FRIDAY EVENING. I THE PAST. ABHOR myself, and repent in dust and ashes.-Job xlii. 6. O remember not our old sins, but have mercy upon us, and that soon, for we are come to great misery. Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Thy Name: O deliver us, and be merciful unto our sins, for Thy Name's sake.Psalm 1xxix. 8, 9. HYMN. As o'er the past my memory strays, The world and worldly things beloved Yet, Holy Father, wild despair Chase from this labouring breast; My life's best remnant all be Thine; And when Thy sure decree Bids me this fleeting rest resign O, speed my soul to Thee! FORAS The Lesson.1 Pet. iv. 1—5. ORASMUCH then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; that he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: who shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. Psalm cxix. THY testimonies are wonderful : therefore doth my soul keep them. When Thy word goeth forth it giveth light and understanding unto the simple. I opened my mouth, and drew in my breath : for my delight was in Thy commandments. O look Thou upon me, and be merciful unto me as Thou usest to do unto those that love Thy Name. Order my steps in Thy word and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me. O deliver me from the wrongful dealings of men : and so shall I keep Thy commandments. Shew the light of Thy countenance upon Thy servant and teach me Thy statutes. Mine eyes gush out with water keep not Thy law. because men RIGHTEOUS art Thou, O Lord : and true is Thy judgment. The testimonies that Thou hast commanded : are exceeding righteous and true. My zeal hath even consumed me : because mine enemies have forgotten Thy words. Thy word is tried to the uttermost and Thy servant loveth it. I am small, and of no reputation: yet do I not forget Thy commandments. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness and Thy law is the truth. Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me yet is my delight in Thy commandments. The righteousness of Thy testimonies is everlasting O grant me understanding, and I shall live. I whole heart hear me, O Lord, CALL with my : Yea, even unto Thee do I call: help me, and I shall keep Thy testimonies. Early in the morning do I cry unto Thee: for in Thy word is my trust. Mine eyes prevent the night watches: that I might be occupied in Thy words. Hear my voice, O Lord, according unto Thy loving-kindness: quicken me, according as Thou art wont. They draw nigh that of malice persecute me : and are far from Thy law. : Be Thou nigh at hand, O Lord for all Thy commandments are true. As concerning Thy testimonies, I have known long since that Thou hast grounded them for ever. : [Act of Faith, as in p. 80.] Prayers. For Deliverance from Sin. LORD, we beseech Thee, absolve Thy people from their offences; that through Thy bountiful goodness we may all be delivered from the bands of those sins, which by our frailty we have committed: Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ's sake, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. LORD, raise up (we pray Thee) Thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, Thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through the satisfaction of Thy Son our Lord, to Whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost be honour and glory, world without end. Amen. For Self-Denial. LORD, Who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit, we may ever obey Thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to Thy honour and glory, Who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen. [Final Prayers as on Sunday Evening, p. 82.] SATURDAY EVENING. THE FUTURE. THAT they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!-Deut. xxxii. 29. HYMN. When rising from the bed of death I see my Maker face to face, If yet, while pardon may be found When Thou, O Lord, shalt stand display'd In majesty severe, And sit in judgment on my soul, Oh! how shall I appear ? But Thou hast told the troubled mind, The timely tribute of his tears Shall endless woes prevent. |