126 Private Devotions PART I. whatever else I leave undone, let that be my O Lord, suffer not the affairs or business which I am engaged in, to draw my affections from heaven and heavenly things, but grant that I may so pass through things temporal, as not to lose the things that are eternal; and that in all the concernments of this life, I may govern myself by the rules of temperance and sobriety, justice and honesty, prudence and moderation, and with an entire trust and dependence on thy fatherly care and good providence; that having always before my eyes that great account which I must one day give, I may never dare to do any thing to dishonour thy name, nor be so wretchedly foolish, as to purchase any happiness in this world at the expense of thy favour: but that making thy laws the rule of all my actions, I may approve myself to thee as becometh thy servant; by being zealous and devout in thy service; kind and charitable towards my neighbour, by being meek and patient, quiet and peaceable, humble and inoffensive towards all men ; and, as far as in me lies, useful and beneficial to the Alekso glorifying thee here upon earth, joy of heaver only S Be whole state never and in of Ch Bl gran peace B affic those cons of a ing live trou 00 lov the for de past; for preserving me in health and safety; and for delivering me from the evils which I have most justly deserved. Give me grace to make a right use and improvement of all thy mercies; and vouchsafe, O Lord, to continue to me thy gracious favour and protection. Be thou pleased of thy great goodness to take me, [and my dear wife and children] and all that belong to me, this night, under the care of thy good providence. Der fend us from all perils and dangers; and after the comfortable refreshments of rest and sleep, raise us up in health and safety, with hearts full of love to thee, and zeal to thy service, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in the fullest sense of whose words I pray to be heard. Our Father, &c. Y A AL pre to fee a Preserve me from bearing malice or hatred in my heart, from lying and stealing, slandering and evil speaking, and all evil thoughts, words, and actions. Guide me by thy Holy Spirit, that I may live to thy glory, and when I die, may attain everlasting life. Lord, bless all my relations and friends, and save and defend them and me from all dangers, this day [or night] and for evermore, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father, &c. A Morning Prayer for a young Person. O ETERNAL God and heavenly Father! thou art the kind Author of my being; be thou the gracious guide of my life: my age is simple and unexperienced: O be thou pleased to inspire me with true wisdom from above, that it may guide and direct me in all my ways. am come into a world full of snares and temptations: O do thou fill me with the knowledge and love of thy truth, that it may keep me from the ways that lead to destruction. I render thee unfeigned thanks for all the blessings I daily receive from thee, and for thy particular preservation and refreshment of me the night past. O Lord! have thou mercy upon me, and my C 0 a dep as in die C Cour my dern care my be whe the COL de Co an k a C |