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

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, re•ive them as far from thy presence, ²as the East • from the West. Blot them out of thy remembrance; lay them not to his charge; •ash them away with the Blood of Christ, hat they may no more be seen: and deliver him from all the Judgments which are ue unto him for his sins, that they may ever trouble his conscience, nor rise in judgment against his Soul; and impute uno him the righteousness of Jesus Christ, whereby he may appear righteous in thy ght. And in his extremity at this time we beseech the 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 Servant, like he good Samaritan: for here is a sick soul hat needeth the help of such a heaven Physician. O Lord increase his Faith,