A DEVOUT MEDITATION BEFORE THE SAC RAMENTAL SERVICE BEGINS. OW much better is it to be here, in How the courts of the Lord, than in the dwelling of the proudest monarch! One day here is better than a thousand elsewhere! How solemn, O my soul, is the celebration of this ordinance! My Saviour has given Himself for me; and to Him I desire to turn with my whole heart. I come to my Lord, as one sick to the Physician of life; as an offender, to the Fountain of mercy; as blind, to the light of the eternal sun; as poor and needy, to the Lord of heaven and earth. Jesus, I come here to beg alms at Thy hands. I ask great things-greater than I deserve to receive, but not too great for Thee to give me-I ask Thee to give me Thyself. Come now into my soul, and take entire possession of me. Oh, warm my heart! Oh, kindle holy fire in my breast; and fill me full of love to Thee! Lord, give me at this time a feeling of deep contrition, and a living faith. Keep me from all worldly and wandering thoughts. Oh, that my affections may be raised upwards! And may I be able to say from my very heart, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee! And there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee!" Prayer. [Composed by ARCHBISHOP LAUD, of Canterbury, Martyr, A.D. 1645.] A LMIGHTY God and most Merciful Father, give me, I beseech Thee, that grace that I may duly examine the inmost of my heart and my most secret thoughts, how I stand before Thee. Lord, I confess all my sins, and my unworthiness |