O Lord forgive me my former follies and unthankfulness, that I was no more careful to love thee, according to thy goodness, nor to serve thee, according to thy Will; nor to obey thee, according to thy Commandments; nor to thank thee, according to thy Benefits. And seeing thou knowest, that of my self I am not sufficient so much as to think a good thought (much less to do that which is good and acceptable in thy sight;) assist me with thy grace and holy Spirit, that I may (in my prosperity) as devoutly spend my health in thy service, as I was earnest in my sickness to beg it at thy hands. And suffer me never to forget either this thy mercy, in restoring me to my health, or those Vows and Promises which I have made unto thee in my sickness. With my new health, renew in me, O Lord, a right Spirit: which may free me from the slavery of sin, and establish my heart in the service of grace. Work in me a greater ⟨p. 391⟩detestation of all sins (which were the causes of thy anger, and my sickness) and increase my Faith in Jesus Christ, who is the Author of my health and salvation. Let thy good Spirit lead me in the way that I should walk; and teach me to deny all ungodliness, 1and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world, that others by my Example may think better of thy Truth. And sith this time (which I have yet to live) is but a little respite and small remnant of days, which cannot long continue; Teach me, 2O my God, so to number my days, that I may apply my heart to that spiritual wisdom which directeth to salvation. And to this end make me more zealous than I have been in Religion, more devout in Prayer, more fervent in Spirit, more careful to hear and profit by the preaching of thy Gospel, more helpful to my poor Brethren, more watchful over my ways, more faithful in my calling, and every way more abundant in all good works. Let me (in the joyful time of prosperity) fear the evil day of affliction; in the time of health, think on sickness; in the time of sickness, make my self ready for death; and when death approacheth, prepare my self for Judgment. Let my whole life be an expressing thankfulness unto thee for thy Grace and Mercy.
O Lord forgive me my former follies and unthankfulness, that I was no more careful to love thee, according to thy goodness, nor to serve thee, according to thy Will; nor to obey thee, according to thy Commandments; nor to thank thee, according to thy Benefits. And seeing thou knowest, that of my self I am not sufficient so much as to think a good thought (much less to do that which is good and acceptable in thy sight;) assist me with thy grace and holy Spirit, that I may (in my prosperity) as devoutly spend my health in thy service, as I was earnest in my sickness to beg it at thy hands. And suffer me never to forget either this thy mercy, in restoring me to my health, or those Vows and Promises which I have made unto thee in my sickness. With my new health, renew in me, O Lord, a right Spirit: which may free me from the slavery of sin, and establish my heart in the service of grace. Work in me a greater ⟨p. 391⟩detestation of all sins (which were the causes of thy anger, and my sickness) and increase my Faith in Jesus Christ, who is the Author of my health and salvation. Let thy good Spirit lead me in the way that I should walk; and teach me to deny all ungodliness, 1and worldly lusts, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world, that others by my Example may think better of thy Truth. And sith this time (which I have yet to live) is but a little respite and small remnant of days, which cannot long continue; Teach me, 2O my God, so to number my days, that I may apply my heart to that spiritual wisdom which directeth to salvation. And to this end make me more zealous than I have been in Religion, more devout in Prayer, more servent in Spirit, more careful to hear and profit by the preaching of thy Gospel, more helpful to my poor Brethren, more watchful over my ways, more faithful in my calling, and every way more abundant in all good works. Let me (in the joyful time of prosperity) fear the evil day of affliction; in the time of health, think on sickness; in the time of sickness, make my self ready for death; and when death approacheth, prepare my self for Judgment. Let my whole life be an expressing thankfulness unto thee for thy Grace and Mercy.
- 1Tit. 2. 12.
- 2Psal. 90. 12.
