68 NINTH WEEK.
Almighty and adorable Lord, our Saviour, grant that we, as a family, may feel the sanctity of Thy divine presence; and grant that these our family devotions may tend to promote a reverence for Thee in our hearts, and perpetually keep Thy fear before our eyes. Teach us. O Lord, to look back upon the past day with seriousness; for though we have been brought safely to its termination, we are conscious of having very imperfectly performed its duties. Forgive, for Thine own name's sake, all that Thou hast seen amiss in us this day,—our rash and hasty words, our actions which have been at variance with Thy holy word, and every thought that has tended towards evil. Preserve us this night, we beseech Thee, from danger, and make our family circle to rejoice in Thy protection. Into Thy hands we commend our spirits. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
SATURDAY MORNING.
O LORD God Almighty, who art ever ready to succour Thy creatures, and to counsel them when they are in difficulty; there is none whom we can approach with greater certainty of being mercifully considered than Thee. In the morning, therefore, do we pour forth our petitions, and in the evening still our approaches are made unto Thee. We desire to kneel in Thy presence this morning; we confess we have grievously sinned, and our best efforts have been stained by the infirmities of our nature. O assist us in the work of sincere and genuine repentance: may the solemn words of Thy truth be kept in our remembrance, "Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." When any temptation to evil presses itself upon us, and when the specious reasonings of the sensual principle whisper, "Ye shall not surely die," then may we be doubly watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die; for unless we repent, we must all perish. O aid us to comprehend the truth, that genuine repentance, which worketh godly sorrow, is the very commencement of the Church within us. Lord help us, we beseech Thee, for without Thee we can do nothing. Watch over us this night, for in Thee alone. O Lord Jesus Christ, do we trust. Amen.
Our Father, etc.
SATURDAY EVENING.
AS our labour has again been brought to a close, and the season of rest and peace approaches in the duties of the Sabbath, may we prepare ourselves for its due and faithful performance.
Open up before us, we beseech Thee, the treasures of Thy truth; for Thou givest unto all that ask, and they who seek Thee will be found of Thee. All our necessities are known unto Thee; Thou knowest what is needful for us, before we ask it; Thou canst determine what is best for us. We thank Thee for this day's spiritual enjoyments, and with entire and humble resignation to Thy providence, we commit ourselves, all our interests and all our cares, into Thy hands. We would bear with patience the trials Thou seest fit to allot unto us. We feel the certainty of that truth which declares, that "All things shall work
