sentiments in each very nearly identical. It is not easy to see how this could have been avoided; since we have all again and again the same sins to confess, and the same blessings to ask or to praise for. We have endeavoured also to keep in mind, that by far the majority of those for whose benefit these Prayers are prepared are persons of little leisure, and perhaps very limited education. We have aimed therefore at edification rather than originality, and have been much more anxious to help humble suppliants at the Throne of Grace than to please those for whom such help is hardly needed.

It will be seen that the Fourth Week contains prayers taken entirely from the Book of Common Prayer. This has been done for two reasons:

First, because we feel, that although the Liturgy was originally framed only

for public worship, still there are no prayers more suitable for the object in view, or which suffer less from repetition, than our Church Prayers.

And secondly, because we know that many persons are desirous of using something like a responsive service in Family Worship. We have endeavoured to

make the prayers alluded to only so far responsive, that they can be used without the actual necessity of placing a copy in the hands of each worshipper.

Most heartily do we trust that this Book of Prayers may be found as acceptable as its predecessor, and that those who use it may receive through its means a large blessing from God.

A. MONTREAL.

C. H. RAMSDEN.

FIRST WEEK.

Sunday Morning

GOD, we come before Thee this

morning with grateful hearts. This is the day which Thou hast made; may we rejoice and be glad in it. Make us thankful for all the blessings vouchsafed unto us; for the hours of sacred rest which we are permitted to enjoy; for Thy House to which we are called; for the opportunity of uniting with our brethren in prayer; and for the message of mercy which Thou hast sent to gladden

our souls.

Lord, tune our hearts for the joyful work of prayer and praise. Pardon our coldness, and warm our hearts with Thy

grace. We confess that Thy holy days that are past have not been so full of blessings to us as Thou wouldst have them to be. The world has too much

engrossed our thoughts and feelings. We have been burdened by its cares, and drawn aside by its enticements. Prayer has often been an effort to us, and Thy word unwelcome; and when in Thy House, we have allowed vain and wandering thoughts to steal in, and spoil our devotions.

We have need, O Lord, to ask Thee to forgive our Sabbath sins. And we earnestly beseech Thee to make this a day of blessing and peace to each one of us. Pour out largely upon us Thy Holy Spirit, convincing us of sin, leading us to the Saviour, and fitting us for Thy blessed service.

Lord, on this Thy own day we pray Thee to be specially present with Thy ministering servants. Help them in their holy work. Give them zeal, and earnest

ness, and faith, and love.

Work Thou Thyself by their means, and make them the instruments in Thy hands of converting souls, and building up Thy Church. Raise up faithful and true men to labour in Thy vineyard, and make them to feel the greatness of their office.

And bless, O Lord, Thy people. Feed them this day with the food Thou providest for Thy children, and prosper their souls. Arouse the careless; strengthen the weak; and lead on those who are in earnest.

Be with all Thy worshipping congregations, and especially that in which we are more immediately interested. O make us real and hearty worshippers. Revive Thy work, O Lord, in the midst of us; and may Thy glorious kingdom be enlarged, and numbers be added to Thy true fold.

Hear us, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Our Father, which art in heaven, hal