Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/274

 existence, is a grievous evil, for which Thou wilt assuredly hold us accountable; for thongh Thy providence extends to all and singular things, yet are we assured from Thy Word it is evil alone which inflicts punishment upon us.

Thou hast established all the laws of creation by wisdom as perfect as it is immutable; these cannot change, for they are as unchangeable as Thyself, who art "the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever."

O heavenly Father, we pray Thee instruct us rightly to comprehend the laws which Thou hast ordained. If we destroy our lives by intemperance, if gluttony brings with it repletion and disease, if we say we will trust in providence to deliver us, and trust heedlessly that the leaking vessel or the raging fire will cease their properties, we deceive ourselves. God is not mocked; whatsoever a man soweth that shall he alse reap. Help us, O Lord, to be obedient to all Thy laws. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

OST blessed and glorious Lord God Almight, Thou hast been our defender in all our trials; though unseen by us. Thy providential watchfulness has averted evil, so that neither the pestilence walking in darkness, nor the destruction wasting at noon-day, can overwhelm or even approach us; and be the trials and sufferings which overtake us, or which afflict tho world, ever so severe, there is still so certain an assurance given us of the over-ruling wisdom of Thy providence, that the humble and confiding Christian can at all times possess his soul in patience.

In Thee we live and move and have our being; therefore will we make Thee our place of defence, our rock, our fortress, and the horn of our salvation. This day has increased the sum of our mercies; Thy sustaining power has been continued, Thy blessings have been multiplied, and have descended upon us as the rain, and as the dew, refreshing and vivifying us, and giving to us new power. O Lord our God, how excellent is Thy loving-kindness! Lead us by Thy truth, and conduct us, that our path may be as the path of the just, guided by that pure light of wisdom which shineth more and more unto the perfect day. O assist us to keep in our view Thee, the glorious Sun of righteousness; and assist us that we may continually progress towards Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

SATURDAY MORNING,

0 LORD our God, how excellent is Thy name iu all the earth. Thy glory is above the heavens; gracious art Thou. O Lord, and merciful; therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings. With the assurance that Thy goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our life, we feel confidenco in coming into Thy presence, and offering our thanksgivings for the blessings of the past week.

Help us, 0 Lord, to review our lives, that we may see whether we hava improved the talents entrusted tous. Thou hast endowed us variously; every man receives his ability from Thee, and all are commanded to