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Objection 1: It seems that the character of Confirmation does not
presuppose, of necessity, the baptismal character. For the sacrament
of Confirmation is ordained to the public confession of the Faith of
Christ. But many, even before Baptism, have publicly confessed the
Faith of Christ by shedding their blood for the Faith. Therefore
the character of Confirmation does not presuppose the baptismal
character.
Objection 2: Further, it is not related of the apostles that they
were baptized; especially, since it is written (Jn. 4:2) that
Christ "Himself did not baptize, but His disciples." Yet
afterwards they were confirmed by the coming of the Holy Ghost.
Therefore, in like manner, others can be confirmed before being
baptized.
Objection 3: Further, it is written (Acts 10:44-48) that
"while Peter was yet speaking . . . the Holy Ghost fell on all
them that heard the word . . . and they heard them speaking with
tongues": and afterwards "he commanded them to be baptized."
Therefore others with equal reason can be confirmed before being
baptized.
On the contrary, Rabanus says (De Instit. Cleric. i):
"Lastly the Paraclete is given to the baptized by the imposition of
the high priest's hands, in order that the baptized may be
strengthened by the Holy Ghost so as to publish his faith."
I answer that, The character of Confirmation, of necessity supposes
the baptismal character: so that, in effect, if one who is not
baptized were to be confirmed, he would receive nothing, but would
have to be confirmed again after receiving Baptism. The reason of
this is that, Confirmation is to Baptism as growth to birth, as is
evident from what has been said above (Article 1; Question 65,
Article 1). Now it is clear that no one can be brought to perfect
age unless he be first born: and in like manner, unless a man be first
baptized, he cannot receive the sacrament of Confirmation.
Reply to Objection 1: The Divine power is not confined to the
sacraments. Hence man can receive spiritual strength to confess the
Faith of Christ publicly, without receiving the sacrament of
Confirmation: just as he can also receive remission of sins without
Baptism. Yet, just as none receive the effect of Baptism without
the desire of Baptism; so none receive the effect of Confirmation,
without the desire of Confirmation. And man can have this even before
receiving Baptism.
Reply to Objection 2: As Augustine says (Ep. cclxv), from our
Lord's words, "'He that is washed, needeth not but to wash his
feet' (Jn. 13:10), we gather that Peter and Christ's other
disciples had been baptized, either with John's Baptism, as some
think; or with Christ's, which is more credible. For He did not
refuse to administer Baptism, so as to have servants by whom to
baptize others."
Reply to Objection 3: Those who heard the preaching of Peter
received the effect of Confirmation miraculously: but not the
sacrament of Confirmation. Now it has been stated (ad 1) that the
effect of Confirmation can be bestowed on man before Baptism, whereas
the sacrament cannot. For just as the effect of Confirmation, which
is spiritual strength, presupposes the effect of Baptism, which is
justification, so the sacrament of Confirmation presupposes the
sacrament of Baptism.
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