TWELFTH WEEK.—TUESDAY. — Morning

WE thank Thee, O Thou preserver of men, that this morning we are not found weeping over the dead body of any who compose our family circle, but that, having been favoured with sound and refreshing sleep, we now present ourselves at thy gracious footstool in the possession of health of body, vigour of mind, and earthly comfort. Whilst we render Thee our most grateful thanks for these undeserved mercies, we would pray for any into whose habitation death has entered, and who are now mourning over the loss they have sustained. Enable them to say, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord;” and grant them grace, that they sorrow not even as others which have no hope, for them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him. Sanctify such solemn events for our good also, and for the good of all the living. O Lord God of the patriarchs, as Thou didst guide Jacob and Joseph, thy servants, through life, and didst sustain and comfort them in death, so guide us with thy counsel, and afterward receive us to glory.

We beseech Thee, O Lord, to give us this day a watchful spirit, that we may not say or do anything which shall be injurious to one another, or to any with whom we may associate. If we should act improperly, make us immediately sensible of our fault, and give us the grace of true humility to acknowledge and confess the same, seeking forgiveness from those we may offend; and if any should act towards us contrary to righteousness, may we be saved from indulging in a spirit of retaliation and enmity. As we hope for forgiveness from Thee for our manifold sins, so may we be ready to forgive others.

Incline us, O Lord! who art the Author of all goodness, to live the remainder of our lives according to thy glorious Gospel, which teacheth us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world. Purify our hearts, by the power of the Holy Spirit, from the love of sin, especially the sin which doth so easily beset us; and fill us with such views of Thee, and experiences of thy favour, that we may love the Lord our God with all our heart, and with all our soul, and with all our mind. Enable us to discharge every duty aright, prayerfully trusting in thy wise, powerful, and beneficent providence. Grant, O Lord, that whatsoever our hand findeth to do this day, we may do it with our might, remembering that there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither we must all, sooner or later, go. Hear us, O merciful Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.