Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/62

 them that hate us, from them that are too strong for us. We desire to rest ourselves wholly upon Thy mercy.

Lord, may Thine example be ever before us! Thou didst associate with the despised and rejected of men, and didst humble Thyself to be the least of all and the servant of all. Fill us with this true spirit of nobleness, and from the works of Thy hands may we learn meekness of wisdom. All Thy works are stamped with humility: and in Thine own person Thou hast set us such an example as showeth that the Lord bringeth down high looks, and establisheth the meek among the princes of His people. Help us to learn of Thee,—to be meek like Thee. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

REAT Lord of all things! ineffably wise and good God! The morning light awakens us to a sense of Thy goodness and mercy; Thou hast in love permitted us to awake, after having blessed us with calm and refreshing sleep. Is there anything, Lord, that we can do, to show forth our gratitude? All that Thou requirest at our hands is obedience to Thy wise and just commands; and this, not to show Thy power, but to enable us to receive with greater freedom the treasures of Thy truth and goodness. Impress us, Lord, we beseech Thee, with this spirit of obedience, and may we delight to do Thy will, O God of our salvation. We can only attain to a life of holiness and purity by slow and almost imperceptible degrees. As Thy glorification was accomplished, so must also be our regeneration. Innumerable were the temptations endured by Thee: Thou wast made perfect by suffering; and by suffering alone can we become regenerate. O teach us obedience and resignation under the purifying process. We cannot expect to attain excellence but by attention and diligence. All the works of Thy divine hands bespeak progression and order. Help us, O Lord Jesus Christ, to be perfect, even as our Father who is in heaven is perfect. O fulfil Thy gracious promise unto us, that as we receive Thee and Thy righteousness, all things needful shall be added unto us. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

MERCIFUL Redeemer. Saviour, and Regenerator; Thou art the God of all consolation. Thou hast preserved us this day; Thou hast brought us through all our trials and difficulties, and safely we assemble in Thy presence once more, and at our family altar offer the united tribute of prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. O Thou who art good to all, may we and all that bow the knee this night before Thee be filled with Thy truth, and glorify Thee for Thy never-failing love.

O Lord Jesus Christ; our confidence, our hope, is fixed alone on Thee. Increase and perfect our faith, we beseech Thee, and suffer us not to rest in the mere belief of Thy power, mercy, and love; but teach us to do Thy will, O God. If really we have faith in Thee, it is enough for us to know that Thou art everywhere present. It is a comfort to a regenerate man, wherever he may be placed, and in whatsoever circumstances, to