to leave this world, I will look forward with hope to those realms of bliss, where I may see God face to face, and join the angels in heaven in comprehending and adoring Power infinite, and Mercy everlasting. And to attain this, I will endeavour, while on earth, to improve and confirm my faith, by a constant attendance at his table; where, by openly professing my christian belief, I may be confirmed in holy thoughts and resolutions; where, by prayer and thanksgiving, we dedicate ourselves more ardently to God; and, by receiving the Communion of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, look for all the benefits of his atonement for us on the cross, and his intercession before the throne of God; from which, therefore, we derive new life and new spirit, and feel that there is shed over us a sanctifying influence, which will be our consolation and our shield unto death.

THE PRAYER.

Blessed Saviour Jesus! the Author and Finisher of our faith, the Fountain of life and salvation, Thou art the beloved Son of God, the Lamb slain from the beginning of the world, whose coming was foretold by the prophets, and attested by angels; who dwelt upon earth to direct us in the way to heaven; who died to procure our pardon, and who ever liveth to make intercession for us, that we may be admitted where Thou dwellest; I believe in all that the prophets and apostles have declared of Thee and thy kingdom, but I beseech thee to strengthen my belief by the influence of thy holy spirit; Thou knowest me to be in the midst of many and great dangers, and that from the frailty of my nature I cannot stand upright; grant to me therefore such strength and protection as may support me in all dangers, and carry me through all temptations; let the sense of

my weakness give me meekness and humility, and add strength to my faith; grant me comfort and sure confidence in Thee, knowing that through Thee alone can I look for acceptance with God; let thy grace illuminate my understanding, purify my heart, direct my will, and sanctify my spirit, that I may have Thee and thy law always in my mind, and may think and do always as in thy sight, that in all temptations and afflictions, and at the hour of death, I may be supported by faith in thy word and promises; and grant by the mercy which Thou hast purchased for us, that as Thou wert partaker of our sufferings and infirmities, so we by thy death and resurrection, and by thy infinite gracious intercession, may be made partakers of thy holiness and glory in thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.

FRIDAY.

On Resignation.

THE duties of examination, of repentance, and of faith, may be said to have their chief reference to a future state of existence; for we examine and repent of our sins, that we may endeavour to remove every obstacle to our attainment of eternal happiness, and our faith leads us to depend upon that reward which is promised to every penitent sinner. Resignation has its most immediate concern with this life: man is born to trouble; the trials of affliction and disappointment are around him everywhere, and are sent to correct and purify his heart; no person is exempt from suffering, either bodily or mental; none of us can be sure that our ease and the very happiness are secure for one hour;

next moment may overwhelm the seemingly fair fabric, and those who have multiplied their enjoyments by increasing their stores, or extending their connections, have proportionably multiplied the avenues of sorrow, and extended a broader mark for the shafts öf disappointment. But afflictions come not by accident; they either come immediately from God, or are the consequences of human actions, by the permission of God in his government of the world; and in whatever manner we receive them, their purpose is the same; they are trials of christian virtue, and warnings against evil; and they are dispensed in such differing measure to different persons, that we may conclude such a trial is sent to each, as God in his infinite wisdom sees to be best adapted to the proposed end, that all sinners may awake to righteousness, and from being children of this world, may become children of light. To some, therefore, bodily pain is sent, to others mental afflic