e
chalice, after a celebration, and consumed by the Priest. Some
take two ablutions, the first of wine, the second of wine and water
mixed. The object of this is to insure the entire consumption of
the consecrated element.

ABSOLUTION. In the Anglican Church the authoritative declaration,
by a Bishop or Priest, of God's pardon to the truly penitent. "All
the office and power of man in it is only to minister the external
form, but the internal power and grace of remission of sins is
properly God's." (_Bingham_.)

There are three forms of absolution in our Prayer Book, viz., in
the Order for Morning and Evening Prayer; in the Communion Service,
and in the Office for the Visitation of the Sick. It is to be
noticed in each case that Confession precedes Absolution. The
Scriptural authority for Absolution is found in Matt. xvi.19;
xviii.18; John xx.23; 1 Cor. v.3-5; 2 Cor. ii.10.

St. Jerome compares the office of the Christian Priest in
Absolution, with that of the Jewish Priest in cases of cleansing
from leprosy.

ABSTINENCE, _see_ Fasting.

ACOLYTE. One of the minor Orders of the Church of Rome. An Acolyte's
duties are to wait upon the Priests and Deacons, carrying the bread
and wine, &c. In some of our churches a layman, called a "Server,"
performs these duties.

ADULT BAPTISM, _see_ Baptism.

ADVENT. _Latin_, Coming. Four Advent Sundays immediately precede
Christmas. They are so called because they are designed to prepare
us to commemorate the _advent_, or _coming_, of Christ in the flesh
at Christmas, and also to prepare for His second coming to judge
the world. The Ecclesiastical, or Church Year, begins with Advent
Sunday. The season of Advent is spoken of in a homily written as
far back as the year A.D. 450.

ADVOWSON. The right in perpetuity of patronage to a church, or
any ecclesiastical benefice.

AFFINITY, _see_ Kindred.

AGAPAE. Love feasts. After a celebration of Holy Communion the early
Christians frequently partook of a social and friendly repast known
by this name. This custom was discontinued in the Vth. century on
account of abuses. It has been partially revived by some dissenting
sects of our own day, who partake of a frugal meal and narrate their
spiritual "experiences."

AGNUS DEI. Two Latin words, meaning "Lamb of God." It is an anthem
sung in some places by the choir during the Communion of the Priest.
The choir sing thrice, "O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of
the world," add