Death Made Comfortable, Prayers 1
Prayers and Devotions FOR The State of Sickness.
Scriptures, for the Duties, and Needs of Sick Persons.
Psal. 39. and 130.
Job 7.
Matt 25. to v. 14.
2 Cor. 5. to v. 12.
Psal. 77. and
Psal. 6.
Isa. 38.
Heb. 12.
I. Sickness and Afflictions are sent and ordered by Almighty God, and come on Errands of Mercy.
AFfliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground.
For God maketh sor…, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole▪ Job 5. 6. 18.
I kill,1 Sam. 2. 6. and I make alive; I wound, and I heal: neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. Deut, 32. 39.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Rev. 3. 19.
Even as the Father doth the Son, in whom he delighteth. Prov. 3. 12.
For what Son is he, whom the Father Chastneth not?
So that if ye endure chastning, God dealeth with you as with Sons.
But if ye be without chastizement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye Bastards, and not Sons. Hebr. 12. 7, 8.
You only have I known, of all the Families of the Earth; therefore I will punish you for all your Iniquities. Amos 3. 2.
Behold then, †Jam. 1. 12.happy is the Man whom God correcteth. Job 5. 17.
For when we are judged, we are chastned of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the World. 1 Cor. 11. 32.
And 'tis good for me, that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy Statutes. Psal. 119. 71.
Our Earthly Fathers, indeed, chastned us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his Holiness. Heb. 12. 10.
So that I know, O! Lord, thy Iudgments are Right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. Psal. 119. 75.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen.
And this Glory be to the Father, &c. may be added at the end of all the following Collections of Scripture, when they are used Devotionally.
II. How they are to be received.
I. With Repentance of their Sins.
BY sin came death, and death hath passed upon all men, because all have sinned. Rom. 5. 12.
I will make thee sick in smiteing thee, because of thy sins. Mich. 6. 13.
I will visit their offences with the Rod, and their sin with Scourges. Ps. 89. 32.
And when he slew them, they sought him, and return'd and inquired early after God. Ps. 78. 34.
In their affliction, they will seek me early, Hos. 5. 15.
And this such a Repentance, as expresses it self.
1. In amendment of their sins.
When I bring them thro' the fire, 'tis to refine them like a silver is refined, Zech. 13. 9.
And by this [smiteing] shall the iniquity of Jacob be purg'd; and this is all the fruit, to take away his sin. Isaiah 27. 7, 9.
For when they be holden in cords of Affliction, then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded.
He openeth also their ear to Discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity. Job 36. 8, 9, 10.
And surely it is meet to be said unto God, I have born chastizement, I will not offerd any more.
That which I see not, teach thou me; and if I have done iniquity, I will do no more. Job 34. 31, 32.
2. In reconciling themselves to those whom they have offended, and making satisfaction for injuries.
If ye forgive men their Trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Mat. 6. 14, 15.
And if thou bring thy gift to the Altar, and there remembrest that thy Brother hath ought against thee; go thy way, first be reconciled to thy Brother, and then come and offer thy Gift. Matt. 5. 23, 24.
Oppress not any, restore the Debtor his pledge, and spoil none by violence, but withdraw thy hand from iniquity, and deal truly, and thou shalt surely live. Ezek. 18. 7, 8, 9.
Loose the bands of wickedness, and undoe the heavy burdens, and let the oppressed go free.
And then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer thee; thy Righteousness shall go before thee, and his Glory▪ shall be thy reward. Isa. 58. 6, 8, 9.
But without such Reparations of Wrongs done, He that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done, and there is no respect of persons, Col. 3. 25.
And keep not wrongful gettings, to leave thine Heir rich: For better is a little with Righteousness, than great Revenues without Right. Prov. 16. 8.
Nor think of appeasing God by giving Alms, till thou hast first done Justice: For I the Lord love judgement, I hate Robbery for Burnt-Offering, Is. 61. 8.
3. In Alms Deeds.
Break off thy sins by Righteousness, and thine …niquities by shewing mercy to the poor. Dan. 4. 27.
For by mercy and truth iniquity is purged. Prov. 16. 6.
Water will quench a flaming fire, and Alms maketh an attontment for sin. Ecclus. 3. 30.
Sell that ye have therefore, and give Alms: Provide your selves Bags which wax not old, a treasure in the Heavens that saileth not, where no Thief approacheth, neither Moth corrupteth. Luke 12. 33.
And make to your selves friends of the Mammon of Vnrighteousness, that when ye fail they may receive you into everlasting habitations. Luk. 16. 9.
And charge them that are rich in this World, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to Communicate.
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on Eternal Life, 1 Tim. 6. 18, 19.
Deal thy bread to the hungry, and bring the poor that is cast out to thine house. When thou seest the naked cover him, and hide not thy self from thine own Flesh.
Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer thee; thine health shall spring forth speedily, and thy Righteousness shall go before thee, and the Glory of the Lord shall be thy reward. Isa. 58. 7, 8, 9, &c.
Because that Alms do deliver from death, and suffereth not to come into darkness. Tob. 4. 10. and c. 12. 9.
It shall deliver thee from all affliction, when it is shut up in thy Store-houses.
It shall fight for thee against thine Enemies, better than a mighty shield, and a strong spear. Ecclus. 29. 12, 13.
Blessed therefore is he that considereth the poor, for the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Ps. 41. 1.
4. In Penitential Confessions, and earnest Prayers for God's Pardon of our Sins.
There is no soundness in my flesh, because of thine Anger; neither is there any rest in my bones, because of my sin.
For mine Iniquities are gone over my head; as an heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.
I will declare mine iniquity, I will be sorry for my sin. Ps. 38. 3, 4, 18.
I have sinned, what shall I do unto thee, O! Thou preserver of men? Job 7. 20.
Lord, be merciful unto me, heal my Soul, for I have sinned against thee, Ps. 41. 4.
O! Remember not against me former iniquities; let thy tender mercy speedily prevent me, for I am brought very low. Ps. 79. 8.
Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy, remember thou me for thy goodness sake. Ps. 25. 7.
According to the multitude of thy mercies, do away mine offences.
Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. Ps. 51. 1, 2.
Thou hast chastized me, and I was chastized, as a Bullock unaccustomed to the Yoke: Turn thou me, and I shall be turned, for thou art the Lord my God.
Surely, after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I smote upon my Thigh: I was asham'd, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Jer. 31. 18, 19.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
II. With Trust in God.
1. Trusting him with themselves.
TRust in the Lord at all times, ye People, for God is a refuge for us. Ps. 62. 8.
The Lord is a refuge in times of trouble. Ps. 9. 9.
Why art thou disquieted within me, O! My Soul? Hope in God. Ps. 43. 5.
For he shall be kept in perfect peace, O! God, whose mind is stayed on thee. Isa. 26. 3.
And therefore what time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. Ps. 56. 3.
I will trust, and not be afraid. Isa. 12. 2.
I will hope, and also quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord. Lam. 3 26.
For he that believeth, will not make hast. Isa. 28. 16.
Therefore when I look unto the Lord, I will wait for the God of my Salvation. Mich. 7. 7.
I will not be afraid of evil tidings, for my heart is fixed trusting in the Lord. Ps. 112. 7.
And tho I walk thro' the valley of the shadow of Death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me, and thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23. 4.
Yea, tho he slay me, yet will I trust in him. Job 13. 15.
2. Trusting him with their Friends and Families.
And all my cares for my Wife, and Family, and Friends, I cast on thee, for thou carest for us. 1 Pet. 5. 7. Psal. 55. 22.
For in thee, O! Lord, the Fatherless findeth mercy. Hos. 14. 3.
And tho… hast said, Leave thy Fatherless Children, I will preserve them alive, and let thy Widows trust in me. Jer. 49. 11.
And I never saw the Righteous forsaken, but his seed is blessed. Ps. 37. 25, 26.
The Generation of the upright shal be blessed.
Riches shall be in his house, and his Righteousness endureth for ever.
Surely he shall not be moved for ever, but shall be in everlasting remembrance. Ps. 112. 2, 3, 6.
For when their Father and Mother forsake them, then doest thou take them up. Ps. 27. 10.
Even thou, who art the Father of the Fatherless, and the Judge of the Widows, Ps. 68. 5.
And as a Mighty Redeemer wilt plead their cause. Prov. 23. 10, 11.
3. The Benefit of both.
And he who thus trusteth in the Lord, mercy shall compass him about. Ps. 32. 10.
Because thou hast made the Lord which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy Habitation:
There shall no evil befal thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy Dwelling.
For he shall give his Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. Ps. 91. 9, 10, 11.
Behold, the Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him; upon them that hope in his Mercy.
To deliver their Soul from Death, and to keep them alive in Famine. Ps. 33. 18, 19.
And the Lord is a strong hold in the day of trouble, and he knoweth them that trust in him. Nah. 1. 7.
He Redeemeth the Soul of his Servants, and none of them that trust in him shall be desolate. Ps. 34. 22.
And they who know thy Name will put their trust in thee, for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee. Psal. 9, 10.
And Trust him,
1. To Temper the Sickness and Sorrows, to our Infirmities.
I will not leave thee altogether unpunish'd, but I will correct thee in measure, and will not make a full end of thee. Jer. 30. 11. and c. 46. 28.
And when Epaphroditus was sick, nigh unto Death, God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. Phil. 2. 27.
In his wrath he will remember mercy. Habak. 3. 2.
And to the Vpright, there ariseth light in the darkness. Ps. 112. 4.
For he will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger for ever. Psal. 103. 9.
His Anger endureth but a moment, and in his favour is life: Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Ps. 30. 5.
He knows our frame, and remembreth that we are dust, and pitieth us like as a Father pityeth his Children, Ps. 103. 13, 14.
He remembreth that we are but flesh, a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again; and doth not stir up all his wrath. Ps. 78. 38, 39.
And he is faithful, and will not suffer us to be tempted above what we are able. 1 Cor. 10. 13.
2. To support us under them, and help us to bear them.
The Salvation of the Righteous is of the Lord, he is their strength in time of trouble.
And the Lord shall help them, because they trust in him, Ps. 37. 39, 40.
The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing; he will make all his bed in his sickness. Ps. 41. 3.
And we have not an High Priest, which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find Grace to help in time of need. Heb. 4. 15, 16.
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. Heb. 2. 18.
And my Grace is sufficient for thee, my strength is made perfect in weakness, 2 Cor. 12. 9.
I said, indeed, in mine haste, I am cut off from before thine Eyes; nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications, when I cryed unto thee. Psal. 31. 22.
Even when my Soul fainted within me, I remembred thee, and my Prayer came in unto thee. Jon. 2. 7.
Wait thou on the Lord then, be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart. Ps 27. 14.
For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
So that we may boldly say, I will not fear, for the Lord is my helper. Heb. 13. 5, 6.
Yea, tho I walk thro the valley of the shadow of Death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Ps. 23. 4.
3. To Deliver us from them, or make us Gainers by them.
Call upon me in the day of trouble,See more afterwards in Scriptures for Deliverance, and Recovery. p. 115. &c. and I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorifie me. Ps. 50. 15.
Behold the Eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy.
To deliver their soul from Death. Ps. 33. 18, 19.
He is their strength in the time of trouble.
And he shall help them, and deliver them: He shall deliver them, because they trust in him. Ps. 37. 39, 40.
We know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, Rom. 8. 28.
And tho' many are the afflictions of the Righteous, yet the Lord delivereth him out of them all. Ps. 34. 19.
For the Lord he kills, and he makes alive; he wounds, and he heals. Deut. 32. 39.
He bringeth down to the Grave, and bringeth up. 1 Sam. 2. 6.
And that, when we have the Sentence of Death in our selves, that we should not trust in our selves, but in God who raiseth the Dead. 2 Cor. 1. 9.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
III. They are to be received with Faith in Gods Precious Promises.
THIS is a Faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Jesus Christ came into the World to save Sinners, 1 Tim. 1. 15.
If any man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous, and he is the Propitiation for our Sins, 1 Jo. 2. 1, 2.
O! Death, where is thy Sting? O! Grave, where is thy Victory?
The Sting of Death is Sin, and the Strength of Sin is the Law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the Victory thro our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 15. 55, 56, 57.
Who shall lay any thing then, to the charge of Gods Elect? it is God that Justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? it is Christ that Dyed, yea rather that is risen again, who is even at the Right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us, Rom. 8. 33, 34.
And he hath promised, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, Heb. 13. 5.
He will give the Holy Spirit to those that ask him, Luk. 11. 13.
He will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able, but will with the Temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it, 1 Cor. 10. 13.
And this is the Promise that he hath promised us, even Eternal life, 1 Joh. 2. 25.
He hath said, Repent, and be converted, and your Sins shall be Blotted out, Acts 3. 19.
For if we confess our Sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our Sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness, 1 Joh. 1. 9.
And whosoe confesseth, and forsaketh his Sins, shall find mercy, Prov: 28. 13.
And if ye forgive Men their Trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you your Trespasses. Matt. 6. 14.
And break off thine iniquities by giving to the Poor. Dan. 4. 27. For by mercy and truth iniquity is purged, Prov. 16. 6. And Mercy rejoyceth against Judgment. James 2. 13.
And having these Promises, let us cleanse our selves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God, 2 Cor. 7. 1.
Above all, taking the shield of faith, whereby ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Eph. 6. 16.
Putting on the breast-plate of Faith and Love, and for an helmet the Hope of Salvation. 1 Thess. 5. 8.
And trust in the Lord, and he shall save thee.
And know, that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth Covenant and Mercy with them that love him, and keep his Commandments, to a thousand Generations. Deut. 7. 9.
His promises, are all yea, and Amen. 2 Cor. 1. 20.
His word is tryed, and he is a Buckler to all them that trust in him. 2 Sam. 22. 31.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
IV. With Thankfulness.
SHall we receive good at the Hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? Job 2. 10.
The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the Name of the Lord. Job 1. 21.
It is the Lord's mercy, that we are not suddenly consumed. Lam. 3. 22.
Yea, and it is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy Law. Ps. 119. 71.
And thou out of very faithfulness, hath caused me to be troubled. Ps. 119. 75.
For because the wicked have no changes, therefore they fear not God. Ps. 55. 19.
Blessed therefore is the man whom thou chastenest, O! Lord, and teachest him out of thy Law.
That thou mayest give him rest in the Days of Adversity. Ps. 94. 12, 13.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
V. With Patience.
1. Patience towards God, in Submission and Resignation of our Selves to his Holy Will.
WOE be to the man that hath lost Patience, for what will he do when the Lord shall visit him? Ecclus. 2. 15.
Humble your selves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time. 1 Pet. 5. 6.
For our Fathers after the flesh corrected us, and we gave them Reverence; and shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Father of Spirits? Heb. 12. 9.
Thy Will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven. Mat. 6. 10.
Father, if it be possible, let this Cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. Mat. 26. 39.
Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? Job 2. 10.
It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good. 1 Sam. 3. 18.
And if he thus say, I have no delight in thee: Behold! Here am I, let him do to me as seemeth good to him. 2 Sam. 15. 26.
And in maintaining this Patience and Resignedness, opposite,
1. To Striving and Reluctance, and Rising up against God.
Why dost thou strive against him, for he giveth no account of his matters? Job 33. 13.
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker: Let the Potsherd strive with the Potsherds of the Earth: Shall the clay say unto him that fashioneth it, what makest thou? Is. 45. 9.
Submit your selves therefore to God.
And humble your selves in his sight, and he shall lift you up. Jam. 4. 7. 10.
For if their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they accept of the punishment of their iniquity;
Then will I remember my Covenant. Lev. 26. 41, 42.
2. To Unquietness, and Tumultuousness and Disturbedness of Spirit.
Why art thou disquieted within me, O! my Soul? Ps. 42. 11.
It is good, that a man should quietly wait for the Salvation of the Lord. Lam. 3. 26.
In your Patience therefore possess ye your Souls. Luk. 21. 19.
And whatsoever is brought upon thee, take chearfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low Estate.
For Gold is tryed in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. Ecclus. 2. 4, 5.
3. To Weariness, and Faintness and Dejection.
Thou hast born, and had patience, and hast laboured, and not fainted. Rev. 2. 3.
And my Son, despise not the chastening of the Lord, neither be weary of his correction. Prov. 3. 11.
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small. Prov. 24. 10.
And consider Iesus, who endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Heb. 12. 3.
For in due season, we shall reap if we faint not. Gal. 6. 9.
Ye that fear the Lord therefore, believe him, and your reward shall not fail.
Believe in him, and he will help thee.
But woe be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways.
Woe unto him that is faint-hearted, for he believeth not, therefore shall he not be defended. Ecclus. 2. 6, 7, 12, 13.
Why art thou cast down then, O! my Soul? Hope thou in God, for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Ps. 42. 11.
When I am weak, then am I strong, 2 Cor. 12. 1….
And tho the outward man perish, yet the inner man is renewed day by day.
Whilst we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: For the things which are seen, are Temporal; but the things which are not seen, are Eternal. 2 Cor. 4. 16. 18.
Let thy mercy, O! Lord, be upon me, according as I hope in thee. Psal. 33. 22.
4. Opposite to Hastiness, as it notes Perseverance in waiting.
We give thanks, remembring your Patience of hope. 1 Thess. 1, 2, 3.
And I wait for the Lord, my Soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope, Ps. 130. 5.
On thee do I wait all the day.
Mine eyes are ever towards the Lord, Ps. 25. 5. 15.
I will hope continually, and will yet praise thee more and more. Ps. 71. 14.
Ye have need of Patience, and the just shall live by faith. Heb. 10. 36. 38.
Set your heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble. Ecclus. 2. 2.
And he that believeth, will not make haste, Isa. 28. 16.
O! therefore tarry thou the Lord's leisure, be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart, and put thou thy trust in the Lord, Ps. 26. 14.
For he will not always chide, neither will he keep his anger for ever.
He knows our frame, and remembreth that we are but dust.
And like as a Father pityeth his own Children, so the Lord pityeth them that fear him, Ps. 103. 9, 13, 14.
He hath not forsaken them that seek him, Ps. 9. 10.
He taketh pleasure in them, who hope in his mercy, Ps. 147. 11.
He is a very present help in trouble, Ps. 46. 1.
And behold! we account them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Iob, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pityful, and of tender mercy, Jam. 5. 11.
They shall not be ashamed, who wait for me, Isa. 49. 23.
And my soul wait thou only upon God, for my expectation is from him, Ps. 62. 5.
Wait for his mercy, but go not aside lest ye fall.
Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayst be encreased at thy last end. Ecclus. 2. 3, 7.
5. To Querulousness and accusing God.
It is good for a man, that he bear the yoke in his youth.
He sitteth alone, and keepeth silence, because he hath born it upon him.
He putteth his mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope.
Wherefore doth a living man complain? A man for the punishment of his sins? Lam. 3. 27, 28, 29, 39.
I was dumb, I opened not my mouth, because thou didst it, Ps. 39. 9.
I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs, Ps. 38. 14.
For shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? He that reproveth God let him answer it.
But behold I am vile, what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth, Job 40. 2, 4.
He was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: He is brought as a Lamb to the slaughter, and as a Sheep before her Shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth, Isa. 53. 7.
Motives to Patience.
Shall we receive good at the hands of God, and shall we not receive evil? Job 2. 10.
The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, blessed be the Name of the Lord, Job 1. 21.
Shall the clay say unto him that fashioned it, what makest thou? Is. 45. 9.
And why doth a living man complain, yea, a man for the punishment of his sin? Lam. 3. 39.
I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, Mich. 7. 9.
And the Lord doth not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of men, v. 33.
If need be we are in heaviness, 1 Pet. 1. 6.
And because all need, all are partakers of chastisements, Heb. 12. 8.
Even Jesus, tho he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered, Heb. 5. 8.
So that it is out of very faithfulness, that he afflicteth us, Ps. 119. 15.
And whom be loveth he correcteth, even as a Father the Son, in whom he delighteth, Prov. 3. 11.
For when we are judged, we are chastned of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world, 1 Cor. 11. 32.
He chasteneth us for our profit, that we may be partakers of his holiness, Heb. 12. 10.
As Gold in the Furnace hath he tryed them, and received them as a burnt-offering.
He proved them, and found them worthy of himself; and having been a little chastized, they shall be greatly rewarded. Wisd. 3. 5, 6.
And these light afflictions, which are but for a moment, work for us a far more exceeding, and eternal weight of glory, 2 Cor. 4. 17.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
2. With Patience towards our Friends and Attendants.
Be patient towards all men, 1 Thess. 5. 14.
With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, Eph. 4. 2.
Be gentle, shewing all meekness to all men, Tit. 3. 2.
And be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry, Ecclus. 7. 9.
For he that is hasty of spirit, exalteth folly, Prov. 14. 29.
And a man that hath friends, must shew himself friendly, Prov. 18. 24.
3. With patience with our selves, and with the heaviness and brokenness of our own Spirit under Sickness.
'Tis wrong said, that God is hard, reaping where he has not sown, and gathering where he has not strow'd, Matt. 25. 24.
For 'tis only where much is given, that much shall be required, Luke 12. 48.
He remembreth that we are but flesh, Ps. 78. 39.
He himself bore our sickness, Matt. 8. 17.
And had the feeling of our infirmities.
And it behoved him to have so in all things, that he might be a merciful High-Priest, Heb. 2. 17. and c. 4. 15.
He attends unto our cry, when we are brought very low, Ps. 142. 6.
And will not forsake us, because our strength faileth, Ps. 71. 9.
Dying, as well as living, we are the Lords, Rom. 14. 8.
And fall asleep in him, 1 Thess. 4. 14.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
VI. Of Improvements thereof to Spiritual Advantages.
THat I should not be exalted above measure, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, 2 Cor. 12. 7.
She did not know, that I gave her Corn, and Wine, and Oyl.
Therefore will I return, and take away my Corn in the time thereof, and my Wine in the season thereof, Hos. 2. 8, 9.
And I will go, and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offences, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early, Hos. 5. 15.
When my Heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, Ps. 61. 2.
So that altho' for the Time, no affl…ction seemeth joyous, but Grievous: yet afterwards it yieldeth the Peaceable Fruits of Righteousness, to those that are exercised thereby, Heb. 12. 11.
For he chastiseth us for our profit, that we may be partakers of his Holiness, Heb. 12. 10.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
3. Scriptures for the Bodily needs and desires of Sick Persons.
I. For Ease and Strength.
1. To pour out their Grief and Complaints.
BEhold! all Flesh is Grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the Flower of the Field.
The Grass withereth, the Flower fadeth, because the Spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it; but the word of our God shall stand for ever, Is. 40. 6, 7, 8.
When thou, Lord, with Rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, thou makest his Beauty to consume away like a Moth: Surely every man is Vanity, Ps. 39. 11.
Thou hast weakned my strength in the way, and shortned my days, Ps. 102. 23.
Thine Arrows, O Lord, stick fast in me, and thy hand Presseth me sore.
There is no soundness in my Flesh, beca…se of thine Anger, neither is there any Rest in my bones, because of my Sin.
I am troubled, I am bowed down greatly, I go mourning all the day long.
I am feeble and sore broken; I have roared by reason of the Disquietness of my Heart.
My Heart panteth, my Strength faileth me: as for the Light of mine Eyes, it also is gone from me.
My Lovers and my Friends stand aloof from m… sore:Ps. 88. 4. 6, 7, 8. & Ps. 69. 1, 2, 3. and my Kinsmen stand afar off, Ps. 38. 2, 3, 6, 8, 10, 11.
My Spirit is overwhelmed within me, and my Heart within me is Desolate, Ps. 143. 4.
My Soul also is sore troubled; but, Lord, how long wilt thou Punish me? Ps. 6. 3.
2. To Pray for ease and mitigation thereof.
And now Lord, what wait I…for? truely my Hope is even in thee, Ps. 39. 7.
My Flesh and my Heart faileth: but thou art the Strength of my Heart, and my Portion for ever, Ps. 73. 26.
I Stretch out my hands unto thee, my Soul Thirsteth after thee as a Thirsty Land, Ps. 43. 6.
All my Desire is before thee, and my Groaning is not hid from thee, Ps. 38. 9.
Hide not then thy Face from me, and forget not my misery and Trouble, Ps. 44. 24.
Cast me not off, nor forsake me when my Strength faileth, Ps. 71. 9.
And rebuke me not, O! Lord, in thine Anger, neither chasten me in thy heavy Displeasure, Ps. 6. 1.
But remove thy Stroke away from me, for I am consumed by the blow of thine hand, Ps. 39. 10.
Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry Stubble? Job 13. 25.
Oh! Spare me a little, that I may recover my Strength, before I go hence and be no more, Ps. 39. 13.
Be not wroth ver…y sore, O! Lord, neither remember iniquity for ever, Is. 64. 9.
But turn from me that I may rest till I accomplish as an hireling my day, Job 14. 6. and Ch. 10. 20. 21.
Hear my Prayer, O! Lord, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy Peace at my Tears, Ps. 39. 12.
Be merciful unto me, O! Lord, for I cry unto thee Daily.
And thou art good, and plenteous in mercy, to all them that call upon thee.
Rejoyce the Soul of thy Servant; for unto thee O! Lord, do I lift up my Soul, Ps. 86. 3, 4, 5.
And hear me†Ps. 7 9. 8. speedily, O! Lord, for my Spirit faileth, Ps. 143. 7.
And mine Eyes fail for thy word, saying, when wilt thou comfort me? Ps. 119. 82.
And make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoyce, Ps. 51. 8.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
II. For Deliverance and Recovery from the same.
I.
IN thee, O! Lord, do I put my Trust, let me never be ashamed, deliver me in thy Righteousness, Ps. 31. 1.
VntoUnto thee have I cryed, O! Lord, and in the morning shall my Prayer, prevent thee, Ps. 88. 13.
Hear my Prayer, O! Lord, and hide not thy Self from my Petition.
Take heed unto me and hear me, how I mourn in my Prayer, and am vexed, Ps. 55. 1, 2.
Lord how long wilt thou be angry with thy Servant that prayeth?Ps. 86. 3, 4, 5. Ps. 8. 4.
Save me for thy Names sake, and deliver me in thy Strength, Ps. 54. 1.
Make thy Face to shine upon thy Servant, and save me for thy Mercies sake, Ps. 31. 16.
O! Let it be thy Pleasure to deliver me, make hast, O! Lord, to help me, Ps. 40. 13.
And send out thy Light and thy Truth, and let them lead me, and bring me unto thy Holy Hill, and to thy Tabernacles, Ps. 43. 3.
II.
What profit is there in my Blood if I go down unto the Pit? shall the dust praise thee? Shall it declare thy Truth? Ps. 30. 9.
Shall thy loving kindness be declared in the Grave? or thy Faithfulness in Destruction?
Shall thy wonders be known in the Dark? and thy Righteousness in the Land of Forgetfulness? Ps. 88. 11, 12.
The Living, the Living, he shall Praise thee; the Father to the Children shall make known thy Truth, Isa. 38. 19.
Thou hast been my Succor, leave me not, neither forsake me, O! God of my Salvation, Ps. 27. 9.
Thou art he that tookest me out of my Mothers Womb, thou wast my hope when I hanged yet upon my Mothers Breasts.
I have been left unto thee ever since I was born, thou art my God even from my Mothers Womb.
Our Fathers also hoped in thee, they trusted in thee, and thou didst deliver them.
They called upon thee, and were holpen; they put their trust in thee, and were not confounded, Ps. 22. 4, 5, 9, 10.
And the Poor shall not always be forgotten, and the Patient abiding of the meek shall not perish for ever, Ps. 9. 18.
O! Then deliver me, and let me not be confounded, for I have put my Trust in thee, Ps. 25. 19.
And men shall know, that this is thy hand, and that thou Lord hast done it, Ps. 109. 26.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
On Receipt of Ease, or any Abatement of Pain or Sickness.
BEhold! God is my Salvation: I will trust, and not be affraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my Strength and my Song, he also is become my Salvation.
Thou wast angry with me, O! Lord, thine Anger is turned away, and thou Comfortedst me, Isa. 12. 1, 2.
He hath chastned me sore, but he hath not given me over unto Death, Ps. 118. 18.
He knows our Frame, he remembreth that we are Dust.
And like as a Father Pityeth his Children, so the Lord Pitieth those that fear him, Ps. 103. 13, 14.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
IV. VnderUnder the Accidents of Sickness.
I. Want of Sleep.
ALL the night make I my Bed to swim, I water my Couch with my Tears, Ps. 6. 6.
For thou holdest mine Eyes waking, I am so feeble that I cannot speak.
My sore ran in the night, and ceased not; My Soul refused to be comforted.
I call to Remembrance my Song in the night: I†Ps. 4. 4. commune with mine own Heart, and my Spirit maketh diligent search.
Will the Lord cast off for ever, and will he be favourable no more?
Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his Promise fail for evermore?
Hath God forgotten to be Gracious? hath he in Anger shut up his tender Mercies?
And I said this is my infirmity: but I will remember the works of the Lord, surely I will remember thy wonders of old, Ps. 77. 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11.
Lord I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches, Ps. 63. 6.
I have remembred thy name, O! Lord, in the night, and have kept thy Law, Ps. 119. 55.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
2. On Excess of pain and weariness.
Lord, thou hast set me, as a mark against thee, so that I am a Burden to my self.
*Ps. 22. 2.In the day time I cry and cease not, and wearisome nights are appointed to me.
When I lye down, I say when shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of Tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day, Job 7. 3, 4, 20.
Thou wilt not suffer me to take my Breath, but fillest me with bitterness, Job 9. 18.
O! turn thee unto me, and have mercy upon me, give thy strength unto thy Servant, and save the Son of thine Handmaid, Ps. 86. 16.
Are not my days few? cease then, Lord, and let me alone that I may take comfort a little, Job 10 20.
O! spare me a little, that I may recover my strength, Ps. 39. 13.
And lay not more upon me, than I am able to bear, 1 Cor. 10. 13.
My Grace, sayest thou, is sufficient for thee, and my strength shall be made perfect in weakness, 2 Cor. 12. 9.
And in the multitude of my Thoughts within me, thy comforts, Lord, delight my Soul, Ps. 94. 19.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
3. On taking Physick.
Man liveth not by Bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, Mat. 4. 4.
And it was neither Herb, nor mollifying Plaster that restored them to health; but thy word, O! Lord, which healeth all things.
For thou hast power of Life and Death; thou leadest to the Gates of Hell, and bringest up again, Wisd. 16. 12, 13.
He that is our God, is the God of Salvation; and unto God the Lord belong the issues from Death, Ps. 68. 20.
The Lord hath created Medicines out of the Earth, and he that is wise will not abhor them.
And with such doth he heal men, and taketh away their Pains.
For of the most High cometh healing, and he hath given men Skill, that he might be honoured in his marve? lous works, Ecclus. 38. 2, 4, 6, 7.
My time is in thy hand, therefore I trust in thee, O Lord, Ps. 31. 14, 15.
Oh! Send thy word and heal me, and deliver me from my Destruction, Ps. 107. 20.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
V. For Attendants about Sick Persons.
I.
HE that is ready to slip with his feet, is as a Lamp despised in the thought of him that is at ease, Job 12. 5.
But to him that is afflicted, pity should be shewed from his Friends, Job 6. 14.
For a Friend loveth at all times, and a Brother is born for adversity, Prov. 17. 17.
And if your Soul were in my Souls stead, I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief, Job 16. 4, 5.
But my Brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away.
As Brooks that are blackish with Ice, wherein Snow is hid.
What time they wax warm, they vanish; when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.
Now ye are nothing, you see my casting down, and are afraid.
Yea, you dig a pit for your friend, Job 6. 15, 16, 17, 21, 27.
II.
Whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member rejoyce, all the members rejoyce with it, 1 Cor. 12. 26.
Distribute then to the necessity of Saints, and weep with those that weep, Rom. 12. 13, 15.
And he that sheweth mercy, let him do it with chearfulness, v. 8.
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shew'd towards his Name, in that ye have ministred to the Saints, and do Minister, Heb. 6. 10.
I was sick, and ye visited me.
In as much, as ye have done it to the least of these my Brethren, ye did it unto me, Mat. 25. 36, 40.
And this is pure and undefiled Religion, to visit the Fatherless and Widows in their affliction, Jam. 1. 27.
And the heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; for by the sadness of the Countenance the Heart is made better.
That is the end of all men, and the living will lay it to his heart, Eccles. 7. 2, 3, 4.
Glory be to the Father, &c.
VI. An Hymn of Thanksgiving for Recovery from Sickness.
IN my wrath I smote thee, but in my favour have I had mercy on thee, Is. 60. 10.
The Lord hath chastned me sore, but he hath not given me over unto death, Ps. 118. 18.
In love to my soul,Psal. 103. 3, 4. he hath delivered it from the pit of corruption, for he hath cast all my sins behind his back, Is. 38. 17.
O! Lord my God, thou hast considered my trouble, thou hast known my soul in adversities, Ps. 31. 7.
Thou healest the broken in heart, and bindest up their wounds, Psal. 147. 3.
And I cryed unto thee, and thou hast healed me.
And hast turned for me my mourning into dancing, thou hast put off my Sack-cloath, and girded me with gladness.
To the end that my Glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent: O! Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever, Ps. 30. 2, 11, 12.
My Mouth shall shew forth thy Righteousness, and thy Salvation all the day: For I know not the numbers thereof.
And my Lips shall greatly rejoyce when I sing unto thee, and my Soul which thou hast redeemed, Psal. 71. 15. 23.
O! Sing unto the Lord, ye Saints of his, and give thanks at the Remembrance of his Holiness, Ps. 30. 4.
And ye that fear the Lord, trust in the Lord, he is their help and their shield, Ps. 115. 11.
To the upright he maketh light to arise in the darkness, Ps. 112. 4.
For his Anger endureth but a moment, in his Favour is Life: Weeping may endure for a Night, but Joy cometh in the Morning, Psal. 30. 5.
I will offer the Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, and will call upon the Name of the Lord, Ps. 116. 17.
And I will pay thee my Vows, O! God, which my Lips have uttered, and my Mouth hath spoken when I was in trouble, Psal. 66. 13, 14.
I will not hide thy Righteousness within my Heart, I will declare thy Faithfulness and thy Salvation: I will not conceal thy Loving Kindness and thy Truth from the great Congregation, Psal. 40. 10.
I will pay my Vows unto the Lord, now in the presence of all his People.
In the Courts of the Lord's House, in the midst of thee, O! Jerusalem. Praise ye the Lord, Psal. 116. 18, 19.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall, be World without end. Amen.