Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/280

 268 THIRTY-SEVENTH WEEK.

are now increased in knowledge, we ate now sufficiently matured in goodnews, we will here rest from our labour.

O suffer not such delusive ideas te enter into our minds; but may we net Thes before our eyes, and keep our understanding open, that the influences of Thy good Spirit may enter in, urging us onward in the path of the regeneration. Assist us t go forward, that from knowledge to Knowledge, from wisdom to wisdom, from goodness to goodness, we may coutinually progresa until we arrive at the mountain of Thy holiness. While in the world, and in the performance of onr various duties, may love to Thee be ourimpelling motive; may Thy goodness be the animating power that prompts us to exertion, so that we may seek firet Thy kingdom and Thy righteousness, doing our duty with a single eye, and then Yeaviog all our afiaira to be utimated by tha wiedom ef Thy providence. As our years inerense, and the days of our pilgrimago draw to a conclusion, may we have become so purified by trial as to be ready, when Thou shalt summon us, to enter into the reward of our labour. Aud now, 0 Lord, belp us to go forth to our duties and to prosecute them under the influence of Thy love and fear. Amen.

Our. Father, ete.

THURSDAY EVENING.

0 LORD Jesus Christ, we humbly kneel at Thy footstool. We worship

Thee, and pray for the consolations of Thy Spirit at the conclusion of this our day of toil. As we return to rest, if sleep visit us not, ' inay we commune with our own hearts upon our bed and be still." May Thy Word, which we have read, place before us the seductions of worldly pleasure, opening our eyes to behold it as the great ensnarer from which nothing can set us free but a continual looking to Thy providence for aid. May the light of Thy truth disclose to us all its enticing allurements, and convince us that only by engaging in its pursuits with a single eye to Thy glory, and with a desire to do our duty to it from pnre love to Thec and charity to our neighbour, can we hope for Thy blessing, and for peace and quietude of mind.

But while we implore Thy divine guidance to enable us to mingle with the world without being contaminated by its corruptions, suffer us not to deceive ourselves by any assumed righteousness; for after we have fulfilied our duties we are still unprofitable servants, and have done no more than we ought to have done. Keep us. O Lord, from pride, vainglory, and self-conceit, and grant that with true humility we may dedicate all our powers, talents, and faculties unto Thy service. With this prayer we surrender our souls into Thy gracious keeping; do with us whatsoever Thon seest fit. Amen,

Our Father, ete.

LORD of all power and might, inspire us with a spirit of pure and fervent devotion. In Thee alone can Thy creatures enjoy unalloyed happiness; communion with Thee by daily prayer, we confess can alone bring us into obedience and humble resignation to whatsoever Thy