Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/250



ITH what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." Help us, O Lord, to acquire a just knowledge of these important words. While we judge others, how is the door open for the admission of every evil to which humanity is prone! How readily we detect the faults of others; how blind are we to our own! How censorious and uncharitable are we; and in how many instances, sinful as we are, do we thank God that we are not as other men! Judging others by our own perverse perception, we excite the evil propensities within us, and we are judged harshly in return. Thus are we like the children of Ishmael: our hand against every man, and every man's hand against us.

O heavenly Father, assist us to give due heed to tho work of our own conversion. As hastening from the city of destruction to the mountains of Zion, may we press onward towards the little Zoar of safety; may we not tarry in the plain of unballowed desire; may we look not back with reluctance on the scenes of sensual pleasure we are leaving, but press onward lest we be consumed. Suffer us not to reflect upon the follies and vices of others, but to amend our own. Humble our self-love, we besecch Thee, and keep down the accusing spirit which so frequently infests us. Give unto us the spirit of humility and true repentance, that so we may judge, not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, with thankfulness for Thy divine protection during the past night, we desire to take up the language of the royal prophet, and from the depths of our heart exclaim, "O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people. Sing unto Him, sing psalms unto Him. Meditate ye on all His wondrous works; glory ye in His holy name; let the heart of them rejoice that seek Jehovah."

Nor suffer us to use these diyine words only, without a knowledge of their true and proper meaning; but may we, in heart and understanding, love and practice Thy truth, by putting away the evil of our doings from before Thine eyes, by ceasing from doing evil and learning to do well.

And forasmnch as we are incapable of doing anything that is good of ourselves, may we constantly look onto Thee for help; ever draw near to Thee, worshipping Thee in spirit and in truth; and show our love and reverence for Thee by doing all Thou hast enjoined with humble and willing minds. Assist us to delight in works of charity, piety, and usefulness; assist us to exhibit a true spirit of neighbourly love. May we be prepared for the blessodness of Thy kingdom by the discipline of regenerating trials; and through this discipline may we be made perfect. Amen.

Our Father, etc.