eyes to behold the sun, and that our eyes again behold it. O, Preserver of men, we bless thee that by night and day thy providential care is the same. We have laid us down and slept, because thou hast sustained us. We have awaked, and are still with thee. Thou compassest our path and our bed. We have reposed under the shadow of thy protection, and we have risen up with the strength that thou hast renewed. We thank thee that once more we see the forms of the world, and hear the voice of the morning. Our early offering would be praise to thee, who alone causest us to dwell in safety. Unto thee will we direct our prayer, and will look up. We would employ in an act of worship the powers which thou hast given back to us refreshed; that we may set forward with new resolves, and with thy continued help.

Make us truly grateful to thee for all the blessings that stand revealed to us in the returning light. We thank thee that we are still among the living, the living to praise thee with conscious faculties and active service, as we beseech thee to grant us grace to do this day. For every power, privilege and opportunity of good, for the sight of thy works and the experience of thy mercy, for all the bounties that we partake, and all the hopes that we cherish, we would give thee humble and hearty thanks. And we pray that this gratitude may inspire an earnest purpose of heart, leading us to strive to be less unworthy than we now are of all thy benefits. Enlighten our dark

ness, O Lord, and mercifully guide our way for us, for it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps. Guard us against every evil to which we may be exposed from abroad; and may our hearts be kept above all other keeping, since out of them are the issues of life.

Vouchsafe, O Lord, to preserve us this day without sin. May we be in thy fear all the day long. Since we know not what a single day may bring forth, prepare our minds for whatever thy will may ordain ; and since each one lays its own obligations upon us, make us faithful to the duties of each, as its hours are passing away. May we not be slothful in business, but fervent in spirit, serving thee in the common occupations of the world, and doing all things heartily as unto the Lord, giving all diligence that we be not barren or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. May we be kind and just in our intercourse with others, and gain a more perfect rule over our own spirits. Keep us mindful of thy constant presence, that we may not sin against thee.

Make this day a good day to us, by ordering the events of it graciously. Make it good for us, whatever may betide us in it, by ordering our dispositions and deeds aright. May we use wisely its opportunities, and confirm ourselves in faithful habits, and put further away besetting sins, and advance nearer towards the fulfilment of the true ends of our being. And so enable us to number all the days that we have

here to live, that, when they come to an end, our spirits may be ready, and may depart in peace, and find forgiveness of sin, and grace with thee, through thine infinite mercy in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

XXXIV.

Against Worldliness.

But godliness with contentment is great gain.

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

And having food and raiment, let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.

For the love of money is the root of all evil; which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all' things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession,

That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

OUR Father in heaven, we thank thee that thou hast watched over us during the past night, and that

we are preserved to behold the light of another morning, and to enter upon the duties of another day, in circumstances so encouraging to our hearts, so full of promise and hope. May we feel that this great blessing of continued life is thy gift; that the strength which we have derived from sleep is thy bestowment. Fill our hearts with gratitude, that we have slept in peace and safety; that no peril has overtaken us; that no harm has come nigh our home; and that with the morning there have come to us means of usefulness and growth in goodness. We pray, our Father, that these means of improving ourselves and of helping others may be so used by us, that when the day shall close we can look back upon its hours with satisfaction, and look up to thee with thankfulness. O, may not our hearts be pierced with many sorrows by the consciousness of having neglected or misused these precious opportunities of being co-workers with thee in doing good. May the law of love abide in our hearts, and words of kindness be upon our lips, this day. As parents and children, as brothers and sisters, as members of one household, may we be mindful of each other's wants, careful not to wound each other's feelings, and rejoice to make each other happy. May we strive to lead each other to love thee, our Father, who hast made us capable of so tenderly loving each other.

We pray that we may carry this spirit of love and good will into all our intercourse with those around

us. May we seek to promote kindness, forbearance, forgiveness, among our companions and friends. May we seek opportunities of doing good. May we feel that there are none so young that they cannot be useful and good, and make others happy; that none are so old that they may not make life attractive by patience and gentleness; that none are so strong that they do not need sympathy and the help of others. Wherever we are, and whatever we do, may we feel that thou art with us, and may this sense of thy presence keep us from sin, and inspire us to faithfulness. May we not be eager for worldly things, for honor, and fame, and riches; but, having food and raiment, may we be content, seeking to do well what we find to do, to provide for our temporal comfort without show and excess, to guard against foolish and hurtful lusts, and to follow after righteousness and godliness, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus may we witness a good profession, and fight the good fight of faith, and lay hold on eternal life.

Father, we pray that thou wilt. bless our kindred and friends from whom we are separated. If they are sick, heal them; if they are in trouble, deliver them; if they are needy, supply their wants; if they are prospering, fill their hearts with gratitude, and a sense of their dependence upon thee.

We pray not for these alone. Our Father, we seek thy blessing for all men, our brethren. May