Page:Catechismoftrent.djvu/140

 nities in the year, and on which alone, except in cases of necessity, it was the practice of the ancient Church to administer baptism. But although the Church, on account of the dangers to which life is continually exposed, has deemed it expedient to change her discipline in this respect, she still observes with the greatest solemnity the festivals of Easter and Pentecost, on which the baptismal water is to be consecrated.

After the consecration of the water, the other ceremonies that precede baptism, are next to be explained. The person to be baptized is brought or conducted to the door of the church, and is forbidden to enter, as unworthy to be admitted into the house of God, until he has cast off the yoke of the most degrading servitude of Satan, devoted himself unreservedly to Christ, and pledged his fidelity to the just sovereignty of the Lord Jesus.

The priest then asks what he demands of the Church of God; and having received the answer, he first instructs him catechetically, in the doctrines of the Christian faith, of which a profession is to be made in baptism. This practice of thus communicating instruction originated, no doubt, in the precept of our Lord, addressed to his Apostles: "Go ye into the whole world, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you;" words from which we may learn that baptism is not to be administered until, at least, the principal truths of religion are explained. But as the catechetical form consists of question and answer; if the person to be instructed be an adult, he himself answers the interrogatories; if an infant, the sponsor answers according to the prescribed form, and enters into a solemn engagement for the child.

The exorcism comes next in order: it consists of words of sacred and religious import, and of prayers; and is used to expel the devil, to weaken and crush his power. To the exorcism are added other ceremonies, each of which, being mystical, has its clear and proper signification. When, for in stance, salt is put into the mouth of the person to be baptized, it evidently imports, that by the doctrines of faith, and by the gift of grace, he shall be delivered from the corruption of sin, shall experience a relish for good works, and shall be nurtured with the food of divine wisdom. Again, his forehead, eyes, breast, shoulders, ears, are signed with the sign of the cross, to declare, that by the mystery of baptism, the senses of the person baptized are opened and strengthened, to enable him to