but whenever I am so unfortunate as to incur thy disapprobation, let my repentance reach the throne of thy mercy, and let my errors and infirmities be no longer a hindrance to the love which thou hast shewn me, or the care which has preserved me ever since I knew what it was to seek thy favour, and to bless and praise thy holy name. Keep me stedfast and unmoveable in the discharge of my Christian and social duties; and give me a disposition "to do unto others, as I wish them to do unto me." Let me not be tempted to do any thing contrary to thy commandments; nor to take advantage of any one whose judgment and penetration may not be so quick as my own. that I may be honest in all my dealings, just in all my actions, and faithful in all my engagements. Endue my mind with Grant a strict and impartial way of thinking, and an utter detestation of whatever has the semblance of deceit and treachery. Give me wisdom, virtue, and integrity; and grant that I may always be guided, in my intercourse with others, by the rules and regulations which emanate from the standard of Holy Writ, and the established usage of virtuous society, respectable example, and unblemished reputation; and let me not incur shame and dishonour, and the reproaches of my own mind, by doing any thing opposite to what is right and commendable. Give me "the same mind which was in Christ Jesus;" the same spirit of meekness, humility, purity, charity, and resignation; and grant that I may do thy will with the same constancy, obedience, and perseverance, which characterised his blameless and amiable conduct. Continue to me, O mighty and eternal God, thy gracious favour and protection; leave me not to myself; direct all my thoughts, words, and actions, to wise and useful purposes; and give me understanding and ability to manage my affairs with prudence, order, and discretion. Thou art my hope, my peace, my comfort, and my joy; the sure and everlasting source of all that is lovely, satisfactory, and pleasurable; and to thy name be the praise, and honour, and glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord, AMEN. Thursday Evening. EVERLASTING GOD, the maker of heaven and earth, with what awe do I repeat thy holy Name! with what fear and trem bling do I supplicate the forgiveness of all my sins! Evening as well as morning would I wait upon thee: "for thou art good, and ready to forgive, and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee in truth." When I contemplate thy greatness, and think of my own unworthiness, I am ashamed and confused; but when I reflect that I am encouraged to address thee in the words of "Our Father, who art in heaven," my heart is filled with joy, and my hopes are raised from earth to heaven; my fears are dispelled, and my abasement no longer overwhelms my fond and ardent expectations of being numbered among thy What are all things here chosen servants. below to me? Nothing is stationary: all pass away like the morning cloud, or mist before the wind. And "what shall it pro fit me, if I gain the whole world, and lose my own soul? Or what shall I give in exchange for my soul?" Why should I be anxious for perishable objects, in preference to heavenly treasures? Never, O blessed Lord; never let such sentiments and ideas occupy my mind. Never let my heart be fixed on what will not make me permanently and solidly happy. Let me not "lay up for myself treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for myself treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal," that "where my treasure is, there may my heart be also."* Teach me to be truly virtuous, and let me "delight to do thy will; fix * Every Christian should read, with devout attention, |