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one baptism, one God and Father of us all, so we may henceforth be all of one heart and of one soul, united in one holy bond of truth and peace, of faith and charity, and may with one mind and one mouth glorify Thee; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

2.

O Lord Jesus Christ, who saidst unto Thine apostles, Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you; regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and grant her that peace and unity which is agreeable to Thy will, who livest and reignest for ever and ever. Amen.

Almsgiving.

O Lord our Lord, who art King of all the earth; accept, of Thine infinite goodness, the offerings of Thy people, which, in obedience to Thy commandment, in honour of Thy name, and with a free will and joyful heart, we yield and dedicate to Thee: and grant unto us Thy blessing, that the same being devoted to Thy service, may be used for Thy glory, and for the welfare of Thy Church and people; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Before Appointment of Office-Bearers.

Almighty God, the Giver of all good gifts, who by Thy Son Jesus Christ hast appointed diverse administrations for the edifying of His Body in truth, holiness, and charity; mercifully look upon Thy people whom Thou hast redeemed; and, at this time, so guide and govern them that they may faithfully and wisely make choice of fit persons to serve before Thee in Thy Church. And to those who shall be appointed to any holy function, give Thy grace and heavenly benediction, that both by their life and doctrine they may show forth Thy praise, and further the salvation of all men, to the glory of Thy great name, and the benefit of Thy holy Church, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For the General Assembly during its Session.

Almighty and everlasting God, who by Thy Holy Spirit didst preside in the first assembly of the apostles and elders at Jerusalem, and dost still inhabit the whole company of the faithful; mercifully regard, we beseech Thee, Thy servants gathered before Thee at this time, as the chief court and council of this Church, Shed down upon them all heavenly wisdom and grace; enlighten them with true knowledge of Thy

Word; inflame them with a pure zeal for Thy glory; and so order all their doings through Thy good Spirit that unity and peace may prevail among them; that truth and righteousness may flow forth from them; and that, by their endeavours, all Thy ministers and congregations may be established and comforted, Thy Gospel everywhere purely preached and truly followed, Thy kingdom among men extended and strengthened, and the whole body of Thine elect people grow up into Him who is Head over all things to the Church, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

For Particular Persons: as in Cases of Discipline before the Kirk-Session.

1.

Almighty God, who hast not suffered Thy mercy to be overcome by the greatness of our offences, but turnest Thyself again when Thou hearest the cry of the penitent; look down, we beseech Thee, upon this Thy servant, who confesseth his grievous sin, and casteth himself upon Thy mercy. It is Thine to wash away our sins, and to vouchsafe Thy pardon to our offences. Thou desirest not the death of a sinner, but rather that he should turn from his wickedness and live. Thou hast declared that there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth. We

beseech Thee, therefore, mercifully to forgive Thy servant who acknowledgeth his trespasses; receive and comfort him who is grieved and wearied with the burden of his sins; and grant unto him, of Thine infinite goodness, pardon instead of judgment, joy for grief, and life instead of death. Hear us, O most merciful Father, for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.

2.

O most merciful God, who according to the multitude of Thy mercies dost so put away the sins of those who truly repent, that Thou rememberest them no more; regard with Thine eye of mercy this Thy servant, who hath sought Thy pardon and forgiveness. Renew in him, most loving Father, whatsoever hath been decayed or corrupted through his own carnal will or frailty, or by the fraud and malice of the devil. Preserve and keep him henceforth in the unity of Thy holy Church, and strengthen him continually with Thy divine and live-giving Spirit. Restore unto him the joy of Thy salvation and the light of Thy countenance, that he may abide Thy faithful servant unto everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee, O Father, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.

Amen.

Thanksgivings.

For Fair Weather.

O Lord God, who hast justly humbled us by Thy late plague of immoderate rain and waters, and in Thy mercy hast relieved and comforted our souls by this seasonable and blessed change of weather; we praise and glorify Thy holy name for this Thy mercy, and will always declare Thy loving-kindness from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

In Time of Harvest.

O Lord God Almighty, the fountain of all goodness, by whose word alone all things receive increase and are brought unto perfection, and by whose appointment the fruits of the earth are given for meat unto the children of men; we offer unto Thee our praises and thanksgivings that Thou hast brought us through the circuit of another year, and that, according to Thy promise, seed-time and harvest have not failed. [Thou hast crowned the year with Thy goodness; the earth at Thy commandment hath brought forth abundantly; and our barns are filled with plenty.] We give thanks unto Thy

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