Page:Prayer book for families and private persons (1).pdf/9

 glory, we may then cry out in holy raptures, Lo, this is our God, we have waited on him, and he will save us! This is the Lord, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

In thy merciful protection, O God, we humbly commit ourselves, our dear friends and relations this night. The darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day. Defend, we beseech thee, our person, our dwellings, and our possessions. Refresh us with sweet sleep; and with the health and strength of our bodies, and the vigour of our minds let us serve thee all our days, till through the gate of death we enter into that blessed kingdom, where there is no night; where we will receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls, through Jesus Christ; in dependence upon whose righteousness and intercession we further pray: Our Father, &c.

be unto thee, O most merciful and gracious God, for having devoted this day to thy service, Never can we sufficiently express the obligations we owe thee for this stated season of rest from labour; for this delightful opportunity afforded us of imitating the heavenly host, whilst we assemble ourselves with one heart and voice to glorify thee, O God, our heavenly Father; and thee, O Christ, our Advocate, Righteousness and Life; and thee, O eternal Spirit, the comforter and Sanetifier of the Church of God.

We praise thee, who instead of loathing our persons for our sinful pride and stubborn forgetfulness to thee, hast taken the most effectual methods to teach us the knowledge, and plant in us the love of