THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 26, Issue 7, 1 July 1935, Page 8

THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS.

The word "sacrament" is not scriptural, it is merely the English form of a Latin word applied to the oath of loyalty to the Emperor which was taken, by Roman soldiers. It is therefore entirely applicable to Holy Baptism, for m that service we are made "soldiers and servants of Jesus Christ." Th© word, however, m the earliest days of the church was applied to any ceremony or act by which a man expressed his faith and confidence m our Lord. Latterly its use was restricted to the seven most significant Christian services, serving thus to emphasise their importance. Those services are: — Holy Baptism — "Baptising them m

the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost." — St. Matt. XXVIIL, 19. Confirmation — "Laying on of hands" one of the "foundations of the doctrine of Christ."— Heb. VI., 2. Holy Communion — "Do this." — St. Luke XXII., 19. Absolution — "Whose soever sins ye remit they are remitted unto them."— St. John XX., 23. Ordination — "As my father hath sent Me, even so send I you." — St. John XX., 21. Marriage — "Those whom God hath joined together let no man put asunder." — St. Mark X., 9. Unction — "Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil." — St. James V., 14.

Of these, Holy Baptism and HolyCommunion are called sacraments of the Gospels', because the institution, of the outward sign is recorded m the Gospels. The Catechism describes, them as "generally necessary to salvation" — 'that is to say, necessary for all men. Confirmation stands m a peculiarplace, originally, when possible, having been administered at the same^ time as baptism, but now m the Western Church it is separated from it. by a period of years. The other sacraments are plainly ; not "generally necessary," but areadministered when required. — Waikato Diocesan Magazine.