Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/64

 encroachments of evil; for it is sin alone which prevents a full enjoyment of communion with Thee. Let not our evils have dominion over us, but pardon our iniquity, O Lord; for it is great.

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. O how many sorrows encompass the wicked, but he that trusteth in Thee, O Lord, mercy shall compass him about; therefore shall the righteous be glad in the Lord, and all the upright in heart shall rejoice in His name.

As the evening calls us again into Thy presence, we feel how good it is to retire from the world, and enjoy that communion with Thee which brings peace and rest unto our souls. Lord, we commit our spirits to Thy gracious keeping, for in Thee only are we safe. Amen.

Our Father, ete.

LORD Jesus Christ. Thou art the sole protector of all them that trust in Thee. Thou knowest what is needful for us before we ask Thee. Teach us then so to pray, that our words may be few and well-chosen, and our petitions such as can be granted. For Thou, O Lord, art right, and all Thy works are done in truth: O may all the earth fear Thee, may all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Thee.

The present day's duties calling us to active business, remind us that another week of our existence has nearly run its course, and cause us to reflect upon the rapid motion of time. How many thousands have been summoned into eternity during the last seven days; but we are still spared, time given us for repentance, and our existence prolonged, doubtless for wise purposes in the inscrutable workings of Thy providence. O may we be preserved this day in the exercise of true charity and usefulness! May we do no injury to others in thought, word or deed! For what are the formalities of religion, if our lives be a scandal to our profession? One injury inflicted upon our neighbour is but the precursor to a thousand others, as one falsehood begets another, till thousands succeed. How certainly do our own evils lead to the oppression of others, and of injustice towards them, until by continual perversity our affections and thoughts become polluted and darkened. Help us, O Lord, we bescech Thee, to walk in the straight and narrow way which leadeth unto everlasting life. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

OST merciful Lord God, our Saviour, by whose gracious providence we have been brought in peace and safety to the end of another week, we desire to adore Thee for Thy providential care. The angel of Thy presence has encamped round about us, and has delivered us. We have tasted and seen that Thou art good; blessed are all they that put their trust in Thee.

O Lord, we desire to acknowledge that we have in many instances been too much oceupied with the things of time and sense, and that the world