The direction that notice should be given to the Minister of the
parish was first inserted in the Prayer-Book of 1662; indicating
that he is the proper person to discharge the Priest's duty in
ministering to the sick.

This office, being of a more solemn and formal character than an
ordinary visit to a sick person, should be used, if possible,
with proper ornaments of the Minister, such as the Surplice and
Stole, or, at all events, the Stole.

241. When he cometh into the sick man's presence he shall say,
kneeling down, Remember not, Lord, &c.

242. Then the Minister shall say, Let us pray.

243. Then shall the Minister exhort the sick person after this form,
or other like. Dearly beloved, &c.

244. If the person visited be very sick, then the Curate may end
his exhortation in this place, or else proceed. Take therefore, &c.

245. Here the Minister shall rehearse the Articles of the Faith,
saying thus, Dost thou believe, &c.

246. The sick person shall answer. All this, &c.

247. Then shall the Minister examine whether he repent him truly of
his sins, and be in charity with all the world; exhorting him to
forgive, from the bottom of his heart, all persons that have
offended him; and if he hath offended any other, to ask them
forgiveness; and where he hath done injury or wrong to any man,
that he make amends to the uttermost of his power. And if he hath
not before disposed of his goods, let him then be admonished to
make his Will, and to declare his Debts, what he oweth, and what
is owing unto him; for the better discharging of his conscience,
and the quietness of his Executors. But men should often be put
in remembrance to take order for the settling of their temporal
estates, whilst they are in health.

248. These words before rehearsed may be said before the Minister
begin his Prayer, as he shall see cause.

249. The Minister should not omit earnestly to move such sick
persons as are of ability to be liberal to the poor.

In obeying this explicit direction, the Minister must consider
that hasty and inconsiderate almsgiving, especially by will, such
as bequeathing doles to the inhabitants of particular places, has
been productive of much evil. He must also be careful not to advise
acts of liberality which are disproportionate to the ability of
the sick person, or illegal (as, e.g., in contravention of the
Mortmain Acts); and in general he will do well to refrain from
suggesting any special objects of ben