BX qqzo' 3s ^he-Mauide-f* SERVICE BOOK — FOR- m^w gcpeeiig. •BY WILLIAM S. JOHNSON BOSTON : Jniversalist Publishing House. 1883. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. (f%tjr* damrrig|i 3fc ^Pb UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. *N V N\ *x -^sphe-f-SuMe-f* SERVICE BOOK — FOR- gUp/IY ?CJI08L3. -BY- 7 THE LIBRARY Of CONGRM5 WASHINGTON WILLIAM S. JOHNSON BOSTON : Universalist Publishing House, 1883. U COPYRIGHTED 1882, BY THE Universalist Publishing House. PRINTED AND BJiRCTROTYPED BY E. A. JOHNSON & CO., PROVIDENCE, R. I. PREFACE One object in preparing this book was to provide a form of service in which the several departments of the school would have a part, anct at the same time make it instructive and interesting, as well as more formal than the forms usually followed. Another object was to fur- nish a service which would give prominence to some of our distinctive doctrines, and make clear portions of Scriptures which are often misunderstood and misap- plied. It is true the necessity for this is not so apparent as it once was, yet it will not do to remain altogether silent. Although our views are not so openly and fre- quently attacked in these days as in the time of our fathers, yet the creeds remain the same, and the same Scriptures are used to sustain them. Hence the neces- sity of introducing into our services such lessons as will prevent our children from growing up in ignorance of our interpretation of God's holy Word. To meet this need, not only have many of the services in this book been prepared, but in the opening service for every Sunday, God's impartial grace and saving power and pur- pose are clearly indicated, so that no scholar of ordinary mind can attend a school for six months where these ser- vices are used, without knowing something of the grounds of our Faith. It was not at first in the thought of the author of The Guide to make a new book, entirely, but rather to select from other books such services as could be found to answer his purpose, and add to these such TV THE GUIDE. others as were needed to carry out his idea. At the sug- gestion of others, however, it was decided to make it in the main a new book. Thus it is that, with the excep- tion of some of the additional prayers, all the matter has been specially prepared for this book. The prayers for Easter, Childen's Sunday, All Souls, and Christmas, were kindly contributed by Rev. H. W. Rugg ; those for Memorial Sunday, and for the Death of a Teacher and the Death of a Scholar, by Rev. H. I. Cushman ; and the one for Educational Sunday, by Rev. E. H. Capen, D. D. The prayers for Opening were made up from Rev. James Lombard's Sunday School Liturgy, and those for the Sickness of a Teacher, and also for a Scholar, were taken from Rev. Henry Bacon's Service Book. The author also gratefully acknowledges his in- debtedness to Charles E. Carpenter, Esq., the long-time Superintendent of the First Universalist Sunday School in Providence, R. I., and to Henry B. Metcalf, Esq., superintendent of the Pawtucket school and a well- known Sabbath school worker, for valuable suggestions in preparing this work, and which have made it of greater worth. The plan of the Guide is to have an established Order of Service for every Sabbath, and for this purpose three have been prepared. The first is substantially what has been used in the Church of the Mediator School for the past six years, and which has received the hearty approval of many clergymen who in this time have visited the school. It is an elaborate service, and intended only for large schools. To carry it out in full, it is necessary, as. indeed, it is desirable, that all the departments of the school should be together at the opening. Tlie second 44 Order " is shorter and will better suit some schools. PREFACE. V The third " Order " is quite brief, and may be used in the smallest schools, or in any school, if desired. In each " Order " the time required is indicated at the right of the numbers, and different times are given for different hours of meeting, to wit : forenoon, noon, and afternoon. If the school meets at any other hour, the time can be easily calculated from the examples given. In the absence of the pastor at No. 6, (First Order) instead of the invo- cation by him, the superintendent may use one of the prayers for " Opening," or his own. At No. 10 all should bow the head, and after a few moments of silent prayer, the superintendent will follow with No. 11. Music for No. 14 will be found on page 7, and the chant for the Lord's Prayer, (No. 24) on page 8. At No. 27 let the school read in concert the study lesson for the day, where lesson papers are used. If the uniform lessons are not used, this number can be omitted. Following the study lesson, the Golden Text is to be repeated. At No. 30 the superintendent will announce the service from The Guide These services consist of Scripture selections, to be read by the superintendent, and a brief explanatory comment thereon, which may be used or not as he may elect. In some of the services, such as " The Second Coming of Christ," " The End of the World," and " Eternal Life," some explanation is necessa r y lest the children imbibe the popular idea concerning these topics. It was because of this seeming necessity that in some cases comments are added, and for the sake of uniformity the others were provided. Next come the Responses, and Prayer, which is followed by singing; the opening service closing with No. 34. This will have occupied about twenty minutes, which will leave from twenty-five to thirty minutes for the teacher's work in his class. Previous to this he VI THE GUIDE. should take up his collection, (No. 35) that it may be ready when the collector calls for it. After the lesson instruction is finished, the time may be used by singing, or in a review of the lesson by the pastor or superintend- ent. After which the library books are to be distributed. Then a closing hymn is sung, followed by silent prayer, and the " Benediction" or " Parting Invocation." The time required for the entire service is one hour and a quarter. As all schools are supposed to have a singing book, it was thought best to omit hymns and leave each school to select its own music. Although three forms of service are provided, it is, of course, optional for any school to use either one, or any other form it may choose to adopt ; or either may be contracted or enlarged in any way that may be thought best. And if the pastor or superintendent should at any time prefer to pray himself, nothing here need prevent him, though to the author it seems desirable that as a rule the school should repeat a prayer in concert. In all prayers the children should be taught to at least bow the head. If in addition to this the eyes be coveted with the hand it will be still better. HYM^T. VII HYMN ECU PRIMARY CLASS. Jesus said of little children, "Suffer them to come tome." Sfe v -| y. 0—0-0± ttzp; fa=^ta _£ r _L_£. Yes, we hear thee, And we come, dear Lord, to thee, blessed Saviour, £= * 1 jl --CT n±^; t -h- -1— H - f Singing, singing with the angels, Hallelujah ! praise the Lord, m m m * +- JLJL Singing,singing with the awgels,Hallelujah ! praise the Lord. *- *-*-*- I — I — I h- i \J I y i J iSH VIII THE GUIDE. 7- p^ < CD *l cd - o p E" 3 CD 32 od' CD CD 5 o P s~ 5 g- ^ P o 6 e+ rt- O 5 CO p -i O CD — — et- -• CD. CD ^ c^ -< a on © •3 o ~ CD DC 3 hj CD — CD DC z. c^ go <; ^ c~ w |**f c Q, . c < Q 5 Q q ~ |> (5 < | i ~ L - J > _L o* cr -2 d »q ^ ts P CD Vs< o 6 1 3 l/1 a r* — c p m ^ a 3. '■s ■ CD cj ~ V. . ce ^ = ct- H *c w V- ET *< uC 2 «» , , 0! <■ a. — =' 3 ' J i ^ CD ,© o K' K c"' a DC e+ o ~ 1 c ,_! C3 — *; QD ^ a= O v ""' GPq ct H o 2 M -. ** ** & >— cc c- Oj cr c Ej r*- & As *» c ^D ^ i i i i i i ' I i ' fa* ftfc r im \> ■~"^ : " m T ^ ! I I v> ^ s IT U I ! t i W 3 «fo I ! I I I ^ I ! Niii m u «» t> «(>| *H H HI K r c is hd H 3* ORDER OF SERVICE.— I. 1 — 12.13 P. M. First Bell — Preparation. 2 — 12.15 " Second Bell — Perfect silence. 3 — Superintendent — O come, let us sing unto the Lord. 4 — School — Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 5 — Singing — By school or a select choir. f! — Invocation, by Pastor. 7 — Supt. — I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. 8 — Asst. Supt — Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise ; be thankful unto him and bless his name. 9 — School — Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of heed. 10 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) 11 — Supt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us; and cause his face to shine upon us. 12 — School — Blessed are they that dwell in thy house; they will be still praising thee. 13 — Primary Class Teachers — Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven. 14 — Primary Class Song — Jesus said of little children, "Suffer them to come to me." Yes, we hear thee, blessed Saviour, And we come, dear Lord, to thee — Singing, singing with the angels, Hallelujah! praise the Lord. I 10 THE GUIDE. 15 — Supt. — Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 16 — Males — And we have seen and do testify, that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 17 — Females — The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand. IS— Supt. — And he has said : — " All that the Father giv- eth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." 19 — Bible, or Young Peoples' Class — For he must reign till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 20 — Teachers — The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 21 — School — Then cometh the end when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father ; when he shall have put down all rule and all au- thority and power. 22— Supt. — I beseech you, therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 23 — School — For whether we live, we live unto the Lord ; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord ; whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 24 — Chant — Lord's Prayer. 25 — Confession — (All uniting.) "We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and. the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind. We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love, re- vealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore lh" whole family of mankind to holi- ness and happiness. ORDER OF SERVICE. 11 We believe that holiness and true happiness are insepara toly connected, and that believers ought to be careful to main, tain order and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men. 26 — Singing. 27 — Scripture Lesson for the Day. 2$ — Golden Text. 29 — Invocation Hymn — I need thee every hour — Teach me thy will, And thy rich promises In me fulfill. I need thee ! oh. I need thee, Every hour I need thee ! O bless me now, my Saviour ! I come to thee. 30 — Service — Page — 31 — Singing. 32 — Supt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord. 33 — School — Let us " Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not." 34 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee, "From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 35 — Collection. 36 — Lesson Study. 37 — 1.02 — Preparatory Bell. 38 — 1.05 — Second Bell — Silence. 39 — Singing. 40 — Remarks. 41 — Notices. 42 — Distribution of Books. 12 THE GUIDE. 43 — Singing. 44 — Silent Prater. — (All bow the head.) 45 — 1.30 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following : Parting Invocation — (All uniting.) The Lord watch hetween me -and thee when we are absent one from another. ORDER OF SERVICE.— II 1—10.43 A. M. First Bell — Preparation. 2 — 10.45 " Second Bell — Perfect silence. 3 — Superintendent — O come, let us sing unto the Lord. 4 — School — Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 5 — Singing. 6 — Supt. — I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord. 7 — School — Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 8 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) 9 — Supt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us ; and cause his face to shine upon us. 10 — School — Blessed are they that dwell in thy house : they will be still praising thee. 11 — Supt. — Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. 12 — Male — And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. 13 — Females — The Father loveth the Son and hath given all things into his hand. ORDER OF SERVICE. 13 14 — Supt. — And he has said : — " All that the Father giv- eth me shall come to me, and him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." 15 — School — For he must reign till he hath put all ene- mies under his feet. 16 — Teachers — The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 17 — School — Then cometh the end when he shall have de- livered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and authority and power. 18 — Supt. — I beseech you, therefore, brethren by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 19 — School — For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord ; whether we live, therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 20 — Confession — {All uniting.) We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New- Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind. We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love r revealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness. We believe that holiness and true happiness are insepara- bly connected, and that believers ought to be careful to main- tain order and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men. 21 — Singing. 22 — Scripture Lesson for the Day. 23 — Golden Text. 14 THE GUIDE. 24 — Invocation Hymn — I need thee every hour — Teach me thy will, And thy rich promises In me fulfill. I need thee ! oh. I need thee, Every hour I need thee ! O bless me now, my Saviour! I come to thee. 25 — Service — Page — 26— Singing. 27 — Supt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord. 28 — School — Let us " Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not." 29 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee : — " From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 30 — Collection. 31 — Lesson Study. 32— 11.32— Preparatory Bell. 33 — 11.35 — Second BELL-^Silence. 34 — Singing. 35 — Remarks. 36 — Notices. 37 — Singing. 38 — Silent Prayer — (All bow the head.) 39 — 12.00 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following: Parting Invocation — (All uniting.') The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent one from another. ORDER OF SERVICE. 15 ORDER OF SERVICE.— Ill 1 — 1.58. P. M. First Bell — Preparation. 2 — 2.00. " Second Bell — Perfect Silence. 3 — Singing. 4 — Superintendent — Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 5 — Silent Prayer. — (All bow the head.) f> — Sv/pt. — God be merciful unto us and bless us ; and cause his face to shine upon us. 7 — Confession. — (All uniting.) We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and the duty, interest, and final destination of mankind. We believe that there is one God, whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord, Jesus Christ, by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of mankind to holiness and happiness. We believe that holiness and true happiness are insepa- rably connected, and that believers ought to be careful to maintain order and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men. 8 — Singing. 9 — Service — Page — 10 — Singing. ll-^Stipt. — Come now and let us reason together, saith the Lord. 16 THE GUIDE. 12 — School. — Let us "Hear instruction and be wise, and refuse it not." ]3 — Supt. — That it may be said of thee, ''From a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14 — Collection. 15 — Lesson Study. 16 — 2.48 — Preparatory Bell. 17 — 2.50 — Second Bell. 18 — Singing. 19 — Remarks. 20 — Notices. 21 — Singing. 22 — Silent Prayer — (All bow the head.) 23 — 3.15 — Benediction by the pastor, or the following: Parting Invocation — (All uniting.} The Lord watch between me and thee when we ate absent one from another. SEE VICE L— The Mercy of the Lord, The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlast- ing upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children ; for thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive ; and plenteous in mercy unto alL them that call upon thee. Also unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy : for thou renderest to every man according to his work. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begot- ten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorrupti- ble, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you. God's mercy is akin to bis justice. It does not manifest itself by relieving us of necessary and just punishment. The father who spares his disobedient child is not merciful. Punish- ment is necessary for our good. God's mercy consists in meting out punishment according to our needs. He never punishes more than is required for our good. The Psalmist says, "Unto thee, Lord, belongeth mercy; for thou renderest to every man according to his work." God, then, shows his mercy, not by withhold- ing punishment, but by punishing us no more than we deserve. 18 THE GUIDE. RESPONSES. Supt.— Ho, every one that tliirsteth, come ye to the waters, School. — And he that hath no money come ye, buy and eat : Supt. — Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. School— Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? Supt. — And your labor for that which satisfieth not? School. — Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, Supt. — And let your soul delight itself in fatness. School. — Incline your ear and come unto me : Supt. — Hear, and your soul shall live. AIL — And I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. PRAYER. Almighty and most merciful God, no mortal eye hath ever seen thee, yet thy presence is manifest in the genial rays of the sun, which warm and invigorate the earth; in the gentle influences that surround us on every hand, by which we are sustained and blessed; and by everything which makes life attractive. We thank thee that thou hast not left us without a witness of thyself ; that by the gift of thy well- beloved Son thou hast made provision for our spiritual wants, which are so great, and yet so lit- tle regarded by us. We thank thee that though subject to the same trials and disappointments which so often beset us, yet he was able to en- GOD'S PLEASURE AISTD PURPOSE. 19 dure all ; that though tempted in all points like as we are, yet he was without sin. May we seek his guidance and be helped by his ex- ample/so that when tempted, we shall resist every allurement of evil. Make us grateful for thy abundant mercies, and though wilful and blind to our own best good, be merciful to its still, God, and cause thy face to shine upon us. Bless our church, school, and parish. Make them thy instrumentalities for much good. Prosper us in every good work. In- crease our interest in spiritual things. Deepen our love for thee, and help us to work together with one heart and purpose to establish thy kingdom on earth, even in the hearts of thy children. And thine through Christ, our Lord, be all the praise. Amen. SERVICE II. — God's Pleasure axd Purpose. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ : according as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love : having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, in whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace ; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence ; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which 20 THE GUIDE. lie hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all tilings in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth : it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I send it. Not only are God's pleasure and purpose to save all his children clearly set forth in our lesson, but we also have the assurance that he will not fail in either, but will do his pleasure according to his good purpose. To believe otherwise would be to doubt his word and dis- honor his holy name. eespokses. Supt. — As I live, saith the Lord God, School. — I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Supt. — Thou hast created all things, School. — And for thy pleasure they are and were created. Supt. — My counsel shall stand ; School. — And I will do all my pleasure. Supt. — The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, School. — Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass ; Supt. — And as I have purposed, so shall it stand. School. — I have purposed it, I will also do it. Supt. — Is the law against the promise of God? AIL— God forbid. PROMISES OF GOD. 21 PRAYEK. Almighty God, thou hast created us and not we ourselves ; and for thy pleasure we are and were created. We bless thee that thou didst create us in thine own image and fashion us after thine own likeness. And though by our disobedience to thy just laws, we have in a measure lost our likeness to thee, thou dost not forsake us, but hast declared thy purpose to save to the uttermost all whom thou hast created. As w r e realize this blessed truth, our Father, may we be drawn nearer to thee in confidence. And though thou art so great and altogether beyond the comprehension of mortals, make us to realize that the humblest and smallest of thy children may come into thy spiritual presence and commune with thee, with the full assurance that thou art pleased to receive their offerings of gratitude and praise. Help us, ever gracious Parent, to ap- preciate this privilege, and to so improve it that we may live as in thy presence ; and may we receive from thee that strength which thou hast promised to the humble and trusting heart. May we live for thee and in thy ser- vice, as disciples of the risen Lord, our Sav- iour. Amen. SERVICE III.— PROMISES OF GOD. We know that all tilings work together for good to them that love God. He is a rewarder of them that dil- igently seek him. Blessed is the man that walketh not 22 THE GUIDE. in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners. The Lord preserveth all them that love him. They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. They shall not be ashamed in the evil time : and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. The Lord know- eth the days of the upright : and their inheritance shall be forever. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord : and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down : for the Lord uphold- eth him with his hand. Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright : for the end of that man is peace. The promises of God are many, but sure. Let us hearken unto him, and diligently serve him, and we shall reap the sure reward of our well- doing. RESPONSES. Supt. — Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, School. — And the man that getting understanding ; Supt. — For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, School. — And the gain thereof than fine gold. Supt. — She is more precious than rubies : School. — And all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Supt. — Length of days is in her right hand. School. — And in her left hand riches and honor. Supt. — Her ways are ways of pleasantness. School. — And all her paths are peace. Supt. — She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her : School. — And happy is every one that retaineth her. PROMISES OF GOD. 23 Supi. — The Lord by wisdom hath founded the earth : School. — By understanding hath he established the heavens. Supt. — My son, let not them depart from thine eyes ; School. — Keep sound wisdom and discretion : Supt. — Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, School. — And thy foot shall not stumble. Supt. — When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid : All. — Yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. PRAYER. Infinite Creator of all things, Ave render unto tliee our grateful acknowledgments for the manifold blessings thou art constantly bestow- ing upon us. We thank thee that thou hast created us ; and for this world of beauty and glory. We realize that we have done nothing to give us any claim on thee, that all thou hast done for us has been through thine infinite goodness ; and we thank thee that notwith- standing our unworthiness, our short comings, our repeated failures to live worthy of thee, thou withholdest nothing we need. Every moment of our lives is a proof that thou hast not forgotten us ; everything that makes life desirable calls upon us to bless and praise thee as the giver thereof. Father, may we not be ungrateful for these blessings, nor unmindful of our duty to thee; but may our hearts ever go up to thee in grateful adoration. May we render thee the service which is thy clue, yield thee a willing obedience, and be blessed 24 THE GUIDE. with the assurance that we have found favopin thy sight. Pardon all thou seest amiss in us. Sanctify every blessing to our highest good, and save us with an abundant salvation, through Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. SERVICE IV.— GOD'S LOVE. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath be- stowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. We have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. There is no fear in love ; but perfect love casteth out fear ; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. It is said of us, as a Christian people, that we make much of God's love. It is true we do: and why should we not ? We know that his love is something which can be depended on, that it is not fickle, but ever the same. He does not love to-day and hate to-morrow. His love is constant and enduring. Trusting in it we feel no harm can befall us. If he punishes us w T e know it is for our good ; and as endless punishment would not be for our benefit, we know he will never inflict it on any of his chil- dren. RESPONSES. Supt. — So all Israel shall be saved, as it is written ; School. — There shall conic out of Zion the Deliverer, GOD'S LOVE, 25 and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. Supt. — God hath concluded them all in unbelief, Schoo'. — That he might have mercy upon all. Supt. — 0, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God ! School. — How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! Supt. — For who hath known the mind of the Lord? School. — Or who hath been his counsellor? Supt. — Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? All. — For of him and through him and to him, are all things ; to whom be glory forever. Amen. PRAYER. God of love and boundless compassion, who holdeth our lives in the hollow of thy hand. We praise thee for the love that gave us being, unchangeable and never ending ; a love so strong that nothing can be added to it, and so enduring that nothing can be taken from it ; a love which, embracing all humanity, goes out into all the world and plans and pro- vides for the greatest possible good for every child of thy creation. Make us, holy Father- to understand the nature and extent of thy love for us, that we are the constant objects of its tender care and compassion ; that whatever we may do, however much we may disobey thee, thy love remains the same ; that we cannot go where it will not reach us, nor can we escape its unwearying power. As thou, Lord, dost so love us and hast done so much for us, and hast unnumbered blessings yet in store for us. 26 THE GUIDE. make us, Ave humbly entreat thee, to love thee in return. May we love thee supremely and devotedly, consecrating ourselves to thy ser- vice ; and whatever we do, may it be to thy honor and glory and the happiness of our fel- low-men. For the gift of thy son who revealed thy love to us we sincerely thank thee, blessed Lord, and loving thee may we love him also who is the brightness of thy glory and the express image of thy person. May his name be very dear to us, and may we live in imitation of his example. Hold us and bless us, sanctify and save us ; and thine shall be the praise, now and ever. Amen. SERVICE V.— The Wicked Punished. There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked. They that plough iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same. Though wickedness be sweet in his mouth, though lie hide it under his tongue ; he shall suck the poison of asps ; the viper's tongue shall slay him. I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not : yea, I sought him, but he could not be found. Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done : and there is no respect of persons. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand : and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house ; and it fell : and great was the fall of it. THE WICKED PUNISHED. %1 They who teach that a sinful life is one of pleasure, and that men by repentance may escape all punishment for their wrong doings, have a great responsibility resting upon them ; for the tendency of such teaching is to encour- age sinners in their evil ways. Nothing is more clearly taught in the Bible than that the way of the transgressor is hard. If we sin we shall surely be punished. The only way to escape punishment is to obey the injunction : " Cease to do evil : learn to do well." RESPONSES. Superintendent. — The Lord reigneth : let the earth rejoice : School. — Let the multitude of isles be glad thereof. Supt. — Clouds and darkness are round about him. School. — Righteousness and judgment are the liabita- tation of his throne. Supt. — A fire goeth before him, School. — And burnetii up his enemies round about. Supt. — The heavens declare his righteousness, School,-*- And all the people see his glory. Supt. — For thou, Lord, art high above all the earth : School. — Thou art exalted far above all gods. 'Supt. — Ye that love the Lord, hate evil : School. — He preserveth the souls of his saints; All. — Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. PRAYER. Father, in view of our sinful lives w r e feel that we do not deserve the care thou art bestow- ing upon us. We have no merit by which we can come to thee, but we come relying on the- 28 THE GUIDE. merits of our Saviour, and in his name we plead for help and strength and guidance. make us to know what is our real position in this world, that both duty and interest require of us obedience to thee, that we cannot violate the least of thy laws without suffering its penalty ; that thy commandments are not made to inter- fere with the enjoyment of thy children, but to insure their highest good. So, gracious Parent, may we be wise and heed them. Incline our hearts to a holy life. 0, why should we sin against thee? Why should Ave not accept thy word as from one who is Infinite in knowledge, wisdom and love, and thus maketh no mistake? Enlighten our minds, we pray thee, 0, most holy One, and turn us from every evil way. Forgive our past offences, and make us wholly thine, forevermore. Amen. SERVICE VI.— The Righteous Rewarded. Thou, Lord, wilt bless the righteous ; with favor wilt thou compass him as with a shield. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation. So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous : ver- ily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree : he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life : and he that winneth souls is wise. Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth. Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him ; for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. THE RIGHTEOUS REWARDED. 29 The Scriptures command and commend a righteous life. If they are true, as we believe they are, it pays to do right. Our good deeds are sure to bring their just reward. That we might know how to live, God sent his only begotten Son into the world. He is the way, the truth, and the life. We have his record for our guidance, and by imitating his example the blessing of the Lord will be upon us. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold. School. — He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend. Supt. — A sound heart is the life of the flesh ; School. — And a good man shall be satisfied from him- self. Supt. — In the house of the righteous is much treasure r School. — But in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. Supt. — There shall no evil happen to the just : School. — But the wicked shall be filled with mischief- Supt. — He that walketh uprightly walketh surely : School. — But he that perverteth his ways shall be known* Supt. — The hope of the righteous shall be gladness : School. — But the expectation of the wicked shall per- ish. All. — Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. PRAYER. Ever blessed and ever wise God, Ave thank thee that amidst all our trials in this world,. 30 THE GUIDE. with our weaknesses, and inclination to sin, we have for our encouragement that if Ave resist the tempter and flee from him, we shall be blessed of thee with a sure reward. May we treasure up this comforting assurance which has come down to us by the mouth of the prophets of old, and who were inspired by thee to proclaim thy truth to a sinful and needy world. May we accept their teachings as com- ing from thee. We remember that when Jesus, our Lord, was in need he came to thee for help. So would we come to thee, for we feel we are too Aveak to battle alone against our adversaries; and we pray thee to help us as thou didst help him. Strengthen, we beseech thee, heavenly Father, all the better purposes of our hearts, so that as Ave engage in life's duties Ave may fear no evil, because thou art Avith us, and thy strong right arm is round about us. So may Ave live as thy children ought to live ; and Avhen in thine oavii good time it shall please thee to bring our lives on earth to a close, may Ave go hence assured that Ave have not lived in vain. Hear us, Father, and answer us, and unto thee be all the praise. Amen. SERVICE VII.— God our Father, My son, despise not the chastenings of the Lord ; for whom the Lord loveth lie chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. We have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us and we gave them rever- ence ; shall we not much rather be in subjection to the GOD OUR FATHER. 31 Father of spirits and live? Have we not all one Father? hath not one God created us? Call no man your father upon the earth ; for one is your Father which is in heaven. For in him we live and move and have our being ; for we are also his offspring. There is one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. After this manner pray ye : Our Father, which art in heaven. AVe all know what our earthly parents are to us. how ready they are to help us, and how great is their love for us. But the love of our heavenly Father is far stronger, and he has done much more for us than is possible for our earthly parents. 0, how great should be our love for him ! Let us show our love by serving and obeying him. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — God is our refuge and strength, School.— A very present help in trouble. Supt. — Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, School. — And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea. Supt. — There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, School. — The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. Supt. — God is in the midst of her: she shall not be moved : School. — God shall help her, and that right early. Sirpt. — Be still, and know that I am God : 32 THE GUIDE. School. — I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. All. — The Lord of hosts is with us ; the God of Jacob is our refuge. PRAYER. 0' thou who art the God and Father of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and the Father of our spirits. Help us to come to thee in child-like trust and confidence, even as we go to our earthly parents ; realizing that thou art far more ready to bestow thy good gifts upon us than we are to seek thy favors. "We thank thee that thou dost acknowledge us as thy children, that we can call thee Father, and that thou hast a father's love for us which is manifold in so many ways. Blessing and honor, and glory and power be unto him who revealed the Father to us. Without his revelation we should be in darkness and doubt ; but thanks be unto thee, Lord, that light has come into the world, and we now know that the God who created us is not a being to be feared, but one whom we may reverence and adore as our heav- enly Father. Make us, most holy One, worthy to be thy children. To this end keep us from temptation and save us from sin. May our failures to do our duty be incentives to greater exertion to be faithful to every trust thou hast confided to us. Assist us according to our need, and at last receive us into thy mansion on high, where with a ransomed universe, purified from all sin, we may join in ascriptions of praise to thee through a day without night and a world without end. Amen. CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR. 33 SERVICE VIII.— Christ our- Saviour. Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord ; and thou shalt call his name Jesus : for he shall save his people from their sins. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. He shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied. And he is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus ; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world ! Centuries before the birtli of Christ his com- ing was foretold, and also that he would be sat- isfied with his labor. That he came to save the world and thus do the will of the Father who sent him, he, himself, has told us ; and his dis- ciples have confirmed it. How can he be satis- fied unless all are saved? Let us rejoice that he will not rest from his labor until every soul is redeemed and sanctified. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — How beautiful upon the mountain are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, School. — That publisheth peace : Supt. — That bringeth good tidings of good, that pub- lisheth salvation ; School. — That saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth. Supt.— Thou madest him a little lower than the angels, 3 34 THE GUIDE. Schooi\ — Thou crownedst him with glory and nonor. Supt, — Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. School. — For in that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. Supt, — But now we see not yet all things put under him. School. — But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor ; Supt. — That he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. All, — And deliver them, who through fear of death were all their life-time subject to bondage. PRAYER. Father in heaven, we live in a world full of blessings ; a world made expressly for us, thy children, and with everything therein neces- sary for our happiness. For all this and these we are indebted to thee the great giver of every good and perfect gift. We thank thee for all thou hast done for us ; but more especially do we thank thee for the gift of thine only begot- ten Son, whom thou didst send into the world that the world through him might be saved from sin and unbelief. We thank thee that unto him is given all souls with power to save, and for the promise that of all thou hast given him he shall lose none. Knowing this, God, that he is in the world not only to seek but to save sinners, may we who have so often gone astray no longer shun him, but turning from ETERXAL LIFE. 35 our evil ways, may we cease to do wrong and learn to do right. May we realize that as he gave his life for us, we have the strongest pos- sible evidence that he is our friend. So may we hearken unto him and trust him as one who knows our weakness, and is able and willing to help us. Make us to feel our need of his help, and may we willingly and gratefully accept it. Bless this school, holy Father, we beseech thee, and as we. meet here from time to time to study thy word, may we learn of Christ, our Saviour ; and as his life of love and sacrifice is unfolded to us, may we learn to love and serve him with true hearts acceptably. And unto thee be all the praise, evermore. Amen. SEEYICE IX.— Eternal Life. The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. For God so loved the world, that lie gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. As thou hast given him power over all flesh ; that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God ; that ye may know that' ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 36 THE GUIDE. Eternal or everlasting life, as used in the Scriptures, is not the life beyond the grave, but the moral and spiritual life enjoyed by the believer on earth. The meaning of the word in the original is age-lasting, and not never end- ing. The same word is sometimes applied to punishment, and in both cases it has a limited meaning. Eternal and everlasting punishment, as well as life, mean for a time longer or shorter, as the case may be. There is no authority for teaching that either is endless. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. School. — Serve the Lord with gladness ; Supt. — Come before his presence with singing. School. — Know ye that the Lord he is God : Supt. — It is he that hath made us, and not we our- selves : School. — We are his people, and the sheep of his pas- ture. Supt. — Enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise : School. — Be thankful unto him, and bless his name, Supt. — For the Lord is good ; School.— His mercy is everlasting; All. — And his truth endureth to all generations. PRAYER. Thou who art from everlasting to ever- lasting, eternal in the heavens ; great art thou and greatly to be praised. We acknowledge thee as our Creator and Preserver, and we thank repentance. 37 thee that thou hast made us what we are, the greatest of all thy works : that thou hast created us intelligent beings, endowing us with reason- ing powers, whereby we are able to acquire knowledge and thus , increase our usefulness. Enable us, we entreat thee, to so use our fac- ulties and gifts that we may magnify thy great and glorious name. Make us to understand the object of our creation, why it is that thou hast placed us in this world and bestowed upon us so large a measure of wisdom. Make us to feel that we are not to be idlers and mere look- ers on, leaving to thee and others to carry on thy work, but to each and every one is given something to do according to his ability. So, Lord, may we look to thee for guidance ; and may it be our aim to do that which is pleasing in thy sight. Let thy richest blessing rest on this school. Bless all connected with it. May the light of thy Gospel penetrate every heart, and may all learn of thee and accept Christ as their Saviour. Thus shall we receive that eter- nal life promised to all who believe in him. Hear us, heavenly Father, in all our prayers ; answer us, and finally receive us to thyself, which we ask in our Redeemer's name. Amen. SERVICE X.— Repentance. John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the bap- tism of repentance for the remission of sins : saying, Repent ye : for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Then 38 THE GUIDE. Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. God now commandeth all men everywhere to repent. I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repen- tance. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus : Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgive- ness of sins. The goodness of God leadeth thee to repen- tance. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness ; but is longsuffering to us- ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. The first step toward salvation is repentance. If we would be saved from our sins, Ave must first repent. To repent is to feel sorry for what we have done, and to resolve that we will do better. Our punishments are intended to lead us to repentance. In this God has shown us his wisdom. But aside from this, we ought to repent and turn from our evil paths, because he loves us and has done so much for us that we ought to do all he asks of us. KESPOKSES. Superintendent. — Wash you, make you clean. School. — Put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes. Supt. — Cease to do evil; School. — Learn to do well. REPENTANCE. 39 Supt. — Tliough your sins be as scarlet, School. — They shall be as white as snow. Supt. — Though they be red like crimson, School. — They shall be as wool. Supt. — Put off concerning the former conversation, the old man, School. — Which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts ; Supt. — And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. School. — Put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. All. — Go and sin no more. PRAYER. thou most high and holy One. We make our humble confession to thee because thou art our Creator. Thou art the source of all light, knowledge, and power. Thy name is the greatest of all names, as thou art the greatest of all beings. As we come before thee it is with a realizing sense of our unworthiness. We know and feel that we have done nothing to entitle us to this privilege. Oar lives have been so imperfect, and our hearts are so full of evil we would hide our face from thee. But we hear thy call to repentance. The voice of authority calleth unto us : Repent, repent. Forsake thy evil ways and turn unto the Lord. May we hear thy call and come before thee with broken and contrite hearts ; for a broken and a contrite heart, God, thou wilt not despise. Draw nigh to us as Ave shall draw nigh to thee. Accept, we beseech thee, our offering, poor tliough it be, as the best that poor, weak, and 40 THE GUIDE. erring, but repentant and sorrowing mortals can give thee. And as we resolve that hence- forth we will live better lives, may we lean on thee for that strength we so much need, and which thou art so able and willing to bestow. Hear our prayer, 0, our Father, and answer us; and give us that peace which passeth under- standing, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SEEVICE XI.— Forgiveness, This shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel : After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts ; and will be their God, and they shall be my peo- ple. And they shall teach no more every man his neigh- bor, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord : for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the Lord : for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more. For the Lord will not cast off forever : But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the mul- titude of his mercies. Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? He retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. If we confess our sins we have the promise that God will forgive us : not by saving us from punishment ; but by forgetting, as it were, that we have sinned, and not laying up our sins FORGIVENESS. 41 against us. It is not punishment, but sins that are forgiven. When forgiven we are restored to God's favor, the same as before Ave sinned. Then will come the sweet consciousness that we are at peace with God. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, School. — Slow to anger, and of great kindness. Supt. — And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love thee, School. — And keep thy commandments. Supt. — The Lord is good to all, School.: — And his tender mercies are over all his works. Supt.— If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just ta forgive us our sins, School — And to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Supt. — Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. AIL — Amen ! Amen ! PRAYER. ' God of mercy and love. We acknowledge our dependence on thee, that all we have Com- eth from thee; that thou art our life, our light, our joy, and our salvation. We bow ourselves before thee, conscious that we are in the pres- ence of one into whose face we dare not look, for Ave have failed in our duty. We have vio- lated thy holy laws.; we have done the things we ought not to have done, and we have left un- done the things we ought to have done. And so we are unworthy to come into thy presence. 4'2 THE GUIDE. But thou, Lord, art kind and forgiving; thy loving kindnesses are many, and we would be grateful to thee because thou hast been so compassionate to us. We pray thee, Father of mercies, to have pity on us. Consider our weaknesses; that when we would do right, we are overcome and thus do wrong. Continue to show mercy unto us, to overlook our frailties, and our imperfections. Pardon all we have done which is wrong in thy sight, and cleanse us from all iniquity. May we find no pleasure in sinful pursuits; but find our true happiness in doing thy will, even as it is done by the celestial hosts that surround thy throne above. And unto thee, the King eternal, immortal, in- visible, the only wise G-od, be honor and glory, forever and ever. Amen. SERVICE XII. —Obedience to God's Law. My son, forget not my law ; but let thine heart keep my commandments : for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart : the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abid- eth for ever. Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S LAW. 43 built his house upon a rock : and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house ; and it fell not : for it was founded upon a rock. The commandments of God are just and right. Infinite wisdom hath conceived and in- finite love tempers them to the needs of his children. The reward of the obedient is great. Let us so live that it may be ours to enjoy, now and evermore. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — The heavens declare the glory of God ; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. School. — Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. Supt. — There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. School. — Their line is gone out though all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. Supt. — The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul : School. — The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. Supt. — The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. School. — The commandment of the Lord is pure, en- lightening the eyes. Supt. — The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever : School. — The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. Supt. — More to be desired are they than gold, yea. than much fine gold ; School. — Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 44 THE GUIDE. All. — Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, Lord, my strength and my redeemer. PRAYER. Almighty and ever blessed God. as thou hast created us and dost preserve our lives from day to day; as from thee cometh every blessing we enjoy, we recognize thy right to command and our duty to obey. We acknoAvledge thee as the great Head of the universe, and we accept thy commands as by authority. But while we praise thee with our lips, our hearts are full of uncleanliness. We confess thee but refuse to obey thee. We make thy word and thy prom- ise vain, and thus are humiliated before thee. But thou, God, art compassionate, kind, and forgiving, and so we entreat thee to pardon our transgressions, and blot out our iniquities from the book of thy remembrance. And wilt thou so change our natures that we may no longer find pleasure in sinful pursuits, but accepting thy word as the truth, may w r e be firmly con- vinced that if we would find true happiness in this world, we must live in strict conformity to thy commands. Make us to feel that thy laws are just and right, that though they may seem hard, they are conceived in infinite love, and peace and joy and gladness are the sure re- ward for all who believe and obey thee. So, Father, may Ave conform our will to thine, and live as thou wouldst have us live, lives de- voted to thy service, lives of purity and holiness, which Ave ask in the Redeemer's name. Amen. CONTENTMENT. 45 SERVICE XIII.— Contentment. Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink ; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air : for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much bet- ter than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubic unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow ; they toil not, neither do they spin ; and yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of lit- tle faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink, or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek :) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness ; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought of the morrow : for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. In one of Paul's letters we read — "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." It would be well if we all could do this. Nothing is gained by being discour- aged with our lot* Fretting will not improve 4S THE GUIDE. our condition; but patient labor, and earnest, trustful prayer will. Neither is slothfulness to be encouraged. On the contrary we are to be diligent at all times and make the best of what we have. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Bless the Lord, O my soul; School. — And all that is within me, bless his holy name. Supt. — Bless the Lord, O my soul, School. — And forget not all his benefits ; Supt. — Who forgiveth all thine iniquities ; School. — Who healeth all thy diseases; Supt. — Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; School. — Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies ; Supt. — Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things ; School. — So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Supt. — The Lord is merciful and gracious, School. — Slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. Supt. — He will not always chide; School. — Neither will he keep his anger forever. All. — Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion ; bless the Lord, O my soul. PRAYER. Infinite and eternal God, in whom we live and move and have our being. We bless thee that thou hast surrounded us with every thing- necessary for our happiness, that even our trials and disappointments and sufferings, if rightly used, will result in good. But with all our bles- sings we are discontented and inclined to mur- mer and complain, not only of what we have. THE RESURRECTION. 4 p* but of what w T e have not. Not satisfied with what thou hast provided for us and what is pos- t sible for us to obtain, we seek for those things which are beyond our reach, and which if secured would bring not peace 3 but misery. So it is that we are not content to submit to thy will, but vainly and foolishly live in violation of thy commands, as if we knew better than thou what is best for us. So it is that clouds hang over us, darkening our lives and making us restless and dissatisfied with our condition. We pray thee, our Father, to lift us from the depth of despondency in which our discon- tent has plunged us, and satisfy us that thy ways, which are as high above our ways as the heavens are high above the earth, are best. And whatever may be our condition on earth, may we learn therewith to be content. Thus shall we be sure of happiness, and life be a con- tinuous blessing. Thus contented and blessed ourselves, so shall others be blessed as they shall be influenced by our example. AVe ask all in the name of Christ. Amen. SERVICE XIV.— The Resurrection, But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are 48 THE GUIDE. alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God : and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air : and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Death is no less certain than life, and if in this life only we had hope, we should be most miserable indeed ; but, thanks to the gospel of Christ, we know that when this earthly house of ours is dissolved, we have a building of God, an hou^e not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. With this assurance, made doubly sure by the resurrection of our Saviour, Ave may part with our dearest friends, confident that in a little while we also shall leave this world and join them around the great white throne, where, with all who have gone before, we shall unite in one ceaseless song of " Blessing and honor and glory and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever." RESPONSES. Superintendent. — So also is the resurrection of the dead : School. — It is sown in corruption, Supt. — It is raised in incorruption : School. — It is sown in dishonor, THE RESURRECTION. 4 ( J Supt. — It is raised in glory : School. — It is sown in weakness, Supt. — It is raised in power : School. — It is sown a natural body, Supt. — It is raised a spiritual body. School. — There is a natural body, Supt. — And there is a spiritual body. School. — The first man is of the earth, earthy: Supt. — The second man is the Lord from heaven. School. — As we have born the image of the earthy, Supt. — We shall also bear the image of the heavenly. School. — O death, where is thy sting? Supt. — grave where is thy victory? All. — Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. PRAYER. God of the living and of the dead, of time and eternity, we bless thee not only for the life of our Saviour, with its blessed example of for- bearance, long suffering, and willing obedience; but for his death upon the cross, through which has come the resurrection, bringing life and immortality to light. We thank thee that though once dead he now liveth to make inter- cession forms, and that as he now lives so shall we live again after our earthly life shall have ended. Help us, infinite Father, to live not for time alone. May we not be too much taken up with the things of the present life. May we not lose sight of the great truth that we are immortal beings, that a higher destiny awaits us beyond the grave ; that this is not our home, that we are here but for a time, brief at the 4 50 THE GUIDE. most, and after a few years, or days it may be, we must part with all Ave have here, leave all behind us, while our spirits wing their flight to celestial heights. May this thought be ever present with us. May it inspire us to live soberly, godly, and righteous lives in tins pres- ent world. And when Ave go hence may it be to join the redeemed and sanctified ones on high, and dAvell with thee in a Avorld without end. Amen. SERVICE XV.— Second Coming of Christ. Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the pow- ers of the heavens shall be shaken : And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven : and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. Now learn a parable of the fig tree ; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh : So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This genera- tion shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Watch therefore ; for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. In my Father's house are manv mansions : if it were not so I would have THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST. 51 told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the com- ing of the Lord. Stablish your hearts : for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Frequent mention is made in the Scriptures of Christ's coming a second time, and many Chris- tians regard it as an event yet to take place ; but our Saviour referred to it as then near at hand, and which some then living should see. From all we know of the matter his second com- ing was not in person, but in spirit and power, to establish his kingdom on earth ; and it occurred about the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, forty years or so after his death. His reign will continue until all hearts are made subject to his will ; when he will deliver up the kingdom to God, the Father, that He may be All in All. KESPONSES. Superintendent. — O sing unto the Lord a new song : School. — Sing unto the Lord, all the earth. Supt. — Sing unto the Lord, bless his name ; School. — Show forth his salvation from day to day. Supt. — Declare his glory among the heathen, School. — His wonders among all people. Supt. — For the Lord is great, and greatly to be praised : School. — He is to be feared above all gods, Supt. — Honor and majesty are before him : School. — Strength and beauty are in his sanctuary. 52 THE GUIDE. Supt. — Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name. School. — Bring an offering, and come unto his courts. Supt. — O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness : School. — Fear before him, all the earth. Supt. — Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad. School. — Let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof. AIL — For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth : he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the peo- ple with his truth. PRAYER. thou who art the one true and ever living God, the heavens declare thy glory and the Ar- mament showeth thy handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night show- eth knowledge of thee. We, the creatures of thy creation, the objects of thy fatherly care and protection, would render to thee our thanks- giving and praise for the wonderful work thou hast done for us. We thank thee for the reve- lation of thy Word, for what has come to us by and through it, and for what is therein prom- ised. We thank thee for the pure life of Jesus Christ which has been given to us ; and though he was betrayed and cruelly murdered on the cross, we thank thee, loving Father, that he still lives, and has again come into the world, not in bodily form, but in spirit and with great power and might. And we thank thee, blessed Lord, for the assurance that he will not rest from his labors until he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. Grant, O ALL SAVED. 53 Father, that this work may be hastened, and the time soon come when all shall know him from the least unto the greatest, when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess him to the glory of God the Father. We ask it for Christ's sake. Amen. SERVICE XVI.— All Saved. I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits, that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the ful- ness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved : as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord ; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord : whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name : That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth ; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. For therefore we botli labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 54 THE GUIDE. That Jesus is not the Saviour of a few only, but of all, is plainly taught in our Scripture lesson, as it is throughout God's holy Word. When every knee in heaven, in earth, and under the earth shall bow, and every tongue shall confess that Christ is Lord, and all to the glory of God, who can be left to disown him, or refuse to do him homage? How true it is that whether we live or die, we are the Lord's ; and how true it is that he will claim his own. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me : School. — For my soul trusteth in thee. Supt. — Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I make my refuge. School. — I will cry unto God most high ; Sapt. — Unto God that performeth all things for me. School. — God shall send forth his mercy and his truth. Supt. — Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens ; School. — Let thy glory he above all the earth. Supt. — I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people. School. — I will sing unto thee among the nations. Supt. — For thy mercy is great unto the heavens. School. — And thy truth unto the clouds. All. — Be thou exalted, God, above the heavens ; let thy glory be above all the earth. PRAYER. Almighty and most merciful God. We thank thee for the assurance that thou dost so care for us that even the hairs of our head are num- bered ; that though thou hast placed us in this PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY. DO world, exposed to its dangers and subject to its trials, thou dost not forsake nor forget us ; but art watching over us every moment of our exist- ence. We thank thee, blessed Father, for the plan of salvation revealed to us in the gospel of thy Son, that it is universal and effectual ; that though men may, by their willfulness and ignorance retard its progress and weaken its power for awhile, yet thou art omnipotent both to will and do. And so at last all souls will be conquered and brought to confess thee as their God and Christ as their Saviour. May the knowledge of this great truth cover the earth, even as the waters cover the sea. May thy chil- dren, everywhere, hear the call of the Master, and come unto him that they may find rest. Help them to forsake their sins. Eemove their doubts, dispel their fears, and enable them to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that they may obtain mercy and find help in time of need. And finally save all in the kingdom of our Lord and Master. Amen. SERVICE XVIL— Practical Christianity Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affec- tioned one to another with brotherly love ; in honor pre- ferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord : rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer ; distributing to the necessity of saints ; given to hospitality. Bless them 56 THE GUIDE. which persecute you : bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath : for it is written, Ven- geance is mine ; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him ; if he thirst, give him drink : for in so doing thou shaltheap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Our Scripture reading contains many good instructions. To live as nearly up to their requirements as is possible, should be our aim. To do good for evil is often hard, but the rec- ompense is great and worthy of the effort. RESPONSES. Superintendent, — Lord, thou hast searched me and known me. School. — Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising. Supt. — Thou understandest my thought afar off. School. — Thou compassest my path and my lying down, Supt. — And art acquainted witli all my ways. School. — For there is not a word in my tongue, Supt. — But lo, Lord, thou knowest it altogether. School. — Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY. 57 Supt. — Sucli knowledge is too wonderful for me; School. — It is high I cannot attain unto it. Supt. — Whither shall I go from thy spirit? School. — Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? Supt. — If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there : School. — If I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there. Supt. — If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea ; School. — Even there shall thy hand lead me and thy right hand shall hold me. Supt. — If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me ; School. — Even the night shall be light about me. Supt. — Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee ; School. — But the night shineth as the day : AIL — The darkness and the light are both alike to thee. PRAYER. Thou who seeth, heareth, knoweth, and doeth all things ; we lift up our hearts and voices to thee in gratitude and praise. For all we have and all we are, we are indebted to thee. Thy mercies are new every morning and fresh every evening. We give thee praise for the privileges we enjoy from day to day. We thank thee for this holy Sabbath day and all it brings to us. We thank thee that we are permitted to come together in this place of worship. May Ave appreciate this privilege, and as we come here each Sabbath, may it be with an earnest desire to learn of thee, what thou art to us and we to thee, and wliat thou wouldst have us to do. Here may we learn to love thee as oni Father, 58 THE GUIDE. that, loving, we may be true to thee, even as than art ever true to us. Here, blessed Father, may Ave learn of him whom thou didst send into the world to be our Saviour ; and as we learn how he suffered and died that we might live, may there spring up in our hearts a love for him so pure and deep, that it may never grow cold, but 'strengthen with our increasing years. So, loving, may we believe in him ; and believ- ing, serve him with ail our heart, might, mind, and strength. Thus shall Ave be made partak- ers of his salvation, and our hearts be filled with joy unspeakable and full of praise, forever and ever. Amen. SERVICE XVIII.— Faith. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evi- dence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacri- fice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts : and by it he being dead yet speaketh. Wherefore, seeing we also are com- passed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith ; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. FAITH. 59 Christian faith is greatly needed in this world. Men are not always to be trusted. Our best friends often turn against ns ; but God will never forsake ns, and his promises, which are many, are sure. And yet men often show more confidence in each other than in God. This ought not so to be. Our religion teaches ns to have faith in God. Let ns trust him without a shadow of doubt. Trust in his love, his mercy, his justice. Lord increase our faith. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Abraham believed God, School. — And it was accounted to him for righteousness. Supt. — Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, School. — The same are the children of Abraham. Supt. — No man is justified by the law in the sight of God. School. — For the just shall live by faith. Supt. — The Scripture hath concluded all under sin, School. — That the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. Supt. — But before faith came, we were kept under the law. School. — Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ. Supt. — But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. All. — For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. PRAYER. Thou who dwelleth in heights inaccessible to mortals, but dost permit the lowly in heart 60 THE GUIDE. to come in spirit into thy presence and com- mune with thee, help us to that deep contrition of soul which shall fit us to come before thee. We would come because we are so weak and sinful. We would come to thee, for thou art infinite in strength and holiness. Strengthen our weakness, we pray thee, and make us pure, even as thou art pure. Increase our faith in thee as the great head of the universe, as our unfailing friend, and kind and loving father. If sorrow befall us ; if we meet with losses ; if our dearest wishes are foiled ; if friends desert us and our pathway is dark and gloomy, may we not lose confidence in thee. But may we realize that though all the world leave us, thou wilt never forsake us ; that though all our earthly possessions are taken from us, we have in thee that which is more valuable than all else, and which the world can neither give nor take away. So may our faith in thee never waver nor grow cold ; and when we are called upon to bid adieu to earth, may we be cheered by the hope of heaven, through Jesus Christ. Amen. SERVICE XIX.— Hope. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God : And if children, then heirs ; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be HOPE. 61 revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creat- ure waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope ; Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit. the redemption of our body. For we are saved by hope : but hope that is seen is not hope : for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Christian hope is something more than sim- ple desire. It is earnest expectation. What we hope for we expect to receive. Hope is a blessed inspiration. Without it life would lose most of its pleasure. It buoys us up in time of trouble, and enables us to bear our trials with patience and resignation. Let us cherish the hope we have in God, as our Father ; in Christ, as our Saviour; and in heaven as our tinal home. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, School. — Whose hope is in the Lord his God. Supt. — The righteous have hope in his death : School. — The hope of unjust men perisheth. Supt. — We glory in tribulation, 62 THE GUIDE. School. — Knowing that tribulation worketh patience ; Supt. — And patience, experience : School. — And experience, hope. Supt. — And hope maketh not ashamed, School. — Because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. All. — Which hope we have as an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the vail. PRAYER. O, how great is thy love, merciful Father, that thou dost condescend to notice us, thv weak and erring children. What is man that thou art mindful of him? or the Son of man that thou A T isitest him? Though made but a little lower than the angels, we have fallen from our high estate. Though crowned with thy glory we have basely disowned thee. Instead of hearkening unto thy counsels, we have fol- lowed the devices of our own sinful hearts. And now from the depths of our degradation, we cry unto thee for mercy and forgiveness. Help us to feel how great is thy claim on us, that thou hast the rig-lit to command, that it is our duty, and should be our pleasure to obey thee. Take possession of our hearts, heavenly Father. Keep them under thy control. May we do, speak, and think nothing wrong. May our hope be in thee. Be thou our strong con- solation, our great deliverer. Lift us above the low and groveling influences of this world ; and make our lives pure in thy sight, and in the sight of the world. And in the hope of a bet- CHARITY. 63 ter life beyond the grave, may we welcome the summons of the death angel as a happy release from the burdens and toils of this life. Hear us, Father, and answer us, and thine shall be the praise. Amen. SERVICE XX.— Charity. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of proph- ecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge ; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. Follow after char- ity and desire spiritual gifts. And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue ; and to vir- tue, knowledge ; and to knowledge, temperance ; and to temperance, patience ; and to patience, godliness ; and to godliness, brotherly kindness ; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For ifthe.se things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Our Scripture lesson treats of charity, or love, as the new version more correctly gives it. Love is the stronger term. Charity, as gener- ally understood, is the outgrowth of love, and a manifestation of its power. It teaches kindness and forbearance. If one of our fellow-men 64 THE GUIDE. does wrong but is disposed to do better, charity prompts us to help him. We are all weak and liable to err. If we should fall, as many do, the charity we should then hope to receive, we should at all times show to others. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Charity suffereth long and is kind : School. — Charity envieth not. Supt. — Charity vaunteth not itself, School. — Is not puffed up, Supt. — Doth not behave itself unseemly, School. — Seeketh not her own, Supt. — Is not easily provoked, School. — Thinketh no evil ; Supt. — Rejoiceth not in iniquity, School. — But rejoiceth in the truth; Supt. — Beareth all things, School. — Believeth all things, Supt. — Hopeth all things, School. — Endureth all things. Supt. — Charity never faileth : School. — But whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; Supt. — Whether there be tongues, they shall cease ; School. — Whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. All. — And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three ; but the greatest of these is charity. PRAYER. Father of all mercies, God of love, as we see on every hand the manifestations of thy love for us, we w r ould so live and act that we may THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 65 he worthy of all. Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice, and all nature testifieth to thy fostering care. May we, thy children, the greatest work of thy crea- tion, also rejoice in thy presence, and give thee the praise due thy holy Name. May we praise thee not only with our lips, but with our hearts and lives. May we be filled with thanksgiving, and honor thee continually.' Bless us, thy chil- dren, here assembled. May none feel so small that he can do nothing for thee ; but show to each what thou hast for him to do. And may Ave all do whatever our hands find to do. Expand our hearts, Lord, and increase our knowledge of thee. Build us up in the most holy faich, and may righteousness dwell within us. Deliver us from evil, for thine is the king- dom, and the power, and the glory, forever.. Amen, SERVICE XXL— The Good Shepherd. I am the good shepherd : the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth ; and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is a hireling and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father : and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear my 5 6*j THE GUIDE. voice : and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. Xo man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. We have Christ's own word that lie is the Good Shepherd. All men are his sheep, but many have strayed from his fold. His mission is to bring them back ; and he has told us that if only one is missing, he will leave the rest and seek for that one until he finds him and returns him to the fold. Let us be thankful that we have one whose love for us is so great that lie has given his life for us ; and if we have gone astray let us return and enter the fold, that we may be at rest. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — The Lord is my shepherd : School. — I shall not want. Supt. — He maketh me to lie down in green pastures ; School. — He leadeth me beside the still waters. Supt. — He restoreth my soul : School. — He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Supt. — Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil : School. — For thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Supt. — Thou preparest a table before me in the pres- ence of mine enemies : PRAYER. 67 School. — Thou annointest my head with oil ; my cup runneth over. All. — Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. PRAYER. Our Father in heaven, we thank thee for the love thou first exercised toward us, which gave us being and found its highest manifesta- tion in the gift of thy Son, the Good Shepherd. As lost sheep, having strayed from thy fold, blessed Saviour, Ave rejoice that thou so carest for us thou wilt not be content that a single one of thy flock shall be forever lost. Make us to feel that away from thee there is no safety, that paths which lead in other directions are full of danger, that however attractive they may appear, they end in death. Enable us to resist every allurement of evil, and may Ave keep close to thee, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Help us to follow in thy footsteps, to live in imita- tion of thy life on earth ; and like thee go about- doing good. Glory and honor, praise and thanksgiving be unto thy holy name, evermore. Amen. SERVICE XXII.— Prayer. I exhort therefore, that, first of all. supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made fur 68 THE GUIDE. all men ; for kings, and for all that are in authority ; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godli- ness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour ; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. Pray without ceas- ing. In everything give thanks ; for jbhis is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. Prayer is praise, thanksgiving, supplication. It is communion with God. It is a privilege accorded to us, for which we should be most thankful. Prayer is for our benefit ; but with- out faith it is of no effect. With faith will come the answer we need. If not in just the way we want, it will be in the way that will be best for us. So it is that the spirit of prayer should ever be in our hearts. So it is that men ought always to pray. KESPOXSES. Superintendent. — As for me, I will call upon God : School.— And the Lord shall save me. Supt. — Evening and morning, and at noon will I pray, and cry aloud : School. — And he shall hear my voice. Supt. — Give ear to my words, Lord, consider my meditation. School. — Hearken unto the voice of my cry my King and my God; for unto thee will I pray. PRAYER. C9 Supt. — O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee sliall all flesh come. School. — Ask, and it shall be given you; Supt. — Seek, and ye sliall find : School. — Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Supt. — For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. All. — Lord, teach us to pray. PRAYER. As thy dear children, gracious Father, the objects of thy parental care and affection, we come into thy presence and would draw near to thee in prayer before entering upon the spe- cial work which has called us together. We thank thee that thou art not so far away thou canst not hear us, but that thou art a God hearing and a God answering prayer. Give to us all, Ave pray thee, that true humility which makes prayer effective. Make us to feel our dependence on thee, that without thee we can do nothing: that if thou shouldst stay thy hand all other help would be of no avail, and our lives would instantly end. Help us to under- stand the nature and effect of prayer. Teach us how to pray, that our prayers may be help- ful to us. May we love to pray, and when we pray may it be with the heart and with under- standing. And enable us, Almighty God, to pray with that faith which knows no doubt, which comes from trusting, believing hearts ; that through our prayers we may receive the strength we need to meet all our trials, bear all our disappointments, and suffer all our losses. 70 THE GUIDE. So helped by our prayers may we not grow faint hearted, but take courage and press on in our life struggles, seeking new achievements and winning i\ew victories. Hear our petition, heavenly Father ; answer our supplications, and ultimately save us in thy heavenly kingdom, through Christ our Lord. Amen. SERVICE XXIIL— The Exd of the World. Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house : and his disciples came unto him, saying. Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man ; the field is the world ; the good seed are the children of the kingdom ; but the tares are the chil- dren of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil ; the harvest is the end of the world ; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gath- ered and burned in the fire ; so shall it be at the end 01 this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity ; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire : there shall be wailing and gnash- ing of teeth. Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples : and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world : but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. THE EXD OF THE WORLD. 71 Certain notable events are here referred to which were to take place at the "End of the World." This does not mean the world we live in. Where the material world js mentioned in the Scriptures, the word kosmos is used ; but where the phrase end of the world occurs, this word is never used, but another which means time, life, age, etc. This phrase, therefore, means, simply, conclusion of the age, viz : that age ; and all the events recorded in this con- nection occurred long ages ago. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. School. — My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. Supt. — He will not suffer thy foot to he moved; School. — He that keepeth thee will not slumber. Supt. — The Lord is thy keeper : School. — The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. Supt. — The sun shall not smite thee by day, School. — Nor the moon by night. Supt. — The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: School. — He shall preserve thy soul. All. — The Lord shall preserve thy- going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. PRAYER. God of the morning and evening, our kind Friend and loving Father : We thank thee that thou hast not only provided for our w T ants here, but hast in store for us blessings such as this world knows not of, and which can only be 72 THE GUIDE. enjoyed by the spirits of the just made perfect. And yet thou bast made it possible for us, by right living, to have here a foretaste of the joys of the heavenly kingdom. Help us,0 our Father, to such a life. We are weak ; thou art strong. We are sinful ; thou art holy. Impart to us, we pray thee, a measure of thy strength. Give us a portion of thy infinite purity. help us as thou seest we need thy help. Turn not away from us. We know that Ave have failed in our duty ; that we have shunned thee and disowned thee. But still we would come to thee, and wouki humbly supplicate thy mercy and seek thy favor. Graciously receive our petitions, we beseech thee, and make us mindful of our obli- gations to thee. Bless us in all our relations to life. Bless all who are near and dear to us. Watch over all our interests. Guard us from all dangers. Fit us for life and all its vicissi- tudes, and prepare us for death, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. SERVICE XXIV.-TiiE Kingdom of Heaven Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand : repent ye, and believe the gospel. And he spake to them a parable ; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees ; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEX. ?3 ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at band. Verily J say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away ; but my words shall not pass away. And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation : neither shall they say, Lo here ! or, lo there ! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. •'•Kingdom of God' 7 and "kingdom of heaven " are the same. It is a kingdom not far away in the future world, but now present ; for John the Baptist spoke of it as then near at hand, and our Saviour said the generation then living should not pass away before it would be manifest. It is Christ's kingdom which he has established in the earth, where, by the power of his truth, life, and example, he is to bring all hearts into subjection to his will. It is a spir- itual kingdom, into which all may enter, and where peace and love ever reign. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary. School. — Praise him in the firmament of his power. Supt. — Praise him for his mighty acts ; School. — Praise him according to his excellent great- ness. Supt. — Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: School. — Praise him with the psaltery and harp. Supt. — Praise him with the timbrel and dance : 74 THE GUIDE, School. — Praise him with stringed instruments and organs. Supt. — Praise him upon the loud cymbals : School. — Praise him upon the high sounding ey m Dais. All. — Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. PRAYER. Infinite Source of wisdom, power, and love. Again are we permitted to meet in this place which has been dedicated to the worship of the one true and living God. Thou hast watched over us since last we were here. We have been guarded from danger seen and unseen, and our lives and health have been spared. For these aiii all the blessing w T e enjoy, we devoutly thank thee, the great Giver thereof. And we look to thee for a continuation of life's privi- leges and blessings. Enable us, Father in heaven, to appreciate all thou art doing for us. Make us grateful for thy love, which is mani- fested in so many ways. Make us faithful to every duty thou hast imposed upon us, and, accepting thy Word which we learn of here as our rule and guide, may we do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before thee. So shall we find favor in thy sight. So shall we be blessed of thee, and our lives made happy with the assurance from thee, that when our work on earth is finished, we shall receive the welcome plaudit of — Well done thou good and faithful servants, enter thou into (lie joy of thy Lord. We ask all in the name of Christ, our Master. Amen. LOVE ONE AXOTHER. 75 SERVICE XXV.— Love Oxe Axothek. Beloved, let us love one another : for love is of God ; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God ; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us r because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love,, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar : for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this com- mandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. Behold, how good and how pleas- ant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard : that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion : for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore. As God is the Father of all, all are his chil- dren, and thus brethren of one family. So it is that men should love one another. When this truth is everywhere accepted, then will swords be beaten into ploughshares and spears into pruning hooks ; then shall nation not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. Then, indeed, will jeful- 76 THE GUIDE, tilled that grand prophecy of old, of ''Peace on earth, and good will toward men." RESPONSES. Superintendent. — God, thou art my God: School. — Early will I seek thee. Supt. — My soul thirsteth for thee : School. — My flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; Supt. — To see thy power and thy glory, School. — So as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Supt. — Because thy loving kindness is better than life. School. — My lips shall praise thee. Supt. — Thus will I bless thee while I live : School. — I will lift up my hands in thy name, All. — Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. PRAYER. Father of mercies, God of boundless love. It is of thy great goodness that we are permitted once more to come together to unite our hearts and voices in praise to thee, from whom cometh every good and perfect gift, and who art the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither the shadow of turning. As we engage in the study of thy Word, which is able to make us wise unto salvation, may it be with a desire to know more of thee, of thy character, and of thy purpose in our creation and government : and of our duty and destiny. Aid us, we implore thee, by power from on high. Guide our minds aright. Make our duty so plain we cannot mistake its import. Enable us to see PUKE RELIGION. 77 clearly what thou wouldst have ns do, and so strengthen and support us that we may do thy will fearlessly, with an eye single to thy glory. Teach us, heavenly Father, not only our duty to thee, but to one another. Help us to regard all men as our brethren. Make us to be kindly aflectioned one to another, with brotherly love : in honor preferring one another. May Ave keep ever before us the blessed exam- ple of Jesus Christ. May we show by our lives that Ave haA*e been apt scholars, and are his disciples. Hear rs 3 Father, and ansAver us, not according to the multitude of our peti- tions, but through thine infinite mercies, and save us and all mankind with an everlasting salvation, which Ave ask in the name of Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen. SERVICE XXVI.— Pure Religion AA 7 herefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath : for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass : for he beboldeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and 78 THE GUIDE. continueth therein, lie being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Many people profess religion but fail in prac- tice. Profession alone, in the sight of God goes but little way. It is by our "fruits 4 ' we are known and judged. It is not what we say, but what Ave do that counts. We must not only be good but do good ; not hearers of the word only, but doers also. We must let our light so shine before men that they may see our good ivorks. Thus sl.iall w r e glorify our Father in heaven. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Blessed are the poor in spirit : School. — For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Supt. — Blessed are they that mourn : School. — For they shall be comforted. Supt. — Blessed are the meek : School. — For they shall inherit the earth. Supt. — Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness : School. — For they shall be filled. Supt. — Blessed are the merciful : School. — For they shall obtain mercy. Supt. — Blessed are the pure in heart : PURE RELIGION. .79 School. — For they shall see God. Supt. — Blessed are the peacemakers : School. — For they shall be called the children of God. Supt. — Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake : School. — For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. All. — Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is m heaven. PRAYER. To thee, thou great Source of light and love, we come with our thank offerings. Our bless- ings are so great we cannot number them. And if our whole lives were spent in praising thee, even then we could not sufficiently thank thee for thy goodness, and thy watchful care which has been over us every moment of our existence. We thank thee for life and health, for friends and friendship, for love and all their manifesta- tions. And we devoutly thank thee, blessed Lord, for all thou hast done for us ; for all thou doest is for the best. Iu finite love and power can do no more. 0, how little do we appreci- ate our privileges here ! how little do we realize our great indebtedness to thee ! and how ungrateful are we to thee, from whom cometh our strength and our joys ! 0, may the sin of ingratitude no longer be charged against us. May we be so filled with thankfulness that we shall praise thee continually. May the spirit fo the Master dwell within us. May we accept him as our guide and counsellor." May the seed which is sown here from Sabbath to Sab- 80 THE GUIDE. bath take root in our hearts, and bring forth fruit plentifully. May the religion of Christ be exemplified in our daily walk and conversa- tion. Enable us in imitation of our great exempler to subdue our evil passions, and grow- in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Make us faithful to every duty, and finally receive us to thyself, through Christ, our Redeemer. Amen. SPECIAL SERVICES. SPECIAL SEKVICE.— No. 1 The New Year. Lord, thou hast been our dwelling place in all genera- tions. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. For a thou- sand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night. Thou earnest them away as with a flood ; they are as a sleep : in the morning they are like grass which groweth up. In the morning it flourisheth and groweth up; in the evening it is cut down and withereth. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. O satisfy us early with thy mercy ; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and thy glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us : and establish thou the work of our hands upon us ; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — My days are like a shadow that declineth ; School. — And I am withered like grass. Supt. — But thou, Lord, shalt endure forever; School. — And thy remembrance unto all generations. 82 THE GUIDE. Supt. — O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days : School. — Thy years are throughout all generations. Supt. — Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth : School. — And the heavens are the work of thy hands. Supt. — They shall perish, School. — But thou shalt endure : Suj>t. — Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment : School. — As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed : All. — But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. PRAYER. Inlinito Creator and Supreme Ruler of the universe. On the threshold of this new year, with the record of the past behind and the unknown future before us, we would reverently and humbly approach thy presence. As we recall the events of the past year, we are deeply impressed with the thought that a watchful Providence has been constantly over us, that an unseen hand has supported, and an unseen power protected us. We are also weighed down by the consciousness that amid all these evidences of thy loving kindness, we have failed to appreciate and profit by the blessings thou hast so freely bestowed upon us. We realize that the year just closed has been full of mis- takes, that we' have often not only neglected and refused to do the things we ought to have done, but very many times have done what was forbidden. So it is that a feeling of sadness THE XEAV YEAR. 83 and sorrow comes to us, as we recall the favors thou hast shown us and the sins which are so justly charged to us. But, heavenly Father, we would not sorrow as those without hope. We would not be discouraged nor disheart- ened by dwelling too much on that we have done rhat is wrong, or failed to do that is right, but with devout gratitude for all we enjoy in this life, and using the past as a lesson, we would profit by its teachings, and here and now would resolve that in the future Ave will make amends for our misdeeds by living better lives. Help us, Father, to keep our new resolves. Help us to be obedient unto thee. Enable us by thy grace and strength to walk uprightly before thee. May thy law be to us a delight; and wilt thou so instruct and direct us that we may walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love. • Turn us, Ave entreat thee, from every evil pursuit, and surround us by such restraining influences that Ave shall never more go astray. To this end wilt thou incline our hearts to holy living. Make us kind and affectionate one to another. May the spirit of the Master fill our hearts and pervade oui lives. And when this year shall have ended, if it shall please thee to spare our lives till then, may our record be without spot or blemish, and thus worthy of thy approval. Make ns ever grateful to thee, and let thy blessings rest upon us and all Avho are dear to us. Guard and defend all 84 THE GUIDE. from every peril, and save us and all mankind through our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen SPECIAL SERVICE.— No. 2. Easter Sunday. In the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake : for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow : and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye : for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here : for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead ; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee ; there shall ye see him : lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid : go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. EASTER SUNDAY. 85 School. — Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem and cry unto her, Supt. — That her warfare is accomplished, School. — That her iniquity is pardoned. Supt. — Every valley shall be exalted, and every moun- tain and hill shall be made low : School. — And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain : Supt. — And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together : School. — For the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. Supt. — Behold I show you a mystery ; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, School. — In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Supt. — For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. School. — So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immor- tality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. Supt. — O Death where is thy sting? grave, where is thy victory? All. — Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. PRAYER. Ever blessed God, our Father, who through thy Son, our dear Saviour, hast overcome death and brought life and immortality to light, we 86 THE GUIDE. bless and praise thee for all thy mercies. We thank thee for the good of this present state. We would not be insensible to the manifold privileges of mortal existence, and in all our experiences we would acknowledge thy loving hand laid upon us. We rejoice that thou dost encourage us with the assurances of immortal life. On this glad day we desire to be filled with the spirit of thanksgiving as we think of Jesus and his resurrection. We look to the empty tomb ; we think of the triumphant and risen Saviour, and the light of heaven streams in through the darkness of the grave ; thus our sorrows are alleviated and our fears are dis- pelled. We beseech thee, Father, to increase our faith in things spiritual. May we be cheered by the thought of immortal life and blessedness. Whatever our burdens or our sor- rows, may Ave reflect that we are thine forever ; that a sweeter and nobler life awaits us beyond the grave ; and in this belief may we find strength and peace. And grant that we may so use these earthly days as to make them rich in a fruitage which shall abide with us forever. Help us to break away from our sins, and to become true followers of him who is always seeking to bring us nearer his own perfection. And unto thee, through Jesus Christ, our Saviour, shall be given all praise forever. Amen. EDUCATIONAL SUNDAY. 87 SPECIAL SERVICE.— No. 3. Educational Sunday. "Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge, to know wisdom and instruction ; to perceive the words of under- standing ; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; to give subtilty to the sim- ple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning ; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels : to under- stand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge : but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother : for they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck. My son, if thou wilt receive my words, so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding ; yea if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures ; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom : out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. School. — For I give you good doctrine ; forsake ye not my law. 88 THE GUIDE. Supt. — Get wisdom, get understanding; forget it not ; neither decline from the words of my mouth. School. — Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee : love her, and she shall keep thee. Supt. — Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom : and with all thy getting, get understanding. School. — Take fast hold of instruction ; let her not go ; keep her ; for she is thy life. Supt. — Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not. School. — Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge. Supt. — In the lips of him that hath understanding wis- dom is found : School. — But a rod is for the back of him that is void of understanding. All — Wise men layeth up knowledge : but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. PRAYER. God, who art all wise and perfectly true, we thank thee for the powers and faculties by which Ave are enabled to partake of thy wisdom and know thy truth. We thank thee for the means which have been provided for the devel- opment of these powers ; for the institutions which have brought the light of former times to our own; for the schools and colleges in which the minds of the young may be trained for the active duties of life and instructed in Christian truth. We thank thee especially for the schools and colleges of our own church ; for the devotion and sacrifice they represent : for the wisdom which has guided and controlled CHILDREN'S SUNDAY. 89 them ; for the good they have done, and for the promise which they give of future blessing. We pray that thou will grant them thy favor. Eaise up around them new friends from year to year to supply their material needs and to give them succor and support. Turn the minds of the young towards them with eager longing that they may be led to seek the advantages which they are ready to confer. Quicken all our hearts and minds with a fresh interest in good learning, so that the boundaries of knowl- edge maybe enlarged, and so that virtue, which is the fruit of perfect knowledge, may be increased. We ask it in the name of him who is the true Teacher and Saviour, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. SPECIAL SERVICE.— Xo. L Children's Suxday. And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them ; and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Children, obey your parents in the Lord ; for this is right. Honor thy father and thy mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) that it may be well with thee, and thou 90 THE GUIDE. mayest live long on the earth. And ye fathers provoke not your children to wrath ; hut bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth ; that our daugh- ters maybe as corner stones, polished after the similitude of a palace. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — God. thou art my God. School. — Early will I seek thee. Supt. — Because thy loving kindness is better than life. School.— My lips shall praise thee. Supt. — Thus will I bless thee while I live. School. — I will lift up my hands in thy name. Supt. — My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness ; School. — And my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips. Supt. — Bless the Lord, O my soul ; School.— -And all that is within me, bless his holy name. Supt. — Who redeemeth thy life from destruction : School. — Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies ; Supt. — Who satisfleth thy mouth with good things ; School. — So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. Snpt. — Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. All. — Bless the Lord, my soul. PRAYER. Almighty and ever blessed God, gladly do we lift our hearts to thee in praise and thanksgiv- ing, for thou art our Father, and thy loving- kindness and tender mercy are over all thy CHILDREN >S SUNDAY. 91 works. We bless thee for the world in which thou hast placed us, for all its privileges and blessings, its gifts of opportunity and delight. We thank thee for the nature thou hast bestowed, through which comes the enrichment of life. Especially do we thank thee that thou hast made us social beings, and that thou hast bound our hearts together by friendly and domestic ties. We rejoice that thou hast set the solitary in families, and hast appointed the loving homes of earth to be the source of life's sweetest and most sacred joys. We give thee heartiest thanks for the ministry of children. We would recognize their influence of blessing, and we would be mindful of the fact that our dear Saviour took little children in his arms and said, Of such is the kingdom of heaven. Make us conscious, Father, of the blessings and les- sons which these dear children bring to us, and may our hearts be refreshed thereby. May this service minister good to our souls. May it suggest that which is fair and beautiful in life and in religion, and so attract our souls to purity and truth. Bless those whom we bring- to this altar and name unto thee. May they grow into thy knowledge. May they come to the excellency of true faith and holy living. Give thy grace to parents and guardians. May they have a living sense of their duty and be faithful thereto. Help us all to do our part in the right training of the young ; and so may thy kingdom come and thy will be done. Amen, 92 THE GUIDE, SPECIAL SERVICE;— No. 5, National Independence. • AYe have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us, what work thou didst in their days, in the times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them ; how thou didst afflict the peo- ple, and cast them out. For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them : but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favor unto them. Thou art my King, O God : command deliv- erances for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies : through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou hast saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all the day long, and praise thy name for ever. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Lord, my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever. Schools- 1 will praise thee among much people. Supt. — Let not them that are mine enemies wrongfully rejoice over me. School. — Neither let them wink with the eye that hate me without cause. Supt.—- -Judge me, Lord my God, according to Un- righteousness. XATIQiSrAL IXDEPEXDESTCE. 93 School. — And let them not rejoice over me. Supt. — And my tongue shall speak of thy righteous- ness, All. — And of thy praise all the day long. PRAYER. God of the morning and evening, of time and eternity, graciously permit us to come to thee as humble worshippers. Grateful for thy mer- cies, which are so many they cannot be num- bered, we would render to thee the praise which is thy due. We thank thee that we live in a Christian land, and for the liberty which the toils and sacrifices of our forefathers have secured to us. We thank thee for the more thau a century of our nation's existence, for the wonderful progress that we as a people have made, for the marvellous prosperity we have enjoyed, and for the favor thou hast shown us. While reaping the fruit of the labors of those who so wisely laid the foundation of our repub- lic, while profiting by the privileges their cour- age and wisdom have secured to us, may we not be ungrateful, but may we cherish their memories and show ourselves worthy to be their successors. Be to us our God, and may we be thy chosen people. Grant us continued pros- perity and even greater blessings. Bless our rulers, legislators, and people. Give to all in authority, to those who make and administer ©ur laws, wisdom from on high. May they be true to every trust confided to them. Give them a clear conception of what is right and best, and may they faithfully and fearlessly dis- 94 THE GUIDE. charge every duty. And we entreat tiiee, Almighty God, to guide our people in the exer- cise of their rights and powers. Make them to feel the responsibility of their position, that to them is given the selection of our rulers ; and while not closing their ears to prudent counsels and wise admonitions, may they be true to duty and follow the honest convictions of their minds. Thus guided and assisted by thee, may we become a mighty and prosperous nation, and our country a refuge of the oppressed, and the home of the free. And may peace, prosperity, and happiness prevail throughout our land. Bless all nations and peoples everywhere. May thy holy name be reverenced and adored in all lands, thy almighty power be universally recog- nized, and thy infinite will everywhere obeyed. May the arm of the oppressor be stayed, and the right ever triumph over the wrong. And unto thee, the great Creator and Ruler of the universe, be all the praise and thanksgiving, now and evermore. Amen. ^SPECIAL SERVICE.— No. G. Memoriae Sunday. Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all com- fort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by *May also be used when a death occurs in the school. Special prayers for this purpose will be found in the latter part of the book. MEMORIAL SUNDAY. 95 the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our con- solation also aboundeth by Christ. Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise us up also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory ; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things winch are not seen : for the things which are seen are temporal ; but the things which are not seen are eternal. For we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. KESPONSES. Superintendent. — Happy is the man whom God cor- rected ; School. — Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. Supt. — Though he cause grief, School. — Yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies. Sifpt. — For he doth not afflict willingly, School. — Nor grieve the children of men : Supt. — Weeping may endure for a night, School. — But joy cometli in the morning. Supf. — If a man die shall lie live again? School. — Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, Supt. — In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump : 96 THE GUIDE. School. — For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be rai«ed incorruptible. Supt, — And we shall be changed. All. — Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. PRAYER. Father of our spirits and Father of the spirits of all flesh, we rejoice in the Christian assur- ance that neither life nor death, nor things present nor things to come can separate thy children from thee ! In heaven as in earth all are thine! To-day, as Ave are especially reminded of those who have gone from us, may our faith in thee and in thy heaven be so strong that we may think of the departed only as liv- ing, — living with thee, with thy glorified Son, and with the saints in light. We thank thee to-day for all blessed memories of departed ones ; for our affections which reach out towards them, only confirmed by their departure ; and for their influence for good which abides in our lives. And, while we gratefully remember them and seek to emulate their virtues, may we so faithfully follow in the footsteps of the Lord of life that the separating distance between us and them on the scale of character may not be too great when we shall be called hence. May the hope of reunion in heaven always cheer our pathways on earth. May the Holy Spirit so enter and control and comfort our hearts that we may have patience under our afflictions, strength to bear our crosses and at length a ALL SOULS SUNDAY. 97 happy issue out of all darkness and an abun- dant entrance into the joys of thy upper king- dom. We pray in the name of the risen Christ. Amen. SPECIAL SERVICE.— No. 7. All Souls Sunday. I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own con- ceits, that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. And so all Israel shall be saved : as it is written there shall come out of Sion the deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob : for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins. As concerning the* gospel, they are enemies for your sakes : but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes. For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance. For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief; even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowl- edge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out ! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things : to whom be glory forever. Amen. 7 98 THE GUIDE. RESPONSES. Superintendent. — The earth is the Lord's, and the ful- ness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein. School. — For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods. Supt. — Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? School. — He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. Supt. — He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. School. — This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, Jacob. Supt. — Lift up your heads, O ye gates ; and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors ; School. — And the King of glory shall come in. Supt. — Who is this King of glory? School. — The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Supt. — Lift up your heads, ye gates ; even lift them up ye everlasting doors ; School. — And the King of glory shall come in. Supt. — Who is this King of glory? All. — The Lord of hosts, he is the King of glory. PRAYER. God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Father of the whole family in earth and in heaven, grant us the hearts of little children, that our trust in thee may be perfect. 'We rejoice that thou art the supreme Ruler of the universe, and the Owner and Disposer of all THANKSGIVING. 99 things. We rejoice that all souls are thine. The humblest and the feeblest of thj r children are the objects of thy compassion, and even from the most sinful the influences of thy restraining love are not withdrawn. Blessed be thy name that thou art thus the Father, and Friend of all ! help us to remember that we are all thy children, that we are bound together in one sacred family relation, and that we are all fellow-heirs with Christ in a heavenly inheritance. May we have generous and loving- feelings one for another, and may we be faith- ful to whatever concerns the welfare of our race. give unto us the spirit of Christ, that we may love our friends, our enemies, even the whole world of mankind. May we have strong confidence in the perfect triumph of right over wrong, good over evil, love over selfishness, and truth over error, and in the issue of final and universal good. In this confidence maywe give the warmest love of our hearts and the most devoted service of our lives unto thee, our Father and our God. Amen. SPECIAL SERVICE.— Xo. 8. Thanksgiving. Praise waiteth for thee, O God, in Zion. Thou visitest the earth, and waterest it : thou greatly enrichest it with' the river of God, which is full of water : thou preparest them corn, when thou hast so provided for it. Thou waterest the ridges thereof abundantly : thou settlest the 100 THE GUIDE. furrows thereof: thou makest it soft with showers : thou blessest the springing thereof. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness : and thy paths drop fatness. The}" drop upon the pastures of the wilderness : and the little hills rejoice on every side. The pastures are clothed with flocks ; the valleys also are covered over with corn ; they shout for joy, they also sing. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not his benefits. He sendeth the springs into the valleys, which run along the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field : the wild asse* quench their thirst. By them shall the fowls of the heaven have their habitation, which sing among the branches. He watereth the hills from his chambers : the earth is satisfied with the fruit of thy works. He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man : that he may bring forth food out of the earth. RESPONSES. Superintende?it. — Make a joyful noise unto God, all ye lands. School. — Sing forth the honor of his name : make his praise glorious. Supt. — bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard. School. — Let the heaven and earth praise him, the seas, and everything that moveth therein. Supt. — Oh that men would praise the Lord for hi* goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men. School. — For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Supt. — Sing unto the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the heart unto our God : PRAYER. 101 School. — Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains. Supt. — He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. School. — While I live will I praise the Lord ; I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being. AIL — O come, let us sing nnto the Lord : let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation. PRAYER. thou who art the one true and ever living God, in this season of rejoicing we would lift up our hearts and voices to thee in grateful adoration. We bless and praise thee for what thou art to us, and for every provision thou hast made for our wants. We thank thee for the proportion of health thou hast meted to us, for the measure of worldly prosperity we enjoy, and for loving friends whose kindly favors and affections help us on in the journey of life. And we heartily rejoice that though sorrows and disappointments and sore afflictions may have come upon us, yet there is, after all, so much in this world to make us glad, so much for which we can be thankful. We pray thee, blessed Lord, to make us more thankful. Make us to appreciate life's blessings and privileges, and to so use them that we may not only promote our own happiness, but make glad the hearts of all within our reach.* W^e pray thee to relieve the sufferings of the poor. Give comfort to the sorrow stricken ones, and assuage their griefs. Strengthen the weak and despondent, and give 102 THE GUIDE. to all the consolations of thy gospel of love, peace, and truth ; and which come from the knowledge that thou, the Infinite Father of all, ever liveth and reigneth, and that not even a sparrow falleth to the ground without thy notice. Bless our country ; and may the bless- ings of peace and prosperity ever continue. Bless our church, school, and parish. Prosper us in all our undertakings. Relieve our wants, satisfy our desires, and unite us closely in the bonds of Christian love and fellowship. And finally receive us to thyself in thy heavenly kingdom, to dwell with thee forevermore. Amen.* 1 SPECIAL SERVICE.— Xo. 9. Christmas. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over tlieir flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you ; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. PRAYER. 103 RESPONSES. Superintendent. — Unto us a child is born, School. — Unto us a Son is given : Sv.pt. — And the government shall be upon his shoul- der : School. — And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Supt. — The mighty God, the everlasting Father, School. — The Prince of Peace. Supt. — Of the increase of his government there shall be no end. School. — The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Supt. — Behold my servant, whom I uphold ; School. — Mine elect in whom my soul delighteth. Supt. — I have put my spirit upon him ; School. — He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth. Supt. — Let the heavens rejoice, School. — And let the earth be glad ; Supt. — Let the sea roar and the fulness thereof; School. — The world, and they that dwell therein. Supt. — Let the floods clap their hands : School. — Let the hills be joyful together before the Lord, Supt. — For he cometh to judge the earth : School. — With righteousness shall he judge the world, Supt. — And the people with equity. All. — Amen and Amen. PRAYER. We lift up our hearts unto thee, God, who art the greatest, wisest, and best of beings, and 104 THE GUIDE. who art our Father in heaven. Thou hast been mindful of us, and hast given to us manifold tokens of thy love. We thank thee for all thy gifts. Especially do we thank thee for all great and gifted souls by whom the world has been instructed and blessed ; for those in every land and age who have been chosen to send abroad the light, and truth, and peace of heaven. We bless thee for that greatest teacher, that divine helper, whose advent to earth we celebrate to- day. We rejoice that through him thou didst reveal thy Fatherly giace and compassions, and didst make known thy merciful purposes. We welcome anew the Holy Child Jesus, who appeared among men in great humility, but whom thou hast appointed to bless and save the world. May his name be more and more dear to our hearts. May the spirit that ruled his life be in us, to make us gentle, kind, pure and loving, that so we may be true disciples of him who is the everlasting image of thy perfections. And may the work of the risen Saviour go for- ward, until all hearts shall unite in the one glad utterance of glory to thee in the highest, peace on earth, and good will to men. Amen. ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. Fok Opening. We thank thee, our Father, that thou hast given us thy word, and that we are taught thy truth. May we learn to love that truth. May it be so fixed in our minds, that, with the faith of Christ on our lips, and in our hearts, we may know and do thy will. So shall our tongues praise thee with songs of joy and our hearts shall love thee more than words can tell. Be with us now that we are here to bless thy name ; be with us at all times. Blot out all our sins, and make us to serve thee now and evermore, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. II. Father in heaven, we cannot sin against thee and not suffer. We cannot stray from thee and not be lost. Vie cannot hate the light and not wrong our own souls. We need light, and thou alone canst give it. We are weak, and thou alone canst make us strong. Help us that we may walk in the light, and have strength to do thy will, through our Lord and Master. Amen. III. Most high and holy God, all our help is in thee. Grant us thy peac<% that we may walk 106 THE GUIDE. in the light. We pray thee to forgive all our sins. And grant that from this time forth Ave may serve thee all the days of our life. Help us in the study of thy word, and may we all become the faithful followers of him who was the way, the truth, and the life. We ask it in his name. Amen. IV. Our Father, we pray thee to be with us and bless us this day. Teach us to keep thee ever in our thought, that we may fall into no evil way. When we go out and when we come in ; when alone, and when with others, may we bear in mind that thou art with ns, and that thou knowest all we think, and say, and do. Help us day by day to learn more and more how we may walk so as to please thee. Forgive all our sins, whether of thought or deed, and save us at last with an abundant salvation, through our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. V. Lord, we bless thy name for what we have received at thy hands. May the thought of thy goodness lead us to repent of all our sins, and in the time to come may we do thy holy will. Help us to keep our tongues from evil and our lips from guile. Give us, we pray thee, right minds, that we may see thy truth ; and grant us meek hearts that Ave may enter thy kingdom. And when it shall please thee to call us from this world, may we give our souls with trust and hope into thy hands. We ask it through Christ. Amen. PRAYEES. 10? VI. We thank thee, heavenly Father, for the gift of thine only begotten Son. Thou didst send him into the world to make known thy ways. May we aim to be like him, to have his spirit, to be ready at all times, to do and bear for the sake of thy truth. Make our hearts a fit abode for thy blessed spirit. Guard us from all that is wrong in thy sight. And make us wholly thine forevermore. Amen. VII. Father in heaven-, we bless thee for the great love of Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of the life to come. Help us to profit by all the blessings we enjoy, and to be true to duty and thee. We pray thee to look in mercy upon this school. Give to those who teach a deep sense of the great work they have to do. Grant them every gift they need, and may they find pleasure and satisfaction in sowing the seeds' of gospel truth. Bless all who are taught. May they be quick to learn and be blessed by the instruction they receive. And as they grow in grace, may they also grow in wisdom, and find favor with God and man ; which we ask in the Redeemer's name. Amen, SICKNESS. For a Teacher Sick. Merciful God!- we pray for our suffering friend, whom sickness keeps from our Sabbath school. Only in thee is our hope. Bless, O 108 THE GUIDE. Lord, the ministry of human skill and affection, and let thy servant live. Too few are the labor- ers in the field of our Divine Master, and we would not spare even one. Turn our fear into hope ; give us rejoicing for trembling, and mar the vacant place again be filled. But we own thy perfection, and pray in submission to thee. Send the calm of celestial peace to thy servant, and let the fulness of the Gospel hope be enjoyed. 0, give to us all the joy of a conquer- ing faith, and may we minister to each other as the changes of life may demand. May none of us live to self alone, but in sickness, as in health, strive to exalt the power of love in the rule of our spirit and the kindness of our lives. May we use all opportunities to thy praise, and be ready for death with the hope of immortality and reunion, through Jesus Christ. Amen. For a Scholar Sick. Hear, Father, the cry of our anxious hearts for one on whom sickness lies with a heavy burden. Brittle is the thread of life, and thou alone canst make it endure. We own all life to be from thee. Thine is our schoolmate. Thou hast wise and gracious purposes when thou per- mittest sickness to come to our homes ; and 0, now that we mourn its presence, now that a form dear to us is laid low, may Ave not forget to own and to adore thy Providence. Send healing, God, to that home where the sick one lies, and let the fear of * bereavement pass from their minds. But, Father of mercies, we PRAYERS. 109 would pray in submission to thy holy will, and we would not rebel against thy sovereign pleas- ure. Sanctify to our schoolmate, to us, and to all who sorrow as we do, the anxiety felt. Pre- pare us to look aright upon the issue, and to learn how frail we are. May we ever live to thee : then we shall not be afraid when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, for our hearts will be with thee in heaven. 0, hear our prayer, and send answers of peace and hope, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. DEATH. Death oe a Teacher. Holy and merciful Lord, God, be thou blessed both now and evermore, for all that thou doest is good. Thou hast been pleased to call away one of our number from thy school on earth to thy school in heaven. We thank thee for the faithful services of him (her) whom thou hast taken, and for all his (her) influence for good as a teacher in this Sunday-school. When thou takest away we see how much thou hast given ! We thank thee for the dear memories con- nected with his (her) life : and while we mourn his (her) departure from our midst, may we strive to emulate his (her) virtues, and to seek a more intimate acquaintance with the great Teacher, as he (she) would have us do. We thank thee for the many blessings which remain, especially for our Sunday-school and for the services of faithful souls consecrated to 110 THE GUIDE. the good of the young. May we seek more constantly the best things, and cling more firmly to the hopes of the everlasting gospel, which no earthly trouble can overshadow. Lord, hear our prayer and let our cry come unto thee ! Amen. Death of a Scholar. Blessed be thy name, Lord, forever, who hast permitted this affliction to come upon our Sunday-school. We are not able to fly from it, but we would fly to thee that thou mayest sup- port us under it and make it instrumental to our good. Thou hast taken from us a com- panion in this school of Christ. We mourn that we shall not see him (her) again in our midst ; but we rejoice in the Christian assur- ance that he (she) has entered the higher school above! May our Sunday-school be to us a holier thing because of this new link binding it to heaven. Give us grace to make the best use of the opportunities which are still ours here, that, when thou shalt call us to go up higher, we may be better fitted for thy service there. Keep us always in the spirit of little children in the presence of the Christian verities, that we may be true members of the kingdom of Christ in the earth and sharers in his reign in heaven ! We pray in his adorable name. Amen. INDEX. Page. Preface 3 Primary Class Hymn 7 Lord's Prayer — Chant 8 Order of Service, I * . . . . 9 Order of Service, II « 12 Order of Service, III 15 SERVICES. I. The Mercy of the Lord 17 II. God's Pleasure and Purpose 19 III. Promises of God 21 IV. God's Love 24 V. The Wicked Punished 26 VI. The Righteous Rewarded 28 VII. God our Father 30 VIII. Christ our Saviour 33 ]X. Eternal Life 35 X. Repentance 37 XI. Forgiveness 40 XH. Obedience to God's Law 42 XIII. Contentment 45 XIV. The Resurrection 47 XV. The Second Coming of Christ 50 XVI. All Saved 53 XVII. Practical Christianity 55 XVIIL Faith 58 XDf. Hope 60 112 THE GUIDE. Page. XX. Charity .63 XXI. The Good Shepherd 65 XXII. Prayer 67 XXIII. The End of the World 70 XXIY. The Kingdom of Heaven 72 XXV. Love One Another 75 XXVI. Pure Religion 77 SPECIAL SERVICES. No. 1. The New Year ....81 No. 2. Easter Sunday 84 No. 3. Educational Sunday 87 No. 4. Children's Sunday 89 No. 5. National Independence 92 No. 6. Memorial Sunday 94 No. 7. All Souls Sunday 97 No. 8. Thanksgiving 99 No. 9. Christmas 102 ADDITIONAL PRAYERS. Opening 105 For a Teacher Sick 107 For a Scholar Sick 108 Death of a Teacher 109 Death of a Scholar 1 10 )X0 n LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 1 Supt's Record Books. Supt's Quarterly Record, Collection Envelopes. Class Books. Maps of All Kinds. Exhibition Pieces. Concert Exercises. Blackboards. Service Books. Helps for S. S. Concerts. Instruction Books. Library Cards. Library Record Books. Improved Library Records. National Library Records. Library Labels. Library Numbers. Commentaries. Model S. S. Speaker. Bible Dictionaries. Sunday School Cards. Sunday School Libraries. Concordances, jsajWY jscpeeii We furnish all books published in this line. Samples furnished on favorable ter ; ;is. We hope by diligent and prompt attention to business and the lowest market prices, to secure the patronage of the Sunday Schools of the Universalist Church. Our Agent, having had many years' experience as a Sunday School Officer, will give personal at- tention to filling orders in this department. Everything required for use in a Sunday School furnished at short notice. Officer- Teachers visiting the city are invited to examine our Stock. Cata- logues furnished on application. UNIVEBSALIST PUBLISHING HOUSE. UNDAY SCHOOL o(Ei90347A WE CALL THE ATTENTION OF to our new and complete stock of goods required by them for use in their Sunday School work. We can furnish for this purpose :