thee in all godly quietness, to the glory of thy holy

name.

Finally, we commend to thy fatherly goodness, all those who in this transitory life, are in trouble, sorrow, want, sickness, or any other adversity: beseeching thee to give them patience and a joyful hope under all their sufferings, and in thy good time a happy deliverance out of all their afflictions; and to thy name be all the glory, and all the praise, world without end. AMEN.

For Morning or Afternoon.

ALMIGHTY Father, Lord of heaven and earth, the Creator and Governor of the universe! By thy care and goodness we have been preserved to the present period, and are again permitted to meet together, and to unite in sacred devotion, in offering our praises and thanksgivings unto thee, the God of our lives; and in presenting renewed supplications and prayers, in acknowledgment of our entire dependance on thee, and of our humble hope and confidence in thy mercy and loving-kindness.

Thou, O Lord, hast been our guardian and guide from the earliest moment of our existence: yea, thou didst see our substance, being yet imperfect; and in thy book were all our numbers written. We are fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works, O God; and that our soul knoweth right well. Thine eye hath watched over us with parental tenderness, and thine almighty arm hath been continually stretched out for our safety and support. Thou hast been our preserver amid temptations and dangers. Thou wilt be our guide till death, and our portion for ever.

We would look unto thee, O our God, as children to a kind and merciful Father. Truly sensible of our ignorance and frailty, we implore thy wisdom to

enlighten our minds, and the quickening influences of thy grace to deliver us from the delusions of error, and the dominion of sin. Preserve us mercifully from the power of temptation: keep us from the snares of vice; from walking in the counsel of the ungodly, or standing in the way of sinners; but may our delight be in the law of the Lord, and in his law may we meditate day and night. May a deeper conviction of truth, and an increased hungering and thirsting after righteousness, cause us to abound in every good word and work. May the excellent principles of that gospel, which speaks peace on earth, and good will to men, be exhibited, not in our profession only, but in our tempers, affections, and conduct; so that our example may lead others to glorify our Father in heaven.

We pray, holy Father, for thy gracious influences upon all the nations and families of the earth. That all people may be made acquainted with the excellence of thy character, and especially that they may comprehend, to their astonishment and joy, the glo, rious heights, and the unfathomable depths of that divine love, which sanctifies and saves our race. That all may abandon their idols and their errors, and worship THEE, as the universal extent of thy goodness requires.

We pray for thy blessing, O Lord, upon the people in this part of thine earthly heritage. May they be so instructed in thy truth, and so obedient to its dictates, as to walk honestly and uprightly, as children of the light; in the fulfilment of the duties of their respective stations. And may they exercise toward each other, that brotherly kindness and charity, and that peaceful temper and disposition, which is commended to them in the gospel of our salva

tion.

Let thy blessing and favour, O heavenly Parent,

be upon our country and nation. May rulers and magistrates, of every grade, be disposed and enabled, so to discharge the duties of their respective stations and offices, as shall most contribute to the suppression of immorality and vice, which are a reproach to any people; and to the promotion of virtue and righteousness, which truly exalt a nation. Finally, we would offer unto thee, O our God, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for all men, of all orders and conditions; and in all circumstances earnestly desiring that we and all others may possess those true principles of piety and gospel obedience, which will effectually incline all to lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty. Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in the further duties which are now before us. May we praise thee with gladness of heart, and with sincere gratitude; and may the instructions and counsels which may be communicated unto us at this time, be in accordance with thy holy word and gospel; even the word of our God, which liveth and abideth for ever. May this word of truth be mixed with faith in those who hear it, so that they may be edified and profited thereby; and may bring forth the fruit of good living; to the honour and glory of thy holy name, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. AMEN.

CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL MEETINGS. Remarks and Suggestions.

UNIVERSALISTS are not in general favorably inclined to violent, or passionate religious excitements; produced, as they commonly are, by fearful representations, and terrific descriptions in relation to God, and

the supposed condition of the souls of men, a numerous portion of them, at least, in a future state, or in the eternal world, as the common phrase is. Neither are they disposed to place much confidence in the public relation of individual experiences; descriptions of particular feelings, and exercises of mind; gloomy and almost despairing apprehensions, succeeded suddenly by sensations the most exhilarating and joyful, producing ecstasies and raptures inexpressible; a process which appears to be relied upon by some, as certain evidence of regeneration, a change of heart, getting religion, &c.

Nor are Universalists in favour of keeping up and attending a constant succession of religious meetings, protracted for several weeks together, on which it is wished and expected the people should attend, day and night, to the neglect of their temporal avocations, and even their domestic duties.

Nevertheless, Universalists are strongly, and unitedly in favour of the regular and devout celebration of public worship; esteeming it not only a solemn duty, and strictly obligatory; but also a most desirable privilege and happiness; and which, we believe, exerts a very beneficial influence upon the minds and morals of community. And beside the usual occasions of public worship, when a regular discourse or sermon is expected to comprise a part of the religious services, many are persuaded of the utility, at convenient times, of what are termed conferences, or social meetings for praise, prayer, exhortation, &c. Such meetings, when judiciously conducted, cannot be justly objectionable, and may, it is believed, be very interesting and salutary; tending to increase devout and pious affections, and to strengthen the bonds of Christian union and fellowship. They can only be injurious when imagination, fancy, unchastened zeal, or ungoverned feelings and

emotions, overpower and control the understanding and judgment, and destroy, or abate, the solemnity, and the holy awe which should always accompany divine worship; and the humility and reverence which should characterize the Christian worshipper.

At these social meetings it is expected that some ministering brother or brethren, or some judicious lay brother, when no minister is present, will superintend and direct the religious exercises; so that nothing like confusion or irregularity may occur, but that, as the apostle directs, all things may be done decently, and in order.

The devotions at these meetings, may properly be commenced by singing a suitable hymn of praise, in which all present, who are able, should be invited to unite. Then may follow a prayer, to close (if thought expedient) with the Lord's prayer, which all present may be requested to pronounce distinctly and audibly with the minister, or leader. After this, brief addresses, exhortations, statements and remarks, may be offered, by such as may be so disposed, whether ministering brethren or others: at intervals between which, other hymns, or parts thereof, or set pieces, may be sung, as may be desired, or thought expedient. The services may be closed with a short prayer, and benediction, or with the latter only.

It is expected that the prayer, or prayers on these occasions, will usually be extempore. A form, however, is here subjoined

A Form of devout Adoration, Praise and Prayer, for a religious Conference, or Meeting for social Devotion.

LORD our God, we would rejoice in thee, and magnify thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things: thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the