Wesley Corpus

A. It chiefly belongs to Bishops, Priests, and Deacons; but, in case of necessity, men or women, Jews, infidels, or heretics may do it, if they intend to do what the Church doeth. (Concil. Trid, Sess. 7, De Bapt., can. 4; Catech. Rom., pars 2, c. 2, n. 24.) REPLY. Our Saviour gave commission to the Apostles and their successors, in the office of the ministry, to “teach all nations, baptizing them.” (Matt. xxviii. 19, 20.) So that women, Jews, and infidels, have no more a power to admi nister baptism, than they have to teach, or to be Priests. Q. 57. What ceremonies are used in the administration of baptism in the Church of Rome? A. Before baptism, there is, (1.) Chrism, or oil mixed with water, in the consecration of it. (Catech., ibid., n. 11, 60.) (2.) Exorcism, composed of certain words, prayers, and actions, for driving away the devil out of the child, and the salt, &c. (Catech., ibid., n. 65.) And the Priest is to blow in the face of the child, after the form of a cross, saying, “Go out of him, Satan,” &c. (Pastorale, Antwerp, 1625.) (3.) The forehead, eyes, breast, &c., are to be crossed, to show that, by the mystery of baptism, the senses are opened to receive God, and to understand his commands. (Catech., n.67; Pastor., ibid.) (4.) Then some exorcised salt is to be put into the mouth, to signify a deliverance from the putrefaction of sin, and the savour of good works. (Catech., ibid., n. 66.) And the Priest in putting it into the mouth, saith, “N, take the salt of wisdom, and let it be a propitiation for thee to eternal life. Amen.” (Pastor, ibid.) (5.) Then the nose and ears are to be anointed with spittle, and then the child is to be brought to the water, as the blind man to Siloam, to signify it brings light to the mind. (Catech., ibid., n. 60.) After baptism, (1.) The Priest anoints the top of the head with chrism; (Catech., ibid., n. 72;) and he adds, “Let him anoint thee with the chrism of salvation.” (Pastor., ibid.) (2.) He puts a white garment on the baptized, saying, “Take this white garment, which thou mayest bring before the judgment-seat of Christ, that thou mayest have life eternal.” (Catech., ibid., n.