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godliness without the power will neither be profitable to me, nor to those that hear me; grant me Thy grace, that I may take heed to myself, as well as to my instructions; that while I teach others I myself may not be a cast-away; but may shew myself in all things a pattern of good works, an example to my flock in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in.faith, in purity; that my profiting may appear unto all for their edification.

Neither pray I for myself alone, but for those also over whom Thou hast been pleased to appoint me Thy minister. Sanctify them, Holy Father, with Thy truth, and preserve them in it; that not one of them may be lost in the day of the Lord Jesus. Make them of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom; that they may first seek Thy kingdom, and the righteousness thereof. And put Thy laws, I beseech Thee, into their minds, and write them in their hearts, that they may all know Thee from the least to the greatest, and daily improve in this saving knowledge. Give them a ready apprehension and a retentive memory, that they may receive and keep all profitable instructions; and a diligent and tractable disposition, that they may observe and practise them.

O Lord, bless and prosper our joint endea

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vours and grant that after an honest and faithful discharge of our respective duties, in that state of life which Thou hast appointed for us, we may receive the end of our faith, even the salvation of our souls; through the merits and mediation of Thy blessed Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Thanksgiving for the benefits of the Christian ministry; and prayer, that I and all others who are admitted into holy orders may fulfil the solemn promises we made at our ordination.

ALMIGHTY God and heavenly Father, Who of Thine infinite love and goodness towards us hast given Thine only and beloved Son Jesus Christ to be our Redeemer, and the Author of everlasting life; Who, after He had made perfect our redemption by His death, and was ascended into heaven, poured down His gifts abundantly upon men, making some apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastor's and teachers, to the edifying and making perfect His church: for these so great benefits of Thine eternal goodness, and for that Thou hast vouchsafed to call me, Thy most unworthy servant, to the same office and ministry appointed for the salvation of mankind, I render unto Thee most hearty thanks; I praise

and worship Thee; and I humbly beseech Thee by the same Thy blessed Son to grant unto me, and all others the pastors of Thy church, that we may continue to shew ourselves thankful to Thee for these and all other Thy benefits; and that we may daily increase, and go forward in the knowledge and faith of Thee, and Thy Son, by Thy Holy Spirit; so that as well by us Thy ministers, as by those over whom Thou hast appointed us Thy ministers, Thy Holy name may be for ever glorified, and Thy blessed kingdom enlarged, through the same Thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

To this end grant, I beseech Thee, that I and all others who minister in holy things may be mindful of the dignity of our office, and of the many great and solemn engagements we brought ourselves under, when we were admitted into it.

Grant that we may always have imprinted in our remembrance, how great a treasure is committed to our charge; that the church and congregation whom we serve, is no less than the spouse and body of Christ; His sheep whom He purchased with His death, and for whom He shed His blood.

Grant that duly considering the vast importance of this our trust, we may give faithful dili

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gence always so to minister the doctrine, and sacraments, and discipline of Christ, as the Lord hath commanded; and may teach the people committed to our care with all diligence to keep and observe the same.

Grant that we may be ready with all faithful diligence to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to Thy word; and to use both public and private monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole within our cure, as need shall require, and as occasion shall be given.

Grant that we may be diligent in prayer, and in reading the holy Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same; laying aside the study of the world and the flesh.

Grant that we may be diligent to frame and fashion our own selves and our families according to the doctrine of Christ; and to make both ourselves and them, as much as in us lies, wholesome examples, and patterns to the flock of Christ.

Grant that we may maintain and set forward, as much as lieth in us, quietness, peace, and love among all Christian people; and especially among them that are committed to our charge.

Grant that we may reverently obey our ordinary, and other chief ministers, unto whom

are committed the charge and government over us; following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, and submitting ourselves to their godly judgments.

Finally, grant that both we and the people committed to our care may so faithfully discharge our respective duties, that we may continue sound members of Thy church militant here on earth; and may live eternally in the society of the church triumphant in heaven, singing praises and hallelujahs to the ever blessed and glorious Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, three Persons in one God. Amen.

END OF DAILY OFFICE.

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