Cornell University Library The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924080893096 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY 924 080 893 096 BEHOLD THE LAMB OF GOD, WHICH TAKETH AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD. ST. JOHN J -29. O O ( o O o (o ^ o (o o^ O [O O o f ^ O [ ^ O f ^ O ( ^ FAMILY RECORD. ^§^~ But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Jos. 24 : 15. 19 Q) cvo 5)Cs° 5}CN JDQV 3 5jQs.° S^ S'-»\° ^)Q\°flQ\° JD^v° .JDQ1 J0Qt.° 5)Q\°S )o(o!Vo|^yo(oyofoVo(oyo(oyo(oy^ fox9t>~c 9GfS^6ro op 0(0 op 0(0 op 0(0 op 0(0 O 1 0(0 op 0(0 op 0(0 op 0(0 op 0(0 oi 0(0 0^0(00^ 0(0 °,p 0(0 r© JVLarriages, 6) 19 <2i 0J» 0(0 opofo opolfo op 0(0 00 0(0 op oro op 0(0 op 0(0 0^0(0 O 0(0 o^ofo ^ 0(0 opofo ^o(oo)>oK>oj]o(oo) , o(oo)> ofo^oro^^fo^Qio^ofo^ofoo^fo^ofo^ofo j (Q) Births. 6] 19 & (5o^9 (5"oX9 (5o*x9 GTox? (5"ox9 (5^oNVj 0(0 V 0(0 5X0(0 ojb ofo 0)0(0 <£i oj^c j fe) Deaths* G\ 19 (2J i(o^o(oyo(oyofoyofoyofoVo(oVo|[oy X9 (5o\5 (5^0X9 GTSS? (5o\S o£x9 &^^(S^^(S^^9(5~o^(5^^(3^\D V o fo o^j o fo o)> o (o v o (o v o (o <& 0(0 oj i^o(o 0) i%?o O ofo^ofovofoojiofoyoio family Ristory, 19 GJ O ofoO ofoy orb I>2 THE TBtTE BELIBVEB 5. And let thy Holy Ghost, of lore and truth tno spirit, Dwell in my heart, that nanght beside may move or stir it The angel of thy love still hold my hand in his, Until he bears me up to thy eternal bliss. £(je true Sefieoer resofoes to fofforo (Christ. EXHOBTATION. " Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him "deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."— Matt. xvi. 24. " Search me, O God, and know my heart ; try me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." — Ps. cxxxii. 23, 24. A careful traveller enquires frequently whether he is still in the right road ; and so the Christian traveller often asks whether he is still in the path to heaven. Many deceivers have gone out into the world, says St. John, and therefore we must constantly watch that we be not deceived. 1. A believer must not follow the world, which would entice him into its sinful ways and man- ners. Nor dare he follow the desires of his own sinful and corrupt heart. But whenever s^me thing presents itaelf to his mind, he asks himself, [b it right ? 2. But he must follow the sacred Scriptures, RESOLVES TO FOILOW CHEI8T. 93 which tell him what he must believe, experience, avoid, and do. This is his rule of faith and prac- tice. What it forbids he carefully avoids. 3. He especially sets before him and labors to imitate the holy example of the blessed Saviour, Lord Jesus, who hath set us an example, that we might follow in his footsteps. His footsteps are his benevolence, humility, patience, meek- ness, sincerity, friendship, purity and zeal. 4. He also observes the pious example of other Christians. If he sees in them zeal, devotion, charity, and other virtues, he strives to imitate them. 5. He must follow Christ until death, and then he shall be taken to heaven and numbered among those who follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. — Rev. xiv. 4. PBAYBB. Lord my God ! my only desire is that I may so live that after death I may attain to the joys of thy heavenly kingdom. I great 1 y rejoice when I read in thy word, that in heaven all thy dear people shall follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth ; but I well know that all those who would follow him in glory, must also faithfully follow him here in time, while yet they live upon the earth. This fills me with anxiety for th* safety of my own soul : for I am surrounded by W THE THUS BELIEVES numerous advisers, and know not which of them to follow. Satan by his seductions invites me to follow him, and the world spreads its riches, honors, and pleasures at my feet. But I fear that if I follow them now, I will also have to follow them hereafter to hell and to perdition. Therefore, Jesus, help me to follow thee, and then I know that I shall be on the safe and happy way. I will follow thee in faith, love, humility, obedience, piety and chastity. Christ has set us an example, that we should follow in his footsteps, and this example shall be con- stantly before my eyes. After the holy example of Jesus, I will strive to love the Lord my God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and will do his holy will. After his example, I will love my neighbor and do good unto him. After his example, I will heartily forgive all my ene- mies. After his example, I will be lowly, for he says, " Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart. ' give me grace to fulfil these solemn and holy resolutions. Whenever I look upon the wicked works and ways of the world, may 1 remember whither these things lead. May 1 constantly reflect upon what I am, and what 1 ought to be. I ought to be a child of God and a follower of Jesus. I ought to keep myself untar- nished by the world. Help that I may persevere in following thee, unto death. Amen. BESOLVES TO FOLLOW CHBiST. Wfi HYMN. 1. Jesus is my flowery meadow, Where no desert heats extend, Jesus like a cooling shadow, Overhangs me to the end. When I long for joys to cheer me, Jesus' glad'ning smile is near me ; He alone shall ever be My diversion and my glee. 2 When all else is dark and dreary, Jesus brings the light of day ; Still he shineth, never weary, When the sun has passed away. If, upon my night of sorrow He, my sun, brings back the morrow, Nothing can disturb my peace, I am full of perfect bliss. 6 Troops of friends may crowd around * He is still my dearest friend ; Hosts of enemies may wound me, He will never me offend. Unto him my faith is plighted, With his heart my heart united ; Where he calls my wishes tend, Where he sends I gladly wend. 4. Therefore, let us cling to Jesus Where we go and where we stand Nought but he alone will please us, In this cold and bitter land. W KVKNLNG FBAYEB FOB THUBSDaI. Let the world despise and chide tm, What from Jesus can divide u» ? Care and suffering will fail If we follow Jesus well EVENING PEAYEB FOE THUBSDAY. When I lie down at night I think of thee, and when I awake I speak of thee, thou loving God and Father ! here I come again, loaded with thy mercies, with a thankful heart, before thy face, »t this evening hour. how graciously hast thou looked upon me in permitting me to reach this evening unharmed ; thy long suffering has spared me, that thou hast not punished me according to my deserts. pardon all the trans- gressions with which I have secretly or openly offended thee. I ought to grow stronger, to contend against sin, to be more zealous in good things, more devout in prayer, more pious in my walk ; but who can see how oft he errs ! Forgive me also my hidden faults. May I be enabled hereafter carefully to avoid whatever was wrong or sinful in me to-day. My sin is great, but thy mercy is greater; if thou wert not so merciful a God, who, Lord, would yet be living 1 I now retire to rest ; do thou thyself lock the door behind me, as at Noah's ark, that the waters of tribulation may not overwhelm me. Give thy EVEKIKG PRAYER FOR THURSDAY. frt holy angels charge concerning me, that no evil, seen or unseen, may befall me. Help me to re- member that as I now lay my body upon my bed of sleep, so I will soon have to be covered with earth, but waked again on the morning of the resurrection. Let every day of my life be spent in such a manner that I may enjoy the consolation of a loving God and a good consci- ence, so that I may be prepared to depart. triune God ! under thy shield no dread of death can assail me. Thy love and providence, Father 1 thy wounds, Jesus ! thy favor, Holy Ghost ! are the sure defence wherein I softly rest and am well secured. Before them Satan must flee and depart. *> I would crave the same blessings for every member of my family, and for all that are neai and dear to me, that I ask for myself. Remembet graciously all the sick and afflicted, and admi- nister to their wants. May I be invigorated and refreshed by sleep, so that if it be thy will, I mav behold the coming morning. Amen. 98 THE TRUE BELIEVEB trNDEBOTASM Erje true35efieoer unberstanbs tfjat Qob atone fe tye cpief goob. EXHOKTATION. " Whom hare I in heaven but thee ! and there is none upM earth that I desire besides thee. My flesh and my heart faileth : bnt God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." — Pb. lxxiii. 25, 26. Men in every age have desired and sought after what they supposed to be the highest good; but they have nearly all failed in this, that they did not understand what really is the chief good. It must be something that is eternal and exhaustless, and that will be able to elevate and comfort us in suffering and in death, in for- tune and misfortune. 1. Accordingly the chief good is not riches, which many have considered, and still consider the chief good, for they desert us in death. 2. Nor does the chief good consist in worldly honor and applause, for how often do the right- eous fall into contempt and disgrace; fortune gives place to misery and wretchedness. 3. Wisdom and skill have this advantage beyond all other worldly gifts, that they cannot be taken from us, yet they vanish in death. 4. Wherefore the true believer seeks a true per- THAT GOD ALONK IS THE CHIEF QOOZ. 99 potual good, which is God alone ; if God be our portion, then we possess the greatest honor, the chief riches, and the highest wisdom for time and eternity. God cheers the believer in pros- perity, comforts him in sickness and affliction, refreshes him in death, and remains united wi th him in eternity. 5. This good is to be attained by praye b, hearing God's Word, meditating upon it, and tke assistance of the Holy Ghost. 6. We must beware against thrusting God a FOR MEEKNESS. 4. Like a pure and snowy restore Humbleness doth grace the heart, Humbleness in word and gesture, Humbleness in every part. Humbleness when troubles fret thee, Humbleness when woes beset thee, Humbleness to God above, Is what he doth most approve. Glje true 35efteoer prags for mee&ness. EXHORTATION. " For even hereunto were ye called ; because Christ also raf- tered for us, leaving ng an example, that ye should follow hia steps : Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again ; when he suffered, he threatened not ; but committed himself to him that judgetb righteously."— 1 Pet. ii. 21-23. When an individual has made a good beginning in his faith and his conversion, in purifying him- self of gross external sins, such as profane swear- ing, desecration of the Sabbath, luxury, reckless- ness, oppression, gaming, worldly associations, and the like, he must endeavor in the same manner to purify the inner man, of pride, envy, wrath, hatred and revenge, and must cultivate meekness. 1. Meekness consists in not returning evil for TBS TBUE BELIKVER PBAYS FOR MfifiKJNBSS. 101 evil and in abstaining from threatening language against our neighbor from hatred, anger or re- «^nge. 1. Whether we are meek and possess ihia nolle virtue or not, we cannot tell until an enemy assaults us, and endeavors to rob us of our nonor, property or good name. He who then is thrown into a violent rage, and swears, chides and threatens, has not the meek spirit of the Lord Jesus. 3. It is not, however, an offence against meek- ness, to invoke the protection of the authorities against our enemies. The Apostle Paul appealed to CoBsar, and claimed the emperor's protection, when his life was threatened. — Acts xxv. 11. 4. It is very unbecoming in professed Chris- tians to bite like dogs, tear each other like lions, and persecute each other with the bitterness and ferocity of wild beasts. 5. In such persecutions God desires to test our faith, and to lead us to a knowledge of the sins we have previously committed, perhaps in wring- ing sighs from others by our unjust conduct. 6. The evidences of meekness, are hearty for giveness of injuries, praying for our enemies, — Matt. v. 64, wishing all well and doing good to all, envying none, turning a deaf ear to idle and glanderous reports, and being ever ready to be reconciled. 10 Tlllil TRUE BELIEVER PRAYS FOR UEU&BKSB PRAYEfi. thou loving God ! thou who art love itself, and who desirest that thy love should be shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. 1 complain to thee with deep sorrow of soul that 1 ofteu find my heart refractory and unbending to thy will. Humility, love, meekness and patience ought to dwell therein ; but alas ! instead of these indispensable Christian virtues, I find obstinacy, hatred, anger, revenge, and animosity, which impel me to revile again him who reviles me, tc return evil to him who does me wrong, and to wreak my revenge upon him who has unfairly attacked me. But knowing from thy holy word, God ! that those who do so will not come to the kingdom of God, and that such conduct towards enemies is not the manner of the children of God and of true Christians, I am frightened at myself to see that I still have the wickedness of the devil in me, who is revengeful, malicious and implaca- ble, and beseech thee, have mercy upon me, thou loving God, and give me thy Holy Spirit to sanctify my heart and purify it of all malice and revenge May I ever regard the example of my Jesus, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, and when he suffered, he threatened not to revenge himself upon his enemies in future fttE TBUE BEhlEVEB PEAT'S POE MEEKNESS. Ill bui m the contrary committed all things to him who judgeth righteously. give me this same quiet, meek and forgiving spirit, that no anger, malice or sinful passions may ever find place in my heart, and that the sun may never go down upon my wrath. Give me grace and strength to be like a deaf man who hears not, and like a dumb man who opens not his mouth, when my enemies revile me. Guard me against manifes- ting any enmity in words, gestures, or works, but may I rejoice with them when they are pros- pered, and be disposed to aid and assist them when they are afflicted or distressed. But as to all men, so also to my enemies, enable me at all times to entertain good will and compassion of heart, show friendship and honesty in my con- versation, gentleness in my gestures, and benefi- cence in works, so that implacability may not hinder my prayers and tarnish all my worship and devotion. Help me daily and from my heart to forgive those who trespass against me, as I hope and pray that thou wilt forgive my tres- passes, so that I may not be daily praying against myself. May the blessing which thou hast pro- mised to the meek come upon me — Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. May thy Holy Spirit conquer and subdue all those lusts and passions in my heart which are opposed to this virtue, so that I may believe, live and die 112 THE TRUE BELIEVES PRAYS tfOB MEEKNESX as thy child, and hereafter by thy grace be trans lated to the mansions of peace. Amen. HYMN. 1. How my angry foe annoys me, God in heaven, nearest thou! How he speaks foul names, and how He doth threaten to destroy me. How he wars and mutters grim, And would tear me limb from limb. 2. Hear him, Lord, but preserve me, From returning ill for ill, Give me grace, that I may still With unfailing patience nerve me, Hearing him, but answering not, Though his wrath be e'er so hot 8. Let me follow the example Of my Jesus, mild and meek, Who would never vengeance wrealc, Though on sinners he might trample. Let his spirit hover o'er All I do for evermore. 4 Let me conquer by submission, Heaping many a burning coal On my foe's distempered soul, Till he sinks in deep contrition. Let thy angel from above Turn bis hatred into love. EVENING PRATKR FOR FRIDAY. Ill 6. Let him taste of thy forgiveness, Blot the record of his sin, Let it in his heart begin A most blissful sensitiveness, Which may lead him on in grace Till we both behold thy face. EVENING PRAYER FOR FRIDAY. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." thou great and Almighty God ! if in the day thou hast commanded the angels to guard me in all my ways, so let them also stand around my Ded at night. I am now about to retire to rest ; blessed Jesus let nothing evil approach me, I am not afraid when thou art with me, and when I sleep in thee, and when thou hast sent thy blessing upon my labors. Everything I have undertaken in thy name to-day, thou hast crowned with success. that this day my con- stant maxim had been the word of Joseph : " How should I do such great evil, and sin against God." Lord, in mercy forgive me that I have been guilty of many short-comings and failings to-day. Lord, if thou shouldst be strict to mark iniquities agains* us, who could stand before thee ? But what J cannot afford myself, I will pay with the blood of Jesus. My Jesus is mine, his atonement, his righteousness, his 1 14 THE BELIEVER PEATS FOB THB heaven, are all mine. acknowledge me, my guide, my shepherd, accept me ; from thee, the fountain of all good things, much good have I received ; may thy goodness and love lead me to repentance. May thy glowing blood warm my cold heart, that I may never more offend thee, who hast done me so much good. I now lie down to rest ; I know not but that this may be the night of my death. I well know how I lie down to sleep ; but I know not how I shall arise, that is with thee alone, thou Lord of my days and of my life. But this at least I know, that if I lie down in thy name Father ! in thy wounds, Jesus ! in thy communion, Holy Spirit, I shall die happy, even though I may not wake again to this transitory life. Amen. fcfje Kefieocr progs for t(je gift of tfjc {jod) Spirit EXHORTATION. " Create in me a clean heart, O God ; and renew a Tight spirit within me. Oast me not away from thy presence ; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me."— Ps. li. 10, 11. A prayer for the influences of the Holy Spirit is a most necessary and important petition. 1. In this life we indispensably need a leader, teacher and comforter ; such is the Holy Ghost, GIFT 0/ THE HOLT SPIRIT. 116 who will lead us into all the truth, make ub acquainted with Jesus Christ, will comfort us in all our afflictions and trials, and sustain us in the solemn and trying hour. He who has not the Holy Ghost in his heart, cannot be saved. 2. Hence all who live without the Holy Spirit «re most unfortunate and miserable ; they never jan become truly pious, or lead a godly life, but will sin and stumble. But if God has given us the Holy Spirit, we must not grieve him away by wilful sin or a godless life ; but daily pray, " Take not thy Holy Spirit from me." 3. All such persons are truly united to God, and in a state of grace. PBAYER Great God and holy Father ! I thy unworthy and sinful child, come to thee to crave a most necessary blessing, even thy Holy Spirit, which thou hast promised, to all those who ask thee. Therefore, send him down from above, from thy holy dwelling-place into my heart, that he may be my guide, who shall lead me according to thy counsel, that I may at all times do that which is well pleasing in thy sight. How many ways of error and sin do I see around me and thousands of my fellow-men walking in them, and inciting me, sometimes with pleasant, and sometimes yith spiteful words, to sin with tbim and do 116 THE BELIEVES PBAT8 FOB THS evil. God I lead me in thy truth, preserve mj heart in the one thing needful, that I may fear thy name. May 1 constantly remember^ when the world would allure me into sin, that this is " the broad road which leadeth to destruction." Oh ! give me thy Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, that he may instruct me ; thy Spirit of joy, that he may gladden me in sorrow ; thy Spirit of conso- lation, that he may comfort me; thy Spirit by which we are " born again," that he may make me a new creature ; thy Spirit of adoption, that he may assure me that I am thy child. Hol\ Spirit do thou sanctify me ; for thou seest how unholy — how full of evil thoughts, lusts and desires my heart is by nature. But thou also seest that by thy grace I earnestly desire to be entirely delivered from my sins. I mourn that I have ever grieved thee, and have slighted thine admonitions. I now give myself entirely to thy guidance and counsel. Thou shalt be the main spring of my life, the consolation of my heart, the light of my mind, the force and firm- ness of my will, the source, the beginning and end, of my new and spiritual life. Sanctify me wholly, " that my whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Take my heart for thy temple and dwell in it. Thou sacred fire, do thou burn and banish from my heart all fleshly lusts GIFT OF THE HOLT SPIRIT. 117 and desires. Reign in me and lead me on ever paths until thou bring me to heaven. When the flesh and blood and the world, under the troubles of this life, would deprive me of the comfort of being thy child, assure me by thy vigorous consolation, that neither life nor death shall separate me from the love of God, and that though the children of God have sorrow and tribulation, they are his children none the less ; bear witness unto my spirit that I am a child of God. Comfort me, especially in the hour of death, and when the help of man is vain, assure me that I shall partake of the glory which my Jesus has merited by his sufferings and death. Amen. HYMN. 1. come, most Holy Spirit, And enter into me ; Inspire my souL and stir it With heavenly sympathy, And dwell forever there. I long to have and hold thee, And in my arms to fold thee, And in my breast to wear 2 From every worldly trifle Direct my wayward will ; Suppress in me and stifle "What thou dost not instil.— ■ 18 THE BELIEVER PRATS FOE THE 3PIBH I would be wholly thine — Watch over all my wending, My starting and my ending, Make of my heart thy shrine 3 , Yes, heart and soul must alter, And all be sanctified ; I must not swerve nor falter Nor wander from thy side. Give me thy impulse strong To look on sin with terror, And shrink from every error And all to thee belong. t. I from myself will issue When thou dost enter in; Thy wonder-working tissue Shall blot out all my sin. In thee alone I have Comfort, and firm reliance, In which to bid defiance To death and to the grave. 5. And when my days are ended, And death at last draws nigh, Thy loving hands extended, Shall draw me up on high. Short-lived the struggle seems That from the earth me severs ; The goal of my endeavors Across my pathway gleams. MORNING PRAYER FOB SATURDAY. 119 MORNING PRAYER FOR SATURDAY. Lord, teach me that there must be an end of me, and that my life has a period, and that I must away. Strong and Almighty God! I praise thee at this early hour that thou hast so gloriously defended, so mightily protected soul and body, that no danger and no suffering can disturb me. Make my heart a temple for thy- self, that I may not speak, or do, or think any- thing this day that is contrary to thy will. Blessed Jesus! thou who art the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and who by thy grace hast brought me to see the last day of another week, help me to remember that soon the last week and last day of my life will have arrived, that I may spend all my remaining days and weeks in such a manner, that in the last hourg of my life I may not be sorry or ashamed that I have lived. Let me spend this day also in the holy fear of thee, watch over my going out. and my coming in, bless the work of my hands, assist me in all things, and direct all my endeavors and undertakings according to thy will. I alrealy rejoice in anticipation of the coming Sunday, when I shall rest from all my labors and cares, that thou mayest perfect the work of repentance, eanotification and grace in my soul. Amen. L20 THE TBUE BEL1EVEB ACKNOWLEDGES (EOc true JJefteoer ac&norofebfles tfje unenbfnp gootmcss of$ob. EXHORTATION. " It ia of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, be- cause his compassions fail not. They are new every morning : £reat is thy faithfulness." — Lam. ill. 22, 26. Everything in this world has its appointed period, but the goodness of God endureth forever. David, in his 136th Psalm, ends every verse with the expression " for his mercy endureth forever." God's bounty is like a mother, who, when her child is born, takes it into her arms, and nour- ishes and rears it ; so does God also unto men. 1. The true believer acknowledges that this goodness is undeserved. If God would deal with us according to our deserts, destruction would visit us in soul and body. 2. It is perpetual. When a true believer re- calls his past life, from his birth, childhood and youth, to his riper years, all is the goodness of God. All the good that is in us, God has wrought there. All our worldly possessions the bounty of God has given us. 3. And what is most wonderful, tbis goodness is extended also to the wntharikful and wicked God maketh his sun to shine upon them; he gives them food and raiment, but the indwelling THE UNENDING GOODNESS OF GOD. 121 of the Spirit the wicked do not obtain, because they close their hearts against it. 4. The goodness of God leads the believer to daily repentance, and to the love and fear o( God, and he knows that this goodness shall follow him until death. PBAYEB. How excellent is thy loving kindness, God! that the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They grow intoxi i;ated with the good gifts of thy house, and thou dost give them to drink of pleasure as of a stream. Goodness like this, God, I too have experi- enced. It has been with me every day, and new every hour. Like a nurse, thy goodness took me to its arms when I was born, and reared me. In youth, thy goodness led me by the hand, and followed me everywhere; it fed and clothed me, and supplied all my wants of body and soul. Yea, to this day and hour, thy merciful provi- dence has been over me, thy light hath shone upon my path, and thy blessings, consolations and grace have cheered my soul. This goodness of thine has protected me from misfortune and harm, has attended my going out and my coming in, so that no evil could befal me. This goodness of thine has also sanctified my soul by the Holy Ghost, and brought it to the true and living 122 TUE TBUK BKLIEVER ACKNOWLEDGES knowledge of thee. my God, let this same goodness still follow me, and do not forsake me in old age, when my hair turns grey ; let thy goodness and faithfulness accompany me antil death; until it has brought my soul into thy bosom, and my body into the rest of the grave. May the contemplation of thy goodness and mercy lead me to unfeigned repentance, and to an entire consecration of my body and soul to thy service. And if through weakness I should fall into sin, in the greatness of thy goodness and love, have mercy upon me. Lead me back in thy benignity, to the path of repentance and of peace. For all the goodness vouchsafed unto me I thank thee and praise thee from my inmost heart. Not only will I praise thee here while I live, but I will extol thee, good and merciful God ! in all eternity. Amen. HYMN. Every night and every morning, God I thy mercies are renewed. Never spent, and still returning, All my steps have they pursued. Ee has done me more to bless Than my words can e'er express ; Life and health and strength he's given, Joy and love, and hope of heaven. TilE UNENDING GOODNESS OF GOD. 128 2. Happiness, of angel savor, Love, that from his bosom flows, Grace, that comes of Jesus' favor. Comfort, as the Spirit knows. Solace, when my heart would fail, Help, when Satan doth assail ; Goodness, when I stand before h\m t Grace, when I for grace implore him ' 8 What my memory rehearses, Speaks of mercies snch as these , I was oradled in his mercies, I was fondled on his knees. When at morn I rise with zest, When at eve I take my rest, Never does his goodness falter, Never fail and never alter. 4. that this celestial kindness Never might my steps forsake ; Till from this unbroken blindness To the joys in Christ I wake. I will praise this heavenly cheer While my voice endureth, here, And, when earthly shadows leave me, Where his goodness shall receive me. 124 THE TBUfE BELIEVES MEDITATES ON TEE £(}e true D3efieoer meoitutes on tpe coming £forg of t§e (Cfjtfftren of Qob. EXHORTATION. " Beloved, now are we the sons of God ; and it doth not yet appear what we shall be : but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him ; for we shall see him as he ia. And every man that hath this hope in him, pnrifleth himself, even as he is pure." — 1 John iii 2, 8. A true Christian should daily consider three ihings : what he is, what he possesses in God — a father, a benefactor, and the best of friends — and what has yet to expect at the hands of God, heavenly pleasures and bhss. Such contempla- tions tend to keep alive in his soul the flame ol love to God, and cause sin to lose its charms and power over him. 1. True believers have great glory even in this life ; they have the pardon of their sins, are the sons of God and heirs of heaven, have peace with God, consolation in affliction, bliss of the soul, rest in God, and a Mediator ; compared with this, silver, gold, money, and kingly crowns are as nothing. 2. They have great glory to expect in the life hereafter. They shall enter into heaven, see the triune God, associate with the saints and angels, COMING GLOBY OF THE CHILDKEN OF GOD. 125 and, freed from all sin, sorrow, toil and pain, rise in the body to eternal life. 3. The true believer anticipates this with joy, draws consolation from it in sorrow, and is assured that the time will come when all trouble will turn to endless rejoicing. 4. He must not forfeit this glory by a sinful life in this world's sins, but must consider that he is destined for something better. 5. He stands fast in faith and regards the things of earth as a fleeting show, which he must leave behind, but often sends his heart before to where he longs to dwell for evermore. PRAYER. How good and gracious art thou, eterna. God, that thou hast not only created man for great glory at first, but that even after his fall thou hast again promised exceeding glory to all who would accept of thy grace, and follow thy impulse of thy Holy Spirit in faith and holiness. For such regenerate and sanctified souls may rejoice over great glory even in this present life. They are the children of God, invested with the righteousness of Christ ; the Holy Spirit dwells in them, they are at peace with thee and have thy favor, grace and love, which they are always at liberty to claim in their prayers, and to obtain thy help and thy mercy in their troubles. This 126 THE TRUE, BELIEVER MEDITATES ON THK glory will be still increased in the life hereafter ; for when the soul is severed from the body, it shall joyously attain the sight of thy face, it shall be presented to thy saints, and filled with the joys of heaven. And after the resurrection, the body likewise shall reach this glory ; it shall be transfigured and shall shine as the sun. my (xod ! give me thy grace always to have this glory before my eyes. preserve me in faith and piety, that when the world would seduce me I may consider that I am thy child, and that I have still to expect at thy hands eternal glory and happiness, so that I may never love the world again, to the neglect of the glory of heaven. Help me to act cautiously, so that at the end of my life I may truly say, I have fought the good fight, I have run my course, I have kept faith, henceforth I shall wear the crown of righteous- ness, which the *ust judge will give me, and not me alone, but all who love his coming. Amen. HYMN. I. What boundless store is mine! God's love, God's very essence Falls to my happy lot, e'en in this mortal presence, The glad, the joyous thought ! 'tis mine, all, all, is mine I It fill" my beating heart with rapture most divine COMING GLORY OF TH K CHILDREN OF GOD. 127 2 For o, the Lord is mine I his fatherly affection Returns each morn anew, and gives me fresh pro- tection. He is my sword, my shield, my comfort and my guide, True friend and champion bold, whatever me be- ide. S. And Jesus, too, is mine, to save and to redress me , Can suffering or tears, the grave or death, distress me? His righteousness is mine, Lis merit and his grace, His blood and saving death ; what can all these efface? 4. The Holy Ghost is mine ; he leads me to the portal Which I shall enter when my life no more is mortal; He is an earnest of the peace that is to come When I with Christ shall dwell in his eternal home 5. For heaven itself, is mine, with all its bright enjoy- ment, The purchase of my Lord's wounds, death, and soi j annoyment. Alive or dead, I know that Jesus for me died, And by his sacrifice I shall be glorified 128 EVENING PBAYEB FOK SArUBDAf. EVENING PRAYER FOR SATURDAY. When I walk in darkness the Lord is my light most merciful and gracious God ! another da;y has come to a close, and with it also another week ; but thy mercy endureth forever. The mountains may be removed and the hills may fall, but thy grace shall never depart from thy children. This eternal grace has preserved me during another week. Now I know, what I did uot at the beginning of this week, that in health 1 should be spared to see its close. Thy mercies have been many during this week. Thou hast heard my prayers, directed my steps, and richly loaded me with blessings. Thou hast watched over me, given me good counsel, and guided me ; not a day has passed that I have not received gifts of grace, love and mercy, from thee, yea, not &n hour has gone by that the stream of thy blessings has not been poured out upon me. How great are thy grace, love and mercy ! But I also remember my sins at the end of the week. My trespasses have been many. I have sinned in thought, word, and deed, by failing to do right and often doing wrong. I feel that I have net been as watchful, prayerful, and devoted as 1 ought to have been. I have not devoted as many hours to thee as I should have done. EVENINO PRATER FOR SATURDAY 129 Lord, forgive me these sins ; rebuke me not in thy wrath, nor chastise me in thy sore dis- pleasure. Be thou a wall of fire round about me this night, and graciously preserve me and my family from all harm and danger. The end of this week reminds me of the end of my days, that I am one week older, and so much nearer to eternity. The last week, day, and hour of my life is rapidly approaching, upon which a long eternity is to follow, therefore help me so to spend all my weeks, days, and hours, that I may never dread thy sight. Here I am but a pilgrim ; but in heaven is my native land, where thou wilt wipe away all tears from the eyes of thy children, and delight and satisfy them with eternal joy. I would now lay aside all my earthly labors and cares, and prepare myself for the approaching Sunday, which I mean to spend in praying, singing, and the contemplation ol thy Holy Word. Grant me the grace of the Holy Spirit, that all its sacred hours may be consecrated to thee, and that my devotions may not be hindered by the intrusion of the world and sin. Amen. 180 THE TRUE BELIEVER THANKS GOD £fje (rue Befieuer tljoMs .gob at t(Je enb of t0« meefe. EXHOETATION. " What Khali I render onto the Lord for all his benefits towards me "— Ps. ciri. 12. One day and week after another passes away, and we are brought nearer and nearer to our graves; yet our God is still so merciful as to vouchsafe unto us many benefits in soul and body, and fill our hearts with gladness. Such should be the reflections of the believei at the end of the week. 1. He thanks God for the blessings which he has received, for the care and protection exercised over him, for the help extended to him, and for all the tokens of his love given him in answer to his prayers. If he hears that others, during the week, have been overtaken by distress, he sym- pathises with them, and thanks the Lord for having so mercifully preserved him. 2. He remembers tbat the goodness of God - should lead him to repentance ; wherefore, on the last day of the week, he repents the evil he has done each day, and thus makes the last day of the week a day of confession of sin, humiliation, repentance, and prayer for pardon, as well as of thanksgiving. AT THE IND OF THE WEEK. 131 3. He beseeches God for the continuance of qjs protection and care, hie mercies and blessings during the coming week. 4. He ponders the fact that one week after another of his life is rapidly passing away, and that his dying week will soon come. For this he endeavors to prepare himself by a life of repentance, faith, and prayer. He constantly strives to become more holy and devoted to God. Such meditations ought to make us more pious, watchful, thankful, and zealous. They should lead us constantly to look up to God as the author and giver of every good and perfect gift, and to commit ourselves to the spirit of his grace, that we may continue in his love, and live according to his will, and be ever ready to leave the world in peace when the dying hour, dying week, and dying year shall come. PRAYER The Lord hath done great things for me whereof I am glad. Hitherto the Lord hath helped me. Truly, my God and King, I may use this language now, since thou hast so merci- fully brought me to the close of another week. " How excellent is thy loving kindness, God ! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings." Thou dost watch over, protect, and keep them, and every (32 THE TRUE BELIEVER THANKS GOI) morning thy goodness is new to them. 0, my God, thou hast extended thy wings over me, and pre- served me, guided me, protected me, hast done me great good in body and soul, and hast allowed me and mine to enjoy the comfort of thy grace. Wherefore " bless the Lord, my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name ! Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits ?" How many during the week have fallen, whilst I, by thy grace, yet stand ! How many have passed this as a week of affliction, pain, and suffering, while I have enjoyed peace and happi- ness ! How many have spent their days in trouble and distress, and moistened their pillows with tears of sorrow at night, while joy and glad- ness have filled my heart ! For all this I would magnify and praise thy name from the bottom of my soul Thanks to thee, God, for thy pro- tection »nd grace, thy assistance and love, and all the blessings bestowed upon my body and soul. my God ! forgive me also in mercy the wrong that I have done this week. For the sake of the bleeding wounds of Jesus Christ Bpare m<», and do not deal with me according to my deeerts. By the mighty assistance of thy Spirit, I will endeavor during the coming week to avoid all the sins of the one which is now past, and that in holiness and righteousness I may serve thee all the days of my life. Amen. A* TBE END OF THE WEEK. HYMN. 1 Soul 1 another week behind thee Sinks into eternity ! Let reflection well remind thee Of thy God's benignity. Still his open hand outpours Wealth and happiness in stores ; Still his unremitting kindness Guides thee in thy tottering blindness. 2. As the living water courses From new fountains forth with speed So the current of his mercies Brings thee all that thou dost need. Who can tell, beneath the sun, All the good that God hath done; For his wealth is like a mountain, And his grace flows like a fountain. 8, Pray that like a failing ember, He may fan the flames afresh ; And that he will not remember The short-comings of thy flesh. Yea, my Father, do not think Of the sins 'neath which I sink ; As the week is gone and vanished Let my sins be also banished. 4. May I further taste thy favor In the week that is to be ; Grant that the delightful savor Of thy grace may make me free lS4 THE TB0E BELIEVER CONFESSES JJIS SINS From the sin that bears me down, From the cares that on me frown ; Ever let thy goodness aid me, And thy meroy overshade me. 5, If it be thy will to send me Care and trouble in this week, Let it not too fiercely shend me, Let thy goodness for me speak ; Or if thy decree be passed That this week should be my last, Let thy mercy not forsake me, I am safe if thou dost take me. CQe true Kefteoer confesses jjis Sins, anb praos #00 to forgtoe tfjem. EXHORTATION. " itaye mercy upon me, God, according to thy loving-kind ness ; according to the ultitude of thy tender mercies, blot oat my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my Bin." — Pi. li. 1-3. To have a merciful God, is, without doubt, the greatest privilege of a Christian. The world, indeed, supposes that wealth, honor, luxury and amusement, constitute happiness ; but it is not so,, for all this must pass away. True believers, therefore, AND PRATS GOD TO FORGIVE THEM. 186 1. Examine their consciences daily, to see whether they are still in grace with God. 2 When they take shrift, they do not only remember their sins, but they earnestly pray God to forgive them, grieve over them, and seek refuge in the goodness of God, and the bleeding wounds of Jesus, and humbly pray for mercy. If God is pleased to forgive their sins, they take comfort, but nevertheless 3. They endeavor to retain the favor of God by permitting the Holy Ghost to control them, they try to lead a Christian life, and manifest their zeal in words and works ; they fly from vice and from their former sinful practices ; and then they know that in life and in death they will have a merciful God. PRAYER Holy, triune God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, a sinner comes before thy most holy face, and begs thee earnestly and humbly for the forgive- ness of his sins. Alas, my God ! I have offended thee in various ways, with evil thoughts, words. and works. Lord ! Lord ! thereat am I greatly grieved, and all my soul regrets it. By holy baptism, thou hast made me a lamb of thy fold and a member of thy body ; therefore, I ought to hear thy voice alone. Aye, as thy possession J ought to give my limbs as a sacrifice, living, holy 136 THE TRUE BELIEVER CONFESSES H1B SltfB, Bud well pleasing unto thee. But oh ! what shall I say ? I have listened to the voice of the world md of the flesh more than unto thy voice, ani have done many things against thy will. the blindness of my heart ! the follies of my youth ! If now thou wilt enter into judgment with me, I am lost forever ; for my conscience testifies against me, and my sins are more nume- rous than the sands of the sea. But 0, have mercy upon me, according to thy loving-kind- ness ; do not account with me for the evil I have done, but give me credit for what Jesus Christ, my Saviour, has done for me; for the sake of Jesus, be merciful to me, a sinner. I will lead a new and godly life, and not again sin wantonly or wilfully against thee, thou triune God. Amen. HYMN. 1. To oondign judgment, Lord, go not with me a sinner! Of thy forgiving grace let me be found a winner. I know my weight of sin ; that nought is good ir> me, Yet a forgiven ohild in mercy let me be 2. My eyes are on the ground, my step is slow and fearful, My knees beneath me sink, my eyes are dim and tearful, AND PRATS GOD TO FOBGIVk TH.EM. 187 do not look upon my vile deformity ; 1 know tli on see'st it alii Think 1 am saved by thee! £ I have forgotten thee, alas I my heavenly Father ! And have gone in and out in sinful places rather , Sin, with its dazzling toils, has so obscured my sight, That thus my soul has sunk into this woful plight L But will not Jesus' blood of all these stains relieve me, And let the matchless grace of God once more receive me ? Jesus, cast upon my woe thy pitying eyes And let me taste the bliss of thy dear sacrifice. 6. And thou, God Holy Ghost ! by whose chastising rigor My penance was provoked, endow my soul with vigor To serve the cause of God with unremitting zeal, And in that service quite forget the grief I feeL 138 THE TRUE BSLIBVEB PEATS GOD Efje frue Keficoer prags %ob to gtoe fyim strength to resist sin. EXHOKTATION " Let not sin reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof : neither yield ye yonr members as instru- ments of unrighteousness unto sin ; but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." — Bom. vi. 12, 13. Sin is a departure from God, a transgression of the divine law ; it is the essence of all that is wrong. But a true believer is loath to depart from God, or to transgress the divine command, or to do wrong ; but it is his desire that Jesus should live in him, and that the Holy Ghost should direct him, but as he cannot entirely accomplish this at all times, he must contend against sin. 1. The true believer knows that he who is born of God does not sin, that is to say, wilfully and designedly, and therefore he is on his guard not to offend God with design or intention. 2. But as this is not enough for him, as he desires to consecrate and sanctify all his heart, soul, spirit and life to his God, so he is often dis- turbed at a single sinful word which has escaped him, or at a sinful thought which suggests itself, and if he really offends God, or his neighbor, ha is deeply grieved. K) GIVE HIM STRENGTH TO RESIST SIN. 188 3. In these straits and troubles, he takes re- fuge with Jesus Christ, and implores him for hi« powerful aid, to vanquish sin and the world. 4. He must not only pray with the greater devotion, the more he feels the force of tempta- tion, but must also keep a watch upon his rising thoughts and desires, and avoid the places and the persons through whom and through which he may be led into sin. 5. If he preserves this state of holy effort, and endeavors to serve God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his mind, he may be assured that he who has bestowed the will, will also give the power ; that the blood of Jesus will cover his failings and shortcomings, and that the Lord will be well pleased with his anxious desire to serve him. PBAYER Strong and almighty God ! thou who knowest everything that is in man. thou seest what a fierce struggle I have against sin. I would fain be and remain truly pious of heart, regulate my life according to thy holy word, and execute thy holy will; but I feel another law within my members, which resists the law that is in mv mind. When I seem to myself to stand firmlv in my good intentions, I suddenly find to my humiliation, that pride, self-will, ambition, envy, !40 THE THUB BELIEVER FRAYS GOD perverseness against my neighbor, manifest them selves, that sinful thoughts enter my heart, yea, that I sin with thoughtless words and unseemly works. I grieve to be so full of uncleanness ; do thou purify me, Lord, and I shall be clean. By thy grace, I understand that sin is a great evil, of which I would gladly be rid, wherefore I resist it with thy strength, and yet I am some- times overthrown. But this miserable condition in which I am, greatly grieves me ; what will become of me at last, if I am pious to-day and wicked to-morrow, and if my piety has no endu- rance ? Thou seest, my God ! how I am fright- ened at myself, but that I cannot help myself with my own powers : therefore I come to thee, and beseech thee to give me strength to resist irin; let thy holy spirit dwell within me, and cleanse my heart. Give me the performance also, strengthen my inward man, that by thy power I may throw off sin after sin. Make me Btronger and stronger to overcome the world within me, and without me. I can do all things through him who makes me powerful, even Christ. help me, my God, and grant that I may be pious in heart, that my religion may be sincere and righteous, and not seeming or hypo- srisy. Amen. tt) GIVE HIM STBKNGTH TO RESIST SIN 141 HYMN. From the world let me be covered, Though still in the world I hide : For in it I have discovered What I never can abide ; insolence, deceitful, smiling, Pride and haughtiness, beguiling, Hatred, envy, wrath and feud, Quarrels, strifes, and thirst of blood, I will look with detestation Ever on such things as these By the Spirit's ministration Keep afar from such disease; Unto God alone I'll tender My affections, and surrender All my heart unto his will ; It is his, 'twill serve him still. Though for some time, to my sorrow I must hold this world of sin, Yet my heart shall never borrow Form from what it settles in. I will ask the Lord's protection 'Gainst the world's despis'd infectkm , HowBoe'er my life may go, Be my conscience pure as snow. For if thus I strive unceasing From the world to keep away, Unto God I will be pleasing, He will ever with me stay 142 THE ThVS BELIEVER OFFERS HIMSELF TTioagh my form on earth remaineth, Yet tho spirit heavenward straineth ; So my body is at peace, And my eoid in endlesa bliaa. E§e true Xefteoer offers Otmseff as a Sacrifice to 4Joo. EXHORTATION. " I beseech yon, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." — Bom. xii. 1. Every Christian must frequently call to mind that we belong not to ourselves, but to God, and this should encourage us to offer ourselves, and all we have, to God in return. 1. The offerings of the Old Testament had to be voluntary. Man must lead a godly life in the world, not from fear of hell, but from love to God ; otherwise the sacrifice is but. compulsory. 2. The offerings were required to be presented wholly, and not in part ; therefore we must not give one half of our hearts to the world and the other to God, but must love God, and surrender ourselves to him with all our hearts, and with all oui souls, and with all our might. AS A SACRIFICE TO GOD. 148 3. These offerings were required to be without » flaw ; nothing blind or lame could be sacrificed to God. We must take care not to stain our souls or our bodies, for a soul tarnished with sin God will not admit into heaven. 4. God had a peculiar partiality for young sacrifices : — for lambs one or two years old ; this was to show that we must not postpone our con- version to old age, but must give ourselves as a sacrifice to God in good time, in the bloom of youth. 5. What was once sacrificed to God, could not afterwards be changed or taken away ; so must a Christian be stedfast in his purposes. PBAYEB. Lord, Lord God ! thou who didst command thy people Israel to bring thee daily sacrifices, which were to be entirely hallowed and sancti fied unto thee, — lo, I bring thee my believing and penitent heart, thou wilt not despise it. I sacrifice to thee my will, henceforth I will no longer do what I will, but what thou wilt. I offer thee my lips, with which I will praise and extol thee, and which I will never again abuse for shameful words or idle gossip. I offer thee my heart, which do thou fill with a living faith, with thy grace and thy love, and with vital godliness. If it is a heart by nature unclean 144 THE TltC'K BELIKVEB OFFERS HIMSELF and unfit for sacrifice, cleanse it with the blood of Jesus Christ, which I accept in true faith, purify it by thy Holy Ghost, sanctify it for thy habitation, and do thou reign and govern therein 1 offer thee my life, which I will lead according to thy holy word, according to the good impulse of thy holy spirit. I offer to thee my limbs, help that they may be instruments of righteousness, that I may not abuse them for sin and shame, but that they may remain consecrate unto thee. As the law required that an offering should not again come into contact with other things, so I too will separate myself from the world. Yea, I will sacrifice myself to thee while I yet live and enjoy health, and not wait until I fall sick, for then it might be too late. Lord ! thou didst accept offerings at all times, at morning, noon, and eve ; look in mercy also upon my sacrifice. If I bring it to thee but at the noon of life, or if perchance the evening approaches, — if I have suffered the morning of my youth to pass by, still thou wilt not despise my offering, for it is brought in faith, like the faith of Abel. look upon it in thy mercy; I will be and remain thy property during the remainder of my life. Lord, my Shepherd, source of all joys, thou art mine, I am thine, no one can separate us ; I am thine because thou hast given thy blood and thy life unto death for my advantage. Thou art mine, AS A. SACRIFICE TO GOD. 146 because T hold thee, the light of my steps, and do not suffer thee to vanish from my heart ; let me come to where thou wilt embrace me, and 1 thee, in heaven. Amen. HYMN. 1 Lord, vouchsafe me the fulfilment Of what I sigh for day by day ; That I may keep thy word's instilment And never from thy counsel stray. Give me a godly life below, That I to heaven may surely go. 2 Grant that the Saviour's blood and anguish May hold me firmly to my trust ; And that my love may never languish, Until my dust returns to dust. Give me a godly life below, That I to heaven may surely go. 8. And may sin's shadow never darken The light that streams from thee to me. And may to nought I ever hearken That could divide my heart from theft Give me a godly life below, That I to heaven may surely go. L That while in darkness here I falter I may persist in godliness ; And never with my conscience palter, Nor miss the time to sue for grace. Give me a godly life below, That I to heaven may surely go. 146 1'HE TRUE BELIEVER PRATS. 5. Then may I die with easy spirit, And seek the tomb with cheerful face Assured that I shall then inherit What I was promised by thy grace. Give me a godly life below, That I to heaven may Burely go. f£(je true Befieoer praps on partafnng of Uje Corb's Supper. EXHOETATION. " For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." — 1 Cor. ii. 26. The Lord's Supper is one of the means to strengthen faith and love. In it Jesus enters the believer's heart. He dwells in his soul to reign over and sanctify him, and keep him faith- ful to the end. 1. Henoe no true Christian can neglect this ordinance like the people of the world, who are go much distracted by their vanity, love of the world, wrath, malice, pride, and luxury, that they have no time to think of this pledge of the bouL 2. The true believer does not come to the Lord's table as a matter of mere custom, but with an humble, penitent, and believing heart, ON PABTAKING OF IflE LORD'S SUPPEB. 147 full of good resolves to be stedfast in the love of Jesus and the fear of God. 3. After partaking of the Lord's Supper, the believer Btrives more than ever to surrendei himself entirely to God, to become, by virtue ol this nourishment of the soul, daily more pious, devout, and zealous, in godliness and in the per- formance of Christian virtues, and to be faithful to his God even until death. PRAYER. My Jesus, how can I sufficiently praise thy exceeding mercy, that thou hast not only given thyself unto death for me, a sinner, but hast ordained thy holy body and blood to be a nourishment to my soul in thy holy supper ! Love ! thy death brings me life, and thy body and blood fortify and refresh me for eternal life. Therefore, I remain in thee and thou in me ; thou livest in me, and in thee I attain to righteous- ness and strength, so that my sins can no longer terrify, nor Satan condemn me ! for in thy holy communion I receive the ransom of my sins. Here I receive the body, given unto death for cue, here I receive the blood which was shed for me for the forgiveness of sins. This is the blood of redemption, wbeieby my sins and the sins of all mankind were cancelled. In holy baptism, the first sacrament I have received, thou gavest AS THE TRUE BELIEVEB PBAY8 me the Holy Ghost as a pledge, and the new life, which assures me that I am thy child and heir In the holy communion, the other sacrament, thou givest me the pledge of thy body and blood, whereby thou wilt uphold and strengthen the spiritual life within me. my God, sanc- tify my soul, strengthen my faith, purify my heart, so that I may partake of this feast of love in a manner worthy of thee. Jesus, the true bread of life, help me that I may not come vainly, or perhaps to my own harm, to partake of this meal of grace. In this feast of grace, lei me measure the depths of thy love, that as I am thy guest here on earth, so I may hereafter bo eternally in heaven. Amen. ANOTHER Jesus ! as I now receive this holy feast ol love, I receive it in memory of thee. I recall thy love, by which thou didst come into the world for my benefit, to make me inherit eternal life I recall thy martyrdom, thy suffering blood, and wounds, whereby my sins and chastisements were taken away, and thy righteousness was bestowed upon me. I recall thy death and resurrection, whereby life and happiness fell to my lot. I know, Jesus, that for thy sake, I shall attain to the grace, the childhood, the peace, and the joy of heaven. I shall no! be OS PARTAKING OF THE LORD'S SFPPKS 149 lost, for I am in thee, Jesus, and thou in mc. remain in my heart, dwell in my heart, live and reign in it, let me be thine in time and in eternity. As the manna was laid in a clean vessel, so do thou cleanse my heart by true faith, repentance, love and humility, so that I may worthily receive this pledge vouchsafed unto my soul, and keep it constantly for the strengtnening of my, faith the sanctification of my life, and the assurance of my bliss in heaven. Holy Ghost, preserve me thus in grace unto the end. Guard me from falling wantonly back into sin, lapsing 1'rom grace, and at last becoming worse than I was at first. Let me persist unto death in the faith of the triune God, in love to my neighbor, and in piety, so that I may attain to the end of laith, and the bliss of the soul. Jesus be my meat and drink ; Jesus be the burden of my song ; Jesus be my all, be my shout of joy ; at last, Jep.»ii, let thy precious blood, thy wounds and th i sufferings, be my rest in death. Amen HYMN. x. All thanks, and all Hosanna, For this thy heavenly manna, Of which I taste the savor By thy most gracious favor. 2 That body which, distorted My aoul from death extorted ; l60 Van THUS BEL1KVKK PRAYS FOB FUSTY The blood shed for my living Have I been now receiving. S. Jesus is now beside me, His heart has occupied me , He now is mine forever, And nothing can us sever. 4. In him is now my gladness, He banishes my sadness ; I am of his preferring ; No more can I be erring. 5. My Jesus I soul and spirit, That thou dost richly merit, take them as thy treasure, And use them at thy pleasure. £§e true 35efieoer praps for pietg. EXHORTATION. ' Mark the perfect man and behold the upright ; for the and si that man is peace." — Psalm xxxvii. 37. Next to faith piety is one of the holiest oi virtues, not only because it is the fruit of faith, but also because it preserves from sin and shame, the soul, the body, and the honor of man. This virtue is an ornament of youth, and becomes old age no less. God himself urges it upon Abraham when travelling in a strange land : " Walk with me. and be thou pious." — Gen. xvii. 1. THE TRUE JJEUEVKR FRAYS FOR i'lETY. 15] 1. A mere external propriety does not consti luro this virtue, for such is found even among the heathen ; it must arise out of faith, the love of God, and the inner emotion of the soul. 2. It does not consist merely in sincerity and honesty of heart towards God and our neighbors, but in an unblemished walk, and abstinence from all unbecoming words and unchristian works. 3. This piety must endure to the end. " Till I die, I will not remove mine integrity from me." Job xxvii. 6. 4. Being the product of the agency of God's Holy Spirit within us, it is fraught with the richest promise of eternal life. PEAYER. Holy God ! I hardly know whether 1 dare appear before thy holy face, when I reflect upon my natural unholiness and sinfulness. Thou callest upon me also to walk with thee and be jiious, and tellest me that if I am pious I shall be accepted; and that the end of the upright man is peace. But alas ! my piety has hitherto made but little progress ; I have been till now implicated in the doings of this world, its habits and its vanities ; yet where the world cometh in, Christ goeth out, and where the love of the world is found, there is no piety. But as I cannot be well pleasing in thy sight while in this condition, 162 THE TRUE BELIBVKE PBATS FOB PIETY. give me a pious heart 1 Grant me grace fr strive after true piety, to love thee above all things, to serve thee, and to do thy will, like a dutiful child, which does nothing without first seeking the eyes of its parents, to see whether they approve of it, so may I undertake nothing without first looking into thy Holy Word, to see whether it accords with my duty as a Christian. If my heart shall thus become pious, my mouth will also grow pious, so as to say nothing unbe coming, yea, my words and deeds shall then also be pleasing unto thee. Now, my God ! in thy name I have formed this resolution, give me grace, strength, power, and mercy, to carry it out. If in years past I have not striven after this precious gem, pardon me for Christ's sake ; what I have neglected through want of under- standing and blindness, I shall now compensate with the greater zeal, and live according to thy will. Thus, Lord, my God! I will become heartily pious, and remain pious, that as a pious Christian, I may hereafter die in peace. To this end, give me for Christ's sake, the power of thy Holy Spirit. Give me a pious heart, thou Giver of all good gifts ; this shall be the wealth I covet, this shall be my ornament, my glory and my pride, for piety is highly esteemed by God and by the angels. Amen. THE TRUE BELIEVER PRAYS FOR PIETT. 16S HYMN. L Henceforth my most determined striving Shall be to walk before the Lord , That I may hope for the arriving Where tears and sighs no more are beani ; The wicked mock the pious wight, But God rejoices at his sight 2. God is a refuge for the pious ; Where is a better safeguard found ? No threatening foe can e'er come nigh us, Nor treason drive us from our ground God knows whate'er might do us harm, And shields us with his mighty arm. 3. At times, indeed, we are berated, And sorely harassed for a while ; B ut in the end we're extricated From trouble, from distress, and guild Our bitter cup is turned to joy, And foes can us no more annoy. 4. The pious have especial graces, And free admission to his face ; Their every grievance he redresses, Defends them with unfailing grace ; God from the pious never swerves, He loves him best, who best him serves. 6. Their sufferings have speedy ending, Their sorrows early find relief; God's blessing over them extending Must soon dispel all thoughts of grioi The Lord with fire will soon destroy The rod that doth his child annoy. 164 PIOUS PARENTS PBESENT THEM JSiom parents present tfjetr (Cfjtlbren to gob in prager. EXHOBTATION. 1 Behold, 1 and the children which the Lord hath giren ma." .aaiah riii. 18. " And none of them is lost" — John xnL 152. The welfare of their children lies very near the hearts of pious parents ; for they are a sacred trust which God will demand at the hands of the parents. 1. Hence pious parents consecrate their chil- dren to God even before their birth by much fervent prayer. Whenever they appear at the throne of grace, they remember their children. They pray especially that God would early sanctify their hearts, and send his Spirit to sanc- tify, direct, and guide them, for such is the true source of happiness. 2. But they not only pray for them, but also labor to bring them up in the fear of the Lord. Hence they do not permit them to have their own will, for they know that they are by nature inclined to evil, and that if left to themselves, they cannot but become wicked — they instruct them in the knowledge of God, and teach them to pray and lead Christian lives. 3. Those parents who neglect properly to train 'ip their children, will have a heavy account to OHILPREN TO GOD LN fRAYKB. 156 render to God at last — he will require their blood at the parent's hands. Besides, by such neglect, parents very often bring shame, disgrace and sorrow upon themselves ; for their children do them not honor, but shame. Over indulgent parents bring themselves and their children to hell, and so their over kindness is no real service in the end. PBAYKR. Lord, almighty God, thou Father of mercies ! Among other gifts of grace thou hast given me children, for which I thank and praise thee, but svhich I regard as precious pledges entrusted to me by thee, and which thou wilt ask again at my hands. I look upon them as souls purchased by the holy blood of Jesus, which the Holy Ghost has sanctified in holy baptism, and which thou hast accepted as thy children. Therefore, I am much concerned, that not one of them may, through my neglect, be lost. Thou sayest to me and to all parents, Take care of this child ; if it be missed, thy soul shall answer for its soul. Therefore, Father of all mercies, I come before thee, and commend these children to thee in fervent prayer. I will do my utmost to rear them to thy honor, to admonish, chastise, and instruct them, and to pray for them. But, Lord ! do thou thy utmost also. In holy baptism 16<$ PIOUS PABENTS PRESENT rHBIB I have laid them into the arms of thy mercy j behold, I now do the same in this my prayer. bless my children, preserve them in the holy fear of thee, and let sin never weigh upon their consciences. Give them a believing, humble, obedient and pious heart, that like the child Jesus, they may increase in years, in wisdom and in grace before God and man. Impress the image of Jesus upon their hearts, that they may keep a gracious God and an unstained conscience to the end of their days. let my children be devout in their prayer, well grounded in their religion, stedfast in faith, zealous in worship, chaste in their lives, godly in their conversation, never giving offence by word or deed, and never amenable to judgment. Preserve them from temptation and evil company ; remind them always by thy Holy Ghost of thy most holy presence. May thy angel lead them when they go out and when they come in ; may he guard them when they travel, when they pursue their occupations, or are far from home ; may thy holy angels be their companions, as unto young Tobit ; guide them out of all danger, like Lot, and let them enjoy the protection and guardianship of the holy angels, like Jacob. But if it should please thee to try me through my children, then give me patience under such affliction, and let me consider that nothing occurs without thee CHILDKKN TO GOD IN PBATEK. 157 If it is thy will to draw me to thyself by the sufferings, misfortunes, or deaths of my children, in order that I may see in them the mutability of all visible gifts, and be encouraged to love thee alone as the true and chief good, then keep me on this path of thorns in firm reliance and hope in thy omnipotence, and in the constant reflection that thou canst change all things, even the sufferings of thy children. Bestow thy blessing upon them also in worldly matters, take charge of them, cherish them, give them food and raiment, and be a mighty father unto them. Be their help in danger and misfortune, their physician in disease, their counsel in difficulties. Implant in them true piety, and keep them in thy grace, that they may be my consolation and my joy. At the last day, let me stand at thy right hand with all my children, and say to thy praise, Lo, here am I, my God and Lord ! and the children which thou hast given me, not one of them is lost. God, bless my children, be a kind guardian unto them, do no less unto them than thou hast done unto myself. Bless all their steps, give them thy blessing, let it be well with them, and let them stand in thy grace. Amen 168 PlOUb 0H1LDKKN FRAY ?0B THEIB PABKSTB. Pious (COifbren prog for tfjetr parents. EXHORTATION. "Ohildisn obey yom parents in the Lord I for this is right honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise,) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.— Heb, vi. 1, 2, 3. Among other grievous sins, by which a man may load the curse upon himself, is that also, of sinning against our parents. Although parents have trouble and vexation with their children from the hour of their birth, yet it is their most bitter pang to find their children perverse, un- kind, rude, or ill-disposed towards them in riper years, when they have a right to expect nothing but joy and comfort from them. 1. Pious children should often pray for theii parents, that Goi may grant them health, long life, and much peace and happiness. 2. Pious children must love their parents, be mindful of their wants and seek to supply them, and be very attentive to them in sickness. 3 They must obey them, suffer themselves to be educated to good things, never contradict their parents when they give a direction or com- mand; and never marry secretly, without the consent and knowledge of their parents, for this has no other results but evil and disaster. PIOUS CHILDREN PRAY FOR THiilK PARENTS. 168 4. Pious children must Iujiwf their parents, and understand that God has placed the parents in his own place and stead, as God gives (she children all things by the hands of their parents. 5. Children must remember that they can never repay their parents what the latter have done for them. 6. Ungrateful and perverse children are real faggots from hell, who can never prosper, unless before their death, they repent in tears the sins and wrongs they have done to their parents. PBAYEB. thou gracious and merciful God ! I praise thee from the bottom of my heart, that thou hast caused me to be born of pious and Christian parents. This was the first of the benefits thou hast done me. As it was the first care of my parents after my bodily birth, that I should be laid into thine arms, heavenly father, by holy baptism, wherein thou didst give me the Holy Ghost as a pledge of my childship and heavenly inheritance, so let this thy good spirit ever lead and guide me, that I may look well to my duties towards thee and towards my parents. I lie before thy most holy face in prayers, and beseech thee to suffer my parents to retain good health, guard them against misfortune, bless their nur- ture, thoir labor and occupation, give them a L60 PIOUS CHILDKEN PRAT FOE THEIE PARENTS. long life, requite unto them the faithful care bestowed upon me, for which I can never repay them, with spiritual and heavenly gifts, Give me, heavenly father, an obedient heart, that I may not offend my parents, or grieve them wittingly or willingly. May I constantly have oefore my eyes the example of my Jesus, who not only obeyed thee, his heavenly father, but also his foster father Joseph, and his mother Mary, so that my dutiful conduct may give joy and pleasure to my parents at all times, and even in their old age. Guard me against bringing upon myself the curse pronounced on wicked children by disobedience or perverseness, but let me obtain happiness here and hereafter. Give me a new heart filled with reverence towards them, so that I may encounter them with hum- bleness, may receive their commands with a smiling face, and submit to their chastisements without disaffection. Take heed that I do not come tc resemble wicked children, v/ho mock, despise, and insult their parents, but who will also put on the curse as they would a garment, and will forfeit all the blessings promised by thee to dutiful children. Give me thy grace, that 1 may not sin against my parents, but may coi- stantly reflect upon the pangs I have caused my mother, and with how much trouble I have been reared, so that I may acknowledge this all mj THE TRUE BELIEVER PRAYS, ETC. 161 life with a thankful heart and mind, and that my parents may experience not disgrace, but pride in me. If in the years of my indiscretion, I have done my parents wrong, I humbly ask thy forgiveness, God ! and that of my parents and promise by thy grace to endeavor to rejoice them with my obedience and Christian deport- ment. Give me thy Holy Ghost, so that I may walk in faith and piety, as beseemeth a child of God, and so that at the last day I may stand with my parents at thy right hand, and may enter into thy glories with them. Thou shalt honor and obey thy father and thy mother, wheresoe'er thy hand can serve them, and thy Jife shall be long. Amen. Efje true 35efieoer prags mljen a Storm arises EXHOKTATION. "He made darkness his secret place; his pavillion ronuft about him were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. A» the brightness that was before him his thick clouds passed; hail-stones and coals of fire. The Lord also thundered in the b^ayens, and the Highest gave his Toice ; hail-stones and coal* of fire."— Psalm rviii. 11, 12, 13. External occurrences sometimes frighten the children of this world, and induce them to pray. Among these are thunder-storms. When tbrvy 162 THE TRUE BELIEVER PRATS arise, the lips, usually so wanton, are eager to pray, not from love to God, but from fear of punishment. True believers indeed, understand, 1. That thunder and lightning proceed from natural causes, and 2. That they execute the commands of God. J ust as God can arm all evil creatures against wicked men, so is it easy for him to slay men and cattle, and with his lightnings to set fire to houses, towns and cities. 3. Therefore, pious Christians should never use the abominable curse of swearing by thunder and weather. 4. When a storm arises, they should not lose heart, or despair from fear, for that argues a want of confidence in God. 5. They should remember that God holds thunder and lightning in his hands, and can well protect them, even if they were in the open field and under the open sky. 6. They should turn with the greater devotion to God, and should understand that they are nothing and God everything; that God is a mighty God, and men powerless worms, dust and ashes, whom God can consume with a beck or a flash. 7. They should fear and dread this majestic God, not only when he thunders, but also when his sun is shining, and should take heed not to WHEN A STORM ARISES. 163 offend him by words or works, but should so live that they may be always assured of a gracious God, even if he should be pleased to call us away from the world in a thunder-storm. PRAYER thou strong and almighty God ! I hear thy voice in the clouds ; I see thy lightnings flash, and hear thy thunders roar. Strong is thy arm and great thy power, and if it were thy will thou couldst in a moment strike to earth me and all mankind and all thy creatures. But Lord ! Lord ! remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions, but think of me according to thy mercy and thy goodness. do not punish me in thine anger, nor chastise me in thy wrath. I acknowledge with true humility of heart, that I have deserved nothing less than to be destroyed and crushed in thy just indignation. But 0, thou long suffering God ! spare me in this tern, pest. God I be gracious unto me according to thy goodness, and take away all my sins according to thy great mercy. I grieve deeply to have so often offended thee, and angered thee with thoughts, words and works. I beg thy grace and forgiveness for all my sins and trespasses. Consider, heavenly Father, that I am thy ereature and thy child ; whither shall thy child- ren fly in their troubles, but to their Father? 164 THE TBUE BELIEVER PKATS, KTO. Therefore, I come to thee, my Father, and beseech thee to be gracious unto thy child, to defend me, to protect me, to place a guard of thy angels around me, and to let no evil reach me, and no bolt consume me. Lord Jesus, thou Son of God, my sole Mediator, Advocate and Saviour ! be not far from me, for danger is near ; be my strong defence, forsake me not, and take not thy hand from me. God, my salvation ! Lo, I stand deserted by all men and all crea- tures, but do thou not desert me, but have mercy upon me, and save me. I cling to thee, Jesus ! I cry with the disciples : Lord, help us, we perish ! most precious Holy Ghost ! vivify my heart to prayer and devotion, that this tem- pest may make me truly pious. Grant that 1 may take care, when thou knockest at my heart by thy holy word, to do penance, be converted, and renounce sin, so that I may be a patient hearer, and not imitate the world in its sinful words, habits and customs. holy trinity, have mercy upon me, and upon all pious Christians, cover with thy almighty hand my body and my life, my house and curtilage ; guard the fruits of the field, let not the lightning fire my house or injure me; be thou my safeguard in peril, for the belp of man is of no avail. thou mighty pro tector of thy children ! let me live in safety undei thy guardianship. Lord ! who is like unto THfc TEUE BELIEVER RBttXJKNS THANKS, ETC. 166 thee ? who art so majestic, so almighty and so terrible, and also so good and merciful, who dost wake us and cover us. spare me, and let me once more find grace and salvation in thee. Lord God, Father in heaven, have mercy upon us ' Lord God, Son, thou Saviour of the world, have mercy upon us ! Lord God, Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us ! be gracious unto us, spare us, dear Lord and God ! from fire and inundation defend us, dear Lord and God ! from sudden ieath deliver us, dear Lord and God ! from light- ning and hail deliver us, dear Lord and God ! Thou holy Trinity, defend us in soul and body, £uard our houses and our possessions. Spare us, iear Lord and God ! and ward off this danger, and we will ever praise thy goodness. Amen. C(je true Befieoer returns t§anfts to #ob n|tei a Storm. EXHORTATION. " God thnndereth marvellously with his voice : great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend." — Job ixxvii. 5. God thunders with his thunder. He governs the clouds charged with vapors and fire. He conducts them according to his will. In the clouds he passes over the habitations of men : 166 THE TRUE BELIEVER RETURNS THANKS they tremble ; even the dumb cattle take fright ; for God thimdereth marvellously with his voice. He does great things. Strong trees he causes to be shivered with his lightnings ; houses to be fired ; men and beasts to be slain ; but he also purifies the air with his tempest, and refreshes fields, meadows and gardens. Great things doeth he with his thunder, which we cannot compre- hend. While the lightning darts through the clouds, and the thunder roars, most men are timid and cast down, but no sooner does the tempest pass away, than all the great things are forgotten which the Lord God hath done in his thunder storm. vile insensibilit} 7 ! shame- ful ingratitude ! The true Christian does other- wise. He admires the majesty, the greatness, and the glory of him who thunders in the clouds. When the thunder rolls over his head, and the lightnings flash, he cheerfully resigns himself into the hand of the Lord, and when the storm has happily passed away, he praises and extols the goodness and truth of his God. PBAYER. Praised be God, who hath warded off the danger ! I was afraid when I heard thy strong voice in the clouds, thou Lord of Lords. Great was the danger in which I hovered, with those who are dear to me. but thou, Lord ! hast he«H TO GOD AFTKB A STORM. 167 my childlike prayer, turned away the dangei, and screened with almighty hand my house and home, and the teeming grain of the field It is by thy goodness that we may dwell at ease in the shadow of thy wings. This my soul doth well perceive. Touched in spirit, therefore, I come before thee, and give thee praise and thanks, for the great things thou hast done me, even now. I shall never forget thy goodness, and in all danger that may befall me, I will re- member that in thee we have a God who helps us. Thy storm, good God ! has happily passed over us, and has left nothing but marks of thy bounty, instead of the harm we feared. Else- where, perhaps, it has done damage ; then be pleased to look in mercy on the sufferers! — Arouse all those whom thou hast protected, to pity and assistance, for the best gratitude for thy assistance is to help those who are in need. Let me deal with my possessions like a good husbandman. Be pleased to take them all into thy further protection. Grant us wholesome and fertilizing weather, and guard us against all misfDrtune. Lead us on even paths, and let us enter into eternal life on the great day of judg- ment. do not withdraw thy attention from me, when the last day shall rise, the day when all things shall be brought to judgment, even those which pass unnoticed here ; let me stand 168 THE TBUK BELIEVEH FRAYS WHEN HE at thy right hand, and go in unto the wedding of the Lamb. My Jesus, take me into thy care, and I will praise thee evermore. Amen. €6e true Jkfteoer prags m§eu fje unbertaaes a journeg. EXHORTATION. " The Lord is thy keeper ; the Lord is thy shade npoc thy ight hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the tuoon by night. The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil ; he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going oo-t and Iny coming in, from this time forth, and even for evermore." — I'salm cxxi. 5-8. Various matters may induce a believing Chris- tian to travel away from home, such as the exigencies of his occupation, the love of hie neighbor, or the condition of his health ; jour- neys for mere enjoyment and pleasure are unbe- coming to a true child of God. 1. If a believing Christian has good cause for leaving his home for a time, he must enter upon his journey with God, and consider that God will always be with him in strange countries, and that he sees and hears all things; for which reason he must also conduct himself, honorably, becomingly, and in a Christian manner, as being in the sight of God. UNDEKTAKES A JOURNEY. 169 2. A true believer must commend himself to the favor and protection of God when he under- takes his journey, and pray that he may be per- mitted to return home in good health, with hale ind straight limbs. 3. He must also commend to God those whom he leaves behind, as well as his house and goods, and pray him to put them all under the watch and ward of his holy angels, and guard them against fire and flood, and all misfortune. 4. He must pray that God will favor him to find his family and his household in good order and condition when he returns. PRAYER Gracious and merciful God ! I have resolved tor a time to leave my house and home ; there- fore, I come to thee and beseech thee to bless my going out and my coming in. In thy name I will undertake my journey ; under thy escort let me accomplish it, and under thy protection wilt thou bring me safely back to my home. Let troops of angels surround me, like Jacob; let thy angels follow me through all danger, like Paul ; let the host of thy angels travel forth and back with me as with Joseph and Mary, and the boy Jesus, so that I may be preserved from all harm. thou guardian of Israel ! thou who dost neither sleep nor slumber, be by day and by night a fiery ram- 170 THE TKCE BELIEVER PBATS WHEN HB part round about me, as around Elisha, that no evil or destruction may approach me. Lead me by day and night, through fields and woods, with a guard of thy holy angels, as thou didst lead the children of Israel through the desert with a pillar of clouds. Grant that every day and every hour the words may sound in my ear, which thou spakest to Abraham when he was setting out on his journey : Walk before me, and be thou pious. Guard me, that when away from home, evil desires may not assail me, preserve me from gluttony, wantonness, insolence, malice, worldli- ness, sin, and shame. Help me to return home with an unstained conscience. Turn away mine eyes when they see evil, turn away my heart when it is visited by evil desires, and help me that I may neither damage my body nor my soul upon this journey. I commend to thee all I leave behind, guard it from thieves, from fire and flood, and let me find it all again unspoiled. I commend unto thee also, the persons I leave behind ; my God ' T leave them, but do thou remain with them, avert all danger, harm, mis- fortune, and sickness from them in mercy. Be their sentinel, keep them, guide them, guard them, and let no sad news from them reach my ears. Lord Jesus ! thou who didst travel with the two disciples in the form of a wayfarer, be with me in my journey also, and fill my heart UNDERTAKES A JOURNEY 171 with good thoughts. Let my fellow- travellers be pious, that we may not offend them as we go, with shameful words and sinful speech, but may think of thee and thy most hdy presence, and discourse of thy goodness and thy miracles, thy faithfulness and truth. my God ! in thy name I have undertaken this journey, in thy name let me happily end it, and I and mine will praise and thank thee all our lives. Send thy angel on before me, to prepare my path ; bid him to resist Satan and all evil men. Take me into thy protection, Lord ! so that their cunning and their violence may never harm me. Remain with mine also constantly, who are anxious to see me again, let thy eyes of mercy follow them, as thy children ; lead them, wherever they go, by thy Spirit, so that they may never lapse into danger or sin. Amen. Jfrager of one mfjo sojourns in a foretfln Ci. it) HYMN. 1. Lord, I am in a land of strangers Far distant from my father's house ; Who here will screen me against dangers, When foes he wait, who will me rouse ? On thee alone my hope is based ; O do not leave me here to waste I 172 PKATEB FOB ONE BOJOUBXING. 2. With thee I did resolve to travel, And all my friends approval gave ; Thou must my journey's maze unravel, And bring me home, as much I crave. Lord, here abroad be still with me I never can depart from thee. 3. Bring many cordial friends around me, Where'er I stay my foot to rest ; Let not mine enemies confound me, Give them to know I am thy guest Thou art my friend, to thee I cling, In every land thy praise I sing. i. Preserve me whole in every member, My strength, my senses, sight, and speech And should I sicken, remember, That thou art here, my household leech ; Think that it is thy child that lies In sickness under foreign skies. 5. Keep me from shame and from transgression. Preserve my conscience undefiled ; Let me still cling to the possession Of knowing that I am thy child ; Let me forget it never more, Thine eyes still see me as before. 6. bless my sleeping and my waking And bless my every walk and tread ; Bless me in every undertaking ; Bless wheresoe'r I need thy aid. And bless me with a heavenly zest, Then shall I be most truly bleat THE TRt/K BELIEVER PEATS, KTC. 173' f£Qe true JSeCieuer prugs for an unscarret) (Con= science. EXHORTATION. " For oar rejoicing is this, the testimony of oar conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom. but by the grace of God, we have had oar conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward." — 2 Oor. i. 12. Most men are at great pains to keep their bodies in good health ; they work hard to obtain or to keep wealth ; but that they would make the same efforts to keep their consciences pure and unstained ! 1. The conscience is like the eye, which can- not endure a particle of dust, it is the accuser, the witness, and the judge of the wicked ; the remembrance of sins remain in the conscience, like scars in the face. 2. On the day of judgment, God and our con sciences will bear unanswerable testimony. 3. A true believer will preserve the integrity of his conscience by frequently hearing and reading the Word of God, and directing his life in accordance with it ; and by reflecting, in whatever he resolves to say or do, whether God in his holy word permits it ? 4. He must also avoid evil company and temp- tations; for as he who dabbles in fire or water \m 174 THE TRUE BELIEVER PKAYP FOR easily burned or wetted, so the conscience ifl easily injured by intercourse with unprincipled people. 5. Nothing better preserves the purity of con- science, than sincere and fervent prayer, and the recollection of the ever-present God, who looks upon all our steps. PBAYER Lord, my God ! how great is the love and goodness thou dost manifest towards us. Thou givest us life and health and prosperity accord- ing to thy mercy. Yet, my God, all these thy good gifts shall be turned to henbane, if they are not accompanied with a pure and unharmed conscience ! Therefore, have mercy upon me, and keep me in the fear of thee, that I may not violate njy conscience. I long to bring a pure soul and an untarnished conscience before thy holy presence, therefore lead me by thy Holy Spirit to guard my conscience as the apple of my eye. what a precious ".jewel and soothing pillow is a good conscience ! Who will accuse me if my conscience acquits me? For if our heart does not condemn us, we have cheerful- ness in God through our Lord Jesus Christ. WTio can grieve me when my conscience make? ae rejoice, who can disturb or vex me, when my » wiscience consoles and cheers me ? my God, AN UN8CARRED CONSCIENCE. 176 let me carefully keep this treasure. May I never say what might cause a qualm of conscience; may I never assent to a sin whereby I would load a heavy burden on my soul, oppressing me through life, or on the bed of death, or pursuing me with thy wrath and chastisement. pre- serve me from the sting of conscience ! Give me grace to deport myself as a true Christian wherever I go. May I constantly remember thy most holy presence, and dread to do evil before thee. May I bear in mind that thou art a knower of hearts, from whom nothing can remain concealed. Grant me to follow in the holy footsteps of my Saviour. Grant that I may not wound my conscience by denying my faith. Lord Jesus ! Purify my conscience with thy holy blood, forgive me all my sins, and give me quiet and true peace of mind and of conscience. let thy Holy Ghost evermore conduct me on even paths, that my conscience may remain unharmed, and thy dwelling in my heart undis- turbed. God ! thou pious God ! thou Source of all good gifts, without whom there is nothing which is, from whom we have all things, give me a healthy body, and that in this body may ever dwell an untarnished soul and a pure conscience Amen 176 HYMK. HYMN. 1. If conscience chides me not, why should 1 heed the spiteful Disparagements of those, to whom it is delightful To pin a wicked thought on every harmless deed f My witness is above, and he will speak at need. 2. If conscience chides me not, let slander pour its chalice Of poison o'er me all, I am above its malice 1 The world is nought to me, God is my only judge ; Therefore I little heed my haters and their grudge. 3. If conscience chides me not, nothing will damp my prayers, And prayer will give me strength against my would- be slayers. Qod plainly sees my heart; to him 'tis all dis- closed; He knows that to this sin, I never was disposed. 4. If conscience chides me not, I can await the season, When falsehood and reproach shall yield to better reason. Sland'rers, remember well, God hears when you traduce, Therefore, let not your tongues run insolently loose. 5. God give me patient heart, to hear, without repining, The bitter words of all, misguided or designing ; My real sins forbid thy angels to record, And guard my peace of mind and comfort in the Lord. PAET II. flHORTATIONS, PRATERS AND HYMNS fov t^e flffftcteb. Elje affftcteb one is comforteb at tlje tfjouflljt of t(j< omnipotence of#ob. EXHOETATION. " Fear thou not, for 1 am with thee : be not dismayed, for 1 am thy God ; I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." — Isaiah xli. 10. If anything can cheer the heart of a true be- liever, it is the omnipotence of God ; this is the anchor of the afflicted, to which they cling. 1. With God, nothing is impossible. No misery is eo great but that God can end it, no burden so heavy but that he can take it off, no misfortane so severe but that he can avert it. 2. The afflicted one must bear in mind, that others have borne much heavier burdens than his own, and that God has relieved them never- theless Therefore, they should say, with joy, (17») 180 THE AFFLICTED ONE IS COMFORTED AT THH " God ! thou art as rich to day as thou hast ever been, my confidence is all in thee." 3. The afflicted must remember that the omni- potence of God knows no bounds, and must not let their courage sink, though they do not know how and by. what means, and in what manner, they can be helped. "Tour thoughts are not my thoughts, saith the Lord, nor are your ways my ways." — Isaiah lv. 8. This reflection must confirm the hope and confidence of the afflicted, inasmuch as they are assured that God can and will deliver them. They should therefore be at peace, hope, pray, trust in God, bear affliction patiently, and joyfully lift up their eyes to hea- ven, saying, " Our help cometh from the Lord, that made heaven and earth." PBAYBE. Gracious and most merciful God! thou seest how my heart is filled with sorrow; — a stone which T cannot throw off, a load of affliction too heavy to be borne, presses me to the earth. — Therefore, I come to thee, almighty God ! I pour out my heart into thy bosom, for thou art my refuge and my salvation. I cast my trouble? from myself upon thee, and beseech thee to save and to assist me. The little bark, driven by fear- ful winds and waves, is held by the anchor; and bo my soul clings to thee, thou living and THOUGHT OP THE OMNIPOTENCE OF GOD. 181 almighty God. The timid roe pursued in the chase hastens to the mountains for deliverance, and I lift my eyes to thee, my Kock, my Kescuer, and mighty Defender ! I will not despair, for I know that thou art an almighty God — thou canst help me. send deliverance now, and I am helped ; speak but a single word, and my help has come. my God ! I know that thou art merciful, and therefore I do most earnestly and devoutly beseech thee to have mercy on me, thy poor and afflicted child. Thou knowest my heart and art acquainted witli my sorrows — thou hast laid this burden upon me, and wilt thou not also help me to bear it ? Thou art a wise God, and wilt find ways and means to help me, of which I know nothing. show me some well of consolation, as thou didst to Hagar in the wilderness. Promise me the assistance thou didst promise to the widow, — help me as thou didst belp the deserted Elisha, and manifest thy goodness, as thou didst unto the imprisoned Peter. Break the bands of my affliction arid distress, Lift up the light of thy countenance upon me, and give me thy peace. Hast thou not said, " For a small moment have I forsaken thee ; but with great mercies will T gather thee. In a little wrath T hid my face from thee for a mo ment ; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee." — Is. liv. 7, 8 I know thou 182 THE AFFLICTED ONE TAKES OOMFOBT IH art a faithful God, and wilt not forsake me. I lie low at thy throne of grace ; send me now help from thy holy place, and strength out of Zion. Lord, I will not let thee go, till thou bless me. Thou art my God and Father, and if thou dost not help me, to whom shall I go ? I am thrown upon thine arms from my very birth, and until ^his day, those arms of love and mercy have been around and beneath me, and surely thou wilt not forsake me now. God, hear my sighs and lamentations, and let me not entirely despair in my distress ; thou readest my heart, thou knowest my pain; what thou hast imposed, thou wilt help me to sustain. Amen. C$e apctcb one tales comfort in cuffing to mint) tQe fooe of #orj. EXHORTATION. " For a small moment hare I forsaken thee ; bnt with great mercies will I gather thee. In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment ; bat with everlasting kindness will I have roercy on tuee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer." — Is. lriv. 7, 8. When affliction and distress overtake a be- liever, he can receive no better consolation than to be assured that God still loves him. For one of the first and severest temptations with which CALLING TO MIND THE LOVE OF GOD. 18S Satan assails a troubled soul is this : God is your enemy — he loves you no longer — if he were still your friend would he afflict you and withdraw the light of his countenance from you, as he now does ? To such suggestions, the afflicted believer must give no heed, but on the contrary, remem- ber that God never leaves nor forsakes his chil- dren. 1. He should remember that to live in tribula- tion and yet to be a child of God, are entirely compatible ; for Christ, the well beloved Son of the Father, suffered enough of trouble, and yet did not cease to be the Son of God. 2. Afflictions are not sent out of wrath, for our destruction or harm, but for our good, and are designed to teach us the goodness, power, wisdom, and faithfulness of God. 3. The love of God is active in our afflictions, to support, strengthen and comfort us — we are sometimes wonderfully quickened and rejoiced thereby, and our burdens are lightened, — all constituting so many proofe of love. PRAYBB. The Lord is with me, therefore I will not fear. Thou art my rock, my rampart, my salvation. Therefore, in my present distress, I sigh to thee, my God. Lord ! Lord ! thou knowest my afflictions and the distress of my heart ; but J 184 THE AFFLICTED ONE TAKES COMFOBT know, also, that this affliction will not ovei power me, if thou art with me. do not longei conceal thy face from me ! From my infancj thou hast crowned my life with loving-kindness and tender mercy : let thine arms of love still be around me in my present tribulation. A lamb, when it is pursued, runs to its shepherd ; a child, when it is frightened, goes to its father ; therefore I come to thee, my Shepherd and my Father. Thou hast encouraged me to hope in thee, in thy blessed word ; — " Fear thou not," is thine own language, " for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God ; I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." K will not leave thee nor forsake thee ! And now, gracious God ! I am in trouble and need thy help — now thou wilt not forsake me. En fold me in thine arms of love, hold me, that I may not sink. Quicken me in my sufferings; make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones which thou has broken may rejoice. Show to me that love which thousands have experi- enced in their deliverance from trouble, that I may join with them to praise thy excellent name. thou God of love ! seal upon my heart this blessed truth, " that as a father pitieth his chil- dren, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him." Faithful Father ' see thy child is distressed ; AT TKS THOUGHT OF THE HELP 07 GOD. 186 wilt thou not comfort me ? While I live, I wil. gladly take up my cross and follow thee. Pre- pare my heart for this, my Gol ! I am assured it is for my eternal peace. Amen. E§e Qpcteb one ta&es comfort at tlje tljougOt of tOe fjcfp of %ob, EXHORTATION. " I lift up mine eyes to the hillB, whence my help cometh. My help cometh from the Lord, who has made the heavens and the earth." — Psalms cxxi. 1, 2 To be without resource in trouble and distress, is even worse than the affliction itself. But iiuch can never be the state of the believer. 1. God can help him. 2. God will help him. 3. God has often helped in times gone by. 4. The afflicted must await such assistance with prayer and sighs, with hope and confidence ; for what the Lord has promised he will certainly fulfil; let his word be more credited than the misgivings of your heart. 5. Even when the afflicted do not see how help is possible, they should remember that God can do far more than we may ask or understand ; he 186 THE AFFLICTED ONE TAXES COMFORT will be their help, their Father, their Comforter, and their assistance. It is even a boon of God that he alleviates our sorrows by time and oblivion. PRAYER When I am afflicted, I think of God. 0, where else shall I turn, of whom else shall I think, in my cares and sufferings, but of thee, my God ! thou hast never yet permitted me to leave thy most holy presence with a sorrowful heart. therefore, hear this my prayer, hearken to the voice of my cry, my King and my God I and when I call, do thou hear me. The evil I suffer was sent by thy hand ; so canst thou in thy mercy deliver me again. Thou, Lord! Lord dost slay and make alive, thou leadest down into hell and up again. Thou, Lord, makest rich and poor, thou dost lower and exalt. Thou dost lift the needy from the dust, and elevate the poor from want, therefore, I say unto thee trust- ingly, Lord, help me. Thou hast said, Before they call, I will answer, and while they yet speak, I will answer, my heart is breaking for thee, and I must have mercy upon thee : there- fore, I will not prescribe the time for thee to deliver me. Strengthen my faith by thy Holy Spirit ; strengthen my faith, my hope, my confi- dence; give me patience and strength to bear AT THE THOUGHl OF THE HELP OF GOD. 18! my troubles. my Father 1 thou hast never for saken any one, forsake not me ; thou hast always rejoiced the afflicted, rejoice me also ; thou hast assisted the wretched, assist me also; when where, and as thou wilt, that all shall be accord- ing to thy wisdom, love, goodness and mere}' Be thou at peace, my soul ; why art thou sad and so disturbed within me ? Hope in God, for I shall yet thank him, that he is the help of my countenance and my God. Lord Jesus Christ ! great is the load under which I sink ; help me, dear God and Lord, sleep not, but be aroused. There is no one who can help me, no creature can assist me, and none to whom I may com- plain. Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, my trust is in thee, thou art the real throne of grace ; whoever counts upon thee will be safe in all affliction ; thou wilt help him in life and in death. Amen. HYlfN. 1. Am I left thus unbefriended In my bitter cross and woo ? It no helping hand extended, Comfort shall I never know ? my God, where art thou now, When affliction does me bow ? Whither shall I turn to find him ? Has he left no trace behind him f <8ti THE AFFLICTED ONE TAKES COMFOK 2. If thou pitiest not my anguish, Bear in mind I am thy child , Let me not, forgotten, languish In my woes, so fierce and ndld. Nothing more it is I seek Than what thou didst freely speak : But to give thy word fulfilment Will be comfort's best instilment. 8. Yet, what will these tears avail me, God would only try my faith ; That it never more may fail me In afflictions or in death. Though he seem to wander fer, He is still my guiding star ; His uncircumscribed affection Cannot niggard its protection. 4. Then my trust shall never totter, Though my hopes grow less and le» Scalding tears, prayers, hot and hotter, Shall come forth at each distress. He, my sufferings understands, I, the prowess of his hands, Which can turn my grief to pleasure And relieve me beyond measure. 5 I with God, in faith will wrestle, As each true believer ought ; In his love my heart shall nestle, All is good as he has wrought. Though, at times I feel his rod, He is still my loving God ; And his sacred word disclose* All is well as he disposes. AT THE THOUGHT OF THB MEBOY OJ SOD. 189 lifje uffficterj one ta&es comfort at t(je f§ougl)t of tfje mercg of £ob. EXHOKTATION. " The Lord is merciful and gracious, glow to anger, aid plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide : neither will he keep his anger for ever. Like as a father pitieth his children, bo Ihe Lord pitieth them that fear him." — Psalm ciii. 8, 9, 13. How painful it is, to have unkind and hard- hearted people to deal with in trouble and distress 1 But a true child of God may rest assured, 1. That his faithful God in heaven knows all his sufferings and crosses, however great they be, however long they endure, and however deeply they wound the soul. 2. Nor does God only know them, but he takes pity on them also. 3. In view of this great mercy of God, the believer must not despair, but must have re- course to his merciful God ; for all they that are in affliction shall be comforted. 4. God manifests his mercy to the wretched ; partly by giving them cheerfulness and courage, partly by giving them strength to suffer and be patient, and partly by taking away their grief entirely. If a father has mercy on his child, God will surely not allow the afflicted one to perish in his misery. 190 THE AFFLICTED ONE TAKES COMIOBX PBAYER thou merciful God I whose mercy has no end, whose goodness is new every morning ; Lo, I, a suffering and afflicted soul, come before thy most holy face, and pour out my heart before thee. Thou well knowest the misery and great distress which has befallen me; my soul is stricken, my spirit disturbed, and unnumbered evils beset me. I look about me for succor. Men partly refuse to help me, partly they know not my trouble, partly I will not reveal it ; but to thee, God, I recite my grief with a troubled heart, knowing that thou art merciful, and wilt not turn a deaf ear to my lamentations. Thou didst take pity on the afflicted widow, who mourned for her child ; thou didst take pity on the people who had not what to eat, and thy pity was associated with mercy and assist- ance. Therefore, I come to thee, and say, have mercy upon me, God ! I am thy creature, thou wilt not suffer thy handiwork to perish. Yea, I am even more, I am thy child, which thou didst take into the arms of thy mercy in holy baptism. Therefore, I say, my father, have mercy on thy poor deserted child. My Jesus! I have been purchased with thy holy blood ; therefore, thou wilt hive mercy on what is thine. most precious Holy Ghost, bear wit- AT THE THOUGHT OF THE MEBCY OF GOD. 191 ness unto my soul, that in all ray sufferings I am still a child of God ; and waen I grow faint, and hardly able to pray, do thou cry within me, Abba, dear Father 1 Behold I sink, stretch forth thy hand. Lord, according to thy great mercy do thou strengthen my faith, preserve me in my wretchedness, renew my powers daily, that my faith may not cease, nor my hopes lan- guish, nor my confidence in thee be impaired. Thou hast never yet deserted me; do not desert me now; help thy child, which resorts to thy mercy alone. I know his father's heart ; he is planning succor even now ; my distress, my woes and cross, and all that disturbs my mind, will vanish at once, when he will send his help. Come Father, come, my hear* weeps for thee. Amen. HYMN. 1. Happy is he who trusts to God all his commissions, To him who ever makes the best of dispositions ; Who only lays his head in his dear Master's lap, Shall be secure from much distress and sore mishap. 2. Who trusts in God shall find no limit to his powers, His omnipotent arm can- save, whatever lowers ; What unto us seems hard, to him is but a toy, When he commands, all things must THB AFKUCTJiD ONB lUSDlTATiCS, ETC. AM C(je apcteb one mebitates upon ttje. Diotue promises. EXHOKTATION. Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I de- liver him ; I will set him on high, because he hath known mj name. He shall call npon me, and I will answer him ; I will be with him in trouble j I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation." — Psalm xci. 9-16. As on the one hand, troubles, misfortunes and sufferings are calculated to overwhelm and crush us ; so, on the other, are those precious promises of God's grace and assistance calculated to support and comfort us. 1. Hence the afflicted believer should re- member that God's promises are left on record for Ma benefit, as well as that of others. He ought not to suppose that they were given alone to Moses, David, Daniel, and other eminent saints ; no, afflicted soul ! they were intended also for you, as St. Paul plainly teaches, — Rom. xv. 4. " For whatsoever things were written ' aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scrip- tures might have hope." 2. He should remember that all God's pro- mises will be fulfilled in hit own good time. It ioes not become us to prescribe to God, and in 194 THE AFFLICTED ONE MEDITiTBS our afflictions to set the day and hour when he must send us deliverance; on the contrary, in humility and faith, we must patiently wait foi the salvation of God. 3. The distressed believer should remember that God's promises of help, salvation, deliver ance, relief from grievances, are sometimes ful- filled in this world partly, so that the sick arc made whole, the afflicted comforted, the wretched delivered ; but that often God only fulfils his promises in the life to come. 4. Wherefore the afflicted believer should be at peace, and set his hopes on the goodness of God, who has already fulfilled his promises to so many thousands. PBAYER. Lord God I my heart pleads thy word, " Seek ye my face," and now "thy face, Lord, will I seek." In my distress I know not where to find consolation or counsel but with thee, with whom my heart has ever found comfort, help and counsel. Especially do I seek my consolation in thy precious promises, which contain the true and living fountain for the refreshment of mv sinking spirit. I look to thy holy place — I seek in thy word for the bread and water of eternal life. Thou hast said, " I am with thee in trou- ble and will deliver thee." Now, Lord, I am in UPON THE MVINK PROMISES. 195 trouble ; thou seest how great the anguish of my heart is ; deliver me from mine affliction. Hast thou not said, " Pear thou not, for I am with thee : be not dismayed, for I am thy God ; I will strengthen thee ; yea, I will help thee ; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness?" And again, "The mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed ; but my kindness shall not depart from thee." There- fore, Lord, have mercy upon me, and forsake me not. Cast me not away from thy presence, and uphold me with thy free spirit. Thy word presents thee as an almighty, all-wise and most merciful Father, as a strong Rescuer, and merci- ful Protector, and upon thee I cast myself, and here I find consolation. Wherefore, be at peace my soul, for the Lord will not cast thee off for- ever. He afflicts thee, but still he will have mercy upon thee again, according to his good- ness. " Why art thou cast down, my soul ? and why art thou disquieted within me ? Hope in God. Prom one morning watch to . the other my soul waiteth upon the Lord ; yea, my soul waiteth upon the Lord until his salvation appeareth. Still surround me with thine arms, and refresh me, and do thou never leave noi withdraw thy helping hand, my salvation 1 On thee is my dependence in this time of trial; thou doet avert all afflictions ; be all commended 196 THE AFFLICTED ONE CONSIDERS THE to thee, my body, my soul, my life, and all thai inou hast given. Do with it according to thy pleasure. Amen. Hfje AffTictei) one considers tOe Design of Qob in (jis Afflictions. EXHOBTATTOTC "No chastening lor the present seemeth to be joyons, but grievous, nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby." — Ileb riLll. When a child is punished, it weeps and thinks it is made to suffer too severely. Is it strange then that the afflicted are often at a loss to know how they should support their sorrows ? 1. Let the afflicted believer therefore remem- ber that God chastises him not to destroy, but to save him. When the surgeon cuts into a wound, and applies irritating liniments, it is done to heal it ; and so God sends upon us sufferings and Borrows to wean us from the world and draw us nearer to himself and to heaven. 2. When God sees that our hearts and affec- tions are too mucn wedded to any earthly object ir being, he often finds it necessary *,c remove DESIGN OF GOD IN rilS AFFLICTION. 197 the idol, so that he alone may have our supreme love, and that we are to seek and have our chief delight in him. It often happens that when uninterrupted health, happiness, and prosperity are granted to us for a length of time, we become weary in well doing, and negligent in prayer. This is a very great evil, and God sends some calamity or affliction upon us to bring us back to him. In all this, however, he still remains a wise, gracious, and merciful Father, who loves us sincerely. PRAYER. My God 1 Thou hast plunged me into such sorrow and tribulation, that my heart is dis- turbed, my lips full of sighs, and my eyes full of tears ! What shall I do, or whither shall I flee ? Was I not happy once ? Did I not enjoy peace and rest ? Whence then come my present sor- rows and sufferings? my misery is great! But I will not therefore attempt to flee from thee, my Shepherd. Hast thou not cast me down with this heavy blow ? raise me up again with thy mighty word ! I know full well that this affliction has been sent upon me, not for my misery and destruction, but that by putting me into this condition, thou wouldst prove my love, whether it is true, and will remain the same in adversity as in prosperity. Thou wouldst prove 198 THE AFFLICTED ONE PEAY8 my faith, whether I truly believe that thou art an almighty, wise, and merciful God, capable alike of rescuing me from this trouble, and of leaving me in it. Thou wouldst prove my patience, whether I will honor thee by bearing the cross without murmuring. Thou wouldst prove my confidence, whether it is ready to trust thee above all things, and count upon thy grace, love, and mercy. Thou wouldst prove my hope, whether it will continue even where there seems to be no ground for hope to trust thy word and promise; yea, my gracious God and Father! thou wouldst by this means draw me away from the world — its lusts, siES and wicked ways, that I might fix my heart upon thee alone. Well, thou God of love, be it so. I will submit to thy will, and cheerfully bear whatsoever thou mayest see fit to lay upon me. May the Holy Spirit give me strength, power, and endurance. I will be patient, let it last as long as it will. I will break with the world and worldly company, and be one in spirit with thee. May this afflic- tion purify me, and be profitable to my soul. Thy help will come in its own good time. God will not desert me ; though I be deserted of all others, I will cling to God. My heart and mind shall be faithful to him and trust in him, and consign all things to the care of him who nere? will forsake me. Amen. FOB PATIENCE AND ENDUHANOE. lfifi (Efje aflTCictet* one praos for patience anb Cnbur- ance. EXHOBTATION. " Oast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience ; tha after ye have done the will of God, ye might reoeire the pro- mise."— Heb. i. 35, 36. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit ; it comes from God, and must be asked of him in prayer. An afflicted one must pray the more zealously and eagerly, the more his sufferings beset him, as it is written of Christ, " And being in an agony, he prayed morp earnestly." 1. It id patience to remain quiet under afflic- tion, and submit to all the ordinances of God. The believer knows that the evil comes from God, who is able again to remove it. He knows that even while he smites him, God loves him, and that he has not ceased to be his heavenly father, although he has imposed the yoke upon him. 2. Therefore the afflicted one must not mur- mur against God, how long or how severe soever his afflictions may become. On the contrary, he resolves to be silent and speak not, knowing that God will make all things well. 3. If perchance the violence of pain or the multiformity of sorrow should impair his timet 200 THE AFFLICTED ONE fBATB fulness, he must implore the Lord to give him strength. God administers consolation in various ways ; sometimes he awakes a consciousness in our hearts that our sufferings will shortly cease ; sometimes he declares he will not forsake us j and occasionally he assuages and mitigates our woes. 4. This will invigorate the afflicted one, and once more imbue him with the vigor of the Lord. PHAYEB. Lord, my God 1 my sighs are not unknown to thee, and thou art well acquainted with my wretchedness and sorrow. My consolation is, that I know it comes from beloved hands. J have not brought it upon myself, but thou hast imposed it, and wilt help me to bear it. And as patience is one of the good gifts which come from above, from the father of light, bestow it upon me according to thy mercy. If thou strengthen me, if thou help and bestead me, 1 can do everything, nothing will be impossible for me, nothing difficult ; I can do all things by him whe fortifies me, even Christ. And do not seize me too violently, so that I may endure it. Have patience with my weakness, strengthen my sinking hands, brace up my tottering knoes. and say to my faint heart, " Thy Jesus is neai FOB PATIENCE AND ENDUBANCE. 201 thee ; thy king cometh to thee, he is a righteous and an almighty deliverer." Yea, Lord, if thou dost help me, I am well helped ; therefore, help me, my salvation. Teach me to consider that it is thy holy will that I should suffer as I do. I will cheerfully acquiesce, and say, " Father, not my will, but thine, be done." Call to my mind thy love, that thou lovest me in suffering and affliction, that my griefs will last but a little while, and that the sufferings of this little span are nothing beside the glory which is to be made manifest in us. Help me to consider that thou art my gracious God and loving father, and that this present cross is not a sign of thy wrath but of thy mercy. Remind me of the example of my dear Savior Jesus Christ, who patiently bore all things. Grant that by thy grace I may follow him in this composure ; let me suffer with him, that I may be also elevated to glory with him. Let my affliction not tear my word out of thy heart, nor impair my faith, nor prevent my prayers, but give me new power and courage, whenever I am called upon to weather another storm. Give me to think that thy help will soon make me glad, and thy strong assistance give me joy. Thou art my rock, my rampart, my fastness, my shield, my power ; so says thy word, my help, my deliverance, my life; my almigbtv God, who can withstand thee ? Amen. W2 THE AFFLICTED ONE PRAYS FOB HYMN. 1. My God, do not delay I see my lamentation 1 When wilt thou, my light! send down tbi consolation I At home I suffer much, and when abroad I wend, My troubles with me go, and with me homeward bend. 2. From day to day I hope there will be less of trouble, But every day, alas! affliction seems to double ; My strength is giving out, my heart beset with fears, My face is never dry of overflowing tears. 3. Suoh endlessness of care doth even lessen patience ; When all my hopes of ease are idle expectations ; I wait from early dawn till come the shades of night, And all the night I yearn to see returning light. 4. And wilt thou longer still, my God, delay assist- ance? What, then, will be my fete? what is mine existence? do not linger yet, hasten now to me, And from these fetters set my wounded spirit free! %, Comfort is all with thee, 'tis in thy presentation, Thou with a word canst turn aside my laments tion. O look upon me now ! Come, and thy help afford I Relieve my bitter cross I have mercy, gracious Lord I THB REMOVAL OF HIS AFFLICTION. 203 COt iflTlfteu one prtttjs for t(je rcmoiof of Qfs Affliction. EXHOBTATION. " LiLe i God has given us an hour of bliss. Amen HYMN. 1. has my Jesus quite and utterly forsaken This hapless heart, and must I ne'er to bliss awaken ? 0, if my dearest friend will not return again, Who will stretch forth his hand to mitigate my pain? 2. when will Jesus come ? Others are blessed to sun them, In honors and in wealth, with favors thick upon them. And I alone must sigh, and I alone must weep In my dumb, speechless woe, and let God's mercy sleep! S. Patience from my distress has almost wholly vanished, For all my hopes are turned to nothingness, »nd banished; Where'er I seek his face, bis face no more is known ; When I stretch forth my hand to clasp him, he is gone. i Be calm and still, my soul, forego thy lamentation, It is the will of God ; submit with resignation. The absence of thy Lord doth give thee bitterness ; But soon he will return to silence thy distress. AFFLICTED WIDOWS FRAY TO GOD. 211 6. Thy Jesus soon will come, and in his arms enfold thee ; Rejoice, his mercy soon shall cheer thee and em- bold thee. He sees what thou dost bear, and in a little while His never failing grace upon thy path shall smile. flffftcteb rotboros pour out tljeir Oearts 6efore EXHORTATION. " Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will sorely hear their cry."— Ex. xxii. 22, 23. " I am indeed a widow woman, and my hus- band is dead." — 2 Sam. xiv. 5; thus doth the wise woman of Tekoah describe a widow. 1. The widow's lot is a state of sorrow, inas- much as she is deprived of the help, advice, presence, and affection of her husband, which is a severe loss even to rich widows ; poor ones suffer the more grievously, because death has robbed them of the person whose duty it was, with the assistance of God, to support them and their children. 2. The widow's lot is a state of affliction, 212 AFFLICTED WIDOWS PBAT TO GOD. because unchristian people often do violence to widows, rob them of their own, oppress, despise and wrong them. 3. But it is also under the protection of God. He has commanded all men to do no harm unto widows and orphans, and has threatened to revenge every wrong perpetrated against them. God has promised to be the husband of the widow, her judge and deliverer. 4. In view of this, pious widows must not despair of God's assistance, for though their husbands be dead, God is not dead. 5. They must regard their afflictions as trials of their hope and trust in God. 6. Therefore they must persevere in prayer, serve God faithfully, lead a pious, quiet, and Christian life, and God will surely provide foi them, nourish and sustain them. PBAYBR thou gracious and most merciful God ! who art the refuge of all the bereaved and afflicted. It has pleased thee, in thy wise and inscrutable Providence, to place me into the dreary state of widowhood. My sun has set at mid-day, and the crown has fallen from my head. I am indeed a widow woman, and my husband is dead. What shall I do, or whither shall I go? Tc whom shall I look for counsel and direction ' AFFLICTED WIDOWS PRAY TO GOD. 218 1 ord ! I come and cast myself upon thee. Thou bast promised in thy holy word that thou wilt be the Judge of the widow, and the Father of the fatherless — " I the Lord, am thy husband ; the God of Israel is my name." therefore, be thou my judge, my help, my deliverer, my re- fuge, and the Father of my children. Behold my tears and hear my sighs, and have mercy upon me. My God and Father! I believe most firmly, that thou canst protect, sustain and provide for me and mine without a husband Lord ! Lead me as thou didst Naomi ; and take care of me and provide for me, as thou didst for Ruth. Bless me as thou didst the widow of Zarephath, that my " barrel of meal may not waste, nor my cruse of oil fail." Have compas- sion on me as thou hadst on the widow of Nain, and wipe away the tears from my weeping eyes. Lord ! Provide for me, and for those intrusted to my care our daily bread. Bless my going out and coming in ; keep me in all my ways ; pre- serve me from every evil ; and let me realise the fulfilment of all thy precious promises. Thou art the living God, and my only refuge, and I will confide and trust in thee, with all my heart and soul. Thou art all-wise, and knowest what is best for me ; powerful, and able to pro- tect me ; hast all riches, and ait therefore able to provide for me and supply all my wants; 214 AFFLICTED WIDOWS PEAT TO GOD. merciful enough to give me everything I need ; and thou art everywhere present, and therefore art acquainted with all my wants, sorrows, and afflictions, and art ever near to help. Shall a traveller depend upon his guide to direct him in the road in which he should go ? Shall he that is sick trust his body and life in the hands of hia physician ? and shall I be afraid to trust in the living God ? Have mercy upon me, Lord God of my salvation, and help me for thy name sake. Father and mother leave me, do thou take me up. Behold, Lord, how great are the sorrows of my soul 1 but thou hast ever looked in mercy on my soul, that it might not perish. Assist me to my lonely life of faith and piety, ever to rejoice in thee, and to offend no one. I know that those that serve God shall be com forted in all their troubles, and delivered from tribulations, and after the chastisement they shall find grace. Widows are in the arms of God, orphans are in his lap, he will have mercy upon them in the depths of affliction • for the unrighteous man who wrongs the orphan or oppresses the widow, offends the apple of God's eye. If they remain in the limits God has assigned them, and never fwerve, they shall reach the heavenly mansions where all sorrow ceases, and where the wail of the widow shall be heard no more. Grant that joy may succeed AFFLICTED WIDOWS PRAT TO GOD. 215 my sorrows, peace my troubles, and consolation ray tears and distress. Convert all my enemies into friends, and give me grace in the sight of all men. Amen. HYMN. 1. Widows be comforted, and lay aside your weeping , The God of comforts now will take you in his keeping. The widows' husband, he forbids you to despair, And bids you trust in him with confidence and prayer. 2. The widows' husband, he will never more forsake you; When you appear to sink, he in his arms will take you. He is your husband, he, the Lord of many Hosts ; He steers your fragile bark round clifls, and stormy coasts. 8, The widows' husband, he will olothe you, and will feed you ; How could he hear your oxies of anguish, and not heed you ? He knows your hapless plight, the troubles that you toss, And he will bear you up through all this bittei cross. 4. The widows' husband, he is still your besl defender , Unto your foes he will the direst justice render B16 FORSAKEN ORPHANS COMPLAIN' TO GOD. He hears your voice of woe, he takes you to hit arms, And with his mighty hand protects you from alJ harm. 6. The widows' husband, he will give to overflowing Whate'er your sustenance shall need of his bestowing ; If in his wisdom your bereavement he ordained, His doubly bounteous care you thereby have obtained. /orsttfeen flrpfjcms compfam to .(Job. EXHORTATION. " When my father and mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up." — Ps. xxvii. 10. The situation of children, left orphans by the death of their parents, is often one of deep dis- tress. Deprived of father and mother, they are often compelled to live, to serve, to help them- selves as best they can, among strangers. Sad as is their lot, however, it often produces much good in the hearts of orphans, when they fear God. 1. Let, therefore, orphans remember, thai though deprived of their earthly parents, the} have a rich Father in heaven. FORSAKEN OBPHANS COMPLAIN TO GOI). 217 2. They should remember that God often bereaves children of their parents, in order to teach them how richly and abundantly he can pro- vide for them and take care of them without the assistance of earthly parents. How many thou- sand examples of this kind has God given to the world ! where children left destitute, were never- theless taken care of and blessed, and became rich and great, and were respected and loved. They might adopt the language of Jacob, and say ; " with" (nothing but) " my staff I passed over this Jordan ;" I left home with the wan- derer's staff of poverty and life, and what I now have God hath given me. 3. Orphans must also persevere in their trust in God, be humble towards all, diligent in busi- ness, devout in prayer, zealous in attending divine worship, attentive as listeners, chaste in their lives, godly in their walk, faithful in their avocations, upright in all their dealings, must have God before their eyes and in their hearts, assent to no sin, and never transgress the com- mands of God. If they remain within these limits, God will certainly not forsake them ; he will lead them marvellously, but gloriously, so that they will have cause to praise his power and goodness all their lives. 218 KOBSAK-EN ORPHANS COMPLAIN TO GOB. PRAYER Gracious and merciful God and Father! ai thine exalted throne, I, a poor, forsaken, and afflicted orphan, would now humbly bow, and beseech thee to take me under thy fatherly pro- tection. It has pleased thee, in thy wise and mysterious Providence, to deprive me of my earthly parents; ah! whither shall I now flee? I am left an orphan ; I have no father more, who will take pity on me ! Blessed Father, I come to thee ; do thou have mercy on me, and own me as thy child. Thou hast brought me into the world, and hitherto provided for t e, in thee I have set my trust from my youth up. Dost thou not feed the fowls of the air, and clothe the flowers and grass of the field, and provide for the deer of the forest, and wilt thou not also feed and clothe me as a faithful father, and have mercy upon me, and be gracious unto me ? Mine eyes yearn for thee. I lift up mine eyes to the hills whence my help cometh ; my help cometh from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. I know that though all men should forsake me, thou wilt not cast me off. How many examples do I see around me of persons who were deprived of their parents in their childhood, whom thou hast led, supported, and provided" for in the most FOKSAEKN OBPHANS COMPLAIN to QOl>. 219 wonderful manner. Great God ! thou didst deliver the infant Moses, when exposed on the banks of the Nile ; and shall I not also be rescued from beneath the waves of affliction which now roll so heavily over me, and threaten to swallow me up ? 0, Lord Jesus ! who didat suffer little children to come unto thee, and forbid them not, bless me also, take me into the arms of thy mercy, carry me, and protect me from harm. most precious Holy Ghost, the leader of the faithful, do thou lead me also. Teach me thy ways, Lord, guide me in thy truth, unite my heart to fear thy name. thou triune God ! Be my defender, who will keep me ; my helper, who will bestead me; my escort, when I gc abroad and when I return home. Bestow upon me friends wherever I go; raise up patrons and benefactors who will take pity on my loneliness ; let my guardians be filled with love towards me. Do good unto them also according to thy grace ; preserve them from misfortune, and reward them with temporal, spiritual, and eternal bles- sings, for all the kindness they show me. Give me an humble and obedient heart ; so that my pcrverseness and sinful faults may not forfeit the favor of my well-wishers. Preserve me from temptation, that I may not be induced by poverty to deny thee, but help me to increase constantly in the knowledge and love of thee 220 F0R8AKBS ORPHANS COMPLAIN TO GOD Let thy good spirit direct, sanctify, govern and guard me at all times, so that evil company may not seduce me into wanton sin. Let me not lapse into unchastity, and save me from per- verseness of heart. gracious God and Father, frighten me away from the paths of ungodliness. Reprimand me when I am seized by the lust of evil. Uphold me when I stumble, raise me when I fall, turn my steps when I would err ; strengthen me when I am weak, make me whole when I sicken. faithful God and Father! if at any time thou shouldst see me about to give way to sin, may I hear thy warn- ing voice. I consecrate to thee my soul and body, and commit all my ways into thy hands. how will I thank, how will I praise thee for thy benefits ! my tongue shall say, this has God done. God has blessed me, kept me ; clothed, led, sustained me ; aye, I will proclaim to all the world thy fatherly goodness. Lord, Lord ! Hear the prayer of the forsaken orphan, hear the voice of thy child. I know thou canst help me j help me, Lord, for the sake of thy mercy, so that I may say to thy praise, the Lord has done great things to me, whereof I am glad. For, as thou art my God and father, thou wilt not forsake thy child. I am a pooi clod of earth, on earth I have no comfort Ajnen. FOBSAKBN OBPHANS COMPLAIN TO GOD. 221 HYMN. Orphans, do not repine 1 Be not so spirit-stricken, Rely upon your God, he will your sadness quicken , Although your parents both no more your suffer- ings heed, God lives and while he lives, ye nevermore shall need. 2 , God feeds the orphans still, and gives them enter- tainment, Protection, and support, shelter and food and raiment Resign yourselves to him, he will you well defend, He will your bulwark be, your guardian, and your friend. 8, God is a God of wealth, and will most richly lavish His comforts upon you. Distress shall nevei ravish The little that ye have. Although the store be small His husbandry will make it large enough for all. 4. Be of good cheer I Ye have a share in the pre- diction That he will rescue all the wretched from affliction. Arise and look around, and soon you shall behold The word shall be fulfilled, so mercifully told. 5 Be pious, never leave the pathway strait and narrow, And let impatience not your spirits chafe and harrow; 222 THE a/ZXICTED ONE COMPLAINS Put still your trust in God, and swerve not from his side ; Then here and there above great bliss shall yon betide EfjealTHcteb om compfatns ofttje TtJeafmess of (jts ti me start 4 So long as I contend, with God's divine assis«*ace, And meet the poisoned darte with undisman^d resistance, Their venom enters not the currents of my soul, In Jesus' blood I still am undefiled and whole. COMFORT UNDER BLASPHEMOUS THOUGHTS. 281 5 Though Satan's messenger forever comes to smite me, AdcI to his deeds of sin endeavors to incite me; His buffets are my hurt, and not my evil deeds, And to be spared them all my heart sinoereb pleads. m : -M mm &'■ «^ PART III. IU0RTAT10NS, PRAYERS AND HYMN8 JITorntng JTrager in Offness EXHORTATION. " A i for me, I will call upon God ; and the Lord shall »av« ait. flvening, morning, and at noon, will I pray and cry aloud j and h* shall hear my yoice." — Psalm lv. 16, 17. Although God permits illness to befall us, we muflt not on that account abstain from prayer, but must pray the more ; and the more our sick- ness increases in severity, the more fervent should our prayers become, as Luke testifies of Christ : " And being in an agony, he prayed more ear- nestly." — Luke xxii. 44. 1 When laid by God upon a bed of sickness, we should raise our hearts to God at break of day, and praise him for the protection extended during the past night. If the night's rest has been disturbed and broken, we should pray for relief; if it has been quiet and calm, our thanks are due to God (285) 236 MORNING F&A.YKB IN ILLNESS. 2. Having thus directed our hearts to God in the morning, we should bring our prayers to the throne of grace, recommend ourselves to the divine protection for the day, think of God, and suffer patiently what he inflicts upon us. 3. We must remember that Jesus stands at our bed of sickness, to refresh and watch over, and also to teach and instruct us. Possibly, while in health, we have not been properly assiduous in our attention upon divine worship and in prayer ; God desires to make us conscious of this remissness, so that we may learn to pray more devoutly, and to see that comfort fails us because in times of health we have not laid in a sufficient store of comforts and Bible passages. If we have loved God and his word, sickness is to be regarded as a dispensation to enable us to make a practical application of what we have heard of patience, trust in God, calmness, and resignation unto the will of God. PRAYER most holy triune God! Father, Son and Holy Ghost! I come before thy most holy throne, and thank thee that thou hast let me live to behold this day. Thou knowest, Lord, how I have spent the night upon my bed of siou- uess ; yet T cannot sufficiently praise thee that thou hast suffered me again to behold the light MORNING PRAVEB IN ILLNESS. 23? of the sun, and all my pains and pangs to pass away. thou God of love ! I thank thee for thy boundless love. mighty God ! I thank thee for thy blessing and assistance. Thine eye has watched over me this night ; thy hand has cov- ered me, thy grace has kept me. my God 1 the sun rises again : let thy grace also rise over me anew ; give me this day new powers, new grace and new patience, to bear my woes wil- lingly and calmly. Lord, my God, it has pleased thee to lay me upon this bed of sickness ; I will remain upon it as long as it pleases thee. Per- haps it is thy purpose to separate me from my accustomed sins, and to speak with me alone, to teach and direct me how I shall serve the inte rests of my soul. I now have time to review my past life, to inquire whether I have served, honored and obeyed thee. I am grieved and ashamed, and desire to be truly penitent, and to make a new covenant with thee, and to work out my salvation with fear and trembling. — Grant, Jesus ! that I may have my heart with thee all day, that I may pray devoutly, think of thy wounds, blood, and death, and meditate the true salvation and eternal welfare of my soul. Remind me of the comforts of thy holy word ; assure me of thy fatherly kindness ; seal the promise of thy grace upon my heart, and make me certain of thy speedy deliverance. 238 ay ay . Guard me to-day against sudden attacks, nem pains, sorrowful hours, and all sorts of suffering. Refresh me in my prostration, and strengthen me in my weakness by thy Holy Ghost. But if it be thy will that I should have pain and suffer- ing this day, remain with me, and do not for- sake me. Help me to end the day in peace and bliss, and to accept in calmness and resignation whatsoever thou layest upon me. Behold, here am I, Lord, do with me according to thy will ; thou art my Father, I am thy child : thou canst preserve my life, and make me rejoice with thy comfort. At evening, I will extol thy goodness, and heartily praise thy mercy for all thy bene- fits. My body and my soul, with my mind and understanding, I consign to thee, great God ! into thy mighty hand. Lord, my Shield, my Glory and my Greatness, take me for thine own. Send thy angel to me, to avert the power, cun- ning and designs of the evil one, and to watch over me, and at the last, to lead me to the rest of thy saints. Amen. HYMN. In distress, and pain, and sickness, I have spent the weary night ; Now, I feel a flush of quickness, With the sun's returning light HTMN. W Therefore, to begin the day, Let me read, and sing, and pray ; Though 'tis faint and feebly spoken, God will not disdain the token. Lord, it is by thy appointment That I here am racked with pain ; And thy Spirit's best anointment Bests on all thou dost ordain. When a father smites his son For his welfare it is done ; I receive thy dispensation Gith a glad anticipation. By thy grace, another morning I have now been spared to see ; Let me see the night returning If thy gracious will it be. Give my spirit rest and peace And my body's anguish, ease. Shed thy grace, in all its splendor, Gladness to my soul to render. Tet thy will shall be the measure Of my wishes, Lord I alone ; Yes, thy sovereign will and pleasure In all things be surely done. If my sufferings must be long, My obedience shall be strong. Life and death, together knitted, All are to thy will committed. 840 EVENING PKATKB IN ILLNESS. Goening Prmjer (n 3ffness. EXHORTATION. " I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with mj roice ; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trosole 1 •ought the Lord : my sore ran in the night and ceased not : my eonl refused to be comforted." — Psalm lxzvii. 2, 3. In view of the thousand accidents which may befall a man by day and by night, he must never rise or retire to rest without consigning his body and his soul to the strong guardianship of a gra- cious God. This is particularly important in times of sickness. 1. When God has helped a sick man to reach me close of a day, he must thank him for his merciful support. 2. At the approach of night, of which the sick often have a peculiar dread, he must again draw near to God in prayer, and beseech him in mercy to avert all dangerous attacks and pains. 3. Having thus given body and soul into the Lord's keeping, he must not doubt that the triune God will be, throughout the night, his Light and his support ; that he will stand at his bedside, will wateh and nurse him, forgive his sins for the sake of the death of Jesus, and be gracious unto him. With thoughts like these the sick man muBt resign himself wholly to the divine wisdom, love, care and protection. EVENING PRAYKB IN ILLNESS. 241 PBAYER thou merciful God 1 I have reached the olose of another day. Thou, Lord ! Lord ! hast prolonged my life to this hour ; therefore, I give the thanks arid praise of a warm heart to thy fatherly love and truth. Especially do I praise thy name for having aided me to bear my cross and sufferings this day. Oh Lord, thou dost impose a burden, and thou dost also assist in bearing it. We have a God who helps, and a Lord who delivers from death. The Lord afflicts, it is true, but his mercy returns in virtue of hie great goodness. The Lord is a gracious and a kind friend to all who call upon his name. He hears the cries of the distressed, and does not refuse their prayer. great God, the night approaches, and I turn to thee in prayer, saying, " My father, remain with me, and do not depart from me this night." Aye, command thy angels to come and defend thy property in me, give us those brave sentinels to secure us against the assaults of Satan, then shall we sleep in thy name, while the holy angels guard us, and praise thee, most holy Trinity, for ever more. Avert this night all sudden and dangerous attacks and spasms, soothe my pains, preserve me against fright, fear, and misfortune. heavenly father ! Remain with thy sick child ; when thy gracious 242 HYMN. presence hovers over me, I am not afraid. The Lord is my light and my salvation ; whom Bhould I fear ? The Lord is the vigor of my life, whom should I dread ? Jesus ! the sun is setting, but thou, sun of righteousness, wilt not depart. my Jesus ! take me into thy arms this night Lay my head upon thy left hand, and thy right hand upon me. most precious Holy Ghost 1 thou comforter of the afflicted and resource of the wretched, do thou stay with me, strengthen me, preserve me in the true faith and in Chris- tian patience. thou holy trinity, take me into thy protection. The Lord bless me and keep me ; the Lord let his countenance shine upon me and be gracious unto me ; the Lord lift up his countenance over me, and give me peace. And if this night should be my last in this vale ^f sorrows, Lord, take me into heaven, into thy happy mansions. And thus I live and die for thee, thou mighty Lord of Hosts, in life and death thou wilt deliver me from all evil. Amen. HYMN. I. For rest and peace 111 look around ma, For I am weary of distress, Till Jesus in his sleep has bound me, I shall not know true happiness. The sleep that Jesus gives, alone Brings rest when we have weary grown HYMN. 24S 2. My bed, so silent, sad, and lonely, Is little better than the grave ; But if I hare my Jesus only, No better resting place I crave. Upon his faithful bosom laid, My doubts and troubles all are stayed. 5. When I dispose the clothes around me, I think the earth will soon be cast Upon me, when the grave has bound me, And I am laid to rest at last But if my Jesus there I see, The grave is but a bed to me. 4. When I suppress the burning taper, I think that, as the night is dark, So all will be dissolved in vapor, When life deserts my little bark. But Jesus, beacon of my soul, Shall never fail to keep me whole. 5 As I throw off my clothes, I ponder Upon my last disrobing day, When I shall leave the world for yonder Small chamber in the house of clay. Fawwell, farewell, my earthly dress, I wear the Saviour's righteousness. 244 PBAYEB FOB PATIENCE IN ILLNESS. JTrapr for patience in Offness EXHORTATION. " Why art thou cast down, O my soul I and why art then di» quieted within me I Hope in God ; for I shall yet praise hin who is the health of my countenance, and my God t" — Psalm, xliii. 5. Patience is necessary, to fulfil the will of God ; for surely he who would fulfil God's will, must not be perverse or self-willed, but patient and calm. There are many inducements for a Christian to be patient. 1. The example of Christ; in all his suffer- ings he opened not his mouth, but was meek ap a lamb. 2. The patient should remember that the disease is a dispensation of God. 3. The love and omnipotence of God are inducements to patience ; what God imposes, he can also remove. 4. The patient must consider that his sins have merited far greater torments and severer sufferings ; instead of growing impatient, there- fore, he should rather humble himself in peni- tence before God, and invoke his grace and mercy. PRATER FOB PATIKNCE IX ILLNESS. 24t PRAYEE. Merciful God and gracious father! behold me on thip bod of sickness, unable to rise; never- theless, I come to thee and stand before thy lofty throne It has pleased thee to deprive me of health, and send this illness upon me ; even so, my God and Father ! let thy will be done ; but give me patience to bear all without mur- murs or discontent. In my better days God has often gladdened my heart, and should I not now endure in patience ? God is good, he chides in moderation; his judgments cannot entirely for- hake me. If I have received good things at thy hands, if thou hast often refreshed me in my days of health, I will accept these days of suffer- ing likewise, in thy power and patience, and will humbly remember how many happy hours the Lord has given m«j, compared to which these short intervals of suffering are insignificant. I know, my God ! that thou art loving and gracious ; therefore, thou wilt not impose more upon me than I can bear. I rely upon thy word, which says, "God is true, and will not suffer you to be tempted beyond your power, but puts an end to temptations, so that you can bear it." Look upon thy feeble, emaciated child, and bestow thy fatherly love upon me. I do not refuse to suffer, because suffering will redound ta 246 PRAYER FOR PATIBNOT EN ILIJSTtflB.- my sanctification. My God! here I am; do with me as thou wilt ; let me fully understand thy holy counsel, which is, that this disease shall be as a fire to consume and destroy the impurities with which my soul is tainted ; and to cleanse it wholly, that it shall be as a tocsin, reminding me of my sins, and of the necessity of repentance ; as a call to prayer for the for- giveness of all my sins, for the sake of Jesus, and of his blood and death ; as a voice commanding me to put my house in order, and to prepare for death, the grave, and eternity. Make me fitting to please thee, in thy heavenly mansion, for I know that these temporal sorrows, are to be succeeded by surpassing glory. Therefore, be quiet, my soul; why art thou cast down, and why art thou so disquieted within me? Hope in God for I shall yet praise him who is the health of my countenance and my God. Why wilt thou grieve, my poor soul ? Love him alone who is bright Immanuel, trust in him alone, he will do all things well ; he will advance thy wel- fare. For God forsaketh none of those who put their trust in him ; though things look strange and doubtful, never give way to dread and doubte. Thou ehalt be astonished to see how God will deliver thee. Amen. HTUB 8*7 HYMN. SOUL. How long must I stand in battle ' Will there be no end of strife ? Will the darts forever rattle, Must I still despair of life ? Will I never be relieved, And the victory achieved ? I fear 'twill not be ended, Till I perish unbefriended. GOD. Fight the fight without repining, I will never let thee fail, My strong shield is o'er thee shining Courage I thou shalt yet prevail. 1 am with thee evermore, Follow where I go before ; Thou shalt have my full assistanoe, Overcoming all resistance. sour,. O my God, I know the forces Of thy heavenly power full well ; Thy omnipotence discourses Wonders such as ne'er befeL Then convince me that thy aid Will my struggles still bestead Let me know that thou wilt never LeavB my side but help me ever. M8 THE PATIENT PBAYB TOR GOD. 4. Lo, the dazzling crown allures thee \ Hasten, let thy course be run ; My extended hand adjures thee, See the mansions of the Son ; Dwellings of eternal light, Where the angels wing their flight, Where is ended toil and burden, Are the faithful champion's guerdon. GOD AND THE SOUL. 6. Soul. All my troubles now are over, I have conquered by thy grace. God. And my panoply shall cover, Thee e'en in thy last distress. Soul. And where wilt thou carry me, After death has set me free ? God. Heavenward, where, for what thou yearnoBt, Is transformed to truth and earnest £(je "patient prags for tlje Dtoine Assistance. EXHORTATION. B«hold, God is mine helper ; the Lord is with them that •phold my bouL" — Psalm liv. 4. It is the greatest comfort in affliction to have a good ami ready friend. Although it may occui that an unfortunate man or stranger, or a THE DIVINE ASSISTANCE. 249 penniless one, has no friend to ask him " how do you do ?" yet we know with certainty that God will befriend all the wretched. 1. God has promised his gracious protection to all his children ; therefore a patient, instead of repining, must firmly believe that God will not forsake him, but will help him in his own good time. 2. This assistance may consist in the preserva- tion of the patient's life, in the assuagement of liis sufferings, or in the strength conferred by God to enable him to bear up under the most bitter assaults. God is true, and is near ub when we suppose him far away PBAYER. faithful God 1 thou seest the wretchedness of my condition. My powers fail, my form dwindles away, and the weight of the cross be- comes more intense from moment to moment. Lord, Lord God 1 thou hearest my prayer and my sufferings are not unknown to thee. Re- main with me I beseech thee, and forsake me not ; I rely upon thy promise, Fear not, for I am with thee, fail not, for I am the Lord thy God ; I will strengthen and keep thee, and help thee with the right hand of my righteousness ; and again, I will not forsake thee nor forget thee. Upon ttiese words, my God, I put my trust. I 260 THH PATIENT PBATS FOB am sorely in need of thy comfort ; I cannot bevi my sufferings, if thou wilt not remain with me, and help me to bear them ; the disease will soon destroy me, if thy hand does not keep me. how soon is the earthly tenement of my body ruined, how soon will I sink, how soon will my life be ended, if thy divine power and thy fatherly hand do not sustain me ! If it is conso- ling to see some of my friends at my bedside by day, and even at night, how much more conso- ling is it if thou, Lord God, art with me. Men may pity and bewail me, but thou, Lord, art my Help, my Deliverer, my Physician. Thy most lioly presence will refresh and keep me, soothe my anguish, and allay my dread. O, then, do not leave me, nor withdraw thy hand from me, God, my salvation ! As a loving mother will not leave her sick child, so thou, my God, wilt not depart from me. Let me perceive thy pre- sence by an inward joy, a powerful solace, sweet thoughts, and relief in my distress. my God ! strengthen my faith, keep my powers, help me to strive and to conquer. Thy assistance makes me strong when I am weak ; I can do all things by him who maketh me strong, even Christ. Most dearly do I love thee, Lord ! I beg that thou wilt not be far from me with thy gracious assistance; all the world gives me no pleasure, i aare not for heaven and earth, if I can but THK DIVIDE ASSISTANCE. 261 have thee ; and even though my heart should break, vet thou art still my only trust, the com- fort of my heart. Thou hast redeemed me with thy blood ; let me never be confounded Amen. HYMN. t. My God, forsake me not I Such is my oonstant prayer, Until I feel no more the wrath of the dismayer. I know thy father's heart, that when the wretched cries Thy help is never slow to bid him walk and rise. 2. My God, forsake me not! without thee I must perish, And have in this wide world no other hope to cherish. hasten hither soon, my hope and only trust, Show me thy countenance, and raise me from the dost. 1 My God, forsake me not in this my present anguish Thou art my help, and thou canst never let me languish. The time of need has come, O friend in need, bo near, Untie these cruel bonds, and set me free from fear, I My God, forsake me not ! help me to be victorious, And in me, Father, make thy mighty name most glorious. Deliverer, appear I Such is my ceaseless cry, And let the hoar of thy relief come quickly nigh 252 T&B PAT1BNT CAl^LS TO MIND THJiT E()e patient caffs to mini) t§at §e (s Quman an* t0erefore JITortaf. EXHOBTATION. " Man that is born of woman is of few days, and fall of trouble. He Cometh forth like a flower, and U cat down ; he fleeth also at a shadow, and oontinueth not." — Job xiv. 1, 2. Although all men are mortal, and men die and are buried every day, yet very few reflect upon the'r mortality, particularly while in good health, and while fortune favors them; therefore, it is necessary for God sometimes to remind them of their mortality, which is done by sickness, for when he suffers the strong to become feeble, the rose to fade, they become aware of their transi- tory condition. Righteous Christians should never spend a day without thinking of their mortality. It is a delusion of Satan to think that if we do not think of death we shall not die ; whether we think of it or not, our end will come when God is pleased to send it. PRAYKB. My God ! in thy holy will and counsel it has pleased thee to lay me on this bed of sickness, and thereby to remind me that I must die. Lo, my days are as a handbreadth in thy sirht, and my life is as nothing before thee. how nothing HE IS HUMAN AND THEREFORE MORTAL. 258 are all men, who live in such fancied security. My God! I am dust, and to dust must I return. Therefore, I look upon my open grave as a mother's lap, where my body shall gently rest and sleep. I also know that it is the lot of man to die, and after that the judgment ; therefore, in my days of health I have often prayed, " Lord, teach me that there must be an end of me, and that my life has a period, and that I must away." I also know that I must leave all things behind, my house, my goods, my honor and my fortune, and all that I have in the world. Here I have no resting place, but seek that which is beyond. Thou didst remind king Hezekiah to set his house in order because he must die, and his life have an end. If by this disease thou wouldst in like manner remind me of my end, grant that I may cheerfully meditate upon my mortality and my coming end. Perhaps this is my last repose, and the last year of my earthly being ; perhaps this illness denotes that the days of life written in thy book are numbered ; that with prayer and penitence, and a conscientious investigation of my past life I must prepare for death. Here I am, my God and Father ! take my soul into thy bosom, but first prepare it well, that I may die in thy grace and be happy. I have left my fate to God's disposal; he will do with mc according to his holy will ; if I am to live longer here 254 THE PAT1KITT CALLS TO MIND, KTO. below, I will not murmur at his dispensation. My hours are at his choice, I do not presume tu limit him ; the hairs of my head are numbered, great and small, and none falls without his will. Amen. HYMN. 1. How great our nothingness ! who does regard this rightly, Will worship God alone, and hold all others lightly For who his nothingness does folly contemplate, He will within himself thus humbly meditate : 2. " What am 1 2 Nothing ; for God gave me life and being: These are of his free gift, and not of my foreseeing. I was not, 'till the day when his creative hand Drew me from nothingness, and set me in the land S. What have I ? Nothing; for I came in destitution, And when I leave I must of all make restitution. From God comes all I have, or be it great or small, What I have not from God, I do not have at all. i What know I ? Nothing ; for the light of life within me Is but my faith in God, and nothing else shall win me. Should he withdraw his word, and take away his light, itj senses would be left in everlasting nigh. THK PATISST KffiilGNS HIMSELF, ETC. 266 6. What can I? Nothing; for from God are all the forces, The strength which throngh the soul and through the body courses. In him alone I have life, being, motion, thought, Should he withdraw his hand I soon would oome to nought 8 world of nothingness, farewell I thou hast no pleasures For those who can discern thy dross from better treasures. My God shall be my all ! for him I live and die, And by him I shall find comfort and bliss on high. Clje Patient resigns §imseif into t§e miff of flofc ("or fife or for beatp. EXHORTATION. " And he went a httle farther, and fell on his face and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me ; neTertheless, not ag I will, but as thou wilt." — Matt. xiyL 39. The will of God is best at all timea. This we all profess to believe, but when the time comes to submit wholly and unconditionally to his will, we often find ourselves perverse and dis- contented. This state of mind should be dis pelled by suitable reflections. 266 THE PATIENT RESIGNS HIMBtLT 1. The believer whom God has laid upon a sick bed, must therefore reflect that it is the will of God, which has placed him in this situation. 2. He must contemplate the example of Jesus Christ, who, in the height of his agony, when his sweat was in drops of blood which fell upon the earth, still cried, Father, not my will but thine be done. 3. It is best for the patient to say, Lord, here am I ; do with me according to thy pleasure, 1 will live longer if it is thy will, and I will die if it is thy will. PRAYER Gracious, good, and merciful God! With prayers and sighs I come before thy most holy throne. I see that it is thy will that I should be here sick, and forego for a time, the precious gift of health. I was born according to thy will, and will die when it is thy pleasure. According to thy will I have long enjoyed • health, at thy desire I will now submit to sickness. Aye, if 1 could recover health against the will of my God, I would not do so, but would fulfil thy holy counsel on my bed of sickness. Therefore, in this condition, I will say unto my Jesus, Father, Qot my will but thine be done. And again, the will of Ihe Lord be done ; if I am to continue in the land of the living, I will continue to praise tKTO THK WILL Of GOD. 26? fchee, and the coming years which thou wilt give me, shall be devoted to thy honor and to true piety. But if thou shouldst be pleased not to raise me from this couch again, and to let me die of this present illness, then prepare me for a happy death and a glad eternity. I know that I must leave this mortal tenement, but I also know that thou hast prepared a mansion for thy faithful, which was rot made with hands, and which shall be eternal in heaven. In heaven is my inheritance, my birthright, my allegiance ; should I not rejoice to come into my inheritance, to hasten to my home, and to enjoy the glory of the children of God ? If I have reason to pray for a longer lease of life, I cannot but hesitate and reflect, whether it would not be better to be dissolved and with Christ, to behold my Jesus, whom I have loved when I did not see him. Therefore, my God, I resign all things into thy care, thou best knowest the things that are good for me. Here I am, Lord ! do with me according to thy pleasure. Lord arrange all things for me in life and death, for this alone is my desire, suffer me not to perish. But keep me in thy gracious favor, and then do with me as thou wilt, give me patience to submit to thy will, for it ie beet. Amen. 2M HTJDT. HYMN. L. I will what Jesus wills. Such still shall be my motto, While I must linger in this dismal earthly grotto , Mine is a wayward will, which often runs astray ; Therefore, on Jesus' face it shall be bent alway. 2. I will what Jesus wills. If he would have me tarry Upon this nether earth, his angels will me carry. The waving of his hand my life and death decides, He guides my steps and I still follow where he guides. 8. I will what Jesus wills. If he would hare me languish, So be it ! I am here, prepared to bear all anguish. If Jesus goes before, I gladly follow him ; His presence smooths the path, and makes all sorrow dim. 4. 1 will what Jesus wills. If he would haye me weeping, So be it ! I still know that I am in his keeping ; After the clouds are past his sun will shine again, For still his mercy comes to banish every pain. 5. I will what Jesus wills. If he from earth will take me, Tib well I I know that then his grace will ne'er forsake me. I shall derive the rich fulfilment of his word ; And hold my entrance to the kingdom of the Lord THJS PATIKNT BKSUIOTB, BTu 269 C0e JJatierit reflects tfjat Suffering anb Distress come from (Job. EXHORTATION. " The Lord killeth and maketh alive ; he briageth down to the pave, and briDgeth np." — 1 Sam. ii. 6. God is love, and loveth men fervently. True believers experience daily proofs of this love, in his gracious assistance and numberless benefits. They also see it in the great works of creation, redemption and sanctification. This truth, that God is love, is richly fraught with consolation, to those afflicted by sickness. 1. It teaches the sufferer that his troubles were sent, not by an enemy who hates, but by a friend who loves him. 2. Therefore, the patient must commit him- self to God, diligently call upon him in prayer, trustingly look up to heaven and think, he who has brought my ill can drive it away, he well knows how to end all my sufferings. 3. He must not suffer himself to be disturbed by the violence of his disease, or the apparent imminence of the danger, for here again he has the consolation, that God who imposes the burden, will help to carry it. 260 THE PATIKN1 KKFUECTS THAT BL'iFEBlKG PBAYES. Lord God! Merciful, long-auffering, and of great goodness and truth, thou who doBt pardon trespasses and sins! Behold me at thy feet, beseeching thee to look down upon me from thy lofty throne, and hear my prayer. I believe and know that my suffering and sorrow come from thee; thy hand smites, but it also heals, it wounds, and it binds up ; and if my sickness comes from heaven, to heaven I look for comfort. I lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence my help cometh; my help cometh from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth. Health, life, and prosperity, I have received at thy hands ; should I not accept this sickness also ! The trees of the orchard are sometimes filled with blossoms, or beautifully adorned with leaves and fruits, fresh and shining in the sun, yet in winter they appear to be dead and sapless, and the storm and the frost assail them. All this comes, God, from thee. Therefore I will also bear in mind, that this my time of distress and suffering is of thy sending. Thou knowest of every star, whether it stands high or low in the sky, so dost thou also know how it stands with me. Thou knowest the weight of my burden, thou art acquainted with the duration of my sufferings, thou art aware of the extent of my powers of A_VL) DlSTBEsa'COME FBOM GOD. 261 endurance then, dear Lord, impose whate'er thou wilt, but give me the strength needed to sustain it. I know that without thy will, not a hair can fall from my head; how much less, then, can I fall sick ? If not a sparrow can fall to the earth without thy will, how could I, with- out thy will, be subjected to pains, and dis- q oietude, and even death ? If my troubles come from thee, they come from my father ; if they come from my father, they come from a loving heart, not for my destruction, but for the good of my soul. Chastise me, my father, yet in moderation, and do not entirely destroy me. Afflict me, but make me glad again ; if thou dost awhile conceal thy countenance, let it shine forth again ; let the light of thy countenance shine upon me, and I shall be whole. Willingly will I fall into the hands of my father, if I have deserved punishment, for his wrath endureth but a moment, and he loveth the living. With- out thy will nothing can befal me ; thou canst curse and bless again, I am thy child and have deserved thy discipline ; send thy warm sun- shine after the bleak rain. I know that thou hast never yet forgotten me ; in the midst of my tribulation I think upon the Lord, even though he press me with crosses and fears. Amen. 262 HTKM . HYMN. 1. To be a child of God, and yet oppressed with Is quite compatible, for an interior gladness Remaineth in the soul, with faith and piety, Though to the outward eye, 'tis ruin utterly. 2. He who here gathers thorns shall once be crowred with splendor, And who here weeps and groans, shall there all grief surrender. He is a child of God, e'en in the midst of care, The Lord still loves him well, and keeps his man sions there. S. Still to thy God be true, in faith and firm reliance, And thou shalt soon perceive the worth of his alliance ; And even should thy life on earth be full of woe, What matter ? At the end to heaven thoult surely go. t Thy father loves thee, though his chastening rod annoy thee, And though thy heart should bleed, yet he will not destroy thee. (Jod loves a child that looks to heaven with steady gaze, And still its prayerful eya doth to its Lord upraiae. THE PATIENT APPBKCU.TES, ETC. 268 CQe patient appreciates tl)e Htifitg of Disease EXHOKTATION. " Sickness is not onto death, but for the glory of Q-od, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." The naturae man refuses to believe that sick- ness is of great utility, for not only, says he, does it weaken the body and endanger life, but the vital powers are diminished, to say nothing of other difficulties and expenses brought on by sickness. But in spite of all this, diseases are useful, sometimes even to the body, in con suming the impurities of nature, and leading to a sounder state of health than was enjoyed before. But it is especially beneficial to the soul. 1. It is often the means of reclaiming a man from the ways of sin. How many a wanton sinner neglects God and his Holy Word, and heaps sin upon sin, until God draws him away by force, as it were, by sickness, pain, or suffer- ing, recals him to his senses, and snatches him from the clutch of Satan. 2. It is, however, no less useful to the pious, in making them acquainted with the omnipo- tence, goodness, wisdom, love, and mercy of God, in whica they had believed before, but 264 THE PATIENT APPRECIATES THl without having practically experienced them They learn to resign themselves to God, to medi tate upon death, to prepare for their final depar ture, to think diligently of heaven, and to com mit their souls into the Lord's holy keeping The patient who gives proper weight to these reflections will be well satisfied with God even in sickness. PBAYKB. Beloved Lord and Father ! I perceive that it is thy holy counsel with me, to make this my lime of suffering, to let the sun of my prosperity be obscured for a while, my health impaired, und my vital powers diminished. I thank thee, my Lord and God, for having first given me to understand, that the way of the cross is the way to heaven, and that in sickness thou doest great good unto our souls. I see that thou wilt draw me off from the world; thou wilt make the world bitter to me, and heaven sweet ; thou wilt induce me to renounce all ungodliness and wordly desires, and to lead an honest, righteous, and godly life, to examine my past career, and to turn to thee in heartfelt penitence. Alas ! it is but too true, that while we are all well and know nothing of trouble, we are apt to suppose that all our business in this world is to amass UTILITY OF DISEAHK. 266 earthly treasures, or to share in the amusements of the world, seek its company, and acquire its habits, manners and customs ; but as that would end in the perdition of our souls and eternal damnation, thou in thy goodness dost at times Lead us apart, and speak with us alone. Thus, it seems, thou wouldst now speak with me alone, and warn me against the world and its sins, seductions, malice, and evil practices. Thou wilt exhort me to repent of my past sins, no longer to associate with the world, and with an altered mind to understand what is the true and perfect will of God. Well, my God! I will do so, if thou wilt restore me to health. I will become more pious, pray more diligently, avoid all evil, renounce my bad habits, eschew the places and the people where and with whom I have sinned, and become a new man. Whoso loveth the world, the love of the father is not in him. If then, Lord, thou hast found me negli- gent in religion, and slow in prayer, but willing t. sin and ready to enjoy the pleasures of the world, it is thy design in this sickness tc rouse me to make me concerned for my salvation, and awake from the sleep of sin. Wake up, thou who sleepest, thou sayest to me, I will cleanse thee of thine impurities. I see that thou dost intend to remind me of death, so that, when health returns I may acknowledge thy power, 266 THE PATIENT APPRECIATES THE love, and goodness, which I should not have done, hadst thou not thus visited me. Lord! Perfect the good work thou hast begun rithin me; make my spirit whole with this bitter medicine. By this strong surgery remo 'e the sore boils of sin ; with this sharp infusion, wa»h out mine iniquities, and grant that I may hum- ble myself in true penitence before the-}, and may find counsel, comfort, consolation, and for- giveness of sins in the wounds of Jesus. Ei er make heaven luscious to my thought, and 1 he world bitter as gall, so that in the turmoil of this world, eternity may be constantly before my eyes. In the name of the blood of Jesus, I beseech thee, Lord, to give me a peaceful e»d Amen. HYMN. 1. Sickness, pain, disease, and trouble, And whatever ills I prove, Never darken the remembrance Of my God and of his love. Though it be his sovereign pleasure To distress me beyond measure, I will love him none the less, He is mine through all distress. i. By this cross he would withdraw me From the world and all its toil, So that sin may not destroy me, And I may not risk to spoil UTILITY OF DISKASS. 267 Mn immortal soul's salvation By obedience to temptation. He would have my heart to be Hifl domain eternally. In thy open wounds, my Jesus, Hold, and lock my feeble soul ; Let them be my dearest shelter When the clouds around me roll ; All my wishes, hopes, and yearning!, Are thy dearly purchased earnings ; Strengthen, guard, and comfort me, In my sufferings graciously. With thy Spirit's heavenly patienoo Dearest Lord, my mind endow ; Into thy most faithful keeping, Jesus, I commend it now. Spread before my sight the azure Golden fields of heavenly pleasure When the toil and strife are don* Let the viotorv be won. ZOO THE JPATISNT HKLXXS CPOM I0c Patient reffes upon t0e Omnipotence of Qob. BXHOETATION. " O Lord, ib j God, I cried onto thee, and thou hart healed ne O Lord, thou haat brought up my soul from the grave I thou hast kept me alive that I should not go down to the pit " — Pealm xix. 3, 4. Nothing is more pleasing and consoling in times of misfortune, than to have a good friend of whom we know that he is able and willing to help us. In sickness, we cannot say this of any mortal man, but of God we know it with cer- tainty. 1. This omnipotence of God is perceptible in the examples daily occurring around us. The dead are brought to life, the sick healed, and the almighty God who does all this, is living still. 2. The patient must remember that God is not without the means to aid us. At his word, the disease must vanish, his blessing will enable the most petty herb or simple to remove the ail ment, and restore us to health. In view of this, a patient must be at peace in the Lord, must persevere in prayer, await the hour of God's coming, take physic, and avoid all superstitious rites, charms or mumbling, and rest assured tha the Omnipotent will help him when his houi has arrived. TMK OHNIPOTEKCK Of QOD. 5&6fi PRAYER my Lord and God ! thou seest me encom- passed with pain and suffering, and how a new trouble visits me every morning; my disease will not depart, and for all I know this bed may be my last. All this do I commit unto thy holy will ; I will live and die when it is pleasing unto thee. My days are as a handbreadth before thee. My years are in thy hand ; thou hast set my mark, and I shall not exceed it. In thy book didst thou number the days of my life, when not one of them had passed. Neverthe- less, I do not repine, but lift up mine eyes unto the hills, whence my help cometh; my help cometh from the Lord. I know that thou art an almighty God, and that life and death are in thy hand. Aye, the Lord's hand is not yet short- ened ; the Helper in Israel can avert all sorrow , he can dj vastly more than all we know or understand. He can deliver all who approach him. Therefore) upon this sick-bed, I do not look about me for the feeble help of man, not upon myself, who am sick and feeble, but above, to thee, my God and Lord. I say, with the nobleman, who believed, Lord, if thou speak but a single word, thy servant shall be made whole ; aye, speak this one word, and I shall be cured of all my sufferings. I know that before the 270 1KB PATIENT KEUES UPOW Lord nothing is impossible. Lord, my God • thou who didst heal the sick Hezeki;ih, thou who didst deliver the sick woman from aer wretchedness, thou who didst heal the palsied, raise up the widow's son, — look upon me also in mercy, thou mighty defender of thy faithful! Help me also, have mercy upon me, make a sign in me, that it may be well with me, yet all as thou wilt ; I know thou canst do so in thy omni- potence, and wilt do so in thy goodness, when it shall be well for my soul. Meantime, I pray to thee in faith and humbleness. In my dear Lord have I set my trust in all my tribulation ; he can save me from all sorrow and distress ; to end my misfortunes is in the hollow of his hand. Amen HYMN. 1. Trust the turn of your affaire To the Lord's direction ; Give your troubles and your cares Under his protection : He alone is well a ware What is meet and needful, Of your health, how, when and where, To be fitly heedful. 2. Do not venture to dictate Time or just occasion, Nor insult his sovereign state With inapt dictation ; THE OMNIPOTENCE OT OOD. 171 This is not his first essay To assist and cheer you ; Not a pulse shall beat astray, S^ you keep him near you. 6 Would ye counsel him who svra/a Heaven in his balance, Whose all-seeing eye surveys Life in every valance, How the little grains of sand In your hour-glass shifted, Should be made to fall and stana Overturned and lifted ? 4. What his wisdom doth ordain For all earth and heaven, Every linklet of the chain Must support and leaven, And if ought appears awry To our feeble senses, Tis that we cannot descry All his hand dispenses. 5. God of wisdom 1 unto thee Be all things commended ; Let thy goodness deal with m* As thou hast intended ; Lead me on from pole to pole At thy own opinion ; I shall come, by thy control,, Into thy dominion. 172 THK PATIitNT RKHKXBXBfi Cfjc patient rememOers Ijte Saptismaf Kooenartt EXHORTATION " Baptism is not the patting away of the filth of the flesh, ob th* answer of a good conscience toward God." — 1 Peter iii 31. If there is consolation in a name, it is in th« name of the father, and if there is a great glcrj, it is to be a child of God. This glory of the children of God, is attained in Holy Baptism, when a covenant is made with the triune God. 1. This covenant is a source of comfort and uf gladness, but it also enjoins upon us the duty of resigning all things that befal us to the guar- dian hand of our heavenly father, not to murmur against the father, but to rest assured that God will approve himself a faithful father. 2. Those who in their days of health have angered their heavenly Father, and lived like the children of the world, on falling sick, must hum- bly ask God's forgiveness, and resolve to become altered men, firmly believing that God will have pity on his stricken child. PBAYEB. Lord God Father, Son, and Holy Ghosi ! behold, I, thy child, am in such a condition, that help in this world for me there is none ; I look about me, and ask for aid, but no one has mercv HIS BAPTISMAL OOVKBTAST. 278 upon me ; yet I will net repine, but will go to my heavenly Father, and pour out my heart to him. As in the hour of need the lamb seeks its shepherd, the child its father, the subject his king, so, my King, my Father, and my Shspherd, 1 come to thee. thou triune God ! remembei that I am thy child; that in holy baptism I made my covenant with thee. Lo, here cometh a hapless child, my friends and those I love cannot help me , therefore, heavenly father, do thou receive me. If the nobleman wept for his son who was sick unto death, my Father, -do thou look in pity upon me, and help me to rise. If the father whose daughter was at thu point of death, came to Jesus, saying, " My daughter is even now dead; but come and laj* thy hand upon her, and she shall live;" so will I come to thee, my God and Father, saying, " It it be thy will, restore me to health, and give mo life." I know that thou art an almighty, wise gracious, and loving Father; whither shall a child flee in trouble but to its father? Lord God Father in heaven, have mercy upon me I Lord God Son, the Saviour of the world, have mercy upon mel Lord God Holy Ghost, have mercy upon me ! As a father pitieth his chil- dren, so doth the Lord pity them ta°it fear him ; pity me also. If I have been a disobedient ohild, I most sincerely repent it ; and although J 274 THK PATIENT BKMKKBJCBb have swerved from thee, yet I return. If the father helped his prodigal son, so do thou also be gracious unto me, for I come in penitence and faith, saying, have mercy, have mercy. If thou wilt make men accountable for sin, who, Lord, will stand before thee ? In this reliance, my father, I await thy coming; I have long under stood that to be a child of God, and yet to be sick and weak, and visited with manifold afflic- tions, is entirely compatible; therefore, Satan shall not disturb my childlike confidence. But let me also soon perceive thy father's heart ; let me know that thou hast not forgotten me ; let me feel thy paternal hand. Afflicted heart, be patient, though a thousand troubles beset thee ; the heaven which thy Jesus promised, shall be thy portion still ; though distress and sickness assail thee, God will be thy father none the less Amen. HYMN. L I am baptized 1 I am united And have a covenant with God; And thus, in gladness and in sorrow, And though I sink beneath the sod, I have what I can never lack, The joy that of the Lord doth smack. his baptismal covknant. 876 2. I am baptized I I have the garment That of me makes a wedding gusst, Wherein I may appear in glory Among the legions of the bleat; For Jesus' blood and righteousness My beauty is, my gorgeous dress. 3. I am baptized ! to me was given The blessing of the Holy Ghost ; To cleanse my life and conversation, And that I never may be lost O gift beyond all thanks and praise That gives me everlasting days I 4. I am baptized 1 My name was written Into the Lamb's own book of life ; My father evermore will love me, And guard me well in every strife. God knows my name, and whispers it, For in his book of life 'tis writ 5 I am baptized I And though I perish, grave, where is thy victory I My patrimony is in heaven, And it shall never fall from me. When death arrives, I shall receive Vsr purer joys than those I leave. 276 THK PKNITKNT BBLJES CPON THS &lje Patient reftes upon t(}e Benefits of t(}t Zrimt floft. EXHOBTATION. " The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and trill preserve me unto hia heavenly kingdom ; to whom be glory fo* ever and ever. Amen." — 2 Tim. iv. 18. Pious Christians can never be without comfort in their afflictions, if they only remember who they are, and with whom they have to deal. They are children of God, and must therefore be convinced that the triune God will not for sake them in their cares and sorrows. 1. Their creator, who was their guardian in youth, and their resource and refuge in after years, will not desert them. 2 Their Saviour, Jesus Christ, will not desert them ; for, for their sake, he has endured suffer- ings, torments and the cross, and poured out his holy blood ; should he leave them unbefriended in sickness? 3. Nor will their Sanctifier, the most precious Holy Ghost, desert them. On the contrary, he will comfort, refresh, and gladden their hearts, and bear witness to their spirit that they aie the children of God, although their sickness and sufferings continue. With this threefold conso lation in their hearts, they will bear their suffer BKNKKira OK THK TKIUNB GOb. 2 ? 7 ings in patience, and firmly believe that hifl help is not far off. FRAYEE. holy, triune God! though I am infirm of body, yet I will not grow faint in the trust and reliance upon thee, for they who hope in the Lord shall remain unmoved as Mount Zion. At times, indeed, the load of my unremitting dis- ease almost makes me despair, but straightway I am encouraged by thy Holy Ghost, and espe- cially by calling to mind the numerous benefits thou hast already bestowed upon me. Could it fte that thou wouldst forsake me, my Creator, who didst fashion me out of nothing, and didst sustain my life up to this very hour ! Has the hand of the Lord been shortened? no, the hand that has hitherto led and preserved me, will preserve me even in my present sickness. It is of thy love, that thou hast heretofore pre- served me in health so long. It is of thy love that thou hast averted misfortunes, pains and dangers. It is of thy love, that thou hast vouch- safed thy mercieb unto me up to this day, yea, so great mercies and so great goodness. There- fore do I resign myself to thee wholly in my sicknesf Shouldst thou forsake me, my Re- deemer ? Thou who by thy htly blood hast redeemed me from Bin, death, and the devil? 278 THE PATIENT BELIES UPON THE Thou hast been heartily kind unto my soul, thai it might not perish, and so thou wilt also bestow thy help on my poor sickly body. thou Lamb of God, that takest away the sin of the world, have mercy upon me in my present trouble. Shouldst thou forsake me, my Sanctifier 1 thou who hast hallowed my body and my soul, and in holy baptism hast consecrated them to be thy temple, and hast hitherto dwelt within them! Thou wilt surely remain my friend and comfort in my present weakness, and wilt bear witness unto my spirit that I am a child of God, though surrounded by troubles and sufferings. I will be of good cheer in my anguish, and will say unto my soul, " The heavenly Father has folded thee in the arms of his eternal love, the Son of God has chosen thee for his own, the Holy Ghost has given thee sweet assurance of his comfort and indwelling, — therefore, all is mine : the grace of God is mine, the merit and the righteousness of Jesus are mine, the strong consolation of the Holy Ghost .'e mine, — yea, all the heavens are mine, with all their glory." I will not heed my sick body, but will cast my cares upon the Lord, and trust to that God at whose hands I have received bo many mercies. my Father ! 1 rely upon thee. Jesus ! I pray to thee. Holy Ghost ! I commend myself to thee. Lord God Father, what thou has created ;. Lord God BENEFITS OF THE TB1CNK GOD. 279 Son, what thou hast redeemed ; Lord God Holy Ghost, what thou hast sanctified, I resign into thy hands. Unto thy holy name be honor, praise and glory, now and forever. Amen. HYMN. 1 If Goo. is with me, though I suffer, I am in comfort none the less ; And e'en in death itself I revel In Jesus' blood and righteousness. God is with me, I know it well And more rejoice than words can telL 2. If God is with me in the tempest, The bolts glance harmle3S from my head: Although the cross is hard and bitter, God keeps my soul from every dread ; God is with me, at his behest Troubles depart, and I have rest. 8 If God is with me m affliction, Although my pangs increase and grow. They nevermore can overwhelm me, Because his hand can lay them low ; God is with me, his constancy From all distress will set me free. i. If God is with me, all my sorrows Will lose their stings, and be allayea My God will not withhold his mercies, His helping hand cannot be stayed, With God, my heart is of good cheer He comes, and he dispels all fear. 280 THE PATIENT BESOLVES TO BEAB 5. If God is with, me, my departure Shall be as gentle as my sleep ; The hour is fraught with brightest promiao, Of glory, as the angels keep ; God is with me, and when I die I shall behold his face on high. £(je Patient resofoes to Dear Qts Sufferings arittjout a Jlturmur. EXHOBTATION. " I was dumb, I opened not my month ; because thon didst it" — Psalm xxzix. 9. " How long wilt thou forget me, Lord ! for ever ? How long wilt thou hide thy face from me." — Psalm xiii. 1. Thus do pious bedridden Christians sigh to heaven. God's chosen hour sometimes appears to be too long delayed, when it tarries for days, weeks, and months; and many do not entirely avoid the sin of murmur- ing against his dispositions. But a pious Chris- tian should never suffer himself to be brought to such a pass. 1. God never deserts us in suffering, trouble, or disease, for that would be against his promise 2. E^en though the yoke should gall, it is not HIS SUFFERUSTG.s WITHOUT A KUKMCE. 281 right to murmur, for that would be to forget the omnipotence, love, and mercy of God. 3. Therefore, we must await the hour of our deliverance, in unremitting faith, prayer, hoj>e, ind confidence - . PEAYEE. Holy and all-wise God ! I see thy holy will, that I am to lie on this bed of sickness as long as it shall please thee. I will not oppose thy holy will, nor murmur against thee. I am here, let the Lord deal with me according to his plea- sure ; shall I not drink of the cup which my father has given me ? My father will net poui out poison for physic. Let me bear the wrath of the Lord, for I have sinned against him. The severe suffering must be beneficial to the soul, although flesh and blood abhor it. Thou hast been my father and my God from my youth up, and so wilt thou be in my present sickness. If I am to lie and suffer thus much longer, Lord, give me at times an hour of respite, in which the pain may be remitted, and my sufferings assuaged. If I am to undergo great suffering, give me great powers of endurance ; thou know- est how weak I am, and how little I am able to bear; do not seize me too vehemently, lest 1 perish. Deal with me as a mother with a feeble child, help me to carry my burden, yea, -"".any 282 THE PATIENT RESOLVKS TO BKJlB me, and take me upon thy knees. If my suffer ings are to become still more severe than .hey are, do thou not depart from me with thy gracious help and comfort. If I am to have more comfortless nights, let me experience thy consolation, and know that thou art still my father and my friend. I know that when thou dost send down affliction upon thy children, it is not to destroy them, but to draw them towards thee. Then let this sickness draw me away from the evil habits and pleasures of the world to thee, to sanctification, to piety, to heaven, and to eternal happiness. Aye, my Lord and God ! Although thou dost make me thus to suffer, I will not flee from thee. My shepherd, guide me through these thorny paths, which lacerate my body and my soul, I follow thee most willingly. If the head was crowned with roses, the members cannot walk upon thorns. I loved thee when thou gavest me health and prosperity, and I will love thee now, in sickness and suffering; I know thou canst and wilt help me. Amen. HYMN. I. If God has sent thee an affliction, And if thy face is bathed in tears, Patiently bear his dispensation A.nd let no murmurs reach his earn SlS SUFKRKING3 WITHOUT A MUUMTJR. 28$ In unreserved submission stand, Awaiting his supreme command. 2 The God who hath ordained thy illness, Who throws thee on thy dying bed, For him it is a very trifle To make thee well and comforted. The. Lord can sicken and make whole, The springs of life own his control. 3. murmur not ; the Lord hath promised To be thy shield and sure defence, To rescue thee from every trouble, And to abridge thy long suspense ; cease not yet to trust his power, His help may come this very hour. 4. To God thou must thyself surrender, And say, " Dear Lord, behold me here My life and death to thee are offered. To thee without reserve or fear. Deal with me, father, to the fill Of thy most high and holy will" 6, Who thus eschews all disaffection And patiently sustains the load Which the Lord's providence imposes, On him assistance is bestowed. He will be comforted in time And gladdened in the eternal clime. 284 THE PATJKNT PREPARES TO Clje patient prepares to partafie of ttje Corfts Supper. EXHORTATION. Let a mac expnine himself, and bo let him eat cf th&t bread and drink of that cup." — 1 Cor. ii. 28. Every Christian should so live, that he may die happy at any moment. If this applies to the healthy, how much more important is it for the sick. 1. A patient will do well, therefore, at the first attack of illness, to remember his sins, and strive to be reconciled with G PARTAKE OF THE LORD'S SUPPER. 285 forgiveness of sins in the wounds of my Jesus, and prepare for a happy departure from this life. Thou hast been pleased, God, to lay me .upon this bed of sickness. As I know not whether I shall leave it in health or in my mortal shroud, I will be mindful of my soul, and commend all other things to thee, my loving and merciful God. I will be reconciled with thee, while yet I am capable of being reconciled. I will ask thy forgiveness while I am yet able to pray, as I know not whether my illness may not increase, and my powers of mind and heart decay, so that I can neither pray nor think of thee. I know that he who prepares for a happy death, does himself the greatest service. If he recovers, he will guard against the sins confessed and repented of on his bed of illness ; and if he dies, he is assured of the happiness of his here- after. Such are my present thoughts, God ' After receiving thy forgiveness, I will receive thy holy communion, and then await thy coming in patience and trustful reliance. be merciful unto thy child ! Do not hold me to account for the sins of my youth and the follies of my early years. Lord be merciful to my great misdeeds for the sake of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. Give thy grace to my holy purpose, fortify me for this work, so that I may finish it to thy honor and my salvation. Amen. 286 HTlOu HYMN. i. To the Lord's holy board I humbly would betakt me, So that hifl precious blood and body may awake me, To better hopefulness and firmer trust in him ; Lord, give thy blessing here, let not my love grow dim. 2. Banish out of my mind all thoughts of sin and folly, And let thy spirit keep my soul from melancholy Into my inmost heart implant thy own desires, Thy pure and holy love, to which my wish aspires. S. Let nothing frivolous disturb my meditation, But fill my heart and mind with holy exultation Jesus ! be my friend ! Pray for me all the while, Uplift my prayers to God, and cheer me with thj smile! i. sanctify my heart, O sanctify my senses, My Jesus 1 conquer them, and make them thy defences. Make them all beautiful, and holy, just, and pure, And in them let thy home and fortress still endure. 5 And also spread upon my soul the peace of heaven Which is beyond all thoughts, and out of whif " are given True happiness in thee, forgiveness of all sin, Present and future bliss, and all that faith mat win. THE PATIKNT PRATS, 1CTC 287 H0e patient prags fortlje f p-y end: THE PATIENT JfBAYS, BTO. 50J Into this thy unction fuse, do not thy bliss refuse 1 Let the weary sickness vanish, All my qualms and tortures banish. Unto thee do I surrender death and life, and hops and fear, Whether I shall stay or whether lingering shall be ended here ; Whatsoe'er thou dost command, Still I know thy father's hand ; After all this grief and sorrow Thou wilt send the endless morrow. Cfje patient praps for some dSatement of 0** Sufferings. KXHOETATION. " Though I (peak, my grief is not assuaged ; and though 1 forbear, what am I eased V — Job xvi. 6. When a patient is attacked by pains, he mast not murmur against God, but must receive everything patiently and submissively. 1. But he may pray that his pangs be as- suaged; as Christ did, in his sufferings. Children complain to their parents, why may not a child of God do likewise ? i02 THK I'.il'HiNT PRAYS FOK HOM~8 2. When hie pain becomes very Bevere, he jhould remember the heinousness of his sins, and acknowledge that his pain is well deserved ; but he must also think of the great mercy of God, and of his omnipotence, by which he may relieve him. 3. If it is impossible, at such a time to pray much or for a length of time he must sigh to God, and rest assured that such brief sighs of the heart will not remain unheard. 4. Impatience, instead of soothing, will aggra- vate suffering. PRAYKB. Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my cry, my King and my God, for I will pray before thee. I will pray and beseech thee to look in pity on this my wretchedness, and to soothe my fierce anguish. Thou hast promised not to suffer us to be tried beyond our powers of resist- ance, but wilt put an end to the temptation, so that we may bear it. Behold, God, my pains prevail, my body is weak, my powers dwindle away, my tongue cleaves to the roof of my mouth, my bones are burned as by a fire, my sight fails, bo long must I wait for the coming of the Lord. how long, how long, must the heart be strong, and not see thy face. Do not tarry, my God, thou knowest the great number ABATKMBNT OF HI8 SUTFEBINGS. 808 of my days and nights of suffering, thou hast heard my moans, sighs, wails, ani cries. Whither shall I flee in my distress and pain ? Where is my refuge ? Where can I go ? Only to thee, the Lord my God. O dearest Jesus, thou who hast commanded the tossing billows to hi still, command my pains to cease I Thou who didst heal the palsied with a single word, let thy mercy be made manifest in me. Refresh me again after I have suffered so long, and borne so much. From the deep I cry unto thee, Lord ; my soul waiteth for the Lord and for his help from morning watch to morning watch; for I know that with the Lord there is help. Help me, God of my salvation ! for thy name's sake deliver me, and forgive me my sins for the sake of thy mercy, yet not according to my will, but according to thy will. Amen. HYMN. 1. O Lord, come to my aid 1 thou seest mine affliction, Thou knowest how I writhe in anguish and con gtriction ; Better than I can tell then knowest the pain I bear, Then hasten to my aid, or I must all despair. 2. Lord, come to my aid ! In thee is my reliance ; O let my ferment prayer De blessed with quick compliance! 804 htwt. Help cometh from the Lord I It comes from the* alone, Then send it down to me from thy most lofty throne. 8. O Lord, come to my aid! Where else shall I betake me, If thy preserving hand and mercy do forsake me ? I surely will not fail, and never from thee fly, If thou wilt only help, and keep thy angels nigh 4. Lord, come to my aid I I know thou canst deliver, And where thy bounty falls, it courses like • river; Thou canst, for nothing is thy power cannot do, Thou wilt, because thou art my loving father too. 5, Lord, come to my aid, that I may sing the story And whereso'er I go, disseminate the glory ; Assuring all mankind our God is living still, Though sometimes he delays his help, yet help ha wilL THB PATIENT IMPLOEES QOD, WTO. 806 GQe patient impfores (Job not to preserved, thence no enemy can expel it ; in these wounds it rests, and will be carried to the brotherhood of the blest. 3. "I of thy body am a Umb. what comfort will there be, at the hour of death, in the thought that I am a member of thy holy body ! In holy baptism I was born again, I became a member of the Christian church, the head of which is Jesus, but if Jesus is my head and I his member, I know also that I shall be where my Jesus is. Jesus is in the glory whither I shall come also. He has pro- mised that when he should be lifted up from the earth he would draw us all after him. Jesus ! thou hast been lifted up to the right hand of the heavenly Father, draw me after thee, bring me to thy eternal heavenly joy; aye, as thy member thou wilt make me a partaker of thy glory. " This u my eonsolatwnJ' Delicious comfort ! Because I am the child of God, I am an heir, even God's heir, and a co-heir OF A DYING MAJT. 403 of Christ, who shall attain the heavenly bles- sings, and be lifted up to glory. Should I then not gladly die, not gladly suffer and endure, bo that I may also share his life and his greatness ! This shall be my unceasing comfort. Jesus, my head, will glorify me, his member; Jesus, my Saviour, will save me ; therefore I say, my Jesus t " With thee, lam united still" Though on earth the head may be severed from the body, yet no one can separate me from Jesus ; I know that neither life nor death, not angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor high nor low, shall separate me from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord. No- thing, nothing shall sever me from Jesus, neither cross nor sickness, struggle nor agony of soul, nor death itself. Body and soul may part, but Jesus and my soul shall never be parted ; the world and mv friends I must leave behind me, Jesus never. Jesus, I have inclosed thee in my heart, therefore 1 will hold thee in true faith, until thou shalt bring me to thy heavenly glory. Jesus is mine and I am his forever, even " In death and consternation." for thou hast promised, Lord, that thou wilt be with me in the time of need ; fulfil thy gracious promise ! If the struggle of death \e 404 SIGHS AND PBAYSBS the final struggle, thou, my Saviour, wilt ewe -ten it with thy presence. Let thy image appear to me, as a consolation in my sorrow, bleeding for me, let me strain thee to my heart. Lord Jesus, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. I die for thee, I live for thee, dead and living 1 am thine. Who dies thus, dies well, for " EPrn though I die, I die to the*? I gladly die, for I know that I shall come into thy glory. I will die in faith, and rely upon thy merits, blood and death. I die happy and blessed, for I die to thee, I long for thee, I die ait thy child, which thou hast loved heretofore ; 1 die as thy lamb, which no one can snatch from thy hand, I die as thy heir, for whom thou hast prepared the heavenly joy and gladness. "Sternal life thou hut for me' secured and purchased. With what joy do 1 look forward to this life, to this glory ; if here my happy days were few and far between, if my daily bread has been wailing and tribulation, in heaven I shall enjoy the sweet days of repose and of refreshment; there my Saviour will wipe away all tears from my eyes. Blissful hour when I shall attain to this happiness ! and that I shall attain it I surely know, for this life of gladness thou hast for me OF 4 DTOfG MAS. 408 u By thy atonement purchased? Lamb of God 1 thou diedst for me, thou art the redemption of the sin of all the world ; for me thou wert spit upon, crucified and slaughtered ; thy death sweetens my death, all advantageth me; thy shame and degradation turns to my honor ; a thousand, thousand thanks for this to thee, dear Jesus. As thou livest, so shall I live also Therefore be comforted, my soul, and look joyously toward heaven. Jesus has pur- chased heaven, and prepared a place there for thy coming. Though I have no abiding sojourn here, though my life comes to an end, and my heart breaks, yet I well know whither I am going : to Jesus, my Saviour. For I know that when this house of the earthly tabernacle of my body is demolished, we have an edifice which God has built, a house not made with hands, which is eternal in heaven, and this my Jesus has purchased for me by his sufferings and death. 4. "Because thou didst arise from death,'' thy word gives me the heavenly consolation that though I die, yet I shall rise again. Is not that great consolation for me ? And it arises from the fact that my Jesus arose from the grave ; he 406 SIGHS AND PBAYBB8 died for me on the tree of the cross, as the inno- cent Lamb of God, and was buried, but row triumphant on the third day. Jesus arose, and [ shall arise also. Jesus lives, so shall I live. Jesus did not remain in the grave, and " The grave shall not contain me." Jesus will restore me to life ; body and soul, severed by death, shall be reunited in the bliss of eternity. As little as the grave has contained my Jesus, so little will it contain me when the last trump shall sound, which shall pierce the graves. Thus the grave is harmless to me, my body resting there from all care, toil, and pain, and my soul will be comforted and refreshed by God in the joys of heaven. Yes, my Saviour ! not alone does thy triumphant resurrection make my heart rejoice, but " Thy ascension is my highest bliss. n When Jesus had risen from the dead, be as- cended to heaven, and entered into his glory. Behold, Jesus has gone before, I follow him ; I too shall have a glorious ascension. On quitting this present life my soul will come to God, and in the happy and blissful resurrection of the dead, we shall be carried towards the Lord in the clouds, when body and soul shall jointly enter into *he gladness of their Lord. Tn death it OF A DYING HAS. 407 shall be my highest and sweetest consolation that Jesus lives, and therefore I shall live also. Jesus has gone to heaven, and I shall follow him. Jesus has entered into glory, and on my entrance into heaven, I too shall become a par- taker of it. What can be sweeter or more deli- cious than the ascension of my Jesus, which has been, or than my own, which is to be f " Death 1 * terrors cannot chain me." I know that I shall die, but I am not afraid, for my soul will go from its fragile earthly taber- nacle to eternal glory. Does a child fear to go to its father, or a bride to come to the bride- groom ? By death, I shall come to my heavenly Father, to Jesus, the bridegroom of my soul; shall I then be afraid ? I do not die, but my wretchedness dies, my soul throws oflf its cross, and attains the heavenly goods, forsakes humanity, and comes to the holy angels and elect. And what still more dispels all fear of death, is the most holy communion with thee, Jesus. " For where thou art, there I shall be." O what comfort flows from that reflection 1 After my happy departure from this life I am to go to heaven, and be with my Jesus in glory. The sheep, with its shepherd, the disciple with 408 SIGHS AND PBAYBBS his teacher, the servant with his Lord. Even thus has he promised, " Where I am, there shall my servant be also." what joy, when Jesus shall take me into his arms, and introduce me to his glory ! O I am happy, in knowing that I shall thus repose, " And mmr, ever dwell with that? He will take me to himself, that I may dwell with him in heavenly bliss. This union shall aever be followed by a separation. I shall stand before the throne, and behold his face, which shall give me the most unspeakable joy ; I shall live with him, and by him be eternally refreshed; because I am convinced of this, " Therqfort, I die rejoicing? My sins are forgiven me, for the sake of the blood and death of Jesus. From the grave I shall be roused to eternal life; I shall have a blissful ascension, and shall come to my Jesus. Therefore, I joyfully depart to Christ, my brother, that I may come to him, and be forever with him. I gladly go to heaven, I leave this vale of tears for realms of joy, for out of tribula- tion, I shall come into the happiness which ear hath not heard, and eye not seen. Or A DYING! MAS. «09 5. " Thus do I go to Jew* Ohritt,* Says my Saviour, " I go to my Father and to your Father ; to my God and to your God." So do 1 say likewise in dying, I go upwards to my heavenly Father, to Jesus, to the Holy Ghost, to the triune God, to my Immanuel, to the friend of my soul, to my brother, to my redeemer. And 0, how do I long to see Jesus in his glory, Jesus, whom I never saw, yet love to clasp; therefore, I "Stretch out my armt in wonder" towards my Jesus, to strain him to my heart, and never to let him go. I stretch out my arms, crying come, Lord Jesus. I remember how my Jesus stretched out both his arms on the cross, and died, as if he would embrace me. So will 1 now expire, to embrace Jesus with outstretched arms. bridegroom of my soul, embrace me too, and present me, transfigured and glorified, to my heavenly Father. what a happy entrance will it be, thus to enter into heaven, accompanied by Jesus ! In such thoughts I will lie, for then 410 81GHS AND PKATBB8 " I go to rest, and sweetly sleep" m the arms of Jesus. Jesus in my heart, Jesus in my mind, in the name of God I yield my breath. Blessed rest, which no one can disturb ! I rest from my cross, I rest from all sorrow, from mourning and sadness, from all pain. A blissful, heavenly rest ! If a child sleeps gently in its mother's arms, why should not I rest gently in the arms of Jesus. " Men shall not took* me yonder." To rouse the dead is a work of God, therefore no man has the power of waking the dead. But thy voice, Jesus, shall pierce the earth into the graves, and the dead shall rise. Jeaus, rouse my body on the last day to eternal life. I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth, and in my flesh shall I see God, whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another. What is beyond the power of man, my Saviour will do. " For Jesus Ohrist, thrice glorified, 1 ' is the foundation of my trust. He is tne Saviour and beatifier of men ; he is Christ, the promised Messiah ; nor is he very man alone, but the Son of God, yea, God himself. In this Jesus Christ OF A DTTNG MAN. 411 L will die happy ; the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, shall cleanse me of all sin. He " The gates of heaven will open wide? when the door of my earthly life is closed. I have thought diligently of heaven during life ; by faith I have striven for heaven in holiness of Vife, therefore, Jesus, open the gates of heaven, say, " Well done, thou good and faithful soul ; 'lich is laid up for us in heaven. Jesus ! thou whom in spirit I behold and contemplate in the manger, how lovely art thou, how kind art thou I give me grace that I may nevermore forget thee, but may always wear thee in my heart, on my lips, and before my eyes. Salva- tion I sanctify me, I commit myself to thee with all I am and have ; Bridegroom, embrace me, 1 422 HYMN. will live for thee, I will serve thee; for love of thee I renounce the world and all the pleasures of this life. let my heart be thy dwelling- place in time and in eternity. Enclose me in thy love, and keep me there, so that in thee I may have rest, peace, comfort, security, and the salvation of my soul. I am not lost, for Jesus was born a man. God is my friend, because through faith I am in Jesus, and Jesus lives in me. I do not fear death, for in it I have life, not the accusation of my conscience for my sin, for here is Jesus, my advocate. Therefore, Bridegroom of my heart, my hope, my joy and life, my Branch of the stem of Judah, what shall I give thee ? take my body, soul and spirit, all that is man in me ; I will transfer myself all to thee, I will be true to thee forever. Amen. HYMN. 1. joy beyond compare I Welcome, adored stran ger, Jesus, the Son of God, thus lowly in a manger, For this beloved child my very heart doth yearn, And from his humble bed my thoughts refuse U turn. SL love, transcendent love 1 beyond all oomprehen sion, That God his only Son should give for our redemp lion. THK DEVOUT CHRISTIAN PRAYS. 42S O what a father's love I that places us so high, And to us gives himself that we may never die. 8, faith I that he should come down to our depths from heaven, Assume our flesh and blood, all but the sinful leaven, To bring us to the crown, the robe, the inheritance, The glory, and the sight of God's own countenance. 4. bounteousneas of grace ! to all so freely offered That will accept in faith the boon so kindly prof- fered; grace that gives us life, and consolation true ; Richly dispensed to all that will of Jesus sue. 6. joy ! our heinous sins are freely all forgiven, Forgiven here below, and in the book of heaven ; The sacrificial lamb now at the altar stands, Our ransom and our hope is placed in holy hands. BX >0e (Cfose of tfje #ear ttje Deoout Christian "Frags anb returns JDfjan&s to (Job. EXHORTATION. " Bless the Lord, my soul ; and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, my soal, and forget not all his benefits." — Psalm ciii. i, 2. If devout hearts and thankful souls rejoice heartily in God, when he permits them to pass a 424 THE DBVOUT CHBISTTAN PRAT8 week or a month in safety, why should they nol double them on having passed a whole year by his assistance ? How many evils can befall ua in a single day ! How many more in a whole year! When a devout Christian perceives the close of the year, he lifts up his hands, his heart and his lips to heaven, and ends it with praise, thanks and prayer. Nor is he satisfied with merely ejaculating the ordinary words, "Thank God, the year is over !" He goes more thoroughly to work. 1. He thanks God for having suffered hiB holy word to be preached to him throughout the yea) lor the salvation of his soul, showing him the way to heaven ; as well as for having given hin? renewed strength in godliness and execution of the fruits of faith by the holy sacrament. 2. He asks himself, whether he has become more pious during the year, how old he is now in the inward man, and according to his regene- ration, being a year older according to the old sinful birth. 3. He fervently asks God's forgiveness for his past sins, which he has committed wittingly or unwittingly. 4. He then praises God for the many temporal benefits received, for the nurture, providence, protection, deliverance, preservation, blessings, and guidance extended to him. ASH RETURNS THANKS TO OOD. 425 5. If God has sent him a disease, suffering, or tribulation, and again released him from it, he must especially thank him for it, and call to mind at the end of the year, as much as possible what happened to him and his during every week, so that the last days of the year may be days of praise, prayer, thanksgiving, and repen- tance. 6. He beseeches God further to vouchsafe his grace during the coming year. PRA5TEE. How shall I repay the Lord for all the good- ness and truth manifested towards me? The Lord hath done great things in me, whereof I am glad. Under his protection and assistance, I have once more passed a year in safety. God, how precious is thy goodness, that the children of man repose under the shadow of thy wings ! They become intoxicated with the rich goods of thy house ; thou dost give them to drink of plea- sure as of a stream, for with thee is the living fountain, and in thy light we behold the light My God ! the days of the year are many, but thy benefits are many more ; the hours and minutes of the year may be counted, but the benefits thou hast done me are innumerable. I thank thee that during this year thou hast suffered thy holy word to be preached to me in its purity, showing 426 THE V&VOVT! CHRISTIAN PRaYB me the way to heaven and to my eternal salva- tion. seal upon my heart all I have heard, and give me thy Holy Spirit to arrange my life id accordance with it. I thank thee for having given me to eat of thy holy body and to drink of thy holy blood, in holy communion ; let it profit me in the strengthening of my faith and the sanctification of my life. I thank thee for having forgiven my sins and averted the merited punishment ; give me power to guard against them in the coming year, and not commit them again. I thank thee for having blessed my occu- pation, given me food and raiment, health and strength, averted misfortune, alleviated my trou- bles, and looked mercifully upon me in my wretchedness. Thou hast kept me as the apple of thy eye, thou hast screened me from the foes that plot against my soul. In trouble thou hast heard me, and suffered my prayer to penetrate unto thy throne. Thou hast poured out thy bleesing over me, and hast not concealed thy face when I cried to thee. Thou, loving Father, hast led me by the hand as thy child; thou, mighty King, hast protected me against mine enemies, as thy subject ; thou faithful Shepherd, hast pastured me, thy sheep, on a green meadow : thy goodness and truth have conducted me from the beginning of the year to the end. Thy wis- dom has guided me, thy love has covered me, AND BETTTBNS THANKS TO GOD. 427 thy help has rejoiced me, thy grace has preserved me, thy omnipotence has succored me at all times, thy Father's hand has given me all things, thy all-seeing eye has watched over me and pro- tected my going out and my coming in, so that no evil overtook me. Therefore see and taste how kind is the Lord, and how much good he has done unto my soul. If at times I had great trouble in my heart, thy comforts have glad- dened my soul. If danger and trouble were often near, thy help was nearer, and thy angel kept me in all my ways, and delivered me from the lion's maw. my God ! be graciously pleased to pardon all the sins I have committed during the past year. Do not punish me for them in the year to come, but forgive them for the sake of Jesus. Lord, do not think of the sins and transgressions of my youth, but think of me according to thy mercy, for the sake of thy great goodness. Lord ! Lord ! thus I close the year with thanks, prayer, and praise, and humbly pray thee to continue thy grace and protection through the coming year, to hold thy hand over me, and take me to thy love and mercy. Praise and glory be to the chief good, the Father of all goodness, the God of every miracle, the God who fills my mind with the riches of his comfort, the God whc soothes all lamentation. Praise *nd glory be vo the Lord ! Amen. 428 HYMN, HYMN. 1. How much am I rejoiced when memory has re corded The blessings of my God to me this year awarded • How his paternal care and kindness on me rained, And how in health and strength this hour I have attained 2. How can I rightly praise such grace and conde- scension! could my happy heart display its bursting tension! that each drop of blood were gifted with a tongue, And each pulsation of his endless glory sung ! 3. Great benefits untold this year thou hast extended The river of thy grace upon my path expended ; Of needful food and drink I never once was scant : Yet who can count thy stars, thy mercies who descant? 4. How greatly am I grieved when memory reminds me, And when in penitence thy warning summons finds me, Of the ungratefulness I have so oft displayed, And that I have not lived as Jesus wished and said 5. For the load of sin lies heavy on my spirit, The sinfulness of lust receives its evil merit; take away my pain, destroy it utterly, And in the coming year therefrom unburden me i'tdK DEVOUT CHRISTIAN IRAfb. 429 Itlje oeoout ttfjristtan praps at t(je Bcgtnnino of t§e #ear. EXHORTATION. " Let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon uh : and est* blish thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea, the work of oui hands, establish thou it." — Psalm xc. 17. Though froward minds, at the beginning of the year, often desire to know, whether the year will be a fortunate one to them, yet it is not in the power of a human being to answer such a question ; for the Lord alone sees into the future. 1. Children of God should enter upon a new year with thanksgiving ; they should praise the goodness of the Highest, who has carried them in safety through so many tempests of suffering, and so many floods of tribulation. And if a ship is fortunate that baffles the winds and waves, surely we ought to thank God upon our knees whenever he has safely conveyed us through the dangers of a year. 2. After having given thanks, devout souls should turn to prayer, that the goodness of the Highest may further protect, govern and keep them. They commend unto God their b^ies and their souls, and all they have, to reeei\» e the protection cf his grace. 3. They also take great pains in the new year 430 TOK DliVOUT CHB1STLOJ PKATB A7 tc become more devout and pious. With God they resolve that this year shall be counted in their regeneration. When old people boast of their years, and yet are earthly-minded and addicted to the world, it is assuredly not to their honor ; for piety, the, fruit of faith and indwel- ling grace, is decorous to young and old. 4. Devout hearts also resolve, with God, to listen diligently to God's word throughout the year, to carry it in their hearts, and to adapt their lives to its teachings. PBAYER. Lord ! Lord ! merciful, patient, and of great truth, who art from everlasting to everlasting, and with whom there is no change nor alterna- tion of light and darkness ; behold, under thy protection I once more enter upon a new year. Lord ! how great is thy goodness, that the chil- dren of men repose under the shadow of thy wings; thou dost intoxicate them with the pro- fusions of thy house ; the fountains of God have waters in plenty. All this, my God and Father, I have experienced in the year that is past; therefore I will begin the new year also in thy name with prayer, sighs and supplications. Lord, early wilt thou hear my voice, early wilt thou heed it. Lord, I know not what this year may bring forth; the year it long, the THS BEGINNING OF THK TKAK. 481 days art' many, human misery is manifold, and the accidents liable to befal us innumerable. — Therefore I come to thee, strong and loving God, commending myself, even from the first, to thy grace and truth. All things are renovated, the land gives prospect of fresh verdure, the sun rises higher in the heavens, all things manifest new vitality ; so let thy goodness and mercy be renewed over me also. I commend my soul to thy fatherly protection, guard it, and let me not stain it with wanton sins. Lord Jesus, sanctify, wash, and purify me with thy precious blood ; God, the Holy Ghost, dwell in me and let me be thy temple. what a blessed year will this year be, heavenly Father, if I remain in thy grace and live as thy child. How happy shall I be, if I stand in thy communion, Jesus ! how beautifully shall I be arrayed, if thou, Holy Ghost, wilt dwell in me and rule me. But if it should please thy holy wisdom to impose sickness or suffering upon me, do not depart from me, and if I suffer pain, assuage it, and let the hour of thy refreshment arrive, when thou wilt relieve me of it all. Lord, my God, hold thy hand over mine and all that is mine ; be a fiery wall around us as around Elijah ; guard us round about, a? the house of Job. Give me the power of thy Holy Ghost, so that during this year I may be- come pious and a true child of God, devout in 452 THE DBV0UT CHKI8TIAN PRAtS At prayer, and a diligent hearer and doer of the word. Grant that it may be said of my soul in the year to come, that all old things have passed away and that everything has become new ; that I may perceive within myself a new desire foi thee, new love to my neighbour, a new impulse to unite and abide in union with thee. Sanctify me wholly, that my spirit, soul and body may be preserved immaculate to the day of Jesus Christ. Give me new zeal in the faith. Bless my occupation and labor, bless my going out and my coming in, give me what thy hand hath pre- pared for me. Let me also reflect, at the begin- ning of this year, that the last year of my life must come, so that I may be constantly prepared, may stand in penitence and faith, may keep my lamp burning, and my loins girt, to receive thee joyfully, my Bridegroom and gracious God, and to enter into the kingdom prepared for me from the foundation of the world. Give me, accor- ding to thy will, a new mind and spirit, teaching me to fulfil implicitly what thy commandment prescribes, so that my spirit, soul and body may be and remain the dwelling of thy Spirit. Jesus, let me gladly end the year that is now begun carry me in thy hands, and stand by me in the time of danger. Help me in distress, and in death do not forsake me ; I will clasp thee joy- fully, when I leave this nether world. Amen. THE BEGINNING Of THB YXAB. 481 HYMN. 1. Thank God, another year has come, Another year of mercies ; O help my lisping, stammering tongue When it thy grace rehearses ; To thee I give myself, give Thyself to me, with thee to lire, And evermore defend me. 2. Thy Holy Spirit let me have To comfort and to warn me ; In faith and in the fear of thee To clothe and to adorn me ; To fill my heart unceasingly With hope, and love, and piety, And be my guide and leader. 8. Of the assurances of faith Give me renewed impression, And by the hard, victorious strife Subdue each fleshly passion ; That henceforth I may stand in grace At every time, in every place ; Still govern and direct me. 4. Almighty God, forsake me not, When I appear before thee ; Turn not thy loving eyes away, I beg and I implore thee. hear, hear, my humble prayer, Thy kind assistance let me share, Give me to taste thy mercy. 484 AT THE BEGINNING OF LENT THE DEVOUT 6. E'en more than this I ask of thee: The blessing, gracious Saviour, Thy love and goodness must impart Unto my whole behaviour ; Thy blessing, Father I give it me. My eye regards no one but thee! ever be my Father I at tf)e Beginning of gofn Cent t()e beocut (Cljrfetuih mefittates tlje Sufferings of Cfjrist EXHOBTATION. " God hath made Mm to be Bin for as, who knew no sin ; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." — 2 Oor T.21. Among the early Christians the holy time of Lent was a time of devotion and prayer, spent in contemplating the sufferings of Jesus, as is the custom of all the true children of God to this day. Although Satan has brought the children of the world to such a pass, that they begin the holy time of Lent, not with prayer and devotion, but with drinking, masquerades, gluttony, luxury, and ungodliness, testifying that they care no- thing for the crucified Jesus, yet the true chil- dren of God think otherwise, and have a dread of such abominations. CHRISTIAN MEDITATES CHRIST'S SUFFKRIiTGS. 485 1. They not only commence the season with prayer and singing, but unshackle their minds as much as possible of all earthly things, so that all their joy may be in the blood of Jesus. 2. They think over all the sufferings of Jesus, his agony in the garden of Gethsemane, his appearance before thri judgment seat, at Golga- tha, on the cross, and in the grave, calling to mind at every scene that this was suffered for their salvation. 3. They do not allow their devotion to dis- appear with the season of Lent, but as they mean to be comforted all their lives by the blood of Jesus, so they remember, all their lives, the crucified Jesus, who rose again. 4. This remembrance impels them to crucify the desires of the flesh, no longer to live accord- ing to the course of this world, nor wantonly to sin, but to die to sin, and be born again in the spirit. PEAYER. Jesus, my Jesus ! how great is thy love, ex- tended to me in thy bitter sufferings. Thou art the only begotten Son of God, thou art the im maculate Lamb, the Lord of Glories, the Most Holy, who has never committed a sin ; and be- hold, thou dost commit thyself to the most dis- graceful death and unto the most cruel suffering's 486 at ma beginning zt lent the devout for rne, an unjust one, a sinner, and a slave of death. How great is thy unspeakable mercy I The holy one takeB away my unholiness, the pious one takes away my wickedness, the just one my injustice, the innocent one my guilt. My sins are laid upon thee, so that thy right- eousness may fall upon me. My Jesus ! in thy sufferings I can see the wrath of God against sin, the abomination of sin, the punishment of sin. For it was in chastisement of the trespasses of others, and shifted sins, that God tortured thee, innocent Lamb, on the Mount of Olives, and suf fered thee to be so wretchedly maltreated by the hands of thy foes. How severely then will those be punished hereafter, who do not allow then> selves to be moved, by such sufferings, to faith, to repentance, and to sanctification. Jesus I I approach thee, and believingly regard thy suffer- ings. Thou goest to the garden of Gethsemane, and bloody sweat drops from thee to the ground ; alas 1 for me, that I may be delivered from the power of the devil. Thou art brought to judg ment, accused, and condemned to death, alas! for me, that I may be acquitted after death, and on the last day, before the judgment seat. Thou art scourged, and thy body seamed with blood, deep furrows are drawn upon thy back; alas! for me, that I may not be punished for my sins Thou art led to death, alas ! for me, thni niy iJHEISTIAN MEDITATES CHBIST's SUFFERINGS. i37 death may be wholesome to me and a passage to heaven, aye, a journey to the Father. Thou art crucified ; alas, for me : thou, the Lamb of God, hast taken away all my sins. Thou diest upon the cross ; alas ! for me, that by thy death I may have life. Thou art buried ; alas ! for me, u. sanctify my grave. Is not this love, is not this mercy, that by thy bitter suffering I am to attain life, grace, and the forgiveness of all my sins T The punishment of all my sins is upon thee, so that I may have peace, and be delivered from them. These sufferings I will have before my eyes wherever I am. Thy death and sufferings, until soul and body sever, sball dwell within my heart. If Israel was free from all guilt and punishment, upon believingly sacrificing a lamli to God, and seeing its hot blood flow : I know that because thou, O Jesus, thou innocent and immaculate Lamb of God, wert slaughtered for me, and thy hot blood was richly poured out for me, that, if I receive it in faith, I am reconciled with God through grace. Thy blood is the true sacrificial blood, the blood of atonement, the blood of purification, the blood with which to sprinkle our sills and door-posts. Jesus! I will think of thy sufferings and of thy blood when my heart is tempted to sin, I will have before my eyes thy holy image on the Mount of Olives, when thou wert scourged, and at the HTBOf cross, whenever the world with its evil example, would make me like itself. Into thy wounds will I flee when my sins oppress me, thy blood I will claim as my ransom, when conscience besets me, aye, in my dying hour I will know nothing but Jesus ; thy holy name shall be my latest word, thy bleeding form my latest thought, thy last word upon the cross my expiring sigh, " Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit !" In that last hour, Jesus, be my comfort, my joy, my refreshment, my assistance, and appear to me in thine image, a consolation in my need, how thou, Lord Christ, didst bleed to death. I will look towards thee, and in faith clasp thee to my heart. Who dies thus, dies well. Amen. HYMN. 1. My boat of Mends departs ; my Jesus, my salvation, Already bows his head, and leaves his high voca- tion; His iace is deadly pale ; from the accursed tree, He sinkB into the grave; my bridegroom parts from me. 2. My best of friends departs that I may never perish, But in eternal bliss his loved remembrance oherish ; For me, for me he dies, to clear my guilt and shame, To bring me to the grace of God, and end aU blame. THE DEVOUT CHKIST1AN MKDITATI8, BTO. 489 8 My best of friends departs, yet is my life unemit- ten, Deep in my soul the name of Jesus still is written •, I love him while I live, I love him when I die, I love him on the cross, and when he sits on high 4. I follow when my friend in his dear grave they bury, See with believing eyes how they the ritual hurry. My friend, here is my heart ! sink into it deep, Let it thy dwelling be, the bed where thou dost sleep. 6. I sacrifice my heart to thee alone forever, Thy precious death from mine no difference shall sever. while I live, live thou, friend of my souL in me, And when I come to die, let me but die in thee. On Qoob