51 Cant. vii. 6, Cant. vii. 7.
52 Cant. viii. 1, Cant. viii. 2.
56 This passage evidently refers to confirmation, and to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit received therein. In the Early Church as in the Eastern Church to the present day, confirmation was administered immediately after baptism.
58 Ps. xxiii. [xxii.] 1-5. After being baptized and confirmed in the baptistery, which was detached from the church, the newly "enlightened" were led in solemn procession into the church to be present at the celebration of the Mysteries, and to receive their first communion.
61 Ps. lxxxviii. [lxxxvii.] 25.
4 In order to distinguish themselves from Catholics the Novatians assumed the name kaqaroi "pure."
7 It is necessary to vary the translation of the word poenitentia in this place, as it bears the meaning both of "penance," the temporal punishment inflicted on the sinner, and also of "repentance."
9 i.e. the penalty of the one sin of denying the faith should be extended to all sins.