Friday Morning — Week 4

O Thou ever blessed God ! It is good for us to draw near to Thee ; and if we had no other privilege to be thankful for, we ought continually to praise Thee for permission and encouragement to approach the throne of thy grace, there to spread before Thee all our wants and all our desires.

We are not worthy of the blessing ; we are not worthy of the least of all thy mercies. We are far gone from the original righteousness in which we were created: and the depravity of our nature has appeared in the disobedience and rebellion of our lives. How early did we discover tendencies to discontent, and pride, and envy, and revenge. Remember not against us the sins of our youth, nor the multiplied transgressions of riper years — our misimproved time and talents, our abused mercies and means, our wasted and perverted sabbaths and seasons of grace, our neglect of thy great salvation and our disregard of the Friend of sinners who loved us so as to die for us.

Our iniquity is increased over our head, and our trespass is gone up into the very heaven. While we confess our guilt, may we individually and deeply feel it, and be filled with self-abhorrence and self-despair.

But help us to remember, that there is hope in Israel concerning this thing. Enable us to hear the voice that proclaims, Behold the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins of the world. Through Him may we return to Thee, and find Thee a God ready to pardon sin and able to subdue it. Through Him may we give up ourselves to Thee, as our portion to enjoy and our master to serve for ever. At thy footstool, in the spirit of submission, may we ever say, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. May we not only obey, but delight to do thy will ; yea, may thy law be within our heart.

Conscious of our danger, may we watch ; and sensible of our inability to keep ourselves, may we pray — lest we enter into temptation. Hold Thou us up and we shall be safe. Preserve our understandings from error ; our affections from the love of idols ; our lips from speaking guile ; our conduct from every stain of vice ; and our character from the very appearance of evil.

And may we not only be harmless and blameless, the sons of God without rebuke ; but may we be exemplary and useful, holding forth the word of life, and adorning the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. If the Savior has manifested himself to us as he does not unto the world, may we declare that which we have seen and heard unto others, that they also may have fellowship with us ; and having tasted that the Lord is gracious ourselves, may we ever be saying to those around us, O taste and see that the Lord is good ; blessed is the man that trusteth in Him. And may we walk in wisdom towards them that are without. May our efforts be guided by prudence, as well as animated with zeal. May we distinguish things that differ; and — not by a sacrifice of principle, but by a judicious use of circumstances and opportunities, may we become all things to all men, if by any means we may gain some. And O let our endeavors be successful, that we may be the honored instruments of converting sinners from the error of their ways, saving souls from death, and hiding a multitude of sins.

Especially may our solicitude and exertion be available with regard to our connexions and relations. Let those who are dear to us in the bonds of nature or friendship become fellow-heirs with us of the grace of life, and fellow-laborers with us in the Lord's vineyard.

Let the rising generation be a seed to serve Thee. Excite them by the command, Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth ; and encourage them by the promise, I love them that love me, and they that seek me early shall find me.

Regard the aged. Alarm the old in sin ; convince them that it is high time, and that it will shortly be too late to seek the things that belong to their everlasting peace. Support those who have long known Thee, and whose gray hairs as a crown of glory are found in the way of righteousness. Cast them not off in the time of old age, and forsake them not when their strength faileth.

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.