[155:1] Childe Harold and the _four_ first tales (I am speaking only of the larger works) are most free from objection, at the same time that they are the most beautiful and interesting. [159:1] The Loss of the Kent, and Narratives of the Shipwrecks of the Lady Hobart packet, the Cabalva, &c. &c. PRAYERS _A Prayer before Study._ (FROM DR. JOHNSON.) Almighty God, in whose hands are all the powers of man; who givest understanding and takest it away; who, as it seemeth good unto thee, enlightenest the thoughts of the simple, and darkenest the meditations of the wise, be present with me in my studies and inquiries. Grant, O Lord, that I may not lavish away the life which thou hast given me on useless trifles, nor waste it in vain searches after things which thou hast hidden from me. Enable me, by thy Holy Spirit, so to shun sloth and negligence, that every day may discharge part of the task which thou hast allotted me; and so further with thy help that labour which, without thy help, must be ineffectual, that I may obtain in all my undertakings such success as will most promote thy glory, and the salvation of my own soul, for the sake of Jesus Christ. _Prayer after Time unprofitably spent._ (FROM DR. JOHNSON.) O Lord, in whose hands are life and death; by whose power I am sustained, and by whose mercy I am spared, look down upon me with pity. Forgive me, that I have this day neglected the duty which thou hast assigned to it, and suffered the hours, of which I must give account, to pass away without any endeavour to accomplish thy will, or to promote my own salvation. Make me to remember, O God, that every day is thy gift, and ought to be used according to thy command. Grant me, therefore, so to repent of my negligence, that I may obtain mercy from thee, and pass the time which thou shalt yet allow me in diligent performance of thy commands, through Jesus Christ. _Amen._ _Prayer for Temperance._ (FROM BISHOP JEREMY TAYLOR.) O Almighty God and gracious Father of men and angels, who openest thy hand and fillest all things living with plenty; and hast provided for thy servant sufficient to satisfy all my needs: teach me to use thy creatures soberly and temperately, that I may not with loads of meat and drink make the temptations of my enemy to prevail upon me, or my spirit unapt for the performance of my duty, or my body healthless, or my affections sensual and unholy. O my God, never suffer that the blessings which thou givest me may minister either to sin or sickness, but to health, and holiness, and thanksgiving; that in the strength of thy provision I may cheerfully, and actively, and diligently serve thee; that I may worthily feast at thy table here, and be accounted worthy, through thy grace, to be admitted to thy table hereafter, through Jesus Christ, our Mediator and Redeemer. _Amen._ _Prayer for the right government of the tongue._