beginning of another Sabbath, I bless Thee for all thy mercy in the week that is past, and for this day of rest, to prepare me for thy kingdom in heaven. I come before Thee with a trembling heart to repent truly of my past misdeeds, confessing that I have not loved Thee nor glorified Thee as I ought, but wasted too much of that precious life, the ordering of which Thou hast committed to my trust. When I have done what is right in thine eye, it is because Thou, Lord, didst keep me from the evil; and whereinsoever my misdeeds have prevailed against me, I have sinned through my lightness, and because I did not call upon thy Holy Name in my temptation.

Now, O Lord, fit me to keep thy Sabbath in that contrite and serious frame of mind which is acceptable to

Thee. Incline me to pass it in those righteous services and duties for which it was instituted by Thee. Thou hast been my refuge against all the evils of the world. Be unto me this day, O Lord, my defence against all troubles that might distress my soul, my hope against all fears, my stay in all my anxiety. Thou hast appointed this Sabbath day for me to employ myself in thy service. O keep my mind from every wandering and distraction, and grant that my heart may be free from all worldly cares, and wholly settled upon Thee.

Help me to apply myself earnestly to learn thy wisdom and goodness in thy blessed Scriptures. Sanctify my soul from all earthly affections, and my body from every wilful sin. Let my mind be earnestly devout in my

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prayers, and attentive to the thoughts and desires Thou dost send into my heart when I cry unto Thee. Preserve my senses to purity and godliness, that I may increase in the knowledge of thy love toward me. Grant that all good sown in my heart this day may be so deeply rooted, that it may never be stolen away, and that I may so hearken as to reap profit from the ministry of thy blessed Gospel.

Let thy Holy Spirit be with me in thy house of prayer, and make intercession within me when I pray, and show unto Thee my secret grief, which cannot be uttered, and my unworthiness and great need of thy pardon and compassion, which are more than I am able to express. Enable me to spend this whole day in the works of sanctification, to my soul's health and endless comfort.

Assist me, I most earnestly beseech Thee, in my religious duties, which are of so great concern to my eternal salvation. Purify my heart from an evil conscience. Peace, even thy peace, give unto me this day; not as unto the world, or as in the labours of the world.

Fill me with affecting thoughts of thy goodness, and with a lively sense of my own wretchedness by reason of my sin. Draw me, O Father, nearer to thyself, in bringing me nearer to my Saviour Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, that I may glorify Thee in my body and spirit, which are thine this day and evermore. Enable me to love Thee as my most gracious and merciful Creator, and joyfully expect thy coming to be my Redeemer, when Thou shalt come to be my judge.

Grant that I may this day be serious and lowly in all my behaviour, and most reverently hear thy holy word. Open the eyes of my understanding, that I may learn and receive such truths as are necessary for me for the confirmation of my faith in Jesus Christ, and the salvation of my soul through his most precious blood, and atonement for all my trespasses. Raise me, by the

power of his blessed resurrection, from sin and all iniquity. Impart unto me, if it be thy will, such spiritual comfort and peace in this thy holy Sabbath as may fill my heart with joy in believing, and give me a hope that when I leave this world I shall find my heavenly and eternal rest with Thee, my forgiving and most merciful Father, through Jesus Amen.

Christ.