Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/116

 the present day. O Lord, enable us this morning to explore our thoughts and affections, that the concealed evils and errors of our inner man may be discovered and ejected. Of ourselves, O Lord, we confess we are more prone to nurture than to cast out the evils which infest us. We acknowledge that these evils are often like the raging sea, full of the unquiet billows of discontent; they rise and fall, each striving to be uppermost. O God, help us to dislodge them. Who shall understand his errors? cleanse Thou us from secret faults. Suffer us not to be lifted up by the pride of our own understandings; for what is man that he should presume to direct his own steps? Save us from the evil devices of our own sinful hearts, from the corrupt pleadings of our wills; we trust alone in Thee, O suffer us not to be confounded. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LMIGHTY Lord, unto whom every knee shall bow, every tongue confess that Thou art Christ the Lord,—before whom all the hosts of heaven cast their crowns, and in profound gratitude and adoration sing, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive blessing, and honour, and glory, and power,"—permit us, the members of this family, to approach Thee, and to join in humble adoration for all the mercies we have this day enjoyed. O how tranquillizing to the careworn frame is the meeting with Thee in the church in our house. In Thy favour is life, and Thy favour is withheld from none that earnestly seek it. There is nothing in life worthy of enjoyment if Thy presence be withdrawn. To whom, then, can we approach with so perfect a prospect of peace as unto Thee. Thou hast the words of eternal life, and Thou wilt always speak peace to Thy people. O fill our souls with a humble thankfulness for all Thou hast done for us. May we with gratitude enjoy the blessings showered down upon us, and not murmur for those which Thou hast wisely withheld. Teach us not to be high-minded but to fear. To obtain true contentment of mind, may we never envy the stations of those who are placed above us, but strive to better the condition, temporally and spiritually, of those below us. And if at any time we are induced to think we are hardly dealt with, may we be led to reflect upon the innumerable benefits Thou hast showered down upon us, and glorify Thy holy name, who hast dealt so bountifully with us. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

THOU great and adorable Saviour, whose goodness and mercy hath followed us all the days of our life; "we give Thee thanks, Lord God Almighty, because Thou hast taken unto Thee Thy great power." We join in the song of the blessed, "Alleluia, for the Lord God, the omnipotent, reigneth." All heaven and its mighty hosts glorify Thee, and acknowledge Thy power and goodness. And O may all the families of the earth unite in adoring Thee for Thy wondrous display of divine love and mercy. May we repose in humble confidence on that guiding Providence which orders all things well.