Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/128

 for the purification of one state of the regeneration; and the Sabbath implies that state of rest and peace consequent upon the conclusion of each state; and necessary, by waiting upon Thee, to impart new strength before we enter on the commencement of another state.

Help us, we beseech Thee, to keep this day holy; to refrain from bodily toil, that we may regain our natural strength and be strong to labour. Aid us to keep it holy in works of piety, virtue, and holiness, in the worship of Thee. Aid us to keep it holy by adoring that Power which has brought us through the trials necessary for our purification. Aid us to keep it holy, that, by the life-imparting influences of the bread and water of life, we may be strong to enter on a new state of labour, and go on our way rejoicing. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

O LORD Jesus Christ, our evils beset us on every side, and we have

been imperfect in our duties this day, our hearts are heavy within us. O leave not our souls a prey to despondency; fulfil in us Thy gracious promise, and in this our wilderness state, give us, we entreat Thee, the valley of Achor for a door of hope, and bring us through our straitness and trial into a large place.

O teach us never to distrust Thy providence. It is enough that Thy grace is sufficient for us, that Thou numberest the very hairs of our head; and if Thou feed the fowls of the air, and clothe the lilies of the field. Thou wilt also feed and clothe us. O aid us to stifle all unbelief, all doubt, all anxiety of mind for the future, but let us in patience possess our souls.

Are we in trouble and poverty and distress—we cannot be hidden from Thine all-seeing eye; Thou canst bring us beside the running brook, or put into the raven the instinct to supply us with bread. Or dost Thou cause the sun of prosperity to shine again upon our heads. Thou dost clear the horizon of our minds, and throw into them the glad beams of Thy heavenly sun. O may our affections, with humble gratitude, bow in reverence before Thee, and may we acquire the temper and spirit of the humble but stricken man of old, to say, "It is the Lord; let Him do what seemeth good."

Great Lord and Saviour, in every state, we beseech Thee, teach us submission to Thy will, and may Thy will be ever cheerfully done by us. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

ORD Jesus Christ, help us, we beseech Thee, this day, and from the torpor of our wintry state to arise and prosecute our journey in the divine life. How needful to us is the advice, "Pray ye that your flight be not in the winter;" for what can the winter imply, but that dark, cold, and natural state, when there is no spiritual heat and consequently no spiritual light. The natural mind, in the spring-time of the regenerate life is indeed beautiful to behold, as is the lovely green foliage of