The practice of piety directing a Christian how to walk, that he may please…

A Prayer to be said for the sick by them who visit him.

O Merciful Father, who art the Lord, and giver of life, and to whom belong 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 unto thy Majesty in the 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 obedience therefore to thy Commandment, and confidence of thy gracious Promise, we are bold to become humble Suitors to thy Divine Majesty in the behalf of this our dear Brother (or Sister) whom thou hast 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 ⟨p. 419⟩fellowship amongst us: but forasmuch as it •ppeareth (as far as we can discern) that •hou hast appointed by this visitation, to ••ll for him out of this mortal life; we submit our wills to thy blessed will, and humbly entreat for Jesus Christ his sake, and •e merits of his bitter death and passion which he hath suffered for him) that •ou wouldest pardon and forgive unto •im all his sins: as well that wherein he •as conceived and born, as also all the offen•es and transgressions, which ever since, to •his day and hour, he hath committed in thought, word, and deed, against thy Divine majesty. Cast them behind thy back, reive them as far from thy presence,