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In the year One thousand Ri«;bt hundred and Seventy-Uiree, by JAMES Campbell* Son, In the Office of the Minister of Agriculture, ; t \---\ ?■ \\^\ V'..\ \ l^H**^>HY JAN 1 9 1943 PREFACE. 1 Rl*:ht [lllistM IN the preparation of this Book of Prayers, free use has been made of the copious materials with which the devotional literature of the church has been enriched, by writers both ancient ana modern. Simplicity, fulness, catholicity and adaptation to the varied wants of families have been aimed at ; and it is hoped that these prayers may be found helpful, not only in connection with the observance of family worship, but also in connection with the visitation of the sick, and the exercises of secret communion with God. The Editor begs to thank friends for their valu- able contributions and assistance rendered to him while the work was ^'n progress. His obligations are also due to the owners of copyrights for permis- sion given for the use of their works, and especially to Messrs. Longmans,Green & Co., Paternoster Row, London, for selections from " Family Prayers " col- lected by the late Baron Bunsen, published by thein ; also to Messrs. Cassell, Better & Galpin, Ludgato Hill, London, for selections from their " Family Prayer Book"; to Messrs. Seeley & Co., Fleet Street, London, for selections from their " Prayers Ancient and Modem" ; and to Mr. W. P. Nimmo, Edinburgh, for selections from his " Book of Family Prayers for Five Weeks." CONTENTS. PRAYERS FOR FAMILY WORSHIP. JtrBt U)eek. PAOB Sabbath Morning I Sabbath Evening 3 Monday Morning 5 Monday Evening 7 Tuesday Morning 9 Tuesday Evening 11 Wednesday Morning 13 Wednesday Evening 15 Thursday Morning 17 Thursday Evening 19 Fiiday Morning 21 Friday Evening 23 Saturday Morning 25 Saturday Evening 27 Qnowi lUe^k. Sabbath Morning 29 Sabbath Evening 31 Monday Morning 33 Monday Evening 36 Tuesday Morning — 37 Tuesday Evening 39 Wednesday Morning 41 Wednesday Evening 43 Thursday Morning 45 Thursday Evening 47 Friday Morning 49 VI Contents. PAOB Friday Evening 51 Saturday Mominj; 53 Saturday Eveniutf 55 (tllirb tUttk. Sabbath Morning 67 Sabbath Evening 59 Monday Morning 61 Monday Evening 63 Tuesday Morning 66 Tuesday Evening 67 Wednesday Morning , 69 Wednesday Evening 71 Thursday Morning 73 Thursday Evening 75 Friday Morning 77 Friday Evening 79 Saturday Morning 81 Saturday Evening 83 iburti) lOeek. Sabbath Morning , , 85 Sabbath Evening 87 Monday Morning 89 Monday Evening 91 Tuesday Morning 93 Tuesday Evening 95 Wednesday Morning 97 Wednesday Evening 99 Thursday Morning 101 Thursday Evening 103 Friday Morning 105 Friday Evening 107 Saturday Morning 109 Saturday Evening ;.,»•.•■! i... \\\ Contents, Vll Jiftl) lllcck PAGE Sftbbath Morniuif 113 Sabbath Evening 115 Monday Morning 117 Monday Evening 119 Tu«8day Morning 121 Tueflday Evening 123 Wednesday Morning 125 Wednesday Evening 127 Thursday Morning 129 Thursday Evening 131 Friday Mt)rning 133 Friday Evening 136 Saturday Morning 137 Saturday Evening 139 Siull) U)«k. Sabbath Morning 141 Sabbath Evening , 143 Monday Morning 145 Monday Evening 147 Tuesday Morning ... 149 Tuesday Evening 151 Wednesday Morning 153 Wednesday Evening 155 Thursday Morning 157 Thursday Evening 159 Friday Morning IGl Friday Evening 163 Saturday Morning 165 Saturday Evening 167 Stpaitl) lUi'ek. Sabbath Morning 169 Sabbath Evening 171 Monday Morning 373 Vlll Contents, ?AOB Monday Evening 175 Tutisday Morning 177 Tuesday Evening 179 Wednesday Morning 181 Wednesday Evening 183 Thursday Morning 186 Thursday Evening 187 Friday Morning 189 Friday Evening 191 Saturday Morning 193 Saturday Evening 195 (Sigl)tl) tDeek. Sabbath Momino' 197 Sabbath Evening 199 Monday Mor .ling 201 Monday Evening 203 Tuesday Morning 205 Tuesday Evening 207 Wednesday Morning 209 Wednesday Evening 211 Thursday Morning 213 Thursday Evening 215 Friday Morning 217 Friday Evening 219 Saturday Morning 221 Satiurday Evening 223 JPrasera for iSpeml (S>ttamm. Communion Sabbath Morning 225 Communion Sabbath Evening 227 Thanksgiving for Harvest 229 First Day of the Year 230 Last Day of the Year 232 For a Member of a Family Unwell 234 For a Member of a Family Apparently Dying. 236 Thanksgiving for Recovery from Sickness. ,37 Contents, ix PAOI For A Sick Child 238 Or. occasion of '.he Death of a Member of a Family 239 On occaaion of the Death of a Young Person 240 On occasion of the Death of a Young Child 242 On the occasion of a Hurial 243 On the occasion of the Burial of a Child 246 Reflections and Meditations for Sick and Afflicted Persons, 1st. 247 Another 2nd. Do Do Do Do Do .3rd. 4th. 6th. 6th. 7th. 24) 249 261 262 264 266 JJrbatt Prager0. I. Before Reading the Scriptures 260 II. For Repentance 261 III. Faith and Ti-ust in God 262 IV. Perseverance 263 V. Grace to Keep the Commandments 264 VI. Purity of Heart and Conversation 266 VII. For a Forgiv'r.7 Disposition 266 VIII. For Spiritual Enlargement 267 IX. For Preparation and Readiness to Die 268 X. The Widow's Prayer 269 Direction for the Friends of Sick and Afflicted Persons 271 iMiacellanfoua JJra^ers. I. For the Ministers of Christ 277 II. Before a Missionary Meeting 278 III. For Universities and Colleges 280 IV. For a Revival of Religion 281 V. For Persons Dejected in Spirits 282 VI. For Persons Diseased in Mind 284 VII. For Prisoners 286 VIII. Before Meat 286 JX. After Meat , ., 237 PRAYEES FOR FAMILY WORSHIP. gmt mttk !' l! I SABBATH MOKNING. ALMIGHTY and eternal God, who, on the first day of Thy creation, didst cause light to shine out of darkness, shine, \ve pray Thee, in our dark and sinful hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of Thj glory in the face of Jesuo Christ. Lord, we are igijorant, and slow of heart to be- lieve ; teach Thou us hy Thy Holy Spirit, and en- able us to lay hold on that truth wherein we have been instructed. Cause the Word of Christ to en- ter our hearts, nndto dwell within us in its wisdom and in its strength. Too long, O Lord, we have lain in willing bond- age, stopping our ears against the call of conscience and duty. And when we have sought to rid our- selves of ir sins and infirmities, we have found our own strength to be but weakness against the power of the flesh and of the world. Lord, give us that strength which is made perfect in weakness, even that Holy Spirit ot grace, whom Thou hast promised to them that diligently seek Him. We pray Thee, Lord, to send out Thy light and Thy truth, that they may guide us into Thy Holy presence. Grant that this day may be a day of help 2 Family Worship. and blessing to our souls and the souls of many. Be with us in Thy house of prayer. Fix all our thoughts upon Thee, and draw out our desires after Thee. May we hold communion with Thee, O Fa- ther, and with our risen Lord, by the Holy Spirit, and be strengthened to go on our way rejoicing. Bless the labours of Thy ministers everywhere. Pour out upon them the Spirit of faith, and the Spirit of wisdom, and the Spirit of love, and the Spirit of holiness. Give grace to Thy people to hear Thy Word meekly, and to receive it with pure affection, and to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit. O Lord send into our souls the spirit of peace, keep far from us this day all strife and debate, all anxious longing after the things of this world, all distressing doubts concerning Thy revelation and Thy promise. Enable us to rise, in heart and soul, to the place where Christ sitteth at Thy right hand, and feel it to be indeed our country and our home. Help us, O Lord, to press forward more earnestly towards the goal of our earthly pilgrimage. Grant that none of us, through carelessness, unfaithfulness, or sin, may forfeit our crown. Give us grace to lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and to run with patience, even to the end, the race that is set before us. And receive us, O Lord, when we die into the everlasting habitations, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and Redeemer, Amm. ^"^^m. Family Worship. 3 SABBATH EVENING. OLORD of hosts, the God of Israel, who dwellest in the highest heavens, on a throne of glory, encompassed with seraphim and all the glorified host of heaven, Thou art the God, even Thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth ; Thou hast made heaven and earth. We adore p.nd worship Thee, who wast in Christ reconciling the world unto Thy- self, not imputing their trespasses unto them. We bless Thy holy name, who redeem est our life from destruction and crownest us with lovinor-kindness and tender mercies. Lord, receive the prayers and praises of Thy whole Church throughout the world, this day pre- sented unto Thee. May they ascend up unto Thee through the mediation and intercession of our great High-Priest, who is now in Thy presence, and stands at Thy altar, and with the golden censer, and much incense, offers the prayers of all Thy saints before Thy throne. Send down from above that divine grace and power by which sin shall be vanquished, the world overcome, Satan subdued, and all the fruits of righteousiiess shall be yielded up by us and all Thy people, to Thy honour and glory. O Lord, forgive all the sins of our services this day. How many are our Sabbath sins! Li past days how many broken Sabbaths, unimproved opportu- nities, and lost privileges ; and how greatly do we > i 4 Family Worship. still fall short in everything of Thy glory ! Hc^w often has the Sabbath been to us rather a weariness than a delight ; a formal service, and not a spiritual enjoyment ; a burden, and not a privilege ! How often have vain imaginations, wanderings of heart, and distractions of mind, mingled with and polluted all its holy duties even to thi| very day ! Blot out all our sins for Thy name's sake, and give us be- lieving, penitent hearts ; that, receiving Thy word in faith and meekness, we may be not only hearers but doers of it also. Make our hearts truly to re- ceive and gladly to obey. Oh, preserve us from a hardened heart, keep us from tempting and provok- ing God. Keep us from erring in our hearts, and from ignorance of Thy ways ; and enable us so to believe, that we may finally enter that rest which remaineth for the people of God. Bless Thy faithful ministers in their own souls, and in their families ; make them burning and shin- ing lights to Thy Church. Make Thy people watch- ful and prayerful. Let us remember all the solemn admonitions to be ready for the Lord's coming ; and keep us from thfi temptation of thinking Thee slack concerning Thy promise. Let our loins ever be girded about, and our lights burning, and may we be like unto men that wait for their Lord, that when He cometh we may open to Him imme- diately. O Lord Jesus, hear us for Thy name's sake. Aytien, Family Worship. MONDAY MORNING. OGOD, our gracious Father, in whom we live and move and have our being, whose presence and glory surround us on every side, shed abroad, through the Holy Ghost, Thy love in Christ Jesus in our hearts. O may we all see how great is Thy goodness, how great is Thy beauty, and how excellent is Thy loving-kindness ; and let us all be numbered with the sons of men who put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings. Give us grace to live under the constant sense of Thy Holy love to us sinneis. Lead us into the fulness of the blessed truth that God is love ; and that he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and God in him. Let love out of a pure heart, be the great animating, directing, and enlivening principle of our whole conduct toward Thee and toward all men. May the sermons yesterday preached by Thy min- istering Servants here, and the instruction given, be a blessing to this place — to rich and poor ; to young and old ; to the children in the schools, and to the parents of the children. Extend the same blessing wherever thy Gospel has been proclaimed, far and wide. Let there not be one hearing Thy truth, with- out some quickening or strengthening grace from the truth preached. May Thy Church be animated by a believing view of the bliss of all Thy saints now with Thee in the G Family Worship. heavenly Zion, and by the prospect of the resurrec- tion glory of Thy Church in the day of Christ. Seeing this great cloud of witnesses, let us run with patience, day by day, the race that is set before us ; may we lay aside every weight with which the world or Satan would encumber us, and the sin which does so easily beset us ; and may we be ever looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. O Lord, hold Thou up our goings in Thy paths, for only while Thou boldest us up are we safe. We are iu the midst of snares and temptations, which we see not, or at best see very dimly. Do Thou then, who never slumberest nor sleepest, still watch over, keep, and guard us, and inspire us with holy zeal, and courage, and devotedness in Thy service. Let the wicked all around be converted and turned to Thee; Jet the impenitent and unbelieving be brought to repentance and faith ; and those bur- dened with sin and guilt oome to Jesus and be relieved. Bless this our family. Let it appear that we have been given to one another, and brought together in Thy providence to be blessings to each other, in body and in soul, for time and for eternity. And bless the whole family of God. Bring in the Jews : bring in the Gentiles, and let it be said over the whole earth. Behold how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Hear us for Jesus' sake. Aynen. Family Worship, W MONDAY EVENING. ALMIGHTY and everlasting God ! Thou art unspeakably great and glorious. Thou art the king eternal, immortal and invisible. Thy throne is in the highest heavens, and Thou art exalted above all blessing and praise. We, the crea- tures whom Thy hand hath made, and whom Thy providence sustains from day to day, desire at this time humbly to bow down before Thy divine Majesty, and to acknowledge our obligations to Thine infinite goodness and mercy. We bless Thee for all the comforts of this life ; but, above all, for Thine inestimable love in sending Thy Son from heaven to become the Saviour of our souls. We thank Thee for having provided this Mediator, through whom sinners may draw near unto Thee. We beseech Thee, O Lord, to grant unto us pardon of our sins through Jesus Christ. Remember not against us the transgressions either of this day or of our former lives; but be Thou pleased to receive us into Thy favour, and to adopt us into Thy family as members of Christ, as children of God, and heirs of the kingdom of heaven. And vouchsafe unto us the gift of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be enabled to love Thee with all our hearts, and faithfully to per- form Thy righteous will. We beseech Thee to renew us in the spirit of our minds. Help us to put off that old man, which is corrupt according to the flesh, and to put on that new man, which is created 8 Family Worship, after Thine own image, in righteousness and true holiness. We would confide in Thee, who art ever ready to protect those who sincerely love and serve Thee. Let thy watchful providence defend us by night and by day, in adversity and prosperity, in sickness and in health ; and whenever the hour of our death shall draw near, may we find our consolation in Christ abound. Bless our native land ; and may it still be favoured with the light of Thy gospel. Bless our Queen and all in authority, and give them wisdom to fulfil the arduous duties to which they are called. Have mercy on all who are in any sorrow; on the widows and the fatherless, and on those who have none to help them. Look down with compassion on those who sufier from the calamities of war. Be merciful to our dear friends and relations. Grant that they may be now united with us in the bonds of Christian love, and that we may all be members of Thy blessed family in heaven. We pray Thee to take us under Thy care this night We are unable to protect ourselves, but Thou, Lord, art ever present with us. O hear us from heaven Thy dwelling-place ; and for Thy mercy's sake, be- stow upon us more than we ask or think, or are worthy to receive. We present these our humble and imperfect pray- ers, in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, for whose sake alone we entreat Thee to hear and answer them. Amen. -a Family War ski p. 9 ii HI! TUESDAY MORNING. OLORD our God, we desire with all humility and reverence to adore Thee, who art in- finitely blessed and glorious, who hast all perfection in Thyself and art the Fountain of all being, power life, and perfection. Thou art good to all, and Thy tender mercies are over all Thy works. look upon us now, and show mercy unto us, as Thou usest to do unto those who love Thy name. We thank Thee for the mercies of the past night; that we laid as down and slept, and waked up again in safety, because Thou hast sustained us ; that no plague has come nigh our dwelling, but that we are brought in safety to the beginning of another day. We acknowledge that W3 are unworthy of all the truth and mercy which Thou hast showed unto us ; we have sinned against Thee, we are guilty before Thee ; we have corrupt and sinful natures, backward to good, and prone to evil continually. We are cold and defective in our love to Thee; we are weak in our own desires after Thee, and cannot walk with Thee as we ought to do. But we pray Thee to forgive all our sins, for Christ's sake, and be at peace with us, in Him who died to make peace, and let Thy peace rule in our hearts. O Lord, we commit ourselves to Thy care and keeping this day ; watch over us for good ; compass us about with Thy fiivour as with a shield ; preserve 10 I'^amily ^yonhip. us from all evil • vpi fl.. r ■ our .souls. ■ ^ ' ""-' ^"''^ i"''«'-'"'« ">.d keep Our bodies, and all our worMlu .«• • to the conduct of thy wi J" 7 "'""'^ "•'■'"''•'' and submit to its disposals ? ^"''7°"'' l"<'videnco, - ■> keep us in health anitfeU " "" '""""' '" lawful undertakings and X ' '""■^P'^'- "«'""" our i" them. Our sout v ' "' """''"'' "'"' --'«- of Th, Spiri, r;;l;' ~ -^ the government ?n us, and suflicienf for us, t ''Si r'^"'^ ^n us, both to will and to d f Tp '" "'"'^ pleasure. Grant us strenafh f ,, "'''" «°°'' the clay, that we may do alF t^ ' *'" ''""*^'* '"■ acknowledging Thee in ! """»^ '^'^'«'- ^ S^Jly sort, pWd to direct our srep: ''^ ''""'^ ' '^"'' ^^ ^-^ K^eep us from .sin ; give us tl,» i spirits, and keep us from!, " - °^"" '"^^ "'^n o- lips. May weitrtS ,:"'^-""^'^^^^^^^ J-e, and do Thou Lakfl'" " '•"" ""^ ^°'^ our dealings and nl '=°n««entious in all becomes th^ ^t??/^^''^"' %--t sin, as Prepare us for all the events of .7' T'"' "^'"" *''^'«- not What a day may bri^t^ Svf ''' '''"^ even our of for ^or His sake who died - and rose again and who h^h ^ ^ ^ saying, Our F.i.h.. r.„ ^^^^ *^"^^^ pray, saying, Our Father, fc us to Family Worihii>. 11 ^! I !l ! i 2i TUESDAY EVENING. GREAT God, the God of tlie whole earth and of the highest heavens ; our merciful Father, who wast in Christ Jesus reconciling the world unto Thyself, not irnimting their trespasses unto them, we beseech Thee to draw all our hearts now unto Thee. O grant that this, our family prayer unto Thee, may not be a burden, but our joy and delight ; give us to engage in it, not merely because habit requires us to do so, but as a real relief and comfort to our souls ; may we never be weary of it nor weary in it, but ever find it a refreshment in our weariness, and a rest from our cares. We desire to thank Thee from the heart for all the mercies of this day ; our many wants have been sup- plied ; we have been spared and blessed, and every- thing which has happened to us has been according to thy gracious providence. We thank thee for the joys and the sorrows, the mercies and the trials of this day ; all come from Thee in love ; and Oh, give us to know that, loving Thee, all will work for our chief good. Help us to rejoice in Thee, the Lord, always ; and in everything to give thanks. We confess to Thee our many sins. Whether we look at our thoughts, our words, or works — in the morning, at mid-day, in the afternoon, or in the eve- ning — we have not, as we ought, had a lively sense of Thy presence, nor sought with full purpose of heart Thy glory, nor walked with Thee all the day long, 12 Family Worship. nor taken up as wo should self-denying work and duty. Vain and worldly thoughts have too much possessed our souls, and made us like those who live as without God in the world. We have not called on Thee. We have been weary of Thee. Blot out all our transgressions for Thy name's s.ake, and remember our sins no more. Renew our souls by Thy grace ; and make us pure, even as Thou art pure, and meet for the inheritance of the saints in light. Make all the changing scenes of this life to work for our spiritual and eternal good. Make our eyo single, and our whole body fall of light. Bless every member of our family, our friends and our neighbours \ let all receive a blessing from Thee through our prayers. Help us to be lovers of hos- pitality, and lovers of good men. May Thy Church in our country be protected, preserved and prospered continually, through Thy watchful care and good providence from day to day. Give us a lively interest in the prosperity of Thy Church universal, and the increase of Thy kingdom. Lord, grant these great blessings, speedily deliver Thy people who may have been deceived by the Mystery of Iniquity ; and fulfil Thy promises to destroy the man of sin with the brightness of Thy coming. Do Thou accomplish Thy promised mercy and truth to Zion, and let all the ends of the earth see Thy salvation. O grant our requests for our Redeemer's sake. Amen. .llili 4f Fam^l^ Worship, 13 o WKDNESDAY MORNING. IjOllO our God, whether wc wake or sleep we are still with Thee. Durii:i^ the hours of darkness and slumber Thou hast guarded us from evil. In our moments of unconsciousness, when un- able to care for ourseWos, Thou hast made us Thy care. And now we awake and behold, and our sleep has been sweet unto us. Let Thy Holy S[)irit bo granted to us, that we may more clearly see the proofs of Thy goodness and love. Thou hast provided for our bodily wants: Thou luus given us food and raiment, health and home. Thou hast provided for our spiritual wants : Thou hast given liS Thy Holy Word with its trea- sures of eternal truth, — Thy well-beloved Son, whose atoning sacrifice and perfect life redeem us from sin, and reveal Thine heart, — and Thy Holy Spirit who cleanses us from evil, and shows to us the glory of Christ. O help us to see Thy hand in all, and to praise Thee with joyful lips. Bless the Lord, our souls, and all that is within us bless His Holy name. O Lord our God, we know that in all the mercies which Thou hast bestowed upon us, and especially in the gift of Thy dear Son^ Thou dost seek to drav; us away from self and sin to holiness and to Thee. Grant us, then, Thy Spirit, that this Thy purpose may be accomplished in us. May Thy goodness subdue our pride and self-will, and bring us into 13 14 Family Worship. Hiibjcction to Thy perfect will. May our hearts ho wholly renewed ; may we hiuif^er and thirst after righteousness, and be filled. Let that mind bo in us which was also in Christ Jesus. May wo walk in the truth, and may integrity and uprightness pre- serve us. May love run through both our actions and our words, and may we be gentle and patient to all men. Most Merciful Father, we commend to Thee all that belong to this household, and all our relatives and friends. Let them covet Thy favour above earthly good, and aspire after conformity to the image of Thy Son. Let them not be drawn iisido from thu path of holiness by the snares that beset them, but let them steadfastly cleave to Thee. We pray Thee to bless all the family of mankind. Let the ignorance and vice, the cruelty and oppres- sion which darkcii the world, give place to light and purity and love. Let war cease to the end of the earth. Let the Prince of Peace reign in all hearts and over all nations. Most Gracious God, assist us this day in the duties of our calling. Go forth with us in our work and our labour until the evening. Give us the strength and wisdom we need. Preserve us from the sins into which we are liable to fall, and grant that when the night comes we niay end the day with Thee, even as now with Thee we seek to begin it ! Grant us these mercies for the sake of t>esus Christ our Lord. Amen. Family Worship. 15 11 i\ 'ii/ \-\ liiii' Il'i!!!! 1:l!l;! ii WEDNESDAY EVENING WHEREWITH shall we come before Thee O Lord, or bov7 ourselves in Thy presence, O Thou Most High God ? Cause us to come unto Thee in faith, mentioning no other name, pleading no other righteousness, and trusting in no other atonement, than the name, righteousness, and atonement of Thy blessed Son, our adorable Mediator, Jesus Christ. In Him we desire to be found ; through Him we hope ibr favour with Thee and acceptance in Thy sight. Blessed be Thy name for the mercies of the past day, for the blessings of Thy providence, and foi all the comforts and privileges we enjoy. We thank Thee that we have been protected from danger ; and, above all, if we have been wi':hheld by Thy grace from sinning against Thee. O Lord, wash out the transgressions of the past day. If Thou bhouldest deal with us after our sins, or reward us according to our deservings, we could not stand in Thy presence, nor be justified in Thy sight. But we bless Thee for the grace and mercy which Thou hast laid up for us in the righteousness, sacrifice, and intercession of Him who is our advo- cate with Thee, and the propitiation for our sins. Continue Thy goodness towards us this night ; may we, as the beloved of the Lord, dwell in safety by Thee. Make us to rest under Thy defence, Thou Most High, and to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Bless us with Thy presence, Thy grace, 16 Family Worship, and Thy protection. Suffer not the enemy to have any advantage over us; neither let the son of wicked- ness approach to hurt us. Be witli all Thy people everywhere ; may those who are near and dear to us be near and dear to Thee ; and whatever separation Thy good providence may ordain for us on earth, may we meet with joy at Thy right hand, at the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Bless all the nations. Maintain Thine own truths and enlarge the kingdom of Thy Son. Regard with favour the Church to which we belong, the vine which Thine own right hand hath planted. Bless owr Sovereign and every branch, of the royal family. Pour down Thy grace upon all orders and degrees of men among us, that they may be fearers of God, lovers of truth, and workers of righteousness. Strengthen and relieve those who labour under any affliction in mind, body, or estate, and make all things to work together for their good. We beseech Thee to hear us, and grant us these and ail other mercies, spiritual and temporal, only for the sake of Jesus Christ the righteous. Amen. Family Worship. 17 li'l '11 II m THURSDAY MORNING. OLORD GOD of heaven and of earth, Thou art a great King above all gods. We confess with shame and confusion of face our multiplied sins against Thee and against our fellow-men. Spare us, Lord God, and forgive us for Christ's sake. Turn not Thy face away in displeasure, but have compas- sion upon us, and accept our offerings of prayer and praise. We beseech Thee, Lord, to give us Thy gracious Spirit that we tempt not Christ, as some of Thine ancient people tempted, and were slain in the wilderness. Vouchsafe to keep us this day from the sin of idolatry. Let us use this world as not abusing it. Let our chief treasure be in heaven, and our hearts be there also. And while diligent in business, preserve us from covetousness which is idolatry. We praise and magnify Thee, Lord God of our life, for another night's rest ; for sleep and safety in the dark watches. Hitherto the Lord hath helped us. And now that Thou hast raised us up again to renewed life, let the dayspring of Thy favour visit us from on high. May the Lord God be our sun and shield. Direct, we beseech Thee, the path of our feet. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Lord, we entreat Thee, lay upon us this day no burden which we are unable to bear; no burden of sorrow or of temptation : with every trial do Thou make a way for our escape ; and may 18 Family Worship, we be able to do all things through Christ who strengtheneth us. Hear us, we pray Thee, on behalf of all our kin- dred and all our acquaintance. Bring all our dear relations into Thy family, and let Jesus, Thy well- beloved Son, be the elder brother to all that are in our household. Let no kinsman of ours be found to be wanting when Thou, in the day of judgment, numberest up Thy people. We commend to Thee, Almighty Ruler of the na- tions, our beloved country. Give peace in our time. Sand us now prosperity. O God, bless our Sovereign and all the royal family. Give grace to judges and magistrates to execute justice and maintain truth. We pray for all who suffer affliction, in mind, body or estate; comfort and relieve them according to their several necessities ; and may all their trials, though, at present not joyous, but grievous, work at last for good to them that are exercised thereby. And now we will go through this day in the strength of the Lord, and will make mention of His righteousness, oven of His orly, end to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit we will give all the praise for ever. Amen, 15 ii;! ! m tH ■■a S : it; mm I ill I i i! I: I'll! s r Family Worship, 19 THUKSDAY EVENING. MOST holy, blessed, and glorious Lord God, whose we are, and whom we are bound to serve, it is through Thy good hand upon us, that we are brought in safety to the (;lose of another day ; and that after the various employments of the day, we come together at night to mention the loving- kindness of the Lord, and the praises of our God, who is good, and whose mercy endureth for ever. It is to Thee alone that we are indebted for all that we are, and for all that we enjoy ; bet we have proved ourselves most ungrateful ard un- profitable servants. We have broken Thy holy laws times and ways to ourselves innumerable ; and this day we have sinned and done foolishly. God, Thou knowest our foolishness, and our sins are not hid from Thee. We beseech Thee, our God, to produce in our hearts the grace of genuine repentance. Make us sensible of the evil as well as of the danger of sin. And enable us, not merely to mourn over it, but to flee from it, and to take refuge in Christ, whose blood alone can atone for the guilt of sin, and whose Spirit alone can deliver us from its power. We commit ourselves to Thee this niirht and de- sire to dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Make a hedge of protection about us, and about our house, and about all tbat we have, that no evil may 20 Family Worshijh befall us and no plague come nigh our dwelling. The Lord be our keeper, that neither slumbers nor sleeps. Restore us, we beseech Thee, to another day in safety, and fit us for its duties and labours, by re- fresliing our bodies with quiet and comfortable sleep ; and, when we awake, may we be still with Thee. Lord, let our family be blessed in Him in whom Thou hast promised that all the families of the earth shall be blessed ; blessed with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things, in Christ Jesus, and with tem- poral blessings as far as Thou seest good for us. Give us health and prosperity, but especially let our souls prosper and be in health ; and let all that belong to us belong to Christ, that we who are united on earth may be together for ever with the Lord. Rule in the hearts of our rulers. O Lord, bless the Queen, and make all that are in places of pub- lic trust faithful to the public interest ; and all that bear the sword, a terror to evil doers, and a protec- tion and praise to them that do well. Comfort and relieve all that are in sorrow or affliction, and lay no more upon them than Thou wilt enable them to bear. Do for us, we pray Thee, abundantly above what we ask or think, for the sake of our blessed Saviour Jesus Q\. -ist ; to whom with the Father, and the eternal Spirit, be glory and praise, now and for ever. Ajaen. I li l>1 I Family Worship. 21 " 1. FRIDAY MORNING. OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, Thou art the sovereign Lord of heaven and earth, against whom all our sins have been committed, and by whom alone they can be pardoned ; there is none but Thee, by whom our iniquities can be subdued, or our necessities supplied. But Thou art able, and also ready, to hear and help, to bless and save Thy people who call upon Thee ; Thou dolightest to show mercy, and lovest the occasions of glorifying Thy compassion. We come to Thee, therefore, Lord, begging that mercy which Thou knowest we ex- tremely want, and grace to help us in this our time of need. We beg the same for the sake of Thine in- finitely beloved Son, who alone is worthy, and in whose precious blood is all our trust. We are unclean, Lord, and tliou may est well abhor our guilty souls ; but look upon us in the Son of Thy love, and prepare us for the mercies which Thou hast treasured up for us in Him. Make us to feel the burden and the bitterness of our sins ; nor let us ever attempt to covei and conceal them, lest they find us out at the Jast, and overwhelm us with shame and misery. Holy Father, carry on with power Thy great work, even the work of faith, and the sanctifi- cation of our souls. Quicken us, Lord God, and stir us up to Thy work ; and assist us in the performance of all our duties, which of ourselves Thou knowest we are unable to perform. Work in us to will and 22 Family WorsMp. to do of Thy good pleasure ; establish the things, O God, which Thou hast already wrought for us ; and go on to work mightily upon our hearts by Thy grace till our souls are titted for the enjoyment of Thy glory. Gracious Lord, Thy mercies are fresh and new to us every morning. We have laid us down and slept and waked again, for Thou hast sustained us ; Thou hast kept us from the terrors of the night, and from all evil accidents, so that we have once more risen in peace and safety. Glory be to Thee, God of our salvation, who art still so mindful of us, so merciful unto us. Continue, we y)ray Thee, Thy goodness tons this day, and teach us how to demean ourselves aright, and to order our ati'airs to Thy glory. O direct our undertakings, and prosper our endeavours. Rule our hearts in Thy fear and love, and keep us living to Thy praise and honour. We now commit ourselves to Thee, and shelter ourselves under the shadow of Thy wings. O keep us from evil, and help us to do that which is good and pleasing to our God, through Jesus Christ. Give us. Lord, all that we have asked aright ; forgive us all that we have asked amiss ; and bestow on us all things need- ful, which we should have asked, for the sake of Thine own dear Son, and our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen. ill W ^ I I! HA?>!}LTON PUBLIC LIBRARY Family Worship. 23 FRIDAY EVENING. OGOD, most Holy, most mighty, and most merciful, help us this night to enter into our hccarts, and search ourselves, and give ourselves to prayer and communion with Thee. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins. Thou art faitliful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Forgive, we humbly beseech Thee, all the sinful de- partures of thought and word and deed of which we have this day been guilty. Forgive us wherein we have broken Thy holy law, and lived without faith, and in the love of pleasure more than of God. May it please Thee to give repentance, and vouchsafe to us meekness and lowliness of mind and heart and a name and a place among Thy children. Bring us, wehumbly beseech Thee,into fellowship with Christ's Bufferings Grant that we may enjoy the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and know that Christ is ours, and that we are Christ's, and that Christ is God's. Grant us, God, the assurance of spiritual quick- ening. In all our duties and trials may we recog- ^nize thy presence, and feel that our souls are in Thy keeping. May we be moved to holy obedience. Every day that we live may we have a fuller vision of the world everlasting. Be with us, we humbly beseech Thee, this night. Bless our family circle. M&MILTON PUBLIC LIBRARf 24 Familji Worship, Defend IKS from danger and sudden death. Spare us, if it be thy will, to a new day. May it please Tliee to bless the nation. Grant that all may speedily know Thee, and own Thee as their King. Let Thy gracious influences be poured out upon the Church. Hfisten the Lord's Coming and Kingdom. Grant that the purity and unity of Thy people may be increased. Be gracious to the afflicted and the bei'eaved. Give light to them in their darkness, and inward peace amid all their trials. Bless all our friends and relatives and neigh- bours. Grant that they may believe in Thee, and have in Thee their hope and peace. We again commend us unto Thee, God, beseech- ing Thee to hear our evening prayer, for Christ'jj sake. Amen, U\ :\ m \ n I ■ i •f' Faintly Worship. 25 26 fii' SATUKDAY MOUNING. FATHER of lights, from whom proooedoth every good and perfect gift, wo would lift up our eyes unto Thee, who liast sustained us during the nifdit. and restored to us the accustomed mer- cies of the day. Helj) us, we beseech Thee, now that we behold the returning liglit of the sun, to apprehend Thee who art tlie light of the soul — light perfect, i)urc, and holy, and in whom there is no darkness at all. Lord, if we would have fellowship with Thee we must be like Thee. Our own consciences, and our own experience, witness that there can be no communion between light and darkness, no fellow- ship between righteousness and urnighteousness^ We have to confess, Lord, that, while with Thee there is no darkness at all, with us there is darkness deep and defiling. But, Thou who at the first didst command the light to shine out of darkness, shine into our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledges of Thy glory ill the face of Jesus Christ. May we see Thee in Him, as a reconciled Father, as willing to receive graciously and to forgive freely,, even such sinners as ourselves, and to make us Thy children, and heirs of Thy kingdom. We come as suppliants to Thy mercy-seat. We know that we have sinned; but Christ has died ; we plead His blood. His righteous- ness. Accept us, Lord as Thine ; and grant that, 26 Family Worskip. f being justified by faith in TTim, wo may have peace with Thee, and rejoice in tlie liope of Thy glory. Be witli UH, Lord, this day ; and grant that, m tlie course of it, we may walk worthy of Thee who hast callel us to a heavenly kingdom. May we be sensible of Thy presence, and be in Thy fear all the day long. Keep us fi'om all worldly, anxious, care- ful, defiling thoughts; preserve us fn »m all unhal- lowed desires and affections. May we set a watch over our lips, that we offend not with our tongues. May our words be with grace, seasoned with salt, and our thoughts holy, pure, and heavenly, — such thouofhts as filled the soul of Him who is our exam- pic ; and our words like His, out of whose mouth no guile ever proceeded. Towards our fellow-men may wc be truthful, up- right, kind and patient ; ready to forgive those who have injured us, and laborious in doing good to all, I]nable us to serve our generation according to Thy will ; and, while we are in the world, to be doing the work Thou hast assigned us. But while in the world, let us not be o/the world; may we live in the spirit of strangers and pilgrims, waiting for the appearance of our Lord from heaven ; and when He shall appear may we also appear with Him in glory, and be made partakers of the inheri- tance of the saints in light, through Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. !N 111 i ! L.L1' \l tl: r ■VV0 Famili/ Worskip, SATUUDAV EVENING. 27 ALMIGHTY and evcrlastin<^' God, author of our heing, supporter of our lives, and source of all our hopes hoth in tliis world and in t^-at which is to conio, \V(3 lift up our evcnin;^' ])raycr to Thee, in jukMovvlcdgincMtof Tiiy divin;' goodness, and of our (!()ntinuid (k'i)('n ii hopes and happiness; and to Thee who didst vouchsafe to deliver Him up for us ; and to that blessed Spirit who has revealed Him to us, be all praise, and honour, and glory ascribed, now and for evermore. Amen. m t /I 1 :i . It 19 fel: !' Family fVorship. 33 I !! MONDAY MORNING. WE believe, our gracious God, the faithful- ness of Thy word ; and we are sure that Thou the God of Israel and of the whole earth, the same Lord over all, art rich unto all that call upon Thee. In this confidence, we now unite ourselves to the blessed company who in every place call upon Thy name ; assured that what we ask according to Thy will, in the name of Jesus Christ, we shall obtain, and shall certainly find what we thus seek. Lord, we believe ; help Thou our unbelief. At the commencement of this week's labours, we pray that we may live in the spirit of those sei vices of Thy house in which we were yesterday engaged. Let holiness to the Lord be inscribed on our commonest service. Let every day be as a Sabbath ordinance. May we set our hearts with all fixedness and zeal, to run with patience our Christian race. May we ear- nestly seek first Thy kingdom and Thy righteousness. Help us to take fast hold of Thy covenant, to put away every sin with abhorrence, to choose always those things which please Thee, and to keep judgment and do justice. May we never slight or neglect Thy truth, but treasure it up in our hearts. Give us true and saving faith, and suffer us not by unbelief to lose the great and glorious privileges of Thy eternal kingdom. Prepare us by Thy grace to be meet partakers of them, and hasten the conimi,' of that kinordom. 34 Family JVorskip. Fountain of light and life, of grace and love, we bless and praise Thee, for Thou art good and gracious ; Thy mercy is great above the heavens, and Thy truth reacheth unto the cbi^J^. Be Thou exalted above the heavens, and Thy glory above all the earth. Abundantly have we been blessed by Thee in body and in soul ; in merciful provision for all our wants, for time and for eternity. Above all, we thank Thee for that mystery of godliness, Jesus our Saviour, God over all, who was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto us Gen- tiles, believed on in the world, and received up into glory. Still bless us, Lord, and do us good. Thy bless- ing alone maketh rich without sorrow. Thy blessing turns us fvom all our iniquities. Let the thoughts of our hearts, and the words of our lijxs, and the actions (jf our life, be under Thy governance — guided by Thy word, and quickened by Thy Spirit, — so shall they be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. From our own blessed experience of Thy light and truth, let us and Thy whole Church and people everywhere communicate light and truth to all around. Give us grace to occupy every talent, for Thee, till we are called to give account with jo}/ in Thy presence. Hear us, O our Redeemer, to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be all glory, now and evermore. Amen. i\ -i ■ I J i,!.' Family Worship. 35 L I MONDAY EVENING. OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, who knowest all things, and understandest the secrets of every heart, suit Thy mercies, we pray, to our necessities ; and grant unto all the members of this family such things as Thou seest to be most needful for us. We pray Thee especially to bring our hearts into full obedience to Thy Gospel. Take away from us all pride, impenitency, and unbelief; all undue love of this present world, all inordinate affection, and every evil inclination. Take from us everything which opposes itself to the knowledge of Thy truth, and is contrary to the spirit of Thy grace. May we humble ourselves as cliildren in Thy sight ; receiving, in sincerity and simplicity of heart, the various doctrines of Thy word. Give us, also, grace to maintain a Christian spirit, and to abound in every good work. May we be patient, and con- tented, and thankful for our lot in life ; praising and blessing Thee for all our providential as well as spiritual mercies ; imploring the continuance of Thy favour, and jealous over ourselves, lest, by any evil habits which we indulge, we draw down Thine anger upon us. Make us strict in our integrity, sincere in every word, faithful in every trust, diligent in every duty, amiable in every temper of our lives. May we be zealous to do honour to the cause of Thy Gospel, and thus recommend the religion of Christ. Teach us to exercise all those virtues which shone 86 Family Wor^ship. so brightl}' in our Lord, and give us grace to testify, on every occasion, our abhorrence of evil. At the same time, may we remember our exceed- ing sinfulness ; and thus learn to bear with all the various infirmities of others. Give us courage and integrity to exhort one another daily lest any of us be hardened through the dcceitfulness of sin ; and teach us, in the spirit of love, to serve Jind edify one' another. ^^d now, O Lord, wherever we have this day failed in the performance of our duty, and in the exercise of any Christian temper, or wherever we have in any respect ofiended Thee, we implore Thy pardon, in the name of Jesus Christ. Take us under Thy protection this night; may we be safe under the shadow of Thy wings; may we commit ourselves to Thee, in peace and comfort. May Thy Gospel be our consolation, in our lying down, and in our rising up ; may it be an ever-pre- sent source of happiness to us ; may it lighten every trial, and reconcile us to every disappointment. May there be no place or time, no situation or circum- stance, when the satisfaction which it imparts shall entirely leave us ; but, under its blessed influence, may our hearts be ever filled with thankfulness, and our lips with praises. And all we ask is in the name of Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and Mediator. Amen, ' '.\i I t[ 1 «;■• ! ■m Family Worship. 37 t' !'! I Hii TUESDAY MORNING. ALMIGHTY and eternal God, our Creator, and Preserver, and continual Benefactor, we de- sire to begin tlii« day with the acknowledgment of Thy power and goodness, and of our obligation to love and serve Thee ; and we beseech Thee to grant us grace to pass the whole of it in Thy fear, and in the fulfilment of Thy commandments. Thouhastconnnanded to each of us our work in life Lord, enable us diligently to perform our respec- tive duties. Let us not waste our time in unprofit- ableness or idleness, nor be unfaithful to any trust committed to us. Let us remember that Thine eye is upon us ; and let us have the testimony of our consciences, that, in simplicity and godly sincerity, we have our conversation in the world. Let truth be ever on our lips. Help us. Lord, to perform a kind and Christian part to all who may come under our in- fluence. Mav we labour to do them service, and con- tinually deny ourselves that we may the more effectually and abundantly minister to the wants of others. May we rejoice with them that rejoice, and weep with them that weep; and be kindly affectioned one to another, with brotherly love, in honour prefer- ring one another. O Lord, we beseech Thee to give us patience to bear the several trials and vicissitudes of life, with an equal and contented mind. Let us not be per- plexed with the cares of this world, nor overwhelmed ^ 38 Family Worship, with unnecessary fears ; but let us ever trust Tli y gracious provideneo, and hope in Thy goodness and mercy. Give to us, when we are in prosperity, a spirit of moderation and sobriety. Save us from pride, an< from self-indulgence. Deliver us from the too gieat love of earthly things ; and teach us to remember that it is Thou who givest us all things richly to enjoy. Bless unto us the afflictivo circumstances through which we may pass. May we see Thy hand in all Thy various dispensations, and adore Thee for the several events of Thy providence ; knowing that, if wo truly love and serve Thee, all things shall work together for our good. We commend to Thy kind and fatherly care all our friends and relations. Direct, O Lord, their steps in life, and bless them with all heavenly blessings in Jesus Christ. Vouchsafe unto them the pardon of their sins, and the blessed hope of eternal life. We pray for the rising generation. May they remember their Creator in the days of their youth ; and find Thee to be their refuge in all the scenes through which they pass. Have mercy on all who are in any sorrow or trouble. Do Thou p ovide for them through the riches of Thy mercy, and send special help in their hour of need. We offer these our imperfect prayers in the name of Jesus Christ our Saviour. AifRtn. ii i'l p./ ■I: ■ !» 1 Family W<>rslnp. 39 Itintj TUESDAY EVENING. A LMIOHTY GOD, all blessings flow from Thee. /-% At the close of another day, wo desire, as a lainily, to approach Thy footstool, pi (fading the atonement of Christ, and desiring to take Thee at Thy word, and to rest on thy promises. Every day which comes and goes brings with it pledges and assur- ances of Thy goodness and love. Grant that we may have grateful hearts to Thee this evening for what we have this day experienced. Almighty God, we acknowledge before Thee all our short-comings and offences this day, all our wayward- ness and unthank fulness. Have mercy upon us. Bless us with the sanctifying influences of the Holy Spiri t. May we have the pardon and forgiveness of all our sins, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Turn not away Thy face fiom us, nor our prayer from Thee. Deliver us, we humbly beseech Thee, from self right- eousness and presumption. Let Thy mercy spare us, God ! Give us a closer and more intimate acquain- tance with Thyself, and a deeper and a livelier insight into the depravity of our own hearts. Grant that we may receive Thy enlightenment, and the blessed experience of 1 nine indwelling. Create with- in us a clean heart, renew within us a right spirit, that we may be careful of all our ways. Help us to watch and pray. May we ever live as in Thy sight. Suffer U3 never to ftill from Thy service. Help us to overcome every difficulty in our Christian course. ■%» 40 Family Worship, and rise to still higher attainments therein. Grant that seeming evils may be turned into real blessings, and loving corrections tend to further advancement. Take us, we humbly beseech Thee, this night un- der Thy protection. May we be at peace with Thee and with one another, and with all men. Give us refreshing sleep. Be as a wall of fire around our dwelling, defending us from everything that might hurt or destroy. Grant that, in the morning, we may awake to know Thy goodness, and to serve Thee in ft new day. Bless our country, its rulers, its commerce, its benevolent institutions, its schools, its churches — all agencies within it operating for the public good. Be gracious to our beloved Sovereign, and to all the members of the royal family. May they be an example of piety and every virtue to all the people. Bless the Church of God everywhere. May all its members be united in the bonds of Christ. Grant that the afflicted and the dying may obtain light in darkness, and comfort and joy in all their trials and sorrows. May all our relatives and friends be blessed with the peace which passeth understand- ing, and walk in Thy law. Hear and answer these our petitions, for Christ's sake. Amen. D Family Worship, 41 I (;:i i;.'„'ti WEDNESDAY MORNING. OLORD OOD, most holy and most merciful, wo coino before Tlieo this morning', as a family with confidence, desiring to ground our petitions or) the merits of Thy well-beloved Son. May we have a sincere desire to })e washed fron) all our sins in the blood of Christ. Give us the assurance of our forgiveness through Him. More and more, may we be able to say, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant, God, that we may be conformed to Thy holy will. Give us tlie meekness, and the gentleness and the forbearance of Jesus. Increase our faith. Grant that the Holy Spirit may be with us this da}^ to purify our hearts, and raise our feelings and « tions into harmony with Thy law. Deliver us from strife and envy, and from evil thoughts and unholy tempers. May our common life be more hallowed by Chn;stian motives. May our responsibility to Thee, irnd our dependence upon Thee, be felt by us more powerfully, and be shown more fully in our lives. May we evermore see the littleness and the emptiness of earthly things, in comparison with those that are heavenly, and use the world as not abusing it. To all our duties this day may we carry the righteous and kindly spirit of the Gospel. May we have grace to show in all things that we are not of the world. Preserve us, O God, for in Thee do we j)ut our trust. TU 42 Famih/ Wont/iip. May it [)leaso Tlieo to prosper the church ofClirist. Bless her faithful ministers and teachers and mission- aries everywhere. CJrant tlwit jill jnrrings and un- worthy jealousies may cease, and that Christians may love one another and provoke; one another to good works. r-Iave mercy on all wlio an; living separate from Thee, satistied with Avhat this woijd can give. May they V)0 drawn to seek ha[)[)incss in a re- conciled God and Saviour. Be gracious' to all who are in places of trust and Authority. Give them grace to use well the steward- ship into which Thon hast put them. May rich and poor alike be partakers of the riches of Thy grace, and be poor in spirit, trusting in the Lord. Manifest Thyself to the afflicted and Llio dying everywhere. Uphold them by Thy grace. We commend to Thy special care the young, and all who are dear to us by the ties of friendship and blood. Grant that they may have faith, and give evidence of the same by doinjr what Thou commandest. And all that we ask is for Christ's sake, Thy Son, and our Redeemer. Amen, 11 II M fAm li:,!', It !!'1 Famihj WorMp. 4:J i;i;!i m. WEDNESDAY EVENING. OLORD our God, grant iis grace to desire Thee with our whole heart ; that, so desiring, we may soek and find Thee ; and so finding Thee, may love Thee ; and loving Thee, may hate those sins from which Thou hast redeemed us. Grant unto us, we pray Thee, repentant hearts ; contrite spirits ; eyes that can weep for sin ; hands that can help the needy. Quench in us, Ihou Lord of our life, all sinful desires; and kindle, instead thereof, the fire of holy love. our Eedeemer, take from us the spirit of pride, and enrich us witli the treasure of true humility. Cleanse our hearts from the evil passions of anger, malice, envy, and all uncharitableness ; and make us patient, kind and tender-hearted. Grant unto us a perfect faith, a sure hope, and a love that never failcth. Preserve us, we beseech Thee, from all vanity, in- constancy of mind, and wavering of heart ; from all evil speaking, slander and falsehood. Deliver us from the desire of riches ; from ambition and vain glory : keep us from hypocrisy and flattery, fioni contempt of the poor, and oppression of the weak. Take from us all frowardness of heart, all s])irit of boasting ; all idleness and sloth ; all pride, wrath, unthankful ncss, unh oliness. And, merciful God, fill our hearts, wo ])ray Thee with the graces of Thy Holy Spirit, — with love, joy, peace, long-suflTering. gentleness. goodness, faitli. If 41 Family Worshij?. mecknoss, temperance. Teach us to love those who hate us ; to pray for those who despitefully use us ; that we may be the children of Thee, our Father, who makest Thy sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and sendest rain on the just and on the un- iust. In adversity, gnirit us grace to be i)atier.t ; in prosperity, keep us humble ; may v/e guard the door of our lips ; may we lightly esteem tne pleasures of the world, and thirst after heavenly things. Thy coming, Lord, Thou judge of all, will be manifest. Thou wilt call to the heavens from above and to the earth, that Thou may^st judge Thy peo- ple. In Thy presence shall all iniquity be discovered and every secret sin made known. God, our strength, no flesh shall be justified in Thy sight ; who then shall stand before Tlieo 'i O Lord Jesus, our only refuge, our Saviour and our Deliverer, our hope is in Thee. Thou art our saving health. Thy lips have called us, and we have heard Thy voice. Thou hast guided us with Thy counsel ; wilt Thou not also bring us to Thy glory ? We beseech Thee, Almighty Father ; we beseech Thee, well-beloved Son of God, our merciful Redeemer ; we beseech Thee, Holy Spirit the Comforter, so lead and guide us that at the last we may be brought unto Thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling. Amen. KM 1 IB IB ill) ! ^iiiaiiii ii W 'ifciiii Family Worship. THURSDAY MORNING. 45 OLORD^ our heavenly Father, who knowest our necessities before we ask, we confess unto Thee our sins, and acknowledge Thy mercy ; beseeching Thee to free us wholly, and to perfect that Thou hast begun, that we. ceasing to be miserable in ourselves, may be blessed in Thee. Lord our God, give ear unto our prayer, and let Thy mercy hearken unto our desires. We would offer unto Thee the service of our thoughts and tongues ; do Thou give unto us that which we may present unto Thee. We are poor and needy, but Thou art rich unto all that call upon Thee. Cleanse, we beseech Thee, both our hearts and lips from all presumption and fiiLsehood. Let Thy Scrip- tures be our pure delight, and give us grace so to read them and speak of them, that we deceive not nor be deceived. Hearken unto us, Lord our God, Thou Light of the blind and Strength of the weak ; yea also, Light of those that see, and Strength of the strong. The day is Thine, and the night is Thine; grant us space to meditate in the hidden things ot Thy law, and close it not against us who Knock. Let us not search into it in vain ; but per- fect us, Lord, and reveal unto us Thy holy mys- teries. Give unto us that which we desire, for the desire cometh from Thee ; forsake not, we pray Thee, Thine own gift. We ask not of Thee, Father, silver and gol(A. HI 46 Family Worship, honour and glory, nor the pleasures of the flesh : but do Thou grant us grace to seek Thy kingdom and Thy righteousness, and do Thou add unto us things necessary for the body and for ti.is life. Be- hold, Lord, our desire ; may it be pleasing in Thy sight. We present our petition unto Thee through our Lord Jesus Christ, who is at Thy right hand, our Mediator and Advocate, through whom Thou sough t- est us that we might f=:cc!k Thee ; Thy word, through whom Thou madest us and all things ; Thy only be- gotten, through whom Thou callest us to adoption ; who intercedeth with Thee for us, and in whom are Jiid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. To Him, with Thyself, and the Holy Spirit, be all hon- our, praise, and glory, now and for ever. Amen, %M m Irl'' n Family Worship. 47 I mm THUKSDAY EVENING. O HEAVENLY Father, accept through Jesus our evening offering of prayer and praise. How many have been Thy thoughts of love towards us ; how great is the sum of them ! How safely we have gone out and come in, and how kindly have all our wants been provided for ! But herein most especially hast Thou shown Thy love toward us, that Thou hast sent Thy Son to lay down His life for us, not as friends, but enemies. Our thanks be to Thee for this unspeakable gift. Once, indeed, we were enemies to Thee by wicked works ; but now, through the blood of Jesus recon- ciled, Thou callest us friends. Accept graciously at our hands whatever we have done for Thy sake and in Thy strength this day ; and in Thy mercy forgive whatsoever Thy holy eyes have seen amiss in us. Of many short-comings and iniquities we ourselves are conscious , but how many more must have been manifest in Thy sight ! Blot out our iniquity as a cloud, and as a thick cloud our sins. Receive us graciously and love us freely. Help us, Lord, to take gratefully at Thy hands whatever good Thou sendest, and to bear submissively every trial. Shall not aU Thy will be love ? Like as a father pitieth his children, so Thou pitiest them that fear Thee ; for Thou knowest our frame, and rememberest that we are but dust. Be our refuge in every sorrow, our strength when heart and flesh faileth; and when 48 Family Worship, Thou callest us to walk through the valley of the shadow of death, let Thy presence cheer our path, and Thy hand sustain our steps. And now, heavenly Father, we commit ourselves fco Thy care througli the night on which we are en- tering. While darkness covers us, and dangers are round about, let Thine ever open eye be upon us, and Thine almighty power be our guard. If it please Thee, give us sleep ; or if our eyes be held waking, in the multitude of our thoughts within us, let Thy comfort delight our souls. If we see another morning, rejoice us with the light of Th^^ countenance, and take our renewed life again under Thy guidance and care ; or if our eyes open no more on earth, receive us to Thy fatherly arms, and to that happier world where there is no night, no weariness, and no sorrow. Blessed be Thy name, God of our mercy, for the sweet hopes with which we are permitted to close this day. And now having by prayer and sup- plication, with thanksgiving, made known our re- quests unto God, may the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep our hearts and minds through Christ Jesus ; to whom, with Thee, Holy Father and the Blessed Spirit, be equal and ever- lasting praise. Amen, Family Worship. 49 FRIDAY MOENING. OLORD our God, most high iind mighty, most wise and holy, most just and good! Thou art, and ever wast, and ever shalt continue, unspeak- ably blessed and glorious, above all that we are able to express or to conceive. Thou humblest Thyself even when Thou beholdest the things that are in heaven, or regardest the worship of those blessed creatures above. 0, how wonderful is Thy condescension then, that Thou shouldst look down upon us, poor sinful worms, who dwell in houses of clay, and whose foundation is in the dust ! Lord, Avhat is man that Thou takest knowledge of him, and the son of man that Thou makest account of him. Thou canst not at all need us, or anything of ours, blessed God, but we all stand in continual need of Thee, our only sovereign good ; in need of Thy mercy and forgive- ness, Thy grace and guidance, Thy blessing and as- sistance ; without which we can never hope to escape the misery which is the wages due to our sins, nor ever to attain that glory which is the free gift of God in Christ Jesus. Remember not against us our former iniquities ; enter not into judgment with us, according to our desert ; but according to Thymercy remember Thou us, for Thy goodness' sake, Lord. Blot out our transgressions as a cloud; and justify us freely by Thy grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Bless us, God of our salvation, in turning 50 Family Worship, us from our iniquities, and in giving us grace that we may repent and amend our lives according to Thy holy word. Quicken us, Lord, to hear Thy voice, while it is called to-day ; that we may make haste and not de- lay, to keep Thy commandments. Keep us mind- ful of the shortness of our time, and make us more deeply concerned for our everlasting welfare, and more careful to improve every present good for our soul's eternal advantage. Let the work of Th}/ grace be daily advancing in our hearts, that we may grow in grace as we grow in years, and be contin- ually ripening for the full enjoyment of Thy glory. The same things we beg also in behalf of all whom we ought to remember in our prayers. forgive the sins, and relieve the miseries of Thy sinful creatures throughout the world. Enlarge the borders of Thy Church, and add to it daily such as shall be saved. that all who are called Christians may be Christians indeed ; not only believing Thy word, but walking as becometh the gospel of Christ. Be merciful tu us, good Lord, and bless us, and keep us this day, in all our ways. Renew^ to us day by day thy pardoning mercy, and supply us daily with Thy grace ; and all that we ask is in the name, and for the sake, of our holy Redeemer, to whom, with Thyself, Father, and the Holy Ghost our comforter, be all praise and honour and glory ascribed, now and for evermore. ATYien. jt !* I $" > t ; f:t- Family Worship. 51 FRIDAY EVENING. MOST Holy and ever blessed God, may it please Thee to assist us to offer up unto Thee our evening sacrifice in sincerity and ])urity of heart. Thou knowest us altogether. We would not seek to hide ourselves, or disguise anything from Thee ; but, in humility and lowliness of spirit, make confession, relying upon Thy mercy in Christ. Each moment of our lives is a witness to Thy love and to our dependence upon Thee. Thou hast visited us with salvation, and enlightened us when we were in darkness, and spoken to us in ac- cents of joy, when we were bowed down with sorrow. We acknowledge, O God, that we are unworthy of Thy love and regard ; that we are out of harmony with Thee ; that we have forgotten Thy holy law, and yielded ourselves to sense aud sin. May it please Thee to give us Thy Sj)irit according to our weakness. May we be fo^^iven. May our sins be all washed away in the blood of Jesus. Grant that we may have a sense of forgi veness and acceptance. May we experience the confidence of those who can say, God is our refuge and strength, therefore will we not fear. May it please Thee to draw our hearts away from the trifles of earth, and enable us to centre them evermore iip')ii Thyself Grant that the spirit of obedience may be within us ; and thai while we are saved by grace, our faith may work by love, and yield fruit unto Thy glory. Deliver us 52 Family Worship, from all confidence in ourselves, and all trust in any creature. Deliver us from the evils of sin. Grant that the life of Christ may be manifest in our mor- tal bodies. Help us to feel it to be our duty and privilege to seek a closer walk with Thee, to be faithful in the present, and hopefully to await the future. We desire to cast ourselves on Thee, as a family, throughout the coming night. Grant that the shield of Thy protection may be over us. Raise us in peace and safety to a new day, and fit us for whatever lies before us therein. We beseech Thee, with ourselves, to bless ail men. make Thy Church throughout the world a faithful witness to Thy gospel. May those who are in the spring-time of their life receive into their hearts the fruitful seeds of Thy truth. Be gracious to the aged. May they have a living union with Thee, and experience thjtt peace which the world can neither give nor take away. Manifest Thyself to the aflflicted, and especially to those who are drawing near to the gates of death. May the influence of the Holy Spirit be upon them ; and may each of them be enabled to 3ay, I know whom I have believed. Grant that our relatives and friends, and all who have an interest ^n our prayers, may be included in Thy covenant love. And all that we ask is for Christ's sake. Amen. ! I f I ll m Family Worship. 53 Ki SATURDAY MORNING. OLORD our God, how excellent is Thy name in all the earth ! We desire to unite with all Thy people, who praise Thee continually for 'J'hy daily blessings. How great is the sum of them day by day ! We thank Thee for the unbroken rest of the night, and for the renewed health and strength bestowed upon us this morning; for the bounty which spreads our table with food, and fills our house with gladness ; for all the comforts of family love, and the happiness of a peaceful home. But, above all, we bless Thee for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, and free salvation through Him; the forgiveness of all our sins, and our justi- fication through His blood; and the gift of Thy Spirit to teach, guide, sanctify, and comfort us, day by day. How gracious Thine assurance that all things shall work together for good to them that love Thee ; and how blessed the well-grounded hope that goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of our life, and that we shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever ! let Thy loving-kindness constrain us, so that we may no longer live to ourselves, but to Him who died for us. We mourn over that dreadful aliena- tion, and blindness of mind and heart, which has so often separated us from our Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier ; from our best fiiends, and our highest joy. We mourn over the unbelief, the darkness, and 54 Fa niily \ Vorsh ip. the coldness of our evil lieartH, towards Him in whom every hope should bo centred ; to whom every affection should be consecrated. Cleanse Thou the thouj^hts of our hearts by the inspiration of Thy Holy Spirit. Grant that our time may be redeemed for Thee; and help us in all our thoughts and works and words, to seek only Thy glory, Thy kingdom, and Thy righteousness. Help us this day so to prepare beforehand, that by Thy good providence we may have a quiet, un- di.aurbed and holy rest on Thy sabbath. Bless Thy ministers in preparing for their public duties. Bless our church. May true religion continually increase among us. Bless our rulers and our coun- try, and may they seek Thy honour as their highest end and great reward. Let Christian union and love more and more increase among Thy people, and may they be all one, as Thou, Father, art one with Thy Son. Enlarge the blessed company of Thy saints daily. Prosper Thy Church in every land ; bring back Thy people Israel. Gather Thy elect from the Gentiles. Hasten the day of Christ, and the perfect joy of Thy people in their gathering to- gether to Him. We ask all for His name's sake. Amen. \ ll m I II Family Worship. 55 Hi ! I> I \ 11 I .,-i!i; •im SATUKDAY EVENING. OLORD GOD, our heavenly fatlier, who pio- servest ns from week to week, and contin- ually renewe.stTliy various mercies to us; — we kneel down this evenirig, desiring to express our grati- tude and love to Thee, who art the Author of our hoing, and the source of all our happiness. We thank Thee, tliat while so many thousands are sutl'eriiig in misery and want, we are ])rovided with innumerable comforts, and are })as8ing day after day in quietness and peace. As we look back on our days which are passed, and consider our lot in life, may we become more thankful for all that goodness which is showered down upon us, and more earnest in employing the opportunities and talents) which are given to us. We would now, especially, lament our mis-spent time, and neglected opportu- nities, and all our other sins, during the past week. How many sinful thoughts have we indulged; how many hasty and unbecoming woi'ds have we uttered ; and how little has it been in our minds to exercise every Christian grace ! We lament, also, the cold- ness of our hearts in our religious duties. Though instructed in the affecting truths of the gosj)el, and blessed with the knowledge of Christ crucified for us, we confess that we have I)een listless and luke- warm in our worsliip ; too nmch alienated from the life of God, and too much occupied with the cares of this world. We now present ourselves before ill 50 Fiihiilff IV or skip. Tliuu, freely confessing these our sins and imploring Thy forgiveness ia the name of Jesus Christ ; and we would lie down this night trusting in His all- sufficient sacrifice on the cross for us, and looking for Thy mercy unto eternal life. We pray that, being thus prepared, we may go forth on the ensuing Sabbath to hear Thy gospel, % ith teachable and submissive minds. May we re- cc. ^e the seed sown, into good and honest hearts. Ma) the gospel of our salvation be the ch^^i desire oi' oui niinds, and the consolation of ci\ our hearts. As the saoo'^th returns may we weh jme the joyful sound, and blcb^ *hat God, who r jt only increases our temporal mercies, uuu also sets before us the hope of everlasting life. Confirm the wavering in the ways of true religion. May they see that godliness has the promise of the life which now is, as well as of the life which is to come. May they, also, be convinced of their sins, and experience what is that peace of conscience wliich the Gospel brings to the truly humble and penitent. To Thee do we now commit ourselves, beseeching Thee to bless every member of this family. May we lie down in the fear of God, in the faith of Christ, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost; and may we rise in the morning, rejoicing in our Christian privileges, and desiring to employ the sabbath in Thy service. Hear us, O Lord, in these our supplica- tions for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. £ i^:ti ^.^ $m V m Si) ».; ill :;f. r ■ r Family Worship. 57 't> Si r W^'W Cfexrb mtt\i^ SABBATH MOENING. HEAVENLY Father, who hast in Thy gra- cious providence kept us in safety through the watches of the night, accept our sacrifice of prayer and thanksgiving. We pray. Holy Father, that Thy protecting good- ness may be around us this day. Be with us in whatever we may think or do. Wherever we go, do Thou go; wherever we abide, do Thou abide. Ever be with us, to guide, to help, and to bless us. May we remember that this is Thy day, and keep it holy unto Thee. Banish all worldly cares, all wandering thoughts. Fix our hearts upon things above. And when we go up to Thy house of prayer, may we worship Thee in spirit and truth. Bless especially, Heavenly Father, Thy servant whora Thou hast set over us. Grant that the in- fluences of the Holy Spirit may be abundantly poured out upon him this day. May he hold up the Cross in all simpl].city, plainness, and affection. May Thy word fall as into good gi'ound, and bring forth fruit — some tliirty some sixty, and some a hundred fold. Lord Jesus, o. in the midst of all assemblies of Thy people to-day. Let Thy word have free course and be glorified. May sinners be saved ; the uncoa- r)] »• ii!)' 58 Family Worship. verted changed ; the broken in heart healed ; the waverers decided ; the backsliders humbled ; and the righteous built up in their most holy faith. Bless the word of grace to them all. And bless, Lord, all near and dear to us. Bless oi " parents, friends, and relatives. Bless the poor, uiiC destitute, the dying, the outcast, the afflicted, and him that hath no helper. And now, O Lord God, we again ask for ourselves. May we love one another as Thou hast given us commandment. Help us to boar with each other's failings or infirmities. Increase in us a spirit of kindness, so that we ma}?- love in deed as in word. May we ever feel for those who possess not the many mercies of our own lot. If our brother hath need, may we never shut up the bowels of compassion from him. O Lord, Thy Son did die for us guilty sinners ; may wo ever be ready to deny ourselves for the sake of those in necessity around us. Fill our souls with love both to Thee and to our fellow- creatures. Subdue in us all hatred, all ill-will; root out of our hearts all bitterness. Enable us to be kind one to another, to be forgiving if we have any cause of offence, and ever to remember Him who graciously forgave us. These, and all other mercies, we ask. Holy Father, in the name and through the mediation of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. \ It III til ! I !5 .11 i w \ 'M 1 : Mill I m li- fi'l fil Family Worship. SABBATH EVENING. 59 ■{■•) • ■ ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, the source of all light, of all knowledge, and of all truth, may it please Thee to fix our thoughts this evening on Thyself, and hear and answer our prayer, for His sake who alone is worthy and mighty to save. We confess before Thee our sinfulness, and un- worthiness, and ingratitude. We confess that, even in our holiest services, our hearts are divided and unstable. Pardon, we humbly l)eseech Thee, the sins of this day. Lead us to a careful examination as to how we have served and worshipped Thee. Enable us to look to Christ, and to live by faith. Grant that we may yield ourselves humbly and teachably to the influence and guidance of the Spirit. Grant that we may appreciate more fully the depth of wisdom and love which is in the Gospel. May we be faithful to the convictions of Thy truth, and to the light Thou hast vouchsafed to us. May we know and feel Thy word, and live according to its guidance. Deliver us, God, we beseech Thee, in the future, from sinful ease and indolence, and from pride and self-sufficiency. Help us, amid all our difficulties, and trials, and duties, to advance in the Divine Life. Strengthen us with food from heaven, to sustain us in our pilgrimage, and to enable us in our life and conversation to show that we are in- 60 dee are k ever be i] they 60 Family Worship, deed the disciples of Jesus, and have a desire and are waiting for His coming. Almighty God, we renew our prayers to Thee this evening for the Church, beseeching Thee that it may be increased and strengthened ; and for all men that they may be brought into the knowledge of the truth. Give Thy servants in the ministry an en- lightened sense of their responsibility. Especially cheer and comfort our pastor. May all his efforts for our spiritual welfare, and those who worship with us, be owned and blessed. Prosper abundantly the labours of all missionaries and Sabbath-school teachei's at home and abroad. Give them the unc- tion of the Holy Spirit. May impenitent souls everywhere be moved ^.nd melted by the love of Jesus, and be delivered from their sins through the efficacy of His blood and intercession. Speak comfortably to the atilicted, and the be- reaved, and the dying. Bless all our friends Miid re- latives; and forgive any who may have done us in- jury. Take us under Thy protection throughout this night. May no evil befall us ; and if it be Thy holy will, raise us on new day, and prepare us for all that Thou art in 'liy providence preparing for us. Give us the spirit of Christ, that, like Him, we may be patient, and resigned, and obedient to Thy will. These things, we ask of Thee, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. W -i ■' \' !J, * iWi m 11 Family Worship. 61 m 1* . \:{. wf M i i 11^- imm. MONDAY MORNING. LORD, what is man, that Thou art mindful of him, or the son of man that Thou regardest liim ? We are less than nothing in Tliy sight, and in us there dwelleth no good thing. But Thou, Lord, changest not, and therefore are we not con- sumed. Our only safety is to glory in Thee, to trust in Thee, to rejoice in Thee. Let Thy name be praised, let Thy work be magnitied ; let Thy holy name be blessed and praised. Thou who art Truth and Mercy, to Thee be honour, power, and glory, for ever and ever. Lord Jesus, enlighten us with the brightness of Thine inner light, and chase away all darkness from our hearts and understandings. Restrain our wan- dering thoughts and desires, and keep us near to Thyself Send out Thy light and Thy truth, that they may lead us to Thy holy hill, and to Thy dwell- ing. Soften our hard hearts with the dews of Thy grace ; water them that they may bring forth good fruit. Raise our hearts, which grovel in the dust, and are oft-times oppressed with a sense of shi, and enable us to fix our affections on things above. Preserve us, most holy Lord God, from the cares of this life, that our feet be not entangled by them ; and deliver us from spiritual hindrances and tempta- tions, that we be not wearied and cast down. Let not flesh and blood prevail over us; let not the world and the things of the world deceive us ; keep 62 Family Worship. us from the power and malice of the devil. Rather than all this world's allurements, give us the blessed unction of Thy Holy Spirit; and drive from our hearts the love of worldly things, by pouring into them the love of Thy holy name. Confirm us in Thy ways, Lord, by the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. Strengthen us with might in the inner man, so that no trouble or temptations may draw us away from Thee. Give us, Lord, the wisdom which cometh from above, and which teaches us to seek Thee above all things, and which enables us to find Thee. Grant us to desire and love Thee supremely ; to see all things as Thou seest them, and to esteem them as Thou esteemest them. Let Thy grace en- able us to resist the seductions of prosperity, and to bear with patience the storms of adversity. O Light Eternal, transcending all created suns, cause Thy bright beams to shine into our hearts. Purify, warm, enlighten, and quicken our souls with all their powers, so that they may find their rest, their joy in Thee. The days of this present life are short and evil, full of troubles and sorrows ; when wilt Thou grant us to be at rest, without trials or temptations ; see- ing Thy face, and wearing Thy likeness? Until then, succour us, God, and draw our affections from earthly things, and fix thero upon Thyself Amen. [ \\ III m ■I f V V ' mH rli it'll 3 ■ ^11 Family Worship, 63 [i. llii: \ it; II (Si MONDAY EVENING. OHOLY SPIRIT, who proceedest from the Father and the Son, and who with them art the One Eternal God : Holy Spirit, who by Thy holy inspiration purifiest the minds of men, comforting them in sorrow, leading them into all truth ; kind- ling in them the fire of charity, uniting them to- gether in the bond of peace ; we beseech Thee to increase Thy mercy to us ever more and more ; that all things belonging to the flesh may die in us, and . that all things belonging to the Spirit may live and grow, for Jesus Christ's sake. So lead us through the cloudy wilderness of this world, by Thy heavenly light, that neither the de- vices of Satan, nor the allurements of sinful men, may lead us astray ; but that we may abide in the truth of Thy Holy Word, and in the end may at- tain unto everlasting life ; through Jesus Christ our Lord. most merciful Father, since we know not what we should pray for as we ought, grant us the help of Thy Holy Spirit, that He may teach us to pray, and pray for us ; making intercession for us, with groanings which cannot be uttered. We lift up our eyes unto Thee, Thou that dwellest in the heavens. Spirit of God, so teach and quicken us that we may pray unto Thee, not with the lips only, but with our whole heart and our whole soul. May we call upon Thee, not in hypoc- 64 Family Worship, risy, but worshipping Thee in spirit and in truth. So teach us that we may ask of Thee such things as are agreeable to Thy holy will. Give us also such faith as shall prevail with Thee, being Thine own gift; but give us also an entire submission to Thy holy wiU. We would wait patiently upon Thee, O Lord, until Thou incline Thine ear, and listen to our prayer. As the eyes of servants look unto the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden unto the hand of her mistress, so our eyes wait upon Thee, Lord, until Thou have mercy upon us. Heavenly Father, we present our supplications unto Thee, not for our own righteousness, but for Thy manifold and great mercies, and in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ. In His name, through faith, we come to the throne of Thy grace. Grant our petitions for His sake, who is at Thy right hand ever making intercession for us ; and to Him, with Thyself, and the Holy Ghost, be equal and undivided praise. Amen. •*: )'■': ^'1 ;f).4, I I , :l vm n m' '■ 1: J' Family Worship, TUESDAY MORNING. 65 FATHER of mercies and God of all grace, wo bless and praise Thee for all the kindness Thou hast shown unto us in the commencement of another da)\ Thou hast preserved us during the watches of the night, and by Thine hand our eyes have been opened to see the morning light. Blessed be Thy holy name for refreshing sleep, for co/iven- ient food and raiment, for health and strength, and for all Thy mercies which Thou givest us so richly to enjoy. Teach us to take all the comforts of life from Thy hand, and in their use to be truly thank- ful unto Thee, Lord ; and when Thousendest sor- row or trouble of any kind, help us to believe that Thou doest all things well, and to say, " Thv "^inll be done." We beseech Thee, good Lord, to refresh and strengthen our souls with that portion of Thy sacred Word which we have read. Make us true pilgrims, such as feel that this world is not their rest, and teach us daily to walk as in Thy sight. Keep us, holy Father, from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul, In all the business of life let integrity and uprightness preserve us. Make us peaceable subjects, good neighbours, faithful servants, loving relatives, and true followers of Thy dear Son, Jesus Christ. In thought, and speech, and conduct, may we be made like unto II im who did no sin, neither was guile found in His mouth. If our patience shall 66 Family Worship, be tried this day by unkindncss or injustice, preserve us, God of peace, from anger and resentment, so tliat our fellow-men may take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus, and have learnt of Him, Guide Dur rulers with heavenly wisdom ; prosper our country, and let peace and plenty enrich our land. Have mercy ui)on all who are suffering afflic- tion, and help them who have no earthly helper. We confess before Thee, O Lord, our manifold sins and transgressions. Pardon us for the sake of Him who His own self bore our sins in His own body on the tree. Bestow upon each one of us now bowing down at Thy footstool that faitli in Jesus which purifieth the heart and worketh by love. Grant unto us that true repentance which leadeth unto life, and is not to be repented of Redeem us from all iniquity, receive us graciously, and love us freely. Let the fruits of holiness abound in our li>^es, so that we may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things ; and when we shall depart from this life, may we sleep in Jesus, and ri^e to dwell forever amid the joys which are at Thy right hand. These our humble prayers and praises we present in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with Thee, Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all praise and glory, for ever. Amen, I. < 11 r I:* 1. 1 I 5 M .1 ti ■ : r I I- ' •. i I i'.i Family Worship. 67 I"! !, m: TUESDAY EVENING. ALMIGHTY God, Creator of heaven and earth, who from the beginning didst appoint the day and the night to succeed each other, and hast now by Thy providence brought us once again through the hours of toil to the time of resting ; be with us, we pray Thee, during the season of darkness, and cause the light of Thy countenance to sliino upon our souls. O God, we are ashamed to reckon with Thee con- cerning the day that is past; for we have no good account to give of our stewardship. We have not been watchful to improve the talents entrusted to us, nor to make a right use o the opportunities which we have enjoyed. We have been often sloth- ful in spirit, and little anxious to honour Thee and serve Thee as wo ought to have done. Our hearts have been too much given to the riches or honours or pleasures of this world, when we ought to have set our affection on tilings above, on the joys which are in Thy presence for ever. We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts, when they have inclined us not towards good, but towards evil. Thy will, God, has not been our will in all things. We have often mistrusted Thy love ; we have counted Thee a hard task-master, when we ou^dit to have submitted our- selves reverently to Thy hand, knowing that Thou 68 FamiUj Wor8hip, (loest all tilings well, and hast i)lea.suro in the pros- perity of Thy servants. O Lord, Thou soarchest the heart, and seest us ns we are. Show us, we ])ray Thee, that which is amiss in us, that by Thy grace we may truly repent, and strive earnestly to amend our lives. Forgive us all that is past, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for the sins of the world. Endue us with the grace of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may live no longer to ourselves, but to Him who died for us and rose agam. Let Thy fatherly hand be over us through this night, and through the days which ma,y yet be to come. Raise us from the death of sin to the life of righteousness. Give us grace to be ever waiting and watching for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grant that that day may not overtake us as a thief in the night ; and enable us with pure hearts and minds to follow Thee, the only God. Finally, we pray one for another, and for all those who are dear to any of us. Unite us as one house- hold in the bonds of Christian love. Be the Father, we pray Thee, of this household, and let Thy peace and Thy blessing rest upon us day and night, till we all come in Thy mercy and goodness, to that heavenly home whence we shall go out no more for ever. Grant this, we humbly beseech Thee, for the sake of Thy Son Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Redeemer. Amen, ^ i : I i ;■ l! I: I; ^ t '^ jt ■•", ( ^ 'hi If; M il P Famihi Worship. 69 lis 11 ' ■ li^ n 5,1 I If WEDNESDAY MORNING. OLOKI) (lOD, merciful and grjujious, long sllt^(3l•i?l^^ and }il)un(lunt in goodness and truth ! Thou kccpest niorcy for thousands ; Thou ])ardonoHt ini((uity, transgression, and sin; Thou retainest not 'I'hino anger for ever, because Thou (hiliglitesi in mercy. How excellent is Thy loving kindness, God ; therefore do tlie sons of men put th(Mr trust in Thee ; and therefore do wc desire to look up to that bountiful hand of Thine, from which we h.Mve received all our good things. O Lord our ({od, be Thou pleased to look down mer(M fully upon us, and be gracious to us as Thou usest to V)e unto those that love Thy name. look not upon the sin of our nature, nor the sins of our hearts and lives, which aic more than we can remem- ber, and greater than we can express. Behold we are vile ; we are exceeding guilty ; we acknowledge that it is of Thy mercies we arc not consumed, and because Thy compassions fail not. But look upon us in mercy, through the merits and mediation of Thy Son, our Saviour; pity us for His sake who did no sin, and was manifested to take a way our sins. Thou hast treasured uj) in Him an infinite fulness of all that we can ever want or wish ; O that we may re- ceive out of his fulness grace sufhcient for us. Let us receive from Him those gifts which He is now ready to bestow ; those gifts which are purchased by His blood : and the means of our salvation. Accej^t 70 Family Worahip, and justify our persons ; reuow and sjiiictify our souls ; and so transform us into Thy blessed image, that wo may be meet to bo partakers of the inberitaneo of Thy saints in light. Teaeh us, O Lord our God, to uso this world with- out abusing it, and enjoy the things of it witliout suffering them to engross our affec'tions. Whatever wo have of the world, O let it be sanetilied to us by the word of God, and by prayer. Help us, O gi'acious Lord, in the whole of our duty to Thee. Let us never cast a stumbling-block in the way of others, or cause Thy holy name to be blasphemed through our misconduct ; but let us pass the time of our so- journing hero in fear; that, having glorified Thee on earth, we may be glorified by Tliee in the gi'cat day of our Lord Jesus Christ. And now that Thou hast renewed Thy mercies to us this morning, help us, gracious God, to renew our desires and endeavours to servo and honour Thee. restrain us from the evils and follies into which we are prone to fall ; and quicken us to the offices and duties which we are averse to |;erfbrm. Grant that we may think, and speak, and act as becometh Thy people ; ever remembering that we are bought with the precious blood of Christ, and ever striving to live unto Ilim, who died for us, and rose again ; to whom, with the Father, and the Holy Ghost, be honour and giury, world without end. Amen, '31 ; I ' K ' tr-i^ \ ; m fKh i* ksi 'i! Family Worship, WEDNESDAY EVENING. OLORD GOD ALMIGHTY, gather of me-'cies from wliom we derive the temporal comforts which vre enjoy, and to whom we owe the glorious and blessed hope of everlasting life ; we desire to render unto Thee this our evening sacrifice of prayer and praise, and thanksgiving. We acknowledge Thy goodness to us during the past day ; and we beseech Thee to continue to us Thy gracious protec- tion during the darkness and silence of the approach- ing night. Thou art ever present with us. Thou sustainest our lives, though we see Thee not. Thou art our support in trouble, our guide in difficulty, our consolation in time of sickness, and our only rftfuire in the hour of death. We pray Thee to increase our trust and confidence in Thee. Deliver us from the love of this changeful and uncertain world. Strengthen our faith in the great promises of Tliy Gospel ; and grant that, hav- ing committed ourselves to Thy mercies in Jesus Christ, we may find in Him continual rest and peace. We beseech Thee, for His sake, to pardon what- ever sins we have this day committed against Thee. Although we profess to know Thy word, and to live in obedience to Thy will, in how many things do we continue to offend. We are often slothful in the performance of our duties ; we fail to watch against our peculiar temptations ; we yield to the evil ex- 72 Family Worship. cample of those around us ; we gi'atify our pride ; we indulge our evil tempers ; we renew our sins, to the grecat disquiet of our souls. O Lord, forgive, for Jesus Christ's sake, the offences of this day ; and pour out upon us Thy Holy Spirit, that we may be- come more steadfast and zealous in Thy service, and more diligent in every good work. We commit to Thy gracious and fatherly care, all those for whom it is our duty to pray. Have com- passion on our dearest relations and friends. Supply their various wants through the riches of Thy mercy in Jesus Christ. Be merciful to all that are in sorrow. Look down with pity upon all who are destitute and oppressed. Bestow Thy special ffivour on Thine afflicted servants ; and cause their earthly troubles to issue in their eternal joy. Have mercy on the young. May there never l)o wanting in this land a seed to serve Thee; and may those who shall come after us obtain from Thee nn increase of light and knowledge, as well as of faith, and hope, and love ; that the fruits of righteousness may abound, and the excellency of Thy Gospel may be more and more manifested in the world. We present unto Thee these our imperfect sup- plications, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, n ; I ■ ■ , 1 H : 1% I S Itit I ''I ■I' r.\ i iU ,,, : -i 1 Fniiril// H'or.s/np. THUllSDAY MORNING. OLORD, Thou hast searched us and known us. Thou compassest our path and our lyin^ down, and art acquainted with all our ways. Whithei- shall we go from Thy Spirit, or whither shall we tiee from Thy presence ? If we take the wincfs of the morni \ and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there shall Thy hand lead us, and Thy right haad upliold us. Thou hast been with us duiing the hours of slumber, and hast been watching over us for our safety and peace. Thou hast withdrawn the curtains of darkness, and art again j^ouring liglit upon the earth. Everywhere we see, O Lord, Thy power and wisdom, Thy ma- jesty and greatness. Thy l:)ounty and love. The mystery of Tliine omnipresence we cannot compre- hend ; but the assurance of Thy word, that Thou art with us by day and night, Ave desire to receive into our hearts ; cause us to feel and to act in accordance with its truth. O Heavenly Father, impress it deeply on our minds. Raise us above the things that are seen, and make us to endure as seeing Thee who art invisible. To Tliee we can come and speak in every time of trouble. Tn company or alone, at home oi abroad, in our devotions and in our business we aic ever near Thee. We bless Thee for all human sym- pathy and help, and Av^e desire ever to see in them the ministers and reflections of Thine own provi 74 Family Wor.^Jiip. dencc; but may wc constantly feel that tliere is no friend, no protector, no patron, like Tliyself, — that give what Thou wilt, without Thee we are poor ; and with Thee rich, take wliat Tliou wilt away. May the thoUL;lit »>f Thy preseiute, Ahnin-lity Lord, "»o a check on our heart when tein|il((| In ^n. TTflp us to remember in the hour of spiritual poil that Thou God seest \is : that the e^'e of the ()iHnis(;i(Mit discovers every oilence we i-an cniiiiiit, and any j»ni'- pose we can conceive. O, Holy Fatliei', kecj) »is, through this awful conviction, fi'om all sin. Wliere- ever we go, followed by the enemy of oui' souls, sur- rounded by evil men, or coining within tlic ri-ach of worldly fascinations, do Tliou keo[), uphold, and deliver us. Suffer us not to fall. When \\'e ai'c weakest, be Thou nearest. When we are most hlind, touch Thou our eyes; when ourtem[)er is most way- ward, do Thou dispose us to curb and control it. We are going forth into the world again ; lead us by the hand, cover us with Thy Aving (yvory moment. Listen to us on behalf of those who lequest our intercessions, and fill them with light and peace, with lov<» and joy. Bless our bclovod laniily, our children and relations. Make us all one in ( *lirist, and unite us in those holy sympathies whirli death cannot dissolve. Have ])ity u[K)n tlie pooi', the af- ilicted, and the dying. We ask r'l these mercies, with the })ai"donof all our sins, through Jesus (lirist our Savioui-. AiVicn. w ■('fi %%\ ).;i < '5f iff ; I ;if! t m^am W'K: '.Ai.'it\ . it .: M. Ml 'i .1 lu Familij Worship, 75 THURSDAY EVENING. OGOD, Thou art good, and Thy mercy en- dureth for ever. We desire, as a family, to come t >gether into Thy presence, at tlie close of another day, to render Thee thanks for all Thy goodness toward lis, to make confession of our sins and short-comings, and to implore forgiveness, and a renewal of grace and strength. We thank Thee, God, for all the temporal com- forts and influences wherewith Thou hast visited us, But especially, we thank Thee for Thy dear Son, our Saviour, and for all the jo3^s and the hopes that are treasured up in Him. We thank Thee for Christ's s])()tless life and self-sacrificing death. We tliank Thoe for His glorious resurrection and ascen- sion, We thank Thee for the eye of f\xith by which w^e can follow Christ into Heaven, whither He is gone to make continual intercession for us. And we thank Thee for the gift of the Holy Spirit, whereby we are strengthened and encouraged to behold this great mystery. Grant, wo humbly beseech Thee, tliat each of us may believe in the mysteiy of godliness, — that God was manifested in the flesli, — and that we may know Jesus, not only as tlio Saviour of the world, but as our Saviour. Deliver us from self, and pride, and ungodliness. May we daily expori'nco desires after communion with Thee here, an.d that holie,-,L oyr. munioii of all, with Thee in hca/en, to ^vlfic-^ vo m 76 Family Worship, look forwjird in hope. Grant that the life of Christ may be manifest in our persons. May we experience within us the quickening of the Spirit, and be en- aV)led to take up our cross and follow Christ. Almighty God, may it please Thee to pardon us wherein we have thought or spoken or acted amiss this day. Forgive all who may have injured us, and forgive all the offences we have committed against Thee, and against our neighbour. Grant that ever- more in the future we may strive to serve Thee. May our faith in Christ work by love. May we ])ossess the spirit of patience and forl)earance, and l)e kindly affectioned one to another, in honour pre- ferring one another. With ourselves, we beseech Thee to bless all men. May all who are united to us be blessed with Thy grace, and the guiding of Thy providence. Save our beloved Sovereign. May our legislators be wise, and our magistrates righteous. Hasten the Lord's coming. Bless the Church, and all who devote their time and talents to the instruction of the ignorant, or the comfort of the distressed. Have mercy upon the afflicted. May they come to Thee with their griefs, and receive consolation. ■ Be with us this night, J!*Iay our household have Thy watchful care. Hear us, and answer us, for His sake v^ith wdioni Thoi; .a± ever well pleased, our ifctrength and our Redeemer. A) tun. \ 1 m>- \. 'i ii{ Fmmlij IVorship. 77 ijlii f ■'ill inilDAY MOKNTNG. OGOD, blessed be Thy name that Tu'^n hast revealed to us a Saviour; and that the law, in its commandments and ordinances, was constituted a schoolmaster to brino^ men to Christ. How glori- ous is Thy grace in Jesus the Redeemer ! Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to Thy mercy in Christ we are saved. Let the blessing of Abraham rest upon us through Jesus, and may those precious truths of T]iy Word, which we have read this morning, often come with power to our hearts. We committed ourselves to Thy protection and blessing on the past evening, and Thou didst give Thine angels charge over us; under the shadow of of Thy wings we have rested secunJy. We laid us down and slept, and awaked, for the Lord sustained us. Now that a new day dawns upon us, with gratitude we implore Thee to shine into our hearts, and give us the light of the knowledge of Th}^ glory in the face of Jesus Christ. We know not what is before us, but each dny brings its duties and temptations and lays us under fresh obligations. Help us to 'ommit ourselves to our several works and ways in Thy fear. May we carry about with us a sense of Thy presence every- where and in all things, and be diligent in business, fervent inspirit, serving the Lord. Preserve us from the numerous temj)tations and enemies tliat may i1 "' 78 Family Worship, surround us, and help us to keep our hearts with all diligence, remembering that out of them proceed the issues of life. Open Thine hand, and graciously supply us with all necessary good. Let us, as a family, be pros- pered in going out and in coming in. May we seek to do good, as well as to get good, to-day. Bless our relatives and friends. May those who are un- converted be subdued to the obedience of faith. Let Thy comforts delight the souls of all Thy people. Bless, we pray Thee, all the families that call upon Thy name ; may there be light in their dwellings. Have mercy on all mankind. Hasten the time, O Lord, when Thy glory shall cover the earth, and there shall be nothing to hurt or destroy in all Thy holy mountain. Pour out Thy Spirit upon the world, and let Thy salvation fill the earth. Send forth more lal)oui-ers to the great work of winning souls to Christ, and edifying Thy Church. Oh, en- due them with Thy good Spirit. Make them wise themselves, tliat with wisdom they may teach others ! Lord, grant them a largo measure of Thy presence, and great success in their work. Accept this our morning sacrifice, O Lord, «indlet the lifting up of our hands be as incense, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, i '. I U\ I 'II •)■ ' i!. I ;!:! Family Worship. 79 IP 1 * \ ; i FEIDAY EVENING. OLORD, we desire to seek Thy face, and to wait upon Thee in the duties of Thy wor. ship ; and we entreat Thy gracious favour that we may be enabled to call upon Thee with our whole hearts. Let our prayer be now set before Thee as incense, and the lifting up of our hands be as the evening sacrifice, pleasing to Thee our God, in the Son of Thy love. It is in His blessed name alone that we have encouragement to approach Thee, and boldness to ask of Thee those things whi(jh Thou knowest to be needful and expedient for us. There is nothing in us, Lord, but what may well provoke Thee to reject us, but there is enough in Thy be- loved Son to procure for us the pardon of our sins, and peace with Thee. Thou didst make Him to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him ; and that we might be saved by His merits, when we could not be saved by any desert of our own works. He was wounded for our trans- gressions, and bruised for our iniquities ; let the merit of His righteousness be upon us, and by His stripes let our souls be healed. Hjeip us to walk more a«'ceptably before Thee in all the duties which Thy Word has prescribed for us. 'S^ver suffer .;s to be tempted above what we are ab*- with Thy grace, to resist ; let no ini(]uitit'H prevail against ils, nor any preH\nu|\t<\\o\i« bin have doirjinio/j fiver us M \ke m mn»H\ wnfuiinabk* to J r » |M 1 80 Family Worship, the pattern and precepts of our blessed Saviour. Transform us more into His holy image and likeness, that we may not dishonour his religion nor cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of, but may make our light io shine before men, to the glory of Thee, our heavenly Father, and to the edification of those amongst whom we dwell. We commend to Thy mercy, O God, the neces- sities and distresses of all our brethren throughout the world. Bring all to the knowledge of Thy truth, and to a cheerful obedience to Thy hoi 3^ will ; so that they may attain to the blessed hope of Thy glory, and the eternal salvation of their immortal souls. And now that the night is upon us, and we are about to betake ourselves to rest, we commit our- selves to Thy gracious care and protection. O watch over us, we pray Thee, for good ; that none of the evils, which our sins have merited, may befall us. Protect us both from the works, and from the powers of darkness ; and preserve us from all the terrors and dangers of the night. Lift upon us the light of Thy countenance, that we may lie down with a sweet sense of Thy favour, and a comfortable assu- rance that Thou hast accepted us in the Son of Thy love ; to whom with Tlioe, Father, and the Holy Spirit, be all (haidi.s and pi/UHoand honour andglury im*\'\\m(\. Amen. \m 1 % ti i iiii ^'■\): IH t ( m ' ii ll!' Fdmiljf \V /A 9 Sdences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MS80 (716) 872-4503 m^^^^^MM li ill I m w i Family Worship. R8 SATURDAY EVENING. O ETERNAL God ! who didst rest on the sev- enth day from all Thy work, and, beholding the things which Thou hadst made, didst i)ronounce them to be very good, we besee(;li Thee to have mercy u[)on us, Thy sinful creatuii^s, now bi inging to a close the toils of another week, and preparing for the special duties and comforts of Thy holy day. Accept, O Lord, the imperfect and sin-stained ser- vice which wc have rendered to Thee during the past week. Thou knowest how many things we have left undone, through sloth and self-indulgence, throuofh inojratitude to Thee, and indifference towards our neighbour. All our idle, trifling, and uncharita- ble words ; all our wasted, half-employed, and mis- used hours; all our selfishness, vanity, and ungodli- U'3ss ; all our omitted duties and all our committed sins; Thou, O Lord, knowest all, and must bring all into judgment, even every secret thing. O Lord, give us thy grace, and suffer ns not to cloak or veil before Thee our hearts or our lives. Thou art greater than our hearts, and knowest all things : grant that we may never think of Thee as though Thou wert such an one as ourselves, but may ever remember that Thou settest our misdeeds before Thee, yea, our secret sins in the light of Thy countenance. Forgive, O Lord, all that Thou hasL seen amiss in us, for the sake of Jesus Christ, who came into the 8' \\\ ai st(| a w< 84 Family Worship. world to save sinners. Hide Thy face IVomonr sins, and blot out all our iniquities. Give us a lively and steadfast faith in his full and sufficient sacrifice, and a spirit of loving devotion to Him who, when we were sinners, died for us that we might live. Grant O Lord, that we may rest this night under Thy protection, and awaken with souls earnest to seek Thee, and to profit by the ordinances of Tliy holy day. As our Lord Jesus Christ did on this day of the week lie buried in the grave, so may we utterly destroy and abolish all our sinful and earthly nassions; setting our affections on things above, and living the life whicli we now live in the flesh by faith in the Son of God, who loved us and gave himself for us. Bestow Thy blessing, Lord, upon Thy ministers and Thy churches everywhere. May the power of Thy gospel be seen more and more in the lives of them that believe. So work Thy great work, Al- mighty God, in this our country and generation, that the gainsay er may be silenced, the doubter convinced, the wavering established, and the sinful converted ; and grant that at the last, according to Thy blessed word of prophecy, the Lord may be King over all the earth ; one Lord and His name one. We ask every blessing in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom, and with whom, all honour and glory be unto Thee, the Father, world without L'lul. Amen. Hi Family Worship. S.3 lourt^ mnk 1 ! !f 'V in V ii 1 E iu if f ' I SABBATH MOENING. OLORD GOD, enable us, we beseech Thee, to recall Thy merciful dealings with us, from the beginning until now, and in Thy presence, on this hoi}/ day, to lift up our hearts in praise and thanksgiving. We thank Thee for the blessings of Thy daily providence, and the continuance of Thy protecting care. Above all, we thank Thee that Thou didst not leave us to perish in our sins, but, in Thy great compassion, hast redeemed us by the death of Thy dear Son. We thank Thee for the message of reconciliation, and we pray, God, that it may never be heard coldly or carelessly by any of us. O that the rich mercies of Thv redeemino- love may call forth daily songs of }.'raise, and every re- newed experience of Thy goodness, quicken in us a more fervent desire to consecrate ourselves, body, soul, and spirit, to Thy service. Enable us, in this spirit of sincere self-sacrifice, to devote ourselves to Thee, feeling that we have been redeemed, not with corruptible things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of Jesus Christ ; and that it is our highest privilege, and should be our greatest joy, to do all things to Thy will. Mercifully bless us in all the engagements of the day. Enable us to sanctify it to Thee. Let it be to 86 Family Worship. us a day of spiritual as well as l)0(lily rest. As wc as- semble '*n the congi'egation, help us in all humbleness of mind to draw near to Thy throne of grace. So convince us of sin, that our prayers may rise from hearts yearning for forgiveness. So reveal unto us our own dee]) need, that we may go to Thee hungering and thirsting after righteousness. May Thy love encourage us, and the warnings of Thy wrath kindle within us a holy fear. Open our hearts as the heart of Lydia, that we may receive with meekness the word which is able to save our souls. We implore Thy blessing on all who are united to us by ties of kindred or friendship. [Blessed Sav- iour, wdio didst suffer the little ones to be brought to Thee when upon earth, look tenderly and gracious- ly on the children of our household, and win their hearts to Thy service.] Let the tokens of Thy pre- sence be seen in all congregations \vho meet to-day in Thy name. Clothe the lips of Thy ministers with words of truth, and kindle their hearts with fervour, as they proclaim the unsearchable riches of Christ. Assist Sabbath-school teachers ; may they be made instrumental in winning the hearts of their young charge to Thee. Cheer the hearts of all missionaries in their distant fields of labour, and so abundantly pour out Thy Spirit on all flesh, that there may be a great increase of true believers, and that Thy name may V)e exalted. Answer us and V)less us, and to Thee shall bi^ all tlie glory. Amen, '.' \ i , "I ! ; f I I ! I 1 1 ' Jfel j I iffi4i p r;^ it li-^^'^l M' >' ?m Si M»-:Hff ii^?■^| ^»! i' I : '^'f' .1 -? i" ' il^^'^ Sifffl p fr: 1 ■1: 1 ti Family Worship. SABBATH EVENING. 87 OLORD our God, enable us, on this the even- ing of Thy holy day, to come into Thy pre- sence, and to worship, praise, and honour Thee, the Most High, that liveth for ever and ever. Thy do- minion is an everlasting dominion, and Thy king- dom is from generation to generation. All the in- habitants of the earth are as nothing before Thee. Thou, Lord, madest us, and not we ourselves ; we are not our own, but Thine. In Thee we live, and move, and have our being ; in Thine hand our breath is, and Thine are all our ways. Thou hast provided for, and fed us, all our life long unto this day. If Thou withdraw from us Thy supporting arm, we die and return to the dust from which we were taken. Lord, Thou hast in Thine infinite goodness spared us in life to see and enjoy the comforts of another Sabbath-day. We humbly implore Thee to follow with Thy divine blessing the religious ex- ercises in which we have engaged this day. For- gi\e us all the sins and imperfections which have mingled with our duties and services. Pardon the wandering of our thoughts, the coldness of our hearts and the forgetfulness of our memories. Let our imperfect prayers be answered, and our unworthy praises be accepted. Let not Thy word return to Thee void, but may it accomplish that whereunto Thou hast sent it. To Thee, the great judge of all, 88 Family Worship. we must accouiiu for our privilcgos. Thou hast in great mercy bestowed much upon us, and Thou wilt require much from us in return. Enter not into judgment with us, but pardon us, and bless us, for the sake of Christ our Saviour, who loved us, and gave his life a ransom for us. As the professing disciples of Christ, enable us, O Lord, to walk in the world circumspectly. In Thy great mercy do Thou quench that unhallowed fire within us that inflames our tongues with bitterness, and our actions with cruelty. Take away that hy- pocrisy and blindness which lead us to take offence at the mote in our brother's eye, whilst we remain satisfied with the beam which is in our own eye. Ma}' we never rejoice in iniquity, hut exercise charity to all our fellow-creatures, and godly sorrow for their and our own sins and short-comings. We now desire to commit ourselves, and all for wiiom we shorjd pray, to thy care and keeping this night. Lord, if it please Thee, raise us up, upon a new day, refreshed for our daily labours by the tem- poral rest and spiritual refreshment which Thou hast bestowed upon us this day. And now, Lord, be merciful to us, ond pardon and bless us, and hear and answer the'^e our imper- fect requests, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. ji ill 1 ri- '?j -, .,, . .. f i IM' '■■■'' I r 1 i;- -*■; ■fj ;: |: n ^'■'! ■ 1 1 Family Worship. MONDAY MORNING. 89 OTHOU thathearest prayer, and hast promised that unto Thee all flesh shall come, purge away our iniquities by the blood of the great sacri- fice which Christ made for us, and enable us to enjoy the blessedness of those whom Thou causest to ap- proach unto Thee. Thou makest the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. Thou visitest the earth and waterest it ; Thou preparest the corn ; Thou crown- est the year with Thy goodness, and Thy paths drop fatness. Thou redeemest our life from destruction, and hast given us eternal life in Christ Jesus. All glory and praise, now and for ever, be unto the Father of our mercies, and the God of all our com- fort. Receive, Lord, this our tribute of praise and thanksgiving. We are unworthy of the least of Thy mercies. We confess with one accord our sinful- ness, the alienation of our minds from Thee, our great dulness in spiritual things, and our eagerness in earthly things ; our unbelief, our impenitence, and our slothfulness in the divine life, Lord, for- give us all our sins ; we plead only the propitiation made for them by the Lord Jesus Christ. O Lord Jesus, send Thy spirit unto us from the Father to renew our souls. Quicken us for Thy name's sake ; draw us, and we will run after Thee. Help us to set our affec- 90 Family Worship, tions on things above, and nv)t on things on the earth. Give us precious faith, and a true repentance. Stir us up to all diligence to make our calling and election sure, and quicken us to continual acts of mutual help and love one towards another. let us not only know, but do Thy will ; not only hear the com- mand to pray always and not to faint, but ever give oureelves unto prayer, and know what it is to walk with Thee in happy fellowship. By Thy Spirit bring to our recollection the truths which we yesterday heard ; and enable us to bring into this day's conduct the holy lessons of the sav- ing grace of cur Lord Jesus Christ. Give us faith that we may profit by what we have heard. We ask for the same mercies for all His disciples, and His professing people throughout the world. Let the healing beams of the Sun of Righteous- ness rise on all the nations, Jews and Gentiles, and shine till all the ends of the earth remember and turn unto the Lord, and all the kindreds of the na- tions worship before Thee. Bless especially our own land, our gracious Queen, and our own church ; and make us blessings to others, through Jesus Chiist our Redeemer. Amen. I II ^m I 1^: Faimhj Worship. 91 AlONDAV EVENING. I: t>!: I : 5;' ■ m !;jif: ill i ill ALMlGIiTV juid most merciful God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, receive us andre- i;;ird our prayers tlirough Him wlio died for our sins. O may Thy Holy S[)irit convince us of sin. May wo know the extent of that Jaw which Thou hast given and which is holy, just, and good. Discover to us more of Thine own spotless holiness and purity. Let the things of Christ be discerned by us, and so may we see our great sinfulness. O may we learn to loathe and abhor ourselves, and to be ashamed and confounded before Thee, and mourn for our sins, with that broken and contrite heart which Thou wilt not despise. But especially may the knowledge of our crucified Redeemer, and the believing view of Jesus pierced for our sins, fill us with holy sorrow and compunction ; may that sin which cau?ed his sufferings be very bitter and loathsome to us ; and may we turn from and forsake every evil way, and walk daily in the paths of righteousness and peace. Lord, for this we need far mightier strength than our own. Fulfil to us that gracious promise, "I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in His name." We have to confess before Thee how we have trifled with our precious time, neglected to improve our talenis, and sought present ease and gratifica- tion. Lord, forgive us all our sins, negligences, and '^ inities : trive us errace to redeem " Ji gi, ^r k 92 Fa m l/ji Woi sfi ip. diliijjently occupied in Thy service with every talent Thou hast given us, and patiently to go through toil and endure trials and sacrifices for Thee. May wo not sow to the flesh, but day hy day sow to tho Spirit, that we may of the Spirit rea[) life everlasting. And, Lord our God, seeing we live in a world full of snares and tcni[)tations, — a world going on in that course wliich is contrary to Thee and Thy Word, — we pray Thee to grant us Thy grace, that none of us may be conformed to it, but that we may all be transformed by the renewing of our minds, to prove Thy good, and acceptable, and perfect will. Thanks be unto Thee, Thou source of every good, for all this day's mercies and blessings ; for Thy pro- tecting care over us, Thy providing love for us, and the benefits which have been again renewed to us. For every family mercy, for every social enjoyment, for every deliverance from evil, and every portion of good, — we are debtors to Thy sovereign mercy. Give us grateful hearts for our many blessings ; give us loving and compassionate hearts to our fellow- creatures. Prosper Thy Church in every land, and make ready a people prepared for the Lord. Bless our coun- try, and make it a blessing to all lands. Deliver us from our many national sins : give us true repen- tance, and a zeal for Thy truth and kingdom, ac- cording to the great advantages Thou hast given us. Hear us, for onr Red center's sake. 4w,en, Uitl m ! ;'ii!i: iiui ( 1 m Ilk II! !■■! «|ili'^ Famili/ Worship. TUESDAY MORNING. 93 OLORD, Thy mercies are new every inorninpj; lielp us to draw nigh unto Tlioe, anS;'' - :S1tri ■ I: ; 1 Family Worship. 105 FRIDAY MORNING. t i! \ 1^' ,,1: > ■ ■J-- n:\ MOST bountiful and gracious God, wo bless Thee for the protection of the night, for the sleep that has refreshed us, and for the watchful keeping that has preserved us. We committed our- selves to Thee wlien we laid us down to rest, and we have slept in safety, for Thou, Lord, hast sustained us. The darkness has brought no terrors. Thou hast neither slumbered nor slept ; Thine eye has not been turnod away from us ; Thine hand has not been withdrawn. We would consecrate to Thee the day that is now opening upon us. We know not what may befall us before it closes ; what arduous duties we may have to discharge ; what strong temptations we may have to resist; what great sorrows we may have to endure. Our assurance is that Thou knowest all our strength and weakness, and that Thou wilt be our helper in all. We cast ourselves upon Thy merciful help- ing. Be Thou our arm every morning. We come boldly to Thy throne of grace that we may obtain mercy to pardon our sina, and grace to help us this day in whatever may be its needs. Help us to lis- ten for Thy voice amid the din of earthly things. Help us in our busiest hours to see Thy hand in everythinfj that may befall us, or be done around us. Thou visitest us every morning, and triest us every mcment. May our hearts and tempers bear the test of little things ; let no eagerness of business beguile 106 Fnmihf Worship. us into forgotfuliiess of Thee ; lot no household cares divert our calm religious faith ; let no fret or worry, or provocation irritate or make us impatient. May our souls be kept in perfect peace stayed u[)on Thee. If it please Thee, send us prosperity, peace in our families, success in our business, esteem amon;j^ our fellow-men; or, if Thou shalt see \l best to appoint us sorrow and loss and reproach, help us to maintain true and holy and trustful hearts, faithful in love to Thee, and patient in all feelings and thoughts towards our fellow-men. In every ex[)ericuce and possibility of the day, may we be in Thy fear, and present our bodies to Thee a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is our reasonable service. And we will ren- der to Thee, the Father and to Thine only Son, and to the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, everl'isting praise. Amen, 'h i'\ t 1 1 * '■ I m " M ■ Family Worship. FRIDAY EVENING. 107 OTHOU who dost permit us to call Theo our Father who art in heaven, wo gather round Thy feet, even as after the various occupations of the day children gather in their homo; and before we retire to our rest for the niglit, we would for a while commune with Thee, think of Thee, and wor- ship Thee ; for to think of Thy thoughts and ways gives us understanding concerning our own. How many things we purposed to do that we have not done ; how imperfect our goodness has been ; how soiled, and even sinful, our best feelings and doings. In the morning we prayed to Thee for the manifold grace which the day might need ; how little we have tried to realize our prayers, how largely we have even forgotten them. When the time came for put- ting forth energy, to perform duty, to resist tempta- tion, to endure trial, we thought neither of the holy instructions of Thy word, nor of the ready help of Thy grace ; we permitted feelings that were foolish to influence our conduct, and feelings that were not pure to intercept the flowing forth to Thee of our hearts. Thus we have fallen short of the wisdom and strength which we might have won. forgive us, and let the precious blood of Christ be sprinkled upon our consciences, that we may be cleansed from all sin. Help us now to attain to a humble, holy, trustful mind, as for a little time we wait upon Thee. Sub- 108 Family Worship, ilue within us all turbulence of spirit tliat the day may have wrought ; and if our holy strength hjis been wasted by our work in the world, or by the fretful cares of life, let it now be renewed. We would re- member Thy claims upon our service and our love. We would meditate upon Thy precious teachings concerning both thib life and the life to come. Oh, it is a precious thing to turn froin the bustle and care of every day, to find in Thee holy rest and strength for our life. Let wise thoughts and sancti- fying influences possess our souls, and let their power be with us in all days to come. If, with any, sorrow and darkness are setting down upon their way, making their hearts fear, and their homes sad, be Thou their light and comfort ; do Thou to-night draw the curtains of their bed, and give them sleep. Have pity upon the sick ; if it please Thee, give them bodily ease and healing. Above all give them patient, trustful, loving hearts, that they may by exercises of faith draw, from the treasures of Thy love, confidence and strength — grace to help them in their time of need. All mercies that we need for ourselves, and for all whom we love, we pray for in the name of our liiith- ful and merciful high Priest. Ar)icn, ii. 1. I'! P s:n Famihj Worship. SATCKDAY MORNING. 109 O GRACIOUS GOD, and our most merciful Father, we give Thee fresh thanks aiid praise for Thine unwearied goodness to the children of men. We bless Thee for Thy protection of us dur- ing the past night; for it is Thou, Lord, only which makest us to dwell in safety. Be pleased still to keep us with Thine almighty power in all our ways. As Thou hast raised our bodies from sleep, arouse our spirits also, good Lord, to serve Thee cheerfully. Assist us from hour to hour to remember Thee, that we may look up te Thee for help and guidance; make us watchfu? against those temptations which have formerly pre^ vailed over us. Grant that we may shun the com- panionship of the wicked, and go with zeal to our appointed work, with a. sincere purpose of living soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. Quicken us with a charitable and friendly spirit to look beyond our ov/n concerns to the service and benefit of our neighbours : put far away from us all envy and jealousy of their welfare. May we learn to bless Thee for the prosperity of our brethren, and in whatever measure Thou art pleased v re- ward our earthly diligence, grant us a willing heart both to provide for our own families, and to succour those whom Thy providence has placed around us. We desire of Thee, O Lord, a humble mind, to m 110 Family Worship. judge benevolently, and to spcnk with charity, of all men ; to be courteous, gentle, and long-suirering in all our behavioui ; a.nd so to conduct ourselves in every place, that men may see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in heavon. We entreat Thy mercy and blessing for all man- kind, that the fruits of righteousness may abound amongst them more and more. Keep with Thy providence, and sanctify with Thy heavenly grace, our relations and friends ; may they find favour in Thy sight, and live in peace and good reputation with their fellow-men. Bless our neighbours, fiiends, and companions, and especially those with whom we have been brought up from childhood. remember not the sins and offences of our youth, but help us all whilst life and faculties are spared to us, to redeem the time, laying up for ourselves a good foundation unto life everlasting ; so that, with all them that hope in Christ, we may finally enter into Thy rest, through the merits of our righteous Redeemer; to whom with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory, world without end. Amen. \\i m : ' IH it'.:' - if I Family Worship 111 SATURDAY EVENING. OGOD, the author of our being, and the un- ceasing guardian of our lives, look down on us with Thine accustomed mercy, and be pleased to accept our evening sacrifice of prayer and thanks- giving. We acknowledge Thy goodness in appointing to us a time for all things, that in due season we may diligently make provision both for our souls and bodies. We bless Thee, Lord, for the unchange- able love with which Thou ever watchest over us. Thy mercy hath measured out our trials and sweet- ened oViT toils. may we ever look with a contented mind on the portion which Thou hast assigned us ; remembering always that Thou knowest better than ourselves, what is for our good. Teach us to see Thy fatherly hand in all that befalleth us, and to leave to Thy disposal, as dutiful children, the issue of all our undertakings. Thou only hast preserved us during the week that is past. Whatever com- forts we have enjoyed, whatever dangers we have escaped, we ascribe to Thy almighty care. To Thee we owe our competence, and peace, and safety ; our trials and sorrows are no less mercifully measured out by Thee. And now, on the eve of a Christian Sabbath, we withdraw our thoughts from things which perish, to bestow them, as Thou hast taught us, on the welfare of our immortal souls. We confess, O Lord, to our shame and sorrow. 112 Family Worship. that in many things we have thought too little of Thy holy commandments ; we have sinned grievously. We know that we have not made due return for Thy great benefits, nor improved, as we ought to have done, Thy warnings and grace. But Thy beloved Son is all worthy to obtain the pardon of our sins ; through his intercession grant us, good Lord, trulj'" to repent of them ; draw us in faith to Him, that henceforth we may serve Thee better, and advance in those holy dispositions which may fit us for Thy rewards in heaven. , heavenly Father, we implore Thy mercy in be- half of our fellow-creatures, to whom the hour of death may be close at hand. Accept their repen- tance, and hold them up in faith through the last trial of our mortal nature ; and may we, who remain faithfulj redeem the time, that, at the hour of Thy summons, we too may die the death of the righteous, and our last end be like his. Guard us this night, we beseech Thee, from the powers of darkness. Suffer no e\il to befall us, nor any plague to come nigh our dwelling ; and may we rise with bodies refreshed and thankful spirits, to the duties of the Lord's Day. Grant this, Lord, and whatever else we have asked according to Thy will, through the mediation of Jesus Christ our Saviour ; to whom, with Thee, and the Holy Ghost, be love, honour, and obedience, now and for ever. Amen. t- , ! M\ tj i Family Worship. 113 SABBATH MORNIl^G. O ALMIGHTY Lord God, our heavenly Father, we desire to praise Thy holy Name for per- mitting us to meet together on this the morning of Thy holy day. Grant us Thy presence and blessing while attempting to draw near unto Thee in this our family circle, and go forth with us to Thy house of prayer. Thou hast set apart this 'ay to teacr. us the knowledge of Thy Name and of our own condition. In obedience to Thy commands we come before Thee confessing our sins, acknowledging our own mani- fold disobedience and Thy amazing forbearance, and seeking for Thy pardoning mercy and Thy renew- ing grace. How often have wo neglected Thy solemn warn- ings and gracious invitations, and resisted the strivings of Thy Holy Spirit ; yet Thou hast not cut us off, and shut us up under condemnation, nor deprived us of the means of grace and the offer of mercy. Blessed be Thy Holy Name that we are still favoured with Thy Word, Thy ministers, and Thy ordinances. Remove the veil from our under- standings and the hardness from our hearts. Im- press our minds with the importance of eternal things. Remove from us all worldly cares and dis- tractions; fill us with deep abasement and godly sorrow ; and enable us to approach Thee with ear- 114 Family Worship, nest desires and lively anticipations of pardon through the all-prevailing intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accompany Thy oracles, and the preaching of Thy servants with the power cf the Holy Ghost ; make us more wise and diligent to follow the holy exam- ples which are set before us. May we be transformed in the renewing of our minds, and be daily more the followers of our Lord and Master, and increasingly conformed to His divine image. May our prayers and praises rise up with accept- ance before Thy mercy-seat. O grant that our hearts may indeed be engaged in Thy service, — may we feel deep humiliation, godly sorrow, and true repentance for all our iniquities. Give unto us holy desires and heavenly affections ; and suffer not wandering thoughts to interrupt and impede our services. Thou, O Lord, hast appointed pastors and teachers whose lips should retain knowledge, and from whose mouths Thy people are to be instructed. Give unto them all, we beseech Thee, the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Christ ; and enable them to exhibit Jesus Christ as the sinner'^ hope. •May Thy people be comforted and established; may the beauty of holiness and the evil of sin be effect- ually set forth ; and may multitudes have cause to bless Thee for Thy manifold and abundant mercies. Hear, Lord, these our humble prayers, and do more for us than we ask or think, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen, :-<: r i I. R' M i\ I •j ii }! :!lf^ ;li II 'i I lii I *. ■, Family Worship. 115 SABBATH EVENING. O ALMIGHTY Lord God, great, wonderful, and holy. Thou art exalted far above all bless- ing and praise, and yet humblest Thyself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth. Look down in mercy upon us who here present our- selves before Thee on this the evening of Thine own day. Hear our prayers, accept our services, and vouchsafe unto us an answer of peace. We have been favoured this day with Thy word and Thine ordinances, with the means of grace and opportunities of drawing near unto Thee. Yet, alas, we must confess before Thee that we have not ren- dered again according to the benefit. Our services have been defective and defiled. Our prayers and praises have been cold and wandering, and too often disturbed by vain and unprofitable thoughts and speculations. O reject us not, unworthy as we are, but look in mercy upon us through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ. Regard, we beseech Thee, His all-sufficient merits and His prevailing intercession ; and for His sake communicate unto us those gifts and graces, those spiritual benefits and blessings, of which we severally stand in need. Bless the word we have this day heard to the souls of all our fellow- worshippers. do Thou, who alone canst give the increase, water the seed sown with the abundant influence of Thy Holy Spirit ; 116 Family Wor.s/np. may it take deep root, and bring forth fruit. May true religion revive and flourish among us, and may all who name the name of Christ depart from all iniquity. Have mercy, Lord, upon all who have profaned this Thine holy day, by employing it in business or pleasure, or in vain and idle conversation. Show them their guilt and danger before it is too late. Constrain them to hallow Thy Sabbaths ; bring them to Thy house of prayer ; and may they attend to the things which belong to their everlasting peace before they are for ever hid from their eyes. Be with the children of this family, and grant that they may be Thy children. Give us grace, Lord, to train them up in Thy most holy faith and fear, and may they be indeed a seed to serve Thee when we are laid in the grave. Look in mercy upon all who are sick and afflicted, and sanctify their several trials; and while Thou still continuest to favour us with health and strength, may we diligently improve our time and talents, and faithfully prepare for the season of trial and sick- ness, for the hour of death, and the day of judgment. Continue Thy great loving kindness to us ; keep us closely united unto Thee ; animate us for every good work and service, and finally make us more than conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ ; to whom with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, be all honour and glory, now and for ever Amen. • ;!( i r I* :'--1 w- ii II ! ii ;e Family Worship, MONDAY MOENING. 117 OLORD our God, wo desire with all humility and reverence to adore Thee, as a Being in- finitely blessed and glorious. Thou hast all perfec- tion in Thyself, and art the fountain of all being, power, life, motion, and perfection. Thou art good to all, and Thy tender mercies are over all Thy works ; Thou art continually doing us good, though wo are evil and unthankful. We reckon it an unspeakable privilege that we have liberty of access to Thee through Jesus Christ, and leave to call Thee our Father in Him. look upon us now, and be merciful to us as Thou usest to do unto those that love Thy name. We humbly thank Thee for all the mercies ol the past ; that we are brought in safety to the light and comfort of another day. We own Thy goodness to us, and ourselves we acknowledge less than the least of all the mercy, and of all the truth Thou hast showed unto us. We confess we have sinned against Thee ; we are guilty before Thee, we have sinned and have come short of the glory of God. We have corrupt and sinful natures, and are bent to backslide from Thee ; backward to good, and prone to evil continually. We pray Thee, forgive all our sins for Christ's sake, and be at peace with us in Him who died to make peace, and ever lives, making intercession. Lord, we commit ourselves to Thy care and keep- 118 Family Worship. ing this (lay. Watch over us for good ; compass us about with Thy favour as with a shield ; preserve us from all evil, yea, the Lord preserve and keep our souls ; preserve our going out and coming in. give us grace to do the work of this day in its day, according as the duty of the day requires ; and to do even common actions after a godly sort, acknow- ledging Thee in all our ways, and having our eyes ever up to Thee. Lord, keep us from sin, give us rule over our own spirits, and grant that we may not this day break out into passion upon any provocation, or speak un- advisedly with our lips. Give us grace to live to- gether in peace and holy love, that the Lord may command the blessing upon us, even life evermore. Make us conscientious in all our dealings, and al- ways watchful against sin, as becomes those who see Thine eye ever upon them. Arm us against every temptation, uphold us in our integrity, keep us in the way of our dut}^ all the day long. Prepare us for all the events of this day, for we know not what a day may bring forth. Lord, fit us for death, and judgment, and eternity ; and give us grace to live every day as those that do not know but that it may be their last day. We humbly beseech Thee, for Jesus Christ's sake, to pardon our sins, accept our services, and grant an answer of peace to our prayers, even for His sake who died for us, and rose again. Amen. 1 ■ Family Worship. 119 lilt MONDAY EVENING. MOST Holy, and blessed, and glorious Lord God, whose we are, and whom we are bound to serve ; Thou givcst to all life, and breath and all things. It is through Thy good hand upon us that we are brought in safety to the close of another day, and that after the various employments of the day, we come together at night to mention the lov- ing-kindness of the Lord, and the praises of our God, who is good, and whose mercy endureth for ever. We confess we have sinned against Thee ; this day we have sinned and done foolishly. O God, Thou knowest our foolishness, and our sins are not hid from Thee. We misspend our time, we neglect our duty, we follow after lying vanities, and forsake our own mercies. We pray Thee, give us repentance for our sins of daily infirmity, and make us duly sensible of the evil of them, and may the blood of Christ Thy Son, cleanse us from them. We commit ourselves to Thee this night, and de- sire to dwell in the secret place of the Most High, and to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Let the Lord be our habitation, and let our souls be at home in Him. Refresh our souls, we pray Thee with quiet and comfortable rest, not to be disturbed with any distrustful or disquieting cares and fears ; but especially let our souls be refreshed with Thy love, and the light of Thy countenance, and Thy be- nignity, which is better than life. IP 120 F:" 126 Family Worship, enlivening hope, and the ceaseless joy of them, who have been redeemed from their sins by the blood of Christ. May it please Thee to give us Thy Holy Spirit in larger measure, and enable us, amid the troubles and difficulties of every-day life, to find safety in Thee. Almighty God, we commit ourselves to Thee this day. Be with us, we pray Thee, for good. Help us r'ghtly to use the talent that Thou hast given to us. Save us from perverting to wrong uses our natural powers, or the opportunities of Thy providence. Grant that individually we may fultil our duties to Thee, and to each other as a family, and to our fellow- men. And with ourselves, we pray for all mankind. May tlie crafts and subtleties of the wicked come to nought, and may the work of the adorable Redeemer be advanced. May it please Thee to guide and direct all who are vested with authority throughout the world, especially our beloved Sovereign. Bless our relatives and friends, benefactors and enemies. Extend Thy mercy to all ; and give Thy grace to them who are Thine own, that they may grow in all pious and virtuous living, to Thy praise. Be gracious to the afflicted. Be with the dying in the dark valley. Strengthen their trembling feet, and lead them into everlasting rest. And unto Thee, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we will ascribe the praise and the glory, now and for evermore. Amen. U ! IMi- I 111 ;! f •i,i Family Worship. 139 .1 iii SATUEDAY EVENING. WE desire Lord at the close of another week, to approach Thy throne with thank- ful hearts. We give Thee thanks for Thy care of us during the week. Thy goodness has been new to us every morning and repeated every evening. Day by day Thou hast given us food to eat and rai- ment to wear. Thou hast continued to us health of body and soundness of mind. Amidst a thou- sand dangers by us unseen, Thou hast upheld and cared for us. Above all, we thank Thee that the way of access remains open to us through Christ Jesus Thy Son ; that Thou art still willing to give us Thy Holy Spirit ; and that Thou art still holding out to us the prospect of eternal life and glory. May the recollection of all Thy mercies bind us to Thy service. Forgive, we beseech Thee, our past ingratitude and disobedience. Deal not with us as we deserve ; but remember us according to the multi- tude of Thj'- tender mercies. According to the riches of Thy grace, do Thou bless us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Grant us the assurance of Thy love ; and may Thy Holy Spirit bear witness with our spirits that we are Thine adopted children. If any members of this household are living without God and without Christ, and therefore without any good hope, Lord grant that even now they may be brought nigh by the blood of Christ. May they, without any deia}^ flee 140 Family Worship. for refuge to the hope set before them in the gospel ; and in Christ may they obtain pardon, and peace, and eternal life. Lord bless all our friends, reward our benefactors, and forgive our enemies, and may peace and good- will everywhere prevail. Remember in mercy those who are troubled in body, or mind, or outward estate ; heal the sick, comfort the sorrow- ful, and relieve the distressed. Prepare the dying fjr their great change, and spare useful lives. Teach us to live mindful of death ; and whensoever Thou art pleased to call us hence, may an abundant en- trance be ministered to us into Thy heavenly king- dom. Watch over us this night ; give Thine angels charge concerning us ; may the God of angels be our protector and our friend. Prepare us for the duties and enjoyments of another Sabbath; may we be in the spirit on the Lord's day, and obtain some blessed foretaste of the eternal Sabbath which awaits Thy people in heaven. May Thy ministering servants receive a double portion of Thy Spirit, and be enabled to declare Thy truth with all faithful- ness, affection, and simplicity. Hasten also the time when the gospel shall be everywhere proclaimed, and when all kindreds, and people, shall bend to the gracious sceptre of Messiah. Hear us, Lord, we beseech Thee, for the sake of Christ Jesus our great High-Priest, and ever living friend ; to whom with Thee the Father «ind the Holy Spirit be aU glory ascribed now and ever. Amen. m h n ■'If •r Ill & II %ik%i \\i. I ax '\i I : Hi-; iS i! i, 1 ;< I ji n '1 i m 'III si »l!i I'M Family Worship. Sidfj Mwh. 141 OS' SABBATH MOENING. O HEAVENLY Father, awaken Thou our de- votion, that on this and every Sabbath, we may keep the sacred day of rest according to Thy wil]. Grant us grace to rest from all sinful deeds and thoughts, to surrender ourselves wholly unto Thee, and to keep our souls still before Tbee like a still lake ; that so the beams of thy grace may be mirrored therein, and may kindle in our hearts the glow of faith and love and prayer. May we, through such stillness and hope, find strength and gladness in Thee, O God, now and evermore. Our Father in heaven and earth, we thank Thee in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, tha\} Thou hast guarded us from all the i)erils of the past night, and brought us through Thy undeserved goodness, safe and well to this blessed day. Thou whose love never faileth, let the memory of our past sins vanish from before Thy countenance like the dark- ness of the night that is fled. Awaken our hearts from the slumber of idleness and folly, and let us arise with Christ from the death of sin to a new life of righteousness. O Father of light and giver of all good and perfect gifts, give us to-day Thy gracious Word, and may it be the highest joy and delight of our hearts. May it be a word of truth spoken ac- 142 Family Worship, cording to Thy will,