Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/88

 quillize all our anxieties, and impart unto us confidence in Thee. Enable us to acquire in our inward parts the true spirit of the regeneration, and may that mildness and forbearance which gives evidence that the truth has taken root within us, bring forth the fruits of a truly religious life. O impress upon us the conviction that while truth led on by worldly principles is loud, imperious, impatient, and self-applauding, arrogating all power to itself, and using the self-sufficiency of the Pharisee; truth which has taken root in our inward parts is as mild and gentle, as patient and yielding, as it is sincere and stedfast. Aid us to perceive, O most merciful Father, that this spirit will give to us a certain assurance that we have made some advances in the regenerate life, and that though these are but feeble steps, they yet evidence that by patient continuance in well doing, we shall go on from strength to strength. Aid us, O Heavenly Father, to keep our corrupt propensities in abeyance, so that we may agree with our adversary while we are in the way with him, and grant that no spirit of retaliation or of returning evil for evil may ever attach itself unto us. Lord, how limited soever may be the distance we have travelled in the way of the regeneration, still we pray, that Thou wilt help us onward; and to Thee be all the glory. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

THOU that dwellest in light and glory inaccessible, and yet at the cry of the humblest of Thy creatures dost bow the heavens, and condescend to things of low estate. O God of love and mercy, be with us this evening. Thou hast in safety brought us to the close of another week, and while sickness, disease, and death have walked among us, we are still spared. Still is time given unto us. Still is Thy voice sounding in our ears, "Are there not twelve hours in the day?" If any man neglect the season of labour, the night cometh when no man can work. Lord, we confess it is the same with our souls. Every day has its state of trial, and each state is but as one day, which is ushered in by the twilight of truth, carried on towards its meridian, gradually descending into its completion of evening, until it ends in the night of preparation for the morning of a new and more important state. Thus time wasted can never be recovered, since each day brings with it its own labour. Lord, give unto us a desire and a relish for spiritual things, alienate our affections from the world, and enable us to set them upon things above.

While mingling with our fellow men, we see how differently their minds are affected: carnal minds are for the flesh-pots of Egypt, though bought with servitude; but spiritual minds are for the presence of Thee, O Lord, though redeemed with famine. Better is a dinner of herbs where peace is, than a stalled ox with strife and contention. But while we witness these diversities of state we pray Thee to renew a right spirit within us and to lead us in the way everlasting. Amen.

Our Father, etc.