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unchristian quarrels, and in unrighteous lawsuits.

Direct all, that are in doubt; all, that seek the truth.

O God the Creator and Redeemer of all, have mercy upon all, whom Thou hast made and redeemed. Amen.

MONDAY MEDITATIONS.

RESIGNATION.

Luke xxii. 42. Nevertheless, not my will, but thine be done.

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God, who takest delight in helping the afflicted, help a soul, often distressed by inward rebellion against thy just appointments. Who am I, that I make exceptions against the will of God, infinitely great, wise, and good? I know not the things, that are for my good. My most earnest desires, if granted may prove my ruin. The things, I complain of and fear, be the effects of the greatest mercy. The disappointments, I meet, may be absolutely necessary for my eternal welfare. I do therefore protest against the sin and madness of desiring to have my will done, and not the will of God.

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Grant, gracious Father, that I may never dispute the reasonableness of thy will, but ever close with it, as the best that can happen. Prepare me always for what thy providence shall bring forth.

Let me never murmur, be dejected, nor impa

tient, under any of the troubles of this life; but ever find rest and comfort in this, this is the will of my Faiher, and of my God; grant this for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

To the glory of God and of his infinite goodness I do here acknowledge that in all the dispensations of providence, which have befallen me, to this day, however uneasy to flesh and blood, I have notwithstanding experienced the kindness of a father for his child; and am convinced, that it would have been much worse for me, had I had my own choice.

O God, grant that for time to come I may yield a cheerful obedience to all thy appointments. Amen.

Corrupt nature cannot comprehend that afflictions are the effects of divine love. It must be thy grace O Lover of Souls, which must work in me this conviction, which I beseech Thee to vouchsafe me.

Never set a greater value upon this world, than it deserves.

If a man be not eager or positive in his desires, he will more readily embrace the appoint ments of providence.

If we place our dependence upon the power, wisdom, counsel, or interest, we have in man, and not in God only; we shall surely be disappointed.

Job xiii. 15. Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.

O my crucified King and Saviour, let my submission to whatever afflictions shall befal me for thy sake, or by thy appointment, be to me a

pledge and assurance of my fidelity to Thee and conformity to thy sufferings.

It is a favor to be punished and to suffer in this life, when a man makes good use of his sufferings. But to suffer by constraint is to suffer without comfort and without benefit.

Our union and conformity to the will of God, ought to be instead of all consolation. Grant, O God, that I may always accept the punishment of my sins with resignation to thy good pleasure.

Remember me, O Lord, in the day of trouble; keep me from all excess of fear, concern, and sadness.

Grant me a humble and resigned heart, that with perfect content I may ever acquiesce in all the methods of thy grace, that I may never frustrate the designs of thy mercy by unreasonable fears, by sloth, or self love. Amen.

Think often of God and of his attributes, his mercy, compassion, fidelity, fatherly care, goodness, and protection. Dwell on these thoughts, till they produce such a well grounded confidence as will support us under all difficulties, and assure us He cannot possibly forsake those, that depend on Him.

When God deprives us of any thing, that is most dear to us, health, ease, conveniences of life, friends, wife, children, &c. we should immediately say, this is God's will; I am by Him commanded to part with so much; let me not therefore murmur, nor be dejected, for then it would appear that I did love that thing more, than God's will.

When God thus visits us, let us immediately look inward; and, lest our sins be the occasion let us take care that we seriously repent, and endeavor to make our peace with God. Then He will either deliver or support us, and will convince us, that we suffer in justice for our faults; or for our trial, and to humble us; or for God's glory, and to sanctify us.

1 Pet. v. 5. Be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble.

Give me grace, O God, to study to love, to adore, and to imitate that humility, which thy blessed Son hath taught us by his word and by his most holy example.

Business.

Ephes. v. 17. Understanding what the will of the Lord is.

To engage in any business of importance without knowing this, and taking counsel of God, may cost us dear.

Isaiah xxx. 1. Wo to them, that take counsel, but not of me, saith the Lord.

But then, let a man take heed, that, when he goes to inquire of the Lord, he do not set up idols in his own heart; lest God answer him according to his idols.

We are to pray for the direction of God's Spirit upon all great occasions; especially we are humbly to depend on his direction, and cheerfully to expect it, which he will manifest, either by some plain event of his providence, or by suggesting such reasons, as ought to de

termine the will to a wise choice. But to follow the inclination of the will without reason, only because we find ourselves strongly inclined to this or that, is a very dangerous way, and may engage us in very dangerous practices.

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Death in a very little time, may make the master and the servant equal. Let us anticipate this equality by treating our servants with compassion; having respect to Christ, in the person of a servant; to Christ who took upon. him the form of a servant for our sakes.

TUESDAY MEDITATIONS.

Trouble, Persecution, Afflictions, &c. Psa. 1. 15. Call upon me in the time of trouble, so will I hear thee, and thou shalt praise me.

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GOD, who seest all our weaknesses, and the troubles we labor under, have regard to the prayers of thy servant, who stands in need of thy comfort, direction, and help.

Grant that I may suffer, like a Christian, and not grieve, like an unbeliever; that I may receive troubles, as punishment, due to my past offences; as an exercise of my faith, patience, and humility; and as a trial of my obedience; and that I may improve all my afflictions to the good of my soul, and to thy glory.

Thou alone knowest, what is best for us; let me never dispute thy wisdom, nor thy good

ness.

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