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the new-creating spirit, enlightening the mind, elevating the thoughts and desires of the heart. and imparting a peace to the soul "which passeth all understanding." Under his influence, too, a marked and evident change took place in her whole character and disposition; the weak became strong, the timid became bold in behalf of God, and she who in early life dared scarcely raise her voice in society, now breathed forth the most fervent thanksgivings for herself, and strong and affectionate encouragement and

warning to others. Let the young

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and amiable, especially of her own sex, contemplate the several features in the character of this departed saint, as formed in her by the hand of the divine spirit. Let them discern the difference between amiable dispositions and holiness, between the highest cultivation of moral feeling, and the work of the transforming grace of God. Thus may she, though dead, yet speak," to those who survive, and cause them, in her own example and history, to read that solemn lesson, which alike applies to all, Ye must be born again."

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CHURCH MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

MY DEAR SIR,--The subject upon which your correspondent of July last, Clemens,' writes, must be at this crisis particularly interesting to every one who desires the welfare of missions. I read his paper with much pleasure, until I arrived at the concluding paragraphs, in which he deprecates the idea of any reduction in the expenditure of the Church Missionary Society, speaking of it as at least, an unwise procedure, if not an impracticable one. Now although your correspondent alludes chiefly to this country, yet his principle is a general one, and a very bad one; and instead of deprecating such reductions, he ought in my humble opinion to advocate them. There

is room for reduction in the expences of the Church Missionary Society, and every other English Society abroad, if not at home, and it would much further the cause which Clemens' so much advocates, were such reductions to take place. We too well know, that the best of human plans is liable to error, but I am sure

it is better boldly to meet those errors, (of which unnecessary expenditure is one,) and judiciously to alter them, rather than to declare in the face of overwhelming evidence, that such things do not exist. I must confess that I do not look upon the present temporary embarrassment of the Church Missionary Society, with that alarm with which it is viewed by many, but am equally desirous to meet it, and remedy it, and amidst all the plans which will be suggested and adopted by its friends, I am very anxious to claim a due place for mine to aid and assist, viz. A more consistent and economical expenditure of our funds.'

OMICRON.

No doubt our correspondent CLEMENS would desire that every truly economical reduction should be made in the Society's expenditure; but we are by no means convinced that any part of the Society's expences is, as OMICRON here intimates, unnecessary.-ED.

THE DYING HOUR.

If the experience of the dying hour could be faithfully written, the thoughts that then fill the brain, like the last inhabitants of a crumbling temple, and the feelings that then occupy the chilled heart, be revealed to the eye of sense, what a view would be displayed! The period of dissolution brings with it emotions of a peculiar character. There are at that time operations through which the soul never before passed. Nothing appears in its old aspect. Like a splendid hall which has been hung in new drapery, each object wears a different dress. Opinions, that the strongest force of argument could not compel to withdraw from the mind, then hastily departprejudices that rooted themselves more and more deeply at every attack, then bend before the blast -cherished feelings, that the bosom had ever clung to, then are hated; and desires that had ever found a home beside affection's altar, then are banished. What fearful change is this, that then befalleth the spirit? Are the faculties then so weakened as to prevent it from thinking and feeling aright? No; it now sees things as they are. Falsehood has ceased to obscure its vision.

Truth, long deprived of her authority, long forced to crouch like a slave, obtains her rightful station, and shows that the pretended nature of the world is very unlike its real character. O, what an hour is this! When the soul is aroused to the true relations of objectswhen mistakes are seen, but alas, too late for correction-when eternity's importance and awe enter into the decisions, wishes, and feelings of the mind!

The hour of death! In this brief space the past is reviewed. However treacherous memory may have been, on a thousand occasions, she now acquits herself with fide

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lity. Omits she now to unroll the record, which her hand had so often clasped? Is she like the trumpet, that bloweth an uncertain sound?" Life's history her tongue now repeats-scenes, forgotten scenes are recalled, and buried events are brought up before the eye. Over the long path which we have made, she leads us; here she stops us to meditate on some dark deed; there she shows another way into which passion hurried us. Have we injured friends? Have the true and fond bosoms on which we rested been pierced by the darts of unkindness? Memory presents it. Have we performed actions of generosity? Have the desolation of the widow been cheered, and the loneliness of the orphan been relieved by us? Has the path of one individual lost a thorn by our instrumentality, or the wreath of love had one rose added by our hands? Delighted with the occurrence, memory repeats it in strains of exultation. Crowded into this narrow period, the moments resemble the waves that now dance in the sunlight to the music of the breeze, and now flow on in solemn silence beneath the shade of overhanging boughs. But does the past alone employ the fugitive hour? That hour, imagination also makes her own. Whatever may have hindered its operation, is now removed. Loftier. and freer than ever soars its wing. Over the highest summit it easily rises, borrowing life from death itself.

The Dying Hour! It is then that Time and we are parted. Though he may have led us over a diversified way, we then forsake him; he continues to travel on in his own course, but we are ushered into a new condition. Cares cease to distress. The last tear falls from the eye, the last sigh escapes

from the bosom. Darkness gathers upon the earth, relieved only by that pure light which proceeding from heaven hath power to gild the closing scene. Mortality, shrink not from this hour! Pursue virtue -let religion be thy study, O man, and whenever and wherever this event occur it shall find thee happily prepared. Whether death meet thee at the hour when mid

night reigneth, or mid-day pour its tide of glory on the world-whether it meet thee amid the consolations of home, or the privations of a stranger's country-whether it meet thee on the uprising billow or in the fruitful plain, its stern brow shall bear a soft and holy expression, and its angry voice shall speak no tones but those of peace and love. NEMO.

PRAYERS FOR PLAIN PEOPLE, WITH DIRECTIONS HOW TO PRAY.

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2. Christ has taught us to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness:" therefore we should pray that God will make us good and holy, before we pray Him to give us food, or clothing, or bodily health.

3. Christ has taught us that God" knows what things we have need of before we ask Him; therefore, though we are commanded to pray, yet we should remember that our heavenly Father knows best what is good for us and we should follow our Lord's example, in desiring that not our will, but God's will should be done.

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5. We are taught by St. John that "if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins; therefore we should carefully examine ourselves when we pray we should call to mind all that we have done amiss, and confess our faults to God, that He may mercifully forgive them. But,

6. Christ has taught us that "if we do not forgive others their trespasses, our heavenly Father will not forgive us our trespasses;" therefore we must be careful also to forgive every fault that another has committed against us; and not only to forgive, but, as Christ says, to love our enemies," before we dare to pray to God.

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7. Christ has taught us specially to" watch and pray, that we enter not into temptation; we should therefore earnestly beg that God will keep us both from our own evil thoughts, and from bad company, for fear we should be tempted to commit sin.

8. Nobody can expect further favours, if he is not thankful for those which he has already received; therefore, when we pray, we must not forget to thank God; in the morning, for having taken care of us during the night past; in the evening, for all the blessings we have enjoyed during the day. And at all times we may specially thank God for his great mercies to us through Jesus Christ.

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9. We are particularly directed by St. Paul to pray "for kings and for all that are in authority; we should not forget therefore to beg God's blessing on all rulers, both in Church and State; on the Queen and her government, as well as especially on the bishops and clergy.

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10. We are taught in the Gospel that God will hear our prayers if we ask in His Son's name; therefore we must pray to God through Christ, and trust that God will receive our prayers for Christ's sake. We may also end our prayers with some such words as these, “Hear me, O God, and grant my prayer, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord."

11. Always stop a minute before you begin your prayers, that you may think who it is that you are going to pray to; and at the end of your prayer say Amen," to shew that you are in earnest, and believe that God hears you.

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The following prayers will be found to fall in with these directions, and may be used according as they severally suit the occasions and circumstances in which men pray.

In time of any special distress or need, a person will pray acceptably, if he will but plainly, and in few words, ask God to have mercy on him and relieve his sore distress, or supply his pressing need, for Jesus Christ's sake. Only, let this be done with a feeling of sorrow for sins committed, of thankfulness for such blessings as are still granted, and with humble trust that God will, in all cases, do what is best for them that love Him.

As a Morning or Evening Prayer, where there is time for a family to meet together, the following may be said.

O God our heavenly Father, sanctify us and all thy people, that we may be holy in thy sight, and may set forth thy glory in the

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kingdom of thy Son Jesus Christ. Thou, O God, hast seen all our misdeeds, and we confess unto Thee our secret sins. Enable us from our hearts to forgive every one who has wronged or hurt us; and then do Thou, for Christ's sake, forgive all that we have offended against Thee. Thou knowest all our wants, and hast promised of thy great goodness to give us what we need. Grant not what vainly or foolishly desire, but grant what Thou seest to be best for us in thine infinite wisdom. Watch over us this day [or, if said in the evening, this night] and evermore, keep us from all harm ; and especially from every temptation to sin. Make us thankful to Thee for all thy mercies in time past; [if said in the morning], for the rest and safety we have enjoyed during the night; [if said in the evening, for the blessings we have enjoyed this day]; and, above all things, for our redemption by Jesus Christ. Continue thy favour and protection to us, and send thy blessings of health and happiness on us, and upon all men. Bless all the members of this family. Bless also thine anointed servant the Queen, and all the

bishops and ministers of thy church. And hear us, O God, according to thy Son's most gracious promise, and grant this our prayer for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

When a person would say this

prayer by himself, let him put I for we, me for us, my for our, &c. and instead of the words "Bless all the members of this family," let him say more particularly, "Bless my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, my wife and children," &c. according as he has one or other to pray for.

By persons who are much occupied with darly labour, the following short prayers may be used, when there is not time for more.

In the morning before going to

work.

O God our heavenly Father, look favourably upon me, who have been made at my baptism thy child through Jesus Christ. I pray for thy blessing on all my labours this day. Grant me health and strength to work, and make me honest, and diligent, and faithful to those who may employ me [or in all my dealings]. Above all, grant that while I labour for daily food, I may not forget Thee, and that heavenly food which will bring me to eternal life, even thy holy word and the spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord, for whose sake, I beseech Thee, hear this my prayer. Amen.

In the evening, before going to bed.

Almighty and merciful Father, who hast made all things, and whose watchful care is over all thy works, I beseech Thee protect me while I rest: grant me this night quiet and refreshing sleep. Let thine hand shield me in the darkness, and thy presence keep me from all harm. Thanks be to Thee for all the blessings of the day past teach me to love Thee and praise Thee for them as I ought. Above all, make me thankful for thy mercies through Christ, for his sake forgive all my sins, and let thy blessing be upon me; and upon my kindred, and on all people whom Thou hast made. Grant this, O heavenly Father, through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

To each of these may be added a prayer for God's grace to enable us to amend our lives, such as the following.

Grant to me, O Lord, I beseech Thee, the help of thy Holy Spirit, that as I grow in years, so I may grow better and more pleasing to Thee day by day. Grant that I may daily become more pure in thought, more serious and soberminded, more gentle and forgiving, more careful of my duty towards

Thee, and in all things more like the example of thy blessed Son; for whose sake I pray that Thou wilt bless me with all heavenly grace and strength, and bring me, when I die, into thine everlasting kingdom. Amen.

As a prayer for Sunday (when time may always be found for such a purpose), say the following.

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O heavenly Father, I thank Thee for thy great mercies; for the blessings of health and strength, of food and clothing, of a peaceful and comfortable home, which Thou hast permitted me to enjoy. cially I thank Thee for this day's rest; for the blessing of thy holy religion; for the ordinances of Thy Church; and, above all, for my redemption from the power of sin and death by Jesus Christ. Forgive me, O God, for His sake, all that Thou hast seen amiss in me. Give me grace to amend my life; and by thy Holy Spirit sanctify my heart, and make me holy. Send me day by day such things as are needful for me, specially such good thoughts and desires as will purify and improve my heart. Enable me to perform faithfully and devoutly the particular duties of this day; to be attentive at Church; to pray heartily and fervently; to give thanks and praise sincerely; humbly and unfeignedly to confess my sins; and to listen reverently to to the reading and preaching of thy holy word. Let thy good Providence keep me both from temptation and from bodily harm, and let thy blessing be upon me, and on all that belongs to me. Bless the Queen and Royal Family; bless the Bishops and Ministers of thy Church, especially him whom Thou hast set to watch over my soul's health : bless my home and country; make us to live together in unity and godly love; and send thy peace and saving health unto all men. This, and all the prayers which are offered up to

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