EIGHTH WEEK.—FRIDAY. — Evening

O LORD God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, that takest away the sins of the world, receive our praises and our prayers. With joy we behold the Lamb that was slain now standing in the midst of the throne. We rejoice in thy glorious rest; we rejoice in thy government and care. As a family, blessed in Thee, we unite to call Thee blessed. For the mercies of this day we adore and laud thy name. All mercies flow to sinful man through thy sympathy and through thy merits. Thy death redeemed our forfeited life; thy bloody sweat earned for us the bread we eat; and to thy poverty and sorrows, as the Son of Man, we owe all the solaces of our lot. Teach us to give thanks always for all things to God, even the Father, by Thee; and oh, that the sense of thy dear-bought benefits may rivet thy claims on our hearts!

But exceeding great is thy love, O Lord Christ, unto such as have heartily embraced Thee as their Master and only Saviour. Their life in Thee is eternal, their consolation everlasting. Thou hast washed them from their sins in thy blood, and hast taught them to follow thy footsteps. Thou hast given them rest in thy salvation, and liberty in thy service, and triumph in a good hope through grace. Blessed Jesus, receive us into their number. By thy cross and passion, deliver us from the bondage of guilt and sin, and pour down into our hearts the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. May we love Thee for thy love; and may we love not only thy salvation, but thy yoke, thy law, thy holy ways, and the very track of thy toiling, bleeding footsteps in this wilderness. And while striving to follow Thee, by the teaching of the Holy Ghost, may we be strengthened unto all patience with joyfulness, by the promises which Thou hast given us. How many are thy toil-worn, tempted, downcast servants. May the murmur of the “living fountains,” and the chant of victory in the upper “temple” oftentimes fall upon their ear. How many are “the prisoners of the Lord,” in dungeons or on beds of languishing. May “the heavens be opened” through thy Word; and may they “see visions of God” their Redeemer, and of the white-robed, happy multitude before his throne. So do Thou comfort their hearts, and brighten the tears, which God shall soon wipe away.

And now, Lord, vouchsafe to us and ours, ere we sleep, the assurance that we are thine; and when we awake, if on earth, may it be to do or suffer thy will; if in eternity, may it be to meet thy merciful welcome. But, whether on earth or in heaven, we will magnify thy grace, ascribing to God and the Lamb alone salvation for ever and ever. Amen.