THE ORDER OF
CONFIRMATION,
OR LAYING ON OF HANDS UPON THOSE THAT ARE BAPTIZED
AND COME TO YEARS OF DISCRETION.
205. Upon the day appointed, all that are to be then confirmed, being placed, and standing in order, before the Bishop; he (or some other Minister appointed by him) shall read this Preface following. To the end, &c.
206. Then shall the Bishop say, Do ye here, &c.
207. And every one shall audibly answer, I do.
208. Then all of them in order kneeling before the Bishop, he shall lay his hand upon the head of every one severally, saying, Defend, &c.
The word 'severally' (closely connected with the word 'saying'), and the singular number of the expression 'this thy child,' &c., indicate a distinct intention that the words should be said to each individual.
209. Then shall the Bishop say. The Lord be, &c.
210. And (all kneeling down) the Bishop shall add, Let us pray. Our Father, &c.
211. And this Collect. Almighty and, &c.
212. Then the Bishop shall bless them, saying thus, The blessing, &c.
The Blessing implies the dismissal of the congregation, and seems to exclude any idea of an address after it; for which also no place is provided during the rite, nor is any interruption to the course of the service suggested which could admit of its insertion anywhere. However desirable it may be, it is, therefore, an unauthorized addition to the Prayer-Book.
213. And there shall none be admitted to the holy Communion, until such time as he be confirmed, or be ready and desirous to be confirmed.