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XVI.

From Dr. Knupton's Life.

MONG the errors of the best how shall my soul find safety? Even by thee, O Lord. Where is uncertain hope to cast her anchor? Even in thy blessed gospel. Serious examination, deep humility, earnest prayer will obtain certainty. God is good; Christ our only Mediator and adored Advocate. He suffered for our sins, by his stripes we are healed, as in Adam all die, so in Christ all are made alive. Whoso believeth shall be saved, yet faith without works is dead, yet it is the grace of God that worketh in Every good and every perfect work cometh from above. Man can do nothing of himself, but Christ is all in all, and whatsoever things ye shall ask in the name of Jesus shall be granted. I want not to dispute but to be saved. Lord, save me, or I perish. I only know my own vileness; I only know thy suffering. These are enough; witness heaven and earth my trust is in God's mercy through Jesus Christ my blessed Redeemer. Amen.

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XVII.

For Holiness.

MOST merciful God and loving Father, I beseech thee for thy Son Christ's sake, grant to me to covet with prudent mind those things which may please thee, to search them wisely, to know them truly, and to fulfil them perfectly to the laud and glory of thy name. Guide my living so, that I may do that which thou requirest of me, and give me grace that I may know it, and have will and power to do it. And that I may obtain those things which are most convenient for my salvation, O good Lord, make my ways sure and straight to thee, that I fall not by adversity or poverty. But, heavenly Father that art the only living God, vouchsafe to give me always sufficient food for my soul and body, and food for all those dear ones whom thou hast given me : give me grace ever to rejoice in thee, that I may never sorrow for anything but for those things that draw me from thee. Let all worldly things be vile unto me for thee; and be thou, good Lord, my special comfort

above them all. Let me not be merry with the joy that is without thee. Let that labour delight me which is for thee, and let all the rest weary me which is not in thee. Make me to lift my heart oftentimes to thee; and when I fall, make me to think on thee with a stedfast power of amendment. O my God, make me humble without feigning, merry without lightness, sad without mistrust, sober without dullness, fearing thee without desperation, trusting in thee without presumption, telling my neighbours' faults without dissimulation, teaching them with words and example without any mocking, patient without any grudging, and pure without corruption. Give me a perfect will to know thee, diligence to seek thee, and finally hope to embrace thee, O Father, for the precious merits of thy Son. Amen.

BLESSED LORD, assist me with thy Holy Spirit, and strengthen me wherein I am weak. Open my mind to receive thy holy word with faith, affection, devotion, with thankfulness, and with comfort. And grant that the remainder of my days may be passed in thy service, and care of my

soul, that so, Lord, repenting of my former sins, and leading a new life, I may be assisted by thy Holy Spirit, and strengthened in faith, and devotion, and charity, look forward with comfort, relying as I ought to do upon thy mercy, to the obtaining that state of everlasting happiness which thou hast promised to repentant sinners, through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen.

XVIII.

Gratitude to and Reliance on God.

MY GOD, thankfulness and reliance are the feelings which I devote to thee: for thy innumerable mercies I thank thee,

O Father. Only from thy compassion can I expect that support without which I cannot subsist: that I continue in a state to contribute to my own happiness, and that others that I admire remain free from the dangers which threaten health and existence, springs from thee: how little do I deserve this love. My life is a succession of errors and failings: my conscience reproaches

me with having paid to thee only verbal services of piety: how many opportunities of pleasing thee have I neglected: how much precious time have I sacrificed only to worldly undertakings. Be now my entire fate committed to thy disposal, rule it according to thy pleasure; thy will alone do I desire to be my law. Govern every thought I wish. I commit myself without reserve into thy protection and guidance. Let thy favour be with me this day. Should my days be yet prolonged by thee, let them all be devoted to thee. Let me not pass any one of them without increasing in holiness. And this I ask through the mediation of my blessed Saviour. Amen.

FINIS.

C. WHITTINGHAM, CHISWICK.

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