evolence.

When the sick person prepares an offering of alms, and is afterwards
communicated, his alms may well be offered after the Gospel, in
the Office for the Communion of the Sick.

250. Here shall the sick person be moved to make a special
Confession of his sins, if he feel his conscience troubled with
any weighty matter. After which Confession, the Priest shall
absolve him (if he humbly and heartily desire it) after this sort.

The significant introduction in the last revision of this direction
to 'move' the sick person to make a special confession of his sins,
recalls the fact that the practice of confession had then been
interrupted for many years, and required exertion for its revival.
In 'moving' the sick person, is included instruction upon the
nature and details of sins, as well as help to discover them, such
as the suggestion of questions on the Commandments, Baptismal
obligations, marriage vows, &c. The expression 'special confession'
does not mean a _partial_ confession, but a confession which goes
into _detail_; and the Priest should not absolve the sick person
unless his confession comprehends, besides the weighty matter which
had immediately prompted it, all matters which ought to press upon
his conscience, and can be recalled to mind by his utmost efforts.

The words 'if he humbly and heartily desire it,' do not refer to
the expression of the penitent's desire for absolution as a positive
condition of his receiving it, but denote a state of mind suitable
to receiving it, and the absence whereof, if manifested, would
justify the priest in withholding absolution.

'After this sort' means _in this form_, and is an express direction
to use the form of absolution which then follows. The form here
prescribed is employed in this office as being the usual form of
private absolution in all cases, and is recognised as such in the
Prayer-Book of 1549, where it is enjoined for universal private
use. Neither does it contain any such allusion to sickness or
weakness of body, or to unlikelihood of recovery, as would render
it inappropriate for persons in health.

251. And then the Priest shall say the Collect following. O most
merciful, &c.

252. Then shall the Minister say this Psalm. In Thee, O Lord, &c.

253. Adding this. O Saviour, &c.

254. Then shall the Minister say, The Almighty Lord, &c.

255. And after that shall say, Unto God's, &c.

256. A Prayer for a sick Child. O Almighty God, &c.

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