we
have no information that such rings were consecrated during Edward's
reign (1547-1553), it seems probable that the practice was discontinued.20
In the early part of Mary's reign ( 1553-1558), a special Latin service
for the consecration of cramp rings was drawn up, some extracts from
which are here translated :21
The
rings lying in one basin or more, this prayer is to be said over them :
" Ο God, the creator of all celestial and terrestrial creations, the
restorer of the human race, and the bestower of all blessings, send Thy
Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, from heaven upon these rings made by the
hand of man, and deign to so purify them by Thy power, that all the
corruption of the envious and venomous serpent being expelled, the
metal created by Thee in Thy goodness may remain untainted by all the
stains of the enemy. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen."
Benediction:
Ο God, who in every disease hast always shown miracles of Thy power,
and who hast willed that rings should be a pledge of faith for Judah, a
priestly ornament for Aaron, a symbol of a faithful custodian for
Darius, and a remedy for various diseases in this reign, graciously
vouchsafe to sanctify -j- and to bless -f- these rings; that all who
wear them may be protected from the wiles of Satan and armed with the
virtue of a celestial guardianship; and that they shall neither be
menaced by convulsions nor by danger of epilepsy, but shall find by Thy
succor, alleviation of all manner of diseases. In the name of the
Father -j- , of the Son -j-, and of the Holy Spirit -f*· Amen.
A manuscript owned by the late Cardinal Wiseman described the ceremonies of the service under this head-
20 Ibid., vol. ii, p. 645.
21 Ibid., vol. ii, Pt. II (Collection of Records, Bk. II, No. 24) pp. 415, 416.
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