i LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. t\ -We f C< oyitittri y.y. IUNITED STATES OF AMERICA.! m 19 I M ■ COMING TO THE KING. A BOOK OF !§mlv £P*bf0ifons fox Cljxlbtm i BY GKACE WEBSTER HINSDALE. a 3hoa art coming to a Sting f £Carge petitions with thee tring / Sor his grace and power are such ; 39 one can ever aslo too much J ; r '^. m& NEW YORK: ANSON D. F. RANDOLPH, 770 BROADWAY, Corner of Ninth Street. 18 6 5. £ i at. 5 " Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1 S65, By Anson D. F. Bandolph, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. EDWARD 0. JENKINS, printer & .Stereotnper, No. 20 North William St. I have written these simple Prayers, hoping that they may be of some service in the morning and eve- ning devotions of children. I may be mistaken in thinking that such a book will be welcomed. But my own children kneel by my side, and while I am waiting for them to express their own petitions, they look up into my face and ask, " Mother, what shall I say ?" Do not many others often depend upon some one to tell them what to pray for ? Certainly no one can tell a child as much of our heavenly Father's love as the parents, and they can best teach it how to offer its worship and desires to God. It is nry humble desire that this little book may be approved by Christian parents, and that God will graciously bless ' it in con- nection with their labors. I have endeavored by the poetical selections and Scripture passages for each day, to increase the attraction and value of the book; and I shall be glad if it proves to be a help to the children to whom it is offered. G. W. H. Brooklyn, N. Y., May, 1865. Dear Children — Is it not a precious privilege to oe allowed to Tcneel before the throne of the great King, and to ask for all that we need ? Let us bring to him our praise and prayers with grateful hearts, hioicing that he is our gracious and loving Father, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. G. W. H. COMING TO THE KING. FIRST DA Y. TZISTEEL, my child, for God is here ! Bend in love, but not in fear ; Kneel before him now in prayer ; Thank him for his constant care ; Praise him for his bounties shed Every moment on thy head ; Ask for light to know his will, Ask for love, thy heart to fill ; Ask for faith to bear thee on Through the might of Christ, his son ; Ask his Spirit still to guide thee Through the ills that may betide thee ; Ask for peace, to lull to rest Every tumult of thy breast ; Ask in awe, but not in fear ; Kneel, my child, for God is here ! ANON. O God, thou art my God ; early will I seek thee. Ps. lxiii. I. Every day will I bless thee ; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Ps. cxlv. 2. 1* (5) 6 COMING TO THE KING. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. Ps. cxlv. 18. They that seek the Lord shall not want any good thing. Ps. xxxiv. 10. Thou shalt call me, My father ; and shalt not turn away from me. Jer. iii. 19. Morning. AUR Father which art in heaven ; Hal- ^ lowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And for- give us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil : For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. Matt. vi. 9-13. Evening. ALMIGHTY GOD, thou art my crea- ^ tor ; my body, so wonderfully made, is the work of thy hand, and my soul, which COMING TO THE KING. 7 shall never die, came from thee. I belong to thee, my heavenly Father. My spirit must go back to thee when my poor body returns to dust. Oh let me never forget that I must give an account to thee of my life in this world ; of all my thoughts and words and acts ! I thank thee, God, for the multitude of thy mercies to me here. But, above all other things, I long to have my name writ- ten in heaven, in the book of life. Lord, thou dost know me by my name ; I am not too young for thy gracious notice. Thou hast known my coming in, and my go- ing out this day, and every moment of my life has been spent in thy sight. I pray thee to forgive my many sins, and to give me grace to live to thy praise. Lord, may Jesus be my Saviour, and may my prayer be accepted for his sake. Amen. comma to the king. SECOND DAY. TIST the green fields of Palestine, By its fountains and its rills, And by the sacred Jordan's stream, And o'er the vine-clad hills, Once lived and roved the fairest child That ever blessed the earth ; The happiest, the holiest That e'er had human birth. How beautiful his childhood was ! Harmless and undefiled ; Oh ! dear to his young mother's heart Was this pure, sinless child ! Kindly in all his deeds and words And gentle as the dove ; Obedient, affectionate, His very soul was love. Oh ! is it not a blessed thought, Children of human birth, That once the Saviour was a child And lived upon the earth ? C. F. H. COMING TO THE KING. g And this is the record that God hath given to us eternal life ; and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life ; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that be- lieve on the name of the Son of God, that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. xA.nd this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. i Jno. v. 11-14. Morning. A LORD, thou art the creator of all ^ things ; there is no other God beside thee ; thou art the maker of heaven and earth ; thou art our Father, and hast invited us to come unto thee for those things which we need. Be pleased to teach me how to pray, and give me right desires ; help me to under- stand what it is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and to bring my prayers unto thee in his precious name. IO COMING TO THE KING. Dear Saviour, wash my soul in thy blood, and put upon me the beautiful robe of thy righteousness ; may I show such a holy and obedient spirit, that thou mayest be glorified in my life, though I am but a child. Lord, preserve me this day from all evil ; from all sickness and accident, but es- pecially from sin ; and when the sun has gone down may I rejoice to think that I am one day nearer to my sweet home in heaven. I ask it all in Jesus' name. Amen. Evening. TvEAR heavenly Father, how good hast *J thou been to me to-day ! I cannot count thy mercies to me ! Let me not forget that all thy goodness is granted to me because Jesus the dear Saviour died to save us from the punishment we deserve. God, I pray thee to take away all my sins, and love me, and save me for Jesus' sake. Dear Father, if it please the? spare me COMING TO THE KING. j x from pain and sickness ; give me health and strength I humbly ask thee. But if it is thy holy will that I should suffer, as so many others do, please to comfort and bless me with thy love, and by thy grace help me to bear my pain, and to show a sweet and patient spirit. May I never be impatient or ready to complain, but teach me always to be satisfied with thy wise care and will. In all my life, whether I am sick or well, rich or poor, give me a heart to love and worship thee. God, be merciful to all who suffer ; to all who are sad and in dis- tress ; may the blessed Saviour tell them by his Spirit that God is wise and good, and knows what is best for them. Thou hast made me very happy here in my home in this world, but, I pray thee, never let me for- get what is promised in heaven to those who repent of their sins and love the Sa- viour. Lord, hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. 12 COMING TO THE KING. THIRD DA T. OEEESTG I am Jesus' lamb, ^ Ever glad at heart I am O'er my Shepherd kind and good, Who provides me daily food, And his lamb by name doth call, For he knows and loves us all. Guided by his gentle staff Where the sunny pastures laugh, I go in and out and feed, Lacking nothing that I need ; When I thirst my feet he brings To the fresh and living springs. Must I not rejoice for this ? He is mine and I am his ; And when these bright days are past, Safely in his arms at last He will bear me home to Heaven ; Oh what joy hath Jesus given ! LUISE H. VON HAYM. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from C02IING TO THE KING. l 3 above, and cometh down from the Father of lights. Jas. i. 17. Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. 2 Cor. ix. 15. I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. Jno. x. 14. And there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd. Jno. x. 16. Morning. TvEAR heavenly Father, accept my thanks *J for the morning light : thou hast pre- served me through the darkness of the night, and I have slept in safety, because thy hand has shielded me from every danger. Accept my thanks that thou hast made me capable of calling upon thee in prayer. Lord, let no evil thoughts enter my heart to-day, but create within me a clean heart, that my words and actions may be right in thy sight. May all the pleasures I enjoy remind me of thee, who art the giver of all my mercies ; in all my little trials and disappointments give me confidence in thy i 4 COMING TO THE KING. gentleness and pity, and receive my humble prayer for thy help. I am often impatient and unwilling to be confined to the duties given me to do. I am too easily provoked and made angry by contradiction and slight injury. Dear Jesus, give me thy meek and lowly mind ; help me to persevere in trying to imitate thee ; help me to conquer all feel- ings of resentment, and make me willing to bear many injuries rather than offer one to another. Lord, assist me in all my studies this day, and make me intelligent and thoughtful and full of love to thee. I beseech thee, hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. ^Evening. PvEAR Jesus, thou dost call thyself the ^ Good Shepherd ; I beseech thee keep me safely in thy fold. Oh, make me one of thy lambs, and let me not wander away from thy side. May I know and obey the voice of my Shepherd. Dear Saviour, guide COMING TO THE KING. l S me safely through this world, and bring me, at last, to see thy face, and to sing thy praise in the heavenly fold above. Lord, gather all the children of the world into thy happy flock ; may we all love thy voice, and attend to thy commands. Give to us such blessings in this life as thou shalt see are for our good ; provide for us those things which we need each day. and graciously protect us from every danger. Save us from the evils that are in this sinful world, and from the selfishness and wickedness of our own hearts. Dear Jesus, do for us all that we need, and take our hands in thine and lead us safely to our heavenly home. Amen. 16 COMING TO THE KING. FOURTH DAY. "WTHY do we say " Thy kingdom come V 9 Because our King is far away, And till he comes to us again, We wait, and watch, and pray. Because some hearts are cold and hard, And some are traitors to his cause, They do not honor the great King, They will not keep his laws. But if we say these solemn words, And hope to share his triumph hour, Our hearts must be his kingdom now, Where he alone hath power. They must be holy, pure, and true, Obeying Christ in eyery thing, For they who own his gentle rule, Can have no other King. ANON. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Ps. xci. 1 1 . Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation ? Heb. i. 14. COMING TO THE KING. iy So shall it be at the end of the world : the an- gels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just. Matt. xiii. 49. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. Luke xvi. 22. Morning. TJEAVENLY Father ! please to draw me ^-*- near to thee this morning ; please to make me humble and sincere when I kneel before thee. To-day I would delight to re- member what thy word tells us of the holy angels. Wilt thou not give them a charge concerning me, to protect me from harm, and to influence my heart by their gentle and loving presence ? There are many holy and beautiful angels around thy throne, and hast thou not said that they are sent on errands of love to us ? Lord, if thou hast indeed committed me, who am so helpless, to the sweet care and love of one of these holy beings, grant that 2* i8 COMING TO THE KING. I may not grieve that loving friend, by wicked thoughts or acts. May I remember that by-and-by the angels shall gather out of thy kingdom all things that offend and them which do iniquity. Oh, keep me, dear Father, from every sin, and may the angels bring me at last into thine arms for Jesus' sake. Amen. JEvenivg. A GOD, my gracious and loving Father, how ^ much I need the mercy which thou art so ready to show to those who are sorry for their sins ! I have done the things I ought not to have done ; I have left undone the things I ought to have done. I beseech of thee to look upon Jesus, thy dear Son, in whom thou art well pleased, as my Saviour, suffering my punishment, and offering his perfect righteousness in the place of my in- gratitude and sin. Thou art, Lord, a great and glorious King, and I have broken thy just and holy COMING TO THE KING. X g laws ; but I grieve most of all because I have offended such a kind and tender Father. God, let me not go on in my evil ways, thinking that thou wilt still be patient with me, and overlook my sin ! Let thy goodness make me grateful and obedient, and grant thy forgiving mercy to my soul through Jesus, my Saviour. Amen. 20 COMING TO THE KING. FIFTH DA Y. THROUGH the day Thy love has spared ua Now we lay us down to rest ; Through the silent watches guard us, Let no foe our peace molest : Jesus thou our guardian be ; Sweet it is to trust in thee. Pilgrims here on earth, and strangers, Dwelling in the midst of foes, Us and ours preserve from dangers ; In thine arms may we repose ; And, when life's short day is past, Rest with thee in heaven at last. anon. Thou, even thou, art Lord alone : thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are there- in, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou pre- servest them all ; and the host of heaven worship- ped! thee. Neh. ix. 6. Glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. 1 Cor. vi. 20. COMING TO THE KING. 2 l Morning. ETERNAL and infinite God ! I worship •^ thee as the only true and holy God ; thou art worthy of all praise and love ; thou art from everlasting, and the worlds were made by thy power ; thou gavest me my being, and to thy compassion and mercy I owe all my blessings. O God, teach me to understand more about the life which my soul shall have after my body is laid in the grave ; prepare me to spend eternity with the happy saints and angels in heaven. May I feel the value of the few days and years 1 am to spend here upon the earth. Let me not forget, heav- enly Father, that the young often die, and that I may be taken out of the world at any time. Lord, I pray thee to accept my thanks for the sweet hope of life and happi- ness in heaven. I will not be afraid of death, for the blessed Saviour will receive me into his arms when I leave earthly friends. Lord, I beseech thee not to re- 22 COMING TO THE KING. member my many sins, but wash them all away in Jesus' blood, and save my soul for his sake. Amen. Evening. TIEAVENLY Father ! I bow at thy feet J - J - this evening to thank thee for all the gifts which fall from thy bountiful hand upon me. Oh ! let me give myself to thee ; may I keep nothing back. I rejoice to know that I am not my own, but that with my body and soul I belong to the dear Saviour. May my eye look with faith to Jesus ; may I trust and love him. Let my ear be opened to his voice, and may I sit with delight at Jesus' feet, hearing his word. Give my hand some work to do for him who has done so much for me, and give me a faithful spirit. Oh ! may my feet fol- low in his holy steps, and run the way of God's commandments. May my lips speak of Jesus' love, and sing his praise. Lord, COMING TO THE KING. 23 I would give my whole heart to him who gave himself for me. Mercifully forgive my sins this night. Watch over me and all whom I love while we rest ; may we offer unto thee grateful hearts as we close our eyes to sleep, and may we wake to enjoy thy continued good- ness. I ask it all in Jesus' name. Amen. 24 COMING TO THE KING. SIXTH DAY. H OD of mercy, throned on high, Listen from thy lofty seat, Hear, oh hear our feeble cry, Guide, oh guide our wandering feet ! Young and erring travelers, we All our dangers do not know ; Scarcely fear the stormy sea, Hardly feel the tempest blow. Jesus, lover of the young, Cleanse us with thy blood divine ! Ere the tide of sins grow strong, Save us, keep us, make us thine ! Let us ever hear thy voice, Ask thy counsel every day ; Saints and angels will rejoice, If we walk in wisdom's way. anon. I will instruct thee, and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go : I will guide thee with mine eye. Ps. xxxii. 8. COMING TO THE KING. 25 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and af- terward receive me to glory. Ps. lxxiii. 24. Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Luke xv. 10. Morning. A LOKD, every morning when I rise I ^ would start anew on my pleasant jour- ney to my heavenly home. Please to show me the wrong steps I have taken in the past ; please to guide me to-day, and in all my life. When my parents reprove me for wrong- doing, may I be sorry for my fault, and wilt thou make me submissive to their correction. May I never be proud or boastful or obsti- nate, but keep me humble and careful and obedient. Lord, bless me not only, but grant thy mercy to every child in all the world ; send blessings to all the poor and to those who 3 26 COMING TO THE KING. are sick ; let the love of Jesus be known over all the earth. I offer my prayer in Jesus 7 name. Amen. Evening. TTELP me, Lord, to feel that I am in -"- thy holy presence when I kneel to pray. Help me to put away all other thoughts from my mind ; and please to bend thine ear to my prayer. I have been permitted to enjoy the pleas- ures of another day, and now I come to ask thee, my Father in heaven, to watch over me while I sleep, and to wake me in the morning with a grateful and obedient heart. I am ashamed that I do so little that can please God ; be pleased to accept my simple faith, while I try to lay my sins on Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God ; help me to un- derstand how he became a sacrifice for me, and for his sake hear my prayer. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 2 -j SEVENTH DAY. T AMB of God, I look to thee ; -^ Thou shalt my example be ; Thou art gentle, meek, and mild ; Thou wast once a little child. Fain I would be as thou art ; Give me thy obedient heart ! Thou art pitiful and kind ; Let me have thy loving mind. Loving Jesus, gentle Lamb, In thy gracious hands I am ; Make me, Saviour, what thou art ! Live thyself within my heart ! I shall then show forth thy praise ; Serve thee all my happy days ; Then the world shall always see Christ, the Holy Child, in me. CHARLES WESLEY. The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world ! J no. i # xxix. 2 8 COMING TO THE KING. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus. Phil. ii. v. Beware lest thou forget the Lord. Deut. vi. 1 2. God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able ; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Cor. x. 13. To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the para- dise of God. Rev. ii. 7. Morning. A LORD GOD, though thou art such a " great and holy Being, thy word tells me that thou dost think upon me, and that thou dost love and pity me. Thou art in- deed the best friend I can have ; my earthly father cannot love me with such a love as thine. Thy thoughts of us are full of mercy, and thou hast spoken to us by the sweet and gentle voice of Jesus, our dear Saviour. Lord, help me this morning to offer a COMING TO THE KING. 29 new song of praise to thee ; and please to put within me a more obedient heart. I would think of thee this day, dear heavenly Father ; in the midst of my pleas- ures may I remember thee with gratitude ; when I am tempted to sin, may I remember thy commands, and fear the Lord. I be- seech of thee, God, to hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. OLORD, thou hast again commanded the darkness to cover the earth, and I am come to offer unto thea my evening prayer. My days pass swiftly away in the midst of thy blessings. Oh help me to remember that if my life is spared, I shall have real and important duties to perform. May my char- acter and manners be improved each day. Let not my wicked heart deceive me ; but help me to cultivate a noble and pure spirit, that I may be prepared to do good in the world. 3* 3 o COMING TO THE KING. To-night I pray for the forgiveness of all my sins ; give me, I pray thee, a holy desire to overcome every wrong disposition, and wash me thoroughly from every stain of sin. Into thy merciful hands I commit myself and my dear friends this night ; please to grant us thy mercy, for Jesus' sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 31 EIGHTH BAY. HTHE Spirit, like a peaceful dove, ■^ Flies from the realms of noise and strife : Why should we yex and grieve his love, Who seals our souls to heavenly life ! Tender and kind be all our thoughts ; Through all our lives let mercy run : So God forgives our numerous faults, For the dear sake of Christ, his Son. WATTS. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. Gen. iv. 5. A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. Prov. xv. 13. Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth ; keep the door of my lips. Ps. cxli. 3. My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. Job xxvii. 4. I beseech thee, show me thy glory. Ex. xxxiii. 18. 32 COMING TO THE KING. Morning. TvEAR Jesus! I do not wonder that the *J little children ran with gladness into thine arms when thou wast on the earth. Thy smile was sweet to see, and thy voice was gentle and kind. Oh may there be upon my face the signs of a loving and Christ-like spirit. Open thou my lips, that all my words may be such as thou wouldst have me speak. Let no little word of mine stir up strife or cause unhappiness among my companions. But may I always wear a pleasant smile, and may my voice show a happy heart to all around me. Bless me this day, God, I pray thee, and hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. DEAR heavenly Father, thou hast mer- cifully spared me through another day. I thank thee for thy goodness. To-night COMING TO THE KING. 33 I ask thy forgiveness for the many things which I have done displeasing to thee. I know that I ought to love thee per- fectly. Oh show me something of thy glory, that I may have in my heart a real spirit of worship and love to thee. May the Holy Spirit teach me to know God, and may he so change my wicked heart that I may love that which is right. Lord, remember all my dear friends to-night, and let thy mercy protect us for Jesus' sake. Amen. 34 COMING TO THE KINO. NINTH DA Y. "RATHER in heaven, look down, I pray, And guide my steps throughout the day ; Let not my thoughts to sin incline, But fill me with thy grace divine. Let all my words and actions be Restrained and governed, Lord, by thee ; Bless my dear friends whom thou hast given To teach my soul the way to heaven. Bless me, dear Lord, again I pray ; Let nothing tempt me from the way Which leads at last, through Jesus' love, To that sweet home of joy above. a w. h. The Lord your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away his face from you, if ye re- turn unto him. 2 Chron. xxx. 9. Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger,, and of great kindness, Neh. ix. 17. COMING TO THE KING. 35 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. Ps. ciii. 13. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done : and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy ser- vant; for I have done very foolishly. 2 Sam. xxiv. 10. Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart • for consider how great things he hath done for you. 1 Sam. xii. 24. The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John i. 7. Morning. "HEAR Jesus, my precious Saviour, I often " wish that I could see thee ; I think it would be easier to be good and obedient, if I could always see thee by my side. I know that thou art up in heaven, and that thou sendest to me the good things I receive ! Thou hast written to me in thy holy word ; and the good and holy men who followed thee when thou wast upon the 3 6 COMING TO THE KING. earth, have told us what they heard thee say, and saw thee do. Lord, open my eyes of faith, to see thee and know thee ; may I be sure of thy love to me, and believe in thee in my heart, though I cannot see thee. Help me to-day to act just as if I saw thee walking near me and looking upon me. Amen. Evening. A GOD, I have a sinful nature ; there are " proud and foolish thoughts, and selfish wishes in my heart ; and thou canst see them all. Thine eye has watched me all through this day ; and thine ear has heard all that I have said. I am sorry for all my sins, and for the mistakes I have made in my poor attempts to do right. O Lord, do not keep the re- cord of my wicked acts upon thy book, I pray thee ; but before I fall asleep, let it all be blotted out for the dear Saviour's sake. Bless my brothers and sisters and our COMING TO THE KING. 37 dear father and mother to-night ; please to hear their many prayers for us and make us what they wish us to be. May we never grieve their hearts by ungrateful and wicked conduct. In our childhood, dear heavenly Father, may we by thy -grace acquire holy and useful habits, that our life here in this world may be to thy glory, and a comfort to our parents. Lord, cleanse my heart from all its sins in the precious blood of Christ, and accept my prayer for His sake. Amen. 38 COMING TO THE KING. TENTH DA T. /^REAT God, and wilt thou condescend ^ To be my Father and my Friend ? I, a poor child, and thou so high, The Lord of earth, and air, and sky ! Art thou my Father ? Let me be A meek, obedient child to thee ; And try in word, and deed, and thought, To serve and please thee as I ought. Art thou my Father ? I'll depend Upon the care of such a Friend ; And only wish to do, and be, Whatever seemeth good to thee. Art thou my Father ? Then at last, When all my days on earth are passed, Send down and take me in thy love, To be thy better child above. JANE TAYLOR. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you. Jno. xv. 9. COMING TO THE KING. 39 If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. Rom. viii. 9. The Lord knoweth them that are his. 2 Tim. ii. 19. What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? Ps. cxvi. 12. I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live ; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. Ps. civ. 33. Cease to do evil. Is. i. 16. Learn to do well. Is. i. 17. That which I see not, teach thou me ; if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Job xxxiv. 32. Morning. TXE AR heavenly Father, I bow down to of- " fer unto thee my worship. Thou hast given to me my life ; and all my privileges and enjoyments are the gifts of thy love. To-day, I pray thee help me to improve in good behavior ; keep me from repeating the wrong acts I have done in the past ; 4° COMING TO THE KING. keep my tongue from speaking again the words which have displeased thee. God, fill my heart with love to thee, and give me a true desire to be thy dear child. Please to grant thy mercy to all my friends, and bless the whole world for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. rpHE sun has gone down, and the little ■*- birds have folded their wings, and hushed their happy songs. I kneel before thee again, dear Father in heaven, to thank thee for all thy goodness and to ask thee still to keep me in thy loving care. How tenderly have I been cared for to- day by all my dear friends ! I can never repay my father and my mother for all their love ; God, I beseech thee to make me careful to do the things they bid me. Oh hear their many prayers for me, that I may grow up to live a holy and happy life. I ask it for the dear Redeemer's sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. + i ELEVENTH DA T. TELL, if thou canst, how yonder flower -*■ To life and light has burst its way ; Through ten long months beneath the ground Its snowy petals torpid lay. Then I will teach thee how a child From death's long slumber can awake. And, to eternal life renewed, His robe of heavenly beauty take. "While from the dust, each circling year, The snow-drop lifts its humble head, Say, shall I doubt God's equal power, To call me from my lowly bed ? ANON. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. xii. 2. Marvel not at this : for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth ; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life ; and they that 4* 42 COMING TO THE KING. have done evil, unto the resurrection of damna- tion. Jno* v. 28, 29. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved. Acts xvi. 3 1 . Morning. T COME into thy presence this morning, -*- my heavenly Father, to thank thee for the care which has shielded me through the hours of another night How wonderful and kind is the power that created and pre- serves my body ! I laid down to sleep and soon forgot all that was around me ; but God has opened my eyes again, and made my limbs to move obedient to my will. Lord, help me to remember that by-and-by my body must sleep in the grave, till the voice of Jesus shall wake me to enjoy a bet- ter life. How sweet it is to know that thou, God, dost care for every one of us ; that thou wilt some time call us out of the world to be with thee in heaven ! COMING TO TEE KING. 43 Make me obedient to thee, my heavenly Father, and to my earthly parents, and after this life receive my soul, for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. T\EAR Jesus! thou art the Almighty Son *J of God, yet thou didst come down to our world and clothe thyself with flesh and blood ; thou didst suffer wicked men to nail thy blessed body to the cross ; thou didst permit them to pierce thy side, and to put a crown of thorns upon thy head. Oh ! what love it was in thee to die for such poor sinners as we are ! And yet, dear Je- sus, my heart is so hard that it does not love thee as it ought ; it is so wicked that it does not hate its sins ! I pray thee to take away this hard and stony heart and give me a heart full of gratitude and love to thee. To-day I have tried to please thee ; I know that what I have done has been only a poor return for thy love to me ; but I pray thee 44 COMING TO THE KING. to look with kindness upon me, and to ac- cept my desire to please thee. Bless me while I rest in my bed ; let me awake in the morning as cheerful as the little birds, who sing thy praise. Dear Father in heaven, hear my prayer for Jesus 7 sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 49 TWELFTH DA Y. TITE are soldiers doing battle, ' * Day by day, and hour by hour, Each one with his own temptations Striving in the Spirit's power ; Still that Spirit stronger groweth In the hearts that hold it fast ; He will help us, teach us, crown us, More than conquerors at the last. A^ON. And God said, Ask what I shall give thee, i Kings iii. 5. Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask him. Matt. vi. 8. But my God shall supply all your need accord- ing to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil, iv. 19. Let me hear thy voice. Cant. ii. 14. The way of the righteous is made plain. Pro v. xv. 19. + 6 COMING TO THE KING. Morning. T|BAR heavenly Father, I know that I am U graciously permitted to ask of thee those things which thou hast promised. Hast thou not said that thou wilt give wisdom to those who ask it of thee? I pray thee to teach me thy ways and show me the path of life. Hast thou not promised to give strength to those who wish to be good soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ ? I pray thee that love to our glorious leader, may make me bold and courageous in fight- ing against every sin. God, thou hast offered to us many pre- cious gifts, but especially do I beg of thee the Holy Spirit to dwell in my soul. Grant unto me these mercies for my dear Redeem- er's sake. Amen. o Evening. GOD, I thank thee that the sweet and holy religion which Jesus, the blessed COMING TO THE KING. 47 Saviour, teaches, is so simple and plain that I can understand so much of its holy truth. I rejoice, God, that though thou art so in- finite and holy, I need not be afraid to kneel and speak to thee. How sweet the thought of thy love to us is ! We are happy and safe in thy tender care. Lord, to-night have mercy upon me and all whom I love ; bless the poor, and the sick, and all for whom we ought to pray. Oh let the happy time soon come when the whole world shall hear of Jesus, and love his dear name. Will God accept my worship and petitions for the dear Redeemer's sake. Amen. 48 COMING TO THE KING. THIRTEENTH HA T. TI7E could not know that God is love, ' * If left to nature's book alone ; The earth and sky could never prove That mercy sits upon the throne. We could not read the Saviour's name Upon the beams of morning light ; The star which shone when Jesus came Is faded from the vault of night. The Bible tells us how he died, That we might have eternal bliss ; Oh ! see his bleeding hands and side ! Was ever love so great as this ? He wrought a robe for us to wear Before Jehovah's glorious throne : Canst thou in nature tell me where This wondrous love of God is shown ? g. w. H. And that from a child thou haet known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise CCMING TO THE KING. 49 unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Je- sus. 2 Tim. iii. 15. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps. cxix. 105. The soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as his own soul. 1 Sam. xviii. 1. Morning. A GOD, thou hast again divided the light ^ from the darkness, and given us an- other bright and cheerful day ; please to bliss me as I bring to thee my morning prayer and offering of praise. ; ' Bless me as I read thy Holy word ; may it seem to me as the voice of God speaking to me. Lord, let the Holy Bible be like a heavenly guide very near to me, to keep me in the way which leads to eternal life. Ac- cept my thanks that I have been taught to read, so that I can open the holy book, and find the precious promises and the sweet 5 5° COMING TO THE KING. words of Jesus. Oh that it might bring the tears to ray eyes, when I read how my dear Saviour was crucified for me ; how his head and hands and side were pierced, that his precious blood might flow to wash away my sins ! Oh help me to remember his love to- day, that I may strive to please him. Heav- enly Father, hear my prayer, for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. f\ LORD, thy kind care has brought me to ^ the close of another day ; make me se- rious and solemn while I remember that one more day of my life is gone. Will God for Jesus' sake forgive every sin I have commit- ted since I rose this morning, and may all the sins of my life be washed away in the dear Redeemer's blood. I have enjoyed to-day the care and love of tender friends. How shall I thank thee enough, dear heavenly Father, for those who love me so well and do so much for my good COMING TO THE KING. 51 and happiness. I thank thee too for the love of my young companions ; may I be wise and careful in the selection of friends ; may I choose those who fear and love God, and may we help each other to grow daily more and more like the holy Jesus. God, may my friends here upon the earth be not only sweet and dear to me, but also true and faithful, that, in our heavenly home we may meet to love each other, and to enjoy a hap- py eternity. I ask it all for Jesus' sake Amen. 5 2 COMING TO THE KING. FO TJRTEENTH DA Y. THERE is a green hill far away, A Without a city wall, Where the dear Lord was crucified, Who died to save us all. We may not know, we cannot tell What pains he had to bear, But we believe it was for us He hung and suffered there. He died that we might be forgiven, He died to make us good ; That we might go at last to Heaven, Saved by his precious blood. c. F. H. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Jno. iii. 16, 17. If ye love me, keep my commandments. Jno. xiv. 15. COMING TO THE KING. 53 Morning. A GOD, I know that closing my eyes, and " kneeling upon my knees, and repealing words which I do not think about, is not praying unto thee. I know that if my heart does not desire the things I ask, that thou wilt not hear me ; and if I do not offer my prayer in the dear Redeemer's name, thou wilt not receive it. Please to teach me how to pray unto thee, for without thy favor and blessing I shall be poorer than the poorest being upon the earth. God, I beg of thee those things which I need for my body and my soul. I bow at thy feet and ask thee to do for me more and better than I can ask or think, for my blessed Saviour's sake. Amen. Evening. T\EAR Jesus, my precious Saviour, thou U hast given thvself for me and suffered 54 COMING TO THE KING. the shameful death of the cross that I might be redeemed from all my sins, and be puri- fied by the Holy Spirit. I know, dear Jesus, that God, the holy Father, is ready and willing to hear thy prayer for me, and to receive me to be his child. Oh help me to do good works ; may I strive to be holy, and wilt thou teach me to trust in thy merits for the mercy of God to my soul ! Dear Lord, forgive all my sinful thoughts and actions this day, and though I am so unworthy, continue thy goodness to me. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 55 FIFTEENTH DA Y. THY home is with the humble, Lord ! -*• The simplest are the best ; Thy lodging is in child-like hearts ; Thou makest there thy rest. Dear Comforter ! Eternal Love ! If thou wilt stay with me, Of lowly thoughts and simple ways I'll build a house for thee. Who made this beating heart of mine But thou, my heavenly G-uest ? Let no one have it, then, but thee, And let it be thy rest ! ANON That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith. Eph. hi. 17. This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips ; but their heart is far from me. Matt. xv. 8. And let him that is athirst come. And whoso- 5 6 COMING TO THE KING. ever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev. xxii. 17. Thou wilt show me the path of life : in thy presence is fullness of joy ; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Ps. xvi. 1 1 . Morning. MOST gracious and infinite Father! while •***- I am kneeling in thy holy presence, may I feel that I am indeed speaking to God ; may I pray with my heart as well as with my lips. Thou art not a God afar off, but thou art near, and canst see me and hear me as easily as my dear mother can, when I kneel by her side. Lord, remember me to-day, and put the Holy Spirit into my heart, that I may not forget thee. Bless my parents, my brothers and sisters, and every one dear to me. Bless the children I see around me, who do not fear God and do not love him. Lord Jesus, the Lamb of God, who COMING TO THE KING. 57 taketh away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us all, and save our souls. Amen. Evening. TT7XTH joy, dear Jesus, I come to thee to- » » night, to praise and thank thee for the happiness and pleasure thou hast given me this day. I have enjoyed thy goodness in every hour, and I desire to confess that there is nothing in me to merit such kind- ness from thee, the great and righteous God. But, Lord, though thou shouldst bestow upon me an infinite number of gifts and mercies, I should still be poor and needy without thy smile and love in my heart. And I am not satisfied without feeling thy love in my soul, for thy love seems to me to be the living water which thou hast offered to us to drink. Oh dear Father in heaven, though I am so young my heart is not con- tented with only the good things which thou hast given me to enjoy ; thy blessed Spirit 58 COMING TO THE KINO. has taught me to thirst for the sweet river of thy pleasures. Grant unto me, I pray thee, thy love and presence in my heart, to be my chief happiness. I pray, Lord, for the thousands of poor and ignorant people who know nothing better than the pleasures of the body ; who never think of heaven, and know not the way to its joys. Oh, send down thy blessing upon all the world to-night. I ask it all for Jesus' sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 59 SIXTEENTH DA Y. pHILD of Mary, thou dost know, ^ What of danger, joy, or woe, Shall to-day my portion be, Let me meet it all in thee. Thou wast meek and undefiled, Make me holy too, and mild ; Thou didst foil the tempter's power, Help me in temptation's hour. Thou didst love thy mother here, Make me gentle, kind, and dear ; Thou wast subject to her word, Teach me to obey, O Lord ! Fretful feelings, passion, pride, Never did with thee abide : Make me watch myself to-day, That they lead me not astray. C. F. H. I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me. Ps. iii. 5. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags. Is. lxiv. 6. 60 COMING TO THE KING. Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Ps. li. 2. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment ; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. Rev. iii. 5. Morning. T THANK thee, God, that I am again •*-' permitted to rise from my bed, and pre- pare myself for the pleasant duties and en- joyments of a new day. While I am dress- ing I would remember the holy word which says, " Let thy garments be always white." Oh that to-day no spot of sin might be found upon my soul. Lord, keep my con- science pure, and my heart undefiled ; let not hypocrisy, nor envy, nor selfishness, nor vanity, nor any other sin, pollute my soul. Let not the seeds and roots of sin in me bear fruit to offend thee, and destroy my own happiness. God, do not let me set COMING TO THE KING. 6 1 a wicked and dangerous example to my playmates and friends, but purify and bless, and save me. Wash my soul in Jesus' blood, and keep it white by thy grace. May I deny myself every evil indulgence, and do thou, dear Saviour, make me watch- ful against every temptation. Lord, hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. "HEAR Jesus, draw me close to thy side to-night, and make me feel that thou art listening to my prayer. Thou art my best and kindest friend ; when I hear thy name my heart is full of praise and joy. Lord, my blessed Saviour, wilt thou not take care of me all the years of my life ? Wilt thou not deliver me from every danger by thy strong arm ? I trust in thee to save me from all that can harm me ; but above all, from sin. I am too weak and ignorant to take care of myself ; I pray thee to do 6 62 COMING TO THE KINO. all things for me, and at last to lead me into the heavenly home. Dear Jesus, how holy and happy are the blessed spirits who live with thee ! We, who are in this world, are like children far away from our Father's house ; please to take me into thy care, and keep me from wandering out of the path that leads to thee. Have mercy upon the children who live in ignorance, and know nothing of thy love. Bless the missionaries who preach the gospel to the heathen. Lord, have mercy upon me, and upon all for whom I should pray. I ask it all for Jesus 7 sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 63 SEVENTEENTH DA Y. ^THE Saviour bids us watch and pray, A Through life's brief fleeting hour, And giyes the Spirit's quickening ray To those who seek its power. The Saviour bids us watch and pray, For soon the hour will come, That calls us from the earth away, To our eternal home. O Saviour, we would watch and pray, And hear thy sacred voice ; And walk as thou hast marked the way, To heaven's eternal joys. HASTINGS. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nether have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Cor. ii. 9. If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, 64 COMING TO THE KING. honorable ; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words : Then shalt thou de- light thyself in the Lord. Is. lviii. 13, 14. Morning. "FvEAR Jesus, wilt thou not teach me when *J I read thy Holy Bible to take the sweet words into my heart. Thou canst make me feel that the precious promises are for me though I am so young. Hast thou not said- that when we call upon thee thou wilt hear ? Please to hear me this morning, and help me to understand thy holy book ; may I read in it with reverence and gratitude. When I go to the house of God upon the Sabbath, may the light of thy truth shine upon my mind and heart ; may the Holy Spirit give to me my portion of the heavenly bread. May the Sabbath be the sweetest day of all the week to me ; let me never be guilty of breaking thy command to keep it holy. COMING TO THE KING. 65 Lord, bless me in the Sabbath-school ; help me to study the lessons, and to remem- ber my teacher's instructions. Prepare me to sing thy praise in heaven with all who love thee there. I ask it for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. * T\EAR heavenly Father! all my life has ■^ been happy under thy protecting wing ; thou hast shielded me from the dangers of another day and given me many blessings to enjoy. I thank thee for my home, my friends, and for my claily bread. Thou hast given these gifts of thy mercy to me, because the blessed Saviour lived and died to obtain thy compassion and pity for us who are so unworthy of thy goodness. But, dear Lord, thy love to my soul is greater than these mercies to my poor body; I will praise thee as long as I live for the gift of thy dear Son, I will bless thee when I lie down, and when I rise up, because he 6* 66 COMING TO THE KING. came into the world to save lost sinners. With a penitent heart I ask thy forgiveness of all my sins. God, spare my life through the night I pray thee ; bless my dear parents and all my friends, and all for whom I ought to pray, for Jesus' sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 67 EIGHTEENTH HA Y. TTAST thou invited me to come, Dear Saviour, to thy loving breast ? Within thy heart can there be room, For such a young and sinful guest ? Gladly I seek thy smiling face ; Thy invitation I accept ; Led by the kindness of thy grace Let me in paths of life be kept. a. w. h. But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me ; for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matt. xix. 14. He shall feed his flock like a Shepherd ; he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom. Is. xl. 11. Morning. pKEAT God, I look up to thee, and hum- " bly ask thee to bend thine ear to my prayer, and to permit me to come near to thee through Jesus Christ, my Saviour. 68 COMING TO THE KING. Before I open thy word to read its sacred truths I would ask for the presence and help of the Holy Spirit. I know that I may search the Scriptures every day, and re- ceive no good to my soul, unless the Spirit makes me to see the beauty of Jesus as his glory shines on every page. And I know that in my blindness and ignorance I shall never see how much I need a Saviour, if the Holy Spirit does not show to me my sins and my danger of eternal punishment. I love the Bible, because it unfolds to me the wonderful love of the dear Redeemer ! God, I beseech of thee, let the Holy Spirit enter into my heart and make it a pure and holy place for the blessed Jesus to dwell in ; may thy word show me the way in which I should go, and may the influence of the Spirit make me to walk in it. Lord, strengthen my memory, that I may keep this precious word in my heart, that I may not sin against thee. I ask it all for Jesus' sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 69 Evening. A LMIGHTY God, thy goodness has fol- ^*- lowed me through the hours of another day ; the same tenderness and pity which feeds the little birds has provided for all my wants. I lift my heart to thee to thank thee for such constant love and care. Thou art never weary of doing us good, though we grow so soon tired of keeping thy com- mandments. Thou art kind and good to all ; thou art full of love. Lord, if I have shown a selfish or ungenerous spirit to-day, I pray thee to forgive it ; if Ihave been stubborn or disobedient ; if I have forgotten the holy example of Jesus, when he was a child sub- ject to his parents ; I pray to be forgiven for his sake. Take me into thine arms to- night, dear Father in heaven, and bless me. Oh, put the Holy Spirit into my heart ; make me more and more like Jesus ! God, hear my prayer for the dear Redeem- er's sake. Amen. 7o COMING TO THE KING. NINETEENTH DA Y. A S with gladness men of old Did the guiding-star behold ; As with joy they hailed its light, Leading onward, beaming bright ; So, most gracious God, may we Evermore be led by thee. As with joyful steps they sped To that lowly manger-bed ; There to bend the knee before Him whom heayen and earth adore ; So may we with willing feet Eyer seek thy mercy-seat. Holy Jesus ! every day Keep us in the narrow way ; And, when earthly things are past Bring our ransomed souls at last "Where they need no star to guide, Where no clouds thy glory hide. w. c. DIX. And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, COMING TO THE KING. yi in that day when I make up my jewels. Mai. iii. 17. Ye are bought with a price, 1 Cor. vii. 23. For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not ; I will help thee. Is. xli. 13. Morning. A LORD, may I believe that I am one of ^ thy jewels ? Is my soul like a precious gem in thy sight ? I would praise thee for thy love ! Help me to remember the price which Jesus paid that my soul miglit belong to him ! God, I rejoice to know that thou wilt take care of me and keep me by thy power, and at last set me as a shining gem in Jesus 7 crown. This day may I often think of what the dear Saviour has done for me ; help me to tell my playmates and friends how sweet it is to feel the love of Jesus in my heart ; may they learn from me to love him too, and to do the things which please him. Dear heav- 7 2 COMING TO THE KING. enly Father, make me more lovely and holy that I may shine like one of thy jewels here in this world. I ask it all for my Saviour's sake-. Amen. Evening* "HEAR Father in heaven, I kneel before •U thy glorious throne to-night to receive thy blessing. Thou hast seen my efforts to- day to please thee ; thou hast helped me to resist some of my temptations. I thank thee that I am not left with only my own strength and wishes to do right, for I could not take a step in the right way if thou shouldst leave me to myself. Dear Jesus, hold my hand, I pray, and be my gracious guide and helper. Pardon all my sins through the past day, and put thy merciful arms around me to- night. God, hear me for my Saviour's sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING-. 73 TWENTIETH DA Y. Q WELL the anthem, raise the song ; Praises to our God belong ; Saints and angels ! join to sing Praises to the heavenly king. Blessings from his liberal hand Flow around this happy land : Kept by him, no foes annoy ; Peace and freedom we enjoy. Here beneath a virtuous sway, May we cheerfully obey ; Never feel oppression's rod, Ever own and worship God. Hark ! the voice of nature sings Praises to the King of kings ; Let us join the choral song, And the grateful notes prolong. ANON. The fear of man bringeth a snare. Prov. xxix. 25. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil. Prov. vhi. 13. 7 74 COMING TO THE KINO. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. Ex. xxiii. 2. The just upright man is laughed to scorn. Job xii. 4. For God is the King of all the earth. Ps. xlvii. 7. And I will give peace in the land, and ye shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. Lev. xxvi. 6. Morning. A LMIGHTY God, thou art the King of -^ kings, and the Lord of the whole earth ! Thy great kindness has given me my home in this favored land, where thy Sabbaths are loved and thy word is preached. Our lives and our homes are protected by our Government and rulers. Lord, I pray for my country ; that our laws may be just, protecting the good, and punishing wrong- doers. Bless all our people with happiness and peace. Forgive our enemies, and may the law of love rule our hearts. Save us, COMING TO THE KING. 75 dear Father in heaven, from pestilence and famine ; , provide for the poor and needy ; and deliver us all from the evil we deserve. Teach all men everywhere to worship thee, and to live in thy fear. Almighty God, hear my prayer for my native land ; may I ever be loyal and patri- otic, and may I appreciate the mercy of God, which has surrounded me with such advantages and protection. I offer these petitions unto thee, God, in the dear Redeemer's name. Amen. Evening. A LORD, I come to thee at the close of " this day, to thank thee for all the lov- ing kindness thou hast shown me. I thank thee, God, for the grace of the Holy Spirit, which makes me desire to give thee my heart, and to obey thee. Some of my companions would tempt me to cast off the fear of God, and to yield to sinful pleas- 7 6 COMING TO THE KING. ures. Oh, my dear heavenly Father ! thou knowest how weak I am, and how wicked my heart is ! Do not let me be afraid of ridicule ; do not let me be ashamed of show- ing my fear of sin, and my love to the dear Saviour ! Lord, forgive me, I pray thee, if to-day I have followed others to do that which I knew was wrong. Oh, give me a tender conscience at all times, and give me courage to try to do right. Please to protect me and all my friends this night, and accept my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 77 TWENTY-FIRST DA T. TTHERE'S not a leaf within the bower ; **■ There's not a bird upon the tree ; There's not a dew-drop on the flower ; But bears the impress, Lord, of thee. Thy hand the varied leaf designed, And gave the bird its thrilling tone ; Thy power the dew-drop's tints combined, Till like the diamond's blaze they shone. Yes, dew-drops, leaves, and buds, and all, The smallest, like the greatest, things ; The sea's vast space, the earth's wide ball, Alike proclaim thee King of kings. MRS. OPIE. Honor thy father and thy mother. Ex. xx. 1 2. Let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents : for that is good and ac- ceptable before God. 1 Tim. v. 4. Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God ! 1 J no. iii. 1. 7 8 COMING TO THE KING. Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear chil dren. Eph. v. I. Morning. A GAIN do I thank thee, God, for the -£*- cheerful light, which makes every crea- ture happy. Thou hast added yet another day to my life. Oh, how merciful, dear heavenly Father, hast thou been to me ever since I was born ! I see thy mercy and goodness in the pleasant sunshine, in the air I breathe, and in all the beautiful things of the earth around me. Lord, every thing in creation obeys thee, and shows thy loving kindness. God, help me to obey thee, too ; help me to-day to do the very best I can ; may I be careful to regard my parents' wishes in the smallest things. Please to hear my prayers for all my friends and companions ; may we all love and obey the dear Saviour, who died that we might be saved. For his sake, hear my prayer. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 79 Evening. T\EAR Jesus, thou art the blessed Saviour, ^ who didst come down from the skies to save our lost world ; many happy men, and women, and children, saw thy face and touched thy hand. It made them sad to see thee leave the earth and go back into heaven. I wish that my eyes could see thy gracious smile, when I come to seek thee. I wish I could feel thy gentle hand upon my head, while I feel in my heart that I have found thee. For I know thou art near to me — that I may always find thee ready to listen to my prayers. Nothing in the world can make me so happy as thy love ; thy mercies to me are more in number than the drops of dew, bat I pray thee let thy smile be to me the sweetest of all thy blessings. Help me every day to feel that I am only a little pil- grim travelling to that happy home where I shall see and be with thee for ever. Amen. 8o COMING TO THE KING. TWENTY-SECOND DAY. VOTING and happy while thou art, Not a furrow on thy brow, Not a sorrow in thy heart, Seek the Lord, thy Saviour, now. In its freshness bring the flower, While the dew upon it lies ; In the cool and cloudless hour Of the morning sacrifice. Life will haye its eyil years, When its skies are oyercast ; All the present thronged with fears, And with yain regrets the past : Let him tremble, who his heart In an hour like that would bring, Lest Jehoyah say, " Depart ! 9 Tis a worn and worthless thing." ANON. Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them. Eccl. xii. i* COMING TO THE KING, 81 Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Father, thou art the guide of my youth ? Jer. iii. 4. I love them that love me ; and those that seek rne early shall find me. Prov. viii. 17. Morning. TTOW good hast thou been to me, my A heavenly Father ! How sweetly and safely have I slept under the shadow of thy wings ! I pray thee to accept my thanks- givings for all thy goodness. To-day, Lord, help me to try more than ever to please thee. As the little birds beat their wings and try to fly, so Fwould make every effort that I can to do the things I ought to do, and to be a Christian child. Keep me, I pray thee, from growing weary in well-do- ing. I thank thee that children have a place in thy kingdom, and that we may ask thee for thy grace to help us. May I keep close to the Saviour ; let me never wander away from his hand, and grieve him by my diso- bedience. Help me to make my parents 82 COMING TO THE KING. happy to-day by my constant regard to their wishes. Oh that I could spend one day without sin. Lord, lead me not into temp- tation, but deliver me from evil, for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. A GOD, how great is thy love and pity ^J toward us ! how great was thy mercy in sending thy dear Son to redeem us ! I would give thee the best love of my heart ; please to help me to trust the Lord Jesus as my Saviour. Have mercy, clear Jesus, upon the poor and friendless little children, who know so little of thee. Oh send some one to tell them of thy love to us ; send some kind friends to do them good ; make me willing and glad to deny myself, to give them a share in the blessings which thou hast given me. Dear heavenly Father, forgive all my ingratitude for thy great mercies and bless me still for Jesus' sake. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 83 TWENTY-THIRD DA Y A S a bird in meadows fair Or in lonely forest sings Till it fills the summer air, And the greenwood sweetly rings. So my heart to thee would raise, O my God, its song of praise That the gloom of night is o'er And I see the sun once more. If thou, Sun of Love, arise, All my heart with joy is stirred, And to greet thee upward flies, Gladsome as yon little bird. Shine thou in me clear and bright Till I learn to praise thee right, Guide me in the narrow way, Let me ne'er in darkness stray. Bless to-day whatc'er I do, Bless what e'er I have and love : From the paths of virtue true Let me never, never rove ; 84 COMING TO THE KING. By tliy Spirit strengthen me In the faith that leads to thee, Then an heir of life on high Fearless I may live and die. ANON. I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep : for thou, Lord, only makes t me dwell in safety. Ps. iv. 8. Who redeemeth thy life from destruction ; who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies. Ps. ciii. 4. My son, give me thine heart. Prov. xxiii. 26. Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. 1 Jno. ii. 15. Morning. npHB dreary night has gone, and the bright -*- and pleasant sun shines down again upon the earth. I rise to praise thee, my heavenly Father, for the merciful care which thou hast taken of me while I slept. Thou dost know what dangers and pleasures are COMING TO THE KING. 85 before me to-day ; I pray thee make me watchful that no fretful feelings or wicked passions may lead me into sin. Keep me in the fear of God and from eyery sinful action. Do not let me speak an angry or unholy word ; make me gentle and pure ; and all through the day, even in my play, help me to remember that I offered my heart to God this morning, and asked him to make it holy. Lord, hear my prayer, for the dear Re- deemer's sake. Amen. Evening. T\EAR Saviour, I come to thee to-night, to -^ thank thee for thy gracious love and care. I am not worthy to receive any of thy mercies ; I can only bring to thee a grateful heart and ask thee to fill it with love to thyself. I have this day heard thy voice calling to me, and I have felt thee knocking gently at the door of my wicked heart. Oh help me 86 COMING TO THE KING. to open the door and to welcome thee as my best and dearest friend. Dear Saviour, please to keep my soul a pure and holy home for thee to dwell in. God, wash my soul in the blood of the Lamb, and clothe me with the garments of his righteousness. Help me to learn the new song of praise to Jesus which is sung in heaven ; that when I die I may be ready to take my harp and join the happy spirits who sing around his throne. Let thy mercy protect me and all my friends this night, and grant that we may wake to love and please thee better. Amen. COMING TO THE KINO. 87 TWENTY-FO UBTH DA T. Tj^EOM thy flock, a straying lamb, •*- Tender Shepherd, though I am ; ISTow, upon the mountain cold, Lost, I long to gain the fold, And within thine arms to be : Jesus, Saviour, pity me ! anon. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me : And I give unto them eternal life ; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. Jno. x. 27, 28. I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick. Ezek. xxxiv. 16. Morning. HOLY and gracious Spirit! come into my heart, I pray thee, and keep me 88 COMING TO THE KING. wholly under thy sweet and holy influence. I beseech thee to renew and sanctify my un- holy heart ; instruct my mind, and control my selfish will. Oh show me the wickedness of my nature ; make me sensible of the eternal danger to which I am exposed, if Jesus Christ be not my friend and Saviour. Cause me to see the loveliness of the character of the dear Kedeemer, that I may love him with all my heart, and rejoice to serve him with all my pow ers. Shed abroad the love of God in my heart, and in sweetest mercy give me the joy of knowing and feeling the love of Jesus to my soul. blessed Spirit! be in my heart the spirit of all grace, and make my soul an humble dwelling for the Lord And unto the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, will I give eternal praise and worship. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 89 Evening. OTHOU holy Son of God ! thou art the kind and tender Shepherd, who didst leave thy glory in heaven to seek and to save the lost. - 1 am one of the foolish and wicked sheep who have wandered away from the paths of happiness and peace. Wilt thou, dear Sa- viour, seek after one so young as I ? Dear Jesus, wilt thou miss me from thy flock ? O Lord, I am afraid to be far away from thee ; please to call my soul from every wicked way, and hold me up while I follow after thee. Help me to tell others how sweet it is to be loved by thee, that they may love thee too. Amen. go COMING TO THE KINO. TWENTY-FIFTH DA T. THAT little babe in Bethlehem, ■*■ Upon its mother's knee, Created all the mighty worlds Which o'er my head I see. And this sweet earth I walk upon, Was made so bright and fair By Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who lies an infant there. How could he leave his home on high, To take that manger-bed ? The angels long to spread their wings Beneath his sacred head. O Jesus ! make my spirit like Thine infant heart so meek ; And shut my eyes to earthly good, While things above I seek. g. w. h. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. Luke ii. 16. COMING TO THE KING. 91 All things were made by him ; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Jno. i. 3. For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet .for your sakes he be- came poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich. 2 Cor. viii. 9. And on his head were many crowns. Rev. xix. 12. Morning. THIS morning, dear heavenly Father, I -*- feel in my heart a wish to love thee more, and to please thee more perfectly. To-day let me do something for thee ; let me gain some little victory over my wrong desires. When the sun sets, may I be able to bring to thee a thankful and happy heart. Help me to do the best I can ; help me to do all the good I can, and graciously give me the Holy Spirit to make me what I ought to be. Lord, let me not mock thee with prayers which I forget as soon as I rise from my knees. Let me not be like the 92 COMING TO THE KING. fig-tree which bore no pleasant fruit for the Saviour, but may my soul be full of the fruits of the Spirit. I ask it all for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. "DLBSSED Saviour! before the heavens and ** the earth were created, and before the sea was made, thou didst sit at the right hand of God and wear a crown of glory. I wonder when I read of thee as a little babe born in a manger. All that the world contains is thine, and yet thou hadst no pleasant home to dwell in, and no place where to lay thy head. Lord, make me grateful for all thou hast endured to do us good. Never let me complain or be impatient, though I should suffer much. Have mercy upon me, and bring me at last to heaven, where I shall see thee again upon thy throne, with the many crowns upon thy head. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 93 TWENTY-SIXTH DA Y. THE bird that soars on highest wing, Builds on the ground her lowly nest ; And she that doth most sweetly sing, Sings in the shade when all things rest : — In lark and nightingale we see What honor hath humility. When Mary chose " the better part," She meekly sat at Jesus feet ; ' And Lydia's gently opened heart Was made for God's own temple meet : — Fairest and best adorned is she, Whose clothing is humility. MONTGOMERY. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me ; for I am meek and lowly in heart. Matt. xi. 29. God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Jam. iv. 6. For thus saith the high and lofty One that in- habiteth eternity, whose name is Holy ; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of 94 COMING TO THE KING. a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Is. lvii. 15. Your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. 1 Jno. ii. 12. Morning. TTNTO thee, Lord, do I again bring my ^ worship and praise ; unto thee do I come with a new song of thanksgiving ; for thou hast preserved me through another night, and brought me to see the light of another day. Wilt thou not help me this day to live to thy praise? Among my brothers and sisters may I be the one willing to yield for the happiness of all ; may I be slow to find fault with their conduct, while I keep a careful watch on my own ; may I study to please and assist them and may we live together in love. Lord, may I be a good and obedient child to my parents, and may I be respect- ful and courteous to all persons. May I COMING TO THE KING. 95 never forget to reverence and honor the old ; and do thou give me a heart full of pity and sympathy for all who are infirm or in dis- tress. Let me not think that I am too young to try to comfort and relieve them. Let me not think that my time is of no importance, but may I use it wisely ; and let not my conversation be idle and foolish. Lord, help me to day, for Jesus 7 sake. Amen. Evening. f\ LORD, to-night I feel that my prayers " can hardly reach thine ear. My eyes can see only my ungrateful and wicked sins ; and thy dear smile seems no more to rest upon me. Oh, my dear Saviour ! thou art not less kind and merciful, but I am wholly to blame for my unhappiness because I have wandered away from thee. Oh ! draw near to me though I am so unworthy. Have pity upon me even in my sins, and pardon me in mercy. 9 6 COMING TO THE KING. I pray for any poor child in all the world who has forgotten thy voice to-day ; who has fallen into sins through neglect of prayer. Before they sleep to-night do thou gently and kindly speak to their hearts, and again fill them with thy love. Graciously pray for us, dear Jesus, that we may be kept in the future from grieving the Holy Spirit away from our hearts. Lord, save me from every danger this night ; bless my dear friends, and hear my prayer for thy pardon and love, for Jesus' sake. Amen. oSfir vjJBfaggfcaffSN* COMING TO THE KING. 97 TWENTY-SEVENTH DA T. T'M not too young for God to see, A He knows my name and nature too ; And all day long he looks at me, And sees my actions through and through. He listens to the words I say, He knows the thoughts I have within ; And whether I'm at work or play, He's sure to see it if I sin. If some one great and good is near, It makes us careful what we do ; And how much more we ought to fear The Lord who sees us through and through. Thus when inclined to do amiss, However pleasant it may be ; I'll always try to think of this, I'm not too young for God to see. anon. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid ; yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet. Prov. iii. 24. 9 gS COMING TO THE KING. Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to behold the sun. Eccl. xi. 7. Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts ; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. Ps. cxxxix. 23, 24, Morning. f\ GOD, thou hast waked me from my ^ sleep, and given me again the power to rise from my bed ; thou dost permit me once more to see the faces of my friends, and to look at the beautiful sky above me, and the trees and flowers upon the earth. I can hear the voices of those I love, and the sing- ing of the birds. Dear heavenly Father, accept my thanks, this morning, that I am alive to enjoy these sweet pleasures. Help me to enjoy this new day with a thankful heart. May I try to make our home happy ; let no hour find me idle, or engaged in any sinful amusement, but make me always a COMING TO THE KINO. 99 Christian child, even in my play. May I try to do all the good I can, that I may grow more and more like the lovely angels, who come down to this world on errands of love and kindness. God, pardon all my sins, I pray thee, and receive my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. A LMIGHTY God ! the day and the night ■***■ are both alike to thee ; thou seest me always, for thine eye is never closed ; thy mercy keeps me in safety, when I wake and when I sleep ! Help me to remember that thine eye is ever upon me, to know what I do or think. Let it be a pleasant thought to me, that thou canst look into my heart, and see my desire to please thee. May love to Jesus be always prompting me to do all the good I can ; may it make me brave and patient in trying to conquer my selfish wishes. 10 o COMING TO THE KING. I will remember how he wore the thorny crown for me, and I will try not to grieve him any more by my sins. I will remember all he endured to merit for us a place in heaven. God, teach me my dependence upon Jesus for eternal happiness. May I be taught by thy grace to understand what it means when I read that the Son of God came to save the lost. Oh ! may this gra- cious friend of sinners be my Saviour, and may my whole life be spent in his service and to his praise. Dear Father in heaven, watch over me while I sleep this night, and hear my prayer for Jesus' sake. Amen. ifer !».. COMING TO THE KING. IO i TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY. TESUS ! tliy gracious word ^ Relieved each aching breast ; With sweetest accents ever heard It soothed all griefs to rest With power that voice so sweet Dispelled each angry thought ; It drew lost sinners to thy feet, And healing wonders wrought. Oh make me ever kind, And pitiful and true ; Give me thy meek and lowly mind To govern all I do. g. w. h. For we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. Rom. xiv. 10. Thou makest darkness, and it is night. Ps. civ. 20. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Ps. lvi. 3. What is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God ? Jer. xvi. 10. 9* 102 COMING TO THE KING. Morning. UEAVENLY Father! by % goodness I -*--*- have been spared to see another day; Oh make me to remember that my life is not all to be spent here upon the earth ; let me never forget that there is a future and eternal life which my soul shall spend with the good and happy around thy throne, or with those miserable beings who do not love thee. Teach me to understand that thou art my Judge, and that I shall receive the sweet rewards promised to those who love thee, or be sent away from thy presence if I have never asked the Lord Jesus to forgive my sins. I pray thee let no sin this day defile my soul and bring sorrow into my heart. Bless and keep me and all my friends ; make us happy in thy goodness to us. Please to come, dear Jesus, and be near us night and day, and fit us to live for ever in the home which thou hast prepared for us in heaven. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. 103 Evening. THE pleasant light of day is gone ; and -*- the darkness covers the earth with gloom ! I am not afraid to be alone, for God is everywhere, and he is my dear Father, able and willing to take care of me. God, thou hast watched me through this day ; I remember special acts of sin for which I pray to be forgiven. A temptation which I did not expect caused me to offend God. Oh ! help me to meet temptations, that I may not yield to them. Give me penitence for the sins which I daily commit ; to which I am so constantly inclined. Make me to see all my faults, which have become wicked habits. Let me not think that the sins I so often repeat are of but little con- sequence in thy sight. But give me true repentance for every sin, and save my soul through Jesus Christ. Lord, bless us all this night, and hear my prayer, for the Redeemer's sake. Amen. 104 COMING TO THE KINQ. TWENTY-NINTH DA Y. AH that mine eye might closed be, ^ To what becomes me not to see ; That deafness might possess mine ear, To what concerns me not to hear ; That truth my tongue might always tie, From eyer speaking foolishly ! That no vain thought might ever rest, Or be conceived within my breast ; That by each word, each deed, each thought, Glory may to my God be brought ; But what are wishes ? Lord, mine eye On thee is fixed ; to thee I cry, Oh, purge out all my dross, my sin, Make me more white than snow within ; Wash, Lord, and purify my heart, And make it clean in every part ; And when 'tis clean, Lord, keep it so, For that is more than I can do. ELWOOD. I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes. Ps. ci. 3. COMING TO THE KING. 105 Lying lips are abomination to the Lord: but they that deal truly are his delight. Pro v. xii. 22. I hate vain thoughts : but thy law do I love. Ps. cxix. 1 13. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matt. v. 16. Create in me a clean heart, O God ; and renew a right spirit within me. Ps. li. 10. Morning. T\EAR Jesus, my merciful Saviour, I have *J often promised thee that I would try to be a better child ; I have confessed many sins to thee, and asked thy forgiveness ; but, after all my promises and sorrow, I have re- peated the wickedness which has grieved thee. And now I am ashamed to lift my eyes to thy face while my heart is so full of sin. I cannot make my vile heart clean in thy sight ; and if I bring another promise to do only that which is good, I know that I shall not be able to keep it. 106 COMING TO THE KING. Oh! dear Jesus, take my sinful desires away ; let me feel thee within my poor heart resisting the devil for me. Be thou my strength, for I am weak and unable to do the things I wish. Conquer for me all my evil habits, and make me watchful and sincere. Lord, deliver me from temptation and from confidence in myself, and increase my faith in thee, as my friend and Saviour. Amen. Evening. A GOD, before I lie down to sleep, I would " kneel at thy feet with gratitude and praise for all thy kindness to me. I praise thee that I have been taught to know some- thing of thee, my glorious Creator and con- stant benefactor. I thank thee that my friends have taught me to think of the value of my never-dying soul, and told me of the future world. May I think how swiftly the days pass COMING TO THE KING. 10? away, and how soon the time in which I must make my preparation for eternity will be gone. God, please to cleanse me from all stains of sin in Jesus' blood, and save my soul for Jesus' sake. Show me the evil of my sin, and make me sincerely to mourn over the wickedness of my heart. May I remember that God commands us to be holy as the angels are holy, and to do his will on the earth as it is done in heaven. Lord, forgive the many sins I have committed, and forgive me also that I do not love holiness more. Hear my prayer, I pray thee, and make me by thy Spirit what thou wouldst have me to be, for Jesus' sake. Amen. io8 COMING TO THE KING. THIRTIETH DA Y. THE little floweret takes its birth From tlie dark mould of dingy earth, But stretching upward quickly blends The light and loye that heayen sends, And throws upon the soft spring air In whitened bloom its childhood's prayer, While deep within the heart below An incense altar's all aglow : The prayer soon answered we discern, In ripened fruit of early germ. c. c. h. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious, i Pet. ii. 7. We love him, because he first loved us. 1 Jno. iv. 19. If a man love me, he will keep my words : and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. Jno. xiv. 23. Morning. f\ THOU holy son of God, my precious ^ Saviour, I desire to come near unto COMING TO THE KING. 109 thee this morning, and to feel thy sweet and holy presence in my heart. I praise thee that I am not too young to call thee my Je- sus ; that I may commit myself to thee, and trust in thee as my loving and Almighty Sa- viour. I love the sound of thy dear name ; it takes away all my fears, when I kneel be- fore God to confess my sins and to ask his blessing. Oh ! let thy smile shine upon me, as the glorious sun shines upon the earth, until my heart shall become like a garden filled with flowers. May all my words and acts this day show the beauty and sweetness of piety, and, when all the days of my earthly life are passed, I pray thee to receive my soul into heaven for thy name's sake. Amen, Evening, A GOD, thou art the gracious Giver of ^ every good thing ; thy goodness and mercy to me this day make me ashamed of my many sins and my imperfect obedience. no COMING TO THE KING. When I think of all the kindness I have received from thee, my heavenly Father, through my past life, and then remember what is promised to me in the Bible, which tells me of the life to come, I am filled with gratitude and praise. I see many around me deprived of the blessings I enjoy ! Oh, how great is thy love to me ! What have I done this day to show my love to thee ? I cannot pour precious perfume on thy head, dear Jesus, nor wash thy feet with my tears, but I long to show thee my love, and I will try to be gentle and pure and loving like thee. Let thy Spirit whisper in my ear the things thou wouldst have me to do, that I may please thee perfectly. Please to bless my friends to-night, and hear their prayers for me. God, bless all the world ; may the blessed Saviour be loved and worshipped everywhere ! I offer my prayer to thee in his precious name. Amen. COMING TO THE KING. \\\ THIRTY-FIRST DA Y TWO little pilgrims on their way, -*- I met upon life's road one day : One wished for earthly pleasures given ; The other asked the way to heaven. Oh happy was the child who trod The path that upward leads to God ! Thrice happy ! for the Saviour's voice Allured him on, and blest his choice. But ah ! that poor mistaken one, Who chose the fatal race to run ! I saw him tread on ruin's verge, And heard below the roaring singe. How low he fell I could not see : Haste thou, the path of danger flee ; These pilgrims and their choice survey, Behold their end, and choose thy way ! ANON. When thou saidst, Seek ye my face ; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek. Ps. xxvii. 8. 1 12 COMING TO THE KING. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. iii. 18. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen Jude 24, 25. Morning. A LMIGHTY God, Father of my Lord £*■ and Saviour Jesus Christ, again I kneel at thy feet, and ask thee to take me into thine arms of mercy. Lead me this day through every little trial I must meet. Make me quick to feel the danger of yield- ing to sinful desires. Lord, give me a pure conscience ; by thy Holy Spirit teach me to know that which is right and holy in thy sight. Make me afraid to disobey thy voice, in my own heart ; and give me grace to pray for thy help, when I am in danger of being led into sin. COMING TO THE KING. 113 Dear Father in heaven, I beseech thee to keeu my soul through time and eternity. May I be safe in thy arms ; and let not the dreadful enemy of souls pluck me from thy hands. Lord, forgive my many sins, and as thou dost show to me such wonderful love and mercy, so may I with gentleness and kindness forgive those who grieve or injure me. Again I give myself to thee, dear Father in heaven, and ask thee to receive my prayers for Jesus' sake. Amen. Evening. TvEAR heavenly Father, how sweet and *J precious are the gracious words by which thou dost tell us thy love ! With what tenderness hast thou made thyself known to sinful creatures ! Thou art a God infinitely just and holy, yet thou hast told us in thy word that thou art also merciful, ii4 COMING TO THE KING. slow to anger, and of great kindness ! Who can measure the greatness of thy love to us in sending the precious Saviour to die that we might be forgiven ! How can I praise him enough who left his glorious throne to save my sinful soul ! Oh, let me not grieve his love by the hardness of my heart ; may I never resist the blessed Spirit, nor do wick- edly in thy sight, to provoke thee to anger. I thank thee, God, for my being, and for all the blessings which surround me. Thou dost know all that is before me in my earthly journey. I cannot tell what shall be on the morrow ; but I would daily com- mit myself to thee, because thou art my Father, and knowest what is best for me. Be near to me when I die, I pray thee, and let me see thy smile. When I can no longer hear the voices of my earthly friends, may my ears be opened to the songs of angels, and to thy voice of mercy welcoming me to my heavenly home. Almighty God, I offer all my prayers in Jesus' name. Amen. THE END. ^^H m 1 $M$ 111 1 i>'it%* -:,;# WM ^H 1 -x^ . ■jji m ■ ■ ^1 ■ Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide Treatment Date: August 2005 PreservationTechnologies A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724)779-2111 ■■ 1 1 i y LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 626 824 9 %