Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/36

 24 FOURTH WEEK.

Alas t how inadequate have been our best efforts in Thy service |! We have heard Thy Word, and have profited but ttle by its salutary admonitions. 'The most solemn warnings have been pressed upon us; but too freynontly have they been slighted. Our duties have been coldly and carelessly performed, and we have made little improvement in the knowledge of divine things. Amidst the streams of truth and knowledge that flow from Thy word, how little have we tasted of their spirit and life! And amidst all the advaniages and blessings in which we have participated, how small is our relish for divine things. Weare all uoprofitable servants, we have ull erred and eome short of Thy merey. O. Lord, help us to serve Thee better. Send down Thy holy influences and tefrosh our buuls; and O grant that the appeals which have this day been nade to ua by Thy servant may so reach our hearts, that from this day forth we may serve Thee in newness of spirit. Amen.

Our Father, eto.:

OST merciful Lord Jesus Christ, Thy good providence has enabled us to awake this morning. Thou hast been our sole protector by night as well as by day; and though thousands have departed this natural existence during the night, we are siill the living monuments of Thy goodness. O Lord, enable us we beseech Thee so to devote our lives to Thy service that we may show forth our gratitude. Thou hast created us that we might be eternally happy in Thy kingdom; and when by transgression we fell. Thou in Thy love and in Thy pity didst redeem us. Glory be to Thy holy name!

Help us, O Lord, that we may begin this week's labour in Thy fear. May Thy fear be ever before us that we sin not. Help us to keep a bridle upon our tongue, that we offend not in our speech; but in our going forth may Thy divine presence be ever before us, and knowing Thou art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity, may we be watchful and strengthen the things that remain, and strive with faithfulness to do Thy will. We are instructed in Thy word that in whatsoever we engage, we should do all to the glory of God. May we therefore glorify Thee, even in our worldly callings, pursuing them with industry, integrity, and uprightness; faithfully and diligently performing our several duties, and approving ourselves worthy of being Thy disciples. May we do nothing without imploring Thy divine blessing upon it. May every undertaking in which we engage be sanctified to some use, and may holiness from Thee so pervade all our affections and thoughts, that whether we be in activity or retirement, we may keep ourselves from that which is evil, aud strive more and more to become like Thee, O Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD God Almighty, merciful and gracious,—our bodies wearied by labour return to their peaceful habitation, and seek the repose which may renew their strength. We assemble before Thee at the close of this day, we kneel before Thy mercy-seat; we praise Thee for Thy protecting