EIGHTH WEEK.—WEDNESDAY. — Evening

FATHER of mercies, we thank Thee that the season of rest has once more arrived, and that after the toils of the day it is our happiness to take thy holy name upon our lips, and to lift up our hearts in thy worship. Pardon all the sin that Thou hast seen in us this day; let us not retire to sleep with unforgiven guilt upon the conscience, but, looking unto Jesus, may we have peace with Thee, peace within, and peace with all beside. Glory be to Thee, O Lord, for all the mercies bestowed upon us hitherto. How precious are thy thoughts unto us, O God! how great is the sum of them! If we should count them, they are more in number than the sand; when we awake we are still with Thee.

Under the shadow of thy Almighty wings may we, and all we love, repose in safety through this night. Behold, O God, those who lie upon beds of pain, and comfort them. Hear the cry of the troubled, and of him that hath no helper. Let thy merciful care preserve those who are sailing on the broad ocean. Do Thou, gracious Saviour, who once hadst not where to lay thy head, befriend the friendless, shelter the outcast, and let all men know the riches of thy compassion and thy saving love.

Blessed for ever be thy holy name, O Lord, that Thou didst come into our world to save sinners, and that now on the throne of thy glory Thou dost still choose the poor of this world, and make them rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. May we be thy loyal subjects, loving friends, and faithful disciples, and by thy grace enable us to bring our fellow sinners unto Thee. We thank Thee that the days of persecution are past in our land, and that we can call upon thy name, none daring to make us afraid. Keep us by thy mighty power from the corruption that is in the world; let us never grow cold toward Thee; never neglect thy Word or thy worship; but may we become more fervent in prayer, wax stronger in the faith, grow in every grace, and, enduring to the end, see Thee in thy heavenly kingdom, and serve Thee with everlasting joy and gladness. Bless those in less favoured lands who are persecuted for righteousness sake; strengthen them to endure as seeing Him who is invisible, and hasten the time when superstition and sin shall cease to afflict our race.

Bestow, O Lord, upon all our relations, friends, and neighbours the mercies which Thou seest they require. Comfort those of them who are aged; protect the young, and grant that all of them may, with us, when days and nights shall be no more, meet at thy right hand. And to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost we will ascribe all blessings and praise for ever. Amen.