Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/37

 providence, for Thy mercy and loving-kindness. O refresh our spirits by Thy presence; cause Thy loving-kindness to appear among us—for in Thee do we trust. How precious, O God, unto us are Thy words, how great is the sum of them; they are more than can be numbered, and all Thy words are filled with Thy windom, and in Thy wisdom dwells the fulness of Thy love. It is Thy Word that refreshes our spirits and imparts the true blessedness of life.

As evening draws its curtain around us and invites us to repose, may there be so much of trauquil peace within us, as shall enable us to commit ourselves with humble confidence unto Thy protection. The termination of daily labour ought to remind us of the termination of the labour of life, and each successive evening should find us prepared for awaking in another and eternal state of being. But while we calmly and thoughtfully contemplate our removal from a state of natural to one of spiritual existence, O may we so live that we may view the change, come when it may, with the humble joy that belongs to Thy true disciples. It is our duty to wait with patience all the days of our appointed time, till our change come; to perform the uses required of us with alacrity and zeal; to be careful or anxious for nothing, but in everything approve ourselves as servants who know that their master measures all their capacities, knows all their wants, and will withhold no good thing from them that fear him. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

F it had not been for Thee, O Lord, now may all Thy children say, if it had not been for Thee, our spiritual encmies, in the silent watches of the night, had proved too strong for us, and we had been overcome by their snares and devices. But Thou, O Lord, hast watched over and defended us, Thy protecting providence hath preserved us, and we rejoice in the light of another day.

Preserved by Thy goodness, our lips shall show forth all Thy praise; our first thoughts we devote unto Thee as the early sacrifice of the morning. Whatshall we render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards us? We will consecrate ourselves to Thy service, for Thou, O Lord, art worthy to receive adoration. We will speak aloud of Thy goodness, for Thou only art good to all, and Thy tender mercy is from one generation to another. We will approach Thee with reverence, for holy and reverend is Thy name. We will be humble and fear before Thee, and O grant that our prayers may rise up as incense.

Is there any friend on earth like unto Thee, O Lord? and who in the heavens can we compare with Thee? O how merciful are Thy ways unto us, how great is the sum of them, they are more than can be numbered; we have slept in peace, we have awaked, for Thou hast sustained us; we will rejoice and be glad in Thy salvation.

O Lord Jesus Christ, how good it is that we call to our remembrance Thy unfailing love, that we meditate frequently upon it, and that we strive to make it our model. There is nothing that can exceed Thy mercy. We ask for strength to go through the duties of this day. O help us, Lord Jesus Christ, for in Thee alone do we trust. Amen.

Our Father, etc.