Whitsunday: Evening

O, Thou Author of peace, and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life; and whose service IS perfect freedom; cleanse the thoughts of our hearts, by the inspiration of thv Holy Spirit; and give us grace, whereoy we may serve Thee acceptably, with reverence, and with godly fear.

We adore Thee as the Creator of all things, visible and invisible. Thou art the Maker of our earth; and Thou art the Maker of man upon it: and Thou madest man upright, in the possession of tuy image, and the enjoyment of thy presence. Hut man being in honour, abode not. Our first father sinned; and we have borne his iniquity. We have g-one astray from the womb; and in numberless instances, have evinced ourselves to be the degenerate offspring of a fallen original — and there is no health in us. As transgressors of thy law, we are under the curse; and did our deliv eranc depend upon ourselves, we must lie down in end less de.-jpair. We admit, in all its extent, the testimony of thy word against us; but admire with gratitude, the developement of a plan of mercy and grace, divinely appropriate to all our wants and woes, and uniting the highest display of thy glory, with the salvation of sinners.

Adored b ;the benevolence that led the Son of thy love

before the foundation of the workl, to say, ].o! I come U. do thy will, () Goil; thy law is within nly heart. Blessed be the day when the ang’els saw Him who was rich, lor our sakes hecomiiig- poor, that we throiig-Ji His poverty, mig-lu be rich. Blessed be the hour, when the Prince of Life bore our sins in His own body on the tree; and having” obtainod eternal redemption for us, ascended up on high, leading captivity captive, and receiving gifts for men, even the rebellious also, that tile Lord God might dwell among them. We rejoice, that Christianity was originally preached, vvitli the Holy Gliostsent down from heaven: and in the demonstration of the Spirit, was so firmly established, that the gates of hell can never jjrevail against it. We praise Thee, that the sun of righteousness, in the knowledge of the gospel, has arisen with healing under his wings, upon this distinguished land; and said, arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is I’isen upon thee. And, O. what reason have we to be thankful, if this gospel has come to us, not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance

For we bless Thee, that though miracles have ceased, yet thy Spirit is insured to thy people to the end of the world, as the source of light and life, and peace and joy, giving testimony to the word of thy grace; and workiivgiT the souls of men, to will and to do of thy good pleasure.

O, Thou Author of all good, save us, we beseech Thee, by the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost. May we be found in the number of those, who are born of the Spirit; and give evidence of il, by our walking after the Spirit, and our minding the things of the Spirit. Instead of judging ourselves by dreams, fiincies, and impressions, may we prove what is acceptable ur.to the Lord; and remember, that the fruit of the Spirit, is in ali goodness, and righteousness, and truth.

We desire O God, to acknowledge our entire dependance upon Thee. Whatever time we have engaged in thy service, we are still in the body, and feel our need of the continuance of those counsels, supports, and consolations, which have ever been afforded us. Cast us not away from thy presence, and take not thy Holy Spirit from us.

In all the dangers to which we are exposed, uphold us by thy free Spirit; and may we not think it enough to be preserved from faHiilg; but may we go forward, and be always abounding in the work of the Lord. Strengthen us with

might by thy Spirit in the inner man, for every purpose ol the Christian life; and may we be satisfied with no attainment, till we are filled with all the fulness of God.

Awaken the careless; convince of their error and guilt, all those who deny, or vilify the work of thy grace? and plant in their consciences the conviction, that if any man rave not the S-pirit of Christ, he is none of His.

Pour the spirit of grace and of supphcation upon all ouf c ngregations. Bless the ministry of the gospel, and make it the ministration of the Spirit, and the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth.

But how can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without a preacher? How many are there, who, by the wretchedness of their condition, if not by their actual desire, are saying, Come over and help us.

Hast Thou not commanded us to pray, that thy kingdom may come? Hast not thou promised, that the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters Cover the

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May we encourage our expectation, by reviewing what Thou hast already accomplished; and remembering, that Thou art a God of truth, and — the Almighty. May we, therefore, realize in our minds, the delightful period, when the heathen shall cast their idols to the moles and to the bats; when Mahometanism and anti-christ shall perish; when the Jews shall look upon Him whom they have pierced, and mourn; and among protestants, every plant which our heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.

But why are thy chariot wheels so long in coming? Why does the whole creation groan and travail in pain together until now? How many would say. Lord, now lettest Thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word — could their eyes see thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared before the face of all peoj)le; a light to lighten the Gentiles, aid the glory of thy people Israel.

While using the means, may we trust in thy wisdom, as tt’ell as thy faithfulness; and hear the voice saying, I the l,ord will hasten it — in his time.

And to God, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, lie ascribed the kingdom, power, and glory, both now and ••”or ep er Amer,

THEEVIi.Nl>,G AFIEK A FUNfiUAL. 221