The disappointments I meet with may be absolutely necessary for my eternal welfare.. Wilson.

Let me never murmur, be dejected, or impatient, under any of the troubles of this life. - Wilson.

It is good that we have sometimes some troubles and crosses; for they often make a man enter into himself, and consider that he is here in banishment, and ought not to place his trust in any worldly thing. A Kempis.

We have need of all our crosses.

God wills our suffering, that it may purify us, and render us worthy of him.— Fenelon.

Through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

Certainly virtue is like precious odors, most fragrant when they are incensed, or crushed; for prosperity doth best discover vice, but adversity doth best discover virtue.

MORNING.

- Anon.

UPREME Disposer! Source of all strength

by thy

the slumbers thou hast granted, we bring our morning tribute unto thee. With lowliness of mind would we own our constant dependence on thee; and while we thank thee for what thou givest, we would be submissive in regard to whatever thou deniest, or takest from us. What have we, O Lord, that we did not receive? Why, then, should we murmur, as though something of our own was withheld from us, when thou callest us to privation?

Rather let us feel that all thou willest is best, and rejoice that, whatever affliction we may endure, thou grantest us still the light of thy countenance. May we realize that light still more, feeling, when earthly comforts depart, that thou art the all-sufficient portion of our souls; and receiving from thee that peace which the world cannot give nor take away. May we remember, when we encounter sorrow, that such has been the lot of thy faithful servants through all time; and that our blessed Saviour himself was "made perfect through sufferings." Grant us thy grace, O Lord, that, if we are called to resemble him in endurance, we may have the resemblance also of his meek submission to thee, and his earnest and loving zeal for the good of mankind. May we bear, then, steadfastly, knowing that through thy grace the hour will come when sorrow shall pass away, and those who have endured it well shall be crowned with "a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." Be thou with us, O Father, this day and every day; and as with us, so be thou with all who suffer, that their afflictions may be sanctified to their good; and to thee, in the blessed name of our Redeemer, be praises in the highest forever. Amen.

EVENING.

THOU whose providential care is over all, whose compassion is that of a tender father or

a loving mother, look upon us, thy children, as we gather around this family altar, and make our common supplications before thee. All things are subject to thy disposal, and thou doest all things well. We presume not to fathom the deep counsels of the All-wise, but where we cannot understand we would bow in perfect submission and adore. Our minds are dark, wilt thou illumine them! Our faith is weak, wilt thou strengthen it! Our thoughts wander from thee, wilt thou call them back that they may rest in thee! Our hearts are bound to the earth, wilt thou break the bonds, that our hearts may rise to thee and find in thee a perfect peace! Help us to see in all our afflictions and adversities the chastening of a father, and let us remember the gracious promises of thy holy word, and take courage; and exchange the spirit of heaviness for that of cheerful trust, knowing that whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and that with every temptation he maketh a way of escape.

Sad are our memories as we recall joys that are past never to return; but let us not forget that thou gavest what thou hast taken, and that for a season we were permitted to rejoice in the possession. If at any time the prospect seems dark before us, let us not be dismayed, but, putting our hand in thine, and following whither thou leadest, may we go on our way rejoicing, - rejoicing in thy goodness and loving-kindness, and in thy great mercy.

O God, thou wilt not forsake us, nor try us beyond our strength; and we know thou art a very present help in time of trouble. Let us seek to learn the lesson that thou wouldst teach us, and set our affections on things above, and have our conversation in heaven, looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. So may we enter into his kingdom, where is fulness of joy, and dwell at thy right hand, where are pleasures evermore. Amen.

XXII.

SEEKING THE GLORY OF GOD.

Teach me, my God and King,

In all things thee to see;

And what I do in anything,

To do it as for thee.

HERBERT.

Give unto the Lord, O ye mighty, give unto the Lord glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name.

Truly all human glory, all temporal honor, all worldly highness, compared to thy eternal glory is vanity and folly.À Kempis.

Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; let thy glory be above all the earth.

We shall especially honor God, by discharging faithfully those offices which God hath intrusted us with; by improving diligently those talents which God hath committed to us. Dr. Barrow.

Grant that the end of all my actions and designs may be the glory of God. Wilson.

Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wonderful things.

Blessed be his glorious name forever, and let the whole earth be filled with his glory.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.

To proclaim the glory of God, to acknowledge it, to attest it in his earthly temples: this ought to be the desire of every one, the intention of all men, the end of religion. St. Ambrose.

If we study to honor God, we cannot do it better than by confessing our sins, and laying ourselves low at the feet of Christ. Mason.

The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Bless the Lord, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.

Bless the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.

Bless the Lord, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the Lord, O my soul.

A

MORNING.

LMIGHTY God, thou hast watched over us and kept us through the night; thou hast given thy beloved sleep, and we would receive our