←1603
←1603
Bishop Wilkins’ Gift of Prayer, p. 12. Indeed the service, presuming the sick person is a penitent, is obviously inappropriate for the melancholy multitude of cases of an opposite description—so that (as Bishop Barrington justly observed) ‘in many cases the funeral service might be used with almost as much propriety as the office for the sick.’ Charge, 1797, p. 31. Bishop Horsley gives the same judgment on the exclusive use of the service. Charges, p. 153. However, much edifying use may be made of it where suitable. The Absolution in this service appears to be a matter of unreasonable objection. As connected with the confession of sin, it is restricted to sincere penitents. In the letter, therefore, it is the authoritative declaration given on earth in our Master’s name, and which, so far as it is given according to his mind, will be ratified in heaven. See John 20.22, 23. 2Cor. 2.10. afeqnsetai. James 5.15. In substance, it is only the solemn judgment by which we are accustomed in the name of Christ to assure the confidence of many doubtful and fearful believers.