Articulus 10 Article 10 Utrum sit conveniens ritus quo ecclesia utitur in baptizando Whether the Church observes a suitable rite in baptizing? Ad decimum sic proceditur. Videtur quod non sit conveniens ritus quo Ecclesia utitur in baptizando. Ut enim dicit Chrysostomus, nunquam aquae Baptismi purgare peccata credentium possent, nisi tactu dominici corporis sanctificatae fuissent. Hoc autem factum fuit in Baptismo Christi, qui celebratur in festo Epiphaniae. Ergo magis deberet celebrari solemnis Baptismus in festo Epiphaniae quam in vigilia Paschae et in vigilia Pentecostes. Objection 1: It seems that the Church observes an unsuitable rite in baptizing. For as Chrysostom (Chromatius, in Matth. 3:15) says: The waters of Baptism would never avail to purge the sins of them that believe, had they not been hallowed by the touch of our Lord’s body. Now this took place at Christ’s Baptism, which is commemorated in the Feast of the Epiphany. Therefore solemn Baptism should be celebrated at the Feast of the Epiphany rather than on the eves of Easter and Whitsunday. Praeterea, ad idem sacramentum non videtur pertinere diversarum materierum usus. Sed ab Baptismum pertinet ablutio aquae. Inconvenienter igitur ille qui baptizatur bis inungitur oleo sancto, primum in pectore, deinde inter scapulas, tertio, chrismate in vertice. Obj. 2: Further, it seems that several matters should not be used in the same sacrament. But water is used for washing in Baptism. Therefore it is unfitting that the person baptized should be anointed thrice with holy oil first on the breast, and then between the shoulders, and a third time with chrism on the top of the head. Preaterea, in Christo Iesu non est masculus neque femina, barbarus et Scytha, et eadem ratione nec aliquae aliae huiusmodi differentiae. Multo igitur minus diversitas vestium aliquid operatur in fide Christi. Inconvenienter ergo baptizatis traditur candida vestis. Obj. 3: Further, in Christ Jesus . . . there is neither male nor female (Gal 3:23) . . . neither Barbarian nor Scythian (Col 3:11), nor, in like manner, any other such like distinctions. Much less, therefore can a difference of clothing have any efficacy in the Faith of Christ. It is consequently unfitting to bestow a white garment on those who have been baptized. Praeterea, sine huiusmodi observantiis potest Baptismus celebrari. Haec igitur quae dicta sunt, videntur esse superflua, et ita inconvenienter ab Ecclesia instituta esse in ritu Baptismi. Obj. 4: Further, Baptism can be celebrated without such like ceremonies. Therefore it seems that those mentioned above are superfluous; and consequently that they are unsuitably inserted by the Church in the baptismal rite. Sed contra est quod Ecclesia regitur spiritu sancto, qui nihil inordinatum operatur. On the contrary, The Church is ruled by the Holy Spirit, Who does nothing inordinate. Respondeo dicendum quod in sacramento Baptismi aliquid agitur quod est de necessitate sacramenti, et aliquid est quod ad quandam solemnitatem sacramenti pertinet. De necessitate quidem sacramenti est et forma, quae designat principalem causam sacramenti; et minister, qui est causa instrumentalis; et usus materiae, scilicet ablutio in aqua, quae designat principalem sacramenti effectum. Cetera vero omnia quae in ritu baptizandi observat Ecclesia, magis pertinent ad quandam solemnitatem sacramenti. I answer that, In the sacrament of Baptism something is done which is essential to the sacrament, and something which belongs to a certain solemnity of the sacrament. Essential indeed, to the sacrament are both the form which designates the principal cause of the sacrament; and the minister who is the instrumental cause; and the use of the matter, namely, washing with water, which designates the principal sacramental effect. But all the other things which the Church observes in the baptismal rite, belong rather to a certain solemnity of the sacrament. Quae quidem adhibentur sacramento propter tria. Primo quidem, ad excitandam devotionem fidelium, et reverentiam ad sacramentum. Si enim simpliciter fieret ablutio in aqua, absque solemnitate, de facili ab aliquibus aestimaretur quasi quaedam communis ablutio. And these, indeed, are used in conjunction with the sacrament for three reasons. First, in order to arouse the devotion of the faithful, and their reverence for the sacrament. For if there were nothing done but a mere washing with water, without any solemnity, some might easily think it to be an ordinary washing. Secundo, ad fidelium instructionem. Simplices enim, qui litteris non erudiuntur, oportet erudire per aliqua sensibilia signa, puta per picturas, et aliqua huiusmodi. Et per hunc modum per ea quae in sacramentis aguntur, vel instruuntur, vel sollicitantur ad quaerendum de his quae per huiusmodi sensibilia signa significantur. Et ideo, quia, praeter principalem sacramenti effectum, oportet quaedam alia scire circa Baptismum, conveniens fuit ut etiam quibusdam exterioribus signis repraesentarentur. Second, for the instruction of the faithful. Because simple and unlettered folk need to be taught by some sensible signs, for instance, pictures and the like. And in this way by means of the sacramental ceremonies they are either instructed, or urged to seek the signification of such like sensible signs. And consequently, since, besides the principal sacramental effect, other things should be known about Baptism, it was fitting that these also should be represented by some outward signs. Tertio, quia per orationes et benedictiones et alia huiusmodi cohibetur vis Daemonis ab impedimento sacramentalis effectus. Third, because the power of the devil is restrained, by prayers, blessings, and the like, from hindering the sacramental effect. Ad primum ergo dicendum quod Christus in Epiphania baptizatus est Baptismo Ioannis, ut supra dictum est, quo quidem Baptismo non baptizantur fideles, sed potius Baptismo Christi. Qui quidem habet efficaciam ex passione Christi, secundum illud Rom. VI, quicumque baptizati sumus in Christo Iesu, in morte ipsius baptizati sumus; et ex spiritu sancto, secundum illud Ioan. III, nisi quis renatus fuerit ex aqua et spiritu sancto. Et ideo solemnis Baptismus agitur in Ecclesia et in vigilia Paschae, quando fit commemoratio dominicae sepulturae, et resurrectionis eiusdem; propter quod et dominus post resurrectionem praeceptum de Baptismo discipulis dedit, ut habetur Matth. ult., et in vigilia Pentecostes, quando incipit celebrari solemnitas spiritus sancti; unde et apostoli leguntur ipso die Pentecostes, quo spiritum sanctum receperant, tria millia baptizasse. Reply Obj. 1: Christ was baptized on the Epiphany with the Baptism of John, as stated above (Q. 39, A. 2), with which baptism, indeed, the faithful are not baptized, rather are they baptized with Christ’s Baptism. This has its efficacy from the Passion of Christ, according to Rom. 6:3: We who are baptized in Christ Jesus, are baptized in His death; and in the Holy Spirit, according to John 3:5: Unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit. Therefore it is that solemn Baptism is held in the Church, both on Easter Eve, when we commemorate our Lord’s burial and resurrection; for which reason our Lord gave His disciples the commandment concerning Baptism as related by Matthew (28:19): and on Whitsun-eve, when the celebration of the Feast of the Holy Spirit begins; for which reason the apostles are said to have baptized three thousand on the very day of Pentecost when they had received the Holy Spirit. Ad secundum dicendum quod usus aquae adhibetur in Baptismo quasi pertinens ad substantiam sacramenti, sed usus olei vel chrismatis adhibetur ad quandam solemnitatem. Nam primo, baptizandus inungitur oleo sancto et in pectore et in scapulis, quasi athleta Dei, ut Ambrosius dicit, in libro de sacramentis, sicut pugiles inungi consueverunt. Vel, sicut Innocentius dicit, in quadam decretali de sacra unctione, baptizandus in pectore inungitur, ut spiritus sancti donum recipiat, errorem abiiciat et ignorantiam, et fidem rectam suscipiat, quia iustus ex fide vivit; inter scapulas autem inungitur, ut spiritus sancti gratiam induat, exuat negligentiam et torporem, et bonam operationem exerceat; ut per fidei sacramentum sit munditia cogitationum in pectore, et fortitudo laborum in scapulis. Reply Obj. 2: The use of water in Baptism is part of the substance of the sacrament; but the use of oil or chrism is part of the solemnity. For the candidate is first of all anointed with Holy oil on the breast and between the shoulders, as one who wrestles for God, to use Ambrose’s expression (De Sacram. i): thus are prize-fighters wont to besmear themselves with oil. Or, as Innocent III says in a Decretal on the Holy Unction: The candidate is anointed on the breast, in order to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit, to cast off error and ignorance, and to acknowledge the true faith, since ‘the just man liveth by faith’; while he is anointed between the shoulders, that he may be clothed with the grace of the Holy Spirit, lay aside indifference and sloth, and become active in good works; so that the sacrament of faith may purify the thoughts of his heart, and strengthen his shoulders for the burden of labor. Post Baptismum vero, ut Rabanus dicit, statim signatur in cerebro a presbytero cum sacro chrismate, sequente simul et oratione, ut Christi regni particeps fiat, et a Christo Christianus possit vocari. Vel, sicut Ambrosius dicit, unguentum super caput effunditur, quia sapientis sensus in capite eius, ut scilicet sit paratus omni petenti de fide reddere rationem. But after Baptism, as Rabanus says (De Sacram. iii), he is forthwith anointed on the head by the priest with Holy Chrism, who proceeds at once to offer up a prayer that the neophyte may have a share in Christ’s kingdom, and be called a Christian after Christ. Or, as Ambrose says (De Sacram. iii), his head is anointed, because the senses of a wise man are in his head (Eccl 2:14): to wit, that he may be ready to satisfy everyone that asketh him to give a reason of his faith (cf. 1 Pet. 3:15; Innocent III, Decretal on Holy Unction). Ad tertium dicendum quod vestis illa candida traditur baptizato, non quidem ea ratione quod non liceat ei aliis vestibus uti, sed in signum gloriosae resurrectionis, ad quam homines per Baptismum regenerantur; et ad designandam puritatem vitae, quam debent post Baptismum observare, secundum illud Rom. VI, in novitate vitae ambulemus. Reply Obj. 3: This white garment is given, not as though it were unlawful for the neophyte to use others: but as a sign of the glorious resurrection, unto which men are born again by Baptism; and in order to designate the purity of life, to which he will be bound after being baptized, according to Rom. 6:4: That we may walk in newness of life. Ad quartum dicendum quod ea quae pertinent ad solemnitatem sacramenti, etsi non sint de necessitate sacramenti, non tamen sunt superflua, quia sunt ad bene esse sacramenti, ut supra dictum est. Reply Obj. 4: Although those things that belong to the solemnity of a sacrament are not essential to it, yet are they not superfluous, since they pertain to the sacrament’s wellbeing, as stated above. Articulus 11 Article 11 Utrum convenienter describantur tria Baptismata, scilicet aquae, sanguinis et flaminis, scilicet spiritus sancti Whether three kinds of Baptism are fittingly described—viz. Baptism of water, of blood, and of the Spirit? Ad undecimum sic proceditur. Videtur quod inconvenienter describantur tria Baptismata, scilicet aquae, sanguinis et flaminis, scilicet spiritus sancti. Quia apostolus dicit, Ephes. IV, una fides, unum Baptisma. Sed non est nisi una fides. Ergo non debent tria Baptismata esse. Objection 1: It seems that the three kinds of Baptism are not fittingly described as Baptism of Water, of Blood, and of the Spirit, i.e., of the Holy Spirit. Because the Apostle says (Eph 4:5): One Faith, one Baptism. Now there is but one Faith. Therefore there should not be three Baptisms. Praeterea, Baptismus est quoddam sacramentum, ut ex supra dictis patet. Sed solum Baptismus aquae est sacramentum. Ergo non debent poni alii duo Baptismi. Obj. 2: Further, Baptism is a sacrament, as we have made clear above (Q. 65, A. 1). Now none but Baptism of Water is a sacrament. Therefore we should not reckon two other Baptisms. Praeterea, Damascenus, in IV libro, determinat plura alia genera Baptismatum. Non ergo solum debent poni tria Baptismata. Obj. 3: Further, Damascene (De Fide Orth. iv) distinguishes several other kinds of Baptism. Therefore we should admit more than three Baptisms. Sed contra est quod, super illud Heb. VI, Baptismatum doctrinae, dicit Glossa, pluraliter dicit, quia est Baptismus aquae, poenitentiae, et sanguinis. On the contrary, on Heb. 6:2, Of the doctrine of Baptisms, the gloss says: He uses the plural, because there is Baptism of Water, of Repentance, and of Blood. Respondeo dicendum quod, sicut supra dictum est, Baptismus aquae efficaciam habet a passione Christi, cui aliquis configuratur per Baptismum; et ulterius, sicut a prima causa, a spiritu sancto. Licet autem effectus dependeat a prima causa, causa tamen superexcedit effectum, nec dependet ab effectu. Et ideo, praeter Baptismum aquae, potest aliquis consequi sacramenti effectum ex passione Christi, inquantum quis ei conformatur pro Christo patiendo. Unde dicitur Apoc. VII, hi sunt qui venerunt ex tribulatione magna, et laverunt stolas suas et dealbaverunt eas in sanguine agni. Eadem etiam ratione aliquis per virtutem spiritus sancti consequitur effectum Baptismi, non solum sine Baptismo aquae, sed etiam sine Baptismo sanguinis, inquantum scilicet alicuius cor per spiritum sanctum movetur ad credendum et diligendum Deum, et poenitendum de peccatis; unde etiam dicitur Baptismus poenitentiae. Et de hoc dicitur Isaiae IV, si abluerit dominus sordes filiarum Sion, et sanguinem Ierusalem laverit de medio eius, in spiritu iudicii et spiritu ardoris. Sic igitur utrumque aliorum Baptismatum nominatur Baptismus, inquantum supplet vicem Baptismi. Unde dicit Augustinus, in IV libro de unico Baptismo parvulorum, Baptismi vicem aliquando implere passionem, de latrone illo cui non baptizato dictum est, hodie mecum eris in Paradiso, beatus Cyprianus non leve documentum assumit. Quod etiam atque etiam considerans, invenio non tantum passionem pro nomine Christi id quod ex Baptismo deerat posse supplere, sed etiam fidem conversionemque cordis, si forte ad celebrandum mysterium Baptismi in angustiis temporum succurri non potest. I answer that, As stated above (Q. 62, A. 5), Baptism of Water has its efficacy from Christ’s Passion, to which a man is conformed by Baptism, and also from the Holy Spirit, as first cause. Now although the effect depends on the first cause, the cause far surpasses the effect, nor does it depend on it. Consequently, a man may, without Baptism of Water, receive the sacramental effect from Christ’s Passion, in so far as he is conformed to Christ by suffering for Him. Hence it is written (Rev 7:14): These are they who are come out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes and have made them white in the blood of the Lamb. In like manner a man receives the effect of Baptism by the power of the Holy Spirit, not only without Baptism of Water, but also without Baptism of Blood: forasmuch as his heart is moved by the Holy Spirit to believe in and love God and to repent of his sins: wherefore this is also called Baptism of Repentance. Of this it is written (Isa 4:4): If the Lord shall wash away the filth of the daughters of Zion, and shall wash away the blood of Jerusalem out of the midst thereof, by the spirit of judgment, and by the spirit of burning. Thus, therefore, each of these other Baptisms is called Baptism, forasmuch as it takes the place of Baptism. Wherefore Augustine says (De Unico Baptismo Parvulorum iv): The Blessed Cyprian argues with considerable reason from the thief to whom, though not baptized, it was said: ‘Today shalt thou be with Me in Paradise’ that suffering can take the place of Baptism. Having weighed this in my mind again and again, I perceive that not only can suffering for the name of Christ supply for what was lacking in Baptism, but even faith and conversion of heart, if perchance on account of the stress of the times the celebration of the mystery of Baptism is not practicable. Ad primum ergo dicendum quod alia duo Baptismata includuntur in Baptismo aquae, qui efficaciam habet et ex passione Christi et ex spiritu sancto. Et ideo per hoc non tollitur unitas Baptismatis. Reply Obj. 1: The other two Baptisms are included in the Baptism of Water, which derives its efficacy, both from Christ’s Passion and from the Holy Spirit. Consequently for this reason the unity of Baptism is not destroyed. Ad secundum dicendum quod, sicut supra dictum est, sacramentum habet rationem signi. Alia vero duo conveniunt cum Baptismo aquae, non quidem quantum ad rationem signi, sed quantum ad effectum Baptismatis. Et ideo non sunt sacramenta. Reply Obj. 2: As stated above (Q. 60, A. 1), a sacrament is a kind of sign. The other two, however, are like the Baptism of Water, not, indeed, in the nature of sign, but in the baptismal effect. Consequently they are not sacraments. Ad tertium dicendum quod Damascenus ponit quaedam Baptismata figuralia. Sicut diluvium, quod fuit signum nostri Baptismi quantum ad salvationem fidelium in Ecclesia, sicut tunc paucae animae salvae factae sunt in arca, ut dicitur I Petr. III. Ponit etiam transitum maris rubri, qui significat nostrum Baptisma quantum ad liberationem a servitute peccati; unde apostolus dicit, I Cor. X, quod omnes baptizati sunt in nube et in mari. Ponit etiam ablutiones diversas quae fiebant in veteri lege, praefigurantes nostrum Baptisma quantum ad purgationem peccatorum. Ponit etiam Baptismum Ioannis, qui fuit praeparatorius ad nostrum Baptisma. Reply Obj. 3: Damascene enumerates certain figurative Baptisms. For instance, the Deluge was a figure of our Baptism, in respect of the salvation of the faithful in the Church; since then a few . . . souls were saved in the ark, according to 1 Pet. 3:20. He also mentions the crossing of the Red Sea: which was a figure of our Baptism, in respect of our delivery from the bondage of sin; hence the Apostle says (1 Cor 10:2) that all . . . were baptized in the cloud and in the sea. And again he mentions the various washings which were customary under the Old Law, which were figures of our Baptism, as to the cleansing from sins: also the Baptism of John, which prepared the way for our Baptism. Articulus 12 Article 12 Utrum Baptismus sanguinis sit potissimus inter tria Baptismata Whether the Baptism of blood is the most excellent of these? Ad duodecimum sic proceditur. Videtur quod Baptismus sanguinis non sit potissimus inter tria Baptismata. Baptismus enim aquae imprimit characterem. Quod quidem Baptismus sanguinis non facit. Ergo Baptismus sanguinis non est potior quam Baptismus aquae. Objection 1: It seems that the Baptism of Blood is not the most excellent of these three. For the Baptism of Water impresses a character; which the Baptism of Blood cannot do. Therefore the Baptism of Blood is not more excellent than the Baptism of Water. Praeterea, Baptismus sanguinis non valet sine Baptismo flaminis, qui est per caritatem, dicitur enim I Cor. XIII, si tradidero corpus meum ita ut ardeam, caritatem autem non habuero, nihil mihi prodest. Sed Baptismus flaminis valet sine Baptismo sanguinis, non enim soli martyres salvantur. Ergo Baptismus sanguinis non est potissimus. Obj. 2: Further, the Baptism of Blood is of no avail without the Baptism of the Spirit, which is by charity; for it is written (1 Cor 13:3): If I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. But the Baptism of the Spirit avails without the Baptism of Blood; for not only the martyrs are saved. Therefore the Baptism of Blood is not the most excellent. Praeterea, sicut Baptismus aquae habet efficaciam a passione Christi, cui, secundum praedicta, respondet Baptismus sanguinis, ita passio Christi efficaciam habet a spiritu sancto, secundum illud Heb. IX, sanguis Christi, qui per spiritum sanctum obtulit semetipsum pro nobis, emundabit conscientias nostras ab operibus mortuis, et cetera. Ergo Baptismus flaminis potior est quam Baptismus sanguinis. Non ergo Baptismus sanguinis est potissimus. Obj. 3: Further, just as the Baptism of Water derives its efficacy from Christ’s Passion, to which, as stated above (A. 11), the Baptism of Blood corresponds, so Christ’s Passion derives its efficacy from the Holy Spirit, according to Heb. 9:14: The Blood of Christ, Who by the Holy Spirit offered Himself unspotted unto God, shall cleanse our conscience from dead works, etc. Therefore the Baptism of the Spirit is more excellent than the Baptism of Blood. Therefore the Baptism of Blood is not the most excellent. Sed contra est quod Augustinus, ad Fortunatum, loquens de comparatione Baptismatum, dicit, baptizatus confitetur fidem suam coram sacerdote, martyr coram persecutore. Ille post confessionem suam aspergitur aqua, hic sanguine. Ille per impositionem manus pontificis recipit spiritum sanctum, hic templum efficitur spiritus sancti. On the contrary, Augustine (Ad Fortunatum) speaking of the comparison between Baptisms says: The newly baptized confesses his faith in the presence of the priest: the martyr in the presence of the persecutor. The former is sprinkled with water, after he has confessed; the latter with his blood. The former receives the Holy Spirit by the imposition of the bishop’s hands; the latter is made the temple of the Holy Spirit. Respondeo dicendum quod, sicut dictum est, effusio sanguinis pro Christo, et operatio interior spiritus sancti, dicuntur Baptismata inquantum efficiunt effectum Baptismi aquae. Baptismus autem aquae efficaciam habet a passione Christi et a spiritu sancto, ut dictum est. Quae quidem duae causae operantur in quolibet horum trium Baptismatum, excellentissime autem in Baptismo sanguinis. Nam passio Christi operatur quidem in Baptismo aquae per quandam figuralem repraesentationem; in Baptismo autem flaminis vel poenitentiae per quandam affectionem; sed in Baptismo sanguinis per imitationem operis. Similiter etiam virtus spiritus sancti operatur in Baptismo aquae per quandam virtutem latentem; in Baptismo autem poenitentiae per cordis commotionem; sed in Baptismo sanguinis per potissimum dilectionis et affectionis fervorem, secundum illud Ioan. XV, maiorem hac dilectionem nemo habet, ut animam suam ponat quis pro amicis suis. I answer that, As stated above (A. 11), the shedding of blood for Christ’s sake, and the inward operation of the Holy Spirit, are called baptisms, in so far as they produce the effect of the Baptism of Water. Now the Baptism of Water derives its efficacy from Christ’s Passion and from the Holy Spirit, as already stated (A. 11). These two causes act in each of these three Baptisms; most excellently, however, in the Baptism of Blood. For Christ’s Passion acts in the Baptism of Water by way of a figurative representation; in the Baptism of the Spirit or of Repentance, by way of desire; but in the Baptism of Blood, by way of imitating the (Divine) act. In like manner, too, the power of the Holy Spirit acts in the Baptism of Water through a certain hidden power; in the Baptism of Repentance by moving the heart; but in the Baptism of Blood by the highest degree of fervor of dilection and love, according to John 15:13: Greater love than this no man hath that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ad primum ergo dicendum quod character est res et sacramentum. Non autem dicimus quod Baptismus sanguinis praeeminentiam habeat secundum rationem sacramenti, sed quantum ad sacramenti effectum. Reply Obj. 1: A character is both reality and a sacrament. And we do not say that the Baptism of Blood is more excellent, considering the nature of a sacrament; but considering the sacramental effect. Ad secundum dicendum quod effusio sanguinis non habet rationem Baptismi si sit sine caritate. Ex quo patet quod Baptismus sanguinis includit Baptismum flaminis, et non e converso. Unde ex hoc probatur perfectior. Reply Obj. 2: The shedding of blood is not in the nature of a Baptism if it be without charity. Hence it is clear that the Baptism of Blood includes the Baptism of the Spirit, but not conversely. And from this it is proved to be more perfect. Ad tertium dicendum quod Baptismus sanguinis praeeminentiam habet non solum ex parte passionis Christi, sed etiam ex parte spiritus sancti, ut dictum est. Reply Obj. 3: The Baptism of blood owes its pre-eminence not only to Christ’s Passion, but also to the Holy Spirit, as stated above.