For when Thou art angry all our days are gone: we bring our years to an end, as it were a tale that is told.

The days of our age are threescore years and ten; and though men be so strong that they come to fourscore years: yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow; so soon passeth it away, and we are gone.

But who regardeth the power of Thy wrath: for even thereafter as a man feareth, so is Thy displeasure.

So teach us to number our days: that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

Turn Thee again, O LORD, at the last: and be gracious unto Thy servants.

O satisfy us with Thy mercy, and that soon: so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days

THE Compiler of the little Office following ventures to recommend its use on the Friday of every week; increased devotion, and abstinence (where possible), being practised at the time. On the remaining days the Prayers may either be used as they stand; or combined with any other order of devotions, private or domestic. Only it should be observed that the last Prayer but one is only to be used upon a Fast-day. The Seven Penitential Psalms, (6, 32, 38, 51, 102, 130, and 143), and the Litany, will be proper additions when time and opportunity permit.