THE SABBATH.

REFLECTIONS adapted to Exod. xvi. 22-36. Exod. xx. Luke vi. 1-11.-The Lord has set apart one day in seven to be devoted to rest, pious meditation and public worship. In order to be convinced of the wisdom of this arrangement, let us consider,

1. The tyranny and avarice of the rich. They doom those in their employ to constant toil, and often drive them far beyond the endurance of human strength. Hard, indeed, is the lot of those in any way dependent on men thus cruel. And yet, how large a proportion of our race are thus dependent. What a merciful provision to such is the Sabbath! On this blessed day they can rest from their toil, and give their wasted powers time to regain their strength. Besides, all who rest one day in seven, can perform more labor in a year than those who take no time for rest. This is the opinion of the most distinguished physicians of the world.

2. When immersed in the cares and perplexities of life, it is impossible to fix the mind upon the sublime truths which God has revealed for our guidance and happiness. In order to gain a knowledge of those truths, and have our hearts brought under their influence, we must retire occasionally from the world, and give ourselves to reading and pious meditation. How essential, then, is the Sabbath. Were it abolished, we could have no hope for religion. All men would be wholly controlled by things temporal.

3. Public worship is the most efficient means ever appointed to enlighten the mind, impress truth upon the heart, and render mankind holy. Not only are the worshippers benefitted by the singing, praying and preaching, but also by the sympathy which assembling togetner awakens; by the manners and examples of each other, and by forgetting, for a season, the follies, amusements, cares and perplexities of life.

How important, then, is the Sabbath! Surely, a day so valuable should never be profaned; all should keep it holy. Instead of being devoted to labor, travelling, visiting, or amusement, it should be devoted to rest, pious meditation, and public worship.

PRAYER.

ALMIGHTY Maker of heaven and earth, who art glorious in holiness and infinite in love, we would lift our souls in gratitude to thee, for the rich manifestations of thy mercy, and for thy unwearying care and kindness. Each returning day brings fresh supplies of thy goodness, and lays us under renewed obligations to love and serve thee. Wonderful art thou, O God, in thy adorable perfections. The heavens and the earth are full of the majesty of thy glory.

We thank thee, heavenly Father, for the means of grace, and especially for thy mercy in Christ Jesus. Honor to thy name, that when we were vile and sinful, thou didst send him to die for our redemption. We bless thee for all his labors and sufferings, and for all the institutions which he gave to the world. We rejoice that he was Lord of the Sabbath; and that he consecrated it to prayer, praise and religious improvement. May we remember that on this day he rose from the dead, and gave immortal hope to a dying world. O God, mercifully grant that none may profane a day so holy, and which awakens associations so sacred. Forbid that the cares and sinful pleasures of the world should engross the attention of any on this day; and grant that all may keep it according to thy gracious purpose in its appointment. May the Spirit be with all who unite in

thy worship. Sanctify their affections, and help them to withdraw their thoughts from worldly cares, to have their conversation in heaven, and to worship thee in spirit and in truth. May the power of godliness possess their hearts. Make them sensible, O Lord, how great are the privileges of thy sanctuary; and how blessed it is to enter thy gates with thanksgiving and thy courts with praise. Wilt thou accompany thy word with power, and adapt it to the wants of all who hear it. May the wicked be awakened to righteousness, and flee from the curse of sin. Alarm the careless, help the weak, and reclaim the wandering.

Righteous Lord, be with us this day, and enable us to keep it holy. Make us thankful that we have been favored again with its weekly return; and, when we repair to thy temple, may it be to gain new strength, and to hold communion with thee: May we not be of those who are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth; but may we receive with meekness and joy the ingrafted word, which is able to save the soul.

Great God! hear us in behalf of these children. O may they love the Sabbath; love thy courts; love thy law.

Assist us and all men with thy heavenly grace; direct all hearts to the attainment of life; and in all the pains and dangers to which we are subjected, may we have thy most gracious care, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

SECOND PART.

PRAYERS SUITABLE FOR THE MORNING OR EVENING DEVOTIONS OF A FAMILY.

THE SCRIPTURES A LIGHT.

FATHER of lights, with whom there is no variableness, and in whom there is no darkness at all, to thee we come as the Source of wisdom and truth, the Fountain of goodness and love, in humble and fervent prayer for thy blessing and direction. O Lord, thou hast graciously encouraged us to seek thy face in prayer. Thou hast called upon us to put our trust in thee, and to ask of thee the preserving and guiding influences of thy Holy Spirit, of which always we have so great need.

Merciful Father, we desire to bring to thee our offering of thanks, that thou hast not left us without a witness of thy truth and loving-kindness. Thou hast given unto us the written word of thy truth as a lamp unto our feet, and a light to our path. And devoutly do we thank thee, most Holy One, that therein thy will and our duty are so clearly and fully revealed, and the way pointed out which leadeth into the green pastures and by the still waters of the divine life of faith and obedience.

We pray, Father in heaven, that thou wilt enable us diligently to study thy holy Word, that we may become daily more and more acquainted with its requirements and counsels for the life that now is, and with its solemn and beautiful revelations of the life that is to come. O Lord, may our souls be filled with the glorious light of thy truth, and our hearts be quickened by it into newness of life and new obedience. Help us to accept the teachings of thy word in all things, that we may be able to put away every wrong thought and act, and follow after all righteousness, and so continually grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

And in the hour of temptation and peril, when the heart is weak, and the soul is darkened with the shadows of sin, O Father, then may the word of thy truth pour in its blessed radiance, till the darkness and the shadows shall pass from the soul, till all passion and wrong shall be banished, and light and holiness alone dwell in the inner sanctuary. So may we be preserved in the evil hour, and, though we walk in the night time, a light as of the sun of righteousness be upon our pathway continually.

And in the day of adversity and trial, wilt thou, Father of lights, be with us, and cause thy face graciously to shine upon us. When the spirit is oppressed, and clouds and darkness are around it when the burthen of sorrow and suffering is upon the heart, and every pulse is with pain-O thou merciful and compassionate Parent, grant unto us then the consolations of thy love, and the comforting influences of thy word. May its calm and holy light be shed abroad in the soul,