The rite of confirmation is closely connected with the baptism of
children. For the children who have been baptized are afterwards to be
taught "to observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded"; [Matt.
28:20] and, when they have reached an age at which they are able to
examine themselves, they should be confirmed.

PRECEDED BY INSTRUCTION. Confirmation is to be preceded by thorough
instruction in the doctrines and duties of the Christian religion. In
addition to the instruction received in the home and the Sunday-school,
those who desire to be confirmed are specially instructed in the
catechetical class by the pastor. Confirmation is the Church's testimony
that the catechumens have received the necessary instruction to fit them
for intelligent and earnest participation in the full privileges of
Church membership. This instruction is the principal thing, and without
it confirmation would lose its meaning.

WHAT CONFIRMATION IS. In confirmation the catechumen makes no new
promises, but repeats with his own lips the confession of faith and the
promise of faithfulness to Christ which were made for him by his sponsor
at his baptism. Thereupon the minister lays his hand upon the head of
each catechumen, and the minister and congregation pray that God would
give to each His Holy Spirit to keep him in the faith and to cause him
to grow in holiness.

WHY WE CONFIRM. Confirmation is not commanded in the Scriptures, but is
a useful ordinance of the Church. It does not make us members of the
Church; for we become members by baptism; but it admits us to
_communicant_ membership in the Church. Those who have been confirmed
are admitted to the Lord's Supper. They are also entitled to act as