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FAMILY PRAYERS.

FIRST MORNING.

O LORD, GOD ALMIGHTY, who art the Creator and the Governor of the world, and hast abundantly provided for the various wants of Thy creatures; who hast ordered the day and the night to succeed each other, and when Thou hast refreshed man with sleep, requirest him to pursue his work until the evening; who hast also ordained that he shall be born to trouble, and hast appointed the grave to be the end of all living; We thank Thee, that, while Thou hast thus placed our lot in this life, Thou hast not left us without hope in that world which is to come. We adore 'Thee for the gift of JESUS CHRIST Thy Son, by whose Gospel life and immortality are brought to light, and we are fully instructed in all those things which concern our salvation. We bless Thee for the pardon of sin, through faith in a Redeemer; for the guidance of Thy providence; and for the consolations of Thy Spirit. We thank Thee for Thy holy sabbaths; for Thy written word; and for all the other means of grace, which Thou hast entrusted to us.

Grant, we beseech Thee, that we may this day pursue, with fidelity and diligence, that work which Thou hast assigned to us; and that we may, at the same time

maintain a spiritual and heavenly mind. In the midst of life we are in death; O let us remember this awful truth; and let us live this day as we shall wish that we had done, if it should, indeed, prove our last. Save us from the sins to which we are most prone. Leave us

not to the natural dispositions of our own minds, which are ever inclining us to evil; but put Thy Spirit within us, and teach us to cultivate every Christian temper, and to abound in every good work. Strengthen our faith in the glorious promises of the Gospel; and fill us with that joy and peace in believing, which shall be more than a compensation for all the temporal sacrifices to which we may be called. Dispose us to bear affliction with a patient and quiet mind; or, if Thou shouldest continue to us prosperity, to be ever watchful over ourselves, and moderate in our enjoyments; and let us impart freely to others the good gifts which Thou showerest down upon us. Inspire us with zeal in the fulfil ment of our relative duties; with integrity in our dealings; and the spirit of kindness to all men. Let us continually examine ourselves; and, advancing in selfknowledge, let us prevail over our several infirmities. Let us grow in grace, and in all goodness, and in meetness for Thy heavenly kingdom.

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We pray for Thy blessing on all our friends and relations may they also be filled with the knowledge of Thy will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; and may we, and they, be of one heart, and one mind, loving each other as brethren in Christ, and uniting our endeavours to promote both the good of all men and Thy glory.

Have mercy on the poor and the afflicted-strengthen the weak-succour the tempted-and guide the ignorant into the way of knowledge.

Bless the rising generation; save them from the dan. gers of this evil world; sanctify to them the events which shall befal them; make them instruments in Thy hand for the advancement of the interests of Thy Church on earth, and members of Thy blessed family in heaven.

We offer these our humble and imperfect prayers in the name of JESUS CHRIST, our Lord and Saviour. Our Father, &c.

The grace of our Lord, &c.

SECOND MORNING.

ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOD, our Creator and Pre server, and continual Benefactor, we desire to begin this day with the acknowledgment of Thy power and good ness, and of our obligation to love and serve Thee and we beseech Thee to grant us grace to pass the whole of it in Thy fear, and in the fulfilment of Thy com mandments.

Thou hast appointed to each of us our work in life: O LORD, enable us diligently to perform our respective duties. Let us not waste our time in unprofitablenes. or idleness; nor be unfaithful to any trust committed to

us. Let us not put on the mere appearance of goodness; nor endeavour in any respect to deceive those around us. but let us remember, that Thine eye is upon us; and let us have the testimony of our consciences, that, in simplicity and godly sincerity, we have our conversation in the world. Let truth be ever on our lips. Let us be examples of all integrity and uprightness. Help us, also, to perform a kind and Christian part towards those who may come under our influence. May we labour to do them service; and may we continually deny ourselves, that we may the more effectually and abundantly minister to the various wants of others. May we rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep; and be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, in honour preferring one another.

We also beseech Thee to give us patience to bear the several trials and vicissitudes of life, with an equal and contented mind. Let us not be perplexed with the cares of this world; nor overwhelmed with unnecessary fears; but let us ever trust Thy gracious providence, and hope in Thy goodness and mercy.

Give to us, when we are in prosperity, a spirit of moderation and sobriety. Save us from pride, and from self-indulgence. Deliver us from the too great love of earthly things; and teach us to remember, that it is Thou who givest us all things richly to enjoy.

Bless unto us the afflictive circumstances through which we may pass. May we see Thy hand in all Thy various dispensations; and adore Thee for the several events of Thy providence, knowing that, if we truly

love and serve Thee, all things shall work together for our good.

We commend to Thy kind and fatherly care all our friends and relations. Direct, O LORD, their steps in life; and bless them with all spiritual blessings in JESUS CHRIST. Vouchsafe unto them the pardon of their sins, and the blessed hope of eternal life.

We pray for the rising generation. May they remember their Creator in the days of their youth; and find Thee to be their refuge in all the scenes through which they pass.

Have mercy on all who are in any sorrow or trouble. Do Thou provide for them through the riches of Thy mercy, and send special help in their hour of need.

Be favourable to this nation. Bless the President of these United States,* and all who are in authority. Direct our counsellors. Give wisdom to our Congress. Inspire our magistrates with integrity; and our clergy with the spirit of true religion. Deliver us from the hands of all our enemies; and give us peace among ourselves.

We offer up these our imperfect prayers in the name of JESUS CHRIST our Saviour.

Our Father, &c.

The grace of our Lord, &c.

* In this passage, and others of a similar kind, the English edition has been altered, so as to apply to the form of government in this country.

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