The nativity of Christ: discourse delivered in Christ-Church, Wallingford, December 25, 1788; and in the city of New-Haven, on Lord's-Day, January 4, 1789. : To which is subjoined (by particular desire) a prayer after the sermon when delivered at Wallingford. / By James Dana, D.D. Senior Pastor of the First Church in Wallingford. ; [Seven lines from Saint Paul]

Substance of a PRAYER offered up after Ser|mon, December 25, 1788. Published by particular Desire.

ALMIGHTY GOD, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named! Angels and men have one Father. We joy in thee as the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the host of heaven we give glory to the most high God, that thou hast raised up an horn of salvation for us, in the house of thy servant David. Great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. The glad tidings of great joy to all people, proclaimed at the Saviour's birth, have reached our ears, through the tender mercy of our God. Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound.

IMPRESS on our minds what we have heard concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, through whom pardon, grace and glory are published to a world of apost|ates. All the angels of God worship him. They are em|ployed by him as ministring spirits for the heirs of salvation. We would honour him even as we honour the Father.

MAY professors of different denominations unite in their endeavours to advance that kingdom which is not meat and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the holy

Ghost. To this end may they be like-minded one towards another, according to Christ Jesus; that with one mind and one mouth they may glorify God. Christ is not divided. There is one body, and one spirit, even as we are called in one hope. We have all one Father, even God; and one master, even Christ; and all we are brethren. May min|isters and churches of every denomination adorn the doc|trine of our Saviour by a conversation becoming the gospel, not seeking their own things, but those of Jesus Christ; above all things putting on charity, which is the bond of perfectness; rejoicing in the gifts, and contributing to the proficiency and usefulness of one another, and to the edifi|cation of the universal Church. By caring for each other as members of one body, by keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace, and a common concern for the honour of the great head of the church, may they fulfil their duty to him, and one another, and the whole church, that there may be no schism in the body. The faith of our Lord Jesus, the Lord of glory, is without respect to persons, or forms of profession. Grant, O Father, that all in every place, who call on his name, may stand fast in one spirit, with one mind, striving together for the faith of the gospel. Ac|cording to the Saviour's prayer for his disciples, may they all be one—that the world may know that thou hast sent him.

REVIVE the languishing spirit of Christianity among all who make profession of it, and make known thy saving health to all nations. Root out of thy church every plant which thou our heavenly Father hast not planted.

MAY grace and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, be multiplied to the flock of God who usually worship in this Sanctuary. May they remem|ber how they have received the messages of salvation from their late worthy pastor† 1.1, and hold fast, and repent. We commend him and his family to the grace of God. Grant him more perfect and confirmed health. Protract his life and usefulness. May the wilderness and solitary place be glad for the good tidings he may bring; and welcome him, saying, Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Send labourers into that part of thine harvest, who may go forth in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of peace.

MAY the rules of Christian sobriety regulate the joy of this day, in this place and elsewhere. May nothing take place unbecoming the occasion.

TEACH us to rejoice in the Lord alway. May our mo|deration be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. May the peace of God which passeth all understanding, keep our hearts and minds through Jesus Christ; to whom with the Father and Holy Ghost be glory from all on earth and in heaveaven for evermore. AMEN.

Notes

• † 1.1

  The Rev. SAMUEL ANDREWS, missionary at Wallingford, from the society for the propagation of the gospel, twenty-five years; removed to St. Andrews, New-Brunswick, A. D. 1787.