Page:Delineation of Roman Catholicism.djvu/234

 [Boor II. necessary to give a correct view of their mode and design in this sacrament. They say, that though these ceremonies are not of absolute neces- sity, they are of great importance, and challenge great veneration. They arm also that these were instituted by the apostles, and contri- bute to the more religious and holy administration of the sacrament. The ceremonies and prayera used. in the administration of baptism are reduced to three heads by the Roman Catechism, from which we take the following description of them, except in some points where the authorities are given. Thefir#t head comprehends such as are used before coming to the baptismal font; the #econd, such as are observed at the font; and the third, those that immediately follow the administra- tion of the sacrament.* 2. First, The rites and ceremonies which precede coming to the baptismal font. 1.) Ba/,t/,mud cr. This is blessed on the oyes of Easter and Pentecost, except in cases of necessity. "In blessing these waters a lighted torch is put into the font, to represent the fire of divine love which is communicated to the soul by baptism, and the light of good example, which all who are baptized ought to give; and holy oil and chrism are mixed with the water, to represent the spiritual union of the soul with God, by the grace received at baptism."t The reason of this is, because the baptism of Christ is "with the Holy Ghost and with fire," Matt. iii, 11. (2.) Prestntation of the candidate at the church door. "The pemon 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." (3.) Catether/ca/ instructions. The priest then asks what he de- mands of the church; and having received the answer, he first instructs him catechetically in the doctrines of the Christian faith, of which pro- fession is to be made in baptism. (4.) The exorc/rm. This consists of words of sacred and religious import, and of prayers; the design of which is to expel the devil, and weaken and crush his power. The priest breathes upon him and says, Delrt from me, thou unclean spirit, and give pla to the Helot Ghost the Comforter. Many signs of the cross are made during this ceremony. To the exorcism are added several other ceremonies. (5.) Salt. The priest puts a little blessed salt into the person's mouth, saying, Receivv the salt of isdorn; ma, it be unto thee a tn'opi- fiation uhto li everlasting. This is designed to import, 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. (6.) TI sign of the cross. His forehead, eyes, breast, shoulders, and ears are signed with the sign of the cross. (7.) The sp/tt/e. The priest recites another exorcism, touching with a Little spittle the ears and nostrils of the person to be baptized, and Catechism, pp. 176-181.  8incere Christian, vol. i, p. 411. 15 �