something holy, or that is solemnly offered and consecrated to God by prayers and benedictions. Kings, prelates, and priests are reckoned sacred persons; abbots are only blessed. The deaconhood, sub-deaconhood, and priesthood, are all sacred orders, and are said to impress an indelible character. The custom of consecrating kings with holy oil is derived, says Grotius, from the Hebrews, amongst whom, he agrees with Grotius, it was never used but to kings who had not an evident right by succession. He adds that the Christian emperors never used it before Justin the younger. This term was first added to the title of Majesty, in designating the English sovereigns, on the accession of James I. in 1603.