by the repose of the night, to behold the cheering light of the morning, and to enter with renewed strength upon the duties of another day. We adore thee for thy unwearied mercy, of which we have been constantly partakers. We bless thee that thou hast given us intelligence to perceive, and hearts to feel, thy ever-flowing goodness. With our minds and our hearts would we praise thee. O that we might also glorify thee, this day, in our lives! Quicken us, we beseech thee, to do thy will. Let gratitude incite us to diligence in thy service. Let thy new blessings provoke us to new obedience. Help us, O Lord, to resume, this day, the great work of life with renewed zeal and resolution. If it be thy will, may it be a day of activity and accomplishment. May we do with our might whatsoever our hands find to do. May we not yield to sloth or any weakness. May each hour be well spent, and each duty, as it presents itself, be met with a cheerful and devoted spirit, - be done as for thee, with the alacrity of filial love.

We pray for courage, fortitude, and perseverance. Strengthen us, O Lord, with might by thy Spirit in the inner man. Let our hearts be set to do one thing, to reach forth towards what is before; to press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, our Lord; turning neither to the right hand nor to the left from the narrow way that leadeth unto life. O

that we might be able to spend this day in such a manner as to approve ourselves in thy sight; to keep a conscience void of offence; to perform useful service to our fellow-men, and lay up for ourselves treasure in heaven, so that if, in thy wise providence, it should be the last of our earthly days, it may be the best and brightest!

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But, Heavenly Father, whatever the day may bring forth,—whether strength or weakness, joy or sorrow, success or failure, life or death, be awaiting us in its unknown course, we would forward without anxiety or apprehension; trusting all to thee, to whom we breathe our prayer, and who wilt cause all things to work together for good to them that seek thee. Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

EVENING.

BLESSED God, the day is thine, the night also is thine. Thine infinite patience and love are still over us, and, as we lie down to rest, we would feel a reverent confidence and joy that thou art our keeper. The day that has closed has

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carried its record up to thee. Forgive us, O God, if in anything we have been unfaithful or unkind. Let us contemplate thy goodness and faithfulness until we shall feel the joy of a soul filled with duty and love. Thou knowest our weakness, how our good purposes and pure desires too often weary and faint. We need thine aid. O condemn us not, but pity us and help us according to thy love. If we have failed of any good intent which we felt in our hearts when we went out in the morning, O renew our mind, that, if our lives are preserved, we may return to our duty on the morrow with stronger and holier purpose; may we be supported by the thought that, whatever we do as unto God, is a service of God which thou wilt not despise. And so may our common labors continually refresh our souls with the consciousness of thine approval. Keep us to-night; give us sweet sleep, and awake us in the morning to joy and gladness in thee. Amen.

XXVIII.

SOWING AND REAPING.

Do thy best always,— do it now,-
For in the present time,

As in the furrows of a plough,
Fall seeds of good or crime.

The sun and rain will ripen fast
Each seed that thou hast sown ;
And every act and word at last
By its own fruit be known.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

JONES VERY.

He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with

him.

Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.

He that soweth sparingly, shall reap sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully, shall reap bountifully.

They that plough iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the

same.

Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up the fallow ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

Ye have ploughed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity.

Be not deceived: God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

For he that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity.

The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.

Now he that ministereth seed to the sower, both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness.

Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

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MORNING.

ITH the new day, we would again offer before the Most High God our gratitude and praise. By thy good Spirit are the minds and hearts of thy people taught, and guided, and sanctified. By thy holy Providence are every good word and work encouraged. And we pray that thy blessing may rest upon the efforts of thy children to promote the cause of truth and right in all the world. May thy wisdom fill the souls of those who teach. May success attend those who attempt the relief of sorrow and suffering. We desire to be in true sympathy with all who seek to build up thy kingdom on earth, and to join with them in labors and sacrifices, as we have fit opportunity.

Strengthen the hands and establish the hearts of