Page:The Catholic prayer book.djvu/523

 duties. I beseech thee  continually  to  bless  our  union , and to  enable  us  to  live  together  in  peace  and  love, in the  faithful  discharge  of  all  our  duties  to  thee,  and to each  other. Deliver us  from  every  evil  temper, from every  heedless  action,  which  may  in  any  way weaken or  embitter  the  sacredness  of  that  tie  by which  thou  hast  bound  us  together,  and  which  can never be  severed. Make me  faithful  and  affectionate, studious to  please,  and  ready  to  deny  my  own  will and inclination  in  all  things. Let not  the  trials  and crosses of  this  life  induce  me  to  murmur,  nor  any earthly blessings  cause  me  to  forget  thee,  the  Author and Giver  of  all; but  by  patience  and  meekness,  by prayer  and  thankfulness,  may  all  things  be  sanctified  unto  me,  and  fit  me  for  eternal  union  with  thee, through Jesus  Christ. Amen.

FATHER of  mankind,  who  hast  given  unto  mo‘ these my  children,  and  committed  them  to  my charge  to  bring  them  up  for  thee,  and  to  prepare  them for everlasting  life; assist  me  with  thy  heavenly  grace, that I may  be  able  to  fulfil  this  most  sacred  duty  and, stewardship. Teach me  both  what  to  give,  and  what to withhold; when  to  reprove,  and  when  to  forbear: make me  to  be  gentle,  yet  firm; considerate  and watchful; and deliver  me  equally  from  the  weakness of indulgence,  and  excess  of  severity; and  grant  that, both by  word  and  example,  I may  be  careful  to  lead them in  the  ways  of  wisdom  and  true  piety; so  that at last  I may,  with  them,  be  admitted  to  the  unspeakable  joys  of  our  true  home  in  heaven,  in  the  unity  of the  blessed  angels  and  saints,  where  thou,  O Father; with Jesus,  thy  only-begotten  Son,  in  the  unity  of;