that walk in darkness, and hast restored my wearied powers to strength and vigour. Continue, I earnestly beseech Thee, thy loving-kindness and compassion to me, and let me be influenced by a sense of thy great goodness to make every return in my power for it. Preserve me from yielding to any temptation to forget Thee, that may occur this day. By patient continuance in well-doing may I convert every day into a means of qualifying myself more and more for thy mercy and favour unto everlasting life.

SIXTEENTH ADDRESS.

EVENING.

ALMIGHTY God, who art the Father of mercies and the rewarder of all such as diligently seek Thee! it is the humble desire of my soul to be thankful for the mercies of the past day, and for every blessing which Thou still permittest me to enjoy. Be with me, O Lord! through this night. May I lie down under thy protection, and may my sleep be sweet and refreshing— fitting and qualifying me for the right discharge of the duties and engagements of

to-morrow; or if it shall seem good to Thee to cut short the term of my mortal existence before the sun returns, may I awake to a happy everlasting day; and with him who is my life, may I appear in glory, and live for ever with him in joy and felicity.

Q 2

ADDRESSES,

SUITED TO OCCASIONALLY RECURRING CIRCUMS STANCES OF JOY OR SORROW.

FIRST ADDRESS.

MORNING.

After a night of trouble from any cause.

ETERNAL and all-wise God! who knowest by what means best to exercise the faith and patience of thy creatures, I would, with all humility, adore Thee both when Thou givest and when Thou takest away-when Thou makest me happy and when Thou seemest to withdraw thy favour. Grant that misfortunes may soften my heart, and render me more and more sensible of my constant dependence upon · Thee. If thy afflicting hand should still be upon me or mine, give me fortitude and resignation to bear it as I ought to do, and to grow wiser and better by thy corrections.

SECOND ADDRESS.

EVENING.

When distressing circumstances have occurred.

FATHER Almighty! who disposest of thy creatures as seemeth good unto Thee. Though Thou hast caused me to drink of the cup of affliction, yet will I put my trust in Thee. O let me see thy mercy shining through the cloud that overhangs me, and convert my sufferings into means of spiritual improvement, that I may be the more humble and not the less attached to Thee, or less devoted to thy service. In health and in sickness, in success and adversity, in joy and tribulation may my soul repose its whole trust and confidence on thy lovingkindness and compassion. May the assurance that Thou art the Father of thy creatures dispel every uneasy apprehension, and fix my affections upon heaven and heavenly things.

THIRD ADDRESS.

In continued sickness.

O LORD, holy Father! who hast taught me that afflictions arise not out of the dust,

but are ordained by Thee and are subject to thy disposal. I would cherish the humble hope that in wisdom and of very faithfulness Thou hast brought trouble upon me, I would not dare complain, knowing that all thy judg ments are right, and that I have the best reason to believe that thy severest visitations are no other than blessings in disguise. Grant me then, gracious God! patience to bear what Thou layest upon me, and give me grace to improve the weakness of my body to the strengthening of my soul, and to my greater preparedness for the awful change which every son and daughter of the dust must sooner or later undergo. In meek submission to thy holy will, I would implore a prolongation of my days on earth that I may be more useful to my fellow-creatures, and lay up more abundant treasures for heaven and eternity; but whether it be for life or death, I pray Thee to do what in thy unbounded wisdom Thou seest to be for the best. Fit me for whatever Thou shalt please to do with me; prepare me for my departure if Thou takest me hence: and, after I have appeared before the appointed juder, may my allotment be life and glory everlasting.