The-papacy-its-history-dogmas-genius-and-prospects-wylie

ESSENTIAL TO SALVATION. 801true faith ; next on the shoulders, that he may become strongand active in the performance of good works ; the assent isthen given, either personally or by sponsor, to the apostle'screed ; after which baptism is administered. The crown ofhis head is then anointed with chrism, to signify his engraftinginto Christ. A white napkin is given to the infant, tosignify that purity of soul and that glory of the resurrectionto which he is born by his baptism. A lighted taper is putinto his hand, to represent the good works by which his faithis to be fed and made to burn. And finally, a name is given,which is usually selected from some distinguished saint Inthe calendar, whose virtues he is to imitate, and by whoseprayers he is to be shielded and blessed.*The Roman Catholic Church teaches that participation inthis rite is essential to salvation. " Is baptism necessary tosalvation V it is asked in Butler's Catechism. " Yes," isthe reply ;" without it we cannot enter into the kingdom ofGod.""!- " Without baptism," says Liguori, " no one canenter heaven."| Dens states two exceptions,—that of themartyr, and that of the man labouring under invincible ignorance.§ The effects of baptism are great and manifold.The compilers of the Roman Catechism have enumeratedseven of the more notable ones.both of original sin and actual transgression ;It cleanses from the guiltand nothingremains in the person but the infirmity of concupiscence.All punishment due on account of sin is discharged ;justificationand adoption, and other invaluable privileges, arebestowed ; it implants the germ of all virtues ; it engrafts* Cat. Rom. pars ii. cap. ii. s. xlvi.-lxi.,— " Quotuplices sunt BaptismiRitus 1"+ Butler's Catechism, lesson xxiv.J Instructions on the Commandments and Sacraments ; by AlplionsusM. Liguori ;part ii. cliap. ii. ; Dublin, 1844.§ Theol. INIor. et Dog. Petri Dens, torn. v. p. 173. " Nisi per baptismigi-atiam Deo renascantur, in sempiternam miseriam et interitum a parentibus,sive illi fideles sive infideles sint, procreantur." (Cat. Rom. pars ii.c. ii. s. XXV.)