which the Divine Spirit seems thus to point for comfort-Dost thou not understand, neither remember? X. May we consider how much God has done for us, that was beyond all human means and earthly expectation; and beware of limiting what He may do in the darkest prospect that will ever be before us. It was the sin of Israel, that "they turned back, and tempted God, and limited the Holy One of Israel "." Our first and latest thoughts, morning and evening, days and years to come, shall be fixed on this sublime meditation. 66 Lord, it is nothing with thee to help, whether with many, or with them that have no power: help us, 6 Ps. lxxviii 41. O Lord our God; for we rest on thee." 2 Chron. xiv. 11. PRAYER FOR THURSDAY NIGHT. O God, most mighty, most holy and merciful Saviour, who dost comfort the feeble-minded, and all that mourn, I humbly beseech Thee to receive me again into thy tender care, and give me a refuge from my sins, which follow me all day. Thou knowest what persecution I suffer from my own doubts and troubles, and how few of my thoughts are thy thoughts, and how soon I fall into idleness and vanity, instead of delighting in thy word, when I am disengaged from the duties of the world. Lord, I am unable of my own will or strength to seek Thee; Thou only canst dispose me to pray acceptably to Thyself; pardon my unworthiness, for I come trusting in thy promise to hear me, for Jesus Christ's sake. Make pitiful allowance for the infirmity of my judgment, and the weakness of my mind, wearied by many cares and troubles; supply that humility and humble confidence in thy goodness, which I so truly need; give me grace to pour out my heart before Thee, and keep nothing back, either of my sins, or fears, or afflictions; and accept me according to that I have, and not according to that I have not; be mindful of me, O Lord, though I am but a weak and sinful man, for great is thy mercy. I thank Thee for all the blessings of the day past. Though I am not able fully to comprehend the length, and breadth, and depth of thy love to me in Christ Jesus, grant that I may weigh and consider thine innumerable benefits, that they may not be received without some return of love and gratitude; that I may not account any sacrifice too great which my Saviour may require of me, who enabled me to become perfect by the offering of Himself, and laid down his life for me, that I might find my life again in his blessed kingdom, and be sanctified, through his everlasting glory. Let this night be to me an especial season of the manifestation of thy care and faithfulness. Do Thou carry on my life when I have no need to eat or drink. Do Thou provide for me when I cannot work; keep me when I cannot discern the approach of danger; protect me when I have no knowledge, nor power to defend myself. And let the con sideration of this thy care over me by night strengthen my faith in thy good providence in all times of my danger and distress, and wakeful cares in the world; and prepare me to commit myself with joy into thy hands, when I shall leave all, and take my rest where Thou shalt make me dwell safely. To this end let my heart be filled with thy grace and the remembrance of thy tender mercies, that my weak and fearful conscience may be raised up from its failing, and I may trust in Thee. I beseech Thee to cast all my sins behind Thee which I have this day committed, and let them be buried in the depths of thy merciful and long-suffering compassion. Let my blessed Saviour heal me of them effectually by thy grace, that they may not enter into me nor torment me any more. Though I |