43(J BXTitI?IfE usc'rsoxv. t'BooE II. dmre?." Had this observation been better regarded, fewer �ag dm, s would have disgraced the pages of Roman Catholic history. Whether there is a precept given directly, obliging to the reception of this sacrament, has been a topic of dispute among the divines. The decisions of the Council of Trent, (chap. 3,) and the Catechism, are on the side of its divine institution, and its necessity and obligation. Those who are devoted Romanaars'follow them. But those who have sufficient independence of mind, and are acquainted with antiquity and Scripture, consider it to be only of mere ecclesiastical authority, and not enjoined by divine precept. 6. Their theologians usually connect with extreme unction some in- structions on the sepuhure of the dead. The following, on ecclesiastical sepulture, we translaie from Dens: "In ecclesiastical or sacred sepulture the church especially embraces these four things: the solace of the living, a debt of piety, the honour of the dead, and their relief; for not only does the celebration of the divine office profit them, but also because the discharge of these dues is a pious work, serving to the support of the ministry and of the fabric of the church." "Besides, when they are buried in a sacred or blessed place, they' partake of the prayers poured out there, and their bodies are delivered from the power of demons; they are committed to the patronage of the saints of that place, and are often peculiarly aided by' the prayers of the faithful, who especially pray there for them." "The rituals reach, therefore, that mass should be celebrated in the presence 5f the dead body; wherefore evening sepultures ought not easily to be admitted. " The following regulations we also collect from Dens,?' respecting the denial of burial to certain persons. 1. According to the Roman Ritual, ecclesiastical sepulture is to be. denied to pagans, Jews, and all infidels, heretics and their fayenters, apostates from the Christian faith, and schismatics. Of course, all Pro- testants are embraced under those called Acretic#, which is the common name given to them in their standard works, as well as in their private conversation; though in public, where the fayour of Protestants is sought, they call them tl?.ir Proteztant bretlrren, tl?ir dissenting bretArea But this is only the language of deceit. 2. Burial is denied to persons publicly excommunicated by the greater excommunication. 3. To those who are interdicted by name, and those who live in an interdicted place. 4. To manifest and public sinners. 5. To those who do not receive the sacrament of confeNion once in a year, and die without any sign of repentance. 6. Self murderers. 7. Duellists. 8. Infants dying without baptism. It is known to most what superstitious observances and opinions Roman Catholics connect with being buried in consecrated ground.
- In ecclesiastics eau sacm sepulturu, ecclesia intendit, &c.--Dmt,, de
No. 19, vol. vii, p. 41. t Idero, No. l
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