Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/26

 as to be capable of serving Thee and of advancing in knowledge to all eternity. Thou art high above all heavens, and from Thy holy habitation lookest down upon the children of men. While surrounded with the innumerable company of glorified spirits, whom Thou hast raised from death unto life. Thou dost not disdain those, thy creatures, who, yet in probation, are looking forward for the enjoyment of the same glorious beatitudes. Thou blessest them also.

O Lord, we would strive to magnify Thy name. May it by us on earth be reverenced: and, O Lord, we beseech Thee, inscribe Thy name upon us, write it on our inward parts, and cause it to show forth Thy love in our life and conversation. May the gentle virtues of peace and humility, which spring from Thy goodness, stamp upon our lives and actions the qualities which raise Thy name above all other names in heaven and on earth.

Thou art a sun and a shield; Thou bringest grace and glory, and Thine infinite perfections transcend all our praise. We submit ourselves to the guidance of Thy good providence. O go before us and protect us through the duties of this day. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

ORD Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer, bow down Thine ear, we beseech Thee, to our supplication; O listen to the voice of our cry, our King and our God. Thou art indeed our propitiator, our merciful one, and not unto us only art Thou merciful, but unto the whole world.

May the truth of Thine apostle, that Thou, being the "propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but for the sins of the whole world," convince us that there is no limit set to Thy mercy, but "every one that feareth Thee, and worketh righteousness is accepted of Thee." O make us grateful for the knowledge of this comfortable truth, and stir up within us the desire to spread the glad tidings everywhere. O may the world be brought to know and feel Thou art no respecter of persons. May we, who now assemble around our family altar, call upon all men within our sphere, to hear Thy word, and to rely upon Thee in every time of need, for Thou art love and mercy itself. This mercy have we again felt during the past day; and truly Thy goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our life. O may we ever adore Thee for Thy love, strive to show our gratitude by a willing obedience to Thy precepts, and walk in Thine ordinances with innocency and integrity. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD God of our Salvation, the return of the Sabbath is unto us as a memorial of Thy glorious resurrection. This day reminds us of the full glorification of Thy humanity, and of Thy gracious promise, "because Thou livest, we shall live also." On this day the assurance of our eternal state is impressed upon us with double force, and we are reminded by the rapid flight of time, that ere long "time with us shall be no more."