Coirme.il ,+r4nCi% CJ". "^apTliafY* BAPTISM Wy Rev. Francis Connell, C.SS.R. New York, N. Y. THE PAULIST PRESS 401 West 59th Street Imprimi Potest: ANDREW K U H N , C . S S . R . , Provincial, Baltimore Province. Nihil Obstat: Imprimatur: ARTHUR J . SCANLAN, S . T . D . , Censor Librorum. •B PATRICK CARDINAL HAYES, Archbishop of New York. New York, November 17, 1930. PRINTED AND P U B L I S H E D I N T H E V. S. A. BY T H E P A U M S T PRESS, N E W Y O R K , N . Y . fjf foecM l^CtiB®*, BAPTISM By the R E V . F R A N C I S J . C O N N E L L , C . S S . R . , S . T . D . I. THE MEANING AND THE INSTITUTION OF BAPTISM The word baptize is derived f r o m a Greek verb ßäicxsiv, which originally signified to immerse or to plunge. W e say originally signified, because even be- fore the time of Christ the word ßdirrstv had ac- quired a more general meaning—namely, to wash— that is, to cleanse a person or thing, not only by im- mersion, but also by the pouring or by the sprinkling of water. The washing, either entire or partial, of the human body with water is well adapted to constitute a reli- gious rite, since it so aptly symbolizes the purity of heart that the service of the Almighty demands. It is not surprising therefore that bodily ablutions have figured prominently in religious worship since the very dawn of the human race. Ceremonial ablutions were practiced by the ancient Greeks and Romans; and even today are found among the uncivilized tribes of Africa. Under the Old Law, God prescribed various religious washings for the Jewish people (Lev. xv.). Shortly before Christ began His public ministry St. John the 2 BAPTISM Baptist conferred a kind of baptism in the River Jor- dan on all who publicly professed repentance f o r their sins; and Our Divine Redeemer, sinless though He was, deigned to receive this penitential ablution from the hands of His saintly prophet (Matt. iii. 6, 11, 16). An honest perusal of the Gospels, however, will convince one that Christ Himself instituted a baptism that is f a r more holy and effective than the ablutions of the Old Law and the baptism of St. John. Our Savior intended H i s baptism f o r all mankind, and willed that it should be the principal rite of initiation into His Church. Shortly after H e began to preach His Gospel, Christ spoke of His baptism in no uncer- tain terms to Nicodemus: "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John iii. 5 ) . Even more explicit was the reference to baptism in the command H e gave the Apostles before His ascension into heaven: "Go- ing therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost" (Matt, xxviii. 19). St. Mark, in his Gos- pel, records a phrase used by the Master on that same occasion, which emphasizes the importance of baptism: " H e that b.elieveth and is baptized, shall be saved" (Mark xvi. 16). Faithful to Christ's command, the Apostles pro- claimed baptism as a necessary condition for the ac- quisition of grace and for membership in the Christian Church. "Do penance and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of BAPTISM 3 your sins," was the exhortation of St. Peter to the multitudes that thronged the streets of Jerusalem on the first Pentecost Sunday. And so deeply did his words affect the hearts of his hearers that "there were added (that is, to the Church, by baptism) that day three thousand souls" (Acts ii. 38, 4 1 ) . The Apostles made it clear that the baptism of Christ was different from, and superior to, the baptism of St. John the Baptist. On one occasion St. Paul found at Ephesus some who wished to be Christians, but had received only the baptism of J o h n ; and immedi- ately the Apostle commanded them to be baptized again "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts xix. 1-5). One of the most charming narratives of the early Church is the account of the baptism of a distinguished official of Ethiopia, who was returning by chariot to his own land a f t e r a visit to Jerusalem. Under the in- spiration of the Holy Ghost, the deacon Philip accosted this man, and seating himself beside him in the chariot, expounded to him the claims of the Christian religion. So convincing were the words of Philip that then and there the official decided to become a Christian, and proclaimed his faith with the simple but sublime dec- laration: " I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." It chanced that they passed near a body of water, and the fervent convert said: "See, here is water; what doth hinder me from being baptized?" Straightway the two descended from the chariot, and Philip baptized the fortunate man, who then continued on his way, rejoicing (Acts viii. 26-40). 4 BAPTISM Baptism is a Sacrament Baptism fulfils all the conditions required for a sac- rament of the Christian Law. It is an external rite, capable of producing grace, instituted by Christ for the use of mankind. Indeed so apparent is the sacramental nature of baptism from the various scriptural accounts of this rite, that practically all the numerous Christian sects agree with the Catholic Church in designating it as a sacrament—though, as we shall see below, not all of these denominations are one with us regarding the manner of baptizing, the conferring of baptism on infants, etc. Besides the clear testimony of the New Testament, the writings that come down to us from the earliest centuries, such as the anonymous work entitled The Doctrine of the Twelve Apostles, and the theological treatises of St. Justin and of Tertullian, furnish ade- quate and convincing proof of the divine institution and of the sacramental nature of baptism. II. THE MANNER OF BAPTIZING Every Christian Sacrament is essentially composed of two elements, known as the matter and the form, which when combined become an instrument that God uses to communicate His grace to the soul of the re- cipient. The matter is generally some material thing; the form is made up of the words spoken by the one conferring the sacrament. BAPTISM 5 The Matter of Baptism T h e matter of baptism is natural water. This is evident f r o m Our Lord's statement that man must be "born again of water and the H o l y G h o s t , " and also from the many accounts of baptism recorded in the New Testament and in the early ecclesiastical writings. As f a r as the validity of the sacrament is concerned, any kind of water suffices—whether it be rain-water/ water from the ocean, river, lake, etc. Other liquids, such as wine, milk, fruit-juices, etc., will not serve the purpose. Even saliva, tears, perspiration, etc., though by chemical analysis they are found to be composed principally of water, cannot be used for baptism be- cause they are not regarded as water in the common estimate of men, which is the norm by which the requisites for the sacraments are to be determined. F o r solemn baptism—that which is accompanied by the ceremonies to be described later (page 20)—water specially blessed on the vigils of Easter and of Pente- cost is used. However, this blessing is not necessary for the validity of the sacrament; so that baptism would be given even if the priest used unblessed water. When, in case of necessity, a lay person baptizes, he can use ordinary water drawn from the faucet. The Form of Baptism , , The form of baptism is the single sentence: " I bap- tize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Sett, and of the Holy Ghogt." These words should be pro- nounced with the greatest care, exactly as they are prei- scribed, for even a slight modification or mispronunciar. 6 BAPTISM tion may endanger the validity of the sacrament. Thus, if christen were said instead of baptise, the bap- tism would be doubtful because the idea of washing does not seem to be sufficiently expressed by christen. Even the word and could not be safely omitted, lest the distinction between the divine Persons be not ade- quately manifested. This may appear to some persons like undue hair-splitting, but we must always remem- ber that the graces of baptism have been annexed by the Almighty to the rite as prescribed by His Divine Son; and Jesus Christ explicitly commanded that this sacrament be conferred in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost (Matt, xxviii. 19). Manner of Baptizing In regard to the manner in which the water is to be applied in baptizing, the Catholic Church teaches that not only total immersion, but also the pouring or the sprinkling of the water are proper modes of giving the sacrament. On this point the Church encounters opposition from several Christian denominations, espe- cially f r o m the Baptists and from the Eastern Ortho- dox churches,1 who hold that baptism can be validly conferred only when the recipient is totally immersed in water. Their principal argument in support of this contention is that the word baptize means immerse or plunge. 1 B y the Orthodox churches we mean those of the East that were formerly in communion with the Catholic Church, but about the tenth century separated themselves from it. These churches recruit their members for the greater part from the people of Rus- sia, Greece, Bulgaria, and Rumania. BAPTISM 7 Now, Catholics readily admit that the word bap- tize bore such a meaning according to its original usage; but, at the same time, it can be conclusively proved that before the time of Christ this word had acquired a more general sense—namely, to wash, irre- spective of the manner in which the washing is per- formed. Thus, the original Greek text of the Gospel of St. Mark (vii. 4) asserts that the Pharisees did not eat until they had been baptized—and this, as is evi- dent from the preceding verse, signifies merely the washing of their hands. Again, the Greek version of the Book of Ecclesiasticus (xxxiv. 3 0 ) , which was written many years before the birth of Christ, speaks of the ceremonial baptism, prescribed by the Old Law for one who had touched a corpse; but from the Book of Numbers (xix. 12) we learn that this rite was only a sprinkling with water. Now, since the words of Christ are to be interpreted according to the meaning they bore when H e uttered them, His command to baptize must be understood as prescribing some kind of ablution, without restricting it to complete immer- sion. Immersion Not Necessary Nor do other parts of the New Testament provide arguments for the necessity of immersion for the ad- ministration of baptism. It is true, this method was doubtless used on some occasions—as for example, in the baptism of the Ethiopian official by Philip (page 3 ) . But there are other occasions recorded of bap- 8 BAPTISM -tism being given in circumstances which seem to have rendered the use of immersion impossible. F o r ex- ample, it is hardly probable that there was a sufficient quantity of water for immersion in the jail in which St. Paul was confined, and in which he baptized the jailer and his family (Acts xvi. 3 3 ) . At any rate the matter is decisively settled by writ- ings which date from the earliest centuries of the Chris- tian era, and which have preserved for us the true in- terpretation of the doctrine and worship of the Chris- tian religion as Christ Himself intended them to be. From this source abundant evidence can be obtained to prove that immersion is not, necessary. The work known as The Doctrine of the Twelve Apostles, which was written about the year 100, speaks of baptizing by pouring water three times on the head in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. In the second century Tertullian, in the third St. Cyprian, in the fifth St. Augustine, all attest the ade- quacyof sprinkling for the administration of baptism, and refer to this method as- being used especially for those confined to bed.2 Beyond all doubt, the Catholic stand on this question is entirely substantiated by the teaching and by the practice of the early Church. Valid Baptism Tradition also informs us, however, that not any and every pouring or sprinkling suffices, but that the 2Cf. Pohle-Preuss, The Sacraments, I, page 218. BAPTISM 9 water must touch the head, the principal seat of the soul. Moreover, the skin must be touched by the water, so that the validity of the baptism would be in doubt if only the hair received the ablution. Finally, the water must flow over the brow or the crown, for if the skin were merely moistened, the idea of washing, which is essential to baptism, would not be sufficiently expressed. It is on account of this last condition that the Church does not employ sprinkling as a usual mode of baptizing, because water that is merely sprinkled is liable not to flow. Nowadays, the general practice in churches of the Latin rite is to baptize by pouring; while among Catholics of the Orient immersion is com- monly used. How to Baptize T o sum up what every. Christian should know re- garding the manner of conferring baptism—for one can never tell when the necessity of administering this sacrament to a dying person may arise:—Pour natural water on the crown of the head or on the brow of the person to be baptized, in sufficient quantity to flow and while pouring, pronounce distinctly and exactly the words, "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." III. THE NECESSITY OF BAPTISM The Catholic Church holds that the sacrament of baptism is a necessary means to salvation. In other 10 BAPTISM words, according to the ordinary law of divine prov- idence, no one can enter heaven a f t e r death unless he has been baptized during his earthly pilgrimage. This doctrine was unequivocally enunciated by Jesus Christ in the words: "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" (John iii. 5). The reason is, because all men come into the world with original sin on their souls; and according to the ordinary law of divine prov- idence, original sin—which is sufficient to prevent one from entering heaven even if one has committed no actual sins—can be removed only by the sacrament of baptism. This refers, however, to the ordinary law of divine providence, for there are two extraordinary means by which the remission of sin and the attainment of eternal salvation are available even without the actual reception of the sacrament of baptism. These two means are known respectively as the baptism of desire, and the baptism of blood. Baptism of Desire By baptism of desire is meant an act of love of God or of perfect contrition (that is, sorrow for one's sins because sin is an offence against God's infinite good- ness), made by one who has not received the baptism of water. Our Lord has promised that whosoever loves Him will be loved by God the Father (John xiv. 21)—that is, will receive the state of grace. Conse- quently, any person, whether baptized or unbaptized, BAPTISM 11 who elicits an act of love of God or of perfect contri- tion will at once receive the pardon of his sins, and if he dies in these dispositions, will obtain entrance into the kingdom of heaven. A s is evident, only one who has attained to the use of reason can profit by the bap- tism of desire. Baptism of Blood By baptism of blood is meant the enduring of mar- tyrdom for Christ or for some Christian virtue. That martyrdom will merit eternal salvation even for one who has never been baptized has been the constant teaching of Christian tradition, and can be deduced from the unconditional promise of Our Divine Re- deemer: " H e that shall lose his life for Me, shall find it" (Matt. x. 39). This holds good also of infants who are slain out of hatred for Christ or for His reli- gion, like the children of Bethlehem, who were put to death by Herod in his desire to do away with the new-born Savior (Matt. ii. 16). It must always be remembered, however, that the baptism of desire and the baptism of blood are only extraordinary means of justification, and hence do not dispense with the obligation of receiving the ordinary means, the baptism of water. Consequently, one who has received sanctifying grace through an act of love of God or an act of perfect contrition is still bound to receive the sacrament of baptism if he is aware of its existence; and an unbaptized person who is dying for 12 BAPTISM the Christian faith must receive this sacrament before he dies, if there is an opportunity of doing so. From what has been said it can be seen that every person who reaches the age of reason, even though he never hears of the Christian religion, can be saved. For, if such a one observes the natural law as his con- science prescribes, he will, through the guidance of divine providence, be led to a sufficient knowledge of God to make an act of love of Him, or of perfect con- trition, and thus will be enabled to attain to justifica- tion and to eternal salvation. Unbaptized Infants The case is different, however, with infants. For, since a child before reaching the use of reason is in- capable of making either of the acts designated as the baptism of desire, his only chance of salvation lies in the baptism of water.8 At first sight, this doctrine seems very harsh, especially since the lack of the sacra- ment in the case of a child who dies unbaptized is not due to any fault on the part of the child, but is caused by the neglect or ignorance of his parents, or by some unforeseen sickness or accident, or by the fact that he is born in a pagan land where the Gospel has not yet been preached, etc. But a closer examination of the way in which Catholic theologians explain this point puts the matter in a more favorable light. For, we do 3Excepting the unusual case of a child that is martyred out of hatred for the Christian faith. BAPTISM 13 not say that children who die without baptism are con- demned to the torments of hell. On the contrary, it is the common view of theologians that these little ones will enjoy for all eternity a natural happiness surpass- ing the most exquisite bliss of the present life. It is true, they are excluded from the supernatural joy of seeing God face to face; but it must always be remem- bered that the happiness of heaven is an entirely gratu- itous gift, to which no created being has any right in justice; and therefore God does no injustice to unbap- tized infants when H e excludes them from heaven. Of course, the further question might be asked, why God grants the grace of baptism to some infants and not to others—and here, it is true, we come face to face with an inscrutable mystery of divine providence. But at any rate we can see that God is not unjust in this matter, any more than is a rich man who chooses to give alms to certain poor persons and not to others. The grace of baptism, like other graces of the super- natural order, can be dispensed by the Almighty to whomsoever H e wills. Despite the fact that children who die without bap- tism enjoy a state of natural happiness for all eternity, yet they would have possessed an incomprehensibly greater happiness had they received baptism. Accord- ingly, it should be the supreme concern of Christian parents to provide this most necessary sacrament for the little ones whom God has entrusted to their care. If an infant is in danger of death, and the priest cannot be had at once, a lay person (if possible, not the child's 14 BAPTISM father or mother) should baptize the little one accord- ing to the method described above (page 9 ) . More- over, the law of the Church prescribes that the children of Christian parents, even when there is no danger of death, shall be brought to the church for baptism as soon as possible (Canon 770). Many reliable the- ologians hold that parents are guilty of mortal sin if, without a good reason, they defer a child's baptism more than ten or eleven days. IV. THE MINISTER AND THE RECIPIENT OF BAPTISM The sacrament of baptism can be validly adminis- tered by any person who is capable of performing the ceremony properly, and has the intention of giving baptism as a Christian religious rite. But it is not lawful for a lay person to baptize except in a case of necessity when a priest cannot be h a d ; nevertheless, if a lay person should baptize a child even outside of such a case, the sacrament would be both valid and fruitful —that is, the child would receive both the character and the grace of baptism, just as if the rite had been performed by a priest. Non-Catholic Can Baptize Even one who does not believe in the Christian re- ligion and is not himself baptized can administer this BAPTISM 15 sacrament. For, the only interior disposition required in the minister is the intention of giving baptism—and such an intention can be had even by one who disbe- lieves the Christian doctrines. For example, a Jewish doctor, although he has no faith in the efficacy of bap- tism, can nevertheless, as a favor to Christian parents, perform on their child the baptismal ceremony, with the intention of giving that religious rite which the parents desire—and thus, he has in reality, the intention of giving baptism. However, a Catholic should be chosen to give private baptism, whenever it is possible. The minister of solemn baptism—that which is ac- companied by the impressive ceremonies to be described later (page 20)—is ordinarily a priest or a bishop. However, for a good reason, a deacon can be delegated to confer this solemn rite. The Person Baptized The recipient of baptism can be any person who is not yet baptized. One who has reached the age of reason cannot receive the sacrament validly unless he has the intention of being baptized. Hence, if the bap- tismal rite were performed on one who had never made the intention to receive baptism, the sacrament would be null and void (even though the person were dying bereft of his senses). However, once a person has made the intention of being baptized, the sacrament can be conferred on him even when he is unconscious. Such would be the case of one who is preparing to become a Catholic, and is bereft of the use of his 16 BAPTISM senses by a mortal illness. T o receive the fruit or grace of baptism, one who has reached the age of reason, besides the intention, must also have made an act of faith in the principal doctrines of Christianity, and an act of contrition for all (at least, mortal) sins he has ever committed. Children who have not reached the age of reason, although they are incapable of the aforesaid intention and acts, can nevertheless receive baptism validly and fruitfully. This is a Catholic doctrine that is ve- hemently opposed by many outside our fold, on the ground that infants, being unable to appreciate the ceremony of baptism and to cooperate with it, cannot partake of its salutary effects. An Objection Answered This objection is based on the idea that the sacra- ments merely incite the recipients to pious acts, by which they merit grace. But, as can be proved from Sacred Scripture and from tradition, the sacraments possess a direct efficacy—that is, they are instruments of the divine power, and consequently are able to pro- duce grace in the soul immediately, and not merely dependently on the dispositions of the recipient. Hence, the lack of intention, faith/etc., in children below the age of reason is no impediment to the efficacy of bap- tism, which accordingly removes from their souls the stain of original sin, and confers on them sanctifying grace. Even in the case of those -who have reached the use of reason, the acts of faith: and contrition men- BAPTISM 17 tioned above do not add to the efficacy of the sacra- mental rite, but are merely conditions demanded by God, W h o does not wish to sanctify persons having the use of reason without their own free cooperation.4 Infant Baptism Our principal positive argument for infant baptism is based on Our Lord's statement: "Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." These words indi- cate that baptism is a necessary means of salvation for all, children as .well as adults. Hence, unless we wish to believe that God has deprived infants of every means of salvation, we must admit that baptism cleanses their souls of original sin and opens to them the gates of heaven. Instances of infant baptism are at least implied in the New Testament. It is recorded that St. Paul once baptized a jailer and his whole family (Acts xvi. 33), and on another occasion Lydia and her household (Acts xvi. 15), and on still another occasion the house- hold of Stephanas (1 Cor. i. 16). Now, it is quite probable that there were some children below the age of reason in these families, yet the Bible tells us that all the members without exception were baptized. At any rate^ it was the practice of the early Church to bap- tize infants, as we learn from the writings of such au- thorities as St. Cyprian, St. Augustine, and Pope iCj. The Sacraments—What They Are—What They Do, pages 22-29. 18 BAPTISM Siricius.5 It is true, there was f o r a time in the early centuries a custom of deferring baptism until the age of maturity so that the recipient might appreciate the sac- rament better, and benefit more by its effects. But even those who had this custom admitted that children could be baptized, and hastened to administer this sacrament to infants in danger of death. In fact, when infants were baptized in the early Church, they were also given at once the sacraments of Confirmation and of the Holy Eucharist. V. THE EFFECTS OF BAPTISM There are two effects conferred on the soul by the sacrament of baptism—a character and grace. Character of Baptism By the character of baptism is meant a spiritual mark which is imprinted on the soul of every one who receives this sacrament validly. This character re- mains on the soul for all eternity; hence, baptism once validly received can never be repeated. This character makes the baptized person a mem- ber of the Church of Christ. Hence, only one who has been baptized can validly receive the other sacraments; because these have been instituted by Jesus Christ for the members of His Church. Similarly, only those who have been baptized are subject to the laws of the Church; but, on the other hand, all baptized persons are under the jurisdiction of the lawful rulers of 5Cf. Kenrick, Baptism, page 134. BAPTISM 19 Christ's Church. This is the reason why the Catholic Church believes she has the right to legislate for all baptized persons, even those who are members of some other denomination; and accordingly, she extends cer- tain matrimonial impediments ( f o r example, blood- relationship to the third degree) even to non-Catholics who have been baptized. Many regard this as an act of supreme arrogance on the part of the Catholic Church; yet it is the only logical attitude that can be taken by an organization that believes itself to be the one true Church of Jesus Christ, empowered by Him with authority over all who bear on their souls the character of baptism. A child who is born in the United States is by that very fact bound to the obliga- tions of American citizenship, whether he likes them or not. Similarly, one who by baptism is incorporated into Christ's Church is by that very fact subject to the laws passed by the legitimate authorities of that Church. It matters not if the character was conferred before the recipient came to the use of reason, or if baptism was administered in a non-Catholic com- munion; for it is by the decree of God, the Supreme ruler of mankind, that all who bear the character of baptism shall be subject to the authority of Christ's Church. And that Church, we firmly believe, is thé Catholic Church alone. Grace of Baptism The special grace of baptism is the spiritual regen- eration or rebirth of the soul. Our Lord Himself 20 BAPTISM taught us this when H e stated that by baptism a man is born again of water and the Holy Ghost (John iii. 5 ) . This expression means that just as by his cor- porealbirth a person begins to live the natural life of the body, so by baptism he begins to live the super- natural life of the soul, which is a participation of the life of God Himself, and confers a right to the eternal joys of heaven. This new life of grace expels from the soul spiritual death—that is sin, both original and actual—and remits all punishment, both eternal and temporal, due to sin. As was stated above (page 16), one who has at- tained the use of reason must make acts of faith and of contrition in order to receive the grace of baptism. But to receive the character such a one needs only the intention of being baptized. Thus, a person who would receive this sacrament for some worldly motive with- out any sorrow for his sins, would obtain the character, but not the grace of baptism. Of course, he would be guilty of the great sacrilege of receiving a sacrament unworthily; nevertheless, by God's mercy, he can sub- sequently obtain the grace of baptism if he truly re- pents of his sins. VI. THE CEREMONIES OF BAPTISM T o render the administration of baptism more im- pressive, and to manifest in a vivid way the effects of this sacrament, the Church has established certain cere- monies for the solemn conferring of baptism. These BAPTISM 21 ceremonies are not necessary for the validity of the sacrament; however, they are so important that even when a child has been baptized privately it must after- ward be brought to church so that these ceremonies may be supplied. We shall briefly describe the more noteworthy of these accessory rites. Before the actual baptism the priest pronounces sev- eral exorcisms—that is, admonitions to the devil to de- part from the one to be baptized. For, a soul in sin, even if it be only original sin, is in some measure sub- ject to the power of the devil. T o render these exor- cisms more effective, the priest traces on the child's brow and breast the saving sign of the cross; and breathes three times in its face to signify the coming of the Holy Spirit. On the child's tongue a pinch of blessed salt is placed, for salt is a symbol of the wisdom that should dominate the Christian life. Likewise, because of its preserving properties, salt typifies the preservation of sanctifying grace until death, which should be the chief concern of every baptized person. The priest touches the ears of the child that they may be open to receive the doctrine of Christ, and the nose, to signify that the life of a baptized person should be pervaded with the odor of virtue. In performing this rite the priest moistens his fingers with saliva, after the example of Our Divine Savior W h o used spittle in curing the deaf and the blind (Mark vii. 33; John ix. 6 ) . Before pouring the sanctifying water the priest 22 BAPTISM anoints the child's breast and shoulders with blessed oil (called oil of catechumens). This is probably an allu- sion to the ancient custom of anointing athletes be- fore their contests; for the baptized must wage an un- ceasing contest against the world, the flesh and the devil. A f t e r the actual baptism the head is anointed with the sacred oil of chrism. Kings at their corona- tion,. and priests at their ordination are anointed, and m baptism this anointing with chrism signifies the kingly and priestly dignity of Jesus Christ which the baptismal character in some measure bestows. The recipient makes a profession of faith in the principal doctrines of Christianity, recites the Apostles' Creed and the Our Father, and solemnly renounces the devil with his works and pomps. In the case of adults, this is a sign that they are receiving baptism of their own free will, and that they believe the Christian re- ligion. When children are baptized, these professions are made in their name by their godparents. It may be well to remark that the office of godparent is a very responsible one, entailing the obligation to provide f o r the religious training of the child should the parents die or neglect their duty in this respect. Both god- parents should touch the child while the water of bap- tism is being poured. A f t e r the actual baptism, a white cloth is placed on the head of the baptized person, and a candle is given into his hand (or, in the case of a child, into the hands of the god-parents). The white cloth signifies the beautiful garment of sanctifying grace with which the BAPTISM 23 soul has just been robed; and when giving it, the priest admonishes the recipient to preserve it immacu- late even to the judgment seat of Jesus Christ. The candle is an allusion to the ancient custom of meeting distinguished persons with lighted torches; and when he confers it, the priest expresses the hope that when the hour of death comes, the baptized person may be prepared to meet Jesus Christ together with all the saints in the heavenly court and may live for ever and ever. CONCLUSION Most of those who have read this pamphlet are doubtless persons who received the sacrament of bap- tism in childhood. May this summary account of the Catholic doctrines concerning this great sacrament serve to inspire them with a deep sense of gratitude to God for the inestimable favor H e has granted them in giving them this sacrament of regeneration—a favor that millions of souls have never received and never will receive. May we who have received it, appreciate it, and show our appreciation by keeping our baptismal vows unbroken and our baptismal robes unsullied, as becomes those who have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The members of T H E P A U L I S T P R E S S ASSOCIATION receive two pamphlets a month, including new pamphlet publications of The Paulist Press. Membership is two dollars the year. Paulist Pamphlets Doctrine — Morals Devotion Biography—The Saints • —Miscellaneous Scripture — Fiction So «mIi, $3.50 per 100, 930.00 per 1,000 All o r d e r i for less than $1.00 M U S T be accom- panied by remittance Cerrtegt Extra On AU Orderi T h e Paulist Press 401 West 50th Street New York, X. T . FACE THE FACTSI SPECIAL SERIES Ten new pamphlets on Catholic Doctrine with covers in seven loyely colors. The subject matter is splendid, the work of Rev. Wilfred Hurley, C.S.P. The paper and printing are excellent. And the covers! Well, they are something not yet seen on pamphlets—original paintings reproduced in seven beautiful colors. T I T L E S THERE IS A GODI RELIGION IS REASONI THE POPE IS INFALLIBLE! HONOR MARY THY MOTHER1 THE CATHOLIC C H U R C H AND THE BIBLE! JESUS CHRIST G O D AND MAN! JESUS LIVING IN THE WORLD TODAYI SINS ARE FORGIVEN IN CONFESSIONI ONE C H U R C H IS NOT AS G O O D AS ANOTHER! THE CATHOLIC C H U R C H IS THE C H U R C H OF CHRIST! Size 3 J * " x 6 " Se each, $4.00 the 100, $35.00 the 1,000 carriage extra Quantity prices apply on orderi (or assorted titles Individual Face the Facts Package 60c Postpaid The most popular book on the noble and ignoble possibilities of sex that has ever come from the pen of an authoritative Catholic writer. A forceful, brief yet comprehensive discussion of the dangers of sex'promiscuity, informative chapters on Birth-Control, DU vorce, Annulment and Separation. A sane, practical, illuminating book by WHAT does it all mean? Birth-control, divorce, modern paganism with its worship of self and denial of the s o u l . , . its «xterior of Christian culture, and heart of heathenism teaching that the body is supreme . . . uncontrolled passion with its resultant disquiet, dissatisfaction, wretchedness and despair . . . broken homes, broken hearts and callous children? WHAT is the reason for this debasement of moral stand- ard and conduct? Father Scott in his new book goes straight to the true facts; gives an unflinching condemna- tion of modern sexual vices and proves that true Catholic marriage promotes the happiness and welfare of the indi- vidual, the family and society. Rev. Martin J. Scott, S J. Cloth bound $1.00 Paper 50c The Paulist Press Published by 4 0 1 West 59th Street New York, N. Y.