It is reasonable, hence, to believe that our Lord would
have afforded the greatest facility for the reception of so essential a
Sacrament.

But if Baptism by immersion only is valid, how many sick and delicate
persons, how many prisoners and seafaring people, how many thousands
living in the frigid zone, or even in the temperate zone, in the depth of
an inclement winter, though craving the grace of regeneration, would be
deprived of God's seal, or would receive it at the risk of their lives!
Surely God does not ordinarily impose His ordinances upon us under such a
penalty.

Moreover, if immersion is the only valid form of Baptism, what has become
of the millions of souls who, in every age and country, have been
regenerated by the infusion or the aspersion of water in the Christian
Church?

Chapter XX.

THE SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION.

Confirmation is a Sacrament in which, through the imposition of the
Bishop's hands, unction and prayer, baptized persons receive the Holy
Ghost, that they may steadfastly profess their faith and lead upright
lives.

This Sacrament is called _Confirmation_, because it _confirms_ or
strengthens the soul by Divine grace. Sometimes it is named _the laying on
of hands_, because the Bishop imposes his hands on those whom he confirms.
It is also known by the name of _Chrism_, because the forehead of the
person confirmed is anointed with chrism in the form of a cross.

Frequent mention is made of this Sacrament in the Holy Scripture. In the
Acts it is written that "When the Apostles who were in Jerusalem had heard
that Samaria had received the Word of God they sent unto them Peter and
John, who, when they were come, prayed for them that they might receive
the Holy Ghost; for He was not yet come upon any of them, but they were
only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then they laid their hands on
them, and they received the Holy Ghost."(354)

It is also related that the disciples at Ephesus "were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus, and when Paul had imposed his hands upon them the
Holy Ghost came upon them and they spoke tongues and prophesied."(355)

In his Epistle to the Hebrews St. Paul enumerates Confirmation, or the
laying on of hands, together with Baptism and Penance, among the
fundamental truths of Christianity.(356)

To the Corinthians he writes: "He that confirmeth us with you in Christ,
and that hath anointed us, is God; who a