Wednesday August 6, 2014
A Prayer of Oliver Cromwell on his Deathbed
The dying Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Ireland and Scotland, “Our Chief of Men,” was heard to utter this Prayer in the midst of his sickness two or three days before he died in 1658.
Lord, though I am a miserable and wretched creature, I am in Covenant with Thee through grace. And I may, I will, come to Thee, for Thy People. Thou hast made me, though very unworthy, a mean instrument to do them some good, and Thee service;
and many of them have set too high a value upon me, though others wish and would be glad of my death; Lord, how ever Thou do dispose of me, continue and go on and do good for them. Give them consistency of judgment, one heart, and mutual love; and go on to deliver them, and with the work of reformation; and make the Name of Christ glorious in the world. Teach those who look too much on Thy instruments, to depend more upon Thyself. Pardon such as desire to trample upon the dust of a poor worm, for they are Thy People too. And pardon the folly of this short Prayer:- Even for Jesus Christ’s sake. And give us a good night, if it be Thy pleasure. Amen.