1724, and has been but little parted from us since. She buried my father, my brother, and my mother. She is now fifty-eight years old.
I desired all to withdraw, then told her that we were to part for ever; that as Christians, we should part with prayer; and that I would, if she was willing, say a short prayer beside her. She expressed great desire to hear me; and held up her poor hands, as she lay in bed, with great fervour, while I prayed kneeling by her, nearly in the following words:
Almighty and most merciful Father, whose loving-kindness
is over all thy works, behold, visit, and relieve
this thy servant, who is grieved with sickness. Grant
that the sense of her weakness may add strength to her
faith, and seriousness to her repentance. And grant that
by the help of thy Holy Spirit, after the pains and labours
of this short life, we may all obtain everlasting happiness,
through Jesus Christ our Lord: for whose sake hear our
prayers. Amen. Our Father, &c.
I then kissed her. She told me that to part was the
greatest pain that she had ever felt, and that she hoped
we should meet again in a better place. I expressed,
with swelled eyes, and great emotion of tenderness, the
same hopes. We kissed, and parted. I humbly hope
to meet again, and to part no more.
1768.
Bed-time.
Lent 2.
Almighty God, who seest that I have no power of myself to help myself; keep me both outwardly in my body, and inwardly in my soul, that I may be defended from all adversities that may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
This prayer may be said before or after the entrance
into bed, as a preparative for sleep.
