Abbildungen der Seite
PDF
EPUB

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

my

portant of all things. Pour down upon me thy blessings, and direct me "to run with patience the race that is set before me, looking unto Jesus as the author and finisher of faith." Let not the cares and concerns of this world engross my attention too eagerly, and let not any murmuring or repining thoughts possess my heart. My entire dependance is on thee, for life and godliness; and however frail and erring I am, or may be, I feel persuaded that thou, O God, wilt not forsake me, so long as I put my trust in thee, do my duty in the best manner I can, and rely on thy mercy and goodness for the pardon of all my sins, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee, and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. AMEN.

Tuesday Evening.

MOST GRACIOUS AND BLESSED LORD GOD, thou art always present, "thou art about my bed, and about my path, and spiest out all my ways; thou art the author and finisher of every good work; without thee "nothing is holy, nothing is strong;" "in thee I live, and move, and have my being; and in thy hands are the issues of life and death." Before thee I bend my knees to implore the forgiveness of all my sins, and the protection of thy Providence from all the evils and dangers that are in the world. O what joy and happiness it is to be allowed to address thee under the endearing name of Father! I adore thee for this privilege. Thou hast created all things that are in hea

ven,

and on earth*; thou art "the Lofty One

that inhabiteth eternity;

[ocr errors]

"great and mar

vellous are thy works;" and yet thou sufferest thy creatures to call upon thee for help, and wait thy appointed time for their deliverance from their afflictions. Glory be to thee, O Lord, for these thy unspeakable mercies. Make me deserving of them, and grateful for their continuance. Bless and prosper all my undertakings; direct me in all my ways; avert misfortune and disease from my habitation; inspire me with just ideas, and humble thoughts; and let no worldly interest

*The first chapter of The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Colossians, is well worthy of serious perusal ; also the fifty-third chapter of the Prophet Isaiah. It was this chapter which convinced that wild and atheistical nobleman, the Earl of Rochester, in the last age, of the truth of the Gospel, when he compared the words of the Prophecy of Isaiah with the twenty-sixth and following chapters of St. Matthew, and he became a real penitent.

or advantage prevail over me to induce me to depart from my integrity. Give me grace to "set thee always before my eyes;" to fear and love thee; to take pleasure in praising thee; to delight "in thy sacred courts;" to rejoice in thy sabbaths; and to spend every day of my life in the enjoyment of thy favour, the esteem of my acquaintance, and the approbation of my own heart. Let thy Holy Spirit warm and purify my soul, and let it restrain me from the commission of those "sins which most easily beset me. Banish from my mind every improper and unworthy thought; keep me in health and safety, in peace and innocence, in love and charity, in a cheerful state of mind, and a tranquil resignation to thy will in all the dispensations of thy wonderful Providence. While I am passing "through things tem

[ocr errors]
« ZurückWeiter »