nal world. And, Oh! if thou shouldest, in that unchanging state, deal with us in strict justice according to our deserts; we could no more avoid final condemnation, than we can escape the stroke of death.

But, blessed be thy name, O Lord, our reprieves from the grave may now be improved as opportunites of seeking deliverance from the wrath to come, and of securing an incorruptible and eternal inheritance. Enable us therefore, we humbly pray thee, to regard with solemn attention thy message of reconciliation, through the mediation of Christ, and by faith in his atoning blood. Enlighten our minds to a clear perception of the nature, glory, and inestimable value of thy great salvation; and fill us with an admiring sense of thy condescending and compassionate love to lost sinners, in this stu-. pendous method of shewing them mercy, and giving them eternal felicity. Here may we see the harmonious display of thy justice and grace, thy holy abhorrence of iniquity, and thy tender love to condemned transgressors. Help us, we humbly beseech thee, to discover, in some measure, that manifold wisdom, and all those glories, which fill the angelick hosts with admiring love, that we may learn on earth the worship of heaven, and here lisp our feeble praises " to him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own "blood." Oh, enable us to give such diligence in making our calling and election sure, that we may

always be confident; knowing that when we shall be absent from the body, we shall be present with thee in glory. And if any of us have hitherto neglected the one thing needful, resting in a form of godliness, or in any way deceiving ourselves; may we be stirred up without delay to seek first thy kingdom and thy righteousness, and to subordinate all other pursuits to this grand concern.

Teach every one of us, O merciful God, to serve thee in our different employments; doing all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and using out possessions, or improving our talents, as those who duly consider how soon it may be said, "Give an "account of thy stewardship, for thou mayest no 'longer be steward." Enable us, we intreat thee, so to act at all times and in all things, that we may joyfully anticipate the summons, and humbly hope to be received by the Saviour with that welcome, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou "into the joy of thy Lord." Grant us, O thou Fountain of life, such consolations in communion with thee, as may render us superior to the frowns and smiles of the world, and fix our affections on things above.

Teach us also to profit by all thy rebukes and chastisements: that every painful feeling may serve to humble us, to wean us from earthly things, to embitter sin, to endear the love of our suffering redeemer, to soften our hearts into compassion towards the afflicted, and to bow our wills

1

into submission to thine appointments-And as thou, O glorious Lord of all, art pleased to permit us to call thee our heavenly Father; grant, we intreat thee, that the lively exercise of all filial affections, by the sacred influences of the Spirit of adoption, may fully testify that we are indeed the children and heirs of God. Oh, let it be the ardent desire of our inmost souls, that thy name should be hallowed, thy kingdom established, and thy will done on earth, as it is by all the inhabitants of heaven.

We pray that thy blessed gospel may be effectually preached to all the numerous and populous nations, which now sit in pagan darkness, or under Mahometan delusion. May plans be formed in wisdom, and executed with zeal, for the accomplishment of this great design. O raise up, qualify, and send forth under thy special protection, proper instruments for this arduous, but honourable service. Pour out thy Spirit from on high upon the nations, that mountains may flow down at thy presence; and that difficulties, now deemed insuperable, may be effectually removed. Oh, prepare the way for such extensive displays of thy glorious grace, by purifying the whole visible church, from all superstition, false doctrine, and unchristian practice; by uniting believers in holy love and harmony; and by rendering all the pastors of thy flock, wise, disinterested, humble, faithful, zealous, and laborious. Stop the fatal

progress of infidelity and apostacy from Christ, which mark this degenerate age and nation: and raise up able champions for thy truth, who may contend earnestly and effectually for the faith once delivered to the saints.

Bless the places of publick education; and grant that men may continually be sent forth from them, qualified for these and other important services, Endue with wisdom, animate with zeal, and arm with patience, such persons as, amidst difficulties and disappointments, are endeavouring to promote the welfare of mankind, and to open the way to the spread of thy gospel: raise them up many helpers, and at length crown their efforts with complete success. -Teach, O Lord, all true Christians, to act consistently in their various circumstances and trials; and enable them to adorn thy gospel and rejoice in thy salvation: and bless their children also, that they may serve thee in their days, and transmit thy truth to future ge nerations.

Oh, vouchsafe thy special grace to all our dear relatives and friends, whatever else thou mayest see good to withhold from them. Bestow thy blessing on all those whom thou hast placed in authority over us; and honour them as thy instruments, in promoting the best interests of these nations. O thou God of peace, be pleased to terminate the ravages of war, and extend thy compassionate regard to all, who in this or any other way, are

exposed to those complicated miseries, from which we are mercifully exempted.

Enable us now, we beseech thee, to enter on our several employments, in submission and obedience to thy will, and dependence on thy grace. May we be preserved from the snares of the world, and defended against the assaults of Satan: may we watch over our hearts, govern our passions, and bridle our tongues, as under the inspection of thine all-seeing eye; and be helped in all things to glorify thy name, through Jesus Christ, thy beloved Son, and our Mediator and Redeemer.→→ Amen.

Another Evening Prayer for a Family.

O THOU most glorious God, with whom a thousand years are as one day, and who dwellest in light inaccessible to mortal men: the return of night reminds us how short our time is; and how soon we must finally close our eyes on all things here below, to open them in the eternal world. Our days glide away almost unperceived: Oh leave us not to neglect the important work of life, through attention to the trifles with which we are surrounded! We feel all things here on earth to be