SIR ROBERT PEEL’S PRAYER

Copy of a prayer, found in the private drawer of the late Sir Robert Peel’s dressing case, after his sudden death, July, 1850:

“Great and merciful God, Ruler of all nations! Help me daily to repair to Thee for wisdom and grace suitable to the high office whereto Thy Providence has called me. Strengthen, O Lord, my natural powers and faculties, that the weighty and solemn interests with which Thy servant is charged may not greatly suffer through weakness of body and confusion of mind. Deign, I beseech Thee, to obviate or correct the ill effects of such omissions or mistakes in my proceedings as may result from partial knowledge, infirmity of judgment, or unfaithfulness of any with whom I may have to do. Let Thy blessing rest upon my Sovereign and my Country. Dispose the hearts of all in high stations to adopt such measures as will preserve public order, foster industry, and alleviate distress. May their religion flourish and peace be universal. Grant that, so far as may be consistent with human weakness, whatever is proposed by myself and others for the general good may be viewed with candour, and that all wise and useful measures may be conducted to a prosperous issue. As for me. Thy servant, grant, O merciful God, that I may not be so engrossed with public anxieties as that Thy Word should become unfruitful in me, or be so moved by difficulty or opposition as not to pursue the narrow way which leadeth me to life. And O, most gracious Father, if, notwithstanding my present desires and purposes, I should forget Thee, do not Thou forget me, seeing that I entreat Thy constant remembrance and favour only for the sake of our most blessed Advocate and Redeemer, Jesus Christ; to whom with Thee and the Holy Spirit be glory for ever. Amen.”