unfit to be a subject of prayer. Guard me by thy heavenly grace, O Lord, from repining, as though a hard and strange thing happened unto me when I am thus visited, even were thy discipline far more severe and lasting.

O let me not forget that thus thy servants have been called to suffer in all ages; that thus, and inexpressibly more, my Redeemer suffered, and that I ought humbly to expect, and then patiently receive, such a portion of like suffering as thy providence and grace may determine; which will probably, in remaining years or days, be a larger and heavier share than hitherto. Often have I read and heard and thought of those who on earth endured great tribulation, but are departed to the realm where there shall be no more pain. I have admired their acquiescence, and thy grace thus manifested in them; but now, when it toucheth me, how little am I prepared to meet the same infliction, to trust fully in the same Deliverer, and to anticipate the same repose!

O grant me fortitude, heavenly Father; and above all, since affliction too often has but increased my proneness to sinful thoughts, and wishes, and imaginations, open my eyes, I beseech thee, and awaken my heart to this peril; show me that all my hope of peace, and of escaping from deep unhappiness, must depend on being freed, through thy grace, from unholy tempers of mind. Convince me more profoundly that to be spiritually-minded is life and peace, and

shun the misery of And now, if it be

strengthen me more effectually to the carnal mind which is death. thy holy will, O God, mercifully remove this pain. Indulge me, gracious Lord, with quiet rest; and help me, notwithstanding present sensations, to do somewhat, though it be but little, this day in some department of my duties. Assist me also to think believingly on that blessed state into which no pain, or unrest, or weariness, can enter. O give me and mine a part in that glorious, perfect immunity from sins and griefs, through him who suffered for our sakes. Amen.

VIII.

Prayer after the Death of a Dear Christian Relative.

O MY God and Father, who only hast immortality, who hast originated and bestowed all the ties of kindred in this our mortal state, thou hast been pleased to take from me a near and dear and faithful friend. Help me, I pray, to bless thee that I have had the great benefit of that friend's affection, counsel, and Christian kindness. Let me praise thee also for the assured hope that one so dear, so valuable to me, lived by faith, and then fell asleep in Jesus. Make me willing to resign this friend and helper unto thee. Teach me to have no distrust of thy parental care

and pity towards them that fear thee, when I review the sufferings through which the departed past. While I feel that the follower of Christ was thus painfully made conformable unto his death, do thou, gracious Lord, strengthen me firmly to believe that the same power and mercy shall gloriously conform my dear friend to the likeness of his resurrection.

And now, forgetting the things which are behind, may I henceforth press more strenuously along the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Cause that all lessons derivable from the example and sentiments, from the faith, humility and patience in sufferings, of the departed, may be durable and fruitful in my heart; and may this and every instance of a truly Christian departure from our transitory life make us newly and profoundly grateful for thy holy Gospel, the only hope of offending, helpless, dying creatures.

O grant, most merciful Father, through Christ Jesus, that the most salutary thoughts which have been excited in this season of affliction may be so fixed, or so reawakened, as to bring forth riper, happier fruits of earnest piety than have been yet produced; and do thou prepare me and all for the bodily pains of advancing life, for the heavier pangs of mortal sickness, and for the great conflict of death. Finally, so fill me with certain hope and undoubted love towards thee, as to give inward assurance of a life immortal, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

IX.

A Prayer before a Journey.

O ALMIGHTY GOD, who fillest all things with thy presence, and art a God afar off as well as near at hand; who didst send thy angel to bless Jacob in his journey, and didst lead the children of Israel through the Red Sea, making it a wall on the right hand and on the left; be pleased to let thy angel go out before me and guide me in my journey, preserving me from sudden and sad accidents, from falls and errors. And prosper my journey to thy glory, and to all my innocent purposes; and preserve me from all sin, that I may return in peace and holiness, with thy favor and thy blessing, and may serve thee in thankfulness and obedience all the days of my pilgrimage; and at last bring me to thy heavenly country, there to dwell in thy house, and to sing praises to thee forever. I implore this through him who is the Shepherd of the flock, the Bishop of all souls, and who, whether we be at home or abroad, in life and in death, will keep all who are committed to him. Amen.

X.

For Temperance.

O ALMIGHTY GOD and gracious Father of men and angels, who openest thy hand and fillest all things

with plenty, and hast provided for thy servant sufficient to satisfy all my needs; teach me to use thy creatures soberly and temperately, that I may not with excess of meat or drink make the temptations of mine enemy to prevail upon me, or my spirit unapt for the performance of my duty, or my body healthless, or my affections sensual and unholy. O my God, never suffer that the blessings which thou givest me may either minister to sin or sickness, but to health, and holiness, and thanksgiving; that in the strength of thy provisions I may cheerfully, and actively, and diligently, serve thee; and so feast at thy table here that I may be accounted worthy to be admitted to the eternal supper of the Lamb; and to thee, through the Son and Holy Spirit, shall be glory forever. Amen.

XI.

For a Contented Spirit, and the Grace of Moderation and Patience.

O ALMIGHTY GOD, Father and Lord of all creatures, who hast disposed all things and all chances so as may best glorify thy wisdom, and serve the end of thy justice, and magnify thy mercy, by secret and indiscérnible ways bringing good out of evil; I most humbly beseech thee to give me wisdom from above, that I may adore thee, and admire thy ways and foot