Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/318

 that love was evidenced when, as declared by Thine apostle, ", reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them." O wondrous display of mercy and of goodness! what can we render unto Thee to show our gratitude? All the return Thou desirest of us is, "to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with Thee." Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD, our heavenly Father, to whom belongeth mercy and forgiveness,—though we have rebelled against Thee, neither have we walked in the way which Thou hast commanded; with deep contrition and self-abasement we kneel in Thy presence. Pardon whatsoever Thou hast seen amiss in us this day; our coldness in worship, our negligence in the performance of spiritual uses, and the cares and anxieties of the world, which have withdrawn us from devoted communion with Thee. O grant us Thy grace, that with newness of spirit we may serve Thee; and may this Sabbath be to us as the commencement of an energetic struggle against the world, its seducing pleasures, and everything that has a tendency to withdraw our souls from Thee.

The Sabbath concluded reminds us of the rapid flight of time, and of the shortness and uncertainty of our existence in this world. We have seen our friends pass to an eternal existence; and those with whom we used to walk to Thine house in company have passed from us, and their places are vacant. The present season, also, by the decay of nature, reminds us more and more of those who have preceded us: we shall go to them, but they will not return to us. O teach us so to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. May the admonitions of Thy minister induce us to pause and reflect. What if the words, "This night shall thy soul be required of thee," were whispered to our soul? we are not prepared to surrender it and appear in Thy presence. O spare us, that we may recover strength. Aid us, that we may subdue evil. We ask this for Thy own sake, O Lord our God. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

ost merciful and glorious Lord God our Saviour, the morning calls us into Thy presence, to offer our united thanksgivings for the refreshment of our bodies by sleep, and for their protection against the assaults of both natural and spiritual enemies. We have laid us down in peace; we have risen again; for Thou, O Lord, hast sustained us. We adore Thee for Thy protecting providence: we magnify Thy high and holy name for all the wonders of Thy redeeming love; and we implore Thy divine blessing upon the labours and duties of another week.

Teach us. O Lord, not to be slothful in business, but by a faithful and diligent performance of our duties may we evince our desire to