The Practice of Piety

O Merciful Father, who art the Lord, and giver of life, and to whom belongs the issues of death: we thy children here assembled, do acknowledge, that (in respect of our manifold sins) we are not worthy to ask any blessing for our selves at thy hands: much less to become suitors to thy Majesty, in the ⟨p. 917⟩behalf of others: yet because thou hast commanded us to pray one for another,¹ especially for the sick: and hast promised that the prayers of the righteous shall avail much with thee. In the Obedience therefore of thy Commandment; and confidence of thy gracious promise, we are bold to become humble suitors, unto thy divine Majesty, in the behalf of this our deer Brother (or Sister) whom thou hast visited with the chastisement of thine own fatherly hand. We could gladly wish the restitution of his health, and a longer continuance of his life, and Christian Fellowship amongst us: but for as much, as it appeareth (as far as we can discern:) ⟨p. 918⟩that thou hast appointed by this visitation, to call for him out of this mortal life: we submit our wills to thy blessed will: and humbly entreat for Jesus Christ his sake, and the merits of his bitter death and Passion (which he hath suffered for him) that thou wouldst pardon, and forgive unto him all his sins: as well that wherein he was conceived and borne, as also all the offences and transgressions, which ever since, to this day and hour, he hath committed in thought, word, and deed, against thy divine Majesty. Cast them behind thy back: remove them as far from thy presence, ²as the East is from the West. Blot them ⟨p. 919⟩out of thy remembrance: lay them not to his charge: wash them away with the blood of Christ, that they may no more be seen: and deliver him from all the Judgements which are due unto him for his sins, that they may never trouble his conscience, nor rise in judgement against his Soul: and impute unto him the righteousness of Jesus Christ, whereby he may appear righteous in thy sight. And in his extremity at this time, we beseech thee look down from heaven upon him, with those Eyes of Grace, and compassion, wherewith thou art wont to look upon thy Children in their affliction, and misery. Pity thy wounded