CHAP, vii SYLVA 333 



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 perambula- 

 tions on the Rogation-days ; from an ancient and 

 laudable custom of above I ooo 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 Demotions, 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 there- 

 fore, O Lord, the blessings of the heavens, and the 

 dews from above : The blessings of the springs, and 

 the deep from beneath : The returns of the sun, the 

 conjunctions of the moon : The benefit of the rising 

 mountains, and the lasting hills : The fullness of the 

 earth, and all that breed therein. 



