Page:Prayer book for families and private persons (1).pdf/4

 may grow more dead to the word, and walk more becoming our Christian character; that we may be enriched as much as possible with light and grace, joy and peace in this present life; and to show forth the praise of Him who hath called us out of darkness into marvellous light.

We beseech thee, that the excellency of our knowledge of Christ may be evidence to others, by our adding day by day to our faith a noble Christian courage, in defence of his truth, honour, and government; by a constant victory over our corrupt affections; by a moderate use of all lawful comforts ; by a meek and quite spirit under all our trials ; and by resignation to the will of our heavenly Father.

Grant, O Lord, that our knowledge of the redemption that is in Jesus may work effectually this day upon our hearts. Let the Saviour's love to us be the pattern of ours to all that are round about us; let it make us zealous to embrace all opportunities of ministering to the happiness of one another. If we cannot assist the needy by our alms, or protect the oppressed by our power. O let us diligently exercise love, in abstaining from all uncharitableness of speech, from all forwardness and evil tempers : let us look on the failings of others with pity, as if they were our own : make us kind and tender hearted, forbearing and forgiving all, as thou, for Christ's sake, has forgiven us. Banish from our dwelling all variance, whisperings, heart-burnings, and evil surmisings. Let peace and gentleness, meekness and goodness, be exercised by all of us one towards another, and the only contention in our family be this, who shall form most to the will of God, by abounding in brotherly kindness and fervent charity. Thou, O God, that makest