TWENTY-THIRD WEEK.—THURSDAY. — Morning

WITH the beginning of a new day, O Lord, we come to Thee as a family, in humble dependence on the Holy Spirit, to offer our praise and prayer. We desire ever to praise Thee for all Thou art in Thyself and for all Thou art to us. We praise Thee as the King of Kings, and Lord of lords. We praise Thee as the Almighty Creator, the constant Preserver, the bountiful Benefactor, the gracious Redeemer, and the sovereign Judge of all mankind. It is in Thee we live, and move, and have our being; and from Thee alone we receive every good and perfect gift. Help us to remember that Thou wilt give us through Jesus Christ all blessings, both temporal and spiritual, if we seek them in his name; and in their enjoyment may we recognise thy love, and magnify thy name. Thou dost draw the curtains of darkness around thy children at night, so that they may rest after the toils of the day. We render to Thee our heartfelt thanksgivings for the peaceful and refreshing sleep Thou hast afforded us during another night. We know not what may be before us to-day. Do Thou preserve us from all accident, from all sickness, and especially from all sin. May we not deny Thee in thought, word, or deed; but, like Enoch, may our walk be close with our God. May the pillar of fire and of cloud which accompanied thy people of old, as they travelled through the wilderness, ever accompany us. Suffer us not to resemble clouds without water, or trees whose fruit withereth; but may we know that we are sanctified by God the Father, and may we be as trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that Thou mayest be glorified.

Write on our hearts the lessons of instruction which we have read in thy Word, and graciously help us to build ourselves up in our most holy faith, praying without ceasing in the Holy Ghost. May mercy, and peace, and love be multiplied to us. May we keep ourselves in the knowledge and love of God, and be continually looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life, knowing that He cometh with ten thousands of his saints to the judgment of the great day. Make us diligent in the discharge of all the duties connected with our salvation. Enable us earnestly to contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Keep us from evil in all our necessary contact with those who acknowledge not thy dominion. Suffer us not to be overcome by evil, but may we overcome evil with good. Now unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God, our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.