therefore we leave it to Thee, to dispose of it as Thou pleasest. But whether it be to life or death, let it be thine. Either preserve it to be thy true and faithful servant here on earth, or take it to the blessedness of thy children in the kingdom of heaven; through our Lord and Saviour JESUS CHRIST. Amen.

Shorter Prayers which may more conveniently be included in the usual Family Devotions.

I.

WE earnestly desire to commend to thy special care that member of this family who is now lying on his bed of sickness. Enter not into judgment with him, O Lord, nor deal with him according to his sins, but according to thy mercy in JESUS CHRIST. O gracious Father, sanctify to him what thou hast laid upon him, and grant that his present affliction may prove a blessing to him and to all this household; through JESUS CHRIST our Lord. Amen.

II.

O LORD, look down from heaven, behold, visit, and relieve our afflicted friend. Look upon him with the eyes of thy mercy, give him comfort and sure confidence in Thee, and a stedfast faith in our Redeemer. Defend him from the danger of the enemy, and keep him throughout his affliction in perfect peace; through JESUS CHRIST Our Lord. Amen.

III.

ALMIGHTY, everlasting GOD, Maker of all mankind, who dost correct those whom thou dost love, and chastise every one whom thou dost receive; we beseech Thee to have mercy upon thy servant in whose affliction we are so deeply concerned. Grant that he may take his sickness patiently, and recover his bodily health, if it be thy gracious will. Especially, we beseech Thee, to look mercifully on his soul, that whensoever it shall depart from

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the body, it may be without spot presented unto Thee; through JESUS CHRIST Our Lord. Amen.

IV.

REGARD, O Lord, with thy tenderest compassion the master [mistress, or member] of this family for whose affliction we also are most deeply afflicted. Deal not with him, O Lord, according to his deservings, but according to the riches of thy mercy in CHRIST JESUS. Sanctify his affliction to him, and make it profitable both to him and to ourselves; and when it has effected thy holy and gracious purpose, restore him to health and to the comfortable society of his family and friends. Then, O our GOD, Thou wilt fill our hearts with gladness and our lips with praises. Nevertheless not our will but thine be done. We desire to resign all into thy hands, for Thou only knowest what is really for our good and thine own glory. Amen.

V.

Look down in mercy, O Lord, upon that member of this family on whom thou hast laid thine afflicting hand. Sanctify this thy fatherly correction to him, that it may be for thy glory, and his spiritual good. And when thy gracious ends in afflicting him shall be accomplished, which we know are not for "thy pleasure," but for his profit, give him, we beseech Thee, a fresh occasion to rejoice in thy saving health; through JESUS CHRIST Our Lord. Amen.

VI.

WE would now affectionately commend our dear sick friend unto the special care and compassion of our most gracious Heavenly Father. May the "GOD of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by CHRIST JESUS, after that he hath suffered awhile, make him him perfect, stablish strengthen, settle him," and give him. happy deliverance in the time and manner that appear best to his infinite wisdom and s 2

mercy.

VII.

HEAR us, O Lord, we beseech Thee, in behalf of thy servant now lying in great weakness of body under thy afflicting hand. Be thou gracious and favourable to him according to the multitude of thy tender mercies in CHRIST JESUS. In submission to thy most wise and righteous disposal of all things, we would beg that Thou wouldest be pleased to rebuke his distemper, to remove thy stroke, and cause the bitter cup which Thou hast given him to pass away from him. To this end do Thou direct us to the means proper for his help; and command a blessing upon them. And may this sickness of his body be for the health of his immortal soul, and be instrumental in advancing his eternal weight of glory; through JESUS CHRIST Our Lord.

VIII.

UNTO GOD's gracious mercy and protection we commit our dear sick brother. The Lord bless him, and keep him. The Lord make his face to shine upon him, and be