EIGHTEENTH ADDRESS.

O LORD! Thou art God, even Thou alone, a God of almighty power, unsearchable wisdom and perfect goodness! Thou possessest in thyself every excellence that is attractive of the love and reverence of every reasonable creature. Thou hast an original, independent, and unalienable right, not only to the government of this world and to the direction and conduct of all human affairs, but to universal sway and dominion. As the clay in the hands of the potter, so are we in thy hands-to do with us as seemeth good in thy sight.

It is happy for me, O thou Father of mercies! that I am under thy government, for the laws and statutes of thy kingdom are the result of perfect wisdom and benevolence; and the rewards which Thou hast set before thy rational offspring are intended to promote the peace, order, and happiness of all. When clouds and darkness appear to surround Thee, and the ways of thy providence are involved and intricate, I would still maintain the most high and

honourable thoughts of Thee, and ever repose an humble placid confidence in thy power and mercy. mercy. Thy truth and faithfulness are from everlasting to everlasting to them that fear thy name, who love Thee with their hearts and souls, and keep thy commandments.

Under the influence of these religious sentiments I would now offer my humble addresses unto Thee the Lord my God! who art good to all, and rich in mercy to all who call upon Thee in truth. As a citizen and member of the christian community, I would pray for Jews and Gentiles and for all that have erred from the true faith of thy holy gospel, entreating Thee to bring them speedily to the knowledge of Thee, the only true God, and of Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.

Grant O God! that the purity of the christian faith and worship may be accompanied with the greatest purity of heart and life, and with the practice of every virtue among all classes, ranks, and orders of society. May they be careful to walk as children of the light, and conscientiously endeavour to let it appear in their lives that the fear of God rules in their heart-that it

is a rational, uniform, and animating principle—and that it consists in humility and rectitude of spirit-in purity of heart--in heavenly dispositions and devout affections.

I humbly beseech Thee, the great: Governor of the world! that Thon wilt extend the borders of the Saviour's kingdoin, and that idolatry, superstition, and tyranny may for ever cease. May the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, and may the just and upright be everywhere established. Put an end to oppression and persecution in every form and degree. May the rights of private judgment be everywhere maintained and secured; and may men be allowed to follow the dictates of their own unbiassed reason without molestation or injury in the smallest respect.

Pity and sustain, gracious God! all who are afflicted or distressed. Hasten the time when those who mourn and sit in sackcloth shall be comforted; and when those who are now borne down by oppression and sorrow shall be relieved and restored. Convert to the lasting benefit of the souls of thy people the pains and sorrows to which Thou renderest them

subject in this mortal life. Out of the furnace of affliction may they come forth purified and refined, and walk henceforward before Thee in the practice of all piety, virtue, and goodness.

May the rulers of the world be men of justice and generosity, divesting themselves of all sinister, corrupt, and unworthy motives, and judging righteous judgment. May they learn to temper the severity of law with equity and mercy, and be anxious to make government appear in the eyes of all, what it was designed to be an ordinance of Thee, the eternal Ruler! for the promotion of the highest and best interests of men upon the earth.

Arm the ministers of thy word with the weapons of holy eloquence and rational persuasion. Enable them to wield with effect the sword of the spirit, and protect them from every evil by the helmet of salvation. Inspire those whom it is their duty to instruct with the warmest zeal for religion that is consistent with knowledge and charity. Make them emulous of being distinguished for their ardour, unanimity, and mutual good-will.

Enable the aged to avoid the sins and failings which frequently accompany advanced years. Raise their minds to the

contemplation of the felicity that awaits the patient sufferer of pain and decay. Grant them fortitude to meet the approach of death without alarm or apprehension; and when the concluding scene of all earthly concerns arrives, may they calmly resign their spirits into thy hands as into the hands of a faithful and gracious creator.

Preserve the young from the influence of those passions and desires which if indulged must bring a stain upon their character, and unfit them for the proper discharge of the duties of maturer age. Grant them strength of mind to reject the advice which would degrade and dishonour them; and incline their hearts to the love and cultivation of every virtue that will render them useful, worthy, and amiable in life.

Hear me, O thou God of love! in these my imperfect prayers and praises. May thy blessing attend and sanctify to me this my humble attempt to perform a necessary duty, that it may be the means of establishing my feet in the path of truth and virtue, that I may finally attain to thy kingdom