that Thou wilt never forsake them that put their trust in Thee. And when we feel sad, and our affections languish, may its precious truths bring us consolation, and raise us from despondence to cheerfulness and hope.
In all things, O Lord, assist us to keep our affections and thoughts fixed upon Thee; to be kind to all our fellow-creatures; to be pitiful and courteous; to render, according to our ability, assistance to all that need; and to pursue this course, not to gain the praise of men, but to keep our consciences clear before Thee, and to give Thee all the praise. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
FIFTIETH WEEK.—SABBATH MORNING.
O LORD Jesus Christ, Thou art our God; we will praise Thee, we will glorify Thy name for ever and ever. Thy Word is our constant counsellor; may it remind us of the necessity of activity in working out our salvation with fear and trembling.
O heavenly Father, help us to make this Sabbath the beginning of a state, in which sloth shall no more press us down to the earth. We cannot but acknowledge that we have lived too much for ourselves. The scarcely warm remains of faithfulness, which have kept us from the commission of flagrant evils, have resulted rather from the love of self, from the fear of losing our worldly reputation, than from pure love of Thee. Our virtue has been limited to ourselves; our best efforts have scarcely extended beyond the desire to receive as much again from others as we bestow; and our righteousness has partaken much of the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees. Lord, help ue to rise out of this lukewarm supineness into the fire of fervent and perfect charity; to be active and diligent in the ways and work of Thee our Saviour. Help us to turn our inmost affections to Thee, O glorious Sun of righteousness; and let Thy divine beams fall warm upon our hearts, and inspire us with holy desires, until our whole souls become enkindled and re-animated with the fervency of heavenly love. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
SABBATH EVENING.
ALMIGHTY Lord, our heavenly Father, it is Thy constant aid and assistance which enables the "just to live by faith." The nearer we draw to Thee, the more warm and fervent in spirit do we become, for Thou art in the midst of the heavenly sun, and from Thee flow forth all those fervid beams of love hy which the soul is quickened unto eternal life. O may we ever walk towards Thee, the living fire of unity; and Thou art present in Thy Word, "Is not Thy Word like fire?" How many warming, how many comforting truths are there! May we, who so constantly hear its comforting truths, unite in the holy exclamation of the man of old—"O how I love Thy Word; it is dearer unto me than thousands of gold and silver." We thank Thee, O heavenly Father, that we have been privileged to enjoy the blessings of another Sabbath. The Word of Thy truth has again refreshed our
