A Form of Thanksgiving

We give thee thanks, most good and gracious Lord, That this infection was not spread abroad; That to thy people thou hast been so kind, That this contagion has been much confin'd: Confin'd, indeed, unto a narrow space, Preventing death amongst the human race! May all thus favour'd their glad voices raise, In celebrating the Creator's praise, That he's been pleas'd in dang'rous times to save Them from destruction and the silent grave! That on thy earth they're yet allow'd to dwell, Whilst thousands by the pestilence have fell! May all who from the raging Plague recover, Their thankfulness unto the world discover, By rend'ring praise to thee, the GOD above, For preservation and thy boundless love; For all the favours that from thee have came, Especially for health's new kindled flame! That strength is now to them restor'd again, Whilst by thy will some of their friends are slain! Lord, wilt thou grant that those who've liv'd in sin, May all refrain, and a new life begin! Live temperate, be holy, just, and pure, So long as time with them shall yet endure; Conduct, indeed, like very righteous men, Be blest by thee, for evermore.