Not with the hope of gaining aught,
Not seeking a reward;

But as Thyself hast lovèd me,
O ever-loving LORD.

So would I love Thee, dearest LORD,
And in Thy praise will sing :
Solely because Thou art my GOD,
And my Eternal King. Amen.

Devotions for Sickness.

PASSAGES OF HOLY SCRIPTURE.

Subject-The Purpose of Affliction.

Unto you it is given in the behalf of CHRIST, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake. Phil. i. 29.

Though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while 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. iv. 16, 17, 18.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of the LORD JESUS, that the life also

of JESUS might be made manifest in our body. 2 Cor. iv. 8, 9, 10.

Blessed be GOD, even the FATHER of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of mercies, and GOD of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of GOD. 2 Cor. i. 3, 4.

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees. Heb. xii. 11, 12.

In my prosperity I said, I shall never be removed, Thou, LORD, of Thy goodness hast made my hill so strong. Thou didst turn Thy face from me, and I was troubled. Then cried I unto Thee, O LORD, and gat me to my LORD right humbly. Ps. xxx. 6, 7, 8.

We glory in tribulation: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of GOD is shed abroad in our hearts by the HOLY GHOST Which is given unto us. Rom. v. 3, 4, 5.

Before I was troubled, I went wrong, but now have I kept Thy word. Ps. cxix. 67.

A Daily Prayer in Sickness.

LORD, Who art the Healer of the body as

well as the Strength of the soul, be with me in this illness. Direct the treatment of those who have the charge of me, bless the remedies they employ to my relief, and, if it be Thy will, restore me to health, that I may serve Thee with a healthy body and a willing mind. Give me patience to endure the pain and weariness of sickness, and grace to overcome the irritability of weakness. Help me to be considerate and unselfish towards those who wait on me. Supply all my necessities, especially . [Here name what you particularly need.] Enable me to see Thy hand in all that befalls me, whether in permitting the pain or sending the relief. Grant that all may work together for good both to me and to those around me. Bless all who minister to me, whether in body or soul. Reward them for their kindness and care, and hear my prayers for His sake Who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, JESUS CHRIST our LORD. Amen.

....

Hymn.

"The ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with

FIE

the waves."

IERCE was the wild billow,
Dark was the night,

Oars laboured heavily,

Foam glittered white,

Trembled the mariners,
Peril was nigh;

Then said the GOD of GOD,
"Peace! It is I."

Ridge of the mountain-wave,
Lower thy crest!

Wail of Euroclydon,

Be thou at rest!

Sorrow can never be,

Darkness must fly,

Where saith the Light of Light,

"Peace! It is I."