Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/121

 genuine goodness which proceeds from Thee, and which ought to be immoveably fixed in the centre of our affections, there can be no radiations of heavenly truth. O Lord, we pray Thee, fix this Thy love in the inmost of our wills. Let it be unto us as our spiritual sun. Let it arise and shine within us; let it, by its fervent heat, melt our cold hearts into love and gratitude; let it warm us with charity and heavenly-mindedness, so that we may be constantly engaged in diffusing its pure principles to all who come within our sphere; and thus may the goodness which we acquire be as diffusive as the warmth of Thy love, which everywhere permeates the universe, and descends equally upon all.

The great and precious privileges which we enjoy ought to stimulate us in the work of winning souls to Thee. Lord, help us in this most important duty. Prepare those who are in darkness and ignorance for the outpouring of Thy truth. May all who know Thy truth as it is revealed in Thy holy Word be active in diffusing it according to their ability, and thus hasten the predicted period, when the knowledge of the Lord shall cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ. Thou art a God of providence. Blessed be Thy name that Thou inspirest us with trust in Thy dispensations, and amidst our several trials that we can hear Thee speaking in Thy Word, "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be thou not dismayed; I am thy God; I will comfort thee, I will sustain thee, yea, I will uphold thee, with the right hand of my righteousness."" O God, may we ever remember Thy precept. Men ought always to pray. Prayer is conversation with Thee. If trial assail us. Thou art mighty to deliver. If sickness come upon us. Thou art our great Physician. If prosperity crown our efforts. Thou wilt teach us how to bear it, and to rejoice with trembling.

And having uttered the aspirations of our hearts and of our lips, may we never be anxious, but wait patiently until we hear what the Lord shall say unto us.

Lord, we beseech Thee, elevate as well as purify our affections; assist us to make our hearts altars, upon which the fire from heaven may constantly burn. As our understandings have reflected upon Thy truth and led us to perceive its divine origin, may that truth now be led to deliver up the government to the divine love, so that we may no longer dispute about truth, but have a clear, a tacit perception of its power and divine origin. And. O Lord, so prepare our hearts, that they may be refined and purified to receive Thy divine influence; and so humbled, that in all that is permitted in the way of trial they may still be consoled by the divine benediction, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, Thou knowest the state of all men. Thou givest to every man according to his ability. May we, therefore, never