Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/49

 FIFTH WEEK. 37

FRIDAY EVENING.

LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ, if is of Thy merey, that day after day is added unto our existence, that we may by acts of usefulners here, be prepared for the high and holy uses of Thy kingdom.

Thy hand has been with ns this day, and Thou hast amidst innamerable dangers brought us to the present moment. O may we prove our gratitude, by dedicating unto Thee our lives, our sonls, our talents, our faenities, and all that we possess. May we set the Lord ever before us. May we enltivate a apirit of peace and forbearance, and lead a sober, righteaus, and godly life. O grant unto us strength, we beseech Thee, that we may be able to resist the influence of our spiritual adversaries; aid us in the struggles necessary for our purification, and make us more than conquerors by the power which worketh for us. Incline us to seek after happiness in the way Thon hast appointed, and through the medium of humbie goodness. When we took around us in the world, and see the universal struggle made after happiness, and know that the happiness sought aiter, and the struggles made to attain it, must end im disappointment, becanse Thon art not the first and the last in a}l such endeavours, how truly are we taught that what is without has not the least connection with true happiness; even the greatest of all earthly blessings, health of body, is not sufficient to make us happy of itself, for true happiness springs from the soul which is at peace with Thee. O Lord. Amen.

Our Father, sic.

ORD! in Thee do we put our trust, in Thee alone do we repose confidence; Thou ever hast preserved us, and Thou wilt he our defender even unto death. Thou hast been pleased safely to conduct us to the closing day of another week; and the rest of the past night hath prepared us for the day's duties, and strengthened us to go forth to our work and to our labour until the evening.

We acknowledge with heart-felt gratitude Thy persevering, Thy tender care; day unto day renews Thy goodness, night unto night continues the watchfulness of Thy providence; therefore do we humbly trust in Thee, O Lord, and pray Thee to aid us in our morning's devotions, that we may offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Lord, teach us to set our affections upon things above; for if our desires are towards the world, they never can be satisfied; our passions are always craving after sensual gratifications, and the world and its pleasures only increase their craving. Teach us, therefore, we beseech Thee, to have our conversation in heaven. If our views be fixed on the eternal world, the expectation of its joys will afford the most exquisite satisfaction; and teach us to live in this world as strangers and as pilgrims anxiously preparing for another and a better state. Teach us, O Lord, to bring our every thought, word, and deed to the bar of our own consciences; and on our consciences inscribe the Word of Thy Truth. Amen.

Our Father, etc.