in humility and prayer. At the close of this day, we desire to offer up to Thee, O Father, as an evening sacrifice, our feeble but fervent breath of praise. O may it ascend as sweet incense to thy throne, and may we feel thy presence and be enriched with thy love. We acknowledge, O Lord, that Thou hast been our dwelling-place in all generations. We know and feel that thy goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our lives; and that Thou, in mercy, art still our Conductor, our good Shepherd, and our God. O heavenly Father, mercifully incline thine ear to our prayers, and from heaven thy dwelling-place, look down and bless thy church and people. Impart to each one the consolation suited to his state, that so spiritual joy and gladness, thanksgiving and the voice of melody, may be heard within. Prepare our minds, gracious Father, to receive at all times, instruction from thy Word; may we ever experience a real hungering after righteousness, and a thirsting after the water of life; so shall we constantly recognize thy presence in the midst of us, breaking unto us the bread of life, and imparting the wine of the kingdom! It is in thy spiritual kingdom that we can hear the voice of thy praise, and tell of all thy wondrous works. O may thy Divine Truth fall upon us like gently refreshing showers, that so our minds, though once barren and unproductive, may, like the desert, begin to rejoice and blossom as the rose! Into thy divine keeping we this night commit our souls, and while our bodies are being refreshed by thy precious gift of sleep, we know that all will be safe while in the sphere of thy protection and providence.
Our Father, &c.
