THIRD ADDRESS. Most high and ever blessed God, before whom angelic hosts bow down with all possible reverence and humility! with what self-abasement and lowliness of heart does it become such a weak and frail creature as I am to approach thy throne, and pour out my soul in prayer and supplication bebefore Thee! Most incapable am I of fully conceiving thy glorious perfections-the extent of thy creating and preserving power -thy infinite wisdom-thy unlimited and inexhaustible goodness. But the manifestations of thy great glory, and the displays of thy transcendant perfections, are such, as to cause me to rejoice before Thee with joy exalted and unfeigned. In the book of nature, I can read the demonstrations of thy eternal power and godhead, but still more clearly hast Thou revealed thyself to the world by Jesus Christ, by whom mankind have been taught their duty to Thee as their creator, preserver, and never-failing friend and benefactor. Blessed for ever be thy holy name, that I know and can adore Thee as the first great cause of the universe, and of all that it contains-the creator of all that exists, and the sole supporter and preserver of all, to whom alone the adorations of thy creatures are to be paid, and who hast permitted me to address Thee as my Father and my God. Most humbly and earnestly do I pray that Thou wouldst sanctify to me all the knowledge I possess of thy attributes and perfections:-may they lead me to feel and to be habitually mindful of my obligations to Thee, as the author of my being, and the giver of every good and perfect gift. Grant, O my God! that these ideas may become more familiar to my mind, and more interesting and dear to my heart. May I diligently cherish the hopes they inspire-be cheered and animated by the prospects they present, and advance, day by day, in love, reverence, and obedience towards Thee my God! May I feel a sincere and expanded benevolence to all my fellow-creatures, and continually improving my christian character, become better qualified for that supreme and everlasting felicity, which Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour is gone to prepare for all those who love Thee, and strive to approve themselves before Thee. O give strength and confirmation, I beseech Thee, to the solemn purposes I form to devote myself wholly unreservedly and cheerfully to thy most holy will. Bring all mankind, O God! to know and consider themselves as children of the same common Father, to regard and esteem each other as brethren, and to be studious to promote peace, mutual improvement, and happiness. Grant that my relations and friends may be guided, directed, and governed by a prevailing desire to promote the honour of thy name. By a wise and becoming improvement of thy mercy and favour in this world, may they be daily ripening in their preparations for a happy and glorious eternity. Most sincerely would I also intercede in behalf of those who, for whatever cause, have conceived any displeasure against me. If I have acted unjustly or unkindly towards them, I ask forgiveness for myself upon the terms of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and if they indulge a spirit of illwill against me without cause, I solicit mercy for them. : Now unto thee who art the Lord God omnipotent, the God of my life and the lengthener of my days, the rock of my confidence and the foundation of my hopes, --the Father of mercies and the God of all consolation-I would, with all possible solemnity and devotion, ascribe, as being most justly due, all Ironour and glory, praise and blessing, thanksgiving and adoration, for ever.-Amen. с FOURTH ADDRESS THE heavens are full of thy glory and majesty O Lord God Almighty! great and wonderful are thy works,-just and true are all thy ways.--Thou alone art holy !-Thou art the only wise God, and thou doest good continually. Accept and bless me, most gracious Father, in the offering of prayer and praise which I would now present unto Thee. Enable me to pray unto Thee in such manner that my prayer may ascend up to Thee with acceptance, and this my humble tribute find favour in thy sight. Thou gavest me life, and endowest me with understanding. By thy paternal care all my wants are supplied, and in Thee I continually live and move and have my being. I rejoice that all events are under thy guidance, and conducted by thy fatherly providence, that nothing can befal any of thy creatures without thy knowledge and permission; and that Thou wilt cause all things to work together for the good of those who love and serve Thee. Thou art |