consolation, that I am thine, and shall go to thee; this is my support under every trial and trouble of life, that thou hast compassion on the works of thy hands! Thou didst create man, not for sorrow, but for rejoicing. For thy glory and honour, thou hast given me a rational soul, an intelligent speech; a sound reason, and powers of mind and body, for useful exercise; thus thou hast appointed me an important place in the circle of created things. But thou hast done more, thou hast given me a hope of everlasting life!

Then, let my portion here be small or great-my station exalted or mean-I will ever rejoice in thy mercy and love. Lord, who hast purchased me for thy own, let me live to thy honour! give me wisdom to think and act according to thy intention, in the circumstances in which thou hast placed me! Guard me from sin and

M

evil! Give me a sincere love for all mankind, for they are the work of thy hand; and have one origin and one calling with myself.

Make me serviceable to all; but more particularly to those with whom I am connected in bonds of near relationship! Grant me health, and strength, sufficient for all my duties; make me ever watchful over my heart; true and faithful in my calling-humble and moderate in time of wealth-full of trust and confidence in times of sorrow or perplexity-thankful for all thy mercies-zealous in all good works-patient under suffering-forgiving towards enemies-compassionate to all, and ever keeping eternity in view!

O Lord God, Giver of all good! how happy am I, when pouring out the desires of my heart before thee! I can wait in expectation of thy goodness with a childlike confidence! To thee I com

mit myself, and all I have! Take us under thy care, and this day lead us in

all things according as seems good unto thee!

REDEMPTION.

"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, to the end that all that believe on him should not perish, but have everlasting life."-JOHN iii. 16.

MY LORD, and my God, what great thing is this that thou hast done for man-what an astonishing manifestation of thy goodness and love!

Thou hast given thy Son to die for our sin, that we, believing on him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. This thought, and the peace it brings with it, are alike past conception. Who can understand the gift?—but what heart, willing to receive it, does not feel its heavenly power?

The mighty work of redemption is indeed veiled in sacred mystery to the eye of man; but however incapable my weak powers may be fully to comprehend the height, and depth, the majesty, and the love of the divinity, which are here in exercise for sinners; yet do I perceive in this great work of mercy, all that is suited to my wants, my desires, my hopes!

My eye can take in but a portion of the sun's light; and my mind can know but little, or perhaps nothing, of its nature, and mode of existence, and operation! but I feel its influences, and rejoice in its life-giving beams. In like manner, I cannot see the full extent and glory of the high counsels of God's wisdom, which planned the redemption of sinful man, through the offering made by the Saviour; but I find its heavenly power renewing my heart in holiness, and bringing peace to my conscience.