We have laid us down and slept, and have awoke again, because thou hast sustained us. Thanks be to God, that no plague has come nigh our dwelling; but that we are spared to see the light, and enjoy the comforts, of another day. It is of thy mercies, O Lord, that we are not consumed, and because thy compassions fail not they are new every morning, great is thy faithfulness. We confess that we are guilty before thee. We have sinned and come short of thy glory.

[Through the corruption of our natures we are bent to backslide from thee. We are backward to good, and prone to evil continually. Vain thoughts too often lodge within us, lying down and rising up, which defile or disquiet our minds, and keep out the thoughts of God and things divine. We are too apt to burden ourselves with that care which thou hast encouraged us to cast upon thee. We are greatly wanting in the duties of our particular relations. Too often are we the occasion of folly and sin to each other, instead of provoking one another to love and to good works.]

We are cold and defective in our love to thee our God; weak in our desires to

wards thee; unsteady in our walking with thee; and often out of frame for thy service. O Lord, forgive us all our sins, and be at peace with us, through him who died to make peace, and ever lives to make intercession.

[There be many that say, "Who will shew us any good?" Lord, let not us take up with any thing in this world as our portion. Lift up thou the light of thy countenance upon us, and that shall put gladness into our hearts more than they have whose earthly store increaseth.])

To thy care, O our God, we commit ourselves this day: compass us about with thy favour as with a shield; preserve our going out, and our coming in.

[Our bodies, and all our worldly affairs, we commit to the conduct of thy good providence, and cheerfully submit to its disposal. Preserve our health; prosper us in all our lawful employments, and give us comfort in all our worldly enjoyments. Our souls, and all their more momentous concerns, we commend to the government of thy Spirit. O let thy grace be sufficient for us, and work in us both to will and to do that which is good, of thine own good pleasure. Enable us

to do the work of this and every day in its proper season. May we acknowledge thee in all our ways, and do thou direct our steps.]

Lord, keep us from all evil; but especially from the evil of sin. Give us the rule over our own spirits. Let us not be provoked to wrath, or speak unadvisedly with our lips. Dispose us to live together in peace and holy love; and may the God of love and peace be with us.

Make us conscientious in all our dealings, as becomes those who see thine eye ever upon us. Arm us against every temptation; keep us in the way of duty; and preserve us in thy fear all the day long.

In every doubtful case let our way be made plain before us; and give us that wisdom which is profitable to direct. Let integrity and uprightness preserve us, for we wait on thee.

Prepare us for all the events of this day; for we know not what a day may bring forth and make us to stand complete in thy whole will. May we be willing to deny ourselves, to take up our cross daily, and follow Christ.

[Sanctify all our crosses and disap

pointments to us; teach us to submit to thy will in them, and let us find it good for us to be afflicted, that we may be partakers of thy holiness.] Lord, fit us for death, judgment and eternity. Give us grace to live, every day, as those who know not but it may be our last.

Lord, plead thine own cause in the world. Build up thy church, and erect the throne of the Redeemer on the ruins of Satan's kingdom. Let the reformed churches be more reformed. Support and deliver those that suffer for righteousness' sake. Do good to us in these nations. Bless the king, and all in authority. Guide the public councils, and over-rule all affairs for thine own glory. Let peace and truth prevail in our day, and be preserved to those that shall come after us.

Be gracious to all our relations, friends and neighbours, according to their necessities. Supply the wants of all thy people. Dwell in the families of them that fear thee, and call upon thy name. Forgive our enemies, and give us a right and charitable spirit towards them and all men.

Visit, comfort and relieve the afflicted. Succour the tempted; support the

oppressed; and give joy to those that mourn in Zion. Deal with us and our family according to the tenor of the everlasting covenant, which is well ordered in all things and sure; which is all our salvation, and all our desire.

Now, blessed be God for all his gifts, both of nature and grace; for those that concern this life, and that which is to come; especially for Jesus Christ, the fountain and foundation of all.

Pardon our imperfections; accept our services; and grant us an answer of

peace, for his sake who died for us and rose again; who hath taught us to pray, Our Father, &c.

MONDAY EVENING.

MOST holy, blessed and glorious God; whose we are, and whom we are bound to serve. Thou madest us, and not we ourselves; therefore we are not our own, but thine.

[Thou art the great benefactor of the whole creation. Thou givest to all life, and breath, and all things. Thou art our