(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. {165} INDEX. A. Absolution, 149. Adoption, 76. Affusion, 65. Altar, 86. Amendment, 156. Anointing, 104, 158. Aspersion, 65. Augustine, St., 3, 12, 13, 49. B. Baptism, Sacrament of, 63. Forms of administration, 65. Ministry of, 65. Bible, the, names of, 26. Inspiration of, 34. Interpretation of, 23. MSS., 27. Versions, 32. Bishops, 124. Their Confirmation, 127. " Consecration, 127. " Election, 126. " Homage, 128. " Nomination, 126. Books, the Church's, 21 Breviary, 44. Bright, Dr., 8. C.