Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/195

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our neighbour, as we are conscious that our words speak the plain dictates of truth, without equivocation and without hypocrisy.

Lord, wherever Thy sacred feet trod, there didst Thou leave Thy blessing behind Thee. O may we learn of Thee, and when we are named by those who are in states of suffering, and who are ready to perish, may it be with the words of blessing. Assist us in all things to be like unto Thee. To comfort the afflicted, to visit the prisoners, to minister to the necessities of others according to our means; and while all our doings are done in charity, may we be clothed with humility, and in learning of Thee, ascribe all the power to will and to do unto Thee alone, for without Thee we can do nothing. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


WEDNESDAY EVENING.

LORD Jesns Christ, in mingling with society, as we havo this day done, how much of danger to our souls have we beheld, and how Hittle have we resisted tho temptations to ovil: the dissipations and snares of the world, how have they entangled ue! The vain amusements and the vanities of dress and personal adornment, how have they drawn us aside from our duty to Thee! Alas! though to work out our salvation with fear and trembling should be tho great business of our lives, and though we see mankind pursuing their pleasures as though there was no euch thing as eternity, yet we follow the same yain courses as if it were possible for ns to ensure salvation by the very means through which others have lost it. O God, inspire us with an abhorronce of the loathsomeness of evil, and of the pollutions of this sensual world. Purify ushy suffering, so that we be but saved. As it is only possible to accomplish the work Thou hast given us to do by unwearied Isbour and diligence, and as we know not the exact amount of time allotted us to get our labour accomplished, we pray Thee that we may be so taught to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. © Lord God our Saviour, be merciful unto us, and according to the multitude of Thy

tender mercies, save us, for Thine own name's sake. Amen.

Our Father, eto,

THURSDAY MORNING.

O LORD Jesus Christ, help us, we beseech Thee, to avail ourselves of Thy offered mercy. Help us, that we may be obedient to Thy divine and affectionate call—"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." It is this disinclination to hear Thee which evidences how few can be saved, how few can be cleansed; for after all Thy solicitude and care for us. Thy constant exhortations, Thy unwearied calls, man will not come unto Thee that he might have life. The broad path of sensual pleasure opens before us, and we with avidity walk, yea, run, within it; the narrow path is all but foresaken, and this accounts for the "few that are chosen," out of the "many that are called."

O Lord, as so few take hold of salvation, instruct us to explore onrselves whether we are among the number of that few. So teach us to