us in order, that our happiness may be secured and rendered permanent. Now, O Lord, we entreat Thee, enable us to acquire the temper and spirit which shall at all times bring us to a devout submission to Thy Divine dispensations, for all the dispensations of Thy providence are designed to remove evil from us, and to advance us on the way to heaven. Thou wilt persuade us by Thy truth, and when brought into the wilderness, Thou wilt speak comfortably unto us; and if our confidence rest upon Thee, thou wilt make even the valley of Achor to be a door of hope unto us. We are never so deeply tried, but that we possess some comforts; and in all the trials necessary for our purification, it is our duty to remember the Hand that permits the infliction, and to acknowledge that there must be some special evil which retards our progress, and which must be removed ere we can go forward in the regenerative march. Therefore, O Lord, we beseech Thee, aid us to acquire the temper and spirit which shall enable us, in whatsoever state we are, therewith to be content. Who cannot pray for daily bread, when it is in plenty beside him? Then we profess to trust in Thee, O Lord!—But it is when provision fails, that the truest act of faith becomes obvious, which sees at the time that Thy providence extends to all and singular things, which then can with humble confidence exclaim, "The Lord will provide." O Lord Jesus Christ, increase our faith, for Thy name and mercy sake. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
HEAR our prayer, O God, attend unto the voice of our supplication. When our hearts are overwhelmed, unto Thee will we lift up our voice; O lead us, and place our feet firmly upon the rock of Thy truth. We desire to make acknowledgment that it is Thy truth alone which can enlighten us, and lead us to goodness, and establish us in righteousness, and it is a love of goodness that can alone make us satistied in whatsoever station of life we may be placed. We acknowledge, O Lord, that when truth has enlightened our understanding, and from Thy holy Word our affections begin to feel the kindling influence, the struggle between good and evil commences within us, and thence arise dissatisfactions and doubts and fears and even to ourselves there is an appearance that we never shall be satisfied. We are never so full as not to want something; yea to be full of wants. Either we lack health, or quietness, or children, or wealth, or company, or friends; and we know not the want of rest and peace and joy in Thee, until many or all of these have been withdrawn, or shown to be but before us as of minor importance when compared with the possession of that goodness which to have is to know no want beside. Sometimes we see Thy love to be all in all, and then we submit ourselves to Thy righteous guidance, and find our tranquillity therein. Sometimes our stubborn wills, so difficult at all times to submit, prevail over even Thy love, and then are we in misery, and know no peace, for there is no peace to the wicked. We desire, O Lord, above all things, that our wills and affections may be brought under Thy control, and that Thy visitations may be submitted to as the only sure means of our becoming regenerate. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
