Page:The Book of Family Worship.pdf/90

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tinually, as our Creator and perpetual Preserver, as our Redeemer. Saviour, and Deliverer. May we now and henceforth take up our cross and follow Thee. May we crucify the flesh with its affections and lusts. May we die unto sin and live unto righteousness, and look unto Thee continually for help. O Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


MONDAY MORNING.

0 LORD Jesus Christ, our Heavenly Father, we can know nothing of Thy purity, goodness, and holiness, but as Thy truth reveals it unto us; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, can alone disclose it, make it manifest, and bring it forth to view. It is by Thy truth that we learn the immortality of the soul. Truth is living. Because I live, Thou hast said, ye shall live also, and where I am, there also shall my servant be.

O blessed assurance of an eternity of happiness! Preserve us, we beseech Thee, in this conviction, that when our trials here are ended, and have accomplished all for which they were permitted, Thou wilt cause our trials to cease for ever, and receive us into a world where trial and suffering can never come.

Lord! help us to keep Thy commandments; help us to lead a life of truth, and let Thy commandments be our delight, so that we may be brought under the influence of Thy perfect goodness.

In the spirit of this prayer, O Lord, we enter upon the duties of another week. Preserve us, we beseech Thee, in integrity and uprightness. Suffer us not in thought, word, or deed to encroach upon the rights or the properties of others, but to learn, and labour diligently, and in whatsoever state we are, therewith to be content; and, having food and raiment, to be grateful unto Thee, the giver of every good and perfect gift, to whom be glory and dominion, for ever and ever. Amen.

Our Father, etc.


MONDAY EVENING.

0 LORD Jesus Christ, the God of all consolation; Thy nature is unchangeable. Thy love unwavering has borne with our frowardness; and in some encouraging precept of Thy Word, Thou hast assured us that Thou "desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he would turn from his wickedness and live." Then are we brought to see and condemn our evils; then do we insensibly espouse the cause of the wonder-working power of truth within our souls; gradually do we feel the force of Thy love, and are brought at length to acknowledge that goodness and mercy have followed us all the days of our life. And as our will becomes more confirmed in the desire to cease from doing evil, Thy grace takes possession of our affections, and urges us onward in the desire to learn to do well, and every evil resisted and overcome makes room for the residence of the opposite good, increases the desire for new truth, and fills the soul gradually with serenity and peace.

O Lord, we feel a conviction within us that truth has no abiding place with man, till it is received into the affections, and becomes operative