For Rain.

O Lord, Thou hast sent a gracious rain upon thine inheritance, to refresh the dry and thirsty land, that it might bring forth fruit, and yield to us the desired increase. O that men would praise Thee for thy goodness, and for such thy wonderful works to the children of men! O bounteous and ever-blessed GOD, to thy name be all the glory now and for evermore.

PRAYERS ON ECCLESIASTICAL AND NATIONAL SUBJECTS.

For the whole Catholic Church.

ALMIGHTY GOD, our Heavenly Father, who hast purchased to thyself an universal Church by the precious blood of thy dear Son, vouchsafe, we beseech Thee, to hear the supplications and prayers which we now desire to offer unto Thee for the several branches and members of the same scattered over the face of the whole earth.

Bless, O Lord, the congregation of all Christian people. Reform whatever is amiss in the belief or life of every one who is called by that sacred name. Perfect holiness more and more in the hearts of thy people; and unite them more and more one to another in thy truth, and bond of love and holy conversation. Grant that all who profess the true religion may obey the laws of their Heavenly Master, to the honour of their

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profession, and their own eternal happiness. Deliver, O Lord, the Western Churches from the miserable yoke of Papal usurpation; that idolatry, superstition, and cruelty may be no longer supported by its authority, nor the commandments of men enjoined as the doctrine of CHRIST. And, O Thou GOD of mercy and compassion, deliver in thy good time the once glorious Churches of the East, now under the cruel tyranny of Infidels comfort and support them under their suffering; free them from their temporal servitude, and their more grievous bondage of ignorance and error; and restore amongst them that purity of doctrine, and holiness of life, which were at first taught by the Apostles and Followers of CHRIST.

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Blessed GOD, we beseech Thee, in a more especial manner, to be favourable and gracious to the Church established in this kingdom. Protect and defend it against all her adversaries. Suffer neither superstition nor profaneness to pollute her holy worship. Deck her priests with righteous

ness and salvation, and let her saints rejoice and sing. And give us all grace to walk worthy of our most holy profession, that Thou mayest still delight to dwell among us and to do us good; and that thy holy worship and service, which we now enjoy, may, by that mighty protection, be continued to us and to our posterity for

ever.

Succour and relieve all Christian Churches and people who are in affliction; especially those that suffer for the testimony of a good conscience. Visit them, O gracious Lord, in their manifold distresses. Thou knowest them; Thou seest them under all their trials. O stay their souls upon Thee; let their lives be precious in thy sight, and their deaths right dear. Supply abundantly to their souls the want of thy holy ordinances, and in thy good time deliver them out of all their troubles.

Finally, O Lord, we pray that the whole Church of CHRIST militant here on earth may be so guided and governed by thy

good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of Spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life. Hear these our prayers for the sake of JESUS CHRIST Our Lord.

Amen.

For the Bishops and other Ministers of our Church.

O Lord most high, Thou glorious head of all the Church! who hast appointed various offices in it for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of CHRIST: bless in an especial manner all those whom Thou hast sent to bless the people in thy name: and make all our spiritual fathers careful and tender nursing fathers of thy Church. Grant them knowledge and grace that they may order their conversation aright; enable them to watch for souls, to feed the flock of GOD, and to take the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy