A PRAYER FOUND IN MRS. CHAPONE'S HAND-WRITING AFTER HER DEATH

Summary

O Gracious Father of the universe! behold thy creature humbly imploring thy forgiveness of her numerous past transgressions, and thy compassion for her present faulty dispositions, and her defects in all those virtues that must raise her to a better condition. Turn not from me, O my God, the light of thy countenance, nor take from me the blessed influence of thy spirit!—enlighten my understanding—strengthen my faith—purify and invigorate the desires of my heart towards that which is good. Save and deliver me from evil, O Lord God most holy! most beneficient and merciful Creator! consign me not to destruction—cast me not out from thy presence and the society of good spirits,—but grant me all the assistance I stand in need of, to become what I ought to be, and to make the best use of that short period of life, which may still remain for me in this world, after all the time I have wasted or misemployed, Thou knowest all my weaknesses and wants, and all the infirmities of my soul and body. Help me O my Father to obey-thee and to love thee as I ought. Raise my dull spirit to such true reverence and adoration,—such gratitude for thy past benefits—and such hope in thy future mercies, as may best recommend the humble homage of my prayers and thanksgivings.