Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/51



LORD, Thou art the King of glory, Thou art the Father and friend of Thy people, the God of the universe of worlds. Thy power is only equalled by Thy goodnees, and Thy goodness is universally dispensed. Thou hast revealed Thyself this day through the medium of Thy Word, and in Thy Church Thou hast spiritually presented Thyself before Thy people. Thou hast universally diffused the influences of Thy spirit, and made the place of Thy feet glorious. May all who have worshipped before Thee this day know and feel that they have experienced Thy blessing; and may they so show a sense of their gratitude as to serve Thee with greater purity of heart and fervency of spirit.

O gracious Lord, our Saviour, may our approaches unto Thee this evening be distinguished by humility, love, and gratitude. Enable us to treasure up the truths of Thy gospel in our memories, and to make them the theme of our meditation by night and by day. O let the result of this day's duties he displayed in us, by a peaceable and gentle disposition, and by a holy walk and conversation. Thou hast exhorted us by Thine apostle, "to learn in whatsoever state we are, therewith to be content." O aid us to acquire this temper and this spirit. We commit ourselves to Thy divine keeping this night, and into Thy hands we resign our spirits. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

TERNAL, Omnipotent, and ever present Lord God and Saviour! Almighty Father of the universe! We humbly approach Thee, this morning, and desire to adore Thee for the blessings of sleep, and for the protection of our souls and bodies during its coutinuance. O let Thy divine protection be extended to us; and guard us through this day from every temporal and spiritual danger. In Thee alone can we trust, and they who trust in Thee, mercy shall compass them about.

O Lord, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth. Thy glory is above the heavens! Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created; but Thy pleasure is to see the chief of Thy creatures in the orderly enjoyment of all Thy blessings. Thou hast placed all things of Thy creation under his control, and bast given him the universal enjoyment of them. How boundless is his dominion! O that we were so deeply impressed by Thy goodness, as never to raise our eyes upward, or around, without remembering the Benefactor who hath so bountifully, so marvellously endowed us with blessings. The glorious sun is now streaming in light above us; faint emblem of Thee—the Sun of righteousness. But O what a glorious firmanent hast Thou spread over our heads, as a canopy! What fountains of light set at inconceivable distances, give animation to revolving worlds around them! Wondrous indeed are the things we behold; effects from causes which exist in the heavens! How marvellous are Thy works. Lord God Almighty! just and true are Thy ways. Thou King of saints! Amen.

Our Father, etc.