me, and direct my efforts, and all my undertakings, to the advancement of thy glory, the benefit of my fellow-creatures, and the comfort and satisfaction of those around me. Bless me with health of body, serenity of mind, and resignation of soul. Conform my life to the precepts of thy Holy Word; assist me at all times with thy divine grace; and as my years pass away, make me more fit for thy heavenly kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, &c. The grace of our Lord, &c. AMEN. Tuesday Morning. 0 MOST GRACIOUS GOD, I desire, above all things, to give thee most humble and hearty thanks for the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, and for the hope of glory hereafter. Grant that I may every day, more and more see the enormity of sin, and the dreadful consequences of an impenitent heart. Open my eyes to see the grand scheme of the gospel dispensation, and the absolute necessity of being "born again," and becoming "a new creature." Teach me, by the efficacy of thy Holy Spirit, to overcome the temptations of the world, and to bring forth the fruits of a holy and religious life. Teach me to "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour," in the cultivation of a meek, pious, and resigned disposition, and by a life conformable to the precepts of thy holy Word. Continue to me, if agreeable to thy divine will, the blessings I now enjoy, the friends that I have, and the possessions which thou hast bestowed upon me. Supply me with what thou thinkest necessary, either for the sustenance of my body, the improvement of my mind, or the salvation of my soul. Do with me what thou seest good. Bestow upon me, during the remainder of my life, what thou approvest; "give me neither poverty nor riches;" but such a portion of this world's bounty, as shall keep me above the reach of want, and render my declining years neither a burden to myself, nor an offence to others. Thy word, O Lord, is true, and thy blessings and promises are sure and stedfast, and never fail; may I never feel the weight of poverty and despair, nor the sad effects of prolonged and painful misery, arising from those unfortunate and lamentable evils of human life. I feel, at the same time, O gracious God, that I am undeserving of the least of thy mercies; that I am far from being perfect either in thought, word, or deed. But who is he that can claim to himself the enviable and blotless character of perfection? Who liveth and sinneth not? No one, O blessed Lord, no one is perfect; all are prone to sin "as the sparks fly upwards." "There is no one that doeth good and sinneth not.” "In sin our mother conceived us." Such are the truths that I find revealed in thy sacred Word; such are the imperfections of our natural state, which can only be washed away, and finally eradicated by the "blood of Christ, which cleanseth from all sin." Let this be an atonement for all my follies and transgressions; and let it operate to make me wiser and better; more serious in my devotions, more attentive to thy word whenever I hear it read or preached, more circumspect in my conduct and behaviour, more kind to my Christian brethren, and more exemplary, moderate, and benevolent than I have hitherto been. Grant that a sense of these inestimable qualifications may be so deeply impressed upon my mind, that I may make it the great care and study of my whole life to please and obey thee in all things. Inspire me with chaste and humble thoughts. Give me a wise and pious mind, and let me regard my eternal salvation as the most im D |