faithful, or true. The word itself implies a confident resting of the soul in God; with the fullest assurance that all these petitions shall be fulfilled to every one who prays according to the directions given here by our blessed Lord; to whom be ascribed the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever! Amen.

An old English divine has given the following illustration of the Lord's prayer, which is well worth the reader's attention:

Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven, Acts xxi. 14.

Towards us without resistance,

1 Sam. iii. 18.

Psal. cxix. 36.

Luke i. 6.

Psal. cxix. 93.

Give us this day our daily bread,

Isai. xxxiii. 16. Psal.

civ. 14.

Of necessity, for our bodies,
Of eternal life, for our souls,

And forgive us our trespasses,

Against the commands of Thy law,

Prov. xxx. 8.
John vi. 34.

Psal. xxv. 11.
1 John iii. 4.

As we forgive them that trespass against us, Matt. vi. 15.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil,

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,

ever, Jude 25.

Amen, Ephes. i. 11.

SERMON XIX.

THE TRAVELLER'S PRAYER,

LITURGY OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; defend us in the same with thy mighty power; and grant, that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings may be ordered by thy governance, to do always that is righteous in thy sight: through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ADVERTISEMENT,

PERHAPS it may be necessary to state, that the ensuing discourse, most certainly of a singular kind, owes its origin to the following circumstance :—

On Dec. 17, 1817, I was providentially called to take a journey from Liverpool to Hull, in company with an intelligent and pious friend. Being alone, we had on the way some useful conversation, relative to the circumstances of such religious people as were obliged to pursue their business by frequent journeys both by sea and land, in which no privacy could be enjoyed; and where, consequently, that daily walk, which a Christian should observe towards his Maker, was often so unavoidably interrupted, that it was next to impossi ble to have a recollected mind, or a heart regularly turned to God by prayer and supplication.

In our discussion of this subject, we both agreed, that to have a solemn form of well chosen words, by which the mind could fully express itself, in reference to its circumstances, without the labour of looking for suitable expressions, must

be of great utility and to both of us, the third Collect for Grace, in the Liturgy of our excellent Church, appeared to contain both the ideas and words, which above all others, were best suited to such occasions, and in which every Christian heart could join.

On that occasion, I termed this Collect The Traveller's Prayer; and from that day formed the resolution, whenever I should be able to command a sufficiency of time, to write a short discourse upon it, not only to recommend this very suitable and comprehensive form, for this very purpose; but also to explain the import and force of every expression, that they who should use it in such pilgrimages, might have the full benefit of it, by praying not only with the spirit, but with the understanding also.

The purpose then made, and of which I have never lost sight, one day's rest, after the fatigues of a long sea-voyage, and land journey, has given me an opportunity to fulfil: and judging that the prayer, thus considered, may be as profitable to others as it has been to myself, I venture to make it public : and, I have no doubt, that every serious reader will heartily join with me in praying that the many thousands of those who are exposed to the inconveniences and perils of travelling by land and by water, and the suspension more or less of religious duties through such journeyings, may be enabled to avail themselves effectually of the prayer itself, and of this little help towards a better understanding, and more extensive use of it: and that there may be in this case, as in all others, a continuity in that thread of devotion which should run through the whole web of life: so that in all the day, that may constitute the years of their pilgrimage, they fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger.

May His presence and blessing be the reader's portion! and after the journey of life is ended, may he have an abundant entrance into the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, where sin can never come, and where danger can have no place!

1. WITH the business of life there are many untoward and hurrying circumstances connected, which, in their natural operation, are unfriendly to personal piety; and therefore re

quire much watchfulness and prayer, that while we are, as duty binds us to be, diligent in business, we may also be fervent in spirit; that while we are serving ourselves, we may not forget to serve the Lord. Where the favour and blessing of God are, there are necessarily peace and safety: and where His blessing is not, there is no health-no prosperity.

2. In order to obtain this blessing, and secure this favour, there must be not only a very humble reliance on His mercy and protection, but also fervent supplication for the grace necessary to enable us to pass through things temporal, so as not to lose those that are eternal.

3. Even in the use of lawful things, we may lose our souls: for lawful things may be used unlawfully, and thus, that which was intended to be a blessing, may become a snare; and eventually a curse. He who is not aware of this dangerous possibility, will not watch against it; and therefore his fall is unavoidable. How necessary then is the wise man's advice, Acknowledge Him in all thy ways, and He will direct thy steps. Let us take care first, that the way be right— that the business or employment by which we endeavour to get our bread, be just and honest :—that it be a lawful business-one useful to society-one that, in the course of His Providence, God may smile on: and let us see that in the way or manner of our conducting it, there be neither avarice nor falsity.

4. When, on examination, we find all is right, not only as to the business, trade, or calling, by which we hope to gain the necessaries of life for ourselves and those who are dependent on us; but also, that we are endeavouring with a pure conscience to conduct the lawful business honestly, without guile or deceit, we are authorised to expect God's blessing and consequently success in our honest labour. But for all this God must be inquired after to do it for us ;—that is, to bless and prosper our lawful endeavours, so that we may be able to provide things honest in the sight of all men. For, remember, that it is the Lord that giveth thee power to get wealth.

5. All these considerations strongly shew the absolute necessity of prayer to Him who is the Creator and Governor of all things, and the Disposer of all events. "But how can we pray, or be spiritually collected, while travelling day and