436 
PROCEEDINGS, &.C. 
truth, that she may have a purged eye to see, and a purified heart to love, the trea¬ 
sures of wisdom and of knowledge that are hid in thee. And while we adore thee 
for thy perfections, lead us also from the knowledge of what thou art, to the 
knowledge of what thou doest therefore require of us thy sinful and dependent 
creatures. May we thus learn to seek thy favor, to study thy will, to observe thy 
laws, and in all our actions to aim at thy glory, the good of our own souls, and the 
souls of our fellow men. Then shall thy works praise thee, oh Lord, and thy saints 
give thanks unto thee. Then shall they unitedly speak of the glory of thy king¬ 
dom, and talk of thy power. 
Grant, also, we beseech thee, heavenly Father, that this Institution may be a 
blessing not only to the individual members who compose it, but to our country 
and the world. May it be made greatly instrumental in extending among us the 
beneficent triumph of literature, science, and the arts; of binding fraternal bonds 
around the various portions of our Widely extended land ; of promoting the civil 
and social advancement and happiness of society; of spreading abroad the influence 
of civilization and Christianity; of extending the reign of peace and goodwill 
throughout the whole family of man. Look in special mercy upon the officers and 
members of this society, and all who take part in its deliberations. Bless the Pre¬ 
sident of these United States, and all who are associated with him in authority, 
and so replenish them with the grace of thy Holy Spirit that they may always in¬ 
cline to thy will and walk in thy way. Endow them plenteously with heavenly 
gifts ; grant them in health and prosperity long to live, and after this life to attain 
everlasting joy and felicity. Bless the people of these United States, and espe¬ 
cially their senate and representatives, in Congress assembled. Be pleased so to 
direct and prosper all their consultations, that peace and happiness, truth and justice, 
religion and piety, may be established among us for all generations. And oh, hea¬ 
venly Father, grant that the absence on this occasion of some of the most promi¬ 
nent officers and promoters of this Institution, who looked forward with interest and 
with hope to this day’s assembling, and who are now sleeping in their silent sepul¬ 
chres, may not in vain admonish us so to number our days that we may apply our 
hearts unto wisdom. Watch over and preserve all the members of this institution 
during its session here; protect those who have come from abroad, and the families 
they have left, from danger and from every evil, and when their work shall have been 
accomplished, restore them to their homes, thankful for thy mercies and devoted to 
thy service. Keep us all, we beseech thee, outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly 
in our souls. When the days of our probation shall have ended, may we depart 
hence at peace with thee ; and when the Lord Christ shall come in his glorious 
majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, may we rise to the life immortal 
through the same Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the 
Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen. 
