two others, for Confirmation and the Visitation of the Sick. Both these vary in some respects from our present Offices. The Chrism or Ointment is retained in the Office for Confirmation, together with the sign of the Cross. There is also a Form for Consecrating the Chrism.[1] It is stated in one of the Rubrics, that the matter of the Chrism is sweet oil of olives and precious Balsam, commonly called Balm of Gilead. In the Office for the Visitation of the Sick, the Priest is directed to place his hand on the head of the sick person, while he pronounces the absolution. The anointing with oil is also enjoined; and a form for administering the Holy Communion to the sick person is appended.[2]
These are the chief peculiarities of the new Communion Office. But it is necessary to remark, that whenever I have spoken of this Office, the forms for Confirmation and the Visitation of the Sick are to be understood as comprehended in the Designation, the name by which the Book is usually known.
- ↑ "He shall anoint every one, &c. with the Chrism or ointment, making the sign of the cross upon their forehead, and saying:
N. I sign thee with the sign of the cross, I anoint thee with Holy Ointment."
In the Rubric for the consecration of the Chrism, the Bishop is directed to "take some Chrism or Ointment: and putting it into a decent vessel, he shall stand and consecrate it in manner and form following."
- ↑ "Then shall the Priest anoint the sick person upon the forehead, making the sign of the cross and saying."
goodness, O Lord, vouchsafe to receive these offerings from the hands of us sinners, &c." The prayer from which this is taken is called A Prayer of Acceptance, and is abridged from the Liturgy of St. Basil. The other stands thus: "We offer to thee, according to his Holy institution, this bread and this cup, &c. and we beseech thee to look favourably on these thy gifts, which are here set before thee, O thou self-sufficient God: and do thou accept them to the honour of thy Christ."
