FOURTEENTH WEEK.—LORD’S DAY. — Evening

O LORD, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth. Thou art great, and greatly to be feared, for Thou doest wondrous things. Look from the throne of thy glory upon worms of the earth, who have now taken upon themselves to speak unto Thee. Help us to worship Thee in spirit and in truth. We have been surrounded this day with circumstances demanding our gratitude, and we praise Thee with joyful lips. The sound of the Gospel has saluted our ears, and Jesus Christ has been set forth before our eyes as crucified for our sins. Help us to improve our privileges, that we may be benefited by all we hear and learn. Impress upon our minds the solemn and delightful truths made known to us this day; and may we hide thy word in our hearts, that we sin not against Thee. Save us from the abuse of thy long-suffering and compassion, lest the things we have heard depart from us all the days of our life, and rise up to our condemnation in the judgment of the great day.

We thank Thee, O our God and Father, for the glad tidings of the Gospel as preached to guilty men. Thou hast sent forth the Word of salvation, proclaiming peace to them that are afar off and to them that are nigh. We bless Thee that it ever reached our shores, and by the power of thy Spirit turned our forefathers from the worship of idols to the service of the true God. We thank Thee that it is now going forth from this and from other lands to be proclaimed to all nations, and people, and tongues. What multitudes have hailed the messengers of mercy who have proclaimed it to-day! Dark minds have been enlightened, stubborn hearts have been subdued, and sorrowful spirits rendered glad by the proclamation of salvation, through the blood of the cross. Be pleased to follow with thy blessing the Word of life, wheresoever and by whomsoever it may be preached. Give an abundant increase to all who toil in thy vineyard. Never let thy servants labour in vain. May the pleasure of the Lord prosper in their hands, till all nations shall be blessed in Him, and all people call Him blessed.

Teach us to love and acknowledge all who are trying to do good in the name of Jesus. May we not willingly offend any of his followers, however lowly or feeble. Grant that we may always stand prepared by our words, and feelings, and actions, to do them good. May all our works be performed from love to Christ and with a view to his glory, so that we may not lose the reward He will graciously bestow. Grant that we may live peaceable and holy lives, and through thine infinite mercy be saved from future and eternal woe. We ask it for Christ’s sake. Amen