oor, the widows, and fatherless, strangers and needy
persons, and for those who have bidden us to remember them in our
prayers, let us &c.

For those who are in old age and weakness, by disease or illness, for
those who are oppressed by unclean spirits, for their speedy recovery
and safety through God's help, let us &c.

For those who pass their lives in singleness, devotion, or meditation,
for those in holy matrimony, those engaged in life's battle in
mountains, and caves, and pits of the earth, our holy fathers and
brothers, let us &c.

For Christian sailors, travellers, strangers, and those in captivity,
in exile, those in prisons, and bitter slavery, being our brethren, for
their return in peace, let us &c.

For the remission of our sins, and pardon of our faults, and for our
deliverance from all tribulation, anger, danger, and necessity, and
from the rising-up of enemies, let us &c.

For a mild season, gentle rains, and kindly dews, for plenteous crops,
and a perfect year crowned (with His goodness), let us &c.

For those who are present and pray with us at this sacred hour and at
any time, our fathers and brothers, for their earnestness, toil, and
readiness of heart, let us beseech the Lord.

That our prayer may be heard, and may be acceptable before God; and
that his mercies and compassions may be poured abundantly upon us, let
us beseech the Lord."

* * * * * * * *

{179}

DATES.

The principal dates which are of use in reading this book fall into
four groups:

1. The Early Church.
2. The Discussion of the Creed.
3. The Growth of Services.
4. The Growth of the English Services.

There is of course a certain amount of overlapping: but this will be
readily understood. The reader will also easily guess when the years
mentioned are those of a life, or those of a reign.

Early Dates.

A.D. A.D.

14-37. Tiberius, emp.

54-68. Nero, emp.

98-117. Trajan, emp. 112. Pliny's letter.

55-(117). Tacitus, hist.

-(120). Suetonius, hist.

138-161. Antoninus Pius, emp. 140. Justin's 1st Apology.

70-156. Polycarp, Bp.

161-180. Marcus Aurelius, emp. 86-117. Pothinus, Bp.

(125)-202. Irenaeus, Bp.