Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/194

 "Thou hast opened before us the true plan of redemption; Thou hast shown us plainly of the Father; Thou hast unfolded before us the wonders of Thy truth; but, instead of receiving them with gratitude and affection, we look with dread upon the world's censures, and the fear of ridicule from the world, and the loss of our connections, have greater weight with us than the realities of eternity. O help us in the afiairs of eternity, to he biassed by no opinions of the world, but willingly to lose all that we possess in worldly connection, worldly hononr, and worldly emolument, if by so doing we may become of the number of Thy disciples; and through whatever medium Thy truth is offered, may we with holy prudence discriminate, and with holy gratitude receive it. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, we pray Thee form within us a principle of conscience. Our consciences approve when we inquire of Thee, but condemn when we take counsel only with ourselves. O Lord, teach as to love Thy truth, and then we feel assured we shall soon acquire a knowledge of its true meaning; for if any man will do Thy will, he shall know of every doctrine presented to His acceptance, whether it be of God.

Teach us, O Lord, above all things to distrust ourselves. In every diffienlty may we fly to Thy Word for counsel. Thy Word is Thine own divine voice, and that voice is uniform, because it is the voice of truth. And even if all is plain before us, and the light of Thy truth shineth clearly, so that we cannot mistake our way, still may we seek Thee, implore Thy blessing upon our engagements, nor enter on any pursuit until Thy blessing has been first invoked upon it. May our chief desire be to THEE! remembering the solemn caution, "Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you." Assist us to resist, by a good conscience, all the pleadings of self-love, and to mistrust most those opinions which lean to the gratification of our self-love, so that by surrendering ourselves to Thy divine guidance, we may be brought safely through all the trials necessary for our purification. Lord, into Thy hands we commend our spirits this night, glorifying Thee for the blessings of the day. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, it is Thy love which alone can fill us with love for our fellow-creatures. Under the influence of this heavenly feeling, O may we go forth to our duties this day. Enable us to be kind, conciliating, and affectionate towards all men. Teach us to set a watch upon our tongue, and a bridle upon our lips, that we sin not. May we be swift to do good and to communicate, but slow to anger, very tender of the reputation of others, and very scrupulous in our own conduct. Thou art a just God: teach us to do justly, to be very faithful, sincere, and upright in all our dealings, to speak with candour, sincerity, and truth, and to be as scrupulous that our actions originate in the love of