Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/93

 have received the truths of Thy new dispensation, be constantly looking within, constantly examining ourselves, and in our retirement to hold communion with Thee; may all worldly trials and all worldly privations draw us the more closely to Thee, and teach us that Thy grace is sufficient for us. May Thy Word be the ever-living source of our instruction, and may we constantly repose ourselves upon its Divine consolation. Lord, as we travel through the wilderness, when our hearts faint, and we become weary under our temptation-trials. O let some ray of Thy divine countenance beam upon our benighted souls, so that in humble dependence upon Thee, we may in the hour of our greatest need receive manna for our affections,—water from the Rock for our understandings, and thus refreshed may pursue our way with renewed strength.

Lord. Thou knowest best what is fit for us, and temporal comforts Thou wilt at all times provide for those who labour for them; while the heavenly food, the milk and honey, will await us when our trials are past, and the scene of our triumph shall be the land of divine beauty, where Thou disclosest Thy perfections, filling the hearts of adoring angels with joy, love, and peace, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD Jesus Christ. Thou art of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. The ungodly shall not dwell in Thy sight. We pray that, while we inhabit this world of trial. Thou wilt be pleased by the all-wise dispensations of Thy providence, to soften our asperities that they may be smoothed down, our tempers mollified and softened by the oil of Thy divine love; our selfishness subdued, and our souls brought into the peaceable and child-like state of obedience to which the heavenly kingdom is likened.

May we be cheered onward by the recollection that our free spirits are the inhabitants of that bright and glorious sphere which knows no restriction; which wing their happy flight to wheresoever beauty exists, and truth divine and perfect love reign for ever triumphant. While our temptation-trials make constant inroads upon our perishable bodies, and bring them down rapidly to the dust; there is no decay that can touch the free spirit, nothing pertaining to the kingdom of death can bind the soul while it pursues the path of the regeneration. O God of love and mercy, impress upon us the conviction that while we live in this world, one of our greatest privileges is to know that we shall soon leave it for another and a better, and that our present light afilictions work out for us an eternal weight of glory. With this conviction, may we this day go forth to our several duties, secure in Thy presence, protected by Thy power, preserved by Thy providence, with minds resigned to Thy will. Father, we cast all our care upon Thee. Make our duties not a weariness, but a pleasure, and enable us in whatsoever stations we may be, to discharge the duties of them with fidelity, remembering always that Thou God seest us. Amen.

Our Father, etc.