*^^'. ^ a* /■• 
 
 *bY 
 
 
 v-O^ 
 
 • « o " "\* 
 
 V 
 
 5* .l^f.% 
 
 
 '• A V ^ 
 
 
 
 jv<i 
 
 V<0 
 
 ?♦* A^ "^ *-"» 
 
 
 «**. 
 
 3l -7*. 
 
 
 4 o 
 
 ■a? ^<> 
 
 
5 AV" 
 
 ^ 
 
 
 
 ***** Viss^-. \** •*** 
 
 •£ c° •c«5^ts,w* ^ ^ sir/ml.* *t* cr 
 
 ;.'.*W -■:• 
 
 ° ^ cy *■ 'Gilifes * <£* a * rfCv 88 /hi ^c* 
 
 o > 
 
 >°^ 
 
 
 J -^ 
 
 
 
 ■^o* • 
 
 ^ O 
 
 1 .> 
 
THE 
 
 DOMESTIC ALTAR; 
 
 MANUAL OF FAMILY PRAYERS; 
 
 ADAPTED TO THE 
 
 YARIOUS SEASONS OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL YEAR; 
 
 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS, 
 
 >jrmal QtcmtiM* 
 
 BY THE REV. HARRY CROSWELL, D.D.. 
 
 RECTOR OP TRINITY CHURCH, NEW HAVEN, CONN. 
 
 FOURTH EDITION, 
 
 REVISED, CORRECTED, AND ENLARGED. 
 
 HARTFORD: 
 PUBLISHED BY WM, J 
 1856. 
 
sA&s* 
 
 .02 
 
 g5"6 
 
 >AAAAAAAAA# 
 
 Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 185fr, by 
 HARRY CROSWELL, 
 
 In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Connecticut. 
 
 STEREOTYPED BY 
 
 RICHARD H. HOBBS, 
 
 HARTFORD, CONN. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 A devotional work, under the title of 
 " A Manual of Family Prayer," prepared 
 by the subscriber in 1842, having passed 
 through several editions, all of which are 
 now exhausted, the compiler is induced to 
 issue a new revised edition, with several 
 additions, alterations, and corrections. 
 
 The work was originally prepared, to 
 supply a want long felt and expressed by 
 members of the Episcopal Church. Among 
 the excellent manuals already in use, there 
 was none, so far as the author could ascer- 
 tain, in which the daily devotions were 
 adapted to the different seasons of the eccle- 
 siastical year, as arranged and designated in 
 our public formularies : the same prayers 
 and thanksgivings, whether for a week or a 
 
IV PREFACE. 
 
 month, being used indiscriminately during 
 Festivals and Fasts, and in joyous and peni- 
 tential seasons, without reference to the 
 appropriate sentiments infused into the 
 public services of the Church. 
 
 In attempting to supply this defect, it is 
 believed that all the public observances, as 
 well as the various circumstances that may 
 occur in a family, are amply provided for, 
 without giving the work an expensive or 
 inconvenient size. The divisions are gen- 
 eral — comprising a series for Advent, Christ- 
 mas, and Epiphany — another for the three 
 weeks intervening between Epiphany and 
 Lent — another for the season of Lent — an- 
 other for Passion Week — another, extend- 
 ing from Easter to Trinity Sunday — and 
 another from Trinity to Advent : Besides 
 special forms for distinguished days in the 
 Calendar; and occasional Prayers and 
 Thanksgivings, to be used with the daily 
 devotions, as circumstances may require. 
 
 The language employed in these forms, 
 has been made to conform as far as practi 
 
PliEFACE. 
 
 cable, with the style of the Scriptures and 
 the Book of Common Prayer ; and, in all 
 cases, entire simplicity has been studied. 
 In the adoption of scriptural and liturgical 
 phrases, no attempt has been made to avoid 
 the selection of passages similar to those 
 employed in other Manuals. Drawing from 
 the same sources, expressions of the same 
 nature must necessarily occur. 
 
 Since the publication of the former edi- 
 tions, it has been suggested, that a few addi- 
 tional forms of Daily Prayer, without refer- 
 ence to the seasons of the ecclesiastical 
 year, might render the work more generally 
 acceptable. There appears, however, no 
 substantial reason for making such addition. 
 A sufficient variety of forms may be found 
 in the different parts of the book, to supply 
 the want of those who are not disposed to 
 conform to the ecclesiastical order under 
 which they are arranged. The whole series 
 of prayers, for example, from Trinity to Ad- 
 vent, may be used at any season of the year, 
 with strict propriety. 
 
VI PREFACE. 
 
 With the earnest hope, that this little 
 book may prove a welcome companion to 
 many households, already familiar with the 
 sacred duty of family worship, and operate 
 as an encouragement to others to erect the 
 Domestic Altar, it is humbly commended to 
 the divine blessing, and to the favorable 
 judgment of the Christian public. 
 
 H. C. 
 
 Rectory, New Haven, 1856. 
 
CONTENTS, 
 
 Ikiot— €$Mm$s—*€$$w%. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Sunday Morning, 13 
 
 Sunday Evening, 16 
 
 Monday Morning, 18 
 
 Monday Evening, 20 
 
 Tuesday Morning, 22 
 
 Tuesday Evening, 25 
 
 "Wednesday Morning, 27 
 
 Wednesday Evening, 29 
 
 Thursday Morning, 32 
 
 Thursday Evening, 34 
 
 Friday Morning, 37 
 
 Friday Evening, 39 
 
 Saturday Morning, 41 
 
 Saturday Evening, 44 
 
 Evening before Christmas, . , 47 
 
 Christmas Morning, 49 
 
 Christmas Evening, 52 
 
 Last Evening of the Year, 54 
 
 First Morning of the Year, 57 
 
 Collect for Epiphany, (January 6th,) <30 
 
 #qiteagBainw, — #siagtfi!nut, — <fi,uinqnngrsimn. 
 
 Sunday Morning, t ; 1 
 
 Sunday Evening, 63 
 
V1U CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Monday Morning, 66 
 
 Monday Evening, 68 
 
 Tuesday Morning, 70 
 
 Tuesday Evening, 73 
 
 Wednesday Morning, 74 
 
 Wednesday Evening, 77 
 
 Thursday Morning, 79 
 
 Thursday Evening, 81 
 
 Friday Morning, 83 
 
 Friday Evening, 85 
 
 Saturday Morning, 88 
 
 Saturday Evening, 90 
 
 ttti 
 
 Ash-Wednesday Morning, 93 
 
 Ash-Wednesday Evening, 95 
 
 Sunday Morning, 97 
 
 Sunday Evening, 100 
 
 Monday Morning, 102 
 
 Monday Evening, 104 
 
 Tuesday Morning, 107 
 
 Tuesday Evening, 109 
 
 Wednesday Morning, 112 
 
 Wednesday Evening, 114 
 
 Thursday Morning, 116 
 
 Thursday Evening, 118 
 
 Friday Morning, 121 
 
 Friday Evening, 123 
 
 Saturday Morning, 126 
 
 Saturday Evening, 128 
 
CONTENTS. ix 
 
 Page. 
 
 Sunday Morning, 131 
 
 Sunday Evening, 133 
 
 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Morn- 
 ing, 136 
 
 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday Eve- 
 
 ing, 138 
 
 Good Friday Morning, 140 
 
 Good Friday Evening, 142 
 
 Saturday Morning, 144 
 
 Saturday Evening before Easter, ....146 
 
 €min in €msb\ Muq. 
 
 Easter Sunday — Morning, 149 
 
 Easter Sunday — Evening, 151 
 
 Sunday Morning, 154 
 
 Sunday Evening, 156 
 
 Monday Morning, 158 
 
 Monday Evening, 160 
 
 Tuesday Morning, 162 
 
 Tuesday Evening, 164 
 
 Wednesday Morning, 166 
 
 Wednesday Evening, 169 
 
 Thursday Morning, 1 V 1 
 
 Thursday Evening, 1T3 
 
 Friday Morning, 17t'» 
 
 Friday Evening, ITS 
 
 Saturday Morning, 180 
 
 Saturday Evening, 182 
 
 Ascension Day — Morning, 184 
 
X CONTENTS. 
 
 Page. 
 
 Ascension Day — Evening, 186 
 
 Whit-Sunday Morning, 189 
 
 Whit-Sunday Evening, 191 
 
 €rittiti| tn atanrt, 
 
 Trinity Sunday Morning, 194 
 
 Trinity Sunday Evening, 196 
 
 Sunday Morning, 198 
 
 Sunday Evening, 201 
 
 Monday Morning, 203 
 
 Monday Evening, 205 
 
 Tuesday Morning, 208 
 
 Tuesday Evening, 210 
 
 Wednesday Morning, 212 
 
 Wednesday Evening, 215 
 
 Thursday Morning, 217 
 
 Thursday Evening, 220 
 
 Friday Morning, 222 
 
 Friday Evening, 224 
 
 Saturday Morning, 226 
 
 Saturday Evening, 228 
 
 Morning of the Fourth of July, 231 
 
 Thanksgiving Day — Morning, 233 
 
 Thanksgiving Day — Evening, 235 
 
 (Drrnsinnai ^rmpni raft ^raksginragB: 
 
 TO BE USED IN CONNECTION WITH THE OTHER DEVOTIONS. 
 
 frager*. 
 
 For Communion Day Morning, 239 
 
 After Baptism, 240 
 
CONTENTS. xi 
 
 Page. 
 
 After Confirmation, 240 
 
 After Marriage, 241 
 
 For the Children of a Family, 241 
 
 For Sunday Schools, 242 
 
 On the Birth-day of a Member of the Family, . . 243 
 
 For a sick Person, 243 
 
 For a person dangerously sick, 244 
 
 For a blessing on the means of recovery, 244 
 
 For a sick Person at the point of departure, .... 245 
 
 For a sick Child, 246 
 
 For a Person troubled in mind or conscience, . . . . 247 
 
 When under Affliction, 247 
 
 After a Funeral, 248 
 
 For a Person at Sea, 249 
 
 For a Person on a Journey, 249 
 
 After an Ordination, 250 
 
 For Conventions, 250 
 
 For Rain, 251 
 
 For Fair Weather, 251 
 
 In time of Dearth and Famine, 252 
 
 In time of War and Tumults, 252 
 
 In time of great Sickness and Mortality, 253 
 
 After Communion, 254 
 
 For the beginning of Recovery from Sickness, . . 254 
 
 For Recovery from Sickness, 255 
 
 For a safe Return from Sea, 256 
 
 For a safe Return from a Journey, 256 
 
 After the birth of a Child, 2M 
 
 For Rain, 257 
 
Xli CONTENTS. 
 
 Pagz. 
 
 For Fair Weather, 257 
 
 For Plenty, 258 
 
 For a return of Peace, 258 
 
 For the restoration of tranquility at home, 259 
 
 For deliverance from great Sickness and Mortality, 259 
 
 fesrags raiir €mu nt $nhb. 
 
 Before Meals, 260 
 
 After Meals, 260 
 
FAMILY PRATERS. 
 
 ^irM-C|ristmls-%i||au^ 
 
 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, who art in Heaven, Hallowed be 
 thy name ; thy Kingdom come; thy Will be done 
 on Earth, as it is in Heaven ; Give us this day our 
 daily bread ; And forgive us our trespasses, as we 
 forgive those who trespass against us; And lead 
 us not into temptation ; But deliver us from evil ; 
 For thine is the Kingdom, and the Power, and the 
 Glory, forever and ever. Amen. 
 
 Almighty God, who has set apart this day for 
 thyself, and hast commanded us to keep it holy to 
 thy name, look down upon us in mercy, while we 
 dedicate to thee the first fruits of the morning. 
 Give us grace, that we may cast away the works 
 of darkness, and put upon us the armor of light, 
 now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy 
 Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in groat humility. 
 Prepare us for the various duties which arc now 
 before us, and especially for the solemn services of 
 2 
 
14 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 thy sanctuary. May we go with the multitude to 
 thy house of prayer, with the voice of joy and 
 praise. There may we give thee the glory which is 
 due unto thy name, and worship thee in the beauty 
 of holiness. And, blessed Lord, who hast 
 caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our 
 learning; grant that we may in such wise hear 
 them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, 
 that by patience and comfort of thy holy word, 
 we may embrace and ever hold fast, the blessed 
 hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us 
 in our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O Lord, remember in mercy all those who may 
 be prevented, by sickness or any other providential 
 impediment, from attending the ordinances of thy 
 house, and the habitation which their soul loveth. 
 Let thy presence be with them in their private 
 meditations. Endue them with a spirit of suppli- 
 cation and praise. Let their prayer come up 
 before thee as incense, and the lifting up of their 
 hands as an acceptable sacrifice. Look with pity, 
 Lord, upon the careless and negligent, and 
 especially upon those who have hitherto misspent 
 or profaned thy sabbaths. Grant them yet a day 
 of grace, and still further space for repentance ; 
 and teach them so to improve the opportunities 
 that remain, that they may redeem the time which 
 they have lost, and finally be accepted of thee> 
 through the all-prevailing intercession of thy 
 blessed Son. 
 
ADVENTS-CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 15 
 
 Pardon, Lord, the infirmities and imperfec- 
 tions of thy most faithful and devoted servants, 
 and manifest thy power in their weakness. Sus- 
 tain them in all their troubles ; guide them in all 
 their difficulties; support them in the hour of 
 danger, and guard them in the day of temptation. 
 Let thy bountiful grace and mercy help and 
 deliver them ; that so they may pass through all 
 the trials of this life in peace and safety, and 
 finally rejoice in the triumphs of redeeming 
 grace. 
 
 O Lord Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming 
 didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way 
 before thee ; grant that the ministers whom thou 
 hast sent to preach thy word, and the appointed 
 stewards of thy mysteries, may faithfully and dil- 
 igently discharge their sacred duties ; that they 
 may prepare and make ready thy way, by turn- 
 ing the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom 
 of the just; that so, at thy second coming to 
 judge the world, both they who preach and they 
 who hear, may be found an acceptable people in 
 thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father, 
 and the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without 
 end. Amen. 
 
 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the 
 love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy 
 Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. 
 
16 ADVENT — CHKISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, we bless thee 
 for our creation, preservation, and all the bless- 
 ings of this life ; but, above all, for thine unspeak- 
 able love in the redemption of the world by our 
 Lord Jesus Christ ; for the means of grace which 
 thou hast bestowed upon us, and for the hope of 
 glory which thou hast set before us. Heavenly 
 Father, make us duly sensible of thy most gra- 
 cious gift, whereby we obtain the pardon of our 
 sins, and all things necessary for our eternal sal- 
 vation. "We adore thee for the great mystery of 
 the incarnation ; for the coming of thy blessed 
 Son in the flesh to dwell among us ; for the per- 
 fect example set before us in his holy life; for 
 his painful atonement for the sins of the world ; 
 and for his glorious resurrection from the grave, 
 whereby he hath given us assurance, that he is 
 able also to raise our bodies from the dust, and to 
 exalt us to his own right hand in the kingdom of 
 heaven. 
 
 We pray thee, O Lord, to impress deeply on 
 our minds the great and solemn truths revealed 
 in thy word ; that amidst the cares and occupa- 
 tions of the world, we may neither forget our 
 Christian privileges, nor neglect the duties to 
 which we are called. Convince us of the vanity 
 of the world, of the shortness of life, and of the 
 unspeakable importance of preparing for eternity. 
 Save us from the sins of indifference, carelessness, 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 17 
 
 and levity, as well as from bold and presumptu- 
 ous transgression. Purify our hearts by thy Holy 
 Spirit, that we may be cleansed from every secret 
 fault, and every unholy passion. And pardon, O 
 Lord, the multitude of our past iniquities ; our 
 forgetful ness of thee and of all thy mercies, and 
 the coldness and hardness of our hearts, in the 
 midst of all thy bounties. Thou hast nourished 
 and brought us up as thy children, and we have 
 rebelled against thee. Thou hast sustained, and 
 protected, and comforted us. Thou hast borne 
 with our infirmities, and withheld thy chastening 
 hand when we deserved nothing but punishment. 
 Thou hast laid us under peculiar obligations to 
 love and serve thee, and to praise and magnify 
 thy holy name. But how little have we honored 
 thee ! How little have we done to glorify thee ! 
 Lord, forgive our ingratitude to thee. Enable 
 us to look up to Jesus, the great Mediator of the 
 new covenant, for the remission of our sins, and 
 for all the benefits of his glorious redemption. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We intercede with thee, gracious God, for all 
 our relatives, friends, and brethren ; and especially 
 for those who are in sorrow, sickness, or any kind 
 of trouble. Give them the consolations which 
 thou alone canst bestow. Put into their hearts a 
 holy trust in thee, and a sure hope in thy prom- 
 ises. And may those who arc compassed with 
 infirmities, and who feel that their outward man 
 is perishing, be strengthened with might by thy 
 2* 
 
18 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 spirit in the inner man ; that so their light afflic- 
 tion, which is but for a moment, may work out 
 for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight 
 of glory. 
 
 Take us now, God, under thy gracious care 
 and protection this night. Let thy blessing attend 
 us ; and thy good spirit rest upon us ; through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 MONDAY MOKNING. 
 
 God, our heavenly Father, we bless thee for 
 the return of this morning light. We bless thee 
 for thy guardianship and care during the hours of 
 darkness. Enable us, we beseech thee, to devote 
 the first fruits of the day to thee. Accept our 
 humble thanks for all thy mercies, and especially 
 for the gift of thine Incarnate Son. Blessed be 
 the Lord God of Israel, that he hath redeemed us, 
 and raised up a mighty salvation for us ; that the 
 day-spring from on high hath visited us, to give 
 light to them that sit in darkness and in the 
 shadow of death, and to guide our feet in the way 
 of peace. We thank thee for that revelation, by 
 which the power and coming of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ are made known to us. We thank thee 
 for the gracious offers of salvation, through his 
 
ADVENT — CHEISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 19 
 
 name and mediation ; and for that atoning sacri- 
 fice, through which our sins, though they be as 
 scarlet, shall be as white as snow, and though 
 they be red like crimson, shall be as wool. We 
 thank thee especially for the sure word of proph- 
 ecy, whereunto we are admonished to take heed, as 
 unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the 
 day dawn, and the day-star arise in our hearts. 
 And we beseech thee, God, to grant us grace, 
 that we may not receive this revelation in vain ; 
 that we may not be of the number of those who 
 choose darkness rather than light, because their 
 deeds are evil : But enable us to walk as becom- 
 eth the children of light. 
 
 Guide and direct us, heavenly Father, in the 
 duties of this day. May a sense of thy continual 
 presence abide with us, to restrain every evil pas- 
 sion and propensity, and to support and encour- 
 age us in the discharge of our respective duties. 
 Let thy fatherly hand be ever over us. Let thy 
 Holy Spirit be ever with us ; and so lead us in 
 the knowledge and obedience of thy word, that 
 in the end we may obtain everlasting life, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We commend to thy fatherly care and protec- 
 tion, all our friends and relatives. Give them 
 grace as they may severally stand in need ; and 
 order all things for their present and eternal good. 
 Be a present God to all who are in any kind of 
 trouble. Show the light of thy countenance to 
 
20 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 those who are weary and heav3 r -laden with the 
 burden of their sins; and comfort and sustain 
 those who are suffering under any temporal calam- 
 ity. May they receive thy chastisements as the 
 loving correction of a kind and beneficent parent, 
 who dost chasten them for their profit, and correct 
 them that they may live. And in the days of 
 their prosperity, give them a grateful sense of all 
 thy mercies; and teach them, as dutiful children, 
 and the humble partakers of thy bounty, to as- 
 cribe all the honor and glory to thee, their gra- 
 cious benefactor, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 MONDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O God, merciful Father, we come before thee 
 this night, as a sinful people, laden with iniquity. 
 "We humbly acknowledge that we have rebelled 
 against thee. We have forsaken thine holy law, 
 and provoked thee to anger. But, Grod, we 
 beseech thee, rebuke us not in thy indignation, 
 neither chasten us in thy displeasure. Look down 
 upon us, in mercy and compassion ; and, for the 
 love of thy dear Son, forgive us all our sins. 
 May the sound of thy blessed gospel, like the 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 2 1 
 
 voice of one crying in the wilderness, awaken us 
 to true repentance; that the hearts of the disobe- 
 dient may be turned to the wisdom of the just ; 
 that, in every place, the way of the Lord may be 
 prepared ; and that all flesh may see the salvation 
 of God. Baptize us, heavenly Father, with thy 
 Holy Spirit ; that we may bring forth fruits wor- 
 thy of repentance; that we may put away the evil 
 of our doings ; that we may cease to do evil, and 
 learn to do well; that so, when the axe is laid unto 
 the root of the trees, we may, through thy great 
 goodness, escape from the wrath to come. 
 
 We bless thee, Lord God of Israel, for thy 
 manifold mercies in Christ Jesus. Through him, 
 thou hast visited and redeemed thy people ; and 
 hast raised up a mighty salvation for us in the 
 house of thy servant David, as thou hast spoken 
 by the mouth of thy holy prophets since the 
 world began. Through him, mercy and truth 
 have met together, righteousness and peace have 
 embraced each other. With his own right hand, 
 and with his holy arm, hath he gotten himself 
 the victory. Our souls do magnify thee, Lord; 
 and our spirits rejoice in God our Saviour. 
 
 God, let thy blessing rest upon us this night. 
 Make- us deeply sensible of our helplessness, and 
 dependence upon thee. Let us meditate on our 
 frailty, and consider the shortness and uncertainty 
 of our life. let us remember, that we walk in 
 a vain shadow; that our days are but a span long 5 
 and that every man living is altogether vanity. 
 
22 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 Let us remember that all flesh is as grass, and 
 flourisheth as the flower of the field : It is gone 
 when the wind passeth over it, and the place 
 thereof shall know it no more. May these sol- 
 emn thoughts humble us before thee. Thy mer- 
 ciful goodness endureth forever upon them that 
 fear thee. Help us to cast away all confidence in 
 the flesh, and to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. 
 Whether we live, may we live unto the Lord; 
 and whether we die, may we die unto the Lord ; 
 so that whether we live, or whether we die, we 
 may be the Lord's. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 And now may the God of hope fill us with all 
 joy and peace in believing ; that we may abound 
 in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost ; 
 to whom, with the Father and the Son, be all 
 honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 TUESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O Lord Grod, our heavenly Father, grant us 
 grace, at this time, to present our bodies a living 
 sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto thee, which is our 
 reasonable service. Let us come before thee, 
 under a grateful sense of all thy goodness. We 
 will exalt thee : We will praise thy name ; for 
 
ADVENT — CHKISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 23 
 
 thou hast done wonderful things in thy righteous- 
 ness. We will be glad and rejoice in thy salva- 
 tion. Every day will we give thanks unto thee, 
 and praise thy name for ever and ever. 
 
 We commend ourselves, O God, to thy care 
 and protection this day. Defend us with thy 
 mighty power. Stretch forth thine hand to deliver 
 us from every danger. Guide and direct us by 
 thy good spirit; that we may shun every evil 
 way, and walk securely in thy commandments. 
 Grant us grace, that we fall not under the power 
 of temptation, nor indulge in any secret or open 
 sin. Purify our hearts, and regulate our desires, 
 and restrain our passions, that all our doings, 
 being ordered by thy governance, may be right- 
 eous in thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We bless thee, O God, that thou hast caused 
 thy holy scriptures to be written for our learning: 
 And we beseech thee to grant, that they may 
 prove profitable to us, for doctrine, for reproof, 
 for correction, for instruction in righteousness; 
 that we may be perfected in obedience, and thor- 
 oughly furnished unto all good works. May we 
 all be so taught of thee, that thy law may be 
 written in our hearts ; that we may call upon thee 
 as our God, and be acknowledged as thy people. 
 
 Grant, O Lord, that the ministers of thy word 
 may go forth in all the world, preaching the bap- 
 tism of repentance for the remission of sins. 
 Grant that the dark and benighted regions of the 
 
24 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 earth may hear the voice of redeeming love ; that 
 the word that goeth forth out of Zion may extend 
 to the uttermost bounds of the earth ; and that all 
 men may know thee, from the greatest to the 
 least. Hasten the day, O God, when the moun- 
 tain of the Lord's house shall be established in 
 the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted 
 above the hills, and all nations shall flow unto it. 
 May many people go and say, Come ye, and let 
 us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the 
 house of the God of Jacob ; and he will teach us 
 of his ways, and we will walk in his paths. 
 Hasten the day, when the nations of the earth 
 shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their 
 spears into pruning-hooks ; when nation shall not 
 lift up sword against nation, neither learn war any 
 more ; when all may walk in the light of the 
 Lord, and great shall be the peace of thy chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Prepare us, O God, for the hour of death, and 
 for the day of judgment; that when thy blessed 
 Son, who hast ascended into heaven, and sitteth 
 on thy right hand, shall come again, with glory, 
 to judge both the quick and dead, we may be 
 ready to say, Lo, this is our God ; we have waited 
 for him, and he will save us. Grant this, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake, to whom, with thee, Father, 
 and the Holy Ghost, be all honor, and glory, now 
 and forever. Amen. 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 25 
 
 TUESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful Father, we ap- 
 proach thy throne with humble reverence and 
 godly fear. Bow down thine ear, we beseech 
 thee, and hear us, for thy dear Son's sake : And 
 grant us thy grace, to purify our thoughts, and to 
 direct our meditations. Set a watch, Lord, be- 
 fore our mouths, and keep the door of our lips ; 
 that this, our evening sacrifice, may be accepta- 
 ble unto thee. 
 
 We acknowledge the manifold and great mer- 
 cies which thou hast bestowed upon us this day. 
 Thy favors have been multiplied, and demand 
 our thankfulness. O Lord, who is like unto thee, 
 that thou hast thy dwelling so high, and yet hum- 
 blest thyself to behold all things in heaven and 
 earth. Thou hast delivered our souls from death, 
 and our eyes from tears ; thou hast kept our feet 
 from falling ; thou hast permitted us to walk be- 
 fore thee, in the light of the living. 0, that we 
 might praise thee, according to thy great good- 
 ness ! 0, that we might magnify thy name for- 
 ever! 
 
 Be merciful, God, unto all our friends, rela- 
 tives, and brethren. Lift up the light of thy 
 countenance upon those who are here present, 
 that they may worship thee in spirit and in truth ; 
 that they may know thee to be their God, and feel 
 the power of thy grace in the pardon of their sins. 
 To those who are absent, whatsoever be their 
 
 3 
 
2 6 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 condition, or wheresoever thy providence shall 
 direct them, extend thy guardian care and pro- 
 tection. Let thy Fatherly hand be ever over 
 them, to deliver them from peril and danger: 
 Let thy Holy Spirit be ever with them, to keep 
 them from the power of temptation : And so lead 
 them in the knowledge and obedience of thy 
 word, that in the end they may obtain everlasting 
 life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Let a continual sense of thy presence abide 
 with our civil rulers and magistrates; and so re- 
 plenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit, 
 that they may always incline to thy will, and 
 walk in thy way : Endue them plenteously with 
 heavenly gifts ; grant them in health and pros- 
 perity long to live ; and finally, after this life, to 
 attain everlasting joy and felicity. 
 
 O Lord, may we remember, at the close of every- 
 day, that the end of all things is at hand. May 
 we remember, that the time must soon come, 
 when we shall stand before thy judgment-seat, 
 Christ ; when every knee shall bow, and every 
 tongue confess, to thee. And, O God, when those 
 mighty signs shall appear, which thou hast fore- 
 told in the scriptures ; when the powers of heaven 
 shall be shaken ; and when the Son of man shall 
 be seen coming in the clouds, with power and 
 great glory ; may we be found among the blessed 
 number whose redemption draweth nigh : May 
 we be prepared to unite in the triumphant song 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 27 
 
 of Zion — Hosannali to the Son of David ; blessed 
 is lie that cometh in the name of the Lord : Ho- 
 sannah in the highest ! 
 
 We ask for all, in the name and for the sake, 
 and through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord; 
 in whose all-prevailing words we sum up these 
 our petitions: — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 WEDNESDAY MOENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, who hast taught 
 us, in thy holy word, to make prayers, and sup- 
 plications, and intercessions, and to give thanks 
 for all men ; we humbly beseech thee favorably 
 to receive these our prayers, which we offer unto 
 thy divine majesty. We bless thee for thy great 
 mercy, in opening a door of access to thy throne, 
 through the intercession of thy dear Son, who is 
 revealed to us as the way, the truth, and the lifa 
 We bless thee for thy gracious promise, that 
 whatsoever we shall faithfully ask of thee, in his 
 name, shall be given unto us. We come before 
 thee, pleading this, thy unfailing assurance; and 
 we beseech thee to look down upon us in mercy, 
 and grant our petition for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 
 We pray for thy holy Church throughout the 
 world. Inspire its ministers and members with 
 
28 ADVENT— CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 the spirit of truth, unity, and concord; that it 
 may be delivered from all false doctrine, heresy, 
 and schism; from hardness of heart, and con- 
 tempt of thy word and commandment ; and grant 
 that all those who confess thy holy name, may 
 agree in the truth of thy holy word, and live in 
 peace, and harmony, and godly love. 
 
 We pray for all christian rulers and magis- 
 trates; beseeching thee so to direct and dispose 
 their hearts, that they may truly and impartially 
 administer justice, to the punishment of wicked- 
 ness and vice, and to the maintenance of thy true 
 religion and virtue. 
 
 We pray for our common country; that its 
 civil, religious, and benevolent institutions, may 
 enjoy thy blessing ; that its schools and semina- 
 ries of learning may flourish and prosper ; that 
 health, and peace, and plenteousness may abound ; 
 that righteousness, which alone exaiteth a nation, 
 may prevail ; and that sin, which is a reproach to 
 any people, may not be our ruin. 
 
 We pray for all sorts and conditions of men ; 
 that thou wouldst give them thy heavenly grace ; 
 and especially to this family here assembled in 
 thy name and presence ; that with meekness of 
 heart and due reverence, they may hear and obey 
 thy commandments ; truly serving thee in holiness 
 and righteousness all the days of their life. 
 
 We pray for all those, who, in this transitory 
 life, are in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any 
 other adversity. Of thy great goodness, Lord, 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 29 
 
 comfort and succor them. Show them the light 
 of thy countenance; sustain them in all their 
 trials ; and make all things to work together for 
 their present and eternal welfare. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We thank thee, God, for the good example 
 of thy blessed servants, who have departed this 
 life in thy faith and fear. Give us grace, so to 
 follow them in their holy living, that with them 
 we may be partakers of thy heavenly kingdom. 
 
 We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, 
 Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and 
 glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, the giver of every good and 
 perfect gift, we bless thee for another opportunity 
 of coming into thy presence ; and we beseech thee, 
 of thy great goodness, to accept our thanksgiv- 
 ings and receive our prayers. May we approach 
 thy throne with due reverence and godly fear ; 
 knowing that thou art everywhere present, and 
 searchest out all our ways; that there is not a 
 word in our tongue, nor a thought or intent of our 
 heart, but thou, O Lord, knowest it altogether. 
 
 We acknowledge all our sinfulness. We have 
 3* 
 
30 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 gone astray like lost and wandering sheep. But, 
 O thou Shepherd of Israel, who came to seek and 
 to save that which was lost, may we hear thy 
 voice, and return unto thee. And we beseech 
 thee to have compassion upon us ; and bind up 
 the broken; and reclaim the wandering; and re- 
 store us to the paths of righteousness and peace. 
 
 When compassed about with infirmities, and 
 sorrows, and sufferings, may we repose in perfect 
 trust and confidence on thy promise, that thou 
 wilt swallow up death in victory, and wipe away 
 tears from off all faces. May we look upon our 
 blessed Saviour as he is revealed to us, a King 
 reigning in righteousness. May he be unto us as 
 a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from 
 the tempest ; as rivers of water in a dry place ; as 
 the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. 
 
 We commend to thy providential care, all 
 Christian families, and especially those of our rel- 
 atives and friends. Be thou present with them, 
 when they assemble together this night to worship 
 thee; and hearken to their prayers, and assist 
 them by thy grace. And grant that the united 
 supplications of all thy people, in every place, 
 may ascend to thy throne, and call down an an- 
 swer of peace and consolation. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Have mercy, God, upon the poor, the desolate, 
 and the oppressed. Be thou the widow's God, and 
 a father of the fatherless ; and raise up, we beseech 
 thee, friends and benefactors for the needy and 
 
ADVENT CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 31 
 
 the destitute ; that they may be defended in all 
 adversities, and provided for in all their neces- 
 sities. 
 
 We pray for our enemies, persecutors, and 
 slanderers. Have pity and compassion upon 
 them ; and grant them grace to see their wicked- 
 ness, and turn from their sins. Forgive them, O 
 Lord, in thy mercy ; and grant us a spirit of for- 
 giveness, that we may be ready to do unto others, 
 as we would that thou shouldst do unto us. 
 
 Extend thy compassion, heavenly Father, to 
 those who are spiritually blind and ignorant. 
 Cause the wicked to forsake his way, and the un- 
 righteous man his thoughts, that he may turn 
 unto thee, and be abundantly pardoned. 
 
 Send out the light of thy everlasting gospel to 
 the benighted heathen, and to all who are dwell- 
 ing in darkness and the shadow of death. May 
 the glad tidings of salvation be heard among 
 them, as the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 
 Prepare ye the way of the Lord, and make his 
 paths straight. 
 
 "We ask for all, in the name and for the sake 
 of Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with theo, 
 Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and 
 glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
32 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 THURSDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O God, we acknowledge thee as our Almighty- 
 Creator and most gracious preserver. Thou hast 
 set all the borders of the earth : Thou hast made 
 summer and winter : The day is thine, and the 
 night is thine : Thou hast prepared the light and 
 the sun. By thy goodness, we are brought to the 
 light of another day. We lift our eyes to thee, 
 from whom cometh our help. Make ready our 
 hearts, O Grod, to speak thy praise. Let them 
 that put their trust in thee, rejoice. Let them 
 that love thy name be joyful and glad in thee. 
 We will give thanks unto thee, Lord, with our 
 whole heart ; with grateful lips will we speak of 
 all thy marvelous works. 
 
 We especially thank thee, heavenly Father, 
 that thou hast vouchsafed to call us to the know- 
 ledge of thy grace and faith in thee. We bless 
 thee for the gift of thy dear Son; and for the 
 glorious immortality which thou hast brought to 
 light, through his incarnation and mediation. 
 We bless thee for the hope set before us in thy 
 everlasting gospel; and for the revelation, by 
 which alone we are made wise unto salvation. 
 May our knowledge be increased, and our faith 
 confirmed ; that we may continue thy servants, 
 and finally attain thy gracious promises. 
 
 God, enable us, through grace, to keep in 
 lively remembrance the solemn vows by which 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 33 
 
 we are bound to thee in our baptismal covenant. 
 May we truly renounce the devil and all his works, 
 the vain pomp and glory of the world, with all 
 covetous desires of the flesh ; so that we may 
 neither follow nor be led by them. May we 
 steadfastly believe all the articles of our Christian 
 faith ; and obediently keep thy holy command- 
 ments, and walk in the same all the days of our 
 life. Grant that the old Adam may be so buried, 
 that the new man may be raised up in us. Grant 
 that all sinful affections may die in us, and that 
 all things belonging to the Spirit may live and 
 grow in us. Grant that we may have power and 
 strength to have victory, and to triumph against 
 the devil, the world, and the flesh. Grant that 
 whosoever is dedicated to thee, through the offices 
 and ministry of thy Church, may be endued with 
 heavenly virtues, and finally, by thy mercy, re- 
 ceive the rewards of thy everlasting kingdom. 
 
 May we each of us remember, that by baptism 
 we have put on Christ ; and that it is our part and 
 duty, being made the children of God and of the 
 light, by faith in Jesus Christ, to walk answerably 
 to our Christian calling, and as becometh the 
 children of light ; that baptism representeth unto 
 us our profession, which is to follow the example 
 of our Saviour Christ, and to be made like unto 
 him; that as he died and rose again for us 
 should we, who are baptized, die from sin, and 
 rise again unto righteousness; continually morti- 
 fying all our evil and corrupt affections, and 
 
34 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 daily proceeding in all virtue and godliness of 
 living. 
 
 [Occasional Pra3~ers, &c] 
 
 Guide and direct us heavenly Father, in all the 
 duties and cares of this day. Protect us from 
 every evil and danger. Guard us against tempta- 
 tion, and sustain us amid the trials and troubles 
 of this transitory life. Be merciful unto our 
 friends and relatives, whether present or absent. 
 Make them partakers of thy grace, and of all the 
 benefits and consolations of thy gospel ; through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, 
 Father, and the Holy Ghost, be honor and glory, 
 now and forever. Amen. 
 
 THURSDAY EVENING. 
 
 O Lord God, heavenly Father, we humbly be- 
 seech thee to look down upon us in mercy, and 
 receive our prayers and supplications, not for our 
 merits or deservings, but for the sake of our 
 blessed Redeemer, and exalted Intercessor. En- 
 able us, at this time, to present ourselves a living 
 sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto thee, which is our 
 reasonable service: And receive us, as thou hast 
 promised by thy well beloved Son, saying, Ask, 
 and ye shall have ; seek, and ye shall find; knock, 
 and it shall be opened unto you : So give now 
 unto us who ask ; let us who seek, find ; open the 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 35 
 
 gate unto us who knock ; that we may enjoy the 
 everlasting benefits of thy transforming grace, 
 and finally come to thy eternal kingdom. 
 
 Give us a grateful sense, God, of all thy mer- 
 cies in Christ Jesus ; and make us partakers of 
 the great salvation which he has revealed to us. 
 Thou hast called unto all the ends of the earth to 
 look unto thee and be saved. The word has gone 
 out of thy mouth in righteousness, and shall not 
 return, that unto thee every knee shall bow, and 
 every tongue confess thy name. 0, grant us 
 grace, that we, thy servants, may be found among 
 the happy number who obey this call, and sub- 
 mit to thy righteousness. And hasten the fulfill- 
 ment of thy gracious promise, that thou wilt com- 
 fort Zion, and build up her waste places ; that 
 thou wilt make her wilderness like Eden, and her 
 desert like the garden of the Lord, that joy and 
 gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, 
 and the voice of melody. O God, let thy right- 
 eousness draw near ; let thy salvation go forth ; 
 let the isles wait upon thee, and on thine arm let 
 them trust: And let the redeemed of the Lord 
 return and come with singing unto Zion ; that 
 everlasting joy may be upon their head; that 
 they may obtain joy and gladness; and that sor- 
 row and sighing may flee away. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Hear our supplications, heavenly Father, for 
 all sorts and conditions of men. thou, on 
 whom the Spirit of the Lord rested : who wast 
 
3 6 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 anointed to preach the gospel to the poor ; who 
 wast sent to heal the broken-hearted, to proclaim 
 deliverance to the captives, and recovery of sight 
 to the blind ; to set at liberty those that were 
 bruised ; and to preach the acceptable year of the 
 Lord; have compassion on all those who are in 
 sorrow, sickness, or any other trouble. Keep 
 them by thy mighty power, and comfort them by 
 thy grace. Be gracious and merciful to all our 
 relatives and friends. May they look up to thee 
 in humble confidence and trust, and commit all 
 their concerns into thy hands, as a constant pre- 
 server and bountiful benefactor. Guard us in 
 safety through the silent watches of this night, 
 and bring us in health and peace to the beginning 
 of another day. And may it be our purpose and 
 desire, with our renewed strength and ability, so 
 to serve thee in this world, that in the world to 
 come we may have life everlasting. Grant this, 
 heavenly Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ, our 
 blessed Lord and Saviour, in whose perfect form 
 of words we sum up these our petitions : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Unto God's gracious care and protection we 
 now commit ourselves for this night. The Lord 
 bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face 
 to shine upon us, and be merciful unto us. The 
 Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give 
 us peace both now and evermore. Amen 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 37 
 
 FRIDAY MORNING, 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, look in mercy 
 upon our infirmities. We acknowledge our help- 
 lessness and dependence. Without thee we can 
 do nothing. We are surrounded by dangers and 
 temptations ; and by reason of the frailty of our 
 nature, we can not always stand upright. But 
 thou, God, art able to sustain us. Thy hand is 
 not shortened that it can not save ; neither is thy 
 car heavy, that it can not hear. Have pity 
 upon us, God of our salvation. Grant that our 
 iniquities may not separate between us and thy 
 mercies. Let not our sins cause thee to hide thy 
 face from us. In all our necessities, stretch forth 
 thy right hand to help and defend us. Give us 
 such strength and protection as may support us 
 in all dangers, and carry us in safety through all 
 our temptations. Knowing that thou art rich in 
 mercy to all who call upon thee in the name of 
 thy dear Son; give us faith to believe thy word, 
 and to rely on thy promises ; that our prayers 
 may come up before thee as an acceptable offering, 
 and that they may be heard and answered, through 
 the merits and intercession of our blessed Saviour. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O God, thou hast been found of them that 
 sought thee not. Thou hast been made manifest 
 to them that asked not after thee. May the sound 
 of the everlasting gospel be spread abroad from 
 shore to shore, until all the nations of the world 
 4 
 
38 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 be turned unto thee, and all the kindreds of the 
 earth shall worship before thee. Be thou exalted 
 among the heathen. Let them that dwell in the 
 wilderness kneel before thee. Let the kings of 
 the earth fall down at thy footstool. Let all the 
 people of the earth do thee service. Let thy name 
 be glorified among all the posterities of men, who 
 shall be blessed through thee. Let the heathen 
 praise thee. Let all the earth be filled with thy 
 majesty. 
 
 We bless thee, God, for having cast our lot 
 in a land of gospel light and knowledge. May 
 we be kept by thy grace, from any misimprovement 
 of our great privileges. Keep thy Church and 
 household continually in thy true religion. Grant 
 that we, who profess to know thee, and to hope 
 in thy mercies, may walk circumspectly in all thy 
 commandments. Enable us to fulfill our respec- 
 tive obligations to thee and to each other. May 
 no occasion be given to the enemies of religion to 
 blaspheme thy holy name. May we show our 
 love to thee, by following thy precepts, and living 
 a life of purity and holiness. May we look away 
 from the things which are seen, and are temporal, 
 and fix our hopes, and affections, and desires, on 
 the things that are not seen, and are eternal. 
 And may we remember that when our day of pro- 
 bation has passed away, and our years are brought 
 to an end, we must all appear before the judgment 
 seat of Christ, that every one may receive the 
 things done in his body, and be punished or re- 
 warded according to what he hath done, whether 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 89 
 
 it be good, or whether it be evil. And knowing 
 the terror of the Lord, may we be persuaded, 
 now in the time of this mortal life, to do the will 
 of our heavenly Father, with all fidelity and dili- 
 gence. Direct us especially in all the duties of 
 this day, that in all our works begun, continued, 
 and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, 
 and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 FRIDAY EVENING. 
 
 O God, whose blessed Son came into the world 
 to redeem us from sin and death, and was mani- 
 fested, that he might destroy the works of the 
 devil, and make us the sons of God and heirs of 
 eternal life ; grant us grace, we beseech thee, to 
 seek with earnestness and diligence, the benefits of 
 this great salvation. May we look with humble 
 trust and confidence for the pardon of our sins, 
 through the mediation of our ever blessed Re- 
 deemer; and may we obtain that lively hope, 
 which is an anchor to the soul, sure and steadfast 
 And having this hope, may we, through the sanc- 
 tifying influences of thy Holy Spirit, purify our- 
 selves, according to the pattern and example of 
 our blessed Saviour Jesus Ghrisl ; that when he 
 
40 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 shall appear again with power and great glory, 
 we may be made like unto him, in his eternal 
 and glorious kingdom. 
 
 We praise thee, God, for all the manifesta- 
 tions of thy goodness to a lost and ruined world. 
 Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God 
 Almighty. Just and true are thy ways, thou 
 King of Saints. Be it our delight to praise thee, 
 and glorify thy name. Let all the people come 
 and worship before thee. Make bare thine holy 
 arm in the eyes of all the nations. Let all the 
 ends of the earth see the salvation of God. May 
 the Eedeemer, the Holy One of Israel, have the 
 heathen for his inheritance, and the uttermost 
 parts of the earth for his possession. Though the 
 mountains depart and the hills be removed, let 
 not thy kindness depart from those who fear thee ; 
 neither let the covenant of thy peace be removed. 
 As the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the 
 garden causeth the things that are sown in it to 
 spring forth; so, Lord God, cause righteous- 
 ness and praise to spring forth before all the na- 
 tions. Let the people praise thee, God, yea, 
 let all the people praise thee. 
 
 Put thy Spirit into the hearts of thy servants 
 whom thou hast called to preach thy living word. 
 Beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gos- 
 pel of peace, and bring the glad tidings of salva- 
 tion ! May they go forth on this mission of mer- 
 cy, guided by thy truth, sustained by thy power, 
 and animated by thy Spirit. May they go forth, 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 41 
 
 preaching repentance for the remission of sins. 
 May they go forth, making disciples of all nations, 
 baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of 
 the Son, and of the Holy Ghost ; until the king- 
 doms of the world become the kingdoms of 
 Christ, and righteousness and peace cover the face 
 of the earth, as the waters cover the sea. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We bless thee, heavenly Father, for the mer- 
 cies bestowed upon us this day. We humble 
 ourselves before thee as unworthy sinners, be- 
 seeching thee to watch over us this night, and to 
 protect us from all the evils to which we may be 
 exposed. Above all, keep us from sin, and from 
 all the wiles of the adversary. Let us repose un- 
 der the shadow of thy wing, till every danger be 
 over, and we are brought again before thee, to re- 
 new our prayers and praises, and to enter again 
 upon our respective duties. 
 
 We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, O 
 Father, and thee, Holy Ghost, be all honor 
 and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY MORNING. 
 
 Lord God Almighty, we bless thee for another 
 opportunity of coming into thy presence. We 
 
42 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 adore thee, as the Creator and the Governor of 
 the world. Thou hast abundantly provided foi 
 the wants of thy creatures. Thou hast ordered 
 the day and the night to succeed each other ; and 
 when thou hast refreshed man with sleep, thou 
 again permittest him to pursue his work until 
 the evening. We bless thee for thy daily mer- 
 cies; and especially that while thy providence 
 provides our lot in this life, thou hast been graci- 
 ciously pleased to set before us the joys and con- 
 solations of the world to come. We glorify thee 
 for the gift of Jesus Christ, thy Son, by whose 
 gospel life and immortality are brought to light, 
 and through which we are instructed in those 
 things which concern our salvation. We bless 
 thee for the pardon of sin, through faith in the 
 Eedeemer ; for the guidance and protection of thy 
 providence; and for the consolations and teach- 
 ings of thy Spirit. We thank thee for thy writ- 
 ten word ; for thy ministry and ordinances ; and 
 for all other means of grace which we are per- 
 mitted to enjoy. 
 
 Grant, we beseech thee, that we may this day 
 pursue, with fidelity and diligence, our alloted 
 work ; and that, in the midst of our worldly oc- 
 cupations, we may be enabled, by thy help, to 
 maintain a spiritual and heavenly mind. Let us 
 remember the solemn truth, that in the midst of 
 life we are in death ; and let us so live this day, 
 that if it should prove our last, it may not be 
 spent in vain. Save us from the sins which most 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 43 
 
 easily beset us. Leave us not to the natural dis- 
 positions of our own hearts, which are corrupt 
 and ever inclining us to evil : But put thy Spirit 
 within us, and teach us to cultivate every Chris- 
 tian temper, and to abound in every good work. 
 Strengthen our faith in the glorious promises of 
 the gospel ; and fill us with such joy and peace in 
 believing, that we may submit with cheerful res- 
 ignation to any sacrifice which, in thy holy provi- 
 dence, thou shalt require of us. Dispose us to 
 bear affliction with a patient and humble spirit : 
 Or, if thou shouldst give us prosperity, make us 
 ever watchful over ourselves, and teach us mod- 
 eration in our enjoyments. Let us impart freely 
 to others the good gifts w r hich thou bestowest 
 upon us. Inspire us with zeal in the fulfillment 
 of our relative duties; with integrity in our deal- 
 ings; and the spirit of kindness to all men. Let 
 us faithfully examine ourselves ; that so, advanc- 
 ing daily in self-knowledge, we may finally pre- 
 vail over our several infirmities. Thus may we 
 grow in grace, and in all goodness, and in fitness 
 and preparation for thy heavenly kingdom. 
 
 We pray for thy blessing on all our friends 
 and relations. May they be filled with a know- 
 ledge of thy will, in all wisdom and spiritual un- 
 derstanding; and may we, and they, be of one 
 heart and one mind, loving each other as brethren 
 in Christ, and uniting our endeavors to promote 
 the glory of God, and the good of mankind. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &e.] 
 
44 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 Have mercy on the poor and the afflicted; 
 strengthen the weak; succor the tempted; and 
 guide the ignorant into the way of knowledge. 
 Bless the rising generation ; save them from the 
 dangers of this evil world ; sanctify to them the 
 events which shall befall them ; make them instru- 
 ments in thy hand for the advancement of the 
 interests of thy Church on earth, and qualify them 
 by thy grace, to become members of thy blessed 
 family in heaven. 
 
 We offer these our humble and imperfect pray- 
 ers, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY EVENING. 
 
 O God, who hast appointed a day in wdiich 
 thou wilt judge the world in righteousness, give 
 us grace so to try and judge ourselves, that we be 
 not finally condemned at the judgment seat of 
 Christ. Dispose us daily to examine- both our 
 hearts and lives, by the rule of thy holy law; 
 remembering always, that our most secret thoughts 
 are open to thee, and that nothing is hidden from 
 thy view. Grant us true and sincere repentance 
 for whatever sins we have committed against thee, 
 either in thought, word, or deed, and for thy dear 
 Son's sake, forgive us all our transgressions. 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 45 
 
 We confess that we too easily forget the prize of 
 our high calling in Christ Jesus. Thou hast sent 
 thy Son from heaven to save us. Thou hast in- 
 vited us by thy promises, an£ restrained us by 
 the admonitions of thy word. Thou hast set 
 before us an inheritance incorruptible and unde- 
 filed, and that fadeth not away : And thou hast 
 warned us of a worm that never dieth, and of a 
 fire that is not quenched. Suffer us not to harden 
 our hearts against thy invitations and threaten- 
 ings. May thy Holy Spirit impress our minds 
 with a deep sense of the importance of eternal 
 things. May we labor to make our calling and 
 election sure. May we be diligent while the day 
 of probation remains; knowing that we must 
 soon put off these mortal bodies, and that the 
 coming of our Lord Jesus Christ is at hand. 
 
 We thank thee for the rest and comforts of thy 
 holy sabbaths ; for the gift of thy sacred word ; 
 for the ministry and ordinances of thy Church ; 
 for the abundant light and knowledge shed abroad 
 in our land ; and for every opportunity of becom- 
 ing wise unto salvation. Give us grace so to im- 
 prove these great benefits, that we may finally 
 fall not under thy just condemnation. 
 
 Assist us, this night, to look up to thee with 
 pure and humble hearts. Let us commit our- 
 selves to thy gracious care and keeping; sensible 
 of thy constant presence with us; and earnestly 
 desiring to partake both of thy favor here, and 
 of those joys which are at thy right hand forever- 
 
46 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHAS Y. 
 
 more. And let not the cares and anxieties of life, 
 nor the lawful pursuits in which we may engage, 
 withdraw our meditations from the concerns of a 
 better world. 
 
 We pray thee to bestow thy blessing on our 
 dear friends and relations ; on our country and 
 constituted authorities ; and on all for whom we 
 are bound to pray. Pity those who are afflicted, 
 and those who shall pass this night in watchful- 
 ness or pain. Succor the tempted. Give peace 
 to those who are troubled in mind. Be thou a 
 Father to the fatherless, and a Grod of consolation 
 to those w r ho are desolate and oppressed. And 
 give us all grace, that we may abound in charity 
 one towards another, and do good unto all men, 
 according to our Lord's example and command- 
 ment. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Pardon the imperfection of these our humble 
 supplications ; and grant unto us whatsoever 
 things thou knowest to be needful for us, for the 
 sake of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
ADVENT — CHKISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 47 
 
 FOR THE EVENING BEFORE CHRISTMAS. 
 
 Almighty God and heavenly Father, we come 
 before thee with fear and trembling. We are sur- 
 rounded by the bounties of thy providence. We 
 are refreshed and comforted by the visitations of 
 thy Spirit. But we feel our unworthiness. We 
 are bowed down under a sense of our guilt. Too 
 often have we forgotten thy goodness. Too often 
 have our hearts been turned away from thee. Too 
 often have we walked in the ways of the wicked, 
 and neglected thy holy commandments. O God, 
 look down upon us in pity, and pardon all our 
 offences. For the sake of thy dear Son, whom 
 thou hast sent to be a propitiation for our sins, be 
 merciful unto us, and forgive us all our transgres- 
 sions. We cast ourselves down, in humble de- 
 pendence on thy protecting care this night. 
 Guard us, we beseech thee, from all evil. Give 
 rest to our wearied bodies, and peace and comfort 
 to our burdened souls. Prepare our hearts, by 
 thy grace, for the solemnities of the ensuing day, 
 and for the due commemoration of the wonders 
 of redeeming love — the great mystery of godli- 
 ness, God manifest in the flesh. Teach us to re- 
 member how low we were fallen, when thine In- 
 carnate Son, Jesus Christ, came into the world, to 
 save us from endless woe. Through his blessed 
 mediation, thou hast delivered our souls from 
 death, and our eyes from tears, and our feet from 
 filling. We will give thanks unto thee, Lord, 
 
48 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 for thou art gracious, and thy mercy endureth 
 forever. Thou art our strength and our salva- 
 tion. Thy right hand bringeth mighty things to 
 pass. The same stone which the builders refused, 
 has become the head of the corner. Grant, 
 God, that it may never prove to us a stone of 
 stumbling and a rock of offence. Grant us grace 
 to say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of 
 the Lord. Blessed is the day which God hath 
 made glorious. Open unto us the gates of right- 
 eousness, that we may go into them, and give 
 thanks unto the Lord. May we wash our hands 
 in innocency, and so may we go to thine altar. 
 May we receive the cup of salvation, and pay our 
 vows unto thee in the presence of all thy people. 
 May we offer the sacrifice of praise and thanks- 
 giving in the house of the Lord, and call faithfully 
 upon thy name. 
 
 Grant heavenly Father, that the light of the 
 blessed gospel may shine upon all nations ; that 
 darkness may no longer cover the earth, nor thick 
 darkness the people. May the Gentiles come to 
 the light, and all the kingdoms of the earth to. 
 the knowledge of the truth. Cause all men to 
 know thee, from the greatest to the least. Let 
 them gather themselves together, and come unto 
 thee. Let them fly as a cloud, and as doves to 
 their windows. And hasten, O Lord, the fulfill- 
 ment of thy promise, that a little one shall become 
 a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 49 
 
 We commend to thy mercy and grace, all who 
 are near and dear to us. Be thou, God, their 
 strength and defence, and everlasting consolation, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with 
 thee, Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor 
 and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 CHRISTMAS BAY-MORNING. 
 
 Glory be to thee, God. We praise thee, we 
 bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we 
 give thanks unto thee, for thy great glory, O Lord 
 God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. 
 Accept, we beseech thee, our humble thanks for 
 thy manifold and great mercies. We bless thee 
 especially for thine unspeakable love, in sending, 
 as on this day, thy well-beloved Son, to take our 
 nature upon him, and to be made in the likeness 
 of sinful flesh, that he might save us from our 
 sins. We rejoice that unto us a child is born ; 
 that unto us a Son is given. With the multitude 
 of the heavenly host, we joyfully" unite in ascrib- 
 ing glory to thee in the highest, for peace on earth, 
 and good will towards men. We praise thee for 
 revealing to us the great mystery of godliness, by 
 which mercy and truth have met together, and 
 righteousness and peace have embraced each other. 
 
50 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 Help us, God, to employ this day in meditating 
 on this great work of redemption, that so we may 
 give unto thee the glorj^ due unto thy name, and 
 offer unto thee an acceptable worship. 
 
 thou great and glorious Eedeemer, we adore 
 thee for thy wonderful condescension, in leaving 
 the glory which thou hadst with the Father, be- 
 fore the world began. Though thou wast rich, 
 yet for our sakes thou clidst become poor, that we, 
 through thy poverty, might be made rich. We 
 beseech thee by the mystery of thy holy incarna- 
 tion and nativity, to deliver us from all iniquity. 
 O Son of David, have mercy upon us. Thou, 
 who didst come that we might have life, and have 
 it more abundantly, be gracious unto us. Thou, 
 who wast called Jesus that thou mightest save thy 
 people from their sins, save us and help us, we 
 humbly beseech thee. Grant that we, being re- 
 generate, and made thy children by adoption and 
 grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit, 
 and follow the blessed steps of thy most holy 
 life. 
 
 Grant us, O Lord, thy special blessing this day. 
 May we pour out our hearts before thee, with 
 joy and praise, in the congregation of thy people.. 
 And may we, on every return of this season, so 
 profit by the holy institutions of the Church in 
 which thy good providence hath placed us, that 
 when Christ, who is our life, shall appear a second 
 time, we may also appear with him in glory. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 51 
 
 Hear us further, heavenly Father, and grant 
 that the glad tidings which we commemorate this 
 day, may be made known to all people. Let the 
 promised seed of the woman bruise the serpent's 
 head. May the root which hath sprung out of 
 Jesse send forth branches on the right hand and 
 on the left ; and may the natural branches, which 
 have been so long broken off, even thy people 
 Israel, be again grafted on their own olive tree. 
 Have compassion, also, on those who have never 
 heard of the coming of our blessed Lord in the 
 flesh. In him who hath risen to rule over the 
 Grentiles, let the Grentiles trust, and find his rest to 
 be glorious. Mercifully with thy favor look upon 
 the whole Christian world. May all that name 
 the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Espe- 
 cially preserve them from turning this sacred sea- 
 son into an occasion of revelling and unholy 
 mirth. Let them, as Christians, rejoice in Christ 
 their Saviour; and let thy grace teach them to 
 deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to 
 live soberly, righteously, and godty, in this pres- 
 ent world. 
 
 We ask for all in the name of Him, in whom 
 dwelieth all the fullness of the Godhead. Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
52 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 CHRISTMAS DAT-EVENING. 
 
 Almighty and merciful God, who art of purer 
 eyes than to behold iniquity, we approach thy 
 throne in humble reliance on thy long-suffering 
 mercy and goodness. We acknowledge our un- 
 worthiness, and hope for acceptance, only through 
 the gracious intercession of our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Thou declarest thy almighty power, 
 chiefly in showing mercy and pity. Thou hast 
 not stretched forth the right hand of thy majesty, 
 to avenge thee of thine enemies ; but with thine 
 own arm thou hast wrought out redemption for us. 
 Thou hast not sent thy Son into the world to con- 
 demn the world, but that the world, through him, 
 might be saved. 
 
 We bless thee for revealing to us this great 
 mystery, which was hid from ages and generations, 
 but is now made manifest to the sons of men. 
 We rejoice that unto us was born, as on this clay, 
 a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. Our souls 
 do magnify the Lord, and our spirits do rejoice in 
 God our Saviour. Blessed be thou, the God of 
 Israel, for visiting and redeeming thy people, and 
 raising up a mighty salvation for them ; for per- 
 forming the promise made unto their fathers, and 
 for keeping in remembrance thy holy covenant. 
 Praised be thy name for sending forth in the full- 
 ness of time, thy only begotten Son, made of a 
 woman, made under the law, that we might re- 
 ceive the adoption of sons. Glory be unto thee, 
 
ADVENT — CHEISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 53 
 
 for causing thy loving kindness towards us to 
 appear. 
 
 thou, who wast in Christ, reconciling the 
 world unto thyself, not imputing their trespasses 
 unto them, forgive us all our transgressions. 
 Through him, who was made in the likeness of 
 sinful flesh, and came to seek and to save that 
 which was lost, have mercy upon us. By the mys- 
 tery of his holy incarnation and nativity, good Lord 
 deliver us. And since thy blessed Son was mani- 
 fested, that he might destroy the works of the 
 devil, and make us the children of God, and heirs 
 of eternal life, grant, we beseech thee, that having 
 this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is 
 'pure; and that, when he shall come again, in 
 power and great glory, we may be made like 
 unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We pray thee, heavenly Father, that through 
 thy tender mercies, the day-spring from on high, 
 which hath visited us, may arise and shine upon 
 the nations that are sitting in darkness and in the 
 shadow of death, to guide their feet into the way 
 of peace. Grant that it may be both a light to 
 lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people 
 Israel. Eaise up, we beseech thee, faithful and 
 able ministers of the New Testament, to go before 
 the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways, to give 
 knowledge of salvation to his people, by the re- 
 mission of their sins. 
 
 Pour down thy grace and heavenly benediction 
 
54 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 upon all who are called Christians. May the chil- 
 dren of Zion be joyful in their King ! And may 
 they so truly follow the blessed steps of their Lord 
 and Master, that they may be saved by his mercy, 
 in the great day of his appearing and glory. Grant 
 this, for Jesus Christ's sake, our only Lord and 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Unto God's gracious mercy and protection, we 
 commit ourselves, and all who are dear to us. 
 The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make 
 his face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. 
 The Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and 
 give us peace both now and evermore. Amen. 
 
 LAST EVENING OP THE TEAR. 
 
 Almighty and eternal Lord of heaven and earth, 
 with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of 
 turning, who art the same, yesterday, and to-day, 
 and forever, and whose years fail not — from ever- 
 lasting to everlasting thou art God. 
 
 Accept, we beseech thee, our sacrifice of praise 
 and thanksgiving, for thy goodness and mercy, 
 which have followed us all our days. We espe- 
 cially bless thee for delivering us from the perils 
 and dangers of the year that is now drawing to a 
 close. Not by our own strength, nor for our 
 righteousness, have we been spared. But because 
 thy compassions fail not, and for thy mercy's 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 55 
 
 sake, we have not been consumed. Our sins are 
 all naked and open unto thee, from our youth up 
 until now. We humble ourselves before thee, 
 confessing and bewailing all that 'we have done 
 amiss. Enter not into judgment with us: but 
 spare us, according to thy great goodness. Accor- 
 ding to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot 
 out our offences. Pardon and accept us, for the 
 sake of thy only begotten Son, whom thou didst 
 send into the world, to take our nature upon him, 
 that he might redeem us unto thee by his blood. 
 Turn us from our iniquities ; wash us thoroughly 
 from our wickedness ; and cleanse us from our 
 sins ; and let them all be buried with the closing 
 year, to rise up against us no more forever. 
 
 Keep us mindful, Lord, as the years of our 
 life pass away, that the end of all things is at 
 hand ; and make us sober and watchful unto 
 prayer. May we never forget that we are strangers 
 and pilgrims upon earth, and that here we have 
 no continuing city ; and may we learn diligently 
 to seek one to come. Our years pass away like a 
 shadow, or a vapor, which appeareth for a little 
 time, and then vanisheth away. Lord, teach us 
 so to number our days, that we may apply our 
 hearts unto wisdom. Make us to know our end, 
 and the measure of our days, that we may con- 
 sider how frail we are, and maybe admonished to 
 redeem the time that remains. Give us grace to 
 watch and pray, since Ave know neither the day, 
 nor the hour when the Son of man cometh. May 
 
56 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 we be always ready, with our loins girt about, 
 and our lights burning: that whensoever he may 
 say, Behold, I come quickly, we may be able to 
 reply, Even so, come Lord Jesus. Above all, we 
 beseech thee to preserve in our minds, a lively 
 remembrance, that it is appointed unto us once to 
 die, and after death the judgment; and that we 
 shall, every one, receive the things done in the 
 body, according to that we have done, whether it 
 be good or whether it be evil. May we so regard 
 thy threatenings and promises, that when we die, 
 we may die the death of the righteous, and our last 
 end be like his. Help us to fight the good fight, 
 to finish our course, and to keep the faith, that 
 there may be laid up for us a crown of righteous- 
 ness, which thou, the righteous andmercifulJudge, 
 will give unto us in that day. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Hear our intercession, O Lord, for all who are 
 partakers of the same frail nature with ourselves. 
 Take the little children into the arms of thy 
 mercy, and bless and preserve them. Look in 
 tender compassion upon those who are in the 
 morning of their years. May they remember 
 their Creator in the days of their youth, before 
 the evil days come and the years draw nigh, of 
 which they shall say, there is no pleasure in them. 
 May they seek thee early, and become, in name 
 and in truth, thy sons and daughters. May they 
 grow in wisdom, as they grow in years, and in 
 favor with thee and man. Mercifully regard, 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 57 
 
 also, such as are in the strength and vigor of life; 
 and dispose them to give unto thee the best of 
 their days. Lastly, we pray thee to remember 
 those whose strength is now but labor and sorrow. 
 Enable them to bring forth fruit in their old age, 
 according to the ability which yet remains. May 
 they come to their graves at last, as a shock of 
 corn cometh in his season. When their flesh and 
 their heart fail them, be thou the strength of their 
 heart, and their portion forever. Grant all this, 
 for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Unto God's gracious mercy and protection, we 
 commit ourselves, and all for whom we are bound 
 to pray. The Lord bless us and keep us. The 
 Lord make his face to shine upon us, and be gra- 
 cious unto us. The Lord lift up his countenance 
 upon us, and give us peace, both now and ever- 
 more. Amen. 
 
 FIRST MORNING OF THE YEAR. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, who livest and 
 abidest forever — with whom one clay is as a 
 thousand, and a thousand years as one day — who 
 wast, and who art, and who art to come — thou 
 hast made our days as it were a span long: 
 Our age is as nothing in respect of thee: and 
 verily every man living is altogether vanity. Sin 
 ha\ ing entered into the world, and death by sin. 
 
58 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 we consume away in thy displeasure ; and are 
 afraid at thy wrathful indignation. Thou hast set 
 our misdeeds before thee, and our secret sins in 
 the light of thy countenance. When thou art 
 angry, all our clays are gone ; we bring our years to 
 an end, as it were a tale that is told. But we bless 
 thee, Lord, for thy continued goodness and for- 
 bearance. We bless thee, that though in Adam 
 all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 
 We praise thee for the gift of him, who was mani- 
 fest in the flesh, that he might destroy death ; and 
 hath brought life and immortality to light by the 
 gospel; in Avhom whosoever believeth shall live, 
 though he die ; and whosoever liveth and be- 
 lieveth in him shall not die eternally. We give 
 thee thanks, also, heavenly Father, for sparing us 
 from year to year, and for giving us further space 
 for trial and amendment. And we beseech thee 
 still to spare us, Lord most holy, O God most 
 mighty ; and, at last, to deliver us from the bitter 
 pains of eternal death. 
 
 May thy great goodness lead us to repentance. 
 With this new year, may we begin a new life, and 
 engage in our Christian course with fresh ardor. 
 Quicken us in the way of righteousness, and en- 
 able us to present ourselves a living sacrifice, holy, 
 acceptable unto thee, which is our reasonable ser- 
 vice. And, as on this daj T , thou didst make thy 
 blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to 
 the law for man, we beseech thee to grant unto us 
 the true circumcision of the spirit; that our hearts 
 
ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 59 
 
 and all our members being mortified from all 
 worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things 
 obey thy blessed will. 
 
 O Lord, let us never forget the solemn and 
 affecting truth, that this year may be our last. 
 May we not boast ourselves even of to-morrow ; 
 for we know not what a day may bring forth, and 
 there may be but a step between us and death. 
 Enable us to work while it is called to-day, before 
 the night cometh, when no man can work. 
 Whatever good our hand findeth to do, may we 
 do it with all our might ; for there is no work, 
 nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the 
 grave, whither we are going. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Grant thy blessing, heavenly Father, to our fel- 
 low-creatures, and especially our friends and rela- 
 tives, according to their several necessities. Be 
 merciful to those who have lived ail the years of 
 their life in carelessness and sin. Give them 
 grace to think on their ways, and to turn their 
 feet unto thy testimonies, before the things that 
 belong to their peace be forever hidden from their 
 eyes. Turn the hearts of those who have set 
 their affections on this world, and are minding 
 only earthly things. Touch the minds of all who 
 are putting off their repentance from year to 
 year, with the awful thought that hereafter they 
 may find no place for repentance, though they 
 may seek it carefully, and with tears. Cause 
 them to see, that now is the accepted time, that 
 
60 ADVENT — CHRISTMAS — EPIPHANY. 
 
 now is the day of salvation. Look in pity upon 
 those who, having once escaped the pollution of 
 the world, are again entangled therein and over- 
 come. Burst their chains of bondage, and bring 
 them into the perfect liberty of thy children. Be 
 gracious unto all who have chosen that good part, 
 which none can take from them. May they go on 
 from strength to strength, till every one appear 
 before thee in Zion. Finally, we beseech thee to 
 look with special favor upon those, the days of 
 whose pilgrimage are drawing to a close, and the 
 time of whose departure is at hand. Even in 
 their old age be thou with them; and in their 
 hoary hairs do thou support them. And, when 
 thou hast guided them here by thy counsel, re- 
 ceive them hereafter to the kingdom of thy glory, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 EPIPHANY-MORNING. 
 
 [To be used with the other prayers, in the morning of the Feast of Epiph- 
 any, the 6th of January, whether it falls on Sunday or any other day.] 
 
 God, who by the leading of a star, didst 
 manifest thy only begotten Son to the Gentiles ; 
 mercifully grant that we, who know thee now 
 by faith, may after this life have the fruition of 
 thy glorious Godhead, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 

 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful God, the Creator 
 and Preserver of all mankind, who hast brought 
 us in safety to the beginning of this holy day, give 
 us grace, we beseech thee, to appear before thy 
 Divine Majesty, humbled under a sense of our 
 unworthiness, and looking up to thee for mercy 
 and forgiveness. Have compassion on our infirm- 
 ity and ignorance, and teach us, by thy good 
 Spirit, how to pray. 
 
 May we, as a household, enter into thy presence 
 with fear and trembling. We acknowledge all 
 our transgressions, and our sins are ever before us. 
 Endue us, heavenly Father, with the graces of thy 
 Holy Spirit, that we may amend our lives accord 
 ing to thy Holy Word, and do all things hereafter 
 to thine acceptance. As our blessed Saviour, who 
 died for our sins, did, as on this day, rise again 
 from the dead, so may we be raised by thy power, 
 to newness of spirit, and daity advance in all vir- 
 tue and godliness of life. 
 
 O, thou Lord of the Sabbath, who hast been 
 
 
62 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 pleased, for thine own glory, and for the benefit 
 of thy creatures, to set apart one day out of seven, 
 to be kept holy to thyself, give us grace, that we 
 may sanctify thy appointment, to the honor of thy 
 holy name, and the good of our own souls. 
 
 thou, who reignest in heaven and over all 
 thy works, behold with compassion thy sinful 
 creatures, dwelling on earth. And grant that we 
 may worship thee this day with due reverence and 
 submission, both in body and spirit ; and, fulfill, 
 we pray thee, thy gracious promise, that where 
 two or three are gathered together in thy name, 
 there wilt thou be in the midst of them. 
 
 Guard us against the sins and temptations which 
 may beset us in thy house of prayer, and especially 
 against all irreverence and indifference. Give us 
 grace to be engaged in the services of thy Church, 
 that they may be acceptable unto thee, and profit- 
 able to our own souls. Bless the instructions 
 which may this day be given in the name of 
 Christ ; that it may fall upon serious and devoted 
 hearts, to the edification and improvement of thy 
 people. Incline us to hear thy word with atten- 
 tion, and to receive it with meekness and gladness 
 of heart. Dispose and prepare our souls to receive 
 the full benefit of thy holy ordinances. Grant 
 that the fruits of our religious exercises this day 
 may be seen in our Christian conduct during the 
 remainder of the week ; and, may each succeeding 
 Lord's day find us advancing in the great work of 
 our salvation, and better prepared for that eternal 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 63 
 
 rest which remains for the faithful servants of thy 
 blessed Son. 
 
 O Lord God, who art the Father of all mankind, 
 receive, we beseech thee, our supplications for the 
 universal Church of Christ. Pour out thy Spirit 
 upon its bishops, priests, and deacons, and all its 
 members; and, finally, bring into its bosom all 
 those, throughout the world, on whom the light 
 of the gospel has not yet shone. And, may all 
 who have received the word of salvation, contri- 
 bute, in their several stations, to the promotion of 
 thy glory, and the extension of the kingdom of 
 thy dear Son to the ends of the earth, by a life of 
 holiness, and unity, and godly love. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Accept, we beseech thee, O heavenly Father, 
 this imperfect expression of our wants and desires ; 
 and, grant unto thy servants whatever is most 
 expedient for them, for the sake of Jesus Christ, 
 our only Mediator and Advocate. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, and heavenly Father, by whose . 
 merciful providence we are brought to the evening 
 of this holy day, we meet together to acknowledge 
 thy goodness, and to ask for the continuance of 
 
64 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 thy guardianship and protection. Make us, we 
 beseech thee, more sensible of thy mercies, and of 
 our own un worthiness ; and, teach us duly to value 
 and improve the privilege of drawing near to thee 
 in prayer, through faith in thy blessed Son. 
 
 We bless thee for all our opportunities of" serv- 
 ing thee, and for all the means of grace which thou 
 hast bestowed upon us ; that thou hast revealed 
 thyself to us in the Gospel of Jesus Christ ; that 
 we have been admitted into his holy Church, by 
 baptism ; and, that our lot has been cast in a land 
 where the true light shineth. Give us grace, we 
 beseech thee, to use these blessings to our own 
 good and thy glory. 
 
 We thank thee, most merciful Lord, that thou 
 hast permitted us this day to appear before thee 
 with the offering of prayer and praise. Grant that 
 we may not have gone to thine house in vain. Par- 
 don all the imperfections of our acts of worship ; 
 our coldness of heart ; our wandering thoughts ; 
 our want of faith. Give us, for the time to come, 
 an unwearied spirit of devotion, and a heart to 
 love and fear thee. Help us to grow in grace, and 
 in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
 Christ. 
 
 As thou hast graciously promised to hear the 
 petitions of all those who ask in thy son's name, 
 grant that the things which we have this day 
 asked faithfully, may be obtained effectually, to 
 the relief of our necessities, and to the setting forth 
 of thy glory. 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 65 
 
 Most merciful God, we beseech thee, accept the 
 praises, and return a gracious answer to the prayers 
 of thy Church, which have been offered up to thee 
 this day. Grant to us, and to all thy people, that 
 the lessons of instruction which we have heard, 
 may be carefully remembered, and diligently fol- 
 lowed. Let the good seed of thy word take deep 
 root in our hearts, and bring forth much fruit, to 
 the glory of thy holy name. 
 
 May every holy thought, and every devout 
 desire, implanted in our hearts by thy blessed 
 spirit, be brought to good effect. Let the solemn 
 ordinances of the gospel be made, by thy blessing, 
 the means of increasing amongst us true religion 
 and virtue. Grant to all those who attend thee in 
 godly sincerity, a growth in grace and good living ; 
 and, that those who neglect them may be brought 
 to true repentance, and an obedient heart. 
 
 Continue to us, and to thy universal Church, the 
 means of grace and salvation ; that thy way may 
 be known upon earth, and thy saving health to all 
 nations. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers.] 
 
 We desire now to commend ourselves, and all 
 for whom we are in duty bound to pray, to the 
 care and protection of thy good Providence. De- 
 fend us from all the perils and dangers of this 
 night; and, if it please thee to bring us to the 
 beginning of another day, give us grace to improve 
 it faithfully to thy service, through Jesus Christ, 
 
 our Lord. Amen. The grace, &c, 
 6* 
 
SEPTUAGESIJVIA, ETC. 
 
 MONDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 God, by whom the whole world is governed 
 and preserved, we, thine unworthy creatures, 
 under a thankful sense of thy providential care, 
 draw nigh unto thee to offer our morning sacrifice 
 of prayer and praise. 
 
 Thou, Lord, art about our path, and about our 
 bed, and spiest out all our ways. There is noth- 
 ing hid from thee ; not a thought or intent of our 
 heart but thou knowest it altogether. If thine 
 'all-seeing eye beholdeth aught in us to offend thee, 
 enable us by thy grace to discover and cast it out, 
 that we may come before thee with the preparation 
 of a clean heart, and a pure mind. 
 
 We thank thee for thy protection and preserva- 
 tion during the past night. Continue thy good- 
 ness to us through this day, and guard us from all 
 danger, both of body and soul. Suffer us not to 
 forget the instructive lessons taught us on thy day 
 of sacred rest ; but, dispose us to manifest, in all 
 our doings of this day, and during the week, the 
 blessed effects of thy word and means of grace. 
 
 We thank thee, heavenly Father, for the 
 time and opportunity which thou hast given us to 
 serve thee ; and, we acknowledge that we have 
 most ungratefully wasted and misused these thy 
 precious gifts. May we repent of this our wicked- 
 ness, and hereafter remember that every moment 
 is given to be used in thy service, and in doing 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 67 
 
 the work of our salvation. O may we have time 
 and grace to finish our appointed task, before the 
 night cometh, in which no man can work. 
 
 We acknowledge thy numberless mercies to us, 
 and to all mankind. Make us duly thankful for 
 every blessing ; and teach us to shew forth thy 
 praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives, by 
 giving ourselves up to thy service, and by walk- 
 ing before thee in holiness and righteousness all 
 our days. Enable us to resist the temptations of 
 the world, the flesh, and the devil ; and, dispose 
 us to follow, in all things, the motions of thy good 
 spirit ; not trusting in our own strength or wisdom, 
 but looking to thee alone for grace to establish us 
 in every good word and work. 
 
 Increase in us true religion ; nourish us with all 
 goodness, and of thy great mercy keep us in the 
 same; that we may continue thine forever, and 
 daily increase in thy Holy Spirit more and more, 
 till we come to thine everlasting kingdom. 
 
 Be pleased, Lord, to receive our humble 
 intercession for all orders and degrees of man ; for 
 the President of the United States, and all others 
 in authority, that they may be thy ministers to us 
 for good ; for the appointed teachers of thy word, 
 and pastors of thy flock ; and, for all the members 
 of thy Church. Grant that they may all faithfully 
 serve thee in their several stations, and adorn the 
 doctrine of God their Saviour in all things. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We beseech thee to have mercy upon all who 
 
68 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 have not j~et known thee. Turn them, Lord, 
 to the way of life ; take from them all ignorance, 
 hardness of heart, and contempt of thy word; 
 and, save them, together with all thy faithful 
 people, through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator 
 and Redeemer. Amen, 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 MONDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O Lord God Almighty, who rulest in heaven 
 above, and in the earth beneath, thou art worthy 
 to be praised with all pure and holy worship. But 
 how can Ave appear before thee ? How can thy 
 sinful creatures offer thee an acceptable service ? 
 What is man, that thou art mindful of him, or the 
 son of man, that thou visitest him ? 
 
 O God, our Maker, Preserver, and Guide, it is 
 not in man that walketh, to direct his steps. We 
 are not able of ourselves to think any thing as of 
 ourselves ; but, our sufficiency is of thee. 
 
 We do not presume to call upon thee, Lord, 
 trusting in our own righteousness, but in thy 
 manifold and great mercies in Christ Jesus. We 
 are not worthy so much as to lift up our hands 
 unto thee ; but, thy property is always to have 
 mercy ; and, thou hast graciously promised to hear 
 those who ask in thy Son's name. For his sake, 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 69 
 
 therefore, be pleased to listen to the prayers of thy 
 unworthy servants. 
 
 Pardon, we beseech thee, the sins of which we 
 have this day been guilty ; consider the weakness 
 of our nature ; and, for thy dear Son's sake, be 
 not extreme to mark what is done amiss. We 
 magnify thy goodness, which has so long spared 
 us, and granted us so much time for repentance ; 
 and, we beseech thee to give us grace, that we 
 may henceforth no more receive thy mercies in 
 vain. Be gracious, O Lord, even to the unthank- 
 ful and the evil ; and, although we can never 
 deserve thy favors, yet we beseech thee to teach 
 us to value and improve them as we ought. 
 
 Enable us, this night, to shake off all worldly 
 cares and desires, and to meditate upon thee 
 and thy works. Let thy Holy Spirit be pres- 
 ent with us, to purify our hearts, to bring 
 before us the things which concern our peace, and 
 to inspire us with godly desires and resolutions. 
 
 Above all things, make us rightly to understand 
 thine infinite mercy, in the redemption of man- 
 kind by the sacrifice and atonement of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, and diligently to avail ourselves of 
 all our privileges, as his disciples, and thy children 
 by adoption and grace. 
 
 Look down, we beseech thee, with compassion, 
 upon all thy afflicted servants ; grant them the 
 comforts of thy Holy Spirit; and, in thine own 
 good time, visit and relieve them. 
 
 Establish thy kingdom in the hearts of men ; 
 
70 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 make the gospel successful to the present holiness 
 and eternal welfare of us all ; and, more especially, 
 we beg thine abundant blessing upon the holy 
 Apostolic Church, to whose privileges it has 
 pleased thee to grant us admittance. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 heavenly Father, w r e commit ourselves to thy 
 holy care and keeping this night ; and, we desire 
 to rest securely under the protection of thine 
 almighty arm. Defend us from all perils and dan- 
 gers, and especially from those which may assault 
 and hurt the soul. Prepare us, by quiet and com- 
 fortable repose, for the duties of the morrow ; and, 
 grant that we may arise disposed and strengthened 
 for thy service, as faithful and diligent disciples of 
 thy blessed Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 TUESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O God, the King eternal and invisible, maker 
 of the world and all that is therein, worthy art 
 thou to receive glory, and honor, and power ; for, 
 thou hast created all things, and, for thy pleasure, 
 they are and were created. In thy hand is our 
 life ; and thine are all our ways : we are thine by 
 creation and redemption ; not our own, but bought 
 with a price, and joined to thee in an everlasting 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 71 
 
 covenant. Thy mercies fail not, but are new every 
 morning. We are not worthy of the least of them 
 all ; but, thou hast commanded us to draw nigh 
 unto thee in prayer, and our desire is unto thy 
 name. 
 
 Accept, we beseech thee, our morning sacrifice 
 of prayer and praise ; and let the lifting up of our 
 hands, and the words of our mouth, be pleasing 
 in thy sight, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 
 We praise thee for thy goodness, in having 
 brought us safely to the beginning of another d^y ; 
 for thy preservation of -us during our past lives; 
 for all the mercies which thou hast bestowed upon 
 us, notwithstanding our repeated transgressions ; 
 but, especially for Jesus Christ our Saviour, and 
 in Him for all our means of grace and hopes of 
 glory. 
 
 In the midst of all thy goodness, we acknowledge 
 our unworthiness. We have sinned with our 
 fathers, and done wickedly. But, Lord, absolve 
 us from our offences; pardon the sinfulness of 
 our corrupt nature, and the transgressions which, 
 by our frailty, we have committed ; and, deliver 
 us from the bonds of sin, that iniquity may not 
 be our ruin. 
 
 Give us grace, that, amidst all our worldly cares 
 and occupations, we may never forget our duty to 
 thee, but always remember that we are walking in 
 thy sight. 
 
 Enable us to subdue all unholy desires, so that, 
 denying all ungodliness and worldly lusts, wo may 
 
72 SEPTUAGE&IMA, ETC. 
 
 live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present 
 world. 
 
 Preserve us from idleness and negligence, in all 
 the concerns both of the body and the soul ; that 
 we may not be slothful in business, but fervent in 
 spirit, serving the Lord. 
 
 Dispose us to regard one another with brotherly 
 affection and good will ; and, enable us to do our 
 duty in that state of life to which thou hast called 
 us, not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but in 
 singleness of heart, fearing thee. 
 
 Be pleased, Lord, to comfort and succor the 
 poor, the sick, and the afflicted. Send them help 
 in their time of need ; and, dispose us to do good 
 unto all men, as we have opportunity, under a 
 thankful sense of thy mercies in Jesus Christ. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Bless our civil rulers and magistrates ; and dis- 
 pose them to act as thy ministers for the good of 
 mankind ; and, incline us to honor and obey them 
 for thy sake. Spread the knowledge of thy word, 
 and make thy Holy Church the instrument of 
 extending thy gospel throughout the world. Pre- 
 serve us, and all thy people, in the unity of the 
 faith, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness 
 of life; and, finally, bring us to thy kingdom in 
 heaven, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c, 
 
SEPTUAGUESIMA, ETC. 73 
 
 TUESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, who art always more ready to hear than 
 we to pray, and givest more than either we desire 
 or deserve, we, thine unworthy servants, again 
 draw nigh unto thee, with all humility and thank- 
 fulness of heart. 
 
 Lord God of our Salvation, great and precious 
 are thy mercies and blessings. Thou loadest us 
 daily with thy benefits; and, we thankfully 
 acknowledge thy great goodness, in adding this 
 day to the number of thy mercies, by preserving 
 our lives, continuing our comforts, and giving us 
 further time for repentance. gracious Lord, we 
 humbly confess that our hearts are still far from 
 thee ; that we do not sufficiently trust in thee, nor 
 apply ourselves with due diligence to thy service. 
 Give us a lively sense of our unfaithfulness, and 
 renew a right spirit within us. In thy abundant 
 mercy, turn our hearts unto thee, through our 
 blessed Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 
 We confess that we have this day left undone 
 those things which we ought to have done, and 
 have done those things which we ought not to 
 have done, and there is no health in us. Give us 
 true repentance for all our misdoings, and a lively 
 faith in the atoning sacrifice of thy dear Soil. Take 
 from us all ignorance, hardness of heart, and con- 
 tempt of thy word. Make us a household fearing 
 
74 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 thee; submitting ourselves to thy holy will and 
 pleasure, putting our whole trust in thy mercy, 
 and studying to please thee in holiness and right- 
 eousness, all the days of our life. 
 
 Be thou our protection this night, that no evil 
 may befall us, nor any plague come nigh our 
 dwelling. To thy blessing we commend ourselves, 
 and all who are near and dear to us, and all for 
 whom we ought to pray. Keep us in peace and 
 safety ; grant that we may go to our rest in charity 
 with all men, and come to the beginning of another 
 day, with health and ability to pursue our several 
 duties to thee and to our fellow-men. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 And, whenever thou shalt be pleased to end our 
 term of days, and to call us out of this mortal 
 state, grant that our peace may be made with thee, 
 through our Lord Jesus Christ ; and, at the last 
 day, raise us up from the sleep of death to the 
 resurrection of eternal life, through Him who died 
 and rose again for us, the same Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen, 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 WEDNESDAY MOENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 God, thou art our God ; early will we seek 
 thee. Thou art good and gracious to all thy 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 75 
 
 people; and thy mercy is over all thy works. 
 Thou madest us, and not we ourselves. We are 
 thy people, and the sheep of thy pasture. "We 
 therefore worship and fall down and kneel before 
 the Lord our Maker. Unworthy as we are to 
 offer thee any sacrifice, thou hast appointed unto 
 us a Great High Priest, in whose name we come 
 boldly to thy throne, that we may find mercy, 
 and grace, to help us in time of need. 
 
 Grant that the frequency and earnestness of our 
 prayers may be proportioned to the greatness of our 
 wants. May we rejoice in every opportunity of 
 worshiping thy Divine Majesty ; and may we be 
 preserved from the sin of drawing near to thee 
 with our lips, while our hearts are far from thee. 
 
 We humbly thank thee, Lord, that thou hast 
 preserved us during the night past, and renewest 
 unto us thy goodness this morning. Take us 
 again under thy guidance and protection this day ; 
 and so govern us by thy grace, that we may 
 neither think, nor speak, nor do any thing which 
 may displease thee, or wound our own souls. 
 Assist us to sincerely and heartily dedicate our- 
 selves, our souls and bodies, to thy service. Pre- 
 serve us from every evil passion ; from the temp- 
 tations incident to our respective callings; and 
 from the lusts of the flesh, and the vanities of a 
 wicked world. 
 
 Send thy good Spirit to direct and guide us in 
 the ways and works of godliness. Purify our affec- 
 tions ; enliven our devotion ; and teach us how to 
 
76 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 pray, and how to hear, and read, and profit 
 by thy holy word. Make us Christians, not in 
 name only, but in heart and in hope. Teach us 
 the value of our souls, and of the salvation wrought 
 out for them by thy Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
 May we never be ashamed to confess him before 
 men ; but amidst all discouragements and difficul- 
 ties, give us boldness to stand forth as his true 
 disciples. 
 
 Let our conversation be such as becometh his 
 gospel ; and whatsoever we do in word or in deed, 
 let us do all in his name, giving thanks to God 
 and the Father, through him. And let the words 
 of our mouth and the meditations of our heart, 
 be acceptable in thy sight, Lord, our strength 
 and our Eedeemer. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Give us grace, we beseech thee, that we may 
 be just and honest in all our dealings ; kind and 
 charitable towards all men ; sober, temperate, and 
 chaste; and more particularly, careful of the 
 duties which we owe to one another, as members 
 of a Christian family ; that having, by thy grace, 
 been kept this day without willful sin, we may, at 
 the close of it, lie down to rest, with the assurance 
 of a good conscience towards God, and with a 
 sure trust in the merits of our Lord and Saviour 
 Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
SEPTUAGKESIMA, ETC. 77 
 
 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O most holy and merciful God, the fountain 
 of all goodness, wisdom, and strength ; look down, 
 we beseech thee, from heaven, thy dwelling, and 
 hearken to the prayers and praises of thy unwor- 
 thy servants. 
 
 We confess, that notwithstanding thy gracious 
 dealings towards us, we have neither loved thee, 
 served thee, nor obeyed thee as we ought to have 
 done. We have been too much taken up with 
 the cares and concerns of this life, and too negli- 
 gent of the great work of our salvation. gra- 
 cious Lord, have compassion on our infirmities ; 
 and, for thy dear Son's sake, turn from us all those 
 evils that we have most justly deserved. Grant 
 that neither the sins of this day, nor any of the 
 transgressions of our past life, may be remembered 
 against us. But, look upon us as reconciled unto 
 thee through the mediation of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord ; and, grant unto us thy Holy Spirit, that, 
 for the time to come, we may walk before thee as 
 becometh the redeemed of the Lord. 
 
 Let not sin reign in our mortal bodies, nor vain 
 desires take possession of our hearts. Convince 
 us of the shortness and uncertainty of this life : 
 that we may be found among those blessed servants 
 who wait for the coming of their Lord. Give as 
 grace that we may be more and more sensible of 
 the vanity of all worldly objects of desire, and 
 7* 
 
78 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 more intent upon laying up for ourselves treasures 
 in heaven. 
 
 Keceive, we beseech thee, our intercessions for 
 all mankind, and especially for our relations, 
 friends, and neighbors. Bring them all to the 
 knowledge of thy truth and to the practice of thy 
 law. Grant unto them all things needful, both for 
 their bodies and their souls. 
 
 Be gracious, Lord, to this nation ; root out 
 from among us all ungodliness and indifference to 
 thy holy commandments, that we may be indeed 
 thy people, and thou mayest be our God. Bless 
 and protect thy servant, the President of the 
 United States, and all others in authority ; and 
 give them grace to rule in thy fear, and in obedi- 
 ence to thy law. 
 
 Pity the afflicted and distressed in mind, body, 
 and estate ; and, mercifully relieve them, as may 
 be most conducive to thy glory, and to their eter- 
 nal good. 
 
 To these, our praj^ers and intercessions, we de- 
 sire to add our unfeigned thanks for all the bene- 
 fits which thou hast bestowed upon us ; for all the 
 blessings which we have enjoyed from our youth 
 up until now; particularly for the mercies and 
 comforts of the past day ; but, above all, for our 
 redemption by our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Be pleased to continue thy protection to us 
 through this night. Eefresh our bodies with quiet 
 sleep, and our souls with the consolations of thy 
 Holy Spirit; and, fit and prepare us, at last, for 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 79 
 
 our everlasting rest and peace, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen, 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 THURSDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, Maker of all things, Father of 
 all mankind, receive, we beseech thee, our morn- 
 ing tribute of prayer and praise. We are thine ; 
 and we are bound to honor and serve thee, as the 
 creatures of thy hand, and as the disciples of thy 
 blessed Son. 
 
 We acknowledge that, by thee alone, we have 
 been preserved unto this day ; and that, through 
 thy mercy alone, we are permitted to come before 
 thee, to magnify and praise thy holy name. 
 
 We bless thee for the returning light ; and, we 
 beseech thee to shed upon us abundantly of thy 
 Holy Spirit, that our hearts may be cleansed from 
 every defilement, and better prepared and disposed 
 for thy service. 
 
 We confess that we have sinned against thee, 
 and done evil in thy sight ; neither have we obeyed 
 thy law with a perfect heart. Lord, who know- 
 est the weakness of our nature, have compassion 
 upon our infirmities, and forgive us all our sins, 
 for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 
 Lift up the light of thy countenance upon us; 
 
80 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 speak peace unto us thy servants, that we turn not 
 again unto folly ; but, send us thy grace, to pre- 
 serve us from the power of sin. 
 
 Enable us this clay to fulfill the duties of our 
 respective callings with faithfulness and diligence ; 
 that, when we again meet together to worship thee, 
 our consciences may not reproach us with willful 
 disobedience or neglect of thy commandments. 
 
 Grant that we may have power to pursue with 
 fidelity our Christian course; that we may be 
 more able to resist temptation, more mindful of 
 thy presence, and more desirous of thy grace. To 
 this end, open thou our eyes, that we may see the 
 wondrous things of thy law ; give us understand- 
 ing, that we may know thy testimonies ; and, write 
 the words of thy gospel in our hearts. 
 
 Bless all our honest endeavors ; make us content 
 with what thy providence shall order for us ; and, 
 grant that no worldly business or pleasures may 
 divert us from the thoughts of the life to come. 
 
 Make us duly thankful for all thy mercies, and 
 mindful of the wants of others; tender hearted 
 and compassionate ; forgiving others, even as thou, 
 Lord, for Christ's sake, hast promised to forgive 
 us. 
 
 May it please thee to forgive our enemies, per- 
 secutors, and slanderers, and to turn their hearts. 
 Be merciful to all men. Convert the sinful, 
 strengthen the weak-hearted, raise up those who 
 fall, and, finally beat down Satan under our feet. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 81 
 
 We humbly thank thee, heavenly Father, for 
 the continuance of thy mercies ; for all the good 
 gifts which thou hast bestowed upon us ; for our 
 life, our reason, our worldly substance, and our 
 means and opportunities of grace. 
 
 But above all, we praise thee for the redemption 
 wrought out for us, through the mediation of thy 
 blessed Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 THURSDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting Grod, who art ex- 
 alted far above all blessing and praise, and yet 
 humblest thyself to hear the prayers of thine un- 
 worthy servants, be present, we beseech thee, with 
 us, who are now assembled together in thy name. 
 
 As another day is taken from the sum of our 
 lives, gives us grace to remember that we are 
 drawing so much nearer to the end ; and fill us 
 with true repentance for all the sins and infirm- 
 ities of our past lives. Grant that the opportuni- 
 ties which may yet remain to us, may be improved 
 to the purposes of our Christian calling ; and make 
 lis, we beseech thee, day by day, more serious, 
 diligent and devout. 
 
 By all the dispensations of thy providence, 
 whether of good or evil, bring us nearer to thy- 
 
82 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 self; and make us, in heart and affection, as we 
 are by name and profession, the servants and 
 followers of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Quicken us in the pursuit of heavenly things, 
 and make us faithful in the discharge of every 
 appointed duty; serving thee with sincerity of 
 heart, and doing to all men as we would they 
 should do unto us. Subdue in us, by the power 
 of thy grace, every evil affection ; and make our 
 conversation to be such as becometh the people 
 of God. 
 
 Direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts 
 and our bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in the 
 works of thy commandments. Let neither the 
 pleasures nor the cares, nor the fear or favor of 
 the world, make us forgetful of the very least of 
 thy holy precepts ; but increase in us, more and 
 more, all the Christian virtues and graces. 
 
 Receive our humble praj^ers for all conditions 
 of men. Grant that all those who confess thy 
 holy name, may agree in the truth of thy holy 
 word, and live in unity and godly love. And 
 keep, Ave beseech thee, thy Church and household 
 continually in thy true religion ; that they who do 
 lean only upon the hope of thy heavenly grace, 
 may evermore be defended by thy mighty power ; 
 and may the beams of thy blessed gospel, be effec- 
 tual in enlightening those who are in darkness, 
 and converting those who are in sin. Endue all 
 orders and degrees of men, with those virtues, 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 83 
 
 which may most conduce to thy honor and glory, 
 and the good of thy Church and people. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We commend to thy fatherly goodness all our 
 relations and friends; beseeching thee to take 
 them and us into thy holy keeping this night, and 
 to prepare us, both in soul and body, to serve thee 
 faithfully another day. 
 
 Hear us, Lord, and grant that we may go to 
 rest this night, in charity with all men, and at 
 peace with thee, for the sake of thy dear Son, 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 FRIDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, who formed the spirit of man 
 within him, and fittest him to serve and worship 
 thee ; we are thy servants and children, the work 
 of thy hand. Our praise shall be continually of 
 thee, who hast holclen us up ever since we were 
 born. 
 
 We acknowledge that we are not worthy to lift 
 up our hands unto thee. We have sinned and 
 done amiss. Our transgressions are more in 
 number than the hairs of our head. They are a 
 heavy burden upon our souls. We have sinned 
 against li^ht and knowledge ; against mercies and 
 
84 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 warnings ; against providences and opportunities 
 for doing good. "We desire not to justify our- 
 selves, but to confess before thee that we are un- 
 clean. Lord, enter not into judgment with thy 
 servants; but spare thy people whom thou hast 
 redeemed. For the glory of thy name, and for 
 the sake of thy blessed Son, deliver us, and be 
 merciful unto us. Cast us not away from thy 
 presence ; and take not thy Holy Spirit from us. 
 But remember us, for the merits of our blessed 
 Saviour, with the favor thou bearest unto thy 
 people, and visit us with thy salvation. 
 
 O thou, without whose help we can do no good 
 thing, give us the comforts of thy grace ; and bear 
 us up by the strength of faith, and the power of 
 love and hope, above all the temptations of the 
 enemy, and keep us unspotted from the world. 
 
 Let thy blessing rest upon us this day ; and 
 grant to us severally such a measure of thy grace, 
 as may fit us for the duties of our respective sta- 
 tions. Make us obedient to our rulers, friendly 
 towards our equals, kind and benevolent to the 
 poor and needy, and charitable and forgiving to 
 those who do us wrong. 
 
 May we take delight in our private and public 
 devotions, and in all the ordinances of our reli- 
 gion; and may we be prepared, through thy 
 grace, for the worthy partaking of the blessed 
 sacrament of the body and blood of Christ our 
 Saviour. And grant that others may be excited 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 85 
 
 by our humble example, to glorify thee, our 
 heavenly Father. 
 
 Hearken, Lord, to our intercessions for all 
 mankind. Have mercy upon those whom ignor- 
 ance and unbelief, have drawn away from thy 
 testimonies, and bring them home, to thy flock. 
 May sinners see the error of their ways, and turn 
 unto thee. 
 
 Preserve the Church in unity and peace ; in- 
 struct the ministers and stewards of thy word and 
 ordinances ; and enable them, both by their 
 preaching and living, to show forth the power of 
 the Gospel. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O Lord, who knowest all our necessities before 
 we ask, and our ignorance in asking ; forgive, we 
 beseech thee, the imperfections of these our pray- 
 ers, and graciously accept them for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 FRIDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O Lord, our Creator and Preserver, hearken 
 unto the voice of our calling ; for unto thee do we 
 offer our prayers. It is a good thing to give 
 thanks unto thee, and to sing praises unto thy 
 name, O Most Highest ; to tell of thy loving kind- 
 
86 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 ness early in the morning, and of thy truth in the 
 night season. 
 
 We come before thee, heavenly Father, with 
 all humility of heart, as sinful and unworthy 
 creatures. We have all sinned, and come short 
 of thy glory. But thou art gracious and long- 
 suffering, and hast compassion upon the infirmity 
 of thy servants, for thy dear Son's sake. 
 
 Be present with us, we beseech thee, at this 
 time, by thy Holy Spirit; and dispose us to seri- 
 ous meditation and earnest prayer. Make us 
 deeply sensible of our sins, and especially of those 
 which we have this day committed ; and so 
 quicken our repentance, and strengthen our faith 
 in the atoning blood of Christ, that we may be 
 cleansed from all sin, and be at peace with thee. 
 
 Awaken us, Lord, from all spiritual insensi- 
 bility and indifference, and bring us to a lively 
 sense of our lost condition, and of our sole de- 
 pendence on our Lord Jesus Christ, for hope and 
 salvation. 
 
 Make us always mindful of our frailty, of the 
 shortness and uncertainty of this life, of the eter- 
 nity of that which is to come, of the unspeakable 
 joys of the blessed, and of the dreadful end of the 
 impenitent; that we may be of the number of 
 those who seek and find the strait gate, that 
 leadeth unto life. 
 
 We bless thy holy name for all the mercies 
 hitherto bestowed upon us; for our life, our 
 health, and our reason ; and for all the faculties 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 87 
 
 both of our souls and bodies. Grant us grace to 
 use them, for our benefit and thy glory. 
 
 We bless thee for thy patient forbearance 
 towards us, notwithstanding our sins and ingrati- 
 tude; for thy preservation of us from the dangers 
 and temptations which beset our way ; for the 
 bountiful goodness of thy providence, and for all 
 the blessings of this life. But, above all, we adore 
 thy tender love and compassion to us, and to all 
 mankind, in the redemption of the world, by our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who humbled him- 
 self, even to the death upon the cross, for us mis- 
 erable sinners, that he might make us thy chil- 
 dren, and exalt us unto everlasting life. 
 
 We also bless thee for all the means of grace 
 which thou hast given us in thy word and sacra- 
 ments, and in the worship and ordinances of thy 
 Church. 
 
 Grant that we may so esteem and profit by 
 these and all thy mercies, that having been faith- 
 ful and diligent servants of our Lord, we may 
 finally receive that crown of glory which thou 
 hast promised to those who love thee, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 SATURDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful Father, who, for 
 the many sins which we have committed against 
 thee, mightest justly have cut us off in the midst 
 of our days, we humbly thank thee, that in the 
 multitude of thy mercies, thou hast hitherto spared 
 us. 
 
 Accept, we beseech thee, our unfeigned sorrow 
 for our past transgressions ; and grant that we 
 may never so presume upon thy mercy, as to de- 
 spise the riches of thy goodness. But let a sense 
 of thy forbearance and long suffering, work in us 
 repentance and amendment of life, to thy honor 
 and glory, and to our acceptance in the last day, 
 through the merits of our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 Keep alive in us, Lord, a true spirit of devo- 
 tion ; and preserve us from the great sin of pray- 
 ing to thee with our lips, while our hearts are far 
 from thee. Convince us of our entire dependence 
 upon thee ; quicken us in the pursuit of eternal 
 things; that we may continually press forward 
 to obtain the prize of our high calling in Christ 
 Jesus. 
 
 Thou Lord, who knowest the dangers which 
 beset us in this present world, strengthen us by 
 thy power against the enemies of our salvation. 
 Hold thou us up, and we shall be safe. 
 
 Dispose us, we beseech thee, rightly to dis- 
 charge the duties of this day. Watch over our 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 89 
 
 paths ; compass us about with thy favor ; preserve 
 us in our going out and coming in ; and direct all 
 our steps, in the way of thy commandments. 
 
 Make us truly honest and upright in all our 
 dealings ; diligent in the works of our calling ; 
 blameless in our conversation ; meek, charitable, 
 and forgiving towards others ; watchful over our- 
 selves, and ever mindful of thy presence. 
 
 Sanctify to us our crosses and afflictions, if in 
 thy holy providence, thou shouldst see fit to 
 afflict us ; and give us such a measure of patience 
 and godly resolution, that we may be willing to 
 take up our cross daily, and to follow the Lamb, 
 whithersoever he goeth. 
 
 Lord, grant that this family and household 
 may abound more and more in love to thee, and in 
 devotion to thy service ; that it may be, amongst 
 many others, the humble means of keeping alive 
 a spirit of piety in this nation, that thou may est 
 bless them, and visit them with thy salvation. 
 
 Have mercy upon thy holy Church in all the 
 world ; and especially that portion of it, in which 
 # thou hast cast our lot. Pour out the graces of 
 thy Spirit upon all its members, that they may 
 faithfully keep its ordinances, and observe its pre- 
 cepts; and grant that it may be finally presented 
 unto thee, through Jesus Christ, without blemish 
 and without spot. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Pardon, Lord, our ignorance and infirmity, 
 in whatever we have asked amiss; and grant as 
 8* 
 
90 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 more than we are able to ask, for the sake and 
 through the merits of thy dear Son Jesus Christ, 
 our only mediator and advocate. Amen. 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and most gracious God and Father, 
 who" art good and ready to forgive, and plenteous 
 in mercy to all who call upon thee ; have respect 
 unto the prayers of thy servants. Hear thou in 
 heaven, thy dwelling place, and when thou hearest, 
 forgive us all our sins, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 
 Help us to approach thee at all times with 
 reverence and godly fear; and at this time, re- 
 ceive the prayers which we make before thee in 
 the name of thy blessed Son. We adore thy 
 great goodness, in giving him to be a ransom for 
 our sins ; to suffer death upon the cross, the just 
 for the unjust, to bring us nearer unto thee. May 
 we be found among the blessed number whom he 
 has purchased unto himself for a peculiar people 
 zealous of good works. May we walk worthy of 
 our calling, and adorn the doctrine of God our 
 Saviour in all things. 
 
 Grant that Ave may not be insensible to the 
 blessings of the Christian covenant, nor neglectful 
 of the instituted means of grace, nor blind to thy 
 daily mercies. Teach us to discern thy provi- 
 
SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 91 
 
 dential hand in all that befalls us ; in sickness and 
 in health, in riches and in poverty, in tribulation 
 and in joy. 
 
 Make us duly thankful for thy kindness and 
 forbearance during the past week ; and grant us 
 grace to devote the next faithfully to thy service, 
 and to all the duties of our calling. More especi- 
 ally prepare us for the services of the Lord's day ; 
 that we may sanctify it by a holy rest, ceasing from 
 worldly cares and pleasures, and giving up our- 
 selves to thy service, and to our own spiritual 
 improvement. 
 
 Make us sensible of our uncertain condition in 
 this life ; and teach us to number our days that 
 we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Let each 
 night remind us of the sleep of death ; that we 
 may live in continual preparation for our change, 
 and be ready to lay aside the burthen of the past, 
 when the appointed time of our departure shall 
 come. 
 
 O Lord, be graciously pleased to extend thy 
 blessing to all mankind. Establish thy kingdom 
 throughout the earth ; and grant that thy holy 
 Church, may be enlarged and strengthened in this 
 nation, and that thy blessing and favor may ever 
 rest upon it. 
 
 We beseech thee to protect and preserve the 
 constituted authorities of our country ; and grant 
 that they may remember whose ministers they are, 
 and may in all things seek thy honor and glory. 
 And may we, as a people, honor thee, by obedi- 
 
92 SEPTUAGESIMA, ETC. 
 
 ence and and fidelity to those whom thou hast 
 given to rule over us. 
 
 Give grace to the ministers and stewards of thy 
 mysteries, that they may set forth thy gospel, not 
 only with their lips, but in their lives, and thus 
 prove a wholesome example to their flocks. 
 
 [Occasional Praj^ers, &c] 
 
 Father of mercies, make thy compassions 
 known to all men, and especially to the sick, the 
 needy, and the afflicted, for the sake of thy dear 
 Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
tnt, 
 
 ASH-WEDNESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 most mighty God and merciful Father, who 
 hast compassion upon all men, and hatest nothing 
 that thou hast made ; we humble ourselves before 
 thee, acknowledging our sinfulness, and seeking 
 mercy and forgiveness at thy hands. Thou hast 
 no pleasure in the death of him that dieth ; and 
 hast graciously invited us, in thy holy word, to 
 turn unto thee and live. The sacrifices of a 
 broken and contrite spirit, thou wilt not despise. 
 Give us grace, heavenly Father, that we may come 
 unto thee, weary and heavy-laden with the bur- 
 den of our sins, and thus find rest to our souls. 
 Enter not into judgment with us, thy unworthy 
 servants. Mercifully forgive us our trespasses. 
 In thy tender compassion receive and comfort us ; 
 and through the merits and mediation of thy 
 blessed Son, absolve us from all our offences. O 
 Lord, show thy mercy upon us, and grant us thy 
 salvation. Turn thy face from our sins, and blot 
 out all our iniquities. Send help from thy holy 
 place, and let our sighing come before thee. 
 
 Grant, O Lord, that this day may be unto us, 
 such a fast as thou hast chosen. May the ministers 
 
94 LENT. 
 
 of thy word blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound 
 an alarm in thy holy mountain, and call a solemn 
 assembly and gather the people. And we be- 
 seech thee, heavenly Father, to look down with 
 pity and compassion upon all those who present 
 themselves before thee this day, in true penitence 
 and contrition of heart. Thou knowest all their 
 infirmities, and all their wants. Be thou a present 
 God, to help them in their weakness, and to sup- 
 ply their necessities. Thou art a merciful God, 
 full of compassion, long-suffering, and of great 
 kindness. Thou sparest, when we deserve pun- 
 ishment, and in the midst of thy judgments thou 
 rememberest mercy. Spare thy people, who turn 
 to thee in fasting, and weeping, and mourning. 
 Eeceive with favor, the prayers and supplications 
 of thy servants, who shall this day intercede for 
 perishing sinners. And what prayer and suppli- 
 cation soever be made by any man, or by all thy 
 people, who shall know every man the plague of 
 his own heart, and spread forth his hands in thy 
 house, then hear thou in heaven thy dwelling- 
 place, and forgive, and do, and give to every man 
 according to his ways, whose heart thou knowest. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sake didst 
 fast forty days and forty nights ; give us grace to 
 use such abstinence, that our flesh, being subdued 
 by the Spirit, we rrnxy ever obey thy godly mo- 
 tions in righteousness and true holiness, to thy 
 honor and glory, who livest and reignest with the 
 
LENT. 95 
 
 Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world with- 
 out end. Amen. 
 
 ASH-WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 O most merciful God, who according to the 
 multitude of thy mercies, dost so put away the 
 sins of those who truly repent, that thou re- 
 memberest them no more; open thine eye of 
 mercy upon us thy servants. We most earnestly 
 desire pardon and forgiveness, for all that thou 
 hast seen amiss in us this day. Eenew in us, 
 heavenly Father, whatsoever hath been impaired 
 by the fraud and malice of the devil, or by our 
 own carnal will and frailty. Keep us in the faith, 
 and in the unity of thy holy Church. Impute not 
 unto us our former sins ; but strengthen us by 
 thy holy Spirit ; and fit and prepare us to dwell 
 with thee forever. 
 
 God, who sparest when we deserve punish- 
 ment, and in thy wrath rememberest mercy ; we 
 humbly beseech thee, of thy great goodness, to 
 comfort and succor us, in all our troubles and ad- 
 versities, whensoever they oppress us. Correct 
 us not in thine anger, neither chasten us in t\iy 
 heavy displeasure. Give us a right understand- 
 ing of thy threats and promises; that we may 
 neither cast away our confidence in thee, nor 
 place it anywhere but in thee. Believe the dis- 
 
96 LENT. 
 
 tressed ; protect the innocent ; and awaken the 
 careless and negligent. And forasmuch, as thou 
 alone canst bring light out of darkness, and good 
 out of evil, grant that the trials and troubles 
 which we may endure, may tend to purify our 
 hearts, and set us free from the bondage of sin, 
 and the wiles of the adversary. Show thy ser- 
 vants the light of thy countenance, and save us 
 for thy mercies' sake. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Grant, Lord, that the solemn season on which 
 we have now entered, may prove a time of re- 
 freshing to our souls. Give unto us a spirit of 
 prayer and supplication ; that we may approach 
 thy throne with humble reverence and godly fear ; 
 and hearken unto our voice, O Lord, when we 
 cry unto thee. Make us a clean heart, God, 
 and renew a right spirit within us. Help us to 
 call our past ways to remembrance, that we may 
 chasten our souls, under a sense of our manifold 
 transgressions. Help us to meditate on all thy 
 goodness and forbearance, while we have rebelled 
 against thee, and provoked thee to anger. Help 
 us to confess and forsake our sins, that thou 
 ma}^est have mercy upon us. Be not displeased 
 with us forever. Turn our hearts unto thee, and 
 let thine anger cease from us. Help us to keep a 
 watch over our hearts, and over all our future 
 ways ; that so we may serve thee in righteousness 
 and holiness all the days of our life. 
 
 O Almighty God, who art a most strong tower 
 
LENT. 97 
 
 to all wlio put their trust in thee ; to whom all 
 things in heaven, in earth, and under the earth, 
 do bow and obey ; we commend to thy gracious 
 care and protection, all our dear relatives and 
 friends, both present and absent. Be now and 
 evermore our defence ; and make us to know and 
 to feel that there is none other name under heaven 
 given to man, in whom and through whom we 
 may receive salvation, but only the name of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 And in this all-prevailing name, we conclude 
 our petitions : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 Maker of all things, Judge of all men; we ac- 
 knowledge our manifold sins and bewail our 
 wickedness. We humble ourselves before thee, 
 as unworthy transgressors, who have grievously 
 rebelled against thee. By unholy thoughts, by 
 evil words, by unrighteous deeds, we have offend- 
 ed thy divine majesty, and provoked thy wrath 
 and indignation against us. But, Lord, we be- 
 seech thee, to bow down thine ear and hear us. 
 Comfort the souls of thy servants ; for we lift up 
 our hearts unto thee. We do earnestly repent, 
 
98 LENT. 
 
 and are heartily sorry for all our misdoings : The 
 remembrance of them is grievous unto us : The 
 burden of them is intolerable. Lord, enter not 
 into judgment with us ; but deliver us, and be 
 merciful unto us, for thy name's sake. Thy pro- 
 perty is always to have mercy. Spare us, there- 
 fore, good Lord ; spare thy people, whom thou 
 hast redeemed with thy most precious blood, and 
 be not angry with us forever. Create and make 
 in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily 
 lamenting our sins, and acknowledging our 
 wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all 
 mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 O God, we bless thee for thy great mercy, in 
 bringing us to the beginning of this holy day. 
 We adore thee for thy patience and forbearance, 
 in all thy dealings with us, thy unworthy servants. 
 And we beseech thee to pour out upon us the 
 abundance of thy grace, that we may faithfully 
 devote this day to the sacred purposes for which 
 thou hast appointed it. Permit us to assemble 
 together in thy house of prayer. There may we 
 draw near to thee, and worship and fall down be- 
 fore thee, the Lord our Maker. There may we 
 offer the sacrifice of a broken spirit. There may 
 we confess our sins. There may we hear the 
 comfortable tidings of thy gospel. There may 
 we partake of all thy mercies in Christ Jesus, and 
 wash in the fountain of that blood which cleans- 
 eth from all sin. 
 
LENT. 99 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O God, make this a day of rest and spiritual 
 refreshment, to those whose souls have a desire 
 and longing to enter into thy courts. Kemember 
 them in mercy ; and guide and direct them, by 
 thy heavenly grace, in their private meditations ; 
 and let their prayers come up before thee as in- 
 cense, and the lifting up of their hands as an ac- 
 ceptable sacrifice. 
 
 Look with pity and compassion, Lord, upon 
 those who disregard and profane this sacred day. 
 Awaken them to a sense of their guilt and their 
 danger. Give them true repentance ; that they 
 may turn away from all their wickedness, and 
 henceforth walk in the way of thy command- 
 ments. 
 
 To all who are near and dear to us, heavenly 
 Father, extend thy mercies. Govern and support 
 them in prosperity and in tribulation ; in health 
 and in sickness ; in the hour of death, and in the 
 day of judgment. 
 
 We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, O 
 Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and 
 glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
100 LENT. 
 
 SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 O Lord, God of our salvation, we present our 
 supplications before thee ; knowing that thy arm 
 is not shortened, thaf it can not save, nor thy ear 
 heavy, that it can not hear. Let our prayer enter 
 into thy presence, and incline thine ear unto our 
 calling. Let not our iniquities separate between 
 us and thee our God, nor our sins cause thee to 
 hide thy face from us. Cast us not. away from 
 thy presence, and take not thy holy Spirit from 
 us. 
 
 "We acknowledge, merciful Father, the imper- 
 fection of our best services, during the day which 
 is now closing. The wanderings of our thoughts, 
 the coldness of our devotions, our carelessness, 
 and negligence, and hardness, are all known to 
 thee. Pardon, Lord, all our weaknesses and 
 infirmities, and quicken us to greater diligence 
 and fidelity in the performance of our duty to 
 thee, to our neighbor, and to ourselves. Enable 
 us to devote ourselves, with all our powers and 
 faculties, to thee and thy service. May we keep 
 in lively remembrance the truths which have been 
 delivered to us this day ; that the words which we 
 have heard with our outward ears, may be en- 
 grafted inwardly in our hearts, and bring forth in 
 us the fruit of good living. Give us thy holy 
 Spirit, to enlighten our understanding, and purify 
 our hearts ; that all our wishes and desires maj 
 centre in what thou hast commanded. Make us 
 
LENT. 101 
 
 instrumental, according to our ability and op- 
 portunity, in promoting the salvation of all men, 
 and especially those who are the most closely 
 united to us in the bonds of friendship and society. 
 Be thou ever with us in the performance of our 
 several duties ; in prayer, to quicken our devo- 
 tions ; in praises, to heighten our love and grati- 
 tude ; and in all our works, to set a bright ex- 
 ample to those around us. 
 
 We intercede with thee, heavenly Father, for 
 thy Church militant here on earth ; for her minis- 
 ters and people ; and for all who profess and call 
 themselves Christians. Guard thy flock, thou 
 gracious Bishop and Shepherd of our souls, from 
 all false doctrine, heresy, and schism ; from hard- 
 ness of heart, and contempt of thy word and com- 
 mandment. And illuminate, we beseech thee, 
 ail Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true know- 
 ledge and understanding of thy word; that 
 through their faithful preaching and good ex- 
 ample, all thy people may increase in grace, and 
 meekly hear thy word, and receive it with pure 
 affection, and bring forth abundantly the fruits 
 of the Spirit. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Almighty God, we commit ourselves to thy 
 care and keeping this night. We are weak and 
 defenceless, exposed to dangers on every side, and 
 unable to help ourselves. Keep us outwardly in 
 our bodies, during the unguarded hours of re- 
 pose ; that no evil may befall us, nor any alarm 
 
102 LENT. 
 
 or terror disturb us. Keep us also inwardly in 
 our souls ; that no wicked or hurtful thoughts, no 
 corrupt imaginations, no wiles of the adversary, 
 may assail us. Defend us from all adversities ; 
 and bring us in peace and safety to the beginning 
 of another day; that being refreshed in body, 
 and strengthened by thy Spirit in the inner man, 
 we may enter upon our respective duties with in- 
 creasing trust and confidence in thy mercy, and 
 with renewed purposes of serving thee faithfully 
 and truly to the end of our days. We ask these 
 blessings for ourselves, and for all our friends, re- 
 latives, and brethren, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, in whose name and words we conclude 
 our petitions : — 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 MONDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 God, heavenly Father, who makest the out- 
 goings of the morning and evening to praise thee, 
 accept our hearty thanks for all thy mercies, and 
 especially for the rest and refreshment of the past 
 night. With this renewed token of thy goodness, 
 give us newness of heart to serve thee. Look 
 with favor upon our earnest desires, and stretch 
 forth the right hand of thy majesty, to be our un- 
 failing defence and protection. Help us to amend 
 
LENT. 103 
 
 our ways and our doings ; that we may obey thy 
 voice, and walk in the way that thou hast com- 
 manded us ; that thou mayest be our God, and we 
 may be thy people. Turn us from all our sins, that 
 we may keep thy statutes, and do that which is 
 lawful and right, and save our souls alive. 
 
 O blessed Jesus, grant us grace, so to confess 
 thee before men, that thou mayest confess us be- 
 fore thy Father in heaven. Make us watchful 
 and circumspect, that we fall not again into our 
 former transgressions. Endue us with strength 
 and fortitude, to take up our cross daily and fol- 
 low thee, whithersoever thy voice shall call us. 
 May we be strong, O Lord, in the power of thy 
 might. May we put on the whole armor of God, 
 and fight manfully against our spiritual enemies. 
 With the girdle of truth ; the breast-plate of 
 righteousness ; the shield of faith ; the helmet 
 of salvation ; and the sword of the Spirit ; may 
 we be able to stand against the fiery darts of the 
 wicked, and all the wiles of the adversary. 
 
 holy, blessed, and Eternal Spirit ; vouchsafe, 
 we beseech thee, to direct, sanctify, and govern, 
 both our hearts and bodies, in all the pursuits of 
 this day. Quicken us to renewed diligence in out 
 several duties ; and make us just and upright in 
 all our dealings ; and charitable, kind, and com- 
 passionate in all the relations of life. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 God, whose days are without end, and whoso 
 mercies can not be numbered ; make us, at all 
 
104 LENT. 
 
 times, and under all circumstances, duly sensible 
 of the shortness and uncertainty of human life, 
 and of the transitory nature of all earthly things. 
 Thou hast made our days as it were a span long ; 
 and our age is even nothing in respect of thee ; 
 and verily every man living, is altogether vanity. 
 So teach us to number our days, that we may ap- 
 ply our hearts unto wisdom. Guide and direct 
 us by thy powerful hand, as we pass through this 
 vale of misery ; that so we may serve thee in 
 holiness and righteousness all the days of our 
 life ; that when our probation shall be brought to 
 a close, we may be gathered in peace to our 
 fathers, having the testimony of a good con- 
 science ; the witness of the Spirit that we are the 
 children of God ; in the communion of the saints ; 
 in the confidence of a living faith ; in the comfort 
 of a reasonable, religious, and holy hope ; in favor 
 with thee, our God, and in perfect charity with the 
 world. 
 
 All which we ask through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord, to whom, with thee, Father, and the Holy 
 Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 MONDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, by whose mer- 
 ciful providence we are preserved from day to 
 
LENT. 105 
 
 day, enable us to draw near to thee with rever- 
 ence and godly fear. Thou knowest, Lord, the 
 secrets of every heart. Turn thee unto us, in 
 loving kindness, and hearken unto our prayer. 
 Pardon, we beseech thee, all the sins of this day. 
 Thou art full of compassion and mercy, long 
 suffering, and of great goodness. Thou hast not 
 dealt with us according to our sins, nor rewarded 
 us according to our iniquities. Be gracious unto 
 us, and look with pity on all our weaknesses and 
 infirmities. Hide not thy face from us when we 
 cry unto thee ; but refresh us with thy Spirit, 
 and show us the light of thy countenance. By 
 thy help alone, we are enabled to will and to do 
 those things which are good and acceptable unto 
 thee. Grant us thy continual mercy and grace. 
 Let thy fatherly hand be ever over us, to sustain 
 and support us. Let thy holy Spirit be ever with 
 us, to guide, and direct, and lead us in the know- 
 ledge and obedience of thy word ; that so in the 
 end, we may obtain everlasting life. 
 
 To thy gracious care and protection, heavenly 
 Father, we commit ourselves and all our friends 
 and relatives, this night. Guard us, we beseech 
 thee, from every danger : and bring us in peace 
 and safety to the beginning of another day. And 
 enable us, by thy grace, to walk worthy of the 
 vocation wherewith we are called; with lowliness 
 and meekness; with long suffering, forbearing 
 one another in love; endeavoring to keep the 
 unity of the Spirit, in the bond of peace ; till we 
 
106 LENT. 
 
 all come, in the unity of the faith, and of the 
 knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect 
 man, unto the measure of the stature of the full- 
 ness of Christ. 
 
 Give us grace to put off the old man, which is 
 corrupt according to the deceitful lusts ; that we 
 may be renewed in the spirit of our mind, and 
 may put on the new man, which after God, is 
 created in righteousness and true holiness. 
 
 Grant us, God, according to the riches of thy 
 grace, to be strengthened with might by thy 
 Spirit in the inner man ; that Christ may dwell 
 in our hearts by faith ; that we, being rooted and 
 grounded in love, may be able to comprehend 
 with all saints, what is the breadth, and length, 
 and depth, and height ; anS to know the love of 
 Christ, which passeth knowledge, that we may be 
 filled with all the fullness of thee our God. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding 
 abundantly above all that we ask or think, ac- 
 cording to the power that worketh in us, unto 
 him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, 
 throughout all ages, world without end. A men. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
LENT. 107 
 
 TUESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful God, we humble 
 ourselves before thee as unworthy sinners. In 
 thy great goodness, have mercy upon us, and 
 hearken unto our prayer. We approach thy 
 throne, in weakness, and infirmity, and in fear 
 and trembling. We ask nothing for our own 
 merits or righteousness : For we are a sinful 
 people, laden with iniquity. But for thy dear 
 Son's sake, hide not thy face from us ; but incline 
 thine ear when we call upon thee in his all pre- 
 vailing name. For his sake, help and deliver us. 
 For his sake, have mercy upon us ; God, have 
 mercy upon us. 
 
 God, look down in kindness and compassion 
 upon this nation. Bestow thy heavenly grace on 
 our civil rulers and magistrates ; that they may 
 rule in thy fear, and in humble reliance on thy 
 guidance and protection ; that so, thy people, be- 
 ing secure through the protection of equal laws, 
 and the administration of impartial justice, may 
 joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness ; and 
 live in love and unity with each other, and in 
 peace and friendship with all mankind. Save us, 
 O God, from sin, and all its evil consequences. 
 Send us help from thy holy place, and evermore 
 mightily defend us. Let the enemy have no ad- 
 vantage of us ; nor the wicked come near to hurt 
 us. Bo unto us, Lord, a strong tower ; that 
 
108 LENT. 
 
 thy people may rejoice in thee, and in the multi- 
 tude of thy mercies find plenteous redemption. 
 
 Merciful Lord, we beseech thee to cast the 
 bright beams of light upon thy holy Church. 
 Give to her Bishops and other Ministers, know- 
 ledge of thy will ; and endue them with grace to 
 preach thy word with faithfulness and zeal, and 
 to set a bright example of blameless living be- 
 fore the flocks committed to their trust. And 
 grant that thy people, being rightly instructed in 
 the doctrines of thy word, may so walk in the 
 light of thy truth, that they may at length attain 
 to everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O God, enable us to walk with watchfulness 
 and circumspection this day ; to guard against the 
 sins which most easily beset us ; to restrain every 
 unholy passion ; to subdue the desires and appe- 
 tites which war against the soul ; to cultivate the 
 virtues and graces of our Christian calling ; and 
 to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
 things. May we never be ashamed to confess the 
 faith of Christ crucified ; and we beseech thee, 
 gracious God, to give us strength to fight manfully 
 under his banner, against sin, the world, and the 
 devil, and to continue Christ's faithful soldiers 
 and servants unto our life's end. 
 
 We commend to thy mercy and grace, heavenly 
 Father, all our relatives, friends and brethren, 
 whether present or absent. May their repentance 
 be. perfect, and their faith strong, and their love 
 
LENT. 109 
 
 fervent, and their hope steadfast; that so, they 
 may live to thy glory, and at last be gathered 
 with all the faithful to the mansions of everlasting 
 bliss. 
 
 We present these our humble and imperfect 
 petitions, in the name and through the merits of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 TUESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Lord, God Almighty, gracious and merciful, 
 who art slow to anger, and of great kindness, let 
 our prayer enter into thy presence, and incline 
 thine ear unto our calling. Thou desirest no 
 sacrifice, else would we give it thee. The sacrifice 
 of God is a troubled spirit : A broken and a con- 
 trite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. We 
 acknowledge our faults, and our sin is ever before 
 us. But, we beseech thee, rebuke us not in thine 
 anger. Chasten us not in thy heavy displeasure : 
 Have compassion upon us, and wash us thoroughly 
 from our wickedness, and cleanse us from our 
 sins. Teach us thy ways, and lead us in the paths 
 of righteousness. Guide us by thy counsel, and 
 govern us by thy good Spirit. Enable us to draw 
 near to thee at this time, with reverence and godly 
 
 fear that we may look for an answer of peace, 
 10 
 
110 LENT. 
 
 through the merits and intercession of thy blessed 
 Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 We thank thee, heavenly Father, for the daily 
 blessings and bounties of thy good providence. 
 Our days are passing away like a shadow, and all 
 flesh is withering like grass. We are admonished 
 by every instance of mortality, of the shortness 
 and uncertainty of human life, and of the transi- 
 tory nature of all earthly things. But of thy 
 great goodness, Lord, our days are still pro- 
 longed. Thou art graciously pleased to give us 
 farther space for repentance, and new opportuni- 
 ties for making our peace with thee. Grant us 
 grace, we beseech thee, so to improve the time that 
 remains, that when our years shall come to an end, 
 we may be well fitted and prepared for thy 
 heavenly kingdom. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Lord God, who has taught us to make prayers 
 and supplications for others as well as for our- 
 selves, be graciously pleased to hear our interces- 
 sions for all men. Be merciful to our friends, 
 relatives, and brethren. Keep them in safety 
 during the perils of this night, and bring them in 
 health and peace to the beginning of another day. 
 Above all, guard them from the enticements of 
 sin, and from the wiles of the adversary, that they 
 may serve thee, the living God, in righteousness 
 and holiness, all the days of their life. 
 
 Show the light of thy countenance to those who 
 fear thee, and hope in thy mercy. And to those 
 
LENT. Ill 
 
 who are in heaviness through manifold tempta- 
 tions, extend thy compassion and loving kindness. 
 In the midst of the sorrows which they have in 
 their hearts, let thy comforts refresh their souls. 
 And may it please thee, Lord, who hast thyself 
 suffered, being tempted, to succor them also that 
 are tempted. 
 
 Have pity, heavenly Father, upon those who 
 have hitherto trodden under foot thy beloved Son, 
 and have counted the blood of the everlasting 
 covenant an unholy thing, and are doing despite 
 to the spirit of grace. Awaken them to true re- 
 pentance and contrition of heart, that they may 
 hereafter walk in newness of life, and serve thee 
 acceptably all their days. And, O God, we be- 
 seech thee, have compassion on those who have 
 departed from the truth, and fallen away from the 
 faith, and are sinning wilfully after having re- 
 ceived the knowledge of the truth. Eenew them 
 again to repentance ; and grant that they may no 
 more crucify thy dear Son, and put him to open 
 shame ; but may from henceforth glorify God, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
112 LENT. 
 
 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 
 
 gracious and merciful God, who hast com- 
 passion upon all men, and hatest nothing that thou 
 hast made ; we humble ourselves before thee, ac- 
 knowledging our sinfulness, and seeking, mercy 
 and forgiveness at thy hand. Thou hast no pleas- 
 ure in the death of him that dieth; and hast 
 graciously invited us, in thy holy word, to turn 
 unto thee and live. The sacrifices of a broken 
 and contrite spirit, thou wilt not despise. Give 
 us grace, heavenly Father, that we may come 
 unto thee, weary and heavy-laden with the burden 
 of our sins, and thus find rest to our souls. Enter 
 not into judgment with us, thy unworthy ser- 
 vants. Mercifully forgive us our trespasses. In 
 thy tender compassion, receive and comfort us ; 
 and through the merits and mediation of thy 
 blessed Son, absolve us from all our offences. O 
 Lord, show thy mercy upon us, and grant us thy 
 salvation. Turn thy face from our sins, and blot 
 out all our iniquities. Send help from thy holy 
 place, and let our supplications come accepta- 
 bly before thee. 
 
 Grant, Lord, that this solemn season may be 
 made profitable to the souls of thy people. Give 
 power and grace to the ministers of thy word, 
 that they may lift up the voice of warning, and 
 admonish the impenitent and careless of their 
 danger ; and awaken the negligent and lukewarm 
 to renewed diligence and fidelity in the duties of 
 
LENT. 113 
 
 their calling. And we beseech thee, heavenly 
 Father, to look down with pity and compassion 
 upon all those who present themselves before thee 
 in true penitence and contrition of heart. Thou 
 knowest all their infirmities, and all their wants. 
 Be thou a present God, to help them in their 
 weakness, and to supply their necessities. Thou 
 art a merciful God, full of compassion, long- 
 suffering, and of great kindness. Thou sparest, 
 when we deserve punishment, and in the midst of 
 thy judgments, thou rememberest mercy. Spare 
 thy people, who turn to thee in a broken spirit. 
 And, God, receive with favor the prayers and 
 supplications of thy servants, who shall intercede 
 for perishing sinners. And what prayer and sup- 
 plication soever be made by any man, or by all 
 thy people, who shall know every man the plague 
 of his own heart, and spread forth his hands be- 
 fore thee ; then hear thou in heaven, thy dwell- 
 ing-place, and forgive, and do, and give to every 
 man according to his ways, whose heart thou 
 knowest. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Lord Jesus Christ, who for our sake didst fast 
 
 forty days and forty nights ; give us grace to use 
 
 such abstinence, that our flesh, being subdued by 
 
 the Spirit, we may ever obey thy godly motions 
 
 in righteousness and true holiness, to thy honor 
 
 and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father 
 
 and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. 
 
 Amen. Our Father, &c. The grace, &0. 
 10* 
 
114 LENT. 
 
 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 most merciful God, who, according to the 
 multitude of thy mercies, dost so put away the 
 sins of those who truly repent, that thou remem- 
 berest them no more, open thine eye of mercy 
 upon us thy servants. We most earnestly desire 
 pardon and forgiveness, for all that thou hast seen 
 amiss in us this day. Eenew in us, heavenly 
 Father, whatsoever hath been impaired by the 
 fraud and malice of the devil, or by our own car- 
 nal will and frailty. Keep us in the faith, and in 
 the unity of thy holy Church. Impute not unto 
 us our former sins ; but strengthen us by thy 
 holy Spirit, and fit and prepare us to dwell with 
 thee forever. 
 
 God, who sparest when we deserve punish- 
 ment, and in thy wrath rememberest mercy, we 
 humbly beseech thee, of thy great goodness, to 
 comfort and succor us in all our troubles and ad- 
 versities, whensoever they oppress us. Correct 
 us not in thine anger, neither chasten us in thy 
 heavy displeasure. Give us a right understand- 
 ing of thy threats and promises, that we may 
 neither cast away our confidence in thee, nor 
 place it anywhere but in thee. Eelieve the dis- 
 tressed ; protect the innocent ; and awaken the 
 careless and negligent. And forasmuch as thou 
 alone canst bring light out of darkness, and good 
 out of evil, grant that the trials and troubles which 
 we may endure, may tend to purify our hearts, 
 
LENT. 115 
 
 and set us free from the bondage of sin and the 
 wiles of the adversary. Show thy servants the 
 light of thy countenance, and save us for thy 
 mercies' sake. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Grant, O Lord, that this solemn season may 
 prove a time of refreshing to our souls. Give 
 unto us a spirit of prayer and supplication, that 
 we may approach thy throne at all times with 
 humble reverence and godly fear ; and hearken 
 unto our voice, O Lord, when we cry unto thee. 
 Make us a clean heart, God, and renew a right 
 spirit within us. Help us to call our past ways 
 to remembrance, that we may chasten our souls, 
 under a sense of our manifold transgressions. 
 Help as to meditate on all thy goodness and for- 
 bearance, while we have rebelled against thee, and 
 provoked thee to anger. Help us to confess and 
 forsake our sins, that thou mayest have mercy 
 upon us. Be not displeased with us forever. 
 Turn our hearts unto thee, and let thine anger 
 cease from us. Help us to keep a watch over our 
 hearts, and over all our future ways ; that so we 
 may serve thee in righteousness and holiness all 
 the days of our life. 
 
 O Almighty God, who art a most strong tower 
 to all who put their trust in thee ; to whom all 
 things in heaven, in earth, and under the earth, 
 do bow and obey ; we commend to thy gracious 
 care and protection, all our dear relatives and 
 friends, both present and absent. Be now and 
 
116 LENT. 
 
 evermore our defence ; and make us to know and 
 to feel that there is none other name under heaven 
 given to man, in whom and through whom we 
 may receive salvation, but only the name of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 And in this all -prevailing name we conclude 
 our petitions : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 THURSDAY MORNING. 
 
 Almighty God and merciful Father, thou art 
 our hope and our strong hold : thou art our God, 
 in whom we will trust. Thou hast kept us 
 through the dangers of the past night : Thou hast 
 brought us in safety to the beginning of another 
 day. For these, thy great mercies, we bless thee, 
 we praise thee, we glorify thy name. May we 
 come before thee, under a deep and humiliating 
 sense of our unworthiness. Helpless and miser- 
 able sinners, we ask nothing for our own merits or 
 deservings. But we know, Lord God, that thou 
 art full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, 
 and plenteous in goodness and truth. O turn thee 
 unto us, therefore, in pity and forbearance, and 
 have mercy upon us. For the sake of thy dear 
 Son, Jesus Christ, pardon our transgressions, and 
 receive us graciously, and hear the supplications 
 
LENT. 117 
 
 which we present unto thee in his all-prevailing 
 name. 
 
 And since we are by nature prone to evil, and 
 unable of ourselves to purify our hearts, we pray 
 thee, God, to cleanse our thoughts by the power- 
 ful efficacy of thy grace, from all vain desires, and 
 sinful imaginations. Grant unto us thy holy 
 Spirit. May it dwell within us, as a spirit of 
 purity and holiness, a spirit of truth and of wisdom, 
 of peace also, and love, and of holy joy, and con- 
 solation. May we pass this day in humble con- 
 sciousness of our dependence, in thankful re- 
 membrance of thy mercies, and in the diligent 
 performance of thy commandments. May no 
 evil thoughts, or angry passions, or distressing 
 doubts or fears disturb us. May we serve thee, 
 our God, with cheerfulness and fidelity ; and live 
 in peace, and charity, and brotherly love with all 
 men. May we be kind and benevolent ; patient 
 under adversity, and thankful in prosperity ; and 
 pass all our days in sobriety, moderation, and 
 temperance. 
 
 We pray thee, Lord, so to animate our minds 
 with the glorious hopes set before us in thy word, 
 that all our present trials, and sacrifices, and self- 
 denials, may be borne with cheerful resignation 
 and submission. May we count the loss of all 
 things as nothing, in comparison with the inward 
 satisfaction and joy, which the gospel affords in 
 the midst of worldly disappointments. But, O 
 God, deliver us, we beseech thee, from everv false 
 
118 LENT. 
 
 or delusive hope. Let us examine well our foun- 
 dation ; and let us remember, that other founda- 
 tion can no man lay, than that which is laid, even 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. On this foundation may 
 we begin, and continue, and finish, all our doings ; 
 until every evil habit is destroyed, every sinful 
 inclination cast out, every temptation overcome, 
 and every terror done away ; and until the Spirit 
 itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are 
 the children of God. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 To the care and protection of thy good provi- 
 dence, heavenly Father, we now commend our- 
 selves, and all our relatives, friends, and brethren. 
 Look with favor upon those who ask. an interest 
 in our prayers ; and may our mutual and united 
 supplications ascend to thy throne as acceptable 
 incense, and receive an answer of peace, through 
 the merits and intercession of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 THURSDAY EVENING. 
 
 merciful Grod and heavenly Father, Maker of 
 all things, and Judge of all men, we, the helpless 
 creatures of thy bounty, and the humble depend- 
 ants on thy will, desire now to offer up our 
 
LENT. 119 
 
 acknowledgments to thee, for all thy goodness, and 
 especially for thy over-ruling care and protection 
 during the past day. We approach thy throne as 
 unworthy sinners, and implore thy forgiving 
 mercy. "We lament the trespasses which we daily 
 commit against thee. Thou knowest all our in- 
 firmities, and seest all our hearts, and searchest 
 out all our ways. Pity, we beseech thee, our 
 blindness and ignorance, and our proneness to 
 err from the paths of uprightness. Our hearts 
 are deceitful above all things, and desperately 
 wicked; and we know not in how many things 
 we constantly offend. But we beseech thee, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake, to pardon whatever evil we 
 have thought, or said, or done this day. Turn 
 away thy face from the multitude of our iniqui- 
 ties, and enable us to examine our hearts and lives 
 by the light of thine unerring word, that we may 
 repent and turn from our transgressions, that 
 iniquity may not be our ruin. 
 
 We pray thee to pour down upon us the gift of 
 thy holy Spirit, that we may amend our ways, 
 and purify our hearts, and walk before thee in 
 newness of life. Teach us to improve the means 
 of grace and knowledge with which we are 
 favored: Eemembering always, that unto whom 
 much is given, of them will much be required. 
 Let us not bury the talent which thou hast be- 
 stowed upon us, lest we stand condemned as un- 
 profitable servants. As we have received Christ 
 Jesus the Lord, so let us walk in him. May we 
 
120 LENT. 
 
 cultivate those tempers, and abound in those 
 works, which the gospel requires. May the 
 graces of meekness and patience, of kindness and 
 forbearance, of benevolence and charity, be the 
 ornaments of our lives. Being established in the 
 love of God, may we also love our fellow-men 
 with pureness and singleness of heart : And let 
 us abound in all the fruits of righteousness, which 
 are by Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of 
 God. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We beseech thee, heavenly Father, to bless unto 
 us the events of thy holy providence ; and so to 
 order all things, during the remainder of our days, 
 that they may issue in our eternal good. Make us 
 duly sensible at all times, of the shortness and 
 uncertainty of human life. Teach us to realize the 
 solemn truth, that we know not what a day may 
 bring forth, or what shall be on the morrow. 
 Sanctify to us all the vicissitudes through which 
 we are called to pass, whether prosperity or adver- 
 sity, health or sickness, joy or sorrow. May we 
 consider all things as coming from thy fatherly 
 hand; that we may neither repine under thy chas- 
 tisements, nor prove forgetful of thy mercies. In 
 cheerfulness and contentment, and in reconcilia- 
 tion with thee, our God, may we enjoy peace 
 within ourselves, and live in perfect charity with 
 all mankind. 
 
 We ask for all, for ourselves, and in behalf of 
 those who are near and dear to us, in the name 
 
LENT. 121 
 
 of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 FRIDAY MORNING. 
 
 most merciful God, behold with compassion 
 thy weak and sinful creatures, waiting for thy 
 blessing at the throne of grace. Grant us a spirit 
 of prayer and supplication, that we may approach 
 thee in a time acceptable, and offer unto thee the 
 sincere devotions of humble and contrite hearts. 
 And hear us, we beseech thee, in loving kindness; 
 and in the multitude of thy tender mercies, draw 
 nigh unto thy servants, whom thou hast redeemed 
 with the precious blood of thy dear Son. 
 
 We do not present our supplications, hoping to 
 be heard for our own righteousness ; for we ac- 
 knowledge that we are unworthy sinners, and can 
 not justify ourselves in thy sight. But we bow 
 the knee before thee in the name of him, whom 
 thou thyself hast made the Lord our Eighteous- 
 ness : And through him we pray thee to show us 
 thy mercy, and to grant us thy salvation. 
 
 May we now go forth to the discharge of our 
 several duties, in thy fear, and in humble depend- 
 ence on thy protection. Grant us thy Holy Spirit, 
 
 to guide and direct us in all the relations of life, 
 11 
 
122 LENT. 
 
 and to restrain us from every vain and sinful 
 indulgence. Enable us to abstain from those 
 luxuries and pleasures which turn away the heart 
 from serving thee, and endanger the peace and 
 welfare of the soul. Preserve us from the snares 
 and enticements of the wicked. Keep our feet 
 from falling, and our souls from death, that we 
 may walk before thee in the light of the living. 
 Dispose us, day by day, to give all diligence, to 
 add to our faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge, 
 and to knowledge temperance, and to temperance 
 brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness 
 charity. Grant that these, and all other heavenly 
 dispositions, may be in us and abound, that so we 
 may not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Prepare us, God, for the various changes of 
 this mortal life. In every visitation, may we see 
 thy over-ruling hand ; that we may humble our- 
 selves in adversity, and receive thy bounties with 
 devout and thankful hearts. Eegard with com- 
 passion all sorts and conditions of men. Preserve 
 the rich from temptation ; and teach them to trust 
 not in uncertain riches, but in thee the living God. 
 And to the poor, give contentment and submis- 
 sion ; that they may be rich in faith, and heirs of 
 the kingdom which thou hast promised to them 
 that love thee. Save and defend all the faithful 
 in Christ Jesus. Holy Father, keep through thine 
 own name those w T hom thou hast given him ; that 
 
LENT. 123 
 
 they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in him, 
 and he in thee ; that they also may be one, even 
 as ye are one. 
 
 Comfort the afflicted ; succor the tempted ; 
 strengthen the weak ; instruct the ignorant ; and 
 reclaim the wandering : And grant unto all men, 
 that godliness which is profitable unto all things ; 
 having the promise of the life that now is, and of 
 that which is to come. 
 
 We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee, O 
 Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and 
 glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 PEIDAY EVENING. 
 
 Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, 
 who art our constant protector, and the giver of 
 every blessing which we enjoy ; we humbly and 
 heartily thank thee for thy mercies during the 
 past day ; and we pray thee to preserve us through 
 the night, and to cause thy peace at this time to 
 rest upon us. We ask the forgiveness of all our 
 sins. Eemember not against us the transgressions 
 of this day, or of our past lives : But grant unto 
 us true repentance, and a saving faith in our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. Give us a due sense of our great 
 
124 LENT. 
 
 unworthiness, and of the manifold transgressions 
 which we daily commit against thee. Help us to 
 exercise that godly sorrow which worketh repent- 
 ance unto salvation. And when we appear before 
 thee, weary and heavy-laden with the burden of 
 our sins, we beseech thee to show unto us the light 
 of thy reconciled countenance, and grant us the 
 comforts of thy Holy Spirit ; that we may go to 
 our rest in peace, and in the hope of pardon of all 
 our sins, through the all-prevailing merits of our 
 dear Eedeemer. 
 
 Teach us, Lord, so to number our days, that 
 we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Let us 
 remember, that we are daily and hourly drawing 
 nearer to the grave : And may we learn, by every 
 instance of mortality, that our hold on life is feeble 
 and uncertain, and we know not how soon it may 
 please thee to bring it to an end. blessed Lord, 
 by whose mercy we have been spared another day, 
 give us grace to redeem the time that yet remains, 
 and to use all diligence to fill up the measure of 
 our duties, and to finish the work which thou hast 
 given us to do, before we be called hence, to give 
 up our account to thee. 
 
 Let us beware, that we stifle not the voice of an 
 awakened conscience, nor neglect or delay to exe- 
 cute any good resolutions which, by thy grace, we 
 have formed. Above all, may no one put off the 
 work of repentance, or refuse to hear the warnings 
 of the gospel. Dispose us, at the close of every 
 day, to try and examine our lives by the standard 
 
LENT. 125 
 
 of thy holy word ; that we may turn from every 
 evil way, and live henceforth as becomes the 
 creatures of thy bounty and the partakers of thy 
 grace. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Bless, we pray thee, all our relatives, friends, 
 and brethren. Make them thy children by adop- 
 tion and grace, and extend to them all the benefits 
 of thy gospel. Have mercy on our native land; 
 and continue to us, if it please thee, the blessings 
 which we have so long and so unthankfully en- 
 joyed. Save us from national judgments; and 
 punish us not according to our deserts. But spare 
 us, good Lord ; spare us, for the sake of thy dear 
 Son. Grive wisdom and integrity, we beseech 
 thee, to our civil rulers and magistrates. May 
 they rule in thy fear, and seek thy glory. Endue 
 them, and the people under them, with that right- 
 eousness which exalteth a nation ; and save them 
 from those sins which are a reproach to any people. 
 
 These and all other things needful for our bodies 
 and our souls, for our temporal and eternal inter- 
 ests, we humbly ask, in the name of our only 
 mediator and intercessor Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 11* 
 
126 LENT. 
 
 SATURDAY MORNING. 
 
 most gracious and merciful God, we beseech 
 thee to pour down thy blessing on us, thy servants, 
 who are now assembled in thy presence, to confess 
 our sins, to praise thy name, and to implore the 
 continuance of thy mercies through another day. 
 We are weak and helpless, sinful and corrupt, and 
 exposed to danger on every side. We stand in 
 continual need of thy assistance ; and without thee 
 we can do nothing. But how shall we come into 
 thy presence, before whom the angels veil their 
 faces, and in whose sight the heavens are not 
 clean ! Blessed be thy holy name that a door of 
 access has been opened to thy throne, through the 
 atoning sacrifice of thy beloved Son. Blessed be 
 thy holy name, for the gracious assurance, that 
 whosoever shall seek thy face through the all-pre- 
 vailing efficacy of his intercession, shall in no wise 
 be cast out. We come to thee, pleading this thy 
 assurance ; and we beseech thee, of thine infinite 
 goodness, to continue to us this day, thy wonted 
 care and protection ; and enable us to discharge, 
 with fidelity and diligence, all the duties of our 
 several callings. 
 
 Enable us to pass this day, under an abiding 
 sense of thy continual presence, wheresoever we 
 are. Let us remember, that thou searchest out all 
 our ways; and that there is not a word in our 
 tongue, or a thought or intent of our heart, that 
 is not known to thee our God. We pray thee 
 
LENT. 127 
 
 therefore to bring all our most secret thoughts 
 into subjection to the gospel; and enable us so 
 to live, that we may have the testimony of our 
 consciences, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, 
 we have our conversation in the world. 
 
 Give us grace to overcome our sinful appetites 
 and passions ; to mortify our pride ; and to bring 
 every member of our bodies, and every faculty of 
 our souls, into captivity to the law of Christ. May 
 we put away all hatred and variance, all anger and 
 strife, all malice and evil-speaking ; and learn to 
 forgive one another, even as we hope to be for- 
 given. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Prepare us, God, for all the events of this 
 day. Sanctify to us our prosperity and our ad- 
 versity, our health and our sickness, our daily 
 comforts and enjoyments, as well as our anxieties 
 and disappointments. Purify our hearts more and 
 more, by the various dispensations of thy provi- 
 dence ; and fit us, by the several vicissitudes of 
 this mortal life, for that great and final change 
 which we must soon experience. 
 
 We earnestly commend to thy fatherly care, all 
 those whom it is our duty to remember in our 
 prayers. Be merciful to all men ; and especially 
 to the poor, the sick, the needj^ and the afflicted. 
 Make all their troubles and trials to work together 
 for their present and eternal good, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, to whom, with the Father, and 
 
128 LENT. 
 
 the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we come 
 before thee, humbled under a sense of our sins and 
 infirmities, beseeching thee to look down upon us 
 in thy wonted pity and compassion, pardoning 
 our iniquities, and accepting our supplications, for 
 Jesus Christ's sake. 
 
 In the midst of thy manifold and great mercies, 
 we lament the coldness of our hearts, and the im- 
 perfection of our best services. We have left 
 undone those things which we ought to have done ; 
 and we have done those things which we ought 
 not to have done ; and we feel and acknowledge 
 that, in our best estate, we are unprofitable ser- 
 vants. But, O God, we draw near to thee, in pen- 
 itence and contrition, asking forgiveness for all 
 our misdoings, and especially for the transgressions 
 of the past day. Who can tell how often he of- 
 fendeth ! O cleanse us, we beseech thee, from our 
 secret faults ; and purify our hearts, and sanctify 
 our affections, that we may henceforth serve thee 
 in holiness and righteousness all the days of our 
 life. 
 
LENT. 129 
 
 We ask nothing for our own merits : But we 
 plead the name of Jesus Christ thy Son, in whom 
 thou hast taught us to place our whole confidence 
 and hope. Father Almighty, pardon us for his 
 sake. May his meritorious sacrifice atone for our 
 offences: May his precious blood cleanse our 
 hearts from every stain of guilt : May his inter- 
 cession prevail with thee in our behalf: May we 
 believe unfeignedly in his name : May we bring 
 forth fruits of obedience worthy of this faith: 
 May we be justified freely by his grace : and may 
 we go to rest this night, in peace with thee, and in 
 perfect charity with all mankind. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Prepare our minds, God, for the solemn duties 
 of the ensuing day. Give us grace to examine 
 our hearts and lives, by the standard of thy pure 
 and holy law. Let us earnestly inquire, whether 
 we have truly renounced the devil and all his 
 works, the vain pomp and glory of the world, and 
 the sinful desires of the flesh. Let us search out 
 all deceitful evasions, and flattering disguises, and 
 endeavor to know ourselves, even as we are 
 known of thee. Let us look back on our past 
 transgressions, with shame and contrition, and 
 with sincere purpose and desire to live hereafter 
 to thy glory. And being thus prepared, God, 
 may the coming sabbath be a day of rest and 
 peace to our souls. May we go with the multitude, 
 to thy house of prayer. There may we offer thee 
 a holy worship. May we grow in grace, and 
 
13C LENT. 
 
 learn more and more how to walk so as to please 
 thee: and thus be prepared for that better sab- 
 bath, that eternal rest, which remains for the 
 people of God. 
 
 Grant us these our humble petitions, for the 
 sake of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. A men. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Unto God's gracious care and protection we 
 now commit ourselves, and all our relatives, friends, 
 and brethren, for this night. The Lord bless us 
 and keep us. The Lord make his face to shine 
 upon us, and be merciful unto us. The Lord lift 
 up his countenance upon us, and give us peace, 
 both now and evermore. Amen. 
 
Jaaaifftt Wtnh 
 
 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping 
 thy covenant and mercy to them that love thee and 
 obey thy commandments; we have sinned, and 
 have committed iniquity, and have done wickedly, 
 even by departing from thy precepts, and from 
 thy judgments ; neither have we hearkened unto 
 thy holy word. Lord, righteousness belongeth 
 unto thee, but unto us confusion of face, because 
 we have sinned against thee. To thee, our God, 
 belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have 
 rebelled against thee; neither have we obeyed 
 thy voice, to walk in thy laws, which thou hast 
 set before us. Lord, according to all thy 
 righteousness, we beseech thee, let thine anger 
 and thy fury be turned away from us. Hear our 
 prayers and our supplications, which we make 
 before thee this day ; and cause thy face to shine 
 upon us in thy sanctuary : For we do not present 
 our supplications before thee for our righteous- 
 ness, but for thy great mercies in Christ Jesus. 
 
 We adore thee, heavenly Father, for thy tender 
 love towards mankind, in sending thy only Son 
 our Saviour Jesus Christ into the world, to take 
 
132 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 upon him our flesh, and suffer death upon the 
 cross for our redemption. Grant us grace to 
 meditate, with deep humility and contrition, on 
 this great mystery of godliness. Grant that the 
 lessons of thy holy word, which are brought be- 
 fore us this day, may prove profitable to us, for 
 doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction 
 in righteousness, that we may be perfected in 
 holiness, and thoroughly furnished unto all good 
 works. 
 
 When we behold our blessed Saviour, betrayed 
 and given up into the hands of wicked men, to be 
 crucified, may we learn to guard against those 
 wicked and deceitful lusts which war against the 
 soul. When we witness the weakness and frailty 
 of the early disciples of our suffering Lord, may 
 we the more earnestly seek for that grace, which 
 alone can strengthen our faith, and help us in 
 time of need. When we call to our remembrance 
 the Saviour's agony and bloody sweat, and behold 
 him exceeding sorrowful, even unto death, may 
 our hearts bleed with penitence and contrition ; 
 and may we abhor and renounce those sins and 
 iniquities for which he was stricken, and wounded, 
 and put to grief. When we see him despised and 
 rejected, and hear the cry of Crucify him ! Crucify 
 him ! may we strive to subdue those unholy 
 passions, by which we crucify our Lord afresh, 
 and put his cause to open shame. When we see 
 the meek and lowly Redeemer, led as a lamb to 
 the slaughter, neither opening his mouth, nor 
 
PASSION WEEK. 133 
 
 resisting the violence of his oppressors, may we 
 learn to imitate the example of his great humility, 
 and patiently follow him whithersoever his voice 
 shall call us. When we see the atoning blood, 
 flowing down from the cross, may we, by a true 
 and living faith, so apply it to our hearts, that 
 our guilt may be washed away, and we may 
 appear before thee, clothed in the spotless robe of 
 the righteousness of Christ. 
 
 And may we from henceforth, God, faithfully 
 follow that Blessed and Holy One, whom thou 
 hast highly exalted, and to whom thou hast given 
 a name that is above every name; that at the 
 name of Jesus every knee may bow, of things in 
 heaven, and things in earth, and things under the 
 earth ; and that every tongue may confess that 
 Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the 
 Father. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 and the love of God, and the fellowship of the 
 Holy Ghost, be with us all evermore. Amen. 
 
 SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, we adore thee 
 
 for thy tender compassion and loving kindness to 
 
 us, and to the whole family of mankind. We 
 12 * 
 
134 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 bless thee for the gift of thy dear Son, through 
 whose atoning sacrifice we are brought near to 
 thee, and by whose meritorious death and passion 
 we are redeemed from death, and from the guilt 
 and burden of our sins. We do not presume to 
 come before thee, merciful Lord, trusting in 
 our own righteousness, but in thy manifold and 
 great mercies. "We acknowledge and bewail our 
 many and sore offences, for which our Lord Jesus 
 Christ humbled himself, and became obedient 
 unto death, even the painful death of the cross ; 
 and for which thou wast pleased to bruise him, 
 and put him to grief. May we keep in lively 
 remembrance the agonies which he endured for 
 our sake. May we remember, that he hath borne 
 our griefs, and carried our sorrows ; that he was 
 wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for 
 our iniquities ; that the chastisement of our peace 
 was upon him ; that by his stripes we are healed ; 
 and that upon him was laid the iniquity of us all. 
 May we remember the exceeding great love of our 
 blessed Saviour Jesus Christ, in dying for our 
 sins, and the innumerable benefits, which by his 
 precious blood-shedding he hath obtained for us. 
 And may we offer and present unto thee, our- 
 selves, our souls, and bodies, to be a reasonable 
 holy, and living sacrifice ; humbly beseeching 
 thee, at all times, to accept our bounden duty and 
 service, not weighing our merits, but pardoning 
 our offences, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
PASSION WEEK. 135 
 
 Grant, heavenly Father, that the instructive 
 lessons which we have heard this day with our 
 outward ears, may, through thy grace, be so 
 grafted inwardly in our hearts, that they may 
 bring forth in us the fruits of good living ; and 
 that in all our walk and conversation, we may 
 henceforth glory in nothing else but the cross of 
 our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
 Prepare our hearts, God, for the solemn duties 
 of the present week. Direct our meditations, and 
 give us grace to enter into thy presence, by the 
 blood of Jesus, by that new and living way which 
 he hath consecrated for us ; and having him for 
 our Great High Priest, may we draw near with a 
 true heart, in full assurance of faith, having our 
 hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our 
 bodies washed with pure water. May we hold 
 fast the profession of our faith without wavering, 
 knowing that he is faithful who hath promised to 
 him that overcometh, a crown of victory and 
 eternal glory. All which we ask through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. 
 
 Unto God's gracious care and protection, we 
 now commit ourselves, and all our relatives and 
 friends, for this night. The Lord bless us and 
 keep us. The Lord make his face to shine upon 
 us, and be merciful unto us. The Lord lift up 
 his countenance upon us and give us peace, both 
 now and evermore. Amen. 
 
136 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, A.ND THURSDAY 
 MORNING. 
 
 Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and 
 earth is named, we bow our knees before thee, 
 beseeching thee to look down upon us from the 
 habitation of thy glory, and mercifully hear and 
 accept the supplications with which we begin this 
 day. Grant us, according to the riches of thy 
 grace, to be strengthened with might by thy Spirit 
 in the inner man ; that Christ may dwell in our 
 hearts by faith ; that, being rooted and grounded 
 in love, we may be able to comprehend what is 
 the breadth, and length, and depth, and height ; 
 and to know the love of Christ, which passeth 
 knowledge, that we may be filled with all the 
 fullness of thee, our God. 
 
 With the returning light of another day, grant 
 us grace to meditate on the wonders of redeeming 
 grace. Give us a grateful sense of thy unspeak- 
 able love, in sending thy blessed Son Jesus Christ 
 into the world to die for us, while we were yet 
 sinners, that he might reconcile us unto thee. 
 May we behold in his meritorious death, that one 
 oblation of himself, once offered, by which he 
 hath perfected forever them that are sanctified, by 
 finishing transgression, making an end of sin, 
 making reconciliation for iniquity, and bringing 
 in everlasting righteousness. 
 
 Help us to draw near to the cross of Jesus, that 
 
PASSION WEEK. 137 
 
 our eyes and our hearts may be turned away from 
 the pomps and vanities of the world : And when 
 we behold the Lord of glory bearing our sins in 
 his own body on the tree, may the world be 
 crucified unto us, and we unto the world. When 
 we behold the suffering Eedeemer, tasting death 
 for our sins, teach us to bear afflictions and trials 
 with patience and resignation. In all our afflic- 
 tions, may we turn to the example of him, who 
 was oppressed and afflicted, yet opened not his 
 mouth ; who, when he was reviled, reviled not 
 again ; when he suffered, threatened not ; but 
 committed himself unto him who judge th right- 
 eously. In all our troubles and adversities, enable 
 us, in the true spirit of our suffering Lord, to say, 
 not our will, Father, but thine be done. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit 
 the whole body of the Church is governed and 
 sanctified, receive our supplications and prayers 
 for all our friends, relatives, and brethren, and for 
 all conditions of men in thy holy Church : And 
 grant that every member of the same, in his voca- 
 tion and ministrjr, may truly and godly serve thee, 
 through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 12* 
 
138 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, AND THURSDAY 
 EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 All glory be to thee, Almighty God, our 
 heavenly Father, for that thou, of thy tender 
 mercy, didst give thine only Son Jesus Christ to 
 suffer death upon the cross for our redemption ; 
 who made there, by his one oblation of himself 
 once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, 
 oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole 
 world. Grant, heavenly Father, that by his merits 
 and death, and through faith in his blood, we and 
 all the members of thy Church, may obtain re- 
 mission of our sins, and all other benefits of his 
 passion. Grant that all the children of men may 
 be brought near to thee, through the blood of the 
 cross. As Christ hath died for all, grant unto all 
 the abundance of thy grace, that they which live, 
 may not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto 
 him who died for them, and rose again, and ever 
 liveth to make intercession for them before thy 
 throne. 
 
 Look with pity, God, upon those who are 
 bowed down under a sense of their sins, and are 
 weary and heavy-laden with the burden of their 
 guilt. May they turn unto Jesus, who appeared 
 on earth meek and lowly in heart, and learn of 
 him. May they take upon them his yoke, which 
 is easy, and his burden, which is light, and thus 
 find rest to their souls. 
 
PASSION WEEK. 139 
 
 Extend thy compassion, heavenly Father, to us, 
 and to all who call upon thee in the name of thy 
 beloved Son. May we never be ashamed of Christ 
 and his gospel, nor swerve from thy testimonies, 
 through the manifold temptations by which we 
 are surrounded. Thou knowest, Lord, the secrets 
 of our hearts. Shut not thy merciful ears to our 
 prayers ; but spare us, Lord most holy, God 
 most mighty, O holy and merciful Saviour, thou 
 most worthy Judge eternal, and suffer us not, in 
 the midst of our earthly trials, to fall from thee. 
 In all our sufferings and afflictions, enable us to 
 possess our souls in patience. When thy hand 
 lieth heavy upon us, in judgment, or in chastise- 
 ment, give us grace to look up to heaven, and by 
 faith behold the glory that shall be revealed, and 
 submit ourselves to thy righteous dealing. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Accept our prayers and supplications, God, 
 as well for others as for ourselves. Teach us to 
 love one another, as Christ hath loved us ; to bear 
 each others' burden; and so to fulfill the law 
 of Christ, who came not to be ministered unto, 
 but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for 
 many. Give us grace also to love our enemies, 
 and from our heart to forgive every one his tres- 
 passes against us, that we may hope to be for- 
 given of our heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
140 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 GOOD FRIDAY" MORNING. 
 
 Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us. O 
 Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 
 world, grant us thy peace. O Lamb of God, who 
 takest away the sins of the world, have mercy 
 upon us. Christ, hear us. Lord, have mercy 
 upon us. Christ, have mercy upon us. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Lord, deal not with us according to our sins ; 
 neither reward us according to our iniquities. But 
 look graciously upon us, and behold with pity the 
 sorrows of our hearts. Favorably with mercy 
 hear our prayers, and forgive the sins of thy peo- 
 ple. Spare us, good Lord ; spare thy people, for 
 whom thy precious blood was poured out upon 
 the cross. By the mystery of thy holy incarna- 
 tion ; by thy holy nativity and circumcision ; by 
 thy baptism, fasting, and temptation; by thine 
 agony and bloody sweat ; by thy cross and passion ; 
 and by thy precious death and burial ; good Lord 
 deliver us. 
 
 We sinners do beseech thee to hear us, at all 
 times, and especially on this memorable day. 
 And, blessed Lord, when we see thee, betrayed 
 and given up into the hands of wicked men, to 
 suffer death upon the cross, for our redemption : 
 When we see thee, mocked, and scourged, and 
 spit upon, and crowned with thorns, and dragged 
 away to crucifixion : When we behold thee, thus 
 bearing our sins in thine own body on the tree : 
 
PASSION WEEK 141 
 
 May we feel and realize the exceeding sinfulness 
 of sin ; and shun and abhor all those evil appetites 
 and passions, which crucify thee afresh, and put 
 thee and thy cause to open shame. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O merciful God, who hast made all men, and 
 hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor desirest 
 the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be 
 converted and live, have mercy upon a world lying 
 in darkness and the shadow of death. May the 
 fountain which, as on this day, was opened for 
 sin and for uncleanness, send forth its healing 
 streams into all lands. Look with pity, O Grod, 
 upon the descendants of thine ancient people, 
 Israel, whose forefathers shed the innocent blood 
 of thy dear Son. Let it no longer rest upon them 
 and upon their children ; but take from them all 
 hardness of heart and unbelief. Give them eyes 
 to see, and ears to hear, and hearts to understand. 
 Pour down upon them the spirit of grace and sup- 
 plication, that they may look upon him whom 
 they have pierced, and weep for themselves and 
 for their children, and be saved at last among the 
 remnant of the true Israelites. Be merciful also 
 to those who are living in unbelief, and denying 
 the Lord that bought them ; and to all those who, 
 through ignorance or superstition, are bowing- 
 down to idols, or worshipping an unknown God. 
 Take from them, Lord, all ignorance, hardness 
 of heart, and contempt of thy word ; and at last 
 bring them home to thy flock, that they may bo 
 
142 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 gathered into one fold, under one Shepherd, Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with the 
 Father, and the Holy Spirit, one God, world with- 
 out end. Amen. 
 
 GOOD FRIDAY EVENING. 
 
 Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, 
 that takest away the sins of the world, have mercy 
 upon us. Thou that takest away the sins of the 
 world, receive our prayers. Thou that sittest at 
 the right hand of God the Father, have mercy 
 upon us. Though thou art the King of Glory, O 
 Christ; though thou art the everlasting Son of 
 the Father ; yet, for our deliverance from the 
 bondage of sin and death, thou didst humble thy- 
 self to come into the world as the lowly seed of a 
 woman, and to offer thy body as a sacrifice on the 
 cross ; and when thou hadst overcome the sharp- 
 ness of death, thou didst open the kingdom of 
 heaven to all believers. Lord, let thy mercy 
 be upon us ; and let those that trust in thee never 
 be confounded. 
 
 We praise thee, God, we bless thee, we wor- 
 ship thee, we glorify thee, we give thanks to thee 
 for thy great goodness, as manifested unto us in 
 the work of redemption. We bless thee for thy 
 great mercy in again permitting us to commemo- 
 rate the dying love of our Saviour, in the solemn 
 
PASSION WEEK. 143 
 
 offices of thy sanctuary. We bless thee for that 
 ministry of reconciliation, by which repentance 
 and remission of sins are proclaimed to lost and 
 helpless sinners. We rejoice that we are encour- 
 aged, through the preaching of thy blessed gospel, 
 to confess our sins, to renew our repentance, and 
 to call upon thee, the Lord our God, for pardon 
 and forgiveness. Grant us, with all thy other 
 mercies, the constant aids of thy holy Spirit; and 
 so apply the lessons which we have heard this day, 
 to our hearts, that every hurtful passion may be 
 subdued, and every sinful practice renounced; 
 and that we may, ever hereafter, obey thy godly 
 motions in righteousness and true holiness. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O God, we now commit ourselves to thy gra- 
 cious care and protection for this night. Defend 
 us, and all who are near and dear to us in the va- 
 rious relations of life, from every danger and 
 mischief, and from all fear and anxiety. Grant 
 us such rest and refreshment as may fit us for the 
 several duties which thou mayest require of us* 
 And keep us mindful, heavenly Father, as we pass 
 on from day to day, that the time is short, and 
 that we must soon follow our blessed Saviour 
 through the grave and gate of death ; that our 
 frail bodies must soon be laid down in the dust, 
 and that our immortal spirits must return to God 
 who gave them. And grant us grace always to 
 live in such a state of preparation that Ave may 
 never be afraid to die. May our flesh rest in hope : 
 
144 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 so that at last, through the cross and passion of 
 thy dear Son, we may be brought unto the glory 
 of his resurrection, and to the joys of thy heavenly 
 kingdom. 
 
 We ask for all, in the name and through the 
 merits of the same, Jesus Christ our Lord, in 
 whose all-prevailing words we sum up these our 
 petitions : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY MORNING. 
 
 Lord God, heavenly Father, early in the 
 morning do we flee unto thee. Our souls do wait 
 for thee. In thy word is our trust. Lord, what 
 is man, that thou so regardest him ? As high as 
 the heaven is, in comparison of the earth, so great 
 is thy mercy towards them that fear thee : As far 
 also as the east is from the west, so far hast thou 
 removed our sins from us. But, God, we con- 
 fess our unworthiness and acknowledge our frailty. 
 We are but dust. Thou hast made our days as it 
 were a span long, and our age is even as nothing 
 in respect of thee ; and verily every man living is 
 altogether vanity. At thy word all our days are 
 gone : They come to an end, as it were a tale that 
 is told. The grave must receive us: We must lie 
 down in a place of darkness. But, God, accord- 
 ing to thy promise, thou wilt show wonders among 
 
PASSION WEEK. 145 
 
 the dead ; and they shall rise up again and praise 
 thee. Thy loving-kindness shall be shown in the 
 grave ; and thy faithfulness in destruction. Thy 
 marvelous works shall be known in the dark ; and 
 thy righteousness in the land where all things are 
 forgotten. Thou hast redeemed us ; and thou 
 canst restore us. Thou shalt show us the path of 
 life : In thy presence is the fullness of joy, and at 
 thy right hand there is pleasure forevermore. 
 
 Grant, Lord, that as we are baptized into the 
 death of thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, and as he 
 was raised from the dead, even so we also may be 
 raised from the death of sin, and walk in newness 
 of life. Being planted together in the likeness of 
 his death, may we also be made in the likeness of 
 his resurrection. May our old man be crucified 
 with him, that the body of sin may be destroj^ed, 
 and that henceforth we may not serve sin. If we 
 be dead with Christ, give us faith to believe that 
 we shall also live with him ; knowing that Christ, 
 being raised from the dead, dieth no more ; that 
 death hath no more dominion over him. For in 
 that he died, he died unto sin once ; but in that he 
 liveth, he liveth unto God. May we also ourselves 
 be dead unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. May sin have no more dominion 
 over us : But being made free from sin and be- 
 come servants to God, may we have our fruit unto 
 holiness, and the end everlasting life. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Grant us grace, heavenly Father, to live this 
 13 
 
146 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 day in thy glory. In willing obedience to thy 
 commandments; in patient and humble resigna- 
 tion to thy will ; in unreserved confidence in 
 thy justice, goodness, and wisdom; and under a 
 grateful sense of all thy mercies; enable us to 
 serve thee faithfully all the days of our life. We 
 pray for our friends, relatives, and benefactors ; 
 and for all whom we are bound to remember in 
 our prayers. May we all be found at last among 
 the happy number whose names are written in the 
 book of everlasting remembrance, and who shall 
 be thine in that day when thou makest up thy 
 jewels, and when thou wilt spare them, as a man 
 spareth his own son that serveth him. May we 
 so follow the example of our crucified and risen 
 Saviour, as to be made partakers of his blessed 
 resurrection, through the same Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY EVENING BEFORE EASTER. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O Lord Jesus Christ, who hast once suffered for 
 our sins, the just for the unjust, to bring us unto 
 God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened 
 bj the Spirit; and who hast passed into the heav- 
 ens, and now sittest at the right hand of the 
 
PASSION WEEK. 147 
 
 Father ; we look up to thee as our Great High 
 Priest, to intercede for us; that our prayers may 
 ascend as an acceptable incense ; that we may, in 
 humble trust and confidence, approach the throne 
 of thy glory ; that we may obtain mercy, and find 
 grace to help in time of need. 
 
 And we beseech thee, heavenly Father, for 
 thy dear Son's sake, to hear us ; and grant that 
 we may henceforth walk in newness of life, that 
 we may always bear about in our bodies the dying 
 of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus may 
 be made manifest in our mortal flesh. May we 
 crucify the old man, and utterly abolish the whole 
 body of sin. May we find all our corrupt affec- 
 tions, all our carnal lusts, all our unholy and 
 inordinate desires, mortified, and destroyed, and 
 buried in the grave of Jesus. Grant that we may 
 be fitted and prepared, through the sanctifying 
 influences of thy good Spirit, to welcome the 
 dawn of the holy day when our blessed Saviour 
 burst the bonds of the grave and triumphed over 
 death. Grant that we may be ready, with all the 
 faculties of our bodies and our souls, to unite with 
 thy holy catholic Church throughout the world, 
 in commemorating the glorious resurrection of our 
 ascended Lord. 
 
 O, blessed and Eternal Spirit, by whom the 
 whole body of the Church is governed and sancti- 
 fied, enter into the hearts of all who profess and 
 call themselves Christians. Endue the stewards 
 of the mysteries of thy gospel with grace, so to 
 
148 PASSION WEEK. 
 
 preach, the word, and so to minister in holy things, 
 that every soul may become a temple of the Holy 
 Grhost, and be made a vessel unto honor, sanctified, 
 and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto 
 every good work. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 And finally, God, when our probation shall 
 be brought to a close, and when we shall be called 
 to pass through the grave and gate of death, may 
 we depart in peace, and in a comfortable hope of a 
 joyful resurrection, through his merits, who died, 
 and was buried, and rose again for us, Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 To thy mercy and protection, we now commit 
 ourselves, with all our friends, relatives, and 
 brethren. Bless us, and keep us, and be gracious 
 unto us this night and evermore. Amen. 
 
<£ast*r U CrittitjK 
 
 EASTER SUNDAY-MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God and heavenly Father, we bless 
 thee for thy great goodness in permitting us again 
 to behold the return of this sacred day. We 
 praise thee for the glorious resurrection of thy 
 blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, whom we 
 acknowledge as the very Paschal Lamb foreshad- 
 owed in the scriptures, and offered on the cross, as 
 a propitiation for the sins of the world ; who, by the 
 shedding of his own precious blood, has overcome 
 death, and by rising from the grave, is made the 
 first fruits of them that sleep, and hast opened 
 unto us the gate of everlasting life. 
 
 We confess that we are by nature dead in tres- 
 passes and sins, and can not, by our own power, 
 raise ourselves to newness of life : But, blessed be 
 thy name, that thou hast, of thy abundant mercy, 
 begotten us again to a lively hope, through the 
 resurrection of Jesus Christ, to an inheritance in- 
 corruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away, 
 reserved in heaven for all those who are kept by 
 thy power through faith unto salvation. 
 
 Give us grace, heavenly Father, so to bewail our 
 
 sinfulness, and so to meditate on thy wondrous 
 13* 
 
150 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 love, that we may find our hearts dead indeed 
 unto sin, and alive unto thee, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. 
 
 We beseech thee, gracious God, to grant us thy 
 special blessing this day. May the Spirit of him 
 that raised up Jesus from the dead, dwell in us, 
 and direct us in all our duties. Eaise our thoughts 
 from the things of this world, and fix them upon 
 those things which are above, where Christ sitteth 
 at thy right hand. 
 
 Since Christ our Passover has been sacrificed 
 for us, therefore let us keep the feast : not with the 
 old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and 
 wickedness ; but with the unleavened bread of 
 sincerity and truth. May we fervently join in the 
 prayers and praises of thy people in the courts of 
 thy sanctuary. And give us grace so to eat the 
 flesh of thy dear Son, and to drink his blood, that 
 our sinful bodies may be made clean by his body, 
 and our souls washed through his most precious 
 blood, and that we may evermore dwell in him, 
 and he in us. 
 
 Grant also to all those who shall assemble with 
 us in thy house of prayer, that they ma} 7 be plen- 
 teously endued with thy heavenly grace, and be 
 prepared, with meek heart, and due reverence, to 
 hear and receive thy holy word, and to be meet 
 partakers of thy holy mysteries. 
 
 [Occasional Praj 7 ers, &c] 
 
 Pour down thy Spirit from on high on the 
 ministers of thy blessed gospel: And, while they 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 151 
 
 preach Jesus and the resurrection, let thy word, 
 in their mouth, be as life from the dead ; that so 
 they, who are sleeping in their sins, may awake, 
 and arise from the dead, that Christ may give 
 them light. 
 
 And now, may the God of peace, who brought 
 again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the 
 great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood 
 of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in 
 every good work to do his will, working in us that 
 which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord, to whom be glory forever and 
 ever. Amen. 
 
 EASTER SUNDAY-EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Most merciful God and Father, receive, we be- 
 seech thee, our hearty thanks for thy great good- 
 ness; and especially for the blessings and. mercies 
 bestowed upon us this day. We bless thee for the 
 preaching of thy word, and for the administration 
 of thy holy sacraments. We bless thee for thy 
 gracious condescension, in having thy habitation 
 among the sons of men, and in dwelling in the 
 midst of the assemblies of thy people. Let thy 
 blessing rest, we beseech thee, upon those whom 
 thou hast called to minister in holy things. Let 
 thy priests be clothed with righteousness ; and let 
 thy people rejoice in thy salvation. Grant that 
 
152 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 the words spoken in tlry name, may not be spoken 
 in vain. Grant us grace, so to hear and receive 
 the godly counsel and instruction of those who are 
 set over us in the Lord, that in all our words and 
 deeds we may seek thy glory, and the increase of 
 thy kingdom. 
 
 We bless thee, heavenly Father, for the revela- 
 tion of our Lord Jesus Christ, as the resurrection 
 and the life ; and for the gracious declaration, that 
 whosoever liveth and believeth in him, shall never 
 die. Grant us grace to humble ourselves before 
 thee, knowing that thou art able to exalt us in 
 due time. May we follow the example of thy 
 dearly beloved Son, in patience, meekness, and 
 humility. And as he died and rose again for us, 
 so may we, who are baptized into his death, die 
 from sin, and rise again unto righteousness, con- 
 tinually mortifying all our evil and corrupt affec- 
 tions, and daily proceeding in all virtue and god- 
 liness of living. 
 
 We commend to thy rich mercies in Christ 
 Jesus, all the nations that are sitting in darkness 
 and in the shadow of death. May the Son of 
 Eighteousness rise upon them, and the light of the 
 everlasting gospel shine into their hearts, to give 
 them the knowledge of the glory of God in the 
 face of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Have mercy on the house of Israel, and teach 
 them by thy Spirit, to know, that thou hast made 
 that same Jesus, whom their forefathers crucified, 
 both Lord and Christ. 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 153 
 
 Awaken the impenitent to a sense of their 
 danger, by putting them in remembrance, that 
 thou hast appointed a day in which thou wilt 
 judge the world in righteousness, by him whom 
 thou hast ordained, whereof thou hast given assur- 
 ance unto all men, in that thou hast raised him 
 from the dead. 
 
 Comfort those who are in affliction for the loss 
 of friends, departed this life in thy faith and fear. 
 Teach them to sorrow not for those who sleep in 
 thee, even as others who have no hope ; believing, 
 that if Jesus died and rose again, even so them 
 also which sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 And now, God, we commit ourselves, and all 
 who are near and dear to us, to thy holy care and 
 keeping. Let us go to our rest in humble trust 
 and confidence in thy unfailing mercy. And let 
 us remember, as we close our eyes in sleep, that 
 the hour is coming in the which all that are in 
 the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of man, 
 and shall come forth, they that have done good, 
 to the resurrection of life, and they that have done 
 evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. And 
 may we be so prepared by thy grace, for tins 
 event, that when our mortal bodies shall be com- 
 mitted to the ground, they may rest in sure and 
 certain hope of a joyful resurrection to eternal 
 life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, 
 with, thee, Father, and the Holy Ghost, be all 
 honor and tflorv, world without end. Amen. 
 
154 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Eternal God, thou art mighty in power, and 
 incomprehensible in majesty : The heaven of 
 heavens can not contain thee ; much less the walls 
 of temples made with hands : And yet thou hast 
 been graciously pleased to promise thy special 
 presence in every place where two or three of thy 
 faithful servants shall assemble together in thy 
 name, to offer up their praises and supplications 
 unto thee. Vouchsafe, Lord, according to this 
 promise, to be present with us, and with all others, 
 who may meet this clay, to worship and glorify 
 thee in thy holy sanctuary. Eegard, we beseech 
 thee, the services of thy servants ; and grant thy 
 renewing grace to all those who may draw near 
 to thee, to give thanks for the benefits which they 
 have received at thy hands, to set forth thy most 
 worthy praise, to hear thy most holy word, to con- 
 fess their sins, and to ask such things as are re- 
 quisite and necessary, as well for the body as the 
 soul. Endue them with such steadiness of faith, 
 and with such holy affections, that their devotions 
 may ascend up as acceptable incense to thy throne. 
 And be pleased, gracious God, to grant unto 
 them whatsoever, in thine infinite wisdom thou 
 shalt deem most expedient for them. 
 
 Almighty God, who, by thy Holy Spirit, hast 
 appointed divers ministers in thy Church, merci- 
 fully behold thy servants, who are called to the 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 155 
 
 several ranks of this holy office ; and so replen- 
 ish them with the truth of thy doctrine, and 
 adorn them with innocency of life, that both by 
 word and deed, they may faithfully serve thee, to 
 the glory of thy name, and the edification of thy 
 people. We beseech thee especially, to send 
 down thy blessing upon those who shall stand up 
 this day in thy courts to serve thee ; and so en- 
 due them with thy Holy Spirit, that they may 
 faithfully preach thy word, earnestly reproving, 
 beseeching, and rebuking, with all patience and 
 perseverance ; and may also, by their life and 
 conversation, be a wholesome example to thy flock, 
 in all Christian virtue, and finally fulfill their 
 course with joy, and at the later day receive a 
 crown of righteousness. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Give us true repentance, and pardon all our past 
 sins, negligences and infirmities. Make this a 
 day of grace and consolation to our souls. Guide 
 and direct our private meditations. Give us grace 
 to examine our hearts ; to consider our ways ; to 
 search thy holy word ; to reflect on the wonders 
 of thy love ; and above all, to seek thy face in 
 secret, and to prepare ourselves for thy kingdom. 
 AVe ask for all in the name and for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 The srace, &c. 
 
156 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 Lord our God, we are not worthy to present 
 ourselves before thee. We are compassed with 
 infirmity, and laden with iniquity. Give us grace, 
 we beseech thee, to humble ourselves; to pray 
 and seek thy face ; and to turn from our wicked 
 ways ; that thou mayest, according to thy graci- 
 ous promise, bow down thine ear and hear our 
 supplications, and forgive us all our sins. Pre- 
 pare our hearts especially for this our evening 
 sacrifice of pra}^er and thanksgiving ; and merci- 
 fully grant our petitions, not for our own deserv- 
 ings, but for the worthiness of thy blessed Son, 
 our Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 Accept our hearty thanks, God, for the gospel 
 privileges which we have been permitted to enjoy 
 this day ; and for every mercy, both temporal and 
 spiritual, which thou hast been graciously pleased 
 to bestow upon us. Not unto us, but unto thy 
 name, be all the blessing and praise. To thee be 
 ascribed all the honor and glory of every good 
 and acceptable word which we have spoken, of 
 every righteous deed which we have performed, 
 and of every holy thought which we have con- 
 ceived. 
 
 [Occasional Pra3^ers, &c] 
 
 We intercede with thee, heavenly Father, for 
 all the children of men. Look with mercy upon 
 thy holy Church universal, which thou hast pur- 
 chased to thyself with the precious blood of thy 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 157 
 
 dear Son. And to those whom thou hast called 
 to minister in any holy office, give thy grace and 
 heavenly benediction ; that both by their life and 
 doctrine, they may set forth thy glory, and pro- 
 mote the salvation of their fellow-men. 
 
 Have pity upon those who have disregarded 
 or profaned this sacred day, by absenting them- 
 selves from thy house of prayer, or by closing 
 their ears, or hardening their hearts, against the 
 teachings of thy holy word. Give them repent- 
 ance and a better mind. May they no longer 
 grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by their negli- 
 gence and unbelief. May they seek thee while 
 thou mayest be found, and call upon thee while 
 thou art near. May the wicked forsake his way, 
 and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and return 
 unto thee, that thou mayest have mercy upon 
 him, and abundantly pardon him. 
 
 Be thou gracious and merciful, heavenly Father, 
 to all those who, through sickness, or infirmity, or 
 other providential necessity, have been deprived 
 of the comforts of thy public worship, and who 
 have communed with thee in their chamber and 
 in their closet, and sought thee in secret. Show 
 them the light of thy countenance; and cause 
 them to know experimentally, that he who seeth 
 in secret, will reward them openly. Grant this, 
 we beseech thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Unto God's gracious care and protection, we 
 
 14 
 
158 EASTEIS TO TRINITY. 
 
 now commit ourselves, and all our relatives, 
 friends, and brethren, for this night. The Lord 
 bless us and keep us. The Lord make his face to 
 shine upon us, and be merciful unto us. The 
 Lord lift up his countenance upon us, and give us 
 peace, both now and evermore. Amen. 
 
 MONDAY MORNING. 
 
 Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who hast 
 given thine only Son Jesus Christ to die for our 
 sins, and to rise again for our justification ; fill our 
 hearts, we beseech thee, with gratitude and love, 
 and our lips with praises. Let us magnify thy 
 name for all thy goodness, and remember the 
 wonders that thou hast done to the children of 
 men. Let us offer unto thee the sacrifice of 
 thanksgiving, and speak of all thy works with 
 gladness. 
 
 Cleanse our hearts, O God, from all evil and 
 wickedness, that we may offer unto thee a pure 
 and acceptable service. Give us that peace which 
 thy blessed Son came into the world to proclaim. 
 Pour into our hearts that spirit of adoption, which 
 may bear witness with our spirit, that we are 
 children of God, and joint heirs with Christ, in 
 the glories of his heavenly kingdom. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Enable us by thy grace to overcome all the 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 159 
 
 temptations of the world, to renounce its pomps 
 and vanities, to withstand its allurements, and to 
 disregard its frowns. And grant that we, being 
 regenerate, and made thy children by adoption 
 and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy 
 Spirit. Grant that the instructive lessons of the 
 past day, may not pass away in forgetful n ess, like 
 the morning cloud or the early dew : But revive 
 and strengthen our holy thoughts and desires, and 
 subdue the passions and propensities of our evil 
 hearts. Preserve us from pride and envy ; from 
 hatred and malice ; from murmurings and dispu- 
 tings; from covetousness and dishonest}^; from 
 selfishness and idleness ; from unchristian tempers 
 and impure desires ; and from all hurtful lusts 
 that war against the soul. Pardon and correct 
 whatever is sinful in us ; strengthen what is 
 weak ; confirm what is wavering ; supply what is 
 wanting ; and make us thoroughly furnished unto 
 every good word and work. 
 
 But without thee we can do nothing. Be with 
 us, therefore, this da}^, and in all the future scenes 
 of life. Assist us, in all our doings, with thy 
 most gracious favor, and further us with thy con- 
 tinual help; make us steadfast and immovable, 
 always abounding in the work of the Lord, know- 
 ing that our labor shall not be in vain in the 
 Lord. And when the days of our pilgrimage 
 shall come to an end, and when our mortal bodies 
 shall put on immortality, may we realize the saying 
 that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory! 
 
160 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 And for this, and every other mercy, may we 
 ascribe all the glory and honor to Grod, who giveth 
 us the victory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 MONDAY EVENING 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Most merciful God and heavenly Father, we 
 thank thee for thy protection and preservation 
 through another day, and for the great mercies, 
 and benefits which thou hast bestowed upon us. 
 We acknowledge thy over-ruling providence. By 
 thy word were the heavens made, and all the host 
 of them by the breath of thy mouth. Thou hast 
 also laid the foundations of the earth, and daily 
 providest for the wants of all thy creatures. Thou 
 openest thy hand, and fillest all things living with 
 plenteousness ; and thou upholdest the whole 
 world, and all that therein is, by thy mighty 
 power. Thou coverest the heavens with clouds, 
 and preparest rain for the earth. Thou makest 
 the grass to grow upon the mountains, and givest 
 food to the beasts of the field, and the young 
 ravens that cry unto thee. Without thee, not 
 even a sparrow falleth on the ground, and the 
 very hairs of our head are all numbered. 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 161 
 
 We confess, merciful God, that we have for- 
 feited, by our manifold transgressions, every claim 
 to thy fatherly protection in the present life ; and 
 have rendered ourselves unworthy of the blessings 
 of the life to come. But, guilty and unworthy as 
 we are, we would still look up to thee in the 
 name of that blessed Mediator, whom thou hast 
 given to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and 
 also an example of godly life; beseeching thee 
 through his all-prevailing merits, to permit us to 
 come into thy presence, and to ask for everything 
 that is necessary, as well for the body as the soul. 
 
 Hearken, O Lord our God, unto our prayers. 
 
 Enter not into judgment with thy servants. Have 
 
 mercy upon us, according to thy loving kindness; 
 
 according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, 
 
 blot out our transgressions. Wash us thoroughly 
 
 from our iniquity, and cleanse us from all our sin. 
 
 Pardon our want of love to thee, and our many 
 
 offences against our fellow-men. Pour into our 
 
 hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very 
 
 bond of peace, and of all virtues ; without which 
 
 whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. 
 
 Endue us with that spirit which thinketh no evil, 
 
 which beareth all things, believeth all things, 
 
 hopeth all things, endureth all things. Give us 
 
 grace to come before thee with clean hands and a 
 
 pure heart, that our prayers may ascend to thy 
 
 throne as an acceptable offering, and be received 
 
 and answered, for the sake of thy dear Son, elesus 
 
 Christ our Lord. 
 
 14* 
 
162 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c.] 
 
 And now, Lord, before we lie down and take 
 our rest, suffer us to commend, not only ourselves, 
 but all others, to thy covenanted mercies in Christ 
 Jesus. Shed thy blessings abundantly upon all 
 our friends and relatives. Take us and them 
 under thy fatherly protection; and bless and 
 keep us, this night and forevermore, through 
 Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour, to 
 whom, with thee, O Father, and the Holy Ghost, 
 be honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 TUESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Almighty God, whose mercies are renewed 
 to us day by day, early will we come before thee ; 
 every morning will we give thanks to thee, and 
 acknowledge thy goodness and loving kindness. 
 But how shall we approach thy mercy seat ; or 
 what shall we render unto thee for all the benefits 
 which thou hast done unto us ? To love and 
 serve thee, with all the heart, and soul, and mind, 
 and strength, is our reasonable service and bounden 
 duty. But our best services, through the weakness 
 of our mortal nature, are full of imperfection. 
 When we have done all, we are unprofitable ser- 
 vants. We look for acceptance, only through the 
 merits of that blessed Saviour, in whose all-pre- 
 vailing name alone we are permitted to approach 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 163 
 
 thee, even with the voice of praise and thanks- 
 giving. 
 
 Let us meditate, with humble gratitude, on thy 
 condescension and grace, in regarding our unwor- 
 thy services, and in continuing to us thy daily 
 mercies. Teach us to know and feel our exceeding 
 sinfulness in thy sight, that we may be filled with 
 a due sense of thy forbearance and compassion. 
 We acknowledge that we have greatly sinned, 
 and done amiss, and dealt wickedly. But, 
 Lord, we beseech thee, absolve us from our of- 
 fences ; that, through thy bountiful goodness, we 
 may be delivered from the bondage of those sins 
 which, by our frailty, we have committed. Grant 
 that we may truly repent of them before thee, that 
 so iniquity may not be our ruin. 
 
 Our eyes are now directed unto thee, from whom 
 cometh all our help. Enable us to enter upon 
 the various duties of this day, in humble trust and 
 confidence in thy over-ruling protection and thy 
 renewing grace. Deliver us from carelessness, 
 negligence, and spiritual sloth. Make us active 
 in the discharge of our respective duties. Help 
 us to press forward in the way of life, and so to 
 run, that we may obtain the prize of our high 
 calling. Give us grace to abound in those good 
 works, in which thou hast commanded us to walk; 
 and by patient continuance in well-doing, to seek 
 for glory, and honor, and immortality; that so, 
 by thy mercy, we may, in the end, obtain eternal 
 life. 
 
164 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We beseech thee, gracious God, to bless thy 
 whole Church, and to order all things for its in- 
 crease and prosperity. Sanctify and cleanse it 
 from all impurity and error, that it may be holy 
 and without blemish, and become a name and 
 praise among all the nations of the earth. 
 
 Pour down thy blessing upon the religious, 
 civil, and literary institutions of our country. 
 Extend to them thy fostering aid, and make them 
 instrumental in promoting thy glory, and the good 
 of mankind. And grant that our lot may be cast 
 among a people fearing thee, and loving righteous- 
 ness, and that all who profess thy holy name, may 
 truly and faithfully serve thee, in all the various 
 duties and relations of life. 
 
 We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 TUESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, dispose our 
 hearts, we beseech thee, to close this day with 
 serious reflection and fervent prayer. Eeceive 
 with favor the supplications of thy servants ; and 
 look down upon us in thy wonted pity and com- 
 passion ; not in thine anger lest thou bring us to 
 nothing. 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 165 
 
 We thank thee for the daily bounties and bless- 
 ings which thou givest us to enjoy. Enable us 
 to see thy hand, and to acknowledge thy provi- 
 dence, in all our concerns ; and, with true devotion 
 of heart, to trace up every stream of earthly com- 
 fort to the fountain of eternal love. 
 
 We bless thee especially, heavenly Father, for 
 the word of revelation; for the light of the ever- 
 lasting gospel, and for the redemption of the 
 world by the death and passion of our Saviour 
 Christ, both God and man ; who did humble him- 
 self, even to the death of the cross, for us miserable 
 sinners; who lay in darkness and the shadow of 
 death, that he might make us the children of God, 
 and exalt us unto everlasting life. May we always 
 remember the exceeding great love of our Master 
 and only Saviour, Jesus Christ, thus dying for us, 
 and the innumerable benefits which, by his pre- 
 cious blood-shedding, he hath obtained for us. 
 And may we give unto thee, as we are most 
 bounden, continual thanks ; submitting ourselves 
 wholly to thy holy will and pleasure, and study- 
 ing to serve thee, in true holiness and righteous- 
 ness, all the days of our life. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 To the care and protection of thy good provi- 
 dence, we commend ourselves, and all who are 
 near and dear to us, this night. Be thou our 
 refuge, and fortress, and house of defence, in 
 whom we may trust. May we abide safely under 
 thy almighty shadow. May thy truth and faith 
 
166 EASTER TO TKINITY. 
 
 fulness be our shield and buckler. May no evil 
 befall us, nor any plague come nigh our dwelling. 
 Be thou our continual ruler and guide : and teach 
 us so to pass through things temporal, that we 
 finally lose not the things eternal. 
 
 We humbly beseech thee, God, for all sorts 
 and conditions of men ; that thou wouldest be 
 pleased to make thy ways known unto them, thy 
 saving health unto all nations. We pray espe- 
 cially for thy holy Church universal ; that it may 
 be so guided and governed by thy good Spirit, 
 that all who profess and call themselves Christians, 
 may be led into the w&y of truth, and hold the 
 faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and 
 in righteousness of life. Finally, we commend to 
 thy fatherly goodness all those who are am^ ways 
 afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; 
 that it may please thee to comfort and relieve 
 them, according to their several necessities ; giving 
 them patience under their sufferings, and a happy 
 issue out of all their afflictions. All which we 
 ask for Jesus Christ's sake ; in whose all-prevailing 
 words we sum up these our petitions : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, who hast given unto us the 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 167 
 
 light of thy blessed gospel to guide us, and the 
 influences of thy holy Spirit to quicken us, that 
 we may turn from the error of our ways, and walk 
 in the paths of truth and righteousness ; we be- 
 seech thee to grant, that we, and all others who 
 are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's reli- 
 gion, may avoid those things that are contrary to 
 our profession, and follow all such things as are 
 agreeable to the same, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 And grant, merciful Father, for his sake that 
 we may hereafter live a godly, righteous, and sober 
 life. Bless us in all our ways, and whatever we 
 do, may we do it heartily as unto thee, with a 
 single eye to thy glory, and in humble dependence 
 on thy fatherly protection. Enlighten our under- 
 standings, control our wills, and sanctify our 
 affections. May neither the pleasures, nor the 
 cares, nor the honors of this life, turn away our 
 thoughts from the life which is to come. Enable 
 us faithfully to discharge our several duties to 
 thee, and to our fellow-men ; that we may be use- 
 ful in our generation among men, and steadfast in 
 our covenant with thee. Having had much for- 
 given of thee, may we love thee much, and strive 
 to please thee in all our ways. And grant that 
 nothing may ever separate between us and thee, 
 or cause us to grow weary of thy service. But 
 may we keep thy covenant forever, and daily 
 think upon thy commandments to do them, find- 
 ing thy yoke easy, and thy burden light : yea. 
 
168 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 accounting thy service perfect freedom, and the 
 very joy of our heart. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Accept our thanksgivings, heavenly Father, for 
 every mercy which thou hast vouchsafed to our 
 bodies and our souls. Day by day we give thanks 
 unto thee, and praise thy name. And we beseech 
 thee to embrace, not only ourselves, but all others 
 in the arms of thy mercy. Pity and convert the 
 wicked. May they no longer make a mock at 
 sin ; but learn to tremble at that wrath which 
 thou hast revealed against all ungodliness and 
 unrighteousness. Give them grace to stand in 
 awe of thy judgments, and to sin no more. Bless 
 thy faithful people with knowledge and good un- 
 derstanding, in the ways of truth and virtue. 
 And since many are the afflictions of the right- 
 eous, Lord, remember them in all their troubles. 
 Grant that every affliction, though not for the 
 present joyous, but grievous, may yield the peace- 
 able fruits of righteousness to such as are exer- 
 cised thereby. 
 
 Assist us mercifully, Lord, in these our sup- 
 plications and prayers ; and dispose the way of 
 thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting 
 salvation ; that, among all the changes and trials 
 of this mortal life, we may ever be defended by 
 thy most gracious and ready help ; through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord ; to whom, with thee, O Father, 
 and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 169 
 
 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
 Christ, who desirest not the death of a sinner, but 
 rather that he may turn from his wickedness and 
 live ; we beseech thee to grant us true repentance 
 and thy Holy Spirit, that those things may please 
 thee which we do at this present, and that the rest 
 of our life hereafter may be pure and holy; so 
 that at the last we may come to thy eternal joy. 
 For all that is past, we ask thy pardon and for- 
 giveness. We are unable, of ourselves, to make 
 satisfaction for the least of our transgressions. 
 But we flee unto thy cross, Lamb of God, who 
 hast made there, by the one oblation of thyself, 
 once offered, a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, 
 oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole 
 world. And we beseech thee, by thine agony and 
 bloody sweat ; by thy cross and passion ; by thy 
 precious death and burial ; by thy glorious resur- 
 rection and ascension ; and by the coming of the 
 Holy Ghost; to deliver us from all our sins, and 
 have mercy upon us. 
 
 Accept our thanks, heavenly Father, for the 
 various and great blessings which we have already 
 received at thy hands. We praise thee for the 
 comforts and protection of the past da}'. We 
 bless thee for providing for us a place of rest by 
 night. Confiding in thy care, we commit our- 
 selves to thy holy keeping. And wo beseech 
 thee, most mighty God, who art the protector of 
 
 IT) 
 
170 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 all that trust in thee, without whom nothing is 
 strong, nothing is holy, to watch over us, and 
 preserve us through the hours of darkness, and, 
 if it please thee, to bring us in safety to the begin- 
 ning of another day. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Extend to our fellow-creatures, God, the 
 mercies which we have implored for ourselves. 
 Let repentance and remission of sins be preached 
 to all nations ; and grant that all the kingdoms of 
 the earth may become the kingdoms of our Lord 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ. 
 
 Bless the nation in which we live. Endue our 
 civil rulers with the graces of thy Holy Spirit ; 
 enrich them with thy heavenly gifts; enable them 
 to rule in thy fear ; guide them in their counsels ; 
 and bring them at last to thy everlasting kingdom. 
 Be gracious unto thy Church ; and grant to her 
 Bishops and other clergy, and to all the people 
 committed to their charge, the healthful spirit of 
 thy grace ; and, that they may truly please thee, 
 pour upon them the continual dew of thy blessing. 
 
 We commend to thy special care and guidance, 
 all parents and heads of families. Give them 
 grace to walk in thy waj^s ; to set a bright exam- 
 ple of Christian fidelity before their households; 
 and to bring up their children in the nurture and 
 admonition of the Lord. 
 
 We pray for our dear friends and relatives. 
 Let thy fatherly hand be ever over them; let thy 
 Holy Spirit be ever with them ; and so lead them 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 171 
 
 in the knowledge and obedience of thy word, that, 
 in the end, they may obtain everlasting salvation, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose perfect 
 form of words we conclude our petitions: — 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 THURSDAY MORNING 
 
 O Almighty God, who alone canst order the 
 unruly wills and affections of sinful men, grant us 
 grace to come before thee at this time, under a 
 deep sense of our unworthiness, and in humble 
 reliance on thy goodness and compassion. Grant 
 that our hearts may be drawn to thy testimonies ; 
 that we may love the thing which thou command- 
 est, and follow all thy precepts with a willing and 
 obedient mind. Let us set our affections on things 
 above, and not on things on the earth. May we 
 always desire that which thou dost promise ; that 
 so, our thoughts may be turned away from the 
 vain and unstable enjoyments of this world, and 
 that, amid all the changes and trials of life, our 
 hearts may be fixed, where true joys alone can bo 
 found, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of 
 God. 
 
 Enable us, God, from day to day, to call to 
 remembrance the solemn vows and promises of 
 our baptism. May we look upon the pomps and 
 vanities of the world, as hurtful and dangerous 
 
172 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 snares to our feet. May we subdue and mortify 
 all those sinful desires and passions which war 
 against the soul. May we remain steadfast in the 
 faith which we have professed before thee ; and 
 may we obediently keep thy holy will and com- 
 mandments, and walk in the same all the days of 
 our life. And we humbly beseech thee to grant, 
 that we, being dead unto sin, and living unto 
 righteousness, and being buried with Christ in his 
 death, may crucify the old man, and utterly abol- 
 ish the whole body of sin ; and as we are made 
 partakers of the death of thy Son, we may also be 
 partakers of his resurrection ; so that finally, with 
 the residue of thy holy Church, we may be inher- 
 itors of thine everlasting kingdom, through Christ 
 our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional PrayerSj &c] 
 
 We bless thee, heavenly Father, for thy good- 
 ness and mercy, in preserving us through the 
 perils and dangers of another night. As thou 
 hast kept us from the pestilence that walketh in 
 darkness, so may it please thee to save us from 
 the arrow that flieth by day, and from the destruc- 
 tion that wasteth at noon. Continue to us, we 
 beseech thee, all our public and private blessings ; 
 and especially the means of grace, and the hope 
 of glory set before us in thy gospel. 
 
 Make us humble and grateful in the days of our 
 prosperity, and patient and submissive in the time 
 of adversity. In whatsoever state thou shalt see 
 fit to place us, give us grace therewith to be con- 
 
EASTER TO TEINITY. 173 
 
 tent. Bestow upon us such things as thou know- 
 est to be most needful and profitable for us. Give 
 us grace to seek first thy kingdom and righteous- 
 ness, and to trust to thy unfailing promise, that 
 all other things shall be added unto us. And 
 above all, feed us with the bread of life, which 
 cometh down from heaven, and which thou givest 
 for the life of the world. Lord, evermore give us 
 this bread, and nourish us up with it, even unto 
 life eternal. 
 
 We ask these blessings, not for ourselves only, 
 but for all others who are near and dear to us, for 
 the sake, and through the merits of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, ia whose all-prevailing words we sum 
 up these our petitions : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 THURSDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and eternal God, thou hast com- 
 manded us to worship thee, the Lord our God, 
 and thee only to serve ; and we acknowledge that 
 this is our reasonable service and our bounden 
 duty. But we confess, with shame and sorrow, 
 that we have not glorified thee as we ought, nor 
 rendered unto thee the honor due unto thy name. 
 And we humble ourselves before thee this night, 
 beseeching thee to look down upon us in oompas- 
 15* 
 
174 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 sion, and to answer us, not according to our de- 
 servings, but according to tl.13 7 great mercies in 
 Christ Jesus. 
 
 Give us grace to believe in thee, to fear thee, to 
 love thee, with all our heart, and mind, and soul, 
 and strength ; to worship thee, to give thanks to 
 thee, to put our whole trust in thee, to call upon 
 thee, to honor thy holy name and word, and to 
 serve thee truly all the days of our life. 
 
 And while we approach thee with the voice of 
 prayer and supplication, accept, we beseech thee, 
 our hearty thanks for all thy goodness towards us. 
 We acknowledge the numberless mercies bestowed 
 upon us from day to day ; and we pray thee to 
 add to all thy other blessings such a grateful 
 sense of thy merciful kindness, as shall lead us to 
 love thee more, and to serve thee better. Teach 
 us to live in humble dependence on thy promises, 
 in cheerful obedience to thy laws, and in a com- 
 fortable hope of a blessed immortality. Grant 
 that, being received for thine own children by 
 adoption, and being incorporated into thy holy 
 Church, we may receive the fullness of thy grace, 
 and ever remain in the number of thy faithful 
 children; and finally, with the residue of thy 
 people, may be made partakers of thy heavenly 
 kingdom. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We implore thy mercy and grace, heavenly 
 Father, in behalf of all classes and descriptions of 
 men. Look with pity on the nations still lying 
 
EASTEK TO TRINITY". 175 
 
 in darkness and the shadow of death, who are 
 bowing down to idols of wood or stone, which 
 their own hands have made. Turn them from 
 the error of their ways, and enlighten their minds 
 with the beams of the everlasting gospel. Give to 
 thy blessed Son, the heathen for his inheritance, 
 and the utmost bounds of the creation for his 
 possession. 
 
 To those who dwell in Christian lands, and yet 
 deny the Lord that bought them ; to those who 
 are resting in dangerous heresy or schism, or 
 willingly neglecting the great salvation wrought 
 out for them through the sacrifice of the cross, 
 extend thy forbearance and compassion. Quicken 
 them to a sense of their danger, and teach them to 
 flee from the wrath to come, while yet a day of 
 grace remains, and thou waitest to be merciful 
 unto them. 
 
 Have mercy on the afflicted, in mind, bodj<, or 
 estate. Go not from them, when trouble is at 
 hand and there is none to help them. Be thou 
 their continual refuge, and in the multitude of the 
 sorrows which they have in their hearts, let thy 
 comforts refresh their souls. 
 
 To thy gracious care and protection we com- 
 mend ourselves, and all our friends, relatives, and 
 brethren, this night, beseeching thee to keep and 
 preserve us, for Jesus Christ's sake, to whom, with 
 the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be ail honor and 
 glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
176 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 PRIDAY MORNING. 
 
 Lord God, our heavenly Father, from whom 
 cometh every good and perfect gift, grant unto 
 us, thy unworthy servants, the aid and guidance 
 of thy Holy Spirit, that we may come and bow 
 down before thee this morning, with humble 
 reverence and godly fear ; praising thee for all 
 thy goodness, and imploring thee still to spare us, 
 and be merciful unto us. 
 
 We bless thee for preserving us through the 
 various and changing scenes of our past life ; for 
 permitting us again to behold the light of day, 
 and for bringing us together in peace and safety, 
 the living monuments of thy pardoning mercy 
 and providential care. But, above all, we bless 
 thee for thy still more marvelous love, in sending 
 thy only Son into the world, to redeem us from 
 sin and everlasting death. With thine own arm 
 thou hast wrought out salvation for us, God, 
 our Eedeemer. Our souls bless thee, and all that 
 is within us doth bless thy holy name. Thy praise 
 shall be ever in our mouths. We will magnify 
 thee with the voice of thanksgiving, and exalt thy 
 name together. 
 
 But thou requirest us to glorify thee, not only 
 with our lips, but in the obedience of a holy life. 
 Give us grace thus to render unto thee the hom- 
 age which is most justly due. Preserve us from 
 unchristian tempers and pursuits, and restrain 
 every unholy desire and appetite, that we may go 
 
EASTEE TO TRINITY. 177 
 
 forth, this day to the discharge of our several 
 duties, with thy love shed abroad in our hearts by 
 the Holy Ghost. May we walk in thy fear. May 
 we honor thee, by uprightness and fidelity in all 
 our ways, and evermore serve thee in pureness of 
 living and truth, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We intercede with thee, heavenly Father, in 
 behalf of those for whom it is our desire and our 
 duty to pray. Look with pity and compassion 
 upon a world lying in wickedness, and especially 
 upon this nation. Give to our civil rulers a due 
 sense of their responsibility to thee. Make them 
 faithful to the trust committed to them by thy 
 providence, and enable them so to live, that, 
 finally, they may attain everlasting joy and feli- 
 city. And to all thy people give thy heavenly 
 grace ; that they may forsake their sins, and sub- 
 due their passions, and restrain the violence of 
 party strife and animosity ; and so dwell together 
 in this life, that in the world to come they may 
 have life everlasting. 
 
 Keep thy household, the Church, in continual 
 godliness ; that through thy gracious protection, 
 it may be free from trouble and adversity, and 
 that all its members may be devoutly given to 
 serve thee in good works, and to look for glory 
 and immortality, through the merits and interces- 
 sion of thy dear Son Jesus Christ. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
178 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 FRIDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, whose ears are ever open to the 
 petitions of thy humble servants, and who hast 
 graciously promised, that whatsoever we ask of 
 thee in prayer, believing, we shall receive, merci- 
 fully with thy favor look upon us at this time, 
 and enable us to draw near to thee in humble 
 reverence and godly fear. We lament the cold- 
 ness of our hearts ; we confess and bewail our 
 daily iniquities. But we beseech thee, gracious 
 God, unworthy as we are to approach thee, and 
 bowed down as we are with infirmity, to accept 
 our imperfect services through the intercession of 
 thy dear Son. Grant that our supplications and 
 thanksgivings may be sprinkled with his most 
 precious blood, which cleanseth from all sin ; and 
 so may come up as a memorial before thee, accept- 
 able, and well pleasing in thy sight. And pour 
 down upon us a more abundant measure of grace 
 and supplication, that we ma} T hereafter approach 
 thee in fervent prayer, and worship thee in spirit 
 and in truth. 
 
 Hear our prayers, O God, for those whom it is 
 our duty and our desire to remember at the throne 
 of grace ; and especially for all estates of men 
 in thy holy Church. Endue with a spirit of 
 wisdom and faithfulness, those who are appointed 
 to watch over the fold of Christ. Let none of 
 them be as hirelings who care not for the sheep. 
 
EASTEK TO TRINITY. 179 
 
 But raise up pastors according to thy heart, who 
 shall seek that which is lost, and bring again that 
 which is driven away, and bind up that which is 
 broken, and strengthen that which is weak. May 
 they take heed to themselves, and to all the flock 
 of which the Holy Ghost hath made them over- 
 seers, to feed thy Church, which thy blessed Son 
 hast purchased with his blood ; that when he, the 
 Chief Shepherd, shall appear, they may receive, 
 at his hands, a crown of glory that fadeth not 
 away. 
 
 And 0, thou blessed Jesus, who didst come to 
 seek and to save that which was lost, look with an 
 eye of pity upon those who are still as sheep going 
 astray, and especially on the lost sheep of the house 
 of Israel. Bring them home, merciful Lord, to 
 thy flock, that they may be saved with the remnant 
 of the true Israelites : And grant that they and 
 we, as one fold, under one Shepherd, ma} r learn 
 of thee, who art meek and lowly in heart, and 
 thus find rest to our souls. Feed us in green pas- 
 tures ; and lead us forth beside the waters of com- 
 fort. Conduct us to the end of our life, in the 
 paths of righteousness. And when we pass through 
 the valley of the shadow of death, be thou with 
 us, that thy rod and staff may sustain and support 
 us, and bring us at last to thy heavenly fold. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Grant these and. all our petitions, through the 
 merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour, wholiveth and 
 
180 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 reigneth with thee, Father, in the unity of the 
 Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. 
 
 SATURDAY MORNING- 
 
 Almighty God, our heavenly Father, by whose 
 providence the darkness of night is turned to the 
 light of day, look down upon us, thy humble ser- 
 vants, who are assembled together to praise thee 
 for thy goodness, and to implore the continuance 
 of thy fatherly protection. Thy daily mercies are 
 daily calls to gratitude and obedience. But we 
 acknowledge, gracious God, our unworthiness .of 
 thy favors, and the coldness of our hearts in the 
 midst of thy blessings. Accept our hearty thanks 
 for thy patience and forbearance, in bringing us, 
 notwithstanding our sins and ingratitude, to the 
 beginning of another day. 
 
 We come before thee in the name of Jesus, the 
 friend of sinners, and our advocate with thee. For 
 his sake, hear and answer all our petitions. For 
 his sake, bestow upon us, not only the bounties 
 of thy providence, but the richer blessings of thy 
 grace. Preserve our frail bodies from daj 7 to day ; 
 and, above all, have compassion on our guilty 
 souls. Grant unto us pardon and peace, that we 
 may be cleansed from all our sins, and ever here- 
 after serve thee, in meekness of spirit, and quiet- 
 ness of mind. Keep us especially this day by thy 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 181 
 
 mighty power : And grant that our love to thee 
 may abound more and more, that we may ap- 
 prove and obey thy holy precepts, that we may 
 be sincere and without offence, till the day of 
 Christ ; being filled with the fruits of righteous- 
 ness, which are by him, to the praise of thee our 
 God. 
 
 Hear our intercessions, most gracious Father, 
 for the whole race of man. Overrule all the 
 changes in empires and kingdoms to the advance- 
 ment of true religion, and for the promotion of 
 thy glory. Extend the kingdom of thy dear Son, 
 to the utmost bounds of the earth. Inspire thy 
 Church with zeal and constancy, and endue thy 
 ministers with wisdom and strength, for the pro- 
 pagation of thy holy word, that the tidings of sal- 
 vation may be proclaimed among the heathen, and 
 that the whole world may be turned unto thee, 
 and all kindreds and people may worship before 
 thee. Renew thy everlasting covenant with thy 
 ancient people Israel, that they may come to the 
 knowledge of the truth, and bow the knee to him 
 whom their fathers crucified. 
 
 Look with an eye of pity upon this nation. 
 
 We are a sinful people laden with iniquity ; and 
 
 deserve nothing at thy hands but chastisements 
 
 and judgments. But, deal not with us, O God, 
 
 according to our wickedness. Withhold thy hand, 
 
 and spare us, for thy dear Son's sake. Send 
 
 forth throughout our land, a spirit of repentance, 
 
 that we may turn from our evil ways, and amend 
 16 
 
182 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 our doings. Increase among us that righteous- 
 ness which exalteth a nation, and save us from 
 those sins which are a reproach to any people. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We pray for all thy faithful servants, and espe- 
 cially for those among our relatives and friends. 
 May their names be written in the book of life, 
 and found therein in the last day. Hear us, O 
 God, for Jesus Christ's sake, in whose form of 
 words we sum up these our petitions * — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God, the Father of mercies, and the 
 giver and preserver of all good things, we humbly 
 beseech thee, of thy great mercy, to receive and 
 accept our thank-offerings. Grant that from the 
 abundance of grateful hearts, we may speak thy 
 praise ; and that, at the close of every week, we 
 may be found growing in all the graces and fruits 
 of the Spirit. 
 
 thou who hast given thy Son to die for our 
 sins, and to rise again for our justification, grant 
 us grace so to put away the leaven of malice and 
 wickedness, that we may always serve thee in 
 pureness of living and truth ; that at his second 
 coming to judge the world in righteousness, we 
 may be found an acceptable people in thy sight. 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 183 
 
 Grant unto us forgiveness of all that is past, 
 through him who, by thy grace, tasted death for 
 every man. For his sake, cleanse us from all our 
 defilements, and pardon our manifold sins and 
 transgressions ; that, being justified by his blood, 
 we may be saved from condemnation, through his 
 all-prevailing intercession. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 To thy tender mercies in Christ Jesus we now 
 commit all the members of our household, with 
 our dear friends and relatives, whether present or 
 absent. Keep and defend us through the dark- 
 ness of the night ; and bring us in health and 
 peace to the light of another day of rest. And, 
 God, prepare our hearts by thy good Spirit, for 
 the joys and comforts of thy holy worship, for 
 the profitable use of thy written word, and for the 
 due improvement of all the means of grace, which 
 thou, in thy mercy, hast afforded us. 
 
 We ask thy blessing on all the ministers of thy 
 word and ordinances. Prepare them for the 
 solemn services of thy sanctuary, and for all the 
 duties of their high calling ; that they may preach 
 thy truth in love, and minister in holy things, 
 with all faithfulness «and diligence. 
 
 And to every member of thy holy universal 
 Church, extend thy blessing ; and grant that al] 
 who profess and call themselves Christians, may 
 be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in 
 unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in 
 righteousness of life. 
 
184 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 Bless the means which are employed for the 
 extension of thy kingdom throughout the world. 
 And let the time draw near, when the whole 
 earth shall be filled with thy glory, and when 
 every thing that hath breath shall praise the 
 Lord. 
 
 We ask for all in the name of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord, in whose form of words we conclude our 
 petitions : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 ASCENSION-DAY-MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O Grod, the King of glory, who hast exalted 
 thine only Son, Jesus Christ, with great triumph 
 unto thy kingdom in heaven, permit us, we be- 
 seech thee, to draw near to thee in his all prevail- 
 ing name, knowing that he ever liveth to make 
 intercession for us miserable sinners. May this 
 great High Priest, who has passed into the heavens, 
 ever be our advocate with thee. Accept, we im- 
 plore thee, his mediation in our behalf; and when 
 thou nearest, have mercy upon us. May our sins, 
 though many, be forgiven us, through the riches 
 of thy grace. Excite in us that godly sorrow for 
 sin, which worketh repentance unto salvation, not 
 to be repented of. Give us that living faith which 
 worketh by love, purifying the heart, overcoming 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 185 
 
 the world, and bringing forth the abundant fruits 
 of righteousness. 
 
 And, thou, who hast ascended up on high, 
 and hast led captivity captive, and hast received 
 gifts for men, and hast given us apostles, and 
 prophets, and evangelists, and pastors, and teach- 
 ers, for the perfecting of thy saints, and for the 
 edification of thy Church ; grant, we beseech thee, 
 to all the ministers and stewards of thy word, the 
 abundance of thy grace, that they may evermore 
 be ready to spread abroad thy gospel, and to preach 
 the glad tidings of salvation ; until all men shall 
 come, in the unity of the faith, and of the know- 
 ledge of the Son of God, unto the perfect stature 
 of the fullness of Christ. 
 
 We bless thee, heavenly Father, for all thy 
 various and great mercies ; for the wonderful work 
 of redemption ; and for the hope set before us in 
 the gospel. We bless thee for the privilege of 
 meeting together for prayer and praise, on this 
 memorable morning. Give us grace to celebrate, . 
 with grateful hearts, the exaltation of thy blessed 
 Son to his eternal throne. May our thoughts also 
 thither ascend, drawing up our affections and de- 
 sires to heavenly things, and fitting and preparing 
 us for the final enjoyment of thy presence in the 
 mansions of glory. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We intercede with thee, gracious God, for all 
 
 who arc near and dear to us. Look with pity 
 
 upon those who have hitherto placed their hopes 
 16* 
 
186 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 and affections on the objects of this world, and 
 have neglected the things which belong to their 
 eternal peace. Quicken them from the death of 
 sin, unto a new and holy life. Make them wise 
 unto salvation ; and enable them hereafter to seek 
 those things which are above, where Christ sitteth 
 at the right hand of God. And to those who have 
 known the power of thy word, and have turned 
 their hearts from serving the vain idols of this 
 world, to serve thee, the living God, give the 
 abundance of thy grace. Keep them through 
 thine own name from the evils and temptations 
 of this present life. Sanctify them through thy 
 truth : And grant that, with them and all others 
 who shall believe in thy Son Jesus Christ, we may 
 have our perfect consummation and bliss in thy 
 eternal and everlasting glory, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, to whom, with thee, Father, and the 
 Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world with- 
 out end. Amen. 
 
 ASCENSION-DAY-EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty, everliving God, whose most dearly 
 beloved Son Jesus Christ, before his ascension 
 into heaven, didst give commandment to his dis- 
 ciples, to go into all the world, and preach the 
 gospel to every creature, baptizing them in the 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 187 
 
 name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the 
 Holy Ghost ; regard, we beseech thee, the suppli- 
 cations with which we close the duties of this day ; 
 and grant that all persons who are admitted into 
 thy holy Church by baptism, may receive the 
 fullness of thy grace, and ever remain in the num- 
 ber of thy faithful children. Being^ received into 
 the congregation of Christ's flock, and signed with 
 the sign of the cross, may they never be ashamed 
 to confess the faith of Christ crucified, but man- 
 fully fight under his banner, against sin, the world, 
 and the devil, and continue Christ's faithful sol- 
 diers and servants, unto their life's end. 
 
 Accept our thanks, heavenly Father, for the 
 marvelous works which thou hast wrought for the 
 sinful children of men. We bless thee for sending 
 thine only begotton Son into the world, that who- 
 soever believeth in him may not perish, but have 
 everlasting life. We praise thee for raising him 
 from the grave, and setting him at thine own 
 right hand in heavenly places, far above all prin- 
 cipality, and power, and might, and dominion, and 
 every name that is named, not only in this world, 
 but in that which is to come. We rejoice, that 
 thou hast put all things under his feet ; that thou 
 hast given him to be head over all things to the 
 Church, which is his body, the fullness of him that 
 filleth all in all; and that thou hast given us 
 assurance, that he has ascended to his Father and 
 our Father, to his God and our God, to pro} 'are a 
 place for those that love him. Grant that we may 
 
188 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 all be found at last among this happy number. 
 We pray thee, God, who art rich in mercy, to 
 quicken us who are dead in trespasses and sins, 
 and raise us up together, and make us to sit in 
 heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Send down thy 
 Holy Ghost to comfort us : And finally, exalt us 
 to the same place whither our Saviour has gone 
 before, that we may be with him where he is, and 
 ma} 7 behold his glory, which he had with thee 
 before the foundation of the world. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Keep us, God, in continual watchfulness- 
 Let us remember, that the end of all things is at 
 hand ; that the time draws near, when the same 
 Jesus who ascended into heaven, will come again 
 in glory, to judge the world in righteousness, and 
 to minister equitj 7 and justice to all people. Make 
 us sober, and faithful, and diligent, in all the 
 duties of our Christian calling. Above all, give 
 us that fervent charity, which shall cover the 
 multitude of sins. Let us use hospitality one to 
 another without grudging. As every man hath 
 received the gift, even so let us minister the same 
 one to another, as good stewards of the manifold 
 grace of God ; that God may in all things be glo- 
 rified, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 189 
 
 WHIT-SUNDAY-MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 God, merciful Father, we praise thee, we 
 bless thee, we worship thee, we glorify thee, we 
 give thanks to thee, for all the bounties of thy 
 providence and grace ; and especially for thy great 
 goodness, in sending down, as at this time, the Holy 
 Ghost, the blessed Comforter, to abide with thy 
 Church forever, and to direct, sanctify, and govern 
 the hearts of thy people. 
 
 We wait this morning at thy footstool for new 
 supplies of thy grace, to help our infirmities, to 
 purify our thoughts and to endue us with a spirit 
 of prayer and supplication. Grant, we beseech 
 thee, that thy Holy Spirit may now rest upon us, 
 as a Spirit of wisdom and understanding ; a Spirit 
 of counsel and strength ; a Spirit of knowledge 
 and true godliness ; a Spirit of holy fear and rev- 
 erence ; a Spirit of truth, and love, and unity ; a 
 Spirit of everlasting consolation : And especially, 
 O God, prepare us for the due observance of this 
 day. Guide us into all truth. Open our hearts 
 to understand and receive thy holy word, and 
 enable us to unite, with one heart and one voice, 
 in the solemn services of thy temple, and to pour 
 out before thee the incense of prayer and praise, in 
 the congregation of thy people. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 blessed Jesus, who, after thou hadst ascended 
 up on high, didst shed upon thy holy apostles 
 
190 EASTER TO TRINITY. 
 
 many excellent gifts, and who hast graciously 
 promised to be with the ministers of thy Church 
 to the end of the world; we commend to thy 
 heavenly grace, all those whom thou hast ap- 
 pointed and commanded to feed thy flock. Be 
 thou ever present with the successors of thy first 
 apostles, the bishops of thy Church, and all other 
 pastors who may be duly called to the work of the 
 gospel ministry. Make them diligent in preaching 
 thy word, and in dispensing thy holy sacraments ; 
 that they may teach the truth in love, and admin- 
 ister the wholesome discipline of the Church, in thy 
 fear, and to thy glory. 
 
 And to all thy people, extend the riches of thy 
 grace. Pour out thy Spirit upon all flesh. Send 
 out thy light and thy truth to the nations who 
 have never heard thy name. Look with ipitj on 
 thy ancient people Israel. Give them a new 
 heart, and revive a right spirit within them, that 
 they may hereafter confess thy name, and keep 
 thy statutes, and follow and obey thy ordinances. 
 And shed abroad thy spiritual blessings on all the 
 Churches of thy saints throughout the world. 
 May they be edified bj thy truth; and walking 
 in thy fear, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, 
 may they enjoy on earth, an earnest and foretaste 
 of the jo}^s and consolations of thy Church tri- 
 umphant in heaven. 
 
 In thy all-prevailing name, blessed Saviour, 
 we offer these our prayers and supplications, 
 ascribing to thee, with the Father and the Holy 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 191 
 
 Ghost, equal adoration and praise, now and ever- 
 more. Amen. 
 
 WHIT-SITO AY-EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 through whom we have access by one Spirit unto 
 thee, hear, we beseech thee, the voice of praise 
 and thanksgiving with which we close this day. 
 We bless thee for all the benefits bestowed upon 
 us, and especially for the spiritual blessings sealed 
 to us by the coming of the Holy Ghost. We 
 bless thee for thy holy word, for thy ministry and 
 ordinances, and for all the means of grace which 
 we have been permitted to enjoy this day. 
 
 [Thanksgiving for Communion-Day.] 
 
 We praise thee, God, for opening unto us a 
 fountain for sin and for uncleanness, and for puri- 
 fying the humble and contrite soul, by the wash- 
 ing of regeneration and the renewing of the Holy 
 Ghost. Make us all partakers of this heavenly 
 gift. Grant that all sinful affections may die in 
 us, and that all things belonging to the Spirit may 
 live and grow in us. 
 
 Give us grace to put off, concerning the form or 
 conversation, the old man, which is corrupt, ac- 
 cording to the deceitful lusts ; and to put on the 
 new man, which, after thy image, is created in 
 
192 EASTER TO TRIXITY. 
 
 righteousness and true holiness. Cleanse the 
 thoughts of our hearts by thy holy inspiration, 
 that we may perfectly love thee, and worthily 
 magnify thy holy name. By thy special grace 
 preventing us, put into our minds good desires, 
 and by thy continued help, enable us to bring the 
 same to good effect, that Ave, who can not do any 
 thing that is good without thee, may by thee be 
 enabled to live according to thy will. Grant, we 
 beseech thee, that as thou didst teach the hearts 
 of thy faithful people, by sending to them the 
 light of thy Holy Spirit, so we, by the same 
 Spirit, may have a right judgment in all things, 
 and may evermore rejoice in his holy comfort. 
 
 Lord God, inasmuch as the manifestation of 
 the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal, 
 'let none receive his grace in vain. Have compas- 
 sion on those who deny his eternal power and 
 godhead, and show unto them who are thus in 
 error, the light of thy truth, that they may return 
 into the way of righteousness. Be merciful unto 
 such as profess to believe in him, and jet in works 
 deny him, and are doing despite unto his grace. 
 Let them no longer grieve that Holy Spirit by 
 which they are sealed unto the day of redemption, 
 but give them strength ever hereafter to obey his 
 godly motions in righteousness and true holi- 
 ness. 
 
 Be gracious unto those whom the Holy Ghost 
 hath made overseers to feed the Church, and may 
 they be faithful dispensers of thy holy word and 
 
EASTER TO TRINITY. 193 
 
 sacraments, through the grace of our dear Ee- 
 deemer, Jesus Christ 
 
 Grod, Holy Grhost, sanctifier of the faithful, 
 visit us, we pray thee, as a family and household, 
 with thy love and favor. Enlighten our minds 
 more and more with the light of the everlasting 
 gospel ; graft in our hearts a love of the truth ; 
 increase in us true religion ; nourish us with all 
 goodness ; and of thy great mercy, keep us stead- 
 fast in the faith, blessed Spirit, whom, with the 
 Father and the Son together, we worship and 
 glorify as one God, world without end. Amen. 
 11 
 
Criititi) to %i)snU 
 
 TRINITY-SUNDAY-MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O God, the Father Almighty, we adore thee as 
 the maker of heaven and earth. Thou, Lord, in 
 the beginning, hast laid the foundation of the 
 earth, and the heavens are the works of thine 
 hands : They shall perish, but thou remainest ; 
 and they all shall wax old, as doth a garment, and 
 as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they 
 shall be changed : But thou art the same, and thy 
 years shall not fail. And, God, as thou didst 
 rest on the seventh day, after the heavens and the 
 earth were finished, and all the host of them ; and 
 as thou didst bless and sanctify the seventh day, 
 that it might be kept holy unto thee ; grant us 
 grace, we beseech thee, to rest this day, and to 
 worship and serve thee, according to thy com- 
 mandment. While we acknowledge thee as our 
 Creator, preserver, and benefactor, let us come 
 into thy presence with thanksgiving, and into thy 
 courts with praise. May we be thankful unto 
 thee, and speak good of thy name. 
 
 God the Son, thou Eternal Word, who wast 
 in the beginning with the Father ; by whom all 
 things were created ; Thou, who wast made flesh 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 195 
 
 and dwelt among us, whose glory we beheld, the 
 glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full 
 of grace and truth ; we adore thee, we worship 
 thee, we glorify thee. Thou art worthy, Lord, 
 to receive glory, and honor, and power ; for thou 
 art our Almighty ."Redeemer, deliverer, and ran- 
 som. May we seek pardon and forgiveness for all 
 our sins through thy all-prevailing mediation and 
 intercession ; and may we look to thee, and thy 
 merits, for help, and hope, and salvation. 
 
 God the Holy Ghost, thou Eternal Spirit, 
 whom with the Father and the Son together, we 
 worship and glorify as one God ; we adore thee as 
 our Comforter, who came down from heaven to 
 help our infirmities, and to guide us into all truth ; 
 as the Spirit of grace and supplication, by whom 
 we are taught how and for what to pray ; as the 
 Spirit of holiness, and the sanctifier of the faith- 
 ful; as the quickening and regenerating power 
 of God, by whom we are renewed in heart and 
 life, and prepared for the kingdom of heaven. 
 Visit us, we pray thee, with thy love and favor ; 
 enlighten our minds more and more with the light 
 of the everlasting gospel ; graft in our hearts the 
 love of the truth ; increase in us true religion ; 
 nourish us with all goodness ; and of thy great 
 mercy keep us in the same all the days of our life. 
 
 holy, blessed, and glorious Trinity, have 
 mercy upon us, and keep us steadfast in the faith 
 once delivered to the saints. Bless and defend 
 thy Church ; and preserve it from all false doc- 
 
196 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 trine, heresy, and schism ; that it may continue 
 to the end of time, the ground and pillar of the 
 truth, and evermore be protected from all adver- 
 sity, persecution, and oppression. Make us, and 
 all others who profess and call themselves Chris- 
 tians, faithful in every duty, and diligent in every 
 good work ; and enable us by holiness and purity 
 of life, to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour 
 in all things. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 And now, to thee, Father, and to thee, 
 Son, and to thee, O Holy Ghost, the ever blessed 
 and glorious Trinity, three persons and one God, 
 be rendered and ascribed equal and endless praise, 
 now, henceforth, and forever Amen. 
 
 TRINITY-SUN DAT-EYENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, we bless thee 
 for the manifold and great mercies which thou 
 hast bestowed upon us this day. We thank thee 
 that thou hast given unto us, thy servants, grace, 
 by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge 
 the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power 
 of the divine Majesty, to worship the Unity. We 
 praise thee, God ; we acknowledge thee to be 
 the Lord. With all the earth, we worship thee. 
 With the glorious company of the apostles ; with 
 the goodly fellowship of the prophets; with 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 197 
 
 the noble army of martyrs, we praise thee. With 
 the Holy Church, throughout all the world, we 
 acknowledge thee, the Father, of an infinite ma- 
 jesty ; thine adorable, true, and only Son ; and 
 the Holy Ghost the Comforter. 
 
 May we be of the number of those who, through 
 faith, are born of God; and by faith may we 
 overcome the world. May we so confess the three 
 that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, 
 and the Holy Ghost, that the three that bear wit- 
 ness in earth, the Spirit, the water, and the blood, 
 may bear witness with our spirit, that we are the 
 children of Gocl. 
 
 Grant, Lord, that the doctrines and precepts 
 which we have heard this day, may prove profit- 
 able to our souls. May we reflect, with deep 
 humility and abasement, on the majesty, the wis- 
 dom, and the justice of thee our God. May we 
 seek thy compassion and forgiveness, through the 
 all-prevailing intercession of thy dear Son. May 
 thy Holy Spirit help our infirmities, and purify 
 our hearts, and. sanctify our affections. So may 
 we become living temples of God, that the Spirit 
 of God may dwell in us forever. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 And now, God, let us retire to rest with the 
 consoling hope, that we have walked this day as 
 the children of light, and that our imperfect ser- 
 vices have been, in some measure, acceptable unto 
 thee. Take us under thy care and protection. 
 
 Keep us through the silent watches of the night. 
 F ° 17* 
 
198 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 Guard us from every clanger. Preserve us from 
 all evil. Give us quiet and refreshing sleep, and, 
 if it please thee, bring us, in health and peace, to 
 the beginning of another day, fitted and prepared 
 for all the various duties of life. Grant us grace 
 to be faithful to every trust committed to us, dili- 
 gent in our several callings, and submissive to all 
 thy righteous dealings. May we do justly, and 
 love mercy, and walk humbly with thee our God. 
 
 Have pity, O merciful Father, upon those who 
 lie down this night in sorrow, pain, or sickness. 
 Be thou present with them in all their troubles; 
 show them the light of thy countenance ; sustain 
 them with thy heavenly consolations ; and in thine 
 own good time deliver them from every danger, 
 and make them partakers of all thy mercies in 
 Christ Jesus. 
 
 We commend to thy mercy and grace, all our 
 relations and friends. And may the grace of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the 
 fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with them, and 
 with us all, this night and forevermore. Amen, 
 
 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and 
 everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to 
 the beginning of this dav we bless thee for this 
 
TEINITY TO ADVENT. 199 
 
 and every other manifestation of thy goodness and 
 loving kindness. Day by clay we magnify thee, 
 and worship thy holy name. Unto thee, God, 
 all hearts are open. Unto thee all desires are 
 known : And from thee no secrets are hid. Cleanse 
 the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of 
 thy Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love thee, 
 and devoutly offer unto thee our morning sacrifice 
 of praise and thanksgiving. 
 
 Vouchsafe, Lord, to keep us this day without 
 sin. Direct, sanctify, and govern, both our hearts 
 and bodies, in the ways of thy laws, and in the 
 works of thy commandments. Give us grace 
 diligently to search the scriptures, and make thy 
 word a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our 
 paths. Guide us in our private meditations, and 
 give us understanding, that we may know thy 
 testimonies, that in all our works, begun, continued, 
 and ended in thee, we may glorify thy holy name, 
 and finally, by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life. 
 
 O Merciful God, show unto us this day the light 
 of thy countenance, in the public services of thy 
 sanctuary, Permit us to assemble together in thy 
 holy temple, to render thanks for the great bene- 
 fits that we have received at thy hands ; to set 
 forth thy most worthy praise ; to hear thy most 
 holy word; and to ask those things which are 
 requisite and necessary, as well for the body as 
 the soul. Grant us grace to acknowledge and 
 confess our manifold sins and wickedness; that 
 we may not dissemble nor cloak thorn bo tore thy 
 
200 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 face; but confess them, with an humble, lowly, 
 penitent, and obedient heart, to the end that we 
 may obtain forgiveness of the same, by thine 
 infinite goodness and mercy. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Almighty God, from whom cometh every good 
 and perfect gift, and who by thy Holy Spirit, hast 
 appointed divers orders of ministers in thy Church, 
 send down the abundance of thy grace upon those 
 who are called to dispense thy word and or- 
 dinances; and so replenish them with the truth 
 of thy doctrine, and adorn them with purity of 
 life, that both by word and good example, they 
 may faithfully serve thee in their several stations, 
 to the glory of thy name, and the edification of 
 thy Church. And bestow thy blessing, God, 
 on all the congregations of thy people, that they 
 may be so joined together in unity of spirit, and 
 in the bond of peace, that they may be an 
 holy temple, acceptable unto thee. We especially 
 commend to thy grace, the congregation with 
 whom we may worship this day. Grant that, 
 with one heart, they may desire the prosperity of 
 thy holy Apostolic Church, and with one mouth 
 may profess the faith once delivered to the saints. 
 Defend them from the sins of heresy and schism : 
 let not the foot of pride come nigh to hurt them, 
 nor the hand of the ungodly to cast them down. 
 May the course of this world be so peaceably 
 ordered by thy governance, that the Church may 
 joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness ; and 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 201 
 
 may all who are called Christians, walk in the 
 ways of truth and peace, and at last be numbered 
 with thy saints in glory everlasting, through thy 
 merits, blessed Jesus, thou gracious Bishop and 
 Shepherd of our souls, who art, with the Father 
 and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we, thine 
 unworthy servants, desire to humble ourselves 
 before thee. We acknowledge thy great goodness. 
 We thank thee for the various and multiplied 
 blessings, which thou hast bestowed upon us this 
 clay. We adore thee as our Creator, our pre- 
 server, and our benefactor. Above all, we bless 
 thee for the gift of thy Son Jesus Christ, and the 
 redemption of the world, by his meritorious sacri- 
 fice and atonement. We bless thee for thine 
 inestimable love, in opening a way of access to 
 thy throne, through his all-prevailing mediation 
 and intercession; for thy instituted means of 
 grace ; and for the blessed hope of life and immor- 
 tality, brought to light in thy gospel. Give us, O 
 God, a deep and affecting sense of all thy mercies : 
 that out of the abundance of our hearts, our lips 
 may speak tin praise. May we be enabled, 
 
202 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 through thy grace, to give ourselves up to thy 
 service, and walk before thee in holiness and 
 righteousness all our days. 
 
 Grant, Lord, that the words which we have 
 read or heard this da} T , may sink into our hearts, 
 purifying our minds, enlightening our understand- 
 ing, and sanctifying our affections. May they 
 bring forth in us the fruit of good and holy living, 
 and fit and prepare us for the enjoyment of thy 
 heavenly kingdom. And, as thou hast promised 
 to hear the petitions of those who ask in thy 
 Son's name, we beseech thee mercifully to incline 
 thine ears to us, who have drawn near to thee in 
 prayer and supplication ; and grant that those 
 things which have been faithfully asked according 
 to thy will, may effectually be obtained, to the 
 relief of our necessit}^, and the setting forth of thy 
 glory. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We ask thy blessing, heavenly Father, in be- 
 half of those who have this day been deprived 
 through thy providence, of the privileges of thy 
 public worship, and the ordinances of thy Church. 
 O thou, who seest in secret, and hast graciously 
 promised openly to reward those who pray to 
 thee in secret, grant that through the refreshing 
 visitations of thy Spirit, every devout soul may 
 be comforted and satisfied ; and that in every 
 place, the incense offered to thy name may ascend 
 to thy throne as a pure offering, and be always 
 acceptable in thy sight. 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 203 
 
 "We intercede with thee, merciful God, for those 
 who have willingly abstained from the services of 
 thy house, and neglected the duties of this holy 
 day ; and for those who have profaned thy Sab- 
 bath, by forbidden indigencies, or vain recrea- 
 tions, or worldly occupations. Father, forgive 
 them all that is past ; and take from them their 
 evil heart of unbelief, lest they be hardened by 
 the deceitfulness of sin, and forfeit forever the 
 eternal rest that remaineth to the people of God. 
 
 And now, heavenly Father, we commit our- 
 selves, and all our relatives, friends, and brethren, 
 to thy holy care and keeping, this night and for- 
 evermore; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to 
 whom, with thee, and the Holy Ghost, be all 
 honor and glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
 MONDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, in whom we 
 live and move, and have our being ; we acknow- 
 ledge our daily dependence upon thee. We thank 
 tli eo for all thy mercies ; and especially for thy 
 providential care and preservation, from the begin- 
 ning of our lives to this day. We thank thee for, 
 thy goodness, in watching over us during the 
 darkness of the night; in protecting us from evil ; 
 and in permitting us again to behold the morning 
 
204 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 light. Accept, heavenly Father, this our grateful 
 sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving ; and enable 
 us to approach thy throne with humble reverence 
 and godly fear ; feeling our necessities ; confessing 
 our sins and unworthiness ; and seeking pardon 
 and forgiveness, through the merits of thy beloved 
 Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. 
 
 Give us grace, merciful God, to dedicate both 
 our souls and bodies to thee and thy service, in a 
 sober, righteous, and godly life ; and in pity and 
 compassion to the weakness and corruption of our 
 nature, we beseech thee to help our infirmities, 
 and strengthen our resolutions. Thou knowest 
 whereof we are made ; thou rememberest that we 
 are but dust. As a father pitieth his own chil- 
 dren, even so be thou merciful unto us. Grant 
 us the constant assistance of thy Holy Spirit ; that 
 -we may be effectually restrained from sin, and 
 excited to our duty. Imprint upon our hearts 
 such a dread of thy justice, and such a grateful 
 sense of thy goodness, as may make us both afraid 
 and ashamed to offend thee. Keep in our minds 
 a lively remembrance of that great day, in which 
 every thought, and word, and deed, will be judged 
 in righteousness; when those that sleep in the 
 dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting 
 life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt, 
 Prepare us, O God, for this final account. Purify 
 our hearts, and direct us in all our ways. As we 
 approach nearer and nearer to the eternal world, 
 make us more diligent, and watchful, and circum- 
 
TKINTTY TO ADVENT. 205 
 
 spect. Keep us this clay from all evil ; and de- 
 fend ns from clanger and adversity. Guard us in 
 the hour of temptation, restrain our passions, reg- 
 ulate our desires, and preserve us especially from 
 the sins which most easily beset us. Grant us 
 patience and resignation, if thou shalt see fit to 
 visit us with affliction or calamity ; and in whatso- 
 ever state or condition it may please thee to place 
 us, grant us grace therewith to be content. Make 
 us just and upright in all our dealings ; kind and 
 compassionate to our neighbors ; quiet and peace- 
 able in all the relations of life ; faithful to every 
 trust committed to us ; and ready to do good to all 
 men, according to our abilities and opportunities. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Heavenly Father, receive with favor this our 
 morning oblation, and grant our petitions, not for 
 our own deservings, but for the sake, and through 
 the merits of Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. 
 Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 MONDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and merciful God, who art of purer 
 eyes than to behold iniquity, and in whose sight 
 the heavens are not clean, we conic before thee in 
 an humbL ■ qi >f oui unworthiness, beseeching 
 
 18 
 
206 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 thee to look clown upon us in thy wonted pity 
 and compassion. Thou hast graciously promised 
 forgiveness to those who confess and forsake their 
 sins. Thou desirest not the death of a sinner, but 
 rather that he should turn from his sin, and be 
 saved. Make us duly sensible of the great evil 
 of our manifold transgressions ; that with true 
 penitence and contrition, we may seek pardon and 
 remission at thy hands. 
 
 But, God, thou seest that we are frail and 
 helpless in ourselves, and encompassed by trials 
 and temptations. Grant us therefore the constant 
 direction and assistance of thy Holy Spirit, that 
 no sinful thoughts, or unlawful designs, or inordi- 
 nate desires may rest wuthin us. Cleanse our 
 hearts from envy, hatred and malice, and every 
 evil passion, that we may always go to our rest at 
 peace with thee, and in charity and good will 
 towards our fellow-men. 
 
 And accept, O Lord, our intercessions for all 
 mankind. Extend the light of thy everlasting 
 gospel to the ends of the earth, that all men may 
 know thee, from the greatest to the least; that 
 from the rising of the sun even to the going down 
 of the same, thy name may be great among the 
 Gentiles; and that in every place incense may be 
 offered unto thee. Be gracious unto thy Church, 
 and grant that every member of the same, in his 
 vocation and ministry, may serve thee faithfully. 
 Bless our civil rulers and magistrates. Give them 
 grace to rule in thy fear, that they may honor 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 207 
 
 thee by their fidelity, and promote the welfare and 
 prosperity of our country. Send down thy bless- 
 ings temporal and spiritual, upon all our relations, 
 friends and brethren. May those who have been 
 merciful to us, receive mercy at thy hands. Par- 
 don those who have injured us, and give them 
 repentance and a better mind. Have compassion 
 on those who are in trouble, need, or affliction ; 
 and administer consolation to them, according to 
 their several necessities. 
 
 [Occasional Praj^ers, &c] 
 
 We thank thee, God, for all thy past mercies ; 
 for the daily blessings and bounties of thy hand ; 
 for thy watchful providence and preservation; 
 and for every comfort and convenience which we 
 have been permitted to enjoj^. Above all, we 
 adore thee for thy great mercy, in sending thy 
 only Son into the world to redeem us from sin 
 and eternal death, and in giving us the knowledge 
 and sense of our duty towards thee. 
 
 And now, heavenly Father, we commit our- 
 selves to thy gracious protection for this night. 
 Defend us from danger and mischief, and fro in 
 fear and anxiety, that we may enjoy refreshing- 
 sleep and repose, and be fitted for the duties of 
 another day. Make as ever mindfu] of the rime 
 when we must sleep the sleep of death, and return 
 to the dust; and grant us grace always so to live, 
 that when thou shalt call us hence, we may die 
 the death of the righteous, and our last end be 
 like his. 
 
208 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 We ask for all, in the name and for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with the Father, 
 and the Holy Ghost, be all honor and glory, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 
 TUESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Lord God, the protector of all that trust in 
 thee, give ear unto our prayers, and consider our 
 meditations. Hearken to the voice of our calling, 
 for unto thee do we offer up our humble petitions. 
 Early in the morning do we appear before thee ; 
 even now do we look to thee for thy blessing. 
 Without thee, nothing is strong, nothing is holy. 
 Thou art our defender and keeper ; we place our 
 trust and confidence in thy unfailing goodness. 
 In compassion to the weakness of our mortal 
 nature, grant us, God, the help of thy grace ; 
 and increase and multiply upon us thy mercy ; 
 that we may be delivered from the bondage of 
 corruption, and admitted into the glorious liberty 
 of thy children. Be thou our ruler and guide in 
 all our ways ; that we may go out and come in 
 this day in peace and safety ; and that we may so 
 pass through things temporal, that we finally lose 
 not the things eternal. 
 
 God, enable us to show forth our gratitude 
 to thee, by our love to all for whom Christ has 
 
TKINITY TO ADVENT. 209 
 
 died. May we be merciful to our fellow-men, as 
 we look for mercy at thy hands. Let us not 
 - judge one another, lest we be judged of thee. Let 
 us not condemn, lest we fall under thy just con- 
 demnation. May we forgive others, as we hope 
 to be forgiven of thee. And grant, we beseech 
 thee, that the whole course of our lives may be so 
 peaceably ordered by thy governance, that we 
 may joyfully serve thee in all godly quietness; 
 that so we may delight in thy service, and exer- 
 cise ourselves day and night in thy command- 
 ments. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 God, the creator and preserver of all mankind, 
 we offer up our supplications for the whole human 
 race. Be pleased to make thy ways known unto 
 them, and cause the blessed light of thy gospel to 
 shine upon all people, that all the nations that 
 thou hast made, may come and worship before 
 thee, and glorify thy name. More especially, 
 Lord, we beseech thee to keep thy Church and 
 household in thy true religion, that it may ever 
 be governed by thy good Spirit ; and that all who 
 profess and call themselves Christians, may be 
 kept steadfastly in thy truth, and hold the faith in 
 unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in right- 
 eousness of life. Finally, heavenly Father, we 
 commend to thy unfailing compassion, all the sons 
 and daughters of affliction : Whatsoever be their 
 trouble, be thou merciful unto them, and bless 
 them, and show them the light of th v countenance, 
 18* 
 
210 TEINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 Comfort and relieve them, according to their sev- 
 eral necessities, and give them patience under 
 their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their 
 afflictions. All which we ask for Jesus Christ's 
 sake, to whom, with thee, Father, and the Holy 
 Ghost, be all honor and glory, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 TUESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Lord God, our heavenly Father, let our 
 prayer now come before thee as incense, and let 
 the lifting up of our hands be an acceptable eve- 
 ning sacrifice. "We acknowledge our unworthi- 
 ness; we confess our sins ; and all our unrighteous- 
 ness is open before thee. Thou hast searched us 
 out, and marked all our ways. There is not a 
 word in our tongue, but thou knowest it ; and 
 thou understandest all our secret thoughts. We 
 can not flee from thy Spirit ; we can not escape 
 from thy presence. If we climb up into heaven, 
 or sink down into hell, we see thy glory, or we 
 feel thy power. If we take the wings of the 
 morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the 
 sea, there shall we see thy over-ruling hand. If 
 we say, Peradventure the darkness shall cover us, 
 then shall our night be turned to day : The dark- 
 ness is no darkness with thee ; but the night is as 
 clear as the day : The darkness and light to thee 
 
TEINITY TO ADVENT. 211 
 
 are both alike. Lord, enter not into judgment 
 with us, thy servants ; for in thy sight shall no 
 man be justified. But we cast ourselves upon thy 
 mercies in Christ Jesus. For his sake, hear the 
 voice of our humble petitions, when we cry unto 
 thee. hide not thy face, nor cast away thy 
 servants in displeasure. 
 
 We bless thee, O God, for all the mercies hith- 
 erto bestowed upon us ; for thy preservation and 
 protection during the past day ; and for all the 
 various comforts of thy providence and grace. 
 The eyes of all wait upon thee, Lord, and thou 
 givest them their meat in clue season. Thou 
 openest thy hand, and fillest all things living with 
 plenteousness. Thou hast made us glad through 
 thy works ; and we will praise thee for the opera- 
 tions of thy hands. More especially heavenly 
 Father, we bless thee for thy unspeakable love, in 
 sending thine only begotten Son into the world, 
 to be the propitiation for our sins. May this man- 
 ifestation of thy great goodness, fill us with grati- 
 tude and love to thee. Endue us by thy grace, 
 with that perfect love which casteth out all anxiety 
 and fear; that as dutiful and obedient children 
 we may commit all our concerns, in holy trust and 
 confidence, to thee. May we lie down under thy 
 guardian care, and take our rest in peace ; and 
 may we rise in the morning, with renewed strength 
 and ability to perform our various duties. But, 
 God, we beseech thee, make us deeply sensible of 
 the shortness and uncertainty of human life. Let 
 
212 TKIXITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 us remember, that thou hast made our daj^s as it 
 were a span long, and that our age is nothing in 
 comparison of thee. Let us remember, that in 
 such an hour as we think not, our years may come 
 to an end, as it were a tale that is told ; and so 
 teach us to number our days, that we may apply 
 our hearts unto wisdom, that whensoever our 
 Lord shall come we may be prepared to meet him. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Lord, we beseech thee mercifully to hear us ; 
 and grant that we, to whom thou hast given an 
 hearty desire to pray, may, by thy mighty aid, be 
 defended and comforted in all dangers and adver- 
 sities, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose all- 
 prevailing words we sum up these our petitions : — ■ 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 WEDNESDAY MORNING. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful Father, we humble 
 ourselves before thee, as helpless and unworthy 
 sinners. We have erred and strayed from thy 
 ways, like lost sheep. If we say that we have no 
 sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in 
 us : But, God, if we confess our sins unto thee, 
 thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, 
 and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. "We 
 have followed too much the devices and desires 
 of our own hearts. We have offended against 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 218 
 
 thy holy laws. We have left undone those things 
 which we ought to have done ; and we have done 
 those things which we ought not to have done : 
 And there is no health in us. Lord, be thou 
 merciful unto us, miserable offenders. Spare thy 
 people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy most 
 precious .blood, and be not angry with us forever. 
 Make us truly penitent for all our sins, and turn 
 our hearts unto thy testimonies. We cast all our 
 care upon thee ; for thou carest for us. Whom 
 have we in heaven but thee ; and whom on earth 
 can we desire in comparison of thee. When our 
 flesh and our heart fail, thou art the strength of 
 our heart, and our portion forever. Make us 
 sober and vigilant; because our adversary, the 
 devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking 
 whom he may devour. Give us grace to resist 
 every temptation, and to shun every evil way; 
 and ever keep us steadfast in the faith, that we 
 may hereafter live a righteous and godly life, to 
 the glory of thy holy name. 
 
 Let us go forth to our several duties this day, 
 under the care and protection of thy good provi- 
 dence, and the guidance of thy Holy Spirit. Show 
 us thy ways, Lord, and incline our hearts to tliy 
 commandments. May we love thee, the Lord our 
 God, supremely, and our neighbor as ourselves. 
 Endue us with a spirit of compassion and benevo- 
 lence, and guard us against the sin of covetousness, 
 which is idolatry. As we have opportunity, let 
 us do good unto all men, especially to those who 
 
214 TRINITY TO ADVEOT. 
 
 are of the household of faith. Let us not lay up 
 for ourselves treasures upon earth, where moth 
 and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break 
 through and steal : But let us lay up for ourselves 
 treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust 
 doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break 
 through and steal. Preserve us, we beseech thee, 
 in health and peace, and defend us from every 
 danger ; from the arrow that flieth by day ; from 
 the pestilence that walketh in darkness ; and from 
 the sickness that wasteth at noon-day. Be thou a 
 present God to all who are near and dear to us ; 
 and especially to those who are in trouble, sorrow, 
 or affliction. Hearken to their prayer, when they 
 cry unto thee ; fulfill all their desires ; and help 
 and deliver them, for Jesus Christ's sake. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Almighty God, who hast given us grace at this 
 time, with one accord to make our common sup- 
 plications unto thee, and clost promise that when 
 two or three are gathered together in thy name, 
 thou wilt grant their requests ; fulfill now, Lord, 
 the desires and petitions of us thy servants, as 
 may be most expedient for us ; granting us in 
 this world knowledge of thy truth, and in the 
 world to come life everlasting. We ask for all in 
 the name, and for the sake, of Jesus Christ our 
 Lord, in whose perfect form of words we conclude 
 our petitions : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 215 
 
 WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 O Lord, our heavenly Father, by whose al- 
 mighty power we have been preserved this clay, 
 we again commit ourselves to thy holy care and 
 keeping this night. By thy great mercy, defend 
 us from all perils and dangers. Spread over us 
 the shadow of thy wings, that we may lie down in 
 peace, and fear no evil. Give rest to our wearied 
 bodies, and tranquility to our spirits, that our 
 sleep may be sweet, and our slumbers refreshing. 
 And, God, make all thy goodness pass before 
 us, that we may remember thee on our bed, and 
 meditate on thee in the night-watches. Let us 
 commune with our own hearts, and make us faith- 
 ful in our self-examination ; remembering always, 
 that if our heart condemn us, thou, God, art 
 greater than our heart, and knowest all things. 
 
 Pardon, Lord, all the sins which we have 
 committed this clay. Look with compassion on 
 our weakness and infirmities. Who can tell how 
 oft he offendeth? cleanse thou us from our 
 secret faults. Keep us also from presumptuous 
 sins, lest they get the dominion over us. O re- 
 member not our former transgressions ; but accord- 
 ing to thy great goodness, show us the light of thy 
 countenance, and have mercy upon us. 
 
 Extend thy compassions, heavenly Father, to 
 the whole human race. Make thy way known 
 upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. 
 Let thy gospel be published in all the world ; and 
 
216 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 let repentance and remission of sins be preached 
 to all people. Cause the wicked to forsake his 
 way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. May- 
 he return unto thee, Lord, that thou mayest 
 have mercy upon him, and abundantly pardon 
 him. Have pity especially upon those who are 
 bowed clown under a sense of their sins ; and to 
 whom the remembrance of them is grievous, and 
 the burden thereof intolerable. O merciful God, 
 who hast written thy holy word for our learning, 
 that we through patience and comfort of the scrip- 
 tures might have hope, give to those who are 
 weary and heavy laden, a right understanding of 
 themselves, and of thy threats and promises ; "that 
 they may neither cast away their confidence in : . 
 thee, nor place it anywhere but in thee. Give 
 them strength against all their temptations, and 
 help all their infirmities : Break not the bruised 
 reed, nor quench the smoking flax : Shut not up 
 thy tender mercies in displeasure ; but make them 
 to hear of joy and gladness, that the broken bones 
 may rejoice, and the heavy heart be lifted up: 
 Deliver them from fear of the enemy, and lift up 
 the light of thy countenance upon them, and give 
 them peace, through the merits and mediation of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Be gracious, God, to all our relatives and 
 friends. Grant unto them and us, all the benefits 
 and privileges of thy great salvation. May we all 
 be one, in the faith and fellowship of the gospel ; 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 217 
 
 that Christ may be in us, and we in him, and both 
 in thee, through his all-sufficient atonement and 
 intercession. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 THURSDAY MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Our Father, who art in heaven :] Let us come 
 into thy presence, as dutiful children, and cry unto 
 thee in the true spirit of adoption. And, God, 
 hear thou in heaven, thy dwelling place, and 
 accept our supplications, and grant our petitions, 
 for thy dear Son's sake. 
 
 Hallowed be thy name.] From the rising of 
 the sun, even unto the going down of the same, be 
 thy name exalted ; and in every place may incense 
 be offered unto thy name, and a pure offering; 
 that thy name may be great among the nations. 
 
 Thy kingdom come.] In the day of thy power, 
 may the people offer thee free-will offerings, with 
 an holy worship. Hasten the day, Lord, when 
 every knee shall bow to thy sceptre, and every 
 tongue confess thy righteousness. Grant that all 
 men may walk in thy fear ; that the dominion of 
 the Prince of Peace may extend throughout the 
 
 world; and that the earth may be full of the 
 10 
 
218 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover 
 the sea. 
 
 Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.] 
 Thou alone canst order the unruly wills and 
 affections of sinful men. Grant unto us thy Holy 
 Spirit, that we may love the thing which thou 
 commandest, and desire that which thou dost 
 promise. As all the heavenly host delight to do 
 thy will; so may we, thy unworthy servants, be 
 enabled, through thy grace, to walk in the way 
 of thy commandments, and to submit to all thy 
 righteous dealings ; that after we have done thy 
 will on earth, we may be received, according to 
 thy promise, to glorify thee in heaven. 
 
 Give us this day our daily bread.] Thou open- 
 est thine hand, God, and fillest all things living 
 with plenteousness. Supply, we beseech thee, all 
 our temporal and spiritual necessities. Sustain 
 our perishing bodies from day to day, and feed 
 our souls with the bread of life — even that bread 
 of God, which cometh clown from heaven, and 
 giveth life unto the world. 
 
 And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive 
 those who trespass against us.] According to the 
 measure of our forbearance and forgiveness to 
 others, may we hope to be forgiven of thee. 
 Make us kind and compassionate, tender-hearted, 
 forgiving one another, even as thou, for Christ's 
 sake, hast forgiven us. 
 
 And lead us not into temptation.] Put away 
 from us, we beseech thee, all the deceitful allure- 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 219 
 
 ments of the world, the flesh, and the devil ; that 
 we walk not in the counsel of the ungodly ; nor 
 stand in the way of sinners ; nor sit in the seat of 
 the scornful. Purify our hearts from those inor- 
 dinate and sinful desires and affections, by which 
 we are drawn away and enticed. Suffer us not to 
 be tempted above that we are able ; but, with 
 every temptation, do thou, in infinite mercy, make 
 a way for us to escape. O blessed Jesus, who 
 hast thyself suffered, and wast in all points tempted 
 like as we are, thou art able to succor them that 
 are tempted. Keep us in the hour of trial ; save 
 us from every snare ; and bear us above all the 
 crafts and assaults of the adversary. 
 
 Deliver us from evil.] Lord, our Grod, who 
 alone art able to deliver us, our only trust is in 
 thee. Thou art a defence for the oppressed ; even 
 a refuge in every time of trouble. Incline thine 
 ear unto us, and save us. Be thou our strong 
 hold, whereunto we may always resort ; our house 
 of defence, and our castle. Let no evil happen 
 unto us, nor any plague come nigh our dwelling. 
 Deliver us from all the calamities of this life ; from 
 the pains of disease; from trouble, sorrow, and 
 affliction : And, above all, deliver us from the 
 bondage of corruption ; from the slavery of sin ; . 
 and from everlasting condemnation. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 And to thee, with the Son, and the Holy Ghost, 
 be the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, 
 forever and ever. Amen. 
 
220 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 THURSDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 merciful God and heavenly Father, who 
 makest the returns of the morning and evening to 
 praise thee, we acknowledge thy great goodness, in 
 preserving our lives, and in bringing us to the 
 close of this day in peace and safety. Every day 
 dost thou manifest thy loving kindness, and every 
 night we are bound to offer up our praises unto 
 thee. Let our prayer now come before thee as 
 incense ; and let the lifting up of our hands be 
 accepted of thee as an evening sacrifice. 
 
 We humbly confess, God, the sins and ini- 
 quities of this day. How often have we violated 
 thy holy precepts and commandments ! How many 
 duties have we neglected ! If thou wert extreme 
 to mark what is done amiss, who could abide thy 
 indignation ! But we know that thou art gracious 
 and merciful, long-suffering, and full of compas- 
 sion. We cast ourselves upon thy mercies in 
 Christ Jesus ; beseeching thee to look down upon 
 us, in thy wonted pity and forbearance. Have 
 mercy upon us, after thy abundant goodness • 
 according to the multitude of thy mercies, do 
 away our offences. Draw nigh unto us, and save 
 us from our sins. Give unto us that peace which 
 the world can never give ; that we may go to our 
 rest in perfect charity with all men ; with con- 
 sciences void of offence, and with perfect trust and 
 confidence in thee. May we dwell securely under 
 
TEINITY TO ADVENT. 221 
 
 the defence of the Most High ; and abide in safety 
 ■under the shadow of the Almighty : And, being 
 protected from every peril and danger, may we 
 pass the night in rest and quietness ; through the 
 merits of our only Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 To thee, gracious God, and to thy tender 
 mercies, we commend ourselves and all for whom 
 it is our duty and our desire to pray. Remember 
 with favor the Church, which thy blessed Son 
 hast purchased with his own precious blood. Send 
 forth among its members a spirit of grace and 
 supplication, that they may so confess Jesus Christ 
 before men, that he may finally confess them before 
 thy throne in heaven. Enlighten the ignorant, 
 awaken the careless and negligent, sustain and 
 direct the humble and contrite soul, and bring all 
 men to the obedience of the gospel. To our dear 
 friends, relatives, and neighbors extend thy mer- 
 cies, both temporal and spiritual. Bless them 
 with health and prosperity ; or, if thou shalt see 
 fit to visit them with trouble, sanctify and over- 
 rule all their sorrows and adversities, to their 
 present and eternal good. Above all, make them 
 wise unto salvation, that they may partake of the 
 consolations of thy spirit here, and finally attain 
 to thy heavenly kingdom. 
 
 O thou, who art the way, the truth and the life, 
 open unto us the path to heaven, enlighten our 
 minds with the beams of eternal truth, and after 
 
 the trials and perils of tins life are over, bring us 
 10* 
 
222 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 at last into thy presence, where there is fullness 
 of joy, and to thy right hand, where there are 
 pleasures forevermore. And to thee, blessed 
 Saviour, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be 
 all the glory and praise, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 FRIDAI MORNING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 God, the Father of heaven, have mercy upon 
 us, miserable sinners. O God, the Son, Redeemer 
 of the world, have mercy upon us. God, the 
 Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the 
 Son, have mercy upon us. holy, blessed, and 
 glorious Trinity, three persons and one God, have 
 mercy upon us. 
 
 Lord, remember not our offences, nor the 
 offences of our forefathers, neither take thou ven- 
 geance of our sins. Spare us, good Lord, spare 
 thy people, whom thou hast redeemed with thy 
 most precious blood, and be not angry with us 
 forever. 
 
 Deliver us, Lord, from all evil and mischief; 
 from sin; from the crafts and assaults of the 
 devil; from thy wrath, and from everlasting 
 damnation: From all blindness of heart; from 
 pride, vain -glory, and hypocrisy ; from envy, 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 223 
 
 hatred, and malice, and all uncharitableness : 
 From all inordinate and sinful affections ; and 
 from all the deceits of the world, the flesh, and 
 the devil: From lightning and tempest; from 
 plague, pestilence, and famine ; from battle and 
 murder, and from sudden death: From all sedi- 
 tion, privy conspiracy, and rebellion ; from all 
 false doctrine, heresy, and schism ; from hardness 
 of heart, and contempt of thy word and command- 
 ment. 
 
 By the mystery of thy holy Incarnation ; by 
 thy holy Nativity and Circumcision; by thy 
 Baptism, Fasting, and Temptation ; by thine 
 Agony and Bloody Sweat; by thy Cross and 
 Passion ; by thy precious Death and Burial ; by 
 thy glorious Resurrection and Ascension ; and by 
 the coming of the Holy Ghost; good Lord de- 
 liver us. 
 
 In all time of our tribulation ; in all time of our 
 prosperity ; in the hour of death, and in the day 
 of judgment, good Lord deliver us. 
 
 O Lord, arise, help us, and deliver us, for thy 
 name's sake. Deal not with us according to our 
 sins, neither reward us according to our iniquities. 
 Favorably with mercy hear our prayers ; and be- 
 hold in pity the sorrows of our hearts. 
 
 God, merciful Father, who despisest not the 
 sighing of a contrite heart, nor the desire of such 
 as are sorrowful; mercifully assist our prayers, 
 which we make before thee at all times, and espe- 
 cially in our troubles and adversities, whensoever 
 
22-i TKINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 they oppress us; and graciously hear us, that 
 those evils which the craft and subtlety of the 
 devil or man worketk against us, may, by thy 
 good providence, be brought to nought ; that we, 
 thy servants, being hurt by no persecutions, may 
 evermore give thanks to thee, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Unto Grod's gracious mercy and protection, we 
 now commit ourselves, and all our friends, rela- 
 tives, and brethren. Lord, bless us and keep 
 us : Make thy face to shine upon us, and be gra- 
 cious unto us : Lift up thy countenance upon us, 
 and give us peace, both now and evermore. Amen. 
 
 FRIDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 O Lord God, our heavenly Father, we sinners 
 do beseech thee to hear us, and grant all that we 
 call upon thee for, in the name of thy beloved 
 Son. May it please thee, to rule and govern thy 
 Holy Church universal, to thy glory, and the good 
 of thy people. Bless and preserve all Christian 
 rulers and magistrates ; giving them grace to exe- 
 cute justice, and to maintain truth: Illuminate all 
 Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, with true knowledge 
 and understanding of thy word; that both by 
 their preaching and living, they may set it forth, 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 225 
 
 and show it accordingly : Bless and keep all thy 
 people : Give to all nations unity, peace, and con- 
 trol : Give us an heart to love and fear thee, and 
 diligently to live after thy commandments : Give 
 to all thy people increase of grace, to hear meekly 
 thy word, and to receive it with pure affection ? 
 and to bring forth the fruits of thy Spirit. Bring 
 into the way of truth all such as have erred and 
 are deceived : Strengthen such as do stand, and 
 comfort and help the weak-hearted, and raise up 
 those who fall, and finally beat down Satan under 
 our feet: Succor, help, and comfort, all who are 
 in danger, necessity, or tribulation : Preserve all 
 who travel by land or by water ; all sick persons, 
 and young children ; and show thy pity upon all 
 prisoners and captives: Defend and provide for 
 the fatherless children, and widows, and all who 
 are desolate and oppressed : Have mercy upon all 
 men: Forgive our enemies, persecutors, and slan- 
 derers, and turn their hearts : Give and preserve 
 to our use, the kindly fruits of the earth, so that 
 in due time we may enjoy them ; Give us true 
 repentance, forgive us all our sins, negligences, 
 and ignorances ; and endue us with the grace of 
 thy Holy Spirit, to amend our lives, according to 
 thy holy word. 
 
 Son of God, we beseech thee to hear us. 
 Lamb of God, who takest away the sins of the 
 world, grant us thy peace. Lamb of God, who 
 takest away the sins of the world, have mercy 
 upon us. 
 
226 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We humbly beseech thee, Father, mercifully 
 to look upon our infirmities ; and, for the glory of 
 thy name, turn from us all those evils that we 
 most justly have deserved ; and grant, that in all 
 our troubles, trials and necessities, we may put 
 our whole trust and confidence in tlry mercy, and 
 evermore serve thee in holiness and pureness of 
 living; to thy honor and glorj^, through our only 
 Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 A men. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY MORNING. 
 
 O God, thou art our God, early will we seek 
 thee. Thy mercies are new every morning; and 
 every morning will we direct our prayer unto 
 thee. Unworthy sinners as we are, it is good for 
 us to draw near unto thee ; and wilt thou, God, 
 in infinite condescension, draw near unto us and 
 hearken to our supplications. We seek for mercy 
 and forgiveness, only through the merits and 
 intercession of th}^ beloved Son. 
 
 We beseech thee, heavenly Father, to grant us 
 thy constant guidance, counsel and support, that 
 through the help of thy Holy Spirit, we may obey 
 thy commandments, and faithfully follow thy pre- 
 cepts/ Show us the way in which Ave should 
 walk, for we lift up our souls unto thee. 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 227 
 
 God, if thou sliouldst see fit, in thine infinite 
 wisdom, to visit us with pain, or sickness, or sor- 
 row, be thou our ever present solace and refuge, 
 and heal our diseases, and help our infirmities, or 
 give us grace so to take thy visitation, that we 
 may submit with patience and resignation to every 
 dispensation of thy hand. Let us hear of thy 
 loving kindness at all times, for in thee is our trust. 
 
 If poverty and want should be our lot, be thou, 
 O God, our portion and inheritance. Let us re- 
 member that thy blessed Son was contented to 
 become poor and destitute, that he might make 
 many rich, and that he is able to afford help and 
 deliverance in every time of need. Teach us to 
 endure all things for his sake, that our treasures 
 may be laid up in heaven, and that our hearts 
 may be fixed on things above, where alone true 
 joys are to be found. Or if thou shouldst bestow 
 upon us the rich bounties of thy providence, keep 
 us, we beseech thee, from all presumptuous sins ; 
 from pride, and arrogancy, and self-dependence, 
 from forgetfulness of thee; and from all those 
 hurtful lusts and passions, which war against the 
 soul. May we be clothed with humility ; always 
 remembering, that God resisteth the proud, and 
 givcth grace to the humble. thou from v horn 
 cometh every good and perfect gift, give us a 
 grateful sense of all thy mercies, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 merciful God, if it please thee, bring u 
 
228 TKINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 peace and safety to the close of this day, and ena- 
 ble us again to cast ourselves, and all our concerns, 
 upon thy goodness and mercy. And when all the 
 days of our pilgrimage shall be ended ; when our 
 probation shall be brought to a close; when 
 all our earthly labors, and cares, and joys, and 
 sorrows, shall cease, O blessed Jesus, shed thy 
 heavenly radiance round our dying bed ; place 
 underneath us thine everlasting arms, and enable 
 us, by thy blessed Spirit, to enter those mansions 
 in thy Father's house, which thou hast gone to 
 prepare for those that love thee. 
 
 We ask for all in thy name, and in the form of 
 words which thou hast taught thy -disciples to 
 use : — 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 SATURDAY EVENING. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, who art always 
 more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont 
 to give more than we either desire or deserve, we 
 bless thee, we praise thee, for all the mercies be- 
 stowed upon us this day. It is a good thing to 
 give thanks unto thee, Lord; to tell of thy 
 loving kindness early in the morning, and of thy 
 truth in the night season. We will thank thee 
 with all our hearts ; we will praise thy name for- 
 
TEINITY TO ADVENT. 229 
 
 evermore. Every hour that thou addest to our 
 lives, is a monument of thy wondrous love ; every 
 day bears testimony of thy providential care. 
 
 But we acknowledge, God, with shame and 
 confusion of face, our hardness and ingratitude. 
 How thoughtless, how regardless are we of thy 
 mercies ! How often do we neglect our duties ; 
 how often do we wander from the way of thy 
 commandments ! For how many sinful thoughts, 
 and words, and works, must we render an account 
 this night ! Let thy Holy Spirit now bring our 
 offences to remembrance, that we may confess 
 them before thee, and seek forgiveness at thy 
 hands. Thou art nigh unto them that art of a 
 contrite heart, and wilt save such as be of an 
 humble spirit. Put us not to rebuke, Lord, in 
 thine anger ; neither chasten us in thy heavy dis- 
 pleasure. May we have an Advocate with the 
 Father, Jesus Christ the Eighteous ; and through 
 his propitiation, may we, now and ever, find ac- 
 ceptance at thy throne. 
 
 We offer our humble supplications unto thee, O 
 heavenly Father, for all our relatives and friends. 
 Make them partakers of thy grace ; that they may 
 love and serve thee, with all their heart, and soul, 
 and mind, and strength ; and that all things may 
 work together for their present and eternal good. 
 Provide, we besech thee, for the spiritual and 
 temporal necessities of all men. Lead thorn forth 
 in thy truth, and learn them the way of salvation. 
 Let the blessed beams of thy gospel extend to all 
 20 
 
230 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 the borders of the earth, that the Gentiles may 
 come to its light, and the nations of the world to 
 the brightness of its rising. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 O God, be thou our ever present protector 
 and guide. In all the vicissitudes of life, may we 
 keep our eye steadfastly fixed on the promised 
 inheritance of the faithful: And as days and 
 weeks pass away, may we feel that eternity is 
 approaching. May the gathering shades of night, 
 remind us of the dark valley of the shadow of 
 death. May we so prepare ourselves for our 
 bodily repose, that our souls also may be at peace 
 with thee. And if we be not permitted to behold 
 the dawn of another Sabbath in this world, be 
 thou with us, blessed Jesus ; show us the path 
 of life ; and let thy rod and thy staff support and 
 comfort us. May we sleep in thee ; may our flesh 
 rest in hope; and may we finally awake on the 
 morning of that Eternal Sabbath, whose sun shall 
 never set; whose joys shall never end. 
 
 All which we ask, for the sake, and through 
 the merits, of Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and 
 Saviour. Amen. 
 
 The grace, &c. 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 231 
 
 MORNING OF TEE FOURTH OF JULY. 
 
 Our Father. &c. 
 
 Almighty God, who hast in all ages made 
 known thy power and mercy, in the gracious 
 deliverance and protection of states and empires, 
 and hast visited us of old, and beyond other na- 
 tions, with many temporal and spiritual blessings ; 
 we yield thee our unfeigned thanks and praise, as 
 well for thy many other great and public mercies, 
 so especially for that signal and wonderful deliv- 
 erance which we this day commemorate. Thou 
 hast done marvellous things for us, whereof we 
 are glad. We praise thee; we bless thee; we 
 magnify thee ; for thou hast triumphed gloriously. 
 With thine own right hand, and with thy mighty 
 arm, hast thou gotten to thyself the victory. 
 Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, 
 and the glory, and the majesty, and the victory. 
 Thine is the kingdom, and thou art exalted as 
 head over all. Thou doest what thou wilt in the 
 armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of 
 the earth, and none may stay thy hand. Lord 
 of Hosts; O God of battles; who is like unto 
 thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing 
 wonders! 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c.] 
 
 We beseech thee, Lord, to pour down upon 
 the inhabitants of this land, the spirit of unfeigned 
 gratitude and love for all thy mercies towards us, 
 
232 TKINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 Let the people praise thee, God; let all the 
 people praise thee. 
 
 And grant that they may show forth thy praise, 
 not only with their lips, but in their lives. Pre- 
 serve them from all profane and unholy rejoicings, 
 lest the}^ draw down upon us a curse, and not a 
 blessing ; and lest the things which should have 
 been for our good, prove unto us an occasion of 
 falling. 
 
 Grant us grace, we beseech thee, to use thy 
 blessings as we ought, with devout gratitude to 
 thee, our God ; with zeal for thy glory, and sub- 
 mission to thy will ; with a faithful adherence to 
 the gospel of thy Son; with obedience to our 
 rulers for conscience sake, as thy ministers for 
 good ; with moderation and humility ; with justice 
 and purity ; with charity, forbearance, and broth- 
 erly love; that amidst these and all thy blessings, 
 we may seek thy glory, and the increase of thy 
 kingdom, through the merits of Jesus Christ, our 
 blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen, 
 
 The Lord bless us, and keep us ! The Lord 
 make his face to shine upon us, and be gracious 
 unto us ! The Lord lift up the light of his coun- 
 tenance upon us and give us peace, both now and 
 evermore. Amen. 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 233 
 
 THANKSGIVING DAY-MORNING. 
 
 [To be used on the first Thursday of November, or on such other day as 
 shall be appointed by the civil authorities.] 
 
 Most gracious God, by whose unspeakable 
 mercy we are again permitted to present the an- 
 nual tribute of our thanks and praise, we bless 
 thee for the continual manifestations of thy good- 
 ness to us and to all the children of men. By thy 
 wisdom, Lord, thou hast founded the earth ; by 
 understanding thou hast established the heavens ; 
 by thy knowledge the depths are broken up, and 
 the clouds drop down the dew. We bless thee 
 for the return of seed-time and harvest, and for 
 crowning the year with the bounties of thy provi- 
 dence. We praise thee for all thy gracious deal- 
 ings towards us, and we beseech thee, of thy great 
 goodness, to receive the thank-offerings with 
 which we come before thee this day. 
 
 We acknowledge, heavenly Father, the imper- 
 fection of our best services. We confess that we 
 are sinners before thee, and altogether unworthy 
 of thy mercies. But we know that thou art kind 
 and beneficent, even to the unthankful and the 
 evil. Thou makest thy sun to rise on the evil and 
 on the good, and sendest rain on the just and on 
 the unjust. Give us a due sense of thy wonderful 
 condescension and forbearance, that our hearts 
 may be moved to penitence and contrition for our 
 past negligence and sin, and excited to new dili- 
 gence, zeal, and devotion, for the future. 
 20* 
 
234 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 We beseccli tliee, Lord, to pour down upon 
 the inhabitants of this land, the spirit of unfeigned 
 gratitude and love for all thy mercies. May they 
 enter thy gates with thanksgiving, and thy courts 
 with praise. May they honor thee with all their 
 substance, and with the first fruits of all their in- 
 crease. And grant that they may show forth their 
 devotion to thee, not only with their lips, but also 
 in their lives. Preserve them from the unholy 
 rejoicings of the sensual and profane ; restrain 
 every sinful and intemperate indulgence; and 
 grant us all grace, heavenly Father, to use thy 
 blessings without abusing them ; with zeal for thy 
 glory; submission to thy will, and a faithful ad- 
 herence to the gospel of thy Son ; with moderation 
 and humility; with justice and purity ; with char- 
 ity, forbearance, and brotherly love; that amidst 
 these and all thy blessings, we may seek thy glory 
 and the increase of thy kingdom. 
 
 Fill our hearts, O God, with a spirit of tender- 
 ness and compassion for all around us. May we 
 rejoice with those that do rejoice, and weep with 
 those that weep. May we be readj^ to impart of 
 the abundance which thou hast given us, to the 
 poor and needy ; the distressed and the afflicted ; 
 the widow and the fatherless ; and thus fulfill the 
 law of pure and undefiled religion before God and 
 the Father. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 Grant us, heavenly Father, a continuance of all 
 thy mercies, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in 
 
TKINITY TO ADVENT. 285 
 
 whose all prevailing name and words we sum up 
 our petitions : — 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 THANKSGIVING DAY-EVENING. 
 
 Lord, our Governor, how excellent is thy 
 name in all the world ; thou that hast set thy 
 glory above the heavens ! We will consider the 
 works of thy hands ; the heavens which thou hast 
 made; the moon and the stars which thou hast 
 ordained. What is man, that thou art mindful of 
 him? And the son of man, that thou visitest 
 him ? Thou makest him to have dominion over 
 the works of thy hands ; and thou hast put all 
 things in subjection under his feet; all sheep and 
 oxen ; yea, and the beasts of the field ; the fowls 
 of the air, and the fishes of the sea ; and whatso- 
 ever walketh through the paths of the seas. O 
 Lord, our Governor, how excellent is thy name in 
 all the world ! 
 
 We praise thee, Lord; for it is good to sing- 
 praises unto our God ; for it is pleasant, and praise 
 is comely. We thank thee for all thy manifold 
 blessings; for the dispensation of thy grace, 
 through the mediation of thy blessed Son ; for the 
 bounties of thy providence ; for the plenty with 
 which thou hast crowded the labors of the hus- 
 bandman ; for the preservation of our health ; for 
 
236 TRINITY TO ADVENT. 
 
 the reign of peace, and for the enjoyment of our 
 civil and religious liberties. We thank thee for 
 the comforts and privileges, of which we have 
 been permitted to partake this day. We acknow- 
 ledge thy hand in every mercy, and desire to ren- 
 der back to thee the homage of gratitude and love. 
 We acknowledge that every good gift, and every 
 perfect gift, is from above, and cometh down from 
 the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, 
 neither shadow of turning. But we confess unto 
 thee, God, that our souls are burdened with 
 iniquity ; that we are frail and erring creatures ; 
 that our hearts are corrupt, and that our hands 
 are not clean in thy sight. Look with pity and 
 compassion upon all that we have thought, or said, 
 or done, amiss this day. Be present with us, as 
 we now present our supplications unto thee ; and 
 through the intercession of thy dear Son, grant 
 unto us the pardon of all our sins. Give thy Holy 
 Spirit, to comfort the troubled mind, and soothe 
 the pains, and wipe away the stains of guilt. 
 May we retire to rest, in perfect charity with all 
 men. May we be enabled, through thy help, to 
 love our enemies ; to bless them that curse us ; to 
 do good to them that hate us ; and pray for them 
 which despitefully use us and persecute us ; that 
 we may be the children of our Father, who art in 
 heaven. 
 
 [Occasional Prayers, &c] 
 
 We now commit all our concerns to thee, O 
 God, for the year to come. Grant us thy bless- 
 
TRINITY TO ADVENT. 237 
 
 ings, both temporal and spiritual, for Jesus Christ's 
 sake, to whom, with thee, Father, and the Holy 
 Ghost, be honor and glory, world without end. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 Unto Grod's gracious mercy and protection, we 
 commit ourselves. The Lord bless us and keep 
 us. The Lord make his face to shine upon us, 
 and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up his 
 countenance upon us, and give us peace, both now 
 and evermore. Amen. 
 
OCCASIONAL 
 
 PRAYERS AND THANKSGIVINGS. 
 
 TO BE USED 
 
 IN CONNECTION WITH THE OTHER DEVOTIONS. 
 
 § rajurs* 
 
 FOR COMMUNION DAT-MORNING. 
 
 Grant, Lord, that whosoever on this day shall 
 approach thy holy altar, and partake of the blessed 
 sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, may 
 receive these instituted memorials of the Saviour's 
 love, with faith, charity, and true repentance ; and 
 being filled with thy grace and heavenly benedic- 
 tion, may, to their great and endless comfort, ob- 
 tain remission of sin, and all other benefits of his 
 passion. 
 
 OR THIS. 
 
 Grant us grace, heavenly Father, to prepare 
 our hearts for a due reception of the holy sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's Supper. May we truly and 
 earnestly repent of our sins. May we cherish a 
 
 spirit of love and charity towards our neighbors. 
 
240 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 May we resolve, by thy help, to , lead a new life, 
 following thy commandments, and walking from 
 henceforth in thy righteous ways. May we wash 
 our hands in innocency, and so may we draw near 
 in faith to thy holy altar, and take the blessed 
 sacrament of the body and blood of Christ, to our 
 great and endless comfort. 
 
 AFTER BAPTISM. 
 
 Grant, O Lord, that the child this day dedicated 
 to thee, and adopted into thy Church by baptism, 
 may be sanctified by the Holy Ghost, delivered 
 from thy wrath and eternal death, and received as 
 a living member of Christ's mystical body, and 
 ever remain in the number of thy faithful children. 
 
 AFTER CONFIRMATION. 
 
 We commend to thy mercy and grace, heavenly 
 Father, all those thy servants, who have this day, 
 in their own persons, renewed the promises and 
 vows which they made, or which were made for 
 them by their sureties in baptism, and who have 
 been confirmed by the laying on of the hands of 
 the Bishop. Direct, sanctify, and govern, their 
 hearts and bodies in the ways of thy laws, and in 
 the works of thy commandments; and defend 
 
OCCASIONAL PEAYEES. 241 
 
 them, O Lord, with thy heavenly grace, that they 
 may continue thine forever, and daily increase in 
 thy Holy Spirit more and more, until they come 
 unto thy heavenly kingdom. 
 
 AFTER MARRIAGE. 
 
 O Eternal God, Creator and Preserver of all 
 mankind, giver of all spiritual grace, the author 
 of everlasting life ; send thy blessing, we beseech 
 thee, upon thy servants who have this day been 
 united together in holy matrimony. May they 
 faithfully perform and keep their solemn vow 
 and covenant, and ever remain in perfect love and 
 peace together, and live according to thy laws, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 FOR THE CHILDREN OF A FAMILY. 
 
 Be thou, God, a father and friend to the 
 children of this family. Lead them by thy provi- 
 dence through the dangers and temptations of 
 their youth, that they may neither run into foil} 7 ", 
 nor give way to unbridled passions or appetites. 
 Be pleased so to order the events of their lives, 
 that by wholesome instruction and prudent exam- 
 ple, and by thy restraining grace, they may be 
 trained up to serve thee faithfully, in the midst 
 21 
 
242 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 of an evil world ; and, after an holy and useful 
 life, may come to a peaceful and happy death ; 
 and may be made heirs with Christ in the glories 
 of his heavenly kingdom. 
 
 FOR SUNDAY SCHOOLS. 
 
 Grant, O Lord, thy heavenly grace, to the 
 Sunday Schools and other institutions for the reli- 
 gious instruction of the children and youth of thy 
 flock. Make the pastors and teachers of these 
 children duly sensible of the great charge commit- 
 ted to their trust. Endue them plenteously with 
 thy heavenly gifts, and make them faithful in 
 training up the young in thy fear and service : 
 That they may from the heart, believe in thee, the 
 Lord their God, and worship and serve thee, their 
 Creator, Eedeemer, and Sanctifier: That they 
 may renounce the devil and all his works, the 
 pomps and vanities of this wicked world, and all 
 the sinful desires of the flesh, and keep thy holy 
 will and commandments, and walk in the same all 
 the days of their life. Graft in their hearts the 
 love of thy name ; increase in them true religion ; 
 nourish them with all goodness ; and by thy great 
 mercy, keep them in the same, that so, in the end, 
 they may obtain everlasting life. 
 
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 243 
 
 ON THE BIRTH-DAY OP A MEMBER OP THE EAMILY. 
 
 God, heavenly Father, who hast been gra- 
 ciously pleased to prolong the days of this thy 
 servant, [or this child,] and to add another year 
 to his mortal life, we humbly beseech thee to take 
 him under thy special care and protection, for the 
 time which is to come ; and grant that, as he ad- 
 vances in years, he may grow in grace, and in fit- 
 ness and preparation for thy heavenly kingdom. 
 
 POR A SICK PERSON. 
 
 O Father of mercies, and God of all comfort, 
 our only help in time of need, look down from 
 heaven, we humbly beseech thee, behold, visit, and 
 relieve thy sick servant, for whom we offer up 
 our earnest supplications. Look upon him with 
 the eyes of thy mercy ; comfort him with a sense 
 of thy goodness ; preserve him from the tempta- 
 tions of the enemy; give him patience under his 
 affliction; and, in thy good time, restore Kim to 
 health, and enable him to lead the residue of his 
 life in thy fear, and to thy glory; or else give him 
 grace so to take thy visitation, that after this pain- 
 ful life is ended, he may dwell with thee in life 
 everlasting, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
244 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 FOR A PERSON DANGEROUSLY SICK. 
 
 Lord God, our heavenly Father, we fly to 
 thee for succor in behalf of this thy sick servant, 
 in this day of his tribulation and danger. We 
 know, O Grod, that all things are possible with 
 thee. We know that thy arm is not shortened, 
 that it can not save, nor thy ear heavy, that it can 
 not hear. We know that thou canst, if it be thy 
 gracious will, speak the word only, and this thy 
 servant shall be healed. And we beseech thee, 
 merciful God, thus to interpose thine hand. Take 
 away from us this cup of bitterness ; and, if it 
 seem good to thee, alleviate his sufferings, and 
 remove his complaints, and restore him to health, 
 and grant him a longer continuance among us. 
 But thy will, Father, and not ours, be done. 
 Enable us to submit, with patience and resignation, 
 to thy righteous dealing. And grant to this thy 
 servant, grace, that his repentance may be perfect, 
 his faith strong, his love fervent, and his hope 
 steadfast; so that after his departure hence iv 
 peace, he may rest with thee forever. 
 
 POR A BLESSING ON THE MEANS OP RECOVERY. 
 
 O Almighty God, by whose word man lives, and 
 not by any human means alone, prosper, we be- 
 seech thee, the means which are used for the 
 
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 245 
 
 recovery of this thy sick servant. Let not his 
 confidence in any human means, lessen his depend- 
 ence upon thee. Make him sensible that every 
 good gift is from above ; that it is thou only who 
 givest help in time of need. To thee, gracious 
 God, we fly for succor in the day of our visitation. 
 And may this thy sick servant look to thee for 
 bodily, as well as spiritual strength and salvation. 
 Let thine, God, be the glory, and his the com- 
 fort, of the means used for his recovery. Let him 
 own thee as the author of his mercies ; to thee pay 
 his vows and services ; and to thy glory devote 
 the remainder of his days, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. 
 
 POR A SICK PERSON, AT THE POINT OP 
 DEPARTURE. 
 
 O Almighty God, with whom do live the spirits 
 of just men made perfect, after they are delivered 
 from their earthly prisons, we humbly commend 
 the soul of this thy servant, into thy hands ; most 
 humbly beseeching thee, that it may be precious 
 in thy sight : Wash it, we pray thee, in the blood 
 of that Immaculate Lamb, that was slain to take 
 away the sins of the world ; that whatsoever de- 
 filements it may have contracted in the midst of 
 this miserable and sinful world, being purged and 
 done away, it may be presented pure and without 
 spot before thee. And teach us who survive, in 
 
246 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 this, and every other spectacle of mortality, to see 
 how frail and uncertain our own condition is ; and 
 so to number our days, that we may seriously 
 apply our hearts to that holy and heavenly wis- 
 dom, whilst we live here, which may in the end 
 bring us to life everlasting, through the merits of 
 Jesus Christ, thine only Son, our Lord. 
 
 PORASICKCHILD. 
 
 Almighty Glod and merciful Father, to whom 
 alone belong the issues of life and death, look 
 down from heaven, we humbly beseech thee, with 
 the eyes of mercy, upon this child, now lying 
 under thy hand in sickness. Visit him, Lord, 
 with thy salvation ; deliver him in thy good ap- 
 pointed time from his bodily disease ; and save his 
 soul for thy mercies' sake ; that if it shall be thy 
 pleasure to prolong his days here on earth, he may 
 live to thee, and be an instrument of thy glorj^, 
 by serving thee faithfully, and doing good in his 
 generation : Or else receive him into those heav- 
 enly habitations, where the souls of those who 
 sleep in the Lord Jesus, enjoy perpetual rest and 
 felicity : Grant this, Lord, for thy mercies' sake, 
 in the name of thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. 
 
OCCASIONAL PEAYERS. 247 
 
 FOR A PERSON TROUBLED IN MIND OR 
 
 CONSCIENCE. 
 
 blessed Lord, the Father of mercies, and the 
 God of all comfort, we beseech thee, look down 
 in pity and compassion upon this thy afflicted ser- 
 vant. Thou writest bitter things against him, and 
 makest him to possess his former iniquities : Thy 
 wrath lieth hard upon him, and his soul is full of 
 trouble: But, O merciful God, who hast written 
 thy holy word for our learning, that we, through 
 patience and comfort of thy holy Scriptures, might 
 have hope, give him a right understanding of him- 
 self, and of thy threats and promises, that he may 
 neither cast away his confidence in thee, nor place 
 it anywhere but in thee. Give him strength 
 against all his temptations, and heal all his dis- 
 tempers : Break not the bruised reed, nor quench 
 the smoking flax : Shut not up thy tender mercies 
 in displeasure; but make him to hear of joy and 
 gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken 
 may rejoice : Deliver him from fear of the enemy, 
 and lift up the light of thy countenance upon him; 
 and give him thy peace, through the merits and 
 mediation of Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 WHEN UNDER AFFLICTION. 
 
 merciful God, and heavenly Father, who hast 
 taught us in thy holy word, that thou dost not 
 
248 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 willingly afflict or grieve the children of men, look 
 with pity, we beseech thee, upon us in our present 
 sorrows. In thy wisdom thou hast seen fit to visit 
 us with trouble, and to bring distress upon us. 
 Eemember us, Lord, in thy mercy; sanctify 
 thy fatherly correction to us ; endue our souls 
 with patience under our affliction, and with resig- 
 nation to thy blessed will; comfort us with a 
 sense of thy goodness ; lift up thy countenance 
 upon us, and give us peace, through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. 
 
 AFTER A FUNERAL. 
 
 God, whose days are without end, and whose 
 mercies can not be numbered, grant that the 
 solemn services of this day may make us deeply 
 sensible of the shortness and uncertainty of human 
 life, and of the transitory nature of all earthly 
 things. Sanctify to us, and to all the friends and 
 relatives of the deceased, this afflictive dispensation 
 of thy providence. May the lively sense of the 
 bereavment which we have sustained, lead us to 
 cleave more closely to thee our God. In all our 
 troubles, may our whole trust and confidence be 
 placed in thy mercy. Awakened by this visita- 
 tion to a realizing sense of our own danger, may 
 we resolve to seek supremely those things which 
 are above; to resign ourselves and all our con- 
 cerns to thy disposal ; and in the fullness of resig- 
 
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 249 
 
 nation, to say with the holy Job : — u The Lord 
 gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be 
 the name of the Lord." 
 
 FOR A PERSON AT SEA. 
 
 Eternal God, who alone spreadest out the 
 heavens, and rnlest the raging of the sea, we com- 
 mend to thy Almighty protection, thy servant, for 
 whose preservation on the great deep we offer up 
 our humble supplications. Guard him, we beseech 
 thee, from the dangers of the sea, from pestilence 
 and sickness, from the violence of enemies, and 
 from every evil to which he may be exposed. 
 Conduct him in safety to his place of destination, 
 and in thy good time, restore him in health and 
 peace, to his home, his family, and his friends: 
 And, above all, give him a grateful sense of all 
 thy mercies, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 POR A PERSON ON A JOURNEY. 
 
 Father Almighty, whose mercy is over all 
 thy works, we commend to thy protection and 
 care, thy servant, now absent from his home and 
 family. Preserve him, we beseech thee, in all his 
 journeyings; guard him in every danger and 
 calamity; keep him in health and safety ; and in 
 
250 OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 
 
 thy good time, restore him again to the joys and 
 comforts of his household; that he may praise 
 thee for all thy mercies, and love and serve thee 
 faithfully all his days, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 AFTER AN ORDINATION. 
 
 Almighty Grod, giver of all good things, who by 
 thy Holy Spirit hast appointed divers orders of 
 ministers in thy Church, mercifully behold thy 
 servant, who has this day been admitted to the 
 office of [Deacoji or] Priest; and so replenish him 
 with the truth of thy doctrine, and adorn him with 
 innocency of life, that both by word and good ex- 
 ample, he may faithfully serve thee in this office, 
 to the glory of thy name, and the edification of 
 thy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 FOR CONVENTIONS. 
 
 Almighty and everlasting God, who, by thy 
 Holy Spirit, didst preside in the councils of the 
 blessed Apostles, and hast promised, through thy 
 Son Jesus Christ, to be with thy Church to the 
 end of the world, we beseech thee to be present 
 with the council of thy Church now assembled. 
 Save them from all error, ignorance, pride, and 
 
OCCASIONAL PRAYERS. 251 
 
 prejudice; and of thy great mercy, vouchsafe, we 
 beseech thee, so to direct, sanctify, and govern 
 them in their present work, by the mighty power 
 of the Holy Ghost, that the comfortable gospel of 
 Christ may be truly preached, truly received, and 
 truly followed, in all places, to the breaking down 
 of the kingdom of sin, Satan, and death ; till at 
 length the whole of thy dispersed sheep, being 
 gathered into one fold, shall become partakers of 
 everlasting life, through the merits and death of 
 Jesus Christ our Saviour. 
 
 FOE RAIN. 
 
 God, heavenly Father, who by thy Son Jesus 
 Christ hast promised to all those who seek thy 
 kingdom and the righteousness thereof, all things 
 necessary to their bodily sustenance, send us, we 
 beseech thee, in this our necessity, such refreshing 
 supplies of rain, that we may receive the fruits of, 
 the earth to our comfort, and to thy honor, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 FOR FAIR WEATHER. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful Father, we humbly 
 beseech thee, of thy great goodness, to restrain, 
 those immoderate rains, wherewith, for our sins, 
 
252 OCCASIONAL PEAYEKS. 
 
 thou hast afflicted us : And we pray thee to send 
 us such seasonable weather, that the earth may, in 
 due time, yield her increase for our use and bene- 
 fit ; and give us grace, that we may learn by thy 
 punishments to amend our lives, and for thy 
 clemency to give thee thanks and praise, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 IN TIME OF DEARTH AND EAMINE. 
 
 God, heavenly Father, whose gift it is that 
 the rain doth fall, and the earth bring forth her 
 increase, behold, we beseech thee, the afflictions 
 of thy people ; increase the fruits of the earth by 
 thy heavenly benediction ; and grant that the 
 scarcity and dearth, which we now most justly 
 suffer for our sins, may, through thy goodness, be 
 mercifully turned into plenty, for the love of 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 IN TIME OE WAR AND TUMULTS. 
 
 O Almighty God, the supreme Governor of all 
 things, whose power no creature is able to resist, 
 to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and 
 to be merciful to those who truly repent, save and 
 deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the 
 
OCCASIONAL PKAYERS. 253 
 
 hands of our enemies ; that we, being armed with 
 thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all 
 perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of 
 all victory, through the merits of thy Son, Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. 
 
 IN TIME OP GREAT SICKNESS AND MORTALITY. 
 
 Almighty God, the Lord of life and death, of 
 sickness and health, regard our supplications, we 
 humbly beseech thee ; and, as thou hast thought 
 fit to visit us for our sins with great sickness and 
 mortality, in the midst of thy judgment, Lord, 
 remember mercy. Have pity upon us miserable 
 sinners, and withdraw from us the grievous sick- 
 ness with which we are afflicted. May this thy 
 fatherly correction have its due influence upon 
 us, by leading us to consider the frailty and un- 
 certainty of our life ; that we may apply our 
 hearts unto that heavenly wisdom, which in the 
 end will bring us to everlasting life, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 22 
 
Cjjanhagi&ntfls* 
 
 APTER COMMUNION. 
 
 Almighty and everliving God, we most heartily 
 thank thee for thy great mercy, in permitting us, 
 on this day, to receive the spiritual food of the 
 most precious body and blood of thy Son our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. We thank thee for this 
 comfortable assurance of thy favor and goodness ; 
 and for the blessed hope, that we are very mem- 
 bers incorporate in the mystical body of thy Son, 
 which is the whole company of all faithful people; 
 and are also heirs through grace of thy everlasting 
 kingdom, by the merits of the most precious death 
 and passion of thy dear Son. And we most hum- 
 bly beseech thee, O heavenly Father, so to assist 
 us with thy grace, that we may continue in that 
 holy fellowship, and do all such good works as 
 thou hast prepared for us to walk in, through 
 Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 FOE, THE BEGINNING OP RECOVERY PROM 
 
 SICKNESS. 
 
 Great and mighty God, who bringest down to 
 the grave, and bringest up again, we bless thy 
 
OCCASIONAL THANKSGIVINGS. 255 
 
 great goodness, for having turned our heaviness 
 into joy, and our mourning into gladness, by re- 
 storing this thy servant to some degree of his 
 former health. Blessed be thy name, that thou 
 didst not forsake him in his sickness ; but didst 
 visit him with comforts from above ; didst support 
 him in patience and submission to thy will ; and, 
 at last, didst send him seasonable relief. Perfect, 
 we beseech thee, this thy mercy towards him ; and 
 prosper the means which shall be made use of for 
 his cure : that being restored to health of body, 
 vigor of mind, and cheerfulness of spirit, he may 
 be able to go to thine house, to offer thee an obla- 
 tion with great gladness ; and to bless thy holy 
 name for all thy goodness towards Aim, through 
 Jesus Christ our Saviour. 
 
 FOR RECOVERY EROM SICKNESS. 
 
 O God, who art the giver of life, of health, and 
 of safety, we bless thy name, that thou hast been 
 pleased to deliver from his bodily sickness this thy 
 servant, who is now enabled to unite with us in 
 returning thanks unto thee, for this thy groat 
 mercy. Gracious art thou, Lord, and full of 
 compassion to the children of men. May his heart 
 be duly impressed with a sense of thy merciful 
 goodness, and may he devote the residue of his 
 days to an humble, holy, and obedienl walking 
 before thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
256 OCCASIONAL THANKSGIVINGS, 
 
 FOR A SAFE RETURN FROM SEA. 
 
 Most gracious Lord, whose mercy is over all thy 
 works, we praise thy holy name, that thou hast 
 been pleased to conduct in safety, through the 
 perils of the great deep, this thy servant, who now 
 desires to unite with us in returning thanks to 
 thee. May he be duly sensible of thy merciful 
 providence towards him, and ever express his 
 thankfulness, by a holy trust in thee, and obedi- 
 ence to thy laws, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 FOR A SAFE RETURN FROM A JOURNEY. 
 
 Merciful Father, we bless thee for thy providen- 
 tial care in protecting this thy servant, in his late 
 absence from his home and family. We thank 
 thee for his preservation in his journeyings; for 
 his exemption from danger, and sickness, and 
 death; and for his safe return to the joys and 
 comforts of his household. May he ever praise 
 thee for all thy mercies, and love and serve thee 
 faithfully all his days, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
 AFTER THE BIRTH OF A CHILD. 
 
 O Almighty God, we give thee humble thanks, 
 for that thou hast been graciously pleased to pre- 
 
OCCASIONAL THANKSGIVINGS. 257 
 
 serve, through the great pain and peril of child- 
 birth, thy servant, in whose behalf we desire now 
 to offer our praises and thanksgivings unto thee. 
 Grant, we beseech, thee, most merciful Father, 
 that she, through thy help, may both faithfully live 
 and walk according to thy will in this life present, 
 and also may be partaker of everlasting glory in 
 the life to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 FOR RAIN. 
 
 God, our heavenly Father, who by thy gra- 
 cious providence dost cause the former and the 
 latter rain to descend upon the earth, that it may 
 bring forth fruit for the use of man, we give thee 
 humble thanks that it hath pleased thee, in our 
 great necessity, to send a joyful rain upon thine 
 inheritance, and to refresh it when it was dry, to 
 the great comfort of us thy unworthy servants, 
 and to the glory of thy holy name, through thy 
 mercies in Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 FOR FAIR "WEATHER. 
 
 O Lord God, who hast justly humbled us by thy 
 late visitation of immoderate rain and storms, and 
 in thy mercy hast now relieved and comforted us 
 by this seasonable and blessed change of weather. 
 
 22* 
 
258 OCCASIONAL THANKSGIVINGS. 
 
 we praise and glorify thy holy name, for this thy 
 mercy : And we beseech thee to grant us grace, 
 always to declare thy loving kindness, from genera- 
 tion to generation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 FOE PLENTY. 
 
 most merciful Father, who of thy gracious 
 goodness, hast heard our prayers and supplica- 
 tions, and turned our dearth and scarcity into 
 plenty, we give thee humble thanks for this thy 
 special bounty ; beseeching thee to continue thy 
 loving kindness unto us, that our land may yield 
 us her fruits of increase, to thy glory and our 
 comfort, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 EOR A RETURN OE PEACE. 
 
 Almighty God, who art a strong tower of 
 defense unto thy servants, against the face of their 
 enemies, we yield thee praise and thanksgiving 
 for our deliverance from the perils and dangers 
 wherewith we have been encompassed, and for a 
 restoration of the blessings of peace ; beseeching 
 thee still to continue thy mercies towards us, that 
 all the world may know that thou art our Saviour 
 and mighty Deliverer, through Jesus Christ our 
 Lord. 
 
OCCASIONAL THANKSGIVINGS. 259 
 
 FOR THE RESTORATION OE TRANQUILITY AT 
 HOME. 
 
 eternal God, our heavenly Father, who alone 
 canst order and subdue the unruly wills and affec- 
 tions of sinful men, and make thy people to be of 
 one mind, we bless thy holy name, that it hath 
 pleased thee to appease the domestic tumults and 
 troubles, by which our land has been afflicted; 
 most humbly beseeching thee to grant to all of us 
 grace, that we may henceforth obediently walk in 
 thy holy commandments; and, leading a quiet 
 and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty, may 
 continually offer unto thee our sacrifice of praise 
 and thanksgiving for these thy mercies towards 
 us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 EOR DELIVERANCE EROM GREAT SICKNESS AND 
 MORTALITY. 
 
 Lord God, who hast wounded us for our sins, 
 and consumed us for our transgressions, by thy 
 late heavy and dreadful visitation; and now, in 
 the midst of judgment remembering mercy, hast 
 redeemed our souls from the terrors of death ; we 
 offer unto thy fatherly goodness ourselves, our souls 
 and bodies, which thou, hast delivered, to be a liv- 
 ing sacrifice unto thee ; always praising and magni- 
 fying thy mercies, through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
 
Ilmittp attfr (Sons at €Mt. 
 
 BEFORE MEALS 
 
 Father of mercies, pardon our transgressions ; 
 accept our imperfect services, and bless this 
 bounty of thy providence to our use, and us to 
 thy service, for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
 We bless thee, God, for covering our table 
 with plenty, and for the present opportunity of 
 partaking of thy bounties. Nourish our bodies 
 with these provisions of thy hand, and our souls 
 with the bread of life, for the sake of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord. Amen. 
 
 AETER MEALS. 
 
 For the daily blessings and bounties of thy 
 hand; for this present refreshment; and for all 
 thy other mercies, both temporal and spiritual; 
 thy holy name, O God, be praised, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
BLESSINGS AND GRACES AT TABLE. 261 
 
 God, for all thy mercies ; for the food that 
 supports our bodies, and the grace that sustains 
 our souls; we bless and praise thy holy name, 
 through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
* 17 82 
 

 
 
 Deacidified using the Bookkeeper proces 
 Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
 Treatment Date: August 2005 
 
 PreservationTechnologie: 
 
 A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATIO 
 
 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
 Cranberry Township. PA 16065 
 

 
 
 
 V^ 
 
 
 
 
 X ^. 
 
 * ^ 
 
 ^ *'^ #% Jp 
 
 
 
 •• *?