Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/237

 Regenerator," as the giver of those holy influences by which we are freed from error and preserved in the path of truth; by Thy name "Omnipotent," as the God possessing all power in heaven and on earth, who will not suffer our spiritual enemies to prevail against us; by Thy name "King," as the power alone worthy to exercise dominion, and to control all our purposes and thoughts, so as to bring them under Thy divine government; by Thy name "Priest," as the author of our salvation, and as our teacher in the truths of Thy holy Word; by Thy name "Prophet," as the alone instructor in all sound doctrine by which we can become wise unto salvation; and by whatsoever name Thou art distinguished,—still may we see a representation of some one of Thy divine qualities, and reverence Thee and hallow Thee as the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity.

O heavenly Father, Thou hast permitted us to bear Thy name, and by Thy apostle hast exhorted us to be followers of Thee as dear children. Help us, then, to be obedient to Thy divine instructions, that we may never sully the name we bear; but may our conduct be such as shall shadow forth the qualities of Thee our Father in the heavens. In love may we constantly engage in all manner of good works; in truth may we sustain our souls, and by integrity preserve a conscience void of offence; in self-denial may we account it our duty to prefer the good of others before our own; and in all things may we learn of Thee to be meek and lowly that we may find rest unto our souls. Heavenly Father, we resign our souls into Thy gracious keeping. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, whose name is called the Word of God, preserve us, we beseech Thee, from falling into unbelief and hardness of heart. O may we be deeply impressed by the truth of Thy words, "This is the condemnation: light is come into the world, but men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil."

Impress us with a deep reverence for Thy Word's sanctity. May we never lightly take up, or quote, any passage in the sacred records, but when we have occasion to defend the truth; may a deep feeling of its sacredness take possession of us, and may lightness and levity never sully any of our remarks upon its solemn truths.

Lord, help us to place Thy name in the inmost of our affections. May the essential divine qualities of Thy nature so impress us, that no action of our lives may be commenced without a previous consideration as to whether it is in harmony with the quality of Thy love. May we set our seals to nothing but that which bears the impress of Thy truth, so that whatsoever we do, may carry with it the sanction of Thy divine authority. In all things we desire to become humble, teachable, and poor in spirit; that, while we call Thee our Father, we may by Thee be acknowledged as Thy children. Amen.

Our Father, etc.