The faith of our fathers - Carmel Apologetics

318 THE FAITH OF OUR FATHERS.that Baptism by immersion is the only valid mode.Baptism may be validly administered in either ofthree ways, viz. :by immersion, or by plunging thecandidate into the water; by infusion, or by pouringthe water ;and by aspersion, or sprinkling.As our Lord nowhere prescribes any special formof administering the Sacrament, the Church exercises her discretion in adopting the most convenientmode, according to the circumstances of time andplace.For several centuries after the establishment ofChristianity, Baptism was usually conferred by immersion ;but since the twelfth century, the practiceof baptizing by infusion has prevailed in the CatholicChurch, as this manner is attended with less inconvenience than Baptism by immersion.To prove that Baptism by infusion or by sprinkling is as legitimate as by immersion, it is onlynecessary to observe that, though immersion was themore common practice in the Primitive Church, theSacrament was frequently administered even thenby infusion and aspersion.After St. Peter s first discourse, three thousand per1sons were baptized. It is not likely that so manycould have been immersed in one day, especiallywhen we consider the time occupied in instructingthe candidates.On reading the account of the Baptism of St.Paul and the jailer, the context leaves a strong im-1Acts ii. 41.