From a Copy in Bp. Butler's handwriting, now in the library at the
British Museum. [Add. MS. 9815.]
O Almighty God, Maker and Preserver of the world, Governor and Judge of
all creatures, whom Thou hast endued with understanding so as to render
them accountable for their actions and capable of being judged for them;
we prostrate ourselves as in Thy presence, and worship Thee the Sovereign
Lord of all, in Whom we live and move and have our being. The greatness
and perfection of Thy Nature is infinitely beyond all possible
comprehension, but in proportion to our capacities we would endeavour to
have a true conception of Thy Divine Majesty, and to live under a just
sense and apprehension of it: that we may fear Thee and hope in Thee as
we entirely depend upon Thee: that we may love Thee as supremely good,
and have our wills conformed to Thy will in all righteousness and truth:
that we may be thankful to Thee for every thing we enjoy, as the gift of
Thine hand, and be patient under every affliction as what Thou sendest or
permittest.
We desire to be duly sensible of what we have done amiss, and we solemnly
resolve before Thee, that for the time to come we will endeavour to obey
all Thy commands as they are made known to us.
We are Thy Creatures by Nature; we give up ourselves to be Thy servants
voluntarily and by Choice, and present ourselves, body and soul, a living
sacrifice to Thee.
But, O Almighty God, as Thou hast manifested Thyself to the world by
Jesus Christ; as Thou hast given Him to be a Propitiation for the sins of
it, and the Mediator between God and Man; we lay hold with all humility
and thankfulness on so inestimable a Benefit, and come unto Thee
according to Thine appointment in His Name, and in the form and manner
which He has taught us.
Our Father, &c.