Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/192

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180 TWENTY-FIFTH WEEK.


men owe all their abilities unto Thee, and unto Thee must be givan all the glory.

© Lord God our Saviour, add to Thy Church this day, through the power of truth. May Thy minister not labour in vain. May Thy glorious perfectiona be set forth with fervour and zeal; and may every congregation of devout worshipers be so vivified by the services of the sanctuary, that they may be filled with that love to Thee and charity

to man which shall prepare them for the enjoyment of Thy heavenly kingdom. Amen.:

Our Father, ete,

SABBATH EVENING.

O LORD Jesus Christ, who art the Word made flesh, the true Light which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world, may the examples which have been set before us this day from Thy Word stimulate us to become more resolute in opposing the seductions of sensual pleasure. May we be followers of Thee as dear children, and in the midst of a wicked and adulterous generation, may Thy bright example induce us to strive for the attainment of that eminence which all true disciples should seek after—"Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."

Help us to acquire the faithfulness of Abraham, the patience and humility of Job, the charity of the woman of Shunem, the integrity and uprightness of Elijah, the wisdom, prudence, and foresight of Daniel. As the noble characters in Thy Word are placed before us, O may we strive to imitate them, so that we may indeed rank among the number of Thy true and faithful disciples. O keep us strictly in the performance of our duty, and may pride, arrogance, and self-conceit be east out from us; and unto Thee, O Lord, shall be ascribed all the honour and all the praise, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


MONDAY MORNING.

O LORD Jesus Christ, assist us, we beseech Thee, to keep our hearts with all diligence. As our enemy is constantly endeavouring to ensnare us,—as he would lead us to procrastinate the great work of repentance till a more convenient season, may we, by looking unto Thee for assistance, find that spirit which shall enable as to say, Get thee behind me, Satan.

While we perform our duties in the world with zeal and alacrity, O suffer us not to forget that our chief duty is to serve Thee. How great has been our experience that, there is no peace to the wicked. How often have we been convinced that the friendship of this world is at enmity with God. That the yoke of the world is bitter and heavy, and that the masters of the world exact a cruel servitude. But Thy friendship towards us knows no change. Thy yoke is easy and Thy burden light. In Thy service there is perfect freedom, and Thy reward is an eternal kingdom, which neither pain nor sorrow nor death can reach. O God help us, then, in the beginning of another week, to serve Thee with