Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/342

 we should soon finish the awful work of our destruction, and sink in irretrievable ruin.

As Israel was tried in the wilderness, so also must we be subjected to the purifying trials of temptation in the wilderness of the mind; but though Thou permittest us to be allured into the wilderness, Thou art still with us, speaking comfortable words in the seasons of trial, and in our most desolate states opening a door of hope, whereby we may be encouraged to go forward. It is Thou that givest us bread to eat that the world knows not of, even the bread which cometh down from heaven, the heavenly food which stays the soul in confidence on Thee. It is Thou that causest water to gush forth from the rock, and in the desert state of our minds to refresh us with the streams of truth, which increase our vigour and enable us to go on our way rejoicing. And thus in all our perils Thou art near us, and our very desolations do but convince us that, depending upon Thee, all things shall work together for our good, and our trials find a happy termination in the kingdom of rest and peace. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ, our glorified Lord, Redeemer, and Saviour, we approach Thee this evening with feelings of gratitude and thankfulness. Another day has been added to our lives, and blessings innumerable have been showered down upon us. We would call to mind the many bounties we have enjoyed, we would ennumerate Thy mercies, that by the memory of them our gratitude may be constantly excited. O who can declare all the loving-kindnesses of the Lord; who can set them forth in order? they are more than can be numbered. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all that have pleasure therein. O Lord, as we read Thy Book of wisdom, and trace the wonders of Thy hand, wrought among the generations of old, may the sacred narratives bring before us the corresponding benefits which we in mercy receive. It was Thy hand, O Lord, that delivered Israel from the bondage of Egyptian tyranny, and brought forth Thy people from the slavery under which They groaned. Lord, rescue us, we beseech Thee, from the bondage of sensual pleasure. Subdue within us the tyranny of self love and the lust of dominion, and let the wonders of Thy truth so operate upon our souls that our affections may be brought under Thy divine government. We ask these things, O Lord, for Thy name and mercy sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD, we thank Thee that we are permitted to approach Thee this morning. We have been preserved in safety, and been raised up in health and strength. May Thy holy name be glorified!

We thank Thee that we can address Thee as our Father, the tenderest and most beneficent of parents: O may Thy love dwell in our souls, and urge us onward, constantly in faithfulness to do Thy commandments.