their wise and prudent advice by the persuasive influence of an upright and blameless example

Dispose the minds of the young to listen with docility and attention to the lessons of instruction, which they at any time receive. Make them sensible of their own ignorance and weakness, and let them rely with grateful confidence on those whom affection and duty prompt to protect, inform, and direct them. O let them be dutiful and obedient to their parents, soothing their cares and alleviating the weight of declining years by the vivacity and cheerfuluess which are natural to their age.

Preserve in the bonds of the most tender affection those who have consented to share the joys and sorrows of each other in the conjugal relation. May they be duly sensible of the conditions on which they entered upon their engagements, and remember, that for the violation of these, they must render a just and impartial account before the judgment seat which Thou hast ordained.

Soften the disposition of superiors, and make them mild, gentle, and condescending

to those whom in the arrangements of thy providence Thou hast placed below them. Incline the hearts of masters to give unto their servants that which is just and equitable-to be willing to allow them every indulgence which reason and prudence can warrant to rejoice in their comfort-and to provide the best means for securing their most important and lasting interests. In return for the kindness they experience, may servants be upright, faithful, and diligent; not chargeable with eyeservice, nor being actuated by any corrupt or mercenary motives. May the sincere love of Thee, and of Jesus their Lord, operate most effectually in their minds and in the hearts of all mankind.

To Thee, the most high and mighty God! may the tribute of unfeigned praise and thanksgiving be paid by all thy creatures, now and for everinore.-Amen.

TWENTY-THIRD ADDRESS.

O THOU first great parent Mind! the source of all being, perfection, and happiness! Thou art the spring from which every movement in the whole universe originates; without whom nothing is, and nothing comes to pass. To Thee I am indebted for my existence, and for all the powers, faculties, and capacities which render that existence a blessing and a comfort to me.

I earnestly pray that Thou wouldst bless and prosper me in my desires and endeavours to gain instruction from the great truths which are clearly made known by the voice of nature. Grant me success in my anxious wishes to learn all that may be gathered from the works of creation, and to improve by such means in knowledge and virtue, truth and love. Enable me more especially to profit by the fuller and more distinct revelation of thy most holy and righteous will, given in the gospel of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.

O that all the discoveries of thy infinite irresistible power, boundless wisdom, and

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never-failing goodness, may have their full influence upon my mind, and upon the whole of my temper and conduct. May the conviction be deeply impressed upon my mind that thy authority cannot be controuled -that thy will cannot be evaded-and that thy government cannot be interrupted. Make me duly sensible that I am at all times and in all circumstances absolutely in thy hands, holding life itself and all that endears it to me entirely and wholly at thy pleasure, suffering only through thine appointment, and prolonging my days in joy or in sorrow according to thy will.

Give me wisdom to make thy favour the first anxiety of my mind, and the possession of it the first joy of my heart. May the qualifying myself for it be the highest ambition of all my future life, and the constant object of my zealous pursuits.

Most humbly would I commend and commit myself and all my interests to thy most gracious care and protection; beseeching Thee to continue me under thy paternal guardianship-to secure me against all future dangers-to preserve me from falling by any future temptation-to keep me from every real evil-and to cause all things to work together for my final and everlasting good.

Inspire me with a temper of the most pure and lively gratitude, that I may not in any instance allow myself to be unmindful of the mercies Thou art pleased to bestow upon me, nor insensible of the obligations under which Thou hast laid me. Accept my hearty thanks for all the advantages and privileges I have at any time experienced or still continue to enjoy for all my powers, faculties, and capacities both of mind and body—and for whatever has contributed to their preservation or improvement; for blessings of a public and private nature-for the pleasures that flow from social intercourse and friendly endearments for the portion of health, ease, and cheerfulness with which I have been blessed-and for an exemption from numerous outward troubles and disasters which might have befallen me.

More especially would I most gratefully acknowledge thy benevolence and kindness in affording me the various gratifications which the exercise of my understanding and affections has occasioned-for all the useful knowledge which I have been able to acquire -and for the good I may have done to others by imparting a portion of it to them. With still warmer gratitude would I confess the

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