Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/277

 Thee as obediently in the order of thy providence, as in all the commandments Thou hast ordained.

Thou hast appointed unto all men once to die, and after death the judgment; but Thou hast concealed from us the moment of our death, and the manner of our death, and hast enjoined upon us constant watchfulness.

Lord, we desire in this also to recognise Thy goodness. Did we know the moment of our death, the thought would depress us so constantly that none of our duties would be efficiently performed; we should live only for ourselves, and die only for ourselves, and engage in nothing that would withdraw our minds from our inevitable end. But being kept in a state of watchfulness, and feeling Thee ever present to help us, and knowing that Thou wilt guide us with perfect wisdom, we are enabled to walk humbly with Thee, to commit our way to Thee, to say, Whatever may happen, all things will work together for good to those who fear God and keep His commandments. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, who hast counselled us to learn of Thee, and that by obedience unto Thee we should find rest to our souls, may we in all things strive to imitate Thee,

As Thou, when reviled, didst not revile again, so give unto us that gentleness which bears tho offensive manners of others, and corrects and overcomes evil by good, studying to alleviate the burden of common suffering and misery, by those neighbourly offices of affection and tenderness which subdue evil. May we strive at all times to acquire that temper and spirit which the gospel inculeates.

Assist us to bear each other's burdens: to rejoice with those who rejoice; to weep with those who weep; to please every one his neighbour for his good; to be kind and tender hearted; to be pitiful und courteous; to support the weak and to be patient towards all men. O that we could be so impressed by Thy divine example, as in spirit to have Thee ever before us, that Thy tabernacle might be in our hearts, from the inmost of which there might be a constant going forth of Thy heat and light,—that love and truth, accompanied by that pure beneficence, which is designed for the healing of the nations. Then should we indeed find that Thou, Lord, dwellest with the humble and contrite; Thou healest the broken in heart, Thou bindest up their wounds; Thou hidest not Thy face from the afflicted when they cry. Fill us with Thy spirit, O merciful God, and help us to become meek and lowly, that we may find rest to our souls. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

N every time of need, we hear Thy gracious voice calling unto us "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." O Lord Jesus Christ, Thou hast declared that "men ought always to pray and not to faint." Thus hast Thou given us a stimulus