from the snares of covetousness, and may I remember, that the day is approaching in which earthly riches cannot profit me. O grant, that amidst all my pursuits, I may preserve a supreme regard to the one thing, which is most needful; and secure that better part which can never be taken away. To this end, O God! I ask the guidance of thy gracious spirit; and while my thoughts are steadily fixed on earthly objects, may I be careful to reserve my affections for what is pure and heavenly. Knowing the tendency of the world to extinguish all sense of spiritual blessings, may I maintain such constant suspicion of these earth-born passions, as shall keep me from every inordinate pursuit of temporal good. May the law of truth be written on my heart, so that iniquity shall never be found in my mouth.

If my means increase, grant me a liberal hand to the poor and needy; and may I use what thou impartest, with temperance, gratitude, and charity. May I do much to promote good learning and pure religion; and by benefiting society may I prove that thou hast not blessed me in vain.

Giver of every good! I ask thy smiles upon my labours and pursuits. May I be prospered in all my lawful undertakings; and by fidelity and prudence, by industry and benevolence,

may I do honour to the religion I profess, and, at last, receive those higher rewards, which earth cannot bestow. In the name of him, who died to redeem us from the power of this evil world, I offer this my prayer, ascribing to thee, the Disposer of my condition, praise everlasting. Amen.

Prayer for a Parent.

ALMIGHTY God, Creator of men! from thee come our choicest gifts. Thou hast bestowed on me children, and inspired my heart with ardent affection for them. Thou hast committed them to my care, and commanded me to educate them as Christians, as intelligent and immortal beings. O make me fully sensible, I entreat thee, of the solemnity and importance of this charge; and give me thy gracious assistance, that I may train up my offspring in the way in which they should go. Enable me to entertain abiding convictions of the value of good instructions, and the necessity of early religious impressions. Enlighten and direct me in the choice of proper means for cultivating pious and virtuous principles in their tender

minds. Make me constant and faithful in sowing in their hearts the incorruptible seed of divine truth, that they may love religion early, and early walk with God. Increase my solicitude to set before them the pattern of a holy and good life; and never suffer me to forget, that what I say and do cannot fail to influence the formation of their temper and character. O preserve me from the extremes of impatience and undue severity, and of excessive indulgence and misguided fondness. Direct me to the most rational and salutary expressions of my love to them; and help me to adapt my conduct to their several dispositions. And while I study to bring them forward on the stage of action, with those advantages which are suitable to their condition, let me always remember, that the care of the soul is the one thing needful, and let it be my highest concern to prepare them for eternity and heaven.

Gracious God! save me, I pray thee, from the most grievous calamity which parents can feel; that of beholding their children vicious and miserable. O protect and bless those for whom my heart beats with the tenderest anxiety; and let them never be led astray by wicked customs and examples.

Whatever thou mayest deny me, O grant that I may see them walking in the truth, adorned with innocence, piety, and virtue. Vouchsafe to forgive any errors in my conduct towards them, and to supply all my deficiencies. When I shall be removed hence, let me die with the consciousness that I have not wilfully neglected my duty to them. And in the great day of resurrection and judgment, grant that we may be found together before thy throne, and that I may be enabled to say-Here am I, O Lord, and the children which thou hast given me.

I offer my requests in the name of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Morning Prayer for a Child.

ALMIGHTY God, Maker of heaven and earth! my Creator, Preserver and Benefactor. Early will I seek and praise and love thee. In the hours of sleep, when I could not defend myself, thou hast defended me. Thou hast brought me to this morning in health, and I will now show forth thy praise. I thank thee for all the powers of my body, and for all the faculties of my mind.

My present blessings are more than I can number, and more than I have deserved. I have sinned against thee; for I have left undone many things which I ought to have done, and have done many things that I ought not to have done. As thou hast promised to forgive me through Jesus Christ, if I am heartily sorry, I devoutly pray thee to look in mercy on my sins, and enable me to do better in future. O make me sensible of the importance of forming right habits on my entrance into life; and enable me to keep a constant guard over my thoughts, my feelings, my words, and my actions. May I remember that thine eye is always directly upon me. Help me to gain good learning; so that when the aged, the wise, and the virtuous leave the world, I may be prepared to fill their places, and to be useful in society. May I remember how much the happiness of my friends depends on my good conduct, and may I be all that my parents and instructers wish me. O may I live as thy obedient child, and be a christian in spirit and in deed. O God! I look to thee for guidance and assistance this day and every day of my future life, and when I die, may I be received into thy heavenly kingdom, through Jesus Christ. Amen.