Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/162

 with humility explore the wonders of creation, and under the acknowledgment that all our powers are derived from Thee, may our constant study be to explore the wonders of Thy government, and employ ourselves in rendering homage and glory to Thy high and holy name. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

REAT and glorious Lord God Almighty! as the day's labour has been concluded and Thou hast blessed us with an habitation in which we can with peace and safety assemble, our bounden duty is to, render unto Thee thanksgiving and praise; and O that our hearts may be so filled with Thy love as to do this reasonable service with willing and cheerful spirits!

As the busy scenes of civil life have by us been engaged in, anxiety and perplexity have frequently been our portion; we have been tossed to and fro by worldly cares, and have been unable in many instances to meet the difficulties that beset us. We have forgotten for a time that Thy providence extends to all and singular things, and that there is nothing which can happen to us but Thy wisdom can overrule for our positive good, and though our flesh may fail, Thou wilt be the strength of our hearts and our portion for ever.

Father of eternity, blessed source of life and light, give unto us a spirit of greater confidence in Thee, that we may endure with patience the trials of our respective stations, and know that they are designed for our eternal good; that they wean us from the world, and teach us that "it is better to trust in the Lord than to put any confidence in man." But now, O Lord, as all care for the world and its concerns has this day passed from us, we thank Thee for the peaceful enjoyment experienced by the reading of Thy Word, and for the gracious assurance that Thou wilt dwell with the poor in spirit, and theirs shall be the kingdom of heaven. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD God of our salvation, we approach Thy glorious person this morning as the hearer and answerer of prayer, knowing that all who seek Thee early, Thou wilt be found of them. We desire to offer our united thanksgivings for another night's calm and refreshing sleep, and for the health and strength wherewith we rise renewed and able to resume our daily labour.

Our first thoughts and our best affections, O Lord, we offer unto Thee; may they be as the firstlings of the flock and the fat thereof, and grant that they may be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer.

May Thy word be very precious unto us; may we delight ourselves in Thy precepts, and have respect unto Thy commandments and do them. O suffer not sin to have dominion over us, but may its deformity be rendered visible, and may we hate the thing that is evil; and, blessed