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 SIXTEENTH WEEK. 117

the trees of the field; and still more pleasing are those blossoms of hope which give promise hereafter of the ripened fruit. But. O Lord, impress us with the important truth, that neither the leaves of spiritual profession, nor the still more promising blossoms of fruit, give certain evidence of our completing the regenerating state. How frequently are we assailed by temptation; how often are our minds infested by dire despondency; how are we, while led to look into our inmost affections and thoughts, enabled to discover the manifold evils that none but Thee. O Lord, can remove. Thus, like the natural tree covered with blossoms, but assailed by the rude east winds, and denuded of half their promise, are we brought to retire into a comparatively wintry state. But. Lord, we desire to acknowledze the beneticial influence of even this state of trial, since we are led more devotedly to look unto Thee for aid, and more perseveringly to fight against our corruptions, until towards the conclusion of our day of sulfcring, the cheering rays of the Sun of righteousness beam upon us and give an earnest of peace and happiness. Lord, preserve us in the recollection of our dependence upon Thee through this day, and be Thou our guide even unto death. Amen. Our Father, etc.

LORD, we desire to thank Thee for Thy protection and guidance during the past day. In all that we have done well we recognise the influences of Thy good Spirit, because Thy Word assures us that Thou art in everything that is good. If we have been able to resist evil it has been by Thy aid, and by the constant recollection that the eye of the Lord is upon the righteous, that is, upon those who desire to do right, and the hand of the Lord is ready to help those who endeavour to withstand the spiritual infestations of their enemies; and though we dare not say we are free from sin, yet, by Thy good providence we have been preserved hitherto.

Now, O God, we beseech Thee, let Thy watchful eye be upon us and guard us this night. Assist us to subdue evil desires and evil thoughts, and to seek after that which is good. Preserve us in the silent watches of the night against the encroachments of spiritual enemies. In our states of utter helplessness may we sink into repose under the devout conviction that Thy love never sleeps; may we lay ourselves down in peace, knowing that Thou wilt sustain us, and may we rise again, strong to labour, glorifying Thee for all Thy loving-kindness towards us. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, we have been taught that Thy glorification is a pattern of our regeneration; like Thee, we must overcome in spiritual temptations before we can become regenerate.

O Lord, assist us to reflect that every, combat in which we engage against those selfish and worldly loves, which would, were they indulged