Course 2, Chapter 35: Of union with our Lord, the new Adam, by Communion. — Baptism continued

1. What is the history of baptism?

In the first ages of the church, those who asked for baptism were not immediately permitted to receive it. They were instructed, and underwent a trial ordinarily for two years; they were called catechumens, that is, catechised. When the time for their baptism approached, they were examined in assemblies, called assemblies of scrutiny.

2. When was the baptism given?

Baptism was given during the night previous to

Easter and Pentecost; because the first of these feasts recalled to mind the passage of the Red Sea by the Jews; and the second, the passage from the old to the new law.

3. What was done after the baptism?

After the baptism, the newly baptized were dressed in white, to signify the innocence and spiritual liberty which they had recovered. They then received confirmation and communion; after which milk and honey were presented to them to eat, to signify that they had entered into the true land of promise.

4. HDW Ion* did the newly baptized wear their white garments?

The newly baptized wore their white garments during eight days; which were days of joy, prayer, instruction, an 1 all kinds of good works.

5. Did the first Christians preserve faithfully the remembrance of their baptism?

They did preserve it faithfully; each year they celebrated the anniversary with new fervor. This f j:ist was called the annotine (that is annual) Pasch.

6. When did confirmation and communion cease to be given to tLe newly baptized?

Confirmation ceased to be given to the newV baptized when it was no longer possible for biclicps themselves to administer the baptism; and the conniunion ceased to be given to the newly baptized when the church for very wise reasons forbade the giving of communion, in both kinds, to the laity. This prohibition was made about the beginning of the fifteenth century by the council of Constance.

7. Are the ceremonies which accompany the administration of baptism worthy of our respect?

There is nothing more venerable than the cereraonies which accompany the administration of baptism; they date back to the first ages of the church, and represent perfectly the dignity and effects of tho sacrament, of 'baptism.

212 CATECHISM OF PERSEVERANCE.

8. What are the temporal advantages of baptism?

The temporal advantages of baptism are: 1st, to protect the life of the child; 2d, to protect its innocence; 3d, to inspire parents with a great respect and care for their children; 4th, to make them bear cheer fully the trouble and pain inseparable from their early education.