For that Name's sake, assist us, Lord, Our holy faith disgrace. To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, That, after this painful life ended, he may dwell with Thee in life everlasting. II. COR. V. 4. N health, O Lord! and prosperous days, IN When worldly wealth or worldly praise, In sickness, sorrow, or in shame, O rather help us as we ought To feel what Thine Apostle taught,— That not for aye we seek to wear To be unclothed, but clothed upon! O blessed Lord! whose merits dress THE EXHORTATION. FIRST PART. Dearly beloved, know this, that Almighty God is the Lord of life and death, and of all things to them pertaining, as youth, strength, health, age, weakness, and sickness. Therefore, whatsoever your sickness is, know you certainly, that it is God's visitation. And for what cause soever this sickness is sent unto you; whether it be to try your patience for the example of others, and that your faith may be found in the day of the Lord laudable, glorious, and honourable, to the increase of glory and endless felicity; or else it be sent unto you to correct and amend in you whatsoever doth offend the eyes of your heavenly Father; know you certainly, that if you truly repent you of your sins, and bear your sickness patiently, trusting in God's mercy, for His dear Son Jesus Christ's sake, and render unto Him humble thanks for His fatherly visitation, submitting yourself wholly unto His will, it shall turn to your profit, and help you forward in the right way that leadeth unto everlasting life. Bearly beloved, know this, that Almighty God is the Lord of life and death. THE EVENING-WATCH. A DIALOGUE. Henry Vaughan. F Body. AREWELL! I goe to sleep; but when Soul. Goe, sleep in peace; and when thou lyest Then may His peace be with thee, and each dust Body. Amen! but hark, ere we two stray, How many hours, dost think, till day? Soul. Ah! go; thou'rt weak, and sleepie. Heav'n He fills it; Dayes and hours are Blinds. Almighty God is the Lord of life and death, and of all things to them pertaining, as youth, strength, health, age, weakness, and sickness. MY "Hickes' Devotions." God, to Thee ourselves we owe, If we are happy in a friend, That very friend 'tis Thou bestow'st, If we enjoy a free estate, Our only title is from Thee; Thou madest our lot to bear that rate, If we have health,-that well-tuned ground Our food secured, our physic blest. If we have hope one day to view Each drop of that refreshing dew Must fall from Heaven and Thy free grace. |