Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/351

 trouble, O interpose in our behalf the shield of Thy power, and arm us with the spiritual coat-of-mail—trust and confidence in Thee; raise us above the fear of man, and teach us by a lively experience that it is better to trust in the Lord than to put any confidence in man.

O Thou infinitely wise, just, and holy Being, go before us, we beseech Thee, this day, and let Thy blessing be upon those who employ us—upon those with whom we labour, and upon our labours themselves. Give unto us prudence to conduct our worldly affairs, and wisdom to improve in spiritual things. May some precept from Thy Word of Truth strengthen us in all we put our hands to, and render even our natural avocations blessed by the truths of Thy Spirit, which operate as causes to produce the effects of charity and usefulness. Hear us, O Lord, we beseech Thee; go before us, and bless the labour of our hands throughout this another week, for Thy name and mercy sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

HELP us, gracious Father, to feel that inward and devout gratitude, which may keep Thy benefits ever in our remembrance, and lead us to delight ourselves in the holy employments of charity towards all the creatures Thou hast made.

O Thou blessed fountain of all love and mercy, inspire our hearts with Thy heavenly grace, and thereby enable us rightly to apprehend, diligently to consider, faithfully to remember, and worthily to esteem and be affected with Thy imperishable and unfailing goodness, and to render all due acknowledginent, praise, and love unto Thee, the fountain of all trae blessedness. Inspire us with a devout obedience to all Thy just and wise commands, and fill our souls with adoring gratitude for all Thy benefits. Enable us to join in the song of thanksgiving uttered by the sweet singer of Israel—"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things; and blessed be His glorious name for ever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting; and let all the people say. Amen." Accept, O Lord, these our humble offerings of thanksgiving and praise; and as Thou hast safely brought us to the conclusion of this week, be Thou our Protector through the night season. Suffer us to repose under the shadow of Thy wings, secure in the protection of Thy divine omnipotence. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

NOTHER Sabbath summons to Thy courts on earth. O help us to prepare for that state of never-ending enjoyment which awaits the righteous in Thy heavenly kingdom.

What joys of time can compete with those of eternity? or what is the period of sighing and sorrow in this sublunary sphere, compared with the ineffable cheerfulness and joy which awaits in heaven those who have proved faithful to death on earth? O how gratefully may we give utterance to our feelings, when, after being brought through some