For a Husband or Wife.
O God, who hast ordained and sanctified the holy estate of matrimony, for replenishing the earth, for mutual consolation, and as a type of the union of Christ and his Church; give me grace both thankfully to accept its blessings, and carefully to fulfil its 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.
A Prayer for Parents, for themselves and for their Children.
O Father of mankind, who hast given unto me 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,
