Scottish Prayer Book ("Laud's Liturgy") (1637)

Title and Preface

The Order of Confirmation, or

laying on of hands upon children baptized, and

able to to render an account of their faith, according

to the Catechism following.

TO the end that Confirmation may be ministered to the more edifying of such as shall receive it (according unto Saint Pauls doctrine, who teacheth that all things should be done in the Church to the edification of the same) it is thought good that none hereafter shall be confirmed, but such as can say in their mother tongue the Articles of the Faith, the Lords prayer, and the ten Commandments, and can also answer to such questions of this short Catechism as the bishop (or such as he shall appoint) shall by his discretion appose [=examine] them in. And this order is most convenient to be observed for divers considerations.

First, because that when Children come to the years of discretion 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 Church, ratify and confirme the same: and also promise that by the grace of God, they will evermore endeavour themselves faith fully to observe and keep such things as they by their own mouth and confession have assented unto.

Secondly, forasmuch as Confirmation is ministered to them that be baptized, that by Imposition of hands and prayer, they may receive strength and defence against all temptations to sinne, and the assaults of the world and the devil: it is most meet to be ministered when children come to that age that partly by the frailty of their own flesh, partly by the assaults of the world and the devil, they begin to be in danger to fall into sundry kindes of sinne.

Thirdly, for that it is agreeable with the usage of the Church in times past: whereby it was ordained that Confirmation should be ministered to them that were of perfect age, that they being instructed in Christs Religion, should openly professe their own faith, and promise to be obedient unto the will of God.

And that no man shall thinke that any detriment shall come to children by deferring of their confirmation, hee shall know for truth that it is certaine by Gods Word, that children being baptized, have all things necessary for their salvation, and bee undoubtedly saved.

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

¶ The Bishop shall say,

Versicles

OUR helpe is in the Name of the Lord.

Answer. Which hath made both heaven and earth.

Bishop.

Blessed is the Name of the Lord.

Answer. Henceforth world without end.

Bishop.

Lord heare our prayers.

Answer. And let our cry come unto thee.

¶ Let us pray.

The Prayer for the Sevenfold Spirit

ALmighty and everliving God, who hast vouchsafed to regenerate these thy servants by water and the holy Ghost, and hast given unto them forgivenesse of all their sins: Strengthen them we beseech thee, O Lord, with the holy Ghost the Comforter, and daily increase in them thy manifold gifts of grace, the spirit of wisedome and understanding, the spirit of counsell and ghostly strength, the Spirit of knowledge and true godlinesse, and fulfill them, O Lord, with the Spirit of thy holy feare. Amen.

The Laying on of Hands

¶ Then the bishop shall lay his hand upon every childe severally, saying.

Defend, O Lord, this childe with thy heavenly grace, that he may continue thine forever, and daily increase in thy holy Spirit more and more, until he come unto thy everlasting kingdome. Amen.

¶ Then shall the bishop say.

¶ Let us pray.

ALmighty and everliving God, which makest us both to will, and to do those things that be good and acceptable unto thy Majesty, We make our humble supplications unto thee for these children, upon whom (after the example of thy holy Apostles) we have laid our hands, to certifie them (by this signe) of thy favour and gracious goodnesse toward them: Let thy fatherly hand, we beseech thee, ever be over them: Let thy holy Spirit ever bee with them, and so lead them in the knowledge and obedience of thy word, that in the end they may obtain the everlasting life; through our Lord Jesus Christ, who with thee and the holy Ghost liveth and reigneth one God, world without end. Amen.

The Blessing

¶ Then the bishop shall blesse the children, saying thus,

THE blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Sonne, and the holy Ghost, be upon you, and remaine with you for ever. Amen.

¶ The Presbyter or Curate of every parish, or some other at his appointment, shall diligently upon Sundayes and Holy-dayes, half an houre before Evensong, openly in the Church, instruct and examine so many children of his Parish sent unto him, as the time will serve, and as he shall think convenient, in some part of this Catechisme.

¶ And all Fathers Mothers, Masters, and Mistresses, shall cause their children, servants, and prentices (which have not learned their Catechisme) to come to the Church at the time appointed, and obediently to heare, and be ordered by the Presbyter or Curate, untill such time as they have learned all that is here appointed for them to learn. And whensoever the Bishop shall give knowledge for children to be brought afore him to any convenient place for their Confirmation, then shall the Presbyter or Curate of every Parish, either bring or send in writing the names of all those children of his Parish, which can say the Articles of the Faith, the Lords prayer, and the ten Commandements; and also how many of them can answer to the other questions contained in this Catechisme.

Final Rubrics

¶ And there shall none be admitted to the holy Communion, untill such time as he can say the Catechisme, and be confirmed.