ly effects, not
sparing the goodliest and most flourishing trees, timber, and other of
the stoutest kind; as some ages will hardly repair: Nay, 'twas observ'd,
that the oak in particular (counted the most valiant and sturdy of the
whole forest) was more prejudic'd with this excessive cold, and the
drowth of the year ensuing, than any of the most nice and tender
constitution: Always here excepting (as to a universal _strages_) the
hurricane of Sept. 1703, which begins the epocha of the calamities,
which have since follow'd, not only by the late tempest about
August{332:2} last, but by that surprizing blast, accompany'd doubtless
with a fiery spirit, which smote the most flourishing foresters and
fruit trees, burning their buds and leaves to dust and powder, not
sparing the very fruit. This being done in a moment, must be look'd upon
as a plague not to be prevented: In the mean time, that the malignity
proceed no farther, it may be advisable to cut, and top the summities of
such tender mural trees, rare shrubs, &c. as have most suffer'd, and
are within reach, rubbing off the scorchings in order to new spring.

There was in my remembrance, certain prayers, litanies and collects,
solemnly us'd by the parish-minister in the field, at the limits of
their perambulations on the Rogation-days; from an ancient and laudable
custom of above 1000 years, introduc'd by Avitus the pious bishop of
Vienna, in a great dearth, unseasonable weather, and other calamities,
(however in tract of time abus'd by many gross superstitions and
insignificant rites, in imitation of the pagan _robigalia_) upon which
days, (about the Ascension, and beginning of Spring especially) prayers
were made, as well deprecatory of epidemical evils, (amongst which
blasts and smut of corn were none of the least) as supplications for
propitious seasons, and blessings on the fruits of the earth. Whether
there was any peculiar _Office_, (besides those for Ember-weeks)
appointed, I do not know: But the pious and learned bishop of
Winchester, [Andrews] has in his _Devotions_, left us a prayer so
apposite and comprehensive for these emergencies, that I cannot forbear
the recital.

Remember, O Lord, to renew the year with thy goodness, and the season
with a promising temper: For the eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord:
Thou givest them meat; thou openest thy hand, and fillest all things
living with thy bounty. Vouchsafe therefore, O Lord, the blessings of
the heavens, an