my soul, and let all that is within me be stirred up to bless his holy name. I look back this day, O heavenly Father, with heartfelt gratitude for the many signal tokens of thy tender mercy which blessed my early life. Thou gavest me the great blessing of parents who taught me thy law, who earnestly prayed for my welfare, -who led me with them to thy holy hill,—and who ceased not to set before me all the blessings which thou hast promised to those who are faithful to thee amidst the temptations of this life. Thou also hast made a way for me to that station and those prospects which I now enjoy. Often, indeed, have I failed to mark thy providential hand in the events of my lot,-but thou hast still watched over my ways with more than a parent's care,and I can now see, that thy pity and great love have delivered me from a thousand dangers of which I was not aware,-and have led me, amidst all the changeful scenes of this life, to the good and gracious purposes which thou hast ordained for me. And now, in particular, O God, thou hast more especially signalized towards me thy great lovingkindness. Thou hast made all things to prosper in mine hand,-thou hast not withholden the request of my lips,-thou hast given me the desire of my heart. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,-who forgiveth all mine iniquities,-who healeth all my diseases,-who redeemeth my life from destruction,-who crowneth me with loving-kindness and with tender mercy. Alas! O my Father, it is not for any thing that I have done, that thou hast thus rewarded me,-for I am but sinful dust and ashes, and there are many around me who have been as deserving as I am, who are struggling with difficulties from which I have been delivered, or who are bowed down by distresses which I have not felt. It is owing to thy sovereign mercy and perfect goodness alone that I have not been cut off; and it is to thy name that all the praise is due of that bountiful care which has beautified and cheered for me the whole path of life. Grant, O heavenly Father, that I may never forget this great instance of thy kindness,—and never be insensible of the operation of that parental hand from which all my blessings have been derived. May I ever feel, that thou, Lord, alone hast done it,—and may it be my delight to acknowledge thy providential love. Every morning and evening would I bless thee, and sing praises unto thy name, —and even when I am busied with the duties of life, I would yet raise my thoughts in thankfulness to thee, who art the health of my countenance and my God. Forbid, O Lord, that, in this season of prosperity, I should be too much elated by the blessings that have been granted to me. Alas! O God, thou knowest how very deceitful the heart of man is, how prone to fall into error, and to be seduced by vanity,-how apt to make even its blessings a curse, and how utterly unable, without thy direction and assistance, to conduct itself with propriety in any circumstances into which life may call it. Thou knowest that prosperity itself is often the most trying of all snares to the virtue of man. O! for thy beloved Son's sake, look in mercy on mine infirmities, and take away from me my sins. Keep me humble and watchful that I fall not into temptation, and may the constant aspirations of my soul be to thee for the influences and guidance of thy holy Spirit. Direct thou all my steps,-lead me not into temptation,-but deliver me from evil, -and make all things to work together for my eter nal happiness. And grant, O most merciful Father, that the experience I have now had of thy great goodness may quicken all my endeavours to do those things which are well-pleasing in thy sight. May I now feel, that to all my other obligations there is added that of gratitude for thine especial mercies, which I have so richly enjoyed. May my heart, therefore, be now enlarged to run in the way of thy commandments,―and may I find the fruit of the tree of life to be sweet unto my taste. Enable me to sympathize with all those who are in sorrow, to be charitable and well-disposed to all men,—to be more closely united in the bonds of love to those who are near and dear to me,—and to view myself and them as equally objects of thy providential care, and heirs of thy heavenly kingdom. Forgive all mine enemies,-take away from me all proud and revengeful feelings,—and, as I expect forgiveness from thee, may I endeavour to extend my forgiveness to all who have done me wrong. |