Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/56



LMIGHTY and most adorable Lord Jesus our Saviour, Thou makest the going forth of the morning and of the evening to praise Thee; and we approach Thee this morning with an humble tribute of prayer and thanksyiving. Thy mercies are ever new towards us, and Thou hast again refreshed us by the sweet repose of sleep. Continue, we beseech Thee, to guard us under the shadow of Thy wings; our nature is frail, and we are prone to turn aside to evil; without Thy preventing grace, therefore, we should be sure to fall into the snares of our own sensuality. How destructive to our eternal interests, how subversive of our happiness, is the reasoning of the sensual principle, if not sanctified by Thy truth. We see the corruption to which it led in the expulsion from Paradise. How false and yet how insinuating and subtle are all its pleadings; how plausible in placing before us the appearance of good. How does this sensuality entwine itself around our affections, entering still into the will principle, thus tempting our affections, now, as of old, to gratify themselves and trangress Thy righteous commands. O help us to subdue the unholy cravings arising from this sensuality; and while in this world we see the necessity of being prudent as serpents, may we at the same time acquire the innocency, the guilelessness of the dove.

Lord, help us to perform the duties of this day; we wait upon Thee day by day that our strength may be renewed, and that grace to help in every time of need may be vouchsafed unto us. Hear us, O Lord, and grant us Thy grace that we may be enabled to do Thy will. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Almighty! Our Father in the heavens; Saviour. Redeemer, and Regenerator, in whom alone we live, and move, and have our being; who shall not fear Thee, righteous Lord, and glorify Thy Name, for Thou art holy.

We approach Thy mercy-seat this evening; we bend our knees before Thee with devout thanksgiving and gratitude. We are again safe in our humble habitation and surround our family altar. How innumerable are the blessings Thou hast showered down upon us, who can count them? But Thy blessings are made double by the troubles which might have fallen on us but for Thy divine protection. Day unto day uttereth Thy speech; night unto night showeth forth Thy knowledge. How great is Thy goodness, and how great Thy mercy. Thou hast bestowed upon us Thy Word and hast through its medium made Thyself manifest before us. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever; the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether; moreover in keeping Thy precepts there is great reward.

O how precious, how inestimable a gift is this Word which Thou hast bestowed upon us; and by Thy Word have we been withheld all the day long from the snares of our spiritual adversaries.

O Lord Jesus Christ, as we have been privileged by the light of day,