IN SHORT SERVICES, For each Morning and Evening in the Week. BY THE REV. C. HOPE ROBERTSON, RECTOR OF SMEETH, KENT. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."- PREFACE. THIS Little Manual supplies a weekly course of short services, of a varied character; giving to the household a share in part of the reading, and in responses to the prayers. The plan supposes that every one of the household has a copy of the book; which helps attention in following the prayers. The verses for alternate reading, at the beginning of each service, are carefully selected, to remind the family of some chief truths, and necessary duties of our Christian faith. These verses might, if time was short, be considered a sufficient Scripture reading; but it is far better to add, at the place provided for it, the regular reading of part of God's word. The prayers are chiefly in Scriptural words, or from Liturgical sources, adapted for family use. Opportunity is given for adding, as need may arise, any other prayers or collects, suited to the varying circumstances of family life. A few petitions, in the reader's own words, may most fittingly be used, on occasions of family changes, sorrows, or joys. Many beautiful Doxologies and Benedictions of Scripture, which are too seldom used, enrich these services. When practicable, a hymn sung at the beginning, or after the salutation by the reader, would be a pleasant addition. Some place is provided in this course for the week, for each great branch of devotion, viz. :—adoration, thanksgiving, confession, supplication, deprecation, and intercession. Though compiled especially for his own household use, the Author hopes it may help in some other homes to make family worship profitable, as a source of spiritual blessing; and pleasant, as a bond of communion. Sunday Morning. [The household being assembled and standing, let family worship begin with this salutation by the Reader.] PEACE be to this house, and to all that dwell in it. [Verses to be said alternately by the Reader and family.] 1. God blessed the Sabbath day, and sanctified it, because that in it He had rested from all His work, which God created and made. 2. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it, 3. If thou call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour Him, not doing thy own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord. 4. The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath. 5. Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, the same day at evening, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, came Jesus, and stood in the midst of them and said, "Peace be unto you." B |