Confirmation (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Confirmation (Sadler's Church Teacher's Manual)

Confirmation is the appendix of The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction, Michael Ferrebee Sadler's 1872 expansion of the Church Catechism in question-and-answer form.

Summary

The appendix gives a separate catechism on confirmation. Sadler explains confirmation as the bishop's laying on of hands upon baptized persons who have been catechized and are ready to renew their baptismal profession.

Sadler's Text

Sadler's catechetical treatment of this topic is anchored in the statement, "The Laying on of hands upon those that are baptized [and are come to years of discretion]." He further explains the section by saying, "That they may be strengthened with the Holy Ghost."

Theological Themes

• Confirmation
• Laying on of hands
• Baptismal renewal
• Episcopal ministry

Scripture References

The following references are representative biblical texts used or implied in this section of Sadler's catechetical exposition:

• Acts 8:14-20
• Acts 19:1-6
• Hebrews 6:1-2
• Hebrews 13:8

Anglican Context

This appendix is connected with the Book of Common Prayer order for Confirmation, the catechetical preparation expected before confirmation, and the bishop's laying on of hands. Sadler's treatment reflects nineteenth-century Church of England catechesis and should be read as a historical Anglican source alongside current provincial formularies and catechetical resources.

See Also

• The Church Teacher's Manual of Christian Instruction
• Confirmation
• Baptism
• Church Catechism
• Bishop