46. The Patient prays for some Abatement of his Sufferings

EXHORTATION.

"Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged; and though I forbear, what am I eased?"—Job xvi. 6.

When a patient is attacked by pains, he must not murmur against God, but must receive everything patiently and submissively. 1. But he may pray that his pangs be assuaged, as Christ did, in his sufferings. Children complain to their parents, why may not a child of God do likewise? THE PATIENT PRAYS FOR SOME

2. When his pain becomes very severe, he should remember the heinousness of his sins, and acknowledge that his pain is well deserved; but he must also think of the great mercy of God, and of his omnipotence, by which he may relieve him. 3. If it is impossible, at such a time to pray much or for a length of time he must sigh to God, and rest assured that such brief sighs of the heart will not remain unheard. 4. Impatience, instead of soothing, will aggravate suffering.

Lord, hear my prayer, give ear unto my cry, my King and my God, for I will pray before thee. I will pray and beseech thee to look in pity on this my wretchedness, and to soothe my fierce anguish. Thou hast promised not to suffer us to be tried beyond our powers of resistance, but wilt put an end to the temptation, so that we may bear it. Behold, O God, my pains prevail, my body is weak, my powers dwindle away, my tongue cleaves to the roof of my mouth, my bones are burned as by a fire, my sight fails, so long must I wait for the coming of the Lord. O how long, how long, must the heart be strong, and not see thy face. Do not tarry, my God, thou knowest the great number ABATEMENT OF HIS SUFFERINGS.

of my days and nights of suffering, thou hast heard my moans, sighs, wails, and cries.

Whither shall I flee in my distress and pain?

Where is my refuge? Where can I go? Only to thee, the Lord my God. O dearest Jesus, thou who hast commanded the tossing billows to be still, O command my pains to cease! Thou who didst heal the palsied with a single word, let thy mercy be made manifest in me. Refresh me again after I have suffered so long, and borne so much. From the deep I cry unto thee, O

Lord; my soul waiteth for the Lord and for his help from morning watch to morning watch;

for I know that with the Lord there is help.

Help me, God of my salvation! for thy name's sake deliver me, and forgive me my sins for the sake of thy mercy, yet not according to my will, but according to thy will. Amen.

1. O Lord, come to my aid! thou seest mine affliction,

Thou knowest how I writhe in anguish and constriction;

Better than I can tell thou knowest the pain I bear,

Then hasten to my aid, or I must all despair.

2. O Lord, come to my aid! In thee is my reliance;

O let my fervent prayer be blessed with quick compliance!

Help cometh from the Lord! It comes from thee alone,

Then send it down to me from thy most lofty throne.

3. O Lord, come to my aid! Where else shall I betake me,

If thy preserving hand and mercy do forsake me?

I surely will not fail, and never from thee fly,

If thou wilt only help, and keep thy angels nigh.

4. O Lord, come to my aid! I know thou canst deliver,

And where thy bounty falls, it courses like a river;

Thou canst, for nothing is thy power cannot do,

Thou wilt, because thou art my loving father too.

5. O Lord, come to my aid, that I may sing the story.

And whereso'er I go, disseminate the glory;

Assuring all mankind our God is living still,

Though sometimes he delays his help, yet help he will.

THE PATIENT IMPLORES GOD, ETC.