RICHTER'S PRAYER IN SICKNESS.
The following is a translation from the German of Richter's "Prayer in Sickness," the original of which was written in the year 1713. GOD! whom I as Love have known,
Thou hast sickness laid on me,
And these pains are sent of thee,
Under which I burn and moan;
Let them burn away the sin
That too oft hath checked the love
Wherewith thou my heart wouldst move
When thy Spirit works within! In my weakness be thou strong,
Be thou sweet when I am sad,
Let me still in thee be glad,
Though my pains be keen and long.
All that wears my body now,
All that wasteth me away,
Pressing on me night and day,
Love ordains, for Love art thou! Suffering is the work now sent;
Nothing can I do but lie
Suffering as the hours go by;
All my powers to this are bent.
Suffering is my gain; I bow
To my heavenly Father's will,
And receive it hushed and still;
Suffering is my worship now. God! I take it from thy hand
As a sign of love; I know
Thou wouldst perfect me through woe,
Till I pure before thee stand.
All refreshment, all the food
Given me for the body's need,
Comes from thee, who lovest indeed;
Comes from thee, for thou art good. Let my soul beneath her load
Faint not, through the o'erwearied flesh;
Let her hourly drink afresh
Love and peace from thee, my God;
Let the body's pain and smart
Hinder not her flight to thee
Nor the calm thou giv'st to me;
Keep thou up the sinking heart! Grant me never to complain,
Make me to thy will resigned
With a quiet, humble mind,
Cheerful on my bed of pain.
In the flesh who suffer thus,
Shall be purified from sin,
And the soul renewed within;
Therefore pain is sent on us. I commend to thee my life,
And my body to the cross;
Never let me think it loss
That I thus am freed from strife;
Wholly thine, my faith is sure,
Whether life or death be mine;
I am safe if I am thine,
For 'tis Love that makes me pure.