O Blessed Jesu, grant her the gift of Thy holy love, pardon of all her sins, and grace to persevere unto the end. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world; Have mercy upon her. O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the world; Grant her Thy peace. Lord, have mercy upon her. Lord, have mercy upon her. OUR Father, which art in Heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name: Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, As it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. THE Lord bless and keep us. make His face to shine upon us. lift up the light of His countenance and give us peace, now and evermore. Amen. The Lord The Lord JOHN HENRY PARKER, OXFORD AND LONDON. upon us, Amen. SEVEN MEDITATIONS UPON THE LIFE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. FOR THE USE OF YOUNG PERSONS. LET THE WORDS OF MY MOUTH, AND THE MEDITATION OF MY HEART, ALWAYS ACCEPTABLE IN THY SIGHT, O LORD, MY STRENGTH AND MY REDEEMER. BE CONTENTS. V.-ON HIS MOST BITTER PASSION AND DEATH. VI. ON HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE Dead. VII.-ON HIS ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN. INTRODUCTION. THE following meditations are designed to draw out some of the sublime truths hidden in the great doctrine of the Incarnation—a doctrine which is, in reality, the key-stone of the Christian faith; and which cannot be received in any full measure into the heart, without producing a wonderful effect upon the outward life. Their author will feel great reason to be thankful to Almighty God, if this little tract, the work of a few leisure hours, be so favoured by the Divine benediction, as to become the instrument through which the Holy Ghost may be pleased to withdraw even one young Christian from the vanities of this wicked world, and enable him to give himself to Christ, whose arms are ever open to receive those who come to Him; who from His throne above is even now saying to every lamb and sheep of His fold, "My son, give Me thine heart." If there are pleasures in the world, there are greater pleasures in religion; and among these, not the least is the peace and joy which religious meditation diffuses over the heart. David of old experienced this holy delight, and many humble Christians have learned by practice the sober truth of his inspired words: "I have had as great delight in the way of Thy testimonies as in all manner of riches." May those who use the following pages find the holy life of Jesus Christ to be indeed unto them ways of pleasantness, and all His paths to be peace. At A few practical hints must be added for the sake of those who have not yet formed the habit of meditation. Resolve to set apart a certain portion of each day for religious meditation. the appointed time retire into your closet, or some private place, and then put yourself in the presence of God, and try to call in all vain thoughts. Then read slowly the meditation you have selected and endeavour to fix it in your mind by inwardly revolving each sentence, as you read. When it has been thus carefully perused, and in some measure fixed in the mind, kneel down and say the prayer appointed for each meditation, together |