Section II. On Necessity of Precept

The necessity of precept already follows from the necessity of means. Moreover:

I. Adults not yet baptized, or doubtfully baptized, are bound to receive Baptism as soon as they can receive it worthily and, considering the circumstances and the dignity of the sacrament, suitably.

"For adults," says St. Thomas, "the sacrament of Baptism is not to be conferred immediately when they are converted, but it must be deferred until some certain time, first indeed because of the caution of the Church, lest she be deceived in conferring the sacrament on those who approach falsely, according to that passage of 1 John 4: Believe not every spirit, but prove the spirits whether they are of God; and this proving is taken concerning those approaching Baptism when for some space of time their faith and morals are examined. Secondly, this is necessary for the benefit of those who are baptized, because they need some space of time for this, that they may be fully instructed concerning the faith and exercised in those things which pertain to the Christian life. Thirdly, this is necessary for a certain reverence of the sacrament, while in the principal solemnities, namely of Easter and Pentecost, men are admitted to Baptism, and thus they receive the sacrament more devoutly" (III, q. 68, a. 3).

II. An adult who without reason defers Baptism for a long time sins gravely, because he is bound to be enrolled in the Church and to live as a Christian.

For the rest, compare what is to be said concerning the time of conferring Baptism (n. 87).