For those who pass their lives in singleness, devotion, or meditation, for those in holy matrimony, those engaged in life's battle in mountains, and caves, and pits of the earth, our holy fathers and brothers, let us &c.

For Christian sailors, travellers, strangers, and those in captivity, in exile, those in prisons, and bitter slavery, being our brethren, for their return in peace, let us &c.

For the remission of our sins, and pardon of our faults, and for our deliverance from all tribulation, anger, danger, and necessity, and from the rising-up of enemies, let us &c.

For a mild season, gentle rains, and kindly dews, for plenteous crops, and a perfect year crowned (with His goodness), let us &c.

For those who are present and pray with us at this sacred hour and at any time, our fathers and brothers, for their earnestness, toil, and readiness of heart, let us beseech the Lord.

That our prayer may be heard, and may be acceptable before God; and that his mercies and compassions may be poured abundantly upon us, let us beseech the Lord."

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DATES.

The principal dates which are of use in reading this book fall into four groups: