receive God, and to understand and observe his commandments.[1] The spittle.His nostrils and ears are next touched with spittle, and he is then immediately admitted to the baptismal font: by this ceremony we understand that, as sight was given to the blind man, mentioned in the Gospel, whom the Lord, having spread clay on his eyes, commanded to wash them in the waters of Siloe;[2] so by the efficacy of holy baptism, a light is let in on the mind, which enables it to discern heavenly truth.[3]
II.
The renunciation.After the performance of these ceremonies, the person to be baptized approaches the baptismal font, at which are performed other rites and ceremonies, which present a summary of the obligations imposed by the Christian religion. In three distinct interrogatories, he is formally asked by the minister of religion, "dost thou renounce Satan?" "and all his works?" "and all his pomps?"—to each of which he, or the sponsor in his name, replies in the affirmative. Whoever, then, purposes to enlist under the standard of Christ, must, first of all, enter into a sacred and solemn engagement to renounce the devil and the world, and, as his worst enemies, to hold them in utter detestation.[4]
The oil of catechumens.He is next anointed with the oil of catechumens on the breast and between the shoulders—on the breast, that by the gift of the Holy Ghost he may lay aside error and ignorance, and receive the true faith; for "the just man liveth by faith"[5]—on the shoulders, that by the grace of the Holy Spirit he may be enabled to shake off negligence and torpor, and engage actively in the performance of good works; for "faith without works is dead."[6]
The profession of faith.Next, standing at the baptismal font, he is interrogated by the minister of religion in these words: "Dost thou believe in God, the Father Almighty?" to which is answered; "I believe;" a like interrogatory is proposed with regard to the other articles of the creed, successively; and thus is made a solemn profession of faith. These two engagements, the renunciation of Satan and all his works and pomps, and the belief of all the articles of the creed, including, as they do, both faith and practice, constitute, it is clear, the whole force and discipline of the law of Christ.[7]
The will of the person to be baptized asked, and when ascertained, baptism is administered.When baptism is now about to be administered, the priest asks him if he will be baptized; to which an answer in the affirmative being given by him, or, if an infant, by the sponsor, the priest performs the ablution, "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." As man, by yielding the assent of his will to the wicked suggestions of Satan, fell under a just sentence of condemnation; so God will have none en-
- ↑ De signo crucis vide Tertul. lib. de resurr. carn. Basil. lib. de spiritu Sancto Chrys. contra gentes et alios.
- ↑ John ix. 7.
- ↑ De saliva Am. lib. 1. de sacram. 1. et de iis qui myst. init. c. 1. et de consecr. distinct. 4. c. postea.
- ↑ Tertul. lib. de coron. mil. c. 13. et de spectac. c. 4. et de Idol. c. 6. Cypr. epist. 7. 54.
- ↑ Gal. iii. 11.
- ↑ James ii. 26.
- ↑ Cyril. Hier. Catech. 2 et 3.
