תמונות בעמוד
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henceforward be ever faithful to him, and may never more, by sin provoke him to depart from your soul. Behold I leave you now in his blessed company: keep as attentive to his presence as possibly you can: and entertain yourself sweetly and quietly with him.

Before Extreme Unction.

UR Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, whose infinite goodness furnishes his creatures with all necessary helps to salvation, has been pleased, besides the holy Communion, to institute another heavenly medicine for the benefit of the Sick, which is the Sacrament of Extreme Unction, according to what we read in the Epistle of St. James v. 14. where it is said: Is any man sick among you, let him bring in the Priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with Oil in the name of the Lord and the Prayer of Faith shall save the sick man, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he be in sins, they shall be forgiven him. You see nere the authority for administering

to the sick this holy unction, from the express word of God. This anointing with oil, and the Prayer of Faith that accompanies it, constitute the outward sign of this Sacrament. And the great graces and benefits which God promises to bestow on every one who receives this Sacrament with proper dispositions, are, that he will save the sick man, will not deliver him up to the will of his spiritual enemies, but will help him on the bed of his sorrow, (Psal. xl 3.) will raise him up from his sick bed, if he sees his recovery expedient for the welfare of his Soul: and what is infinitely more desirable than corporal health, will impart to him the forgiveness of his sins. knowledge then the infinite goodness of your Redeemer, and with the most lively sentiments of gratitude and love, embrace the great grace which is here prepared for you in this heavenly institution: and join your attention and devotion, with the prayers we shall now make to our Lord, for the healing of your Soul and body, and to obtain for you the full remission of all your sins. And as the eyes, the ears, and the other or

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gans of sense, are the instruments by which men are led to offend almighty God, and they will on that account be anointed with the holy Oil; whilst we apply this holy Oil to your eyes, your ears, and the rest; do you, with a contrite and humble heart, implore the mercy of God for the forgiveness of all the sins which through the respective avenue have made their way into your Soul: as also for his supporting grace in this your illness; and that you may continue to the end ever faithful to him.

While the Priest is administering this Sacrament to the sick person: one of the assistants may, before each Unction, read, out of Mr. Gother's Instructions for the Sick, one of the following short prayers, corresponding to the organ of sense that is next to be anointed: that it may be repeated by the sick person.

My eyes have seen vanities, but now let them be shut to the world, and open to thee alone, my Jesus; and pardon me all the sins I have, committed by my seeing.

My ears have been open to Detraction, profaneness, and unprofit

able discourses: let me now give ear to thy Word, to thy Commands, and thy Call; and pardon me, O Jesus, all the sins I have committed by my hearing.

I have taken delight in the perfumes of this world, which are no. thing but corruptions: now let my Heart and Prayers ascend like Incense in thy sight, and pardon me all the sins I have committed by my smelling.

My tongue has many ways offended, both in speaking and tasting, now let its whole business be to cry for mercy Pardon me, dear Jesus, all the sins I have committed by Words, or by any Excess in Eating or Drinking.

My hands have offended in contributing to many Follies injurious to myself and my Neighbour: now let them be lifted up to Heaven in testimony of a penitent heart; and pardon me, O Lord, all the sins I have committed by the ill use of my hands.

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My feet have gone astray in the s of vanity and sin: now let me walk in the way of thy Command-"

ments; and forgive me, O Lord, all the sins I have committed by my disordered steps.

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After Extreme Unction.

ETURN thanks now to your loving Saviour with your whole heart for having favoured you with all these helps in your sickness. Reflect how many are carried off by sudden death, or otherwise die without the holy Sacraments, or any of the extraordinary graces which God has afforded you! Beg of him that this holy Unction may produce in you all the happy fruits for which it was instituted by the goodness of your Saviour, by healing your soul of all its weaknesses and spiritual maladies by fortifying you against all the temptations of the enemy: by supporting and comforting you under all your pains and anguish: by preparing and disposing you for whatever may be the holy will of God. in your regard: and if he sees it expedient for you, by restoring you to your bodily health and strength. In the mean time, keep yourself as much

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