Prayers and Offices of Devotion for Families, Altered by C. Simeon

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1839 edition. Excerpt: ... A PRAYER BEFORE THE LORD'S SUPPER. 61 in my mind, and to keep my heart with all diligence, so that it may never harbour or indulge any covetous or unclean desires. O let me not give my mind to earthly things; nor be carnally minded, which is death; but spiritually minded, which is life and peace. And incline me, 0 good God, to meditate on thy holy laws, yea, to love and keep them with my whole heart. O make me resolved to live a life of holiness, according to thy blessed will and word. And let me not only think and purpose to live godly in Christ Jesus, but bring my purposes into actions, my actions into habits, and my habits into a uniform perseverance; so enduring to the end, that I may be saved. And through the ways of thy holy commands, O Lord, lead me to the joys of thy heavenly kingdom; that having my fruit unto holiness, I may, in the end, attain everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. A PRAYER BEFORE THE SACRAMENT OF THE LORD S SUPPER. O What am I, poor unworthy sinful wretch, that I should go to the table of the Lord, and take to myself the portion of his saints! Great God! my guilt and shame, and fear do pull me back, and make me ready to conclude that it would be presumptuous and vain for me ever to expect such high honour and favour from thy hands. I could not presume to make such near approaches to thy divine Majesty, but that thou art pleased to invite and command us to come unto thee. Nor could I ever hope for such heavenly blessings at thy hands, O Lord, were it not that thou art infinitely good and kind, even to such as deserve nothing but to be forsaken and abhorred of thee. Instead of stretching forth a sceptre of mercy to invite me to thy table, thou mightest with the rod of thy wrath dash me in pieces...