among the saints of God; for our being governed and lifted up; for mercy to lighten (or come down) upon us from Him, in whom we have trusted. How sublimely are all the servants of God brought before us in the act of joyful worship! The whole earth, the angels, the cherub host, the throng of seraphs, the glorified Apostles, the train of Prophets, the army of Martyrs, the Church throughout the universe-are, by faith, seen bowing before the Father, Son, and Spirit. To us, poor ransomed sinners, is that part of the hymn most dear, which reminds us of Christ-now indeed the enthroned King of Glory; once, taking on him human nature in the womb of the blessed virgin; enduring, overcoming the sharpness of death, opening the gates of heaven to all believers, and returning again in the clouds to be our Judge.

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The next hymn, "O all ye works of the Lord," is not often used; but, it would be especially applicable on those days, when the work of creation is described in the

first chapter of Genesis; and on the rescue from the flames, of Shadrach, and his faithful brethren, by whom, the Jewish Church, using it in their liturgy, believed it to have been composed.

The second lesson having been read, is followed, either by the hymn of Zacharias, giving thanks for the Gospel of peace, for the mighty, the promised salvation, the tender mercy of our God, whereby the day-spring from on high hath visited us: or, that Psalm is used, which inculcates joyfulness in devotion; serving the Lord, not with the heaviness of gloom, but with gladness and thankfulness, and speaking good of His name.

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing, by the word of God." What place, then, so proper for professing our faith, as after listening to, and hiding in our hearts, the treasures of God's revealed truth! Each declares aloud his faith. It is not thus

1 Rom. x. 17.

-we believe; but, as "without faith it is impossible to please God 1," every one doth profess-"I believe in God the Father;" and so on throughout.

This is called the Apostles' Creed. It was probably for the most part, either drawn up by the Apostles themselves; or, by those who learned the truth, as it is in Jesus, at their lips. And it is a reverent and ancient custom, observed by the congregation, to turn to the East when the Creed is repeated, and to worship at the name of Jesus. The primitive Church believed, that the next coming of the Son of Man to perfect His kingdom, would be in that quarter of the heavens. And thus, looking for "the Sun of Righteousness arising with healing on his wings "," mingled their faith and devotion. Nor are we without a divine command, spiritual indeed in design, but not without reference to external adoration, that "at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow

3 "

2

1 Heb. xi. 6.

2 Mal. iv. 2.

3 Phil. ii. 10.

The Creed, commonly called that of St. Athanasius, is occasionally substituted for the Apostles' Creed. But it is so called, rather from the upholding of the Divine truth, for which this good Bishop of Alexandria suffered so much, than from his being the author. Hilary a Bishop of France, is more correctly supposed to have drawn it up: not intending the Creed as an explanation, but a formal assertion of those great doctrines which belong to the salvation of man. As to what are called the damnatory clauses being objected to, we may as well presume to find fault with our Saviour; who pronounces in the plainest, and most emphatic manner-"He that believeth not, shall be damned 1."

The attitude of supplication is now resumed, the minister and the congregation having reciprocally implored the grace of the Lord to be with each other in spirit. Brethren, let not these be words of form.

1 Mark xvi. 16.

Let your prayers be fervent for us, that we may bear your souls on our bosom before the great High Priest; that we may not merely read the prayers, but so pray with you, and for you, that the fire of devotion may ever be effectually kindled to the glory of the Lord, in the sanctuary of our God.

We return to the throne of grace with the Lord's Prayer in our lips, as most proper for resuming our worship and as being a compendium of those desires, which we are about to present, more minutely, to the hands of our great Advocate. And, perhaps, the little verses, alternately uttered, are intended, in the same spirit, as guides to the general subjects of intercession for ourselves and others. In these is mercy sought for all, and salvation for the Lord's people; and blessing on the rulers ordained of God, over the nation; grace on the ministers of the Church; peace in our days; a clean heart desired, and the allconsecrating presence of the Spirit of God.