Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/215

 TWENTY-EIGHTH WEEK, 208

glorified humanity seated high shove ali heavens. Lord, with fear and trembling we bow the knee in Thy presence. But grant. Lord, that our fear may not be servile; but a fear to offend against 'Thy holy laws—a fear to do that which is 'evil. Every day's existence tends to remind us of our weakness, and of the necessity of a constant waiting and dependence upon Thee. We need Thy omnipotent aid more and more as our journey progresses towards its completion. Each day unveils before us some hidden evil which we knew not had found a place within us, and Foquires increased strength to dislodge. Alas. Lord! our evila are indeed legion, for they are many. Help us to cast them out,

May all the members of this family, now prostrate before Thee, while they acknowledge their sins, find grace to help in every time of need. Pardon our evils which have this day been committed, and give us spirits of greater watchfulness, that we may go and sin no more. Amen.

Our Father, ate.

LORD Josus Christ, we acknowledge Thou hast innumerable reasons to complain of us; help us, we beseech Thee, to cease complaining against Thee. Help us to reflect upon the wonderful extent of Thy divine wisdom, which not only has the present but the future before Thee; and that Thou, from this knowledge, arrangest and disposest all things for the benefit of man, never permitting an affliction without a visit of divine consolation.

If any severe dispensation fall heavily upon us, give us, O Lord, to see the hand of mercy which does but permit it, that greater suffering may be spared. With equal gratitude may we receive the visitation which purifies, as the mercy which consoles. Give us, then, O Lord, we beseech Thee, the most perfect submission to the dispensations of Thy providence, so that whatever may happen we may learn in patience, to possess our souls. Thy fear, O Lord, is wisdom; and that wisdom can, by a contemplation of its wonders, charm all our weariness. Thy wisdom can raise our thoughts from the sad condition induced by our sufferings here, soften our melancholy feelings, soothe our bitterest anguish, and cheer us with the sweetness of Thy love. Thy love will fill us with a tranquil joy, and imbue us with the tranquillity of spiritual peace, which the world and its amusements can never impart.

Great God! awaken ue to a knowledge of our eternal interests; exercise Thy dispensations in any severity, so that thereby we may be saved. Make our crimes especial scourges, that we may feel there is no peace to the wicked. Humble us, that we may, feel that the meek delight themselves with the abundance of peace. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

TUESDAY EVENING, 0 LORD Jesus Christ; with the sweet singer of Israel, may we say, "O how we love Thy Word: it is dearer unto us than thousands of gold and silver." May it be unto us as the angel of Thy presenea, to bless us in all states and under all trials.