A PRAYER TO BE READ AT THE HOUR OF DEATH.
O Lord Jesu! which art the health of all men living, and the everlasting life of them which die in faith, I, wretched sinner give and submit myself wholly unto thy most blessed will. And I being sure that the thing cannot perish which is committed unto thy mercy, willingly now I leave this frail and wicked flesh, in hope of the resurrection; which in better wise shall restore it to me again. I beseech thee most merciful Lord Jesus Christ, that thou wilt by thy grace make strong my soul against all temptations; and that thou wilt cover and defend me with the buckler of thy mercy against all the assaults of the Devil. I see and knowledge that there is in myself no help of salvation, but all my confidence, hope and trust is in thy most merciful goodness. I have no merits nor good works which I may allege before thee. Of sins and evil works (alas), I see a great heap; but through thy mercy I trust to be in the number of them to whom thou wilt not impute their sins; but take and accept me for righteous and just, and to be an inheritor of everlasting life.
Thou merciful Lord, wert born for my sake. Thou didst suffer both hunger and thirst for my sake. Thou didst preach and teach, thou didst pray and fast for my sake. Thou didst all good works and deeds for my sake. Thou sufferedst most grievous pains and torments for my sake. And finally, Thou gavest thy most precious body to die, and thy blood to be shed on the cross for my sake.
Now, most merciful Saviour, let all these things profit me which thou freely hast given me, that hast given thyself for me. Let thy blood cleanse and wash away the spots and foulness of my sins. Let Thy righteousness hide and cover my unrighteousness. Let the merits of thy passion and blood be the satisfaction for my sins.
Give me, Lord, thy grace, that my faith, and salvation in thy blood waver not in me, but ever be firm and constant; that the hope of thy mercy and life everlasting never decay in me; that charity wax not cold in me.
Finally, that the weakness of my flesh be not overcome by the fear of death. Grant me merciful Father, that when Death has shut up the eyes of my body, yet that the eyes of my soul may still behold and look upon thee; that when death hath taken away the use of my tongue and speech, yet that my heart may cry and say unto Thee In manus tuas, Domine, commendo spiritum meum; that is, O Lord, into thy hands I give and commit my soul. Domine Jesu accipe spiritum meum. Lord Jesu, receive my soul unto thee. Amen.[731]
FOOTNOTES:
[724] Cotton MS. Otho C. x., f. 230. Ellis, 2nd series, vol. ii., p. 78.
[725] Pollini, Istoria Ecclesiastica della rivoluzion d’Inghilterra, p. 355. Harl. MS. 424.