The forerunner of eternity, or, Messenger of death sent to healthy, sick and dying men / by H. Drexelius.

4 A Prayer for the increase of Patience.

OUr life (ô Lord) is a pilgri∣mage from Exile and Ba∣••ishment to our Countrey, and lest the pleasantnesse of the way should detaine or keepe us back, from comming speedily and com∣f••rtably to thee (ô God) thou stirrest us up by Goads, and ha∣st ns us by pricks in our sides, that so we may the more eager∣ly desire rest, and to bee at our journeys end: therefore diseases, griefs, teares, mournings, sor∣rows are as so many spurs to hastē our dull natures, and to encourage them to make speed to their quiet repose. Cau••e us (ô Lord) to forget the tediousnesse of the way, and to remember our Coun∣trey,

and if thou pleasest to lay on load upon our shoulders, lay on strength l••kewise and patience to carry it quietly and cheerfully, having all our intentions and hopes fixed upon thee, but seeing all things are at thy disposing. Make all things (ô Lord) worke together in thy unsearchable wis∣dome, that I may never prove an enemy to thee. Amen.