delight ourselves in Thee, that in the pursuit of our natural callings and uses we may find continual aid from Thee to advance step by step—or from the commencement of one state up to its summit, never losing sight of the truth that Thou art in every state that is good, as well as in all the intermediate steps that conduct to the conaummation of one state and to the commencement of another.
Gracious Lord, while we go sorrowing through this world of trial, suffer us not to be without our moments of joy and sunshine. Though we are born to sorrow, yet give us to feel that every trial does but bring us nearer to the source of perfect joy; and may each trial increase our discrimination of evil, and urge us to look more devotedly to Thee for strength to overcome it. So may we go on from strength to strength, until we put off the cares and anxieties of the body, and put on the joys and beatitudes of the spirit. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
SATURDAY EVENING.
O LORD our Saviour, impart unto us we beseech Thee just ideas and a right apprehension of those important words of Thine apostle, "Set your affections on things above," "beware of covetousness, which is idolatry." O help us to beware of all those acts of idolatry which result from the worship and exaltation of self. Suffer us not to delude our souls that the good we do is the result of our own excellence, nor imagine that the pleasure we feel is from the perfection of our own virtue. For there is nothing good but that has its origin in Thee—nothing perfect but that comes from the Father of light. May we be prevented from hearing the praises of others, lest we be turned aside to vanity; for this is to rob thee, O Lord, by ascribing to ourselves what of right belongs to Thee alone. May the good we are instrumental in performing, and the truth which we are enabled to place justly before others be ascribed to Thee, and acknowledged as proceeding from Thee, the Father of light and life. O prevent us from being secretly enticed from our allegiance unto Thee.
Lord, have compassion upon us! We mourn over all our corruptions, over all our evils, and especially over those we commit when we are even, attempting to do good. In all things preserve us from sin. We do not ask Thee to spare the rod of Thy correction, but by Thy providence to guard us against offending Thee. Chasten us in Thy love, that we may be purified from our natural defilements. These things we ask, for Thy name and mercy sake, O Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
THIRTY-SECOND WEEK.—SABBATH MORNING.
O GIVE thanks unto the Lord, for He is good; His mercy endareth for ever."
We desire to preise Thy glorious name, O Lord, for the accomplishment of our redemption. We glorify Thee for the fulfilment of Thy gracious promise, "The seed of the woman shall bruise the serpent's head." We magnify Thee that Thou hast made us to partake in Thy
