Coronation

of kings and emperors, the most august ceremony of Christian national life, affords a striking example of the manner in which Christianity nbreathed a new spirit into already existing ceremonies, and elevated them to a higher and purer atmosphere. Under her inspiration a new life animated the old form: heathen accessories gradually dropped off; fresh and appropriate observances were developed; and the whole ceremonial assumed a character in harmony with the changed faith of those who were its subjects. It has been remarked by Dean Stanley (Memorials of Westminster Abbey, page 42) that the rite of coronation, at least in early Christian times, represents two opposite aspects of European monarchy. It was (1) a symbol of the ancient usage of the choice of the leaders by popular election, and of the emperor by the Imperial Guard, derived from the practice of the Gallic and Teutonic nations; and (2) a solemn consecration of the new sovereign to his office by unction with holy oil, and the placing of a crown or diadem on his head by one of the chief ministers of religion, after the example of the ancient Jewish Church. In modern times, the custom has been kept sup of calling upon a high ecclesiastical functionary to take a prominent part in this act of public inauguration of a sovereign, in all the countries of Europe where monarchy prevails. SEE CROWN.