Second Prayer Book of Edward VI (1552)

Title and Preface

CONFIRMACION

WHEREIN IS CONTEYNED ACATECHISME FOR CHILDREN.

TO the ende that Confirmacion maye be ministred to the more edifying of such as shal receyve it (according unto saincte Paules doctrine, who teaches that al thinges should be done in the Churche to the edificacion of the same) it is thought good that none hereafter shalbe confirmed, but such as can say in their mother tongue the articles of the fayth, the Lord's prayer, and the x commaundements; And can also answere to suche questions of this short Catechism, as the Bisshop (or such as he shal appointe) shal by his discrecion appose [=examine] them in. And this ordre is most conveniente to be observed for dyvers consideracions.

First, because that when children come to the yeres of discrecion, and have learned what their godfathers and godmothers promised for them in baptisme, they may then themselves with their own mouth, and with their own consent, openly before the Churche, ratifie and confirme the same: and also promise that by the grace of god they wil evermore endevoure themselfes faithfully to observe and kepe suche thynges, as they by their owne mouth and confession have assented unto.

Secondly, forasmuche as Confirmacion is ministred to them that be Baptized, that by imposicion of handes and Prayer they maye receyne strength and defence againste all temptacions to sinne and the assaultes of the worlde, and the Devyll: it is most mete to be ministred when children come to that age, that partly by the frailtie of their own flesh, partly by the assaultes of the world and the Devil, they begyn to be in daunger to fall into sondry kindes of synne.

Thirdly, for that it is agreable with the usage of the Churche in times past, whereby it was ordeined that Confirmacion should be ministred to them that were of perfect age [i. e., adults], that thei being instructed in Christes religion, shoulde openly Professe their owne fayth, and promise to be obedyent unto the wyll of God.

And that noman shal think that any detriment shall come to children by deferryng of their Confirmacion; he shal knowe for truth, that it is certeyne by Goddes woord, that children beyng baptysed, have al thynges necessary for their salvacion, and be undoubtedly saved.

[The Catechism follows here: see the Catechism page.]

¶ CONFIRMACYON.

Versicles

Our helpe is in the name of the Lard.

Aunswere. Which hath made both heaven and earth.

Minister. Blessed is the name of the Lard.

Aunswere. Hencefurth world without ende.

Minister. Lord heare our prayer.

Aunswere. And let out crye come to thee.

Let us praye.

The Prayer for the Sevenfold Spirit

ALMIGHTIE and everlivinge God, who haste vouchesafed to regenerate these thy servaunts by water and the holy gost, and hast geven unto them forgyvenes of all theyr synnes: strengthen them, we beseche thee, (O Lord,) with the holy gost the comforter, and daily encrease in them thy manifold giftes of grace, the spirite of wisdome and understanding; the spirite of counsel and gostly strength, the spirite of knowledge and true godlynes: and fulfil them, (O lord,) with the spirit of thy holy feare. Amen.

The Laying on of Hands

Then the Bisshoppe shal laye hys hande upon every chylde severally, saying,

DEFENDE, O lord, this child with thy heavenly grace, that he may continue thine for ever, and dayly encrease in thy holy spirite more and more, until he come unto thy everlastyng kyngdom. Amen.

Then shall the Bisshoppe saye.

¶ Let us pray.

ALMIGHTIE everliving God, whiche makeste us both to will and to doe those thyngs that be good and acceptable unto thy Maiestie: we make oure humble supplycacyons unto thee for these children, upon whom (after the example of thy holy Apostles) we have layed our handes, to certifie them (by thys sygne) of thy favoure and gracious goodnes towarde them: lette thy fatherly hande we beseche thee ever be over them, let thy holy spirite ever be with them, and so leade them in the know ledge and obedience of thy woord, that in the ende they may obteine the everlastyng lyfe, through our Lord Jesus Chryst, who with thee and the holy goste, lyveth and reygneth one god, world without ende. Amen.

The Blessing

Then the Bisshoppe shall bless the children, thus saying.

THE blessyng of god Almightie, the father, the sonne, and the holy goste, be upon you, and remayne with you for ever. Amen.

The Curate of every Parishe, or some other at his appoynctmente, shall diligently upon Sundaies, and holy doies halfe an hour before Evensong, openly in the Churche instruct and examine so many children of his parishe sente unto him, as the time wil serve, and as he shal thinke convenient, in some parte of this Catechisme

And all Fathers, Mothers, Maisters, and Dames. shall cause theyr chyldren, servaunts, and prentises (whiche hane not learned theyr Catechisme), to come to the church at the time appoynted, and obediently to heare and be ordered by the Curate, until such time as they have learned all that is here appointed for them to learne. And whensoever the Bisshop shall geve knowledge for children to be brought afore him to any convenient place, for theyr confirmacion: Then shall the Curate of every parish either bryng, or send in writing, the names of al those children of his parishe which can say the Articles of their fayth, the Lordes praier, and the x commaundementes: and also howe many of them can aunswere to thother questions conteined in this Catechisme.

Final Rubrics

And there shal none be admitted to the holy Communion, until suche tyme as he can saye the Catechisme, and bee confirmed.