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and cultivating a most ardent love of the truth for its own sake, and for thy sake who art the God of truth.

Enable me, O God! to form a just estimate of my own character, to attain to that knowledge of myself which will render me truly humble before Thee, and lead me to the practice of those virtues which are most opposite to the prevailing customs of the world, and most painful to flesh and blood. Assist me in those examinations of my own heart and life which it is my duty frequently to enter into, that I may not deceive myself in any degree, nor be inclined to think of myself at any time more highly than I ought to think.

In my intercourse with my fellowcreatures may I conduct myself with that meekness of wisdom and propriety of deportment which will render it pleasing and beneficial to them, abstaining from every thing that can give just ground of offence, and endeavouring to promote the comfort and edification of all. Impress upon my heart a deep conviction of the indispensible duty of guarding against every violation of the truth, and doing all in my power to promote the same conviction in others.

Incline my heart to a patient and contented continuance in well-doing, that I may never be weary of walking in the path which Thou hast marked out for me, nor ever be disposed to complain of thy laws as burdensome and grievous. In the midst of the greatest difficulties and embarrassments may I retain my firm trust in thy mercy and goodness, satisfied that Thou, who art the judge and governor of the world, wilt, in all circumstances and at all times, do that and that only which is right.

Permit me too, most merciful Father! to express before Thee the desires of my heart in behalf of the whole family of mankind. I pray that the love of truth aud virtue may prevail more and more in the world, that men may everywhere acquire the most just and enlarged ideas of thy attributes and perfections-thy nature and providence-thy dispensations and righte ous moral government.

Banish from amongst thy creatures that ignorance and wrong-mindedness which have given birth to the animosities, contentions, and disputes which have subsisted amongst them, and occasioned the most tremendous and wide-spreading evils.

Check in their earliest stage the ambitious propensities of those to whom in the course of thy providence a more than ordinary share of power is granted. Make them to know that there is and can be no power but what comes originally from Thee, and that the most exalted of men must be answerable at the bar of thy tribunal for the use or abuse they shall have made of the authority with which they are entrusted.

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Let the public heralds of sacred truth be eminent for their humility, condescension and readiness to bear the burdens of others. May they rightly discern and preciate the value and importance of true religion, and omit no expedients which prudence and charity suggest to lead men to the knowledge, love, and practice of it. Grant that their well-meant and judicious efforts may be met by corresponding exertions on the part of those whom they are desirous to edify and improve. Pour out upon all congregations of thy worshiping servants a spirit of zeal for thy honour, and a more active desire to promote each other's present and everlasting welfare and happiness.

Sustain thy aged servants in the declining years of their earthly pilgrimage. Givethem fortitude and patience to bear, as they ought to do, the infirmities which advanced age brings with it. Enable them to set an example of cheerful piety to all around them, and to give proof of the efficacy of religious principle to administer inward peace and composure.

Guard the young from the fatal effects which precipitance and inconsideration occasion. Enable those to whom the care of them is committed to direct their education with so much prudence, as may prevent them from falling into those snares which may be lastingly injurious. May they grow up in the exercise of the noblest virtues, and become examples of every thing that is praiseworthy and truly honourable.

Entreating Thee for thy infinite mercy's sake to accept me in this my humble offering of prayer and thanksgiving, I would most devoutly ascribe unto Thee all honour and glory, salvation, blessing, and praise, now and for evermore.-Amen.

TWENTY-SEVENTH ADDRESS.

O ALMIGHTY and eternal God! blessed for ever be thy holy name that Thou hast never left thyself without witness of thy glorious perfections to any age or nation, nor hast ever ceased to manifest thy uncontrouled power, thy preserving mercy, and thy inexhaustible goodness to the world at large. Most joyful is the thought that I can approach thy footstool to adore and worship Thee, not as an unknown God, but as the sovereign of the universe-the father of angels and of men -aud the most gracious friend of all mankind.

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I humbly pray that Thou wilt sanctify and bless me in my improvement of all the advantages I possess, and enable me justly to value the religion of Jesus-to understand its doctrines-obey its precepts― enjoy its promises-and to derive from the gospel all the encouragement and consolation which it is calculated to produce. May I ever regard Jesus Christ as the messenger of thy truth to men-as him whom

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