O  God,  who  art  rich  in  mercy  to  all  that  call  upon  thee,
and  hast  bid  us  pray  without  ceasing,  and  rejoice  evermore  a-
In  obedience  to  thy  command,  and  encouraged  by  the  goodness
of  thy  nature,  thy  gracious  invitations,  thy  most  precious  pro-
mises, and  the  long  experience  that  I  and  others  have  had  of
thy  bounty,  I  am  bold  again  to  approach  into  thy  presence ;  to
renew  my  requests  unto  thee,  to  bless  thy  holy  name,  to  make
profession  of  my  love  to  thee,  and  readiness  in  all  things  to
obey  thee.  Quicken  my  thoughts  and  affections,  O  Lord,  to
a  free  and  joyful  attendance  on  thee  in  all  holy  duties ;  that  no
dulness  nor  weariness  may  seize  upon  my  spirit ;  but  such  a
fervent  love  to  thee  may  possess  my  heart,  as  may  render  all
the  employments  of  religion  my  delight,  and  the  doing  thy  will
both  now  and  alway  my  greatest  pleasure.
And  pass  by,  I  most  humbly  beseech  thee,  all  my  unwilling
indispositions :  accept  of  such  service  as  I  am  able  to  render
thee ;  and  dispose  me  by  all  my  address  to  thee  to  be  more
circumspect  and  watchful,  more  diligent  and  industrious,  more
forward  and  zealous  in  the  performance  of  every  part  of  my
duty;  that  being  led  by  thy  counsel,  governed  by  thy  Spirit,
and  preserved  by  thy  gracious  providence,  I  may  at  last  be

a  i  Thess.  v.  1 6,  17.
188  Private  prayers  in  the  church.
.admitted  into  the  company  of  the  blessed  ;  there  to  perfect  my
praises  and  acknowledgments,  and  to  receive  the  reward  of
patient  continuance  in  well-doing,  through  Christ  Jesus ;  whose
grace  be  with  my  spirit*.  Amen.
