Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/285

 good of others than of self. Thou didst call upon us to learn of Thee, to be meek and lowly, that our hearts might become the abode of those graces and virtues which evidence Thy residence within the soul.

O Lord, bow our stubborn spirits by Thy all-gracious dispensations, and bring us from henceforth unto Thee, and take up Thine abode within our hearts. Help us to see that no earthly enjoyment is too dear to ba relinquished for Thy sake. May we imitate the wise men of old, and seek Thee in spiritual Bethlehem. May this city be to us the "house of bread," and Thyself "the true bread" offered for the sustenance of our souls, and of which, if we eat, we shall never hunger more. May this Bethlehem be the heart consecrated to Thy abiding place. Dwell Thou, O merciful Saviour, in its inner chambers. From the inmost of our soul send forth Thy divine commands: subject every thought, affection, and desire to Thy divine sovereignty, and grant unto us a willing and grateful obedience to all which Thou seest fit to ordain. May we, under every state, be enabled to say, Father! let Thy will be done. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD of heaven, assist us to bow, with devout obedience, to Thy divine authority, and may Thy Word be to us a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, which shall guide us on our way to heaven: may its precepts be deeply engraven in our hearts; may we teach its truths to our children, and may it dwell in us, and furnish us with spiritual wisdom.

Most merciful Saviour, we implore Thy blessing on the younger branches of this family, and not only of this, but of every family. O let the influence of Thy good Spirit deseend and guard them against the snares and devices of the wicked.

In the days of their youth may they set Thee continually before their eyes. May they seek for happiness, where alone it is to be found, within the pages of inspiration. May their minds be impressed with the deepest reverence for all that is sacred. May they, in the season of youthful enjoyment, never lose sight of that innocence, which alone can give zest to their pleasures. May gentleness and affability mark all their conduct; may they listen with respect to the counsels of the aged, and from their experience learn wisdom. May they be preserved from the contamination of sceptics and scoffers; and may their greatest desire be to know Thee, the true God, and to serve Thee with a perfect heart and with a willing mind, remembering that if they seek Thee, Thou wilt be found of them, put if they forsake Thee, they will be, cast off for ever. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD God our Saviour, while Thou commandest us to be fervont in spirit, we are also enjoined not to be slothful in business. We pray Thee, O merciful Father, to give us grace to perform all our duties with so willing and spiritual a mind, that the love we profess to bear towards Thee may be seen in all things to which we put our hands; for