then gives the reed
to an acolythe; and before he sings the _exultet_ or blessing of the
Paschal candle, he receives the benediction of the Card. Celebrant,
who once more puts incense into the thurible.

[Sidenote: Deacon sings the _Exultet_:]

[Sidenote: triple candle]

The deacon[113] goes to the book, and has the subdeacon on his right
hand, and on his left the thurifer and two acolythes, one of whom
holds the reed, and the other the plate containing the five grains of
incense. All stand, as at the gospel: he incenses the book, and then
sings the _Exultet_[114]. After the words _curvat imperia_, he fixes
in the candle the five grains of incense in the form of a cross[115].
At the words "_ignis accendit_" he lights the paschal candle with one
of the _three_ lights[116]. When the blessing, as it is called, is
ended, the paschal candle is left lighted near the pulpit and the
seats of the Card. deacons, and the triple candle is placed near the
altar on the gospel-side[117]. The deacon then takes off his white
vestments, puts on others of a purple colour, and joins the Card,
celebrant, who accompanied by the ministers takes his seat on
_Faldistorio_ near the altar on the epistle-side, to hear the
prophecies recited.

[Sidenote: 2. Baptism administered.]

[Sidenote: communion of children.]

2. The administration of the Sacrament of Baptism forms an important
feature in the ceremonies of this day: indeed anciently it was
customary to confer it only on holy-saturday, and the eve of
Whit-sunday, except in case of necessity[118]. On these two days those
Catechumens who were sufficiently instructed, and also children, used
to be baptised[119] by the bishop, and by the bishop of Rome as well
as others[120]; and after they had been baptised, they all received
Confirmation and the holy Eucharist[121].

[Sidenote: Prophecies.]

The twelve lessons or prophecies read on this day were intended for
the instruction of the catechumens; and they are well selected for
that purpose, as they contain an account of the creating, the flood,
the obedience of Abraham, the deliverance of God's people from their
enemies at the red sea, the precept concerning the paschal lamb,
the conversion of Ninive, the refusal of the three children to adore
Nabuchodonosor's statue, etc. they are twelve in the ancient Gelasian
Ordo. They are sung in the Sixtine chapel by members of the papal
choir, and are read by the Card. celebrant. After each prophe