cal occupation; the solitary walk; nay, even the isolated moments of silence and inaction, when waiting the attendance or companionship of others (those 'shreds of time,' so often yielded without compunction to the nothingness of this world's vanities,) may thus be happily transformed into little "seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord." Nor will this be its only probable benefit. Many a passage likely to have been otherwise lightly dismissed, as unsuited to our own times or circumstances, will by a careful, prayerful examination of its context and bearing, and a comparison of Scripture with Scripture, prove to contain a message from God to ourselves, as well as others; the germ of holy thought and meditative prayer: and this, without hazarding any forced or fanciful interpretation of the sacred text. Blessed lessons, not a few, were graciously written aforetime for our learning, in characters so legible, that "he who runs may read;" inexhaustible treasures of wisdom and knowledge, to which we continually resort. But to how many others, equally with these given by inspiration of God, and therefore, unquestionably designed to be profitable, do the sanctuary and the closet alike bear witness, that as far as regards personal benefit, they avail us nothing. We taste with joy and thankfulness the clear flowing "brook by the way" but we pass unconsciously, only because unheedfully, the "sealed fountain" in the desert, from whence, had we known and asked it, the same refreshment of the water of life, might have been dispensed to our thirsting souls. Might

but our eyes be opened, as those of the fainting Hagar, in the wilderness of Beersheba; and where we had imagined ourselves surrounded only by pits without water, would our spiritual senses be gladened by rills of comfort, or wells of salvation.

A selection of subjects, far from being so exclusively practical, experimental, or devotional, as would be most manifestly suited for private meditation, the foregoing remarks will partially explain: while there will be a few readers, who will further trace, in the course of daily texts, the record of a series of Sabbath ministrations; in which, while a faithful and beloved pastor, now removed from among them, sought to divide to each of his flock a portion of meat in his season, those who had been truly taught "to hunger and thirst after righteousness" were by all, in turn, nourished up unto life eternal. The omission of several courses of lectures, and the first entry only of many texts which formed the basis of more than one sermon, were necessary to reduce the number to the exact limits required. The series is otherwise complete. The general outline of the discourse, or some one prominent and striking idea in it, has been gladly retained and embodied wherever it was found practicable: but in the majority of cases, this was, from various causes, beyond the writer's power; and all that could be attempted was to preserve some agreement with the usual tone and character of instructions, which were deservedly valued, as they were greatly blessed.

It is hoped that in no case has anything been expressed contrary to this, either in doctrine or spirit; but should any deem otherwise, it can be scarcely necessary to say that the error is attributable wholly to the learner, and in no degree to the instructor.

It remains but to commend the little volume, with all the imperfections of which the writer is unaffectedly conscious, to the Divine blessing: praying that He who often sees good to honor the weak things of this world by employing them'in His own service, may deign thus to accept this feeble effort to 'promote the sanctification of every day by His own word and prayer: that "sure and tried word," which "abideth for ever;" that inwrought fervent prayer, which every believer can gratefully testify, "availeth much."

READING-MEDITATION-PRAYER.

eyes, that I may behold

Open Thou mine wondrous things out of Thy law."

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, oh Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

"Let my prayer be set forth before Thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.”

THE

ALTAR OF INCENSE;

OR,

EVERY DAY SANCTIFIED BY THE

WORD OF GOD AND PRAYER.

JANUARY.

1st.

If any man speak, let him speak as the cracles of God.

1 Pet. iv. 11.

On Thou unchangeable JEHOVAH, whom passing years and generations leave ever the same, we bless Thee, that Thy word also is for ever settled in heaven : and we pray that not only the appointed stewards of Thy mysteries, but also all of us Thy people may habitually keep in view the duty of speaking as the oracles of God; that so all our speech may be with grace, through him who spake as never man spake, Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.

B