Modlitwa o zachowanie czystości z drugiej połowy XVIII wieku
Modlitwa o zachowanie czystości, from the second half of the 18th century

Summary/Abstract: The paper, preceded by a brief introduction, contains an edition of an anonymous print entitled Modlitwa o zachowanie czystości (A prayer for the preservation of purity). It was conventionally dated to the second half of the 18th century. The introduction depicts the socio-moral and religious context of the prayer and argues that the genesis of the text is strongly connected with the described circumstances. The author of the text also paid attention to the genre pattern of the prayer and compared it with similar writings occurring in contemporary prayer books. The volume includes: the text of the title prayer, enumerated admonitions regarding benefits of chastity and the ways of its preservation, as well as dangers that a virtuous lady should avoid. Introductory remarks, explanations and comments, which were added to the texts of an unknown author, helped to fully understand the old print. They also describe the structure and purpose of the collection, and discuss its elements, which are characteristic of catechism, parenesis, and the examination of conscience. The Prayer for the preservation of purity occupies a significant place among enlightenment prayer prints. In fact, it is quite an extensive collection of persuasive texts entirely dedicated to one particular virtue. Its form, corresponding to the prayer genre, was designed to strengthen the importance of the textual message included in this print and to give the texts catechetical and educational meaning. The collection was not published in self-editing form, nor was it added to any prayer book at that time. It may be assumed that chastity, as a virtue, was not so important and not promoted, for example, in young aristocratic and noblewoman’s education.

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