Son, that cleansed from all defilements it may be presented pure and spotless before the throne of Thy grace.

O give him a right discerning of the things which belong unto his peace; enable him to finish the great work he has to do; give him true repentance of all his sins, and a firm reliance on Thy most gracious promises; and grant him that peace of God which passeth all understanding. Fit him, O Lord, I pray Thee, for living, and dying, for whatever in Thy wise and righteous providence Thou hast designed for him; and if Thou hast determined that this sickness shall be a sickness unto death, prepare him, O merciful God, by Thy grace for Thy blessed Self, and grant him a safe and comfortable passage out of this world to that which is infinitely better, through the merits and mediation of Thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ.

To be used if there appears little hope of recovery, From the same.

O LORD, we pray Thee, raise up Thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour Thy servant now languishing in great weakness of body. Look with mercy on him, who in our eyes is now drawing near the time

But

of his dissolution. Perfect, O Lord, his repentance, and make it effectual, through the blood of the ever-blessed Jesus. For Christ's sake pardon all the errors of his past life, that he may come to his great change without guilt, and that he may feel its approach without fear. O grant that through the valley of the shadow of death he may look to the bright regions of eternal bliss, in a well-grounded assurance of reconciliation with Thee. whether Thou seest fit to give him such a foretaste of happiness, yet, O merciful God, take him not out of this world until Thou hast fitted and prepared him for a better, that when he goes forth to meet the bridegroom, he may not find the door for ever shut against him. O Lord, with Thee nothing is impossible-if Thou wilt, Thou canst even yet raise him up, and grant him a longer continuance amongst us-nevertheless, not our will but Thine be done into Thy hands we desire to commit him to Thy mercies in Christ Jesus we commend him. O Lord, hear his prayers, and the prayers of all his friends for him: support him in his last agonies; strengthen him under all his weaknesses; visit him with the strong consolations of the Holy Spirit; and finally receive him into the blessed society of saints and angels, there to love, and praise, and adore

Thee to all eternity, through the merits of Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ the righteous. Amen and Amen.

On engaging in a new pursuit. From Dr. Johnson.

O GOD, Who hast ordained that whatever is to be desired should be sought by labour, and Who by Thy blessing bringest honest labour to good effect, look with mercy upon my studies and endeavours. Grant me, O Lord, by Thy Holy Spirit, to design only what is lawful and right; enable me so to shun sloth and negligence, that every day may discharge part of the task which Thou hast allotted me; and so further with Thy help that labour, which without Thy help must be ineffectual, that I may obtain in mine undertaking such success as will most promote Thy glory, and the salvation of mine own soul, for the sake of Jesus Christ Thine only Son, our Lord. Amen.

On undertaking a journey. From Bishop Taylor. O ALMIGHTY God, Who fillest all things with Thy presence, and art a God afar off, as well as near at hand, be pleased to guide me in my journey; preserving me from all perils and dangers, from sudden and sad accidents. Pros

per my journey to Thy glory, and to all mine innocent purposes; and preserve me from all sin, that I may return in peace and holiness, with Thy favour and Thy blessing, and may serve Thee with thankfulness and obedience all the days of my pilgrimage: and at last bring me to Thy heavenly kingdom, to dwell in Thy presence, and to sing Thy praises to all eternity, through Jesus Christ. Amen.

For a blessing on the use of medicine. From Bishop Taylor.

O MOST blessed and eternal Jesus, the great physician of our souls, the sun of righteousness arising with healing in Thy wings, Who disposest every great and little accident to the glory of God, and to the comfort of them that love and serve Him, be pleased to bless the ministry of Thy servant in order to mine ease and health, direct his judgment, prosper the medicines, and dispose the chances of my sickness fortunately, that I may feel the blessing and loving-kindness of the Lord in the ease or prevention of pain, and the restitution or preservation of health; and being restored to the society of the living and to Thy solemn assemblies, I may praise Thee and Thy goodness secretly among the faithful, and in the congregation of the redeemed ones, here in the outer

courts of the Lord, and hereafter in Thine eternal temple. Amen.

Against unquiet and perplexing thoughts. From Dr. Johnson.

O LORD, my Maker and Protector, Who hast graciously sent me into this world to work out my salvation, enable me to drive from me all such unquiet and perplexing thoughts as may mislead or hinder me in the practice of those duties which Thou hast required. When I behold the works of Thy hands, and consider the course of Thy providence, give me grace always to remember that Thy thoughts are not my thoughts, nor Thy ways my ways. And while it shall please Thee to continue me in this world, where much is to be done and little to be known, teach me, by Thy Holy Spirit, to withdraw my mind from unprofitable and dangerous inquiries, from difficulties vainly curious, and doubts impossible to be solved. Let me rejoice in the light which Thou hast imparted; let me serve Thee with active zeal, and humble confidence, and wait with patient expectation for the time, in which the soul which Thou receivest shall be satisfied with knowledge. Grant this, O Lord, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.