Wesley Corpus

I believe, O Father of the families of heaven and earth, that thou so disposest all events, as may best magnify thy goodness to all thy children, especially those whose eyes wait upon thee. I most humbly beseech thee, teach me to adore all thy ways, though I cannot comprehend them; teach me to be glad that thou art King, and to give thee thanks for all things that befal me; seeing thou hast chosen that for me, and hast thereby “set to thy seal that they are good.” And for that which is to come, give me thy grace to do in all things what pleaseth thee; and then, with an absolute submis sion to thy wisdom, to leave the issues of them in thy hand. O Lord Jesu, I give thee my body, my soul, my substance, my fame, my friends, my liberty, my life: Dispose of me, and all that is mine, as it seemeth best unto thee. I am not mine, but thine; Claim me as thy right, keep me as thy charge, love me as thy child ! Fight for me when I am assaulted, heal me when I am wounded, and revive me when I am destroyed. O help me with thy grace, that whatsoever I shall do or suffer this day may tend to thy glory. Keep me in love to thee, and to all men. Do thou direct my paths, and teach me to set thee always before me. Let not the things of this life, or my manifold concerns therein, alienate any part of my affections from thee; nor let me ever pursue or regard them, but for thee, and in obedience to thy will. Extend, O Lord, thy pity to the whole race of mankind; enlighten the Gentiles with thy truth, and bring into thy flock thy ancient people the Jews. Be gracious to the holy catholic Church; and grant she may always preserve that doctrine and discipline which thou hast delivered to her. Grant that all of this nation, especially our Governors and the Clergy, may, “whatsoever they do, do all to thy glory.” Bless all nurseries of true religion and useful learning, and let them not neglect the end of their institution.