Page images
PDF
EPUB

Thou didst commission to dissipate that ignorance, superstition, and error, which had occasioned the most deplorable evils, and to lead mankind to wisdom, truth, and virtue.

O may I be animated and governed by the spirit of the gospel-place a perfect trust in its assurances-confide in its divine origin-and value it as, in all respects, most worthy of my faith, my confidence, my attachment, and submission. Dispose me to make it the constant rule of my conduct, and an active principle of obedience; may it be the means not only of discovering, but of keeping constantly before me, the end of my being, and prepare me to attain it.

Guided by its laws, and influenced by a sense of gratitude, may I be filled with love to all my fellow-creatures of every rank and condition, regarding every man as my brother, and entitled to every office of humanity that I can perform towards him. Incline my heart to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to weep with those who weep ;-to be ever ready to assist and befriend my brethren, and anxious that I may, by bearing their burdens, fulfil the law of Christ,

But I would most humbly entreat for mercy inasmuch as I have been too often inattentive to the interests of others, and inclined to prefer my own ease, convenience, and gratification before theirs. Nor is it in this respect only, that I have acted unworthily of my christian profession. My heart condemns me as one who has not been duly sensible of the obligations under which Thou hast laid me, to serve Thee with fidelity and constancy, and to worship Thee as I ought to have done-in spirit and in truth. Too powerful has been the influence of the world over me, attaching me to the things that perish, and alienating my heart and affections from Thee, and from the concerns of a higher and a better state.

Most heartily then would I repeat my humble prayer for mercy and forgiveness, beseeching Thee not to lay to my charge the sins of which I have been guilty; but upon my sincere repentance and reformation to remit the punishment which I have merited, and to reinstate me in thy favour. O let me not feel any of the bad consequences of my unworthy conduct, either

N

as they affect myself or any of my fellowcreatures. Let my renewed obedience make ample amends through thy infinite mercy for my former delinquency; and may the sincerity of my amendment be evinced by the efforts I shall make to promote the cause of virtue and religion in the world.

Grant, merciful Father! that the religion of Jesus Christ may speedily enlighten every part of the world, and that all who enjoy the glorious light may walk worthily of their vocation. Direct the counsels of all potentates and rulers of the world; cause tyranny, contention, persecution, anl war to cease in every place; and may peace, harmony, and concord prevail in every part of the globe. May all men acknowledge themselves to be the children of Thee, the supreme governor of the world, and united to each other by the closest ties of brotherly affection.

Sustain and comfort all thy suffering servants, and may they experimentally know Thee to be the God of all consolation and peace. Deliver them in mercy from all their sorrows, and enable them to reap the full benefit which Thou didst

kindly intend in sending them. May the pains and griefs of this mortal state direct their views to that which is incorruptible and unfailing, teaching them to omit no means of securing that peace and rest above, which Thou hast been pleased, from the most benevolent motives, to cause them to be strangers to in their earthly pilgrimage.

I beseech Thee to bless my friends and relations with all that Thou seest to be good for them, both in time and to eternity. Open their minds that they may distinctly see and justly appreciate the

[ocr errors]

In shain woulnating cal

things that belong to the evening vation. I desire, also, to intercede with Thee in behalf of all those who may have cherished the feelings of hostility and illwill against me, entreating Thee not to lay to their charge the wrongs they may have done or wished to do me. Bring them to a right sense of their duty, and a deep concern for having come short of it;give them grace to break off their sins by true repentance, and to make their peace with Thee.

Grant me and all, most gracious God! thy blessing, guidance, and favour through

[ocr errors]

the remaining scenes and events of life. Be Thou our comfort and support at the approach of death, and our everlasting portion when time shall be no more.

And now unto Thee, the eternal, unchangeable Jehovah! the only true and ever-blessed God! be ascribed, with all possible humility and reverence, thanksgiving, blessing, and praise, henceforth and for evermore.-Amen.

« PreviousContinue »