Thursday Morning (First Week)

MOST BLESSED GOD! who hast again permitted us to see the beginning of another day, let us accept every new morning as a fresh gift of Thy bounty and love. We are the constant dependents on Thy mercy. Thou hidest Thy face and we are troubled;—the moment the mighty arm which sustains a universe is withdrawn, we instantly perish!

We are utterly unworthy to come into Thy presence. There is nothing so amazing as Thy condescension to such creatures as we. The most wondrous thought about a wonder-wording GOD, is that He can suffer such guilty, miserable apostates to invoke His favor.—He might righteously strike us down, and make us monuments of His vengeance. But in wrath He remembers mercy.

We come to Thee anew this morning, through the new and living way of access. We cast ourselves on the full, free, and everlasting salvation of our adorable Redeemer.

LORD JESUS, we take Thee as our only Saviour—ours only—ours wholly— ours for every step Zionwards—ours in a living, ours in a dying hour—ours in the wilderness—ours till we reach the gates of glory,—yea, ours forever and ever! It is our blessed consolation that no good thing wilt Thou withhold from them that walk uprightly. So that, without one misgiving, we may well confide our all to Thee—hid in the “concave of Thy shield,” saying, “ Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.”

LORD, Thou often teachest us by terrible things in righteousness, but none teacheth like Thee. Let this be our consolation, “We are under our Father’s direction.” Make us more child-like, and obedient, and submissive, and heavenly-minded. The sunshine of Thy countenance can make up for all losses, but no gain can compensate for its withdrawal. We would wish to be no better, and fare no better than Covenant love and mercy would have us. The past is paved with mercy. It may have sometimes seemed to be a mysterious way, but the result has proved it to have been a right way. We will hear Thy voice behind us, saying for the future, “Fear not, for I am with Thee!”

Each of us has a great work to do, and a brief time to do it in. Let us live under the power of holy principles. May we feel that we are stewards in this world, put in trust for Thy glory. Let us even bless Thee for our cares, that we may cast all these upon Thee, and know experimentally that “Thou carest for us.”

Bless all near and dear to us. Our friends we commend to Thy friendship. Let not one of them be found wanting on the Great Day. May they be among the number of those whom, sleeping in JESUS, GOD will bring with Him. Bless us who are now surrounding Thy footstool, whether as master or servant, [as parents or children.] May we all have affiance in Thee, and ever seek Thy honor and glory.

Compassionate all in sorrow. May “ the poor afflicted ones” take refuge in the assurance that Thou guidest the wheels of Providence—that whatever befalls them is Thy doing. May we be all so living now, that we may not at last be ashamed before CHRIST at His coming. Sanctify us, good Lord, in body, soul, and spirit. Seal us until the day of eternal redemption. And all that we ask is for JESUS’ sake. Amen.

Our Father, &c.

The Grace of Our Lord, &c.