I thank Thee, Lord, almighty God, that Thou hast so paternally visited
and chastised me on account of my sins. Yea, Lord, I am glad that Thou
hast humiliated me, that I might learn Thy ways. O my God, how often have
I, like Hezekiah, thought: Mine age is departed, and is removed from me
as a shepherd's tent; I have cut off like a weaver my life; he will cut
me off with pining sickness; from day even to night wilt Thou make an end
of me. But, my God, I see that my sickness was not unto death, but unto
the glory of God, that Thou, my Lord Jesus Christ, mightest thereby be
glorified. For Thou hast had mercy upon me, and hast cast all my sins
behind Thee, and hast prolonged my life. I heartily thank Thee, my God,
that Thou hast revived and strengthened me, that I can behold Thy holy
temple, and attend to my duties. Thy goodness it is, Lord, else I should
long since have perished. O, how often will I think of Thy chastening
rod, and will fear Thee all my life and guard against Thy wrath. Help
now, O Lord my God, that with renewed health I may also begin a new life.
Grant, that I may always glorify Thy name, and Thy praise be continually
found in my mouth. Guide me by Thy Holy Spirit, that I may live to Thy
honor, and not yield my members as instruments of unrighteousness to
serve sin, but as instruments of righteousness to serve Thee my God, that
I may sing Thy hymns, and praise and glorify Thee in Thy church. Amen.