The Seventeenth of March.

THOU ART MY ROCK --- Psalm 31:3.

"Thou art my rock and fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me." --- Psalm 31:3.

"They shall come with weeping, and with supplication will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way, wherein they shall not stumble: for I am a father to Israel." --- Jeremiah 31:9.

He that comes in this manner will certainly be led of God. Now, O Lord, I am blind, and heartily desire also to be directed by thee alone in all my ways and steps, in great and little things.

Suffer me never to follow my own spirit and natural inclinations, whatever good appearance they may have. Be pleased to cross them continually, whenever they are contrary to thy will.

Often I have been deceived by false appearances already; my zeal has not always been according to knowledge; I have put my natural passions in the place thereof, and thought I was contending for the faith once delivered tothe saints, and have afterwards found it no better than the effects of a party spirit.

Be then a father to me, O Lord, and instruct thy waiting child in all necessary truths, and lead me in all thy righteous ways.

Thou art my portion, O my God,
And Christ my living way;
Incline my heart to keep thy word,
And on my Christ to stay.

But if I run beside thy paths,
In mercy stop my race;
And turn my feet to thy commands,
And heal me by thy grace.

I would be always wholly thine;
Oh save thy servant, Lord!
Thou art my shield, my hiding place,
My hope is in thy word.

Thou hast inclined this heart of mine
Thy statutes to fullfil;
And thus, till mortal life shall end,
Would I perform thy will.