ck man is to be anointed (either on the
afflicted part, or in other ways), _with prayer_: "Let them pray over
him". Prayer is essential.

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(4) _The Matter_.--Oil--"anointing him with oil". As in Baptism,
sanctified water is the ordained matter by which "Jesus Christ
cleanseth us from all sin"; so in Unction, consecrated oil is the
ordained matter used by the Holy Ghost to cleanse us from all
sickness--bodily, and (adds St. James) spiritual. "And if he have
committed sins, they shall be forgiven him."

For this latter purpose, there are two Scriptural requirements:
_Confession_ and _Intercession_. For it follows: "Confess your faults
one to another, and pray for one another that ye may be healed". Thus
it is with Unction as with other Sacraments; with the "last" as with
the first--special grace is attached to special means. The Bible says
that, under certain conditions, oil and prayer together will effect
more than either oil or prayer apart; that oil without prayer cannot,
and prayer without oil will not, win the special grace of healing
guaranteed to the use of oil and prayer together.

In our days, the use of anointing with prayer is (in alliance with, and
in addition to, Medical Science) being more fully recognized. "The
Prayer of Faith" is coming into its own, and is being placed once more
in proper position in the {163} sphere of healing; _anointing_ is being
more and more used "according to the Scriptures". Both are being used
together in a simple belief in revealed truth. It often happens that
"the elders of the Church" are sent for by the sick; a simple service
is used; the sick man is anointed; the united "Prayer of Faith" (it
_must_ be "of Faith") is offered; and, if it be good for his spiritual
health, the sick man is "made whole of whatsoever disease he had".

God give us in this, as in every other Sacrament, a braver, quieter,
more loving faith in His promises. The need still exists: the grace is
still to be had.

_If our love were but more simple,_
_We should take Him at His word;_
_And our lives would be all sunshine_
_In the sweetness of our Lord._

[1] Article XXV.

[2] "Forbes on the Articles" (xxv.).

[3] "Institution of a Christian Man."

[4] In the Greek Church, seven, or at least three, Priests must be
present.

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INDEX.

A.

Absolution, 149.
Adoption, 76.
Affusion, 65.
Altar, 86.
Amendment, 156.
Anointing, 104, 15