, oh, suffer us not to wander from thy fold. 
 If thou seest us straying, tmni us back ; let us 
 not find pleasure in any way of evil, but lead us 
 into the way everlasting. 
 
 Thy providence, Lord God, is over us and 
 all that concerns us. We put ourselves, body, 
 soul, and spirit, into thy hancls. Do Thou what is 
 good for us, and make all things tend to further 
 thy work of grace in our hearts. Behold, in thy 
 goodness, any of us who are strangers to Christ, 
 and living without God in the world. Lord, in 
 thy mercy, suffer them not to perish. Give 
 them true repentance towards God, and faith in 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. We ask aU for his holy 
 name's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 109 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SIXTEENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XV. 
 
 OGOD, the strength of all them that put their 
 trust in Thee, accept our united praises and 
 thanksgivings for thy goodness towards us and all 
 mankind. Many and great have been thy mercies. 
 Our fathers have told us the noble works that 
 Thou didst in their days, and in the old time before 
 them. Thou wast their strength and their song, 
 and didst become their salvation. Who is like 
 unto Thee, Lord, glorious in holiness, fearful in 
 praises, doing wonders ? 
 
 To us, also. Thou hast been a gracious and mer- 
 ciful God. Thou hast sent thy dear Son into the 
 world to overcome the great enemy of our souls. 
 Thou hast made a way for us through Him to 
 everlasting life, and Thou hast given us the pro- 
 mise of thy Holy Spirit, to make us the children 
 of God by faith in Christ Jesus, to soften our 
 hearts, to sanctify our souls, to subdue our tempers, 
 and to guide us in thy strength unto thy holy habita- 
 tion. Oh, may we all be partakers of these bless- 
 ings I Let none of us lose them by our negligence 
 or unbelief Licrease our faith. Lead us to love 
 Thee more and more, and grant that whatever is a 
 hindrance to us may be put away. May we seek 
 first thy kingdom and thy righteousness, and let 
 thy right hand become powerful for us to overcome 
 all our spiritual enemies. 
 
 God, we are utterly unworthy to ask of Thee 
 any blessing, but Thou hast encouraged us in thy 
 Word to spread before Thee all our need. 
 
 Be with us during the day on which we now 
 have entered. We know not what is before us. 
 We may be expecting blessings, and may meet 
 with disappointments ; we may be expecting health, 
 and may meet with sickness ; we may be expecting 
 joy, and may meet with sorrow. Be Thou round 
 about us, to protect and deliver us ; and should it 
 please Thee that, instead of finding refreshment 
 by the way, we should be called upon to taste of 
 bitter things, let thy grace sanctify all our sorrows, 
 and make it good for us to be afflicted. May we 
 all come more frequently beneath the shadow of 
 the cross, and look up more trustfully on our 
 suffering Redeemer. Help us to think of Him 
 who was a Man of sorrows and acquainted with 
 grief, that we faint not ; and grant, God, that 
 the presence of Jesus may ever be with us in 
 sorrow and in joy, that all things may work to- 
 gether for our good and thy glory. 
 
 Lord, remember our dear relations and friends, 
 and grant unto them the same blessings which we 
 have asked for ourselves. 
 
 Bless likewise thy whole Church, and grant that 
 souls may be increasingly added unto it. All 
 this we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE X. 17—24. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, be pleased, for the sake 
 of thy dear Son, to hear our prayers, and to 
 accept our praises. We adore Thee that Thou 
 hast endowed us with reason, and conscience, and 
 with all those other faculties and powers which make 
 us capable of knowing, and of loving and serving 
 Thee. But we are sinners, and the natural man 
 receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for 
 they are foolishness mito him; neither can he 
 know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 
 Take away, we beseech Thee, the veil of blindness, 
 and folly, and prejudice. May thy Holy Spirit 
 direct, sanctify, and govern us in the ways of thy 
 laws and in the works of thy commandments. 
 God, our fathers cried unto Thee, and were de- 
 livered ; they trusted in Thee, and were not con- 
 founded ; and never didst Thou say to any of the 
 seed of Jacob, " Seek ye my face in vain." Bless 
 us, we beseech Thee, with all spiritual blessings in 
 Christ Jesus. May we be complete in Him. 
 Dispose us to receive and rest on Him alone. 
 May the life we live in the flesh be a life of faith 
 in the Son of God, who loved us, and gave Him- 
 self for us. And being filled with all joy and 
 peace in believing, may we be found fruitful in 
 every good work, to the praise and glory of thy 
 marvellous grace. 
 
 We thank Thee for the gift of our Sabbaths. 
 Prophets and righteous men desired to see those 
 things that we see, and did not see them ; and to 
 hear those things that we hear, and did not hear 
 them. But blessed are our eyes, for they see ; and 
 our ears, for they hear. thou God of salvation, 
 we magnify thy mercy and grace for all the good 
 done this day to the souls of men. Let the Gos- 
 pel preached and heard be crowned with abundant 
 blessing. And when, at length, thy ministering 
 servants give in their account, may it be found 
 that they have not laboured in vain, nor spent their 
 strength for nought. 
 
 Fill the whole Church of God on earth with the 
 spirit of truth, purity, and peace. Watch over 
 thy flock wherever they are scattered ; gather both 
 Jews and Gentiles into thy fold, and hasten the 
 time when there shall be but one flock and one 
 Shepherd. Pour down thy blessing upon oiu: 
 Queen and our country. Pardon our national 
 sins ; continue to us thy favour ; and make us 
 a people fearing Thee, and working righteousness. 
 
 Take us, we beseech Thee, and all who are dear 
 to us, under thy tender care this night. Shield us 
 from danger; grant us quiet sleep; and, if it 
 please Thee, spare us to enter on our duties to- 
 morrow. May we do so in thy faith, fear, and 
 love. Grant this, for the sake of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 C no ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SIXTEENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTUfiE PSALM LXXVIL 
 
 
 
 LORD God, our God and Fatlier in Christ 
 Jesus, protected by thine almighty power, we 
 have been kept in peace and safety through the 
 night. We would come before Thee this morning 
 with thanksgiving for this and all thy mercies. 
 Truly are they renewed to us every morning, daily 
 dost Thou load us with thy benefits. From Thee 
 Cometh all our good — health, friends, food, raiment, 
 every earthly comfort. But, above all, to thy 
 grace and mercy do we owe it, that though we are 
 full of infirmity, and tainted with sin, we are yet 
 permitted continually to come to Thee for all we 
 want. Thou hast promised to blot out our trans- 
 gi'essions, and forgive us all our sins. Thou hast 
 given thy Holy Spirit to renew and sanctify our 
 sinful hearts. Cleanse us, God, from all our 
 guilt, and transform us into the likeness of thy 
 dear Son. 
 
 Lord God, our Saviour, make sin to be hateful 
 to us ; and give us to see more clearly and to feel 
 more deeply thy loving-kindness towards us in 
 that Thou keepest our sovds in life, and givest us 
 in Christ salvation from sin, and death, and hell. 
 
 Gracious Father, be with us through this day. 
 Ignorant and helpless of ourselves, in Thee is all 
 our strength and all our hope. We know not 
 what it shall bring forth — trial and perplexity, joy 
 or sorrow, health or sickness, continued life or 
 unlooked-for death. Preserve us in the midst of 
 temptation. Let not sin or Satan overcome us, or 
 cause our feet to slip. Sustain our feeble steps. 
 Prepare us, by thy grace, for every ordering of 
 thy providence. Keep us from all murmuring and 
 unbelieving thoughts. Let every sorrow speak to 
 us from Thee, that we may know and correct what- 
 ever evil in us Thou art chastening with thy rebuke. 
 And though thy way be trackless, as through the 
 sea, and thy footsteps be not known, as those of one 
 passing through deep waters, though thy purposes 
 be hidden from us, yet grant that we may ever trust 
 in Thee, for Thou changest not. Thou art girded 
 Avith faithfulness, and ever puttest forth for good 
 thine almighty power. Lord God, Thou hast 
 loved us freely. Thou hast given thy Son to die 
 for us. Thou hast not refused us, in time past, the 
 grace of the Holy Spirit, nor ever failed to do us 
 good. 
 
 In all things thy goodness and mercy have fol- 
 lowed us; we therefore, in humble confidence, 
 commit ourselves and all dear to us to thy care 
 this day. Such of us [all, young or old,] as are 
 thine, enable to realise their high privileges; 
 such as are yet estranged and ungodly, convert and 
 bring into thy fold. Lord, hear us ; and when 
 Thou hearest forgive, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE X. 25—42. 
 
 OLORD our Righteousness, who only art 
 worthy, permit us to call upon Thee this 
 evening, and, after the mercies of another day, to 
 give Thee thanks for all the goodness and mercy 
 with which Tliou hast been pleased to accompany 
 our path. We would this evening confess our- 
 selves before Thee as utterly unworthy of the least 
 of all thy mercies. Foi-bid it, Lord, that we should 
 boast ourselves in thy presence, or claim to our- 
 selves any righteousness in thy sight. If we 
 would inherit eternal life and become heirs of God, 
 we must be born again, as his sons. Grant us this 
 new birth, which will make us heirs of life ; and 
 so fill us with thy Holy Spirit, and sanctify our 
 souls, that we may love Thee perfectly and foUow 
 Thee faithfully. 
 
 Take away from us all a spirit of self-righteous- 
 ness. Oh, let us not strive to justify ourselves, 
 but in lowliness of mind, and in self-abasement, 
 may we find our righteousness in thy beloved Son, 
 and know that in Him and through Him we receive 
 the adoption of sons, the inheritance of heaven, 
 and everlasting life. 
 
 Show unto us, God, our state by reason of 
 our sin ; how sin hath sore smitten us, and Satan 
 hath buffetted us, and stripped us, and wounded 
 us, and left us half-dead, yea, utterly dead in 
 trespasses and sins. Teach us the blessed lesson 
 how Jesus, better than the Good Samaritan, came 
 out of his way and out of his place to seek the 
 wounded victims of Satan, and to take care of 
 them, and heal them. Thou good Friend of 
 sinners, come and pour out into our wounded 
 hearts the oil and wine of thy sweet mercy and 
 Divine compassion. Lift us up from death in sin 
 to the life of righteousness. 
 
 And enable us to imitate the example of thy 
 Son, our living Saviour, by loving those that love 
 us not, and by pouring the precious balm of kind- 
 ness on the heads of those that hate us. Let all 
 the world be " neighbours" — one with each other, 
 one with Thee. Make wars to cease through all 
 the earth ; let love, and joy, and peace be multi- 
 plied ; send forth the spirit of peace into all the 
 world. Oh, that the nations of the earth may 
 learn in Christian love to forget their national 
 enmities, and join hand in hand in doing each 
 other good. And to this end be pleased to grant 
 to our own land the spirit of Christian love, and 
 that she may send the messengers of Christ to all 
 lands, to help the weak, and to strengthen the 
 dying. Bless all missionary enterprises, and enable 
 us all to choose that good part which shall not be 
 taken from us. Let thy protecting care be about 
 us during the night, preserve us from evil, and bless 
 us in all things, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 111 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SIXTEENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XVI. 1—10. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God and mercifol Father, Thou 
 JLX. hast said that Thou wilt be sanctified in them 
 that come nigh Thee, and before all the people 
 Thou wilt be glorified. We beseech Thee to put 
 thy Spirit within us, that we may sanctify Thee 
 in our hearts, and make Thee our fear and our 
 dread, our confidence and our joy. And seeing 
 that what we have read was written for our admo- 
 nition upon whom the ends of the world are come, 
 may we take heed to our spirits that we lust 
 not after evil, as the people in the wilderness also 
 lusted, and were destroyed of the destroyer. 
 
 How prone, God, have we been to think of 
 this world as our home, and not as a resting-place 
 by the way I Or we have gloried in thy mercies 
 as though we had not received them from Thee ; 
 and when Thou hast seen fit to remove them, we 
 have repined as though Thou hadst taken away 
 what was not thine own. In prosperity we have 
 not been thankful, nor rendered according to the 
 benefits received ; nor have we been submissive in 
 adversity. But spare us, good Lord, and let not 
 thy wrath wax hot against us ; correct us, but in 
 thy mercy; rebuke us, butnot in thine anger, lest 
 Thou bring us to nothing. 
 
 Bread for the day Thou hast taught us to ask, 
 and promised to bestow ; having this, may we not 
 murmur as though Thou hadst broken faith with 
 us ; but learn therewith to be content, and to labour 
 chiefly, not for the meat that perisheth, but for that 
 which endureth unto eternal life. Deliver us from 
 an earthly mind, from a mind that would seek its 
 happiness in the creature rather than the Creator, 
 and from affections which cleave to things of time 
 and sense as their supreme good. May thy Spirit 
 maintain within us so decided a sway and predomi- 
 nance of heavenly and eternal things that it may 
 be manifest to all that we are seeking a better 
 country, that is, a heavenly one. 
 
 Under the hand of thy servant Moses Thou 
 didst give the people manna, the type of the true ; 
 but Thou hast provided some better thing for us, 
 even the true Bread which came down from heaven. 
 We bless Thee for the gift of the Saviour, who has 
 said, " I am the bread of life : he that cometh to me 
 shall uever hunger ; and he that believeth on me 
 shall never thirst." Give us, we beseech Thee, a 
 spiritual desire, and evermore feed us with this 
 bread through all the days of our pilgrimage, until 
 Thou bring us to thy holy hill and thy heavenly 
 sanctuary, to behold the glory of the Lord, and 
 go no more out for ever. Be with us through aU 
 this day. Leave us not to ourselves, for we are 
 weak, and unable to stand without Thee. Enrich 
 us with the tokens of thy love, and preserve us 
 from all evil, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PHILIPPLA.NS III. 
 
 ACCEPT our hearty thanksgivings, gracious 
 God and Father, for the mercies of the past 
 day, and of the past week. Great indeed is thy good- 
 ness and long-suffering. May we be more and 
 more grateful, and endeavour more diligently to 
 show forth thy praise. Oh, that we may remember 
 day by day that we are not our own ; that all we 
 are and all we have is thine, and that of thine own 
 are we giving Thee even when we devote our- 
 selves most fervently and obediently to thy service. 
 
 Convince us, Lord, of our sinfulness. We 
 were born in sin, the children of wrath, and sin 
 cleaves to our best and holiest services. We 
 have no merit or goodness of our own. AU our 
 hope and trust are in thy dear Son. Oh, that 
 we may be found in Him, our crucified and 
 living Redeemer ; and, clothed with his righteous- 
 ness, be free from every spot and stain of sin. 
 Grant that, having experience of thy saving grace, 
 we may count all things but loss in comparison 
 of the knowledge of Christ Jesus our Lord. Con- 
 form us, we beseech Thee, to his likeness. We 
 desire, God, to forget the things that are be- 
 hind, and to press forward to higher attainments 
 in godliness, to a larger acquaintance with thy 
 Word, and a more abundant assurance of thy 
 favour. 
 
 Forgive our past sloth and indolence. Let not 
 our misuse of opportunities and privileges cause 
 Thee to withhold from us grace and strength for 
 the future. As citizens of a heavenly kingdom, 
 may we live in the world beneath thy protecting 
 care, and be kept from its evil while we look and 
 wait for the coming of the Lord. 
 
 Take us, we pray Thee, and all who are dear to 
 us, unto thy Divine care for the night. May 
 our sleep be sweet and refreshing, so that we may 
 rise strengthened in body and soul, and be ready 
 to enter with thankfulness and joy on the duties 
 of thy holy day. Prepare our hearts for them. 
 Stir up in us deep and earnest desires for spiritual 
 blessings ; that, hungering and thirsting after 
 righteousness, our souls may be filled out of thy ful- 
 ness. Lord, thou knowest how weak and ignorant 
 we are, and how, through our own unbelief, we miss 
 many mercies which Thou preparest for us. In- 
 crease om* faith and enlarge our expectations, and 
 let not the great enemy of our souls deprive us of 
 our confidence in Thee, or make us ashamed of our 
 hope in thy Word. Be with thy ministers in all 
 their preparation for the Sabbath. Give them 
 the anointing of the Holy One, that they may dis- 
 pense thy Word with power. 
 
 Lord, hear us in thy mercy, and bless us, for 
 the sake of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 112 ■] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTEENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XVI. 11—36. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, who orderest all things in 
 heaven and earth according to thy counsel, 
 give us grace, we beseech Thee, reverently to 
 acknowledge that Thou art just in all thy ways 
 and holy in all thy works. Teach us to look up to 
 Thee as our God and Father in Christ Jesus, who 
 art able and willing, for his sake, to bestow 
 upon us whatever is necessary as well for the 
 body as the soul. 
 
 We are not worthy to come before Thee, much 
 less to receive any favour at thy hands ; for we have 
 sinned against Thee. Listead of acknowledging 
 Thee in all our ways, we have often walked in the 
 light of our own eyes, and after the imagination 
 of our own hearts. But we put our trust in the 
 merits of thy Son, our Lord and Saviour, who 
 gave Himself a sacrifice for sin, according to thy 
 will. For his sake receive us graciously, and 
 pardon whatever want of confidence we have shown 
 towards Thee. Lead us henceforth, by the teach- 
 ing of the Holy Spirit, to trust in Thee at all times. 
 May we continually grow in thankfulness to Thee. 
 Suffer us not in prosperity to forget Thee, or in 
 adversity to think ourselves forgotten by Thee; 
 but, confiding in thy providence and protection, 
 grant that Ave may always do that which is right- 
 eous in thy sight. 
 
 Thou who of old didst command the clouds 
 from above, and oponedst the doors of heaven, and 
 rainedst down manna upon thy people, continue to 
 give us our daily bread. Feed us with food con- 
 venient for us. As man doth not live b}"- bread 
 alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of thy 
 mouth, help us to hide thy word in our hearts, that 
 we sin not against Thee. Blessed be thy name for 
 returning Sabbaths. May this day be to us a 
 season of rest, worship, and instruction. May we 
 know, by the tea'jhing of the Holy Spirit, what 
 Jesus meant when He said, " I am the bread of life: 
 he that cometli to me shall never hunger ; and he 
 that believeth on me shall never thirst." When 
 we go up to the house of the Lord, cause thy 
 blessed Gospel to come to us, not in word only, 
 but in power and in the Holy Ghost, and in 
 much assurance. 
 
 Be gracious to all who are detained, by sickness 
 or otiier necessary cause, from the assemblies of thy 
 people. Pity those who wilfully forsake thine 
 ordinances, and bring tliem to repentance. 
 
 To thy care we commend ourselves and our 
 friends. Bless our country, the Queen and all the 
 Royal Family, and all conditions of men among us. 
 Bless thy whole Church throughout all the world, 
 and bring all mankind to the knowledge and obedi- 
 ence of tiiy Word. Hear these our humble suppli- 
 cations through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XI. 1—13. 
 
 WE give Thee thanks, God, that Thou hast 
 given us such encouragement to approach 
 Thee in prayer. We thank Thee for so many 
 invitations, for such precious promises, and for so 
 perfect a model to teach us how to pray; to all 
 which Thou hast added the assurance of the ready 
 ear of a Father, the powerful intercession of a great 
 High Priest within the veil, and the gracious aid 
 of thy own Spirit to help our infirmities. Oh, that 
 now the Spirit may make intercession within us 
 according to thy will. 
 
 Our iniquities might make us afraid to approach 
 Thee, for they are many, and they are very heinous ; 
 but to whom can we go but to Thee ? And Thou hast 
 assured us that if we confess- our sins, Thou art 
 faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse 
 us jfrom all unrighteousness. Our iniquities had 
 separated between Thee and us ; but, far as we had 
 wandered, and deep as we had sunk, even then thine 
 eye and thy heart were toward us for good, and 
 in thy love and in thy pity Thou didst redeem us. 
 Thou hast brought us nigh by the blood of Jesus, 
 and given us access to Thee by one Spirit as unto a 
 Father. Let that love which quickened us when 
 we were dead in sin now raise us up together, 
 and make us sit together in heavenly places in 
 Christ Jesus ; that as we have borne the image 
 of the earthy, we may also bear the image of the 
 heavenly, and show forth the praises of Him who 
 hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous 
 light. 
 
 We are naturally selfish, but Thou art boundlessly 
 benevolent, delighting in mercy, and only waiting 
 to see us fully conscious of our need, and taking 
 the attitude and spirit of suppliants ; and such is 
 the overflowing kindness of thy heart, that Thou 
 hast said, " Before they call I wiR answer, and 
 while they are yet speaking I will hear." 
 
 Various have been the means employed this day 
 to advance the kingdom of Christ among men ; 
 many have run to and fro that knowledge might 
 be increased. Thy ministers have stood up and 
 cried, " Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh 
 away the sin of the world." Let it not be in vain. 
 Prosper thy work abundantly in their hands. 
 Glorify thy Son, and let the earth be filled with 
 his praise. Let times of refreshing come from thy 
 presence, and thy Church hear thy voice saying 
 unto her, " Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and 
 the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee." Let 
 wars cease to the ends of the earth, and the king- 
 doms of the world become the kingdoms of the 
 Lord and of his Anointed. Now blessed be the 
 Lord God of Israel ; and blessed be his glorious 
 name for ever, and let the whole earth be filled 
 with his glory. Amen and Amen. 
 
 [ 113 ] 
 
 No. 15. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTEENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XVII. 
 
 GLORY be to Tliee, Lord, for aU thy goodness 
 to this family and household. Thou hast 
 graciously heard and answered our prayers, and 
 hast not withheld thy mercies from us. Thou hast 
 kept us in quietness and peace, and hast renewed 
 us in life and health this morning. We praise 
 Thee, we bless Thee, we glorify Thee, Lord 
 God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. 
 
 Yet, God, we confess that we do not love 
 Thee as we ought. We mourn before Thee 
 over the weakness of our faith and the coldness of 
 our affections. To Thee we look for help. Thou 
 hast promised to give thy Holy Spirit to them that 
 ask Thee, and we beseech Thee to pour down his 
 gracious influences upon us, that we may love Thee 
 more and serve Thee better. Especially we 
 beseech Thee to give us that due sense of all thy 
 mercies that we may show forth thy praise, not 
 only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up 
 ourselves to thy service, as a holy, lively, and 
 reasonable sacrifice. 
 
 And now, Lord, be with us during the day, 
 and amid the labour and duties of the week upon 
 which we have entered. Enable us to follow in 
 all things the guidance of thy will. Make it our 
 object not to please ourselves, but Thee ; not to do 
 our own will, but thine. Make us strong in faith 
 and firm in hope, diligent in our daily callings, 
 fervent in spirit before Thee, and kindly affec- 
 tioned one towards another. Enable us to fight 
 the good fight against sin, the world, and the devil; 
 and to approve ourselves the faithful soldiers and 
 servants of our Master. Enable us to stand in 
 every time of temptation — sober and vigilant, and 
 watching unto prayer. Strengthen our weakness, 
 teach our ignorance, supply our wants ; comfort us 
 in sorrow, uphold us in every trial, and make us 
 more than conquerors through Him that loved us. 
 
 Thou knowest, Lord God, that we are not 
 sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of oiu'- 
 selves, but our sufficiency is in Thee. Bestow 
 upon us the s})irit of grace and supplication, that 
 earnestly asking help at thy hands, we may 
 abundantly receive it. If Thou art with us, we are 
 safe ; if Thou leave us, we become like them that 
 go down into the pit. Leave us not, neither for- 
 sake us, God of our salvation. Bless us both in 
 our bodies and our souls this day, and evermore. 
 
 Bestow upon our friends and relatives all the bles- 
 sings we have asked for ourselves. Give thy special 
 grace to all who are afflicted in mind, body, or 
 estate. Bless all that shall be done in thy name 
 (luring the week, either by ourselves or others; and 
 hasten the coming of thy kingdom. We ask every 
 blessins for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XIIl. 11—22. 
 
 OGOD, by thy goodness and mercy we are 
 brought to the close of another day ; and ere 
 we separate for the night, we would review the 
 day as in thy presence. First of all we would 
 glorify thy holy name for thy forbearance, grace, 
 and love, whereby we have been spared, preserved, 
 and all our wants supplied through the day. 
 Alas, in contrast with thy goodness, we are 
 reminded of our own several sins, negligences, and 
 ignorances, that by thought, word, and deed, we 
 have committed against thy Divine Majesty. O 
 heavenly Father, in many things we offend Thee ; 
 and shouldest Thou be extreme to mark what is 
 done amiss, who could stand? But there is for- 
 giveness with Thee, that Thou mayest be feared. 
 God, we bless Thee for the gift of thy dear Son, 
 in whom there is redemption through his blood, 
 even the forgiveness of all sin. holy and gracious 
 Spirit, do Thou take of the things of Jesus, and 
 show them to our souls. Give us grace to forsake 
 our sins as well as to confess them, and to mourn 
 over them with that godly sorrow that worketh 
 repentance unto salvation not to be repented of 
 Grant that each of us may commune with our 
 own hearts upon our beds this night, and be still, 
 realising thy presence, offering the sacrifice of 
 righteousness, and putting our trust in Thee. 
 
 heavenly Father, Thou knowest the indivi- 
 dual trials and temptations, the besetting sins, the 
 infirmities and weaknesses, of each of us. Let 
 mercy forgive us all that is past, and let grace 
 be near to help us in every hour of coming need. 
 God, we come boldly to ask it, because our 
 great and merciful High Priest Jesus, thy dear 
 Son, ever liveth to make intercession for us. 
 
 God, Thou wouldest not have us ignorant of 
 the devices of the great enemy of our souls. We 
 would watch and pray that we fall not into his 
 snares. From the crafts and assaults of the devil, 
 good Lord, deliver us. When the enemy cometh 
 in as a flood, Spirit of the Lord, lift Thou up a 
 standard against him. 
 
 To thy fatherly goodness we commend our- 
 selves now. Do Thou watch over us for good, that 
 we may lay us down in peace and sleep ; and if it 
 be thy will, may we rise refreshed and strengthened 
 for the duties of the coming day. The same 
 merciful and protecting care we ask for all who are 
 dear to us, near and far off. 
 
 Oh, give us thy peace all the days of our life, so 
 that, when we have finished our course, we may 
 lay us down in peace at last, and awake to be 
 with Christ in the day of his coming and his glory. 
 We ask all in the name of the same Jesus Christ 
 thy Son, our Lord, to whom with Thee and the 
 Holy Spirit, be glory everlasting. Amen. 
 
 C 114 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 seve:nteenth week.— Tuesday. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS X. 1-15. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, heaven is thy throne, and 
 the earth is thy footstool. All things above 
 and below are the creatures of thy hand, and thy 
 kingdom ruleth over all. Thou killest and makest 
 alive, Thou puttest down and raisest up. Graciously 
 accept our tribute of praise for watchful care and 
 refreshing sleep by night, and for the renewed 
 mercies of the morning. Lord, so work in us to 
 will and do by thy good Spirit that we may 
 cheerfully consecrate the strength which Thou 
 givest us to thy praise. 
 
 We earnestly seek thy help and guidance through 
 the day. Feeble and ignorant as we are, leave us 
 not, God, to ourselves, or to our own under- 
 standings. We live in a world of temptation. It 
 meets us in our business and our pleasure ; it 
 besets us at home and abroad ; and even our lawful 
 calling may become a snare for our souls, and a 
 hindrance to our salvation. Oh suffer us not, we 
 beseech Thee, to be tempted beyond our strength. 
 Give us a spiritual perception, that we may discern 
 at all times the presence of evil, and be on our 
 guard against it. Make a way for our escape in 
 all our difficulties and perplexities. We commit 
 our souls to thy keeping, and in thy faithfulness 
 and love place all our trust. Be with us, God, 
 in every trial and conflict, and perfect thy strength 
 in our weakness. Suffer us not to be lifted up 
 with spiritual pride and self confidence, but keep 
 us humble, distrustful of ourselves, and looking 
 only to Thee. We pray that we may never tempt 
 Christ, or grieve thy Spirit by our unbelief and 
 stubbornness of heart. Give us a tender conscience, 
 that will shrink from sin with a holy abhorrence, 
 and make us afraid to do, or say, or think anything 
 which Thou hast forbidden. 
 
 Refresh us, Lord, with the presence of thy 
 indwelling Spirit. As waters flowed for the refresh- 
 ment of Israel, so let the streams of life and peace 
 which flow from the smitten Jesus comfort and 
 gladden all our hearts. When tempted and tried, 
 may wo find courage in the remembrance that 
 no trial befalls us but such as is common to 
 man, and that the same afflictions are accomplished 
 in our brethren in the world. Have mercy upon 
 us, God, and supply all our need : bestow upon 
 us pardon for all sin and strength for all weakness, 
 and let not our feet stumble in thy paths. 
 
 Let thy favour rest on all our relatives and 
 friends ; succour them in all their necessities, and 
 give them the sweet experience of thy saving grace 
 and love. We commend ourselves and them to 
 thy Divine keeping. Protect, preserve, and bless 
 us ; bring us to the close of the day in health and 
 peace, and at last receive us imto Thyself, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XIII. 23-35. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 -tl. Christ, we come before Thee this night to 
 thank Thee for thy goodness to us throughout the 
 day. Whatever good we have received has come 
 to us of thine undeserved mercy; whatever evil 
 has happened to us, Thou, we know, wouldest have it 
 become to us a means of good. Thou doest all things 
 well. Grant that every promise of thy Word and 
 every dispensation of thy providence may encourage 
 our confidence in Thee, and bind our hearts more 
 closely to thy service. 
 
 Lord God, grant us grace this night, before 
 sleep comes over us, to have communion with Thee. 
 We know not but that before the morning light 
 the Son of Man may come. Grant that we may 
 not be among the unhappy ones, who shall seek in 
 vain to enter into the kingdom ; but number us 
 among the blessed ones who having earnestly striven 
 shall pass through the straight gate into thy pre- 
 sence with joy. Lord, we lie down to rest in 
 the darkness, looking to see again the light of day ; 
 grant that we may even so look through the gloom 
 of the grave with a good hope to the light of ever- 
 lasting day ; and that, if spared to the morrow, 
 we may rise from our beds to serve Thee better 
 than in the day which is past. May every day see 
 us growing in grace and in the knowledge of our 
 Lord and Saviour ; rtiay our Avalk be more and more 
 steady in holiness and in humility. May we feed 
 continually by faith on Him who is the Bread of 
 life, and be refreshed continually with the waters 
 of grace from Him who is the everlasting Fountain. 
 May all our dear relatives and friends partake 
 in full measure the blessings which we ask for our- 
 selves ; suffer none of them to receive thy grace in 
 vain. [Especially regard with thy favour the child- 
 ren of our household ; may they be indeed new 
 creatures in Christ Jesus — the children of God, 
 manifesting even from early years the fruits of 
 the Spirit in all meekness and obedience]. Gather 
 into thy kingdom increasing numbers of men from 
 east, and west, and north, and south. But oh, grant 
 that none of us who have already been called to 
 know Thee, and have thy Word to instruct us, and 
 thine ordinances to refresh us, may fail to find 
 admittance, with the blessed company in heaven, 
 to the marriage supper of the Lamb. On Him, 
 Lord God, is all our trust for the forgiveness 
 of our sins and the renewal of our hearts. On 
 Him would we fasten our aftections. His steps 
 would we follow. Oh, do Thou fill our hearts full 
 with holy love. Help us to keep thy command- 
 ments ; and make us meet for the inheritance of 
 the saints in light, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
 to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be 
 honour and praise. Amen. 
 
 C 115 ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 SEVENTEENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XIX. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XIV. 1—24. 
 
 GRANT us grace now to approach Thee, God, 
 with filial reverence. Let thy voice this morning 
 awaken our souls in songs of gladness and praise. 
 Suffer not our hearts to be oppressed with the 
 majesty of thy glory. Help us to listen, to obey, 
 and to love. 
 
 We thank Thee for having spoken unto us by 
 thy Son, and that He is not ashamed to call us 
 brethren. Send forth the spirit of thy Son into 
 our hearts, that we may have faith to call Thee 
 Abba, Father. Blessed be thy name, that we can 
 say, we are not come to the mount that might 
 be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto 
 blackness, and darkness, and tempest; but unto 
 Mount Zion, and the city of the living God, and 
 to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant. Assist 
 us, therefore, to give the more earnest heed to the 
 things that we have heard, lest at any time we 
 should let them slip. Suffer us not to refuse Him 
 that speaketh, but so sanctify and cleanse us by 
 the washing of regeneration and renewing of the 
 Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled sincerely to 
 resolve that all which the Lord hath spoken we 
 will do. 
 
 Lord, our God, we confess with shame that 
 we have often broken thy commandments. In 
 tenderness and strength Thou hast borne us as 
 on eagles' wings, yet have we murmured and 
 rebelled against Thee. Thou hast never been 
 unfaithful to us, yet thy covenant have we not 
 kept. As thy peculiar treasure hast Thou de- 
 fended us ; yet have we, like prodigal children, 
 wasted thy substance. Lord, have mercy upon 
 us ; rebuke us not in thy wrath, neither chasten us 
 in thy hot displeasure. Help us, God of our sal- 
 vation, for the glory of thy name, and deliver us and 
 purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. Thou art 
 good, and doest good ; teach us thy statutes. 
 
 God, Thou who art the Holy Ghost, the 
 Comforter, come, we beseech Thee, and abide 
 with us this day. Subdue our pride. Restrain 
 our lusts. Direct our thoughts. Purify our 
 affections. Guard us from the beginnings of sin. 
 Let not Satan get an advantage of us. Strengthen 
 us for every duty. Make every care and every 
 sorrow a blessing. Let, our speech be always with 
 grace. Teach us to do whatever is well-pleasing 
 in thy sight, and so all the day long may the peace 
 of God rule in our hearts. 
 
 Merciful Creator, prepare us to meet Thee in the 
 hour of death — in the day of judgment, when the 
 trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised. 
 Grant us then the victory through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. This we ask in his name, and unto Thee, 
 God, will we give glory and praise for ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, Maker of all things in heaven 
 -Ll- and earth, we beseech Thee mercifully to hear 
 us. Thou art the high and lofty one that inhabitest 
 eternity, whose name is Holy, and we are sinful 
 and impure, yet Thou hast bidden us to come 
 boldly unto thy throne of grace. God, we come 
 conscious of our unworthiness, but trusting in thine 
 own promise, through the merits of our great 
 High Priest, whom Thou hast given to die for our 
 sins and to rise again for our justification. 
 
 Bestow upon us, we beseech Thee, from day to 
 day, a more lively sense of our coimtless obligations 
 to Thee. We thank Thee for our creation ; for Thou 
 hast made us fearfully and wondei'fully, and hast 
 given us reason to understand thy will, and affec- 
 tions capable of loving Thee. Enlighten our under- 
 standings with the Holy Spirit to know thy will, 
 and dispose our hearts to do it. We thank Thee 
 for preservation — that Thou hast been pleased to 
 keep all the members of this household safe from 
 all evil. From our childhood unto this day Thou 
 hast preserved us ; Thou hast given us food, and 
 clothing, and shelter, and all things we need. We 
 thank Thee for redemption — for that inestimable 
 love in which Thou didst give thy blessed Son to 
 die for us. Especially we thank Thee for those 
 members of this family to whose hearts Tliou hast 
 been pleased to reveal Him as the Saviour by 
 whom they are redeemed, and the Master whom 
 they obey ; and on those amongst us who are yet 
 strangers to Thee, we pray Thee to bestow thy con- 
 verting Spirit. We thank Thee for all the means of 
 grace, and for the hope of glory. Enable us to set 
 our affections on things above, and to look for and 
 hasten unto the second coming and glox'ious appear- 
 ing of our Lord and Master. Write upon our 
 hearts the sense of all these thy mercies, that we 
 may love Thee perfectly, and serve Thee devotedly 
 all our days. 
 
 Conform our hearts, blessed Lord God, afler 
 thine own image, that we may seek to be holy, 
 even as Thou art holy. Make us to be the meek 
 and lowly disciples of our meek and lowly Master. 
 Abase us before Thee, that Thou may est exalt us ; 
 Enable us to be humble in all our dealings with 
 our fellow-men, that we may esteem others better 
 than ourselves, in honour preferring one another. 
 Help us to do good to all men for thy sake ; to 
 be kind and gentle, patient and forbearing, in all 
 our dealings, that we may be the children of our 
 Father who is in heaven ; not rendering evil for 
 evil, but blessing them that curse us, and praying 
 for those that despitefully use us and persecute us. 
 Fill us with thy Spirit here, and hereafter glorify 
 us in thy kingdom, through the worthiness of thy 
 Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 116 
 
MoKNmG.] 
 
 SEVENTEENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XII. 18—29. 
 
 OTHOU ever-living God, wlio hast in all ages 
 been the delight and the desire of those who 
 know thy name ; we kneel at thy footstool. Blessed 
 be thy holy name for the way of approach to the 
 throne of grace which Thou hast given us in thy 
 dear Son Jesus Christ. We thank Thee for the 
 spirituality, the simplicity, the sacred sweetness of 
 Christian worship. Through the great High Priest 
 of our profession we draw nigh. Unto Thee alone, 
 Thou adorable Jehovah, do we render all our 
 worship, and we hope for acceptance only through 
 the blood of sprinkling. With reverence and with 
 godly fear we would now come near unto Thee. 
 How great is thy goodness, that Thou dost bow to 
 om: worship, and accept our feeble praise and im- 
 perfect prayer! Speak unto us, Lord, by thy 
 Word, and grant us wise, believing, and obedient 
 hearts, that we may in all things live as subjects 
 of that kingdom of grace which cannot be moved. 
 We would be constrained by thy love to serve 
 Thee truly ; but, if need be, let thy terrors keep 
 our rebellious hearts in awe of Thee. 
 
 Thou Father of mercies, who hast preserved us 
 through the past night, we thank Thee for the 
 safety and the sleep we have enjoyed, and we see 
 thy kindness in the food provided for us this 
 day. May every blessing we possess fill us with 
 more love to Thee, and every trial we endure 
 strengthen our trust in Thee. We go forth to the 
 labours of this day depending on thy watchful 
 providence. We desire to set the Lord ever 
 before us ; be Thou at our right hand, so that we 
 may not be moved. Pi'eserve us, if it please Thee, 
 from all bodily injury ; but, our God, earnestly 
 we pray Thee to defend and guard us from all sin. 
 Give us grace to discharge all our duties to our 
 fellow-men with integrity, uprightness, and charity. 
 May some around us be made holier and happier 
 by our conduct this day, and especially help us to 
 make known to our fellow sinners the grace and 
 the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. Give us 
 courage and wisdom to reprove, and to warn, and 
 to exhort ; and may the tenderest love to our neigh- 
 bour actuate us in all we think, or say, or do. 
 
 We pray for all in this house, and entreat Thee 
 that [from the eldest to the youngest] all may be 
 saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation. 
 Let thy merciful compassion be displayed to all the 
 afflicted ; sanctify bodily pain and worldly trouble, 
 that they may lead men to Thyself. Comfort the 
 aged, protect the young, bless all who are journey- 
 ing by land or by water, show thy mercy to such 
 as draw nigh unto death. These and all needful 
 blessings, for others or ourselves, we supplicate 
 through Jesus Christ, our adorable Redeemer and 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ UN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XIX. 1-9. 
 
 WE desire, God our Father, to thank Thee 
 for thy care and love towards us this day. 
 Thou hast provided for our wants ; Thou hast 
 kept us and hast enriched us with all needful 
 blessings. 
 
 We thank Thee especially for family mercies. 
 We meet in peace ; our home is the dwelling- 
 place, we trust, of thy Spirit. ' Thou dost over- 
 shadow it. Ever abide Thou with us. Be Thou 
 as a wall of fire round about us, and as our glory 
 in the midst. 
 
 And yet, Lord, We are unworthy of this 
 blessedness, though we thus address Thee ; we are 
 among the evil and the unthankful. Thou mightest 
 have led us forth with the workers of iniquity. 
 We have no right to enter thus into thy presence ; 
 thy love in thy Son is our only plea. It is through 
 his blood we have redemption, even the forgiveness 
 of our sins, according to the riches of thy grace. 
 Give us a deeper sense of his sufficiency and love. 
 
 We bless Thee, God, that our ears have heard 
 the Gospel, and that our eyes have seen some of 
 the things Thou hast provided for them that love 
 Thee. Millions have never heard and never seen ; 
 and millions who have heard and seen have re- 
 jected thy mercy, and have refused to listen to 
 thy voice. Blessed are we if we are called to this 
 feast ; doubly blessed if we have obeyed the call. 
 Help us to praise our God, with all his servants, 
 with all that fear Him, both small and great. 
 
 And while we are thus thankful for present 
 mercy, we lift our hopes and faith to things above. 
 Victory and rest ; freedom from sorrow, and 
 change, and sin ; things eye has not seen nor 
 heart conceived — these are before us. We bless 
 Thee for them, for the grace that is the earnest 
 and pledge of them, for the revelation that in part 
 discloses them. Teach us, while waiting for those 
 things, and hastening to them, teach us to be holy 
 in all our behaviour, and to live as pilgrims and 
 strangers on the earth. 
 
 Hear our prayers for the afflicted and the perse- 
 cuted. Sustain the hearts of all Avho obey and 
 trust in Thee — in all lands and in every condition. 
 Put down oppression and injustice, superstition and 
 idolatry. Lord God Almighty, reign Thou from 
 sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth. 
 
 Keep us to-night under thy care. Let thine eye 
 be over us, thy hand around us. Spare us to enter 
 to-morrow on new duties with renewed strength. 
 Give like blessings to all we love, and let thy 
 favours to us, and our friends, and our country, 
 far exceed both our deserts and even our desires, 
 for our Saviour's sake, to whom with Thee and 
 the Holy Spirit, be all glory and praise, for ever 
 and ever. Amen. 
 
 C 117 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTEENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XX. 1—21. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst 
 reveal Thyself in old time by thy servant 
 Moses, and who art the same yesterday, to-day, 
 and for ever, enable us to approach Thee this 
 morning with reverence and godly fear. Our eyes 
 cannot see Thee, as when Thou wentest through 
 the wilderness, when the earth shook, and the 
 heavens ch'oi)ped at thy presence ; yet we know 
 that Thou art here ; for Thou art in every place, 
 beholding the evil and the good. Our ears can- 
 not hear Tliee as when Thou didst come down 
 ujion Sinai with the sound of the trumpet and 
 the voice of wox*ds ; and yet we have listened 
 to Thee in thy written Word, and we praise 
 Thee for the gift of it. Pi'epare our hearts to 
 feel thy power, and our lips to speak thy praise. 
 Give us fervency of devotion, and simplicity of 
 faith, in approaching to Thee. Teach us to ask for 
 such things as siiall please Thee; and where we are 
 too weak and ignorant to speak unto Thee as we 
 ought to do, let thy Holy Spirit make intercession 
 for us, according to thy will. 
 
 Enable us, God, to carry this constant re- 
 membrance of Thee into all our daily life, that thy 
 presence may consecrate our home, may prosper 
 us in all we do, and sanctify us in all that we 
 tjnjoy. Whatever may befall us this day, give us 
 grace to receive it as from Thee, that we may be 
 both patient in suffering thy will and diligent in 
 doing it. In the midst of om* various occupations, 
 let us all remember that Thou, Lord, art about 
 our path, and spiest out all our ways. Let not the 
 recollection of Thee slip out of our hearts through 
 our own carnal weaknesses, nor let it be forgotten 
 amid the cares and pleasures of life. Fill us with 
 such adoration of thy goodness, and such reverence 
 of thy majesty, that thy fear may ever be before 
 our eyes, that we sin not. 
 
 Write, we beseech Thee, thy law upon our 
 hearts. Fix our souls upon Thee, that all this 
 household may serve Thee, even Thee only. Thou 
 art a Spirit, and we pray Thee to give iis grace to 
 worshij) Thee in spirit and in truth, to speak of 
 Thee with godly reverence, and to dedicate unto 
 Thee the firstfruits of our life. Teach us to love 
 our neighbours as otu'selves. Make us dutiful as 
 children, obedient as subjects, submissive to those 
 who are in authority, blameless in our conduct, 
 just and true in all our dealings, kind in heart, 
 temperate in pleasure, and diligent in business, that 
 we may do our duty in that state of life into wJiich 
 it has pleased Thee to call us. 
 
 Pardon, God, the ignorances and imperfec- 
 tions of our prayers, and do for us according to 
 thine own riches in glory, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST, LUKE XIV. 25—35. 
 
 OTHOU that art the Father of mercies and the 
 God of all comfort, at the close of another day 
 we would approach Thee in the name of our ador- 
 able Redeemer. Help us to come with humility 
 and with confidence. We humble ourselves before 
 Thee as thy erring children. In many things we 
 all offend. But we bless Thee that we can plead 
 the merits of the dear Redeemer. Oh, give to us a 
 sweet sense of pardon through the blood of Jesus 
 Clu-ist. 
 
 And while we praise Thee for pardoning mercy, 
 we beseech Thee to carry on in us that work which 
 we humbly believe Thou hast begun. May we 
 be evidently among the number of thy people. 
 Enable us to bear the cross, and to follow Jesus. 
 May we, through good report and through evil 
 report, ever witness a good confession. Give to us 
 such a sense of the preciousness of Jesus that we 
 may be willing to give up all to follow Him. May 
 we ever have grace to say, " Whom have I in 
 heaven but Thee, and there is none upon earth 
 I desire beside Thee." Let us never be ashamed 
 to acknowledge whose we are and whom we serve. 
 We trust, Lord, that through thy preventing 
 grace we have put our hands to the Gospel plough. 
 Suffer us not to look back at any time ; but 
 through thy help enable us to count all things 
 but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 We thank Thee for the mercies of another day. 
 We bless Thee for our creation, preservation, and 
 for all the blessings by which we have been sur- 
 rounded. Thou hast fed us with food convenient 
 for us. Thou hast watched over and protected us. 
 If Thou hast preserved us from falling into gross 
 sin, and from dishonouring the name we profess to 
 love, to Thee, Lord, would we ascribe all praise. 
 We pray that the same blessings we ask for ourselves 
 may also descend upon those who seek an interest 
 in our prayers. Increase their faith, enlarge 
 their hopes, inflame their zeal, and make them to 
 be eager and earnest in the performance of thy 
 will. Look down upon our unconverted friends 
 and relatives, and bring them, we beseech Thee, 
 to see and feel the preciousness of a Saviour's love. 
 Enable them to realise their own deep needs, and 
 to experience the presence and the fulness of thy 
 great salvation. 
 
 And now, blessed Father, we commend ourselves 
 to thy keeping. Shield us throughout the perils 
 and dangers of another night. Let no harm come 
 near our dwelling ; let no ill dreams disturb our 
 rest. Be Thou our Guardian, and bring us in 
 safety to the beginning of another day. Hear us, 
 we humbly beseech Thee, for fhe sake of Jesus 
 Christ thy Son, our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 118 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 SEVENTEENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JEREMIAH XXXI. 18—34. 
 
 OLORD our God and Father, we thank 
 Tliee that Thou changest not. Men fail, and 
 generations pass away, but Thou art ever the 
 same. For the sake of the Lord Jesus Clu'ist, 
 receive our prayer. Father, we pray Thee to give 
 us a fuller sense of thy majesty, and a richer 
 experience of thy mercy. We would not rush 
 carelessly into thy holy presence ; but keep us, so 
 that we do not run foolishly from thy throne in 
 fear. We plead that the blood of the atoning 
 Sacrifice has been sprinkled before the mercy-seat. 
 We praise Thee that thy love is shed abroad in our- 
 hearts, through the Holy Ghost which is given 
 unto us. 
 
 We come with boldness, but with deep humi- 
 lity, before thy footstool. We desire to thank 
 Thee, God, for thy manifold gifts and grace. 
 We are all here the living to praise Thee. 
 We thank Thee for the good we have, and 
 for the good we hope for in Christ Jesus our 
 Lord. We thank Thee that the evil we have 
 deserved has not come upon us, and that the 
 blessings we have forfeited have not been with- 
 drawn. We are monuments of thy mercy — illus- 
 trations of thy grace — examples of thy saving love 
 and power. Oh, let thine eye of love be upon us 
 as thy people. We are in a world which is full 
 of temptation. Give us grace to be separate from 
 the ungodly. Give us peace in the knowledge 
 that we are a people formed for thy praise. We 
 plead with Thee, tlu'ough our ascended Saviour, 
 and according to the teaching of the Holy Ghost 
 which dwells within us, that we may know Thee 
 and love Thee more. Father, reveal Thyself to 
 us in thy dear Son. Take off the veil from 
 our eyes, and make the light and comfort of 
 thy truth and glory shine in upon our souls. 
 Lord, enable us to understand the value of our 
 soul, and the preciousness of the redeeming blood. 
 Write thy law upon our hearts. Make us to love 
 what Thou hast commanded, to hate what Thou 
 hast forbidden, and to desire what Thou hast pro- 
 mised. Teach us to crucify the flesh, to over- 
 come the world, and to set our affections on things 
 above. 
 
 We are now going forth into the duties and 
 dangei's of our several worldly callings. God, 
 guide us and preserve us. May thy grace attend 
 us. Use us, as Thou seest best, for the advance- 
 ment of thy truth and kingdom in the world. 
 Keep us, that we may bring no disgrace upon thy 
 cause and people. Bless us, that wherever we are 
 we may lift up our eyes unto Thee. From our 
 youth. Thou hast been with us ; to our death be 
 Thou near us, for the sake of Jesus Christ our 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XV. 1—10. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, thy property 
 is ever to have mercy ; we come to Thee, at 
 the close of another week, humbly seeking that 
 mercy. We have erred and strayed from thy ways 
 like lost sheep. We have wandered from Thee 
 each in his own way. Our sins of thought, word, 
 and deed, are more than we can number. If Thou 
 wert to enter into judgment with us, we could 
 only be condemned in thy sight. 
 
 But, God, we thank Thee that Thou hast 
 mercy upon penitent sinners. Thou dost not 
 desire our destruction, but our salvation. Thou 
 art well pleased when sinners seek thy forgiving 
 love. God, this is not the manner of men. Al- 
 though sinners like ourselves, they would look 
 down upon \is if they knew concerning us all that 
 Thou knowest. Satan, too, tries to alarm us. But 
 thy Word bids us lift up our hearts, and tells us 
 that there is joy in heaven when sinners repent. 
 
 God, grant unto us all real repentance. Make 
 us truly contrite on account of sin, and deliver us 
 from the paths of the destroyer. Let it be known 
 in heaven, and felt in our hearts, that though we 
 were lost, we have been found; and that though we 
 were far off, we have been made nigh. But, alas, 
 we are so prone to wander, that we shall go further 
 and further from Thee unless we are kept in the 
 keeping of thy grace. Keep us by thy mighty 
 power, blessed Jesus, and bring us safely to thy 
 heavenly kingdom. 
 
 We humbly beseech Thee also to carry on the 
 work of sanctification in our souls. Thine image, 
 God, has been marred and defaced by sin. Our 
 affections have been misplaced, our understandings 
 have been misdirected. Qva.nt unto us thy Holy 
 Spirit more and more. Change us into the 
 image of Christ from glory to glory. Bless all the 
 means of grace to the furtherance of thy work in 
 us, and especially the ordinances of thy house on 
 the approaching Sabbath. Let thy ministering 
 servants be fed in their own souls, that they may 
 be able to feed thy people. Help them to break 
 the bread of life, and grant unto us all a portion at 
 their hands. 
 
 We would lie dovm this night under thy protec- 
 tion, humbly beseeching Thee to cast all our sins 
 into the depths of the sea ; and if it be thy will, 
 may we rise in the morning refreshed and strength- 
 ened to enjoy a sweet foretaste of the eternal Sab- 
 bath which remaineth for the people of God. 
 
 Bless all for whom we are bound to pray, and 
 grant that they with us and we with them may 
 finally be made partakers of thy glory. 
 
 Receive these our petitions, gracious God and 
 Father, in the name and for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 119 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTEENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 |_JiVENING. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XXIV. 
 
 OLORD, Thou glorious God, clothed with 
 clouds as a robe of majesty, wherewith shall 
 we approach thy throne, and worthily draw near 
 thy footstool ? Thou art the Lord Jehovah, the 
 God of peace, the great and terrible God, 
 dwelling in the light which no man can approach 
 unto. Thou didst call thy servant Moses into thy 
 presence ; with him didst Thou speak ; through 
 him didst Thou command the offering of peace, 
 the sprinkling of the blood, and the making of a 
 covenant with thy people Israel. 
 
 But a greater than Moses is here ; not thy ser- 
 vant, but thy Son, the Mediator of the better 
 covenant ; who, by the sacrifice of Himself, pre- 
 sented an offering unto God, and, by the blood of 
 sprinkling, made atonement for the sins of men. 
 Lord God, we who stand afar off from thy 
 glorious majesty are brought nigh by the blood of 
 Jesus. Through Him we may come boldly to the 
 throne of grace, and at Jehovah's footstool we 
 find a mercy-seat. Introduced by Jesus, may we 
 enter the cloud of thy glory, and with reverence 
 and godly fear make known our wants to Thee. 
 
 After another six days' work and labour, we 
 now would seek the rest of thy holy Sabbath, and 
 in the secret of thy tabernacle would hold com- 
 munion with Thee. We bless Tliee for this day 
 of rest. We would dedicate it to Thee, with all its 
 sacred duties, with all its holy privileges, with all 
 its blessed opportunities. We beseech Thee, 
 Father, to reveal Thyself to us to-day, in the wor- 
 ship of thy house, in the reading of thy Word, and 
 in the secret meditations of our hearts before Thee. 
 Conduct us to thy house of prayer; solemnise 
 our hearts in anticipation of the services of the 
 sanctuary ; and may this Sabbath be a spiritual 
 festival to our souls. Let thy ministers be clothed 
 in righteousness, and make thy chosen people joy- 
 ful. Oh, teach the teachers tliis day, that they 
 themselves, being taught of God, may teach trans- 
 gressors thy ways, and that sinners may be con- 
 verted unto Thee. 
 
 Be pleased to bless all the members of our 
 family to-day, and be present with them where- 
 ever they may be. Let thy blessing abide on us, 
 which Thou hast promised to the families that 
 call upon thy name. Take away aU our sins. 
 Thou Lamb of God. Wash us in thy cleansing 
 blood, Thou gracious Saviour. Receive us 
 graciously and love us freely, Thou that art 
 enthroned in the majesty of thy glory. Thou 
 art our Redeemer; save us, Christ. Thou art 
 our Comforter; sanctify and bless us, Holy Spirit. 
 Thou art our Father; hear us now, God, and 
 ever help us, through the intercession of our 
 only Saviom-, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS X. 1-13. 
 
 OLORD God of the Sabbath, who dost hear in 
 heaven, thy dwelling place, the prayers and 
 praises of thy people upon earth, accept, for thy 
 dear Son's sake, the tribute of our unworthy but 
 most hearty and sincere thanksgivings. What are 
 we that Thou shouldest be so mindful of us, and 
 that Thou shouldest surround us with thy loving- 
 kindness and tender mercy? We confess that 
 this day we have not served Thee as we ouglit to 
 have done. We have been too often cold in heart, 
 formal in worship, and worldly in affection. If 
 Tiiou hadst dealt with us according to our sins, 
 Thou wouldest long since have cut us off in the 
 midst of our transgressions. But there is mercy 
 with Thee, and therefore will we fear Thee. 
 
 We pray Thee that this day may not close with- 
 out leaving a blessing behind it, even grace and 
 peace from Thee, our God. Enable us to retain in 
 our hearts some message of thy truth, some lesson 
 of thy loving wisdom, that during the ensuing 
 week it may be a light unto our feet and a lantern 
 unto our paths. Draw us, we beseech Thee, by thy 
 constraining love, closer unto Thee, and to thy Son 
 Jesus Christ that we may perfectly love Thee, and 
 worthily magnify thy holy name. 
 
 We entreat Thee, gracious Lord God, on behalf 
 of all who have heard thy Word this day. As 
 Thou didst exalt thy Son with great triumph unto 
 thy kingdom in heaven, so draw the hearts of all 
 men unto Him that they may find pardon and 
 peace through his most precious blood. Grant 
 that the Word preached this day may be to very 
 many souls an incorruptible seed, springing up, 
 through thy Spirit, unto everlasting life. Especially 
 we would beseech Thee on behalf of those who 
 are hearers of thy Word and not doers of it ; who 
 have a name to live, but yet are dead before 
 Thee ; who have either been indifferent to the 
 salvation of their souls, or who, seeking to establish 
 their own righteousness, have not submitted them- 
 selves to the righteousness that is of faith. Open 
 Thou the blind eyes, that they may see wondrous 
 things out of thy law. 
 
 We would likewise pray for those who have 
 not heard thy Gospel. Oh, speak the word, that 
 great may be the company of the preachers, who, 
 both in our own and other lands, may preach the un- 
 searchable riches of Christ. May very many sinners 
 be translated from the power of darkness into the 
 kingdom of thy dear Son. 
 
 Finally, Lord, we beseech Thee to accomplish 
 the number of thine elect, and to hasten thy king- 
 dom, that all may know Thee, even from the least 
 unto the greatest. We ask all through the pre- 
 vailing merits and intercession of thy dear Son 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 [ 120 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTEENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 liEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS IX. 1—12. 
 
 GRACIOUS Lord God, who art always more 
 ready to hear than we to pray, and art able 
 and willing to do for us more than we desire or 
 deserve, pour down upon us the abundance of thy 
 mercy. Forgive us all those things of which our 
 consciences are now afraid, and give us those good 
 things which we are not worthy to ask, but 
 through the merits and mediation of thy Son, 
 Jesus Christ, our Lord. We bless thy name, 
 God, for the light of thy Gospel. We thank Thee 
 for the knowledge of redeeming mercy, and that 
 we can come lo thy footstool in the assurance that 
 in Christ Thou hast reconciled the world to Thyself, 
 and that whosoever cometh to Thee Thou wilt in 
 no wise cast out. Draw us, Lord, by thy Spirit. 
 Bring us nearer and nearer to Thee by thy grace, 
 and give us the comforting experience of thy for- 
 giveness and thy love. 
 
 AVe praise Thee for the renewed mercies of the 
 morning. Liie, and health, and peace, are thine ; 
 and in such measure as Thou seest good. Thou dis- 
 tributest them. We pray that we may be more 
 thankful for thy gifts, and may have the heart day 
 by day to make them instrumental for thy glory. 
 Especially we ask of Thee, God, guidance and 
 strength for this day's duty. May we be as in thy 
 sight all the day long. Cheer us in the midst of 
 discouragement and disappointment. Prosper the 
 work of our hands, and let all our labour and toil 
 be lightened by a sense of thy presence and of thy 
 love. Let not temptation assail us ; and if it does, 
 let it not overcome us. As long as Thou seest fit 
 for us to be in the world, keep us from the evil 
 that is in it, that neither business nor pleasure 
 may keep our hearts back from Thee, or so choke 
 thy Word within us as to make it unfruitful. 
 Deepen our love to Thee, that we may do all such 
 things as please Thee. Increase in us true re- 
 ligion, and let its influence pervade our entire 
 life, both at home and abroad. Noiu-ish us with 
 all goodness, and let it strengthen us with a 
 holy courage to continue steadfast in the ways of 
 thy commandments. May we be patient and meek 
 in all our intercourse with others, and strive in all 
 things to do unto them as we would they should 
 do unto us. Keep us in safety to the end of oiu: 
 earthly career, and glorify us, with Thyself and thy 
 dear Son, in the kingdom which is everlasting. 
 
 Shed thy choicest blessings on all whom we love. 
 [Let the children before Thee be partakers of thy 
 grace, and feel thy love shining brightly in their 
 hearts. Do Thou train and teach them by thy 
 Spirit. Make them thine now, and keep them 
 thine for ever.] Hear us, God, in these our 
 prayers and thanksgivings, we pray Thee, for thy 
 dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XV. 11—32. 
 
 OTHOU infinite and everlasting God, we marvel 
 at the long-suffering and loving-kindness which 
 Thou hast extended to the sons of men. Thou art 
 the Almighty, whose hand none can stay ; the all- 
 holy, who art of purer eyes than to beholcl iniquity; 
 and yet Thou dost stoop from thy throne to bid us 
 think of Thee as our Father. We have been again 
 assured, from the lips of thy beloved Son, that, 
 like as a father pitieth his children, so dost Thou 
 pity all who return to Thee. 
 
 We acknowledge that we have wandered far 
 from Thee. We have rejected thine authority, 
 and despised thy mercy; we have forgotten our 
 relationship to Thee, and lived like strangers and 
 outcasts from thy family ; we have even neglected 
 the salvation which Thou hast sent us by the hands 
 of Clurist. Father, we have sir ned against heaven 
 and in thy sight, and are no more worthy to be 
 called thy children. 
 
 But we would arise and come to Thee. Lord 
 Jesus, may thy grace cancel our guilt, and thy 
 righteousness, like a robe, cover our uncleanness. 
 We come again, God, at the end of another day, 
 confessing our sins, and imploring thy pardon ; we 
 come casting ourselves on thy fatherly compassion. 
 Thou wiliest not the death of a sinner ; Thou art 
 in Christ reconciling the world unto Thyself; have 
 mercy upon us, then, God, according to thy 
 loving-kindness ; according to the multitude of 
 thy tender mercies, blot out our transgressions. 
 Give, also, the spirit of adoption, that we may cry, 
 Abba, Father, and that we may know and believe 
 the love which Thou hast to us. May we be in 
 spirit, as well as in fact, the sons and daughters of 
 the Lord Almighty. 
 
 And thus, our Father, may we all lie down to 
 rest as in the embrace of thine everlasting arms. 
 We know not what a night may bring forth, or 
 whether we shall see the light of another morning ; 
 but are we not safe in thy keeping, and may we 
 not lie down and sleep in peace under the shadow 
 of thy wings ? Doubtless Thou art our Father : let 
 thy fatherly blessing rest upon all this household ; 
 let the youngest of us hear thy voice, and rejoice in 
 thy mercy. Comprehend, we pray Thee, in thy 
 care, all near and dear to any of us, in every place ; 
 bless the homeless and destitute, the orphan and 
 widowed ones ; look upon the prodigals and out- 
 casts, and restore them ; may the dead be brought 
 to life, and the lost be found. Increase the num- 
 ber of faithful pastors, and pour out thy Spirit 
 on all thy people. And with these our prayers, 
 accept our unfeigned thanksgivings for thy per- 
 petual mercies ; and may the blessing of the Father, 
 the Son, and the Holy Spirit rest upon us all, now 
 and for ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 121 ] 
 
 No. i6. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTEENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS IX. 13—28. 
 
 BLESSED art Thou, Lord! Teach us thy 
 statutes. Oh ! grant us clearer apprehen- 
 sions of heavenly things. Open Thou our eyes, 
 that we may see wondrous things out of thy law. 
 We are strangers in the earth ; hide not thy com- 
 mandments from us. We are sinners, and sup- 
 pliants for mercy. Oh ! help us, that we, turning 
 from our iniquities, may now understand thy truth. 
 
 Great God ! with Tiiee there is mercy ; yea, 
 there is forgiveness with Thee. Thou hast even 
 engaged Thyself, by a gracious covenant, to grant 
 pardon and eternal redemption to all wno will 
 take hold of its promises. We see Jesus bear- 
 ing our sins, in mysterious sufferings on the 
 cross, that He might put away sin from us. We 
 see that without the shedding of his infinitely 
 precious blood, there could be no remission, no 
 peace to the guilty conscience, no access to thy 
 holy presence, here or hereafter. righteous 
 Father ! we tremble at thy word. We mingle 
 awe with faith in coming to thy blood-besprinkled 
 throne. But Thou hast done all things well. All 
 that thy law required, thy love has provided and 
 secured. Unto us a Son is given. For us He 
 freely died, and ever lives to make intercession. 
 And now, Thou, mighty to save, we take hold 
 of thy saving strength. By thy all-sufficient sacri- 
 fice, and by thy priesthood on thy throne, save us 
 to the uttermost, who come unto God by Thee ! 
 
 We thank Thee, Father, for safety and rest 
 during the night, and for the light of life and 
 health this m«rning. Help us, we beseech Thee, 
 to carry the influence of these heavenly things 
 into all the scenes and duties of the day. May 
 we set the Lord, our Redeemer, the Holy One 
 of Israel, always before us. May thy hatred to 
 sin stir us up to watch, and pray, and strive 
 in thy Spirit's might against it. May the bless- 
 ings of salvation, so free to us, because so dearly 
 purchased for us by thy Son, inspire us with 
 alacrity in his service, and prompt us, whatso- 
 ever we do, for our neighbours or for ourselves, 
 to do it unto the Lord. May we adorn the 
 profession of his Cross, by purity, humility, 
 and meekness, by all goodness, and righteous- 
 ness, and truth. May we ever fervently desire 
 and invoke, as now we do, for all sorts and 
 conditions of men, but especially for our kindred, 
 friends, and countrymen, a saving knowledge of 
 thy grace. And for ourselves and all whom we 
 love and would remember before Thee we pray, 
 holy and merciful Saviour ! that we all may 
 be found of Thee, severally in death, and to- 
 gether in the last great day, in peace, without 
 spot, and blameless, through the blood of the 
 everlasting covenant. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE R01LLN3 YIII. 1—15. 
 
 ETERNAL God, who art gracious unto all who 
 come to Thee, enable us now to look up to 
 Thee, in child-like confidence, as our Father in 
 heaven. Oh ! what love hast Thou shown unto us, 
 that we should be called the children of God ! Fill 
 our hearts, we pray Thee, with a deep sense of thy 
 goodness and mercy. Send the Spirit of thy dear 
 Son into our hearts, that we may indeed love 
 Thee, and trust Thee, and obey Thee as our 
 Father. 
 
 We feel ashamed, our Father, that in so 
 many things we continually grieve and displease 
 Thee. We owe it to thy merciful forbearance that 
 we are not lying under condemnation, and that we 
 can plead the blood of Jesus, thy dear Son, which 
 cleanseth from all sin. Do Thou wash us, and we 
 shall be clean. Do Thou forgive us in thy mercy, 
 and then shall not our sins be remembered. And 
 grant that we may have grace to see the loving 
 liand of our heavenly Father in all the circum- 
 stances of our life, overruling outward events for 
 good, and upholding and renewing our hearts 
 by the guidance and strength of the Holy Ghost. 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for all that Thou hast 
 done for us. We cannot praise Thee enough for 
 thy undeserved goodness. Help us to love Thee 
 more, and to show our gratitude by a heartier 
 consecration of ourselves and all that we are to 
 thy service. 
 
 We desire, God, to be growing in grace, and 
 to experience more deeply and constantly the 
 gracious work of thy Holy Spirit. We are often 
 tempted to forget Thee. Leave us not, we pray 
 Thee, to ourselves ; but guide, and teach, and 
 strengthen us day by day. May we, in thy 
 strength, walk not after the flesh, but after the 
 Spirit, and have a spiritual mind, which is life 
 and peace. Mortify and subdue in us all that is 
 displeasing to Thee — the sinful temper, the unruly 
 desire, the hasty speech, the selfish spirit, and 
 whatever else hinders the perfect work of thy 
 Spirit within us — ^that we may live here in thy 
 favour, and hereafter in thy presence and glory. 
 
 Look in mercy on all who are still unconverted. 
 Show them their danger : open their eyes to see 
 and make their hearts to feel how fearful a thing 
 it is to fall into the hands of the living God. If 
 any of them are yet without the Spirit of Christ, 
 arouse them to flee from the wrath to come. Let 
 none of us, God, or any who are dear to us, 
 receive in vain thy heavenly grace and message. 
 
 We commend ourselves to thy care. Be with 
 us through the night. Shield us from evil, and 
 give us refreshing rest and sleep. We ask all in 
 the name of thy dear* Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 r 122 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTEENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XXXI. 
 
 OST glorious Lord God, our merciful and 
 loving Father, in whom we live, and move, and 
 have our being; in the multitude of thy tender 
 mercies we once more approach Thee, from whom 
 all good things proceed. And since Thou hast 
 safelj brought us to the beginning of this day, we 
 beseech Thee to defend and direct us in the same ; 
 and as Thou hast blest us in our lying down and in 
 our rising up, so protect and keep us in our going 
 forth and in our coming home. It is in vain for 
 us to labour, except thy blessing go with us ; 
 prosper us, therefore, we pray Thee, Lord, in 
 our several callings, and so guide us that all we 
 take in hand may tend to thy glory, to the good of 
 others, and to the comfort of our own souls. 
 From Thee do come wisdom and understanding, 
 and knowledge in all manner of workmanship. 
 Strength and skill are thy gifts. Thou teachest the 
 ploughman to open and break the clods of the 
 ground. Thou hast created the smith to make and 
 the waster to destroy. And because the Lord of 
 life and glory did not disdain a lowdy station, 
 may we labour with cheerfulness, and study to be 
 quiet and do our own business. Help us so to 
 walk in thy fear, that in mirth we become not 
 trifling, and in sorrow we sink not into despair. 
 Instruct us by thy Word ; soften us by thy grace ; 
 and humble us by thy corrections. May we see 
 Thee, God, in all things, and all things in the 
 light of thy presence. 
 
 Sutter us not to be led away by the error of the 
 wicked, but keep us, that no temptations may pre- 
 vail to plunge us into intemperance, uncleanness, 
 evil speaking, or aught that would defile our hearts, 
 distiu-b our consciences, or destroy our peace. 
 
 In all the labours of life we would look forward 
 to the Sabbath of rest ; and we pray that when life 
 and its labours shall close upon us, we may dwell 
 with Thee, in the everlasting Sabbath of thy glorious 
 presence. Till then, most merciful God, permit us 
 not to neglect the means of grace, but bless this 
 our family worship, and seasons of public worship, 
 and make them all conduce to our personal holi- 
 ness and to thy praise. 
 
 [Behold, Lord, our dear children, and put thy 
 fear into their young hearts. Let thy good provi- 
 dence guard them and thy grace save them.] In 
 mercy watch over all our friends, relations, and 
 neighbours. Comfort and bless our beloved Sove- 
 reign, and grant that she and all her family may 
 reign with thee in everlasting life. Prosper and 
 preserve our country, and spread abroad the glory 
 of thy holy name, and the kingdom of thy dear 
 Son Jesus Christ throughout all the world. Now 
 to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be all praise 
 and glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XVI. 1—17. 
 
 
 
 GOD, our Creator, Preserver, and continual 
 Benefactor, we bless Thee at the close ol" 
 another da}'', for all thy goodness and mercy 
 towards us. Thou never weariest in doing us 
 good. Our Lord, when He was upon earth, 
 had not where to lay His head ; but Thou hast 
 made our lot far dift'erent. Thou hast given us 
 food, raiment, and a habitation; and of the least of 
 all thy mercies we are utterly unworthy. How 
 much more unworthy must we be of the unutter- 
 able mercies of the covenant of thy grace ! 
 
 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 look not upon us, but look upon the face of thine 
 Anointed. We come to Thee without a claim of 
 our own, without one single recommendation in 
 thy sight. But we come to Thee in the Name of 
 thy dear Son. In Him and with his perfect sacri- 
 fice for sin Thou art always well pleased ; and Thou 
 art able to save to the uttermost them that come to 
 Thee through Him. Oh, may thy good Spirit ever 
 enable us so to come to Thee, that, being justified 
 by faith, we may be at peace with Thee, because 
 in Christ Thou art at peace with us ; and may our 
 peace in Jesus be like a river ever flowing forth 
 from Him, as the smitten Rock in whom are all our 
 fresh springs. 
 
 eternal Spirit, the Author and Giver of all 
 life in Jesus, bind our souls unto Jesus, in love and 
 gratitude, for ever. Teach us to live not as our 
 own, but as bought with a price ; and may the life 
 which we now live in the flesh be lived by the faith 
 of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave Him- 
 self for us, the Just for the unjust, that He might 
 bring us to Thee. 
 
 Make us, also, faithful in all our duties ; faithful 
 in that which is least as well as in that which is 
 greatest ; faithful in that which is another's as well 
 as in that which is our own. We are but stewards, 
 every one of us, of that which is thine. Thou art 
 the one Proprietor and Owner of all. The earth is 
 thine and all the fulness thereof. All things are 
 of Thee, and for thy pleasure they are and were 
 created. 
 
 Make us, therefore, to feel the great responsi- 
 bility of our stewardship. May we be daily living 
 and trading for our Lord and Master, and be ready 
 to give in our account at a moment's notice, if so 
 required. May we remember that One is our 
 JMaster, and not try to serve God and Mammon. 
 Give us a decided faith and a decided mind ; and 
 when we fail, and may be no longer stewards on 
 earth, give us an abundant entrance into the ever- 
 lasting habitations of the blest. We ask all for 
 Jesus Christ's alone sake, to whom, with Thee 
 and the Holy Ghost, be praise and glory for ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 123 ] 
 
MORNIKG.] 
 
 EIGHTEENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XXXII. 1—14 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS VIII. 
 
 OGOD, 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. 
 
 In our passage through the wilderness of this 
 world, may thy Holy Spirit ever bring to our 
 sight the truth of the written Word; and may that 
 Word be constantly a lamp to our feet and a light 
 to our path. And if human teaching speaks not 
 according to the law and to the testimony, may 
 we be assured that there is no light in it. Keep 
 us mindful that nothing can supply the want of 
 thy blessed presence, that no outward ordinances 
 can of themselves effect that inward cleansing and 
 that spiritual nourishment which Thou alone canst 
 impart. 
 
 Give us grace, Lord, to remember that, how- 
 ever free from the guilt of worshipping or bowing 
 down to images of wood and stone, we are ever 
 prone to spiritual idolatry ; and may we resist 
 every temptation to worship and serve the creature 
 rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever- 
 more. And to this end, we beseech Thee so to 
 set before us the beauty and glory of our incarnate 
 Redeemer, that we may be constrained by his love 
 to say. Whom have we in heaven but Thee? and 
 there is none upon earth that we desire besides 
 Thee. 
 
 Alas ! Lord, we know but too well how 
 grievously we have sinned against Thee in time 
 past, by following the devices and desires of our 
 own hearts, or the example and practice of those 
 who know not Thee, rather than the plain direc- 
 tions of thy Word, and the leadings of thy Spirit. 
 Well might thy wrath be hot against us ; justly 
 mightest Thou consume us. But spare us, we 
 pray Thee, for thy name's sake, and hear the in- 
 tercession of our great High Priest pleading for us 
 at thy right hand. 
 
 Be with us, we beseech Thee, in all the duties 
 of this day. Let thy Spirit abide with us, teaching 
 us what we ought to do, and enabling us to do it 
 as in thy sight and for thy glory. Shed thy 
 blessings on all whom we love. Make them the 
 temples of thy grace, and the devoted followers of 
 the meek and lowly Jesus. Look upon the Church, 
 enlarge its borders, and gather day by day into its 
 fold many wandering souls. Give wisdom to all 
 in authority, and guide their counsels. Sanctify 
 and comfort the hearts of the sorrowing, and hasten 
 the time when there shall be no more death, nor 
 crying, nor sorrow, because the old things have 
 passed away. Hear us, we pray Thee, for thy dear 
 Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 OTHOU who art the God of all the families of 
 the earth, and hast graciously promised to 
 draw nigh unto those who approach Thee through 
 thy dear Son, grant unto us some tokens of thy 
 pi'esence by filling our hearts with holy affections 
 and heavenly desires. May none of us draw nigh 
 unto Thee with our lips while our hearts are far 
 from Thee ; but may we all worship Thee in spirit 
 and in truth. May we consider it our highest 
 privilege to hold communion with Tliee in prayer 
 and supplication. Another day has now passed 
 away, with all its mercies and its trials, its duties 
 and its opportunities. Help us seriously to review 
 its events, and to ask ourselves whether we have 
 reason to hope that we are now fitter for heaven, as 
 we are nearer to eternity. Oh, what cause have we 
 to humble ourselves, and to pray, " Enter not into 
 judgment with thy servants, Lord." Blot out all 
 our sins, for we have done what we ought not to 
 have done, and we have left undone what we ought 
 to have done. We thank Thee for thy forbearance 
 and long-sutfering ; and pray that, for the time to 
 come, should we be spared, we may be more 
 diligent and faithful in serving Thee. May we be 
 enabled, by a hearty surrender of body, soul, and 
 spirit, to give ourselves to the Lord as a living 
 sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, as a reasonable 
 service. As we abound in the means of grace, 
 may we also abound in faith and love, in know- 
 ledge, and in all diligence. Give us, we pray 
 Thee, a deeper and truer knowledge of Divine 
 things. Lord Jesus, manifest Thyself unto us 
 as Thou dost not unto the world. May we know 
 Thee in all the sufficiency of thy grace and the 
 perfectness of thy atonement. Strengthen us 
 against all temptation, and deliver us from the 
 power of our great enemy. Show us the evil of 
 sin, and kindle in our hearts a holy watchfulness 
 and zeal against it. Give us the blessed experience 
 of thy love, and constrain us thei'eby to deny our- 
 selves and follow Christ. 
 
 Enlarge our hearts towards our fellow-creatures, 
 and may we seek the salvation of all mankind. 
 Pity heathen idolaters, and take away the veil 
 from the heart of the Jew. May we devise liberal 
 things to the poor around us, and to the far dis- 
 tant heathen ; and knowing the grace of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, may He spread abroad the know- 
 ledge of his salvation, that so his ways may be 
 known upon earth, his saving health among all 
 nations. 
 
 And now, Shepherd of Israel, take us all into 
 thy protection through the night. Refresh us with 
 needful rest ; and may we arise in the morning 
 rejoicing in thy love. We ask all for Jesus Clu'ist's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 124 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTEENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XXXII. 15—35. 
 
 OLORD our God, we humblj and gratefully 
 acknowledge Thee as the only true and living 
 God. We mournfully confess the proneness of our 
 hearts to depart from Thee. Other lords have had 
 dominion over us. We have yielded up the empire 
 of our souls to thy rivals, and thus dishonoured 
 Thee. Graciously interpose on our behalf. For 
 the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son, overthrow every 
 usurper within us, and enthrone Thyself in our 
 hearts. Destroy all idolatrous love for the crea- 
 ture, and cause our supreme affections evermore 
 to go out after Thee. 
 
 Throughout this day be Thou our Guide and God. 
 We are thine, Lord, redeemed with precious 
 blood : claim us fully. We are thy servants ; may we 
 serve Thee without weariness. We are thy children ; 
 may we love and honour Thee with constancy. 
 In the midst of temptations be Thou round about 
 us to shield us. Deprived of Thee, we are weaker 
 than a bruised reed. On Thee, our Divine Helper, 
 we therefore cast ourselves. Be gracious unto us 
 and bless us. Fulfil in our experience the promises 
 in which Thou hast caused us to hope. Let us 
 realise a greater nearness to Thee this day than 
 ever. And in order to this, may our trust in Thee 
 be full, constant, and unwavering. 
 
 We adore Thee, Lord, as the Father of all 
 our mercies. We praise Thee for the instructions 
 and admonitions of thy holy Word. By signal 
 examples of thy sore displeasure on thine ancient 
 people, Thou hast warned us against departing 
 from Thee. May we take heed to the voice of thy 
 judgments, and learn obedience. May we so obey 
 thy voice, that we may be found among those who 
 shall be counted worthy to live and reign with 
 Thee for ever. We render Thee devout thanks- 
 giving for the mercies and protection of another 
 night, and for the bounties which thy hand has 
 spread before us on the return of another morning. 
 Let the gratitude we express be engraven on olu' 
 hearts and developed in our lives. 
 
 We pray Thee, Lord, to be very gracious to 
 our relatives and friends absent from us. May 
 they all truly know Thee, that they may truly love 
 Thee. May thy Church universal be blessed, not 
 only with peace, but also with prosperity. May 
 thy people everywhere possess a holy ambition to 
 adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in all 
 things, and to shed the light of a consistent piety 
 on all around. May the coming of thy kingdom 
 be thus hastened ; and may the Saviour, whose 
 right it is to reign, speedily claim for Himself the 
 world He has redeemed. Hear us, 0, Lord, in 
 these our prayers, we most humbly beseech Thee, 
 for the alone sake of Jesus Christ, our Strength 
 and our Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XVI. 19-^1 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, we 
 humbly beseech Thee to bestow upon us the 
 spirit of prayer, that we may draw near to Thee 
 this evening with true hearts, in the full assurance 
 of faith, and close this day in the enjoyment of 
 thy favour and thy love. 
 
 We acknowledge, Lord, the many mercies 
 and blessings Thou hast granted to us this day. 
 Thou, our heavenly Father, hast holden us in life, 
 and continued to our use the faculties and capa- 
 cities of our bodies and souls. We bless Thee, 
 Lord, for our reason, our sight, our hearing, our 
 speech; and we thank Thee for the numberless 
 supplies which have contributed to our enjoyment 
 and happiness. We praise Thee for thy fatherly 
 love and watchful care over us. Thou hast sur- 
 rounded us every moment with the tokens of thy 
 merciful goodness. To Thee, God, we owe the 
 homage of our hearts, and the best obedience of 
 our lives. 
 
 Almighty God, we confess, and we deplore before 
 Thee, that, in return for thy great and manifold 
 mercies, we have often and grievously sinned 
 against Thee. Pardon, we humbly beseech Thee, 
 our thoughtlessness, our negligence, our ingrati- 
 tude, our numerous and aggravated sins. We 
 plead the merits of thy beloved Son Jesus Christ ; 
 for his sake graciously blot out all our transgressions, 
 and help us henceforth to live to thy glory. 
 
 Impress upon our minds the solenm passage of 
 thy holy Word we now have read. We ask of 
 Thee the wisdom we need to use the things of this 
 life, so that the recollection of them may not add to 
 our misery hereafter. If in thy good providence 
 our temporal lot be one of prosperity and success, 
 oh, keep us from pride and vain glory, and espe- 
 cially keep us from despising the poor ; oh, help us 
 to remember the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 who, though He was rich, yet for our sakes He 
 became poor ; and may his mind always be in us. 
 If thou shouldest see fit to lead us through suftering, 
 poverty, and want, oh, give us resignation to thy 
 will, and grant that when the time of our de- 
 parture from earth shall arrive, we may be carried 
 by angels into Abraham's bosom. 
 
 Whilst we remain on earth, Lord, we pray 
 Thee to enable us to use all our talents according 
 to thy will, remembering the account we must one 
 day give. Awaken now, we beseech Thee, in all 
 our minds, a deep concern for the salvation of our 
 friends and relatives. Take away from us and 
 from them all hardness of heart and contempt of 
 thy Word ; and, of thy infinite mercy, bring us all 
 to Jesus Christ, that we may be happy in heaven 
 for ever with Him. 
 
 Grant this, God, for his sake. Amen. 
 
 C 125 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 EIGHTEENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XXXIII, 
 
 
 
 KING of kings, whose unveiled face no man 
 can see and live, be gracious and merciful 
 unto us, and make all thj goodness pass before us. 
 Bring to our remembrance thy mercies, and 
 the long train of thy kindness, and love, and for- 
 givenesses. Melt our hard hearts with gratitude, 
 and may we look on Him whom we have pierced, 
 and mourn. 
 
 8pare us, good Lord, for we have sinned. We 
 have done amiss and dealt wickedly. Like Israel, 
 we have forgotten thy judgments and thy favours. 
 Thy laws we have broken, and by our idols we 
 have insulted Thee. 
 
 Blessed Saviour Jesus, intercede for us, as 
 Moses pleaded for Israel. Thou art the true 
 Mediator between God and man. Thou art 
 indeed God ; Thou sittest with thy Father on his 
 throne, and at thy feet all angels cry aloud, 
 " Holy, holy, holy. Lord God of hosts." But 
 Thou art man, and wast made a servant for us. 
 All praise and love be to Thee, Lord Jesus ; for all 
 our transgressions Thou hast made full satisfaction. 
 In thy name we come to the throne of grace. 
 Oh, plead for us, that we may be pardoned. 
 Plead for us, that we may be blessed. 
 
 God, the Holy Ghost, may thy presence go 
 before us, and, like the pillar of the cloud, direct 
 our way. If any of us have lived until now in 
 ignorance or contempt of Thee, may they arise 
 from sin, and commence a wiser and a happier life. 
 May we all be holy, and unlike the world. Pre- 
 serve us from open sin and from secret vice. Turn 
 away our hearts, Lord, from vanity, and enable 
 us to improve our time, and daily to grow in 
 grace. May we live but to please Thee, and, like 
 Joshua, who loved to abide in thy tabernacle, may 
 we ever find in Thee our solace and joy. Grant 
 us grace to pursue our various employments this 
 day as in thy sight, and to look up to Thee in 
 every moment of need or temptation. Beat down 
 Satan under our feet. May we hate and abhor all 
 deceit and pride, all malice and strife. May we 
 be unselfish and self-denying, and do our utmost 
 to promote the happiness of every one on earth. 
 
 O Thou whose long-suffering is unspeakable, let 
 thy power, thy glory, and the mightiness of thy 
 kingdom be known unto men ! Arise, O God, 
 maintain thine own cause. Near and afar, let thy 
 Word grow mightily, and prevail. We know not 
 what a day may bring forth. Prepare us to meet 
 thy righteous face ; and, after this wilderness, 
 admit us to the land that floweth with milk and 
 honey, that we may see the felicity of thy chosen, 
 and give thanks with thine inheritance, evermore, 
 through Jesus Christ our Saviom", to whom be 
 glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JAMES V, 
 
 OLORD oTir God, who hast given us another 
 day of mercy, and hast again patiently borne 
 with our sins and infirmities, seal upon our souls 
 thy forgiveness this night, and bless us all in Jesus 
 Christ. The evils of our hearts are all known 
 to Thee; and, oh, how much hast Thou seen amiss 
 in us through this day ! How little we have felt 
 of love to Thee and to others ; how much we have 
 lived this day and hitherto to ourselves. Forgive 
 any envy, malice, or uncharitableness which has 
 prevailed in us ; any impatience in our behaviour 
 towards others, or any fretfulness under the deal- 
 ings of thy loving hand. May we trust Thee in 
 all thy providences, as very pitiful and of tender 
 mercy ; and in sickness and in health keep close to 
 Thee in prayer, and ever have a heart to thank 
 Thee for thine unceasing loving-kindness. 
 
 Pour out upon us continually the spirit of grace 
 and of supplication ; and grant to us and to thy 
 whole Church more earnestness and perseverance 
 in our intercessions on behalf of all men. Give us 
 all to realise more the power of prayer, and to be- 
 lieve and plead with confidence all thy precious 
 promises to thy praying people. Make our suppli- 
 cations, by thy blessed Spirit, to be effectual and 
 fervent, and give us continually the answer of 
 peace. We ask Thee for a more deep and earnest 
 concern for the salvation of others. Oh, that the 
 very weakest of us might be enabled so to walk as 
 to save some soul from death ; and grant that 
 all our influence may be for good, and not for evil, 
 towards any with whom we may have had intercourse 
 this day. Set a watch before our mouth, and keep 
 the door of our lips. Keep us from everything 
 unworthy of that pure and holy name by which we 
 are called. May we ever be found watching, with 
 our loins girt and our lamps burning, as those 
 that look for their Lord. May we never be weary 
 in well-doing, knowing that in due season we shall 
 reap if we faint not. 
 
 Keep our hearts steadfast in thy truth ; and if 
 we be reproached and persecuted for Christ's 
 sake, may we patiently endure. Graciously com- 
 fort and support any that are suffering for his name. 
 May they feel that they have in heaven an endur- 
 ing inheritance, and may their teatimony win 
 others to the truth. Have pity upon those who 
 are lovers of pleasui'e more than lovers of God. 
 We commend ourselves and all dear to us to thy 
 holy keeping this night, especially any of them 
 who may be under thy chastening hand. May we 
 and they rest in peace, through the blood of 
 Jesus, and the comfort of the Holy Ghost. Bless 
 us, O Lord, and accept these our prayers and 
 praises, for Christ's sake, our adorable Redeemer 
 and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 12R ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINETEENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XIV. 1—14. 
 
 OTHOU in whom we live, and move, and have 
 our being, we bless Thee for having brought 
 us, in thy providence, to the morning of another 
 day of rest. We magnify Thee, our God and 
 Father, for having raised from the dead thy Son 
 Jesus, and exalted Him to thine own right hand ; 
 and for the everlasting rest which, through his 
 atoning sacrifice, we trust to spend with Thee in 
 heaven. Blessed be the God and Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, which, according to his abundant 
 mercy, hath begotten us again unto a lively hope 
 by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 
 
 We come, under the shelter of his great name, 
 seeking as a family thy blessing upon the means 
 of grace to-day. Without Tliee, we know they 
 will be empty and barren. Oh, fill them with the 
 power of thy Spirit ! May we each have inter- 
 course with Thee, the Father; manifest Thyself to 
 us in the public worship of the sanctuary, and in 
 our retirement at home ; may the youngest of us 
 find a way to Tliee. And to this end teach us how 
 to approach Thee through thy Son, the Mediator 
 between God and man. May we see in Him the 
 Way, the Truth, and the Life. O Saviour I thou 
 who art evermore the same, guide our uncertain 
 steps into the holy place. Show us the Father by 
 revealing Thyself; and learning of Thee, may we 
 find rest unto our souls. If any of our hearts are 
 troubled and distracted with the cares and sorrows 
 of life, speak to us words of peace and consolation ; 
 point us to the place prepared in thy Father's 
 house for those that love Thee ; remind us of thine 
 own coming to receive us. Say to us, " Be not 
 afraid ; only believe." So in our own experience 
 to-day may thy promise of sympathy be reahsed, 
 and the Father be glorified in the Son ! 
 
 We especially ask thy presence with us, God, 
 in the public worship in which we are about to 
 engage. May we meet our fellow-worshippers in 
 the fulness of the blessings of the Gospel of Clu-ist. 
 Grant that our praise and prayer may be the utter- 
 ance of unfeigned wants ; may we mingle faith 
 with the reading of thy Word, and may our souls 
 be prepared to receive thy Gospel gladly and 
 thankfully. Be in all the congregations of thy 
 saints ; make the place of thy feet to be glorious. 
 Clothe thy ministers with salvation, and let thy 
 people shout aloud for joy ; and may many lost 
 sinners be brought this day out of darkness into 
 thy marvellous fight, and from the power of Satan 
 into the kingdom of thy dear Son. 
 
 Accept our hearty thanksgiving for all the 
 mercies of the night, and the health and comfort of 
 the morning. May we love the place of thy wor- 
 ship, and delight to run in the way of thy command- 
 ments. We ask it for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XVII. 1—19. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, accept our united 
 thanks for the privileges of this Sabbath-day. 
 Grant us the aid of thy Holy Spirit, that we may 
 offer imto Thee an acceptable sacrifice. 
 
 Impress upon our minds the lessons which we 
 have just read. May we learn not to be surprised 
 at any trials we may meet with during our pilgrim- 
 age through this world of sin and temptation. 
 If man in his wickedness should place stumbling- 
 blocks in our way, grant us grace still to per- 
 severe. We know that we are safe in thy pro- 
 tection ; for Thou hast said, " Vengeance is mine, 
 I will repay." To all thy people who are per- 
 secuted for righteousness' sake, grant the con- 
 solations of thy grace, and so overrule the conduct 
 of their enemies, that the wrath of man may praise 
 Thee. As Thou art gracious and merciful, and 
 wiliest not the death of a sinner, we pray that all 
 the persecutors of thy people may be brought to 
 true repentance. Give to all thy saints the spirit 
 of their Divine Master, that they may hless them 
 that curse them, and pray for them who despite- 
 ftilly use and persecute them. Increase the faith 
 of all thy servants, that they may be spiritual 
 amidst worldliness, forgiving amongst enemies, and 
 heavenly-minded whilst surrounded by the ungodly. 
 
 Enable us, Lord, to understand and obey thy 
 will at all times, and save us from all pride, that 
 we may attach no merit to any of our duties. 
 That we have any disposition or power to obey 
 thy commandments, we owe to thy grace ; whilst 
 all our failings, which are many, belong to our- 
 selves. Forgive the defects, infirmities, and sins 
 which cleave to our most holy thmgs. May we 
 ever walk humbly with Thee, our God, counting 
 it an honour to be thy servants, and lea\'ing it to 
 Thee to bless and reward us as Thou seest fit. 
 
 We thank Thee, blessed Saviour, for the 
 teaching of thy Word. In what Thou hast done, 
 we see thy readiness to hear, and thine ability to 
 answer prayer. As Thou didst restore the lepers 
 to health, so heal our souls. Make us willing to 
 obey thy commands, that we may obtain the fulfil- 
 ment of thy promises. May we never pause in 
 our obedience, seeking for reasons for the duties 
 which Thou dost enjoin, but instantly fulfil them, 
 that we may prove thy power to save. Forgive 
 our past unthankfulness for the blessings we have 
 received, and vouchsafe to us the spirit of grati- 
 tude, that we may glorify Thee on earth, and thus 
 prepare to praise Thee for ever in heaven. 
 
 Defend us this night, Lord, from all danger, 
 and grant us refreshing sleep, for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee, 
 Father, and Thee, Holy Ghost, be everlasting 
 praise. Amen. 
 
 [ 127 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINETEENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XXXIV. 1—14. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXVI. 
 
 OLORD, thou art our Grod. Early will we seek 
 Thee. The desire of our hearts is unto Thee, 
 and to the remembrance of thy name. Whom 
 nave we in heaven but Thee ? and there is none 
 upon earth that we desire beside Thee. Having 
 Thee, we have all. For Thou art Jehovah, merci- 
 ful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in 
 goodness and truth ; keeping mercy for thousands, 
 forgivmg iniquity, transgression, and sin. Shine 
 into our hearts, and cause us to see thy power, 
 thy glory, and thy goodness, in the face of Jesus 
 Christ, and may we be ready to count all things 
 but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of 
 Christ Jesus, our Lord. 
 
 But it is the Spirit that quickeneth : the flesh 
 profiteth nothing. Without the Spirit, all is dead 
 in us; but where Thou breathest, there is life. 
 Evermore give us this breath of life. Heavenly 
 Father, draw us by thy Spirit unto Jesus; reveal 
 thy Son in us in all his fuhiess of love and all his 
 preciousness, that we may give our hearts wholly 
 unto Him, and know assuredly both his complete- 
 ness in Thee and our own completeness in Him. 
 
 Hast not Thou appointed a ransom for the sinner? 
 Out of Clirist thou canst by no means clear the 
 guilty ; but in Christ Thou art faithful and just to 
 forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all 
 unrighteousness. Oh, wondrous love ! that Tliou 
 shouldest not have spared Thine own Son, in onler 
 to spare a guilty people : that Thou shouldest have 
 made Him to be sin for us who knew no sin, that 
 we might be made the righteousness of God in 
 Him ! Oh, come, then. Spirit of truth and Spirit 
 of life, come and take of the things of Christ and 
 show them unto us ; show us our deliverance from 
 all wrath, all curse, all condemnation : show us 
 our refuge in the cleft of the Rock that is higher 
 than we ; show us how, by his one offering, Christ 
 hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified, 
 that we may heartily rejoice in the strength of our 
 salvation. 
 
 Write also thy law, we beseech Thee, on our 
 hearts, even as thy hand did twice write it upon 
 tables of stone. Teach us to adorn the doctrine of 
 God our Saviour in all things. May our conver- 
 sation this day be as becometh the Gospel of Christ, 
 and may all that is in us bless his holy name. 
 
 Look, Lord, with special favour upon our 
 Queen and our country. Increase amongst us that 
 righteousness by which a nation is exalted. Add 
 daily to thy true Church such as shall be saved, 
 and may streams of mercy and blessing go forth 
 from us to the very ends of the earth. These and 
 all our petitions we humbly offer in the name and 
 through the mediation of thine own beloved Son, 
 Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, 
 
 THOU, God, art good, and Thou doest good 
 continually. Thou hast done us good, and we 
 desire to offer at thy footstool this evening our 
 sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise. We thank 
 Thee for the assurance that Tliou wilt hear us in 
 our own homes, as well as in the courts of the 
 Lord's house. Through Jesus accept us, and give 
 us thy Spirit, that the flame of devotion may burn 
 brightly on thine altar. 
 
 With loving gratitude we acknowledge our 
 entire dependence on Thywelf. Another day has 
 testified to thine unwearied love and watchful care. 
 Thou hast taken us out and brouglit us in. Thine 
 eye has guided, thine arm defended, thine hand 
 sustained us. What are we, or what is our 
 father's house, that Thou shouldest deal thus boun- 
 tifully with us ? We have deserved nothing but 
 wrath ; we have received nothing but mercy. 
 What shall we render to the Lord for all his 
 benefits toward us ? We will take the cup of 
 salvation, and call on thy holy name. 
 
 Like the Psalmist of whose experience we have 
 been reading, we, too, have sometimes found 
 trouble and sori'ow. The gourd under whose 
 shadow we have sat has withered ; the brook of 
 whose pleasant waters we drank has dried up ; the 
 idols of our hearts have been shattered, and dark- 
 ness has gathered over us. The sorrows of death 
 then compassed us, and the pains of hell then gat 
 hold upon us. How iimumerable, how aggravated, 
 how inexcusable have appeared our sins ! Oh, we 
 thank Thee that then Thou didst help us : that Thou 
 didst show Thyself a gracious God, long-suffering, 
 and of tender mercy. May we ever go to Thee in 
 all times of our guilt. Oh, give us faith in the 
 Saviour, whose blood cleanseth from all sin ; who 
 is able to save to the very uttermost all who come 
 to God by Him. May we look less to ourselves, 
 and more to Him ; and be enabled, whilst we look, 
 to reahse by faith our acceptance, and to say, 
 " Return unto thy rest, my soul, for the Lord 
 hath dealt bountifully with thee." 
 
 Grant, too, we implore Thee, that our future 
 lives may prove our gratitude. Whilst we live 
 may we walk before Thee, unto all well-pleasing ; 
 and when the end of our course shall come, may 
 we be numbered amongst thy saints in glory ever- 
 lasting. 
 
 Take us under thy kind care and protection this 
 night. Suffer no evil thoughts to disturb or defile 
 us ; keep us from the designs of ungodly men ; 
 shield us from devouring flames ; may we lie down 
 in peace, and rise again in health. 
 
 For our Saviour's sake we ask these and all 
 other mercies ; and to the Father, Son, and Spirit 
 ascribe everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 r 128 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINETEENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XXXIV, 21—35. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, before whom 
 angels veil their faces, how shall we, who have 
 broken thy holy law, in thought, word, and in 
 deed, now venture to draw nigh to Thee? We 
 dare not approach thy throne had we not an 
 all-prevailing Mediator, who ever liveth to make 
 intercession for us. The thunders of Mount Sinai 
 would make us afraid ; but, thanks be unto God, 
 we are brought within the bonds of a better cove- 
 nant, and have access with boldness unto the 
 throne of grace, through the blood and righte- 
 ousness of Jesus Christ. .Prepare our hearts now 
 to draw nigh to Thee, as' our reconciled God and 
 Father. Give to us thy Holy Spirit, to be in us 
 a Spirit of prayer and supplication, and vouchsafe 
 an answer of peace. 
 
 May the moments thus spent in communion with 
 Thee be seasons of refreshing from the presence of 
 the Lord ; so that when we enter upon the business 
 of life, our countenances may shine with a holy 
 brightness, and all around take knowledge of us 
 that we have been with Jesus. 
 
 May our minds be thus fitted for the duties of 
 the day, and the events which may betide us. 
 May we carry our religion with us into the world, 
 and so let our light shine before men, that others 
 may glorify God on our behalf. 
 
 May thy holy precepts be written upon the 
 fleshy tables of our hearts, so that we may delight 
 in thy commandments, and find them ways of 
 pleasantness and paths of peace. 
 
 We bless Thee for thy mercies to us in times 
 past, for health of body and peace of mind, and 
 for all other tokens of thy favour and loving-kind- 
 Be Thou our Guardian and Guide, even 
 
 ness. 
 
 unto the end. Should trials or sickness come upon 
 us, may we receive them as evidences of thy 
 fatherly love, since Thou hast declared, "As 
 many as I love, I rebuke and chasten ;" and may 
 they be sanctified to the good of our souls. And 
 should the candle of the Lord still shine upon our 
 dwelling, give us grateful hearts for unnumbered 
 comforts. May the pillar and the cloud ever rest 
 upon our tabernacle, and may we cheerfully follow 
 the leadings of thy good providence. 
 
 Let thy favour rest on our country. Guide the 
 deliberations of our rulers, and control all their 
 plans and proceedings to the advancement of thy 
 kingdom and the increase of godliness in the land. 
 Have pity on the souls that know Thee not. Turn 
 the feet of the wicked into the ways of righteous- 
 ness, and bow the hearts of many this day in true 
 repentance at the feet of thy dear Son. Bless all 
 who are dear to us, and enrich us with the special 
 tokens of thy love. We ask all in the name of 
 our adorable Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XVII. 20—37. 
 
 ALL thy works praise Thee, God, and thy 
 saints give thanks unto Thee. Adorable art 
 Thou in thy glorious perfections : wonderful art 
 Thou in thy works and ways; above all, in the 
 great work of redeeming grace which Thou hast 
 accomplished by thy dear Son. What are we that 
 we should be the objects of thy tender love from 
 
 hour 
 
 to hour, and that even now, as we kneel in 
 
 thy presence. Thou shouldest hear our prayer, and 
 assure us of thy favom' ? Raise our hearts afresh 
 in thankfulness and joy. Let us see more and 
 more clearly what we owe to Thee; how great has 
 been thy goodness towards us, and how rich and 
 abundant is thy forgiveness, which saves from 
 eternal condemnation all them who trust in Thee, 
 through thy dear Son. 
 
 God, we are sorry that, thus blessed, we have 
 lived so unworthily and so sinfully. We repent us 
 now before Thee of our many misdoings : of the 
 coldness of our love to Thee, of our backwardness 
 to do thy will, and of the occasions on which 
 during the day now past we have been unmindful 
 of our duty to Thee and of thy precepts. Accept 
 our humble confessions, and through thy dear Son 
 have mercy upon us, and grant us thy peace. 
 
 We pray Thee that Thou wouldest keep us in a 
 spirit of watchfulness for the Saviour's second 
 coming, that we may not sleep as do others, but 
 look and long for the time when He shall come in 
 the glory of his Father. May the thought of his 
 searching judgment make us anxious to be sincere 
 and without offence in this our day of trial ; and 
 stir up our hearts to a more constant diligence in 
 every good word and work to which thy providence 
 calls us. Keep us ever in mind, Lord, that it 
 will avail us nothing in that day to have enjoyed 
 Christian privileges, unless we have believed in 
 Jesus with all our hearts, and striven, amid the 
 temptations of the world, to walk closely in his 
 footsteps, and be prepared for his coming. If 
 Thou hast converted us by thy Spirit, preserve 
 us from backsliding. Let no mournful longings 
 after the things we have forsaken damp the fervour 
 of our love to Thee, or mar the entireness of our 
 consecration to Thee. 
 
 Graciously pour out thy Spirit on all people. 
 Wherever thy truth comes, let it be glorified. 
 Wherever Christ is preached, let many hearts be 
 bowed before Him. Guide into heavenly wisdom 
 all thy ministers. Strengthen their hands, comfort 
 their hearts, and show them more clearly all thy 
 will. Accomplish the number of the elect, and 
 hasten thy kingdom. We ask all these mercies, 
 and we commend ourselves and all we love to thy 
 gracious care, in the name of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 C 129 ] 
 
 17 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINETEENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS III. 
 
 WE adore thy loving-kindness, God, which has 
 cared for us and protected us during the 
 night. We praise Thee for the renewal to us of 
 morning mercies. Give us at all times, we 
 beseech Thee, a childlike confidence in thy love. 
 We Avould look up to Thee as our Father in heaven, 
 and would pray Thee ever to look down upon us as 
 thy dear children, thy beloved in Christ Jesus. 
 May we gi'ieve with a godly sorrow over our many 
 offences against Thee, and by thy Spirit's help be 
 enabled to put away what is hateful in thy sight, 
 and inconsistent with our high vocation. Blessed 
 be thy name, God, for thy forbearance. Thou 
 knowest our frame, and what poor, weak, ignorant, 
 and mistaken creatures we are. Have pity upon 
 us, heavenly Father, and lift up the light of thy 
 countenance upon us. 
 
 Let us preserve, we pray Thee, the constant re- 
 membrance of thy presence through all this day. 
 Surrounded as we are by temptations, and with an 
 evil heart within us, leave us not, we pray Thee, to 
 om-selves. Watch Thou over us, and guard us 
 against the devices of our great enemy. Let the 
 prayer of the Saviour for his people be answered on 
 our behalf Keep us from evil. Li all our conduct 
 towards others, and in all the business of daily life, 
 let it be seen that we have the fear of God before 
 our eyes. Set a watch over our lips, that we offend 
 not in word ; and let our conversation be with 
 grace. So deeply write thy law in our hearts, and 
 let it so influence our lives, that we may be epistles 
 of Christ, known and read of all men. Open our 
 eyes, we beseech Thee, to see and to understand 
 the glory of the Gospel. Let not Satan or sin 
 blind us to the light of thy truth. Kemove every 
 veil of ignorance and prejudice, and enable us 
 with open face to look upon Jesus, our exalted 
 Redeemer and Saviour. Give us thy Holy Spirit, 
 to be in us a Spirit of liberty, fi-eeing us from 
 the bondage of every besetting sin, and from the 
 toils of the devil. We pray that we may not only 
 be the true disciples of thy dear Son, but be 
 changed more and more into his image and like- 
 ness, and walk even as He walked. 
 
 We commit ourselves, and all who are dear to 
 us, to thy gracious keeping. May they enjoy an 
 abundant measure of thy grace and blessing, and 
 with us be daily prepared for an inheritance among 
 thy sanctified and glorified people. We also pray 
 for the enlarged outpouring of thy Holy Spirit on 
 all who profess and call tliemselves Christians, that 
 they may be more entirely consecrated to thy 
 service, and seek more diligently thy gloiy, and 
 promote more earnestly the extension of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom. Grant us these our prayers, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ in holy SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XVIIL 1-14. 
 
 OLORD God Almighty, Thou seest the hearts 
 of the children of men, and of them that pro- 
 fess to pray unto Thee, We all now kneel before 
 Thee, and in the eye of man there is no separation 
 between us ; but Thou discernest between the 
 prayer of the proud and the sighing of a broken 
 and contrite heart. 
 
 Lord, we are not worthy so much as to lift up 
 our eyes unto Thee. Oh, convince us of our guilt ! 
 Take away our ignorance and self-esteem, and 
 destroy all our false comforts. Give us godly 
 sorrow for sin, and that with an aching heart we 
 may pray as the publican prayed — "God be merci- 
 ful to me a sinner." 
 
 Be merciful, our God, and let thine anger 
 cease from us. Be not displeased at us for ever. 
 We have sinned against Tliee this day, as in the 
 days that went before it. Not only are our actions 
 polluted by sin, but we ourselves are sinners. 
 Our nature is unclean, and, like a corrupt tree, 
 bringeth forth evil fruit. For thy Son our Lord 
 Jesus Christ's sake, forgive us all that is past. We 
 are miserable sinners ; our hearts are evil ; and 
 if we have not fallen into the grossest wickedness, 
 it is not of ourselves, but because thy goodness has 
 restrained us. Nay, Thou knowest, Lord, that 
 thy loving mercies to us have been so great, and 
 our privileges so many, that we may call ourselves 
 the chief of sinners, for sin in us is exceedingly 
 sinful. 
 
 Yet our trust is in thine abundant mercy, 
 through Jesus Christ the righteous, who poured 
 out his soul unto death for us, and bore the sins of 
 many. Lord Jesus, bid us come to Thee. Do 
 Thou wash us in thy most precious blood, that our 
 sins may be mentioned against us no more. If the 
 unjust judge listened to the widow's cry, Thou, 
 most faithful, most kind Father, hearken to our 
 prayer, and grant us thy pardon this night. With- 
 out it we cannot rest. Lord, deny us not the 
 blessings we seek. 
 
 Protect us, gracious Father, during the hours of 
 hleep : and if it please Thee to prolong our lives 
 another day, renew our strength to serve Thee. 
 Prepare us for the summons to quit these mortal 
 scenes. In the dark moments of death be Thou our 
 light ; and in the day of judgment, good Lord, 
 deliver us. 
 
 We beseech Thee with thy favour to behold our 
 Queen and our country. Bless our neighbours as 
 ourselves ; and let our relatives and acquaintances 
 find grace in thy sight. Have mercy upon this 
 evil Avorld. Come quickly, Thou Son of Man ! 
 Put an end to sin and misery ; and to Thyself, 
 with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all glory, 
 now and evermore. Amen. 
 
 [ ISO 3 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINETEENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XXXV. 30— XXXVI. 7. 
 
 GRACIOUS and loving Father, in whom we live, 
 and move, and have our being; by whose 
 mercy we have awakened this morning from our 
 sleep refreshed and strengthened, we bless Thee 
 for this renewal of thy goodness. By Thee we 
 have been sustained through the night, that we 
 may be ready to fulfil the work given us to do. 
 For these and all thy mercies, spiritual and tem- 
 poral, we adore thy mercy. Grant our souls much 
 of thy grace, and enable us to present om' bodies 
 this day a living sacrifice to Thee in all our ser- 
 vice, and to consecrate all our ordinary employ- 
 ment to thy glory. From Thee alone cometh the 
 power to fulfil even our worldly callings. Help 
 each one of us ever to feel this entire dependence 
 upon Thee in all the circumstances of our life. 
 The wisdom and understanding which we need, 
 even for our ordinary work, come only from thy 
 Spirit. Grant, therefore, that we may be skilful 
 in our various spheres of duty ; not slothful in any 
 business, but serving Thee. May we do nothing 
 carelessly, but all as unto the Lord ; nothing in 
 our own sufficienc}'', but everything in dependence 
 on Thee for its success and blessing. Sustain our 
 minds in the strength needed for daily duty, and 
 our bodies in the health sufficient for the fulfilment 
 of our appointed service. May we ever labour as 
 of the ability which Thou givest, and be preserved 
 from indolence and slothfulness, as well as from 
 pride and self-seeking. Above all, may we feel 
 that we are bought with a price, and daily walk in 
 the peace and power of thy salvation. May Ave 
 thus count nothing our own ; but, inasmuch as 
 Thou hast given us all things in Cln-ist, even wisdom 
 and righteousness, sanctification and I'edemption, 
 may we render all we have and are to Thee. Stir 
 us up willingly to help the poor, as far as lieth in 
 us, by personal service, and fi'eely to give of that 
 which Thou hast given us, as we have opportunity. 
 Make us all to walk this day as those whose 
 bodies are the temples of the Holy Ghost. May 
 we be clothed with the beauty of holiness ; 
 may our conversation be as it becometh godliness ; 
 may others take knowledge of us that we have been 
 with Jesus. Grant us to feel more interest in the 
 spiritual welfare of all around us, and make us 
 ready in finding occasions of doing them good. 
 May we carefully, through grace, check the corrup- 
 tions of our evil nature ; and may our temper at 
 all times be such as to help forward unity and 
 godly love in all forbearance and meekness. Bless 
 all dear to us this day ; preserve them and us, 
 outwardly in our bodies by thy providence, and 
 inwardly in our souls by thy grace. Hear our 
 prayers and pardon all our ofi'ences, through Jesus 
 Christ oiu" only Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LVII. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, the High and Lofty One that 
 -^ inhabitest eternity ; whose name is Holy ; we 
 give Thee humble and hearty thanks, that though 
 Thou dwellest in the high and holy place, Thou 
 dost dwell also with those who are of a contrite 
 and humble spirit ; to revive the spirit of the 
 humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite 
 ones. And we beseech Thee so to cleanse our 
 hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that 
 Ave, being delivered from this present evil world, 
 and walking in newness of life, may have fellow- 
 ship Avith Thee the Father, and with thy Son 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 God, Avho searchest the heart, and triest the 
 reins of the children of men ; we have sinned and 
 done evil in thy sight ; Ave have erred and strayed 
 from thy Avays like lost sheep ; Ave have followed 
 too much the devices and desires of our oAvn 
 hearts ; we have offended against thy holy laAVS ; 
 Ave have left undone those things Avhich Ave ought 
 to have done, and Ave have done those things Avhich 
 Ave ought not to have done ; and there is no health 
 in us. Have mercy upon us, God, according to 
 thy loving-kindness ; according to the multitude of 
 thy tender mercies, blot out our transgressions, 
 and spare Thou them that confess their faults. 
 Subdue the unholy passions of our souls, and saA'e 
 us from the corruption that is in the Avorld through 
 lust ; deliver us from all evil ; that aa^c, cleansing 
 ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, 
 and perfecting holiness in thy fear, may finally 
 come to thine eternal kingdom, and be presented 
 faultless through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 Most merciful Father, spare thy people Avliom 
 Thou hast redeemed, and suffer not the righteous 
 to perish out of the land ; neither be Thou Avroth 
 Avitli thy servants, Jest the spirit should fail before 
 Thee, and the souls Avhich Thou hast made. But 
 Thou, Lord, have mercy upon us, and grant that 
 it may be Avell with us and with our children for 
 ever. And as Thou hast promised to bless all that 
 Ave set our hand unto, give us to eat of our bread 
 to the full, and dwell in the land safely. Be 
 merciful to our country and our kindred; be 
 gracious to our Sovereign Lady the Queen and all 
 the members of the Royal Family. Let our rulers 
 be such as fear Thee ; men of truth, and hating 
 covetousness, that righteousness may be the sta- 
 bility of our times. 
 
 Into thy hands we now commit our spirits; grant 
 that Ave may lie down, and none make us afraid. 
 Give us the sleep of thy beloved ; and Avhen we 
 awake, let us still be Avith Thee. Take also under 
 thy care all Avhom Ave love, and let thy blessing 
 rest upon them. All this Ave humbly beg for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 131 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINETEENTH WEEK— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XL. 1—16. 
 
 OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 for thy mercy shown to us as a family, and as 
 individuals, dm-iiig the past night, we praise Thee. 
 We bless Thee for preservation from numberless 
 evils. We bless Thee for food, raiment, health, 
 friends. Above all, Ave bless Thee for the gift of 
 thy Son, to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and 
 also an ensample of godly life ; and for the pro- 
 mise of thy Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. 
 
 We confess ourselves most unworthy of all this 
 mercy and love. We are sinners, great sinners. 
 Oh, be not extreme to mark what we have done 
 amiss. Blot out as a cloud our transgressions, 
 and as a thick cloud our sins. Pour out upon us 
 this morning thy Holy Spirit. Raise up thy 
 power, and come amongst us, and with great 
 might succour us. Keep constantly before our 
 minds to-day the remembrance of thy great love, 
 and let it constrain us to avoid all sin, and to seek 
 in word and work to glorify Thee. In all the 
 manifold temptations to which we may be exposed 
 to-day, be Thou with us, and strengthen us to re- 
 sist and overcome them. In all the troubles that 
 may befall us to-day, be Thou with us. Give us 
 comfort, and a quiet mind. Enable us to see thy 
 hand in all, and to believe that all is well. In 
 all the difficulties in which we may be placed to- 
 day, be Thou with us. Give us counsel and 
 guidance ; deliver us from impatience ; help us to 
 cast all our care upon Thee, and then quietly to 
 wait for the way of escape which Thou wilt open 
 to us. 
 
 And especially we pray Thee to make us useful 
 to others to-day. By word and by example, help 
 us to point them to Jesus. May we ourselves 
 live, and speak, and act as those who have 
 been separated to be thine own. May we ever 
 show by our conduct that we have taken Christ 
 for our Master and our Friend ; that we are really 
 resting upon Him as our wisdom, our righteous- 
 ness, our sanctification, and our redemption ; and 
 that we have a good hope that hereafter we shall 
 live and reign with Him. 
 
 Bless, God, all our dear relatives and friends. 
 Make them all thy children by adoption and grace. 
 
 Bless our beloved Queen, our rulers, and our 
 country generally. Let peace and concord abound, 
 and hasten that glad day when thy name shall be 
 magnified throughout the whole world, and when 
 the knowledge of thy glory shall cover the earth 
 even as the waters cover the seas. 
 
 Pardon, Lord, the imperfections of these 
 oiu' prayers, and do exceeding abundantly for us 
 above all that we can either ask or think, for his 
 sake in whose merits alone we trust, even Jesus 
 Christ, thy dear Son, om' Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XVIII. 15-30. 
 
 WE thank Thee, Lord, for the encouraging 
 truth that the things impossible with men are 
 possible with Thee. We adore Thee, Christ, 
 the Son of the living God, for having lived as man 
 among men, and for having died for us men, and 
 for our salvation. With the simplicity and con- 
 fidence of children, may we receive thy kingdom 
 into our hearts, accept thy rule, and cheerfully 
 sacrifice ourselves and our all to thy will. May 
 thy command be our law ; thy will our rule. 
 Take away sin from our hearts, that it may never 
 separate us from Thee. 
 
 Help us, Lord, ever rightly to appreciate the 
 realities of eternity. Having the eye of faith 
 fixed on things which are not seen, may we rise 
 superior to the present world, and be ever ready 
 to count all things but loss if we may gain Christ. 
 Whenever the world would allure us from Thee, 
 help us then, with a firmer hold and a stronger 
 will, to cleave to Thee as our chief good, our joy, 
 and our all. 
 
 Lord our God, Thou art holy, but we are 
 vile and sinful. With penitent hearts would we 
 come to Thee, confessing our faithlessness. We 
 mourn over our wilfulness, waywardness, and 
 selfishness. Bestow upon us sincere sorrow for 
 sin. Inspire us with that faith that will enable us 
 to cast our burden of sin on Jesus Christ the 
 Saviour. Notwithstanding our forgeffulness of 
 Thee and our rebellion against Thee, reveal to us 
 again thy mercy in Christ Jesus. Thou Eternal 
 Spirit, come now into our hearts, and bear thy 
 witness to om' acceptance with God. Chase away 
 all darkness from our minds, and all doubt from 
 our heai-ts, and fill us with thy glorious light. 
 Be our Sanctifier, by sprinlding oiu- consciences 
 with the precious bloodl of atonement, that we may 
 be the consecrated ser\ rants of Christ for ever. 
 
 And now. Lord, at 'the close of another day, we 
 render Thee anew tlie homage of our hearts. 
 Thou art worthy to be praised by all, but more 
 especially by us, on whom Thou hast conferred so 
 many benefits. We praise Thee that thy watchful 
 eye has been upon us, and thy gracious hand 
 underneath us, to protect ^nd uphold us through 
 the perils and duties of the day. Extend to us 
 and ours the same loving care throughout the 
 watches of the night, and may the morning find 
 us with vigour renewed, and with a will more 
 resolute than ever to love, £ind serve, and obey 
 Thee, the God of our life. Let it please Thee, 
 Lord, to accept this our offerii ig of praise, and to 
 hear and answer our united s. applications, for the 
 alone sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and 
 Redeemer ; and to the Father, Son, and Spirit be 
 endless praise. Amen» 
 
 r 132 ] 
 
 \ 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NINETEENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EXODUS XL. 17-33. 
 
 GOD of our fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, 
 and Jacob, the God and Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, bend thine ear to our morning 
 prayer. Thou that sittest between the cherubim, 
 shine forth. In the name of Jesus we would 
 now enter within the vail, rejoicing to think that 
 thy grace shines upon us from our Lord, the 
 true mercy-seat. Give us faith to see the blood 
 sprinkled upon that mercy-seat, and so to come 
 boldly to the throne of grace. Lord Jesus, be 
 thou our High Priest at God's right hand ; bear 
 cm' names upon thy breast-plate before Him, and 
 grave them on the palms of thy pierced hands. 
 And do Thou, blessed Comforter, teach us to 
 pray. 
 
 We feel it to be a good thing to give thanks 
 unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy holy 
 name, Most High. For making us so fearfully 
 and wonderfully, with hands to work, and minds 
 to think, and heai'ts to love, great Creator, we 
 thank Thee. For opening thy hand, and satisfying 
 the desire of every living thing, and for giving us 
 day by da^ our daily bread, great Preserver, we 
 thank Thee. For the light of the Gospel, for the 
 gift of thy Son, for the grace of thy Spirit, Father 
 of mercies, we thank Thee. 
 
 We praise Thee, precious Redeemer, that 
 when Thou tookest upon Thee to deliver man. Thou 
 didst not abhor the Virgin's womb ; and that 
 when Thou hadst overcome the sharpness of death, 
 Thou didst open the kingdom of heaven to all 
 believers. 
 
 We praise Thee, Spirit of the living God, for 
 striving with our hearts ; for translating those of 
 us M'ho believe out of darkness into the kingdom of 
 God's dear Son ; for bearing with all our way- 
 wardness and with all our wickedness, and for still 
 continuing to bring to our remembrance the Avords 
 and works of our Saviour. 
 
 And now, holy Father, take us under thy care 
 for the day. Let not the work of the world hinder 
 us from working out our salvation with fear and 
 trembling, but keep us always mindful that one 
 thing is needful. If troubles and perplexities 
 should come, help us to cast all our care upon 
 Thee, and in our hours of pleasure be Thou our 
 chief joy. 
 
 Temptations are very near, but do Thou, the 
 good Shepherd, make us thy sheep, and keep and 
 defend us from all the power of the enemy. 
 
 Grant that very often, in the midst of business 
 or of pleasure, our hearts may ascend in prayer to 
 Thee, though it be but for a moment ; 
 
 " And help us this and every day 
 To live more nearly as we pray." 
 
 We ask it for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XX. 1-16. 
 
 OMOST merciful God and Father, who art rich 
 in mercy towards all who call upon Thee 
 through thy dear Son, we beseech Tliee, for his 
 sake, to look upon us with favour, and to give us 
 thy blessing. We can do nothing good of our- 
 selves. We are utterly without strength. Sin 
 taints and defiles all our actions. We desire, 
 therefore, to humble ourselves beneath thy mighty 
 hand, and to seek for pardon through the atoning 
 blood of Christ. Oh, renew in us a right spirit, 
 and teach us to walk in thy holy fear all the days 
 of our life. 
 
 We bless Thee for having graciously preserved 
 us during the past day, and for again permitting us 
 to draw near to thy throne of grace. Give us 
 prayerful hearts. Enlighten our eyes, that we may 
 understand thy blessed Word. Help us to obey its 
 precepts, and hide them in our memories, that we 
 may not sin against Thee. Show us more per- 
 fectly that to be truly happy and useful upon earth, 
 we must follow in the steps of Christ's most holy 
 life, and seek to have the mind which was in Him. 
 Set our affections on things above, that we may 
 approve ourselves as his disciples, and be willing to 
 take up our cross. Strengthen us, that we may 
 never shrink from discharging our duty, whether 
 towards God or towards man, and assist us to 
 commend thy truth by the consistency of our lives 
 and the purity of our speech. May our light so 
 shine before men, that we may convince them that 
 godliness is profitable for all things, and may per- 
 suade them to seek after the one thing needful. 
 
 Preserve us from a spirit of envy. May we 
 always have grace to believe that Thou art good, 
 and doest good. Keep us, Lord, from an evil 
 eye and proud heart, lest we convert thy mercies 
 into occasions of discontent, and murmur against 
 Thee. Give us that wisdom which cometh from 
 above, and incline us to commit our way unto 
 Thee with the confidence of thine adopted children. 
 Confirm our faith in Christ, and make us ever 
 thankful for that great love wherewith He lovetli 
 us. May no temptation from without, or in- 
 dwelling frailty, separate us fi.'om Him, lest we 
 become barren and imfruitful. Sanctify us by thy 
 Holy Spirit, that we may daily grow in grace, and 
 walk worthily of Thee, and do Thou keep us by thy 
 power through faith unto salvation. Let thy 
 fatherly hand ever be over us as a family, and over 
 all whom we love. Guide us in our going out and 
 coming in from this time forth and for evermore. 
 Defend us this night under the shadow of thy 
 wing, and grant us sweet repose, that we may be 
 refreshed for the spiritual duties and engagements 
 of the morrow, through Jesus Christ thy Son, 
 our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 133 ] 
 
MOUNIKG.] 
 
 TWENTIETH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EVENDS'O. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS V. 
 
 LORD God of Hosts ! thanks to thy holy name 
 that we see the hght of another Sabbath. On 
 this holy day of sweet and sacred rest Thou dost 
 call us once more to special communion with our 
 own hearts, with thy people, and with Thee. May 
 we be in the Spirit on this Lord's day; and let 
 this blessing be enjoyed by all thy people. 
 
 Lord, we are unworthy to appear in thy pre- 
 sence and engage in thy service. Our natm'e is 
 corrupt, our heart is depraved ; our spirit, speech, 
 and behaviour all testify against us. Alas ! we are 
 stamped and stained Avith proofs of our sinfulness. 
 Wherewith shall we come before the Lord, and 
 bow ourselves before the high God ? 
 
 Our trust is in our great High Priest, who died 
 the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to 
 God. Eternal thanks for Him whom Thou hast 
 appointed to this office on our behalf. We have 
 not a high priest who cannot be touched with the 
 feeling of our infirmity. He knows our frame, 
 and grants us his sympathy and succour. Through 
 Him we draw near with humble boldness to thy 
 throne of grace. Our dependence is on his finished 
 work — his prevailing intercession: We plead his 
 name; we rely on his merits; we trust in his power 
 and promise. We rejoice that He is the author of 
 eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him. 
 Behold, God, our Shield, and look upon the 
 face of thine Anointed. Grant that we and our 
 services this day may be accepted through our great 
 High Priest, Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 
 
 our Father, have compassion on us, for atc 
 are ignorant and compassed with infirmities. Give 
 us pardon and peace through the blood of the 
 Lamb, that we may worship Thee in sincerity and 
 eai'uestness. May our sorrows, as well as our 
 mercies, be sanctified to us ; and, like thy beloved 
 Son, may we learn obedience by the things Avhich 
 we suffer. 
 
 Lord, we beseech Thee, bless abundantly the 
 provisions of thy house on this thy day. May thy 
 ministers have a double portion of thy Holy Spirit 
 to aid them in their great work; and may we go 
 to the sanctuary hungering and tliirsting for thy 
 grace. Alas ! we have not prized our privileges, 
 nor improved them as we ought. We have been 
 dull of hearing; we need to have line upon line, 
 and to be instructed again and again in the first 
 principles of the oracles of God. This day meet 
 with us, and bless us. As new-born babes, may 
 we desire the sincere" milk of the word. May we 
 grow in faith and love, in meekness and spirituality, 
 in activity and usefulness, and every gift and grace, 
 till, through thine infinite mercy, we reach the 
 measure of a perfect man in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 We ask every blessing for his sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XX. 17-34. 
 
 OGOD, our Father, let thine eye be upon us in 
 mercy, and thine ear be attentive to our prayer. 
 We thank Thee that the way is open to thy foot- 
 stool, and that tlu-ough thy dear Son we may make 
 known our requests unto Thee, and that Thou wilt 
 receive our praise. Quicken in us by thy Spirit 
 such a deep sense of thy love, that we may delight 
 to draw near to Thee as thy children, and hold 
 communion with our Father in heaven. 
 
 Especially, God, may we have the grace to 
 value thy Sabbaths, and highly to prize the oppor- 
 tunities Avhich they bring to us. We confess that 
 our frequent misuse of thy gifts might justly cause 
 Thee to withhold them. Could Ave read the secrets 
 of the heart as Thou hast read them, and recall all 
 which Thou hast seen in us this day, of sin and 
 irreverence, and forgetfulness, and formality, Ave 
 should be ashamed of ourselves before Thee. How 
 unmindful have we been of thy majesty ! How 
 little have Ave been conscious of thy presence. 
 How cold have been our praises ! How little have 
 Ave felt of the sinfulness over Avhich our lips have 
 mourned, or of our need of the grace for which 
 AA'e have asked. Have compassion upon us, our 
 God ; bear Avith our many infirmities, and forgive 
 us all the sins of thy holy day. And, oh, renew 
 us by thy Holy Spirit. Kindle Avithin us more 
 heavenly affections. AAvaken in us purer and 
 loftier desires. Give us, aa^c beseech Thee, a 
 spiritual mind, Avith its life and peace. And grant 
 that as Ave think of our Redeemer's sufferings, and 
 the life-long cross of trial Avhich He bore, Ave may 
 cheerfully bear our cross after Him ; and if called 
 to drink of the bitter cup of his people, may Ave 
 not murmur, but count it all joy to be partakers of 
 his sufferings. Correct all our blind and s-elfish 
 desires, and enable us Avith humility and content- 
 ment to receive all thy gifts, and to use them as for 
 Thee, the Giver. 
 
 Bless, Lord, all the ministrations of thy Word, 
 Avhether read or preached, this day, to ourseh'es or 
 to otliers. We trust that it has been soAvn in 
 many prepared hearts, and that, by the accom- 
 panying poAver of thy Spirit, it may be glorified 
 in the salvation and spiritual prosperity of many 
 souls. GiA^e, AA^e beseech Thee, a double portion 
 of blessing to all Avho have been prevented in 
 thy providence from worshipping in the assembly 
 of thy people, and enrich them with thy heavenly 
 grace. 
 
 Let thy guardianship and care be on us for the 
 night. May Ave and all Avho belong to us rest in 
 peace beneath thy sheltering Aving, and be raised 
 in the morning strengthened to serve Thee in the 
 duties of another day. Hear us, and ansAver us, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 134 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTIETH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS X. 
 
 OGOD, who art of purer eyes than to behold 
 iniquity, may we draw near to Thee by the 
 new and living way which Thou hast consecrated 
 for us. 
 
 While encouraged, by the promises of thy Word 
 and the mediation of Christ, to come boldly unto 
 the throne of grace, may we come with the bold- 
 ness becoming a conviction of our guilt and a 
 sense of our unworthiness, tempered by considera- 
 tions of thine unsearchable greatness and perfect 
 purity. 
 
 May our devotion be kindled with fire from the 
 altar of our God, find a place in the golden censer 
 of our great High Priest, and, presented with the 
 prayers of all saints, be an offering of a sweet- 
 smelling savour, acceptable to Thee through Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 It is of thy mercies that we are not consumed 
 for having so often come before Thee in our wor- 
 ship with the strange fire of formality, self-righte- 
 ousness, and a worldly mind. How, then, can we 
 sufficiently adore thy long-suffering towards us, 
 that a fire has not been kindled in thine anger, and 
 come forth from thy presence, to consume us for 
 our heinous sins against the authority of thy law 
 and the mercy of thy Gospel ? 
 
 We pray that our sins may be all forgiven for 
 the sake of Christ, our paschal Lamb, who suffered 
 the Just for the unjust. Purify and refine us by 
 the Spirit of burning, the fire of thy Word, and 
 the furnace of affliction. 
 
 Help us to learn wisdom from the conduct of 
 thy servant Aaron, and enable us, like him, meekly 
 to bow at all times to thy righteous judgments. 
 
 May we keep ourselves unspotted from the 
 world dead in trespasses and sins. When cor- 
 rected for our sins, may we be silent and submis- 
 sive under the correction, and be quickened by it 
 to serve Thee in newness of life. [Be gracious to 
 our dear children, and convert them. Let not one 
 of them live or die offering strange fire on thine 
 altar ; but let the beauty of the Lord our God be 
 upon them, that, satisfied early with thy mercy, they 
 may rejoice and be glad all their days.] 
 
 Help us this day to walk in the fear of God, and in 
 the comforts of the Holy Ghost. Help us, in om- in- 
 tercourse with the world, to adorn the doctrine of 
 God our Saviour in all things. Hold Thou us up, and 
 we shall be safe ; be our Arm every morning, and 
 our Salvation in every time of trouble. Deliver us 
 from every evil work, and preserve us unto thy 
 heavenly kingdom. Let these our prayers, 
 Lord, be acceptable unto Thee, through Jesus 
 Christ thy Son, our great High Priest, who ever 
 liveth to make intercession for all who come unto 
 Thee through Him, Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS IV. 
 
 HOLY and Divine Spirit, graciously quicken 
 our minds, and abstract our thoughts from all 
 worldly objects and cares, while we approach thy 
 throne of grace to present our evening prayer. 
 
 We desire with gratitude to express our thanks 
 for the mercies of the closing day. Thine hand 
 hath led us, thy right hand hath liolden us. We 
 meet in peace and safety after the cares, and 
 fatigues, and dangers of the day. We remember 
 that our times are in thy hand, and to thy un- 
 wearying love we owe our comforts and mercies, 
 and the special privileges that surround us at 
 this time. Bring home to our hearts, gracious 
 Father, the daily lessons taught us by thy provi- 
 dence, and sanctify to us the truths we have read 
 from thy precious Word. We bless Thee for the 
 holy ministry, and for all the gracious blessings 
 which it has conferred upon the children of men. 
 Oh, may all thy servants be inspired with the same 
 Spirit as the apostle Paul, and preach the same 
 Gospel, and find their joy and crown of rejoicing 
 in the salvation of souls, and in the edifying of thy 
 Church. 
 
 Pardon, we beseech Thee, Lord, our mani- 
 fold sins. Who knoweth how oft he off'endeth 
 against Thee ? Cleanse Thou us from secret faults, 
 and deliver us from every evil way ; let no unholy 
 temper, thought, or affection have dominion over 
 us. We implore Thee to give us a clean heart, 
 and put a right spirit within us, that we may walk 
 by faith in Christ, and daily overcome evil with 
 good. 
 
 Lord, suffer not the business we are engaged 
 in, or our home duties, or the pleasures of this 
 world, to occupy our minds, to the exclusion of 
 Thyself and of eternal things. Daily correct our 
 tendency to worldly-mindedness, and increase our 
 faith in the Gospel of thy Son our Saviour, that, 
 strengthened by thy grace, we may seek first the 
 kingdom of our God and of his rio;hteousness. 
 Sanctify to as the troubles and disappointments 
 of life ; may we have thy promises to cheer us, 
 and thy peace dwelling in our minds. 
 
 Permit us to plead with Thee on behalf of our 
 country. Shed thy choicest gifts on our beloved 
 Sovereign, and on every member of the Royal 
 Family. Give wisdom and uprightness to our 
 senators, and bless the poor of our land ; deliver 
 them from want, and feed them with the bread of 
 life. Forgive our national sins ; promote affection 
 and amity among all Christians ; visit our churches 
 with the showers of blessing, and increase their 
 zeal for thy glory. Be our defence this night. 
 Into the hands of our covenant God we com- 
 mend our spirits, and all we ask is for Jesus' 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 C 135 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTIETH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS XVI. 1—22. 
 
 OLORD God, our heavenly Father, we rejoice 
 in the renewed tokens of thy constant love. 
 We would receive all thy mercies with thankful- 
 ness, acknowledging Thee as our Benefactor, and 
 beseeching Thee for grace to show forth thy praise, 
 not only with our lips, but in our lives. 
 
 Suffer not, we pray Thee, the daily recurrence of 
 thy goodness to us to lessen the impressions of our 
 obligation and responsibility to Thee. May v,e be 
 humbled under a sense of our utter unworthiness 
 to receive the least of all thy mercies. May we 
 remember with adoring gratitude the mediation 
 of thy beloved Son, our Redeemer, by whose 
 meritorious obedience and atoning sacrifice we are 
 brought nigh to Thee, to receive the blessings of 
 thy providence, as well as the riches of thine 
 heavenly kingdom. 
 
 Accompany, we pray Thee, with the illumination 
 of thy Holy Spirit, the reading of thy holy Word. 
 May we this morning have spiritual discernment of 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, as the one 
 High Priest of our profession. May we all look 
 unto Him with a believing, contrite heart, and be 
 saved. We acknowledge our manifold transgres- 
 sions, the imperfection and evil which we bring 
 with us to this service of praise and prayer. 
 our God, we are unable of ourselves to make 
 atonement for sin ; but we plead the one sacrifice 
 of Christ, which taketh away sin. May our sins 
 through Him be so forgiven as to be found no 
 more for ever. 
 
 Grant unto us this day, Lord, strength to 
 fulfil our duties. Prosper Thou the work of our 
 hands; sustain us in the hour of temptation, and 
 suffer not the evil of the world to obtain the 
 mastery over the affections of our heart, or the 
 purposes of our mind. If called to endure afflic- 
 tion, grant us cheerful submission ; and if called to 
 witness the sorrows of others, help us to sym- 
 pathise with and to alleviate them. 
 
 Exalted Saviour, walk with us this day, as our 
 guide, our pattern, our counsellor, and our defence ; 
 and aid us to serve Thee. Should occasion offer, 
 strengthen us to speak the word in season, that sin 
 may be reproved, and the power of thy salvation 
 may be revealed. 
 
 Remember with thy choicest favour the members 
 of our family; convert and save the ungodly; 
 strengthen the faith of those who believe. Bless 
 our neighbourhood with increase of light, even the 
 Gospel of Christ, who is the light of the world. 
 Let his light shine more and more. Mercifully 
 fulfil thy promises in our experience as a family. 
 May thy favour be our portion ; may thy blessing 
 be our continual joy. Hear these our prayers, for 
 Jesus Clu'ist's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XIX. 1—10. 
 
 OLORD God Almighty, the Author and Giver of 
 every good and every perfect gift, we thank 
 Thee for all the blessings of the past day. Tiiou 
 hast supplied our wants by thy fatherly bounty 
 and love. Thou hast restrained us by thy pre- 
 venting grace, and we are now permitted to read 
 thy holy Word, and to offer up our prayers to 
 Thee for the forgiveness of all our sins. 
 
 We thank Thee that Thou art as willing to re- 
 ceive sinners now as Tliou wast in the days of thy 
 incarnation, when Thou didst bring salvation to tlie 
 house of Zaccheus. Make us as anxious to see 
 Thee, ■ and as willing to receive Thee, as this 
 penitent, publican ; and make us as willing to show 
 the sincerity of our repentance by acts of benevo- 
 lence and charity; and oh, let salvation come to this 
 house. We rejoice to know that the Son of Man 
 is come to seek and to save that which is lost. We 
 are lost, by our M^anderings, and unfaithfulness, 
 and sin ; do Thou save us. Give us faith in Jesus 
 Christ, that we also may become sons of Abraham, 
 who believed God, and it was counted to him for 
 righteousness. Thus let us have peace with Thee, 
 and lie down upon our beds with consciences void 
 of offence before God and man. Preserve us from 
 all the evils and dangers of the night. Give thine 
 angels charge concerning us, that they may watch 
 around our beds, as they have been about our path. 
 Keep our house from fire, and the attacks of 
 wicked men. Keep our bodies from disease and 
 death, and refresh and strengthen us by sleep for 
 the performance of the duties of the coming day. 
 
 Have mercy on the houseless wanderer, the des- 
 titute, and poor. Give support and shelter to the 
 distressed. Be very gracious to the sick, who are 
 tossing to and fro upon beds of languishing ; com- 
 fort and sustain them in their suffering and weak- 
 ness. Prepare the dying for death ; cheer them 
 in this last stage of their earthly journey ; in the 
 eveningtide let it be light about them. Mercifully 
 defend and guide all who are far away upon the 
 sea, pursuing their course over the dark, and 
 trackless, and perhaps stormy waters. Be Thou 
 their light and their help, and bring them in safety 
 to the desired haven. Bless the members of our 
 families, thy whole Church, and the world at 
 large. Oh, hasten the time when the clouds and 
 darkness of the night of sin shall be chased away 
 by the rising of the Sun of Righteousness with 
 healing in his wings; Avhen the Day-dawn and 
 Day-star from on high shall bring in the morning of 
 a glorious day, and when all shall know Thee from 
 the least unto the greatest. We humbly but con- 
 fidently commit ourselves to thy care, and present 
 ourselves and our prayers to Thee, in the name of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 t 136 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTIETH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS X. 1-22. 
 
 OLORD God, our God and Father in Jesus 
 Christ, Tliou art glorious in hohness, fearful 
 in praises, doing wonders. Thou art of purer eyes 
 than to behold iniquity; and yet Thou hast opened 
 for sinful man a path of return to Thyself, by 
 giving Jesus to be the new and living way. We 
 bless Thee that we have boldness to enter into the 
 Holiest, into thy sacred and awful presence, by his 
 most precious blood. 
 
 We come, gracious Father, for cleansing : wash 
 away, we pray Thee, every guilty stain in that 
 Fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Grant 
 that our hearts may be sprinkled from an evil con- 
 science, so that we may continually rejoice before 
 Thee. We come to Thee for enlightenment : cause 
 us to understand and to know that by one offering 
 Jesus hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. 
 We come to Thee for grace to obey thy will in all 
 things : may thy Holy Sj)irit put thy laws into our 
 hearts, and write them in our minds. We come to 
 Tliee for steadfastness : make us bold to confess 
 Christ before men. Keep us from ever being 
 ashamed of Him and his words. Help us to 
 endure even unto the end. And do Thou, by the 
 continual supplies of thy grace, stablish, strengthen, 
 settle us. 
 
 Grant, we pray Thee, that this day we may 
 adorn in our lives the doctrine we profess. Help 
 us, our God and Father, to do the truth. Make 
 us sincere, and without offence, and earnest in 
 everything. Put away from us the way of lying. 
 Cause us to hate eveiy false way. May our deeds 
 as well as our words be according to the truth ; 
 and help us, in all simplicity and godly sincerity, 
 to follow the example of the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Graciously bless us, our God, in our daily 
 work. May we do everything in the name of the 
 Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the 
 Father by Him. And should temptation come, or 
 perplexities embarrass us, oh, hold Thou up our 
 goings in thy paths, that our footsteps slip not. 
 
 We desire, most merciful and gracious God, to 
 remember before Thee all thine unspeakable good- 
 ness to us. Day by day Thou renewest thy 
 mercies ; Thou makest the outgoings of each morn- 
 ing and evening to rejoice. We thank Thee for 
 food and raiment — for family comforts and bless- 
 ings — for our many temporal mercies ; but, above 
 all, for the gift of Jesus Christ thy dear Son, and 
 in Him for the means of grace and the hope of 
 glory. May we show our thankfulness by lives 
 devoted to thy service in the Gospel of thy Son. 
 
 Bless our dear relations and friends. Take them 
 this day into thy holy care and keeping ; and do 
 for us and them more than we are able to ask or 
 think, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XIX. 11—27. 
 
 ETERNAL God, the Creator and Preserver of 
 all mankind, Giver of all spiritual grace, the 
 Author of everlasting life, be pleased at this time 
 to hear us from heaven thy dwelling-place; and 
 when Thou hearest, forgive. 
 
 Thou, Lord, knowest us altogether. Thou 
 knowest each household, and its wants — each wor- 
 shipper, and his desire — each bosom, and its sor- 
 rows — each heart, and its besetting sin ; and Thou 
 art able to supply all our need. Pour down upon 
 us, we beseech Thee, the abundance of thy mercy, 
 forgiving us those sins whereof our conscience is 
 afraid, and giving us those good things which we 
 are not worthy to ask but through the merit and 
 mediation of Jesus Christ thy Son, our Lord. 
 
 We confess before Thee that we are unprofitable 
 servants. Entrusted with precious talents, how 
 often have we neglected to occupy them for Thee ! 
 What cause have we to lament many things done 
 this day which we ought not to have done, and many 
 things left undone which we ought to have done I 
 Our faith has been wanting in simplicity and in sin- 
 cerity, and therefore we have failed to glorify Thee 
 in our bodies and in our spirits, which are thine. 
 Lord, we pray Thee, give us an increase of 
 faith. Cause us to feel more deeply and con- 
 stantly that we are not our own, that we have 
 been bought with a price ; and constrain us, by 
 the love of Christ shed abroad in our hearts by 
 the Holy Spirit, to walk in the way. of thy com- 
 mandments, and to adorn the doctrine of God our 
 Saviour in all things. Suffer us not to be deceived, 
 or to deceive ourselves, with false thoughts of Thee 
 and thy service, as if Thou wert a hard Master ; 
 but grant that we may grow in grace and in the 
 knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 We would remember before Thee all for whom 
 we ought to pray. Give special grace to those 
 who are called to occupy high places ; preserve 
 them from the perils of earthly greatness, and 
 dispose them to walk humbly with their God. 
 Visit Avith thy fatherly consolations all that are in 
 danger, necessity, and tribulation. Sanctify trial 
 and discipline to those who are exercised thereby. 
 Bless us as a family. Let it ever be our united 
 resolve, "As for us and our house, we will serve 
 the Lord." Regard with thy favour the aged and 
 the young, especially those among our own dear 
 relatives. Grant that the aged may come to the 
 grave in righteousness, as a shock of com in its 
 season, and that the young may grow up in godli- 
 ness like the willows by the water-courses. 
 
 These our supplications and prayers, together 
 with our thanksgivings for past unnumbered 
 mei'cies, we humbly present in the name of Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 137 ] 
 
 No. i8. 
 
Morning. J 
 
 TWENTIETH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 I Evening. 
 
 ]iEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS XXIII. 1—22. 
 
 OLORD our God, we present ourselves before 
 Thee this morning to ask thy blessing, and to 
 acknowledge thy mercy. Thou hast dealt very 
 graciously with us, and we beseech Thee now to 
 give us thy Holy Spirit, and to enable us to pour 
 forth our hearts before Thee in sincerity and truth. 
 Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may live this day 
 as those who are bought and cleansed with the 
 precious blood of Christ. Six days we know we 
 should work, always remembering whose servants 
 we are, and that for every thought, and word, and 
 act, we must give account to God. We know 
 not what a day may bring forth, nor how a night 
 may terminate ; but we pray that both morning 
 and evening, and all day long, our hearts may be 
 sprinkled with the atoning blood of Christ, and that 
 we may neither be injured by man nor by Satan. 
 
 To Thee we desire to present oxu* bodies a living 
 sacrifice, holy and acceptable through Christ. To 
 Thee we would present the first-fruits of all our 
 increase, and the first thoughts and desires of each 
 day. We acknowledge that we are very sinful, 
 and that the leaven of wickedness has been working 
 within us ; but we implore Thee to forgive us our 
 sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
 Strengthen, we beseech Thee, Lord, the hands 
 of all who are engaged in thy service, and grant 
 that those who go forth weeping, bearing precious 
 seed, may come again rejoicing, bringing their 
 sheaves with them. We would especially pray for 
 the peace of Jerusalem, and the ingathering of all 
 her scattered tribes. Bless all societies whose 
 object it is to send forth labourers into the harvest, 
 and grant that the kingdom of Christ may soon be 
 established. 
 
 Help us to feed more and more upon thy 
 holy Word, receiving all Thou hast revealed with 
 the simplicity and trustfulness of little children. 
 May all who read thy Word be thereby strength- 
 ened and refreshed as by the bread of life. 
 Enable us so to hide thy truth in our hearts, that 
 we may not sin against Thee. Thou knowest, 
 heavenly Father, the coming events of each day, 
 its duties, temptations, and cares. Give us, we 
 pray Thee, such a supply of thy grace, that we 
 may walk according to thy will, and glorify thy 
 name. Whilst remembering One, who though he 
 was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, may we 
 think with compassion upon the needy, and 
 relieve their distress ; and do Thou, whose blessing 
 alone maketh rich, direct us with thy counsel 
 now, and in the time of harvest gather us into 
 thy heavenly garner, for- Jesus Christ's sake, in 
 wliose name we ask, both for oui'selves and all 
 \\ho are dear to us, these and all other mercies 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXIX, 73—8 
 
 which Thou seest good for us. Amen. 
 
 WE worship and bow down, and kneel before 
 Thee, Lord, our Maker ; for Thou art our 
 God, and we are the people of thy pasture, and the 
 sheep of thy hand. Thou art a great God, and of 
 great compassion. We thank Tliee for the many 
 gifts of thy bounty during the hours of this day ; 
 but, above all, for thine unspeakable gift of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 We acknowledge that we have gone astray like 
 lost sheep. How often have we ungratefully for- 
 gotten Thee, and forsaken thy way ! But we 
 return unto the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, 
 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all 
 iniquity. Father, forgive us, for thy dear Son's 
 sake. 
 
 Remembering all thy benefits, we dedicate our 
 whole body, and soul, and spirit unto Thee, a 
 living sacrifice. Give us understanding, that we 
 may keep thy precepts. Sanctify us tlu-ough thy 
 truth. Strengthen us to serve Thee with perfect 
 hearts and willing minds. 
 
 Thou who hast been tempted in all points 
 like as we are, yet without sin, be our Refuge 
 and Shield in the hoiu' of temptation. May we 
 overcome evil with good. May we walk worthy 
 of the holy name we bear, and show forth the 
 praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness 
 into his marvellous light. If we have to endure 
 hatred and persecution, comfort us with the assur- 
 ance that Thou wilt deliver the godly out of tempta- 
 tion. Leave us not, neither forsake us; but 
 perfect thy will in our souls. 
 
 We pray for all who are near and dear to us. 
 May those who know thy love be preserved blame- 
 less unto the end, and may our unconverted rela- 
 tives be brought into the fellowship of thy dear 
 Son. 
 
 Let thy kingdom come. Prosper the work of 
 thy universal Church. Pour out thy Spirit upon 
 all flesh. Bring the families of men into the 
 blessing of faithful Abraham, that Jews and 
 Gentiles may confess that Jesus is Lord, to the 
 glory of God the Father. 
 
 Lord, be Thou our keeper through the dark- 
 ness of the night. Preserve us from all evil : 
 preserve our bodies and our souls : preserve our 
 going out and our coming in from this time forth, 
 and even for evermore ; and, at last, bring us to 
 the mansions which are prepared in our Father's 
 house, where there is no night. 
 
 Thou that hearest prayer, accept our evening 
 sacrifice ; and when Thou hearest in heaven, thy 
 dwelling-place, forgive, and answer, and do : 
 granting unto us all spiritual blessings, and sup- 
 plying all our need, according to thy riches in 
 glory by Christ Jesus. Amen. 
 
 [ 138 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTIETH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS XXIII. 23—44 
 
 OHOLY, holj, holy, Lord God of hosts, in 
 whose sight the heavens themselves are not 
 clean, how shall we, miserable sinners of the earth, 
 presume to approach thy footstool? We bless 
 Thee that Thou hast provided a new and living 
 way in Jesus Christ, our great High Priest, and 
 that Thou hast invited us to draw near, through 
 Him, with boldness to thy throne of grace. Help 
 us to seek Thee this morning with godly reverence, 
 and to worship Thee in spirit and in truth. Help 
 us, Holy Grhost, in all our infirmities, and 
 enable us to pray with devout sincerity of heart. 
 
 We thank Thee, heavenly Father, that Thou 
 hast kept us through the past night in perfect safety, 
 and raised us up refreshed with health and 
 strength, and surrounded with new tokens of thy 
 providence. Teach us ever to remember with 
 grateful hearts that all these blessings flow directly 
 from Thee. But, above all, we tlmnk and praise 
 Thee for our spiritual privileges, and especially 
 that we have been permitted once more to read a 
 portion of thy Holy Word. May we prize its 
 sacred teaching; may we love to meditate upon 
 its truths. Give us grace to honour thy Sabbaths, 
 to attend with profit all thine ordinances, to devote 
 to thy service the first-fruits of all our labour, 
 and to dedicate ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, to 
 thy service. Thou hast told us to-day how thy 
 children of old did tabernacle in booths in the wil- 
 derness. Lord, these things remind us that here 
 we have no abiding city, that we also are pilgrims 
 and strangers upon earth. Give us such faith in 
 Jesus, and such confidence in his finished work 
 upon the cross, that when our earthly tabernacle of 
 the flesh is dissolved, we may be able to look with 
 bright assurance to that building of God, the house 
 not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, pre- 
 pared for them that love Thee. 
 
 And now, Lord, we go forth to the duties of 
 another day. Hold Thou up our goings in thy 
 paths, that om* footsteps slip not. Make our bodies 
 the temple of thy Holy Spirit to-day. Purify our 
 minds ; subdue our tempers ; sanctify all our con- 
 versation. In our contact with the world, keep us 
 amidst temptation. In all our dealing, may we do 
 unto others as we would they should do unto us. 
 Remove all eye-service. Make us diligent in 
 business, fervent in spirit, serving Thee, Lord, 
 our God, so that whether we eat or drink, or what- 
 soever we do, we may try and do all to thy honour 
 and glory. 
 
 Bless our Queen and country. Bless all the 
 faithful ministers of thy Gospel. Bless especially 
 our dear relatives and friends ; and receive us all 
 hereafter into thine own eternal kingdom, through 
 Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XL 1—29. 
 
 INFINITE and everlasting God, in whom we 
 -l live, and move, and have our being, whose 
 power sustains, whose wisdom guides, whose love 
 enriches all that thy hands have made, accept our 
 warmest thanks for the unnumbered mercies we 
 have this day received at thy hand. Thy very 
 thoughts unto us, God, how precious are they! 
 How great is the sum of them I If we should 
 count them, they are more in number than the 
 sand. And yet, alas ! how few have been our 
 thoughts of Thee, how poor our services, how faint 
 our gratitude ! We have forgotten Thee, whilst 
 Thou hast been mindful of us. Our hearts con- 
 demn us. Lord, have mercy upon us, and help 
 us to love Thee with all our hearts, and to show 
 forth our love by a ready obedience to thy will. 
 
 Oh that we could live as seeing Him who is 
 invisible 1 Oh that we might walk with God ! then 
 should we be safe from the tempting vanities of 
 the world. How great is our danger ! How 
 needful that we should watch unto prayer ! How 
 grave and solemn our responsibility ! Lord, who 
 is sufficient for these things? Gird us with thy 
 strength, thou Most High ! Hide us under the 
 shadow of thy wings. 
 
 Let thy blessing rest upon us as a family. Make 
 every member of our household a member of the 
 body of Christ. Let the love which binds us 
 together here be sanctified, so that we may be 
 companions in the road to heaven. Let us not be 
 separated at last. To this end may we be prepared 
 to die, trusting only in the merits of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 We worship Thee, our Saviour. Thou art the 
 Resurrection and the Life, and hast promised that 
 whosoever liveth and believeth in Thee shall never 
 die. Thou art God — God manifest in the flesh. 
 As the Christ of God Thou hast spoken ; and thy 
 words we have now read. Thou hast acted ; and 
 the story of thy deeds we have listened to with 
 wonder and delight. Thou canst now raise us 
 from the death of sin, as Thou didst raise Lazarus 
 from the grave. 
 
 Have we passed from death unto life? Then 
 strengthen otu: life, and lead us on to spiritual 
 maturity. Are we, or any who are dear to us, 
 still dead in trespasses ani sins ? Lord, listen 
 to our earnest prayer, that now thy voice may be 
 heard, saying, " Come forth and live !" This very 
 night may we be delivered from the bonds which 
 have bound us, and walk forth on the morrow in 
 newness of life. Come and visit our slumbering 
 souls, and let there be joy here and in heaven over 
 the spiritual resurrection of those for whom we 
 pray. Hear us, Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 139 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTIETH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH I. 
 
 OTHOU all-seeing and heart-searching God, 
 regard, we beseech Thee, the supplications of 
 thy servants who would now draw nigh to Thee 
 in the name of thy Son, our only Saviour. We 
 have now read of thy judgments against thy 
 people because of their multiplied iniquities. 
 Lord, make this Scripture profitable to us for cor- 
 rection and instruction in righteousness. 
 
 With shame we must confess that we, indi- 
 vidually and nationally, have sinned against Thee, 
 and grievously offended thy Divine Majesty: we 
 have been unmindful of thy love, have set at 
 naught thy commandments, and preferred our 
 own wills to thine. Lord God, by thy Holy 
 Spirit, make us heartily sorry for all our mis- 
 doings. Lord, in the name of Jesus Christ we 
 come to Thee for pardon and purification. Do 
 Thou wash us, and we shall be clean. Wash us in 
 the precious blood of Jesus, that we may become 
 without spot or blemish in thy sight. 
 
 And, Lord, help us against all the sinful 
 tempers and habits which most beset us. Through 
 thy grace may we be enabled to cease to do evil, 
 and to learn to do well. May we use all our 
 members as instruments of holiness unto Thee, and 
 delight to run in the way of thy commandments. 
 
 Do Thou renew us in the spirit of our minds, 
 and dispose us to love our neighbours as ourselves. 
 May we bear one another's burdens, and be kind, 
 tender-hearted, loving, and forgiving towards 
 all men. Lord God, for Jesus' sake help us 
 thus to live : and make all thino-s belono-inff 
 to the flesh to die in us, and all things belonging 
 to the Spirit to live and grow in us. 
 
 We pray, also, for the rising generation. God 
 of love, grant that they may grow up to be a seed 
 whom Thou shalt bless. Daily renew them by the 
 Holy Spirit, and make them, as they increase in 
 stature, to increase in wisdom and in favour with 
 God and man. We pray for all connected with us, 
 that they may be taught of Thee ; and that true 
 religion and piety may increase in our families and 
 neighbourhoods. 
 
 Lord, hear us for our country. Make us to 
 be a people fearing Thee and working righteous- 
 ness. Bless our Queen, and all the Royal Family. 
 Do Thou counsel all their counsellers, and give 
 them a right judgment in all things. Let thy 
 wisdom guide our Parliament, and direct and 
 prosper all their consultations to the advancement 
 of thy glory, the good of thy Church, and the 
 safety, honour, and welfare of our Sovereign and 
 her dominions. 
 
 Heavenly Father, hear these our confessions, 
 supplications, and intercessions for Jesus Christ's 
 sake, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XI. 30—46. 
 
 FATHER of mercies and God of all comfort, 
 the Author of our life and the Giver of all 
 good things, we adore Thee for thy gracious 
 dealings with us this day, and again look up to 
 thy throne in the hope of continued mercy, for our 
 deep need. We plead the name and righteousness 
 of thy dear Son, and pray that through his 
 mediation, whom Thou hearest always, our suppli- 
 cations and thanksgivings may be accepted, and 
 that we may have an answer of peace. 
 
 It is our comfort to know, God, that all 
 things that concern us are in thy hand ; that in oiu* 
 troubles and necessities Thou art near, even when 
 we see Thee not, and that in all thy dispensations 
 Thou hast a purpose of mercy towards us. May we 
 in prosperity look up to Thee in grateful remem- 
 brance of thy love, and in adversity rely, without 
 a doubt, on thy wisdom and grace. We recall, 
 with thankfulness and praise, the tokens of Jesus' 
 sympathy, and the assurance that He is touched 
 with the feeling of our infirmities, and enters into 
 our sorrows. We recall, with thankfulness and 
 praise, the signs of his power, in that He could 
 not only give sight to the blind and a tongue to 
 the dumb, but even call from the grave them that 
 were dead. Lord Jesus, reveal unto us more 
 clearly thy tenderness and compassion, and cause 
 us to experience the outgoings of thy power. In- 
 crease our faith. Have mercy on our unbelief, 
 and em-ich us abundantly with all spiritual bless- 
 ings. Arouse our cold hearts to greater spiritual 
 earnestness. Give us the faith which overcomes 
 the world, and by the power of thy Spirit raise 
 our affections to things above. Give us increased 
 willingness in thy service, and a constant watch- 
 fulness against all sin ; and so constrain us by a 
 sense of thy love that we may find thy command- 
 ments pleasant, cheerfully bear every cross, and 
 patiently submit in all things to thy all-wise and 
 gracious will. Fill us with all joy and peace in 
 believing, and cause us to abomid in hope by the 
 power of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 We pray, God, for a great increase of true 
 godliness in ourselves, in all whom we love, and in 
 the world around us. May all thy people strive, 
 in the station which Thou hast placed them, truly 
 and godly to serve Thee, and to adorn the doctrine 
 of our Saviour in all things. [Give to the children 
 of this family thy Holy Spirit, and make them, by 
 adoption and grace, even from their eai'ly years, 
 thy children.] Take us all into thy protection, and 
 preserve us, if it please Thee, to see the light and 
 enjoy the blessings of another Lord's day. May 
 it be a day of much grace and mercy to all thy 
 people. Hear us and help us for thy dear Son's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 E 140 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWEJNTY-FIRST WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EVENINQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS XXlV. 1—16. 
 
 MOST gracious God, we bless Thee for another 
 clay of the Son of Man. May we be in the 
 Spirit on the Lord's day. May we reverence it as 
 tlie holy of the Lord, honourable, and call it a de- 
 light ; and may we be glad when they say unto us, 
 " Let us go into the house of the Lord." 
 
 Lord, great reverence is due unto Thee in the" 
 meeting of ti)y saints, and holiness becometh thine 
 house for ever. May we be sanctified to draw 
 nigh unto Thee, and before thy people may we 
 glorify thy great and blessed name. Oh, send out 
 thy light and thy truth. Let them lead us : let 
 them bring us to thy holy hill, and to thy taber- 
 nacles. Show unto us thy beauty and thy glory, 
 and satisfy us with the goodness of thy house, even 
 of thy holy temple. 
 
 Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, 
 shine forth. Our minds are blinded through the 
 deceitfulness of sin. Our foolish hearts are dark- 
 ened ; but Thou art light, and in Thee there is 
 no darkness at all. Oh, shine in our hearts, and 
 give us the light of the knowledge of the gloxy of 
 God in the grace of Jesus Christ. Do Thou 
 anoint thy servants, who minister in thy house, with 
 the gifts of the Spirit. May their lips keep know- 
 ledge, that we may hear the law of the Lord at 
 their mouth. Enable us to take heed how we hear. 
 Lord, we rejoice to believe that there is meat 
 enough and to spare in our Father's house. Feed 
 our souls this day with that Bread of Life which 
 came down from heaven. May He who is that 
 Living Bread be sweet unto our taste and precious 
 to our souls. May we experience the truth of his 
 own saying, " The words that I speak unto you, 
 they are spirit, and they are life." May they be 
 profitable unto us for doctrine and for reproof, for 
 correction, and for instruction in righteousness. 
 
 God, let us not be forgetful hearers of the 
 Word, but doers also of the work. When we 
 leave thy courts, let us not leave Divine things 
 behind us. May we give men increasing cause to 
 take knowledge of us that we have been with 
 Jesus, and that we have learned of Him. May 
 we sanctify the Lord God of Hosts in our hearts, 
 and make Him everywhere our fear and our dread. 
 Grant especially, our heavenly Father, that the 
 name of our dwelling may be, " The Lord is 
 there." 
 
 As a family, may we live together in unity, and 
 be all made, through grace, members of the house- 
 hold of faith, washed, and sanctified, and justified, 
 in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit 
 of our God. 
 
 These things, God, we humbly ask in the 
 name and for the sake of thy blessed Son ; and 
 unto Thee be all the glory. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOHN XI. 47—57, 
 
 OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 permit us now to address Thee. We have 
 publicly united in worshipping Thee this day, and 
 now we would join in household worship. May 
 the Spirit of light and truth promised to thy 
 Church move us as a family to address Thee 
 aright. First of all, we thank and bless Thee for 
 the many mercies which we have this day enjoyed. 
 As the heaven is high above the earth, so great is 
 thy mercy towards us. We praise Thee for the 
 gift of thy Sabbath, and for the events of which 
 each Lord's day reminds us. W^e bless Thee that 
 Thou didst not spare thine own Son, but didst 
 freely deliver Him up for us all. We bless Thee 
 that Christ died for the ungodly, and we thank 
 Thee for the inestimable blessings that become 
 ours by his death. We acknowledge to Thee that 
 we need the blood of Christ to cleanse us from our 
 sin ; and that nothing but such a sacrifice can 
 make our sins, which are as scarlet, white as snow. 
 May we all know for ourselves the preciousness 
 and the power of the blood of Christ. 
 
 And now hear us, most holy Father, when we 
 entreat Thee to keep us from trampling under 
 foot the Son of God, from doing despite to the 
 Spirit of grace, and accounting the blood of the 
 covenant, whereby we are sanctified, an unholy 
 thing. May Christ be revealed to us in all the 
 beauty of his person, and the glory of his work, 
 and be increasingly precious to us all. May we 
 live by his death, be healed by his stripes, and be 
 in all respects saved by the redemption that is in 
 his blood. Let not our so frequently hearing and 
 reading of the Saviour make our hearts too familiar 
 with thy words about Him, but may the frequency 
 of the contact of our minds with these things 
 deepen the impression of their importance and 
 value. Lord, grant that we may receive a full 
 blessing from the religious engagements of this 
 closing day. 
 
 But not for ourselves alone do we pray : we 
 intercede for all the children of God ; and we pray 
 Thee to have mercy upon all men, that all may be 
 saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth. 
 Have mercy upon all who have heard the Gospel 
 to-day, and who are in danger of neglecting it. 
 Have mercy upon all who are aroused, and are in 
 danger of sleeping again in the insensibility of sin. 
 Li innumerable cases let the Gospel, as preached 
 to-day, be made manifest as tlie wisdom of God 
 and the power of God. May thine own people 
 receive much blessing. Lord God, hear our 
 prayers, receive our confessions, accept our thanks- 
 givings, and in thy great mercy defend us from 
 all the perils of the night, for Jesus Christ our 
 Saviour's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 141 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS XXV. 1—22. 
 
 HOLY, holy, holy. Lord Grod of Hosts, before 
 wliom the seraphs veil their faces, and in whose 
 sight the heavens are not clean, behold we have 
 taken upon us to speak unto Thee, which are but dust 
 and ashes. We acknowledge and bewail our mani- 
 fold sins and iniquities, which we from time to time 
 most grievously have committed, by thought, word, 
 and deed, against thy Divine Majesty. Have mercy 
 upon us, we beseech Thee. Pardon and deliver us 
 from all our offences, and grant us all the assurance 
 that we are accepted in thy beloved Son. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast caused 
 all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. 
 We bless Thee for the shadow of good things to come 
 contained in the Law, and for the better things 
 themselves revealed in the Gospel. By thy dear Son 
 Thou hast caused the trumpet of jubilee to sound 
 throughout the world. Thou hast anointed Him to 
 preach the Grospel to the poor, to proclaim deliver- 
 ance to the captives, to set at liberty them that are 
 bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 
 Cause every one of us, we beseech Thee, to know the 
 joyful sound. Deliver us from the bondage of sin, and 
 introduce us into the glorious liberty of the Gospel. 
 We plead likewise for all our dear relatives and 
 friends. Behold now is the accepted time; behold 
 now is the day of salvation. Oh, cause any of them 
 who may still be the slaves of Satan to submit to the 
 easy yoke of that gracious Saviour whose service is 
 perfect freedom. 
 
 And not only do we ask Thee thus to bless our 
 own immediate friends, but we beseech Thee also 
 to have mercy upon all men. The whole world still 
 lieth in wickedness. Thousands in our own land 
 are still unconverted. Millions of the heathen are 
 still bowing down to idols. Oh, let thy Gospel 
 be preached throughout the whole earth, and 
 cause them that are ready to pei'ish to come unto 
 Him who was lifted up upon the cross that He 
 might draw all men unto Him. 
 
 And now, Lord, at the beginning of another day 
 we dedicate ourselves anew to thy service. Preserve 
 us in our going out and coming in. Guard us from 
 vain thoughts. Set a watch before our mouths, and 
 keep the door of our lips. Grant that we may fall 
 into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger. 
 Let us not be slothful in business ; but whatsoever 
 we do may we do it heartily, as unto the Lord, and 
 not unto men. Enable us to be followers of Him 
 who was holy, harmless, undefiled, and who went 
 about doing good; and keep us unspotted from the 
 world. 
 
 Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abun- 
 dantly above all that we ask or think, unto Him be 
 glory in the Church by Christ Jesus tliroughout all 
 ages, world without end. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PROVERBS I. 
 
 WE adore Thee, God, as the greatest and best of 
 beings. Almighty power and perfect wisdom 
 belong to Thee. All things, past, present, and to 
 come, are perfectly known to Thee. Thou lovest 
 righteousness and hatest wickedness. Thou art 
 good and doest good. 
 
 We adore Thee as our Creator, giving Thee 
 thanks for all those powers of thought and reason 
 which Thou hast graciously bestowed upon us. 
 Teach us by thy Spirit to use them aright, and 
 enable us to know Thee and Jesus Christ whom 
 Thou hast sent. Teach us to live as strangers 
 and pilgrims, who seek another country, even a 
 heavenly. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for the revelation of 
 thy truth and the knowledge of thy will. En- 
 . lighten our consciences, that we may know that 
 will ; and strengthen our hearts, that we may do it. 
 And whereas even our consciences are darkened 
 and corrupted by sin, we thank Thee for thy holy 
 Word, for thy good Law, and for thy glorious 
 Gospel. We thank Thee not only for the pro- 
 mises of thy Word, but also for its threatenings. 
 Teach us to lay them to heart, that we may flee 
 from the wrath to come, and may watch against 
 everything that would displease Thee. Dispose 
 us, Lord, to keep far away from every path 
 which leads to destruction. 
 
 Thou hast taught us if we lack wisdom and ask 
 of Thee, Thou wilt liberally grant it, and upbraid us 
 not; Lord, we ask for it, and beseech Thee to bestow 
 it. May we not be numbered with those who mock 
 at sin. Save us from the folly of those who, while 
 troubled and careful about many things, neglect 
 the one thing needful, and perish everlastingly. 
 Stir up in us, we beseech Thee, a constant diligence 
 to make our calling and election sure. Reveal to 
 us more clearly the things that belong to our peace. 
 
 Many and grievous have been our sins dm'ing 
 the day. We have not loved Thee as we ought. 
 We have often forgotten thy precepts, and neglected 
 to do what Thou hast commanded. Our hearts 
 have been prone to evil when we should have 
 followed that which was good. God, forgive us 
 all our sins, and put them away from before Thee 
 for ever. May we lie down to rest at peace with 
 Thee and with all men. 
 
 Graciously incline us so to act in future that 
 we may count all things but loss which would 
 stand in the way between us and Christ. 
 
 For the many blessings of the past day we adore 
 and praise thy name. Make us more gratefid for 
 all thy mercies. We implore thy protection for the 
 night. Let the shield of thy care be around us and 
 all who belong to us. Bestow on them and us every 
 needful blessing, for Jesus Chi'ist's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 142 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIEST WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS XXV. 35—55. 
 
 OLORD, we worship and adore Tliee, for Thou 
 art our Maker, and we are the peojjle of thy 
 pasture, and the sheep ot thy hand. We thank Thee 
 for thy watchful care of us during the past night, 
 and for the mercies of this new day. The day is 
 thine, and the night also : Tiiou hast prepared the 
 hght and the siui. All our blessings come from 
 Thee, and to Thee we desire to trace them, 
 through whatever instrumentality they have been 
 conveyed to us : Thou art the parent source, and 
 there is not a blessing we enjoy which we can say 
 has been deserved by us. We are miserable 
 simiers. It is of the Lord's mercies we are not 
 consumed, and because his compassions fail not. 
 Thanks be to God for redemption in the blood 
 of Christ, even the forgiveness of sins, according to 
 the riches of his grace. Wash us in his precious 
 blood. Sanctify us by thy Holy Spirit ; and after 
 guiding us safely through this vain world, bring 
 us to the land of uprightness. 
 
 Impress on our minds the lessons taught us in 
 that portion of thy holy Word which we have now 
 read. Make us kind and gentle towards all men, 
 and helpful especially to the poor, the afflicted, and 
 the stranger. Enable us to consider ourselves 
 stewards only of all that we possess, and let us be 
 ready to distribute, willing to communicate, since 
 with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Implant 
 and cherish within us that love which is the ful- 
 filling of the law. Endow us with the Spirit of 
 Him who, though rich, became poor for our sakes, 
 that we, through his poverty, might be rich. As 
 we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, 
 especially to them who are of the household of 
 faith. We would remember them that are in 
 bonds as bound with them, and them that suffer 
 adversity as being ourselves also in the body. 
 
 We bless Thee that Christ came to proclaim 
 liberty to the captive, and the opening of the prison 
 doors to them that are bound. May the law of the 
 Spirit of life in Christ Jesus make us free from 
 the law of sin and death. Enable us more and 
 more to walk at liberty, keeping thy precepts ; and, 
 God, break every yoke, and let the oppressed go 
 free. Deliver the nations from the bondage of 
 ignorance, superstition, and sin. Remember in 
 this respect thy Word unto thy servants upon 
 which Thou hast caused us to hope. Have respect 
 unto thy covenant ; let the day of universal jubilee 
 dawn, and gather all the redeemed sons of Adam 
 to the enjoyment of their forfeited inheritance. 
 
 To thy care and blessing we commit ourselves 
 throughout the day. Help us to order all our 
 affairs with discretion. Keep us from evil, that it 
 may not grieve us. We ask all through Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST, JOHN XII. 1—11. 
 
 HEAVENLY and merciful Lord God, be pleased 
 to condescend and assist us in our offering of 
 prayer and praise ; and although we be unworthy, 
 because of our offences, to offer unto Thee any 
 sacrifice, yet we beseech Thee to accept this our 
 bounden duty and service, not weighing our merits, 
 but pardoning our iniquities, through Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 In presenting ourselves before Thee, we suppli- 
 cate the help of thy Holy Spirit, that we may know 
 the greatness of the love of thy Son, our Saviour, 
 Jesus Christ. We rejoice to know that He was 
 made in the likeness of man, and became obedient 
 unto death, that He might be the resurrection and 
 the life of all that believe in Him. Do Thou, 
 Lord, so dispose our hearts in return for thy 
 redeeming love, that we may be unfeignedly 
 thankful, and daily strive to show forth thy praise, 
 not only with our lips, but in our lives. May we 
 count no gift too costly, or service too humiliating, 
 that we may be called to do for Thee, or for the 
 least of thy saints ; but may we present ourselves 
 a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God. 
 
 We acknowledge our constant need of seeking 
 to be preserved from every false way. May we 
 never wickedly assume a spirit of piety, or mere 
 outward regard for thy truth. Save us from a 
 feigned charity and concern for the poor, and from 
 urging this as an excuse for withholding from Thee 
 and thy cause that wliich Thou require st at our 
 hands. 
 
 Help us, Lord, to behold the light of the 
 knowledge of thy glory, as seen in the face of our 
 Saviom*, Jesus Christ. May his gracious presence 
 be with us this night. Make us a household united 
 in love — a family that Jesus will love to honour, 
 and with which He condescends to abide. 
 
 We humble ourselves because of the sins of our 
 fellow-creatures, and the many occasions on which 
 the ungodly have taken counsel against thy great 
 name and thy people to destroy them. Thou 
 Father of mercy, hasten the time when the wicked- 
 ness of the wicked shall cease, and the just be 
 established in the earth. 
 
 We would not be unmindful in our prayers of 
 our Sovereign and the Royal Family. Grant that 
 those in authority may be so directed in their 
 counsels, that truth and justice, religion and piety, 
 may be established among us. Have compassion 
 upon all the afflicted. Comfort and reheve them 
 according to their necessities, and give them a 
 happy issue out of all their sufferings. 
 
 To thy protection we commit ourselves. Watch 
 over us through the night ; refresh us with invigo- 
 rating sleep ; and finally bring us to thy rest in 
 glory, through Cluist our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 143 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS XXVL 1-20. 
 
 
 
 LORD our God, who reignest alone in the 
 heavens above and on the earth beneath ; who 
 art a mighty and a jealous God, and wilt not give 
 thy glory to another, cleanse our hearts from all 
 idolatry of the flesh and of the spirit; crucify 
 every affection, and cast down every imagination 
 that would displace or dishonour Thee. 
 
 And that our love to Thee may increase and 
 abound, stir us up to a more diligent and faithful 
 employment of our many and precious privileges. 
 Teach us to love thy Sabbath and reverence thy 
 sanctuary. Fill our hearts with joy in thy service, 
 that we may feel the Sabbath a delight, the holy of 
 the Lord, honourable, rejoicing to honour Thee, 
 and praise thy holy name. May this earthly rest 
 be to us a lively memorial of thy creating and 
 redeeming love, a pledge and foretaste of the rest 
 without end. And, oh, our gracious Father, shed 
 abroad the fulness of the Spirit on our fainting 
 hearts, and enable us to rejoice in the fruition of 
 thy blessed promise, " I will set my tabernacle 
 among 3^ou,*and I will walk among you; and I 
 will be your God, and ye shall be my people." 
 
 We confess that we are unworthy of such pri- 
 vileges, because we too are a stiff-necked and 
 gainsaying generation. But though we are thus 
 evil. Thou hast encouraged us to come to Thee in 
 the name and through the mediation of thy well- 
 beloved Son. In obedience to thy command, in 
 reliance on thy promise, we now approach Thee by 
 the new and living way which He has consecrated 
 for us through his flesh. We come to Thee as 
 blood-bought sinners, pleading om' Saviour's merits, 
 bold in his all-sufficient righteousness. In Him we 
 pray Thee to come and dwell with us, and to make 
 us thy sanctified temple ; in Him we beseech Thee 
 to walk with us through all the toil and trial of our 
 earthly pilgrimage, to feed us with the bread of 
 life, to guide us by the pillar of thy presence, and 
 to bring us safely over the waves of Jordan to the 
 promised Canaan of rest. 
 
 But while we specially pray for thine abiding 
 presence and love, we seek also, for our journey, all 
 needful temporal blessings. Thou hast commanded 
 us to be anxious about nothing ; and we therefore 
 bring to Thee all our daily trials and cares. Thy 
 wisdom knows what is best for us ; thy love desires 
 what is best ; and we cry to Thee out of our igno- 
 rance and weakness, " Thy will be done.'' 
 
 Finally, we pray Thee, Lord, to extend the 
 same blessings we have sought for ourselves to all 
 our fellow-creatures, and to make them, with us, 
 members of thy household, and partakers of thine 
 eternal inheritance, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
 to whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all 
 praise and honour, now and for evermore. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XII. 20—36. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, who 
 hast glorified thy Son Jesus Christ, give us, 
 for his sake, thy Holy Spirit, that we may draw 
 near to thy throne of grace, trusting in Him who 
 died for us and rose again. 
 
 We acknowledge that we are unworthy to come 
 into thy presence ; but Thou hast encouraged us to 
 look to Tliee as our Father and God in Christ, 
 and to expect through Him, not only pardon of 
 our sins, but all needful blessings. We do come 
 to Thee, and beseech Thee to forgive us all our 
 past sins, and to accept our thanksgivings, and to 
 hear our prayers. 
 
 W^e heartily thank Thee for all the mercies of 
 this day. All our blessings come from Thee ; may 
 we ever receive them as from thy hand, and try 
 to show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, 
 but in our lives. 
 
 Help us, heavenly Father, to follow more 
 closely the example of our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 May the great desire of our hearts be to glorify 
 thy name and to walk according to thy holy will. 
 
 We rejoice, our gracious God, that Thou hast 
 glorified thy Son, that all power in heaven and in 
 earth is in his hands, that He has triumphed over 
 the prince of this world, and that He is head over 
 all things for his Church. Grant that we may ever 
 look to Him, and that, strong in his strength, we 
 may overcome all our spiritual enemies. Look 
 down in mercy, merciful Father, upon all who 
 are afar off from Thee, and bring them near by thy 
 almighty grace. May they be drawn to Him who 
 was lifted up upon the cross, and who is now at 
 thy right hand in heaven ; and may they be kejit 
 by the power of thy grace, through faith unto 
 everlasting salvation. 
 
 grant that those who have the light may walk 
 in the light ; rejoicing here in thy truth and love, 
 may they rejoice hereafter in the light of thy glory. 
 
 Look down with thy favour and pity upon the 
 dark places of the earth. Send forth thy mes- 
 sengers to tell of that loving Saviour who was 
 lifted up that He might draw all men unto Him. 
 May a rich and abundant blessing attend the 
 labours of all who preach the unsearchable riches 
 of Christ. Raise up faithful men for thy work. 
 The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers 
 are few. Thou Lord of the harvest, send forth 
 labourers into thy harvest. 
 
 We desire now to commend ourselves, and all 
 who are dear to us, to thy loving care. Keep us 
 in safety through the night, and raise us up in 
 health for thy service to-morrow ; and grant that 
 when our days on earth are ended, we may enter 
 into the rest that remaineth for the people of God, 
 through Jesus Clu'ist our Lord. Amen. 
 
 E 144 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LEVITICUS XXVI. 21—46. 
 
 HAVE mercy upon vis, God, according to thy 
 loving-kindness ; according unto the multi- 
 tude of thy tender mercies, blot out our transgres- 
 sions : for we have offended against thy holy Isiws, 
 and misused thy benefits. Thou art a just God, 
 who wilt by no means clear the guilty. But Thou 
 art a Saviom', waiting to be gracious to all who 
 truly repent. Oh, accept the sacrifice of broken and 
 contrite hearts, and show Thyself faithful and just 
 to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all 
 unrighteousness. For the sake of thy dear Son, 
 who offered himself a sacrifice for us, love us 
 freely, and receive us gi'aciously. 
 
 Thou hast promised to give thy Holy Spirit to 
 them that ask Thee. Oh, that He may enable 
 us to call Thee Father, and help us to bring 
 forth fruits meet for repentance, in a devout and 
 holy life. Teach us to do thy will ; subdue every 
 evil passion ; deliver us from temptation ; inspire 
 us with pure thoughts ; shed abroad in our hearts 
 the love of Christ ; draw our aff'ections to heavenly 
 things, that we may be happy in serving Thee with 
 reverence and godly fear. 
 
 When Thou art pleased to send affliction upon 
 us, we would meekly receive the chastening of the 
 Lord, and humbly hope for a better life to come. 
 Heal our sicknesses, relieve our distresses, and be 
 a very present help to us in trouble. In bereave- 
 ment, may we sorrow not as others who have no 
 hope ; and in death, may our blessed Lord, who 
 ever liveth to make intercession for us, receive our 
 spirits, and give us an inheritance among all them 
 that are sanctified. 
 
 Bless our dear friends and kindred. Keep them 
 in safety, give them the joy of thy salvation, and 
 bring them with us to thy kingdom in glory. 
 
 God of Israel, who didst make thy chosen 
 people joyful when they kept thy statutes ; who 
 didst restore them to thy favour when they tm'ned 
 from their iniquities, bless our native land. W^e 
 thank Thee for our Christian privileges, and for 
 the prosperity and peace which Thou hast ordained 
 ibr us. But we have been a sinful nation, Lord. 
 Forgive the ungodliness which abounds, and turn 
 the wicked from their wickedness, that we may be 
 a holy people, and extend to all lands the truth and 
 power of thy glorious Gospel. 
 
 We praise Thee for the goodness which has 
 crowned our lives, and for thy care over us while 
 we have slept. And now, as we go forth to the 
 varied duties of this day, we beseech Thee to guide 
 us by thy counsel, and defend us from all sin. 
 
 May we all be thine, gracious Father, through 
 the redemption of thy dear Son, to whom, with 
 Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be glory and blessing, 
 ever world without end. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XII. 37-50. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and Everlasting God, the Lord of 
 -^ life and of death, the Creator and Preserver of 
 all mankind, we give Thee thanks that Thou hast 
 niercifully brought us in safety and in peace to the 
 close of another day. We know not through what 
 dangers we have walked to-day, but Thou hast 
 been our perpetual guard. We know not what 
 snares have been laid for our feet by the enemy of 
 souls ; but Thou hast kept us from falling. We 
 know not what arrows of death have been flying 
 past us ; but Thou hast kept us from harm. Inces- 
 sant as our wants have been, Thou hast richly and 
 abundantly supplied them. Thy gifts have been 
 around us in measureless profusion and vastness, 
 and we have lived in thy love. We would humbly 
 rejoice now in thy favour to us, and praise Thee 
 for thy goodness. 
 
 But how, Lord, shall we praise Thee for thy 
 forbearance, thy long-suffering, thy patience, thy 
 gentleness, and thy tenderness towards us ? We 
 know we have done amiss ; but we know not 
 how evil our lives are in thy sight, and how 
 imperfect has been our best obedience. Pardon 
 us, Lord, for the sake of Jesus, whose sacri- 
 fice we plead as our only ground of hope ; and 
 oh, help us to be more watchful for the future 
 against those things in which we know that we 
 have failed and sinned this day. Thou hast called 
 us to imitate thy perfection. Send down the 
 Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, to take of the 
 things of Christ, and show them unto us. Help us 
 to set Thee always before us, and to make Jesus, 
 thy dear Son, our rule and law of life. Preserve 
 us from spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. 
 Increase our faith in thy Word, nnd in Him whom 
 it reveals, and grant that in and through Him we 
 may surely attain unto life everlasting. 
 
 And now, Lord our Father, we lie down to 
 sleep, confident of thy protection. Until Thou 
 wiliest it, we cannot sleep the sleep of death. W^e 
 would not fear to die ; but we pray that whenever 
 Thou shalt call us to depart we may die as the 
 friends of Jesus, and be ready, through thy grace, 
 to give in our account to Thee with joy. Nor would 
 we fear the approach of trouble and sorrow, for we 
 know that all things are in thy hands. Thou makest 
 all things to work together for good to them that love 
 Thee : and we are sure of thy presence in our hour 
 of need, and of all succour that we can want. We 
 leave all with grateful confidence in thine hands. 
 
 If there be any of our friends in trouble this 
 night, O Lord, comfort them. Be with all who 
 sorrow or suffer; and so cause thy kingdom to 
 spread in the world, that all men shall speedily 
 rejoice in thy salvation. Hear us, Lord, through 
 Jesus Christ thy Son, our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 C 145 ] 
 
 I>Jo. 19. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS III. 1-13. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LX. 
 
 GIVE ear, Shepherd of Israel, to our morning 
 prayer. We are thy people, and the sheep of 
 thy pasture. We render Thee our hearty thanks 
 for thy manifold mercies, and present our earnest 
 request for thy continued care. 
 
 We come to Thee without fear, and yet without 
 money and without price. We trust in the Son of 
 thy love. His precious blood we plead. We are 
 sinners looking to Jesus to be sanctified. Yet 
 Thou art not repelled by our sinfulness. Blessed 
 Saviour ! our hope is fixed on Thee. Thou art a 
 merciful and faithful High Priest. Lead us to 
 the throne of grace. Acknowledge us as thy 
 brethren ; and, standing by thy side, may we 
 receive a Father's smile for thy sake. 
 
 We believe in thine infinite power and love, 
 Thou Friend of sinners ! Grrant us the full assur- 
 ance of this faith. Fill our hearts with peace and 
 joy in believing. Let us be delivered from the 
 thraldom of worldly fears, and from the delusion of 
 worldly hope. May we seek no other good than 
 Thee. May we fear no evil, since Thou art with 
 us. Hast Thou not promised that nothing shall 
 harm us if we are thine? Hast Thou not said, " I 
 will never leave thee, nor forsake thee?" Thou 
 hast given us thy Son ; wilt Thou not with Him 
 also freely give us all things ? Let nothing separate 
 us from the love of Christ. 
 
 Through another day's occupations may we 
 honour Thee. Thou ordainest our lot ; make us 
 contented therewith. Teach us what to do, and 
 what to shun. Lead us not into the path of 
 danger. Guard us in the hour of temptation. 
 May we ask and have thy blessing in every act, 
 and word, and thought. May love actuate us in 
 everything. Banish evil tempers from our hearts. 
 Let not angry words be heard among us. May ! 
 we show that we have been with Jesus, by the 
 meek and gentle spirit we possess. And may we 
 lead others to the Saviour by a kind and Christ- 
 like character. May we be a holy and devout 
 household, of which every member is a child of 
 God by living faitli. In each heart prepare thy 
 banquet, and make thine abode. Lord, keep us, 
 for we are weak, and can do nothing of ourselves. 
 
 Prosper, we pray Thee, the labour of our hands. 
 Make us diligent in every appointed duty ; exact in 
 every allotted service. Impress us with a sense of 
 our accountability to Thee. Nothing that we have 
 is our own. All is thine, and we are thy stewards. 
 Soon must we give an account of our stewardship. 
 Make us faithful, God, in that which is least, 
 that we may at last have an abundant entrance 
 into thy kingdom. 
 
 Grant this, Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, who hast revealed thyself to 
 us in Jesus Christ, through Him, the Son of 
 thy love, we now appi'oach Thee, bowing down in 
 humblest adoration at thy footstool. Day by day 
 Thou renewest thy mercies. Thou openest thy 
 hand, and fillest us with good. 
 
 We thank Thee, our God, that Thou hast 
 preserved us amidst the temptations and dangers 
 of the day. Forgive us, we pray Thee, the sins 
 which this day we have committed ; and enable us 
 by thy grace, in the blessed experience of thy 
 pardoning mercy, to live soberly, righteously, and 
 godly in this present world, glorifying Thee in our 
 bodies and our spirits, which are thine. We ask 
 Thee, gracious and bountiful God, to impart to 
 us now a sustaining sense of thy fiivour. May we 
 know Thee to be our God and Father in Jesus 
 Christ. May the joy of the Lord be our strength. 
 Give us, we pray Thee, that peace which passeth 
 all understanding, and which the world can neither 
 give nor take away. 
 
 And whilst we praise and bless Thee, Father, 
 for thy past lovingkindness, we would remember 
 also thy goodness and grace manifested in the 
 bestowment of the light of the Gospel. Thou hast 
 been gracious unto our land. Thou hast given us, 
 and continued among us, the knowledge of thy 
 truth. Unlike other nations, who sit even now in 
 darkness and the shadow of death, we enjoy all 
 the blessings of Gospel teaching and Gospel privi- 
 lege. Make us thankful for thy distinguishing 
 mercy, and dispose our hearts to render ceaseless 
 thanks unto Thee, our God, for all thy benefits 
 towards us. 
 
 We rejoice, gracious God and Father, at all the 
 comforting assurances of thy Holy Word. We 
 pray Thee, great God, to hasten the coming of thy 
 kingdom. Let the light break speedily through the 
 thick darkness of a guilty world, and let the Sun 
 of righteousness arise upon the nations with heal- 
 ing in his wings. Bless, we humbly beseech Thee, 
 tiie labours of all those who labour for Thee. 
 Strengthen the hands of thy missionary servants ; 
 and enable them, amid all their difficulties and 
 discouragements, to believe that in due season 
 they shall reap if they faint not. We bless Thee, 
 gracious God, because thy Spirit hath so often 
 clothed their word with power. We bless Thee be- 
 cause Thou hast already gathered out from among 
 the Jew and Gentile a people to the glory of thy 
 name. Lord, put forth thy power. Make bare 
 thy holy arm in the sight of a gainsaying world ; 
 and hasten the time when salvation, and strength, 
 and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his 
 Christ, shall have finally come. We ask all for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 146 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIRST WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS IX. 1-5, 15—23. i READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXI. 1—17. 
 
 OLORD, our Father, from everlasting to ever- 
 lasting Thou art God. By thy mercy we have 
 come to the last day of another week. Swiftly 
 indeed do our days pass away ; " So teach us to 
 number our days, that we may apply our hearts 
 unto wisdom." 
 
 We confess that, like the people of Avhom we 
 have been reading, we have often complained and 
 displeased Tliee. Forgive us all our sins, whether of 
 ignorance, negligence, or wilfulness ; and especially 
 do we ask thy pardon for all our murmurings and 
 complainings against thy providence, and against 
 thy holy will. Enter not into judgment with us, 
 we beseech Thee, Lord, and hear us when we 
 ask Thee graciously to bless us with a calm and 
 thankful heart, free from all discontent and re- 
 pinings. Cause ns to feel that we are not worthy 
 of the least of all thy mercies, and then show us 
 what great things Thou hast done for us. In all 
 times of our tribulation may we remember that 
 Thou dost not afflict willingly, and may we see 
 that Thou hast not dealt with us after our sins, nor 
 rewarded us according to our iniquities. We bless 
 Thee, Father of all mercies, for thy wondrous 
 patience and forbearance, and for the manifold ex- 
 pressions of thy fatherly kindness. We beseech 
 Thee to grant that thy goodness may incline us to 
 be patient and gentle toward our fellow-men, bear- 
 ing their burdens, as Thou hast taught us in thy 
 Holy Word. Wo ask Thee, also, to show us the 
 right use of all thy gifts, temporal and spiritual, 
 so that we may profit by every blessing, and avoid 
 the abuse of the least of thy mercies. When thou 
 dost expose us to painful changes, may we not so 
 think of the past as to be unmindful of present 
 blessings; but help us to be of good courage, and 
 graciously strengthen our hearts. So renew our 
 strength day by day, that the yoke of our duty 
 may be easy, and the burden of om' responsibilities 
 light. 
 
 Thou knowest the position which we severally 
 occupy in this family. Thou hast appointed our 
 duties and the various claims that are made upon 
 us. Do not permit us, in any despondency of heart, 
 to say, " I am not able to bear my burden;" but 
 rather may we say, with thine apostle Paul, " I 
 can do all things through Christ, who strengtheneth 
 me." Even now make us strong through the grace 
 that is in Christ Jesus, and may we be so con- 
 sciously strengthened by thy mighty power, that 
 this day may be unto us the brightest and best of 
 tlie whole week. May our path, even to the end of 
 our lives, be that of the shining light, shining 
 brighter and brighter unto perfect day. We ask 
 all in the name of our blessed Saviour Christ 
 Jesus. Amen. 
 
 OLORD God, in whom we live and move and 
 have our being, we would present to Tiice our 
 evening sacrifice of prayer and praise. Thou hast 
 promised that when two or three are met together 
 in thy name, Thou wilt be in the midst of them ; 
 vouchsafe, therefore, to look upon us around our 
 family altar. May the incense of devout and heart- 
 felt thanksgiving ascend before thy throne. Hear 
 our supplications, gracious Lord, and give us an 
 answer of peace. 
 
 We would review with gratitude the blessings of 
 this day. Thy tender niercy hast sheltered us iVom 
 every danger. Thy loving bounty has supplied us 
 with food and raiment ; and now by thy goodness 
 we ai'e permitted to assemble together in peace 
 and safety. Bless the Lord, our souls, and 
 forget not all his benefits. 
 
 Of a trutli. Lord, we are unworthy of the least 
 of thy mercies. How often have we sinned against 
 Thee this day. How often have we grieved thy 
 Holy Spirit by thought, and word, and deed. How 
 much have we left undone that we might have 
 done. The good that we would, we do not; 
 and the evil that we would not, that we do. Have 
 mercy upon us, most merciful Father ; pardon and 
 forgive us all our sins ; sprinkle our consciences 
 to-night witli the precious blood of our dear Re- 
 deemer, and help us by thy Holy Spirit for the 
 future, that we may be able to love Thee more and 
 serve Thee better. 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, thou King of kings and 
 Lord of lords, keep us ever mindful of thy second 
 coming. May we learn to look for the fulfilment 
 of thy promise, " A little while, and ye shall see 
 me." Grant that we as a family may be like the 
 wise virgins, our lamps trimmed and our lights 
 burning, looking for our Lord's return. Keep us 
 holy. Keep us watchful, so that when the cry goes 
 forth, " Behold, the Bridegroom cometh ! Behold, 
 thy King cometh unto thee ! " we may be found 
 ready to join that triumphant multitude which no 
 man can number, ready to sing before thy throne, 
 " Hosanna in the highest ! Blessed is he that 
 cometh in the name of the Lord!" 
 
 Gracious God, take us under thy care this night. 
 We commend each other affectionately unto thy 
 mercy. Watch over our dweUing. Shield us 
 from all danger. Preserve us from all sin. Refresh 
 us with rest, and raise us up on the morrow, in- 
 vigorated and prepared once more to go forth on 
 the duties of the day. Remember all those for 
 whom we ought to pray. Give them every needful 
 good in this life, and in the life to come eternal 
 glory. And we ask it all in the name of Jesus 
 Christ, our only Lord and Saviour, to whom be 
 honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 147 ] 
 
aIIokning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS X. 11—13, 29-36. 
 
 OUR Father wliich art in lieaveii, hallowed be 
 thy name. We come gladly, gratefully, and 
 hnmbly to thy throne on this Sabbath morning, 
 and give Thee our heartiest thanks that Thou hast 
 blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, and that 
 we have awaked this morning to enjoy its rest and 
 its sacred employments. How great is thy mercy 
 to us, Lord ! Thou hast searched us and known 
 us ; Thou knowest our downsitting and uprising, 
 and understandest our thoughts afar off. Thou 
 compassest our path and ovir lying down, and art 
 acquainted with all our ways. How much is there 
 in us every hour to cause Thee displeasure, a?id to 
 move thine holy anger against us. It is of the 
 Lord's mercies that we are not consumed. We 
 acknowledge with deep shame and contrition our 
 great sinfulness, and thy perpetual and measureless 
 mei'cy toward us. Thou hast not dealt with us 
 after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our 
 iniquities. As far as the east is from the west, so 
 far hast Thou removed our transgressions from us. 
 
 And now, Lord, graciously prepare us for 
 the great duties of thy holy day. We would be 
 spiritual worshippers, bowing down before Thee 
 with heart and soul, reverencing thy majesty and 
 thy glory, and rendering unto TJiee the homage of 
 creatui'es and the allegiance of subjects. Fill our 
 hearts with true devotion towards Thee. We 
 would praise Thee for thy great love to us in the 
 blessings of thy providence and in the gift of thy 
 dear Son. We would once more confess our sins, 
 and seek thy gracious forgiveness. Give us a 
 contrite spirit, and shoAv to us again that love of 
 Christ which shall heal us, and strengthen us, and 
 sanctify us. We would be learners izi thy blessed 
 book of truth. Open Thou our eyes to see, and 
 our ears to hear, and cause our hearts to perceive. 
 May our conscience be quick and tender within us, 
 to apply to us the condenniations or the consola- 
 tions of thy truth, and to bind us to those duties 
 to which Thou dost this day call us. 
 
 And we humbly beseech Thee to help all thy 
 ministers to-day. Pour out upon them abundantly 
 thy Holy Spirit. Teach them what they shall say 
 Unto thy people, and bless their word to all who 
 hear them. Especially we pray that if any of 
 those whom we love are in special need of the 
 consolations or convictions of thy Word, that Thou 
 wilt mercifully direct the Word to them with 
 power, that they may rejoice in this Sabbath day. 
 And now, Lord, our Father, retiUTi Thou unto 
 the many thousands of Israel as they rest this day 
 from life's journeyings and fightings. Glorify 
 TTiyself in the midst of them, and make thy chosen 
 people joyful in Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM VIII. 
 
 OLORD our God, glory be to Thee for thine 
 exceeding great love towards us in the re- 
 demption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 What are we, that Thou shouldest have been so 
 mindful of us ? God of love, give us to believe in 
 the Lord Jesus with all our heartj and may we in 
 heart and mind thither ascend where He is gone 
 before, and with Him continually dwell. We 
 glorify Thee Thou hast given Him a name above 
 every name, and hast exalted Him to be head 
 over all things to the Church, which is his body. 
 Lord, hnsten the time wdien at his name every 
 knee shall bow, and in all things He shall have the 
 pre-eminence. And Holy Ghost, help us to give 
 Him the affection, and obedience, and honour we 
 ought to do. 
 
 Great God of heaven and earth, we thank Thee 
 for all the services and means of grace of this day. 
 May none have worshipped Thee in vain ; may 
 every prayer have been heard, and thy Word 
 everywhere been blessed. Lord, we pray that 
 thy presence may have been felt in every assembly 
 of thy people this day ; that the ignorant may have 
 been taught, the mourners comforted, the weak 
 strengthened, and every hungry soul filled with 
 good things. We pray that the dead in sin may 
 have been quickened, and many a lost sheep found 
 this day. Grant, Lord, there may be now joy 
 in heaven because many have repented this day ; 
 and may all thy waiting people have grown in 
 grace, and faith, and hope, and peace, and be 
 strengthened to go on their way rejoicing. 
 
 Lord, we entreat Thee that all ministers may 
 have received much good and done much good 
 this day. May thy Word read and preached have 
 profited very many. May all missionaries, at home 
 and abroad, have witnessed the power of the 
 Gospel ; and grant that no Sunday-school teacher 
 may have taught or laboured in vain. W^e look to 
 Thee for the advancement of thy kingdom in the 
 world. Do Thou give the increase. 
 
 [We pray for all the young. Lord, pour thy 
 Spirit upon our seed, and thy blessing on our 
 offspring, as Thou hast promised. Out of the 
 mouth of babes and sucklings do Thou ordain 
 strength ; and make our children to glorify Thee.] 
 
 Hear us, merciful Father, we beseech Thee. 
 For Jesus Christ's sake pardon our offences, and 
 all the iniquity of our holy things to-day, and 
 accept every work of faith and labour of love. 
 
 Now take us, and all belonging to us, under thy 
 protection this night. And when we lie down to 
 sleep in death, may we awake in the morning of 
 the resurrection, to give Thee perfect service and 
 praise in thine eternal and glorious kingdom, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 148 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XI. 1—15. 
 
 OLORD, our preserver and l:)enefactor, we thank 
 Thee for tliy continued care and kindness. 
 We tliank Thee for the safety and rest of the night, 
 and for the blessings of the morning. All good 
 comes from Thee. Thou givest us, day by day, 
 our daily bread. Many of our fellow-creatures 
 enjoy not our blessings. Not moi'e than others we 
 deserve, though Thou hast given us more. Be 
 pleased, Lord, with these favour^, to impart to 
 every one of us a grateful sense of thy goodness. 
 Save us from that discontent, that ingratitude, 
 and those lusts of the flesh which the people of 
 Israel manifested at the time of which we have 
 been reading. Whatever Thou seest fit either to 
 deny us, or to take from us, help us, instead of 
 murmuring, to say, with thy servant Job, " The 
 Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed 
 be the name of the Lord." And suffer us not to 
 regard any earthly blessing as our chief good. 
 Help us to use the world as not abusing it, since 
 the fashion of this world passeth ' away. May our 
 treasure be in heaven, and may our hearts be there 
 also. Enable us feelingly to say : — 
 
 " Thou bounteous giver of all good, 
 Thou art of all thy gifts Thyself the crown : 
 Without Thee we are poor, give what Thou wilt ; 
 And with Thee rich, take what Thou wilt away." 
 
 While there be many that say, " Who will show us 
 any good?" may our desire and prayer rather be, 
 *' Lord, lift Thou upon us the light of thy counte- 
 nance." 
 
 While we thank Thee for food and raiment, and 
 all the blessings of this life, we especially thank 
 Thee for thine unspeakable gift, and for that 
 heavenly teaching which enables us, in some mea- 
 sure, to discern its value. Thanks be to God for 
 that bread of life, of which if any one eats he shall 
 live for ever. Thanks be to God for that water of 
 life, of which if a man drink he thirsts no more 
 for sin and folly. Lord, now and evermore give 
 us that bread of life and that water of life. May 
 we have sincere faith in the Saviour, and under- 
 stand what He meant when he spoke of eating his 
 flesh and drinking his blood. May our participation 
 of that spiritual food strengthen us both for doing 
 and for suffering thy holy will. Thus help us to 
 withstand and overcome all temptations, whether 
 of the world, the flesh, or the devil. Enable ns 
 to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly 
 with our God ; and of thy great mercy forgive 
 us all our sins. 
 
 We offer these our petitions and thanksgivings 
 in his name, who having died for us, rose from the 
 dead, and ascended on high, where He now lives 
 as our Hio-h Priest and Litercessor, to whom be 
 given all glory, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXJ. 18 -32. 
 
 OLORD, our God, at the close of another day 
 we would lift itp our souls unto Thee. Every 
 day Thou art loading us with thy benefits, and 
 giving us new cause to make mention of thy 
 loving-kindness in the morning, and of thy faith- 
 fulness every night. Alas, that we are so unthank- 
 ful and evil ! Thou art ever mindful of us, but we 
 are continually forgetting Thee; We cannot reckon 
 up the sum of thy gracious thoughts towards us, 
 and neither can we count the number of our sins. 
 Oh, give us the grace of true repentance. Lead us 
 anew this evening to the fountain opened for sin 
 and for uncleanness ; and as we have done iniquity 
 in time past, may we do so no more. 
 
 Help us to lay to heart the solemn lesson of the 
 barren fig tree. Oh, let us not also be cumberers 
 of the ground, lest we, too, fall imder thy righteous 
 curse. Teach us to remember that herein is our 
 heavenly Father glorified that we bear much fruit. 
 Do Thou, O God, make us to abound in those 
 works of righteousness which are, by Jesus Christ, 
 to thy praise and glory. Without Thee we can do 
 nothing. Make thy grace sufficient for us. Create 
 in us a clean heart ; renew in us a right spirit ; 
 and enable us to follow holiness, without which no 
 man shall seethe Lord. 
 
 We are unworthy of the least of thy mercies, biit 
 worthy is the Lamb that was slain. We bless Thee 
 for the promise that whatsoever we shall ask in 
 prayer in Christ's name, believing, we shall receive. 
 Lord, we believe ; help Thou our unbelief. Supply 
 all our need according to thy riches in glory by 
 Jesus Christ. Having named his name, may we 
 learn henceforth to depart from all iniquity. As 
 He who hath called us is holy, may we also be 
 holy in all manner of conversation ; purifying our- 
 selves as Christ is pure, and laying up treasure in 
 heaven. 
 
 Oh, let us not think it enough to say unto Christ, 
 *' Lord, Lord;" neither let us trust in ourselves that 
 we are righteous. In thy sight all our righteous- 
 nesses are as filthy rags. Thou, God, lookest 
 not on the outward appearance, but on the heart. 
 May our hearts be sincere before Thee ; and may 
 Christ be made of God unto us wisdom, and 
 righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption. 
 
 And now, Lord, we would commit ourselves 
 into thy hand for the night. When we lie down, 
 may we take our rest in quiet ; and when we 
 awake, may we be still with Thee. If Thou art 
 pleased to spare us to see the light of another day, 
 may the life thus preserved be spent in thy sei-vice, 
 and devoted to thy glory. And now, Lord, turn 
 not aAvay thy face from us, neither our prayers 
 from Thee, fiar the sake of our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 149 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XI. 16-33. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and Eternal Lord God, whose 
 ■^ kingdom is everlasting and power infinite, 
 have mercy upon us, and assist us, that we may 
 worship Thee in an acceptable manner. 
 
 We acknowledge ourselves to be most unworthy ; 
 and pray that our souls may be deeply humbled 
 under a sense of thy majesty and our sinfulness. 
 Subdue within us all self-righteous feelings, and 
 every desire contrary to the spirit of true worship. 
 Create within us new, contrite, and believing hearts, 
 that we may obtain of Thee, the God of all mercy, 
 perfect remission and forgiveness of all our sins. 
 
 We confess that we can render no true and 
 laudable service to Thee, nor engage in any under- 
 taking to our profit and to thy honour, unless 
 we are taught and strengthened by thy good 
 Spirit. Do Thou, therefore, God of all wisdom, 
 graciously behold us now in thy presence. Instruct 
 us in the duties of our calling. Show the way in 
 which Thou wouldest have us go. Strengthen 
 us to overcome every difficulty, hindrance, and 
 temptation that may be in our path. Help us to 
 guard against all carelessness of mind, looseness of 
 thought, impropriety of speech, manner, and dis- 
 position. 
 
 We praise Thee for thy revealed will, and 
 seek grace that we may profit by the lessons it 
 is designed to teach, and be enabled to regulate 
 our lives by its precepts and spirit. Grant that 
 the misconduct of thy ancient people, their punish- 
 ments, and every instance of thy forbearance and 
 love towards them, may induce in our souls a holy 
 caution and fear lest we resist thy rule. Deliver us 
 from the love of unholy pleasures and pursuits, 
 and from the innumerable dangers which surround 
 Keep us from uniting at any time with 
 
 us. 
 
 the multitude in rebelling against thy authority, 
 and in resisting those whom Thou hast in thy 
 wisdom appointed to rule, guide, and instruct us. 
 Grant that in dependence upon Thee, we may 
 diligently cultivate a spirit of ready obedience and 
 submission to thy rule. May we never restrain 
 thy work in our souls, or in those of thy 
 servants, but fervently pray that all may be 
 richly endowed with heavenly gifts, and that thy 
 spirit may abide upon them, qualifying them for 
 every good word and work. That we may be 
 preserved in thy fear this da}"-, help us to live 
 in dependence upon Thee. Leave us not to our- 
 selves, but strengthen us from onhigh, and prosper 
 all our ways. 
 
 We ask these favours, and every other which 
 thou seest we need, not in our own name, or because 
 of any merit in us, but in the name and for the 
 sake of our only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXI. 33-4(5. 
 
 OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the 
 Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, 
 we praise Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, 
 we glorify Thee, we give thanks to Thee, for the 
 goodness and mercy which have followed us all the 
 days of our lives, and especially for the manifold 
 tokens of thy loving-kindness this day vouchsafed 
 unto us. Above all things, we adore Thee for thine 
 exceeding grefit love to our perishing souls. Thou 
 hast not withholden thy Son, thine only Son, from 
 us. Thou hast sent Him down from heaven into 
 this world of sin to die for us, the just for the 
 unjust, that by the one oblation of Himself once 
 offered. He might open the kingdom of heaven to 
 all believers. May we thankfully receive thine 
 unspeakable gift. May we reverence thy Son. 
 May we embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed 
 hope of everlasting life which Thou hast given us 
 in Him ; and at length be welcomed to oiu' 
 Father's house in heaven. 
 
 We thank Thee, thou great husbandman, that 
 Thou hast planted the vineyard of thy Church in 
 this land, and that Thou waterest it continually 
 with the dews of heaven, causing it to bring forth 
 fruit and bud ; but Thou hast taught us that, 
 where much is given, there will much be required. 
 Thou lookest that we shall bring forth fruit. 
 We acknowledge, Lord, that we are very barren 
 and unfruitful. The vineyard of our souls we 
 have not kept. Spare us, we beseech Thee, and 
 cut us not down as cumberers of the ground, but 
 cause thy Holy Spirit to breathe upon us, that 
 we may bring forth the fruits of righteous- 
 ness, love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, 
 goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance. May 
 these things be in us and abound, that we may be 
 henceforth neither barren nor unfruitful in the 
 knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, have 
 compassion upon those into whose privileges we, 
 sinners of the Gentiles, have now entered. The 
 house of Israel was thine ancient vineyard. Thou 
 plantedst it a noble vine ; but through unbelief its 
 branches have been broken off. Thou art able to 
 graflf them in again. Lord, be favourable unto 
 Zion. Turn away ungodliness from Jacob, and 
 cause all Israel to be saved. 
 
 And now, heavenly Father, before we lie down to 
 rest, grant to each of us pardon and peace through 
 the Son of thy love. Thou hast laid Him in Zion 
 a precious corner-stone. Make Him precious to 
 every member of this family. May we all come to 
 Him, and be built up as lively stones, a spiritual 
 house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual 
 sacrifices acceptable to Thee, through Jesus Christ 
 our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 r 150 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXXVIII. 17—39. 
 
 MERCIFUL God, turn not away thy face 
 from us because of our many sins, but, ac- 
 cording to thy great goodness forgive, accept, and 
 bless us. Thou art indeed gracious, and long- 
 suffering and full of compassion. Thou puttest 
 away thine anger even when we have grievously 
 offended Thee, and sparest us even when we 
 deserv^e thy wrath. Glory be to thy name for all 
 thy mercies bestowed from day to day. Forbid 
 it. Lord, that we should receive thy grace in 
 vain, or that having heard the warnings of thy 
 Holy Book, we should turn to them a deaf ear. 
 Give us a true repentance for sin, and an earnest, 
 but child-like faith in Jesus Christ, thy dear Son. 
 Seal us with the Holy Spirit of promise, and abun- 
 dantly enrich us with the experience of thy love. 
 
 We look up to Thee, God, for guidance and 
 protection, for wisdom and strength this day. In 
 the prospect of its duties and cares, of temptations 
 arising from our calling, and dangers of which we 
 may be unaware, we desire to cast ourselves on 
 thy mercy. Only as Thou keepest us shall we be 
 safe ; only as Thou shieldest us shall we be kept 
 from evil and the Evil One. Leave us not, then, 
 God, nor forsake us. We are frail, and prone 
 to sin. Thou knowest all our weaknesses. Hold 
 up our goings in thy paths, that we slip not. We 
 would go forth to our daily duty cheerfully, in the 
 remembrance that Thou hast placed us where we 
 are, and that even in the lowliest station, and 
 among the humblest occupations, thy people have 
 an opportunity of serving the Lord Christ. Enable 
 us in all things to serve Thee. Whatsoever we do, 
 in word or deed, may we do it as in thy sight, who 
 seest in secret, and will reward us openly. 
 
 Preserve us, we beseech Thee, from unbelief and 
 disobedience. Let not our times of blessing be 
 times of forgetfulness. May thy goodness deepen 
 in us a spirit of repentance, and thy love to us 
 awaken our warmest love in return. Above all, 
 we pray for the Holy Spirit, that He may guide us 
 into all truth, show us our deep sinfulness, and 
 reveal unto us the preciousness of thy dear Son. 
 
 Look graciously on all who belong to us, and 
 bestow upon them thy choicest mercies. All their 
 circumstances are known to Thee, their trials and 
 temptations, their sorrows and perplexities. Help 
 them according to their need, and prosper them 
 in body and souL [We implore thy grace and 
 blessing for the children of our household. Oh, 
 teach them by thy Spirit, and cause them daily 
 to grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ] Hear us in these 
 our prayers ; and to Thee, God, Father, Son, 
 and Holy Spirit, ever one God, be honour and 
 praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM II. 
 
 OGOD, Thou art King of kings, and Lord of 
 lords. Thou art glorious in strength and 
 fearful in praises, doing wonders. Thy counsel 
 stands fast for ever, and the thought's of thy 
 heart to a thousand generations. We bless Thee 
 for raising up thy Son Jesus Christ, and giving 
 Him glory, that our faith and hope might be in 
 Thee. We rejoice in the belief that He is at 
 the right hand of power, and that He must reign 
 until all his enemies have been made his footstool. 
 It is in liis name that we draw nigh unto Thee, 
 and his righteousness that we plead as a reason 
 why Thou shouldest be merciful unto us. God, 
 forbid that Ave should be found among the enemies 
 of the Lord Christ, and be broken in pieces with 
 his iron sceptre in the day of his wrath. We would 
 submit to his government, and glory in his cross. 
 We would take his yoke upon us, for it is easy, 
 and his burden, for it is light, and, as his devoted, 
 affectionate subjects, would receive, admire, love, 
 and adore Him, putting our whole trust in Him 
 for salvation, and walking in all his commandments 
 and ordinances blameless, that when lie who is our 
 life shall appear, we also may appear with Him in 
 glory. 
 
 We give Thee thanks for thy goodness to us 
 throughout the past day, and throughout all our 
 past lives. All thy paths drop fatness. Thou 
 makest the outgoings of the morning and of the 
 evening to rejoice. How precious is thy grace ! 
 Under the shadow of thy wings we put our trust. 
 Bless to us all the events of thy providence, both 
 prosperous and adverse ; may they all work to- 
 gether for our good. 
 
 We commit ourselves to the watchful care of the 
 Shepherd of Israel this night. May He who never 
 slumbers nor sleej)S keep us and ours. May He 
 keep our souls. May He bless our going out and 
 our coming in, from henceforth and for ever. 
 
 We ask of Thee pardon for the sins we have this 
 day done. May we never lie down to rest with 
 unrepented guilt upon our consciences. Teach ns 
 continually to repair to the blood of Jesus, and make 
 fresh application to that fountain of atoning merit 
 which cleanses from all sin. And as we are every 
 day coming nearer to the eternal world, so may we 
 every day advance from grace to grace and strength 
 to strength, till we meet Thee in thy kingdom. 
 
 May thy blessing rest upon all who are dear to 
 us, upon all who are united to us by friendship or 
 religion. Yet we do not confine our good wishes 
 to them ; we pray for all mankind. May the pro- 
 mise to the great Intercessor be fulfilled, that 
 when He shall ask of Thee, Thou wilt give Him 
 the nations for his inheritance. To Him, with the 
 Father and the Spirit, be glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 151 ] 
 
MoRNma.] 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND WEEK— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XIII. 1, 2, 17—33. 
 
 MERCIFUL God, the Father of our Lord 
 Jesus, for his sake look in thj mercy upon us, 
 who at the beguining of another day draw near 
 to Thee. We thank Thee for the blessings of the 
 night past, for the health and strength which Thou 
 hast continued to us, and for all the gifts of thy 
 love which Ave enjoy this day. 
 
 Lord, forgive all our sins, and enable us to 
 serve Thee more faithfully for the time to come. 
 We desire, our Father, to walk with Thee this 
 day, trusting in thy help, realising thy presence, 
 and doing thy will. Keep us, we beseech Thee, 
 from all sinful words and works ; may our affec- 
 tions be set on things above ; may we, in all our 
 ways, acknowledge Thee, and our paths be directed 
 by Thee in all things. 
 
 Thou seest us to be set in the midst of many 
 dangers. Oh, be Thou our help in every time of 
 need. May we ever look to Thee, and go forward 
 without fear, knowing that, although our enemies 
 are many and mighty. Thou who art on our side 
 art stronger than all. May thy promises ever 
 cheer our hearts, and may the hope of the inherit- 
 ance which Thou hast given us in Christ Jesus 
 animate us, amidst all our dangers and temptations, 
 to press forward on our heavenly way. Keep us 
 from unbelieving fears : while we have no cojiti- 
 dence in ourselves, may we have full confidence 
 in Thee, and may we feel assured that Thou wilt 
 make us more than conquerors through Christ our 
 Saviour. 
 
 Grant us now the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that 
 we may rejoice in Him who loved us and gave 
 Himself for us. May the spiritual comforts which 
 we enjoy be to us a foretaste of the still greater 
 blessing to which we look forwai'd hereafter; so 
 that we may each day more earnestly desire the 
 possession of that good land which Thou hast pro- 
 mised to us. Look, gracious Father, on all who 
 are near and dear to us, keep them in thy ways. 
 May they all be one with us in Christ. May his 
 Spirit fill their hearts, and may they ever obey thy 
 holy commandments, and walk in thy fear and love. 
 Keep them from the evils of this sinful world, and 
 renew to them day by day thy grace, that they may 
 be followers of those who, through faith and 
 patience, have inherited the promises. 
 
 We beseech Thee, our God, for thy whole 
 Church militant here in earth ; may all who pro- 
 fess and call themselves Christians be led into the 
 way of truth, and hold the faith in the unity of 
 the Spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteous- 
 ness of life. Keep thy people from evil ; and when 
 the enemy comes in like a flood, do Thou raise 
 up a standard against him. Hear us, merciful 
 Father, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXII. 1—22. 
 
 OLORD God, the Almighty and Holy God, bow 
 down thine ear and hear us. Open thine eye 
 of pity upon us, and regard us favourably, lor 
 Jesus Christ's sake. We praise thy name for the 
 mercies of the day now past. We owe it to thy 
 forbearance that we have been spared, and to thy 
 love, which passeth knowledge, that our wants have 
 been so graciously sui)plied. Above all, we thank 
 Thee for the rich and complete provision which 
 Thou hast made for all our spiritual needs. Thou 
 hast provided in th}" dear Son sufficiency of grace 
 and peace for all, and Thou hast declared that 
 whosoever will may partake freely of thy grace. 
 Lord, forbid it that we should turn aside from thy 
 proffered mercy, or sHght "and refuse the pardon 
 and peace which Christ hath obtained for us. Oh, 
 come and dwell in our hearts by faith. We believe ; 
 oh, help our unbelief. Clothe us with the righteous- 
 ness of Christ, that every stain of guilt may be 
 covered and put away from before Thee. Being 
 justified by faith, may we have peace with God, 
 through Christ our Lord. 
 
 Carry on in our hearts, we pray Thee, the good 
 work of thy grace and love. We desii'e to have a 
 clearer evidence that we are indeed clothed in the 
 garments of salvation, and that our names are 
 written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Prepare us 
 for the glory and purity of thine everlasting king- 
 dom by the sanctifying work of the Lloly Spirit on 
 our hearts and tempers, that we may purify our- 
 selves even as Thou art pure ; and being ripened 
 in all Christian graces, may have an entrance 
 ministered unto us abundantly into the kingdom 
 of our Lord and Saviour. We want more love to 
 Thee : do Thou kindle our cold and careless hearts 
 to praise and thankfulness. We want more of thy 
 Spirit : may He reveal his presence more clearly 
 within us, and draw us nearer and closer to Thee. 
 We want to have more of the mind which was in 
 Christ : Lord, implant it within us. Enable us to 
 see the excellency of his life in all things, and to 
 strive daily to tread in his footsteps. 
 
 Mercifully look on all who are united to us by 
 ties of friendship or kindred. May they be dear 
 to Thee in and through thy dear Son. Speak to 
 them, God, and bring thy Word with power to 
 their souls. Convert the unconverted among them, 
 and establish the converted in the faith and love of 
 Jesus. Guard us through the night from dangers, 
 known and unknown ; from the temptations of 
 spiritual enemies, and the designs of evil men. We 
 cast ourselves entirely on thy omnipotent care. 
 Give us refreshing sleep, and raise us in safety, 
 prepared to engage with cheerful obedience in the 
 duties of another day. Grant it all, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 152 ] 
 
Morning^.] 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ liN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XIV. 1-25. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, who hast been the Leader and 
 Guide of thy people in all generations, we bow 
 at thy sacred footstool this morning to thank Thee 
 for all the way through which Thou hast hitherto 
 conducted us ; to humble ourselves before Thee in 
 confession of our manifold transgressions ; and 
 anew to commit ourselves to thy wise and merciful 
 guidance for what yet remains to us of our earthly 
 pilgrimage. 
 
 Thou hast never been unmindful of us. The eye 
 of thy mercy hath been ever upon us. Thy hand 
 hath holpen us when we were weary. Thou hast 
 fed us with food convenient for us, and our water 
 has been sure to us. Our enemies Thou hast 
 discomfited before us ; and Thou hast led us 
 by ways that we had not known, and paths that 
 we had not trod ; so that we are still on the road 
 to that land of rest and plenty of which Thou 
 hast spoken unto us. But how does it become 
 us to humble ourselves before Thee at the re- 
 membrance of our constant unworthiness of the 
 very least of thy mercies, of our multiplied acts of 
 rebellion against Thee, and of our foolish as well 
 as wicked departures from thy ways ! We would 
 confess also how we, like thy people of old, have 
 sinned against Thee. Have mercy upon us, 
 God, and forgive us our great sins. Give us, we 
 beseech Thee, a stronger faith in Thee, a more 
 firm reliance on the truth of thy Word, a more 
 entire submission to all thy will concerning us. 
 Suffer us not to forget the multitude of thy 
 mercies towards us, and enable us to bear meekly 
 whatever trials thy providence may see fit to allot 
 to us, that so patience may have in us its perfect 
 work, and we, through faith and patience, may in 
 due time inherit the promises. 
 
 At the commencement of a new day, we would 
 desire especially to commit ourselves to thy 
 guardian care and wise guidance for the duties 
 and engagements of the day. Help us to live this 
 day by faith in thy dear Son, realising his pro- 
 pitiatory work as the only ground of our accept- 
 ance with Thee, and confiding in his High-priestly 
 intercession as the source of strength, light, wis- 
 dom, and happiness to us. Endow us, we beseech 
 Thee, with the life-giving and comforting influences 
 Df thy Holy Spirit. Preserve us this day from 
 3vil associations, unhallowed tendencies, worldly 
 lusts, and the snares of the devil. May we do 
 some good and useful work this day for thy glory, 
 and the welfare of our feUow-men. And do Thou 
 bring us safely and peaceably to the close of the 
 day, keeping our eyes from tears, our feet from 
 falhng, and our souls from death. Bless all those 
 •for whom we oiaght to pray. We ask it for the 
 sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION VI, 
 
 OLOED, our only Hope and Refuge, to Thee 
 would we come in humble confidence, and to 
 Thee would we ever cling. We adore thy ineffable 
 condescension in revealing Tiiyself to us, and we 
 bless Thee for thine infinite love, and for Christ, 
 thine unspeakable gift. We would humbly and 
 fully confess our sinfulness, and cast ourselves on 
 thy great mercy. Oh, teach us to know ourselves. 
 Father, pity us, and save us. We have no help 
 but in Thee. Bestow upon us, we earnestly im- 
 plore Thee, the rich blessings of thy salvation. 
 Raise us above the world, and lift us nearer to 
 Thyself. Grant us thy favour, for it is life ; and 
 conform us to Christ's image, for it is perfection. 
 Loi'd, strengthen us by thy good Spirit, for we are 
 weak without Thee. Let the Divine life be more 
 and more developed within us. Oh, let our hearts 
 ever contemplate this pure and perfect Pattern, 
 and may we be changed into the same image. 
 
 We pray that our souls may repose confidence 
 in Thee amidst all changes. We desire never 
 to be alarmed, but to rejoice that Christ is uni- 
 versal Governor : that the Lamb opens the sealed 
 book of thy providence, and presides over all its 
 dispensations. We rejoice that the pleasure of 
 the Lord prospers in his hand. We rejoice that 
 his martyrs were animated by courage, and that 
 their blood glorified and ennobled his cause ; and 
 we pray that all his enemies may take warning. 
 Oh, that his reign of truth, and peace, and love 
 may be everywhere ! The Lord hasten this happy 
 period in his own time. May none of us find 
 ourselves the enemies of Christ, without faith in 
 Him, or love to Him. May we seek shelter in 
 his love now, and be washed in the blood of the 
 Lamb. God in his great mercy forbid that any of 
 us should be found out of Him, and crying in our 
 panic to the mountains and hills to fall upon us. 
 Let the day of his wrath to an ungodly and 
 rebellious world be the day of his highest and 
 tenderest manifestation to us. May we all find 
 mercy of Him in that day, and be accepted by 
 Him ; and may it be our eternal destiny to be 
 with Him, to adore, and serve, and enjoy Him for 
 ever and ever. 
 
 Accept, our God, of our thanks for all this 
 day's mercies, and forgive all the sins committed 
 during its hours. Watch over us during the night, 
 and keep us ever under the shadow of thy wings. 
 Holy Father, guard us and ours. Our heart's 
 desire and prayer for all our kindred is, that they 
 may be saved. Lord, encircle us with thy fatherly 
 arms. Our humble prayers we lay before Thee, 
 and plead with Thee to accept them for Christ's 
 sake; to whom, with the Father and the Holy 
 Ghost, be all glory, now and ever. Amen. 
 
 r 153 1 
 
 No. 20. 
 
MOUNING.] 
 
 TWENTY-SECOND WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS III. 
 
 OLORD, who art merciful to us in our penitence, 
 and patient towards us in our sin, let thy great 
 love constrain us, let thv lonor-sufferine subdue our 
 hearts. We mourn our waywardness and wilfulness 
 towards Thee. By the provisions of thy grace, and 
 by the appeals which Thou hast addressed to us, 
 Thou hast made our sin to be exceeding sinful. 
 Thou hast sent thy Son, but we have not rever- 
 enced Him. Thou hast delivered Him to die for us, 
 but we have not crucified the sins which crucified 
 Him. Thou hast set before us his perfect life, 
 faithful in all things, and delighting to do thy will ; 
 but we have not walked in his steps. Him Thou 
 hast exalted to thy right hand, crowned with glory 
 and honour, the head of all principality and power ; 
 and for this we praise Thee. Mercifully help us to 
 consider the Apostle and High Priest of our pro- 
 fession, and to hold fast the rejoicing of our hope 
 firm unto the end. Dispose our hearts to obey 
 as He obeyed, to be faithful as He was faithful, to 
 endure as He endured, so that we may be partakers 
 of his heavenly honour and joy. 
 
 merciful Grod, save us, we beseech Thee, from 
 that hardness of heart which disregards his voice, 
 which disbelieves his threatenings, and which is 
 ever growing harder still througli its own unbelief. 
 Oh, may we hear what the Holy Ghost saith, and, 
 while it is called to-day, accept thy proffered 
 mercy ; lest, like thine ancient people, we weary 
 out thy patience, and be excluded from thy rest. 
 It is thine to soften hard hearts. Help us to 
 unbare ours to the influences of the Saviour's cross, 
 to the approaches and strivings of the Holy Spirit. 
 Keep us from the evil heart of unbelief, and from 
 the way that leads from the living God. Let 
 these solemn words of Holy Scripture, of signal 
 warning and Divine entreaty, make us very 
 humble before Thee, and fill us with sacred fear, 
 lest we, too, because of our unbelief, should not 
 enter into thy rest. From hardness of heart, and 
 contempt of thy Word and commandment, good 
 Lord, deliver us. 
 
 Let the impressions and purposes of this our 
 morning worship abide with us through the day, 
 and shed a hallowing influence on all we do. May 
 we strive to be as holy as we pray to be. Keep us 
 from bodily evils, and, above all things, from sin. 
 And when the evening shall come, may it be to 
 us a preparation for the Sabbath ; and by quiet 
 thoughts and communings with Thee, may we 
 anticipate its rest and the joy of thy house. We 
 ask these and all needful mercies for ourselves, 
 our friends, and for all mankind, in the name 
 of Jesus Christ our Lord ; to whom, with Thy- 
 self and the Holy Spirit, be everlasting praise. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXII. 23—46. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, whose years 
 are throughout all generations, we humbly 
 thank Thee that Thou hast called us unto eternal 
 life through Christ our Lord. From Thee we had 
 fallen into sin, darkness, and death ; but the Son of 
 Man hath come to seek and to save that which was 
 lost. Eternal thanks to Thee, Father, that by 
 dying He destroyed death and him that had the 
 power of death, being delivered for our offences 
 and raised again for our justification. Give us, 
 Lord, to know Him and the power of his resurrec- 
 tion, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made 
 conformable unto his death. May a living faith in 
 Him ever sustain us amidst the sufferings of this 
 present time ; and when the sorrows of death com- 
 pass us about, may we each be able to say, " I 
 know that my Redeemer liveth!" Comfort us 
 concerning the departed that sleep in Him ; and 
 may we rejoice in his blessed words, that " the God 
 of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob is not the God 
 of the dead, but of the living." 
 
 Be pleased, merciful Father, to bring all 
 nations out of the sliadow of spiritual death. May 
 the heathen find eternal life in the knowledge 
 of Thee, the only true God, and of Jesus Christ 
 whom Thou hast sent. May the Mahometan be 
 directed to a better paradise. May the Jew wel- 
 come Him who is David's Son and David's Lord. 
 May those among whom this Gospel has long been 
 published bring forth the fruit thereof; so that the 
 great love wherewith Thou hast loved them may 
 constrain them everywhere to love Thee, the Lord 
 their God, with all their strength, and to love one 
 another with a pure heart fervently. Keep all 
 who name the name of Christ from a false pro- 
 fession ; and may no leaven of the Sadducees tempt 
 them to doubt or despise the life and immortality 
 which He hath brought to light. 
 
 While we thank Thee, Lord, for spiritual gifts 
 and privileges, we would also gratefully remember 
 our temporal mercies. Through the labours, cares, 
 and dangers of another week Thou hast safely 
 brought us. We bless Thee for our domestic ties, 
 and we pray that we may by thy grace so live 
 together here as to be prepared for those higher 
 relationships which Christ our Saviour shall form 
 in that heavenly world, where all shall be as the 
 angels of God. We confess our individual and 
 family sins and shortcomings, and seek to lie down 
 this night with the sweet sense of thy pardoning 
 love shed abroad in our hearts. Prepare us for 
 the rest and worship of the Sabbath ; and when 
 all our work below is ended, may we sleep in 
 Jesus, and awake amidst the Sabbath of thy eternal 
 love. We ask all for the sake of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 151 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EVENTNQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XIV, 26—45. 
 
 OLORD God, our voice shalt Thou hear in the 
 momiing, early will we direct our prayer unto 
 Thee, and will look up. We are spared, and in 
 health, because Thou defendest us. We laid us 
 down and slept, we awaked, for the Lord sustained 
 us ; and it is Thou only who makest us to dwell in 
 safety. 
 
 We desire to trust under the shatlow of thy 
 wings. Hold Thou us up always, and we shall be 
 safe. Let our faith in Thee be strengthened. Let 
 thy love be shed abroad in our hearts. 
 
 We adore Thee as the God of providence. Thou 
 leddest thy people like a flock, by the hand of 
 Moses and Aaron. Help us to remember that to 
 us Thou hast given richer blessings : the atonement 
 of thy Son, a greater High Priest; the guidance of 
 thy Spirit, and a Leader who cannot err. May we 
 prize our privileges, and improve them. Do not 
 let us fall into the sins of thine ancient people. 
 Sav^e us from murmuring, as some of them mur- 
 mured ; and from tempting Christ, as some of them 
 also tempted ; and let us be filled with holy fear, 
 lest, a promise being given us of entering into that 
 rest, any of us should seem to come short of it. 
 
 We bless Thee for the Sabbath, and for the 
 sanctuary. May our hearts be in tune for their 
 services and enjoyments. May we wait upon Thee 
 in thy house. Let us cairy prepared hearts to 
 the hearing of thy Word ; and let it be a word in 
 season to us. Let all ordinances lead us to Christ. 
 Let his mind be formed within us by thy Spirit. 
 Let his comforts rule our hearts. Let us be truly 
 his followers ; and may we be made strong by 
 the service of the temple for the constant ser- 
 vice of life. 
 
 Let thy ministers be anointed from on high with 
 all boldness ; may they preach thy truth. Send 
 thy Spirit forth according to thy word, and this 
 day may thy people be quickened into a higher 
 life, and may many sinners be converted unto 
 Thee. Look upon the ungodly around us, and 
 upon the families who have not called on thy 
 name. Bless every effort vvhich is made to save 
 them. Thou wiliest not that they should perish. 
 Oh, let thy Spirit convince them of sin, and direct 
 them to the Saviour of sinners. 
 
 Now, heavenly Father, we humble ourselves 
 in thy presence. We are sinners, and we would 
 not hide our sin. We are unworthy to approach 
 Thee, or to join in thy praises. Our hearts cleave 
 to their evil ways, and start aside like a deceitfiil 
 bow ; in us, that is, in our flesh, there dwelleth no 
 good thing. But Thou art plenteous in mercy unto 
 all that call upon Thee. Pardon us, Lord, and 
 help us to serve Thee acceptably, for the Redeemer's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CX. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, from whom no secrets are 
 hidden, we come into thy presence on the 
 evening of the day which Thou hast hallowed, and 
 which Thou hast set apart for thine own service. 
 We bless Thee that we have been allowed to tread 
 the courts of thy house, and to pay our vows unto 
 the Lord in the presence of all his people. We 
 bless Thee for the Word of thy grace, for the 
 Gospel of our salvation, for the promised Spirit, 
 and for the hope of heaven. 
 
 We trust that we have not wilfully sinned 
 against Thee this day. But who knoweth his 
 errors? In thy sight our best doings are folly, 
 and our holiest thoughts unclean. Our temple 
 services and all our sacrifices are marred by our 
 sins. We thank Thee for the blood of sprinkling, 
 and we pray that Thou wouldest apply it to us 
 afresh. Let our persons, our families, our services, 
 all be accepted through its power. We would 
 not be satisfied unless our hearts are wholly given 
 to Thee. Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, and 
 keep back thy servants also from presumptuous 
 sins. 
 
 Let the words which we have heard this day be 
 blessed to us. Let us be doers of the Word, not 
 hearers only. Let our love prompt us to obedience, 
 and let our obedience illustrate our faith. Save us 
 from the self-righteousness which trusts in its own 
 doings. Hide thy Word in our hearts, that we may 
 not sin against Thee, and that we may have joy 
 and peace in believing. 
 
 We pray for the success of thy Word which has 
 been this day declared in thy house. Let it be 
 quick and powerful ; as a hammer, may it break 
 the rock in pieces ; as a fire, may it burn up the 
 dross of sin. Let sinners be converted every- 
 where, and let thy people be filled with greater 
 faith and zeal. 
 
 We thank Thee for the portion of thy Word 
 which we have just read. If it please Thee, fulfil 
 the promise in our sight. Let us see thy kingdom 
 come, Christ ruling in the midst of his enemies, 
 thy people made Avilling in the day of thy power. 
 Especially we bless Thee for our great High Priest. 
 We rely upon his sacrifice once offered. We plead 
 his merits, which Thou canst not turn away. We 
 humbly rejoice that we have an Advocate with the 
 Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and we ask, 
 for his sake, the forgiveness of our sins, and in- 
 heritance at last in the kingdom of thy glory. 
 
 We commend ourselves this night to thy holy 
 keeping. Watchman of Israel, guard us in our 
 slumbers. Let us rise to serve Thee. Help us 
 to live to thy praise ; and at length may we see 
 Thee as Thou art, through Jesus Christ om' Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 155 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 fiEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XC. 
 
 BEHOLD us, Lord, assembled before Thee 
 to express our united thanksgivings for the 
 mercies of the past night, and to commit our- 
 selves, both as individuals and as a family, to the 
 care of thy providence, and to the guidance of thy 
 grace during the day. We know not to what trials 
 we may be subjected, ere the sun go down ; but 
 thy people in all generations have felt themselves, 
 under the protection of thy watchful and gracious 
 providence, infinitely more secure than within the 
 strongest and most solid dwelling-place ; and we, 
 animated by their recorded experience, pray that 
 Thou wouldest give us also to know the blessedness 
 of those whose refuge is the everlasting God, and 
 around whom are extended the Almighty arms 
 that formed the earth and the world. 
 
 We feel, Lord, that we are not only dependent, 
 but frail and short-lived creatures. Thou hast 
 shown us in thy Word that all flesh is as grass ; 
 and not a week, scarce a day, passes over our 
 heads, but we are reminded, by many impressive 
 and solemn occurrences, that man, who is born of 
 a woman, has but a short time to live. We know 
 that by one man sin entered into the world, and 
 death by sin. In the cutting off of oui* days, and 
 in the pining sickness whereby Thou dost make 
 an end of us, we see the continued infliction of 
 tlie sentence denounced against sin, according to 
 which Thou turnest man to destruction, and sayest. 
 Return, ye children of men. Oh, grant that we 
 may so far know the power of thine anger, that 
 our minds may be duly affected with a profound 
 awe of thy justice and holiness ; that we may be 
 led, by repentance and faith in the Saviour, to 
 seek thy favour as the fountain of purest joys; 
 and that, from a consideration of tlie shortness 
 and miseries of this life, as well as of the certainty 
 of death, we may earnestly devote ourselves to 
 the study and practice of that true wisdom which 
 consists in piety and the fear of the Lord. We 
 have constant need, gracious Father, that Thou 
 shouldest so teach us to number our days ; for 
 we spend our years as a tale that is told, and 
 are prone to live as if we were to live here 
 always. 
 
 Under a deep sense of our sinfulness, we plead 
 thy mercy in Christ. Oh, give us the delightful 
 consciousness of thy returning favour, and supply 
 us with the promised influences of thy Spirit ; that 
 in the renovation of our nature, manifested by 
 the conversion of our hearts and the progressive 
 holiness of our conduct, the beauty of the Lord our 
 God may be reflected upon us ; and becoming 
 henceforth steadfast as well as zealous of good 
 works, we may hope that our persons and services 
 will be accepted through Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXITI. 1-22. 
 
 BLESSED and exalted Saviour, we look up to 
 Thee at the close of another day, and ask for 
 thy blessing. Thou art in heaven, we on the earth. 
 Thou dwellest in light, we are surrounded by dark- 
 ness. Having finished the work given Thee to do, 
 Thou hast taken thy seat at the right hand of power, 
 and there Thou art directing all things according 
 to thy will. We rejoice in Thee as our Prophet, 
 Priest, and King. Sinners of the earth, we 
 delight to remember that thy blood once shed on 
 Calvary cleanseth from all sin. May that pre- 
 cious blood be sprinkled upon our consciences 
 to-night, that being justified by faith, we may 
 have peace with God. 
 
 Impress on our minds and hearts the precepts 
 Thou hast just addressed to us in thy Word. Pre- 
 serve us, God, from the leaven of hypocrisy, that 
 we may not have a name to live while we are dead. 
 Cleanse, we beseech Thee, the tiioughts of our 
 hearts. Create in us clean hearts, renew right 
 spirits within us. Preserve us from pride; help 
 us to feel M'e are thy servants, not our own masters. 
 May we be clothed with humility, and humble 
 ourselves as little children, that we may be exalted 
 by thy grace. Make us willing to sit at thy feet, 
 and to learn of Thee to be meek and lowly in 
 heart, that we may find rest unto our souls. 
 
 We seek pardon for the sins of the day. In 
 many things we all offend. We have erred and 
 strayed from thy ways like lost sheep, and there 
 is no health in us. We have this day too much de- 
 served thy rebuke as fools and blind. We see not 
 as we ought our true interest, nor thy glory. The 
 world too much absorbs our thoughts, and obscures 
 the vision of eternal things. Lord Jesus, make us 
 more spiritually-minded, which is life and peace. 
 Thou wast always holy in thought, word, and 
 deed. Though mingling with all classes of men, 
 and ever active. Thou didst always that which 
 pleased the Father. Thy meat and thy drink was 
 to do his will. Make us, we pray Thee, more 
 like Thyself. May we bear thy image, and reflect 
 more perfectly thy character to the world. 
 
 Mercifully take us, God, beneath thy care 
 this night. Thou never slumberest nor sleepest, 
 and when on earth didst often spend whole nights 
 in prayer. While our weariness requires repose, 
 let thy tender love be over us, thy Avatchful care 
 protect us. Bless all dear to us, and all thy people 
 everywhere, and prepare us for the world where 
 we hope to see Thee as Thou art, and to be like 
 Thee for ever. From our hearts we thank Thee 
 for all Thou hast done for us, especially for the 
 gifts of thy dear Son and the promise of the Spirit, 
 and with our united spirits would render to Thee 
 all honour and praise for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 r 156 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EVENLNQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XVI. 1—22. 
 
 OTHOU that dwellest between the cherubim, be 
 pleased to shine forth on us ; and as we now 
 seek, by the blood of Jesus, to enter into that wdiicli 
 is within the veil, give us access unto Thee, and do 
 Thou speak unto us peace. 
 
 We have been guided by Thee, God, very 
 tendei'ly in all our way on earth. We have drank 
 of the upper and the nether springs in Thee. And 
 Thou hast added this to the numberless other bless- 
 ings of our state, that Thou hast not spared thine 
 own Son, but hast given Him up unto death for us 
 all. Yet how often have we forgotten Thee, the 
 God that madest us ; how often have we lightly 
 esteemed Thee, the Rock of our salvation ; how 
 often, by the restless discontent and gainsaying of 
 our hearts, have we grieved thy Spirit and provoked 
 thy anger, so that it would be a righteous doom 
 were we even now to die in our sins. 
 
 Oh, have mercy on us, for thy Son's sake, and 
 for his righteousness' sake. Look upon us as we 
 bow before his cross, as we there repent us of our 
 sins, as we call upon Thee in sincerity and truth ; 
 and let the darkness of thine anger pass away, 
 our God, and receive us again graciously, and love 
 us freely. 
 
 And this day, and all our days, may thy 
 Spirit be shed within our hearts, in his baptism of 
 power. May He subdue the rebelliousness of our 
 mind and will. So may He work in us, that we 
 may put on Christ, and be clothed evermore witli 
 the garment of his humility, his obedience, his 
 trust. And with this, the very mind of Jesus, 
 wrought in us, in all the ways of thy appoint- 
 ment, may we then be found no more sti'iving 
 against, but yielding ourselves the willing subjects 
 of thy grace. In our health and weakness, in 
 our labour and rest, in our privilege and priva- 
 tion, may we seek not our own will, but thine; 
 may we walk before Thee as dear children ; may 
 we set our eyes continually on Him whom Thou 
 hast ordained our High Priest in the heavens ; and 
 may He, as all our salvation and all our desire, be 
 daily magnified in our body, whether it be by life 
 or by death. 
 
 Guide us, then, and bless us, God, throughout 
 this day. Save our feet from falling, and our souls 
 from death, and our eyes from tears. May those, 
 also, whom we love have their portion in the love 
 of Jesus. And may the kingdom of his grace 
 everywhere advance, till tlie kingdom of his glory 
 come, and all men shall call Him blessed, and the 
 earth be filled with his praise. 
 
 Now unto Him that loved us, and washed us 
 from our sins in his blood, and hath made us kings 
 and priests unto God and his Father, to Him be 
 glory and dominion for ever and evei\ Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXIII. 23-39 
 
 IN the multitude of thy mercies, Lord our God, 
 we present ourselves at the throne of thy grace 
 to-night. Thou hast been our guide and our 
 guard through another day. Thou hast delivered 
 us from dangers both seen and unseen. Many 
 have been our wants, but Thou hast supplied them 
 all. Make us truly grateful, and grant us thy 
 Holy Spirit, to enable us to devote those lives to thy 
 service which Thou dost so constantly make thy 
 care. With deep humility and self-abasement, we 
 acknowledge our unworthiness and our sins. We 
 have done much that we ought not to have done, 
 and have left much of our duty undone. We 
 rejoice to know that thou deHghtest in mercy, and 
 that with Thee there is plenteous redemption. Be 
 merciful to us, for the sake of Jesus Christ; and 
 pardon our iniquity, for it is great. 
 
 Thou didst of old speak unto thy people by thy 
 servants the prophets, but Thou hast spoken unto 
 us by thy Son, the Lord Jesus. May the lessons 
 of instruction we have now derived from his words 
 make a lasting impression on our hearts, and exert 
 a practical influence on our conduct. Suffer us 
 not to resemble the scribes and Pharisees, against 
 whom such woes were denounced. Forbid it that 
 we should be as whited sepulchres, which may 
 indeed appear beautiful without, while within they 
 are full of all uncleanness. May we hate and 
 avoid hypocrisy and deceit. May we be among 
 the pure in heart who shall see God. While we 
 attend to the lesser matters of thy law, may we not 
 omit the weightier matters of judgment, mercy, 
 and faith. Permit us never to be blind guides, 
 going astray from thy paths Ourselves, and leading 
 others astray too ; but may thy Spirit lead us into 
 all truth, and make us useful to those with whom 
 we associate. 
 
 May we always be found watching and waiting 
 for that time when it shall be said, " Blessed is He 
 that cometh in the name of the Lord." Make us 
 willing to suffer affliction and persecution for Him 
 who suffered, the just for the unjust, that He might 
 bring us to God. Grant that as a family we may 
 all be not only the objects of thy protecting cai-e, 
 but partakers of thy saving grace. May those who 
 are related to us, by the ties of nature and affection, 
 be taken into relationship with Thyself. 
 
 By the tears Thou didst shed over Jerusalem, 
 and by thy death on the cross to put away the sin 
 of the world, we beseech Thee to pour out thy Holy 
 Spirit upon all flesh. 
 
 And now, like as a hen gathereth her chickens 
 under her wings, so do Thou graciously cover us 
 with thine own Almighty power and love, that we 
 may both lay ourselves down to sleep and awake 
 in peace, for thy great name's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 157 1 
 
MOKNENG.] 
 
 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XVI. 23-60. 
 
 OLORD our God, Thou art very great ; Thou 
 art clothed with honour and majesty. Clouds 
 and darkness are round about Thee ; righteousness 
 and judgment are the habitation of tiiy throne. 
 Help us to draw near unto Thee with reverence 
 and godly fear, and to worship Thee in spirit and 
 in truth. 
 
 Enter not into judgment with us, Lord ; for in 
 thy sight shall no flesh living be justified. We bless 
 Thee that Thou desirest not the death of a sinner, 
 but rather that he should turn from his trespasses 
 and live. Help us with our whole hearts to cease 
 from sin, and to turn to Thee. May we be warned 
 and instructed by the history of thy judgments. 
 May we remember that if they escaped not who 
 refused Him that spake on earth, much more shall 
 not we escape if we turn away from Him that 
 speaketh from heaven. Make us deeply sensible of 
 the evil, guilt, and misery of sin ; and strengthen 
 our faith to lay hold on thy pardoning mercy, 
 through thy beloved Son. Being justified by 
 faith, may we have peace with God. 
 
 Accept our thanksgivings, heavenly Father, for 
 thy great and constant bounty towards us. It is 
 of thy mercies that we are not consumed, because 
 thy compassions fail not. They are new every 
 morning : great is thy faithfulness. We bless Thee 
 for the safety and refreshment of the night, for the 
 cheerful light of day, for the supply of our ever- 
 returning wants, for the use of reason and all our 
 powers, for the comfort of our earthly home, and 
 for all the duties as well as the enjoyments of life. 
 Help us to consecrate to Thee all we have and 
 enjoy, to see thy hand in all thy gifts, to lean on 
 thy sti*ength in all our duties, to commit all our 
 ways to Thee, and to set our best and strongest 
 affections on things above, not on things on the 
 earth. 
 
 Go with us, we beseech Thee, through the scenes 
 and duties of this day. If it be thy will, keep our 
 eyes from tear^, and our feet from falling. But 
 when sorrow, disappointment, or suffering, or diffi- 
 cult tasks and perplexing cares are appointed us, 
 keep us near to Thee, stay our hearts on Thyself, 
 uphold us by thy free Spirit, and let the strength of 
 Christ be perfected in our weakness. 
 
 Bless each member of this household. [May 
 our dear children live before Thee.] Mercifully 
 remember all our beloved kindred and friends. 
 Number them among thy children. Bless all 
 Christian families, and the members of thy Church 
 throughout the world. Bless our country, our 
 Sovereign, and all our rulers ; and grant to all 
 nations freedom, truth, righteousness, and peace. 
 
 Mercifully hear our prayers, heavenly Father, 
 for the sake of thy beloved Son. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOEL II. 12—32. 
 
 OGOD, the Father of mercies, and God of all 
 consolation, from Thee cometh every good 
 and perfect gift. Thou openest thy hand, and 
 suppliest the wants of every living thing. We are 
 the witnesses of thy bounty and preserving care, in 
 having commenced the various engagements of the 
 day, in having had health and strength of body 
 and of mind vouchsafed for "their performance, in 
 having tasted of thy goodness during its passing 
 hours, and in now being gathered around this 
 family altar, with one mouth and with one heart 
 to present our oblation and sacrifice of praise, 
 which we offer, and which we humbly pray 
 may be accepted, through our only Advocate and 
 Mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Pity us, Lord, and pardon all errors of judg- 
 ment, all the infirmities of the flesh, the want of 
 seasonable recollection, and the foolish prejudices 
 into which we may have been betrayed ; and 
 through the blood of the Lamb who taketh away 
 the sin of the world, pardon and absolve every one 
 before Thee from all iniquity, transgression, and 
 sin. Christ, save us both now and evermore ! 
 Renew in us right spirits. Restore unto us the joys 
 of thy salvation, and uphold us with thy free Spirit ; 
 then shall we teach transgressors thy ways, and 
 sinners shall be converted unto Thee. Henceforth 
 may we serve Thee acceptably in holiness and in 
 righteousness all our days. 
 
 May the Gospel run, and the name of Jesus, 
 Messiah, the Lord and Saviour, be glorified in all 
 lands. May all nations be blessed in Him, and 
 all peoples, kindreds, and languages call Him 
 blessed. Greatly increase the success which has 
 been already vouchsafed, and hasten the times of 
 salvation for which Thou hast caused all thy ser- 
 vants in successive ages to look. 
 
 Finally, we commend to thy gracious protection 
 thy servant, our Sovereign, the Royal Family, and 
 all who are in authority. Grant to us, and to all 
 the subjects of this realm, to live honest and peace- 
 able lives, and to dwell in charity with all men. 
 
 We are now about to separate and retire to rest. 
 May our sleep be sweet, because Thou, Lord, sus- 
 tainest us. But if through pain of body or any 
 other cause, we lie awake any portion of the 
 night, may our meditations be profitable. May 
 we commune with the Father of our spirits, the 
 Fountain of all consolation. Preserve us from all 
 dangers. Give us to rise refreshed with sleep, 
 and then, as now, gratefully to record thy tender 
 mercies ; thus spending our short and uncertain 
 life in the assured hope of resting with Thyself and 
 with all thy saints in glory everlasting, through 
 Jesus Christ, our only Lord and Savioui* ; to whom 
 be all honour and glory. Amen. 
 
 [ 158 ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JUDE. 
 
 WITH the beginning of a new day, Lord, we 
 come to Thee as a family, in humble depend- 
 ence on the Holy Spirit, to offer our praise and 
 prayer. We desire ever to praise Thee for all Thou 
 art in Thyself and for all Thou art to us. We 
 
 E raise Thee as the King of Kings, and Lord of 
 lords. We praise Thee as the Almighty Creator, 
 the constant Preserver, the bountiful Benefactor, 
 the gracious Redeemer, and the sovereign Judge 
 of all mankind. It is in Thee we live, and move, 
 and have our being ; and from Thee alone we 
 receive every good and perfect gift. Help us to 
 remember that Thou wilt give us through Jesus 
 Christ all blessings, both temporal and spiritual, 
 if we seek them in his name ; and in their enjoy- 
 ment may we recognise thy love, and magnify 
 thy name. Thou dost draw the curtains of dark- 
 ness around thy children at night, so that they 
 may rest after the toils of the day. We render to 
 Thee our heartfelt thanksgivings for the peaceful 
 and refreshing sleep Thou hast afforded us during 
 another night. We know not what may be before 
 us to-day. Do Thou preserve us from all accident, 
 from all sickness, and especially from all sin. May 
 we not deny Thee in thought, word, or deed ; but, 
 like Enoch, may our walk be close with our God. 
 May the pillar of fire and of cloud which accom- 
 panied thy people of old, as they travelled through 
 the wilderness, ever accompany us. Suffer us not 
 to resemble clouds without water, or trees whose 
 fruit withereth ; but may we know that we are 
 sanctified by God the Father, and may we be as 
 trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, 
 that Thou mayest be glorified. 
 
 Write on our hearts the lessons of instruction 
 which we have read in thy Word, and graciously 
 help us to build ourselves up in our most holy 
 faith, prating without ceasing in the Holy Ghost. 
 May mercy, and peace, and love be multiplied to 
 us. May we keep ourselves in the knowledge and 
 love of God, and be continually looking for the 
 mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, 
 knowing that He cometli with ten thousands of his 
 saints to the judgment of the great day. Make us 
 diligent in the discharge of all the duties con- 
 nected with our salvation. Enable us earnestly to 
 contend for the faith which was once delivered 
 unto the saints. Keep us from evil in all our 
 necessary contact with those who acknowledge not 
 thy dominion. Suffer us not to be overcome by 
 evil, but may we overcome evil with good. Now 
 unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and 
 to present us faultless before the presence of his 
 glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, 
 our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and 
 power, both now and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MARK XIL 36-44. 
 
 WE praise and adore thy name, God, for the 
 mercies of this day. Strength for duty, and 
 the supply of food and raiment, came from Thee. 
 We acknowledge thy hand in all our blessings, 
 and, above all, in the gift of thy dear Son. May 
 the remembrance of his cross and passion awaken 
 us to earnest tliankfulness, and may the assurance 
 of his resurrection, and ascension, and intercession, 
 encourage in us a holy trust and confidence. Un- 
 worthy in ourselves, we plead his worthiness and 
 merits. For his sake do us good, we beseech 
 Thee, now that we kneel before thy throne, and 
 send us not away unblessed or unforgiven. In 
 many things we continually offend Thee and trans- 
 gress thy holy law. Lord, be gracious unto us, 
 and visit us not for our sins, but pardon us in 
 thy mercy, and gladden our hearts by thy for- 
 giveness. May we not rest without the assurance 
 of thy mercy. 
 
 God, preserve us, we beseech Thee, from the 
 sin of hypocrisy. Implant in our hearts the un- 
 doubting conviction of thine omniscience, that we 
 may shrink from attempting to deceive ourselves, 
 or the world around us, or Thee. Thou discernest 
 the thoughts and intents of the heart ; and there is 
 not a word on our lips but Thou, Lord, knowest 
 it altogether. We tremble when we think how 
 Thou searchest us, and weighest all our motives in 
 the balance of truth and righteousness, and we 
 fly for refuge to Jesus, the Lamb of God, which 
 taketh away the sin of the world. We pray for thy 
 Holy Spirit. May He dwell in us, and cause our 
 religion to be a religion of the heart, and not of 
 mere outward show and profession. Oh, give us 
 grace in all things to serve Thee in spirit and in 
 truth, remembering that not he that commendeth 
 himself is approved, but whom the Lord com- 
 mendeth. 
 
 Implant also within us a spirit of self-denial and 
 cheerful liberality. May we have in constant re- 
 membrance the great things which Thou hast done 
 for us, and cheerfully do all we can for others. 
 All we are and all we have is thine, and for our 
 use of all things Thou wilt require an account 
 at the great day. Graciously enable us, in the 
 grateful sense of thy mercy, to honour Thee with 
 our substance ; and of what we have received at 
 thy hand, be it much or little, may we conscien- 
 tiously set apart a portion for Thee, and for the 
 advancement of thy kingdom, and the comfort of 
 our poor neighbours. 
 
 We pray for thy protection. Let it be above us 
 and all who belong to us during the night, and 
 preserve us from all dangers. Hear us, God, 
 and grant us an answer of peace, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 159 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ I.^ HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XX. 1—13. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXIV. 1—14. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most holy Lord God, by whose 
 power the world is upheld; in whom we live, and 
 move, and have our being ; we praise and worship 
 Thee as the Ruler of the world, and the Creator of 
 all that is therein. All thy creatures speak of thy 
 goodness and wisdom, though we confess that often 
 Ave have loved and served the creature more than 
 the Creator, and have neglected to see Thee in thy 
 works and to hear Thee speak in thy Word. 
 
 Open our eyes every day to see Thee and the 
 traces of thy working in this wonderful world, and 
 to perceive that Thou art Lord of all. May the 
 light of thy sun now risen on the earth remind us 
 to greet with joy the rising upon our sinful world 
 of the Sun of Righteousness with healing in his 
 wings ; and as the shadows of night are fled, so put 
 to flight our sinful fears and doubts. 
 
 We acknowledge that it is in thy hand to kiU 
 and to make alive, to wound and to heal, and we 
 would ever trust thy goodness. When we cannot 
 fathom the depths of thy designs, may we never in 
 haste condemn thy merciful purposes because we 
 cannot clearly comprehend them all; and if Thou 
 seemest to forsake us, may we cleave to Thee closer, 
 till thy presence is restored to us. 
 
 God, how often have we murmured against 
 thy providence, and said in our hearts, "It is in 
 vain to serve the Lord, and what profit have we 
 m walking humbly before the Most High ? " Our 
 faith has been weak, and in the hour of need we 
 have sat down in despair, when we ought to have 
 prayed more earnestly to Thee, and taken comfort 
 in thine exceeding great and precious promises. 
 
 Take away from us, we implore Thee, this spirit 
 of murmuring and discontent. Teach us in what- 
 soever state we are, therewith to be content. While 
 we use thy help for all our real necessities, let us be 
 heartily satisfied with thy blessed will, even though 
 it be different from ours. 
 
 Supply, we pray Thee, from thy fulness in Christ 
 Jesus, all the wants of our souls. Refresh them, 
 while wandering through the wilderness of this 
 world, with the water of life; and may Christ ever 
 be felt at hand in all our journey, to sustain our 
 burdened souls, and strengthen us in the hour of 
 weakness. 
 
 Deliver us from haste, and carelessness; from 
 harshness of thought, and rashness of judgment; 
 and if we are vexed with the ungodliness of the 
 world, keep us from too speedily passing judg- 
 ment on them, for Thou art the righteous Judge, 
 strong and patient. 
 
 These mercies we ask in Christ's name, to whom, 
 as also to Thee, God the Father, and to Thee, 
 God the Holy Spirit, we ascribe all praise and 
 power. Amen. 
 
 OGOD, in the review of another day's mercies, 
 we exalt and pi'aise thy name. Great indeed 
 is thy goodness, great tlie riches of thy forbear- 
 ance, and thy long-suffering. We have provoked 
 Thee by our sins, but Thou hast not turned away 
 thy face from us. We have misused thy gifts of 
 life, and health, and opportunity; yet still Thou 
 continuest them. Oh, grant that thy gracious deal- 
 ings with us may lead us to a deeper sense of sin ; 
 that in the light of thy mercy we may learn the 
 grievousness of our disobedience, and be humbled 
 at thy footstool. For thy Son our Lord Jesus 
 Christ's sake, forgive us all our misdoings; all 
 sinful thoughts, all sinful words and works : put 
 Thou them out of thy remembrance, and let them 
 not rise up again to our condemnation. Speak 
 to us words of comfort and peace, and shed upon 
 our souls the blessed assurance of thy reconcilia- 
 tion and forgiveness. 
 
 We pray Thee, God, to give us a clearer insight 
 into thy holy Word, that we may not be led astray 
 by false teachers, and through the weakness and 
 ignorance of our own hearts. Enable us to receive 
 with meekness the Word which is able to save our 
 souls, and to wait patiently till-the revelation of the 
 great day, for the clearing up of what is now dark 
 and mysterious. Especially keep us watchful for 
 the Lord's coming, that we may prepare to receive 
 Him with joy when He shall come to be admired 
 of his saints, and to be glorified in all that believe. 
 Increase our desires for the enlargement of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom, and stir up our hearts with an 
 earnest zeal for his glory, that we may do all that 
 in us lies to spread abroad in our own homes and 
 in the world the glad tidings of his Gospel. Lord, 
 write it on our own hearts. Enable us to expe- 
 rience, through thy grace, the comfort of its pro- 
 mises and the guidance of its precepts. Let its 
 blessed effects be seen in our growth in grace, and 
 in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, that others may be drawn to Him, and 
 believe in his name. 
 
 We beseech Thee to bless whatever has been done 
 this day for thy glory. Make thy Gospel the savour 
 of life unto life to many souls. Look upon thy 
 Church ; heal its divisions, reconcile its contentions. 
 Bring all thy people nearer to Christ; then will they 
 be brought nearer to each other. Bring Jew and 
 Gentile into thy fold, and hasten the time when thy 
 Gospel shall have been preached as a witness to all 
 nations, and the kingdom of Christ shall come. 
 
 Spread around our household this night the pro- 
 tection of thine almighty arm. We lie down to sleep, 
 trusting in thy care and lovingkindness ; keep us, 
 bless us, and supply our need, according to thy 
 riches in glory, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 160 ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 IWENTY-THIRD WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXXXI. 
 
 
 
 LORD, we adore Thee as the God who in 
 times past didst speak unto the fathers by the 
 prophets, but hast in these last days spoken unto 
 us by thy Son. For all the deliverances granted 
 to thine ancient people we humbly thank Thee ; 
 and we praise thy name that in Christ Thou hast 
 saved us from a worse bondage than that of Egypt, 
 having broken the yoke of our burden, and the 
 rod of our oppressor. Give us grace continually 
 to sing aloud unto God our strength ; and being 
 redeemed out of the hand of our enemies, may we 
 serve Thee without fear, in holiness and righteous- 
 ness before Thee all the days of our life. 
 
 Thou, Lord, in the days of old didst bless the 
 families of thy people, feeding them with food 
 convenient for them, and giving them water out 
 of the rock. Thou, in thy manifold mercies, 
 didst not forsake them in the wilderness ; and when 
 they called in trouble, Thou didst deliver them. 
 We humbly beseech Thee to bless us as a family 
 with bread from heaven, and to feed us with the 
 heritage of Jacob our father. May every one of 
 us be satisfied abundantly with the provisions of 
 thy house ; and may we hunger and thirst after 
 righteousness, that we may be filled. Suffer none 
 of us ever to err from thy ways, or harden our 
 hearts from thy fear, lest Thou shouldest be turned 
 to be our enemy, and fight against us. We con- 
 fess and deplore the strength of evil and the weak- 
 ness of our good resolutions. Assist us, God of 
 our salvation, with thine almighty grace, that we 
 may evermore hearken unto Thee, and walk in 
 thy ways. 
 
 merciftil God, be favourable also to our 
 beloved country. Thou hast highly exalted us, like 
 Israel of old, placing amongst us thy testimony 
 and thy law, and answering us in the secret place 
 of thunder. Forbid that there should be among 
 us any strange god, or that we should listen to 
 any voice but thine. Deliver us as a people from 
 all unbelief and pride, from all hardness of heart 
 and contempt of thy holy Word and command- 
 ment. Let the wickedness of the wicked come 
 to an end, and let the righteous be established. 
 Remove from the midst of us everything that 
 offendeth and worketh iniquity; and let not our 
 lukewarmness and coldness of heart grieve thy 
 Holy Spirit. Teach us wherein yve have fallen, to 
 remember and do our first works, lest our candle- 
 stick should be removed out of its place. our 
 God, we are verily guilty ; but thy compassions fail 
 not ; and we implore Thee to renew us to repent- 
 ance, that thy covenant may be still with us. We 
 ask all through Jesus Christ, our Saviour and 
 Redeemer, to whom, with Thee and the Holy 
 Ghost, be gloi-y for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXIV. 15-35. 
 
 GRACIOUS and merciful God, our refuge and 
 strength, a present help in every time of need, 
 give us thy blessing, we beseech Thee, before we 
 lay ourselves down to rest. We acknowledge the 
 fatherly care with which Thou hast watched over 
 and preserved us during the week, and the love 
 Avhich hath supplied all our wants. We thank 
 Thee for giving us access to thy presence, and for 
 the promise which assures us of acceptance through 
 thy dear Son, who ever liveth to make intercession 
 for us. We confess our sinfulness before Thee. 
 By nature corrupt, we are continually trans- 
 gressing thy commandments and contracting fresh 
 guilt. Thou knowest our un worthiness, and settest 
 our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. 
 Have mercy upon us, God, and put away our 
 offences from before Thee. Forgive us for thy 
 name's sake, and let us now find favour in thy 
 sight. 
 
 Lord Jesus, fit and prepare us for thy second 
 coming. By thy Holy Spirit implant in our 
 hearts a holy fear of sin ; and so reveal unto us 
 things unseen and eternal", that we may not be led 
 astray by those which are seen and temporal. Fill 
 our hearts with a lively expectation of thy glory, 
 and sustain us under all trials and temptations by 
 the sure hope of eternal life. Thy promises fail 
 not ; enable us to lean on them with all the con- 
 fidence of loving hearts, knowing that heaven and 
 earth must pass away rather than they should fail. 
 Fulfil thy work of grace within us, transforming 
 us more entirely into thy Divine likeness, and 
 cheering our souls by the experience of thy peace 
 and joy. May it be all our desire day by day to 
 live for Thee, and in the discharge of every duty 
 may we strive to please Thee. 
 
 We look forward, God, with grateful hearts to 
 the rest and privileges of thy holy day. As the 
 Sabbaths come round and ever bring us nearer to 
 eternity, oh, make us more earnest and diHgent in 
 the use of our opportunities, remembering that the 
 night Cometh in which none can work. In the 
 prospect of the prayer and praise of the morrow, 
 do Thou convince us of our sin, that we may long 
 for spiritual blessings as the hart panteth for the 
 water-brooks ; and awaken in us a deep sense of 
 all thy goodness, that we may bring to Thee the 
 tribute of unfeigned thankfulness. 
 
 Take us all into thy gracious keeping for the 
 night. Let nothing prevent or disturb our rest. 
 Oh, that, waking or sleeping, we may be thine. 
 We implore thy protection and blessing for all 
 whom we love. In all their necessities do Thou 
 help them. Hear us, heavenly Father, and do for 
 us according to the riches of thy grace and love in 
 Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 161 ] 
 
 No. 2 1. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XX. 14-29. 
 
 OLORD our God, Thou art God alone, the high 
 and holy One, robed in majesty. Thou hast 
 made all things, and Thou preservest all things. 
 All thy works praise Thee. Thy power is un- 
 bounded, thy wisdom is infinite, and thy tender 
 mercies are over all thy works. Thou art light, 
 and Thou ai-t also love. Thy throne of glory is 
 also a throne of grace. Feeling that we are 
 so unlike Thee, may we now draw near with 
 contrite hearts. We have sinned, and what shall 
 we say to Thee ? Lord, forgive us. Enter not 
 into judgment with us. Save us, we implore 
 Thee, for thy Son's sake. Send down upon us 
 this day thy Holy Spirit. May the ascended Lord 
 shed Him forth as at the time of Pentecost. 
 
 May this holy day be a day of revival in all 
 thy churches. Oh, grant that thy people as- 
 sembling for thy worship may be accepted by 
 Thee. May the spirit of grace and supplication be 
 largely given to them. Enable them to realise 
 their position as a holy priesthood, and to lay on 
 thine altar those spiritual sacrifices with which, 
 for Christ's sake. Thou art well pleased. Abun- 
 dantly bless us in thy house this day. Let our 
 praises rise with acceptance, and let our prayers 
 be answered beyond our expectations. May thy 
 Word spoken to us be heard and accepted as 
 thine in docility and faith, and may it nourish 
 and sustain our souls. Oh, may thy Spirit bring 
 it home to our hearts with power, so that we may 
 live by it, and may always feel its power and 
 consolation. Cause us to rejoice in the ordinances 
 of thy house, and ever to implore a blessing upon 
 them. May the rain from heaven fill the pools, so 
 that the pilgrims may drink and be refreshed. 
 
 Lord, glorify Thyself this day in saving many 
 souls, and in reviving thine own people. We 
 bless Thee for the assurance that, while thy 
 servants on earth are not suffered to continue, 
 by reason of death, Christ, the Minister of the 
 true tabernacle, still lives, and lives for ever. As 
 we have been reading in thy Word that Aaron 
 died, and his robes were put on Eleazar, his son, 
 so we find in thy Church a succession of pastors. 
 But we rejoice that our great High Priest lives, 
 and ever pleads for his people : reigns over them, 
 and fills them with blessing. May the privileges 
 which we enjoy soon be possessed by the whole 
 world. Oh, raise our souls this day above the 
 world. May we leave it behind and beneath us ; 
 and as we enter thy house, may we feel thy 
 gracious presence. May great grace be upon us, 
 and may every Sabbath spent here be preparing us 
 for the rest remaining to thy people. Lord, hear 
 us, and do Thou for us above all that we can ask 
 or think, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXIV. 110-61. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and merciful Father, the only wise 
 God, to whom all events and all hearts are 
 known, and from whom no secret is hid, we 
 humbly thank Thee that although Thou hast 
 hidden from us those secret things which belong 
 unto Thee, and the times and seasons which Thou 
 hast kept in thine own power. Thou hast plainly 
 revealed unto us all things needful to life and 
 godliness. Keep us, we beseech Thee, from pre- 
 sumptuous curiosity in regard to what Thou hast 
 concealed, and from neglect, ignorance, or unbelief 
 in regard to what Thou hast revealed. And in 
 that day wherein Thou wilt bring every work into 
 judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be 
 good or whether it be evil, may we be delivered 
 from condemnation, through the sacrifice and merit 
 of thy dear Son, and be found in Him, not having 
 our own righteousness, but that which is through 
 the faith of Christ. Grant us our portion amongst 
 those blessed servants whom their Lord, when He 
 Cometh, shall find ready. When Christ, who is 
 our life, shall appear, then may we also appear 
 with Him in glory. 
 
 We thank Thee, merciful Father, for the mani- 
 fold and precious blessings of this day. We praise 
 Thee for thy holy Word, for the worship and fel- 
 lowship of thy Church, for the ministry of truth, 
 and for all the means of grace. Pardon, we 
 beseech Thee, our poor and imperfect improve- 
 ment of all thy gifts, the sin which stains our best 
 duties, and all that has been wrong or wanting in 
 us to-day. 
 
 Have mercy on all to whom this day has been 
 no Sabbath. Send thy light and truth to the 
 nations which are yet in darkness. Strengthen 
 and cheer our missionary brethren, and greatly 
 prosper their work. Restore the lost sheep of the 
 house of Israel. Bring to an end every false 
 religion, all war, slavery, and injustice, and what- 
 soever hinders thy Gospel. Bless every faithful 
 efi^brt to spread thy Truth. Let many, heretofore 
 careless and ungodly, be led, by what they have 
 heard to-day, to seek thy mercy, and to believe thy 
 Word. Pour thy Spirit, Lord, on all flesh, and 
 fill the earth with thy glory. 
 
 Graciously w^atch over us, and all dear to us, 
 through this night. Refresh us, if it please Thee, 
 with quiet rest, and fit us for all the duties and 
 unknown scenes of a new week. Bless each 
 member of our family, and all our kindred and 
 friends. And when our days on earth are ended, 
 may we be ready to follow those who have happily 
 entered before us into thy presence, and to keep 
 everlasting Sabbath with thy Church above, througli 
 Him who is gone to prepare a place for us, that 
 where He is we may be also. Amen. 
 
 C 162 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [EVENXNG. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXI. 1—20. 
 
 OST merciful and gracious God, on the morning 
 of a new day we come to Thee to acknowledge 
 the blessings of another night, and to offer once 
 more the tribute of grateful praise : " It is of the 
 Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because his 
 compassions fail not ; they are new every morning ; 
 great is thy faithfulness." 
 
 We implore thy protection as we enter upon the 
 day. Like Israel in the wilderness, we have many 
 enemies ; sin, Satan, the world, our own evil hearts, 
 are ever opposing us in our journey to the heavenly 
 Canaan, and we need to watch and pray always. 
 
 Mercifully defend us this day from all evil. By 
 thine overshadowing providence keep us from 
 bodily danger. By the power of thy Spirit guard 
 us against our spiritual foes. We are strong only 
 in thy strength. If Thou dost leave us, we fall. 
 Hold Thou us up, and then we shall be safe ; and 
 may we ever take to ourselves the whole armour of 
 God. 
 
 Preserve us, we beseech Thee, from a back- 
 sliding spirit. Thou knowest how prone we are 
 to wander from Thee. Lord, keep us near thy 
 side. May we seek our highest happiness in Thee 
 and thy service. 
 
 We desire unfeignedly to bless Thee for Jesus 
 Christ. As Moses lifted up the serpent in the 
 Avilderness, so the Son of Man has been lifted up, 
 that whosoever beKeveth in Him might not perish, 
 but have everlasting life. May we all Jpok to 
 Him. We have been wounded by sin, and are in 
 danger of death. Oh, help us to look to Christ 
 and live. We thank Thee that the way of salvation 
 is so simple, that whosoever will may believe and 
 be saved. Lord, help us to depend upon Jesus 
 not for salvation alone, but for everything. This 
 day will not pass without its cares, anxieties, per- 
 plexities, and temptations ; in the midst of all 
 these may we lean on the arm of our Saviour. 
 We thank Thee for his fulness — that He is made 
 unto us wisdom and righteousness, sanctification 
 and redemption. Let the life we live in the flesh 
 be a life of faith upon the Son of God. 
 
 Bless, we pray Thee, all for whom we should 
 intercede ; not only each member of this family, 
 but all dear friends and relations, our country, the 
 Church, and the world. May we try to live that 
 the world may be better for our life. Give us 
 grace to be active, useful, consistent, and holy. 
 As the salt of the earth, may we not lose our savour, 
 but exert such an influence to-day as through eter- 
 nity shall prove a blessing to many. 
 
 Our Father, hear these our morning supplica- 
 tions. Let them come up before Thee as incense ; 
 and according to thy mercy, answer and accept 
 us for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXV. 1—13. 
 
 OLORD God, in whom we live, and move, and 
 have our being, through thy kind and watchful 
 providence we have arrived at the close of another 
 day. We thank Thee for the mercies of the day. 
 Thou hast given us our daily bread, Thou hast 
 sustained us in the enjoyment of health and 
 strength. Thou hast permitted us to pursue our 
 ordinary avocations in peace, Thou hast mercifully 
 preserved us amidst many dangers unseen by 
 us, Thou hast not suffered the enemy to gain an 
 advantage over us; in various ways hast Thou 
 made thy goodness to pass before us ; and now 
 Thou art causing the shadows of the night to 
 gather around us, that we may seek needful repose 
 and be refreshed from the toils of the day. Give 
 us, Lord, a blessing ere we separate for the 
 night. May the sins of the day be forgiven, and 
 our souls washed from every stain of guilt in that 
 fountain which "Thou hast opened for sin and for 
 uncleanness. May we not seek repose with the 
 burden of evil upon us ; but delivered wholly from 
 all guilt, and from all uncleanness of the flesh and 
 of the spirit, may we lay us down at peace with 
 Thee, at peace within ourselves and at peace with 
 all men. 
 
 As each day draws to its close, help us, Lord, 
 to number our days, that we may apply our hearts 
 unto wisdom ; and so to live, that when summoned 
 to enter our Master's presence, we may do it with 
 joy, and not with grief. May it be our constant 
 desire and aim to be ready for the coming of our 
 Lord, that when the voice is heard saying, " Go ye 
 out to meet Him!" we may have nothing to do but 
 joyfully to obey the call. Whilst we are careful 
 to preserve our lamps clean and bright, oh, may 
 we never forget that this will profit us nothing 
 unless we have oil in them, wherewith they may 
 be caused to give light. Mercifully save us from 
 having this to seek when the Bridegroom comes. 
 Preserve us, we beseech Thee, from the folly of 
 trusting to our fellow-creatures to help us to that 
 of which no creature can have more than he 
 himself absolutely needs. Help us ever to come 
 unto Thee with our empty vessels, that Thou 
 mayest fill them with the golden oil of thy grace. 
 Keep us ever simply and earnestly confiding in 
 Christ as our alone and all-sufficient Saviour. 
 Endow us with the gifts of the Holy Ghost, that 
 strengthened with all might in the inner man, we 
 may stand fast in the day of trial, may walk 
 worthy of the Lord unto all well-pleasing, may 
 finish our course with joy, and may at last enter 
 into the joy of our Lord. Hear us, Father, and 
 help us according to our need, since all that we 
 ask is in the name and through the merit of our 
 only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen, 
 
 C 163 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN III. 14—27. 
 
 BLESSED Lord God, we, thine unworthy ser- 
 vants, enter into thy presence with thanksgiving 
 for manifold mercies ; for giving and sustaining 
 life to this moment, and especially for thy protec- 
 tion and favour during the past night. May our 
 prolonged lives, and the renewed health and 
 strength which have been so graciously vouchsafed, 
 be throughout this day spent to thy praise. May 
 we have grace diligently to perform the duties in 
 which we are about to engage ; may we bear 
 with patience the trials and share the joys inci- 
 dent to our lot. May we so habitually remember 
 thy name, and so cherish the spirit of prayer at 
 all times and in all places, that through the 
 prevailing intercessions of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and the light, and strength, and succour of 
 the Holy Spirit, we may be in the fear of the 
 Lord all the day long. Graciously have regard 
 to our individual circumstances and necessities, 
 to the relations which we sustain to each other, 
 to the temptations peculiar to our station and 
 work. Implant in us those principles and habits 
 which are essential to our character as the disciples 
 of the meek and lowly Jesus, that we may, by 
 tliy grace, be in due time fitted for the fellow- 
 ship of the redeemed in heaven. 
 
 We unitedly thank Thee for the love wherewith 
 Thou hast loved us, in having given tliy only be- 
 gotten Son to suffer, the Just instead of the unjust, 
 to bring us to Thyself; that — like as Moses lifted up 
 the serpent in the wilderness — whosoever believeth 
 in Him should not perish, but have everlasting 
 life. We bless Thee that these glad tidings of 
 great joy designed for all people, this Gospel of the 
 grace of God, has been brought to us, and that we 
 can now read in our native tongue the record of 
 everlasting mercy in Christ Jesus. May thy Holy 
 Spirit promised to us and to our children render 
 the word and teaching of the Gospel effectual to 
 our salvation. 
 
 Bless our land. Be the shield and protector of 
 thy servant our Sovereign, and all the members 
 of the Royal Family. Give wisdom to our 
 counsellors, and sustain the magistrates in the 
 execution of their offices. Give us grace to lead 
 quiet and peaceable lives, in all godliness and 
 honesty. Feed the hungry, clothe the naked. 
 Be the husband of all widows, and the father of 
 all fatherless and orphan children, and the refuge 
 of the destitute. Comfort all who mourn. Lead 
 the outcast, the wanderer, and the hard-hearted 
 sinner to Christ. Strengthen thy people in all 
 godliness, and finally bring us, and those to whom 
 we are related by the ties of this transitory life, witli 
 the whole Church, to the rest of thine everlasting 
 kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURES 1 THESSALONIANS IV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most gracious Father, we thank 
 Thee for the clear and full revelation of thy 
 will contained in thy holy Word. As it is our 
 great privilege to live in a land where we 
 have the free use of the Scriptures, may we 
 ever bear in mind that to whom much has been 
 given, of them much will be required. Having 
 this infallible guide to direct us, may it be our 
 fervent desire and daily aim to walk so as to please 
 Thee. May we make it the object of our holy 
 ambition to abound more and more in the attain- 
 ments of Christian faith and holiness. Thy will 
 concerning us is our sanctification. Oh, may we be 
 fellow-workers with Thee in this holy and gracious 
 purpose. Having given our hearts to Thee in the 
 Gospel covenant, may we aspire after the complete 
 renewal of our nature luito holiness ; maintaining a 
 vigilant control over our whole nature, and endea- 
 vouring to bring every thought and feeling, every 
 passion and desire, into captivity to the obedience 
 of Christ. As Thou hast called us into thy Church 
 to be trained to holy habits in heart and conduct, 
 may we be taught and enabled to walk worthy of 
 our Christian vocation. As we know the com- 
 mands which were given us by the Lord Jesus, 
 may we remember that to neglect or break them 
 is to despise God. May we, therefore, be careful 
 that the Word of Christ may dwell in us richly in 
 all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that 
 througl^ its sanctifying power we may, in all the 
 circumstances and relations of life, faithfully do 
 the good, and perfect, and acceptable will of God. 
 
 We thank Thee, most gracious Father, not only 
 for the counsel which the Gospel affords us for the 
 performance of duty, but also for the rich and 
 unspeakably precious consolations it has opened up 
 to us beyond death and the grave. We rejoice to 
 know that when friends near and dear to us die, 
 and what in them is mortal is laid in the grave, 
 we are not left to sorrow as those who have no 
 hope ; for life and immortality have been clearly 
 and fully brought to light by the Gospel. Enable 
 us to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how 
 He said, "I am the Resurrection, and the Life; 
 he that believeth in me, though he were dead, 
 yet shall he live." May the faith and hope that 
 we cherish in these glorious prospects reconcile 
 our minds to thy providence, however painful and 
 trying it may sometimes be, and may we look 
 forward with delightful anticipation to the second 
 coming of Christ, when those who sleej) in Him 
 shall be raised to glory, and death-divided friends 
 shall meet to part no more. 
 
 Pardon the sins and shortcomings of this day, 
 and take us under thy protecting care during the 
 nijiht, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 161 1 
 
MoPyNING.] 
 
 TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXII. 1—19. 
 
 LORD God Omnipotent, by whose mighty arm 
 thy people were rescued from the bondage of 
 Egypt, and were guided and guarded through the 
 wilderness. Thou art the same yesterday, to-day, 
 and for ever. Thou art as merciful as Thou art 
 powerful, and art ever willing to deliver the fet- 
 tered sinner from the bondage of corruption into 
 the glorious liberty of the children of God. De- 
 liver us, Lord, we beseech Thee, from the guilt 
 which we have contracted by our transgressions, 
 and from that dreadful curse which has fallen upon 
 us from the law which we have broken. What 
 shall we render unto Thee, Thou God of grace, 
 for the unspeakable gift of thy beloved Son, who 
 has redeemed us from the curse of the law by 
 being made a curse for us ; for now we can come 
 boldly to the throne of grace, to ask for help 
 in every time of need. We can plead the re- 
 deeming power of his sufferings and death, and 
 the invitations and promises by which we are 
 authorised to hope for pardon and eternal life. 
 Oh, may the Spirit of glory and grace take of 
 the things that are Christ's, and show them to us 
 so clearly and so impressively, that we shall fully 
 yield our souls to his care, and ever cherish the 
 persuasion that He is able to keep what we have 
 committed to Him until that day. 
 
 Deliver us, Lord, from the love of the world. 
 Remove far from us vanity and lies. Give us 
 neither poverty nor riches. Feed us with food 
 convenient for us, lest we be full and deny Thee, 
 and say, " Who is the Lord?" or lest we be poor, 
 and steal, and take the name of our God in vain. 
 Give us, Lord, a supreme love to Thee, as our 
 Father in heaven, and cordial love to all thy 
 children, for thine own sake, and for the truth's 
 sake that is in them. Never may temp<-ation, 
 however powerful, induce us to curse any whom 
 Thou hast blessed, or to put a stumbling-block or 
 occasion of offence in the way of a fellow Chris- 
 tian. Give us, Lord, the same mind which was 
 in Christ, thy Son. Constrain us to receive Him 
 as our example, as well as our Redeemer; and, 
 while we cling to his cross, may we also humbly 
 bow beneath his sceptre. 
 
 Thus may we all be distinguished by faith and 
 holiness. As a family may we be united together, 
 not only by natural relationship, but by a bond of 
 faith and love to Christ Jesus; and having thus 
 been one family on earth, may we be, throughout 
 all eternity, united in heaven. 
 
 Now unto Him that is able to keep us from fall- 
 ing, and to present us faultless before the presence 
 of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise 
 God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion 
 and power, both now and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXV, 14—30. 
 
 OGOD, from whom cometh down every good 
 and every perfect gift, the Father of lights, 
 with whom is no variableness, and no shadow of 
 turning, we, the creatures of thy bounty, and the 
 children of thy grace, bow before Thee in re- 
 verence and godly fear. What are we, or what is 
 our father's house, that we should have received of 
 Thee so great mercies ? Thine is the air we 
 breathe ; thine the food we eat ; thine the raiment 
 wherewith we are clothed; thine the life and 
 health, and all the blessings of our earthly state. 
 Above all, in the gift of thy love, Jesus Christ, 
 thine are the things set before us by Thy Gospel 
 which belong to our eternal peace. 
 
 We mourn that, so richly endowed of Thee, 
 we have been unprofitable servants ; that, in the 
 midst of mercy so abounding and so varied, we 
 have nourished cold and thankless hearts ; that 
 we have lost many golden opportunities, this day 
 and every day ; and that, in our unloving, indo- 
 lent, and selfish lives, we have so mis-spent om* 
 time, that, if Thou wert now strict to call us to 
 accoimt, we must perish from thy presence. 
 
 Oh, spare us, good Lord, in the multitude of 
 thy loving-kindnesses. Spare us, by the blood 
 of thine own Son. Through Him redeem us from 
 our past iniquity and folly, and be not angry with 
 us for ever. And, with new opportunity, give 
 us, we beseech Thee, new grace, whereby we may 
 serve Thee acceptably, and with godly fear. May 
 thy Spirit work within us, till there be deepened 
 in our heart a sense of the awfulness of sin ; till 
 we shall be able to reckon up, and correctly to 
 estimate, the talents Thou hast bestowed on us ; 
 and till each one shall feel, truly and lastingly, 
 that for all these things God will bring us 
 into judgment. Oh, help us to redeem the time. 
 Strengthen our weak purposes. Set our hearts on 
 high aims. So change and renew us inwardly, 
 that we shall labour not for the meat that perisheth, 
 but for that which endureth unto life eternal. 
 May we, denying ourselves and taking up our 
 cross daily, be followers of Him who went about 
 continuall}'- doing good. And when, at thy second 
 coming, we render Thee thine own at last, may it, 
 through thy grace, be with holy usury ; and, in our 
 death and in judgment, may we hear thy voice 
 saying, " Well done, good and faithful servant." 
 
 Now, under the shadows and silence of the 
 night, do Thou give us rest in Thee, God. And, 
 oh, may the time speed on when the kingdom of 
 our Lord shall everywhere be spread ; when the 
 throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in the 
 midst; and his servants shall serve Him ; and his 
 name shall be in their foreheads. We ask it all, 
 heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 165 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXII. 20—35. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, heaven and earth are full 
 of thy glory. Glory be to Thee, Lord 
 Most High. Thou dwellest in the light that no 
 man can approach unto, and sittest above the 
 water-floods as King for evermore. Thy throne 
 is established of old, and from everlasting to ever- 
 lasting Thou art God. Thou hast established the 
 earth, and it abideth. Power and majesty are 
 thine, and all things serve Thee. Holiness and 
 truth are thine ; Thou canst not look on iniquity, 
 and all sin is an abomination in thy sight. Fill us, 
 we beseech Thee, with a deep sense of thy greatness 
 and purity, that we may bow at thy footstool with 
 a lowly reverence. We feel, Lord, that we have 
 no righteousness of our own to plead before Thee. 
 In thy sight we are stained with sin ; and through 
 our many transgressions we lie exposed to the 
 curse of the law. Blessed be thy name that Thou 
 hast not cast us out ; and that even when we were 
 yet sinners, and without strength, Christ died for 
 us, and redeemed us from the curse of the law, 
 being made a curse for us. Through Him, Lord, 
 we desire to stand before Thee. Being justified by 
 faith, we desire to be at peace with Thee, and to 
 rejoice in hope of thy glory. Seal to our hearts 
 thy gracious promises, and let the light of thy 
 reconciling love shine on us as we press on in the 
 narrow way of life. 
 
 We thank Thee, merciful Father, for the 
 abundant gifts of thy providence, and especially 
 for thy sheltering care and protection during the 
 hours of darkness, and the renewal to us of this 
 morning's mercies. May we consecrate to thy 
 service the life Thou hast given, and use as in thy 
 sight all the bounties which we have received from 
 thy hand. God, incline us to live not for our- 
 selves, but to Thee, and to remember that Thou 
 hast sent us into the world not to please ourselves 
 or to have our own way, but to fulfil thy will. We 
 are entering on the day's duties, and many are the 
 dangers and temptations which beset our path. 
 Preserve us, we beseech Thee, in the midst of 
 them all, and let them not be the means of bring- 
 ing us into sin. May we keep our hearts with all 
 diligence, because out of them are the issues of 
 life ; and set a watch over the door of our lips, 
 that we offend not with our tongues. Be with us 
 in all our engagements and duties. Let nothing 
 tempt us in them to disobey thy law or set lightly 
 by thy will. If Thou seest us wandering, or 
 Satan drawing us into any path of evil, merci- 
 fully prevent us, and turn us back into the ways 
 of righteousness. 
 
 Hear us, our God, and grant us all those 
 blessings which Thou seest best for us, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 THESSALONLANS V, 
 
 OGOD, eternal, immortal, invisible, and every- 
 where present, who from the throne of thy 
 glory beh oldest all the dwellers on the earth, how 
 can we present ourselves to Thee except through 
 Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life? 
 Thou lovest the light, and all that is perfect and 
 truthful. W^e therefore pray Thee that we may 
 not be of the night, nor of darkness. Enable us 
 to walk as children of the light. May our deeds 
 be all wrought in and through Thee, as unto the 
 Lord, and not unto men. 
 
 Another day taken from the sum of our lives 
 reminds us how near is eternity, and the hour of 
 the second coming of our Lord and Saviour. 
 Forasmuch as we know not when He will come, 
 make and keep us ever ready; may we be in 
 readiness to obey the call to meet the Bridegroom, 
 and have our loins girt, our feet shod, and our 
 lamps trimmed, that that day may not overtake us 
 as a thief. May we be Christ's now, and confess 
 Him in the present sinful world, and so be con- 
 fessed of Him before Thee and the holy angels. 
 
 We would remember before Thee in sorrow the 
 sins and negligences of the past day. We have 
 fought the good fight but weakly ; and when 
 putting on our armour, have boasted as he that 
 putteth it off. May we henceforth trust ourselves 
 less, and Thee more. Gird us for the battle against 
 sin, the world, and the devil ; strengthen our souls ; 
 grant us to overcome the wicked one, and make us 
 more than conquerors through Him that loved us. 
 
 We bless Thee for all helps and assistance which 
 Thou hast provided for us, for all who minister to 
 us in holy things, and are over us in the Lord, 
 and admonish us ; we would account them as thy 
 messengers to us for good, and pray Thee to bless 
 their example and their counsels, and to reward 
 them for their faithfulness to thy flock. 
 
 We pray that the many mercies we enjoy from 
 thy hands may stir us up to do and feel more 
 for others ; rejoicing with them that rejoice, and 
 weeping with them that weep. Take, therefore, 
 from us all sharpness and bitterness of temper ; 
 and may the Holy Spirit teach us thy ways, and 
 dispose our hearts to walk in them. 
 
 Help us to live in holiness and righteousness of 
 life before Thee. As each day passes, may we be 
 made more meet for the great change, and learn 
 how, by earnest, humble faith and trust in Jesus 
 and his atoning blood, we may lay down in peace 
 and take our rest, for Thou makest us to dwell in 
 safety. Bless all our friends and relatives with the 
 abundant tokens of thy favour. 
 
 With our thanks for the mercies of this day, we 
 offer up these our humble prayers, through Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ ififi ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXII. 36— XXIII. 12. | READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXV. 31—46. 
 
 LORD God Almighty, who dwellest in the high 
 and holy place, whose name is Holy, in humility 
 and reverence we kneel at thy footstool. We are 
 unworthy to take thy name on our lips, or to come 
 into thy presence, for we are guilty and undone, 
 and of ourselves deserve thy wrath and condemna- 
 tion. We thank Thee that Thou canst be gracious 
 unto us, and that in thy dear Son we may come 
 before thy Majesty and be sure of an answer of 
 peace. According to thy promise do Thou supply 
 our need, and enlarge our hearts with the experi- 
 ence of thy forgiving grace. We have dishonoured 
 Thee by our many sins. We take shame to our- 
 selves that we have been so forgetful of thy com- 
 mandments, and that those around have seen in us 
 so little of the mind of Christ. Have mercy upon 
 us, and blot out our sins. Wash us in the fountain 
 once opened for sin, and deliver us from the fear of 
 thy displeasure. 
 
 Go with us, we pray Thee, to all the duties of 
 this day. Assist us by thy Spirit that we may do 
 what is just and right before Thee, and act towards 
 all with whom we have to do as we would that they 
 should act to us. When temptations beset us, be 
 Thou near to help us. When Satan would ensnare 
 us in his toils, do Thou deliver us. When our 
 hearts are turning aside from the right way, speak 
 to us, Lord ; and by the vivid impressions of thy 
 Spirit on our hearts, cause us to hold on steadfastly 
 in the footsteps of our Lord and Master, and, if 
 need be, to bear the cross patiently after Him. 
 Our wills and affections are unruly and subtle ; 
 enemies are ever on the watch to work our ruin. 
 Lord, keep us vigilant, that we may not be drawn 
 into any kind of sin, but that in the thoughts of 
 our hearts, in the words of our lips, and all the 
 actions of our life, we may honour Thee and show 
 forth the power of thy grace and love. 
 
 Look down in tenderest pity, God, on the 
 world which lieth in wickedness. Turn the hearts 
 of many this day from darkness to light, and bring 
 them in repentance and faith to thy dear Son. Let 
 all thy ministers see the signs of thy presence, and 
 do Thou make them wise to win souls. Strengthen 
 their hands, encourage their faith, and prosper 
 abundantly their labours. Kindle in the hearts of 
 thy believing people an earnest desire for the 
 Saviour's coming, and make the diligent to be 
 found of Him in peace, as servants who look for 
 the Lord. 
 
 And now, commending ourselves and all who 
 are dear to us to thy grace and protection, we ask 
 all these mercies in the name of Jesus Christ, our 
 Lord and Saviour; to whom and unto Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost, one eternal and glorious God, 
 be undivided and everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 OLORD open Thou our lips, and our mouths shall 
 show forth thy praise. Draw our hearts to 
 Thyself, that we may magnify thy name and lay at 
 thy feet a sincere and fervent offering. We have 
 proved thy grace and mercy tlu'ough another day, 
 and now, before we lay ourselves down to rest, we 
 acknowledge with thankfulness thy long-suffering 
 and compassion, who dealest not with us after our 
 sins, nor rewardest us after our iniquities. Have 
 mercy upon us for the sins and shortcomings of 
 the day, and grant us the assurance of thy forgive- 
 ness. We are frail and ignorant. Continually 
 are we falling into sin, and yielding, against the 
 warning of conscience, to what Thou hast forbidden. 
 It is only of thine infinite mercy that we are 
 spared. Oh, make us more jealous over ourselves, 
 and more watchful against the encroachments of 
 sin and the world, lest thy Spirit be quenched 
 within us, and the light of his love and guidance 
 be withdrawn. 
 
 We take comfort, adorable Saviour, in the 
 prospect of thy coming glory, when Thou shalt 
 come in the majesty of the Father, with the holy 
 angels, and when before Thee every knee shall bow. 
 Help us to prepare to meet Thee on thy judgment 
 throne, and give such diligence to make our calling 
 and election sure by a cheerful obedience to thy 
 will, that we may be found acceptable in thy sight, 
 and receive that blessing which Thou wilt then 
 pronounce to all who love and fear Thee, saying, 
 " Come, ye blessed children of my Father, receive 
 the kingdom prepared for you from the beginning 
 of the world." Suffer us not, we pray Thee, to 
 deceive ourselves, but may we seek day by day a 
 greater conformity to thine image, and therefore 
 the surer evidence of our being thy true disciples. 
 Oh, create in us an earnest longing for eternal life 
 with Thee in glory, when we shall see Thee face to 
 face, and be delivered from the temptations which 
 now beset our paths. 
 
 God, impress deeply on the hearts of those 
 who love Thee not, and reject thy great salvation, 
 the awful truth of the coming judgment. Convince 
 them of their unfitness to appear in the presence of 
 Christ on that day. Arouse them to self-examina- 
 tion. Awaken them from their spiritual sleep, and 
 stir them up to call upon Thee. Pour out thy 
 Spirit on all thy believing people, and make them 
 zealous of good works, full of loving-kindness and 
 compassion to others, that thus they may reflect 
 in the station of life in which Thou hast placed 
 them, the gentleness and mercy of the Lord Jesus. 
 Be Thou our protector for the night, and shed 
 on our hearts and the hearts of all we love the 
 sweet assurance of thy favour, for thy dear Son's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 167 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FOURTH WEEK.— SATURDxiY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXIII. 13—30, 
 
 OGOD of our life, we call upon Thee at the 
 beginning of another clay ; hear us, we beseech 
 Thee, for the sake of thy clear Son, and enrich us 
 with the continuance of thy goodness. Oh, may 
 our hearts overflow with love to Thee as we count 
 thy multiplied mercies, and think of all which 
 Thou hast so graciously done for us. What for- 
 bearance towards our many infirmities and sins ! 
 What tenderness and compassion towards our 
 many failings ! What turning aside of threaten- 
 ing evils ! What overruling of outward things for 
 good ! And now, Lord, Thou hast added to 
 all past countless blessings the rest and protec- 
 tion of another night, and the spiritual opportunities 
 and temporal mercies of another morning. Oh, 
 forgive the coldness of our hearts, that we so little 
 feel thy goodness and so often forget Thee, even 
 when enjoying thy gifts. 
 
 Leave us not, God, to ourselves this day. It 
 is our comfort to know that Thou changest not, 
 that Tliou art not a man that Thou shouldest lie, 
 or the son of man that Thou shouldest repent. 
 Give us strong faith that we may lean upon thy 
 promises, and through mercy find in them strength 
 and courage for all the varying circumstances of 
 life. Preserve us this day from sin. Suffer us 
 not, God, to touch the accursed thing. In 
 heart, and in speech, and in act may we honour 
 Thee, and shrink from all that would grieve thy 
 Spirit, or lay on our souls an increased burden of 
 sin. May we be kept free from the entanglements 
 which Satan spreads for the feet of thy saints, and 
 set our affections more and more on the things 
 which are above, where Christ sitteth at thy right 
 hand in glory. 
 
 We pray that all whom we would remember at 
 thy footstool may enjoy the experience of thy 
 saving grace, that they and we may be one in 
 Christ Jesus, children of God, and heirs of the 
 kingdom. Bring such of us as are yet uncon- 
 verted under the transforming power of thy Word 
 and Spirit. Suffer them not to perish in their sin 
 and unbelief. [Guide the hearts of the children 
 who are dear to us to Jesus day by day, and ten- 
 derly influence them to do such things as please 
 Thee. Make them thine, set thy seal on them, 
 cause them to hear the voice of the good Shepherd, 
 and to follow Him.] Be with all thy ministers in 
 their preparation for the labours of the coming 
 Sabbath. Enlighten them with Divine teaching, 
 and show them more clearly the wonderful things 
 of thy Word. Prosper all the labours of teachers 
 and missionaries, and cause many to rejoice anew 
 in the saving knowledge of thy dear Son. 
 
 Graciously fulfil these our petitions for his sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XIV. 
 
 OGOD of all the families of the earth, our 
 Father and our Saviour, we rejoice in that 
 revelation of thine eternal power and Godhead 
 which appears in all thy works ; for the heavens 
 declare thy glory, and the firmament showeth 
 forth thy handywork. But we more abundantly 
 rejoice in those Holy Scriptures which are ad- 
 dressed to us as sinners, and show how we may 
 obtain pardon and salvation ; for Thou hast laid 
 upon Christ the iniquities of us all, and hast 
 assured us that if we come unto Thee through Him, 
 Thou wilt in no wise cast us out. 
 
 Lord, we believe in thy mercy and love in Christ 
 Jesus ; help Thou our unbelief; and enable us with 
 full confidence to commit the keeping of our souls to 
 his hands. Deliver us, Lord, from going down to 
 the pit by that ransom which Thou hast found for us. 
 Let none of us who read thy Word, and now kneel 
 before thee in prayer, neglect thy great salvation. 
 May we fear lest, having a promise of entering into 
 his rest, any of us should seem to come short of it. 
 Remember us, Lord, with the favour which 
 Thou bearest to thy people. Cleanse us from all 
 the defilements of flesh and spirit. Let no guile 
 be found in our mouth. Help us to follow the 
 Lamb whithersoever He goeth. Write thy name 
 on our hearts and on our foreheads, that we may 
 be recognised as thy children, the heirs of God 
 and joint heirs with Christ; and at last may we 
 be found without fault before the throne of God 
 and the Lamb. May the great Shepherd of the 
 sheep walk with us through the valley of the 
 shadow of death, and bring us into the brightness 
 of the glory that shines beyond. But all the 
 days of our appointed time would we wait till our 
 change comes ; and while we are strangers and 
 pilgrims here, we would live not unto ourselves, 
 but unto Thee, and for the furtherance of thy 
 Gospel in the world. 
 
 We thank Thee for the opportunities of useful- 
 ness we enjoy; and we pray that all institutions 
 around us, which exist for the temporal and spiritual 
 welfare of the world, may abundantly prosper by 
 thy blessing. Call forth abundant labourers into 
 thy vineyard, who may speedily convey the ever-" 
 lasting Gospel to all the dwellers upon earth. 
 To-morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath of the 
 Lord. Give us refreshing sleep this night, 
 Lord, that we may be prepared for the privileges 
 of thy holy day ; and may all its sacred services 
 be used by thy Holy Spirit to prepare us for the 
 enjoyment of the rest that remaineth for the people 
 of God. 
 
 And now may the grace of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of 
 the Holy Spirit, be with us all evermore. Amen. 
 
 r 168 1 
 
MOKNING.l 
 
 TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 LEvening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE MICAH VI. 
 
 GEACIOUS and merciful God, blessed be thy 
 name, through Clu-ist Jesus, for the care Thou 
 hast taken of us during the night, for the comforts 
 of the morning, and especially for the privileges 
 of the day of rest. Oh, bless us, we beseech Thee, 
 all the day long. Put away all our sin. Bestow 
 on us a Sabbath spirit. Give us at once a serious 
 and a cheerful mind. Help us in our secret places 
 to draw near to Thee with a fervent heart, and in 
 the assemblies of thy saints to worship Thee in 
 spirit and in truth. 
 
 Precious are the truths which thy ministering 
 servants will be declaring aloud this day. Oh, may 
 the glad tidings of redemption tlurough a crucified 
 Redeemer be glad tidings indeed to ourselves. 
 May we more deeply than ever feel our need of 
 Jesus, as sinners guilty and midone ; more solemnly 
 than ever surrender our helpless souls into his 
 hands ; and more joyfully than ever realise our 
 interest in his salvation. Let thy good Spirit fix 
 thy Word in our memories, and write it in our 
 hearts, that it may be a light to our steps, and a 
 lamp to our path. 
 
 And bless thy Word to others, we entreat Thee, 
 as well as to ourselves. Gird thy ministers with 
 strength for their arduous toil, and grant them 
 a sweet consciousness of thy help under a sense 
 of their many weaknesses. Give to thy congrega- 
 tions the hearing ear and the understanding heart, 
 that they may not only hear, but understand and 
 obey. Make thy presence felt in the midst of thy 
 waiting people, and make the place of thy feet 
 glorious. While Jesus is lifted up, as Moses lifted 
 up the serpent in the wilderness, may He draw 
 all men unto Him. Edify thy saints, and bring 
 sinners to the knowledge of Thyself. Comfort the 
 mourners in Zion, and give them the oil of joy for 
 the spirit, of heaviness. , 
 
 Compassionate those whom afflictive dispensa- 
 tions withhold from public ordinances. We pray for 
 such as are laid on beds of languishing, that Thou 
 wilt make all their bed in their sickness, and place 
 underneath them the everlasting arms ; and make 
 Thou the sick chamber none other than the house 
 of God and the gate of heaven. 
 
 Oh, spread thy Gospel throughout this and every 
 land. Pity the multitudes by whom it is neglected, 
 and who, in the midst of privileges, hasten so 
 madly to perdition. Pity the wide-spread pagan 
 lands which lie in the region and shadow of death. 
 Hast Thou not given thy Son for them ? Hast 
 Thou not given them unto thy Son? Wherefore 
 dost Thou delay the manifestation of thy power ? 
 Oh, pluck thine hand from thy bosom, and gra- 
 ciously accomplish the things whereof Thou hast 
 spoken. Hear us, Lord, for' Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XX. 
 
 ETERNAL God, the First and the Last, we adore 
 Thee that what eye had not seen, nor ear heard, 
 neither entered into the heart of man to conceive, 
 Thou hast been pleased to reveal to us by thy 
 Spirit, through thine Apostles, that om* faith 
 should stand not in the wisdom of men, but in 
 the power of God. And we humbly beseech 
 Thee so to enlighten our minds in the knowledge 
 of thy Son, Clirist Jesus, that we may hold fast 
 the profession of om* faith steadfast unto the end. 
 Being filled with all joy and peace in believing, 
 may we abound in hope through the power of the 
 Holy Ghost, and grow in grace and the knowledge 
 of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 God, who hast given unto us the rest of the 
 Sabbath-day, and hast made us joyful in the house 
 of pi'ayer, let thine ear hearken unto the prayer 
 which thy servants have prayed unto Thee this 
 day. Accept our service of song and thanks- 
 giving, and so help us by thy grace, that we, 
 having heard thy Word, may, in an honest and 
 good heart, keep it, and bring forth fruit ; that 
 through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we 
 may have hope. Grant that being quickened 
 together with thy Son, and raised up together, 
 and made to sit together in heavenly places, we 
 may know Him, and the power of his resurrec- 
 tion, and the fellowship of his sufferings ; that we 
 may attain unto the resurrection of the dead, and 
 finally appear with Him in glory. 
 
 Be pleased, Lord, to hasten the latter day 
 glory by the more speedy advent of millennial 
 light, and life, and love ; when Satan shall be 
 bound, the throne of iniquity be overthrown, the 
 rod of the oppressor be broken, the captive be 
 set free, and tlie kingdom of ihy Son, which is 
 righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy 
 Ghost, be universally established. Accomplish the 
 number of thine elect, and gather thy redeemed 
 into one. Grant that our names may be written 
 in the book of life, so that we may not be hurt 
 by the second death ; but having washed our robes 
 and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, 
 may we serve Thee day and night as priests in 
 thy temple ; and having come off more than con- 
 querors, reign with om* Lord in his kingdom for 
 
 ever. 
 
 On our family, our kindred, and our country; 
 on the one holy catholic Church, and on thy 
 servants in the ministry of the Gospel ; on all 
 seminaries of learning; on all evangelical and 
 missionary labours; on Jew and Gentile, bond 
 and free, let it please Thee, God, to command 
 thy blessing ; and unto Thee, Father, with thy 
 Son Jesus Christ, and the Eternal Spirit, be glory, 
 world without end. Amen. 
 
 [ 169 ] 
 
 No. 22. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXIV. 
 
 OTHOU good and gracious God, who makest 
 a hedge about thy people, and turnest aside 
 tlie evil designs of their enemies, we owe Thee 
 all : this life that Thou hast continued to us, with 
 all its mercies, hopes, and opportunities of use- 
 fulness, this our unbroken and happy family, our 
 safety during the night past, our health for the 
 day on which we are now entering, and above all 
 for this our most happy privilege of daily united 
 prayer and praise. 
 
 It is good to draw nigh unto Thee. Teach us 
 how to make the best use of these sacred 
 moments. Open our hearts to receive the lessons 
 of thy Word. Quicken our desires after Thee 
 and the knowledge of thy ways. May the fruits 
 of the Spirit abound in us more and more. If 
 we be thine, enrich us yet more with thy grace, 
 and enable us to serve Tliee with a single eye, and 
 a heart all thy own. If we be strangers to Thee, 
 make Thyself known to us in all the riches of thy 
 love in Christ. 
 
 Grant to us, as we go out and as we come in, thy 
 most rich and satisfying blessing. Give to each of 
 us whatever we need to-day for time and eternity. 
 We have duties to discharge to Thee and our 
 fellow-men — make us faithful in the doing of 
 them : temptations to meet — grant us the victory 
 over them : difficulties through which to pass — 
 teach us to be patient, persevering, and hopeful : 
 sorrows to bear — make them a gracious discipline 
 and a most fruitful chastisement. Strengthen, 
 sustain, and comfort us, our Father, with all 
 spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ 
 Jesus. 
 
 Let us as a family be more united, more loving 
 to-day. Let us bear and forbear, anxious to 
 please, fearing to oft'end, thinking one for another, 
 and finding our pleasure in each other's plea- 
 sure. [Grant to the parents to rule with wisdom, 
 tenderness, firmness, and for God; to the children 
 to obey affectionately and promptly, and as unto 
 the Lord.] 
 
 Happy, our God, are all they who put 
 their trust in Thee, and dwell beneath the shadow 
 of thy wings. How goodly are thy tents, Jacob, 
 and thy tabernacles, Israel ! blessed is he that 
 blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth laee. 
 So bless us as thy heritage, our God, so acknow- 
 ledge us as thy own peculiar people. 
 
 Hasten the coming of the Lord Jesus ; remove 
 all that hinders and opposes it. Spread from land 
 to land, from heart to heart, the knowledge of 
 his grace. Make ready a people prepared for 
 Him. Pour out richly on Jew and Gentile thy 
 converting, sanctifying Spirit. Pardon, accept, and 
 bless us, for Jesus Cimst's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIFrtTEE ST. JOHN XIII. 1—19. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, at the close of another 
 day we draw nigh to Thee in prayer. We 
 bless Thee that we are permitted to come before 
 Thee to confess our sins, to speak thy praise, 
 and to implore thy forgiving mercy. Help us to 
 approach Thee with a penitent, contrite, and 
 devout heart. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast given 
 to us thy blessed Son, to be to us not only a 
 sacrifice for sin, but also an example of godly life. 
 Enable us most thankfully to receive that his 
 inestimable benefit, and also daily to endeavour to 
 follow the blessed steps of his most holy life. 
 
 We acknowledge, Lord, that we have this day 
 fallen far short of his perfect pattern, by evil 
 thoughts and rash words, by indolence and negli- 
 gence, by covetousness and worldly desires, bj 
 selfishness and pride. We have sinned against Thee, 
 and provoked thy displeasure ; but we pray Thee, 
 Lord, be merciful to us; wash us in the blood 
 of the Lamb that was slain to take away the sins 
 of the world. Take away all iniquity, receive us 
 graciously, forgive us freely. 
 
 Holy Father, we thank Thee for receiving us 
 into thy family in Christ. May his example be in 
 our hearts, to follow it and to live by it. Let this 
 mind be in us which was in Clu*ist Jesus our 
 Lord. 
 
 Give us, we pray Thee, a more simple faith on 
 Christ, a more entire reliance on his redeeming 
 grace. Enable us to walk more acceptably before 
 Thee. Let thy Holy Spirit ever sanctify and teach 
 us. Grant that as we have been baptised into the 
 death of Christ, so by the continual mortifying of 
 our corrupt affections, we may die with Him luito 
 sin, and rise with Him unto newness of life. 
 
 And now, Father, we commit ourselves to thy 
 gracious care for another night; keep us from all 
 things that may hurt us ; above all, keep us from 
 sin. Let our last thoughts before we sleep be of 
 Thee, and raise us up again to see the light of 
 another day. 
 
 We commend into thy hands all our beloved 
 relations and neighbours : make them partakers of 
 thy grace, and number them among thy children. 
 Have pity on the afilicted, the fatherless, and 
 widows : comfort and succour them in all their 
 sorrows. We pray for our Sovereign and all the 
 Royal Family, for the ministers and dispensers of 
 thy holy Word and sacraments, particularly for him 
 who is over us in the Lord. Endue them with 
 wisdom, and make them zealous to serve Thee. 
 Grant, Lord, these our imperfect petitions, for 
 thy dear Son Jesus Christ's sake, to whom, with 
 Thee and the Holy Spirit, be everlasting praise. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 170 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 HEAD m HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 PETER II. 9-22. 
 
 OLORD, Thou art a terrible God, and thy Word 
 is as a sharp sword. Thou art a consuming 
 fire, and wilt not spare the guilty. Permit us this 
 morning to approach Thee with reverence and with 
 godly fear ; knowing that God is not mocked, and 
 that whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also 
 reap. Thy Word, so full of promise, and comfort, 
 and consolation, is also a word of admonition, and 
 a message of wai'ning. Enable us to read both 
 its promises and its threatenings with profit to our 
 souls. We feel that we too often presume upon 
 the long-suffering of God. Oh, teach us to deny un- 
 godliness and worldly lusts, and to live righteously, 
 soberly, and godly in this present evil world. 
 
 Deliver us from temptation. We know that if 
 we be thine Thou wilt deliver us, and wilt always 
 make a way of escape for us. May we guard our 
 lips, our tongues, our hearts, so that they offend 
 not. Grant us that, by thy grace assisting us, 
 we may not walk after the flesh, but after the 
 Spirit. May we submit ourselves with all low- 
 liness and humbleness of mind to those that 
 are placed by Thee in authority over us — our 
 Sovereign, oiu: government, our parents, our 
 teachers ; and, above all, may we be in con- 
 tinual subjection to the leading and guidance of 
 thy Holy Spirit, and may thy Word and doctrine 
 be our rule of faith and conduct. 
 
 Keep us ever in the right way ; let us not stray 
 from the paths of uprightness and peace. May we 
 love the way of righteousness, and walk therein. 
 Give us grace to live this day to thy glory, lovingly 
 engaged in thy service, walking in the way of thy 
 commandments. Grant that this day we may fall 
 into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger. 
 May our souls be kept in perfect peace, our minds 
 being stayed on Thee. We feel, God, how 
 prone we are to wander and stray from Thee. 
 Keep us, we beseech Thee, steadfast in thy com- 
 mandments. Let not Satan lead us captive, but 
 in every time of temptation enable us to resist and 
 overcome him. 
 
 Lord, we beseech Thee to save us from the 
 pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of 
 the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Forbid that 
 we should be ever again entangled and overcome 
 by the craft and subtlety of the devil. Increase 
 and multiply thy mercy and grace upon us, and 
 give us peace. 
 
 We pray for all who are dear to us. God, 
 bestow upon them all such blessings, spiritual and 
 temporal, as Thou seest them to need. We pray 
 for all who are labouring in the vineyard of thy 
 Church. Guide and watch over and prosper them. 
 These mercies we humbly ask in the name of Jesus 
 Christ, thy dear Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XIII. 20—38. 
 
 HOLY and merciful God, who hast spoken to us 
 in these last days by thy Son Jesus Christ, 
 we adore Thee that Thou didst send Him into the 
 world to suffer for us in the flesh, and hast now 
 glorified Him at thy right hand. 
 
 Enable us to be true disciples of Christ, and keep 
 us from the deceitfulness of our own hearts, that 
 we may not be guilty of saying, " Lord, Lord," 
 with our lips, while we deny or betray our Master 
 by our life. 
 
 Deliver us, we beseech Thee, from covetousness 
 and every worldly lust ; and let us not lean on our 
 own strength in our purpose or endeavour to serve 
 Tliee. May the vanity and pride of our nature be 
 destroyed and cast out ; so that we shall walk 
 humbly with our God. May thy strength be made 
 manifest in preserving and sanctifying us. 
 
 We confess oiu* heinous offences against Thee, 
 and cry for mercy in the name of our Divine 
 Mediator. May we be corrected and strengthened, 
 so that we shall not any more wander from Thee, 
 the Shepherd and Bishop of our souls. Form in 
 us the spirit of children, that we may receive into 
 our hearts the rule of Christ, and with grateful con- 
 fidence cry unto Thee, "Abba, Father." Enable 
 us to hold fast Jesus Christ, the beginning of our 
 confidence, firm unto the end. Strong in tho 
 Lord and in the power of his might, may we 
 withstand all temptation, and in every conflict 
 come off more than conquerors. 
 
 We thank and praise Thee for thy bountiful 
 goodness to us this day. By thy grace alone have 
 we been preserved from evils into which we must 
 have fallen. Thou hast given strength to our 
 hand, and encouragement to our spirits. We 
 bring our united thank-offering to thine altar. 
 
 Cleanse from our souls the defilements of this 
 day. Let the blood of sprinkling be upon us, 
 and spread over and around us the shield of thy 
 power, that the angel of destruction may not come 
 near our dwelling. 
 
 All whom we love we commend to thy gracious 
 keeping. May we have refreshing repose under 
 the shadow of thy protection. If it please Thee 
 to surprise us this night with any trouble, do Thou 
 stay and strengthen our spirits, and give us perfect 
 peace. Give us an early and happy waking on the 
 morrow. May our first thoughts when we wake 
 be of Thee, and our first desires and purposes be 
 toward the keeping of thy commandments. 
 
 Teach us while we live to live to Thee, that 
 when we die we may die to Thee. our Father 
 in heaven, to Thee we offer our evening prayer, 
 and look for a gracious answer, in the name of 
 our Divine and ever-blessed Redeemer, Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 C 171 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXVII. 12-23. | READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXVI. 17-35, 
 
 LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, 
 teach us to worship Thee in spirit and in 
 truth. Thou art great, and greatly to be feared, 
 and to be had in reverence of all them that are 
 about Thee. Thou art holy, and of purer eyes 
 than to behold iniquity. Thou art good, and the 
 earth is full of thy goodness. Thou art merciful, 
 and thy mercy endureth for ever. 
 
 We bless. and praise Thee, our God, that 
 Thou hast kindly kept us through another night. 
 We thank Thee for our safety, and for sleep, and 
 for all the blessings brought to us with the morning 
 light. Let our hearts be deeply affected by the 
 riches of thy goodness, and may all thy gifts con- 
 strain us to love Thee more, and to serve Thee 
 better than we have hitherto done. 
 
 Wo have been reminded by thy holy Word that 
 there is no man that sinneth not. If thy faithful 
 servant Moses by one transgression incurred thy 
 displeasui-e, how much more have we, by repeated, 
 countless acts of rebellion, deserved thine indig- 
 nation ! Enter not into judgment with thy servants, 
 for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. 
 We adore Thee, Lord, that Thou hast cast our 
 lot in this merciful day of Gospel grace, and we 
 pray that renewed, sanctified, and preserved by 
 the good Spirit of our God, we may be permitted 
 not only to see, but to enter into that kingdom of 
 glory which Thou hast prepared for all them that 
 love Thee. Make us followers of Jesus; at his 
 word may we go out and come in. To Him may 
 we caiTy all our wants, cares, trials and sorrows, 
 as they rise, and may we find relief by telling Him 
 all that is in our hearts. We desire to set the 
 Lord always before us. We would spend this day 
 in thy fear. Let not any iniquity have dominion 
 over us. Strengthen us, God, in the hour of 
 temptation ; keep us every moment, that we may 
 not stray from Thee. 
 
 If it please Thee, preserve unto us health and 
 strength ; make us diligent, contented, patient ; 
 establish Thou the work of our hands, yea, the 
 work of our hands establish Thou it. Glorify Thy- 
 self in us, and by us. Let all our actions be in- 
 fluenced by love to Thee and love to our fellow- 
 men; so that by honourable, upright, and useful 
 lives we may bring a good report upon thy ways. 
 
 Four down thy richest blessings on all who are 
 near and dear to us, and unite them with us to 
 Thee and to each other, in the everlasting bonds 
 of faith and love to Jesus Christ. Make thy great 
 and holy name to be praised throughout all the 
 earth. Prosper thy Church universal, that by the 
 spread of thy truth the ends of the earth may see 
 the salvation of our God. Pardon, accept, and 
 bless us for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, we come to thy throne 
 of grace this evening in the name of Him 
 of whom the whole family in heaven and earth 
 is named. We desire to approach Thee in the 
 spirit of adopted children, whose privilege it is 
 to say, " Abba, Father," and to give thanks for all 
 the goodness and mercy which have followed us 
 all the days of our life. We thank Thee for our 
 experience of thy loving-kindness this day. Thou 
 hast held us up, and we are safe ; and Thou hast 
 clothed and fed us, and given or withheld as Thou 
 sawest best for our highest interest. for grace 
 to have no will of our own in anything, but to 
 leave all to the will of our Father who is in 
 heaven I 
 
 And now we pray, that as the blood of the 
 paschal lamb was the sign of safety to the He- 
 brews, who used it according to Divine appointment, 
 so the blood of Christ, our Passover, who was slain 
 for us, may be sprinkled upon our consciences, 
 to purge us from dead works, and to deliver us 
 for ever from the wrath to come. Impress us 
 deeply with the exceeding sinfulness of sin, of 
 which there is no remission without shedding of 
 blood ; and with the great love wherewith Thou 
 hast loved the woi'ld in giving thine only-begotten 
 Son to die, that whosoever believeth in Him may 
 not perish, but have everlasting life. May Ave 
 yield ourselves entirely to Him, and believe on 
 Him to the saving of our souls. Preserve us from 
 the danger of being content with a mere profession 
 of faith in the Saviour, lest in the hour of tempta- 
 tion we fall into sin and deny Him. 
 
 We desire to be placed continually under the 
 care of the good Shepherd who was smitten for us. 
 May He be to us the Shepherd and Bishop of our 
 souls, who has sought and found us, and restored 
 us to himself. Keep us in thy blessed fold, 
 Thou adorable Lord of the Church which Thou 
 hast purchased with thy blood, and lead us by the 
 still waters and the green pastures. Let us never 
 stray from Thee. Let not the enemy and the 
 destroyer have any power over us ; but hold Thou 
 us up, and we shall be safe ; keep us, and no 
 evil thing shall come near us. We beseech Thee 
 to pardon all that Thou hast seen in our hearts and 
 lives this day, inconsistent with a profession of the 
 Christian name. Forgive worldly thoughts and 
 feelings, hasty tempers, angry words, and corrupt 
 passions ; and bring every thought, we beseech 
 Thee, in willing subjection to the authority of 
 Christ. Preserve us in perfect safety and peace 
 through the night, if it be thy holy will. Let our 
 dwelling and persons be protected from every 
 danger, and do more for us than we can ask, for 
 Christ's sake. Amen^ 
 
 [ 172 ] 
 
MORWING.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXXII. 1—32. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, we draw near to thy foot- 
 stool in the name and through the inter- 
 cession of thy dear Son. Another season of rest 
 has been granted to us ; we bless Thee for the 
 mercy, and pray that we may be deeply thankful 
 for all thy goodness to us. Make us to know 
 the value of time and opportunity, and grant that 
 every day which Thou addest to our life may be 
 a day's progress in grace and in ripeness for the 
 kingdom. Whatever of trial this day may bring 
 to us, sanctify it to our souls. ■ Let us not yield 
 to the temptations of Satan, nor be ovei'come by 
 the sin that is in our hearts. Grant to us that 
 wisdom which is profitable to direct, and that grace 
 which shall keep us from aU evil. We have 
 received unnumbered mercies at thy hand. Oh, 
 let us never depart from thy love. Remember 
 us, Lord, with the favour which Thou bearest 
 unto thy people. 
 
 Bless to each of us the portion of thy Word 
 now read. Cause its lessons to abide with us 
 through the day. Oh, give us faith and strength 
 to follow Thee entirely. Amid the snares which 
 surround us, enable us to cleave unto Thee with 
 full purpose of heart. We confess with sorrow 
 how much the present world has engrossed our 
 thoughts ; how much we have forgotten that this 
 earth is not our rest; and that, like Reuben and 
 Gad, we have been too content to have our portion 
 on this side Jordan. Convince us, we beseech 
 Thee, of the danger of living at ease. Keep us 
 from ever discouraging the hearts of thy children 
 by holding back in the Christian warfare, or by 
 magnifying the difficulties of the way. May we 
 never, by self-indulgence, or the compromise of 
 principle, put a stumbling-block in our brother's 
 way. 
 
 And now, heavenly Father, that we are about 
 to enter on the engagements of the day, do Thou 
 mercifully go with us, and leave us not. Many 
 are the temptations which continually beset us, and 
 our own hearts are frail and ignorant. Almighty 
 God, do Thou strengthen us. Gracious Spirit, do 
 Thou teach us; show us the true and the right 
 way, and give us a sound judgment in all things. 
 
 Let thy choicest blessings rest on all whom we 
 would remember at thy footstool. [Draw the 
 hearts of the children before Thee to their Saviour, 
 and train them up by the discipline of thy grace 
 and providence in the ways of godliness and peace.] 
 Give to all who shall receive any message from 
 thy Word this day the listening ear and the under- 
 standing heart. Keep thy Church watchful for 
 the Lord's coming, and enable us, whenever He 
 Cometh, to be found, of Him in peace. Grant us 
 these mercies, God, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 READ .IN HOLY. SCRIRTURE ' GALATIANS VL 
 
 LORD, who hast taught us' that all' our doings 
 without charity are nothing worth, and that 
 by this ishall all men' know that we are thy 
 disciples, if we have love one to another, send thy 
 Holy Spirit, we pray Thee, and pour into our hearts 
 that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond 
 of peace and of all virtues, without which who- 
 soever liveth is counted dead before Thee. 
 
 We pray, Lord, that thy Holy Spirit may 
 keep us from all self-exalting thoughts, and make 
 us gentle toward all our brethren. May we ever 
 be ready to bear one another's burdens, by sym- 
 pathy, counsel, or relief; and so fulfil the law of 
 love. Keep us from all self-deception ; and if in 
 anything we are better than others, help us to 
 remember who it is that has made us to differ. 
 
 Inspire us, we pray Thee, with an affectionate 
 reverence for those who are over us in the Lord, 
 and admonish us ; and keep us mindful of the 
 obligations we are under to them for those spiritual 
 benefits which they have been the instruments of 
 imparting to us. May we endeavour to strengthen 
 their hands in all things, that they may give them- 
 selves to the work of the ministry, feeding and 
 providing for the Lord's family, and seeking for 
 Christ's sheep which are scattered in the midst of 
 this naughty world. 
 
 Deliver us from all desire of making a fair 
 show in the flesh, and courting acceptance by out- 
 ward appearance. Remembering that the offence 
 of the cross can never cease, may we not shrink 
 from the persecution which will ever follow it, 
 but strive to be conformed to the example of 
 Him who for our sake endured the cross and 
 despised the shame. May we seek that union with 
 Him which consists neither in circumcision nor 
 in uncircumcision, but in a new creation ; and 
 enable us to manifest the reality of this union by 
 the deadness of our affections to worldly things, 
 and by the earnestness with which we follow our 
 heavenly calling. 
 
 Pardon, we pray Thee, heavenly Father, our 
 innumerable transgressions of thy holy law, and 
 the grievous inconsistency of our lives with our 
 profession. Pardon the iniquity of our holy things, 
 the sins that cleave to our best duties, and wash 
 them away in the blood that clean seth from all sin. 
 
 Finally, accept our heartfelt thanks for all thy 
 mercies in providence and grace. Graciously 
 watch over us during the night, and preserve us 
 and all who are dear to us from harm. If it 
 please Thee, give us refreshing sleep, and raise 
 us in the morning strengthened for thy service 
 in the duties of the day. 
 
 Hear us, we pray Thee, for Jesus Christ's sake, 
 our most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 173 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NUMBERS XXXV. 9—29. 
 
 RIGHTEOUS Father, and merciful Judge, 
 we have sinned against Thee. We are verily 
 guilty in tliy sight, and thy displeasure is as the 
 avenger of blood to our terrified consciences. Be 
 merciful unto us, God, be merciful unto us, for 
 our soul trusteth in Thee; yea, in the shadow of 
 thy wings will we make our refuge. 
 
 We thank Thee for having revealed to us that 
 refuge in thy dear Son. Help us now and always 
 by thy gracious Spirit to believe in Him, that we 
 may never die. When we tremble at the thought 
 of vengeance, send forth the Holy Ghost the 
 Comforter into our hearts, and lead us to Jesus, 
 the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the 
 blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things 
 than that of Abel. We would flee from the wrath 
 to come. We would escape unto Him for our life. 
 Suffer us not wilfully or carelessly to neglect his 
 great salvation, but give us grace to feel that Thou 
 hast in thy mercy made Him our surety, that, as 
 the heirs of promise, we might have a strong con- 
 solation who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon 
 the hope set before us. 
 
 Thou Almighty, unchangeable God, be a 
 refuge for us this day. Accept our thanks for the 
 protection and rest of the past night. And now, 
 during the day, keep us from forsaking the shelter 
 of thy grace. Go with us where we go ; dwell 
 with us where we dwell. Deliver us from all evil 
 and mischief; from all blindness of heart; from 
 pride, vain-glory, and hypocrisy; from envy, 
 hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness. Merci- 
 fully defend us especially from our adversary the 
 devil, a murderer from the beginning, and who 
 walketh about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he 
 may devour. Whatsoever we may have to do, at 
 home or abroad, in the family or in our business, 
 keep us, Father, from making lies our refuge. 
 Preserve us from vainly attempting to hide our- 
 selves under falsehood ; but let thy mercy and thy 
 truth preserve us, according as we hope in Thee. 
 
 Bless, we beseech Thee, God, our family, our 
 relatives and friends, our country, and all the 
 nations of the earth. Let brotherly love continue. 
 Let all oppression, and murder, and cruelty, and 
 war cease. Be Thou everywhere, in all lands, a 
 strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his 
 distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from 
 the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is felt. 
 Oh, let the nations be glad and sing for joy. Let 
 the people praise Thee, God ; let all the people 
 praise Thee. 
 
 This and every blessing we ask through Jesus 
 Christ, our Lord and Saviour; unto whom, with 
 Thyself, O Father, and the Eternal Spirit, be 
 glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XIV. 1—14. 
 
 OGOD, the Author and Giver of all good things, 
 we now approach Thee with the voice of 
 thanksgiving for the many mercies we have re- 
 ceived at thv hand, and for the long;- suffer ing 
 goodness whereby we have been led in thy pro- 
 vidence all this day long. We have merited 
 nothing but continued chastisements through our 
 manifold transgressions ; but Thou hast not dealt 
 with us according to our deserts. How many 
 have been the provocations wherewith we have 
 provoked Thee to anger this day : in temper, 
 thought, desire, word, and action we have trans- 
 gressed. Have mercy upon us. We plead for 
 forgiveness through the alone death and merits of 
 thy dear Son, and we thank Thee tliat, guilty and 
 unworthy of any favour as we are, we can ap- 
 proach Thee with confidence through Him, and 
 obtain mercy and ever find grace to help in time 
 of need. May we ever bear in mind that there is 
 an all-prevailing Advocate with Thee, who lias 
 made atonement for sin. 
 
 Make us diligent in every effort to advance our 
 own souls' welfare and the spiritual good of others. 
 Animate us with a full persuasion of thy grace 
 being sufficient for us. Impress upon us the 
 shortness as well as uncertainty of this present 
 life, and the nearness of that period when our 
 eternal destiny will be for ever fixed. Cheer us 
 with the assurance that for all true disciples of the 
 Lord Jesus there are mansions of bliss prepared, 
 where troubles will for ever cease, and the presence 
 of holiness and happiness never leave us. We are 
 encouraged to pray for all men, that the light of 
 thy truth may shine so effectually, that many may 
 be partakers of its rich promises, and be occupants 
 of the many mansions in thy house above. 
 
 Our own country and nation demand our special 
 intercessory supplications. Oh, that Thou wouldest 
 so bless it with the dew of Divine truth, that the 
 barren parts might blossom and bear fruit, and 
 rejoice as the garden of the Lord ; and that from 
 us might go forth an increased number to preach 
 the Gospel in all lands. 
 
 Bless us now before Thee, and all our relations 
 and friends. Such temporal things grant to us 
 as Thou seest to be best for us; and in spiritual 
 things supply all our need, according to thy riches 
 in glory by Christ Jesus. We would remember 
 before Thee all thy people. Enable them to fulfil 
 their high callinsi; as lights of the world. 
 
 We now commit ourselves to thy Divine keeping. 
 These prayers and supplications we offer unto thy 
 Divine Majesty, looking for acceptance and a 
 gracious answer through the merits of thy Son 
 Jesus, to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be 
 glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 r 174 ] 
 
Morning. 1 
 
 TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXVII. 
 
 OLORD, who art the hght and the salvation 
 of thy people, we give Thee thanks tliat Thou 
 hast raised us up this morning after the hours of 
 sleep, and brought us together to pay our vows 
 unto the Lord. We thank Tliee for all the blessings 
 of this life, for health and strength, for food and 
 raiment, for relatives and friends, for home with all 
 its comforts, and for the civil and social privileges 
 which in our favoured country we are permitted 
 to enjoy. Give us thankful hearts. Bless the 
 Lord, our souls, and forget not all his benefits. 
 We beseech Thee, Lord, to bless us all this day. 
 From the temptations of the world, the flesh, and 
 the devil, defend us, good Lord. Li every tempta- 
 tion make a way for our escape, that we may be 
 able to bear it. Hold Thou us up, and we shall 
 be safe. Thou who art the strength of our life, 
 strengthen us this day, to discharge every duty 
 and to bear every trial. Should the storm of trouble 
 be permitted to sweep across our path, may we 
 hide ourselves in the pavilion of the Almighty. 
 Should the enemies of our souls be permitted to 
 assail us, may we retreat beneath the shadow of 
 thy wings. Amid all earthly perplexities be 
 Tiiou our guide. Teach us thy way, Lord, and 
 lead us in a plain path, because of our enemies. 
 As earthly supports give way, may we And in 
 Thee our trust ; and as earthly friends fail, may 
 we prove thy friendship only the more unfailing. 
 When father and mother forsake us, when lover 
 and friend are taken from us, and our acquaintance 
 go into darkness, be Thou our comfort and our 
 stay. By our experience of thy faithfulness in the 
 past, may we be encom-aged to trust Thee for all 
 the futm'e. Thou hast been our help ; therefore 
 leave us not, neither forsake us, God of our 
 salvation. When circumstances arise that are cal- 
 culated to discourage our faith, may we wait upon 
 the Lord, and be of good courage, that He may 
 strengthen our hearts. 
 
 We beseech Thee, most merciful Father, to bless 
 all the members of this family. Be gracious to all 
 our relatives and friends. Smile upon our native 
 land. Bless our gracious Sovereign and all the 
 Royal Family. Give wisdom to our rulers, and a 
 good miderstanding to all who are in authority 
 over us. Remember the poor, and make them 
 rich in spiritual blessings. Pour out the Spirit upon 
 thy Church. Hasten the coming of the latter day 
 glory. Then shall the earth yield her increase, 
 and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God 
 shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear 
 Him. Accept, Lord, our thanksgiving for all 
 thy mercies, and grant these our prayers, through 
 Jesus Clu'ist our Redeemer; to whom be ever- 
 lasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XIV. 15—31. 
 
 OGOD, the high and holy One, we confess with 
 shame that we have often grieved thy Holy 
 Spirit by our sinful affections, our excessive attach- 
 ment to earthly things, and our daily forgetfulness 
 of Thee. This day, as it hastens to its close, bears 
 witness against us. We implore thy forgiveness 
 through the blood of Christ, and pray that before 
 we sleep we may enjoy the sense of reconciliation 
 with Thee by his death. Henceforth enable us to 
 walk in the Spirit, that we may not fulfil the lusts 
 of the flesh. Fill our souls with his enlightening 
 and sanctifying presence, and guide us in all thy 
 ways by His constant teaching. By thy Holy 
 Spirit live in us and be our life, work in us and 
 be our strength, shine in us and be our light, make 
 our souls thy temple and our hearts thy throne. 
 May the beauty of holiness be spread over our 
 whole conduct. Iday we daily feel that we are 
 truly tlie sons of God, because we are led by the 
 Spirit of God. 
 
 We earnestly desire, our Father, to be in 
 constant communion with Thee, and to enjoy the 
 privilege of that manifestation of our Saviour which 
 He gives not to the ungodly world. Enable us, 
 therefore, to prove our love to Thee by keeping 
 thy commandments, that Thou mayest come unto 
 us, according to thy promise, and make thine 
 abode with us. Thou art the true dwelling-place 
 of our souls, the strong habitation whereunto we 
 would continually resort. Draw away our affections 
 from all created good, by shedding abroad thy love 
 in our hearts, and becoming the object and the end 
 of our whole lives. 
 
 Amid all that is trying and depressing in this 
 world, may we ever share in that peace which our 
 Lord hath left us, the present inheritance of his 
 Church. Save us from inordinate anxieties, and 
 gloomy forebodings of the future, which we desire 
 to leave in thy gracious and sovereign hands ; and 
 may that peace which passeth all understanding 
 continually keep our hearts and minds, through 
 Christ Jesus. 
 
 Let this peace rest upon our spirits as we retire 
 this evening to rest. We unfeignedly thank Thee 
 for all the numberless mercies of the past day, and 
 humbly supplicate the mercies of the night. Grant 
 us that sleep which Thou dost give to thy beloved. 
 Spread over us the wings of thy protecting provi- 
 dence; and in the morning may we be still with 
 Thee, and arise as from the dead to a new life of 
 holy and active service. In such service may all 
 our future days be passea, until He who is gone 
 to Thee the Father shall come again to receive us 
 to Himself. We ask all this in his name, to whom, 
 with Thyself and the Holy Spirit, be ascribed all 
 honour and glory for evermore. Amen. 
 
 C 175 ] 
 
Morning T 
 
 TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTUEE DEUTERONOMY IV. 1—22. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XV. 1—13. 
 
 WE praise Thee, Lord, for the privileges of 
 our favoured country, of which the return 
 of thy holy day reminds us. Surely Thou hast 
 not so dealt with any people. May we in this age 
 worthily use, and maintain, and ti'ansmit to those 
 who come after us the precious heritage of spiritual 
 advantages which Thou hast graciously bestowed 
 upon us. Thou art not calling us in these times to 
 struggle amid persecutions and sufferings for the 
 attainment and preservation of freedom to worship 
 Thee. Under the shelter of a benign reign, we go 
 forth this morning to join the multitude that keep 
 holy day, no man forbidding us. The Lord bless 
 and prosper the beloved Sovereign, for whose rule 
 this land in all its borders gives Thee thanks ; and 
 fill with peace and joy the palace-homes of our 
 country. Give to the Royal Family a happy Sab- 
 bath. Give to this household, and to every domestic 
 circle where thy name is feared, a day of spiritual 
 delight and profit ; and grant, Lord, that soon 
 this sacred weekly rest may be rejoiced in by every 
 family, high and humble, throughout the realm. 
 Listruct this privileged nation so to know and 
 follow thy statutes, that all the world may see us 
 to be, through thy Word given to us, a wise and 
 understanding people, and be drawn to serve the 
 same gracious God. 
 
 Go forth to-day, blessed and mighty Spirit of 
 the Lord, with all those whose high office it is to 
 set before assembled congregations thy glorious 
 Gospel. Bless thy servant on whose ministrations 
 we wait. Make him wise to win souls this day. 
 Guide all those who go up to worship in the courts 
 of thy house. What praise shall we render to 
 Thee, living and true God, because we do not 
 gather ourselves together to bow down to graven 
 images, or lift our eyes in worship to the hosts of 
 heaven ! What gratitude, also, should be ours, that 
 we come not to Mount Sinai, with its blackness 
 and tempest, but to Mount Zion ; nor to altars on 
 which animal oblations burn, but to scenes where 
 praise and prayer, with contrite hearts, are the 
 only sacrifices. May we joyfully offer them this 
 day, in the name of Him by whose one offering all 
 that believe are for ever sanctified. 
 
 Have mercy, Lord, on the blinded worshippers 
 of idols. Gather the scattered descendants of thine 
 ancient people to the faith of the Messiah already 
 come. Let the whole world speedily know Thee, 
 the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou 
 hast sent. ■ Let thy kingdom be greatly advanced 
 this very day. Let thy saints rejoice in Thee, and 
 let there be joy in the presence of thine angels 
 over many sinners won to repentance and salva- 
 tion. Hear us in these our requests, and forgive 
 and accept us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. . 
 
 OTHOU great and glorious Jehovah, before whom 
 angels veil their faces, while with unceasing 
 praise they exalt thy name ; pour out upon us 
 the spirit of grace and supplication, that we may 
 praise and adore Thee for the riches of thy redeem- 
 ing love. May the Sabbath now closing prove to 
 each of us a foretaste of the rest which remaineth 
 for the people of God. Grant, Lord, that many 
 who rose this morning ignorant of the way of life, 
 may have been born again of incorruptible seed, 
 by the Word of God. Increase the number of thy 
 spiritual watchmen, and add daily to thy Church 
 such as shall be saved. ' 
 
 Forgive, Lord, the sins of this day. Par- 
 don the iniquity, of our holy things, and gra- 
 ciously . accept our imperfect services. If Thou, 
 Searcher of hearts, seest any of us still un- 
 changed, and living only for this present world, 
 let thy Spirit now prevail to open their eyes and 
 lead them to Jesus, that we may be a household 
 fearing Thee and working righteousness. 
 
 Blessed Jesus, Thou hast shown thy love to us 
 in leaving the glory which Thou hadst with the 
 Father before the world was, becoming a man of 
 sorrows, and laying down thy life for us. Cause 
 us to magnify the riches of thy grace by our lips 
 and in our lives.. We have been outwardly en- 
 grafted into Thee by baptism. Thou knowest 
 whether by inward and spiritual regeneration we 
 have been renewed into Thine image. Thou 
 purgest the living branches, that they may bring 
 forth more fruit. Oh, give us grace to profit by 
 the precious discipline. Train us in self-denying 
 godliness here, and make us meet for the enjoy- 
 ment of thy presence hereafter. In the bj'ight 
 hope of the heavenly crown, make us cheerful 
 bearers of the earthly cross. Remove all spiritual 
 ignorance from our minds, and satisfy our hearts 
 with true peace. Thy Word alone can make us 
 clean. Grant that it may richly abide in us, so 
 that we may walk in its holy precepts, hold fast 
 its saving truths, and rejoice in its precious pro- 
 mises. . Cause us to dwell together in brotherly love. 
 Gracious Saviour, abide in us, that we may abide 
 in Thee, and at length be glorified with Thee in 
 thy coming kingdom. 
 
 Take us all, we pray Thee, Father, into thy 
 Divine protection for the night. If Thou blessest 
 us, we shall be safe from all harm, whether it 
 threaten the body or the soul. May the refresh- 
 ment of the day of rest, with its spiritual privileges, 
 and its seasons of communion with Thee, fit us to 
 enter cheerfully on the fulfilment of thy will in the 
 duties of the week. Thus living to thy praise 
 now, we may look forward to thy glory hereafter. 
 Grant it all for Clirist's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 176 .] , 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [EVENINO. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY IV. 23-40. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, who dwellest in the light 
 -tx- which is unapproacliable ; whom no one hath 
 seen or can see ; wliose gloiy may not be given to 
 another, nor tliy praise to graven images ; and who 
 hast commanded ns not to make to ourselves any 
 likeness of anything in heaven above or in the 
 earth, neither bow down to them nor serve them, 
 for Thou art a jealous God : search us and try us, 
 and see what way of wickedness there is in us, and. 
 lead us in the way everlasting. Be pleased so to 
 fill our hearts with thy grace that we may abstain 
 from those fleshly lusts wiiich war against the soul, 
 and walk before Thee in righteousness and holiness 
 all our days. 
 
 God, who art merciful and ,q;racious, we 
 acknowledge that we have erred and strayed from 
 thy ways like lost sheep. We have sinned ; we 
 have done wickedly. But deal not with us after 
 our sins, nor reward us according to our iniquity. 
 Out of the depths we cry linto Thee. Oh, send 
 forth thy mercy and truth. Let thy loving-kind- 
 ness prevent us, for in Thee do we put our trust. 
 Forsake us not, neither forget thy covenant, for we 
 seek Thee with all our heart and with all our soul. 
 Thou art rich in mercy to all that call upon Thee. 
 Save us from our sins ; grant us redemption 
 through the blood of Christ; and so sanctify us 
 in body, soul, and spirit by the Holy Ghost given 
 unto us, that wo may evermore keep thy statutes 
 and thy commandments which Thou hast com- 
 manded us, that it may go well with us and with 
 our cliildren after us, that we may all have an 
 inheritance among them that are sanctified, and 
 finally be immbered with thy saints in glory ever- 
 lasting. 
 
 God, the day is thine; the night also is thine. 
 We laid ourselves down, and have slept, for Thou 
 hast sustained us. Thou hast prepared the light 
 and the sun. Cause us to hear thy loving-kindness 
 in the morning, for in Thee do we trust. Cause 
 us to know the way wherein we should walk, for 
 we lift up our soul unto Thee. Let thy hand, 
 which is good, be upon us as a family, and bless 
 us with thy favour, which is life. [Grant that our 
 offspring may receive the adoption of children.] 
 Be gracious to our kindred and our country, and 
 guide the counsels of all in authority. Teach us 
 to be subject unto the higher powers. Spare thy. 
 people, whoni Thou hast piu'chased for a possession 
 unto Thyself, and let all the ends of the earth see 
 thy salvation. 
 
 God, be not far from us. Make haste for our 
 help ; so shall our lips greatly rejoice, and our 
 soul, which Thou hast redeemed. Perfect thy 
 work in us, and preserve us to thine eternal king- 
 dom, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS VI. 
 
 OMOST gracious Father, who art light, and in 
 whom is no darkness at all ; who hast called 
 us with a holy calling unto fellowship with Thyself 
 and thy Son Jesus Christ : we beseech Thee that 
 this thy loving purpose of grace may daily be more 
 and more fulfilled in us. Oh, how good hast Thou 
 been to us, if this evening we are more humble, 
 more truly conscious what sinners we are, more 
 simply and gratefully dependent on Thee, thinking 
 more of thy great grace and love which has borne 
 with us another day, and, above all, blessing Thee 
 for that blood which cleanseth from all sin. 
 
 In many things have we all offended this day. 
 Very much that is evil Thou hast seen in us, in 
 our thoughts, and words, and acts. Which of us 
 ought not to be ashamed ? We are not worthy so 
 much as to lift up oui' eyes unto Thee, or to call 
 Thee Father. Yet to whom can we go but unto 
 Thee? And, oh, we ask Thee to receive us. to 
 forgive us, to humble and bless us. Wash us 
 throughly from oiu* iniquity, and cleanse us from 
 our sin. Create in us a clean heart, God, and 
 renew a right spirit within us. 
 
 Great are the riches of thy grace in Christ Jesus, 
 But while we praise Thee, let us not presume ; 
 because thy grace abounds, let us not continue in 
 sin. Lord, Thou knowest the deceitfulness of 
 our hearts, and how we wrong Thee, to-day by 
 distrust, to-morrow by sinful presumption. 
 
 Grant us to remember that Thou hast given thy 
 Son to be both a sacrifice for sin and an ensample 
 of godly living. As He died for sin, enable us to 
 die daily unto sin. As He was raised from the 
 dead by the glory of the Father, so also may we 
 walk in newness of life, yielding ourselves unto 
 God, as those who are alive from the dead. 
 
 • our Father, suffering, shame, and death, these 
 belong to us, for we have sinned, and these are the 
 wages of sin ; yet we ask Thee for life, love, thy 
 grace here, thy glory hereafter. Gratefully do 
 we thank Thee that thy gift is eternal life, through 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 Now, gracious God, add this also to thy other 
 blessings, that we may lie down in peace with 
 Thee, with each other, with all men, to-night. 
 Grant these our wearied bodies, if it be thy will, 
 unbroken, refreshing slumber. Keep us safely 
 from sin, from danger, from disease, and all evil. 
 We give ourselves into thy hands, body, soul, and 
 spirit. Bless us and all our friends, and relatives, 
 and neighbours ; and do Thou -for us' and them 
 according to thy tender mercies, and thy know- 
 ledge of our manifold weaknesses and wants, for 
 thy Son Jesus Christ's sake ; to whom, with 
 Tliee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and 
 glory. Amen. 
 
 [ 177 J 
 
 23 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY SIXTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXLVI. 
 
 OMOST merciful Lord, we thank Thee for the 
 words of praise that Thou hast put into our 
 mouths this morning. May these words^ of our 
 lips be the expression of our inward gratitude to 
 Thee. Fill our hearts with gladness as we medi- 
 tate on Thine unspeakable love to us. Truly Thou 
 hast been very gracious to us. Our mercies have 
 been unspeakable. From the day of our birth 
 until this hour, goodness and mercy have followed 
 us. Bless the Lord, our souls : and all that is 
 within us, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, 
 our souls ; and forget not all his benefits. While 
 we live will we praise Thee. We will bless Thee 
 while we have any being. 
 
 May we know the unutterable happiness of having 
 Thee for our God, through the precious atonement 
 of thy dear Son. God of Jacob, do Thou ever 
 be our help; God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, save us, and bless us, and sanctify us, and 
 make us meet for glory. Whom have we in 
 heaven but Thee ? and there is none on earth that 
 we desire in comparison with Thee. Suffer us not 
 to put our trust in man, or to lean upon an arm 
 of flesh. May we never seek our happiness from 
 earth's pleasures, or our honour from earth's great 
 ones. We would be happy only in thy love, and 
 seek only the honour that cometh from above. 
 
 Thou that openest the eyes of the blind, open 
 our eyes. Enable us to see Thee as Thou art, and 
 admire Thee as we ought. Give us this day all 
 that we need. Feed us with the bread of life. 
 Give us Thyself, blessed Jesus. Fulfil thy gracious 
 promise, and grant that, feeding on Thee, we may 
 live for ever. 
 
 Lord, we are often bowed down with sorrows ; 
 do Thou ever raise us up again, and make us glad 
 with the joy of thy countenance. We labour and 
 are heavy laden with our manifold sins ; do Thou 
 take away our load, and give us rest in Jesus. 
 Here we have no continuing city. This world is 
 not our home. Give us the spirit of pilgrims, that 
 we may live as strangers upon the earth ; and fix 
 our affections on things above. Thou that re- 
 lievest the fatherless and the widow, relieve us in 
 all our sorrows, whensoever they oppress us. May 
 we cry unto Thee in every time of trouble, and not 
 cry in vain. Thou who lovest the righteous, 
 love us. May thy Spirit dwell richly within us. 
 Reign in our hearts tljis day and for evermore. 
 Establish thy kingdom in our hearts. Keep us 
 this day from all dangers. Shield us from temp- 
 tation. Pi'otect us from all sin. Help us to 
 serve and glqrifyjrhee in all that we do; and to 
 tliy name shall be the praise for evermore. We 
 ask all for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XV. 13-27. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, accept through Jesus 
 our evening offering of prayer and praise. 
 Many have been thy thoughts of love towards us. 
 How great is the sum of them ! How safely we 
 have gone out and come in, and how kindly have 
 all our wants been provided for ! But'herein most 
 especially hast Tliou shown thy love towards us, 
 that Thou hast sent thy Son to lay down his life 
 for us, not as friends, but as enemies. Oh, thanks, 
 new thanks, perpetual thanks, be to Thee for this 
 unspeakable gift. 
 
 Once, indeed, we were enemies to Thee by 
 wicked works ; but now, through the blood of 
 Jesus reconciled. Thou callest us friends. Accept 
 graciously at our hands whatever we have done 
 for thy sake and in thy strength this day; and 
 in thy mercy forgive whatsoever thy holy eyes 
 have seen amiss in us. Of man^'^ shortcomings 
 and iniquities we ourselves are conscious ; but how- 
 many more must have been manifest in thy sight ! 
 Blot out our iniquity as a cloud, and as a thick 
 cloud our sins. Receive us graciously, and love us 
 freely. Help us, Lord, to take gratefully at thy 
 hands whatever good Thou sendest, and to bear 
 submissively every trial. Shall not all thy will be 
 love ? Like as a father pitieth his children, so Thou 
 pitiest them that fear Thee ; for Thou knowest our 
 frame, and rememberest that we are dust. Be our 
 refuge in every sorrow, our strength when heart 
 and flesh faileth ; and when Thou callest us to walk 
 through the valley of the shadow of death, let thy 
 presence cheer our path, and thy hand sustain our 
 steps. 
 
 And now, heavenly Father, we commit ourselves 
 to thy care through the night on which we are 
 entering. While darkness covers us, and dangers 
 are round about, let thine ever open eye be upon 
 us, and thine almighty power be our guard. If it 
 please Thee, give us sleep ; or if our eyes be held 
 waking, in the multitude of our thoughts within 
 us let thy comforts delight our souls. If we see 
 another morning, rejoice us with the light of thy 
 countenance, and take our renewed life again 
 under thy guidance and care ; or if our eyes open 
 no more on earth, receive us to thy fatherly arms, 
 and to that happier world where there is no night, 
 no weariness, and no sorrow. 
 
 Blessed be thy name, God of our mercy, for 
 the sweet hopes with which we are permitted to 
 close this day. And now, having by prayer and 
 supplication with thanksgiving made known our 
 requests unto God, may the peace of God, which 
 passeth all understanding, keep our hearts and 
 minds, through Christ Jesus ; to whom, with Thee, 
 Holy Father, and the Blessed Spirit, be equal and 
 everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 r 178 ^ 
 
Morning. ] 
 
 TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [EVKNIXG. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY V. 1—21. 
 
 HOLY, holy, lioly. Lord God Almighty, who 
 by thy great power and wisdom hast created 
 all things, and dost uphold them by the word of 
 thy power, Ave acknowledge Thee as the only cause 
 of our preservation during the past night, as well 
 as the Griver of our present existence. And now 
 we go forth to the duties appointed to us in our 
 several stations with prayer that we may never 
 forget our obligations to Thee, to love Thee and 
 to serve Thee. Help us to pray, that we may ask 
 such things as Thou art ready to grant, and may 
 find ourselves strengthened and cheered by tliis 
 our service for the various employments of the 
 day. May a present sense be given us, that as 
 Thou hast been about our bed, so Thou wilt be 
 about our path, spying out all our ways. May 
 we therefore walk uprightly before Thee, for Thou 
 requirest truth in the inner man. May our desire 
 be to acquit ourselves always as thy servants, in 
 all things doing thy will from the heart ; not by 
 constraint rendering Tiiee only the form of obe- 
 dience, but constrained by love to Thee, for thy 
 great love bestowed on us in the gift of thine own 
 dear Son. 
 
 By thy Holy Spirit put thy laws into our minds, 
 and write them in our hearts ; then shall we have 
 respect unto all thy commandments, and serve 
 Thee with a willing mind. Let others seek what 
 they will, and find their portion in what they can ; 
 give us grace to cleave to thy testimonies, and to 
 find our meat and drink in doing thy will. Thy 
 commandments are not grievous to such as know 
 thy name : yea, in keeping of them there is great 
 reward. Grant us, therefore, to seek thy precepts 
 as our rule always ; then shall we walk at liberty, 
 not looking to bo accepted by Thee on account of 
 our obedience, but desirous to show oiu'selves thy 
 dear children, by being followers of Thee in all 
 holy conversation and godliness. 
 
 Thou knowest all the events that shall befall us 
 this day, the persons with whom we shall have 
 intercourse, the difficulties and dangers that may 
 beset our path. Thou also knowest our weakness, 
 and our proneness to err from thy commandments ; 
 }n*event us, therefore, we beseech Thee, with thy 
 grace and goodness, keep us from all evil, and 
 guide us in the paths of righteousness for thy 
 name's sake. 
 
 We would remember before Thee our gracious 
 Sovereign and all the Royal Family. May they 
 be blessed and a blessing to our nation. Look 
 down on our neighbourhood ; let peace and god- 
 liness pi'evail among us. Make all our dear rela- 
 tions and friends partakers of thy best blessing. 
 Hear us, and answer us graciously, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XVI, 1-16. 
 
 BLESSED Spirit, Holy Comforter, whom the 
 Father hath sent unto his people ; we humbly 
 call upon Thee at thy throne of grace this evening, 
 and implore thy help and blessing in our present 
 approach to Thee. Thou art the Teacher of thy 
 Church and people. Oh, teach us, and first of all 
 teach us how to pray. Thou art the Author of all 
 prayer, the Giver of all peace, the Dispenser of all 
 good gifts ; be Thou the Hearer and the Answerer 
 of our prayer this evening. 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast ascended up on 
 high, and to thy Church on earth Thou hast been 
 pleased to send the Comforter, thy Holy Spirit. 
 Send this comforting Spirit into our hearts to- 
 night, we pray Thee. Li all time of danger and 
 persecution may we feel his presence near, and 
 be supported by his strength. 
 
 God and Father, send to us thy Holy Spirit 
 to direct, govern, and sanctify both our hearts and 
 bodies. 'Tis thine to send the Spirit to whomsoever 
 Thou wilt ; and Thou hast promised that Thou wilt 
 give thy Holy Spirit to them that ask it. We now 
 ask, Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake, give unto us 
 thy Holy Spirit ! It is tlie Spirit who quickeneth ; 
 who is the Teacher of the Church, the Comforter 
 of the afflicted, and the Reprover of the world. 
 Seal thy people with this earnest of their inheritance, 
 that Christ may be glorified in us, whether by life 
 or by death. Guide us into all truth, and make 
 us temples of the living God, consecrated, body, 
 soul, and spirit, to thy service. 
 
 Thou Triune Jehovah, Father, Son, and 
 Holy Spirit, we bless Thee for all the choice gifts 
 Thou hast been pleased to pour upon us. Lead us 
 into all truth ; fill us with all grace ; bedew us 
 with the unction of the Holy One ; let us ever be 
 partakers of that life-giving Spirit by which the 
 soul liveth unto God, and abideth for ever. May 
 that Spirit rule in our hearts and consciences, and 
 sanctify and keep us holy unto the day of thine 
 appearing. 
 
 We pray for an abundant outpouring of thy 
 Spirit on all who profess and call themselves 
 Christians. Go forth in the might of thy power 
 and grace, God the Holy Ghost. Convince the 
 world of sin, because it believes not in Christ. 
 Show to the unconverted their own unrighteous- 
 ness, and reveal unto their hearts Christ, the Lord 
 our Righteousness. Arouse them by the pre- 
 dictions of judgment, and bring them trembling 
 and penitent to the feet of Jesus. Let the tokens 
 of thy presence be seen in the Church of Christ, 
 in the hearts and lives both of ministers and people. 
 Guide the ignorant and erring into the way of 
 truth, and prepare all men for the coming of the 
 Lord. We ask all for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 179 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY V. 22—33. READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XVI. 16—33, 
 
 GLORIOUS and holy Lord God Almightj, 
 we, thy unworthy servants, draw nigh to Thee 
 at the beginning of another day. We bless Thee 
 for taking care of us during the night past, ami for 
 refreshing us with comfortable sleep. We beseech 
 Thee to send us thy blessing through the day on 
 which we have entered. Be with us in our going 
 out and coming in. Dispose us to lift up our 
 hearts to Thee whilst we are engaged in the works 
 of our calling, and enable us to do all as in thy 
 sight and to thy glory. 
 
 We bless Thee, Lord, for Jesus, the Mediator 
 of the new covenant; that we are permitted to 
 draw nigh to thy throne in his name, that we 
 may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time 
 of need. We thank Thee that Thou speakest to 
 us not from the mount that burned with fire, but 
 from Mount Sion, through thy own beloved Son. 
 We bless Thee, Lord, that Thou invitest us to 
 come to Thee, and that Thou vouchsafest to us thy 
 covenant of peace. Oh, let thy blessed Spirit help 
 our infirmities. Take away from us the spirit of 
 bondage; give to us the spirit of faith and of fear, 
 of love and a sound mind. 
 
 We have professed ourselves, Lord, to be thy 
 people; we have acknowledged aforetime, and we 
 now acknowledge before Thee, our obligations to 
 love and serve Thee ; but we have too often broken 
 our vows, we have turned aside out of thy ways. 
 We humble ourselves before Thee, God, because 
 of our manifold transgressions and great sins. 
 Thou mightest justly cast us away from thy pre- 
 sence, and refuse any more to be entreated of by 
 us; but, Lord, we beseech Thee, deal not with 
 us according to our sins, recompense us not accord- 
 ing as our iniquities deserve. Have respect for 
 Him who knew no sin, but was made sin for us. 
 Pardon, we pray. Thee, all our sins, and let them 
 no more have dominion over us. Enable us this 
 day to love and to serve Thee. Write thy laws 
 in om" hearts. Strengthen us for all the duties 
 of our holy calling. Make thy law precious to 
 us, and enable us to keep it unto the end. Thou 
 knowest. Lord, the secrets of our hearts. Shut hot 
 thy merciful ears to our prayers. 
 
 Bless all who are near and dear to us ; our 
 kindred, friends, and relations. We pray for our 
 Sovereign and for those in authority. Guide them 
 in all their deliberations, and overrule all that they 
 do for the welfare of thy Church and the increase 
 of godliness and truth in the land. Graciously 
 prosper all the labours of thy ministers, and in- 
 crease daily the number of thy believing and 
 obedient people. We ask all in the name and 
 for the sake of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, to 
 irhom be honour and glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 WE thank Thee, gracious Saviour, for the pre- 
 cious words of comfort Thou didst speak to 
 thy disciples before Thou didst leave them and 
 go to thy Father. Bestow upon us now that faith 
 which will hear thy voice, and enrich our hearts 
 with the peace and joy which Thou hast pro- 
 mised to them that believe. We confess that 
 we have but poor and feeble views of the 
 Father's love, and that too often we restrain 
 prayer before God. Now that Thou art exalted 
 above all principality and power, fulfil thy word 
 unto us, upon which Thou hast caused us to hope. 
 All hearts are open before Thee, and all desires 
 are known unto Thee. Give us enlarged hearts, 
 that we may expect great things from God ; stir 
 us up to ask and receive, that our joy may be full. 
 Lead us into a growing experience of the love that 
 passeth knowledge, that we may be cheerful in 
 tribulation, steadfast in hope, fervent in spirit ; 
 and, like our great Leader, may also overcome 
 the world. Continue, in thy mercy, to bestow 
 upon us all that is needful for body, soul, and 
 spirit; and when Thou shalt come a second time 
 without sin unto salvation, let us be found amongst 
 the subjects of thy redeeming grace. 
 
 Graciously grant us thy presence and protection 
 through this night; cause us to feel that we are 
 not alone, but that thine eye is upon us and 
 thy heart toward us. Be pleased, Lord, to give 
 us safe and sweet sleep, and let no evil or fear 
 of evil disturb the watches of the night. We 
 thank Thee for the tender care which has been 
 about our path during another day. We ascribe 
 it to thy loving-kindness, that we have escaped 
 calamity, disease, and death ; and we call upon 
 our souls and all that is within us to bless thy 
 holy name. Forgive all that has been opposed 
 to thy holy will in our thoughts, or words, or 
 actions; and cleaving to the promise of thy for- 
 giving love, let us close our eyes without a mis- 
 giving or a fear. And when the brief day of 
 life shall come to its end, may we as calmly and 
 as gladly sleep in death as we hope to rest this 
 night upon our bed. [0 Lord, in thy mei'cy bless 
 our dear children, and give us grace to train them 
 in thy fear. May our example, our instructions, 
 and our prayers lead them into the good way, 
 that they may walk before Thee all their days 
 on earth, and dwell with Thee hereafter in 
 heaven.] Have mercy upon all who are lying 
 on beds of languishing. Preserve those who are 
 journeying on the mighty waters, and hear our 
 prayers that all men may trust in thy faithful 
 providence and know thy saving grace. Hear 
 us, our God, for the sake of Jesus Christ, thy 
 Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 180 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY VI. 
 
 
 
 LORD God of our fathers, we confess to Thee 
 our great and manifold transgressions. Vie 
 have turned from the way of thy holy command- 
 ments. We have followed the devices of our own 
 foolish and proud hearts. We beseech Thee to 
 have mercy upon us, and to turn our hearts to the 
 obedience of thy holy laws. 
 
 Open our understanding to receive knowledge, 
 and guide our erring and stumblijig feet in the 
 paths of wisdom. Fdl us with reverence and love 
 to Thee, our Father in heaven. Draw us into a 
 childlike, confiding trust in our Divine and 
 adorable Saviour. Enable us to have fellowship 
 iu our daily life with the ever-blessed Spirit. 
 
 We adore and bless Thee for thy great goodness 
 in giving us thy Word. We rejoice before Thee 
 that we have been tau£:ht to understand and receive 
 thy merc}^, made known to us in the teachings and 
 life, in the atoning sorrows and death, of our blessed 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We desire daily 
 to learn of Him. 13y thy grace and help we would 
 hide these treasures of wisdom and knowledge in 
 our hearts, that we may not sin against Thee. 
 
 We thankfully accept of thy good gift of life 
 this morning. Thou hast watched over our sleep, 
 and hast waked us into life, and we earr.estly 
 desire to live tliis day so as to please Tliee. We 
 go forth at thy bidding to our daily work. Make 
 us strong and diligent in the doing of it. May 
 thy law be written in our hearts, so that we shall 
 this day avoid all that is evil, and follow that which 
 is good. Let not cares harass us, or temptations 
 ensnare us. Keep us from all sinful anger, and 
 from every temjier that does not breathe devoted- 
 ness to Thee, our God, and charity to our neigh- 
 bour. May we be able, in seeking our own good, 
 to desire and devise benefit and happiness for all 
 whom it may be in our power to befriend. Holy 
 Saviour, who hast left us an example of holy 
 human life, enable us by thy Spirit to follow thy 
 steps. 
 
 Be pleased, Lord, to dwell in our house. 
 Make thy face to shine upon our native land. 
 Bless our beloved Sovereign and the members of 
 the Royal Family. May justice be administered 
 in this realm with impartiality and truth. 
 
 Comfort every mourner. Deal graciously with 
 the sick and troubled, and brighten by thy favour 
 and love the dark path of the dying. Let thy 
 Word have free course and be glorified in the 
 conversion of many souls to Christ. Regard, we 
 pray Thee, all our relations and friends. Pour 
 down u}X)n them all spiritual and temporal bless- 
 ing. Accept our praises, and hear and answer 
 our prayers, for the sake of Jesus Christ, thy Son 
 and our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XVIL 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 -^ Christ, through whom we have access to thy 
 thi'one, give ear to us, while again we bow before 
 Thee. We rejoice that we have such an Advocate 
 w^ith Thee as Jesus Christ the Righteous, who is 
 the propitiation for our sins. On his intercession 
 we rely for the acceptance of our evening sacrifice. 
 
 We praise Thee that through the day we have 
 been under thy Divine protection; and that every 
 want has been supplied with a bountiful hand. 
 Pardon us if there has been any abuse of our 
 mercies, or any failure in the recognition of their 
 source. Bless us still, our Father, and help 
 us ever to cherish towards Thee filial love and 
 gratitude. 
 
 We rejoice in the contemplation of the glorious 
 work of thy Son, who for our salvation came down 
 from heaven, and dwelt among^us; hallowing our 
 earth by his footsteps, and by his holy life and 
 wondrous death obtaining eternal redemption for 
 us. We exult in the assurance that He glorified 
 Thee by the manifestation of thy name, and finished 
 the work that Thou gavest Him to do ; and that 
 now He has returned to the glory which He had 
 with Thee before the world was. Evermore may 
 we depend upon the continuance of his love, on 
 his pitiful remembrance of us, and on his powerful 
 pleadings on our behalf, who are still in the world, 
 struggling with the foes that beset our path, and 
 looking to Him for succour in the hour of need. 
 May we, while here, be kept from the evil around 
 us, and thy truth work so niightih^ in our hearts^ 
 that under its influence we may shine as lights in 
 the world. 
 
 Bind thy people together in the bonds of a holy 
 friendship. With one Lord, one faith, one bap- 
 tism, one God and Father of all, may they keep 
 the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace ; be 
 more united in effort and aim ; and by love serving 
 one another and Thee, constrain the world to 
 believe that Thou hast sent thy Son. May it be 
 their glory to make known the truth, that God was 
 in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself. In 
 this reconciliation may we all share, and when 
 Christ, who is our life, shall appear, may we also 
 appear with Him in glory. Daily may we be 
 prepared for the better world, and when absent 
 from the body may we indeed be present with the 
 Lord. 
 
 Guard us from all evil amid the darkness of the 
 night. Refresh our weary minds with quiet sleep ; 
 and with the new day and new duties, may there 
 be given to us new strength and wisdom, that we 
 may glorify Thee in our bodies and spirits, .which 
 are thine. Grant all, with the pardon of every 
 sin, for Jesus' s?ke. Amen. 
 
 [ 181 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SIXTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCKIPTURE DEUTERONOMY VII. 1—16. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XLIX. 1—17. 
 
 OLORU God, wlio hast graciously rftade Thyself 
 known to us in Christ Jesus, we adore Thee 
 for Hiin as thine unspeakable gift to the world, and 
 pray that for his sake we may obtain grace to help 
 us in every time of need. We thank Thee for 
 peaceful rest during the past night, for the light of 
 this morning, and for all the blessings with which 
 we are favoured. Every good and perfect gift 
 Cometh down from Thee, the Father of Lights, 
 with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of 
 turning ; and whilst we live, and move, and have 
 our being in Thee, help us to acknowledge Thee 
 in all our ways, and do Thou direct our steps. 
 
 We know not what is before us this day ; but, 
 God, w^e would commit ourselves to Thee, pray- 
 ing that our steps may not slide, and that we may 
 not offend Thee with our tongue. Let us profit by 
 the lesson we have read in thy holy Word at this 
 time. May we remember that those who call upon 
 thy holy name are to be separate from the world. 
 Keep us from its vanity, and folly, and idolatry. 
 May we not covet the things thou hast forbidden, 
 lest they be a snare to our souls. Help us to 
 remember that this is not our rest ; but that our 
 blessed Lord has gone to prepare a place for us, 
 and that an inheritance that fadeth not away is 
 reserved in heaven for all who are kept by the 
 power of God through faith unto salvation. 
 Bring us, in thine own good time, Lord, when 
 we shall have gone through our earthly pilgrimage, 
 into that good land of promise, wliich is better 
 ihan any earthly Canaan ; and while we confess 
 ourselves unworthy of lot or part in the inheritance 
 of the saints in light, we rejoice Thou hast freely 
 set thy love upon us, and hast redeemed us, not 
 with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but 
 with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Iamb 
 without blemish and without spot. Not by w^orks 
 of righteousness which we have done, but according 
 to thy mercy Thou hast saved us, through the 
 redemption that is in Him. Without money and 
 without price Thou hast opened the fountain of 
 hfe, and graciously called us to come and drink ; 
 and if we have been at all enabled to do this, the 
 glory and the praise be thine ! 
 
 We pray for the guidance and sanctifying in- 
 fluences of the Holy Spirit ; for we know that 
 those who are saved by grace will follow holiness. 
 May we adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in 
 all things, and give evidence that we have passed 
 from death unto life. Be mercifully pleased to 
 give us this day everything we need, as well for 
 the body as the soul, for we bless Thee Thou carest 
 for both. Graciously hear and answer us, God, 
 for we ask all in the name of our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 GREAT and gracious God, we are constrained 
 to thank and praise Thee for the inestimable 
 treasure of thy holy Word, so full of wondrous 
 things, so suited to all our needs, and rich in 
 glorious promises. It is through thy grace, and 
 the instruction of thy Spirit, that we are able 
 to delight ourselves in any measure in those 
 heavenly truths Thou hast discovered to us ; and 
 very earnestly we crave increased enlightenment, 
 purer hearts, stronger faith, a more sincere desire 
 to know thy mind, so that thy Word may dwell 
 within us richly, bringing forth much fruit through 
 its effectual working. 
 
 Truly, Lord, thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, by whom we come to Thee, is the first and 
 last of all that Thou hast spoken to us ; and to 
 his voice we listen when our ears have been un- 
 stopped, and Thou hast taught us its sweet tones. 
 Fain would we sit continually at his feet, receiving 
 into the deepest places of our souls tlic words of 
 life that come forth from his lips. May the wide 
 world receive them, too ; all the people, near and 
 afar, and in the islands of the seas. 
 
 Lord Jesus, we desire to behold Thee ; we would 
 strive to know Thee in all thy grace and power, 
 and to ponder with ever-deepening interest that 
 better covenant of which Thou art the Mediator. 
 
 For our sakes Thou didst assume the form of 
 a servant, and in suffering and sorrow didst com- 
 plete the work of redeeming us. Praise and honour 
 be unto Thee. Thou art Lord of all. Thou art given 
 for a light to the Gentiles, and to be the glory of 
 thy people Israel. Thou hast not toiled in vain, 
 nor spent thy strength for nought ; but thy right 
 is with the Lord, and thy reward with thy God. 
 Oh, may the contemplation of thy triumph feed 
 our souls with strength and patience. How greatly 
 dost Thou comfort us ! Save us from ever being 
 distrustful of thy love. How can we be ? It is 
 like no other love ; purer, tenderer, stronger, in- 
 capable of change, and everlasting. We are graven 
 upon the palms of thy hands, and thou wilt lead 
 us by the living waters, where the sun smites not 
 by day, neither the moon by night, and the days 
 of our mourning shall be ended. By another day 
 we and thy whole Church are nearer to that perfect 
 bliss. Through every hour a deep, broad stream 
 of blessing has followed us. Lord, accept our 
 thanks, and mercifully blot out all our sins. Oh, 
 forgive us, and make clean our hearts within us ! 
 Be wath us through this night, Eternal God, to 
 whom the darkness and the light are both alike. 
 Ourselves, our dear ones, all we know and love, 
 we cast upon thy goodness and thy truth, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord; to whom, witli Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost, be everlasting praises. Amen. 
 
 C 182 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY VIII. 
 
 ETERNAL God, who hatast nothing that 
 Thou hast made, we land and magnify thy 
 glorious name for thy long-suffering goodness. 
 Every benefit which we enjoy is tliy gift; all 
 our spiritual blessings flow from Thee. It is 
 through thy great love in sending thine only- 
 begotten Son to bear our sins and open the 
 kingdom of heaven to all believers, that we can 
 approach Thee with confidence, and make known 
 our requests before thy throne. Grant us, there- 
 fore, thankful hearts for all thy mercies. Enlighten 
 our eyes, that we may see the numberless tokens 
 of thy care which surround our path. Preserve us 
 from grieving thy Holy Spirit by mistrusting thy 
 loving-kindness, and assist us with thy grace, that 
 we may acknowledge Thee in all om* ways, and do 
 those things which are pleasing in thy sight. 
 
 We bless Thee that Thou hast consecrated this 
 day to thy service, and commanded us to keep it 
 holy. May it always be honourable in our estima- 
 tion. Teach us to observe it in a right spirit, that 
 we may worship Thee with pure hearts fervently. 
 Enable us to lay aside the cares and distractions 
 of the past week when waiting on Thee in thy 
 house, that we may be very attentive to hear thy 
 Word, and thereby gain strength for glorifying 
 Thee in our bodies and our spirits, which are 
 thine. Let not our holy things become occasions 
 of transgression, lest Satan get an advantage over 
 us. Sanctify us, Lord, that we may be instru- 
 ments of usefulness to others, and make it evident 
 that we are doers of the Word, and not hearers 
 only. 
 
 Be with all thy ministering servants this day 
 throughout the world, that they may deliver thy 
 message with persuasive power. Thou alone canst 
 give the increase, and bring nigh to Thee those who 
 are afar off". Have compassion, therefore, upon 
 the heathen, and those who are out of the way, 
 that they may be turned from darkness to light. 
 Fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy flock, that 
 they may experience joy and peace in believing. 
 
 Keep us, throughout the week, from evil 
 thoughts and hardness of heart. While diligently 
 discharging our daily duties, assist us to labour 
 chiefly after that meat which endureth unto ever- 
 lasting life. Increase our love for holy things, 
 that we may never be ashamed of Thee. Nourish 
 us with all goodness, that, being rich in faith, Ave 
 may plentifully bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. 
 Be with all our dear relations and friends, and 
 grant that they may prosper both in body and 
 soul. Watch over our country, and endow our 
 rulers with judgment and firmness, that they may 
 govern us with wisdom. Grant this for the sake 
 of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXVI. 36-56. 
 
 MOST merciful God, who causest the outgoings 
 of the morning and the evening to rejoice, we 
 thank Thee for this holy day, for all its happy 
 privileges ; that we have taken sweet counsel, and 
 gone to the house of God in company, beheld the 
 beauty of the Lord, and inquired in his temple. 
 May we value, above all earthly pleasures, the jo)^ 
 of serving and worshipping Thee. We ask thy 
 blessing on all the holy occupations of the day. 
 Accept our private supplications that we have pre- 
 sented at thy throne, and help us never to neglect 
 the duty of seci'et prayer. Bless the public services 
 of thy house upon which we have attended. May the 
 words which we have heard with our outward ears 
 sink deep into our hearts, and prove precious seed 
 that shall bring forth much fruit. As our Sabbaths 
 multiply, may our piety increase, and our graces 
 grow. May the Saviour become increasingly 
 precious, and the prospect of heaven more bright ; 
 and when the earthly Sabbath ceases, may we 
 spend the eternal Sabbath with Thee, in thy 
 presence, where there is fulness of joy, and at 
 thy right hand, where there are pleasures for 
 evermore. 
 
 We beseech Thee, Lord, to bless this day, not 
 only to ourselves, but to all who have observed its 
 ordinances, or have been occupied in tlie vineyard 
 of the great Master. Bless the preaching of thy 
 holy Gospel everywhere. Gather many souls this 
 day to Thyself. Prosper every sincere endeavour 
 to do good. And may those who have spent this 
 day in the sick chamber, or, like Jesus, in some 
 Gethsemane of sorrow, receive the blessing of Him 
 whose presence is not confined to temples made 
 with hands, but who has promised to dwell i^i the 
 humble and the contrite heart. 
 
 We thank Thee, above all thine other gifts, for 
 the gift of a Redeemer to save our lost souls. 
 Wash away our sins in his atoning blood. When 
 we taste the joys of thy salvation, may we never 
 forget the bitterness of the Saviour's sorrow, and 
 often think of Him who in Gethsemane and on 
 Calvary bore our sins and carried our sorrows. 
 May we look to the Lord Jesus not only as our 
 sacrifice, but also as our example. Teach us those 
 lessons of humility, and patience, and meekness, 
 and obedience, which Gethsemane should teach all 
 Christ's discipjes. 
 
 Prepare us for another week of activity. Defend 
 us, good Lord, from all evil. Give us strength 
 for every duty and trial. Deliver us in the hour 
 of temptation. Help us to fight the good fight of 
 fiiith, and to come off" victorious at last, through 
 the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom 
 and to Thyself, Father, and to the Holy Ghost 
 the Comforter, be everlasting praises. Amen. 
 
 [ 183 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY X. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXVL 57-75. 
 
 OLORD, who art God of gods and Lord of 
 lords, a great God and a mighty, we learn 
 with thankfulness that Thou dost execute the judg- 
 ment of the fatherless and the widow, and lovest 
 even the stranger. Thou art also our praise ; for 
 Thou hast wrought more glorious things for us 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 When we read of thj just requirements, we are 
 humbled to the dust under a sense of our guilt and 
 sinfulness. It is meet and right that we should 
 walk in all thy ways, love Thee and serve Thee, 
 our God, with all our heart and soul. But, 
 our Father, how grievously have we fallen short of 
 all this ! How often have we wickedly departed 
 from thy ways ; and instead of supremely loving 
 Thee, lavished the affections of om* immortal being 
 upon perishing, and even upon sinful things. We 
 unfeignedly confess that we have broken thy cove- 
 nant, and forfeited every claim to thy regard, and 
 are in ourselves helplessly exposed to thy righteous 
 displeasure. 
 
 But we call to remembrance Mhat Thou hast done 
 for us through One greater than Moses. We desire 
 to contemplate Thee as Thou art now revealed : 
 not in a fiery law, but in the Gospel of thy Son, 
 in whom we have redemption through his blood, 
 the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of 
 thy grace. We flee from ourselves and our 
 iniquities, to find a refuge in Him alone. We lay 
 hold with the hand of our faith on the one atoning 
 oblation, which he offered on our behalf; and we 
 pray to be freely forgiven and accepted for his 
 sake. 
 
 Write thy laws in our hearts, and impress the 
 image of thy Son on our whole life. Uproot every 
 evil principle which lurks within us ; make our 
 souls the temples of thy light and love, and take 
 all our powers into thy service. 
 
 Uj)hold our goings this day ; guide us in all that 
 may be perplexing; aid us in the discharge of 
 duty; defend us in all dangers and temptations ; 
 in ail time of our weakness be ever nigh with thy 
 gracious succour, and save us from ever becoming 
 to others an oecasioi\ of breaking the command- 
 ments of our God. Whatever Thou dost give or 
 withhold of earthly good, may we ever feel that 
 Tiiou alone ai-t our inheritance. Accept the humble 
 oblations of love which we may lay upon thine 
 altar, and lead us onward day by day to that 
 heavenly Canaan which Thou hast sworn to give 
 to thy people for an everlasting possession. 
 
 We ask all this, and present our grateful acknow- 
 ledgmeiAs of thy goodness, in the name of our 
 Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ; to whom, with 
 Thyself and the Holy Spirit, be all the praise. 
 Amen. 
 
 OSON of God, who for us didst become a man 
 of sorrows and acquainted with grief; who 
 wast despised and rejected of men, and now Thou 
 art exalted to the right hand of God, strengthen 
 us, we beseech Thee, with thy Spirit, and give us 
 fellowship with thy sufferings, and prepare us for 
 the triumphs of thy coming. 
 
 Believing in thy tender sympathy with us, we 
 confess to Thee our weakness. Thou knowest 
 what is in man. Pity our frailty; pardon our 
 sin. We, too, have thought and spoken that which 
 is false about Thee. W^e have denied Thee even 
 in the presence of thy enemies. We are not worthy 
 to be called by thy name. Oh, mercifully look 
 upon us in thy compassion. Bring tliy words to 
 our remembrance, and thus, by thy loving Spirit, 
 humble our vain-glorious hearts in true repentance. 
 Rebuke us not in thy hot displeasure, but chasten 
 us only in thy loving-kindness, that as Thou ditlst 
 suffer for us in the flesh,- we may be armed like- 
 wise with the same mind. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for having redeemed 
 us from the curse of the law, by being made a 
 curse for us. We pray Thee this night so to 
 reveal Thyself to our hearts, that we may be filled 
 with thy love. Whatever we have said or done 
 against Thee this day, forgive. Whatever has 
 been well-pleasing in thy sight, graciously own 
 and prosper. In peaceful dependence upon Thee, 
 permit us now to take our rest. When again we 
 go forth into the temptations of the world, pray 
 for us, merciful Intercessor, that our faith fail 
 not. Heal our backslidings. Recover us from 
 our wandei-ings, and let not Satan, by the sudden- 
 ness of his attack, gain any advantage over us. 
 Hold Thou us up, and we shall be safe ; and we 
 will have respect unto thy statutes continually. 
 
 Holy Father, send forth, we entreat Thee, the 
 Spirit of thy Son into the hearts of all mankind. 
 Strengthen the Church in every land. Give the 
 patience of Jesus to those who are being despite- 
 fully used and persecuted. Bring to nought the 
 hatred and malice of all false witness against Him, 
 who alone is the fixithful and true Witness. Teach 
 the kings and judges of the earth to submit them- 
 selves to the Lord's Anointed, Thy kingdom 
 come ; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. 
 
 Have mercy, Lord, upon the nation which 
 Thou didst call by thy name. Let their sin in 
 rejecting Messiah be forgiven. Take away their 
 hardness of heart and unbelief. Hasten the time 
 when there shall be one fold and one Shepherd. 
 And now, for the sake of Jesus Christ, may the 
 blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, 
 and the Holy Ghost, be amongst us and remain 
 with us always. Amen. 
 
 [ 184 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. ' 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY XI. 1—17. 
 
 OLORD our God, we thank Thee for the rest 
 and peace of the past night, for the light of 
 a new day, and for all the domestic and temporal 
 blessings of our lot. May our souls and all that is 
 within us be stirred up to bless thy holy name. 
 We have heard with our ears, and our fatliers 
 have told us what Thou didst in their day; and 
 our own experience of thy goodness calls upon 
 us to give thanks. Graciously enable us to love 
 the Lord our God with all our mind and strength ; 
 then shall we indeed walk in the ways of thy 
 commandments, and find our Saviour's yoke easy, 
 and his burden light. May this law of love under 
 which He has graciously placed us be ever pleasant 
 to our hearts ; and whilst we are in the wilderness, 
 like thy people Israel of old, may we be supported 
 and defended as they were. Enable us to take 
 heed to ourselves, that our hearts be not deceived 
 by the love of the world, or by its cares or troubles, 
 or anything that may turn us aside from following 
 our most blessed Redeemer. 
 
 Keep us mindful of our entire dependence upon 
 Thee, and of our utter unworthiness of any mercy. 
 We would never forget that by grace we are saved, 
 thi'ongh faith in Christ Jesus, whom Thou hast set 
 forth a propitiation for our sins, that Thou mightest 
 be just whilst justifying the ungodly; nor would we 
 forget that if any man be in Chi'ist he is a new 
 creature. Cause us, therefore, whilst deeply humbled 
 on account of our manifold transgressions, to bring 
 forth the fruits of righteousness, which are to thy 
 glory through Him. Give us the Holy Spirit to 
 sanctify and comfort us, and to show us the things 
 freely given us in Christ Jesus. Then shall we walk 
 as children of light, and our feet shall be kept in the 
 narrow path that leadeth unto life eternal. Lord, 
 we beseech Thee let us experience this most precious 
 privilege, to be led of thy Holy Spirit. Then shall 
 our faith not stand in the wisdom of men, but in 
 the power of God ; and we shall be able to say 
 with thy servant the Apostle, " I know whom I 
 have believed, and am persuaded that He is able 
 to keep that which I have committed unto Him 
 against that day." 
 
 our Father, preserve our going out and our 
 coming in this day. Prosper us in our lawful 
 calling as far as it shall be for thy glory and the 
 prosperity of our souls. Bless us in our basket 
 and store, and enable us gratefully to receive what 
 Thou art pleased to bestow upon us, and to avoid 
 murmuring if Thou shalt see it right to withhold 
 some things that we may desire. These, and every 
 other needed blessing, we beg in the name and 
 for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom, 
 with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be glory and praise 
 for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LL 
 
 ALL-MERCIFUL Father, we come this night 
 with all our sins, negligences, and ignorances 
 into thy compassionate presence. Have mercy upon 
 us, God, according to thy loving-kindness : 
 according to the multitude of thy tender mercies 
 blot out our transgressions. Wash us throughly 
 from our iniquities, and cleanse us from our sins. 
 We acknowledge our transgressions, and our sin 
 is ever before us. The remembrance of them is 
 grievous, the burden is intolerable. Look now 
 upon the blood of thine everlasting covenant, and 
 in mercy think upon thy penitent servants. Hide 
 thy face from our sins, and blot out all our iniquities. 
 Create in us new hearts, God, and renew a 
 right spirit within us. Cast us not away from thy 
 presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from us. 
 Restore unto us the joy of thy salvation, and up- 
 hold us with thy free Spirit. 
 
 We spread out this night all our shortcomings 
 before Thee. We would not dissemble one fault. 
 Thou hast said, " Though your sins be as scarlet, 
 they shall be as white as snow ; though they be 
 red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Fulfil 
 now, Lord, thy prornise to us in Christ. We 
 plead his atoning blood, that blood which cleanseth 
 from all sin. We desire to avail ourselves of his 
 one all-sufficient sacrifice. Apply his healing blood 
 to our souls. Surely He was wounded for our 
 transgressions ; He vcas bruised for our iniquities. 
 The chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and 
 with his stripes we ai'e healed. Help us to realise 
 to-night the perfected work of justification. Accept 
 us graciously for his sake. May we lie down in 
 perfect peace, knowing that our repented transgres- 
 sions are perfectly forgiven. Thy promises stand 
 We believe that Christ has loved us with an 
 
 sure. 
 
 everlasting love, and tljat his sacrifice is a full 
 and sufficient oblation for the sins of the whole 
 world. 
 
 Into thine hands, gracious Father, we com- 
 mend ourselves and all that we love this night. 
 Watch over us whilst we sleep. Give refreshment 
 to our wearied bodies. Renew our spirits within 
 us; and if it be thy holy will, enable us to go forth 
 to our duties on the morrow with a good coui'age, 
 thanking Thee for past mercies, encouraged by the 
 remembrance of thine abiding faithfulness, per- 
 suaded that we are accepted in the Beloved, and 
 that all things shall assuredly work together for 
 our good. While we live may we glorify Thee in 
 our bodies and our spirits, which are thine. ^ For- 
 give, Lord, the infirmity of these our petitions ; 
 and those things which for our unworthiness we 
 dare not, and for our blindness we cannot ask, 
 vouchsafe to give us for the all-sufficient worthiness 
 of Jesus Christ, thine own dear Son. Amen. 
 
 [ 185 1 
 
 No. 24. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 P.EAD IN HOLY SCEIPTURE DEUTERONOMY XI. 18—32. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, inchne our hearts 
 to keep thy laws. According to thy promise, 
 put thy laws into our hearts, and write them in 
 our minds ; for we deeply feel our proneness to for- 
 get them, and to disobey them even when remem- 
 bered. We acknowledge with shame how far we 
 have been from rendering Thee our entire obedi- 
 ence, and we heartily thank Tliee that Jesus Christ 
 has borne the curse for us ; that He who knew no 
 sin was made sin for us, that we might be made 
 the righteousness of God in Him. Thus redeemed, 
 may we this day and every day live a life of 
 faith on the Son of God. Help us especiallj^, ac- 
 cording to the directions we have just been read- 
 ing, to study with increasing diligence thy holy 
 Word. May it be in our thoughts when we sit in 
 the house and when we walk by the way, when we 
 lie down and when we rise up ; and may we strive 
 earnestly to be the means of making it known to 
 others. As far as we have opportunity, help us to 
 spread the knowledge of thy will ; and specially 
 we ask Thee to bless all societies which have for 
 tlieir object the circulation of the Holy Scriptm-es. 
 May all obstacles to their diffusion be taken away, 
 so that the Word of the Lord may have free course 
 and be glorified. We thank Thee for our own pri- 
 vileges; that thy Word is so easy of access; that 
 we may all read and study it, none daring to make 
 us afraid ; but we also remember the resjjonsibility 
 which this possession of Divine revelation brings 
 upon us, knowing that unto whomsoever much is 
 given, of him much will be required. 
 
 We offer Thee our thanksgivings for the mercies 
 of the past night, and for the great blessings by 
 which we are surrounded this morning. We thank 
 Thee for refreshing sleep, for the renewed supply of 
 all our wants, for loving friends, and for all the 
 innumerable blessings which Thou hast bestowed 
 upon us. Truly the lines are fallen to us in pleasant 
 places, and we have a goodly heritage : help us to 
 show our gratitude by living to thy service and 
 glory. Every hour of this day help us to glorify 
 Help us to watch and pray, lest we enter 
 
 Thee 
 
 mto temptation ; to set a guard over our lips, lest 
 we sin with our tongue; and especially to keep 
 our hearts with all diligence. We ask Thee to help 
 us to do all things as unto Thee, and to seek first 
 the kingdom of God and his righteousness. Under 
 all circumstances and in all places, may we remem- 
 ber that we are not our own; that we have been 
 redeemed with no less a price than the precious 
 blood of Christ; and may we earnestly strive to 
 walk worthy of Him who hath called us to his 
 kingdom and glory. Strengthen us by thy Holy 
 Spirit, and to thy name shall be all the praise. 
 We ask all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXVII. 1—25. 
 
 OTHOU most high God, the Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, enable us, at the close 
 of this day, to draw near to thy throne. We praise 
 Tliee for having invited us to come near. Thou 
 dost rejoice to hearken to the cry of thy children, 
 and art more desirous to bless them than they are 
 to obtain thy blessing. 
 
 When we consider the dangers through which 
 we have safely passed this day, we feel constrained 
 to thank Thee. We might have been smitten by 
 sickness ; we might have fallen by fatal accident ; 
 we might have been overwhelmed by evil tidings ; 
 above all, we might have been overcome by temp- 
 tations to forget Thee, to grieve Thee, and to cast off 
 thine authority. What has preserved us from these 
 calamities and crimes but thine own merciful pro- 
 vidence and supporting grace ? To Thee be all the 
 praise. 
 
 How shall we duly praise Thee for the unspeak- 
 able love of thy dear Son, who was willing, for our 
 sakes, to submit to the sorrows of which we have 
 now read? It was for us He endured this contra- 
 diction of sinners, this contempt of the proud, this 
 treachery of familiar friends ; and afterwards the 
 agonies of the garden, and the shame and suffering 
 of the cross. Oh, preserve us from insensibility to 
 such compassion. Help us to keep ever before our 
 view what He became, and what He has now ob- 
 tained for all them that believe in Him, so that 
 looking unto Jesus, our love may abound yet more 
 and more. We beseech Thee, Lord, to grant us, 
 as a family, the favour of thy continual presence. 
 Dispose our hearts to love and serve one another 
 for thy sake. Keep us from all uncharitable 
 thoughts and unkind actions, and incline us to be 
 patient, tender-hearted, and forgiving one towards 
 another. [We especially commend to Thee those 
 of our number who are absent from home, those 
 who are exposed to the temptations of the world, 
 and those who are of tender years, imploring Thee 
 to grant them thy fatherly protection and saving 
 grace.] 
 
 Make known, Lord, the blessed Gospel which 
 we possess to all mankind. Let all classes in our 
 land be reached by the voice of those who faithfully 
 proclaim it. From the tlu'one to the cottage, in 
 the dwelling of the rich and in the cell of the pri- 
 soner, may its glad tidings be heard and embraced. 
 Gather thy people speedily from all nations, and 
 hasten the day when the name of Jesus shall be 
 everywhere as ointment poured forth. 
 
 Forgive the infirmities which accompany this 
 approach to thy footstool; mercifully accept our 
 grateful praises ; and evermore keep our feet from 
 falling, seeing that we ask all for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ, om' lledeemer and Lord. Amen. 
 
 L 186 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY XIII. 
 
 OLORD God of heaven and of earth, Thou art 
 a great King above all gods. We confess with 
 shame and confasion of face our multiplied sins 
 against Thee, and the sins of our fathers. Spare 
 us, Lord God, and forgive us for Christ's sake. 
 Turn not thy face away in displeasure, but have 
 compassion upon us and accept our offering of 
 prayer and praise. We beseech Thee, Lord, to 
 give us thy gracious Spirit, that we tempt not 
 Christ, as some of thine ancient people tempted, 
 and were slain in the wilderness. Vouchsafe to 
 keep us this day from the sin of idolatry. Let 
 us use this world as not abusing it. Let our chief 
 treasure be in heaven, and our hearts be there 
 also. And while diligent in business, preserve us 
 from covetousness, which is idolatry. 
 
 We praise Thee and magnify Thee, Lord God 
 of our life, for another night's rest ; for sleep and 
 safety in the dark watches. Hitherto the Lord 
 hath helped us. And now that Thou hast raised 
 us up again to renewed life, let the dayspring of 
 thy favour visit us from on high. May the Lord 
 God be our sun and shield. Direct, we beseech 
 Thee, the path of our feet. Lead us not into 
 temptation, and deliver us from evil. Lord, we 
 entreat Thee lay upon us this day no burden which 
 we are vmable to bear ; no burden of sorrow, no 
 burden of temptation : with every trial do Thou 
 make a way for our escape, that we may be able to 
 bear it. We can do all things through Christ, 
 who strengtheneth us. Hear us, we pray Thee, 
 on behalf of all our kindred and all our acquaint- 
 ance. Bring all our dear relations into thy family, 
 and let Jesus, thy well-beloved Son, be the elder 
 brother to all that are in our household. Let no 
 kinsman of ours be found to be wanting when 
 Thou, in the day of judgment, niimberest up thy 
 people. 
 
 We commend to Thee, Almighty Ruler of the 
 nations, our beloved country. Give peace in our 
 time. Send us now prosperity. God, bless our 
 Sovereign and all the Royal Family. Give grace 
 to judges and magistrates to execute justice and 
 to maintain truth. 
 
 We pray for all who suffer affliction, in mind, 
 body, or estate ; comfort and relieve them accord- 
 ing to their several necessities ; and may the trials 
 of thy creatures, though at present not joyous, but 
 grievous, work at last for good to them that are 
 exercised thereby. And now we will go through 
 this day in the strength of the Lord, and will make 
 mention of his righteousness, even of his only. 
 
 Glory be unto the Father, and to the Son, and 
 to the Holy Ghost : as it was in the beginning, 
 is now, and ever shall be, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XVIIL 28—40. 
 
 MOST blessed Lord, we adore Thee for thy 
 matchless condescension and boundless love 
 in enduring what Thou didst for us at the hands 
 of sinful men. We are amazed that Thou shouldest 
 suffer Thyself to be arraigned at the bar of an 
 earthly judge, when the world will one day have 
 to stand before thine own. While we rejoice at 
 thine exaltation at the Father's right hand, we 
 would always remember the humiliation to which 
 Thou didst submit ; thine agony and bloody sweat, 
 thy cross and passion, thy sorrows, known and 
 unknown. Our sins were laid upon Thee, and by 
 thy stripes we are healed. Blot them out in thy 
 precious blood. May we be assured by the in- 
 ward witness of thy Spirit that no condemnation 
 awaits us, and that our sins will be remembered 
 no more. And while we rejoice in our freedom 
 from the curse of sin, release us from its power. 
 Grant that we may walk as children of the light, 
 looking for the day of thy appearing. 
 
 Gracious Saviour, we rejoice that while no 
 worldly kingdom was thine when treading our 
 earth, all things are under thy control ; that Thou 
 sittest in the tranquillity of thine almightiness, over- 
 ruling all the events of time. We beseech Thee to 
 work mightily through the instrumentality of thine 
 own truth, and to prosper all the efforts that are 
 made in every department of Christian activity for 
 the ingathering of thy redeemed. Let thy name 
 be known upon earth, thy saving health among the 
 nations. Encouraged by thine own Word, we look 
 for a kingdom yet to come, and we pray for 
 its establishment. Take unto Thyself thy great 
 power, and let Jew and Gentile, bond and free, be 
 gathered into thy redeemed fold. Put down all 
 opposition to thy truth, and let the authority of 
 thy Word be recognised, and its blessed influence 
 felt in every part of the world. 
 
 We commend unto Thee the interests of our 
 own land. Let thy choicest favours surround 
 our Sovereign. Bless each member of the Royal 
 Family. Have respect to the Government of the 
 country, and give our rulers in each department 
 the wisdom that is from above. Give peace and 
 prosperity in our time, and may our posterity live 
 to call Thee blessed. 
 
 Accept, Lord, our united and hearty thanks 
 for the mercies of this day. Let thy merciful 
 pardon absolve us from all the sins we have com- 
 mitted. Give us that peace which Thou alone 
 canst give. Abide with us through the silent 
 hours of night. Refresh us with quiet rest and 
 sleep. Shelter us beneath thy protecting wing, 
 and if it be thy will, raise us in safety to^ see the 
 morning light. Grant these our petitions for 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 187 ] 
 
Morning. J 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 JOHN. 
 
 BLESSED Lord, we adore Thee, the Fountain 
 of Lite, tiie Father of mercies, and God of 
 all comfort. Thou art worshipped by the hosts of 
 heaven ; these are constantly employed in ascribing 
 honour and glory to thy holy name. How shall 
 we, who are but dust and ashes, approach Thee? 
 We take encouragement at the remembrance of 
 thy gracious character revealed in thy Word. 
 Oh, that grace, mercy, and peace from Thee, our 
 heavenly Father, may rest upon us. It is of thy 
 goodness that we have been sustained and kept 
 through another night. To Thee, therefore, we 
 direct our prayer and. praise. Be pleased to hear 
 us out of thy holy hill, and further us with thy 
 help and blessing, that through all the duties of 
 this day we may truly serve Thee. Blessed be 
 thy name for making known to us thy righteous 
 judgments, and the mercy promised to us in 
 Christ. We praise Thee for this token of thy 
 love, and for sending thy Son in the flesh to make 
 atonement for our sins. May we daily seek to 
 understand and abide in the doctrine of Christ, to 
 treasure it up in our hearts, and to bring forth its 
 fruit in our lives. Preserve us, Lord, from 
 neglecting to obey thy commandments. As we 
 have heard and been taught thy truth, so may we 
 always walk in it, and confess our faith in Christ, 
 and Him crucified. Help us carefully to look to 
 ourselves, to examine our hearts, whether we be 
 in the faith. 
 
 We specially pray for our souls to be deeply 
 impressed with love to the Grospel of Christ, that 
 our affections and sympathies may be with those 
 who fear Thee and walk in thy ways. Deliver us 
 from all false doctrine, heresy, and schism, and 
 make us examples in spirit, faith, and charity. 
 May we have no fellowship with those who are 
 destitute of the truth, lest we be partakers of their 
 evil deeds, and fail to show ourselves the true dis- 
 ciples of Christ. 
 
 Now that we are about to go forth into the 
 world, to be exposed to its temptations and trials, 
 let thy presence go with us. Enable us to over- 
 come evil dispositions, and shun every false way. 
 Strengthen us by thy Spirit, both in body and 
 mind, faithfully to perform our duty, and to ex- 
 hibit in our dealings a regard for integrity and 
 truth, for peace and love. Grant that all we do 
 may be begun, continued, and ended agreeably to 
 thy will. May no evil or danger overtake us this 
 day, but defend us by thy gracious and ready 
 help. Hear these our supplications ; pardon our 
 sins. Grant that what we have asked according 
 to thy will may be obtained, to the relief of 
 our necessity and the setting forth of thy glory, 
 through Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XXIIL 1—23. 
 
 GRACIOUS God, the Father of mercies, and 
 the Fountain of life and peace, look down 
 from heaven, thy dwelling-place, and open thine 
 ear to our prayers and thanksgivings. We adore 
 thy goodness in stooping to the sinful and un- 
 worthy; and we pray Thee, for the sake of thy 
 dear Son, who by his sufferings and death atoned 
 for our sins, to have mercy upon us, and do for us 
 according to our need. 
 
 We thank Thee for the blessings of this day. 
 Thou hast shielded us from harm, and continued 
 to us the supply of our bodily necessities in such 
 measure as Thou seest good. Oh, enable us to trace 
 all our blessings to thy hand, and to feel every day 
 that the food which we eat, and the raiment which 
 covers us, are of thy giving; and that all the 
 kindnesses of others, and the friendships which 
 sweeten them, spring out of thy tender love towards 
 us. Above all, we praise thy name for the un- 
 speakable mercies of thy redeeming grace. Lord, 
 how undeserving we are of all that Jesus hath 
 done for us. Show us the grievousness of our 
 sins by the sufferings which He endured. Cause 
 us to be ashamed of the transgressions which 
 brought upon Him such shame. As we contem- 
 plate Him enduring the contradiction of sinners 
 for us, kindle in us a heartier repentance, and a 
 livelier faith, that we may obtain forgiveness, and 
 through thy grace strive to sin no more. Cleanse 
 us from the guilt of this day's sins. Whatever we 
 have done wrong in thy sight, either towards Thee 
 or those with whom we have had to do, pardon the 
 offence, and blot it out for ever. We desire to lie 
 down to sleep at peace with Thee and with all 
 mankind. 
 
 We beseech Thee, God, to carry on in us, day 
 by day, the work of thy grace. Reveal Thyself 
 more manifestly to us as our God and Father in 
 Christ Jesus. Increase our knowledge of Divine 
 things. Let thy Spirit take of the things of Christ 
 and show them unto us. Preserve us from being 
 led astray by false doctrine and false teachers, 
 and keep us, we pray Thee, from the evil which 
 is in the world. Lord, we desire to be thine, 
 to have thy love shed abroad in our hearts, to 
 know by experience the peace which passeth all 
 understanding, and to rejoice in the hope of thy 
 glory. 
 
 We commit ourselves and all Avhom we love to 
 thy gracious protection for the night. Minister to 
 all their necessities, as we pray Thee to minister 
 to our own. Suffer none of them, young or old, 
 to despise thy grace, or abide in unbelief and dis- 
 obedience, but grant that they and we may be 
 found in Christ, in the great day, in peace. We 
 ask all for his name's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 188 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY XVIII. READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. MATTHEW XXVIL 26—54. 
 
 OLORD and heavenly Father, we thy humble 
 servants present unto Thee our morning sacrifice 
 of praise and thanksgiving. Through the silent 
 watches of the night thine eye has been over us, 
 thine arm has sustained us, and it is Thou alone 
 who hast permitted us to meet once more in peace 
 and safety. Sanctify, we pray Thee, this day's 
 duties and employments. As we go forth to our 
 intercourse with the world, may we never forget 
 that thy vows are upon us. May we be at all 
 times what Thou wouldest have us to be — a peculiar 
 people unto Thyself. May the time past suffice us 
 to have wrought the will of Satan ; henceforth we 
 would live only unto Thee. Let thy fear be the 
 ruling principle of our conduct, and in all we say 
 and do may we seek thy honour and glory. Send 
 down the Holy Spirit into our hearts, and enable 
 us to keep ourselves unspotted from the evil that 
 lieth around. Thou hast bidden us be perfect, 
 even as Thou art perfect. Oh, beget in each one 
 of us a likeness to Thee, our Father, and conform 
 us more and more to thy holy mind and will. We 
 thank Thee for having raised up in the person of 
 thy Son the Great Prophet whom Thou didst pro- 
 mise. Enable us to take heed unto his voice, as 
 He speaks to us in thy name. Recognising his 
 Divine authority, may we know Him as the Way, 
 the Truth, and the Life, without whom no man 
 can draw near unto Thee. 
 
 We pray especially at this time for those whom 
 Thou hast set apart to minister unto us in the Word 
 and doctrine. Make them men of faith and prayer, 
 determined to know nothing else save Jesus Christ 
 and Him crucified. Be Thou their strength and 
 portion, and may their reward be great in heaven. 
 Assist them in their preparation for the coming 
 Sabbath-day. Enable them rightly to divide the 
 Word of truth. Give them the unction of the 
 Holy One, that they may know all things, and so 
 be preserved from error. Strengthen all those 
 who have gone forth to proclaim in heathen lands 
 the unsearchable riches of Christ. Under all their 
 trials may they find Thee a very present help ; and 
 amid all their discouragements may they be sus- 
 tained by the comfort of tliy heavenly grace. 
 
 Bless our country and the Sovereign Thou hast 
 set over us. Give our senators wisdom, and grant 
 that in all their decisions they may be influenced 
 from above. Overrule every passing event to the 
 promotion of thy glory, and hasten the time when 
 all shall know Thee from the least to the greatest ; 
 when the Redeemer shall take unto Himself his 
 kingdom, and reign supreme over all the earth. 
 And now. Lord, go with us this day where we go ; 
 dwell with us where we dwell ; be our God and 
 our guide even unto death. Amen. 
 
 OLORD Jesu Christ, who for our sakes was 
 contented to be betrayed and given up into 
 the hands of wicked men, we beseech Thee 
 graciously to behold this family, to hear our 
 pz'ayers, and to vouchsafe a blessing. We would 
 close this week with Thee ; standing by thy cross, 
 meditating on thy love, and recalling all that Thou 
 hast done for us men, and for our salvation. 
 
 Thou didst leave the brightness of the Father's 
 glory, and become incarnate upon earth. As an 
 infant of days Thou wast carried down to Egypt, 
 and as a man of sorrows Thou wast driven into 
 the wilderness. Thou didst weep at the grave of 
 Lazarus, and sit wearily on Jacob's well. Thou 
 didst endure the contradiction of sinners and the 
 desertion of disciples. Thy sweat was as it were 
 great drops of blood in the garden of Gethsemane, 
 and Thou didst bear the cross to the mount called 
 Calvary. They scourged and crucified Thee : they 
 pierced thy hands and feet, and mocked thy dying 
 cry : and when thy sacred body was laid in the 
 tomb, they sealed the stone and set the watch. 
 In all these thy sufferings we see, aa in a glass, 
 the reflection of our sins. They are many and 
 they are great. We were born in sin and shapen 
 in iniquity. We mourn over the hardness of our 
 hearts, the perversity of our wills, the wandering 
 of our affections, our distrust, our unbelief, our 
 forgetfulness of thy Word and commandments. If 
 Thou, Lord, shouldest be extreme to mark what is 
 done amiss, we could not abide it. But there is 
 forgiveness with Thee. The blood which Thou hast 
 shed speaketh better things than that of Abel. 
 Grant, Lord, unto thy servants pardon and peace, 
 that we may be cleansed from all our sins, and 
 serve Thee with a quiet mind. Bestow all need- 
 ful grace. Without Thee we can do nothing. 
 Make thy strength perfect in weakness; that so, 
 when we have done thy will, we may inherit thy 
 promises, and be made partakers of thy heavenly 
 treasure. 
 
 With these our prayers and supplications we 
 would mingle unfeigned thanksgivings. Goodness 
 and mercy have followed us. Thou hast redeemed 
 our life from destruction, and crowned us with 
 loving-kindness and tender mercy ; and now Thou 
 hast brought us safely through another week. At 
 its close accept our evening sacrifice of praise, and 
 ere we retire to rest, bless us, our Father. Pre- 
 serve us through the silent watches of the night. 
 May our meditation of Thee be sweet : and for us 
 may life be Christ, and to die gain. 
 
 Hear us, we beseech Thee, for the sake of thy 
 Son Jesus Christ, who ever liveth, with the Father 
 and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 r 189 ] 
 
MORNINQ.] 
 
 TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EZEKIEL XIII. 1—16. 
 
 "OST merciful and gracious God, the God and 
 Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we bless 
 and praise thy holy name that Thou dost permit 
 the most unworthy to come to thy throne of 
 grace, when they come in the name of thy 
 dear Son. Every day testifies to the truth, that 
 in many things we offend all. But there is for- 
 giveness with Thee. Being reconciled through 
 the death of thy Son, we come to Thee crying, 
 "Abba, Father." Accept our humble thanks for 
 the care which Thou dost take of us night after 
 night, and for the returning light of each successive 
 day ; but more especially do we thank Thee this 
 morning for the best day of all the seven, the 
 Sabbath-day. We thank Thee for the public 
 ordinances of Divine worship instituted for the in- 
 struction and comfort of our souls. Grant that 
 this day may not be a day of weariness to us, but 
 a day of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. 
 May we be in the Spirit on this the Lord's day, and 
 worship Thee in spirit and in truth. If permitted 
 to join the assemblies of thy saints, help us to pray 
 in faith, persuaded that whatever good thing we 
 ask in thy ^on's name, Thou wilt do it. Enable 
 us to open our mouths wide, that Thou mayest fill 
 them. May we receive with meekness the engrafted 
 Word which is able to save our souls. Let the dew 
 of thy Holy Spirit descend on our souls, and water 
 the good seed of the Kingdom. 
 
 Look with favour, we beseech Thee, on the 
 ministers of thy Word, and enable them rightly 
 to divide the Word of truth. Enable them to feed 
 thy flock with the pure milk of the Word, and to 
 preach, not themselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord. 
 Prevent them from prophesying out of their own 
 hearts, and crying "peace" when there is no 
 peace. Whether men will hear, or whether they 
 will forbear, cause thy servants to preach the Word, 
 and to declare the whole counsel of God. 
 
 Bless all Sunday-schools, and make them 
 nurseries in which shall grow many plants that 
 will in due time be transplanted to the paradise 
 above. Look in mercy on those who may be this 
 day prevented from attending thine house of prayer, 
 and help them to rejoice that, 
 
 " Where'er they seek Thee, Thou art found." 
 
 From the careless and indifferent take away all 
 hardness of heart and contempt of thy Word and 
 commandment. Have mercy, we beseech Thee, 
 on all men, and hasten the time when all shall 
 know Thee, from the least to the greatest, and 
 when the earth shall be filled with the knowledge 
 of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 
 We ask all in the name of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXII. 
 
 HOLY Saviour, who upon the cross didst cry in 
 an agony of soul, " My God, my God, why 
 hast Thou forsaken me?" we thank Thee that 
 Thou hast not forsaken us, but in thine infinite 
 love hast died to save us. We would remember 
 thy sufferings, and all the cruel revilings which 
 Thou didst endure for us, when by the hands of 
 wicked men Thou wast crucified and slain. They 
 compassed Thee about ; they gaped tipon Thee ; 
 they pierced thy hands and thy feet ; they parted 
 thy garments, and cast lots upon thy vesture. Yet 
 we praise Thee, holy Saviour, that in all this they 
 fulfilled thy purpose of grace, to redeem us to God 
 by thy blood. And now Ave thank Thee that, 
 although Thou hast ascended on high, and sittest 
 at the right hand of God, Thou art not ashamed 
 to call us brethren ; for Thou dost not despise the 
 affliction of the afflicted, neither dost Thou hide 
 thy face from them. Have mercy, Lord, upon 
 all who are troubled and distressed, and comfort 
 or deliver them. Help us to come to Thee in all 
 our afflictions. Our fathers trusted in Thee ; yea, 
 they cried unto Thee, and Thou didst deliver them. 
 Deliver us also in all time of our sorrow. Be not 
 far from us when trouble is near ; and in the hour 
 of deepest affliction, may we never feel that Thou 
 hast forsaken us. 
 
 Thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel, 
 our praise also has been of Thee in the congre- 
 gation to-day. We thank Thee that it has been 
 ovir privilege to hear the joyful sound of the 
 Gospel. We beseech Thee to bless to us all the 
 services and religious engagements of the day. 
 May the Word of Christ, which we have heard, 
 dwell in us richly in all wisdom ; and may a 
 Sabbath blessing rest upon all our hearts to-night. 
 
 With a humble and contrite spirit, Lord, we 
 remember the sins of this day. Forgive all that has 
 been displeasing to Thee. Cleanse us from all sin, 
 through the precious blood of Christ, and may we 
 lie down in peace with grateful hearts. May it 
 please Thee to give us the sweet refreshment of 
 sleep. Defend us and our dwelling from all evil. 
 Bless all our family circle, with all our dear rela- 
 tions and friends. Bless all faithful ministers of 
 the Gospel, especially our own. Prosper all their 
 labours. May the Word which they have preached 
 to-day prove a savour of life to the hearers, that 
 many may seek Thee, and be satisfied, and live for 
 ever. Thine, Lord, is the kingdom. Hasten 
 thy glorious reign. Pour out thy holy Spirit upon 
 all people, and may all the ends of the world 
 remember and turn unto Thee, and all the nations 
 worship before Thee. Hear us, Lord, in these 
 our prayers and praises, for Jesus Clu:ist's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 190 ] 
 
MCENING.] 
 
 TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PROVERBS XI. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we most 
 earnestly beseech Thee to grant unto us thy 
 Holy Spirit, that M^e may now draw nigh to Thee 
 with true and penitent hearts, and with a deep sense 
 of our great wants. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy Holy Word. We bless 
 Tliee that we have been reminded this morning how 
 Thou hast set before us in the journey of life a 
 blessing and a curse: a curse, both for time and for 
 eternity, if we despise thy favour and love, and a 
 blessing free, increasing, and enduring for ever if 
 we ti'uly love and serve Thee. Every da}^ teaches 
 us that the way of transgressors is hai'd; that though 
 liand join in hand, the wicked shall not go un- 
 punished; while each day doth also assure us that 
 the Lord loveth the righteous, and his ear is open 
 unto their cry. 
 
 We entreat Thee to instruct us in the way 
 of life. Oh, suffer us not to pass this day in 
 thoughtlessness and sin. Let not the false wisdom 
 of this evil world influence and rule our hearts. 
 Grant unto us, we beseech Thee, heavenly wisdom, 
 that we may humbly and eagerly seek to tread in 
 the footsteps of our divine Redeemer. May we 
 regard this world, with all its duties and its dangers, 
 its joys and its sorrows, as He regarded it. Enable 
 us to be faithful imitators of the holy Jesus, and 
 let thy Spirit conform us in thought, and work, 
 and word, to his good, and holy, and perfect will. 
 Help us so that our hearts may ever be constrained 
 by his love. We pray Thee to convince us of our 
 sin, and of our need of his cleansing blood. We 
 pray Thee to write deeply upon our memories the 
 truth that through Him alone we gain all the 
 blessings we require. 
 
 Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the 
 world, take away our guilt ; take away the love of 
 sin, for only thus shall we be able to understand 
 and be prepared to enter upon the holy life of 
 faith in the Son of God who loved us <uid gave 
 Himself for us. 
 
 We thank Thee, God, that Thou hast watched 
 over us dm-ing this past night. We thank Thee 
 for this new day. May we begin it in thy fear 
 and in thy love. May thy fear restrain us from 
 sin, and keep us from yielding to temptation. 
 May the love of Thee — the love shed abroad in 
 our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us — 
 constrain us to be diligent in business, fervent in 
 spirit, serving the Lord. Give us a right under- 
 standing in all things, that we may ever do such 
 things as please Thee. We beseech Thee to defend 
 us from every kind of evil. Protect our bodies 
 from disease, and save our souls from sin, and in 
 all our words and actions enable us to glorify Thee 
 this day, tln-ough Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XXIII. 27-43. 
 
 OMOST glorious and gracious Lord God, who 
 dwellest in heaven, but beholdest all things 
 below, look down, we beseech Thee, upon us. Turn 
 not thy face from us by reason of our many sins, 
 but have pity and help us. All our hope is in Thee; 
 thy promises in Christ Jesus are faithfulness and 
 truth. Hearken to our prayer, and, according to 
 thy mercy, foi-give us all our sins of thought, and 
 speech, and act committed this day. We confess 
 that we are guilty in thy sight, and undeserving of 
 thy favour; but Thou canst be just, and yet justify 
 those that believe in Jesus. Oh, accept us, for thy 
 name's sake, and through the blood of the Cove- 
 nant grant us the blessed assurance of thy pardon. 
 Let us not lie down to sleep with imforgiven sin 
 upon the conscience. 
 
 Blessed be thy great name for thine exceeding 
 goodness during the past day. We owe life, and 
 health, and all other blessings to Thee. Stir up our 
 hearts to thanksgiving. Show us our own unde- 
 serving, that we may the better understand all the 
 greatness of thy love. Take us for the night into 
 thy keeping. Guard and defend us against all the 
 evil which may threaten us. Give us refreshing 
 sleep, and when we wake may we feel that Ave 
 are still with Thee. 
 
 We desire, Lord God, that as each day passes 
 by, it may find us growing in grace, and in the 
 knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 Especially teach us more clearly all the meaning of 
 his cross and passion. Enable us to realise the 
 sufficiency of his death as the atonement for the 
 world's sin, and to know that through his stripes we 
 may be healed. We would copy the example of his 
 uncomplaining meekness and patience. W^e desii'e 
 to see our sins in his great sufferings, and to read 
 in them the token of thy righteous anger against 
 our transgressions. As we think how Thou didst 
 not spare thy own dear Son, but delivered Him up 
 for us all, and recall what He endured to save us, 
 oh, excite our hearts -with a burning zeal against 
 the sins which caused Him thus to suffer. Imprint 
 on our hearts the image of Christ crucified. By his 
 cross stir up our minds to love Thee more, and serve 
 Thee better. 
 
 We pray, God, that the glad tidings of thy great 
 love in Christ Jesus may be carried even to the 
 uttermost parts of the earth, and bring light, and 
 comfort, and peace to many hearts now in dai-kness 
 and the shadow of death. Hasten the time when 
 He shall see of the travail of his soul and be satis- 
 fied, and when all people shall be blessed in Him; 
 and grant that in the day of his appearing not one 
 of us may be found wanting. We ask all for his 
 sake, to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be 
 honour and praise. Amen. 
 
 [ 191 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EvENDja 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTERONOMY XXVI. 
 
 OGOD, praise waiteth for Thee. We deem it a 
 privilege as well as a duty to offer at thy feet 
 the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and with joyful lips to 
 speak of thy loving-kindness. A new day, succeed- 
 ing the safety and the refreshing rest of another 
 night, adds to all thy past and pressing claims upon 
 us, and lays us under deeper obligations to Thee. 
 Again would we call upon our souls and upon one 
 another to bless the Lord, and not to forget any 
 of his benefits. 
 
 May the reading of Holy Scripture be sanctified 
 to the enlightenment of our consciences and the 
 guidance of our life. Help us prayerfully to 
 observe thy hand in providence and in grace. 
 Thy mercies are more in number than the sand, 
 and we feel it to be good so to gaze upon their 
 vastness and richness as to be touched, and 
 melted, and moved by the contemplation. And 
 grant, Lord, that we may not be satisfied with 
 mere feeling in reference to thy goodness, but may 
 have such a due sense of all thy mercies that we 
 may show forth thy praise, not only with our lips, 
 but in our lives. Preserve us from the sin of 
 covetousness. Awaken in us a spirit of self-denial. 
 Enable us at all times with holy zeal to honour the 
 Lord with our substance and with the first-fruits of 
 our increase. 
 
 With a generous liberality may we sustain thy 
 cause ; asking with simplicity and deep solicitude, 
 '' Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do ? " Upon us 
 grant that the blessing of the widow and the 
 fatherless, and him that was ready to perish, may 
 rest ; and in our giving and our doing, let all be 
 done as to the Lord, for Christ's sake. But while, 
 Lord, we seek blessings for ourselves this day as 
 a family, in the form of guidance, protection, and 
 all needful grace, may we look beyond our domestic 
 circle, and take up the patriotic prayer we have 
 now read. Look down from thy holy habitation, 
 from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, and the 
 land which Thou hast given us. Bless our 
 Sovereign, and the government of the nation. 
 Hear us, Lord, for all those who are ignorant 
 and out of the way. Have mercy upon those who 
 are in sorrow, and need thy special help. Minister 
 to bruised and broken hearts. 
 
 And now, Lord, we go forth to the duties of 
 the day, looking to thy grace to render us active, 
 earnest, holy, and useful. Help us each to commit 
 himself to duty, not with eye-service, as men- 
 pleasers, but as unto the Lord ; and if we be 
 spared to the evening, may it be to unite with 
 glad hearts in glorifying the name of the Father, 
 and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Hear us, 
 Lord, and answer us, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LHI. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, we bless Thee for the gift of 
 -Ci. thy dear Son, and for the revelation which 
 Thou hast given us in thy Word. Enlighten our 
 minds, that we may behold his beauty; and reveal 
 thine arm in our salvation, that we may enjoy his 
 love. May He no longer appear to us as a root 
 out of a dry ground, but become all our salvation 
 and all our desire. 
 
 We confess that we too long despised and re- 
 jected Him : we hid our faces from Him, and 
 esteemed Him not; but now we love Him, be- 
 cause we feel that He hath borne our griefs and 
 carried our sorrows. Oh, grant that our fellow- 
 creatures who still reject Christ may soon be con- 
 vinced of their folly and wickedness, and turn unto 
 Him with weeping and supplication, that they also 
 may be saved. 
 
 Grant unto us, Lord, a deeper sense of his 
 amazing suffering for our sins. Take away all our 
 unbelief and hardness of heart, that we may more 
 clearly see, and more deeply feel, that Jesus was 
 wounded for our transgressions, and was bruised 
 for our iniquities ; that the chastisement of our 
 peace was upon Him ; and that with his stripes we 
 are healed. 
 
 We confess, Lord, that all we, like sheep, 
 have gone astray ; we have turned every one 
 to his own way ; but Thou, in mercy to us, 
 hast laid on Him the iniquity of us all. May 
 we never forget his meekness and patience under 
 suffering ; his imprisonment, death, and burial for 
 our sins ; but ever draw near to Thee through 
 the all-perfect Mediator. For his sake forgive us 
 our sins, restore us to thy favour and image, and 
 impart to us that grace which will enable us to live 
 to thy glory. It has pleased Thee, Lord, to 
 bruise Him ; to put Him to grief; and to make his 
 soul an offering for sin ; that He might become the 
 captain of our salvation, and bi'ing many souls to 
 glory. Grant, we beseech Thee, that his seed may 
 become as the sand on the sea shore, and as the 
 stars of the sky for multitude. Cause thy pleasure 
 to prosper in his hand ; may He see of the travail 
 of his soul, and be satisfied. Oh, let the know- 
 ledge of Jesus Christ spread far and wide, until 
 the ends of the earth see the salvation of our God. 
 We pray that millions may be justified by his 
 blood, and be saved by his life, for He has borne 
 their iniquities; that He may take the spoil, and 
 deliver our race from the destroyer. Hear Thou 
 his intercessions for the transgressors ; and grant 
 that men, redeemed by his blood, may soon be re- 
 generated by his Spirit to the praise of thy glorious 
 grace. Watch over us during the night, be with 
 us during the remainder of our lives, and bless us 
 according to thy mercy, for Jesus' sake. Auitn. 
 
 [ 192 ] 
 
MORNIXG. ] 
 
 TWENTY-EiaHTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXII. 
 
 OFATHElt Almighty, avo 
 footstool tlii'oucT;li the nai 
 
 di'iuv near to thy 
 name of Jcsns. iSheU 
 al)road the love of Christ in e\ery heart, and 
 touch our lips with a living coal from the altar 
 before the mercy-seat. We l)less Thee, we praise 
 Thee, ^^e magnify Thee. Thy mercies are fresh 
 every morning, and thy loving-kindness is like the 
 great deep. For all temporal mercies we give 
 Thee thanks ; for our food and raiment, for our 
 healtli and strength, for our reason and freedom 
 from pain. But above all wo bless Thee for the 
 gift of thine own dear Son. Without Him wo can 
 do nothing, for He is our only hope and stay, 
 both for time and for eternity. Oh, grant us this 
 day richly to enjoy those precious gifts whkih He 
 has secured even for the rebellious ones, with 
 his own blood upon the cross. May we always 
 remember his dying love and feel his quickening 
 power. May we go in his strength all the day 
 long. Grant us to know the blessedness of the 
 man that feareth the Lord, that delightcth greatly 
 in his commandments. When wo go forth to our 
 appointed w^ork, guide us, and teach us in the way 
 wherein Ave should walk. Wo are foolish, and 
 blind, and ignorant, and Thou only knowest what 
 things shall befall us in the days that yet renuuu : 
 but our eyes are unto Thee, O Lord. Wo wait 
 for thy salvation. Hold Thou us uj), and we shall 
 be safe. In perplexity be Thou our guide ; in dark- 
 ness be Thou our light ; in temptation be Thou our 
 strength and stay. Power belongeth unto Thee ; 
 it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. 
 Help us then this day to guide our aifairs with 
 discretion. May wo walk in love as thine own 
 dear children ; doing everything to thine honour, 
 and wnth a single eye to thy glorv. Enable us to 
 keep our heaiis with all diligence, denying ourselves, 
 and taking up our cross and following Christ. 
 
 blessed Saviour, look down upon the sheep 
 of thy hand and the lambs of thy Hock. Bless 
 every mendjer of this lamily, and make us alto- 
 gether thine own. Fetch home the wanderers, 
 comfort the penitent, establish the weak ; and 
 when we meet together this night, put into each of 
 our mouths a song of thanksgiving for the mercies 
 of the day. May we be enabled to look back upon 
 a day spent in thy service, and to adore thy pro- 
 tecting faithfulness and preserving love ; thus may 
 we pass through the wilderness of this world, 
 having our conversation in heaven, from whence 
 also we look for the Saviour, Avho shall present us 
 without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, before 
 the throne of his Father's glory. Hoar us, we 
 beseech Thee, for we ask in faith, believing in thy 
 ])romises, and again pleading the name of our only 
 Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XIX. 25—42. 
 
 IiWER blessed and most gracious God, help us 
 ^ at this time to offer the evening sacrifice of 
 praise and thanksgiving for the manifold mercies 
 of thy kind providence, and for the help of thy 
 grace during the day that is now drawing to an 
 end. Thou hast not forsaken us, and we would 
 not foi'get Thee. Thou hast given us our daily 
 bread, and we humbly trust thy blessing has been 
 upoii it ; and now may the gratitude of our hearts 
 be offered to Thee, and not the mere homage of 
 the li[)S only. 
 
 AVe ])ray Thee deeply to impress us Avith the 
 wonderful truths avo have just read. Our Saviour 
 suffered thus for us, and forbid, Lord, thf^t we 
 shouH be mere formalists Avhilst approaching Thee 
 in his name. He bore our sins in his own body on 
 the tree, that Ave being dead unto sin, might live 
 unto holiness, and bring forth fruit unto God. We 
 glorify Thee for that blessed truth, "It is finished!" 
 With believing hearts Ave Avould therefore draw 
 near, and receive the free gift of e\erlasting life, 
 offered us through the atoning sacrifice of Him 
 Avho took our place, and redeemed us Avith his 
 ])recious blood. Herein is love ; not that Ave loved 
 God, but that He loved us, and sent his Son to be 
 the propitiation for our sins. We pray that this love 
 may constrain us, that it may bind us to Christ, 
 to his service, to his cause. Enable us to count 
 all things but loss for his sake, and nudve it the 
 desire of our hearts to be found in Him, not having 
 our own righteousness, but his. Let us not be 
 ashamed of the cross. Let us love, trust, follow, 
 and adore Him who so freely loved us, and bore 
 the shame and the sorroAV that He might bring us 
 to God. W^e thank Thee for giving us complete 
 evidence of this great salvation. He that saw 
 these Avonders bare record, and his record is true ; 
 and it is Avritten that Ave might believe. Lord, Ave 
 believe the glad tidings, and pray that we may 
 have the witness Avithin ; even thy Spirit witnessing 
 Avith our spirits, that we are born (;f God. 
 
 Give to every one beneatii this roof, and to all 
 Avho are dear to us, the Spirit of Christ; for if any 
 man have not the Spirit of Christ, ho is none of 
 his. If in any degree Thou hast enabletl us this 
 day to Avalk as the followers of the Lamb, we 
 ascribe it Avholly to thy grace, and give Thee all 
 the praise. Perfect that Avhich concerneth us, and 
 leave us not until all the purposes of redeeun'ng 
 love are accomplisho*:! in our souls; so shall we, 
 when life's last day on earth shall come, be received 
 into heaven, and be for ever with the Lord. We 
 pray Thee to forgive the sins of this day, and to 
 keep us in safety, in peace, and i>i health this 
 night, for the sake of our adorable Saviour, Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 193 ] 
 
 2o 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [EVENIKQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCJUPTURE DEUT. XXVIII. 1—20. 
 
 OLORD, Creator of heaven and earth, and foun- 
 tain of ah happiness, we approacli Thee this 
 mornino; witli the voice of thankso-ivin^. Thou 
 
 111 
 
 hast granted to us peaceful rest, and hast greeted 
 us with new blessings. The night is thine ; the 
 day also is thine, and thine arc the poAvers of body 
 and mind with which we are about to enter on 
 our various duties. 
 
 We would meet the unknown events of this day 
 with humble trust in thy mercy. We are indeed 
 weak and irresolute, and easily overcome by evil, 
 but Ave have over found Tliee ready to succour us 
 in danger, and to give us deliverance from our 
 enemies. We would put away from us all imdue 
 anxietv regarding the tilings of this life. Thou 
 hast hitherto blessed us, and given to us all "hat 
 is truly needful for our comfort and usefulness. 
 We have seen thy goodness both in withholding 
 and in granting to us these temporal gifts. Enable 
 us, frojn the experience of thy past mercies, to 
 draw the assurance of future good. 
 
 We praise Tiiee for the gift of thy Holy Word, 
 for these histories of thine ancient people, for the 
 precepts and promises of thy grace, and for the 
 glad tidings of a Saviour. We feel our need of 
 more humility, contrition, and love, in order to 
 receive its lessons into our hearts, and to carry 
 them out into our actions. We desire to thirst for 
 thy testimonies, as the traveller thirsteth for living 
 water, and as the hungry man for his daily bread ; 
 for it is by this that our souls live, and are made 
 strong for thy service. Breathe upon us, most 
 gracious Spirit, that we may be thus fed and sanc- 
 tified. 
 
 AVe praise Thee that Thou hast in our days 
 raised up so many faithful men for the tran.slation 
 and dispersion of thy Word among the nations. 
 Greatly increase their number, and give to them 
 ndelity and courage tor their arduous and blessed 
 enterprise, until all the people that sit in darkness 
 shall see thy great light. 
 
 We commend to Thee our own country, our 
 Sovereign, our legislators, our magistrates, with 
 all sorts and conditions of men. Be especially 
 gracious to the sick in body and in mind, and to 
 all who shall this day encounter pain or peril, hel])- 
 ing them to lean on Thee, who art a present help 
 in trouble. 
 
 Be gracious to ourselves as a family. Keep us 
 united to Thee and to each other. May Ave fear 
 to offend and delight to serve Thee. AVatch Thou 
 over our spirits, that we speak not hastily Avith 
 our lips, nor cherish an unkind thought towards 
 any man. Thou art our King, our Deliverer, and 
 our Saviouv; and unto Thee, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, we render eternal praises. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY 'SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XX. 1—18. 
 
 OUR Father which art in heaven, we would 
 end this day as we began it, by seeking thy 
 blessing. 
 
 We thank Thee for lives redeemed from destruc- 
 tion, for freedom from severe and overAvhehning 
 trials, for the preservation of all our bodily powers, 
 for the supply of all our animal wants; and espe- 
 cially Ave thank Thee for the spiritual blessings 
 Avhich Thou hast granted to us so abundantly. 
 We thank Thee for thine unspeakable gift, and for 
 thy Holy Word, Avhich reveals thy dear Son to us, 
 not only as having died for our sins, but as having 
 risen again for our justificatioji, and as now and 
 for e\'er living to make intercession for us. We 
 thank Thee, that having thus risen from the dead, 
 Christ has become the firstfruits of them that slept. 
 May our hearts be tilled Avith holy contidence in 
 Him, the resurrection and the life, and may every 
 one of us belie\'e on Him, so that avc may never 
 die. May we know Christ Jesus the Lord, and the 
 jJOAver of his resurrection, so that our Avhole natures 
 may be conformed to his likeness. Help us to 
 die unto sin, to rise again unto rigliteousness, and 
 to lia\'e our affections so set on things Avhich are 
 above that avc may constantly be stimulated and 
 cheered by the blessed hope that Avhcn He avIio is 
 our life shall ajipear, avc shall also appear Avitli Him 
 in glory. Oh, grant that this blessed hope may 
 deliver us from the bondage of sin, and from the 
 absorbing influence of the things tliat are seen, so 
 that the cares of this Avorld may not choke the 
 good seed, and make it unfruitful. Lord our 
 God, make us more sj)iritual!y alive, that Ave may 
 be more entirely devoted to thy service : glorifying 
 Thee by brinmno; forth much fruit. We ask thv 
 pardon that in so many nistances tins day Ave have 
 fallen short of doiiig thy will, that Ave have turned 
 to our oAvn Avay, and have yielded to temptation. 
 Blessed be thy name that Ave have been tauglit 
 that the blood of Jesus Christ eleanseth from all 
 sin: and that if Ave confess our sins, Thou Avilt be 
 faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and cleanse 
 us from all unrighteousnes.s. Lord, grant that the 
 knoAvledge of the blessed truth that there is for- 
 giveness ibr every sin through the blood of Jesus 
 may be more extensively knoAvn, not only among 
 the heathen, the blasphemers, and the profane, but 
 by those aa'Iio are seeking by their OAvn good Avorks 
 to atone for their guilt. Help all Avho feel sin to 
 be a heavy burden to (3ome to Jesus and find rest 
 to their souls. We ask Thee, Lord, to preserve 
 us from all evil during this Jiight ; may our sleep 
 be quiet and refreshing to us, and may it fit us for 
 the duties of another day. 
 
 We ask all these mercies in the name of our 
 blessed Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 r 194 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EvENINa. 
 
 READ IX HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUT. XXVIII. 45-CS. 
 
 ETERNAL God, we stand in awe of thy judg- 
 ments, and remember with trembhng tliy 
 hatred of iniquity. We have seen the manifesta- 
 tion of that liatred in the liistory of peoples and 
 individuals. We have ourselves felt the misery 
 of banishment from Thee on account of sin. 
 Born in sin and shapen in iniquity, we have 
 known what it is to live without God. But we 
 adore Thee that Thou hast not left us in the dark- 
 ness of our fallen state. We have been raised by 
 Thee to the enjoyuient of the privileges of sonship. 
 Thou hast given xis an interest in Him who died, 
 the Just for the unjust, and we praise Thee that 
 we have the blessed assurance that we are not 
 orphans in a homeless world, but children living 
 upon th}' fatherhood, and looking for an inherit- 
 ance beyond the grave. O Lord, we are thine; 
 Tliou hast redeemed us, and hast sent inito us the 
 necessity of reconciliation, and given us the pro- 
 mise of thy gracious Spirit. May we be increas- 
 ingly thankful for these inestimable mercies. Help 
 us to keep our eyes steadily and steadfastly fixed 
 upon Him who clothed Himself in our humanity, 
 and by his one offering on the cross perfected us 
 for ever. Let no cloud arise to obscure our vision, 
 or dim our perception of his unutterable glory. 
 In the blood that atones may we daily wash away 
 our stains, and in the righteousness of Jesus may 
 we now and for ever be justified. 
 
 We are journeying on in the pilgrimage of life, 
 and daily grappling with the difficulties, trials, and 
 temptations of the way. We arc frequently weary, 
 worn, and sad. Our strength is perfect weakness. 
 Ijct us be supported by thine Almighty power. 
 AVhen temptations beset us, help us to resist 
 them ; when difficulties gather around us, let us 
 be strengthened to overcome them ; and when 
 trials befall us, sanctify them to our good and thy 
 glory. Grant unto us a spirit of submissioji to thy 
 righteous will. Forbid, Lord, that we should 
 ever seek help from an arm of flesh rather than 
 from Thee, the living God. Help us ever to realise 
 thy presence. May we never be cast down with 
 any darkening thought of thy distance from us, 
 but may we be joyfully conscious that Thou art a 
 God near and not afar off. 
 
 We would bear on our hearts before Thee all 
 that we love, our kindred and friends. Let the 
 joys of thy salvation be granted to each one. 
 Have them, with us, this day in thy holy keeping. 
 Throw around us thy sheltering arm. Let us fall 
 into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger, 
 and cause all things to work together for our 
 good. We ask every blessing in the name of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and 
 the Holy Spirit, be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XXIV. 1.3-35. 
 
 
 
 GOD, Father of mercies, and God of all grace, 
 we thank Thee that Thou didst so love the 
 world as to send thy well-beloved Son, that through 
 Him we might have everlasting life. We thank 
 Thee for the decease which He accomplished at 
 Jerusalem, because He was Avounded for our trans- 
 gressions, and bruised for our iniquities. We 
 tiiank Thee, moreover, Lord, that Christ is 
 risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of 
 them that slept. Because Pie lives, we shall live 
 also. We bless Thee, Lord our Saviour, for thy 
 communion with thy disciples as they journeyed, 
 and were sad by the Avay : Thou didsit reveal Thy- 
 self to them, and comfort them ; we beseech Thee, 
 do the same now to us, thine unworthy servants. 
 Abide even with us, for it is toward evening, 
 and the day is far spent. Manifest Thyself to us 
 as Thou dost not unto the world, and then truly, 
 Lord, at eventide it shall be light. 
 
 Almighty' God, we ask thy gracious pardon for 
 all that Thou hast .seen amiss in every one of us 
 this day. With Thee is plenteous forgiveness ; let 
 the blood of Jesus Christ thy Son cleanse us from 
 all sin. And now remember us according to the 
 greatness of thy mercy, and protect us from all 
 perils and dangers of this night. Thou art the 
 Shepherd of Israel, never slumbering, never sleep- 
 ing : watch over us in our slumbers ; let no evil 
 come nigh our dwelling; let us rest under the 
 shadow of thy Aving. Hear us, Lord, for all 
 homeless and friendless wanderei's, strangers in 
 great cities, who have not where to lay their 
 heads. Do Thou, God, provide of thy goodness 
 for the poor. Incline the hearts of thy people to 
 show pity to the needy and sorroAving ; to feed 
 the hungry, and to clothe the naked ; and to be 
 merciful as their Father Avho is in heaA^en is 
 merciful. 
 
 Look down this night upon all our absent 
 friends and connections. Thou art not far from 
 every one of them ; grant to each of them, for 
 Christ's sake, in this Avorld knowledge of thy truth, 
 and in the Avorld to come life everlasting. 
 
 Lord, Thou hast exhorted us by thine Apostle 
 to offer prayers and supplications for kings and 
 for all that are in authority, that aa-^c may live quiet 
 and peaceable Ha'cs in all godliness and honesty. 
 Bless our Monai'ch Avith CA'ery good gifl. May 
 the princes of the royal house live before Thee. 
 Let thy kingdom come, God, and thy Avill be 
 done on earth as it is done in heaven. Give us 
 day by day our daily bread. And lead us not into 
 temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine 
 is the kingdom, and the poAver, and the glory, for 
 ever and ever. Hear us, and have mercy upon us, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 C Wo ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE MALACHI I. 
 
 OLORD God, our Fatlier in heaven, graciously 
 enable us to worship Thee in spirit and in 
 truth. Pi'cserve us from the sin of drawing near 
 with our lips, while our hearts are far from Thee. 
 Thou art ever more i-eady to hear than we to pray. 
 For thy dear Son's sake, hear us now, and give us 
 an answer of peace. 
 
 Glory be to tiiy great name for the mercies of 
 the past night, and of the returning day. Continue, 
 wo beseecli Thee, thy gracious favour and pro- 
 tection. Now that we are entering again on the 
 duties of the station in Avhich Thou hast placed us, 
 endue us with thy heavenly grace, and grant us 
 such increase of wisdom and strength, tiuit we 
 may walk circumspectly before all men, and say 
 and do nothing this day that would dishonour thy 
 name. Let a blessed conviction of thy reconciling 
 mercy abide in our hearts, and the love of Christ 
 constrain us in all things cheerfully and diligently 
 to do such things as please Thee. O God, Thou 
 knowest the weakness of our sinful nature, and 
 our proneness to turn aside fi'om Thee. Hold up 
 our gohigs in thy paths, that our footsteps slij) not. 
 Cheer us continually with the bright tokens of thy 
 love. Enable us to resist all temptations from 
 within or without, and in thy strength to deny 
 ourselves and follow Christ. Oh, enable us to give 
 Thee our hearts' best and truest service, rememlDer- 
 ing that Thou art a great King, the God and 
 Father of all, blessed for evermore. 
 
 Pour out thy Holy Spirit on the whole Church. 
 Increase the faith and love of thy believing people, 
 and make them zealous for thy glory. Cause them 
 to shine as lights in the world, and to hold forth 
 the Word of life. Enlarge the number of faithful 
 ministers, and multiply abundantly the agencies 
 for spreading abroad the knowledge of Jesus Christ 
 and Him crucified. Guide all who are in error, 
 and who have turned from the simplicit}^ of the 
 Gospel to the wisdom of man, back again to the 
 truth as it is in Jesus. Look in thy compassion 
 on the dark places of the earth, and for the sake 
 of thy dear ^on hasten the time when they shall 
 be enlightened with the light of thy Gospel. Lord, 
 we long for the fulfilment of the promise, that, from 
 the rising of the sun to the going down of the 
 same, thy name shall be great; when from the 
 lips of Jews and Gentiles shall rise the anthems 
 of everlasting praise to thy glory. 
 
 Regard with thy favour all who are dear to us. 
 Overshadow them this day with the wings of thy 
 love, and i)reserve them from evil. [By thy Spirit 
 touch the hearts of the children of our family, and 
 make them thine, now and for ever.] Accept our 
 jjraise for all thy goodness, and answer our prayers 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ INT HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. LUKE XXIV. 33-49. 
 
 Tj^VERLASTING Lord God, Thou art worthy of 
 -i^ the highest worship of all thy creatures. 
 Enable us to present such an offering as shall come 
 up before Thee as incense, and let the lifting up of 
 our hands be as the evening sacrifice. 
 
 Great is thy goodness in preserving our lives, 
 and permitting us again to enter into thy })re- 
 sence. Vie would call iipon our souls and all 
 within us to luiite in blessing th)' holy name. 
 Truly Thou art merciful beyond our hopes, and 
 bountiful beyond our Avants. Dispose us, there- 
 fore, to come before Thee Avith grateful hearts, 
 and to seek thy favour through the merits of our 
 Redeemer, Jesus Christ. We confess with shame 
 that we have offended against thy holy laws, 
 and followed too much the devices and desires of 
 our own evil hearts. Do Thou give us to feel that 
 godly sorrow which worketh repentance, and grace 
 to follow thy ble.ssed will in all our ways. All 
 glory be to Tlieo for the gift of thy Son, who 
 suffered, died, and rose again from the dead, that 
 repentance' and I'emission of sins might be preached 
 in his name. We beseech Thee, for his sake, to 
 have mercy upon us. Pardon our sins, and as 
 when on earth Thou didst speak peace to thy 
 disciples and returning penitents, so uoav speak to 
 us. Calm our fears, and fill our hearts Avith joy 
 and peace through believing. 
 
 We give thanks to Thee for the glad tidings 
 of salvation, and for making plain the Avay to 
 heaven. Be pleased to open our understanding, 
 that AA^e may knoAv all things written in the law 
 and the ])rophets, in the psalms and the gospels, 
 concerning Jesus. Impress them upon our hearts, 
 that AA'c may be constrained to testify of them to 
 other.s, and be thy true and faithful Avitnesses, con- 
 forming our lives to thy Avill, and the example of 
 our Saviour Christ. Send, Ave beseech Thee, the 
 Holy Ghost, the Comforter, to guide us into all 
 truth, that Ave may have a right judgment in all 
 things, and i-ejoice in his light and comfort. Endue 
 usAvith power from on high faithfully to discharge 
 the duties of our calling, and by patient continuance 
 in Avell-doing, to glorify Thee. Accept our prayers 
 on behalf of thy holy Church, that every member 
 of it, in his vocation and ministry, may truly serve 
 Thee. Look in compa.ssion upon the heathen. 
 Make knoAvn to all nations the Gospel of Jesus, 
 and the remission of sins in his n.ame. Visit, aa'o 
 pray Thee, eveiy member of our family, and all 
 for Avhom Ave should pray, Avith thy grace and 
 heavenly benediction. Let thine eternal Spirit so 
 dwell in us, that at the last Ave may bo exalted 
 unto the same place Avhither our Saviour Christ 
 is gone before, Avho reigaeth Avith Thee and the 
 Holy Ghost, one God, Avorld Avithout end. Amen. 
 
 [ 190 ] 
 
Morning. ] 
 
 TWENTY-NINTH WEEK. -LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 REA.D IN EIOLY SCRIPTURE DEUTF-RONOMY XXXF. 1—13. 
 
 BLESSED Lord, who hast preserved us tlirougli 
 the dark and silent liours of the niglit, and 
 bronght ns in liealth and safety to see the light 
 of aiiotlier day, accept our morning sacrifice of 
 praise and thanksgiving. We are journeying to- 
 wards the place of which the Lord hath said that 
 he would give it us, and we Avould acknowledge 
 thy goodness in time past, and trust Thee for the 
 time to come. Thou hast borne witli our manners, 
 led us in tlio right way, fed us with food con\'enient 
 for us, and refreshed us with living water from the 
 Rock : and now that thy pillar of a cloud is stayed 
 upon the tabernacle, we would abide in our tents, 
 and welcome the day of rest. Thou who art the 
 Lord of the Sabbath da}', make this a day of rest 
 to our souls. May no woi'ldly thoughts intrude, 
 no anxious cares disturb, no sore temptations harass 
 us ; but may wc be kept in peace, and have fellow- 
 ship with the Father, and Avith his Son Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 Moot us in thine house of prayer, Lord. 
 Revive thy work in the midst of the days. Re- 
 build the decayed places in the temple. Rekindle 
 the flame of love upon the altar. Pour out a 
 spirit of prayer and suj>plication. May we be 
 upon our watch to hear what the Lord shall say 
 unto us, and what we shall answer when we are 
 I'oproved. Our hearts are hard ; Lord, soften them 
 by thy grace, and then mould them into thine 
 image. 
 
 We mourn o\'er bi'oken Sabbaths, wasted oppor- 
 tunities, wandoriug thoughts, idle woixls, unprofit- 
 aljle services in time ]>ast. Lord, let this be to us 
 a good day, a day of grace, a day of growth. 
 lilay love be quickened, and every good jmrpose 
 contirmed in us. 
 
 We pray not only for ourselves, but for the 
 whole body of the faithful. May the whole 
 Church receive a blessing this day. May she break 
 out on the right liand and on the left. Lengthen 
 her cords and strengthen her stakes. Let all her 
 ministering servants be taught of God, and have a 
 word put into their mouths that no adversary shall 
 be able to gainsay or resist. Let sinners be con- 
 verted, and saints be edified and built iip in their 
 holy faith. Shine, Lord, into the dark places of 
 the earth. May the heatlien world cease from that 
 which cannot profit, and cast their idols to the 
 moles and to the bats. May they take the Saviour's 
 easy yoke upon them, and learn of Him who is 
 me(;k and lowly in l<eart, and thus find rest unto 
 their souls. 
 
 All these our prayers we humbly offer in the 
 name of Him whom Thou hearest always, and who 
 is our Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the 
 righteous. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XX. 19-31. 
 
 OLORD Jesus Christ, who hast manifested Thy- 
 self this day in the assemblies of thy jjeople, 
 we pray Thee, at its close, to visit us at our family 
 altar. The shadows of evening have gathered 
 around us, and once more we are about to retire 
 to rest. As Thou didst appear at this time to thy 
 "disciples of old, so be present now in the midst of 
 us, and breathe upon our souls the blessing of 
 peace. We thank Thee for all the mercies of 
 another Sabbath ; for all the privileges and means 
 of grace which Thou hast afforded us. We thank 
 Thee for the joyl'ul sound of thy Gospel, and that 
 thou hast thereby made known to us, xmworthy 
 though we bo, the way of pardon and life. Follow 
 the labours of tliy ministering servants with the 
 enriching grace of thy Holy Spirit. Bring home 
 thy Word with power to the hearts of all who have 
 heard it. May angel messengers even now be car- 
 rying away from earth to heaven the glad tidings 
 of salvation accepted. Comfort all who are sor- 
 rowing for sin; point them to the open fountain of 
 thine own most precious blood ; and to all Avho are 
 turning the eye of faith upon a risen Saviour, say, 
 as Thou art ever wont, " Be of good cheer; thy 
 sins are forgiven." 
 
 Forbiil it. Lord, that any should reject the offers 
 of mercy which Thou hast so freely made ; take 
 away all pride and prejudice, all carelessness and 
 indifference. Cause thine own people to take heed, 
 lest even in them there be found an e\il heart of 
 unbelief. Give to each of us more simple faith. 
 We would trust Thee not only in what is bright, but 
 also in all that may seem dark. Cause our confi- 
 dence to be strong at all times and in all circum- 
 stances. Deal tenderly with us, as Thou didst 
 deal with thine erring disciple Thomas. Be- 
 hold us, wo pray Thee, with the same ]>ity and 
 compassion. Correct us whenever Ave go astray. 
 Strengthen us wherever we are weak. Show Thy- 
 self in all things our sympathising High Priest, 
 Though we have not seen Thee, Lord, A'et may 
 we love Thee, and grant that by faith we may 
 be able to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full 
 of glory. 
 
 Thou art acquainted with all our wants, and we 
 place ourselves entirely in thy hands. As Thou 
 hast knit u; together in the ties of earthly relation- 
 ship, so may Ave all be one in Thee. Let some 
 savour of this holy day attend us throughout the 
 Aveek. Let its hallowing influence be seen in all 
 our thoughts, and Avords, and Avorks ; and Avhen 
 our life of toil and service is ended here, may Ave 
 enter into that rest Avhich remaineth for the people 
 of God, Hear us in these our prayers, and to 
 Thee, Avith the Father and the Holy Ghost, Avill Ave 
 fn"ve the glory, now and for CA'er. Amen. 
 
 [ 197 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-NINTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [EVENINO. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUT. XXXI. 11—30. 
 
 WE present ourselves before Tliee, most hoi}'- 
 God, on this tlie morning of a new day. 
 Although we see no pillar of cloud, and hear no 
 sound of thy voice, may we feel that Thou art very 
 near to us ; and may our souls be filled with 
 reverence and humility in thy sacred presence. 
 We adore Thee tliat we are found bowing at thy 
 tJu'one of grace, surrounded by so many mercies 
 which we have not deserved. We confess that we, 
 like thy people of old, have wrought many evils 
 before Thee, and have greatly provoked Thee. 
 Yet we beseech Thee, Lord, have mercy upon 
 us, and forgive us. We know and confess tliat 
 thy law is a witness against us that we have sinned 
 and rebelled against Thee. But we fly, Lord, 
 from the law to the cross. Thy holy law convicts 
 and condemns us ; but we thank Thee that Christ 
 redeems us from the condemnation of tlie law, and 
 justifies US freely by his blood. We praise Thee, 
 God, for so great salvation. May we, as a 
 family, be all partakers of it ; that, being justified 
 by faith, we may have peace with Thee, through 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for thy kind care of us 
 through the past night. Help us now to enter 
 upon the duties and conflicts of another Aveek, in 
 the strength derived from the religious influences 
 of the Sabbath-day ; and let not the world wear 
 away the holy impressions which our hearts have 
 received. 
 
 "We beseech Thee, Lord, hide not thy face 
 from us this day. Keep us from evil, that we may 
 not grieve Thee. May we not turn aside fi'om the 
 way in which Thou hast commanded us to walk, 
 nor do evil in thy sight; but may we live this day 
 according to thy will. . Teach us to cast all our 
 care upon Tliee. Fortify our minds against all 
 disappointments. Preserve us from despondency. 
 Animate us to cheerfulness. May we be strong and 
 of good courage, assured that in all right paths Thou 
 wilt be with us. From all folly and falsehood, from 
 all pride and meanness, from dW error and accident, 
 Lord, deli\'er us this day. May we be deaf to 
 all the voices of temptation, but gladly attentive to 
 the faintest whispers of thy Holy Spirit. Guide us 
 by thy counsel, and mercifully bring us to the close 
 of the day in peace. 
 
 Bless all our dear family, and all our I'elatives, 
 friends, and neighbours, with all things tliat are 
 necessary and good for them this day. May 
 grace, mercy, and peace rest upon them. 
 
 Prepare us for all thy will on earth ; and when 
 the days ajiproach that we must die, may we, re- 
 deemed by the blood of Christ, and clothed in his 
 righteousness, rise to glory, honour, and iuimor- 
 tality. Hear us, Lord, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS XV. 1—22. 
 
 ADORABLE and ever-blessed God, we, thine 
 unworthy creatures, approach the footstool of 
 the Divine grace, at the close of another day. Help 
 us to come before Thee with becoming reverence 
 and deep humility, conscious of thy greatness, and 
 of our sinfulness. Lord, the very heavens are 
 not clean in thy sight, and Thou chargest thine 
 angels Avith folly. What sinful creatures, then, 
 must we be, who often transgi'ess thy laws, forget 
 thy presence, and are constantly guilty of un- 
 belief! Looking back upon the day now past, 
 what reason have we to abase ourselves in the dust, 
 and to cry, " Unclean, unclean !" 
 
 Verily Thou art a God of long-suffering and of 
 great kindness, in that Thou hast not dealt Avith us 
 after our sins, nor rewarded us after our iniquities. 
 Moreover, Thou hast not spared thine own dear Son, 
 but didst ireely give Him up for us all. Lord, 
 help us to be duly sensible of thy great kindness, in 
 providing for us a Avay of escajte from the Avratli to 
 come, and to be didy thankful for thy holy Word, 
 Avhicli makes known to us the glad tidings of salva- 
 tion, through faith in a crucified Redeemer. Help 
 us to believe the record Avhich Thou hast given us 
 of tlw Son ; and in the prospect of the groat and 
 terrible day of the Lord, Avhen all that are in their 
 graves shall hear his Axnce, and shall come forth, 
 give us grace so to live, that Ave may knoAV that Ave 
 are of God, and that Ave shall haA'e part in the 
 resurrection of the just. Enable us ever to keep 
 in mind the Gospel of Christ-^ by which Ave are 
 saved. Teach us constantly to rely on thy grace 
 to help us m eA'cry time of need, and to rejoice 
 that thy grace is sufficient for us. Help us in all 
 our Avays to acknowledge Thee, that Thou mayest 
 direct our steps. Increase our faith. Wash us 
 daily in the fountain opened for sin and unclean- 
 ness, and daily renew us, by thy Holy Spirit, in 
 the spirit of oiu' minds ; and may Ave lie doAA'u in 
 our beds each night at peace AA^th Thee, through 
 the blood of the cross. Take us, and all near and 
 dear to us, under thine oavu Almighty Avings, and 
 give us comfortable and refreshing sleep, that Ave 
 may be strengthened for the duties of another day. 
 
 Look Avith compassion on the afllicted and dis- 
 tressed. Give them patience under their sufferings, 
 and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. 
 Hasten the time Avhen there Avill be no more night, 
 Avhen all sorroAv and sighing shall flee aAvay, and 
 Avhen the Lamb AAdiich is in the midst of the throne 
 shall lead his people to fountains of living Avaters, 
 and God shall Avipe away all tears from their 
 eyes. 
 
 All this Ave ask for Jesus' sake, to AA'hom, Avith 
 Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, 
 Avorld without end. Amen. 
 
 [ 198 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-NINTH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUT. XXXII. 1-29. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XXI. 
 
 Ij^TERNAL God, whose glory filletli heaven and "HLESSED be the God and Father of our Lord 
 ^ earth, adored be thy majesty, praised for ever Jj and Saviour Jesus Christ, who, according to 
 and ever be thy name. Thou art om' Rock and ]iis abundant mercy, hath begotten us again unto a 
 Refuge, our hope and our portion for ever. Clouds lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ 
 and darkness are round about thy throne, righteous- from the dead. We bless Thee that, when our 
 ness and judgment are the habitation of tliy seat, world was dead in trespasses and sins. Thou didst 
 Fill our hearts with a lowly reverence of thy holi- send forth thine only-begotten Son to live and die 
 ness and majesty, and for thy dear Son's sake in our stead, so that He might deli\er us, who 
 have respect unto the prayers and thanksgivings | Avere under the ctu-se of the law. We would 
 Avhich now we present at thy footstool. ' gratefully adore Thee that Jesus has fulfilled all 
 
 Thou hast renewed to us the lucrcies of the righteousness, 
 morning light, and from the experience of all thy ' We praise Tliee for his perfect sacrifice for the 
 goodness to us we gather hope of thy continued ; sins of the whole world, and for his glorious 
 favour. Especially, God, we recall thy gracious triumph over all the powers of darkness. He 
 promises in Christ Jesus, and pray that Thou hath led capti\ity captive, and hath obtained gifts 
 wouldst fulfil them to us, by pardoning our sins, I for men. W^o rejoice in the thought that, after his 
 and cleansing us froiU all the stains of guilt which resurrection, He still lingered for forty days in our 
 defilt^ us in thy sight. By thy Spirit assure our ] world, showing Plimself on many occasions to his 
 hearts of thy forgiveness and love, and enable us disci|)les. We praise the love in which thy Son 
 
 to rejoice in hope of thy glory 
 
 Be with us. we beseech Thee, through all the 
 day. Only as Thou keepest us shall we be safe. 
 Strengthen us for duty. Show us in all things 
 what is thy will, and enable us to fulfil it cheerfully 
 and obediently. Subdue in us all pride and selfish- 
 ness, and guide our feet in the footsteps of Him 
 who was meek and lowly in heart. We pray that 
 ve may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Lord, give 
 us more faith, a brighter hope, and a truer 
 lo\e. Unfold to us the unsearchable riches of 
 Christ. 
 
 AVe pray that we may be preserved from e\ery- 
 thing \Nliich would displease Thee or grieve thy 
 Spirit, or be inconsistent with our Christian pro- 
 fession. Suffer us not to fall into any snare of the 
 enemy of our souls, and help us to avoid even the 
 appearance of e\dl. We desii'e to do to all what 
 is just and right, and that in all our intercourse 
 with others we may s])eak and act with Christian 
 kindness, courtesy, forbearance, and love. We 
 feel, God, that we are very ignorant and weak, 
 and we cast ourselves on thy mercy. Watch over 
 us and forsake us not. Let thy peace in all things 
 rule our hearts. 
 
 Shed thy choicest blessings on all we hne. [May 
 the younger members of this household grow up 
 in thy faith and fear ; believing in .Jesus, and 
 coj)yiiig his example.] Let thy blessing rest on 
 our Sovereign and all in authority. Give thy Holy 
 Spirit abundantly to all thy ministers, and let them 
 see thy work prosper in their hands, at home and 
 abroad. Cause all thy j.'cople to be more jealous 
 of tliv ii'lorv, and dilio;ent in doinix thv will. All 
 these mercies we ask ia the name of Jesus, tliy 
 deiu' Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 visited our earth, and hath now gone up on high 
 to make intercession for us. 
 
 As we are now about to retire to rest, and as we 
 remember that sleep is the image of death, so do 
 we rejoice that the Captain of our salvation hath 
 taken the sting from death, and robbed the grave 
 of victory. May this our joy be dee]) and abiding, 
 and arise from the witness of the Holy Ghost in 
 our hearts that we are each of us born again, 
 and have become new creatures in Christ Jesus. 
 Wg beseech Tliee, most merciful Father, that Thou 
 Avouldst deliver us from self-delusion. May we 
 be indeed found in Jesus Christ. 
 
 Holy Saviour, we read with a-we of the manner 
 in which Thou didst search and test the love of 
 Peter towards Thee. We feel that our love is 
 weak and cold — is an utterly uuAvorthy response 
 to thy holy and mighty love to us. Help us, we 
 entreat Thee, to love Thee ; to lo^e Thee more 
 than we love all the w^orld beside. Wo beseech 
 Thee to increase our faith, to brighten our hope, 
 and to fill our hearts more abundantly with 
 thy Holy Spirit. Forgive the sins of this 
 day. Accept our unfeigned thanks for all thy 
 mercies, and now receive us into thy fav'our. 
 May our names be enrolled in the Lamb's book 
 of life. 
 
 Bless, Me beseech Thee, thy catholic Church. 
 Graciously hear the prayer of thy Son, our sole 
 High Priest, that all thy believing people may be 
 one. of one mind and one heart; one fold under 
 one Shepherd. And grant, heavenly Father, that 
 when we have done thy Avill on earth, we may also, 
 like our Lord, ascend up to thy right hand, and 
 enter into thy jo}'. 
 
 Hear our prayer, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 199 ] 
 
MOENING.] 
 
 TWENTY-NINTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [EvENcsra. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DEUT. XXXII. 2D-52. 
 
 ETERNAL Lord God, who liast watclied over 
 and protected ns during the past night, we 
 desire to give Thee praise and glory for thy 
 unceasing mercies, and to look to Thee, as the 
 God of providence and of grace, for guidance 
 and blessing throughout the coming day. AVe 
 are ignorant, Lord, and know not what a day 
 may bring forth ; we are Aveak, and cannot order 
 our affairs aright ; help us, then, to exercise con- 
 tinual dependence upon Thee. As the eyes of 
 servants look unto the hand of their masters, so 
 may our eyes and our hearts wait upon the Lord 
 our God. 
 
 Pour down upon us, merciful Father, that 
 heavenly wisdom which may lead us to consider 
 our latter end, to remember that in the midst of 
 life we are in death, and that we know not the day 
 or the hour in which the Son of Man shall come. 
 May we, then, live and walk this day in the light 
 of eternity. We acknowledge that we have pro- 
 voked Thee <o anger Avith our vanities, seeking the 
 tilings of this world instead of the things which 
 are eternal, and desiring the favour of our fellow- 
 men rather than thine. For this our folly and our 
 sinfulness Thou mightest justly have abhorred us, 
 and for our provocations Thou mightest have 
 hidden thy face from us for ever ; but Thou, 
 God, art a merciful God, long-suflering, and plen- 
 teous in goodness, and we are here living to praise 
 Thee this day. 
 
 We nray Thee, Lord, that we may not presume 
 upon thy mercy; yea, rather, let thy love in Christ 
 Jesus constrain us to live no longer to ourselves, 
 but unto Thee. Do Thou enable us to set our 
 hearts towards all the words of instruction which 
 are contained in the Holy Scriptures ; may we, bv 
 the teaching of thy Spirit, understand that this is 
 our very life, even to know Thee, the only true 
 God, and Jesus Christ whom Tiiou hast sent. May 
 we strive continually to put ofl' the old man, and, 
 being renewed in the spirit of our minds, to put on 
 the new man, which is created in righteousness and 
 true holiness. Assist us throughout this day to 
 be watchful against sin, and ready to every good 
 work, that we mny glorify Thee by a holy walk and 
 conversation. May we come out and be separate 
 from an ungodly world ; in our necessary contact 
 with it, may v.e resist its tcmptati(5ns ; in our 
 business transactions, may we rise above its prin- 
 ciples; iu our family may there be a savour of 
 spirituality; and in our intercourse with Thee, our 
 God, may there be the loving heart, and close 
 fellouship and communion. Thus, gracious God, 
 do Thou guide us continually in the way of truth 
 and holiness, for thy dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XYI. 
 
 THE day is thine, Lord, and the night also is 
 thine. Thou hast held our souls in lite through 
 another day. We have been permitted to attend to 
 the various duties of life. Preserved from evil 
 and supplied by thy bounty, we have not lacked 
 any good thing. Thou hast opened thine hand 
 and satisfied us ; and now, in unbroken peace and 
 in the possession of numerous comforts, we are 
 favoured with the precious privilege of gathering 
 around our domestic altar. The lines are fallen 
 to us in pleasant places, and we have a goodly 
 heritage. 
 
 But while mercies and blessings belong unto 
 Thee, Lord, shame and confusion of face be- 
 long unto us. How much of imperfection and 
 of sin attaches to us ! We aro conscious of many 
 transgressions; and if our hearts condemn us, 
 Thou art greater than our hearts, and knowest all 
 things. God be merciful to us siimers. May the 
 blood of Christ cleanse us from all iniquity, and 
 the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus make 
 us free from the law of*sin and death. May we 
 afresh sincerely and solenmly say, " Thou art my 
 Lord." May we do homage to no other God but 
 Thee. May we suffer no power to usurp thy 
 throne within us. Keign Thou over us suprenti; 
 and alone. 
 
 Bo Thou tlie portion of our inheritance and of 
 our cuj), and give us ever to set Thee before us, 
 and act as witli Thee at our right hand. IMay we 
 not have the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the 
 Spirit of ado[^ion, whereby, with an assured hope, 
 our heart may rejoice and our soul be glad, as we 
 exclaim, " Abba, Father." Let us, with the faith 
 of Jesus, believe that our flesh shall rest in hope, 
 and that Thou wilt show us the path of life. Like 
 Jesus, may we have the blessed assurance that in 
 thy presence is fulness of joy, and at thy right 
 hand there are pleasiu'es for evermore. And thus, 
 amidst all the tenlptations, toils, and sorrows of 
 earth, may we aspire, with hope and confidence, 
 after that bettor country which is the heavenly. 
 Grant, -Lord, we beseech Thee, that these glo- 
 rious views of immortality niay be widely spread 
 throughout the families of our own and other lands, 
 until there shall bo no longer occasion for any to 
 say. Know the Lord, but all shall know Thee, from 
 the least even to the greatest. 
 
 And now, Father, Ave calmly and confidently 
 commit ourselves to thy protection and blessing 
 during another night. Suffer no evil to come near 
 our persons or our dwelling. Let sleep refi'csh us 
 and fit us for the duties of the morrow ; and let all 
 our days and nights on earth be passed in the fear 
 and in the favour of God our Father, throuoh 
 Christ om* Lord. -Amen. 
 
 [ 200 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-NINTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [EVJENINQ. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA I. 
 
 OGOD of Israel, grant us the light of thy Holy 
 Spirit, that we may compare spiritual things 
 with spiritual, and api)ropriate to ourselves the 
 lessons of heavenly wisdom which a])pear in every 
 portion of thy inspired Word. 
 
 We rejoice with thankfulness that we are not 
 under the law, but under grace. Wliat the law 
 could not do through the Aveakness of the flesh, 
 thy Divine Son, our Redeemer, has fulR- accom- 
 plished. ^V'e bless Thee, we praise Thee, God, 
 for the great love with which Thou hast loved thy 
 people, and for the fruits of that love which we 
 have in the death and resurrection of Jesus, our 
 Shepherd and our Head. Lead us nearer and 
 nearer to Him, we beseech Thee. Place us more 
 entirely mider his care and guidance, and give us 
 the spirit of loving obedience to his word and will. 
 
 How shall we sufficiently magnify Thee, our 
 Father, that it hath pleased Thee to bring life and 
 immortality to light by the Gospel ? We contem- 
 plate with joy our heirship in Jesus, thy co-equal 
 Son. We seek in faith tlio inheritance granted 
 ti) Him, and to all thy cliildrcn in Him, whom 
 it hath jdeased Thee to nuike heirs of God, and 
 joint heirs with Christ. Oh, that we may delight 
 to look out from the wilderness of the world, and 
 view by tin's faith that better land of heavenly 
 j)romise which Thou hast j)rovided for the objects 
 of thy fatiierly care ! Oh, that we may long and look 
 lor the appearance of Him who is coming again to 
 lead his redeemed ones into the eternal enjoyment 
 of the purchased possession ! And while we wait 
 for that glorious event, grant to us, our Father and 
 our God, that we may feel we are not of this world, 
 but that our citizenship is in heaven, from whence 
 we are looking for Him in whose spotless righteous- 
 ness Ave are to appear in thy presence, and to shine 
 in thy kingdom. Having this blessed hope in Him, 
 enable us to jnn-ify ourselves as He is pure. 
 
 We bless Thee for that record of thy wisdom 
 and love, in which Ave are permitted to study thy 
 Divine character, and to leai-n thy purposes in 
 Christ. Make that sacred volume, Ave pray Thee, 
 increasingly precious to our souls. Grant us thy 
 Holy Spirit, Avithout Avhose enlightening and sancti- 
 fying influences Ave can neither comprehend nor re- 
 ceiA'o the precious truths Avhich He has caused to 
 be Avritten for our instruction ; and the more that 
 blessed Book is scorned or traduced, the more 
 fervently may Ave take it to our grateful and loving 
 hearts, and the more valiantly strive for the life- 
 giving doctrines Avhich its pages contain. Graft 
 it, we entreat Thee, iuAvardly in our hearts, that Ave 
 may bring forth fruit thereof to the glory of thy 
 name anct the sanctification of our own souls, 
 through Jesus Clnist our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS I. 
 
 W 
 
 E give Thee tlianks, Lord, that Thou didst, 
 'n thine infinite compassion, look upon us in 
 our loAv estate, and didst send thy Avell-beloved Son 
 to dehver us from sin and condemnation. We 
 bless Thee that Jesus Avas in this Avorld as a man of 
 sorroAvs, and suffered — the just for the unjust — to 
 bring us to Tliee ; and having died for our offences, 
 that he rose for our justification, and is even now 
 at the right hand of the Majesty on high, to make 
 intercession for us. By the eye of faith Ave Avould 
 look up to Him as our advocate Avith Thee the 
 Father. This is our encouragement in draAving 
 near to Thee. We might Avell be afraid, in our sin- 
 fulness, to venture into thy sacred presence in our 
 own name ; but we come in the name of Him avIio 
 is infinitely Avorthy ; and our prayer is, " Behold, 
 God, our shield, and look upon the face of thine 
 Anointed." 
 
 We thank Thee that our blessed Redeemer, 
 before He ascended to his glory, gave his disciples 
 the promise that he would send the Comforter, the 
 Holy Spirit. And Thou, Avho hast in all ages been 
 the Hearer and Answerer of prayer, didst fuHil 
 thy Avord. Surely Thou art ready to fulfil thy pro- 
 mise to us. Help us, as the disciples of old, to 
 abound in prayer and to Avait upon Thee. Quicken 
 us, and Ave will call upon thy name. We need thy 
 Holy Spirit to lielp our infirmities, to give us the 
 true Spirit of prayer, to enlighten us in the knoAV- 
 ledge of thy Holy Word, to enable us to do thy 
 Avill, to sanctify us, and to cheer us Avith the hope of 
 glory. Thou hast promised thy Spirit to them 
 that ask Thee. We pray that Ave may enjoy his 
 life-giving influence, so that Ave may grow in grace 
 and iu the knowledge of Jesus Christ. 
 
 We beseech Thee to give more of the Spirit of 
 prayer to the Church imiversal, and to pour out 
 upon Zion the refreshing dews of thy heavenly 
 grace. May thy people everyAvhere be revived ; 
 and in answer to the fervent prayer of thy childi on, 
 do Thou give power from on high, that all the 
 faithful may be more zealous, and that thy kingdom 
 may advance throughout the Avorld. 
 
 We commend unto Thee all our friends and 
 relations. We pray Thee to encompass them witli 
 thy presence. Remember all the afflicted and 
 distressed, comfort the mourners, bind up sorroAvful 
 and bleeding hearts, and pour the oil of holy joy 
 into the Avounded spirit. 
 
 And noAv, Lord, at the close of the day Ave 
 acknoAvledge thy goodness in sparing us, and pro- 
 vidino- for all our wants. Thou Avho hast Avatched 
 over us during all the days and nights of the past, 
 do Thou protect us this 'night. We cast all our 
 cares on Thee, and pray Thee to hear us, for j 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 201 ] 
 
 '26 
 
Morning.] 
 
 TWENTY-NINTH WEE It.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA III. 
 
 GRACIOUS and heavenly Fatlier, who, though 
 Thou dwellest on high, dost yet humble Thy- 
 self to behold the things that are in earth, we kneel 
 in much humility at thy footstool, to thank Thee 
 for the many mercies of the night, and to im- 
 plore thy grace and protection for the day to 
 which we have been spared. Accept us, we pray 
 Thee, for Jesus' sake; and according to thy promise, 
 send us not empty away. We are undeserving of 
 thy goodness, and day by day adds to our many 
 sins. Make us more thankful for what Thou hast 
 done, and by thine indwelling Spirit so increase 
 our love to Thee, that we may strive to spend this 
 day as in thy sight, and in cheerful obedience 
 to all thy will. 
 
 Graciously enlighten our minds, that we may 
 more clearly understand thy Word. Thou, Gocl, 
 who hast inspired holy men of old to write thy 
 truth, alone canst enable us to believe what they 
 liave written, and to submit ourselves in all things 
 to the teacliing of thy Word. Remove, we beseech 
 Tliee, from us all ignorance and hardness of heart. 
 Bestow upon us the spirit of meekness, and guide 
 us into all truth. Let the way of salvation be so 
 plain to us, that we may not err therein, nor be 
 deceived by the temptations of Satan, or any false 
 teaching of men. Be Thou, Holy Ghost, our 
 teacher. Take of the things of Christ and show 
 them unto us, that we may grow in grace, and 
 walking in his footsteps, live in all things to thy 
 praise and glor)-. 
 
 Leave us not to ourselves, God, this day. 
 Om- path is beset by many dangers and tempta- 
 tions, and our own sinful hearts are prone to wan- 
 der to forbidden things. Even the duties of om* 
 calling may become a snare in the hands of our 
 great enemy for the entanglement and ruin of 
 our souls. Hel}), and defend, and keep us, for we 
 are unable to keep ourselves. By thy Holy Spirit 
 teach us what we ought to do, and strengthen 
 us to do it. Suffer us not to shrink from any 
 duty which Thou layest upon us, and especially 
 preserve us from loving oiu'selves more than 
 Thee, and from following our own will when it 
 is contrary to thine. May the signs and tokens of 
 thy presence with us be seen in our deeper love 
 to Thee, our increasing hatred of sin, and our 
 frequent triumphs over temptation. Grant us 
 such an abundant experience of thy grace and 
 love, that we may run in the way of thy com- 
 mandments. 
 
 Be with those whom we would remember at 
 thy throne. Let thy providence be about them, 
 and thy love be shed abroad abundantly in all 
 their hearts. We ask all for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS IT. 1-21. 
 
 HOLY, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts ; in old 
 time Thou wast seen in Eden, in the bush 
 that burned with fire, at the door of the Taber- 
 nacle, and within the Temple of Israel; but now 
 Thou hast come down bodily to dweli amongst 
 us. Fill — yea, as thou didst the place where the 
 apostles came together — fill the earth \\'ith thy 
 glory. Come, Holy Ghost, and let thy power 
 be known and seen in all the earth ; cool the 
 world's angry passions, quell all rage and enmity 
 in loving peace. Still the rude sounds of war : 
 hasten the time when Christ's kingdom shall be 
 established in the earth, when men shall beat their 
 swords into ploughshares, and nation shall not lift 
 up sword against nation, neither shall they learn 
 Avar any more. 
 
 Lord, touch the hearts of those who preach the 
 Gosj)el; give them tongues of fire, with glowing 
 words, to consume men's love of sin, and to in- 
 flame their souls with pure devotion. Send forth, 
 Holy Ghost, preachers in every land; tlmt the 
 nations may hear, in their own tongue, the G(Jspel 
 of God, and be saved by Christ. If mockers scorn, 
 let them be confounded. If unbelievers rise against 
 Thee, abate their pride, and let unbelief be turned 
 to faith. Make those who cavil at thy Word to 
 stand in awe of it ; and let the men who say there 
 is no truth in it, be converted by its power. 
 
 We ])raise Thee, God, for all the abundant 
 blessings of this day. Add to them the gift of a 
 thankful heart, and cause us to show forth .tin- 
 praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives. 
 
 Blessed Spirit, enable us to realise thy presence 
 more and more. If, during the day, wc have for- 
 gotten Thee, done any sin, or left undone i\ny 
 act of righteousness, fill us with sorrow tor rliese 
 and all past oftences. Wash us, God, in the foun- 
 tain once opened for sin, and for the sake of 
 Jesus blot out all our offences. Help us, that 
 we may speedily unlearn all evil, by knowing 
 and doing all manner of good. Night is coming 
 on ; make it light with thy presence and favour. 
 Death is drawing near ; let us not be afraid, but 
 may we find that death and the grave are, as 
 Elijah's chariot and horses, carrying us to hea\'en. 
 Go Thou with us in every duty and through e\ ery 
 trial, that every dark day may be made bright 
 with the gracious tokens of thy love. Keep us 
 this night from all sin, and let us not fall into any 
 .snares of the evil o<ne. Make thy strength perfect 
 in our weakness, and leave us not, lest we fall. 
 
 We pray for our friends and relations. Enrich 
 them with thy special blessing. Take them and us 
 into thy keeping for the night, and let no harm 
 befall us. We ask all for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 C 202 3 
 
MOKNING.l 
 
 TWENTY-NINTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA IV. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS II. 22—47. 
 
 OLORD, our gracious and merciful Father, with 
 deep Ininiihty and sincere gratitude we desire 
 I to draw near to Thee in prayer this morning. 
 ! Through the darkness of another night thine 
 i almighty arm has sustained us; and now we 
 I l^neel at thy footstool, the monuments of thy 
 j forbearance and goodness. 
 
 We beseech Thee to stir up in our souls a more 
 lively sense of our entire dependence upon Thee, 
 and to a more obedient, grateful, and loving 
 acknowledgment of thy merciful kindness. From 
 Thee we have received all the blessings of our past 
 lives. Thou art the author of all the mercies we 
 at present enjoy. Thou art our only hope for all 
 the future. As Thou didst lead thy people Israel 
 in their journey through the wilderness, so hast 
 Thou graciously led us in our earthly pilgrimage. 
 ^V^e remember this morning thy special interposi- 
 tions on otir behalf. When in deep perplexity and 
 distress. Thou hast relieved and comforted us ; and 
 Avlien exposed to imminent danger. Thou hast de- 
 livered us, like Israel of old. We would call to 
 mind the memorials of thy mercies, and mark the 
 steps by which Thou hast thus far guided us. Still 
 be our God and our guide, we beseech Thee, 
 Lord, even unto our life's end ; and finally give 
 lis an abundant entrance into thine everlasting 
 kingdom. 
 
 We ask special blessings both for ourselves and 
 others this last day of the week. Help us so to 
 order our temporal affairs, and discharge our duties, 
 that we may not be unfitted for the high and holy 
 exercises of the approaching Sabbath. Let thy 
 good Spirit abide with all ministers of the Gospel, 
 to aid them in the study of thy truth, that they 
 may come forth to-morrow in the fulness of the 
 blessing of the Gospel of Christ. To us, and to all 
 thy people, let this day be a preparation day for 
 the Sabbath. 
 
 We pray for all who are dear to us by the ties of 
 nature and affiection. Oh, let thy blessing rest 
 upon them all. Have mercy, we beseech Thee, 
 Lord, upon our neighbours and acquaintances. 
 Oh, let careless and impenitent sinners in this 
 place be brought to Jesus Christ. May our 
 influence, and the influence of other Christians 
 around, lead them to Him, that they may obtain 
 salvation and eternal life. In our midst, and 
 throughout the whole earth, let thy kingdom come, 
 and thy will be done even as it is done in heaven. 
 We supplicate before Thee, Lord, the forgive- 
 ness of all our sins, the renewing and sanctifying 
 influences of thy Holy Spirit, in the name and for 
 the sake of thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to whom, 
 with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all honour 
 and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 GRACIOUS Lord God, who hast not dealt 
 with us after our sins, nor rewarded us ac- 
 cording to our iniquities, we bless Thee for the 
 mercies of this day and of the week now past, 
 Unceasing has been thy care, and infinite th\- 
 compassion. When we think of thy love, we are 
 ashamed of the coldness of our hearts and the 
 feebleness of our praise. Kindle within us, we 
 beseech Thee, more fervent gratitude towards Thee, 
 especially for the gift of thy dear Son, to redeem 
 us, and of thy Holy Spirit, to convert and sanctify 
 us. Show to us the exceeding greatness of thy 
 mercy, by convincing us of our lost condition, and 
 of our utter helplessness through sin. Glory be 
 to thy name that, even when we were sinners and 
 without strength, Christ died, the just for the 
 unjust, the sinless for the sinful, that He might 
 reconcile us to God. Lord, we pray that in all 
 sincerity and truth we may grasp thy promises in 
 Christ Jesus, and have peace through the blood of 
 his crossr So by thy Holy Spirit Avork in us that, 
 as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of 
 the Father, so we also may walk in newness of life. 
 Fill us with all joy and peace in believmg, and 
 enable us to show forth the pow er of thy grace by 
 a cheerful obedience to thy will, and a daily 
 triumph over the power of sin and temptation. 
 
 Let thy watchful care be over us during the 
 night. Grant that, through thy merciful protec- 
 tion, we and all whom we would remember at thy 
 footstool may sleep in safety, and rise so refreshed 
 as to enter with cheerfulness on the duties of the 
 Lord's day. 
 
 We confess, Lord, we have neglected our 
 opportunities, and have not sought diligently the 
 one thing needful. Let not our past sin cause 
 Thee to withhold the continuance of spiritual pri- 
 vileges, or the tokens of thy presence in our use of 
 them. [Give to the children of our family thy 
 special grace. Convert them all from sin to holi- 
 ness, and make them thine in Christ Jesus.] 
 
 We lift up our hearts on behalf of thy whole 
 Church. Pour out thy Holy Spirit abundantly, as 
 on the day of Pentecost. Cause thy ministers to 
 preach as with tongues of fire the word of recon- 
 ciliation, and bow many hearts day by day beneath 
 the soul-subduing power of thy truth. Look in 
 tender pity on the dark and desolate places of the 
 earth. Lord, when shall thy light shine upon 
 them, and thy Gospel be preached among all 
 nations, and the wjiole earth be filled with thy 
 glory ? Hasten the time, we beseech Thee, when 
 the glory of the Lord shall bo revealed, and all 
 flesh shall see it together. 
 
 We ask these and all other mercies in tho 
 name of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 r 203 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTIETH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA VI. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most mercifiil Father, we 
 thank Thee for thy constant care and kind- 
 ness towards us. We praise Thee for our preser- 
 vation during the past night, and tliat we behold 
 another Sabbatli clay. We bless Thee for this 
 day, as the memorial of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 the Captain of our salvation. We thank Thee that 
 Thou didst send Him into the world, to seek and to 
 save the lost. We adore Thee, Son of God, that 
 Thou didst bear our sins in thine own body on 
 the tree ; that Thou didst rise from the dead and 
 ascend to heaven in our nature. We glorify thy 
 name for the Gospel of th}^ love. God, we 
 beseech of Thee to grant that, by the power of thy 
 Spirit, our hearts may be conquered for Christ. 
 Give us faith in Jesus as our sacrifice, so that all 
 om* sins may be blotted out in his atoning blood. 
 Enable us to trust in Him as our High Priest, 
 through whom we present all our prayers and 
 praises at thy throne. Give us grace to Jove Him 
 with all our hearts, and serve Him with all our 
 powers. May we be accepted in the Beloved, 
 adopted into thy family, adorned with the beauty 
 of thy holiness, and at last stand before Thee com- 
 plete in Jesus. righteous Father, we beseech 
 Thee to have mercy upon all men. Let thy way 
 be known upon earth, thy saving health among all 
 nations. Stand by tlie ministers of Christ this day; 
 accompany the preaching of thy Gospel with the 
 power of thy Spirit; let it prove mighty to the 
 pulling down of strongholds, and in bringing every 
 thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 
 Bless those who teach the young in Sabbath- 
 schools or Ragged-schools ; those who circulate 
 the Scriptures, or religious tracts ; those who visit 
 the poor, the afflicted, the widows, and the father- 
 less. Smile upon all these labours, we beseech 
 Thee, and crown them with success. Comfort those 
 who mourn, and bind up the broken-hearted. May 
 those who are longing for the sanctuary, but are 
 detained at home, enjoy thy presence in their own 
 dwellings. If we are permitted to go to thy house, 
 help us to offer Thee spiritual Avorship, and to hear 
 thy Word with meekness and love. 
 
 Grant us, Lord, this day, some foretaste of the 
 heavenly rest. Bless every member of our family, 
 and all who are dear to us. May our relations and 
 friends be our spiritual kindred in the bonds of 
 everlasting love. If any of them know Thee not, 
 awaken them this day to flee from the wrath to 
 come, and to lay hold upon the hope set before 
 them in the Gospel. 
 
 When our earthly Sabbaths are ended, then. 
 Holy Father, admit us to the nobler worship of the 
 heavenly temple, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS III. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, we mag- 
 nify Thee for the mercies of another Sabbath- 
 day. We thank Thee for the privileges we have 
 enjoyed : for being permitted to go up to thv 
 house, there to join in the worship of thy people, 
 and to mingle our voices with theirs in prayer and 
 praise. V^e praise Thee too, our Father, for 
 the Gospel of thy grace. Blessed are they who 
 know the joyful sound. Give us grace to love the 
 tidings of peace, and to receive with meekness the 
 engrafted Word, which is able to save the soul. 
 May thy Gospel come to us not in word only, but 
 in power, and, through the grace of the Spirit, be 
 unto us the savour of life unto life. Help us to 
 improve every means of grace which Thou hast in 
 thy goodness bestowed upon us ; and teach us to 
 hallow our Sabbaths on earth, that they may be 
 foretastes to us of an eternal Sabbath. 
 
 But while we tliankfuUy acknowledge all thy 
 goodness, we would humbly ask thy pardon for 
 our sins. In many things we all ofiend, even on 
 this thy holy day; we have grieved thy Spirit 
 by wandering thoughts, by lifeless devotions, bv 
 a lack of fervour in our prayers, by a want of 
 unction in our praises. Oh, forgive us, pardon 
 our shortcomings, our failures, the feebleness of 
 our faith, the coldness of our love, the lano-uor 
 of our hope. We would lay these and all our 
 sins at the cross of Jesus. May we lie down 
 this night washed, justified, and sanctified in the 
 name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our 
 God. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we commend to thy tender 
 care and keeping all whom we love, and all who 
 seek an interest in our prayers. Make all grace 
 abound towards them. May theirs be the love 
 Avliich passeth knowledge, the peace passing all un- 
 derstanding, the hope which maketh not ashamed, 
 and the joy which is uuspeakable and full of glory. 
 Look graciously on all who are in affliction, and re- 
 A^eal Thyself to them as a God who comforteth those 
 who are cast down ; visit them in their distress, 
 and heal their wounds. Give thy blessing, God, 
 to the Word that has been preached this day ; sow 
 the seed of eternal life in many hearts. May 
 Christ, in the conversion of many sinners, see of 
 the travail of his soul and be satisfied. Cause 
 many of thine own people to go on their way re- 
 joicing ; arm them with renewed strength to run 
 patiently the race that is set before them. 
 
 We commit ourselves, God, and all that are 
 near and dear to us, to thy care ; guide, guard, 
 and bless us, and receiving these our humble 
 petitions, answer us not for our merit's sake, but 
 for thy mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 204 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTIETH WEEK.—MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA VII, 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, we thank Theo 
 for tlie rest Thou hast graciously afforded us 
 during the hours of darkness, and for the rene^val 
 of the morning light. We praise Thee for all the 
 blessings which it brings, but chiefly for the re- 
 freshing of our souls with the saving light of thy 
 Holy Word. 
 
 Oh, write upon our hearts and memories 
 the Scripture we ha^-e just heard. May we 
 hide it in our hearts, that we this day sin not 
 against Thee. Teach us to look upon sin as the 
 abominable thing which Thou hatest. ^lay we 
 fear to offend Thee, in thought or deed. May we 
 tremble lest others offend, seeing that individually, 
 and as members one of another. Thou dost call us 
 to account. We acknowledge thy justice, and we 
 humbly adore thy long forbearance in sparing us, 
 though Thou dost set our sins in the light of thy 
 countenance. As a people and as a Church, sin- 
 gvdarly favoured, yet in many ways abusing our 
 high privileges, Thou mightest have given sentence 
 against us. As a family, encompassed with mercies, 
 yet far from being what we ought, Thou mightest 
 have left us miserably to perish. As each one of 
 us is })rone to depart from Thee, and to covet this 
 world's riches and honours, Thou mightest have 
 brought us to a shameful end, as Thou didst Achan 
 in the camp, leaving us the momunents of thy 
 fierce anger. But, () tliou Saviour of- men. Thou 
 hast given us abundant opportunity to repent ; yea, 
 Thou dost still plead with us, through the Son of 
 thy love, to confess and to forsake our sin, that we 
 may obtain mercy. We pray for grace to obey thy 
 voice. May Jesus Christ and his great salvation 
 be the object of our chief desire. May wo give 
 Him glory, by a full confession of our guilt; and, 
 believing in the power of his blood, may we obtain 
 of Thee, the God of all grace, perfect remission 
 and forgiveness ; .that, being justified by faith, we 
 may have peace with God, through Him who died 
 for our sins, and rose again for our justification. 
 And, gracious Lord, do Thou seal ns with that 
 Hoi}' Spirit of promise, and enable us henceforth 
 to live unreservedly to thy glory. 
 
 We pray for all men. Bless our rulers. Give 
 them wisdom from above ; and in all times and 
 cii'cumstances enable them to look to Thee, 
 anfl find guidance. Save om' Sovereign, and 
 all the Royal Family. Clothe thy ministers with 
 righteousness, and make thy chosen people joyful. 
 Visit with heavenly consolations the sick and the 
 afflicted. And let thy choicest blessings, both for 
 time and for eternity, rest upon us and upon all 
 for whom we would pray; for the sake of our 
 only Saviour, Jesus Christ; to Avhom be ascribed 
 all honour and glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY .SCRIPTURE ACTS IV. 1-31. 
 
 OLORD God of hosts, blessed is the man that 
 trusteth in Thee. We trusted in Thee, and 
 Thou hast delivered us; we called upon thy name, 
 and Thou hast heard us in thy holy heaven. 
 We call to remembrance the great things which 
 Thou hast done for us, and for our fathers before 
 us. Thou hast given to us, as well as to them, 
 the light of revelation ; and we read there of the 
 trials and persecutions of thy Church ; we read 
 also of the strength and grace which Thou gavest 
 to thy believing people to enable them to glorify 
 Thee in the fires of affliction. Help us ever to 
 remember that all that will live godly in Christ 
 Jesus shall suffer persecution, and that thy people 
 ai'e called to be Avitnesses for Thee in the midst of 
 a crooked and perverse generation. 
 
 At the close of another day we again acknow- 
 ledge our sinfulness and unworthiness in thy sight. 
 We have not this day adorned the Christian pro- 
 fession as we ought to have done ; and Ave are con- 
 scious of much inconsistency in all our Avays ; yet 
 Thou hast dealt mercifully Avith us ; Thou hast not 
 dealt with us after our sins, neither rcAvarded 
 us after our iniquities. Oh, make us duly sen- 
 sible of thy continual kindness, and that even trials 
 and afflictions are intended for our good. Grant 
 that our faith, though it be tried Avith fire, may be 
 found unto pi'aise, and honour, and glory, at the 
 appearing of Jesus Christ. Convince us more and 
 more that if Thou dost admit us to thy flavour, Ave 
 must ascribe this, not to our goodness, but solely 
 to the merits of Jesus Christ. Conform us to 
 his image, that like as He Avas raised from 
 the dead by the glory of the Father, so Ave 
 also may Avalk in ncAvness of life. Forbid that 
 any of us should be of the number of those 
 Avho take coiuisel against thy holy child, Jesiis ; 
 but rather let us esteem it a high honour to 
 be counted Avorthy to suffer shame for his name, 
 ever remembering that A\'e must stand before his 
 judgment seat, and be acknoAA'ledged or rejected 
 by Him according as Ave have acknoAvledged or 
 denied Him before the Avorld. Lord, giA^e to 
 each of us the grace Avhich Ave severally require ; 
 and, if Ave have never prayed for grace before, or 
 before belie\'ed on Jesus, help us to pray uoav, and 
 to believe uoav, that Ave may lie doAvn on our beds 
 at peace Avith Thee, through the blood of the cross. 
 
 Bless all thy people, and strengthen them for 
 the AvorkAA'hieh Thou hast given them to do. Bless 
 our relations and friends, and m?ly aa'c rise fi'om 
 our knees convinced that Thou hearest the praises 
 and supplications Avliich are presented to Thee in 
 the name of Jesus Christ; to whom, Avith Thyself 
 and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, 
 Avorld Avithout end. Amen. 
 
 r 205 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTIETH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [ElVENING. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA VIII. 1-22, 30-35. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God !— the God and Father of 
 J our Lord Jesus Clivist; by Him we now 
 ventui'e to draw nigh to tliy throne of grace. 
 We would first praise and thank Thee for per- 
 mitting 119 tf) see tlie h'ght of another day, and 
 to assemble before Thee for family worship. We 
 thank Thee for all the temporal blessings we have 
 received, and for thy forbearance and mercy and 
 loving-kindness. We thank Thee for the means of 
 grace and for the hope of glory; — for redemption 
 through the blood of Christ; — and for the gift of 
 the Holy Spirit; and we beseech Thee, make us 
 duly sensible of all thy mercies ; and enable us to 
 show forth our gratitude, not merely in our lips 
 but in our lives. 
 
 • And now, Lord, we beseech Thee, speak 
 peace to our souls. We have been reminded, b}^ 
 that portion of thy Word which we liave just 
 heard, of the blessings and the cursings contained 
 in thy holy law : alas I we have justly deserved 
 the curse ; for we have in many things offended, 
 and in all things we have come short. But we 
 nevertheless can rejoice, that we have in Christ 
 a Redeemer, who has endured the curse and its 
 penalties for us; — who suffered, the just for the 
 unjust: oh, enable us to look with steadfast faith 
 upon that atoning blood, which taketh away the 
 sin of the world ; so that we may still have peace 
 and joy in believing. Lord we praise Thee, that 
 in Him we may look for the blessing instead of 
 the curse, and rejoice in hope of the speedy mani- 
 festation of thy glory. 
 
 And help us, Lord, in the meantime, to 
 devote ourselves more entirely to thy service. 
 Thou knowest the spiritual enemies Avith Avhich 
 we have to contend; and Thou knowest our weak- 
 ness through the flesh, — the devices and desires 
 of our corrupt hearts : help us therefore ever to 
 remember the exhortation we have just heard, — 
 "to fear not, neither to be dismaj^etl." Help us 
 to trust more entirely in Thee, — believing thy 
 promises, and assured that Thou carest for us. 
 And give us thy might in the inward man; that 
 we may liave the blessed experience, that greater 
 is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. 
 Make thy strength perfect in our weakness, and 
 grant that we may bruise Satan under our feet 
 shortly. 
 
 Finally we beseech Tliee to bless, in like manner, 
 all who are near and dear to us; and all for whom 
 it is our privilege or duty to intercede. Convert 
 those who know Thee not; strengthen the weak 
 in faith ; comfort the afflicted, the tempted, the 
 (li.itressed ; raise up them that fall ; and bring 
 both them and us to thy everlasting kingdom and 
 glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS IV. 32-V. 16. 
 
 THANKS be to Thee, heavenly Father, that we 
 have been brought to the close of another day 
 in peace and safety. Thou who makest the 
 outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice, 
 grant that we may now conclude the day with 
 Thee. 
 
 Blot out, Ave pray Thee, from thy book what- 
 ever Thou hast seen amiss in us this day, Avhether 
 in the desires of our hearts, in the Avords of our 
 mouths, in our tempers, or in our acts. Give 
 us godly sorroAV for eA'ery short-coming, and a 
 steadfast resolution to amend and improve in time 
 to come; and do Thou noAv sprinkle us Avith the 
 blood of the Lamb, that Ave may rejoice in the 
 sense of thy forgiveness. 
 
 We bless thy holy name for Avhatever good 
 we have been enabled to do this day. Not unto 
 us, Lord, but unto thy name be the praise. 
 ^\^e likewise thank Thee for Avhatever temptation 
 Ave may have been enabled to overcome. Lord, 
 still keep us, for Ave cannot keep ourselves. Oh, 
 grant that Ave may be kept by the poAver of God, 
 through faith, unto salvation ; and that after 
 all the trials and labours of life are ended, Ave 
 may find ourselves numbered among thy chosen 
 people. 
 
 Accept, Ave pray Thee, our intercessions for all 
 mankind. Bless our dear friends and relatives, 
 and make them partakers Avitli us of thy blessing. 
 Bless the universal Church of Christ, and grant 
 that the multitude of them that belicA^e may be 
 of one heart and of one soul. May a spirit of 
 liberality abound among them, and may they do 
 good, and communicate to their poorer brethren. 
 Give, Ave pray Thee, to all Christians holy consis- 
 tency, that they may be just and honest, truthful 
 and conscientious, and avoid all things contrary to 
 their profession. 
 
 We beg to commend to Thge, God, thine 
 ancient people, the Jcavs. Take away the veil from 
 their minds, that they may see Christ in the Old 
 Testament, and that they may acknoAvledge Him 
 to be the true Messiah. 
 
 Look with pity, Ave beseech Thee, on the dark 
 places of the earth. Increase, Lord, the labourers 
 in thy vineyard, and do Thou dispose the hearts 
 of those on Avhom Thou hast bestoAved thy gifts, 
 that they may seek a share in the ministry of 
 Jesus, and strive to Avin souls to Him. 
 
 Do Thou sustain us and refresh us during 
 the night, and grant that, if aa'C are spared to 
 see another day, Ave may consecrate it to Thee. 
 But, Lord, if Thou shouldest require our souls 
 this night, oh, take us to Thyself, to dwell for eA'^er 
 with Thee in heaven, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 206- ] 
 
MoRNDsra.] 
 
 THIETIETH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [EVKNINO. 
 
 KEAD IN HOT,Y SCRIPTURE JOSHUA IX. 1—16. 
 
 /^ REAT and eternal God, who dwelle.st in glory 
 ^J and majesty, help us with reverence to approach 
 unto Thee. Let our supplication arise from the 
 sense of our necessities, and be the prayer which 
 goeth not out of feigned lips. Thou hast per- 
 mitted us as a family to gather once more before 
 Thee, as we enter on another day. We thank 
 Thee for the refreshment of sleep. We acknow- 
 ledge the wisdom and the goodness with which 
 Thou hast appointed alternate seasons of labour 
 and of repose. We laid us down and slept ; we 
 awaked, for the Lord sustained us. We bless 
 Thee that we are now strengthened for the work 
 of this day. We give thanks for the support of 
 our bodily and mental powers, for the bounties of 
 tliy providence, for the endearments of relation- 
 ship and domestic affection, and for all tlie bless- 
 ings which tliy hand bestows. Blessed be the 
 Lord, who daily loadeth us with his benefits. 
 
 We especially thank Thee for the light of thy 
 Holy Word : and whilst we prize tiie fuller dis- 
 coveries of thy will, and of thy great designs in 
 the Gospel of thy Son, we bless Tliee for these 
 early records of thy dispensations in the past. 
 May we be instructed by what v,e hax'c now read. 
 May we be as earnest in laying hold of eternal 
 life as those of Avhom we have been hearing were 
 in reference to their tempural safety. Give us all 
 to embrace the opportunity which we now have of 
 entering into a state of peace and harmony with 
 Thee. Let it be our highest desire that we may 
 possess thy favom*, and share the blessed fellowship 
 of thy jjeople. Make us truthful and sincere in all 
 our deahngs with Thee, since, though creatures may 
 deceive one another. Thou canst not be mocked, 
 and knowe-st us altogether. Let our attention to 
 religion be st^lenui reality. Help us all to embrace 
 from the heart thy salvation, by })utting away eur 
 sins, and by true faith in Jesus our Saviour. Thus 
 may wo enter into covenant with Thee, and become 
 thine. Lnpress us, too, with the necessity of asking- 
 counsel of Thee in all things, since we are in our- 
 selves so liable to error. May thy guidance be 
 sought in every step ; and do Thou save us from 
 being deceived by false appearances and evil sub- 
 tlety, and lead us in a right path. 
 
 Direct and help us in all the duties of this da}'. 
 May all our works be begun, continued, and ended 
 in Thee. Arm us against temptation. Keep us 
 from all evil, whether in word or action. Save us 
 from infirmities of temper. Cleanse the thoughts 
 of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit. 
 Prepare us for any trials which may befall us, and 
 order ail for our good. Hear tlms our voice in the 
 morning, and accept these our praises and prayers, 
 for the sake of Clu'ist our Saviom*. Amen. 
 
 REA.D IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS V. 17-42. 
 
 MERCIFUL God, and Heavenly Father, we 
 I'i thank Thee that Ave can draw near to Thee 
 this night, in peace and safety, no man daring to 
 make us afraid : that we can read together thy 
 Holy AVord, and Avorship Thee without let or 
 hindrance. As our outward circumstances are 
 favourable, so let our hearts be disposed to make 
 good use of this sacred opportunity. 
 
 God, our fathers have told us, and we have 
 read in thy Holy Word, how persecutions and 
 troubles have followed those who in old time 
 testified for Thee, and who, by their faithful tes- 
 timony, have secured for us the blessed freedom, 
 and the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, 
 which we in these days enjoy. May we remember 
 how dearly these privileges have been bought ; 
 may we value them more highly, and use them 
 more thankfully. We praise Tlice, God, that 
 tliy truth hath triumphed, that neither kings nor 
 nations have prevailed against it, and that all that 
 resist it must fall before it and perish. We thank 
 Thee that, notwithstanding all the craft of the 
 wicked one, and the malice of ignorant men, th\' 
 Gospel is still extending its sway over the hearts of 
 men, and the time fast approaching when the earth 
 shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord, as 
 the waters cover the seas. 
 
 ■ Oh, take out of the way everything that opposeth 
 and exalteth itself against the Lord Jesus; bring 
 back into the way of truth all ^vho liave erred or 
 are deceived ; shed forth uj)on all the Church thy 
 Holy Spirit ; remove the fears of the doubtful, and 
 give faith and strength to the wavering. 
 
 W^e confess that when we ought to have obeyed 
 Thee alone, the fear of man has often been a snare 
 to us ; and in seeking to please men we have for- 
 gotteu our duty to Thee. Oh, pardon us for this ; 
 make us truly sorry lor such folly and ingratitude, 
 and make us hejiceforth bold aiid unflinching in 
 doing what is pleasing to Thee, and in obeying 
 God, rather than men. We pray for all who may 
 be called to suffer for so doing, and to witness for 
 Thee, either at home or abroad. Strengthen them 
 according to their need; suffer not the enemy to 
 obtain an advantage o\'er them, but bring them out 
 of the fiery trial, rejoicing that they are eomited 
 worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. 
 Thou almighty Ijord and Saviour, give us grace 
 to be faithful unto death; to suffer with Thee, 
 Lord, for thy sake; to be ready not only to be 
 bound, but to die for the Lord Jesus. Acknow- 
 ledge us as thine ; confess us before thy Father ; 
 and, though unworthy, vouchsafe to us, in accord 
 ance with thy gracious promise, the crown of life 
 which fadeth' not away. We ask all in the name 
 of Jesus. Amen. 
 
 [ 207 1 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 THIRTIETH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA X, 1-14. 
 
 OGOD of our life, Ave thank Thee that we have 
 arisen this morning in health and peace. Our 
 sleep has been sweet, and we have met toa;ether 
 as a family in comfort and safety, because Thou, 
 Lord, hast sustained us. 
 
 And now, our God, hear us, as we ask for 
 ourselves the help we need this day. We know not 
 what may be required of us, or what may befall 
 us. The way of man is not in himself: it is the 
 Lord that directeth his steps. Guide us by thy 
 counsel, strengthen us with thy grace, so that, 
 whether in duty or in trial, we may do thy will, 
 and glorify thy name. Especially, heavenly 
 Father, we implore hel]) in our spiritual calling. 
 We have duties to discharge, temptations to resist, 
 and virtues to cultivate : to these we feel ourselves 
 unequal, but Thou hast promised as our day our 
 sti'ength. Thou, blessed Redeemer, hast said, 
 " My grace is sufficient for Thee." Strengthen, 
 God, that which Thou hast wrought for us. May 
 our souls be in health, and enjoy prosperity. Give 
 us, we pray Thee, peace and joy through believing, 
 that we may go on our way, Avhatever its obstruc- 
 tions or difficulties, rejoicing. 
 
 We earnestly pray for our beloved Sovereign 
 and all the Royal Family. Endow them with 
 heavenly grace, and prepare them for the crowjis 
 which never fade. Give wisdom to our senators, 
 judges, and magistrates ; may all our officers be 
 peace, and our exactors righteousness. Make our 
 country, we beseech Thee, a blessing to the 
 world. Strengthen, we entreat Thee, all the 
 ministers of religion, that they may be men of God, 
 faithful, devout, and holy, and determined to 
 know nothing among men but Christ Jesus and 
 Him crucified. Make all the teachers of our youth 
 to know their responsibilities, that the children 
 may be so trained in thy way that they ma}' never 
 depart from it. May parents and children walk 
 together in the paths of holiness, and finally dwell 
 together in their Father's house in heaven. 
 
 We dare not leave thy throne of grace with- 
 out entreating the forgiveness of all our sins. 
 How numerous and aggravated have been our 
 offences ! but our hoi)e is in that precious blood 
 wjn'ch cleanses from all sin. Thou art rich in 
 mercy to all that call upon Thee; oh, hear and 
 pardon us, for the sake of Jesus, who died for our 
 offences, and ruse again for our justification. 
 With the consciousness of pardon Ave Avould rise 
 from our knees, and go to the labours of the 
 day. Oh, graciously accompany us; speak Avith 
 us, that Ave may speak with Thee. liift upon us 
 the light of thy countenance, that Ave may praise 
 and magnify thy name noAv and for evermoiv\ 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRirXUKE ACTS VI. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and most merciful Father, we 
 -^ draw near to Thee in the name Thou delight- 
 est to honour. We feel that we need an Advocate 
 with Thee, for in e\erything Ave come short of 
 thy glory. Our hearts are naturally full of sin; 
 there is no health in us. But Ave look nj) to tjie 
 atonement of thy dear Son, and his ceaseless ir. - 
 tercession for us in thy presence. BestoAv upon 
 us a sweet sense of thy pardoning grace, and of 
 our acceptance in thy sight. May Ave have the 
 daily experience of tliy forgiveness. Grant that 
 every doubt and fear which disturbs us may be 
 dis])elled, and that avc may rest in undoubting 
 confidence on thine exceeding great and precious 
 promises. Lord, if any of us have never yet 
 desired that blessedness, aAvaken us uoav to seek 
 for it. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy compassionate care of 
 us through another day. To Thee Ave OAve it that 
 Ave have been preserved in health ana strength, 
 and that while others have been in trouble and 
 sorrow. Thou hast given us refreshing rest. Sup- 
 plied by thy bounteous hand, and covered by thy 
 Avings, may avc learn to trust Thee more and 
 more for Avhat is seen and temporal, and to seek 
 first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, 
 the blessedness of Christ's friendship, conformity 
 to his image, and fruitfuhiess in his service. 
 Remember Avith thy favourable kindness our be- 
 loA-ed kindred. Thou good Shepherd of the sheep, 
 bring every one of them into thy fold, that they 
 may feed in its green pastures, and drink at its 
 still waters: then, as the flock is broken on earth, 
 oh, re-unite it in the Avorld above. Vie beseech 
 Thee for thy universal Church. Do Thou increafe 
 the number of thy people, aiul clothe them Avith 
 the beauty of holiness. Raise up many faithful 
 pastors, Avho shall give themselves continually 
 to prayer, and to tlie ministry of thy Word. 
 Fill them Avith the Holy Ghost and Avith Avisdom, 
 and enable them to Avalk blamelessly before 
 Thee. Defend those avIio are Avitnessing for 
 Thee in high places, or in heathen lands. Inspire 
 them Avitli a courage Avhich none can gainsay or 
 resist. We magnify Thee for the example of thy 
 saints in ages past, for the noble army of martyrs, 
 for the glorious comi)any of the prophets and apos- 
 tles, for our own pious fathers and countrymen. 
 Furnish thy truth with a succession of such 
 standard-bearers, till Thou Thyself shalt return 
 in glory, and every knee shall boAV at thy foot- 
 stool. Through the loneliness of the night be 
 Thou our guardian ; sleeping or Avaking, may our 
 thoughts be Avith Thee. We make these our 
 })etitions for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord 
 aiid Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 208 2 
 
MOKNESTG.] 
 
 THIRTIETH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA XXII. 11—29. 
 
 FATHER of mercies, we thank Tliee that once 
 more we are permitted to come to thy throne 
 of grace, to render unto Thee the homage of our 
 hearts, and to supphcate thy favour. In the morn- 
 ing will we direct our prayer unto Thee, for Thou 
 art the fountain of all good, and the strength of 
 our life. 
 
 Every day as it dawns upon us is a fresh proof 
 of thy love ; for thy mercies are new every morn- 
 ing, and Thou dost crown our lives with thy loving- 
 kindness and tender mercy. Oh, that gratitude may 
 be awakened in our hearts, with every acknowledg- 
 ment of thy bounty. Thou who dost cause the 
 darkness of the night to flee away, and the light 
 to shine upon us, do Thou visit our souls with thy 
 salvation, remove from our hearts the darkness 
 of sin, and gladden us with the light of thy coun- 
 tenance. Help us this day to walk in the light, as 
 Thou art in the light, and to have fellowship with 
 Thee and thy Son Jesus Christ. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, that we have liberty of 
 access to thy mercy-seat at all times, and that, 
 wherever we are, we may worship Thee ; for our 
 gracious Saviour has taught us that Thou 
 art a Spirit, and they that worship Thee must 
 worship Thee in spirit and in truth. Enable us by 
 thy grace to use aright the high privilege Thou 
 hast bestowed upon us, and to live in daily com- 
 munion with Thee, the Father of our spirits. May 
 we ever dwell in thy tabernacle, and enjoy the 
 sweet tokens of thy presence. Conscious of our 
 unworthiness, we would, whilst adoring Thee for 
 thy mercy, confess unto Thee our numerous trans- 
 gressions. Do Thou extend thy pardoning love to 
 us, and forgive all our sins. Grant that the love 
 of sin may be taken out of our hearts, and that we 
 may turn from it as that which Thou dost hate. 
 Teach us that our true happiness is not to be found 
 in the way of transgression, but in doing thy 
 righteous will. Implant within us a holy, reveren- 
 tial fear, and respect for thy Word, that we may 
 be kept from the paths of the destroyer. Shed 
 abroad thy love in our hearts, and draw out our 
 affections to Thyself, as our supreme and everlast- 
 ing portion. Strengthen us to resist temptation, 
 and to overcome every evil desire of our corrupt 
 natures ; we would pray Thee to preserve us, and 
 to hold up our goings in thy paths, that our 
 footsteps slip not. 
 
 We bless Thee that Thou hast laid our help on One 
 mighty to save, on One whose grace is sufficient for 
 us day by day, whose blood cleanseth us from all sin, 
 and whose powef is able to keep us from falling. 
 In his name we present our petitions ; and to Him, 
 and unto Thee, and to the Holy Spirit, we will 
 give all the praise for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS VII, 1—29. 
 
 GRACIOUS and merciful Father and God, who 
 hast magnified thy name in thy counsels of 
 old ; help us this night to look back with adoring 
 gratitude on all the way by which Thou hast led 
 and art still leading thy people, to the eternal en- 
 joyment of the good things which Thou hast 
 provided for them in Jesus Christ. 
 
 We are utterly worthless in thy sight. Even when 
 we have been most enriched with the tokens of tliy 
 love, we have forgotten Thee, and have walked in the 
 ways of our own heart. But Thou art Jehovah, 
 Thou changest not ; therefore yve are not con- 
 sumed. This is our only confidence, that Thou art 
 gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great 
 kindness. Grant that, being taught by the Holy 
 Spirit our own deep guiltiness before Thee, and thy 
 readiness to forgive and accept us, we may flee to 
 the cross of Jesus as our only refuge from thy 
 righteous condemnation. 
 
 We magnify the grace by which thy people have 
 in every age been called, enlightened, and sus- 
 tained. We adore the faithfulness with which 
 they have been guided, corrected, and saved. 
 Lord, we feel that we have nothing to rest upon 
 but thy grace and faithfulness. As believers in 
 Jesus, the crucified and risen One, we know that 
 we can claim a share in thy promises, and 
 in thy fatherly love. Lord, take away, we 
 pray Thee, these evil hearts of ours, and give 
 us clean hearts, that we may perfectly love Thee, 
 and worthily magnify thy holy name. Amid all 
 our trials and difficulties, do Thou guide and direct 
 us. Hold up our goings in thy paths, that our 
 footsteps slip not. Increase our faith in thy pro- 
 mises, and give us such experience of thy love, 
 that we may find pleasure in a ready and constant 
 obedience to thy commandments. 
 
 Take away. Lord, all bitterness, wrath, and 
 malice out of our hearts. Give us the mind that was 
 in Christ Jesus, that with lowliness and meekness 
 we may esteem our brethren in Him better than our- 
 selves ; that we may love thy people everywhere, 
 because they are thine, and recognise their claim 
 to our sympathy and care ; and that we may avoid 
 all words and acts that gender strife, or that may 
 wound the hearts of thy children. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for the grace bestowed 
 on thy people in every age ; through which many 
 have departed this life in hope of a glorious resur- 
 rection, through thy dear Son. Grant to us, we 
 beseech Thee, the same grace, that while we five 
 we may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in 
 all things, and when we die we may die in the 
 Lord. Make us to remember that the night is 
 coming; and prepare us for an eternal day in 
 heaven, for Jesus Clu-ist's sake. Amen. 
 
 L 209 J 
 
 No. 27. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTIETH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA XXIII. 
 
 OTHOU mighty and glorious God ! hear us for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Preserve our land in 
 peace ; give the people prosperity, and raise men 
 among us, wise, valiant, godly, as was Joshua. 
 We have seen, Lord, the many mighty works 
 which Thou hast done for us, whereby we have 
 been made a great nation ; and we remember thy 
 noble deeds in behalf of our forefathers, whom 
 Thou didst deliver from the darkness and bondage 
 of Popery. We have been delivered, Lord, 
 from the thrall of idolatry, from the deceitfulness 
 of image-worship : may we evermore cleave unto 
 Thee ! Let the old be wise, the young be pru- 
 dent, the rich liberal, the poor faithful. May 
 Jesus Christ be the prince whom we serve, and 
 heaven the home for which we long ! 
 
 Pardon all our sins. Teach us rightly to use the 
 world, to do good day by day, and be truly thank- 
 ful. Whatever our lot, how many soever our 
 trials, and great our dangers, may we remember 
 that as Canaan was divided among Israel, so has 
 our land been divided unto us, and the lot of every 
 man fixed by the hand of God. " Show unto the 
 poor that they are poor because they would have 
 been less happy, less useful, and more likely to die 
 in sin, had they been born rich ; and the rich have 
 a wealthy place that they may do good, and help 
 the poor man as they themselves would be helped 
 of Christ. God ! bless them both ; may the 
 poor and the rich meet before Thee : the poor to 
 be comforted, and the rich to be owned as good 
 and faithful. 
 
 Have mercy upon the wicked of our land. Let 
 them not perish by the darts of Satan, as did the 
 Canaanites by the sword of Israel.^ Win them 
 back, God, unto Thyself; let them not be wicked 
 any longer. Holy Ghost, deliver the people, 
 lest they die in their sin ; give them repentance 
 unto salvation, and translate them from the power 
 of darkness into the kingdom of thy dear Son. 
 Ai'e we not all wicked ? Great God, who can say, 
 " I am righteous?" Are we not all passing away, 
 going as all the earth goes ? Oh, let thy mercy, 
 which rests upon us and saves us ; and thy Spirit 
 which dwells in us and guides us ; rest upon and 
 save, dwell in and guide, all flesh : that Thou 
 mayest be glorified. 
 
 We bless Thee for the good things of earth, and 
 the promise of better things in heaven. May our 
 every step this day bring us nearer to Jesus, in 
 heart and life, that, through thy grace, we may 
 strive in all things to have a conscience void of 
 offence towards Thee and towards all men. May 
 we never go back from Thee, but be daily growing 
 in grace and in godliness. We offer all our peti- 
 tions through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS VII. 30—60. 
 
 HOLY and gracious God, in thy pity and love, 
 let thy Holy Spirit teach and help us to pray. 
 Bestow upon us true repentance and faith, and let 
 us not depart from thy presence unforgiven and 
 unblessed. Teach us, Lord, to value our oppor- 
 tunities, and especially to number our days and 
 apply our hearts unto wisdom. Thou hast added 
 another week to our lives, and the account of it is 
 now befoi-e Thee, with all our sins, and frailtifes, 
 and neglects. Spare us, good Lord, spare us, whom 
 Thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood, and 
 let not thine anger turn against us. Oh, make 
 us grateful for thy daily goodness, for the gifts of 
 thy providence, the food and the raiment which 
 Thou hast provided, and, above all, for the grace 
 wdiich keeps us from falling utterly from Thee, 
 and being led captive of the devil at his will. So 
 impress on our hearts a deep and abiding sense of 
 all which Thou hast done for us, that we may see 
 the wickedness of all those sins of which we are 
 guilty, and be ashamed of them and forsake them. 
 We long, Lord, to be more perfectly consecrated 
 to thy service, and to be more manifestly conformed 
 in temper and character to the image of thy dear 
 Son. Lord grant us this blessing for Christ's sake. 
 May we believe in Him as a sacrifice for sin, and 
 also endeavour daily to follow the blessed steps of 
 his most holy life. 
 
 We implore thy blessing for all who are bound 
 to us by ties of affection and friendship. Let thy 
 good Spirit guide them and us in the way of peace 
 and godliness. Fill all our hearts with more love to 
 Thee, that thy service may be a delight and a joy 
 to us. Be gracious and merciful to the young 
 [and especially to those of this family]. Enable 
 them as they grow in years to grow in grace and 
 in the knowledge of our Lord and Savioiu' Jesus 
 Christ. Bring them into thy fold, that the ranks 
 of the Lord's people may be swelled continually by 
 the accession of new disciples, who, like thy ser- 
 vant Stephen, may be full of faith, and not 
 ashamed to confess Christ even to death. Give 
 thy grace to all thy people, and grant that in all 
 their trials, and in the persecutions that may come 
 upon them for the truth's sake, they may exhibit 
 the meekness and gentleness of Christ. Endue 
 thy ministers with special help for the duties of 
 thy holy day. Give them a message for all who 
 shall come to thy house. Turn the feet of the 
 Sabbath-breaker and of the ungodly from the 
 paths of evil ; bring them into the assemblies 
 of thy people, and bow their hearts at the feet of 
 Jesus. 
 
 Hear us, Lord, for thy mercy is great, and 
 help and answer us, for the sake of thy dear Son, 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 210 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIRST WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOSHUA XXIV. 
 
 OLORD God, enable us, we beseech Thee, to 
 recall thy merciful dealings with us, from the 
 beginning until now, and in thy presence, on this 
 holy day, to lift up our hearts in praise and thanks- 
 giving. We thank Thee for the blessings of thy 
 daily providence, and the continuance of thy pro- 
 tecting care. Above all, we thank Thee that Thou 
 didst not leave us to perish in our sins, but, in 
 thy great compassion, hast redeemed us by the 
 death of thy dear Son. We thank Thee for the 
 message of reconciliation, and we pray, God, 
 that it may never be heard coldly or carelessly by 
 any of us. Oh, that the rich mercies of thy 
 redeeming love may call forth daily songs of 
 praise, and every renewed experience of thy good- 
 ness quicken in us a more fervent desire to conse- 
 crate ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, to thy 
 service. Enable us, in the spirit of sincere self- 
 sacrifice, to devote ourselves to Thee, feeling that 
 we have been redeemed, not with corruptible things, 
 as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of 
 Jesus Christ ; and that it is our highest privilege, 
 and should be our greatest joy, to do in all things 
 thy will. 
 
 Mercifully bless us in all the engagements of 
 this day. Enable us to sanctify it to Thee. Let it 
 be to us a day of spiritual as well as bodily rest. 
 As we assemble in the congregation, help us in all 
 humbleness of mind to draw near to thy throne of 
 grace. So convince us of sin, that our prayers 
 may rise from hearts yearning for forgiveness. 
 So reveal unto us our own deep need, that we may 
 come to Thee hungering and thirsting after righte- 
 ousness. May thy love encourage us, and the 
 warnings of thy wrath kindle within us a holy 
 fear. Open our hearts as the heart of Lydia, that 
 we may receive with meekness the word which is 
 able to save our souls. 
 
 We implore thy blessmg on all who are united 
 to us by ties of kindred or friendship. [Blessed 
 Saviour, who didst suffer the little ones to be 
 brought to Thee when upon earth, look tenderly 
 and graciously on the children of our house- 
 hold, and win their hearts to thy service.] Let 
 the tokens of thy presence be seen in all congre- 
 gations who meet to-day in thy name. Clothe 
 the lips of thy ministers with words of truth, 
 and kindle their hearts with fervour, as* they pro- 
 claim the unsearchable riches of Christ. Assist 
 Sunday-school teachers. Cheer the hearts of 
 all missionaries in their distant fields of labour, 
 and so abundantly pour out thy Spirit on all 
 flesh, that there may be a great increase of true 
 believers, and that thy Name may be exalted. 
 Answer us and bless us, and to Thee shall be all 
 the glory. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS VIII. 1—25. 
 
 HOLY and blessed Lord God, behold us in 
 mercy as we draw near to the throne of thy 
 heavenly grace, to offer up our evening prayer. 
 Bestow upon us thy Holy Spirit, that He 
 may show us our sinfulness, and reveal to us the 
 riches of thy grace and the freeness of thy mercy 
 in Christ Jesus. 
 
 We acknowledge with shame our deep sinfulness 
 before Thee, Lord. Enter not into judgment with 
 us, God, but grant unto us deep penitence and 
 sincere repentance, that we may return to Thee 
 with all our hearts, and evermore serve Thee with 
 all our power. 
 
 We thank Thee that the Gospel which of old 
 was preached in the cities and villages of Samaria 
 has reached our ears, and that the Holy Ghost, 
 who wrought effectually in the hearts of those who 
 then believed, is here, able and willing to work 
 in us, and to bring every thought into captivity 
 to the obedience of Christ. Holy Spirit, we be- 
 seech Thee to take possession of our hearts ; to 
 rule and govern our wills ; to sanctify our thoughts, 
 desires, and motives ; and make us wholly and for 
 ever the children of God. We pray that Thou 
 wouldest strengthen our faith in thy Divine word, 
 and help us constantly to realise its blessings. 
 We pray that Thou wouldest assure us of our 
 adoption into the family of God, and that TJiou 
 wouldest lead us, in all humility and loving con- 
 fidence, to our heavenly Father ; that in all our 
 trials and sorrows, as well as all our prosperity and 
 joy, we may have communion with Him, and with 
 his Son Jesus Christ. Draw us, Holy Spirit, 
 nearer and nearer to our God, that we may have 
 more frequent and fervent prayer, sweeter and 
 holier fellowship with Him who is our life. Oh, 
 that we may henceforth live in the Spirit, walk in 
 the Spirit, and bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. 
 
 We offer to Thee, heavenly Father, our 
 humble and grateful acknowledgments for all the 
 blessings of this Sabbath day ; for rest from worldly 
 care ; for temporal mercies ; but more especially 
 for the spiritual favours Thou hast granted us. 
 We bless Thee for thy Holy Word, the preaching 
 of the Gospel, the privileges of prayer and praise, 
 and for communion with thy people and Thyself 
 Let thy blessing follow all these engagements, and 
 help us to bring forth fruits of holiness to thy 
 praise and glory. 
 
 We humbly beseech Thee to crown with thy 
 blessing the efforts of tliy servants who to-day 
 have sought to extend the knowledge of Jesus 
 Christ. Answer Thou the prayer of thy universal 
 Church, that thy kingdom may come, and thy will 
 be done in earth as it is done in heaven. We ask 
 it all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 r 211 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIRST WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JUDGES II. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God and heavenly Father, we 
 thank Thee for the mercies of the past night, 
 and the blessings of this returning day. We 
 thank Thee for all the bounties of thy providence, 
 and all the gifts of thy grace. Oh, make us more 
 sensible of thy goodness, and enable ns to show 
 forth thy praise not only with our lips, but with 
 our lives. 
 
 We confess that we are unworthy of the least of 
 thy mercies. In thought, word, and deed, we have 
 transgressed thy holy commandments, and grieved 
 thy Holy Spirit. No language is too humble, no 
 attitude too lowly, for us sinners. If Thou wert 
 extreme to mark what we have done amiss, Lord, 
 we could not abide it. We plead before Thee the 
 merits of Jesus ; we ask thy pardon in his name, 
 and for his sake. Cause Us to know, in our own 
 happy experience, that He is able to save to the 
 uttermost all that come to Thee through Him. 
 Enable us, through faith, to realise the blessedness 
 of the man whose transgressions are forgiven, and 
 whose sins are covered. Oh, hear us in heaven 
 thy dwelling-place; and when Thou hearest, for- 
 give. And not only blot out the sins of the past, 
 but give us grace and strength against sin for the 
 future. Help us, this and every day, to lay aside 
 every weight, and the sin that doth most easily 
 beset us. Give us power against all evil, and so 
 conform us to the image of thy dear Son, that we 
 may increase ever more and more in all the gifts 
 and graces of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 We pray, not only for ourselves, but also for 
 others. Bless all who are near and dear to us, 
 and supply all their need. Guide them by thy 
 counsel here, and afterwards receive them to glory. 
 
 Have compassion on all who are in sorrow, 
 whether of mind, body, or estate ; give them 
 patience under all their trials, and a happy issue 
 out of every affliction. May the light affliction, 
 which is but for a moment, work for them a far 
 more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 
 
 We commend to thy love and tender mercy 
 our gracious Sovereign and all the Royal Family. 
 Spread around them the shield of thy protection, 
 and cause them to live in thy faith and fear. May 
 we be a people fearing Thee, and adorned with 
 that righteousness which exalteth a nation. 
 
 Above all things, do Thou grant that this and 
 every day which is added to our lives may be 
 faithfully spent in thy service, and dedicated to 
 thy glory. May we daily be more mindful of the 
 things which belong unto our peace, and daily be 
 more conformed to the likeness of thy dear Son. 
 
 Hear us, gracious God and Father, and do for 
 us exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or 
 think, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS VIII. 26-40. 
 
 OGOD, Father of all mercies, help us now to 
 praise Thee, and to pour out our hearts in prayer 
 before Thee. We thank Thee that Thou hast 
 guarded us, guided us, and provided for us 
 through another day. We are spared, preserved, 
 and loaded with thy benefits, notwithstanding our 
 transgressions against Thee. We adore Thee for 
 the bounties of thy providence, and acknowledge 
 that we are unworthy of the least of thern. 
 
 But above all, we praise Thee for thine unspeak- 
 able gift. We bless Thee that Thou didst not 
 spare thine own Son, but didst deliver Him up, 
 the just for the unjust. We thank Thee that 
 He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, that He 
 poured out his soul unto death, and Thou didst 
 lay upon Him the iniquity of us all. O Lamb 
 of God, that takest away the sin of the world, 
 have mercy upon us ! 
 
 God, we need the teaching of the Spirit; 
 baptise us, we beseech Thee, with his renewing 
 power. May the Comforter take of the things of 
 Christ and show them to us. Enlighten us, 
 blessed Spirit; to behold the glory of God in the 
 face of Jesus Christ. Make us thankful to re- 
 ceive instruction from any of thy servants who 
 are enabled to expound the Word of life ; but 
 may we depend entirely on Thyself to convey the 
 truth with power to our souls. 
 
 Deliver us, 0. God, from the fear of man, which 
 bringeth a snare. Give us boldness to confess 
 Christ before men, both with our lips and in our 
 lives. May we honour all thine ordinances, and 
 never be silent when we ought to speak for Thee. 
 
 righteous Father, crown with success the 
 efforts of thy people to publish the Gospel to all 
 mankind. When thy ministers preach Jesus, may 
 they never speak in vain ; may their words, through 
 thy grace, awaken dead souls to eternal life in 
 Christ our Lord. We pray for the wealthy and 
 powerful, that, like the Ethiopian treasurer, they 
 may be humbled at the feet of Jesus. Teach them 
 the vanity of earthly riches ; incline them to spend 
 and be spent for the glory of Christ and the good 
 of men. Comfort those who are poor in this world ; 
 make them rich in faith, and heirs of thy kingdom. 
 
 Gracious God, smile upon us and all connected 
 \yith us. May those at the head of this household 
 be guided with wisdom from above in all their 
 duties. Teach them to set a holy example to all 
 who dwell under their roof [Bless the children of 
 this family ; may they be born again of thy Spirit, 
 and trained for glory.] 
 
 Grant, heavenly Father, that we may rest in 
 peace this night ; and on the morrow may we rise 
 rejoicing in thy love, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 r 21 ?, 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIRST WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JUDGES VI. 6—23. 
 
 MOST merciful and gracious God, by whose 
 kind providence we are permitted again to 
 come to thy throne of grace, accept our sincere 
 thanks that thy mercies are new to us every day, 
 and that Thou dost bless the most unworthy when 
 they seek Thee through thy dear Son. Kept 
 safely through anotlier night, and raised up again 
 from our beds to discharge the duties of another 
 day, we come to Thee now for those fi'esh supplies 
 of grace, wisdom, and strength which we require 
 for the riglit and conscientious discharge of our 
 several duties. 
 
 Make us duly sensible of our insufficiency, 
 that we may know tlmt all our sufficiency 
 is of Thee. Suffer us not to trust in our 
 own strength of body or mind, but enable us to 
 lean on thine almighty arm, stretched forth to 
 support and direct ub. We know, Lord, by our 
 own experience, as well as by the record concern- 
 ing thine ancient people, that we are liable to 
 forget thy presence, and to do evil ; and that, by 
 reason of our misdeeds, as well as to tiy our faith. 
 Thou dost sometimes permit the enemy to prevail 
 against us. We rejoice, however, to know that 
 when thy people cry unto Thee, they are delivered. 
 Lord, we cry unto Thee now, and our prayer is. 
 Hold Thou us up, and we shall be safe. Keep us 
 this day without sin ; and as Thou hast raised up 
 a mighty Deliverer for us in the person of thy dear 
 Son, enable us to fight manfully under Him, the 
 Captain of our salvation, and to continue Christ's 
 faithful soldiers and servants unto our lives' end. 
 In thy providential dealings with us this day, show 
 us some tokens for good, that we may be encou- 
 raged to trust in Thee. Touch our hearts by thy 
 power, and kindle within us such a fire of Divine 
 love, that we may be living sacrifices unto Thee, and 
 may know that we are of God by the Spirit which 
 Thou hast given us. Let the peace of God rule in 
 our hearts, and whatsoever we do in word or deed, 
 enable us to do all in the name of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, giving thanks unto God and the Father by 
 Him. 
 
 If there be any amongst us not duly sen- 
 sible of the value of true religion, give them grace 
 to know that godliness is profitable for all things. 
 Let thy Spirit bring home the truth to their hearts, 
 and impart unto them the knowledge of salvation 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bless our relations 
 and friends. Bless our Sovereign and all our rulers. 
 Give them grace to execute justice and to maintain 
 truth. Dispel all moral and spiritual darkness, 
 and hasten the day when the Sun of righteousness 
 will arise upon a benighted world, and give true 
 light to every soul. All we ask is in Christ's 
 name, and for his sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS IX. 1—22. 
 
 OLORD Jesus Christ, to whom all power is 
 given in heaven and in earth, we desire to 
 thank Thee for thy great glory. We praise Thee 
 for thy loving -kindness towards thy redeemed 
 Church, which Thou art exalted to reign over for 
 ever. 
 
 Thou dost permit thy people to suffer persecu- 
 tion for the Word's sake, yet dost Thou never 
 leave them. Should we be called to bear reproach 
 and suffering for Thee, we pray Thee to make us 
 faithful, and to overrule the trial for good. May 
 we never be ashamed to own Thee, and never 
 shrink from suffering in thy cause. 
 
 But what are we, that we should enjoy quietness 
 and peace, none making us afraid ? Surely this is 
 a token of thy undeserved favour. Yet would we 
 examine ourselves, whether we are not lukewarm 
 and faithless in thy service, feeble-minded, and 
 unable to resist unto blood, sti'iving against sin ; 
 whether, therefore, Thou dost not the rather spare 
 us because of our unworthiness to suffer shame 
 for thy name. Lord, thy very goodness calls for 
 deep searchings of heart. Help us to deal truly 
 with ourselves, and to condemn and to correct 
 whatever is amiss. 
 
 But Thou dost also magnify thy gi'ace on 
 thy bitterest foes. Thou didst in thine Apostle 
 St. Paul show forth all long-suffering for a 
 pattern to them that should after believe on 
 Thee to life everlasting. We thank Thee for 
 this wondrous record of thy love and power. 
 Thou didst arrest him in his mad career, re- 
 vealing Thyself as Him whom hQ persecuted, 
 convincing him of his sin, and bringing him 
 to repentance and newness of life. Exercise, 
 Lord, the same power now in the midst of thy 
 enemies. Let the persecutor and injurious lowly 
 submit themselves at thy feet. Let those who are 
 afar off, whether Jews or Gentiles, be brought 
 nigh. If any here present are not truly thine, 
 save them from sin and unbelief. 
 
 And now, Lord God of our salvation, accept, 
 we humbly beseech Thee, our grateful tribute of 
 praise for the mercies of the past day, for life and 
 health preserved to us, and for the supply of our 
 unnumbered wants. May we read thy goodness 
 in all thy providential dealings, whether afflictive 
 or comfoi'ting, and meekly submit ourselves to thy 
 blessed will. Extend thy merciful protection over 
 us this night. Refresh us with seasonable sleep, 
 and fit us for the duties ©f the morrow. We 
 commend ourselves, and all whom we would re- 
 member in prayer, to thy grace and ever-watchful 
 providence : and we ask all these mercies in the 
 name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ 
 Amen. 
 
 C 213 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIRST WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JUDGES VI. 24—40. 
 
 GLORY be to Thee, God, because Thou hast 
 protected us during the past night, and given 
 us rest and sleep. As Thou hast renewed unto 
 us the morning light, we pray Thee to renew our 
 minds by thy Holy Spirit. 
 
 Follow with thy blessing, we pray Thee, the 
 reading of thy Word. Grant that we may be 
 nourished and grow thereby. Make us to take 
 increasing delight in thy law, and to meditate in 
 it day and night. Cause its sacred impressions to 
 abide with us during the day, influencing our life, 
 so that we may not be merely hearers but doers of 
 thy word. 
 
 Fill our hearts, Lord, with Christian love. 
 Make us kind and gentle, and courteous and meek 
 towards all men ; and grant that we may adorn 
 the Gospel by the sweetness of our tempers, and 
 the amiability of our lives. Deliver us from all 
 hardness of heart, and harshness, and suspicion, and 
 uncharitableness, lest we should repel others from 
 the religion which we profess. 
 
 Grant us likewise, God, the gift of holiness. 
 Help us to bear in mind that without holiness no 
 man shall see the Lord. May we be ready to 
 suffer for righteousness' sake, and count it an 
 honour and a joy. Prevent us from ever sanction- 
 ing, or encouraging, or pleading for what is wrong 
 or doubtful. May we never be partakers with the 
 unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove 
 them. And whilst we are striving to counteract 
 the evil around us, and to influence others for good, 
 grant that we may not ourselves be lukewarm or 
 worldly, but that we may have the daily anointing 
 of the Holy Ghost, and be continually living in a 
 spiritual and heavenly frame of mind. When Thou 
 pourest out thy blessings upon thy people, forget 
 not us, Lord ; grant that we may not be dry 
 while there is dew on all around. 
 
 Save us, blessed Lord, from self-deceit and from 
 wrong views of thy character. Impress upon our 
 minds that Thou, God, seest us, and that there is 
 not a word on our lips, nor a thought in our hearts, 
 but Thou, God, knowest it altogether. Make us 
 sensible of oiu* own mercies. Teach us the number 
 of our gifts, and privileges, and advantages. 
 
 We humbly beseech Thee, let thy blessing ac- 
 company us during the day that is before us. 
 Lord, let us not forget Thee, and hide not Thou thy 
 face from us. Help us to keep a conscience void 
 of offence towards Thee, and towards all men. 
 Enable us to walk circumspectly, not as fools, but 
 as wise, redeeming the time ; so that when we come 
 together again to offer our evening sacrifice, our 
 hearts may not reproach us with any wilful sins. 
 Hear us, God, in these our prayers, for the sake 
 of Jesus Clirist our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS IX. 23—43. 
 
 OTHOU, who art glorious in holiness and fearful 
 in praises, — before whom the angels veil their 
 faces ; — great need have we to blush before Thee. 
 
 • • .1.... 
 
 We were born in sin and conceived m iniquity, 
 and have transgressed in thought, word, and deed 
 against thy holy precepts. Every day's experience 
 makes us sensible, that there is no health in us, 
 and that how to perform that which is good we 
 cannot find. But there is forgiveness with Thee ; 
 and Thou hast Thyself graciously taught us, that 
 if we sin, we have an advocate with Thee, Jesus 
 Christ the righteous, and that He is the propitia- 
 tion for our sins. We therefore venture to appear 
 before Thee : oh, help us to cleanse our defiled robes 
 and to make them white in the blood of the Lamb ; 
 and again assure us of our perfect forgiveness 
 through Him, who died for us and rose again. 
 
 And, Lord, we beseech Thee, take not thy 
 Holy Spirit from us ; but vouchsafe to us richer 
 communications of thy grace, Give us true re- 
 pentance for the past; — that contrite heart and 
 godly sorrow, which need not be repented of ; — and 
 for the time to come enable us, through the Spirit, 
 more effectually to mortify the deeds of the body; — 
 to grow in grace and in conformity to thy Divine 
 nature ;— and to go on from strength to strength 
 until we finally appear before Thee in Zion. 
 
 And now Lord, we beseech Thee, give rest to 
 thy Churches in these our days, as we have just 
 heard with our ears Thou didst in the days of 
 old. Let all, being rooted and grounded in Christ, 
 the only foundation, be edified in Him. May 
 all who call themselves Christians, be enabled 
 to walk in the fear of the Lord, and in the 
 comfort of the Holy Ghost, Make thy people 
 everywhere full of good works and alms deeds, as 
 Thou didst thy servant Tabitha ; that others, be- 
 holding their light, may turn to the Lord, and that 
 the number of the faithful may be greatly multi- 
 plied. Reveal Thyself to many, as Thou didst to 
 thy servant Saul : speak to them in the way, 
 Lord, and turn them from darkness to light, and 
 from the power of Satan unto God. 
 
 Send forth thy blessed Gospel into all lands. 
 Speak Thou the promised word, and great shall 
 be the number of them that publish it. Bless 
 our beloved Sovereign with thy richest mercies. 
 Bless all the Royal Family; especially him, who 
 is likely hereafter to be ruler over us. Give to all 
 our senators wisdom, — the spirit of counsel, and 
 the spirit of the fear of the Lord. Give grace 
 to all estates and conditions of men. And finally 
 accept our humble thanks and praise for thy great 
 mercies, thy long-suffering, and forbearance : all 
 which we ask in the name and through the media- 
 tion of Jesus our Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 C 214 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIKST WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [EVENENQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JUDGES VII. 
 
 OLORD of Hosts, who art worshipped by all 
 the inhabitants of heaven, who go and come 
 most willingly at thy holy command, and are 
 delighted to obey the will of their King ; we also 
 would humbly present ourselves at thy footstool, 
 and implore Thee to accept the cheerful homage 
 of our hearts through Jesus Christ. 
 
 We confess unto Thee that the weakness of our 
 nature and the naughtiness of our hearts has raised 
 up against us many and powerful enemies ; and we 
 have one great and terrible adversary of our souls, 
 to whose malice we are subject, and to whose fiery 
 darts we are exposed. We acknowledge that we 
 have become too much accustomed to the bondage 
 and tyranny of sin, but we groan and sigh for 
 deliverance from our spiritual enemies, and from 
 the bonds of those sinful habits and ways by which 
 we have so grievously been bound. Grod, we 
 have fallen by our iniquity, and in Thee alone is 
 our help found. We look on the right hand, there 
 is none to help but Thee ; we look on the left hand, 
 there is none other that fighteth for us but only 
 Thou, God. 
 
 When endeavouring to get the better of our sins, 
 we have too often trusted in ourselves ; we have 
 thought vainly that we could successfully contend 
 with them and overcome them, but they have been 
 too many for us. We would henceforth put no trust 
 in our own strength, but would go in the strength of 
 the Lord God, even of Him who came to put away 
 sin and overcome the wicked one. To this end do 
 Thou give us faith in the Lord Jesus, that we may 
 take Him as our leader ; help us to believe in his 
 severe conflict with sin and Satan, and in his 
 triumphant victory ; and whenever we contend 
 with Satan, help us to remember we are fight- 
 ing with one already overcome for us, and 
 deprived of his deadly power by the victorious 
 Son of God. 
 
 Lord Jesus, we would renew this morning 
 the consecration of ourselves, soul and body, to 
 thy service, that we may follow and obey Thee 
 as the Captain of our salvation. Make us humble 
 yet faithful soldiers of the Cross. Clothe us 
 with the whole armour of God, that we may be 
 able to stand in the evil day. Cover us with the 
 shield of faith ; teach us how to use thy Holy 
 Word, the sword of the Spirit; put upon us the 
 helmet of salvation, and clothe us with righteous- 
 ness and holiness of life ; defend us against our 
 unseen enemies ; preserve us from the treachery of 
 our sinful hearts; and lead us forth day by day 
 conquering and to conquer, through the merits and 
 grace of our Saviour, to whom we would ascribe, 
 with the Father and the Holy Spirit, all might, 
 glory, and dominion for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS X. 1—23. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, we come once 
 more before Thee as the shades of evening are 
 around us, to offer our imited worship. Let our 
 prayer be set forth before Thee as incense, and the 
 lifting up of our hands as the evening sacrifice. 
 Through this day Thy love has brought us. We 
 sought thy guardianship in the morning, and now 
 we say, " Hitherto the Lord hath helped us." We 
 thank Thee for life and health, and active power, 
 and for all the manifold mercies which strew our 
 path. Above all, we adore Thee for the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, who is our hope, and through whom 
 we have confidence of access to Thee. For his 
 sake we beseech Thee to forgive the shortcomings 
 and sins of this day, and of our past lives. Pardon 
 our coldness of heart, our languor in thy service, 
 our defects of motive, our frequent failure to im- 
 prove the opportunities of life. As he that is 
 washed needeth yet to wash his feet, we would 
 seek the pardon of our daily imperfections through 
 our Saviour's all-cleansing blood. 
 
 Let a blessirig rest on all in which we have been 
 engaged to-day. Prosper, if it please Thee, our 
 earthly employments, and continue to supply our 
 temporal needs. May we ever be without excessive 
 carefulness, and whilst in everything, by prayer and 
 supplication with thanksgiving, we make known 
 our requests unto Thee, let thy peace keep our 
 hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Bless any 
 efforts in which we may have taken part for ad- 
 vancing the kingdom of thy Son. Prosper Thou 
 our poor endeavours. 
 
 May we gather instruction from the events and 
 experience of the day, and learn the lessons which 
 thy providence affords. Teach us, too, from thy 
 Word which we have now read. As we see how 
 the knowledge and fear of Thee can sustain under 
 all temptations, we ask Thee to uphold us by thy 
 hand under all the dangers to which we are or may 
 at any time be exposed. Thou dost guide those 
 who wait habitually on Thee ; we therefore pray 
 Thee to lead us into the knowledge of truth and 
 the way of duty, and to make us also useful to 
 others. 
 
 We thank Thee that the Gentiles are now 
 brought into thy Church, and that we partake of 
 the privileges of thy people. May we stand by 
 faith. We pray for the nations yet in heathen 
 darkness. Let the dayspring from on high visit 
 them, and guide their feet into the way of peace. 
 Give abundant success to missionary labour, and 
 send forth more labourers. Let the Spirit be 
 poured out from on high, and the wilderness be a 
 fruitful field, and the fruitful field be counted for 
 a forest. Hear and accept us, through Christ our 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 C 215 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIRST WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL I. 9—28. 
 
 OTHOU Father of mercies, it is meet and right, 
 and our bounden duty, that we should bless 
 Thee, for Thou hast kept us through the night 
 watches, Thou hast renewed our health and 
 strength; it is thy sun which now lights us, and thine 
 air which we breathe. Nor are these thy best gifts 
 to Us. We sit under the vine and fig-tree of Chris- 
 tian privilege. We have thy Word to make us wise 
 unto salvation, thy Spirit to sanctify us, thy be- 
 loved Son to redeem us. Surely the lines have 
 fallen to us in pleasant places, and we have a 
 goodly heritage. 
 
 Let a sense of thy exceeding kindness abide with 
 us evermore, and be our peace, and be as the cords 
 of love to bind us to thy service. 
 
 To that service we humbly desire to dedicate 
 ourselves, in a sober, righteous, and godly life. 
 Thy vows are upon us ; confirm and aid us in the 
 discharge of them. May we be faithful unto death 
 in temptation ; in tribulation, patient ; in business, 
 diligent ; content with such things as we have, and 
 ever mindful of that strict and solemn account 
 which we must one day give before thy judgment- 
 seat for the deeds done in the body. Lord, whilst 
 Thou dost search and try us, do Thou apply the 
 blood of sprinkling, and the washing of regenera- 
 tion : then shall we be whiter than snow. 
 
 In reading of thy handmaiden, we have been 
 reminded that Thou art the hearer of prayer, that 
 no sigh nor tear escapes us but Thou writest it in 
 thy book. Enable us to value our opportunities of 
 seeking thy face. In the closet, and in the sanctuary, 
 as we walk by the way, may we lift up our eyes to 
 heaven, and pour out our petitions before Thee. 
 Let no slothfulness or fear prevent us from 
 knocking at that door from which none are sent 
 empty away. 
 
 If Thou hadst not been merciful to us times 
 without number, we had sunk in the waves of 
 trouble, or yielded in the evil hour. Thine answers 
 to our prayers have been precious to us. Draw thy 
 people everywhere to commune with Thee. Bring 
 them into thy banqueting-house, and let thy 
 banner over them be love. 
 
 Preserve and bless our Sovereign. Be a mouth 
 and wisdom to our magistrates and judges. Exalt 
 this nation in righteousness. Let thy purposes of 
 compassion to our lost world prosper in the hands 
 of thy missionary servants ; and hasten tliat happy 
 period when Jew and Gentile, bond and free, shall 
 unite in the same glad song which thy saints are 
 singing before thy throne. 
 
 Lord, we commend ourselves to thy protection 
 and governance, and taking thy yoke upon us, we 
 once more go forth to our work until the evening. 
 
 All this we ask and offer in Jesus' name. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS X. 24—48. 
 
 IMPRESS on all our hearts, we beseech Thee, 
 Spirit of the living God, the precious truths 
 we have now read. We have heard the words 
 of the living God ; enable us to receive them 
 with faith, and to obey them. We rejoice that 
 Thou, God, art no respecter of persons ; 
 for in every nation he that feareth Thee, and 
 worketh righteousness, is accepted with Thee. 
 Search out and bring to light thy hidden ones ; 
 reveal Thyself to them more fully ; show unto 
 them thy salvation, and bring them to confess Thee 
 before the face of men. Thou, God, hast granted 
 unto Gentiles repentance unto life ; may the Jews, 
 thine a.ncient family, share also in the blessing. 
 Take away the veil from their hearts ; may they 
 behold the beauty and glory of Jesus, the true 
 Messiah, and acknowledge Him to be their Lord 
 and Saviour. Pour out thy Spirit on all flesh. Let 
 the people praise Thee, God ; let all the people 
 praise Thee. 
 
 our God and Father, who humblest Thyself 
 to behold the things that are done on the earth, and 
 dost specially reveal Thyself where two or three 
 meet together in the name of thy dear Son, vouch- 
 safe thy gracious presence to us now that we are 
 assembled at thy footstool. We come to offer our 
 evening sacrifice of prayer and praise. We would 
 lift up holy hands without wrath and doubting; 
 and would so live together as a family, that our 
 prayers may not be hindered. Accept our thanks- 
 givings for the favours so abundantly bestowed 
 on us this day. Thou hast fed us and clothed us ; 
 Thou hast preserved our health, and protected us 
 from danger. These blessings Thou hast of thine 
 own free bounty bestowed ; but we would acknow- 
 ledge them also as given in answer to our morning 
 prayer. We sought them at thy hand, and Thou 
 hast mercifully granted them at our request. Wo 
 would again approach Thee, and ask Thee, as 
 we retire to rest, to grant us thy renewed pro- 
 vidential care. During the defenceless hours of 
 sleep, God, be our Guardian and our Friend, 
 and when morning dawns may we stiU find our- 
 selves with Thee. 
 
 Forgive, we pray Thee, for the sake of Christ 
 Jesus our Lord, all the sins of this day. Our 
 personal offences and our family failings ai*e many ; 
 but we entreat Thee to blot them all out of 
 the book of thy remembrance. Cleanse our hearts 
 and purify our thoughts. Shed thy Holy Spirit on 
 us, that we may speak more freely and gratefully 
 to Thee of all thy goodness and mercy to us ; and 
 when our days of meeting and of praise are closed 
 on earth, may we rise to an eternal day in thy 
 presence. These mercies and favours we ask for 
 Christ the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 21R 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY- FIRST WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL 11. 1-17. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, beside whom none other 
 is holy, and who art the only rock of our sal- 
 vation, we desire to thank Thee for thy many and 
 great mercies. We thank Thee especially for 
 keeping us and those near and dear to us safely 
 during the night which is past, and for refreshing 
 us for the discharge of the duties of another day. 
 
 Thou alone, Lord, killest and makest alive. 
 Thou bringest down to the grave and bringest up. 
 Thou makest poor and makest rich. Teach us, we 
 pray Thee, during the day on which we are about 
 to enter, to put our whole confidence in Thee alone. 
 Dispose us humbly to accept, as that which in thine 
 infinite wisdom Thou knowest to be best for us, 
 whatever condition and circumstances of life Thou 
 seest fit to appoint. Thou hast graciously promised 
 to keep the feet of thy saints. Watch over us, we 
 beseech Thee, at this present time, and protect us 
 both in body and soul. Give us also, now that 
 we are going forth to the active business of life, such 
 an abundant measure of thy Holy Spirit as may 
 enable us to discharge faithfully the duties assigned 
 to us. Keep us also from being led away by wicked 
 spirits or wicked men, or from being polluted by 
 the pomps and vanities of the world. 
 
 We confess that our sins against Thee have been 
 many and great. We have transgressed in thought, 
 word, and deed. We have left undone those 
 things which we ought to have done, and done 
 those thino;s which we oufjlit not to have done. 
 By Thee actions are weighed. But be not Thou 
 extreme, Lord, to mark what is amiss in us. 
 Rather raise up, we pray Thee, us poor miserable 
 sinners out of the dust. Lift up us wretched 
 beggars from the dunghill ; not for our own sake, 
 Lord, for we have no merits to plead, but for the 
 merits of thy dear Son, our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Do Thou vouchsafe to set us 
 amongst princes, and make us inherit the throne of 
 thy glory. By strength shall no man prevail ; but 
 the pillars of the earth are thine, and Thou hast set 
 the world uf)on them. Give strength, therefore, 
 unto us, who are wholly unable to help ourselves, 
 and exalt the horn of thine Anointed. 
 
 And since, in order to godliness and prosperity, 
 it is above all things necessary that thy Holy Word 
 should be faithfully preached, and thy holy sacra- 
 ments duly administered, we pray, Almighty God, 
 that there may never be Avanting amongst us a 
 sufficiency of learned, devout, and faithful 
 ministers. Save them, O Lord, from the sins 
 which in the days of Eli made men abhor the 
 offering of the Lord, and sanctify them, so that 
 they may be a savour of life unto life. Wj ask 
 all through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be 
 everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XI. 
 
 ALMIGHTY, eternal, and gracious Jehovah ; 
 the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and 
 the God of Jacob; the God and Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ: we thank Thee for the glorious 
 Gospel which reveals to us a Saviour, and assures 
 us of pardon, peace, and salvation in Him. The 
 hearing ear and the seeing eye Thou hast made ; 
 the believing heart is thy gift ; Thou preparest it 
 to receive the incorruptible seed, even thy Word, 
 which liveth and abideth for ever. 
 
 Thou hast purchased to Thyself an universal 
 church by the precious blood of thy dear Son, the 
 members of which are gathered from the east, and 
 from the west, from the north, and fi'om the south. 
 The middle wall of partition between Jew and 
 Gentile Thou hast broken down ; both are now 
 one in Christ Jesus ; both reconciled unto Thee in 
 one body by the cross. Peace is proclaimed by 
 Jesus to them which were afar off as well as to 
 them which were nigh, and all have access by one 
 Spirit unto the Father. Called as Christians into 
 the visible Church of Christ, we bear that Name 
 which is above every name that is named, not only 
 in this world, but in that which is to come. Sufter 
 us not to rest content with mere outward profession, 
 but give us grace to walk M^orthy of so high and 
 holy a calling ; unite us to Jesus by a living faith, 
 and enable us to adorn the doctrine of God oiu' 
 Saviour in all things. 
 
 Lord, our faith is weak , increase and 
 strengthen it, we beseech Thee. Give us thy Holy 
 Spirit to quicken our understandings, that we may 
 understand the Scriptures ; to open our eyes, that 
 we may behold wondrous things out of thy law ; 
 and to make the name of Jesus precious to us. 
 
 Bless the labours of thy ministers at home and 
 abroad, and fill our hearts with joy and gladness 
 when tidings of fresh spiritual conquests are 
 brought home to us, through the agency of the 
 ministering servants throughout the world. 
 
 We thank Thee for that providential care which 
 has supplied our wants during this week, and 
 surrounded us with many blessings. We com- 
 mend to thy fatherly care all who are in sickness, 
 distress, or trouble. Give them patience under 
 their sufferings, and a happy issue out of their 
 afflictions. Raise up friends to help the needy and 
 necessitous, and sanctify all trials and afflictions to 
 the soul's welfare. 
 
 And now that we are about to lie down to rest, 
 grant us such refreshing sleep as may fit and pre- 
 pare us for a right use of our Sabbath privileges ; 
 and with the morning light raise us up in safety, 
 fit us for the duties of the day, and make it a day 
 of blessing to us all, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 I 217 J 
 
 No. 28. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SECOND WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL II. 22-36. 
 
 ETERNAL Jeliovali, glorious in holiness, liow 
 shall sinners such as we are approach unto 
 Thee? We here see, in the light of thy Word, 
 that Tliou art of purer e^-es than to behold iniquity, 
 and that Thou wilt by no means clear the guilty. 
 And such, Lord, are we. We have sinned against 
 the Lord : who shall entreat for us ? We thank 
 Thee that thy mercy has enabled us to say, "We 
 have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ 
 the righteous, and He is the propitiation for our 
 sins." We plead his merits ; we trust in his inter- 
 cession ; we confess our sins ; and we plead thy 
 gracious promise that Thou wilt be faithful and 
 just to forgive us our sins. 
 
 But, holy Father, never suffer us to think 
 lightly of sin. Shall we continue in sin, because 
 we are not under the law, but under grace ? God 
 forbid ! May we ever regard it as the abominable 
 thing that Thou hatest. And forasmuch as without 
 Tliee we cannot but fall, keep us ever by thy gi-ace 
 from all things hurtful, and lead us to love thy law, 
 and to perfect holiness in thy fear. 
 
 Cause the ordinances of thy house this day, 
 through the power and presence of thy Spirit, 
 to assist and further our growth in grace. We 
 thank Thee, Lord, on this thine own blessed day, 
 not only for our creation, preservation, and all 
 the blessings of this life, but especially for these 
 means of grace, and for the hope of glory. When 
 we go up to the tabernacle of the congregation 
 to-day, may wo remember that it is none other 
 than the house of God. When approaching it, 
 when present in it, and when returning from it, 
 may we hate vain thoughts, and sanctify the Lord 
 God in our hearts. 
 
 Lord, clothe thy priests with righteousness. 
 May they be faithful to thy truth, and never suffer 
 sin to g-^ unrebuked, either in their flocks or their 
 families. May they unsparingly expose the guilt 
 of sin ; but give them at the same time so largely 
 of the spirit of Jesus that they may not break 
 the bruised reed, or quench the smoking flax. 
 Teach them to apply tenderly to convinced hearts 
 the balm of Gilead, and lovingly to point them to 
 the Physician there. Li private and domestic life, 
 may they rule their own houses well ; and in all 
 holy living may they be ensamples to their flocks. 
 Bless in particular our minister, and may great 
 grace be upon him in his holy work to-day. 
 
 And bless us, even us, our Father. Bless old 
 and young among us with all the grace we severally 
 need. Be present this day in all the assemblies of 
 thy people ; and may the Lord add to the Church 
 to-day such as shall be saved. And to Thee, by 
 Christ Jesus, shall be all the glory, now and ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XII. 
 
 OLORD our God, we praise Thee for all that 
 Thou didst accomplish for the salvation of 
 men in the days of the apostles, and for the 
 triumphs of the cross wheresoever uplifted. We 
 adore Thee for the grace Thou didst confer on 
 the flrst preachers of the truth, for the doors of 
 usefulness Thou didst open for them, and for the 
 proofs afforded, by the conversion of many, of 
 the efficiency of the Gospel to meet every human 
 want. We thank Thee that thy Word has lost 
 nothing of its power, but is still the instrument 
 of life and peace to all who believe it. We 
 bless Thee for the multitudes by whom it is being 
 diffused, for the thousands who are living in the 
 purity and joy which it gives, and for the victories 
 which it is accomplishing in many hearts and many 
 lands. Hast Thou not promised that these victories 
 shall extend ? Fulfil, we beseech Thee, the Word 
 on which Thou hast caused thy servants to hope. 
 Send forth thy light and thy truth into every land. 
 Give efficacy to the word of thy grace wheresoever 
 proclaimed, and greatly increase the company of 
 those who publish it. Let the dax'kness flee before 
 its rising, the gods of the nations fall before its 
 power, and the corruptions of men disa])j)ear before 
 its influences. Glorify thy Son, that thy Son may 
 also glorify Thee. Give Him the heathen for his 
 inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth 
 for his possession. 
 
 We bless Thee that the Gospel is kno^vn by us. 
 Verily we are a peo])le favoured of the Lord. 
 Thou hast given to us thy Word, thy Son, thy 
 Spirit, thine ordinances, and thy ministers. Oh, 
 forbid that any of our privileges should ever testify 
 against us. May we so use them as to secure by 
 them every purpose for which they were given ; 
 growing in the knowledge of Christ, reaching the 
 stature of perfect men in Him, and fulfilling the 
 whole of our mission of life. 
 
 We thank Thee for another of the days of the 
 Son of man, for the words of mercy and instruc- 
 tion to which we have listened, and for the hal- 
 lowed and happy influences of thy house. May 
 we remember the truths we have heard, follow the 
 directions to which we have hearkened, and carry 
 with us the influences and spirit of the Sabbath 
 into the associations and engagements of life. 
 Oh, suffer not any of the impressions which have 
 this day been made by thy truth to pass away. 
 Quicken, by thy Sjiirit, all the seed that has been 
 sown, and magnify thy Word in the conversion of 
 many souls. 
 
 Hear us in these our prayers, pardon our sins, 
 and take us as a family into thy keeping for the 
 night. We ask all in the name of thy dear Son, 
 Jesus Christ, Amen, 
 
 r. 218 2 
 
Morning,] 
 
 THIRTY-SECOND WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL III. 
 
 OLORD, who art the light and hfe of thy 
 people, grant us thy peace whilst we now 
 approacli thy mercy-seat, in the name of Jesus 
 Christ thy Son. Reconciled to Thee through Him, 
 may we have boldness of access to thy pre- 
 sence ; and for his sake be gracious towards us, 
 we beseech Thee. 
 
 We praise Thee for the mercies of another 
 night ; that Thou hast watched over us when we 
 were helpless, refreshed us with sleep, and raised 
 us up in safety. How many during the past night 
 have tossed restlessly to and fro upon beds of weari- 
 ness and pain ! How many have closed their eyes 
 for ever upon this world, and have entered upon 
 their eternal destiny. The dead cannot praise 
 Thee ; but the living, the living, they shall praise 
 Thee, as we do this day. 
 
 Enable us, Lord, to devote ourselves to thy 
 service. We thank Thee that Thou art ever calling 
 us, as Thou didst Samuel of old. Speak to us, 
 gracious Lord, nor suffer us to turn a deaf ear to 
 thy voice. We know not what is before us this 
 day ; but we humbly ask that we may spend it in 
 thy fear. Be near to us, as our Helper and ou'r 
 Guide. Suffer no evil to befall, no temptation to 
 assail, no sin to beguile, no spiritual adversary to 
 gain the advantage over us. May we keep very 
 close to Thee, conscious that we can be happy only 
 as Thou shalt smile, and safe only as Thou shalt 
 afford us thy protection. 
 
 Should we meet with unexpected trials, give to 
 us a s])irit of holy resignation to thy will. If 
 sorrowful tidings are brought to us, may we be 
 still, and know that Thou art God, tracing our 
 sorrows to thine appointment, and believing in the 
 infinite wisdom and loving-kindness that order all 
 the events of life. May it be enough for us to 
 know that it is the Lord. Let this rebuke 
 every suspicion, remove every fear, silence every 
 complaint. Take from us, in mercy take from us, 
 our self-will, and help us, not from coercion, but 
 frcftn choice, to submit ourselves to Thee. 
 
 Enable us so to live that we may escape those 
 chastisements with which Thou dost punish thy 
 people's sins. [May we rule our households in thy 
 fear, and train our children for Thee.] Mercifully 
 grant us the strength that we need for the faithful 
 discharge of duty, and for the meek endurance of 
 trial. We mourn because of our self-confidence, 
 our vain glory, and our pride. Oh, teach us that 
 our sufficiency is in Thee. Make us so conscious 
 of our weakness, that we may lean this day upon 
 thine arm, and glorify Thee. Pour out thy grace 
 on all our relations. May they be found in Christ 
 at the great day. Hear us for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XIII. 1—15. 
 
 MERCIFUL and gracious God, to thy name 
 be the praise for the many blessings which we 
 have enjoyed this day. Oh, awaken in us lively 
 gratitude for all thy goodness, and especially 
 for not having spared thy dear Son, on whom Thou 
 hast laid the sins of us all. Give us faith to 
 believe the word which Thou hast spoken con- 
 cerning Him, and grant that, believing in Him, 
 we may have life everlasting. We have sinned 
 against Thee, and are liable to condemnation ; but 
 we pray that for his sake all our sins may be put 
 away, and our souls be washed in his precious 
 blood. Deepen in us a godly sorrow for sin, and 
 help us to hate and forsake it. Lord, by thy 
 Holy Spirit transform and renew our hearts into 
 the likeness of thy dear Son, that we may be to 
 the praise of thy glory, and be as living epistles 
 of Christ, known and read of all men. Fill us 
 with all joy and peace in believing, and enable us 
 to abound in hope, through the power of the 
 Holy Ghost. Constrain us by the love of Christ 
 to live not for ourselves, but for Him who died for 
 us, and rose again, that we may in all things prefer 
 what is pleasing and acceptable to Thee. 
 
 We confide ourselves, and all that concerns us, 
 to thy gracious care. Our circumstances, our 
 trials and temptations, are all known to Thee. 
 We beseech Thee, God, to guide and overrule 
 them all for our good. Suffer us never to distrust 
 thy love, or to forget that not even a sparrow can 
 fall to the ground without thy knowledge. Weak 
 and ignorant as we are, we look up to Thee for 
 wisdom and guidance ; and pray that we may be 
 enabled to cling to thy promises, and rest daily on 
 thy Word. Take us into thy keeping for the 
 night. Cause thy richest blessings to descend 
 on all who are dear to us, and make them 
 partakers with us of the everlasting inheritance 
 winch Christ is gone to prepare for his people. 
 [We implore specially thy mercy on behalf of the 
 younger members of our family. From their 
 early childhood draw them to Thyself, bring 
 their wills into conformity with thine own, and 
 consecrate them to thy service by the indwelling of 
 thy Spirit in their hearts.] 
 
 Crown with success whatever has been done this 
 day for the enlargement of the Redeemer's king- 
 dom. Increase the zeal of thy people, and 
 grant that all who profess and call themselves 
 Christians may be led into the way of truth, and 
 adorn the doctrine of God their Saviour in ali 
 things. Speed onward the progress of thy truth, 
 and hasten the time when the whole earth shall 
 be full of thy glory. We ask aU for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost be all glory for evermore. AmeiL 
 
 L 219 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SECOND WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL IV. 
 
 OLOHD, our God, vouchsafe to receive us, thy 
 servants, who come before Thee, not trusting 
 in any righteousness of our own, but in thy great 
 and manifold mercy. We approach thy throne in 
 deep humihty, knowing the greatness of thy power 
 and majesty. All the hosts of heaven bow before 
 Thee in fear and reverence. We are a fallen and 
 sinful race, unworthy of thy favour and regard; 
 and yet Thou art graciously pleased to behold the 
 inhabitants of earth with thy loving-kindness. 
 
 From Thee, God, cometh all our strength and 
 wisdom, and every victory we obtain over the 
 enemies of our souls is the effect of thy grace in 
 our hearts. Be Thou mercifully with us this day. 
 Guide us continually in the way of life, and cheer 
 our hearts with the joys of thy salvation. We de- 
 sire to walk in the path of duty, to resist tempta- 
 tion, to serve and please Thee in all our doings, 
 and to glorify thy name. May thy gi«ace be suffi- 
 cient for us, and may we know the perfectness of 
 thine almighty strength. 
 
 Pardon, gracious God, all our past sins, and 
 let not our transgressions be remembered against 
 us. We rejoice to know that, if any man sin, we 
 have an Advocate with Thee : that we have a 
 merciful and compassionate High Priest, to whose 
 sympathy and intercession we may look for the 
 acceptance of our prayers. Make us to be more 
 constant in the use of our religious privileges ; 
 and may we indeed find grace to help in all time 
 of need. 
 
 Deliver us especially, Lord, from all depen- 
 dence on ourselves, or upon our own wisdom. 
 While we desire thy promises, may we love thy 
 commands, and may thy way be made plain before 
 our face. Give us the comfort of thy presence and 
 favour : since, if Thou art in the midst of us, we 
 shall not be moved ; if Thou art for us, none can 
 be against us. 
 
 And while we trust in Tliee alone for spiritual 
 mercies and temporal happiness, we beseech Thee 
 to grant that thy blessing may continue with us, 
 even to the end. May thy glory never depart 
 from our families or our churches. Day by day, 
 and year by year, we need thy protecting and 
 preserving care. Let all befoi-e Thee, in their 
 several stations, devote their hearts and lives to 
 Thee and to thy service. [May the young expe- 
 rience thy guidance, and the elder among us testify 
 to thy continual support.] Thus, as life advances, 
 may we grow in grace and knowledge, and be 
 changed ever more and more into the likeness and 
 image of thy dear Son, until at length we see Thee 
 as Thou art, in thine everlasting kingdom, through 
 the same Jesus Christ, our blessed Mediator and 
 Redeemer. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XIII. 16—52. 
 
 EVER gracious Father, we come at the close of 
 this day to bow ourselves before the throne of 
 thy grace. We have many mercies to thank Thee 
 for, and we have had fresh proof of thy loving- 
 kindness. Now let our prayer, offered through 
 the merits of our Redeemer, be set forth before 
 Thee as the incense, and the lifting up of our 
 hands be as the evening sacrifice. It is only 
 in his blessed name, and relying on his merits, 
 that we dare thus approach Thee, for our sins 
 of omission and of commission are more than we 
 can number. Thou hast chosen us and exalted 
 us to high Christian privileges , but for how 
 many years hast Thou suffered our manners, ana 
 borne with our waywardness, and our frequeUb 
 instances of rebellion. When we have looked to 
 Thee, Thou hast helped us, and made our way 
 plain before us, and afterwards we have forgotten 
 Thee again and again. Were it not that through 
 Jesus Christ is preached unto us the forgiveness 
 of sins, we should be in despair ; but, glory be to 
 thy holy name, by Him all that believe are justi- 
 fied from all things from which they could not be 
 justified by the deeds of the law. For his sake, 
 receive us graciously, and love us freely. 
 
 Let us not be of the number of those who hear 
 or read the Word of God, and yet know not 
 Christ. We rejoice that the promise which 
 was made unto tlie fathers God hath fulfilled the 
 same unto us, their spiritual children, in that ho 
 hath raised up Jesus again. Let not these great 
 blessings turn to our condemnation, through our 
 misuse or neglect of them, lest that come upon 
 us which is spoken of in the prophets, "Behold, 
 ye despisers, and wonder, and perish." Gracious 
 Lord, by thy Spirit enable us to read, mark, learn, 
 and inwardly digest the sacred truths of thy Holy 
 Word, which alone can make us wise unto salva- 
 tion, through faith which is in Christ Jesus our 
 Lord. 
 
 And let the solemn consideration that these 
 things were first preached to the Jews, and then 
 offered to us Gentiles, make us humble, and stir 
 us up to increased watchfiilness, lest we, like them, 
 put away the Word of God from us, and so judge 
 ourselves unworthy of everlasting life. Look again 
 upon thine ancient people : make them to behold 
 with the eye of faith Him whom they pierced, and 
 mourn. Hasten the time when they shall cease to 
 set themselves against the Lord, and against his 
 anointed. 
 
 [We pray for our dear children ; help us to train 
 them up for Tiiee, and to set them a right example.] 
 Bless all our relatives, and help the sick and needy. 
 Give us now refreshing sleep, and answer all our 
 petitions, for thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 220 2 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 THIRTY-SECOND WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL VI. 
 
 OLORD God, the High and Holy One, who 
 dwellest in heaven, and yet stoopest in mercy 
 to regard the supplications of thy believing people, 
 hear us and have mercy upon us. Turn not thy 
 face away because of our many sins and our great 
 unworthiness, but fulfil to us thy promises, and be 
 very gracious unto us. Cleanse us from all sin 
 in the fountain once opened. Lamb of God, that 
 takest away the sins of the world, grant us thy 
 peace. 
 
 With deep humility and reverence, God, we 
 crave thy Divine help and strength for the day to 
 which Thou hast brought us. Leave us not to our- 
 selves, or our own wisdom, for it is but foolishness. 
 Guide and direct us in all our words and works, 
 and enable us in everything to consider what will 
 please Thee. We are set in the midst of many 
 and great dangers, tlu'ough the weakness of our 
 own hearts, and the temptations of the world and 
 the devil, and by reason of the frailty of our 
 nature, we cannot always stand upright. Grant us 
 thy protection, and uphold us by thy power, that 
 we may be kept from all evil, and fall this day into 
 no kind of sin. Give us such a constant seiise of 
 thy love to us, that we may love Thee, and cheer- 
 fully obey thy commandments. 
 
 Graciously overrule and direct all things for our 
 good. Li the midst of prosperity and peace, we 
 would never forget whence these blessings come. 
 Li the experience of trial or disappointment we 
 desire to bow submissively to thy will. We com- 
 mend both ourselves ar|.d all whom we love to thy 
 merciful care during this day. [Look in special 
 tenderness on the young members of our family. 
 Preserve them from sin, and fill their hearts with 
 love to Thee and thy dear Son. Incline them in 
 all things to do thy will ; may they find thy ways 
 to be ways of pleasantness and peace.] 
 
 We thank Thee for the renewed mercies of the 
 morning. Enable us to trace thy hand in all our 
 blessings, and especially to remember with daily 
 gratitude all that Thou hast done for us in and 
 througii thy dear Son. We would shun the sin of 
 unthankfulness, and ascribe to Thee all praise and 
 glory for thy goodness and love. 
 
 Regard with thy favour our Sovereign, and all 
 in authority. Let Divine wisdom preside in their 
 councils, and a gracious Providence overrule all 
 their plans and purposes for thy gloiy and tlie in- 
 crease of true godliness in the land. Attend 
 with thy blessing the labours of all faithful pastors, 
 and teachers, and missionaries. Bring many this 
 day to the cross of Jesus. Make thy people 
 zealous of good works, and glorify Thyself in the 
 purity and obedience of thy Church. We ask it 
 all for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XIV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, by whose 
 kind and gracious care we have been safely 
 brought to the close of another day, help us to 
 approach thy footstool with humble, grateful, and 
 loving hearts. We praise Thee that thy tender 
 mercies are over all thy works, and that thy 
 loving-kindness is especially shown to them that 
 fear Thee, and delight in thy commandments. We 
 bless Thee that all the day long Thou hast been 
 our Guide and Friend, keeping us in the way we 
 should go, prospering our labours, and filling our 
 mouths with food and gladness. 
 
 How wonderful and mysterious, our Father 
 m heaven, are the dispensations of thine hand to 
 thy most faithful servants and thy dearest children I 
 We trace in thy Holy Word the progress of thy 
 servants by whom the Gospel was first proclaimed 
 to men. We see them rejected by the heathen, 
 hated by their own brethren, and persecuted even 
 unto death ; but we see them endued with the 
 grace of patient perseverance and continuance in 
 well-doing. We praise Thee, Lord, who didst 
 fill them with thy Spirit, and crown their labours 
 with such great success. Let their example ani- 
 mate us, who are so languid in zeal, that we also 
 may not grow weary in well-doing. Especially 
 give us the same spirit of courage and holy fidelity 
 to Thee, that we may never fear to testify for 
 Christ, and make known to our fellow-men the 
 riches of thy grace. 
 
 Lord, we acknowledge with shame our want 
 of love for thy service, and the numerous sins 
 that mark our progress every day. But we bless 
 Thee that the blood of Jesus Christ, thy Son, 
 cleanseth us from all sin ; and we once more repair 
 to that fountain which Thou hast opened for sin 
 and uncleanness. Let us have the sweet assurance 
 that our sin is covered, and that our transgressions 
 are blotted out, so that there may be peace in our 
 consciences as we lie down to rest. 
 
 We pray Thee to let thy favour rest upon all our 
 beloved friends. Enfold them in thy kind embrace. 
 If they are in trouble, do Thou comfort them ; and 
 in all their necessities do Thou draw them unto 
 Thyself, that they may find strength in the Strength 
 of Israel. Bless our country, and give us peace. 
 Let our gracious Sovereign be guarded by thy 
 watchful care. Give wisdom and grace to all our 
 rulers ; and let this land, so long and so signally 
 favoured by thy goodness, be evermore a sanctuary 
 for liberty and pure religion, and a source of 
 spiritual light to the whole world. Thus we com- 
 mit ourselves into thy gracious hands, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee, 
 Father, and Thee, O Holy Ghost, our triune 
 God, be equal honour and endless praise. Amen. 
 
 C 221 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 THIRTY-SECOND WEEK.— TH UiiSDA^:, 
 
 [EvENi:Na. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL VII. 1-15, 
 
 OLORD, our God, we are now in thy presence ! 
 Solemnise our minds, we pray Tliee, and aid 
 us by thy Holy Spirit to draw near to Thee through 
 that blessed Redeemer who is the Way, the Truth, 
 and the Life. 
 
 We humbly confess that, like thine ancient 
 people, we have sinned against the Lord. If we 
 liave not fallen into gross idolatry, we have in 
 heart often backslidden from Thee, and provoked 
 Thee to withdraw from us thy presence and favour. 
 We deeply need thy pardoning mercy ; we plead 
 the merits of the great Sacrifice ; we trust in the 
 Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the 
 world, and who ever liveth to make intercession 
 for them who come unto Thee by Him. But we 
 would not rest satisfied with the forgiveness of our 
 past sins. We would return unto the Lord with 
 all our hearts, and serve Him only. Help us to 
 resist the powerful temptations of Satan. By faith 
 may we overcome the world, and still more fer- 
 vently we ask Thee to strengthen us to resist 
 and subdue the pride, selfishness, and sensuality of 
 our fallen nature. May we walk in the Spirit, 
 that we fulfil not the lusts of the flesh. 
 
 We praise Thee for thine abounding mercies to* 
 us in past years. Thou hast delivered our soul 
 from death, our eyes from tears, and our feet from 
 falling, and we would gratefully exclaim, "Hitherto 
 the Lord hath helped us." Another night bears 
 witness to thy watchful love and care. We have 
 laid us down to sleep , we have awaked, because 
 Thou hast sustained us. We are here, the living, 
 to praise Thee. Bless, we beseech Thee, each 
 member of this family with all temporal and 
 spiritual good. May we dwell together m unity, 
 peace, and the fear of the Lord. May our inter- 
 coiu'se be sanctified by thy grace and presence. 
 Increase the number of those who call upon thy 
 name, who acknowledge the Lord to be their 
 God ; and hasten the time when in every family 
 there shall be an altar erected to thy praise. 
 
 Bless those who occupy important positions 
 among thy people. May they be men who have 
 understanding of the times, and who know what 
 Israel ought to do. Make them mighty alike in 
 counsel and in prayer. 
 
 And now, Lord, we pray Thee to be with us 
 this day. Amid the busiest scenes of life may the 
 thought of thy presence rest upon our mind. May 
 we set the Lord always before us. Make us up- 
 right, truthful, and honourable in all our transac- 
 tions, and let us seek to have a conscience void of 
 offence towards God and towards man. Grant that 
 in nothing we may dishonour thy holy name. 
 
 These mercies we entreat in the name of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XV. 1-21. 
 
 FATHER of mercies, we adore Thee as the foun- 
 tain and giver of every good and perfect gift. 
 Help us this evening to surround thy throne with 
 devout thankfulness for all the mercies that have 
 attended our path this day. We confess our utter 
 unworthiness of the least of thy mercies, for we 
 have all sinned, and come short of thy glory. How, 
 then, shall we bless Thee for the grace that willeth 
 not the death of a sinner, but preferreth that he 
 should turn from his wickedness and live ? Turn 
 us, God of our salvation, and we shall be saved, 
 through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 We thank Thee, God, for the grace shown to 
 thine ancient people the Jews, for the Gospel 
 preached before unto Abraham ; but we bless Thee 
 much more for the Gospel which is now the glad 
 tidings of great joy to all people. We thank Thee 
 for the removal of every hindrance to the unity of 
 mankind through a crucified Saviour. We adore 
 Thee that Thou hast visited us who were once afar 
 off, to make of us a people to glorify thy name. 
 Help us to appreciate as we ought to do the infinite 
 freeness of thy salvation. May we never rest our 
 hope on ceremonial observances, from whose yoke 
 Thou hast graciously released us, nor let our piety 
 become formal and lifeless. 
 
 We adore the grace which has entrusted us with 
 this glorious Gospel for diffusion in all the world. 
 Make us faithful, we beseech Thee, to our gi'eat 
 commission. Give us the most Christ-like com- 
 passion for perishing souls. May we join with 
 angels in rejoicing over sinners that repent and turn 
 to God. Hasten the time when the heathen world 
 shall have heard the Gospel and believe. Bless the 
 churches of Christ in heathen lands, with all their 
 native teachers, evangelists, and pastors. May 
 every minister and missionary of the cross be filled 
 with the Holy Ghost and with power. Keep them 
 from all error. Make us all ready to contend 
 earnestly for the faith once delivered to the 
 saints. Give us grace to see Christ in all the 
 Scriptures, and therefore to cling to thy Word with 
 ever-growing zeal. Help us to abstain from all 
 appearance of evil. Having the Gospel, may we 
 live according to the Gospel, purifying our hearts 
 by faith in Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and 
 the Life. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we commend each other, and 
 all we love, Avith all who love us, to thy watchful 
 care this night. May our sleep prepare us for the 
 duties of the morrow, if thy mercy spare us 
 to another day. In many things we have all 
 offended against Thee this day. Blot out our 
 iniquity, for it is great, and grant us thy peace. 
 Hear and answer us, we beseech Thee, for Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 222 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SECOND WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL VIIL 
 
 OLORD God omnipotent, who art the King of 
 all the earth, from whom proceed all mercies, 
 temporal as well as spiritual, we present ourselves 
 before Thee, to acknowledge all thy goodness 
 towards us. We bless Thee that Thou hast spared 
 us to the beginning of another day, and that Thou 
 art pouring afresh all thy benefits uj)on us, pro- 
 viding for all the wants of our body, and supplying 
 spiritual good for our souls. Truly, thy mercies 
 are new every morning, and great is thy faith- 
 fulness. 
 
 But, while we acknowledge thy gracious dealings 
 with us, we feel that we are utterly unworthy of 
 the least of all thy mercies. Our transgressions are 
 many and great. We entreat Thee to forgive and 
 blot out by the blood of thy dear Son all that we 
 have done amiss, the sins of our heart and of our 
 life ; and enable us by thy grace to resist every 
 temptation to evil, and to Avallc in thy ways. 
 
 In entering upon our daily duties, and in coming 
 in contact, as we must, with the world, we dare not 
 lean on our own wisdom, or on our own strength. 
 Be near, Lord, to guide and uphold us ; and 
 constrain us, under a deep sense of thy presence, to 
 be bold for what is right, and faithful in contending 
 against all evil. Make us watchful and circum- 
 spect in all our conduct, that we may give no 
 occasion to the enemies of thy truth to blaspheme. 
 Write the precepts of thy Word in our heart, that 
 we may not sin against Thee. Amid all our en- 
 gagements, may it ever be our chief aim to grow 
 in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 We entreat thy favour, gracious Lord, on all dear 
 to us. May every member of our family be drawn 
 by the power of thy Holy Spirit unto Christ, and 
 made a partaker of his salvation. Bestow thy 
 mercy also on all who are connected with us, 
 whether as friends and neighbours, as fellow-wor- 
 shippers, or fellow-labourers in thy cause. Pour 
 upon them the riches of thy grace continually. 
 
 Deal mercifully with our country. Continue all 
 thy mercies to us, and fill our hearts with thank- 
 fulness for them. Abundantly bless our Sovereign. 
 Be thou always her guide and strength, her consola- 
 tion, and her peace. Look graciously upon all the 
 Royal Family. Endue them M'ith thy Holy Spirit, 
 enrich them with thy heavenly grace, prosper them 
 with all happiness, and bring them, through thy 
 mercy, unto thine everlasting kingdom. Merci- 
 fully cause thy Holy Word to have free course 
 and be glorified. Give abundant success to all 
 preachers and teachers, and daily bring many 
 souls into the fold of thy Church. 
 
 We present all our supplications and prayers in 
 the name of thy dear Son Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XV. 22—41. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, who from day to day re- 
 -i^ vealest unto us thy goodness and mercy, 
 and em'ichest us with the bounties of thy provi- 
 dence and the blessings of thy grace, incline 
 thine ear to our prayer, and accept, we beseech 
 Thee, our united tribute of thanksgiving and praise. 
 We desire to worship Thee in spirit and in truth. 
 Oh, awaken in us heartfelt gratitude and love, and 
 kindle our affections as with heavenly fire, that with 
 all fervour of spirit we may delight to speak thy 
 praise, and to tell what the Lord hath done for us. 
 We thank Thee that Thou hast kept us safely 
 amidst the dangers of the day now past. We feel 
 that in many things we have fallen short of what 
 it was our duty to do, and thereby have displeased 
 Thee, and brought on our souls the guilt of sin. 
 How coldly have we served Thee \ with what slow 
 and sluggish hearts have we fulfilled thy will ; how 
 frequently have we forgotten thy presence, and 
 preferred our own way to thy way, and followed the 
 promptings of our own hearts instead of thy 
 gracious Spirit's teaching and guidance. Forgive 
 us, we pray Thee, all our offences and disobedience. 
 It is our comfort to know that Jesus died for us, 
 and that his blood cleanseth from all sin. Cleanse 
 us, and blot from the book of thy remembrance all 
 our transgressions. Open our eyes to understand 
 the great mystery of godliness, and teach us by 
 thine own Spirit the things which belong to our 
 peace. We pray that we may have faith to grasp 
 thy promises, and diligently to fulfil thy command- 
 ments. Show us, God, the evil of the sin which 
 is in us, that we may hate and forsake it. Lord 
 Jesus, come and dwell in our hearts by faith, and so 
 reveal unto us thy love, which passeth knowledge, 
 that we may be filled with the fulness of God. 
 Preserve us from the sin of putting anything in the 
 place of Christ. We desire to use all thy ordinances 
 as means of grace to our souls, but, God, forbid it 
 that we should rest on anything for peace and sal- 
 vation but the finished work of thy dear Son. 
 
 Take us under thy merciful and Almighty pro* 
 tection. Keep us during the hours of darkness, 
 and let thy presence be with us as our security and 
 our peace. We cast all our care upon Thee, for 
 Thou carest for us. We ask thy favour, not for 
 ourselves alone, but for all who are dear to us. Thou 
 knowest their wants and temptations. Bless them 
 according to their need and the greatness of thy 
 love, and overrule all things for their goodo Es- 
 pecially cause them to increase m the knowledge 
 and love of thy dear Son our Lord. 
 
 The Lord be with us and bless us; the Lord 
 lift up the light of his countenance upon us, and 
 be gracious unto us; the Lord give us peace, 
 now and ever, for his mercies' sake. Amen. 
 
 z-z-i 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SECOND WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL IX. 15-27. 
 
 LORD God, Father of mercies, Giver of every 
 good gift, bow down thine ear, and hear us. 
 We desire to begin the day with Thee, and, in the 
 remembrance of another night's protecting care, to 
 lift up our hearts to Thee in praise and thanks- 
 giving. God, we are indeed unworthy of thy 
 goodness, for we liave sinned against Thee, and 
 been ungrateful for thy mercy, and disobedient to 
 thy commands. But we are emboldened by thy 
 Word to come at all times to the throne of gi'ace, 
 and to ask mercy of Thee, and grace to help in 
 time of need. 
 
 God, give us now, we beseech Thee, these 
 blessings. We ask them in Christ's name, plead- 
 ing his merits, and resting on the assurance of his 
 perpetual intercession. If Thou forgive, who can con- 
 demn ? Gracious Father, in mercy grant us every 
 good and perfect gift ; and, above all, let the light 
 of thy love continually shine upon our hearts, that 
 we may cheerfully follow wherever Thou leadest, 
 and be willing to bear whatever cross Thou layest 
 upon us. Oh, keep us steadfast in the presence of 
 temptation, and ready in all things to deny our- 
 selves, and to follow Christ. gracious Spirit, 
 abide with us, and instruct us in the fuller know- 
 ledge of Divine things. Increase our faith, and 
 cause us to grow in grace, and in godliness, and 
 to reflect in all our life the holy example of Jesus. 
 Fill our hearts with love to God, and work in us 
 the blessed experience which witnesses to our 
 adoption, and is the earnest of coming glory. 
 
 Be with us, God, in all that we do this day. 
 Prosper us in all our plans, and purposes, and un- 
 dertakings ; and enable us to feel that Thou, God, 
 seest us. Especially grant that amidst the engage- 
 ments of time, we may be mindful of the nearness 
 of eternity, and of the coming of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. In the world, preserve us from a worldly 
 spirit, and teach us in our place and station to 
 walk circumspectly. Set a watch over our lips, 
 that we offend not in word. By thy Divine pro- 
 vidence supply our temporal wants, giving us this 
 day our daily bread. Impart to us a spirit of 
 contentedness, that we may be thankful for present 
 blessings, and leave the future in thy hand. 
 
 Be gracious and merciful to our land. Guide 
 the counsels of all in authority. Teach them what 
 is right in thy sight, and give them courage to do 
 it. Be with all thy ministers, at home and abroad, 
 and make them wise to win souls. Establish and 
 strengthen all thy people in their most holy faith, 
 and make them zealous in every good word and 
 work. For all who are dear to us we implore thy 
 grace. Watch over them, and enrich them with 
 the tokens of thy love. Hear us, and accept us, 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XVI. 1—18. 
 
 OLORD God, assist us to render unto Thee our 
 evening sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise. 
 Help us to call to mind the mercies, not only of 
 the past day, but of the past week. We cannot 
 reckon them in order unto Thee ; if we were to 
 declare and speak of them, they are more than can 
 be numbered. We bless Thee for holding us back 
 from danger, and for leading us in a safe path. We 
 bless Thee for the continued supply of our manifold 
 needs, and for the power of enjoying thy gifts. We 
 bless Thee for extending thy longsuflPering towai'd 
 us, though, by our many failures in duty and re- 
 peated transgressions of thy law, we have sorely 
 tried thy patience. For these and all thy mercies, 
 deign, most gracious Lord, to accept our ascrip- 
 tions of grateful praise. 
 
 Let thy mercy lighten upon us, Lord, as our 
 hope is in Thee. We confess before Thee that 
 during the past week, yea, during the past day, 
 we have often had evil thoughts in our hearts, 
 and in many instances have committed acts of sin. 
 Thou who searchest the heart and observest the 
 life, if we are not conscious of our sinfulness, do 
 Thou graciously convince us of it ; and let us not 
 retire to rest Avithout the assurance of thy free 
 forgiveness. For the sake of the great Sacrifice 
 that was offered on Calvary, Lord, forgive. 
 
 Be pleased to bless to us, sacred Spirit, our 
 reading of the Scriptures. Open our hearts, that 
 we may attend to its blessed truths, and be the 
 faithful followers of Jesus. [May the younger 
 members of this household become like Timothy 
 in their early knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, 
 and in their youthful devotion to Christ and his 
 service. To this end, sanctify the instructions 
 communicated to them, and the influences that 
 are brought to bear upon them, both by parents 
 and other teachers. Lord, open our children's 
 hearts to thy truth, while they are yet children.] 
 
 Lord, shelter us all to-night beneath thine 
 almighty wing. Bless us with sleep, and restore 
 us in the morning to a peaceful and happy con- 
 sciousness. Let the Sabbath-day be ushered in 
 with Thee, so shall it be to us a day of rest and 
 devotion — a time of refreshing from the presence 
 of the Lord. 
 
 We commend unto Thee thy servants who show 
 unto men the way of salvation. Assist them in 
 their preparation of mind and heart for the exercise 
 of their ministry on the morrow. We beseech 
 Thee to make the preaching of the Gospel a means 
 of spiritual life to all who hear it; and let the 
 kingdom of Christ be established through tho 
 world. Hear us, Lord God, according to thy 
 great compassion, and abundantly answer and bless 
 us, for our Saviour's sake. Amea. 
 
 L 224. ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 THIRTY-THIRD WEEK— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTUEE 1 SAMUEL X. 1—9, 18—27. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, our gi-acious Father, we 
 thank Thee for the ordinance of the Sabbath ; 
 and on this thine own appointed day of rest, we 
 would bow the knee before Thee, and thank Thee 
 for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings 
 of this life. As a Sabbath, this day should remind 
 us of creation, and draw our aftections to Thee 
 as the Creator. Thou, Almighty Father, wast 
 pleased to rest from all thy work which Thou 
 hadst created and made, and didst sanctify a day 
 of rest for thy people to observe throughout all 
 generations. On this day, too, we are reminded 
 of the work of redemption. On the first day of 
 the week the blessed Jesus arose from the grave, 
 and showed redemption to be complete. We would 
 adore, and bless, and glorify Thee for the gift of a 
 Saviour, and for all the means of grace and hopes 
 of glory we enjoy in Him. Sanctify our hearts 
 this day. Prepare us for the duties of the sanc- 
 tuary, and bless the religious exercises in which 
 we shall be engaged. Make these our earthly 
 Sabbaths foretastes of that heavenly Sabbath which 
 is the promised portion of the people of God. 
 
 Bless the labours of thy ministering servants ; 
 anoint them witii the oil of grace; make them 
 burning and shining lights ; grant that the word 
 spoken may have much success. Thou, Lord, 
 wilt have mercy upon whom Thou wilt have 
 mercy. Thine own are known to Thee, but in 
 calling them out from the world Thou art pleased 
 to use human agency. Bless the agency Thou 
 hast appointed. The instruments are feeble, but 
 the power is of Thee. They are a sweet savour 
 of Christ in them that are saved, and in them that 
 perish. Give unction from above, that they may 
 be a band of men whose hearts Thou hast touched ; 
 and give fruit to their labours, that they to whom 
 they minister may not rest in outward change of 
 manners, but may have a real inward change of 
 heart, wrought by the power of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 We would intercede for the ungodly, who know 
 Thee not, and have no regard for thy name, thy 
 day, or thy service ; for the Sabbath-breakers, 
 profane swearers, drunkards, and all who live after 
 the flesh. Send forth thy Hght and thy truth; 
 convince, convert, and save them ; remove the 
 darkness which surrounds them ; show them the 
 love and the power of Jesus, and bow them down 
 at the foot of the cross. 
 
 We praise Thee for thy grace which has called 
 us to thy service ; and for any good thing that is 
 in us, not unto us, Lord, not unto us, but 
 unto thy name be the praise and the glory. 
 Hear us, answer us, and bless us, we pray Thee, 
 for the sake of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, our 
 adorable Redeemer and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XVI. 19-40. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, who hast mercifully set apart 
 one day out of seven to be kept holy to Thyself, 
 we desire to thank Thee for this thy great loving- 
 kindness to the children of men. We might have 
 been, as in heathen lands, the victims of incessant 
 toil and labour. But Thou, in thy mercy, hast 
 proclaimed a day of rest. Grant us thy servants 
 grace, while we thank Thee heartily for the relief 
 which Thou hast thus mercifully given to our 
 weary bodies, so faithfully to use thy holy Sabbaths 
 as that they may minister abimdantly to the well- 
 being of our immortal souls. 
 
 Preserve us especially, we pray Thee, Lord, 
 fi'om being either afraid or ashamed of serving 
 Thee on this holy day. Grant that neither the 
 seductions of pleasure nor the ridicule of the pro- 
 fane may avail to tempt us to join in polluting thy 
 Sabbaths, or keep us away from the courts of thy 
 house. Give us rather, we pray, the same bold 
 spirit which Thou gavest in olden time to thy 
 faithful servants, Paul and Silas. Grant that, like 
 them, we may have grace and strength to bear 
 cheerfully whatever the wicked world may lay 
 upon us, rather than forsake thy service, or cease 
 to promote thy honour and glory. 
 
 Thou hast graciously promised to hear the 
 prayers of any two or three who are gathered 
 together in thy name. The walls of the dungeon 
 are no hindrance to Thee, and Thou dost listen to 
 the voice of the poorest prisoner. Grant, then, 
 O Lord, that the preaching of the Gospel by 
 thy ministers this day may have been as a great 
 earthquake in the hearts of the hearers. Grant 
 that the doors of the prison in which Satan has 
 shut them may have been opened, and the bonds 
 of sin may have been loosed. Grant that the light 
 of thy Holy Spirit may have shined into very 
 many dark hearts. Grant that many may have 
 been roused to ask what they must do to be saved, 
 and by thy merciful leading, may find the true 
 answer through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 And now, Lord, we heartily pray Thee, wash 
 away, in the most precious blood of thy dear Son, 
 the stains of our many and great sins. Baptize 
 us, also, with thy Holy Spirit. Grant that we 
 may be Christians, not only in word and pro- 
 fession, but in deed and in truth. Change our 
 hearts, as in olden time Thou didst change the 
 heart of the jailer at Philippi ; and grant that as 
 in him, so in us, the change may be manifested in 
 a loving conduct towards all them with whom we 
 have to do. Bless all whom we love, and grant 
 that we and they may rest to-night free from harm 
 beneath thy protecting and over-ruling care. We 
 offer up this our Sabbath evening prayer, through 
 Jesus Christ, thy Son, oiu- Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 225 ] 
 
 No. 29. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-THIRD WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XL 
 
 ALMIGHTY and eternal God, our ever-living 
 and ever-loving Father, receive the thanks- 
 givings we now ofter for the sleep of the past 
 night, the light of another morning, and the privi- 
 leges and mercies to which we have risen. We 
 bless Thee that om- rest has not been broken by the 
 cry of alarm, the sound of war, or the approach 
 of death. Thou hast done great things for us, 
 whereof we are glad. Bless the Lord, oh, our 
 souls, and all that is within us, bless his holy 
 name. 
 
 We now pray Thee to prepare us for the duties 
 of another day. Strengthen us for the work we 
 have to perform. Give us grace to act conscien- 
 tiously with regard to all trusts, faithfully in all 
 engagements, forbearingly towards others, and 
 watchfully in all things. May there be nothing 
 in the spirit we cherish, the friends we make, and 
 the pursuits we follow, inconsistent with Christian 
 character and the lessons of thy Word. May the 
 life that we lead be one of faith in our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, of submission to the Divine wiU, and of 
 fi'uitfulness in purity and goodness. 
 
 We bless Thee for the assurance that all things 
 work together for good to them that love Thee. 
 Oh, let the assurance be realised in us. Loving 
 Thee with the affection of children, the fortitude of 
 saints, and the joy of servants, may all our associa- 
 tions on earth tend to prepare us for the fellowships 
 of eternity, the activities of daily life for the en- 
 gagements of heaven, and the sufferings of this 
 present time for the glory to be revealed. 
 
 All within us which is wrong, we pray Thee 
 to rectify. Suffer us not to go forth into the 
 occupations of the day with guilt on the con- 
 science, under any subjection to evil, or with any 
 misgivings of mind as to our acceptance in Christ. 
 May we know in whom we have believed, that 
 Thou hast forgiven all our sins, and that Jesus 
 Christ has been made to us wisdom, and righteous- 
 ness, and sanctification, and redemption. And 
 knowing this to be our condition, may we walk 
 accordingly, perfecting holiness in the fear of the 
 Lord, and letting our light so shine before men, 
 that, seeing our good works, they may glorify our 
 Father who is in heaven. But so to act we need 
 Divine help ; work in us, then, all the good plea- 
 sure of thy will, strengthen us with might by thy 
 Spirit in the inner man, and keep us in close and 
 constant nearness to thyself. 
 
 We put ourselves into thy hands. May the day 
 be one of safety to us, not of danger ; of good, not 
 of evil; of mindfulness of God, not of forgetfulness 
 of Him. These blessings, with the pardon of all 
 our sins, we ask in the name and for the sake of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XVII. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, we thank Thee that Thou 
 hast made Thyself known in thy Gospel, and 
 that thy only begotten Son hath revealed Thee 
 unto us. 
 
 In Him we know Thee as our Creator, Pre- 
 server, and Benefactor. We are thine offspring, 
 and in Thee we live, and move, and have our 
 being ; and for life and breath, and ail things 
 received this day, we are indebted to Thee. But 
 above all, we know Thee as our Redeemer. Thy 
 holy Word has taught us that Thou hast given 
 thy dear Son to die for our sins, and to rise again 
 for our justification. We know Thee also as our 
 Sanctifier. Thou hast given us thy Holy Spirit to 
 convert and renew our hearts. Oh, may the blood 
 of Jesus be applied to our consciences to take away 
 oiu* guilt, especially the guilt that we may have 
 contracted this day. And may the Holy Spirit 
 be granted unto us in greater measure, that we 
 may walk more worthily as thy children in days 
 to come. 
 
 Lord, have mercy, we pray Thee, on those to 
 whom Thou art still an unknown God. Specially 
 have mercy upon thine ancient people Israel, that 
 they may see that this Jesus whom thy Gospel 
 preaches unto them is indeed the Christ. Oh, 
 take the veil from their hearts, that they may 
 look on Him whom they pierced, and believe. 
 
 Have mercy on all idolaters who know Thee not. 
 Oh, spread thy Gospel to the ends of the earth, so 
 that all may know Thee, from the least unto the 
 greatest. 
 
 And if any amongst ourselves, living in the midst 
 of Gospel light, are still ignorant of Thee, open 
 their eyes, that they may indeed know Thee as the 
 only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast 
 sent , for this knowledge is life eternal. 
 
 To us who do know Thee, give a desire to know 
 Thee better. And, in order to this, give us the 
 noble spirit of the Bereans, to search the Scriptures 
 daily. May we bring everything to the touchstone 
 of thy holy Word. And may thy Spirit enable us 
 readily to receive what thy Word teaches, and 
 faithfully to avoid what is contrary thereto. 
 
 May we ever have one King, Jesus. Lord 
 Jesus ! defend us this night, and protect thy needy 
 and imperilled people everywhere. Especially 
 defend all thy missionaries and evangelists , and, 
 oh, wherever they preach thy Gospel, do Thou 
 induce many to believe unto life eternal. Make 
 thy Church to be a praise in the earth, fruilful in 
 all good works, and zealous for thy glory. 
 
 Take us, and all om* friends and relatives, into 
 thy protection for the night ; and give us rest of 
 body and peace of conscience. We ask it all for 
 thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 226 J 
 
MORNINQ.] 
 
 THIRTY-THIRD WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTtTRE 1 SAMUEL XXL 
 
 BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scrip- 
 ture to be written for our learning, bring 
 home to our hearts, we beseech Thee, by thy 
 Holy Spirit, that portion of thy sacred Word 
 which we have now just read. 
 
 We know, Lord, that those bright examples 
 of godliness which that Word contains were not set 
 before us merely to excite our admiration, but that 
 we should copy and imitate them. One of these we 
 behold in thy faithful servant Samuel. In him 
 Thou hast taught us to see the course of the man of 
 God made perfect unto all good works. In him we 
 behold an illustration of the rejoicing in the testi- 
 mony of a good conscience, that in simplicity and 
 godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the 
 grace of God, he had his conversation in the 
 world. Oh, that we, like him, may be able to 
 appeal to men for tlie integrity of our conduct, 
 and that we may receive the like testimony which 
 he received. 
 
 Thou hast given us all our respective parts to 
 perform ; we have all our trusts to fulfil ; we have 
 all our spheres to occupy, be they ever so con- 
 tracted ; we have all our accounts to render up. 
 Oh, that we may do so, not with grief, but Avith 
 joy. Thou, Lord, hast called us, and sepa- 
 rated us from an ungodly world, to be a peculiar 
 people, zealous of good works ; to be lights 
 and examples in the midst of a crooked and 
 perverse generation. And such, Lord, we shall 
 be, if we answer the purpose and end of our voca- 
 tion. Oh, enable us by thy grace to do so. Thus 
 may we adorn the doctrine of God, our Saviour, 
 in all things. 
 
 And while we are zealous to maintain good 
 works, and to walk worthy of the Lord unto all 
 pleasing, we would put no trust in anything 
 that we do. While we labour to abound in 
 the fruits of righteousness, we Avould desire to be 
 found in Christ, not having our own righteousness, 
 which is of the law, but that which is through the 
 faith of Christ. Lord, we would ever remember 
 that by the grace of God we are what we are ; 
 that salvation is all of grace. To Thee we would 
 ascribe all the glory of our salvation ; and our 
 only hope is that the same grace which com- 
 menced the good work will carry it on until the 
 day of Jesus Christ. Lord, depending on that 
 grace, we trust that we shall be enabled to maintain 
 our steadfastness unto the end ; and that, amidst 
 the trials, and dangers, and temptations of this 
 life, we shall go on, from faith to faith, from 
 strength to strength, until, at length, we appear 
 before our God in Zion. Grant this, heavenly 
 Father, for the sake of thy dear Son Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 THESSALONIANS I. 
 
 OGOD, our Father, and the Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, we would again make known 
 our requests unto Thee by prayer and supplication, 
 with thanksgiving. May we be accepted through 
 Him, in whom Thou art always well pleased, even 
 thy Son Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to 
 come, and who ever liveth to make intercession for 
 us. We praise Thee for the gift of a Saviour ; for 
 the atonement which he has made for our sins ; for 
 the manifestation of thy power in raising Him from 
 the dead ; and for the assurance that he will come 
 again from heaven, to the eternal glorification of 
 them that believe, and look for his appearing. 
 May grace and peace, and all spiritual blessings, 
 descend upon us from God the Father, and the 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 We would offer our thanksgivings for the mercies 
 of another day. Lord, we are unworthy of the 
 least of thy favours ; but we pray Thee to continue 
 them to us. Protect and guard us this night from 
 evil. Cleanse us from all the sins and pollutions 
 of the past day ; and give us increasing power 
 against temptation, that we may not hereafter 
 offend against Thee. Keep us steadfast in the 
 narrow way that leadeth to eternal life. 
 
 We praise Thee, Lord, for the blessed Gospel 
 of thy grace. May it come to each of us, not in 
 word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, 
 and in much assurance. Fill us with faith, 
 hope, and love. And, if we are truly born again 
 from above, may we remember what manner of 
 persons we ought to be in all holy conversation 
 and godliness. May all around take knowledge 
 of our work of faith, and labour of love, and 
 patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ; so 
 that we may be ensamples to all them that believe. 
 
 We would plead with Tliee, heavenly Father, 
 on behalf of others. We pray for the world. Oh, 
 may the word of the Lord sound out from this and 
 every other Christian nation, unto them that are in 
 the darkness of ignorance and superstition, causing 
 them to turn to God from idols, to serve the living 
 and true God. Let the labourers in the Gospel 
 field be multiplied ; and may thy Spirit render 
 their work effectual. Wherever thy true religion 
 is professed, may it be honoured and adorned by 
 holy living. Grant thy richest blessings to our 
 dear relatives and friends. Sanctify their hearts, and 
 bring them, through Christ, to glory. We would 
 give Thee thanks, also, for those who have gone 
 before to that rest which remaineth for the people 
 of God. Prepare us, by thy grace, to follow them ; 
 and, when our earthly course is ended, may we 
 partake of the same blessed immortality, and dwell 
 in thy presence for evermore. We ask all through 
 Jesus Christ, our Saviouro Amen. 
 
 [ 227 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 THIRTY-THIRD WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 TEVENING. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XIII. 1—14. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, we adore 
 Thee as the Author of all the mercies which we 
 daily and hourly receive. Under the shadow of 
 thy wings we have rested through the night. We 
 laid ourselves down to sleep, and have awaked, 
 because Thou didst sustain us, and we would 
 together as a family this morning unite in offering 
 praise, adoration, and thanksgiving to thy great 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 THESSALONIANS II. 
 
 name. 
 
 Assist us this day, we beseech Thee, in all the 
 duties which it brings, Without thy help we can 
 do nothing ; but if we acknowledge Thee in all our 
 ways, we know that Thou wilt direct our path. 
 Let us not shrink from duty because it seems 
 hard, but resolve in the strength of the Lord to 
 take up our cross daily, and to follow Christ. As 
 we are enhsted under Christ's banner, make us 
 valiant and good soldiers, giving no quarter to our 
 spiritual enemies ; but, God, make us watchful 
 unto prayer. Arm us for every attack. When 
 the enemy shall come in like a flood, do Thou, 
 Spirit of the Lord, lift up a standard against him. 
 
 And should help seem long in coming, may we, 
 nevertheless, possess our souls in patience, and 
 tarry the Lord's leisure. Thy time must be the 
 best time. Let us not do foolishly, nor depart 
 from keeping the commandments of the Lord our 
 God which He has commanded us. It may be 
 that our extremity is thy opportunity; therefore 
 may we wait patiently for the Lord. And do Thou 
 incline thine ear unto us, and hear our cry, so that 
 our minds be not overcharged with the cares of 
 this life. Let not our enemy triumph over us. 
 May the Philistine be driven from our hearts. Be 
 pleased, Lord, to deliver us. Lord, make 
 haste to help us. 
 
 And in all our varied relations this day, whether 
 ruling or ruled, as masters or servants, grant us 
 grace to act a consistent part. May each of us 
 have a single eye to thy glory ; may we strive to 
 be men after God's own heart, hating all iniquity, 
 and seeking to bring forth the peaceable fruits of 
 righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the 
 praise and glory of God. Enable us so to act and 
 speak in all things as to please Thee, and to show 
 the power of thy grace in our hearts. 
 
 Bless all thy rninistering servants, and make 
 them wise to win souls, and faithful in rebuking 
 sin. God be gracious to our beloved Sovereign 
 and her royal offspring ; and increase among all 
 ranks and orders that righteousness wh'r-Ii exalteth 
 a nation : so shall our people be thy people : so 
 shall our kingdom be established, and the Lord 
 shall be our God. 
 
 Hear us, Father of mercies, and send us an 
 
 answer of peace, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 GRACIOUS God and Father, who art glorious 
 in thy greatness and majesty, behold in mercy 
 our family now gathered at thy footstool for sup- 
 plication and thanksgiving. Adored be thy good- 
 ness for permitting us to draw near to Thee, and 
 for assuring us of thy favour and love in Christ 
 Jesus, We are sinful and unworthy, and have 
 offended Thee times without number, by doing 
 what »ve ought not to have done, and leaving un- 
 done what we ought to have done. But to Thee 
 belong mercies and forgivenesses. Hear us, then, 
 good Lord, and, in thy gracious compassion, put 
 away our sins, and let them not hinder the coming 
 down of thy blessing in answer to these our even- 
 ing prayers. 
 
 We praise Thee for all thy goodness to us during 
 the past day. The gifts of thy providence have 
 been renewed in such measure as Thou seest fit. 
 Lile has been spared, and fresh opportunities have 
 been afforded us for doing thy work and will in the 
 world. We have again access to thy tlu-one, and 
 can again plead thy promises and the finished 
 work of thy dear Son. To thy name be all the 
 praise. Add to all thy mercies the blessing of a 
 thankful heart, and kindle within us such a deep 
 sense of thy goodness and mercy as will constrain 
 us to consecrate ourselves afresh to thy service, 
 and make us ashamed of our own self-pleasing and 
 unreadiness of spirit. Work in us, we beseech 
 Thee, that thorough change of heart which we are 
 all unable to work in ourselves. Though we be 
 tied and bound with the chain of our sins, yet, in 
 the pitifulness of thy great mercy, loose us. Draw 
 us, by thy Spirit and by thy Word, from every 
 evil way, and let not sin or Satan have dominion 
 over us. So will we praise and bless thy name for 
 ever and ever. 
 
 Impress the lessons of thy Holy Word upon our 
 hearts. Give us the willing ear, that we may 
 receive it as the Word of the living God, which 
 is able to save our souls, and which worketh 
 effectually in them that believe. May it be in us 
 as the incorruptible seed, which shall take root in 
 the good ground of prepared hearts, and bring 
 forth the fruits of a holy and religious life, to thy 
 glory. Preserve us from ignorance, hardness of 
 heart, and contempt of thy Word : and let not 
 Satan, or the world, or our own weak and way- 
 ward wills, cause us to fall from Thee. Especially, 
 God, regard with pity and tender compassion 
 those of us who may have hitherto received thy 
 message of mercy in vain. Oh, let not one of 
 ourselves, or of all who are dear to us, make ship- 
 wreck of our souls, and fail of eternal life. We 
 commend ourselves and them to thy Divine protec- 
 tion. Hear us, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 228 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-THIRD WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN H0LY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XV. 10-31. i READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 THESSALONLA.NS IIL 
 
 OLORD God, who art a God of holiness, we 
 bow before Thee wnth humihty, reverence, and 
 godly fear ; for tliou hatest iniquity and sin, and 
 we are vile before Thee, and have been sinners from 
 the beginning. We bless Thee that Thou art merciful 
 and long-suffering even with us sinners, for the 
 snke of Jesus Clirist, our Advocate and Redeemer. 
 We adore Thee for the hope that we are accepted 
 in thy beloved Son, that our sins are blotted out, 
 and shall be brought into remembrance against us 
 no more for ever. We accept it as a new proof of 
 thy love that we are permitted once more to see the 
 cheerful light of day, and we desire, with the assist- 
 ance of thy Holy Spirit, to consecrate it wholly 
 to thy service and praise. Many days have we 
 passed in sin, but this day we would devote to 
 Thee, our Lord and our God. 
 
 Let us not deceive ourselves, Lord ; but do 
 Thou graciously teach us the plague of our own 
 hearts. Preserve us this day from turning aside to 
 folly, and from any wilful indulgence of the lusts of 
 the flesh. Help us to crucify the flesh with its 
 affections and lusts, and enable us to walk not after 
 the flesh, but after the Spirit, that we may keep a 
 conscience void of offence, and enjoy this day, and 
 evermore, the blessedness of thine approving smile. 
 Strengthen us, that we may boldly resist the devil, 
 until he flee from us. We thank Thee for the as- 
 surance that He who is for us is greater than all they 
 that are against us. Keep this in our remembrance, 
 we beseecli Thee, all the day long ; let it be our 
 stay and comfort when the enemy shall arise against 
 us, so that we may not provoke Thee to righteous 
 anger by yielding to the enticements of the world, 
 the flesh, or the devil. 
 
 We praise Thee, merciful God, for thy pre- 
 serving grace until this day, and we would confi- 
 dently commit our way to Thee, believing that 
 Thou ever goest before us, and wilt constantly 
 direct our steps. [Regard those of us who are 
 young with peculiar tenderness and favour ; teach 
 them to be watchful and humble, and to keep their 
 eyes from beholding vanity. Help the elder to set 
 a worthy example to the younger, and to show forth 
 the praises of Jesus by a holy walk and conversa- 
 tion.] 
 
 We pray, Lord, for the prosperity of thy 
 Church universally, and the sanctification in heart 
 and life of all thy people. Fill thy ministering 
 servants with Divine wisdom, and enable them to 
 unfold to a perishing world the unsearchable riches 
 of Christ. So let thy kingdom come, and thy 
 will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Lord, 
 accept our morning sacrifice, and hear the voice of 
 our supplication, through Jesus Christ our Saviom\ 
 Amen. 
 
 OLORD, our Father and our God, we kneel at 
 thy footstool at the close of another day. The 
 day is thine, the night also is thine, and alike by 
 day and by night we are with Thee. 
 
 We adore Thee for thy providential care. From 
 our earliest infancy to the present moment Thou 
 hast watched over and blessed us ; and whilst 
 caring for others, Thou hast not forgotten us, 
 though we have been so unmindful of thy goodness. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy Holy Word. May its 
 promises comfort us in every season of sorrow; 
 may its precepts teach us the nature of that obedience 
 which Thou dost require. Help us to derive profit 
 and encouragement from that portion of thy 
 Word which we have read to-night. It has 
 taught us not to be moved by the afflictions of life, 
 and we humbly pray that we may so regard them 
 as the discipline of thine hand, that we may never 
 lose our confidence in Thee ; and grant, Lord, 
 that however numerous or powerful our tempta- 
 tions may be, the tempter may never triumph. 
 Bring us off more than conquerors through Him 
 that loved us ; and though in ourselves we are 
 weak, let us find our strength in Thee. 
 
 We pray that we may live more holy and useful 
 lives, that we may be known by our faith and 
 charity, and that Thou wilt enable us to increase 
 and abound in love one towards another. Save us 
 from an unforgiving and an uncharitable spirit. 
 From pride and passion, from malice and revenge, 
 O Lord, deliver us. Holy Spirit, who alone canst 
 sanctify our fallen nature, come and make our 
 hearts thy temple. Dwell within us, to cleanse 
 our thoughts, to purify our motives, to restrain 
 our evil dispositions and desires. Conform us 
 more and more to the likeness of our blessed 
 Lord. Take from us the image of the earthy, and 
 put upon us the image of the heavenly. 
 
 And now we invoke thy blessing before retiring 
 to rest to-night. Abide with us, Saviour, for the 
 day is far spent. Lamb of God, who takest 
 away the sins of the world, take away our sins. 
 May the atoning blood which Thou hast shed for 
 sinners cleanse our souls. We gather around 
 thy cross, and bring to Thee the burden of our 
 guilt. Lord, remember us ! Son of David, have 
 pity upon us ! Resting in thy love, and shel- 
 tered by thy power, may Ave lie down and sleep in 
 peace, and in the morning rise strengthened and 
 refreshed for the duties of another day. 
 
 We know not how near we are to our final 
 rest. Grant, we beseech Thee, that when we close 
 our eyes in death, we may awake in thy likeness, 
 and be for ever satisfied. And to Thee, 
 Father, Son, and Spirit, we ascribe eternal praises. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 229 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-THIRD WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XVI. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and Omniscient God, Thou only 
 ^ searchest and knowest the hearts of men. Aid 
 us, we entreat Thee, by thy good Spirit, to worship 
 Thee this morning, and at all times, in spirit and 
 in truth. May the words of our lips answer to the 
 thoughts and desires of our hearts. We confess 
 with shame our proneness to substitute form for 
 spirit in thy worship, and to be often carried away 
 with appearances merely, in the preferences we 
 give to our fellow-men. Help us, Lord, to 
 discern between the evil and the good, in our- 
 selves and others. 
 
 Help us, Lord, to remember that every 
 natural and spiritual endowment is from Thee ; 
 that all the success of our secular and spiritual 
 enterprises is from Thee. Incline us, in humble 
 gratitude, to lay all we are and all that we have 
 at thy feet. In our very heart teach us to say, 
 " Not I, but the grace of God that was with me." 
 Help us always to abase ourselves, that Thou 
 mayest exalt us. May we bear our abasements 
 with meekness, and the exaltations ot others with- 
 out envy. Keep us when in low degree from re- 
 pining, and when in high degree from pride. 
 Choose Thou our lot, and teach us, in whatever 
 state we are, to be content. 
 
 Almighty God, impress upon our minds, 
 
 we 
 
 beseech Thee, that as Thou art holy, so is' thy 
 service holy. Humble us in the dust as we see 
 Thee putting down one and setting up another. 
 Suffer us not to provoke Thee, by our obstinacy 
 and presumption, to cast us away from thy pre- 
 sence, nor to take thy Holy Spirit from us, lest 
 evil spirits enter and possess our hearts, and our 
 last state be worse than the first. Oh, quicken us, 
 that we may feel the least departure from Thee. 
 May we dread nothing so much as the loss of thy 
 favour. If we fall into sin, oh, suffer us not to 
 cloak our offences, nor have recourse to false 
 methods of restoration and peace. Preserve us 
 from associates who will flatter and palliate rather 
 than reprove and heal our backslidings. Almighty 
 Saviour, destroy within us the works of the devil. 
 Let us not be of those who draw back unto per- 
 dition, but of those who believe unto the saving of 
 the soul. Daily increase our sense of thme infinite 
 excellence. May our souls know Thee, indeed, as 
 the chief among ten thousand, and the altogether 
 lovely. Impress thy beauty upon us, that we may 
 show forth thy praise. 
 
 Kind Guardian of our sleeping and waking 
 hours, we give Thee heartiest thanks for refreshing 
 sleep, and for the rich mercies of this morning. 
 Be with us amid the duties of the day. Keep us 
 this day without sin. We ask all for Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 THESSALONIANS IV. 
 
 God, 
 
 A CCEPT, we pray Thee, Lord 
 -tX offerinff of praise at the close of this 
 
 our 
 offering of praise at the close of this day. 
 We thank Thee for countless and undeserved 
 mercies ; for food and raiment, and a home to 
 dwell in ; for turning away many evils, known and 
 unknown ; for guarding us in the midst of dangers 
 that might have imperilled body and soul. We 
 thank Thee for thy Holy Word, and the revelation 
 of thy surpassing love in Jesus Christ, and the 
 promise of the Holy Spirit. We thank Thee that, 
 through the death of thy dear Son, Thou hast pro- 
 vided reconciliation for sinners, and opened the 
 kingdom of heaven to all believers. We thank 
 Thee that Thou hast shown us how we ought to 
 walk, and to please God , and that in all our 
 temptations, and perplexities, and weakness, we 
 may come to Thee for strength, and guidance, and 
 protection. Great, indeed, is thy love to us; it 
 passeth knowledge. We deserve thy wrath, but 
 Thou thinkest upon mercy. Enable us to receive 
 thy gifts with thankfulness, and to grow in all 
 wisdom and goodness. 
 
 We pray, God, for a deeper sense of our own 
 guiltiness before Thee. Oh, that Thou wouldest 
 melt and break our hearts to a true repentance 
 and contrition. Teach us, by thy Holy Spirit, the 
 exceeding sinfulness of sin ; show to us how it 
 grieves Thee, and dishonours thy name; stir up 
 in our hearts a holy indignation against it, that we 
 may allow it no resting-place within us, but strive 
 against it in thy strength, and come off more 
 than conquerors, through Him who loved us, 
 and died and rose again, that we, being dead to 
 sin, may walk in newness of life. We desire, 
 God, that thy will should be more fully accom- 
 plished in us, even our sanctification, remembering 
 that blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall 
 see God. We desire and pray that the same mind 
 may be in us which was in Christ Jesus, and that 
 in all things we may speak and act as true dis- 
 ciples of our holy Lord and Master. Clothe us 
 with humility, and give us a spirit of meekness. 
 Fill our hearts with brotherly love, that we may 
 bear and forbear, returning good for evil, and 
 doing unto all around us as we would that they 
 should do unto us. God, so carry on and 
 perfect thy work of grace in us, that when the 
 Lord Cometh we may be found of Him in peace, 
 and enter in with Him into his glory. 
 
 We implore thy blessing on all who are dear to 
 us. Take them and us under thy gracious pro- 
 tection and fatherly care for the night. In thy 
 goodness and love, guard us against all evil. Give 
 us rest of body, and peace' of mind ; and do for us 
 more than we can ask or think, according to thy 
 gracious promise in Christ Jesus, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 r 230 1 
 
 J 
 
MOENING.] 
 
 THIRTY-THIRD WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XVII. 1—31. 
 
 GRACIOUS God, bring our hearts, by thy Holy 
 Spirit, into a humble and reverent frame as 
 we kneel at thy footstool. Make us sensible of 
 thy presence, as the presence of the High and 
 Holy One, in whose sight we are but as sinful 
 dust and ashes. Increase our faith in thy pro- 
 mises. Give us a child-like spirit -; and of thy 
 great goodness do for us above all we can ask or 
 think, for Jesus Clii'ist's sake. We have sinned 
 in thy sight, and are unworthy, through our deep 
 sinfiilness, of thy favour. But accomplish in us 
 the work of thy grace, and cleanse, and renew, 
 and sanctify us. 
 
 We praise Thee, Lord, for the guardianship 
 and care by which Thou hast preserved us during 
 the night. We praise Thee for family mercies 
 renewed to us this morning ; for the message of 
 thy Holy Word, and the gracious promise of help 
 and strength for the day's engagements and duties. 
 Let no evil spirit of unthankfulness cause us to 
 forget thy goodness and forbearance towards us. 
 In everything we desire to give thanks for what 
 Thou hast bestowed and for what Thou hast with- 
 held. Kindle within us a more earnest gratitude, 
 that we may show forth thy praise and our own 
 deep sense of thy mercy. 
 
 Leave us not this day to our own wisdom, which 
 is but folly, or our own strength, which is but 
 weakness* In all our ways we desire to acknow- 
 ledge Thee, and pray that Thou wouldest direct 
 our paths. Especially, Lord, help us in the 
 great conflict with sin and Satan. Thou who, 
 by the hand of the stripling David, didst destroy 
 the enemy of thy people, mightily work in us, and 
 help us to slay the sins which have so often risen 
 up and gained the mastery over us. Glorify thy 
 name, and give us the victory. We pray that in 
 all we do this day we may act and speak as 
 becometh the Gospel of Christ, and bring neither 
 dishonour nor reproach on thy holy name. 
 
 Graciously bestow thy blessing [on the younger 
 members of our family, and] on all who are dear to 
 us. Bless, guide, and govern thy whole Church, 
 and grant that all who profess and call themselves 
 Christians may be led into the way of truth, and 
 hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of 
 peace, and in righteousness of life. Give much 
 success to the labours of all ministers, missionaries, 
 and to every effort which is made in thy name for 
 the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and 
 the subversion of Satan's power. Lord, make 
 bare thine arm in the midst of the nations, and 
 let it be seen that Thou art God, and Tliou alone. 
 Grant us these our prayers, which we offer in the 
 name of thy dear Son, to whom be honour and 
 glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 THESSALONIANS V, 
 
 OLORD, who in thy W^ord hast taught us that 
 thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast 
 exalted unto thy kingdom in heaven, will come 
 again to be the Judge of the quick and the dead, 
 and hast forewarned us that the day of the Lord 
 so Cometh as a thief in the night, make us ready, 
 we beseech Thee, for the hour of his appearing. 
 
 We desire to live as those who have obtained 
 salvation through faith in his blood. We would 
 that -we might be sanctified wholly, and that our 
 whole spirit, soul, and body might be preserved 
 blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 But, alas ! we come far short of all that we desire. 
 Each day, as we review it, presents its catalogue 
 of sins and shortcomings, of evil thoughts and 
 feelings, of evil acts and words, of duties neglected 
 and love grown cold. The day we are now bring- 
 ing to a close might witness, as other days, against 
 us. God of mercy and of peace, do Thou 
 freely and fully pardon us ! Through the precious 
 blood of thy dear Son, cleanse us from all unrigh- 
 teousness, and enable us, by simple faith in Him, 
 who is the Lord our Righteousness, to realise true 
 peace. And oh, that Thou wouldest give us more 
 grace, that we might live before Thee as becometh 
 saints. We are continually harassed and hindered, 
 in running the race set before us, by the many and 
 powerful enemies of our souls. Clothe us with the 
 whole armour of God, that we may be defended 
 against every assault, and may be strong to over- 
 come every adversary. Make us bold and faithful 
 m thy service, never shrinking from what we know 
 to be right, whatever the doing it may cost us. 
 Give us wisdom to prove all things, and strength 
 of mind and purpose to hold fast that which is 
 good. Make us ever watchful, lest by sinful com- 
 pliances we grieve and quench thy Holy Spirit. 
 Endue us with the spirit of prayer, that we may 
 continually come to Thee, in simple dependence, 
 for all the grace we need. And as we receive at 
 thine hands the many gifts we so earnestly seek, 
 fill our hearts with gratitude and praise. 
 
 And now, Lord, we commit ourselves, our 
 household and family, and all whom we love, to 
 thy care and keeping during the night. Preserve 
 us from all danger, refresh us with sleep, and 
 enable us to rise on the morrow renewed in 
 strength for all our duties. And day by day 
 endue us with more of energy and of love, with 
 more of holiness and heavenly-mindedness, that 
 we may live as those who are looking for and 
 hasting unto the coming of the Lord Jesus. 
 
 Hear us, our gracious Father and Almighty 
 God, and grant all that Thou knowest we need, 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and 
 Advocate. Amen. 
 
 2.1 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XVII. 32—68. 
 
 LORD of the Sabbath, we thank Thee that Thou 
 hast safely brought us to the beginning of this 
 day. We bless Thee for appointing and preserving 
 to us the holy Sabbath, and for thy good providence 
 which enables us to keep it. Help us to conse- 
 crate its hours to Thee ; and whether we be in thy 
 house, or in our own dwellings, may we feel that 
 Thou art near, and be filled with light and glad- 
 ness. 
 
 In waiting upon Thee to-day, may we renew our 
 strength of soul. In ourselves we are unable to 
 contend with the powers of evil that assault us. 
 Whenever we have gone to the conflict alone, 
 we have failed. Hence we have to acknowledge 
 before Thee that we have been overcome by 
 temptation, and that many sins mar our character. 
 If Thou, Lord, shouldest mark iniquity, we could 
 not stand. But there is forgiveness with Thee. 
 Pleading the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 we are emboldened to ask Thee to remember our 
 sins and iniquities no more ; and oh, may the 
 sense of thy forgiving love awaken in us a holy fear 
 of transgressing against Thee. 
 
 We adore Thee, Lord, for every instance of 
 thy gracious help and deliverance which we can call 
 to mind. May the remembrance of past mercies 
 strengthen us for new duties and for new conflicts. 
 We are sure that in dealing with our spiritual ad- 
 versaries the weakest shall be as David, if Thou 
 wilt give wisdom and might. Nerve us, blessed 
 Lord, with holy courage to fight the good fight of 
 faith. Strengthen us with all might by thy 
 Spirit in the inner man, that we may be more than 
 conquerors. 
 
 We glorify Thee, Lord, on account of thy ser- 
 vants, who, like mighty men of valour, have gained 
 signal victories over the powers of evil which have 
 beset thy Church. We bless Thee, too, that Thou 
 hast often made the weak mighty in pulling down 
 the strongholds of error and wickedness. Awake, 
 arm of the Lord ; awake, as in the ancient times. 
 May thy ministers be men full of faith and of the 
 Holy Ghost. Go forth with them in their warfare 
 with all wickedness, and let the conversion of sinners 
 and the increasing holiness of thy people testify to ' 
 the success of their enterprise. Let new victories i 
 be won for Christ to-day. Make all ministers and ; 
 missionaries, and Sunday-school teachers and tract 
 distributors, to feel that God is working with them. 
 [Make this Sabbath a happy day to the children 
 of the household. May the sacred stories of the 
 Bible, such as we have now read, make a way for 
 the entrance of thy truth to their young minds.] 
 
 Listen to our Sabbath morning petitions, and 
 mercifully give us an answer of peace, for our 
 Lord Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XVIII. 1—17. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and ever-blessed God, we would 
 now as a family approach thy throne, and offer 
 our evening sacrifice of prayer and praise through 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 We bless Thee for the sacred privileges of another 
 Sabbath, for the opportunity of uniting in worship 
 with the thousands of thy children who have this 
 day been instructed in thy truth, comforted by 
 thy Spirit, and cheered on their way heavenward. 
 Many a heart has, we trust, been relieved of its 
 sorrows, and braced for the renewed struggle of 
 life. Many have had sweet fellowship with the 
 Father and the Son, and have been enabled joyfully 
 to anticipate the rest that remaineth for the people 
 of God. Help us all, that we may know the day 
 of our merciful visitation, and that we may carry 
 the spirit of the Sabbath into the duties of the 
 week. Have mercy on those who oppose them- 
 selves, and reject the gracious counsel of God. Show 
 them that they fight against their own interest, and 
 wrong their own souls. Pity those lands where 
 persecution, tyranny, and superstition prevail. 
 Turn the heart of the persecutor, and make him a 
 pattern of thy long-suffering, and a promoter of 
 the faith which he has laboured to destroy. Eternal 
 thanks be to thy name, Lord, that thy Gospel 
 has been sent to the Gentiles. We pray for the 
 time when the Jews shall acknowledge their 
 Messiah, and be brought in with the fulness of the 
 Gentiles. Our hearts' desire and prayer for Israel 
 is, that they may be saved. 
 
 Lord, follow with thy blessing the faithful labours 
 of thy servants this day. Ever animate them in 
 their work by the assurance that sustained the 
 Apostles themselves : " Be not afraid, for I am with 
 Tliee." Help them to set forth Christ as the one 
 Mediator between God and man, the only way of 
 safety and peace , and may they be enabled, by 
 their faithfulness and consistency, to commend 
 themselves to every man's conscience, as in the 
 sight of God. We would remember those who 
 have been detained from thy sanctuary this day by 
 affliction. Thou art able, Lord, to make up to 
 all such the loss of outward ordinances. Speak 
 grace and comfort to the souls of thy suffering 
 people. Make their bed in their sickness. Sanc- 
 tify to them their trials, and in thine own time give 
 them a happy issue out of all their afflictions. 
 
 And now, Lord, take charge of us this night. 
 Give rest to our wearied bodies, and strengthen 
 us to serve Thee with renewed vigour on the coming 
 day. Into thy hands we commit ourselves and all 
 our interests for time and eternity. Be Thou the 
 everlasting home and resting-place of our souls, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be all 
 praise, now and for ever. Amen. 
 
 I 232 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XVIII. 1-16. 
 
 OLORD our God, we bless Thee for tlij great 
 goodness in bringing us to the light of another 
 d;iy. Grant us the lielp of thy grace, that we may 
 glorify Thee with our bodies and our spirits, which 
 are thine. Help us to serve Thee better than we 
 have done, for in many things we have offended 
 and fallen short of our duty; and it is of thy mercy 
 only that we are still able to approach Thee, and 
 in the name of Jesus to ask pardon for the past and 
 help for the time to come. 
 
 Morning after morning have we come before 
 Thee, confessing our unworthiness, and lamenting 
 our offences ; morning after morning we have 
 asked for thy grace to keep us from evil ; and yet 
 how little have we profited by all thy loving-kind- 
 ness ! In thought, and word, and deed, we have 
 sinned against Thee. Leave us not to ourselves, 
 for without Thee we can do nothing; but wash us in 
 the blood of Jesus, and let the knowledge of thy 
 great love be ever with us, that loving Thee because 
 Thou hast loved us, we may be strong to resist 
 temptation, and may delight to keep thy command- 
 ments. 
 
 We go forth to our daily business. Lord, Thou 
 knowest how frail we are, and how the power of 
 the world and sin press against us to lead us to 
 evil. Thou knowest the special need of each of 
 us ; strengthen us by thy grace, that we may be 
 ready to do the thing that is right. 
 
 Lord Jesus, who wast tempted like as we are, 
 we believe that as our Great High Priest Thou art 
 ever ready to hear and to bless; be Thou our guide 
 this day. Save us from the fear of man ; may we 
 not be ashamed of following Thee. Teach us thy 
 love, that with all humbleness towards God, and all 
 gentleness towards man, we may seek the way of 
 righteousness. Save us from all pride, vain-glory, 
 and self-sufficiency. If it please Thee to give us 
 any success or prosperity, enable us to remember 
 that all we have is thme, that our ability to plan 
 and to act comes from Thee. Grant that we may 
 bear disappointment with cheerfulness and patience, 
 so that if it please Thee to send us any loss or 
 trial, we may yet be able to see our neighbour's 
 prosperity without murmuring or fretfulness, and 
 may go on trusting in the Lord with good courage. 
 May no provocation lead us to sin with our lips or 
 in the thoughts of our heart, but as thy true dis- 
 ciples may we abound in brotherly love towards all 
 men. Be Thou our guide. Give us light to 
 follow Thee. 
 
 Bless, God, thy people everywhere ; supply 
 their wants, sustain their weakness, comfort them 
 in sorrow, and increase their faith. Have mercy 
 on sinners, lead them into the way of peace. Hear 
 us, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 THESSALONIANS I. 
 
 OTHOU God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, who hast appointed a day in which 
 Thou shalt judge the world in righteousness, wo 
 jiray to be made ready by thy grace for the great 
 day of Christ's appearing. May we know Him 
 now joyfully as our Saviour and Advocate, and be 
 enabled to look forward without fear to the hour 
 when we must stand at liis bar. Then may wo 
 hear Him say to us, " Gome, ye blessed of my 
 Father." We know that we cannot be justified 
 before Thee by our own works. If Thou, Lord, 
 shouldest mark iniquity, Lord, who could stand ? 
 But we plead thy mercy, and trust in the refuge 
 of our Redeemer's love and righteousness. 
 
 God, moved by thought of the terrors of 
 the Lord, when He shall come revealed in flaming 
 fire, we would heartily plead to-night on behalf 
 of infidels and heretics, and careless and wicked 
 persons, who obey not Thee. Oh, that they were 
 Avise, that they vmderstood these things, and would 
 consider their latter end ! Revive thy Church in 
 these realms, that her influence for the salvation of 
 the multitudes around may go forth with a new 
 power. Awake them that sleep, call to the dead 
 to arise, and cause men to know the merciful day 
 of their visitation. Stretch thy hand forth to the 
 dying this night, and where the death-bed is yet 
 uncheered by the hopes of the Gospel, oh, show the 
 greatness of thy power and of thy grace, and at the 
 very last hour pluck brands from the burning. 
 Glory be to thy name for all the saved who are 
 Avalking in the light of life, their faith growing, 
 their love abounding, their actions glorifying the 
 name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Multiply Thou 
 their number, and add yet to their graces con- 
 tinually. Mercy and peace be to all such as love 
 the Lord Jesus in sincerity. 
 
 We look back with gratitude on the way in 
 which Thou hast preserved and led us this day. 
 We pray Thee to forgive all the ills we have this 
 day done. We would retire to rest under the 
 covert of thy wings. When Thou sealest our eyes 
 in sleep, let it be the sleep of thy beloved. Shouldst 
 Thou hold them waking, let our thoughts be with 
 Thee. When the morning returns, may we find 
 ourselves called to raise a new song of thankful- 
 ness for safety, and peace, and health. Or should 
 the eyes of any of us, closing in sleep, open no 
 more on earth, may they behold the glories of the 
 better country. We desire to associate the thought 
 of death with the memory of thy promise, gracious 
 Saviour, and with untroubled hearts to wait for 
 thy coming, according to thy Word, to receive us 
 to be with Thyself, that we may be where Thou 
 art for ever. To Thee, with the Father and the 
 Holy Spirit, be all the glory. Amen. 
 
 I 233 ] 
 
 No. 30. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK.— TUEtJ DAY. 
 
 [EvKKi>;ii. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XX. 1—23, 35-42. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, we pray Tliee to bless to us 
 ii. the reading of thy Holy Word. May the 
 portion we have just heard be impressed upon 
 our minds and hearts. Help us rightly to form 
 and profitably to use our earthly friendships. If 
 we are called, like thy servant David, to pass 
 through heavy and sore trial, may Christian friends 
 be raised up to counsel and comfort us. But we 
 especially pray for the presence and help of our 
 loving Saviour, who is a Friend that sticketh 
 closer than a* brother ; and who has graciously 
 said that the very hairs of our head are all 
 numbered. 
 
 We thank Thee for the doctrine of Divine pro- 
 vidence, and for the inspired assurance that all our 
 concerns, whether personal or domestic, are under 
 thine eye and control. At this family altar we 
 gratefully acknowledge the mercies of another 
 night. We laid us down and slept ; we awaked ; 
 for the Lord sustained us. Our temporal wants 
 are again supplied, and we are permitted to enter 
 upon the duties of a new day. We beseech Thee 
 to preserve us from the destruction that wasteth at 
 noon, as well as from the pestilence that walketh 
 in darkness. Help us to fulfil our worldly engage- 
 ments in a Christian spirit. While we are not 
 slothful in business, may we be fervent in spirit, 
 serving the Lord. If trials lie before us, make us 
 willing to sufi'er : and whether we are called to 
 labour or to endure affliction, may the promise be 
 fulfilled, " My grace is sufficient for thee ; my 
 strength is made perfect in weakness." Give us 
 power this day to maintain a living, personal 
 union with Christ. May He be made unto us 
 wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and 
 redemption. Help us to feel our dependence on 
 the Holy Spirit for religious light and influence. 
 May He supply to us holy thoughts and resolu- 
 tions ; and by his help may we rest with calmness 
 and confidence on the atonement of the cross. 
 In moments of perplexity may He guide us. 
 When the enemy shall come in like a flood, may 
 He lift up a standard against him. If the sun 
 of prosperity shine upon us, may He chasten our 
 joys ; and if the clouds of adversity gather, may 
 He inspire us with resignation and hope. 
 
 Hear our prayers for all who are dear to us. 
 Let our households live before Thee. May the 
 children of thy people be brought to a knowledge 
 of the truth. Give to them an early connection 
 with thy Church. Preserve them from the follies 
 of the world. Guide them through life with thy 
 counsel, and afterward receive them to glory. 
 
 Bless all Christian churches with peace and 
 prosperity. We ask all for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 THESSALONIANS II. 
 
 OUR Father who art in heaven, we desire to 
 bow ourselves before Thee, and to acknowledge 
 thy greatness and glory, and thy right to do with 
 us and with all thy creatures according to thy 
 holy will. We bless Thee for the revelation of 
 mercy made known to us, and for the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, thine unspeakable gift to a fallen and sinful 
 world, and we pray that he may dwell in our 
 hearts the hope of glory. We thank Thee for 
 what thine inspired prophets have told us re- 
 specting his cause of righteousness and truth, and 
 rejoice that, notwithstanding many apostacies and 
 evils, it shall finally triumph gloriously. W^e praise 
 Thee that the mystery of iniquity shall not always 
 pervert the truth as it is in Jesus ; and oh, may 
 we be among those who receive this truth in love, 
 and grow up unto Him in all things, who is the 
 Head of the Church, and to whom Thou hast given 
 the pre-eminence. Keep us graciously from every 
 delusion and error ; number us with thy children 
 whom Thou hast from the beginning chosen to 
 salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and 
 belief of the truth ; and may we feel in our blessed 
 experience that Thou hast effectually called us by 
 the Gospel to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. Give us good hope through grace, 
 even that hope that maketli not ashamed, and 
 which is one of the fruits of thy Ploly Spirit. May 
 we know that we are Christ's, and have the witness 
 in our hearts that we are born of God ; and as our 
 days pass on, do Thou make us meet for the 
 inheritance of the saints in light, so that the full 
 blessedness of thy children may be ours at the 
 coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our 
 gathering together unto Him. 
 
 We thank Thee, most merciful God, for thy 
 kind dealings with us this day; for the bread 
 which has sustained us, for the measure of health 
 we have enjoyed, for the continuance of reason, 
 for domestic comforts, and for every other blessing, 
 whether for the body or the soul. Pardon, we 
 beseech Thee, the sins and errors of this day. Oh, 
 forgive, for the blessed Saviour's sake, all our short- 
 comings in thought, and word, and action ; and 
 let us lie down on our beds with our consciences 
 at peace, through the sprinkling of the blood of 
 atonement. Favour us with a peaceful night and 
 refreshing sleep ; let no evil come near our dwelling 
 or persons, but be Thou our shield, our guardian, 
 and our God. We rejoice that the darkness and 
 the light are both alike to Thee ; therefore will we 
 lie down in peace and sleep, for Thou, Lord, only 
 makest us to dwell safely. And now, God of 
 our salvation, accept our thanksgiving, and hear 
 and answer our humble prayer, for the sake of our 
 only Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 23t ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FOUHTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXI. 
 
 BOW down thine ear unto us, Lord, for we 
 put our trust in Thee. In Thee, the Rock 
 of Ages, we place all our confidence, and rest 
 assured that we shall never be ashamed. We 
 rejoice that our times are in thy hand. Thy 
 wisdom appoints, and tliy gracious providence 
 accomplishes, all that concerns us. In all the 
 mercies of life we desire to see thy smile ; and 
 when the shadow of earthly sorrow crosses our 
 path, we would remember that it is the shadow of 
 thy mighty hand at work for our highest good. 
 Let thy great goodness fill our hearts with thank- 
 fulness, and our lips with praise. May the past 
 deliverances Thou hast wrought on our behalf 
 never be forgotten, but always strengthen our 
 belief that thine unfailing mercy will pardon our 
 sins, subdue our corruptions, and supply all our 
 need. 
 
 Make thy face to shine upon thy servants this 
 morning, that all day long Ave may walk in thy 
 favour. We desire to perform all the duties of 
 life in thy strength, and so to do common things 
 that they may glorify Thee. Preserve us, we 
 beseech Thee, Lord, from our spiritual foes, and 
 direct our feeble steps, that the snares of Satan 
 may not prevail against us. Let our judgment of 
 all things be formed by the light of thy sacred 
 word, and suffer not the conflicting opinions of 
 men to estrange our hearts from Thee. Should the 
 strife of tongues disturb us, enable us with patience 
 to endure, and by meekness to commend to others 
 the Gospel we profess, and the God we serve. 
 
 Most merciful Father, accept our thanksgivings 
 for the blessings bestowed upon us during the 
 night, and for the daily bread with which Thou 
 hast supplied our table. Shield us now from the 
 dangers of the day, and richly satisfy our souls 
 with the bread of life. Go before us in all our 
 ways, and bring us in peace and comfort, at the 
 close of the day, to our family altar. Let thine 
 undeserved love to us fill us with compassion and 
 tenderness to all our suffering fellow-creatures ; 
 and, for thy sake, may we in all things do unto 
 others as we would that they should do to us. 
 Hear our supplications for all men. May those 
 who are near and dear to us be one with us in 
 thy service on earth, and in thy glory in heaven. 
 Abundantly bless our beloved Sovereign and 
 all the Royal family. Enrich our native land 
 with all seasonable gifts of thy good providence, 
 and with the abundant light of thy Gospel truth. 
 Be with our countrymen in distant colonies and 
 foreign lands, and hasten the glorious time when 
 the whole earth shall know Thee, the only true 
 God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent. 
 Grant this, we beseech Thee, for his sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 THESSALONIANS III. 
 
 OHOLY and Eternal God, help us, in this our 
 evening praise and prayer, to worship Thee 
 in spirit and in truth. The name of Jesus is our 
 plea, and his intercessions on high the source of all 
 our confidence. We trust in Him, and recall with 
 thankfulness the gracious promise that whatsoever 
 we shall ask in his name, believing, we shall re- 
 ceive. We believe ; O Lord, help our unbelief. 
 
 Glory be to thy name for the multiplied bless- 
 ings of this day. With what gracious care hast 
 Thou watched over and preserved us I With what 
 unwearied love hast Thou borne with our infir- 
 mities and sins ! How hast Thou withheld the 
 punishment we have deserved, and bestowed mercy 
 instead of judgment ! Oh, fill us with thankful- 
 ness and praise, and grant us grace with renewed 
 purpose of heart to cleave unto Thee in all things. 
 Especially we implore thy forgiveness for this day's 
 many sins. Suffer not our guilt to remain upon 
 us, but cleanse us in the fountain once opened for 
 uncleanness. God, grant us thy peace, and 
 enable us to lie down on our beds this night in the 
 blessed experience of thy forgiveness. 
 
 Gracious Father, in thy truth and faithfulness 
 strengthen our hearts, and keep us from all evil. 
 Enable us to do in all things what Thou hast com- 
 manded ; and to live in the constant assurance of 
 thy love, and the blessed hope of the Lord's coming. 
 By thy Spirit awaken in us a sincere love to Thee, 
 that we may be ready to every good word and 
 work, and never grow weary in well-doing. Pre- 
 serve us, we pray Thee, from the sin of idleness. 
 Help us to look upon our time, and talents, and 
 opportunities as a stewardship from Thee. Oh, 
 that we may use them all in thy service, and for the 
 good of others. Show us, Lord, by the leadings 
 of thy providence, and by the teaching of thy 
 Holy Spirit, what we ought to do, and give us the 
 will and the strength to do it, that we may be 
 living epistles of Christ. 
 
 Look in mercy upon thy Church, and preserve 
 it froaa false teachers, who would turn thy children 
 from the way of truth into the paths of error. 
 Guide thy ministers to a deeper knowledge and 
 experience of thy truth, and make them instru- 
 ments of great and lasting blessing to their people. 
 Have compassion on all men, and raise up labourers 
 for Thee, who shall go into thy vineyard and gather 
 in a rich harvest of souls for Christ 
 
 We crave thy blessing for all who are dear to us 
 [and especially for the children of our family]. 
 Take us and them under thy gracious care; antl 
 so refresh us with needful rest, that when the 
 morning dawns upon us, we may enter with re- 
 newed diligence on the work of another day. 
 Hear us, we pray Thee, for Clirist's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 235 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XXII. 
 
 OGOD, the Lord, the lioly and heavenly Father, 
 be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause 
 thy face to shine upon us. In the shining of thy 
 face we feel our life and comfort ever lie. If 
 Thou art angry all our strength is gone, and we 
 walk in weary dread of perishing under thy frown. 
 Only in thy favour do we live, and only in thy 
 mercy can we rejoice. Oh, satisfy us early with 
 thy mercy, that we may rejoice, and be glad all 
 the day. 
 
 We bless Thee for thy Son, whom Thou hast 
 anointed, and sent to save us. He is our refuge 
 from guilt and our rest in trouble, and we come 
 unto Him, seeking salvation in Him. As they of 
 old, the distressed of Judah, came unto David, 
 unto the hold, seeking for refuge in the son of 
 Jesse, so do we, in our heavier distress, come 
 unto Jesus, unto the cleft of the Rock, seeking 
 salvation in the Son of the living God. Oh, that 
 we may be received of Him, and admitted into the 
 immber of his disciples, and find the salvation we 
 need in Him ! Grant, also, Lord, that we may 
 be united to his person, and made partakers 
 of his overflowing grace. As the branch is 
 united to the vine, so may we be united to Jesus, 
 and receive of his fulness, and grace for grace. 
 
 Regard, Lord, the state of this household, and 
 look Thou to our peace and safety. We are sub- 
 ject to many evils ; we are pursued by many foes ; 
 Ave know not what a day or an hour may bring 
 upon us; but be Thou our shield and sure defence, 
 and we shall not be greatly moved. What time 
 we are afraid, we will trust in God ; as our fathers 
 trusted, so will we, and we shall not be con- 
 founded. Thou hast been our help, therefore in 
 the shadow of thy wings will we confide. In quiet- 
 ness and confidence shall be our strength. When 
 we are troubled, let us not be distressed ; when we 
 are perplexed, let us not be in despair ; if we 
 should be persecuted, let us not be forsaken ; or if 
 we should be cast down, let us not be destroyed. 
 In Thee may we find our peace in trouble, our 
 comfort in sorrow, our strength in weakness, and 
 our deliverance in every time of danger. While 
 Thou, Lord, art for us, who can be against us ? 
 
 We beseech thy providential care throughout 
 this day. Guide us with thine eye, and enable us 
 in all our Avays to acknowledge Thee. Help us to 
 carry about with us a praying heart, and to be 
 diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the 
 Lord. Grant us grace to acquiesce in all thy dis- 
 pensations ; and may we in all things be able to 
 say sincerely, '' Thy will be done." Hear us in 
 these things, Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake, 
 to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be all 
 honour and praise for evermore. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XVIII. 18-28. 
 
 OGOD, the Father of all mercies, and the God 
 of all consolation, look upon us with the favour 
 Thou bearest towards thy people, and visit us with 
 thy salvation. Thy good providence has kept us 
 in being and in blessings during the day past, 
 and we now come before Thee, in the name of 
 thy dear Son, to obtain thy blessing. We would 
 humbly and heartily confess our sins unto Thee ; 
 we acknowledge that this day, and during all 
 the days of our life, we have not served Thee as 
 we ought ; and if we have not fallen into open 
 sin, it is owing to thy restraining grace, and not 
 to our own merit. 
 
 We pray Thee, pardon our sins, and grant to us 
 peace and joy in believing in Jesus. Shed abroad 
 in our hearts the Holy Ghost, to renew us in 
 righteousness, and to strengthen us against our 
 besetting sins. Teach us to recognise thy provi- 
 dence ordering all events, so that not a sparrow 
 falls to the ground without thy knowledge. Help 
 us in all our worldly business to remember that 
 our life is but a vapour, appearing for a little time, 
 and then vanishing away. 
 
 Preserve us, Lord, from a vain and conten- 
 tious spirit; may we seek first the kingdom of 
 God and its righteousness, and, in diligent atten- 
 tion to our duty, feel sure that all necessary things 
 will be added unto us. We praise Thee for our 
 temporal blessings, for health and happiness, food 
 and raiment, the use of our reason, and all those 
 family comforts by which we are surrounded. 
 Let thy goodness lead us to repentance, and produce 
 a hearty devotion to thy service. Remember this 
 night the needy and the afflicted : supply their 
 wants ; sustain them in their trials ; and make all 
 things to work together for their good. 
 
 Bless our country with peace and prosperity. 
 Grant to those who rule in the state the spirit of 
 godly grace and wisdom, and may true religion 
 and virtue prosper in our land to all generations. 
 Remove, Thou Prince of Peace, all the causes 
 of strife and war, and grant to all nations unity, 
 peace, and concord. Grant success to every effort 
 that is made to teach the young their duty to God 
 and man, and prosper the preaching of thy Gospel 
 to every creature. Be present with all Christian 
 missionaries in foreign lands ; cause the heathen 
 to be turned from idols to serve the living and 
 true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven; and 
 the Jews to look on Him whom they pierced, and 
 mourn. And now, Lord, we commit ourselves to 
 Thee, our Creator, Preserver, and Redeemer. Keep 
 us this night in safety of body and in peace 
 of mind, and strengthen us for the duties of each 
 returning day, through our Lord Jesus Clii'ist. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 236 ] 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XXIV. 
 
 OUR Father Avho art in heaven, to whose grace 
 we look for the pardon of all our sins, teach 
 us, we pray Thee, by thy Holy Spirit, to offer in 
 sincerity the petition taught us by our blessed Lord, 
 and to say, " Forgive us our debts, as we forgive 
 our debtors." Thou didst enable thy servant David 
 to withhold his hand from hurting his cruel persecu- 
 tors, when placed within his power ; and surely it 
 becomes us, with the yet brighter example before 
 us of Him who, being reviled, reviled not again, 
 and who in suffering, threatened not, to refrain 
 from recompensing evil for evil. Oh, grant us the 
 spirit of charity and love, that we may forbear 
 with one another, and forgive one another, even as 
 Thou, for Christ's sake, dost forgive us. If in the 
 course of the day on which we have now entered 
 we meet with those who injuriously asperse us or 
 rail at us, may we be enabled to answer in the 
 meekness of wisdom, and to approve ourselves fol- 
 lowers of the patient and gentle Sufferer, who 
 endured the contradiction of sinners against Him- 
 self, and prayed for them that nailed Him to the 
 cross. And may we ever be kept from all that 
 tends to hurt or wrong another. Let us do good, 
 and not evil, all the days of our life. 
 
 We pray Thee, Lord, to succour with thy 
 grace such as are persecuted for righteousness' 
 sake. Deliver them, if it please Thee, turning the 
 hearts of their persecutors to justice and truth; 
 and while their trials last, may He who walked 
 with the Hebrew youths in the furnace of Babylon 
 manifest his presence to their hearts, and stay them 
 up with his all-sufficient grace. Remember 
 in thy mercy all who are enslaved and oppressed. 
 Break, we pray Thee, every yoke. Oh, in thy 
 mercy, break all over the world the yokes of 
 ignorance and sin, and destroy the dominion of 
 the wicked one. We thank Thee for the civil and 
 religious freedom we enjoy. Oh, that all the 
 subjects of our Sovereign (whom do Thou bless) 
 were also freed by the truth, and found walking 
 in the glorious liberty of the children of God ! 
 
 We now commend all the members of this house- 
 hold to thy safe keeping for the day. As we go 
 to our various tasks and duties, may we remember 
 that we are under thine eye, and always strive to 
 please Thee. Keep us in our going out and our 
 coming in. Preserve our souls from sin. Lead us 
 not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. 
 Prosper, if it please Thee, our work this day ; and 
 with our daily bread, give us a Father's blessing. 
 We praise Thee for the rest and refreshment of the 
 bygone night, and for all the mercies with which 
 this morning Thou hast surrounded us. And to thy 
 holy name we ascribe honour and glory, for ever and 
 ever, through Jesus Clirist our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XIX. 1—20. 
 
 AT the close of the day, we would again seek 
 thy presence, Lord God. May thy Word 
 just read be felt by us in all its fulness. 
 
 Help each one of us to examine ourselves, whether 
 we are in the faith. Let not our profession be only 
 a bending of the knee, whilst our heart is not 
 humbled. Let not our prayer come only from 
 the lip, whilst our heart is far away from Thee. 
 Heavenly Father, forgive all our lukewarmness. 
 Give us a heart to pray more — to ask oftener for 
 thy Holy Ghost, to seek a deeper interest in dying 
 to sin and living unto Thee, so that by our lives 
 we may show that we are under the power of the 
 Holy Ghost. 
 
 We commenced this day with reading thy Word, 
 and asking help that we might live up to the privi- 
 leges promised in that Word. Now we come to 
 grieve over another day's shortcomings and weak- 
 nesses. ■ Whilst the spirit is willing, oh, how weak 
 we often find the flesh to be ! We would not 
 hide one sin ; help us, God, by thy Spirit, to 
 confess every sin. As Thou dost deepen the sense 
 of sin within us, so let thy Word mightily grow 
 in our minds, and be enjoyed in our lives, through 
 the forgiveness which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 
 
 When we testify to others about the happiness of 
 true godliness, oh, may we do it with our lives as 
 well as by our words ! 
 
 Keep us from the influence of false doctrine, 
 and make those who preach thy Word themselves 
 to enjoy the forgiveness of sins. 
 
 We pray for every member of our family. May 
 thy Word grow mightily amongst them. We pray 
 for our friends and neighbours : may thy Word 
 grow mightily amongst them also. We pray for 
 our enemies, Lord God: may thy Word grow 
 mightily amongst them. 
 
 Help each of us to take away the stumbling- 
 block out of our brother's way, whatever seems to 
 stop the spreading of the Word. To this end, bless, 
 Lord, all Sabbath-schools, all faithful preachers 
 of the Word, all missionary and other societies, 
 which seek to place the sinner under the powers 
 of the Gospel, or which seek to remove the vice 
 and iniquity which so mightily prevent the 
 Word having free course. 
 
 As we pray for success on these undertakings, 
 so lead each one of us to do our part in helping 
 on thy blessed work. As we can each be useful 
 in our day and generation, may we so live that no 
 one shall hereafter charge us with not helping 
 them to receive the Gospel. 
 
 We commend each other into thy gracious care 
 for the night. Graciously watch over us, and 
 defend us from all evil. Hear us, and have mercy 
 upon us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 237 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FOURTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALMS CXLL, CXLII. 
 
 OLORD God, who in all ages hast been a refuge 
 for thy people, we rejoice to know that Thou 
 art the unchangeable God whose compassions fail 
 not. We thank Thee that in thy Word Thou hast 
 recorded for our encouragement the experience of 
 thy saints, and thereby hast revealed to us thy 
 goodness and mercy. Oh, enable us to walk in 
 their footsteps, and to lean upon Thee in all our 
 weakness and temptation with child-like trust, and 
 to feel that Thou art indeed the God of our salva- 
 tion, a very present help in every time of need. 
 Thou hast helped us hitherto, and we bless thy holy 
 name. We remember thy goodness and love, and 
 desire to cast all our care upon Thee, for Thou carest 
 for us. May the mercies of the night now past, and 
 those now renewed to us, stir us up to thankfulness 
 and praise, and especially constrain us this day cheer- 
 fully and obediently to do thy will. Suffer us 
 not to wander from Thee, but keep us ever near 
 Thyself. Draw our hearts away from all evil, 
 and let not sin have dominion over us. We would 
 keep our hearts with all diligence, and set a watch 
 over our lips, that we offend not in word. 
 
 Gracious Father, give us a clearer knowledge 
 of heavenly things, and especially make us ac- 
 quainted with Thyself and thy dear Son Jesus 
 Christ. Work in us, we beseech Thee, a true re- 
 pentance for all those sins which we from time to 
 time have most grievously committed by thought, 
 word, and deed against thy Divine Majesty, pro- 
 voking most justly thy wrath and indignation 
 against us. Increase our faith 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. 
 
 We seek thy blessing on all the duties and 
 engagements of this day. Only as Thou shalt 
 defend and protect us shall we escape the snares 
 of sin and the shafts of the great enemy. Almighty 
 God, we commit ourselves to thy care, and earnestly 
 jn'ay that Thou wilt not leave us nor forsake us. 
 Take charge of all our circumstances, whether at 
 home or in the world. If Thou sendest trial or 
 disappointment, may we profit by it : if peace and 
 prosperity is given, may we see thy hand in it and 
 be thankful. 
 
 Help every effort which shall be made this day 
 for bringing souls to Christ. Fill the hearts of 
 thy believing people with a fervent zeal for thy 
 glory, and with an earnest desire to bring the 
 sinful and guilty into the fold of Jesus. Send 
 forth daily fresh labourers into thy vineyard, and 
 grant much success to all thy ministers. Give thy 
 choieest blessing to all whom we love, and answer 
 all our prayers for ourselves and others, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS I. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, at the close of 
 another week we would offer to Thee our sacrifice 
 of prayer and thanksgiving. We bless thy name 
 for the mercies that have followed us all our life 
 long unto this day. Above all, we thank Thee 
 that Thou hast called us to be saints, and hast 
 translated us out of the kingdom of darkness into 
 the kingdom of thy dear Son. Oh, help us to walk 
 worthy of our high calling, in all lowliness and 
 meekness, forbearing one another, and forgiving 
 one another, even as Christ forgave us. Lord, 
 have mercy upon us. Pardon our offences ; cleanse 
 the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of 
 thy Holy Spirit, that we may be full of love to 
 Thee, and to thy people, and to all mankind. 
 May all old things die in us, and all things be- 
 longing to the Spirit live and grow in us. May 
 we be blameless and harmless, children of God 
 M^thout rebidie in the midst of a crooked and per- 
 verse generation. 
 
 We are now on the eve of another holy day. 
 Prepare our hearts for entering on its sacred 
 duties. Help us to lay aside all thoughts of our 
 worldly business or amusement, and to spend the 
 day, if we are spared to enter on it, in earnest 
 endeavours for our own spiritual improvement, and 
 for that of others. Keep us from all anxious 
 thoughts about the things of this life. May we be 
 careful for nothing, but in everything, by prayer 
 and supplication, make our requests known unto 
 Thee. 
 
 Help us to use the world as not abusing it, 
 knowing that the fashion thereof passeth away. 
 
 We would again implore thy Fatherly blessing 
 on all who are near and dear to us. Give them, 
 if it be thy holy will, all the blessings of this life ; 
 but, above all, give them thy Holy Spirit, and 
 defend them with thy heavenly grace, that they 
 may be Thine now, and Thine for ever. 
 
 We pray Thee, Lord, to bless our native land, 
 and all ranks of men among us. Make our officers 
 peace, and our exactors righteousness. Bless and 
 keep the magistrates, and give them grace to exe- 
 cute justice, and to maintain truth. Give to all 
 nations unity, peace, and concord. Give and pre- 
 serve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so 
 as in due time we may enjoy them. Have mercy 
 upon all men. Succour, help, and comfort all that 
 are in danger, necessity, and tribulation, giving 
 them patience under their sufferings, and a happy 
 issue out of all their afflictions. 
 
 Hear, Lord, we beseech Thee, these our peti- 
 tions ; and those things which for our unworthiness 
 we dare not, and for our ignorance we cannot ask, 
 vouchsafe to give us for the worthiness of thy Son, 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 238 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIFTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XXVI. 
 
 A LMIOHTY God ! who liast, in all 
 
 -^ ordered the course of this world according: 
 to thine unerring wisdom and righteousness, we 
 beseech Thee so to assist us in reading the record 
 of thy dispensations, that we may learn to delight 
 in the ways of thy providence, and to yield our- 
 selves more humbly and readily to thy will. 
 
 Teach us, Lord, to meditate profitably on the 
 wonders of thy power and wisdom as they are 
 unfolded in thy Word. We remember how Thou 
 didst watch over thy servant David in the wilder- 
 ness, not leaving him, though poor and persecuted, 
 without faithful followers. By granting him the 
 help of thy Holy Spirit, Thou didst make him 
 valiant, wise, and loyal ; and when he had suffered 
 much, and encountered the cruel hatred of many 
 enemies, didst give him the victory, and seat liim 
 on his tlu'one in peace and glory. 
 
 And thus it was that Thou didst foreshow how 
 thy dear Son Jesus should endure many afflictions, 
 and, having been made perfect by suffering, should 
 be crowned with glory everlasting. In Him is 
 our hope. In Him thy people are a chosen gene- 
 ration, a royal priesthood, a nation of kings. Grant 
 us, therefore, Lord, both the will and the 
 strengtli to follow Him whithersoever it may be 
 his good pleasure to call us. Let us never be 
 unfaithful to Him, nor ashamed to confess that we 
 serve and adore a crucified Saviour. Suffer us 
 not to shrink from bearing the burdens or exer- 
 cising the patience and humility which may show 
 that we are his. 
 
 Mercifully be with us in all the sacred duties 
 and engagements of this day. Help us in all our 
 infirmities, that we may worship Thee in spirit and 
 in truth, and receive with meekness the lessons of 
 thy Word. Give us, we beseech Thee, the hearing 
 ear and the understanding heart, and grant that 
 every Lord's Day may find us holier and wiser, 
 increasing in spiritual strength, and having a 
 deeper experience of thy saving power and love. 
 Mightily, God, work in the hearts of men. By 
 thy Spirit awaken the careless, and arouse the 
 slumbering. Convince sinners of their sins ; 
 humble them in godly sorrow ; melt their hearts 
 by thy love ; and show them the grace and suf- 
 ficiency of Jesus Christ. Inspire thy ministers 
 with a holy boldness, and cause thy Word from 
 their lips to be a means of blessing and comfort to 
 many. Guide those who are in error into the way 
 of truth. Assist all Sunday-school teachers in 
 their labours. Be with all missionaries and churches 
 in other lands, and make them lights to reflect 
 thy glory. 
 
 Lord, have mercy and help us, according to thy 
 great love in Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 
 
 READ in holy SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS II. 
 
 OGOD our Father, at the close of the Sab- 
 bath we gratefully acknowledge thy good- 
 ness in sending to us the ministry of thy Word. 
 We thank Thee that thy servants preach unto 
 us Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. Grant, we 
 beseech Thee, that these precious truths may 
 come in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. 
 Under their influence may we grow up into Christ, 
 be made wise unto salvation, and fruitful in every 
 good work. And if to-night our minds are 
 darkened, so that we discover not the beauties of 
 Jesus and the greatness of his salvation, Eternal 
 Spirit, who searchest all things, yea, the deep 
 things of God, reveal them unto us. Make us to 
 know the things that are fully given to us of God. 
 In the Lord Jesus may we have righteousness and 
 strength. Through Him give us to enjoy a happy 
 sense of sins forgiven, the entire renewal of the 
 heart, and a lively hope of everlasting glory. 
 And may we know nothing among men, as the 
 ground of our hope, as the source of our blessing, 
 save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. 
 
 We praise and glorify Thee for all the privi- 
 leges of this day. Blessed be the Lord for these 
 days of rest ! We would examine ourselves to- 
 night, in thy presence, as to the spirit we have 
 cultivated, and the improvement we have made. 
 God, Thou knowest whether or not we have 
 called the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the 
 Lord, honourable. Thine omniscient eye has seen 
 much sin in our services — we have in many 
 respects been doing our own ways, or finding our 
 own pleasure, or speaking our own words : Lord, 
 we humbly confess the sin, and pray for pardon. 
 Even before we retire to rest, be merciful unto us, 
 and bless us with full and free forgiveness ; and 
 help us to carry through the week the hallowing 
 influences of thy grace. May thy Word dwell 
 richly in our hearts in all wisdom. In all the 
 circumstances of life may we do justly, love mercy, 
 and walk humbly with our God. And if we should 
 never see another earthly Sabbath, oh, may we be 
 fitted for an eternal Sabbath at thy right hand. 
 
 We pray for all congregations that have been 
 assembled in thy name. Send upon them showers 
 of blessing. And may all Christian efforts be 
 rendered effectual to the pulling down of the 
 strongholds of sin. 
 
 We commit ourselves, our relatives, and friends, 
 to thine especial care. Thou that keepest 
 Israel, defend us from all harm. Evermore give 
 us thy grace ; and when we have served Thee and 
 our generations according to thy will, may we 
 have an entrance ministered unto us abundantly 
 into thine everlasting kingdom, tlu*ough Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 239 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIFTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XXVIII. 
 
 HOLY, lioly, lioly, Lord God of Hosts : heaven 
 and earth are full of thy glory. Glory be to 
 Thee, Lord, most high. We praise and thank 
 Thee for thy protecting care over us during the 
 past night, and for the light of another day. But 
 more especially do we praise Thee for that revela- 
 tion which Thou hast given us to be a light to our 
 feet, and a lamp for our paths. Oh, let thy Word 
 find a fruitful place in our hearts, and make it to 
 be continually profitable to us for doctrine, for 
 reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteous- 
 ness. Therein are set forth for our profit the lives 
 of men of old time : give us grace to follow the 
 examples of the good, and to take warning by those 
 whose ways bear testimony that they departed from 
 Thee, and provoked thy righteous indignation. 
 Lord^ leave us not to ourselves, nor to the power of 
 the great enemy of our souls; and make us to know 
 not only that it is by grace we are saved, but that 
 it is by grace we also stand; else we, like others, 
 may commit the very sins wliich we once abhorred, 
 and run the risk of beinj; left to the counsels of our 
 own hearts, and of the spirit that worketh in the 
 children of disobedience. Forbid that we should 
 seek for the living amongst the dead ; and, while 
 we duly prize the advice of the holy and the good, 
 let us look only to Thee for wisdom and in- 
 fallible truth ; and, coming to thy lively oracles, 
 may we always find in them a word in season. 
 Let us not be wise in our own eyes, or prudent 
 in our own sight; and do Thou give us not 
 only contrite hearts, but also humble spirits, 
 meekly to receive the engrafted Word, which is 
 able to save our souls. Daily and hourly beset 
 with spiritual enemies, help us to fight against 
 them in thy strength, and in the persuasion that 
 as our day, so shall our strength be. Bring con- 
 stantly to our remembrance that Scripture which 
 saith, " Cursed be the man which trusteth in man, 
 and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart de- 
 parteth from the Lord ;" " Blessed is the man that 
 trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is." 
 We bless Thee that Thou hast reconciled the 
 world unto Thyself through thy dear Son, and 
 that through Him we can ask all the blessings 
 which we require. Be with us throughout this 
 day. Suffer us not to fall into sin, or to run 
 into any kind of danger; but let all our doings 
 be ordered by thy governance, to do always that 
 which is righteous in thy sight. Bless our rela- 
 tives, our acquaintances, and our neighbours. 
 Bless our country, and the rulers thereof Guide 
 them in their councils and overrule their plans for 
 good. Let thy blessing rest on all, Lord, and 
 thy Word be glorified. We ask all through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS III. 
 
 MERCIFUL Lord ! the God and Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, we praise Thee for the great 
 goodness vouchsafed us this day. Thy love has 
 spared us. Thy bounty has satisfied our wants. 
 Thy watchful care has preserved our going out 
 and coming in. Well may our hearts rejoice to 
 feel that it is in Thee we live, and move, and 
 have our being ; that Thou, Lord, dost compass 
 us with thy favour as with a shield. 
 
 But, Lord, we are often so engrossed and over- 
 whelmed with the cares and struggles of this life 
 that we forget how our Father knoweth what things 
 we have need of; and in our weakness, resting upon 
 an arm of flesh, we neglect Thee, our God, days 
 without number. Oh, quicken us by thy Holy 
 Spirit ! — draw us, and we will run after Thee. 
 Help us to rest in thy faithful love. 
 
 Lord, Thou knowest us altogether. How 
 solemn is this thought when we look forward to 
 the great day of account ! Then shall every man's 
 work be declared of what sort it is. Give us grace 
 so to live that we may look up in that day, with 
 holy confidence. Let us not deceive ourselves 
 with a name to live while we are dead in tres- 
 passes and sins. Let us not be content with a form 
 of godliness. Give us the indwelling, humbling, 
 renewing grace of thy Holy Spirit. Alas, Lord I 
 how little we know ourselves I How often the 
 pride and selfishness of the carnal heart intrudes 
 into our holy things ! Oh, for the outpouring of 
 the Holy Spirit, that his grace in us may be ex- 
 ceeding abundant in faith and love towards Jesus 
 Christ ; that we may grow up into Him our head, 
 in whom we have redemption through his blood. 
 
 Adorable Redeemer, head over all things to thy 
 Church, look upon thy people. Glorify thy grace 
 in the growing consistency of those who are called 
 by that name. Stir up the love and zeal of thy 
 people for the spread of the Gospel. Have com- 
 passion on the multitudes who are in darkness and 
 unbelief — some in our own families, many round 
 about us. Lord, let not our inconsistencies be 
 stumbling-blocks to any of them. Rather, through 
 thy grace, may our light so shine, that they may 
 glorify our God and Saviour in seeking and em- 
 bracing the great salvation. 
 
 Gracious Father, we ask thy blessing upon the 
 sick and afflicted, the destitute and the tried. Visit 
 them especially with thy salvation. Uphold them 
 by thy good Spirit. Comfort, strengthen, and in 
 thine own time relieve them. 
 
 And now we yield ourselves to Thee. Watch 
 over us and all whom we would specially remem- 
 ber at thy footstool this night. Keep us, bless us, 
 give us refreshing sleep, our God, through Jesus 
 Christ our adorable Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 C 240 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIFTH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 SAMUEL XXXL 
 
 OLORD, the Almi(Thty Creator of all things in 
 heaven and earth, whose ever-present provi- 
 dence supplies the wants of all which thy hand 
 hath made, Thou art our God, and we will exalt 
 Thee ; Thou art our God, and we will praise thy 
 name. Wonderful art Thou in thy dealings unto 
 the children of men. Thou hatest nothing that 
 Thou hast made, and even when we were yet 
 sinners. Thou didst look down in tender com- 
 passion, and, through thy dear Son, redeem and 
 save us. Adored be thy glorious name for thy 
 saving grace. Lord, cause the remembrance of 
 this thy great mercy, and the daily experience we 
 have of thy goodness and care, to quicken om- souls 
 with grateful affection towards Thee. Oh, prevent 
 us by thy grace from adding to all our many sins 
 the grievous sin of unthankfulness ! Take away 
 the blindness of our hearts, and unfold to us all the 
 riches of thy grace, that we may know the love of 
 Christ, which passeth knowledge, and be filled with 
 all the fulness of God. 
 
 Gracious Father, be with us, we beseech Thee, 
 this day, and guide our wayward hearts in the 
 paths of righteousness and truth. Cause the warn- 
 ings of thy Word to awaken in us a holy fear, lest 
 we, too, should fall from our steadfastness, and incur 
 tliy righteous displeasure. In thy favour alone is 
 life and peace. If Thou cast us off, we perish. 
 Help us, then, to walk circumspectly, not as fools, 
 but as wise, that we grieve not thy Spirit, and 
 quench his light within us. In faith we desire to 
 live, seeing Tliee, who art invisible, ever about our 
 path, a very present help in the hour of need. 
 Looking up to Jesus, our all-prevailing Mediator 
 and Intercessor, enable us to lay aside every 
 weight, and the sin which easily besets us, and to 
 run with patience the race which is set before us. 
 Guard us, we pray Thee, against the assaults of 
 the great enemy, the temptations of the world, 
 and the deceitfulness of our own hearts. Let not 
 sin bring us under its power to-day, but give us 
 strength to resist and overcome. 
 
 We earnestly implore thy grace and blessing on 
 behalf of all who are dear to us. Merciful God and 
 Father, teach them by thy Spirit, and by thy Word, 
 and by the lessons of thy providence. Let not 
 one of them be deaf to thy voice, or receive thy 
 grace in vain. We pray that they may all find 
 Christ, and be found of Him ; and that under the 
 protection of thy providence, and the guidance of 
 thy Spirit, they and we may tread the narrow way 
 of life in faith and love, ever pressing onward 
 towards the end. Speed this day the work of thy 
 Gospel, and make it the power of God to the sal- 
 vation and comfort of many hearts. We ask all 
 in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN' HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS IV. 
 
 OGOD, our Father, whose merciful providence 
 has kept us through this day, now that its 
 work is done, and we are brought again together 
 to read thy Word and worship Thee, enable us to 
 render hearty thanks for all thy great goodness 
 towards us. In Thee we live, and move, and have 
 our being; from Thee has come every blessing 
 which has been ours this day. Whatever success 
 has attended us, whatever power we have had to 
 resist sin, or to live as followers of Jesus, has been 
 thy gift, and for these do we render thanks ; but 
 most of all for thy revealed Word, for the gift of 
 thy Son, and for the knowledge of thy free for- 
 giveness and ready help to all who seek Thee in 
 simple trust on Him. 
 
 It is in the strength of that knowledge and of 
 this truth that we are bold to come unto Thee ; for 
 when we remember our shortcomings and errors, 
 the wanderings of our hearts this day, our shrink- 
 ing from honest service before Thee, and our 
 actual transgressions of thy law, we are convinced 
 of our un worthiness to claim any good at thy 
 hands. But we come to Thee, as to our Father 
 in Christ Jesus, knowing that in Him Thou art 
 willing to hear, and to bless ; and we ask Thee, for 
 his sake, to pardon all our sins, all wherein we 
 have this day offended, all in which we have done 
 evil, or neglected to do good. Help us to search 
 our hearts, and to try ourselves by the standard of 
 thy Word. Save us from carelessness, from the 
 folly which shuns self-examination, or strives to 
 make little of sin, and give us courage and faith- 
 fulness to bring ourselves to the light, that, learning 
 our own weakness, we may the more earnestly 
 seek thy grace and promised help. 
 
 We are thy stewards, God. Time, talent, 
 strength, opportunity to do good, and power of 
 example are given by Thee, that we may in them 
 glorify Thee. Thou who searchest the heart, 
 forgive us all the error of the past, and quicken us 
 by thy Spirit, that we may be found faithful in the 
 time to come. Help us to care more and to do 
 more for the spread of thy Gospel. May the 
 Spirit of our Master stir our hearts with earnest 
 desire for the salvation of sinners. Prosper all 
 efforts to make known the name and love of Jesus. 
 Wherever the good seed is sown, in church or 
 school, abroad or at home, may thy blessing give 
 the increase. Have mercy on our country ; may 
 thy Word have free course and be glorified among 
 us. Have pity on all who are in trouble, and 
 sanctify to them their trials. And now, Father, 
 we commit to Thee ourselves and all our friends 
 and neighbours ; keep us during the night, and 
 raise us up to live to thy glory for Jesus' sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 C 241 ] 
 
 No. 31. 
 
MORNESTG.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIFTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 SAMUEL L 
 
 GRACIOUS God, to whom we come this morn- 
 ing in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, mercifully hear our prayer and accept our 
 thanksgiving. Thou hast been pleased to preserve 
 us in safety through the darkness of the night, and 
 hast gathered us together now at the throne of thy 
 heavenly grace : and not unto us, but to thy name 
 be the gloiy, for we have not merited these favours 
 at thy holy hand. Grant us grateful hearts, 
 Lord ; especially make us thankful for thy Holy 
 Word ; may it be a light to our feet and a lamp to 
 our path, to show us the way in which we ought to 
 walk, until we see Thee in the blessed world above, 
 where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God. 
 
 Bless to our edification the Scripture we have 
 just read, and hasten the time when nation shall 
 not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they 
 learn Avar any more. Let mourning and weeping, 
 lamentation and woe, come to an end under the 
 reign of the ever blessed Prince of Peace. Give 
 the King thy judgments, God, and thy righteous- 
 ness unto the King's Son. Let Him have dominion 
 from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends 
 of the earth. We adore Thee for the promise that 
 his name shall endure for ever, that men shall be 
 blessed in Him, and that all nations shall call Him 
 blessed. Help us to love Him whose love to us is 
 wonderful, and to rejoice that He dieth no more, but 
 ever liveth to make intercession for us. Search us 
 and try us by thy Holy Spirit, God, and root up 
 from our hearts every plant which Thou hast not 
 planted ; strengthen faith, and love, and every 
 grace within us, that we may bring forth fruit to 
 thy glory by Jesus Christ ; and purify us to Thy- 
 self, that we may show forth thy praise. May we 
 be jealous of thine honour, ever remembering that 
 we are not our own, but bought with a price, even 
 the precious blood of Christ, who gave Himself for 
 us, that he might bring us to God. 
 
 Mercifully keep us in the narrow way this day. 
 If tempted, let us not yield to temptation. If 
 troubled, do Thou strengthen and uphold us. In 
 thy mercy forgive all our many sins against Thee. 
 And let us receive every gift of providence which 
 Thou mayest give us this day as a fresh proof of 
 thy fatherly kindness in Christ Jesus. Give us 
 this day our daily bread ; enable us to hold fast 
 the Word of truth among all with whom Thou 
 mayest bring us in contact ; prosper the work of 
 our hands upon us ; give peace in our hearts and 
 peace in our dwelling ; make all things work together 
 for our good, according to thy gracious promise, 
 to those who love Thee ; and do all this for the 
 sake of our ever blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, to whom be glory and praise for ever 
 and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS V. 
 
 MOST gracious God, we bless Thee for the 
 assm-ance of thy Word that Christ our 
 Passover is sacrificed for us. May we constantly 
 feel that we have an interest in the atonement for 
 sin which he has offered, and which Thou hast 
 accepted. Vouchsafe to us all the benefits of his 
 passion, and fill us with peace and joy by believing 
 in Him. Oh, show unto us that the evils of our 
 natiu'e can only be overcome by the power of 
 Christ. Help us to purge out the old leaven of 
 corruption, and do Thou make us new creatures in 
 Christ Jesus. Give us grace to put off concerning 
 the former conversation the old man, which is cor- 
 rupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed 
 in the spirit of our minds ; and to put on the new 
 man, which after God is created in righteousness 
 and true holiness. May we ever remember that the 
 grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared 
 to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness 
 and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, right- 
 eously, and godly, in this present world. 
 
 Through our Saviour's atoning merit we have 
 been preserved during another day. Make us 
 deeply penitent in the review of its sins and 
 neglected opportunities. Forgive the evil thoughts 
 and conversations in which we have indulged. Blot 
 out from thy book and memory our forgetfulness of 
 Thee. Graciously accept oxu' desires and efforts to 
 promote thy glory, and mercifully fulfil thy promise 
 that those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. 
 
 Bestow thy blessing upon all for whom we 
 should pray. May the Holy Spirit be largely 
 given to the churches. Unite the hearts of all 
 Christians, and make them zealous for the spread 
 of the Gospel. Bless all missionary enterprises 
 with great success. Be gracious to all godly 
 ministers, and render their word effectual to sal- 
 vation. 
 
 Look upon the land of our birth, and make 
 us a holy people. Be merciful to all classes of 
 our population. Bless our soldiers and sea- 
 men. Establish among us the gift of peace, and 
 establish unity and concord on the earth. Com- 
 fort the poor and the afflicted in their sorrow. 
 Cause the widows to trust in Thee ; and be Thou 
 a Father to the fatherless. 
 
 And now, God of mercy, make us thankful 
 for so large an exemption from the trials which 
 many suffer, and for so large a possession of the 
 comforts which many do not enjoy. Watch over 
 our persons and dwelling during this night. Re- 
 new our physical and mental strength for future 
 duty, and bring us and ours to the house not made 
 with hands, eternal in the heavens, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, to whom, with Thee and the Holy 
 Spirit, be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 £ 242 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIFTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 SAMUEL VI. 
 
 ETERNAL God, heaven and earth are full of 
 thy glory. Holy and reverend is thy name, 
 and we are unworthy to take it on our lips, or 
 to come into thy presence. Thou art, indeed, 
 gracious and merciful, and thy tender pity to us is 
 shown by daily mercies, and above all in the gift of 
 Jesus Christ to be the Redeemer of the world. We 
 adore Thee for thy goodness, and we pray that an 
 abiding sense of it may ever be in our hearts. 
 
 We thank Thee also for thy preserving care 
 during the past night. Thy hand has been over us 
 while we slept. To Thee be all the praise for the 
 health and strength which Thou hast bestowed, and 
 for the blessings which have been renewed to us 
 this morning. God, dwell in us by thy Holy 
 Spirit, and enable us to consecrate life and all its 
 powers to thy service. Deepen in our hearts the 
 conviction that we are not our own, but thine ; that 
 we are bought with a price, even with the precious 
 blood of Jesus. In the remembrance of this, we 
 pray that our wills may be conformed to thine, and 
 that in the station of life in which Thou hast placed 
 us we may truly and godly serve Thee. 
 
 We confess our sinfulness before Thee. Alike 
 by things done and things left undone, we 
 transgress thy commandments. Merciful Father, 
 for thy name's sake pardon our iniquity, for it 
 is great; and grant us the assurance of forgive- 
 ness. Cause us to hate sin as Thou hatest it, 
 and enable us to watch against it with a holy 
 jealousy. Guard and keep us this day from its 
 power and dominion, that we may not wilfully 
 offend Thee, or do wrong in thought, word, or 
 deed to our fellow-creatures. Awaken in us a love 
 for what is just and truthful, and grant that in all 
 our intercourse with others to-day, at home and 
 abroad, we may not bring reproach on thy name 
 by inconsistency, but adorn the Gospel of Christ 
 in all things. Preserve us from the fear of the 
 world. Inspire us with the courage which springs 
 from the fear and love of Thee. Make us zealous 
 for thy honour, and ready cheerfully to confess 
 Thee at all times, careless of the smile or the frown of 
 men. Gladden our hearts by the assurance of thy 
 love and of thy protection, that we may cheerfully 
 show forth thy praise. 
 
 We commend all whom we love to thy gracious 
 care. Convert such of them as are unconverted, 
 and reveal unto them thy power and grace in Christ 
 Jesus. Draw the hearts of the young to Thee in 
 their youth, and make the hoary head a crown of 
 righteousness. Make the name of Jesus a praise 
 in the earth, and hasten the coming in of thy 
 kingdom. 
 
 Have mercy upon us, and bless us in all things, 
 for thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS VL 
 
 A MIGHTY God, Thou art of purer eyes than to 
 V/ behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity. 
 We confess that we have fallen by sin, and our 
 bodies and spirits, which were formed to be the 
 temples of thy praise, have been all defiled. Wo 
 adore the exceeding riches of thy grace, by which 
 Thou hast redeemed us from the power of dark- 
 ness, and we most earnestly pray that we may now 
 appear before Thee, washed, and sanctified, and 
 justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by 
 the Spirit of our God. Bought with the precious 
 blood of Christ, make us daily and hourly to feel 
 that we are not our own, that we are not the 
 world's, but thine, and thine alone, for time and for 
 eternity. May our lives testify that we are Christ's, 
 that we have received his Spirit, and walk in his 
 steps. Give unto us, Lord, the gentleness of 
 Jesus, that we may overcome evil with good, and 
 thus be preserved from all strife and envying. 
 Teach us to take wrong rather than do it, and 
 always to prefer affliction to sin. Give unto us, 
 Lord, the purity of Jesus, that our minds and 
 bodies may not fall under the power of intemperance 
 or uncleanness. Preserve us from impure thoughts 
 and unholy practices. When we are tempted, 
 supply us with strength to resist, and grace to 
 overcome. 
 
 We mourn that while we thus bow down before 
 Thee, multitudes of our fellow-creatures are dis- 
 honouring Thee, and provoking thine indignation by 
 abominable vices. Lord, have mercy upon them, 
 and recover them from their evil doings. We 
 confess that it is only by Thee that we are kept 
 from running in the ways of death. Keep us by 
 thy mighty power, even unto the end. 
 
 We beseech Thee, our God, to cleanse our 
 country from those dreadful crimes which dis- 
 honour thy name. Bless every effort that is made 
 to raise the fallen, to restore the wandering, and to 
 preserve the weak. Bless our young men and 
 maidens, and turn their feet from the paths of the 
 destroyer. Let our sons be as plants grown up 
 in their youth, and our daughters as the polished 
 corners of the temple. Forgive us, Lord, 
 wherein we have this day, in thought,- word, or 
 deed, sinned against Thee, and ever grant us grace 
 to glorify Thee in our body and our spirit, which 
 are thine. Protect us while we sleep, restore our 
 exhausted strength, and let us rise on the morrow 
 to serve Thee in newness of life. Look down, 
 Lord, upon all the afflicted, and hear their cry. 
 Be with the watchers of the night ; and whether 
 they pace our streets, or sail on the ocean, or guard 
 the sick, give them pleasant thoughts of Thee and 
 of thy protecting care. We ask all in Jesus' name. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 243 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-FIFTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXIV. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, Lord of heaven and earth, we 
 -t\. approach Thee, in the name of our Advocate, 
 Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, and for his sake 
 we beseech Thee to grant that the words of our 
 mouth and the meditation of our heart may be 
 acceptable in thy sight. 
 
 We confess, Lord, our sins against Thee ; we 
 acknowledge ourselves unworthy the least of thy 
 mercies, and plead for pardon, and the continuance 
 of our blessings, temporal and spiritual, only for 
 the merit of our Redeemer. 
 
 The earth, Lord, is full of thy goodness, and 
 thy mercy is over all thy works. Supply our tem- 
 poral wants as seemeth good in thy sight, teaching 
 us, in having food and raiment, therewith to be 
 content. Above all, make us to hunger and thirst 
 after righteousness, and satisfy our souls with the 
 bread of life. Enable us in all our actions this day 
 to maintain pure hands, and in all our thoughts a 
 pure heart. Give us an abiding sense of thy 
 presence and nearness to us ; may we do all as in 
 thy sight, and with a single eye to thy glory. 
 
 Strengthen us against the vanities of the world, 
 the deceitfulness of our own heart, and the devices 
 and assaults of Satan. Increase our love to the 
 Scriptures, and help us to study them more 
 prayerfully and diligently. In time of danger and 
 difficulty, let thy Word be a light unto our feet, and 
 a lantern to our path, and in times of sorrow the 
 joy of our heart. Bless each member of our family, 
 both present and absent. Thou knowest, Lord, 
 the circumstances of each one, for unto Thee all 
 hearts are open, all desires known, and no secrets 
 are hid. Adapt thy blessings to their several wants, 
 granting to us and them, in this world, a saving 
 knowledge of thy truth, and in the world to come 
 life everlasting. 
 
 We desire, also, to offer up prayers and giving of 
 thanks for all men ; for our Sovereign, and all that 
 are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and 
 peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. Com- 
 fort, Lord, those in trouble, support the feeble- 
 minded, supply the wants of the poor, and have 
 mercy upon all men. 
 
 Bless the whole Church of God with the spirit 
 of grace, unity, and concord. Prosper the preach- 
 ing of the Gospel in all lands, and prepare us to 
 share in the Redeemer's glory and kingdom. Make 
 us to watch and wait for Christ's appearing, that 
 when He shall come and knock, He may find us 
 ready. Be at our right hand, Lord, to-day, and 
 suffer us not to be drawn aside from the path of 
 duty. Pardon our ignorances and shortcomings, 
 and deal with us according to thine own riches 
 in glory. Hear us, God, Thou King of Glory, 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS X. 
 
 OGOD, the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, Thou 
 art glorious in holiness, and Thou art 
 glorious also in love. Blessed be Thou, O Lord, 
 for the boundless mercy which from day to day 
 Thou showest us in the Gospel of thy Son. Oh, 
 that thy goodness to us may teach us to love Thee 
 with all the heart. 
 
 Thou knowest them that trust in Thee. Thy 
 people are thy peculiar care upon earth. The 
 pillar of thy presence is with them that fear Thee, 
 and Thou givest them manna from heaven, and 
 water out of the Rock. Bless us with this 
 guidance, then we shall never wander ; and with 
 this provision ; then we shall never faint. May 
 we never forget what thou canst do for us, but 
 remember it, and confide in it with thankfulness. 
 May we never cease to fear lest, a promise 
 being left us of entering into rest, any of us should 
 seem to come short of it ; and may this godly fear 
 make us depart from all waywardness and un- 
 belief, and cleave to Thee with full purpose of 
 heart. 
 
 Help us, God, to live agreeably to our pro- 
 fession. Help us to walk worthy of the vocation 
 wherewith we are called. Help us to shun all 
 alliance with the world, and to stand fast in the 
 communion of saints. Enable us to show our 
 Christian principle in all things, and, when the 
 good of others calls for self-denial on our part, 
 may we deny ourselves cheerfully for others' sakes. 
 As we have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so 
 may we walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, 
 and established in the faith, as we have been 
 taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 
 
 Lord, we come unto Thee : we look unto 
 Thee for help and succour. Be Thou a Father to 
 us : make us thy children, and nurtui*e and train 
 us up in righteousness. Be Thou a Shepherd 
 over us : make us the sheep in thy fold, and 
 lead us to the green pastures and still waters of 
 thy gracious promises. Be Thou our Deliverer, 
 our Saviour, our Redeemer ; redeem us from all 
 iniquity, and purify us unto Tliyself a peculiar 
 people, zealous of good works. 
 
 Increase our faith and confirm our hope in Thee 
 evermore. Clothe us with that charity that never 
 faileth, and work in us that poverty of spirit unto 
 which thou hast promised the vision of Thyself; as 
 we hope for mercy, enable us also to show mercy 
 and be kind. 
 
 And now, Lord, receive us graciously, and 
 watch over us throughout the night, as Thou hast 
 throughout the day. Grant that we may sleep in 
 peace, and rise with renewed strength to the 
 activities of to-morrow. This and every other 
 petition we present for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 244 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY- FIFTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 SAMUEL VIL 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS XL 17-34. 
 
 LOOK down, Lord God, from thy holy place, 
 and open thine ear to our prayer. Help us, O 
 God of our salvation, and let the light of thy 
 countenance shine upon us. Thou hast indeed 
 been gracious unto us. We desire to acknowledge 
 thy hand and to trace thy love in all that befalls us 
 day by day, and in the Divine protection which 
 guards us from evil night by night. What are we, 
 and what is our house, that Thou hast so graciously 
 dealt with us ? Enable us ever to be thankful for all 
 things — for a quiet and peaceful home, for religious 
 privilege and opportunity, for thy Holy Word, and 
 the unsearchable riches of Christ Jesus. By the 
 experience of thy goodness, kindle in our hearts a 
 fervent zeal for thy glory, that we may honour 
 Thee by our obedience to thy will, and the conse- 
 cration to Thee of all which Thou hast given us. 
 
 As Thou hast preserved us through the night, 
 we pray that thy blessing may be upon us during 
 the day. We are set in the midst of many and 
 great dangers, and by reason of the frailty of our 
 nature we are continually liable to fall. In Thee 
 alone is our help and strength ; only as Thou keepest 
 us shall we be safe, either from the temptations of 
 the world and the devil, or from the sinfulness of our 
 own hearts. Merciful Father, be Thou near us all 
 the day. Leave us not to ourselves, but by thy 
 Spirit teach and guide us. Whatever our hands 
 find to do, we would do it with our might, and be 
 diligent in every good word and work. Li the 
 calling and occupation of life to which thy pro- 
 vidence hath appointed us, may we have peace 
 and strength to serve Thee. Preserve us from 
 everything that is inconsistent with a Christian 
 profession ; and when we are tempted to wander 
 from the path of holiness, let thy restraining and 
 preserving grace keep us in safety, and cause us 
 to maintain our steadfastness. Oh, that by thy 
 lielp we may strive in all things to have a con- 
 science void of offence towards God and man, and 
 in the full assurance of thy forgiveness may boldly 
 and faithfully set our faces against whatever would 
 dishonour Thee, or hinder thy Gospel in the world 
 around us. 
 
 Be merciful, God, to this fallen world. Oh, 
 snatch many souls this day like brands from the 
 burning. Send home thy Word with power to the 
 hearts of those who shall hear it. Glorify thy 
 dear Son by drawing the sinful and guilty in 
 increasing numbers to his cross. We commend to 
 Thee our friends and relatives. Do for them accord- 
 ing to thy great mercy, and grant them thy Holy 
 Spirit, to enlighten and sanctify them, and prepare 
 them for thy kingdom. For thy dear Son's sake 
 hear us, and to Thee shall be honour and praise 
 for evermore. Amen. 
 
 OGOD of truth and mercy, who art the same 
 yesterday, to-day, and for ever, and whose 
 unfailing compassions abound to the guilty and the 
 unworthy, inspire our hearts with a simple and 
 trusting faith. Draw us by thy Spirit, and give us 
 real communion with Thee in this our evening 
 worship. Preserve us from wandering and sinful 
 thoughts, and cause the remembrance of thy great 
 majesty and glory to make us reverent and humble 
 in thy presence. It is in the name of thy dear 
 Son that we approach Thee. Only through the 
 precious merits of his blood do we hope for accept- 
 ance ; and through his perpetual intercessions 
 we look for an answer to our prayers. 
 
 Lord, convince us deeply of our sin. Enable 
 us to search our own hearts, and in thy light to see 
 the guiltiness, and impurity, and worldliness which 
 are in us. So by thy Spirit teach us our own 
 coldness of affection towards Thee, and the imper- 
 fection of our obedience, that we may be ashamed 
 and blush for our many transgressions. We feel, 
 God, that we do not know all the evil of sin, 
 and how it grieves thy Spirit and puts our Saviour, 
 who died for us, to shame. Lord Jesus, wash us 
 in thy blood, and make us by thy power and grace 
 free from the bondage of sin and Satan. 
 
 We praise Thee for countless mercies. Thou 
 art indeed most merciful to us, and we pray for 
 grace and strength of purpose, that we may shoAv 
 our thankfulness in deeds as well as in words. 
 Add to the blessings of the week now past the 
 blessing of thy favour and protection through this 
 night. In the silence and darkness of the night, 
 let thine unslumbering care be round about us. 
 Prepare us for the thankful enjoyment of the rest 
 and the spiritual privileges of the Lord's day. ^^^e 
 desire, Lord, that all our spiritual engagements 
 may be carried on with a believing heart. Give 
 us courage to examine ourselves whether our re- 
 pentance and faith be indeed sincere and truthful, 
 and our waiting upon Thee be really with a desire 
 for spiritual blessing. Teach us that Thou art an 
 holy God, and that Thou requirest truth in the 
 inward parts. 
 
 Prepare thy ministers and all who shall be 
 engaged in teaching the young or the afflicted for 
 their special work. Pour out thy Spirit abun- 
 dantly upon them, and make them a blessing in 
 the earth. We pray for all who are engaged as 
 evangelists in heathen lands or among thine 
 ancient people. Oh, let the time to favour Zion 
 come. Gather. in thine elect from the nations of 
 the earth, and hasten the day when the glory of 
 the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it 
 together. Hear us, God and Father, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 245 ] 
 
Morning.]" 
 
 THIRTY-SIXTH WEEK—LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 SAMUEL XII. 1—23. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, who hast caused 
 all Holy Scriptures to be written for our 
 learning, impress on our minds what we have 
 now read. May we learn, from the grievous fall 
 of thy servant David, ever to remember our own 
 weakness, and to watch and pray, that we enter not 
 into temptation. We thank Thee if Thou hast kept 
 us from sins which would have ruined our peace, 
 and brought dishonour on our Christian profession. 
 But, when we review our past lives, we feel how 
 often and how grievously we have offended against 
 thy holy laws. We have done those things that 
 we ought not to have done, and we have left un- 
 done those things that we ought to have done. 
 Sin has mingled with our best actions, and we are 
 altogether as an unclean thing. Have mercy upon 
 us, God, according to thy loving-kindness; 
 according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, 
 blot out all our iniquities. Wash us in that blood 
 which cleanseth from all sin, Create in us clean 
 hearts, God, and renew a right spirit within us. 
 Strengthen us with all might by the power of thy 
 Holy Spirit, that we may be able to resist all the 
 wiles of the devil, all the temptations of this wicked 
 world, and all the evil desires of our own corrupt 
 hearts. 
 
 We thank Thee for the spiritual privileges of 
 this holy day. Enable us to spend it in thy faith 
 and fear. We desire to feel thy presence in the 
 house of prayer, and to find it the very gate of 
 heaven. Pour out thy Spirit on our own hearts 
 and on the hearts of all who worship with us. 
 Shed thy richest blessings on thy Church, and in- 
 crease the faith and zeal of thy people. Grant that 
 the name of thy dear Son may be exalted, and that 
 this day He may see abundantly of the travail of 
 his soul. Strengthen the hands of thy ministers, 
 and make them a blessing to all who hear thy 
 Word at their lips. Lord, we pray for the day 
 when thy purposes of mercy shall be fulfilled, and 
 the whole earth be filled with thy glory. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy great goodness to us 
 throughout all our past lives- Thou hast given us 
 food and raiment, and unnumbered mercies, tem- 
 poral and spiritual, of the least of which we are 
 unworthy. Oh, give us grateful hearts, that we 
 may show forth thy praise, not with our lips only, 
 but in our lives, even by giving up ourselves to 
 thy service. 
 
 We pray not for ourselves alone, but for all who 
 are near and dear to us. May all whom we love 
 be loved of Thee ; may they be bound with us in 
 the Lamb's bundle of life, and be heirs with us of 
 the heavenly inheritance. 
 
 All these blessings we ask in the name and for 
 the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS XII, 
 
 HELP us, Lord, in approaching thy mercy- 
 seat, to come with lively faith in the inter- 
 cession of Jesus, our exalted Redeemer. Whilst 
 we confess our unworthiness to come into thy 
 presence, and deplore our sinfulness, enable us to 
 look to Him who died for our sins, and rose again 
 for our justification. 
 
 We bless Thee that our adorable Lord, after He 
 had made atonement for our sins, ascended to thy 
 right hand; that He is there a Prince and a 
 Saviour, to give repentance and remission of sins, 
 to receive gifts for men, even for the rebellious ; 
 and we praise Thee that Thou hast given unto 
 us pastors and teachers, for the perfecting of 
 the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the 
 edifying of the body of Christ. We adore Tlree 
 for the bounty with which Thou hast scattered 
 spiritual blessings on the children of men, and 
 that the same Spirit through whose power mar- 
 vellous works were wrought in the early Church 
 is given to enlighten and to sanctify our hearts, 
 and to lead us into the truth of thy Word. May 
 we ever be under the influence of thy Holy 
 Spirit, so that we may not only confess with the 
 lip, but with the heart, that " Jesus is the Lord ;" 
 and may our lives testify that we have been with 
 Him, and learnt of Him. 
 
 As members of the body of Christ, help us 
 to promote the well-being of our brethren ; and, 
 however humble our place in thy Church, may 
 we be filled with the spirit of Jesus, our Head, so 
 that we may have sympathy with those who are 
 called to suffer. Preserve us from living to our- 
 selves, and as we have opportunity, help us to do 
 good unto all men, especially unto those who are of 
 the household of faith. May thy Church be more 
 united in spirit, and more manifestly one before 
 men. 
 
 We have to thank Thee for the mercies and 
 privileges of another Christian Sabbath. May this 
 day not dose without thy blessing on its engage- 
 ments. Grant that the truths of thy Word to 
 which we have listened may have an abiding place 
 in all our hearts ; enable us to carry into all the 
 pursuits of this week the sacred influences of 
 thy house ; and as Sabbaths come to us and 
 pass away, may we be gaining fitness for the 
 eternal Sabbath of heaven, the rest which remains 
 for the people of God. 
 
 We implore thy blessing to rest upon our friends 
 and relatives. Fill them with thy grace, and 
 bring them with us into thy glory. Gracious God 
 and Father, we are unworthy in thy sight, but do 
 Thou have mercy upon us and hear us, accord- 
 ing to thy blessed promises in Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 246 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SIXTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 SAMUEL XV. 13—37. 
 
 OGOD, who art the Great and the Holy God, 
 we bow down to worship Thee ; and we 
 pray that Thou wouldst write upon oiu' minds 
 tiie teachings of thy Word. We rejoice to learn 
 how thine ancient servants, under the pressure of 
 their sorrows, drew near to Thee. They knew 
 that thine eyes were over the righteous, and thine 
 ears open to their prayers ; and when they poured 
 out their hearts before Thee, they found that Thou, 
 Lord, wast a shield for them, their glory, and the 
 lifter up of their heads. Help us, like them, in all 
 times of our trouble, to trust in the Lord with all 
 our hearts, and lean not unto our own under- 
 standing. Thou hast taught Us to expect great 
 tribulation in our pathway to the kingdom ; for 
 many are the afflictions of the righteous. But 
 salvation belongeth unto the Lord : thy blessing is 
 upon thy people. We therefore cry Unto Thee, 
 O Lord; do Thou hear us out of thy holy hill. 
 May all our doings be in humble imitation of 
 the meek and lowly Jesus, who when He was 
 reviled reviled not again ; when He suffered He 
 threatened not, but committed Himself to Him 
 that judgcth righteously. 
 
 Another Sabbath has gone, for ever gone ; and 
 we are about to engage in the concerns of life. Be 
 pleased to give us right motives in every act that 
 we perform this day, and may we always be 
 governed by the blessed principle of love to God. 
 We would not be slothful in business ; but oh, for 
 fervour of spirit in the service of the Lord ! Let 
 not the good seed of the Word, which on the past 
 Sabbath was sown in our hearts, be choked by the 
 cares of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, or 
 the pleasures of this life. And amidst the varying 
 cn-cumstances of the world, may our hearts find 
 refuge and hope in an ever present Saviour. 
 
 We pray not for ourselves only, but for all that 
 are associated with us by family ties. May all 
 that we love be loved by Jesus ! Guide them all 
 by thy counsel. As a family may we pass safely 
 and happily through the scenes of the present 
 Hfe, till all are brought in triumph to eternal life. 
 
 And now, Thou holy God, we make humble 
 confession to Thee of our unnumbered sins. Thou 
 hast seen all the actions of our lives, all the 
 principles and feelings of our hearts, all the 
 tempers that we have displayed, and all oUr omis- 
 sions of duty. We deserve thy wrath, but spare 
 us, good Lord. Be merciful to us through the 
 death and intercession of our blessed Saviour, and 
 through this day give us the testimony of an 
 approving conscience, and the smile of an approving 
 God. 
 
 We ask these and all other mercies tlirough 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS XIII. 
 
 WE thank Thee, heavenly Father*, with reve- 
 rent joy and hope, for all the blessings assured 
 us by the Gospel ; but especially do we desire to 
 glorify Thee as revealed to us in thy dear Son. 
 Humbly, Lord, we pray for the forgiveness of 
 all our sins, and to be made partakers of the inherit- 
 ance of thy children. Humbly do we seek to enjoy 
 such fellowship with Jesus, that as, by the in- 
 dwelling of his Spirit, the life of our souls is 
 renewed day by day, so we may experience 
 more and more the influence of divine charity, 
 inclining us to do all things acceptable in thy 
 sight. 
 
 We confess that we are often tempted to resist 
 and set aside thy holy teachings. We come to 
 Thee with offerings, of great price in our reckoning, 
 but rejected by Thee because not the offerings of 
 love. So help and enlighten usj Lord, that 
 we may no longer offend Thee by thus substi- 
 tuting an earthly oblation for the spiritual sacrifice 
 of ourselves. But enable us so to employ all that 
 we are and have to thy honour, and the benefit of 
 our neighbour, that whatever we do or offer may 
 tend to the accomplishing of the designs of thy 
 mercy. 
 
 We know, God, how impossible it is, by any 
 thought or virtue of our own, to subdue the evil 
 which is in us. But nothing is impossible with 
 Thee. Thou canst give us the victory over all our 
 sins and infirmities. Let, then, the power of thy 
 Word so prevail in us, that all covetous desires, 
 all reserves and exceptions to the forgiveness of 
 injuries, all envy and boastfulness, with every 
 other indulgence of a base selfishness, may cease 
 in us through the power of divine charity. 
 
 Thus let thy grace work in us, Lord, for the 
 sake of Jesus ; then will that mind be in us which 
 was in Him. Then, too, may we look to become 
 wise as well as holy ; and we shall no longer think 
 or understand as children only, but as those who are 
 growing up to the measure of Christ's stature. We 
 acknowledge that, as yet, the eyes of our under- 
 standing are very weak and dim. The promised 
 land of peace and joy is seen but through a glass 
 darkly. We discern not yet the rays of thy glory 
 in the face of Jesus Christ. To the pure in heart 
 only is granted this heavenly vision. Therefore 
 we beseech Thee, most gracious and compassionate 
 Father, make us pure, and fill us with that love 
 toward Thee wherewith Thou hast loved us. 
 
 Take us beneath thy care and protection during 
 the night. Accept our united thanksgivings for 
 the blessings of this day, and grant that we may 
 live in the constant sense of thy providential guid- 
 ance. Hear us, we beseech Thee, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 I 247 ] 
 
MOENING.] 
 
 THIRTY-SIXTH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALMS III. & IV. 
 
 OOUR God, through thy great goodness we have 
 laid us down in peace and slejit, and Thou, Lord, 
 hast made us to dwell in safety. We beseech Thee, 
 have mercy upon us, and hear our prayer. In 
 ourselves weak and helpless, guilty and unworthy, 
 we flee unto Thee, for thy mercies are great. We 
 indeed are the people of thy hand and the sheep of 
 thy pasture. Alas ! we have erred and strayed 
 from thy ways like lost sheep. We have followed 
 too much the devices and desires of our own heart. 
 We have done what we ought not to have done, 
 and have not done what we ought to have done, 
 and there is no health in us. But thine it is always 
 to have mercy and to forgive. We have destroyed 
 ourselves, but in Thee is our help found. Blessed 
 be thy holy name, salvation belongeth unto the 
 Lord. Lord, lift Thou up the light of thy 
 countenance, and by thy Holy Spii'it enable us to 
 see the light of the knowledge of the glory of God 
 in the face of Jesus Christ. Lord, increase our 
 faith. Give us such a deep sense of our sinfulness, 
 and such a comforting sense of thy great love in the 
 redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 that we may rejoice in his great salvation. So 
 gracious Lord, this day and every day, may the life 
 we now live in the flesh be by the faith of the Son 
 of God ; that as He died and rose again for us, so 
 may we die unto sin and live unto righteousness ; 
 that, in our daily business and callings, we may 
 serve the Lord Christ; and whatsoever we do, in 
 word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, 
 giving thanks to our God and Father by Him. 
 
 So may our eye be single to thy glory as we go 
 forth to our work and to our labour until the even- 
 ing. Lord, keep us back from all self-seeking or 
 self-pleasing. May the power of Christ strengthen 
 us in every duty. May the love of Christ be a 
 watch upon our lips, that we sin not with our 
 tongue. May the meekness and gentleness of 
 Christ mould our spirits and tempers into his own 
 blessed image. So may all our habits and inter- 
 course with each other as a family, and with those 
 we meet in our daily employments, be as it be- 
 cometh the Gospel of Christ. 
 
 We have, indeed, no power of ourselves to help 
 ourselves. Arise, Lord ; save us, our God. 
 Subdue our sins, heal our infirmities, and lead us 
 in the paths of righteousness for thy name's sake. 
 
 Blessed Lord, we commit ourselves, body, soul, 
 and spirit, to thy gracious care. Keep us, if it be 
 thy will, in health and strength. Give us this day 
 our daily bread. Prosper the work of our hands 
 upon us. In Thee would we put our trust. Lord, 
 hear our prayer, and do Thou for us and all who 
 are dear to us according to thy mercy, for the sake 
 of thy dear Son Jesus Clu-ist our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS XIV. 
 
 MOST merciful Father, the Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, Vf^e again prostrate ourseh'es 
 before Thee, and cry, "Unclean, unclean." Every 
 day testifies that we are a people of unclean lips, 
 and dwell amongst a people of unclean lips ; for 
 daily we transgress thy laws, and come short of thy 
 glory. 
 
 But Thou hast mercifully opened a fountain for 
 sin and for uncleanness, in which we may wash 
 and be clean. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth 
 us from all sin, and through Him we have access 
 by one Spirit unto Thee as our reconciled Father. 
 Help us to exercise a lively faith in Jesus Christ, 
 and to come as dear children to thy throne of 
 grace, persuaded that Thou wilt accept us and bless 
 us, and supply all our need according to thy riches 
 in glory by Christ Jesus. 
 
 We are this nio;ht one stage nearer to the end of 
 our mortal life ; oh, give us grace to consider our 
 latter end, and to apply our hearts unto wisdom. 
 May we know that Jesus Christ is made unto 
 us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, 
 and redemption. Pour into our hearts that most 
 excellent gift of charity, and constrain us by the 
 Holy Ghost to love Thee who first loved us, and sent 
 thy Son to be the propitiation for our sins. We 
 would earnestly desire of Thee the best spiritual 
 gifts ; and we ask, also, that Thou wouldst give 
 us grace to edify others. Help us to grow in grace 
 and in the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ ; and, advancing in the Divine life, 
 may we learn in malice to be children, but in un- 
 derstanding to be men. 
 
 Look down upon the whole Church, and give 
 grace to all its members, that they may keep the 
 unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and do 
 all things decently and in order. Forbid that the 
 tongues of thy ministering servants should give any 
 uncertain sound ; and do Thou enable them faitlifully 
 to preach thy Word, not shunning to declare the 
 whole counsel of God. Look in mercy on all who 
 are ignorant of Thee, and also on all thy suffering 
 children. Enlighten the eyes of those who are 
 sitting in darkness and the shadow of death, and 
 sanctify all afflictions and trials to those who are 
 bowed down under them. Bless all our relations, 
 our friends, and our neighbours with the choicest 
 of thy blessings. Bless our Sovereign and our 
 country, and have mercy upon all men. Hasten 
 the day, we pray Thee, when thy purposes of mercy 
 and grace in Christ Jesus shall be fulfilled, and the 
 earth be full of thy glory. Take us again under 
 thy protecting care this night, and do for us and 
 all for whom we pray more abundantly than we 
 can ask or think, for the sake of thy dear Son 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 [ 248 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SIXTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 SAM. XVIII. 1—17, 31—33. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, by whose un- 
 deserved mercy it is that we are preserved to 
 tlie beginning of another day, we desire humbly 
 and reverently to lift up the voice of praise and 
 tlianksgiving to Thee, the Author of every good 
 and every perfect gift. 
 
 We are unworthy to approach Thee. We are 
 in ourselves poor, and miserable, and blind, and 
 naked ; but we bless thy holy name that Thou hast 
 provided for us unsearchable riches in Christ Jesus : 
 Thou hast promised that all who love Thee shall 
 behold thy face in righteousness, and shall be 
 clothed with immortality. Fill, we beseech Thee, 
 our hearts with a due sense of all these thy price- 
 less blessings, and grant us this day and evermore 
 to live as those who recognise Thee as their Father 
 and their God. 
 
 Make us, we pray Thee, docile and obedient, 
 contented in that position in which Thou hast 
 placed us, and earnestly desirous of accomplishing 
 thy will therein. Keep us from rebellion against 
 thy sovereignty ; apply to our hearts the warnings 
 of thy holy Word, so that we understand and feel 
 that " rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and 
 stubbornness is as idolatry." Enable us, by thy 
 Holy Spirit, to love Thee as our Father, and truth- 
 fully to obey Thee in all things as our King. 
 
 We implore Thee to bless and sanctify all whom 
 Thou hast placed in any offices of command, 
 whether in thy Church or elsewhere. Especially we 
 pray for our Sovereign, that she may be guided by 
 thy wisdom and comforted by thy love. Strengthen 
 her hands for the prosperity of thy people, and 
 grant that in her time we may enjoy the blessing 
 of peace. We commend to thy fatherly protec- 
 tion all those Avho are bound to us by the ties of 
 kindred or affection : make us one family in love ; 
 teach us to bear one another's burdens, and so 
 fulfill the law of love. 
 
 In all the engagements of this day, impress, 
 Lord, on our hearts the sense of thy presence, 
 so that whatever we do we may do as unto the 
 Lord and not unto man. Keep us from sin, as that 
 which is hateful to Thee and harmful to ourselves. 
 Alarm the impenitent by the terrors of thy wrath ; 
 comfort the afflicted by the consolations of thy 
 name ; guide the perplexed by the heavenly mo- 
 nitions of thy wisdom ; and draw the wavering to 
 Thee by the cords of thy everlasting love. 
 
 Finally we thank Thee for the mercies of the 
 past night, and for all thy loving-kindness, beseech- 
 ing Thee that, as hitherto Thou hast helped us, 
 so goodness and mercy may follow us all the days 
 of our lives. 
 
 Grant us, Lord, these blessings, for the sake 
 of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS XV. 1-28. 
 
 GRACIOUS God and Father, we bless Thee 
 for the Word of Truth, which is a lamp unto 
 our feet and a light unto our path. Thou hast 
 spoken unto us by thy servants and by thy Son, 
 and thy Word is true from everlasting. Heaven 
 and earth shall pass away, but thy Word shall not 
 pass away. Thou hast fulfilled the things which 
 were written in the Law of Moses, and in the 
 Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning Christ. 
 We thank Thee that He died for our sins accord- 
 ing to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, 
 and that He rose again the third day, according 
 to the Scriptures. 
 
 Grant to us, we earnestly pray, the Holy 
 Spirit, that we may be in deed and in truth 
 brought into the family of Christ thy dear Son ; 
 that as we have inherited sin and sorrow and 
 death from the first Adam, we may obtain righte- 
 ousness and heaven and eternal life from the 
 second Adam, who is the Lord from heaven. 
 
 our Father, we trust that we are now able to 
 say, " I know whom I have believed." Keep us 
 humble in this confidence, and help us to say more 
 heartily every day, " By the grace of God, I am what 
 I am." May the words of Christ become daily more 
 precious to us : "I am the Resurrection and the 
 Life : he that believeth in me, though he Avere 
 dead, yet shall he live.'' Lord, we believe ; help 
 Thou our unbelief 
 
 We earnestly pray that we may grow exceed- 
 ingly in faith and hope and love ; make us stead- 
 fast in the faith of the crucified and risen Saviour, 
 so that our path on earth may be as the shining 
 light, and that at length through the grave and 
 gate of death, w^e too may pass to a joyful re- 
 surrection. Prepare us by thy grace for that 
 glorious day when He shall appear the second 
 time without sin unto salvation — all things under 
 his feet, the last enemy destroyed, and the king- 
 dom which has been gained by the might of the 
 Son, delivered up to the glory of the Father. Fill 
 our hearts with a grateful sense of thy goodness, 
 adorn our walk with the beauty of holiness, and 
 crown our life with the gift of thy peace. Teach 
 us to love all those who love the Lord Christ, and 
 fill us with such pity for the world that lieth in sin, 
 that we may labour and pray that all may know 
 and serve Him as the King of kings and tlie 
 Prince of Peace. 
 
 Take us, and all that are dear to us, under thy 
 protection this night ; keep us in peace during the 
 hours of darkness, and give us such refreshing 
 sleep as shall fit us to engage with renewed strength 
 in the duties of the ensuing day. We ask all 
 these blessings in the name of thy dear Son our 
 Saviour. Ameu. 
 
 C 340 .i 
 
 ■No. 32. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SIXTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 SAMUEL XIX. 1—15, 39-43. 
 
 OLORD, open Thou our understanding, that 
 we may understand the Scz'iptures ; enable us 
 to profit by that portion of thy holy Word which 
 we have now been reading. We have seen, 
 Lord, the terrible consequences of Absalom's sin 
 to himself, his father, and the whole land: and 
 have we not this morning cause to mourn over our 
 offences also? Truly, we have rebelled against 
 thine anointed King, and said. We will not 
 have this Man to reign over us. All we like 
 sheep have gone astray, we have turned ever}'- 
 one to his own way. Justly, then, might we 
 have been cut off and lefl to perish for ever. But 
 Thou didst pity thy erring ones, and such was thy 
 love to a guilty world that Thou didst give thine 
 only-begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
 Him might not perish, but have everlasting life. 
 Enable such of us as are thine to walk worthy 
 of our high and holy calling. May we be 
 blameless and harmless, as thy sons, without 
 rebuke in this crooked and perverse generation. 
 And if there should be one before Thee dead 
 in trespasses and sins, may thy Holy Spirit bid 
 the sleeper awake, this dead one arise. Oh, that 
 all such may be led by Him to Jesus, the Shepherd 
 and Bishop of their souls. 
 
 We acknowledge thy goodness to us during the 
 past night. We laid us down and slept in peace, 
 for Thou alone, Lord, sustained us. What 
 shall we render unto Thee for all Thy benefits 
 bestowed upon us ? Lord, open Thou our lips, 
 and our mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 
 
 We know not what trials may be before us this 
 day, but in all our ways we acknowledge Thee, 
 knowing that Thou wilt direct our paths. Go with 
 us then, to our various duties ; and whatsoever our 
 hands find to do, may we do it with all our might. 
 Supply the wants of others, and give us grateful 
 hearts for the many comforts we possess. Bless 
 all who are near and dear to us [especially our 
 beloved children ; may they all be taught of Thee, 
 and may their peace be great]. Grant that our 
 relations may be thy relations, and our friends thy 
 friends. 
 
 Help us to seek the salvation of the poor, wander- 
 ing sinner this day. May our conscience not have 
 power this evening to say — " Why spake ye not a 
 word of bringing the King back ? " 
 
 Oh that there may be amongst thy people a holy 
 jealousy for thine honour. Awake, awake, put 
 on strength, arm of the Lord ; bow the hearts 
 of thy people as the heart of one man to this 
 glorious work. 
 
 And now. Lord, what wait we for? truly our 
 hope is even in Thee. Hear us in these our 
 prayers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CORINTHIANS XV. 35—58. 
 
 OGOD, our Father, who hast made all things, 
 and hatest nothing that Thou hast made, hear 
 us, we pray Thee, in thy great mercy, and answer 
 and help us. Unwearied is thy forbearance to- 
 wards us, and unceasing are the gifts of thy 
 bounty. Teach us to be thankful. Show us how 
 much we owe to Thee, and how great are the riches 
 of thy loving-kindness and the tenderness of thy 
 deep compassion. What can we render unto Thee, 
 Lord, for all thy mercy ? We bless Thee, O 
 Lord, with all our hearts; we praise thy holy 
 name. 
 
 Forgive, we pray Thee, all our sins. We look 
 in faith unto Jesus, who loved us and gave him- 
 self for us. For his sake blot from the book of 
 thy remembrance all our transgressions, and give 
 us peace. Renew our hearts by thy Holy Spirit, 
 that we may put off every sinful habit, and be 
 confirmed in spirit and in life to the Lord Jesus 
 Christ. Oh give us grace to search out whatever in 
 us is displeasing to Thee, and to resolve, thy grace 
 helping us, that we will die unto sin 5,nd live unto 
 God. Cause the fruits of the Spirit to abound in us, 
 that we may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour 
 in all things, and be as living epistles of Christ, 
 known and read of all men. 
 
 We praise Thee, God, that Thou hast so 
 clearly revealed to us the doctrine of the future 
 resurrection of the dead. Enable us to realise the 
 solemn lessons of the great day in which all that are 
 in the grave shall hear the voice of the Son of God, 
 and shall come forth, some to the resurrection of 
 life and some to the resurrection of condemnation. 
 Lord God, by thy Spirit awaken in us a spirit of 
 holy and constant diligence, that we may make 
 our calling and election sure, and be found of 
 Christ in peace. Prevent us from slumbering in 
 unconcern. Show us our true state before Thee, 
 and draw us by thy grace nearer to Jesus and 
 nearer to Thyself, that we may now gain tho 
 victory over sin, and in the great day be made 
 partakers of his triumph over death and the grave. 
 Give us, we pray Thee, such a fervent hope of a 
 resurrection unto life, that we may be steadfast 
 and earnest in every good word and work. When 
 we are growing weary in well-doing, and com- 
 plaining of the greatness of our trials and the 
 grievousness of our temptations, let thy Spirit 
 remind us of the promise that our labour shall 
 not be in vain in the Lord. 
 
 Spread the shield of thy guardianship over our 
 family and all those we love. Mercifully grant us 
 all rest of body and peace of mind, and fit us for 
 the duties of another day. We pray to be heard 
 and answered for the alone sake of thy dear Son 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Araeii. 
 
 I 250 3 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SIXTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTUEE 2 SAMUEL XXII. 1-30. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XIX. 21-41. 
 
 OLORD God of Hosts, who art the aid of all 
 that need, look down, we beseech Thee, upon 
 us whilst as a family we kneel before Thee. Help 
 us by the gift of thy Holy Spirit to worship Thee 
 with holy worship. Strengthen us to meet every 
 trial that may await us this day, and deliver us 
 from every temptation. 
 
 We do not presume to come before Thee, 
 merciful God, trusting in our own merits or 
 righteousness ; our trust is only in the perfect 
 righteousness and all-sufficient merits of thy dear 
 Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Whatever may have 
 been the purity of our hearts, the cleanness of our 
 hands, or the uprightness of our walk as before our 
 fellow-sinners upon earth, before Thee, Lord, 
 we are constrained to bow our faces to the dust, 
 and to lay our hands upon our mouths, and cry 
 out, " Unclean ! unclean ! " If in any way we 
 have differed from others around us, it is thy 
 grace alone that hath made us to differ. By 
 nature we were all dead in trespasses and sins, 
 and, if so be we are now alive from the dead, 
 Thou only hast quickened us. gracious Father, 
 let not one of us remain unquickened. Reveal 
 to us more clearly each day the mystery of the 
 cross of Christ. Bow thy heavens, and come down, 
 and take possession of us, and make us wholly 
 Thine, and kindle such a fire of love in our 
 hearts as may consume all our carnal affections, 
 and purge away all our dross. 
 
 And whilst we pray unto Thee, Lord, we 
 would not forget to praise Thee, who alone art 
 worthy to be praised. It is to Thee we owe our 
 life and breath and all things. Thy grace alone 
 hath spared us hitherto ; thy merciful providence 
 hath carried us through temptations, guided us in 
 om* difficulties, guarded us in danger, saved us from 
 violence, comforted us in affliction, given us 
 strength in our weakness, and been our lamp in 
 the darkness. For these and countless other mer- 
 cies we laud and magnify thy holy name. 
 
 And now. Lord, we would intercede for all near 
 and dear to us. Bless them all with all spiritual 
 blessings in Christ Jesus, and make us and them 
 mutually blessings to each other. Bless also 
 our neighbours and acquaintances, our spiritual 
 teachers and pastors, our country, and especially 
 our Sovereign and all the Royal Family. Make 
 this nation to be a nation fearing Thee and work- 
 ing righteousness, that thy name may be known 
 upon earth, thy saving health upon all people. 
 
 Hear us, Lord, we beseech Thee, in these 
 our humble petitions, and accept our grateful 
 praises, in the name and for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate, to whom 
 be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 GRACIOUS God, we bless thy name that 
 thy mercy endureth for ever. Spared by thy 
 loving-kindness through another day, we draw near 
 to thy throne of grace with hearts filled with 
 adoring gratitude. Accept, we beseech Thee, our 
 tribute of praise and thanksgiving. May thine 
 undeserved mercy to us, sinful creatmres, lead to 
 more entire devotedness of heart and life. Bless 
 that portion of thy Word we have just read. Oh, 
 may very many not only see the power of Christ 
 in us, but also, being reconciled in Christ Jesus, 
 feel that power in themselves, in their translation 
 from darkness to light, and from the hard service 
 of Satan to the loving service of God. Make us to 
 pity the poor benighted heathen, who, like the 
 Ephesians, are worshipping idols. Bless all so- 
 cieties formed for sending the Gospel of the grace 
 of God to them. Bless all who are labouring in 
 distant lands, and striving to bring poor, perishing 
 sinners to a saving knowledge of the true God. 
 Truly, the harvest is great, but the labourers are 
 few ! Lord of the harvest, send forth labourers 
 into thy harvest. Hasten the time when we 
 shall not have to say, each to the other, " Know 
 the Lord," for all shall know Him, from the 
 least to the greatest. Grant, when that day 
 dawns, that all of us who are now worshipping 
 Thee may be amongst those who shall see the 
 Lord in his glory, and for ever be with Him. 
 
 Deepen the work of grace in those of us in 
 whom Thou hast begun it, and commence it in the 
 souls of any of us who are still unconverted. 
 Bring us more and more under the powerful in- 
 fluence of thy Word ; that being begotten again 
 unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus 
 Christ from the dead, we may daily grow in grace. 
 Make us, therefore, more earnest students of the 
 Bible, and grant that our increased knowledge of 
 Jesus as our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, 
 and redemption, may make us to give more 
 diligence to add to our faith virtue, and to virtue 
 knowledge, and to knowledge temperance, and to 
 temperance brotherly kindness, and to brotherly 
 kindness charity; for if these things be in us and 
 abound, we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful 
 in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Now, Lord, we commit ourselves to thy care 
 and keeping this night. Should we be spared 
 through the night, may Jesus be first in our 
 thoughts when we wake in the morning. Oh, grant 
 that our bodies and minds, refreshed by sleep, may 
 be fitted and prepared by prayer and meditation 
 for thy service during the day. 
 
 Pardon all our sins during the past day. Ac- 
 cept our prayers and thanksgivings for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord and Savioui*. Amen. 
 
 [ 251 ] 
 
Morning, j 
 
 THIRTY-SIXTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 SAM. XXII. 31— XXIII. 5. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, our Heavenly Father, who 
 jCjL of thine infinite love and goodness towards 
 us hast given thy dearly beloved Son Jesus Christ 
 to be our Redeemer to ransom us from death, 
 and our Advocate and Intercessor to plead for us 
 on high, hear us for his sake, and enable us in 
 faith and love to present our morning prayer and 
 praise. For the great benefits which in thy mercy 
 and tender pity Thou hast bestowed upon us, we 
 bless thy name, and especially for the revelation 
 of Thyself which Thou hast given us in thy Word. 
 Increase our knowledge of Thee ; enable us to 
 know Thee as God the Father who created us, 
 as God the Son who redeemed us, as God the 
 Holy Ghost who sanctifieth us. Oh that we may 
 acquaint ourselves with Thee as the Author and 
 Giver of salvation, and have peace. Through the 
 teaching of thy Spirit cause us to increase and go 
 forward in the knowledge and faith of Thee and 
 of thy dear Son, that we may love Thee more 
 and serve Thee better, and have the witness of thy 
 Spirit within us that we are thine. 
 
 But, God, we greatly need thy strength to 
 sustain us. Thou knowest our weakness, and the 
 many and powerful temptations which beset us, 
 and draw our hearts from Thee, and our feet from 
 thy ways. Leave us not, we beseech Thee, this 
 day. Suffer us not to fall into the snares which 
 our great enemy or the world may spread for us. 
 We trust in thy Word, we lean on thy strength, 
 we would take refuge beneath thy protection. Be 
 Thou our shield and defence, and we will not fear. 
 Especially we beseech Thee to awaken in us a 
 holy watchfulness against the peculiar temptations 
 which arise in our daily calling. Oh, let us not, 
 through fears of others, hide our religion, or be 
 ashamed of doing what is right. Give us a sound 
 judgment of all things, grace to know what we 
 ought to do, and a holy boldness to do ,it. In 
 the presence of temptation shed on our hearts such 
 a sense of the love of Christ to us, that we may be 
 constrained to forsake evil and to follow Him fully 
 in all things. Impress thy gracious promises on 
 our hearts, and enable us to see our own interest 
 in the covenant of grace and in the work of thy 
 dear Son. 
 
 We ask, God, thy grace and forgiveness, not 
 only for ourselves, but also for all our relations and 
 friends. Bestow on them all thy richest blessings. 
 May we and they be all thy children in the faith 
 of Jesus Christ, and be so endued with thy grace 
 from day to day as to rejoice in hope of thy glory. 
 Look down upon us mercifully from heaven and 
 bless us. Hear us in these our prayers and thanks- 
 givings, and withhold not the answer of peace, for 
 Jesus Clurist's sake. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS L 
 
 MOST exalted Lord, Father of all mercies and 
 God of all comfort, we magnify thy holy 
 name. Thou art worthy of our highest praise. 
 Every good and every perfect gift cometh from 
 Thee. All our temporal and spiritual deliverances, 
 and the consolations which have abounded to us 
 by Christ, are from Thee. We trust not, therefore, 
 in ourselves, but in thy great name, for Thou wilt 
 hear and deliver those that hope in Thee. 
 
 When we review the week about to close, we 
 are astonished at thy long-suffering and forbear- 
 ance towards us. We have broken thy most holy 
 law, and committed many offences against thy 
 Divine majesty. We would sincerely repent and 
 earnestly beseech Thee to pardon us for the time 
 we have spent unprofitably, for our careless words, 
 the wrongs we have done, the duties we have 
 neglected, and the unholy tempers we have mani- 
 fested. Remember not these our offences, neither 
 take thou vengeance of them, but spare and pardon 
 all thy people whom Thou hast redeemed. 
 
 That we may henceforth more truly serve Thee, 
 pour out upon us an abundant measure of heavenly 
 wisdom and strength. Confirm us in thy faith 
 and love. Anoint us with the Holy Ghost, and 
 seal us thine. Give the earnest of the Spirit in 
 our hearts, the assurance that Thou art our Father, 
 reconciled through thy Son, and that our ways 
 please Thee., 
 
 Thou, Lord, knowest the state of all in thy 
 presence, and the trials and afflictions they have 
 to endure. May the number and nature of these 
 never lead us to despair of serving Thee, or prove 
 a hindrance in leading a godly life. Make Thou us 
 steadfast in thy service, and enable us to experience 
 that if we are partakers of the sufferings of the 
 Gospel, we shall be also of its consolations. 
 
 And now, Lord, before we retire to rest this 
 night, prepare us for the coming of thy holy day ; 
 enable us to fix our minds on things above ; for- 
 tify them with thy grace, that we may not seek our 
 own pleasure, nor turn our feet from thy holy 
 house. Let the coming Sabbath, if we are spared 
 to see it, be a delight to our souls. Vouchsafe 
 also thy special blessing to all thy true and faithful 
 servants, at home and abroad, that they may fully 
 set forth grace and peace through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. Strengthen and enable them to comfort 
 all thy servants that are in any trouble, by the 
 comfort wherewith they are comforted of God. 
 
 Bless with thine especial favour and protection 
 every member of this family ; number them among 
 thy saints, and grant that, when we shall awake 
 from the sleep of death, it may be to spend in the 
 courts of thine house above, a Sabbath of eternal 
 praise, through Clu-ist ovu: Lord, Amen. 
 
 ? ] 
 
MOKNENG.] 
 
 THIRTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EVENINQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CHRONICLES XXI. 
 
 OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 who didst not suffer thine Holy One to see 
 corruption, but didst declare Him to be thy Son 
 with power, by the resurrection from the dead ; we 
 give Thee thanks, that He was delivered for our 
 offences, and raised again for our justification; 
 that He is the propitiation for our sins ; and that, 
 being justified by his blood, we are saved from 
 wrath through Him, and made heirs of the kingdom 
 which Thou hast promised to them that love Him. 
 
 Our Father in heaven, we acknowledge with 
 godly sorrow that we have sinned greatly and have 
 done wickedly in thy sight ; but we beseech Thee 
 to do away the iniquity of thy servants, and enter 
 not into judgment with us ; for if Thou, Lord, 
 shouldest mark iniquity, who shall stand ? With 
 Thee there is mercy that Thou mayest be feared ; 
 and with Thee there is plenteous redemption. Let 
 us fall into thy hand, for very great are thy 
 mercies ; so will we sing and give thanks unto 
 Thee all the days of our life ; and our mouth shall 
 praise Thee with joyful lips. 
 
 God, to whom belong mercies, spare Thou 
 them that confess their faults ; and let thy mercy 
 lighten upon us, as we hope in Thee. So will we 
 compass thine altar, that we may publish with the 
 voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous 
 works. Make us to love the habitation of thy house, 
 and the place where thine honour dwelleth. Let 
 it please Thee so to enrich our hearts this day with 
 thy grace, that we may come into thy courts in the 
 multitude of thy mercy ; and in thy fear may we 
 worship towards thy holy temple. Make thy face 
 to shine upon thy servants; and save us for thy 
 name's sake. Abundantly satisfy us with the 
 fulness of thy house, and make us drink of the 
 river of thy pleasure ; for with Thee is the fountain 
 of life, and in thy light we shall see light. Open 
 Thou our eyes, that we may behold wondrous 
 things out of thy law; and let the Spirit of truth 
 lead us into all truth, that so we may grow in grace, 
 and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ, and be made meet for the inheritance 
 of the saints in light. 
 
 Arise, Lord, into thy rest ; Thou and the ark 
 of thy strength. Let thy priests be clothed with 
 righteousness, and let thy saints sing for joy. 
 Feed thine inheritance ; and lift them up for ever. 
 Send thy people help out of the sanctuary ; and 
 strengthen them out of Zion. Gather together 
 thine elect, and let the kingdoms of this world 
 become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his 
 Christ. 
 
 Answer us, God, and accept this our morning 
 worship, which we present in the name of thy 
 adorable Son, Jesus Chx-ist our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS IL 
 
 IT is a good thing to give thanks unto Thee, 
 ^ Lord, and to show forth thy praise, Tliou most 
 High ; to show forth thy loving-kindness in the 
 morning, and thy faithfulness every night. We 
 are permitted by thy great goodness to see the 
 close of another day of sacred rest. We have 
 worshipped in thy holy temple with the congrega- 
 tion of thy people. We have listened to the words 
 spoken by thy servants ; we have joined in the 
 prayers and thanksgivings of thy Church. The 
 good seed has been sown, and we now pray, most 
 merciful Father, that Thou wouldest cause to fall 
 upon our hearts the dew of thy grace, that we 
 may know Thee more, love Thee more, and serve 
 Thee more faithfully. 
 
 Thou, Lord, not only lovest the gates of Zion, 
 but the dwelling-places of thy people. We are now 
 as a family permitted to unite in prayer in our 
 own habitation. May thy richest blessing, our 
 heavenly Father, rest upon us, and thy watchful 
 care be over us for evermore. How full of counsel 
 and encouragement is that lesson of thy holy 
 Word which we have just read ! We adore the 
 longsuffering and tender mercy of our God. Thou 
 art ready to forgive ; Thou art ever near to heal 
 the broken in heart, and to bind up their wounds. 
 Thou hast revealed the fulness of thy truth and love 
 in Jesus Christ, in whom we have redemption 
 through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, 
 according to the riches of thy grace. May the 
 Spirit reveal to our hearts his tender compassion 
 towards sinners. Are we, our Father, forgiven 
 and saved ? O help us to remember the mercy 
 showed to us, and which Ave daily need. Teach us, 
 we most humbly pray Thee, to cherish towards all 
 men thine own spirit. While we abhor evil, may 
 we seek to restore and save the evil doer. Help us 
 to go about this Christ-like work in the spirit of 
 our Divine Saviour, who did not break the bruised 
 reed nor quench the smoking flax. 
 
 Have pity, heavenly Father, on every back- 
 slider who has been overborne by temptation, who 
 has suffered himself to be led captive by the enemy 
 of souls. Let the rebukes of conscience, the action 
 of thy Holy Spirit, and the chastisement of thy 
 Providence, awaken him to a sense of his danger 
 and misery. 
 
 Keep Thou us, Shepherd of Israel, through 
 the silence and dangers of this night. With divine 
 repose in our souls may we close our eyes in sleep, 
 anticipating the everlasting rest of thy children. 
 Be with us through the dangers and trials of the 
 coming week. Keep us by thy grace from evil, 
 and strengthen us to follow that which is good. 
 Pardon us and accept us, tlu-ough Jesus Christ our 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 253 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CHRONICLES XXVIIL 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, the fountain of all good gifts, 
 who knowest our necessities before we ask, 
 and our ignorance in asking, we beseech Thee 
 have mercy upon us, compassionate our infirmities, 
 and, for the sake of thy dear Son, give us those 
 things which for our unworthlness we dare not, 
 and for our blindness we cannot ask. We have 
 laid us down in peace, and taken our rest, and 
 are now raised up again, because Thou, Lord, 
 hast made us dwell in safety. Blessed be thy 
 name for this and for all the tokens of thy 
 grace, especially for the gift of thy dear Son. 
 Suffer us never, we beseech Thee, to think lightly 
 of thy redeeming love, or to forget at how great 
 cost and from what eternal misery Thou hast 
 redeemed us. Oh, that the love of Christ may 
 constrain us, as those who have been bought 
 with a price, to live not for ourselves but for 
 Thee. We have gone astray like a sheep that 
 is lost; graciously keep us in thy fold, and pre- 
 serve us from wandering from Thee. Give us a 
 continual sense of thy forgiving love, that we may 
 live every day as in the light of thy countenance, 
 and under the constant guidance of thy Holy Spirit. 
 
 Holy Father, we commit ourselves to thy merci- 
 ful care and protection for the day on which we 
 have entered. Thou knowest how we are often 
 sorely hindered in our Clu'istian race, and how 
 often when we would do good, evil is present 
 with us. Lord, whither can we look for help 
 but to Thee, who hast loved us with an ever- 
 lasting love, and desirest not that even the least 
 and lowliest of thy people should perish ? All 
 strength and wisdom are thine. Be Thou our 
 defender, and spread around us the shield of thy 
 protection. We look up to Thee, Father, and 
 pray Thee to keep us this day from falling. By 
 thy grace we would guard our lips, and keep our 
 very thoughts, lest we sin against Thee. Through 
 thy help we would subdue the inclinations which 
 would prompt us to what is wrong. Lord, 
 make us thine entirely ; consecrate us as the 
 temples of the Holy Ghost, and make us as vessels 
 of honour to thy glory. 
 
 Glorify thy name in the daily triumphs of thy 
 Gospel. Increase the zeal of thine own people for 
 the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom. Open 
 the eyes of many blind sinners this day, to see in 
 Jesus their Saviour and their God. Comfort the 
 sorrowing, and instruct them through the season 
 of trial in the things of God. Graciously regard 
 all whom we love, and suffer them not to neglect 
 the great salvation. For them, and for ourselves, 
 and for thy whole Church, we implore every 
 blessing. Grant it, Lord, for thy dear Son's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS IIL 
 
 OLORD our God, we kneel before Thee at the 
 close of another day, to offer our evening 
 worship. Thou hast again surrounded us with 
 manifold mercies, not one of which we have 
 merited. Praise the Lord, our souls, and all that 
 is within us, bless his holy name. 
 
 We thank Thee for all the glory connected with 
 the Gospel dispensation, that things but dimly 
 disclosed to holy men of God in ancient times, are 
 revealed to us in all their grandeur. We implore 
 thy help that we may live in a manner worthy of 
 the name we bear and the hopes we entertain. 
 Enable us to stand before an ungodly world as 
 the epistles of Christ, known and read of all men. 
 
 But what thanks can we render Thee for all 
 the promises of thy Word ? By the teaching of 
 the Spirit may we be made like Christ, and after 
 the darkness and desolation of the grave may we 
 be for ever satisfied with thy likeness. Perfect 
 that which concerneth thy servants; keep us 
 from falling, and present us faultless in the pre- 
 sence of thy glory with exceeding joy. 
 
 We entreat Thee to fulfil thy gracious promises 
 respecting the enlargement of thy Church. May 
 the Spirit of glory and of God rest upon it, that 
 the Gentiles may come to its light, and kings to 
 the brightness of its rising. Take away the veil 
 which yet rests upon the hearts of thine ancient 
 people, and bring them into the fold of thy Church. 
 
 Take care of us during the darkness of the 
 night. Give us refreshing sleep ; invigorate our 
 wearied powers ; and fit us for the discharge 
 of duty on the morrow. May we lie down every 
 night beneath the wings, and wake every morning 
 with the remembrance, of thy presence and pro- 
 tection. 
 
 We ask thy blessing upon our dear relatives and 
 friends. Give them the mercies we have sought 
 for ourselves. If in the feebleness and decay of 
 age, grant them the special consolations they may 
 require. May the little ones growing up into life 
 be preserved from danger, be made partakers of 
 thy grace, and be fitted by thy Holy Spirit for 
 honour and usefulness. 
 
 Almighty God, in thy great mercy pardon our , 
 manifold sins. We are painfully conscious of 
 waywardness, and folly, and frequent transgres- 
 sion. For Christ's sake forgive us; for Christ's 
 sake sanctify us ; and accept us in the Beloved. 
 We close this day, as we hope to close life itself, 
 resting upon the sacrifice of the cross. 
 
 Almighty God, the God of all the families of 
 the earth, accept this our evening devotion, and 
 be our friend and helper, our God and our guide, 
 even unto death, for the sake of Jesus Christ our 
 blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 254 ] 
 
MOENIKG.] 
 
 THIRTY-SEVENTH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 CHRONICLES XXIX. 
 
 FATHER in heaven, we meet once more round 
 our family altar, to thank Thee for the care be- 
 stowed on us during the past night, for refreshing 
 sleep, and for renewed health and strength. We 
 thank Thee for the returning light of day, and ask 
 Thee in like manner to shed fortii upon us the light 
 of thy Holy Spirit, to illumine our path, and teach 
 us to do such things as shall please Thee. 
 
 Do Thou keep us from sin this day ; help us to 
 tread the narrow path that leads through this 
 world to a better and a brighter. Suffer us not 
 to be exposed to temptation ; or if we are tempted, 
 make a way for us to escape. Keep us very near 
 to Jesus ; may we never be permitted to wander 
 far fi'om Him. 
 
 We desire, our Father, to consecrate our 
 service this day to Thee : enable us by thy grace 
 to serve Thee in our varied pursuits. Whether 
 engaged in our domestic and household duties, or 
 in our more public engagements, may we do 
 everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and 
 with a single eye to his glory. Lord, make us 
 willing in the day of thy power. May we ever 
 remember that we are not our own, but bought 
 with a price ; that all things come of Thee, and 
 that all that we can give is thine own. Blessed 
 Saviour, give us willing hearts ; make us fellow- 
 labourers with Thee, in the great work that Thou 
 art doing in these latter days. Thou art build- 
 ing up thy spiritual temple, and adding to thy 
 Church daily such as shall be saved. The work 
 is great and glorious. Yet, Lord, Thou art pleased 
 to use very feeble instruments to build up the 
 temple of the Lord. Wilt Thou use us, though 
 we be but hewers of wood, or drawers of water ? 
 Yet use us, Lord, and Thou shalt have all the 
 glory. Make us earnest to work for Thee while 
 it is day, for the night cometh, when no man 
 can work. 
 
 And now. Lord, to these our petitions would we 
 add our praises ; we would address Thee in the 
 words that have been put into our mouths this 
 day : " Blessed be Thou, Lord God, for ever and 
 ever. Thine, Lord, is the greatness, and the 
 power, and the glory, and the victory, and the 
 majesty : for all that is in the heaven and in the 
 earth is thine ; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, 
 and Thou art exalted as head above all. Both 
 riches and honour come of Thee, and Thou 
 reignest over all ; and in thine hand is power and 
 might ; and in thine hand it is to make great, and 
 to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, 
 we thank Thee, and praise thy glorious name." 
 
 Wilt Thou accept these our praises, and answer 
 these our prayers, for the sake of thy Son, our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ ? Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS IV, 
 
 1r is good for us to draw near to God. As for 
 us, we will call upon God, and the Lord shall 
 save us. Evening and morning will we pray and 
 cry aloud, and God shall hear our voice. Thou 
 makest the outgoings of the morning and evening 
 to rejoice. 
 
 Our gracious God and Father, Thou crownest 
 our days with thy goodness. Thou hast crowned 
 this day with thy goodness ; and whilst the mercies 
 of the day are still all fresh in our memories, we 
 come to thy footstool to thank and bless Thee for 
 them all. We bless Thee for the strength of the 
 day, for the food of the day, for the employments 
 of the day, and for the enjoyments of the day. We 
 bless Thee that a Father's love has watched us, 
 that a Father's power has kept us, and that a 
 Father's bounty has fed us. And we pray Thee 
 that a Father's care may be over us through the 
 night, and that a Father's hand may smooth our 
 pillows and guard our slumbers. 
 
 We ask thy forgiveness for all the sins of the 
 day, for all our angry tempers, for all our hasty 
 words, for all our sinful thoughts. May they be 
 covered over, all of them, by the precious blood of 
 Christ. We pray Thee to make us feel more the 
 exceeding sinfulness of sin. We pray to be taught 
 more the exceeding fulness of thy pardoning 
 mercy in Jesus Christ. We pray that we may 
 know more of the glorious Gospel of Christ, and 
 that more of its life and peace may be received 
 into our hearts. 
 
 We pray that we may be more patient under all 
 the afflictions of life. We confess with shame that 
 we are often so little patient under our afflictions. 
 Alas ! that they do not seem to us light afflictions, 
 but very heavy. Help us to look away from our 
 own afflictions to the afflictions of Christ. Help 
 us to look more often and more seriously on that 
 face so marred more than any man's, and that 
 form more than the sons of men. Oh, that we 
 may remember that He was wounded for our 
 transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities, that 
 the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and 
 that by his stripes we are healed ! 
 
 We praise Thee that there is no sorrow with 
 God. We bless Thee that in thy presence is ful- 
 ness of joy, and that at thy right hand are plea- 
 sures for evermore. We praise Thee that, when 
 we have done with sin, we shall have done with 
 sorrow. And we pray that we may think more of 
 sin, and less of sorrow ; and that our sorrows may 
 make Christ more than ever dear to us. _ We pray 
 tiiat we may live in his love, and die in his love. 
 We ask, our Father, this great blessmg and all 
 other mercies which Thou seest we have need of, 
 through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 I 255 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY- SEVENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES L 
 
 OLORD our God, and our fathers' God, our 
 voice shalt Thou hear in the morning, for 
 thine ear is ever attent to the cry of those who call 
 upon Thee. The heaven of heavens cannot contain 
 Thee, but Thou hast promised to dwell with him 
 that is of a contrite heart and who trembleth at 
 thy word. Behold us met in the name of thy dear 
 Son Jesus Christ, and look with favour upon us, 
 as thine adopted children. 
 
 We praise Thee for that fatherly love which 
 promises to supply our wants and satisfy our de- 
 sires out of the fulness of thy blessing ; and we 
 thank Thee for thine assurances so free and full, that 
 every one who asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh 
 findeth, and to him that knocketh the door is 
 opened ; and it is in confidence that Thou art 
 still the same, still faithful to thy word, that we 
 come to Thee at this time for pardon, and peace, 
 and grace to help in our time of need. 
 
 We know not what we should pray for as we 
 ought ; we know not our own real wants, nor the 
 value of things which we should ask for ; and we 
 therefore seek thy guiding Spirit, to teach us now 
 and at all times how to pray. May He bring our 
 will into conformity to thy will ; may He set our 
 desires upon those things which Thou approvest 
 and wilt be willing to grant. 
 
 We ask, as thy servant Solomon, for a wise and 
 understanding heart, to do our duty in that posi- 
 tion in life in which Thou hast been pleased to 
 place us. We know not what is best for us ; we 
 would not fix our lot, nor appoint our station in 
 life ; but we ask for thy special grace, so to con- 
 duct us, that we may fulfil the object of our 
 being, and set forth thy glory. 
 
 We always need wisdom, and too often do we 
 lean to our own understanding ; we ask for that 
 knowledge which will enable us to guide our affairs 
 with discretion, and to avoid the manifold evils 
 to which we are exposed. 
 
 At all times of perplexity and doubt, show us 
 our path, and keep us in the right way ; and if we 
 liave strayed, bring us back to the Shepherd and 
 Bishop of our souls. 
 
 God of holiness, make us holy in all manner 
 of conversation ; and teach us to follow the in- 
 struction of our blessed Saviour. May we be trans- 
 formed into his likeness, that men may take 
 knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, 
 and glorify Him in us, his humble follow ers. 
 
 We thank Thee for having placed all the treasures 
 of wisdom and knowledge in Jesus Christ, with 
 whom Thou wilt freely give us all things. Un- 
 worthy of the least of thy mercies, we pray Thee 
 still to continue them to us this day and ever, 
 for the sake of our blessed Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS V. 
 
 HOLY, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who 
 art to be worsliipped in spirit and in truth, 
 fill all our minds, we beseech Thee, with reverence 
 and love. At the close of this day we come again 
 to Thee, for Thou alone art worthy of our devoted 
 service and of our constant praise. We remember 
 with gratitude thy manifold goodness in answer to 
 the prayers of the morning. Thou hast not for- 
 saken us. Thou hast been at hand to teach, to 
 encourage, and to strengthen us ; Thou hast wisely 
 and tenderly disciplined us for our good ; Thou 
 hast cheered us in trial, and preserved us in 
 danger; Thou hast crowned us with thy loving- 
 kindness, and we are glad. Yet, notwithstanding 
 all thy claims upon us, and thy favour towards us, 
 we have sinned against Thee this day. Our hearts 
 condemn us for the unkind and unwise words we 
 have spoken, for the worldly and selfish thoughts 
 we have cherished, for the corrupt motives we have 
 indulged, for the unchristian acts we have com- 
 mitted. It is thy love we have slighted, and 
 thine authority we have set at nought. Enter 
 not into judgment with us, Lord ! Again exer- 
 cise towards us, through the sacrifice of our Re- 
 deemer, Jesus, thy pardoning grace. Say to each 
 of us, " Peace, be of good cheer ; thy sins, which 
 are many, are all forgiven." We praise Thee for 
 the work of reconciliation through the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, so that we may be made the righteousness 
 of God in Him. We praise Thee for the word 
 of reconciliation with which Thou hast favoured 
 us. Fix its truths in all our hearts. Let there be 
 no coldness and distance between Thee and our 
 souls. Constrain us, by thy love towards us, to 
 love Thee supremely, and to love each other wisely. 
 In anticipation of the final judgment, help us 
 effectually to watch and pray against all sin. 
 Teach us so to live, in trustful dependence upon 
 the Saviour, that the day of judgment may be the 
 day of our complete redemption. Lord, increase 
 our faith. Give us to feel the presence of the 
 Comforter, the Holy Ghost, as the earnest of our 
 heavenly home. When the earthly house of our 
 tabernacle is taken down, graciously receive us to 
 dwell for ever with Thee. Suffer not one of our 
 family to be shut out of heaven. 
 
 Give to us refreshing sleep, and prepare us for 
 the morrow. Bless with thy love all our kindred 
 and friends. Make thy Church increasingly 
 prosperous. Help all missionaries, and pastors, 
 and teachers in the ministry of reconciliation. 
 Destroy all idolatry, and Mahometanism, and 
 Judaism, and corrupt Christianity, and bring the 
 world, in penitence and faith, to the feet of Jesus 
 the Reconciler. We ask all blessings in his name 
 and for thy glory, now and ftver. Amen, 
 
 C 256 ] 
 
MOENINIG.] 
 
 THIRTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES V.-VI. 11. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS VI. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and infinitelj holy God, in whose 
 sight the heavens are unclean, and who 
 chargest thine angels with folly, but who graciously 
 condescendest to dwell with the humble and the 
 contrite, help us to draw near to Thee this morning 
 with unfeigned humility and contrition of heart. 
 Give to us, for Christ's sake, thy Holy Spirit ; 
 help us to realise, in our approach to the throne 
 of grace, that we are the temples of the Holy 
 Ghost. May He now help our infirmities. May 
 He make intercession for us, heavenly Father, 
 according to thy will ; teaching us how to pray, 
 and what to pray for. As Thou didst of old fill 
 thine house with thy presence, so give us to know 
 that Thou art present with us, thy children, at all 
 times, according to the promise of thy covenant ; 
 but especially when we draw near to Thee in our 
 private chamber, at the family altar, and in the 
 public sanctuary, that our prayers may always be 
 the petitions of those who, having received the 
 Spirit of adoption, cry, " Abba, Father." May 
 thy glory be our one object. We would not, 
 Lord, trust in our own strength, but in thine. 
 We would make no resolutions leaning on our own 
 power to carry them out. We have often done so, 
 but have ever found our own strength to be 
 perfect weakness. Pardon us, gracious Father, 
 in all our shortcomings, and in all that we have 
 done wrong in times past. Oh, may all our 
 failures, by which thy name has been dishonoured, 
 lead us to closer communion and fellowship with 
 Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. May we, through 
 Him, the source of all grace, wisdom, and strength, 
 be found always walking before our God, doing 
 according to his commands, observing his statutes 
 and judgments. Give to us clear views of Gospel 
 truth. Help us to read tliy Word in a teachable 
 spirit. May we hide it in our hearts, that we 
 may not sin against Thee. In the temptations of 
 Satan, the world, and the flesh, help us rightly to 
 use the sword of the Spirit. Enable us, in the 
 strength of the Captain of our salvation, to over- 
 come our spiritual foes to the glory of thy 
 name. When our souls cleave to the dust, 
 quicken us by thy word. When we are cast down 
 by the workings of inward corruption, encourage 
 us by thy precious promises. Help us to realise 
 that all who believe have redemption in Jesus ; that 
 he has put away their sins by the sacrifice of Him- 
 self; that to them there is no condemnation. May 
 our names be written in the Lamb's book of life ; 
 and may we be included in the promise, " I give 
 unto my sheep eternal life, and they shall never 
 perish, neither shall any one pluck them out of 
 my hand." 
 
 Grant it, Lord, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 AGAIN, Lord, gracious and merciful, do we 
 come before Thee, to render unto Thee our 
 evening offering of grateful adoration. How 
 great has been the sum of thy mercies to us-ward 
 this day ! From how many dangers hast Thou 
 preserved us ! from what sins have we not been 
 kept by thy restraining grace ! Impress upon us, 
 we beseech Thee, the magnitude of these blessino-s, 
 and day by day bring our hearts more into har- 
 mony with thy Spirit. 
 
 We thank Thee for the ministry of thy Word ; 
 that Thou hast not allowed our teachers to be 
 removed into a corner, but that our eyes see them, 
 and our souls acknowledge them, as bearing unto 
 us the glad tidings of salvation, the ever-blessed 
 and glorious Gospel. 
 
 Enable us to be fellow-labourers with them, 
 holding up their hands by our prayers and 
 sympathy, and recognising that all thy people are 
 privileged to be kings and priests to God and to 
 the Lamb for ever. As such, do Thou, King of 
 kings, bless and strengthen us. Fight with the 
 sword of thy Spirit on our behalf, so that we may 
 overcome the evil that is in the world through sin, 
 utterly defeat and destroy the enemy that is within 
 us, and offer our hearts unto Thee as temples 
 wherein no idol shall remain, but where Jesus, and 
 Jesus only, shall be worshipped and glorified. 
 
 Join us all into one body ; make manifest unto 
 us our oneness in Christ, that as soldiers in his 
 great army, we may recognise our dependence 
 one on another, and of all on Him, the Captain of 
 our salvation. Subdue in us, Lord, all self- 
 righteousness, and preserve us from all unholy 
 associations. 
 
 And now that we are about to rest from the 
 labours of the day, we beseech Thee, who hast 
 been our guide during its busy season, to be our 
 guardian during the silent watches. Lighten with 
 thy sanctifying influence the hours of darkness, 
 keep us from all which might disturb our rest, and 
 purify our souls from all evil thoughts, so that, 
 shouldest Thou call us, we may be found ready. 
 
 We would lie down in peace with all men, 
 praying Thee to pour out thy Spirit upon them in 
 these our later days. Make up the number of thy 
 saints, Lord, we beseech Thee, and hasten thy 
 kingdom. We acknowledge our unworthiness, 
 and bewail our continual transgression. Forgive, 
 Lord, graciously forgive the sins of thy servants. 
 Oh, our God, grant us that repentance which is 
 not to be repented of, and purify the tears of our 
 contrition by the blood of a crucified Saviour. 
 
 We commend ourselves unto Thee, in the all- 
 prevailing name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 C 257 ] 
 
 No. S3. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES VI. 12-42. 
 
 OLORD, the God of Israel, and of all that trust 
 in Thee, look down upon us. There is no 
 God like unto Thee in heaven or in the earth ; 
 yet Thou keepest covenant and showest mercy 
 unto thy faithful servants. It is to Thee that 
 we direct our prayer this morning. Have respect 
 unto us, and hearken to our supplication. Hear 
 from heaven, thy dwelling-place ; and when Thou 
 hearest, forgive. 
 
 We praise Thee, God, for permitting and 
 encouraging us to draw near to Thee, and to make 
 our requests known. Now that we kneel at thy 
 footstool, show thy mercy, and pardon our sins. 
 Enable us to enjoy a sense of thy presence. 
 Set a watch, Lord, before us, that we offend 
 not in thought, word, or deed ; and give us grace 
 that we ma}' walk according to thy will. We 
 are weak and compassed with infirmity, but we 
 look to Jesus for strength, and to thy Holy Spirit 
 for guidance in all our engagements this day. Help 
 us, we beseech Thee, to discharge the duties of our 
 several stations with diligence and good will ; and 
 wliatsoever we may be called to do or suffer, may 
 we so act as becometh those who serve the Lord 
 Christ. Grant, Lord, that we may not offend 
 against Thee, the supreme Governor of all things, 
 whose power no creature can resist. It belongeth 
 to Thee to punish sinners, and to be merciful to 
 them that truly repent. Be pleased, therefore, to 
 judge and defend thy servants. May no weapon 
 forrjied against them prosper, but in great mercy 
 deliver and protect them. 
 
 May it please Thee to look favourably upon us 
 as a nation. Accept our thanksgivings for the 
 many and great deliverances which Thou hast 
 wonderfully wrought for us. Graciously continue 
 to bestow upon us thy loving-kindness and favour. 
 Save us from all dangers. Visit us not in thy dis- 
 pleasure for our sins, nor for those of our fore- 
 fathers ; but be merciful, and preserve us from all evil. 
 
 Hear us in our supplications on behalf of our 
 Sovereign, and every member of the Royal family. 
 Keep them in thy faith and fear, and help them 
 to seek thy honour and glory. Bless all that are 
 in authority in our land. Guide all judges and 
 magistrates. Give them grace to execute justice 
 and maintain truth, so that we may lead a quiet 
 and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 
 
 We commit ourselves to thy protection this 
 daj. Preserve us from every false and evil way. 
 Guide us by thy counsel, and when we have 
 done and suffered thy righteous will on earth, 
 receive us to Thyself, through our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Chi'ist, to whom with Thee and 
 the Holy Spirit, the Triune God, be all adoration 
 and praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS VII. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, bow down thine 
 ear to us, and graciously accept, for Christ's 
 sake, this our evening sacrifice of prayer and 
 praise. Thou art a Spirit ; help us to worsliip 
 Thee in spirit and in truth. We confess before 
 Thee the sins and failings of this day, rejoicing to 
 know that Thou canst be faithful and just, and yet 
 forgive us our sins. Teach us to cleanse ourselves 
 from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting 
 holiness in the fear of God. Oh, that we may not 
 feel the sorrow of the world, which worketh death, 
 but that which worketh repentance to salvation, not 
 to be repented of. 
 
 How shall we thank Thee for the exceeding 
 great and precious promises which we have in 
 thy Son : for the forgiveness of our sins, the 
 acceptance of our persons, the gift of thy Holy 
 Spirit, everlasting life begun, and eternal glory 
 awaiting us ? Enable us, we beseech Thee, to 
 consecrate to Thee all that we are and all that we 
 have : the faculties of our mind, the members 
 of our body, our time, our influence over others, 
 to be all used for thy glory, and resolutely 
 employed in obedience to thy commands, so long 
 as Thou continuest us in life. And this we do, 
 not to obtain thy favour, but because for the 
 sake of Jesus Thou hast vouchsafed it unto us. 
 This day may be our last ; it may be that our 
 work is done, our conflicts passed. Grant that we 
 may know that, through thy dear Son, there is laid 
 up for us a crown of glory, which Thou hast 
 promised to all that love Thee. 
 
 Protect our beloved home this night. May no 
 evil befall us, but refresh our weary frames with 
 sweet and pleasant rest. Especially would we 
 commend to thy care the sons and daughters of 
 affliction. God, pity those who are homeless 
 and friendless, having no place to lay their head. 
 Look upon our Sovereign and our country. 
 Bless all ministers of thy everlasting Gospel. 
 Remember all missionaries, give increased power 
 to their words, and may the truth preached by 
 their lips be the incorruptible seed springing unto 
 everlasting life in very many souls. We thank 
 Thee for thy care over us as a kingdom. May 
 we increasingly learn that righteousness alone 
 exalteth a nation, and that sin is the reproach 
 of any people. Enable us to love our enemies, 
 to bless them that curse us, to do good to them 
 that hate us, and to pray for them that despite- 
 fully use us and persecute us. Thus may we 
 pass through things temporal, so that finally we 
 lose not those that are eternal. Grant this, 
 Lord, for the sake of Jesus Christ, to whom, with 
 Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all honour and glory, 
 world without end. Amen. 
 
 [ 258 ] 
 
Morning. 1 
 
 THIRTY-SEVENTH WEEK.—SATUBDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES VII. 
 
 FATHER, we bless Thee that Thou hast not 
 spared Thine own Son, but deHvered Him up 
 for us all. We thank Thee that by the one offer- 
 ing of the body of Jesus, once for all. Thou hast 
 destroyed death, spoiled Satan, brought in ever- 
 lasting righteousness, and opened the gate of 
 heaven to all that believe. Eternal thanks be 
 unto Thee for the one Mediator between God and 
 man, the great High Priest over the house of 
 God, by whom we have access at all times and in 
 every place to Thee. 
 
 We are ashamed when we think of our sin- 
 fulness. Be merciful to us, cleanse our souls, and 
 visit us with thy salvation ; so shall we see the 
 good of thy chosen, rejoice in the gladness of thy 
 nation, and glory with thine inheritance. 
 
 And as Thou hast done great things for us, 
 whereof we are glad, we ask Thee still to do great 
 things for us, for thy name's sake and for thy 
 glory. We are no more our own, for Thou hast 
 bought us with the precious blood of Jesus ; help 
 us to glorify Thee in our bodies and in our spirits, 
 which are thine. We desire to dedicate ourselves, 
 our souls and bodies, unto Thee. Preserve us from 
 the guilt and danger of keeping back anything 
 from Thee. We would offer ourselves to Thee as 
 a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable through Christ, 
 and rejoice in this as a reasonable and a happy 
 service. Send, we pray Thee, thy promised Spirit 
 into our hearts, and make us living stones in his 
 Church. May we become the temples of the Holy 
 Ghost, the habitation of God through the Spirit. 
 May Christ be formed in us the hope of glory. 
 May old things pass away, and all things become 
 new. 
 
 Give us every day an increasing hatred of sin, 
 in all its forms, and under all its disguises. Cleanse 
 us from secret faults. Keep us back from pre- 
 sumptuous sins. Subdue every fleshly lust. Re- 
 strain every unsanctified temper. Change evil 
 habits into good. May we watch over our own 
 souls, be instant and constant in prayer, and care- 
 ful readers of thy Word. Bring every thought 
 into captivity unto the obedience which is in 
 Christ, and may all who see us take knowledge 
 of us that we have been with Jesus. Bless all 
 dear to us, and make them thine. Bless our 
 enemies, if we have any, and turn their hearts. 
 Add to thy Church daily such as shall be saved. 
 Undo the heavy burden, and let the oppressed go 
 free. Break every yoke. Bring in the latter day 
 glory. Thy kingdom come. Then shall the earth 
 bring forth her increase, and God, even our own 
 God, shall give us his blessing. O Lord, we 
 beseech Thee to hear us, and answer us for thy 
 dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS VIII. 
 
 GRACIOUS God, who art ever the merciful 
 hearer of prayer, incline thine ear unto us 
 whilst we kneel before Thee, in the name of Jesus 
 Christ, thy dear Son. 
 
 We bless Thee, Lord, for thy fatherly care 
 over us since the last Sabbath-day, and that Thou 
 hast brought us to the close of another week in 
 peace and safety. We bless Thee for the enjoy- 
 ment of such a measure of health and strength 
 as Thou, in thy good providence, hast seen fit to 
 bestow upon us. We bless Thee for food and 
 raiment, for preservation from danger, for deliver- 
 ance from evil, for strength to resist the world, the 
 flesh, and the devil ; for all the countless privi- 
 leges which are ours, as a Christian family in a 
 Christian land ; and for the disposition Thou hast 
 given us to serve and worship Thee. Above all 
 we bless Thee for the gift of thy dear Son Jesus 
 Christ, to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin 
 and also an example of godly life. We are verily 
 less than the least of all thy servants, and utterly 
 unworthy, Lord, to receive any blessing from 
 Thee. Until Thou didst visit us with thy salva- 
 tion, and awaken and quicken us by thy grace, 
 if so be we have tasted that Thou art gracious, 
 we lived wholly to ourselves and this present evil 
 world. And even since Thou hast called us, 
 how often have we sinned against Thee by word, 
 and thought, and deed ; yea, even this very day 
 we have grieved thy Holy Spirit, doing many 
 things that we ought not to have done, and leaving 
 undone many things that we ought to have done. 
 
 Yet, gracious Father, we come to Thee with 
 full confidence, having access through the blood 
 of Jesus. For his sake we pray Thee to have 
 mercy upon us, and to give us grace to walk more 
 closely with Thee for the rest of our lives. 
 
 And, blessed Jesus, who art our God and 
 Saviour, fiilfil thy gracious promise unto us, and 
 pour down upon us thy Holy Spirit, to guide us 
 into all truth. Make us to know more of thy 
 grace and love, so that we may abound in every 
 Christian grace, and may have a readiness to will, 
 and a forwardness to perform every good work, 
 giving ourselves to Thee, who for our sakes didst 
 become poor, that we through thy poverty might 
 be rich. 
 
 We commit ourselves, most merciful God, to 
 thy care and keeping this night. Let thy good 
 Spirit watch over us and all near and dear to us. 
 Give us refreshing rest and sleep, and so prepare 
 our hearts for the service of the sanctuary, that 
 thy holy day may be unto us a foretaste of the 
 rest that remaineth for thy people. Hear us, and 
 grant us an answer of peace, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 259 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRON. VIII. 12-IX. 12. 
 
 OMOST Holy and Almighty God, who dwellest 
 on high, but yet humblest thyself to behold 
 the things that are in heaven and earth, have regard, 
 ■\ve humbly beseech Thee, to our prayers, and let our 
 praises rise before Thee as the incense of grateful 
 hearts, and be acceptable through the intercession 
 of thy dear Son. Let not our sins hide thy face 
 from us on this thy day, but enable us to enter 
 on the spiritual duties of the day with fervent 
 hearts. 
 
 Gloiy be to thy name for the mercies of the 
 past night. Mercifully continue thy protection and 
 care through the day, preserving us from all evil, 
 temporal and spiritual, and sustaining us in health 
 and safety to its close. We look up to Thee in all 
 our necessities, and rely on thy grace for the supply 
 of all our wants. Be not far from us, but accord- 
 ing to thy goodness and mercy help us and bless 
 us. Especially do we seek the presence of thy 
 Holy Spirit, without whose grape we shall be able 
 neither to receive the truth we hear, nor to pray to 
 Thee in sincerity and truth. Oh, grant that He 
 may dwell in us, convincing us deeply of our 
 sin, and melting our hearts with true repentance, 
 as we kneel at thy footstool, taking of the things of 
 Ciirist and showing them unto us, increasing our 
 faith, and kindling within us a more fervent con- 
 secration to thy service. Prepare our hearts to 
 receive the message of thy Word. Let it not be 
 that she who came from the uttermost parts of the 
 earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon should rise 
 up in the judgment against us, for neglecting the 
 precious Gospel of thy Son, our Saviour. Fill us 
 with love to Him, and by thy Spirit stir up in us 
 an intense desire to know Him more intimately, in 
 the glory of his person, and the riches of his grace. 
 
 Bless to us all the ordinances of this Lord's day. 
 Be present in all congregations which shall call 
 upon thy name. Send forth thy Spirit in his 
 might and power, and make the truth which shall 
 be proclaimed eflPectual to the conversion and 
 quickening of many souls. Thy Word is a hammer ; 
 so apply it that hard hearts may be broken, 
 and stubborn hearts be subdued. It is fire ; oh, 
 grant that it may consume and burn up the sins 
 that hinder the work of grace among thy people. 
 It is a sword i oh, that it may pierce the souls of the 
 self-righteous, and convince them of their sinfulness 
 and their need of a Saviour. Strengthen and 
 encourage all thy faithful ministers. Such as are 
 in error do Thou guide to the knowledge of 
 thy truth, and make them wise to win souls. 
 Graciously attend with thy blessing all the labours 
 of those who teach the young. Let man be every- 
 where humbled, and thy dear Son be exalted. We 
 ask all in his name, and for his sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS IX. 
 
 OGOD, to Thee be all the. glory and the praise 
 for the many mercies with which Thou hast 
 visited us this day. Receive us graciously, and 
 deal with us not according to our sins, but 
 according to thy tenderness and pity, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. All our trust is in Thee. We 
 are thine, body, soul, and spirit. Our health and 
 strength are thy gifts. Our privileges come from thy 
 goodness to us, and it is entirely through thy love 
 to our souls that we have had another Sabbath on 
 earth, and the renewed opportunities of worshipping 
 Thee in the congregation, and hearing the appointed 
 ministrations of thy Word. God, accept our 
 praise for all thy loving-kindness. Having not 
 spared thy dear Son, Thou hast with Him given us 
 all other needful blessings. Suffer us not to think 
 coldly of what Thou hast done for us, and art doing 
 for us every day. Again and again, God, we 
 would raise the song of praise before Thee. 
 
 Heavenly Father, bless to us all the holy engage- 
 ments of this day. May we reap such spiritual 
 benefit as shall convince us, by our own experience, 
 that a day in thy courts is better than a thousand 
 spent with the world in pleasure or in sin. Forgive, 
 we pray Thee, all that has been amiss in our ser- 
 vices; the coldness of our praise, the wanderings of 
 our hearts, the feebleness of our faith, the insincerity 
 of our repentance, and our inattention to thy Word. 
 Gracious Saviour, who knowest ovir infirmities, 
 suffer not these things to hinder our spiritual profit. 
 We pray that we may be preserved from the sin of 
 receiving the grace of God in vain. Cleanse and 
 blot out all our sins in thy precious blood, and 
 grant that they may be remembered no more. Our 
 only plea is thy sacrifice, and our only hope is in 
 thy Divine intercession on high. Magnify thy 
 name in our salvation. Dwell Thou in our hearts, 
 and cause us to know thy love, and to be filled with 
 all the fulness of God. 
 
 Mercifully attend with thy blessing all the 
 ministrations of thy holy Word throughout the 
 world. We trust that Thou hast indeed broken 
 down, by thy grace, the strongholds of sin and 
 Satan in many hearts this day, and that angels are 
 rejoicing over repenting sinners drawn to Christ. 
 Almighty Saviour, let it be seen that Thou hast 
 been present, according to thy promise, wherever 
 two or three have been gathered in thy name, by 
 the hearts that have been subdued, the sorrows that 
 have been cheered, and the spiritual wounds that 
 have been healed. 
 
 Take us under thy care for the night. Bless us 
 and all we love with the constant experience of 
 thy goodness, and in all things help us and save 
 us, for the sake of the Lord Jesus Christ, our only 
 Redeemer and Savioiu*. Amen, 
 
 L 260 J 
 
Morning. 1 
 
 THIRTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XII. 
 
 l/l'OST merciful Father, we, thy weak and sinful 
 children, desire to approach unto Thee in 
 prayer and worship. Let our prayer come before 
 Thee as incense, and the lifting up of our hands 
 as the morning sacrifice of old. 
 
 We give thanks at the remembrance of thy 
 holiness and love, which are revealed in thy 
 well-beloved Son, our Saviour. Enrich us, we 
 beseech Thee, in Him with all heavenly blessings. 
 W^e give thanks and rejoice that we live in a 
 land where the true light shineth. We rejoice 
 that while to others there are lords many, and gods 
 many, to us there is but one God tlie Father, of 
 whom are all things, and we of Him ; and one 
 Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we 
 by Him. 
 
 Let our hearts rise in thankfulness unto Thee 
 on the morning of this new day, for the new 
 mercies by which we are surrounded. We 
 acknowledge, Lord, thy gracious care over us 
 through the silence and darkness of another night. 
 We pray for a blessing to rest on that portion of 
 Holy Scripture which we have read. We desire 
 to thank Thee for the great national privileges 
 which we enjoy. We pray that the shield of thy 
 protection may evermore surround our country ; 
 tiiat Thou wouldest preserve us from internal 
 discord and from foreign wars, and cause that 
 righteousness to abound amongst us which is the 
 strength and glory of any nation. 
 
 We pray, as we are taught, for all that are in 
 authority over us ; that we may lead a quiet and 
 peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty, for this 
 is good and acceptable in the sight of God our 
 Saviour. Bless our gracious Sovereign, and all 
 our rulers, and magistrates, and judges. Give all 
 needful wisdom to those who guide the affairs of 
 this great empire. May the spirit of peace, and a 
 high sense of right, distinguish our legislations, 
 and grant thy special guidance in all times of per- 
 plexity and trial. 
 
 Pity Thou, God, the enslaved and oppressed 
 everywhere, and set them free. Let tyranny and 
 oppression cease, and kings be raised up who 
 shall be the true shepherds of their people. 
 
 And now, our heavenly Father, we commend 
 ourselves to Thee, and the word of thy grace. 
 We are weak, but our strength is in Thee. We 
 are ignorant, but thy Spirit can teach and guide us. 
 Keep us in thy fear and love this day, and help us 
 to live as thy children and to adorn the doctrine 
 of thy Gospel in all things. May thy peace rest 
 on our house, and thy blessing prosper us in our 
 daily work. Mercifully accept us and our prayers 
 through thy Son, our blessed Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS X. 
 
 OLORD our God, all whose paths are mercy 
 and truth unto such as keep thy covenant 
 and thy testimonies, we beseech thee to enable 
 us to love Thee. Remember not against us 
 former iniquities, and let thy tender mercies 
 speedily prevent us. Help us, God of our 
 salvation, for the glory of thy name. Deliver us, 
 and purge away our sins ; so we, thy servants, will 
 give thanks unto Thee for ever. 
 
 God, who hast redeemed us with the precious 
 blood of thy Son, and hast called us to glory and 
 to virtue, grant us grace that we may walk 
 worthy of the Lord unto all well-pleasing ; that 
 we may approve things that are excellent ; that we 
 may be sincere and without offence till the day of 
 Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, 
 which are by Jesus Christ, unto thy glory and 
 praise. Mike us harmless and sincere, the 
 children of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a 
 crooked and perverse generation, among whom 
 may we shine as lights in the world, holding forth 
 the Word of life, that whereas they speak evil of 
 us, they may by our good works glorify Tiiee, our 
 Father in heaven. We bless Thee that though 
 we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the 
 flesh ; for the Aveapons of our warfare are not 
 carnal, but mighty, through Thee, to the pulling 
 down of strongholds, casting down imaginations, 
 and every high thing that exalteth itself against 
 the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity 
 every thought to the obedience of Christ. 
 
 Be pleased, God, who givest grace to the 
 humble, to clothe us with humility, and to sanctify 
 our hearts by thy good Spirit, that we may ever 
 esteem thy servants in the ministry very highly 
 in love for their work's sake ; and as we have 
 received freely the blessings of redeeming grace, 
 freely may we give. Our hearts' desire and prayer 
 for all men is, that they may be saved. Make 
 bare thine arm, Lord, and subdue all nations to 
 Thyself. 
 
 God, our Father, accept our humble and 
 hearty thanksgiving for the blessings of this day. 
 Be pleased still to remember us, and those who 
 are dear unto us, with thy favour. Let it please 
 Thee to keep us through the watches of the night, 
 giving sleep to our eyes and slumber to our eye- 
 lids, and suffering no evil to befall us ; that when 
 we awake, we may still be with Thee. Let thy 
 blessing be on all those who love our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ ; and let every tongue con- 
 fess that he is- Lord, to the glory of Thee, the 
 Father. 
 
 Lord, hear, for Jesus Christ's sake ; and to 
 Thee, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, one God, shall 
 be given glory and dominion for ever. Amen. 
 
 I 261 2 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XIII. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, help us to approach Thee 
 ii- with that profound reverence with which we 
 ought at all times to draw near, remembering 
 that Thou art in heaven, and we upon the earth. 
 Behold us, a part of thy great family, bowing 
 before Thee, and offering our lowly worship. We 
 confess our sins, we acknowledge our dependence 
 upon Thee, and humbly bless Thee for continued 
 life and continued mercies. We desire to go forth 
 to our allotted duties this day, strong in the grace 
 of the Lord Jesus, 
 
 We thank Thee for all thy good and great gifts : 
 for the works of thy hands, the arrangements of 
 thy providence, and for thy wonderful testimonies ; 
 for the privileges of the Church, the joys of a 
 holy life, and for hopes which are full of immor- 
 tality; for the substantial comforts of our home, 
 the interchange of affectionate thought and feeling, 
 and for the numberless mercies of our daily life, 
 we offer our lowly lacknowledgments. Thou hast 
 dealt well with thy servants, Lord. Help us so 
 to study thy holy Word, that we may discover its 
 hidden meaning, and know the deep things of 
 God. Give us grace to obey all thy holy com- 
 mandments, to form habits of holiness, to follow 
 every conviction of duty, and save us from those 
 miseries and punishments which, sooner or later, 
 overtake the transgressor. 
 
 We cannot tell what a day may bring forth, but 
 we know that the eye of the Lord rests upon the 
 righteous, and that his ear is open to their cry. 
 And though we know not whether unexpected 
 mercies or unexpected sorrows await us this day, 
 we rejoice to know that all things work together 
 for good to them that love God, and that all the 
 events of our life are parts of a merciful discipline, 
 by which Thou wouldest train and prepare us for 
 heaven. Help us, therefore, diligently to perform 
 our duties, calmly to wait thy will, and to stay 
 our minds upon Thee, that we may have peace. 
 Let thy blessing rest upon all our engagements. 
 Prosper the work of our hands. Preserve us not 
 only from sin, but from error and indiscretion. 
 Help us, in the different relationships of life, to 
 manifest the dignity, and purity, and attractiveness 
 of the Christian character. 
 
 We thank Thee for the many assurances in thy 
 written Word that the altars of heathen gods shall 
 be overthrown. We devoutly thank Thee for the 
 extension of thy kingdom, and entreat Thee 
 speedily to accomplish the number of thine elect. 
 
 Thou who dost ever hear the prayers of all 
 who address Thee in the name of Jesus Christ, 
 hear these our prayers, and accept this act of 
 household worship, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIANS IlL 
 
 MOST gracious God, the Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, look down upon us, we pray 
 Thee, from thy holy place, and let thine ear be 
 open to the prayers and praises which we now offer 
 before Thee. We thank Thee for thy preserving 
 mercy and sustaining cai'e through this day. How 
 kindly hast Thou provided for us ! How tenderly 
 hast Thou dealt with us ! With what compas- 
 sionate forbearance hast Thou borne with our 
 self-love and self-will ! And now, Lord, Thou 
 waitest to be gracious, and to accept and answer 
 the prayers we offer up for the forgiveness of our 
 many sins, and for the renewal to us of thy many 
 mercies. Praised be thy name, God. Honour, 
 and glory, and thanksgiving be unto Thee for all 
 that Thou hast done, for the riches of thy re- 
 deeming grace, and for all the gifts of thy pro- 
 vidence. We confess we are unworthy even to 
 gather up the crumbs of mercy which fall from 
 thy table. We have strayed often from thy ways, 
 and this day have done many things displeasing to 
 Thee. Enter not into judgment with us, God, 
 for in thy sight shall no man living be justified. 
 Hide thy face from our sins, and blot out all our 
 iniquities. Lamb of God, that takest away the 
 sins of the world, have mercy upon us. Thou 
 that sittest at the right hand of God the Father, 
 a Prince and a Saviour, awaken in us a true re- 
 pentance, and bestow the unspeakable blessing of a 
 full forgiveness. 
 
 Heavenly Father, renew in us, we pray Thee, 
 whatever has been decayed this day by the fraud 
 and malice of the devil, or through our own sinful 
 departure from Thee. Strengthen us by thy blessed 
 Spirit, carry on in us the work of salvation, and 
 cause us to grow every day in all spiritual know- 
 ledge and experience. Especially, God, awaken 
 in our hearts a deep and constant hatred of sin, 
 that we may shrink from the unclean thing which 
 Thou abhorrest. Awaken in us the sincere love 
 of what is holy and truthful, and so fulfil in us 
 the work of the Spirit, that the fruits of the Spirit 
 may abound in us, and love, joy, peace, goodness, 
 faith, meekness, and temperance be seen in our 
 life and conduct, to the praise of thy name. Mer- 
 cifully grant, God, that none of us may receive 
 thy grace in vain. Arouse the careless among us. 
 Deepen the impressions of the anxious. Decide 
 the hearts of the wavering. Oh, that when Christ 
 shall come in the power and glory of his second 
 advent, we, and all whom we love, may be found 
 of Him in peace, cleansed, accepted, and sanctified. 
 
 Take us into thy care for the night. Bestow 
 upon us needful rest, and, if it please Thee, raise 
 us in the morning to the duties of another day. 
 We ask all for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 262 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XIV. 
 
 OUR Father who art in heaven, Almighty and 
 All-inerciful God, we thank Thee for thy kind 
 care of us during the darkness. We bless Thee 
 that Thou hast given thine angels charge over us, 
 and that no evil hath befallen us, neither hath any 
 plague come nigh our dwelling. We praise Thee 
 that we have laid ourselves down and slept, and 
 that we have awaked, because the Lord hath sus- 
 tained us. Tnily the light is sweet, and a pleasant 
 thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. 
 
 We bless Thee for the sweeter light, and for the 
 brighter sun, which in Christ Jesus Thou hast 
 made to shine on us ; and we pray that in his light 
 we may see light. We pray that we may see more 
 of the darkness and sinfulness of our own evil 
 nature. They that are whole need not a physician, 
 but they that are sick. Holy Spirit of God, 
 acquaint us with the sickness of our souls. May 
 we know how deeply sinful we are. May we 
 so feel our sins, and so mourn under them, as to 
 be led in humble faith to seek for pardon and 
 salvation in Jesus Christ. 
 
 We bless Thee that Thou art the Lord that 
 healeth us. We praise Thee that Thou forgivest 
 ail our iniquities, and healest all our diseases. We 
 thank Thee that we have no need to send, as 
 Jeroboam did, to any human prophet, when 
 anxiously concerned about the health of those we 
 love. We adore thy gracious name that, all poor 
 and sinful as we are, we may bring our unworthy 
 petitions and lay them with our own hands at the 
 feet of our most loving and pitiful Saviour. We 
 thank Thee that we know that He is touched with 
 the feeling of our infirmities, and that in his 
 blessed name we may come boldly to the throne 
 of grace, sure of obtaining mercy, and of finding 
 grace to help in time of need. 
 
 We pray that we may trust Jesus more, and love 
 Him better. We pray that we may each one of 
 us know this precious Saviour to be our Saviour 
 and our Friend, the Friend who loveth at all times, 
 and sticketh closer than a brother. We pray, 
 Thou all-blessed Saviour, that we may not be over- 
 troubled with any of the cares, or sicknesses, or 
 sufferings which Thou mayest appoint for us to 
 bear on earth. Oh, teach us each day afresh to 
 cast our burden upon the Lord, and to trust Thee 
 in all things. 
 
 Help us in all the duties, and joys, and sorrows 
 of this day. May we keep close to Christ, and do 
 thou, Christ, keep close to us, and cause all 
 grace, throughout this day, to abound toward us 
 all in all things. our Father, forsake us not ; 
 fail not to bless us, through Jesus Christ our 
 Saviour, to whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit 
 be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS XII. 
 
 LORD God Almighty, our heavenly Father in 
 Christ Jesus, we thy children kneel before thy 
 mercy-seat another evening. We thank Thee for 
 the care and protection granted to us during the 
 past day. Teach each believing heart before Thee 
 to feel that we are in the very presence of our 
 God ; that Thou art within these walls. Teach 
 us that our fellowship is with the Fatlier, and with 
 his Son Jesus Christ. Teach us by thy Holy 
 Spirit, this evening, that we may be enabled to see 
 what is our relation to Jesus thy Son. Teach 
 us to look within the veil, and above this world 
 of sin, and to know something of that new and 
 better life which is beyond. Holy Spirit, take of 
 the things of Jesus, and show them unto us. Teach 
 us that in Him, our risen Head, we may draw 
 near to the very presence-chamber of the King of 
 kings. 
 
 But, Lord, while we thus wait upon Thee, and 
 would fain linger in sight of thy glory, we forget 
 not that the thorn in the flesh is given us. The 
 old nature is still ours, and though crucified, it is 
 always striving to regain the mastery ; it is very 
 strong to buffet us. We are still in this body of 
 sin, still wearing our pilgrim garb, still treading 
 an enemy's land. Keep us low in the dust of 
 self-abasement; empty us of ourselves. We are 
 nothing. We have nothing to bring to Thee but 
 our sins. Our only plea is that we are sinners, 
 and that in stead of sinners Jesus died. We are 
 so weak and feeble as to be utterly unable to 
 save ourselves. Teach us to listen to those loving 
 words which Jesus says to us to-night, " My 
 grace is sufficient for thee." May we be con- 
 tent with whatever Thou dost appoint for us, 
 whether it be joy or sorrow, whether it be poverty 
 or riches ; and glory in our infirmities, that the 
 power of Christ may rest upon us. Oh, that we 
 may know more of the power of Christ in our daily 
 conflict with sin and Satan. Saviour, do Thou 
 never leave us, or we fall. Keep us ever looking 
 to Thee, and to Thee only. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we pray for others, for friends 
 and relatives, and those endeared to each of us by 
 ties of earthly relationship. Do Thou bless them 
 in Jesus. And if there be any of them, or any of 
 those who are now kneeling before Thee, who do 
 not know Jesus as their Saviour, teach them their 
 danger ; show them their need of a Saviour ; 
 show them that the great debt of sin has been 
 paid ; teach them to trust their never-dying souls 
 to the blood shed upon Calvary, and Thou shalt 
 have all the glory now and throughout eternity. 
 
 Hear us, Lord God, in these and all our un- 
 worthy prayers, for the sake of thy Son, our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 C 263 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 HEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XVII. 
 
 RIGHTEOUS and merciful Father, help us to 
 come acceptably to Thee, who art ready to 
 manifest thy love to all who seek it, through the 
 mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. In his name, 
 and in his only, we plead with Thee now. 
 Graciously regard, and aid, and bless us all. We 
 thank Thee for sleep and rest ; for the powers we 
 now enjoy, and for fresh opportunities of using 
 them in thy service. We thank Tliee for our daily 
 bread. Suffer not the commonness of thy blessings 
 to make us insensible to their value and to thy 
 goodness. Teach us to see thy hand in the 
 ordinary supply of our wants, as plainly and 
 gratefully as Elijah did in the miracles wrought 
 for his support. We thank Thee for thy Word, to 
 guide us on our pilgrimage to heaven ; for Jesus 
 Christ, the Bread of life, to nourish and strengthen 
 us ; and for the Holy Spirit, to enlighten, to purify, 
 and to gladden our souls. Guard us, Lord, 
 from repeating this day sins we have confessed 
 and deplored in past times. Let not Satan pre- 
 vail against us. Help us in everything to think 
 more of pleasing Thee than of pleasing ourselves. 
 Make it our delight to know Thee, to love Thee, to 
 extol Thee. Through the merits of thy Son, our 
 Redeemer, mercifully accept, and sanctify, and 
 encourage us amidst all the dangers and trials, the 
 duties and joys of the day before us. Keep us 
 from Ahab's spirit of worldliness, and unbelief, and 
 pride. Gracious Father, save us from all for- 
 malism in religion ; from all vain confidence ; from 
 every impure, selfish, and unchristian thought. 
 If sharp discipline be awaiting us, enable us to 
 receive it with meekness and submission. Should 
 death be near us, or any one of our kindred, 
 prepare our minds for thy will. Draw us nearer 
 to Christ and to each other. Increase continually 
 our fellowship with the Saviour, so that death, 
 whenever it comes, may be gain. Has any one of 
 us arisen without a due sense of obligation to 
 Thee ? be pleased to awaken that sense now. Is 
 any heart trembling in anticipation of trial and 
 toil? inspire such with Christian courage hnd 
 hope. Be to us, merciful God, all that we need, 
 from the beginning of the day unto the end of it. 
 [Give to the children thy Holy Spirit. Teach 
 them to follow Jesus in everything. Help them 
 to love and to trust Thee with all their hearts.] 
 Remember for good all who are suffering from 
 want, from sickness, from bereavement. Bind up 
 the broken-hearted, and heal their wounds. Make 
 all happy in doing good to each other and in glori- 
 fying thy holy name. Let this our morning 
 sacrifice be as incense before Thee, God, and do 
 for us exceeding abundantly above all we ask or 
 think, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS XIII. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and ever-present God, who searchest 
 out all our ways, and to whom all hearts are 
 open, help us to remember that Thou, with whom 
 we have to do, seekest truth in the inward parts, 
 and that Thou hatest all falsehood and lying. 
 
 We acknowledge that we do not know ourselves 
 as we ought ; we are blind to our own faults, sharp- 
 sighted at the failings of others, and too ready 
 to justify and excuse our conduct. Make us to 
 deal more honestly by ourselves ; place us before 
 the glass of thy holy Word, that we may see what 
 manner of persons we are. Teach us to examine 
 into om* state before Thee ; to know how we stand 
 in thy sight, as believers or unbelievers, as accepted 
 in Christ or still afar off, without Christ, and there- 
 fore without hope. We mourn that there is so 
 little of Christ in us ; that we are so unlike to Him, 
 and so unworthy in many respects of the name we 
 bear. May a solemn sense of our obligations lead 
 us to greater effort to be conformed to his image, 
 and to be made new creatures in Him, without 
 deception. 
 
 Blessed Jesus, we would look upon Thee with 
 the eye of faith, contemplating thy perfect example, 
 watching thy footsteps, and steadily following thy 
 guidance. Correct us where we are wrong. May 
 we suffer no sin to pass unrepented of, nor rest with 
 any unforgiven. When we see others sin, may we 
 be kept from following a multitude to do evil ; and 
 if this day we have done anything simply because 
 we have seen others do it, may we be in future 
 watchful against so great a danger. Grant us thy 
 Holy Spirit, to assist us in examining ourselves ; 
 and when overwhelmed with a sense of our sinful- 
 ness, direct our eyes to the Lamb of God, who 
 taketh away the sin of the world. Thus pardoned 
 and at peace with all, we would retire to rest this 
 night, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus 
 unto eternal life. 
 
 We cannot close the day without thanking Thee 
 for its manifold blessings, and for all the good things 
 Thou hast caused to fall to our lot. We would call 
 vipon our souls and all within us to bless and praise 
 thy holy name. Grant that the remembrance of thy 
 blessings, which we share with so many, may lead 
 us to love our fellow-men, as partakers of the 
 benefit, as fellow-heirs and recipients of grace, as 
 those for whom Jesus shed his most precious blood, 
 redeemed from sin and reserved for glory. And 
 now, blessed, glorious, and undivided Trinity, 
 Three and One, we reverence Thee as God, 
 humbling ourselves before the mystery of thy 
 nature, but looking to the effectual power of thine 
 operations, and praying that the grace of the Lord 
 Jesus, the love of God, and the communion of the 
 Holy Ghost, may be with us all evermore. Amen. 
 
 [ 201 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EvENINa 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XVIII. 1—20. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and ever-living God, the gracious 
 Giver of all blessings, accept our thanks for 
 the mercies of the night, through which Thou hast 
 safely preserved us. By thy Holy Spirit make us 
 more deeply sensible of thy loving-kindness, and 
 stir up our hearts to praise, not only for the daily 
 bounties of thy providence, but also for the un- 
 searchable riches of Christ. Lord God, who is 
 like unto Thee, pardoning iniquity, transgression, 
 and sin ; long-suffering, and of great kindness, 
 causing thy sun to shine on the evil and the good, 
 and sending rain on the just and on the unjust ? 
 
 We desire, God, to enter on this day's duties 
 with thy favour and protection. Our pathway in 
 the world is beset by many and constant tempta- 
 tions ; the great enemy of souls is ever on the 
 watch for our souls, and we are weak, ignorant, 
 and sinful, unable to do anything that is good 
 without Thee. Give us now, we pray Thee, for- 
 giveness and peace, that we may go forth with the 
 assurance that Thou art our God, and that in all 
 our ways Thou art at hand to help and defend us. 
 Suffer us not to turn aside from the straight path 
 of thy commandments into ways of our own 
 choosing, or to forget in all our engagements that 
 Thou, God, seest us. Keep us upright, sincere, 
 and truthful in everything, anxious to do what is 
 just and pure in the sight of God and man, and 
 tlius to adorn the doctrine of God om* Saviour in 
 all things. We feel how unworthy is all our obe- 
 dience ; but, God, accept it for thy dear Son's 
 sake, and give us so largely of thy heavenly grace 
 that it may be more cheerful and self-denying, and 
 spring from hearts full of love to Thee. Especially 
 give us a tender conscience, that we may not harden 
 our hearts against thy Word, or be insensible to the 
 teachings of thy Spirit. Fulfil in us all thy work, 
 and make us monuments of mercy and grace for 
 ever and ever. 
 
 Look in thy tender compassion on all who are 
 dear to us, and guide them, by thy grace, in the 
 narrow way of eternal life, and give them the 
 blessed experience of thy great salvation. [Convert 
 the hearts of the children of our household to Jesus 
 Christ. Teach them, Lord, the things of God, 
 that even from tender years they may grow in grace 
 and in the knowledge of their Lord and Saviour. 
 Spread around them the shield of thy Divine 
 guardianship, and suffer not the influence of an 
 evil world to keep them away from Thee.] Let 
 thy blessing rest on the whole Church of Christ. 
 Prosper all its labours for thy glory, and make it 
 an honour and a praise in the earth. 
 
 These and all other mercies we implore at thy 
 hand, in the name of our adorable Redeemer, 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XX, 1—12. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, we kneel before thy 
 mercy- seat this evening, praising Thee for our 
 creation, preservation, and for all the blessings of 
 this life, but above all for the means of grace, and 
 for the hope of glory. Enable us, Lord, to see 
 the depth of thy love towards us, in sending thy 
 dear Son to atone for our sins, and to give us 
 access to thy throne of grace. 
 
 But we are sorely beset and hindered in running 
 the race set before us. It is not indeed with us 
 as it was with thy servant St. Paul, that the 
 preaching of thy Word excites an uproar amongst 
 the people, and endangers life ; but still thy people 
 have trials and temptations, and spiritual enemies 
 lay wait for their souls. We are dwelling in 
 tabernacles of flesh, and too often do our souls 
 partake of the drowsiness and sleep that creeps 
 over our mortal frames when wearied with worldly 
 labours ; but we pray that we may be kept from 
 the sleep of death, to which the frailty of human 
 nature ever leads the soul. 
 
 Let thy good Spirit, God, breathe upon us 
 the breath of life, and let thy right hand be 
 stretched out to defend us from all our enemies. 
 May we and all whom we love rejoice together in 
 Christ Jesus. Prepare us, Lord, day by day, 
 for eternity. Send down answers to our prayers. 
 Let the labours of thy ministering servants be 
 blessed to our souls; let the various means of grace 
 be valued by us. Give us increasing love for thy 
 holy Word, and a sincere and earnest faith in thy 
 promises. Deepen in us godly sorrow for sin, and 
 unfold more clearly to us the riches of thy love in 
 Christ Jesus. 
 
 Forbid that anything should stand between us 
 and our high Christian duties and privileges, and 
 suffer not coldness and apathy to seize our souls, 
 because persecution for Christ's sake does not now 
 drive thy servants to upper chambers and secret 
 places that they may worship their Lord ; but 
 rS-ther may gratitude for our favoured lot make 
 us more earnest, more loving, more active, more 
 self-denying in carrying on the work for which 
 thy servants of old suffered, even unto death, will- 
 ingly accepting martyrdom if Jesus might be 
 honoured through them. May we enjoy constant 
 communion with Thee. Come, Thou Holy 
 Spirit of Jesus, and reign in our hearts, and suffer 
 no other lord to have dominion there. 
 
 Come and put within us real and living faith, ' 
 that we may experience the love of Christ, and be- 
 come the honoured instruments of making known 
 to others thy salvation. 
 
 Hear us, God, our Father, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake, to whom be everlasting praise and glory. 
 Amen. 
 
 t 265 3 
 
 No. 34- 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XVIII. 21—46. 
 
 OLORD God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, 
 let it be known to us this day that Thou art the 
 Hearer and Answerer of prayer. We acknowledge 
 Thee to be the Lord, and desire to humble our- 
 selves before Thee, and invoke thy favour and 
 blessing. We adore Thee for thy mercy in permit- 
 ting us to begin another day in peace and safety. 
 
 The repose enjoyed by us during the night has 
 been vouchsafed by Thee. Our preservation is due 
 to thy watchful care. We would renew our cove- 
 nant Avith Tiiee this morning, and dedicate to Thee 
 afresh all the powers of our mind and body. 
 We thank Thee for that portion of thy Word on 
 which we have been meditating. May thy good 
 Spirit impress its teaching on our hearts. We 
 confess with shame that our conduct has often 
 been such as to make men doubt the sincerity of 
 our profession. We have been backward in the 
 confession of our faith. We have been slow to 
 defend the honour of our Master in the presence of 
 unbelievers. We have sought the approval of the 
 world rather than that of our God, and have often 
 followed its maxims and neglected the holy pre- 
 cepts of the Book of life. Oh ! remove from us all 
 traces of indecision of character. If any now 
 before Thee have been seeking to unite the service 
 of the world and that of God, oh, give them grace 
 to relinquish so vain and profitless a pursuit. Unite 
 their scattered affections, and let the love of Christ, 
 who shed his blood for sinners, bring them to 
 repentance. [We pray especially for the children 
 of this household, that they may early choose that 
 good part which shall never be taken away from 
 them.] 
 
 And now, Lord, what wait Ave for ? Truly our 
 hope is in Thee. Let the sacred fire of the Holy 
 Ghost purify our hearts, and inflame our zeal. 
 Help us to go forth to the duties of the day in 
 the strength of our Redeemer. May our services 
 be accepted, and our sins and shortcomings for- 
 given, through his gracious intercession. * 
 
 Bless this day all the ministers of the everlasting 
 Gospel. Assist them in their preparation for their 
 solemn office. Give us all grace to lay aside 
 worldly cares at the close of this day, and set our 
 house in order for the duties of the blessed Sabbath. 
 May many souls be added to the Church on the 
 morrow, as living stones in the temple of grace. 
 Hear us, God, hear us, that our nation may know 
 that Thou art God. We wait for the fulfilment of 
 thy promise. Send down showers of blessings on 
 our land, and the whole world. Wilt thou not 
 revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in 
 Thee? We ask all in the name of Jesus Christ, to 
 whom with Thee, Father, and Thee, blessed 
 Spirit, be everlasting glory. Ameiv 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIANS I. 
 
 OTHOU gracious and ever blessed Lord God 
 Almighty, Thou who art the God and Father 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom alone we 
 dare to approach Thee, and whose name alone we 
 mention in thy presence, look down upon us in 
 Him, Lord, and for his sake receive us gra- 
 ciously and love us freely. 
 
 We humbly thank Thee for the mercies of the 
 past day ; for having preserved us amid many 
 perils, and for having provided for us, out of the 
 riches of thy grace, things needful both for our 
 souls and for our bodies. We acknowledge with 
 shame and confusion of face that we are unprofit- 
 able servants — that we have not rendered unto 
 Thee according to that we have received. Whilst 
 Thou hast been showering down blessings upon us, 
 we have been turning away from Thee. We have 
 gone after other gods, and we have served them. 
 Pardon our iniquity, Lord, for it is great. Wash 
 us in that fountain which Thou hast opened for sin 
 and uncleanness. Pour down upon us thy holy, 
 regenerating, and sanctifying Spirit. Make us new 
 creatures. Create in us a clean heart, God, and 
 renew a right spirit wdthin us. 
 
 We remember, Lord, that another of thy pre- 
 cious Sabbaths is near at hand. We desire at this 
 time to plead for those who on the morrow shall 
 plead for Thee. Grant them to speak only in full 
 accordance with thy Word. Let their preaching 
 be with all clearness and distinctness of doctrine. 
 Let no error be intermingled therewith. Work 
 mightily through them to the turning of many 
 from darkness to light, and from the power of 
 Satan unto Thee ; and grant that the whole body 
 of thy Church may be comforted, refreshed, and 
 edified. 
 
 And, gracious Father, we desire now to commit 
 ourselves to thy care. Watch over us and keep us 
 through the night unto which Thou hast brought 
 us ; strengthen us to rise on the morrow so re- 
 freshed in mind and body as to be prepared to 
 join in the services of thy sanctuary, and worship 
 Thee with great delight. Let thy blessing rest 
 upon all the means of grace which Thou hast 
 appointed for us. Grant us to pray in faith, to 
 sing thy praises with the understanding, and to 
 give attentive heed to the preaching of thy Word. 
 Reveal unto us more and more of thy dear Son. 
 Grant us to seek justification, not by the works of 
 the law, but by the righteousness of Christ. And 
 lest we should frustrate the grace of God and make 
 Christ in any way to have died in vain, oh, grant 
 that henceforward, being crucified with Clu'ist, 
 we may live the life we now live in the flesh by 
 the faith of Him who loved us and gave Himself 
 for us. Amen. 
 
 C 266 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-NINTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XIX. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIANS II. 
 
 TO Thee, God, all hearts are open. Thou 
 knowest how often we have gone astray from 
 Thee by the failing of our faith in the hour of 
 temptation and trial, and have forgotten thy sure 
 words of comfort, " I will never leave thee nor 
 forsake thee." Thou knowest the weakness of our 
 mortal nature. Oh, grant us such strength and 
 protection as shall carry us through all tempta- 
 tions, and shall keep us steadfast in thy faith 
 and fear. Help us ever to look unto Jesus, the 
 Author and Finisher of our faith, who fainted not 
 under sorrow and suffering, but endured the cross, 
 despising the shame. 
 
 We also pray Thee, Lord, that when we read 
 the records of thy mercy to thy people of old, our 
 faith may be strengthened in that never-failing 
 providence Avhich ordereth all things both in 
 heaven and earth. Thou didst feed thy people 
 with manna in the wilderness, and didst refresh 
 thy servant Elijah with food from heaven, teach- 
 ing us thereby that, like as a father pitieth his 
 children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him. 
 Thou hast said that not a sparrow falleth to the 
 ground without Thee, and Thou hast taught us to 
 ask Thee for our daily bread : God, we thank 
 Thee for these thy mercies, and we would seek to 
 keep far from us all anxious thoughts of the mor- 
 row, knowing that Thou art faithful who hast 
 promised. 
 
 Let the wondrous food wherewith Thou didst 
 strengthen thy servant Elijah remind us of that 
 true bread of life with which Thou dost vouch- 
 safe to feed us in the wilderness of this 
 world, even Jesus Christ, thine unspeakable gift, 
 who is the bread of God, coming down from 
 heaven, and giving life unto the world. Lord, 
 evermore give us this bread, Give us a living 
 faith in Him, that we may rest our hopes on Him 
 alone for pardon, peace, and eternal life. And we 
 thank Thee, God, for that Thou hast given thy 
 Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, not only to die 
 for us, but also to be our exalted High Priest, 
 who ever liveth to make intercession for us. Oh, 
 help us to value more and more the ordinances of 
 thy house. May they be to us means of grace. 
 Hear our prayers, and accept our praises. Guide 
 uS by thy Spirit into all truth, that we may grow 
 in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and 
 Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 
 And grant, Lord, that when life's journey is 
 ended, we may sit down at the marriage supper 
 of the Lamb, when He who is in the midst of the 
 throne shall feed us, and shall lead us unto living 
 fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all 
 ■tears from our eyes. Hear us, for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 ETERNAL God, our Father in heaven, hal- 
 lowed and adored be thy name. All glory 
 and honour be to Thee for the great mercies with 
 which Thou hast crowned our life this holy day. 
 For all our temporal blessings, food to eat, raiment 
 to put on, and the mercies of health and strength 
 Thou hast given us, we thank Thee. For the pri- 
 vileges of the house of prayer, for the ministrations 
 of thy Gospel, whereby arc made known to us anew 
 thy matchless grace and love in Christ Jesus, we 
 thank Thee. Gracious Father, bestow, with all 
 thy blessings, the new heart and the right spirit, 
 that we may be truly grateful to Thee for all that 
 Thou hast done, and be anxious to show our thank- 
 fulness, not only with our lips, but in a life of 
 dedication to thy service. 
 
 But, God, with our thanksgivings we are con- 
 strained to mingle sorrowful confessions of sin and 
 earnest supplications for pardon. Thou hast been 
 near, but how little have we been conscious of 
 thy presence ! with how much irreverence has our 
 worship been marred and defiled ! How have our 
 thoughts wandered from Thee ! how careless have 
 we been in listening to thy holy Word ! Lord, we 
 are ashamed of our poor and worthless services. 
 But for thy tenderness and compassion, and the 
 prevailing efficacy of Christ's intercession, we dare 
 not hope for acceptance. Have mercy upon us, 
 God, and blot out all our sins, for thy name's 
 sake, for they are great. Quicken our hearts, and 
 arouse our languid affections, that we may worship 
 and serve Thee better in future, and come to thy 
 ordinances with that hungering and thirsting of 
 soul to which Thou hast promised thy blessing. 
 
 Merciful Father, cause thy Word, which we 
 have heard, to be treasured up and remembered 
 by us all, even when the day of rest is gone. Let 
 not Satan snatch it away or the cares and pleasures 
 of life choke it. We desire to be growing in grace 
 and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ, who loved us and gave Himself for us. Let 
 the warnings of thy ministers be fastened on our 
 consciences, and the promises of thy Word encou- 
 rage us to diligence in every duty. Increase oiir 
 weak faith, and nourish in us all thy work of 
 grace. Preserve us and all thy people from false 
 doctrine, and especially make clear to us the way 
 of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Bless 
 all the ministrations of thy servants this day, and 
 make thy Gospel to triumph in the conversion both 
 of Jews and Gentiles. 
 
 Take us now into thy gracious keeping. ^ Bless 
 us and all for whom we would pray, according to 
 thy mercy and our need, for Jesus Christ's sake, 
 to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be ever- 
 lasting praise. Amen. 
 
 I 267 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-NINTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XXL 
 
 OGOD, we thank Thee for afrain permittmg us 
 to draw near to Thee. We bless thy name 
 for the mercies of the past night. We praise Thee 
 for the sacred privileges of the Sabbath, which we 
 liave been permitted to enjoy. May the influence 
 of its holy engagements abide with us all the week. 
 Help us to remember the sacred lessons we have 
 learned, and to exhibit to the world that we have 
 indeed been with Jesus. 
 
 Again we enter upon the world's duties, and go 
 forth to life's trials and temptations. Go Thou 
 with us, blessed God, and we shall not fall. Abide 
 Thou near us, and we shall be safe from evil, and 
 strong for labour. Make us more than conquerors 
 in every temptation. We know not what may 
 lie before us. Let the thought that Thou 
 knowest all, and canst prepare us for all, take 
 away all fear. May we be careful for nothing, 
 but in everything, by prayer and supplication with 
 thanksgiving, make known our requests unto Thee. 
 Make us, above all things, earnest about our souls, 
 seeking first thy kingdom and thy righteousness, 
 and all else shall be added unto us. 
 
 We thank Thee for the lessons Thou hast taught 
 us this morning in thy Word. Keep us from all 
 the iniquities that polluted king Aliab. Let us not 
 be tempted to think that such sins could never 
 overtake us. Without thy grace there is no depth 
 of iniquity to which we might not fall. 
 
 Keep us very humble. Make us ever watchful. 
 Let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest 
 he fall. Put far from us all covetous desires. 
 May we be content with such things as we have. 
 Help us to overcome all evil desires in their begin- 
 nings, and to close our eyes against everything that 
 would lead us astray. Preserve us from the evil 
 influences of bad companionship. Keep us from 
 making those who know Thee not our friends. 
 Help us to guard against entering into close re- 
 lationship with any who are not thy children. 
 May we give no heed to the dearest friend we 
 have if his influence be for evil. May we lead 
 many along the narrow way of life, but never 
 di'aw any from duty and holiness. 
 
 Imprint deeply upon our minds the solemn 
 thought that every sin we ever commit will as- 
 suredly find us out, and that no wicked word or 
 deed shall be hidden from thy sight. Lord, as 
 we call to mind the many and grievous sins that 
 we have committed, help us to cry to Thee ear- 
 nestly for pardon, through Jesus Christ. We have 
 greatly sinned against Thee. Our iniquities cry to 
 Thee for vengeance. We have deserved thy wrath. 
 Good Lord, deliver us. 
 
 God, pardon — sanctify — bless us, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIANS III. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, another 
 day has been numbered with eternity since 
 we last met before Thee, and we have new mercies 
 to praise Thee for, and new sins for which to seek 
 thy forgiveness. Lord, teach us to pray. Mer- 
 cifully bow down thine ear and hear us, and give 
 us an answer of peace. 
 
 Blessed art Thou, God, far above aU our 
 praises. All the hosts of heaven, ten thousand 
 times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 
 sing thy praises, and rest not day and night, 
 saying, " Holy, holy, holy. Lord God of hosts ; 
 heaven and earth are full of thy glory." We 
 would join their glorious company above, and 
 desire with them to say, " Worthy is the Lamb 
 that was slain to receive power, and riches, and 
 wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and 
 blessing." With every creature in heaven, and 
 on earth, and under the earth, we would join in 
 praising Thee. But chiefly would we praise Thee 
 for that wonderful manifestation of thy love to- 
 wards a ruined world, in that Thou gavest thine 
 only-begotten Son to die that we might live. In 
 the greatness of that gift enable us to see at 
 once the greatness of thy love, and the greatness 
 of sin ; that nothing could vindicate thy broken 
 law, and satisfy thy offended justice, but the 
 doings and sufferings of thy dear Son ; that nothing 
 could save us from the withei'ing curse but our 
 blessed Saviour standing in our stead, and being 
 made a curse for us. Oh, help us, as we gaze 
 upon the cross and its woe, to see sin as Thou 
 seest it, as that which stained thy glory, crucified 
 the Son of God, and as that abominable thing which 
 Thou hatest. Lord, we would hate sin, even as 
 Thou hatest it; we would look upon Him whom 
 we have pierced, and mourn. Our sins are many, 
 and they are great ; for thy name's sake pardon 
 our iniquity ; look upon us for Jesus' sake. We 
 have no other name to plead, but we know that 
 his' name is all-prevailing with Thee. Our only 
 plea, then, to-night, is the atoning sacrifice of thy 
 dear Son. Wash us in the fountain of his blood, 
 and accept us in the Beloved. 
 
 Thou knowest the dangers in our paths ; pour 
 out upon us more and more of the Holy Ghost, 
 to keep us and to guide us. Hedge up our way, if 
 necessary, with thorns, so that we may never turn 
 aside out of the right path. Guard us against all 
 declension in heart or in practice. Conform us 
 more and more to the image of Christ, and help us 
 so to live to Christ, that others may be won to Jesus 
 by our life. Lord, make us holy, as Thou art holy. 
 
 And now take us, and all dear to us, under 
 thy keeping this night, and bless us, our Father, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 268 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-NINTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS XXII. 1—38. 
 
 WE praise Thee, Lord, for thy goodness In 
 permitting us to see the light of:' another day. 
 Refreshed by sleep, we now go forth to the duties 
 Thou hast given us to fulfil ; and wherever thy 
 providence may lead us, there grant that thy grace 
 may prove sufficient for us. Enable us to learn 
 from thy holy Word the lessons Thou hast designed 
 it to teach us. May the light of thy truth irradiate 
 our minds, and cheer and gladden our hearts. 
 
 If this day we should be placed in circumstances 
 of perplexity, circumstances in which we know not 
 where to walk, or how to act, oh, let us not lean 
 on our own understandino;. Do Thou direct our 
 steps ; and, as we seek thy guidance, may we hear 
 a voice behind us, saying, " This is the way, walk 
 ye in it." In all times of weakness, be Thou 
 our strength ; in the hour of sorrow, be Thou our 
 joy ; and in every season of difficulty and doubt, be 
 Thou, Lord, alone our wisdom and our guide. 
 
 Grant thy blessing on thy ministering servants. 
 May they all be messengers of the Lord of hosts ! 
 Cause them faithfully to declare thy truth, whether 
 men Avill hear or whether they will forbear ; and let 
 neither the flattery of a smiling world nor the 
 opposition of a frowning world move them from 
 the path of duty. 
 
 Lord, Thou art God alone. Thou sittest on 
 thy throne, and all the hosts of heaven surround 
 Thee. Thou orderest all things according to the 
 counsel of thine own righteous will. The bow may 
 be drawn at a venture, but the arrow is directed 
 by Thee. Enable us to feel that nothing is beneath 
 thy notice, nothing beyond thy control. Give us 
 grace to see thy hand in the events of our daily 
 life ; and whether those events be prosperous or 
 adverse, whetlier they be agreeable to our natural 
 preferences or opposed to them, grant that we may 
 look beyond and above the instruments, and see 
 Thee, our Father, in all. 
 
 Vouchsafe, Lord, to keep us this day without 
 sin. Give us a holy dread of tampering or trifling 
 with it. May we not nourish in our hearts any- 
 thing displeasing to Thee. In the fall of Ahab may 
 we see how certainly sin is followed by punish- 
 ment, and how impossible it is for man's efforts 
 to avert the punishment Thou hast righteously 
 denounced. 
 
 Lord, we are sinners : we all deserve thy wrath. 
 But, oh ! we praise Thee that the punishment we 
 have deserved has been borne for us by our sin- 
 less Substitute, Jesus Christ the righteous, perfect 
 God and perfect man, our ever-blessed and adorable 
 Redeemer. For his sake, hear and help and save 
 us, and to Him, with Thee, O Father, and Thee, 
 Holy Ghost, one God, we will ascribe everlasting 
 praise. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIAN3 IV. 
 
 OTHOU eternal, omniscient, and omnipresent 
 Jehovah, our most gracious Father in Christ 
 Jesus. We bow ourselves before thy Divine Ma- 
 jesty, and entreat Thee, for the sake of thy dear 
 Son, to hear, to answer, and to bless us. We con- 
 fess our sins unto Thee ; our many sins, in thouglit, 
 word, and deed ; and we pray Thee to pardon and 
 deliver us for Christ's sake. 
 
 We praise Thee that Thou (Jidst, in the fulness 
 of time, send forth thy Son, made of a woman, 
 made under the law, to redeem them that were under 
 the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 
 And, our Father, if thou hast made us thy 
 children by adoption and grace, we beseech Thee 
 to send forth the Spirit of thy Son into our hearts, 
 enabling us, in all sincerity and truth, to cry unto 
 Thee, Abba, Father. We rejoice that Thou dost 
 not look upon us, who believe in Jesus, merely as 
 servants, but as sons and daughters of Thee, the 
 Lord Almighty ; and if we are children, then we 
 are heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. We 
 bless Thee for the privilege Thou hast conferred upon 
 us, in having admitted any of us unworthy crea- 
 tures into the family and household of Thee, our 
 God. We pray that we may be preserved from 
 all evil, from formality or hypocrisy in thy service. 
 If thy truth hath made us free, then are we free 
 indeed ; we would not turn again to weak and 
 beggarly elements, but having been justified by 
 faith, we would enjoy peace with Thee, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. If we are called to suffer 
 persecution for Christ's sake, seeing that he who 
 is born after the flesh will persecute him who is 
 born after the Spirit, then let us ever remember 
 thy words, Lord Jesus, " In the world ye shall 
 have tribulation ; but be of good cheer, I have 
 overcome the world." 
 
 We pray unto Thee on behalf of our friends and 
 relatives : bless them with all spiritual blessings 
 in Christ Jesus. Take them and us into thy care 
 this night, and protect us from all evil. Look 
 with thy favour upon our Sovereign ; may she 
 always seek first thy kingdom and thy righteous- 
 ness. Give her councillors wisdom, that they 
 may so guide the affairs of this nation, that thy 
 name may be glorified in all they do. May thy 
 Word have free course, and be glorified amongst 
 us. Let all thy ministering servants be clothed 
 with righteousness. Enable them rightly to divide 
 thy Word, and grant that thy Word preached may 
 be instrumental both in the conversion of sinners 
 and in the edifying of thy saints. Grant this, and 
 every other needful blessing, we humbly beseech 
 Thee, for Jesus Christ's sake, our most blessed 
 Lord and Saviour, to whom, with Thee and the 
 Eternal Spirit, be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 C 269 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-NINTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPT tJRE 2 CHRONICLES XX. 1-20. 
 
 OLORD our God, we desire to be filled with 
 holy confidence and reliance upon thine aid. 
 For our sins and iniquities, and for the trial of our 
 faith, are we made to feel the malice of many foes. 
 But may we learn through each affliction to trust 
 Thee more implicitly, and to call upon Thee un- 
 ceasingly. Are not the wicked thy sword, Lord, 
 and they who trust in Thee the sheep of thy pas- 
 tures ? But chiefly when the sons of wickedness 
 arise up against us, and our souls are sore tried 
 with many fears, may we remember thy wonders 
 of old. Are not the children of faith counted for 
 thy people, and the seed of Abraham thy servant 
 dear in thy sight ? Thou dost permit us to rejoice 
 in the promises, and to experience the exceeding 
 joy which arises to them who are clothed in the 
 justifying righteousness of Jesus. Thou hast given 
 to us the promise of an inheritance among the 
 saints in light. Thou hast shown to us that the 
 path of faith is the path of safety, and that they 
 who know Thee now by faith shall attain one day 
 to the fruition of thy glorious Godhead. 
 
 Graciously pour into our hearts, in fuller mea- 
 sure, the spirit of grace and of supplication. Teach 
 us not to fear though the earth be removed, and 
 though the mountains be carried into the midst of 
 the sea. But rather may we expect perpetually to 
 be cheered and sustained by thy gracious interposi- 
 tion, and made to delight more and more in the 
 safety which Thou dost accord to them who love 
 Thee. 
 
 Send, we pray Thee, thy Holy Spirit upon 
 thy people. Enlighten the minds of those whom 
 Thou dost set in authoritj'", and enable them to 
 perceive and know what they ought to do. Give 
 a Avord of wisdom to all thy watchmen, and teach 
 them to lift up the voice and to cry, and to instruct 
 and teach thy people. Above all would we pray 
 for the monarch whom Thou hast set over us. Oh, 
 may her heart be fixed, and not fear for evil 
 tidings. May she be cheered and comforted by 
 the words of them whom Thou hast charged to 
 speak in thy name, and may she reverently hear 
 and obey when thou dost deign to teach. 
 
 Thus, Lord, shall thy people fear no evil 
 tidings. The hearts of all that trust Thee shall 
 be established, and have great peace. The word 
 of God shall grow and prosper through the fidelity 
 of them that serve Thee, and Thou shalt get Thee 
 honour, Lord, through thy mercy and goodness 
 unto thy chosen. 
 
 And now we pray that Thou wilt keep us this 
 day, and every day, and make all the dispensa- 
 tions of thy providence to work in us according 
 to the good pleasure of thy wiU; through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIANS V. 
 
 AGAIN, Lord, hast Thou, by thy good provi- 
 dence, brought us to the close of a day in 
 which grace, mercy, and peace have been multi- 
 plied unto us. May we be enabled, by thy Holy 
 Spirit's aid, to look backward, and say, " Hitherto 
 hath the Lord helped us with his providence and 
 his grace," supplying all our temporal and our 
 spiritual necessities. May we look forward with 
 quietness and confidence to all that may befall us 
 and ours in time to come. And yet, Lord, the 
 very thought and mention of so marvellous a proof 
 of thine unmerited goodness in giving a promise 
 of grace and glory, fills us with shame, and brings 
 us into the dust, while we lay our hands upon our 
 mouths and say, " Behold we are vile ; what shall 
 we say unto Thee ? Enter not into judgment with 
 thy servants, Lord ; spare us from those evils 
 which we most righteously have deserved." 
 
 The day is past, and in the book of thy remem- 
 brance innumerable sins and ignorances must be 
 recorded. We pray Thee, blot them out with 
 Christ's most precious blood ; deal not with us 
 after our sins ; pardon our iniquity, for it is great. 
 The night has now arrived, and in closing it with 
 Thee, we have not forgotten to read thy holy 
 Word. Have any fallen from grace ? do Thou 
 restore them, and though making them to feel 
 how evil and bitter thing it is to depart from 
 Thee, yet take away all their iniquity, receive 
 them graciously, love them freely. Have any of 
 us begun to run well but are hindered? remove 
 every obstacle out of the way ; renew them with 
 fresh strength, so to run that they may obtain the 
 prize set before them. Are any in danger of mis- 
 using Christian liberty ? Give them a right judg- 
 ment, a sound faith, and establish them in thy 
 truth. 
 
 Grant that all of us may be endued with, and 
 be taught and led by the Holy Spirit. May the 
 works of the flesh be mortified, subdued, and 
 overcome. May the fruits of the Spirit — love, joy, 
 peace — be especially apparent amongst us, as indi- 
 viduals and as a family. May we all live in the 
 Spirit, walk in the Spirit, and finally, by thy 
 mercy, reach thy glory. 
 
 To our confessions and petitions we add our 
 praises and thanksgivings for mercies countless 
 as the sands, for creation, preservation, and all 
 the blessings of this life ; and with an earnest, 
 hearty prayer for thy blessing on all we love, 
 and for whom in duty we are bound to pray, and 
 a petition for thy watchful eye to be on us through 
 the night, we lay ourselves down in peace, and 
 take our rest, for it is Thou only that maketh us to 
 dwell in safety. We ask all for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 270 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-NINTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS II. 
 
 MERCIFUL and gracious God, let thy favour 
 rest upon us in tliis our morning worsliip, 
 and give us, we beseech Thee, the spirit of fervent 
 prayer and praise. Increase our faith' in thy pro- 
 mises, and whenever we approach thy footstool 
 grant that it may be with a deep sense of our 
 own sinfulness and a full assurance of thy grace 
 and love in Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
 
 Again Thou hast preserved us while we slept, 
 and hast raised us up in such health and strength 
 as Thou seest good for us. Praised be thy name 
 for temporal mercies, but above all for the spiritual 
 blessings which Thou hast provided for us and 
 promised to us in the Gospel of thy Son. Warm 
 our cold and languid hearts by the constant ex- 
 perience of thy grace, and the more we receive 
 at thy hands the more may our thankfulness 
 abound, and the heartier be our devotion to thy 
 service. 
 
 Work in us, we pray Thee, a godly sorrow for 
 sin, and a saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 Cleanse us in his precious blood from every guilty 
 stain ; clothe us with his righteousness ; sanctify 
 us by the Holy Ghost ; and increase in us that 
 holiness without which none can see the Lord. 
 Oh, enable us to enter on this day's duties with 
 the consciousness of thy favour and grace ; then 
 shall we have courage in thy strength to do such 
 things as please Thee. Leave us not to the frailty 
 of our own hearts and the power of temptation, but 
 be Thou with us, to deliver us from all dangers, and 
 to uphold us in all temptations. Let thy blessed 
 Spirit guide us in all our perplexities, and teach us 
 thy holy will. Let neither the comforts of home 
 nor the cares of the world steal our hearts from 
 Thee. In the midst of the concerns of time, we 
 desire to live in the remembrance of eternity, and 
 to labour diligently in the station to which Thou 
 liast called us, as those who serve the Lord Christ. 
 Come, Holy Ghost, and enlighten our dark under- 
 standings, that we may know the love of Christ in 
 all its constraining power, and be filled with the 
 fulness of God. 
 
 Heavenly Father, we pray for all whom we love. 
 Let thy blessing be upon them, and thy protection 
 be over them this day. Guard them from all 
 evil, and guide their steps in the ways of thy 
 commandments. [Regard with thy special fa- 
 vour the children of our family. Suffer them 
 not to grow up without the teaching of thy Holy 
 Spirit. Show them their sin, and reveal to their 
 hearts the tenderness and love of Jesus.] Prosper 
 thy Word in all the world this day, and make it 
 effectual to the salvation of the unsaved and the 
 comfort of the sorrowing. Hear us and bless us, 
 God, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GALATIAN3 VI. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God and, most merciful Father, wo 
 -^ come before Thee again this evening to acknow- 
 ledge with thankfulness thy continued daily mercies 
 to us in Christ Jesus. Raise our hearts to Thee in 
 true love : for we would be followers of Thee, as 
 dear children. 
 
 Give us grace to live in the spirit of meekness, 
 gentleness, and Christian forbearance towards all 
 men. Teach us to bear one another's burdens, and 
 to bear with one another's infirmities. As disciples 
 of Christ, enable us to fulfil the law of Christ, which 
 is the law of love. May that mind be in us which 
 was in Him ; so shall we do nothing through strife 
 or vain-glory, but in lowliness of mind shall wo 
 learn, by thy grace, to esteem others better than 
 ourselves. 
 
 Teach us to know and to feel the burden and the 
 guilt of sin. Make us to know our infirmities and 
 our besetting sin. heavenly Father, show us to 
 ourselves, that we may know what we are in thy 
 sight ; thus lead us to lay our burden of sin on 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 Lord, Thou showest unto us, in thy Word, 
 that whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also 
 reap. Help us to search our heart and our ways, 
 that we may know what we are sowing in prepara- 
 tion for the day of judgment. Oh, mercifully grant 
 that in that day none of us shall be heard to say, 
 "The harvest is past, and I am not saved!" 
 our God and Father, give to us that inward and 
 spiritual grace by which we may be new creatures 
 in Christ Jesus, born again of the Holy Spirit ; 
 and so, being led by Him in our daily life here, 
 may reap life everlasting. 
 
 Bless us, as a family, according to our special 
 need. Make us each to know that we are in the 
 place which Thou hast appointed for us, and that 
 Thou art leading us by the right way. Enable us 
 faithfully to discharge the duties that lie before us 
 every day ; so that, whether we rule or serve, 
 we may rule or serve according to the light of thy 
 Word and the power of thy grace. So shall peace 
 and mercy be our portion, and the grace of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be upon us, as our 
 strength and sure defence. 
 
 Bless all our relations, friends, and neighbours, 
 especially the sick and afflicted ; bless our enemies, 
 if we have any, and turn their hearts. Greatly 
 bless the mmisters of thy AVord ; own, honour, 
 accept their work, and make them successful 
 winners of souls to Christ for salvation. 
 
 And now, Lord, take us unto thy fatherly 
 care and protection. May we sleep in peace, in 
 the assured hope of the forgiveness of all our sins 
 through Jesus Clirist, our Mediator and Redeemer. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 271 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-NINTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS IV. 1—37. 
 
 ALMIGHTY, ever-living God, the God and 
 -^ Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we come 
 once more into thy presence, to offer up the tribute 
 of our morning sacrifice of praise and thanks- 
 giving. We adore and bless thy holy name for 
 all that thou art in Thyself, and for all that Thou 
 hast done for us, thy sinful creatures. Blessing, 
 and honour, and glory, and power be unto Thee, 
 that sittest upon the throne, and to the Lamb, for 
 ever and ever. Hearken, gracious God, unto 
 the cry of thy servants, who now draw nigh unto 
 Thee, to seek thy blessing and guidance during 
 this day. 
 
 We pray Thee to watch over, preserve, and bless 
 us ; keep us from evil ; guide us in all our ways ; 
 and grant that all we do this day may be to the 
 glory of thy holy name. But we come to Thee 
 more especially to pray for spiritual blessings, 
 which Thou art ever ready to vouchsafe to thy 
 waiting people. 
 
 We implore Thee to increase our faith. Give us 
 a real, living faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 Enable us so to lay hold on Him, that we may be 
 able to appropriate to our souls everlasting benefit, 
 the rich blessings of his blood, and righteousness, 
 and merits. May we be washed in the fountain 
 of his blood, clothed in the robe of his righteous- 
 ness, and thus, when called to stand before Thee 
 in judgment, may we be justified from all things 
 from which we could not be justified by the law. 
 
 Grant, we beseech Thee, that our love to Thee 
 may increase day by day. May our faith work by 
 love, and bring forth much fruit, to the praise and 
 glory of thy great name. Thou hast commanded 
 us to love Thee with all the heart, and soul, and 
 mind, and strength ; enable us so to do. May 
 our life be hid with Christ in Thee, and may all 
 our energies and powers of body, soul, and spirit, 
 be laid as a willing and glad offering on the altar 
 of thy love. But, Lord, Thou knowest how de- 
 praved our hearts are, how utterly unable we are 
 in ourselves either to love or serve Thee ; we there- 
 fore implore Thee to give unto us the Holy Ghost, the 
 Comforter, whose gracious office it is to convert, 
 renew, and sanctify the heart of sinful man. 
 
 Anoint us this day with the blessed unction of 
 thine own Holy Spirit, and as Thou didst in days 
 of old, by the agency of thy servant the prophet, 
 fill the empty vessels with oil, so be pleased to fill 
 our hearts, which are truly empty of all goodness 
 in themselves, with the sanctifying and strengthen- 
 ing influences of the Holy Ghost. Hear us, most 
 gracious and merciful Father, in these our imper- 
 fect supplications and prayers, and answer us 
 according to the fulness of thy great mercy in thy 
 dear Son, Jesus Christ, om' Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS I. 1—19. 
 
 ALMIGHTY Father, we come this night to thy 
 throne, beseeching Thee to give us boldness 
 and access with confidence by faith in Jesus 
 Christ. We thank Thee, our God, for the in- 
 vitation to come to Thee, that we may obtain mercy, 
 and find grace to help us. We thank Thee for 
 thy Gospel concerning Jesus Christ, thy Son, our 
 Lord. Oh, help us to live day by day as those 
 who have been begotten again to a lively hope by 
 the resurrection of Christ from the dead, and as 
 those who are each day advancing nearer to the 
 inheritance that is undefiled, and that fadeth not 
 away. Give us not only to rejoice in the glorious 
 Gospel of the blessed God, but earnestly to seek 
 that others may have their eyes opened to see 
 its glory, and their hearts transformed so as to 
 experience its happiness. Oh, may each of us in 
 this household be, according to our opportunities 
 and duties, separated, as thy servants, unto the 
 Gospel, embracing it by our faith, adorning it by 
 our life, and commending it by simplicity and 
 sincerity in our conversation in the world. 
 
 Most gracious God, keep us from being ashamed 
 of the Gospel of Christ. Oli, help us to bear in 
 mind that it is a message for all the woi'ld, and 
 that it is the power of God unto salvation to every 
 man who believeth. Give us so to experience its 
 influence upon our own hearts, as to know that 
 its power is thine, unto the salvation of our own 
 souls ; and thus, instead of being ashamed of our 
 religion, may we have given to us the spirit of 
 power, and of love, and of a sound mind. O 
 God of all grace, we need not only the revelation, 
 but also grace to use it aright. 
 
 Oh, send forth the Spirit of thy ^on into our 
 hearts, that thy Word may come to us, not in word 
 only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and 
 with much assurance. Teach us, by thy Spirit, 
 that thy Word is truth. Sanctify us by thy truth. 
 Give us to feel that it is a sacred trust committed 
 to us for our salvation, and that we are debtors 
 to Jews and Gentifes, so far as in us lies to make 
 it known for their salvation. 
 
 Bless all, we pray Thee, who serve Tliee in the 
 Gospel of thy Son, giving them, in all their sacred 
 occupations, love, and fidelity, and success. Oh, 
 send forth thy light and thy truth among Jews 
 and Gentiles over all the world. And now, good 
 Lord, we commit ourselves, our souls and bodies, 
 our lives and all our interests, to Thee, for this 
 night, and for all time, and all eternity. Bestow 
 upon those we love the same blessings, both for 
 body and soul, which Ave ask for ourselves. Accept, 
 we beseech Thee, our persons and our prayers, for 
 the sake of Jesus Christ our Strength and our 
 Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 C 272 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 THIRTY-NINTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS V. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, who hast begotten us again 
 unto a lively hope bj the resurrection of 
 Jesus Christ from the dead — in whose name we 
 may draw near thy mercy-seat, and boldly ask for 
 a portion in thy great and precious promises, listen 
 to this our morning prayer. We need not go and 
 wash in the waters of Jordan seven times, for there 
 is a fountain opened for sin and uncleanness, which 
 can wash away all sin, and make the sinner pure 
 and clean. Give each of us now before thee strong 
 faith in Christ's atoning blood, and, like him of 
 whom we have now i:ead, whose flesh became clean 
 and pure, like that of a little child, may our souls 
 lose all their defilement, and be made perfectly 
 whole, and become like little children. 
 
 We earnestly pray for the gift of thy Holy Spirit, 
 that we may be cleansed by the blood of Christ, 
 and renewed into his image. Wean our affections 
 from the world, and help us to follow our Lord in 
 his walk of holiness, of humility, of patience, of 
 sympathy, of love, and of goodness, and to keep 
 his footprints ever in sight, while, with self- 
 denying zeal for thy glory, and the extension of 
 thy Church on earth, we carry on the work which 
 He began when hei-e, and left for his Church to 
 complete. May this new day given to us be one 
 spent in our Master's work, both in ruling our 
 own spirits and in humble efforts to serve Thee 
 amongst men. Give us grace to go forth this 
 day in the spirit of the Syrian girl; dojng our 
 part, however small, to give comfort to the 
 afflicted, and to point the way to the great 
 Physician. Bless all who are engaged in the 
 work of evangelisino; the world of darkness around 
 us, and in building up saints in their most holy 
 faith. Let not thy professing people bring dis- 
 credit on their Lord's name, by their worldliness 
 and apathy ; nor let them resemble Gehazi, who 
 stood before his master desirous of being thought 
 faithful, while in his right hand he grasped a lie. 
 Let the name of Jesus be hallowed in all hearts, 
 and then will hypocrisy and deceit make way for 
 righteousness, sincerity, and truth, and the cleans- 
 ing power of the blood of Christ will be made 
 manifest, and there shall be much joy in heaven. 
 
 God, let the Spirit of Jesus come down and 
 rest upon our own country in particular, that tlie 
 light of truth may dispel all the darkness of error, 
 of heresy, of false teaching, and of worldliness, 
 and tliat the atoning blood of Jesus may be honoured 
 amongst us and by all nations under heaven, and 
 tlie reign of sin be cut short, through a general 
 outpouring of the Holy Ghost, Hear us, God, 
 for thy dear Son's sake, to whom, with Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost, be all praise for ever and ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS II. 
 
 A HEAVENLY Father, who in thy tender love 
 V didst reconcile the world unto Thyself by Jesus 
 Christ, and through Him hast regard unto the 
 prayers and praises of all who pome nigh to Thee, 
 enable us to lift up our hearts to Thee as thy 
 children, and in all thankfulness and adorino- love 
 to worship at thy footstool. We confess we are 
 unworthy to look upon th3r face, or to open our 
 lips in thy presence. With lowly reverence we 
 offer our evening worship, trusting to thy great 
 mercy in Christ Jesus. 
 
 As we look back through the day, we feel that 
 all its events and circumstances have been in thy 
 hand, and ordered by thy providence. Its mercies 
 have been of thy giving. That we have reached 
 its close in safety is the result of thy watchful 
 care. And now that we can plead at thy foot- 
 stool, and in the full assurance of thy grace implore 
 forgiveness for all our sins, and peace through the 
 blood of Jesus, this also is of Thee. All praise 
 be to Thee, our God, for these many and great 
 tokens of thy love. We lament over our many 
 sins against Thee, and take shame to ourselves 
 that we serve Thee so feebly, and feel so little thy 
 love prompting us in daily duty. Have mercy 
 upon us, God, for these and all our other sins, 
 and blot them out for ever from thy remembrance. 
 Do Thou convince us deeply of our sin. Preserve 
 us from that deadness of heart which despises 
 the riches of thy goodness, and forbearance, and 
 long-suffering. As every day passes, we desire 
 to have a deeper sense of thy mercy, and to be 
 led by it to see more clearly what cause we have 
 for shame and repentance before Thee. Awaken 
 in us a salutary fear of thy judgments, and a 
 vivid sense of the responsibility which the posses- 
 sion of Christian privileges entails upon us. Thou 
 hast favoured us beyond others. We pray that we 
 may be guided by thy Spirit in the profitable use 
 of thy mercies, lest the very heathen should rise 
 against us in judgment. Impress deeply on our 
 hearts the importance of being sincere in our 
 religious profession, that we may not serve Thee 
 with our lips while our hearts are far from Thee. 
 Oh, may our religion be a religion of the heart, 
 in the spirit and not in the letter, whose praise is 
 not of men but of God. 
 
 Take us, and all whom we love, into thy Divine 
 keeping for the night May we rest in safety and 
 rise refreshed and thankful for the blessings of 
 another Lord's day. Lord, by thy Spirit so stir 
 up our hearts, that we may long after Thee in thy 
 ordinances as the hart for the water-brook, and 
 know thy grace and glory in the sanctuary. Hear 
 us and help us in all we need, for the sake of Jesus 
 Ciu-ist our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 273 ] 
 
 No. 35. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTIETH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS VI. 1-23. 
 
 HOLY, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Thou 
 who art the first and the last, the greatest 
 and the best of beings, we would enter into thy 
 presence with grateful hearts, and bless and praise 
 thy holy name for' the return of the morning light. 
 Verily, thy mercies are new every morning, and 
 great is thy faithfulness. 
 
 It is of thy mercy that we have been preserved 
 through another night; that we have been raised 
 up to behold the light of another day ; that we are 
 permitted once more to know the sweet enjoyment 
 of another of thy holy Sabbaths. We Avould this 
 day enter into thy gates with thanksgiving, and go 
 into thy courts with praise. Enable us to realise thy 
 presence in the midst of us, and to feel that Tliou 
 art with us of a truth. Help us to worship Thee 
 acceptably and in godl}'- fear. Keep us from the 
 sin of those who draw near unto Tliee with their 
 lips while their heart is far from Thee. Let our 
 prayers and praises ascend up as incense before 
 Thee, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 We thank thee, Lord, that our lot is fallen 
 unto us in pleasant places ; that we have a goodly 
 heritage ; that we live in a land where thy Word 
 is faithfully preached, and thy Gospel fearlessly 
 proclaimed. Be with all those who shall this 
 day stand up in thy name, to speak unto us of 
 the things which belong unto our peace. Having 
 themselves tasted that the Lord is precious, enable 
 them to declare fully and plainly to all who wait 
 upon their ministry the riches of thy grace. Give 
 them to lay the axe to the root of all that is con- 
 trary to Thee. Let them strike home by the power 
 of thy Spirit, that they who are proud in heart 
 may fall low in the dust before Thee. Grant that 
 through their instrumentality many souls may this 
 day be converted unto Thee, and a cry be heard 
 going up to Thee from thy people on every side, 
 saying, "This place is too strait for us to dwell in." 
 
 Many and great are the adversaries opposed to 
 us ; but we rejoice to know, Lord, that, if our 
 enemies are mighty. Thou art all-mighty ; that, if 
 they are many, we can yet say, " More are they 
 that be with us, than they that be with them." 
 Arise, God, and disappoint the wicked one. 
 Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek 
 after our soul to destroy it. Let them be turned 
 back and put to shame that desire our hurt. Up- 
 hold us by thy right hand, and give us to be more 
 than conquerors at the last. 
 
 Hear, Lord, the prayers of thy servants, and 
 give ear unto these our supplications. Lord, 
 hearken, and do the things that we have asked, 
 for thy dear Son's sake, Jesus Christ, our only 
 Saviour and Redeemer, to whom, with Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost, be eternal praises. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS IIL 
 
 MERCIFUL God, we bless and praise tny holy 
 name for the rest and privileges of this 
 sacred day. It has been good for us to draw 
 near to thy throne of grace, and unite with thy 
 people in the worship of thy name. We glorify 
 Thee for such a provision for our spiritual wants 
 and weakness. Oh, may we prize this holy day 
 more and more. May our prayers and thanks- 
 givings be more fervent, and may each returning 
 Sabbath find us more fitted to enjoy the eternal 
 Sabbath in thy heavenly kingdom. Bless the 
 labours of thy ministers. We 'confess the iniqui- 
 ties of our holy things. Lord Jesus, intercede 
 for us, as Thou hast promised. Wash us from all 
 our sins in thy precious blood. Clothe us with thy 
 righteousness, and enable us to lean upon thine 
 Almighty arm in all time of our tribulation and 
 weakness. 
 
 We pray especially that the words we have 
 heard outwardly with our ears this day may be 
 so engrafted inwardly in our hearts as to bring 
 forth in us the fruits of good living throughout 
 the week on which we have entered. Let the 
 remembrance of this holy day quiet us amidst 
 life's distractions, and assist us to maintain a 
 constant fear and love for thy most holy name. 
 We would close the Sabbath services by com- 
 mending one another to thy care. May every 
 member of this family be a member of the house- 
 hold of faith. 
 
 When we read thy Word together, day by day, 
 may we profit from its instructions, and grow in 
 grace continually. Give unto us all the Spirit of 
 truth, to guide our study of the Word of life. 
 Show unto us our unworthiness and helplessness. 
 May we be deeply convinced of our inability to 
 help ourselves without thy mighty succour, and 
 may we lay aside all self-righteousness and con- 
 fidence in human effort. Our best doings are 
 nothing worth; our prayers and our tears of re- 
 pentance need to be washed in the blood of Jesus, 
 our Redeemer. Thy Word declares that we are 
 altogether become unprofitable, and that there is 
 none righteous, no, not one. As unprofitable 
 servants, we entreat Thee to be merciful unto us. 
 
 We thank Thee for the hope of the blessed 
 Gospel, and for the gift of Jesus to be a pro- 
 pitiation for our sins. Give us faith in his atoning 
 sacrifice, and may we ever enjoy peace with God 
 through the offering of his dear Son. We would 
 pray also for our beloved friends and relatives. 
 Number them among thy saints in glory ever- 
 lasting. Comfort those who are in sorrow, and 
 help them to flee to Jesus as the only refuge of 
 the troubled soul. We ask all through Jesus 
 Christ, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 274 2 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTIETH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS VII. 
 
 OLORD God, heavenly Father, accept the offer- 
 ing which we now present unto Thee at the 
 beginning of another day. We thank Thee, 
 Lord, for the blessings of the past Sabbath 
 day, both temporal and spiritual ; for bodily 
 rest ; for grace to serve Thee with a quiet mind ; 
 for an open Bible and a preached Gospel ; and 
 for the strengthening and refreshing of our 
 souls in thy sanctuary. 
 
 Grant, Lord, that a sweet savour of the day 
 may remain with us throughout the week ; that 
 we may abide under the shadow of the Almighty, 
 mindful of thy presence in our commonest occu- 
 pations ; and that we may do all things as unto 
 the Lord, and not unto men, looking ever unto 
 Jesus as both the Author and Finisher of our 
 faith. 
 
 But whilst we thus praise Thee, our God, for 
 mercies past, and pray unto Thee for grace to live 
 to thy glory, we acknowledge our own utter un- 
 worthiness and corruption. We have provoked 
 Tliee to anger by the multitude of our transgres- 
 sions, and it is only of thy mercy that we have not 
 been cast off for ever and consumed. We are still 
 prone daily to wander from thy ways, and we have 
 no power to keep ourselves from evil, or to help 
 ourselves in the path of righteousness ; but, blessed 
 be thy holy name, Thou hast laid help for us upon 
 One that is mighty, even upon Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. He is able to save to the uttermost all who 
 come unto Thee tlu'ough Him. Grant unto each 
 one of us, O heavenly Father, that we being en- 
 grafted into Christ Jesus by a living faith, and 
 being made temples of God by the indwelling of 
 the Holy Ghost, may seek and keep all thy com- 
 mandments, and may walk steadfastly in thy pre- 
 cepts, serving Thee with a perfect heart and a 
 willing mind, and yielding our whole selves and all 
 our substance unto Thee as dedicated things, as 
 holy vessels of the sanctuary meet for thy use. 
 
 And now we would intercede with Thee, 
 merciful God, for all whom we love upon earth, 
 that they may be one with us in Christ Jesus ; 
 for our neighbours and acquaintances, that those 
 amongst them ""^ho know the Lord may have peace 
 and joy in believing, and that those who are afar 
 off may be brought nigh by the blood of Christ. 
 We pray also for our country, that it may be 
 more and more influenced by the truth as it is in 
 Jesus ; and for our Sovereign and all in authority, 
 that they may ever have before their eyes the fear 
 of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom, and 
 may thus govern the nation with a view to thy 
 glory. 
 
 We ask all in the name and for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS IV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY Father, who hast exalted thy 
 Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to be a Prince 
 and a Saviour, for to give repentance and remission 
 of sins, grant unto each one now kneeling before 
 Thee the blessedness of him whose iniquities are 
 forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 
 
 Lord, if we say that we have no sin, we 
 deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us ; but 
 we confess, God, that we have erred and gone 
 astray from Thee, and from the ways of thy com- 
 mandments. We have not loved Tiiee as we 
 ought, and we have lived too much to ourselves, 
 instead of seeking thy will and thy glory. But 
 Thou hast comforted our hearts by the blessed 
 assurance that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth 
 from all sin, and by the promise that whosoever 
 believeth on Him shall not perish, but have ever- 
 lasting life. God, give unto us the obedience 
 of faith, that we may receive these thy pro- 
 mises, and believe in them to the saving of our 
 souls. Thou knowest our unbelief and hardness of 
 heart ; oh, give unto us true faith, even the faith 
 of thy servant Abraham, that, like him, we may 
 not stagger at the promises of God through unbe- 
 lief, but be strong in faith, giving glory to God, 
 being fully persuaded that what He hath promised 
 He is able to perform. And grant, Lord, that, 
 having these promises, we may cleanse om-selves 
 from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit. 
 Ma}'- we, by thy grace helping us, depart from all 
 iniquity, and be a peculiar people unto Thee, 
 zealous of good works. Suffer us not to sin against 
 Thee by receiving thy grace in vain, but grant that, 
 being justified by faith and having peace with 
 Thee through Jesus Christ, we may show that faith 
 by all good works. 
 
 Finally, we beseech Thee, heavenly Father, 
 to enable us to look unto Christ crucified for sup- 
 port and comfort under pain and sickness, loss and 
 bereavement. May we have the same mind that 
 was in Christ, being patient under tribulation, and 
 submitting ourselves to thy holy will. Give us an 
 increasing sense of the realities of eternity, that we 
 may lightly esteem the sufferings of this present 
 time, and reckon them not worthy to be compared 
 with the glory that shall be revealed. 
 
 And we bless thy holy name for thy promise 
 that death shall be swallowed up in victory. Thou 
 hast raised up thy Son Jesus from the dead, and 
 hast promised that because He Hves, we shall live 
 also. Let us take these gracious words to our 
 great and endless comfort, that so, when we lie 
 down to die, we may rest in peace, and sleep in 
 Him who is alone our hope and trust, even Jesus 
 Christ, thy dear Son, our ever-living Lord and 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 275 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTIETH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS IX, 
 
 
 
 LORD God Almighty, whose eyes run to and 
 fro in the earth, to show Thyself strong in 
 behalf of those that fear Thee, look down from 
 heaven thy dwelling-place upon us thy unworthy 
 creatures, approaching Thee in his name whom 
 Thou hearest always. most gracious God, we 
 are sinners before Thee, sinners in thought, in 
 word, and in deed ; and we know, were it not for 
 thy mercy, sin must be our ruin. Like the publican 
 of old, we dare not lift up our eyes unto heaven, 
 but humbly from our hearts would cry, God be 
 merciful to us sinners. And, oh, blessed be thy 
 holy name, thy mercy is great, for where sin 
 hath abounded, grace hath much more abounded; 
 there is forgiveness with Thee, that Thou mayest 
 be feared ; Thou hast not spared thine own Son, 
 but freely delivered Him up for us all. He hath 
 suffered, the just for the unjust, that, reconciled to 
 Thee by his death, we might be saved by his life. 
 Forgive us, good Lord, forgive us all our sin, for 
 Jesus' sake ; wash us in his precious blood, clothe 
 us in his spotless righteousness, receive us gra- 
 ciously, and love us freely. Pour out upon us thy 
 life-giving Spirit ; anoint us with the Holy Ghost. 
 May He dwell in our hearts as the Spirit of wisdom 
 to enlighten us, as the Spirit of grace to quicken 
 us, as the Spirit of supplication inciting us to 
 prayer, as the Spirit of truth to guide us into all 
 truth, and as the Spirit of holiness to sanctify us, 
 and make us meet for the inheritance of the saints 
 in light. 
 
 Grant to each of us, n;ercifiil Lord, and to all 
 near and dear to us, thy peace, that peace which 
 passeth all understanding. Help us to understand 
 the source and nature of true peace, and let us 
 ] never rest until we can feel the truth of the 
 Apostle's words, " Being justified by faith, we have 
 peace with God, through our Lord' Jesus Christ." 
 
 Give us earnest zeal for the cause of Christ; 
 zeal according to knowledge, zeal tempered with 
 prudence and with love; and whilp we seek to 
 call others to that Saviour whom to know is life 
 and peace, may we strive to follow Him more 
 closely, and to serve Him more fully. Lord, 
 grant us more and more of thy quickening grace, 
 so that we may never have to complain, " Other 
 vineyards have I kept, but mine own vineyard have 
 I not kept." 
 
 With these our prayers accept our praises for 
 mercies countless as the sands ; mercies in provi- 
 dence, mercies in grace. Lord God, when we think 
 of them, we can only exclaim, " Thy mercies are 
 new every morning ; surely, goodness and mercy 
 have followed me all the days of my life." Hear 
 us, Lord ; and, as Thou hearest, forgive, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS V. 
 
 BLESSED God, accept our praises this night for 
 the many new proofs of thy love vouchsafed to 
 us throughout the day. We thank Thee for thy pro- 
 tecting care. We magnify thy name for thy tender 
 and unspeakable love. As we meditate upon all 
 that Thou hast graciously done for us, may our 
 cold hearts be warmed into glowing love towards 
 Thee. No friendship is so faithful as thine ; no 
 tenderness so loving as thine ; no long-suffering 
 and forbearance so great as thine. Thou so loved 
 us as to give thy dear Son for us. Thou hast so 
 loved us as to redeem our souls at the price of his 
 most precious blood. When we were yet without 
 strength, in due time Christ died for us. Even 
 for our dearest friend, which of us would be 
 content to die? But Thou didst commend thine 
 unutterable love to us in that, while we were yet 
 sinners, Christ died for us. When we were yet 
 enemies, we were reconciled to Thee by the death 
 of thy Son. Thy wrath lay on us on account of 
 our sin ; but Thou hast given everlasting life to all 
 who truly believe on Jesus. Help us to believe ! 
 Give us saving faith! Melt our hearts with his 
 tenderness ! May his unexampled love constrain 
 us to give the rest of our days to Him. God, 
 take away all that keeps us from Him : crucify 
 every desire that holds us back. Help us to cut 
 off the right hand, and pluck out the right eye, 
 rather than be lost. Let the sweet thought, that the 
 blood of Christ cleanses from all sin, encourage us 
 to come to Him for full pardon for the past. We 
 pray that his all-constraining grace may lead us to 
 full consecration to Him for the future, that we may 
 feel that we are not our own but his, and glorify 
 Him henceforward in our bodies and in our souls, 
 which are his. Being justified by faith in Him, 
 give us peace. Help us to rejoice in the blessed 
 hope of being partakers of thy glory. In the 
 world we shall have tribulation, but in Jesus Thou 
 wilt vouchsafe peace. 
 
 God, sanctify all thy providential dealings 
 with us. Make them blessed messengers of 
 mercy : the means of drawing us more closely 
 to Thee, and of purifying us for Thyself. May 
 tribulation work patience in us ; and patience 
 experience ; and experience hope ; and hope 
 make us not ashamed ; because thy love is shed 
 abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which 
 is given us. 
 
 And now, God, we again retire to rest. 
 Watch Thou over us. Dwell Thou within us, 
 even in our slumbers. May we awake with new 
 love to Thee. We pray that by thy grace to- 
 morrow, if we live, may be holier than any day 
 we have ever known. Hear us and bless us, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 276 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTIETH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES XXIV. 1-22. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, our heavenly 
 Father, we are permitted, through thy tender 
 mercy, to meet together at the beginning of 
 another day to present our prayers and supplica- 
 tions at the throne of grace. For Jesus Christ's 
 sake we beseech Thee to look upon us with thy 
 favour, and to bless us with all spiritual bless- 
 ings in Him. We are not worthy of the least of 
 thy mercies through our manifold trangressions. 
 We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost 
 sheep, but, Thou good Shepherd, who didst come 
 into this world of sin and sorrow to seek and to 
 save that which was lost, we entreat Thee to com- 
 passionate our infirmities, and to pardon all our 
 sins. Strengthen us with might in the inner man, 
 that we may love Thee more and serve Thee better 
 than we have ever yet done. Suffer us not to be 
 conformed to this world, but may we be daily 
 transformed by the renewing of our minds, and thus 
 may we prove more and more what is that good, 
 and acceptable, and perfect will of thine. Holy 
 and Eternal Spirit, do Thou mcreasingly enlighten 
 our minds. Be Thou our teacher, that we may 
 learn more of the great truths contained in thy 
 holy Word. 
 
 O Thou King of kings, and Lord of lords, the 
 only ruler of princes, we pray to Thee on behalf 
 of our Sovereign and all in authority. May 
 they seek to promote thy glory, and to advance 
 thy cause in all they do. We know that all 
 hearts are in thy hands ; do Thou so dispose 
 and turn them as it seemeth best to thy godly 
 wisdom. May the rich in the world be rich in 
 good works, ready to distribute, willing to commu- 
 nicate, and not trust in uncertain riches, but in 
 Thee, the living and the true God. May multitudes 
 among all classes be constrained by the love of 
 Christ, and give to Thee of their substance who 
 giveth us richly all things to enjoy. Thou hast 
 taught us that righteousness exalteth a nation, but 
 that sin is a reproach to any people. Let the evil 
 example of those wicked persons recorded in thy 
 Word be a warning to all who are in authority, 
 that they may not follow a multitude to do evil ; 
 but grant that the pious efforts of thy servants, who 
 did good in Israel toward God and toward their 
 own house, may stimulate them to follow in their 
 steps. .Restrain the young who shall be the future 
 rulers of our country from all evil counsels, and 
 thus bringing reproach on thy name, injury to their 
 own souls, and wrath upon the people of this land, 
 and so direct them that they may seek first the 
 guidance and the teaching of thy blessed Spirit, 
 and then the counsel of thy faithful servants. 
 
 We ask these and every mercy in and through 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS VI. 
 
 OOUR Father, grant to us, thy children, the 
 spirit of prayer. Enable us, through Christ, 
 by one Spirit, to have access to Thee. 
 
 With our whole hearts we desire to praise Thee 
 for the grace Thou hast manifested towards us. 
 By grace we are saved ; by grace we live ; by 
 grace we stand. From the first moment when, 
 with penitent heart and weeping eyes, we saw 
 Thee as Thou art, our Father and our God, 
 through all the changes and trials of our earthly 
 pilgrimage, up to the present hour, we have been 
 debtors to thy free and sovereign grace. 
 
 our Father, teach us to live righteously, 
 soberly, and godly in this wicked world. Forbid, 
 Lord, that we should ever continue in sin 
 that grace may abound. May we live as those 
 who are dead with Christ, dead to the con- 
 demnation and guilt of sin, but dead also to the 
 power and dominion of sin. May we live as 
 those that are alive from the dead, raised up with 
 Christ to newness of life. May we know the power 
 of Jesus and his resurrection. May the life that 
 we live be a life of faith in the Son of God, as we 
 know and experience the precious truth that He 
 loved us, and gave Himself for us. May we grow 
 day by day in spirituality, in heavenliness of mind, 
 in crucifixion of self, in conformity to Christ. 
 
 Lord, we confess it with shame, we too were 
 once the servants of sin. Once we yielded our 
 members, even as others, servants to uncleanness, 
 to iniquity unto iniquity. And the fruit that we 
 reaped in that service was disappointment, and 
 bitterness, and sorrow ; and the end to M'hich 
 it led was everlasting death. But, blessed be thy 
 name. Thou hast redeemed us. Oh, how shall 
 our stammering lips praise Thee enough for the 
 grace that rescued us from a slavery so base, 
 and a doom so dread ! May we ever obey from 
 the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered 
 us. Now Thou hast bought us for Thyself; now 
 we are no longer our own. All that we are, and 
 all that we have, is thine. Oh, teach us not only 
 to realise our unspeakable dignity, but to manifest 
 our great responsibility. Now let us yield our- 
 selves as instruments of righteousness unto Thee. 
 Now, in every thought, and word, and work, in 
 all our intercourse with the world, in every 
 station and relationship of life, enable us to bear 
 fruit more and more unto holiness, as we realise 
 more and more the blessed end that is before us, 
 everlasting life. 
 
 Pardon all that Thou hast seen amiss in us this 
 day. Be with us this night. And if spared to 
 see another day, may our desire be to glorify Thee 
 afresh in our bodies and in our spirits, which are 
 thine. We ask all for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 277 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTIETH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS XIII. 
 
 OLORD God, who hast given us thy holy Word 
 to be the comfort of our hearts, and the guide 
 of our lives, grant that we may, by thy Holy Spirit's 
 aid, enjoy its consolations, and in all our thoughts, 
 words, and works be ruled by its guidance. We 
 have just read of one who did evil in the sight of 
 the Lord, for he followed the sins of Jeroboam, 
 who made Israel to sin. Preserve us this day and 
 ever from that to which we are all exposed, follow- 
 ing a multitude to do evil, lest thine anger should 
 be kindled against us as it was against Israel. We 
 are this day, in our various duties and callings, of 
 necessity exposed to temptations. Keep us from 
 them, deliver us out of them. Guide us, by thy 
 counsel, through this life, till we attain thy glory 
 in the life which is to come ; and teach us to be 
 very watchful over ourselves, that it never be said 
 of us we have caused others to sin. We would 
 humbly confess before Thee our manifold sins, 
 negligences, and ignorances, and pray Thee, for 
 Christ's sake, to forgive us all that is past. Blot 
 out our sins in his cleansing blood, we would ear- 
 nestly pray. Supply all our need according to thy 
 riches in glory by Christ Jesus, and ever incline 
 our hearts to love and serve Thee, that grace, 
 mercy, and peace may be multiplied unto us. We 
 heartily thank Thee for thy protecting care over us, 
 thy watchful providence, in ordering and arranging 
 all things for us so well, so wisely, and so lovingly ; 
 and above all, for the redemption of our souls, and 
 the forgiveness of sin, to each and all who beheve 
 in Jesus. That we may be more humble, more 
 prayerful, more grateful, give unto us more of the 
 light, life, power, and unction of thy Holy Spirit ; 
 more love for thy Word, more and more earnest 
 longing and looking for thy kingdom and glory. 
 [Teach our children dutiful obedience to their 
 parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to 
 Thee, Lord.-] 
 
 As Thou hast taught us to make prayers and 
 supplications for all men, we pray for our nation. 
 Bless the whole race of mankind with all things 
 needful for life and godliness. Vouchsafe thy 
 blessing to this kingdom, and grant that peace and 
 happiness, truth and justice, religion and piety, 
 may be established amongst us. Bless the Royal 
 Family with all temporal and spiritual blessings. 
 Take under thy special protection all those who 
 are travelling by land or by water. Accept, 
 Father of mercy, our humble and hearty thanks 
 for all thy mercies towards us, more especially, 
 and above all, for thy great love in giving thine 
 only Son for our redemption. Hear, we pray 
 Thee, our imperfect supplications, and give us an 
 answer of peace, for tlie sake of Christ Jesus, our 
 most blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS VII. 
 
 GRACIOUS and merciful Father, enable us 
 to approach Thee, under a deep sense of un- 
 worthiness, through Jesus Christ our Lord. We 
 bless Thee that Thou hast taught us somewhat of 
 the excellence of thy commandments. And yet, 
 Lord, we confess that this thy law condemns 
 us, and reveals to us perpetually our sinfulness in 
 thy sight. But we love it nevertheless, and adore 
 thy holiness therein. To Thee alone we give all 
 the praise. But how severe in the souls of thy 
 servants are the contentions and sorrows to which 
 they are subjected. When we would do good, 
 evil is present with us. Not only is it present in 
 our memory, but present within us. We feel its 
 influence and its power. Blessed be thy name, 
 Lord, for those amongst us who are truly thy 
 servants, and give our hearts to Thee. May we 
 freely dedicate body, soul, and spirit to thy service. 
 May we render to Thee a perfect obedience, and 
 devote every thought, and effort, and purpose to 
 thy work, and the promotion of thy glory. But 
 the force of temptation from without, and of evil 
 from within, constrains us to exclaim, under a 
 deep conviction of weakness, " wretched man, 
 who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" 
 But, gracious Lord Jesus, Thou hast redeemed, 
 and Thou wilf not withhold thy Spirit. Thy 
 presence and thy grace are pledges of our final 
 victory. Our souls Thou hast bought unto Thyself 
 with thy precious blood. Our bodies Thou hast 
 redeemed from the power of the grave, so that 
 they shall not remain in eternal corruption. Thou 
 hast ascended up on high, and hast led captivity 
 captive ; and we pray that we may one day dwell 
 in that place whither Thou hast already gone be- 
 fore. Teach us, then, blessed Jesus, to occupy 
 until Thou come. Enable us to grow in our love 
 of thy holy law. Write it perpetually upon our 
 hearts. Nay more, may we advance in holiness, 
 and daily glorify Thee ; and may the blood of the 
 Saviour Jesus, applied perpetually to our spirit, 
 cleanse us from all iniquity. Thus, Lord, may 
 we be a peculiar people, zealous of good works, 
 and shining as lights in the world, living to thy 
 glory, and when we die, dying in thy peace, 
 blessed and eternal God, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 In his name we bless Thee for all the mercies 
 of the day now past, and implore Thee to take 
 us under thy protection for the night to which 
 Thou hast brought us. God, visit with thy 
 richest blessings all who are dear to us. Oh, 
 make them thine more and more, and keep them 
 thine for ever, that they may live to thy praise 
 here, and with us share thy glory hereafter. We 
 usk all for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 278 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTIETH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES XXVI. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, spared by thy mercy in 
 Christ Jesus, we meet together again this 
 morning in peace and with thankfuhiess, to hear 
 thy holy Word, to tell Thee all our wants, and 
 to ask for grace and strength to walk according 
 to th}'' will. Make us, we beseech Thee, very 
 attentive to thy voice speaking to us. Write thy 
 Word on our hearts by the power of God the Holy 
 Spirit. 
 
 We would begin the day with Thee ; for blessed 
 is that family that knows the joyful sound of thy 
 voice ; they shall walk, Lord, in the light of 
 thy countenance. 
 
 We humbly confess unto Thee, heavenly Father, 
 that we are sinful, and have of ourselves no desire 
 for that which is holy and pleasing unto Thee ; we 
 are weak, and have no power to do what is good. 
 Oh, leave us not to ourselves, but enable us to 
 think and to do always that which is righteous in 
 thy sight. 
 
 We would remember that as long as we seek 
 Thee, Thou wilt make us to prosper ; Thou wilt 
 help us against the enemies of our soul, the world 
 without, and our deceitful hearts within; Thou wilt 
 marvellously help us, and we shall be strong. 
 Whilst we thank Thee for this assured hope of 
 spiritual strength, we pray Thee to make and to 
 keep us humble, lest our heart be lifted up to our 
 destruction. We would remember the solemn word 
 of warning, " Let him that thinketh he standeth, 
 take heed lest he fall." Hold Thou up our goings, 
 Lord, in thy ways, that our footsteps slip not. 
 
 Make us each to know and to do our duty in 
 that station of life in which Thou hast placed us, 
 with diligence and faithfulness, and to abide 
 therein with contentment ; let there be in us no 
 feeling of discontent with what thy goodness gives 
 us, or thy loving care denies. 
 
 Keep us, heavenly Father, from the power of 
 evil example, and unholy agreement with anything 
 that is sinful. Give us grace, not only to avoid all 
 evil, but all appearance of evil, that we may glorify 
 Thee in all that we do. 
 
 Lord, we have nothing to boast of in our- 
 selves ; we have much to be ashamed of, to repent 
 of, and to forsake. We know that the wages of sin 
 is death, but thy free gift is eternal life through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord : his blood cleanseth from all 
 sin ; his righteousness is unto and upon all those 
 who believe. We make glad mention of all this 
 before Thee, our God and Father, as the only 
 ground of our hope in the great day of his appearing. 
 
 And now we commit to thy loving care ourselv es, 
 and all who are dear to us. Bless and accept us, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and 
 Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS VIII. 1-18. 
 
 BLESSED Lord, drawing near to thy mercy- 
 seat as a family, we desire to render unto Thee 
 our humble thanks for all thy tender mercies vouch- 
 safed to us this day. Thy loving-kindness hath 
 encompassed us round about ; and under the 
 shadow of thy wings we have dwelt in safety. 
 To Thee we owe every good that we possess ; 
 by Thee we have been made strong to labour; 
 Thou hast been our rest when weary, our help 
 in seasons of difficulty, and our strength in weak- 
 ness. Thou canst sanctify our joys, alleviate our 
 sorrows, keep us in peace, and give us a sure pros- 
 pect of everlasting life through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. For all thy countless mercies we adore and 
 magnify thy holy name. 
 
 But, Lord God, when we turn our thoughts 
 to ourselves, we are covered with shame and con- 
 fusion of face. Though Thou hast been so mind- 
 ful of us, we have been unmindful of Thee. How 
 many have been our failings and shortcomings, 
 our transgressions and sins. Hear us in thy mercy, 
 Lord, and have pity upon us ; pardon all our 
 iniquities for Jesus Christ's sake, and blot out all 
 our guilty stains. Take away all the enmity of 
 our carnal nature, and impart to us the spiritual 
 mind which is life and peace. Subdue and 
 mortify in us all sin, and give us the witness of 
 the Spirit that we are thy children, heirs of God, 
 and joint-heirs with Christ. 
 
 And now, heavenly Father, we beseech Thee to 
 be near to us during the silent hours of the night. 
 Mercifully defend us from all harm. Let the ever- 
 lasting anns of thy love be underneath us. Be 
 Thou our Keeper, Guardian, and Defender whilst 
 we sleep, and may our repose be refreshing to our 
 bodies and invigorating to our minds. If it should 
 please Thee to spare us till tlie morrow, prepare us 
 for its duties ; or if it should be thy will to summon 
 us to thy judgment seat, may we be found in 
 Christ Jesus without spot and blameless. 
 
 We would finally commend to Thee, gracious 
 God, all who are near and dear to us on earth, the 
 absent members of this household, our fz-iends in 
 Christ Jesus, and all for whose temporal and 
 spiritual health we desire to pray. Bless thy 
 whole Church. Send thy holy Word throughout 
 the world, and let it have free course everywhere. 
 Give thy Holy Spirit abundantly to all thy faithful 
 servants ; and hasten the time when the number 
 of Thine elect shall be completed, and when there 
 shall be one fold and one Shepherd. Until then, 
 keep us steadfast in the faith, diligent in labour, and 
 fervent in prayer, waiting for the coming of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Accept, we 
 beseech Thee, Lord, these our supplications, for 
 the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 279 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTIETH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS XVII. 6—41. 
 
 M 
 
 OST merciful Father, we come with thanks- 
 giving to thy throne for thy unwearied and 
 unmerited goodness. How precious are thy thoughts 
 to usward ! they are more in number than the sand. 
 When we awake we are still with Thee. Verily, 
 Lord our God, Thou hast been patient and long- 
 suffering to us ; Thou hast been gracious, full of 
 compassion, and slow to anger. 
 
 Oh, teach us, we beseech Thee, to observe thy 
 providence, not only in thy dealings with man in 
 the days of old, but in thy wonderful works unto 
 ourselves. Thou art the same yesterday, to-day, 
 and for ever; and as Thou didst carry captive 
 and punish Israel for their rebellion, so Thou dost 
 still reveal thy wrath from heaven against all un- 
 godliness and unrighteousness of men. righteous 
 Father, help us to remember that Thou dost search 
 our hearts ; that Thou settest our secret sins in the 
 light of thy countenance ; that Thou seest all our 
 worldliness, all our idolatry of heart, all our pre- 
 ference of the creature, and all our forgetful ness 
 of Thee. Have mercy upon us, we beseech Thee, 
 leading us to consider that in the present, as in the 
 past. Thou dost exercise righteousness, and judg- 
 ment, and loving-kindness in the earth. 
 
 Most gracious God, we come anew this morning, 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ, to find refuge and 
 shelter in thy mercy. We can find no safety, or 
 peace, or strength, in ourselves or in our services. 
 We would seek all in Jesus Christ our Lord. We 
 would come anew, therefore, to the blood of 
 sprinkling, to the fountain opened for sin and for 
 uncleanness, and would seek there cleansing and 
 strength. Keep us this day mindful of thy pre- 
 sence. Incline our hearts, as thy servants, to do 
 all in the name of the Lord Jesus. Help us to carry 
 our religion into all our occupations, doing what 
 we ought to do with all our might, and with a 
 view to thy glory, so that our employments may 
 be a part of our religion, that our work may be a 
 service done heartily, as to Thee the Lord, and 
 that our servitude to Thee may be enjoyed by us 
 as a blessed liberty. 
 
 All our dear friends we commend this day to 
 Thee and to the Word of thy grace, which is able 
 to build them up and give them an inheritance 
 among all the saints. Our Father, who art in 
 heaven, keep them ; guide and guard them ; deliver 
 them from all evil; and lead them by thy good 
 Spirit to the land of uprightness. We pray for 
 thy universal Church, for its purity, for its unity, 
 for its extension through all the world. Let the 
 people praise Thee, Lord, let all the people 
 praise Thee; and let the whole earth be filled 
 with thy glory, for the sake of Jesus Christ our 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS VIII. 19—39. 
 
 GRACIOUS and merciful Father, we present 
 ourselves before thy throne of grace, at the 
 close of another day and of another week, to bless 
 and praise thy holy name for the continuance of 
 all thy goodness and mercy towards us. We 
 thank Thee for having watched over and preserved 
 us from evil. We bless Thee for our health, our 
 friends, our food and raiment, and the many mer- 
 cies which Thou hast so long vouchsafed unto us ; 
 but especially do we bless Thee for spiritual mer- 
 cies, for the gift of thy dear Son, for the means of 
 grace, and for the hope of glory. 
 
 But, Lord, Ave desire to humble ourselves before 
 Thee for our many sins. In looking back upon 
 the past week, alas ! in how many ways have we 
 transgressed thy holy laws by thought, word, and 
 deed ! Blot out our transgressions, and purge away 
 our iniquities, that we may be whiter than snow. 
 Create in us a clean heart, God, and renew a 
 right spirit within us. Make us to hate sin, and 
 to fight against it with steadfast perseverance. 
 
 And now, gracious God, in the prospect of 
 another sacred day of rest, may our hearts be 
 calmed from worldly turmoil, and our souls be 
 prepared for the duties and privileges of thy 
 blessed Sabbath. We desire to be in the Spirit 
 on the Lord's day, and to find Christ very near to 
 us. May nothing be permitted to separate us from 
 the love of Christ ; draw out our hearts towards 
 Him with tender affection. We pray for a bless- 
 ing on all thy ministering servants. May they 
 preach the Word with all fidelity, speaking the 
 truth in love, and holding forth the Word of life. 
 May sinners be awakened and converted, and the 
 souls of believers be edified and strengthened. 
 Oh, hasten thy kingdom and the coming of thy 
 dear Son in glory. Look down with compassion 
 on the heathen nations who are sitting in dark- 
 ness and the shadow of death. Raise up and send 
 forth to the harvest many more labourers to preach 
 the unsearchable riches of Christ. Bless thy ser- 
 vants already in the field, enduring the heat and 
 burthen of the day. Strengthen their hands, prosper 
 their labours, and give them many souls for their 
 hire, that they may rejoice in the day of Christ 
 that they have not run in vain, neither laboured 
 in vain. Bless all missionary societies at home ; 
 give wisdom to their counsels, and provide them 
 with men and means to circulate more widely the 
 Gospel of the grace of God to the ends of the earth. 
 We now commend ourselves, and all that are near 
 and dear to us, to thy care and protection this 
 night; give us rest and sleep, and raise us up 
 again, in health and safety, for the sacred duties of 
 thine own day. We ask all in the name of Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 280 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIRST WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS XVIII. 
 
 EVER blessed and glorious Jehovah, trusting in 
 the merits and intercession of thy dear Son, 
 we bow ourselves this morning before the throne 
 of thy majesty. Thy goodness hath spared us 
 through the past night, while its darkness and 
 repose have ministered to our necessities and re- 
 cruited our wearied frames. We have been mer- 
 cifully kept from sickness and from accident of 
 every kind : for these great benefits we offer to 
 Thee the sacrifice of praise. Especially do we 
 thank Thee for the return of another Sabbath 
 morning. Grant that we may value the Sabbath 
 for its blessed rest, and for its many precious 
 privileges. Help us to do that Avhich is right 
 in thy sight this day, not forsaking the assem- 
 bling of ourselves together in thy sanctuary. 
 Enable us to offer to Thee a pure and spiritual 
 service. If in any degree we are in danger of 
 worshipping the creature more than the Creator ; 
 if anything interposes between our souls and thy 
 majesty, to which our corrupt hearts are inclined 
 to burn incense and offer worship, oh, disclose it 
 to us, and give us grace wholly to remove it, and 
 to put it away from us. Oh, that we may cleave 
 unto the Lord, and not depart from following 
 Thee, but ever keep thy commandments. Then 
 wilt Thou give us power over every foe, and none 
 shall harm us if we ai'e followers of that which is 
 good. 
 
 Have mercy upon them who neither value thy 
 great salvation nor love thy people. Graciously 
 convert them, and bring them to repentance and 
 the knowledge of thy truth. Cause many this day 
 to feel their sins, and to look unto Christ for peace. 
 Let not the great enemy triumph this day. 
 Thou that art stronger than he, snatch perishing 
 souls from his grasp, and glorify thy grace in their 
 salvation. 
 
 Bless the ministrations of thy servants, the 
 pastors of thy flock. Make them faithful in de- 
 claring thy message, and zealous to win souls 
 to Christ. Help them rightly to divide the word 
 of truth, and thus to give each his portion of 
 spiritual food in due season. May we strive to 
 profit by their godly admonitions, and let thy Holy 
 Spirit carry the arrow of conviction to many dead 
 souls this day, so that not a few may be added to 
 thy Church who shall be eternally saved. 
 
 Bless our beloved Sovereign and all the Royal 
 Family. Make them solicitous for the spread of 
 true religion throughout the land. Bless all 
 orders and ranks among us, and may this prove a 
 Sabbath of holy rest, of hallowed communion, and 
 of spiritual joy to all. 
 
 Hear us, heavenly Father, for thy dear Son's 
 sake, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS IX. 
 
 ETERNAL Father, with filial reverence we desire, 
 at the close of this sacred day, to bow down 
 before Thee, and once more call upon thy holy 
 name. There is no unrighteousness with Thee. 
 We thank Thee for the glad tidings of great joy 
 that have been proclaimed afresh to us. Blessed 
 be thy name for the hallowed privileges of public 
 praise, and prayer, and meditation on thy holy 
 truth. In the spiritual rest of this day may our 
 strength be renewed, so that we may go forth on 
 the morrow the better furnished for every good 
 word and work. 
 
 Merciful God, save us from boasting in our 
 privileges. Keep us from the vain and sinful 
 thought that by the mercies of this day we have 
 established our own righteousness. Suffer us not 
 to attribute thy great favours to us to our own 
 worthiness, and grant us the spirit of tender com- 
 passion towards those whose advantages are less 
 than ours. Soften our hearts with the gentleness 
 and the overflowing sympathy of thy dear Son, 
 and hear our prayer that all thy rebellious children, 
 whether Jew or Gentile, may be saved. 
 
 Graciously follow with thy blessing the preaching 
 of thy Word. Encourage by thy promises all who 
 have sincerely ministered in thy name. If their 
 hearts are now drooping at the remembrance of 
 their own feebleness, cheer them, Thou Son of 
 God, by making thy strength perfect in their 
 weakness. Keep them from looking merely at 
 the outward signs of success, and help them to 
 leave their labours in thy hands. Deepen every 
 impression that has been made upon the hearts of 
 those who have listened to thy Word. Give con- 
 trition to the impenitent. Destroy the confidence 
 of such as are trusting in themselves. Confirm 
 the faith of every believer in the Lord Jesus. 
 Heal the backsliding ; subdue the proud ; reclaim 
 the wandering ; and deliver from the thraldom of 
 Satan all who are being led captive by him at his 
 will. Strengthen those whom Thou hast called 
 out of darkness into light to walk worthy of their 
 high vocation. Let thy Church fulfil aright its 
 mission, that in every place where it may be said 
 " Ye are not my people," there they may be called 
 the children of the living God. 
 
 And now, loving Father, forgive all that has 
 been sinful in us. Pardon our coldness of heart, 
 our carelessness and inattention in thy house. 
 Apply to us that blood which cleanseth from all 
 sin, and so in thy great mercy fit us for tlio rest 
 which remaineth for the people of God. AYatch 
 over us, we beseech Thee, during the night; let om- 
 sleeping and our waking thoughts be with Thee, 
 and thine shall be the glory, tlu'ough our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 281 ] 
 
 No. 36. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOETY-FinST WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 KINGS XIX. 
 
 OMOST mighty God, the Sovereign of thy 
 people, and the triumpliant Defender of all 
 the rights and privileges of thy spiritual Israel, we 
 humbly worship at the feet of thy Divine majesty. 
 Unto Thee, Lord most high, do we give our 
 most hearty thanks for the shadow of thine all- 
 surrounding care which has so safely protected us 
 from the perils of another night. Thou hast mer- 
 cifully kept us, and caused us to see the light of 
 this day. With joy, Lord, do we magnify thy 
 name ; for Thou liast been to us a strong Rock, and 
 a Tower of defence. 
 
 Continue, God, to be mindful of us, for many 
 also are the perils of the day. In the mystery of 
 thine infinite wisdom, in the greatness of thine un- 
 speakable mercy, we are placed in a world full 
 of temptations, and we ourselves are frail and 
 feeble, with no power of ourselves to help our- 
 selves. Lord, do Thou help us, and in all our 
 necessities stretch forth the right hand of thy 
 power to defend and deliver us. Especially pre- 
 serve us from the sinfulness and deceitful ness of 
 our own hearts. Suffer us not to wander from 
 Thee. Guide us, we beseech Thee, to a clearer 
 knowledge of thy truth. May our hearts be 
 cheered by thy promises, and our lives this and 
 every day be controlled by thy precepts. Give 
 us thy Holy Spirit : oh, that He may abide with 
 us for ever, establishing us in the faith, and 
 kiudling in us a more earnest love for Thee, 
 and a heartier zeal in thy service. 
 
 Thou, Lord God of Isi'ael, which dwellest 
 between the cherubim, art the God, even Thou 
 alone, j3f all the kingdoms of the earth; Thou hast 
 made heaven and earth. Lord, we hope in 
 Thee. Hitherto Thou hast helped and defended 
 us, and graciously delivered all them that have 
 trusted in Thee. Take us and all whom we 
 love under thy gracious care this day. Overrule 
 all outward trials for good, and forsake us not in 
 the time of adversity. Suffer us not to fall into 
 sin, but deliver us out of all our trouble. 
 
 And inasmuch as our sins have merited thy dis- 
 pleasure, and we righteously deserve punishment 
 and correction, oh, save us, pardon us, and ever- 
 more help us to walk before Thee in holiness and 
 newness of life. We would fall into thine hands, 
 Lord ; for Thou knowest our frame, and remem- 
 berest that we are dust. 
 
 With us, God, succour all them that are in 
 trouble, and enable them to come to Thee for help 
 and deliverance. Thine, Lord, is the victory. 
 Ever bestow it upon thy militant Church, that 
 unto Thee we may evermore give the praise and 
 the glory. Accept and answer us in these our 
 prayers, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS X. 
 
 FATHER of mercies and God of all comfort, how 
 can we sufficiently praise Thee for thy great 
 love in Christ Jesus, and for the gracious promise 
 that whosoever shall call upon Thee shall be saved! 
 We thank Thee for thus encouraging us to cast all 
 our care upon Thee, and to lay at thy footstool our 
 sins and shortcomings. Have mercy upon us for 
 thy mercies' sake. Especially we beseech Thee to 
 give us a clear understanding of the way of sal- 
 vation, that we may see how Christ w'as made sin 
 for us, though He knew no sin, that we may be 
 made the righteousness of God in Him. We have 
 no goodness of our own to plead before Thee ; all 
 our hope is in thy dear Son, on whom Thou didst 
 lay the iniquities of us all. Lord, increase our 
 faith, that we may believe in Christ with the 
 heart, and not be ashamed to confess Him with 
 the lips. While others are tossed about by various 
 winds of doctrine, may we be rooted, grounded, 
 and settled in the faith of Jesus. Suffer not our 
 faith to be of a dead and unpractical character. 
 May it be seen in the fruits of righteousness, which 
 are by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God. 
 We have been preserved by thy goodness, 
 Lord, through another day. We have gone in 
 and out in peace and comfort; and while many 
 have been either incapacitated for duty by afflic- 
 tion, or smitten down by death, we come together 
 to our domestic altar to bless Thee, God, who 
 hast aided us in duty and preserved us from 
 danger. How many mercies have w^e received 
 from thy hand ! How rich and varied have been 
 the benedictions of thy love ! Now that we are 
 all here present before thy throne, we offer Thee 
 the service of gratitude and praise. But in many 
 thinofs we have all offended. We need forgiveness. 
 We intreat the application of the blood of atone- 
 ment. Now let us close the day, and lie down 
 with a consciousness of thy favour, which is life. 
 Unite us to each other and to Thee in bonds of 
 loving devotedness ; and when at length we shall 
 be separated by death, may we be re-united in a 
 brighter and a better world. Pity the families 
 suft'ering from sickness and calamity. Let the 
 light of thy smile cheer them. What multitudes 
 of families know Thee not! Lord, enlighten 
 them. Look especially on thine ancient people. 
 Our heart's desire and prayer for Israel is that they 
 may be saved. Take away the blindness from their 
 hearts, and turn them in repentance unto Jesus 
 their King. Send forth the light of thy truth 
 through the world, and make it the power of God, 
 day by day, to the salvation of many believing souls. 
 Grant us, God, thy fatherly protection during 
 the night, accept our evening sacrifice, and answer 
 our prayers, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 282 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIRST WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XXXVIII. 
 
 OTHOU who art the Lord God of the holy 
 prophets, Thou before whom our fathers did 
 walk, we come into thy presence with thanks- 
 giving, and bring to Thee an offering of praise. 
 Thou hast spared our lives through another night, 
 and we continue in the land of the living, the 
 monuments of thy goodness and mercy. We 
 will bless the Lord at all times ; his praise shall 
 continually be in our mouth. God, we know 
 not what this day may bring forth. Thou mayest 
 soon say to one or other amongst us, " Set thine 
 house in order, for thou shalt die, and not live." 
 We pray Thee, help us, that we may be found 
 prepared for all thy will ; whilst we live, may 
 we live unto the Lord ; and when we die, may we 
 die unto the Lord. But if it be thy will, God, 
 to lengthen our lives upon the earth, we beseech 
 Thee to lead us not into temptation, and to deliver 
 us from evil. As our day is, so let our strength be. 
 .Help us to glorify Thee with our bodies and spirits, 
 which are thine. We look up to Thee, our 
 Father, for all the help we shall need for the duties 
 of this day. Help us to do all in the name of the 
 Lord Jesus. Assist us to remember that Thou, 
 God, seest us. Thou desirest truth in the inward 
 parts : may we keep consciences void of offence 
 toward God and man. 
 
 We pray Thee to have compassion on all who 
 are our kinsmen according to the flesh. Make 
 all the members of our household fellow-citizens 
 with the saints, and fellow-heirs with us of the 
 grace of everlasting life. May all our friends, 
 however distant from us in this earthly abode, be 
 united with us for ever in our Father's house 
 above. Lord, we intercede with Thee for our 
 native country, that it may enjoy peace and 
 prosperity ; for our Monarch, that the throne may 
 long be established in righteousness ; and for all our 
 rulers and governors, that we may live quiet and 
 peaceable lives under their laws, in all godliness 
 and honesty. Hear us, we entreat Thee, for all 
 who are in affliction or poverty. Grant to them 
 that contentment which, with the fear of the Lord, 
 is great gain. Do Thou, God, provide of thy 
 goodness for the poor, and bind up the broken in 
 heart. Let thy kingdom come, God, and let 
 thy will be done on earth, as it is done in heaven. 
 May the true light of the Gospel shine into all 
 lands. Grant that Jesus Christ, having been lifted 
 up upon the cross, may draw all men unto Him ; 
 that in all things, throughout the whole earth. He 
 may have the pre-eminence. Grant this, merci- 
 ful Father, for his name's sake ; and unto Him, 
 to Thyself, and to the holy Ghost, ever one God, 
 be ascribed all the glory and the majesty, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 READ in holy SCRIPTURE ROMANS XI. 
 
 OMOST gracious God and Father, ere we retire 
 to rest, we kneel once more before thy footstool, 
 to ask of Thee the blessing of pardon and peace. 
 We come to Thee, Lord, for Thou only canst 
 bless us — Thou only canst save us. Oh, hear us 
 now, we humbly beseech Thee, for Jesus Christ 
 our Saviour's sake. We are not worthy, Lord, 
 to offer unto Thee any petition. We have broken 
 thy covenant, transgressed thy law, and daily pro- 
 voked Thee by our sins. If Thou wert to deal 
 with us as we deserve, we should soon be cut oft' 
 in thy just and righteous indignation. But, blessed 
 be thy name. Thou art a merciful God. Thy ways 
 are not as our ways. Thou wilt have mercy on 
 whom Thou wilt have mercy. Oh, have mercy upon 
 us. Cast us not away. Leave us not to the 
 blindness and ignorance of our natural hearts, but 
 engraft us into Christ. Unite us to Him, that 
 partaking of the root and fatness of the Divine 
 olive tree, we may evermore bear much fruit to 
 the glory of thy grace. 
 
 And save us, we entreat Thee, from vain and 
 foolish presumption. Give us not over to an evil 
 heart of unbelief. May we call to mind thy 
 dealings of old with thine ancient people Israel ; 
 and may the remembrance warn us not to be high- 
 minded, but to fear. Lord, increase our faith. 
 Enable us so to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ 
 that our souls may be saved in the great day of 
 his appearing. Oh, fill us ever with a godly fear, 
 lest, a promise being left us of entering into his 
 rest, any of us should seem to come short of it. 
 
 We pray for others, Lord, as well as for our- 
 selves. Look down, we beseech Thee, upon thy 
 whole Church. May every member of it be more 
 and more filled with thy grace and heavenly 
 benediction. Extend the knowledge of thy name 
 throughout afl lands. Gather in the dispersed of 
 Israel. May they look up in faith to Him whom 
 they have pierced, and own Him as their promised 
 Messiah. Remember, Lord, thy covenant with 
 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and speedily accom- 
 plish the number of thine elect. Oh, hasten the time 
 when, according to thine own gracious promise, the 
 kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdom 
 of our Lord and of his Christ, and when the earth 
 shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of 
 the Lord, as the waters cover the seas. Once more 
 we commend ourselves to thy gracious care. Be 
 with us this night, and with all who are near and 
 dear to us. May we lie down in peace, sleep in 
 safety, and if it be thy will, rise up in the morn- 
 ing with renewed health and strength to run the 
 way of thy commandments. We ask this and 
 every blessing in the name of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 283 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIRST WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES XXXII. 22-33. 
 
 MOST merciful God, our heavenly Father , we 
 thank Thee that Thou hast permitted us to 
 lie down in peace and awake in safety; that Thou 
 hast watched over us and preserved us from all 
 dangers. Now that a new day is added to our 
 lives, we ask Thee that through all its hours we 
 may be kept and guided by thine Almighty hand, 
 and enabled to walk as thy children. 
 
 Accept our grateful thanks for the many mercies 
 with which thy love has surrounded us this morn- 
 ing. May all thy gifts lead us nearer to Thee, and 
 all be held as talents to be used for Thee. But 
 whatever may be the earthly blessings Thou art 
 pleased to give us, help us to lay up our treasure 
 in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupt, 
 nor thieves break through and steal. Suffer no 
 outward prosperity to draw our hearts away from 
 this enduring treasure. May they ever be fixed 
 where true joys are to be found. Especially we 
 ask Thee never to leave us to om'selves. Whatever 
 trials or temptations Thou mayest see to be right 
 and good for us, deliver us out of every tempta- 
 tion, strengthen us to endure every trial : and, 
 Lord, we do earnestly ask Thee to be with us in 
 every time of need. We know ourselves to be 
 weaker than a bruised reed, to need help every 
 moment, and therefore again we pray Thee, leave 
 us not, neither forsake us, God of our salvation. 
 
 We thank Tiiee for the portion of health and 
 strength we enjoy this morning. Whenever it 
 shall be thy will that sickness should visit us, 
 help us to receive the sickness, as we do the health, 
 as from Thee, and may each state be to thy glory ; 
 each promote that conformity of our spirits to the 
 likeness of Christ which is our chief desire. 
 Lord, in all things bend our wills to thine. May 
 it be no mere form of words, but the expression of 
 our inward souls, when we say " Thy will be 
 done." 
 
 Not only in our hearts and by us may thy will 
 bo done, but throughout the world : may all nations 
 and all people be made subject to Thee. We re- 
 member now before Thee the many thousands of 
 China, of Lidia, and of other lands, who have never 
 heard thy name, upon whom the light of the 
 Gospel has not yet sinned. Lord, have mercy upon 
 them. Arouse those who know Thee and Jesus 
 Christ whom Thou hast sent, to put forth more 
 strenuous efforts to send the Gospel more abun- 
 dantly to the heathen. May we all pray more for 
 this, seeing Thou hast said that for all these things 
 Thou wilt be inquired of by thy people. Lord, 
 help us then to continue in prayer until Thou 
 shalt make Jerusalem a praise in the earth. 
 All these things we ask for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS XII. 
 
 ETERNAL and ever blessed God, in whom 
 we live, and move, and have our being, we 
 feel that thy goodness to us this day has laid us 
 under fresh obligations to love and serve Thee. 
 We are unworthy of thy notice, for we are but 
 dust and ashes in thy sight. We have not walked 
 before Thee this day as humbly and as obediently 
 as we ought to have done. Thoughts have arisen 
 in our minds, and feelings in our hearts, and words 
 may, in an unguarded moment, have escaped our 
 lips that have displeased Thee. We confess this 
 with shame and sorrow, and pray that, ere we 
 retire to rest, we may be forgiven, and that our 
 consciences, through the blood of sprinkling, may 
 be cleansed and made peaceful. 
 
 By the aid of thy Holy Spirit we would turn 
 away from all iniquity, and strive with moro 
 earnestness to please Thee, by constantly looking 
 unto Jesus, and by walking in the way of thy 
 commandments. 
 
 We bless Thee for that instructive portion of 
 Holy Scripture we have just read, and we beseech 
 Thee to incline our hearts to keep these thy 
 statutes. The presentation of our bodies to Thee, 
 a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, is our 
 reasonable service. May we not be conformed to 
 the world, and may we daily be renewed in the 
 spirit of our minds, and put on the new man, 
 which after God is created in righteousness and 
 true holiness. As members of the same family, 
 as parts of the great brotherhood of mankind, 
 and as heirs of the grace of life, may we discharge 
 all our respective duties, whether parents or child- 
 ren, masters or servants, in thy fear. While at- 
 tending to things temporal, may we not neglect 
 things eternal ; and may the piety of our hearts 
 appear in our lives. Deliver and preserve us from 
 pride, covetousness, slothfulness, and selfishness, 
 evils to which our fallen nature is so prone. With 
 the sick and the mourning help us to sympathise, 
 and with kind words and generous actions may we 
 remind them of Him who went about doing good, 
 and convince them that godliness is profitable unto 
 all things, having promise of the life that now is, 
 and of that which is to come. May we rather 
 suffer wrong than needlessly provoke the ill-doer, 
 and by gentleness and forbearance disarm the un- 
 kindness and malice of all who would injure us. 
 Lord, soften their hearts, and help us to forgive 
 them, as we hope to be forgiven by Thee. 
 
 And now, gracious God, we commend our- 
 selves, one another, relatives and friends, and all 
 for whom we should pray, to thy loving care for 
 the night. Hear and answer us, for the Lord 
 Jesus Christ's sake ; to whom, with Thee and the 
 Holy Spirit, be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 [ 281 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIRST WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES XXXIII. 
 
 OLORD God Almighty, look down upon us 
 assembled before Thee this morning, and 
 for Jesus' sake pardon our manifold and grievous 
 transgressions. Let not this prayer come only 
 from our lips, but may it be the earnest suppli- 
 cation of our hearts. Mercifully grant, holy 
 Father, that we may see, by the light afforded 
 by thy Holy Spirit, how utterly lost and corrupted 
 we are by nature ; how far we wander from Thee, 
 even after we have heard thy loving voice inviting 
 us to return unto Thee ; how apt we continually 
 are to yield either to the assaults or to the allure- 
 ments of the enemy of our souls ; and how un- 
 speakably imperfect are our best efforts in thy 
 service. Grant, Lord, that we may see and 
 feel all this, and may come again and again to the 
 fountain opened for all sin and for all uncleanness, 
 even the precious blood of Jesus Christ thy Son, 
 which is able to wash away all sin. 
 
 We bless Thee, Lord, that Thou dost invite 
 us to return unto Thee, though we have gone 
 astray from Thee. We bless Thee that Thou 
 dost invite even the chief of sinners. We bless 
 Tiiee that Thou hast left upon record, in thy holy 
 Word, the cases of many who, from being rebels 
 against Thee, became faithful servants ; from being 
 blasphemers, became saints. May these examples 
 encourage us unto repentance. May they encou- 
 rage others to turn unto Thee. May they render 
 the ministers of thy holy Word more zealous in 
 seeking to win souls unto Thee ; may they render 
 them more earnest in tjieir expostulations with 
 poor sinners madly hastening to destruction, but 
 whom Thou art ready even now to receive ; to 
 whom Thou art crying even now, " Why will ye 
 die?" 
 
 We would beseech Thee, heavenly Father, to 
 direct us in all the business and employments of 
 this day. May we endeavour in all things to serve 
 Thee, in all things to glorify Thee. Permit us not, 
 Lord, to set up any idol in our heart. Let not 
 self, let not pleasure, let not eagerness after the 
 things of this world occupy thy place. Our hearts 
 should be as a temple prepared for Thee. Set up 
 thy throne there, God, and reign there ever- 
 more. 
 
 We would pray for those dear to us. Bless 
 them, gracious Father, with every blessing. 
 Enrich them with all spiritual mercies. If any 
 are in trouble, sanctify the afflicting dispensation 
 unto them. May we not only be enabled to 
 receive thy loving correction with meekness and 
 patience when it pleases Thee to afflict us, but 
 may it be so sanctified unto us, that it may 
 prove to us a priceless blessing. Thesp mercies we 
 humbly ask for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS XIIL 
 
 OTHOU, in whom we live, and move, and have 
 our being, we unite together at thy footstool 
 to of!er our evening tribute of praise and prayer. 
 Give us, we beseech Thee, the help of thy Holy 
 Spirit. May He make intercession within us, while 
 Jesus, the one Mediator, makes intercession for us 
 before thy throne. 
 
 We have much to thank Thee for. Our debt 
 of gratitude is always increasing. This day has 
 given us fresh proofs of thy goodness. Thou 
 bountiful Giver of all good, we acknowledge thy 
 hand in the common mercies of our every-day 
 life, and we praise Thee for thy constant care, and 
 providence, and love. 
 
 Let the lawful occupations of this day be fol- 
 lowed with thy blessing. Let thy mercy cover 
 our transgressions, and let the blood of Jesus 
 Christ thy Son cleanse us from all sin. Being 
 cleansed from the guilt of sin, may we be re- 
 leased from its power. Let us not nourish in our 
 hearts anything that is opposed to thy holy will. 
 Thou great Deliverer, let not sin any longer 
 have dominion over us, but do Thou help us to 
 put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make not pro- 
 vision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof. 
 
 We pray Thee to enable us to profit by the 
 lessons of instruction we have now read from 
 thy holy Word. As subjects, may we be obe- 
 dient to those whom Thou hast appointed to rule 
 over us. Do Thou rule over them, and ever 
 incline their hearts to rule in thy fear, so that 
 they may be a terror only to those who do evil, 
 and a praise to them that do well. 
 
 Help us to fulfil the duties we owe to oiu- 
 fellow-citizens. May we cultivate that love which 
 is the fulfilling of the law. May we willingly do 
 whatever may contribute to our neighbour's welfare, 
 and carefully avoid whatever would injure him. 
 Save us, by the power of thy Spirit working in 
 us, from a selfish regard to our own interests, 
 and a forgetfulness of the rights and claims of 
 others. 
 
 Help us, our Father, to walk as the children 
 of light. May the light of Divine truth illumine 
 our understandings. May the light of thy love 
 shine upon our hearts. May the light of advancing 
 holiness shine in our whole character. Enable 
 us by Divine grace to let our light so shine before 
 others that they seeing our good works, may glorify 
 Thee, our Father in heaven. So do Thou help us, 
 to spend the remaining days of our life, that when 
 we come to the end of them, we may receive an 
 entrance abundantly into thy kingdom, through 
 the infinite merits of thy dear Son ; to whom, with 
 Thee and the Holy Spirit, be everlasting praises. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 285 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIUST WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES XXXIV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and merciful God, who art always 
 more ready to hear than we are to pray, 
 enlarge our hearts in prayer this morning, that 
 we may so ask as to receive, and so seek as to find. 
 Our plea in praise and prayer is the name of 
 Jesus, that name which is above every name, and 
 prevaileth with Thee. Oh, enable us by thy grace 
 to plead it at all times with an earnest faith. May 
 it inspire us with confidence before Thee, and 
 drive away all doubt and fear. 
 
 Gracious God, we recall with thankful hearts the 
 mercies of the night : how Thou hast watched over 
 us and kept us, how Thou hast blessed us with 
 such rest as was good for us, and how Thou per- 
 mittest us again to meet around thy footstool. 
 Thou never weariest of blessing us ; may we never 
 weary of praising Thee, or of meditating on thy 
 goodness. We desire to have such an abiding 
 sense of thy grace and love as shall constrain us to 
 live not for ourselves, but for Thee. We pray that 
 when our hearts grow cold in thy service. Thou 
 wouldst kindle them anew by a fresh manifestation 
 of thy goodness. Lord, preserve us from the 
 grievous sin of ingratitude. As we daily enjoy 
 thy mercies, open our ej'es to see the hand which 
 bestows them, and fill us with the spirit of praise. 
 
 We implore thy forgiveness for every sin of 
 which Thou knowest. We also implore Thee to 
 give us that tenderness of heart which would cause 
 us to fear above all things grieving thy Spirit, or 
 displeasing Thee. Thou, God, knowest our 
 feebleness, and how easily we are drawn aside from 
 the ways of godliness and obedience. Keep us, 
 we beseech Thee, this day from all sin, and of thy 
 great mercy strengthen us to resist all temptation. 
 We pray that we may be preserved from the sin 
 of idolatry, from provoking thy anger by putting 
 anything in the place of Thee, or preferring any- 
 thing to thy favour. Spread around us the shield 
 of thy protection, and defend us against all dangers. 
 Give us thy Holy Spirit abundantly, that in all our 
 conduct the fruits of the Spirit may 'be manifest, 
 and our life be framed after the example of thy 
 dear Son. God, we want to feel more and more 
 that we are thy children, and that Thou art training 
 us day by day for a place in thy kingdom. 
 
 Let thy favour rest on all whom we love, and 
 for whom we pray. Pour out thy gracious Spirit 
 on the hearts of thy people, and make them zealous 
 for thy glory. Bless thy Word wherever it is 
 preached and made known, and glorify thy grace 
 in the conversion day by day of many hearts to 
 Christ. Give to all in authority wisdom and 
 guidance, and overrule all that they do for the in- 
 crease of true religion. We ask these mercies in 
 the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS XIV. 
 
 OUR Father and our God, brought safely through 
 the day, we praise Thee for all its blessings, 
 and desire now at its close to commend ourselves 
 to thy fatherly protection. The darkness and the 
 light are both alike to Thee. As Thou hast been 
 with us in the light, so be with us and watch over 
 us during all the hours of darkness. 
 
 Whatever Thou hast seen amiss in us during 
 the day that is now gone, do Thou graciously for- 
 give. In many things we all offend. If Thou, 
 Lord, shouldst mark iniquity, Lord, who should 
 stand ? We cast ourselves upon thy forgiving mercy 
 this night. Thou hast said that if we confess our 
 sins. Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our 
 sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 
 Confessing our sins before Thee at this time, we 
 trust thy promise both for pardon and for purity. 
 
 Give us increasing carefulness, we pray Thee, in 
 the conduct of our daily life. Beset with evils on 
 the right hand and on the left, prone to evil by 
 the motions of sin that are within us, may we seek 
 to cleanse our way by taking heed thereto accord- 
 ing to thy Word. Give our consciences increased 
 tenderness, teach us to give attention to their 
 admonitions, and enable us to purify our souls by 
 obeying the truth. 
 
 Enable us to live in anticipation of that time 
 when we shall all stand before the judgment-seat 
 of Christ, and when every one of us shall give 
 account of himself to God. Above all, by thy 
 Spirit, convince us of the sin of unbelief. 
 
 Increase our faith, and help us to look unto 
 Jesus, the Author and Finisher of faith. Reveal 
 thy Son in us, God, as the Way, and the Truth, 
 and the Life, and as the hope of glory. And as Ho 
 lives for us, so may we live to Him; and as Ho 
 died for us, so, when we die, may we die to Him. 
 Whether we live, may we live unto the Lord, or 
 whether we die, may we die unto the Lord. 
 
 Bending together at our domestic altar, may we 
 also here remember what is promised and provided 
 for us as a family in Christ. In Him may our 
 family be blessed. Believing in Him, may we be 
 saved and our house. In all our exercises of devo- 
 tion, give us true spirituality and deep sincerity. 
 May we seek after a kingdom of God which is not 
 meat and drink, but righteousness, peace, and joy 
 in the Holy Ghost. In all our convictions, give 
 us conscientiousness. May every one of us be fully 
 persuaded in his own mind. In all our dealings 
 with our brethren, teach us charity. May we at 
 all times follow after things which make for peace, 
 and things wherewith one may edify another. 
 May we never cause our brother, by our example, 
 to think lightly of sin, or to turn aside from Thee. 
 We ask all for Christ our Saviour's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 286 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIRST WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CHRONICLES XXXVI. 
 
 OLORD God Almighty, terrible art Thou in thy 
 majesty, and resistless in thy power. None 
 can successfully oppose Thee, or say unto Thee, 
 *' What doest Thou ? " Thou doest according to 
 thy will in the armies of lieaven and amongst the 
 inhabitants of the earth. Thou art a jealous God, 
 and wilt not give thy glory unto another. Thine 
 eyes behold, and thine eyelids try the children of 
 men. Thou takest knowledge of the works and 
 the character of all men, high and low, rich and 
 poor. Thou visitest the sins of the fathers upon 
 tlie children, from one generation to another ; but 
 righteous art Thou in all thy ways, and holy in all 
 thy works. Sin is the abominable thing which thy 
 soul hateth, and Thou wilt not permit it to pass 
 unpunished. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall 
 he also reap. Impress our hearts very deeply with 
 that terrible visitation of thy righteous judgment 
 of which we have now been reading. May we 
 flee from sin as from the face of a serpent, con- 
 scious that whatever may be the rank or circum- 
 stances of men, their sin will find them out. But 
 there is mercy with Thee, that Thou mayest be 
 feared, and plenteous redemption, that Thou mayest 
 be sought unto. Through Jesus Christ thy Son, 
 Thou wilt forgive, accept, and save all that repent 
 and believe. We come now to the altar of God, 
 to God our exceeding joy. The past night of 
 safety and rest has laid us under fresh obligations 
 to Thee, and this new day calls us to seek fresh 
 suj)plies of grace and blessing. 
 
 As members of a family, may we be anxious, 
 by thy grace, efficiently to discharge all our duties 
 as unto the Lord, and not unto men, and to per- 
 form the work of each day in the day. We 
 know not what of danger or difficulty, of sorrow or 
 of joy, lies before us : help us to feel that we are 
 in thy hand, and Thou wilt make all things to 
 work together for good to them that love Thee. 
 Give us a watchful, prayerful spirit, and help us 
 to derive instruction and holiness from all the 
 scenes through which we pass, and the circum- 
 stances in which we may be placed. Let us dwell 
 together as a family in unity. May all our rela- 
 tives be sons and daughters of the Lord God 
 Almighty. Hasten the time when all the families 
 of our land and of the world shall fear God and 
 work righteousness. 
 
 We commend oiu-selves, individually and collec- 
 tively, to thy paternal care during this day. 
 Anoint us with the Holy Ghost, and pour upon 
 us blessings temporal and blessings spiritual, 
 according to our necessities. Bless us, our 
 God, and make us blessings, and thine shall be the 
 praise for evermore, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS XV. 
 
 MOST blessed God, the God of the spirits of all 
 flesh, we prostrate ourselves again before thy 
 throne of grace, and approach thy mercy-seat in 
 the name of thy dear Son. Thou hast spared us 
 through another week, and blessed us during this 
 period of our existence in various ways. Indeed, 
 we acknowledge that every moment of our lives 
 testifies to mercies spiritual and temporal con- 
 tinually vouchsafed to us, and testifies likewise to 
 our unworthiness of the least of thy mercies. Thou 
 hast made us partakers of the spiritual things of 
 thine ancient people Israel. Thou hast called us 
 to the light and knowledge of thy gloz'ious Gospel, 
 that we might have joy and peace in believing in 
 Jesus, and that we might abound in hope by the 
 power of the Holy Ghost. Thou hast given us a 
 holy standard of conduct in the example of thy 
 dear Son ; and Thou hast ordained ministers, 
 whose duty it is to watch for our souls. Oh, make 
 us to be duly sensible of these thy great mercies, 
 and of our shortcomings in reference to them ; 
 and send down the Holy Ghost to quicken us, that 
 we may become more and more dead to the world, 
 and more and more alive to our spiritual interests ; 
 so that, at the close of each successive week of our 
 lives, we may have some humble but distinct 
 assurance that we have made some progress on 
 our heavenward way, and that we ai'e hastening 
 towards that eternal Sabbath — the rest which 
 remaineth for the people of God. Give us 
 stronger faith in the all-sufficiency of the sacrifice 
 of Jesus to atone for all our transgressions, and 
 enable us so to appropriate that blessed sacrifice 
 each of us to himself and herself, that being justi- 
 fied by faith we may have peace with Thee ; and, 
 in order that we may know that we are of God, make 
 us to be conformed to the image of Him who 
 pleased not Himself, who went about doing good, 
 and who said, " It is more blessed to give than to 
 receive." Hel]> us to deny ourselves for thy sake, 
 and for the relief of the afflicted and distressed ; 
 and if we cannot at all times assist them by con- 
 tributions of our worldly goods, give us grace to 
 do so by our prayers, seeing that Thou dost con- 
 descend to hear us on the behalf of others as well 
 as on our own. 
 
 We would pray earnestly for all who minister in 
 holy things. Enable them to come before the 
 people, on the forthcoming Sabbath-day, in the 
 fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ. 
 Take us again, we beseech Thee, under thy 
 gracious protection this night. Bless all for whom 
 it is our duty to pray, and grant us an answer of 
 peace. We ask all for Jesus Christ's sake, to 
 whom, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be ever- 
 lasting praises. Amen. 
 
 [ 287 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SECOND WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DANIEL I. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and eternal God, impress on our 
 minds a deep sense of our utter unworthi- 
 ness. Help us to come to Thee through Christ 
 thy Son, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, 
 and humbly relying for acceptance in thy sight, 
 most holy God, on his atoning sacrifice and death, 
 and in his intercession in heaven for all that come 
 to Thee by Him. 
 
 Mercifully accept our thanks for thy great good- 
 ness in giving us rest during the night that is 
 gone, and for all other gifts of thy gracious pro- 
 vidence. But on this day especially we would 
 rejoice and be exceeding glad. Go M'ith us into 
 thine house of prayer. Help us to sing thy pi*aise 
 with the heart as well as the voice. Fill us with 
 the spirit of true devotion. May we hear the 
 Word which shall be spoken to us with faith, and 
 receive it meekly as the engrafted Word of life. 
 May we be fed and grow thereby. 
 
 Bless, we beseech Thee, Lord, all the as- 
 semblies of thy saints throughout the whole earth. 
 Give a great success to the preachers of thy 
 Gospel, and comfort and stablish their converts. 
 Lord God, make bare thine arm among the 
 nations, and shortly accomplish the number of 
 thine elect. May w^e never forget the Scripture 
 which has now been read in our hearing. We 
 commend all who may be suffering for righteous- 
 ness' sake to thy sustaining power and grace. 
 We know not what ma}^ happen to ourselves, but 
 we pray that in all things, in all temptations, 
 and in all places we may manifest the prudence, 
 wisdom, courage, integrity, and the fear and love 
 of Thee, for which thy servant Daniel and his 
 followers were distinguished, that we, like them, 
 may also triumph. 
 
 Most merciful God, grant, we beseech Thee, that 
 this day may be to us a foretaste of heaven. May 
 thy house be the gate thereof to our souls ; and 
 may we, by waiting upon Thee, be so strengthened 
 as to be able to bear every trial, and discharge 
 every duty which may await us during the week. 
 Command thy blessing to rest on our gracious 
 Sovereign and the Royal Family, and on our 
 rulers and governors, judges and magistrates, that 
 they may be a teiTor to evil-doers, and a praise 
 to them that do well. Be pleased in thy great 
 mercy to hear these prayers. Forgive whatever 
 Thou seest to be amiss in them. Grant what Thou 
 knowest we need, for we ask all in the name of 
 Christ Jesus, in whose most precious blood we 
 pray that our sins may be washed away, and in 
 whose righteousness we hope to stand justified 
 before thy judgment-seat. To Him with Thyself 
 and the Holy Ghost, the ever-living God, be all 
 honom* and glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ROMANS XVL 
 
 ALMIGHTY and immortal God, we magnify 
 thy glorious name for thy great goodness in 
 the Sabbath mercies and privileges vouchsafed to 
 us this day. We bless Thee for our creation, 
 preservation, and all the blessings of this life, but 
 above all for thine inestimable love in the re- 
 demption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. 
 
 Thankful for the opportunities of communion 
 with Thee which we have enjoyed on this thy 
 holy day, we would earnestly supplicate once more 
 thy blessing on its closing hours. 
 
 We bow before thee as the members of a 
 Christian family, and we pray that our house- 
 hold may be distinguished as a household of 
 faith — a household whose purpose it is to serve 
 the Lord. United in the bonds of natural affec- 
 tion, unite us more closely still in the bonds of 
 spiritual union to Christ, so that each may be 
 doubly beloved in the Lord. Thus united in 
 heart, and in the faith and hope of the Gospel, 
 make us, we beseech Thee, increasingly anxious 
 to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
 things, emulating the example of the early be- 
 lievers, who laboured much in the Lord. And 
 to this end multiply upon us thy manifold gifts 
 of grace : supply all our spiritual need : stablish, 
 strengthen, settle us ; for without Thee we can do 
 nothing. 
 
 Bless, we pray Thee, to our profit, and to the 
 profit of the universal Church, the reading and 
 the preaching of thy holy Word in all the churches 
 of the saints. By thy Spirit, the only infallible 
 teacher, guide thy people into all truth, and ac- 
 company the Word of thy grace with demonstra- 
 tion and with power to the hearts and consciences 
 of all who are living in and loving the darkness of 
 error and sin. May the blind eyes be opened, and 
 the deaf ears be unstopped. Pour out thy Spirit 
 upon all flesh, and grant that the ends of the earth 
 may speedily see the salvation of our God. 
 
 And now, merciful Father, taught to believe 
 that Thou art more ready to hear than we are 
 to pray, and wont to give more than we desire 
 or deserve, aaid deeply feeling that we have cause 
 for shame in the remembrance of the poverty of 
 desire and the unworthiness of spirit which have 
 characterised our approaches this day to thy throne 
 of grace, we would close it with the final and large 
 petition for ourselves and for others, that Thou 
 wouldst pour down upon us the abundance of thy 
 mercy, forgiving us those sins whereof our con- 
 science 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. 
 
 [ 288 J 
 
Morning. J 
 
 FORTY-SECOND WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DANIEL III. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, Thou art the King, eternal, 
 -^ immortal, invisible, the only wise God, and 
 unto Thee, and Thee alone, will we ascribe honour 
 and glory, for ever and ever. 
 
 We beseech Thee, this morning, to accept our 
 thanks for thy great goodness to us. We praise 
 Thee for having taught us to love and trust Thee 
 alone. Teach us, we pray Thee, yet more and 
 more by the Holy Spirit to believe in Thee, that 
 we may never be brought to confusion. Conform 
 us, in thought, and word, and deed, to the image 
 of thine honourable, true, and only Son. Help 
 us to live the life of faith in Thee which He lived. 
 Make it our meat to do thy will, and thus, though 
 the outward man perish, let the inward man be re- 
 newed day by day. 
 
 Pity, righteous Father, our weakness, we en- 
 treat Thee ; pardon our worldliness. We confess 
 with shame that we have too often trembled at the 
 fear of man, or sought anxiously the praise of man. 
 But grant that the bright example of faith in 
 Thee which thy Word has brought before us this 
 morning, may help to nourish our souls in all holy 
 boldness in our obedience to thy laws. Let no 
 liery furnace of earthly wrath ever daunt our 
 courage. Let no persecution or distress tempt us 
 to deny Thee. In every hour of danger lielp us 
 to witness for Thee, and to realise thy presence 
 and protection. Thou who once didst endure 
 for us the contradiction of sinners against Thyself, 
 be our strength, our comfort, our joy. Help us 
 not to be careful to answer our adversaries when 
 they threaten us for thy sake. Thou art able to 
 deliver us, for all power in heaven and on earth is 
 thine. 
 
 Vouchsafe, Lord, to keep us this day without 
 sin. Make us sincere and conscientious in all we 
 do or say. May all that we do be done as unto the 
 Lord, and not unto men. Suffer us not to be 
 afraid openly and honestly to serve Thee ; and by 
 our well-doing may we have grace to put to silence 
 the ignorance of foolish men, who desire to set up 
 their own gods of this world in opposition to Thee. 
 
 Lord, hear our prayer for those who know 
 Thee not. Send forth to them thy light and thy 
 truth. Turn their hearts from all pride and self- 
 worship, and lead them to submit as thy children 
 to Thee. Bless all kings and rulers, all magistrates 
 and judges. Help them to walk humbly in thy 
 fear, and to govern in uprightness of heart. Pre- 
 serve to us our freedom of worship, and grant the 
 same blessing to all the nations of the earth. 
 Holy Father, keep us now and ever in thy name, 
 through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, 
 to whom, with Thee and the ever blessed Spirit, 
 be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XX. 13-38. 
 
 GRACIOUS and merciful Lord God, who art 
 the supreme Disposer of all things in heaven 
 and earth, and in whose hands are the issues of 
 life and death, pour upon us the spirit of grace 
 and of supplication, while we draw nigh to thy 
 mercy-seat this evening. We confess that we 
 have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and 
 deed, and that we are unworthy of the least of 
 thy mercies. Yet hast Thou spared us, and loved 
 us, and given thy dear Son to die for us. Oh, let 
 thy goodness lead us to repentance, and thy long- 
 suffering prove our salvation. 
 
 We acknowledge that thy way is in the sea, 
 and thy footsteps are not known. That we, who 
 are sinful dust and ashes, should be privileged to 
 listen to the joyful sound, and hear thy Gospel 
 proclaimed, is wonderful ! Oh, that we may valuo 
 it more than we have ever done ; and let it prove a 
 savour of life unto life to us. Mercifully enrich 
 our souls wuth the blessed experience of thy grace 
 and love in Christ Jesus. Bestow the peace which 
 passe th all understanding, and grant that we may 
 know the love of Christ, and be filled with all the 
 fulness of God. Sanctify our sinful hearts, and 
 make us anxious in all things to be conformed to thy 
 wilL Strengthen our weak resolutions, and preserve 
 us from the sin of grieving thy Holy Spirit by 
 GUI' negligence and coldness of heart in thy service. 
 
 Grant that we may be more earnest in prayer 
 for all thy ministering servants who are set over 
 us in the Lord. Make them faithful to their high 
 commission, sei'ving the Lord with all humility of 
 mind, keeping back nothing that is profitable unto 
 their flocks, and solemnly adjuring all to repent- 
 ance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. If Thou art pleased to permit days of 
 persecution to try thy Church, be with those thy 
 servants who will be found in the forefront of the 
 battle. When difficulties beset their path, and the 
 Holy Ghost witnesseth that bonds and afflictions 
 await them, may none of these things move them, 
 neither may they count their lives dear unto them- 
 selves ; so that they may finish their course with^ 
 joy, and the ministry which they have received of 
 the Lord Jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace 
 of God. Like the holy Apostle, may they be pure 
 from the blood of all men, and not shun to declare 
 unto their hearers all the counsel of God ; so that, 
 taking heed to themselves and to all the flock over 
 which the Holy Ghost has made them overseers, 
 they may feed "the Church of God, which He hath 
 purchased with his own blood. 
 
 Bless our relatives [our dear children], our 
 Sovereign, our country. Protect us this night, 
 and keep us faithful unto death, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 f 289 ] 
 
 No. 37- 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SECOND WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DANIEL V. 
 
 OTHOU most lioly, most merciful, and loving 
 Father, with deep humility and sincere gra- 
 titude we approach thy footstool, to oifer to Thee 
 our morning worship* Graciously incline tliine 
 ear to our prayer, and by thy good Spirit help 
 our weakness, and grant us the happiness of those 
 who know that they are accepted of Thee. 
 
 We unitedly offer our devout thanksgiving for 
 thy sustaining and protecting mercies through the 
 darkness and helplessness of the night. How kind 
 hast Thou been to us in preserving our health, in re- 
 storing our sti'ength, and refreshing our spirits with 
 rest and sleep ! Thy bountiful hand has furnished 
 all the mercies which we now enjoy, and which 
 contribute to our comfort and happiness. We 
 feel thy goodness, Father ; we acknowledge 
 thy love ; and we pray that our minds and hearts 
 may be so influenced by thy favours, that we 
 may lovingly and heartily use them all for the 
 ])romotion of thy glory, and for the best interests 
 of our fellow-men. 
 
 Be pleased, merciful Lord, to write upon our 
 hearts the lessons of thy most holy Word. By 
 the terrible evils which Thou didst send in ancient 
 times on those who despised thy Word, may we 
 be led to consider the exceeding sinfulness of sin, 
 ami how fearful a thing it is to fall into the hands 
 of the living God. Of thine infinite mercy, 
 God, deliver us from the sin of pride and unbelief. 
 Whatever else Thou deniest us, give us a contrite 
 and humble spirit, that trembleth at thy word. 
 We confess our many shortcomings. Enter not 
 into judgment with us, for in thy sight shall no 
 man living be justified; but in thy mercy forgive 
 and bless us. 
 
 We humbly supplicate thy blessing for all the 
 members of our family, and for all our relations 
 and friends. May it please Thee to bestow upon 
 us all thy Holy Spirit, that we may evermore walk 
 in thy ways, and do all things for thy glory. 
 
 As we go forth to the duties of this day, we 
 pray that thy presence may go with us. Guide 
 us in every step we take. Guard us from the 
 snares and, temptations by which Satan may seek 
 our spiritual injury. Let every trial find us strong 
 in the Lord, and every earthly joy be heightened 
 by the joy of our God. 
 
 Receive our prayers, merciful Father, on behalf 
 of thy people throughout the world, that it may 
 please Thee to clothe them with salvation as a 
 garment ; and help them so to exalt our Redeemer 
 and Lord, that the world may be drawn unto Him, 
 until thy kingdom shall come, and thy will be done 
 on earth even as it is in heaven. We ask all in 
 the name of thy dear Son, Jesu§ Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXL 1—19. 
 
 TO Tliee, gracious God, we lift up our hearts 
 to praise and pray. Help us to cast off the 
 burden of earthly care and thought, and to worship 
 Thee in spirit and in truth. 
 
 We thank Thee that Thou hast this day de- 
 livered us from evil, and saved us from many 
 sins and from much sorrow. Through the blood 
 of the Lamb we have overcome, and this evening 
 can sing aloud of thy delivering mercy. Deign 
 to receive the song of our joyful praise, and help 
 us to bless thy holy name. We praise Thee, O 
 Lord, because Thou hast exempted us from many 
 trials which fell upon thy Church in ancient times. 
 The lines have fallen to us in pleasant places, and 
 we have a goodly heritage. Suffer us never to 
 forget the Giver of all our mercies. May we 
 never wax wanton and abuse thy bounteous grace, 
 but unto Thee may we constantly offer the sacri- 
 fice of a grateful and holy heart. 
 
 Forgive, Lord, our, sins, for they are many, 
 and especially our contempt of thy Word and our 
 neglect of the ministry of reconciliation. Most 
 justly mightest Thou have taken away our pastors 
 and teachers from the midst of us, for we have 
 often been heedless of their warnings, and un- 
 mindful of their instructions and reproofs. Blot 
 our sins from the book of thy remembrance, and 
 still send to us the messengers of peace. In the 
 greatness of thy mercy, thou great Head of 
 tlie Church, multiply the number of thy faithful 
 ministers who shall be ready to live and to die for 
 the name of the Lord Jesus. Oh, grant, heavenly 
 Father, that we may not receive thy message in 
 vain. We believe : do Thou help our unbelief. 
 Teach our ignorance. Soften and melt our hearts, 
 that we may know and love thy truth, and find it 
 the power of God to our salvation. 
 
 Succour, God, and defend all thy servants 
 who, in sickly climes and barbarous lands, are 
 swiftly exhausting health, and strength, and life in 
 endeavouring to bring the heathen into thy fold. 
 Oh, sustain their faith ; preserve their piety ; up- 
 hold their lives ; and if they should early fall 
 before the power of disease or persecution, oh, 
 give them the victory, and an abundant entrance 
 into eternal life. 
 
 To ministers of thy Gospel in all lands give 
 thy prospering blessing, and let the abundance of 
 the seas and the forces of the Gentiles be con- 
 verted unto Thee. May the mountain of the 
 Lord's house soon be established upon the top of 
 the mountains, and all nations flow unto it. We 
 ask all in the name and through the all-prevailing 
 intercession of our adorable Redeemer, Jesus 
 Christ. For his sake hear, and help, and bless us 
 this niffht. Amen. 
 
 r 290 ] 
 
MORNIKG.] 
 
 FORTY-SECOND WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DANIEL VL 
 
 OTHOU God and Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, the Author of our being and tiie Pre- 
 server of our lives, look down upon us, we beseech 
 Thee, in thy compassion and love, as we once 
 more kneel before thy throne of grace to offer our 
 united tribute of prayer and praise. By thy good 
 providence Thou hast brought us in safety to 
 the beginning of another day : defend us in the 
 same with thy mighty power, and grant that this 
 day we may 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. 
 
 We live in an ensnaring world. Oh, make us 
 wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. Be Thou 
 evermore our Ruler and Guide. Hold up our 
 goings in thy paths, that our footsteps slip not. 
 Keep us as the apple of the eye; hide us under the 
 shadow of thy wings. Help us at all times to 
 walk before Thee with holy vigilance and godly 
 circumspection. Knowing how frail we are, and 
 how prone to sin, remembering how crafty is the 
 enemy of our souls, and how many are the dangers 
 to which we are exposed, may we always so con- 
 tinually set Thee before us, that, trusting to thy 
 power, confiding in thy love, and daily seeking the 
 promised help of the Holy Spirit, we may ever- 
 more be safe under thy protection. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for the encouragement 
 Thou hast so abundantly given us in thy holy 
 Word to put our whole trust and confidence in thy 
 power and love. Impress upon our hearts, we 
 beseech Thee, the lessons of life we may learn 
 from the instructive history we have now been 
 reading. Like thy servant Daniel of old, may we 
 walk in wisdom toward them that are without. By 
 our upright, consistent, and Christian conduct, may 
 we, as he was, be living epistles known and read of 
 all men. Like him, may we obey God rather 
 than men, and be readv to suffer the loss of all 
 things rather than deny the God of our salvation. 
 Amidst all the trials, and difficulties, and uncer- 
 tainties of life, may we see and feel, as Daniel did, 
 that the path of duty is the only path of safety, and 
 may we so act that thy name may be glorified in 
 us. But, above all, endue us, Lord, with a spirit 
 of fervent, persevering prayer. In everything, by 
 prayer and supplication, may our requests be made 
 known unto Thee, and do Thou in mercy give us 
 an answer of peace. 
 
 Accept our thanks, Lord, for thy preserving 
 care of us during the past night. Keep us this 
 day in thy faith and fear, and if spared to the close 
 of it in safety, may we lie down at night at peace 
 with Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXI. 20-40. 
 
 ALMIGHTY" and everlasting God, we thine 
 unworthy servants acknowledge before Thee, 
 with shame and confusion of face, that the heart of 
 man is deceitful above all things, and desperately 
 wicked. It is not subject to the law of God, 
 neither indeed can be. They that walk only after 
 the flesh cannot please Thee. From the beginnino- 
 of thy Gospel, the children of darkness have per- 
 secuted the children of light. The servant has 
 been treated like the Master, and the disciple like 
 his Lord. But we thank Thee, and praise Thee, 
 that thy Word has nevertheless prospered, and 
 been magnified. Holy men of God, apostles and 
 martyrs, have resisted even unto blood, strivino- 
 against sin, not counting their lives dear unto 
 them, for thy name's sake. We bless Thee that 
 Thou hast still in the world a faithful Church, 
 against which the gates of hell cannot prevail; and 
 we call upon Thee to give more and more of thy 
 Holy Spirit to us, and to all thy servants, that we 
 may hold fast the truth as it is in Jesus, and con- 
 tend earnestly for the faith once delivered unto the 
 saints. Let no man take our crown. Let us not 
 be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, never be afraid 
 to take up the cross, and follow Him who re- 
 deemed us with his most precious blood, that, 
 when He shall come a second time, we may bo 
 counted worthy to stand before Him good and 
 faithful servants, to enter into the joy of our Lord. 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for another day's benefits 
 and loving-kindnesses. Day unto day uttereth 
 speech, night unto night showeth knowledge. Thy 
 mercies are new every morning, and repeated 
 every evening. But, whilst Thou hast been load- 
 ing us with favours, we have been forgetting Tiiee, 
 and breaking thy commandments. Yet Thou, 
 Lord, have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us. 
 Spare Thou them, God, which confess their 
 faults, and cleanse us this night with the blood 
 which cleanseth from all sin. We pray Thee, 
 moreover, to grant us thy watchful care and provi- 
 dence throughout this night. Let not the darkness 
 make us afraid : to Thee the night shineth as the 
 day ; the darkness and the light are both alike to 
 God. Restore in sleep the strength of mind and 
 body exhausted through the daytime; let no evil 
 thoughts disturb us, whether waking or sleeping ; 
 but under the shadow of thy love may we dwell 
 safely. 
 
 For all our dear relatives and acquaintances, far 
 away or nearer home, we entreat thy mercy. Tiie 
 Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon 
 them, and be gracious unto them. Lord, liear 
 us; hear us in heaven, thy dwelling-place; and 
 when Thou hearest, pity and forgive, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 291 3 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SECOND WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE DANIEL IX. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, behold us, vre beseech Thee, 
 with favour, as we kneel at thy footstool this 
 morning ; and permit us, through the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, our only Mediator, to call upon thy name. 
 
 Accept our thanksgiving for nightly rest, and 
 for the morning mercies spread out so plentifully 
 before us. The light of this new day we hail as 
 thy gift ; and we desire to humble ourselves in thy 
 sight on account of our manifold sins, and to take 
 refuge from thy righteous displeasure at the cross 
 of Jesus, where, if we seek Thee, we are assured 
 Thou wilt be found of us. We desire, Lord, to 
 be more deeply impressed with a sense of our 
 guilt and pollution ; we ask that the blood of 
 Christ, which cleanseth from all sin, may be more 
 precious to us ; and that we may more earnestly 
 thirst for that holiness without which no man 
 shall see the Lord. Our iniquities, like the wind, 
 have taken us away ; but as Thou art plenteous in 
 mercy and ready to foijgive, we are not without 
 hope that Thou wilt receive us graciously and love 
 us freely. And we beseech Thee to subdue within 
 us all that is contrary to thy holy will and in- 
 jurious to our best interests; and to bring us, 
 through faith in the Divine Redeemer, into peace 
 with Thee, and into the liberty wherewith Christ 
 makes his people free. 
 
 Thou most high God, may we be as mindful of 
 thine honour, and as faithful to truth and con- 
 science, as Daniel was, of whose confessions and 
 supplications we have been reading, and whose 
 contrition and devout earnestness we desire to 
 imitate. We praise Tliee for enabling him to 
 hold fast his integrity, and to be faithful to Thee 
 and to thy cause. May the spirit that actuated him 
 influence us, so that there may be no fault found in 
 us, except it be found against us concerning the 
 law of our God. 
 
 We deplore our personal and our family trans- 
 gressions, the sins of our rulers, and of the people 
 at large ; for, alas ! we and they, too, have re- 
 belled against Thee. And is there not, Lord, 
 amongst those who bear the Christian name, much 
 evil — evil that grieves thy good Spirit ? Oh, enter 
 not. Thou righteous Lord, into judgment with us, 
 but pardon and save us for the glory of thy name. 
 
 Lord, go forth with us as our Guide, Teacher, 
 and Guard to the duties of this day. Help us to 
 resist every temptation to evil speaking and evil 
 doing. Assisted by thy grace, may we order all 
 our affairs in the house and in business with dis- 
 cretion ; and by our faith in Christ Jesus, and our 
 practical love to his name, give evidence of being 
 thy children. 
 
 Hear us, gracious Father, for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXII. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, we come to Thee at the 
 close of another day to confess our sins, to 
 thank Thee for thy great mercies, and to ask thy 
 protection during the night that is before us. 
 Pardon all our transgressions, we beseech Thee, 
 and make us know the blessedness of those whose 
 sins are forgiven and whose iniquities are covered. 
 We acknowledge that we are all the children of 
 wrath even as others ; but we pray that each one 
 of us, through the great love wherewith Thou hast 
 loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses 
 and sins, may be quickened together with Christ. 
 We thank Thee for the grace and mercy shown to 
 thy servant Paul, that in him first Jesus Christ 
 might show forth all long-suffering for a pattern 
 to them who should hereafter believe on Him to 
 life everlasting. May he be a pattern to us ; may 
 we all know for ourselves what it is to be changed, 
 as he was, from death unto life, to be made new 
 creatures in Christ, to be born again, being 
 assured by the existence within us of a Divine lite 
 and of a growing desire to be like Jesus, that we 
 have really been translated from the kingdom of 
 Satan to the kingdom of thy dear Son. In the 
 manifestation of that life, may we follow thine 
 Apostle Paul as he followed Christ ; follow him in 
 devotedness to thy service, in willingness to count 
 all things but loss for the excellency of the know- 
 ledge of Jesus Christ our Lord, and in a determi- 
 nation to glory only in the cross of Christ. 
 
 Not for ourselves alone, Lord, do we ask this, 
 but for all our relations and friends, for all our coun- 
 trymen, and for the whole world, so that the time 
 may come when all men shall become the children 
 of God by faith in Christ Jesus, and the whole 
 earth be filled with the glory of the Lord even as 
 the waters cover the sea. 
 
 We confidingly look for thy protection and care 
 during this night. Through the day thy love has 
 spared us, and still we ask Thee to continue thy 
 lovingkindness to us, so that while we sleep no 
 harm may happen to us, but that we may be re- 
 freshed and strengthened by rest for the duties of 
 another day. 
 
 Blessed be thy holy name for all the mercies 
 we have received, not only through the past day, 
 but through all our lives. For sins forgiven, for 
 health preserved, for loving friends, for a happy 
 home, for the supply of all our bodily wants, 
 for the Word of God, and for the hope of glory, 
 we heartily thank Thee. We are unable to men- 
 tion with our lips a hundredth part of thy mercies, 
 but with our hearts we would thank Thee for them 
 all. 
 
 We offer all our prayers and our praises through 
 our beloved Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 292 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SECOND WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EVENINO. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NEHEMlAH I. 
 
 OLORD God of heaven and of earth, we adore 
 Thee as the high and holy God. Who 
 would not fear Thee, Lord, and magnify thy 
 name for ever and ever ? May our fear ever be 
 the fear of reverence and love ; the fear of children, 
 and not of servants or slaves. While w^e reverence 
 thy greatness and thy terribleness, may we, at the 
 same time, be able to rejoice in thy love, and to 
 hope in thy mercy. 
 
 We thank Thee that thy love and mercy have 
 been made known to us in the person and through 
 the work of thy Son and our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 For Him, as for thine unspeakable gift, we praise 
 Thee ; and through his merits and intercession 
 we draw near to Thee now, and offer our morning 
 worship. Hear Him, our Father, on our behalf; 
 and hear us through Him, and let our words and 
 thoughts, our praises and prayers, be acceptable in 
 thy sight 
 
 We praise Thee, Thou Ruler of nations, for the 
 privileges by which our lot has been marked. We 
 thank Thee that we are not in captivity, mourn- 
 ing over the desolations of our native land ; that 
 our homes have not been invaded, our liberties 
 crushed, or our temples closed. Make Us grateful, 
 we beseech Thee, for our security and peace. Help 
 us to acknowledge Thee as the Author of our 
 national mercies, and to do all we can to contribute 
 to our national piety. 
 
 Like thy servant Nehemiah, may we mourn over 
 our national sins, and our personal departures from 
 Thee. We and our fathers' house have sinned. 
 Our princes, our priests, and our people have 
 sinned. Oh, deal not with us as we have deserved. 
 Spare Thou them that confess their faults. Hear 
 our intercessions for those who confess them not. 
 In thy ^'eat mercy awaken piety in those who 
 love Thee, and give repentance to those who 
 love Thee not. Let the wickedness of the wicked 
 come to an end ; let the careless be brought to 
 reflection ; let the indifferent become serious ; 
 let the worldly become spiritual. And do Thou, 
 God of our salvation, so prosper every effort to 
 evangelise and save our fellow-citizens, that soon the 
 whole land may become like the garden of the Lord. 
 
 Vouchsafe to us, Lord, thy gracious help for 
 every duty of this day. Be Thou at our right 
 hand, that we be not moved. Oh, keep us this 
 day from temptation and sin. If placed in any 
 difficulty, do Thou direct and guide us. If over- 
 taken with any sorrow, O Thou great Comforter, 
 help us to bear it. Let thine arm be our strength 
 and stay. Let thy grace sanctify us, and fit us for 
 thy service in this world, and for thy glory in the 
 next. O Lord, hear and answer our prayers, for 
 jJesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 REAL IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXIIl. 
 
 OHOLY and glorious Lord God, Father, Re- 
 deemer, Sa?ictifier, once more Thou dost per- 
 mit us to offer up unto Thee praises, and thanks- 
 givings, and su^^plications. Fill our hearts with 
 lively gratitude unto Thee, we entreat Thee, for 
 thy unspeakable mercies to us. Thou hast spared 
 us. Thou hast blessed us. Thou hast kept us in 
 comfort and in peace. Thou hast permitted us 
 now to listen once more to thy holy Word, and to 
 hear of thy dealings with thy faithful servant of 
 old ; and Thou dost grant us the inestimable pri- 
 vilege of lifting up our voice and hearts tinto Thee, 
 assured that Thou wilt hear us, and wilt, if wo 
 pray in faith, grant us our petitions. 
 
 Make us to undei'stand, Lord, how vast are 
 these benefits. While so many of our fellow- 
 creatures are living in darkness, never having 
 heard of thy glorious Gospel, we have the full 
 beams of the Sun of Righteousness streaming upon 
 us. While multitudes more, though they have 
 heard of Thee, are not permitted to read in thy holy 
 Word, we enjoy that priceless blessing. We have 
 thy Word in our house, and may at all times read 
 and ponder it, none daring to make us afraid. 
 While many who live in this privileged land, and 
 who likewise have thy holy Word, study it not, 
 and live without Thee in the world, we have been 
 brought, by thy great mercy, to read therein, and 
 to assemble together to offer up our prayers to 
 Thee. For these great and inestimable privileges, 
 God, we would praise and thank Thee. But oh, 
 let us not rest in them. Let not a false security 
 take possession of our souls. Deeply impress upon 
 us the necessity that we should live according to 
 our privileges. Make us to remember ever that 
 Thou Thyself hast said, " To whomsoever much is 
 given, of him shall be much required." Oh, may 
 we seek a closer walk with Thee, a more tender 
 conscience, a more heavenly frame of mind, a 
 more entire devotedness to Thee. 
 
 Forgive, merciful God, all our sins, iniquities, 
 and shortcomings this day. Make us to hate and 
 abhor sin, and to fight more vigorously and more 
 successfully against it day by day. Protect us, 
 preserve us in body and soul, while we lie down 
 to rest this night ; and if Thou sparest us to the 
 morrow, may we commence the day with a deter- 
 mination to be more faithful in thy service. 
 
 Finally, we pray, Lord, that Thou wouldst 
 hasten the glad time when thy Church shall cover 
 the whole world; when the knowledge of thy 
 truth shall fill the earth as the waters cover the 
 sea. Hear us, gracious Father, and according to 
 thy great mercy answer us and help us, and to thy 
 name shall be all the praise. We ask all in Jesus' 
 Amen. 
 
 name. 
 
 I 293 3 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SECOND WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NEHEMIAH 11. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, we bless 
 Thee that Thou hast once more permitted us 
 to see the light of day. And now that another 
 day has dawned upon us, help us not only to 
 begin it, but also to spend it, in thy love and fear. 
 Make us conscious that thy presence is evermore 
 about us. In our going out and coming in, in 
 our downsitting and uprising, may we know that 
 Thou, God, seest us. May the thought of Tiiee be 
 pleasant to us, cheering and sustaining us in all 
 our difficulties, stimulating and helpful in all our 
 undertakings. 
 
 And while we seek thy favour as our shield, 
 may we also gratefully endeavour to promote thy 
 glory in the earth. May our whole lives be con- 
 formed to thy will, and may our chai-acters reflect 
 thine image. Whatsoever we do, in word or deed, 
 may we do all in the name of the Lord Jesus ; 
 even when we eat or drink, may we concern 
 ourselves about thy glory. Oftentimes restrained 
 from speech by circumstances, may we ourselves 
 become epistles of Christ, known and read of all 
 men. 
 
 Teach us contentment with our earthly lot. 
 Thou art the Judge : Thou puttest down one, and 
 settest up another. Let it satisfy us to know, what- 
 ever may be the portion of our inheritance, that it 
 is appointed unto us of Thee ; and let us, by an 
 equal fidelity to the talents entrusted to our care, 
 seek to obtain at last an equal commendation to 
 that Avhich others may receive who have discharged 
 a Aveightier trust. 
 
 We thank Thee that the morrow is the Sab- 
 bath. May we find rest unto our souls. Wearied 
 with the labour of the week, and oppressed with 
 all the cares of life, may the house of God be 
 to us the gate of heaven. There are some sorrows 
 which we cannot tell our fellow-men : incline us to 
 bring all our burdens to thy sanctuary, and there 
 roll them on the Lord. And may the zeal of thine 
 house consume us. Not merely when we worship 
 in the holy place, but at all times, may we be per- 
 vaded with the spirit of the sanctuary. In the 
 midst of worldly duties, may the interests of the 
 kingdom of heaven be continually upon our hearts. 
 
 Let thy kingdom come, and let thy will be done 
 on earth even as it is in heaven. May thy king- 
 dom come in all our hearts. May it enter, and 
 include with it every member of this family. May 
 the kingdoms of this world become the kingdoms 
 of our Lord and of his Christ. In all these things 
 may the God of heaven prosper us ; and may we 
 at last have our portion, our right, and our me- 
 morial in the heavenly Jerusalem. And all we 
 ask is for the sake of Jesus Christ our blessed Lord 
 and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXIV. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, in the name of 
 thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, we now draw 
 near to the footstool of thy mercy-seat to acknow- 
 ledge thy goodness and love, to render to Thee 
 the worship of our hearts, and to seek for the 
 blessings we need both for our bodies and our 
 souls. 
 
 By the riches of thy goodness, forbearance, and 
 love, we have been spared and are brought in 
 safety to the close of another week. Every morn- 
 ing and evening have brought some new token of 
 thy care, and every day a fresh proof of thy long- 
 suffering mercy. Our food and raiment, our 
 health and homes, our friends and comforts, 
 have all come from Thee, our God. To Thee we 
 are indebted for every blessing we receive, for 
 every breath we draw. We acknowledge our 
 entire and constant dependence upon Thee, and 
 our oblioation to render to Thee the highest and 
 best services of our hearts and lives. 
 
 But we confess, and we deplore before Thee, 
 that we have frequently transgressed thy com- 
 mandments. We have been unmindful of thy 
 mercies, and ungrateful for thy love. We are 
 ashamed, Lord, when we think of our unkind- 
 ness and ingratitude to Thee, our Father in 
 heaven, and our entire unworthiness of thy 
 favourable regard. Pardon us, good Lord, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, these our numerous and 
 oft-repeated sins. Oh, forgive us for the sake of 
 thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ. We plead before 
 Thee his obedience and death as the ground of our 
 hope of forgiveness and acceptance. And, Lord, 
 bestow upon us thy Holy Spirit, that He may show 
 us our sin, and check us when we begin to wander 
 from Thee. 
 
 Especially we pray that we may be preserved 
 from the sin of procrastination. When Thou 
 speakest, may we cheerfully listen; when Thou 
 commandest, may we instantly obey ; when thy 
 judgments threaten us, may we humble ourselves 
 in true contrition before Thee. In all our words 
 and works make it our earnest desire to live 
 soberly, godly, and righteously, in this present 
 world. Holy Spirit, take Thou entire possession 
 of our spirits. Make our hearts thy dwelling-place, 
 and bring Thou all our faculties and capacities into 
 entire subjection to the will of God ; and by thy 
 grace fit us to dwell in holiness and happiness in 
 his kingdom and glory for ever. 
 
 We commit ourselves and each other to thy 
 watchful and loving care through this night, and 
 we pray that when we rise we may be in the Spirit 
 of the Lord, and be prepared to use and to im- 
 prove all the blessed privileges of thy sacred day, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 294 ] 
 
Morning. 1 
 
 FORTY-THIRD WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NEHEMIAH IV. 
 
 OLORD Jesus Christ, who hast ascended on 
 high, who hast led captivity captive, and 
 received gifts for men, yea, for the rebeUious also, 
 we beseech Thee to help ns to realise what Thou 
 hast said, that "where two or three are gathered 
 together in my name, there am I in the midst of 
 them," and give us faith to expect blessings at 
 thine hands. On the first day of the week Thou 
 didst rise from the dead to carry on thy work ; and 
 on this morning we have been raised from our beds 
 to glorify the God of our salvation, and to seek for 
 special blessings on our souls. 
 
 But, Lord, we are continually exposed to 
 spiritual foes, who try to mar thy work, and to 
 In'nder our spiritual progress ; and without Thee we 
 can do nothing. Oh, send us help from the 
 sanctuary, strengthen us out of Zion : strengthen 
 us with might by thy Holy Spirit in the inner 
 man, and enable us to fight the good fight of faith, 
 and to lay hold on eternal life. Keep us this day 
 from walking in our own ways, and finding our own 
 pleasure, and speaking our own words. Our souls 
 cleave to the dust ; but do Thou quicken us, and 
 fight for us, and in us. So shall we come oft' more 
 than conquerors over our spiritual enemies ; our 
 adversaries shall acknowledge thy power, and we 
 shall be encouraged in the good hope, that in duo 
 time, through faith in Thee, we shall be inhabit- 
 ants of that glorious city whose builder and maker 
 is God. Help us this day to watch and pray that 
 we enter not into temptation ; and enable us to 
 resist the devil, that he may flee from us. 
 
 Lord, Thou hast commanded thy Gospel to be 
 preached to every creature under heaven, and by 
 the foolishness of preaching Thou dost save them 
 that believe ; but there are many adversai'ies. Do 
 Thou be pleased to enable thy servants to overcome 
 every obstacle to the preaching of thy Word, and 
 help them forward in the work of building up thy 
 people in their most holy faith, and in converting 
 sinners from the error of their ways. Enable 
 them with the sword of the Spirit to contend 
 earnestly for the faith once delivered unto the 
 saints, and to be very valiant for the truth as it is 
 in Jesus. Let the Gospel trumpet be so faithfully 
 blown this day, that thy people may prepare them- 
 selves for any spiritual conflict, and may know that 
 it is through much tribulation we shall enter the 
 kingdom of God. Comfort all that mourn in Zion. 
 Assist thy people who may this day be engaged in 
 spreading thy truth, and hasten the day when every 
 knee shall bow to Thee, and every tongue shall 
 confess that Thou art Lord, to the glory of God the 
 Father, to whom with Thyself and the Holy Ghost 
 be ascribed all honour and glory, world without 
 end. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXV. 
 
 GRACIOUS Lord God, wo praise Thee for the 
 many blessings of this Sabbath day. For pre- 
 serving care and sustaining grace, for the renewed 
 opportunity of serving Thee in the congregation of 
 thy saints, and for the precious ministrations of thy 
 holy Word, we thank Thee. So teach us our sin- 
 fulness and convince us of our sin, that the messao-e 
 of thy Gospel may be to us, indeed, glad tidings of 
 great joy, and that Ave may find comfort and peace 
 in thy promises of deliverance and acceptance. 
 Lord, we earnestly pray for thy Holy Spirit so to 
 work in us a believing and an obedient spirit, that 
 we may not receive the grace of God in vain, nor 
 turn away from thy truth. We desire to be thine ; 
 take our hearts and cleanse them from every stain 
 of guilt in the fountain once opened, and sanctify 
 us by a holy consecration to thy service for ever 
 and ever. Teach us what we owe to Thee for the 
 gift of thy dear Son. Oh, that we may comprehend 
 with all saints the love of Christ to us which 
 passeth knowledge, and be filled with the fulness 
 of God. Great and constant is our need ; but in 
 Him Thou hast provided for all our wants. Give 
 us grace to open our mouth wide that Thou 
 mayest fill it; and that w^e may be for ever the 
 monuments of thy mercy, saved, sanctified, and 
 glorified with Thee for ever. 
 
 Bless to our souls all the ordinances of thy 
 house, and let not the sinfulness of our services 
 cause Thee to withhold from us thy blessing. Fix 
 in our hearts the lessons of thy Word which have 
 been brought before us, and so water the seed 
 sown that it may bring forth fruit many fold to thy 
 praise. Preserve us from the sin of unljelief and 
 negligence. Show us in all things what Thou 
 wouldst have us to do, and enable us to do it as in 
 thy sight and for Thee. Have compassion on our 
 weakness and ignorance. Bity our sinful state. 
 Draw us, God, by thy Spirit, and we will run 
 in the way of thy commandments. 
 
 We pray, God, on behalf of all who have 
 to-day heard thy Word. Make it effectual to their 
 sanation, and to the increase of the Redeemer's 
 kingdom. May thy people be stimulated by the 
 example of the saints to be bold for Thee, and 
 manfully to confess Christ's name and bear his 
 Watch over us and all who are dear to us 
 
 cross. 
 
 this night. May the hours of darkness be hours of 
 rest and peace, and the savour of the Sabbath 
 abide with us even on the morrow. May all our 
 days be spent in thy fear, in the love of our 
 Saviour, and in the love of each other. Assist 
 us, watch over us, and bless us, even to the end, 
 so that when life here is terminated, we may 
 enjoy eternal life with Thee in heaven. We ask 
 all in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 2J5 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-THIRD WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [EvENrNG. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NEHEMIAH V. 
 
 OLORD our God, Thou art worthy to be praised. 
 There is no end of thy greatness, and there is 
 no limit to thy goodness. Again Thou hast granted 
 us hfe and favour, and at our family altar we 
 behold Thee, the present God, waiting to be gra- 
 cious in the supply of our spiritual and temporal 
 necessities for another day. 
 
 Replenish us, we beseech Thee, with thy Holy 
 Spirit. Quicken us according to thy Word, that 
 this day we may run in the way of thy command- 
 ments, and please Thee, both in will and deed. 
 Resuming the duties, taking part once more in the 
 trials of the week, and remembering our past ex- 
 perience, we feel how weak and feeble we are in 
 ourselves. We would maintain the temper and 
 conversation which become the Gospel of Christ ; 
 we would walk in wisdom toward them that are 
 without ; we would preserve a conscience void of 
 offence toward God and toward man : but who is 
 sufficient for these things ? Left to ourselves, the 
 first temptation will turn us aside, the smallest 
 sorrow will overpower us. We pray Thee, for 
 Christ's sake, to endue us with power from on high. 
 Make us sensitive to the approach of evil. Set a 
 watch at the door of our lips, and cleanse the 
 thoughts of our hearts. Enable us to retain the 
 Sabbath spirit whilst we discharge the week-day 
 duty. Like thy servant Nehemiah, who in the 
 time of trial, and difficulty, and temptation, and 
 evil example, was able to say, " So did not I, be- 
 cause of the fear of God," give us grace to set 
 Thee always before us ; and though others give 
 place to the devil and fall into his snares, enable 
 us to retain our Christian integrity and upright- 
 ness. We put no confidence in the flesh ; we 
 know that we can do no good thing without Thee ; 
 but we know also that we can do all things through 
 Clu'ist strengthening us ; and we pray that his 
 strength may be perfected in our weakness. By 
 a fresh act of faith we would this morning look 
 unto Jesus as our all in all, who of God is made 
 unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctifica- 
 tion, and redemption. 
 
 We supplicate for our beloved relatives thy 
 choicest gifts. Let none be strangers to thy Gos- 
 pel. Cause the light of thy countenance to rest 
 upon them, and enrich them with spiritual blessed- 
 ness. Regard with thy favour our country and 
 om" Sovereign. Bestow upon our rulers grace, wis- 
 dom, and understanding. Revive and extend all 
 Churches in all lands which hold the truth as it is 
 in Jesus. Send forth labourers into the harvest of 
 the heathen world, and kindle afresh in the hearts 
 of thy people the flame of missionary devotion, 
 liberality, and zeal. Hear us, pardon us, and 
 sanctify us, for our Redeemer's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXVI. 
 
 THOU ever blessed God, who art the King eternal, 
 immortal, and invisible, the only wise God 
 our Saviour, we would reverently come into thy 
 presence, and devoutly take thy holy name on 
 om* lips. 
 
 We heartily thank Thee that the throne of grace 
 is always open to us, and that we can worship 
 Thee in any place and at any time. We believe 
 that thou art, and that Thou art the rewarder of 
 them that diligently seek Thee. 
 
 Thou hast mercifully conducted us to the close 
 of another day. We devoutly thank Thee, God, 
 for continuing to us the health and strength 
 needed to enable us to attend to the duties of the 
 station in which Thou hast placed us. We desire 
 to conduct our affairs with integrity and justice. 
 Suffer us not to yield to the influence of worldly 
 maxims and polity, nor to an inordinate desire 
 for wealth. In all our transactions may we ever 
 remember the words of thy Son, our Lord and 
 Saviour, " Whatsoever ye wovdd that men should 
 do unto you, do ye even so to them." 
 
 And now. Almighty God, assure us, ere we 
 retire to rest, of the forgiveness of all our sins. 
 May we be truly penitent on account of them, and 
 seek for pardon through faith in the atoning sacri- 
 fice of Christ thy Son. We lament our imperfect 
 service, and the presence of sin in all our thoughts 
 and actions. But purify and accept our service, 
 we beseech Thee. We long to be filled with the 
 Holy Ghost, that every day we may grow in grace, 
 and in meetness for thy kingdom in glory. Search 
 us, God, and try our hearts, and see if there be 
 any evil way in us, and lead us in the way ever- 
 lasting. 
 
 We would remember all those who are in trial 
 and adversity. Shelter the defenceless ; feed the 
 hungry ; comfort the mourner ; raise up the 
 fallen ; strengthen the weak ; restore the back- 
 slider ; humble the proud ; give wisdom to the 
 foolish ; repentance and faith to the hardened and 
 careless. Pity the widow and the fatherless. 
 Defend all who may be in peril, whether on the 
 land or on the sea. Be nigh to those who are 
 sick, and sanctify their afflictions to their souls' 
 good ; and put thine everlasting arms beneath the 
 dying, that when heart and flesh fail, God may 
 be the strength of their heart and their portion for 
 ever. And do Thou, most gracious God, merci- 
 fully forgive all our sins, graciously guide us 
 through the journey of life by thy counsel, and 
 afterward receive us to glory. These great and 
 undeserved mercies we humbly and earnestly ask 
 Thee to bestow upon us for the alone sake of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom be ever- 
 lasting praise. Amen. 
 
 [ 296 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-THIRD WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NEHEMIAH VI. 
 
 INFINITE and eternal God, who dwellest on high, 
 and yet dost graciously stoop down to minister 
 to the necessities of the meanest and lowhest of 
 men, we adore Thee in the glory of thy majesty, 
 thy power, and unfailing compassions. Before 
 the mountains were brought forth, or ever Thou 
 liadst formed the earth and the world, even from 
 everlasting to everlasting. Thou art God. Bow 
 our hearts, we beseech Thee, at thy footstool with 
 lowly reverence and awe, and at the same time 
 give us an encouraging sense of thy tenderness 
 and grace. We acknowledge with thankfulness 
 and praise thy daily goodness to us in temporal 
 and spiritual things. Cause us to hear thy voice 
 and to see thy hand in all the mercies which crown 
 our life, that they may be memorials of thy love to 
 us, and the means of kindling our love to Thee. 
 
 The returning day has brought with it fresh 
 necessities : Lord, we implore Thee to supply 
 them according to the riches of thy grace in Jesus 
 Christ. Especially grant us anew thy forgiveness 
 for whatever sin Thou hast seen in us. We con- 
 fess our guiltiness before Thee : our very nature is 
 sinful in thy sight, and all our best services are 
 marred by unholiness and shortcoming. Lord, 
 work in us to will and to do of thy good pleasure. 
 Take away all our guilt, and change, renew, and 
 sanctify us. Fulfil to us the purposes of thy love, 
 and set the seal of thy Spirit upon us, that we 
 may be more than ever thine, by a thorough con- 
 secration to thy service. 
 
 Leave us not to ourselves or to the devices of 
 our own hearts this day. We desire to go forth to 
 its duties and engagements under the protection of 
 thy gracious providence, and with the guidance of 
 thy Holy Spirit. We have no power of ourselves 
 to resist temptation; be Thou our strength in every 
 hour of trial. Prompt us by thy grace to what is 
 pure, and upright, and holy, and suffer us not to 
 stray into paths of sin and worldliness. We com- 
 mend ourselves to thy grace. Give us, we beseech 
 Thee, a tender conscience, which will shrink from 
 displeasing Thee ; a simple faith, which can trust 
 111 Thee ; and an obedient heart, which will follow 
 Thee. 
 
 We pray for thy Church. God, thwart and 
 disappoint the designs of all who oppose thy truth 
 and would hinder its progress in the world. Make 
 all thy people zealous for thy glory, and willing 
 to do what in them lies, for the building up of thy 
 spiritual temple. 
 
 We pray for all who are dear to us. Let none 
 of us, young or old, depart from thy presence un- 
 blessed, but cause thy favour to rest upon us now 
 and all the day, for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom 
 be honour and praise for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXVII. 1—26. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, we 
 desire to approach to Thee this night with the 
 sacrifice of thanksgiving; to praise Thee for tho 
 mercies of the past day; and to implore thy 
 blessing before we lie down to rest. 
 
 Thou hast kept us this day from many dangers, 
 seen and unseen ; Thou hast preserved us in our 
 going out and our coming in ; Thou hast crowned 
 us with mercies and loving-kindness. For these 
 things, most gracious Father, we thank and bless 
 Thee ; but, most of all, for thine inestimable lovo 
 in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of 
 glory. 
 
 But, Lord, notwithstanding all thy goodness, we 
 have this day sinned against Thee in thought, and 
 word, and deed ; and if Thou shouldest mark ini- 
 quities, who shall stand ? But there is forgiveness 
 with Thee ; and now, Lord, we pray for pardon 
 through the blood of Jesus. Wash our souls from 
 the stain of every sin. Create in us clean hearts, 
 Lord, and renew right spirits within us. Con- 
 vince us more and more of the exceeding sinfulness 
 of sin and of its hatefulness in thy sight, that so 
 we may be more constantly on the watch against 
 it. Help us to resist the devil : may we never 
 give way to evil thoughts, or idle words, or an 
 unforgiving spirit. Sanctify us by the indwelling 
 of thy Holy Spirit. May He in all things direct 
 and rule our hearts ; and oh, grant us greater 
 likeness to our Divine Master. May that mind 
 be in us which was also in Him. We are thine, 
 Lord : may we serve thee with all our hearts ; 
 may the love of Christ constrain us to yield up 
 ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, to thy service, 
 that henceforth we may live entirely to Thee. 
 Teach us to be instant in doing thy work. What- 
 soever our hand findeth to do, may we do it with 
 all our might. We know not what a day may 
 bring forth ! May we, then, live as those who 
 feel that their time is short, and that they must 
 soon render an account to Thee. Prepare us, 
 Lord, for that solemn time. Let each day, 
 as it comes to its close, find us more pre- 
 pared for heaven. Grant that we may be daily 
 growing in grace and in the knowledge of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May we count 
 all things but loss for the excellency of that 
 knowledge. May we be ever pressing towards 
 the mark for the prize of our high calling of God 
 in Christ Jesus. Keep our eyes ever fixed upon 
 Jesus ; and in all times of danger and of difficulty 
 may we feel his presence with us. 
 
 And now, gracious God, we commit ourselves 
 to Thee for the night. Mercifully accept, pardon, 
 and bless us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 297 J 
 
 Nj. 38. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-THIRD WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NEliExMIAH VIII. 
 
 A L]\IIGHTY God, we adore Thee for thy pro- 
 Xi tecting care during the past night. Thou hast 
 renewed our lives and our health this morning, 
 and we call upon our souls, and all that is within 
 us, to bless thy holy name. For all thy gifts we 
 thank Thee, but especially for the great love where- 
 with Thou hast loved us in the gift of thy Son 
 for our salvation. We rejoice that in Jesus Thou 
 hast provided a Saviour able to save to the utter- 
 most all that come unto Thee by Him. Lord, we 
 come to Thee now in Jesus' name, and for his sake 
 alone ask the forgiveness of all our sins, negli- 
 gences, and ignorances. We confess with shame 
 how unmindful we have often been of all our 
 obligations unto Thee, and our duty towards Thee. 
 Our own hearts condemn us, and Thou art greater 
 than our hearts, and knowest all thmgs. Enter 
 not nito judgment with thy servants, Lord ; but 
 for the sake of Him who died, the Just for the 
 unjust, receive us graciously and love us freely. 
 
 Vouchsafe to us, Lord, the teaching of thy 
 Holy Spirit, that we may rightly understand the 
 things belonging to our peace, and learn to give 
 all diligence to make our calling and election sure. 
 When we hear or read thy holy Word, may it 
 come in power and demonstration of thy Spirit to 
 our hearts, and build us up in the faith and love of 
 thy holy name. Assist us, Lord, against all the 
 temptations that surround us, that we be not en- 
 tangled by the pursuits of the present world, and 
 enable us to set our affections on the things which 
 are above. May Christ and his great salvation 
 be daily more precious in our eyes, and his love 
 constrain us to a ready obedience to all thy com- 
 mandments. May we have the witness of thy 
 Spirit with our spirits that we are thy children, 
 that the joy of the Lord may be our strength. 
 
 Make us, we pray Thee, anxious to do good to 
 others, by active efforts on their behalf, as well as 
 by the blamelessness of our walk and conversation. 
 May those around see in us that thy ways are ways 
 of pleasantness and paths of peace, and be con- 
 strained to say, '' We will go with you, for God is 
 with you of a truth." Bless the whole world with 
 the knowledge of the Gospel of Jesus. Send out 
 thy light and thy truth to the dark places of the 
 earth, that many may come from the east and 
 west and north and south, to sit down in the king- 
 dom of God. Have mercy upon Zion, and turn 
 again the captivity of Israel. 
 
 Let thy hand be upon us for good throughout 
 this day, and spare us to end it with fresh praises. 
 All these mercies we ask for ourselves and others, 
 in the all-prevailing name of Jesus our Lord and 
 Saviour, to whom be all praise and glory for ever 
 and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXVII. 27-44. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, whom 
 -t±. truly to know is eternal life, and who hast 
 graciously revealed Thyself to us in thy holy 
 Word, grant us, we beseech Thee, so to know thy 
 dear Son Jesus Christ as the Way, the Truth, and 
 the Life, that we may evermore rejoice in the com- 
 forts of thy holy Gospel. We bless Thee for the 
 zeal and boldness of thy servants in former days, 
 who counted not their lives dear unto them, that 
 they might make known the unsearchable riches of 
 Christ Oh, grant that we may prize thy Gospel, 
 and experience its power, as they did ; so that, like 
 them, we may be filled with zeal for thy glory, and 
 for the salvation of men. 
 
 We live, Lord, in the midst of troubles and 
 dangers. We adore Thee for the sure refuge M-e 
 have m Christ. Grant that in Him we may be 
 secure from every trouble, and safe against all 
 dangers. Deliver us from the snares of ungodly 
 men. Preserve us from the allurements of the 
 world. Enable us to triumph, by thy Spirit, over 
 the sinful affections that dwell in our own deceitful 
 hearts. Suffer us not to make shipwreck of faith 
 or of a good conscience. May we hold fast the 
 profession of our faith without wavering, and pre- 
 serv'e always a conscience void of offence towards 
 God and towards man. Have mercy upon tho 
 many thousands around us who are living in sin 
 and ignorance of Thee. Show them their danger 
 ere it be too late, and teach them the value of the 
 safety that is in Christ Bless the labours of all 
 faithful ministers of thy Gospel. Give them bold- 
 ness to make known thy truth, and grant that thy 
 Word, spoken by them, may never be spoken in 
 vain. 
 
 And now, Lord, we beseech Tliee to pardon 
 the sins which we have committed against Thee 
 this day. As every day thy mercies are renewed, 
 so every day do we sin against Thee by ingratitude 
 and sloth. We thank Thee for the finished work 
 and perfect righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 Heavy-laden, with a sense of sin, we desire to look 
 to Him anew this night, in the assurance which 
 Thou hast given us that his blood cleanseth from 
 all sin. Strengthen, we beseech Thee, our resolu- 
 tions of amended life, and nourish in us all holy 
 desires. Our time here is but short. May we 
 have grace to wor?^ while it is day, remembering 
 that the night cometh, in which no man can work. 
 We commend to thy mercy all the afflicted, the 
 destitute, and the suffering. Have mercy upon 
 them, Lord. May the trials of thy people issue 
 in their increased holiness, and the sufferings of 
 those who know Thee not be overruled by thy 
 grace to their salvation. We ask all in the name 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen, 
 
 [ 298 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-THIRD WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NEHEMIAH IX. 
 
 OOUR God, the great, the mighty, and the terri- 
 ble God, who keepest covenant and mercy, 
 blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted 
 above all blessing and praise. Assembled here as 
 one family, we desire, Lord, to confess, in deep 
 humility, our sins and our iniquities committed 
 against Thee. 
 
 Thy mercies and loving-kindnesses have been 
 renewed to us as of old. Thy providential care 
 has protected us by day and by night. Thou hast 
 given us bread for our hunger and water for our 
 thirst. Thou hast preserved our health, and Thou 
 hast defended our property and home from inva- 
 sion and loss. Thou hast moreover spoken to us 
 from heaven in thy holy Word, giving us therein 
 thy true laws, good statutes, and right judgments. 
 Thou hast not spared thy Son, thine only Son, but 
 Jiast freely given Him up for us all, and Thou hast 
 put thy Holy Spirit within us. What shall we 
 render unto Thee for these, and all other thy 
 manifold mercies, vouchsafed to us ? Oh, help us, 
 gracious Lord, to praise Thee with our lips, and to 
 magnify Thee in our lives. For we have not always 
 been mindful of thy wonders, which Thou hast 
 done amongst us. We have oftentimes dealt very 
 proudly, as though our own power or might could 
 have gotten us these good things, and we have 
 forgotten to be thankful. Yea, we have even 
 rebelled against our gracious God, and done dis- 
 honour to the precious Saviour who has purchased 
 and redeemed us. We have grieved thy Spu'it. 
 But, blessed Lord, Thou art a God ready to 
 pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and 
 of great kindness. Oh, forsake us not, though we 
 have forsaken Thee. Let thy good Spirit still 
 instruct us, let not thy pillar of cloud depart from 
 us by day nor thy pillar of fire by night ; lead us 
 in the way wherein we should go, and forgiving, 
 through the merits of thy dear Son, our past 
 transgressions, keep us henceforth, by thy Spirit, 
 steadfast in thy fear. Let each one of us be 
 specially the object of thy sustaining grace to-day, 
 and may our every thought, our every word, our 
 every work, be holiness unto the Lord. Help us 
 by each act at home, and by each deed abroad, to 
 prove that this household is a family that fears the 
 Lord, and that every member of it is a child of 
 thine. 
 
 We desire thy blessing. Lord, in all our occupa- 
 tions, and in all our trials we implore thy strength. 
 Help us to bring into subjection every temper, 
 passion, and desire. Send to us and ours every 
 blessing, temporal and spiritual, which Tliou seest 
 good for us, and hear us. Lord, in these our 
 prayers, for the sake of Jesus Christ, thy dear Son, 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ACTS XXVIII. 
 
 OLORD, our God in Christ, help us to worship 
 Thee at this time in spirit and in truth. Ac- 
 cept our thanks for all thy mercies to us during 
 the day. Thou hast preserved us in life, health, 
 and grace ; Thou hast been with us in our going 
 out and coming in ; Thou hast continued to us the 
 precious blessing of reason; and for all these 
 things we ascribe the glory and the praise to Thee, 
 Our fathers trusted in Thee, and they were not put 
 to shame; they trusted in Thee, and Thou didst 
 deliver them from many a peril, and didst put 
 the glad song of deliverance and thanksgiving in 
 their lips. 
 
 We bless Thee for the history of thy dealings 
 with thine honoured Apostle, as he went from 
 place to place, teaching the idolatrous Gentiles the 
 great truths of salvation. Blessed be thy name, the 
 Gospel which he taught is still the power of God 
 unto salvation to every one that believeth. We 
 praise Thee for all that it has done in our fallen 
 and sinful world, under the mighty influence of thy 
 Holy Spirit. Nations that sat in darkness have 
 seen a great light, and to them who sat in the 
 region and shadow of death, light has sprung up. 
 Multitudes who were far off have been made nigh, 
 and many who wandered in darkness, and baii- 
 barism, and guilt, are now at the feet of Jesus, 
 clothed, and in their right mind. For all these 
 evidences of the truth of our holy faith we praise 
 Thee, Lord, and pray that the day may soon 
 come when the prejudices of the Jew, and the 
 idolatry and pride of the Gentile, shall give way 
 before the truth as it is in Jesus ; wlien all nations 
 shall be blessed in Him, and call Him blessed; 
 and when the light of the knowledge of the glory 
 of the Lord shall cover the earth, as the waters 
 cover the sea. 
 
 We entreat Thee, Lord, to keep us from in- 
 difference, and from the sin and danger of un- 
 belief. Preserve us from the guilt of hearing and 
 not understanding, of seeing and yet not per- 
 ceiving the Word of the living God. Give us 
 hearts to feel, and minds to perceive the things 
 that belong to our peace. May we accept Christ 
 as made of God unto us wisdom, and righteousness, 
 and sanctification, and redemption. Graciously 
 make our consciences tender, and our hearts 
 thankful, that we may hate and flee from every- 
 thing that offends Thee, and run in the path of 
 obedience, perfecting holiness m the fear of God. 
 We pray that our lives may show that we are re- 
 conciled to Thee by Him whom Thou didst freely 
 give to redeem us, and that it is our joy to seek 
 the promotion of his glory. May we love Him 
 who first loved us, and may we be kept in safety 
 this night, for his sake. Amen. 
 
 r 299 :i 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 FORTY-THIRD WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NEHEMIA.H XIII. 
 
 ETERNAL and ever-blessed Jehovah, we desire 
 reverently to acknowledge Thee to be the 
 Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long- 
 suffering and abundant in goodness and truth, 
 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity, 
 transgression, and sin. Graciously look down 
 from heaven, thy dwelling-place, upon us thine 
 unprofitable servants, and, according to the mul- 
 titude of thy tender mercies, blot out our trans- 
 gressions. Oh, do Thou wash us thoroughly 
 from our iniquity, and cleanse our hearts from sin. 
 Strengthen us, tliat we may perfectly love Thee 
 and worthily magnify thy holy name. 
 
 We praise Thee, Lord, for making known to 
 us, through the Scriptures, the knowledge of thy 
 will. Grant that we may never neglect these 
 lessons of thy grace ; establish us in all thy ways, 
 and make us complete in thy blessed will. 
 
 When we compare our lives with thy most holy 
 law, we are constrained to confess that we are vile. 
 Our iniquities have been many and great : they 
 have increased over our head ; and our trespass is 
 grown up unto heaven. Be merciful unto us, we 
 beseech Thee ; visit us not as our offences deserve, 
 but spare us, good Lord ; spare them whom Thou 
 hast redeemed through thy Son. 
 
 We bless thy holy name for all thy servants 
 departed this life in thy faith and fear, and pray 
 that we may not only desire to die their death, 
 and to be partakers with them of thy heavenly 
 kingdom, but that Thou wouldst give us grace to 
 follow their good example. Make us partakers of 
 the favour which Thou didst bear unto them. May 
 no wicked design or weapon formed against us 
 prosper, but keep us in peace and safety. 
 
 Hear our prayers also on behalf of our country. 
 Thou hast wondrously favoured and highly exalted 
 us as a nation, yet we have not served Thee as we 
 ought. Thy law is broken, thy Sabbaths are pro- 
 faned, the ordinances of thy house are neglected, 
 and the institutions of our holy religion despised. 
 W^e beseech Thee, Father of mercy, to turn from 
 us all the evils which we most righteously deserve, 
 and grant that we may evermore serve Thee in 
 holiness and pureness of living, to the honour and 
 glory of thy name. Hasten the time when all the 
 people shall praise Thee. Do Thou be pleased to 
 qualify us for thy service by giving us wisdom and 
 strength, whereby we may be instruments in thy 
 hands of reproving the ungodly and turning many 
 to righteousness. 
 
 We commit ourselves to thy keeping this day. 
 Watch over our paths, and finally bring us and all 
 ours into thy kingdom in glory, for the sake and 
 through the merits of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PHILEMON. 
 
 FATHER of mercies, graciously regard us in 
 this our evening worship. Our only plea in 
 approaching thy footstool is the name of thy dear 
 Son : for his sake bow down thine ear and hear, 
 and according to thy goodness bless us with all 
 things which are needful for life and for godliness. 
 
 Thou hast mercifully preserved us amid the 
 dangers of the day, and hast supplied our many 
 wants. Make us more deeply sensible of thy good- 
 ness to us, and more constantly anxious to show 
 our thankfulness by an habitual consecration to 
 thy service. We confess that in many things this 
 day we have displeased Thee. Thou knowest how 
 much and how often we have preferred our own 
 will to thine, and walked in the ways of the world 
 instead of in the footsteps of our Lord and Saviour. 
 God, reckon not against us these our sins, but 
 have mercy upon us. Graciously fbrgive and 
 enable us to lie down to rest in the assurance 
 of being at peace with Thee. If Thou seest us 
 careless and unconcerned beneath the burden of 
 sin, arouse us by thy grace, and leave us not to 
 perish. Quicken our hearts, and shed upon them 
 the light of thy truth, that we may understand all 
 the greatness of our need and the riches of thy 
 grace in Christ. Lead us in the right way, and 
 grant that at the close of every day we may be 
 holier, and wiser, and better, increasing in the 
 knowledge of God and in the faith of Jesus Christ. 
 Make thy grace effectual to the entire sanctifica- 
 tion of our hearts, and let it be seen in our love to 
 Thee and to thy people, that we have indeed passed 
 from death to life. Living or dying, we pray that 
 we may be thine. Take away the love of self and 
 of sin. In every spiritual perplexity do Thou guide 
 us, and from all dangers do Thou preserve us. 
 Deliver us from a spirit of formalism, and enable 
 us in all things to seek thy glory and the spiritual 
 welfare of those around. 
 
 Watch over us tlu'ough the night, and turn away- 
 all evil from our dwelling. Look, in thy mercy, 
 on all our dear relations and friends [and bring 
 the children of our family early, by thy grace, into 
 the fold of the good Shepherd]. Both for them 
 and for ourselves, and for the whole Church, we 
 implore every good gift, beseeching Thee to com- 
 plete in us all the work of thy grace, and to 
 prepare us for a place in thy kingdom of glory. 
 
 Graciously have regard to the state of thy 
 Church. Heal its divisions and enlarge its borders. 
 Mightily work by thy truth in the hearts of men, 
 and make thy ministers zealous to prepare the 
 way of the Lord, and to make ready, even in the 
 desert, a highway for our God. Grant us these 
 our petitions, and bless us abundantly, for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 300 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-THIRD WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOB I. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, we desire to come before 
 Thee in the name and through the intercession 
 of thy dear Son, humbled under a sense of our 
 own unworthiness, and yet filled with holy confi- 
 dence in the merits of Him who ever liveth to 
 make intercession for us. 
 
 We praise Thee, Lord, for the mercies of the 
 past night, and we now implore thy blessing and 
 thy presence with us in all the duties that lie before 
 us this day. Grant, we pray Thee, that we may 
 in all our ways acknowledge Thee, and do Thou 
 graciously direct our paths. Order om* goings in 
 thy ways, that our footsteps slip not. Keep us 
 mindful, good Lord, of the dangers to which we 
 are ever exposed in our intercourse with the world, 
 even in the pursuit of our lawful callings ; and give 
 us grace that, conscious of our own weakness, we 
 may never presume to depend upon ourselves, but 
 may look up unto Thee for wisdom to direct 
 us, and for thy Holy Spirit's gracious teaching and 
 influence to lead and guide, to uphold and keep us 
 in all our ways. Grant that, setting the Lord 
 always before us, and remembering that Thou, God, 
 seest us, we may have grace so to pass through 
 things temporal as not to forget or finally lose 
 the things that are eternal. And, forasmuch as 
 we know not what trials may befall us, or with 
 what afflictions it may please Thee in thy pro- 
 vidence to visit us, grant that we may ever have 
 our hearts and hopes there surely fixed, where 
 alone true joys are to found. Teach us patiently 
 to endure, and in all our troubles enable us to 
 submit ourselves to thy hand, knowing that Thou 
 dost not willingly afflict the children of men, but 
 chastenest thy people for their profit, that they may 
 be partakers of thine holiness. 
 
 We have read of the patience of Job, and have 
 seen the end of the Lord in all his dispensations ; 
 how that the Lord is very pitiful and of tender 
 mercy. Give us grace to take thy servant, of 
 whom we have now been reading, for an example 
 of suffering affliction and of patience , and with him 
 may we learn, in all sincerity, to say, under every 
 trial, " Shall we receive good at the hand of God, 
 and shall we not receive evil?" "The Lord gave, 
 and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name 
 of the Lord." Above all, may we be enabled, in 
 this and in all things, to follow the example of our 
 blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, and, rejoicing in the 
 assurance that in Him we have an High Priest who 
 is able to succour them that are tempted, may we 
 each be taught from our hearts to say, " Not my 
 will, Lord, but thine be done." 
 
 Hear us, we beseech Thee, merciful Father, 
 and give us an answer of peace and a blessing, for 
 thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE COLOSSIANS L 
 
 OTHOU who art the God and Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, and in Him our God and 
 Father, behold us thy servants, who desire, at the 
 close of another day, to approach Thee with our 
 supplications. Hearken unto the voice of our cry 
 our King and our God, for unto Thee will we 
 pray. We adore Thee as the Lord of heaven and 
 earth, and as the giver of all our mercies, and our 
 guardian from those evils which our sins deserve. 
 We confess that we have too often done that which 
 we ought not to have done, and have left undone 
 those things which we ought to have done ; and that 
 there is within us a tendency to forget thy presence, 
 and to depart from thy faith and fear. We therefore 
 draw near to Thee, to implore not only forgiveness 
 for the past, but great strength for the future, that 
 we may be filled with the knowledge of thy will, 
 and live as becomes those who are the disciples 
 of Christ. Grant that we may be fruitful in 
 every good work, increasing in the knowledge of 
 God, and ever abounding in thanksgiving to Him 
 who hath called us from the power of darkness 
 into the kingdom of Christ. Grant that we may 
 no longer be tied and bound with the chain of 
 our sins, but that Christ may dwell in us, the hope 
 of glory. May we abound in the graces of faith 
 and Christian charity, and may our hope be fixed 
 not on the uncertain and transitory things of this 
 life, but where true joys are to be found. May we 
 receive the Gos^ael as the word of truth, and may 
 we adorn the principles we profess by a con- 
 sistent and holy life. Bestow upon us, through 
 the Spirit, the graces of humility, of faith, of 
 prayer, of love, of watchfulness, and of obe- 
 dience, that we may walk worthy of the Lord 
 unto all pleasing, and pass our life here in the 
 enjoyment of grace, mercy, and peace from Thee, 
 heavenly Father, and from our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ, in whose hallowed name we plead 
 for ourselves, our kindred, and for all with whom 
 we are concerned. 
 
 We beseech Thee to take us and them under 
 thy gracious protection this night. Protect us, 
 we pray Thee, during the hours of darkness; 
 bestow upon us refreshing rest, and grant that 
 we may wake on the morrow fitted for the duties 
 of another day. Preserve within us a grateful 
 recollection of thy mercies. Thy goodness and 
 long suffering towards us demand our morning 
 and our evening praise. To Thee therefore, 
 Thou Keeper of Israel, who never slumberest or 
 sleepest, let all love and gratitude be rendered 
 by the members of this household, and by all 
 the faithful brethren of Christ throughout the 
 world, this night, henceforth, and for evermore. 
 Amen, 
 
 [ 301 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FOURTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ in holy SCRIPTURE J03 II. 
 
 MOST bountiful and ever - blessed God, our 
 lieavenly Father, we adore Thee for all the 
 wonders of tliy providence and the blessings of thy 
 grace. Thou hast once more kindly preserved us 
 during the hours of the darkness ; and from thy 
 hand proceed all the comforts and enjoyments we 
 possess. Add, Lord, to thy other gifts a heart to 
 love and serve Thee all our days. 
 
 We praise Thee, God, for this sacred day : 
 and we earnestly pray Thee to make this Sabbath 
 a time of refreshing to us from thy presence. 
 Give us holy affections and heavenly desires, 
 and make us sincere and upright in thy ways. 
 Let thy Word dwell in us richly, that our know- 
 ledge of Thee may increase, and we may be 
 enabled to avoid the snares of Satan, which con- 
 tinually beset us. When we shall go to present 
 ourselves before the Lord, let no vain, wander- 
 mg thoughts molest our worship ; may all the 
 cares of life be put far from vis, that nothing 
 may prevent our profiting by the ordinances of 
 thy house. 
 
 Number us amongst those who fear God and 
 eschew evil. In the severest temptations enable us 
 to hold fast our integrity. Strengthen us, Lord, 
 to resist sm in every form ; and as we know not 
 what Thou hast appointed for us, prepare us alike 
 to serve Thee with active diligence or to suffer for 
 Thee with perfect patience, as it seemeth good in 
 thy sight. When Thou art pleased to afflict us, 
 let us neither utter a presum])tuous word nor 
 cherish a rebellious thought. Only let all things 
 draw us nearer to Thyself in child-like confidence, 
 cheerful submission, and complete approval of thy 
 ways. Make all seeming evil good to us, and 
 permit not our unruly hearts to pervert thy good- 
 ness to that which is evil. 
 
 We supplicate thy richest blessing on behalf of 
 all thy faithful worshippers this day. Vouchsafe 
 the aid of thy good Spirit to all preachers of the 
 Gospel, and grant that wonders of grace may be 
 wrought in the name of the Lord Jesus. Merci- 
 fully behold in love all who, by sickness or other 
 lawful impediment, may be deprived of the privi- 
 lege of entering into thy courts ; comfort them 
 with thy good Word, and give unto them the oil 
 of joy for mourning and the garments of praise 
 for the spirit of heaviness. Crown with thine 
 effectual blessing all Sabbath-school instructions 
 and every endeavour to promote thy glory in the 
 world. 
 
 We beseech Thee, for the sake of thy dear Son 
 Jesus Christ, to pardon all our sins ; through the 
 merits of his intercession accept and answer our 
 petitions ; and to the Father, the Son, and the 
 Holy Ghost be everlasting praises. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE COLOSSIANS II. 
 
 OLORD Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, let our 
 prayers this day be set forth before Thee as 
 the incense, and let the lifting up of our hands 
 be as the evening sacrifice. We are not worthy to 
 offer unto Thee any sacrifice, nor to gather up the 
 crumbs that fall from thy table ; but, we beseech 
 Thee, our great High Priest and Intercessor, to 
 accept our sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. 
 Lord God, Lamb of God, Thou that takest 
 away the sins of the world, have mercy upon 
 us ! And because, Lord, thy mercies are great, 
 we beseech Thee to enable us by thy grace to 
 present our bodies living sacrifices, holy and 
 acceptable unto God, which is our reasonable 
 service. 
 
 Lord, our heavenly Father, who didst so love 
 the world as to give thine only begotten Son tliat 
 we might not perish, but have everlasting life, give 
 us grace to receive and to praise Thee for thine 
 unspeakable gift. Help us and all ours so to 
 receive Christ Jesus the Lord as to walk in Him ; 
 may we be rooted and built up in Him, and 
 established in the faith, as we have been taught, 
 abounding therein with thanksgiving. Let no 
 man spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit, 
 after the tradition of men, or after the rudiments 
 of the world ; but may we, Lord, be buried 
 with Christ in baptism, and raised with Him 
 through the faith of the operation of God, who 
 raised Him from the dead, and exalted Him to 
 be the Head over all things for his Church. 
 
 And Thou blessed Spirit, whose office it is 
 to take of the things of Christ and show them to 
 us, open our eyes to behold wondrous things ; and 
 grant that whatsoever in thy holy Word we shall 
 profitably learn, we may in very deed fulfil the 
 same. Follow with thy blessing all that has been 
 spoken in the name of Jesus this day throughout 
 our land and throughout our world. May thy 
 Word never be spoken in vain, but make it a 
 Avord of life, a word of comfort, and a word of 
 power; and may all who have spoken it be them- 
 selves partakers of thy grace. 
 
 Take away our guilt, Lord, and pardon the 
 iniquity of our holy things. Pour down upon our 
 Sovereign, our rulers, and our people, the riches 
 of thy grace. And especially upon ourselves and 
 upon all dear to us, bestow thy fatherly blessing. 
 May we all, young and old, be risen with Christ, 
 and seek those things which are above, where Christ 
 sitteth at the right hand of God ; and when Christ, 
 who is our Life, shall appear, may we also appear 
 with Him in glory. 
 
 Lord, forgive us ; Lord, answer us ; O 
 Lord, hearken and do, for the sake of our Lord 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 r 302 1 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FOURTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [EvENrsa. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOB XLII. 
 
 OLORD Grod of hosts, look on us in mercy as 
 we kneel before Thee, and as Thou hast brouglit 
 us in peace and safety to the beginning of this 
 week, so guide and guard us to the close of it. 
 Let our walk be such as becometh the Gospel of 
 our salvation. Keep us from all evil, that we may 
 serve Thee with a quiet mind, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. 
 
 Make us, Lord, to see ourselves as Thou 
 seest us. We daily confess our sins and acknow- 
 ledge our un worthiness; give us grace to feel more 
 deeply the sins which we confess, and the un worthi- 
 ness which we acknowledge. Send thy Holy Spirit 
 to take of the things of Christ, and to show them 
 unto us. Teach us to see in the death of Christ 
 thy holiness, thy justice, and thy hatred of sin, 
 that we may understand the utter depravity of our 
 nature, which demanded so great a sacrifice ; that 
 we may abhor ourselves in dust and ashes ; that 
 we may pour contempt on all our pride, and may 
 cast off our own righteousness as nothing but filthy 
 rags in tliy sight. 
 
 Enable us at the same time to see in the sacrifice 
 of the cross that mercy and truth are met together, 
 that righteousness and peace have kissed each 
 other, so that we may know the love of God, which 
 passe th knowledge, and may be ever encouraged to 
 come to Thee with all boldness, having access 
 through the blood of Jesus. 
 
 Thou great and glorious Jehovah, all things 
 are possible with Thee. Thou art able to do for us 
 (ixeeeding abundantly above all that we can ask or 
 think. God the Father, grant us, according to 
 the riches of thy glory, to be strengthened with 
 might by thy Spirit in the inner man. God the 
 Son, dwell in our hearts, and fill us with Thyself, 
 that, like Thyself, we may be full of grace and 
 truth. God the Holy Ghost, sanctify us wholly, 
 that our walk may testify to all around that Jesus 
 Christ is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, 
 sanctification, and redemption, and that we are 
 complete in Him. 
 
 These are the blessings for which we ask, our 
 God. We ask Thee not to deal with us after our 
 follies and our sins. We ask Thee for pardon and 
 peace. We ask for acceptance in the Beloved. We 
 ask for all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in 
 Christ Jesus. We plead also for our relatives, our 
 friends, and our acquaintance ; accept them and 
 bless them together with us, that we may together 
 serve Thee here, and together enter into thy glory. 
 Bless our country and our Sovereign, and grant 
 that the Gospel may have free course and be 
 everywhere glorified. 
 
 We ask all in the name and for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE COLOSSIANS III. 
 
 OST gracious God, the Father of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, look down upon us, we pray 
 Thee, from thy holy place, and let thine ear bo 
 open to our prayers and thanksgivings. We pray 
 for thy grace, that our worship may be sincere and 
 truthful, the offering of hearts touched with a deep 
 sense of thy goodness, and of our own constant need. 
 We thank Thee for thy preserving mercy and sus- 
 taining care through the day. How kindly hast 
 Thou provided for us ! How tenderly hast Thou 
 dealt with us ! With what compassionate for- 
 bearance hast Thou borne with our self-love and 
 self-will ! And now, Lord, Thou waitest to be 
 gracious. Accept and answer, we implore Thee, 
 the prayers we offer up for the forgiveness of our 
 many sins, and the renewal to us of thy mercies. 
 We confess ourselves unworthy even to gather up 
 the crumbs of mercy which fall from thy table. We 
 have strayed often from thy ways, and this day 
 have done many things displeasing to Thee. Enter 
 not into judgment with us, God ; for in thy 
 sight shall no man living be justified. Hide thy 
 face from our sins, and blot out all our iniquities. 
 Lamb of God, who hast taken away the sins of 
 the world, have mercy upon us. Thou that sittest 
 at the right hand of God the Father, a Prince and 
 a Saviour, awaken in us a true repentance, and 
 bestow the unspeakable blessing of a full forgive- 
 Show us the evil of sin. Convince us of 
 
 ness. 
 
 our own unrighteousness, and clothe us with thine 
 own righteousness, that we may be without spot 
 and blemish in the great day. 
 
 Heavenly Father, who hast so abundantly pro- 
 vided for us in the Gospel of thy dear Son, make 
 us anxious to obtain and to enjoy the great bless- 
 ings which are promised to thy believing people. 
 By thy Holy Spirit raise our affections to things 
 above, where Christ sitteth at the right hand of 
 God. Oh, cause us to be partakers of his death and 
 resurrection, and grant us grace so to live by faith 
 in Him, that when He appeareth we may also 
 appear with Him in glory. Oh, that we may be 
 enabled to deny ourselves, and to forsake all those 
 things which displease Thee ! So fulfil in us the 
 work of the Spirit, that we may show in all our 
 conduct before Thee and before all men that we are 
 indeed thy children, and that the word of Christ 
 and the Spirit of Christ dwell in us day by day. 
 We pray for Divine help, that in all we do we may 
 have an eye to thine honour and the glory of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Take us and our dear relations into thy care for 
 the night. Give us needful rest, and, if it please 
 Thee, raise us in the morning to the faithful dis- 
 charge of another day's duties. We ask all for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 303 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOIiTY-FOUHTH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EVENES'G. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JONAH I. 
 
 OGOD, our Father in Jesus Christ, we praise 
 Thee that Thou hast preserved us through 
 another night, and permitted us again to worship 
 at thy throne of grace. Thou invitest us with 
 humble boldness to bring our wants to Thee. 
 Earnestly, then, woiild we beg of Thee to give us 
 understanding to know, and a heart and will to 
 choose thy ways. Lord, we confess with shame 
 that we have often rebelled against Thee, and 
 have followed too much the devices and desires 
 of our own hearts. Again would we plead this 
 morning the blood of our great Sin-offering. 
 Again would we seek the intercession before Thee 
 of our great High Priest. By thy cross and 
 passion, by thy glorious resurrection and ascen- 
 sion. Lord Jesus, save and deliver us. 
 
 Give us grace to follow thy bright example, 
 Thou whose meat it was to do the will of Him 
 who sent Thee, and to finish his work. Take 
 away the proud self-will, the slothful self-indul- 
 gence, so natural to our carnal minds ; and may 
 the constant inquiry of each of us be, not what 
 we like best to do, but what Thou wilt have us to 
 do. Oh, dispose of us as Thou wilt ; and, as we 
 are permitted to lay upon Thee the heavy burden 
 of our sin and care, may we gladly take upon us 
 the light burden of thy commandments, and thus 
 find rest for our souls. 
 
 Father of mankind, look in thy mercy on the 
 great cities and towns, yea, and on the little 
 villages also, of our favoured land. Alas ! notwith- 
 standmg that Bibles and means of grace are to be 
 found everywhere, what numbers are there who 
 are living in rebellion against Thee ! Thou seest 
 the open and grievous sins that prevail among the 
 ungodly, and the lukewarmness and worldly con- 
 formity which is manifest among thy professing 
 Church. Oh, send forth bold and faithful preachers 
 of thy Word, to warn sinners of thy terrible wrath 
 revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and 
 unrighteousness of men ; and, as the preacher's 
 voice reaches their ears, may the Spirit's power 
 touch their hearts, and lead them to repent, and 
 turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 
 Hear us also in behalf of all who are sitting in 
 spiritual darkness and in the shadow of death. 
 Look on the waste places of heathenism. Oh, 
 remember thy promise that in thy dear Son all the 
 families of the earth should be blessed. Look upon 
 the covenant, for the dark places of the earth are 
 full of the habitations of cruelty. Oh, send forth 
 labourers into thy harvest, and make the Gentiles 
 obedient by the power of the Spirit of God. Let 
 all flesh see thy salvation, and the whole earth 
 be filled with thy glory. We ask all through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE COLOSSIANS IV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, assist us, we 
 beseech Thee, to approach thy throne with 
 deep reverence for thy majesty and thankfulness 
 for thy loving-kindness towards us. We feel that 
 we are utterly unworthy to come into thy presence. 
 We have sinned against Thee times witliout number. 
 But we venture to come in the name of Jesus Chi-ist 
 thy Son. We implore the aid of thy promised 
 Spirit. Oh, look not upon our unworthiness apart 
 from Christ. Pardon our sins for his sake. Give 
 unto us the sense of pardon through Him. Help 
 us to believe that in Him we are thy forgiven 
 children. 
 
 May thy Word, read to us this niglit, prove a 
 light to our feet and a lamp to our paths. Enable 
 us to act towards all men with kindness and justice, 
 even as we would they should act towards us. 
 Give us the spirit of prayer. Humbly, earnestly, 
 believingly, and frequently, incline us to pray unto 
 Thee. Help us to watch as well as pray, that 
 the tempter may never find us unprepared to 
 resist his open assaults and baffle his malignant 
 wiles. On all the pastors of thy flock, especially 
 upon him who is set over us in the Lord, we 
 implore thy heavenly blessing. In the study, and 
 in the pulpit, and in their pastoral visits, be 
 Thou with them. May they speak the mystery 
 of Christ with fulness and power. Give us grace 
 to profit from their ministrations. Wliatever we 
 learn from them, out of thy holy Word, may we 
 indeed fulfil the same. Help us to bridle our tongue, 
 to avoid in our conversation all that may displease 
 Thee, and to use for thy glory and the good of 
 men the gift of speech with w^iich Thou hast 
 endowed us. We know, Eternal God, that 
 our life is short and that it is fast hastening away. 
 Every hour brings us nearer to the judgment-day. 
 Oh, teach us so to redeem our time, and to number 
 our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wis- 
 dom. Finally, may we learn from thy holy Word 
 just read that as thy servants of old entertained a 
 kindly feeling towards each other, so should we also 
 love as brethren. Bound together by the strong 
 and holy bands of family affection, let no family di- 
 visions trouble us. And while contending earnestly 
 for the faith once delivered to the saints, may we 
 love all those, whatever their name amongst men, 
 who are united with us in the body of thy Son. 
 
 We commend ourselves to thy safe keeping 
 during the hours of this night. Underneath the 
 shadow of thy wings may we sleep in peace. From 
 all evils do Thou in mercy deliver us ; and when 
 we lie down to sleep the sleep of de&th, may it be 
 to awake in thy presence, where there is fulness of 
 joy, and to glorify Thee, world without end, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 30i J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FOURTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JONAH II., III. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, again we 
 bow the knee befoi'e Thee. Give us bold- 
 ness, and access with confidence, by the faith of 
 Jesus. Thy compassions fail not; they are new 
 every morning. We desire to thank Thee for the 
 mercies of the past niglit, for refreshing sleep, for 
 renewed health, and for the many blessings that 
 Thou bestowest upon us. And now, God, with 
 the returning light we would dedicate ourselves 
 afresh to Thee. Let thy blessing this day go 
 before and follow us. Grant that we may fall 
 into no sin, neither run into any kind of dangei*. 
 Hold up our goings in thy paths, that our foot- 
 steps slip not. Grant us this day the help of thy 
 Holy Spirit, that we may not only think those 
 things that be good, but also have grace and 
 power faithfully to do the same. 
 
 We confess before Thee, Lord, our sinfulness 
 in the days that are past. Wo have wandered far 
 from Thee. We have too often neglected thy laws 
 and broken thy commandments, and have pro- 
 voked most justly thy wrath and indignation 
 against us. Oh, deliver us from the burden of 
 past sins. As far as the east is from the west, so 
 far do Thou remove our iniquities from us. Re- 
 veal to us more and more the preciousness of the 
 Lord Jesus and the cleansing efficacy of his blood. 
 And grant, Lord, that the remembrance of thy 
 past goodness may make us more zealous in doing 
 thy work. How often hast Thou delivered us 
 when we were in trouble ! How often hast Thou 
 heard us, when out of the depths we have cried 
 unto Thee ? May we be diligent in extending the 
 knowledge of the Saviour and of his great salva- 
 tion. Bless, Lord, abundantly all those who 
 are truly labouring for Thee ; all who in this or in 
 other lands are seeking to spread abroad the know- 
 ledge of thy truth. Increase their numbers a 
 hundredfold. Pour upon thy Church a greater 
 spirit of self-denial, and grant that still larger 
 efforts may be made to extend its bounds. May 
 thy Word everywhere have free course and be 
 glorified. Cause multitudes from amongst the 
 heathen to be turned from darkness to light. Take 
 away blindness from the Jews. Let them receive 
 Thee, Jesus, as their Messiah, and help to pro- 
 claim thy saving name amongst the Gentiles. 
 Give to us all, we pray Thee, more zeal, more 
 love, more devotedness, a single eye to thy glory, 
 and a greater desire for the promotion of thy 
 kingdom. 
 
 We ask thy blessing, Lord, upon our families. 
 Bring into thy fold any who are wandering in 
 ignorance of Thee. Hear these our unwortliy 
 prayers for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom be all 
 praise and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS I. 
 
 OGOD, our Father, great and wonderful are 
 thy mercies to us in Christ Jesus ; how can 
 we worthily praise Thee? Feeble are all our 
 efforts to comprehend the exceeding length and 
 breadth of thy redeeming and saving love ; O 
 Lord, kindle in our hearts a deeper sense of 
 what we owe to Thee. Reveal to us more clearly 
 the riches of thy grace, and enable us to receive 
 the Gospel of our salvation in the simplicity of a 
 child-like faith. Enlighten the eyes of our under- 
 standing, and let us ever experience the greatness 
 of thy power. Raise our thoughts to Jesus in 
 his glory, and give us exalted views of his majesty 
 and grace. We pray for the Spirit of Truth, 
 that He may guide us into all truth, that He 
 may take of the things of Christ and show them 
 unto us. 
 
 Enable us to read the message of thy love in all 
 our life. We thank Thee for all that Thou hast given 
 us during this day. We confess, Lord, that we 
 have not deserved thy goodness. We have done 
 what we ought not to have done, and have not done 
 what we ought. Merciful Father, forgive us these 
 our sins, and let them not be remembered against 
 us. We pray for increased faith in thy promises, 
 and for the blessed assurance of our adoption into 
 the family of God. Grant us these blessings, and 
 day by day conform us more entirely to the image 
 and likeness of thy dear Son. 
 
 Gracious Saviour, to whom all power is given 
 in heaven and earth, who art exalted far above 
 all principalities and powers, and art made the 
 Head over all things to thy Church, we adore 
 Thee for thy great love to us, and we pray Thee 
 to enrich us continually with the gifts of thy 
 grace. Abide with us this night, and shed upon 
 us the blessed tokens of thy presence. Cause our 
 hearts to burn within us as we recall what Thou 
 hast done for our salvation. Lord, forbid it 
 that we should be cold and lukewarm in thy ser- 
 vice, or count as an unholy thing the blood of 
 thy crqss. Stir up, we pray Thee, our sluggish 
 affections, and kindle them into a fervour of zeal 
 for thy glory. Make us thine and keep us thine 
 for ever. 
 
 Spread round us through the hours of darkness 
 the shield of thy protection. May we, and all 
 whom we love, enjoy this night every blessing 
 which is good for us. Lord, grace, and strength, 
 and wisdom are thine. Bestow them, not accord- 
 ing to our imperfect and sinful petitions, but ac- 
 cording to thy knowledge of our need and the 
 riches of thy goodness in Jesus Christ. To Hira 
 with Thee, Father, and Thee, Holy Ghost, 
 one Triune Jehovah, be honour, praise, and glory 
 for over. Amen. 
 
 r, 30o ] 
 
 No. 39. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FOURTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JONAH IV. 
 
 WE praise Thee, our God, for the blessed 
 truth, that Thou art a God gracious and 
 merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, 
 repenting Thee of the evil ! We thank Thee that 
 this is so clearly revealed in thy holy Word. 
 May thy precious promises vouchsafed to the truly 
 penitent, and the many instances of thy forgiving 
 mercy in past times, ever encourage us to come to 
 Thee for pardon and peace. Lord, we acknow- 
 ledge our sins before Thee, and would humble 
 ourselves under thy mighty hand. But, Lord, 
 be not extreme to mark what we have done amiss. 
 Spare us, though we have deserved thy wrath. 
 There is in us no worthiness ~, but we bless Thee 
 that we can plead the worthiness of thy dear Son. 
 In his name we come before Thee, pleadmg the 
 merits of his most precious blood. Renew to us, 
 we beseech Thee, this morning the assurance of 
 thy forgivmg love. Stir us up to a hearty repent- 
 ance for all our sins. Quicken and increase our 
 faith. Pour down upon us thy Holy Spirit, and 
 enable us, by his mighty power, to turn from 
 every evil way, and to serve Thee in hoi mess all 
 the days of our life. 
 
 Help us, Lord, to be watchful against the 
 infirmities of our evil nature. Preserve us from 
 pride, and anger, and impatience of spirit. In our 
 daily cares and trials help us, we beseech Thee, to 
 look to Thee for grace to enable us to control our 
 wayward and evil inclinations. May we be kind 
 and tender-hearted, forbearing one another in 
 love ; and grant that, lookmg to the merits of thy 
 dear Son as our only plea before Thee, we may 
 likewise look to Him as our example, and endea- 
 vour to follow in the blessed footsteps of his 
 most holy life. Be with us, we pray Thee, 
 througliout this day. We thank Thee for peace, 
 rest, and safety during the past night. We 
 thank Thee for the many blessings by which we 
 are surrounded. Lord, continue thy goodness to 
 us, we beseech Thee. Supply us with all things 
 needful for the body, and feed our souls with the 
 bread of life. Give us strength for our various 
 duties, wisdom in our perplexities, and victory 
 over every temptation. Sanctify to us all the 
 dealings of thy providence. Help us so to love 
 and serve Thee here, that an abundant entrance 
 into thy heavenly kingdom may be ministered to 
 us hereafter. 
 
 Mercifully regard with thy favour all who are 
 dear to us, and give them thy richest blessings. 
 Lord, hear us, and let our cry come before Thee ; 
 and do for us exceeding abundantly above all that 
 we can ask or think, for the sake of thy dear Son, 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be honour and 
 glory for ever. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS II. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, at the close of another day 
 we assemble before Thee, to praise Thee for 
 the continuance of thy loving-kindness towards us. 
 Thou art never weary of doing us good, though we 
 are often weary of doing Thee service. We would 
 therefore now humble ourselves before Thee, en- 
 couraged by the promise of thy Word, that if we 
 confess and forsake our sins we shall find mercy. 
 Speak peace unto us through the Son of thy love, 
 who gave Himself a sacrifice for our sins, that He 
 might open the kingdom of heaven to all believers. 
 
 We are ashamed for our past unprofitableness 
 before Thee. Our privileges are many and great. 
 Give us. Lord, a deeper sense of the great love 
 wherewith Thou hast loved us. Let thy goodness 
 so pass before us that adoring wonder may fill our 
 hearts, and our lives continually speak thy praise. 
 May Christ, who is our peace, dwell richly in our 
 hearts by faith. May we be rooted and built up 
 in Him, and strengthened daily with all might, by 
 thy Spirit in our souls, that we may resist all 
 temptation, and overcome those sins which most 
 easily beset us. 
 
 Teach us, by the things which are passing 
 around us, that here we have no continuing city. 
 Save us from the snare of seeking our portion 
 in this world, lest we be poor through eternity. 
 May the one thing needful in our estimation be, 
 to know our adoption into thy family, and to 
 have the light of thy countenance shining upon us. 
 In the sweet assurance of thy love, may we be 
 enabled to take up our cross daily, to endure 
 hardship, and to fight the good fight of faith, 
 looking for the blessed hope, even the glorious 
 appearing of our great God and Saviom', Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 Look in mercy. Lord, upon all for whom it is 
 our duty to pray. Be especially gracious to our 
 relations and friends. Let none of them remain 
 strangers to the power of true religion. May they 
 all know Thee, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast 
 sent, and walk together with us as heirs of the 
 grace of life. 
 
 Look in mercy upon the sick and afflicted. Sup- 
 port them under their trials, and sanctify their 
 sorrows to the good of their souls. Help them to 
 see thy fatherly hand in all that befalls them, and 
 submissively to say, " It is the Lord ; let Him do 
 what seemeth Him good." 
 
 To thy heavenly care we commend ourselves this 
 night. Save us from all evil. Let our last 
 thoughts be of Thee, and when we awake may the 
 desire of our souls be again towards Thee. Hear 
 us, Thou God of love, for the sake of Him in 
 whom Thou art ever well pleased, even Jesus, our 
 only Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 C 806 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOKTY-FOURTH- WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EVENINO. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOEL I. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, who hast 
 most graciously watclied over us through the 
 silence of another night, and hast allowed us to see 
 the light of this day, we thank Thee for these fresh 
 tokens of thj love, and adore Thee as the giver of 
 every good and perfect gift. We confess ourselves 
 unworthy of the least of thy mercies. Hadst Thou 
 dealt with us after our sins, and rewarded us 
 according to our iniquities, we had not been here 
 before Thee this morning at the throne of the 
 heavenly grace. But Thou hast had mercy upon us, 
 for thy great name's sake , Thou hast given us the 
 Gospel of thy dear Son, and Thou hast said that 
 whosoever believeth in Him shall be saved. Lord, 
 increase our faith ; help us humbly and steadily to 
 rely upon. Him who poured out his soul unto 
 death, that we might live and not die. Make us to 
 grow in grace and in Christian knowledge, and 
 may our conduct and conversation prove that we 
 are indeed alive unto God through Jesus Christ. 
 
 As we are reminded by the Scripture wo have 
 read of our entire dependence upon Thee for tem- 
 poral blessings, may we have grateful hearts for 
 thy manifold mercies. The corn, the wine, and the 
 oil, and all the fruits of the field, are thine. Thou 
 canst send plenty, or visit a nation with the cala- 
 mity of famine. In thy hand it is to enrich or 
 make poor, to build up or to pull down. May old 
 and young, rich and poor, rulers and people, in 
 our highly favoured nation, remember that there is 
 no happiness and no prosperity without thy Divine 
 blessing. 
 
 Lord, teach us all to turn to Thee with full pur- 
 pose of heart, to mourn over our sms, to con- 
 fess and forsake them, and to acknowledge Thee 
 in all our ways. Let us not abuse thy providential 
 gifts, but may we be sober, temperate, and thank- 
 ful, using the world as not abusing it, and ever 
 remembering that we are stewards of the mani- 
 fold gifts of" God. Whether we eat or drink, or 
 whatsoever we do, may we do all to thy glory. 
 We are not our own, but bought with a price, 
 even with the precious blood of Christ, as of a 
 lamb slain from the foundation of the world : do 
 Thou, therefore, give us much grace, that we 
 may live not unto ourselves, but unto Him who 
 died for us and rose again ; living or dying, 
 may we be for ever his. Be pleased, Lord, to 
 give us this day our daily bread, and health to 
 enjoy it. Keep us from all evil, and graciously 
 grant us wisdom rightly to discharge the duties of 
 our station, whilst we look to Thee for guidance 
 in all things. We rejoice that thy grace is sufficient 
 for us, and that thy strength is made perfect in 
 weakness^ May we ever find it so, for Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESLA.NS III. 
 
 WE bow our knees unto Thee, God, the Father 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the 
 whole family in heaven and earth is named, that 
 Thou wouldest grant us, according to the riches 
 of thy glory, to be strengthened with might by 
 thy Spirit in the inner man. Help us. Lord, with 
 boldness and in the confidence of faith in Christ 
 to come and enjoy freedom of access to Thee. 
 To us, who are the least of all saints, is this grace 
 given, that we may approach and supplicate our 
 God. Oh, for thy Spirit's help, that we may avail 
 ourselves to the full of this precious privilege to- 
 night ! 
 
 Lord, forgive us all those evil things we have 
 done, and said, and thought to-day. They crowd 
 upon our memory now, and they have not been 
 hidden from Thee. We have dishonoured Thee 
 before men ; our own souls have been injured 
 through sin, and we have caused mischief to the 
 souls of others by our unfaithfulness to Thee. 
 Ho.w much good we might have done which we 
 have left undone ! Lord, here, in thy presence 
 at our family altar, we would abase ourselves and 
 repent us truly of our unprofitable day so much 
 misspent. Let us not lie down with guilt upon 
 our consciences. Lord, forgive us^ and, for 
 Jesus' sake, speak to us of pardon and of peace 
 by thy Holy Spirit. 
 
 Thou hast not wearied of doing us good, and 
 we have to add another day of ceaseless mercy to 
 the record of the years of loving-kindness Thou 
 hast afforded to us. Qui' cup of blessing runneth 
 over. Take, Lord, our hearts, and make them 
 wholly thine : it is all that we can give Thee in 
 return for all Thou hast bestowed on us. 
 
 Preserve us, gracious Lord, from eveiy danger 
 and from every harm to-night. Keep far from 
 this our home all evils, and let us all in undis- 
 turbed repose enjoy the sleep we need. 
 
 Above all earthly blessings we implore thy Holy 
 Spirit, and seek for more of sweet communion with 
 Thee in our souls. May Christ dwell in our hearts 
 by faith. May we be rooted and grounded in love, 
 and be enabled to comprehend with all saints 
 what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and 
 height ; and to know the love of Christ, which 
 passeth knowledge, that we may be filled with 
 all the fulness of God. 
 
 Nor would we ask these blessings for ourselves 
 alone. Lord, we have others, whom we love, that 
 are not here with us to-night. If disease, or want, 
 or threatening dangers press upon them, Lord, 
 disperse these evils, and be present with them to 
 bless them and to do them good. Above all, make 
 and keep them thine for ever. We ask all through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 307 ] 
 
Morning. ] 
 
 FORTY-FOURTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 EVENINau 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOEL IIL 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, the Fountain of all good gifts, 
 who knowest our necessities before we ask, 
 and our ignorance in asking, have mercy upon us, 
 compassionate our infirmities, and for the sake of 
 thy dear Son give us those things which for our 
 unworthiness we dare not, and for our blindness 
 we cannot ask. Thy mercies are new to us every 
 mornmg, and we would blend praise with prayer, 
 and with thanksgiving for past goodness would 
 make known our requests unto Thee. We have 
 laid us down in peace and taken our rest, and are 
 niDW raised up again, because Thou, Lord, hast made 
 us dwell in safety. Blessed be thy name for this 
 and for all the tokens of thy grace, especially for 
 the gift of thy dear Son. Suffer us never, we 
 pray Thee, to think lightly of thy redeeming love, 
 nor to forget at how great cost Thou hast redeemed 
 us. W^e have gone astray like a sheep that is lost ; 
 graciously keep us in thy fold, and preserve us from 
 wandering from Thee. Give us a continual sense 
 of thy forgiving love, that we may be cleansed 
 from all our sins, and live every day as in the 
 light of thy countenance, and under the constant 
 guidance of thy Holy Spirit. 
 
 Holy Father, we commit ourselves to thy mer- 
 ciful care and protection for the day on which we 
 have entered. Thou knowest how we are often 
 sorely hindered in our Christian race, and that when 
 we would do good evil is present with us. With 
 hearts so prone to the love of sin, and self, and the 
 world, and a great enemy ever on the watch to lure 
 us from Thee, whither. Lord, can we look for help 
 but to Thee, who hast loved us with an everlasting 
 love, and desirest not that even the least and the 
 lowliest of thy people should perish ? All strength 
 and wisdom are thine. Be Thou our Defender, 
 and spread around us the shield of thy protection. 
 We look up to Thee, Father, and pray Thee to 
 keep us this day from falling. By thy grace we 
 would guard our lips, and keep our very thoughts, 
 lest they sin against Thee. Through thy help we 
 would subdue the mclinations which would prompt 
 us to what is wrong. Lord, make us thine 
 entirely, consecrate us as the temples of the Holy 
 Ghost, and keep us thine for ever. 
 
 Glorify thy name in the daily triumphs of thy 
 Gospel. Increase the zeal of thine own people for 
 the enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom. Open 
 the eyes of many blind sinners this day to see in 
 Jesus their Saviour and their God. Comfort the 
 sorrowing, and mstruct them through the season of 
 trial in the things of God. Graciously regard all 
 whom we love, and suffer them not to neglect the 
 great salvation. For them, and for ourselves, and 
 for thy whole Church, we implore every blessing, 
 for thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS IV. 1-16. 
 
 OTHOU Fountain of liglit and life, we seek 
 thine assistance, that we may rightly offer 
 our evening sacrifice of prayer and praise. Send 
 thy Holy Spirit to help us in our devotions, and 
 guide us to the understanding of thy Word. 
 
 Glory be to Thee, Lord our God. We owe it to 
 thy mercy that our lives have been spared through 
 another week, and that Ave are now in the enjoy- 
 ment of so many mercies. Create within us a 
 thankful remembrance of thy preserving care. 
 Above all, help us to praise Thee for thy great love 
 in the redemption of our souls by our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. We come as weak and unprofitable ser- 
 vants, humbling ourselves before Thee, and con- 
 fessing that we have sinned and are guilty in thy 
 sight. Our only hope is m Tliee, the Lord our 
 righteousness. Cast us not away from thy presence, 
 restore unto us the joy of thy salvation, and take 
 not thy Holy Spirit from us. Sanctify our souls. 
 Thou hast purchased them to Thyself; grant, 
 therefore, that we may live to Thee, and walk 
 worthy of our vocation, with all lowliness, meek- 
 ness, and longsuffiering, forbearing one another in 
 love. 
 
 Lord, we entreat Thee to hear our prayers on 
 behalf of thy Church. Cleanse and defend it, and 
 because it cannot continue in safety without thy 
 succour, preserve it continually. Grant that it 
 may be so governed, that all who profess them- 
 selves Christians may be true members of the one 
 body, and partakers of the Holy Ghost. Enable 
 them to hold the faith in the unity of the Spirit, 
 in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. 
 
 We praise Thee, God, for the ample provi- 
 sion Thou hast made for thy Church in the ascen- 
 sion of thy Son. Thou hast exalted Him that He 
 might fill all things, and give gifts to men. Pour 
 down upon all thy people a large measure of those 
 gifts necessary for the perfecting of the saints., 
 the work of the ministry, and the edifying of 
 the body of Christ. Bring all thy disciples to the 
 perfect knowledge of the truth, that they may 
 attain to the measure of the stature of the ful- 
 ness of Christ. Preserve them from instability 
 of mind and from unbelief, from false doctrine, 
 and every form of evil and deceit. Enrich them 
 with thy grace, that they may speak the truth in 
 love, and grow up into Christ in all things. In' 
 crease the number of faithful ministers, and give 
 great success to the preaching of the GospeJ. 
 
 We now commend ourselves to thy protection. 
 Bless every member of our family. May we be 
 aflPectionately united together, constantly seeking 
 thy honour, and the edification of each other in 
 truth and love. Bestow these and all other need- 
 ful blessings, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 r 308 j 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 FORTY-FIFTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE AMOS IV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, the Creator of the heavens and 
 the earth, in mercy behold us, who now desire 
 to appear before thy sacred majesty, and to offer 
 unto Thee the sacrifice of prayer and praise. What 
 are we, that we should venture to bend our knees 
 before Thee ? We are but sinful dust and ashes ; 
 and if Thou shouldest enter into judgment with us, 
 we could not stand in thy presence. We humbly 
 confess our unworthiness ; we acknowledge the 
 proneness there is within us perpetually to depart 
 from the obedience which is due to the Lord 
 our God , and that we have no strength of our own 
 to resist that which is evil, or to do that which 
 Thou dost command. We therefore bow ourselves 
 before Thee this day, not trusting in our own 
 goodness, but pleading the merit of our Advocate, 
 Jesus Christ the righteous. For his sake we 
 implore Thee to regard our prayers, to absolve us 
 from all our unworthiness, and to bestow upon us 
 that grace by which we may be enabled to fulfil 
 the duties of the state of life in which Thou hast 
 in thy providence placed us. Whether it be our 
 lot to command, or our duty to obey, may we alike 
 remember that we are the servants of the living 
 God, and that we have a Master in the heavens. 
 
 Be with us this day in thy house of prayer, and 
 in all our going out and our coming in ; fit us 
 for the faithful discharge of all that we owe to 
 Thee, to our kindred, our neighbours, and our- 
 preserve us from whatever is unwise in 
 , or unholy in thought or deed. Prosper, 
 we pray Thee, during the ensuing week our lawful 
 undertakings ; and while we are seeking those 
 things which are needful for this life, suffer us not 
 to forget the things that pertain to the life here- 
 after. Bless us this day in all our religious duties, 
 and endow all who minister in holy things with 
 love and power, and a sound mind. Teach them 
 by thy Spirit, that they may teach others. Grant 
 that the word they shall preach may through thy 
 grace be the power of God to the salvation, the 
 comfort, and the edification of many souls. 
 
 Daily enable us to keep in mind the truth which 
 we have now heard, that Thou wilt come to be our 
 Judge. Enable us, Lord our God, so to live that 
 we may meet Tliee at thy coming with holy joy, 
 knowing that our redemption from sin and con- 
 flict then draweth nigh. Graciously supply tlie 
 necessities, spiritual and temporal, of all who are 
 dear to us, and cause them to grow in grace, and 
 in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour. These 
 mercies, for ourselves and for others, we ask in the 
 name of our adorable Lord and Master, Jesus 
 Christ, in whom we trust, and to whom, with 
 
 selves 
 word 
 
 Thee, Father, and Thee, Eternal Spirit, be 
 ascribed everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS IV. 17-32. 
 
 OLORD, our heavenly Father, who art the 
 Author and Giver of all good things, we 
 beseech Thee to look upon us this evening with 
 thy favour, and grant us thy blessing. 
 
 We are now, through thy gracious providence, 
 brought to the close of another Sabbath ; and we 
 desire to bless thy holy name for the mercies and 
 privileges which we have this day enjoyed. Let 
 the prayers which we have offered up in thine 
 house find acceptance with Thee, and bring down 
 an abundant blessing upon us. May the praises 
 which we have rendered to thy Divine Majesty be 
 likewise graciously accepted of Thee ; and grant, 
 we beseech Tiiee, Almighty God, that the words 
 which we have heard this day may be so inwardly 
 grafted in our hearts, that they may bring forth in 
 us a lively faith in the Son of thy love, and the 
 fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, 
 to the praise of thy holy name. 
 
 Forgive, we pray Thee, all that has been amiss in 
 our services ; and accept ourselves and our worship, 
 for the sake of our blessed Lord and Saviour. 
 Give us to know the truth as it is in Jesus ; and 
 grant . that the fruits of thine Holy Spirit may 
 abound in us ; that we may put off concerning the 
 former conversation the old man, and be renewed 
 in the spirit of our minds, that we may put on the 
 new man, which after God is created in righteous- 
 ness and true holiness. Deliver us, Lord, from 
 the sin of grieving the Holy Spirit of God ; and 
 give us grace that we may be enabled to put away 
 from us all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and 
 clamour, and evil speaking, with all malice, that 
 we may be kind one to another, tender-hearted, 
 forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's 
 sake hath forgiven us. May we be found followers 
 of God as dear children, glorifying thy name, and 
 adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
 things. 
 
 Unto thy gracious care and fatherly protection 
 we commend ourselves this night ; beseeching 
 Thee to watch over us for good, and to preserve 
 us from all evil. And if we are spared to see the 
 light of another day, and to enter again upon our 
 respective duties in life, may we show in our 
 whole walk and conduct that we have not only 
 heard of Christ, but have indeed learned of him, 
 and have been taught by his Holy Spirit. Grant 
 that our profiting may so appear that all men may 
 take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, 
 and have imbibed of his spirit — the spirit of holi- 
 ness and love. Regard with thy gracious favour 
 all who are dear to us, and enrich them with all 
 spiritual blessings in Christ Jesus. Hear us, we 
 beseech Thee, gracious God, in these our supplica- 
 tions and prayers, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 309 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIFTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ in holy SCRIPTURE AMOS V. 
 
 OLORD God, we come to Thee this morning, 
 not because we are righteous, but because 
 our transgressions are manifold, and our sins are 
 great. We have sinned against Thee, yet Thou, 
 even Thou, hast said, " Seek the Lord, and ye 
 shall live." Yea, Thou, even Thou, blessed Lord, 
 hast said, " Look unto me, and be ye saved ; " 
 *' Come unto me, all ye that are weary and heavy 
 laden, and I will give you rest." 
 
 And now. Lord Jesus, to whom shall we go but 
 unto Thee ? for Thou only hast the words of ever- 
 lasting life. Thou, Lord, wast lifted up to draw 
 all men unto Thee ; draw us, and we will run after 
 Thee. Thou didst bid Peter to come to Thee on 
 the raging watei's ; bid us come. Let no waves of 
 passion hinder us ; let no storms of this world's 
 opposition scare us ; let no gusts of temptation 
 turn us aside ; let no winds of false doctrine 
 draw us away from Thee. Lord, let thy good 
 Spirit lead us, and bid us come. 
 
 We come just as we are : receive us, we beseech 
 Thee, and give us the comfort of thy Spirit. We 
 come for wisdom to direct ; we come for grace to 
 strengthen ; we come for peace to quiet and to 
 pacify our hearts and minds ; we come for a bless- 
 inop on the ordinances of thine house during the 
 Sabbath that is past. Let the seed sown in our 
 hearts bring forth fruit to life eternal. May we 
 grow by it, and live accordmg to thy Word ; 
 doers of thy Word, and not hearers only. Let 
 not Satan snatch the Word out of our hearts, and 
 let neither the cares nor the lusts of this world 
 choke it and make it unfruitful. Let our lives 
 abroad and our tempers at home show that we 
 serve Thee and love Thee. Make the week begun 
 a week of blessing to us and to all whom we love. 
 Preserve us outwardly in the body, and inwardly 
 in the soul, defending us from all dangers, and so 
 ministering to our weakness that we may live to 
 thy praise. 
 
 Bless, Lord, our Sovereign, our princes, our 
 people. Defend the nation from the devices of all 
 our enemies, spiritual and temporal, and especially 
 from the craft and malice of those who hate and 
 oppose thy blessed Word. Keep us as a nation in 
 the simplicity of thy Gospel, and let judgment 
 run amongst us as waters, and righteousness as a 
 mighty stream. 
 
 Hear us, Lord, for thy mercies are great ; and 
 make haste to help us and to bless us. Let thy 
 presence go with us, and abide with us. Dwell in 
 our hearts, dwell in our homes, and dwell amongst 
 us as a people ; and hasten the day when Thou, 
 Lord, shalt dwell with men, and thy people, whom 
 Thou hast redeemed, shall dwell with Thee for ever 
 in thy glory. We ask it for Clirist's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS V. 
 
 IN the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, we draw 
 near to Thee, our God, humbly beseeching 
 that the exhortations we have now read from thy 
 holy Word may be written upon our hearts, and 
 bring forth fruit in our lives. Constrained by the 
 love of Him who gave Himself an offering and a 
 sacrifice to God for us, we desire to be followers of 
 Thee as dear children, even as children of the light. 
 We therefore pray that our whole body, and soul, 
 and spu'it, may be so sanctified by thy Spirit that 
 we may live in all goodness, and righteousness, and 
 truth, being preserved from the works of darkness, 
 and made meet for an inheritance in the kingdom 
 of Christ and of God. 
 
 We are reminded by the approach ot another 
 night that our tnne is short ; and we have seen 
 enough in another day of the sins and sorrows of 
 our fellow-men to make us feel that the days are 
 evil. Preserve us, good Lord, we beseech Thee, 
 in thy fear, and promote in us tliy praise. Make 
 thy will the rule of our conduct; thy glory the 
 supreme object of our desire ; and let the sweet 
 sense of thy approval comfort our hearts. God, 
 give us grace to adorn the doctrine of Christ in all 
 the relations of life. May He be our constant 
 example who was holy, harmless, undefiled, and 
 separate from sinners. We desire to partake of 
 his spirit, that pure and fervent love to one 
 another may abound in us. Let no unkindness, 
 no unfaithfulness disturb our peace, but make our 
 dwelling the abode of joys which the world can 
 neither give nor take -away. Humbly we confess 
 at thy footstool that in many things we all offend ; 
 forgive all the wrong we have done to Thee or to 
 each other, and cleanse us by the blood of Jesus 
 and the washing of his Word, that no iniquity may 
 defile or dwell in us. Accept our heartfelt thanks 
 for all the mercies we have enjoyed this day: 
 prosper the work of our hands, and now surround 
 us with thy gracious protection, that we may sleep 
 in safety and without fear of evil. We supplicate 
 thy blessing, as Thou seest they need, for all 
 our relations, fi'iends, and neighbours. [And we 
 specially pray that our oliildren may be blessed 
 with health and strength, and that, by true re- 
 ligion, they may be preserved from the evil that 
 is in the world through sin. Enable, us, God, 
 by prayer, by example, and by faithful counsel, to 
 lead them in the way they should go, and bring 
 them with us, when this mortal life shall end, to 
 thine own everlasting habitation.] Bless, God, 
 our country and our Monarch, and pour down 
 thy grace upon all sorts and conditions of men. 
 Preserve us in peace ; prosper our commerce ; 
 suppress sin, and let truth and righteousness fill 
 all the earth, tlu-ough Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 310 ] 
 
Morning. ] 
 
 FORTY-FIFTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE AMOS VIII. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, heaven is thy throne and 
 the earth thy footstool ; yet, in thy tender 
 compassion, Thou stoopest down to the lowliest and 
 meanest of men, caring for us day by day, pro- 
 tecting us night by night, and supplying all our 
 wants. All praise be to Thee for thy great good- 
 ness. Help us ever to recall with thankfulness 
 the undeserved mercies with which Thou crownest 
 our life, and in a spirit of praise to live for Thee, 
 To Thee we lift our hearts in the prospect of 
 another day's duties and engagements. To Thee 
 we come for grace and strength, for pardon and 
 peace. For thy dear Son's sake have mercy upon 
 us, and bless us. We pray that we may be daily 
 cleansed from all sin in the blood of Jesus, and 
 that by thy Holy Spirit we may be consecrated, 
 body, soul, and spirit, to thy service. 
 
 Go with us, we beseech Thee, to all the duties 
 of our several callings this day. Oh, preserve us 
 from falling before the power of any temptations. 
 Make us strong to resist sin, and so fill us with 
 love to Thee, and an earnest desire to obey thy 
 will in all things, that we may not feel thy com- 
 mandments to be grievous. Keep us humble 
 before Thee, and conscious of our own utter weak- 
 ness, that we may not be lifted up with pride 
 and self-conceit, and so fall into sin. Remind us 
 of thy presence, and so quicken our faith that we 
 may look to Thee and lean upon Thee for wisdom 
 and strength. In our intercourse with others 
 may we be watchful over our words and works, 
 lest we give the enemy occasion to blaspheme, or 
 put a stumbling-block in the way of thy children, 
 and cause them to fall. In tenderness of con- 
 science and with a spiritual mind we desire to 
 walk before Thee. We are frail and ignorant; 
 but, Lord, Thou canst supply all our need. 
 Grant us every good thing, for Jesus Clu'ist's 
 sake. 
 
 Graciously have pity on a lost and sinful world. 
 Let the dark places of the earth be enlightened 
 with the light of thy truth. Feed famishing souls 
 with the bread of life. Kindle the zeal and love 
 of thy Church, that it may be more diligent in 
 scattering abroad the knowledge of Christ and 
 Him crucified. And oh, bless all the ministrations 
 of thy Gospel, that souls may daily be added to 
 the Church, and that Jesus may see of the travail 
 of his soul. Oh, that we and all we love may be 
 saved and sanctified through Him, and be num- 
 bered among thy saints in glory everlasting. 
 
 Look on our country. Give wisdom to our 
 rulers, and control all that they do to the increase 
 of godliness and the welfare of thy Church. Mer- 
 ciful Father, hear us in these our prayers, and 
 answer us, for Christ's sake, Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS VI. 
 
 OMOST merciful God, the God of all the families 
 of the earth, but very especially the God and 
 Father of all them that believe, we pray Thee 
 give unto us the Spirit of adoption, that we may 
 together adore Thee as our Father. 
 
 And whilst with one heart and one mind we 
 thus call upon Thee as members of thy redeemed 
 family in heaven, make us as an earthly family to 
 recognise our relative duties one towards another 
 and towards all men. Let none seek. their own 
 things, but let each desire to promote the happiness 
 of others, for Jesus Christ's sake. Thus would 
 we walk together in love, gracious Father ; 
 thus would we glorify Thee with our bodies and 
 our spirits, which are thine. But when we would 
 do good, evil is present with us, and we are beset 
 and hindered in running the race Thou hast set 
 before us. Within, the evil heart of pride, and 
 selfishness, and unbelief, is ever striving for the 
 mastery over us. Without, we have to contend 
 with the world that lieth in wickedness, and with 
 the Avicked one, who, as the god of this world 
 and the prince of the power of the air, is ever 
 seeking to destroy us. And who and what are we, 
 Lord God, that we should be able to withstand 
 these mighty foes ? We are indeed utterly unable 
 of ourselves to help ourselves, unable to mortify 
 sin, to overcome the world, or to stand against the 
 wiles of the devil. But Thou Thyself hast laid 
 help for us upon One that is mighty. Thou hast 
 provided for us armour of proof, even the whole 
 armour of God. Gird us with this, Lord God 
 of Hosts. Enable us to wield with power the 
 sword of the Spirit, which is thy Word. Make us 
 ever watchful unto prayer with all perseverance. 
 Thus shall thy strength be made perfect in our 
 weakness ; thus shall we stand in the evil day, 
 and at the last shall stand before thy throne 
 without being ashamed, in all things more than 
 conquerors, through Him who loved us. 
 
 We bless Thee, we praise Thee, we worship 
 Thee, we glorify Thee, Lord God, heavenly 
 Father, for giving unto us, guilty and unworthy 
 sinners, the light of the knowledge of thy glory 
 in the face of Jesus Christ. We desire to yield 
 our bodies, souls, and spirits unto Thee, as those 
 who are in very deed alive from the dead, that 
 we may be ensamples to each other, to all who 
 are near and dear to us ; to our friends, our neigh- 
 bours, and to all with whom we have any dealings ; 
 ensamples of truth, and sincerity, and uprightness ; 
 of temperance, sobriety, and moderation ; of gentle- 
 ness, meekness, and charity, and of all godliness 
 of living, to the praise of the glory of thy grace. 
 Gracioul God and Father, we ask it all through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, Ameu, 
 
 C 311 3 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIFTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [EVENINC. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE AMOS IX. 
 
 OTHOU great and glorious Jehovah, humbly 
 and reverently would we worship Thee. 
 Deeply would we feel and sincerely acknowledge 
 our own nothingness and thine infinite greatness. 
 We are weak ; Thou art ahnighty. We are sinful ; 
 Thou art holy. We aro the creatures of a day ; 
 Thou art eternal. We are but as dust and ashes ; 
 Thou dwellest in light inaccessible, the Maker, and 
 Preserver, and Ruler of the gi'eat universe. Yet 
 we entreat Thee to accept our adoration, for the 
 sake of our Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ. 
 
 Fearful art Thou in thy judgments, Lord 
 God. None can resist thy power, or flee from thy 
 presence. Oh, help us to worship Thee aright. 
 May we tremble at the thought of ofi^ending Thee. 
 Bitterly may we regret, and earnestly strive against, 
 all that can displease Thee. Forgive the sins of our 
 past lives. Blot them out of the book of thy remem- 
 brance. Bring them no more against us for ever. 
 Give us the blessedness of the man to whom Thou 
 dost not impute sin. Wash us in the blood that 
 cleanseth from all guilt. Let thy Holy Spirit work 
 within us, to will and to do of thy good pleasure. 
 Make us, by his influences, to hate that which Thou 
 hatest, to love that which Thou dost love, to practise 
 that which Thou wilt bless. So we, being thy people, 
 and the sheep of thy pasture, shall be saved from 
 shi and death, and give Thee praise for ever and 
 ever. 
 
 God, bring thine ancient people into the fold 
 of the Saviour. Forgive their unbelief and dis- 
 obedience. Teach them to see in Jesus their 
 Saviour and their God. Give renewed energy and 
 wisdom to those who labour for their conversion, 
 and in thine own good time prosper the efforts 
 made with an abundant blessino;. 
 
 Fulfil, we entreat Thee, thy promises to thy 
 Church. Heal all her divisions. Take away her 
 corruptions. Kindle into a flame the lukewarm 
 zeal of all her members. Let all pastors, teachers, 
 and missionaries receive a large outpouring of thy 
 Holy Spirit. Lord of the harvest, send forth more 
 labourers into thy harvest, and so hasten the 
 coming of thy kingdom, that thy ways may be 
 known upon earth, thy saving health amongst all 
 nations. 
 
 Accept our thanksgiving for thy preserving care 
 during the past night, and for all the blessings we 
 now have, and hope still to enjoy. Preserve us, 
 we beseech Thee, throughout this day. If it be 
 thy will, let health, peace, and prosperity attend 
 us. Above all, order our thoughts, and words, and 
 deeds aright, that our lives may correspond with 
 our prayers, and be an acceptable sacrifice unto 
 Thee ; and to thy name shall be all the praise, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PHILIPPIANS L 
 
 GRACIOUS God and Father, w^e are met 
 together at the close of another day to 
 acknowledge thy great mercies. We praise Thee 
 for innumerable blessings pertaining to the present 
 life ; but above all, we thank Thee for the unspeak- 
 ably precious gifts of thy dear Son and thy Holy 
 Spirit ; for thy holy Word, and for an open door 
 of access unto Thee. Lord, we are sinful creatures. 
 We humbly confess that in us, that is, in our flesh, 
 there dwelleth no good thing. If there has been 
 begun in any of our souls a good work, it is thy 
 sovereign and undeserved grace that has wrought it. 
 Oh, that there may not be a member of this family, 
 nor an inmate of this house, destitute of that new 
 birth of thy Spirit, without w'hich none can enter 
 into the kingdom of God. May we all be of one 
 mind in the Lord, united to each other by our 
 common union to Christ ; so that, though we must 
 expect separation on earth, we may spend an 
 eternity together in glory. 
 
 And if Thou hast begun a good work in us, we 
 pray that Thou wouldest strengthen and perfect it. 
 May our love abound more and more in knowledge 
 and in all judgment ; that we may approve things 
 that are excellent ; that we may be sincere, and 
 without offence till the day of Christ, being filled 
 with the fruits of righteousness which are by Him, 
 to the glory and praise of God. Grant that to us 
 to live may be Christ, and while it is our joy to 
 do his work here below, may it be our earnest 
 desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far 
 better. 
 
 God, look dov/n in compassion upon thy whole 
 Church. Pity those who, though they are called 
 Chnstians, are in reality the enemies of Christ. 
 Bring conviction of sin to their hearts, and may 
 they know Jesus as their Saviour, who alone can 
 deliver them from its punishment and its power. 
 Oh, that all the ministers of thy Word may be 
 men of much prayer, and be wise to win souls 
 for Christ. Grant that all their flocks may mani- 
 fest a conversation becoming the Gospel. Grant 
 that, as faithful pastors are called to their rest, their 
 places may be abundantly supplied by men deter- 
 mined, like Paul, to know nothing save Jesus 
 Christ and Him crucified. For this end, bless our 
 schools, colleges, and universities with a plenteous 
 outpouring of thy Spirit. Overrule, for the fur- 
 therance of thy Gospel, all the efforts of its 
 opposers. When the enemy cometh in like a 
 flood, may the Spirit of the Lord lift up a standard 
 against Him. 
 
 And now, Father, we commit ourselves to 
 thy care. Thou that never slumberest nor sleepest, 
 watch over us. Be our God for ever and ever, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen, 
 
 [ 312 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIFTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [EvENrro 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE MICAH IV. 
 
 MOST gracious and merciful Lord God, we yield 
 Tliee hearty thanks that, with the renewal of 
 the face of the earth by the morning light, Thou 
 hast renewed to us thy loving-kindnesses, which 
 have been ever of old. It is of thy goodness alone 
 that we again kneel before the face of thy glory, 
 waiting for the riches of thy grace. Oh, Thou 
 Fountain of light, let the Sun of righteousness 
 shine in our souls. Suffer not the god of this 
 world, or an evil heart of unbelief, to blind our 
 minds. Remove from us the doubts and confusions 
 of a troubled soul, and cause the light of thy coun- 
 tenance to shine upon us. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy promises, by thy servant 
 Micah, of light, life, peace, and joy to be given 
 under the dispensation of thy Spirit ; may we now 
 richly enjoy all those blessings. Hasten, we be- 
 seech Thee, the day of the establishment of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom over the earth. Thou hast 
 given unto thy Church the earnest of the Spirit, 
 and hast shown thy faithfulness in the conversions 
 of Pentecost, in reviving from time to time thy 
 work in the world, and in blessing the missions of 
 thy Church to the heathen. Oh, increase and 
 strengthen those missions. Give wisdom to those 
 who conduct them, and convert, through them, 
 many souls. Grant that thy law, which went 
 forth out of Zion at Pentecost, may soon become 
 the rule of faith and obedience to all nations. 
 
 Restore peace through the world. Scatter the 
 nations that delight in war. O Thou Prince of 
 Peace, who hast reconciled us when we were 
 enemies to thy Father, do Thou, in fulfilment of 
 thy great work, speak peace to us, and command 
 that it reign universally. May we, and all who 
 name thy precious name, feel the security of walk- 
 ing in that nam«, none making us afraid. Thou 
 art our stronghold : the tower of thy flock. May 
 our cry be ever unto Thee. Forbid it, our 
 Saviour, that we should, under any dispensations 
 of thy providence, murmur or fear, as though our 
 King, the Wonderful Counsellor, were perished. 
 May we feel thy presence calming our souls, thy 
 great might succouring us, thy love gladdening us. 
 
 We implore thy mercy, Lord, to forgive our 
 sins. We pray, for the experience of all joy and 
 peace in believing. Give us the sweet assurance 
 of reconciled love. Work in us a growing desire 
 for conformity to thy will, and to the blessed image 
 of Jesus. May He be formed within us the hope 
 of glory. Enable us to follow his steps. Give us 
 strength to walk in love, as He hath loved us. 
 Cause us daily to live as in thy sight and to thy 
 praise. Make us holy in all manner of conversa- 
 tion, as Thou art holy, and hear these our prayers, 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ our Savioui'. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PHILIPPIANS II. 
 
 GREAT and gracious God, assist us in our devo- 
 tions. Give us the spirit and power of prayer. 
 We confess that we are sinful, unworthy, weak, 
 and dependent. We cannot pray as we ought, 
 or as we would. Send us help, receive us gra- 
 ciously, bless us abundantly, and pardon us freely, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 heavenly Fatlier, give to us the ornament of a 
 meek and quiet spirit. Enable us to walk in lowli- 
 ness of mind, in love, and with one accord. Let 
 the same mind be in us which was in Christ 
 Jesus, who, being in the form of God, thought it 
 not robbery to be equal with God, but took upon 
 Himself the form of a servant, and was made in 
 the likeness of men. 
 
 Keep us from strife and vain- glory, from mur- 
 murings, disputings, and discontent, that we may 
 be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without 
 rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse 
 nation. Enable us to be an example of godliness 
 at all times, and useful to all men ; to hold forth 
 the Word of life faithfully and constantly, the 
 testimony of God's marvellous grace and mercy, 
 in Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 Lord, our God, confirm our hope, and enable 
 us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. Give strength to our faith, 
 firmness to our resolutions, earnestness to our 
 prayers, fervour to our praise, spirituality to our 
 worship, and zeal in every good word and work. 
 Pour thy Holy Spirit upon us, to renew our cor- 
 rupt hearts, to enlighten our dark understandings, 
 to subdue our stubborn wills, and to purify our 
 depraved affections. Make us all more attentive 
 to our duties : public, social, domestic, and private. 
 Reveal to us more fully the preciousness of Christ, 
 that we may know Him in all the glory of hia 
 Godhead, and in all the perfection of his man- 
 hood ; in his justifying righteousness, in his all- 
 sufficient sacrifice, in his all-prevailing intercession 
 in heaven, and in his willingness and power to 
 save to the uttermost all who come unto God by 
 Him. Bless all the members of our family [our 
 dear children and servants] with every blessing 
 in Christ Jesus. Enable us to bear patiently 
 all those domestic trials and grievances which 
 Thou seest good to permit, and to meet them not 
 in our own strength, but in that strength which is 
 made perfect in our weakness. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for all thy goodness to 
 us, for life and preservation, health and strength, 
 friends and benefactors, the redemption of the world 
 by Christ Jesus, the means of grace, and the hope 
 of glory. 
 
 Bless and protect us during the night We ask 
 all throuo-h Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 313 ] 
 
 No. 40. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIFTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE MICAH VI. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PHILIPPIANS IIL 
 
 OGOD, we come into thy presence and bow our- 
 selves before Thee, trusting for acceptance, not 
 to anything in us, but entirely to the righteousness 
 and sacrifice of our great Redeemer. We thank 
 Thee that Thou hast brought us out of darkness into 
 light, and hast redeemed us from the degrading 
 service of Satan and of sin ; and we entreat Thee 
 that Thou wilt grant us thy Holy Spirit to enlighten 
 and sanctify our minds, and to strengthen us with 
 might in the inner man, working in us to will and 
 to do of thy good pleasure, and enabling us at all 
 times to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk 
 humbly with our God. We are poor and weak in 
 ourselves, and ever liable to fall ; but do Thou 
 make us watchful against every temptation, and 
 g] ve us grace and strength to help us in every time 
 of need. We would remember with gratefid 
 hearts all thy past providential kindness towards 
 us ; and feeling confident that Thou wilt never 
 leave us nor forsake us, we would cast all our care 
 upon Thee, who carest for us; and we humbly 
 entreat of Thee to grant that we may at all times 
 walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are 
 called, in all lowliness and humility, keeping our- 
 selves unspotted from the world, and so passing 
 through things temporal, that finally we lose not 
 the things that are eternal. 
 
 We thank Thee that Thou hast mercifully pre- 
 served us to another day. Grant that this day we 
 may fall into no sin, but that all our thoughts, 
 words, and actions may be regulated by tiiy 
 Spirit, and in accordance with thy Gospel, so that, 
 whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, we 
 may seek to glorify Thee, our God, with our 
 bodies and our spirits, which are thine. 
 
 We would pray for others as well as for ourselves. 
 Bless with all suitable grace and mercy all who 
 are connected with us by the ties of relationship or 
 of friendship. Instruct the ignorant, strengthen 
 the weak, relieve the distressed. Lead all whom 
 Thou hast visited with affliction to hear the rod, 
 and who hath appointed it, and mercifully grant 
 that they may find all things working together for 
 their good. Graciously overrule all the concerns 
 of this present earthly scene for the everlasting 
 welfare of thy Chm*ch and people, and hasten the 
 time when all the kingdoms of the world shall 
 acknowledge Christ our Redeemer as King of 
 kings and Lord of lords. 
 
 And now, God, we beseech Thee to pardon 
 all our sins, to wash us in the blood of the Lamb, 
 to grant us more of that peace which passeth all 
 understanding, to guide, direct, and sanctify us by 
 thy Holy Spii'it. In mercy hear and answer these 
 our prayers, which we offer up in the name of thy 
 well-beloved Son, our Saviour. Amen, 
 
 ASSIST us mercifully, Lord, in these our sup- 
 plications and prayers, with thy Holy Spirit, 
 and graciously grant that, through thy help, we 
 may faithfully and devoutly ask what is according 
 to thy will, through Jesus Christ our Lord, and 
 may obtain those things which Thou seest that we 
 need, for his sake. 
 
 In coming before Thee, Lord, to present this 
 our evening sacrifice of prayer and praise, we 
 humbly confess our misdeeds, and seek forgiveness 
 for all our sins of thought, word, and deed, beseech- 
 ing Thee to pardon them for thy dear Son's sake. 
 Teach us, Lord, ever to remember that we ai'e 
 poor, smful creatures, depending entirely upon thy 
 grace and mercy revealed to us in the Gospel. We 
 desire to renounce all confidence in ourselves, and 
 all trust in anything which we have ever done or 
 can do. We would be found in Christ, pardoned 
 on account of Ins sacrifice on the cross, and 
 accounted righteous on account of his obedience to 
 the law, through faith in Him. Grant that, know- 
 ing Him and the power of his resurrection, we 
 may live as those whose citizenship is in heaven. 
 
 We beseech Thee, also, Lord, to remove from 
 us, and all thy people, all love of contention and 
 vain-glory. Reveal thy truth more and more to 
 us all by thy Holy Spirit. We beseech Thee, 
 also, Lord, to preserve us from worldly cares, 
 and undue anxiety about earthly things. Grant 
 that, seeking first thy kingdom and righteousness, 
 all other things may be added unto us. We 
 beseech Thee, also, to grant thy blessing upon 
 all our lawful plans and undertakings, and to 
 give us that measure of worldly success which 
 may be well for us ; and do Thou be j^leased so to 
 order and direct all the events of our future lives 
 that they may promote our eternal welfare, and 
 that all things inay work together for our good. 
 
 We also intercede with Thee, Lord, on behalf 
 of all whom we should remember at the throne 
 of grace. We beseech Thee to give to our dear 
 relatives and friends the same blessings which we 
 have asked for ourselves. We also beg thy bless- 
 ing upon our Sovereign, the Royal Family, the 
 ministers of state, and all who are in authority, 
 that they may seek thy glory and the good of those 
 who are placed under them. 
 
 And now, Lord, we thank Thee for thy care 
 and goodness during the present day, and we 
 commend ourselves to thy gracious care during 
 the night, beseeching Thee to refresh us with 
 comfortable rest and sleep, to preserve us from all 
 dangers, and to bring us safely to the beginning 
 of another day, through Jesus Christ our Lord, to 
 whom be glory, praise, and adoration, for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 314 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-FIFTH WEEK.— SATURDAY, 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HOSEA VI. 
 
 ENABLE us, our Father, in drawing near to 
 Thee, to come with true hearts, in the full 
 assurance of faith. Grant that our worship may 
 be the service of the heart, and that we may now 
 realise the truth that Thou art the hearer and 
 answerer of prayer. 
 
 We bless Thee that Thou wilt not disregard the 
 cry of our helplessness, nor turn away from the 
 prayer of thy humble and contrite people. We 
 are conscious that Thou mightest justly spurn us 
 from thy presence, and leave us to our misery and 
 shame. But thy ways are infinitely above our 
 ways ; Thou delightest in mercy, and though Thou 
 art a holy God, and canst not look on sin, yet, for the 
 sake of Jesus, our Substitute and Intercessor, Thou 
 wilt graciously pass by our transgressions. We 
 praise Thee that Thou art a God of love, and that 
 Thou hast given us the fullest assurances of thy 
 good will towards us, and the clearest proofs of thy 
 compassionate regard, in the gift of thy dear Son. 
 Oh, let not any of us stand afar off from Thee, 
 when Thou art willing that we should come nigh 
 to Thee through Jesus Christ. May none of us 
 cherish slavish fear or sinful distrust in our hearts, 
 for like as a father pitieth his children, so Thou 
 dost pity them that fear Thee. We confess with 
 shame, God, that our goodness has too often 
 been as a morning cloud, and as the early dew 
 it has passed away. Good impressions have been 
 transitory, convictions of duty have been resisted, 
 resolutions which we formed have been broken, our 
 desires and affections have not gone out to Thee 
 with ardour and with constancy. We pray Thee 
 to convince us of our weakness, to show us our 
 unworthiness, that we may be humbled ; and to 
 lead us by faith to take hold of thy strength, so 
 that we may persevere in thy ways, and endure 
 unto the end. Revive our souls by the presence 
 of thy Holy Spirit ; refresh us with the dew of 
 thy heavenly grace, as the parched earth is re- 
 freshed by the rain, and make us to bring forth 
 fruit to thy praise. 
 
 We desire, Lord, to live continually in the 
 enjoyment of thy favour. Withdraw not thy pre- 
 sence from us. Unitedly we would say, " Come, 
 and let us return unto the Lord." We wish to 
 live evermore in thy sight, and to feel that we are 
 encircled with thy love, and that we walk in the 
 light of thy countenance. May we thus advance 
 in the way of holiness, and follow on to know 
 the Lord. 
 
 We beseech of Thee to forgive all our sins, to 
 accept our thanks for the mercies of this morning, 
 to be with us throughout this day, and to enable 
 us to bear about with us the thought of thy pre- 
 sence, for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 
 
 HEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PHILIPPIANS IV. 
 
 OTHOU gracious God, who hearcst prayer, 
 teach us to pray. Pour down upon us the 
 spirit of grace and supplication, and grant that, 
 being reconciled to Thee through the blood and 
 righteousness of Jesus, thy dear Son, we may 
 worship Thee in full assurance of faith. Awaken 
 in us spiritual desires, that our souls may thirst for 
 God, and look up to thy throne in the sure hope and 
 expectation of thy blessing. Great are thy loving- 
 kindnesses and tender mercies to us. We thank 
 Thee for them all, for the bounties of thy provi- 
 dence, and for all thy gifts of grace. Oh, that our 
 experience of thy mercy and goodness may be in 
 us a spring of joy and peace, and make us ever 
 glad in the remembrance of what Thou hast done 
 for us. Then shall we indeed be zealous for thy 
 glory, and diligent in thy service. 
 
 Especially, Lord, enable us now to enjoy the 
 blessed sense of thy forgiveness for this day's sins. 
 We confess them before Thee : sins of thought, and 
 woi'd, and act ; things said and done which have 
 grieved thy Spirit, and been contrary to thy com- 
 mandments. Have mercy, God, and let us not 
 lie down to-night with the burden of unforgiven 
 sin on the conscience. Spare us, good Lord ! 
 spare thy servants whom Thou hast redeemed with 
 thy most precious blood. We are very weak and 
 sinful, and when we would do good, evil is present 
 with us ; and we are unfaithful to Thee, and stray 
 from thy holy ways. Yet, Lord, do us good, 
 and supply all our need, accoi'ding to thy riches in 
 glory by Jesiis Christ. Establish us more surely 
 in the faith, and make us stronger to resist temp- 
 tation. We cast all our care' upon Thee, and in 
 the name of thy dear Son pray Thee to help us, 
 that we may abound in the work of the Lord, and 
 be ready to receive Him at his coming. 
 
 Graciously bless us as a family with all spiritual 
 and temporal mercies. Enable us by love to serve 
 one another. Comfort and relieve all those who 
 are afflicted in mind, body, or estate. Let thy 
 presence be with them, and thy Spirit teach them 
 in their affliction the things of Christ. We pray 
 for the unconverted, whether in our own household 
 or in the world around us. Lord, pity the 
 miserable slaves of sin, and worldliness, and super- 
 stition ; break their bands, and stir up in them the 
 desire for that liberty with which Christ makes 
 his people free. Make them to feel their ruin and 
 danger, and to flee to Christ for deliverance and 
 salvation. 
 
 Finally, we pray Thee to prepare us for the 
 coming Sabbath. May thy ministers be blessed 
 in all their labours for thy gloiy. Lord Gofl* 
 hear us. We ask all in the name of thy dear 
 Son, and our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 315 3 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SIXTH WEEK.-^L0iiD'8 DAY. 
 
 Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HOSEA XIII. 
 
 ETERNAL and ever-blessed Lord God, who, in 
 the midst of wrath, thinkest upon mercy, and 
 beside whom there is no Saviour, verily we have 
 destroyed ourselves through sin ; yet in Thee, and 
 in Tliee only, is our help. We magnify thy holy 
 name for the unspeakable gift of thy dear Son, and 
 for that wonderful manifestation of thy righteous- 
 ness whereby Thou declarest Thyself to be just, 
 and still the justifier of them that believe in Him. 
 Lord Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, Son of the 
 Father, who, through the sacrifice of Thyself once 
 freely offered, hast abolished death, and brought 
 life and immortality to light through the Gospel, 
 look down upon us, we humbly beseech Thee, on 
 this the morning of thine own holy day, and enable 
 us to approach Thee with the worship of sincerity 
 and truth. Lord, we humble ourselves before 
 Thee as miserable sinners, and trust in Thee alone 
 for pardon and acceptance. We confess not only 
 our utter unworthiness and sin, but also our great 
 weakness and helplessness. We desire ever to feel 
 and to acknowledge that we are not sufficient of 
 ourselves even to think anything as of ourselves, 
 but that the very preparations of the heart, and 
 all our sufficiency, must be of Thee. Oh, graft in 
 our hearts the love of thy name. Licrease in us 
 true religion. Vouchsafe unto us the aid of thy 
 Holy Spirit, that we may cheerfully perform the 
 duties and enjoy the precious privileges of this day 
 of rest. Oh, that it may bring grace and refresh- 
 ment to all our souls ; a happy earnest and fore- 
 taste of that unchangeable and glorious rest that 
 remaineth for thy people in heaven. 
 
 Go with us, we earnestly entreat Thee, to thy 
 house of prayer this day. Pour forth in our wait- 
 ing hearts the spirit of adoption, and be Thou 
 present in the midst of the assemblies of thy saints, 
 wheresoever two or three are gathered in thy 
 name. Give grace to all thy ministers, that they 
 may rightly divide the Word of truth, and be 
 faithful stewards and dispensers of thy mysteries. 
 Bless those especially who have gone forth into 
 distant lands, to proclaim amongst the heathen 
 the unsearchable riches of Christ. Carry home, 
 we pray Thee, thy Word with power this day to 
 all who shall hear or read it, and add unto thy 
 Church multitudes of such as shall be saved. 
 
 We would ask for a peculiar blessing upon all 
 our own dear friends, relations, and neighbours. 
 Strengthen them every one to enter by the strait 
 gate, and to walk perseveringly in the narrow way 
 which leadeth to eternal life. May they and we 
 be all thine, in the day when Thou makest up thy 
 jewels, Lord, hear us, pardon and bless us, 
 and give us more than we know how to ask or 
 think, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS L 
 
 HOLY, holy, holy. Lord God of hosts, we im-" 
 plore Thee to help us by thy Spirit, as we draw 
 near to Thee in the name of thy Son, that we 
 may worship Thee acceptably, with reverence and 
 godly fear. We plead the merits and intercession 
 of Him who died for us. For his sake bow 
 down thine ear and hear us. 
 
 We earnestly thank Thee, Lord, for all the 
 blessings of the day of rest now coming to its 
 close. We thank Thee for all the privileges we 
 have enjoyed in the communion of thy saints, for 
 the means of grace of which we have been par- 
 takers, and for the Word of life which we have 
 heard this day. Grant, gracious Lord, that we 
 may not receive thy grace in vain. May we be 
 deeply impressed with reverence for thy holy 
 Word. May we receive its heavenly truth in our 
 minds and hearts, and find it to be to us the seed 
 of eternal life. 
 
 Hear us also, we beseech Thee, while we pray 
 that thy blessing may descend in rich abundance 
 on all the congregations of thy people throughout 
 the world. May the Word which has been taught 
 and preached prevail to the conversion of the 
 ungodly, and to the edification of thy people in 
 their holy faith. May the time soon come when 
 thy Word shall be known in all lands, thy saving 
 health amongst all nations. Send forth the mes- 
 sengers of salvation to every land. Prepare the 
 way for the entering in of the Gospel. Guide and 
 protect thy servants. Send forth thy ministering 
 spirits who serve Thee in heaven, to succour and 
 defend all who are exposed to sorrow and peril 
 in doing thy work. Be Thou the stay and com- 
 fort of those who are suffering here on earth for 
 the testimony of thy truth, that, in communion 
 with Thee, they may find strength equal to their 
 need, and in all things prove more than conquerors, 
 through Him that loved them. 
 
 And now. Lord, we earnestly commend our- 
 selves, and all whom we should remember, to thy 
 divine protection during the hours of night. We 
 would lie down at peace with Thee, through the 
 atonement and intercession of thy beloved Son. 
 Keep us from all evil in body and soul, and 
 refresh and strengthen us for the cheerful dis- 
 charge of every duty. Look in mercy on those 
 around on whom the shades of night are closing 
 in sorrow or in pain. May they remember Thee 
 on their beds, and meditate on Thee in the 
 night watches, and find comfort and relief to their 
 souls. 
 
 Hear us for the sake of our Divine Redeemer, 
 to whom, with Thee, Father, and the Holy 
 Spirit, we would ascribe all honour and glory, 
 adoration and praise, world without end. AmeB- 
 
 £ 316 : 
 
Morning, j 
 
 FORTY- SIXTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 HEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE NAHUM I. 
 
 ALMIGHTY Lord and everlasting God, who 
 knowest them tliat trust in Thee, disjjusie our 
 liearts again to call upon thy name. 
 
 The holy Sahbath is past, and we enter upon our 
 daily course of life. Oh, grant that the cares of 
 the woild may not choke the Word we have lately 
 heard, nor its pleasures render it unfruitful. Once 
 again has thy goodness preserved us when we have 
 provoked Thee by our sins, and the greatness of 
 thy power hast Thou restrained by the abundance 
 of thy mercy. Forgive us all our offences, but 
 most of all our past neglects of thy grace, and 
 our want of ready obedience to the calls of thy 
 Gospel. May thy goodness lead us to repentance,- 
 and may we show forth thy praise this day both 
 with our lips and in our lives. Break the power 
 of our besetting sins ; unloose our tongues, and 
 make all our members instruments of righteous- 
 ness unto holiness. Lord, strengthen our faith, 
 that we may believe thy promises, and trust Thee 
 for our daily bread. Oh, shed abroad thy love in 
 our hearts, that we may be filled with it, and 
 tlurt all we do, or think, or say may be done in 
 charity. 
 
 Preserve this household and family ; may it 
 never with truth be said of us, or of any be- 
 longing to us, that we have been deaf to thy 
 call, and received thy grace in vain. Make us to 
 abhor that which is evil, and to cleave to that 
 which is good. Guard us against temptation, 
 and prepare us for whatever dangers may be this 
 day before us. Be Thou, good Lord, a strong- 
 hold in the day of our trouble, and may thy fear 
 be our refuge. Should wicked counsellors arise 
 and imagine evil against Thee, and teachers of 
 falsehood try to seduce thy people, let thy good 
 Spirit resist them : but when thy messengers of 
 mercy bring good tidings and publish peace, may 
 they be regarded with favour ; may the people 
 follow in multitudes to hear and keep the solemn 
 feasts ; and may they daily perform their vows. 
 
 Look in mercy, O Lord, upon the dark places 
 of the earth : bless, protect, and prosper thy mis- 
 sionary servants who labour in heathen lands. 
 Give unto them the faith that can remove 
 mountains of difficulty, and charity that never 
 faileth. Wherever Thou hast given dominion to 
 our country, there may Christian truth be spread, 
 and happy fruits of righteousness abound. 
 
 In every land let slavery come to an end. Let 
 the fetter be everywhere loosed, and minds that 
 have been in bondage to ignorance and error be 
 set free. Thou King of kings, bless our Sove- 
 reign and all in authority under her ; may they 
 rule in thy fear, and ever enjoy thy favour. Hear 
 ^nd answer us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS II. 
 
 OLORD God, humble us in the dust when we 
 take thy holy name on our lips. Work in us 
 a godly sorrow for sin, leadmg to a true repent- 
 ance, and faith in Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, 
 who taketh away the sin of the world. God, 
 fill our hearts with gratitude and our lips with 
 praise, when we contemplate the exceeding riches 
 of thy grace towards us, in providing for us a 
 Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. Truly, Thou 
 hast laid help for us on One who is mighty to 
 save. 
 
 Oh, help us by the teachings of thy Holy Spirit 
 to receive aright the great salvation which has 
 been wrought out for us by thy dear Son. May 
 this love of thine, which is manifested in the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, constrain us to hate our sins, and to 
 love Him who thus suffered even unto death, that 
 we who deserved to die might have eternal life. 
 blessed Jesus, who art partaker of our flesh and 
 blood, and who dost condescend to call us brethren, 
 make us deeply sensible of our unspeakable obliga- 
 tions to thy redeeming love ; and give us grace 
 day by day to trust in thy blood-shedding for the 
 pardon of all sin, and in thy perfect righteousness 
 as the only ground of om* acceptance in the sight 
 of God. 
 
 blessed Jesus, help us to meditate much and 
 often on the depths of thy humiliation, to which 
 Thou didst so willingly stoop, to accomplish the 
 work of mercy which brought Thee to this earth. 
 Help us to rejoice in thy exaltation to the right 
 hand of the Majesty in the highest heavens, where 
 Thou ever earnest on the work of intercession in 
 behalf of thy people. And enable us, amidst 
 present imperfections and tribulations, to enjoy 
 that peace with God which was thy parting gift 
 to thy sorrowing disciples. 
 
 God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, we 
 bless thy thrice holy name that Thou hast watched 
 over our goings out and our comings in this day. 
 We give Thee humble and hearty thanks for the 
 varied blessings bestowed upon us, for we acknow- 
 ledge Thee as the Author of them all. God, 
 forgive our want of gratitude, our want of service : 
 forgive wherein we have failed in duty to Thee, or 
 to our fellow - creatures, or to one another as 
 members of the same family ; forgive wherein 
 we have sinned in thought, in word, or in deed. 
 Oh, forgive us freely, forgive us fiilly, and wash us 
 in that fountain which Thou Thyself hast opened 
 for sin and for uncleanness ; and thus may we lie 
 down in our beds at peace with God, with our- 
 selves, and with all men. God, the hearer of 
 prayer, we pray Thee to hear and answer us, and 
 to bless us more than we can ask or think, for 
 Jesus Clirist's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 317 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SIXTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EvENraa. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH I. 
 
 OLORD God Almighty, before whom the se- 
 raphim stand with veiled faces, and cry, " Holy, 
 lioly, holy is the Lord of hosts," and before whom 
 thy saints in glory stand and exclaim, " Who shall 
 not fear Thee ? for Thou art holy," how shall we 
 come into thy presence, who are sinful dust and 
 ashes? We confess that we are a people laden 
 with iniquity, a seed of evil-doers ; yea, and too 
 often we have been the corrupters of others, and 
 tempted them to sin. We liave often forsaken 
 Thee, and provoked Thee to anger by our sinful 
 tempers, and foolish and wicked words ; by our 
 hatred, and malice, and bitterness ; b}^ our want of 
 faith, and hope, and love. We are altogether vile 
 in heart, and lips, and life ; and if Tiiou hadst 
 visited us with thy heavy judgments, as Thou didst 
 tlie Jews of old, and hadst scattered ua through 
 the nations, and taken away our Church, and our 
 Bible, and our ministers, and our Sabbaths, Thou 
 wouldest have been justified in thy dealings with 
 us ; but we bless and praise thy name that Thou 
 hast not so dealt with us. Thou hast still con- 
 tinued to us our undeserved blessings. Thou hast 
 given to us many temporal mercies : food, and 
 raiment, and health, and strength, so that we can 
 do our daily work; and Thou hast given us our 
 Bible to read at home, and the ordinances of the 
 Sabbath ; and Thou offerest to us pardon of our 
 sins, and justification before Thee, and sancti- 
 fication through thy dear Son, Christ Jesus, and by 
 his Holy Spirit. Lord most holy, we beseech 
 Thee, for Jesus' sake, take all the members of this 
 household, and wash them clean in the fountain 
 Thou hast opened for sin and uncleanness ; and 
 grant that, though our sins are now as glaring as 
 scarlet, they may be removed, and we may 
 become white as snow : though they are deep and 
 doubly dyed like crimson, we may become as the 
 pure wool. Take all our sins, as Thou hast pro- 
 mised, and cast them into the depths of the sea, 
 that they may be seen and remembered no more 
 for ever. Grant that we may each come out of 
 that fountain like Naaman out of the Jordan, with 
 our flesh made as the flesh of a little child, 
 without any spot, or blemish, or any such thing. 
 
 And, Lord, as Thou knowest we shall never 
 forsake sin or practise holiness, unless Thou give 
 us thy Holy Spirit and a new heart, we beseech 
 Thee to create a new heart in each of us, and send 
 us thy Holy Spirit, that He may make us new 
 creatures, and incline us this day to love thy Word 
 and thy commandments, and to practise them. 
 
 Bless, gracious Father, each member of this 
 family. Make us to love one another, and help 
 each other this day on our heavenly way. Grant 
 us these our prayers, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS III. 
 
 OLORD Christ, blessed art Thou, Thou 
 King of glory. We rejoice in thy mercy, 
 Lord, and especially in the glorious fact that 
 Thou, our risen Saviour, art Head of thine elect 
 Church, which Thou hast knit together in one 
 holy communion and fellowship. 
 
 Enable us to hold fast the confidence and re- 
 joicing of our hope in Thee unto the end. Re- 
 member us in our low estate, now that Thou art 
 in thy kingdom. Save us from hardness of heart, 
 and contempt of thy Word, and every form of 
 unbelief. 
 
 From the deceitfulness of sin and every root of 
 bitterness, good Lord, deliver us. Help us, God, 
 and daily strengthen our hearts to be steadfast 
 unto the end, that when Christ, who is our life, 
 shall appear, we also may appear with Him in 
 glory. Oh, come down. Thou Spirit of God, and 
 make clean our hearts within us. Establish and 
 increase in us whatsoever of faith and love Thou 
 hast wrought in us. Heal our distempers, help 
 our infirmities, succour our weaknesses, and in 
 thy great goodness supply all our wants. 
 
 Blessed be thy name, God, for the promise of 
 eternal rest and peace. Through the grace and 
 merits of thy dear Son, we pray Thee that we may 
 not come short of it through unbelief and sin. 
 Make us watchful against all that would hinder 
 us in the heavenly race, and as Thou knowest how 
 many temptations beset us, we pray that Thou 
 wouldest defend and keep us in the midst of all 
 dangers. Keep our hearts tender, and so make 
 known to us the preciousness of tliy love in Christ, 
 and the faithfulness of thy promises, that we may 
 follow the Lord fully, and not tm'n back from 
 Thee to our ways. 
 
 Spread around us to-night the shield of thy care. 
 Give rest and peace to us and to all whom we 
 would remember at thy throne of grace. Com- 
 passionate the sick, the sorrowful, and the dying. 
 Extend the borders of thy Church in every land, 
 and hasten the time when Christ's name shall be 
 a theme of praise on every tongue, and every 
 knee shall bow at his footstool. Let thy Spirit 
 guide the counsels of our rulers and all in authority. 
 Make them good men and godly, that they may 
 fear Thee, love thy Sabbaths, and honour thy 
 name. 
 
 And now, God, we beseech Thee mercifully 
 to incline thine ears to us that have made our 
 prayers and supplications to Thee. Grant that 
 those things which we have faithfully asked ac- 
 cording 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. 
 
 [ 318 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SIXTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH II. 
 
 MERCIFUL and ever-living God, praised be 
 thy name for renewed mercies. With un- 
 feigned humility we cast ourselves at thy foot- 
 stool. We are utterly unworthy to look up to 
 Thee, for sin is in our hearts, and pollutes all our 
 services. Yet, gracious Father, turn not thy face 
 away from us, nor withhold thy blessing. For the 
 sake of Jesus, thy dear Son, and in fulfilment 
 of thy promises, answer us and help us. Many 
 and constant are our wants, and Thou alone art 
 all-sufficient. Convince us of our need, and give 
 us the faith which will venture all on Thee, and 
 not doubt of thy grace and blessing. 
 
 We look for thy presence to be with us, and for 
 thy mercy to be around us all the day. Leave us 
 not, God, nor forsake us, for by Thee alone can 
 we be kept safely amidst the dangers of an evil 
 world and the temptations of life. Oh, reveal unto 
 us the exceeding greatness of thy love, and the 
 tenderness of thy compassions, that we may love 
 Thee, and trust in Thee, and come in all our neces- 
 sities to Thee for help and for blessing. Especially 
 do Thou, Holy Ghost, come and abide with us, 
 and show us of the things of Christ, that our hearts 
 may go forth to Him in simple faith, and that we 
 may be daily cleansed in his blood, and evermore 
 live for Him. Lord God, we pray that this day 
 we may be enabled to do such things as please 
 Thee. Give us a tender conscience, that will 
 shrink from sin, and that watchfulness of spirit 
 which will guard against temptation, and make us 
 shun even the appearance of evil. Oh, enable us 
 to live as in the light of thy countenance, and in 
 all the duties of our daily life to experience the 
 blessedness of thy presence. We desire, O our 
 Father, to be in all things thine, and that thy 
 shield may be ever around us, and thy love be ever 
 abiding upon us. 
 
 And not only for ourselves, but for others do we 
 implore thy blessing ; for all who are dear to us, 
 that they may be dear to Thee in Christ Jesus ; 
 for all thy believing people, that they may be richly 
 endued with the gifts of thy Spirit, and magnify 
 thy name in the world ; for all who are living in 
 darkness and death, that they may be quickened 
 from their death in trespasses and sins, and live unto 
 Thee ; for all in station and authority, that they 
 may use their talents wisely and well, for the glory 
 and the welfare of Christ's kingdom. Lord, pour 
 out thy grace on the hearts of Jews and Gentiles, 
 that they may every day be inquiring the way to 
 Zion. Exalt and magnify the name of thy dear 
 Son in the world, and fulfil speedily thy promise 
 tliat idolatry and sin sliall be cast out, and wars 
 cease, and the Lord alone be glorified. We ask 
 all through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS IV. 
 
 GRACIOUS God, we approach thy heavenly 
 footstool in the name of our great Pliaji 
 Priest, who is passed into the heavens, and who is 
 there, we trust, making intercession for us. What 
 thanks do we owe to Thee, for thy unspeakable 
 love in sending thy Son to die for our sins, and to 
 rise again for our justification ! We thank Thee 
 that He ever liveth to sympathise with us in all 
 our sufferings and temptations, for He is now 
 touched with the feeling of our infirmities, as He 
 was in the days of his humiliation. Forgive, 
 heavenly Father, our forgetfulness of this 
 blessed truth, that Jesus our Saviour, though far 
 removed out of our sight, is our compassionate 
 High Priest, Himself afflicted in all our afflic- 
 tions, and ever ready to succour and defend us. 
 May we for the future cherish the remembrance 
 of this fact, and seeing more and more our own 
 weakness, and daily need of forgiveness, may we 
 come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we 
 may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in 
 every time of need. 
 
 Lord, increase our faith, deliver us from the sin 
 of unbelief, that we may not dishonour thy Son, 
 grieve thy Holy Spirit, and finally exclude our- 
 selves from that rest which remaineth to the people 
 of God. We trust that Thou hast made us thy 
 children by adoption and grace, that we have 
 passed from death unto life ; but may we bear in 
 mind that if any man have not the Spirit of 
 Christ, he is none of his. We are weak in our- 
 selves ; strengthen us to fight the good fight of 
 faith, defend us with thy heavenly grace, that 
 we may continue thine for ever, and daily increase 
 in thy Holy Spirit more and more. 
 
 Bless those who minister among us in holy 
 things ; may their words, spoken in thy name 
 from time to time, sink deep into our hearts and 
 the hearts of all committed to their charge ; may 
 their own souls be refreshed and comforted by 
 the dew of thy heavenly grace, and may they be 
 shininn: lio-hts in this dark world. Give great 
 success to all efforts which are made to make 
 known thy living truth among all nations. Bless 
 all our relations and friends, hear our prayers on 
 their behalf Bring back to thy fold those who 
 are wandering from Thee. Defend us through 
 the silent hours of the night, refresh us with sweet 
 sleep, pardon all our sins, and in thy great mercy 
 grant that, as we grow in years, we may grow in 
 grace, and be so sanctified by the Spirit, as to be 
 prepared for a place in thy kingdom. We pray 
 also for all who are near and dear to us. Let thy 
 blessing rest upon them now and ever. Hear us 
 for the^sake of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 C 319 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SIXTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH VII. 1—16. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful Father, through 
 whose watchful care we have laid us down 
 and slept, make us thankful for these thy daily- 
 mercies, and keep us humble. May thy goodness 
 lead us to repentance, and make us ashamed of our 
 unbelief, and unthankfulness, and sin. Lord God, 
 we acknowledge we are not our own, and we now 
 dedicate ourselves afresh to thy service. Sprinkle 
 us with the blood of Jesus, sanctify us by the Holy 
 Ghost, and make our hearts the temples of God, 
 that we may live to Thee, and glorify Thee in our 
 bodies and our spirits, which are thine. Preserve 
 us this day, we beseech Thee, from the evil which 
 is in the world. Suffer us not to yield to tempta- 
 tion, or to be guilty of sin. In the station to 
 which Thou hast called us we pray for grace to 
 honour Thee, and to be as the living epistles of 
 Christ, known and read of all men. 
 
 God, how can we sufficiently praise Thee for 
 thy great love in sending thy dear Son to redeem 
 and to save us ? Draw, we pray Thee, our 
 hearts to Jesus. Reveal unto us more clearly his 
 Divine glory, the freeness and sufficiency of his 
 sacrifice as the atonement for sin. Increase our 
 faith in Him, that we may love Him more and 
 serve Him better. 
 
 We commend all who are dear to us to thy 
 fatherly care and love. Cause all who are uncon- 
 verted to feel their need of Jesus, and to seek in 
 Him for the blessings of salvation, Thou Lord 
 of the harvest, send forth labourers into the harvest. 
 Remember for good all faithful missionaries and 
 ministers. Bless them in their own souls, and make 
 them a blessing to others. Increase abundantly the 
 number of thy believing people, and deliver us as a 
 Church from the lukewarmness which dishonours 
 Thee and grieves thy Spirit. Make the formal 
 sincere, the proud humble, the careless anxious, 
 the indolent diligent, and the unholy holy, that 
 every member of thy Church may truly and godly 
 serve Thee. 
 
 Look, God, in mercy on our land. Forgive 
 our national sins, and turn aside the judgments we 
 deserve. Root up the covetousness and love of this 
 world which choke the good seed and make it 
 unfruitful. Check the progress of infidelity, and 
 let it be seen that thy Word is indeed the truth, 
 and the power of God unto the salvation of all who 
 believe. Gracious God, in thy tenderness and 
 compassion, hear us in these our prayers and 
 thanksgivings. Guilty and sinful as we are, yet 
 we hope that Thou wilt hear and bless us, and 
 enrich us with the fulness of thy heavenly grace ; 
 for we offer all our worship in the glorious and 
 saving name of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE. HEBREWS V. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and most merciful God, who 
 -^ desirest not the death of a sinner, but that 
 all should turn unto Thee and live, we desire to 
 approach Thee with a deep sense of our unworthi- 
 ness, confessino; that we have sinned against Thee. 
 We have done things which we ought not to have 
 done, and have left undone those things which we 
 ought to have done. Lord God, our heavenly 
 Father, do Thou have mercy upon us, and forgive 
 us all these our sins and offences. Humbled 
 under a sense of our guiltiness, we bless thy holy 
 name for all thy goodness towards us. Thou hast 
 mercifully cared for our temporal wants, and hast 
 protected and preserved us amid the dangers and 
 temptations of the past day. For this great mercy 
 we thank Thee. But we especially praise Thee 
 for the precious gift of thy dear Son, that Thou 
 hast sent Him into the world to partake of our 
 nature, sharing all its sorrows, ,and weaknesses, 
 and trials. We thank Thee that He lived and 
 died for us, and for our salvation; and-we adore 
 Thee for the assurance that He ever liveth as our 
 all-prevailing Intercessor, to plead at the throne of 
 grace on behalf of all who desire to approach Thee 
 through Him, as the Way, the Truth, and the Life. 
 Look with compassion upon us, and strengthen us 
 by thy grace, that we may rightly value the great 
 blessings which Thou hast provided for us in the 
 Gospel of thy dear Son. Lead us into the way of 
 life, that we may no longer wander as sheep 
 going astray, but follow the example of our Divine 
 Guide, and henceforth walk in the way of righteous- 
 ness, and learn obedience to Thee, the Lord our 
 God. To this end, we beseech Thee, sanctify to 
 us all the passing events of life, that they may 
 draw us nearer to thy blessed self; and grant that 
 we may, through the sacred influence of the 
 eternal Spirit, experience the comfort of thy 
 Word. May the Gospel be the guide of our 
 lives ; may it animate us in the hour of affliction, 
 and its sacred truths be our consolation in times 
 of peril. Enable us to grow in grace, and increase 
 in all godliness, until our souls are filled with a 
 sense of thy Divine goodness, leading us with 
 grateful hearts to present unto Thee the sacrifice 
 of unceasing praise. 
 
 Take us, our God, into thy Divine care this 
 night. Feeble and helpless in ourselves, we cast 
 ourselves entirely on thy mercy and strength. 
 Accept, we beseech Thee, through our High 
 Priest, Jesus Christ, thy Son, our thanksgivings 
 for ourselves, and regard with compassion our 
 supplications for others. Pardon all our sins, 
 strengthen our good desires, increase our faith, 
 and keep us unto salvation, to thy glory, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 320 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SIXTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XI., XII. 
 
 OLORD our God, bless and sanctify us through 
 this portion of thy Word. Tliy Word is truth. 
 Let the same good Spirit which rested on Christ, 
 the Root and Offspring of David, the Rod out of the 
 stem of Jesse, rest upon us ; plant in us a holy, 
 fiHal, and reverential fear, and enable us to wor- 
 ship Thee in spirit and in truth. 
 
 Bless thy Church, revive thy work amongst us, 
 that Christ may be exalted, sinners converted, and 
 the earth filled with the knowledge of the Lwrd, as 
 the waters cover the sea. Curb and subdue the 
 unruly passions of sinful men ; hasten the time 
 when righteousness and truth, peace and harmony, 
 shall reign throughout the wide world ; when the 
 wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard 
 shall lie down with the kid. 
 
 Lord, we thank Thee that Thou hast caused 
 the light of revealed truth to penetrate the dark- 
 ness of the Gentile world. We thank Thee also, 
 Lord, for the hope Thou hast given of the 
 restoration and conversion of thy ancient people, 
 the Jews. May the natural branches soon be 
 grafted in, and both Jew and Gentile be made one 
 in Christ Jesus. 
 
 We desire to thank Thee, Lord, for all thy 
 mercies to us as a family, for thy tender care 
 and protection during the helplessness of sleep, 
 for sweet rest and calm repose, and for all thy 
 numerous and great mercies, temporal and 
 spiritual. Enable us this day to show our grati- 
 tude by word and deed, and to manifest the 
 strength of our convictions and the depth of our 
 love, by the extent of our exertions and the con- 
 sistency of our lives. 
 
 Safely keep us this day, both outwardly as to 
 our bodies, and inwardly as to our souls. Suffer 
 us not to run into any kind of danger, sin, or 
 temptation. Go with us where we go, and dwell 
 with us where we dwell. Enable us to put our whole 
 trust and confidence in Christ. Make us strong in 
 his strength, wise in his wisdom, holy in his 
 holiness, and righteous in his righteousness. Be 
 Tliou, God, our rock of defence, our shield and 
 buckler, that we may be able to quench all the 
 fiery darts of the wicked one, and be more than 
 conquerors tlirough Christ, who loved us and died 
 for us. 
 
 Grant us the help of thy Holy Spirit, our 
 Father, to renew, to enlighten, to guide, to cheer, 
 to seal, and to comfort us. Wash us in that 
 fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. [Bless 
 our dear children, and make them holy, good, 
 and happy.] We commend to thy favour those 
 who are dear to us. All their wants are known to 
 Thee. Mercifully supply them out of thy fulness, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS VI. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, give unto us thy servants 
 grace to enter now into thy presence, pleading 
 the merits and trusting in the intercession of Christ. 
 Oh, let our prayer be set forth in thy sight as the 
 incense, and let the lifting up of our hands be an 
 evening sacrifice. 
 
 Lord, we thank Thee that Thou hast called us to 
 the knowledge of thy grace, and faith in Tliee. 
 We praise Tiiee for the principles of the doctrine 
 of Christ which Thou hast revealed. Enable us to 
 cleave unto thy Word, rooted and grounded in the 
 faith. We pray, moreover, that through the 
 teaching of thy Spirit we may advance in all 
 wisdom and spiritual understanding. Give us 
 spiritual experience, by which we may compre- 
 hend, with all saints, what is the breadth, and 
 length, and depth, and height of the Redeemer's 
 love. Oh, save us from blindness and from all 
 backsliding in the inner life. Grant that thy 
 warnings against apostacy may be thine own 
 means of keeping us steadfast in the truth. Leave 
 us not, our God, to the wickedness and way- 
 wardness of our own hearts. Maintain within us 
 the full assurance of hope unto the end. So 
 strengthen in us the assurance of hope, that we 
 may believe all thine exceeding great and precious 
 promises. Give us an appropriating faith. Oh, 
 that we may walk with Thee, blessed with the 
 inward sealing of thy Spirit. As Thou hast be- 
 gotten us to a lively hope of entering into thy joy, 
 quicken, we pray Thee, that hope until we expe- 
 rience a blessed foretaste of heaven. Grant that 
 it may be as an anchor of the soul, entering into 
 that within the veil. May Jesus be its supreme 
 object. Enable us, Lord, to live on the fulness 
 which is in Him, in sanctifying belief of the truth 
 that He ever liveth to make intercession for us. 
 
 We bless Thee, our adorable Forerunner, that 
 Thou hast already taken possession in our name, 
 and for us, of our glorious inheritance. Thou hast 
 ascended up on high, to prepare a place for thy 
 people in the mansions of thy Father's house. Oh, 
 prepare us by thy Holy Spirit for the place. 
 
 Our Father, daily increase in us, of thy good- 
 ness, the plenteous gifts of thy Spirit. Enable us 
 to be pure, even as Christ was pure. Lead us to 
 pant after increasing holiness. Cause us to be 
 partakers in thine own way of thine own holiness. 
 Take us this night under thy protection, Thou 
 keeper of Israel. Give us refreshing rest and 
 sleep. May our last thoughts to-night and the 
 waking thoughts of the morning be of Thee. 
 Hear us, Lord, according to the multitude of 
 thy tender mercies, for his sake who loved us 
 and gave Himself for us, thy Son, Jesus Christ, our 
 Saviour and Mediator. Ameu. 
 
 321 ] 
 
 No. 41- 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FOKTY-SIXTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XXV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, we 
 Xl. thank Thee for all thy mercies, and seek the 
 continuance of thy favour and blessing. We praise 
 Tliee for all thy loving-kindness to us in the time 
 past of our lives. Day by day thy goodness and 
 mercy have followed us. The comforts of our 
 earthly condition, and the privileges of our spiritual 
 Jife, have come to us from Thee, the Author and 
 Giver of every good and perfect gift. Thou hast 
 guided our steps and strengthened our hearts, and 
 drawn us to Thyself by the invitations of thy 
 Word, and the influence of thy Spirit, and the dis- 
 pensations of thy providence towards us ; and we 
 desire with unfeigned hearts to thank Thee for all 
 these instances of thy care and love. Especially 
 do we praise and magnify thy holy name for 
 the gift of thy dear Son, in whom all thy other 
 gifts are made to be sources of blessing to om* 
 souls. 
 
 We beseech Thee to pardon all our past sins, 
 negligences, and ignorances ; to deliver us from 
 the fears of a guilty conscience, by the assurance 
 of thy forgiving grace in Christ Jesus. Do Thou 
 increase our knowledge and our love of Thee, and 
 enable us to live and walk as thy pardoned and 
 reconciled children here on earth, and so to be 
 prepared in heart and mind for thy perfect service 
 in the world to come. May we be so blessed of 
 Thee ourselves as to prove a daily blessing unto 
 otliers. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for all that we have 
 heard of thy wonderful works to thy people in 
 our fathers' days and in the old time before them. 
 Make known amongst all nations thy faithfulness 
 and truth. Oh, that the power of evil may be 
 broken, and the dominion of Satan put down in 
 every land, that there may be found the fruits of 
 righteousness and truth, of peace and charity, to 
 the honour of tliy great name, and to the comfort 
 and salvation of immortal souls. 
 
 For the sake of all, we pray Thee to help thy 
 ministering servants this day in preparing for their 
 work to-morrow. May all who shall go forth to 
 teach and preach thy truth be enlightened and 
 strengthened of Thee, so that their work may 
 prosper, and be found hereafter to praise, and 
 honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus 
 Christ. And now, Lord, we earnestly commend 
 ourselves, and all whom we love, to thy Divine 
 protection and guidance throughout this day. We 
 would go forth to our appointed work in the 
 experience of thy favourable presence with us. 
 Enable us to be diligent in business, fervent in 
 spirit, serving the Lord ; and when all our earthly 
 work is done, may we be found ready for an 
 eternal Sabbath, tlirough Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS VII. 
 
 OGOD, our heavenly Father, who art the Father 
 of mercies and the God of all consolation, 
 we, thy unworthy servants, desire to approach thy 
 throne of grace, deeply sensible of our great sin- 
 fulness, and expecting only to be heard for the 
 sake of Him whom Thou hast exalted to thy right 
 hand as a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance 
 and remission of sins, and who is able to save to 
 the uttermost all that come unto Thee through 
 Him. 
 
 We have sinned grievously in thought, word, 
 and deed ; we have done much which we ought 
 not to have done, and have neglected much which 
 we ought to have done ; but Thou art a God 
 who pardoneth iniquity, and Thou hast sent 
 thy Son to fulfil the law, and to die as a sacri- 
 fice upon the cross for our redemption ; thus to 
 prove that Thou art a God who delightest in 
 mercy. For his sake we entreat of Thee to grant 
 us a full and free forgiveness, and to enable 
 us to rejoice in a knowledge of our acceptance 
 through his finished work. And do Thou send 
 down upon us thine Holy Spirit, to teach us 
 more about the things of Christ, and to lead us 
 into all truth. May He strengthen us with 
 might in the inner man, and shed abroad the 
 love of Christ in our hearts, so as to kindle in us 
 a holy flame of love towards Him, which will con- 
 strain us to live, not to ourselves, but to Him 
 who shed his precious blood for our redemption. 
 And do Thou enlighten our understandings, that 
 we may understand the Scriptures. May they 
 dwell in us richly in all wisdom. May we ever 
 be instructed by thy precepts, and encouraged by 
 thy promises, so as to run with patience the race 
 that is set before us, and at length to obtain an 
 immortal crown. 
 
 And now, God, we ask that Thou wilt pre- 
 pare us for the sacred engagements of the coming 
 Sabbath. May we enjoy a double measure of thy 
 presence with us on thine own day. May we find 
 it profitable and delightful to wait upon Thee in 
 the ordinances of thy temple. Enable us to 
 worship Thee, who art a Spirit, in spirit and in 
 truth. Give grace to all thy servants, that they 
 may open their mouths boldly to preach the un- 
 searchable riches of Christ. May many sinners 
 be led to acknowledge Jesus as their Saviour ; 
 may thine own people be edified and comforted 
 by the ministrations of thine house of prayer ; and 
 may our thanksgivings for all the mercies of provi- 
 dence and of grace ascend as a holy sacrifice to 
 thy throne, which shall be accepted, as we trust 
 these our humble petitions are, through Jesns, our 
 great High Priest, who ever liveth to make inter- 
 cession for us. Ajuen. 
 
 t 322 ] 
 
MORNESrG.l 
 
 FORTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XXVI.) 
 
 OLORD our God, in kneeling before Thee this 
 morning, to seek Thee early, and to ask thy 
 blessing upon another Sabbath-day, we thank Thee 
 for thy watchful providence during the past night, 
 and for thy merciful protection throughout the 
 same. Grant that we may all be in the Spirit 
 on this thy holy day, and feel the Sabbath to be 
 a delight and honourable. Grant that we may 
 derive profit and benefit from all the public 
 services of the sanctuary. Enable us also to 
 worship Thee in private, in sincerity and in truth, 
 devoutly to read and meditate upon thy holy Word, 
 and so to apply its precepts to ourselves as to 
 correct whatever may be amiss in our hearts and 
 lives. 
 
 Pour out thy Spirit, Lord, vipon all the 
 churches of thy saints ; that, as in the days of 
 old, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the 
 comfort of the Holy Ghost, they may be multi- 
 plied and established in the faith. We beseech 
 Thee also, Lord, to send thy Holy Spirit 
 down upon all Christian ministers, especially 
 those in this place and neighbourhood, that they 
 may be stirred up to watch for souls, and to 
 diligently and faithfully preach thy holy Word ; 
 and do Thou give an abundant blessing upon their 
 labours in every place. 
 
 We beseech Thee also to bless all Sunday-school 
 teachers and Scripture-readers, and all others who 
 in any place may be striving to make known the 
 way of salvation unto others. 
 
 We also beseech Thee to bless us in our going 
 out and coming in, from this day forth and for 
 evermore, and to enable us to set Thee always 
 before us. We beseech Thee also to vouchsafe thy 
 blessing upon all our lawful plans and under- 
 takings during the remainder of the present week 
 and always, and to grant that Avhatever we do, we 
 may do all to the glory of God. Enable us to 
 trust in the Lord Jehovah for ever, in whom is 
 everlasting strength ; and grant that we may each 
 and all experience that they shall be kept in per- 
 fect peace whose minds are stayed on Thee. 
 And do Thou, Lord, so work in us, that we 
 may serve Thee truly, and, renouncing all worldly 
 idols, may serve Thee alone, and make mention 
 of thy name. 
 
 We thank Thee for all the many and great 
 religious privileges and advantages which Thou 
 hast vouchsafed unto us in our highly favoured 
 land, beseeching Thee to grant that we may never 
 grow careless or lukewarm, or provoke Thee to 
 withdraw these blessings from us. Grant that we, 
 . and all about us, may duly profit by them. Accept 
 and answer us. We ask all through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS VIIL 
 
 OGOD of our salvation, let our prayer come up 
 before Thee, and do Thou incline thine ear, 
 and hear and answer us. Look on the face of thy 
 beloved Son, whom Thou hast exalted to thy right 
 hand in glory, who hath entered into the holy 
 place for us, our great High Priest and ever- 
 living Mediator, and for his sake do us good, and 
 bestow upon us thy blessing. 
 
 All our ways and works have been this day 
 before Thee. Whether we have honoured thy 
 holy day, or done our own will, thine eye hath 
 been upon us. Tliou wast with us in the sanc- 
 tuary, and didst read the secret thoughts of our 
 hearts as we knelt at thy footstool, or lifted up our 
 voice in praise : Thou hast been with us at home, 
 and wherever else we have gone this day. Oh, 
 could we but see ourselves as Thou seest us, and 
 know all the sinfulness that has defiled us and our 
 services this day, we should be ashamed to appear 
 in thy presence, Thou holy and heart-searching 
 God. Have mercy upon us, we beseech Thee; 
 subdue our hearts by the knowledge and remem- 
 brance of our multiplied sins, and by the experience 
 of thy grace and love. We deserve not thy favour, 
 yet, God, be gracious unto us ; pardon, accept, 
 and bless us. We long to be holier and better ; to 
 have our hearts filled with a sense of thy love ; 
 and to be growing in grace and in godliness. We 
 mourn, heavenly Father, that we ai-e so tied and 
 bound with the chains of sin, and the power of the 
 world, and the love of self. Deliver us, for thy 
 mercy's sake, and suffer us not to fall under the 
 dominion of evil. Take away all our hardness of 
 heart, and guide us in the paths of peace. 
 
 Hear us, w^e beseech Thee, Avhile we plead for 
 the outpouring of thy grace on all men. Have 
 pity upon those for whom Christ died, but who are 
 yet in the gall of bitterness and the bond of 
 iniquity. Snatch from the burning the souls that 
 are ready to perish ; and grant that even now thy 
 Word this day declared may be rankling as a 
 sharp arrow of the Spirit in many a heart, making 
 it to feel its misery and its sin, and to long for the 
 balm which only gives health. Let the sorrowful 
 be comforted and the weak be strengthened by the 
 ordinances of this thy day. Uphold the hands of 
 thy ministers, and attend with thy blessing the 
 labours of all who have been engaged in feeding 
 Christ's lambs. 
 
 All praise be to thy name, our God, for all 
 thy goodness. Li the remembrance of it, we look 
 up with hope and confidence to thy protection and 
 blessing this night, praying that Thou wouldest keep 
 us safely in the hours of darkness, and fit us, both 
 in body and soul, for the duties of the coming 
 week. Hear us for Clirist's sake. Amen. 
 
 I 323 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIA.H XXXII- 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS IX. 
 
 UNTO Tliee, Lord God, we look at the begin- 
 ning of this day, and at thy Divine hand M^e 
 implore all favour and blessing. All thy works 
 praise Thee, and we ourselves are the monuments 
 of thy grace and forbearance. Behold us, our 
 Father, and fulfil to us thy promises. Thou art 
 faithful and true, keeping mercy for them that fear 
 Thee. For the sake of Jesus Christ, do Thou hear, 
 and help, and bless us. Thy providence has 
 watched over us in the night. For rest and sleep 
 we are indebted to thy mercy, and also for the re- 
 newed opportunity of spreading our wants this 
 morning at thy footstool. We adore thy glorious 
 name for all this goodness. Oh, that our thankful- 
 ness were proportioned to thy mercy, and that our 
 hearts were more deeply sensible of thine exceeding 
 great love and tender compassions. We confess 
 with shame, God, the coldness of our hearts. 
 Cleanse us in the fountain once opened, and grant 
 us thy peace. 
 
 In the prospect of the day's duties and tempta- 
 tions we cast our care upon Thee, and implore thy 
 protection, and presence, and blessing. Grant that 
 thy truth preached to us yesterday may have an 
 abiding influence on our hearts and our lives. Let 
 it not be choked, God, by the cares and pleasures 
 of life, and so be unfruitful. Suffer us not to 
 forget eternity, amid the occupations and pursuits 
 of time. Wean us from the love of earthlv thmgs, 
 and remmd us continually that this world is not 
 our rest. We pray that thy blessings may not turn 
 our hearts from Thee, or make us forgetful of thy 
 will concerning us. Oh, teach us to trace back 
 every good gift to Thee, and to see thy hand in all 
 the circumstances of life, whether of prosperity or 
 of trial. Above all, we desire to have our hearts 
 enlarged with the love of Christ, and to feel ever- 
 more that Thou art leading us by thy Spirit into 
 the deeper experiences of thy truth and faithfulness. 
 Make us thine. Set the seal of thy love upon us, 
 and guard, and guide, and defend us as thy 
 children, until we reach the land of rest and peace. 
 Have compassion on our ignorance. Bear with 
 our want of faith. Pity our weakness, and do for 
 us abundantly above all we can ask or think, for 
 thy name's sake, in Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 Mercifully, Lord, enrich with thy choicest 
 blessings all whom we love. Convert the uncon- 
 verted, awaken the careless and the backsliding, 
 and give us all increasing knowledge of Christ, in 
 the glory of his power and the greatness of his 
 salvation. [Turn the hearts of the children before 
 Thee to Christ, and cause them, even from their 
 early years, to submit to the guidance and teaching 
 of thy Spirit.] We ask it all through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 OLORD God, who art of purer eyes than to 
 behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity, 
 how shall we venture to approach thy footstool, to 
 lift up our eyes to Thee, and to make application 
 for thy forgiveness ? Verily, in many things we 
 offend all ; and if Thou wert to deal with us accord- 
 ing to our deserts, we should be outcasts for ever 
 from thy presence, and from the enjoyment of the 
 glory of thy power. How unmindful have we been 
 of Thee this day : how little have we watched over 
 our thoughts, and words, and ways : how much 
 have we done that we ought not to have done, and 
 how much of our known duty have we neglected 
 or done amiss ! gracious God, well might we 
 despair, when we look back upon the course of one 
 single day, and remember what Thou art, and 
 what we are ! 
 
 But, blessed be thy holy name. Thou hast, in 
 thine infinite loving-kindness, provided a way of 
 access for sinners to Thyself. Thou hast given 
 thine own dear Son to be the great High Priest 
 and Mediator of the new covenant ; that by the 
 one offering of Himself, once offered, He might 
 make propitiation for our sins, and open the king- 
 dom of heaven to all believers. Lord, we plead 
 the merits of that precious blood, which taketh 
 away the sin of the world. We trust in the suffi- 
 ciency of that perfect righteousness, even the 
 righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is 
 unto all and upon all them that believe. May we 
 go to rest this night with a sweet sense of sin for- 
 given for his sake, and in the full confidence of 
 faith, that, if we wake no more in this world, we 
 shall wake with Him, and be with Him for ever, 
 where He is. Oh, that we, and all who are near and 
 dear to us after the flesh, may be looking for and 
 hasting unto that glorious day, when He shall 
 appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation ; 
 and may we so love and follow Him now, that we 
 may rejoice and reign with Him in glory. Save us 
 all, Lord, we beseech Thee, from the sin of pre- 
 suming on thy goodness ; and grant that the Holy 
 Spirit may shed abroad thy love in our hearts, so as 
 constantly to constrain us not to live unto ourselves, 
 but unto Him who died for us and rose again. 
 Refresh, we pray Thee, our wearied bodies with 
 comfortable rest, and strengthen us for the duties 
 of to-morrow ; and vouchsafe to others also, and 
 especially to those who desire our prayers, the same 
 blessings, both for soul and body, which we ask 
 for ourselves. Cause the light of thy Gospel still to 
 spread ; and may those who know the name of 
 Jesus rejoice evermore in its heavenly comfort. 
 All which we ask for his sake who liveth and 
 reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, 
 world without end. Amen. 
 
 [ 324 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SEVENTH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XXXV. 
 
 OLORD GOD, wlio art from everlasting to ever- 
 lasting, and by whom, and for whom, and 
 through whom are all things ; pour upon us thy 
 Holy Spirit at this time, that we may realise thy 
 glorious perfections, and humble ourselves at thy 
 footstool under a sense of our great unworthiness 
 and manifold necessities. Help us, God, to 
 approach Thee, trusting alone to the merits and 
 mediation of thy dear Son, our Saviour Jesus 
 Christ ; and for his sake freely pai'don the multi- 
 tude of our transgressions, and extend to us thy 
 loving favour. 
 
 We offer our praise and thanksgiving for thy 
 merciful goodness in still sparing us. And now, 
 whilst prostrate in thy presence, our Creator and 
 Preserver, we commit ourselves, and all those who 
 are dear to us, to thy heavenly care and keeping 
 for the day on which we have entered. We know 
 not what is before us, but to Thee are all things 
 known. And we earnestly pra}' Thee so to guide 
 our steps and to uphold our goings, that we may 
 walk in the way of thy commandments, and turn 
 not aside into the paths of sin and folly. Without 
 Thee we can do nothing that is good. We there- 
 fore beseech Thee to support us under every trial, 
 to furnish us for every duty, to strengthen us in 
 the faith of Jesus Christ, that we may successfully 
 resist all the assaults of the devil, and show our- 
 selves fruitful in every good word and work. 
 
 Grant us grace ever to make thy blessed Word 
 our companion and our counsellor. May its pro- 
 mises of help in every time of need comfort our 
 hearts. May we live by faith and not by sense. 
 Enable us to rely so confidently on thy faithfulness, 
 that we may be cheered with the bright hope of 
 better times, when the curse denounced on the 
 very ground because of man's disobedience shall 
 be taken away ; when the wilderness shall be fruit- 
 fid with the blessing of the Spirit, and the desert 
 rejoice and blossom as the rose. God, Ave 
 pi'aise Thee for the promises of present salvation. 
 We praise Thee for the prospects of coming glory. 
 We praise Thee for the redemption of sinful men, 
 which Jesus Christ, thine incarnate Son, has died 
 to accomplish. And we pray that we ourselves 
 may have a place among those blessed persons who 
 are waiting with patience, and rejoicing in hope, 
 for the glorious day of his appearing, when all 
 the ransomed of the Lord shall obtain joy and 
 gladness, and when sorrow and sighing shall for 
 ever flee away. 
 
 These and all other necessary blessings we ask 
 and expect for the sake of Jesus, whom Thou 
 hearest always, and to whom, with the Father and 
 the Holy Ghost, we ascribe the kingdom, the 
 power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS X. 1—18. 
 
 OGOD of glory and of grace, we humbly draw 
 near to Thee ; be ready, we beseech Thee, to 
 receive our prayers through the mediation and sacri- 
 fice of Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. We thank 
 Thee that we are not under the law, but under 
 grace. Our transgressions are many in number ; 
 every day increases the long catalogue, and leaves 
 us without excuse ; for we cannot plead ignorance, 
 nor say that thy service is hard. It is to the hard- 
 ness of our hearts we trace the cause of our many 
 and oft-repeated sins : for these thy law justly 
 condemns us ; but Thou hast laid our judgment 
 upon thine own beloved Son, and we are spared 
 for his sake. We lay hold of the covenant, which 
 promises that our sin and iniquities Thou wilt 
 remember no more ; in this we rest for pardon and 
 for holiness. Oh, may we never abuse thy great 
 mercy, nor allow ourselves in sin that grace may 
 abound. Lord, sanctify us wholly ; make us 
 perfect and complete in Christ Jesus. Forgive us 
 all our sins, and more particularly those of the day 
 past. Grant us thy Holy Spirit and true repent- 
 ance ; and since Thou hast made ^so great a sacri- 
 fice for our sins, may we offer and present unto 
 Thee ourselves, our souls and bodies, to be a living 
 sacrifice unto Thee daily. 
 
 Praised be thy name, Lord, for the knowledge 
 of thy truth, and that we can read and hear it, 
 none making us afraid. May all who profess and 
 call themselves Christians hold the faith in unity 
 of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteous- 
 ness of life. May all ministers of religion be 
 examples to those they teach ; may they who 
 administer justice be themselves just, and know 
 how to temper justice with mercy. May this whole 
 nation be exalted in righteousness, fear thy name, 
 and love to obey thy commandments. Thou 
 God of peace, we pray that wars may cease unto 
 the ends of the earth. May brother not lift up 
 sword against brother, nor nation against nation ; 
 but peace be within all our borders. Where per- 
 secution rages may thy dominion be extended, 
 Prince of Peace. Let the idols be utterly 
 abolished, and all the horrid rites of idolatrous 
 worship come to an end. Bless every member of 
 this household ; may love and concord ever here 
 prevail. May the younger submit themselves 
 unto the elder, and all be happy in the service of 
 Christ. If any be visited with affliction, may we 
 know how to bear it, and how to improve the 
 day of adversity. Be present, merciful Father, 
 with all the sick and suffering; make Thou all 
 their bed in their sickness; and let the weak 
 and weary find this night a resting-place for their 
 sorrows on the bosom of thy love. We ask all 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 325 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XL. 
 
 BLESSED be Thou, God, the Father of 
 mercies, and of all comfort. We are un- 
 worthy of one gracious look from Thee. Deal 
 not with us, Lord, after our sins ; neither reward 
 us according to our iniquities. Fity us, we pray 
 Thee. Speak comfortably to our souls. Declare 
 to us thy salvation, and let our souls be satisfied 
 with thy mercy, Lord, so shall our mouths be 
 filled with thy praise and with thine honour all 
 the day long, lleveal thy glory, God. Oh, let 
 all flesh see thy mercy and thy power. Take out 
 of the way every stumbling-block. Make a 
 glorious path for thy Truth in the world, and 
 cause all thy ministering servants so to proclaim 
 the Gospel of thy grace, that multitudes may see 
 the good of thy chosen, and glory with thine 
 inheritance. Thou good Shepherd, feed thy 
 flock, and defend it from all attacks of the 
 wicked one. Gently deal with the weak and the 
 weary. Raise up the fallen, and carry the lambs 
 in thy bosom. For Thou, Jesus Christ, art al- 
 mighty in power and omniscient in wisdom. All 
 the multitudes of the nations are but as a drop of 
 the bucket. Thou only art the Lord. Thou only, 
 Christ, with the Holy Ghost, art most high in 
 the glory of God the Father. Thou alone art 
 strong to save and mighty to deliver. Oh, do 
 Thou increase our strength, and when we faint 
 and are weary give us power. Hast Thou not 
 promised, God, that they that wait upon Thee 
 shall be strengthened ? Fulfil in us this day thy 
 gracious word, and uphold our goings in thy 
 paths, that our footsteps slip not. We long and 
 pray that the work of thy grace may be fulfilled and 
 perfected in us, that our faith may be increased, 
 that the lukewarmness of our hearts may be 
 changed into the earnestness of a sincere love for 
 Thee, and that the power of Christ may transform 
 us more and more into his own blessed image. 
 Oh, prepare us for the coming of the Lord in his 
 glory and majesty, and grant that, through thy 
 grace and mercy now vouchsafed to us, when He 
 Cometh we may be found of Him in peace, with- 
 out spot and blameless, cleansed from all sin, and 
 sanctified in body, soul, and spirit. 
 
 Watch over us all this day, and bless the work 
 of our hands. Let thy favour rest on our land, 
 and thy wisdom be the guide of all in authority. 
 Cause to abound among; us the righteousness which 
 exalteth a nation, and let thy fear rule in the 
 homes and hearts of the people. Gracious God, 
 in thy tenderness and mercy hear Thou our 
 prayers, and accept our thanksgivings for all 
 thy goodness and love. We offer all in the 
 name of thy beloved Son, to whom be everlasting 
 praise and glory. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS X. 19-39. 
 
 OLORD, who dwellest in light, to which no man 
 can approach ; whom no man hath seen nor 
 can see ; though we are altogether unworthy and 
 full of sin, yet we would come boldly to thy throne, 
 because Thou hast invited us, and because Thou 
 waitest to be gracious, and hast assured us that 
 our dear Redeemer, thine own Son, ever lives to 
 make intercession with Thee on our behalf. Hear 
 us, gracious God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, and, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, give 
 each of us before Thee, and every one in this 
 house, thy blessing this evening. 
 
 We have not boldly confessed Thee this day 
 before men, as we should have done. We have 
 not provoked one another to love and to good 
 works, as we might have done. We have not 
 endured hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ, 
 as it was our duty to do. We have not had that 
 strength of faith by which we might have been 
 willing to suflfer the loss of all things rather than 
 deny Thee ; and we havQ piot been patient under 
 affliction and provocation, as became Christ's 
 people. But, heavenly Father, for thy dear 
 Son's sake, forgive us all our offences against 
 Thee. Thou hast assured us there is plenteous 
 redemption, and we beseech Thee to grant that 
 we may be among thy redeemed ones, who are 
 cleansed from all sin, and redeemed from all ini- 
 quity. Grant that we may each have thy Holy 
 Spirit working in us a hatred of sin and a love 
 of holiness, and that we may henceforth strive 
 to please Thee in all things. 
 
 We desire to praise Thee, heavenly Father, 
 for thy many mercies vouchsafed to us this day. 
 Thou hast watched over us in our going out and 
 in our coming in, and hast been round about us, to 
 protect us from all evil. Oh, grant that our hearts 
 may be filled with love toward Thee for thy daily 
 mercies to us, and that our faith in Thee may so 
 increase that we may carry every care to Thee, 
 and cast it down before Thee, assured that Thou 
 carest for us, and wilt count no concern of ours too 
 small for thy regard. To thy gracious care and 
 keeping we would now commend every one of this 
 family, and pray Thee to give to us that sleep 
 which Thou hast promised to thy beloved, that we 
 may rise refreshed in body and mind, and fitted 
 for the duties of the morrow. Bless our relations, 
 and acquaintances, and friends ; bless our neigh- 
 bourhood, and grant that the people may be a God- 
 fearing, and a Sabbath-loving, and a church-going 
 people. Bless all the ministers of thy Word in all 
 lands : those who labour at home and those who 
 toil among Jews and Gentiles ; and grant that soon 
 the Gospel may spread over the Avhole earth, for 
 Jesus' sake, our only Lord and Saviour. Amen,, 
 
 C 323 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XLI. 
 
 HEAVENLY Fatlier, we seek thy face, and 
 draw near unto Thee, throuoh Jesus Christ, 
 thy dear Son. Thou art the first and the last, 
 without beginning and without end. Thou art a 
 great and holy God, yet dost Thou graciously 
 condescend to listen to the prayers of thy most 
 unworthy, sinful children. 
 
 We thank Thee, O our God, for all the mercies 
 of the past night, and that Thou hast brought us 
 to the beginning of another day in liealth and 
 strength, to fulfil the duties which lie before us. 
 
 Praise be to Thee that Thou hast cast our lot in 
 a land where the true Gospel shines, and where 
 we have heard of Jesus, and his great salvation, 
 from our earliest childhood. We thank Thee 
 that Ave are permitted to look unto Thee as a 
 reconciled Father in Christ Jesus, and that in all 
 our troubles, anxieties, and dangers, we may be 
 greatly comforted and sustained by the assurance 
 that Thou knowest all our circumstances, and dost 
 still hold us up, as Thou didst thy people of old, 
 by thy right hand, and dost speak unto us sweet 
 words of comfort, saying, " Fear not, I will help 
 Thee, saith Jehovah, and thy Redeemer, the Holy 
 One of Israel." But, gracious God, what un- 
 worthy returns do we make for all thy goodness 
 towards us ! How unmindful have we been of thy 
 love, thy kindness, thy glory ! Truly, we are un- 
 profitable servants ! Forgive, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake, our past ingratitude, and our guilty neglect 
 of Thee, who hast never been unmindful of us. 
 Wash away all our sins in the blood of Jesus, and 
 blot them out of the book of thy remembrance. 
 
 May we go forth to the duties of the day in the 
 happy assurance that that blessedness is ours which 
 belongs to those whose transgression is forgiven, 
 and whose sin is covered. May we prove our gra- 
 titude to Thee for so great a blessing, by giving 
 up ourselves more imreservedly to thy service, and 
 by walking before Thee in holiness and righteous- 
 ness this and all our days. [Let our children grow 
 up before Thee, and early give themselves to thy 
 service. Make them truly thine, and sanctify them 
 in body, soul, and spirit.] Bless all efforts for the 
 spread of thy Gospel, both among Jews and 
 Gentiles, in our own and in far distant lands. 
 Revive thy work in the Churches at home, and 
 send forth labourers into the missionary fields 
 abroad, and grant them a glorious harvest. Re- 
 gard with favour our land ; give grace and wisdom 
 to all in authority, and make them instruments for 
 the fulfilment of thy gracious purpose in the 
 world. Be Thou with us, and all dear to us, 
 this day, and keep us near to Thyself. We ask 
 every mercy for the sake of Jesus, thy Son, our 
 Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XI. 1-22. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, the Preserver of our life, the 
 -^ Giver of all grace, oh, reveal unto us the 
 greatness of thy glory and the plenteousness of 
 thy mercy. We bend the knee at thy footstool, 
 and pray that our hearts may be touched by li vino- 
 fire from thine altar, and our prayer and praise be 
 accepted through the merits and intercession of 
 Jesus our Lord. Oh, give us faith to grasp firmly 
 thy promises, and day by day to bring near to us 
 the things that are unseen and eternal. Thou per- 
 mittest us to enter in within the veil, whither 
 Jesus has entered for us. Bless us, God, with 
 a clear perception of divine things, that we may 
 seek earnestly for the full enjoyment of all which 
 Thou hast provided for us, and live in the con- 
 stant experience of thy saving grace and mercy. 
 
 Forgive us the many sins of which we have 
 been guilty this da3% If we say that we have no 
 sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in 
 us. Lord God, preserve us from this self-deceit; 
 convince us of sin ; make us to feel all its grievous- 
 ness, and to know that by things done and things 
 left undone we are constantly disobeying Thee 
 and transgressing thy commandments. Graciously 
 bestow the assurance of thy favour. Mercifully 
 accept us, and let not our offences be remembered 
 before Thee. Come, Holy Ghost, and abide 
 in us ; take away tlie love of sin, and kindle in 
 us a fervent desire to be more conformed to the 
 likeness of Jesus. 
 
 We pray, God, that Thou wouldest increase 
 our faith in thy Word, and make us bold to do 
 and patient to suffer thy will, in the assurance that 
 heaven and earth shall pass away before thy Word 
 can fail. By the example of thy servants in old 
 time, stir up our hearts to diligence, that we be 
 not slothful, but followers of them who through 
 faith and patience inherit the promises. Oh that, 
 like them, we may seek earnestly a better country, 
 even a heavenly, and rest under thy protection, 
 and with thy blessing press on in the narrow way, 
 overcoming the world and its temptations, and 
 glorifying thy name by our holy consistency. 
 
 We implore thy blessing for the night on our- 
 selves and all those we love. Let grace, mercy, 
 and peace be on us all, from God our Father and 
 the Lord Jesus Christ. Shed on thy Church, O 
 Lord, the abundance of all good gifts, and so 
 water the seed of thy Word which has been sowed 
 this day, that it may bring forth much fruit to 
 thy praise. Accept our grateful and heaity thanks- 
 givings for this day's mercies ; and grant that we 
 may read in them the tokens of thy love, and be 
 encouraged to trust Thee and to love Thee even 
 more and more. Holy Father, hear and help us, 
 for thy dear Son's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 327 ] 
 
MoRNma.] 
 
 FORTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XLIII. 
 
 OTHOU who fiUest the heavens with the glory of 
 thy presence, and yet condescendest to regard 
 the suppHcations of the children of men, receive, 
 we beseech Thee, the prayers and the praises which 
 we now present unto Thee, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Blessed be thy name, our Fatlier, 
 for the mercies of the past night. We acknow- 
 ledge our unworthiness, and while confessing our 
 sinfulness, we look up to Thee for thy pardoning 
 mercy and thy sanctifying grace. Thou art our 
 God, and we will praise Thee. Enrich us with 
 thy blessing, and guide our steps into the way of 
 peace. We beseech Thee in thy mercy to hide thy 
 face from our sins, and to blot out all our iniqui- 
 ties. Animate us, we implore Thee, by tliy good 
 Spirit, that we may not be led astray by an undue 
 regard to things temporal. Enable us, by tliy 
 grace, to remember the lessons which we have 
 now been tauglit in thy holy Word, and to feel 
 that it is thy favour that imparts comfort and pro- 
 tection, and that as thy redeemed people we are 
 called to thy service. Number us, we beseech 
 Thee, among thy saints, that we may know, by 
 joyful experience, that they who have the Lord for 
 their God need fear no evil. 
 
 We pray Thee, that as Thou didst of old guide, 
 protect, and nourish thine ancient people Israel, so 
 Thou wilt guide, protect, and nourish us. If Thou 
 art pleased to appoint trials for our lot, overrule 
 them for thy glory and for our good, that we may 
 learn to value aright the comforts of thy promises 
 and the blessings of thy providence. May grace, 
 mercy, and peace be with us. Thou hast assured 
 us of thy pardoning mercy and of thy watchful 
 care ; graciously touch our hearts, that we may be 
 impressed with a sense of thy goodness, and by a 
 life of faith adorn our Christian profession. Give 
 us faith daily to live near to Thee, and power to 
 dedicate ourselves to thy service. 
 
 May thy blessing rest upon all who are now 
 present before Thee. Cause the young to grow in 
 grace as they grow in years. Convert the un- 
 godly among us, and make thy Gospel the power 
 of God unto their salvation. Be with us wherever 
 our duty calls us this day ; prosper the work of our 
 hands, and crown our efforts with success. Keep 
 us in thy faith and fear ; preserve us from sin. Set 
 a watch over the door of our lips, that we offend 
 not in word, nor bring dishonour on thy holy 
 Gospel. Sanctify our hearts, and grant that peace 
 and good- will may dwell within our walls, and that 
 by a life of watchfulness, prayer, and grateful 
 obedience, we may show forth thy praise. These 
 blessings we ask for ourselves, and for all for whom 
 it is our duty to pray, in the name and for the 
 merit of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XI. 23—40. 
 
 OTHOU who hast been the strength and support 
 of thy saints in all ages, we rejoice that Thou 
 art from everlasting to everlasting. Help us to 
 believe that Thou art the same yesterday, to-day, 
 and for ever, that thy compassions fail not, and. 
 that what Thou hast been to thy people in ancient 
 times Thou wilt be to us who now call upon thy 
 name. We thank Thee that, for our instruction and 
 encouragement. Thou hast recorded in thy Word 
 the faith of thy servants in bygone ages ; as we 
 read of their firm trust in Thyself, and their un- 
 shaken confidence in the truth of thy promises, 
 we pray that we may take them as our example, 
 and be found followers of all those who, through 
 faith and patience, are now inheriting the promises. 
 
 We give Thee thanks, God, for the fuller 
 revelation of thy purposes of grace and mercy we 
 possess, and that we see what prophets and 
 righteous men of old were not permitted to see. 
 Grant that, as Thou hast increased our privileges, 
 our faith, and love, and hope may be increased. 
 May we have that faith which will help us to 
 endure as seeing Thee who art invisible, the 
 faith that will bring near to us the unseen glories 
 of the heavenly country, and that will purify our 
 hearts, and enable us to overcome the world, with 
 its allurements, its temptations, and its trials. If 
 Thou shouldest see fit to permit our faith to be 
 tried by opposition, affliction, and reproach, for 
 the sake of Christ, may we be able to stand 
 steadfast, and at last to be more than conquerors 
 through Him that loved us. May nothing move 
 us away from Thyself, but grant us so abundantly 
 thy grace, that even adverse influences around us 
 may drive us nearer to thy side. Amidst the 
 trials and difficulties that beset our path, help us 
 to keep in view the end of our faith, the salvation 
 of our souls, and constantly to have respect unto 
 the recompence of the reward. Let the hope of 
 heaven, the rest, and peace, and joy that are there, 
 cheer us during all our pilgrimage here below, and 
 at last may we be brought into thy presence, where 
 there is fulness of joy, and to thy right hand, 
 where there are pleasures for evermore. 
 
 And now, Father, we thank Thee that through 
 another day Thou hast spared us, and supplied all 
 our wants, and with quiet and trustful hearts 
 would we commit ourselves to thy care through the 
 night. Hear us on behalf of all our dear friends. 
 The blessings we have sought for ourselves we 
 would desire Thee to bestow on them. Let thine 
 eye be upon them, and whatever their circum- 
 stances, do Thou suit thy mercy to them. 
 
 Hear these our humble prayers, we beseech 
 Thee. We offer them all through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 328 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-SEVENTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XLV. 
 
 OLORD, Thou art great, and greatly to be ex- 
 alted, and thy glory shall endure for ever. 
 Thou art the Lord, and there is none else ; there 
 is no God beside Thee. There is no might nor 
 power that exalts itself against Thee, but Thou 
 wilt bring it down. Thou canst raise up deliver- 
 ance for thy people in their hour of deepest sorrow, 
 and canst save them out of the hand of their 
 enemies by thy outstretched arm, when they ieel 
 that they can do nothing for themselves. Thou 
 hast made the earth and created man upon it, and 
 Thou canst turn the hearts of kings and make 
 them do thy pleasure. Bq^ we adore Thee for a 
 greater than Cyrus, and for a more glorious de- 
 liverance than that of Jacob from his captivity. In 
 thy pity and compassion Thou hast had mercy 
 upon us, and sent thine only begotten Son into the 
 world, that we may live through Him. Thou hast 
 laid help upon One that is mighty, and hast said, 
 Deliver from going down to the pit, for I have 
 found a ransom. Give us grace to believe in and 
 to trust and adore this great Redeemer. May He 
 have our hearts entirely, and may we feel it our 
 chief joy to follow where He leads. They that 
 trust in Him shall not be ashamed or confounded 
 world without end, but they shall be saved with 
 an everlasting salvation. 
 
 Grant us tliis salvation, Lord our God. May 
 the love of Christ constrain us, so that we shall 
 find his yoke easy, his burden light, and his service 
 perfect freedom. Adored be thy name for the 
 invitation to look and be saved. By thy grace 
 enable us to say, In the Lord alone have we 
 righteousness and strength, and in him may we be 
 justified from all things from which we cannot be 
 justified by the law. Alas ! God, we have 
 broken thy holy law, and cannot be delivered from 
 the curse by any act of our own ; but we praise 
 thy most gracious name that Jesus died in our 
 stead, and was made a curse for us, that we 
 might be made the righteousness of God in Him. 
 We bless Thee that this Gospel message is so plain 
 and clear, and so exactly suited to our fallen and 
 sinful condition. May we feel its effects in daily 
 increasing spiritual strength, and in ever-growing 
 conformity to the Lord our Righteousness. 
 
 We thank Thee for the peaceful rest of the past 
 night, and for a new day with its new mercies. 
 Give us this day our daily bread, and grace to 
 walk as those who have been redeemed, not with 
 silver or gold, but with the pi^ecious blood of 
 Christ. Keep our bodies from danger, and our 
 souls from sin ; and enable us, whatever tempta- 
 tions may beset us, to be more than conquerors 
 through JHim that loved us and gave Himself for 
 us ; and all we ask is for his sake. Ainen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XII. 
 
 MERCIFUL Father in Christ Jesus, who dost 
 regard with favour them that are of a meek 
 and contrite spirit, accept thy unworthy servants 
 who, at the close of another week, meet before thy 
 throne for prayer and praise. Taught by thy Holy 
 Spirit, we would remember how short our time is, 
 and as each stage of life is passed, solemnly ask 
 how we are prepared to meet our God. Gracious 
 God, we seek the pardon of our sins through the 
 blood of the cross. Lord Jesus, remove every 
 weight from our souls that keeps us back from 
 Thee; sin unforgiven, sin practised, harassing cares, 
 and sorrows ; and let us run patiently the race set 
 before us, looking unto Thee. Oh, help us to realise 
 our immortality and responsibility; to remember 
 that the soul never dies, and that for the deeds 
 done here we must render an account to Thee. 
 Make us consult thy honour more than the world's 
 favour, fearing eternal exclusion from thy love 
 more than temporary affliction. Give us all, day 
 by day, the grace of patience ; possessing the 
 great light of the Gospel, may none of us fail of 
 the grace of God, but persevere faithfully to the 
 end. Thanks to thy name for that Gospel of 
 Jesus, and for the mercy which extends to us the day 
 of grace. Awake, arm of the Lord ! convince 
 the careless and impenitent of the guilt of reject- 
 ing Jesus, of refusing Him who speaketh in grace 
 and truth. Enable us who now worship Thee to 
 know by experience the nature of true faith, to 
 adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
 things, and to attain the blessed assurance of 
 having received a kingdom that cannot be moved. 
 Bless the present and absent members of this 
 family ; all relations, friends, and neighbours ; and 
 dispose their hearts to the attainment of everlasting 
 salvation. For the whole household of faith, singly 
 and collectively ; for our fellow-citizens, fellow- 
 countrymen, and fellow- creatures, we implore thy 
 grace, to edify, comfort, alarm, or convert them, ac- 
 cording to their several needs. Give thy Spirit to 
 our Sovereign and the Royal Family. May they 
 diligently fulfil the duties of their exalted station as 
 in thy sight, remembering their own subjection, 
 in all things, to a King in heaven. Preside over 
 our national councils ; may they be pervaded by 
 Christian integrity and truth; and remove far 
 from all who take part in them any contempt for 
 thy holy Word. We thankfully acknowledge our 
 countless blessings, while deploring our unworthi- 
 ness as a people. Quicken us, Lord, in our 
 love to Thee and to each other. Now grant unto 
 our bodies the rest they need, and to our souls 
 peace in Jesus ; and raise us up in health to 
 worship Thee acceptably on the Lord's day, through 
 Christ our Saviour, Amen. 
 
 L 329 ;] 
 
 No. 42. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XLVIII. 
 
 OLORD, Thou art tlie First and the Last ; help 
 us this morning with reverence and godly fear 
 to approach thy footstool. We thank Thee for thy 
 watchful guardian care. We have been protected 
 and preserved by thine overruling providence. 
 Teach us always to look up to Thee as the Author 
 of our existence, and the Source and Griver of 
 every good, and to trace thy love in every blessing. 
 We beseech Thee now to give us thy Holy Spirit. 
 We would go forth to the duties of the day in thy 
 strength. Keep us by thy grace, for we are not 
 able to keep ourselves. Be Thou our Sun and 
 Shield, and grant us constantly to live under the 
 beams of thy grace, beneath the protection of thy 
 power. Thou art the Redeemer and the Holy One 
 of Israel , lead us by the way that we should go, 
 and prosper us in all we do. Thou hast graciously 
 declared unto us thy Word and will ; cause us 
 attentively to hearken to thy commandments, and 
 dutifully to obey thy precepts, that so our peace 
 may be as a river, and our righteousness as the 
 waves of the sea. Thine ancient people thirsted 
 not when Thou didst lead them through the desert 
 land ; for then Thou didst cause waters to flow out 
 of the rock. Oh, satisfy us early with thy mercy. 
 Feed us with the bread of heaven, and from tlie 
 streams of tJiat Rock, which is Christ, give us now 
 to drink, that our souls may be refreshed, and that 
 we may go on our way rejoicing. 
 
 Thou hast said that Thou wilt not give thy glory 
 to another. We desire to render unto Thee the 
 glory due unto thy name. We would worship the 
 Lord our God, and Him only would we serve. We 
 are not our own. We are bought with a price, 
 even the precious blood of Christ. Give us thy 
 Holy Spirit, that we may glorify Thee with our 
 bodies and spirits, which are thine ; adorn the 
 doctrine of God our Saviour in all things, and 
 serve our generation according to thy will. 
 
 As a family may we live before Thee ; having 
 the light of thy love on our home, and every 
 member of our household a member of the house- 
 hold of faith, and the family of God. Hear our 
 prayers for all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in 
 sincerity and truth. Make thy presence felt in 
 all congregations gathered this day in thy name. 
 Strengthen the hands of thy faithful pastors. 
 Guide all who are in error to the knowledge of 
 thy truth. Let the power and love of Christ be 
 realised in many hearts, and the steps of wanderers 
 be turned to the fold of the Good Shepherd. 
 Send forth thy Gospel into all lands. Cause the 
 wickedness of the wicked to come to an end ; and 
 pity and convert them. Lord answer and accept, 
 sanctify and save us, for the Redeemer's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS Xlli. 
 
 
 
 LORD, we thank Thee for having permitted us 
 to go up to thy sanctuary to-day, that we 
 might offer spiritual sacrifices, and think of thy 
 loving-kindness in the midst of thy temple. Im- 
 press upon our minds, we beseech Thee, the 
 doctrines and precepts of thy Gospel. May we 
 always be found looking unto Christ, and, trusting 
 in the shadow of his wings, may we be delivered 
 from the guilt and power of our sins. Clothe us 
 with his righteousness, and fill us with his Spirit. 
 
 We also thank Thee, Lord of the Sabbath, for 
 thy day of rest, and for bestowing upon us in con- 
 nection with it such priceless privileges. We adore 
 thy wisdom and love embodied in the ministry of 
 reconciliation. May we ever obey those that have 
 the rule over us, knowing that they watch for our 
 souls. Give us, we beseech Thee, grace to receive 
 with meekness and faith thy holy Word. Enable 
 us at all times to find unfailing consolation in thine 
 exceeding great and precious promises, and to feel 
 that Thou wilt never leave nor forsake us, so that 
 we may boldly say " The Lord is my helper ; I will 
 not fear what man can do unto me." Cause our 
 Christian life to be characterised by a holy courage. 
 Firmly rooted and grounded in the faith, may we 
 ever be ready to suffer for the sake of Christ, and 
 to bear his reproach. May we hold the world with 
 a light hand, and, while we remain in it, show by 
 our conversation that we are not of it. Make us 
 perfect, throvigh the blood of the everlasting 
 covenant, in every good work, that we may do 
 that which is well pleasing in thy sight. 
 
 Thou, Lord, art the God of all the families of 
 Israel. Be our God, we entreat Thee. Let our 
 home be sanctified by thy presence. [Let our sons 
 be as plants grown up in their youth, and our 
 daughters as corner-stones of thy temple.] May 
 our friends and all connected with us be num- 
 bered amongst thine elect people. During this 
 night grant us thy protecting care. We would 
 not forget that here we have no continuing 
 city. Soon our last Sabbath evening on earth 
 will come. Enable us to keep the eternal Sabbath 
 before our eyes, so that when we have done thy 
 will here below, we may enter upon that rest 
 which Thou hast prepared for thy people. We 
 would unite with our own petitions the interces- 
 sions presented by thy Church to-day in behalf of 
 all ranks and conditions of men; especially do we 
 remember before Thee all that are in bonds and 
 that suffer adversity. May the works of darkness 
 come to an end, and all the nations find rest in 
 Jesus. The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord 
 lift up the light of his countenance upon us. The 
 Lord give us grace and peace, now and ever. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 330 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-EIGHTH WEEK— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH L. 
 
 OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and our Father, as Thou renewest thy mercies 
 to us every day, so waken our ear morning by 
 morning to the voice of thy lovingkindness, and 
 stir us up to call upon thy name. 
 
 With shame we confess before Thee that, although 
 from our birth under the strongest obligation to obey 
 Thee as our Creator and Preserver, we have yet 
 sinned against Thee by our disobedience, and 
 brought ourselves into bondage by our iniquities. 
 Hadst Thou recompensed us as we deserve, we 
 must have lain down in despair ; but thy hand was 
 not shortened that it could not redeem, nor thy 
 power unequal to deliver us. 
 
 We praise Thee for the gift of thy dear Son, 
 who knowing how to speak a word in season to him 
 that is weary, has invited the heavy laden to come 
 unto Him, that they may find rest unto their souls. 
 Blessed be thy name, that under the painful sense 
 of our many transgressions, while Satan accuses 
 and condemns us. He is near that justifieth us. 
 Suffer us no more to rebel against Thee, nor 
 to turn away from thy commandments. For his 
 sake, who gave his back to the smiters, and his 
 cheeks to them that plucked off the hair, forgive us 
 our past transgressions, and enable us henceforth 
 to set our face like a flint to go and sin no more. 
 Help us, our God, and then we shall jnot be 
 ashamed ; but shall delight ourselves in thy com- 
 mandments, and ever find them ways of pleasant- 
 ness and ]jaths of peace. 
 
 To these our humble prayers and thanksgivings, 
 we venture to add our intercession for all men , 
 for our Sovereign and the Royal Family, for the 
 Parliament of the nation, and for all that are in 
 authority ; that all orders and ranks of men may 
 unite in seeking the glory of their God. We 
 especially pray for the Church of Christ, and for 
 all who, though fearing the Lord, yet walk in 
 darkness and have no light ; enable them to trust 
 in the Lord, and to stay themselves upon their 
 God. Remembering the anguish of mind and 
 body through which the Captain of our salvation 
 passed to glory, may they find comfort in following 
 his steps. We pray for the world, that those who 
 are seeking happiness in temporal things, or who 
 are relying for salvation on their own wisdom, 
 strength, or righteousness, may by thy Holy Spirit 
 be taught their folly. Pour down on all who are 
 dear to us thy richest blessings. Give them all the 
 constant experience of thy love, and guide them in . 
 the ways of godliness and peace. Graciously hear 
 us in all that we ask, according to thy will, for the 
 sake of thy well-beloved Son, our adorable Re- 
 deemer, to whom with Thee and thy Holy Spirit 
 be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JAME3 I. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and Eternal God, who art un- 
 ii. changeably the same, our Creator, our Pre- 
 server, and the Author and Giver of all our mercies ; 
 awaken in us, as we kneel before Thee, a spirit of 
 reverent humility and thankful praise. Of thine 
 own, Lord, alone can we give Thee. The heart 
 to praise, and the desire to pray, come only from 
 Thee. Faith, and wisdom, and strength are thine. 
 Gracious Father, bestow these gifts on us, then 
 shall we worship Thee with the spirit and with the 
 understanding, and our mouth will be filled with 
 thy praise. 
 
 Great has been thy goodness and forbearance 
 towards us this day. We have often sinned against 
 Thee by saying things we ought not to have said, 
 and by doing things we ought not to have done. 
 We have forgotten that thine eye was upon us, 
 and that we should have done tiiy will, not our own ; 
 and yet Thou art long-suffering and patient, and 
 still waitest to be gracious to us. Blessed be thy 
 name, that we have gone in and out in peace and 
 safety throughout the -day, that our wants have 
 been supplied, and that now, in the name of thy 
 dear Son, we can come to thy footstool and obtain 
 forgiveness and acceptance, God, enable us to 
 rejoice in thy gifts, to see in them all thy hand 
 and thy love. We pray that we may lie down to 
 rest forgiven, accepted, and blessed by Thee. We 
 pray that every day we may be made more deeply 
 sensible of thy mercy, and more anxious in all 
 things to do thy will. Holy Father, write thy law 
 on our hearts, and by thy Spirit stir us up to a 
 daily, and diligent, and loving obedience. Lord 
 Jesus, come and dwell in us, and enable us to feel 
 thy presence, and to experience the greatness and 
 excellence of thy love. Then shall we be thine 
 indeed, and live unto Thee, and follow thy footsteps. 
 Fulfil thy promise, God, and give us the Spirit to 
 guide us into all truth, and to teach us the things 
 of God. Especially suffer us not to be forgetful 
 hearers of thy Word, unmindful of its warnings, 
 or coldly indifferent to its promises, as those whose 
 religion is vain. Kindle in our hearts a deep hatred 
 of sin, as displeasing and dishonouring to Thee. 
 Li the midst of all our temptations and trials, be 
 Thou with us, Jesus, who thyself hast suffered 
 being tempted. By the mercies and afflictions of 
 life train us for heaven, and in thine unchanging 
 love perfect in us thy work. 
 
 We seek for ourselves, and all who are dear to 
 us, thy Divine protection, Lord, for this night 
 Let thy sheltering wing guard us from evil, and 
 thy power raise us again in life and strength for 
 diity and service. We ask it all in the adorable 
 name of Jesus, thy dear Son ; for his sake, heavenly 
 Father, help, answer, and bless us. Amen. 
 
 [ 331 J 
 
MORNDTG.] 
 
 FORTY-EIGHTH WEEK— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH Lll. 
 
 GREAT and glorious God, spared by thy mercy, 
 we would Begin another day by worshipping 
 Thee. Meet and right it is that we should do so. 
 Help us always to esteem it not only our duty, 
 but our highest privilege, to draw near to Thee 
 in prayer and praise. 
 
 Blessed, for ever blessed be thy name, that we 
 have heard the glad tidings of thy Gospel ; that 
 peace with God, salvation from sin, and eternal 
 life and glory, have been published in our ears, 
 through Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent to 
 be the Saviour of the world. Through Him, and 
 Him alone, we dare to approach Thee. Througli 
 Him we call Thee our Father, and look to Thee 
 for every blessmg, both those pertaining to the 
 present life and those of the life to come. 
 
 While we slept. Thou, who never slumberest 
 nor sleepest, hast been our protector. But, Lord, 
 we need thy care as much when we are awake as 
 when we are asleep ; for we have no wisdom or 
 strength to take care of ourselves. Keep us, then, 
 oh, keep us this day from all adversities that might 
 happen to our bodies, and from all evil thoughts 
 that might assault and hurt our souls. Bestow 
 upon us thy Holy Spirit. Enable us to remember 
 that we are not our own, but thine. Shed abroad 
 thy love in our hearts. Put into our minds good 
 desires. Enable us to live in the world as those 
 who are not of it, as those who are the servants 
 of another King, the citizens of another kingdom. 
 And oh, give us courage, not only to confess 
 Christ with our lips, but to adorn his Gospel by 
 our lives. Help vis to do our duty in the stations 
 to which Thou hast called us. May we touch no 
 unclean thing. May the words of our mouths 
 and the meditation of our hearts be always ac- 
 ceptable in thy sight, Lord, our strength and 
 our Redeemer. 
 
 Oh, our Father, Thou hast taught us to be care- 
 ful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and 
 supplication with thanksgiving to make our re- 
 quests known unto Thee. We commit, therefore, 
 to Thee all our temporal wants. Provide for us. 
 Feed us with food convenient for us. Be with us 
 in our daily business as Thou wast with Joseph of 
 old, and make all that we do to prosper. 
 
 And, Lord, we pray that Thou wouldest accom- 
 plish thy promises concerning the future blessed- 
 ness of our sin-stricken world. May he Avho died 
 in suffering and shame on Calvary, be exalted and 
 extolled, and be very high. May the Jews repent 
 and be converted to Him ; and may the Gentile 
 nations bow at his footstool, and many be saved 
 through his atoning blood. Oh, that these times 
 of refreshing may speedily come ! We ask all 
 through Jesus Christ. Anien. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JAMES II. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, with whom is no respect of 
 persons, help us to approach Thee acceptably, 
 and teach us how to pray. May thy gracious 
 Spirit help our infirmities. Sensible of our unfit- 
 ness for thy presence, we feel the precious value 
 of Immanuel's intercession, in whose name we 
 offer our prayer. 
 
 Thy goodness has accompanied us through this 
 day. Life, health, and blessing have thy hands 
 dispensed to us. Thou hast kept us in safety; 
 Thou hast not suffered disease to invade our 
 dwelling, nor accident to befall us. What shall 
 we render to Thee, giver of all good, for thine 
 abounding mercy ! Make us grateful, and may 
 our lives and our lips show forth thy praise. 
 
 Humbly do we confess our unworthiness. Our 
 sins are many, and we acknowledge them with 
 shame before Thee. It is of the Lord's mercy we 
 are not consumed. Thou hast compassion upon 
 us. Work in us, we beseech Thee, a true sense of 
 sin, that we may be contrite and humble before 
 Thee ; that we may receive the forgiveness of sins, 
 according to thy Avord ; that we may once more 
 prove the pacifying, cleansing virtue of that blood 
 which taketh away sin. Speak thy peace to our 
 souls, ere we enter upon the silent hours of the 
 night. 
 
 Grant thy favour according to our respective 
 wants, which are known to Thee. Make us aware 
 of these wants, and bring us to thine inexhaustible 
 fulness to supply them. Enlighten our darkness, 
 and make us wise in the understanding of thy 
 Word. Take from us all pride, and give us 
 humility of heart. Shed abroad thy love in our 
 hearts, and enrich us with the treasures of thy 
 grace. Out of thy riches in glory by Christ Jesus 
 supply all our need. 
 
 Oh, send out thy light and truth to all man- 
 kind. Give efficacy to thy Gospel, and let it soon 
 be possessed by all people. Smile upon the 
 labours of thy servants, at home and abroad. 
 Give to thy Son the heathen for his inheritance, 
 that the desert may be glad, and the wilderness 
 rejoice and blossom as the rose. Thus let thy 
 kingdom come ; wars cease to the end of the 
 earth ; oppression, slavery, and sin be brought to 
 an effectual end. 
 
 God be merciful to us, and bless us, and cause 
 thy face to shine upon us, that thy way may be 
 known upon earth, thy saving health among all 
 nations. Let the people praise Thee, God ; let 
 all the people praise Thee. 
 
 To thy gracious care we commit ourselves this 
 night. Give refreshing rest and renewed vigour 
 of body and soul. All these mercies we ask in 
 the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 L 232 j 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LIII. 
 
 LORD, WO pray Thee to open our understandings, 
 that we may understand the Scripture which 
 we have been reading. Let thy Spirit, who in thy 
 servants the prophets testified beforehand the suf- 
 ferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow, 
 ever guide us. Lord, we tremble for ourselves 
 when we see the blindness of the people to 
 whom were committed thy oracles, but who did 
 not perceive that the Spirit bore witness to 
 Jesus as their Messiah. We believe in thy 
 Word. Lord God, help our unbelief, and 
 increase oar faith in thy dear Son as the Re- 
 deemer of mankind. Reveal thy truth to our 
 souls, and make it effectual to our salvation. May 
 He who was once despised and rejected of men be 
 in our eyes the chief among ten thousand, and 
 altogether lovely. What sufficient thanks and 
 adoration can we offer unto Thee, that thy Son 
 our Lord became obedient unto death for us men, 
 and for our salvation that he was smitten of 
 Tliee, and afflicted. Though we cannot resemble 
 Him in his innocency, may we imitate his meek- 
 ness ; and, under all circumstances of provocation, 
 follow his steps. If we are ever reviled, suffer us 
 not to revile again ; if called to suffer, preserve us 
 from threatening, and enable us to commit our- 
 selves to Him who judgeth righteously. Set a 
 watch at all times over our lips, that we offend not 
 in word. And whilst in Him, bearing our sins in 
 his own body on the tree, we see a sacrifice for 
 our guilt, and an example of patience, let us learn 
 also to become dead unto sins, continually mortify- 
 ing all our evil and corrupt affections. Convince 
 us of our individual wanderings from the fold of 
 Christ. God, we have indeed sinned and come 
 short of thy glory. Blessed be thy name, that 
 Thou hast laid on Christ the iniquities of us all. 
 Through his blood, shed for us, we implore thy 
 pardon and peace. 
 
 We adore thy goodness, Lord, for having 
 shielded us from harm during the hours of dark- 
 ness, and renewed to us this morning the blessings 
 of thy providence and grace. Add to all thy 
 mercies, we pray Thee, the gift of a thankful 
 heart, and give us so to feel the love of Christ in 
 our hearts, that we may cheerfully consecrate our 
 life to thy service. 
 
 Go with us, merciful Father, to all the duties of 
 this day. Let neither sin nor Satan obtain the 
 victory over us. Show us, under all circum- 
 stances, what we ought to do, and give us grace 
 and strength faithfully to do it. Gracious Spirit, 
 dwell Thou in our hearts, and work in us all the 
 will of God. Adorable Redeemer, in thy name 
 we offer these our prayers and praises; answer 
 us for thy truth's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JAMES IIL 
 
 SET a watch, Lord, before our mouth ; keep 
 the door of our lips ; let us not be hasty to 
 utter anything before God ; for Thou art in heaven, 
 and we upon the earth ; therefore should our words 
 be few. Grant unto us to have our hearts and 
 our hps prepared, now, and at all times when we 
 draw near to Thee. Gracious God, never permit 
 our lips to utter in thy presence that which our 
 hearts do not feel, for Thou searchest the hearts 
 and triest tlie leins of the children of men. We 
 acknowledge that thy holy Word convinces us of 
 having sinned with our mouths. We are a people 
 of unclean lips, and we fervently pray for thy par- 
 doning mercy to be extended to every one of the 
 countless sins we have spoken, or thought, or done ; 
 and we beseech of Thee to give us that wisdom 
 that is from above to teach and to keep us, so that 
 the fruits of righteousness may abound in our lips 
 and our lives. May our mouths be sealed against 
 all that IS false, impure, unkind, idle, or vain ; 
 may they be opened in behalf of thy truth. Lord, 
 help us to speak for the helpless and the oppressed. 
 We also entreat Thee to preserve us from hasty 
 words to our fellow-creatures. Make us like unto 
 Him who, when he was reviled, reviled not again ; 
 who, when he suffered, threatened not ; who did 
 no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. 
 Thus may we be peacemakers, and by words of 
 kindness refresh and comfort all around. 
 
 God of mercy pardon all the profanity of 
 the sons of men, and give to the people a pure 
 language, that they may all call upon the name of 
 the Lord, to serve him with one consent. Bless 
 us as a family, that envy, and strife, and confusion, 
 and every evil work, may be kept far from us. 
 And now that another night has set in, great God, 
 we ask thy protecting care to be over our dwelling, 
 and our persons, and all that appertains to us. 
 
 We rejoice to know that while we slumber thy 
 praises will be sung in other portions of our world ; 
 and we pray that we may serve Thee eternally in 
 that world in which there shall be no night. 
 Lord, preserve those who are this night jom'neying 
 by land or by water, and let thy gracious presence 
 be enjoyed by the afflicted. Grant strength unto 
 those who watch beside the suffering, and may 
 those who die awake to endless day with Thee. 
 Shouldst Thou spare us to rise again on the 
 morrow, enable us to serve Thee more diligently 
 and devotedly than in the day which is past, and 
 in every thing to seek the honour of thy name. 
 Grant unto us now to enjoy the assurance of thy 
 pardoning love, and to rest in thy favour through 
 the abounding merit of thy dear Son, Jesus Christ, 
 for whom we bless Thee. To Father, Son, and 
 Holy Spirit be glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 333 
 
MOKNING. 
 
 FORTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY bCRIPTURE ISAIAH LIV. 
 
 OLORD our Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, 
 we desire to approach unto Thee this morning, 
 and to worship Thee, the only living and true God. 
 Thou art the God of the whole earth. We unite 
 with all the families that call upon thy name to 
 render to Thee the tribute of our praise for thy 
 goodness and thy love, and to seek from Thee in 
 prayer the blessings we need at thy hand. Listen, 
 we beseech Thee, Lord, to our humble cry, and 
 grant us thy fatherly blessing. 
 
 We thank Thee, most merciful Father, that we 
 have not been called to sleep the sleep of death, 
 but that whilst many of our fellow-sinners have 
 been called to exchange the darkness of night for 
 the blackness of darkness and despair, we appear 
 at thy footstool the monuments of thy sparing 
 mercy. For life and health, and all things we 
 enjoy, we give Thee our most humble and hearty 
 thanks. We call upon our souls, and all that is 
 within us, to bless and to praise thy holy name. 
 Thou hast redeemed our life from destruction ; 
 Thou crownest us with loving kindness and tender 
 mercies. We humbly beseeech Thee to impress 
 upon our hearts the consideration of our entire 
 dependence upon Thee, and make us feel the deep 
 and solemn obligation we are under to worship 
 and to serve Thee with all the faculties and capa- 
 cities of our being. 
 
 We come to Thee for the blessings which we 
 need this day. We beseech Thee to keep us by 
 thine almighty power in all the temptations which 
 may assail us in the discharge of our lawful duties. 
 Help us to honour Thee even in our trials and 
 afflictions. We ask Thee to give us the wisdom 
 we need to walk in the path of virtue and holiness. 
 We implore thy grace to enable us to honour the 
 Lord with our substance, and to exemplify that 
 spirit of benevolence and self-sacrifice which ever 
 distinguished our divme Redeemer when he was 
 upon earth. May we be enabled this day to com- 
 mend the religion of Jesus Christ to some who 
 have hitherto rejected it, and by our holy walk and 
 conversation may we draw souls to the Saviour. 
 Impress upon our minds, Lord, the lessons 
 of thy holy Word we have now read. Assure 
 our hearts that, if we are thy children by faith 
 in Jesus Christ, we have an all-sufficient friend in 
 Thyself, one from whom no powers of earth or 
 hell can ever separate us. 
 
 Bestow thy blessing, we beseech Thee, upon all 
 who are dear to us. Make them the objects of 
 thy special care, and the subjects of thy saving 
 grace, and grant that we may all be found at thy 
 right hand, and with all thy redeemed children 
 may we attain unto eternal glory, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JAMES IV. 
 
 MOST gracious Saviour, Thou alone canst enable 
 us to walk according to the precepts of 
 thy blessed Gospel. It is only through divine 
 strength imparted to us that we can do what we 
 know to be right. Grant, heavenly Father, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake, that we may be anxious in all 
 our thoughts, words, and actions, to be guided by 
 the Holy Spirit, and by the doctrines and precepts 
 of thy Word. May it ever be our desire to follow 
 after peace, to avoid all that pertains to envy and 
 strife, to flee from all sinful and hurtful lusts, to 
 be content with the things that we have, and to 
 cast our care upon God, who careth for us. May 
 the Spirit which is of God triumph in us over the 
 spirit which is of the world, and may we regard 
 the friendship of Jesus as of greater value than all 
 that the world can attord. 
 
 We beseech Thee to help us to walk humbly in 
 thy presence and before our fellow-men. Suffer 
 us not at any time to give way to evil in- 
 fluence ; grant that we may resist temptation , 
 that we may be strong in the day of trial, and 
 ever manfully strive to keep ourselves unspotted 
 from the world. Amidst the various duties of life 
 help us ever to remember Thee. Let not health, 
 prosperity, or riches lead us to trust m an arm of 
 flesh. And if surrounded by adversity, sickness, 
 and sorrow, may our faith still be strong in Thee, 
 who art able to deliver us through our Lord Jesus 
 Christ. May we guard our thoughts as in thy 
 sight. Help us to set a watch over our lips, that 
 no evil word may escape. Let no provocation stir 
 us up to wrath. May we be gentle and kind to all 
 men, and when our patience is sorely tried, bring 
 to our remembrance the examj)le of Him who, 
 when he was reviled, reviled not again. From 
 all rash and uncharitable judgments deliver us. 
 Enable us in all things, as far as in us lies, to 
 practise the charity that thinketh no evil. By thy 
 grace helping us, may we ever cultivate a meek 
 and quiet spirit ; and if wronged at any time by 
 our neighbour, may we commit ourselves to Him 
 thatjudgeth righteously. In all our daily engage- 
 ments give us heavenly wisdom to direct us, and 
 in all our plans prosper us by thy blessing. May 
 we do the duties of life as they daily arise in our 
 path, ever remembering that only the present time 
 is ours. 
 
 And now we thank Thee for all the mercies of 
 this day. We confess before Thee our sins ; we 
 ask thy mercy and implore thy pardon. .We com- 
 mend each other to thy gracious ))rotection this 
 night. May we abide in safety under thy loving 
 care. What we seek for ourselves we ask for 
 the whole family of God. In mercy hear us, and 
 answer us for Jesus' sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 331 ] 
 
Morning. ] 
 
 FORTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LV. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and ever-blessed God, we beseech 
 Thee, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 by thy Holy Spirit to help us now to worship Thee 
 acceptably with reverence and godly fear. We 
 desire to return unto Thee our hearty thanks for 
 thy watchful care over us during the past night, 
 beseeching Thee to take us all into thy care and 
 keeping durmg the present day, and to preserve 
 us from all evil. Grant also that, wherever we 
 are, and whatever we do, we may endeavour to 
 glorify Thee, and may always remember that 
 thine eye is ever upon us, and may never under- 
 take anything upon which we dare not ask thy 
 blessing. Teach us to hunger and thirst after 
 righteousness, and may we eat of the bread of 
 life, and drink of those living waters which thy 
 Son Jesus Christ, our Lord, has promised to give 
 to all who come unto Him. 
 
 And if, Lord, any of those who are now before 
 Tliee be as yet strangers to those sure mercies of 
 the everlastmg covenant promised in thy only- 
 begotten Son, Christ our Lord, grant that they 
 may at once forsake their evil ways and unrighteous 
 thoughts, and turn unto Him in hearty repentance 
 and true faith, that they may receive the fulfil- 
 ment of thy promise to have mercy upon them, 
 and to abundantly pardon them. Grant also that 
 we may all be so led and guided by thy Holy 
 Spirit, that thy Word may dwell in us richly in all 
 wisdom, and that we may be enabled so to speak 
 and act, that by our means the truths of thy Word 
 may be conveyed to others also, and may ac- 
 complish thy purpose in the salvation of sinners, 
 and in the edification of thy saints. Grant also 
 that we ourselves may be living epistles of Christ, 
 written by thy Holy Spirit, and known and read of 
 all men as exemplifying the doctrinesof thy grace; 
 that if any whom we meet obey not thy written 
 Word, tiiey may, without the Word, be won by our 
 holy conversation, and that Thou in all things 
 mayest be glorified through Jesus Christ. 
 
 We beseech Thee also to grant thy blessing upon 
 all our temporal affairs, and give us an abiding 
 faith in thy gracious promise that, if we seek first 
 the kingdom of God and thy righteousness, all 
 worldly necessaries may be added unto us. 
 
 And while we pray for new mercies, we desire 
 also to heartily thank Thee for all the various 
 blessings which in thy merciful providence Thou 
 hast bestowed upon us. We adore thy grace 
 which has so constantly provided for all our need. 
 By thy Holy Spirit enable us to prove our thank- 
 fulness by our lives, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the 
 Holy Ghost in the glory of the Triune Godhead 
 everlastingly. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JAMES V. 
 
 UNTO Thee do we lift our eyes, our God. In 
 the multitude of thy tender mercies, regard 
 us for the sake of Jesus Christ our Saviour. For 
 his sake enter not into judgment with us for 
 the sins of another day. In how many ways 
 have we off'ended Thee in thought, word, and 
 deed ! In how many ways have we come short qf 
 thy holy commandments ! We do confess our 
 sins, and are sorry for our misdeeds ; blot them 
 out, we beseech Thee, from the book of thy re- 
 membrance. Oh, wash us, and Ave shall be clean ; 
 purge us, and we shall be whiter than snow. 
 Thou hast declared, by the mouth of thine apostle, 
 that Thou art very pitiful, and of tender mercy. 
 Oh, extend that pity to us who now kneel before 
 Thee ; enable us to know by happy experience 
 that tender mercy which has borne with us so 
 long, and yet bears with us, though we deserve 
 judgment. Enable us now, by the teaching of the 
 Holy Spirit, to offer up that effectual, fervent 
 prayer which with Thee, the God of mercy, 
 through thy dear Son, avaiJeth much, and which 
 will bring down upon us showers of heavenly 
 blessings. And above all, Lord, give us that 
 patient waiting for thy second coming, which will 
 stablish our hearts in thy fear and love. Let U3 
 remember that the day of the Lord cometli as a 
 thief in the night, and when men shall slumber, 
 then the sign of the Son of man shall be seen m 
 the heavens, and the kingdom of God shall come. 
 May we be found then amongst the sheep of his 
 pasture at his right hand, washed in his own 
 precious blood, and clothed with his perfect 
 righteousness, that we may stand complete in him. 
 
 Lord, we praise and magnify thy holy name 
 for all the blessings of another day. Surely good- 
 ness and mercy have followed us ; we have been 
 preserved fi'om many dangers, seen and unseen, 
 we have been sustained by thy fatherly hand, and 
 we desire to give Thee all the glory. Take us 
 now under thy heavenly keeping during the de- 
 fenceless hours of the night ; oh, may we lie down 
 at peace with Thee. Give us refreshing rest, and 
 grant that if spared to see the light of another 
 day, we may begin it in thy fear and love, and 
 spend it to thy glory ; that thus we may strive 
 each day we live on earth to live more as thy 
 people; more as those whom thy mercy hath 
 spared, and thy love hath redeemed. 
 
 Hear us, gracious God, in these our humble sup- 
 plications ; accept our heartfelt praises, and do for 
 us more and better than we can ask or think, for 
 the alone sake of Him who is worthy to receive the 
 adoration of heaven and earth, even Jesus Christ 
 thy dear Son our Lord, For his sake answer and 
 bless us. Amen. 
 
 I 335 ] 
 
MORNINQ.] 
 
 FORTY-EIGHTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LIX. 
 
 MOST holy and most merciful Lord, we would 
 humbly acknowledge our sins before Thee. 
 We have done the things which we ought not to 
 have done, and we have left undone the things 
 we ought to have done ; we have erred and strayed 
 from thy ways, and there is no health in us. But 
 our sins are not greater than Thou canst forgive. 
 Lord, extend to us thy pardoning mercy, and as 
 redeemed by the blood of Christ may we walk in 
 newness of life. May the vastness of thy love, 
 the efficacy of Christ's atonement, the renewing 
 power of the Holy Ghost, be known by and 
 illustrated in us. May we be the subjects of a 
 personal conviction of sin, and of the repentance 
 that leads into the way of peace, and into the light 
 of our Father's countenance. 
 
 We have come, through thy mercy, to the 
 beginning of another day. We thank Thee for 
 strength to do its work, and for power of thought 
 to comprehend and meet its responsibilities. May 
 the day be spent under the influence of a holy, 
 childlike fear of God. Let heavenly wisdom guide 
 us. Suffer us not to fall before temptation. If 
 unexpected or sudden trouble come to-day, may 
 it be met with the calmness that springs from trust 
 in God. In all our joys and pleasures may the 
 giver be devoutly and thankfully recognised. Let 
 no rash, unkind, or idle words proceed from our lips. 
 Keep, we pray Thee, our consciences sensitive, our 
 thoughts and emotions pure, our aims unselfish. 
 May all our dealings with our fellow-men be 
 marked by truth and uprightness, and the value 
 of our time be deeply appreciated through each 
 passing hour. May the close of the day find us, 
 not merely nearer to our graves, but matured in 
 character, strengthened in faith, grown in likeness 
 to God, and preparedness for eternity. 
 
 Surround with thy Divine protection all whom 
 we love. Their wants and temptations are known 
 to Thee. Do Thou for them, God, above all that 
 we can ask or think, and especially train and guide 
 them in the way of eternal life. [Give thy Holy 
 Spirit, we pray Thee, to the children before Thee, 
 and cause them earnestly to seek the one thing 
 needful.] 
 
 May the Redeemer's kingdom be extended and 
 strengthened to-day. May those who are looking 
 forward to the work of spiritual teaching on the 
 approaching Lord's Day be divinely directed, and 
 enabled to meditate on thy Word with clearness of 
 thought, and with warmth and delight of heart. 
 Hear, Lord, the cry of the sorrowing. Protect 
 the defenceless. Strengthen the tempted. Vindi- 
 cate those that are wronged. Let thy way be 
 known upon earth, thy saving health among all 
 nations, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER I. 1—12. 
 
 BLESSED be thy name, God ; to Thee, 
 God the Father, to thee, God the Son, to 
 Thee, God the Holy Ghost, we present our sacri- 
 fice of praise and adoration. Eternal thanks be to 
 Thee, redeeming God, for thy love to lost and 
 ruined men, that Thou hast prepared for them 
 who believe in Jesus a place among the children of 
 God, and reserved an inheritance that fadeth not 
 away. 
 
 We bless Thee that we can look forward with 
 confidence to that blissful inheritance which our 
 blessed Redeemer has gone to prepare for us. 
 May we be accounted worthy for his sake to be 
 owned as sons of God and joint-heirs with Christ. 
 Blessed Saviour, who hast purchased this inheritance 
 for thy true disciples, fit and prepare us for it, and 
 fill our hearts with such faith in Thee, and such 
 love towards Thee, that we may never be ashamed 
 of Thee ; but that when tried we may come forth 
 as gold. 
 
 Thou hast brought us safely to the close of 
 another week ; a step furtiier on our pilgrimage, 
 and nearer to the end of our days. If we have been 
 kept from any sin, it is due to thy grace ; if we 
 have done an3'thing to thy glory, it is due to thy 
 assistance , but if we have sinned and walked care- 
 lessly, it has been our own fault, and we would 
 confess it as such. 
 
 Thou hast given us to know things which others 
 sought to know in vain ; to us it is granted to 
 enjoy those mercies for M'hich holier and better 
 men sighed, but died without partaking of them ; 
 Oh, how little return have we made to Thee. We 
 have been unprofitable indeed, and not availed 
 ourselves of our great advantages as we might 
 have done. Open our eyes to their value ere they be 
 removed, and given to those who shall bring forth 
 more fruit. To this end help us to use the coming 
 Sabbath aright. May we lay aside the cares and 
 thoughts, and plans of the six days, to rest and 
 attend especially to the interests of our souls. Send 
 us the Holy Spirit to open our understandings, to 
 bring home the Word of truth to our consciences, 
 and to sanctify us through the means of grace. 
 
 When we attend the house of God, may the 
 same Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures 
 engrave their teachings on our hearts, and draw 
 our minds to the contemplation of those glorious 
 truths, so clearly revealed to us, into which even 
 the angels desire to look. Thus may we grow 
 in grace and knowledge, delighting ourselves 
 in the Lord ; having our fruit unto holiness, and 
 becoming daily more meet for the inheritance of 
 the saints in light, through the merits and medi- 
 ation of Jesus Christ our adorable Lord and 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 [ 336 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-NINTH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EVENENO. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCKIPTURE ISAIAH LXHL 
 
 WITH deep humility and reverence, God, Ave 
 gather around thy footstool. Thou art high 
 and holy, tlie King of kings, and Lord of lords. 
 Power and wisdom, grace and truth, are thine. 
 Adored be thy name, heavenly Father, that 
 Thou hast opened a way of access to thy throne, 
 and that, through Jesus Christ, Thou wilt be 
 gracious unto us, and hear our prayer. Have 
 mercy upon us, and in fulfilment of thy Divine 
 promises give us an answer of peace, and supply 
 all our need, for Christ's sake. Frail and feeble 
 m ourselves, we lean on thy strength. Ignorant 
 and foohsh, we implore Thee to give us wisdom, 
 that under thy Divine teaching we may grow in 
 grace, and be instructed in that knowledge which 
 maketh wise unto salvation. Sinful and unworthy, 
 we beseech thy gracious forgiveness. Give us the 
 assurance of thy pardon, and grant us thy peace. 
 We are thine ; oh, save us. Dwell Thou in our 
 hearts, and stir us up with a holy jealousy to cast 
 down everything which exalts itself against Thee. 
 
 We praise Thee for thy lovingkindnesses, and 
 for all the goodness which Thou hast bestowed 
 upon us in thy great mercy. We thank Thee for 
 the daily gifts of thy bounty ; and, above all, for 
 sendnig thy dear Son to seek and to save the lost. 
 Unfold to us more clearly all the riches of his 
 grace, that the assurance of his sympathy may 
 encourage and comfort us in every trial, and the 
 remembrance of his love and pity deepen our faith 
 and awaken our love. 
 
 Preserve us this day from sin. We pray that 
 through thy help we may realise thy presence 
 with us in the house of prayer, and be comforted. 
 In mercy take away from us all worldliness of 
 thought, and raise our hearts to thy footstool, that 
 we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth. Im- 
 press thy word on our hearts, and suffer us not to 
 grieve thy Spirit by our rebellion against thy will, 
 or to err from thy ways. Oh, that w^e may all be 
 thy children indeed, loving thy will and cheer- 
 fully following in our Lord's footsteps. 
 
 Strengthen the hands of thy ministers by the 
 assurance of thy presence, and kindle in the hearts 
 of all who shall this day be gathered in thy name, 
 a zeal for thy gloiy. Make thy word mighty to 
 the conversion of many from sin to holiness, from 
 Satan and the world to Christ. Lord, we long 
 and pray for the coming of thy kingdom, when 
 Jesus shall be exalted, and every knee bow at his 
 footstool, and every tongue confess that He is 
 Lord. Pour out the Holy Spirit abundantly on 
 thy Church ; and grant that we, and all whom we 
 love, may be so taught and led by Him as that 
 none of us may be found wanting in the day of 
 Christ. Answer and bless us for his sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER I. 13-25, 
 
 OGOD and Father of our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ, and our God and Father in 
 Him, we would unite together at the close of this 
 blessed Sabbath, to /ender Thee thanks for the re- 
 newed opportunity we have this day had of read- 
 ing, and hearing, and thinking about our Saviour 
 and his redeeming love. Bless to our souls thy 
 Word, lead or heard. Let it not rise up in judg- 
 ment against us.. May it not add to our con- 
 demnation that we have been born in a land so 
 highly privileged as to have the light of the 
 glorious Gospel shining m it brightly ; but may 
 we have grace to improve our privileges, to gird 
 up the loins of our mind, as travellers to a better 
 country ; to be sober, and hope to the end for the 
 grace that is to be brought unto us at the revela- 
 tion of Jesus Christ. Lord, make us indeed 
 obedient children, new creatures, sheej) of the Re- 
 deemer's fold, followers of Him, and heirs of 
 eternal life. " 
 
 Help us, God, to pass the time of our so- 
 journing on the earth in faith and m the fear of 
 God, remembering that here we have no continu- 
 ing city, and that we profess to look for one to 
 come. May thy Gospel preached this day be to 
 us, and to all who heard it with holy reverence, 
 the savour of life into life ; and may many who 
 have hitherto been careless about thy glory and 
 their own salvation be arrested by its mighty 
 power, through the operation of the Holy Spirit, 
 and be convinced, and converted, and made 
 new creatures in Christ Jesus. We bless Thee 
 that the Gospel is the power of God unto sal- 
 vation to every one that believeth, and that fresh 
 proofs of its blessed effects upon the hearts 
 and lives of men are continually appearing for 
 the honour of our ever blessed Saviour. Glory 
 be to thy name, Lord, for the great truth just 
 read, that we are not redeemed with corruptible 
 things, as silver and gold, but with the precious 
 blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and 
 without spot. Let us ever remember this, and let 
 it have its due influence upon our minds, leading 
 us continually to strive after a more perfect con- 
 formity to Christ, and righteousness, and true 
 holiness. Thou hast said, Be ye holy, for I am 
 holy. May thy good Spirit lead us more and 
 more into the truth, sanctifying our hearts by 
 faith, and taking of the things of Jesus and 
 shewing them unto us. Pardon our sins and 
 shortcomings during this day, even the iniquities 
 of our most holy things. May the truths we have 
 heard influence our hearts and lives through the 
 week, and be fruitful in all godliness and obedience. 
 And now, Guardian of thy children, keep us 
 through the coming night, for Clurist's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 337 
 
 No. 43* 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-NINTH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LXIV. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and Everlasting Father, for thy 
 -t^~ lovingkindness and tender care during the 
 night, and for the renewed bounties of thy provi- 
 dence, we adore thy glorious name. Day by day 
 we lift our hearts to Thee in praise. Make us ever 
 more and more deeply sensible of thy goodness, 
 and stir us tip by thy grace to live to thy praise. 
 
 It is with shame and confusion of face, Lord, 
 that we confess our transgressions against thy holy 
 law. We have wandered and strayed from thy holy 
 ways like lost sheep; not only have we wilfully dis- 
 obeyed thy holy commands, but we have not given 
 Thee the chief place in our affections, nor even re- 
 tained Thee in our thoughts. We have smned. We 
 are all as an miclean thing ; sin mingles with and 
 defiles our best services, our purest actions. We 
 all do fade -as a leaf, and our iniquities like the 
 wind have taken us away. Yet would we take 
 hold of thy strength, that we may be at peace with 
 Thee. Though we are tlitis weak and sinful, Thou 
 wilt not despise our cry. Thou didst show mercy 
 to our fathers when they sought Thee. As Thou 
 wast merciful unto them, be Thou also gracious 
 unto us, and save us. Lift us, we pray Thee, from 
 the dust ; fill our hearts with thoughts of peace. 
 May we enjoy, the assurance of acceptance in the 
 Beloved. Cause thy Holy Spirit ever to dwell in 
 us richly, subduing our stubborn will, enlighten- 
 ing our darkened understanding, purifying our 
 thoughts and affections, and bringing our whole 
 nature into the obedience of Christ. 
 
 Enable us as a family ever to experience, as we 
 liave done through the past night, thy lovingkind- 
 ness and tender mercy. May our beloved children 
 live before Thee. May our relatives and friends 
 obtain like precious faith with us, and rejoice in 
 the possession of the peace that passeth under- 
 standing. Cause the truth to which we listened in 
 thy house on the past day to bring forth fruit in our 
 hearts during the week. Help us to be diligent in 
 business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. May 
 we ever be in thy hand as clay in the hands of the 
 potter, and do Thou mould us according to thine 
 own will, so that we may become vessels meet for 
 thy use. Let the knowledge of thy holy name 
 be extended on every side. There are but few 
 that call upon thy name, or that stir up them- 
 selves to take hold upon Thee. Revive thy work, 
 Lord, in the midst of us. Oh, that Thou 
 wouldest rend the heavens and come down, and, by 
 the manifestations of power and grace, bring all 
 mankind to thy feet. We ask all these things for 
 the sake af Christ our Lord, who is worthy with 
 Thyself, Father, and the Eternal Spirit, to re- 
 ceive honour, and glory, and blessing, throughout 
 all ages, world without end. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER IL 
 
 OGOD, Thou hast laid in Zion a chief corner- 
 stone, elect and precious, and he that believeth 
 on Him shall not be confounded. May we, as we 
 come to the family altar this evening, be a spiritual 
 house, a holy priesthood, offering up spiritual 
 sacrifices acceptable to Thee by Jesus Christ. 
 
 We thank Thee for the mercies and blessings 
 that have encompassed our path during the day. 
 Thou hast not suffered us to want any good thing. 
 Lord, we will praise Thee ; for Thou makest the 
 outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. 
 
 We pray Thee to forgive whatsoever sin we have 
 committed to-day. We are conscious of many 
 errors, infirmities, and backslidings. We have been 
 as sheep going astray ; but we would return to the 
 Bishop and Shepherd of our souls. The Lord 
 Jesus bore our sins in his own body on the tree ; 
 may we receive healing by his stripes, and, dying 
 unto sin, live unto righteousness. 
 
 Help us, we beseech Thee, to show forth the 
 praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness 
 into his marvellous light. May we abstain from 
 flesiily lusts, which war against the soul ; be very 
 careful to maintain good works ; and under any 
 wrong which we may at any time suffer, continue in 
 well-doing, and commit ourselves to Plim who 
 judgeth righteously, following the example of 
 Christ who suffered for us, and who has left us an 
 example that we should follow in his steps. We 
 thank Thee for the example of Christ. May we 
 imbibe his Spirit, have the same mind dwelling 
 in us that dwelleth also in Him, and be in the 
 world even as He was. May we grow up into his 
 likeness, and beholding in his human life the 
 Divine pattern of what manner of persons we ought 
 to be in all holy conversation and godliness, be 
 changed into his image from glory to glory, as by 
 the Spirit of the Lord. 
 
 We commend ourselves to thy care for the 
 night. May the angels of the Lord encamp around 
 our dwelling, and may we rest in peace beneath 
 thy sheltering wing. 
 
 Command thy blessing upon thy universal 
 Church. Enlarge the borders of thy kingdom. 
 Let those who have not obtained mercy, now ob- 
 tain mercy. Let those who are not thy people, 
 soon become thy people. Bring in the Jew with 
 the fulness of the Gentiles. Give to thy Son 
 the heathen for his inheritance, and the utter- 
 most parts of the earth for his possession. And 
 let thy name be hallowed, and thy will be done 
 on earth, even as it is in heaven. Mercifully 
 hear us ; graciously answer us, and do exceed- 
 ing abundantly for us above all we ask or think, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 C 338 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-NINTH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [EVENINQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LXVI. 
 
 OLORD God, have mercy upon us and hear us; 
 receive our praises and answer our prayers. 
 Born in sin, and guilty every day of many trans- 
 gressions against Thee, we deserve not thy favour. 
 But we are emboldened by thy gracious promises 
 to spread our wants before Thee. Give us true 
 contrition and sorrow of heart for our sins ; fulfil 
 thy word, and come and dwell in us, and make us 
 the temples of God. Cleanse us from all defile- 
 ment, and let the assurance of thy grace bring 
 peace to our consciences. 
 
 We praise Thee, Holy Father, for thy countless 
 mercies, for thy watchful cai'e during the night, 
 for the gifts of thy providence this morning, and, 
 above all, for the opportunity of again kneeling at 
 thy footstool, and, in the name of Jesus, seeking 
 mercy and grace to help in time of need. Thou 
 never weariest of doing us good ; we pray that we 
 may never weary of loving and serving Thee. 
 Enlarge our hearts with a true knowledge of thine 
 unspeakable love. Enable us to see it in all the 
 circumstances and events of our life, and through 
 thy grace make it the means of kindling in us a 
 fervent love towards Thee, that it may be our 
 liighest joy to do thy will. Lord, quicken these 
 cold, dull hearts of ours, and inflame them with 
 zeal for thy glory. Reveal to us so manifestly 
 thy tenderness and grace hi Christ Jesus that we 
 may feel ashamed of our past sins, and strive more 
 diligently to walk in the footsteps of thy dear Son. 
 
 In humble dependence on thy grace and protec- 
 tion, we enter on the duties of the day to which 
 Thou hast spared us. We are weak and ignorant; 
 God, leave us not to ourselves ; suffer us not to 
 be led astray into the paths of evil, or to become 
 the prey of the destroyer. While engaged in the 
 world, preserve us from a worldly spirit. Amid 
 the engagements of this life we pray that we may 
 never be suffered to forget the life to come, or to 
 bring dishonour on the name of Jesus by our in- 
 consistency and unbelief So mould our tempers 
 and dispositions by the Holy Ghost, that the mind 
 which was in Christ may be in us, and that, think- 
 ing much of his cross and passion, we may deny 
 ourselves, for his sake, and set our affections on 
 things above. 
 
 We would seek a blessing from thy hand for all 
 who are dear to us. Let thy Providence watch 
 over them, and thy Spirit train them for glory. 
 Stretch out thy hand, God, over the great family 
 of man, and cause Jews and Gentiles to submit 
 themselves to the truth. Hasten the fulfilment of 
 thy promise that all men shall worship before 
 Thee, and that Jesus shall see of the travail of 
 his soul and be satisfied. Gracious Father, grant 
 us thy mercies, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER III. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, we approach the mercy- 
 seat this evening, conscious of our own un- 
 worthiness, yet encouraged by the knowledge 
 that Jesus is gone into heaven, and is now on 
 thy right hand. We humbly confess that in many 
 things we offend against Thee. Our own hearts 
 condemn us ; but Thou art greater than our hearts, 
 and knowest all things. We grieve to think we 
 should so often have broken that law which is 
 holy, and just, and good. For his sake, who 
 suffered for sins, and died, the just for the unjust, 
 that he might bring us to God, we humbly entreat 
 thy forgiveness of all our offences and shortcomings 
 this day. 
 
 Give uS, we beseech Thee, the aid of thy 
 Holy Spirit, that we may be followers of that 
 which is good, and may maintain a conscience 
 void of offence towards men. But that we may 
 also have a good conscience towards our God, let 
 our hearts be cleansed with the blood of sprink- 
 When called to suffer, with all thy 
 
 ling. 
 
 children, grant that it may never be for evil 
 doing ; that the world may have no evil thing to 
 say of us with truth. May we sanctify Thee, 
 Lord God, in our hearts ; that living in thy fear, 
 we may not be afraid of the terror of any that 
 might harm us. 
 
 To tiiese requests we would add our thanks- 
 giving that Thou hast called us to inherit a bless- 
 ing ; and we praise thy name on behalf of all 
 those who, with us, are partakers of the grace of 
 life. Grant that they may have a good reason for 
 the hope that is in them, and, day by day, show 
 the power of thy grace in their hearts and lives. 
 Make them all to be of one mind, and teach them 
 to love as brethren. Permit us also to intercede 
 for the many who are called Christians, but obey 
 not the word, that they may be led to repentance 
 by the longsuffering of our God, which still waits 
 to be gracious. If we have any enemies who 
 speak against us, or do us evil, Lord, forgive 
 them, and change their hearts ; but suffer us not 
 at any time to render evil for evil, or railing for 
 railing, but contrariwise blessing, that we may be 
 the followers of the meek and lowly Saviour. 
 
 And now. Father of mercies, gratefully ac- 
 knowledging the many favours of another day, we 
 commit ourselves to thy keeping, whose eyes are 
 over thy people, and whose ears are open to their 
 prayers. Mercifully regard with thy favour all 
 our dear relatives and friends, and let this our 
 evening sacrifice be acceptable in thy sight. We 
 offer it through our great High Priest : and to the 
 triune Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be 
 ascribed salvation, and glory, and praise, and 
 thanksgiving, for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 r 339 3 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-NINTH WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ZEPHANIAH III. 
 
 OGOD, who is a God like unto Thee, that par- 
 doneth iniquity? We would begin this day- 
 feeling how much we owe to thy pardoning mercy, 
 which blots out all our transgressions ; and to thy 
 forbearance and pity which has blessed us hitherto. 
 May we learn from thy dealings of old, the holiness 
 and the love of our God and Father ; and trace 
 in them the light of grace, which for thy children, 
 is never quenched. 
 
 Fill us with a true hatred of sin, and in the cross 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself lor our 
 sins, may we read the fearful character of that 
 one thing which Thou dost abhor. Deepen in our 
 hearts a spirit of true repentance, and by the power 
 of thy Holy Spirit train us up in the kn«wledge of 
 thy will, and in the fear of thy name. 
 
 God, we beseech Thee, fulfil thy gracious 
 promise towards this fallen world. Awaken the 
 hearts of the unconverted in this and in all lands, 
 that they may call upon thy name and through thy 
 dear Son obtain pardon and peace. Make us 
 to rejoice with all the heart, in a sweet sense of thy 
 love in Jesus Christ. Let each of us who are now 
 worshipping Thee go forth in the strength of the 
 Lord, and overcome all the temptations of the world, 
 the flesh, and the devil. 
 
 Help us in our duties this day ; that we may do 
 them in thy fear, and for thy glory. Succour us 
 when tem])ted ; that we may not forget Thee. 
 Keep us from all evil, in the heart, in the 
 thoughts, in the words of our lips, and in the 
 actions of our life. May we find thy grace suf- 
 ficient for us ; and find thy strength made perfect 
 in our weakness. From self-righteousness keep 
 us free ; and let us walk humbly before the Lord. 
 
 Sanctify to us events in thy providence. Thoii 
 rulest over all, a King for evermore. May pros- 
 perity make us thankful ; and adversity lead us to 
 discern the good which is working together in all 
 things for thy children. Of thy great mercy give to 
 us family blessings according to our need. May 
 parents and children be under thy guiding care in 
 all things ; and be sheltered by thine unfailing love. 
 
 Bless with thy special favour our gracious 
 Sovereign, and all the Royal Family. • Guide and 
 overrule the counsels of all in authority, to the 
 happiness of oiu' people, and the welfare of the 
 world. May ours be the righteousness which 
 exalteth a nation, and ours the blessedness of that 
 people whose God is the Lord. 
 
 The sacrifice of thanksgiving for thy mercies, so 
 rich, so constant, so satisfying, we would humbly 
 lay at thy footstool ; craving pardon, and accept- 
 ance, and thy guardian care this day, through 
 Jesus Christ our Redeemer : to whom be all praise 
 now and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER IV. 
 
 ONCE more, heavenly Father, we draw near to 
 thy throne of grace with our prayers and our 
 praises. To Thee we owe all our blessings. For 
 life and health, food and raiment, protection from 
 bodily dangers, and preservation from the assaults 
 of Satan, we praise thy holy name. We are 
 not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all 
 the truth which Thou hast showed unto thy servants. 
 
 Lord, we profess to be followers of thy dear Son, 
 who gave himself to be unto us both a sacrifice for 
 sin, and also an ensample of godly life. Forgive, 
 we pray Thee, the many and grievous failures of 
 our obedience during the day that is past ; and 
 may the recollection of the dying love of Jesus 
 animate us for the time to come to live a life of 
 holiness. Give us thy gracious Spirit to conform 
 us to thy will. May the time past of our lives in- 
 deed suffice us to have wasted in sin and folly ; 
 and may we live the rest of our time in the flesh 
 not to the lusts of men, but to the will of God, 
 making it our constant aim to be unto Thee a 
 peculiar people, zealous of good works. 
 
 Help us now at the end of another day to remem- 
 ber that the end of all things is at hand, and to pre- 
 pare for the solemn account that we must give to 
 Him who shall judge the quick and the dead at his 
 appearing. Oh that the Judge may then be our 
 Friend ! Jesus, Thou advocate for sinners, plead 
 our cause ! May we be found in Thee, not having 
 our own righteousness, but thine, the righteousness 
 that is of God by faith. May we lie doAvn to rest 
 this night with the sweet hope that in Thee we are 
 safe for time and for eternity ! 
 
 And grant, Lord, that when we shall enter 
 upon the cares and business of another day, we 
 may do so, not in a worldly and thoughtless, but 
 in a prayerful, sober, watchful spirit ; remem- 
 bering that this IS not our rest, and waiting for the 
 coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Seeing that the 
 difficulties in the way of our salvation are such that 
 even the righteous scarcely are saved, may we be 
 thoroughly in earnest to secure eternal life. May 
 all under this roof be of one mind in seeking the 
 Lord. 
 
 [May we who are parents especially receive grace 
 to train up our children for Thee , and may the 
 dear children fear the Lord from their youth, and 
 so escape the corruptions that are in the world.] 
 
 Lord, bless our neighbours. Make the poor rich 
 in faith. Comfort the sorrowful. Turn the wicked 
 to repentance. May our minister be wise to win 
 souls. May the Queen and all in authority under 
 her be guided by wisdom from Thee. Hasten the 
 conversion of Jews and Gentiles, and the coming 
 of our Lord Jesus Christ. We ask all in his 
 Amen. 
 
 name. 
 
 [ 840 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-NINTH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HABAKKUK III, 
 
 OTHOU, who art glorious in holiness, fearful in 
 praises, doing wonders, we approach Thee 
 with reverence and godly fear. Thy glory covereth 
 the heavens, and the earth is full of thy praise. 
 We bless Thee that Thou hast not spoken to us 
 only in thy majesty and thy power, but in the still, 
 small voice of thy mercy and thy love. Thou art 
 terrible out of thy lioly places to them that provoke 
 thine anger; but Thou art the strength and the 
 joy of all who trust in Thee. 
 
 Give unto us, we beseech Thee, Lord, that 
 gtroncr faith which will trust Thee at all times. 
 We confess that we are prone to confide in thy 
 mercies rather than in Tiiyself. Blessed be thy 
 holy name for all our comforts : but, oh, be Thou 
 our Comforter , then, though our labour fail, and 
 all the pleasant things of life be withheld from 
 us, we shall joy in Thee, the God of our sal- 
 vation. We implore thy mercy on our world. 
 Gracious and merciful God, who art slow to anger 
 and of great kindness, make known tiiy saving 
 health among all nations. We thank Thee for the 
 knowledge of salvation through our Lord Jesus 
 Clirist , and we pray that all men may be brought 
 to love and serve Him. 
 
 And now that another day calls us to our duties, 
 God, be Thou our strength. By Thee only can 
 we resist sin, and so perform all our labour that 
 thy sacred name may be glorified in us and by us. 
 We bless thy faithful care and loving-kindness for 
 the safety and the sleep we have enjoyed through- 
 out the niffht. We thank Thee for the morning 
 meal provided for our bodies, and for the spiritual 
 food which thy Word has furnished to our souls. 
 Let thy holy Word make music in our hearts all 
 day, to soothe the toil of our hands, and may the 
 glory of our Father in heaven cheer and encourage 
 us with noble thoughts. We pray that we may 
 faithfully discharge all our duties to our fellow- 
 men, owing no man anything, but to love one 
 another. Be Thou, God the Spirit, our helper in 
 every difficulty, our guide in perplexity, our present 
 help in the time of trouble, and our God to all 
 eternity. Bless with all needful good our friends 
 and relations. Make the neighbourhood in which 
 we dwell peaceful and happy. Deliver us from 
 all public sins that would provoke thine indigna- 
 tion, and put it into the hearts of all our country- 
 men to seek to pleas2 Thee. God, bless our 
 Sovereign, and all wh(» rule over us; our soldiers 
 and sailors; our employers and employed. Watch 
 over the aged and the young, and bless us, even us, 
 O our Father, as Thou seest that we need ; for we 
 present these our supplications in the name and for 
 the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom, with 
 Thee and the Holy Spirit, be glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER V. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, we beseech Thee graciously 
 to behold this portion of thy family and of 
 thy flock which Thou hast bought with thine own 
 blood. Hear our prayers, and graciously help us. 
 We pray that we may be at all times" fed with 
 food convenient for us, by those to whom Thou 
 hast committed the oversight of thy Church. 
 Preserve its ministers from low and ambitious 
 motives, that so, having proved themselves faith- 
 ful and true pastors, they may receive from 
 the Chief Shepherd, at his appearing, a crown of 
 glory that fadeth not away. To all thy people and 
 sheep of thy pasture, give thy heavenly grace, that 
 with meek hearts and due reverence the younger 
 members of the body of Christ may submit them- 
 selves to the instruction and guidance of the elder ,• 
 and all, of whatever degree, be animated by the 
 spirit of mutual subjection, forbearing one another 
 in love. May all be clothed with the beautiful 
 garment of humility, and enable us each one to 
 cast our burden upon Thee, who carest for us. 
 Let us not sleep as do others, but be watchful 
 and obedient in all things. 
 
 We praise thy great mercy, God, that we 
 have been .kept in safety this day. How many 
 evils have befallen others from which we have 
 been graciously preserved ! How many have been 
 called away from life, and opportunity, and privi- 
 lege, while we are spared ! Accept, God, our 
 thanksgivings for all thy goodness to us, and make 
 us thankful. Especially forgive us all our sins 
 and transgressions against Thee. We are guilty 
 in thy sight, and confess with shame our mis- 
 doings. Have mercy upon us, and wash us in the 
 fountain opened for sin and uncleanness. Fill us 
 with all joy and peace in believing, and give us 
 a good hope of eternal life. 
 
 Hear us, we beseech Thee, on behalf of all 
 who are bound to us by the ties of kindred or 
 friendship. Their wants are all known to Thee. 
 Grant to them, Lord, all gifts of grace and 
 peace. Comfort them if sorrowing, and enrich 
 them with the blessed tokens of thy presence. 
 We pray for the unconverted among us. Almighty 
 Spirit, subdue, change, and quicken their hearts. 
 Convince them of sin, and then show them the 
 power and sufficiency of Christ to save. [Draw 
 the hearts of the children of our family to Thy- 
 self Fill them with love to Jesus, and cause 
 them from childhood to walk obediently in his 
 footsteps.] Bless whatever has been done this 
 day for bringing sinners to Christ, and for the in- 
 crease of thy kingdom. 
 
 Guard us through the night by thy Divine 
 care, and cause us to rest in peace and safety. We 
 ask all for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 341 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-NINTH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JEREMIAH I. 
 
 GOD of all power and might, who art the Author 
 and Giver of all good things, we come before 
 Thee to seek thj gracious favour. Give us, we 
 beseech Thee, thy Holy Spirit to help our infirmi- 
 ties, for we know not what to pray for as we ought. 
 Unworthy as we are in ourselves, we come to Thee 
 with full confidence, in the name and tiirough 
 the blood of Jesus. He is thy well-beloved Son, 
 in whom Thou art well pleased. He is worthy to 
 receive all things for us. Accept us, good Lord, 
 for the sake of his righteousness. Make us all 
 thy sons and daughters in Him, and out of his 
 fulness supply all our necessities. 
 
 Thou, Lord Jesus, art our Creator ; by thine 
 own power Thou didst form us, and for Thyself 
 Thou also art our Redeemer, and didst purchase 
 us unto Thyself by thine own most precious blood. 
 Thine, therefore, we are, and not our own, and 
 Thee we ought to serve. Give us grace to serve 
 Thee as we ought. Sanctify us wholly unto Thy- 
 self, as a peculiar people, zealous of good works. 
 Mercifully assist us to show forth thy praise, not 
 only with our lips, but in our lives. Take posses- 
 sion of all our hearts. Make us to be followers of 
 God as dear children, and to walk in love one 
 towards another, and towards all men, as Thou also 
 lovedst us and didst give Thyself for us. 
 
 Bless each one of us in our several duties. Let 
 all our work, of whatever kind, be begun, con- 
 tinued, and ended in Thee. Let the comfort and 
 happiness of all around us be as dear to us as 
 our own. Let all our intercourse with others be 
 such as becomes the Gospel of Christ, so that all 
 who know us may know us as thy people. 
 
 Bless thy Church, gracious Father, in every 
 land. Knit all thy people together as one in 
 Christ Jesus, so that thy truth may be known upon 
 earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let 
 the glorious Gospel of the blessed God have free 
 course and be glorified everywhere. Make thy 
 ministering servants to be as defenced cities, and 
 as iron pillars, and brazen walls, against every 
 form of error, and ungodliness, and sin. Be Thou 
 ever near to them. Uphold and strengthen them, 
 so that none may prevail against them, and that 
 they may be mighty through God to the pulling 
 down of strongholds. 
 
 We would more especially intercede for thine 
 ancient people Israel, Visit them, Lord, with 
 thy salvation in all lands. Remove thy judg- 
 ment from the midst of them. Restore them 
 again to thy favour, that they may yet be for a 
 praise and a blessing throughout the earth, and 
 that through them all nations may flow unto Thee. 
 
 We ask all in the name of Jesus Christ, our 
 blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 PETER I. 
 
 OGOD, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, we 
 bless Thee that in thy Son, our Saviour and 
 Redeemer, Thou hast given us all things that 
 pertain unto life and godliness. We come to 
 Tiiee this evening to supplicate the gift of thy 
 Holy Spirit, that He may write upon each of our 
 hearts thy gracious words contained in our evening 
 lesson. Oh that He may come and make each of 
 us a partaker of the Divine nature, that we may 
 escape the corruption that is in the world through 
 sin. Oh that He would enable us to make our 
 calling and election sure. Lord, how absolutely 
 we need thy Spirit for this great and im- 
 portant work. Without Him we can do nothing. 
 Come, Holy Spirit, and enlighten all our minds. 
 Lead us each to the Lamb of God that taketh 
 away the sin of the world, and help us to follow 
 in his footsteps, until we safely arrive with Him 
 in glory above. 
 
 Hear, we beseech Thee, most merciful Father, 
 the supplications which we this evening make 
 before Thee for our beloved relations and friends. 
 Oh that in thine infinite mercy Thou wouldst in- 
 terpose on behalf of those who are living in sin, 
 and are exposed to the danger of the second death. 
 Pity them, Lord, in thy great love, and turn 
 their feet into the way of peace and life. Sanctify, 
 gracious Saviour, all those who are thy children. 
 May they daily enjoy the tokens of thy presence 
 and love, and be ever more and more prepared 
 for the kingdom of heaven. 
 
 Have mercy, Lord, we beseech Thee, upon a 
 lost world. We know that Thou hast so loved the 
 world as to give thine only-begotten Son for its 
 salvation. Yet, God, how many still lie under 
 the power of darkness, without hope, because with- 
 out Thee ! Interpose, Almighty God, and deliver 
 the world from his power. Inspire all thy servants 
 with the spirit of Jesus Christ, that in his strength 
 they may go forth and bring the nations unto 
 Thyself Hasten the coming of Messiah's king- 
 dom, that all men may be blessed in Him, that 
 He may reign over a redeemed and regenerated 
 world. 
 
 We now commit ourselves and each other unto 
 thy care. We would lay ourselves down in peace, 
 and sleep, knowing that Thou, Lord, only makest 
 us to dwell in safety. If it be thy will, strengthen 
 our bodies and invigorate our minds with rest and 
 sleep, that we may be fitted for the duties of life. 
 Enable us to live as in the prospect of the Lord's 
 coming ; and grant that when He cometh we may 
 be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blame- 
 less, cleansed, accepted, sanctified. Hear us and 
 answer us, Holy Father, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 ^C 342 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FORTY-NINTH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JEREMIAH VIII. 
 
 OLORD our God, who dwellest in the heavens, 
 and yet hast respect unto all who draw near 
 unto Thee in the name of thy dear Son Jesus 
 Christ, we come unto thy throne of mercy this 
 morning for fresh blessings and mercies, as well 
 as renewed pardon. We know, our God, that 
 we are sinners in thy sight, and that the very 
 angels are not pure before Thee. Oh, look upon 
 us, then, in love this day, and blot out our ini- 
 quities ; wash us afresh in the fountain of re- 
 deeming blood, and fill us with thy Holy Spirit, 
 that we may think, speak, and do only such things 
 as are well-pleasing in thy sight and tend to the 
 glory of thy great name. 
 
 Lord, enable us to take warning from the 
 portion of thy Word which we have now been 
 reading. Enable us to see and understand that 
 the troubles and calamities of thy people of old 
 were thy just judgments upon them for their sms 
 and stubbornness of heart, because they had slid- 
 den back by a perpetual backsliding, and had 
 held fast deceit, and refused to return. Lord, 
 turn Thou us, and we shall be turned unto Thee. 
 Draw us by thy Holy Spirit, that we may run 
 after Thee. Oh, make our hearts willing to hearken 
 unto Thee now, in the time of our visitation, that 
 we may follow Thee all the days of our life. 
 
 God, who hast given us such holy privileges 
 in the land of our birth; who hast left us thy 
 blessed Word of truth to be a light to our feet 
 and a lamp to our path ; who hast sent the 
 ministers of thy Gospel to proclaim salvation 
 tin-ough a crucified and risen Saviour to every one 
 that believeth in Him ; who hast appomted thy holy 
 Sabbaths to be a sign between Thee and man — 
 Lord, let not these things turn to our greater 
 condemnation. Let it not be said of us that we 
 have rejected the Word of the Lord, and there is 
 no wisdom in us; that we have neglected thy 
 mercies and thy warnings, and have not listened 
 to the voice of the charmer, charm he never so 
 wisely. The harvest is passing, the summer is 
 ending ; Lord, let us ask our own hearts, as in 
 thy sight, •" Are we saved? Have we found the 
 balm in Gilead for our own disease ? Have we 
 sought for the good Physician? Has He healed 
 our souls? Are we thine by and through Him 
 who came to open the kingdom of heaven to all 
 believers? " 
 
 God, take us under thy care and keeping this 
 day. Watch over us for good, and over all of 
 whom we should make mention in our prayers. 
 May we acknowledge Thee in all we do, and so 
 strive to let our light shine before men, that they, 
 seeing our good works, may glorify thy holy name, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 PETER II. 
 
 OGOD, by whose almighty power we have been 
 preserved this day, we desire now to thank 
 Thee for all thy blessings, beseeching Thee to for- 
 give, for thy dear Son's sake, whatever we have 
 thought, said, or done amiss this day. We beseech 
 Thee also of thy great mercy to watch over, pro- 
 tect, and defend us during this night. Preserve 
 us from all danger, and raise us up in peace and 
 safety to see the light of another Lord's day. 
 Prepare our minds, Lord, by thy Holy Spirit, 
 for all the employments of the morrow, and grant 
 that we may derive spiritual profit and benefit from 
 all its sacred services, and may grow in grace and 
 in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. We beseech Thee to enlighten all ministers 
 of thy Church with true knowledge and under- 
 standing of thy Word , and to grant that both 
 by their preaching they may set it forth, and in 
 their lives may exhibit it according to their 
 teaching. 
 
 We also beseech Thee, Lord, to bring into 
 the way of truth all who are in error, that they 
 may be led to teach the truth faithfully, according 
 to thy Word. Have mercy also upon all men, 
 and grant that they may be brought to the saving 
 knowledge of thy truth, and be saved through Christ 
 for ever. Give thy abundant blessing upon all 
 efforts which are being made for gathering in 
 Christ's people out of the world, and stir up all 
 thy people diligently and constantly to pray for 
 the coming in of thy kingdom. Grant also that 
 we and all thy people may labour, and strive, and 
 pray to be instrumental in turning from their evil 
 ways all those whom we know to be living in sin 
 and error, that they may obtahi salvation tlirough 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 We also beseech Thee, Lord, to bring into 
 a right mind, so that they may duly regard thy 
 holy day, all who now encourage the use of thy 
 Sabbaths as days of pleasure or worldly profit; 
 that they may cease to hold out any inducements 
 or temptations to others to neglect their religious 
 privileges and duties for amusement or earthly 
 gain ; and do Thou dispose them and all orders 
 of society to a better observance of thy Sabbaths 
 as days of holy rest for all classes of the com- 
 munity. Grant also that we ourselves may stead- 
 fastly "persevere unto the end in well-doing, to thy 
 honour and glory. 
 
 We implore thy choicest blessings for all who 
 are dear to us. Look upon them in thy great 
 mercy, and according to their need do thou gra- 
 ciously help them. We ask all for them and for 
 ourselves through our Saviour Jesus Christ, who 
 liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, 
 ever one God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 [ 343 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTIETH WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EvENINfl. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JEREMIAH XVII. 
 
 OLORD, the hope of thy people, the confidence 
 of all who put their trust in Thee, draw near 
 unto us on this the morning of thy holy day, for 
 we come to Thee in the name of Jesus, whom Thou 
 hearest always. 
 
 As we approach Thee, we would not regard 
 iniquity in our hearts, we would cherish no 
 secret sin, nor allow iniquity to cleave unto us. 
 Search and try our ways, and see if there be any 
 way of wickedness in us. Cleanse us from our 
 secret faults, and keep us from presumptuous sins. 
 
 We acknowledge that we have been ever too 
 ready to make self our aim ; in heart to depart 
 from Thee, and to look for help from ourselves ; 
 but henceforth we would more entirely own our 
 dependence on Thee. Heal us, Lord, and we 
 shall be healed ; save us, and we shall be saved ; 
 and to Thee will we ascribe all the praise. 
 
 We rejoice in the return of the day when it is 
 said unto us, " Let us go up into the house of the 
 Lord." And we thank Thee that the Word of 
 the Lord is so freely and fully distributed in these 
 our days. May we receive it with meekness, and 
 may it be the means of our salvation, leading us 
 to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to a cheerful 
 obedience to thy holy commandments. 
 
 Grant thy special presence to all assemblies in 
 the houses of God in our land. Assist with thy 
 Holy Spirit the preachers of thy truth. Bind all 
 Christians together in the bonds of true fellowship ; 
 and wherever the good seed of the Word is sown, 
 prepare men's hearts to receive it, and to bring forth 
 fruit with patience. Bless all seminaries of sound 
 learning and religious education, that there never 
 may be wanting a supply of persons duly qualified 
 to serve Thee in all important positions both in 
 the Church and in the State. Grant long life and 
 prosperity to our beloved Sovereign and the Royal 
 Family, and that, this life ended, they may receive 
 a crown of glory which fadeth not away. 
 
 We pray for our relations, friends, neighbours, 
 and all our fellow countrymen. Bring them all 
 to the knowledge of thy name, and to faith in the 
 only Redeemer. 
 
 Show to those who are in error the light of thy 
 truth, that they may return into the way of 
 righteousness. Have mercy upon those all who 
 are disposed to neglect or profane thy holy day ; 
 show them their sin, give them a better mind, 
 teach them that Thou hast said, " Them that 
 honour me I will honour, and those that despise 
 me shall be lightly esteemed." And grant to us 
 all that, by keeping diligently thy Sabbaths here, 
 we may be the better prepared for the eternal rest 
 of thy heavenly kingdom hereafter, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 PETER IIL 
 
 WE thank Thee, God, that we are spared 
 to the close of another day, and that we 
 may come in praise and prayer to Thee, with 
 wliom one day is as a thousand years, and a 
 thousand years as one day. 
 
 Impart unto us and preserve within iis a 
 simple and immovable faith in thy holy Word. 
 May we follow it with humble, diligent, trustful 
 obedience. If there be men around us professedly 
 or practically disbelieving and despising thy Word, 
 guard us, we beseech Thee, from falling into the 
 same spirit ; cause our faith and love to be 
 thereby deepened, since Thou hast foretold that 
 the unbeliever and the scoffer sliall arise. Through 
 all that is dark and perplexing to our minds in the 
 condition and ways of the world, may we be assured 
 that our unseen Father is working out his own 
 ends. Let no seeming delay in the fulfilment of 
 thy promises cause us to mistrust Thee. Let no 
 tarrying of the punishment of sin make us careless. 
 Grant that the longsuff'ering of God may work a 
 deep repentance in the hearts of sinners. 
 
 We earnestly ask to be rightly impressed with 
 the solemn truth of the coming day of the Lord : 
 for its suddenness may we be prepared. Oh that 
 our sins may be pardoned and washed away in the 
 blood of the Lamb, that we may be able to pass 
 its scrutiny, to be calm in its terrors, and to rejoice 
 in its decisions. Let thy blessed Spirit quicken 
 the hope of glory in our hearts, and help us to 
 become the manner of persons we ought to be in 
 all holy conversation and godliness. 
 
 Give unto us this night, most merciful Father, 
 the blessings that are specially suited to the close 
 of a Christian Sabbath-day. J)eepen every holy 
 impression that has been produced in us. Give us 
 thy strength to carry out every holy resolution we 
 have formed. May it be with more spirituality of 
 mind that we return, if spared to see another 
 morning, to our daily work and cares. 
 
 Water, we beseech Thee, in the heart of every 
 hearer of the Gospel to-day, the seed of truth that 
 has been sown. May the awakened sinner find no 
 escape from his convictions and fears "but in his 
 Saviour. May every Christian who has been 
 raised to nearer fellowship with God this day be 
 kept from sinking back into worldliness again. 
 May a heavenly peace and comfort, springing from 
 the words of truth they have heard, now fill the 
 hearts of sufferers and mourners. May those who 
 have faithfully preached, or taught, or visited, or 
 conversed in the service of the Gospel, rest in the 
 blessed confidence that they have been labouring 
 for God, and sowing imperishable seed. Hear, 
 answer, and help us for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 344 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTIETH WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN" HOLY SCBIPTURE JEREMIAH XXIII. 1-32. 
 
 BLESSED and praised be thy name, Thou 
 Shepherd of Israel ! Thou neither slumberest 
 nor sleepest, but in tender compassion to om' 
 helpless condition, dost keep watch and ward over 
 thy people. We thank Thee that Thou hast per- 
 mitted us again to assemble around the family 
 altar to offer up our praises and thanksgivings, 
 and to implore thy blessing. 
 
 Thou hast taught us that the welfare of the 
 soul is of all things the most needful ; do Thou in 
 mercy so influence our minds, that, amidst the 
 anxieties of this world, we forget not the things of 
 the world to come. For our soul's welfare, we 
 beseech Thee continue to us the blessing of wise 
 and faithful pastors, men after thine own heart, 
 who shall feed thy flock, and shall neither scatter 
 nor destroy the sheep of thy pasture ; but, above 
 all, give us grace to seek the aid of thy Holy 
 Spirit to guide us into all truth. Grant that our 
 desires may be ever unto Thee, and not unto our- 
 selves ; to do thy will, and not our own. Enable 
 us to love and serve Thee, and to delight in the 
 way of thy commands. Hasten, we beseech Thee, 
 the time when the knowledge of the Lord shall 
 cover the earth as the waters cover the sea ; and 
 when judgment and justice shall dwell in the land; 
 when Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell 
 safely. Dispose us, we beseech Thee, to prize 
 aright the counsels of thy Word, and cause us so to 
 take heed unto our ways that no unchristian actions 
 may be seen in our lives, nor unholy speech be 
 heard proceeding from our lips. 
 
 Unworthy as we are, set us not in a slippery path, 
 and bring not evil upon us ; but bless to our good 
 the means of grace, and incline those who minister 
 in holy things to seek that wisdom which is from 
 on high, that they may not cause thy people to err, 
 as did the teachers of old time. Preserve us, 
 we beseech Thee, from all participation in the 
 sinful ways of worldly men. Let us not strengthen 
 the hands of evil doers, but rather seek to turn 
 them from their evil ways ; and to this end, give 
 us grace to remember the assurance of thy Word, 
 that a day will come when Thou wilt enter into 
 judgment, and none shall be able to hide himself 
 from thy sight. Prepare us for that day that we 
 may give up our account with joy. 
 
 Thou who fillest the heavens and the earth 
 with thy presence, accompany thy Word with 
 power, and grant that it may be like fire to consume 
 the dross, and like a hammer to break the stony 
 heart, so that sinners may be converted unto Thee 
 and live ; and grant that we may live this day as 
 thy believing, loving, and obedient people, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake, to whom with Thee and the 
 Holy Ghost be everlasting praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 JOHN I. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, help us, 
 ii- thine unworthy servants, to make our common 
 supplications unto Thee. May our prayer be 
 heard and answered tlu-ough the merits of our 
 gracious Saviour. 
 
 We rejoice, heavenly Father, in the assurance 
 given us in thy Holy Word that if we confess 
 om' sins, Thou art faithful and just to forgive us 
 our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- 
 ness. May the blessedness of perfect pardon be 
 the possession of each soul now before Thee. 
 Blessed Redeemer, may we, who have never seen 
 Thee with our mortal eyes, behold Tliee by faith, 
 and become thy true disciples, thy loving and obe- 
 dient followers. 
 
 We have reason to bless Thee, our Father, 
 not only for the glorious hope of everlasting life 
 through Jesus Christ, but also for the constant care 
 and watchful providence which have this day been 
 our guard from many evils. Thou hast mercifully 
 supplied our wants. Thou hast enabled us to dis- 
 charge our daily duties. The health that we 
 possess, our reason, and all our faculties of mind 
 and body, come from Thee. It is of the Lord's 
 mercies that we are not consumed. Great is thy 
 faithfulness. Oh, make us thankful for what we 
 enjoy, patient and resigned under all that we suffer; 
 and thus may we prove ourselves to be the children 
 of our Father in heaven. 
 
 Have pity upon those who call not upon thy 
 name. The dark places of the earth are lull of the 
 habitations of cruelty. Let iniquity no longer 
 abound. Let thy Gospel be everywhere received, 
 and the Saviour's love be felt in the heart, uniting 
 men in a holy brotherhood. Prosper the labours 
 of faithful preachers of the cross. 
 
 Grant, Lord, that it may be our chief concern, 
 as a family, to glorify Thee. May w^e delight to do 
 thy will. Make us useful and happy in our various 
 stations of life, and enable us at last to obtain a 
 place amongst thy redeemed people. 
 
 And now be pleased, gracious Father, to receive 
 us this night into thy keeping. Suffer no evil 
 to befall us. Be with our relations, and friends, and 
 neighbours. Visit them with thy salvation. 
 Convince of sin all such as have erred. Bring 
 back the wanderer to the fold of the good Shepherd. 
 Have mercy upon the young in years. Let them 
 not depart from Thee. Establish and confirm the 
 weak -hearted. Succour the tempted. Believe 
 the distressed. Comfort all that mourn. ^ Guide 
 such as are in perplexity and difficulty into the 
 right way. Console the aged, and let their latter 
 days be bright with the promise of the heavenly 
 inheritance. And all tliis we beg for Jesus 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 315 ] 
 
 No. 44. 
 
MOENESTG.] 
 
 FIFTIETH WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JEREMIAH XXXVI. 
 
 BLESSED Lord, wlio hast caused all holy 
 Scriptures to be written for our learning, we 
 pray Thee to make us to receive all thy Word as 
 the Word of God. Endue us with heavenly 
 wisdom. May that same Spirit who inspired holy 
 men of old, now abide in our hearts, to enable us 
 to understand the Bible and to show us the things 
 of Christ ; that so, by comfort and patience of thy 
 holy Word, we may eschew all evil, and ever hold 
 fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which 
 Thou hast given us in thy Son Jesus Christ. 
 
 Great is the anger and the wrath which Thou 
 hast pronounced against impenitent sinners. Yet, 
 O Lord, Thou art a gracious God, full of tender 
 pity and compassion. Thou dost threaten, in order 
 that men may return from their evil ways, and that 
 Tiiou mayest forgive their iniquity and their sin. 
 Thou wiliest not the death of a sinner. Oh that 
 men would see the goodness of the Lord ! We 
 pray Thee to put forth thy great power, and come 
 among us. Melt the hard hearts of those who sin 
 against their own souls, and draw them to Jesus. 
 Lord, pardon their unbelief, and give them grace 
 to receive with meekness the engrafted Word 
 which is able to save their souls. 
 
 Most gracious God, help us to contend earnestly 
 for the faith once delivered to the saints. Enable 
 us to speak the truth in love, and to commend 
 the truth by our Christian behaviour. Help 
 us to be living epistles, known and read of 
 all men, that the gainsayers may be rebuked when 
 they perceive the grace of God in us. Father of 
 mercies, we confess with deep sorrow how little 
 our lives adorn the Gospel of Christ. Sanctify us 
 by the Word of truth. Make us more meek, more 
 gentle, more patient, more full of loving-kindness 
 and charity. May the fruits of faith abound in 
 us, that so the Gospel of our blessed Saviour may 
 be glorified in us, and sinners may be converted 
 unto Tliee. 
 
 Lord our God, be with us this day in our 
 going out and coming in. Prosper upon us the 
 work of our hands. Help us to be diligent in busi- 
 ness, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord. 
 
 Bless every member of our families. Preserve 
 their bodies in health. Bless their souls. Con- 
 vert, by thy grace, those who know Thee not. 
 [Especially we entreat Thee to look with tender 
 care upon the little children in our family.] 
 Bless all thy people with increasing faith and 
 love. Brighten their hope ; and when all the days 
 of life are past, and their appointed work is done, 
 may they rest in Jesus. 
 
 We heartily tliank Thee, Lord, for all thy 
 mercie?, and beseech Thee to receive our prayers 
 for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 JOHN II. 
 
 OTflOU that hearest prayer. Thou hast assured 
 us that if we ask we shall receive, and that if 
 we seek we shall find, listen to our supplications, 
 and send us not empty away, but fill us with 
 peace and joy in believing. 
 
 We bless thy holy name that we can make 
 mention of One whom Tliou hearest always. We 
 have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the 
 Righteous, who is the propitiation for our sins, and 
 not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole 
 world. We beseech Thee to pardon and accept 
 us, for Jesus Christ's sake, granting us in this 
 world the blessings of thy salvation, and in the 
 world to come life everlasting. 
 
 All things around us are changing ; but thou art 
 the same, and thy years have no end. Enable us 
 evermore to rest our weary hearts upon the promise 
 of thy Son : " Lo, I am with you always, even 
 unto the end of the world." 
 
 Help us to be forbearing and forgiving, that 
 loving our brother we may abide in the light. 
 Keep us from wrath, envy, malice, and uncharit- 
 ableness. Make us like unto Him who, when 
 He was reviled, reviled not again ; who, when He 
 was persecuted, threatened not. May the same 
 mind be in us which was in Christ Jesus our 
 Lord. 
 
 We bless Thee for all the bounties of another 
 day ; and now that the evening time has come, 
 help us to remember the evening of life, and pre- 
 pare us all to meet our God. 
 
 Sanctify unto us all the events, the sorrows 
 and joys, the trials and crosses, of this day. 
 Incline us to honour the Lord with our substance, 
 and with the first-fruits of all our gains. 
 
 Teach us to die indeed unto the world, that we 
 may live unto our God. Help us to crucify the 
 flesh with its affections and lusts ; to set our affec- 
 tions on things above, and not on things of the 
 earth ; and when the place which knows us 
 now shall know us no more for ever, then, absent 
 from the body, may we be present with the Lord. 
 Send down, we beseech Thee, upon our hearts 
 the dew of thy Holy Spirit, and enrich us with 
 thy heavenly grace. Bless all who are near and 
 dear to us everywhere. Comfort them in all their 
 sorrows. Cheer them by the light of thy blessed 
 presence, and may we meet at last where there will 
 be no more separation, and no more death, but 
 where we shall be together with the Lord. 
 
 Pai'don all our faults, and follies, and sins. 
 Wash us in the blood of the Lamb, and enable us to 
 rejoice in God, by whom we have received recon- 
 ciliation and peace. Now unto Him who loved us, 
 and washed us in his own blood, be praise and 
 glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 316 1 
 
MOKNING.] 
 
 FIFTIETH WEEK— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE LAMENTATIONS III. 22—41. 
 
 LET US lift up our hearts unto God in the 
 heavens, assured that He is ever good to them 
 that wait for Him. 
 
 We approach Thee, heavenly Father, as the 
 Sovereign Disposer of all events ; out of whose 
 mouth proceedeth whatsoever evil and good befalls 
 thy creatures, so that none saith, and it cometh to 
 pass, when the Lord commandeth it not. Accept 
 our grateful thanks for thy numberless bounties. 
 It is of thy goodness that we are not consumed, 
 because thy compassions fail not. Thy mercies are 
 new every morning, and to thy hand we trace all 
 the temporal and spiritual blessings by which we, 
 this day, find ourselves surrounded. Continue 
 them to us, we beseech Thee, for Christ's sake, in 
 wise and gracious abundance. Suffer us not to 
 misuse any of them to our own injury ; but in the 
 midst of our comforts may we frequently search 
 and try our ways and turn afresh to the Lord. We 
 are assured that Thou dost not afflict willingly, nor 
 needlessly grieve the children of men. Whenso- 
 ever, therefore, it shall seem good to Thee to cause 
 us grief, teach us to bear the yoke with silent and 
 confiding submission. May we prove how good it 
 is both to hope and quietly wait for thy salvation. 
 Let our sorrows deepen our humility; may we put 
 our mouth in the very dust, feeling how far our 
 chastisements fall short of our deserts. Above all 
 things, dispose our souls to claim and enjoy the 
 Lord as our portion. Help us to do so this day, 
 and on all our days ; and when heart and flesh fail, 
 be Thou the strength of our hearts and our portion 
 for ever ! 
 
 We would not limit our supplications to the little 
 circle now kneeling at thy footstool. Bestow all 
 blessings, Lord, upon our relatives, friends, and 
 neighbours, especially upon such as are peculiarly 
 dear to us. Shower down upon them thy choicest 
 gifls, and from thy dealings, whether indulgent or 
 severe, enable them to derive the highest good. 
 Let thy favour rest upon our native land. Let 
 thy Holy Spirit work through thy Word, and 
 gather many souls into the kingdom of thy Son. 
 We confess that unless thy compassions had ex- 
 ceeded our provocations, we had long ago been re- 
 jected, and discarded like thine ancient people 
 Israel. We would plead for that once favoured 
 family. Thou hast promised that Thou wilt not 
 cast them off for ever. Hasten the time when all 
 Israel shall be saved, and when their recovery shall 
 be as life from the dead to our fallen race ; and 
 the kingdoms of this world shall become the king 
 doms of our God and his Christ. 
 
 We ask these things for ourselves and others, 
 in the name of the same Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 JOHN III. 
 
 Oh, 
 laid up for 
 given them 
 
 WE approach thy mercy seat, Lord, through 
 the mediation of thy well-beloved Son ; re- 
 joicing that there is forgiveness with Thee and 
 plenteous redemption, and that those who come to 
 Thee Thou wilt in no wise cast out. Have mercy 
 upon us, 0, Lord, according to thy loving-kind- 
 ness, and according to the multitude of thy tender 
 mercies blot out all our transgressions. For we 
 acknowledge our sins unto Thee. In many 
 tilings we all offend and come short of thy glory. 
 We have gone astray like lost sheep. We have 
 done the things which we ought not to have done, 
 and have left undone the things we ought to have 
 done ; and there is no health in us. Through 
 Jesus Christ, who was delivered for our offences, 
 we beseech Thee, Lord, to pardon the iniquity 
 of thy servants. May om* transgressions be blotted 
 out as a thick cloud, and as a cloud our sins. 
 Cause thy face to shine upon us, be gracious to us, 
 and give us peace. 
 
 , how great is thy goodness which Thou hast 
 them that fear Thee ! Thou hast 
 the unsearchable riches of Christ ; 
 called them to thy kingdom and glory ; bestowed 
 upon them the adoption of children ; sent forth the 
 Spirit of thy Son into their hearts, whereby 
 they cry Abba Father ; given them eternal life ; 
 and prepared for them a place at thy right hand. 
 Lord, what is man that Thou art mindful of him, 
 and the Son of man that Thou visitest him ? We 
 are not worthy of the least of all thy mercies, and 
 Thou hast blessed us with all spiritual blessings in 
 heavenly places in Christ. 
 
 Oh, let not thy grace be in vain. May we taste 
 that Thou art gracious, and all be partakers of 
 thy great salvation. Shed abroad thy love in our 
 hearts. Deliver us from the dominion of sin, and 
 destroy within us all the works of the devil. 
 Strengthen us to live by faith and not by sight ; 
 and may it be manifest to all that we are thine, by 
 the Spirit that is within us. 
 
 May the mind that was in Christ Jesus be also 
 in us, and may we be filled with the Holy Ghost, 
 so that we may bring forth the fruits of good 
 living, and be to the praise and glory of thy grace, 
 Avherein Thou hast made us accepted in the 
 Beloved. 
 
 Grant that all men may hear of the great love 
 wherewith Thou hast loved us, that they may 
 believe and be saved. Let all the ends of the 
 earth see the salvation of our God, 
 
 And now, Father, cover us with thy feathers; 
 let no evil come nigh our dwelling ; preserve us to 
 thy everlasting kingdom, where tliere is no more 
 night. We ask all through Jesus Christ, our only 
 Lord and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 L 3:7 J 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTIETH WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 BEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EZEKIEL XIV. 
 
 GRACIOUS and merciful God, who hast 
 granted to us the light of another day, we 
 will direct our prayer unto Thee, and look up. Be 
 with us always, and especially at the hour of 
 ]:»rayer. Sanctify us to be thy priests to serve 
 Thee, and grant that the holy thoughts and desires 
 of our morning prayers may not pass away like the 
 morning cloud, but may abide with us, so that we 
 may wait on Thee in spirit all the day long. 
 
 We humbly own thy great goodness in deliver- 
 ing us and our land from all forms of outward and 
 visible idolatry. But we confess with conscious 
 shame our continual proneness to inward idolatry. 
 Thou mightest justly set thy face against us, 
 because we have set up our idols in our hearts. 
 We are verily guilty, Lord, before Thee. Pardon 
 us, we pray Thee, for thy dear Son's sake, and help 
 us by thy grace to give our hearts unreservedly 
 to Thee. Deliver us from the sin of loving and 
 serving the creature more than Thee^ our Creator. 
 Save us from selfishness and self- pleasing ; from 
 trusting in an arm of flesh ; from excessive devo- 
 tion to business ; and from all undue anxiety about 
 earthly things. Sanctify our wills. Cleanse our 
 affections. Purify our imagination, and cast out 
 everything that defileth. Occupy our whole souls 
 with thy presence ; set up thy throne in our hearts, 
 and rule there supreme, so that we may be thy 
 people, and Thou mayest be our God. 
 
 All-seeing God, if we regard iniquity in our 
 hearts. Thou wilt not be inquired of by us. Suffer, 
 then, no iniquity to get the dominion over us, but 
 grant to us an entire sincerity of heart before 
 Theo, that om' prayer may be the prayer of the 
 upright. 
 
 Keep this family, all its members present or 
 absent, safe under thy protection, and far from 
 every evil way ; and grant that we may walk this 
 day and evermore in thy faith and fear. 
 
 In mercy preserve our country from all those 
 sins which bring down thy judgments upon a 
 guilty people ; and if Thou shouldest visit us for 
 public chastisement and correction, be gracious 
 still to preserve amongst us a large remnant of 
 thine own people, who shall pour out before Thee 
 the effectual, fervent prayer of the righteous. And 
 do Thou teach them so to plead with Thee, after 
 the manner of Moses, and Job, and Daniel, that 
 the great Intercessor in thy temple above may 
 receive their prayers into the golden censer, and 
 present them with acceptance before thy throne. 
 
 Be as the dew unto Israel. Extend thy com- 
 passions as far as the wants and miseries of this 
 fallen world, and bring the heathen into thine 
 inheritance. We ask ill for the sake of Jesus. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 JOHN IV. 
 
 MERCIFUL Father, we kneel before Tliee 
 this evening as thine own children. Do Thou 
 grant unto us the teaching of thine own Spirit, that 
 we may believe the love wherewith Thou hast 
 loved us, in sending thine only begotten Son into 
 the world, that we might live through Him. Help 
 us to examine our own hearts ; whether this thy 
 gracious will is being accomplished in us; whether 
 we are living through Him, and are therefore no 
 more of the world, and speaking of the world. 
 May thy love constrain us to love Thee, and daily 
 to confess Thee in our words and actions. Forgive 
 us, for our Saviour Jesus Christ's sake, the many 
 occasions on which we have failed thus to confess 
 Thee to-day. We are ashamed that we have so 
 little shown our grateful sense of thy love to us,- 
 by self-denying love to others. We too much 
 please ourselves, rather than others for their souls' 
 good. Oh, give unto us more of this blessed gift 
 of love; of love to Thee, and of love to man for 
 thy sake. 
 
 Grant unto us also, by the same Spirit, to have 
 a right judgment in all things. Help us to try all 
 doctrines brought before us by that Word which Ho 
 inspired, and thus to overcome all those tempta- 
 tions to wander to the right hand and to the left, 
 which are continually presented to us in the world . 
 
 Vouchsafe unto us so firm a faith in thy love 
 through Christ, that we may render unto Thee not 
 the trembling service of slaves, but the willing, 
 thankful, loving service of children. May we ever 
 ask. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his 
 benefits toward me ? How shall I show my love 
 to Him who first loved me ? Do Tliou, in answer 
 to this desire, open before us doors of Christian 
 usefulness, and bestow on us the honour and the 
 privilege of being fellow - labourers with Thee. 
 May we, like Philip of old, tell others of that 
 Saviour whom we have found, and invite them to 
 taste and see how gracious He is. Oh, grant that 
 if Thou dost permit us to go forth to our daily 
 work to-morrow, it may be with the prayerful 
 determination that, as we have opportunity, and 
 according to our ability, we will speak of the 
 Saviour to those with whom we may have to do. 
 
 And now, heavenly Father, we commend 
 ourselves to thy care for this night. Watch over 
 all our dear relations and friends. Bless them 
 both in body and soul. Have pity upon any 
 amongst them who are living at a distance from 
 Thee, and do Thou bring them nigh by the blood 
 of Christ. Extend the preaching of thy Gospel 
 throughout the world, and gather sinners unto thy 
 dear Son. We offer all our prayers in his name, 
 who loved us, and gave himself for us, Jesua 
 Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 C 348 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTIETH WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EZEKIEL XVIII. 20—32. 
 
 0LOB.D God, the lioly, just, and true, we bless 
 thy name for the glad tidings of thy mercy, 
 for the assurance that Thou wouldest not the 
 death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn 
 unto Thee and live. Accept us, Lord, guilty, 
 and unworthy though we are ever to come unto 
 Thee, for the sake of Jesus, thy dear Son ; and now, 
 in this our morning worship, lift up the light of thy 
 countenance upon us and be gracious unto us. 
 
 We praise Thee, God, for the mercies of the 
 night. Oh, how great is thy goodness to us ! how 
 ceaseless thy love ! how unwearied thy patience ! 
 how multipHpd are thy bounties ! how wonderful 
 and passing knowledge the riches of thy grace ! 
 Forgive, Lord, the coldness and deadness of our 
 hearts under the experience of all this thy love. 
 We are ashamed that we feel it so little, and so 
 feebly show our thankfulness. Take our hearts, 
 holy Father, and mould them anew by tiiy Spirit, 
 that we may love Thee more and serve Thee better 
 than we have ever done. 
 
 In the prospect of the day's duties, we look up 
 to Thee for strength and wisdom. Create in us 
 a desire to do thy will in all things, and to seek 
 such things as please Thee. We pray that the 
 station of life in which Thou hast placed us may 
 be as a training school for heaven, and that in 
 all our intercourse with others it may be seen 
 that we are the disciples of Him who was meek 
 and lowly in heart. Be Thou, Lord, with us ; 
 and enable us, wherever we are, to feel that Thou 
 art near, our Father, our Friend, our Guide, even 
 unto death. Our hearts are frail, our faith is 
 feeble, our steadfastness uncertain. Do thou mer- 
 cifully quicken and establish us in thy ways, that 
 our footsteps slip not. Kindle within us a fervent 
 love for all that is holy and good, that we may 
 have the spiritual mind which is life and peace. 
 Stir up our souls to a holy jealousy against sin, 
 and such a zeal for thine honour as will make us 
 cast away all our transgressions, as those who are 
 alive from the dead, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 We pray for all who are dear to us. [We 
 entreat thy special favour for the children of this 
 family. Make them thy children in Ciirist Jesus, 
 and give them the Holy Ghost, even from earliest 
 years, consecrating them and enduing them with 
 a spirit of love to Thee, obedience to their parents, 
 and a desire to please Thee.] Look in mercy on 
 the ungodly, and on all who are living for things 
 temporal, and forgetting the things eternal. Melt 
 their hearts by thy grace, and turn their feet unto 
 the ways of godliness and peace. 
 
 We pray for every blessing in the name of Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 READ in holy SCRIPTURE 1 JOHN V. 
 
 OHOLY and eternal Lord God, we kneel before 
 Thee this evening as guilty sinners. We have 
 all of us transgressed against Thee. During this 
 very day, now closing over us, we have all sinned 
 against Thee. Even if Thou hast graciously pre- 
 served us from open and evident transgression of 
 thy commandments, yet how far, how very far ! 
 have we been from that entire devotedness to thy 
 service, and that entire conformity to thy will, 
 which Thou dost justly claim at our hands. We 
 cannot present unto Thee a single action which 
 shall stand the just severity of thy judgment. 
 This is true, Lord, of the best of us. Perhaps 
 there are some of us who have to confess that in 
 everything we have said or done since the morn- 
 ing we followed our own desires entirely, and have 
 not sought to please Thee. Verily, and in any case, 
 we are a company of sinners. 
 
 And as we confess this, Lord, with our lips, 
 so we beseech Thee to work in us, that we may 
 feel it in our hearts. Make us to know our 
 transgressions and our sins. Make us to see in 
 how many things we have all gone astray like lost 
 sheep. And cause us also, we beseech Thee, to 
 be sensible of the exceeding sinfulness of all 
 sin, and to see how evil a thing it is even to 
 desire what thy sovereign wisdom has seen fit 
 to forbid ; or, as we all of us so often do, even 
 to forget Thee in our hearts. Impress upon us 
 by thy Holy Spirit, as Thou only canst do, these 
 great truths. Impress upon us also our own 
 weakness and inability to resist, so that we may 
 see that our only safety is in Thee. Enable us 
 finally to tread Satan under our feet, and keep us 
 ever by thy grace from falling back from Thee, for 
 Thou art all our strength, even Thou alone. 
 Lord God, we freely acknowledge that if we are 
 saved at all from this great world that lieth in 
 wickedness, it has not been of ourselves. It has 
 been by the power of thy regenerating Spirit, and 
 for the sake of thy Son. And in so far, therefore, 
 as this is true of any of us, we would lift up our 
 hearts to Thee now in the spirit of devout thanks- 
 giving. 
 
 We thank Thee also for the many encourage- 
 ments held out to us all. What golden sentences 
 we have just read ! This is the record that God 
 hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in 
 his Son. If we ask anything according to his 
 will, he heareth us. Oh, that these heavenly pro- 
 mises may follow us to-night when we separate, 
 and give earnestness, and life, and success to our 
 private prayers before Thee. 
 
 We ask this, and all that Tliou seest good for 
 ourselves and for those who are dear to us, for our 
 Saviour's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 349 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTIETH WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EZEKIEL XX. 33—49. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 & 3 JOHN. 
 
 OLORD of hosts, the God of Israel, that dvvellest 
 between the cherubim, Thou art the God, 
 even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. 
 Thou art a God that doest wonders ; Thou hast 
 declared thy strength among the people ; Thou 
 hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons 
 of Jacob and Joseph. We thank Thee for the 
 glorious things Thou hast spoken of Zion. Hasten, 
 we beseech Thee, the time when Thou wilt bring 
 thine ancient people again to thine holy mountain, 
 and be sanctified in them before the heathen. 
 Guide them under thy rod, Shepherd of 
 Israel, into the bond of the covenant. Soon may 
 they look on Him whom they have pierced and 
 mourn, and serve Thee with acceptance on the 
 mountain of the height of Israel. Soon may Jew 
 and Gentile be one fold, under the one good 
 Shepherd. 
 
 Awake, awake, put on strength, arm of the 
 Lord. Shepherd of Israel, shine forth. Speed 
 the triumphs of the Gospel. Bless all preachers 
 this day in their preparatory studies. On the 
 coming Sabbath, may they be as flames of fire ; 
 as polished shafts in thy hand, may they reach the 
 hearts of many. Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, 
 O most mighty. May thine arrows be sharp in the 
 hearts of thine enemies. May these enemies every- 
 where become thy friends, and all the ends of the 
 earth see the salvation of our God. 
 
 Give us grace, Lord, to take warning from 
 thine ancient people, and to take encouragement 
 from the riches ot" thy forbearance and mercy. We 
 are as prone as they were to forget thy works and 
 thy wonders in providence and grace. Help us to 
 set our hope in God, and not to forget his command- 
 ments. If Thou shouldest see fit to try us as silver 
 is tried, and lay affliction upon our loins, give us 
 strength to bear it, and grace to improve it, so that 
 the result may be found, through the blessing of 
 thy Holy Spirit, the Sanctifier and the Comforter, 
 unto praise, and honour, and glory, at the appear- 
 ing of the Lord Jesus. 
 
 Thou Keeper of Israel, who dost neither slum- 
 ber nor sleep, we thank Thee for the refreshing 
 rest and providential protection thou hast vouch- 
 safed to us during the past night. Bless us as a 
 family, and as a family circle, present and absent, 
 in soul, body, and spirit. We would lay our living 
 powers anew, as a free-will off'ering, on thine altar, 
 and serve Thee this day with our bodies and with 
 our spirits, which are thine. Mercifully forgive us 
 all our sins for Christ's sake, and give us peace 
 and joy in believing. Fit us for this day's duties ; 
 support us under its trials ; arm us against its 
 temptations ; and the glory shall be thine, through 
 the blessed Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 BLESSED Lord, who hast graciously made 
 known to us, through thy Word, the truth as 
 it is in Jesus, grant that this saving truth may 
 dwell in us, and be with us for ever. May we 
 abide in it and walk in it. Enable us to give 
 a cordial acceptation to the faithful saying, that 
 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 
 And may we be so rooted and grounded in this 
 faith as to be proof against the many deceivers 
 who are entered into the world. If any come unto 
 us and bring not this saving doctrine, may we give 
 him no welcome and no hearing, but shun him 
 as a deceiver and an antichrist. May we seek 
 rather to be fellow -helpers to the truth, and be 
 always ready, by our prayers and contributions, to 
 strengthen the hands of those who carry it abroad. 
 Oh, that we may fervently fulfil that law of Christ 
 which teaches his believing people to love one 
 another ; and may every other commandment He 
 has given us to keep be written in our hearts. 
 Let us not be of the number of those who love the 
 pre-eminence, but of those rather who are clothed 
 with humility^ and in honour prefer others above 
 themselves. Give us grace to shun that which is 
 evil and to follow that which is good, so as to have 
 a good report of all men and of the truth itself. 
 Help us to do faithfully whatsoever we do, to the 
 glory of thy great name, and ever fill us with 
 the gifts of thy Spirit in all wisdom and under- 
 standing. 
 
 Bless, Lord, our dear relatives and friends. 
 May they in all things prosper and be in health ; 
 but especially may their souls prosper. Oh that, 
 like thine apostle, we may have no greater joy 
 than to hear that our dear friends walk in truth. 
 Alas ! that there are so many in our land who 
 abide not in the doctrine of Christ, but speak per- 
 verse things to draw away disciples after them. 
 Oh, bring into the way of truth all such as have 
 thus erred, and may believers be daily added to the 
 Lord, multitudes both of men and women. 
 
 Have mercy, Lord, we beseech Thee, on the 
 perishing heathen nations ; bless the work of those 
 societies who send to them the Gospel ; and multiply 
 a thousandfold the number of those to whom there 
 is this grace given to preach among the Gentiles 
 the unsearchable riches of Christ. Accept, gracious 
 Lord, our thanksgivings for all the mercies of the 
 week ; prepare us for the holy duties of to-morrow ; 
 and grant that we may give a joyful hearing to the 
 glad tidings of salvation. Prepare the hearts of all 
 who shall hear the Gospel preached or be taught it 
 in schools, and grant that it may be the spiritual 
 birthday of many, for Christ's sake, in whose 
 name we ask protection for the night and all other 
 mercies. Amen. 
 
 [ 3o0 ] 
 
 -J 
 
Morning.! 
 
 FIFTY-FIRST WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 - READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EZEKIEL XXXIII. 
 
 OGOD, Thou that art the God and Father of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, 
 the God of all grace, bow down now the ears of 
 thy love to us, who now draw near unto Thee 
 in prayer and praise. We bless Tliee for all thine 
 overflowing goodness to us, especially for the gift 
 of thy beloved Son, to be unto us wisdom, 
 righteousness, sanctification, and redemption ; and 
 for the outpouring of thy Holy Spirit, to soften our 
 hard hearts, to convince us of our manifold need, 
 to show to us our ruined state, by nature and by 
 sin, to bring us to the saving knowledge of thine 
 eternal love, and to faith in all the work of our re- 
 deeming Jesus. We bless Thee, too, for all the 
 means of grace. 
 
 We humbly confess unto Thee our grievous neglect 
 and misuse, in times past, of our religious privileges. 
 While we cry unto Thee for the pardon of all past 
 sins, through the blood of the Lamb, especially do 
 we pray Thee to blot out the iniquity of our Sabbath 
 days. We bewail that we have often come before 
 Thee, as thy people come, and seemingly tendered 
 the worship of our lips, while our hearts have been 
 straying far away. We bewail that we have often 
 heard the preacher's testimony of thy saving grace, 
 unmelted and unmoved. May it be so with us no 
 more. Suffer no further neglect of this holy day 
 to testify against us. 
 
 Be with us, we pray Thee, when we enter thy 
 house. Sanctify us wholly. May we confess our 
 sins as they who feel the burden to be grievous. 
 Enable us to pray as they wlio wrestle with their 
 God for life. May we praise as they who feel how 
 tenderly Thou hast dealt with them. Enable us 
 to adore as they who know the preciousness of 
 grace, and are rejoicing in hope of the glories of 
 heaven. Cause thy Word to come to us this day 
 with power. May we learn more of Christ than 
 we have ever learned before. Cause our love to be 
 kindled into brighter flame. May we be led to 
 more entire surrender of ourselves, body, soul, and 
 spirit, to thy holy service. Especially do we pray 
 Thee to bless the labours of thy faithful ministers. 
 Give them wisdom, zeal, tenderness, and affection ; 
 firm determination to warn the sinner, and bold- 
 ness to proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ. 
 To all the congregations of true worshippers, 
 give thy heavenly grace. Add to thy Church 
 many that shall be saved. Grant that the wicked 
 may forsake their ways, and the unrighteous their 
 thoughts, and that there may be joy among the 
 angels in heaven over many a repenting sinner. 
 Have mercy on those who are accustomed to pro- 
 fane thy holy day, and give them repentance unto 
 salvation. Hear us and bless us for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JUDE. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, we desire at the close of 
 -^ another Sabbath day, to present ourselves to- 
 gether before Thee in the name of thy Son 
 Jesus Christ. We were born in sin, and, if Thou 
 liadst left us to ourselves, we should still have been 
 enemies unto Thee by wicked works ; but Thou 
 hast received and sanctified them that believe, and 
 called them unto thine eternal glory by Christ 
 Jesus. We adore Thee, God, for thine inesti- 
 mable love in thine only begotten Son. We thank 
 Thee also for the various means of grace which Thou 
 hast provided for us ; the Scriptures which Thou 
 hast caused to be written for our learning ; and the 
 Sabbath, whereon Thou hast commanded us to rest 
 from work, that we may keep it holy. Grant that 
 in the contemplation of thy manifold mercies we 
 may know and believe the love that Thou hast to 
 us ; and while we trust in thy promises, make us 
 diligently to keep thy commandments. 
 
 We beseech Thee, God, to bless unto us the 
 services of the Sabbath, and make them conducive 
 to our growth in grace, and in the knowledge of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant the petitions which 
 we have this day offered up unto Thee. Pardon 
 whatever of sin Thou hast seen in us. Forgive us 
 if, through the infirmity of the flesh, or want of 
 watchfulness over our thoughts, we have taken thy 
 name in vain ; and may each succeeding Sabbath 
 find us strengthened, more and more, with might 
 by thy Spirit, and pressing towards the mark for 
 the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus. 
 Thou hast warned us that, as the Israelites, who 
 believed not, after they had been brought out of 
 Egypt, died in the wilderness, and never entered 
 the promised land ; so we, if we fall after the same 
 example of unbelief, shall be shut out from the 
 the heavenly Canaan, and perish for ever. May 
 we, therefore, while we think we stand, take heed 
 lest we fall. Protect us, we pray Thee, from the 
 wiles of the devil, whereby he would corrupt our 
 minds from the simplicity that is in Christ. Enable 
 us to resist the allurements of those who, walking 
 after their own ungodly lusts, would entangle us 
 again in the pollutions of the world. Grant that 
 our confidence in thy Word may never be shaken 
 by the vain reasoning of men, who, thinking 
 themselves wise, have become fools ; but give us 
 grace that, building ourselves up in our most holy 
 faith, and praying always in the Holy Ghost, we 
 may keep ourselves in thy love, looking for the 
 mercies of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 
 God, our strength is in Thee, who alone art able 
 to keep us from falhng, and to present us, with all 
 thine elect people, before the presence of thy 
 glory, in the kingdom of thy dear Son, to whom, 
 be praise and dominion, now and for ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 351 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-FIRST WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 KEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EZEK. XXXIV. 11-31. 
 
 A ALMIGHTY God, who art the Shepherd of 
 yj Israel, regard with thy favour the members of 
 thy flock throughout the world. Feed them, we 
 beseech Thee, with food convenient for them, 
 leading them day by day to the pastures which 
 Thou hast thyself provided, and causing them to 
 lie down by the waters of quietness. 
 
 We adore Thee for the goodness and wisdom 
 which have prepared for us the great things of thy 
 law. We bless Thee for the revelation of thy will, 
 and for the hope of eternal life which Thou hast 
 given us through Christ our Lord. Send, we pray 
 Thee, thy Holy Spirit, and direct us into the right 
 understanding and love of thy truth, that we may 
 reverently obey the same. Cause thy blessing to 
 rest upon the ministry of thy faithful servants, that 
 they may see the fruit of their labour in bringing 
 many souls to Christ. Raise up thy great power, 
 and come among us, and succour us by sending 
 forth pastors who shall feed thy flock with know- 
 ledge, and with a true heart. Look upon all our 
 universities and seminaries of sound religious 
 learning, and grant that the tutors and students 
 may all be taught by Thee, that so there may 
 never be wanting a supply of godly and learned 
 men for the ministry of thy word, and for the 
 edification of thy Church. Remember thine ancient 
 people Israel, that they may no longer be as sheep 
 not having a shepherd, but may be brought 
 into the fold of Christ, and be one flock, under 
 one Shepherd. 
 
 Bless those who are labouring as missionaries to 
 the Jews and to the heathen, that they may be 
 enabled to bring many souls out of darkness and 
 misery into the light and peace of the Gospel. 
 Be with thy ministering servants in our colonies, 
 that they may maintain thy truth and forward 
 the salvation of those committed to their care. 
 Look upon our beloved country. Bless our gra- 
 cious Sovereign, and all in authority. Give 
 peace in our time, Lord, and grant that we 
 may be godly and quietly governed. We have 
 sinned against thy Divine Majesty in thought, 
 word, and deed, and if Thou wert extreme to mark 
 what we have done amiss we could not stand before 
 Thee. Our mercies and our privileges have been 
 without number, and we have not rendered unto 
 Thee according to thy goodness. Hear, we pray 
 Thee, our confession, and when Thou hearest, for- 
 give. Look upon the face of thine Anointed, and 
 accept us in him thy well beloved Son. Make us 
 a blessing in all places. Prepare us for the duties 
 of this day. Keep us continually in the love and 
 service of Thee, and bring us finally into the pre- 
 sence of our Redeemer with exceeding joy. We 
 ask these mercies for his great name's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION I. 
 
 OLORD Jesus Christ, how utterly unworthy are 
 we to approach thy footstool or to look on the 
 glory of thy countenance. Thine eyes are as a 
 flame of fire, searching us through, and bringing to 
 light all the hidden sin and impurity of our fallen 
 and guilty natures. We confess our unholiness of 
 heart and will, and our many and often -repeated 
 offences against Thee and against our Father who 
 is in heaven. Convince us of our sin, and by thy 
 Spirit work in us a true repentance. Have mercy 
 upon us, Thou loving Saviour, deliver us from 
 sin and condemnation, which we deserve, and 
 give us peace. 
 
 Impress our hearts with a deep sense of thy 
 majesty. Open our understandings, and reveal 
 Thyself unto us as Thou dost not to the world. 
 Take away the darkness of sin and infirmity, and 
 give us the anointing of the Holy One, and show 
 us as we can bear it the greatness of thy power 
 and glory as the Redeemer of our fallen world. 
 We pray that the Holy Ghost may take of these 
 things and show them mito us, and that while we 
 are humbled in the dust in the presence of so 
 great Majesty we may be encouraged by the assur- 
 ance that Thou art indeed mighty to save^ and 
 strong to deliver. 
 
 How can we praise Thee enough, Lord Jesus, 
 for all the love wherewith Thou hast loved us, and 
 for all the sacrifice and self-denial, and shame, and 
 suffering which Thou didst endure for us even to 
 death ! Do Thou by thy Spirit kindle in us 
 a flame of loftier devotion, and purer love. 
 Revive and increase thy work in us, that tliese 
 cold hearts of ours may be fervent, and that the 
 worldliness which clings to us may be more and 
 more consumed by thy constraining love. Lead 
 us on to higher degrees of holiness, and grace, 
 and knowledge, and cause the fruit of our union 
 with Thee to be seen in our homes and in the 
 world, and in the readiness with which we deny 
 ourselves to please Thee. We look onward to the 
 day when Thou shalt come with clouds, and every 
 eye shall see Thee, and all kindreds of the earth 
 shall wail because of Thee. Quicken in us, day by 
 day, an earnest anxiety to be ready for thy coming, 
 that it may be to us a joy and not a dread. Awaken 
 in thy Church a longing for the day when sin and 
 Satan shall be cast out. Stir up thy ministers and 
 people to greater watchfulness and prayer. Bless 
 all the trials and tribulations of thy people to the 
 correction of sin and the increase of godliness. 
 
 Humbly commending to thy gracious care our- 
 ourselves and all who are dear to us, we ascribe 
 unto Thee, Divine Saviour, with the Father 
 and the Spirit, everlasting praise and glory. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 352 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-FIRST WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HAGGAI I— II. 9. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and merciful God, we praise Thee 
 for thy care over us during another niglit, 
 and for the light and blessings of this morning. 
 We thank Thee that Thou hast granted us re- 
 freshing sleep, and permitted us, as a family, to 
 bow at thy footstool, and to present to Thee our 
 praises. We praise Thee, God, not only for the 
 bounties of thy providence, but for the blessings of 
 thy grace, for thy Son who died to redeem us, and 
 for thy Spirit, whom Thou hast promised to renew 
 our depraved natures. Let thy blessing be upon us 
 through the whole of this day. Give to us a constant 
 sense of thy presence. Incline us to hate all that is 
 displeasing in thy sight. Inspire our hearts with thy 
 love, that with alacrity and delight we may obey 
 thy precepts. If Thou art pleased to favour us 
 with prosperity, help us to remember its perils 
 while we fulfil its responsibilities. Let all our 
 enjoyments be received as from a Father's hand, 
 and be sweetened by a Father's love. If Thou 
 seest fit to visit us with affliction, disappointment, 
 or sorrow, enable us to bow with submission to thy 
 will, and confide in thy wisdom, faithfulness, and 
 love. In every season of perplexity do Thou 
 guide us, and in every hour of temptation and 
 weakness succour us by thy strength. 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for thy holy Word, and 
 we pray Thee to bless to us that portion of it which 
 we have now read. Preserve us from that spirit of 
 procrastination in spiritual things into which thine 
 ancient people fell in the building of the temple. 
 Let those wiio are undecided in religion remember 
 that now is the accepted time, and that now is 
 the day of salvation; and let thy servants, in 
 seeking the salvation of souls and the extension 
 of the Redeemer's kingdom, labour with promp- 
 titude and diligence. Preserve us from the spirit 
 of selfishness and sloth. Never may we seek our 
 own honour and ease, while we are indifferent to 
 thy cause ; and forbid that, as a chastisement for 
 our sins, we should be visited with famine and 
 temporal privation. 
 
 We bless Thee, God, that the Desire of all 
 nations has come, and that thy people are erecting 
 a spiritual temple to his praise. We pray that we 
 may all be living stones in this edifice, and that 
 we may contribute our parts to aid the progress of 
 its erection. Let thy blessing be with us through- 
 out this day. We are weak, do Thou strengthen us 
 with all spiritual grace and power. We are igno- 
 rant, mercifully teach us, and guide our feet in the 
 way of godliness and peace. Let all the members 
 of this family, and all for whom we ought to pray, 
 receive from Thee all needful favours. And finally 
 bring us all to thy heavenly kingdom, tlu-ough 
 Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION H. 1-11. 
 
 OTHOU, who art the watchful Guardian of thy 
 people, and the Head of thy Church, as in 
 days of old, we know that Thou art ever present 
 to rnark our deeds and to receive our prayers. 
 Incline our hearts to receive with an obedient 
 spirit the things which Thou hast spoken. Give 
 us grace to labour in thy service, and to walk 
 patiently in the path of duty. Enable us to mani- 
 fest to those around us purity of doctrine in our 
 creed, and the power of godliness in our lives. 
 Grant us wisdom to shun the doers of evil, and 
 to depart from those who delight in error. Bestow 
 upon us, at all times, the ability to test the truth, 
 that we may not be led astray by false teachers, and 
 that the light of thy Gospel may not be removed 
 from us. Cause it to be our desire, like the mem- 
 bers of the Ephesian Church, to show forth our 
 works and labours, our patience and our zeal, from 
 no spirit of self-righteousness or vain-glory, as 
 seeking the praise of men, but as seeking to com- 
 mend ourselves to God, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Grant that by a diligent use of the pri- 
 vileges we enjoy, we may become rich in faith and 
 in good works, rejoicing in hope, and comforted 
 with the assurance of grace to help us in every 
 time of need. Cause the instruction which Thou 
 hast given to us in thy revealed will to guide us in 
 safety, to support us under conflict, and to comfort 
 us in the hour of sorrow ; for thy commandment 
 is a lamp, and thy law is light, and the reproofs of 
 instruction are the way of life. Enable us, through- 
 out our lives, to remember that Thou art ever be- 
 holding alike the evil and the good, and that 
 Thou hast commanded us to have no fellowship 
 with the unfaithful works of darkness, but rather 
 to reprove them. Teach us that watchfulness, 
 obedience, and purity of life and conversation 
 become thy servants ; for v;e confess, from the 
 infirmity of our nature, and from the sinfulness 
 that dwells within us, we have too often wandered 
 from thy ways, and done that which is evil in thy 
 sight. We pray Thee, absolve us from om* trans- 
 gressions, and by thy mercy enable us to retrace 
 our steps, to repent of our misdoings, and to 
 delight in the works of godliness ; and as without 
 thy aid Ave can do no good thing, teach us to hate 
 that which Thou hatest, and love that which Thou 
 lovest. Let thy Spirit witness with our spirits 
 that we are the servants of Christ and the children 
 of God ; and when, in thy wisdom. Thou dost call 
 us hence, grant that we, and all that are dear to 
 us, may be numbered among that glorious as- 
 sembly of the first-born, who shall not be hurt 
 by the second death, but shall obtain the tree of life 
 which is in the paradise of God. Grant it. Lord, 
 for the Redeemer's sake. Ameii. 
 
 [ 353 ] 
 
 Ko. 45- 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-FIRST WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ZECHARIAH III.— IV. 7. 
 
 WHO shall not fear Thee, Lord, and glorify 
 thy name, for Thou only art holy ? Thou 
 chargest thine angels with folly, and the heavens 
 are not clean in thy sight. Yet so great is thy 
 condescension, that Thou regardest the prayer of 
 the humble. Oh, that we may deeply feel our 
 unworthiness, whilst we ascribe unto Thee all 
 blessing and praise. 
 
 We thank Thee Lord, our heavenly Father, 
 that Thou hast in thy great mercy made known 
 thy willingness to receive all such as repent of 
 their sins, and believe in the atoning sacrifice of 
 thy dear Son. There is forgiveness with Thee, 
 that Thou mayest be feared. We have an Advo- 
 cate with Thee, the Father, even Jesus Christ, the 
 righteous. For his sake, may we be justified, 
 adopted into thy family, and made heirs of eternal 
 salvation. Take away our filthy garments from 
 us, and clothe us with the spotless robe of the 
 Redeemer's merits. Enable us to live a holy 
 life. May we feel persuaded of the existence of 
 that better country to which we are fast hastening, 
 and be prepared to enter, with the Captain of our 
 salvation, into the promised inheritance. 
 
 Our Father which art in heaven, we have this 
 morning renewed reason for dedicating ourselves 
 afresh to thy service. We have laid down, and 
 slept, and awaked, because Thou hast sustained us. 
 We will remember thy loving-kindness in the morn- 
 ing. Keep us, we pray Thee, this day without sin. 
 Lead us not into temptation. May holy thoughts 
 possess our souls. Let nothing enter into them 
 which defileth, or worketh abomination, or maketh 
 a lie. Give us this day our daily bread. May 
 thy blessing rest upon all our honest endeavours 
 and lawful undertakings. We commend to thy 
 fatherly benediction our relatives and friends, our 
 neighbours and acquaintances. Let thy fear be 
 ever before them. Bring back those who may 
 have departed from Thee. Strengthen the good 
 purposes of those who are weak and tempted. 
 Heal the broken-hearted. May the fatherless find 
 mercy in Thee, and the friendless learn to stay 
 themselves upon their God. 
 
 Finally, we would entreat Thee, heavenly 
 Father, to have compassion upon all men. Hear 
 Thou the cry of the sorrowful. Pity the captive. 
 Restore the sick. Remove violence from the earth. 
 May all people learn righteousness. Let thy will 
 be done, Lord, and thy kingdom come on earth 
 as it is in heaven. 
 
 Hear Thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and 
 when Thou hearest, forgive, answer, and bless us 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and 
 Saviour, to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost 
 be all honour and praise. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION II. 12-29. 
 
 OLORD, the Creator of heaven and earth, from 
 everlasting to everlasting Thou art God. We 
 praise Thee, we glorify Thee, we give thanks to 
 Thee for thy great glory, heavenly King, God 
 the Father Almighty. Heaven and earth are full 
 of the majesty of thy glory. By the power of thy 
 Spirit, and the sense of thy greatness, bow our 
 hearts in reverence at thy footstool. Suffer us not 
 to think lightly of thy glorious perfections, nor to 
 lose sight of thy holiness, which hates sin, and of 
 thy truth, which has pledged Thee to punish it. 
 
 Lord, convince us of sin. Make us to feel 
 ashamed of our many transgressions against Thee, 
 and with all earnestness of faith to seek forgiveness 
 and cleansing through the blood of Jesus. Urge 
 us onward, by thy Spirit and thy Word, in the 
 narrow way. Thou knowest how we are sore let 
 and hindered in running the race that is before us. 
 Only in thy strength, and under thy guidance, can 
 we hope to overcome and to subdue the power of the 
 world, the flesh, and the devil. Help us, Lord 
 our God, help us for thy name's sake, and make thy 
 grace to abound towards us more and more. In- 
 crease in us all holy and heavenly gifts, that we 
 may not dishonour our Christian calling, and bring 
 reproach on thy holy name. Make us thine, and 
 keep us thine for ever and ever, that we may 
 continue Christ's faithful disciples and servants 
 even to our lives' end. 
 
 Thy past mercies, and thy gracious promises in 
 the Gospel, embolden us, Lord God, to seek 
 from Thee such grace and blessing as Thou seest 
 needful for us. We cannot live without Thee by 
 day ; we cannot rest without Thee in peace by 
 night. Stretch over us thy hand, and defend us 
 from all evil. Regard every member of this 
 family, and all whom we love. Descend upon 
 them in all the power of the Spirit, and make 
 their hearts burn within them at the assurance of 
 thy help and blessing. 
 
 We beseech Thee, Lord God, to grant thy 
 blessing to everything which has been done this 
 day for thy glory, and for the ingathering to 
 thy fold the souls that have wandered away from 
 Thee, and hardened themselves against the truth in 
 Jesus. We pray for the spread of thy Gospel. 
 Oh, let the true light shine wherever men are sit- 
 ting in darkness and the shadow of death. Re- 
 move the veil from the eyes of the Jews, and take 
 away the evil heart of unbelief. Let the Gentiles 
 be turned away from idols to serve Thee, the living 
 God. Make bare thy arm in the midst of the 
 nations, and let it be seen, even to the ends of the 
 earth, that Thou art God and God alone. Merciful 
 Father, hear and help us, far thy dear Son's saka 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 35i ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-FIUST WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [EVENINQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ZECHARIAH XIII. 
 
 A LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who 
 -^ rulest and reignest over all, we bless Thee for 
 life, and breath, and all things. We come into thy 
 presence with deep humility, for we have sinned 
 against heaven and before Thee. We adore and 
 magnify thy holy name that Thou didst not spare 
 thine only begotten Son, but didst deliver Him up 
 for us all ; and we come now to that fountain 
 once opened for sin and uncleanness, of which we 
 have now been reading in thy most holy Word. 
 Assist us, God, we beseech Thee, to draw near 
 with faith to the throne of the heavenly grace, that 
 we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in 
 all the duties and difficulties of daily life. Keep 
 our hearts right with Thee, and help us to run 
 with patience the race that is set before us, looking 
 mito Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. 
 
 Do Thou, Lord, quicken our zeal, increase 
 our faith, and inflame our love, that forgetting 
 the things which are behind, we may press forward 
 to those which are before. Let thy Holy Spirit 
 expel all evil from our hearts, and fill us with peace, 
 and love, and joy. Give us, we beseech Thee, the 
 confidence of children, thatwe may realise our adop- 
 tion into thy family, and be enabled to call Thee 
 by the endearing name of Father; and thus, 
 God, cause us to realise that all things are working 
 together for our good. Keep us from murmuring 
 and repining, and help us to remember thine own 
 blessed words : " In the world ye shall have tribu- 
 lation : but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the 
 world." 
 
 We bless Thee for all the common mercies of 
 daily life, for friends and food, for reason and for 
 raiment ; but, above all, for Him whom, not having 
 seen, we love, who died for our sins, and who now 
 intercedes as our High Priest before the throne. 
 
 Look down with compassion, we beseech Thee, 
 on all mankind. Let thy truth be known upon 
 earth, thy saving health among all nations. Bless 
 all missionaries of the cross of Christ in all parts of 
 the heathen world, and crown their labours with 
 success. 
 
 We commend to Thee the sick, the suffering, and 
 the dying, beseeching Thee to remember the out- 
 cast, to be the Father of the fatherless, and the 
 Husband of the widow. Comfort all who are 
 afflicted, with the precious promises of thy holy 
 Word, and help them to cast their burthens upon 
 the Lord, that He may sustain them. 
 
 Forgive, we earnestly beseech Thee, all our sins ; 
 cleanse us in the blood, and cover us with the 
 righteousness of our Redeemer, and prepare us to 
 be with Him in glory. We ask all these mercies 
 in the name of Jesus Christ, our eve-r-l-ving Lord 
 and Saviour. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION III. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, by whose providence we are 
 brought to the evening of another day, enable 
 us to close it as becomes thy faithful soldiers. 
 Thou hast called us to maintain a life-long conflict 
 in the prospect of an unfading crown. If thine all- 
 seeing eye detects among us any who have only a 
 name to live while we are dead, vouchsafe to 
 quicken those lifeless souls, that Christ may give 
 them light. Awaken any of us that are relapsing 
 into carelessness and unfaithfulness, and strengthen 
 within us the things that remain that are ready 
 to die. If any of us have offended Thee by luke- 
 warmness, if any of us are incurring thy rebuke 
 and chastisement, graciously forgive us for Christ's 
 sake. Accompany the reproof by the influence of 
 thy Holy Spirit, that we may be zealous and 
 repent, and be warmed with gratitude. Thus be 
 pleased to meet our several necessities. Cause us 
 to lie down this night accepted in the Beloved, and 
 may we sleep in peace under the guardianship of a 
 heavenly Father. If we are spared to see the light 
 of the morrow, awaken us to renewed fidelity in 
 our holy warfare. Preserve us from every delu- 
 sion. Never may we deem ourselves rich and in 
 need of nothing ; but, sensible of our own depend- 
 ence, and of thy bounty, may we buy of Thee 
 ^gold tried in the fire, that we may be rich, and 
 white raiment that we may be clothed. Thus pre- 
 pared, may we be followers of them whom of old 
 Thou didst commend. Let the presence of the 
 ungodly only serve to increase our watchfulness. 
 Let the remembrance that Thou knowest our ways 
 confirm and encourage us to keep the word of thy 
 patience without denying thy name ; and, Lord, 
 do Thou vouchsafe to keep us from the hour of 
 temptation, or bring us safely through it. 
 
 Thus may we prove more than conquerors, and 
 gain the promised reward. We know not, O 
 blessed Saviour, its greatness and its value. We 
 understand not, as yet, how inestimable is the 
 privilege of those whom Thou shalt confess before 
 thy Father's face, and whom Thou shalt make 
 everlasting pillars in his temple. But grant, Lord, 
 that this blessedness may be ours. Enable us, 
 therefore, so to pass through things which are 
 temporal, that we may finally lose not those benefits 
 eternal. 
 
 Furthermore, revive thy languid churches. Lord. 
 May they remember their responsibilities, and how 
 they have received and known thy truth. Preserve 
 them (especially preserve that church to which we 
 belong) from the unfaithfulness of Sardis, and 
 from Laodicean lukewarmness. Keep all thy people 
 in faithfulness, duty, and love, and make the world 
 to know that Thou hast loved, t^iem, holy and 
 gracious Jesus. Amen. 
 
 [ 355 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-FIEST WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ZECHARIAH XIV. 
 
 OLORD of Hosts, and God of all the families of 
 the earth, we desire to draw near thy holj 
 presence to worship thy great and glorious name. 
 
 We praise Thee, God ; we acknowledge Thee 
 to be the Lord. Thou art God in the heaven 
 above, and in the earth beneath, and all things 
 come of Thee. In thy hands our breath is, and 
 thine are all our ways. We have laid us down 
 and slept, and awaked, because Thou, Lord, 
 makest us to dwell in safety. To Tliee we owe our 
 preservation and defence from all the perils and 
 dangers of the night ; the refreshing of our bodies 
 and the renewal of our powers through thy 
 gracious gift of sleep. Thou art the Father of all 
 our mercies. Thou art the Father of lights, and 
 from Thee cometh down every good and every 
 perfect gift. Bless the Lord, our souls, and 
 all that is within us, bless his holy name. Bless 
 the Lord, our souls, and forget not all his 
 benefits. 
 
 To Thee, Lord, we would again direct our 
 prayer, and to Thee we would once more look up. 
 Let thy mercy be upon us according as we hope in 
 Thee. Vouchsafe, Lord, to keep us this day 
 without sin, and grant that we may yield ourselves 
 unto Thee as those that are alive from the dead, 
 and help us through thy Holy Spirit to walk 
 before Thee in newness of life. Create within us 
 a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within us. 
 Put thy laws into our hearts and write them in our 
 minds, that we may not sin against Thee. Wash 
 us in the blood of Christ, and purge our con- 
 sciences from dead works to serve the living God. 
 Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspira- 
 tion of thy Holy Spirit, and make us vessels unto 
 honour meet for the Master's use. Assist us to 
 glorify Thee in our body and spirit ; and what- 
 ever we do, whether we eat or drink, may we 
 do all to the glory of God. Grant that we 
 may be made perfect in every good work to do 
 thy will, and work in us that which is well pleas- 
 ing in thy sight. 
 
 We beseech Thee, Lord, to grant unto us 
 those things which are requisite and necessary as 
 well for the body as the soul. We cast our cares 
 upon Thee, for Thou carest for us, and Thou num- 
 berest the hairs of our head. Watch over and pre- 
 serve our life and health. Give us neither poverty 
 nor riches; feed us with food convenient for us. 
 Lead us in the way we should go ; guide us with 
 thy counsel, and after we have fulfilled thy will on 
 earth, receive us into glory, granting unto us an 
 abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom, 
 with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, we ascribe 
 all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION IV. 
 
 OLORD Almighty, the Father of men and 
 angels. Thou sittest upon the throne of tliy 
 glory, and orderest all things after the counsel of 
 thy will. We are sinful and unclean ; but blessed 
 be thy name that, in the light of the Sun of 
 Righteousness, we behold the rainbow round about 
 the throne ; the sign of wrath appeased, and of 
 justice and mercy reconciled. We come before 
 Thee in the name of Jesus, hear us for his sake, 
 and help us. 
 
 The angels, with many eyes and many wings, 
 stand before thy throne, and rest not day and 
 night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Al- 
 mighty! And with them the spirits of the just 
 made perfect and the whole company of the Church 
 on earth, whose names are written in heaven as 
 priests and kings, worship and serve Thee. To this 
 company of holy angels and redeemed men, we, 
 unworthy as we are, humbly desire to join our- 
 selves, that we may give our heart and voice to 
 sing thy praise. 
 
 We adore Thee for all that Thou art in thyself, 
 thou glorious King, and for all that Thou art to 
 us, thou gracious Saviour. We adore Thee for 
 thy infinite power, majesty, and glory ; for thy 
 infinite justice, holiness, and truth ; for thy infinite 
 mercy and love. We bless Thee for the manifes- 
 tation of thy goodness to us sinners. We praise 
 Thee for all temporal mercies, for food and rai- 
 ment, for health and strength, and for all the 
 blessings which flow around our homes, and pour 
 their comforts into our bosoms ; but above all 
 thy gifts to us, we praise Thee for the gift of thy 
 dear Son, and the promise of thy Holy Spirit. Thy 
 love to us is wonderful. We thank and praise 
 Thee that thy Son has died and is alive again for 
 us ; that Thou makest his flesh to be meat indeed, 
 and his blood to be drink indeed to our souls, and 
 that by Him Thou takest away the sting of death 
 and the victory of the grave, and fillest our hearts 
 with hopes full of immortality 
 
 When we think of all thy greatness and glory, 
 of all thy grace and mercy, we are lost in wonder, 
 love, and praise. With angels, and archangels, 
 and all the company of heaven, we laud and 
 magnify thy glorious name, evermore praising 
 Thee and saying. Holy, holy, holy. Lord God of 
 Hosts ! heaven and earth are fall of thy glory. 
 Glory be to Thee, Lord most high. 
 
 Gracious Father, forgive us all the sins of tliis 
 day, and grant us such a deep sense of their sin- 
 fulness that we may hate them as Thou hatest 
 them. Bestow on us the peace that passe th under- 
 standing. Spread around us, and all whom we 
 ove, the shield of thy loving care, and preserve us 
 
 now and ever, for Christ's sake. 
 
 Amen. 
 
 C 356 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-FIRST WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PROVERBS IV. 
 
 OTHOU only wise God, we come unto Thee in 
 the name of thy beloved Son, in dependence 
 on the assurance of thy Word, that Thou givest to 
 all men liberally and upbraidest not. May thy 
 Holy Spirit convince us more and more of our 
 natural ignorance, and of our need of that wisdom 
 which is from above. Grant that Jesus himself 
 may be made unto us wisdom, as well as righteous- 
 ness, and sanctification, and redemption. May we 
 be made wise unto salvation, through faith which 
 is in Him. 
 
 Let none of us think highly of ourselves, because 
 of any wisdom which we may possess ; for if any 
 man think that he knoweth anything, he knoweth 
 nothing yet, as he ought to know. Sanctify to 
 thine own service and glory whatever of earthly 
 knowledge Thou hast permitted us to acquire. 
 May we, as faithful stewards of thy manifold gifts, 
 employ them all for Thee, remembering thy com- 
 mand, " Occupy till I come." Oh, make us wise 
 for eternity, wise to consider our latter end, wise 
 unto that which is good and simple concerning 
 evil. 
 
 May we never, by willingly entering into the 
 path of the wicked, provoke Thee to leave us to 
 ourselves. Oh, turn away our eyes, lest they 
 behold vanity. Strengthen us, by thy Spirit, to 
 avoid those persons and places which may tempt 
 us to sin. May we think no trouble too great, no 
 sacrifice too costly, for this holy end. May we 
 ponder the path of our feet, and let our eyes 
 look right on. Hedge up our way that we may 
 not walk in our own paths. May we ever hear 
 thy voice saying unto us, " This is the way, walk 
 ye in it," when we turn to the right hand, or when 
 we turn to the left. 
 
 TIiou didst command thy people of old to make 
 preparation beforehand for the rest of thy holy 
 Sabbath. Incline our hearts, we beseech Thee, to 
 set all things in order this day for the quiet and 
 devout observance of the morrow. Be with all 
 thy ministers in their reading and meditation, that 
 they may be able to bring forth out of their treasure 
 things new and old. May they bear the names of 
 their people on their hearts before thy mercy seat, 
 and rightly divide the Word of Truth, giving to 
 each his portion in due season. And oh, pour out 
 abundantly of thy Spirit upon thy whole Church. 
 Awaken both ministers and people to a deeper 
 sense of their heavenly calling. May there be 
 more fruit-bearing branches, glorifying Thee by 
 bringing forth much fruit. Oh, hear the united 
 prayers of thy believing people, and send down the 
 Holy Ghost to quicken thy Church, that it may 
 serve Thee singly and devotedly. We ask all for 
 Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION V. 
 
 HEAVENLY Father, we thank Thee that we 
 have been brought in safety to the close of 
 this week. Thy goodness and mercy have followed 
 us all the days of our life, and we lift our hearts to 
 Thee in praise and adoration. Unable to count up 
 the multitude of thy mercies, we pray that we may 
 not be ungrateful. Do Thou graciously hear our 
 prayer, ajid open our eyes to see all the greatness 
 of thy love in the bounties of thy providence and 
 the gifts of thy Gospel, that we may be constrained 
 to render to Thee the tribute of a life consecrated 
 to thy service. We beseech Thee also to give us 
 an increasing knowledge of Thyself, God. Un- 
 fold to us, by thy Spirit and through the teaching 
 of thy Word, the greatness and glory of thy Divine 
 perfections, and enable us to see how they all meet 
 in the person of thy dear Son, our Incarnate Lord. 
 Reveal Thyself unto us as the God of grace, more 
 ready to hear us than we are to pray to Thee ; able 
 and willing to forgive us all sin, and to help us in 
 every time of need. Blot from thy book the sins 
 of this day. Remember not against us what we 
 have said, or thought, or done, which is displeasing 
 to Thee. Lord, give us peace of conscience in 
 the remembrance of our transgressions, and seal to 
 our hearts the promise of thy gracious pardon. 
 
 Thou exalted Redeemer, mighty to save, our 
 atonement for sin, the conqueror of Satan, and 
 our deliverer from death and hell, we would mingle 
 our praise and adoration with the songs of the 
 blessed who surround thy throne. With angels 
 and archangels, and all the company of heaven, we 
 laud and magnify thy holy name. Thou that 
 art exalted to the right hand of the Father, have 
 mercy upon us, and accept our praise. Thou art 
 the king of glory, Christ; Thou art the ever- 
 lasting Son of the Father. All praise be to thy 
 name. Lord Jesus, make our hearts to overflow 
 with love to Thee. Chide and correct the coldness 
 of our love, and the indolence of our service, and 
 the feebleness of our devotion. Draw us, and 
 we will run after Thee. Reveal the power of thy 
 Spirit within us, and make us partakers of thine 
 abounding grace here, and of thine everlasting 
 glory hereafter. Show us clearly thy footsteps, 
 and strengthen us with a holy courage and an un- 
 daunted faith to follow Thee, bearing the cross 
 which Thou layest upon us, and zealous to set 
 forth thv praise. 
 
 Lord"' God, who never slumberest, guard and 
 defend us to-night from evil. Shed on us, and all 
 whom we love, the peace that passeth understand- 
 ing, and fit us for the spiritual engagements of the 
 morrow. We beseech Thee to hear, and answer, 
 and bless us in these our prayers, which we offer 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 357 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EVENENG. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PROVERBS VIII. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and All-seeing Grod, we call upon 
 Thee out of a world of uncertainty and dark- 
 ness. When the morning light ariseth, it doth not 
 show us what the day will bring forth. When we 
 avail ourselves to the utmost of the natural faculties 
 Thou hast given us, many solemn and eternal reali- 
 ties are still concealed from our eyes ; our minds 
 have been blinded by sin. We are but poor, 
 weak, and ignorant creatures, unable of ourselves 
 tp know or to think that which is good. We 
 therefore humbly and earnestly seek from Thee this 
 morning, Thou great Fountain of all true know- 
 ledge and Father of lights, the gift of wisdom. 
 Thou hast given us the light of the day. Give us 
 also, we beseech Thee, the light of thy grace. 
 Thou hast given us the light of thy holy Word. 
 Give us power to discern and understand it. Open 
 Thou our eyes to behold the wondrous things of 
 thy law. 
 
 We would encourage ourselves in asking these 
 blessings by the words which we have just heard. 
 May they teach us that if our ignorance is great, 
 so is thy willingness to remove it. Doth not 
 wisdom cry, and understanding put forth her 
 voice ; and that to assure us of this truth ? 
 Oh, cause us, we beseech Thee, thus to hear and 
 believe ; and make us, thy servants, to be amongst 
 those who, loving heavenly wisdom, are beloved in 
 return. 
 
 We desire to thank Thee, also, if, in any mea- 
 sure. Thou hast already enlightened our dark 
 minds. Especially we thank Thee that all the 
 wisdom which we require for our duties and our 
 hopes, is treasured up for our enrichment in thy 
 crucified Son. May He be made unto us wisdom, 
 and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemp- 
 tion. And may the atoning work of that blessed 
 One who was possessed by Thee in the beginning 
 of thy way, be at once the power and wisdom of 
 God in our experience and our minds. 
 
 We ask further for that practical wisdom which 
 shall make us hate evil and fear Thee. May we 
 have that great evidence of knowing and loving 
 truth, a hearty willingness to obey, 
 
 These are the petitions, Lord, which we offer 
 to Thee on this the morning of thy day. May we 
 go in the spirit of them to thy house. May we 
 follow up these our family prayers by joining there 
 in supplication with the congregation of thy people. 
 And may the lessons we learn in thy sanctuary 
 perfect our trust in fxiat Fatherly wisdom which is 
 always good to Israel, even to those of clean 
 heart. Our daily necessities are many, but Thou 
 art all-sufficient. Hear us and answer us, we 
 humbly beseech Thee, for our Hedeemer's sake. 
 Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION VII. 9-17. 
 
 EVER blessed Jehovah, with angels and the 
 redeemed we would devoutly exclaim, " Salva- 
 tion to our God which sitteth upon the throne, 
 and unto the Lamb. Blessing, and glory, and 
 wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, 
 and might be unto our God for ever and ever." 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for here uplifting the 
 veil, and vouchsafing to us a glimpse of the celes- 
 tial Holy of Holies. With thy entranced servant, 
 we can, in our measure, as through a glass darkly, 
 behold this white-robed throng, and rejoice to find 
 it made up of victorious saints from all nations, 
 and kindreds, and peoples, and tongues. We thank 
 Thee that Jesus stands related to our whole race as 
 their Redeemer ; that he gave Himself a ransom 
 for all. May the joyful sound given forth this day 
 prove, through faith, the power of God to the sal- 
 vation of sinners and the increased sanctification of 
 saints. Bless, in particular, our own church and 
 pastor ; and may the work of God increasingly 
 prosper in our hearts and hands. 
 
 We bless thy name, most merciful Father, for 
 our Sabbaths, for our sanctuaries, for all our reli- 
 gious privileges, and especially for the promise of the 
 Divine Spirit. Pardon all the sins of our holy things 
 — all the strange fire we have this day allowed to 
 blend with the incense of our devotion. May the 
 Word we have read or heard profit us, being mixed 
 with faith, and watered by thy Spirit. May every 
 good impression received this day, either in God's 
 house or our own, be deepened, prolonged, and 
 matured, to our increased holiness and comfort, 
 and to thy glory. Help us more and more to re- 
 ceive thy truth in the faith and love of it, and may 
 it abound in all manner of fruits in our lives. Be 
 with us, and all near and dear to us, during this 
 week, if it be thy will to spare us. Fit us for its 
 duties. Fortify us for its trials. May Sabbath and 
 sanctuary impressions follow us into week-day avo- 
 cations; may every day be to us as a Sabbath, 
 and every place holy ground. 
 
 God of peace and of all consolation, give us 
 grace to put on the whole armour of God, to fight 
 the good fight of faith, to overcome by the blood of 
 the Lamb, to follow Him faithfully whithersoever 
 He goeth, to walk in the Spirit, to glorify our 
 Heavenly Father, and in all duty, and under all 
 trial, to be faithful unto death ; that we, too, may 
 emerge at last victorious out of great tribulation, 
 having washed our robes and made them white in 
 the blood of the Lamb, and serve Tliee day and 
 night in thy heavenly temple. We commend 
 ourselves, and all whom we love, to thy gracious 
 care, and we ask every mercy for Jesus' sake, who, 
 with Thee, Father, and Thee, Holy Ghost, 
 reignest one God, world without end. Ainen. 
 
 [ 358 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND WEEK.— MONDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PROVERBS X. 
 
 OLORD, who hast said that they who worship 
 Thee must worsliip Thee in spirit and in truth, 
 may we thus come to Tliee this morning. Enable 
 us with our spirits within us to seek Thee early. 
 Oh, grant us to-day that blessing of thine which 
 maketh rich without sorrow. May we be rich in 
 faith, rich in grace, rich in the unsearchable riches 
 of Christ. May all the good things He has pur- 
 chased by his death, be given to us richly to enjoy. 
 
 We thank Thee for thy Word, which is a 
 lamp to our feet, and a light unto our paths. 
 May the lessons contained in it be written 
 in our hearts. Grive us grace to be diligent, not 
 only in our earthly but our heavenly calling ; 
 gathering, during the summer of our opportuni- 
 ties, the blessings of thy free salvation, laying 
 up knowledge, keeping instruction, and fulfilling 
 that labour of the righteous which tendeth to 
 life. As in the multitude of words there wanteth 
 not sin, enable us to take heed to our ways that we 
 sin not with our tongue, and to keep our mouth 
 with a bridle. Preserve us from lying lips, from 
 slanderous lips, from prating lips ; and may our 
 tongues be as choice silver, speaking what is good 
 to the use of edifying, and what may minister 
 grace to the hearers. Tims may our mouth be as 
 a well of life. Oh, cleanse our heart from evil 
 passions, and, instead of that hatred which stirreth 
 up strife, fill us with that love that covereth, as 
 far as may be, a neighbour's sins. Put into our 
 hearts such good desires as we may believe, 
 according to thy promise. Thou wilt grant, and fill 
 us with that hope which shall be gladness in the 
 latter end. May we be built on the everlasting 
 foundation which Thou hast laid for us in Christ, 
 so that our expectation shall not perish. 
 
 And what we thus ask for ourselves we would ask 
 also for others. Grant to our dear relatives and 
 frieuds that they also may build upon the Rock of 
 Ages, and put on that righteousness which delivereth 
 from death. Be favourable to our land. Bless our 
 Sovereign, and all the Royal Family, with the health- 
 ful spirit of thy grace. May our rulers rule in thy 
 fear, and be the counsellors of peace. May our 
 ministers be clothed with righteousness, and may 
 their lips feed many. Bless all the efforts which 
 are making in these times to convert sinners from 
 the error of their ways, and to save souls from 
 death by guiding them to Jesus. May infidelity be 
 put to shame, the days of antichrist be shortened, 
 peace be given to the earth, and the kingdoms of 
 this world soon become the kingdom of our Lord 
 and of his Christ. 
 
 Accept, Lord, our grateful praises for all thy 
 goodness to us, and hear us for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XIV. 
 
 GOD, the Author and Preserver of our frame, 
 and the Fountain of all our enjoyments, we 
 approach thy mercy-seat at the close of another 
 day to give thanks for all thy mercies, and to 
 commend ourselves to thy protection and care. 
 We are conscious how far short we have come this 
 day of what we ought to have been, that many 
 duties have been neglected, and that many sins 
 have been committed against Thee. We come 
 again to the blood of sprinkling for pardon and for 
 purification, and beseech Thee to seal upon our 
 consciences a sense of thy forgiving love, and to 
 impart to us that peace which the world can 
 neither give nor take away. 
 
 We bless Thee that we have been permitted to 
 read of the redeemed assembly before the throne, 
 and we pray that thy grace may enable us, like 
 them, boldly to avow a Saviour's name; that it 
 may preserve us from the defilements of the world, 
 and help us to follow the Lamb in whatever path 
 he may lead us. We bless Thee for the saving 
 virtue of the blood of Christ, and that what it has 
 done for those who have gone before us, it can do 
 for us also. Oh, that we may have redemption 
 through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. 
 Deliver us from the love and power of sin, no less 
 than from its guilt and condemnation ; and though 
 conscious now of numberless faults, may we be 
 presented at last without fault, before the throne of 
 God. 
 
 We praise Thee, Father, that already so vast 
 an assembly has been gathered to the heavenly 
 Zion, and are singing the new song to the Re- 
 deemer in the heavenly temple. Let us learn on 
 earth the song of heavePi, and possess a foretaste of 
 the joys of eternity. Give success, Lord, to all the 
 heralds of salvation ; let the everlasting Gospel be 
 speedily published to all the inhabitants of the 
 earth ; and may this our globe become one great 
 temple in which Thou wilt delight to dwell, and m 
 which man will delight to worship. Let the people 
 praise Tiiee, God ; let all the people praise 
 Thee. We pray for the destruction of antichrist, 
 and for the coming of thy kingdom in power 
 and great glory. Help us all to live to the Loi'd, 
 that we may at last die to the Lord ; to work for 
 Christ here, that we may rest with Christ here- 
 after. Prepare us all for the great harvest, the end 
 of the world. Let us all remember that we are 
 ripening either for heaven or for hell. Oh, gather 
 not our souls with sinners ; but bind us up in tlie 
 bundle of life, and number us among thy re- 
 deemed in glory everlasting. And now, God, 
 be with us all this night, and bestow upcm us 
 the fulness of thy grace 
 Redeemer's sake. Amen. 
 
 and blessing, for our 
 
 '[ 359 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND WEEK.— TUESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PROVERBS XIII. 
 
 ADORED be thy great name, our God, that 
 we, so sinful and unworthy, are still the objects 
 of thy merciful care and tender compassion. 
 Accept, we beseech Thee, our united praise for the 
 rest of the night, for life, and strength, and 
 spiritual blessing. Enable us, in sincerity and 
 truth, to worship Thee. We trust in the merits and 
 mediation of Jesus Christ, our exalted Mediator 
 and Saviour. For his sake, and in fulfilment of 
 thy faithful promise, let us not leave thy footstool 
 unforgiven or unblessed. We pray that it may 
 please Tliee to give us true repentance for all our 
 ignorance, indolence, and disobedience, and so to 
 put away our sins from before thy face, that they 
 may not be remembered against us in the day of 
 Christ's appearing. In the name of Jesus, grant 
 us peace. 
 
 Incline our hearts, God, this day to love thy 
 precepts. Take away all hardness of heart, and 
 unbelief, and disobedience, and by thy gracious 
 Spirit enable us to tread the narrow way of life as 
 the followers of a holy Master. We pray that our 
 service may be a cheerful service, and that our 
 obedience may spring from a fervent love and a 
 sincere desire to please Thee, our God, in all 
 things. But show us our weakness, and our daily 
 need of grace and wisdom from above. Without 
 thy strength to meet them, the temptations which 
 beset us from the world, the devil, and our own fallen 
 hearts and stubborn wills, will work our ruin. 
 Merciful Father, help us, guide us, and uphold us. 
 SuiFer us not to be discouraged in our Christian 
 com'se by the hardness of the way, nor to miu*mur, 
 though the lot which Thou dost appoint for us be 
 one of trial. Hold us by thy hand, richly bless us 
 with tl^ tokens of thy favour, and abundantly 
 fulfil thy promise, that as our day is so our 
 strength shall be. 
 
 Gracious God, all things are in thy hand, and 
 Thou reignest on high as King for evermore. Thou 
 feedest the fowls of the air, and clothest the grass 
 of the field. Not even a sparrow falleth to the 
 ground without thy knowledge, and the very hairs 
 of our head are all numbered. We cast all our 
 daily care upon Thee. We commit cur life, our 
 circumstances, our trials, our dangers, our fears, 
 our perplexities, our wants to Thee. Our hope is 
 in thy truth and love, and we know Thou carest 
 for us. Defend and keep us this day, prosper us 
 in all that we do, keep us from sin, and shed in our 
 hearts the assurance of thy grace and love. 
 
 Bless all whom we love ; supply their daily need, 
 and make all things work together for their good. 
 These, and all other mercies which Thou seest 
 good for them or ourselves, we ask in the name 
 of Jesus Christ our Saviour, Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XV.— XVI. 7. 
 
 OLORD of Hosts, the mighty God, to whom 
 vengeance belongeth, we stand in awe, and 
 tremble before the majesty of thy righteous indig- 
 nation. Fill us, Lord, with a holy courage, 
 that we may be witnesses of thy truth without 
 fear of man ; knowing in whom we have believed, 
 and that He is able tQ keep us from falling, and to 
 preserve us unto his glorious kingdom. 
 
 Gracious Lord, fill our hearts with an earnest 
 desire for the salvation of our perishing fellow- 
 sinners. We plead thy blessed promise, to give 
 the heathen to thy Son, and the utmost parts of 
 the earth for his possession. Fulfil thy gracious 
 Word, Lord. Cause the nations to fear thy 
 name, and bless thine inheritance. Be with the 
 missionaries who preach the glad tidings of re- 
 deeming love. Grant unto those that hear them a 
 listening ear and a believing heart ; and oh, may 
 the day quickly come, when the whole earth 
 shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of 
 the Lord. 
 
 Heavenly Father, Thou hast led us through 
 another day with loving care. We bless Thee for 
 a happy home, for health and safety. We bless 
 Thee for the grace which has prospered our work 
 in our hand. If we have fulfilled our appointed 
 labour, if we have had any success, if we have 
 been saved in temptation, if we have been fible to 
 confess Jesus before men, if we have ministered 
 comfort to any sorrowing heart, if we have ex- 
 perienced any joy and peace, to Thee be all the 
 praise. Yet, God, too often we have sinned 
 and done amiss. God has not been in all our 
 thoughts ; we have rebelled against thy pro- 
 vidence; we have spoken unadvisedly with our 
 lips ; we have been forgetful to watch and pray. 
 Many temptations have prevailed against us. We 
 are ashamed when we think of resolutions broken, 
 and work left undone. God, the Father of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, our only hope is in thy grace. 
 Spare us, good Lord. Spare thy people, whom 
 Thou hast redeemed with thy precious blood, and 
 be not angry with us for ever. 
 
 We commend ourselves and the absent members 
 of our families to thy mercy. In the silent hours 
 of night, when we cannot take care of ourselves, 
 be Thou our defence and shield. If it be thy will 
 that we should live to see the light of the morning, 
 may we awake strengthened by thy Holy Spirit to 
 serve Thee more perfectly, or else receive us into 
 those heavenly habitations which Thou hast pre- 
 pared for them that love Thee. 
 
 Hear us, Lord, in these our prayers this 
 night, for the sake of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, 
 to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be 
 all honour and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 L 360 2 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND WEEK.— WEDNESDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 HEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXII. 
 
 ALMIGHTY and everlasting Father, who dost 
 give thy Holy Spirit to convict of sin, help us, 
 we beseech Thee, by his influences, after the manner 
 of thy servant David of old, to acknowledge our 
 sins, to confess our transgressions, and to seek the 
 blessedness of the man whose transgressions are 
 forgiven, whose sin is covered. Sinful in nature, 
 we have been sinful in practice. How many 
 words have we spoken, how many thoughts and 
 feelings have we indulged, of which Thou canst 
 not approve ! How seldom have we worshipped 
 Thee in spirit and in truth! How many oppor- 
 tunities of seeking thy favour and doing thy will 
 have we neglected ! Thou art our Master ; but 
 we have been unprofitable servants. Thou art 
 our King ; we have been rebellious subjects. Thou 
 art our Father ; we are ungrateful and disobedient 
 children. Notwithstanding all thy loving-kindness 
 towards us, we have deserved thy Avrath and curse. 
 Oh, hadst Thou been extreme to mark our sins, 
 we should long ago miserably have perished. But 
 Thou art a God merciful and gracious. Thou hast 
 provided pardon for us in Jesus Christ. Thou hast 
 exalted Him to give repentance and remission of 
 sins. We implore the grace of repentance. Teach 
 us to grieve over our misdeeds. Save us from 
 the power as well as the guilt of sin. Save us from 
 sinning. Let the life we live in the flesh be a life 
 of faith in the Son of God. That we may be justi- 
 fied, and have peace with Thee, withhold not from 
 us, we beseech Thee, a justifying faith. May we 
 believe with the heart unto righteousness. Lord, 
 increase our faith. Thus may we have the blessed- 
 ness of the man unto whom Thou dost not imoute 
 sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile. 
 
 Bless, God, all our relatives, neighbours, and 
 friends. If any are impenitent and unbelieving, 
 give unto them opportunities and incentives to 
 repent, believe, and obey. Estranged from Thee 
 by sin, may they be brought nigh to Thee by 
 the blood of the cross. Give them a new heart 
 and a right spirit, that they may live and not die. 
 Thou who wiliest not the death of him that dieth, 
 have mercy upon them, we beseech Thee. Stir up 
 thy faithful people to labour more earnestly and 
 pray more fervently for the salvation of men. 
 Bless all the efforts that are made in all branches 
 of thy true Church for the furtherance of this 
 glorious object. Let minister's at home and mis- 
 sionaries abroad be successful in preaching Christ 
 and Him crucified. May it be the holy ambition 
 of all thy people to turn many to righteousness, 
 that, obeying thy command, they may enjoy thy 
 promise, and shine as the stars for ever and ever. 
 Grant this, merciful Father, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XIX. 
 
 OLORD, the great and glorious God, we render 
 to Thee our most humble and hearty thanks 
 for the unspeakable gift of thy Son, through whom 
 Thou canst forgive the transgressor and show 
 mercy to thousands. In Him Thou canst be just, 
 and yet the justifier of the ungodly. Help us, we 
 beseech Thee, that we neglect not so great salva- 
 tion ; coming to Thee through the sacrifice of the 
 Redeemer, may we lay hold of thy strength, and 
 be at peace with Thee. 
 
 This night, God, we nave new cause to bo 
 thankful, and we offer Thee om* evening sacrifice 
 of praise. Throughout this day, when we have 
 hungered. Thou hast fed us ; when we have 
 thirsted. Thou hast given us drink. Thy hands 
 have provided raiment convenient for us. Thou 
 hast crowned our life with loving-kindnesses and 
 tender mercies. Thou hast kept our souls from 
 death, our eyes from tears, and our feet from 
 falling. Bless the Lord, our souls, and all 
 that is within us, bless his holy name. 
 
 But to us, our heavenly Father, belong 
 shame and confusion of face. We have offended 
 against thy holy laws. We have gone astray like 
 lost sheep. Pardon our iniquity, for it is great. 
 Look upon thy Son, and forgive all our transgres- 
 sions. Behold, God our Shield, and look upon 
 the face of thine anointed. May we be cleansed 
 in the blood of thy dear Son our Saviour, and go 
 and sin no more. 
 
 And now, God, we beseech Thee for another 
 night's rest. We have not yet come to the world 
 where thy servants serve Thee day and night. We 
 cannot, for we are feeble and frail, worship Thee 
 without weariness. The spirit may be willing, but 
 the flesh is weak. Now, therefore, Lord, cover 
 us this night with the shadow of thy wing. ^ Peace 
 be to this house. Let no harm come nigh our 
 dwelling. Save us from the pestilence that walketh 
 in darkness. Give to thy beloved sleep. 
 
 We pray Thee to look in great mercy upon all 
 our friends and kinsfolk. Let great grace be upon 
 them all. Seek and save those among them who 
 know Thee not. Increase in others, who belong to 
 Thee, every good gift. May our different paths in 
 the journey of life all end at length in our Father's 
 house within the veil. 
 
 Hear us for our country, for our monarch, and 
 the Royal Family; for the Sovereign's counsellors, 
 for the senate of the land, and for all judges and 
 magistrates. Hear us for the poor, the sick, tlie 
 dying ; and grant that many sorrowing heaiis may 
 this night rejoice in Thee. We ask all these blessmgs 
 in the Saviour's name, and ascribe to Father, Son, 
 and Holy Ghost the kingdom, the power, and the 
 glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 361 ] 
 
 No. 46. 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND WEEK.— THURSDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXIII. 
 
 WE would begin this day, Lord, heavenly 
 Father, with the sacrifices of praise and 
 thanksgiving. All thy works are done in truth, 
 and tiie earth is full of thy goodness. Grant, we 
 beseech Thee, to each of us such a knowledge of 
 the greatest of all thy blessings, the blessings of 
 the Grospel of Christ, that our hearts may ever be 
 tuned to thy praise. We adore Thee for the 
 finished work of our redemption in Christ Jesus. 
 Oh, how great is thy loving-kindness to the sons of 
 men ! Thou pardonest sin, and openest the king- 
 dom of heaven to all believers. Lord, may we by 
 thy grace be enabled to believe in thy dear Son 
 with all our hearts. Convince each of us more 
 deeply of our lost and ruined condition by nature, 
 and enable us by faith to cast our sins on Jesus. 
 May the blessedness of those whose God is the 
 Lord be ours, that our mouth may be filled with 
 laughter and our tongue with joy ; and that Ave 
 may walk worthy of our high calling as thy chil- 
 dren in Christ Jesus, fill our hearts, we pray 
 Thee, with a holy fear of thy great name. Im- 
 press upon us the solemn truth that thine eye is in 
 every place, beholding the evil and the good, and 
 by the power of thy Spirit help us to walk before 
 Thee in holiness and true righteousness. 
 
 Keep us mindful, Lord, of our weakness and 
 frailty. May we never so presume on our own 
 strength as to run into temptation, or fall from our 
 dependence on thy grace. Give us an increasing 
 love for thy holy Word. May we make it a light for 
 our feet and a lamp for our path. May we esteem it 
 more than our necessary food, and may thy testi- 
 monies be the very joy of our hearts. Be with us this 
 day in our several employments. Help us to en- 
 gage in every duty in dependence on thy grace, and 
 with a humble desire, whether we eat or dz'ink, or 
 whatsoever we do, to do all to thy glory. Tliou 
 hast promised, Lord, to preserve the souls of 
 thy people who wait on Thee. Fulfil to us, we 
 beseech Thee, that promise. Be Thou our help 
 and shield, a very present help in every time of 
 trouble. Sanctify to us our crosses as well as our 
 comforts ; and grant that, being kept steadfast in 
 thy faith and fear, we may so pass through the 
 waves of this troublesome world as finally to come 
 to the land of everlasting life. 
 
 Bless, we pray Thee, the efforts of thy servants 
 to proclaim thy truth among all nations. Hasten 
 the time when all men shall have heard the Gospel 
 of thy salvation, and when all the inhabitants of the 
 world shall stand in awe of Thee. Bring in thy 
 kingdom of righteousness and peace. Hear these 
 our prayers, Lord, and accept the praises and 
 thankso-ivings which we offer unto Thee, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XX. 
 
 HOLY, holy, holy. Lord God Almighty, the 
 Creator of angels and of men, just, Lord, 
 are all thy ways. We pray Thee to lay the restraint 
 of thy great might upon the powers of darkness. 
 Grant unto us a daily victory over all their tempt- 
 ations and over the corruptions of our own hearts, 
 through Him who has redeemed us with his 
 precious blood. 
 
 Animate us with the same spirit that filled the 
 holy martyrs, who in former days witnessed for 
 Jesus and for the Word of God. May we 
 be valiant for the truth, displaying its inward 
 power by a life according to godliness, and con- 
 fessing it openly in our daily conduct. In thine 
 infinite mercy forgive us those things wherein we 
 have failed in faithfulness to Thee and thy Word. 
 May the blood of Jesus Christ thy Son cleanse us 
 from all sin. May we be found in Him at his 
 coming. 
 
 Day by day we draw nearer to that great white 
 throne from which shall be made the final mani- 
 festation of thy holiness, authority, and justice. 
 Suffer us not to forget that we must all stand at 
 thy judgment-seat to give account of the things 
 done in the body. Blot out all our sins from thy 
 book of remembrance, and grant that our names 
 may be found written in the book of life. 
 
 We implore Thee to bless our [children,] rela- 
 tions, and friends, with thy salvation, that when 
 Christ shall come in the glory of the Father we 
 may be re-miited with them in that world of 
 everlasting life and glory which shall then be opened 
 to thy redeemed, and where there shall be no 
 more death. 
 
 Thou hast shown us that earth and heaven shall 
 flee away before the throne of the Judge, and that 
 our present state is but temporary and corruptible. 
 Suffer us not to bind our hearts to those things 
 which must soon be no more. May our affections 
 be fixed on those objects which are beyond the 
 reach of change, and on Him who shall then come 
 in his glory, that when He shall appear we may 
 have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him 
 at his coming. 
 
 Hasten, Lord, the fulfilment of thy purposes. 
 May the long conflict between good and evil be 
 speedily decided. Crown thine own cause with 
 victory. Let superstition and all delusion and un- 
 righteousness pass away and ceaso for ever, and 
 let thy kingdom come. 
 
 We commit ourselves to thy grace, in his name 
 for the day of whose coming we would look with 
 holy fear and joy. The Lord grant unto us that 
 we may find mercy of the Lord at that day. 
 Accept us now and at the last, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 I 362 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND WEEK.— FRIDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXIV. 
 
 OLORD, in whom we live, and move, and have 
 our being. Thou art great, and greatly to be 
 praised. We adore Thee for thy glorious perfec- 
 tions ; Thou art infinite in holiness, justice, power, 
 wisdom, goodness, and love. But more especially 
 would we magnify Thee for the riches of thy 
 grace as displayed in thy dealings with us. We 
 deserve to be shut out of thy presence for ever ; 
 but in thy wonderful love to us. Thou hast pro- 
 vided a way, in the death of thy dear Son, whereby 
 we may be brought back to Thee. And through 
 that new and living way Thou permittest us, 
 though we are sinful and mean, to come before 
 Thee with unhesitating confidence, and to ask 
 Thee for everything we need, not only for the life 
 to come, but for the present life ; to disburden 
 ourselves from every care by laying it upon Thee. 
 Oh, how many of thy believing people have looked 
 to Thee in their times of darkness, and been 
 lightened, and enabled to triumph in thy truth and 
 mercy. We, too, Lord, would look up to 
 Thee. We, too, would taste and see that Thou art 
 good. Known unto Thee are the peculiar wants, 
 and fears, and dangers of each of us here present. 
 Let none of us rise from our knees this morning 
 without the blessing which we need. Make us all 
 partakers of the Holy Ghost. Give to each pardon 
 of sin, peace of conscience, a broken and contrite 
 heart, a spirit of submission to thy will, and of 
 assured trust in thy love. And may we feel that 
 it is an unspeakable honour and blessing to be the 
 servants of such a Master; yea, the children of 
 such a Father. 
 
 Oh, help us to live this day as becomes thy 
 children. Give us that fear of the Lord which is 
 the beginning of wisdom, and may it influence us 
 in all our ways. Enable us to keep our tongues 
 from evil, and our lips from speaking guile. May 
 we do what is good in thy sight, and what will do 
 good to our fellow- creatures. Cause us io live in 
 peace, provoking no quarrels, and promoting love 
 and goodwill among all around. Thus may our 
 light so shine before men, to the glory of Thee, our 
 Father in heaven. 
 
 Hear us while we pray for others as well as for 
 ourselves. May those who are in affliction find it 
 good for them to be afflicted. Let the poor and 
 distressed learn to call upon Thee, and find by 
 experience that they that seek the Lord shall not 
 want any good thing. Cause the wicked to repent 
 and turn to Thee ere it is too late, lest they perish 
 in their sins. Raise up faithful ministers through' 
 out the land, and give them great success in their 
 blessed work ; and send forth thy glorious Gospel 
 to all nationsy for the sake of Jesus Christj our 
 Mediator and Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XXI. 
 
 OGOD, the King of heaven, supreme, unchange- 
 able, and holy, look down with pity upon us, 
 the creatures of thine almighty hand. Consider 
 the sinful character of the world in which we live, 
 the way in which our souls are deluded by sin, and 
 the calamities under which our bodies suffer. 
 Look upon us from thy dwelling-place on high. 
 
 Blessed for ever be thy name that we may 
 look forward to a better state than this. We 
 thank Thee, too, for the glimpses of these coming 
 glories, which break upon us in thy last revelation 
 of tilings to come. We are lost in its wonders, but 
 our minds are exalted in the thought of them. • We 
 rise above the world and its narrow confines. We 
 praise Thee that Jesus has his place in the vision of 
 that heavenly city; that thy dear Son, our Re- 
 deemer, fills it with the lustre of his light. We 
 rejoice to know that in that heavenly state He 
 whom we love is one with Thee, whom we adore. 
 AVe thank Thee for the gift of Him to mortal man, 
 to reveal unto us thy glory and all the exceeding 
 tenderness of thy great compassion. We hope to 
 bless and praise Thee to all eternity for what we 
 have seen in Him, what we have learned by Him, 
 and what He has been to us. We should not have 
 known Thee but by Him. We could not have loved 
 Thee ; we could not have come to Thee, llie 
 glories of thy infinite holiness would have made us 
 recoil in alarm ; but Thou didst send Him to bear 
 the penalty of our sins, and to reconcile us unto 
 Thee by the sacrifice of his cross. By the teaching 
 of thy Spirit enable us to understand the happy 
 destinies in store for us, the dignity to which w© 
 shall be raised as sons of God and joint-heirs with 
 Jesus. We shall drink of the water of life. We 
 shall bathe in unsullied light. We shall bask in 
 the light of thy countenance, in that city where 
 nothing that defileth can enter, no temptation shall 
 approach us, nor the fear of sin distract our peace. 
 Amid the sounds of heavenly harmonies, the sights 
 of all beauty and glory, the apprehension of all 
 knowledge, the attainment of all grace, what bliss 
 will be ours ! Endless ages will bring us nearer to 
 Thee continually; and yet thy fulness will ever pass 
 knowledge. glorious God, om* Father ; most 
 gracious, most tender Son, our Saviour ; most 
 mighty Spirit, our Sanctifier, all praise from 
 multitudes of the human race be ever thine ! Let 
 the angels echo man's rejoicing song; let all 
 creatures magnify Thee; let the whole universe 
 celebrate thy glory. And, oh, grant that, with thy 
 redeemed and sanctified people, we and all who 
 are dear to us may be found at the last without 
 fault, because cleansed in Christ's blood, and made 
 holy by thy indwelling Spirit. Hear and help us, 
 for' Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 363 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-SECOND WEEK.— SATURDAY. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XLII. 
 
 GIVE US thy blessing, gracious Father, in again 
 approaching thy mercy-seat. Raise up our 
 souls to newness of life, as Thou dost day by day 
 raise our bodies refreshed and strengthened by 
 rest and repose. It is of thy goodness that we 
 still live, and move, and have our being. It is of 
 thy mercies that we are not consumed. Thou 
 hast commanded thy loving-kindness to visit us in 
 the day-time, and thy faithfulness all the night 
 through. God, Thou art our rock. Thou art 
 our defence and our salvation. As the hart 
 panteth after the water-brooks, so pant our souls 
 after Thee, God. Without thy presence we are 
 miserable and lost. If Thou forsake us yve are 
 undone. 
 
 God of our salvation, abide with us all 
 this day. Remove the load of sin from our 
 oppressed consciences. Raise our downcast souls. 
 Speak peace to our troubled spirits. Tune our 
 hearts to praise and gladness, and make thy good- 
 ness all our song in the days of our pilgrimage. 
 May all our troubles seem light to us if Thou art 
 near. Life's sorrows will be no sorrows to us if 
 Jesus sweetly whisper amid them all, " Peace, be 
 still ; it is I, be not afraid." When thy billows go 
 over us, may thine arms be underneath us. Com- 
 fort us in all our trials with the assurance that 
 Thou wilt not leave us nor forsake us. May our 
 oppressed souls look on to the day when we shall 
 yet praise Thee for thy tender love. Thou art the 
 health of our countenance, and our God. Let not 
 our souls be disquieted within us, but give us glad 
 hope in Thee. There remaineth a rest for the 
 people of God ; may the ever-present remembrance 
 of that rest be a stronghold in the day of trouble. 
 Make all trials to work for our eternal good. 
 Draw us nearer to Thyself day by day. Make us 
 more and more like our precious Saviour. May 
 his spirit be ours, and our walk be like unto his 
 most holy walk. May our sufferings be thine own 
 appointed means of sanctification. We pray that 
 ■we may come out of sorrow as gold purified in the 
 fire, and have cause to thank Thee for ever that 
 Thou hast so graciously dealt with us. 
 
 Again the week draws to a close. May this last 
 day be spent only in thy service. Help us to 
 redeem the time, because the days are evil. May 
 we be strengthened and guided rightly to com- 
 plete the week's labours. Prepare us for the 
 coming Sabbath-day. Let the thought of it stimu- 
 late us to greater zeal in the discharge of all life's 
 duties. Remind us, God, by thy Spirit that we 
 must work the works of our heavenly Master while 
 it is day, because the night cometh when no man 
 can work. Grant this for our dear Redeemer's 
 sake. Amen, 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE REVELATION XXII. 
 
 SPARED by thy mercy to the end of another 
 week, we come before Thee, most merciful 
 Father, offering Thee our thanksgivings not only 
 for the blessings of the past week, but also for the 
 mercies of our whole lives. From the hour of our 
 birth up to the present moment Thou, with tender 
 care, hast watched over us. Surely goodness and 
 mercy have followed us all our days. Oh, that all 
 this care and love had met with due gratitude 
 from us, and that our lives had been as much 
 devoted to thy service as they have been blessed 
 with thy bounties ! Alas ! we can only say, " We 
 are a foolish people and unwise ; " for we have 
 sinned against Thee, we have walked in our own 
 ways, and followed the devices and desires of our 
 own hearts. Cleanse us, we pray Thee, from all 
 our sins, in the precious blood of Jesus Christ. 
 
 We believe, according to thy Word, that if we 
 confess our sins. Thou art faithful and just to for- 
 give us our sins, and to cleanse us from all un- 
 righteousness. Lord, help us every day to 
 strive more earnestly against all forms of sin. 
 Cause us to grow in grace, and to be entirely con- 
 formed to the image of thy dear Son. Make us 
 all citizens of that blessed city which Thou hast 
 revealed to us in the portion of thy Word we have 
 just been reading. May we drink of the water 
 of life, and be among that blessed number who 
 live where there shall be no more curse, where 
 thy servants see thy face, and where they need no 
 candle, neither light of the sun ; for the Lord 
 God giveth them light, and they shall reign for 
 ever and ever. We pray Thee to prepare all 
 ministers for their expected services on the 
 morrow. Speak by them, and let the word they 
 preach be with the demonstration of the Spirit and 
 with power. Bless all who shall endeavour to 
 spread the knowledge of the Saviour, whether in 
 Christian congregations, in Sunday-schools, in the 
 homes of the people, or in the lanes and alleys ot 
 cities and country places ; and while the Spirit and 
 the Bride say " Come," may all that hear say 
 " Come," and multitudes come and drink of the 
 water of life freely. 
 
 And now, merciful and gracious Father, 
 before this M'eek close, bless to us all the circum- 
 stances in which we have been placed, all the 
 work which we have done aright, all our reading 
 and conversation. Cause all things to work 
 together for our good. Accept our work as 
 service to Thyself, and bless it to our true spiritual 
 improvement. Keep us in safety this night ; give 
 us quiet and refreshing sleep, and prepare us for 
 the privileges and enjoyments of the coming Sab- 
 bath. Hear our prayers, for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ, our adorable Redeemer. Amen. 
 
 [ 3G4, ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 FIFTY-THIRD WEEK.— LORD'S DAY. 
 
 [EVENENQ. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXXXIV. 
 
 OLORD of hosts, who art adored by those who 
 dwell in thy house above : they worship 
 Thee in the vision of thine eternal majesty ; they 
 see thy face. They are blessed, for they continu- 
 ally praise Thee. 
 
 We rejoice, Lord, in the return of the day of 
 rest. Thou art the giver of our earthly Sabbaths. 
 We thank Thee for the rest they bring from our 
 daily toils and cares, and for the solace and refresh- 
 ment of spirit they afford under the trials and 
 burdens of this mortal life. Help us this day to 
 rejoice in Thee, our peace and strength. May we 
 feel that Thou, Lord, art very near to us as the God 
 of our salvation. Cause us to meditate with joy on 
 thy great love to us in Christ Jesus. May our 
 minds be enlightened by thy Word ; our affections 
 be raised by thy Spirit above every transient and 
 fading object; our desire, love, confidence, and 
 hope be drawn towards Thee, and more surely 
 fixed on heavenly things. Correct our worldly 
 inclinations ; bring our wayward will into con- 
 formity wdtli thy holy will, and free us from every 
 hindrance to fellowship with Thee, and with the 
 Church above. Give fervour and strength to our 
 best desires, that our words may be the true ex- 
 pression of our emotions as we say, " Our heart 
 and our flesh cry out for the living God." 
 
 Thou art the Lord of all the assemblies of the 
 saints, whether in heavenly places or in thy earthly 
 courts. Lead us to thine house with praise and 
 holy gladness of heart. Give us the spirit of grace 
 and of supplication. Remove far from us whatever 
 would hinder or restrain our prayers. May we 
 receive with meekness the Divine lessons thy ser- 
 vants shall teach us from thy Word. Thou who 
 art eternal truth, lead us, through the ministry 
 which Thou hast appointed, unto Thyself. 
 
 Prosper the word of thy servants to the conver- 
 sion of sinners, and the progress of thy people in 
 all godliness. Bless it especially unto ourselves 
 [and to our dear children. Fulfil, in their salva- 
 tion, the word of thy covenant, " I will be a God 
 unto thy seed ""], that we may rejoice in thy great 
 salvation. 
 
 Thus, Lord, give us communion with thy saints. 
 With them, may we this day draw near to Thee, 
 the Father, through the full atonement and rich 
 merits of thy beloved Son ; and so, in fellowship 
 with thy redeemed, advance from strength to 
 strength, till we join the triumphant hosts of those 
 to whom Thou didst give thy grace here, and hast 
 given thy glory for ever. Tims may we know, 
 both here and hereafter, the blessedness of the man 
 whose trust is in Thee. Hear us, Lord of hosts, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom be everlasting 
 praise. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XIX. 
 
 OTHOU God of nature and of grace, in lowly 
 reverence we bow before Thee, and offer our 
 evening prayer. We thank Thee that when we 
 call Thou wilt hear, and when we ask Thou wilt 
 give. 
 
 Grant us, we beseech Thee, a near approach to 
 thy throne at this time. Give us correct views of 
 Thyself. Give us an interest in the pleadings of 
 our great Advocate. Give us the promised aid of 
 the Holy Spirit. Then the words of our mouth 
 and the meditation of our hearts will be acceptable 
 in thy sight, Lord, our strength and our Re- 
 deemer. 
 
 For all the light Thou hast given us we 
 devoutly thank Thee. While the heavens 
 declare thy glory, do Thou help us to listen to 
 their voice ; and while the firmament showeth thy 
 handy work, do Thou help us to learn the lessons it 
 teacheth respecting Thee. In all thy works may 
 we trace thy hand, and through all thy ways may 
 we understand the loving-kindness of our God. 
 
 Mercifully teach us by the purer light of thy 
 holy Word. Let thy perfect law convert the un- 
 converted. Let thy testimony make wise the 
 simple. Let thy statutes rejoice our hearts. Let 
 thy commandments enlighten our eyes. 
 
 Write upon our memories and our hearts, 
 Lord, we beseech Thee, the truths that have been 
 brought under our notice this day. Let the 
 prayers we have offered in thy house be graciously 
 answered, and let our praises be accepted through 
 the intercession of our adorable High Priest. 
 
 Oh, let the services of this day strengthen us for 
 the duties of all the days of the week. Under their 
 influence, may we be the better prepared for the 
 trials and temptations of life. Oh, our Father, 
 help us to resist every evil ; help us to cleave to that 
 which is good ; and if permitted on the morrow 
 to mingle again in the busy pursuits of this life, 
 may we go and bring forth fruit unto God. 
 
 We ask Thee of thy great mercy, Lord, to 
 forgive the sins and imperfections of this day. 
 Remember not against us the wanderings of our 
 thoughts nor the coldness of our aflfections. We 
 come even with our holy things to the cross, and 
 pray that they may be sprinkled with the precious 
 blood. Lord, have mercy upon us, and permit 
 us to go to rest to-night at peace with Thee, 
 through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 Let thy best blessing rest on all faithful minis- 
 ters of the Gospel, and on all congregations of 
 Christian worshippers. May the labours of this 
 day promote the cause of true piety in this land, 
 and may that cause prosper throughout the world. 
 
 Hear, sanctify, and save us, for Jesus Cluist's 
 sake. Amen. -^ 
 
 I 365 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 LAST DAY BUT ONE OF LEAP YEAR. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CII. 
 
 OLORD, we thank Thee that Thou dost cheer us 
 with liope whenever we call upon Thee. Our 
 sins have deserved continual wrath, and yet Thou 
 surroundest us with continual blessing. Lord, 
 we come unto Thee now, and ask thy blessing, 
 gracious Father, through thy beloved Son Jesus 
 Christ. Oh, teach us to know Thee in Him as our 
 forgiving God. 
 
 We have so often sinned and so grievously 
 against Thee, that we could not dare to come 
 into thy presence had not Christ loved us and 
 died for us. In Him we know there is hope. 
 Thou lovest to bless them that come in his name, 
 and through Him we come, and we lay hold on the 
 hope set before us. Thou, too, our God and 
 Father, art most ready to receive us, and most 
 willing to pardon us. Else why didst Thou send 
 Him to die for us ? Thy great love sent Him to 
 us, and his great love made Him willing to come, 
 and glad to suffer for us. We yield Thee, God, 
 Father, Son, and Spirit, equal praise. 
 
 And when we think of thy mercy, we have hope. 
 We have strong confidence that Thou wilt abide 
 with them that seek Thee, and wilt never leave 
 them till Thou hast brought them to thy heavenly 
 glory. Dangers encompass us around. Tempt- 
 ations assail us, and Satan is ever scheming against 
 us with all the craft of the fallen son of the morn- 
 ing. Give us grace to stand against all his wiles, 
 that we may be more than conquerors through Him 
 that loved us. But we are weak, and our resolu- 
 tions often fail us, and there are rebel lusts within 
 that spring up to lead us captive. Help us to 
 resist them, and to tread them under foot, dying 
 unto sin as Jesus died, and rising again into new 
 life in holiness, as He rose again from the grave. 
 May we be crucified with Christ, and live the life 
 we now live in the flesh by the faith of the Son of 
 God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. As 
 He died for sin, so may we die to sin ; and as He 
 rose again, so may we rise unto all holy practices, 
 all lively emotions, and all heavenly desires. May 
 we be found walking with Christ here, that we may 
 rest in Him after death, having lived to his glory 
 above all things, and finally glorified Him by dying 
 in Him. We pray for daily help and grace from 
 above, that if we live we may live unto the Lord ; 
 and if we die, we may die to be yet more the 
 Lord's. Be with us during the day to which 
 Thou hast brought us. Help us in all our work, 
 our trials, and our temptations, and mercifully 
 answer our prayers. Thou, Lord, knowest best 
 what we need, whether for the body or the soul. 
 We cast all our care upon Thee ; do Thou for us 
 above all we ask or think, for the sake of thy dear 
 Son, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XCVII. 
 
 GREAT and glorious Jehovah ! clouds and dark- 
 ness are around Thee ; righteousness and 
 judgment are the habitation of thy seat! Thou 
 art to thine, enemies a consuming fire. Yet we 
 thank Thee that Thou hast revealed Thyself as a 
 God in whom we may rejoice. Thyself a Spirit, 
 and the Father of spirits, we thank Thee that though 
 we have lost thine image by sin. Thou dost restore 
 it by grace. Thyself eternal, Thou hast brought 
 life and immortality to light by the Gospel. 
 Almighty, all-present, and unchangeable, we rejoice 
 in thy power to guard, in thy presence to sustain, 
 and in the constancy of thine enduring love towards 
 us. Just art Thou, Lord God ; and we thank 
 Thee that Thou canst be just and the justifier of 
 them that believe in Thee. Holy and righteous 
 art Thou, but Thou canst impute to us the right- 
 eousness, and transform us into the likeness of thy 
 Son. Trusting in his merits and intercession, we 
 can come to Thee as reconciled children to a 
 Father. 
 
 Exposed as we are to many temptations, and 
 subject to many trials and infirmities, ever endue 
 us with thy Holy Spirit, we beseech Thee, that we 
 may always delight in the contemplation of thy 
 character and doings. When we have any doubts 
 about the revelations Thou hast made, when we 
 are cast down by the chastisements we have to 
 endure, when we grieve over the varied frailties of 
 our nature, do Thou in thy mercy scatter our doubts, 
 and take away our fears, and enable us to believe 
 that Thou art making all things to work for our 
 good. •= 
 
 And if, God, we are deceiving ourselves in 
 respect to our relationship with Thee in Christ, do 
 Thou, in thy love and pity, undeceive us. Help 
 us to examine ourselves, to prove our own selves. 
 Shine into our hearts, and discover to us our true 
 state. We ardently desire and fervently pray that 
 we may be thine. Body, soul, and spirit, property 
 and life, we would consecrate to Thee. Accept 
 us ; pardon, sanctify, and glorify us ; and we shall 
 be amongst those who shall be to the praise and 
 glory of thy grace for ever and ever. 
 
 Extend thy kingdom in the hearts of all people. 
 Confound them that delight in graven images. 
 On the dark places of the earth let the Sun of 
 Righteousness arise. To this end, endue thy Church 
 with more of apostolic zeal and success, that the 
 song of heaven may soon become the song of earth, 
 " Hallelujah, the Lord God Omnipotent reignetli." 
 
 As time is lengthened and years are increased, 
 may we be more fitted for thy presence, where 
 there is fulness of joy, and for thy right hand, where 
 are pleasures for evermore. We ask all for Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 C 366 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 NEW YEAR'S DAY. 
 
 [EvENma. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXLV. 
 
 OLORD our heavenly Father, from everlasting 
 to everlasting Thou art God. A thousand 
 years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is 
 passed, and as a watch in the night. But man is 
 vanity ; his days are as a shadow ; as a flower of 
 the field so he flourisheth. And yet, Lord God, 
 Thou hast kept our souls in life ; and because thy 
 compassions fail not, we all .are here waiting upon 
 Thee on this first morning of another year. Oh, 
 give us grace to glorify Thee. Fill our hearts with 
 tliankfulness, and our mouths and our lives with 
 praise. May we never be weary of giving Thee 
 thanks, for Thou art good, and doest good, and thy 
 tender mercies are over all thy works. Bless the 
 Lord, our soul, and all that is within us bless 
 his holy name, who forgiveth all our iniquities, 
 who healeth all our diseases, who redeemeth our 
 life from destruction, and crowneth us with loving- 
 kindness and tender mercies. 
 
 And now, Lord our Saviour, oe nigh unto us 
 who call upon Thee, and fulfil all our desire. We 
 wait upon Thee, and upon Thee only do we 
 depend for all temporal good and spiritual blessing. 
 Do thou graciously open thy hand day by day, 
 and satisfy us whilst we sojourn here with those 
 things that Thou knowest we need. Uphold us, 
 that we fall not. If bowed down under trial or 
 sorrow, lift us up. Increase in us true religion, 
 and nourish us with all goodness. Under the 
 teaching of the Holy Ghost, may we grow daily in 
 the knowledge of Thyself and of Jesus Christ thy 
 Son. May we enjoy continually the peaceful sense 
 of pardoning mercy through his atoning blood and 
 righteousness. May He be unto us wisdom, and 
 righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption ; 
 and may the life we live in the flesh be by the 
 faith of Him who loved us and gave Himself for 
 us. May the Lord the Spirit dwell in us and walk 
 in us. May He guide us by his counsel, and may 
 fruit unto holiness abound in our lives. Strengthen 
 us with strength by the same Spirit in our souls ; 
 and oh, hold Thou up our goings, that our foot- 
 steps slip not. Sanctify to us all thy providences, 
 and let health and sickness, prosperity and adversity, 
 alike work together for our good. 
 
 Finally, God, hear our intercessions. May 
 grace, mercy, and peace be multiplied to all thy 
 jjeople. Bless with all blessing those who are near 
 and dear to any of us. Add to thy Church daily 
 such as shall be saved ; and so, completing the 
 number of thine elect, come, Lord Jesus, to be 
 glorified in thy saints, and admired in all them that 
 believe. May we be numbered with thy saints, and 
 be with Thee where Thou art, beholding thy glory. 
 So will we always praise thy name, and be giving 
 Thee thanks for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 PETER I. ]3-25. 
 
 OHOLY and most merciful God, in whose sight 
 the very heavens are unclean, give us, we be- 
 seech Thee, a lively sense of the infinite holiness of 
 thy nature. We are prone, Lord, to think that 
 Thou art such a one as ourselves. Remove, we 
 pray Thee, the dulness of our blinded sight, and 
 give us right impressions of the gloiy of thy great 
 name. We bless Thee for that perfect justifica- 
 tion in thy sight which is unto all and upon all 
 that believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. We bless 
 Thee for our adoption in Christ Jesus as thy 
 children. Grant, Lord, that, rejoicing in the 
 grace that has adopted us to be thy children, we 
 may be enabled to follow Thee as dear children, 
 and as He which hath called us is holy, to be 
 ourselves holy in all manner of conversation. 
 Help us, Lord, to gird up the loins of our mind ; 
 to be sober, and hope to the end for the grace 
 that is to be brought unto us at the revelation of 
 Jesus Christ. Help us to remember that we have 
 not been redeemed with corruptible things, but 
 with the precious blood of Christ ; and as bought 
 with such a price, may we seek to glorify Thee in 
 our bodies and spirits, which are thine. 
 
 Strengthen us by thy Spirit to be watchful 
 against our spiritual enemies, and especially those 
 that lie concealed in our own deceitful hearts. 
 Give us a holy fear of offending against Thee. 
 Cleanse us, Lord, from our secret sins. Let the 
 bright beams of thy truth rise in our souls and 
 purify them. Subdue our self-will, and give us 
 grace to be obedient unto Thee in will and deed. 
 Give us a spirit of pure and fervent love. May all 
 anger, clamour, and bitterness be put away from 
 us, and love, joy, peace, long-suffering, and gentle- 
 ness abound in us. We are entering on a new 
 year, through thy mercy. Strengthen us, we pray 
 Thee, for the duties and trials that may be before 
 us. So order and dispose the events that shall befall 
 us that they may conduce to our advancement in 
 true religion and goodness. Help us to keep ever 
 present in our minds the solemn truth that the 
 time is short. Bless each member of this family. 
 May none of us neglect the great salvation. May 
 we abound in love one towards another, and en- 
 deavour to help each other in our Christian course. 
 
 Have mercy, we pray Thee, on the sick and 
 destitute around us. Look also in compassion on 
 the many thousands around us who are walking 
 in the ways of sin, and give them grace to repent 
 and turn to Thee. Let this year see a great in- 
 crease to thy Church. 
 
 Hear us, Lord, for thy mercy is great, and 
 do for us exceeding abundantly above all that 
 we can ask or think, for the sake of thy Son, our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 L 3G7 ] 
 
Morning.] 
 
 LAST DAY OF THE YEAR. 
 
 [Evening. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 2 CORINTHIANS V. 1—9. 
 
 OGOD, who art the giver of every good and 
 perfect gift, we desire to render our heart- 
 felt thanksgivings unto Thee for liaving filled our 
 liearts with joy and gladness, in bringing us to the 
 last morning of anotlier year, and for all the un- 
 numbered mercies we have received from thy 
 fatherly hand. Thy mercies have indeed been 
 renewed every morning and repeated every even- 
 ing ; oh, how great is the sum of them ! The 
 terror by night, and the arrow that flieth by day, 
 have not hurt us. Thousands have fallen at our 
 side, and ten thousand at our right hand, but Thou 
 hast preserved us alive. Spiritual blessings, great 
 in number and infinite in value, have been vouch- 
 safed to us. What shall we render unto Thee, 
 God, for all thy goodness towards us ? We 
 would call on all that is within us to bless and 
 praise thy holy name. Oh, enable us to render 
 unto Thee the homage of a grateful heart, and the 
 praise of a holy life. 
 
 One year after another of our existence on earth 
 is passing away. Soon, God, the time Tliou 
 hast allotted for us will have gone for ever. Every 
 passing year reminds us that we are drawing 
 nearer to the close of our days. May we live in 
 the constant apprehension of this our end. Help 
 us to set our affections on things above ; to live 
 above the world, and in hope of thy glory. Give 
 us a larger measure of thy Holy Spirit. Within 
 us may we have a stronger witness, and in our 
 outer life an ever-growing evidence, that we are 
 thy children. Thus seal us with the Holy Spirit 
 of promise, the earnest of our inheritance — making 
 us always confident that when our earthly house 
 of this tabernacle shall be taken down, we shall 
 have a mansion in our Father's house above ; a 
 building not made with hands, eternal in the 
 heavens, where we shall "glorify Thee for ever. 
 
 Pour out thy blessed Spirit on all ranks and 
 degrees of men, and turn the hearts of the disobe- 
 dient into the ways of truth and godliness. Gra- 
 ciously protect and defend thy Church against all 
 the powers of darkness, and the devices and desires 
 of wicked men. Largely increase the number of 
 thy believing people, and stir up the hearts of all 
 who know Thee by faith to be diligent in every 
 good word and work. Cheer the hearts of the 
 sorrowing, and minister to them abundantly of thy 
 grace and strength. We pray for all ministers 
 and missionaries at home and abroad. Lord God, 
 encourage them under their disappointment and 
 trials, and strengthen their hands in thy work. 
 Glorify thy Gospel in the conversion of souls, and 
 make all things ready for the coming in of thy 
 kingdom. Hear us, we beseech Thee, and have 
 mercy upon us for Jesus Christ's sake. Ameu. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXI. 
 
 MOST merciful and gracious Father, through 
 thy good hand upon us, we are brought 
 in safety to the close of another year, and we 
 bless Thee because thy goodness and truth have 
 followed us daily. From Thee have come all 
 our supplies. Thou hast caused us to lie down 
 night by night, and Thou hast protected us ; we 
 have gone in and out<laily, because Thou hast kept 
 us. Thou hast made our bed in sickness, and hast 
 raised us up again when we have been brought low. 
 Thou hast refreshed us when weary, and hast com- 
 forted us Avitii thy comforts. Thou hast endued 
 our souls with much strength, and hast upheld us, 
 saying to our souls, "Fear not, I am thy salvation." 
 Thou hast blessed us with the means of grace, hast 
 sent redemption unto thy people, and commanded 
 thy covenant for ever. Thou hast made known to 
 us thy Son crucified for our sins, and raised again 
 for our justification ; and Thou hast given thy 
 good Spirit to teach and to sanctify the hearts of 
 thy faithful people, and to witness to them that 
 they are the children of God. Lord, Thou 
 hast done all this for us, and delighted over us to 
 do us good ; notwithstanding all our sins, our 
 negligences, and our backslidings. God, we 
 acknowledcfe that we have not rendered unto Thee 
 according to all that Thou hast done for us. We 
 cast ourselves anew on the atonement of Jesus, our 
 divine Redeemer. We pray Thee for his sake for- 
 give us all that is past. Renew to us now this 
 evening the sense of thy free pardon for his merit's 
 sake, and so give us peace. Yea, so fill us with 
 thy grace and heavenly benediction, that we may 
 rejoice and be glad in Thee all the days of our 
 life. 
 
 And now, Lord, may Ave be all taught so to 
 number our days as to apply our hearts more 
 simply, sincerely, and wholly, to heavenly wisdom. 
 Thou, and Thou only, knowest when they shall be 
 cut off. Only give us grace that we may always 
 stand ready and prepared for the coming of Jesus, 
 and may be found of Him in peace. Finally, we pray 
 Thee to bless our Sovereign, and to look in mercy 
 on our country. Pardon our national sins, and 
 the sins of thy people. Oh, let not our abuse of 
 the Christian privileges which Thou hast bestowed 
 bring down thy judgments on the land. But turn 
 us, Lord, that we may be turned. Continue 
 to us, we beseech Thee, our national and Christian 
 blessings, and make thy people zealous for thy glory. 
 Hear us, Lord, and stir up thy strength and come 
 among us, and with great might succour us. May 
 the power of the Spirit accompany the preaching 
 of the Gospel everywhere, and hasten the time when 
 all shall know Thee, from the least to the greatest, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Axnen. 
 
 [ 368 ] 
 
PEAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS 
 
 FOR 
 
 SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 FAQK 
 
 Last Day but one of Leap Year 366 
 
 New Year's Day 367 
 
 Last Day of the Year 368 
 
 Christmas Day 371 
 
 Good Friday 371 
 
 Easter Day 372 
 
 Ascension Day 372 
 
 Whit Sunday 373 
 
 Trinity Sunday 373 
 
 Birth of a Child 374 
 
 Baptism of a Child 374 
 
 Birthday in the Family 375 
 
 Marriage in the Family 375 
 
 Sickness of a Member of the Family 376 
 
 Eecovery of a Member of the Family 376 
 
 Death of a Member of the Family 377 
 
 Death of a Parent 377 
 
 Funeral of a Member of the Family 378 
 
 During Domestic Trials 378 
 
 A Member of the Family Entering a New Sphere 379 
 
 Entering upon a New Abode 379 
 
 Departure of a Member of the Family on a Journey .... 380 
 Safe Arrival of a Member of the Family from a Journey . . . 380 
 
 During the Illness of a Minister 381 
 
 Death of a Minister 381 
 
 Commencement of a New Minister's Labours 382 
 
 During Prevalent Sickness 382 
 
 A Local Missionary Meeting 383 
 
 On Board Ship 383 
 
 For Friends at Sea 384 
 
 For Friends in Distant Lands . 384 
 
 In a Time of National Perplexity 385 
 
 Thanksgiving for National Blessings 385 
 
 In Time of War 386 
 
 Thanksgiving for Peace . . . . . . . ■ . • • • 386 
 
 Death of the Sovereign 387 
 
 Accession of a Sovereign 387 
 
 For Eain „ 388 
 
 For Fair Weather 388 
 
 For a Fruitful Harvest 389 
 
 THANKSGflVING AFTER HARVEST 389 
 
 No. 47- 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 CHRISTMAS DAY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOHN I. 1—14, or 
 HEBREWS II. 14-18. 
 
 A LMIGHTY and gracious God, we especially 
 adore Thee on this day. When we were fallen 
 through sin, Thou didst have compassion upon us. 
 When we had no power of our own to deliver our- 
 selves from death, Thou didst undertake our cause, 
 and in thy great love didst give thy dear Son to be 
 our Redeemer and Saviour. Wonderful, indeed, 
 is thy goodness ! Help us evermore to be thankful. 
 Suffer us not to look coldly and indifferently on 
 the mystery of mercy which this day recalls. Give 
 us grace to read in it a love which passes know- 
 ledge, and by thy Holy Spirit unfold to us all its 
 meaning and purpose for ourselves. Blessed are 
 the eyes which see the things that we see, and 
 hear the things that we hear. We thank Thee, 
 God, we praise thy name for thy unspeakable gift, 
 and pray that we may more and more experience 
 in our own souls the blessed fruits of thy grace 
 and mercy. 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, who didst make Thyself of 
 no reputation, but wast made flesh, and dwelt 
 among us, sharing our weakness, and bearing the 
 burden of our sorrows, bone of our bone, and 
 flesh of our flesh — one with us in all things, sin 
 only excepted, we adore Thee as God over all, 
 blessed for ever. From everlasting to everlasting 
 Thou art God. We humbly accept the mysteries 
 of thy incarnation, Lord God. Thou art our 
 Immanuel, God with us. All praise and glory be 
 thine, that Tliou didst stoop so low to redeem and 
 to save us. Oh, suffer us not to neglect thy great 
 salvation, nor to live unmindful of thy tenderness, 
 and sympathy, and power. Give us faith in Thee, 
 and so lead us by thy Spirit in the ways of truth 
 and holiness, that we may have the witness of the 
 Spirit that we are indeed the children of God, and 
 have received the adoption of sons. 
 
 God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, accept 
 our adoration and praise, hear us in these our 
 prayers, and when thou hearest forgive, for thy 
 great name's sake. Amen. 
 
 C 371 
 
 GOOD FRIDAY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOHN III. 14-18. 
 
 A THOU God of our redemption, we come before 
 Thee tli^s day more especially to adore Thee for 
 the gifl of thy dear Son, who died the just for the 
 unjust, that He might bring us to God. 
 
 It becomes us to humble ourselves in the very 
 dust before Thee, when we reflect that so great was 
 our guilt, that no less sacrifice than that of the In- 
 carnate God would suffice to atone for it. Blessed 
 Jesus, it was our sins that caused thy- agonies 1 
 Oh, how great v,ras thy love, even to us whose very 
 nature is enmity to Thee ! Oh, crown thy work 
 by giving us thy Holy Spirit to take away our hard 
 hearts, and to give us hearts to feel our own guilt 
 and thy love, to lead us to look unto Him whom 
 we have pierced, and to mourn for Him. Give 
 us, Lord, by the renewing influence of tlie Holy 
 Spirit, that godly sorrow which worketh repentance 
 unto salvation not to be repented of. Oh, that wo 
 may see that Jesus is our peace, that we have re- 
 demption through his blood, even tlie remission of 
 our sins. And, oh, that we may no longer stand 
 in doubt whether we love Christ or not ; but may 
 each be able to say from the depth of our hearts, 
 " Lord, Thou knowest all things ; Thou kuowest 
 that I love Thee." 
 
 Grant that the cross of Christ may kill our pride. 
 May the same mind be in us which was in Him, 
 who came down from the throne of glory to take 
 the form of a servant, and die the death of a male- 
 factor. Let nothing ever be done by us through 
 sti'ife or vain-glory, but may we be clothed with 
 humility. We pray that the cross of Clu-ist may 
 kill our worldliness. By it may the world bo cru- 
 cified to us, and we to the world. 
 
 And, oh, that the cross may triumph throughout 
 the earth! May Jesus see of the travail of his 
 soul and be satisfied. May He who was lifted up 
 upon the cross draw all men unto Him. Gracious 
 God, pour out thy Spirit on the hearts of men, that 
 they may believe and be saved. To Him be glory, 
 in earth and in heaven, for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 ] 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 EASTEE DAY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE MARK XVI. 1—16. 
 TTTITH grateful joy, Lord, we hail this blessed 
 ' ' day. We thank Thee with our whole hearts 
 that He who died for our sins has risen again for 
 our justification. We bless Thee that Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, who was made of the seed of David 
 according to the flesh, has been declared to be the 
 Son of God with power by the resurrection of the 
 dead. We adore Thee that Jesus, thy beloved 
 Son, is not sleeping in the tomb, but is risen as He 
 said, and that He has thus become the first-fruits 
 of them that sleep in death. Strengthen our 
 faith in the assurance that as in Adam all die, 
 even so in Christ shall all be made alive. We 
 pray Thee most earnestly, heavenly Father, to 
 brins: all our hearts more and more under the 
 power of the revelation, that the hour is coming 
 in which all that are in their graves shall hear the 
 voice of the Son of God and come forth ; they that 
 have done good unto the resurrection of life, and 
 they that have done evil unto the resurrection of 
 damnation. Awaken in each one of us a living 
 faith in Jesus Christ, that we may in that hour 
 hear joyfully the voice that will break the sleep of 
 death. 
 
 Grant us the help of thy grace, that we may all 
 noAV so die unto sin, so live unto God, and so set our 
 affections on things above, as that when Christ, who 
 is our life, shall appear, we also may appear with 
 Him in glory. Strengthen us, by the teaching 
 of thy Holy Spirit, for every trial. Help us to 
 resist all sin, and lead us to purify ourselves, even 
 as Christ is pure. Especially do we ask to be 
 delivered from the miserable bondage of the fear of 
 death. When Thou shalt be pleased to call us, 
 may we be enabled by thy grace to say, " death, 
 where is thy sting ? grave, where is thy 
 victory? Thanks be to God, which giveth us 
 the victory through Jesus Christ our Lord." 
 Tliese, our praises and prayers, we oifer in the 
 name of Him who, though he was dead, still lives 
 to make intercession for us. For his sake hear us, 
 Lord God, and help and bless us. Amen. 
 
 ASCENSION DAY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE EPHESIANS I. 15-23. 
 
 A ALMIGHTY and ever-living God, Thou art 
 ^ the author of life and the only source of all 
 true happiness. We bless Thee for the incarna- 
 tion, death, and resurrection of thy beloved Son, 
 Jesus Christ, that through Him this world, sunk in 
 sin and exposed to everlasting destruction, might 
 be restored to thy favour and the possession of 
 eternal life. We thank Thee that when He had 
 conquered death, and him that had the power of 
 death. He ascended up on high, and is now seated 
 on thy right hand, far above all principality, and 
 power, and might, and dominion, and every name 
 that is named, not only in this world, but also in 
 that which is to come. We adore Thee that in 
 Jesus Christ we have a great High Priest, who, 
 thouo-h He is passed into the heavens, is still 
 touched with the feeling of our infirmities, and 
 that He ever lives to make intercession for us 
 before thy throne. 
 
 We beseech Thee, God, to assist us by that 
 mio-hty power which wrought in Him when Thou 
 didst raise Him from the dead, that we may be 
 quickened together with Christ unto newness of 
 life, and sit together with Him in heavenly places. 
 May we henceforth have our aflfections raised 
 above the things of this world, and fixed on those 
 things which are above, where Christ sitteth at the 
 rio-ht hand of God. 
 
 Whilst we are here upon earth, may the remem- 
 brance of our risen and exalted Saviour stimulate 
 to aU holy obedience and love. May we have our 
 treasure and our conversation in heaven, amidst all 
 the sorrows and trials of this mortal life. Give us 
 grace to live as the children of God and as heirs of 
 eternal glory. We pray that when the Lord Jesus 
 Christ himself shall come again, with all his holy 
 angels, to judge the world, we may meet Him with 
 joy, and receive his commendation, " Well done, 
 good and faithful servant ; enter thou into the joy 
 of thy Lord." These, and all needful things, we 
 ask, God, in the name of our adorable Saviour, 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 C 372 J 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 WHIT SUNDAY. 
 
 EEAD IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ST. JOHN XVI. 7—14. 
 r\ THOU who art great and greatly to be feared, 
 we come with reverence and godly fear to 
 thy footstool, and call upon thy most holy name. 
 We adore Thee as God almighty, infinite, and 
 glorious. We acknowledge that we cannot by 
 searching find Thee out, we cannot find Thee out 
 unto perfection. And yet we praise Thee, that 
 Thou hast not left us altogether in the dark 
 respecting thy nature and perfections. We wor- 
 ship Thee as Fatlier, Son, and Holy Spirit ; and, 
 at the same time, as the one only true God, the 
 one God of our creation, and the one God of our 
 salvation. 
 
 Holy and blessed Father, we thank Thee for 
 the gift of thy Son, and not less for the gift of 
 thy Spirit. Holy and blessed Son of God, we 
 thank Thee for thy sufferings and death, through 
 which the Spirit has been given to us. Holy 
 and blessed Spirit, we thank Thee that Thou didst 
 come, and that Thou dwellest in the midst of us. 
 Oh, take up thine abode in our hearts, and make 
 us the temples of the Holy Ghost. 
 
 We beseech Thee, Lord, that our minds may 
 be enlightened by the Spirit's teaching, and that 
 our nature may be renewed by the Spirit's power. 
 If any in our circle have not been convinced of sin, 
 oh, may the Spirit convince themof sin, of righteous- 
 ness, and of judgment to come. If any have been 
 convinced, may the Spirit take of the things of 
 Christ, and show them the all-sufficiency of his 
 grace and the preciousness of His death. By 
 the Spirit's abundant consolations may the sor- 
 rowing be comforted, may the dead be quickened, 
 may the wavering be established, may the wander- 
 ing be converted, and may all be sanctified. And 
 oh, do Thou, in thine infinite mercy, help us so to 
 live as that we may never grieve the Spirit, or 
 cause Him to depart from us. 
 
 Hear these our prayers, God, and grant us all 
 mercies, through the merits of our Saviour, to 
 whom, with Thee, Father, and the Eternal 
 Spirit, be everlasting praises. Amen, 
 
 TRINITY SUNDAY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH VI. 1-7. 
 n RE AT God, give us, we beseech Thee, grace to 
 receive, to believe, and, before men, to confess 
 whatsoever Thou hast revealed concerning Thyself 
 in thy holy Word. Let our reason, conscience, 
 and will be guided by Thee. Grant to us a child- 
 like spirit, that, without presumptuous questionings 
 or doubts, we may hold the " mystery of the faith, 
 in a pure conscience." 
 
 Holy Father, who dwellest in light inaccessible ; 
 whom no man hath seen or can see, we praise 
 and magnify thy holy name. The heavens and the 
 earth declare thy glory. By Thee have we been 
 created ; in Thee we live, and move, and have 
 our being. And though we have fallen from 
 Thee, yet hast Thou provided for our redemption 
 and salvation in the gift of thy blessed Son. May 
 we love and serve Thee for thy marvellous love 
 towards us. May we fear thy justice, and adore 
 thy greatness. ^ 
 
 Blessed Jesus, who art the only-begotten Son of 
 the Father, who hast become man, and sufi'ered, 
 and died, and art risen again, for us men and our 
 salvation ; who now dost intercede for us in 
 heaven, and bless us with thy presence on earth ; 
 do Thou accept oiu* prayer. Let thy sacrifice 
 be our hope, thy life our example, thy promises 
 our consolation ; and when Thou shalt come to 
 judge the world, may we be presented by Thee 
 without spot to God. 
 
 Thou most Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of 
 life, raise us, we beseech Thee, from the death of 
 sin to the life of righteousness. Sanctify us by 
 thy grace, and bless all our labom-s for the ad- 
 vancement of truth and righteousness. 
 
 Thou Divine and Holy Trinity, tlu-ee persons 
 in one God, we adore Thee, we magnify Thee ! 
 While all holy beings worship Thee, let our 
 voices blend with theirs, and at length may it be 
 ours to unite with cherubim and seraphim in 
 saying. Holy, holy, holy. Lord God of hosts, 
 world without end. Lord hear and answer, for 
 thy great name's sake. Amen. 
 
 L 373 ] 
 
PRAYEES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 BIETH OF A CHILD. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXXVII, 
 /GRACIOUS and merciful God, tliy wise and 
 gracious providence has been, in all ages, the 
 refuge and the rejoicing of those that know thy 
 name. Thy mercy endureth for ever. We ap- 
 proach Thee at this time with peculiar joy, because 
 Thou hast done great things for us, of which we 
 are glad. We bless Thee, Lord, for thy loving- 
 kindness in the gift of the precious babe Thou hast 
 intrusted to our charge ; and we render unto Thee 
 our heartfelt praises for the life which Thou hast 
 preserved, as well as for that which Thou hast 
 bestowed, and we pray that both may be dedicated 
 to thy service for ever and ever. 
 
 Thou Saviour God, who didst Thyself become 
 an infant of days, by that great mystery of godli- 
 ness, thy manifestation in our flesh, we invoke thy 
 blessing upon this beloved infant. Let Mm con- 
 tinually enjoy thy favour ; make liim the object of 
 thy constant prq^ection ; grant unto liim health of 
 body and vigour of mind. We seek not for this 
 child the great things of this world, but we do 
 supplicate the blessings of the covenant which is 
 ordered in all things and sure. Number him 
 among thy faithful followers in this world, and 
 make /wm, with them and with ourselves, a par- 
 taker of the glory of the world to come. 
 
 We beseech Tliee, Lord, to grant unto all 
 whom Thou hast honoured to be parents, grace to 
 train their children in thy fear ; that by example, 
 by instruction, and by constant prayer, they may 
 secure the blessing Thou hast promised to those 
 who train their children in the nurture and ad- 
 monition of the Lord. Suffer not our sins to bring 
 distress or trouble upon the children now born into 
 the world, but grant that, cleansed by the precious 
 blood of Jesus, parents and child may in heaven 
 rejoice before Thee with exceeding joy. Graciously 
 behold the other children of thy household, and 
 shed on their hearts thy heavenly grace. We ask 
 all through thy dear Son, Jesus Christ our Saviour, 
 to whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, shall 
 be praise and glory for ever. Amen. 
 
 BAPTISM OF A CHILD. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOHN III. 1—13. 
 A GOD of our fathers, whose loving sympathy is 
 ever manifested towards them that call upon 
 thy name, behold us as, in obedience to thy com- 
 mand, we have dedicated otu* young child to thy 
 service. 
 
 We confess, with deep humiliation, the mournful 
 truth that all men are by nature born in sin, and 
 the children of wrath. We are corrupt before 
 Thee, and there is none that doeth good, no, not 
 one. We know that Thou hast provided for us a 
 Saviour, able to save to the uttermost all that 
 come to God by Him, and that through his merits 
 and mediation Thou wilt give the Holy Spirit to 
 them that ask for it. Only to as many as receive 
 Christ dost Thou give authority to become thy 
 sons, even to them who are born, not of blood, 
 nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of 
 man, but of God. May that Divine birth early 
 take place in the child for whom we pray, and to 
 this end pour out thy Spirit upon our seed, and thy 
 blessing upon our offspring. 
 
 Enable his parents to watch over him, and bring 
 him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 
 Ever may we feel our solemn responsibility, and be 
 faithful to our trust, and by wise instruction and 
 holy example attract him to the service of Ids Lord. 
 Spare this child, and grant that as he grows in 
 years he may grow in favour with God and man. 
 Fill him with the Holy Ghost, that he may be a 
 vessel fit for the Master's use. May he reverence 
 thy Word and ordinances, and over all temptations 
 be more than conqueror, through Him that loved 
 him. Strengthen him, we beseech Thee, God, 
 day by day, and ever increase in him the manifold 
 gifts of thy grace. Defend him continually from 
 all evil, and grant that he may be thine, and con- 
 tinue thine for ever and ever. If life be pro- 
 longed, may he prove a joy to our hearts. If 
 Thou art pleased to remove him in the freshness 
 of childhood, may we be submissive to thy will, 
 rejoicing in the assurance that of such is the king- 
 dom of heaven. Hear us for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 [ 374 ] 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 BIRTHDAY IN THE FAMILY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CIII. 
 
 A LORD God Almighty, thou art from ever- 
 ^ lasting to everlasting, God over all, blessed for 
 evermore. With Thee is no variableness or the 
 shadow of turning. Thou art the same yesterday, 
 to-day, and for ever. We are creatures of a day, 
 and soon the place which knows us now will know 
 us no more. Thou hast divided our life into days, 
 and months, and years, that we may be often 
 reminded of the rapid flight of time, and of the 
 nearer approach of eternity. 
 
 To one of our number, Lord, this day brings 
 lessons of solemn interest. Another year has fled, 
 never more to return. As we look back, God, 
 we remember with unfeigned thankfulness thy 
 great kindness, thy continued and unmerited 
 favours. Every day has brought some new token 
 of thy love ; every moment has been laden with 
 blessing. We bless and praise thy holy name for 
 thy goodness and love. 
 
 Whatever Thou hast seen wrong in us during 
 the past year, we humbly beseech Thee, in infinite 
 mercy, to forgive. We all have reason to deplore 
 our numerous follies and transgressions against thy 
 most righteous law. For the sake of thy beloved 
 Son, Jesus Christ, blot out all our sins, assure us 
 of thy pardoning grace, and day by day grant us 
 thy peace. 
 
 most gracious Father, we unitedly and earnestly 
 supplicate a special blessing upon him who this day 
 enters upon a new period of time. Be pleased, 
 we humbly beseech Thee, to grant a birthday 
 gift from Thyself. We ask the blessing of thy 
 favour, the gift of the Holy Ghost. As this year 
 passes away, may it be the happiest, the holiest, 
 and best which our dear relative has yet spent 
 upon earth. If consistent with thy Divine will, 
 spare to us in health and prosperity the life so 
 dear to us ; but should this year bring a season 
 of trial, then grant to us, merciful Lord God, 
 that thine all-sustaining grace may be equal to our 
 need, for the sake of thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 MARRIAGE IN THE FAMILY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOHN II. 1—11. 
 
 A GOD, who hast promised to be the God of all 
 the families of Israel, and whose blessed Son, 
 while here on earth, did once manifest his glory at 
 the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, and did 
 there increase the provision made for those who 
 were present with Him, to their great joy and 
 comfort ; we beseech Thee to be at this time also 
 present with those thy servants in whose welfare 
 we feel a more especial interest, and who this day 
 intend to enter upon the holy state of matrimony. 
 Fulfil the humble and earnest hope that thy pro- 
 tecting hand shall ever bless and defend those who 
 shall be joined together this day in thy house with 
 prayer and supplication. Pour down upon them 
 the abundance of thy blessing. Hear and answer 
 the petitions which shall be offered for them in the 
 house of prayer. Give them grace so to take heed 
 to the instruction contained in thy holy Word, 
 that thy law may teach them, and thy Gospel 
 comfort them, and that under the guidance of thy 
 Holy Spirit they may steadfastly walk in the narrow 
 road which conducts to everlasting life ; and grant 
 that in all places, circumstances, and relations they 
 may live to thy glory, and walk as in thy presence. 
 And do Thou sanctify to them the new and lasting 
 relation into which they are about to enter, that their 
 hearts may be knit together in holy and perpetual 
 love. May no previous ties of kindred or of affec- 
 tion be broken, or even weakened, by the separation 
 which is caused ; but may others be formed 
 thereby. 
 
 Finally, we beseech Thee, make us all to be 
 accepted in Him who is the Head of his body, the 
 Church. Cleanse us this day, and every day, in 
 his precious blood. Enrich us with thy heavenly 
 grace ; renew us constantly by thine indwelling 
 Spirit ; make us holy as Thou art holy ; and grant 
 that we may be presented without spot before Thee, 
 and be partakers of the marriage supper of the 
 Lamb, through Him who liveth and reigneth with 
 Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, for ever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 [ 375 ] 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 SICKNESS OF A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXVIII. 1—15. 
 
 f\ THOU God of all compassion, who art a very 
 present help in trouble, we come unto Thee in 
 this season of anxiety. In Thee, Lord, do we 
 hope : Thou wilt hear, Lord our God. We meet 
 together, therefore, to plead with Thee on behalf 
 of that beloved member of our family who is visited 
 with illness. We know that sickness came into 
 the world through sin. Our many and grievous 
 sins have justly deserved that we should be visited 
 with sickness and death. But, Lord, thine only 
 Son came to take' our sins upon Him; and in 
 bearing them. Himself took our infirmities, and 
 bare our sicknesses. For his sake forgive oiur sins, 
 and comfort us by healing our dear relative. 
 
 Blessed Jesus, we remember what Thou didst 
 for those who brought to Thee the sick of the 
 palsy ; how Thou saidst, " Son, thy sins be forgiven 
 Thee," and didst then command him to arise and 
 walk. Oh, do the same, we humbly pray Thee, 
 for us. Give to thy sick servant the blessed 
 assurance of thy pardoning love ; and give him 
 likewise renewed health, that he may live to Thee, 
 and be an instrument of thy glory, by serving Thee 
 faithfully, and doing good in his generation. 
 
 But, Lord, we desire from the heart to say, 
 "Thy will be done." We know that it is appointed 
 unto all men once to die. But Jesus has taken 
 away the sting of death, and made it to his people 
 the pathway to immortality. Oh, if it be thy 
 will to call our beloved one hence, prepare him 
 for the momentous change. Renew him by thy 
 Spirit. May he be found in Christ, not having his 
 own righteousness, but that which is by the faith of 
 Jesus Clirist. In Him may Jie triumph over death, 
 and be received into tliine everlasting kingdom. 
 
 And, oh, teach us all so to number our days that 
 applying our hearts to wisdom, we may sit loose to 
 this fleeting world, and esteem Jesus as the pearl 
 of great price. Cause us daily to set our affections 
 on things above, that we may die unto sin and live 
 unto God. Hear us, we pray Thee, and answer us, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 RECOYEEY OF A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXX. 
 
 MOST merciful and gracious Lord God, Thou 
 liftest up all those that be bowed down. 
 Verily God hath heard us, and hath not turned 
 away our prayer, nor his mercy from us. 
 
 We bring to Thee now, in great humility, our 
 most hearty thanks for thy deliverance wrought in 
 this household. Thou didst smite, but Thou hast 
 healed. Thou didst lay low, but Thou hast brought 
 back our beloved friend from the gates of the grave. 
 Because Thou hast been mindful of us, therefore 
 in the shadow of thy wing will we rejoice. 
 Lord, we beseech Thee, sanctify to all this family 
 the affliction that is passing away. Let not our 
 hearts grow cold towards Thee, in forgetfulness of 
 thy great mercy. May thy servant who is spared 
 to us remember the way through which Thou hast 
 led him, and live henceforth a life of thankfulness 
 and holiness unto the Lord. Help . all of us, 
 we pray Thee, to join in this renewed sacrifice 
 of praise ; and may we, too, be prepared, at thy 
 bidding, to part with health and strength, and 
 suffer all thy will. Whether we live, may we live 
 unto the Lord ; and whether we die, may we die 
 unto the Lord ; whether we live or die, may we be 
 the Lord's. 
 
 And grant, our Father, we earnestly pray, 
 that when our pilgrimage on earth is finished, as it 
 soon will be, there may remain to all who dwell in 
 this house the building of God, the house not made 
 with hands, eternal in the heavens ; where the in- 
 habitants shall no more say, " I am sick ; " where 
 there shall be no more pain ; and where this cor- 
 ruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal 
 shall put on immortality. May thy mercies lead us 
 to repentance, and thy love in Christ Jesus con- 
 strain us to live for thy praise. 
 
 Lord our God, we will give thanks unto 
 Thee for ever for thy loving goodness and for thy 
 truth and faithfulness. 
 
 Glory be unto the Father, unto the Son, and unto 
 the Holy Ghost; as it was in the beghming, is now, 
 and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. 
 
 C 376 ] 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 DEATH OF A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XXXIX. 
 
 DEATH OF A PARENT. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS L. 1-14. 
 
 A LORD, the Sovereign Ruler and Disposer of AUR Father, who art in heaven, the ever-livino- 
 
 all things, without whom not even a sparrow 
 falleth to the ground, happy are we that we may 
 draw nigh Thee in the hour of overwhelming 
 trouble ; that sorrowing, we may look up to Thee 
 as our loving, wise, and gracious Father, and 
 even in the presence of death trust Thee, lean on 
 Thee, and draw from Thee the grace tliat upholds, 
 comforts, and blesses. 
 
 Draw near, our God. Let the cry of our 
 sorrow come before Thee. We acknowledge thy 
 right over us, and ask of Thee a holy, child-like 
 submission. Teach us the lessons Thou desirest 
 us to learn. Let us not remain unmoved in the 
 presence of so great an affliction, neither let us sin- 
 fully murmur. Sanctify this our loss to the good 
 of our souls, and humble us with fresh views of 
 our sinfulness, the wrongs we have done to Thee, 
 to each other, and to our departed relative. 
 
 Teach us to know our end, and the measure 
 of our days what it is, that we may know how 
 frail we are. May we live as those who must soon 
 die, valuing each moment as an opportunity of 
 serving Thee, of blessing others, and of growing in 
 the grace and knowledge of our Lord. Grant us a 
 holy diligence in well-doing, a conscientious dis- 
 charge of duty, a single eye to thy glory, and a 
 more intense longing for the coming of the great 
 day of Jesus Christ. 
 
 We thank Thee, our Father, for the joyful hope 
 of the resurrection-day. And now what wait we 
 for? Our hope is in Thee, and our eyes are 
 towards Thee. Help us so to live that to die may 
 be gain. Work in us all that is well-pleasing in 
 thine eyes. Change us into the image of Christ, 
 from glory to glory, so that when the Master calleth 
 we may be found in Jesus, and be for ever with 
 the Lord. 
 
 Glorify thy great name, and save us ; sanctify 
 us with thy Holy Spirit, and enrich us wilh thy 
 heavenly grace, for thy dear Son's sake, our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 r 377 
 
 and unchanging God, hear us. We bow be- 
 fore Thee, oppressed by the mournful visitation of 
 death. Meekfy and submissively would we kiss 
 the rod that has smitten us ; and, though it be 
 with trembling lips, exclaim, "Even so, Father; 
 for so it seemeth good in thy sight." 
 
 Help us with filial tenderness to remember Mm 
 who has gone from us, and cherish with pro- 
 found veneration the memory of departed good- 
 ness, of loving watchfulness, and parental care. 
 May we be followers of them who through faith 
 and patience inherit the promises. 
 
 We bless Thee, amid all our sorrows, for the 
 bright light which the Gospel sheds over the 
 grave ; for the assurance that though in Adam all 
 die, in Christ shall all be made alive. Wliile 
 pursuing our course without the smile and counsel 
 we have been wont to enjoy, may we be comforted 
 by the thought that when father and mother for- 
 sake us, the Lord will take us up ; that like as a 
 father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them 
 that fear Him. Blessed be thy name for all the 
 cheering promises given us in thy Word, designed 
 to soothe our aching hearts. May we, with an 
 unwavering faith in the Divine goodness, rise from 
 the dust, into which this bereavement has cast us, 
 and go forth to the duties of life with more firm 
 dependence on thy grace. Hold Thou us up, and 
 we shall be safe. Guide us by thy counsel, and 
 afterwards receive us unto glory. Enable us to 
 prepare for our own departure, by daily exercising 
 fresh confidence in Christ our Redeemer, by the 
 cultivation of a spirit of love and obedience to 
 Thee, and by aiming at perfect holiness in the 
 fear of God ; and at last, through the intercession 
 of our glorious High Priest, may we receive an 
 abmidant entrance into the kingdom of our Lord 
 and Saviour. Hear this our prayer, and do for us 
 abundantly, above all we ask or think, for his sake. 
 To whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be 
 glory for ever and ever. Amen. 
 ] 
 
 No. 48. 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 FUNERAL OF A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE I THESS. IV. 13—18. 
 
 T ORD, have mercy upon us ; Christ, have mercy 
 upon us. God, in thy hands are the keys 
 of death and the world to come. Thou openest, 
 and no man can shut ; Thou shuttest, and no man 
 can open. Even now, our Father, we will pray 
 that as our day our strength may be. Lord, we 
 believe ; help Thou our unbelief. 
 
 The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; 
 blessed be the name of the Lord. We have been 
 to the grave, to weep there. We have buried our 
 dead out of our sight. It is the Lord ; let Him do 
 what seemeth Him good. 
 
 Blessed Saviour, we thank Thee that Thou canst 
 be touched this day with the feeling of our in- 
 firmities. Thou too hast been at the mouth of 
 the sepulchre. Jesus wept. Give to our sorrow- 
 ing hearts, we implore Thee, grace to believe thy 
 words, " I am the Resurrection and the Life." Our 
 brother shall rise again. Thy grave, moreover, we 
 wiU recollect. Thou Thyself hast suffered the last 
 agony, and Thou hast risen from the dead. It 
 is not, therefore, thought a thing incredible with 
 us that God should raise the dead ; for now is 
 Christ risen from the dead, and become the first- 
 fruits of them that slept. 
 
 Meanwhile, blessed Saviour, comfort our 
 hearts, and fill up in this house the void thy pro- 
 vidence has made. Let us not be filled with over- 
 much sorrow. May we look beyond the grave to 
 the everlasting world, and set our affections ever 
 on the inheritance incorruptible, undefiled, eternal 
 in the heavens. 
 
 Prepare us, Lord, for our own departure. 
 For us the windows must be darkened. We too 
 shall be carried to the burial. Grant, we humbly 
 pray, that our friends may bury us when we depart 
 in sure and certain hope of the resurrection to 
 eternal life. And may we all meet together again 
 in the world where they die no more, where the 
 tears shall be wiped away for ever from our eyes, 
 and the day of our mourning shall be ended, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 DURING DOMESTIC TRIALS. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XII. 1—13- OR 
 PSALM LVII. 
 
 A GOD, Thou art our refuge in all times of 
 ^ distress. Thou hast said, " Call upon me in 
 the day of trouble, and I will answer Thee." We 
 know that Thou art true, and that thy promise 
 cannot fail. In this, the time of our sorrow and 
 distress, we come to Thee. Thou knowest the 
 peculiar trial which now afflicts us. In thy great 
 love and pity, behold us as we approach thy foot- 
 stool for help. Lord, our spirits are bowed 
 down with grief. We are utterly helpless, and all 
 human aid fails us. Extend to us, we beseech 
 Thee, thine almighty arm, and grant us thy sup- 
 porting and delivering grace. 
 
 We know, Lord, that every affliction we bear is 
 sent in mercy, and is designed for our good. We 
 would not murmur or repine at thy dealings with 
 us. We confess that our severest trials are far 
 lighter than we deserve. Thou hast not dealt with 
 us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our 
 iniquities. Oh, that we may receive the lessons 
 which Thou art now teaching us. Forbid that we 
 should lose the benefit of this trial. Though we at 
 present feel it grievous to bear, may it produce in 
 us the peaceable fruits of righteousness, to thy 
 praise and glory. 
 
 If consistent with thy holy will, we pray that 
 this end may soon be answered, and then we 
 humbly beseech Thee to remove the trial from us. 
 Whilst it lasts, do Thou, merciful Father, help 
 us to bear it with patience and resignation to thy 
 will. In all our trials assist us, that we may be 
 continually looking to Jesus, who, for the joy that 
 was set before Him, endured the cross, despising 
 the shame. Strengthen us with the spirit of grace 
 and of glory, that whilst we suffer with Him 
 here, we may be sustained by the abundant conso- 
 lations of his love ; and when our trials are ended, 
 and the time for our departure has arrived, may 
 we be received into his kingdom, to reign together 
 with Him in glory everlasting. We ask this in 
 Jesus' name. Amen. 
 
 C 378 ] 
 
PKAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY ENTERING A 
 NEW SPHERE. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM I. 
 lirOST gracious God and Father in Christ Jesus, 
 we give Thee thanks and praise that we are 
 commanded to acknowledge Thee in all our ways, 
 and that Thou hast promised to direct our steps. 
 We know that there cannot be prosperity in the 
 affairs of this life except Thou give the blessing ; 
 but Thou hast promised thy blessing to them that 
 seek first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
 ness, and Thou hast told us that godliness is profit- 
 able for all things, having promise of the life that 
 now is, and also of that which is to come. And 
 now, believing these gracious words, and trusting 
 that thy hand is in the movement which one of our 
 number is making, we earnestly commit Mm^ and 
 all that concerns his well-being, to thy Divine care. 
 Grant that it may be found that this matter is of 
 Thee, of thy gracious ordering, and therefore for 
 the good of all concerned. Let integrity and truth 
 preserve him ; give him wisdom, that he may order 
 his affairs with discretion, and let the pure prin- 
 ciples of the Gospel regulate his intercourse with the 
 world. Bestow as much prosperity as Thou seest 
 best for his highest interests. Fulfil in his case the 
 promise made to the man that walketh not in the 
 counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of 
 sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful ; but 
 whose delight is in the law of the Lord ; that he 
 may be as a tree planted by rivers of water, that 
 bringeth forth his fruit in due season. If it 
 be thy pleasure to bless /wm, and to prosper the 
 work of his hands, give him, grace always to re- 
 member his obligations to Thee, and to act as a 
 steward of thy manifold gifts. And, above all, 
 may we ever keep in mind the solemnity of the 
 great day when we shall stand before the judgment- 
 seat of Him who knows even our inmost thoughts, 
 and, through thine infinite mercy in Chi*ist Jesus, 
 stand accepted before Thee then, and be for ever 
 gathered together with the congregation of the 
 righteous. Hear our prayers, for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ oiu" Lord. Amen. 
 
 ENTERING UPON A NEW ABODE. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XI. 8—16. 
 A LORD our heavenly Father, who, in the 
 arrangements of thy providence, hast ap- 
 pointed us another habitation on which we have 
 entered this day, we bless Thee that though we 
 have not now -the visible sign of thy leading us with 
 which Israel in the wilderness was favoured, even 
 the pillar of cloud and of fire, at whose removal 
 they moved forward, and at whose tarrying they 
 rested, yet we have sure and certain guidance 
 in thy holy Word, and in thy ever-encompassing 
 providence. It is joy to us, Lord, to feel that 
 all our movements on earth may be entirely guided 
 and sanctioned by Thee, and that if we seek Thee 
 Thou wilt go with us wherever we go, and dwell 
 with us where we dwell. 
 
 Lord, as Thou hast been with us in our old 
 house, so be with us in the new. Let our present 
 abode be only the shadow and earnest of that 
 blessed home from which there shall be no removal; 
 and if any of our number should be called away 
 from this house by death, oh, grant that it may be 
 only to enter that better home in glory. Help us 
 to dwell here as Abraham in the land of promise, 
 looking for the city that hath foundations, whose 
 builder and maker is God, and confessing that we 
 are strangers and pilgrims on the earth. Cause 
 our chief aim here to be to glorify Thee, and help 
 us all, in our different relationships and spheres of 
 duty, to seek to let our light so shine before men 
 that they may glorify Thee, our Father, in heaven. 
 Assist us to live as a Christian household, knit 
 together in love ; to be kind one to another, tender- 
 hearted and forgiving ; seeking not our own good 
 exclusively, but each seeking the welfare of tlie 
 whole family. Pour down in rich abundance thy 
 blessing upon this household, and hereafter gather 
 us all safely into the heavenly kingdom, where all 
 the family of God shall dwell with Thee for ever. 
 Every blessing we need to render this new dwelling 
 the abode of peace, and joy, and righteousness, 
 and love, we seek in the name of Jesus Clu-ist 
 , our Lord. Amen. 
 379 J 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 DEPARTURE OF A MEMBER OF THE 
 FAMILY ON A JOURNEY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXXI, 
 f\ GOD, most holy and blessed, we desire to 
 lift up our hearts to Thee as our glorious 
 Creator, in whom we live, and move, and have our 
 being. We know not what a day may bring 
 forth, and cannot go out or come in without thy 
 gracious help. We would acknowledge Thee in 
 all our ways, and lift up our eyes to the hills 
 whence our help cometh. Be pleased, for Christ 
 our Saviour's sake, to show thy salvation to every 
 member of this family. May we all know Thee as 
 our Father, and walk before Thee as obedient 
 children, called out of the world, and set apart to 
 thy service and glory. Especially would we com- 
 mend to thy care and protection that member of 
 our family who is about to leave us for a time. 
 Grant thy merciful protection and presence to him, 
 Lord, during the journey upon which he 
 is about to enter. Let no evil befall our dear 
 one. May he be preserved in peace of mind, 
 and in health and safety of body, and feel 
 that Thou art with him continually. We praise 
 Thee for the promises of the psalm we have 
 read, and for the assurance that the Lord is the 
 keeper of his people, and their shade upon their 
 right hand. We thank Thee for the privilege of 
 prayer, and that we can pray for one another, 
 though separated; for Thou art in every place, 
 and hearest the prayers of thy people when they 
 make intercession for their brethren in the name of 
 the Lord. And grant, God, that we may all be 
 preserved safely through the whole journey of life ; 
 that we may be enabled to set the Lord always 
 before us ; that we may walk in the narrow path 
 that leads to everlasting life ; and that, finally, 
 when with us all the changes of time are over, we 
 may meet in heaven, a redeemed family, to be em- 
 ployed for ever in the noble service of the upper 
 sanctuary, where we shall see the Lord, and our 
 joy shall be full. All this we humbly but earnestly 
 ask in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. Amen. 
 
 SAFE ARRIVAL OF A MEMBER OF THE 
 FAMILY FROM A JOURNEY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXLV. 
 r\ RACIOUS and compassionate Lord God, whose 
 tender mercies are over all thy works, we 
 render praise and thanks to Thee for thy special 
 goodness in bringing thy servant in safety to the 
 end of his journey. We commended him to 
 thy care, and Thou hast graciously heard our 
 petitions, and brought him to the haven where 
 he would be. What shall we render to Thee 
 for these and thy many other mercies, for thy 
 watchful care, for thy sustaining grace, and for 
 help in every time of trouble ? How many are 
 thy thoughts which are to usward ! how many evils 
 dost Thou keep far from us ! and from how many 
 snares dost Thou preserve our feet, that they slip 
 not ! The eyes of all wait upon Thee. Thou openest 
 thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living 
 thing. We have ever found Thee to be ready to 
 hear, and nigh unto us when we have called 
 upon Thee in truth. 
 
 Let a sense of thy continued mercies, and of 
 this fresh instance of thy goodness, lead us more 
 devotedly to give ourselves to thy service, and 
 to desire to please Thee in all our ways, that 
 wherever our lot may be cast, in our own native 
 land or far away from our home, we may do thy 
 will in that position of life to which Thou hast 
 been pleased to call us. 
 
 As we accomplish our earthly journeys, may we 
 remember that we are but pilgrims and strangers 
 
 here 
 
 that this is not our rest, and that the world 
 
 can give us no real satisfaction, but that we must 
 seek it in heaven, where Christ is, at thy right hand. 
 Help us to hasten on to that blessed state, setting 
 our affections upon things above, abstaining from 
 fleshly lusts that war against the soul, and earnestly 
 desiring, after this long and wearisome journey of 
 life, to enter upon the everlasting enjoyment of 
 that rest which remaineth for the people of God, to 
 which may God, of his mercy, bring us, for the 
 sake of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and SaviouTo 
 Amen. 
 
 L 380 ] 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 DURING THE ILLKESS OF A MINISTER 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE JOHN XI. 1—15. 
 A GOD, in whose hand our breath is, and whose 
 are all our ways, we bow ourselves before 
 Thee, in humble supplication on behalf of our 
 beloved and valued pastor, now prevented from 
 ministering to us. 
 
 We are encouraged to come to Thee in this 
 matter, after the example of our sympathising 
 Saviour, who mourned over the sickness, and wept 
 over the grave of his friend; so now may we 
 learn to weep with them that weep, and to suffer 
 with them, as being members one of another, 
 bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfilling 
 the law of Christ. 
 
 Now that Thou hast afflicted him, cause our pastor 
 to feel all the power of those blessed truths he has 
 testified to others. May the comfort with which 
 he has comforted others return into his own bosom 
 an hundredfold. May he be perfectly assured of 
 thy good-will towards him, that Thou wilt perfect 
 that which concerns him, and not forsake the work 
 of thine own hands. Enable him to commit the 
 care of his flock and family into the hands of the 
 good Shepherd, and to feel that Thou wilt provide 
 for the sheep of thy pasture. 
 
 If it be thy will, restore him speedily to health 
 and strength, that with renewed vigour, and in the 
 enjoyment of re-established health, he may con- 
 tinue his important and arduous task, and again 
 refresh our souls with the saving truths of the 
 everlasting Gospel. 
 
 If this should not be in accordance with thy 
 will, yet vouchsafe thy suffering servant a special 
 sense of thy presence, increase of faith in that 
 Saviour whom he has preached to others, and 
 greater meetness for the inheritance of the saints. 
 Comfort his heart by the assurance of thy love ; 
 and give him a reasonable hope that many to 
 whom he has ministered here will be his joy and 
 crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord, when 
 thy Church shall be complete and the number of 
 thy elect gathered in. We beseech Thee to hear and 
 help and bless us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 DEATH OF A MINISTER. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE HEBREWS XIII. 7—17, 
 A THOU who art the same yesterday, and to- 
 day, and for ever, Thou alone art our undying 
 Friend; grant that in thy unchangeable perfections 
 we may ever find sufficient consolation from the 
 sorrows of this changing world. In this season 
 of suffering we desire to bow to thy sovereign will ; 
 we rejoice that all thy ways are right, and thy do- 
 minion is an everlasting dominion over all creatures 
 and all events. Clouds and darkness are round about 
 Thee, but justice and judgment are the habitation 
 of thy throne. our God, bless unto us and to 
 all our fellow-worshippers that stroke of thy pro- 
 vidence which has removed one of our best earthly 
 friends, thy servant, who taught us in thy truth, 
 and led us in thy ways. While we mournfully 
 exclaim, " The prophets, where are they ? and the 
 fathers, do they live for ever ? " do Thou, Lord, 
 graciously comfort our hearts, and preserve us from 
 undue sorrow. 
 
 Be pleased, great God, to sanctify to us, and 
 to our neighbourhood, this bereavement. We con- 
 fess that we have not profited as we might have 
 done by the labours of thy faithful servant, and we 
 pray that even now he, being dead, may speak to 
 us in our frequent recollection of his words. We 
 bless Thee, Lord, for thy servant's fidelity, for 
 his consistent life, and for every instance in which 
 he has been the means of turning men from sin 
 unto God. We rejoice in the firm belief that he 
 is honoured with thine own approval, and has 
 received a large reward. We commend to thy 
 loving care all his afflicted relatives, beseecliing 
 Thee to provide for all their necessities, and to 
 comfort them in this season of grief. Graciously 
 send unto us, God, a pastor after thine own 
 heart, and permit us not, by indifference to thy holy 
 Word, to call down the chastisement of our sins 
 and the loss of our spiritual privileges. Hear us, 
 good Lord, and according to thine exceeding great 
 and precious promises, give us an answer of peace, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom with Thee and 
 the Holy Ghost be all honour and glory. Amen. 
 
 [ 381 J 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 COMMENCEMENT OF A NEW MINISTER'S 
 LABOURS. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 COR. III. 1— l5. 
 
 A ALMIGHTY God, who in thy good provi- 
 dence hast sent forth many ministers in thy 
 Church, and who hast in all ages used them as 
 instruments in thy hand for leading men to the 
 saving knowledge of thy truth ; we beseech Thee to 
 look down in mercy upon all thy ministers in all 
 parts of the world (and especially in this place and 
 neighbourhood), and to fill them with thy grace and 
 heavenly blessing. Grant that they may never 
 attempt to lay any other foundation than that of 
 Jesus Christ; and that they may so teach and 
 preach Jesus Christ and him crucified, both in 
 public and private, and set him forth as lifted up 
 for the salvation of mankind, that all classes of men 
 may be drawn unto him as their Redeemer and 
 their Savioiu*. 
 
 The things which we thus ask, Lord, for all 
 the churches of the saints, and for the ministers 
 thereof, we do more especially ask at this time for 
 this place, and for the ministers thereof; beseech- 
 ing Thee to grant a special blessing to him 
 who is newly called to labour therein for Thee, 
 and also to the people committed to his charge, 
 that they may duly profit by the ministry of the 
 Gospel. Grant that thy Word spoken by thy 
 ministers in this place may never be spoken in 
 vain ; and that the work of God may so prosper in 
 these parts that all may be constrained to say, 
 " What hath God wrought ! " Enable us, and all 
 the people, to fulfil all the duties of those who are 
 taught in the Word ; but grant that we may never 
 so put om* trust in man as to forget that Thou 
 alone workest in us to will and to do of thy good 
 pleasure. May we therefore work out our own 
 salvation with fear and trembling, looking to Thee 
 alone. 
 
 These and all other blessings, for us, and thy 
 whole Church, and the people of this place, and 
 all that are dear unto us, which Thou seest tliat 
 we need, we ask in the name of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 C 
 
 DURING PREVALENT SICKNESS. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XCl. 
 A THOU Almighty and gracious God," our only 
 Helper and most sure Refuge, turn Thou unto 
 us, and help us who are in so great and pressing 
 need. Thou knowest our sad estate, and what 
 danger we are in. Disease, sickness, death are 
 on every side, and Thou art chastening us, and 
 filling our eyes with tears and our hearts with 
 anguish. Oh, our God, wilt Thou not pity, help, 
 and save us, who humbly and with sorrow of heart 
 do cast ourselves at thy feet? Deal not with us 
 as we have deserved, neither remember against us 
 our iniquities. For who are we, that the Lord 
 should contend with us? and how can we, who 
 are but dust and ashes, stand before Thee ? 
 
 We do confess our sins this day, the sins of 
 our past lives, and are ashamed and confounded 
 because of our transgressions against Thee. 
 Humble us beneath thy mighty hand. Cleanse 
 Thou us from secret faults. Wash us, and make 
 us white in the blood of the Lamb, and restore 
 unto us the joy of thy salvation. 
 
 Thou art good, and just, and righteous in all thy 
 dealings ; but, oh, our God, who hast promised thy 
 protection and blessing to thy people, remember us 
 as a family for good. Keep from our home, if it 
 seem good in thine eyes, the sickness that alarms 
 us. Let no evil happen to us and ours. Lord, we 
 trust in Thee, we rely upon thy gracious promises, 
 we call to mind all thy love to us, and the great 
 gift of thy dear Son which Thou hast bestowed 
 upon us, and that Word of thine in which Thou 
 hast caused thy servant to hope : " Call upon me in 
 the day of trouble, and I will answer thee." But 
 shouldst Thou will otherwise, thy will be done. 
 Teach us a cheerful submission, an unfaltering 
 confidence in Thee, a trustful reliance on our 
 gracious Saviour, a meetness for thy kingdom, and 
 an abundant entrance therein, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, who ever liveth at thy right hand in 
 glory, our all-prevailing Mediator and Saviour, 
 so that at last we may enter upon the blessings 
 prepared for us for His sake. Amen. 
 383 ] 
 
 -J 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 A LOCAL MISSIONARY MEETING. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH LV. 
 A GOD, who hast given thine only-begotten Son 
 to die for sinners, and wiliest not that any 
 should perish, but that all should come to the 
 knowledge of the truth, be present at our assem- 
 bling together to-day for the spread of thy glorious 
 Gospel among the heathen. Thou hast commanded 
 us to send the message of salvation to every 
 creature, and hast given us the cheering promise 
 that the heathen wilderness shall yet blossom 
 abundantly, and rejoice with joy and gladness. 
 Do Thou graciously fulfil thy promise, and enable 
 us more earnestly to obey thy blessed command. 
 Bless the society on whose behalf we have met. 
 May its means of spreading thy truth be greatly 
 increased. May its promoters be more numerous. 
 Increase their zeal and liberality. Biess those who 
 guide its counsels. Strengthen those engaged in 
 its glorious work. Especially look with favour 
 upon its missionaries. May they ever be men of 
 God, full of faith, and power, and the Holy Ghost. 
 Comfort them in their distant and lonely homes. 
 Be Thou their stay and support, and great conso- 
 lation. More than make up to them all that they 
 have forsaken in their own land. Gather thou- 
 sands and tens of thousands of perishing souls into 
 thy fold by their means; and may thy will be 
 done, and thy kingdom come over all the world. 
 
 Bless our efforts in this place in the great work 
 of sending the Gospel to the heathen. Make us 
 all more self-denying and prayerful. Increase 
 our interest in the blessed work, and multiply 
 our labours. Above all, make us individually 
 partakers of the inestimable benefit of Christ's 
 salvation. Let us not perish ourselves while we 
 are sending the good news of pardon to others. 
 Give us thy Holy Spirit that we may know Thee 
 and love Thee in our own souls, anxious to adorn 
 the Gospel of God our Saviour, and make known 
 thy love to the whole earth. 
 
 Graciously hear us and answer us, according to 
 thy abundant mercy, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [ 383 
 
 ON BOARD SHIP. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CVII. 21-31. 
 A THOU who makest the outgoings of the morn- 
 ing and evening to praise Thee, accept the 
 tribute of our hearty, though most unworthy 
 thanksgiving. Thy providence has led us to 
 journey over the sea, and thy hand has kept us 
 in safety. We are passing through dangers un- 
 known, above us, below us, and around us ; but 
 beneath thy wings we are secure from all things 
 that can hurt us. Lord, great is thy goodness ; 
 thy thoughts to us-ward are more in number than 
 the sand upon the sea-shore. 
 
 Abide with us, we beseech Thee, Lord. Let 
 thy protecting love continue to preserve us and 
 those who are our companions in the ship. Say to 
 the storms, " Peace, be still," and bid the winds 
 prosper our course towards the haven where we 
 would be. Lord God of hosts, who is a strong 
 Lord like imto Thee ? or to thy faithfulness round 
 about Thee ? Thou rulest the raging of the sea : 
 
 when the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them. 
 
 Protect, we entreat Thee, God of grace, our 
 souls as well as our bodies, and comfort us with 
 thy peace, that passeth understanding. Keep us 
 day by day, that we may not sin against Thee in 
 thought, or word, or work. Fill us with a deep 
 sense of thy majesty and power, who madest the 
 sea and all that is therein. Let thy believing 
 people in this ship adorn their profession in all 
 things, and boldly witness for Thee before all men. 
 And for them who know Thee not, we beseech 
 Thee to teach them by thy Spirit ; that seeing the 
 works of the Lord, and thy wonders in the deep, 
 they may feel their dependence on thy strength, 
 and their need of thy forgiveness. Give them 
 repentance unto salvation, and stablish them with 
 thy free Spirit. Oh, make them thine, and keep 
 them thine for ever and ever. 
 
 Hear us, God, and answer these our imper- 
 fect petitions, which we offer up relying upon the 
 merits and prevailing intercession of Jesus Christ, 
 thy Son, our Lord ; to whom be glory for ever 
 and ever. Amen. 
 
 ] 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 FOR FRIENDS AT SEA. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ISAIAH XLIII. 1—11. 
 
 A LMIGHTY Lord God, graciously hear us and 
 -"-^ help us, for thy great name's sake. Thou hast 
 created heaven and earth, the sea, and all things 
 that are therein. The winds and waves are thy 
 servants, and fulfil in all things thy will. Thou 
 sittest above the water-floods, a King for evermore. 
 We cast our care upon Thee, for Thou carest for 
 us, and supplicate all grace and blessing for our 
 friends now exposed to the perils of the deep. 
 Merciful Father, look down upon them and watch 
 over them. Fulfil thy gracious promise ; while 
 they pass through the waters, be Thou with them, 
 and let not the flood overtake them. Stretch 
 around them the everlasting arms, and bring them 
 in safety to the haven where they would be. By 
 day and by night, in calms and tempests, wherever 
 they are, do Thou shield and protect them. When 
 danger threatens them, do Thou interpose for their 
 preservation, and in the hour of trial, do Thou, 
 Jesus, help and deliver. And while Thou 
 dost mercifully preserve and protect them from 
 temporal evils, oh, make them thine by the con- 
 verting and renewing power of thy Holy Spirit. 
 If they are unconverted, do Thou convert them. 
 Carry on in them the purposes of thy love, and 
 seal them unto the day of redemption, that we and 
 they may be one in Christ Jesus, and look forward 
 with a common hope to the rest which remaineth 
 for the people of God. 
 
 And not only for our own friends, but for all 
 who go down to the sea in ships, we implore thy 
 grace and protection. Mercifully look upon them, 
 God, and by thy Spirit stir up their hearts to 
 spiritual anxiety. Impress them by the visible 
 displays of thy power, and teach them thy great- 
 ness and glory. Cause thy goodness to lead them 
 to repentance, and the constant nearness of danger 
 to prompt them to earnestness in the great work 
 of their souls' salvation. 
 
 We ask these mercies, our God, all for Jesus 
 Christ's sake, our only Saviour and Redeemer. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 384 
 
 FOR FRIENDS IN DISTANT LANDS. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM VIII. 
 
 WE adore Thee, Lord God Almighty, that Thou 
 art, at all times and in all places, the hearer 
 and the answerer of prayer ; and we now come to 
 Thee, beseeching that thy gracious regard may be 
 especially displayed towards our beloved relatives 
 and friends in distant lands. We rejoice to feel 
 that, although far removed from us, they are near 
 to Thee, for Thou art not far from any one of us. 
 Behold now, God, those over whom our hearts 
 yearn ; and though the seas divide us as to the 
 body, let thy grace unite us in spirit at thy foot- 
 stool. The Lord watch between us while we are 
 absent one from the other. 
 
 We know not what may be the circumstances in 
 which our beloved friends are now placed ; but this 
 is our comfort : thine eye, God, is upon them, and 
 thine ear is open to their cry. Bless them, Lord, 
 with the consciousness of thy presence, with the 
 mercies of thy providence, and with the rich fulness 
 of thy sanctified Word. In worship and in work, 
 in labour and in rest, in rising up and in sitting 
 down, in going out and in coming home, by night 
 and by day, in solitude and in society, enrich 
 them with the enjoyment of thy love. Enable them 
 ever to continue instant in prayer, and may the God 
 of their fathers attend to their petitions, and in each 
 new scene give them new impressions of his favour. 
 Grant unto them, Lord, the public means of 
 grace, the faithful ministry of thy truth, and the 
 sweet enjoyments of the Sabbath ; bless them with 
 friends who fear thy name, and preserve them 
 from the error of the wicked : suffer not the sun to 
 smite them by day, nor the moon by night ; the 
 Lord preserve them from all evil. Father of 
 mercies, grant that, when the wanderings of our 
 earthly pilgrimage shall cease, we and those we 
 love may meet in thy heavenly mansions, to go 
 out no more for ever. 
 
 We ask these blessings, and whatever else Thou 
 seest xgood, gracious God and merciful Father, 
 in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 ] 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 IN A TIME OF NATIONAL PERPLEXITY. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XLVI. 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, enthroned in the highest 
 heavens, who art governor among the nations 
 of the earth, give ear to the cry of thy people who, 
 in their trouble, visit Thee, and pour out their 
 prayer while thy chastening is upon them. We 
 acknowledge our manifold offences against thy 
 law and thy love. We have sinned, and come 
 short of thy glory. Lord, righteousness be- 
 longeth unto Thee ; but unto us confusion of 
 face, as at this day. Now, therefore, our 
 God, hear the prayer of thv servants, and cause 
 thy face to shine upon us. Lord, forgive ; 
 Lord, hearken and do ; defer not for thine own 
 sake, our God, for we are called by thy name. 
 
 Amid all our national perplexities, do Thou 
 appear on our behalf. When men's hearts are 
 failing them for fear, be Thou our refuge and 
 strength : a very present help in trouble. Give 
 wisdom to those who are at the head of public 
 affairs : wisdom that is profitable to direct. May 
 all be sensible that apart from thy guidance it is 
 not safe to act. May the fear of thy holy name 
 ever direct all their deliberations and doings. 
 Control all the complicated movements of men and 
 nations, and overrule their passions and prejudices, 
 that thy name may be glorified. Make the wrath 
 of men praise Thee. If calamities shall visit us 
 as a people, may we bow submissively beneath 
 thy stroke, and acknowledge that Thou art jus- 
 tified when Thou speakest, and clear when Thou 
 judgest. Yet, Lord, in the midst of wrath remem- ' 
 ber mercy. 
 
 May the dawn of a bright and happy day soon 
 again be seen breaking on the darkness of our 
 perplexity, and the heart of this nation be filled 
 with thanksgiving, because Thou, Lord, hast 
 helped us and comforted us. May the influence 
 of thy Gospel be more widely and deeply felt 
 among all classes. Send forth more labourers into 
 thy spiritual harvest. Let the people praise Thee, 
 God ; let all the people praise Thee. Hear our 
 prayer, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 THANKSGIVING FOR NATIONAL BLESSINGS. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXV. 
 A THOU God of grace, who art the bounteous 
 ^ giver of every mercy that gladdens, comforts, 
 and blesses, to Thee do we turn with gratitude in 
 our hearts, and praises on our tongue, for all thy 
 undeserved goodness. We would speak good of 
 Thee who art doing us good, and tell how Thou 
 hast always been mindful of us, and that not one 
 thing has failed of all the Lord our God has pro- 
 mised. 
 
 While we praise Thee for all thy mercies vouch- 
 safed to us, especially would we now declare thy 
 gracious dealings with us as a people. For Thou 
 hast made us as a land great, and granted us a 
 name and influence mighty among the nations of 
 the earth. To a great pinnacle of wealth and 
 glory hast Thou raised us, not for our righteous- 
 ness' sake, but because Thou hast a love to us. Oh, 
 that we may use all our power, and riches, and 
 influence to glorify Thee, advance thy cause, and 
 make known the great and saving name of the 
 Lord Jesus. 
 
 But how can we sufficiently acknowledge our 
 spiritual mercies ? Once we were far off" like other 
 Gentiles ; but now, brought nigh by the blood of 
 Jesus, we can serve Thee without fear, in right- 
 eousness and holiness, all the days of our life. 
 We have an open Bible. Thy houses of prayer 
 cover our land, and thy truth is our inheritance 
 and our children's. Thou hast poured out upon 
 us the refreshing dews of thy Spirit. What have 
 we that we have not received? and it is Tliou 
 alone that hast distinguished us in privileges and 
 mercies above others. Make us to walk worthy 
 of thy great goodness and our high privileges. 
 Teach us as a people to fear sin, to walk closely 
 with Thee, to obey Thee because we love Tliee, 
 and day by day to show forth the praises of Him 
 who hath called us to his kingdom and glory. 
 
 Lord, may our life be one song of praise and 
 holy gratitude for all thy goodness and mercy 
 towards us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 [ 385 ] 
 
 No. 49. 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 IN TIME OF WAR 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXXVI. 
 A LMIGHTY and most gracious God, who hast 
 all power in heaven and upon the earth, and 
 who knowest all that takes place in all worlds, 
 we come to Thee. Accept us at this time, 
 Lord, for the sake of thy dear Son, who was 
 delivered for our offences and raised again for our 
 lustification. We desire to adore Thee for him, 
 who is our peace, and to pray that his peaceable 
 kingdom of righteousness and truth may soon be 
 set up over the whole earth, when the sins and 
 woes of war shall be known no more, and when 
 men shall beat their swords into ploughshares and 
 their spears into pruning-hooks. We mourn over 
 the wickedness of our fallen nature, Lord, so 
 fearfully seen in the day of battle. Oh, that 
 these horrors may soon come to an end for ever. 
 Have mercy, Lord, upon the wounded and the 
 dying, and upon those who may yet perish by the 
 sword ; and, if it please Thee, put an end to the 
 slaughter which is now making many hearts 
 desolate, and causing the bitter cry of the widow 
 and the orphan to ascend to Thee. Thou hast the 
 hearts of kings in thy hand, and canst turn them 
 in favour of peace. To Thee we therefore look, 
 Lord. Be Thou pleased to stay the progress of 
 this destruction, to make the wrath of man to 
 praise Tliee, and to restrain the remainder thereof. 
 Let men learn righteousness when thy judgments 
 are abroad in the earth, and do Thou graciously 
 bring good out of the great evil of war. May 
 nations learn that they are mutually dependent, 
 that Thou hast made them of one blood, that they 
 are all entirely in thy hand, and that they ought 
 to seek each other's welfare. We feel, God, that 
 there is no security for a nation or an individual 
 but in thy protection. Only as Thou blessest us 
 shall we be blessed, and only as Thou carest for us, 
 can all things work for good. Keep Thou us, and 
 we shall be safe ; and preserve us to thy heavenly 
 kingdom and glory, for the sake of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ ; to whom, with Thyself and 
 the Holy Ghost, be everlasting praises. Amen. 
 
 C 386 
 
 THANKSGIYING FOR PEACE. 
 
 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CXXIV. 
 
 LORD God, who rulest over all from the 
 beginning, we acknowledge, with deep hu- 
 miliation before Thee, the power of thy Almighty 
 hand in sending thy recent scourge of war upon 
 this our nation, and we return Thee our humble 
 and hearty thanks for the great things which Thou 
 hast done for us in the restoration of peace and 
 tranquillity, whereof we are now glad. 
 
 We acknowledge before Thee, Lord, that it 
 was not by our own power or might that we have 
 obtained this blessing. Our help standeth in the 
 name of the Lord, who hath made heaven and 
 earth. Grant that, by the manifestation of thy 
 judgments being seen on the earth, the inhabitants 
 of the world may learn righteousness, and thy 
 name may be honoured among all nations. We 
 beseech Thee also to grant that all the changes 
 in the kingdoms of this world may tend to hasten 
 the setting up of thy heavenly kingdom. 
 
 We pray Thee to dispose the hearts of all 
 men so to value and to desire the blessings of 
 peace, that they may be more and more desirous 
 to avoid all provocation to enter upon war. Look 
 down likewise, Lord, in mercy upon all those 
 who have suffered in any way from the calamities 
 of the recent war, and grant that their sufferings 
 and their sorrows may so work together for their 
 eternal good, that tiiough they now sow in tears, 
 yet they may hereafter reap in joy, and rejoice for 
 ever in thy eternal kingdom. 
 
 Finally, we beseech Thee to hasten the reign of 
 the Prince of peace, when men shall beat their 
 swords into ploughshares and their spears into 
 pruning-hooks ; when nation shall not any longer 
 lift up sword against nation, neither shall they 
 learn war any more. Lord make bare thine arm 
 in the midst of us, and let it be seen that Thou 
 art overruling all things for the coming in of thy 
 glorious kingdom. Prepare us, Lord, for that 
 happy time, by a believing reception of the Gospel 
 of peace, and preserve us now and for ever, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. 
 2 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 DEATH OF THE SOYEREIGK 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE ECCLESIASTES XII. 
 A GOD, who art the God of the spirits of all 
 flesh, look mercifully upon thy servants, and 
 accept us for thy Son's sake. Thou hast taken 
 away the head, whom Thou hadst set to rule over 
 us. Lord, righteousness belongeth unto Thee, 
 and to us shame and confusion of face, as at this 
 day. But Thou art a merciful God, full of com- 
 passion, long-suffering, and of great mercy. Spare 
 us, good Lord ; spare thy people. 
 
 Pour down, we beseech Thee, at this time the 
 special grace of thy good Spirit upon all the people 
 of this land, and upon all who are put in authority 
 over us. Teach us to remember that the powers 
 that be are ordained of Thee. Enable us to be 
 subject unto them for conscience' sake, and to 
 render unto all their due : tribute to whom tribute, 
 custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, 
 honour to whom honour. 
 
 Enable us to recognise thy hand, Lord 
 God, in all things. Teach us to lay to heart that 
 it is appointed unto all men once to die, and 
 after death the judgment. Let the mourners, as 
 they go about the streets, learn righteousness. 
 Grant that we, being reconciled by the blood of 
 the covenant, and sanctified by thy Spirit, may 
 so live by the faith of the Son of God, that 
 when our time of departure comes, we may render 
 up our account with joy. 
 
 Finally, we beseech Thee to comfort them that 
 mourn, and to bind up the broken heart. Be Thy- 
 self the refuge and strength of the sorrowful. 
 And since by Thee kings rule and princes execute 
 judgment, we beseech Thee to bestow upon the 
 future ruler of this land thy heavenly benediction. 
 Overrule all things for thine own glory and our 
 salvation. Hasten to accomplish the number of 
 thine elect, and bring in thy kingdom. Evermore 
 hear, in heaven thy dwelling-place, look down in 
 mercy upon us, and bless us, and grant us all 
 things needful for our souls and bodies, through 
 Jesus Christ, our adorable Redeemer and Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 ACCESSION OF A SOYEEEIGN. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM XX. 
 A LMIGHTY and everlasting God, Thou hast 
 taught us in thy holy Word that the hearts 
 of kings are in thy rule and governance. Pour 
 down thy blessing, Lord, upon thy servant 
 whom Thou hast chosen to rule over this land. 
 Endow him with every gift Thou seest necessary 
 for him. Bestow upon him the spirit of wisdom 
 and counsel, and a right judgment in all things, 
 that he may devise such things as shall please Thee. 
 Replenish him with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, that 
 he may alway incline to thy will, and walk in thy 
 way. Give him faith in Thee, zeal for thy truth, 
 love for thy name, and reverence for thy majesty, 
 that lie may reign in thy faith, and fear, and love, 
 as remembering the solemn account he must one 
 day give. Bless him now with the knowledge of 
 thy truth, and in the world to come with life ever- 
 lasting. 
 
 Give peace in our time, Lord, we beseech Thee. 
 Direct the counsels of all who are in authority 
 over us in righteousness and equity. Divert the 
 malice and frustrate the designs of those who 
 would do us harm. Defend our Sovereign and 
 this nation from all assaults of our enemies, that 
 we, surely trusting in thy defence, may not fear 
 the power of any adversaries, and may serve Thee 
 in quietness and peace all the days of our life. 
 
 Send thy Spirit into all our hearts, Lord, and 
 prosper the ministry of thy Word amongst us. 
 Prosper every good work that is done for Thee, 
 and make it effectual for the glory of thy name 
 and the salvation of souls. And so extend the in- 
 fluences of thy truth in every home throughout our 
 land, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, 
 religion and piety, may be established among us 
 for all generations. 
 
 We are unworthy, Lord, of the least of all 
 these thy mercies ; yet we beseech Thee, who art 
 ever more ready to hear than we to pray, to bestow 
 them upon us, and give unto us of thy abundant 
 goodness more than we can desire or deserve, 
 through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 r ?iM 1 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 FOR EAIK 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE 1 KINGS VIII. 35. 
 A LMIGHTY God, who art the ruler of all things, 
 and who doeth what pleaseth Thee in the 
 heaven above and in the earth beneath, we ap- 
 proach Thee with deep humility, through the merits 
 of thy Son. Thou hast bidden thy people to come 
 boldly unto the throne of thy grace, tlirough that 
 great High Priest who is passed into the heavens ; 
 and we come to Thee pleading thy promise. Hast 
 Thou not said, that whatsoever we ask believ- 
 ing, we shall receive ? Lord, we believe ; help 
 Thou om' unbelief; and at this time do for us 
 exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or 
 think. 
 
 Thou hast laid thine afflicting hand upon thy 
 servants, Lord, and hast commanded the clouds 
 that they give no rain. The heaven is shut up ; 
 the skies are as brass over our head, and the earth 
 as iron beneath our feet. The fields yield no meat, 
 and the flock is cut off from the fold. We call 
 upon Thee for mercy. Thou makest a fruitful land 
 barren for the wickedness of them that dwell 
 therein; and again. Thou turnest the wilderness 
 into a standing water, and dry ground into water- 
 springs. We confess that we have grievously 
 sinned against Thee, and have justly provoked thy 
 wrath and indignation against us. But stay thine 
 avenging hand, we beseech Thee, Lord, and 
 have pity upon us. Cover the heaven with clouds, 
 and prepare rain for the earth. Send us the 
 early and the latter rain, and so preserve for us 
 the kindly fruits of the earth, that in due time we 
 may enjoy them. For thy Son's sake, spare us, 
 Lord, who confess our sins unto Thee. Hear 
 us, for thy mercy is great ; and in the multitude 
 of thy mercies look upon us. We humble our- 
 selves beneath thy mighty hands, Thou most 
 Holy. Above all, sanctify our national trouble to 
 the removal of our national sins. Grant us, we 
 beseech Thee, the supply of our need, and all 
 things that Thou seest necessary, both for our 
 souls and for our bodies, for the sake of thy dear 
 Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. 
 
 C 
 
 FOR FAIR WEATHER. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE GENESIS IX. 8—17, 
 
 ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, who 
 makest the sun to rise on the evil and on the 
 good, let it please Thee of thy great mercy to for- 
 give the iniquity of thy people, and be favourable 
 to this our land. Remember, God, thy cove- 
 nant, that while the earth remaineth, seed-time 
 and harv^est, and cold and heat, and summer and 
 winter, and day and night, shall not cease. And 
 so increase our faith that we may trust in Thee, 
 who givest us all things richly to enjoy, and whose 
 tender mercies are over all thy works. 
 
 God, who bindest up the waters in the thick 
 cloud, and the cloud is not rent under them, be 
 pleased to stay the clouds of heaven, that it may 
 not rain, and grant such weather as that the 
 ground may give its increase ; that our fields may 
 yield the precious fruits brought forth by the sun ; 
 and that our barns being filled with plenty, we 
 may eat and bless Thee, the Lord, in whom we 
 live, and move, and have our being ; and whose 
 hand is ever open to supply the wants of every 
 living thing. 
 
 We praise Thee, God ; we acknowledge Thee 
 to be the Lord, in whose hand are all things, and 
 who workest all things after the counsel of thine 
 own will. Let it please Thee of thine infinite 
 goodness so to fill our hearts with thy grace, that 
 we may take no thought for the morrow ; but 
 having food and raiment, may we therewith be 
 content. Mercifully remove our unbelief, and dis- 
 appoint our fears, that we, confiding in the pro- 
 mises of thy Word and the bountifulness of thy 
 providence, may pass our days in peace and quiet- 
 ness, knowing that we have our treasure in heaven, 
 and an inheritance that fadeth not away. 
 
 We humbly confess, God, that we are not 
 worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all 
 the truth which Thou hast showed unto thy 
 servants ; but we plead the merits of thy Son, 
 Jesus Christ, our Saviour. Hear us at this time, 
 and bless us, our God and Father, for His sake. 
 Amen. 
 388 3 
 
PRAYERS FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS. 
 
 FOR A FRUITFUL HARVEST. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM CVII. 31—43. 
 A GOD, our heavenly Father, who hast never left 
 Thyself without witness, in that Thou hast done 
 good in giving us rain from heaven and fruitful 
 seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness, 
 let it please Thee to look upon us in our necessi- 
 ties, and grant that the earth, which drinketh in 
 the rain which cometh upon it, may bring forth all 
 that is meet for the use of man, that the voice of 
 rejoicing may be heard in the tabernacles of the 
 righteous. 
 
 God, the Father of lights, from whom cometh 
 down every good gift, we thy servants beseech 
 Thee to hear the prayers of thy people, and to 
 crown the year with thy goodness. By thy bless- 
 ing upon the land, let our valleys be covered over 
 with corn, wherewith the mower may fill his hand, 
 and he that bindeth up the sheaves his bosom. 
 Grant that our fields may be reaped in safety ; 
 and so fill our hearts with thy grace, that while 
 we eat our bread in plenty, we may also labour 
 for that meat which endureth unto everlasting 
 life. 
 
 God, in whom are all our springs, we acknow- 
 ledge our dependence on Thee for life and all its 
 comforts. Thou hast borne us even from the 
 womb, and during all the dangers and temptations 
 of our lives Thou hast never ceased to watch over 
 us and bless us. Thou hast of thine infinite 
 goodness supplied all our need, and not one good 
 thing has failed of all which Thou hast promised. 
 Thy loving-kindness Thou hast never taken from 
 us, nor suffered thy faithfulness to fail. 
 
 Let it please Thee, holy Father, to continue thy 
 goodness and mercy unto us, that our land may 
 still yield her increase, and that we, thy servants, 
 living here as strangers and pilgrims, may worthily 
 magnify thy holy name, and finally come to thine 
 heavenly inheritance. May the sure hope of thy 
 kingdom quicken us to greater diligence in thy 
 service. And this we humbly beg, Lord our 
 God, in the name and through the merits of our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 [ 389 ] 
 
 THANKSGIYING AFTER HARYEST. 
 
 READ IN HOLY SCRIPTURE PSALM LXV. 
 Tj'VER-BLESSED God, who keepest covenant 
 with thy people, and showest mercy unto all 
 men, we offer our grateful adorations to Tliee 
 for the bountiful harvest with which Thou hast 
 crowned the labours of the husbandman, and hast 
 provided for us our daily bread. Thou hast ful- 
 filled thine ancient promise, that seed-time and 
 harvest should not fail. Thou hast graciously 
 given fertility to the soil, hast made it soft with 
 showers, and blessed the springing thereof. Thy 
 paths drop fatness. Oh, that men would praise the 
 Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful 
 works to the children of men. 
 
 May it ever be our delight, as it is our duty, 
 to trace thy hand in the blessings that meet us 
 in our daily path. Continue thy favours, although 
 we are undeserving of them, and deepen in our 
 hearts a sense of our obligation to Thee. May 
 our lives, so wonderfully preserved and so richly 
 endowed by thy bounty, be daily consecrated to 
 thy service and glory. 
 
 Help us, Lord, with devout thankfulness of 
 heart, to recognise the rich provision made for our 
 spiritual necessities. Thou hast dealt bountifully 
 with us. Thou hast given us the inestimable gift 
 of the holy Scriptures. May our souls be sus- 
 tained and invigorated by the blessed truths 
 and promises of the Gospel, and be fruitful in all 
 godliness. 
 
 May every nation under heaven soon be favoured 
 with the same privileges that we enjoy, and yield 
 to Thee its increase. Send forth thy light and tliy 
 truth, that they may bring men unto thy holy 
 hill and to thy tabernacles. Lord of the harvest, 
 send forth labourers into thy harvest ; and grant, 
 for Christ's sake, that when thy angels, the reapers, 
 shall come, at the end of the world, we and those 
 we love may be gathered into the heavenly 
 garner. 
 
 We humbly implore these mercies, and all the 
 fulness of thy grace and peace in the name of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
LONDoir : 
 
 CA93ELL, rETTKR, AND OALPIN, BELLB SADrAOE W0BK8> 
 LCSOATB HILL, B.C. 
 
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