Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/221

 those who, beholding their natural resemblance in a mirror, turn aside and forget what manner of persons they are; and Thy Word often falls pleasantly on our ears; but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the good seed, and thus break off for a time our attendance upon Thee. But even in this our waywardness Thou dost not leave us; Thou art still by Thy providence operating in our behalf; Thou permitiest trials to assail us until we are convinced that there is no pleasure and no happiness equal to that of waiting upon, loving, and serving Thee. O cause Thy Word to take such deep root in ail our hearts that the fruits of a holy and devout life and conversation may be evidenced in all we do.

Another Sabbath has been added to our lives, another week of ordinary duties must be now entered upon. In all that we have heard and read this day, may we have experienced delight and satisfaction. May this family retire to rest deeply grateful for the blessings they heve enjoyed, and may the healthful spirit of Thy grace fill us with humble confidence. May we individually be enabled to exclaim, "I will lay me down in peace; I will sleep, for Thou Lord sustainest me."

Forgive, O Lord, for Thine own name's sake, the sins of this family, and grant us Thy grace, that we may sin no more. Accept our thanksgivings for all Thy mercies, and make us more and more grateful. Lord, we desire Thy protection during our defenceless state this night, and we cast ourselves upon that providential love which never sleeps. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, there is none like unto Thee, whose mercy endureth for ever! there is none who can compare with Thee, whose love never faileth; therefore do we approach Thee with humble confidence and with heartfelt gratitude; we praise Thee for Thy mercy, and with our mouth will we make known Thy truth unto all generations. "In Thee mercy end truth have met together, righteousness and peace have kissed each other." In Thy glorified person Thy truth enters into union with Thy divine goodness; and Thy conquering power, having subdued all our enemies, has established the reign of peace, so that there is a divine union between Thy good and truth. Thy love and wisdom; we see Thee as Thou art, and worship Thee as the only wise God our Saviour.

O Lord, most merciful and gracious, as Thou hast permitted us to enter upon another week, we implore Thee to be with us; and as we commence our duties by invoking Thy divine aid, extend to us, we beseech Thee, that assistance which shall endow us with new strength, and fortify us to go through the further trials which are necessary for our purification.

As we read Thy Word every portion of it convinces us of the necessity of regeneration. We cannot but behold that we must be born again, and Thy Word discloses unto us that the new birth can only commence and go on to perfection as we sink our own selfishness in striving to do good to our neighbour. Help us in this great duty, for Thy name and mercy sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.