Where, you ask, is it written? In the Acts of the Apostles ; and although there were no authority of Scripture, the consent of the whole world on this point must be received as a law.” To this St. Jerom thus assents : “I admit this to be the practice of the Church, that when, in remote places, any have been baptised by the Priests or Deacons, the Bishop goes to them, and having invoked the Holy Spirit, lays his hand on them.” Dial. adv. Lucif. T. iv. Pars ii. p. 294, 295.
COUNCIL OF CONSTANTINOPLE, G. C. “ We admit Arians, Novatians, &c. when they have given security, and anathematized all errors—but signed, or anointed first with the Holy Chrisme) on the forehead, the eyes, the mouth, the nose, and the ears. And signing them, we say : The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Can. vii. Conc. Gen. T. ii. p. 952.
COUNCIL OF LAODICEA, G.C. “Whoever are converted from heresy, be they baptised or be they catechumens, they may not be admitted till they shall have anathematised all heresy; and then being instructed, and anointed with the Holy Chrism, they may be admitted to the sacred mysteries.” Can. vii. Conc. Gen. T. i. p. 1497.—“They who have been instructed must, after baptism, be anointed with the celestial Chrism, and be made partakers of the kingdom of Christ." Can. xlviii. Ibid. p. 1505.
St. John CHRYSOSTOM, G. C. “Why had not they who were baptised, (Acts viii.) received the Holy Ghost? Perhaps, in this, Philip meant to honour those Apostles who were soon to come; or because he could not himself bestow the gift. He was, probably, one of the seven Deacons; for which reason he baptised, but he could not confer the Holy Spirit. This belonged to the Apostles.” Hom. xviii. in Acta Apost. T. ix. p. 146.
