The Order for the Visitation of the Sick

Dearly beloved, know this, that Almighty God is the Lord of life and death, and of all things to them pertaining, as youth, strength, health, age, weakness, and sickness.¹

Wherefore, whatsoever your sickness is, know you certainly, that it is God's visitation.²

And for what cause soever this sickness is sent unto you; whether it be to try your patience for the example of others,³

and that your faith may be found in the day of the Lord laudable, glorious, and honourable, to the increase of glory and endless felicity;⁴

or else it be sent unto you to correct and amend in you whatsoever does offend the eyes of your heavenly Father;⁵

know you certainly, that if you truly repent you of your sins, and bear your sickness patiently, trusting in God's mercy, for his dear Son Jesus Christ's sake,⁶

and render unto him humble thanks for his fatherly visitation, submitting yourself wholly unto his will,⁷

it shall turn to your profit, and help you forward in the right way that leads unto everlasting life.⁸