ADDRESSES,

SUITED TO OCCASIONALLY RECURRING CIRCUM 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 judgments 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 judge, may my allotment be life and glory everlasting.

FOURTH ADDRESS.

Before a journey.

I HUMBLY desire, O Lord! to commend myself to the protection of thy kind and merciful providence, amidst the hazards and dangers of the journey which I am about to undertake. May I keep in mind that whereever I am Thou art always with me, and that no situation or circumstances in which I am placed can release me from the obligations under which I am to worship, serve, and obey Thee. May I feel my heart enlarged and expanded by seeing more of thy glorious works; and the more I become acquainted with my fellow-creatures, the more may divest myself of all narrow and confined views, and cherish a temper of universal charity and love. I beseech Thee to bring me back in peace and safety, and to grant me the felicity of continuing for ever devoted to Thee and to thy service.

FIFTH ADDRESS.

On the loss of a friend or neighbour.

I

GRANT me grace, holy Father! to pay due attention to the voice of thy providence

in the various instances of mortality which take place around me. May they teach me to think aright of the uncertainty of my own life, and to apply my heart unto true christian wisdom. Let me learn how precious a talent my time is, and how fearful the consequences may be expected to be if I wantonly abuse it, or through carelessness and inattention suffer it to pass unimproved. Dispose me to adopt the best means of conveying consolation to the mind in distress, and to rejoice in every opportunity of comforting the afflicted, and soothing the pang which rends the bosom of the desolate and bereaved Enable me to bear the losses which press most upon myself with becoming fortitude and patience, and to succeed in persuading others to act the same part, that thus the afflictions of life may be turned to the best account, and the instructions Thou intendest to convey by them, being meekly received, may be duly improved..

SIXTH ADDRESS.

For children or youth.

WITH warm but humble solicitude for the welfare of all who are in early life, I most earnestly beseech Thee to direct their hearts