Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/96

 press us with the certainty that the pure love of truth can never abide with any form of the self-seeking principle. Lord we draw nigh to Thee in prayer, that we may acquire strength from time to time to subdue the love of self and the world, these being the great barriers that oppose our progress in the regeneration. O aid us to resist all disorderly tendencies to which our affections are so generally prone.

Go forth with us this day, we beseech Thee, and let Thy fear be before our eyes. Teach us to set a watch upon our lips, and aid us to curb the first ebullition of anger and of restlessness. If we keep Thee ever before us, Thou wilt enable us to subdue our otherwise unruly tempers. This day may we be calm amidst trial, and temperate amidst provocation. May we resolve more and more to keep ourselves under the guidance of the living truths of Thy word, so shall we acquire that calm and tranquil state, which meets the world and its difficulties with an even mind, knowing that they all tend to promote our regeneration. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD, Thou hast graciously promised that he who overcometh in spiritual temptations shall inherit all things, and how severe soever may be our trials. O give us to perceive their necessity, that our fortitude may be exercised at the period when it is most needed, and that we may be brought through the trial under a deep conviction that it has been instrumental in advancing us one step in the way of the regeneration.

Lord, we desire to thank Thee for the blessings of freedom and civilization which we enjoy in this happy land of our birth; where we can meet and enjoy the privileges of domestic worship, none daring to make us afraid. Strengthen Thou in the bonds of holy love and friendship this family: and may our attachment to each other soften the asperities of life and teach us to bear one another's burdens. From the turmoil of business and the cares of the world, how sweet it is to compass Thine altar, O Lord! Help those that compose this family to aim at each other's edification and improvement. May we work out our salvation with fear life and trembling. May we constitute a church in the house, a temple in which Thy presence is always nigh to bless. Aid every member of our little community to perform some spiritual use, and may we all discharge our duties to each other, to the world, to the Church, and to Thee, with zeal, prudence, and fidelity.

In the multitude of Thy tender mercies, O Lord, pardon what Thou hast seen amiss in us during this week, and as we retire to rest, take charge of us during the night season, refresh our souls and bodies by the sweet repose of sleep, and prepare us for the rest and spiritual enjoyments of the Sabbath. Hear us, O Lord, for Thy name and mercy's sake. Amen.

Our Father, etc.

LORD God of the spirits of all flesh, we approach Thee this morning with humility and reverence. Another Sabbath has dawned upon us,