O Lord, when we consider the design Thou hast in placing us in this probationary state, namely, that we may be prepared to inhabit Thy heavenly kingdom above, it becomes us so to employ our time that the end of our creation be not frustrated. Thou hast bestowed upon us such talents as are best adapted to fit us for moving in the sphere of use. Grant us Thy grace, O Lord, that we may so exercise the talents Thou hast blessed us with, that we may use them for our fellow-creatures' happiness, and glorify Thee our Father in the heavens. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
THURSDAY MORNING.
O LORD, merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and of great goodness, we approach Thee this morning acknowledging that Thy mercy is ever new towards us. "Our voice shalt Thou hear in the morning; in the morning will we direct our prayer to Thee and will look up;" we will dedicate our lives to Thy service this day; O direct us in our duties that they may be properly performed. How abundant is Thy loving-kindness unto us! O teach us that the greater the blessings conferred upon us, the greater ought to be our attention and kindness to others; for what are we more than others, or what have we done that we should receive more than others? Alas! if we were dealt with according to our deserts, suffering and trial would be our constant portion.
O Lord, while we view Thy divine bounty, and profess our gratitude for all Thy goodness; suffer us not to be inflated by pride or self-conceit, nor to imagine that we are "rich and have need of nothing;" teach us to keep within due bounds our natural and sensual appetites and gratifications, so that we may always have it in our power to assist those who are in necessity. O assist us, we beseech Thee, to practise self-denial, and in this as in everything else to "learn of Thee." Hear our prayers. O Lord Jesus Christ, and answer them for Thine own name and mercy sake. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
THURSDAY EVENING.
0 GOD of all the families of the earth, as day after day brings us nearer
to our eternal home, may a sense of our immortal destiny keep us ever in the straightforward path of duty, and may the knowledge that these are the last days, impress us with the necessity of redeeming the time, seeing that the days are evil.
Lord, we desire to praise Thy holy name, for the outpouring of light and knowledge. The prophecy in Thy Word is brought to our remembrance, "the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun;" Thou hast indeed visited us, and we individually behold that knowledge is pouring out upon all flesh. But. O Lord, while we take pleasure in the acquisition of the truths of natural science, may we at the same time take care that they are not elevated above the spiritual principles with which at ali times they ought to be filled. O teach us that sciences are but the containing vessels, into which are to be poured spiritual truths, which alone can vivify or render them living. Help us also to discern
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