my gratitude for the time already granted lead me to improve that which is to come; and the longer I live, may I become the more earnest to rise to the attainment of true virtue, and to answer all the ends and purposes of my earthly existence. TWELFTH ADDRESS. On a birth-day. As Thou hast been pleased, gracious God! to add another year to my life, I desire to enter upon the one before me with the most cordial gratitude for thy continued goodness, and for the numerous proofs Thou hast afforded me of thy loving-kindness and favour. Open my, eyes to see wherein I have come short of the excellence to which Thou requirest me to advance, and aid my resolutions to act in a wiser manner for the time to come. Give me wisdom to reflect how short the term of human life is, and upon what an uncertain tenure I hold my present existence, and all the comforts which conduce to render that existence a blessing. Dispose me to make it my first object to live to Thee and in dutiful obedience to thy holy laws, to be useful to my fellow-creatures, and to prepare for that time when the most impartial judgment will be passed upon me at the bar of eternal justice, and I shall receive according to what I have done in the body. R 2 HYMNS TO BE RECITED OR SUNG (ONE OR MORE) BEFORE OR AFTER THE USE OF THE PRAYERS. HYMN I. The goodness and providence of God. Who pours his blessings from the skies, 2 'Tis to his care I owe my breath, 3 He makes the just and unjust prove 4 Yet small will this wide diff'rence be 5 Then will the stubborn sinner find 6 But after God has rais'd the dead, HYMN II. Humble confidence in God. 1 THE God that made me is my hope, My help for ever near: In all I doubt or fear. 2 His counsels shall conduct my feet 3. No blessings equal to his love I through creation see: On earth beneath, in heaven above, N4 The man who far from God removes Will find his comforts die : Not all the vanities he loves Can peace or hope supply. 5 But to draw near to Heav'n's King In life, the sweetest joy will bring,- HYMN III. The greatness of God. 1 GREAT is the Lord, his pow'r unknown, And let his praise be great; 2 His praise shall dwell upon my tongue, 3 Fathers to sons should teach his name, Ages to come his truth proclaim, 4 His kingdom shall for ever stand, HYMN IV. A thanksgiving hymn. 10 COME, let us sing to the Lord a new song, And praise Him to whom all praises belong : |