, it seems that several matters should not be used in
the same sacrament. But water is used for washing in Baptism.
Therefore it is unfitting that the person baptized should be anointed
thrice with holy oil first on the breast, and then between the
shoulders, and a third time with chrism on the top of the head.

Obj. 3: Further, "in Christ Jesus . . . there is neither male nor
female" (Gal. 3:23) . . . "neither Barbarian nor Scythian" (Col.
3:11), nor, in like manner, any other such like distinctions. Much
less, therefore can a difference of clothing have any efficacy in the
Faith of Christ. It is consequently unfitting to bestow a white
garment on those who have been baptized.

Obj. 4: Further, Baptism can be celebrated without such like
ceremonies. Therefore it seems that those mentioned above are
superfluous; and consequently that they are unsuitably inserted by
the Church in the baptismal rite.

_On the contrary,_ The Church is ruled by the Holy Ghost, Who does
nothing inordinate.

_I answer that,_ In the sacrament of Baptism something is done which
is essential to the sacrament, and something which belongs to a
certain solemnity of the sacrament. Essential indeed, to the
sacrament are both the form which designates the principal cause of
the sacrament; and the minister who is the instrumental cause; and
the use of the matter, namely, washing with water, which designates
the principal sacramental effect. But all the other things which the
Church observes in the baptismal rite, belong rather to a certain
solemnity of the sacrament.

And these, indeed, are used in conjunction with the sacrament for
three reasons. First, in order to arouse the devotion of the
faithful, and their reverence for the sacrament. For if there were
nothing done but a mere washing with water, without any solemnity,
some might easily think it to be an ordinary washing.

Secondly, for the instruction of the faithful. Because simple and
unlettered folk need to be taught by some sensible signs, for
instance, pictures and the like. And in this way by means of the
sacramental ceremonies they are either instructed, or urged to seek
the signification of such like sensible signs. And consequently,
since, besides the principal sacramental effect, other things should
be known about Baptism, it was fitting that these also should be
represented by some outward signs.

Thirdly, because the power of the devil is restrained, by prayers,
blessings, a