(126.) For Compassion towards the Sick.

O MOST gracious God, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ hast knit us all together in one body, that we should love one another, and if one member suffers all the members should suffer with it": Give us at all times a compassionate feeling for the sufferings of the sick and afflicted. Make us ready to afford them that assistance which we should wish for ourselves if we were in their situation; and do Thou bless our weak endeavours for their good; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

deacon Berens' Sermons on Sickness.

Amen.-Arch

(127.) Morning Prayer.

O THOU great Giver of health, strength, and comfort, grant Thy blessing, I beseech Thee, upon the duties of my calling in which I may engage this day. Give me judgment to discern disease, and skill to treat it; and crown with Thy favour the means that may be devised for recovery; for, with Thine assistance, the humblest instrument may succeed, as, without it, the ablest must needs fail. Save me from all sordid motives, and endue me with a spirit of pity and liberality

1 Cor. xii. 26.

towards the poor, and of tenderness and sympathy towards all; that I may enter into the various feelings by which they are each one tried, may rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. And sanctify Thou their souls, O Lord, as well as heal their bodies. Let faith and patience, and every Christian virtue they are called upon to exercise, have their perfect worký; so that, in the gracious dealings of Thy spirit and of Thy providence, they may find in the end, whatever that end may be, that it is good for them that they have been afflicted2. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for the love of that adorable Redeemer, who, while on earth, went about doing good to the souls and bodies of men, and now ever liveth to make intercessionb for us in heaven. Amen. See Gregory's Mem. of J. M. Good, M.D.

(128.) Evening Prayer.

O MOST Gracious Father, who neither slumberest nor sleepest, who art about our bed, and knowest all our wants: Look with pity and compassion this night on the sufferings of all those who are afflicted with sickness, especially

a Acts x. 38. b Heb. vii. 25. c Ps. cxxi. 4.

Ps. cxix. 71.

d Ps. cxxxix. 2.

those under my care. Refresh their bodies with needful rest and sleep; or, if Thou continuest to hold their eyes waking, help them by Thy Holy Spirit to commune with their own hearts, and so to meditate on Thy mercies in Christ Jesus, that, in the midst of all their weariness and pains, Thy comforts may refresh their souls 8. Lord, be merciful unto them; strengthen them upon the bed of sickness; relieve all their infirmities, both of body and soul; and in the end bring us all to Thine everlasting rest; through our blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.See Hannam's Invalid's Help, &c.

(129.) For the Use of those detained from Public Worship on a Sunday.

O LORD, the great and holy God, who desirest mercy and not sacrificeh; who fillest heaven and earth with Thy presence: Look down, I beseech Thee, on me, Thine unworthy servant, in my present circumstances. This is the day which Thou hast appointed to be kept holy, by rest from our labours, and by acts of religious worship; and yet Thou didst Thyself perform cures upon it, to teach us that it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days.

• Ps. lxxvii. 4.
Hos. vi. 6.

f Ps. iv. 4.

g Ps. xciv. 19.
i Matth. xii. 12.

Thou knowest that I love the habitation of Thy house, and should be glad and thankful to join with Thy worshippers there; nor, did I willingly forsake the place where Thine honour dwelleth should I dare to ask Thy favour in my present absence from it. But since, by Thy providence, I am of necessity detained from it by this work of charity and mercy, I entreat Thy favour with my whole heart, and beg Thine assistance in my private reading, meditation, and prayers. May my thoughts be serious and devout, and the desire of my soul be to Thee throughout this sacred day, even when employed in the works of my calling. Supply the want of the public means of grace by the teaching of Thy word and Spirit. Bring to my remembrance and impress on my heart, what I have formerly heard and read of the great things of religion and salvation, that my soul may be improved, and my graces and good dispositions may be confirmed and strengthened. Command Thy blessings on all Thy worshipping servants, and on the labours of Thy ministers; and let that blessing rest on me also, who, though absent in body, desire to be present with them in spirit now; and hope at length to join the general assembly of Thy Saints in heaven in ascribing without ceasing, Blessing, and honour, and glory,

k Ps. xxvi. 8.

and power, unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever1. Amen. -See Stonhouse's Prayers for the Use of Private Persons, &c.

(130.) On entering a Hospital.

O LORD, I beseech Thee, grant Thy blessing upon all the sick persons in this house, and especially those under my care; direct me to choose the remedies most fitting for each; and grant that by studying the sicknesses of these I may learn to heal those of others also; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(131.) Another of the same, for the Use of Students.

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast caused this house to be built for Thy praise: Grant that I may not defile it by any evil thought, or word, or deed. Make me thankful, I pray Thee, for the means of learning the duties of my calling which Thou hast given me here, and diligent in the use of them; and fill me also, O Lord, with kindness and gentleness towards the sick; for Jesus Christ His sake. Amen.

1 Rev. v. 13.