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Objection 1: It would seem that this sacrament ought to be given to
children. Because children suffer from the same ailments sometimes as
adults. Now the same disease requires the same remedy. Therefore
this sacrament should be given to children the same as to adults.
Objection 2: Further, this sacrament is given in order to remove
the remnants of sin, whether original or actual, as stated above
(Question 30, Article 1). Now the remnants of original sin are
in children. Therefore this sacrament should be given to them.
On the contrary, This sacrament should be given to none but those to
whom the form applies. But the form of this sacrament does not apply
to children, since they have not sinned by sight and hearing; as
expressed in the form. Therefore this sacrament should not be given to
them.
I answer that, This sacrament, like the Eucharist, requires actual
devotion in the recipient. Therefore, just as the Eucharist ought
not to be given to children, so neither ought this sacrament to be
given to them.
Reply to Objection 1: Children's infirmities are not caused by
actual sin, as in adults, and this sacrament is given chiefly as a
remedy for infirmities that result from sins, being the remnants of
sin, as it were.
Reply to Objection 2: This sacrament is not given as a remedy for
the remnants of original sin, except in so far as they gather
strength, so to speak, from actual sins. Hence from the very form it
appears that it is given chiefly as a remedy for actual sins, which are
not in children.
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