Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/188

 us, and the necessity of their being expelled at once demonstrated. Thy truth by its mighty power triumphs over the evil spirits, that would, if not dislodged, have proved the destruction of our own souls. We glorify Thee for Thy truth. It is by Thy truth we are freed from evil and falsehood, and by Thy truth shall we be prepared to enter Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LMIGHTY God, the Father of our spirits, the Lord of life and glory, Thou art the first, and Thou art the last, and beside Thee there is no God.

We approach Thee at the close of another day, deeply sensible of Thy goodness towards us. We acknowledge, O Lord, that we are wholly undeserving Thy favour; we have too frequently wandered from Thy presence and have not improved the opportunities afforded us of advancing in the regenerate life. But Thou, Lord, dealest not with us as we deserve; Thy love is still the same.

While we cling to the world, we continually discover its coldness. But Thou art ever the same unchangeable Friend, the Friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Knowing the tenderness of Thy divine compassion, though we have again and again sinned against Thee, we yet venture to present ourselves before Thy mercy seat.

O heavenly Father, turn us unto Thee, yea, turn us again, O Lord God of hosts, cause Thy face to shine, and we shall be saved. Thou didst create us originally in Thine image, after Thy likeness, but we by transgressions marred it. And yet, notwithstanding our apostacy, Thou art day by day striving to draw us near unto Thee by the dispensations of Thy providence; Thou contendest with our enemies, and Thou in the tenderest accents offerest us peace and pardon. Lord, increase our energies by the force of Thy truth, that we may resist evil and receive from Thee a clean heart. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

FATHER of eternity, we return Thee most humble and hearty thanks for Thy protection of us during the night season, and for the invigoration of our bodies by the refreshing influence of sleep. Our first thoughts, and the earliest putting forth of our affections on this new day of our existence, are due to Thee alone, and to Thy service we would devote them. O may we not merely assume the posture of humility, but feel it a duty and a privilege to render homage to so wise, so good, and so affectionate a parent: and O may we not merely use the lip-language of prayer, but may our hearts and understandings be elevated unto Thee, and so fervently fixed upon Thee, that we may worship Thee in spirit and in truth.

Be with us this day, O Lord, we beseech Thee, that our duties may be performed with a single eye to Thy glory, and that we may make some progress in the path of the regenerate life. How great are the blessings