Third Week: Friday Evening
O Thou incomprehensibly great and glorious Jehovah! the King of kings, and Lord of lords, «’hc onl) hast immortality We adore Thee and abase ourselves. Though we are allowed to approach Thee, we would not be mindless of the views and feelings which so well become those, who, as creatures, are less than nothing, and, as sinners, are worse than nothing before Thee.
For, if we say, we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us; the heavens would reveal our iniquity, and the earth would rise up against us. And why should we endeavour to deny our guilt, since even our thoughts have not been screened from thy sight, and Thou hast set our most secret sins in the light of thy countenance? and why should we desire it, since we know, that if we confess our sins. Thou art faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleajise us from all unrighteousness? From a view, therefore, of their exceeding sinfulness, we would confess them with a broken heart, and a contrite spirit, earnestly longing to be delivered from them, and be led in the way everlasting.
Enable us to remember that blood which cleanseth from all sin; to believe in that grace which can subdue all our iniquities; and to resign ourselves to that agency which can deliver us from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. While many envy the men of the world, who have their portion in this life, may we, with Moses, choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. While many seek great things for themselves on earth; things which perish in the using, and afford no satisfaction in the possessing — may the prayer of David become ours. Remember me, O Lord, with the favoui Thou bearest unto thy people. O visit me with thy salvation, that I may see the good of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation and glory with thine inheritance.
We sometimes hope that Thou hast ah-eady begun a good work in usj and to whom should ve go lor the continuance, the progress, and the completion, but to Thee, the God of all grace, and who art not only the Author, but Finisher of our faith? we rejoice in what Thou hast done for othersj in their deliverance and elevation we see what Thou art able and willing to do for us. We bless Thee fur the promises upon which Thou hast caused us to hope, and in which Thou hast engaged to perfect that which concerneth us: we thank Thee for the means of grace, in the humble and diligent use of which, Thou art pleased to draw near to those who draw near to Thee.
May we love the closet as well as the temple; and sanctify to us, not only the preaching of the gospel, but also the reading of thy word. Believing with ataith unfeigned, that it is given by inspiration of God, may we find it profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness. In every perplexity, may it be the man of our counsel; may we repair to it in every distress, and in the multitude of our thoughts within us, may thy comforts delight our souls.
May we have an increasing conviction of our liableness to err, and our exposure to sin, that we may place ourselves under thy guiding and guardian care. As we see the vanity of the world, and meet with trials and disappointments, may we take a firmer hold of that covenant which is ordered in all things, and sure; and may this be all our salvation, and all our desire, when our house is not so with God, and Thou makest it not to grow. May we rejoice in hope; be patient in tribulation; and continue constant in prayer.
May we feel more of the purifying, more of the dignifying, more of the softening influence of the religion we profess. May we have compassion one of another: love as brethren — be pitiful — be coumejus. May we never render railing for railing, but contrawise, blessing: may we not be overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
May we never incur the curse of the angel of the covenant, for not coming to the help of the Lord. May we deem it an honour to be employed by Tnee, and long to be instruments in thy hands. Ready to seize every opportunity of usefulness; and willing to use all our talents in thy blessed service, may we daily ask. Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?
Bless our country. May we be for a name and a praise unto Thee in the whole earth Largely have we been the recipients of thy goodness; and freely may we give. Sanction the institutions and efforts by which we are endeavouring to spread the benefits of the gospel. God be merciful unto us, and bless its, that His way may be known on earth, His saving health among all nations.
O remember the number called, in various ways, to suffer. Bless their daily rod, as well as their daily bread. May they feel impressions which shall never wear off; may they learn such lessons as shall never be forgotten; may they enjoy such consolations, as shall enable them to say, t is good for me that I have been afflicted.
And to God, only wise, be glory and dominion, for ever and ever. Amen.