Instructions and devotions for the afflicted and sick with some help for prisoners; such especially as are to be tryed for life.

INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS FOR THE Afflicted , &c.

Q. WHat is a Christian to do , in time of Sadness and Afflicton ?

A. He ought to have recourse to God , and seek Comfort in him . For that being a time of Trial , what should he do , but beg for Strength from above , that so being call'd forth into the Field of Battle , he may not fall in the Combat . T is God has promis'd to be the Comforter of the Afflicted , the Protector of the Widow , of the Orphan and the Distress'd : And where should a Christian in these streights , turn himself , but to him , who is the Fountain of all Mercy and Comfort ? This is the Command God has given him by the Prophet David , Ps. 49. 18. Call upon me , says the Almighty , in the day of Tribulation , and I will deliver thee . And the good effect of this Expedient , the same Royal Prophet experienc'd ; when having in these words laid open the excess of Grief , that then oppress'd his Mind , Renuit consolari anima mea . My Soul was so dejected , that it refus'd all Comfort . He presently sets down the Cure ; Memor fui Dei & delectatus sum . I cast my thoughts on God , and presently I was fill'd with Joy . Excessive Grief was his Distemper , and his Remedy , was in raising his Heart to God .

Q. No Christian can doubt , but God is the most certain relief of an afflicted Spirit ; but there 's a great difficulty for a Soul , in time of Trouble and Sadness , to raise it self truly to God ; because , at that time , 't is depress'd and kept down under a certain weight , that weakens the Spirits , and leaves it almost without Life : 't is then in darkness ; and such a black Cloud generally hangs over it , that God is not then in its sight : And how shall he then raise himself to his Lord for comfort ; when the very trouble , that puts him into the necessity of seeking it , quite indisposes him for the doing it , leaving him without Life , Motion and Sight ?

A. 't is true , the Soul , in those circumstances , is something indispos'd , and through the corruption of Nature , more inclin'd to lye down under the weight it feels , than raise it self up and seek for relief . But this is a weakness a Christian by no means ought to yield to , but instead of this , chuse rather to use violence with himself , and force Nature and Inclination to yield to Duty : He is then to summon up all the Courage he has , quicken his sinking Spirits , and make head against the Enemy , who is then throwing him into Darkness and Chains . Such seasonable endeavours as these , will make an entire change in the Soul ; so that whereas it seem'd wholly indispos'd , through disquiet and trouble , for the seeking its God , it shall now , being thus excited , run to him with greater life , and pour forth it self into Prayers with more than ordinary fervor .

Q. I could gladly be inform'd , how this might be ; since meeting with Troubles , Crosses and Disquiets so often , 't wold be some satisfaction , did I but know how to make them turn to so good account .

A. There are few but know how to do it , but are unwilling to take the pains : It cannot be done without some struggling and resisting the bent of Nature ; and this being difficult in that State , when the spirits are weakned and cast down , few have courage to attempt it ; and so neglect to make use of those means , which otherwise they well know , would be beneficial to them . For this reason , a good Friend is very necessary at that time , who , by laying before them the true Motives of Christian Peace , Patience and Resignation , may help to give them new life , and encourage them to go on in their Duty . But because such a Help cannot be so often at hand , as our frequent Troubles and Disturbances of Mind require ; therefore it is very fit , every Christian should be provided with some Book , which may be proper in these Circumstances , to suggest to him such good thoughts , as may contribute to his Peace and help at least to abate the Storm . A little Reading is very serviceable in this case , and a good preparative to dispose the heart for Prayer . And because nothig can be more effectual , than to understand the Nature of Tribulation , and the Reasons , why God is pleas'd to visit us with Afflictions , I 'll here , in the first place , lay these before you , and then furnish you with some short Lessons out of the best Authors on this Subject , and Prayers , which you may make use of according as you find them to your purpose . And this method , I hope you 'll find to be some relief in your Troubles .

Of Tribulation , and the reason why God permits it .

TO lay a good foundation in this affair , every Christian ought to imprint well in his mind , and often reflect on these great Truths , which Faith teaches us : viz. 1. That as God has created all things , so he at all times , and even at present , ordains , appoints and governs all . 2. That nothing happens , whether little or great , prosperous or afflicting , without his Providence . 3. That in whatever comes to pass , in the whole World , he exercises either his Justice or his Mercy . 4. That no Creature has any power , but what comes from him ; so that they are all to be look'd on , as the Instruments or Ministers of his Decrees , being , according to the expression of Scripture , as The Ax in the hand of him that cuts , or as a Staff of him that strikes .

The due consideration of these truths by Christians , will lay a good ground for their receiving all troubles with a peaceable and resigned mind . For having consider'd God as the Soveraign Lord and Governor of all , and his Will as the Supreme Justice , they will hence conclude ; that it is fit he should Reign , and we obey ; That it is his part to appoint , direct and guide , and ours to follow ; That we ought in all things to conform our selves to his Will , and not expect , that he should submit to ours ; That his Will being always Just , always Holy , it is also always adorable , always worthy of our Submission and Love , however the effects thereof prove harsh and troublesome : For that only such Souls as are unjust , can find fault with what Justice it self does ; whilst the Pious and Good , under all Extremities , and amidst all the repugnancies of Nature , ever cry out with the Prophet : Nonne Deo subject a erit anima ? My Soul , wilt thou not submit thy self to God ? To whom art thou to be subject but to him ?

1st . This consideration of the Will of God acting in every Creature , will put Christians upon looking beyond Creatures in all their disappointments and cross events of things ; 't will make them take notice , not only of the Rod , that strikes and chastises , but more particularly have regard to the Hand that manages , and the Will that directs it ; and this will be a great step in order to a lasting inward Peace . For if Christians discern'd God every where , and look'd on him through all his Creatures ; if they saw , it is he gives them all the force they have , that it is he who pushes them forward , to put in execution his eternal Decrees ; the the sight of this Justice and Power would give a cheek to all their Complaints , their Murmurings and Impatience . For which of them , in his Presence , dares say , They deserve not what they suffer ? Who could have any other sentiments , than those which made Holy David say , Obmutui & humiliatus sum , quoniam tu fecisti , I held my peace , and was humbled , because it was thou , Lord , that didst this . There 's nothing of all that happens to us , but what our Lord does , and who can say , It is not well ? We may humble our selves under his Scourge ; but if we complain , what is this , but for Dust and Ashes , to set it self up against the Almighty , and question , if not strive , to reverse his Decrees ?

Thus , if we kept our Eyes ever fix'd on this first Cause of all Events , how would this help to moderate and compose all disquiets of our minds ; how should we then see in all Evils , misfortunes and injustices , the just chastisements of mens Sins : That all is equitable and holy , both in regard of God ordaining all things , and in respect of Men , on whom his Decrees are executed ; so that tho the Ministers of this over-ruling Will , through their own depravedness , may be guilty of Injustice ; yet their Injustice hinders not what they do ; from providing just and equitable to those that suffer it ?

In this manner , the discovering the Finger of God's Justice touching us in every Trouble , may be as a lenitive to take off the Sharpness of such Passions , as in those circumstances , are too apt to affect and disquiet the mind . For though Nature be then so uneasie , as to be inclin'd to rebell , yet upon discerning the Will of God and his Justice , even in the severest Trials , must it not then necessarily be over-aw'd by that Sovereign Power , and force it self to a compliance with those Orders , which cannot be controll'd ; and where it falls into murmurings , impatience and dejection , it soon experiences , that all this is only adding to that Burthen , which is already its aggrievance , but can be no remedy at all of the Evil ?

It may be a farther relief , if we reflect on some other reasons , why God is pleas'd to visit us with Afflictions . As first , that by these bitter Potions , we may be wean'd from the things of this World , that our affections may be taken off from these fading Objects , and fix'd on a more lasting Good ; that we may be contented , if not Desire , to be dissolv'd , and releas'd from this Banishment and vale of Tears . This was the Blessing accompanied that severe oppression of the Israelites in Egypt , who being tired and quite b●●●●n with their slavery , began to cry aloud to God , and desire to be set at liberty , and were thus prepar'd for the Land of Promise . How much do we stand in need of Burthens , that we may be thus tired with our slavery ! The World , says St. Augustine , Bitter and uneasie as it is , is yet lov'd ; what would it then be , did all things ever succeed to our wish ? If thus we greedily catch at and embrace its Thorns , what should we do , did it every where abound with Flowers ? May not there then be very great Blessings thus convey'd to us , under what we often complain of , as our greatest Misfortunes ; while we are thus brought to be disgusted with the World , and made more willing to leave it : Of which God knows , how viciously fond we might be , how our heart and affections might be wholly possess'd with it , did every thing prove favourable in it ?

2dly . If we consider , that Afflictions are an Exercise , by which God trys the Just , and makes proof of their Fidelity . 't is an easie thing , in words , to make profession of serving and loving God ; but the Sincerity of this Profession then appears , when Temptation or Tribulation begin to make their assaults ; then it is the faithful Servant is discover'd , when he continues stedfast under his Trial , when he stands firm and unmov'd , notwithstanding all Disquiets and Opposition , and lets nothing , however troublesome , force him from his Duty , or , in the least , divide him from his Lord . For as Gold is try'd in the Fire , so are the Just try'd in Afflictions . This it was the Angel taught Toby : Because thou wast acceptable to God ; says he , therefore it was necessary he should make proof of thy Fidelity . This was the reason why this holy Man was visited with Blindness . And under this Tryal may Christians esteem themselvrs , as often as they perceive tribulations to arise against them .

3dly . We reflect , That the Rod and Correction give Wisdom . that these are often the Means , by which God opens the Eyes of Blind and perverse Sinners , softens the Obstinate , and quickens the stupid and Dull : 't was by this expedient Nebuchednesor came to the knowledge of the ever living God ; 't was by the same the Prodigal Son became sensible of his misery , and first thought of returning to his Father . How many sinners have been reclaim'd by this way ; and how many are now Saints in Heaven , who must confess , Sickness , Poverty or Affliction to have been the happy occasion of their turning their Eyes that way ; and that , had they not been thus awak'ned , they might have for ever slept on in Death !

4thly . If we observe , that suffering Troubles with Patience , is a most effectual means for obtaining pardon of Sin . For God is full of Compassion and Mercy , and in the day of Tribulation he will forgive our Offences . And therefore David being conscious of his Guilt , and knowing , how beneficial Affliction might be to him , in order to the making his peace with God , and being discharg'd from his Sin , openly made this profession : Ego ad flagella paratus sum . I am waiting for Affliction ; I am prepared for the Scourge ; I know I have Offended , and am sensible , the Chastisements of God , are the most effectual means for restoring me to his Favour . What Christian is there , that lies not under the guilt of some sin ; and if he any ways conceives how in urious this is to his Soul , ought not he ever be prepar'd , with David , for the Scourge ; willingly accept of all Trouble , as the remedy of his Evil ; and never complain of the cruelty of the Surgeon's hand , who Cuts , that he may Cure , and thus strives to prevent the Patient's greater Misery , and hinder his perishing under the filth of his Sores

With these , and such other considerations , ought every Christian be well furnish'd , by the daily reading of good Books , that so they may be ever prepar'd for making a good use of all . Troubles , and turning them to the best advantage . How great a help would it be to us , if in all Disappointments , Injustices and Afflictions , we could ever behold the Severaign Will of God , and the decrees of his Justice ? Who would not then strive to make Nature stoop , to his Orders , and go on , without complaint , in that way , where he leads ? And if we could ever bear in mind , that the evils we suffer , are to preserve us from the snares of this World , for the encrease of our Patience and Humility , for the trial of our Fidelity , to make us sensible of our weakness , understand our selves , and to deliver us from those Sins which otherwise might be our eternal ruin ; how should we preserve a cheerful Heart under all Sufferings , and from the prospect of so manifold a good , ever bear up under all Trials with courage and comfort ? We are us'd to submit to many little Inconveniencies , when these are the price of a more valuable Good ; and should not we then labour to arrive to that Christian temper , as to esteem all the Afflictions of this World , but as little inconveniencies , when beholding Eternal Misery and Happiness before us , we see these may be a means to rescue us from the one , and purchase the other ? If we were so placed , as to have Hell-flames just behind us , and before us all those Troubles we now meet and complain of as grievous , how cheerfully should we run through all these , so to be at a greater distance from that devouring Fire , and secure us against its more important Terrors ? If we had a more lively and constant apprehension of this place of Torments , our greatest Afflions we suffer here , would appear as nothing : Then should we esteem the Terms very easie and comfortable , if for the patient undergoing these our short-liv'd and passing Trials , we were to escape those , which are to endure for ever ; especially too , if the goining Heaven be added to the Conditions ; how should we then be more easie and contented under all Afflictions , submit to them with a more resigned Will , and never permit our selves to be dejected and sink down as under a Burthen , or give way to melancholy and Sadness , but ever preserve an even and easie mind , as is indeed the great Duty of a Christian , from the assured hopes of the good effect of such Trials , and the happy fruit to be expected from them ?

Of Sadness .

Q. ANd will not you allow a Christian then to be troubled at those Losses and Afflictions , that befall him , which some times are so very severe , as to make the greatest Courage and Resolution , yield and give way .

A I 'll tell you ; I don't expect Christianity should destroy Nature , but rather moderate and govern it and by holding the Reins , prevent its running into Excesses , to which it violently bends . A tender Mother must be allow'd to mourn and shed some Tears at the Death of her Children ; and as the stoutest Man must be allow'd to be discompos'd and cry out at any violent and sudden Blow that is given him ; so in the best of Christians , there will be some uneasiness , disquiet and grief , at those many Misfortunes and strange Accidents , which often happen in the World : But then his care must be , so prudently to moderate these natural and sudden Passions , as not to let them get possession of his Heart , and seize him with Sadness and Melancholy , that he becomes no longer Master of him : For tho moderate Grief be natural and rational , yet the excess of it is vicious and by no means warrantable on any score , in a good Christian ; but to be avoided as a most dangerous Evil .

Q. Why is Sadness and excessive Grief , so dangerous ?

A. Because , when it comes to that degree , it is like other violent and vicious Passions , usurps upon Reason and Religion , takes the command out of their hands , and keeps a Man in a very uneasie Slavery . 2. Because it very much indisposes a Christian , renders him unfit for every Duty , makes him nauceate his Prayers , so that he either says them without relish , often leaves them unfinish'd , or quite lays them by : And for other Exercies and obligations , how many delays and put-offs ? Dormicavit anima mea prae taedio . His Soul is drowsie and asleep , thinks but little and do's nothing ; so that there 's a kind of a stop put to the whole affair of his Soul . 3. Because it reposes him to evident shares of the Enemy , and many dangerous Temptations , and often draws him into Sin ; so that , it may be , there 's no other indisposition of the Soul so serviceable to the Divil as this : Sub umbra dormit ; when a Christian Soul is clouded with this sort of Darkness and confusion , 't is in this Darkness the Divil makes his nest ; so that , while in other Temptations he makes some passes and attemps , and often go's by , here in this he takes up his rest , and pretends to it as a secure Possession . Sub umbra dormit . So that if at any time he invites into a Soul seven other Spirits worse than himself , there 's danger of its being so here . For as the Psalmist says : Posuisti tenebras & facta est nox , in ipsa pertransibunt omnes bestiae silve . When the Night comes on and Darkness covers the Earth , then it is the Serpents and all the wild Beasts forsake their holes and go abroad for Prey : So here , when Grief and Sadness have brought Night upon a Soul and cover'd it with darkness , then the old Serpent with other Fiends come abroad and securely prey upon all that can be found of good in it . Hence it is that a Christian in these circumstances of Grief , is so easily mov'd to Passion , becomes peevish upon every slight provocation , and gives trouble to all about him . Hence joalousie arises , Suspition and Malice : Hence spring many vain and unreasonable Fears ; Hence disorder and Confusion ; and hence it is , he often acts so contrary to all the Rules of Reason and Discretion , that he seems to make good what the Scriptures says : Non est sensus , ubi est amaritudo ; Where Melancholy and excess of Sadness have got possession , there Reason and Judgment are much prejudiced , if not cast out of doors .

And is it not this temper the Devil makes use of to drive Men into Despair , filling them with such dismal and terrifying thoughts , that they seem to think themselves excluded from all the Mercies of God , and that , as for them , there 's no Hopes of Pardon : No body is so bad at they , ever runs in their mind ; and beholding no Good in themselves , God's goodness is likewise hid from their Eyes ? But where this game will not take , that he cannot force them to quit their Confidence in God ; how do's he then importune them to seek comfort in dangerous Diversions and Delights , and under the pretext of relieving the Spirits , turns their thoughts upon such Objects , which afterwards prove destructive to all Goodness , Piety and Christianity ? How many temperate Men have hence run into all manner of Excess ? How many into Licentiousness ; and thus to cure Melancholy , have by degrees , laid aside both Religion and Reason ? In this manner our spiritual Enemy takes advantage of this seemingly harmless indisposition of the mind , and from so inconsiderable a beginning , too often brings Ruin upon the whole .

Q. If this be the case of Sadness and Melancholy , that it is the Root of so many Evils , 't is a very dangerous Distemper indeed . But how shall a Christian secure himself against it , amidst so many Misfortunes , which often come to his lot ?

A Christianity has no other defence against it , besides Prayer and laborious Endeavours , which it prescribes , as proper to be made use of against such an Enemy . And therefore , as often , as any Dispositions or Inclinations begin to appear on the mind , as tending towards Sadness , a good Christian ougt presently to be fearful and jealous , as of an approaching Enemy , and so take the alarm , as to excite in it self all possible courage to make head against and totally suppress him , before he gathers strength : He ouhgt then to stand carefull on his guard , and make the same resistance as against the foulest of all Temptations ; for tho nothing of sin appears , yet there 's that which makes way for all sin ; for as Christ had his Apostles , whom he sent before , promising he would follow after them : so the Devil has his Apostles , whom he sends to prepaare his way before him ; and amongst these , Sadness must have its place , as being but too often his Fore-runner . What then should a Christian do , when it begins to shew It self , but on the one side , stand up in his own defence , labour resist and fight against it , and have recourse to all those Motives , proper for the encouraging him to Patience , Submission , Resignation , look on the end of his Calling , the obligation of Christianity , the desert of his Sins , the examples of the Saints , and of their Leader , Christ our Lord , the reward of patient Suffering , and punishment of Impatience ; and on the other side , have recourse to Heaven by Prayer , and by pious reading of good Books , so comfort and strengthen his Mind , that however he may have misfortunes enough , to disturb and put him into some disorder for the present , yet that he deliver not himself up to dejection and Melancholy , but ever struggle with the evil , and not omit to cast up some thoughts towards Heaven , even in the greatest extremity , till by degrees he so recover the dominion of himself , and command of his Passion , that he readily submit to the Decrees of God's Justice , and with cheerfulness embrace his Will .

Q. Well , if yielding to Sadness , may not be allow'd to the Unfortunate , may it not be permitted at least to those Pious Christians , who grieve not for this World , but for the next ; not for themselves , but for God , whom they earnestly desire to Serve and Love above all things ? there are many , whose business is the Salvation of their Souls , and whose Wishes are to Pray frequently , to Repent Heartily , to forsake every thing that can possibly render them displeasing to God : And behold , while they are labouring to go on in this Course , they meet with so many Distractions , such frequent Temptations , and so often fall into those Weaknesses and Offences , which they purpos'd to avoid , that all things seem to go backward with them : And how can these choose but lament these their fruitless endeavours , while they see , in striving to come nearer God , they go farther from him ? Sure , if they love God , they must needs be troubled at the many hindrances they find in his Service : And if they offend him , certainly it must be allow'd them to grieve for their Sins .

A. 't is true , if ever Grief be allowable in a Christian , it must be for Sin : But this grief for Sin , is very different from that Sadness and Melancholy , of which we have hitherto spoke : For while we are commanded to repent of our Sins , and be heartily troubl'd for having offended God ; see what kind of Trouble this is : This is a Holy Trouble , a Trouble that is Obedient , Affable , Humble , Meek , accompanied with Sweetness and Patience ; a Trouble , which , instead of discouraging the Soul , cheers it up , and incites it seriously to apply such remedies as are most effective for the preventing all manner of relapse ; that is , spurs it forward to Penance and Prayers , to Vigilancy and Labour . This is the trouble of a Contrite Heart , to which the Holy Scriptures and Church so often invite us ; this is the true Christian Mourning , which Christ has promis'd to reward with Bliss . While Sadness and Melanchaly have quite other effects ; ever rendring the Soul stupid and dull , forward and harsh , taking off all relish from Prayer and other exercises of Penance , disswading her from making use of them , as being likely to have no effect in her , whose evils are not to be remedied . Thus these betray themselves to be evil Passions of a distemper'd Mind , and no Vertues , whilst they incline it so contrary to all the Principles of Reason and Religion , extinguish Hope , and are so injurious to the Goodness of God : And therefore , as often as a Christian observes these motions within him , with a sort of Dulness and Dejection stealing on his Spirits , however it be pretended for his Unworthiness and the foulness of his Sins , he ought immediately use endeavours for the shaking it off , give no credit to all the fair colours and pretexts , under which it presents it self , but conclude it to be all Imposture● and tho there be a great trouble and disquiet on the Mind , and all pretended for Sin , yet still to suspect , that 't is more Indisposition and Distemper , than true Repentance .

For true Repentance takes another way ; it first indeed represents the sins of the Penitent , as contrary to God's Goodness , to his Will and express Command ; it shews them in God's Justice , to be condemn'd of Insolence , Ingratitude and Injustice : Hence it excites in his heart a Trouble and Sorrow for his Unworthiness to so Good a God : But then , Secondly , It never fails to point towards the infinite Mercy and Goodness of his Heavenly Father , which is ever ready to pardon those very Sins , upon his Repenting and Forsaking them ; and here , upon this prospect and assurance , flows in a certain Comfort upon the Soul , not removing the Trouble for having Offended , but so sweeting it , as to inspire the mind with new Life and Courage , and push it forward to a cheerful undertaking and performance of whatever is proper for making his Peace with God : So that this true Penitential sorow for Sin , is ever accompanied with a certain spiritual Comfort and Joy , arising from the encouragement of God's Mercy : And therefore as those , who seem to repent of Sin , and have not that true Sorrow as they ought , are wanting in the consideration of God's Goodness , which they have abus'd , and of his Justice , which they have provok'd ; so likewise , they , who with the Trouble and Sorrow of having offended , have not this interior Comfort , are most certainly wanting in the consideration of his Mercy , and in the Confidence they ought to repose in him .

Thus Comfort ever attends the Trouble of a true Penitent , and bearing up his Spirits , hinders him from falling into Dejection of mind : And a like Comfort he ever preserves , notwithstanding all the Snares , by which the Devil labours to cast him down and draw him into the Darkness of Melancholy . For if the thoughts of his frequent Failings , of his not being true to his good Purposes , &c. press on him and begin to seize him with terror ; he forthwith endeavours not to lose his interior Peace , but seriously resolves to use the best of his care for the future to prevent the like ; repents of them , as they are an Offence against God ; but as they are Troublesome to himself , resolves to bear them with Patience ; knowing it his Duty to bear patiently with his own defects , as well as with those of others : Thus has he a Zeal for Justice , which makes him hate his Sins , and that Patience , which makes him suffer the Trouble of them : Thus he wages a continual War against his Imperfections , and nevertheless so bears with himself and them , as not to give himself up to Melancholy and discouragement ; striving ever to be content with that measure of Grace , God is pleas'd to bestow on him : And concluding that anxiety and disquiet of Mind , to which he observes himself naturally inclin'd , on these occasions , to be nothing better than Passion , to be the effects of Impatience and Pride , because he is not so constant and regular as he would be .

Again , If he preceives himself to be in a state of Coldness and Insensibility ; or that he is so closely assaulted with all sorts of Temptations , and disquieting thoughts , that he cannot begin to Pray , Read , or think of his Soul and Eternity , but presently a thousand idle fancies croud about him quite distracting his Mind , and that he cannot remedy this Indisposition : He notwithstanding all this , still labours to preserve his inward Peace , looks on this as a spiritual Affliction , sent him by the just hand of God ; thinks it his great duty , with all Humility , to submit to these his appointments ; and hopes , if he truly humbles himself and quietly submits to this his Will , he may draw as much profit thence , as if it had pleas'd his Divine Majesty to have fill'd him with more sensible devotion ; because he considers , that tho fervent and quiet Prayer be very acceptable , yet that resisting Temptations with Constancy and Courage , and a patient submission to the state that God appoints , is the Exercise of very good Christians , and no less acceptable to Heaven . Hence it is , that though he often sends up his Sighs to God ; saying , Domine usque quo ! Lord , how long shall I live without comfort ! Yet he still continues in Peace , resolves more and more to humble himself , and to admit no Impatience , in the Darkness wherein he is left .

Q. In this manner , I see you 'll not allow of Sadness or Melancholy in a good Christian , upon any account whatsoever ; neither upon the account of Exterior Afflictions , or upon the consideration of his Imperfections , Inconstancy or Sin , or in time of Temptation , or Interior Desolation ; but conclude it to be every where a Weakness and Indisposition of the Mind : And if this be so , may not I here conclude , that great numbers of well-meaning Christians deceive themselves in this Affair , while they indulge themselves in Sadness , and think they do no harm ? But now , one question more , and I leave my self to your directions : What do you think of such , as being of a Melancholy disposition , are often overwhelm'd with Sadness , and know not why : Would willingly be deliver'd from it , and know not how ; And hence , are under great Oppressions , Disquiets and Terrors , and render'd unfit for every Christian duty ?

A. They are truly to be pitied , and must consult how much they stand in need of the Physicians help ; for tho' they are under an Evil , that effects the Mind , yet the Cure of it depends much on the disposition of the Body . As to the Nature of it , as it falls here under my consideration ; I think 't is of it self , very prejudicial to all progress in virtue , 't is injurious to Devotion , expos'd to many Temptations , and is attended with most of those ill consequences set down in the beginning of this Chapter , as flowing from Sadness : And it being thus pernicious in it self , and fatal to all Christian , Family and Personal Duties , as those know too well , by their experience , who are subject to this Evil ; I cannot here omit laying before them the strict obligation they are under , of using all endeavours to prevent at lest their falling into it : For tho , when they are in the height of this distemper , and are now oppress'd with the violence of its terrors , they are then , it may be , so disabled , that they can make but very weak resistance against it ; yet they have much more in their power when they observe it to begin to creep upon them ; and then it is they ought to stir themselves up , and courageously make head against it , as knowing , that if they do'nt then suppress it , they are in evident danger of being made Captive by it . How then , are these bound in their intervals of quiet , to prepare and arm themselves with Patience , Humility and Resignation ? How jealous and fearful ought they to be of every little disquieting thought ? How ready to check all apprehensions of injury or contempt ? How careful to put a stop to the earnest workings of their Imagination and Reasoning ? How watchful to remove every little Heaviness or Dulness , that begins to seize them ? How ought they , in all these occasions , strive to deny themselves , stand up against the Temptation , seek some way to divert the Evil , either by innocent Company , Conversation , and above all , have recourse to a good Book , to Prayer and seek help from above ? For , 't is not to be question'd , but such timely endeavours would be very beneficial for the preventing the distempers growing to a head ; and I am certain , that if upon the first perceiving any Trouble or Heaviness creeping on their Spirits , they would forthwith consider it , as an Affliction from the hand of God , and so strive to accept it as such , not only with Patience , but , as they are bound , with Comfort and Cheerfulness too : These endeavours would be bless'd with good effects , and not only be an easie , but often a total removal of the Burthen .

In this manner must these labour ; and without it they discharge not a good Conscience : For tho in Christians of a more easie and cheerful Temper , a slight and passing Trouble , a little discontent , or other disorder may not be very criminal , because they easily cast it off , and are not in that evident danger of falling into the extremity of Passion ; yet in these it is far otherwise ; for since every little disquiet in them is but too often the way to a greater , and a small disturbance insensibly grows upon them , till 't is above their power to master it , and so disables them , that they are not in a condition of performing well any Duty either to God or Man ; hence are they bound to be more watchful over themselves , and upon the first appearance of any Disturbance and Heaviness , make a speedy opposition and labour to cast it off ; as looking on it , not as it is inconsiderable in its first approach , but as it is terrible in all those Consequences , which are too likely to attend it , if not prevented by an early resistance .

Q. There 's too much reason for this , and I wish the persons concern'd would duely consider it ; 't would be very advantageous to the health and quiet both of Body and Soul . But now you have laid before me the nature of this Distemper and method of the Cure ; you must in the next place let me know somthing of the Practice of it , and tell me what Devotions and Books are most proper for the working this good effect , which you propose .

A. All spiritual Books are helpful for this end : However , since some parts of them may be more seasonable and effectual than others , I 'll here give you a short Collection of Devotions and Lessons , which in time of Trouble , Disquiet and Sadness , may be proper for the affording some Relief . And tho a Person , in those Circumstances , finds himself indispos'd for this Exercise ; yet since God has promis'd to hear such as call upon him in time of Tribulation ; since 't is not only in time of Light and Comfort , but in Anguish and Darkness , we are commanded to bless him : Benedicite Lux & Tenebrae Dominum . Light and Darkness , Bless our Lord . Therefore a Christian , notwithstanding all his Interiour Desolation and Darkness , ought to have recourse to to God , in the Best manner he is able ; for he that knows his Indisposition , has goodness to pardon his Defects and accept his Desires .

An Exercise in time of Affliction and Sadness .

IN thee , Lord , have I put my Trust , let me not be confounded for ever ; but by thy Justice deliver me .

Give ear to my Cry ; and make haste to help me .

Be to me a God and Protector ; be to me a place of refuge , and save me .

For thou art my Strength and Defence ; and now for the glory of thy Name , thou wilt guide and support me .

Thou wilt deliver me from the Snare , that is laid for me , because thou alone , art my Protector .

Into thy hands I commend my Spirit ; for thou hast Redeem'd me , O God of Truth .

Thou hatest those who follow Vanities , who vainly hope in them .

But , as for me , I have placed my Trust in our Lord ; and in his Mercy I will rejoice and be comforted .

Have mercy therefore on me , O Lord , because my Affliction is great .

My life is consum'd in Sadness ; and my years pass away in Sighs .

I am become a Reproach among my Enemies and Neighbours , and my Friends flye from me .

I hear the Abuses of many that dwell about me .

Yet , Lord , in thee have I hop'd ; I have said , Thou art my God ; and in thy hands is the disposal of all that belongs to me .

Rescue me then from the hands of my Enemies , and from those that Persecute me .

Let the light of thy Countenance shine upon thy Servant , and save me in thy Mercy : Lord , let me not be confounded , because I have call'd upon thee .

O , how great is the treasure of thy Sweetness , O Lord , which thou hast reserv'd for those that fear thee :

Which thou hast prepar'd for those that hope in thee !

Thou wilt give them shelter in thy presence , from the Persecution of Men .

Thou wilt protect them in thy Tabernacle , against the contradiction of ill Tongues .

Why therefore art thou sad , my Soul ? Why dost thou afflict me ?

Hope in thy God : For he is my Refuge and Strength ; he is my Helper in all the Tribulations that have encompass'd me on every side .

Therefore I will not fear , tho the whole World be in disorder about me .

II .

To thee , Lord , have I lifted up my Soul ; my God , in theee I put my Trust , let me not be confounded .

Let me no longer be the scorn of my Enemies ; for all those that hope in thee , shall not be confounded for ever .

Shew me thy Ways , O Lord , and teach me thy Paths .

Lead me in thy Truth , and instruct me ; for thou art my God , my Saviour ; and in thee have I hoped all the day .

Be mindful of thy Mercies , and of the Goodness thou hast shewn from the beginning of the World .

Remember not the sins of my Youth ; nor the failings of my Ignorance :

But remember me according to thy Mercy ; according to thy Goodness , O Lord .

Our Lord is Sweet and Just ; therefore will he be a Guide to those that are out of the way .

He will lead the Meek in the way of Justice , and teach them his Paths .

All the ways of our Lord , are Mercy and Truth , to such as seek Peace with him and his Laws .

Pardon , Lord , my Sins , for the glory of thy Name , because they are very great .

Who is the Man that fears our Lord ? To him is our Lord a Guide , in the way he has chosen .

Our Lord is the support of all that fear him ; and he has promis'd to manifest himself to them .

My eyes are therefore always lifted up to God : Because he will deliver me from the Snare .

Look then upon me , and have compassion on me , because I am left alone and in Distress .

The afflictions of my heart are many : Deliver me from my Necessities .

Have regard to my Weakness and my Trouble , and pardon all my Sins .

Consider my Enemies , because they are many ; and because with Injustice and Malice , they pursue me .

Preserve my Soul , and deliver me ; let me not be dejected , because I have placed my confidence in thee .

The Innocent and Just have favour'd me , because I trusted in thee .

Deliver Israel , O God , from all its Afflictions .

III .

To thee I have lifted up my eyes , who dwellest in Heaven .

As the eyes of Servants are in the hands of their Masters ; so are my eyes upon thee , Lord , till thou hast Mercy on me .

Have Mercy on me , Lord , have Mercy on me ; for 't is now a long time I am become a reproach .

't is a long time my Soul has been oppress'd being the Scorn of the rich , and the Contempt of the proud .

Hear , therefore , O God , my Prayers . and despise not my Petition : Be attentive to me , and graciously hear me : For , behold , I sink under my Trial ; I am troubled at the words of my Enemy , and at the Unjust , that persecute me :

Because they have laid crimes to my charge , and in their Anger , have been severe to me .

Therefore is my heart disturbed within me , and the terror of Death has seiz'd me .

Fear and Trembling have surpriz'd me , and I have been cover'd with Darkness .

And I said ; Who will give me the wings of a Dove , and I will flye away and be at Rest .

I have waited however in him , who is my Saviour , who is my help against all dejection of Spirit and Trouble .

I have cry'd to my God , and my Lord will be my Deliverer .

At Evening and Morning , and at Noon , will I declare my cause before him , and he will hear my voice .

He will rescue my Soul from those that approach against me , and settle me in Peace .

My God will hear me , and he , that is Eternal , will humble my Enemies .

Cast therefore all thy care upon thy Lord , and he will comfort thee ; neither will he permit the Just to be Persecuted for ever .

My God , I have now laid open my Cause before thee , and thou hast seen my Tears .

And as thou hast promis'd , so shall my Adversaries be put to flight .

In whatever day I call upon thee , behold , I find thou art my God .

I have put my hope in my Lord , and I will not fear what Man can do to me .

Have pity therefore on me , O God , and be merciful to me ; for in thee have I put my Trust :

And under the shadow of thy Wings will I hope , till this evil is pass'd away .

Help me , O God , my Saviour .

And for the Glory of thy Name , deliver me , O Lord .

I. LESSON .

WIth Patience let us run the race that is set before us ; looking upon Jesus , the Author and Finisher of our Faith , who for the Joy , that was set before him , endur'd the Cross , contemning the shame thereof , and is now seated at the right hand of the Throne of God . Think upon him , who suffer'd such contradiction from Sinners , that you be not discourag'd , or dejected in Mind . For as yet you have not made resistance to Blood , in fighting against Sin . Have you forgot that Comfort , which is spoke to you , as to Children ? My Son , despise not the Correction of thy Lord , and be not cast down , when thou art Reprov'd by him : For our Lord Chastises him whom he loves , and Scourges every one , whom he receives as a Son Be courageous therefore under Sufferings ; God treats you as his Children : For , what Son is there , whom the Father does not Correct ? If you are without Suffering , in which all have had their share , then are you illegitimate , and not true Children . Besides , we have had Fathers of our Flesh , who have Corrected us , and yet we gave them respect . Shall we not be much more obedient to the Father of our Spirits , and live ? For they chastis'd us as they thought good , and in order to this life , which is short : But God punishes us as it may be for our advantage ; for our being made partakers of his Holiness . No punishment , while we are under it , seems comfortable , but troublesom ; but afterwards it brings forth the peaceable Fruit of Justice , to such as have been Exercised by it .

Blessed is he , that suffers Tribulation ; for when he has been tried , he shall receive a Crown of Glory , which God has promis'd to those that love him . As the sufferings of Christ abound in us ; so likewise through Christ , our comfort abounds : For if we suffer with him , we shall be glorified with him , and receive the crown of Glory , which God has promis'd to those that love him .

II . LESSON .

BRethren , be not surpriz'd in the severity of Afflictions , which are sent you for your Trial , as if something extraordinary had happen'd to you ; but rejoice in your having a part in the Sufferings of Christ , that you may be fill'd with joy in the manifestation of his Glory . If you are reproach'd for the name of Christ , blessed are you ; because the honour , glory and power of God and his Spirit rests on you . But let none of you suffer as a Murtherer , or Thief , or a worker of Evil , or a designer of your Neighbours wrong . But if any one suffers , as a Christian , let him not be asham'd , but glorifie God in this name . For the time is now come , that Jugdment begins in the House of God : And if it begins with us , what shall their end be , who believes not the Gospel of our Lord ? And if the Just shall scarce be sav'd ; where shall the wicked and sinners appear ? Wherefore , let those that suffer according to the Will of God , commend their Souls in good Works to their faithful Creator .

Let none return Evil for Evil , but overcome Evil with Good ; Bless those that Curse you ; for in this are you call'd , that you may inherit a Blessing : If you suffer for Justice . blessed are you . 't is better be afflicted , if God so will , in doing our duty , than suffer for our wickedness : For thus may we inherit a blessing .

III . LESSON .

THink not that I came to bring Peace upon Earth : I came not to bring Peace , but the Sword . For I am come to separate the Son from his Father , and Daughter from her Mother , and the Daughter-in-law from the Mother-in-law ; and a Man shall have for his Enemies those of his own House . He that loves Father or Mother more than me ; is not worthy of me : And he that loves his Son or Daughter above me , is not worthy of me . And he that takes not up his Cross and follows me , is not worthy of me . He thnt will save his life , shall lose it , and that loses his life for my sake , shall save it .

Who shall separate me from the love of Christ ? Shall tribulation , or affliction , or hunger , or danger , or persecution ? These Evils I overcome through him , who has lov'd us . And I am assur'd , that neither Death nor Life . nor any things present nor to come , nor any creature shall ever separate me from the love of God , which is in Jesus Christ our Lord ; but that I shall overcome all Evils through him who has lov'd us .

If it was necessary that thou Lord , should'st suffer and so enter into glory , how can I expect to have part in that happiness , unless I walk in the Highway of the Cross ?

I confess , thy Judgments are just , and that according to truth and justice thou hast humbled me .

I desire to fulfil the decrees of thy Justice , and rather suffer , than transgress thy Will .

I will bear thy Anger , O Lord , because I have sinned against thee . And if I have receiv'd good things from thy hand , why shall I not with content , submit to the evil , with which thou art pleas'd to visit me ?

In all my trouble I will think of thee my Good Jesu , who hast suffered far greater things for me .

I wish I could with thy Apostles , suffer Affronts , Reproaches and Poverty , with a joyful Heart .

I will now endeavour at least to suffer with patience , whatever evils befall me , and this for the love of thee .

If thou art pleased to exercise me with Temptations ; if Sadness or Grief disturb me ; if Sickness or Pains disorder me , I will bear all with courage through the assistance of thy Grace .

Far be it from me , Lord , to sink in Spirit , or be dejected under these Trials , with which thou art pleased to exercise me , for my greater good .

With thy help , I will endeavour to overcome all Difficulties , and in thee , my God , will I pass over this Trouble .

Permit me not , Lord , either for love of Quiet or fear of Trouble , to forsake the way of Vertue and Justice .

No , my God , tho I were to suffer all the afflictions and miseries of the World , yet would I never forsake thee .

But art thou not then asham'd , my Soul , to be thus disturb'd , and to let trifles afflict me !

Is it not a shame to thy Profession , that thou lettest Melancholy and Sadness take possession of thy Heart , usurp the place of thy God , and turn him out from thence :

Inspire my Heart , O God of strength with new Courage ; for behold , I desire now to follow thee in every affliction ; I desire that no driness , or desolation of Spirit , may any more divide me from thee .

I am become as a Beast of burthen before thee , O Lord my God ; thou knowest the weight that is upon me : O grant I may go under it with Patience , that by the way of the Cross , I may approach to thee .

II .

I offer my self to thee , O Lord , and here earnestly beg thy Grace , that I may bear all my troubles pith patience with cheerfulness , and without any complaint .

O , that I had the patience of thy Servant Job ; the courage and censtancy of thy Martyrs , who have forsaken Friends , Goods , Liberty and Life for thee .

I wish I were worthy and truly dispos'd to leave all for thee , and in the manner thou pleasest .

Since therefore at present thou visitest me with Correction take not thy Mercy from me : Since thou punishest my Obstinacy and Wickdness , let me inherit thy Promises : Since thou art pleased to add to my Troubles , be pleased likewise to encrease my Patience .

I now know and confess , that I am a Sinner , that I am nothing ; and as I deserve , so I desire to be esteem'd as nothing .

I now chuse rather to be contemptible and little in thy House , than to live amidst the greatness and pride of Sinners .

Behold therefore , I now cast my self , for thy sake , beneath all Men , because I am the most unworthy of all .

And what have I to desire , but to suffer and be contemn'd for thy sake , and for punishment of my Sins ?

For I confess , I have sinn'd against thee , my God , and am not worthy to look up towards Heaven , for the multitude and foulness of my Transgressions .

All Creatures , in their several degrees , are obedient to thee , only I am rebellious , and by my Offences , run away from thee .

But look on me again O thou good Shepherd of my Soul ; call aloud after me , let me hear thy Voice , and bring me back .

And since thou invitest all to come to thee , by the way of the Cross and Self-denial , give me thy Grace , that I cheerfully bear my Cross , and with courage follow after thee .

For I desire to walk in no other way but thine ; to learn no other Truth , but thine ; to live no other life , but thine : For thou art the Way , the Truth and the Life .

I beseech thee , therefore , dear Jesu , let me be ever mindful of thy Death and Passion , and in this , may I ever seek rest and comfort amidst all my Troubles .

Let the thoughts of thy Sorrows , ever fill my Breast , and then how little will mine be !

O sweet Jesu , who with so much joy and triumph , went'st up to Jerusalem , there to suffer a most cruel Death for me , quicken now my Spirits , that with a cheerful Heart I may suffer all for thee .

III .

Alas , my suffering is but little , if compar'd to my Sins : And when I consider my Transgressions , I see thy Scourge is just ; O Lord ; but in me I find nothing , whereon to build the hopes of comfort .

't is on thy Mercy alone I can depend for my support and assistance : And in this I will ever trust ; for thy Mercy is above all my Sins .

I am glad , that in my self there is nothing , and that in thee alone is all the hopes of my Comfort ; in thee , who art my Refuge and Strength .

Thou hast said , Lord , Without me you can do nothing : And so it is : What therefore have I to do , but to lift up my Eyes to Heaven , and wait for my relief from thee , O infinite Goodness !

Be now to me a God and Protector ; forsake me not , despise me not , O God my Salvation : For tho I am neglected by many , yet thou art my Powerful helper .

I flye to thee , Lord , that by thy heavenly Comfort I may encrease in Patience , and that hoping in thee , I may not be confounded for ever .

All my Trust is in thee , good Jesu , and all the ground of my Confidence , in thy precious Blood . Thou art my Life and my Hope .

Tho I have many Troubles , and am encompass'd with Afflictions , 't is all what is appointed me by thy Providence , and all for my good ; and therefore will I ever hope in thee .

Thy Mercy is great ; in this will I place my confidence ; and thus only shall I find rest for my Soul , and never be disappointed .

Magnifie thy Mercies , Lord , who savest all that trust in thee : Preserve me as the Apple of thy Eye , and under the shadow of thy Wings protect me .

't is better to trust in God , than to trust in Man : 't is better to hope in our Lord , than in the great things of the Earth .

O God of Power , happy is he who puts his trust in thee : By thy Grace I shall overcome all Temptations ; by thy Comfort , I shall be born up amidst all Evils .

Behold therefore , I here renounce my self , and all that I have , or am . I give all into thy hands ; I leave all to thy disposal .

If thou takest comfort from me at present , thou canst give me far greater .

If thou visitest me with Sadness , and lettest the darkness of Night overshadow me , I will wait for the return of thy Day : I will bless thee at all times .

For thou art my God ; and as I thank thee for thy Blessings , so in my Troubles , I will never forget thee .

Afflictions and Temptations disturb me ; but thou art my Salvation , my Rock and my Defence ; nothing shall destroy that hope I have in thee .

I. LESSON . S. Cyprian . ad Olymp . Ep. 7.

SAdness is the rack of Souls , an Affliction not to be express'd , a Judgment more prejudicial than the worst revenge from an Enemy's hand . 't is like a venemous Worm , which not only consumes the Body , but eats into the very Soul ; 't is a Moth that feeds on the Marrow and Vitals ; a perpetual Executioner , torturing the Soul , and exhausting her Spirits : 't is a continual Night , a thick Darkness , a Storm and Whirl-wind , an inward Fever , preying upon Life ; a Conflict without rest , a Distemper that puts out the Eyes of the Wise and Learned . The darkness of Night has no terror like the darkness of a dejected Mind , which is not according to the course of Nature , but is gather'd from the disorder of unreasonable and unquiet Thoughts ; 't is more cruel than the face of a Tyrant , and is obstinate against all the endeavours of a Friendly hand .

Enlighten my darkness , O Lord , arise and be my Deliverer . Command peace in my Soul , and by thy powerful hand , rescue thy Servant from the weight that oppresses me . Send me help from above , and deliver me from all my Enemies , for behold I am poor and needy . Thou art my God and my helper in the day of Battle , and besides thee , there 's none can rescue thy Servant from the weight that oppresses me .

II . LESSON . S. Bernard . ad Ab. S. Nicas . Ep. 32.

WIth good reason we have compassion for such of our Friends , whom we see under any disturbance of Mind : Because tho we know not certainly what their end will be , yet we have reason to be very apprehensive on their behalf : For , as in those , that are Holy and Vertuous , Tribulation works Patience , Patience a Trial , a Trial brings forth Hope , and Hope confounds not : So in the Wicked and Perverse , it is just contrary ; for Tribulation causes dejection of Mind Dejection brings Disquiet , Disquiet brings Despair , and this overthrows all .

Give not thy self to Sadness , but cast it far from thee , because there is no profit in it . Why art thou sad , my Soul , and why dost thou afflict me ? Hope in thy Lord , and place thy Confidence in him , and thou shalt never be Confounded . Have Mercy on me , O God , and pardon this my Folly and Weakness ; I will now strive to be patient in my Tribulation , and wait for thy Comfort ; and thus I shall never be Confounded .

III . LESSON . C. Bona , Princip . vit . Chr.

IN this one point consists the sum of Christian Perfection , to receive whatever happens , with a peaceable Mind , as coming from the hand of God ; to cast all our care on him , because he watches over us , and nothing befalls us , but according to his Appointment . In this Will of God , is grounded all the quiet and peace of a Christian . And tho sin be from our selves , and not from him ; yet in our Repentance ought we be very careful not to fall into any anxiety or disquiet of Mind . We are to be heartily sorry indeed , for having offended our God , and even with Tears strive to wash away our Guilt ; but this Sorrow must not destroy our inward Peace ; we must earnestly beg God's Mercy , who has permitted us to fall , that so we might be sensible of our Weakness , that so we may ever go on with fear , and not deceive our selves , in taking that to be ours , which is only the gift of God . We must wait with patience and in a contrite Heart , the grace of Amendment ; for he is our Lord , and will come when he pleases . The faithful and prudent Servant , desires , nothing , but the Will of his Master ; and in every thing that happens , he says from his Heart , It is so , Father , because thus it has seem'd good to thee : Thy Will be done . I am ready to submit to all thy Decrees : Wilt thou that I be in Health , or in Sickness ? Wilt thou refresh me with thy Comforts , or cover me with Darkness ? Wilt thou that I Abound , or be in Want ? What thou wilt , that I will : Do with me as thou pleasest . This is the temper of a Mind indifferent to all the Appointments of God , that makes a Christian ever cheerful and constant , and secures him against all Disquiets .

Let my Soul be subject to my God ; for who is there that resists against him , and has peace within ? If I am to keep peace with all , let me in the first place study to preserve my peace with God ; for I am but Dust and Ashes , and what can be sufficient to make me rebell against my Maker ? Be thou my help , O my God , and my strength : Support me in all Evils and give me Patience ; direct me in my Repentance , and while I distrust in my self , let me ever conside in thee ; for thus only can I preserve my Peace with God .

Lord , I am not worthy of thy comfort , or that thou should'st visit me with thy Presence .

Therefore thou dealest justly with me , when thou leavest me poor and desolate .

If I could shed Tears to equal the Waters of the Sea , yet I should not be worthy of thy comfort .

I deserve nothing , but to be scourg'd and punish'd , because I have grievously and very often offended thee .

So that when I consider what is my due , I find my self unworthy of the least of thy Mercies .

But thou , mild and merciful God , who wilt not , that thy Works perish , but shewest the riches of thy Goodness in the Vessels of Mercy , even beyond all desert , send relief to thy Servant beyond all that is humane .

For thy comforts , my God , are not like the comforts of Men , which pass away in words and vain discourses .

But what have I done , my Lord , that thou should'st let me partake of thy heavenly sweetness ?

I remember not , that I have done any good , but have been ever forward to sin , and slow to amend .

T is true , I can't deny it ; and if I say otherwise , thou wilt stand against me , and there will be none to plead for me .

What is it I have deserv'd for my Sins , but Hell and everlasting Fire ?

And tho I can't say this without trouble , yet for truth sake I will lay open my Sins against my self , that so I may obtain thy Mercy .

What shall I say , miserable Sinner that I am , cover'd over with confusion and shame ?

I can say no other word , but this : I have sin'd , Lord , I have sin'd ; have mercy on me and pardon me .

Suffer me a little , that I may weep and sigh out my Grief , before I go into the Land of Darkness , and be cover'd with the shadow of Death .

And yet , my Lord , what cause have I to complain , if thou forsak'st me ?

Or , if thou do'st not that which I desire , what can I justly say against it ?

This with truth , I can think and say ; Lord , I am nothing , I can do nothing : I have nothing that is good of my self , but in all things fail and am miserable .

Thou , Lord , art always the same , always Good , Just and Holy , and disposing all things well .

But I am more inclin'd to fall , than to go forwards , and never continue long in one State .

But all things will be better , if thou vouchsafest to stretch forth thy helping hand .

For thou alone canst help me , and so strengthen me , that my countenance shall be no more chang'd , and my heart shall be converted and wholly rest in thee .

II .

Lord what have I to trust in , in all this World ; or what is the comfort , that all things under Heaven afford me ?

Is it not thou , Lord , art my only relief , whose Mercies are without number ?

Where has my Soul been well , without thee ; or where has it been sensible of Evil , when thou hast been with me ?

I had rather be Poor for love of thee , than Rich without thee .

I had rather be a Pilgrim on Earth with thee , than possess Heaven without thee ?

For there is Heaven , where-ever thou art ; and there is Death and Hell , where thou art not .

Thou art the only Good I desire , and therefore I must send forth deep sighs from my heart , cry aloud and pray to thee .

For I have none to trust in , none that can help me in my necessities , but only Thou , my God .

Thou art my Hope and my Trust ; thou art my Comforter and most faithful to me in all my distress .

Thou seekest my Salvation and profit , and turn'st all things to my good .

Altho thou permittest many temptations to assault me , and many adversities to befall me ; yet thou ordain'st all for my advantage , who art wont to prove thy beloved Servants a thousand ways .

And therefore being under these Trials , I ought no less to love and praise thee , than if thou didst replenish my Soul with heavenly sweetness .

In thee therefore , my Lord God , I place my whole hope and my refuge : On thee I cast all my Tribulation and anguish ; for I find all to be weak and unconstant , that is out of thee .

Neither Friends , nor Books , nor Riches , nor place of retreat can defend me , if thou thy self art not my Protector , and my Helper .

For whatever seems to flatter me with the promises of Peace , affords me no joy or comfort at all , when thou art absent from me .

Thou art the only true comfort of thy Servants : To thee therefore I lift up my Eyes , in thee I hope , my God , the Father of Mercies .

Bless and sanctifie my Soul with thy heavenly Grace , that it may become thy abode , and the Seat of thy eternal Glory .

According to the greatness of thy Goodness and multitude of thy Mercies , have pitty on me , and hear the Prayers of thy poor Servant .

Protect and keep my Soul , amidst so many dangers of this corruptible life , and by thy assistance , direct it in the way of Peace .

III .

Lord God , holy Father , thy Name be blessed now and for ever , because every thing is done by thy appointment , and whatever thou appointest is good .

Let thy servant rejoyce not in himself , or in any other thing , but in thee alone ; for thou art the only true joy , thou art my Hope and my Happiness .

For , as for me , what has thy Servant , but what he has received , and that without any desert of his ?

All is thine , all is given and all made by thee .

I am poor , and in troubles from my youth : My Soul is often heavy even unto tears ; often disturb'd , with those Passions , that rise against her .

The thing I desire is the joy of Peace : What I earnestly beg , is the Peace of thy Children , fed by thee in the light of thy comfort .

If thou giv'st me this Peace , the Soul of thy Servant shall be full of heavenly sweetness , and with joy sing praises to thy Name .

But if thou withdraw'st thy self , as very often thou art wont , how shall he then run the ways of thy Commandments ?

O righteous Father , and ever to be prais'd , the hour is now come , that thy Servant is to be Tried .

Behold , Father , it is fit , that in this hour , thy Servant suffer something for thee .

Most adorable Father , now for a short time I am to be oppress'd , afflicted , humbled and disquited with many Passions and Infirmities .

So it has been appointed by thee ; and nothing happens of all I suffer , but what is according to thy Will and Command .

This is a mercy thou shew'st thy Friends , that they be Afflicted and suffer something in this World for love of thee , in what manner and by whomsoever thou pleasest .

Without thy Council and Providence , without a Cause in thee , nothing happens upon Earth .

It is good for me , Lord , that thou hast humbled me , that so I may learn to obey thee , and cast from me all pride and presumption of heart .

It is for my advantage that shame has covered my Face , that I may rather seek comfort from thee , than from Men .

't is hence I have learn'd to fear thy hidden Judgments , who afflictest the Just with the Wicked , but still with equity and Justice .

I give thee thanks , my God , that thou hast not spar'd my Sins ; but hast let me feel the severity of thy scourge , both within and without .

There is none under Heaven can comfort me , but only thou , my God , the heavenly Physitian of Souls , who strikest and healest , who bringest me down even to Death , and raisest me up again .

Thy Arm is stretch'd forth against me ? and let this thy Rod be for my Instruction .

Behold , beloved Father , I am in thy hands , behold I bow my self under the Rod of thy Correction .

Strike me now , and make my proud neck and stubborn Will bend under the appointments of thy Will .

Make me Devout and Humble , that I may be ready to follow every book of thy Divine pleasure .

I recommend my self and all that belongs to me , into thy hands , to receive the correction thou shalt think fit : For 't is better for me to be chastised here , than hereafter .

Thou know'st , what is expedient for my good , and what tribulation is necessary to purge me from the filth of Sin .

Do with me according to thy pleasure , and despise not the sighs of a sinful Soul .

Thou art my God , and my deliverer .

Help me in the day of Tribulation .

I. LESSON . Imitat . Christi . T. 3. C. 25.

CHrist said to his Disciples ; I leave you my Peace , my Peace I give you ; I give you Peace , not as the Wold gives it . All desire Peace , but few take care to do such things , as are proper for the obtaining it . My Peace is with the humble and meek of heart . Thou shalt enjoy an interior quiet , if thou hast much Patience : And if thou giv'st ear to me and follow'st my voice , Peace shall not be wanting to thee . For the purchase of so great a good , be very attentive to what thou say'st or dost : direct thy whole intention to this , that thou may'st please me alone , and seek nothing out of me Judge nothing rashly of the words or actions of others ; and meddle not with things that belong not to thee , for thus shalt thou be little or seldom troubled . But never to feel any trouble at all , or to be sensible of no grief , either of mind or body , is not the condition of this life , but of everlasting Rest . Think not therefore thou hast found true Peace , if thou feel'st no sorrow ; or that all is well , if thou hast no adversary ; or that all is perfect , if thou hast great Devotion and sweetness : No , Christian perfection consists not in this , but in offering thy self entirely to my Will , without seeking thy own Interest or Ease in great or little ; accepting , whether Good or Evil , with an equal countenance , giving thanks alike for both , and being indifferent to all that comes from me . If thy Hope be so firm , and thy Courage so great , that when inward comfort is withdrawn from thee , thou prepar'st thy self to suffer yet more , and think'st not of justifying thy self , as if thou deserv'st not to suffer so much ; but ever striv'st to praise my Name in all whatever I appoint for thee , then art thou in the way of Peace .

The days of this life are short and evil , full of sorrow and anguish , where man is disturb'd with many Passions , distracted with vanities and defil'd with Sin . O , when shall these Evils be at an end ! When shall I be deliver'd from this miserable bondage , and perfectly rejoyce in thee my Lord , where I shall no more be distracted with vanities , nor be defil'd with Sin .

II . LESSON . Id. l. 3. c . 57.

SON , Humility and Patience in time of Adversity , are more pleasing to me , than much Comfort and Devotion in time of Prosperity . Why art thou then disquieted at every little trouble that befalls thee ? Tho it had been much greater , yet thou ought'st not to have been mov'd . Thou art cheerful enough , as long as thou hast nothing to suffer ; thou can'st then give advice to others and encourage them by thy words : But when any Tribulation surprises thee , then thou art destitute of all Counsel , and without strength ! Consider this thy weakness , which thou experiencest in every small occasion , which is yet permitted for thy greater good . Chace away therefore all trouble from thy heart , as well as thou can'st ; and if it begins to make an impression , yet suffer it not to deject thee or seise thy Spirits : Bear it at least with Patience , if thou can'st not with Joy . The Storm which is rais'd , will quickly be follow'd with a Calm ; and thy inward grief shall be sweetned with the return of Grace . I still live , says our Lord , and am ready to help thee , and give thee greater comfort than before , if thou puttest thy trust in me , and devoutly call'st on me . Take courage therefore and arm thy self with Patience , to suffer yet more : All is not lost , if thou feel'st thy self often Afficted , or violently Tempted . Thou art a Man , and not God ; thou art Flesh and not an Angel : How canst thou expect to continue ever in the same state of Vertue , when an Angel has fallen from Heaven , and the first Man lost his standing in Paradise ? I am he who comforts those that Mourn , and raise up such as know their own weakness , evey to the partaking of my Divinity .

Blessed for ever be thy Sacred Word O Lord , sweeter to my Mouth than Honey . What should I do in my Tribulation and Anguish , if thou did'st not vouchsafe to comfort me ! What matter is it , how much or how long I suffer , so that I may but at length arrive at the Haven of Bliss ? Be mindful of me and direct me , and now I am in the Narrow way , O God , vouchsafe to comfort me .

III . LESSON . Ib. c . 35.

THere is no Security in this Life ; as long as it lasts , thou shalt ever have need of spiritual Armour . Thou liv'st in the midst of Enemies ; and if thou defendest not thy self with the shield of Patience , thou canst not escape long without hurt . If thou takest not care to fix thy Heart on God , and to suffer all for his sake , thou canst not sustain the heat of this Battle , nor obtain the Crown of Victory and Bliss : Thou ought'st therefore with courage , force thy Enemies , and make thy way through all that stands before thee ; for the Manna is not given but to the Conquerors , whilst Misery is the portion of the Negligent . If thou seek'st after the deceitful Comforts of this World , how wilt thou find true Rest in the other ? be not sollicitous for enjoying much Ease , but rather to obtain great Patience . Seek true Peace , not on Earth , but in Heaven : And for the love of God , be ready to suffer all manner of Troubles , Grief , Temptations , Anxieties , Necessities , Infirmities , Injuries , Detractions , Reprehensions , Humiliations , Corrections and Contempts : For these are so many steps to Vertue : These are the Trials and Exercises of a Soldier of Christ : These are the Pearls that make up the Heavenly Crown . Expect not always to have Spiritual Comforts ; my Saints had not so ; but were tried with many Afflictions and Temptations , which they indur'd with great Patience , trusting not in themselves , but in God ; and ever remembring that the Sufferings of this Life are a very easie Purchase of the Glory to come . Wilt thou have that in an Instant , which they obtain'd not but with many Tears and lasting Troubles ? Wait for help from above ; act with Courage and Constancy ; Fear not ; Fly not , but offer Body and Soul for the glory of God ; and he will be thy Comfort in Tribulations , and afterwards thy plentiful Reward .

This is a hard saying ; Deny thy self , take up thy Cross and follow Jesus : But it will be much harder to hear that last word ; Go ye Cursed , into everlasting Fire . How shall I bear everlasting Torments , who am so much disturb'd with Trifles ! Give me thy Grace , O God , that with patience I may submit to all thy Appointments ; and let me suffer here whatever thou pleasest , so I may never hear those words recall'd , Go , ye Cursed , into everlasting Fire .

Prayers in time of Affliction .

ENlighten me , O God Jesu , with the clearness of inward Light , and chase away all Darkness from my heart . Put a stop to all my wandering thoughts , and break the force of all those Temptations , which violently assault me . Stretch forth thy powerful Arm and fight for me . Put to flight the wild beasts my Passions , which seek to destroy me . Command the Winds and Tempests : Say to the Sea , Be still ; And behold , a Calm will follow ; there shall be a Peace by the power of thy Word .

My Lord God , be not far from me ; my God , have regard to help me ; for afflicting thoughts have risen up against me , and great Fears darken and torment my Soul ; and how shall I escape , being thus weak and frail in the midst of so many powerful Enemies ? But hast not thou promis'd , Lord , to help those who call upon thee in Tribulation , and give relief to such as are in Distress ? Do then Lord , as thou hast said , fulfill thy words , and let all evils now be put to flight . This is my hope and only comfort , to flye under the shadow of thy Wings ; to trust in thee in all Trouble ; to call on thee from my Heart , and wait with Patience , till thou shalt succour me .

Blessed be thy Name , O Lord , for ever , since it has pleas'd thee to permit this Temptation and Affliction to fall upon me . I cannot escape it ; all I can do , is to have recourse to thee , that thou may'st help me , and turn it to my good . Lord , my Soul is now afflicted , it is not well with me , being much disquieted with this present Grif , that torments me . And now , beloved Father , what shall I say ; I am in great extremity ; 't is now the hour of Combat ; save me , O Lord , in this hour . But 't is thou hast permmitted it , for the manifestation of thy Glory , in delivering me from such Straits . Let it please thee then Lord , to succour me ; for miserable wretch that I am , what can I do , and whither shall I go without thee ! Grant me Patience Lord , even this time also . Help me , my God , and then , however Temptations press heavy upon me , yet I will not fear .

And now , in this condition , what shall I say ? Lord , thy will be done : I have truly deserv'd to be afflicted and griev'd ; and certainly I ought to bear it ; and would to God , I could bear it with patience , till the Storm be over , and there succeed a Calm . But thy Almighty hand is able even now , to remove this Temptation from me , and abate its violence , that I sink not under it , as thou hast often already done , O God of Mercy : And the more unable I am to rescue my self from this evil , the more manifest will thy Power be , in working this Change by thy mighty Arm. O God be then to me a Jesus , and deliver me .

II .

O Merciful God , the only hope of my Soul , and my eternal Comfort , who visitest those with internal Sweetness , who for love of thee , despise the satisfactions of this World ; so overrule my Will by thy Grace , that my Soul may find no relish in the Goods of this Life , but that thou being my only Comfort , every thing else may be no otherwise grateful , than as it comes from thee .

Work that happy effect in my heart , as to take off all bitterness from the Cross and Suffering , and make them become delightful to me . 't was by thy Grace , Stephen found Comfort , even in the Stones that were thrown against him , and Lawrence in the Fire , that Consum'd him : 't was by thy help the Apostles found Sweetness in their Afflictions , and rejoyc'd in their Sufferings . O , grant me a large portion of this heavenly assistance , that I may now taste of that Sweetness thou hast prepar'd for those that serve thee ; that I may not be dejected with the evils that encompass me ; but that receiving all as from thy hand , I may with true submission , accept all thy Appointments , and rejoice in the accomplishment of thy Will .

Behold , therefore , O Just God , I offer thee all the Troubles , Afflictions , Disquiets , I have hitherto suffer'd , and those which at present disturb me , in Union with the bitter Passion of thy only Son my dear Redeemer ; and I beseech thee so to strengthen me by thy Grace , that I may never murmure at the Scourge , with which thou art pleas'd to visit me , but with a true resignation , submit to it , patiently suffer it for the good of my Soul , and cheerfully offer it to the glory of thy Name .

III .

HAve Mercy on me , O Lord , have Mercy on me a miserable Sinner , who have ungratefully rebell'd against thee , and now suffer nothing but what I most justly deserve . My Iniquities are very great ; and tho thy hand afflicts me , yet how light is thy Punishment , if compar'd to the multitude of my Offences ! Thou art Just , O Lord , and thy Judgment is right , and I confess , there is nothing befallen me , but what is according to the appointment of thy Will ; for thou hast care of all thy Creatures , and with a Fatherly Providence , watchest over thy Servants , who put their Trust in thee .

But , I most humbly beseech thee , not to Chastise me according to the measure of my Sins , by which I have most unworthily provok'd thy Wrath ; but according to the greatness of thy Mercy , which infinitely exceeds my Transgressions . Give me a true constancy of Mind , and an untir'd Patience under all my Afflictions , that I may bless thee at all times ; that I may never cease to praise thy Name ; but that under the weight of all my Oppressions , I may still raise up my heart to thee ; and that while I humbly bend under thy Rod , I may still with cheerfulness rejoice in thee . Have Mercy on me , O Lord , have Mercy on me , and according to the greatness of my Necessity , so help me , Lord ; for thou seest my Affliction , thou know'st my Weakness , and thou alone hast power to help me , who livest for ever .

IV .

O Merciful Redeemer , who ever shew'st thy Goodness to us , as well in thy Punishments as in thy Blessings , who by outward Chastisements , endeavour'st to heal the Corruptions of the Inward Man , and by passing Troubles , prepar'st us for everlasting Joys , grant , that now with patience , I may receive the Cup thou hast put into my hand , and drink it in obedience to thy Will . Nature indeed is unwilling , and thinks it hard ; but thou hast suffer'd much more for me , and my Sins deserve yet greater Punishment from thy Justice .

But thou know'st my Weakness , and therefore like the good Samaritan , whilst thou pour'st Wine into our Wounds , which searches and bites , thou generally mixest it with Oyl , giving ease by thy interior Comforts , and thus enablest us to go through those evils , which otherwise we could not support . Since therefore at present , thou art pleas'd to send me this Trial , grant me likewise the gift of Patience , that I may receive this Trouble with a true Humility , and so resign'd a heart , that it may be available for the remission of all my Sins .

Or , if in thy Fatherly Tenderness , thou shalt think this gentle Correction to be sufficient , let this affliction , I beseech thee , be follow'd with Quiet and Peace ; that so , on this double account , I may render thee due thanks , for having with a merciful hand chastis'd my Wickedness , and for relieving my Sorrows with the sweetness of thy Comfort ; for punishing me in thy Justice , and sparing me in compassion to my Weakness . To thee be Praise and thanksgiving for ever .

O God , who resistest the Proud , and givest Grace to the Humble , deliver me , I beseech thee , from the Tribulation and Grief , which straiten me now on every side ; for thou alone hast power to help me , and there 's none that can resist thy Will : Help me , O Lord , and I shall be safe ; look with compassion on my Weakness , and let not the Enemy have power over me .

Strengthen me , O merciful Lord , by thy Grace , that in all my afflictions , I may keep close to thee , that I may Love thee , Fear thee , and Praise thee . Thy Will be done in me ; for thy Judgments are Just , and what am I , but a miserable unworthy Sinner ? Blessed be thy Name for ever , for thou only know'st what is good for me ; and tho I beg of thee not to punish me according to my Sins , yet do that , I beseech thee , which is most expedient for my Salvation .

O God , who despisest not the Sighs of a contrite heart , and hast promis'd to hear the Prayers of the afflicted Spirit , receive now my Petition , which I offer thee from under the weight of my Oppression , and be my defender against all my Adversaries , deliver me from their Snares , overthrow their Counsels , and stand thou Lord , against all their attempts ; that being restor'd , to peace , I may for ever praise and bless thy holy Name .

Without this thy help , how can I subsist in this miserable Life ; how can I support my self , if I have not thy Mercy and Grace to comfort me ? Turn not therefore , Lord , thy Face from me ; delay not thy Heavenly Visitation ; let me no longer want the assistance of thy Grace , lest my Soul become as Earth without Water Teach me , Lord , to do thy Will ; teach me to live humbly in thy Sight ? for thou art the only Wisdom , that canst instruct me ; thou perfectly know'st me , and 't is my desire truly to know and follow thee in all the ways where ever thou art pleas'd to lead me .

VI .

I Praise thee , O heavenly Father , Father of my Lord Jesus Christ , for that thou art often pleased to remember me , a poor and miserable Creature O Father of Mercies , and God of all Comfort , thanks be to thee , who refreshest me sometimes , tho unworthy of all Comfort : I ever bless and glorifie thee , with thy Holy Ghost . O God , my Lord , when ever thou art pleased to come into my Heart , then all that is within me , is fill'd with Joy . Thou art my Glory , and the fulness of all Comfort . Thou art my Hope and my Refuge in the day of Tribulation .

But because I am yet weak in thy Love , and imperfect in Vertue , I have need of being comforted and strengthen'd by thee : Visit me therefore often and instruct me in thy holy Discipline Deliver me from my evil passions , and heal my heart of all its disorder'd affections ; that being cur'd within , I may be prepar'd to Love , couregeous to Suffer , and constant in holding out to the end in thy Service : that so I may be no more disquieted with Fears , dejected with Sadness , terrified with Temptations , nor weakned with Grief .

O , when will these evils be at an end ! When shall I be deliver'd from this miserable Bondage ! When shall I think , O Lord , of thee alone ! When shall I be free from all impediments , in true liberty , without all disquiets , either of Body or Mind ! Behold , I am here left as one poor and banished , in the land of Enemies , where there is continual War , and endless Misfortunes . Comfort Lord , this my Banishment , moderate my Sorrow , for all my desire ascends up in Sighs to thee . I profess , I would gladly fix my heart on the things of Heaven ; but temporal Cares and unmortified Passions , weigh me down . In mind , I would be above all things ; but I am forc'd to be subject to corrupt Nature , even against my will . Thus unhappy sinner that I am , I fight against my self , I am become grievous to my self , whilst my Spirit seeks after the things above , and Nature draws me to things below . Be not therefore far from me , my God ; depart not in thy Wrath from thy Servant . Succour me , O everlasting Truth , that nothing may move me from my Duty . Come heavenly Sweetness , proclaim peace to my Soul , and abide with me in the midst of all my Tribulation .

VII .

O Merciful and dear Redeemer , behold here I an unworthy Sinner . redeem'd by thy precious Blood , flye to thee my God and my Saviour , with an humble , but servent Heatt . Thou once offerdst thy self to the Eternal Father , on the Cross , for my Redemption ; and now I , tho unworthy to appear in thy Presence , offer my self wholly to thee , with all that I have , or am , or shall be .

Accept , I beseech thee , dear Jesus , this Offering I now make ; and from this hour , take my Soul and Body , my Thoughts , my Words and Actions , into thy Mercy and Protection , that I may faithfully serve thee , my Redeemer ; and that neither Life nor Death , Plenty , nor Want ; neither Temptation nor Peace , Joy nor Sadness , Ease nor Disquiets , may be ever able to divide me from thee .

For this end , I now desire with all my Soul , to renounce my self , and that my Will for the future be ever conform'd to thine . I desire thee to dispose of me and whatever belongs to me , in the manner thou pleasest , and as it shall be most for thy glory . And I now desire to be content with whatever lot thou hast appointed for me , whether Good or Evil . And therefore , as to Sickness , Poverty , Contempt , Grief , Desolation , or what other Suffering ; may they be all wellcome to me , O God , as they come from thy hand : May I submit to all , be content with all , and even rejoyce in all ; because 't is all the fulfilling of thy Will . In whatever condition I am , may I ever think 't is well , and desire nothing to be otherwise than it is , because it is according to thy Will . Perfect , O God , this will in me by thy holy Grace , that thus my whole comfort may ever be in thee .

VIII . In any Publick Calamity .

ALmighty and Everlasting God , Father of Mercies and God of all comfort , have regard to us miserable and unworthy Sinners , who in our distress and necessities , with all humility , seek to thee for help . Thy hand is upon us , and we are severely Afflicted ; Tribulation is on every side . And we , what shall we say to these things , O dreadful Lord ! Thou art Just , O God , and thy Judgments are unquestionable : The evils with which thou visitest us , we confess to be the just Scourges of thy Anger , which we have provok'd . For thou visitest our iniquities with thy Rod , and our Sins with thy Scourge , because we have so rebelliously offended against thy Divine Majesty : We have sin'd , O Lord , against Heaven , and done Evil in thy sight ; by our Iniquities we are become unworthy to appear in thy presence , or to lift up our Eyes to Heaven .

But look not , O Lord , so much on our wickedness , as to forget thy Goodness ; for as thou art Just , so thy Mercies are above all thy Works : And if thou only regardest our Iniquities , Lord , who shall be able to stand before thee ? Moderate therefore , we beseech thee , O merciful God , the rigour of thy Justice , and deal not with us according to our Sins , nor punish us according to our Iniquities ; but according to the multitude of thy tender Mercies turn away thy Anger from us .

We are truly sorry for having so grievously offended against thee , and by our transgressions provok'd thy Justice ; and therefore in a Contrite and humble heart , we now fly to the Throne of thy Grace and Goodness ; and there , prostrating our selves , with our whole trust in thy infinite Mercies , beg thee to have compassion in our Misery , and not wholly abandon us to the fury of thy just Revenge .

Look , we beseech thee , on the face of thy Christ , who has purchas'd us by his Death ; be mindful of the Promise and Covenant thou hast made with thy People , and which has been Seal'd with the Blood of thy beloved Son , our Redeemer Jesus Christ : Have regard to the honour of thy Name , which is now invok'd by thy Servants , but blasphem'd by thy Enemies .

And because we are unworthy , of our selves , to be partakers of the effects of thy Goodness ; at least for thy own sake , and for the glory of thy Holy Name , be merciful to us , deliver us , and forgive us our Sins : Let that thy unspeakable Love and Goodness move thee , which prevail'd on thee to send thy Only Son for our Redemption . And we beseech thee , by the same Lord Jesus our Redeemer , by his most bitter Passion and Death , have regard to our Prayers , hear our Cry , and consider the Affliction of thy People : For thou alone art our Protector and Deliverer .

IX .

O God , who by Sin art offended , and by Penance pacified , mercifully regard the Prayers of thy People , who make supplication to thee , and turn away the Scourges of thy Anger , which we deserve for our Sins .

Despise not , O Lord , thy People calling upon thee in their Affliction ; but for the glory of thy Name , send us relief in our Necessities .

Look upon us , O God our Protector , that we , who are appress'd under the weight of eur Miseries , may , by the effect of thy Mercy , be restor'd again to Peace , and serve thee with true freedom of Spirit .

Mercifully hear our Prayers , O Lord , we beseech thee , that we who justly suffer for our Offences , may , for thy Name sake , be graciously deliver'd .

O God , who know'st our weakness , and that through the frailty of our Nature we cannot subsist amidst such dangers and terrors ; Strengthen us , we beseech thee , both in mind and body , that the Evils we suffer for our Sins , we may overcome through the assistance of thy Grace .

X. In time of Thunder , Lightning , Storms .

First say the long Litanies , repeating twice those words ; From Thunder and Lightning : And the Our Father being ended , go on thus ,

V. OUR help is in the Name of our Lord . R. Who made the Heavens and the Earth . V. Shew us , O Lord , thy Mercy . R. And save us by thy Power . V. Help us , O God , our Salvation . R. And for the glory of thy Name deliver us . V. Let not the Enemy prevail against us . R. Nor the Son of Iniquity have power to hurt us . V. Have mercy on us , O Lord . R. As we have put our trust in thee . V. Lord save thy People . R. And bless thy Inheritance . V. Refuse not thy Assistance to those that keep thy Law . R. Lord , God of Power , blessed is the Man , that places his whole confidence in thee . V. O Lord , hear my Prayer . R. And let my Cry come unto thee .

Let us Pray .

O God , who by Sin art offended , and by Penance pacified , mercifully regard the Prayers of thy People , who make Supplication to thee , and turn away the Scourges of thy Anger , which we deserve for our Sins .

Defend , O Lord , this thy House , from the Power of Evil Spirits , and by thy command abate the terrors of this Storm .

Almighty and Everlasting God , have compassion on us , who justly now fear thy Judgments , and graciously hear our Prayers , that sparing us in this Storm , and removing the Tempest , we may hence have reason to magnifie thy Mercy .

Lord Jesus Christ , who did'st once command the Winds and the Sea , and there follow'd a great Calm ; give ear to the Prayers of this Family , and grant that by the Sign and Power of Christ crucified , the fury of this Storm may cease .

Almighty and most merciful God , who heal'st us by thy Punishments , and by thy Mercy preserv'st us ; grant to thy Servants , that we may be comforted in the return of the Peace we desire , and enjoy the gift of thy Bounty .

King of Heaven and all-powerful God , who cover'st the Heaven with Clouds , and providest Rain for the Earth , who commandest the Storms above , and open'st the gates of Heaven , who chasest away Tempests , and mak'st the Calm return , who gav'st the Angel charge not to hurt the Earth or Sea or Trees , mercifully hear us , we beseech thee , have compassion on us in our Fears , and chastise us not in thy Anger .

Command in thy power all these Terrors to cease ; shew thy self Soveraign Lord of all , and make them obey thy Word . May thy Holy Spirit now descend amongst us and be our Comforter . May he protect us against all the designs of the Enemy ; and let none of thy Creatures hurt us , while we hope in thee , and seek for shelter under thy Wings ; through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son , &c.

Here may be added those Prayers at Num . VIII . IX . p. 82 , &c.

In time of Temptation .

LOrd Jesus Christ , behold the Enemy makes violent Assaults against me , and if thou com'st not in to my defence , how shall I be able to withstand his fury ! Vouchsafe therefore , dear Lord , to take me into thy protection ; that so , however weak and inconstant I am of my self , yet by the assistance of thy Power I may be secure .

Deliver me , O God , from all my Enemies ; for to thee I fly for shelter : Teach me do to thy Will , for thou art my God . Be to me a Protection and Place of Defence , and save me : For a violent Storm is risen against me ; and being now ready to sink , behold , I cry to thee for help . Have compassion therefore on my weakness , and , as thou did'st to Peter , so now mercifully stretch forth thy hand to me , and save me from the fury of the Waves . Preserve me , O God , from these Evils , which now cause disquiet in my Soul ; confirm me at least , with strength from above , that so , neither flattery nor fears may be ever able to force me from my Duty , but that in all these Trials I may be ever faithful to thee .

Most just Lord , I confess all is done by thy appointment , and if thou shalt please to carry me on in this Exercise , and that I be still assaulted against my will , what have I , miseralbe Creature , to say , but , thy Will be done ? I know , I deserve no comfort from thee , having been ever faithless to thee , forsaking thee my God , and vainly seeking to satisfie my own corrupt Nature ; therefore am I now justly deliver'd up to these Passions , to be buffeted by Satan , and to be punish'd with the trouble of these Trials .

Wherefore beloved Jesus , in union of that true Resignation , wherewith thou offered'st thy self to the Death on the Cross , I now offer and resign my self to whatever thou hast appointed for me , either of Suffering or Temptation : But remember , O merciful Jesu , how infirm and weak I am : I have nothing of my own to trust to ; and therefore distrusting wholly of my self , I repose all my confidence in thee .

My Lord and my God , receive me in thy Mercy , protect me by thy power , and strengthen me by thy Grace , that I may so bear all Troubles and Temptations , whether within or without , go on with that Constancy , Resolution and Courage and be so true to my Duty , that even till Death I may never yield , never seek comfort out of thee ; but that all may turn to my improvement in Vertue and to the good of my Soul .

XII . Upon a Child , Friend , &c. taking evil ways .

LOrd Jesus Christ , who cam'st into this World to be the Shepherd of our Souls , to seek after the lost Sheep , and carry him back to the Fold , look on this thy Servant with the Eyes of compassion , and permit him no longer to run astray after Folly and Vanity , but , by the power of thy Grace , force his rebellious Will to submit to thy Law .

I confess , Lord , for my own part , I deserve , for my Transgressions , the rigor of thy Justice ; but spare me however , I beseech thee , in this point , and let not the loss of such a Soul , thus dear to me , be the punishment of my Offences . Thou hast said , thou hatest nothing of what thou hast made , but that thou wilt shew Mercy and spare ; let not then this thy Creature and Servant be excluded from thy Promise ; let him not be cast off as a Reprobate ; and tho he has forsaken thee , yet thou canst still manifest in him the power of thy Goodness , and by thy Grace reclaim him from his Evil .

Remember , I beseech thee , that Mercy thou shew'st to Mary Magdalen , to Peter and to the Publican ; see , how all Christians daily bless and magnifie thy Name for this thy Goodness ; See how many Sinners have been hence encourag'd to return to thee , in hopes of thy Pardon . Let now this thy Servant be one Instance more of thy infinite Mercy , and let it not be enough to forgive him , when he repents ; but extend still thy Mercy farther , seek after him , call upon him and draw him to Repentance .

Let thy Light shine forth upon him and remove his Blindness , that he may see the error of his ways , be sensible of his Offence against thee , of the Scandal he gives his Neighbour , of the eternal ruin of his own Soul , and of as many others , as are deluded by his Example . Rectify his Affections and over-rule his Will , that he may no longer find charms in the things of this World , but that being truly sensible of all his Follies , he may return to his Duty , and have Courage to deny himself and forsake all Sin for the love of thee .

Hear me , O Jesus , and let not this thy Servant be lost , who has been Redeem'd by thy precious Blood .

XIII . Upon any Reprehension , Reproach , or false Accusation .

HOw miserably weak am I , who am thus easily disturb'd ! I cannot suffer a few Words , who ought to have courage even to endure Stripes . And , why am I thus infirm , but because my heart is yet carnal , and I regard Men more than I ought ? If I were dead to the World , and the World were truly crucified to me , I should be content to be despis'd and humbled , I should not value what Men say of me , but wholly depend on thy Judgment , O Lord , who judgest not according to the Face , but searchest the Heart and Reins .

O Lord my God , the just Judge , Strong and Patient , thou know'st my perversity and weakness ; be thou my Strength and the support of my Soul , for my own Conscience suffices me not . I ought in every Reproach and Reprehension , have hubmly submitted my self and born it patiently : But mercifully pardon me , I beseech thee , as often as I have fail'd herein ; and give me now grace of greater Sufferance . For thy bountiful Mercy is more available to me , for the obtaining of Pardon , than my conceiv'd Justice for the defence of my hidden Conscience . Although my Conscience accuses me not , yet in this I am not Justified . For if I deserve not this Severity on this score , yet I cannot pretend it is unjust O God , how many other ways have I deserv'd it from thy hands at least , who have so often offended thee ; and if thou art now pleas'd to punish me in this way , why should I complain ? O God , I desire to accept all as from thy appointment ; and I now fall down prostrate under thy Scourge , and Bless thy Name .

XIV . When a Friend , Child , Relation ; &c. is seiz'd with Sickness .

TO thy infinite Goodness , dear Jesus , I recommend this thy Servant , whom thou art pleas'd to visit with this Distemper . Take him into thy care , I beseech thee , and be his Physician ; give a Blessing to the Remedies that shall be us'd , and punish not my Sins in him ; but spare him , if it be thy holy Will ; I leave him wholly in thy hands , and hope , that as thou hast often comforted the Afflicted , in giving Health to the Sick so thou wilt at present , snew thy Mercy to thy Servant , and restore him again to us . Give him patience in this his Sickness , and sanctifie it to him by thy Grace , that he may accept it as from thy hand ; and as for me , grant me a true Christian Spirit , that I may be perfectly resign'd to thy Will , and confess thee to be most Just and Adorable in all thy Decrees . Help us , O Lord , direct and comfort us under thy Scourge , for as thou art Just , so thou art Merciful : Shew us then thy Mercy , that we may rejoyce in thee .

XV . In any violence of Pain .

HAve Mercy on me O Jesus , a miserable Sinner , and deliver me from this Pain , which disquiets me ; or grant me Patience to bear it , as becomes my Duty . When I look on my self , I cannot but confess , I most justlyly deserve all this from thy hands : For what is there of Pain , that is not my due , if I were to be punish'd according to my Deserts ? Are not there many now suffering in Hell , whose Sins exceed not mine ? And is it not a Mercy then , that I am thus tenderly Visited , while so many others suffer under thy Justice , without hopes of Relief . See then my Soul , hast thou reason to murmure or complain of the weight of this Scourge : Or rather art thou not oblig'd with thanks , to bless the goodness of thy Lord ? And if thou thinkst thou art severely dealt with , raise thy Thoughts a little , and hear that last Sentance pronounced , of , Go you accursed , into Eternal Fire . O , if thou wert one of that wretched Number , and now in the moment of sinking into Hell , wouldst not thou esteem it a Mercy , to have that sad Doom exchang'd into the Pain thou now endur'st ? Give thanks then now , and remember that instead of this present uneasiness , thy lot might Justly have been with those , whose Pains shall never end ? Thanks therefore be to thee O Lord , for all thy Mercies , and now withal my Soul , I bless thy Name , and blessed be it for ever .

But still I want Patience , I am still uneasie . And is not this because thou art infirm and weak , and know'st not the ways of thy Lord ? Thou hast taken thy time to offend , and he now takes his time to punish thee . Thou hast often sinfully indulg'd thy Will , and to please thy self , hast made light of displeasing him ; therefore is his hand upon thee now ; therefore he calls thee to Self-denials , and that 's become now a Force upon thee , which should have been thy Choice . Neglect not then this opportunity put into thy hands , but accept of this Correction to satisfie for all those vicious liberties , whereby thou hast hitherto injur'd thy Soul and displeas'd thy God . Offer up every Pain thou feel'st , for such particular Sins as are thy greatest Burthen ; and as often as it returns , let it be still assign'd to discharge some old Debt that lyes upon thy hands . O God , 't is thus I offer it now , and beg thee graciously thus to accept it from me : Accept in pardon of all my Sins : Upon this Score , I readily embrace the Rod , and think they are very easie Terms , if thus I may escape thy anger , and be again restor'd to Grace .

But , why do I speak of Terms ? Thou art my God , and 't is thy right to Command and Order whatever thou wilt , and 't is my duty to Obey . This Pain is what thou hast appointed for me ; and am not I most miserable , if I withstand or dispute thy Will ? I have many years been saying ; Thy Will be done on Earth , as it is in Heaven : And now the Trial is come , how uneasie am I in submitting to theee ! Change , O God , I beseech thee ? this my heart , and let me no longer rebel against thee ; give me a heart ready to submit to all thy Orders , and willing to follow where ever thou commandest . Behold , I now desire to offer my self to thee ; I confess thy Judgments are Just . And as to all I am to suffer , I accept it in union of all those Torments thou endur'dst for me . O , that I could bear all with such Patience , Humility and Resignation , that I might truly shew my self to be thy Disciple .

XVI . At the Death of a Friend , &c.

't is thou hast done this , O Lord , and what have I , miserable Sinner that I am , to say against thy Decrees ? shall I call in question , or complain of what thou hast done ? Shall I , poor Worm , lift up my self against the hand of the Almighty ? He was mine , 't is true , but he was more thine ; and if thou hast dispos'd of what is thy own , according to thy good pleasure , what part of a Christian is it now to be disturb'd at thy Appointments ? In vain have I so many years repeated to thee my God , Thy Will be done , if now , when thou hast evidently manifested thy Will to me , I cannot submit to it ; is not this a sign , I more admire thy Blessings than the hand that gave them ; and that I more adore my own Satisfaction and Content , than the accomplishment of thy Will , which ought to be to us , above all , Adorable ?

't is true , something is to be allow'd to Nature and Decency , to mourn and grieve a little , at the loss of what was so dear ; but if this becomes immoderate , 't is then the Grief of Unbelievers , for Christianity allows of no Excess . This requires of me to moderate all my Passions , to deny my self , and not to leave that to be done by Time , which Reason and Religion ought to do .

Ah , my Soul , shew my self then a Christian now , and let not the loss of a Creature , put thee in danger of losing thy Creator too . Tho it be difficult to submit , yet beg assistance from above , force Nature to yield to the Lord of all ; and now , even against thy Inclination , cry out , Thou art Just , O Lord , in all thy ways ; thy Will be be done , thy Will be done now , and for ever .

Thus , Lord , I leave my self , and all in thy hands , desiring truly to humble my self under thy Rod , and beg , that as it is for the punishment of my Sins , so it may be for the amendment of my Life . Help me , dear Jesus , in this , and be thou my Comforter , both now and to all Eternity . And see thou my Soul , thou strive to make him so to thee ; for if he cannot supply this loss and relieve thy Soul , is it not because the Creature is greater to thee than thy God ? O Jesu , be now to me my God , my Helper and my Deliverer .

XVII In Trouble of Conscience .

O Merciful Jesu , who hast promis'd to be found by those that seek thee , have compassion on this miserarable unworthy Sinner , and fulfil thy Word in me . For behold , I am truly sensible of my own Weakness and of the truth of what thou hast said , That without thee , I can do nothing ; and therefore I now humbly make my address to thy Goodness , beseeching thee , that thou would'st vouchsafe to be found by me , that thou would'st give me the grace of seeking thee with a sincere heart , that the impressions of Education may not make me obstinate against thy Truth ; that neither Interest or Compliance or any other human respect whatever may biass me in my choice ; but that looking for thee , with all sincerity , I may be rais'd above all these Considerations , and suffer nothing of Earth to put me out of the way to Heaven .

O God , what have I on Earth , and , besides thee , what have I'in Heaven ! Was not I made for thee ; and if I lose thee , is there any thing on Earth , can make me for ever happy ! Is there any thing here can recompense the loss of my Soul ? O Jesu , far be it from me , to run this hazard : Thou hast taught me in thy Passion the true worth of a Soul ; and when I consider how much thou suffer'dst , to purchase happiness for me , do not I there see , how much I ought to suffer to prevent the ruin of my Soul ? O God , permit me not , I beseech thee , to cast away upon this World , what has cost thee the Blood of thy only Son .

No , my God , I desire ever to be thine , and here in thy presence I declare , thou art to me , above all the World , I renounce all for the sake of thee . Have regard to me therefore at present , and take me into thy Protection ; defend me from all delusions , remove all darkness from my Soul , and mercifully lead me into thy Truth . If it be thy way , in which I walk at present , preserve me for ever in it , and let me rather suffer a thousand deaths , than depart from it : But if I have been hitherto in error , deliver me , I beseech thee , from it ; open then the way to me , shew me thy paths and guide me into thy Truth , for where thou art , there I desire to be ; I desire to be in thy way , that I may faithfully serve thee , and that I may find thee at the end of my Journey . Grant me , O God , this my request , for the love of thy only Son ; for in thee I put my trust .

HEre I have set down a Collection of some Lessons rnd Prayers , which may give some relief in time of Affliction and Sadness ; I cannot promise they will be always said with this good effect , and yet I cannot but hope so far in the Promises of God , that such as use them for this end , will in good time find God their Comforter . He may , some time , for our greater Trial and Humiliation delay this interior relief , so that a Christian , while he earnestly seeks God in Prayer , to be his Comforter in the day of Tribulation , may still sink in Spirit and be cover'd with Darkness , and have reason with David , to cry out , Contristatus sum in exercitatione mea . Yet if he with constancy holds on , bearing his Trial with Patience , and continuing his Prayers with an assured Confidence in God , he will at length find all delays abundantly recompenc'd in the fulness of Grace , and have reason to give thanks for this method of Providence , which laying Thorns in the way , makes them all bring forth the Fruit of Glory

I here add a Thanksgiving-Prayer for such as have experienc'd God's Goodness in being deliver'd from those Evils , with which they were oppress'd ; desiring all Christians , as they are very sensible of every Trouble that afflicts them , and sollicitous for Relief , so they would be as careful in returning thanks in having obtained their Request . This being a Point , in which too many , and those esteem'd Good too , are very deficient ; so that I fear , 't is with us , as with the Lepers in the Gospel , not above One in Ten , gives due Thanks for these Blessings receiv'd . All are earnest in Asking , but very few in Thanksgiving .

In the first place ought to be said the Hymn Te Deum , We praise thee , O God , Then as occasion serves may be added , Psalm 65. or 80. or 95. 99. 102. 148. The Song of the three Children . Then ,

A Thanksgiving .

V. BLessed be the Lord God of our Fathers . R. May he be prais'd and glorified for ever . V. Let us bless the Father , Son and holy Ghost . R. Let us adore and magnifie him for ever . V. Blessed be our Lord in Heaven . R. Let Praise and Glory be given to him for ever . V. Bless our Lord , my Soul . R. And forget not thy Afflictions . V. Lord hear my Prayer . R. And let my Cry come unto thee .

Let us pray .

O God , whose Mercies are without number , and the treasure of whose Goodness is infinite , we render thee most homble , Thanks for thy Blessings at present bestow'd on us , beseeching thy Divine Majesty , that as thou hast in this granted our requests , so thy Mercy may ever abide with us , and prepare us for everlasting Happiness .

O God , who forsakes none that trust in thee , but favourably givest ear to such as call on thee in their Affliction , we offer thee our most hearty Thanks , for the grant of our Petition , and humbly pray thee , to be our Protector against all adversities , through our Lord Jesus Christ thy Son , &c.

Instructions and Devotions for the Sick .

Q. WHen a Person is seiz'd with sickness , what ought to be his chief Concern ?

A. To consider the State of his Soul , and resolve upon using all the means proper for making his peace with God , and putring himself in that condition , that if Almighty God shall please to call him out of this World , he may not be found unprepar'd . No delays ought to be admitted in this Affair ; because , to prepare for Dying well ; is a great Work . They who have liv'd well , have made the surest preparation for it ; and yet even these too will find enough to do in the time of their Sickness , for fitting their Souls for this last passage ; how much more then will those have upon their hands , who in their Lives have forsaken God , and been wanting to many Christian duties ? As for such , who have liv'd in Willful and known Sins , and on their Death-bed , seem to return to God and ask for mercy , I must say with many Fathers , Their case is very dangerous , if not Desperate ; I can promise nothing to such late endeavours , which are very seldom sincere ; however since none ought to despair , I wish all sorts would make the best use of their Sickness , which is a Call from Heaven to prepare for Eternity : Those who have liv'd best , will certainly go on with the greater Confidence in God ; and as for the others , Who knows , but God may shew mercy to them ?

1st . Then let the sick Person , whilst he sends for the Physian , or such as may take care of his Health , remember to call for his spiritual Physitian too , who may help to put his Soul in a good state .

2dly . Let him engage his best Friends , to discover to him the danger of his Distemper , as soon as they apprehend any ; and desire them not to flatter him with the hopes of recovery , when in reality there appears none ; that so , he may dispose his Soul for what God has appointed for him , and not be surpris'd with suddain and unexpected Death . For 't is most certainly a very unfriendly part , to delude a sick Person with these false hopes , and on pretext of not disturbing him , to take out of his hands the opportunity , never more to be recover'd , of preparing his Soul to appear before his Lord ; this is a sort of Friendship very barbarous and cruel , whilst for the preserving a short Peace , is ventur'd the loss of that which is Eternal .

3dly If he has not his Will already made ( as in Prudence he ought ) let him be careful in the beginning of his Sickness , to call for such experienc'd Persons , as may help him to make it ; that so having settled all Temporal Affairs , he may wholly apply his thoughts afterwards , without any disturbance , to the care of his Soul . This it is in which many , otherwise good People are very much overseen ; neglecting to make their Wills in time of Health , as if they were afraid to think of dying , and then putting it off still in time of Sickness ; So that , as it too often happens , they either dye without a Will , or else make it in such disorder , that they Entail on their Friends and Relations lasting contentions and endless Expences , which might have been prevented by their timely care , and will most certainly be severely laid to their Charge , who by their affected neglect have given the occasion of these Disorders and Scandals .

4thly . If he be in Debt , or has any Restitution to make , let him take care for the satisfying these Obligations to the best of his power .

5thly . Let him be mindful to forgive all those , who have any ways injur'd him , and beg pardon of as many , as he has wrong'd either in word or deed .

6thly . If the Distemper be dangerous , let him admit but few visits , since the Discourses of most People , are only so many distractions , and help to bring the World in , to one who is going out of it .

The reason why these things ought to be done in the beginning of Sickness , is , because many Distempers unexpectedly fly up into the Head , and deprive a Man of all Reason and Judgment ; and where the Disease spares the Brain , the Physician very often do's not , prescribing Remedies , which lay him into such a dozing sleepiness , that , it may be , he never more comes truly to himself again ; but go's sleeping and senseless out the World . Thus , whether from the Disease or the Physick , an opportunity of settling these Affairs , lost in the beginning , proves but too often past all recovery ; and therefore in Prudence ought not to be neglected .

Q What method do you propose to be us'd in time of Sickness , as most proper to prepare a Christian for his last hour , and fit him to appear before his Judge ?

A. There can be no one Method fit for all , but a great deal must be left to Discretion , in compliance to particular Cases and Circumstances . But however , it being most certain , that a Soul without a True Faith in God , without Hope and Confidence in his Goodness , without Charity , without a sincere Repentance , without Resignation , Patience , &c. is very unfit to be presented before the Judgment Seat , therefore it is absolutely necessary , in time of Sickness , care should be taken to establish a Soul in these Vertues ; that so being purified from all Sin , it may be found cloath'd in its Wedding Garments , and thus enter into Eternity . A good director and Pious Books will be helpful for this end : But for such as are not better provided , I 'll here set down a short Collection of Devotions , by which it may be in the power of any charitable Friend , to assist his Neighbour for the doing this Great Work , which being once well done , will be an Everlasting Blessing .

A Prayer in the beginning of any Sickness .

LOrd Jesus Christ , behold I receive this Sickness , with which thou art pleas'd to visit me , as from thy Fatherly hand : 't is thy Will it should be thus with me , and therefore I accept it ; Thy Will be done on Earth , as it is in Heaven . May it be to the honour of thy Holy Name and good of my Soul : for this end I here offer my self , with an entire submission to all thy appointments ; to suffer whatever thou pleasest , as long as thou pleasest , and in what manner thou pleasest . For I am thy Creature , O Lord , who have most ungratefully offended against thee , and since my Sins have a long time call'd aloud to Heaven for Justice ; why shall I now complain , if I feel thy hand upon me ? No , my God , thou art just in all thy ways ; I have truly deserv'd thy Punishments ; and therefore I have no reason to complain of thee , but only of my own Wickedness .

But correct me not , O Lord , I beseech thee in thy Anger ; but have regard to my Weakness . Thou know'st , how frail I am ; that I am nothing but Dust and Ashes : deal not with me therefore according to my Sins , neither punish me according to my Iniquities ; but according to the multitude of thy most tender Mercies have compassion on me . Let thy Mercy come mixt with thy Justice , and let thy Grace be my support in my Sickness Confirm my Soul with strength from above , that I may bear with Patience all the uneasiness , pains , disquiets and difficulties of my Illness ; that I may cheerfully accept them , as the just punishment of my Offences : Preserve me from all Temptations , and be thou my Defence against all assaults of the Enemy ; that in this Sickness I may no ways offend thee . And if this is to be my last , I beg of thee , so to direct me by thy Grace , that I may no ways neglect or be depriv'd of those Means , which thou hast , in thy Mercy ordain'd , for the good of my Soul , to prepare it for its passage into Eternity ; that being perfectly cleans'd from all my Iniquities , I may believe in thee , love thee , put my whole Trust in thee , and through the Merits of thy Death and Passion be admitted into the Company of the Blessed , where I may praise thee for ever , Amen

This or such like Prayers ought to be said , at least in heart , not only in the beginning , but every day throughout the whole time of Sickness .

Several Exercises , proper in long Sickness , to be read at times , leisurely and distinctly by any Friend , whom the Sick person may accompany , not in words , but in heart .

Of FAITH .

I Believe in God the Father , who has made me to his own Image and likeness .

And in Jesus Christ my Saviour , who has redeem'd me by his precious Blood .

And in the Holy Ghost , who has sanctified me in my Baptism .

I believe the Holy Catholick Church and whatever she teaches , as receiv'd from Christ and his Apostles . Of this Church I profess my self a Member at present , and thus I desire to dye .

In profession of this Faith , I here recite the Apostles Creed . I believe in God the Father Almighty , maker of Heaven , &c.

All which I understand in the Sense our holy Mother the Church has always understood it .

Thus , O God , I believe ; encrease , I beseech thee , and confirm my Faith .

With this I desire to appear before thy Tribunal , where I believe and hope , I shall see the good things , thou hast prepar'd in the Land of the living .

For such as have any doubt , whether they are in the true Church , it may not be unprofitable to make the following short Profession .

( I believe in God the Father Almighty , &c. I firmly hope I am a Member of the True Catholick , Apostolick Church , mention'd in this Creed : but , if thou seest , O Lord , that I have been deceiv'd in the choice I have made , and that in reality I have taken part with False Teachers ; behold here , in thy Presence , I renounce the Errors I have profess'd , whatever they are ; I disown the Congegration , by which I have been missed ; and now lay before thee my most sincere Desires of becoming a Member of thy True Catholick Church : And did I but know ; which in particular it is , I declare , I would this moment be a Member of it . Thou know'st , my God , the sincerity of my heart ; and to Thee I profess , I believe all its Doctrins ; I now unite my self to it , and tho to the World I am not in union with it , yet before thee , O Searcher of Hearts , I hope I am . Supply now , I beseech thee , all that is wanting to me , through my own ignorance , and forgive me my Sins , for I detest them all for love of thee , and hope , through the Death and Passion of thy only Son , to be partaker of thy Mercy . Forgive me , O Lord , forgive me , for in thee alone I hope and put my trust )

Of HOPE .

THou hast prepar'd , O Lord everlasting Happiness , for those that love thee . But how can I expect a part in this reward , who am a most grievous Sinner , and from my Childhood , have ever done evil in thy sight ! Ah , my God , while I look on my self , I am terrified with my Sins , and see there nothing but reasons of Despair ; and from this sense of my own unworthiness , I here declare , I have nothing of my own to trust to . No , my God , nothing of my own ; but all my Hope is in thee .

I confess therefore my Sins are many and grievous ; but still I trust in thy Mercy ; that through the Merits and Passion of my Redeemer Jesus Christ , I shall obtain pardon of my Offences , and partake of the Glory of the Blessed . Thouhast said it , O Lord , that thou wilt cast off none that place their Hope in thee ; behold , I hope in thee , let me not be confounded for ever . Tho I were guilty of many more Sins , yet still will I trust in thee , for thy Mercy is infinitely above all my Iniquity .

Look therefore on me with the eyes of compassion , and reject not the Petition of one prostrate at thy Feet . I am Dust and Ashes , but , behold I offer to thee the Passion and Blood of thy only Son ; in that I have an infinite treasure of Mercy stor'd up for me : He laid down his Life for Sinners , and became a Propitiation for my Offences ; t is this I now present to thee ; 't is in this and thy Promises , I ground all my Hope : And since I have this to depend on , I will never despair , but ever preserve a firm and lively Trust in thee . Our Lord is my Light and my Salvation , whom shall I fear ? Our Lord is my Protector , and and nothing shall hurt me . Our Lord is Merciful and full of Compassion . As a tender Father has compassion on his Children , so will our Lord shew Mercy to all that fear him ; for he knows what we are , and of what we are made . He is sweet and tender to all , and his Mercies are above all his Works . He gives strength to the weak , raises up those that fall , comforts the Afflicted , and pardons Sinners . O God , all these good effects , I hope , thou wilt at present work in my Soul , and so watch over me , that nothing necessary for my Salvation be wanting to me .

Of CHARITY .

I Love thee , my Lord God , and 't is my hearty desire to encrease still more and more in thy love ; that I may love thee as thou hast commanded , with all my Heart , with all my Soul , and with all my Strength . Thou art to me , all in all , and out of thee , there is nothing able to help me , or worthy of my Love . O infinite Goodness , when shall I perfectly love thee ? When wilt thou wholly possess my Heart ? When shall I be entirely thine ? O let that happy hour come , when thou wilt take full possession of my Heart , that I may give my self wholly to thee . Lord Jesus Christ , thou hast bestow'd infinite Blessings on me , throughout the whole course of my Life ; add this one Blessing more , I beseech thee , to all the former , That I may here perfectly renounce all the unlawful , vain and unprofitable Affections of this World , and begin now to fix my heart on thee , with a pure and perfect Love , which may abide for all Eternity .

I love thee , O Lord , my Strength ; thou art my Defence and my Refuge , thou art my Deliverer . 't is good for me to depend wholly on my God , and in him to put my Trust . For , what is there in Heaven besides thee ; and out of thee , what have I to seek on Earth ; As the Hart pants after the Fountains of Water , so does my Soul after thee , O Lord . My Soul thirsts after my Lord , the Fountain of Living Water ; when shall I come and appear before the face of my God ? Into thy hands I commend my Spirit ? thou hast redeem'd me , O God of Truth . Who shall separate me from this love of Christ ? Shall Tribulation , or Necessity ? Shall Sickness , or Anguish , or Pain ? No ; all these I hope to overcome , through him that has lov'd us . I hope in my Redeemer , that neither Life nor Death , neither Things present , nor Things to come , neither Flatteries nor Fears , nor any Creature whatever , shall be able to separate me from the love of God , which is in Christ Jesus our Lord .

Of PATIENCE .

I Will speak to our Lord , who am but Dust and Ashes , and as the Shadow that passes away . Remember , Lord , what I am , and what my Being is : Remember thou hast made me as Clay , and into Earth I shall return again . Shew not therefore thy Power against me for what strength have I to bear it ; and how shall I , being so weak as I am , hold out with Patience ? Why then has my Lord stretch'd forth his hand against me , let this disorder seize on my Spirits , and cast me on the Bed of Sickness ? But why do I now lift up my head against Heaven , and appear uneasie under the Decrees of the Almighty ? No , I will rather chuse to say , 't is our Lord has given Health and Strength ; 't is our Lord has taken it away ; as it has seem'd good to our Lord , so it is done , blessed be the Name of our Lord . Thus I say , my God , thus I think : Thou art Just , O Lord ; thy Judgment is right ; I have deserv'd far greater Punishment than this : Were I to be my own Judge , and the punisher of my own Wickedness , I could take off nothing of the Evil I now suffer .

I acknowledge , in what I feel , the hand of a tender Father Chastising a rebellious Child ; it is not the Arm of a severe Judge punishing me in the justice of his Wrath : But however , this one thing , O merciful Father , I ask of thee , that thou would'st remember what I am ; that I am Frail and Weak ; that of my self , I can do nothing , and how much I stand in need of thy Grace to support and comfort me . Grant me , therefore , I beseech thee , strength to suffer ; give me Patience ; for this is necessary for me : Grant this my request , and then behold , my heart is ready , O Lord , my heart is ready , to accept whatever thou art pleas'd to lay on me , and even to be comforted under thy Scourge . Let it be the effect of thy Mercy , that in Patience I may possess my Soul . For this end , I will often look on the face of thy Christ , that by considering him , who suffer'd so much for me , I may be encourag'd to suffer . He became obedient to death , even the death of the Cross : But as for me , I have not yet resisted to Blood , I have yet suffer'd but little : But how much shall I then suffer , when the time shall come , that the pangs of Death seize upon me !

O God , thou art my Strength and my Refuge ? on thee I depend for help in the day of Battle : Thou wilt then try me , and thou must be then my Comforter thou wilt try me like Gold in the Furnace : stand thou ever by me , and forsake me not in my Necessities , that so I may be found worthy of thee . I know indeed , the sufferings of this Life , are nothing , if compar'd to that Glory , which shall be reveal'd in us . I know , as Christ was to suffer , and so enter into Glory ; so if a Christian becomes not like his Head , if he pass not through great Tribulation , he shall never come into the place of Refreshment . Behold , my God , I am now under my Trial ; thou art pleas'd at present to Visit me ; preserve me , I beseech thee , that I may hold out with Patience , that I may submit to all with a cheerful heart ; and that thus imitating my Lord and Redeemer , I may at length partake of his Glory .

Of Resignation .

LOrd Jesus Christ , thou art my Refuge , in thee I believe and put my trust ; thou hast been my Protector from my Youth ; and now I have none to trust to , none to depend on , but only thee my God . behold then the streights I am now in ; I have Life and Death before me ; but what to fear or what to hope , I know not ; I know not what is expedient or best for me ; thou know'st , O Jesus : Do with me therefore what thou pleasest ; dispose of me as thou know'st best ; for I am thine with all my heart , and into thy hands I surrender all that I have or am .

In thy hands I leave the casting of my Lot , whether for Life or Death : If for Life , behold , I receive it with Thanksgiving , and resolve ever to acknowledge it thy Gift , in living to thee : If for Death , behold , I here bow down my self , in submission to the Sentance thou passest ; if it be so thy Will , then , O Lord , thy Will be done ; Praise , Honour and Glory , be to thy Name for ever . In the mean time , I here recommend to thee , all the Affairs of my Soul and Body ; protect me , I beseech thee , under the shadow of thy Wings , and preserve me as the Apple of thy Eye ; and so direct me by thy Grace , that I omit no Duty that may be for the welfare of my Soul .

Another .

O Eternal Wisdom , who disposest all things , thou hast at present visited me with this Distemper ; so order it , I beseech thee , that it may be to the honour of thy Name , and good of my Soul

O Father of Heaven , from whom comes every good Gift , I receive this Sickness as from thy hands ; nothing happens , but by thy appointment , before whom are numbred the very hairs of our Head ; thou strikest and thou healest , 't is thou givest Life , and thou order'st Death to seize us ; but whether we live , or whether we die , we are thine , O Lord ; we are thine or ought to be so ; O God , make me thine from this moment ; and let thy Will be now done in me ; if I have receiv'd good things from thy hands , why shall I not with patience submit to the evil thou permittest ; which too will not be evil , if I accept it as a just Correction of a Child from thy Fatherly hand ; for then , even these very evils will co-operate to my good , and be for the advantage of my Soul .

O Lord , I am thy Servant , do with me according to thy Will : Who am I , that I should stand out against thee ? Who has ever resisted thee , and been in peace ? Behold , I am as Clay in thy hands ? turn and fashion me as thou pleasest , but then let this be the end of all my Sufferings , that I become a Vessel of Honour .

O heavenly Physician , who by thy Word , healest all the distempers of the Soul , and of the Body too , when 't is for our good , vouchsafe to command , and then my Soul shall be healed ; give a Blessing to the remedies I take , and I shall be restor'd to Health ; for my hope is in thee ; and if thou build'st not up this ruin'd House of my Body , in vain do they labour who undertake to repair it . But if this be not thy Will , grant me then an humble Patience ; for this is a remedy that never fails .

In the mean time , if thou art pleas'd to afflict me , and by bitter and ungrateful Potions , try to cure my distemper'd Soul , why shall I refuse and be against this method ? Have not I too often sinfully indulg'd my Self , humour'd my own corrupt Inclinations , and labour'd to please my Senses , even with thy Displeasure ? and if now thou judgest it proper to cure these evils by their Contraries , and to let Self-denial be the remedy of Self-love ; be it so , O Lord ; let the Flesh suffer and perish , so the Spirit be safe ; 't was to humour the Flesh , I have been drawn to Sin ; let the punishing the Flesh , be now the way to Mercy and Pardon . For this end I am content to suffer ; O God , whatever I endure , let it be now for the forgiveness of my Sins , only stand thou by me with thy supporting Grace , that I sink not under the Scourge , and then ordain what thou pleasest ; here Burn me , here cut me , but spare me at my last hour , spare me for ever , this suffering is but for a moment ; the next Life will be Eternal .

Prayers in time of Sickness .

LOrd , thou art so Merciful , that not only Health and Prosperity , but Sickness and Sufferings , are the effects of thy Love ; give me Grace not to act as a Heathen in the State to which thy Justice has brought me ; but that as a true Christian , I may own thee as my Father and my God , in whatever Condition I am : For thou art always the same , tho I am Subject to Change ; thou art the same God , when thou Afflictest and Punishest , as when thou sendest Comfort and shewest Compassion .

II .

THou hast given me Health to serve thee , and I have ungratefully converted it to a Prophane use ; now thou sendest me Sickness to correct me ; suffer me not to abuse it , nor to provoke thee by my Impatience I have not well employ'd my Health , and thou hast justly punish'd me ; permit me not to slight thy Correction , nor rebel against thy Fatherly hand : I acknowledge the corruption of my Nature , and that it strongly inclines me to abuse thy Favours , and make them all fruitless to me . Grant , O my God , that thy powerful Grace may over-rule my Corruption , and make thy present Chastisements profitable to me . I confess , my heart has been full of the love of the World in time of Health ; now I am uncapable of enjoying the World ; I wish this had been the effect of my love of thee ; but I am contented to be brought to this through Weakness of Body ; since I know there is Mercy even in this , and hope it may be the means of bringing me to the love and enjoyment of thee .

III .

O God , before whom I must give an exact account of all my Actions , at the end of my Life : O God , who leavest impenitent Sinners in the delicious , but criminal use of Creatures . O God , who at the last moment of my Life wilt take me away from all those things in which I have delighted . O God , who at the last day , wilt consume Heaven and Earth , and all Creatures ; that Men may see , 't is only thou Subsistest ; that therefore thou only deserv'st to be loved , because nothing is permanent but thou . O God , who wilt destroy all vain Idols , and all the wicked Objects of our Passions , I Praise thee , and will Bless thee all the remaining days of my Life , inasmuch as thou hast been pleas'd to prevent this dreadful day in my behalf , by destroying , as to me , all things , by the Weakness to which thou hast brought me . I Praise thee , and I will Bless thy Name as long as I live , for that thou hast been pleas'd to make me unable to enjoy the pleasures of Health and of the World ; for that thou hast , in some sort , destroyed for my good , the deceitful Idols , which thou wilt absolutely destroy for the confusion of Sinners , in the great day of thy Wrath . Grant , Lord , I may Judge my self now , that thou may'st not Judge me , after the general destruction thou wilt make of my Life , and of all the World : For , Lord , as at the instant of my Death , I shall find my self separated from the World , stript of all things , standing in thy Presence , to answer thy Justice for all the motions of my heart , grant I may look on my self in this Sickness , as in a kind of death , separate from the World , depriv'd of all the Objects wherein I have delighted , standing in thy Presence , to implore of thy Mercy the true conversion of my Heart ; that so I may find Comfort , in that thou art pleas'd now to send me a kind of Death to exercise thy Mercy , before thou sendest me Death effectively , to exercise thy Judgment . Grant therefore , O my God , that as thou hast anticipated my Death , I may prevent the rigor of thy Sentence ; and that examining my self before thy Judgment , I may find Mercy in thy Presence .

IV .

GRant , O my God , that I may adore in silence the order of thy wonderful Providence in the conduct of my Life , that thy Chastisements may comfort me , and that having liv'd in the bitterness of my Sins , during the time of Peace , I may taste the heavenly sweetness of thy Grace , during the Afflictions , with which thou art pleas'd to visit me . But I acknowledge , my God , that my Heart is so harden'd and full of Cares , Disquiets and Thoughts of this World , that neither Sickness nor Health , neither Discourse nor Books , neither the Gospel nor Works of Charity , neither Miralcles nor the use of the Sacraments , nor all my endeavours , nor those of the whole World put together , can contribute any thing towards my Conversion , except thou art pleas'd to accompany all these things with the assistance of thy Grace ; therefore , my God , I come to thee , Omnipotent Lord , to demand that of thee , which all Creatures together cannot give me : I should not have the confidence to lift up my Voice to thee , if any body else could help me . But , O my God , the Conversion of my Heart being a Work , that surpasses the strength of Nature , I cannot but address my self to the Almighty Author and Master of Nature and of my Heart : To whom should I cry , Lord , to whom should I go , but to thee ? Nothing but God can satisfie my expectation : It is God only that I seek for and desire ; and 't is to thee only I address my self , that my Soul may be prepar'd for the enjoyment of thee . Open my Heart , Lord , enter into this rebellious Place , which has been defil'd with Sin , and Master that infernal Power , which has hitherto kept my Heart in subjection . Lord , take my Afflictions , which the World had stol'n away : This is a Tribute , which belongs to thee , since thy Image is stamped on my Soul . Thou did'st there engrave it , by thy Almighty Hand ; but I fear 't is disfigur'd , if not quite blotted out . But as thou alone had'st power to make my Soul ; so thou only art able to renew it : It was by thy power only my Soul was stamp'd with thy Image ; thou alone art able to restore it and renew thy decay'd Image , even Jesus Christ my Saviour , who is thy Image and the Character of thy Glory .

O God , how happy is the Soul , that loves thee , in whom alone it is safe to trust ! I find , I cannot love the World , without displeasing thee , without doing injury to my self ; and nevertheless the World has been the object of my Delight . O my God , how happy is the Soul , that delights in thee ! How firm and lasting is her happiness ; since her expectation shall not be frustrated , and because neither Death nor Life shall ever separate her from the object of her delight ; and that the same moment , which shall plunge the wicked with their Idols into endless Misery , shall unite the Just with thee in everlasting Glory ; and as the one shall be destroy'd , with the perishable objects , in which they delighted ; so the others shall abide forever in the object , that eternally subsists of himself , to which they were before united .

VI .

ACcomplish , O my God , the good Desires , thou art pleas'd to give me ; be thou the End , as thou art the Beginning . Crown thy own Gifts , for I confess they are from thee I cannot depend on the Prayers I offer thee , as if there were any thing in them to oblige thee to grant what I ask . I most humbly confess , that having given my Heart to Creatures , I can expect no Grace , but meerly from thy Mercy , since there is nothing in me can invite thee to it , and that all the natural motions of my Heart being inclin'd to the World or to my self , cannot but displease thee . I therefore give thee Thanks , my God , for the good motions thou givest me , and even for that thou givest me , that I give thee Thanks .

VII .

TOuch my heart with Repentance of my Sins ; for without this inward Grief , the outward Evils , thou layest on my body , will be a farther occasion of making me transgress : Make me fully understand , that bodily Evils are nothing else , but the punishment and figure of the Evils of my Soul . But , Lord , grant , that they may also prove the Remedy , in making me consider in the punishments I feel , those which I did not feel in my Soul , altho I was Sick and over-run with Ulcers : For , Lord , the greatest of these Evils , is this insensibleness and extream weakness , that had depriv'd my Soul of all Sense and Feeling of its own Miseries : Make me now sensible of them , and that the residue of my Life may be a continual Repentance of the Offences I have committed .

VIII .

LOrd , I wish I could with truth say , my Life past has been exempt from heinous Crimes : Whatever there is of truth in it , I confess it the effect of thy Grace , which has preserv'd me in dangers . But however this be , I must yet acknowledge , that my whole Life has been very odious in thy sight , by my continual negligence in thy Service , by the ill use of thy Holy Sacraments , by despising thy Holy Word and the Motions of thy Spirit , by the Sloth and unprofitableness of my Thoughts and Words , by the loss of my Time , by indulging Self-love and all my Passions : Thus , Lord , have I been always contrary to thee .

Yea , my God , even to this day I have been deaf to thy holy Inspirations ; I have judg'd contrary to what thou judgest ; I have oppos'd the Maxims , which thou did'st bring into the World from the bosom of thy Eternal Father , and by which thou wilt Judge the World . Thou say'st , Blessed are those that weep ; but I have said , Wretched are they , that are sorrowful . I have said , Happy are they , that enjoy a large Fortune , that have great Reputation , State and Health : And wherefore have I esteem'd them happy ; but only , because these advantages give them greater opportunity with ease to enjoy the things of this World , and be thus in danger of displeasing thee ? Yes , Lord , I confess , I have accounted Health a Blessing , not because 't is a means of better serving thee and doing good to my Neighbours ; but because by means thereof I could with greater freedom give my self to the enjoyment of the things of this Life , and enjoy the dangerous Pleasures , which lead to Sin . But shew Mercy to me now , Lord , in rectifying my deprav'd Reason , and conforming my thoughts to thine ; that they may no longer oppose thy Will ; let me now understand the happiness of suffering , and being unable to act outwardly , let me feel thee within me : For , Lord , thy Kingdom is within thy Children , and I shall find it within me , if I there find thy Spirit and thy Will .

IX .

BUt , Lord , what shall I do to prevail with thee to pour forth thy Spirit on this miserable Clay ? I have nothing in me , that can be acceptable in thy sight : I see nothing , Lord , but only my sorrows , that have any resemblance with thee ; consider therefore , I beseech thee , the Evils I suffer , and those that hang over my head . Look with an Eye of pity on the wounds , thy hand has made in me . O my Saviour , who becam'st Man , only to suffer , who did'st take a Body the most oppress'd with suffering , that ever was in the World ; accept my Body , not for its own sake , nor for any thing it has , for there 's nothing in it , but what deserves thy anger ; but for the Pains it endures , which alone can be worthy of thy Compassion and Favour . Love my Sufferings , Lord , and let my Sorrows invite thee to come and visite me . But to finish the preparation of thy abode ; Grant , O my Saviour , if my Body has that in common with thine , that it suffers for my Offences , that my Soul also may have that in common with thine too , that it may be in Sadness for the same Offences ; and that so I may suffer with thee , and as thou did'st , in my Body and Soul , for the Sins I have committed .

I Beseech thee , Lord , to joyn thy Consolations to my Sufferings , that I may suffer as a Christian . I don 't desire to be free from Sufferings , that 's the privilege of the Saints ; but I desire , not to be abandon'd , to the sorrows of Nature , without the Comforts of thy Spirit , for that 's the malediction of Jews and Infidels . I don 't desire the fulness of Consolation without any Suffering , for that 's the Life of Glory ; neither do I desire to be in a fulness of Evils without Comfort , this is the State of Unbelievers But I desire , Lord , to feel the sadness of Nature for my Sins , and the Comforts of thy Spirit by thy Grace , for that 's the true State of Christianity . Let me feel Sadness and Comfort both together , that I may at length come to that happy State of being fill'd with thy Consolations without any Grief . For , Lord , thou didst let the World langush without Consolation , before the coming of thy Only Son ; now thou comfortest and soften'st the Sufferings of thy Children by the Grace of thy Beloved Son ; and thou wilt fill with perfect happiness thy Saints in the participation of his Glory : These are the admirable steps , by which thou furnishest thy Works : Thou hast drawn me out of the First , make me pass through the Second , that so I may arrive at length at the Third , in which I may praise thee for ever . Lord , it is what I heartily beg of thee .

XI .

SUffer me not , O Lord , to be in that distance from thee , as to consider only my Sufferings , without Rejoycing to suffer both in Soul and Body . 't is a confusion to me to think that whilst thou didst sweat Blood to expiate my Offences , I should be bent on nothing but Quiet and Ease 't is a greater reproach to me , that having renounced the World solemnly in the face of the Church , and believ'd . that thou becam'st a Sacrifice for my Salvation ; that the Pleasures and Sins of the World were the only subject of thy Sufferings ; that the World it self was thy Executioner , that persecuted and crucified Thee : and yet , notwithstanding the Faith of these Truths : that I have all my life been fond of this same World , and indulg'd my self in these same Sins and Pleasures . Have not I in this embrac'd and cherish'd the Murtherer of my Father , the Murtherer of my God and Redeemer , that gave himself to Death to purchase Life for me , the bore in his Body the punishment due to my Sins ? It is just , Lord , and I give thee thanks , that thou hast put a stop to such sinful Delights , wherein I rested under the shadow of Death .

XII .

TAke therefore from me , Lord , the sorrow , which Self-love might give me for my own Sufferings ? But be pleas'd to cast me into that sorrow , which is comfortable to thine ; let my Sufferings in some measure pacifie thy Anger : make them the occasion of my Conversion and Salvation . Let me not henceforth desire health nor life , but that I may employ and end them for thee and in thee . I dont ask Health nor Sickness , nor Life nor Death , but that thou would'st dispose of my Health and Sickness , of my Life and Death , for thy Glory and my Salvation . Thou only know'st what is expedient for me ; thou art the absolute disposer of all things ; do what seems good in thy Sight . Give to me , or take away from me , as thou pleasest ; but conform my Will to thine , that in an humble Submission and holy Confidence , I may prepare my self to receive the Decrees of thy Providence , and equally adore all things that proceed from thee .

XIII .

GRant , O my God , that in a constant Uniformity of Mind , I may receive all sorts of Events , because I don't know what to ask or desire , one thing more than another , without a kind of Presumption , and being answerable for the Consequences , which thy Wisdom has justly hid from me . Lord , I know but one thing ; That 't is good to Serve thee , and ill to Offend thee ; beyond this , I dont know ; which is worst or best in any thing . I can't tell which is best for me , Health or Sickness , Riches , or Poverty , or any thing else in the World : These things neither Men nor Angels can discern , being all hid in the Secrets of thy Providence , which I humbly adore , but must not presume to search into .

XIV .

GRant therefore , Lord , that such as I am , I may conform my self to thy holy Will ; and that being Sick as I am , I may Glorifie thee in my Sufferings : Without them I cannot attain to Glory ; for thou thy self , my Blessed Saviour , wouldst not chuse any other way . It was by the marks of thy Sufferings thou wast known to thy Disciples ; and 't is by Sufferings thou also know'st those , who are thy Disciples : Acknowledge me therefore , I beseech thee , in the Pains I suffer , both in Body rnd Mind , for the Offences I have committed And because nothing is well-pleasing to God , but what is offer'd up by Thee , conform my Will to thy Will , and my Sufferings to those which thou hast suffer'd ; grant that mine may become thine ; unite me to thee , fill me with thy self and thy Holy Spirit . Enter into my Heart and Soul , to bring thither my Sufferings , and to continue to maintain in me , what is yet behind of thy Passion , which thou fulfillest in thy Members , until the full Consummation of thy Body ; that so being fill'd with thee , it may be no longer I that Live and Suffer , but thou in me , O my Blessed Redeemer ; and that so , having some little part of thy Sufferings , thou may'st fill me entirely with that Glory , to which they brought thee , and in which thou livest with the Father and the Holy Ghost , World without end . Amen , Amen .

Prayer's to be said by such as assist the Sick Person .

LOrd , look on thy Servant with the Eyes of Compassion , and enable him , by thy Grace , to bear whatever thou art pleas'd to lay on him . He acknowledges in thy Presence , his great Weakness , and that of himself he is able to do nothing : He therefore with all sincerity , addresses himself to thee , that being assisted with thy Heavenly Grace , he may be preserv'd from all the dangers of his own Infirmity . Lord , have regard to thy Servant , who calls upon thee in the day of Tribulation , and let him not be confounded , who desires to put his whole Trust in thee . Give him patience in his Sickness , with which thou art pleas'd to visit him , that he may receive it with all due submission from thy Fatherly Hand ; that he may accept it as the punishment of his past Sins , and not add to the number of them by Murmuring and Impatience .

Thou know'st , Lord , how frail this poor piece of Clay is , and how little able it is to bear its present Affliction : It can Sigh and Groan , and complain and be uneasie , it can offend thee by its Fretfulness and Impatience ; but to bear it with a true Christian Submission , it cannot come to the least degree of this , but by the assistance of thy Grace . Help therefore , I beseech thee , this thy Servant , who seeks to thee for help ; look upon the Desires of his Heart , and leave him not to himself who seeks relief from thee . Despise not the Sighs of the Afflicted , but succour him according to his Necessities : Give him inward strength , whereby to bear all the pains and inconveniencies of his Distemper ; give him true Humility to bend under thy Correction ; give him a perfect conformity to thy Heavenly Will , that all his Sufferings may tend to thy Glory and his own Salvation .

BEhold , thy Servant now acknowledges , that thou art Lord of all ; that thou art infinitely Just , and that thy Will is adorable in whatever thou appointest : He calls in question nothing that thou dost , but confesses , he deserves all this , and even more than thou now lay'st upon him ; he knows 't is his duty to submit and accept the Chastisements , with which thou art pleas'd to visit him ; but Lord , thou know'st too the frailty of our Nature , and how uncapable it is to bear Sickness and Pain , except thou art pleas'd to strengthen it with thy Grace . Stengthen therefore , I beseech thee , this thy Servant , and let thy heavenly Comforts accompany thy Chastisements ; sweeten his Pains with the visits of thy Grace , and let thy Mercy come with thy Justice ; leave him not to his own Weakness , but be thou his support , that so thou may'st be glorified , and he find benefit in all he suffers .

LOrd , thou hast often promis'd to help thy Servants , that call upon thee in the day of Affliction : Thou hast promis'd to heal that which is wounded , to raise up that which is dejected , and strengthen , that which is weak ; Thou hast promis'd , that none shall be abandon'd , that put their trust in thee : We now challenge thee of thy Promises , in behalf of this thy Servant ; for we know thou art faithful to them : Behold then , we present before the Eyes of thy Mercy , this our Brother , who being sick , wounded , dejected , and oppressed both in Soul and Body , stands in need of thy help ; he calls upon thee for it , and we joyn with him , in solliciting thy Goodness to come in to his asistance . Stretch forth thy hand and help him , let thy heavenly Power defend him , thy Goodness comfort him and thy Mercy pardon him . Shew thy self a tender Father , and have Compassion on his Infirmities .

LOrd , chastise not thy Servant in thy Anger , but in thy Mercy forgive him : He acknowledges himself unworthy of all thy Favours ; but because thou lovest to do good , and can'st not reject the Sighs of those that sincerely seek thee , he has still a great Confidence in thee and assurance of thy help . He has nothing to fear but his own Sins , and 't is for pardon of these he now calls upon thy Mercy . Grant him , Lord , a true Sense of all his Iniquities , by which he has offended thee , his loving Father and his God : Shew him the foulness of them , and how displeasing they have been in thy Sight : Teach him now sincerely to detest them and let an unseigned sorrow , the effect of thy Grace , so change his Heart , that his Soul being purified from all that Corruption , his Sins may be no longer a barr to thy Blessings : Create in him , Lord , a clean Heart , and renew a right Spirit within his Bowels .

LEt thy Grace , O Lord , work his Soul into a holy disposition , such as may render him acceptable in thy sight . We know not what thou hast appointed for him , whether Life or Death : We beseech thee to restore his health , if it be thy holy Will ; give a Blessing to the Remedies he takes , and be thou the Director to those , who prescribe them : without thee nothing can have its desired effect , and with thy Blessing , nothing can miscarry : Life and Health are thy Gifts ; behold our Confidence is in thee ; say but the word , and he shall be whole ; Command , and all Creatures shall obey thee . Grant the Petition , we now offer thee in behalf of this thy Servant , and restore him to his former State , that by a new Life he may make reparation for all past abuses of his Time and Health ; be a Comfort to his Friends , and in the Congregation of the Faithful give Thanks for the Blessings received from thy hands .

BUt if in thy Providence thou hast otherwise appointed it , fit him , we beseech thee , for thy appointments : Make him sensible of his Condition , and mercifully deliver him from all the delusions of vain and deceitful Hopes : Take from him all Sollicitude and Disquiets for the things of this World ; permit not these lesser concerns to be a hindrance to the greater , so as to lose the opportunity thou givest him , of preparing for Eternity . Let thy Grace now flow in upon him , and bring with it all those dispositions which are necessary for his State ; remove all Obstinacy and Blindness , all evil Passion and Self-love ; destroy all sinful Habits , and possess his Heart with true Charity both towards Thee and his Neighbour . Send thy holy Angels to watch over him , protect him under the shadow of thy Wings ; be thou his Guard against all . Enemies , and mercifully preserve him from Presumption and Despair .

LOrd turn not away thy face from thy Servant , but help him now in the time of distress ; He has a great Work to do , who is to appear before thee : For how can Dust and Ashes ; how can Misery and Sin stand in thy Presence ? 't is a difficult task for a poor Soul to be taken out of this World , from the mid'st of its Friends and Acquaintance , and to be translated to an unknown region of Spirits , there to give an account to an all-seeing Judge of his whole Life , both Thoughts , Words and Actions . O God , if thou regardest our Iniquities , who can stand before thee ? And yet this must be ; but then it must be thy Work , O Lord ; to prepare a Soul for this great appearance . Shew this Mercy to thy Servant , and if now thou art pleas'd to call him , let him not go hence unprepar'd . Give him true Repentance of all his Sins , visit him with heavenly Comforts and by the power of Grace fix his heart entirely on thee .

O God how poor and miserable is Man : How little can he do in the best of his strength ! Much less can he do , when disabled by Sickness , disorder'd with pains and perplex'd with the uncertainty of his future State . This is a time , in which he most stands in need of thy help , and if thou forsak'st him , he must certainly perish . Come in therefore now , we beseech thee , to the asistance of thy Servant , he lays open his misery before thee , he confesses both his unworthiness and weakness , and begs thee to stretch forth to him thy helping hand . Is not he a Creature , whom thou hast made ? Thou hast Redeem'd him with the Blood of thy only Son ; thou hast encompass'd hlm with many Blessings : Thy past Mercies encourage him to put his trust in thee : Leave him not therefore now in the time of his . Weakness , but as a loving Farher and powerful Protector succour him in all his wants .

And thou , Lord Jesus , who did'st come into this World , to call Sinners to Repentance and to look for the lost Sheep , admit the Petition of thy Servant , who seeks to thee for help ; undertake his Cause , and be thou his Advocate to the Eternal Father . Thou did'st never , while on Earth , stop thy Ears against the Crys of the Miserable , and thou hast commanded all that labour and are heavy-loaden to come to thee for help and refreshment . Look therefore on thy Servant ; he confesses himself a lost Sheep , who for many Years has gone astray , he labours under the burthen of his Sins , and has many Miseries , whereon to Exercise thy Charity . Receive him now into thy Protection , and let him not perish , who has been Redeem'd by thy precious Blood . O Father of Mercies and God of all Comfort , have Mercy on thy Servant and support him with heavenly Comforts , direct his Thoughts and Heart to thee , and let no other Power take him out of thy hands .

Other Prayers to be said by the sick Person , or in his Name .

LOrd , thou art pleas'd to visit me with Sickness , visit me likewise with thy Grace , and give me Patience in all I am to suffer , that I may not encrease the number of my Sins by my uneasie and rebellious temper , but by a peaceable submission to thy Chastisements , make some atonement for the Sins I have already committed . Lord , 't is this I sincerely desire to do ; but when I consider by great weakness and how subject I am to murmur at thy Correction , I see no hopes in my self , but all my Trust is in thee . Help me therefore according to thy great Mercy , and have compassion on me a miserable and sinful Creature , unworthy , I confess , of all thy Favours : But , Lord , I know thy Goodness is Infinite , and thou wilt not despise the Crys of those , who call upon thee in their Affliction . Look on this miserable Creature and have compassion on me .

TEach me , O Lord , now to do thy Will , and give me a Heart to comply with all thy appointments . Self-love is unwilling to bend , and esteems it self unhappy in whatever it suffers : This is the Corruption of my Nature ; but , Lord , I know 't is all subject to thee , and thy Grace is able to remove these difficulties . Pour forth thy Grace therefore upon me at present , soften my rebellious Heart , and force it to a compliance to thy holy Will . 't is but just , that a Creature should submit to its God : And whom should I obey , but my Lord and Redeemer ? Thou know'st what is best for me ; 't is now thy Will , I should be sick ; nothing of this happens to me , but by thy Order ; thy hand is in all the Pain and Uneasiness I feel , Lord , behold , I now bow down in Spirit before thee , I accept of thy appointments ; I am in thy hands ; do with me as shall seem good in thy Eyes : Lord , thy Will be done .

't is reasonable I should submit to thee , whilst I cannot but acknowledge even Mercy in thy Correction , and discover the effects of thy Goodness in all thy Providence . For having abus'd the Blessing of Heath , as I have done , and made it almost wholly serviceable to Self-love , Pride and this World , 't is an effect of thy Goodness now to visit me with Sickness , so to call my Thoughts home to thee and to the consideration of a better World , for which I was Created . O God , grant me now Grace I may make a true use of this Mercy and improve it wholly to that end , for which thou hast design'd it . Give me Grace to acknowledge my Sickness to be the just punishment of my Sins : Let my Sickness teach me to know my self and thee , to know my own Misery and thy Power and Goodness : Let me now profoundly humble my self under thy hands and find Mercy under thy Fatherly Correction .

O God , when I look back on my past Life and consider my manifold Iniquities , by which I have provok'd thy Justice , I cannot but admire and praise thy Goodness , which has waited for me so long . How many have been cut off in the mid'st of their Sins , and perish'd everlastingly , without time to consider their Misery and repent ! And why have not I been of that unhappy number ! Lord , 't is thy Mercy has spar'd me and given me now this opportunity of making my Peace with thee . Blessed be thy Name , O Jesus , for this Goodness to thy unworthy Servant ; Blessed be thy Name for ever . Ear be it therefore from me to complain of any Uneasiness or Pain , whilst there is so much Mercy in them . Shall I complain of that , which is sent to draw me out of the way to Hell ? Shall I complain of that , which is design'd to separate me from the Mass of the Damn'd ? Lord , I have more reason to rejoyce and thank thee for it .

NAture , I confess , is unwilling to suffer , but I conclude my present Affliction to be most reasonable and just , especially when I reflect , that having been created to love and serve thee , I have hitherto made it my chief business to love and serve my self ; my whole Life has been a Life of continual Injustice , whilst knowing my self to be a great Sinner , and that Self-denial and Punishment was due to my Offences , I have shut my Eyes against this Justice , and instead of Punshing , as I deserv'd , have indulg'd and favour'd my self in all things : This I have all along sought in my Eating , Drinking and Clothing , and all other ways , throughout the whole course of my Life : All my design has been to make much of an Offender and Traytor : I see now , I have been unjust in all I have done ; 't is but just therefore thou should'st punish , whom I have spar'd so long .

I Now offer my self to thy Scourge ; all that is within me , has been displeasing to thee ; let all now suffer , as thou shalt think fit ; I can call nothing in question , that thou do'st , 't is all Just and Holy . But , Lord , thou know'st my weakness , and how little my Patience is : Chastise me not therefore in thy Anger , I beseech thee , nor Rebuke me in thy Wrath ; but as I acknowledge the Justice of my Suffering , so give me Grace to bear it : Give me a submissive Heart , that I may cheerfully conform my Will to thine ; that having ungratefully abus'd thy Blessings , I may now adore and praise thee in my Affliction . Remember me , Lord , in all my weakness , and let thy heavenly Comforts support me , tho unworthy of all thy Favours . My trust is in thee , O God ; come now to my help and visit my afflicted Soul ; stand by me and be to me a merciful Protector .

I Am sensible , how apt I am to forget , from whose hand my present Sickness comes , as likewise the justice of it , and therefore often fall into Impatience and Dejection , and am uneasie to those about me . But , Lord , I hope , thou , who know'st my weakness , wilt have compassion on me and forgive these my Sins . I sincerely desire to amend these failings , and heartily beseech thee to encrease thy Grace in my Soul , whereby I may obtain still greater degrees of Patience and a more perfect submission to thy Holy Will . I am frail and weak , O God , help me : I am a poor and miserable sinner O God , have compassion on me . Thou delightest in doing good and relieving the Afflicted : See here , Lord , thy poor Creature , subject to many Miseries , whereon to Exercise thy Charity ; shut not thy Bowels against me , but stretch forth thy hand and help me , that I may for ever bless thy Name .

I Confess , Lord , I am too apt to be disturb'd , and my Heart is distracted with many unprofitable thoughts ; the concerns of this World press upon me ; fears of Death disquiet me ; and every thing hinders me from composing my Soul in a peaceable submission to thy blessed Will : Say the word ; Lord , and command a Peace within me : Remove all interior disturbance , suppress all immoderate Sollicitude and Fears , that I may apply my Soul entirely to my present business , in bearing my Sickness with Patience and endeavouring to put my Soul in order for whatever thou hast appointed for me . Lord , this must be thy work , for whatever I propose , I see I can do nothing of my self Teach me now to make a right use of my Infirmity , direct my Thoughts and my Heart to do thy Will : Permit me not to lose this opportunity , lest in neglecting this I lose all .

LOrd , I commit my self entirely into thy hands , desiring thy Will to be fulfilled in me , and I beseech thee , so strengthen me by thy Grace , that I may not only in words , but effectually and with true conformity , embrace whatever thou appointest for me . I desire Health and Ease , but can't tell whether these are best for me : Thou know'st it , O Lord , and therefore suspending my own desires , I leave my self to thy holy disposition , do with me as thou pleasest . Order every thing belonging to me , as thou pleasest . But remember , I beseech thee , my Weakness , and leave me not to my self . I am nothing but Misery and Sin ; I find Impatience and Rebellion in me , but as for a peaceable submission and resignation of Mind , these are the Gifts , and must be the effects of thy Gaace : Pour forth this Grace plentifully upon me , and teach me to do thy Will .

Thou , O Lord Jesus , who hast suffer'd so much , not only for my Redemption , but likewise for my Example , teach me now to follow thy Sacred Steps : Obtain for me an humble and submissive Heart , that whatever I am to suffer , I may suffer it in union with thee , with Patience and true conformity to thy Father's Will ; and since thou hast experienc'd the Infirmity of our Nature , and what difficulty it has in suffering ; be now mindful of this extream Poverty and Weakness in me . Thou hadst an Angel sent to comfort thee in thy Anguish ; if this was necessary for thee , how much more for me , a poor miserable and unhappy Sinner . What can I do , if left to my self ? Lord , forsake me not in this day of trouble , but send thy holy Angels to Direct Support and Comfort me : Come thou thy self and stand by me ; for thou art the only Comforter in the time of Distress .

A LITANY for the Sick .

LOrd , have Mercy on us .

Christ have Mercy on us .

Lord , have Mercy on us .

God the father of Heaven , Have mercy on us .

God the Son , Redeemer of the World , Have mercy on us .

God the Holy Ghost , Have mercy on us .

Holy Trinity , one God , Have mercy on us .

O God , who destroying the Egyptians , didst save the Israelites , Have Mercy on thy Servant .

O God , who did'st heal the wounded Israelites , by looking on the Brazen Serpent , Have Mercy on thy Servant .

O God , who having Compassion on thy People , dist'st command the destroying Angel to sheath his Sword , Have Mercy , &c.

O God , who by the Prophet Elisha , did'st heal Naaman of his Leprosie , Have Mercy , &c.

O God , who by the Prayers of Elias , did'st raise the dead Child to Life , Have Mercy , &c.

O God , who did'st hear the Prayers of King Hezechias , and deliver'd him from Sickness , Have Mercy , &c.

O God , who did'st exercise Job with many Trials , and strengthen him with wonderful Patience , Have Mercy , &c.

O God , who striking Toby with Blindness , for an example of Patience , did'st wonderfully heal him , Have , &c.

O Jesus , who did'st heal the Ruler's Son , sick at Capernaum ; Have , &c.

O Jesus , who by thy Word , did'st cure the Man that had been Diseased , eight and thirty Years , Have , &c.

O Jesus , who did'st restore to health Peter's Mother-in-law sick of a violent Fever , Have Mercy , &c.

O Jesus , who even absent , did'st raise up the Cennturian's Servant , Have , &c.

O Jesus , who did'st give remedy to the Deaf , the Dum and the Blind , who did'st deliver those who were possess'd with Devils , and cur'd all Diseases , Have Mercy , &c :

O Jesus , who did'st restore Lazarus to Life and the Widow's Son , Have , &c. O Jesus , who in thy Agony , did'st sweat Blood in the Garden of Gethsemani , Have Mercy , &c.

O Jesus , who being to drink the Cup of the bitter Passion , did'st submit thy Will to thy Father's , Have , &c. O Jesus , who for us , becam'st obedient to Death , even the death of the Cross , Have Mercy , &c.

O Jesus , who Expiring , did'st commend thy Spirit into the hands of thy Eternal Father , Have Mercy , &c.

O Jesus , who wast wounded for our Iniquities , and bruised for our Transgressions , that by thy Suffering we might be healed , Have Mercy , &c.

O Jesus , who at the Right hand of the Father , art become an Advocate for Sinners , Have Mercy , &c.

w Jesus , who art to come to Judge the Quick and the Dead , Have , &c.

O Jesus , be Merciful ; Spare thy Servant , O Lord .

From all Murmuring and Impatience , Deliver thy Servant , O Lord .

From all Dejection and Despair , Deliver thy Servant , O Lord .

From all Temptations , Deliver , &c.

From all Forgetfulness of thee , and from all unprofitable Sollicitude , Deliver , &c.

From sudden and unprovided Death , Deliver , &c.

By thy holy Incarnation , Deliver , &c.

By that Love , with which thou did'st undertake to be our Redeemer , Deliver , &c.

By that anguish of Spirit , which seiz'd thee in the Garden , and by all the Torments in thy Passion , Deliver , &c.

We Sinners , We beseech thee , Hear us .

That not having here a permanent City , thy Servant may more earnestly look for that to come . We beseech thee , hear us .

That this momentary and light Tribulation , may work in him an eternal weight of Glory , We beseech thee , &c.

That he may not despise the Chastisements of our Lord , nor be tired with his Correction , We beseech thee , &c.

That he may receive all that comes from the hand of God , and have patience in pain , We beseech thee , &c.

That in Sickness and Affliction , no foolish word may come out of his Mouth . We beseech thee , &c.

That as he has receiv'd good things from the hand of our Lord , so he may with submission receive evil . We beseech thee , &c.

That in proportion to his Trouble , the divine Comforts may now refresh his Soul . We beseech thee , &c.

That as the Passion of Christ abounds in him , so thy Consolation through Christ , may abound in him . We beseech thee , &c.

That looking on Jesus , the Author and Finisher of his Faith , who for the Joy set before him , endur'd the Cross , he may with Patience run the race set before him . We beseech thee , &c.

That Christ having suffer'd for him , he may be arm'd with the same mind . We beseech thee , &c.

That he may not lose this acceptable time , nor neglect this day of Salvation . We beseech thee , &c.

That he may desire to be dissolv'd and be with Christ . We beseech thee , &c.

That his Distemper and the pains he suffers , may co-operate to his good . We beseech thee , &c.

That whether he lives , he may live to our Lord , or whether he dies , he may die to our Lord We beseech thee , &c.

That neither Life nor Death , things present nor to come , nor any Creature , may separate him from Christ We beseech thee , &c.

That his life may be for Christ , and his death be Gain We beseech thee , &c.

That if he walks in the shadow of Death , he may fear no Evils , because thou art with him . We beseech thee , &c.

That thou wouldst enlighten his Eyes , that he sleep not in Death , and that the Enemy may not prevail against him . We beseech thee , &c.

That if he dies , thou wilt comfort him with the Promise made to the good Thief , in the expectation of thy Kingdom . We beseech thee , &c.

That thou wilt not enter into Judgment with thy Servant , for that no one living can be Justified in thy Sight . We beseech thee , &c.

That thou wilt not deal with him according to his Sins , nor judge him according to his Iniquities . We beseech thee , &c.

That this House of Clay being dissolv'd , he may be receiv'd into thy heavenly Tabernacle not made with hands . We beseech thee , &c.

That he may dwell in the House of our Lord for ever . We beseech thee , &c.

Lamb of God , that takest away the Sins of the World . Spare thy Servant .

Lamb of God , that takest away the Sins of the World . Hear thy Servant .

Lamb of God , that takest away the Sins of the World . Have Mercy on thy Servant .

Let us Pray .

LOrd Jesus Christ , I beseech thee , by that love , by which thou didst take upon thee all our Infirmities , that with Patience , this thy Servant may bear his present Sickness , and suffer all the trouble of it , as long as thou shalt please , with a perfect resignation to thy blessed Will ; that his Will being united to thine , he may desire nothing , but that thy Will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven .

In time of Pain .

HAve Compassion on thy Servant , O Lord , and give him Patience in his Suffering ; let thy Grace support him , that he offend thee not in this time of Trial ; Remove , we beseech thee , his pain , if it be thy blessed Will ; fail not at least to be his Comfort , if thou art still pleas'd to afflict him .

Consider his weakness , and lay no more upon him , than he can bear : But what , Lord , can he bear , except thou art pleas'd to help him ? Help him , we beseech thee , and let now thy poor Servant , find the comforts of thy Grace , that being deliver'd from all Impatience , he may in true Submission glorifie thy Name .

Grant him true conformity of heart , that he may comply with thy Appointments ; that he may bow down under thy hand , that he may acknowledge the Justice of thy Conection : But Lord , what can he do of all this , if thy heavenly Comforts do not strengthen him in his Pain , and support Nature in all its weakness !

Strengthen him , we beseech thee , to go through whatever thou hast appointed for him ; stand by him , and be his powerful helper ; forsake him not in the day of Affliction . Thou now leadest him in the way of the Cross , teach him to bear his Cross with Humility and Patience , that he may be a true Follower of his blessed Redeemer .

Lord Jesus , hast not thou invited all those that Labour and are heavy Loaden , to come to thee for refreshment ? Behold now thy Servant , Afflicted and Oppress'd , comes to thee for help ; stretch forth thy hand and help him ; either lighten his Burthen or encrease his Patience . Relieve him we beseech thee ; Thou who art infinite in Mercy , shew Mercy on him .

Thou , who hast comforted the Martyrs in their Torments , and refresh'd them with Heavenly sweetness ; on the Rack and the Fire ; renew now thy ancient Mercies , and bring relief to thy Servant ; Temper the Cup thou now givest him to drink , with the comforts of thy Grace , that with the patience of the Martyrs , he may submit and suffer as a Christian .

Give him a lively sense of all he suffers comming from thy holy hand , that he may suffer with the perfect subjection of a Creature to his Lord and Creator : Give him a lively sense of his past Sins , that he may acknowledge all he suffers , to be a just Chasetisement : Give him a lively Faith of future happiness , that he may be supported by Hope .

Lord , look upon thy Servant with Compassion , and have Mercy on him ; moderate his Pains , and succour him in his Trouble ; defend him against all Temptations , and permit not the Enemy to take any advantage of him in this time of Affliction . Lord , thou know'st all his Weakness and his present Danger , have Mercy on him .

Lord , quiken his Spirit , whilst thou afflict'st his Body ; and since thou permittest all for his good , teach him to make a good use of his Suffering ; teach him to be Humble and Patient , teach him to submit . Lord help thy Servant in his Misery , and give him Grace so to bear it , that in Patience he may possess his Soul and obtain Pardon of all his Sins .

Other thoughts to be suggested in violence of Pain .

LOrd , I am an unworthy Sinner , accept of what I now suffer , in pardon of my Sins .

I have often offended against thee ; 't is but Just , I shoulst suffer ; Lord , thou art Just in all thy ways .

The Lord his given me health and strength ; the Lord has taken it away .

As it has pleas'd our Lord , so it is done ; blessed be the Name of our Lord .

I have deserv'd yet greater Evils , than what I now suffer ; thou art merciful to me even in thy Punishments .

How many are now suffering in Hell for Sins less than mine . My pains are nothing in comparison of theirs .

Lord , I am content to suffer here ; but spare me hereafter .

How many cruel Torments did'st thou suffer for my Sins ; and can I expect to live without suffering ?

Thou offered'st thy self a Sacrifice for me : Lord , I now offer my self a Sacrifice to thee .

If Innocence was so severely treated for our Transgressions ; what must the Sinner expect ?

I have hitherto follow'd my own ways ; teach me now , Lord , to walk in thine .

What a Chirstian am I , if I refuse to follow my Leader ? Thou carried'st thy Cross , and must not I carry mine ?

How am I thy Creature , if I do not submit to thee ? How can I call thee , Lord , if I abey not thy Will ?

There 's nothing of this is fall'n upon me , but by thy appointment ; Lord , thy Will be done .

Lord , look on this poor piece of Clay , and help me in my distress .

Thou hast promis'd to relieve those that call upon thee in Tribulation ; O God , make hast to help me .

Thou hast promis'd , that none shall be confounded , who put their trust in thee . O Lord , in thee I hope , let me not be confounded .

O God , be a Comfort to me , grant me Patience to suffer ; grant me , true submission to thy blessed Will .

This is now the day of battle , I am call'd forth to Fight ; help me , O Lord , that I be not overcome .

Have not I undertaken to be thy Soldier ? And must I not suffer in thy Cause ?

How much have the Martyrs suffer'd ? In their greatest Torments they have bless'd thy Name .

Can I alone expect to be free from suffering ? Am I better than all that have gone before me ?

Have not I enjoy'd long Peace and Health , while others , far better than me , have been in great misery ?

Is not this Life a time of Trial ; and must not I have my Trials too ?

Can I expect a Crown without Victory ; and how can I obtain a Victory without Fighting ?

Where is my Humility , if I submit not to present Troubles ? Where is my Patience , if I bear them not ?

Where is my Courage , if I lye down and yeild in time of Trial ?

Now is the time to shew my self a Christian : What have all my Professions been , if now I rebel , when thou touchest me ?

If I deserve thy Correction , O God , why should I not submit to it ?

But chastise me not , O Lord , in thy Anger , nor rebuke me in thy Wrath .

Consider my weakness , I beseech thee , and have compassion on me , tho unworthy of all thy Favours .

Thou know'st , I am but Dust and Ashes ; of my self I can do nothing ; support me by thy Grace .

Forsake me not in my distress ; be to me a God and Protector .

What am I , but a poor , miserable Worm ? Shew not thy Anger against me .

I have no help but in thee ; thou art my Sanctuary and my Refuge .

Dispile not the Crys of the miserable , but shelter me under the shadow of thy Wings .

Take from me all Murmuring and Impatience , suppress all the Corruption of Nature .

Give me now a willing Heart to drink of the Cup , thou hast put into my hand .

Give me patience to go under the Cross , which thou lay'st upon me .

I know , 't is by many Tribulations we must enter into the Kingdom of Heaven .

I know , those , who will be glorified with Jesus , must suffer with Jesus .

Teach me now so to bear my present Sufferings , that they may be serviceable for my last End.

All that I can suffer here must have an end ; this Life is short , and so are all the Sufferings of it .

The next Life is Everlasting : O , that I could so bear my present Pain , that by my Patience in this , I might escape that which is Eternal .

If I think these passing Pains so intolerable ; what must those of Hell be ? O God ; these and these again , rather than to be cast into Hell .

O God , thou art witness of what I suffer , and thou hast prepar'd a Crown for those that suffer with Patience ; give me Grace to make use of this opportunity thou puttest into my hands , that the Faith of those everlasting Goods to come , may suppress all the Corruption of Nature , and keep my Soul in a due Submission to thy Holy Will . Let my Heart be so possess'd with the desire of Glory , as to embrace all that willingly , which may be serviceable to that end , and never to think my self unhappy , as long as I am in the way to Happiness . Welcome those Pains , whose Fruit is everlasting Rest .

Acts of Repentance , which may be a preparation for Confession .

MY Lord and my God , I am a most vile Sinner and unworthy to appear before thee ; but have Mercy on me and Save me .

O God , my chiefest Good , how far have I gone from thee by my Sins ; how have I dwelt at a distance from thee , in the region of Misery , where I had quite lost my self !

Most loving Father , I have sin'd against heaven and before thee , and am not worthy to be call'd thy Child ; make me as one of thy Servants , and let me now at lest , for every moment of my Life , be faithful to thee .

It grives me , O God , that I have sin'd against thee ; I am heartily sorry for the many times I have transgress'd thy Law : But wash me now I beseech thee , from my Inquity and cleanse me from my Sin .

I detest now my sins , O Lord , and abhor all my wickedness , I confess my Ingratitude , and seek refuge in thy Mercy .

Wash me , Dear Jesu , with thy Blood , and purifie my Heart from all the filth of Sin ; heal my Soul , that lies maim'd and wounded , and despise me not , tho most unworthy .

I have wander'd like a Sheep , that 's gone astray ; but I hear now thy sweet voice thus crying after me ; thou hast gone after many lovers ; but return now to me , and I will receive hee yet again .

My Soul is full of anguish and confusion , at the thoughts of my manifold Sins , whereby I have offended thee , my merciful Redeemer , whereby I have made my self a Slave to Hell , and provok'd thy anger against me .

O , that I had never transgress'd thy Commandments , nor fall'n into so great misery ! O , that I had never find Happy those Souls , who have prefery'd their Innocence .

Look on me however , O Lord , with the Eyes of Mercy , and blot out all my Sins ; forgive me what is past , and through the Bowels of thy infinite Goodness , secure me by thy most efficatious Grace , against all my fallings for the time I have yet to come .

Alas ! How slothful and careless have I hitherto been ! I have deferr'd my Repentance , rejected thy helps , contemn'd thy Visits , been deaf to thy Calls : And now , Lord , what shall I do in these streights ? It grives me , that I have offended thee ; Have mercy on me .

Lord be merciful to me a Sinner : Jesu Son of the living God ; have Mercy on me .

Sovereign Lord of my Life , behold , thou see'st there 's nothing good in me , nor health in my Soul : I am miserable and blind , and without thee , O God , I can do nothing .

II .

My Sins exceed in number , the Sands of the Sea , and I am most unworthy , I confess , O Lord , of all thy Mercies ; but thy Goodness however is infinite and above all my offences .

Thou hast said , Lord , there is joy in Heaven for one Sinner that do's Penance : Give me now Grace truly to repent , and let Heaven rejoyce in my Amendment .

It is not thou , my God , who wilt not the death of a Sinner , but that he be converted and live ? Grant me then now that Spiritual Life , which I want ; for behold , O my Lord , I sincerely desire to live .

Thou cam'st , my dear Redeemer , not to call the Just , but Sinners to Repentance : Behold here a miserable Sinner before thee ; draw me now , I beseech thee , most powerfully to thy self .

Have mercy on me , O God , according to thy great Mercy , and according to the multitude of thy tender Mercies blot out my Iniquity .

Sprinkle me with thy Blood , O Jesus , and I shall be made whiter than Snow .

Create in me a clean heart , and renew a right Spirit within my bowels .

Dear Redeemer of my Soul , how long turnest thou thy Face away from me , and bringest no relief to my Sorrows .

Behold the Prodigal Child , nay worse than the Prodigal : Have compassion on me , most loving Fathers cloth me with thy Grace , and receive me into the Arms of thy Mercy .

Let not thy Blood be spilt in vain for me , my dear Redeemer , but now let it bring forth in me the fruit of a sincere Repentance , and open me a way to life everlasting .

Thy Goodness , I confess , is great O Lord , who hast so long spar'd this unworthy sinner , and with so much Patience waited for his amendment .

What return shall I make for this thy infinite Mercy ; but ask this one Mercy to be added to the rest ; that now from this moment I may never offend thee more !

This one thing , I earnestly beg of thee ; hear me Lord , I beseech thee ; may I now , for what remains of my Life , be entirely thine

Come , Lord , make haste into my heart , and cast out from thence whatever , thou know'st , profanes or defiles that thy Temple .

Destroy and root out all that is displeasing to thee , and lay in me the foundation of a new Life , either for this World or that to come .

I confess , I have fin'd ; but if thou wilt , thou can'st make me whole Heal thou my Soul , most loving Father , heal my Soul .

Acts of Contrition , and of the Love of God above all things .

UNhappy Sinner I am , who have often had more regard to Vanity and Folly , than to the infinite Goodness and Majesty of thee , my God . Wo to me , who being , on so many Titles , bound with all my Strength , to love , honour and obey thee , I have neglected my duty and chose rather to offend and break thy Commandments . Most loving Father , who hast prevented me with blessings of sweetness ; who hast loved me , most unworthy of all thy Favours ; what am I , after all , but a wretched and ungrateful Sinner , who have not loved , but most grievously offended such a Father , such a Benefactor ! Lord Jesus , thou hast shed thy Blood , for to cleanse and purifie my Soul from the filth of so many Sins ; and yet I have still again repeated my Crimes and defill'd that Robe of Innocence thou purchasd'st for me . Wo again to me , who have made such vile returns , for thy infinite Charity and Blessings bestow'd on me .

What shall I do , miserable Sinner that I am ? Whether shall I flee , but to thee my Lord , whom I have offended ? Thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble heart . Behold then , my God , I here retract all I have hitherto done against thee . I am truly sorry for the many times I have slighted so great Goodness : My Sins now displease me , because they have been displeasing to thee : I am troubled for my offences ; because they have been injurious to thee my God , whom I ought to have lov'd above all things . O , that I had never sin'd , never committed any offence against thee . But still thou commandest me to have a confidence in thy Mercy , because thy Goodness far exceeds all my Wickedness . Have mercy therefore on me , tho a wretched and unworthy Sinner ; accept of the Death and Passion of thy Only Son in satisfaction for my offences ; and have compassion on one , that puts his trust and confidence in thee . Wash me yet more from my Iniquity and cleanse me from my Sin ; for I know my Inquity and my Sin is always against me . To thee only have I sin'd and done Evil in thy sight . But turn now away thy Face from my Sins , and blot out all my Iniquities : Oreate in me a clean heart , O God , and renew a right Spirit within my bowels . Cast me not away from thy Face , and take not thy holy Spirit from me . Restore to me the joy of thy Salvation and confirm me with a perfect Spirit .

O Great God , I now desire to love thee above all things ; I desire to love thee with all my Heart , with all my Soul and with all my Strength . I am heartily sorry , that I have ever departed from thy most holy Will , and offended thee in Thought , Word or Deed . But now , tho late , I firmly resolve to use my best endeavours , for the observing thy Law , and through the help of thy Grace , to avoid all Sin . And this for no other motive , than of thy infinite Perfection . of thy Power , thy Wisdom , thy Goodness thy Mercy ; that is , for thy own sake , because thou art most worthy of all love , O most Sacred Trinity , Father , Son and Holy Ghost , my God , and my all .

LOrd Jesus Christ , true God and Man , my Creator and Redeemer ; behold , 't is now my great trouble , that I have sin'd against thee , because thou art my God , and because I love thee above all things . I now purpose to offend no more , but to avoid every thing , that may be to me an occasion of sin . I design now to confess all my failings , to make restitution of what I owe ; and for the love of thee , I here forgive all those , who have injur'd me , or any ways done me wrong ; and I beg of thee , O Lord , to forgive them . And as I now with all humility , ask for pardon of all my sins , so I firmly hope through the Merits of thy Death and Pastion , thou wilt forgive me , and put out of thy sight all the Crimes I have ever committed against thee : I hope likewise , thou wilt assist me now with thy Grace , that , with patience , I may bear all my present troubles , that they may be for the amendment of my life , if thou shalt please to grant it me ; or for the purifying my Soul from all guilt , and making it worthy to appear in thy sight , whenever thou shalt please to call me hence .

I Tremble , my God , at the remembrance of my sins , and am now cover'd with shame and confusion , while I think of appearing before thee . But have compassion on me , O Lord , and when thou shalt come to Judge , cast me not off amongst the Reprobate . It repents me with all my heart , and I am now griev'd , for the many times I have offended against thy infinite Goodness and Majesty . O God of my heart I now love thee with all the affection of my Soul , because thou art infinitely worthy of all Love : I love thee , not for my own sake , but for thee alone , my God , who art infinite in Goodness , in Power and Mercy . To thee I resign my heart ; I desire to be united to thee , to Praise thee and glorifie thee for ever .

O Good Jesu , my God ; I wish I had ever lov'd thee , and that at present my Soul were fill'd with the sincere love of thee . I wish I had never offended thee , and that from this moment I may never offend thee more . But alas ! I have gone astray , like the lost Sheep ; seek thy Servant , O Lord , the Shepherd of my Soul , look on me with the eyes of Compassion , and have mercy on me . For I confess my sins in thy sight , and am now heartily sorry for all I have ever committed against thee , because they are displeasing to thee , whom I love above all things . I desire now and seriously purpose to amend , for what remains of my life . I here make an Offering of my self to thy Holy Will to do or to suffer whatever thou pleasest , and in the manner thou pleasest . I beg pardon of all my sins , and Grace to presevere to the end ; and I hope to obtain this my request , through thee my Jesus and Saviour , who by thy Tears and Suffering , by thy Passion , Cross and Death , hast been pleased to Redeem me . I flee to thee , my only Hope , I depend on thy Merits , I cast my self at thy Feet , and take shelter in thy Wounds . I beseech thee to supply all my Imperfections by thy infinite Love , consume all my sins in the Fire of thy Charity , and have Compassion on all my failings : Vouchsafe thou , my Creator and Saviour , to take full possession of my heart , be thou my Director and Governour ; deliver me from all my wonted imperfections and miseries , and unite me perfectly to thy Will , that I may now no more be separated from thee ; but that , whether in Health or Sickness , in Pain or Ease , in Life or Death , I may still be entirely subject to thee , bless thee in all thou appointest and give Praise and Glory to thy Name for ever .

Protestations to be made in time of Sickness , and may serve as a Preparation to Confession .

I Protest , in the first place , that with all readiness of mind , I accept this sickness from the hand of my Heavenly Father , and it entirely resign my self to his blessed Will , that if he shall please to call me out of this World , the Sentence of death shall be welcom to me ; for I desire to have no exceptions against his Will , and confess , that I deserve not only this Sickness and Death , but even Hell it self , the just Punishment of my Offences .

I believe the Holy Catholick Church , and the Faith she delivers : in that Faith I now live , in the same I desire to die : for that end I now repeat the Creed : I believe in God the Father Almighty , &c. All which Articles I understand in that Sense , in which the Catholick Church has always understood them .

I humbly desire and beg pardon of all the sins I have ever committed against the infinite Majesty of God , against my Neigbour or my self , whether in Thought , Word or Deed , or by any Omission in the neglect of God's Commandments or Precepts of the Church : of all my known and hidden sins , of the abuse of the Sacraments , of all the sins I have any ways occasion'd in others . All these I humbly beseech Almighty God to pardon , by his own infinite Goodness and Mercy , by the Merits of Christ's most bitter Passion and Death , and by the Prayers of the B. V. M. and all the Angels and Saints , who joyn now with me , and are Petitioners before the Throne of God . From this infinite Treasure of Divine Mercy , I beseech the Heavenly Father to supply all the Defects of my former Confessions , all my defects in making a due Examen , all my want of true Sorrow and Repentance , and of the little Care I have taken to amend my life ; and this one thing I most earnestly beg of him , that he will now at least grant me a true and sincere Contrition of all my sins .

I now from my heart forgive all those who have any ways offended or injur'd me ; I desire Almighty God to pardon them , and grant them the same Blessings I desire for my own Soul . I beg of my Heavenly Father , that he will imprint this deep in my Soul , that not only in words , but with all my heart , I may repeat this Petition ; Forgive me my trespasses , as I forgive them that have trespassed against me .

With all humility I heartily beg pardon of all those to whom I have given any offence , whether by my ill example , by Words or Deeds , or any other way , whether knowingly or unknowingly : and I here offer my self to make the best Satisfaction I am able ; and beseech God , that he will now bring into my mind the remembrance of all such as I have any ways hurt or wrong'd , and give me a sincere desire and full power of making just satisfaction before my death .

I am wholly uncapable of returning Thanks for all the infinite Blessings the Divine Goodness has bestow'd on me ; however , at thy feet , O Lord , I here acknowledge , in the best manner I am able , all the favours I have receiv'd , and withall the affection of my Soul , return thee thanks . I beg the blessed Virgin Mary , all the Angels and Saints in Heaven , with their Praise and Thanksgiving , to supply my defects , and make some recompence for my ingratitude , for which I am heartily sorry , and beg thy pardon . I wish I had the hearts and tongues of all Creatures in the World , that so in some manner I might endeavour to declare thy Praise . All ye Works of our Lord bless our Lord , Praise and Magnifie him for ever . Give Praise to our Lord in Heaven , Glorifie his Name all you blessed Spirits above . Bless thy Lord , my Soul , let all that is within thee bless his holy Name . Bless thy Lord , my Soul , and forget not his Mercies . I will Praise our Lord at all times , his Praise shall be ever in my Mouth .

Moreover I here give Thanks and pray for all my Benefactors , whether as to my Soul or Body ; especially those , who have instructed , Corrected or told me of Faults .

I protest , that all my Confidence either of living or dying well , is grounded on the infinite Merits of the Passion and Death of my dear Redeemer , and the Blood he shed for me ; this I now offer to the Eternal Father , for the remission of all my sins , and in Thanksgiving for all his Benefits . And I beseech Almighty God , that I may be helpt by the Prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary , my Angel Guardian and all the Saints , that as long as it shall be granted me to live , and most especially at the hour of my death , by their Charity and Assistance , may be preserv'd in me a firm Faith , and assured Hope , a lively Charity , a true Courage , a profound Humility , an untir'd Patience , and all other Vertues , that are necessary for the remainder of my Life , and for the hour of my Departure . And therefore for that time I say now : All you blessed of God , be mindful of me before the Throne of God , and beseech him , through the Death of his only Son , that , whenever my hour comes , I may die in his Grace .

If God shall so permit , that I be assaulted with Temptations in this my Sickness ; or at the time of my departure , I will by no means give admittance or consent to them : and therefore I now at present , for that time declare my abhorrence of all whatever evil thoughts , the Devil shall then suggest to me : for 't is my sincere desire to be true and faithful to my God , even to the end , and entirely to renounce from this moment , the Devil and all his Works .

Lastly , I commend my Soul to God my Creator , who made me of nothing : to Christ my Saviour , who redeem'd me with his precious Blood ; to the Holy Ghost , who Sanctified me in the Water of Baptism . Into thy hands O Lord , I commend my Spirit : Be merciful , O God , to me a sinner .

I likewise declare , that whenever the time comes , that I shall be labouring in my Agony , and shall be then able to speak no more , that I desire even then to be united to my God in my heart and mind and now , for then , offer to him , my Agony , my Sweats , my Pains and Distress , to be United to the Bloody Sweat , to the Grief and Torments of my dear Redeemer Jesus Christ , for the remission of my sins , and the eternal Glory of his Name : and I desire all the Holy Angels , whom God has commanded to take care of me , to defend me from the power of darkness , and all evil Spirits at my last hour .

Q. This Preparation for Confession and Exercise of Repentance , is very long : Is it all necessary for a Sick Person before he makes his Confession ?

A It may not be all necessary , because 't is to be hop'd , there are many live so well , and with Souls so truly dispos'd , that they stand not in need of so long a Preparation : and 't is most certain , there are many others , who through the sharpness of their Distemper , or stupifying qualities of their Physick , have not time to make use of it . But 't is here set down for such as are under a more tedious Sickness , and are in a daily necessity of some Spiritual helps , to keep their Souls in a due disposition , and to be ever prepar'd for the last Summons .

It may be likewiise very proper for those , who , having liv'd something irregularly , are surpris'd with sickness , when they are very unfit to die . For 't is very necessary these should endeavour , by frequent and repeated Acts of the Detestation of Sin , of Repentance , of Contrition , of the love of God , &c. to change their hearts , and so by degrees remove that indisposition strengthen'd in them through the long habit of sin . For since their thoughts of making their Confession in time of Sickness , is only occasion'd by their Distemper , there 's great reason to be jealous of such Confessions , and to fear that 't is only their present Circumstances , and not any detestation of Sin , or love of God , or any change of heart is the true motive of their present Devotion . And therefore tho' such Confessions may be a satisfaction to their Friends , yet God knows how much it will avail them . For this reason , as often as the Distempers will permit , 't is not fit such Persons should be hasten'd to Confession , but all care us'd by those that assist them , first to prepare them well-to make them sensible , what true Repentance is , by often reading and praying , to stir up in their hearts a sincere abhorrence of their past life , quicken their Faith . strengthen their Hope , and bring them insensibly to the love of God , and true Spirit of Penance ; by this Method their Repentance , tho' late , may be acceptable , and they may have reason to bless God for the well order'd Charity of such Friends ; when otherwise , who knows , but they will have as great reason to curse those , who have accepted their hasty Confessions , and flatter'd them with false hopes upon an ill grounded and only superficial Repentance ? Therefore I say , when the Distemper will give leave , great pains should be us'd for the preparing for , and making this last Confession at least a good one , on which Eternity so nearly depends .

Before Receiving the Holy Communion or Viaticum .

O Father of Mercy , and God of all Comfort , behold here thy Creature , made to thy Image , and Redeem'd by the Blood of thy only Son , desires to appear before thee . 't is by thy Favour I have hitherto liv'd , and now , as for what time remains , I desire to live to thee ; so as to my Death , I desire to die in thee and for thee . I profoundly adore thee , after whom my Soul sighs and thirsts ; I cry out to thee , whom I love above all things , O my Rest , my Hope , my Love , my Desire , and all the good of my Heart .

Most loving Father , although I am the least of thy Children , and unworthy to be call'd thy Child , because I have not honour'd thee as a Father ; yet I come with an humble Confidence , and cast my self into the Arms of thy most tender Goodness and Mercy ; being now heartily griev'd for having forsaken thee my God , the Fountain of all good , for having departed from thee , my loving Father , for having so often forgotten thee , who art ever mindful of me .

O , that I had never offended thee , my God and my All ! Accept at least this my hearty desire ; and now , while it is the time of Mercy , look on me with Compassion , and have Mercy on me . For thou know'st , O Lord ; that I love thee , or that I sincerely desire to love thee above all things . And I know in whom I place my trust , that thou art able to save me , and that thou wilt not despise a contrite and humble Heart .

't is likewise my Hope , that thou wilt not cast me away from thee , who with so much Love invitest all to thee : Thou hast said , Come to me all you that labour and are heavy loaden , and I will refresh you : Behold , Lord , I come ; receive me according to thy Word , and I shall live , and not be disappointed in my Hope . Deliver my Soul from this Prison , that I may bless thy Name .

O happy hour ! When I shall be delivered from the Body of this Death : When shall I come to thee my God ? When wilt thou come and comfort me ? When shall thy Servant depart in Peace ? But before I leave this Vale of Tears , I desire to offer thee a Sacrifice of Praise , that here after I may Praise thee for ever .

Wherefore I here pour forth my Soul in Thanks to thee for all thy Blessings , for my Creation , for my Redemption by the Blood of thy only Son , for the infinite Mercies , whreby thou hast so often rais'd me out of sin , prevented me by thy Grace , and call'd me out of Darkness into thy admirable Light . But what return shall make thee , my Lord Jesus , the beloved Spouse of my Soul , for thy painful life and most bitter death ? For the many times thou hast fed me with thy precious Body and Blood ! Here , what shall I say ? This nothing that I am , appeals to thy infinite Goodness and Love ; and , through thy Sacred Wounds , and that Ocean of Mercy flowing from them , hopes to find acceptance , and be secure . I will drink the Cup thou giv'st me , I will take it ceerfully from thy hand , and drink it with thee , because thou hast first drank it for my Salvation .

Accept , Lord , my Heart , which I offer thee , as a Thanksgiving offering for all thy Blessings ; accept all that belongs to me ; and thou , my Soul , bless thou thy Lord , and let thy Praise continue for ever . As for the World , renounce it all , because in thy God thou possessest all ; renounce thy self , because thou art not thy own , but thine , O Lord ; O , may I now no longer live , but thou in me : I love thee , O Jesus , with all my Heart , and with all my Soul .

Place me therefore near thee ; O God , stand take me into thy Protection ; and then I will fear no evils , I will fear nothing my Enemy can do against me . And if , through the violence of my Distemper or suggestion of the Devil , I should either speak or think contrary to what I do at present ; I now revoke and renounce all such Words and Thoughts , and protest before thee , my God , and in the presence of all the Blessed , that I will live and die in the Faith of the Catholic Church , that I place my whole Trust in God alone , in my Lord Jesus Christ and his Merits , and that I love him at present with all my heart , and in his Love desire to breath out my last . If any thing shall happen contrary to this my Profession , I here declare my abhorrence of it , I detest and abjure it : and this I desire may be acknowledg'd as my Last Will , which I am ready to seal even with my Blood ; for 't is my desire to die for thee , my God , that I may live to thee , to whom all things live ; that I may die in thee , for whom thou hast been pleas'd to lay down thy life .

O Jesu , Saviour of the World , who cam'st to save Sinners , who hast call'd all to thee that thou may'st refresh them ; behold here a Sinner comes to thee for relief ; Save me , O Lord , for with thee there 's a plentiful Redemption . I come to thee , from whom I had run astray , like the lost Sheep ; but thou , O good Shepherd , who hast given thy Life for thy Sheep , who cam'st to seek and save what was lost , look on thy Servant with Mercy ; and receive me into thy Fold .

I come to thee , with my Soul disorder'd with many Passions , and covered with sores ; but thou , Lord , if thou wilt , canst make me whole ; heal me then , O Lord , and I shall be heal'd ; for thou art the good Samaritan , the true Physician of Souls , who hast born our Infirmities , and given thy blessed Body and Blood , for the cure of my Soul . And now , Lord , at this hour it is I stand in need of thy help . For of my self , what am I but Dust , Weakness and Nothing : and if thou confirm'st me not with this Divine Food , and strenthen'st me not from above , how can I hold out in the Combat , how shall I resist the Enemy , and with Patience bear the Trials of Sickness , the Agonies and Pangs of Death .

Have mercy therefore on me , come now and shew thy Power in my Soul ; cure first , I beseech thee all my Wounds , in the forgiveness of my sins , then Comfort my Soul with Divine strength , that I may ever Believe and Hope in thee , that I may ever love thee , with true courage , fight against thy Enemies , and with a perfect submission resign my self into thy hands ; this I desire may be the disposition of my Soul ; Come then , Lord , work this good effect within me , that so , as thou hast Created and Redeem'd me , so I may be thine for ever .

Dear Jesus , my Redeemer , I Adore thee with all my heart ; I give thee thanks for that infinite Love , which thou shew'dst to poor Sinners , in shedding thy Blood for them on the Cross ; and by thy ineffable Power leaving thy Body and Blood for the Food and Comfort of their Souls ; To this Banquet thou art pleas'd now to call me ; but woe to me ! how shall I approach to it , who have so ungratefully offended thee , and liv'd so unworthy of my Profession !

I acknowledge , O God , that I am a Sinner , that I am miserable , poor and needy , and therefore now humble my self under thy powerful hand I appeal to thee , my Jesus , who hast undertaken to be the Advocate and Mediator for Sinners ; thou art rich in Mercy , and canst not refuse to appear in their behalf , who put their Cause into thy Hands . Help me therefore in my distress , and lay now before the Father , the price of thy Blood , and infinite Treasure of thy Merits , and supply hence all my Defects , and especially my want of preparation in coming to partake of this Holy Food . Thou know'st how unworthy I am , and how unfit , through my manifold and grievous sins , to appear before the Judgment Seat of God ; I tremble at the thought of that dreadful hour , when all my Sins and Ingratitudes shall be laid before me . What shall I then do , O keeper of Men ! What will become of me , if the review of my Life be the casting of my eternal Lot ! O Jesus , let me not go alone to that place of Terrour : come thou into my Soul , accompany it to the Tribunal of God , there let all thy Mercies plead for me ; for tho' , of my self , I have nothing to trust to , yet in thy Goodness I have comfort . Run , then , my Soul , to the Protection of thy Lord , take shelter under his Wings , hide thy self in his blessed Wounds , and there , tho' thy sins cry out for Justice , his precious Blood will cry much louder for Mercy ; 't is on this Mercy I depend , in this I hope , and in this Hope I desire to die ; come , my Jesus , enter now into my Soul , and possess it for ever .

Thou art the true Light , who enlightenest every one , that comes into this World ; enlighten now my Eyes , I beseech thee , that the sleep of eternal Death may never be my Portion .

Thou art a Fire ever burning , and I am tepid and cold ; enflame now my Heart and Reins with the Fire of thy Divine Love : for thou cam'st to bring Fire upon Earth , and why does it not burn ?

Thou art King of Heaven and Earth , abounding in Mercy ; and I am poor and miserable : thou know'st what I want , and besides thee , there 's none : that can help me : Help me then , my God , and out of the Treasures of thy Goodness relieve me in my necessities .

Thou art my Lord and my God ; behold I am thy Servant , give me understanding , and strengthen my Will ; that I may know thy Will and do it .

Thou art the Lamb of God , the Spotless Lamb , that takes away the Sins of the World ; take from me all that is sinful , and give me what thou know'st will be pleasing to thee , and beneficial to my Soul .

Thou art my Love and my Joy : Thou art my God and my All ; Thou art my Lot and my Inheritance ; and 't is thou alone can'st restore my Inheritance to me .

O God and my All , let the powerful force of thy Love seise and consume all that is within me ; and so entirely change my Heart , that for the love of thee , I may die to the World , who for love of me wast pleased to die on the Cross ; my God and my All.

After having Receiv'd the Holy Communion , or Viaticum .

GLory and Thanksgiving be to thee , O Lord , who , in thy sweetness has been pleas'd to visit and refresh my poor Soul . Now let thy Servant depart in peace , according to thy Word .

Now thou art come to me , and I will not let thee go : Now I willingly bid farewel to the World , and with joy I come to thee , my God .

Nothing more , O good Jesu , nothing more shall separate me from thee . Now I am united to thee ; in thee I will live , in thee I will die , and in thee I hope to abide for ever .

Now life seems uneasie to me ; I desire to be dissolv'd and be with Christ ; for Christ is my life , and to die will be my gain .

Now I will fear no Evils , tho' I walk in the shadow of Death , because thou art with me , O Lord : As the Hart pants after the Fountains of Water , so my Soul thirsts after thee , O God : my Soul thirsts after the Fountain of living Water : O , when shall I come and appear before the Face of my God!

Give me now thy Blessing , O loving Jesus , and establish my Soul in everlasting Peace , such Peace as only thou can'st give , such Peace as it may not be in the power of my Enemy to destroy .

O that I were once happily united to thee for ever ; that I were wholy swallow'd up and buried in thee : O , that my Soul were at rest in thy happiness , and in the enjoyment of thee , my God , for ever .

What have I more to do with the World ? And in Heaven what have I to desire , but only thee , my Lord ?

Into thy hands I commend my Spirit ; receive me , sweet Jesus , in thee may I rest , and in thy Happiness rejoyce without end .

II .

PRotect me , Lord , against all my Enemies ; and in all dangers appear in my defence : make haste to help me , O God , and say to my Soul ; I am thy health and thy salvation .

Remember thou art my Father , and have compassion on my poor distress'd Soul ; cloth her with all Vertues , and feed her with thy Grace ; for it belongs to a Father to take this care of his Child .

In thee I live , sweet Jesus , in thee I desire to die : both living and dying I will ever profess , that thou art good , and thy mercy endures for ever .

O sweetness of my Heart , and love of my Soul , take off my Heart and Thoughts from this World , that all my comfort may be in thee .

My God and only Hope ; permit me no longer to run from thee : When wilt thou consume in me all that is corrupt and contrary to thy Will ?

Draw me after thee , I beseech thee , that I may cheerfully obey thy Call , and submit to thy blessed Will .

Make me one according to thy own Heart , and let my Soul become now thy habitation for ever .

My Soul without thee is dry , like Earth without Water , moisten it with the dew of Heaven , and give me now a large Blessing from the land of the living .

Wound my Heart with thy love , that it may relish nothing that is earthly , but entirely depend on thy Commands .

Hail , dear Redemer , I now desire to adore thee with the Spirit and affection of all thy Elect ; I commit to thy direction all the motions of my Soul .

O my Love and my Joy , when will the day of Eternity appear , when laying down this weight of Flesh , I shall joyn with thy Saints in thy everlasting Praise !

O sweet Light of Heaven , inflame my Heart with the Fire of Charity ; I offer thee all that is within me ; let that Divine Flame consume my Bowels .

III .

O , That I could now give thee , O Lord , all that Honour , Praise and Glory with which the Angels and blessed Spirits Praise and Glorifie thee in Heaven ! But because I am unable to do this , accept this my desire at least , and good will .

Deliver me , O God from every thing that is contrary to thy Will , and be pleas'd so to dispose my Soul , as may be for thy greater Glory .

I surrender my self , O my Creator , into thy hands , and laying aside all private wishes , I desire to depend on thee , as to the whole state of my Body and Soul , in whatever thou shalt please to appoint for me .

I ask nothing , but that thy Holy Name be Glorify'd for ever : and if thou wilt please to admit me , tho' unworthy , to have a share in paying thee this homage , blessed be thy Name .

If it be more for thy honour , that I suffer interior desolation , I accept it from thy hand , O God ; because I know , 't is for my good , whatever I suffer in my Soul for love of thee .

O Divine Love , how little art thou known , how little art thou lov'd ! Come to me , and if thou no where find'st rest , infuse thy self wholy into my Soul May the Fire of thy Love , O God , ever burn in my heart , and grow up to such a Flame , that it may burn and consume , not only the Sacrifice , but the Altar too .

Let nothing be now my comfort , but thou , my Lord Jesus , and nothing afflict me but my sins , and whatever is displeasing to thy Divine Majesty .

O Blessed Jesu , Life eternal , by whom I live , and without whom I die , grant I may now be united to thee , and that in the embraces of thy holy Love and divine Will , I may rest for ever .

When shall I see thee , O sweet Lord ? When shall I appear before thy face . When shall I see thee in the land of the Living ! Till then I sigh and bewail my Banishment , desiring to be dissolv'd and be with thee .

How happy are they who eat and drink at thy Table in thy eternal Kingdom ! They love thee and enjoy thee ; but I perish here with hunger , lying in Dust and Darkness , and see not the light of Heaven .

But remove this Veil , O God , and bring me to thy sight ; fill my hungry Soul with good things , and grant me my Inheritance purchas'd for me by my Redeemer , and be thou my Possession for ever .

Before Extream Unction .

THou hast mercifully provided remedies , O Lord , for all our Necessities ; grant me thy Grace so to make use of them , that my Soul may receive all those good effects which thou hast appointed in their Institution . Now I desire to be Anointed , as thou hast commanded me by thy Apostle ; Grant , I beseech thee , that by this holy Unction and the Prayers of the Church , I may partake of that Spirit , with which Christ suffered on the Cross , for thy Glory , and for the destruction of Sin Give me true Patinece to support all the pains and trouble of my Distemper ; Give me an inward strength to resist all the Temptations of the Enemy : Give me Grace for the pardon of all my Failings : Give me that true Light , by which I may be conducted through the shadows of Death to eternal Happiness ; and if my Health be expedient for thy Glory , let this be the means to restore it . Behold , I approach to this holy Ordinance , with a firm Faith and Confidence in thy goodness , that thou wilt not forsake me in this time of my Distress , but that thou wilt stand by me with thy Grace , and defend me from all evil , and now prepare my Soul for a happy Passage .

My eyes have seen Vanities , but now let them be shut to the World ; and open to thee alone , my Jesus ; pardon me all the sins I have committed by my Seeing .

My Ears have been open to Detractions , Profaneness , and unprofitable Discourses ; let me now give ear to thy Word , to thy Commands and thy Call ; and pardon me , O Jesus , all the sins I have committed by my Hearing .

I have taken delight in the perfumes of this World , which are all nothing but Corruption ; let my Heart and Prayers ascend like Incense in thy sight , and pardon me all the sins I have commmitted by my Smelling .

My Tongue has many ways offended both in Speaking and Tasting . Now let its whole business be to cry for Mercy : Pardon me , dear Jesus , all the sins I have committed by Word , or by any excess in Eating , or Drinking .

My hands have offended in contributing to many Follies , injurious to my self and my Neighbour ; Now let them be lifted up to Heaven , in testimony of a penitent Heart , and pardon me , O Lord , all the sins I have Committed in the ill use of my Hands .

My Feet have gone astray in the paths of Vanity and Sin ; now let me walk in thy ways , in the ways thou art pleas'd to lead me , and forgive me , Lord , all the sins I have committed by my disorder'd Steps

I have given admittance to impure delights in my heart , and for the pleasing my Senses , have transgress'd thy Law : Let my heart be now the Temple of the Holy Ghost , and pardon me all the sins by which I have banish'd thee from my heart , and defil'd my Soul .

By this holy Anointing and the power of thy Grace , O God , forgive me all my Sins , and convert my heart wholly to thee , that I may cheerfully submit to death in punishment of my Offences , and so enter into thy eternal rest . Amen .

After Extream Unction .

HEar our Prayers , O God , in behalf of thy Servant , and since thou hast shewn this Mercy to him , as to admit him to the helps of thy Church , grant he may partake of the Effects of them , even those , which thou hast appointed for the comfort of poor Souls in the day of their distress Grant him a full discharge of all his Sins , that whenever he shall appear before thee , the Enemy may find nothing against him . Stand thou by him , we beseech thee , and be his Protector against all Evils ; let thy Grace comfort him , and heavenly Strength support him , that however he be weak of himself , yet through thy assistance , he may stand in this day of Trial , and cheerfully submit to whatever thou hast appointed for him . Restore him to Health , if thou know'st it expedient for him ; but if thou hast ordain'd it otherwise , grant him a happy Passage , and admit him into the number of thy Blessed ; through the Merits and Passion of thy dear Son , who liveth and reigneth with thee , in the unity of the Holy Ghost , one God , World without end . Amen .

Short Prayers , to be said distinctly , and with some intervals , whilst Death seems to be approaching .

I Adore thee , O Good Jesu , who by thy Sufferings , hast redeem'd the World . Save me now , O my Jesus , who hast redeem'd me by thy Blood . Draw me to thee , who hast promis'd to draw all things to thee : Hold me fast , and let no power of the Enemy take me out of thy hand : Let nothing any more divide me from thee .

Merciful Jesu , I beseech thee , by thy precious Blood , which thou wast pleas'd to shed for Sinners , wash me , purifie me , and cleanse me from all my Iniquities .

O Soul of Christ , Sanctifie me ; Blood of Christ , Purifie me ; Body of Christ , Save me : Water from the side of Christ , Wash me : Passion of Christ , Comfort and Strengthen me . O good Jesu , graciously hear me ; hide me within thy Wounds ; be ever with me ; call me at the hour of Death ; command me to come to thee , that I may take part with thy Blessed , and praise thee without end .

My Lord and Creator ; my Redeemer Jesus Christ , I deliver my self into thy hands , refuse not , I beseech thee , the offer I make ; to thee I come , cast me not away from thee .

Cast me not away , and take not thy Holy Spirit from me ; let not my Wickedness destroy the work of thy infinite Goodness .

Look on me with the Eyes of Mercy , my Lord Jesus Christ , eternal King , God and Man , who wast Crucified for Man . Give ear to my Cry , because I put my Trust in thee : Have Mercy on me , who am cover'd over with Misery and Sin ; Thou who art the Fountain of mercy , a Fountain ever flowing . Hail , Sacred Victim , who for me and the Sins of the whole World , wast Offer'd on the Cross .

Hail Generous and Precious blood , flowing from the Wounds of my Crucify'd Lord , and washing away the sins of the World . Be mindful O Lord , of me thy poor Creature , whom thou hast redeem'd with thy Blood .

Far be it from me to glory , except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Chrtst , by whom the World is Crucifi'd to me , and I to the World .

I see thee , my dear Redeemer , fasten'd on the Cross with thy Armsstretcht forth , and thy Head bowing down , as ready to receive us into thy Embraces : I hear thee in words full of compassion , inviting all to come to thee : Come to me , all you that labour and are heavy loaden , and I will refresh you .

Behold I come Lord , do with me according to thy Word , and mercifully refresh me : I come weary and tired under the weight of my sins ; but deal mercifully with thy Servant , for thou hast born all our Infirmities on the Cross , and to obtain pardon for us , hast laid down thy Life .

To our Lord Jesus Christ .

JEsus Christ , fountain of Mercy , have compassion on thy poor Servant , and help me in his time of my distress . Let thy Death and Passion plead for me , and stand betwixt my Soul and thy Justice .

I give my self wholly into thy hands , reject me not . Now , Lord , according to thy good will , shew mermy to me ; command my Soul to be receiv'd in Peace ; for thou hast redeem'd me , O God of Truth . Lord Jesus , let those sweet words sound in my Ears , This day thou shalt be with me in Paradise .

Receive me my Crucify'd Jesus , into thy loving Arms , which were streteh'd forth on the Cross for me receive me into those Embraces of thy infinite Charity , and draw my Soul to thee ; receive me , good Jesu , in thy mercy receive my Soul in peace .

Enlighten , O Jesus , my Eyes , that I sleep not in death ; that my Enemy may never say , he has prevail'd against me .

Remember not , O Lord , my Iniquities ; let thy Mercies make haste to prevent me ; for , behold , I am poor and miserable .

Lord Jesus , by the merits of thy Sufferings , command me to be receiv'd among the number of thy Chosen Servants .

Enter not Lord , into Judgment with thy Servant ; for in thy sight no Man can be Justified .

This one thing I ask of our Lord , that I may dwell in his House for ever .

Receive me according to thy Promise , and I shall live and not be disappointed of my Hope .

Other short Acts , to be repeated now and then one .

Of FAITH .

LOrd , I Believe , help my Unbelief .

I believe thou art Christ the Son of the living God . Thou art my Lord and my God .

I believe all thou hast taught me by thy Apostles and the Holy Catholick Church .

Of HOPE .

THou art my Protector , O Lord , in thee have I put my Trust .

My hope is in thee , let me not be confounded for ever .

Thou art my Defence , O Lord , forsake me not ; the time of distress is at hand , and there is none to help me , but thou my God .

Preserve me as the Apple of thy Eye , and under the shadow of thy Wings protect me .

In the shadow of death I will not fear , because thou art with me .

I am thine , O Lord , save me I beseech thee .

Save thy Servant , who puts his trust in thee .

Of CHARITY .

THou art the God of my Heart , and my Inheritance for ever .

My God and my All ; I have nothing to desire in Heaven or Earth , but thee .

Thou demandest my Heart , behold , here I give it into thy hands , O God .

Inflame my Soul with thy Love , that I may become a gtateful Sacrifice to thee .

My Soul thirsts after thee , O God : When shall I appear before thee .

Of CONTRITION .

HAve Mercy on me , O God , according to thy great Mercy .

To thee only have I sinn'd , and done evil in thy sight :

But a contrite and humble Heart thou wilt not despise .

Turn away thy Face from my sins , and blot out my Iniquities .

Enter not , O Lord , into Judgment with thy Servant ; for who shall be Justifi'd in thy Sight .

For thy Name sake , have mercy on me , and forgive all my sins .

Of PETITION .

THou sufferd'st on the Cross , O Lord , for my sins ; let not thy Sufferings be in vain .

Preserve me , Lord , I beseech thee , because in thee have I put my Trust .

Let my Enemies be turn'd away Backwards , and all those that seek my Soul .

Look upon me and have mercy on me , because I am poor and miserable .

Behold my Misery and Affliction ; forsake me not in my Necessities , but pardon me all my Offences .

Of RESIGNATION .

I Here renounce the Devil and Sin , and desire to be united to Christ .

Lord , into thy hands I commend my Spirit .

Thy Will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven .

Not as I will , but as thou wilt , O God .

Give me thy Grace to do what thou commandest , and then command what thou wilt .

I am thy Creature , O God , and 't is my Duty to submit to thy Will .

Behold , I bow my self down , and make all that is within me stoop to thy commands , and the Decrees of thy blessed Will .

Do here with me as thou wilt , but spare me hereafter .

Lord , I love the beauty of thy House , and the place of thy Abode .

I desire to be dissolv'd and be with Christ .

Who will deliver me from this Body of Death .

This one thing I ask of thee , that I may dwell in thy House for ever .

Other short Prayers .

ETernal Father , I am that unworthy Servant , whom thou hast so lov'd , as to give thy only Son for me : Shew mercy on me now at this hour , and let not his precious Blood be lost on me .

Jesus Christ , I am that lost Sheep , whom thou hast sought with so much pains , and brought back on thy Shoulders : I have run astray like a lost Sheep ; but thou art the good Shepherd , who giv'st thy Life for thy Sheep : Seek now thy Servant , and let me be lost no more . Let the Enemy have no more power over me , but take me into thy protection .

O Jesus , I am that miserable one ; who going from Jerusalem , fell amongst Thieves , was wounded and left half dead : Thou art my Physician and that good Samaritan , who , having compassion on me , hast bound up my Wounds , and heal'd them with thy Blood . Thou hast born all our Infirmities , and by thy . Anguish have we been heal'd . Have mercy on me , Lord , in this my last hour : Lord , make haste to help me , that my Soul die not and perish for ever .

O Jesus , I am an unhappy Sinner , and guilty of many Crimes : but thou art my Advocate to the Father , and the Propitiation for my Offences . Thou wilt not the death of a Sinner , but that he live . Thy coming into this World was to save Sinners ; have mercy therefore on me in this my extremity . Be now my Mediator and Advocate to the Father . O good Jesu , be merciful to me a Sinner . Into thy hands I commend my Spirit .

A Prayer of St : Jerome in time of Agony .

MErciful Jesu , thou art my strength , my refuge , and my deliverer ; in thee have I believ'd and hop'd , thee have I loved . Call me now , I beseech thee , and I will answer . Stretch forth thy hand of mercy to the work of thy hands , and let not me perish , whom thou hast redeem'd with thy Blood .

't is now time for dust to return to dust , and my Spirit to thee who gav'st it . Open then , Lord , the Gate of Life , and receive me ; receive me , most merciful Lord , according to the multitude of thy tender mercies ; who receivedst the Thief on the Cross , and now prepare my Soul for the hearing the same promise of Mercy , which he did . I am sick , O Lord , and my life is withering away , therefore I come to thee my Physician . Heal me then , my God , and I shall be heal'd : let me not be confounded , because I put my trust in thee . In thee have I hop'd , let me not be cast off for ever .

But who am I , most merciful Lord , that I should speak thus boldly to thee ? I am a Sinner ; one grown up in sin , a rotten Carcass , a Vassel of Corruption , and food of Worms . But spare me still , my God , for what a Victory is there in overthrowing me , who am but as dust before the Wind ? Forgive me all my sins , and deliver me from my distress .

Arise and help me , Lord , arise , and let thy Mercy plead for me . Let my Prayer ascend before thee , and stretch forth thy hand to help me : For , behold , I am cover'd with sin , and have done evil in thy sight . And there 's none can heal me , but thou , my God . If thou hadst not paid my Ransom , by dying on the Cross , should not I have been for ever miserable ? Remember then , O merciful Jesu , that I have a share in that price , that was paid ; 't was for me also , tho most unworthy , thy Blood was shed ; let me therefore have a part in this Mercy .

I confess , I have many times offended against thee , and therefore am not worthy to be call'd thy Child : but turn away thy Face , I beseech thee , from my sins , and blot out all my iniquities . Deal not with me according to what I deserve , nor chastise me according to my iniquities : but help me , O God my Saviour , and for the Glory of thy Name , deliver me . Now , at this hour , shew mercy to me , and whenever I depart , receive me into the number of thy Family , that I may be one of those , who are to praise thee for ever .

Q. When a sick person lies , as to all appearance insensible , is it to any purpose to repeat any of these Prayers in his Name ?

A These Prayers are principally intended for such as continue in their Senses : but however , when a person lies , as it were , wholy insensible , it may not be improper to repeat now and then some short Sentence of Piety in his Ear : because , there are many , upon recovery have own'd , that in their extremity , they have been sensible of what had been spoke to them , tho' they could by no outward sign manifest it to the by-standers .

Prayers to be said by Friends , when the sick person is in extremity .

LOrd Jesus Christ , we beseech thee by thy bitter Agony and Prayer in the Garden , that thou would'st be pleased to be Advocate to the Eternal Father , in behalf of this thy Servant : lay before him all those drops of Blood , which in that anguish of Spirit flow'd from thy Body , and offer them for the Remission of all his sins : that so in this hour of extremity he may be discharg'd from that handwriting which stands against him ; and from all that punishment , which he fears too justly due to his sins . Our Father , Hail Mary .

LOrd Jesus Christ , who wast pleased to suffer death on the Cross for us , we besceech thee to offer up all that Anguish and Pains , which thou then enduredst , and most especially at the hour of thy death , in behalf of this thy Servant ; that they may be accepted in his favour ; for the good of his Soul , for the obtaining a happy hour , and for the release from that punishment , which he has deserv'd for his sins . Our Father , Hail Mary .

LOrd Jesus Christ , who hadst that love for Man , as to become Man for his Salvation ; we beseech thee to shew that thy Charity and Goodness to the Eternal Father , let that appear for this thy Servant and plead his Cause , that by this powerful Mediation he may be freed from all his sins ; that he may be safe at the hour of his departure , and find the Gate of Life open to him . Our Father , Hail Mary .

LOrd Jesus Christ , who by thy precious Blood , hast redeem'd us , we beseech thee to imprint deep in the Soul of this thy Servant the memory of thy most Sacred Wounds , that having them in his sight , he may be encourag'd to suffer with patience and resolution , and be arm'd against all the pangs of Death : thus let him cheerfully submit to all the difficulties of his Condition ; and begin even here to be united to thee , with a love that shall never end .

Grant him now to partake of the Fruit of thy Holy Incarnation , of thy bitter Passion , of thy Glorious Resurrection and admirable Ascension .

Grant he may be sensible of the effects of thy Holy Mysteries and Sacraments , and of all the Prayers , which are offer'd to thee by the whole Church .

Remember Lord , that thou once wast in the streits of Death , that in thy extremity thou criedst out to the Eternal Father , commending thy Spirit to him , and so expir'dst . Behold now this thy Servant , in his Anguish , cries aloud to thee ; stand thou by him , defend and comfort him in this his distress , and receive his Soul .

Remember , O Jesus , that thy Arms were stretch'd forth upon the Cross , thy Side was opened , and thy Sacred Head bow'd down : have regard now , we beseech thee , to the Soul of this thy Servant , which departing out of this World , seeks refuge in thee : receive it into thy Arms , give it shelter in thy Breast , and there let it hide it self , secur'd from all Enemies , till the Anger of God pass over . Into thy hands we commend his Spirit , which has been Created and Redem'st by thee ; despise not , we beseech thee , the work of thy hands .

If the dying Person be in his Senses , this may be a good Conclusion .

NOw let thy Servant , Lord , depart in peace , according to thy Word . But remember , I am but dust , and therefore enter not into Judgment with thy poor Servant ; for how can I be justify'd in thy sight ? I confess I am unworthy to be admitted into thy Presence ; but all my hope is in thy infinite Goodness and Mercy , which is able to purifie my Soul , and cleanse me from all my iniquities In this I hope , and with this hope I now beg of thee , that when my Soul is to leave this Body , thou wilt manifest thy Goodness , and receive it into thy Eternal Kingdom .

In the Confession of thy Name , O Lord , I desire to breath out my last . Receive me therefore according to thy great Mercy , open to me the Gates of Life , and secure me against all the power of Darkness . Let thy hand conduct me into the place of Refreshment , that place thou hast prepar'd for those that fear thee .

Another .

THou know'st , O Lord , my Life has been fill'd with sin and misery : but thou aboundest in Mercy ; and therefore in the Spirit of Humility and a Contrite Heart , I now beseech thee to receive me , O good Jesu , the life and health of my Soul ; for 't is not in the Confidence of any Justice of mine , but only of thy Mercies , that I now make my Address to thee .

I am the lost Sheep , that now returns to my Shepherd ; I have heard thy Voice , and desire to follow it . And canst thou now despise the cry of thy poor Sheep , who runs to thee for shelter ; receive him , I beseech thee , into thy Fold . Hast not thou commanded all to come to thee ? And hast not thou said , he shall call upon me , and I will hear him , and I will be with him in the day of Tribulation .

Behold , I call to thee , Lord , in heart at least : behold Tribulation is upon me , and there 's none to help me , none that can deliver and save me , but thou my good Jesu . And tho' I dare not ask to be of the number of thy Blessed ; yet admit me , Lord , to feed on the Crumbs that fall from thy Table : O , that I were but the least in thy House : how much better is that , than to dwell with Sinners ! Receive me , sweet Jesus , receive my Soul .

A Prayer to be said by the Assistants , in time of Agony .

CHrist Jesus , who wast Crucify'd for our Redemption , we beseech thee , by that Love , which brought thee from Heaven , to have Compassion on the Soul of this thy Servant ; forgive him all his sins , and by the Merits of thy bitter Passion , satisfie for all his Failings , and supply his Defects ; let him now experience the multitude of thy tender Mercies , and be sensible how good his Lord is . Dispose now his Soul , by thy Grace , that he may be prepar'd at thy Call , to go forth to meet thee . Grant him , we beseech thee , true Patience and perfect Resignation in his Pains and Anguish Give him a full discharge from all his sins ; confirm his Faith , strengthen him in Hope , and perfect his Charity , that departing hence , his Soul may be receiv'd into thy Mercy .

O dear Redeemer , by that distress , which thou sufferedst on the Cross , when thou cryedst out to thy Eternal Father , we pray thee , shew Mercy to this thy Servant in his extremity ; hear the sighs and desires of his heart , and since he cannot now speak for himself , speak thou for him , we beseech thee , who art the Eternal Word , and to whom the Father will refuse nothing .

By thy Victory over Death , and the Infinite Merit of thy Passion , we beg thee , in behalf of this thy Servant , to have no other thoughts but of Peace , of Mercy and Comfort , and not of Affliction . Bear him up against all Distrust and Despair , deliver him from his Necessities , and be his Comforter in this Distress . Let those Hands which were once nail'd to the Cross , now plead for him , and obtaining his Pardon , conduct him into thy Eternal Rest . Amen .

The Recommendation of a Soul departing .

LOrd have mercy on us .

Christ have mercy on us .

Lord have mercy on us .

Holy Mary , Pray for ( him , her . )

All ye Holy Angels and Arch-angels , Pray for ( him , her . )

Holy Abel , Pray for ( him , her . )

All ye Choir of the Just , Pray for ( him , her . )

Holy Abraham , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. John Paptist , Pray for ( him , her . )

All ye Patriarch and Prophets , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Peter , Pray for ( him , her . )

St Paul , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Andrew , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. John , Pray for ( him , her . )

All ye Holy Apostles and Evangelists , Pray for ( him , her . )

All ye Holy Disciples of our Lord , Pray for ( him , her . )

All Holy Innocents , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Stephen , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Laurence , Pray for ( him , her . )

All ye Holy Martyrs , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Sylvester , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Gregory , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Augustine . Pray for ( him , her . )

All Holy Bishops and Confessors , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Bennet , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Francis , Pray for ( him , her . )

All ye Holy Monks and Ermits , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Mary Magdalen , Pray for ( him , her . )

St. Lucy , Pray for ( him , her . )

All Holy Virgins and Widows , Pray for ( him , her . )

All you Saints of God , make Intercession for ( him , her . )

Be merciful , Spare ( him , her ) O Lord .

Be merciful , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

From thy Anger , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

From the danger of Death , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

From an ill end , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

From the pains of Hell , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

From all evil , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

From the power of the Devil , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

By thy Nativity , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

By thy Cross and Passion , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

By thy Death and Burial , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

By thy Glorious Resurrection , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

By thy Admirable Ascension , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

By the Grace of the Holy Ghost the Comforter , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

In the day of Judgment , Deliver ( him , her ) O Lord .

We Sinners , beseech thee to hear us . That thou spare him , we beseech thee to hear us .

Lord have mercy on us .

Christ , have Mercy on us .

Lord , have Mercy on us .

Let us Pray .

DEpart , Christian Soul , out of this World , in the Name of God the Father Almighty , who Created thee ; in the Name of Jesus Christ , Son of the living God , who suffer'd for thee : In the name of the Holy Ghost , who Sanctified thee : In the name of the Angels , Ach-Angels , Thrones and Dominations , Cherubins and Seraphins : In the name of the Patriarchs and Prophets , of the Holy Apostles and Evangelists ; of the holy Martyrs and Confessors ; of the holy Monks and Ermits ; of the holy Virgins , and of all the Saints of God . Let thy place be this day in Peace , and thy abode in holy Sion . Through Christ our Lord . Amen .

GOd of Mercy , God of Goodness ; O God , who according to the multitude of thy Mercies forgivest the sins of such as Repent , and graciously remittest the guilt of their past Offences , mercifully regard this thy Servant N. and grant him a full discharge from all his Sins , who most earnestly begs it of thee Renew , O merciful Father , whatever is corrupt in him , through human Frailty , or by the snares of the Enemy ; make him a true Member of the Church , and let him partake of the Fruit of thy Redemption . Have compassion Lord , on his Sighs . Have compassion on his Tears , and admit him to the Sacrament of thy reconciliation , who has no hope but in thee . Through Christ our Lord . Amen .

I Recommend thee , dear Brother , to Almighty God , and leave thee to his Mercy , whose Creature thou art , that having paid the common debt , by surrendering the Soul , thou may'st return to thy Maker who form'd thee out of the Earth . Let therefore the noble company of Angels meet thy Soul at its departure ; let the Court of the Apostles receive thee ; let the triumphant Army of glorious Martyrs conduct thee ; let the crowds of joyful Confessors encompass thee ; let the Choir of blessed Virgins go before thee , and let a happy Rest be thy portion in the company of the Patriarchs : Let Christ Jesus appear to thee with a mild and cheerful Countenance , and give thee place among those , who are to be in his Presence for ever . May'st thou be a stranger to all that which is punish'd with Darkness , chastis'd with Flames , and condemn'd to Torments . Let thy wicked Enemy , with all his evil Spirits , depart from thee : May he tremble at thy approach in the company of Angels , and retire into the horrid confusion of eternal Night . May thy God arise , and thy Enemies be put to fiight : May all who hate him , fly before his Face . Let them vanish like Smoak ; and as Wax before the fire , so let Sinners perish in the sight of God : But for the Just , let them rejoyce and be happy in his Presence . May all the Ministers of Hell be fill'd with confusion and shame , and let no evil Spirit dare to stop thee in thy way . Christ Jesus be thy Deliverer , who was Crucifi'd for thee . Christ Jesus deliver thee from Death , who vouchsafed to die for thee : Christ Jesus , Son of the living God , place thee in his Garden of Paradise ; and may he the true Shepherd , own thee for one of his Flock : May he absolve thee from all thy sins , and place thee at his right hand , in the inheritance of his Elect . We pray , it may be thy happy lot , to behold thy Redeemer Face to Face , to be ever in his Presence and in the Vision of that Truth , which is the Joy of the Blessed . And thus placed among those happy Spirits , may'st thou be ever fill'd with heavenly sweetness . Amen .

REceive thy Servant , O Lord , into that place , where he may hope for Salvation from thy Mercy .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the Soul of thy Servant from all dangers of Hell ; from all Pain and Tribulatien .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the Soul of thy Servant , as thou deliverd'st Enoch and Elias from the common death of the World .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the Soul of thy Servant , as thou deliver'dst Noah in the Flood .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the Soul of thy Servant , as thou deliverd'st Abraham from the midst of the Chaldees .

R. Amen .

Deliver ; O Lord , the Soul of thy Servant , as thou deliverd'st Job from all his Afflictions .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the Soul of thy Servant , as thou deliverd'st Isaac from being Sacrificed by his Father .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the Soul of thy Servant , as thou deliverd'st Lot from Sodom , and the Flames of Fire .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the soul of thy Servant , as thou deliverd'st Moses from the hands of Pharaoh , King of Aegypt .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the soul of thy servant , as thou deliverd'st Daniel from the Lyons Den .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the soul of thy servant , as thou deliverd'st the Three Children from the fiery Furnace , and from the hands of that unmerciful King .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the soul of thy servant , as thou deliverd'st Susanna from her false Accusers .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the soul of thy servant , as thou deliverd'st David from the hands of Saul and Goliah .

R. Amen .

Deliver , O Lord , the Soul of thy servant , as thou deliverd'st Peter and Paul out of Prison .

R. Amen .

And , as thou deliverd'st that blessed Virgin and Martyr St. Thecla , from most cruel Torments ; so vouchsafe to deliver the Soul of this thy Servant , and bring it to the participation of thy heavenly Joys .

R. Amen .

Let us Pray .

WE commend to thee O Lord , the Soul of this thy Servant , and beseech thee . Jesus Christ , Redeemer of the World , that , as in mercy to him , thou bacamest Man so now thou would'st vouchsafe to admit him into the number of the Blessed . Remember , Lord , he is thy Creature , not made by strange Gods , but by thee , the only true and living God : For there is no other God but thee , none that can work thy Wonders . Let his Soul find comfort in thy sight , and remember not his former sins , nor any of those Excesses , which he has fallen into , through the violence of Passion and Corruption . For although he has sinn'd , yet he has still retain'd a true Faith in thee , Father , Son , and Holy Ghost ; he has had a zeal for thy Honour , and faithfully ador'd thee , his God , and the Creator of all things .

REmember not , O Lord , we beseech thee , the sins and Ignorances of his Youth ; but according to thy great Mercy , be mindful of him in thy Eternal Glory . Let the Heavens be open to him , and the Angels rejoyce with him . Receive , Lord , thy Servant into thy Kingdom . Let the Arch-Angel , St. Michael , conduct him , the chief of the Heavenly Host . Let the holy Angels of God , meet him , and bring him into the City of the Heavenly Jerusalem . May blessed Peter , the Apostle , receive him , to whom are given the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven . May holy Paul the Apostle help him , who was a Vessel of Election . May St. John , the beloved Disciple , interceed for him , to whom God reveal'd the Secrets of Heaven . May all the holy Apostles pray for him , to whom was given the power of Binding and Losing . May all the blessed and chosen Servants of God , pray for him , who in this World , have suffer'd Torments for the name of Christ : That being deliver'd from this Body of Corruption , he may be admitted into the Kingdom of Heaven , through the Assistance and Merits of our Lord Jesus Christ , who liveth and reigneth with the Father and the Holy Ghost , World without end . Amen .

If the Sick Party still continues in distress of Agony , it may be proper for the Assistants to continue on in Prayer , saying , Psalm 21. and 118.

The Soul being now Departed , the following Responsory is said .

COme to his assistance , all you Saints of God ; meet him , all you Angels of God ; receive his Soul , and present it now before its Lord . May Jesus Christ receive thee , and the Angels conduct thee to thy place of Rest : May they receive his Soul , and present it now before its Lord .

Resp . Eternal Rest grant him , O Lord , and let perpetual light shine unto him May they present him now before his Lord

Lord , have Mercy on us .

Christ have Mercy on us .

Our Father .

V. And lead us not into Temptation .

R. But deliver us from Evil .

V. Eternal Rest grant him O Lord .

R. And let perpetual light shine unto him .

V. From the Gates of Hell ,

R. Deliver his Soul , O Lord .

V. May he rest in Peace .

R. Amen .

V. Our Lord , hear my Prayer .

R. And let my Cry come to thee .

Let us Pray .

TO thee , Lord , we recommend the Soul of thy Servant N. that being dead to this World , he may live to thee . And whatever sins he has committed through human Frailty , We beseech thee in thy goodness , mercifully to pardon , through Chist our Lord . Amen .

Then for a Conclusion , may be added the following Prayer for the Assistants .

GRant , O God , that while we here lament the departure of thy Servant , we may ever remember , that we are most certainly to follow him . Give us Grace to prepare for that last hour , by a good Life , that we may not be surpriz'd by sudden Death , but be ever watching when thou shalt call ; that so with the Spouse , we may enter into eternal Glory , Through Christ our Lord . Amen .

Advice upon Recovery

Q. But if a Person recover from Sickness , what Devotion may be proper for him , upon his Recovery .

A. Thanksgiving is due to Almighty God for all his Blessings , and therefore , when a Person is rais'd from the Bed of Sickness , he ought not to omit this Duty ; which , I fear , is forgot by too many , who when they are in extremity of Pain or Sickness , know how to value Health and Ease , and in the earnestness of their Wishes , declare their Sense of such Blessings ; and having receiv'd them , think no more of them , or of the Hand that gave them . This is a sort of Ingratitude very unbecoming a Christian Spirit : And hence you may conclude , how much the Method of those is to be disapprov'd , who , after a fit of Sickness , Consecrate their first sitting up to a Game of Cards , and their first going abroad to a Play , or the Park , &c. Whenas the first Fruits of Health ought to be offer'd to God , as his Due , in Prayer and going to Church : those that do otherwise , abuse his Gifts ; and 't is to be fear'd , that such as are hardy enough to do this , as soon as they are receiv'd , will not be more grateful afterwards . This is the Misery of two many , who perversly think , Prayers will do harm , when Cards will not ; and therefore these get the start for some days ; when God knows , the Attention at Prayers , is but too often , much inferiour to that of Cards , especially if we consider the Time spent in these ; and therefore not likely to be more prejudicial . But the truth is , we are all too apt to favour our Inclinations , and a slender Reason is sufficient to promote what we have a mind to do : And thus we deceive our selves : When at the bottom there 's only this ; That we are ready to venture more for our Diversion , than our Duty : And this makes those , who are afraid of their Prayer-Book , to be very bold at their Games .

Q. What Prayers would you direct them to , by way of Thanksgiving ?

A Those mention'd above : as the Hymn Te Deum . We Praise thee , O God , &c. The Benedicite , or Song of the Three Children : With other Psalms , as set down above , &c. The following Prayer likewise may not be improper .

ALmighty and Everlasting God , I here acknowledge thy Blessing in the recovery of my Health , and return thee my most hearty Thanks for it . I beg thy Grace , for the making a better use of it , than hitherto I have done ; that I may correct all the Errors of my past life , that I may improve in Vertue , by an Example to others , and Sanctifie that Health to thee which is now thy special Gift : that thus living to thee , I may be ever prepar'd for my last hour . Through Jesus Christ our Lord . Amen .